Volume 101, Issue 3 Modesto High School February 2014

Take our Stay Holding romance Classy, on to quiz Mohi Hope p. 6 p. 13 p. 14 The Panther Press 18 H Street Modesto, CA 95351

Editor-in-Chief: Samuel Lee Contributing Editors: Table of Contents Mackenzie Anderson, Megan Anderson, Jason Li

Contributing Panther Press Staff: News Gloria Hernandez, Laura Lee, Isabel Martinez, Joshua Muniain, Nicole Parhizgari, Lucy Wen- Newsbriefs ...... 4 strup, Yileng Xiong, Abraham Youhana Winter Formal ...... 8 Staff Photographer: Beind the Scenes: Homecoming ...... 9 Austin Mendes Mock Trial ...... 10 Adviser: Valentine’s Day Kerrie Glenn [email protected] Our Smitten Staff Members ...... 4 - 5 Credits: Mushy Scale ...... 6 Cover banner and picture by Scott Mitchell. Essential Quality ...... 7 The Panther Press is created for and by Features students of Modesto High School. The goal is to bring news to MHS and acknowledge Deng! ...... 11 ideas, events, and individuals on campus in an unbiased and professional manner. What Grinds Jason’s Gears The opinions expressed in this publica- tion are those of the journalism staff and Energy Drinks ...... 12 not of Modesto High School or Modesto City Schools. This publication may also be Keep Classroom Classy ...... 13 accessed at mohipantherpress.com. Letters Holding onto Hope: A Student Essay . . .14 may be mailed to MHS or submitted to Ker- rie Glenn’s mailbox in the main office.

2 THE PANTHER PRESS NewsBriefs

2/17/14 - No School, Presidents Day 3/11/14 - Prom Faire Prom Faire will be during 4th and 5th lunch in the pavilion. 2/27/14 - Minimum Day, Open House MHS’s annual Open House will be held in the MHS boys gym and cafeteria at 6:30pm. The Eigth Grade Parent Night will be at 5:30 in the MHS auditorium. 3/14/14 - Minimum Day, 3rd Quarter Ends

3/15/14 - MHS Arts Festival 2/28/14 - 3/2/14 - Spring Theater MHS Art Festival featuring student work will be The MHS Theatre Department will be putting on from 10am - 6pm in the MHS Cage. The Diviners from Friday to Sunday.

3/21/14 - Battle of the Bands 3/1/14 - Science Olympiad Project Hope will be hosting its annual Battle of County Competition the Bands from 7pm - 9pm in the MHS auditorium. Competition will be held at MJC West from 8am - Three local bands will play against each other. 3pm.

3/3/14 - Senior Picnic Sales Begin 4/3-5/14 - Dance Production Performance Tickets will be for purchase in the SBO for $10. Dance Production’s annual show will be from Friday to Sunday at 7pm in the MHS Auditorium.

3/5/14 - Pops Concert 4/4/14 - Deadline for Senior Trip Sign-Ups The concert will begin at 7pm in the MHS audito- Permission slips and $175 are due at the SBO for the rium. senior Disneyland trip. Permission slips are available at the SBO.

3/8/14 - SAT Good luck! Eat a good breakfast and get plenty of rest. Be at your testing site by 7:30am.

FEBRUARY 2014 3 O U R

Gloria Hernandez interviews staff members about their mitten Srelationships S T A F F Mrs. Kerrie Glenn (English Teacher) How did you meet your significant other? “Neither of us are blind date people but the person setting us up was persistent so we agreed to go so she would leave us alone.”

How long have you been in a relationship with your signifi- cant other? “We have been together for 15 years and married for 13.”

Is there something special you do on Valentine’s Day? “It’s different each year. We don’t stress over a date on the calen- dar.”

Mr. Mario Aviles (Campus Supervisor) How did you meet your significant other? “We met at a small market in the candy isle through a mutual friend.”

How long have you been in a relationship with your significant other? “We have been together for 9 years.”

Is there something special you do on Valentine’s Day? “Every day is Valentine’s Day, and I don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to tell my wife I love her.”

4 THE PANTHER PRESS Mrs. Carol Negranza (Social Studies Teacher) How did you meet your significant other? “He was my best friend’s older brother; we became close during our college years. We went our separate ways and each found ourselves in difficult situ- ations. We both helped each other through our hard times and realized that O U R we made a good match. After I received a sign from God, I knew he was the one and we got married.”

