TAKE the TRAIN P.14 WE NEED BETTER SEX ED P.16 for Years I

take the train p.14 we need better sex ed p.16

january-february 2010 www.layouth.com

I believe again For years I thought religion was pointless page 10

also inside 8 my family comes first 18 Take our survey! win money 24 parents don’t understand About L.A. Youth involved. Newcomer’s orientations are held every other month on Saturday mornings. Call for info at How did L.A. Youth start? (323) 938-9194. Regular staff meetings are held every Former teacher Donna Myrow founded the nonprofit Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. teen newspaper in 1988 after the Supreme Court Senior Writers: Lia Dun, Marshall HS • Justin Koh, Cleveland HS • Charlene Lee, Walnut HS • Ernesto Pineda, Animo Film & Theatre Arts Charter HS • Hazelwood decision, which struck down student press Where is L.A. Youth distributed? Samantha Richards, S.O.C.E.S. rights. Myrow saw a need for an independent, uncen- L.A. Youth is distributed free to teachers at public and sored forum for youth expression. L.A. Youth is now private schools throughout Los Angeles County. It can Staff: Meagan Almazan, Warren HS • Yasamin Azarakhsh, Notre Dame HS • Ben Bang, Palos Verdes Peninsula HS • Caitlin Bryan, Valley Alternative Magnet School • Valerie Bueno, West Covina celebrating its 22nd year of publishing. also be picked up for free at many public libraries and HS • Patricia Chavarria, Cesar Chavez Continuation HS • Tiffany Chen, Walnut HS • Sally Choi, is available online at www.layouth.com. The Linden Center • Sydney Chou, Sonora HS • Lily Clark, Immaculate Heart HS • David Coneway, How is L.A. Youth doing today? Marshall HS • Vanessa Cordova, Glendale HS • Stanton Ellison, West L.A. College • Lane Erickson, South HS • Esteban Garcia, Warren HS • Jacky Garcia, Lynwood HS • Meklit Gebre-Mariam, L.A. Youth now has a readership of 350,000 in Los Angeles How is L.A. Youth funded? University HS • Ashley Hansack, King Drew HS • Brandie Hanson • Emily He, Whitney HS • Brett County. Hundreds of students have benefited from L.A. Youth is a nonprofit charitable organization Hicks, Loyola HS • Destiny Jackson, Mayfair HS • Nadi Khairi, Reseda HS • Jennifer Kim, South L.A. Youth’s journalism training. Many have graduated funded by grants from foundations and corporations, Pasadena HS • Kevin Ko, Wilson HS • Jessica Kwon, Bravo Medical Magnet HS • Sam Landsberg, Hamilton HS • Brian Lee, C.A.M.S. • Elis Lee, Crescenta Valley HS • Emily Leventhal, C.A.M.S. from college and have built on their experiences at donations and advertising. • John Lisowski, New Roads School • Tanya Lopez, Logsdon School • Keanu Lueong, Toll MS • L.A. Youth to pursue careers in journalism, teaching, Breanna Lujan, West Covina HS • Claudia Marin, Santa Monica HS • Chelsea McNay, L.A.C.E.S. research and other fields. Our Foster Youth Writing What is L.A. Youth’s mission? • Luisa Mendoza, Lynwood HS • Chantelle Moghadam, Viewpoint School • Hani Mokhammad, Project has brought the stories of teens in foster care to Pacific Coast HS • Taylor Moore, Westchester HS • Gabrielle Muhammad, Frederick Douglass We will provide teens with the highest level of Academy HS • Jasper Nahid, New Roads School • Emily Navarro, Environmental Charter HS • the newspaper. For more info, see www.layouth.com. journalism education, civic literacy and job skills. We Jennie Nguyen, Glendale HS • Jean Park, Harvard-Westlake School • Casey Peeks, Marlborough will strengthen and build our relationships with more School • Charmaine Peggese, Cerritos HS • Serli Polatoglu, AGBU-MDS • Alex Quintana, Warren HS How do teens get involved with L.A. Youth? teachers to bring relevant issues into the classroom • Sophia Richardson, S.O.C.E.S. • Nicholas Robinson, Central L.A. HS for the Visual and Performing Arts • Michelle Ruan, Alhambra HS • Juliana Salas, Logsdon School • Francisco Sandoval, Teens usually join the staff of L.A. Youth when they and improve the quality of education. We will reach Nogales HS • Aaron Sayago, Fairfax HS • Hannah Song, Mark Keppel HS • Freddy Tsao, South read the newspaper and see a notice inviting them out to the community to better educate policy makers Pasadena HS • Sunitha Warrier, C.A.M.S. • Stephany Yong, Walnut HS to a newcomer’s orientation. They also get involved about teen issues; create a more positive image of teens Publisher: Donna C. Myrow through our summer workshop for writers. Sometimes in the mainstream media; and raise the credibility and Co-Managing Editors: Mike Fricano, Amanda Riddle a teacher or parent will encourage them to get awareness of L.A. Youth. Editor: Laura Lee Administrative Director: Robyn Zelmanovitz Design Consultant: Wayne M. DeSelle Communications Consultant: Lea Lion

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l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com January-February 2010 m a i l C o n T e n T S

These are letters we Quitting cussing received about stories in The article “I swear not to the November-December swear” reminded me of a friend Cover Story 2009 issue of L.A. Youth: who used to cuss a lot. It was starting to get a little uncom- Dealing with ADHD fortable around him because I believe again since I have ADHD and dys- he would constantly throw in a For years Esteban thought lexia, I can relate to this article cuss word. I started to point out religion was pointless but in many ways. Reading “Learn- when he cursed and made it ob- ing to live with ADHD,” I found vious that I did not appreciate now it’s a big part of his myself holding back laughter be- it. He finally stopped. It shows life...... 10 cause of the similarities between that friends really can help each the writer and me. I loved this other out. article. It inspired me to not be Ani Nazaryan What role does ashamed of my disorder as I have Clark Magnet HS (La Crescenta) been in the past, but to embrace faith play in it whole-heartedly. I really related to the Ryan Fleming story “I swear not to swear.” I your life? Wilson MS (Glendale) went through the same phase L.A. Youth writers share as Hannah Song. This article whether religion is important living without showed the ups and downs of health insurance cursing, even though there are to them ...... 12 I read the article “My family no real ups. This article was very can’t afford to get sick” and it interesting because there are Cover illustration made me realize how important examples of how cursing not by Nadi Khairi, 16, Reseda HS it is to have health insurance. For only affects you but the people low-income families the high you love. It was hard for me to cost of health insurance is out of cut down my cursing so I un- their budget. Health insurance derstand how hard it was for Remembering My favorite style of dance.... 19 is necessary because anyone her. Many people think it is easy can get sick. That is what hap- but it really isn’t. I liked how a classmate...... 5 It’s taken years for Caitlin to learn pened to us one Saturday morn- her brother was her inspira- Jennifer was shocked and sad when traditional Native American dance. ing last month. My brother and tion to stop cursing and how she a popular senior died after going to a party. I woke up with colds and fevers. tried to become a role model to Making peace with So our parents took us to urgent others. Lately many kids have my past...... 20 care. After filling out the forms been swearing too much and I Our actions add up...... 6 After being abused, Juliana took her anger out and paying the copayment of $10 wonder if I was like that. Overall Brandie’s science class showed her on everybody until she got help to change. each, we were seen by a doctor I thought this article was honest there are easy things everyone can who prescribed antibiotics and and at the same time very inter- other medicine to relieve our esting! do to help the environment. ‘I know all the teachers symptoms. The copayment for Kimberly Acosta by name’...... 22 the antibiotics was $10; other- International Studies Family comes first...... 8 Learning Center (South Gate) From small schools to individual wise it is about $70 per prescrip- With a strict dad, Yasamin doesn’t get tion. I can’t imagine the cost of attention, teens share what’s helping the doctor’s visit and medica- Before I read this article I to hang out with her friends that much, them stay on the path to graduate. tion for our colds had we not had used to say a lot of bad and nasty but she loves her Persian culture. health insurance. From now on, words. Now I see swearing as un- Time to be counted...... 23 I will not take it for granted, and I necessary. I am proud to say that All the places we go...... 14 hope that everyone in this coun- ever since reading this article, I Ernesto says filling out the census doesn’t try can afford to get health insur- haven’t said a bad or nasty word. From Hollywood to Long Beach, take long and helps your community. ance. Heber Chavez Ashley likes exploring L.A. on the train. Megan Llamas East Valley HS (North Hollywood) What parents don’t Wilson MS Continued on page 4 Why didn’t I learn understand...... 24 this in sex ed?...... 16 Essay contest winners wrote about parents who aren’t home, want them to Since her health class wasn’t informative, be religious, and don’t get their music. Send your letters to L.A. Youth Meklit has tried to get answers on her own. L.A. Youth Book and CD reviews...... 26 Take our survey and 5967 W. 3rd St. Suite 301 L.A. Youth writers review a modern and Los Angeles CA 90036 win money!...... 18 a classic novel, plus CDs by Atmosphere, or [email protected] Tell us about the biggest issues facing teens. Zee Avi and Mariah Carey. www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth m a i l Continued from page 3

I always thought cussing my mom will always be there for she has her mom with her and being undocumented, aware of the DREAM Act and I wasn’t a big deal, I mean me and my brother. Jessica is learning how to ignore i thought college think this bill should be passed everybody does it. What people Elsa Reyes negative comments that people was out of reach because it would provide a lot of don’t realize is that they’re East Valley HS around her say. When she men- The article, “My American opportunities for those who want hurting other people’s feelings. tions the occasion when her friend dream,” stood out to me because I to make a change in this country. I I remember one day my friend I can totally relate to the said sorry to her in school, it made know many people who think that am very proud of the writer for not saw a sixth grader staring at her story, “My mom is all I need.” me realize that as friends some- college is out of reach because they giving up. She has taught me that so she said, “What the f*** are I’ve been in situations the writer times we try to help one another are immigrants. The writer is in a I should follow my dreams and you staring at?” I felt bad when has experienced. I love when she but instead we make things worse. tough situation, but in the end her never give up no matter how much the little girl ran away. People wrote, “Even though my dad is not After all, even though sometimes hard work stands out because she it takes. think it makes them look tough around, I believe in myself because we feel that we are alone, at the got into college. I liked this article Victor Lopez or something if they go around of my mom’s love and support.” end we notice that there is always because it shows how important it International Studies Learning Center cussing all day. I cuss too, but It made me realize how much my someone by our side who is willing is to fight for dreams even if they I think it’s just stupid. If I can’t mom has been there for me as a to help us. seem impossible. I like this article because it really express my feelings I single parent raising a teenager on Tania Gonzalez Gema Rojas is similar to my family. My dad start cussing. This story made her own. Even though I’ve been International Studies Learning Center East Valley HS fought for 10 years to get his citi- me realize that there are better hurt before, this article inspires me zenship and to bring my mom here ways to show my feelings than because Jessica has had it worse off Jeans are always “My American dream” was to the United Sates where I was swearing. than me. in style a perfect article to read as I was born. This has shown me that hard Sami Islam Kheyli Torres It’s true that everyone has applying to college and viewing work and dedication can get you Madison MS (North Hollywood) Wilson MS their favorite pair of jeans that the high prices I would have what you want. The girl in the ar- they think fits them well. I know to pay. This inspirational story ticle wanted to go to college, which I was raised by The article “My mom is all I I have my favorite. Something in helped me see the struggles gives me hope that I will get the a single mom need,” by Jessica Palomo, is a great this story that grabbed my atten- other people have to go through money to go to college one day too. I like this article because I can story that makes me realize how tion is that jeans are getting really as they apply to college. I really Since my family doesn’t make a relate to most of the things she important it is to have both of my expensive—$200 is a lot for jeans. enjoyed reading the part where lot of money I will have to rely on says. My parents separated when parents with me. The struggles she I guess it’s worth it because you she lets her friends know about financial aid and scholarships. It I was small and me and my broth- describes in her article are much can’t go wrong with them, right? I her barrier and how they helped is good that the girl in the article er stayed with my mom. She has more difficult than what a regular like the fact that he gives some his- her find ways to go to college. The wanted to go to college. Others always worked hard to give me teen goes through. I cannot imag- tory about jeans. It was something writer never let anything get in her could use this story as an inspira- and my brother what we need and ine how hard it might be for her to I didn’t even think about. way and in my opinion everyone tion to go to college as well. more. Like Jessica, I think that my deal with these types of problems. Marlen Rosales should be like her, always Omar Lopez mom is all I need because I know But what makes me happy is that International Studies Learning Center following their dreams. I was not Madison MS Be a part of L.A. Youth!

