" Parentification" by Hannah R

 

I am a victim of parentification. While that sentence sounds scary, it’s actually transformed me into who I am today. The U.S. Department of Education describes parentification as “the process of role reversal whereby a child or adolescent is obliged to act as a parent to their own parent or sibling.” More simply, parentification occurs when a child takes on parental responsibilities, whether it's doing household chores or giving emotional support. This means that parents rely on their child to fulfill tasks that are beyond their age level. Sometimes, parents directly ask the child to help, or the child volunteers because they want to feel closer to the parent. In other cases, parents unintentionally encourage this behavior by rewarding it with praise or extra attention, or by not giving negative feedback when the child takes on adult roles. In essence, parentification happens when a child steps into the role of a parent within the family. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, about 1.4 million children and adolescents in the United States experience parentification, so experiences can vary. In my case, I was the oldest daughter of 3 boys, I forced myself to grow up to be there for my brothers when my parents couldn’t. I began making meals for them, helping with homework, bathing them, and teaching them right from wrong. However, as soon as I took on the role of “3rd parent”, more and more things became expected of me and I was held to a higher standard. My parents felt as if I could handle life on my own so they backed off and my responsibility grew. While it was extremely overwhelming, I consider my experience with parentification a blessing. We all need to mature at some point and get ready for the real world, some just prepare a little early. Most times, pressure has a negative connotation, but without it, we would be living life with no growth. By taking on adult responsibilities, kids can learn important life qualities like independence, perseverance, and maturity. Children's ability to make decisions are sharpened as they learn how to handle challenging circumstances and find efficient solutions. Taking on caring responsibilities also helps people develop empathy and compassion because they learn how to recognize and meet the needs of others, which strengthens family bonds. When parents and kids work together to manage responsibilities and solve challenges, parentification can benefit a child in the long run. Their feeling of power and self-efficacy can be developed, strengthening their confidence and sense of identity. Parentification has positively molded me into the person I am today. Being forced to mature faster has pushed my goals and ambitions far beyond what is deemed “appropriate for my age”. As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but wonder: could my childhood have been different? What if I had been allowed to just be a kid, free from the weight of adult responsibilities? While I may never know the answer, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the person I have become as a result.

 

Work Cited:

 

Chase, Nancy D. “Burdened Children: Theory, Research, and Treatment of Parentification.” ERIC, Sage Publications, 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (paperback: ISBN-0-7619-0764-5, $24.95; hardcover: ISBN-0-7619-0763-7, $52.95). Tel: 805-499-0721; Fax: 805-499-0871; e-mail: order@sagepub.com; Web site: http://www.sagepub.com., 30 Nov. 1998, eric.ed.gov/?id=ED441561.

Holland, Author:  Maggie. “Parentification: What Is a Parentified Child?” Choosing Therapy, www.choosingtherapy.com/parentification/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2024.

Staff, Newport Academy. “What Is Parentification? Signs of a Parentified Child.” Newport Academy, 11 July 2023, www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/parentification/#:~:text=The%20result%20is%20a%20phenomenon,the%20United%20States%20experience%20parentification.

 

" The Impact of a Teacher" by Avery B

As a child, I always looked forward to the first day of school. It was not because of the materialistic things you desire in childhood like a new outfit, backpack, or school supplies. For me, it was always about getting to meet my teacher. Every year brought a new teacher with their own unique style and personality, and I cherished the opportunity to develop special bonds with each of them. It wasn't until I was older that I was truly able to recognize their impact that they had on me.

In the first grade, I transferred from a large public elementary school, to a much smaller, private charter school, leaving me feeling uncomfortable and unsure. As a new student meeting my teacher before the other students allowed me to form an instant connection that reassured me amidst such a scary change. When I struggled to find a friend, she was there, inviting me to eat with her until I found my footing. This small gesture made a big impact, and fostered a sense of safety and inclusion in this new school, which built up confidence within me. Though there was no obligation for her to sacrifice her lunch for me, she chose to enhance my experience, which is a memory I will cherish.

In the 4th grade, my teacher was in her first year of teaching. I watched her adaptability as she adjusted her curriculum to fit our needs. Which demonstrates the necessary fluidity that comes with teaching. Witnessing her successes and failures was inspiring, and I watched her grow into a better teacher. Our connection remained strong, even eight years later, which is a testament to the lasting impact of a devoted teacher.

This year,  I formed a new connection with a teacher after initially struggling in his class. My perspective shifted when I realized his passion and genuine care for his students. He goes beyond teaching us about the subject, by engaging in conversations with us about our lives and future goals. This new appreciation for the subject stems from his dedication to connecting with his students on a personal level, which is a quality that truly defines an amazing teacher. I have a new appreciation for the subject that I never had before.

These stories are just a few examples of the incredible ways a teacher will go above and beyond for their students. Being a teacher entails not only shaping young minds, but also being there for them in the good and bad times, creating lasting memories and truly making the classroom an oasis for learning.

            Each teacher along the way planted a new seed that fueled my passion to become a teacher. However, my personal journey towards becoming a teacher began in 6th grade when I joined my church's volunteer program. Students grades 6-12 can volunteer to engage with kids during service. In my first year I helped with 2 year-olds while under the guidance of a plethora of adult leaders. Despite being the youngest and least experienced, I felt empowered by the opportunity to be a role model for these children. By 8th grade, I had transitioned to the 4 and   5-year-olds class. It was in this time that I was able to truly develop genuine relationships with these children, challenging myself to adapt my previous learning techniques to suit their age group. Over the next two years, I grew comfortable in this role.

An opportunity arose which allowed me to make a final transition to working with elementary kids, encompassing grades kindergarten through second. I was hesitant to leave the familiar setting, however, this change made me happier than ever. I truly felt this age group was where I belonged. This change allowed me to fully commit myself to my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher!

