The Paw Print JSerra Catholic High School Volume 29 • January 2015

How to Ask a Date New Year’s Resolutions?!?!? to Winter Formal by Ryan Sánchez by Garrett Prendiville Every new year people around the As the new semester nation talk about their vows to improve begins, so does an array of athletic themselves. I wandered around JSerra asking games and events, the biggest being people what their resolutions for the year Winter Formal. However, this were, and not surprisingly, the vast majority dance is a little different of people failed to make a resolution, and compared to and of those that did, most had already broken Prom. Instead of boys asking girls them. to the dance, the girls ask the According to Statistic Brain, 8% of guys. This tradition of girls asking people achieve their goals, whiles at least guys to dances can be traced back 25% of people fail their resolution within the to the late 1930’s and since then, first week, and some, even earlier. it has been a common high school Brian Richardson’s resolution to not custom all across America. make one in the first place was automatically Who wants to be asked broken by nature of his goal, and Justin to Formal in some boring or Paige’s struggle to become “better as a DJ” generic way? Proposals to dances was before the first sunset of the have evolved into a grand scheme year. to become the most creative Food seemed to be the biggest foe and witty person on campus. that Lions have been battling this month. Some of the motives behind this Amadea Lender’s commitment to “not gain is to post a trendy Instagram weight” lasted “about 20 minutes.” picture, but either way, the final Tim Vorenkamp and Jena D’Amico Fr. Damien pledged to “eat less results of many proposals are carbs” but “broke that on January 2nd.” entertaining to see. A few popular ways for someone Catherine Lowengrub promised to to ask a student include a poster with a pun, public “eat healthy” and has had more success; she humiliation, or the bribery of food. enthusiastically told me she “hasn’t broken it yet!” continued on page 3 continued on page 3

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Leadership Development Institute 2014 by Sarah Abdeshahian Guest Contributor day business. One of the sessions even included a real-life Shark Tank, based on the TV show, which held an hour-long competition between teams that would describe their “invention,” in order to win a prize. The conference’s special speaker, Brodie Kaster, held another session. Kaster was featured on a season of Dancing with the Stars and now travels the country, giving positive speeches to students. His workshop offered a new perspective to the attendees. Kaster explained that the obstacles people face during their lifetime may vary in the level of difficulty; however, through hard work and determination, everyone can be successful. The first day of the Leadership Development Institute shared invaluable One of the highlights of 2014 for the Business techniques and lessons with the students that will Magnet Program at JSerra was the LDI Conference during ultimately aid the students to improve the JSerra Business the last weekend of November. The Magnet Program. The second, and program took 34 of its members to last, day of the program consisted of the Riverside Convention Center in The a practice test session. This session order to take part in the annual two- Paw Print gave students the chance to observe day conference held by FBLA (Future Staff the layout of tests that they will be Business Leaders of America), an Katia Bergstrom Zoe Kaffen taking on February 7th 2015, the organization that aims to shape young Sydni Brown Emma McClellan annual Southern Section Leadership adults into more successful leaders. Olivia Coyle Garrett Prendiville Conference Competition. The As well as JSerra, several other Megan D’Souza Julia Sanchez JSerra Business Magnet Program Michael Elsanadi Ryan Sánchez schools also attended the event. On Connor Ferrell Jenny Woo will be taking over 90 students to the first day, students attended seven Mary Kaffen Mr. Jeff Kahl, Advisor this competition, and will, hopefully, workshops that pertained to modern win a few medals. Page Three