L.A. Youth has given me an join our staff at the next opportunity to showcase my art to hundreds of thousands of people. I Newcomer’s Day have had four comics, four illustrations and six CD reviews published in the No experience necessary! Next newspaper. Without L.A. Youth, Writers, artists and my art would have remained photographers welcome. orientation: in my sketchbook. Even You will be invited to stay for the regular better, the kids at my school staff meeting, which starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, would see my artwork in the For more information: feb. 6 paper and compliment me. 11 a.m. - noon L.A. Youth has also given me Call (323) 938-9194 the opportunity to discuss current e-mail [email protected] events with other teens, like the war in 5967 W. Third St., Suite 301 • Los Angeles • CA • 90036 Iraq and the 2008 presidential election. from the kids I go to school with. At school we’re busy studying history L.A. Youth has taught me to and other subjects, and we never become a better writer, too. I am have the chance to discuss issues like more confident expressing my ideas these. I also like that at the weekly staff on paper than I was before I joined. www.layouth.com meetings I’ve met teens from other —Francisco Sandoval, parts of L.A. County who are different 17, Nogales HS (La Puente)

l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com CAscThooEGORl YHERE

Remembering a classmate I was shocked and sad when I learned that a well-known senior at my school died after going to a party

By Jennifer Kim lot to do and achieve. 15, South Pasadena HS The part that upset me the most was that someone who had a lot of potential was gone be- t was Sunday, Dec. 13, when I saw “R.I.P.” cause of alcohol. As I was talking with my friends Students gathered for a memorial walk from South Pasadena as my friend’s status message on Instant about his death, I found out that he died after High School to Aydin Salek’s home a few days after he died. Messenger. I asked him what happened. attending a party where teens were drinking. I Photo by Jennifer Kim, 15, South Pasadena HS IHe said the day before, a senior at my knew alcohol was dangerous but I didn’t know school named Aydin Salek died of a possible that one night of drinking could result in death. alcohol overdose. At first I didn’t believe it. It reminded me how I should be careful when “Don’t lie,” I said. I was surprised. I had never making decisions in my life—big or small. known anyone my age who had died. It didn’t The next day, it was a lot different at school. seem real. Instead of people loudly talking with their I tried to concentrate on my math home- friends before class it was very quiet. The school work but I couldn’t stop thinking about his let students leave their classes to talk to counsel- death. I didn’t know Aydin personally but I ors. There was a memorial set up on the main knew who he was. I had seen him laughing with quad where people could write messages to his friends just two days before at the school him. His close friends stayed there the whole play. I just couldn’t believe it. I mean, he was day. I could see people talking, crying and hug- one of the student leaders at my school, a writ- ging each other. I could tell how good a friend he er for the school newspaper, president of the was. Watching Aydin’s friends crying made me American Cancer Society club and my school’s wonder what my life would be like if someone commissioner of Internal Affairs, who serves as who I love was gone. I couldn’t imagine my life the student representative on the school board. without my family and my best friends. Think- I remember watching his speech for election ing about it made me appreciate that I have fam- last year. He made the speech fun and at the ily and friends I love, and that they’re healthy. end people cheered for him. He seemed like a smart person with confidence; he still had a Aydin was outgoing and passionate People kept talking about him to keep his memory alive. “You always heard him before you saw him,” sophomore Katherine Morales, end of that week. I thought it was nice of them me that I was wrong. He died but a lot of peo- who was a close friend of his, told me. “Everyone to do that. ple still remembered him. When you die, your Aydin’s death loved him. He was outspoken, energetic and Now I don’t think about his death as much body may leave but your soul doesn’t; your soul reminded very passionate.” People wanted to do things in as I did before because I’m busy with school- stays in people’s hearts. I’m not afraid of death Jennifer to live his honor and to remember him. They gathered work. But once in a while when I do, I feel anymore. What I’m afraid of is dying before I every day to the at the school on Wednesday evening, Dec. 16, thankful to Aydin because he changed my view live a full life. I want to go to my dream school, fullest. and walked to his house holding candles. toward death. I was scared of death before. study genetics and travel the world. Aydin’s The school newspaper published a special Dying seemed like losing a connection with death reminded me that life can be short so I memorial issue for him that came out at the people here on Earth. But his death showed should live my best every day.

Michelle Ruan knew Aydin couldn’t understand why I would feel sad whenever I thought about Aydin. to think of anything we could say. from a youth program they I kept repeating to myself that he was just a stranger. I didn’t want to think They brought in grief counselors. I especially liked how one counselor were both a part of. She Iabout Aydin anymore because every time I did, I thougth about all his lost said it was OK to cry. “Nothing bad can come out of crying and it can actual- felt sad when he died but opportunities. I didn’t want to think about how everything can end so soon. ly make you feel better.” wasn’t sure how to grieve We had a Young Senators meeting a week after his death. The program co- The grief counseling helped me understand that it’s OK to not know how to for him since they weren’t ordinators talked about Aydin and about what a wonderful student he was; react to something as tragic as death. Watching all the counselors share their close. Here is an excerpt of he was a student leader, passionate in what he did and wanted to be a law- own stories of having to deal with death, but not knowing how to do it well, her story. Go to layouth.com yer. The girls from Aydin’s school began to tear up. But just like me, most of made me feel better that I wasn’t the only one with these feelings. to read the full version. the people hadn’t known Aydin that well. We just stared at the table, unable —Michelle Ruan, 17, Alhambra HS www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth environment

By Brandie Hanson 18, North HS in Torrance (2009 graduate)

Brandie (right) and Hazen y junior year I saw girls in the Alloush displayed a bathroom turn on all the faucets, month’s worth of recycling wasting water, just for fun. After to show the school how Mlunch I would walk through school much they prevented from and see the janitors picking the recyclables going into landfills. out of the trash cans, even though we have Photo courtesy of North recycling bins all over campus. It made me High’s student council wonder what were people thinking, were they even thinking at all?! The janitors have other things to do! I felt that the students at my school needed to pay more attention to the environment. So on a whim at the end of junior year I applied for the new ecology position on student council. When I was chosen I was shocked and excited that I got the opportunity to start a new tradition, Ecology Week. My goal was to make more students care about the environment. I had to start with myself. I’ve always cared about the environment. Growing up I read Na- tional Geographic. Seeing pictures of glaciers in Alaska and tropical rainforests made me want to learn about them. I dreamed of becoming a photographer for National Geographic, travel- ing the world and taking pictures of nature. My senior year, I learned more about the environment in AP environmental science. Mr. Estabrook was one of my favorite teachers. He played songs like “The 3 R’s” (reduce, reuse, recycle) by Jack Johnson at the end of class. He wouldn’t point out the environmental message in the songs he would just wait to see who was actually listening. But what made him different was that we actually did the things we learned about in our book. We had our own composting bins. Compost is a mixture of leftover food, grass and leaves that is used as a fertilizer. My favorite project was our mini ecosystems, which we made out of layers of two-liter plastic bottles stacked vertically. Each bottle had a different habitat and they were all connected. The bottom bottle was an aquarium with a fish, the next bottle with holes in the bottom had radish plants growing and the top bottle had compost in it. It taught us the circle of life, meaning that when you mess with one part of nature, you are harming many parts of an ecosystem. Seeing an ecosystem this way showed me how pesticides from a farm can Our actions add up reach a body of water even if I can’t see it directly. My science class showed me there are easy I learned more about global warming too. Before enviro, I thought global warming was things we can all do to help the environment the world getting warmer. But it’s more than that. It’s dramatic changes in climate all over the world, such as increased rainfall in some regions and severe droughts in others. What

l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com causes global warming? Doing things that burn the most water-friendly one. Pesticides that are a no-meat day but that wasn’t practical because stopped to look at it. They asked if I had made fossil fuels, including driving cars and burn- used to make crops look pretty destroy aquatic companies like Chick-fil-A and Subway have it alone. Lights Out Day was easy because most ing coal in power plants to produce energy, re- ecosystems. For example, sea otters die when contracts with our school to serve lunch every of our classrooms have lots of windows to light leases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. pesticide runoff increases kelp growth and day. I started writing letters asking for dona- the room. Many teachers decided to keep their The greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun they are not able to reach the sea floor to eat tions for raffle prizes. I wrote about 20 and got lights off for much of the week. in our atmosphere, raising temperatures. We the clams that live there. about five donations, including a bike, Whole are already experiencing global warming. Be- One week we had to collect all our trash and Foods gift cards and Hansen’s sodas. we got everyone involved cause of rising temperatures, the snow pack in carry it around with us so we would feel the Mr. Estabrook wanted to help me with Ecol- in ecology week the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, which sup- weight of the trash we created. We each had a ogy Week so he had each student make a slide The Light Bulb Switch was Tuesday. We plies California with much of its water, is melt- plastic bag tied to our purse or backpack for our with a fact. I chose the best ones, like you can switched about 100 regular lights bulbs that ing at a faster rate. This is leaving us with less trash. Mr. Estabrook would pick on my friend recycle Hershey’s Kisses wrappers. A gross one students brought from home with donated water for drinking and farms, which could lead who sat next to me, calling him a “Waste Wiz- was, “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown compact fluorescent light bulbs, which are to decreased food production. Global warming ard,” because he had so much trash. Three bags flush it down,” meaning it is not necessary to more energy efficient. will lead to rising sea levels as glaciers melt, and were tied to his backpack and they would swing flush the toilet every time you use it. The Eco Fair was on Wednesday. Booths the increased spread of disease because disease- every which way when he turned around to talk Before Ecology Week I told all the teachers included a recycled jewelry booth where a carrying insects thrive in warm, wet areas. to somebody. And it wasn’t so fun having his of the upcoming events because I needed them girl sold bracelets made from old bandanas, a smelly trash on my desk all week. To cut back to help get the students fired up. I wrote a letter booth with a representative from our local trash I had fun biking more on my trash I didn’t eat single-serving bags of with the schedule and directions for the home- collection center who had items to give away and driving less chips or candy bars. I didn’t have much trash room activity. Most teachers seemed excited to promote recycling and reducing waste, and Learning about global warming was frus- Mr. Estrabrook’s ecology club’s plants. I walked trating because I would still see the freeway into fifth period and people had their own cu- packed during rush hour. I understand most cumber plants they bought for a dollar. people cannot give up driving but we learned Things you can do: Thursday was No Paper Day and teachers about small things we can do like carpooling, made fewer copies and used fewer worksheets. cutting down on unnecessary trips and even ■ Don’t be wasteful. For example, most people grab a handful The big raffle on Friday went really well be- using public transportation. If everyone were of ketchup packets when eating fast food. The unused packets cause students had brought in about 20 gar- to cut back a little the result would be huge. I usually get thrown away. Only take what you need. bage bags worth of recyclables throughout the started carpooling more often with my friends ■ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recycling one ton (2,000 pounds) of paper month. There was a huge crowd in the middle and riding my bike more. It became a tradition saves 17 trees and prevents 600 pounds of air pollution. Every three months, of the quad at lunch with their tickets out as to bike to my friend Britt’s house for crepes to Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild every commercial we read off the winning numbers. After every save gas and to burn off the calories. And I don’t airplane in the United States. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough number someone in the crowd would scream, make unnecessary trips like going to the gro- energy to watch television for two hours, according to the EPA. “Ohh, that’s me!” cery store for one item. These changes have Ecology Week went really well for its first been easy to make. ■ Change your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. time. I was tired but proud, knowing that I We learned that energy is wasted leaving They are 4 to 6 times more efficient because they give off less heat. helped make a change no matter how small. lights, computers and televisions on when ■ Use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic ones. Plastic bags end After Ecology Week the janitors picked fewer they’re not being used, washing clothes more up in landfills and don’t decompose for more than 700 years. bottles out of the trash cans. One of my close often than needed, and leaving unused char- friends won the bike in the raffle and rode to gers plugged in. school more often even though he has his own Now I turn on the computer maybe once car. a week because I have Internet access on my after a week but many of my friends had Ziploc about the idea of a new tradition at our school, All people need is knowledge about the en- phone, and unplug my chargers when I’m not bags for sandwiches and chips. After that week and brought in recyclables as well. vironment and they will become more con- using them. I make sure to wash my clothes I began eating my snacks out of Tupperware All month leading up to Ecology Week we scientious. I’ve been eating more natural and only when they are really dirty. I turn off the because it can be used over and over. held a recycling drive. Students would bring in organically grown food. As Mr. Estabrook says, lights when I leave a room. My parents are pret- five recyclables for one ticket, without a limit, “Vote with your dollars,” meaning even if or- ty good about conserving energy so it was easy i was disappointed more that would be entered in a raffle for a variety ganic products are more expensive, the more for me to remember to turn off the lights be- people didn’t recycle of gift certificates. people buy them the less people are buying cause my dad always says things like, “Is any- I thought that recycling was something ev- The slideshow I put together was shown dur- of the other stuff and prices could eventually one in your room?” eryone does but when I would notice students ing homeroom the Wednesday before Ecology even out. The changes we each make add up. The class loved to learn about the environ- throwing bottles away and learned the statis- Week. Students won raffle tickets for answer- We can make a difference all together. ment because Mr. Estabrook was passionate tics, I was proud of my parents for raising me ing questions their homeroom teachers asked about what he was teaching us. Every day I to recycle. Americans use 2.5 million plastic about the slideshow after watching it. After would walk into class and he would be eating bottles each hour and most of those bottles homeroom, students were coming to student fruits and vegetables from his garden. He would are thrown away. That plastic bottle will not council constantly turning in their raffle tick- Brandie says help encourage us to grow our own fruits and vege- begin to decompose for 700 years. ets they had won. the environment tables to cut down on the gas used to transport Around January I started planning for Ecolo- We wanted to start Ecology Week with a for yourself produce from places such as South America gy Week, which was April 20-24. I started brain- bang. So a couple of us from council made a and for future to supermarkets. Plus, growing it yourself you storming ideas one night when I couldn’t sleep. pyramid of recyclables in the middle of the generations. know that no harmful pesticides were used I came up with a plan for a homeroom slide- quad early in the morning. It was made out of and that water wasn’t wasted because farms show that would have environmental facts and the 15,000 bottles and cans the school had col- often use the cheapest irrigation method, not statistics and a lights-out day. I even thought of lected throughout the month. Many students www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth family

