Monthly Archives: August 2024

The Teaching Journey: An Interview With A Grade School Teacher

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This is one of many interviews that I will post. Each post will feature an interview with someone of a specific career. These interviews are meant to help teens find the career that they want. In this post, I will be interviewing a teacher going by the pseudonym of Jane-I refer to myself as Natalie-. Jane has taught lower grade levels such as preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grade. All of this information came from a real grade school teacher, and I hope that this interview allows you to decide if teaching is your true calling!

The Interview

Natalie: What was your inspiration to become a teacher?

Jane: I really love how children learn and I find child development fascinating and I love figuring out how to explain things or how to get children to understand and learn concepts. 

Natalie: Do you truly enjoy teaching? What is your favorite part that makes you love your profession?

Jane: It’s just so magical to watch them learn and grow and have fun and I also love telling them stories. That’s my favorite thing.

Natalie: What is the most difficult part of being a teacher?

Jane: If there are parents who are challenging to collaborate with, that can make it more difficult, and the most challenging thing is the increase in class size. Currently I have a class size of 26. 

Natalie: Since you have taught multiple grades such as preschool, kindergarten, first grade and second grade, which would you recommend? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each grade?

Jane: Every age and grade has advantages and disadvantages, and most teachers find something to love in each grade. I love kinder and I taught it for a long time so I could tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of five and six year olds. It’s a magical age where they are figuring out a lot of things such as social emotional growth as well as academics, but there is also a lot of academic growth. Children are all very different. Part of teaching is finding their strengths and building their confidence. One of the disadvantages of teaching this age is that they have lots of energy.

Natalie: What kind of classes or courses would you recommend for aspiring elementary school teachers?

Jane: Aside from required courses such as child development, if there is a course on storytelling or picture books I would recommend that, and using math manipulatives.

Natalie: Other than the cost of college tuition to get a degree in teaching, are there any ongoing costs of teaching?

Jane: Yes there are. First, aside from college and graduate school, I pay for classroom items and supplies and I don’t get reimbursed for them. 

Natalie: What would you say is the most mentally challenging part of being a teacher?

Jane: There’s a lot of multitasking and juggling, prioritizing and time management are important.

Natalie: Currently, AI is replacing many careers. Do you believe that in the future, teaching will still be a good career choice?

Jane:I think so, the connection between a human teacher and a student can’t be matched, especially for young children.

Natalie: Is there a good work/life balance in the career of teaching?

Jane: I think it’s tricky especially for new teachers, but they have to mindfully set that goal.

Natalie: If you had to do it all over again, would you choose to teach?

Jane: Maybe…I love teaching. I know I’m good at it and it makes a difference but it is underpaid and underappreciated and exhausting. 

Natalie: Thank you so much for taking the time to be interviewed. I am sure that this interview will prove useful to many teenagers still choosing their path.

What is ASB Camp?

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The Associated Student Body (ASB) is a group of roughly 40 students who, each year, make decisions about a variety of school events. The dances, such as the Hello Dance, Homecoming, Winter Formal, and Prom are great examples of this, but ASB students also play a crucial role in hosting an annual leadership conference at LHHS. At this conference, the ASBs from each high school in SVUSD create and run their own workshops for 7th and 8th graders, teaching them what it means to be a leader and how they can strengthen their leadership skills. On top of this, ASB is in charge of maintaining a positive, inclusive environment in the day-to-day life of their school. With all of this responsibility comes a high requirement of experience and dedication– but where do they learn to be leaders? The answer is the Orange County Leadership Camp (OCL). 

OCL is a 4-day summer camp for rising high school students who were accepted to be part of their school’s ASB. Students attend the program with their high school and for many incoming freshmen, this is their first exposure to the new freedoms (and responsibilities) that high school leadership entails. Students are immersed in several workshops taught by public speakers and learn about how to bring the most to their school through their position in ASB. Since each student in ASB has a specific job title such as Commissioner of Campus Awareness, or Class President, they attend classes that are best suited to their duties. In these workshops, students collaborate with others from a variety of backgrounds and learn how to take on different perspectives to incorporate back at home.

Not only does OCL bring in renowned speakers to train our students, but each school’s ASB chooses two people to lead a mini lesson on a specific event or tradition that their school specializes in. In this activity, known as “Meet the Pros,” every student rotates to a different mini lesson after 5-10 minutes. This process allows students to be exposed to a plethora of creative ideas, such as a senior-only talent show at the end of the year, or a student mental health week,  which can be adapted back at their school. Having small groups of students rather than one or two large ones allows for the audience to ask questions and take in-depth notes, even coming up with ways to improve the event being described. Previously, LHHS taught a mini lesson on our Staff Appreciation Week, in which ASB makes candy necklaces for the staff, writes personalized cards to each of them, and makes them elaborate posters. 

