Thursday, March 24, 2011

SOH's Literary Magazine

SOH Launches New Literary Magazine
By Vianney Casas

Life can be beautiful, life can be confusing. Life can be many different things, but what is life through a Raider’s eyes? Life Through a Raider’s Eyes is the title of Southwest High School’s first online literary magazine. Although the magazine is still in progress, the first contest for its first edition already took place. The contest’s theme was Valentine’s day where Raiders had the opportunity to express their feelings regarding Valentine’s most important word: Love. After deliberations by the Literary Magazine’s club and SOH English teachers, three poems were chosen in the end. I will not reveal the winners in this article, if you wish to know who won you must go and check out the magazine when it’s finally finished ; the winning poems will be posted on the first edition of the magazine.

The second poem contest for the magazine is already on its way to being made official, the theme being Spring. The club is still small (Vianney Casas as editor in chief, Denisse Avila, Erika Melendrez, Stephanie Silva, Kathia Albanez, Andrea Morales, Jocelyn Salazar, Mayte Casas, Julia Alcaraz, and Oscar Vargaz), so people interested in joining and representing Raiders' voices are still accepted. Anyone who would like to join can attend the meetings on Friday to suggest ideas for the poetry contest as well for the magazine or should just simply let me, Vianney, or Ms. Stretcher (advisor) in room 811 know you would like to join the club.

So here’s how the club works: the magazine will be posted online consisting of the following sections:

  1. Poetry: Poems of any subject/Topic, Lyrics
  2. Fiction: Short stories. (pretty much anything comming from your imagination)
  3. Non-Fiction: A story from your life, kind of like a “diary”.
  4. Reviews: Movies, Music, Books, Tv Shows
  5. Question of the week: Example: “If your house were burning down what would you decide to save?”
  6. Fashion: What’s in, What’s not, fashion advices for guys and girls
  7. Photography/ Art
  8. Contests/ Contest Winners
  9. Letters to the editor: We want to know your opinion!

Anyone can participate in the magazine . They can send their work and might get it posted on the magazine after the magazine’s club revises it and edits it if needed.

Why will the magazine be online? I’m sure anyone is aware of how the economy is looking right now; therefore, SOH has not enough money to provide us with printed magazines. Ms. Stretcher and I are looking for ways to make that happen, we’re looking forward to getting as much help as we can, so anyone who would like to help is well welcomed. For starters, the club will begin selling stuff for fund-raising as soon as we are approved of doing so.

So Raiders, if you’re interested in letting your imagination run wild and show your personality and creativeness through words and art please contact me or Ms. Stretcher and try to come to every meeting.

Choosing a College

Raiders Look Forward to Higher Education
by Stephanie Mesa

This month has been very exciting for all seniors, because college admission decisions are being sent out. There's nothing more exciting than opening your mail-box and finding that letter from your dream college, and feeling the adrenaline in your skin when you're opening it up. However, as a senior, I know that along with a feeling of excitement comes a feeling of confusion and doubt. Many seniors wonder: Should I go live on campus? Do I really want to go to a far away college?
Everyone from family, friends, the media, etc. tell us that living on campus is a big part of the "college experience." Even though this statement can be right for some, it really depends on the individual whether or not they should actually leave far away from home to get an education.
So if you're a senior who is stuck in this decision, here are some pros and cons you might want to consider before making an important decision :

PROS
:
- Independence
- A fresh start in a new area
- Making many friends
- Learning Responsibilities
- A whole new world of possibilities
- Learn how to function without an adult
- Learn to develop resources of your own, rather than depending on your family for it

CONS:
- Cost: living on campus is more expensive
- Homesickness: you might miss your friends and family
- It might be tough to meet people who really care about you
- Many distractions
- Not being able to manage your time
- Party life might get into your head

Whatever it is that you decide to do, make sure it's because that's what you want. Nobody can choose your future for you, you're the only one responsible for that.
If you're confused, think about the situation you're in, make a list of the pros and cons that apply to you, and evaluate your options.
Maybe going away to college is what you really need: get out there and meet new people, become independent, take risks and explore another world.
Always remember, you miss 100% of the shots you DON'T take.