Winter Formal Maddie Taber Competes continued from page 1 in Spartan Race However, in the recent past, the creativity and spontaneousness of recent proposals have been lackluster. Recently, students have asked their peers to dances in emotionless and lazy ways. In this circumstance, the bigger the better. Proposals should be elaborate in order for the potential date to say “yes” and also to create happy memories. Asking someone to Winter Formal can be an enjoyable and entertaining experience if you ask in the right way. With that in mind, here are some creative and fun Early in December senior Maddie Taber competed in the Malibu ways to ask a potential date. Spartan race. One of only two women to start the race with the Public Embarrassment: Although this does not Elite men’s division, Maddie placed 1st out of 200 in the 17-19 seem like the best thing to do, if performed the correct way, division. This race is very difficult—4.5 miles, 17 obstacles—and the proposal can be a memorable and comedic experience. has a 60% drop out due to obstacles and injury. It was straight uphill and featured spear throwing, 10-ft. wall jumps, rope climbs, Publicly humiliating your date is extremely easy and barbed wire crawling, 200-lb. sand bags...crazy tough. Madison involves one step: be loud and noticeable. Weather using a rocked it and never gave up. She was the youngest member on creative poster or dressing up in a goofy outfit, your date her team which placed 3rd overall from out of 1500 teams. is bound to agree to go to the dance so they do not seem like heartless people in front of people. Break In: What’s creepy and illegal for an adult to do New Year’s Resolutions is cute and romantic for high schoolers to do. With consent continued from page 1 of their parents, a unique way to make sure you have a Mr. Holligan said his goal was a secret, and that he date to the dance is to decorate their bedrooms. Some is still going strong. Anastasia Aleman said the very same amusing decorations one could use are balloons, streamers, thing...whatever her secret resolution is. She then added a and banners. second one: to keep running no matter how much it hurts. Bribery: Let’s get real, food is everyone’s best friend This resolution is also still going strong. so it’s foolproof to use this as an advantage! Figure out Derek Reyes says he lowered his goals for the year which foods your potential date loves and shower him/her and adds he’s very successful so far. with mounds of trans fats and calories. Connor Gross claims to have made no resolutions, Scavenger Hunt: For the adventurous, a scavenger hunt is but he did get grounded the very first day of the year for the best way to ask someone. Make a map and place clues all over being a bad son! campus. After many confusing minutes, your date would come to Studies have shown that people are more likely to see that you are the “X” that marks the spot. attain their goals if they have support from their peers, so School dances should be a fun and enjoyable experience, all Lions must join together and encourage each other to not a stressful and dramatic episode. While figuring out how to better ourselves. ask someone to the dance, make it fun, personal, and memorable. Campus Ministry

Fashion and Modesty by Katia Bergstrom Many people assume that modesty and fashion Many women don’t go together. But the truth is, they do. Style and 50 to 60 years modesty do go together. Women look much more stylish ago, especially in when they dress modestly. Hollywood, dressed By choosing to wear something classy, women with a sense of look more beautiful and confident. Also, when a woman modesty and style. dresses modestly, the woman feels better about herself If you are looking and more comfortable with her surroundings. If a woman for a good fashion dresses modestly, she doesn’t have to keep adjusting her model to follow, clothing in order to feel comfortable. If you are modest, it who also excelled means you have more fabric on your body; you have more at dressing modestly, room to be stylish because there is more clothing on your Audrey Hepburn, body. This gives you the opportunity to express your own Grace Kelly, and style more. Greta Garbo are By the same token, keep in mind that many people good examples. believe length equals modesty, and this is not always the Leah Darrow is case. For example, many people think if you have a floor a contemporary length gown or maxi skirt on, you are dressed modestly. In example of how modesty and fashion go together, and her a sense, this is true because you are covering up all parts of story is inspiring for many women. your body. But keep in mind that these dresses and skirts If you may be immodest if they are too tight. struggle with to Form-fitting clothing is to be applauded; nice, dress modestly, stylish clothing doesn’t need to show off every piece of skin or are just underneath, yet it doesn’t look baggy, either. Wearing form- looking for fitting clothing shows that women appreciate the body that some interesting God gave them, while still being covered. examples of Skin-tight clothing, whether long or short, is never fashionable a good thing. Also keep in mind that you do not want to and modest go too short with certain items of clothing, such as dresses individuals, and skirts. If you are seriously in doubt as to whether an there are some saints who embraced fashion and modesty. item of clothing is too short, remember that to the knee A few good examples include: Saint Gianna Molla, Venerable or a little above the knee is usually appropriate for various Teresita Quevodo, and Maria Goretti. occasions. Also remember that the proper length of apparel Remember that if you dress with modesty and is different for different occasions. style, you will be a fashion plate in this world and the next! Campus Ministry

