Black Box Theater Is Moving!
Angie Kidder
For many OCSA students, the campus has become a second home. From 10th street to Symphony Hall to the taco trucks, we find comfort in places on our campus. Earlier this year, the OCSA administration announced that some exciting changes would be coming to the campus. One of them is the renovation and relocation of the Black Box Theater.
The Black Box has been a staple of OCSA shows for many years. Its intimate space allows the audience to be immersed in the shows. Luckily, the new location allows for the audience to still have that immersive experience while also offering a bigger capacity.
Kaitlin Tice, a teacher for Integrated Arts and Musical Theater, is the director of "Side Show", an upcoming show that will be in the new Black Box Theater. “I really love the new entrance and where it is on campus. I think that it’s more accessible to the audience.”
Photo by Ava Park
"Side Show" is set during the Great Depression and follows the story of conjoined twins in a side show who later go on to become famous and enter vaudeville. Tice said, “The flexibility of a Black Box is really going to lend itself well to 'Side Show’. It’s not a traditional show, so having it in a newly renovated Black Box is a dream and ideal because we get to configure it how we want to.”
Now that the new Black Box will be relocated into the former Production & Design shop, the Production & Design shop’s new location has now moved across the street next to the business office. But with that, the former location of the Black Box will be left as an empty space. Although there is some nostalgic value to the old space, the new Black Box will only be more beneficial to the students at OCSA. For many students, the work flow of OCSA can become overwhelming. The student body needs a place to wind down during a busy school day to prioritize their own needs. Now that the Black Box is being relocated, the former space will undergo a complete renovation and will be turned into a location on campus named the Serenity Center.
Dawn Spranger, the coordinator of the Serenity Center, said “It provides a calm, supportive environment and helps empower students to manage their own social and emotional health in order to help achieve their highest academic potential. There will be pods in the center for students, an area for breathing exercises and yoga, and an area for artwork with a gratitude wall.” The Serenity Center is sure to bring great benefits to the entire student body.
According to Spranger, the Black Box will be completely transformed. “It’s going to have a biophilic environment. It’s not going to look like a classroom. It’s going to be more homey, the color scheme is all calming colors, and will be soothing to the eye and have natural lighting.” The Serenity Center is set to open at the beginning of next semester. From its welcoming environment and to the therapeutic practices it offers, the center will be a great place for students to manage their social and emotional health, and take a break from the busy atmosphere of the OCSA campus.
From the newly renovated Black Box, to the brand new Serenity Center it seems that the campus is surely into its renovation. Putting more focus on what the students on campus need is becoming more and more of a priority for these new upcoming renovations, whether it’s a more accessible venue or a place for students to wind down. Although there is some nostalgic value to the former Production & Design shop and the Black Box there will be lasting benefits to the changes being made to our campus.
From Silver Screens to Picket Lines
Melody Wu
Film productions came to a screeching halt May 2, 2023 as 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) began their strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Fed up with the inadequate paychecks, cuts in residuals, job insecurity and threats by production companies to replace workers with artificial intelligence, writers in the film industry finally decided to take a stand for themselves.
“People only see the glitz and glamour of the industry,” said Dawn Spranger, a former Screenwriting teacher whose brother is part of the WGA; “you’re not seeing the struggling writers” who make up the vast majority. Recognizing the strike as long overdue, Josh Wood, the director of the Creative Writing conservatory, stressed the need for resolution “before the same abusive model kicks into place again.” The disparity where those at the top reap increasing amounts of profits while writers’ earnings remain stagnant is, in Wood’s view, “inherently wrong” and ultimately “unsustainable.” He remarked that it’s not just low pay and job insecurity that writers are fighting against but also a long-standing “corporate culture of greed.”
The writers’ strike resonated not only with members of the film industry but also OCSA students. Milana Berhe (CW ‘24) expressed disappointment in the fact that despite how lucrative the film industry is, “workers in the industry still struggle to make ends meet.” Echoing this, Dahlia Sarmiento (CW ‘24) added, “writers are the backbone of the entertainment industry” and yet, “people take them for granted.”