Being such an integral part of their school, it is essential for ASB leaders to establish a community where people can feel like their voices are heard. While much of their learning comes from trial and error, OCL provides these students with a head start to making the school year as successful and enjoyable as possible. 

Marrakesh, Morocco

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Image from https://dunesdeserts.com/en/top-7-things-to-do-in-jemaa-el-fna/

Marrakesh is a vibrant tourist attraction that differs from many other cities worldwide. I spent 6 days in the city in early June and explored its unique culture. Marrakesh is known as the “Red City” due to all of its buildings being red, a distinctive aspect of the city that does not exist anywhere else. The Marrakesh experience greatly differs from other wealthy countries, such as the United States, but is equally enjoyable.

The Big Square, also known as Jemaa el-Fnaa, is the main tourist attraction in the city. It is famous for representing Moroccan traditions and having vibrant street performances throughout the day. Many small shops are close together, unlike anything in the United States. At nighttime, the lights and colors are a spectacular view, my favorite part of the trip. Since Morocco is a developing country, the city is a bit cluttered and dirty at times, including in The Big Square. However, this only gives a different experience to give tourists a new perspective on the world.

To conclude, Marrakesh is a wonderful city to visit and I would highly recommend it. Its lively environment and rich history make it a unique place for tourists. The Moroccan culture, building style, and stray cats are aspects I have never seen before in a country. Traveling helps visitors understand different ways of life in certain areas, and the Moroccan way of life is no short of astonishing.

Society

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A fair society is a society where basic freedoms are protected, genuinely fair equality of opportunity is secured, and, beyond that, the economic structure prioritises the needs of the most disadvantaged.

The ten things that are normalised in this society which makes it worse are…

Having to be busy, lack of sleep, turn things into business, constantly connected to phone, working half to death, caring about celebrities, wasting food, smart phone at young age, paying extreme amounts on health care, the customer is always right.

Six ways we can fix….

  • Making it illegal for political parties to receive donations
  • Making it illegal for the media to report on what’s happening without impartiality
  • Provide state funding for partis, a law where if not a lot of people vote there shouldn’t be an election
  • Make corporation pay their taxes where they earn the money
  • Remove the tax burden from anyone not paid the minimum wage.

The more we notice how our society works, the social classes and what they do to contribute to the world (example:celebrities talking about certain issues), and we communicate with one another in this world… The more we will take it in and notice the faults and fix them, as well as noticing the good things and improving them.

I really hope I worded this in the right manner, and you learned a thing or two. I only wrote this because I noticed a downer/more negative society than usually.

Best Activities for the Summer

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Summer time is here, and sometimes it can be a challenge to find things to do and you can find yourself just sitting around. Summer can be much more fun when you have activities to do, so here are some activity ideas for you to get the most out of your summer vacation.

1. Go to the pool or beach.

Going to the pool is a fun summer activity that is great anytime. On a hot day, one of the best things to do can just be to take a nice swim in the pool, and it is a great summer activity that everyone can enjoy. Going to the beach can also be a great option for the summertime, as there are many activities you can do such as playing in the sand and swimming. Some great beaches nearby include Crystal Cove and Doheny Beach in Dana Point.

2. Go on a camping trip.

Another great activity to do over the summer is go on a camping trip. I personally enjoy camping because it’s a great opportunity to get into the outdoors, and I also enjoy visiting and exploring new places. Some great nearby camping spots are O’Neill Park and Carbon Canyon Park, as well as the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles.

3. Go fishing.

One of the best activities to do over the summer is to go fishing. Fishing can be a great activity if you live near a river or lake. Fishing can be both very fun and relaxing and a great way to get outdoors. Local piers such as the Huntington Beach and Dana Point piers can be great places to fish, as well as lakes such as Irvine Lake.

4. Go on a bike ride.

Another activity that you can do over the summer is going on a bike ride. Biking is a great way to get exercise as well as to go places, and it can be a fun way to get around and explore. Santiago Canyon near Irvine Lake is a great place to go biking, as well as other trails near the beach areas as well.

5. Read a book or magazine.

A great way to beat summer boredom is to read a book. Try to read a new book that you haven’t seen before. Some of my personal book recommendations are the Dune series by Frank Herbert, as well as the informational book Salt by Mark Kurlansky. Reading a magazine can also be very entertaining as well if you are bored during the summer.