By Yasamin Azarakhsh 17, Notre Dame HS (Sherman Oaks) n July I was invited to my friend’s debut. It Family comes first was a big event celebrating her 18th birthday with a court of her closest friends and beau- With a strict dad, I don’t get to hang out with my Itiful decorations. I was so excited when she invited me, but I had to check my mom’s big cal- friends that much, but I love my Persian culture endar to see if I had family obligations. My mom’s calendar is like God. It sits in the middle of our kitchen next to the phone, which is er told my dad that it was zesht, or inappropriate, sleepover thing is not just my dad, but it’s every- home, which is why I stay home—a lot. the center of my mom’s life. If I’m invited some- that I was staying at someone else’s house. He re- one in Iran. I realized that I didn’t have it that bad Fortunately, my dad lets me go to high school where I have to go to the calendar and sift through minded my dad that kids didn’t have sleepovers in because I could actually go out with my friends dances when I ask but never without the usual the squiggles written in Farsi, and look through Iran and that it wasn’t right for a child to not be in and my parents let them come over. questions: “Why do you want to go to the dance? the appointment cards and invites taped all over his or her parents’ home at night. I was so angry I learned about my family’s history and what Do you have a date? We didn’t have dances when to make sure I truly am free. I can’t read Farsi, that I didn’t speak to my dad for a week. they went through during the revolution, when we were younger.” He relaxes his rules for school so I have to wait until my mom comes home to As I got older, my dad’s strictness extended to the monarchy was overthrown and replaced by a dances because I’m in the safety of the school and read the illegible markings. other things. In middle school, it was all the rage strict Islamic republic. The revolutionary govern- its chaperones. When the Junior-Senior Prom The calendar said we were free but my cousins to go to the Sherman Oaks Galleria and watch a ment took her family’s house. It made me more came around I wasn’t allowed to go to the after from Paris would be here. My mom reminded me movie. When people would invite me I was ex- appreciative and proud of my family. I respected party. Instead, I came home at midnight, put on that I was a host to my cousins. Oddly enough, cited but I was never allowed to go. My parents my parents for keeping their values when they sweatpants under my prom dress, and sat on after I realized that I wouldn’t be going to my didn’t want me hanging out in a mall at 10 at came to the United States. the couch and watched TV. I didn’t think about friend’s debut, I didn’t feel that bad. I love my night after seeing a movie, because they didn’t My grandma, or Mommyjan, told me how sneaking out. I respect my parents enough to cousins and was really excited to spend time not disobey them. with them. I didn’t argue or sulk. I knew that my family is more important. I began to see my parents’ perspective in the i feel like i’m missing out on I’m Iranian but I was born in America. Irani- typical high school memories an and American cultures feel like complete op- winter of eighth grade, when I visited Iran I understand where my parents are coming posites. Iranian culture is stricter than the way from but I want to be a normal teenager too. High my friends live. It’s been a tug-o-war but I love for the first time since I was a child. My mom school is supposed to be about experiences and my family and my culture and my life. trying new things and I haven’t been able to do When I was a kid, I thought being Iranian helped me understand that the sleepover that. I don’t want to be that 30-year-old who nev- was the coolest thing ever because I was differ- er stayed out late and had fun with her friends. ent from the other kids at school. I learned to thing is not just my dad, but it’s everyone I understand that the independence I ask for is speak Farsi before I learned English. The big Ira- not a part of our culture, but we don’t live in Iran. nian holiday Norooz celebrates the Iranian New in Iran. I realized that I didn’t have it that I wish my dad would trust me when I deserve Year, which begins on the first day of spring. My it. But then I understand that my parents are mom would come to my class before the New bad because I could actually go out with my strict because their parents were strict so it’s all Year. She would explain the table setting by go- they know. They’re not trying to ruin my social ing through each item on the table and explain- friends and my parents let them come over. life; they’re looking to the future and the adult ing the symbolism. My classmates would say, I’ll become. “That’s so cool! It’s better than Christmas! I wish A lot of people think that Iranian women are I was Persian.” want me to be “loose on the streets” as my dad hard it was for my dad to go to college and work oppressed and subordinate to men and to some described it. My parents also were selective about in America, and how hard it was to adapt to the extent they are. However, at its core, Islam aims my dad banned sleepovers the friends I could hang out with. I wasn’t allowed new culture and language. I began to appreciate to respect and protect women. Traditional Irani- Pretty soon, though, I began to realize how to go to birthday parties, beach trips or amuse- why he’s so protective of us. He came here with ans believe in keeping their women safe from bad strict Iranian culture is. In third grade, I went over ment parks if they didn’t approve of the friends I nothing. He’s trying to keep us safe. influences. One of my dad’s methods is making to my best friend Simone’s house for a slumber was going with. I always put up a fight and would I still complained when he told me I couldn’t sure that my family doesn’t lead separate lives. party. My dad didn’t have a problem with it be- say, “You don’t even know my friends. If you knew do something, but the Iran trip made me fight back We have dinner together every night. Even if I cause he knew Simone and was close friends with them you’d like them!” But it always went in one a little less. My dad isn’t trying to be mean. He’s don’t want to eat I still have to come and sit. At her parents. We ate pizza, stayed up late, watched ear and out the other with my parents. overprotective because he believes it’s right. the table we discuss what we did that day. We movies and painted our nails. It was fun. When But I began to see my parents’ perspective in In high school my friends were becoming are first and foremost a family and family al- I got home he said that I wouldn’t be allowed to the winter of eighth grade, when I visited Iran for more independent but I was still stuck in my dad’s ways comes first. sleep over anymore and that he shouldn’t have the first time since I was a child. My mom took bubble. My dad is a typical Persian dad—strict, Like in June, when my friend had a going- let me go that one time. I was shocked. I hadn’t me to her old middle school and house. She told protective, stubborn and old school. He still acts away party because she was going to Lebanon done anything wrong and I didn’t understand me about her experiences in Catholic school (my as though we lived in Iran 30 years ago. for the summer. But we were going out to dinner what would make my dad change his mind. After family is Muslim but my parents went to Cath- Junior year, when I got my license, I thought the with my aunt, my dad’s sister, so I had to go to the I locked myself in my room, my mom came to ex- olic schools because it was the best education freedom would be amazing. But my curfew was 11 party late and could stay for only an hour. When plain why my dad had done a 180. My dad’s child- in Iran) and what she did with her friends. The p.m. and I couldn’t drive on the freeway. I couldn’t I finally showed up I interrupted a movie. Some hood Catholic school teacher, Father Larcher, had most exciting thing they would do was get ice do the fun, late-night things my friends did. Pret- of my friends were not happy having to pause the been staying with us. She said that Father Larch- cream. My mom helped me understand that the ty much, if it starts after 9 p.m. I might as well stay movie while everyone talked. It was uncomfort-

l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com Illustration by Lily Clark, 16, Immaculate Heart HS

able. I felt out of the loop because I hadn’t been there the whole time. Because of moments like these there are a lot of inside jokes that I don’t get. On top of that it’s never nice when I see a photo album on Facebook of a day my friends spent together and I couldn’t go. When I tell my friends I’m going to Hawthorne for the day to be with my aunt, they don’t understand why I don’t just skip it to hang out. “It’s not like you never see her. What’s one missed trip to Hawthorne?” I say, “I have to go because she’s my aunt and my cousins are expecting me.” More importantly I want to go. My cousins are 6 and 9 years old and I want to see them and I know they look forward to seeing me too.

with kebob and belly dancers, my family knows how to party Even though I don’t do things other teenagers do, I do special things Persians do. Two summers ago we celebrated my dad’s 50th birthday. It was a huge bash with catering and a DJ that didn’t end until 3 a.m. My mom even hired belly dancers for entertainment. It was really fun. Most of my cousins were here from out of town. I had my entire family come over early. We were all getting ready, doing each other’s makeup, straight- ening each other’s hair, dressing up. The food came in, kebob of course, and it smelled amazing. My mom was in her five-inch heels taking fruit outside. When the party started and it got dark, it was fun. The whole time we were dancing and eating. It was nice to see my dad having a good time. This was fun dad, having fun with his friends, dancing and joking around with the belly dancers. When everyone left, my closest family members and I all hung out in the backyard. I was in sweatpants and we’d all kicked off our shoes. We sat around the fire pit and talked about the night. We opened the gifts and gossiped about who wore what. I thought to myself, “What other family does this?” It’s not always bad that our lives are not separated. I had fun and it was better than our school dances. If I weren’t Iranian, I wouldn’t have been a part of that. I love that I have a big family and we’re all involved in each other’s lives. I may whine and com- plain and sometimes I admit I’m a total brat about the rules I have to follow. It can be hard being Ira- nian but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Going to Iran in December brought Yasamin and her dad closer together.

www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth cover story

By Esteban Garcia 17, Warren HS (Downey)

I believe again was raised Catholic. Crucifixes and portraits of Jesus and Mary hung on the walls in my house and my family never I thought religion was pointless missed church on Sunday. I was also taught to pray before Ibed every night. until a church retreat reconnected But in middle school, I got exposed to new ideas. In life science class we learned about evolution—the theory that modern me with my Catholic faith species emerged from millions of years of natural selection. This clashed with the Biblical story of how the Earth was created in six days. The Bible’s version of creation was based on stories. Evolu- tion made more sense to me because it was based on scientific data and logic. So things like Jesus turning water into wine sud- denly seemed absurd. The immaculate conception—absolutely no sperm and yet a child? It was mindboggling to me that people could believe in those things. I started to feel that I couldn’t belong to a group that held those beliefs. I started to make sarcastic comments about the Church whenever it was the topic of conversation around the din- ing table or at family parties. I criticized my family members’ constant prayer and traditional Catholic practices. Confession seemed especially ridiculous. “What’s the point of telling your sins to another person? If we’re supposed to be close to God why don’t we just tell him directly?” I’d ask. To these things my mom would respond with: “It just is.” I still went to church every Sunday, though, because not going would cause problems. But the sermons were meaningless to me, so my mind wandered. And the hint of conserva- tive politics in the priest’s words only hard- ened my resolve to separate myself from the Church. Eventually I came to the conclu- sion that I was an atheist. I didn’t believe in any god.

my political views were opposite of the church’s I started supporting abortion rights and marriage for same-sex couples. Part of this was because I wanted to oppose what I saw as backward Catholic doctrine. I also believed that legal equality was the ultimate good. In high school, studying evolution again made atheism even more appealing to me. And in history class, learning about the brutality of the Spanish Inquisition (in which people were put on trial for not being Catholic) and the way European settlers forced Native Americans to convert, reinforced my view of the Catholic Church as hypocritical. When I started high school I began two years of weekly confirmation classes. Confirmation is when Catholics affirm their faith and accept the spiritual leadership of the Church. It’s made when we’re old enough to fully understand what the faith is. Everyone in my family had been confirmed, so I didn’t have a choice. Thankfully, the confirmation classes were easy. Illustration by We had a final retreat last March, one month before we’d all Nadi Khairi, get confirmed. The purpose was to help us deepen our under- 16, Reseda HS standing of the Catholic faith. I dreaded having to spend the

