Author Archives: Gwendy M.

Things to do in San Francisco – Part One

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Growing up, I often went to San Francisco to visit my family up north. San Fransico is a charming city with beautiful sites, delicious food, and plenty of fun activities to do. Below are some of my favorite must-dos when visiting the city.

Places to Explore:

Crissy Field – this area is near the marina part of San Fransico. Crissy Field offers an amazing, safe place to walk around and see great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as nearby attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts. Over the summer, I loved running in this area and found Crissy Field to be a nice, open area to run. Another plus of Crissy Field is that there are plenty of other active people around, so you don’t feel unsafe running or walking alone.

Palace of Fine Arts – I mentioned this earlier, but the Palace of Fine Arts is a fine place to walk around and view the beautiful temple-looking architecture. Stop by this attraction to take nice photos and enjoy a peaceful walk.

Golden Gate Park – this is hands down my favorite park ever. I also ran here and completed 10 miles in this park. There was never a dull moment on this run, and I found myself constantly looking around to sightsee all the wonderful things around me. The Golden Gate Park is home to beautiful greenery, pretty gardens, and endless fields. It’s such a secluded part of the city, and it’s a great getaway from the bustling town. I saw many people here biking, walking, and running. On warmer days, it’s a popular place for picnics. Below is a list of other gardens or places you can visit at Golden Gate Park:

  • The San Francisco Botanical Garden
  • The Japanese Tea Garden
  • The Rainforest and Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences
  • The Conservatory of Flowers
  • Stow Lake
  • Shakespeare Garden
  • The Dutch and Murphy Windmills
  • The Beach Chalet (great view)

The Ferry Plaza Building – a great place to see local businesses selling all kinds of products, mostly food. This historical building displays pop-ups from many different businesses that sell unique, handmade goods. Stop by to buy homemade sourdough, a cone of Humphry’s Slocone, or a cute souvenir. If you aren’t into shopping, the Ferry Plaza Building is a great place to window-shop.

The Painted Ladies – although this is a very touristy attraction, The Painted Ladies are a must-see when in San Francisco. These iconic houses are featured in the show Full House and Fuller House. Stop at the park across the street to enjoy a peaceful sunset picnic with The Painted Ladies in full view.

The Fillmore District – San Francisco is home to numerous neighborhoods that are cute and filled with fun shops and restaurants. The Fillmore District is one of my favorite neighborhoods to walk around and window shop. I highly recommend visiting it if you have a chance!

That about wraps up some of my favorite places to explore in San Francisco. I hope this article was helpful and insightful!! 

Science Series – Article Two: Essential vitamins 

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Everyone comes from a different upbringing, with different opinions, traditions, and expectations. However, almost all families would agree that fruits and vegetables are essential for providing vitamins that strengthen health. In my life, I’ve always heard about the importance of vitamins and supplements that help the body. This widely taught truth (of the importance of vitamins) was one I never fully understood as a kid. To me, vitamins were just there. They were just pills I dreaded to take in the morning, a part of my routine that I was forced to do. I never felt any significant change from taking vitamins, so I didn’t understand their importance. To be honest, I still don’t know their full purpose and benefits.

However, this article will answer the important question of “Why do we care about vitamins?” 

First of all, what are vitamins? Vitamins are essential substances that help our cells to function, develop, and grow properly. Fascinatingly, the word vitamin embodies its meaning, with “vita” meaning life and “amine” referencing essential organic substances. Without vitamins, our bodies would not work properly.

Our bodies rely on 13 vitamins, including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K. Here is a short summary of what each vitamin does:

  • A: forms healthy and strong bones, teeth, tissue, skin, and helps improve sight
  • B1: turns carbs into energy
  • B2: produces red blood cells, which improve our immunity
  • B3: maintains healthy skin
  • B5: metabolizes food and produces hormones and cholesterol
  • B6: maintains brain function
  • B7:  metabolizes proteins and carbs
  • B9: helps produce DNA
  • B12: assists metabolism + nervous system
  • C: helps wound healing, promotes healthy teeth, and absorbs iron
  • D: helps the body to absorb calcium
  • E: helps the body form red blood cells
  • K: helps bone health

Overall, without vitamins, our bodies would not function, and they would surely fail. Some consequences of not taking vitamins include: increased fatigue, increased anxiety,  a weak immune system, and illnesses. So, the next time you dread taking vitamins or eating vegetables, remember that there are a plethora of benefits that could help you become your best self.

Science Series – Article One: Why twins aren’t completely identical…

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When I was young, I often wished that I had a twin. Books, movies, and twins in real life always fascinated me. Similar looks, fun pranks, and having a built-in best friend were things that I often associated with twins. However, when it really comes down to it, twins aren’t completely identical; differences in personality are clear, but no two twins have ever looked exactly the same. 