6. Go on a hike.

My favorite activity to do during the summertime is going on a hike. Going on a hike is a great activity because it allows you to get a great view of nature and scenery, and it also allows you to get exercise in as well as avoid boredom. Some of best hikes nearby in my opinion are the trails in O’Neill Park and around Irvine Lake.

7. Play a sport.

Playing a sport over the summer is another activity that I would recommend since it allows you to get in shape and have fun with others. There are many sports you can do over the summer, but my personal recommendations would be swimming and tennis.

These are some activities that you can do over your summer break, so be sure to try this out if you are bored and to have fun!

Summer Solstice of 2024: The Longest and Hottest Day of the Year

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As we enter the peak of summer in 2024, nature gifts us with the Summer Solstice. This celestial event marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical phenomenon holds significant and natural importance in many cultures and various civilizations. This year, on Thursday, June 20th, at 1:50, we experienced the Sun at its zenith, casting the Earth in abundant daylight and warmth.

The summer solstice results from the Earth’s axial tilting a certain degree, 23.5 north to be exact; this tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. However, during the solstice, the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun; hence, the duration of daylight hours and amount of heat from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere is more intense. As a result, we have longer daytime and shorter nighttime on this day, and it’s also the hottest day of the year.

The term “solstice” itself originates from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), reflecting the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement across the sky as it reaches its highest point. This event has been observed and celebrated by cultures worldwide throughout history. Ancient monuments such as Stonehenge in England and Machu Picchu in Peru are believed to have been constructed in alignment with the solstices, highlighting their importance in early societies’ calendars and agricultural cycles.

The cultural significance of the summer solstice is shown in various traditions and celebrations. In many cultures, it’s a time for feasting, bonfires, and rituals celebrating to celebrate the power of the Sun and the abundance of summer. For example, the festival of Midsummer in Scandinavia and Baltic countries and the ancient festival of Litha, celebrated by modern pagans, are all rooted in honoring the solstice and its symbolic meanings of renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The extended daylight during the summer solstice also affects ecosystem and wildlife behaviors. It’s the best time for growth and harvest because plants utilize prolonged sunlight for photosynthesis, promoting growth and vitality. All living things taking advantage of the extended daylight also adjust their behaviors.

In summary, the summer solstice is the Earth’s natural cycle and the interplay between our planet and the Sun. It’s a scientific event that also intertwines in a cultural and human celebration throughout history, reminding us of our connection to the rhythms of nature and the enduring significance of light as human beings.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Bella H.

McDonald’s at Midnight

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It was 11:46 pm on a Friday night, the 26th of January. My family and I were coming home from some event and were far too exhausted to make a meal at home. My dad made the executive decision that we would be having McDonald’s for dinner. I had gotten a cheeseburger Happy Meal with chocolate milk, even though I was above the legal age of ordering one. The employees either didn’t notice or didn’t care. I wouldn’t blame them; they worked for minimum wage in a fast food chain, and night shifts were tiring enough without criticizing a customer.

My family and I took our meals to go, exiting the restaurant we had been to thousands of times in the past. Yet for some reason, I paused. I looked back at the restaurant. The sallow lighting behind the door highlighted the cheery yellows and reds of the interior, starkly contrasting the gloom of the night. Shadows cast by the awnings gave the gray concrete depth. The yellow arch glowed with backlights, a clear and familiar sight. I took a picture and hurried to catch up with my family.

Unbeknownst to me, I would spend the next four months driven by bizarre inspiration. I wanted to capture that eeriness and intrigue I felt that night through my paints. I sketched and smeared, staring at the picture for the minute details. The drainpipe in the wall, the orange permit sticker on the glass, the grids on the ceiling. I pestered my friend (an artist as well) with updates, asking for criticism and advice. Finally, on May 5th, I was content with my product.

My story just goes to show how inspiration can come from the strangest places. The world has cool things everywhere! You just need to look around.

How to Make The Most of the Upcoming School Year

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The school year is steadily approaching as summer dwindles to an end, which means it’s time to prepare and get back into routine. However, going beyond academics and succeeding in all your classes, here are a list of tips to remind yourself of during the school year! While it’s important to focus on school itself, there’s still so much more to school than just studying and getting good grades. Let’s ensure that this school year is truly memorable for you and everyone else around you! Good luck in the upcoming school year!