10 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com day surrounded by a religion that was no lon- ular. Whenever he was around us, he joked I opened the first one, a teal envelope con- I was struggling to make sense of every- ger mine. and tried to motivate us to open ourselves to taining a card from my cousin, whom I had thing. But then I realized that faith is not some- The retreat was held at the St. Joseph’s Christ. chosen to be my godmother. I read it and was thing that makes sense. All I know is that I felt Salesian Youth Renewal Center in Rosemead. When the mass began the priest led open- instantly touched by her words. “Don’t let any- Christ that day. I really did. I found something There were about 140 of us ranging from 15 to ing prayers and then they played a video that one or anything ever hold you back. With God I had refused to look for, something I had lost 17 years old. I knew there’d be some Biblical showed scenes of teens with their voices in the and faith, all is possible,” it read. Someone I long ago and had no desire to regain. I found scripture and discussion of the seven gifts of background, proclaiming, “I’m Catholic!” The looked up to and loved was telling me that my faith. the Holy Spirit: fear of the Lord, piety, knowl- video showed five teens explaining the impor- faith was something to be embraced and that After the retreat, I mentioned to my fam- edge, fortitude, counsel, understanding and tance of their faith. ily and friends that I had changed. Everyone wisdom. The idea of a spirit giving us those congratulated me. things seemed silly. I saw that others were Since then, I haven’t let it go. I go to church I thought back to something I’d read that proud to be catholic every Sunday and actually enjoy it. After a said that to know your enemy was priceless. I They were people of all ethnicities united I realized week of stressing about school, listen- decided that my best defense and eventual of- by this massive organization, the Catholic ing to the sermons and being around fense against Catholicism would be my knowl- Church. In several scenes, they seemed that faith is not people united by their shared faith edge of its explanations for its teachings. carefree and friendly, as they were run- recharges me. We started the day standing in a prayer circle ning, biking and doing other activ- something that makes It’s a calm and a reassurance outside. When we moved into the auditorium ities. I couldn’t help but have some that science could never pro- for the first activity, I felt superior to everyone pride in at one time being a mem- sense. All I know is that vide. Science has answered lots in the room. I was a modern person of logic, ber of such a force. I told myself to of questions about the world, but and they subscribed to an outdated and illogi- stop, to ignore it, to not allow my- I felt Christ that day. I found there is still a huge amount we cal faith. I tried to be friendly though—my aunt self to fall prey to what I saw as in- don’t know—like how exactly life was the confirmation coordinator and I didn’t doctrination. Still, the pride in their something I had refused to began and what our purpose is. want to cause any problems. voices seemed genuine. But faith gives me comfort in just The teachers broke us up into groups and Finally, my time to read arrived look for, something I had living. told us to draw things that represented the and I grabbed the microphone, lost long ago and had I pray every night, every morning Catholic faith. I’m competitive and wanted opened the scroll and read. and sometimes during the day. I pray to show some leadership, so I suggested a cir- “You shall live in the land I gave your no desire to regain. for the physical and spiritual health of cle because Catholicism teaches about the fathers; you shall be my people, and I will those around me and I pray for strength Church’s universality. Everyone agreed and be your God … The Word of the Lord.” I found faith. and to stay connected to my faith even when the adult leading our group thanked me. My reading wasn’t anything especially mov- I’m not at church. We added a heart within the circle to show ing but being in front of everyone and having A few months after the retreat, I still could that our faith is the core of who we are, the to present the words of their faith made me not fully accept all the doctrines of the Church, cross to represent the Church and a peace sign feel included. I thought back to the video—to especially on homosexuality, contraceptives to show that religion brings inner and exter- those people faith seemed to be something so she knew I would do a good job of it. and the role of women. When I had rejected Ca- nal peace. fundamental and powerful. It contradicted ev- I opened the next one, from the cousin I tholicism, I knew that there were liberal Catho- We presented the drawing to everyone. I erything I’d held as true for the past two years. had chosen to be my godfather. Reading his lics who held political views different from the rolled my eyes at what others had created. The I saw the Church as a human institution. words, “In life, don’t doubt yourself or shy away Catholic Church. But I couldn’t be that kind of peace sign was everywhere. Some teams yelled As I sat listening to the priest explain that from challenges,” I felt chills but from what I Catholic; to me, it was all or nothing because I out their friends’ names during the presenta- true happiness comes from preserving a strong didn’t know. It was uncontrollable. Something wanted things to be black and white. But now tion. It felt like seventh grade. I felt like I was the faith, I thought about how when I was young- massive was happening but I still remained though, I’ve reconciled my faith with my be- only one who was thinking for myself. er I had felt the contentment of knowing God reluctant. It was pride. I couldn’t accept be- lief that homosexuality is not a sin and with We moved on to other activities that sur- and there was a change in me. I thought back ing absorbed into something I felt I had been my support for abortion in the case of rape or prisingly made the day more tolerable. We did to my First Communion five years before, to disconnected from. Neither of my godparents when the mother’s life is in danger. an activity with a soccer ball and a few others my teachers as my first guides, to sitting in the knew I’d rejected the faith. I understand something I didn’t before: faith that stressed the same ideals: team-building, pews of church on Sunday mornings and ap- I opened the next one, from my mom. She is a mystery that cannot and should not be scru- mutual respect and comfort in faith. preciating the calm and the smells and the hoped that I would find my faith again. tinized. It’s a set of beliefs that are so ingrained After lunch the seats in the activity room warmth of the church. in one’s being that life without it seems impos- had been rearranged into rows in a semi-circle I couldn’t make sense of my feelings. I sat good memories of the sible. I don’t agree with everything but I don’t for mass. There was a small altar at the center in silence, watching the priest. I was an athe- church came back to me worry about it. I’m in God’s hands now. in the front. I sat on the end of the first row, ist and would remain one, I told myself. My At this point, my eyes were moist. I had closest to the altar and to my friends. A white mind screamed. Submitting to faith seemed goose bumps and my heart was racing. Mem- cloth was draped over the altar, with a cup for like a huge step backward. ories of church, of our nativity scene, of paint- the wine (which represents the blood of Christ) I was pulled out of the intensity of my ings of Christ with his arms outstretched, of Esteban says and another cup for the bread (representing thoughts by the sudden movement of all the reading about Christ walking the Via Doloro- wearing a the body of Christ). Before the service began teachers around the room holding stacks of sa (the path through Jerusalem on which he crucifix reminds my teacher asked me if I would read a passage. letters in their hands. Each one handed sever- carried the cross on the way to his crucifixion), him to be I agreed, thinking it was an opportunity to at al letters to their students. I received one, then of our rosary prayers, of the excitement of my humble. least make the service pass by more quickly. another and another. They told us to go out- First Communion, and of my family history She handed me a scroll to read. side and read them. So I did, wanting to leave so strongly intertwined with the faith danced The priest presiding over the mass was pop- the room and clear my mind. in my mind. www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 11 cover story

What role does faith play in your life? L.A. Youth writers share whether religion is important to them friends and family to the hymns at prayer services, are my support but I never felt a connection ven though I was raised a to a higher power and didn’t ECatholic and have attended want to practice Catholicism. I Catholic school, I don’t practice. also don’t like to believe things I believe in God but rarely attend without scientific proof. I think church and don’t pray. I don’t it’s more rational to believe things believe that prayer will answer my that are grounded in logic and wishes and questions. It’s so much observation rather than rely on easier to talk with someone about faith alone, so I don’t believe my problems rather than some god in God. Still, if any scientific I can’t see. evidence proves there is a God or I respect those who look to Brett Hicks Hani Mokhammad Jessica Kwon if circumstances in my life lead God for support and answers, but me to spirituality, I’m open to I have my family and friends to changing my mind. help me with my problems, so I Lia Dun, 17, Marshall HS don’t need God. When I was 13 my grandmother died. She was 100. Right and wrong should That was really hard on me. I was come naturally really close to her and I wasn’t sure eligion plays no part in my what to do. After the funeral my Rlife. My mom has taught me uncle played videos he’d recorded what’s right and wrong without of her talking about her life and quoting the Bible or using what she’d been through. It made religion as a reason. When I need us feel like she was there. That guidance, I analyze the situation Kevin Ko Lia Dun Stanton Ellison helped me get over her death. I I am in. I have friends who do loved watching those videos. I was drugs and I find it easier to say no grateful my uncle did that for us. prayer got me I feel that in every moment of I die. If I am able to live my life for when I think about how it would Brett Hicks, 18, Loyola HS through hard times my life, God is showering me with God and Jesus Christ, I will go to affect me. If I got caught I’d get turn to Jesus when I need his love. Knowing this, I work hard, heaven. Even if heaven is not real, in trouble with my mom and it’s islam is peaceful Isomeone to help me. At those feel happy and enjoy life. which is totally against my beliefs, illegal so if I got stopped by the t’s hard to be a Muslim when moments, I like to talk to him so Jessica Kwon, 15, Bravo I will die knowing that I was police I’d get arrested. Iyou live in America. You’re not that he will make things better. Medical Magnet HS humble enough to not live my life I think the message of religion allowed to drink alcohol. You’re not When I was in second grade as a self-centered person. is good—how to live morally and allowed to eat pork because pigs my mom left my dad, and she took religion guides me Kevin Ko, 15, Wilson HS that things will turn out OK if you are dirty. It was hard in elementary me and my brother to a shelter aith plays a huge role in my life. (Hacienda Heights) have the right attitude and faith. school because pepperoni pizza to live for a month. After leaving FAs a Catholic, I go to church But I choose not to be a part of it was everywhere. I have to wake up the shelter, life got complicated twice a week. My faith helps me it’s hard for me to because it causes a lot of conflict. at dawn and pray. Sometimes my because we moved around a lot. make decisions. Something like believe without proof Many religions are opposed to mom has to drag me out of bed! I wanted to cry, and I wanted cussing might not seem like much ’ve never practiced a religion. technological advances like stem But I like my religion because it’s someone to know what was going to most people, but it’s serious to IMy parents aren’t religious and cell research, which could help peaceful. You pray and read the on. So I prayed to Jesus seeking me. Because of my faith, I have have never talked to me about people with terminal illnesses. Qur’an to learn about the past. I hope and strength to deal with my cut back on my cussing. I follow their spirituality. So I have been Religion is also a cause of some hate like that there is no discrimination problems. the morals the Catholic faith has free to decide what I believe. I crimes. Even though the message is of people of different cultures. We Gradually, Jesus answered my given me, because I know I am a think some religious services can good I don’t think you need religion respect everybody even if you’re prayers by stabilizing my life. My better person when I follow them be moving. My parents sent me to to know how to live morally; it not Muslim. parents eventually divorced and I and that makes me proud of who a Catholic middle school because should come naturally. Hani Mokhammad, 15, no longer had to live with constant I am. Catholicism also gives me they thought it was strong Stanton Ellison, 17, Pacific Coast HS fighting and I worried less, too. something to look forward to when academically. I enjoyed listening West L.A. College

12 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com A mirror reflects what you look like on the outside but can’t fully capture who you are. l.a.youth We want to know how you see yourself— the you on the inside. It could be what you’re passionate about—maybe it’s music, sports, activism or school. Or it could be the side of you that others don’t always see— Art Contest: the part that is 1st pla ce creative or cares about others or $75 The real me is proud of your 2nd & culture. Show 3rd pla us the real you. $50 ce rules

1) Contest entries must be original artwork of Los Angeles County youth ages 13 to 19.

2) The work may be done in any medium, including acrylics, oils, charcoal, pencil, pen, watercolor, collage, multimedia, photography or sculpture. The dimensions should be 8 1/2” by 11”. Three-dimensional artwork should include a photograph of the artwork.

3) Each artist may submit only one entry.

4) The artist’s name, age, address and phone number should be included on the back of the artwork. If the artist is in school, the school’s name should be included. If the artwork was created as an assigned project in a classroom, the teacher’s name should be listed. Artwork will be returned if a return address is provided.

The teen staff of L.A. Youth will select a first-, second- and third-place winner as well as some honorable mentions. The first-place winner and his or her teacher will each receive $75. Second- and third-place winning students and teachers will each receive $50. Winners and honorable mentions will be published in the May-June 2010 issue of L.A. Youth newspaper and on www.layouth.com.

Questions? Contact (323) 938-9194 or [email protected].

Send your submission to:

artwork from l.a. youth archives L.A. Youth 5967 W. Third St., Suite 301 DEADLINE: March 31, 2010 Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 13 CAexplTEorGORingYH L.A.ERE

By Ashley Hansack 16, King Drew HS

y house is boring. My mom is always at work and my sisters are never around so I have noth- All the places we go ing to do. I only stay home on Sundays when I do my homework, clean or paint. But I take the train to the Museum of Con- since I live in Compton, I don’t feel safe in temporary Art with friends the first Sun- my neighborhood. There are fast-food day of every month when they have restaurants and stores but nothing fun. family days since we can get in for free. The train lets me escape and explore. We tour the museum and get to do an art I have been taking the train for five project at the end. I like looking at the art years. I’ve learned that it’s fast and con- because they have a lot of weird stuff, like venient. I live about two miles from the a mirror that was cracked in the middle. I Blue Line Imperial station. With my $24 was thinking, “I could make that. Why is monthly student pass, I get unlimited this here? How is this special?” access to all the Metro buses and trains. The cool thing about the train is I like taking the train because it gives me that it connects to other train lines, freedom. My mom is not able to drive me which lets you see different parts of places since she works so much. the city. The Gold Line runs from During the week, I take the Union Station northeast to train to P.E.P. L.A., an Pasadena and now east to HIV/AIDS peer edu- East L.A. The Red Line cation program in goes from downtown West Hollywood, to Hollywood. The and to a commu- Purple goes from nity center in Kore- Union Station to atown to volunteer Koreatown and and get SAT prep. the Green goes But I really have from Norwalk to fun on the weekends. several beaches. My favorite place to go When I don’t know is downtown. I take the how to get somewhere, train to Macy’s Plaza in front I go to mta.net, type in my of the 7th Street station to do some starting and end point and get times shopping at Borders or Victoria’s Secret, and routes. I hardly ever get lost. or get something to eat at the food court. Recently, my friends and I took a trip With 25 cents, you can take the DASH to Long Beach to hang out. We hard- bus from the station to get to the Fash- ly spent any money and still managed ion District. Since I like making accesso- to have fun. We rode the ferris wheel ries like messenger bags and earrings, I at The Pike, which was only two bucks, love going there because of all the deals ate at Sharky’s, a Mexican restaurant, on jewelry supplies and fabrics. I also go went to Gameworks and walked down to the American Apparel factory because the boardwalk. These were my friends the clothes are cheaper and the store is from middle school and I hardly get to huge. see them now since we all go to differ- The downtown library is three blocks ent schools. We had a good time catch- away from the 7th Street station. The li- ing up, laughing at the guy skating on brary is so huge you can get lost, in a ice dressed up as a giant shrimp, rolling good way. down a hill, and our usual random talks. The train lets me see Los Angeles in my own way because I get to go to places I want to. Long Beach has attractions, restaurants and movies. Downtown has Ashley says shopping, art and community events. that having People from all over Los Angeles ride cheap fun is easier than the train. They’re friendly and you get to you think. see people from different backgrounds. Riding the train is one of my favorite things to do. Go to mta.net for schedules and routes. From Hollywood to Long Beach, I like exploring the city on the train

14 l.a.youth January-February 2010 All the places we go

Ashley Hansack, 16, King Drew HS, and her friends recently took the Blue Line train to Long Beach and spent the day exploring. With Ashley are Jacky Garcia, 17, Lynwood HS; Edgar Mejia, 16, Venice HS; and Carla Love, 17, Ouchi HS. Photos by Luisa Mendoza, 16, Lynwood HS

From Hollywood to Long Beach, I like exploring the city on the train

January-February 2010 l.a.youth 15 sexual health

Why didn’t I learn this in sex ed? Since my health class wasn’t informative, I’ve tried to get answers on my own