How long have you been in a relationship with your significant other? “We’ve been married for 16 years.”

Is there something special you do on Valentine’s Day? “Since our anniversary is so close to Valentine’s Day, I tell my husband to spend the day with our daughter so she can experience fatherly love; something I never had.”

Mrs. Summer Hansen (English Teacher) How did you meet your significant other? “We met though my best friend in high school.”

How long have you been in a relationship with your significant other? “We have now been together for 10 years.” S T A F F Is there something special you do on Valentine’s Day? “Usually we do dinner at home, but we don’t like to wash dishes on Valen- tine’s Day.”

Mrs. Elsa Robinson (Principal’s Secretary) How did you meet your significant other? “We met through a friend; they were on the same baseball team.”

How long have you been in a relationship with your significant other? “It has been 18 years.”

Is there something special you do on Valentine’s Day? “Every day is Valentine’s Day, we are best friends, and every day we are together is a blessing.”

Mr. Josh Kazas (Math Teacher) How did you meet your significant other? “I met her in Mexico on a college trip to go help churches.” How long have you been in a relationship with your significant other? “We have been married for 11 years.” Is there something special you do on Valentine’s Day? “Every year is different, some years we say our wedding vows other years I surprise her.”

FEBRUARY 2014 5 Answer the questions and add your score up at the bottom of the page to 1. How do you feel about being single? see where your heart lies! A. I love the freedom! I don’t have time for a relationship right now. B. I hate it so much and there are always cou- 4. What movie best suits your style? ples rubbing it in everywhere I look. A. The Notebook C. It’s okay to be single; it’s natural. If it hap- B. Friends with Benefits pens, it happens. C. The Avengers

2. In a relationship, which would you most likely 5. What top 40 hit best suits your mushy mantra? do? A. “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry A. Surprise them all the time and show them B. “All Me” by Drake how much you care daily. C. “Who You Love” by John Mayer B. Talk a lot, but not much else. I’d hate to be with someone too clingy or needy. 6. Say you have a full workload for the night, but C. Go on fun dates and always be your partner wants to hang out. What do you do? supportive. A. Forget them for now. I have priorities. B. Get some work done together! 3. What’s your idea of a perfect Valentine’s date? C. Homework can wait! I’m already on my way A. Classic dinner and a movie. Small, but senti- to see them. mental. B. Watch Netflix on my couch. Nothing cliché 7. What TV show best fits your personality? or sappy. A. The Walking Dead C. Lots of chocolates, roses, and a romantic B. The Bachelore candlelit dinner for two! C. Parks and Recreations

7-11 points: Heartbreaker. You’re not a friend of Cupid’s. You think love can be sort of frivolous at times. If you’re look- ing for a relationship, you’re not expecting your soul mate yet. Overall, you’re pretty realistic when it comes to love which may take away from some of the magic, but could save you tears if things don’t work out.

12-16 points: Sweetheart. You have a good balance in your life in terms of love and other priorities. You appreciate the fun side of relationships, but don’t go too overboard. You’re real and don’t take love for granted.

17-21 points: The Love Doctor. When you fall in love, you fall head over heels. If dating was a sport, you’d be in the Olympics. Your love life takes precedent over a lot of other aspects of your life which can lead to problems later on, but you don’t intend to let things like that get in the way of you and your one-and-only. You’re romantic to the

core. 1: A - 1 B - 3 C - 2 2: A - 3 B - 1 C - 2 3: A - 2 B - 1 C - 3 4: A - 3 B - 2 C - 1 5: A - 3 B - 1 C - 2 6: A - 1 B - 2 C - 3 7: A - 1 B - 3 C - 2 - C 3 - B 1 - A 7: 3 - C 2 - B 1 - A 6: 2 - C 1 - B 3 - A 5: 1 - C 2 - B 3 - A 4: 3 - C 1 - B 2 - A 3: 2 - C 1 - B 3 - A 2: 2 - C 3 - B 1 - A 1:

