Tag: seniors

  • How much has online learning affected how students live in their rooms?

    How much has online learning affected how students live in their rooms?

    Due to students being stuck in their room for months on end, the condition of their workspace has taken a toll on them. It has been a drastic change, and students have been forced to transition from physical in-class schooling to online learning with virtual classrooms. How much has this change affected how students live in their rooms?
    Many students have reorganized the layout of their room in order to improve productivity. Joseph Diress, a senior at Long Beach Poly, had stated that he’s “in the process” of a room makeover. With Diress being involved with Poly’s drama team and other on-campus activities these changes have greatly influenced his creativity. So far he said that he’s done “a lot of rearranging,” learning how to manage space while making his room more “roomy.” Through this process he has added things like a rug, bookshelf, alarm clock and other “nicknacks to help [his] workflow.” Although he’s made little changes so far, he’s said that they’ve already “helped with the workflow and creative process.”

    This presents another relevant idea among students, many make their room more comfortable in order to accommodate for their time spent on their computers. Aasha McLyn, another senior at Long Beach Poly, rearranged her room by moving her desk to her wall near the windows in order to allow her to look out her windows during zoom calls. This change of furniture among other small changes such as candles and hanging lights has helped her “mentally” she said, making her “room feel like a more comfortable space to be in for more portions of the day.”

    Alongside both Joseph and Aasha, I have felt many of the same experiences. With my involvement with various on-campus activities such as leading Poly’s Black student union, devoting hours on the track at track practice and spending extra time in various teachers’ classrooms, the change to online school has taken a toll on my highschool experience. In order to both increase productivity and feel more comfortable, I have made big adjustments to my room. Ranging from buying Funko pops to getting a new desk and rearranging the layout of my room, I’ve spent a lot of time and effort toward making my room more suitable for online schooling and comfort. This is because I’ve learned that the condition of my room affects my mental state and that investing in my workspace is investing in myself.
    Students have made these accommodations, both big and small in order to succeed throughout online school. “It’s kind of a barrier,” Diress said concerning the challenges of learning at home. “physical school helps with mental health and many other things.” Making changes can help overcome that challenge, as McLyn said about her room, proclaiming that as a result of the changes in her workspace she has become happier while in it. These changes for students that are active socially and on campus have played a key role in their online schooling experience this year.

  • 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 🙂

  • What’s Your Ride?

    Poly seniors and juniors drive to Poly in their cars each morning in 2019. Each student has a unique car, ranging from imports to American cars. The students are between 16-18 years of age, old enough to drive on their own.
    All the cars the seniors and juniors own are mostly 99% automatic transmission. This is easier on the beginners and easier to drive on a daily.
    Some seniors and juniors have learned to drive a manual, however. “It was hard at first, but as soon as you learn it, you’ll enjoy it,” said Poly student Alex Zarate. He owns a white 1991 Honda Accord in a manual transmission with a car bra on the front and lots of modifications on it. He said Hondas are one of the most reliable cars. They are good on gas, and there’s also a lot of aftermarket potential. In Kelley’s blue book website, it has 4.5 out of five stars for reliability, so it’s one of the best cars to start out with if you’re a new driver.
    Devin Martinez owns a 1996 Toyota Supra with a manual transmission like Zarate’s Honda Accord. Instead of using a four cylinder engine, it uses a 3.0 six cylinder engine. It’s a two door coupe and is classified as a sports car in Car Gurus. Many car enthusiasts like Martinez adore the Supra because of how legendary it is and the tuner potential it has. “It’s definitely my favorite car,” said Martinez. His car has aftermarket rims, coilovers, a front lip, and an aftermarket exhaust system that makes the car louder. Since it’s a Toyota, the reliability is there, Martinez said. He wouldn’t recommend it as a first car, though, because it is expensive. He paid $39,850 for his. Not too many high schoolers have that much money yet. But if you have the money to support it, the Supra is a great car to get.
    The Honda Accord and Toyota Supra cars are both imports, which tend to be better than American cars. A study in 2014 by Toyota of Murfreesboro concluded that Ford’s highest mpg was 36.8 while Toyota’s was 44.2. But at the end of the day, it’s your choice whether you want an import or an American car. Everyone has different taste, and each car will have its ups and downs.

  • Missing the Class of 2019

    If it hasn’t been said already, then I’ll be the first to say it: this school year is extremely different compared to last year. However, one thing that has especially impacted me has been the absence of alumni. It is uncertain how I got so close to them, but I know for a fact that it is definitely not the same without them.