Freshman Retreat by Olivia Coyle

For the first time in JSerra history, Campus Ministry is Retreat, or any other retreat hosting an overnight retreat for freshmen students. The retreat for that matter, students build will take place from Friday, January the 23rd to Saturday the connections with each other and 24th, at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. their participation at school mass is transformed each Wednesday. Miss Bass, Mr. Eckert, Mr. Labaucher, and Mr. Reidy have all contributed a lot of their time and energy towards planning and preparing for this retreat. Students can expect many fun activities, including hikes and games. As for building a stronger faith, freshmen can experience God during adoration and mass. In addition, Mr. Misiow, Ms. Scotti, and Mrs. Arvidson will be helping lead the retreat, along with eight other student leaders. The Freshmen Retreat is an exciting addition to Campus Ministry and the over all freshmen year experience. It is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and take ownership of faith.

After speaking to Mr. Eckert, he said he is frequently asked why Campus Ministry doesn’t offer an overnight retreat for the freshmen. Sure, there is the annual in-school Freshmen Retreat each Fall, but over the years many students have requested something more to help them grow closer to God and become more involved with Campus Ministry. Already, the response to this new retreat has exceeded expectations. Forty students and counting are signed up, and capacity is nearing the fifty-student limit. The retreat will be focused around strengthening students’ relationships with God and building strong foundations of faith. It is vital for students to build these foundations of faith and strong relationships with God, so that they can continue to grow spiritually throughout their next three years at JSerra. By attending the Freshmen Fine Arts

Winter Showcase Is Here! by Megan D’Souza and Zoe Kaffen

The JSerra Winter Showcase returns January 23, showing off the school's Fine Arts Department. This year's display will take place at Mariners Ocean Hills Church. Ranging from illustrative photography, to surreal paintings, to sneak peeks of the Spring Musical, the Winter Showcase is one of the most popular extra-curricular events. Some students might ask, “Why bother going?” As a theater arts participant, I offer “Here's why.” Performing arts are something I am especially passionate about. Whether it be a Shakespearian parody or the Seussical, being on stage and serving others Each Fine Arts teacher had something to say about through entertainment gives me a sort of fulfillment the hard work that the individual classes entail. Mr. Dehn, that I have yet to encounter anywhere else. What helps Performing Arts chair, helps explain, “It really showcases what JSerra has to offer in the best light possible. All the arts in and of themselves are kind of our greatest expressions of faith and beauty, so what could be better than watching your friends doing that for everybody?” What about students feeling inhibited, that they're not “good enough” to participate in the arts? “People thinking they're not good enough is part of that insecurity. That doesn't just keep people from doing the performing arts in school, but it keeps people from doing things in life. The first step is to not doubt yourself and go for it, try something new. Even though it's something new, foster the growth of young performers is the support it's really beautiful and it's a lot of fun,” says Mr. Dehn. of an audience—most specifically, their friends, family, When asked about the work put into the Winter classmates and teachers. Performers need the feedback Showcase, esteemed photography teacher Ms. Stehney says, of an active crowd in order to truly gain experience and "The students are outstanding in the amount of work they confidence. Participating in this growth is a wonderful have produced this year. They have worked hard to control thing for viewers, and the audience will leave the the outcome of their artistic achievements. The process? showcase in awe and laughter. Revise, redo, revise, and do it again until its perfect!" Fine Arts