6 THE PANTHER PRESS One word that sums up the most important aspect of love, and why?

Passion; Love is Laura when you think Lee asks of someone be- Passion; You have to have students fore youself. that strong feeling for someone - Alejandra Ojeda around the to have a connection together. (11) MHS campus Love is easy to say but you need feelings for it to be meaningful. Support; It’s - Brenda Gonzalez (12) how you show Caring and trust; You you care. need these to care for - Bogar someone and grow

Trust and safety; When love for them. Lopez (12) you love someone - Alma Hernandez (12) you’re allowing your- self to be vulnerable to Loyalty; If you’re not loyal then Equality; Equal amounts them. it’s not real. You have to be com- of trust, respect, and com- mitted to that one person for it - Jordan Castillo (12) munication. Love is about to be real. finding a person who com- - Natalie Gutierrez (11) pliments you, someone one who does the same prob- Love is irrelevant in Unconditional; You lem differently but ends up high school. can’t stop the feel- with the same solution. - Dominique Martine (9) ing of loving some- - Malina Long (12) one and you can’t Family; They will always be there for you no matter what. control love. You Sacrifice; Love and relationships come Even if you have ups and hand to hand with sacrifice, time, and downs and show your bad can never express attention. side they will understand and -Gina Hernandez (12) help you through it. enough love. -Josefina Reyes (12) - Leigh Yang (9)

FEBRUARY 2014 7 Samuel Lee

On Saturday, January 11th, MHS held its annual Unfortunately, this year’s formal continued the - Winter Formal. The ASB Leadership under the di- trend of the dropping popularity of Winter Formal rection of junior dance directors Krupa Modi and at MHS. Only 221 tickets were sold this year, a near Mackenzie O’Dell worked hard to recreate a Japa- 100-ticket drop from only three years ago. Ticket nese Tea Garden under the theme “A Lantern Lit sales were down from 271 tickets in 2013, 300 tick Night.” Decorations, such as paper lanterns and ets in 2012, and 370 tickets in 2011. “There was no one there,” said senior Keeghan cherry blossom trees, provided an immersive envi- ronment that many attendees enjoyed. Sweeney. “I liked how the lanterns were dimly lighting the Many upper classmen noted the dramatic drop room. It led to a very surreal experience,” said senior in attendance in relation to their under classmen Peter Chen. year formals. The leadership class worked hard for months to “My freshman year there were so many people at formal that just the body heat in the gym made prepare the decorations and plan the formal. - “Prepping for formal took about two to three people sweat. This year, I walked out of formal and months. The actual physical preparation took about thought ‘I didn’t even need to put on deodorant,’” four and a half hours at most. The best decorations said senior Matthew Ip. This general drop in popularity may be attribut were the lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Overall, it was success,” said sophomore Yunah Kim. ed to many factors such as change in time of year, Attendees generally gave positive reviews of this change in venue, general fluctuations based on year’s formal with few complaints. class interests, or simple attrition of old school tra- “I thought it was great. The decorations were ditions as MHS moves into a more progressive age. Significant drops in attendance began to occur - beautiful and I had so much fun,” said senior Nataly Nguyen. the year following the MHS Leadership’s decision to “Formal was banging,” said sophomore Christian move Winter formal from the SOS club to the MHS Von Rotz boys gym in 2010. Drops continued as Winter For “Formal was a lot of fun. It was the first time that I mal was moved from before winter break to after went since freshman year. It was a lot less crowded in 2012. Ultimately, many hope that the popularity than I remember, but it wasPhotos still Courtesy fun,” of saidABC Photography senior Em- ily Davis. of Winter Formal will rise again in the coming years.

