The Roar | Volume 12 | Special Edition | March 2017

THE

ROAR

VOLUME 12 • SPECIAL EDITION • MARCH 2017

THE

AGE

ISSUE A WHITNEY HIGH STUDENT MEDIA PUBLICATION whitneyupdate.com

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IN THIS ISSUE WHEN WE WERE YOUNG pg 4

The time of our lives Students give opinions on the best age pg 5 A toddler in a tiara Rylee Mitchell competes in pagents since a young age pg 6 The age of discovery Catalina Escana recognizes her artistic talent pg 7 Choosing to be childish Teens want to preserve childhood pg 8 A change in scenery Garrett Lee takes participates in his first musical pg 9

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16

COMING OF AGE pg 10

Rising to the occasion Adriaan Urquidez proposes at 18 pg 11 The age of freedom Turning 16 allows students to obtain a driver's lisence pg 12 Expiring protection Minors protected under laws to ensure safety pg 13 Let's talk about sex, baby Students discuss sex and love pg 14 Heartful on horseback Olivia Giorgi finds passion for riding horses pg 16 Different age, different experience Students reflect on memories pg 17 Conquering cancer Alex Mocanu overcomes family strife pg 18 Grow up already Students are forced to grow up pg 19

JUST A NUMBER

1868

RYLEA GILLIS RACHEL MARQUARDT ADVISER

SARAH NICHOLS, MJE

17

35 100

pg 20

A new chapter Exploring when adulthood begins pg 21 Different routines, different generations Teachers, students compare routines pg 22 Love knows no age Relationships with family members pg 23 Special relationship with the retired Through work Alexa Donald builds relationships pg 24 whitneyupdate.com

STAFF MADISON BAILEY CONNOR O’BRIEN HANAN BEGIC MADALYN PAPENFUSS ENZO BIONDI DEANNA PAYAN HANNAH BLACKWELL DARIA POND ASHLEY BLISS JACKSON PRITCHARD MCKENNA ELLIS LIZZIE SALVATO MAXIMO ESGUERRA CALEB SANTOS BRITNEY FLINT MADILYN SINDELAR MORGAN HAWKINS HARVEENA SINGH MACEY HAYDEN ISHIQA SUKKAR ELLA HO CHING EMMA THOMAS EMMA KACHMAR DANICA TRAN RENESE LOPEZ KENICHI WATANABE JESSE MORALES EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

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The Roar is a student publication produced

by Whitney High Student Media. The newsmagazine is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions. Columns represent the viewpoints of individual writers and are not representative of the opinions of the student body, faculty or administration of Whitney High School or Rocklin Unified School District.

Staff members of The Roar practice ethical student journalism by providing fair and balanced coverage as determined by community standards.

Students working to publish each issue strive to achieve accuracy by checking sources, spelling and quotes as well as obtaining a variety of credible sources. The staff regrets any errors or omissions.

Visit whitneyupdate.com for news, sports, opinions, entertainment and more.

ON THE COVER: Hannah Blackwell and her grandfather pose together for the cover of the Special Edition Age Issue. Photo by Danica Tran

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EDITORIAL

the TRUTH about the

I

TRANSITION

nfluenced by the law, society makes age an over-generalization, a stagnant stereotype.

In reality, age is and should be seen as just a number. Age should not define development and should not generate borderlines of maturity and immaturity. This way, every student, adult and individual can be valued for who they are rather than where they are in their lifetime.

One reason the world takes age as more than just the number of years a person has been alive is because of assumptions based on laws. The simple statement that is believed worldwide until you are an adult, you are immature. This can include sayings such as “don’t be a child” or “grow up.” But the word “immature” hasn’t been defined correctly in the public’s eyes. And the truth is, it cannot be defined at all. Maturity has been scientifically proven to be unique to each individual, and unable to be generalized as it is in the law.

Because of this belief, the age of 18 has become a monumental age where overnight a student is expected to become mature. Suddenly the morning a student turns 18, child labor laws do not protect them anymore, he or she is expected to handle their own credit, sign up for military service, vote and to metamorphosize into a mature, understanding adult. And before the magic number of 18, even at 17, students are seen as immature, unable to take on any mature tasks. These expectations are unrealistic.

An experiment done by Richard Bonnie of the University of Virginia School of Law and Elizabeth Scott of the Columbia Law School in their journal “Current Directions in Psychological Science” describes the miscommunication between law and science.

Bonnie and Scott compare the ideas of the law and the truth behind the transition between childhood and adulthood. They state that, “the law basically divides people into minors—vulnerable and incompetent—and adults, who are autonomous and responsible. But psychological science has a more nuanced view of adolescence as a separate stage, between childhood and adulthood.”

The truth is that turning 18 doesn’t mean someone is mature, and not being 18 doesn’t mean that someone is immature. For example, students who have yet to turn 18 have already taken on commitments that are seen as commitments that mature adults would take on such as part time jobs, driving and paying for their own insurance or taking care of infant children.

This has been scientifically proven by Margaret Semrud-Clikeman, PhD, LP, ABPdN, University

18

of Minnesota Medical School. In a study defining maturity in all ages, Semrud-Clikeman, PhD, LP, ABPdN states that, “the brain begins to mature even before birth. Although it continues to mature throughout most of life, the brain does not mature at the same rate in each individual.”

This statement clearly defines maturity as a moment that is truly indefinable and unique to each person, rather than a set in stone age where a person just “matures.”

This idea can change if everyone can become aware of the stereotypes and spend more time recognizing their own goals. Teenagers should be able to place themselves in situations that challenge their perception of themselves and others, breaking the stereotypes of age. Specifically, students can join clubs such as Future Business Leaders of America, where students learn about how to decipher the economy and can chase their future aspirations before turning 18. Students can also take charge of by taking on a part-time job or volunteering in order to learn independence. In general, teenagers should focus on who they are rather than what the law and age stereotypes define them as, and realize they do not have to prevent themselves from accomplishing what they want to achieve solely due to their age.

Students who are not 18 yet should not have to wait until the day where they are 18 to be seen as mature, and students who are 18 should not be forced into a transition if they are not ready for it. Finally, every student deserves to be seen for his/her potential and their accomplishments rather than for their age.

This way, everyone can accomplish what they seek out to do regardless of age.

AGREE 11-0

Illustration by Rachel Marquardt

SPECIAL EDITION

3

7 WHEN WE WERE YOUNG My sister and my neighbors were all sitting out on our sidewalk eating pomegranates because we couldn’t eat them inside. We were spitting seeds and then we spit orange juice and it was red actually. So we had our neighbor lay down next to the curb and pretend he was dead.

MARY GREENER

H

e breathes in, then breathes out, tightening his grip on the bat. Then, in an instant, he swings.

As he bolts to first base he watches the ball, expecting it to land in the outfield, but it keeps going and going, until it reaches past the fence. The whole crowd cheers as Gage Eastlick runs around the bases, back to home plate. This memory is one of the most cherished of Eastlick’s, his first home run when he was 11 years old.

At the age of four, an individual’s ability to store and remember memories from their lifetime develops, as a result of the full development of the hippocampus in the brain.

Just like Eastlick’s most influential memory from his childhood, childhood experiences can not only develop moments to remember but can affect each individual who has them.

Not only is youth a time to develop memories, but a time where an individual learns their own language, their morals and their own unique characteristics.

Let’s take a closer look into how childhood memories and youth can develop an individual.

4

THE ROAR

We all got electric motorcycles for Christmas, but we lived down in Watsinville and me and my brothers all lined them up on the driveway. We were about to start at the same time but my little brother started his up first and just dashed and ran my grandmother’s foot over.

KEEAN LARD

I moved homes a couple times during my childhood due to my parents divorcing and being put in foster care for a little while. It was difficult, but honestly it helped me to become independent.

DEANNA STORK

time of our lives

Students state opinions on the best age to be

The best age is 13. By that time, you can actually think for yourself. You create your own opinions about the world around you without the help of others.