Why though?

Well, this question can be answered through meiosis, which I learned about in my AP Biology class this past month. Meiosis is the process by which cells divide to create “gametes (egg and sperm cells) for…reproduction”  (Fiveable). Gametes eventually form a zygote that develops into a living, breathing baby.

Meiosis is important because it is how humans have been produced for generations upon generations. In this process, genetic information is passed down from parents to offspring. But how come we aren’t identical copies of our parents? During meiosis, new gene combinations are formed in multiple phases.

First, in Prophase I, the first stage of meiosis, homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes where one chromosome is from the mom, the other is from the dad) cross over and exchange segments to create  new versions of the chromosome. The chromosome that has a new mixture of the homologous chromosomes is passed down throughout meiosis. 

Illustration of a cell with chromosomes in red and blue inside a nucleus, surrounded by cytoplasm and green structures.
Prophase I
Diagram illustrating the process of chromosome crossing over during meiosis, showing blue and red chromosomes exchanging segments.
Crossing Over

Later, in Metaphase I, genetic diversity is maintained through independent assortment. This means that when lined up in the middle of the cell, each homologous pair lines up with other pairs randomly.

Both of these processes are what make us different from each other, from our parents, and from our siblings. This is also why fraternal twins aren’t completely identical: they come from two different zygotes. Additionally, identical twins also aren’t completely identical. These types of twins come from the same egg that splits up, which is why they appear identical. However, the womb environment in which identical twins develop isn’t the same; one twin might have slightly better conditions than the other, which can lead to differences in height and weight, thus making identical twins not fully identical.

Overall, meiosis can often be another topic that is easily overlooked. However, the truth is, meiosis is the basis of humanity, and how reproduction continues. The next time you learn another science topic, don’t overlook it; instead, let it spark an interest and appreciation for life in you. 

That’s all, stay tuned for the next article!! 🙂

Sources: https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/unit-5/meiosis/study-guide/FC0aTuODYikjJuhlBO1Z

A Guide to Yosemite

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Last summer I had the privilege to visit Yosemite National Park. My family loves to travel to national parks during the summer. This year, we decided to go to Yosemite, since the last time we went was 2010. Though I have been to many national parks, I can say that Yosemite is one of my top 5 favorite parks. Below, you’ll find a guide on where to stay and what to do!

Accommodations

  • Camp Curry Village – My family stayed here because the lodge is very hard to reserve. If you enjoy hiking and are outdoorsy, Camp Curry is a great way to stay in the park for a cheaper price.
  • Yosemite Valley Lodge – This accommodation is very comfortable and has many food options within the lodge. If you’re looking to stay in a small condo, this is the place to be. Make sure to reserve a year in advance to guarantee a spot.
  • The Ahwahnee – Built in the 1920s, The Ahwahnee boasts of a convenient location, stunning views, and remarkable architecture. The Ahwahnee is very luxurious and is definitely the most expensive stay in Yosemite. Come to this accommodation if you would like a relaxing getaway.

Hikes

  • Half Dome – (14-16 miles roundtrip) Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most famous hikes. This hike goes to the top of Half Dome, where you are met with an unobstructed view. Half Dome requires a permit and is extremely difficult but rewarding.
  • Upper Yosemite Falls – (7.4 miles roundtrip) Upper Yosemite Falls is a great alternative to Half Dome. However, this hike is very tedious and there isn’t much shade at the last stretch going up. Make sure to bring plenty of water!
  • Cooks Meadow – (1 mile loop) Cooks Meadow is a great place to walk and run. This scenic route is great for families with young children.
  • Vernal Falls – (8 miles roundtrip) This hike follows the Mist Trail and leads up to Vernal Falls. I haven’t personally done it, but one of my close friends raved about this hike.
  • Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is an amazing place to run to. I started at the Yosemite Falls Lodge and it was 5 miles roundtrip. Mirror Lake is also accessible by bikes and cars; it is another family-friendly place to visit.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Rafting
  • Running
  • Camping

Lookouts

  • Glacier Point
  • Tunnel View
  • Taft Point

Book Review and Summary: Gregor the Overlander

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A couple of weeks ago, one of my youth group leaders talked about the book Gregor the Overlander. Since it is summer, I’ve been trying to find new books (and book series) to read. So, I decided to embark on Suzanne Collins’ series, The Underland Chronicles. This series starts with Gregor the Overlander.

Spoilers Ahead!