Theatre teacher, Ms. Ybarra, describes the showcase as a chance “to display JSerra's extreme talent.” This year Theatre will be featuring their Comedy Sports team and showcasing one of the scenes from the fall musical, Seussical. The student coaches for Comedy Sports are juniors Peyton Nasi and Heather Baker. When asked what makes this year's Seussical special, Ms. Ybarra says that, “the musical is a combination of the dance department, theatre department and choral department featuring talent from all three of the groups with Brian Dehn directing vocals and Mrs. McClellan choreographing.” Speaking of Mrs. McClellan, her Dance 3 class has been working hard to bring never-before seen dances to the Winter Showcase, including solos by Emma McClellan and Jordyn Squiers. Mrs. McClellan says, “this year's showcase is fun audience by combining the extreme talent of JSerra's Fine because Dance 3 will be teaming up with the orchestra for Art department in the Winter Showcase. the piece Highland Holiday.” Mrs. Harrell, Fine Arts department head, has given These new collaborations are sure to please the us some insight into the process of actually planning the showcase: “We start reserving space for the following January in the previous year. In September, we meet as a department and decide on a theme or how we want the look of the show to be presented. During the course of the first semester, we have the teachers and students prepare artwork, music, videos, dances, and theater pieces for the performance. In January, we have our final meeting as a department to secure advertising, printing, and posters for the event.” When asked if there was anything in particular she was excited to see, she replied, “I am excited to see the show hung in its entirety. The show displays the many facets of our Visual Arts program, and what the students can really do!” Sports

Ice Lions by Julia Sanchez Currently ranked fourth in the ADHSHL (Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League), the JSerra Varsity Ice Lions closely follow behind Santa Margarita ranked third, Edison ranked second, and Orange Lutheran leading the rankings of Division One. The Varsity teams’ current record remains 7 wins, 7 losses. Lead by team captain Zach Fiedler (junior) and head Coach Mike Perkins, the team has been practicing since the beginning of the school year preparing to defend their 2014 CAHA High definitely is a rival,” Coach Perkins explained, regarding School State their biggest competitor in the ADHSHL. Championship When asked about going to the state title. Last championship, Coach Perkins eagerly replied, “Any team year, JSerra can win at this point. It’s going to come down to who is Francis Lemay beat Orange playing the best hockey at of the year. Can we Lutheran 5-4 at the Honda Center allowing them to win? Yes! We have several players who contribute on a secure their first State Championship title in a couple regular basis, but Zach Fiedler (junior) and Francis Lemay years. Both Orange Lutheran and JSerra traveled to (junior) have been the backbone of our team. Their Omaha, Nebraska to represent in the USA leadership and ability to make plays during important Hockey High Nationals. times of the game have helped us win 19 games to this “I think any Trinity League team is a big rival and we point of the season.” have to be ready to play any of those teams. Between JSerra The Ice Lions’ next game will be played against and SM we have been Edison High School the only two schools at Anaheim Ice on to win the ADHSHL January 24 at 3:15 pm. Championship or Don’t forget to come the CAHA State out and support your Championship. Ice Lions as they Because of our continue on in their close proximity, SM successful season! Sports

Boys Basketball by Jenny Woo Run, pass, dribble, Although the boys put shoot, take that ball forth the hard work and straight to the hoop! effort, many people fail Lions fans, be prepared to accredit the beloved to roar for this year’s coach, Joedy Gardner. He JSerra Boys Basketball describes his coaching role team as they dribble into at JSerra as if it was “in the new season. From my blood,” and mentions a cheerleader’s point of that his dad was also a view, basketball season is animating and lively. We have the successful player and coach. opportunity to physically be a part of the game as we share He remarks, “I love developing young men to not in the team’s triumphs and losses. Getting the fans involved only become better basketball players, but to represent JSerra is also a huge part of the game, and the players love the Catholic High School and it’s community with character, support. I interviewed JV player Mark Summers about his loyalty, and high academics, along with spiritual excellence.” role and commitment to the basketball team. Coach Gardner received a full scholarship at Long Mark plays the post position, or the floor, and Beach State University and was drafted into the NBA by remarks that the crowd’s support and cheers “make the the Houston Rockets as their 7th pick in 1984. He played game 30 times better and make you want to play better.” professionally in the U.S. and in Europe for six years. As a power forward, also known as #4, Mark is one of the This is currently Coach Gardner’s 6th year coaching taller players on the team and is a strong rebounder that can at JSerra and describes this year as a “rebuilding year” move well around the key. The close relationship he shares because the team six seniors to graduation, with four with his teammates, or as he calls it, his “brotherhood,” has playing Division 1 college ball. Coach Gardner describes his strengthened Mark’s confidence about his team competing team to be “thirsty to learn how to become a better team” in the Trinity League and also having a good chance of and that the team continues to “improve each and every winning this year’s CIF playoffs. game” they play. Strong relationships between each and every player “The best feeling for me,” he says, “is when a player on the team, as well as with the coach, bring the sense of comes back after they have left high school and are now in unity and wholeness onto the court. Mark also mentioned college or beyond and come back into your life to say how the special traditions that occur before and after the game, much we, as coaches, impacted their life.” such as the prayers and pep talks to prepare for the game The JSerra basketball team is currently ranked 8th and to reflect on it afterwards. in the State Division 4AA and Coach Gardner states that Steele Brenner, Varsity forward/guard, also mentions the Trinity League will get the players ready to face the the happiness he feels when he’s on the court and agrees challenge of the CIF competition. He believes that winning with Mark Summers on the team’s companionship present is a great thing, but adds that “in the long run, it’s about the on the court, as well as within the teams. relationship and impact you have made on that individual.” Entertainment