Also, I’ve found that I had the best time when I was middle school, at the age of 13. In high school it has been a lot harder to stay connected with friends compared to middle school where you all went to the same school. On top of that, at the age of 13, I didn’t feel like crap when I woke up early for school. Finally, 13 is the best age because any younger, and you would be in elementary school where people babied you, and you didn’t have any rights of your own. Any older, and you would be off to highschool or college with a lot more responsibilities where you couldn’t mooch off your parents. If you were really old, your parents would be dead, which is too sad of a prospect for me.

RYAN FOSTER Typically life goals include traveling the world, getting married and having kids.

The perfect time to accomplish these things are when you are 25. People are starting to get their life together, whether it be starting their career or finishing school. It’s the perfect balance of youthfulness and adulthood, with the right to vote and legally drink but also the energy and dreams of a teenager.

It’s the perfect time to travel the world because most people at the age of 25 probably have a stable job that you are able to save money from. With money saved up, you can go backpacking all over cobblestone streets of Europe or take an exhilarating hike along the clear-blue waters in Southeast Asia.

25-year-olds are old enough to take care of themselves and have no important responsibilities unless you have a family, which is another reason twenty-five is perfect. This is a great time to start a family. Since you have been living on your own for quite a while, it’s no surprise that people have gained a new sense of responsibility. People may feel prepared to start their own family without the chaos of school. With a stable income, you can provide for your family, but if that is not the route you want to take, other people at this age gear their focus toward other dreams and goals.

A.J CABRERA

I’m only 15 years old, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what the best age is to be. My favorite age to be was 6 because that’s the age of kindergarten. Being so young you have no responsibilities and nothing to worry about except what to bring for show and tell. Every age after that is pretty stressful. I started caring about what people think and homework got harder.

Also taking naps in the middle of the day isn’t so acceptable.

EMILY COWELS I personally think the best age to be is 4 years old. I think that because when you’re younger you don’t have very many responsibilities and problems but when you’re older you worry about jobs, money, school and sports. When you’re a kid it’s easier for you since all you really have to do is clean up your toys and go to school but school is fun for them because they have fun and they don’t get homework or get grades. When you get older school becomes a lot more stressful because you should get good grades.

SAVANNAH SORENSEN Having summers and weekends off and no real life commitments outside of school is one of the reasons that being 15 is the best age. Being a teenager you do not yet have all the responsibilities of that as an adult, but on the other end you are not really treated like a child anymore. So as a teenager you are given the ability to go out and experience life without having to come back to the harsh reality of work or having to deal with kids. Although you can experience life to the fullest without consequences, being a teenager also prepares you for the real world. Whether it be playing on a sports team to help teach you how to work with people effectively or taking an economics class to help learn how to manage your money correctly. Being a teen will most likely be the best years of your life while also preparing you for the harsh realities that you will face later.

JUSTIN HUNCKLER

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

Being able to vote, just getting out of high school, no real commitments yet is just a part of being the best age of 18. At this point in your life, adults are finally taking you seriously and even the country is allowing you to vote. Most kids will be getting out of high school right about now, which is also so very exciting. This is a learning period where life changing decisions are made and lessons are learned, but this is also the age of fun. Your parents are still there for you and will help you grow, and you’re not quite completely kicked out yet. This is the age of making memories with your friends and trying new things. This is the time in life where you can screw up over and over again, but still have time in your life to change it. Life is just beginning, and you have all the time in the world to make it what you want to be. At 18, your life is changing drastically, and as they always say, change is good.

SARAH VALENZUELA The best age to be is 10 years old. It was the time when there were no worries in my life, and I was very happy most of the time. Everyone got along really well together, I was not stressed about anything serious like today, and I was a lot more brave and not afraid to try new things, whether it was a game or a school play. When I was this age, I didn’t understand much about the world like I do now, and I remember I was always interested in learning more about myself.

I had some of my best friends at this age. My childhood held some of the most exciting ages in my life because it was when I first started learning so many life lessons.

SIENNA EAGLE

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25 10 6 18

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SPECIAL EDITION

5

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

a toddler in a tiara EMILY PONTES

J

ust as little as a few weeks old, Rylee Mitchell started her lifelong journey of beauty pageants. She has never been afraid of performing in front of large crowds because she grew up on stage. Over her lifetime, Mitchell has competed in over 250 competitions, winning around 240 of them. Although she felt it was good experience to begin young, she realizes that youth pageants are way less competitive than the events she takes on as a teen. Something that has been the same throughout most of her competitions are spray tans and big hair.

“My least favorite part has always been spray tans. It is a process and I come out too orange sometimes,” Mitchell said.

Little did she know then she would still be doing pageants her freshman year in high school. Mitchell believes pageants have without-a-doubt shown her who she is.

“Pageants have helped me with my confidence and personality. They have shaped who I am,” Mitchell said.

She is an outgoing teenager that likes to hang out with a lot of different friends, but only her close ones know about

her pageant lifestyle. She doesn’t purposely hide it, but only opens up to the people that she knows are interested in her.

“My crowns and trophies are all over my house, I have them on shelves, so it’s not a secret but also not the first thing I tell someone about myself,” Mitchell said.

Starting pageants has changed her life by having opportunities to do charity events. Through experiences like these, Mitchell has created friends that can relate to her unlike other friends can. She plans to do pageants for as long as she can and hopefully grow in the pageant world.

In her next pageants, Mitchell plans to compete against a girl she’s been head-to-head with for a few years. She actually sees the competitor quite often, as she goes to Del Oro High School.

Though she tends to do more in-state pageants, Mitchell has traveled to other states such as Arizona to compete. She hopes to eventually broaden her pageant experience and dreams of winning Miss California followed by Miss America.

Tumbling to success DARIAN LOUTHAN

What started at age 3 in Mommy and Me classes has become more than just a weekly gymnastics session. For Peyton Gillen, the sport has a been a tool for finding her way through a life of transitions.

Moving from Southern California to Northern California three years ago was one of the biggest. At age 12, Gillen drove from Corona to Rocklin, leaving her childhood friends behind. When Gillen arrived, she found her way through gymnastics.

“I was nervous to start at a new gym because I didn’t know if the coaches or girls were going to be nice. But just because I moved didn’t mean I was going to stop doing what I love,” Gillen said.

After becoming acquainted at Byers Gymnastics in Roseville, she became more and more involved and started to really enjoy what the area had to offer.

Now, she competes from November to May and participates in eight competitions throughout the season. Gillen’s favorite events to participate in are floor and beam.

During training, Gillen enjoys learning new skills that are challenging.

As she is doing new skills it helps to have encouragement from her teammates and coaches.

“My coaches are my biggest motivators because they always want the best for me, even if that means being hard on me. They give me corrections and calm me down if I’m nervous,” Gillen said.

Sometimes fear and nervousness surrounds Gillen as she is preparing for a meet.

“I overcome my fear by picturing myself doing whatever I am afraid of, and then doing lots of drills so I am safe to do the skill. Ultimately I just have to trust my training and my coaches. If they say I’m OK to do the skills, then I believe them since they have a lot of experience,” Gillen said.

Like the big move to a new area and the uncertainty of trying difficult drills, being a gymnast means Gillen faces new obstacles constantly. She looks up to other gymnasts for inspiration, including Aly Raisman, an American gymnast who competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

6

THE ROAR

Practice makes passion EMILY COWLES

Growing up, Emily Martin was a soccer player. At 5 years old, she began playing for a team called Top Notch, before she moved to Rocklin.

“Moving and having to find a new soccer team was probably the most challenging thing that has happened in my life, but I’m happy I did it,” Martin said.

She played with the Roseville Heat for three years before entering high school. Martin was scared that she wouldn’t make the team, but as soccer season rolled around, she trained hard and it paid off. Martin made the JV team as a freshman.

“Moving from a junior program to a high school team, there surprisingly weren’t a lot of differences. They’re both fast-paced, intense, and you don’t get much rest,” Martin said.

Although she was separated from her class, Martin didn’t mind because she knew many of the older girls from her previous soccer team.