The book begins by introducing the main character, Gregor, an 11-year-old boy who lives in New York City with his mother and two sisters (Lizzie and Boots). Two years ago, Gregor’s father mysteriously disappeared without any word or trace. Most people believe that his father is an absentee; however, Gregor knows that his father will never leave his family. Because Gregor’s father is gone, he takes on many other roles, such as caring for his two-year-old sister, Margaret (fondly called Boots).

One day, Gregor evades his nosey neighbor by going to the laundry room to clean some clothes. He takes Boots with him so she can get out of the apartment. After dumping the clothes into the washer, Gregor discovers Boots has disappeared. He panics but then sees an open grate where Boots has fallen into. Gregor quickly climbs into the grate and falls. Little does he know that the open grate is a portal to the Underland, a mystical world.

After falling down the grate, Gregor is immediately abducted by life-sized centipedes. It is at this moment that he realizes this land is magical. Luckily, the centipedes (aka crawlers) are not evil and bring him to Regalia, the city where Underland humans live.

Gregor first meets Luxa, the 11-year-old who is to be crowned Queen. Her grandfather, Vikus, guides Gregor and his sister to the palace, where they will be kept. Later in the day, Gregor attempts to escape Regalia and go home. However, he is almost killed by the giant rats guarding the exit (the rats and humans are rivals). Fortunately, some humans (including Luxa, Vikus, and her cousin Henry) save Gregor and his sister from the rodents.

When the siblings return to the palace, Gregor finds he is entwined to a prophecy called “The Prophecy of Gray.” Through this prophecy, Gregor is supposed to save the humans of Regalia, who are endangered by their enemies, the rats. At first, Gregor refuses to go on the quest to fulfill the prophecy. But he learns that his father was captured by the evil rats. So, he decides to undertake the perilous prophecy.

The book continues with Gregor, Boots, Luxa, Henry, two crawlers, two spiders, and a peaceful rat going on the quest and eventually fulfilling the prophecy. Ultimately, Gregor and Boots reunite with their father and return home.

My Rating: 8.9/10

At first, I had doubts about this book since it was written for a younger audience. However, after reading this book, I can say it was worth the read. Suzanne Collins made the plot entertaining to read. Each page was full of fun twists and turns and made me anticipate each outcome of the prophecy. I didn’t expect the book’s ending, which pleasantly surprised me. Overall, this book was fantastic, and I highly recommend it to all age groups.

Pride and Prejudice: A brief summary and review

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This semester, my English class read a classic British Literature novel called Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen wrote this book during the 18th century, which was at the tail end of the Enlightenment. In Austen’s novel, she commonly critiques the status of women, social classes, and marriage through the life of the Bennet family, particularly Lizzie and Jane Bennet.

During this time period, the role of women was primarily domestic, and their main purpose was to keep the home. Meaning, that it was essential to be married as a young woman to be a part of society. The Bennet family consists of 7 people; Mr./Mrs. Bennet, Jane (22), Lizzie (20), Mary, Catherine, and Lydia. Since there are no sons in the family, the Bennets have to marry off their daughters.

The book starts off with Mrs. Bennet anouncing that a rich young man named Mr. Bingley has moved to the town that the Bennet family lives in. This is exciting because it provides an opportunity for one of the Bennet girls to be married. In addition to Mr. Bingley moving to his estate called Netherfield, his close friend Mr. Darcy moves along with Bingley’s two sisters.

A couple of days after Mr. Bingley moves, the upperclassmen of Merrytown attend a ball.  Jane immediately catches the interest of Mr. Bingley, whom everyone admires. However, Mr. Darcy is immediately disliked by everyone–especially Lizzie. After the ball, Jane and Bingley become closer, and it looks as if she is going to be proposed to soon. Mr. Darcy also slight interest in Lizzie, who does not notice due to her feelings of pride and prejudice. The situation of Bingley proposing to Jane does not last, and the Bingleys and Darcy leave Merrytown.

Meanwhile, the Bennet family is visited by Mr. Collins, who will inherit the Bennet’s estate and fortune once Mr. Bennet passes away. Mr. Collins proposes to Lizzie, who rejects him due to numerous reasons. Mrs. Bennet is furious, seeing that the chance of marrying one of her daughters is taken away. Numerous events happen (it would be too much to summarize), but in the end, Lizzie gets over her feelings of prejudice against Darcy and they get married. Jane and Bingley also get married. The story concludes with a satisfying and happy ending.

