Volume II Issue XII: April 21, 2017 |
OPINION |
Thanks for reading! See you next year. |
Column: Through My Eyes
An Open Letter to a Lost Friend
BY SAVANNA PATINO
Dear Friend,
I decided to write this because now it has been one year without you in my life. Here’s what you missed:
Denial
I still remember the moment I heard. I received a text saying you were in the hospital. My heart stopped. I felt sick for a completely different reason than why I had stayed home from school that day. After that moment, my life stood still and became a blur at the same time. The next few days were filled with hospital visits, memorials, prayers, crying, confusion, shock, and disbelief. School became less important and friendships took over. Everyone I knew put their lives on hold and banded together for comfort. You were in the hospital for two days and I still did not believe it. I did not understand how something like this could happen to us. We continued to say you would pull through and be okay, even though we did not quite believe it. And on that Monday, I could not accept the fact that you were gone. You weren’t gone, you couldn’t be gone. Nothing seemed right. My body had put my prior sickness on hold, but it came back stronger than before. I had to push myself to continue life without you.
Anger
I was furious. I was absolutely trembling with fury that this had to happen at this moment. Why did you have to leave like this? Why did you hurt us like this? I was mad at you for hurting everyone I cared about. I was mad at my family for trying to comfort me. I was mad at my friends for being mad at you, and I was mad at myself for being mad at you too. And, I was infuriated at everyone else. I was constantly told that everything would be okay. How could everything be okay when you were not here with us any longer? How can you expect me to continue on with my life when a piece of it has been ripped away from me? How could my teachers ask me to keep my grades up? How could other students continue on planning for their futures when you couldn’t? And how the hell was I going to be okay? I was not okay. I would never be okay. I refused to be okay.
Bargaining
Days and weeks passed, and all I wanted was more time with you. I wished I had gone on that late night pizza run when you invited me that one time but I was too tired to go. I wished I had hugged you at that last practice we had together. I wished I had said I love you the last time I saw you. I wished you were still here with me. If only I had seen your hurting, if only I had seen your pain, maybe you would still be here. Maybe you wouldn’t be gone. I spoke at your memorial, and I recounted the good times and the bad. I spoke about our trip to Seaworld, the sleepovers, your love of One Direction, and the songs we used to sing. I told mostly about the song we sang with the orchestra at the homecoming pep rally our sophomore year, “For Good” from the famous musical Wicked. This song truly resembles my feelings for you and that “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Depression
After eleven years of having you in my life, my daily routine was tainted without you. When we used to carpool to school, we walked together into the school daily; now I am forced to walk that same way alone. When we had practices, your optimism and enthusiasm lightened up everyone’s mood; now it all seems dull. When we would walk by eachother, you would smile and hug me; now all the hugs I get are meant to comfort me from losing you. I felt lost and extremely alone. But I finished my Junior year of high school, took my AP Exams, ran for leadership for the new year (I got colorguard captain, like you always said I would), toured colleges, took summer school, got ready for the new year, and continued missing you. All the while, I felt empty. I plastered a smile on my face for months and attempted to live my life as close to before as possible. But I was tired. I lost the desire to work as hard in school and in the extra-curricular activities I was in. Without you, everything seemed bleak and pointless.
Acceptance
This last year has been the hardest year of my life. I took my hardest classes, applied for colleges (been accepted and rejected), took on more leadership positions, filled my schedule to the brim, and had to do all of this without you. Now it has been a year, and I am still not okay. I don’t think I will ever be okay, but I think that is okay. My life will never be the same, and while I wish I had more time with you, I am grateful for the time I did have. I am truly honored to be able to say you were my best friend for eleven years- eleven whole years filled with laughter, joy, and love. I hate that it had to end, but I understand that we can do nothing but move on. I will continue missing you for the rest of my life. And, I will live my life continuing to keep you in my heart. I want to make you proud, because knowing you really has made me into the person I am. And of course, because I knew you, I really, really have been changed for good.