  1. Have fun with friends
  2. Get to know new people
  3. Go after your passions
  4. Challenge yourself
  5. Go outside of your comfort zone
  6. Explore new interests and electives
  7. Create traditions and memories with your friends
  8. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small
  9. Be kind to others
  10. Set goals to motivate yourself
  11. Be willing to make mistakes and learn form them
  12. Seek help whenever you need it
  13. Learn how to cope with stress and anxiety
  14. Learn more about future career opportunities
  15. Develop time management skills as well as other life skills
  16. Go to school dances and events
  17. Attend a sports game
  18. Join clubs
  19. Make the most out of the school year
  20. Live in the moment

What to Expect from a CUSD Girls Tennis Camp & Tryouts

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As the school year approaches, many high schools in the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) are preparing for the girls tennis season, as it is a fall sport. The preparation includes tennis camps and tryouts, where girls of all levels play each other to be placed on the team of their caliber. If you are looking to join your high school’s tennis team, listed below are what you should expect:

  1. Conditioning: During tennis camps the girls are expected to do a multitude of running drills to get their speed, endurance, and agility improved for the season. One drill is commonly known aspect “Suicides” where players line up on the baseline and then sprint to the lines below, making sure to touch the baseline again after each one. Another conditioning drill is relay races, where players divide up into teams and do one “Suicide.” Whichever team finishes first wins, and the losing team has to do whatever “punishment” the winners pick, like 10 squats or 10 jumping jacks.
  2. Hitting Drills: In both the tennis camps and tryouts, the girls play hitting drills with the coach on their court. This entails games where coaches feed players the ball, such as overhead and volley drills. There are other drills that include hitting forehand and backhand shots and then coming up to the net with an approach shot, followed by a volley and/or overhead.
  3. Practicing Serves: Players practice their serves simultaneously at the baseline during the camps. Usually while practicing their serves, there will be cones in the service box to target. This is advantageous since it teaches the players how to serve in match play by focusing on the corners. If you hit a cone, you typically will not have to participate in whatever conditioning the other girls on your court have to do.
  4. Live Ball: During live ball, the girls play games against each other, such as Queen(s) of the Court. In Queen(s) of the Court, there is either a single girl or two girls that are the queens on one side of the court. All the other girls have to challenge the queen(s) and if they win, they replace the queen(s) on the other side of the court. There are many other live ball games like Queen(s) of the Court that test how a player responds in match play.

I hope my explanation clarifies any questions you may have about how high schools in the Capistrano Unified School District operate their girls tennis camps and tryouts.

– Sophia B.

Tips For Getting Through High School As A Freshman

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According to studies, it is reported that 60-70% of students feel nervous or anxious for a new school year. It is normal to feel scared or worried about a new school year since there are new classes, teachers, and maybe a new environment for some, especially if you are going into your freshman year. Here are some tips from a previous freshman to get you through your freshman year of high school and to help ease your worries. 

Making new friends is essential in school, and freshman year has got to be the most important year for a few reasons. Freshman year is when most people start forming their friend groups, so after freshman year, it might be more challenging to try and find your crowd because people have already found their people. However, that is only sometimes the case and you can still be in a friend group after freshman year, but it is best to make new friends during freshman year. Furthermore, if you enter your freshman year of high school with a group of friends, there is a high chance that you will not end your high school with the same group of friends. People change, and it’s a reason why many friend groups that enter high school together don’t last, and this was the case for my friend group. So don’t worry if your friend group is falling apart!

Academics are also as important as making friends in my freshman year of high school! Unlike middle school, in high school, your grades matter, so the way you manage your grades is important. To get a good grade and keep it there, there are a few things you should do, but the most important one is paying attention in class. If you pay attention in class, you will actually learn things and it will make it very easy for you when doing your assignments or tests. Of course, you can have fun during class too, but try to keep it so that you pay attention when you need to pay attention. Another major tip for keeping your grades high is to turn in your work on time! As a student who has procrastinated multiple times before, I learned the hard way that if you postpone your homework or your assignments, it will stress you so much when you have to do it late at night. You do not want to be up at 11 pm in the night rushing an assignment that takes a week to do, but you’re rushing to turn it in at 12 pm because you didn’t do it. However, academics don’t define who you are and you shouldn’t be over-exerting your body and brain if you can not handle the workload. Your well-being is more important.

Getting enough sleep will help you out with so many things in school, especially academics, so getting enough sleep is extremely crucial. If you lack sleep, you can’t focus during class because you are so tired, so your grade might plummet. So, set up a sleep routine that allows you to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

Finally, there are lots of people in high school that are judgemental and they might make your high school experience not as fun. However, if you just stop caring about what people think about you, then it will make your high school life so much easier! Don’t let others ruin your high school experience! 

Hopefully, these will help you make your high school years worthwhile or at least ease your worries about starting high school. Your life as a student is not forever, so make it worthwhile by enjoying your high school years.