“People only see the glitz and glamour of the industry ... You’re not seeing the struggling writers.”
For some, the implications of the strike were personal; Jamie Jung (CW ‘24) had her sights set on USC’s top-notch screenwriting program. However, with recent developments, she’s become doubtful about the future of the film industry and in turn, her own aspirations as a writer. She said, “if it’s going to be such an unstable industry, I’m scared to step in and potentially be one of those writers picketing on the fence just to get enough pay to survive.” She continued, “I’m not so sure if my passion is enough now.”
However, the strike’s impacts extended beyond the writers and big studios. For nearly 150 days, employees on film sets were unable to work. As conveyed by one source, there are “people who don’t make much as writers,” such as hair and makeup artists, assistants and caterers who found themselves without employment for six months. ”I think they too should be considered,” they expressed. “The other thing as far as the big picture is California,” noted the source, which has lost 3 billion dollars in tax revenue since the beginning of the strike.
Another concern of the writers’ strike is the use of AI in the writing process. While most agree that “you can’t put the genie back in the bottle,” said one source, writers also believe that it will be a while before AI can come up with comprehensive storylines and nuanced characters. No matter how advanced AI becomes, “finding ways into human emotions will still be something it struggles with,” claimed Berhe. In an ever-evolving world that demands constant entertainment, the industry “calls for something different”, which Anna Huang (CW ‘24) believes is something AI is incapable of producing. Yet, in many ways, AI and other advanced forms of technology have already become integrated into the industry. Wood discussed the evolution of the Star Wars franchise and how Yoda evolved from a puppet to a computer-animated character. While the puppeteers could have protested that technology was taking away their jobs, many instead learned to use that technology. “Artists and writers will have to use every creative tool they have and they will” stated Wood. After all, when Charles Darwin said survival of the fittest, he didn’t really mean that the fittest or strongest survive, “it’s the ones who adapt to change who survive,” acknowledged one source.
Recently, a wave of relief swept over avid TV watchers, writers and film companies when the WGA and AMPTP reached a tentative agreement, signaling the strike’s end. The agreement, which includes a minimum five percent pay increase, regulations on AI and new residuals, promises to restore faith in the industry and will hopefully rekindle the aspirations that young writers have to pursue their dreams.
New Lavish Lavatories in the Tower
Aadya Sharma & Gigi Kim
When the 2023-24 school year rolled around, many students were shocked by some unannounced changes in the Tower. New tiled floors and walls, new countertops and sinks, new stall doors—to everyone’s amazement, the Tower first floor bathrooms had been transformed. As the novelty of the change has faded away, one must wonder: when did this happen, and why?
Some students have speculated that this is part of the Students First: A Capital Campaign, the series of renovations announced at the 2022 Gala as a part of the OCSA 35th Anniversary Celebration. The project aims to accommodate the student body’s artistic and academic education, and encompass a wide range of exceptional outdoor facilities. The campaign has created a lot of curiosity and buzz on campus around the changes to come.
However, the truth is that this bathroom renovation is not part of that campaign. It is actually part of a regularly scheduled summer maintenance program. Over the next two years, students can expect to see newly renovated bathrooms throughout the Tower. The decision to begin on the first floor was due to preexisting renovations already occurring there.
Photo by Gigi Kim.
Many students have expressed their positive opinions on the new look. Kate Shin (IM-P ‘25) said, “I did not know that they renovated the bathroom, so I was really shocked when I went inside. I really liked how they incorporated more space on the sink where people could put up their stuff.” The bathrooms around the school can be seen as havens for getting ready in the morning. Haeny Lee (VA ‘25) explained, “During the first day of school, when I went to the first floor tower restroom, I was pleasantly surprised because I always get ready in there, so I loved how spacious the counter was.”
In the next two years, students can expect to see many more exciting renovations from the Students First Campaign, from art murals to a grand exterior staircase where students can gather and relax. Hopefully, the rest of OCSA’s renovations—whether they are part of the Students First campaign, regular summer maintenance, or any other program—generate as much excitement and anticipation.
