Getting attached to an online person way sound crazy, however, talking to people whom one has never met is not something new or out of the extraordinary. Ever heard of pen-pals? People have been writing to others from foreign countries since the early 1900s and throughout time, the mail correspondences evolved into emails and texts to fit the modern world.
Whether it’s through fandoms, gaming or social media, it has become easier to encounter “random” people on the internet and build friendships with them. It is no doubt that people do it all the time and that online friendships have become a natural thing. When it comes to dating, it is no surprise that people use apps, such as Tinder or Bumble, to meet others. The interweb is an accessible outlet where most of get to explore their interests. So why not do the same with love interests? The foundations of what makes a relationship stay consistent; it’s all about mutual sentiment. As long you’re safe about it, you shouldn’t feel restricted to dating friends from your clique.
Our society is driven by the freedom of speech,present in the rights we hold as individuals to have liberty. However, as time progresses, so does our thinking. From the early Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement and now, our collective voices and actions have impacted the American society, for both better and worse. Due to the granted power to openly express our opinion, it has been easier for many citizens to exert their view on matters that range from controversial levels to minor inconveniences. In 2019, verbality has now caused more damage to individuals, groups, and communities in our society than ever before. It has become increasingly difficult for anyone to properly communicate their thoughts without getting bashed or exposed on the internet. People are now getting harassed publicly for something they intentionally or unintentionally said or did. There are those who are seemingly offended by others which raises the question: Has our society gotten more sensitive or stronger?
It is safe to say that the answer varies. Throughout the development of the United States, citizens have adapted new values and interpretations between right or wrong. Yet, because of these controversial beliefs, it is understandable there will be a clash of beliefs. If a person were to say, “abortion is wrong!” or vise versa, there would undoubtedly be others who believe otherwise. If someone believes that there are only two genders or vise versa, the choices between whether we are more sensitive or stronger can be true for both cases. We understand that it is our right to defend our beliefs if others try to influence or impose their beliefs on you. Being able to advocate for yourself and disagree with others is acceptable and should be appreciated.
However, there’s validity to arguing towards an overly sensitive society causes many people to become close-minded and ignore the fact that it is normal to have contradicting beliefs. Of course, there are topics such as racism and discrimination where it is perfectly okay to become defensive. In the 21st century, it is difficult to determine where to draw the line when it comes to being defensive on a topic. We have grown too sensitive, but we have also learned that we have to fight and advocate for ourselves. It is harder and harder for people to have respectful discussions with one another on different topics. This in turn, has created a more divided society. If everyone could learn to respect other people’s opinions, cooperate with others, and understand that it is alright to be wrong at certain times, there would be greater progress in our society.
For a country known for freedom, we live in a land where your dreams can bring you to your knees. “Why are we having all these people from sh*thole countries come here?”, said President Donald Trump during a closed-door meeting regarding immigration. The U.S. holds over two million prisoners, making us the country with most incarceration in International Centre for Prisoner Studies. According to the United States Department of Justice (www.justice.gov), more than one-in-five of all persons in Bureau of Prisons custody are Aliens – foreign-born.
Given that communities across our nation acclaim to be victimized by illegal aliens (immigrants), the border begins to lock up people who just want the same things we do. Albeit allegedly the land of the free, we continue to treat others inhumanely. As Albert Einstein, an illegal immigrant, once said, “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” We become ailed to the idea of others having more chances at life. And without even realizing it, we deprive our nation of innovation.
We look forward to graduation since the moment we begin school. The feeling amplifies once you start high school and your senior year is all you can look forward to. College applications are done, senior activities are about to begin, and you get your senior packet. Most people bought the most expensive senior packet that was offered for $330, the Ultimate Ram Package. Others bought the senior packet that cost $150, the Basic Ram Package. Despite both costs, it was very expensive for what the seniors received. On October 11, all seniors were told to attend a meeting after-school to discuss the senior packages. During that meeting, seniors were given a link to vote for class merch designs and a prom theme. However, the senior shirt voted on was changed because there were complaints that it didn’t contain red and black (school colors), yet the senior sweater failed to comply as well. Many sweaters contained spelling errors on the last names and some sweaters didn’t contain the number of their graduating class. The panorama picture seniors received is of extremely poor quality; blurring out the students’ faces. The worst part of it all is that the prom theme that won was changed by the senior cabinet. Many people are upset because they believe that the Casino theme is cliché and tacky, compared to the initial theme that won, “Enchanted Forest” Many students are upset. Seniors feel that they didn’t receive their money’s worth and that the elected class representatives have too much liberty and power to do whatever they want; they believe their complaints have been dismissed by those in Leadership. Asking us to vote was pointless, if a different decision was going to be made in spite of the result, disappointing the seniors along the way. It was supposed to be a democracy, not a dictatorship.
Senior Karen Penaloza’s last name was misspelled on her senior sweater.
