Tag: 2020

  • High Life Roundtable: Covid Positives

    The High Life staff recently posted a column with thoughts about what we’ve been missing or felt like we missed out on during the past year. In this column, we share things that have been positive, or ways that we’ve grown in the past year.

     

    Caleb Dunomes

    Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I have learned a lot about myself and my ambitions. Moreover, one thing that I have learned that to achieve my goals I have to both believe in my dreams and believe that my dreams will come true. I have learned this after a year of losses and failures followed by lessons and successes. All of my challenges during track practice, online schooling and just life in general has forced me to grow up, manage time and even take time off for myself when I need to. Especially track practice, with us seniors having so much pressure to perform and put our names out there, I’ve been forced to believe in myself and all of my hard work. Because of these challenges, I have become even more ambitious, hard working and confident. In fact, I don’t think I truly knew and felt the definitions of ambition, hard work and confidence until this year.

     

    Xandria Hines

    This past year, going through school during the pandemic has been one of the weirdest times of my life. It’s sucked in so many ways, but nothing good goes to anyone without hardship. When the pandemic started, I thought that Covid infection rate would cool off enough for schools to be open by fall. It didn’t. But I was surprised to find that the online classes, the work, and my attention, seemed much easier than usual. It was common for me to get a large barrage of A’s with a B or two mixed in, but now on the honor roll, I’ve been able to find my preferred, and more productive way, of taking classes, and will most likely test this out more in-depth in the future, though hopefully not in the same circumstance.

     

    Sierra Brott-Hunter

    The Covid-19 pandemic taught me not to take anything for granted, it showed who are my real friends. You should spend more time with loved ones and you should enjoy life. That time and life is very valuable and precious . It taught me that I can focus on my mental and physical health more, and also made me more mature. It has changed me in a positive way. Online school can be easy but hard and I have learned to find myself and become who I want to be. I have learned something new. I’ve  learned to play the keyboard, though I’m not that great at it yet. I can go in my backyard and do school work instead of  staying inside, I can take my dogs for a run. It taught me a lot of interior design and I also got better at painting. 

     

    Kelly Rodriguez

    The past year we have been in the pandemic I learned things about myself; self-love was the first important thing. I also went away for a month to Georgia. I started to appreciate nature. I went to Georgia with my two sisters and my cousin. We went to visit my mom’s sister and her kids. It was great. I got really close to my cousins. I also went hiking a lot. I learned that nature is so pretty – like, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing. It was a way to keep me calm. It helps a lot just seeing nature. You get a lot of things out of your mind. I feel like I have grown. I want to be independent now without my mom doing it for me.

     

    Zinia Francis

    The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed me to become closer with myself. With not being able to see many of my loved ones and with many outdoor activities being cancelled, I was forced to be my own entertainment. To occupy myself, I explored my interest in many different areas, such as cooking, trying new foods, doing hair, working out, reading books, and writing. Doing these activities have brought me to feel comfort in my own company. During the pandemic I also realized that, like many people, I never used the time I had alone productively. I was constantly trying to avoid being alone and in the process I didn’t take advantage of being by myself. I have grown strong mentally in this past year. I thank the pandemic for my growth.

     

    Alex Phouma

    I think the pandemic helped people find out what they want out of life. Since we had to go into a lockdown in the beginning of the pandemic, it gave people time to think. For example I know people have had to rethink where they wanna work or what they want to do, and some students are thinking about college. For me, as a senior in high school, turning 18, it made me think about college and what I want to do as a career. I just think that helped people think about life.

  • The Greatest Pageant

    “The Greatest Show” was the 25th annual Mr. and Mrs. Jackrabbit Pageant, that displays the talents of senior students at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. This year 13 Jackrabbits competed with each other for the title “Mr. and Mrs. Jackrabbit”. Meanwhile 3 fellow seniors took place in the show by participating as hosts. Here are some questions we asked each contestant, along with the three daring hosts:

    1.  What prompted you to try out for the pageant/host?
    2. If you could only have one wish, what would you wish for?
    3. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?
    4. What have you gained from the experience of working up to the pageant and/or the pageant as well?