8 Megan Anderson interviews Bailey Donnelly, Maeve Derouin, behind scenes: Samantha Oliveira, Caydin Sablan, and Kristina Zuroff. the HOMECOMING everyone compliment all of our hard work; it really makes all the weekends and hours well spent. About how many hours do you dedicate to lead- Kristina: For me, the most rewarding part is after ership each homecoming? everything is over with and you get to sit watch the game Bailey: I dedicate about 70, others up to 100. It’s knowing that you made it through another homecoming. more than workdays; it’s planning, bringing stuff home, shopping for supplies and looking for What is the hardest part? donations. Maeve: The worst is the stress when it comes to the week- Samantha: For the seniors, Morgan Negele, ends right before homecoming; there’s a lot of pressure. Analise Lopez, Maeve and I have put in about Bailey: For me, it’s doing other homework on top of it. 100+ hours each homecoming. Samantha: The hardest part for me has always been that Caydin: For homecoming, in total, I dedicate a couple of us that put in a lot of extra time and other about 60 hours. people take credit for our work. Kristina: The hardest part is gathering all of the materials How early do you start preparing for homecom- and getting donations for the more expensive stuff. ing? Maeve: We try to plan in advance as early as we How much help do you get from parents? can, but usually end up starting about six weeks Bailey: Morgan Negele’s dad helped build stuff like our in advance with the actual workdays. dragon and the heart, but we helped him with it. Every- Samantha: For fall homecoming we start having thing else we do—even the floats. workdays right around the time school starts. For Samantha: There are some parents that help us a lot like winter homecoming we usually take 2-3 weeks Morgan’s dad; he helps us with the logistics. I’ll give him off and then start working. an idea...and he tells us how we can build it and then Caydin: We usually start preparing for homecom- helps us. Parents definitely help contribute a lot to the ing two months before the actual event. class in general. Caydin: Our parents assist us so much with homecoming! How do you come up with such memorable Whenever we need some materials or even some help themes? with creating ideas, we normally turn to our parents for Maeve: The entire leadership class comes up their input. with ideas and then we all vote. I always come up with themes throughout the year and write them Do you feel that you get enough recognition from the down to keep track. school? Samantha: We come up with the potential Maeve: To me, it isn’t about the recognition; it’s about themes and vote on them during our summer making the school more fun for everyone. Without leader- retreat. This year we actually took the top three ship, events at our school wouldn’t happen and I love picks and put it on Facebook. being able to be a part of that. Caydin: When brainstorming themes, we think of Samantha: We definitely don’t get enough recognition what’s typically popular among our generation from the school, but that’s not why we do it. It’s hurt- or in pop culture. ful when we hear people talking negatively about our hallways or dress up days...we really do try our best. We’re What is the most rewarding part? giving up our time for everyone’s enjoyment, so if people Samantha: The most rewarding part is hearing bash on our work it makes us not want to try as hard.

FEBRUARY 2014 9 Mock Trial Triumphs Austin Mendez

ongratulations to the 2013-2014 Modesto High Mock Trial team for winning the 2014 C Stanislaus County Mock Trial Champion- ship. Modesto High defended its 2013 Mock Trial Championship with another victory. This will be the 14th installment in the list of mock trial champion- ships that Modesto High has won. This year’s team proudly brought home our school’s 14th champi- onship and will return to the state competition, in San Jose from March 21-24, for the second year in a row. Photo Courtesy of Scott Mitchell This was no simple task; the team had to battle its way Congratulations to through not only some of the Kunal Dhillon - Defense Witness of the Year toughest competition but Jonathan Lindberg – Prosecution Attorney of the also its rival schools to get to Year where it is now. The team had Alex Sanders – Pretrial Attorney of the Year to overcome both Enochs, Parker Stewart – Defense Attorney of the Year who had unseated MHS from a three-peat champion- Keeghan Sweeney – Prosecution Attorney of the ship streak in 2011, and new Year found rival, Gregori. Despite Kelly Wesley – Nomination for the Ryan Dickerson these worthy opponents, the Award Mock Trial team was able to come out on top with a 10 point victory with Downey High School in second place. Along with bringing home the cham- pionship trophy, the team also voted and rewarded its members with the Attor- ney of the Year Award, as well as the Wit- ness of the Year Award. Team members achieved the highest honor they could for the outstanding work that they’ve done throughout the year. Congratulations to Modesto High’s 2014 Mock Trial Championship team, and good luck at the state competition in March. Mock Trial Coach, Kerry Castellani