Now, after three years with the kinder through second graders, I have transformed from a 6th grader with no experience into a 7-year volunteer and part-time employee of my church who has developed a deep love for teaching children. I can confidently say that teaching is my calling in life. My hope is to take everything I have learned from these experiences along with my previous teachers' modeling, and share them with my classroom in the future. The first day of school will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the teachers who helped shape me into the person I am today.

 

" Maturity" by Sean V

Maturity, by definition, is “the state, fact, or period of being mature,” and although the societal push towards conformity in dated ideals still remains apart of many cultures, the modernization of expressed emotion, the understanding of others and new found care for our mentalites has transformed the book definition of maturity into a what would be a natural state of being. Maturity to me is the purest form of human understanding, because to be mature is to be tolerant, compassionate, wise, and altruistic. It is a state of being that can’t be reversed, once you learn how to be mature, you will retain every characteristic in some form or another. Instead of conforming to the ideas of culture, race, masculinity, femininity and sexuality, the ideals that have been so detrimental to our progress, maturity to me follows none of the laid stereotypes of manning up, being denied affectionate preferences, or being forced into any type of assigned role. In many aspects of our lives we are forced to believe one thing about maturity, each to fit an agenda, a certain tradition or an idea. As a hispanic, the culture’s take on maturity is tied in with suggested gender roles and suppressing emotion, and as many other cultures have assigned the same “requirements” to be mature, the definition of maturity has evolved over time to fit whatever the popular idea is. But, now as we have progressed from the times where those definitions were commonplace, we can see what it is to truly be mature. To have love and compassion for other people is to be mature, and as we grow and learn certain things, go through differing experiences, the same thing remains constant, we mature, not in the ways that we were forced to believe was maturity, but we mature in our understanding of human behavior. We have empathy for others and their situations, and once you can grasp how nice it feels to be genuine with another person, show the people you love and don’t love compassion, see eye to eye with an opinion you didn’t believe, that’s when the state of maturity is irreversible. And even if we grow spiteful as we age or seem ungrateful for the things we have, we still will always retain the actions and memories made when being mature, and even when the memories of being their dated ideal of maturity, to our parents or grandparents, may have caused them harm, the memories that we might have being this definition of mature; patient, understanding and kind, will always remain and forward the need to have the feeling of maturity again. Even without the implications laid upon the word maturity by the many people who used it to a backwards ideal, the word’s definition is much more than just being physically grown, as stated, without the complete understanding of people, their opinions and thoughts, as a society we would have never progressed, it’s in our compassion and willingness to value opinion that we have moved forward. The generations before have never found the perfect word to describe the value of thought or emphasis on sympathy, but in all of our history the word I think best fits our method of progression is maturity, even if by book, by family or by culture the word takes on various different meanings, the true and most honest definition is the one stated.

New Year, New Writers!

 All Students:  Be sure to read the entries for this group --January writers).  Everyone is required to comment on at least THREE different pieces of writing.  You must submit comments on Canvas (for each one, include the name of the author and the title of their piece, and then your positive, specific comment ) by Tuesday, February 9 on Canvas.

Remember, comments must be positive, original, personal, supportive, constructive, and SPECIFIC.  No "Good Job!" comments, unless you follow that with specific things you thought were done well in the piece.  Show them you actually took the time to read and enjoy their work!

"The Strongest " by Graime G

 

In the world of  Jujutsu Kaisen, there is a question that piques the curiosity of many: “Are you the strongest because you’re Gojo Satoru, or are you Gojo Satoru because you’re the strongest?” This quote goes beyond the usual idea of strength, diving deeper into a more philosophical exploration of how strength and identity are interlaced.

At its core, the quote challenges the mainstream idea that strength is purely measured by physical capabilities. However, it suggests that being strong is more than a fixed trait; it’s about growth, and Gojo Satoru’s character embodies this concept. His strength is not just his physical prowess, but rather his constantly evolving force shaped by obstacles. He catalyzes questioning the relationship between strength and identity.

 

Diving deeper into his character, he expresses profound knowledge of combat techniques and strategic intelligence that catch his opponents off-guard, while still keeping a charismatic demeanor for his students to follow. However, he experiences internal conflict as he has to make sacrifices, whether in relationships or personal desires, to balance the scale between good and evil. His multifaceted nature challenges the reader to convey a deeper understanding of strength and what it means to be truly strong.

 

To be truly strong is to be truly aware. Strength isn’t about physicality, but rather a true understanding of one’s self. Strength is about knowing your pros and your cons, and using that knowledge to navigate through the course of life. To put this into perspective, my parents recently experienced a divorce, which left me in shambles. I felt lost, considering that I would never see my Dad again like I used to. Furthermore, I had to support my little brother’s psychological well-being, considering that the idea of a divorce is heavy material to him.

 

By understanding that this wasn’t my fault, I was able to suppress my pessimistic attitude and develop self-compassion. I started to focus on what I was thankful for, from small victories like finishing my homework on time to large ones. I avoided self-criticism and started to chase a positive mindset.

To be truly strong is to be truly kind. Restraining your negative emotions is the easy part, the hard part is to apply that to other people. Recognizing that everyone has their own personal challenges, experiences, and emotions, it is important to approach their conflicts with warmth. When approaching a conflict with gentleness and transparency, you are fostering open communication and patience for others to follow, building a supportive system that is essential during difficult times.

 

I later passed this ideology to my brother, who has been doing better ever since. I help him with his math, and he helps me be happy. Our mutual support creates a strong bond and emphasizes our strengths and weaknesses that we could work on in the near future.

 

In conclusion, the idea of strength and being truly strong extends beyond physical prowess, it applies to one's emotional state and self-awareness. True strength is a reflection of one’s capability to adapt and grow as a person, inspiring others to do the same. In your journey to becoming strong, you must look beyond violence, and start finding peace within.

