How To Tackle FInals Season

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Around this time, every year, students from everywhere drown themselves in stress as the final countdown for the end of the school year begins. This school year period is typically called “finals season”, when classes wrap up their courses for the school year with a major test or project to prove that they have been listening and paying attention to the class. This leads to all sorts of overwhelming, strong feelings, such as stress, anxiety, etc., in students. To tackle this problem, I have a few tips that might prevent you from insanity speaking from personal experience.

First tip: sleep! This might be a cliché, and you might have heard this countless times, but it’s actually worth listening to. During this period, many students pull all-nighters to study for exams they have. Though this might seem effective and useful to have that extra time, it’s actually extremely useless. When you feel sleepy, your brain doesn’t function properly, so obtaining or learning new information while half-asleep won’t help you at all because it won’t even be absorbed completely in your brain, so all that studying was worthless. So, if you pull an all-nighter, you get less sleep, and like I said, no sleep means your brain is unable to function properly. You’d likely perform better on a test if you get a good sleep and study less than studying so much just for your mind to not retain that information, and you’re sleepy. So, at all costs, try to avoid the all-nighter trap because getting enough sleep is as important as studying for your exams. 

Next up, I recommend the “study smarter, not harder” method. Studying hard might benefit you and help with your performance in your exams, but there are actually ways to lessen those study times and still retain and review information, and it might be more effective. Instead of mindlessly going over notes or re-reading your textbook when you have an exam, if you use other methods of studying,  it can help you store that information in your brain faster and more effectively.  This can be using flashcards, flowcharts, mind maps, teaching a friend, forming study groups–you name it. You can find various study methods online, but keep in mind that everyone learns differently, so one study technique can work for others but not for you. 

Another tip I recommend is to take care of yourself. This isn’t talked about enough as much but taking care of yourself is as important as your exams. Take breaks while you’re studying, stay hydrated, and make sure to eat properly. Don’t skip meals just because you need to work on something. Your brain can’t function well with an empty stomach. Taking short walks outside or just going outside in nature can help clear your mind, too. Remember, your well-being comes first, so do some self-care!

This last tip may be difficult for people to understand or retrieve, but trust me, it’s difficult for me too; but your worth isn’t defined by your grades. Just because you didn’t do well in Chemistry class or English class, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. People aren’t perfect—and that’s okay. Whether you got an A or a B or a C, or a D, it’s alright. Struggling at something challenging is actually good for the brain, so praise yourself for trying instead of beating yourself up for a grade that won’t determine your future. 

Disclaimer: Although I have given these tips, please keep in mind that I am not a licensed psychologist or mental health professional—just a fellow student who is on the boat and sharing some things that might help other students in tackling these hard times. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help by texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You matter.

The Fall of the House of Usher: The Tale of Madness and Decay

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Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher is a haunting short story that masterfully explores themes of isolation, mental deterioration, and the inescapable grip of family legacy. First published in 1839, the story follows an unnamed narrator who visits his old friend, Roderick Usher, at the Usher family estate. Upon arrival, he is struck by the bleak and decaying atmosphere of the mansion, which seems to mirror the physical and psychological condition of its inhabitants.

Roderick, suffering from a mysterious illness, and his twin sister, Madeline, who is on the brink of death, are the last members of the once-great Usher family. As the story unfolds, the mansion itself begins to embody the psychological torment of its residents. The house seems to crumble under the weight of its own dark history, and its eventual collapse parallels Roderick’s descent into madness.

I personally love the vivid, Gothic imagery Poe uses to enhance the story’s eerie mood. The detailed descriptions of the house’s dark, oppressive environment set the stage for the final, shocking twist, where Madeline, seemingly dead, returns from her tomb to confront her brother. I love the tragic conclusion in which the physical collapse of the House mirrors the emotional breakdown of the entire Usher family. I think Poe created a wonderfully dark story for anyone who loves Gothic, haunting stories.

If you enjoy eerie and chilling stories, Edgar Allen Poe is for you. The suspense leading up to the climax leaves you clinging to your chair and biting your nails which was perfect for Halloween which was when I read this. Ultimately, this timeless exploration of moral decay and inner turmoil is a wonderful read for anyone willing to pick up one of Poe’s horror novels.

Kaiya T.