Mock Trial Coach, Scott Mitchell

10 THE PANTHER PRESS ByDang, Josh Muniain Deng!!!!!! Frank Deng is a normal sophomore at MHS. He comes to first period at the same time, and counts down until his lunch period. He practices after school like many athletes and goes home to do homework. Like every student at MHS, Deng has a certain passion. He has pro- ficiently played the alto-saxophone for over 11 years. Deng’s band teacher Troy Rexelle noticed Deng’s dedication and nominated him to the All Northern State Honor Band. From here Deng competed against 400 students from this area, and 1700 students from else- where. “It was an honor to be nominated and an honor to perform in, I am proud to represent my school” said Deng. He was also nominated to the All Star National Marching Band in which he represented MHS. In order to participate, Deng undertook a process beginning with the memorization of certain scales, which he is required to perform on his saxophone. After this, he Photo Courtesy of Sycamore Staff was required to join other contestants to perform as a Mr. Rexelle, proud to coach Deng, said, “Frank is a talent- group. This leads to an evaluation of their performance ed young man that represents his school and community and placement into certain chairs based on skill. Though with excellence and pride. It has been a pleasure to work he is young, Deng does not experience any intimidation with someone that is so committed and passionate about at the national level. He said “I’m not nervous at all; I’m music and he is very deserving of the honors that he has more excited than anything.” He is proud to represent received.” Deng not only pressures himself to become his band and his school, and prove wrong those who better as a student and a musician, but also encourages doubt the prestige of MHS. others to strive to better themselves. What’s Grinding Jason’s Gears Preaching Professors Throughout the MHS campus There is a fine line between shar- In my experience, the teachers there have been students taking ing opinions and foisting them. The that provide their interpretation on note of teachers who directly, or goal of the teacher should not be to certain events create the most excit- indirectly, express their personal tell his or her students what to do ing classroom atmospheres. Though views, especially in the realms of or how it should be done; the goal I may not always agree with their politics. This tends to upset those should be to give students more to views, my perspective is widened that have different beliefs causing think about. By expressing certain giving me a greater understand- them to feel as if class time is be- views in the correct manner, teachers ing of some topics. Much like other ing wasted. However, teachers that can effectively open their students’ students, I’ve noticed that my overall express their political stances in the eyes to a world beyond the class- participation in class discussions has school environment tend to have a room. There are obviously some con- increased. more enlightening classroom atmo- troversial issues that need not to be The role of the teacher is not solely sphere. It’s a delicate balancing act spoken about in the classroom such to teach the standards enforced by for teachers: how to encourage lively as religion or sexual orientation. But state policy; it also includes encour- discussions with a captive, impres- for the most part, teachers should aging students to take a stance and sionable audience without imposing not fear discussing issues that may develop a voice. their personal views on students. have an impact on our futures. By Jason Li

FEBRUARY 2014 11 DANGEROUS

It’s the middle of first period and you’re ENERGY dozing off as usual, already wishing the Lucy Wenstrup day was over. The next best thing to going home would be a refreshing Monster or Red Bull, so you can actually stay awake, right? more Erin Brasil said, “Sometimes I will have Wrong. an energy drink only because I like the taste Energy drinks have been hurting teens and if I ever need a boost of energy.” She across America. Hospital visits have in- does not drink them often and hasn’t had creased due to energy drinks in the last few any health complications because of them. years. According to rt.com, from 2007 to However, this does not eliminate the possi- 2011 the number of people going to the bility of a caffeine overdose. hospital because of energy drinks doubled Possibly the worst thing you can do when from 10,000 to more than 20,000. Cases of consuming energy drinks is adding alco- insomnia, headaches, fast heartbeats, anxi- hol and other stimulants. Alcoholic energy ety, and even seizures were reported. drinks, such as Four Loko and CORE, elimi- About 7.6 million teens consume energy nate the fatigue a person generally gets drinks, which are dangerously high in caf- from overdrinking, allowing you to consume feine and sugar. Constant consumption can more. This hugely increases the risk for heart lead to addiction, dependency, and even problems and damages the nervous system. heart palpitations, seizures, strokes, and The growing popularity of these drinks can sudden death. They are especially fatal to lead to increased intoxication, injury, and people with heart problems. All of these sde even conflicts with the law (such as rape and effects can happen after only consuming 2-4 drunk driving) among teens and college stu- drinks within an hour, which can contain as dents. much caffeine as fifteen cups of coffee. This Not every energy drinker ends up in the overdose of caffeine is what causes the side hospital or becomes a criminal but teens effects aforementioned. should realize that there are other ways of Freshman Jazmany Velazquez does not boosting your energy. Improving one’s diet see the benefit of consuming these energy by swapping sugary snacks with foods rich drinks. He said, “I don’t drink them because with protein, fiber, and carbohydrates can you don’t need them. It’s not really energy. provide the benefits of increased alertness It’s just a lot of caffeine.” He realizes that there throughout the day. Making an effort to eat are healthier ways to get energy throughout breakfast and to exercise can help as well. In the day, like exercise and sleep. the long run, one’s performance inside and Drinking an occasional energy drink does outside of school will be better if he or she not always lead to a hospital visit. Sopho- is less dependent on energy drinks. Energy drinks definitely aren’t as good as they’re hyped up to be.