 

Works Cited:

Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen

 

 

           

"New Year Resolutions" by Nour D

 

The phrase “New Year, New Me” has been the common motto for the pinpoint of becoming a better person. A question that I used to frequently ask myself was “Why do people wait for a new year to finally want to better themselves?” until I did some deep research on the psychology of it. The transition from one year to the next is symbolic and associated with becoming a blank slate and starting from scratch. This symbolic significance carries a powerful psychological weight, allowing one to distance oneself from previous challenges or failures mentally.

To trace back, the end of the year usually marks the time for reflection. The time when people tend to assess their mistakes, failures, accomplishments, and areas that need improvement. When thinking about these factors, self-awareness gives ideas of opportunities that can be achieved when leaving the year. Therefore, it automatically implements the idea of wanting to better ourselves the year after.

Personally, I have fallen under the category of following through with the phrase “New Year, New Me.” Wanting to better myself in past years has been a goal for me year and year again. Practicing abstinence has been a common aim for many people. Whether it is to abstain from social media, alcohol, smoking, or any other heavy addiction, a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. To distract ourselves from the fact that we are abstaining from something, we tend to put our focus on something else such as the gym or baking. These are all healthy goals that are meant to stick around as a habit as time passes.

Another sense of motivation that is given by a new year is the fact that multiple people around you are also doing the same thing. The collective nature and popularity of New Year Resolutions creates a built-in support system. Knowing that others around you are also setting goals creates a sense of shared commitment, making individuals more likely to stay accountable and motivated in their pursuit of improvement.

            While the tradition may have its critics and the battle toward self-improvement is continuous, the start of a new year provides a unique opportunity for positive change. As we set our resolutions with a collective sense of purpose, the shared optimism becomes a motivation for development. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, the act of setting intentions at the beginning of a new year reflects a timeless human aspiration to evolve, learn, and become the best version of oneself. So, as we enter the new year, and the calendar turns, hopefully, the spirit of New Year's resolutions inspires us all to embrace the possibilities of growth, encouraging a year ahead filled with progress and pursuit of our most meaningful aspirations.

"Passion for Nursing" by Savannah H

 

On October 19, 2022, my mom was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. The discussion of her situation with us had left us unaware of what the necessary steps were to take. So to prepare for the worst we all gathered together to understand the process my mom was to go through. Throughout the journey, I have been able to watch and speak to many nurses who took gentle care of my mom during her month in the hospital. However, the desire to become a nurse began at the young age of ten years old. This was caused by another occurrence in which two twin cousins had to spend almost the first year of their lives in the neonatal intensive care unit. Gratefully, I had the opportunity to visit them and admire the sweet care that the nurses provided. Since then, I have always had a positive outlook toward nurses and the strength that they hold on a daily basis.

Throughout high school, I have taken my time to dive deeper into the nursing field. This has been accomplished by taking advantage of the opportunities that I received from my school. One program in particular is the Regional Occupational Program, where I was able to partake in learning about different health occupations. This class began in the summer and was able to teach me how to perform the actions of a check-up on a patient, the basics of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation upon a dummy, key medical terminology, and the different occupations within the nursing field. Every day was enthralling as I got to learn directly from two retired nurses. They taught me about the correct procedures of checking temperatures orally and temporally, checking breathing rate and pulse rate, how to use a stethoscope, gathering information about one’s weight or height, and using that to calculate their body mass index. Overall I was able to gather much information about the procedures of the beginning steps to taking care of a patient.

To further, my exploration of the nursing field, I volunteered at Kaiser Permanente in Riverside California. During my summer at the hospital, I was instructed to create comforting cards that were presented to patients along with their dinners. I spent great time on each card made so that every patient who received them would feel special knowing that they had support. Although the cards were a fun time to show creativity and care, I had more love for the time I got to speak to patients. Once finished making cards, I was instructed to walk around with other volunteers with a  hospitality cart to the hospital. The cart included drawing books, crayons, pens, pencils, games, hair ties, combs, and other essential items.  The volunteers and I went from room to room asking patients if they needed anything or if there was anything we could get for them. In the hospital, volunteers and I visited patients, asking if they needed anything or if we could provide anything. Although, understandably, many patients were not in the mood to communicate much, the ones who did make it more special. We would be told different stories, asked questions about ourselves, or thanked for help. My favorite floor to communicate with patients was the nursery, The nursery was my favorite as we were able to see healthy sleepy babies and provide a small bit of care for the new moms. To conclude, the different people and families that I was able to meet made me truly appreciate the experience.

Moreover, these previous experiences uniquely positioned me to care for my mom following her double mastectomy. During recovery, I was able to play a viable role in nursing her back to health. This included cleaning her with soapy sponges, feeding her light food, brushing her hair, and, significantly, managing her with drains. Post-mastectomy, two drains were stitched into the side of her for the serous fluid to collect. These drains required careful emptying and logging of fluid levels both morning and night. To conclude, I believe that my interest in nursing equipped me with the correct skills to assist my mom and family during this challenging period.

My nursing journey was greatly shaped by the volunteer work and program, as they equipped me with valuable skills that I was able to use personally. Every step along the way has reinforced my commitment to becoming a nurse. Therefore, driven by a heartful desire I hope for the opportunity to one day positively impact other individuals.

 

"Passion" by Liliana N

“What? You made that! That's beautiful.” she said enthusiastically.

“Thank you.” I responded, while trying to conceal the huge smile that was now making its way across my face. We had met for the first time just a little over twenty-four hours before. Why did her opinion matter to me so much? I stepped back to admire the wall as she hung up the painting I had spent several hours on. Although I was proud of my work, a small part of me continued to overanalyze the surrounding paintings done by people older than me, better than me. This was the first time I would be selling my art in a public place.