Love,
S
Dear Friend,
I decided to write this because now it has been one year without you in my life. Here’s what you missed:
Denial
I still remember the moment I heard. I received a text saying you were in the hospital. My heart stopped. I felt sick for a completely different reason than why I had stayed home from school that day. After that moment, my life stood still and became a blur at the same time. The next few days were filled with hospital visits, memorials, prayers, crying, confusion, shock, and disbelief. School became less important and friendships took over. Everyone I knew put their lives on hold and banded together for comfort. You were in the hospital for two days and I still did not believe it. I did not understand how something like this could happen to us. We continued to say you would pull through and be okay, even though we did not quite believe it. And on that Monday, I could not accept the fact that you were gone. You weren’t gone, you couldn’t be gone. Nothing seemed right. My body had put my prior sickness on hold, but it came back stronger than before. I had to push myself to continue life without you.
Anger
I was furious. I was absolutely trembling with fury that this had to happen at this moment. Why did you have to leave like this? Why did you hurt us like this? I was mad at you for hurting everyone I cared about. I was mad at my family for trying to comfort me. I was mad at my friends for being mad at you, and I was mad at myself for being mad at you too. And, I was infuriated at everyone else. I was constantly told that everything would be okay. How could everything be okay when you were not here with us any longer? How can you expect me to continue on with my life when a piece of it has been ripped away from me? How could my teachers ask me to keep my grades up? How could other students continue on planning for their futures when you couldn’t? And how the hell was I going to be okay? I was not okay. I would never be okay. I refused to be okay.
Bargaining
Days and weeks passed, and all I wanted was more time with you. I wished I had gone on that late night pizza run when you invited me that one time but I was too tired to go. I wished I had hugged you at that last practice we had together. I wished I had said I love you the last time I saw you. I wished you were still here with me. If only I had seen your hurting, if only I had seen your pain, maybe you would still be here. Maybe you wouldn’t be gone. I spoke at your memorial, and I recounted the good times and the bad. I spoke about our trip to Seaworld, the sleepovers, your love of One Direction, and the songs we used to sing. I told mostly about the song we sang with the orchestra at the homecoming pep rally our sophomore year, “For Good” from the famous musical Wicked. This song truly resembles my feelings for you and that “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Depression
After eleven years of having you in my life, my daily routine was tainted without you. When we used to carpool to school, we walked together into the school daily; now I am forced to walk that same way alone. When we had practices, your optimism and enthusiasm lightened up everyone’s mood; now it all seems dull. When we would walk by eachother, you would smile and hug me; now all the hugs I get are meant to comfort me from losing you. I felt lost and extremely alone. But I finished my Junior year of high school, took my AP Exams, ran for leadership for the new year (I got colorguard captain, like you always said I would), toured colleges, took summer school, got ready for the new year, and continued missing you. All the while, I felt empty. I plastered a smile on my face for months and attempted to live my life as close to before as possible. But I was tired. I lost the desire to work as hard in school and in the extra-curricular activities I was in. Without you, everything seemed bleak and pointless.
Acceptance
This last year has been the hardest year of my life. I took my hardest classes, applied for colleges (been accepted and rejected), took on more leadership positions, filled my schedule to the brim, and had to do all of this without you. Now it has been a year, and I am still not okay. I don’t think I will ever be okay, but I think that is okay. My life will never be the same, and while I wish I had more time with you, I am grateful for the time I did have. I am truly honored to be able to say you were my best friend for eleven years- eleven whole years filled with laughter, joy, and love. I hate that it had to end, but I understand that we can do nothing but move on. I will continue missing you for the rest of my life. And, I will live my life continuing to keep you in my heart. I want to make you proud, because knowing you really has made me into the person I am. And of course, because I knew you, I really, really have been changed for good.