“A lot of people I played league with are sophomores now so I’m happy to be on the same team with them again,” Martin said.

Martin’s favorite game this season was against Roseville. She enjoyed this game because she got to see girls she grew up playing with.

Martin said, “Out of this whole experience, I would take from it that if you want to achieve something you can do it by just working hard. It pays off in the end.”

the age of discovery

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

10

Catalina Escana recognizes her artistic talent EVELYN BARTHOLOMEW

A

t 10 years old, Catalina Escano sat hunched over a stack of lined notebook paper. Her pen flew across the page, covering it in wild doodles with strong, sure lines. She was surrounded on all sides by a barren Los Angeles desert.

She hadn’t yet developed a style or direct approach to her work, but that would come. In that moment, all she had was passion and drive.

Her early art attempts at age 10, while unprofessional, were the first sign that she was meant to do this.

“I’ve always been passionate towards drawing,” Escano said.

Although she can come off as shy and introverted, the parts of her that most don’t see are vivid and full of life.

“When people first see me, they assume I’m shy, because I don’t speak much,” Escano said.

But what can’t be gathered from her reserved exterior is that inside her mind resides a world of imagination and creativity.

Instead of looking to the world for inspiration, she looks inward to find motivation.

“Nothing really inspires me to do it.

It’s more like a need. It’s like: ‘I want to do this, I need to do this.’ I’m selfmotivated,” Escano said.

She has had a natural penchant for drawing for as long as she can remember, but she first started to evolve as an artist at 13 years old,

M. HAWKINS

art of creation.

Escano said, “Making art is creating something bigger than you. It’s creating a new story. It’s creating new life.”

when a particular teacher showed her how to take art seriously.

“I had this amazing art teacher, Mr. Gonzales,” she said.

He opened her mind to new forms of art, and she went from casual sketching to developing a new approach to drawing. Now she emphasizes decomposing complex figures into simple shapes. She also credits her improvement to routine practice.

“I mostly work on drawing faces. I do abstract art, mostly geometrical stuff.

That’s mostly it, other times it’s just practicing shapes and drawing certain other things I have trouble with,” she said.

She works with a wide variety of brands and media.

“I do pen-and-paper, water colors and pastels, which are probably my favorite.

I also use Prismacolor [colored pencils].

Those are the best. They blend in better than other colored pencils,” Escano said.

Last year, she moved from Los Angeles to Rocklin, transferring here midway through the year. The change of scenery and new environment began to manifest more in her work.

“Over in Los Angeles, everything was kind of dry, like a desert. When I came here, it was just bursts of color. It gave me more inspiration to draw other things I never thought I would draw,” Escano said.

However, what Escano truly loves and where she really finds her passion is the

Blake Kilkenny finds his passion for football ALYSSA PEARCE

The pressure of playing on a football field has been an experience Blake Kilkenny has known since he was 10.

He has played multiple sports, including soccer, baseball, basketball and football.

However, he did not enjoy playing all of them, and decided to stick with playing football.

It started when he decided to play for a team in Lincoln.

“I played two years in Lincoln, and then I came over to Whitney last year, the year before I started high school,” Kilkenny said.

Kilkenny enjoys how fast-paced football is. He also appreciates that players need an in-depth knowledge of the sport to be effective and win games.

“I like football the most because it is a down and dirty kind of position, where you fight other people,” Kilkenny said.

The thing about Kilkenny is that he has a desire to continue football as a career, not just for fun like some of the other players on his team.

“I have a drive to be better because I want to see football as hopefully a lifetime kind of passion,” Kilkenny said.

In addition to football, he spends time doing school work and with his family. He enjoys being on the move, whether that is at school, on the field, or at home.

Kilkenny said, “Sports, football, being active, that’s definitely my passion.”

SPECIAL EDITION

7

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

choosing to be a child Teens want to perserve childhood

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11 A

MADISON BAILEY, MADALYN PAPENFUSS & ISHIQA SUKKAR

never growing up Students explain why they don’t want to age “I don’t want to grow up because living with my parents is so much easier than living on your own. I don’t have to worry about money or anything.”

REESE PHILLIPS “I don’t want new responsibilities like getting a job and paying taxes. All of these things require losing money and money is power.”

JARED REGAN

t a young age we experience a life of shelter, stability, and the freedom of doing what they want without the fear of being judged. The transition between childhood and adolescence can come with anxiety and new challenges. Some avoid these new responsibilities and challenges by pretending or acting younger. These kids often want more independence but don’t want to give up the comfortable lifestyles they are used to living. This lifestyle of ease may prohibit the growth into a successful adult.

Matt Sanchez is viewed by his peers as the boy who can brighten up your day or even just make you laugh when you’re feeling down. A lot of this is due to his positive and bright personality and views on how being a little childish can help make situations slightly easier.

“People consider me childish because I really like having fun. I surround myself with people I enjoy being around who make me laugh. Making everyone’s day brighter makes me the happiest, so I tend to keep quiet when I’m stressed out.

I keep quiet because I don’t want people to know I’m feeling down,” Sanchez said. This is how Matt tries to stay positive and happy. Despite Matt having this carefree and positive attitude, with him being 18, he’s considered to start growing up and doing more adult-like things. But Matt still considers himself a kid because he feels as though, “I don’t really have that many responsibilities so it makes me feel like I’m a kid still,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said, he feels pressure to grow up with college and living on his own happening soon, ”In society’s eyes I’m supposed to be an adult and act like one even if I dont want to give up the life I live now.”

”I don’t want to grow up because I love Disneyland too much. Disneyland is such a happy place because I go there with my family, so I have good memories there.”

MADISON ENGLEHART

8

THE ROAR

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

a change in

SCENERY

creating a

computer career

Garrett Lee takes part in his first musical

M. WICKS

15

SYLVESTER JUNG

MICHAEL WICKS

G

arrett Lee wanted a ride home.

His theater debut was really that simple. Lee’s sister, Marina, had been active in the theater program for several years and intended to audition for the fall play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Lee knew he wouldn’t have a ride home from school each day until after her rehearsal ended, and that was all the motivation he needed to audition as well.

He didn’t get just one part, though. He got two.

Lee originally had a minor role of a butler, but when the student playing Dr. Canon Chasuble dropped out, Lee went for the open part and got it. This late change moved him up to a supporting role, rather than his original minor one.

“When I got the role, I was really excited, but at the same time I was also really nervous since I had to memorize a bunch of new lines in such a short amount of time. I had to spend extra time during and outside of class to memorize all the new lines since the play was coming up in just a few weeks,” Lee said.

This was Lee’s first show, and to prepare, he rehearsed lines over and over, especially because the role change happened just weeks before the play’s opening night.

“I was proud of myself for learning a new role in a short time. I was also relieved that the play went well since I was nervous for quite a few weeks leading up to it. It was nice to see that all of my hard work and time I spent practicing and memorizing lines paid off,” Lee said.

In his spare time, Zade Ruby feels most at home whenever he is working on his computer. Ruby is passionate about computers and their technical aspects.

“One day, I want to build a multithousand dollar PC,” Ruby said. Not only does he look at the cosmetics of CPUs, he focuses in on the autonomy of the computing machines.

He has been interested in technology ever since he entered robotics during the seventh grade. After he was introduced to the wonders of mechanics, Ruby began to nurture a talent in computer engineering.

His love for technology was a first within his family.

“I’m pretty much the only one in my family who does this. My parents know how to use a computer, but they don’t really don’t know the specifics,” Ruby said.

As he described it, his parents are efficient with computers but do not share the same level of interest.

He learned of popular and skilled companies, who specialized in computer engineering, like Nvidia and Intel. He has memorized the pros and cons of each Intel processor.

Zade researched processors, GPU’s and every detail required to build a computer. He looks at and examines new processors when they are released.

Regarding his future, he hopes his passion could become his job.

“If I can get computer-building as a job, I’d take it,” Ruby said.

He sees his computer-engineering as a hobby rather than a for sure course of action. Even so, he says it would be great to merge both his passion and job.