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Steam Stations: Biology Day

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Earlier in March, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB), along with other teen volunteers, hosted the final Steam Station out of three. What are STEAM Stations? These Stations have been a series of STEAM based events that the library’s youth team have helped to develop. We based all of our activities on the acronym, STEAM which stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. After first hosting Coding Day  and then Engineering Day, we hosted the final event: Biology Day! Biology Day was a fantastic end to the series with various fun activities.

Like our previous events, there were three different stations:

The first station was our fingerprint lab! Participants would be able to use ink pads to cover their fingers which they would then press onto a balloon. In order to magnify their fingerprint, they would blow the balloon up and by using identification sheets, participants could identify which kind of fingerprint they have (Loop, arch, whorl, etc).

At the second station, participants could go and make art with their own fingerprints. Using a variety of colored ink, they would cover their fingers with them just as they did in the last station to press them onto paper to create their own art! 

Finally, participants were given owl pellets, tools, and an identification sheet so they could dissect real owl pellets. As they picked apart the pellets, they could extract small bones and identify what bones they found by using the identification sheet. Both children and adults had a good time extracting bones together, making a fun bonding experience.  

I say this final STEAM Station was a success, just like our previous two Stations. Participants had a lot of fun making their own art and especially discovering bones. It was also nice to go into the community and hold this event at the Potocki Center of the Arts nearby the library; the outside space was warm and sunny, allowing our event-goers to experience a great day in nature which was perfect for Biology Day. 

Everyone had a great time out in nature jumping around to each different station. Some stations took longer than others, especially the owl pellet activity, which allowed participants to jump around to different stations in the meantime. It was wonderful to see everyone have fun with their fingerprint balloons and share their fingerprint artwork with each other. It was especially great to see individuals working together to find and identify bones as they dug through owl pellets. All in all, these stations were a fun learning opportunity for everyone. 

This concludes our three STEAM Stations! It was wonderful to host these events and to see new and familiar faces from the library and community who were able to attend and experience these STEAM Stations. I hope that in the future if we ever host these again, that both familiar and new people come to enjoy what we have in store. 

Please look forward to future library events!

-Nicole R.

Fast Food Nation Book Review

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“Twenty years ago, teenage boys in the United States drank twice as much milk as soda; now they drink twice as much soda as milk.” ~ Eric Schlosser

So, let’s talk about Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser. This book rips off the veneer and presents some harsh realities for anyone who has ever wondered what actually goes on behind the neon-lit drive-thrus and golden arches. The system that supports the fast food industry, from factory farms and worker exploitation to the hazardous meatpacking industry and the horrifying realities of food production, is more than just greasy food.

Schlosser delves deeply into how fast food spread around the world, influencing not only what we eat but also how we work, how we farm, and even how we view convenience. Indeed, there are some really unsettling parts of it. He reveals how fast food companies use marketing to target children, the hazardous working conditions in slaughterhouses, and how the industry’s drive for efficiency frequently comes at the expense of public health. Warning: You may want to reconsider your next burger.

What I appreciate about this book is that it’s not just a hit piece on McDonald’s (though they do take some heat). Schlosser connects the dots between corporate greed, government policy, and the way our food system has evolved into something pretty unrecognizable from the farms of the past. It’s like The Jungle but for modern times.

Is it enjoyable to read? Not precisely. However, it’s captivating. Schlosser blends factual information with true stories to give everything a personal touch, writing like a journalist who has done their research. This book is worth reading if you’re interested in environmental and public health issues or simply want to understand what’s actually in your food. But fair warning: It might not be a good idea to pick it up just before lunch.

Would I recommend it? Yeah, but with a warning: once you know this stuff, you can’t un-know it.

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded from Libby.

Music Recommendations: Radiohead

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Radiohead is one of the most influential bands of all time. Most of Gen Z only knows Radiohead from that Katy Perry song but they revolutionized the sound of alternate rock/ indie music to make it what we have today. With four decades worth of music, it could be overwhelming where to start. So here are some of Radiohead’s best songs.

Bangers + Mash: This song comes from the B-side of In Rainbows, one of their best albums. Not many people know this song, but it is personally one of my favorites. It is reminiscent of other early 2000’s alternative rock bands like The Killers, and The Strokes. There is an upbeat guitar throughout the track. The lyrics are about the different ends of the power pyramid. The people at the top look down at the ones below and vice versa. 