This is what some seniors had to say:
“Yes, I do think the package is worth 330 because you’re getting everything instead of paying later for your prom ticket which would maybe cost more and including the senior picnic, but the sweater could have had some improvements. The prom theme I’m not so happy about because it’s Las Vegas. You could have chosen night under the stars, put stars that glow in the dark on the ceiling and maybe use just fake trees around, maybe borrow from someone Christmas lights or put up lanterns or those vintage lightbulbs for center pieces I don’t like the prom theme period cause it sort of makes me not want to go. Even though the place looks nice, the theme messed it up for me but since I bought it I have no choice.”
-Melody Mena, senior
I took the liberty of interviewing, Student Body President, Idaly Godinez, about how she felt over the matter. This is what she had to say:
How did you feel about the senior packets?
“I didn’t like. I feel like some of the things they couldn’t control like the quality of the panorama picture, but the shirts and the sweaters could have been improved. Its frustrating that the things we voted for aren’t what was given to us. I know you can’t please everyone, but the majority should have been considered. “
How satisfied are you with the prom theme?
“It is what it is but from what I’ve gathered it isn’t the one that won, it’s definitely not the one that won. A lot of people were displeased with it. I personally didn’t like the theme, but it is up to the senior cabinet. “
Are you upset over the fact that they advertised one prom theme and chose to do another?
“It was just disappointing to see that the theme that won was not chosen. One of the issues that came up were decorations, but I think, my logical thinking was that if you knew how much money was in our budget and how much we could provide with that, then why would you make it an option. If you were going to change it in the first place, then why would you even present us with options. Leadership has never done it like this in the past and it avoided a lot of problems. The senior class gave their opinion, and they were essentially not represented. I believe that the original theme could have been possible with side events such as fundraisers and I’m sure Ms. Byrd would have approved. I do not know why they went that down when there was a second option, the logical thing would have been to go down the list. So yes, I am upset because I don’t get why it had to be advertised like that. Even before there was a prom reveal, we all knew what had won, what we voted for, what our friends voted for, so it was just disappointing to see that they went with something completely different. I am upset and I know many people are upset as well. Were supposed to have say, but is it going to be considered after the fact.”
How closely did you work with the process of senior packets with the senior cabinet?
“Not at all. The only thing I did was help them distribute the packets. So just the last stage of the process. I took the survey that they give, but that is it. I was part of the process at the beginning but after expressing my distaste, my unpopular opinions, I gradually stopped participating in the meetings.”
As a student body president, you represent us, the students. How do you think they feel? And do you believe that the senior cabinet were listening to the students demand?
“Look you can’t please everyone, but the important thing was pleasing the majority of the people and I think it came down to the results of the survey. There are a lot of different ways to represent someone accurately. I’m not blaming anyone in particular but the process could have been better. Having been in leadership for a while, I feel bad for the backlash that they have but I feel like they had a lot of alternatives that they could have followed but they didn’t. Its frustrating. I’m frustrated as student body President, as a senior, I’m frustrated as anyone else that has to watch it happen. I believe that an apology could help a lot instead of ignoring the problem.”
What do you recommend for next years senior cabinet and the senior class?
“I think the organization of it all is important. Just realize that you can’t please everyone, but always take into consideration the majority. For the next seniors, make comments and communicate through the class social medias. If they need to advocate for themselves try talking to cabinet or Ms. Byrd, respectfully.”
After withstanding a government shutdown that lasted 35 days, Congress stopped a second one from happening by passing a bill that offers $1.3 billion for Trump’s wall, way less than what he asked for. Angered by this, President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency on February 15, 2019, in order to get the funding necessary to put towards the construction of the border wall and gives him control of spending, a constitutional power that only Congress has.
This decision has created a lot of controversy because many believe he is abusing his power and that a national emergency should only be used for true emergencies. For example, Barack Obama declared a national emergency to obtain treatment for the swine flu and Bush declared one after the 9/11 attack. Both national emergencies differ from Trump’s because these were actual threats to the United States that hurt citizens, while the wall will just create division. President Donald Trump wants this wall to be built immediately because it was a promise he made during his campaign and if he fails to do so, he fears he will lose more of his credibility during the 2020 election. In addition, Trump argues that this wall is needed for the benefit of the people. However, it is also taking money away from them that could’ve been put towards healthcare or education, such as how the other national emergencies did put money towards the people without wasting money that was taken. California and 15 other states are also disagreeing with Trump, and are now teaming up to set a lawsuit against him and his abuses on his executive power. Congress didn’t give Trump the money he asked for a reason; there is no national emergency present and isn’t something that this country really needs. According to Trump, the wall will prevent the spread of illegal drugs and criminals, such as MS-13, which threatens to national security. However, wall or no wall, these two issues will unfortunately always be here since there isn’t a possible solution yet that detects when and how criminals will enter the United States. Nearly 4.6 million immigrants came to the United States from 2010 to 2017, and that was with strict border patrol. A national emergency should only be declared when it is truly needed, as in a terrorist attack, not because money is needed to build a wall that will stop nothing.