Zade plans to leave for college after high school but he still has no clue as to where he wants to go. Currently, he feels as though creating a club revolving around PCs would be a great way to further his passion and he is considering it for the future.

14

SPECIAL EDITION

9

18 COMING OF

AGE

C

hange — one of the most difficult processes for humans to cope with, but one that can end in a place that is ultimately better. Adolescence, aside from the first year of life, is the most significant period of growth one experiences. It is characterized by a variety of physical, mental, emotional and hormonal changes. Often dreaded, puberty brings about changes in anatomy that turns a child’s body into an adult’s. However, the changing of mentality from a kid into a young adult does not necessarily correspond with the bodily development. The coming of age is different for everyone, based on their religion, culture and upbringing as well as other factors. Regardless, it is full of firsts. First day of high school, first formal dance, first kiss, first job, first car, first party, first AP class. Society has some built-in standards for when these events should ideally take place, but in reality, each teen has a story unique to them.

occasion rising to the

Adriaan Uriquidez proposes at age MCKENNA ELLIS & ELLA HO CHING

S

he was playing with her nephew as he sat there and admired her presence. She was everything Adriaan Urquidez had ever wanted and meant the absolute world

COMING OF AGE

18

to him.

“This can’t be insane if this is how I feel. There’s been signs on TV, in the music we heard, in the stories she told that all pointed to this one simple, yet gigantic commitment,” Urquidez said.

Next thing he knew, he was getting down on one knee in front of her and her nephew, asking the most momentous question in a man’s life only at age 18.

“Well first it was that freshman feeling ‘Oh, I really like this person’, but first I became friends with her., ‘I got to tell her, I’m tired of holding it in. She’s out of school, might as well tell her.’

And from there, we thought we would take our time, and obviously that didn’t last very long,” said Urquidez.

Adriaan Urquidez is a senior who is engaged to be married to his fiancee Kaylee Ramos who graduated two years ago. While 96.6 percent of students feel that the right age for getting married is 22 or older, Urquidez did not feel pressured at all to pop the question, because no matter his age he felt it was the right time for him.

“I was passionate enough about her and our relationship we had known each other for a long time so I just asked and she just said yes. It was super spontaneous and unexpected but it just felt right in that moment,” said Uriquez.

While his excitement and optimism for the wedding consumes his attitude toward the future, Adriaan has yet to tell his parents about this substantial change and does not know how they will react.

“Technically my parents do not know that I am engaged, they have an idea but I haven’t come out and made an announcement about it,” Urquidez said.

He and his fiancee plan to have a small beach wedding in San Diego surrounded by close family and friends before graduation.

“Once I graduate, I leave for Marine Corps boot camp, which is in San Diego. Also, the weather is always warm and sunny. A bonus is that the beaches are absolutely beautiful and since I grew up near the coast, it’s always had a spot in my heart,” Urquidez said.

After his wedding, his involvement in the Marine Corps will determine where he and Ramos will live.

“Where to live is quite tricky when someone is in the military, all military families know this. It’s usually constant moving around and deployments are months on end, added with training. We hope that once we find a solid ground on either of our careers, we’d settle down close by. But, we’d love to travel the world and see if someplace else peaks our interest in a permanent home,” Urquidez said.

With Urquidez engagement underway, he’s initially taking on the responsibilities one would not bare until later in life. Even though he will have this responsibility, he knows even though it is at an early age he made this commitment, it was right for him.

Urquidez said, “It was just the right person, the right time. It’s that old saying ‘Love at first sight’ and I did.”

Have you considered getting married before or at the age of 18? no yes

What age is right for marriage?

26-29 30 or older 22-25

18-21

At what age is it appropriate to start dating? any age 18 or older depends 15-17

under 18

SOURCE: 208 responses on an online poll Feb. 14

SPECIAL EDITION

11

COMING OF AGE

the age of freedom

Turning 16 allows teenagers to earn their driver’s license MADILYN SINDELAR & DANICA TRAN

S

ix days after her 16th birthday, Meghan Townsley nervously waited at the Rocklin DMV to take her driver’s test. She was especially worried because if she did not pass that day, Aug. 11, she would not have been able to buy a parking permit before the sales ended at 3 p.m.

Earning a driver’s license is a life milestone most achieve during high school; however, some question whether that should be so. For years, in California teens have been able to test for their license at age 16, but many factors impact when individuals apply to drive.

For reasons like finances, some students wait to get their license, like 18-year-old Joel Timms, who took his driving test Feb. 3.

“I waited because insurance is really expensive, and I’m going to pay for part of it, so the longer I went without driving, I could save up money,” Timms said.

Timms was not impacted by waiting to test for his license because he was able to find other forms of transportation.

“Honestly, there were only a few moments when I couldn’t go to something, but the majority of the time I could easily get a ride,” Timms said.

Transportation can be harder to find for younger students like Jade Deruelle.

“When you go into high school, you should be able to get your license, because in high school you have a lot of responsibility to get places; you shouldn’t have to inconvenience your parents for rides when they might have work,” Durelle said.

However, some adults believe teenagers are not mature enough to handle the responsibility of driving. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s statistics show the fatal results of teen driving, stating, “teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.”

“People should get their driver’s license at 18 because it’s the number one fatality for young people. By 18, people are more responsible. They are adults, and they know how to act,” driver’s education teacher Mr. Marc Rubalcaba said.

On the other hand, Myles Macias believes teenagers possess the maturity to operate a car.

“I think 16 is the perfect age for people to get their license because they are still learning, but responsible enough to be able to drive,” Macias said.

Age 16 is also important in terms of a teen’s personal freedom.

Townsley said, “Having my parents drive me is really restricting, especially when I’m going to football games or cross country practices.”

@n.morg

@king_caesar44 Niki Morgan and Nick Eaton each posted a picture from the DMV on Instagram after obtaining their licenses.

12

THE ROAR

16 Driving permit ages source: Virtual Drive

14 years 15 years, 6 months to 16 years 15 years

expiring

PROTECTION

COMING OF AGE

16

Minors protected by rules to ensure safety

Prohibited tasks for minors:

EXPOSURE TO RADIATION

ING

SLIC DRIVING A FORKLIFT

RO O

FIN

G

SERVING ALCOHOL

SOURCE: Nolo.com

E.THOMAS

A

typical day for Michelle Masson includes attending school, participating in extracurriculars such as broadcast and then spending time with family, completing homework, and going to bed around 10 p.m. However, on days where Michelle works, she goes to school, then goes to work and comes home around 8:30. After finishing homework, the earliest she can go to bed is 11:30 - 12:00 p.m. This is similar to the other 222 work permitted students. For this to be legal, students must acquire a work permit required by the Department of Labor and Employment, which dictates, based on age, the number of hours students work and the kind of work students do.

Rocklin Unified School District’s policy states that students who work need to have a work permit unless 18 years old. The purpose of a work permit is to protect students who are minors from employers over-scheduling them, and hold employers liable if students are injured on the job. According to the State of California Department these “labor laws are designed to protect the physical safety and scholastic advancement of the minor.” If a student is overworked or worked too late without a work permit, the school can do nothing on their behalf to protect them.

“If a student has a work permit, I can call on the student’s behalf the employer to find out what’s happening and if [she] is not getting a resolution, [she] will call the Labor Board,” Randazzo said.

Employers who ignore this policy for minors and are spot-checked by the Labor Board, can be fined approximately $500 per day for each student not permitted.

The regulations for minors, developed by the Department of Education, are detailed.

Minors cannot work more than four hours or later than 10 p.m. on a school night, cannot work later than 12:30 a.m. on weekends, cannot work more 28 hours during a school week, and cannot work more than 48 hours if school is not in session.

“I agree with work permits and the regulations that come with them because I know a lot of jobs that would abuse minor hours and make them work over their allotted time, so having work permits protects students from that,” Michelle Masson said.

Most students realize that permits help manage the busy schedule students have.