Burn the Witch: One of Radiohead’s most unique songs from one of their most underrated albums, A Moon Shaped Pool, “Burn the Witch” has a fantastic orchestral production. The violins and strings are unlike anything I have heard before. The lyrics are almost haunting depicting a metaphoric/fiction witch, with the incredible refrain “It’s a low flying panic attack.” The entire song has a peaceful and grand mood.

You And Whose Army?: The song starts very gently and slowly, with angelic vocals. But the ending is a phenomenal, passionate, vocal performance, as the production seems to reach a triumphant ending. The song covers political themes, similar to “Bangers + Mash,” this person abuses their power. 

Karma Police: Arguably Radiohead’s best-written track, “Karma Police,” lyrically depicts this fictional character called the Karma Police. Essentially if someone had done something wrong Karma Police would come get them. The chorus’s refrain “This is what you get when you mess with us,” followed by the ending refrain of “I lost myself,” perfectly tells how we only regret things when the punishment comes. The production is done in Radiohead’s signature style, and the lead singer, Thom Yorke, gives passionate vocals at the end.

No Surprises: This is the most streamed song from their Magnus Opus record, OK Computer. I am sure some people have heard the iconic glockenspiel melody in this song’s instrumental. The lyrics depict fear and anxiety, as the singer pleads “No alarms and no surprises”. This somewhat contrasts with the gentle, lullaby-like production, but still adds to the meaning of not wanting things to turn bad.

Many artists cite Radiohead as an influence, so I am sure you would love the original. I hope you listen to some of these tracks.

El mural “The Whale Walk”

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Image from https://www.dohenystatebeach.org/doheny-whale-walk/

Si has visitado Doheny Beach, debes saber del mural “The Whale Walk” que ha adornado el piso por décadas. Completo con ballenas gigantescos y magesticos, el Whale Walk es famoso tras California y es un símbolo de orgullo.

El “Whale Walk” fue creado en 1999. Pero, el año pasado, pintaron las ballenas otra vez. Con la ayuda de Jim Sherpa, alumnos de San Clemente High School, y alumnos de Cal State Long Beach, las ballenas fueron restauradas a su gloria. Creo que el mensaje que está mural tan bonito está tratando de expresar es que las ballenas, y el océano, son demasiados importantes. Las ballenas representan poder y sabiduría, así que el mural expresa el poder del océano. Además, creo que el mural está tratando de enseñar la importancia de cuidar nuestros océanos porque las ballenas están en peligro y debemos tratar de salvarlos. 

Aunque las ballenas son animales llenas de paz, más de un millón de ballenas mueren cada año. Si queremos ver estas criaturas mágicas en el futuro, tenemos que hacer nuestra parte. Por favor, la próxima vez que vayas a la playa Dohena, recoleges su basura para asegurar que nuestros océanos estén limpios y que sigan bellos por años!

Life’s Golden Ticket

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Life’s Golden Ticket by Brendon Burchard is a self-help book that helps readers with personal transformation and motivation. He used a fictional character to narrate actionable advice; Burchard aimed to guide readers toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life through his book using his fictional character. While the book has received praise for its inspirational content, it has also faced criticism.
I like that the author used a fictional character to teach readers how to transform their lives and even gave actionable steps.

Spoiler Alert!

In the book, a man receives a golden ticket and an opportunity to transform his life. One of the book’s best parts is the engaging narrative and how the author uses this type of narration to create a format that shows readers ways to change their lives and makes self-help concepts more engaging.

He also provides practical advice through the protagonists’ journey. In the book, the author demonstrates actionable steps, exercises, and reflections using his fictional character as the narrator. Readers can use them to identify their passions and set goals. I especially like the exercises for overcoming obstacles.

The book excels in its ability to inspire and motivate engaging stories and uplifting messages that encourage readers to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams.

The author emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and personal growth throughout the book. Life’s Golden Ticket emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-discovery and motivates readers to reexamine their values to set more meaningful goals, continuous improvement, and development toward a more fulfilling life.

What I would have preferred about the book is that it’s predictable. While the storytelling approach is engaging, some readers may find the plot predictable and misleading. Although effective, the narrative follows a standard arc of personal transformation that may need more originality for some.