Two weeks prior to this, I was walking mindlessly through the mall with some of my closest friends. We had tried on a few dresses for fun and planned to pop into this little art shop to get a look at the handcrafted items for sale. When I learned that every item at the shop was handcrafted by various local artists, I felt a spark light up within me. Could this be the opportunity I had hoped for? With much encouragement from my friends I stepped up to the front counter and spoke to the man. He handed me a contact information card with a website at which to apply for a position in the shop. Of course, not expecting much,  I applied as soon as I got home. Within the week my excitement had died down, not wanting to get my hopes up if things didn't work out. As I sat on my bedroom floor disappointedly looking around my room at old paintings I had hoped to sell, I received an email from the owner of the shop requesting to meet me in person to discuss selling my art. I gasped, sprung off the floor and flew downstairs to tell my parents the good news.

To say they were just happy for me would be a huge understatement. We went out to dinner that night to celebrate. My family has always been very supportive of my hobbies, buying me art supplies whenever I needed them, encouraging me to put myself out there, to share my art online and to make the effort to make money off of my paintings. My family is my inspiration, their love for my art gives me the desire to continue creating even when I feel like my work does not compare to that of others. Despite their motivation, I continued to doubt my abilities and restrict myself within my comfort zone. Each piece I make holds a special place in my heart, even when it isn’t an original piece, the time and effort I put into my work makes it difficult to want to get rid of them. All of the paintings I had made for the past 4 years had been given to family and friends as gifts for holidays and birthdays and while they hold these gifts dear, I wasn't exactly sure what made my art special enough to sell? Would it even be worth anything to a stranger? I was afraid to take the leap. Having my art up for sale to the public is something I could have never imagined. While anxious to see where this opportunity takes me, I am beyond proud of my choice to put myself out there. I truly believe that the welcoming atmosphere of the shop is what gave me the final push to take my art more seriously. In that shop I felt comfort, and saw a place where I could grow as an artist and become more confident in my abilities while being surrounded by people of different ages and different skill levels.

A line from La La Land communicates my thoughts and helps me realize that the reason why my loved ones are so encouraging is because, “People love what other people are passionate about.” My three main takeaways from this change in my life is One; that everyone should chase passion, not perfection. Two; Don’t be afraid to take the leap, to grab a hold of that chance that you have been waiting for and run. Three; Remember where you started. Take the time to reflect, to show gratitude and to appreciate everything and everyone who you have depended on to make it to where you are.  I am so thankful to the people closest to me who have continued to believe in me no matter what and I look forward to getting my first sale soon.

"Big Brother" by Roselynn Z

 

            A family of five, a mother, a father, two sons, and a daughter. I am the daughter who happens to have two older brothers. Growing up with my brothers was always a good time. They were always there for me, and I was always there for them. Though the oldest is eleven years older than I am and the other is eight years older, they are only three years apart from each other. This makes me the very youngest, so I always saw them as my idols and as people to look up to. They would always guide me since the day I was conscious and had the need to make my own decisions. Of course they would bully me, and mess with me, but in a sibling matter because what siblings don’t in reality. I would mess with them back and it was always a fun time with those two.

            My oldest brother, we’ll call him Bob, is considered a good kid, smart, calm, but is also not afraid of being straightforward with you. He never has a problem speaking up to my brother and I about something we did wrong or of something he did not like that we said or did. My other brother, who I will call Andy, is considered as the more chaotic and loud one. He is smart too, he just is not a school person but succeeds to become a future firefighter paramedic. I would say I am a mix of both really, I enjoy school when it interests me, but I strive for good grades, mainly straight A’s. I can be straightforward when I am not shy. But I am also quite loud and energetic just like Andy. Life is always good with them, especially when we grew up in a home of parents arguing almost every day. They make me laugh, happy, forget the bad that goes on, and bring a sense of peace and comfort in my life.

            I was quite young when this happened, around seven or eight years old, when Bob moved at about eighteen or nineteen years old. He moved to Los Angeles where he stayed at a dorm then later an apartment with friends to go to college. He was successful and earned his bachelor's degree in public health. He now plans to go for his masters. Yet I remember the day quite clearly and it was a change in my whole family's lives. I just wasn’t quite aware yet of the situation so it did not affect me too much until I realized that since that day I barely get to see him but I do whenever we both are free. It is always a good time with him, I miss him for sure, as I feel like I can always talk to him about anything.

Soon enough, Andy moved too. It was only recently that Andy had actually moved with his girlfriend to an apartment which was in April just last year of 2023. He is more of a late bloomer, but both due to the ways things are right now and his reason to go, are reasonable. Now I love both my brothers dearly, but Andy was one that I came very close with and found everyday a happy and fun time. Since I grew up with him more, him leaving left an impact on me way more than I realized initially. After Bob left, it was just Andy and I, and of course my parents. But since we were young we would always play together. From playing soccer in the house and getting yelled at, to getting told to quiet down, racing to play on the computer, and breaking a window. Life was always good and because we are both loud people, the house was always loud. As we grew up, and he eventually got a girlfriend whom I love very much, things got quieter and more calm. Yet we were still very close and though I cannot talk to him the way I do with Bob, he made my life always a fun and happy day. He was someone I would go to whenever I wanted to have a better day and forget the bad. Now when he left, I did not think much of it, but my father was the one who showed it the most that he missed him. As I realized that the days in the house got quieter, it made me more sad. I began to feel lonelier and lonelier. Realizing that I was actually missing him. I am not someone to realize or show these emotions too much when it comes to family, so it was hard for me to release these feelings. Now I barely see him, but I have days where I miss him more than others. I wish I could go and have those fun times and forget the bad with him whenever I would, like before, but I see him whenever we can.