    Michael Chhay

    1) Well, during my junior year, I was the head of the Jackrabbit Pageant and organizing it was one of my proudest accomplishments. So, of course, I wanted to be in it because of how it brought the community together.
    2) I would wish for an unlimited boba supply in my fridge so I can have easy access in times of need.
    3) I would visit Japan because I have studied the language and culture, and I would live to put my skills to use while seeing the beauty of the country.
    4) The most valuable experience is the connections I have made with the contestants and MCs. We have gone to school together for the past four years, and some I didn’t know well, but they have gone from familiar faces to reliable friends. Now when we see each other in the hall, our greetings changed from small smiles to warm hugs.

    Chakravartin Sokhomsan

    1) From attending Jackrabbit Pageant in previous years, I realized there was a lack of Cambodian representation in the pageants. This was saddening since Poly is located in the largest Cambodian population outside of Cambodia. Therefore, since as a freshman, I’ve wanted to represent my culture and heritage; I thought, what is a better way than performing a Cambodian Classical Dance piece and dressing up as a pioneer paving the way for more men to be a part of Cambodian dance!
    2) If I could wish for one thing, it would be rain for Australia, and no drafting for WWIII, I’m trying to go to college.
    3) If I could visit any place in the world, it would probably be somewhere in Southeast Asia. On my bucket list are Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam since their culture and heritage and arts are similar to Cambodia.
    4) A valuable lesson is the importance of authenticity: It’s not just about winning. You should remain yourself, especially when competing in a pageant. Once you’re focused on the prize rather than your pride, you lose yourself. Choosing to perform certain pieces, and portraying myself according to certain inspirations was on my terms; swaying from portraying any other way to not please others.

    Valery C. Sanchez

    1) I wanted to do something for myself, and perform, I love to perform and I just wanted to be apart for the 2020 pageant.
    2) That’s a hard one but I think I would just wish for more wishes like everyone else.
    3) Europe, for sure, I would to visit many places but Europe is the first place I would go.
    4) Just so much love and support from everyone and the contestants. We kinda have this family bond.

    Gari L. Nolan

    1) I saw it last year and just knew I had to be in it. The past contestants looked like they were having so much fun, so I knew I had to do it.
    2) I would wish for more wishes, obviously.
    3) I would really like to visit Ethiopia because my ancestors are from there and I would like to experience the culture.
    4) I have met a lot of new people as a result of being in the pageant, and I don’t think I would have met them if it wasn’t a contestant.

    Heather Davis

    1) I’ve always loved performing and being on stage since I was a kid because I grew up doing dance and being in dance recitals.
    2) For my family to always be okay, like to be healthy, always be okay financially, and to be safe.
    3) Sydney, Australia because I just think it’s so beautiful and I’ve never been out of North America, and I really want to go to Australia.
    4) It’s great getting to know all of the other contestants and being part of a big show. It’s helped me make my senior year memorable and fun.

    Emmanuel Guia Guerrero

    1) What prompted me to try out for the pageant was knowing that it would be my very last important performance in high school.
    2) If I were to have one wish, it’d be to help anyone that is suffering physically, mentally, and/or emotionally.
    3) I would love to go to New York. It has always been a huge dream of mine ever since I was little. I’ve always dreamed of being able to see musicals on Broadway, take a walk at Central Park and take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and see all the pieces of history.
    4) What I gained from working on the pageant is that it takes hard work and determination to put on a huge show. It may be tiring with rehearsals and meetings, but in the end it was completely worth it. Knowing that I was able to be part of a huge production and creating new friendships that I know will last for years to come.

    Jailenn A. Williams

    1) Watching the show as an underclassman I knew that I wanted to be a part of it but I didn’t have talent so I thought being a MC would be a good fit for me, I also thought it was a great way to finish off my time at Poly.
    2) I would wish for the ability to stop the world at any moment and take a nap, or go to the mall and grab a pile of clothes and then let it continue when I want it to without anyone knowing it stopped.
    3) If I could visit any place in the world it would be the setting of the movie Guava Island with Rihanna and Donald Glover.
    4) I have learned that JPAG is so underrated and how much time and effort is put into it to become the greatest show.