By Meklit Gebre-Mariam But you can get an STD your first time. Degrassi 16, University HS showed that sex wasn’t some embarrassing thing I couldn’t talk about. But it was still something that took health class two years ago in the summer I didn’t know a lot about. and it was, well, I’m not sure exactly how to de- scribe it. Class consisted of an excited teach- TV and biology class Ier describing his sexual experiences from his taught me about stds teens to early adulthood to a mortified group of What I know about AIDS and HIV—how it’s con- students. I can’t remember a single useful thing I tracted (through unprotected sex) and how to pro- learned about sex. tect yourself (using condoms, abstaining from sex), I’ll never forget the day our teacher stood on top came from ninth grade biology. One day in class of his desk and demonstrated how an Aztec wom- each student was given a Post-it with either a star or an gave birth while taking her rage out on her hus- triangle on it. We had to shake hands with five dif- band. He flailed his arms around like a lunatic, and ferent people and write down their symbol. Shak- then we had to endure a few moments of painful ing hands represented unprotected sex. The triangle silence until the class finally erupted in laughter. stood for HIV. By the end of the period, most of the But I don’t remember the reason for the detailed class had shaken hands with someone with a trian- display or how it related to the lesson. gle, symbolizing that they’d “contracted” HIV. It was Since this was a health class, we also talked about scary to see how fast it spread. It made me realize drugs and healthy eating. But I feel as if we spent how serious and easily contracted HIV is. more time learning about marijuana than learn- Everything I know (which isn’t much) about ing about birth control. We never learned how to another STD, syphilis, comes from House, a show put on a condom. We once briefly discussed a few about an arrogant doctor who solves medical mys- sexually transmitted diseases but I don’t remem- teries. One of House’s patients contracted it years ber which ones. I was going to be a freshman that before in her 20s. He prescribed some antibiotics. fall and being surrounded by juniors and seniors, So, syphilis can be easily treated. I was way too scared to ask anything. And at the As for getting information about sex from my time I didn’t mind not knowing. I was 13 and I didn’t family? I live in a Christian home and I don’t feel plan on having sex anytime soon so why bother comfortable talking to my parents about it. I know learning it? if I really wanted to, I could ask my mom but I don’t Now I’m a junior and Degrassi has been my sex think I could bear the awkward conversation. education for the last four years. Degrassi, a Cana- Even though I don’t know a lot, I feel I have more dian teen drama on TeenNick, is about growing up reliable information than my friends who are sex- and high school. They don’t just briefly mention sex, ually active. I know girls my age who are sexually drugs and alcohol but go into detail. The plots re- active who don’t know how a condom is supposed volving around sex and drugs aren’t made to glam- to be properly stored; condoms kept in wallets and orize them but to tell the truth. This show became glove compartments become easier to break, a fact I my sex ed because it was so real. Some of the char- learned recently at an L.A. Youth staff meeting (con- acters on the show had a tough time figuring out doms should be stored in a cool, dry place). When I if they wanted to have sex for the first time. When told a friend, she was shocked. “Really?” she said. I started high school I saw kids going through the “I know, I can’t believe it either,” I said. same things as on the show. There were friends of “Wow,” she whispered. mine deciding whether or not they would stay vir- I could tell why she was worried. gins and even a few went through pregnancy scares. My friends also don’t understand that people I’m not even sure if I’d heard of the STD gonorrhea with certain STDs may not know they have them before one of the characters on the show got it the because they don’t have visible symptoms. When I first time she had sex. Degrassi also changed my told my sexually active friend she should get tested views on people with STDs. I had been judgmen- for STDs, she said the guy she did it with “doesn’t tal. I assumed anyone who had an STD was a slut. have any.”

16 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com “Did he tell you he was a virgin?” I asked. they’re really easy to cure. It’s a simple “He’s not,” she replied. urine test, so a person pees in a cup. It’s “Then why would you think he doesn’t have sent to a lab, if it comes back positive, then an STD?” Sexual health Q&A the person gets a dose of antibiotics and “There was nothing,” she said, a little an- the infection is gone. But for females, 75 noyed. I dropped the conversation but it both- percent of the time for chlamydia, there ered me. Her “there was nothing” implied “it are no symptoms. Unless a person gets didn’t look like he had one,” which wasn’t good tested they may not have any idea they enough for me. I get that it’s scary to take a test have the infection. The Centers for Disease but it’s even scarier to find out you have an STD Control and Prevention (CDC) is saying that you could have been treated for earlier. over 50 percent of infertility in the U.S. is The things I know but my friends don’t, I due to untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea have TV to thank for. But television doesn’t infections. So, it can have pretty significant cover everything. I still have a ton of questions: health consequences if left untreated. Why are condoms only 98 percent effective? We recommend that once anybody be- When they say condoms slip, is it because it Interview by STDs. Now you’re talking about at what age comes sexually active, that they ask for an wasn’t put on correctly or is it because the con- Meklit Gebre-Mariam do people begin to explore sexually. I don’t STD screening every six months. The CDC dom itself is slippery? Why do some girls’ first 16, University HS know if I can answer that exactly. I can say recommends once a year. times hurt and not others? Is it because some and Yulin Qing that by the 12th grade, about 70 percent of have already broken their hymen (a thin mem- 17, Santa Monica College teens have had vaginal sex. Are girls or guys more likely to get a brane that covers the vagina)? sexually transmitted disease and why? I tried to do some research for this article on y friend Yulin and I went Can you get pregnant if you have sex Both girls and guys are likely to get STDs the Internet. But I hate searching this stuff. The to Planned Parenthood under water? Yes. This is a really common and the reasons for that are varied. There thought of seeing a picture of an STD break- Mbecause we wanted to talk question. There are two parts to this is a really high rate of STDs among teens out scares the heck out of me. And yes I may be to someone who could answer our question. One of the questions we get a between the ages of 14-19. Partly because overly dramatic, but I don’t know what to ex- questions. We interviewed Diane lot is if people are in a pool and the male they’re very contagious. A lot of times they pect because I didn’t learn this in school. Medsker, who goes to schools ejaculates, will the semen travel through the have no symptoms. Unfortunately, girls educating teens about sexual pool to find a female body and that answer are more easily infected than guys are we deserve better sex ed health. Before the interview we is no. But if a male and female are having because female anatomy is internal and I should have had better sex ed. And it’s not asked our classmates to write vaginal sex in a pool, the water isn’t going to that’s the environment, which is moist just me; many of my friends didn’t learn much down their most embarrassing sex have any affect on the ability of the sperm and dark, where bacteria really thrive. in their sex ed classes either. I should have had questions. We hope these answers to swim up inside the cervix into the uterus Also, if there are symptoms, they tend to a sex ed class that had in-depth discussions help teens become more informed [which can still lead to pregnancy]. be very mild and they’re hard to see or feel about STDs and the different ways teens can so they know how to protect until that infection has traveled inside the protect themselves. We should have had some- themselves. Go to layouth.com Is it OK to have sex while on your body and caused some significant health one come from Planned Parenthood to ex- for answers to more questions. period? The most important thing to consequences. Guys’ external anatomy plain the different services offered for teens know is that it’s not necessarily a safe time is surrounded by air, by light; if there are at a health clinic. In the end, we should have What are common questions you get to have unprotected sex. I know that’s a symptoms, they are more easily seen [but been well informed and confident in the in- when you talk to teens? There are lots of myth that a lot of young people believe. not all STDs have visible symptoms]. formation we had learned. myths around pregnancy. Can a female Sperm can live in the body from three to I know that I won’t have sex in high school so get pregnant the first time? Yes. For some five days; it’s possible that if somebody Can you get an STD from anal or oral why do I care if my questions are answered? The reason, that’s a universal myth that the first had a long period that was six or seven sex? Anybody can get an STD from anal, closest example I can come up with is an earth- time is safe. It’s not. If there’s sperm and an days and they had unprotected sex during oral or vaginal sex—males and females. quake. You’re not planning for an earthquake egg present, pregnancy is possible. that last day of that period [they could get but, you have canned food and water bottles in pregnant]. Sperm could live in the body Do you need your parents’ permission your kitchen so at least you know you’ll be pre- Are there physical changes after for up to five days and ovulation might to get tested for an STD or pregnancy? pared for one. If my questions are not answered having sex? No. The underlying question take place then. It’s not a safe time. Even No. The state of California is really clear. now, then when? I don’t know about everyone is, “Is anyone going to know?” or “Can if she’s not worried about pregnancy, you This law has been on the books since else but I’d rather not be up the night before my somebody tell if I’ve had sex?” The answer can still transmit STDs if the person isn’t 1953, that a minor may legally access wedding reading Sex for Dummies. is no. using a condom. reproductive health care services and it must be kept confidential. Now, with that What’s the common age to lose What’s the most common STD? I don’t said, we always encourage teens to talk virginity? That’s a term I’m not really know what the most common STD is for to their parents. We feel really strongly comfortable with. There are so many men. Herpes is a very common one in about parent-child communication. Meklit hopes different definitions of virginity. A lot of both. For females, for bacterial infections, However, we do know there are some teens will take young people might say “I’m a virgin” and the most common are chlamydia and families where that doesn’t take place. In sex ed more may only equate virginity with vaginal sex. gonorrhea. For viruses, HPV and herpes that case we recommend talking through seriously. So they may not realize if they’re engaging are the most common. Chlamydia and really important decisions with a trusted in oral sex or anal sex, they’re still at risk for gonorrhea, because they’re bacterial, adult.

www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 17 survey

What are the biggest 1 Are you 7 problems in your community? (Mark all that apply) ■ Male Take our ■ Female ■ Gang violence ■ Drug use ■ Underage drinking How old ■ Not enough public transportation survey! 2 are you? ______■ There isn’t enough healthy food to buy ■ There’s not enough for teens to do ■ Tagging You could be one of three to win $100 What is your ethnicity? ■ I sometimes don’t feel safe in my neighborhood 3 (Mark all that apply) ■ Domestic violence by answering our questions about ■ White ■ Black ■ Latino ■ Asian ■ I feel things are good in my community ■ Other (write in) ______■ Other (write in) ______the biggest issues facing teens ______

o one said it was easy being a teen, especially these days What are your current What are the biggest with the struggling economy. The state is spending less 4 living arrangements? 8 issues facing teens? money on education and it’s hard to get a job because ■ Living with parent(s) (Select the top three) ■ Living with relatives businesses aren’t hiring as much. Teens also face problems ■ Drugs and alcohol N ■ Living with foster parents/ ■ Teen pregnancy that have always been around, from gang violence living in a group home ■ Cyber bullying to being a victim of gossip. L.A. Youth wants ■ Detention center ■ Bullies and fights ■ Other (write in) ______■ Gang violence to know more about what problems ______■ Smoking teens see at their schools and in their ■ Gossip ■ Being stereotyped communities. We want to know what Where do you ■ Graduating from high school attend school? is happening in your life and what 5 ■ College is important to you. What are your WIN ■ Public ■ Other (write in) ______■ Private ______concerns about your future? And what ■ Parochial in your life makes you happy? Three 100 ■ Nonpublic about you $ ■ Continuation entries will be randomly chosen to What are your biggest ■ I don’t attend school receive $100. To enter, fill out this survey 9 concerns about your future? (Mark all the apply) and mail it to L.A. Youth. Or you can WHAT YOU SEE IN also take this survey online (check for the YOUR COMMUNITY ■ The cost of college ■ I won’t be accepted at college link at layouth.com). Please fill out the survey only once on What are the biggest ■ Getting help to get into college paper or online. The deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010. 6 problems at your school? ■ Getting a job (Mark all that apply) ■ Staying safe ■ Peer pressure ■ Overcrowded classrooms Mail survey to: H L.A. Youth, 5967 W. 3rd St. Ste. 301, Los Angeles CA 90036 ■ Other (write in) ______■ Poor quality teachers ______■ Not enough extracurriculars To be eligible for the drawing to win $100, please fill in all of the ■ Not enough guidance counselors ■ Not enough college counseling following information and the questions at right. Your information What do you feel ■ Not enough security guards 10 good about in your will be kept confidential. It is used only to mail checks to winning ■ Students who aren’t motivated or are disruptive life? (Mark all the apply) ■ Low expectations for the future entrants. The deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010. ■ My grades ■ The food isn’t healthy enough ■ Relationships with my parents ■ Students using drugs and alcohol on campus Name ______■ Relationships with my friends ■ Fighting and violence ■ Girlfriend/Boyfriend School ______Grade ______■ Cyber bullying ■ My extracurriculars ■ Harassment ■ My faith Home street address ______■ The campus isn’t kept clean ■ Volunteering ■ People spreading gossip ■ My job City ______Zip ______■ I feel things are good at my school ■ My future ■ Other (write in) ______■ Other (write in) ______Phone ( ) ______

18 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com CAIntTeErGORestYsHERE