“I am okay with the regulations that work permits require because it helps me balance school and work. I am young and sometimes teens need the extra required rules to keep them organized.” Sage Valenzuela said.

Although some students agree with these regulations, others feel they are restrictive.

“The work permits serve a good purpose; however, it limits a teen’s ability to work if they don’t have adequate grades. Students work to earn money for things they need. I’m saving money for college. If I can’t work then I can’t do that,” Kristina Miszti said.

However, students that are 18 years old or older, no longer require a work permit therefore they will no longer be protected by child labor laws.

Even though this offers more freedom, some seniors are unhappy with the unjust situation it procures.

“In some cases, I think it’s unfair because [seniors] are still in school but a lot of [seniors] have off periods so then a lot of [them] can work longer and [they] like that,” Julien Hale said.

This transition from 17 to 18 years of age dictates whether seniors are protected from being taken advantage of, even though they still have the same commitments and responsibilities as another student in high school.

E.THOMAS

EMMA THOMAS & HARVEENA SINGH

Before pouring it into a venti cup, Michelle Masson mixes passion tea with water and adds sweetener during her shift at Starbucks.

At Raw 101, Sage Valenzuela finishes the process of juicing by taking the blade off the cold press to scrape off the excess fruit.

SPECIAL EDITION

13

COMING OF AGE

“LET’S TALK ABOUT

S

ix students were invited to take part in an open forum relating to the topic of the appropriate age to begin sexual activity. It took place Feb. 13 in the office conference room. The following transcript is composed of direct quotations from the participants, in the order which they were said. The forum captured mature viewpoints, therefore not all students may feel comfortable talking on this subject.

Sydney Daniels

Cameron Akkerman

Cameryn Oakes 14

THE ROAR

CA: Cameron Akkerman AC: Alexis Cook SD: Sydney Daniels BL: Brett Lindsay JN: Jenny Nakano CO: Cameryn Oakes

Do you think there’s a right age to have sex?

AC: There’s definitely a too-young age to have sex.

CO: I don’t think it’s OK in middle school, personally, because I just feel like that’s really young. But I think it just varies between people because everyone at each age is not the same. Just think about freshman year; boys are way more immature than girls. So it’s like maturity level and where you are with yourself not so much like reaching this age limit where it’s like it’s like “OMG I can have sex.” It’s when you feel you are ready and not when other people think that you should be ready.

BL: How I was raised and with my morals, it’s more of something you do when you’re married. Because you’re married to someone you love the most, so they’re your companion forever. I think it’s important to make sure that you love that person and get married before you start having sex.

CA: I would say my opinion is the slightly less strong of his, where middle school around age 13 is too young for sex, but start dating and get to figure out what relationships are about, and then you move onto high school and then I would say bare minimum 16. But I would also say it’s less about the age that you are when you have sex and more about how you feel about your partner and the shared emotions between the two of you. If they’re there and you’re both consensually ready and want to explore that part of your life, go ahead.

JN: I think that as long as you’re safe, you know what’s going on and you feel right with whoever you’re with, I don’t think age really matters that much. In elementary school I don’t think so, but middle school, maybe, because everyone matures differently. I knew this girl in middle school who lost her virginity when she was 12 and there’s nothing wrong with her.

What are your thoughts on premarital sex?

CO: Well I’m currently raised in a religious house, so my parents tell me I should wait until marriage. That’s what they wanted, but they know that I haven’t. I can respect when people wanna wait cause that’s their choice, that’s their morals. I understand why people choose to do that, but I don’t think it’s wrong to have premarital sex because as long as you know what you’re getting into and you understand your partner, I think it’s fine.

JN: You have to test drive the car before you buy it.

CA: Mine would’ve just been a less eloquent version of Jenny’s statement.

Do you have to be in love to have sex, and if so, is it better?

AC: I’m a heavy believer of that you should be in love. If you’re gonna do it, don’t just do it to say you did. It should be the next step in a relationship that can bring you closer.

BL: It’s something that is sacred. It’s not something you just do with anybody.

CA: The key to good casual sex is to start off by finding someone to have a casual conversation with, 'cause that’s a good starting place. You can talk with your words and then after you know each other for a while then you talk with your bodies. When you do it for the first time, hopefully it’s with somebody you’ve built a relationship with first, someone who you hopefully have feelings for, and once that becomes the case, you can have casual sex with that person. You have to truly love that person in order to do it.

SD: Yes, because it’s such an intimate thing. You’re opening yourself up to someone and it should be someone special. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with casual sex, we all have urges and whatnot, but I think for your first time at least it should be with someone that means a lot to you.

CO: When you’re in love, it’s better 'cause it’s more intimate. When you have sex there should be a connection between the two people so you’re just deepening that. However, there’s nothing wrong with casual sex, it’s just not as enjoyable.

SEX, BABY” Why do you think it’s OK for a guy to be more promiscuous but girls are shamed for it?

CA: I mean, if you want to get into biology or psychology and all that jazz, then it comes down to the original kinds of jobs that a male of a female would do within a very basic society. The big thing for guys was to stick it in everything and get their genes out there, then be proud after you do it. And you’re darn right we’re still thinking that way.

JN: A key that can unlock any door is an amazing key. A door that opens for any key is a slut.

BL: In history, women have cooked and cleaned and raised the children. Men have been out in the workforce and have cheated on their wives while in the army. But if a woman was disloyal, she was called a slut.

CA: I have a question to propose. Do girls call girls sluts, or do guys call girls sluts?

SD: All of the above. Everybody’s calling each other sluts.

CA: When a guy tells a guy that sleeps with a bunch of girls, “good job, bro,” but some of the guys I know would say, “Oh she’s a slut” about a girl who does the same. Others would be like, “Now I know where I’m going this weekend.” I’ve seen both sides from a guy’s perspective.

Do you think there’s a right age to watch porn? Masturbate?

CA: Watching porn would be fine in middle school. Ruin the sex life? Only if it becomes a problem, like if you become so engrossed in just this virtual screen which most of the time is not at all similar to real life sex.

AC: It gives a little bit of an insight into the world of sex, but it is certainly not anything close to a first-hand experience. It can give you a hint as to what you’re expecting in the future.

BL: I don’t think porn is something that’s good. Personally I’ve never watched it and I just think it ruins sex. Sex is something that’s so important, but porn abuses it in a way that takes the meaning out of it.

SD: Yeah, I feel like porn is just kind of just straight to the point. You’re not really watching it for the storyline. If you really think sex is gonna be how it is in porn, then buddy, you have a big disappointment coming.

CA: Porn is not going to teach you how to romance your partner. Porn is going to show you the mechanics and help you get your stride, and other than that, nothing is the same.

JN: Going off of that, what do you guys think about sex education in America?

AC: They don’t teach you the real stuff.

CO: Yeah, it’s very based around abstinence, which I feel is a problem, because obviously the entire school is not going to abstain from sex; that is very unrealistic.

It’s also very straight-minded, so it also leaves out a portion of the school and America as a whole.

AC: I know some people are made uncomfortable by same-sex marriage and intercourse, but I think it would be incredibly informative to teach the risks for that.

Most people know the risks of heterosexual sex, but if it’s the other way around for someone, they should have the privilege of knowing those things, just like we do.

CA: I do like how they certainly teach you about all the bad stuff that could happen.

It’s almost like a scare tactic, but I mean it’s better that you be warned and cautious about sex then to be uninformed and just blunder headfirst into it — no pun intended.

It gets you thinking and just makes you stop and evaluate before you make any big decisions.

BL: I think it’s important to know everything about sex, the dangers and what it is, but I don’t feel it should be a school thing. Maybe something you talk about with your parents because it’s a lot easier to learn about it that way. Sometimes you have questions and you don’t wanna ask them in class because you’re embarrassed, so I think it’s better to go to your parents.

SD: I think parents need to do a better job teaching about sex.

CO: Yeah, my mom once told my brother to use two condoms because it would be safer. So I don’t trust my mom.

AC: I thought if you got chlamydia that you die, but then in class they were like, “no, you just take medication!”