There are people in this world that will say one thing to your face and then go around and say another thing behind your back. There is nothing worse than hypocrisy. Many people will stand with one belief but then magically switch their views when it’s convenient. For example, many people preach feminism but then they love to put females down, or when someone will support an artist and the other person agrees saying they love them, but they have been bad mouthing them for so long. Not only that, but when they say you can’t listen to an artist because of something they did but then they listen to them too. It is frustrating when someone blatantly disapproves of something but then goes on to act the same way they criticized others for. Hypocrisy surrounds all of us whether it be our friends, family, or people we don’t like. We’ve all seen it. Everyone has experienced that moment where someone or even yourself have been nice to a person that you didn’t like. You don’t have to be rude to them but don’t pretend like they’re your friend. I agree that civility should be held between the two, but don’t treat them like your best friends when you know it’s not true. You must own up to how you feel. Everyone has different opinions, but you can’t change yours just because someone doesn’t agree with you. It’s not going to make more people like you or want to be your friend, it’s the opposite. No one likes two-faced people, learn how to be your own person. You’ll never amount to anything if all you do is follow others.
Animal rights advocates for all animal species and their right to their own lives and against being subjected to becoming our food, clothing or testing materials. They deserve the right to live freely without cruelty. This isn’t just a random idea, but a social movement supported by many people who challenge the views of those who believe only humans matter. Animals aren’t things or human possessions but instead living species who have feelings and don’t deserve the cruelty they receive.
Luckily, there are many foundations such as PETA and ASPCA, who fight constantly for animals. Because of these organizations, major airlines stopped shipping monkeys to laboratories for experiments. In addition, more than 200 pets were rescued from animal-testing facility in North Carolina and India banned the testing of cosmetics on animals.
The following are interviews pertaining to the question:
Do animals deserve rights?
I am for animal rights because they have emotions just like us and therefore, they should have the same rights as us.” -Marlene Clemente, 11th grader
“I advocate for the termination of their unjust suffering and exploitation which they are constantly going through.I believe they are deserving of moral consideration.”-Dafne Renteria, 11th grader
“I am for animal rights because they have feelings just like us, even though most people don’t see it that way.”- Kimberly Cervantes, 12th grader
“I am in between because I believe they have rights but at the same time I eat meat. They are unfortunately killed in the process.”-Antonio Sanchez, 9th grader
When it comes to self-care, one’s body is the number one concern for many people, especially teens. The biggest influence of our perceptions comes primarily from television, movies, and social media. Though it is very important to establish a life style of your choosing, it is important to choose one that will not negatively affect you. Many young adults have often lost control of their mental and physical health due to their influences or their hopes of reaching their body goal. Having a goal in mind is imperative for your motivation and the actions you take are just as effective. How can you effectively take control of your body?
First and foremost, it is important to leave behind any influences from models or advertisements that promote unhealthy life styles and body images. For example, many females are influenced by models who promote thin body images as the ‘perfect’ figure. Teens are the most heavily impacted by these promotions. According to The National Eating Disorder Association, models weigh 23% less than the average women. The same situation would apply to men who are looking to have that buff and healthy body image. It is important to let go of these perceptions and accept your body. Not accepting yourself results in lower self-esteem and negative thoughts. Once you have accepted yourself, set yourself a goal and act on it. This goal should not be out of reach and should be possible based on your conditions and how much effort you choose to exert. Adding on, your actions and habits should not be detrimental to your health. By going just, a little above your comfort zone, you will slowly progress to your goal.
It is important to set goals that will make you happy and not goal that will make others happy. Your life and body should not be controlled by anyone or anything. You are the one that decides what you want to do. No one is perfect and the only perfection one can achieve is by being happy with what you choose.
by Sofia Martinez
The first method to making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which is the most commonly used, is spreading the peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other, and then unite both slices to create your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If you look up instructions on how to make one, this will be the method used.
The second method is spreading peanut butter on both slices of bread, then applying some jelly to one slice of bread and uniting both slices to make your peanut butter and jelly sandwich and is without a doubt is the best way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This method of making the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is the same as the Smucker’s Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which are pretty good sandwiches.
When you use the first method, the jelly makes the bread soggy in a way which then gives the bread an odd texture. By applying peanut butter on both slices of bread first it prevents the jelly from seeping into the bread. In the end, it depends on the person and how they prefer their food. Although, the second method is better than the first it is up to you to decide.
Cryptocurrency was created by Satoshi Nakamoto and has existed since 2009. Escaping the government supervision on our monetarization was the original promise to cryptocurrency through money not printed by the government, but instead powered by its internet citizens. With the existence of Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, people have been able to purchase items without leaving any trace. Throughout time, this virtual money has come to be more consistent and used amongst the people. But how can we confide in this type of money with our skepticism of online people? The correct answer here is: we can’t.
Anyone can trade in tangible money for cryptocurrency or Bitcoins, and its value has increased for it throughout the years. We’ve become gullible to trusting other’s ethics, but with the ability to conduct anonymous transactions, people can spend Bitcoins on illegal services such as drugs, prostitution, intimate knacks or perverted tendencies. You’d also be relying on the services to prevail when we know that everything that rises must fall. Even if the services don’t shut down, forgetting your Bitcoin password is enough reward because Satoshi Nakamoto’s identify remains unknown, making resetting one’s password impossible.