Personally, I loved this book and found it to be entertaining to read. The hardest part about reading this classic was keeping track of all of the characters because there are many. Despite this, I found Pride and Prejudice humorous. The multiple plot twists helped to make this novel enjoyable to read. Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was learning about the 18th century; I feel that this book is a good representation of what life was like back then. Overall, this was an excellent novel to read, and I would recommend it to those who want to get out of their comfort zone.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Best Beaches in Southern California

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As Spring Break comes to a close, I reflect on all of the great memories I had over the past week. For me, Spring Break is a time to hang out with loved ones and to relax. The best place to do both of these things (in my opinion), is meeting up at the beach. As a local, I try to go to the beach as regularly as I can. There is no better feeling than taking a dip in crystal-clear water on a hot, sunny day. Below are four of my favorite beaches to visit in the springtime and summer.

  1. Heisler Park: This is my all-time favorite beach to visit. Most people and tourists flock to the main beach in Laguna. However, Heisler is more tucked away and less crowded. I’ve found that this beach consistently has clear water. Another perk of this beach is that you can also explore tidal pools and rock formations on the beach. The waves at Heisler Park can vary in size; sometimes they are mellow but quite frequently there are bigger waves. Tip: There is free parking across the street, and the walk isn’t far at all.

2. Treasure Island Beach: Though Treasure Island can often be busy at times, it is still one of my favorites to go to. This beach is very picturesque, the small staircase you walk down brings you to a beach with panoramic views of the ocean. Personally, I enjoy this beach because you can typically find an area to sit in since there is a lot of space. Like Heisler, Treasure Island has pretty water. Note: when I went to this beach, the waves were fairly small.

3. Salt Creek: Located in Dana Point, Salt Creek is one of the most popular beaches to go to in SOCAL—and for a good reason. I love this spot for watching the sunset and eating dinner. Salt Creek has a large grassy area where you can see many people having small picnics. If you enjoy walking or running, this is the beach to go to; there is a trail that goes along the beach. (If you want to run on the beach, it is about 3 miles from point to point.)

4. Victoria Beach: Victoria Beach is located in Laguna Beach (you can’t go wrong with Laguna). After parking, head down a small street that leads to Victoria Beach. When entering the beach, it looks like any other beach. However, if you walk down further to the right, you’ll see a medieval-esque tower that faces the ocean. Along your walk to the mini-castle, there is a small man-made pool that can be fun to wade in. One con to this beach is that it is very touristy; and extremely frustrating to find parking. Sometimes, you’ll have to park far away which will include a hilly walk to the beach. Nonetheless, Victoria Beach is stunning to visit and should be a staple when visiting beaches.

Places to visit in Kauai, Hawaii

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Kauai is one of 137 islands in the state of Hawaii. Also known as the Garden Island, Kauai is revered for its lush landscape with steep cliffs that meet aqua-blue water. I had the privilege of visiting this island last June for about a week. Prior to going on this vacation, I researched this island and found it to be extremely helpful when wondering what to do or see. When going to Hawaii, most people flock to Oahu; and while this island is pretty and has amazing food, Kauai is remote and prettier (in my opinion). Below are places and things to do if visiting Kauai.

Beaches

  1. Tunnels Beach – This was my favorite beach on my visit to Kauai. If you are looking for a place to snorkel, Tunnels is the place to go. At Tunnels, the coral was huge and there was a large variety of sea life. The best part of this beach is the view of the mountains in the background with the beach at your feet.
  2. Anini Beach – Located in the northern part of Kauai, Anini Beach is known for being a family-friendly beach. The water at this beach remains shallow for about 30 feet out. However, the best part about this beach was the amount of turtles. When I was snorkeling, I believe I saw turtles 15-20 times. Another pro about this beach is that there is a lot of shade so beach umbrellas aren’t needed.
  3. Hanalei Bay – Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Kauai to visit–and for good reason. At this beach, you are surrounded by panoramic views of golden-sand beaches and a range of mountains. Also, there is a pier that you can jump off of for fun.
  4. Poipu Beach – This is another family-friendly beach on the south shore of Kauai. Poipu Beach is great for snorkeling and relaxing. A con of this beach is that it is always crowded. However, if you are in the area of Poipu, stop by this beach.