CA: And that’s why we have sexual education.

Jenny Nakano

Alexis Cook

Brett Lindsay SPECIAL EDITION

15

Olivia Giorgi finds a passion for riding horses EMMA ACCACIAN

W

hile it started as a way to fulfill community service hours, working with horses at Penryn Oak Stables in Loomis became a way for Olivia Giorgi to deal with depression and has developed into a passion.

While Giorgi has been playing softball since she was 6 years old, she found her true purpose in life for riding and working with horses at age 15. She came across the ranch while looking online for something to fill her volunteer hours for school, but eventually fell in love with it.

She has been riding for two years now and one reason horseback riding has had such an impact on her life is because she used self-harm and had depression, but when she started riding, it became a form of therapy for her and now benefits her mental and everyday health.

“They make you feel better because horses have the same feelings as people do so my horse kind of understands when I’m upset … and then he’ll feel the same way,” Giorgi said.

Giorgi finds that softball and horseback riding have similar effects on her life. She finds softball as a way to release stress and anger while hitting the ball. While playing second base and outfield, she develops meaningful friendships that allow her to grow in strength and connect with people on her

kicking past the

BREAKING POINT RAYANA MACAM

The sound of yelling filled the air and echoed throughout the forest as rushing water collided with the person jumping into it.

Some sports have intense exercises and long runs, but Chase Keighley endured a three-day test to challenge his physical and emotional limits.

Part of his black belt test included Keighley jumping into a freezing river and crossing it in the middle of the night. Then, he had to dry his clothes over an open fire.

“It was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I still have some holes in my uniform from the fire,” He said.

Keighley has been practicing karate and taekwon-do since he was 8. At 15, he now is a full-

15 16

THE ROAR

O. GIORGI

heartful on horseback

O. GIORGI

COMING OF AGE

team. Likewise, horseback riding allows her to connect with the horse and de-stress by forgetting her troubles in life.

“It really helps with people who have depression or anxiety because it’s like a connection with the horse and you can ride and just not think of anything and just enjoy what you are doing, and so that’s what I do,” she said.

One figure in her life who helps in everything she does is her dad. He introduced her to softball when she was young, and now helps with her work on the ranch, he has been her main support system.

She said, “He never gives up on me and he has always been there for me. He is just a role model.”

Horses are such an important part of her life that Giorgi now owns her own horse, Beamer, whom she bought herself and has had for eight months. She dedicates her time to working with him at the ranch every Tuesday and Thursday.

Giorgi said, “I connect with my horse by just riding, and it makes [me] feel better and [I] just enjoy the ride.”

8

fledged black belt.

To reach the top level he had to be tested.

“Basically [the test is] an emotional roller coaster.

There are times where I felt a sense of peace and security, and then it’s all chaos,” Keighley said.

The test was similar to a military drill with yelling, screaming and multiple physical challenges.

All students at Jenkins Martial Arts had to be tested to move up to the next belt color.

“The beginning of first day was okay, it was a pretty chill drive up, but as soon as we got out, all hell broke loose and my sensei was shouting at me to put up a tent by myself. I didn’t even know how to put up a tent,” Keighley said.

Surrounded by the trees and the wilderness, he practiced fighting and learning different sets of skills.

“They make you feel a false sense of security, and then suddenly it’s all confusion and chaos and they’re yelling at me to do something,” He said.

However, he realized he did not want to quit.

“There were times where I felt a sense of pride because I was joining an elite group of people that have been practicing and have been black belts for years. They’ve seen things and done things I haven’t and I didn’t want to quit because I wanted see and do those things too,” Keighley said.

He pushed through. He learned how to track animals, endured disciplinary actions and went through physical trials, finishing the test Sept. 5. 2016. His friends and family attended a ceremony to present him with his new belt.

Keighley said, “I want people to know that if they do something they love to do and it’s worth it to them, they shouldn’t quit. Even if it gets really hard, don’t ever quit. The things you love to do can change your life.”

different age, different experience Remembering significant events and when they happened

16

I was

when

I got my first car.

DANNY LIU

I was

when

8

I was

my dad had a stroke.

CAMERON SHAW

I was

when

I moved from Ukraine to the United States.

TARAS TSISUN

11

I competed my first solo at a dance competition.

RYAN WITT

10

I was

when

my dad got diagnosed with brain cancer.

CHLOE TICE

7

I was

when

I joined my first competitive soccer team.

I caught my first bass.

I was

when

4

I was diagnosed with type one diabetes.

MARISSA LEWIS

13

I was

when

ETHAN PATTERSON

4B

AMAYA GREGORY

18

I was

when

I broke my leg.

COMING OF AGE

Two friends, One million views CATHERINE MORRIS

eing a part of a local news segment isn't a normal experience for any high schooler. However, Molly Gooding, alongside best friend, Amanda Goetz, have made their first appearance on their monthly segment at “Good Day Sacramento.”

Gooding's road to social media fame started when she decided to post her first YouTube video with Goetz.

Their channel, mollyandamanda, went up in 2016, and their first video, Boyfriend vs. Bestfriend Tag, has received over 1 million views. Gooding and her partner obtained a YouTube plaque rewarding their success on their channel.

In December, Goetz and Gooding made an appearance on “Good Day Sacramento” for the first time.

They got asked to participate in a monthly segment giving Gooding and her partner an opportunity to give teenage advice on a variety of subjects.

“I was extremely nervous at first, but I learned that I just needed to be myself and act no different because that is what the people that invited me to be on the segment saw and liked,” Gooding said.

What once started as an activity to save boredom has become a passion for the two best friends.

Gooding said, “Do what you love because people are going to make fun of you either way, no matter what you do, so just do something that you like doing.”

WILLIAM BEBINGER

SPECIAL EDITION

17

COMING OF AGE

conquering cancer Alex Mocanu overcomes family strugggles

E

ighth grade is often the year students feel they are at the top, enjoying their last year of fun and easier classes before they make the transition to the stress of high school.

But for Alex Mocanu, at 13 and eighth grade year was the beginning of a long journey of family struggles.

Mocanu still distinctly remembers the day he found out his brother was seriously ill.

“I remember my mom [and sister] picked me up from school. I didn’t notice it but they were all teary. We had heard that [my brother] was sick and in the hospital [for an appendicitis]. [My mom] told me that the doctor came in and said they found a tumor and it’s cancerous,” Mocanu said.

Mocanu recalls the shock and anguish that overwhelmed him that day as he faced the news that his brother was now a cancer patient.

“I couldn’t believe that someone who I knew and loved, my own brother, had cancer. I went home and the first thing I did was run into my room and I laid face down on my bed. I remember I was crying then and I looked up on my phone, I was so scared thinking about survival rates of cancer. It was so hard not to cry when I saw him that day,” Mocanu said.

Mocanu’s brother, Matthew, fought his intestinal cancer for months. His family struggled with dealing with a very ill family member as doctors tried to treat his disease, even trying to cut out inches of his intestines.

Financially, cancer is difficult due to its high hospital and treatment fees, but it was definitely emotionally taxing as well.

Mocanu recounts all of the hurt and and distress his brother’s sickness put on the

13

18

THE ROAR

whole family.

“He’s not a type of open person who talks a lot, so I’ve never really talked to him about it… [but] he was probably really scared,” Mocanu.

Matthew chose to keep his feelings contained, not letting them rise to the surface. However, Mocanu could still see his brother’s challenges on the outside in his significant and unhealthy weight loss, constant stomach pain, inability to eat certain foods and incessant need to use the restroom. All of these factors contributed to his need to be homeschooled, which continues to be the situation to this day.

“His whole digestive system is messed up so he has to go to the bathroom constantly, so many times of the day.

He has to make sure he watches what he eats, that’s why he can’t really be at school,” Mocanu said.

But more than the hurt of seeing his brother struggle daily, the internal angst over what the future would hold for his brother — or if there would even be one — gnawed away at Mocanu day after day.