Austin City Limits by Michael Elsanadi Beginning in During its season, ACL releases a 60-minute episode 1974, PBS KLRU, weekly, featuring a band, or two, playing a set list of their or the Public choice live. An audience of around 300 people are chosen Broadcasting from a raffle they sign up for; they surround the band or Service of Austin, artist playing. , sought a Austin City Limits digressed from Texan music early TV show that on, and allowed artists of hundreds of different genres to play would broadcast on the show. Performers ranged from the Alabama Shakes and and celebrate Johnny Cash to Alvin Crow and the Pleasant Valley Boys. Later the traditional in the show’s history, artists began creating unique posters for music of Texas. The producer intended to film live Texan each band bands performing songs from the genres of western swing, performer progressive country, and rock and roll. that week; The show, with minimal funds and materials for this provided production, filmed its in 1974 with Willie Nelson, before a sublime his rise to fame, as its main guest. Bill Arhos, the creator of combination the show, then pitched the pilot to PBS with the intention of visual and of selling recordings to raise funds for the station. Because auditory art. of the show’s During massive success as the 28th a fundraiser, PBS season of agreed to broadcast the show, Austin City Limits Austin City Limits debuted its first music festival with a beginning in 1976. humble line up of American bands, such as Nickel Creek The show and The String Cheese Incident. Now encompassing a range is currently the of culinary art, visual art, and community service, the ACL longest-running Festival has grown to become one of the biggest Indie, music series in Rock, and Folk music festivals, with approximately 75,000 American television people present each day of the festival. history, and it is From it’s unassuming inception as a weekly TV filmed in the Moody show on PBS to becoming the only television show Theater and Studio in history to win the National Medal of Arts, Austin in Downtown City Limits has broken the boundaries of producing, Austin. distributing, and celebrating music. Entertainment