Hikes/Other Activities

  1. Kalalau Trail – Hiking is a major activity that you HAVE to do in Kauai. This particular trail stretches 22 miles in length (you have to have a permit to do all of it). I only hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Beach which was 4 miles round-trip. This hike was so beautiful and the views along the coast were gorgeous. After the beach, you can hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls (8 miles roundtrip). Overall, Kalalau Trail is a must-do when visiting Kauai.
  2. Waimea Canyon – Waimea Canyon is named the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and was formed from the collapse of a volcano. The unique terrain of this canyon is an attraction you should see. I believe that you can hike this, but my family and I just drove to different lookouts to see the Canyon.
  3. Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour – As a chocolate fanatic, I was so excited to visit this Chocolate Farm. While you can book a tour to explore the farm, I just went to the gift shop. At the gift shop, an employee gives you a chocolate lecture where you learn about the origins of the cacao and try the products. I’ve tried a bunch of chocolate in my life and I can confidently say this was the best chocolate I’ve ever had. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches which was evident considering how delicious the chocolate was.
  4. Na Pali Coast Boat Tour – Last but not least, you NEED to go on a Boat Tour (or helicopter tour) to see the Na Pali coast. I would recommend going with the company Captain Andy’s and booking the “Na Pali Raft Day Expedition.” On this boat tour, we went through sea caves, snorkeled, ate lunch at an ancient fishing town, and saw the Na Pali coast. This was hands down my favorite memory from the trip. The Na Pali coast is breathtaking and the water was the color of blue Gatorade. In addition to doing cool activities on this tour, you’ll learn much about the history of Kauai and its people.

Places to Eat

  1. Wishing Well Shave Ice
  2. Kenji Burger
  3. Wailua Drive-In

Photos

Tunnels Beach

Na Pali Coast

Wishing Well Shave Ice

Anne Frank–The Diary of a Young Girl

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On a spring day in May, in the year 1940, German Nazis stormed the Netherlands. The persecution of Jews quickly escalated, forcing many Jews to evacuate or go underground. One family, the Franks, went into hiding like thousands of others. Anne Frank is known for writing a diary that captured the horrors of World War II and her experience underground.

Reading this book, or diary, was exceedingly somber. In her diary, Anne highlights the constant fear, boredom, hunger, and threat of living life as a Jew. Despite the seriousness of the situation Anne is in, readers notice how cheerful and clever she is. Although she is put in the worst situation possible, Anne continues her fight for life in her ambitions to learn and become a writer. Even though she died as a young woman, she is a significant symbol of life, dreams, and the future. After reading this novel, I’ll admit that I was humbled to take everyday life for granted. Anne Frank’s Dairy is a wonderful commentary that is filled with her amusing, inspirational, and courageous thoughts that touched the hearts of millions.

November 1, 1944, was Anne’s last journal entry; the reason for the discovery of her family is kept as a long-lost mystery. One of her lasting passages reads, “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart,” showing the depth of her optimism regardless of her circumstances (Frank). 

Anne Frank’s Diary is a masterpiece that everyone should read once in their lifetime.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Starter AP Classes to Take

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When exploring classes to take, you will likely come across AP Classes or advanced placement classes. These classes are college-level courses that you can take in high school for college credit. While each test is different for every subject, most tests consist of multiple choice, free-response, short-answer, and essay questions. Tests are typically taken during May, and scores are released in July. AP tests are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. If you receive a score of 4 or 5, you can gain college credit.

One AP class that is easy and manageable is AP Human Geography. I took this class as a freshman (usually it is a freshman class) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found that the content was straightforward and easy to understand; more significantly, it was interesting as well. In AP HUG, I learned about how humans are arranged and the ways in which they interact with others and the environment. At first, this class was challenging to me; however, later in the year, it became one of my easier classes. For me, the hardest part of AP HUG was the multiple-choice questions (compared to AP World they’re easy), and the note-taking which was long and extensive. However, if you diligently study and work hard in this class, you’ll fly through the exam. The multiple-choice questions can be tricky at first because many of them are stimuli and based on models. I believe I received a score of 72% on the first test from the MC’s. One tip that helped was doing test corrections and reviewing the things I got wrong. Although I did horribly on my first couple of tests, I did well on the exam–so don’t worry if you get a bad grade on tests. To conclude, this AP class is great preparation for future classes and an easy way to get college credit.

Helpful Sources

  • Mr. Sinn on Youtube
  • Crash Course Book on AP HUG
  • Princeton AP HUG book

The second AP class that I would recommend taking is AP World. Unlike AP HUG, World focuses on all of the major global events from 1200 AD to the present day. In comparison HUG hones in on the 21st century. Since AP World teaches students about most historical events, it makes the course difficult because there is much to remember. Additionally, the exam is made up of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, free response questions, long essay questions, and a document-based question (essay); this makes the extremely exam lengthy. Because the exam is long, it is difficult to remember all of the content. Another difficulty is that the multiple choice questions are challenging and have trickly answer choices. While you will face these hardships on the AP route, it will strengthen your test-taking skills + knowledge. You should take this class if you enjoy history and practicing writing skills.

Helpful Sources

  • Hiemler’s History on Youtube
  • Crash Course Book on AP World