Love,
S
Column: Learning to Grow UpTeachers, I Wish You Knew BY JASMYN GONZALEZ
There are many different types of teachers. There are the teachers that are easy to talk to; easy to be honest and real with. There are the teachers that want nothing to do with students after the bell rings; the ones that could care less about their students or their grades. Other teachers that do everything they can to make sure that every student passes but sadly are usually taken advantage of, and the teacher that doesn’t see you for who you are beyond your grade. I would like to point out a few things that teachers maybe never seem to really notice that is right in front of them. To begin, I would like to touch up on the different students that roam around school everyday. There are many students who face different hardships everyday that both students and teachers don’t even know about. There are students who have it very very easy, such as having loving parents and a strong bond with their siblings; they are well off financially and emotionally and mentally stable as well. However, there are also students who don't have it so well. It would take forever to give various examples as every student has a rare and unique situation. Any school year is a difficult challenge for both students and teachers to be consistently dedicated to learning or teaching something new everyday and to continue going at that pace even if they didn’t understand the last lesson. For teachers, learning different techniques and having patience with their students can at times be challenging and I’m sure also a bit discouraging. Although it is their job to educate students, I feel it is also their responsibility to realize changes within their students. Teachers should understand that there are some students who struggle with school because of their circumstances, and they cannot always simply be resolved with a tutoring session or with extra time after class. There are students who don’t look forward to going home, who have to work and pay rent even though it may be illegal for parents to charge a minor for necessities. For these students, school and their school work is the last thing on their mind. I wish teachers could see that, I wish teachers could empathize for that. I am not saying that these students deserve an easier road or an easy way out from all the school work and from all the tests and studying that school is going to command; I am saying that school involves so much more than academics. It is something that all try to conquer or at least dream of conquering, and if a student is blocked from that because of their personal circumstances, how is it fair that the teacher judges who that person is because of their grade? I am not saying that these students need pity, or that they need to be treated like they are handicapped. I am acknowledging that it is unfair, and that is just a fact. Grades show only the surface of a student's integrity and commitment to life. The devotion a student may have to working hard at their after school job or, volunteering at an organization can show more of what they are made of instead a letter grade that represents their academic abilities... |
Editor's LetterBY MAYA SANCHEZ & LAURYN BEST
Coming into the school year in August, I didn’t know how much time and energy that I would put into newspaper, into Ethic. I didn’t know how much it would mean to me nor did I know how much that it would shape who I am today. I say this as I am giving recruiting speeches to classrooms (If you are reading this and are eligible to be in the newspaper class next year, I strongly encourage you to do it.), but I really and truly believe it: newspaper is great. Sure, not everything about it is the best and there are some bumps in the road that are bound to get in your way, but the experience of it all is above anything else. I got to be a part of a deeply creative and innovative part of my school and I’m proud of it. I’m proud of starting the year with one product and ending the year with an even better one. I’ll be proud of next year’s staff for doing the exact same thing. But what’s the thing that really made newspaper so great? No, it wasn’t the freedom of being able to write what I want (Although, writing about the musicals I went to this year was phenomenal.) No, it wasn’t covering the major sporting events. (While I say that, every time that I see Seth’s video compilation of a game, I get a little wonderstruck.) No, it wasn’t introducing myself as ‘Maya Sanchez, Redlands East Valley Senior and Ethic’s Editor-in-Chief’. (Okay, I have to admit, it was a little bit of that.) The best part was being a part of the community of not just my high school, but of Redlands as a whole. Before joining, the most interaction I got of the other high schools were the girls on my soccer team and the few times that our athletic teams played each other throughout the seasons. But beyond that, it was always REV centered. And while that isn’t a bad thing in the slightest, being able to see my high school experience as a Redlands experience and not just a REV experience has been for the better. I’ve gotten more involved in the happenings in my community, have met new people that I’m proud to call my friends, and most importantly I get to truly call myself a part of this Redlands Community. I know our schools try to bring us all together under a common cause, and while I do not think in any way that they have failed, I think that Ethic has succeeded. By covering three schools in the Redlands Unified School District, Ethic has really embraced what it means to be inclusive and it’s that quality that has made newspaper outstanding for me. I am beyond grateful to be able to serve as your Redlands East Valley Editor-In-Chief and I hope that next year will be just as prosperous as next year. Thank you reading and I hope you have enjoyed this year’s publications and that you will enjoy all the years that will follow. Again, thank you. This year has really been a year to remember... |