Ladies' MacBeth
Maya Ferchaw
The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal (and exhilarating!) entrance of the Acting Conservatory’s upcoming production of “Mac Beth”. Not to be confused with the traditional Macbeth as staged by Shakespeare, Mac Beth is an interpretation of this work created by Erica Schmidt, featuring a modern, all-female contextual twist on one of history’s most gruesome plays.
Directed by the Acting Conservatory’s Stephanie Dorian, OCSA’s Mac Beth features a multi-grade level all-female cast, and a fresh look on Shakespeare’s text. Split between the 4 principle roles of Macbeth, Banquo, Lady Macbeth and MacDuff (in order of appearance) the three witches and the ensemble, the diverse cast acts as schoolgirls putting on a play that takes a dark turn. The interpretation originates from the 2014 Slenderman stabbing, an instance of young girls committing an act of violence when they lose themselves to fiction, a trope reflected within Mac Beth.
Dorian, known as a beloved teacher and director within the Acting Conservatory, has been working at OCSA for 16 years, and is now entering her final year at the school. Known for her astounding projects at OCSA such as “The Lord of the Flies” and “The Wolves”, Dorian’s breathtaking productions are always very sought after by the auditioning Acting Conservatory student. Dorian explained how she doesn't just ‘direct to direct’: “I have to be very passionate about the material.” Her past shows have always left a lasting impact on anyone who watches them, and it’s clear that Mac Beth will be no different. With its ensemble format, intensity of content and range of emotions, Mac Beth will certainly make for another resounding production.
While Mac Beth makes for an intriguing story by itself, the production also offers a unique opportunity for many of the female Acting Conservatory students, and passesalong a vital message on the power of young girls. Dorian described how she wants girls to be able to “find their power” through this show. She expressed interest in theater with a purpose: “I’m very interested in social commentary and theater for social justice, theater with a message, and theater for a change.” By giving girls the opportunity to play powerful roles that are typically inaccessible, through the story of Mac Beth, Dorian and her cast are sure to create a powerful piece, communicating the strength of femininity and the devotion of a young girl’s imagination, an important perspective relevant to many of the students here at OCSA.
Photo of Mac Beth cast/ picture taken by Maya Ferchaw
You Should Be Watching: OCSA Student Creates TV Show
Adriana Perez
“The core theme is love those who think they’re unlovable” - Lucy Hunter (FTV ‘26)
Hunter started her journey with “You Should Be Dead” in November, having to film a dream sequence for her final in Film & Editing. Not wanting to write something new, she took a scene that she had written for her science fiction thriller when she was twelve and centered her project around it. After filming it, she decided to continue on with the rest of the series, and production of the pilot officially started December 2022.
Hunter explained that it’s about a girl whose best friend dies and she and the other characters are dealing with the loss. They were friends with the girl who passed away and that’s how they all come together. Ultimately, a lot of secrets become uncovered and strange things start happening around town. The characters realize that the things happening are a manifestation of their grief.
An emotional scene from the TV show. Photo courtesy of “You Should Be Dead.”
Episode one of this 11-episode epic, “A Death In Small Town America”, was filmed in the span of five and a half months and premiered June 2023. "The first episode, it's a lot of trial and error, you know, it's your first time working with the cast [...] and I have to admit, it was a little bit of a struggle trying to get through it, but in the end, the production was fine, and now we just finished filming our second episode. I feel like we did get past a lot of the roadblocks" said Ethan Trinh (ACT '26).
“You Should Be Dead” has now grown into an independent project run by Hunter and her team, which consists of 42 individuals, the majority being OCSA students. Hunter herself has handpicked a crew that Andrew Vargas (FTV ‘25), head of the show’s arts department, said “are open to criticism and want to learn. All of ‘You Should Be Dead’ is a learning experience. A lot of sets the director, the crew, and everyone wants to do one thing specifically, but working on ‘You Should Be Dead', the actors get to be flexible. They get to bring in their own takes and their own interpretation without getting shunned or getting put down.”