By Caitlin Bryan ed to realize dancing was a way to express my- 17, Valley Alternative Magnet School self and feel free from school and stress. This (Van Nuys) was not just a hobby I did because my family was involved in CIHA; I was dancing because remember my first big powwow two years it was a part of me. I have fun being out there ago. There were more than 100 dancers in and being with people who have the same in- the dance arena. I was shocked to see so terests as me. I always have the biggest smile Imany people dancing. The women were when I’m dancing. wearing brightly colored skirts and capes with fringe. The men were in bright shirts with rib- i don’t mind if some people bons and beaded moccasins. It was the Autry don’t accept me at powwows Museum’s annual powwow, which is a gath- Since I’m not Native American, some peo- ering of people to dance, sing and just have ple think I shouldn’t dance in this style. A few fun. years ago, at a Pala Indian Casino powwow, I During the inter-tribal dance, everyone was was dancing during an inter-tribal dance where invited out. I was nervous because I didn’t know everyone is welcome. I was wearing my regalia, a lot of people. I was worried the Native Amer- which is like a costume. For fancy shawl danc- icans wouldn’t accept me dancing because I ers the costumes are supposed to stand out, was the only white girl. My dad pushed me out with bold colors and designs. I wore a white on the dance floor. I waited for the beat and shirt and a purple skirt with ribbons. I had my started dancing. I imagined I was the only one purple cape with white butterflies on my back, there, as I listened to the drums and singers. and my shawl. I heard a group of Native Amer- Then I started having fun. I was doing a simple ican teenagers giggling and saying, “Oh look crisscross routine. I wore a shirt, pants and I at that white girl trying to dance like us.” As I had my shawl. I had been dancing in this style danced backwards I saw them cracking up. I my whole life. I felt like I was part of the Native was trying to focus on my footwork and con- American world. centrate on the music. The song ended and I am not Native American but I grew up I stopped dancing. I was hurt for a few min- belonging to an organization called CIHA utes. Then I thought, “At least I was dancing. (California Indian Hobbyist Association), a They were just walking around.” It didn’t mat- group that participates in Native American ter what they thought, as long as I was having dancing, music and customs. When my dad fun, that’s all I cared about. joined CIHA he got my brothers and I involved. Sometimes I get compliments. At the Autry I started dancing when I was 2 years old. powwow a group of Native American girls came up to me and asked me if I was Native i was interested in tribal history My favorite style American. I told them no. Then they asked me When I was younger I loved hearing stories how I learned to dance. I told them about CIHA. of the Native Americans and as I got older I read They told me that I was good and danced just books about the Dakota, Lakota, Cherokee and of dance like them. It made feel like they were saying I other tribes. I wanted to learn about the culture I’ve spent years learning traditional should continue dancing. and became fascinated by the stories. I have taken dance classes, like modern But dancing is my favorite part of the cul- Native American dance dance, and I am interested in learning oth- ture. I have always loved dancing. When I er styles of dance like modern, jazz and hip- was little I fooled around dancing during the hop, but I like Native American dancing best. monthly CIHA powwows. There are a lot of In most styles of dancing, you have a choreog- different types of dances and they come from Caitlin likes the Native American dance style called fancy shawl because it is upbeat rapher and you have to do what they say, but different tribes. I wanted to be a fancy shawl and lets her be creative. Photo by Jasper Nahid, 15, New Roads School (Santa Monica) with Native American dancing you are your dancer. own choreographer and you have more free- Fancy shawl, nicknamed the butterfly During CIHA powwows, two girls who were beat or if I messed up my footing. There is al- dom to do what works best for you. I know I dance, looks like a butterfly gracefully float- a few years older than me, Heather and Kelcy, so jumping and spinning, and it was hard for will continue to dance, because dancing makes ing through the sky. The Cherokee legend is would pull me aside and teach me steps. The me to hold onto the shawl, jump, dance and me happy. that a butterfly lost her mate in a battle and was basic step is a crisscross, kind of like hopscotch, spin at the same time. Fancy shawl is an in- upset. Every day her family asked if she was OK but crossing your feet one in front of the other. dividual dance. You can come up with a step and she would say yes. One day she went on a You’re always on your toes. Your arms are out and no one will have the same movement. trip. When walking she looked down and she as if you were pretending to be an airplane. It I love fancy shawl because I can be creative Caitlin suggests felt better and began to dance. When she went takes a while to get the timing with the music. with my footwork. I like to dance to fast songs going to a powow home she told them how her journey healed You can add in turns and spins. and I like the spinning. It feels like an adren- if you have the her. The dance is an expression of renewal and At home I practiced in my room. I played aline rush. chance because thanks for new seasons, life and beginnings. music on the CD player. The music had drum- As I listened more to the music and was get- you’ll have fun. The dance is very upbeat, and the dancer nev- ming and singing in a Native American lan- ting the timing down, I started dancing better. er seems to touch the ground. guage. I would get frustrated if I was off the People would say good job. I was 13 and start- www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 19 foster care

Making peace with my past After being abused, I took my anger out on everybody until I got help

By Juliana Salas 15, Logsdon School (Rosemead)

have had a lot of sad things happen to me. My mom passed away when I was 7. I was abused by my grandmother. I didn’t have a chance to talk about how I felt so over time my anger built up inside me. II’d go off on people and curse at them. At the group home I’m at now I learned to express Illustration myself and get my feelings out. I don’t have by Tiffany Chen, as much anger. I don’t hold on to my past as 17, Walnut HS much anymore. When my mom passed away, me and my four sisters went into foster care because my dad was in jail. We went to live with my grand- parents. They added on two rooms and a bathroom so the house would be bigger and we all could stay there. I was excited that we got to stay together. My grandma treated us like we were princesses. She would buy us nice clothes and always told us she loved us. But after a year she changed. She started smoking around us and drinking at night after dinner. When she was drinking she would yell a lot and then she started hitting us. It could have been the pressure from having to take care of so many kids but I don’t know. When my sisters and I were arguing she would tell us she didn’t love us. My grandpa would tell her to stop and leave us alone but she didn’t care what he said. When I did something wrong, even if it was the littlest thing, like picking on my sisters because they were picking on me, she’d yell, “I wish you were never born.” I would run to my room and start crying. I’d think about my mom. I wished my mom was still in this world and I could go home with her. I didn’t know it was wrong for her to hit me. I

20 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com thought I deserved it because I had done some- never taught to clean my room. They’d tell me I’d still sometimes get frustrated when staff thing wrong so I didn’t tell anyone. I finally re- When I was upset I was going to lose my privileges, like going out would tell me to use my coping skills. It was alized that what she was doing was not right for lunch or to the mall. I’d cuss at them. “You hard and I didn’t always want to. when she started spanking my 2-year-old sis- I would talk to stupid a**holes” or “You stupid b****.” They’d Over the summer I was angry because my ter. I think my older sisters didn’t tell anyone say, “That’s OK, I know you’re mad.” Then I aunt said she didn’t have time to see me. I went because they were scared of my grandma. But I the staff. I’d say, would get even madder because I couldn’t get to Debbie and started talking to her. She said I thought I should tell somebody. I told my social them mad at me. had to stay in my room for an hour because I worker that she was hitting us but he didn’t be- “I’m frustrated was on restriction. I started cussing at her. lieve me because I was a little girl. After a while the staff didn’t give up on me “You never understand me, you stupid I felt, “They’re not going to move me, there’s with so and so.” Later, after I’d calmed down, Sandra P., Sta- b****.” no point in trying anymore.” I was scared we cey, Debbie or Charlene would come and tell “Go ahead, call me anything you want.” weren’t going to get out of there. I noticed that I me, “I know you’re mad but we’re going to get “A**hole.” I was mad at everyone—God, my mom, my through this with you.” Or “I know you can do “I’m always going to be there no matter what grandma. I’d think, “I hate her.” I held my an- wasn’t as angry it.” At first I’d still be really mad and I didn’t you call me.” ger inside of me. want to accept their help. But after thinking I walked away and went to my room. Af- By age 10 I was tired of being hit. I wanted to and I didn’t keep about it for a long time I realized, “Wow, they ter I calmed down I thought, “I’m cursing my escape. I wanted to run far away and tell some- really do care.” No matter how much I hurt staff out again. What am I doing?” I went back body. One afternoon I put my stuff in my back- things bottled up them they kept coming back to help me. to her and apologized. She said, “I’m still there pack and tried to walk out of the house. I got to When they told me to clean my room, I for you kiddo.” I smiled and then I started cry- the door and my grandma grabbed me by my inside of me. I stopped getting so angry. I’d ask, “Can I go to ing out of happiness. I was really happy that hair. “Where do you think you’re going?” “I’m the private safety room, to relax a little before she forgave me. I knew my family wasn’t there leaving,” I said. She punched me on my back felt like being at I clean my room?” They’d take me. It’s a place for me but it made me happy that I had peo- three or four times. I was scared because I knew where you can be alone. I’d sit there or kick ple who were always going to be there for me, that wasn’t going to be the last of it. Later that my group home the wall. It helped me get out my frustration. no matter what. night when she was drinking she got out the When I came back to my room I would pick up belts. She said, “You stupid girl, you’re a dis- was helping me. little things but I still didn’t understand how i’m calm and friendly now grace to our family,” and she started hitting to clean my room. Most of the time I’d throw Every week I see my therapist, Liz. We talk me with the belts. I ran to my room and cried. my stuff into the closet. about my past. She tells me she knows I have a I didn’t understand why she was hitting me. I her in the face. I yelled, “You stupid b****.” She I finally told Stacey why I had trouble clean- lot of losses but I have to look at the bright side. wanted her to talk to me and tell me what I did was screaming for help. My foster mom pulled ing my room. I told her I didn’t know where to Without them I wouldn’t be the calm and re- wrong, like a good parent would do. me off. begin. She said, “I want to help you.” I felt like spectful person I am today. It helped me let go We were finally removed when I was 11 af- My foster mom put me in my room and said I she was my mom. of a lot of my anger. ter my sister told her teachers that she was be- was grounded. Every time her daughter passed She told me to start with my shelves, take ev- I’ve been at Maryvale for a year and a half. I ing abused. The teachers reported it to social by me I’d say, “Stupid idiot, see what you did. erything down and dust, then put everything feel like everything’s different now. I’m friend- workers. After they saw her bruises they came Are you happy now?” back neatly. Then pick up the clothes, shoes ly and strong. I like to introduce myself to peo- to take us away. We packed our stuff and left Four months later my foster mom said she and trash from the floor. I tried and I got a lit- ple. I’m easy to get along with. I talk to the other with the social workers. couldn’t handle the fighting anymore and said tle better each time. I thought, “I can do this.” girls when they have problems. I tell them, “I’m I had to leave. I moved to a group home, which It made me want to get back my privileges. here if you need help.” One time a girl want- i moved a lot because of is a house where you live with other foster youth I’d been there four months when Debbie ed to approach the girl who had started a ru- my bad behavior and adult staff. told me she wanted me to write a list of what I mor about her and asked me to go with her. We were split into three foster homes. For The staff at my group home had an attitude could do instead of yelling and cursing at the I was giving support. She thanked me after- the next three years, I moved around a lot, from of “I don’t care about these kids.” When I had staff. We sat down and made a list of coping ward. It made me feel better knowing that I foster home to group home to foster home to just turned 14, after I’d been there six months, I skills, which are what I can do when I need to helped somebody. group home. I kept getting kicked out because got kicked out of my group home for threaten- use something other than my anger, like go for I’ll never forget what my grandmother did I had a lot of anger and was yelling and fighting the manager. She had called my new social a walk, jump rope, run or make keychains. but I’ve learned to forgive. If you hold grudges ing. I didn’t know how to let my anger go with- worker a b**** and I went off. My social work- When the staff saw me getting irritated they you’re going to fall apart like I did. Try to work out taking it out on other people. I couldn’t er picked me up. I knew I wasn’t going back to would say “coping skills, Juliana, coping skills.” toward forgiving people and don’t keep your control it. my group home. Right away I’d be like, “OK, time to get it to- anger inside you. I’ve had a rough life but I’m I had nobody to talk to. I was in a foster home When I came to my new group home, called gether.” I usually went outside for a walk or going to walk way from all the bad stuff my but it wasn’t the same as my real family. I felt Maryvale, I was worried it was going to be just made keychains. family did to me and live a happy life. like someone was there to put a roof over my like my old group home. But it was different. I was starting to do better, not yelling at staff head and feed me, that’s it. I wished I had par- The staff at my old group home told the as much and getting in trouble. I got more priv- ents to help me, to understand me. I wanted staff at Maryvale that I was a very angry girl ileges and that made my attitude a lot better. my sisters and my mom and my dad to be to- and threw tantrums. I wanted people to look When I was upset or angry I would talk to Deb- Juliana has gether again. at me differently. I wanted to show them the bie or Stacey. I’d say, “I’m frustrated with so learned to keep My anger was like a waterfall, it couldn’t stop good side of me. I was trying to be good but I and so.” I would tell them what somebody had looking forward once I got frustrated. My foster mom’s daugh- still had a lot of anger so it was hard. done or said to me. I noticed that I wasn’t as and not dwell on ter would pick on me and I’d argue with her. The staff would tell me to do activities with angry and I didn’t keep things bottled up in- the past. One time she told my foster parents that I was the other girls or clean my room and I’d refuse side of me. I felt like being at Maryvale was stealing from my teachers and they believed because I didn’t want to. We all lived in the helping me. her. I jumped on her and I started punching same room when I lived with my mom. I was My attitude was slowly being repaired but www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 21 school

‘I know all the teachers by name’ From small schools to individual attention, teens share what’s helping them stay on the path to graduate

L.A. Youth is concerned that not enough teens in Los Angeles County are graduating from high school. The county has one of the highest dropout rates in the U.S., with about one in five students leaving school before graduating, according to state estimates. We recently held a discussion to bring attention to the problem. We invited a newspaper reporter and a principal to talk with four of our writers about the obstacles teens face and how schools and their communities can help them succeed. They said parents, schools and students all play a role.