“I honestly thought he would die, or that he would be so sick for the rest of his life,” Mocanu said.

Although Mocanu and his family struggled dealing with a very sick loved one, Mocanu’s mom was able to stay at home with Matthew all day at home and take care of him. It was comforting for Mocanu and his siblings to still see him after school everyday.

Now, his brother is considered to be “cancer-free,” but as Mocanu is quick to point out, one is never really cancer-free.

Matthew and his family will have to take it day by day and make sure he remains happy and healthy.

Mocanu’s father’s job was able to cover the family’s high hospital bills and any other financial needs. That all changed, though. Mocanu’s father left him and his family about two months ago, leaving his family unsupported financially and uncertain about the future.

He never really remembered having his father in his life since third grade when his parents became distant, but with the new shift of having his father out of the family completely, things are

G. MCDONALD

GRACE MCDONALD

now significantly more difficult regarding finances.

“He was our main supporter financially.

My mom didn’t have a job, she didn’t have to work. )nce he left, he stopped providing for us, so it got a lot harder financially with the whole family. That changed everything, because we used to have anything and everything we wanted to not having a lot,” Mocanu said.

Since those approximate two months that his father has been entirely absent from his life, Mocanu has had to deal with not only the stress of how his family was going to support themselves but the grief of not having a father to be there for him.

However, his family has since then been able to get by with the help of his mother’s sisters and his mother finding a job.

“We make it work,” Mocanu said with reassurance.

Mocanu is a strong and resilient character to have overcome such large obstacles, all the while remaining so positive. To him, music is a source of escape and happiness that he can go to whenever he needs and one of the things that got him through both the trials of his brother’s sickness and his dad leaving.

“Ever since I was young, I grew up in a Romanian church. I was forced into it a sort of kid’s choir and I had to take music lessons. I didn’t like it at first, but, then I really started liking it … A month ago I started playing [the piano] again,” Mocanu said.

He wants to maintain a positive mindset. He warns others to stay away from sitting around and saying “poor me” when faced with hard trials. He never imagined himself where he is, his brother having cancer and his dad leaving, but he believes that although he was strong to get through trials before, he is even stronger now.

Mocanu’s simple advice to anyone going through similar hardships: “Keep fighting.”

grow up already

COMING OF AGE

Family situation causes teen to mature quickly

T

MAXIMO ESGUERRA, MACEY HAYDEN & JESSE MORALES

eenage years, often characterized by careefree attitudes and recklessness, are not experienced this way for all students. Amanda Johnson’s upbringing required her to make the transition from child to adult more quickly than others. With a single mother as her head-of-household, Johnson and her older brother Adam learned to ultimately look after themselves from a young age. “ I grew up with just my mom and my brother, and with a single parent home came lots of struggles. Ever since I can remember, my brother and I were forced to be more independent than the other kids our age. It seemed like everyone around me was younger than me even though we were the same age,” Johnson said.

From being responsible to getting her homework done independtly to cooking her own meals, Johnson’s situation required self-sufficiency and dedication of her free time to manage her life when there was not always a parent around.

Although she was not of legal working age, Johnson began babysitting in middle school to earn extra cash. It was not until she turned 16 that Johnson could provide significant financial support.

“I applied for a job at Sunsplash as soon as I became eligible. I basically spent the whole summer after sophomore year working, which was frustrating that I couldn’t spend as much time with my friends as I would have liked, but it ended up paying off,” Johnson said.

When the summer concluded, Sunsplash closed for the season and Johnson was forced to quickly find a new job so that she could continue bringing in income. She applied to work at Blue Oaks Cinema and successfully earned her second job. However, without a car of her own to drive to work, it became difficult to get across town to the movie theater every time she had work. After a few months, she decided to pursue a job at Chick-fil-A, where her brother worked, in order to make transportation easier. By August of 2016, Johnson saved enough money to finally reach her personal goal of buying a car.

“It felt very rewarding because I finally had earned enough to buy something I really needed. I had to be disciplined in not buying little things I didn’t need.

Because I purchased it myself, I feel that I appreciate and take better care of it than most kids do,” Johnson said.

Reflecting back on her experience growing up, Johnson admits it was hard but worth it in the end.

Johnson said, “It sucked at the time, because it seemed everyone around me got everything handed to them. But looking back, it genuinely impacted my life in a great way. Now I highly value everything I have because I worked hard for it.”

“I spend all of my time doing homework for AP classes, so I feel like an adult because I never have time to do anything fun.”

KATE GARZA

“Once I got my car, my parents told me that I had to pay for the insurance. In order to do that I had to exchange my free time to find a job and pay for it.”

COLLIN LARSON

“My mom definitely pushes me to grow up and focus on going to college and my future. I’m also 18 so she expects me to be independent and grow up faster than a lot of seniors do.”

MADDIE ANDERSON

SPECIAL EDITION

19

JUST A NUMBER

A

0

ge is everywhere. It defines what services and activities we can pursue, what products we can buy and whether or not we can get in trouble under the law. The day a child turns 18, they are immediately faced with a mountain of rights and responsibilities that they likely never had to climb during adolescence. But why 18?

Did the country’s early lawmakers decide it simply sounded like an appropriate age? Did they consult teens of that time period and decide the 18-year-olds were grown-up enough for the added pressures? Or did they actually delve into the science behind maturation and determine how many years removed from birth the brain and body are ready to handle these experiences?

According to the United States House of Representatives’ History, Art & Archives, 18 was originally introduced as the voting age because in 1971, the public felt it was only fair to give this right to the same men and women they were sending to serve in the Vietnam War. There is no evidence of in-depth research that went into drafting the 26th amendment, so what does science actually say about brain development leading up to the age in question?

A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that during young adulthood, major regions of the brain including the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and problem-solving, are still undergoing changes.

In fact, they have found that the human brain does not completely finish developing until the mid-20s. By these standards, the brain isn’t fully mature when we become eligible for a driver’s license, or when we cast our first vote for a public official, or when we legally buy our first drink, but closer to 25, when we are allowed to rent a car.

Some argue that age is just a number, but if so, why does this number play a pivotal role in our society? Let’s take a closer look.

Age is...

JUST A NUMBER

A NEW CHAPTER Students and teachers voice their opinions on transitioning into adulthood at age 18

T

18

BRITNEY FLINT & DARIA POND

urning 18 is a person’s first legal step down the road of adulthood. One can now vote, rent an apartment, take charge of finances and buy a car without a parent’s consent. Although there are many perks of becoming a legal adult, it also brings a new kind of responsibility; 18-year-olds are no longer financially supported by their parents, they must pay their own income taxes, young men have to register for the military draft and they no longer have the protection of the juvenile court.

Even though becoming a legal adult at 18 requires liability over new changes in teenager’s life, Ella Stanberry believe that it is an appropriate time to start the transition into adulthood.

“I think 18 is a good age to begin adulthood because you begin to be viewed as an equal with other adults and you are given more opportunities regarding jobs. Sooner or later, you have to mature and accept responsibility, because within the next few years, you’ll most likely be out of your parents’ house and taking care of yourself,” Stanberry said.

Matt Honberger feels that, with adulthood, comes a new amount of maturity and respect to those that are capable of handling the responsibility.

“I feel like 18 years old is a good age for legality to kick in because by then some are already living by themselves and taking care of their own lives, so they shouldn’t be treated like minors. Being an adult may seem a little scary, but real adult consequences don’t take effect until after you begin living without your parents help,” Honberger said.

Being an adult allows 18-year-olds to work longer hours in order to make more money. They have a wider variety of jobs and careers to pursue, and they begin creating their own incomes and savings.

At 18, Paige Rafferty works over 30 hours a week while attending school.

“I believe that adulthood begins when you have to support yourself and pay your own bills,” Rafferty said.

Voting is another right gained when turning 18. Although teenagers only make up a small portion of the voting population, they are still able to have a say in the government.

“It was stressful before voting because I had to learn all the propositions and the advantages and disadvantages to them. Picking the presidential candidate was more difficult this year though because I wasn’t particularly fond of either, so I just chose who I felt covered the bigger topics for me,” William Bebinger said.