Lucy Hunter, right, stands with cast and crew. Photo courtesy of Don Leach.
Tristan Gude Rodriguez (ACT ‘26) commented on playing his character, Jackson Robinson, a teenage boy attending Haven Bay High School. "Working on set has been great, honestly. Getting advice from Lucy and learning how to play Jackson better and more profoundly. It's just been a really good time, [...] you know, I just really love it."
Hunter’s theme of love and loss resonates throughout her filming and writing, and the idea of “having to wait until you’re more advanced, but you’re never gonna be the most advanced or consider yourself the most advanced and [...] it wasn’t because I was forced to do it, I did it because I wanted to” brought “You Should Be Dead” to life.
Wait… OCSA Has An Engineering Class?
Naomi Herthel
There’s no question that OCSA’s academic and arts education programs are remarkable, as they offer students unique opportunities to learn from professionals and refine their skills each day. Nonetheless, OCSA’s administrators are constantly on a mission to satisfy the curiosities of every student by frequently updating their course roster. Starting this year, students in 10th-12th grade are eligible to take Engineering, a class perfect for those who are just as passionate about STEM as they are their art form. Due to the newness of the class, much of the student body has yet to find out the class exists. One student, Tori Garcia (CMD ‘25), “had no idea until recently,” but thinks it’d be “a great way for students to branch out and learn something new.”
This course is taught by Daniel Huynh, a second-year OCSA teacher who also currently teaches Physics and AP Physics 2. While Huynh does have a Physics credential, his actual degree is in Engineering. Moreover, he has taught this course previously at other schools. According to Huynh, the class teaches the basic principles of engineering: “mechanisms, energy transfers, (and) how to build circuits.” Upon completing the course, the final project will be a “free-build, where [students] work in teams to code, build, and design a robot from scratch.” Huynh does occasionally reference Physics topics, but he does not require that students enter the class with any specific prior knowledge; he encourages “any and all students” to take the class.
One current Engineering student, Allen Ortiz (IM ‘25), explains that the class is “designed to be a very relaxed, calm and open environment where, instead of having tests, it’s more about the hands-on approach of actually working with tools and mechanisms, and putting things together.” Additionally, although many of Ortiz’s classmates have “little-to-no experience” with engineering, they can still “do anything as long as [they] have someone to direct [them].” Not surprisingly, Ortiz has found that P&D students really do excel in the class as they have lots of prior building experience. Yet many other key engineering skills– such as problem-solving, thinking creatively and collaborating– are second nature to nearly every kind of artist. It sounds like the class’s only true prerequisite is the desire to go outside one’s intellectual comfort zone.
OCSA students are fortunate to attend a school where varied passions and desires are embraced by faculty, just as they are by the students. So for the growing population of STEM-lovers out there, this one’s for you.
Behind White House Gates or Prison Bars?
Kaylie Viloria
Section three of the 14th Amendment may be the causation of disqualification from the presidential elction for one of the most controversial presidents in United States history– Donald Trump. Section three of the 14th Amendment states that no person previously an officer of the United States can hold another office if they engaged in or aided any insurrection or rebellion. In light of the January 2021 Capitol attack, in which Trump was accused of four counts (conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness, and conspiracy against the rights of citizens), law professors argue that Trump may be disqualified from running. This argument has turned into one of the most significant legal challenges in his candidacy.
This insurrection has been a hot topic of debate within the realm of constitutional law– can this amendment keep him from running? Even the founder of the prolific Federalist Society has backed both sides of the debate, as professionals pick apart this specific section of the amendment. Some say that he engaged with the rioters through social media, while Trump, himself, claims the First Amendment, freedom of speech, protected him. Others claim that because the American voting process is so decentralized, theoretically, every state official could decide whether Trump is allowed on the ballot.
However, a big question is, what will this mean for democracy and the legitimacy of America's founding documents if either side wins?
Illustration by Ava Park
Scholars argue that no matter the outcome, it will be negative. If Trump is disqualified, there will be a guarantee that he will weaponize his loyal following to potentially spread misinformation and wreak general havoc, as seen in the past. Conversely, if he is allowed to run, this would undermine the authority of the Constitution which may prove to be a turning point in American history as the founding document on which our governance is based would be dismissed.