Column: You and IFirsts and Lasts BY MAYA SANCHEZ
This news publication is nearing its end: after this publication, there is the magazine, then it’s for next year’s team to start again. And as the year comes to a close, one of the things that’s most prevalent on seniors’ minds (not all seniors, of course, because each person is different) is college. Some of you reading this already know where you are going, some are still deciding, and others have no clue. It’s stressful, to say the least, no matter what part of the college adventure that you are in. But it’s never just college, is it? It’s the programs that the college offers, it’s the city that it’s in, it’s the atmosphere of the college. It’s the parts that make the whole. Out of my friend group, I’m the only one that’s going out of state. It’s not really a surprise, as I have only been looking at east coast schools, and they’ve been looking at solely Californian schools. It’s not unexpected but it still is a bit weird thinking about spending time away from them, meeting new people, and making new memories with new friends that aren’t them. This isn’t supposed to be a sob story about me lamenting the woes of youth and about crumbling friendships, nor do I think of it as such. I think of it as another part of life that lies before me. I’m excited to take it, excited to leave high school behind and go onto the world full of bigger and better things. But change is always going to be faced with apprehension, and that’s okay. Senior year has been filled with a lot of firsts. It was the first time I spent the entire school year driving myself to school. It was the first time I became involved in newspaper. It was the first time I went to prom! But in the same breath, it’s been filled with a lot of lasts. And as the days tick down, it is officially going to be our last. For me, those lasts meaning enjoying the Californian sun as much as humanly possible because I know I will be missing it when I move out east. For you, it could be something completely different. Chances are, it is. So whatever those lasts mean to you, whether it’s worry or joy or some odd combination of the two, make them yours. We’re only in high school once, after all. And even though these probably weren’t the best four years of our lives, they were four important ones. Even writing this is a last-- and a truly bittersweet one. I truly hope that you make your lasts worthwhile. |
Column: Just Speaking My TruthWhat High school has Taught Me BY LAURYN BEST
As I approach what is commonly considered the end of childhood, it’s inevitable that I’ll look back on my past four years at Citrus Valley. I’ve learned a lot, not just academically, but about myself. I realize I had a lot of misconceptions about a lot of different things. I’d like to take the time to explore and explain some of those things to my younger self in my last column as Editor in Chief of Ethic News. Procrastination: You’ll never quite get over this one. In fact, you’ll get worse. I’m not just talking about homework. Things get hard, and sometimes you’ll be in rough situations that you’d really feel better off ignoring for the time being. But some things can’t wait forever, and opportunities will pass you by time and time again if they’re not taken care of promptly. Friendships: Truthfully the ones you make at this point in your life may not be the long lasting type, but that’s okay. What’s important is that you give your all in these friendships, but if the other person doesn’t want to do the same it’s okay to walk away. You’re worth a lot more than one sided relationships. And sometimes people may hurt you unintentionally or otherwise, but that has nothing to do with you. You’ll have no regrets if you know that you did all that you could. Respect: Everyone is worthy of it, even if they don’t give it back to you. Your teacher’s deserve it, staff members deserve it, and your peers deserve it. This is not not with only words, but also your actions. Raising your hand in class, going to the attendance office when you’re late like security asks, or something simple like holding the door open for another student. This is something you’ll fail at in many ways, but it is always something to strive for. Compassion: Sometimes your teacher might be having a bad day and it can feel personal when they take it out on you. Or a student may be having a hard time at home, and didn’t get their part of the assignment done and you didn’t know. A lot of the times there is no possible way that you could have known these things, but to at least imagine yourself in their situation is a good start. Gratefulness: For your teachers, your friends, another day that you get to be alive. It’s easy to lose sight of all the things you have and focus on what you don’t. It’s really no way to live, and you could only end up hurting others and yourself if you don’t recognize this. Things may seem hard, but trust me when I say they get easier. Self Love... |
Column: The Sum of My ExperiencesI am a Global Citizen BY CAMERON KROETZ