Unbroken A Movie Review by Mary Kaffen The movie "Unbroken" was released into theaters sunburns, on December 25, 2014. Directed by Academy Award winner dehydration, , this epic drama tells the story of Olympic starvation, athlete and war hero Louie Zamperini who fought for the and attacks U.S Air Force as a bombardier during World War II. not only by The movie is based on the biography of Olympic Japanese runner Louie Zamperini written by Laura Hillenbrand bombers but in the novel, "Unbroken.” Unbroken introduces Louie by the sharks as well. This scene in the movie made up a Zamperini, played by English actor Jack O'Connell, as large part of the novel, yet critics were displeased with a young rebellious teen (whose teenage self is played by the movie's attempts to portray this slow, painful journey, C. J. Valleroy), living in Torrance, California. This rebellious feeling it was rushed and unmemorable. young man however, eventually grows up to run one of the Only Phil and Louie survive the 47 days on the fastest laps ever recorded in the 1936 Olympics and raft and are eventually captured by the Japanese. Once in placed eighth in the 5,000 meter race. Louie's supportive, their hands, Phil and Louie are separated and sent to the yet sometimes exasperated, Italian immigrant parents are POW camp in called Omori. It is in Omori where played by Maddalena Ischiale and Vincenzo Amato. Louie's Louie meets the man that develops a sadistic fascination older brother Pete is played by John D'Leo as a young boy towards him and takes special interest in making Louie's and later on by Alex Russell. In the movie, Pete realizes life miserable. Mutsuhiro Watanabe, played by , was Louie's potential to become an Olympic runner, and helps a corporal at Omori and the POW's nicknamed him the Louie earn the nickname "The Tornado of Torrance." "Bird." Miyavi is a Japanese singer and songwriter and this The movie opens as Louie and his air mates drop was his first appearance in a feature length film. Throughout bombs on Japanese military bases and fight off Zero planes the course of the movie, Louie leans on other soldiers for in a breathtaking aerial-combat scene from the point of view support, especially Commander John Fitzgerald, played by of a B-24 bomber. The combat scene is filled with flashbacks Garrett Hedlund. of Louie's childhood and his rise to running stardom. Later Critics believed the story to be powerful on its on, Louie and his crew are sent on a rescue mission, but own, and thought movie was too watered down to create encounter a complication early on as one of the B-24 any real inspirational moments for the audience. Others, engines explodes and the plane crashes, landing the crew however, praised Unbroken for its amazing set-pieces and in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Eight men of the 11 portrayal of the captivating hero that embodies the triumph die on impact, leaving Louie stranded at sea with his pilot, of the human spirit. Whatever the case may be, Unbroken Capt. Russell Alan Phillips, played by Domhnall Gleeson, and honored the life of Louie Zamperini, whose tale will be told tail gunner, Sgt.. Francis "Mac" McNamara, played by Finn for years to come not only in a novel, but on the big screen Wittrock. The men endure weeks of endless drifting, extreme as well. Opinions

The opinions expressed here are those of the student journalist. They do not reflect the views of the JSerra faculty, staff or administration.

Winter Formal The War on Scheduled

Dazzling lights, Terror Test Taking booming music, Ever since Don’t you and heels thrown September hate it when in a pile of the 11th, 2001, the you spend your girls’ bathroom Western world Thursday night floor; it’s that has struggled cramming for time of the year with Islamic your 4 tests once again! With terrorism, both and 3 quizzes, by Jenny Woo this year’s Winter in the Middle all conveniently Formal theme by Ryan Sánchez East and within by Olivia Coyle scheduled for being the “Roaring 20’s,” many students, its subways, the following especially girls, are ecstatic about dressing streets, and marathons. day? Just about every student has up in fringe, pearls, and feathers. Our military and our experienced this multiple times However, many students are allies have done a remarkable job during his/her time here at JSerra, and hesitant to attend dances, thinking that preventing attacks, and because of this, I believe it to be unnecessary. they won’t have a fun time or simply the American people have been lulled JSerra students would benefit because, “it’s lame.” Keep in mind that into a false sense of security. if each department had a designated high school only last 4 years, which gives As we mourn the 12 day to schedule tests. The religion us limited time to experience all the fun Frenchmen murdered in Paris classes can hold their tests on say, events, as the years does go by quickly. because of a cartoon depicting the a Tuesday, while all math tests are Students should not view dances as a Prophet Muhammad, we must realize scheduled for Friday, and so on. This hassle or an event their parents made the sad truth: the threat from Islamic would prevent students from feeling them go to, but as an opportunity to go extremism is very real and very close. overwhelmed by masses of tests and out, dress up fancy, and just have fun. We must remain vigilant and mindful would also contribute to higher test Also, many are under the of the sacrifices of those fighting the scores, as students are enabled to set impression that for dances, they should international crusade against Islamic a primary focus on studying for less have a date. I’d like to remind the student terrorism and take action to stop tests each night. It isn’t rocket science population that going to dances with the quickly-growing threat within our that cramming is not an efficient way your friends by your side is always a great borders and around the world. of learning, as the information you option, too. Besides, dates are really only learn for your test will leave your for the pictures your parents will cherish mind as soon as you walk out of the forever, so grab anyone willing to take a Letters to the Editor classroom. The Paw Print welcomes reader feedback. Letters Administration should take picture with you and you’re set. must contain your full name and grade level, or if a Don’t waste an opportunity to non-student, your full name and city of residence. department designated test days Please e-mail Mr. Kahl at [email protected] with a into consideration as the students of dance the night away surrounded by your subject heading of “Letters to the Editor.” best friends. Remember, stag is swag! JSerra would benefit greatly from it. Opinions