So should Trump be disqualified?
Rachel Tamar Van, an Associate Professor of early American history at Cal Poly Pomona with a Ph.D. in American history from Columbia University, answered, “I think this is a process question, as in due process. If he’s convicted in Georgia, then the question becomes more salient.”
She further added a personal anecdote, “I’m leery of state actions to take him off ballots and I think the argument made by some legal scholars that Section 3 is ‘self-executing’ is problematic. (See Laurence Tribe in the Atlantic.) Skipping due process adds fodder to efforts (most notably by Trump himself) to delegitimize institutions and to reduce everything to politics.” Van stated that this view was purely historical rather than lawyerly, thus contingent. Jack Dowsett, an AP Government teacher at OCSA, added that it may be interesting to explore the implications of the 22nd Amendment in regard to Trump.
The future of constitutional law procedures remains unclear as we delve into the fourth industrial revolution, and it is up to us as Americans to minimize the consequences.
What's the Dirt on the Dirt Pile?
Gigi Kim
The infamous dirt pile has existed for as long as any OCSA student can remember. A grand mound of dirt surrounded by a green fence with a wooden sign embellished with the words: One Broadway Plaza. This architectural project was slated to be the “tallest building in Orange County,” but 20 years later, this title is left in the dust. Mike Harrah, a 6 '6, bearded, enigmatic visionary real estate developer is the driving force behind this.
In 2003, Harrah proposed building a 37-floor skyscraper in Santa Ana, located on North Broadway. One Broadway Plaza was being developed by Harrah’s Caribou Industries, and would consist of 14 floors of residential apartments, 23 floors of office units, and an eight-story parking garage. His bid to begin construction was approved by the Santa Ana City Council in 2004, but his plans were impeded by lawsuits and countless city council meetings.
Construction was promptly stalled by the citywide referendum election in 2005, with 56 percent of voters approving Harrah’s plan to build the office tower and dissenters voicing concerns of elevated traffic levels in the neighboring communities. Along with being given the clearance to build the tower, the council set a restriction that stated he could not begin construction unless at least half of the building was pre-leased. In 2010, a public hearing was held in which Harrah persuaded the City Council to repeal the original lease agreement and let him begin the construction with no tenants.
Image by Kayra Hidirlar
Harrah reportedly needed finances for processing plans and resorted to selling properties to shell out money, putting up the iconic Santora Arts Building and Original Mike’s, a restaurant on Main Street, for sale. 10 years later in the wake of the pandemic, lawsuits, cutbacks, and city objections, the grandiose project was halted.
Critics have been candid about their reservations for Harrah’s decision to build the office tower, which would displace surrounding residential neighborhoods and cause significant environmental concerns. One Broadway Plaza was contracted to reach 493 feet tall and consist of 518,003 square feet of office area, 8,525 square feet of retail space, and 18,596 square feet for restaurants. In 2020, the City Council approved the request to use 14 stories of office space for residential units during the pandemic.
However, after buying the 14 acres of land surrounding the Orange County Register’s headquarters for 24 million dollars, Harrah set his sights on converting the property into residential, hotel, and retail space. With One Broadway Plaza unbuilt and vacant 14 years after its initial proposal, there couldn’t possibly be more?
Harrah struck again in 2017 with a plan that some have dubbed “Orange County’s Silicon Valley” which is made up of 3rd & Broadway Promenade, a residential and hotel development, One Broadway Plaza, 625 North Grand, a 2.3 million square feet residential and office development located at the old OC Register headquarters and the redevelopment of the Willowick Golf Course. The project would be linked together through the 600 million dollar OC Streetcar project meant to span four miles from Santa Ana to Garden Grove.
All in all, it seems the future of One Broadway Plaza is uncertain, and the dirt pile might still be in the same place 10 or even 20 years from now.