Over the course of my life I have been fortunate enough to have been to 32 states, three provinces, two territories, 36 independent nations, four dependencies, and one principality. Each individual place has left a mark on my being and they have all contributed to the person I have become; we as humans are the products of our experiences and my travels are fundamental experiences in my life. Because of these experiences I am a proud citizen of the world and I have learned how to look at things through different eyes. People often ask me why I care about what is going on in countries on the other side of the world. The simple answer I give them is that what happens in other places, can affect us here at home. The truth is, if I were to give them the real answer it would take much longer. Since I have been exposed to a variety of different cultures starting at a young age, I do not really separate people based on the nationality or culture; I see humans as one people. Even though there are borders with fences and walls, our common sense of humanity should transcend division and I believe that most people would agree with that assessment. This viewpoint is fundamental to who I am and what I believe; it is the reason I take a compassionate and humanistic stance on most issues. One major aspect of travel is keeping an open mind, and trying new things such as food or maybe even learning a new language. Before I go to a new country I try to familiarize myself with the regional customs and some basic linguistics to make my experience more enjoyable. Opening myself up to other cultures has allowed me to develop a very open mind, a characteristic that is a pillar of who I am as a person and who I strive to be. I believe that If you do not accept other cultures for what they are it will lead to xenophobia, the fear of other cultures and nationalities. I am not suggesting that one should forget their own cultural identity, but what I am saying is that keeping an open mind is very important to personal growth... |
Column: Here's the ThingDear Non-Car Enthusiast's BY DAVID MIKHAIL
Dear non-car enthusiasts, I write to you as a huge petrol head and car enthusiast to enlighten you on why I, and many other people, like cars. First let me address the reason why, in most cases, people don't like cars. That is because they see cars simply as a means of transportation, as one and a half or two tons of metal, wire, rubber, and glass. That is all they see. While that is true, cars are much more than that for me. To describe how I feel about cars, I can find no better statement than that of Jeremy Clarkson: "We have an unshakable belief that cars are living entities. You can develop a relationship with a car. And that's just what non-car people don't get." Cars come in many different shapes and forms, and each form is unique. Each form is as specialized as a surgeon’s tool. Let me demonstrate. Two of the major supercar manufacturers are Porsche and Ferrari. While both are very capable well engineered cars, the Porsche is more about clever engineering, and the Ferrari is more about passion and emotions. Some cars are made for racing, for example Formula 1 or Rally. Some cars are made for practicality and speed, such as the Audi RS7; some are built for speed and for the environment such as the BMW i8; some cars are made for offroading, such as the Range Rover; some cars are built for offroading and speed, such as the BMW MX5; some cars are muscle cars which are built for fun and the list continue on. In addition to the different types and styles, cars have different personalities. Certain traits, that make each car distinctive from the others; they come in different flavors. Some of them produce all their power at a very early stage in the RPM (Revolution of Engine per Minute) range, while others produce the power at very high RPMs. Some have a very broad power band, while others have a very small one. To translate the gibberish into English, the engine produces its maximum power for a lot longer. In addition, cars exhaust notes vary from to the other. The difference extends to steering feel, transmission, and the tires. That means that every nut and bolt work together to create cars personalities that are unique to them. That then makes the tons of glass, metal, and rubber turn into a friend who serves you well when you need it. |
Column: Aspiring to Reach PositivityA Year in Reflection BY KAYLAN ENGE
I never would have guessed that I would end up writing publicly. When I was a kid I hated being told what to write; I still do actually. I strongly dislike writing essays and answering homework questions that require me to explain how I got my answer. However, I do truly enjoy being able to freely write what I want. That’s something that joining this group has taught me. Occasionally when I was younger I would write stories that were for pure entertainment. But I used to get frustrated because I could never get them to go anywhere, which led to me throwing them aside and never getting back to them. But here’s why I decided that I would give it a shot. I remember the second to last day of summer school in Mrs.Aranda’s government class. I was sitting in my spot scanning the room like I usually do when I space out. When she began to tell the class about Ethic and showing us the first two magazines I didn’t know what to expect. The way I saw it was “Hey! That class could give me an elective so I can fill up my schedule and still have no 6 period.” So I decided I would see what I would find. I was uncertain of how I would be involved and what I would like to do. After already saying I would try it, it became official. I got into contact with my counselor and next thing I knew I found myself sitting in a telepresence class with people I don’t even know (from different schools?) doing something that was way out of my comfort zone. After the first few articles and some good ideas, I became an editor for A&E. That gave me a reason to commit, along with getting closer to everyone in this group, and becoming comfortable writing about things that were important to me such as marching band and other things. I am grateful to Mrs.Aranda for getting me interested in this class... |