    Lucille A. Nottonson

    1) It seemed like it would be a cool event to experience since it’s already my senior year.
    2) I would wish to be happy for my whole life without any sadness to deal with. It will bring me more success.
    3) I would visit Egypt so I can see the pyramids with my own eyes instead of pictures.
    4) I met new people from different programs around Poly and made new friends.

    Zane Witter

    1) I decided to try out for the pageant because I wanted to feel like I was participating during my senior year, but also because the deadline had been extended due to so few male applicants.
    2) I’d wish for a more cooperative global community (world peace is always a classic).
    3) I’d visit some super remote area of Alaska that’s been almost untouched by humans, the geography there is spectacular.
    4) The greatest thing I’ve gained from the Pageant is 12 new friends, and that’s not counting everyone involved in the pageant that I grew closer to but wasn’t a contestant. They’re all so supportive, and they made the hard weeks leading up to the pageant worth it.

    Snigdha Barua

    1) I think I ultimately auditioned for JPAG because I wanted a high school experience that went beyond the classroom. As someone who is not involved in many activities on-campus, I thought JPAG would get me out of my comfort zone and allow me to meet people outside my pathway.
    2) It’s a bit foolish, but I would wish for my home-country Bangladesh to be larger in landmass. I think a lot of the problems faced by many Bangladeshis such as sanitation could be improved by it.
    3) If I could visit any place in the world, I would go to Lumbini, Nepal. It’s Siddhartha Gautama’s birthplace and its sort of a pilgrimage site; I hold deep value in Buddha’s teachings so being able to go there would be amazing.
    4) As cheesy as it may sound, I now understand what “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey” means. Throughout the past months we (the contestants) worked tremendously hard alongside the ASB heads, Stage Crew, staff in charge, etc. Although our end goal was to put on “The Greatest Show” the bonds we created together will forever stick with me. I was rather “over it” the week prior to the show and now I miss it.

    Nohemi Pino

    1) I really wanted to be a part of something big at Poly, because I’ve never been super involved in school activities.
    2) I would wish for my college to be paid for.
    3) I would love to go to Greece, it looks so beautiful.
    4) I definitely bettered my public speaking and planning skills, bust most importantly, I gained an awesome group of friends!

    Amanda Angeles

    1) I love to perform and it would be a cool opportunity to show my talents on stage for the whole school to watch. I had never performed in front of this many people from Poly before, and it was interesting to sing for a full auditorium of her peers.
    2) I would wish to be on Broadway.
    3) If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to New York.
    4) Unlike my typical musical theater performances, this type of audience tended to want to clap in the middle of my song instead of waiting for the end. It was interesting to have to work around the cheering and stuff like that. So I guess I learned how to adapt my performance based on having a different kind of audience.

    Dominic Rojas

    1) I’ve performed at a lot of the Poly Faire’s and I liked singing in front of people so I thought “why not?”
    2) I’d wish for free education because college debt is no joke.
    3) I’d visit Hawaii and chill at the beach.
    4) I gained valuable friendships with some of Poly’s most talented people. I’ve also became more confident in performing.

    Laura Yontz

    1) I just wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and have fun.
    2) I would wish for the world to receive what it needs most to become a better place.
    3) I would go to Egypt and explore the rich history there.
    4) Taking a baby step and trying something new can open so many doors for you to broaden your experiences and to meet new people. The best things always come as a surprise!

    Micaela A. Ramos

    1) I thought it would be fun and I thought it would be a good opportunity to perform for the school. I wanted to put myself out there and be brave.
    2) That a drunk driver didn’t kill my family. I would love that.
    3) I think it’d be cool to go to Japan.
    4) I got a lot closer with people I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t do Jackrabbit Pageant.