From Mom's Garage to OCSA Spotlight
Samuel You
With OCSA students being some of the busiest there are, it’s a surprise that so many pursue such fervent musical pursuits, even outside of their conservatories. Here’s a look at OCSA’s exciting variety of musical groups, in, around and off campus.
Ruby Rose (PM ‘25) and a couple of friends formed Skookum, a fairly new punk band with an album releasing soon. You can find them on Spotify!
What’s the name of your group? Is there a special story behind it?
“My band is called Skookum. It’s another way to say Bigfoot, so we based it off of that, we’re like, Bigfoot-themed.”
What type of music do you produce? What is special about your genre?
“We chose to play punk music and a little bit of reggae, because that’s what we just found fun. “
Hudson Garcia (DM ‘24) and an off-campus friend formed The Pain, Killers earlier this year, with a unique focus on experimentalism, taking unique strides with their music.
Photo courtesy of The Pain, Killers
What’s the name of your group? Is there a special story behind it?
“Well, The Pain, Killers started with me and my friend, Collin O’ Connor, the only other member in the band, he reached out to me wanting to start a hardcore band. That was the original intent, but then we went garage sale hunting one day, and found a digital drum machine so we decided to structure our band around that instrument, so we became a two person experimental band.”
What type of music do you produce? What is special about your genre?
“Our music is interesting. It’s been described to me as “too experimental”. We use electronic sounds and make… pretty When prompted for closing remarks, Garcia responded by stating “Kill the Pain, and don’t do bad stuff.”
Savannah Tweedt (PM, ‘24) and her friends have been playing for TI-85 since they were little. They perform local gigs and have an EP, “So far, so good” out on Spotify as well.
What’s the name of your group? Is there a special story behind it?
“Well, the band I do mainly is called TI-85, it’s with a bunch of other friends. It’s a band I’ve been playing with since I was 10 years old, but nobody goes to OCSA. Yeah, I’ve been playing with them since I was really little. Since I’ve known them for a long time, our chemistry is something that’s really valuable, and that shows when we’re performing, since we’re a super high energy group.”
What type of music do you produce? What is special about your genre?
“Primarily we do indie rock music, and (the group) chose that because it’s a blending of all of our music interests, and it just comes out naturally for us.”
There’s lots of wonderful music to be found on and off campus, with a variety of backgrounds, genres and mediums. With so many OCSA students embracing this culture, someone you know might secretly be an aspiring songwriter or musician.
Eight Hours or Eight Cups of Coffee?
Brian Resendiz
Attending OCSA as a student is exhausting, socially and mentally. This has prompted a handful of students to resort to consuming caffeinated beverages. To investigate this phenomenon, we interviewed OCSA students Maverick Gomez (‘24), Quentin Marino (FTV ‘24), Ava Mora (‘24) and Garret Walker (IM ‘24).
How frequent is your caffeine intake?
Maverick: “Nowadays, I’ve definitely slowed down. I used to drink three or four a day; now I limit myself, one a day keeps me going, definitely, [but] I need that caffeine in my system.”
Quentin: “I’ve been trying to cut down; I used to drink it like once a day, but now I’ve been cutting down to probably more like twice a week.”
Ava: “Every morning. Usually one cup.”
Garrett: “I’d say like once a day at least.”
Why do you drink caffeine?
Maverick: “It tastes good, and it gives me energy.”
Quentin: “In all honesty, energy drinks, or caffeine in general, makes me more energetic, to the point where I could talk more to others … [and] it gives me more of a confidence boost. That could be just a placebo or not even anything, actually.”
Ava: “I like the taste.”
Garrett: “It helps me stay awake, and it’s just kinda part of my routine so when I don’t do it. I just feel thrown off, but it’s usually like a hot cup of coffee. It’s just refreshing to start my morning–it's comforting.”
Has caffeine ever given you rough experiences?
Maverick: “No, Monster’s been completely positive for me.”
Quentin: “A lot of caffeine withdrawals– it’s part of the reason why I stopped drinking, ’cause I didn’t like getting the caffeine withdrawals all the time.”
Ava: “No, I have ADHD so coffee or caffeine in general doesn’t really affect me.”