12 THE PANTHER PRESS mack’s tips: escuela etiquette tips for keeping } { the classroom classy

Tests and homework may be revolting, but the school building shouldn’t be. Good sanitation is more than just safe; it helps the FOOD moods of the students. Bathroom messes, spitting, puddles of questionable liquids-- {The rule 1 is simple: if you’re finished all these gross mishaps which occur daily with your food, dispose of it in one SANITATION3 only makes going to class even less fun. Ac- of the several trash cans on campus. cidents happen, but purposefully making a You could trade it for something esle mess that someone else will have to clean up or just save it for later, but smearing reflects very poorly on yourself as a person. it on the floor or kicking it down the stairs is not an option. In your lazi- ness or definace, you’re only making Your locker, your desk, your textbooks...aren’t someone else’s work harder and mak- actually yours. Don’t you hate recieving a book ing someone else’s day worse. No one from the book room that the previous owner ru- wants to have to jump over a puddle ined? Are carved desks still even considered cool? of milk to get to class, and the food left Who even reads the sharpie gibberish in the bath- behind attracts insects and rodents. room stalls? Though you could care less about the state of school property, causing it damage is a bigger deal than you may think. Breaking With over two thousand students something purposely only irritates the rest of at MHS, this rule is a given. Cour- the school who would prefer to keep the school tesy when roaming the hallways in good condition. Too much damage to books is a necessity to keep the school or other borrowed items of school property can in motion and keep the students lead to a pretty hefty bill which you need in good spirits. Minor in- to pay in order to graduate, and if you’re considerate actions like caught harming MHS property, there’ll be blocking someone’s locker, punishment for your actions. Treat bor- sitting on the stairs when rowed posessions nicely or buy your own. others are trying to go up 2 or down them, blocking the HALLS hallway with a big group, walking too slowly for those around you, or stopping abrupt- ly...the list goes on and on. Keep the halls free from clutter and free from annoyance; be aware of the students around you. PROPERTY } FEBRUARY 2014 4 13 Holding on to Hope Nicole Parhizgari

Three months. thankful that he has gotten this far. He has suffered The doctor said I only had three months to spend a great deal and is definitely not the same person with my dad before the cancer would take his life. he used to be-physically and mentally. Physically- I was 12 years old. I still had my whole future ahead he has weakened. Mentally-he has grown to be the of me. I needed to graduate, get married, have chil- strongest person I have ever met. He chooses to not dren - and I needed him to be there for all of it. How complain or feel pity towards himself but instead could this doctor tell me that my dad was going to makes everyday as if it were his last. He has touched die before he barely got a chance to live? so many people’s lives, including other cancer pa- January 2010: We were all shocked after discover- tients, and has encouraged them to keep fighting ing that my dad- my healthy, strong, independent not only for themselves, but for their loved ones dad- was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer on who feel the same pain they do. his birthday. These events happened all of a sudden My experience has taught me to appreciate every- and out of nowhere. It started with increasing stom- day and make the best of it. I try to be kind to every- ach pains, then escalated to the need of blood trans- one, be thankful for everything I have, and to never fusions, and then finally led to the horrible realization regret anything for it has only helped mold me into that my father had cancer. We had the person I am today. I have also lost all hope after the doctor told realized the importance of cherish- us that there was no use in trying ing those around me, as we never chemotherapy or radiation since his “Not everything that is know our fate. I spend every mo- cancer had spread so much. For the faced can be changed. ment with my father and we talk next month, we desperately looked But nothing can be about all the good things that have for an answer to our prayer and a changed until it’s faced.” happened to us. We have found way to extend my father’s life; even -James Baldwin that a positive attitude is stronger if it was just for a little longer. than any other medication or tech- After long, sleepless, and stressful nology out there and believe that nights, we found our answer. A hos- it is what has kept my dad alive all pital that specialized in treating and finding a cure these years. for cancer assured us that my dad would be given When life seems to have no more purpose and no the right treatment he needed to live a couple more more reason to keep going, remember that there years and hopefully one day be cancer free. The name will always be hope. Hope can come in the form of a of this hospital is the City of Hope, and city of hope it person, a place, or even an idea but can be acquired was. Although our family knew that it was going to by anyone. It is a beautiful thing that has saved my be a long journey ahead of us, we were thankful that father and my family as well as many other people we had a glimpse of light left in this dark tunnel of who thought things would never get better. How- cancer. Our optimism grew as my father responded ever, healing takes time and effort and starts with well to his treatment. Although things were rough at accepting reality and then preceding to improve the first, and he had to travel to Los Angeles every other situation. Things can never get better if one does not week for his chemo, while my mom worked both day help themselves first. Although it’s hard to be strong and night, my brother and I learned to accept this as and look on the bright side, bear in mind that no our new reality. one in this world is alone. Remember that when life Today, my father is still undergoing cancer treat- throws struggles your way, Hope whispers, “Never ment. Although he will never be fully cured, we are stop believing.”