This book is helpful because of the potential impact on readers who don’t like the typical nonfiction self-help book.

The book motivates, brings self-awareness, and makes you think more profoundly about your choices, goals, and personal experiences that lead to transformation. It also encourages readers to pursue their dreams and aspirations by focusing on personal growth and goal-setting. It reinforces the idea that change is possible and that people have the power to shape their own destinies if they work hard and set actionable goals.

I think Life’s Golden Ticket offers a compelling blend of narrative and self-help advice that can inspire and motivate readers. I especially loved receiving my golden ticket at the end of the book when I finished reading it.

Here’s to your Golden Ticket!

Bella H.

Life’s Golden Ticket by Brendon Burchard is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

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.

The Growing Epidemic of Romantisicm

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Within the recent past I feel as though there has been an upsurge in this idealistic “perfectly imperfect” life which isn’t actually at all about embracing imperfection but instead inserting a sort of “convenient imperfection” making it seem as though everyone has the perfect life by projecting the perfect kind of messiness.

Evidently this has been only exacerbated by the media. Social media is only a highlight reel, however the issue grows when it is advertised as being reality. For example, a model showing what they eat in a day being a cheeseburger and a pizza, a college student showing their day in their life studying at little cafes and going out with their friends, these are all only adding to the issue. These people are constantly talking about romanticizing their lives, always finding what is exciting and new about a given day, and showing a cookie cutter life with these “convenient imperfections” that look like nothing to the average person.

I’m not saying the issue is with finding beauty in the mundane, except I feel quite the contrary I really believe finding beauty in the mundane is essential to happiness and joy within everyday life because I think that it is there as long as you look for it. But what I am saying is that it is when these people preach an impossible standard of reality (that is really still a highlight reel) that is seemingly attainable, but in reality just simply is not, that is when the romanticist mindset turns sour.

So it isn’t that we can’t find joy in our everyday lives, even if we aren’t a celebrity, have a trust fund, or are a nepotism baby. It just is that we need to take in life exactly the way that it is given to us. Find the joy in as much as you can, it’s there you just have to be willing to receive it. Let yourself feel when things are hard or sad or disappointing, not everything is going to work out exactly then way you think they will and that is the same for everyone, but that doesn’t mean its all bad. Everything happens for a reason. Laugh and cry and smile and sing and dance and like and dislike and form opinions and look up and receive life for what it is. Because no one is going to see it the same and really that is what is so romantic about it.

Romeo and Juliet Play

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A few days ago, our class just finished reading Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and watched both movies. It was…an experience.

I have to put it out there, this was definitely one of the more boring sections in our English Curriculum Requirements. Almost everyone has heard the story of Romeo and Juliet: two children from feuding families fall in love, and love brings them both to a terrible end.

At first when we went to check out the play from the library, I flipped through a few of the pages, and to me (and most other people in my class), the language made absolutely NO SENSE. I tried to process what the author was trying to imply, but every interpretation of what I THOUGHT it meant, was actually very different from what the actual translation was.

Throughout the daily reading sessions we had, my mind always drifted. It was almost impossible for me to focus when the language was so confusing! More questions kept popping up in my head as we read, but the most prominent one was: “How did the people during this time period understand Shakespeare’s unique language?” As we read Shakespeare’s works, we can truly see HOW our language has changed throughout several hundred years (461 to be exact!). Of course, I was thinking this while we were reading during class, which made the homework we had after a lot harder for me, but it was worth it.

Okay, on to the movies. The original one that was published in 1968 was a decent movie. It captured a majority of the plot, and the dialogue was almost exactly the same. I can most definitely say that the new version of the Romeo and Juliet movie was NOT what I expected.

For those of you who don’t know, the new version is a spin-off of Romeo and Juliet, where they are (hear me out) part of different mafia gangs. Could they have captured this any worse? Additionally, the ending was a complete shocker. This movie was quite hard to watch for me, as I feel the director lost the true meaning of what William Shakespeare was trying to convey.

Out of 5 stars, I would give the old version a solid 4 out of 5. Pretty good, but not too great. The meaning was there, although they skipped a few parts. The new version? 3 out of 5. Lost the meaning halfway through the show, but they did a decent job on the spin off, I suppose. 

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.