Garrett: “Sometimes when I don’t have caffeine, I have crazy headaches.”
Illustration by Lauren Kim
Would it be a good idea for schools to sell caffeinated drinks?
Maverick: “That would be b-Bussin’!”
Quentin: “I don’t think so. I think if someone wants to get caffeine, they can get it somewhere else.”
Ava: “Absolutely, it would probably be much cheaper if the school provided it [as opposed to] actual coffee chains.”
Garrett: “No, I don’t think so. I don’t think schools have to provide caffeine, but if they did, it wouldn’t be a bad thing … there’s pros and cons to both, so I really don’t think it would matter either way.”
The takeaway is that although it would be convenient for students to have caffeine provided at school, it may come with side effects that schools would rather not deal with. Students should try to limit or moderate intake, in order to balance physical health and mental stamina.
An Inside Look Into OCSA’s JSU
Kayra Hidirlar
Numerous clubs, organizations and groups that are offered at OCSA give students opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. The Jewish Student Union (JSU) is one of the groups known to contribute to the OCSA community through its educational programs regarding Jewish culture.
Rebekah Sundukovskiy (IA ‘24), the current president of JSU, joined the group in seventh grade and has been participating in its activities every year since then. “What drove me was the lack of Jewish representation on campus,” she said.
To fight against this lack of representation, JSU holds classes open to the entire student body. These classes teach students about Jewish culture, holidays, and history.
In addition to these classes, JSU organizes multiple events both within school and outside of school. One event that made a large impact on the OCSA community was when JSU interviewed Eva Schneider, a Holocaust survivor, about her story. Milana Berhe (CW ‘24), one of the co-vice presidents of JSU, expressed that “so many people and teachers and other staff were so impacted by that presentation” and added that she “felt like we did something important for this school.”
JSU is planning on doing this educational event again this year, but on a bigger scale. Last year, not everyone was able to attend the event due to limited space in Symphony Hall. People were pouring out into the halls and even then, not even a quarter of the students were able to fit. Therefore, JSU is seeking to give as many people as possible the chance to hear from a primary source, while there is still time. “We’re the last generation who is going to get to hear from survivors,” Sundukovskiy mentioned. “It’s such a rare occurrence now.”
Photo by Kayra Hidirlar
On a separate note, while JSU’s main goal is to stand up for and spread awareness about the Jewish community, it is also a place to become a part of a group filled with like-minded peers. “We have our own JSU culture, and it’s not just about the religion, it’s about the culture and even just the people,” remarked Noga Raz (CAH ‘24), the other co-vice president of JSU.
The board of JSU highly encourages everybody to attend their meetings, which are held in A14 every blue Thursday, because of the time and effort they have spent to give OCSA students a chance to contribute to ever-lasting change. At the end of the day, JSU is a place where people can learn about Jewish culture, interact with others in a positive setting, build leadership and teamwork skills, and take action on issues regarding the discrimination of the Jewish community. Look out for these events that the JSU will hold in the future because they have a lot planned for this year for the OCSA community!
Alumni Return as Conservatory Teachers
Sophie Bradecich
For years the only requirement for Conservatory teachers was experience in the arts. According to new requirements by the state, teachers are now required to get their Career and Technical Education (CTE) Credential. Many teachers do not have the time for such a large commitment in addition to teaching their classes, and as a result, have left their jobs at OCSA. In their place, many alumni have returned.
Ballroom Conservatory Director Robert Porch is hopeful that although the CTE Credential is more outside work than many teachers are accustomed to, they will complete it within the allotted time period. Realistically he knows that some will not, and therefore they will have to stop teaching at OCSA within the next few years. Porch believes younger teachers are more likely to go through the credentialing process than more seasoned teachers. “I tell them they have their full artistic career in front of them… they never know when they may need (the CTE),” explained Porch.
Charna Lopez, director of Integrated Arts, has joined Porch and other directors in hiring alumni. She feels fulfillment watching them make the transition from student to teacher and believes their success lies largely in their knowledge of this specific school culture.