            Things changed, not completely, but we are not as close as we were. It makes me sad, but whenever he comes over for the bit of time he does, I smile and forget about the bad. Yet when he leaves, it is back to the same old quiet home that I had to get used to. Things get hard sometimes here now having to deal with it alone, since my parents are split now and my mother is always busy, it has gotten easier and taught me some things. I realized I had to become more responsible and grow up to realize that this is part of me growing up as well. I won’t always be with family anymore as I soon will go off to live my own life and focus on my own tasks and responsibilities. I learned to become confident and have peace with being alone and working alone, and learn that it is not a bad thing. Whenever I have bad days, I have learned ways to make me feel better on my own such as drawing, listening to music, or talking to my lovely boyfriend who I am so happily grateful for. Growing up is definitely scary now that I am almost eighteen, and my big brothers will always forever be my big brothers and bestfriends, and never will I stop calling them by my favorite nicknames, Bob and Andy.

"The week it happened " by Romina G

 

`It was sophomore year during finals week. It was my first year back at school in person after COVID. It was so different due to having online classes for the most part. From the stress that I shoved down which ended up building up over time, I ended up having a panic attack. I had never experienced one before so I freaked out as I was struggling to breathe and I could feel all my senses get out of control. It felt like I was going to die. My vision was getting dark and I was starting to shake. Before I knew it, there were tears coming down my face. It was a brief but a high intensity moment. Over time, I was able to get out of that state of anxiety. Despite having been calmed down, I still was in shock of what had happened to me. I just experienced a panic attack. I was asking myself questions such as “ why did this happen to me?” “Why now?” “Is this normal?” Growing up, mental health has never been seen in a positive light so I started to think  if I was strange for being overwhelmed with powerful emotions. No one I knew or was close to had experienced this before which made me feel even more like an outsider. I made the decision to be quiet about what had happened to me during my sophomore finals week to my family. I was afraid that they would see me in a different light or have to worry about me. There was a part of me that felt embarrassed about the situation. I was scared of what could have been their reactions. When my last semester final in my sophomore year came up again, I gathered the courage to tell my family. They were understanding and did not make me feel abnormal for my panic attack which encouraged me to have the confidence to share more about how it had occurred. My family helped me understand more about why panic attacks happen and methods to use if it were to happen again in order to distract myself. Recently, I found myself going through the same experience as before. It was around the same time of finals. I was very overwhelmed especially being a senior and how important it is to me to maintain my grades at a certain level. I felt that this time around it was way worse than the first time. I did not get out of the state as quickly as I had prior. I just remember blacking out. When I woke up, I had a massive headache and I drank water to calm down my system. I noticed that by pushing myself too hard, stress got the best out of me.

 

What I have learned from experiencing anxiety at a high stake is to remind myself that I am just trying my best. There will be situations where I won’t be right or understand and it’s okay. Everything I do won’t be perfect every time because nothing truly is. What matters is the effort I am willing to put in. Mental health is important and it is normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, nervous, and etc. During that time, I was pushing away any stress that I was having instead of dealing with it in a healthier method. Taking the time to take breaks would have decreased my stress. I believe that a positive mindset is a huge component because my mindset at the time was full of self-doubt. As I continue to grow, I will have to listen to what my body is telling me. I can not keep going on in the same pattern because my mental health will be strained. Those experiences will always be significant to me because it showed me what can occur if I do not take care of myself mentally during difficult times. Mental health is as valuable as physical health. Now, I will take my time and find new ways to confront any negative emotions that are affecting me. If I let negativity get to me, I will never be able to improve my health physically and mentally. As long as I focus on myself, it will boost my mindset to be more confident in the things I do daily. To anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack before or there was a time when your health was not the best, everything gets better eventually and it is just a bump in your path that you have to face.

"The Boy Who Would Never Love" by Moises M

 

Everything used to be fine until his father died from kidney cancer at early childhood. After his death, his mom decided to marry a man called Henry who seemed kind and gentle at first but sooner and later turned out to be an abusive drunk who was emotionally unstable. From a somber home, a boy who was the only child , a silhouette hammered from silence and shadows. His eyes had dulled after being reflected with pain of his surroundings, always being reminded that his existence was a nuisance. The world was unkind and it started right from birth, it would make him feel how ugly life can be each time he takes a step. His mom tried everything to make his life somewhat meaningful. Working 2 jobs to support her family. While Henry layed around the house smelling like cigars and cheap booze. The boy always hated him, wished he never came into his life and his moms. Knowing that his mother deserved better, he respected her love for that pitiful man. Living in an abusive household led him to be emotionally deprived. Trapping the heart of the boy with sharp barbed wire that would keep him away from the warmth of connection. Love was something foreign; a mirage in the barren landscape in a boy who would never love

 

Years later, the boy started his first day at Green Wood high school. He never made friends in junior high so he expected little to nothing of human interaction especially making friends. One fateful day in his colorless picture, life added a touch of color. Her name was Luna, a name that made the sight of bloomed roses look insignificant. With her elegant movements she made people laugh so much that you could hear them reverberating through the gloomy hallways. When these two locked eyes during passing periods it was like two stars colliding with each other creating a supernova of love at first sight. Luna leaped into his reality with her wild spirit leaving an unforgettable mark on the boy's colorless life. Her laughter sounded like music notes breaking through heavy air. Aura brimming with joy and warmth. The polar opposite of the boy who would never love

 