    During the previous school year, you would find me hanging out with a group full of seniors. Like I said, I don’t really know how I winded up there in the first place, but being around them sure gave me pleasure. Conversations with them made me feel welcomed, and being a part of them made me feel included.

    Aside from that friend group, I also gained some friends from a college readiness program located at Long Beach City College called Upward Bound. I did not expect all my friends there to be ready so soon. Now that they’re in college and the majority of them no longer attend the program the same way, it feels different.

    Not only that, but last school year the newspaper production class was full of seniors. It was a class full of leadership as well as love and passion. Without this love and passion they held, the school newspaper could not have been the same. The laughter and inside jokes shared among the class brought a whole new meaning to journalism for me.

    Overall, these people left such a huge impact on me. Meeting them is possibly one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. In all honesty, seniors should be appreciated more and not taken for granted while they’re around.

    Although I no longer see them or hang out with them in the same way anymore, the experience was fun while it lasted. The connections are still there and the friendships still exist. I hope they’re all doing well and that they’re surrounded by people as amazing as they all are. In the end, people come and go in life, but it’s what they leave behind that matters.

  • Ready for the Real World?

    This week, I and many other seniors will be given a diploma and moving on into whatever kind of life we want to live. It is up to us to determine if we will continue education, have jobs, or just do nothing.

    I’ve been waiting for the moment to finally graduate and have my life set. But as that day is approaching closer, I dread it more and more. Why was I so excited for this as a kid and what made me think I would have everything figured out by then?

    If anything I feel more confused and overwhelmed than ever before. What exactly is in store for me? And why does it seem like I’m being pushed out into something I’m not really prepared for? Yup that’s right, adulthood. This has been a long struggle, being in in school, for SO many years. It’s routine and what I’ve been doing the past 13 years. In these 13 years what have I learned? Maybe some social skills and how kids can be cruel sometimes. The basic subjects such as math, history, english, and science. But what about managing my money? That’s only something that I’m really learning and investing in my senior year. Why does everything cost so much anyways? Applying for jobs, it’s a struggle, especially when I’ve been trying for months to get a job. Hello? I’ve been calling for so long now. Please give me a job, please.

    I’ve decided for myself that I will continue to do even more education, all in the favor of trying to have a career that will hopefully keep me stable. Good luck to me and all the other seniors who are going to struggle and try to survive.

  • Senior Appreciation

    At last, we have come to the end of this school year! Congratulations to all the students that have made it, but more importantly, con- gratulations to the seniors who have come so far and even now, are still continu- ing to go even further as they take their next big step in life. This school year, I have met so many amazing seniors that have influenced me and left a huge impact on me in several ways. They helped me settle in when I was unsure of what to do in a certain class, they were the greatest student counselors at Poly North, they were even there to assure me that I was always welcomed in a friend group. It was always the little moments that made

    them leaving me thankful for ever having the oppor- tunity to have met them. Friends, classmates, peers; call them whatever but to me they will always be one of the biggest influencers to have ever come into my life. I also feel like they should be more honored and feel proud of themselves as we should for them. After all, they once started out like everyone else. They began sprouting as a tiny bunny and grew throughout high school becoming the ex- travagant jackrabbits they are now. This class of 2019 should deserve more ac- knowledgement because even without knowing it, they influenced a lot of other people’s lives, not just mine.

  • Prom Dress Season

    On April 14, Rachel Suojanen, the 1-2 Japanese teacher, hosted a Prom dress giveaway called the Prom Dress Boutique at the Jewish Foundation in Long Beach.

    Students in Long Beach are given an opportunity to get a prom dress and other things that are in need of prom material.
    The Boutique is designed to be organized with dressing rooms, volunteers, etc. There will be a raffle for free makeovers and other prizes.
    Suojanen has partnered with the Women’s Philanthropy to make this event happen.
    She also let students know around campus where and how they could donate dresses, shoes, and jewelry for the event.

    Dresses from multiple sources have come in and have become resourceful for the students in need of them.
    The goal is to help young girls be themselves with the right sources, especially when shopping for Prom is expensive.
    The committee also explained that this event is for invited guests only, so it is up to the counselors to outreach to those in need.
    As well made it know to students through Schoolloop to reach out to their counselors too.
    She coordinated with counselors to make sure that they recommended students who could benefit from this event.
    The Boutique is to enlighten girls who are insecure about themselves, to make them feel better about themselves, their personalities, and embrace them individuality.

    This event will become a tradition for Long Beach to ensure that students get to have an opportunity to be themselves at prom.