New Year’s Friends Role Models Resolutions Everyone It is safe The New knows and to say that many Year brings loves the classic teenagers have the beginning NBC sitcom famous role of a long list series, Friends. models; people of New Years’ The question who can be Resolutions. remains, why looked up to New Years’ is it such a for inspiration Resolutions by Megan D’Souza hit? Having by Garrett Prendiville because of their range from personally kindness, social the promise watched all 236 episodes of the 10 skills, and correct moral compasses. of a healthier lifestyle to the decision seasons, I think that Friends goes But, some people have skewed of mastering a new language. Though it deeper than humor and ironic opinions on who an acceptable role may not be the case with everyone, the situations. model is. For example, Justin Bieber majority of New Years’ Resolutions are On a more superficial level, is referred to as a “role model,” but almost never kept. Friends provides comfort and laughter what does he have? Good hair...and Take, for instance, the resolution to those who watch it. However, each that’s about it. of healthy living. Many people across the character is so individually developed Every year Forbes Magazine world decide to exercise more and stay that it makes it easier for viewers to releases their “30 Under 30” list. away from delicious, yet corrupting, junk connect with the show. Many fans These young adults are excellent food. Giving up junk food isn’t easy but have found themselves relating with people to look up to because of their it’s the goal to exercise everyday that a specific character, which makes great success and flawless character. completely unhinges people. The first viewership more meaningful. Famous examples of people making few weeks proceed smoothly but as the Friends isn’t just a sitcom- it is the list include actress and activist weeks turn into months it’s easier to click a beautiful representation of a family: Emma Watson and musician Ed a switch on the remote control than to tie a group of friends who looks out for Sheeran. If someone was looking for on tennis shoes and hit the gym. each other no matter what life throws an influential role model, one should People begin to make excuses their way. Who wouldn’t want that? turn to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List. as to why keeping their resolutions are inconvenient and a waste of time. will eventually fade, make a list of resolutions that can be accomplished in an Driving to the gym wastes gas and hour or day. Short resolutions can include learning one song on the piano or buying a bucket of vegetables costs trying out a new recipe, or going on a run with that new neighbor that lives extra money and more trips to the across the street. store. Long-term resolutions generally Stop worrying about the time commitments and costs of New Years’ don’t last if your a normal human being, Resolutions, and set up small goals that can be accomplished with just a little so instead of creating a resolution that time and effort. Opinions

This Land is Pete Zamperini YA Novels Your Land, This Land is My Land. Most of I have been us have had engaged in a Immigration someone who struggle to find is vital and shaped us in life a great new necessary for a for the better. For book to read. healthy, effective, Louie Zamperini, Frankly, I can’t and powerful hero of the book/ seem to find nation to succeed movie, Unbroken, any Young Adult in the competitive, by Katia Bergstrom it was his brother, by Emma McClellan novels that diverse, and Pete. appeal to me. by Michael Elsanadi hostile world Pete Zamperini is heroic Romance novels bore me, we live in in a different way: he did nothing regardless of whether the relationship today. Immigration, especially for the extraordinary and lived an unassuming playing out falls within the “paranormal” , catalyzes and improves life. But he inspired Louie to run and genre. Dystopian society novels, outlining economic growth through encouraging he believed in him, even if Louie didn’t teenage life following an apocalyptic business activity, and therefore, believe in himself. When the war came nuclear fallout, seem tired and overdone. producing more jobs as immigrants he never gave up hope that Louie would I love books that are well-paced and will be spending their earned money return and he held the family together. fraught with suspense, but the meaningless in the American market and economy Without Pete, I believe Louie dialogue and unrelatable drama found in rather than in a competing nation’s never would have become an Olympic most works of young adult fiction leave market and economy. runner or a POW survivor. Pete helped me feeling disgusted and annoyed. To further benefit the United him see his true potential, encouraging I realize my struggle to locate States’ economy and promote a him to do his best in life. He gave advice a book that I can really get into doesn’t more socially diverse communities that helped Louie both in the Olympics mean that there aren’t any great books government officials must lessen and when he was a prisoner of war. In out there. There may be YA novels that the restrictions on immigration and his later years, he even kept a scrapbook I would enjoy, but much of the literature make the immigration process easier filled with clippings and photographs of written for girls my age is full of drama and and more efficient. Immigration is his brother, and could talk for hours about far-fetched circumstances that leave girls beneficial for the United States as well him. Louie’s attitude and outlook on life feeling inadequate or full of unrealistic as its citizens; The United States should was reflected by Pete’s encouragement. expectations. It is extremely unlikely that open its borders for easier access to We should all aspire to be like I am going to meet and fall in love with the freedom, benefits, and protection Pete—helping each other out in life, my future husband at age 15, and I think that the Untied States provides. truly caring and loving one another, that I speak for many girls when I say that We are all human beings and recognizing each other’s talents the unrealistic and cursory quality of the working towards the same goal of and potential by encouraging one literature directed at our age group is success. another in life. slightly insulting to our intelligence. Opinions