At first, the boy brushed off this new feeling of warmth and curiosity thinking that it was a mere coincidence. Not knowing this person will bring light and color into his world. Weeks pass since they locked eyes, the boy begins his daily routine of no human interactions and constant sadness. After biology class, he decided to take a different route to his next period just because he had a gut feeling to. On route to his next class he turned the hallway corner where time suddenly decided to slow down. The millisecond the boy hit the corner he bumped into someone carrying a stack of books. Books and pages went flying like a Tom and Jerry scene leaving the boy and the student slumped on the floor. Instinctively the boy apologized for bumping into them while picking up the scattered pages and books they dropped. A sudden soft, gentle voice asked “Hey, are you ok”. He looked dumbfounded, recognizing the girl as the same one he locked eyes with several weeks ago. Lost in words like those cliche love stories you see on TV,  he gathered all the pages and gave them to her then immediately marched away shaking like a soulless corpse. All throughout that day the boy couldn’t stop thinking about her, replaying the incident over and over again in his mind thinking about how clumsy and stupid he is. He started to feel embarrassed and disappointed for marching away without saying a single word. Which made him decide that he should apologize again the next day. The next day arrived and he was so nervous that he felt sick to the stomach but was determined to apologize for his actions. While walking through the same route as yesterday he finally saw her, her aura, her hair, her appearance, her eyes, her smile made him see color in his gloomy dark existence. The boy sucks up all the courage he could muster and introduces himself to her and apologizes immediately in a shaky tone of voice. She also apologizes and introduces herself, sparking fire in both of them. After that they became inseparable, passing the highschools seasons together. Their friendship was like a blossoming rose, with the vibrant spirit of Luna she unlocked different types of emotions and feelings that the boy never knew existed. Luna loosened the chains that wrapped around the boy's heart. Yet, the shadows of his abusive childhood lurked and forced the boy to distance himself from the only person in his life that gave him the warmth he never had. Fearing that his abusive past that lingered would harm her in any way. Until one night, where they both decided to meet up under the gleaming moonlight sky. These kindred spirits sat on top of a hill looking up at the night sky counting the stars together, fearing that this would be the last time they would meet. Luna says “I only see you for who you are. Not the shadows, but you”. The words carry a sense of reassurance and understanding. While shedding tears, the boy then finally acknowledged the warm connection between them was love, something that wasn't in his vocabulary or in his life. Their love story has barely just begun, spending their teenage life together until the day of graduation arrived. Their high school experiences suddenly became a thing in the past. They both decided to explore uncharted territory of adulthood together leaving the creeping shadows of the past behind. In the end, the boy who locked eyes with a girl on an ordinary day became the cliche love story everyone knows. Not only changing the boy’s life into a beautiful painting but lead to the boy who would never love to be loved.

"Aunt Cora" by Claire C

 

*Name changed for privacy Reasons*

This is my personal story of growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and one of the largest trials I have gone through. Most of my family are members of the church also. One of the main things I have always been taught is to pray. To pray for blessings, forgiveness, and for faith. Every night before bed I’m always encouraged to say a prayer. I would pray to have a good dream that night or to have a good day the next morning, but most importantly I would pray for my Aunt Cora. Every prayer I ever said I made sure to ask God to heal my Aunt, and if I forgot to, I would say another prayer because I knew it was important to me. Cora was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and given a year left to live. At the time I didn’t know how serious cancer was, or what it did to someone. I just knew she was sick and needed to be healed. Everyone in my family always prayed for her, and so would I every night. A year passed and she was still with us. It was a miracle, my prayers had been working, so I kept doing it. Six years later she was still fighting her battle with breast cancer, and I was still praying for her every night. She was the happiest person to be around, she was always so positive and was just happy to be there.  The year was 2019 and I still remember the day I came home from school. My parents sat me and my four siblings down in the living room and told us that Cora had Passed away. We all started crying, I thought to myself “But I prayed, what about my prayers?” We couldn’t believe that she actually passed away. But I mean we knew it was coming, and it still broke my heart. She had been in a coma for a week at that point and peacefully died in her sleep. For a while, I was mad, mad at God for not healing her, but mainly I was mad at myself. Thinking that I could have done more, the doctors could have done more. I was questioning everything, whether or not God was actually listening to my prayers and why she had to leave. Why did she live for six more years if he was just going to take her away? It took some time, but I eventually accepted her death, I accepted that she was gone. After all, she is in a better place in Heaven. She is not in pain anymore. For a while I strayed away from praying, I was sad, and having a hard time believing. It wasn’t for a couple of months after she had passed that I came to the realization that my prayers did work. She physically was not supposed to live for six more years, but she did. The real miracle is that she lived six more years, that was the answer to all of our prayers. Not that she was fully healed, but she was given time. She got to watch her daughter grow up and create memories with her. She got to have time to make memories with all of us. My last memory of Cora is her giving me a tour of their camper Van, I thought it was so cool. It is something that I will always Cherish. From this experience, I learned that God does listen to us. It may not be in ways that you want or plan, but in the end, it's all about Faith. Faith that He is there listening, and watching over you, that he knows you personally and has a plan for you. Dealing with the death of a family member is no easy feat for anyone, it comes with pain and struggles, but with faith, you can overcome anything. To share a great scripture, Matthew 22:21 “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” This is my personal testimony of Growing up In The Chruch Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is what I love and believe to be true. Thank you for reading.

 

"Just Another Day" by Sofia E

 