    Janelle Soriano

    1 ) I wanted to try out for the pageant because I’ve known about it since I was in 8th grade and I love showcasing my talent.
    2 ) If I had one wish, I’d wish for a lifetime supply of boba from Sharetea 🙂
    3) I’d want to visit Bora Bora because I love being on tropical islands.
    4) I’ve gained new friendships along with a new love for my talent. I learned that singing is all I ever want to do in life 🙂

  • Throughout the Decade

    2010

    • Ke$ha’s song “Tik Tok” was the number one song of the year.
    • Haiti earthquake
    • Taylor Swift jousted with Kanye West and was nominated for 4 Grammys.
    • Justin Bieber’s “shaggy hair” was in trend.
    • Good Luck Charlie aired its first show.

    2011

    • Beginning of the Syrian civil war.
    • Hurricane Irene strikes the East Coast of the United States killing 47 citizens and causing an estimated $15.6 billion in damage.
    • NASA succeeds in putting the first of two Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory satellites in orbit around the moon.

    2012

    • The End of the World rumor came out, putting people in a large amount of panic.
    • The Avengers movie first came out, bringing popular comic book characters to life and fans going wild.
    • The Endeavour Space Shuttle was brought to Los Angeles after having taken its final flight in the month of September.
    • Dumb Ways to Die was introduced as a public service announcement for Metro Railroad Safety and rose itself to the top.

    2013

    • Miley Cyrus releases her Wrecking Ball, turning her good image into a naughty one.
    • Frozen became the most popular movie of the year.
    • Playstation 4 is released by Sony while the Xbox One is released by Microsoft.
    • Avicii released hit song “Wake Me Up”.

    2014

    • Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Disappearance.
    • Ebola Virus Breakout.
    • Sochi Winter Olympics.
    • Beloved actor and comedian, Robin Williams passes away.
    • Ellen’s Epic Oscar’s Selfie.

    2015

    • Same sex marriage is legal!
    • The death of BB King .
    • The blue/black vs gold/white dress debacle .
    • The debut of the Hotline Bling music video.
    • NASA confirms the presence of water on Mars.

    2016

    • Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election.
    • Beyonce releases Lemonade.
    • Harambe was killed at the Cincinatti Zoo and his name was entered into the 2016 Presidential Election.
    • Lil Uzi Vert becomes popular with his release of Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World.

    2017

    • Donald Trump officially became the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017.
    • Las Vegas had a mass shooting at an outdoor music festival along the Vegas strip.
    • Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria hit southern United States.
    • North Korea launches 23 different missiles in 16 different tests within a couple months.
    • For the first time in 99 years on August 21, a solar eclipse crossed the US from coast to coast.

    2018

    • Winter Olympics in South Korea.
    • Stoneman Douglas Shooting.
    • Stephen Hawkings died.
    • Tide Pod challenge banned on YouTube.
    • Beyonce becomes first black female to headline.

    2019

    • The world-famous Instagram egg beat Kylie Jenner in having the most liked Instagram photo.
    • Lori Lauglin was caught in a college admission scandal, where she paid to get her kids into prestigious colleges.
    • Greta Thunberg inspired the world with her climate-change activism.
    • Pop artists Camilla Cabello and Shawn Mendes get together.
    • Rumors about an Area 51 raid took the internet by storm.

     

  • Artists of the Decade

    As we prepare for the end of 2019, and the end of the decade, numbers were released from Spotify, a music streaming platform, showing which artists, songs albums listeners streamed the most during the past 10 years. The most streamed artist was, of course, Drake, followed by Ed Sheeran, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Eminem. Since 2010, Drake has released nearly an 18 track album each year, not count counting singles and features. His album Scorpion gained 745.9 million U.S streams and the first week it was released. Within the decade he has gotten over 28 Billion streams on Spotify. For over a decade he has had a dominant presence in the music industry, which helped him become one of the most influential people this decade.

  • Movies of the Decade

    The year has finally come to an end, also bringing the decade to an end. Within these 10 years, there have been many films which have most certainly left quite an impression on us. Here is a list of 10 films which have made it to the top throughout the past ten years.

    • 2010 Despicable Me
    • 2011 Captain America: The First Avenger
    • 2012 The Hunger Games
    • 2013 Frozen
    • 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy
    • 2015 Jurassic World
    • 2016 Moana
    • 2017 Star Wars: The Last Jedi
    • 2018 Avengers: Infinity War
    • 2019 Avengers: Endgame