Age 18 is a milestone in a teenager’s life. The advantages, both good and bad, are the onsets of the rest of their lives. From big responsibilities such as voting and paying taxes, to the recognition that 18-year-olds are legally considered equal to a majority of the country can be overwhelming. While reaching this age is the end of one chapter in a person’s life, it is also the start of a whole other story.

“When teenagers turn 18 they can vote, buy certain products that are related to adulthood, and make certain decisions for themselves. I do not think 18 should be considered the legal age for adulthood because cognitively you’re still growing and physically your brain is still growing. I think the decisions that really affect you and that you make on your own would probably be better if you could wait. Since your brain doesn’t fully develop until you’re in your 20’s, waiting would probably be a better barometer of adulthood than just the age of 18. The age of 21 is probably a pretty solid number for people to be able to buy particular products such as alcohol because the effects are more intense on a still developing brain. Research shows that if your parents are more democratic with you, it allows rules to be discussed and negotiated. If you’re a parent and you’re dictating what your kid does, then you develop a child that isn’t going to be a very good critical thinker.

Parents who have rational reasons have kids that grow up realizing that rules are there for a reason, but if they’re discussed, then not only are you helping the child develop critical thinking skill, but you’re also helping their physical brain develop because they have to use their brain to make decisions.

That creates an environment where a child has better critical thinking skills so when they do reach adulthood, they can make decisions on their own without parental input.”

MR. JASON KNOWLES

SPECIAL EDITION

21

JUST A NUMBER

DIFFERENT GENERATIONS, DIFFERENT ROUTINES Peter Chang

16

Q: Bedtime?

A: 10:30 p.m.

Wake up: A: 6 a.m.

Q: What social media accounts do you have and how often do you go on them?

A: I have Instagram and Snapchat. I go on it every hour.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Chicken wings Q: What bills/expenses do you have: A: None Q:What do you do outside of school?

A: Soccer, studying and coaching for special olympics

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Mrs. Jennifer Hodge, Math teacher Q: Bedtime?

A: 9:30 p.m.

A: Wake up?

A: 5 a.m.

Q: What social media accounts do you have and how often do you go on them?

A: I have Facebook and Twitter. I use it every two hours, however not during school.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Italian food.

Q: What bills/expenses do you have?

A: Mortgage, credit and insurance.

Q: What do you do outside of school/teaching?

A: Reading and relaxing.

Teachers and students compare their daily schedules

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Mr. Jesus Armas, Spanish teacher

Q: Bedtime?

A: On weekdays I go to sleep no later than 9 p.m.

Q: Wake up?

A: 4:45 a.m.

Q: What social media accounts do you have and how often do you go on them?

A: I have a Facebook to keep up with friends and family. I rarely go on.

Q: Favorite food?

A: My favorite food is my mom’s Mexican food, no doubt.

Q: What bills/expenses do you have?

A: My wife and I have many bills including home mortgage bills, student loans, PG&E, trash, phone bill, credit cards, sewer, cable, car payments.

Q: What do you do outside of school/ teaching?

A: On my free time I like to golf, so I go to Top Golf with friends.

Margaux Bennett

17

Q: Bedtime?

A:10:30 or 11 p.m.

Q: Wake up?

A: 6 a.m. on a good day. 6:45 a.m. on a bad day.

Q: What social media accounts do you have and how often do you go on them?

A: I go onto Instagram two times a day, Twitter about 15, Snapchat like 10 times Q: Favorite food?

A: Asian chicken salad or Chick Fil A. Q: What bills/expenses do you have?

A: I have to pay half my car insurance.

Q: What do you do outside of school?

A: I cheer, stunt and do broadcast.

dgft JACKSON PRITCHARD, LIZZIE SALVATO & KENICHI WATANABE

SPECIAL EDITION

22

love knows no age

JUST A NUMBER

relationships with young, older family members

connecting with a community Carly Windham, dance team, visit retirement home

W

1 Nanna Jorgenson and her younger brother Emil Holm 2 Halle Coveney and her grandmother Violet Salvetti 3 Brenden Jacoby and his mother Julie 4 Blythe Hardy and her younger brother Griffin 5 AJ Cabrera and her younger sister 6 Cameryn Oakes and her niece Leila 7 Alyssa Pearce and her younger sister 8 Emma Accacian and her grandmother Ida

hile some spent time with their significant others, the dance team found a different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The girls visited The Pines retirement home to dance for the residents.

“A few weeks before, Crandell asked us if we would be interested in performing and we were all for it. We definitely brightened their day, which made it all worth it,” Windham said.

For an hour, the team conversed with the elderly, performed a routine and even taught them a dance number.

Windham said, “I love spending time with older people because they have so much to offer. They always have different stories and experiences to share and it’s really cool to get to hear those.”

SPECIAL EDITION

23

JUST A NUMBER

D.TRAN

Relationships with the retired Through work Alexa Donald builds relationships

While shopping at WinCo, Hannah Blackwell takes cereal off the shelf to put in Cloyd Rickettes’ cart.

100 YEARS STRONG

K.DONALD

K. DONALD

HANNAH BLACKWELL

Left: After opening presents on Christmas day, Jerry Manzer and Alexa Donald pose for a picture before eating dinner. Right: On Alexa Donald’s birthday, June Coel and Donald visit and sit down for a photo. “We spent an hour playing games, coloring, and telling stories. She was by far my closest connection at work and it was very hard when she moved to Seattle in November,” Donald said.

HANNAH BLACKWELL & RENESE LOPEZ

H

earing about the opening of Merrill Gardens, a retirement home, Alexa Donald jumped at the opportunity to get a job there. Donald felt she would enjoy spending time with the elderly and saw it as a good fit for her first job.

“I just love how sweet and down to Earth elderly people are. They have such amazing stories and know so much about life,” Donald said.

She worked there for 10 months in the dining room where she would take their order, serve food to them and then socialize while they ate.

“Every day I was greeted with a smile and sometimes a hug and I could feel how much they loved seeing me. I could spend hours listening to their stories and hearing about their lives. They all became like grandparent figures and have a special place in my heart,” Donald said.

She no longer works at Merrill Gardens, but she is able to maintain her connection with the older generation by spending time with her actual grandparents.

Donald said, “Luckily my grandparents live in Granite Bay so I often drive over there to spend time with them. Our relationship started on day one and they support me at whatever I do. They always make me feel welcome and have been cheering me on my entire life.”

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THE ROAR

Walking in the door to my great grandpa’s house four years ago, I never expected to start a routine that I keep to this day.

Every Sunday my sister, mom and I drive to Orangevale to take him to the grocery store, cook lunch, help clean up the house and complete any other tasks that are difficult for a 100-year-old to do. Despite his age, my great grandfather continues to work out, live on his own and hold a driver’s license.

He is the kind of person who would much rather do a project himself than hire someone.

However, because these jobs have gotten harder he explains the process and I do it for him. I have learned how to do electric wiring, change a tire, fix air conditioning units and work with a variety of tools.

One time, while working on the wiring in his bedroom, I found myself in a precarious situation. We found out that all the wiring had previously been done in aluminum, which is often the cause of house firses. This meant instead of just adding one new outlet, we faced replacing all the wiring in the room with copper wires. Having never worked with electricity before, it was a daunting task but I quickly found myself accustomed to stripping, cutting and crimping the wires. After taking on this task, I felt that we could take on any project the house had to offer.

Through this work and time spent together, we have forged a bond that most do not get to experience. I highly suggest everyone takes the time to go and spend time with any elderly person because it means the world to them.

Their time with us is limited and priceless.

While with him, I hear about events and ideas that are unfathomable in this day and age. Stories of trailing bootleggers as a child during Prohibition, all the way to working as an inspector for the Apollo missions as an adult. After a 78 year marriage, he is able to give incomparable relationship advice.

These are just a few examples of the experience the elderly have which is admirable and can help you through some of the toughest decisions.