Patricia Chavarria, 18, Cesar Chavez Contin- ally went up to the father and they had a discus- uation HS (Compton): At Compton High I didn’t sion but the father really didn’t care. He didn’t really have a teacher that I could go to and I had have any hope for his child I guess. a lot of trouble with algebra. The teacher didn’t Patricia: My brother dropped out and I go through the steps correctly and it was diffi- see how he struggles. He works at Target. He cult for everybody to understand it. works at night and I see how he struggles to Sophia Theoharopoulos, principal at Cesar get money and to pay bills. And I see how my Chavez Continuation HS: Mr. Mills, who is not parents also struggle. And my other family, your math teacher, he is your English teacher they’re always encouraging me. I didn’t want [at Cesar Chavez]. How did he help you? to fail them so I try my hardest and I didn’t Patricia: He’s always telling stories about stu- drop out. dents he’s had. They start to fail and then he Mitchell: Patricia, did your parents not helps them. And so he would always tell me, know or did they not care that you were out “Never give up.” I go to him when I have prob- of school? lems with math and he helps me sometimes. Patricia: They didn’t know because my mom Mitchell Landsberg, education reporter for would take my sister to school. From there she the Los Angeles Times: So, why do you think it went to work. I was just so tired of school and [algebra] is so hard? algebra so I would pretend like I was getting Solange Rubio, 18, Leuzinger HS in Lawndale ready to go to school and then once my mom (2009 graduate): I think it definitely starts in el- left, I would go [back] to bed. ementary and middle school. A lot of students Students (from left) Charmaine Peggese, Ernesto Pineda, Patricia Charmaine Peggese, 17, Cerritos HS: The bet- start getting used to being absent a lot in those Chavarria and Solange Rubio talked with a Los Angeles Times ter thing about Cerritos is the teachers be- years and so they think they can continue to reporter and a principal about why students drop out. cause they’re more helpful than at [my old do that in high school. A lot of it also is parent school] Gahr. They try to help you improve involvement. A lot of parents don’t get involved and if your grades are low, they can get you at Leuzinger because they don’t speak English. Ernesto Pineda, 18, Animo Film & Theatre Arts Solange: In my school a big issue is that they some help. At Gahr I used to get straight Fs Why would they come to a teacher conference? Charter HS: I know all the teachers by name. I come into high school with, like, a fifth-grade and I used to ditch class. At Cerritos, I want And open houses, they’re speaking in English know which teachers can help me if I have an reading level. We had a class called “Read 180” to learn and now I get As and Bs. Cerritos has and the parents, they’re sitting confused. assignment due or I don’t understand a certain which would help those students but that got helped me a lot. Mitchell: They don’t offer translation? topic. Also, since most of the teachers know cut. So I don’t know how students are going to Solange: I would go to the [school] board Solange: You have to ask for it. My mom most of the students, they can pinpoint the get up to [grade] level. If you put those students meetings and basically, they kick every student doesn’t speak English and I would have to problem with each student as well. who can’t read with the students who are at out who’s doing bad or failing, from Lawndale translate for her. Not all students are gonna Mitchell: Patricia was home for 40 days be- level, they’re going to be disruptive. In my bi- HS to Leuzinger because economically it’s be willing to go with their parents. fore the school did anything and that was just ology class my freshman year, there were se- better for the district. The district gets money if What worked in my high school was our sending a letter home. Would that happen at niors that had retaken that class three times one school at least is doing good academically. AVID class [which helps students prepare for your school? already. I didn’t learn anything. Everybody So there’s no surprise why we’re doing bad. It college]. My AVID teacher worked hard. She was Ernesto: They call your house and ask you was talking and it was the students who had just kinda makes me angry that they do this there early in the morning and she was there why you did not come. And we also have open taken that class three times that were the ones and then blame us or blame the teachers. I late. All of my AVID senior class got accepted houses between the teacher and the parents. talking. I think they’re frustrated that they had honestly think the administration has a lot to into at least two colleges. Out of the 400 students What’s going on with the student? What are to take that again, especially with a teacher do with how these schools are doing. that graduated, only 100 got accepted to a four- they succeeding at? What are they having dif- who doesn’t care and who kind of gave up on year university and 30 of them came from my ficulties with? They also have to do “parent them too. AVID class. hours.” They sometimes serve food or go on a Ernesto: And sometimes the parents don’t Go to layouth.com to read Mitchell: Ernesto, what are the advantages field trip. So, we have the parents involved in really care. I saw one student whose father more of this discussion of a small school? the school as well as the students. was just like “whatever.” Our principal actu-

22 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com community

Time to be counted Filling out the census doesn’t take long and helps your community

By Ernesto Pineda Some people don’t fill sentatives to help the people of Cali- 18, Animo Film & Theatre Arts Charter HS out the census because fornia and the local communities they they are afraid of what could represent. But if we are undercount- hen my editor suggested I write happen if they reveal their ed for the 2010 Census, we may lose a a story about the U.S. Census, citizenship status. The cen- representative, according to the city’s I didn’t know much about it. I sus form doesn’t ask about census website (lacounts2010.org). Wknew it had something to do immigration status and the Businesses use census data to de- with statistics but I didn’t understand what information that is collect- cide where to open new stores, which it was used for. I wanted to write this story to ed is confidential. There’s no creates jobs and makes shopping learn what it is. need to fear because by law, more accessible. I live in South Cen- The purpose of the census is to make an of- the Census Bureau cannot tral where there aren’t many stores. ficial count of all the people living in the United share any personal informa- I always have to go far to get to a States. It’s required by the Constitution, which tion from the census with law Gamestop, Ralphs or Best Buy to says that every 10 years there has to be a count enforcement. Names, addresses buy something of quality. Busi- of the population. In March, the 2010 Census and telephone numbers cannot nesses also use the data to target questionnaires will be mailed to homes all over be given to the FBI, Immigration their products to specific ethnic- the United States. They should be mailed back and Naturalization Service (INS) ities or change the language to to the U.S. Census Bureau by April 1. or any other government agency. make it more understandable to With the help of my editor we got in contact If any census staff violates the law, their customers. with Jennifer Giles at the Census Bureau’s Los they can be fined $250,000 and I believe that teens should en- Angeles office and also looked at the Census jailed for up to five years. courage their families to fill out Bureau’s website (2010.census.gov). I found out the census. I’m going to tell my that the census is important because it deter- mother the census is coming in mines how $400 billion in federal money is dis- Go to page 25 for our essay March and explain how it can help the com- tributed each year to states and cities. Knowing question about the census and Spanish, English and Spanish (bilingual), and munity and how confidential it is. If my par- how many people live in a community tells the race. You could win $50! four other languages. ents are informed they’ll fill out the census and federal government how much money is need- Another reason people don’t fill out the cen- mail it in. It’s simple and doesn’t take much ed to build schools, libraries, hospitals and to sus is because they are too busy or they may time. Those 10 minutes will have a long-last- spend on road improvements. Not answering When I heard that the census asks for your not want to answer personal questions, like one ing effect on your community. this survey means we lose out on money. personal information I was against it at first that asks, “Does this person sometimes live or By filling out the census, your community because I wondered how confidential it was. stay somewhere else?” and one of the choices gets more money for public services, such as But now I agree with it because I know what is “In jail or prison.” Giles said the Census Bu- city sanitation for recycling programs. There it’s used for and that my family’s information reau is just trying to make sure it doesn’t count is money for job training programs. Not an- is protected. someone twice if they live somewhere else, like Ernesto hopes swering this survey takes money away from There are 10 questions and it is estimated at college or in prison. more people our communities. So it benefits us all if ev- to take about 10 minutes, one minute for each There are also other uses for the census. The understand what eryone turns in their forms. Tell your parents question. The form asks simple questions like if information is used to determine how many the census is. about the census and encourage them to fill it you own or rent your home, how many people U.S. Representatives each state has in Congress. out. If they don’t understand English you can live in your household, what their race is and If the population of California has increased help them fill it out. how old they are. There are surveys in English, since the last census, we may get more repre-

Census jobs Burbank: 818-531-7060 Los Angeles West Central: 213-341-1900 Culver City: 323-924-1720 Norwalk: 562-916-4040 People 18 years and older can apply for temporary Diamond Bar: 909-438-2498 Pasadena: 626-737-4830 jobs as census takers. Contact your local census East Los Angeles: 323-604-5300 Santa Clarita: 661-414-3140 Hollywood: 323-301-1500 South Gate: 310-928-8020 office or call toll-free 1-866-861-2010. Census takers Inglewood: 310-491-5070 Torrance: 310-616-4270 start at $17 an hour, according to the Census Bureau’s Long Beach: 562-366-8050 Van Nuys: 818-672-0160 website. Go to 2010.census.gov for more information. Los Angeles Downtown: 213-806-9570 West San Fernando Valley: 818-518-1460

Source: U.S. Census Bureau www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 23 Essays

What parents don’t understand e s s a Y C o n t e s T W i n n e r s

1st place $50 Mom and Dad Illustration by Keanu Lueong, 13, Toll MS are never around (Glendale)

By Brian Kan standstill. With all their business trips, they me when I wanted to San Gabriel HS employed the neighbors to watch over me talk. I felt great when I and monitor my activity. Of course, the neigh- was at school. Yet, de- y sweaty hand slipped off of bors didn’t do such a great job, as they had spite my attempts to the ice-cold doorknob as I kids of their own to worry about. They usually escape the dark and plopped my backpack on the kept track of when I came home just by look- gloomy house, some- floor and removed my sneaking out of their windows. The only means of thing was still missing— ers. With a sigh, I began my communication between me and my parents my parents. Mwalk up the staircase of the two-story house was through Post-it notes. The notes would I realize that nobody so devoid of life. After seating myself in my be stuck around the house all the time, for could replace my par- room and turning on my computer, I came all occasions, and under any circumstanc- ents. I wish that they across a Post-it note stuck to my monitor. In es, from “Take out the garbage when it’s full” would be there, at home, bold, blue, inky letters, it read: “Don’t turn on even when I didn’t fill it, to “Stop spending waiting for me to come your PC. You stayed up until 12 o’clock doing so much time after school,” even when they back from school. There your homework last night. Maybe you would were not there. are too many things my have the time if you stopped coming home Somewhere between spending about eight parents don’t under- so late. —Mom.” I tore the note up and threw hours away from home and coming home to I started joining more clubs and staying af- stand about me. I want them to understand ev- it into the wastebasket. “Why do they care?” I find the house completely empty, something ter school more often, so I didn’t have to feel erything about me. I want them to understand thought. “They’re never here anyways.” didn’t fit. I would come home from school to so lonely. At school, my great friends, the staff that they’re my parents and I’m their kid and I Right after high school started, contact be- be welcomed by no one, to talk to no one and members and coaches are there for me. They need them. Ultimately, I wish that my parents tween me and my parents nearly came to a be supervised by my neighbors. That’s when were all there to give me a hand or talk with actually had a chance to understand me.

2nd place $30 readings, hangs a copy of the Ten Command- me. She knows that I am not a Christian, yet I am constantly demonized by my ments on the living room wall, and so on. she struggles to accept this fact. “You’re just mother as well. According to her, I am an Coming from that sort of background I’m usu- going through a phase,” she says every now “anti-Christ.” I listen to hard rock, like Religion ally expected to be very religious. Well, I’m not. and then. She’s wrong. It’s not just a phase. piercings, wear bead and string bracelets, During my pre-teen years I would go to It’s my choice and lifestyle. Sometimes she enjoy horror movies, and watch MTV. That’s separates us church regularly with my family. Sadly, all goes on about how Christ is going to make a Satan worshiper in her eyes. To her, I am those years of church didn’t do much for me. me pay for what I did. I’m treated as a crim- an embarrassment. To her, I’m a child gone I never felt that “sensation” that the church inal when I have not done anything wrong wrong. To her, I have fallen into Satan’s By B.A. would always speak about. I just sat there at all! hands. To her, I’m a failure. Central L.A. HS for the blank and lifeless. I knew I didn’t belong. I About a month ago, I had a fever and was How I wish my mother could just open Visual and Performing Arts tried and tried to force myself to just believe. so ill that I could barely walk. She called it her eyes and accept who I am. I accept her Oh, how I tried. It didn’t work. I quit going “God’s wrath.” When I heard those words views and beliefs so why can’t she do the come from a very strict and religious Chris- to church and haven’t gone since. My moth- come out of her mouth, time stopped and a same for her own son. Her religion is getting tian family. You know, the kind of family er was appalled when I announced my deci- black cloud sat above me; I was completely in the way of our relationship. Why can’t she Ithat always says grace before a meal, at- sion. It made her absolutely furious. shocked. I could not believe my own mother just put her beliefs aside a bit and try to have tends church every Sunday, has daily Bible My mother began to act strange toward would say such a thing. a relationship with her own son?