Google Pool vs. Beach Virtual Apple, Living in The other Starbucks, Southern day, I was going McDonalds, Orange County through Amazon Google. These on a day to day looking for companies basis we are review books are just a few exposed to for AP classes, of the biggest scenic beaches and I noticed brand names or having the that nearly every by Zoe Kaffen in the world. by Julia Sanchez convenience of single book had a by Sydni Brown But which a pool in our “Kindle” option. company takes first place and what backyard or down the street. In my This is becoming more and more popular makes them a worldwide sensation? opinion, the pool is a better option because, who wants to carry around five Since 2010 Apple has dominated then the beach. or six books when you can have all of the world market with over 150 billion them in the palm of your hand? dollars in value. However, in this past year Personally, I don’t know how if Google has leapfrogged over Apple to this is a good thing or a bad thing, it just take the top spot in the global ranking means we’re becoming more…virtual. with a year-on-year increase of 40 It’s like we’re colonizing this whole percent beating out Apple whose value other world that, materially, doesn’t fell 20 percent in the last year. exist. I keep getting notifications on Nick Cooper, the managing my phone suggesting I purchase more director of Millward Brown Optimor, For those who love to surf, iCloud storage, and every time I accredited Google’s rise to the top then of course the beach is the better consider it, I can’t help but compare it with innovations like, “Google Glass, option. Don’t get me wrong, I love the to an apartment being rented out or investment’s in artificial intelligence, beach every once in a while, but if I had a house being sold. However, instead and a multitude of new partnerships.” to choose, I would prefer the pool. At of being able enjoy the comforts of a The fact that Google and Apple take the pool, there tends to be less people, new home, you’re merely the proud first and second place in the global there is no sand getting in all of your owner of a couple more gigabytes. ranking reflects the world’s growing stuff, and you do not have to walk just As I said before, this is a matter dependence upon technology. Tech to get food. with a million different sides, and no one accounted for the top four spots in I did not grow up on the know how this truly affects society as the globe with IBM and Microsoft beach, so going to the beach every it is so new. I ended up purchasing the taking third and fourth. single weekend can get boring for me. review books where I would actually It is becoming clear that For me, the pool is a better place to have to turn the pages, but I can’t help technology will be the key to pushing the go, relax, and cool off rather than the but wonder if the virtual version actually world forward into a new modern age. beach. might have been worth it. JSerra Catholic High School NON-PROFIT ORG. 26351 Junipero Serra Road U.S. POSTAGE San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 PAID Mission Viejo, CA Permit No. 5724

Save the Date Fine Arts Winter Showcase...... January 23 Mariner’s Ocean Hills Church Freshman Retreat...... January 23 & 24 Irvine Regional Park XLT...... January 27 JSerra Center Room Kairos 29...... February 3, 4, 5, & 6 Oakbridge Winter Formal...... February 7 Westmister Rose Center