14 THE PANTHER PRESS WHO TO TALK TO

Support groups in Stanislaus County:

GRIEF SHARE A support group for anyone who experienced a loss. The class time is divided between a 13-week video and discussion and support. New Life Christian Center 2918 W. Tuolumne Rd, Turlock. For information call 667-5433. Other churches in our county also have this program. Please look on the web for the one you prefer. www.griefshare.org

H.U.G. GROUP (HANGING UP DEATH) For children who are grieving. Interpreters are

available .For information call 578-6378 Nicole Parhizgari with her family Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way., Modesto http://www.hospiceheart.org/ When a serious illness strikes a parent, it shakes the entire foundation of a family and can drastically change GENERAL GRIEF the family’s standard of living and daily routines. Both Support for persons who have lost any family parents become very stressed and preoccupied, and as member or significant friend. You must contact the healthy parent takes control of the family, the ill par- Hospice of Emanuel before attending a support ent will focus on his/her own struggle. group. There is a small charge ($5) for classes. As teens, we naturally want to help our families, but Please call the bereavement staff at 668-5283. In- sometimes feel helpless. It’s normal to feel alone as we terpreters are available. Hospice of Emanuel 825 understand the emotional unavailability of our parents. Delbon Ave., Turlock From my experience, I know how it gets overwhelming, www.emanuelmedicalcenter.org/ as I was forced to grow up faster than my friends. I was expected to take on daily duties around the house, as well as take care of my younger sibling as if he were my You’ll be surprised how much weight will be lift- own child. I was also afraid to talk about my problems ed off your shoulders once you just talk to some- with my parents, as it seemed my “teen drama” was one. For me, even though I knew these people nothing compared to what they were going through. I didn’t know exactly what I was going through, felt like I needed to be with my father 24/7, and avoided being able to tell somebody about my situation going out with friends or going to parties. made me feel less lonely. Their feedback and ad- While it’s normal to feel grief and fear, it’s impor- vice also made life a lot easier, as I was able to tant to know that you don’t have to deal with it alone. finally find a balance between my family and so- Even if you can’t talk to your parents, there are plenty of cial life. No matter what, take care of yourself and other outlets in your community. I found that talking to don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you friends, teachers, counselors, people at my church, and are feeling scared, depressed or overwhelmed. even some people that have experienced what I’m go- People will be there for you. ing through was extremely helpful and uplifting. Sup- port groups were also another option. There are many support groups in every community that can help you deal with your grief.

FEBRUARY 2014 15 TURNING CAREER DREAMS INTO dream careers

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Now’s an exciting time for you, and at DeVry University we are committed to your success. By offering degree programs in programs in business, information systems, healthcare technology and more, DeVry can help you find satisfying, in-demand careers. Classes offered at 6 Bay Area locations | Daly City | Fremont | San Jose | Oakland | San Francisco

DeVry.edu/BayArea | 510.574.1200

Program availability varies by location. ©2013 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.

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Conatact adviser, Kerrie Glenn for information ([email protected])