24 l.a.youth January-February 2010 www.layouth.com 3rd place $20 women. I wish I could explain to him that sometimes to really give feeling new essay contest: to a song, strong words have to be Dad doesn’t used. No, not all music I listen to has a meaningful message. While there Should the census get my are songs I listen to for the lyrics, I also listen to certain songs simply ask about race? music because they make me want to dance my rear off. I admit, hip-hop is a broad genre, On page 23 Ernesto writes about the U.S. Census, which By Sophia Popovskaia and with all the different rappers, will take place this spring to count everyone living in New Roads HS (Santa Monica) singers and DJs, it can be hard to dif- ferentiate “true” hip-hop from rap- the country. One of the questions on the census form have always loved music. More ac- pers like Lil’ Wayne who are famous curately, hip-hop has been the love because they found 28 different ways asks people their race. When we brought this up at a Iof my life since I learned that music to name the male groin. But some- staff meeting, some said they didn’t is not found solely on the radio. I can- times I’m moved to tears by art- not say where this love came from. ists like Immortal Technique who see themselves represented in Maybe from my older sister’s mild rap about “A generation of babies interest in it, or the hours we spent born without health care/ Families the choices listed on the form. watching music videos on BET as we homeless, thrown the f*** off of the Others didn’t think it should grew up; two little white girls strug- welfare.” I felt like I was let into an ex- gling to keep up with the new lan- clusive world filled with deep inter- be asked. Do you think the guage. All I know is, by the time I was pretations of reality and stark truths. 10, I went out and bought my first Even when the subject of a song is government should keep track Outkast CD with the words EXPLICT not so intense, the poetic lyrics com- of what race we are? Some and PARENTAL ADVISORY printed bined with exquisite beats can be- on the cover. I also know that by that come works of art. My heart melts people feel it’s a waste of time time, I had learned not to ask my dad each time I hear Andre 3000, one of because many of us are multiethnic. to help me download a song by Snoop the members of Outkast, rap, “I hope Dogg for my new MP3 player. I was that you’re the one/ If not you are But others say it’s important to know who’s living in only able to hide the CD until I was the prototype,” in his smooth airy 11, at which point my dad found it voice while whimsical beats play in the United States and how the country has changed cleverly hidden in my boom box. the background. Most of my music over time. What do you think? What experiences “What the heck is this?” he said is at least a couple years old because, as if he had just found an AK-47 sit- as the rapper Nas said in one of his have you had that make you think that way? ting next to my collection of stuffed songs, “Hip-hop is dead.” animals. “You’ll get it back when you Maybe if my dad ever turned on know what good music is.” MTV he wouldn’t question my collec- My dad has never really tion of mostly old-school rappers. I’m understood my taste in music. I not saying all of today’s music is bad, Write an essay to L.A. Youth wasn’t discouraged by that incident but how can pop stars with voices as and tell us about it: and as I got older my interest in hip- fake as their awards performances Essays should be a page or more. Include your name, school, age and phone number with hop continued to grow while my and whiney, wannabe rappers even dad’s distaste did too. He believes be considered music? I respect my your essay. The staff of L.A. Youth will read the entries and pick three winners. Your name that I, like some sort of empty- dad greatly, and value his opinion will be withheld if you request it. The first-place winner will receive $50. The second- headed parakeet, will start using the very much, but I wish he could under- place winner will get $30 and the third-place winner will receive $20. Winning essays words I hear in the songs, and that stand my taste in music because as will be printed in our March-April issue and put on our website at www.layouth.com. the people I consider artists are just I listen to it day after day, it becomes uneducated losers whose only goal is more and more integrated into my to degrade women. thoughts, my actions and my view He recently gave me back my of the world. In fact, I am turning on Mail your essay to: Outkast CD, but I can never imagine my recently returned CD as I type openly listening to my music when these last words: Long live Outkast. L.A. Youth he is in hearing range. No matter how 5967 W. 3rd St. Suite 301 old I get, he will always think of me as his little girl and never understand Go to layouth.com Los Angeles CA 90036 how I can listen to grown men rapping about the streets, throwing to read honorable or [email protected] cuss words at the authorities and, mention essays yes I admit it, sometimes degrading DEADLINe: Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 www.layouth.com January-February 2010 l.a.youth 25 com . h t

Books u layo . ------www Even though The Catcher Catcher The though Even

I believe that teenagers teenagers that believe I ers go through today. Hold today. through go ers strug his is journey real en’s wants He himself. find to gle worthwhile, is what find to pur him gives that anything want not does also He pose. because grownup, a be to would he mean would that responsible. more be to have hav against rebels he While not does he things do to ing expect being like do, to want age, his for mature act to ed “catch the be to tries Holden imagines He rye.” the in er a in game a playing children it and cliff a near rye of field by them protect to job his is goes who anyone catching job This edge. the to close too red hunting hat. Despite his Despite hat. hunting red sym a has he exterior, rough core. inner pathetic about written was Rye the in circum the ago, years 60 are drama the and stances all teenag what as same the topher explains that when when that explains topher un didn’t [he] little “was he people other about derstand the gives it minds,” having real a he’s that impression are chapters the Also, person. num prime using numbered end and two at starting bers Chris Sometimes 233. at ing from digress thoughts topher’s about are and narrative the sub unconnected seemingly and puzzles math, like jects of descriptions or observations three-page entire The things. of explanation an is appendix equation, math complicated a an in to referred was which This novel. the of part earlier can readers well how to adds Christopher’s with connect really it because character it. wrote he like seems to sensitive aren’t sometimes disabil mental with kids ward people when think that I ities. read this novel they will have a better understanding understanding better a will have they novel this read those and disabilities mental with individuals what of basis. daily a on with deal them around would make him truly happy. I also don’t want to grow grow to want don’t also I happy. truly him make would leaving like is up Growing kid. a being miss I because up behind. yourself of piece a ------My favorite part is when when is part favorite My

The novel feels more real because it’s written from from written it’s because real more feels novel The hu Holden’s enjoyed I of out kicked is Holden Haddon demonstrates how how demonstrates Haddon required was book This Holden gives Phoebe his most cherished possession, a possession, cherished most his Phoebe gives Holden tell his parents so he finds a finds he so parents his tell inevitable. the escape to way Prep Pencey leaves Holden find to York New to goes and bet seek and people “real” in York New experiences. ter lively. as depicted is 1940s the to nightclub a visits Holden I If fun. have and up loosen travel to love would I could, see and York New around of. heard only have I places He sister. younger his Phoebe, with time spends Holden Park. Central near apartment parents’ his into sneaks come so easily. so come And laughed. “I as: such mor, loud, very these of one have I ever I if mean I laughs. stupid movie a in myself behind sat probably I’d something, or to myself tell and over lean the was It up.” shut please book old an read I time first a talks like character a where teen. real his of because mostly school, to afraid is He grades. poor became more than something something than more became showed Haddon read. to had I disabili these profoundly how only not of lives the affect ties with diagnosed children the around those also but them, unknow Christopher them. over in people affects ingly himself. for out looking simply all while ways, whelming Chris when example, For view. of point Christopher’s out what Christopher would would Christopher what out next. into himself get affects disability Christopher’s solving about goes he how Christopher mystery. the or syndrome, Asperger’s has He autism. high-functioning social with difficulties has demonstrating and interaction remarkable a has but empathy, to ability and memory visual math. complex understand it but school, my at reading that made the novel an easy easy an novel the made that The read. entertaining and me had Haddon, Mark author, find to reading keep to wanting - ruary 2010

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l v e he classic novel The Catcher in the Rye is my favorite favorite my is Rye the in Catcher The novel classic he books other the from different so is it because book he Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Night-Time the in Dog the of Incident Curious he named boy autistic old 15-year a about novel a is

r I have so much in common with Holden. I loved the the loved I Holden. with common in much so have I The narrator Holden Caulfield goes to a boarding boarding a to goes Caulfield Holden narrator The Christopher’s story seemed so true and heartfelt and and heartfelt and true so seemed story Christopher’s eviewed by Emily Emily by eviewed eviewed by Claudia Marin Claudia by eviewed 26 too. If girls say “like” all the time, I tend to think they are are think they to tend I time, all the “like” say girls If too. that know I looks. their with obsessed or girls” “valley they but judgments, my about wrong be can I sometimes way he overanalyzes people’s behavior, especially if they they if especially behavior, people’s overanalyzes he way fair isn’t It things. misplacing like habits annoying have that do I but people, about things assume to Holden for Holden hates almost everybody he encounters and and encounters he everybody almost hates Holden people few a Only fakes. of bunch all a are thinks they interest. genuine his catch to seem school called Pencey Prep. He loves English but he fails he but English loves He Prep. Pencey called school pri renowned a is Prep Pencey subjects. his of rest the somewhere be could he wishes Holden but school, vate snob. rich a is there student every assumes he since else for a purpose in life, I started to think about how to make make to how think about to started I life, in purpose a for moment every cherish to want I valuable. life own my things. good all the remember and T wishes man young a how about read I When read. have I R (Lawndale) HS Charter Environmental 18, The Catcher Catcher The Rye the in Salinger J.D. By his disability. He repeatedly mentions his admiration of of admiration his mentions repeatedly He disability. his as understanding an me gave which Holmes, Sherlock murder Wellington’s investigate to continued he why to to. not promise him made father his after even “murder mystery novel” of the situation. But like any any like But situation. the of novel” mystery “murder seems. it as simple as is nothing novel, mystery murder situations difficult many encounters Christopher of because investigation his of course the throughout Christopher Boone. After discovering the dead body of of body dead the discovering After Boone. Christopher decides Christopher poodle, neighbor’s his Wellington, death. dog’s the behind mystery the investigate to a will create he that deciding findings, his records He R T By Mark Haddon Mark By HS Monica Santa 16, of the Dog Dog the of Night-Time the in The Curious Curious The Incident 27 th

Music u yo . a . l

ruary 2010 uan R January-Feb I liked only three songs: “H.A.T.E.U.,” “Inseparable” “Inseparable” “H.A.T.E.U.,” songs: three only liked I after but OK, was “Obsessed” single popular The are songs these mediocre, are lyrics the if Even ’m not the biggest Mariah Carey fan out there, but I but there, out fan Carey Mariah biggest the not ’m I that hoped and Mimi of Emancipation The loved eviewed by Michelle Michelle by eviewed It was a good album for an an for album good a was It from but singer, average more. expected I Mariah, I of Memoirs album, latest her about same the feel would was it because disappointed was I Angel. Imperfect an I Mariah, from but singer, average an for album good a more. expected she how talks about “H.A.T.E.U.” Impossible.” “The and loves still she because can’t but guy, a hate to wants just she’s like sound it making voice, low a in sings She him. him hate really doesn’t she that secret her whispering the ended relationship the that frustrating it finds but vocals, strong her showcases “Inseparable” did. it way “Hero.” ballads, famous her of one of me reminding as twice is that ballad slow a is Impossible” “The sweet. as just and bars candy Twix as addictive to began oh”s oh, “oh, the repeatedly, it to listening amount same the put had she that wish I me. on grate into “H.A.T.E.U.” singing when had she as emotion of album the through Coasting songs. her of one every as such lyrics and voice breathy a murmurs, with soft again” love in was we wish and sit I days some “But to desperate seem her make Bling” “Candy from fresh. and young appear loves, first of life their in has everyone that stories telling of way her is CD This renewal. and heartbreak angel.” “imperfect us—an like she’s that us Mariah Carey Mariah Angel Imperfect an of Memoirs CD: R HS Alhambra 17, ith unique and jazzy songs, Zee Avi’s debut debut Avi’s Zee songs, jazzy and unique ith and soulful Avi’s delightful. is Avi, Zee album, The album has upbeat and catchy songs like songs catchy and upbeat has album The Malaysian native with her English rhymes Avi the is album Avi’s of part appealing most The electrifying with album an not is Avi Zee While eviewed by Meagan Almazan Meagan by eviewed beats that you can dance to, the smooth songs are are songs smooth the to, dance can you that beats meanings. deep yet simple with moving with English rhymes Avi Malaysian native her Malay. language, W attention. your keep and grab to sure is voice sweet brooding and Me,” and You “Just and “Darling” Once Me Am “I and End” the This “Is as such numbers slice-of-life and loss love, of stories sings Avi More.” on view dark and realistic her showing experiences, life. last “Tapi Kantoi: song the in like Malay, language, to: (Which translates too.” cheating was She tau/ kita too.”) cheating was She out/ found we end the in “But face to have and cheat who men about is song The more her combines karma. She of consequences the a Heart,” “Bitter melodies. with cheerful songs moody is lover one which in relationship rocky a about song melody The favorite. my is other, with the frustrated the and lyrics simple piano, soft with the voice Avi’s of number a Heart” “Bitter guitar makes the rhythm of resist. to hard The Gang.” the of “First like songs her of simplicity the see you Till love/ in been never have “You lyrics, by accompanied resevoirs,” the in Reflected stars/ song The feeling. refreshing a deliver guitar, the only the from retreat a being nature of beauty the about is life. of complications Zee Avi Zee Avi Zee CD: R (Downey) HS Warren 16, I

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v e ip-hop duo Atmosphere’s fifth album When Life Life When fifth album Atmosphere’s duo ip-hop Sh That Paint You Lemons, You Gives

r Atmosphere is one of my favorite hip-hop groups. hip-hop favorite my of one is Atmosphere “Yesterday” is the story of a man who has a vision of of vision a has who man a of story the is “Yesterday” My favorite songs, “Shoulda Known” and and Known” “Shoulda songs, favorite My I began listening to Atmosphere last summer and and summer last Atmosphere to listening began I eviewed by Brett Brett by eviewed www story that captivated captivated that story verse. first the by me Each song tells a different different a tells song Each is inspirational because even though his father is gone, gone, is father his though even because inspirational is him. to connected feels still he album. next their for wait can’t his dead father. It makes the young man wish he could could he wish man young the makes It father. dead his from up things patch to dad his with down sat have alive. was he when relationship difficult their mascara and thick hair.” I like this song because the the because song this like I hair.” thick and mascara usually don’t I because unique it’s and good is beat addicts. drug about songs rap hear whether to leave her because he still loves her. He can’t can’t He her. loves still he because her leave to whether he drugs, use her see doesn’t he if even because it deny get we when “And abuse, drug her of effects the sees your behind From stare/ and there sit can You there/ “Yesterday,” realizes who man a about is Known” “Shoulda people. addict. drug a with love in is he that incredible songs such as “Dreamer,” “Shoulda Known,” Known,” “Shoulda “Dreamer,” as such songs incredible story different a tells song Each “You.” and “Yesterday” verse. first the by me captivated that perfect rhymes and amazing choruses that keep me me keep that choruses amazing and rhymes perfect over. and over songs their to listening has album This earlier. them discovered had I wish I H Paint That Sh That Paint HS Loyola 18, Atmosphere You Lemons, You Gives Life When CD: excellent. R Calling all foster youth in Los Angeles County

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L.A. Youth is looking for foster youth ages 14 to 18 who want to write an article to be published in L.A. Youth. By joining L.A. Youth, you can:

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Foster Youth Editor Amanda Riddle (left) works with a writer on her story.

Contact Editor Amanda Riddle at (323) 938-9194 H or [email protected] Invite Amanda to speak at your school, group home or foster agency about writing for L.A. Youth. Got questions? H Go to layouth.com and click on the Foster Youth link to learn more and read stories written by foster youth.