During my 6th grade year, I decided to quit soccer after playing it since I was 5. I fell out of love with the sport and was just tired from playing. Fast forward to the end of 7th grade, I realized that I wanted to try out cheerleading. I had seen the Etiwanda Cheer team posts on FaceBook and decided that I wanted to try it out. In order for me to have the best shot at making the team, I needed to start practicing and getting more experience. So me and my two friends decided to do Pop Warner cheer for the city of Fontana. Through that experience, I was able to learn the basics of cheerleading and discovered my passion for the sport. As my first season of cheer came to an end, Covid hit and schools were shut down. I wasn’t sure if me trying out for the team was even possible due to Covid. However, they conducted cheerleading tryouts online. We were given a dance routine and a cheer to learn through video. We had a few days to submit a video of our audition. I worked for hours perfecting the dance and cheer. My Mom and my Dad helped me film the video as my Dad was the videographer and my mom did not hold back on telling me if I looked bad or not. It took hours for me to get the “right” video. They published a list of the girls who made the team about a week later. To my surprise, me and my other two friends made the team. When I saw my name on the list, the feeling of relief and happiness washed over me. I started to imagine myself cheering and being in the uniform. I was so excited to go to school and be a part of the team but as time went on, and Covid cases were at an all time high, I realized that my freshman year wouldn't be a normal year. At first, we weren't allowed to do much, we had “practice” over zoom which was just us learning cheers. But restrictions were lifting and we started to have practice in real life, which was enough for me. I was happy with just that. Eventually we started cheering at football and soccer games but with no uniforms, just tracksuits. Even with no uniforms and cheering for soccer which is uncommon, I was still ecstatic that I was a part of the team, even when I did not have the normal experience. My excitement for being on the team never went away as sophomore year rolled around and I finally got to have the normal cheer experience. I started making more friends and having my life revolve around school and cheer. All I did was do school or cheer related activities, but I wasn't complaining. Junior year was the same, same excitement, same love for the sport however, I was on varsity now. Everything I worked for was to be on the Varsity team. It was starting to pay off, all the time and money I have devoted to this team was for that moment of seeing my name on the varsity team list. My time on the varsity team as a junior holds some of my favorite memories. Our sports were doing good and the friendships I have created through this team were flourishing. As sad as I was that my junior year was ending, I was so excited to become a senior. It did not really hit me that this would be my last year cheering until mid season of football. In the back of my mind, I would think about how these are my last games but I did not put too much thought into it. However, when it was our last game of the season, it really hit me. I did not think that I would cry or be too sad about it ending because I would see girls from the previous years crying at their last game but I would always think about how I wouldn’t cry. I was standing on my box and when I realized we were going to lose, tears started rolling down my face. I could not stop crying as I kept on thinking about this being my last time cheering. All the time I devoted to the team, all the money, all the sacrifices I made for this team was just over. To others, it was just another day. To me, this was the end of an era. Some may not understand this feeling, or may not understand why this is important as it was just another day. And from an outside perspective, it seems silly and absurd to willingly put so much effort and time into something like cheer which is not considered a sport to some, but it is all I have known. I would do it all over again if I could. Every year of highschool was different when it came to how the cheer team worked, but the thing that stayed constant was my love for cheer.  Now that time has passed, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be on the team and happy I was able to make the most out of it. Cheer has shaped me into the person I am today, has allowed me to make many friendships that have lasted years, and create memories I will look back on for the rest of my life.

"The Essence of Happiness " by Zoran D

 

According to “Oxford Languages”, the definition of happiness is, “the state of being happy” But I think that there is more and a deeper meaning to it. My view is that happiness is a difficult yet pleasing concept, which holds an important place in our lives. As we go on our journey in life, to find this joy it’s important to break down what happiness is and the idea behind it. The pursuit of happiness is an age-old endeavor that goes beyond social, cultural and individual boundaries. Just last summer, I took a trip to Hawaii, and visited the big islands which was a very relaxing experience. It made me realize that happiness isn’t just materialistic things but having your own peace which makes you rich in happiness, the relaxing beaches, beautiful sunsets, and the simple people. Their joy stemmed not from material wealth but from shared moments, communal harmony, and a connection with nature. According to an article from Harvard Business Review, “Happiness is being able to ride the wave of every emotion that life throws at you, knowing that you can come out the other side just a little better than what you were before because you have the skills (focus, courage, curiosity), the resources (a positive mindset), and the support structure (a community) to make that happen.” This is what people should realize that no matter what little progress you make there is always something to be appreciative about. A quote from Aristotle states,” Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” But “Happiness” should not be an end goal, but it is something that should linger in one's mind. Although being happy 24/7 is not only impossible, it is also unhealthy. Life’s unexpected and complex nature involves a large spectrum of emotions and it is normal to experience ups and downs in life, it’s how you treat it afterwards and the mentality you have which makes up for it. Happiness should acknowledge challenges, setbacks, and even moments of sorrow. Which are important components of the human experience. Happiness does not exist in isolation but balances with sadness, pain, and resilience. The depth of joy is better understood when looked at in contrast to the setting of life's challenges, making the nature of happiness inseparable from the huge scale of human emotions. Happiness is a perfect harmony of positive emotions, a sense of purpose, and an appreciation for life's natural beauty. It is a dynamic balance that evolves with personal growth and self-discovery. As individuals navigate their unique paths, the concept of happiness calls them to seek fulfillment in meaningful connections, self-expression, and the pursuit of a life which is aligned with their values. It is in this ongoing exploration of one’s self, that is where people truly find happiness.The pursuit of happiness is a lifelong journey that requires self analysis, societal engagement, and a commitment to values that go beyond our thinking. As we reflect on our own pursuit, we shall embrace the complexity of happiness and strive to create a world where the pursuit is not an individual journey but a collective aspiration for us all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

“What You Were Taught about ‘Happiness’ Isn’t True.” Harvard Business Review, 11 Oct. 2021, hbr.org/2021/01/what-you-were-taught-about-happiness-isnt-tru

"The Intricate idea of Joy and Happiness" by Claire B

 

Happiness is one of the most common abstract ideas people think about when they are asked. But what about happiness and joy and why are they so complex? They both are very similar ideas, but are still different to our bodies. Joy is the inner feeling felt and is the true feeling of great pleasure While happiness is said to be the outward expression you show and how you respond to the good things that happen. None of this feeling of joy or happiness would happen though and the question of the complexity of these things without the neurotransmitters of dopamine or serotonin which makes both these feelings happen.

            Dopamine acts on all areas of your brain to give you the feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and highs of motivation. With the release of dopamine this can help greatly with control on memory, sleep, mood, learning, concentration, movement and other functions that occur in the body. All these things add up to be what makes you happy and feel joy. Similarly with serotonin, it works with dopamine as a chemical used to control your mood. It also coordinates different functions and processes like our emotions, metabolism, sleep and growth. How these chemical signals work though is very interesting. SIgnals are sent from the brain, more technically  through a neurotransmitter, to go to different neurons that are called the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Then those neurons signal the dopamine and serotonin receptors that then signal G-proteins. The G-proteins are a group of proteins that are used to receive signals from the outside of a cell and project into its interior. These G-proteins that signal inside of the cell are what make the secondary messengers give results through proteins, sometimes called PKA or PKC that produce a number of physiological functions in the cell which also show the happiness and joy we feel.

            Even though how the neurotransmitters work is confusing and very complex, it is easy to trigger them and help your body produce them a little easier. Things like exercise, nature, nutrition, memories and so much more are shown to assist the production of these chemical signals. And even if the feeling of happiness and joy seems so easy to achieve and not hard at all, because you can do different things like go for a walk or eat better or even look back on old pictures, it is still so intricate and works differently for different people who produces different levels of these chemical signals for the different things they do. If there are different levels of these chemical signals though it can affect the body in so many different ways. Not only will it cause opposite effects like depression, fatigue, lack of stress and so many other symptoms if the levels are shown to be low. On the other hand if the levels are too high then even worse symptoms can happen to the body. It can cause restlessness, nervousness, insomnia tremors and other bad things to be happy to the body and how it functions. This being said, how happiness and joy work inside and outside the body is so intricate and complex but is such an interesting idea as a whole. 

Happy Holidays!

 All Students:  Be sure to read the entries for this group --December writers).  Everyone is required to comment on at least THREE different pieces of writing.  You must submit comments on Canvas (for each one, include the name of the author and the title of their piece, and then your positive, specific comment ) by Tuesday, January 16 on Canvas.

Remember, comments must be positive, personal, supportive, constructive, and SPECIFIC.  No "Good Job!" comments, unless you follow that with specific things you thought were done well in the piece.  Show them you actually took the time to read and enjoy their work!

"Unveiling an Unknown Path" by Katie L

When asked about my ideal family vacation, I envision bustling fish markets, exotic fruit stalls, and the exhilaration of navigating overfilled parking lots. However, my everyday life in Fontana drastically contrasts my fantasies. I often resented the city for its limitations and seemingly ordinary suburban tranquility, which didn't align with my desire for dynamic experiences. Nevertheless, amidst these sentiments, I couldn't help but appreciate the sense of camaraderie that my neighbors graciously provided. The distinctive sounds of the honks signaling the arrival of elote carts on certain street corners and the enticing aroma of carne asada tacos from street vendors slowly became nostalgic to me.

Besides a tiny section in the “ethnic foods” aisle of our local Stater Bros., my family of Vietnamese immigrants discovered a piece of their homeland at Little Saigon in Orange County, California. In my household, ABC Supermarket and Thuận Phát Supermarket were our equivalent of “Trader Joe’s” or “Vons” in others. Despite the monthly fifty-mile drive to the largest Vietnamese enclave in America, it was the most convenient means of accessing Vietnamese ingredients for home-cooked meals. Our day trips to Little Saigon were the only consistent family outings, almost becoming a tradition. On the one day when everyone wasn’t busy, Sunday, we had to allocate time and resources to productive tasks like grocery shopping. These day trips weren't just about acquiring groceries; they were a sensory journey, a way to infuse our home with the essence of Vietnam.

Instead of screaming to my heart’s desire at Disneyland, I was twenty-five minutes away staring at the fresh cuts of red and pink meats behind the glass counter as the butcher expertly sliced my mother’s picks with the most grating saw. Nevertheless, it wasn't my primary concern, as I cherished the rare moments I could spend with my parents. I didn't frequently dwell on financial challenges like these until middle school when I attended parties hosted by my uncle's in-laws. The walls of the lavish homes I visited had shelves adorned with arrays of glistening trophies and medals, ranging in size and material from violin recitals to soccer games. The awards I received for my academic performance and perfect attendance were a few saplings to an entire orchard compared to what the children of those houses achieved. As a result, I often wondered, "What if my parents’ circumstances could have been different? Could I have become a child prodigy? Would being able to afford lessons help me to excel as a professional pianist or ballet dancer?”

My presumed lack of recreational talents was compensated for when I ignited my spark of curiosity through conducting experiments in my high school laboratory, rather than performing in a concert hall or competing in a sports stadium. Engaging in hands-on experimentation allowed me to delve into the intricate realm of scientific reasoning, fostering my deep adoration with the principles that govern the natural world. Moreover, I uncovered my artistic abilities, which I thought would remain dormant, when I joined the yearbook staff. In the yearbook production process, I could finally translate my imagination into designing vivid spreads and crafting dynamic stories, discovering a newfound passion for visual storytelling. My accomplishments in these areas helped me realize that my identity wasn't solely defined by accolades; it was shaped by the activities that brought me the greatest sense of fulfillment.

Amid life's imperfections, I found solace in the enveloping embrace of gratitude. As I embarked on a journey through unfamiliar terrain and oddly familiar landscapes, gratitude mirrored the ever-constant presence of the moon, a companion to whom I instinctively sought comfort. I was grateful for those who assumed fixed roles in life so I could explore a myriad of them. In school, I appreciated the classes that allowed me to discover which fields suited me best and revealed my hidden talents. Moreover, I was thankful for my upbringing granting me the privilege to explore my native culture and the ones that surrounded me, creating memories such as culinary trips to Little Saigon and conversing in broken Spanish with merchants. My gratitude manifests itself into hope as I long for the return of the abundant joy I once knew. While hope can be a lethal virtue, for our desires may never materialize and could lead to despair, it gives me anticipation for the future every day. During the nights of my greatest anguish, I would gaze at the ever-changing moon residing in the inky blankets of the sky. Its phases, shifting throughout the month, serve as a testament that even during moments of discontent, one can rediscover oneself with time.