Illustration by Ava Park
Axl Avenido (IA ‘17), a Musical Theater and Integrated Arts teacher, agreed this has given him an edge. “Since I was a student, I understand how an OCSA student works.” Returning to OCSA was not something that was on Avenido’s radar until he was approached by Lopez, but he had an extremely positive and slightly surreal experience in his first few weeks. He admitted there has been some awkwardness being a recent graduate, but his most difficult challenge comes in the form of calling his teachers-turned-colleagues by their first name.
Many other alumni that have returned are those who also had connections to the school after their graduation, or who kept in touch with their teachers and directors. Julian Rymar (IM ‘15) initially returned as a long term sub in a Musical Theater class, where his mother, Karen Rymar, was the assistant director at the time. From there, he took over clarinet classes in Instrumental Music. Even though he has been back at OCSA for two years, he still cannot enter the tower without feeling like a student and is grateful he teaches all of his classes in the DMS (a building that was not there while he was a student).
Topher Medina (IA ‘18) had similar feelings of being caught between being a student and a teacher when he initially returned to OCSA. Although he is elated to be back at OCSA as a conservatory teacher this year, it was not the same story when he returned just a year after his graduation. He remembers feeling awkward while he was a teacher’s aid in 2019, when many of his friends were still students. Medina even cites it as one of the reasons he left this position after only a year.
Most non-alumni faculty have stories from when they first came to OCSA about being amazed but also terrified. Alumni return ready for the anomaly that is Orange County School of the Arts. Even though some students may be apprehensive of having teachers they remember as fellow students, OCSA alumni acclimate extremely well to the culture as well as their new role within it.
The Almighty Mr. Chong Club
Jeri Stein
Throughout OCSA history, there have been hundreds of clubs but perhaps none as eye-catching as the Almighty Mr. Chong Club. A club seeming to worship Chris Chong, environmental science teacher by day and figurehead by night. Though the club primarily focuses on the veneration of Chong they also claim to be OCSA’s first “meta club,” which as they state in their instagram bio is “a fancy way of saying we help out clubs who need assistance with certain things.”
While this may be the first year the Almighty Chong Club has been an official club, this isn’t the first year of its existence. Last year, the club had unofficial meetings during lunch on Wednesdays. When Taran Silverthistle (CW ‘25), the club founder and president, was asked about his feelings about the Almighty Mr. Chong Club finally being seen as an official OCSA club, he stated, “I was ecstatic and also surprised because it was really kind of a joke to be honest with you, but it has become a really tight-knit community.” Though the club started as a joke and was originally known as the Morbius Club, it has grown into a strong and supporting community.
On the outside, the club may seem religious, but it is far from religious as Chong stated, himself, “I would say it is more of a philosophy, a belief system. You know, a way to think and perceive the world through Chong-colored glasses.” One belief system Chong is installing in his club is the idea that we live to serve. He stated the importance of helping people, thus why this club has become one of OCSA’s first “meta clubs”– a club made to help other clubs. The club wants all club leaders to know they can reach out to them if they need help because that’s the only way they can fulfill Chong’s mission of being altruistic. The Almighty Chong Club meets blue Wednesdays in DMS 22, led by Silverthistle (CW ‘25) and Sebastion Padillia (ACT ‘25), they await your arrival with open arms and although they don't take real money donations, Chong will always accept donations through used tennis balls.
Photo by Jeri Stein
The Arc of an OCSA Audition
Sofie Dooley
The selecting of the perfect song. The day, week or even month before jitters. The sweaty hands before you walk into the room. The haze of it all in the moment. The questioning afterwards, the anticipation, “Did I get in?”
Pretty much all music-based conservatories at OCSA hold auditions multiple times during a school year. But despite all having the common thread of music, the audition “experience” varies depending on a multitude of factors. But what plays a greater role? Are factors like the conservatory itself the dictators, or is it the mental state of the one auditioning that makes all the difference? Let’s unpack it with the thoughts and experiences of two OCSA students and their most recent auditions.
“The haze of it all in the moment. The
questioning afterwards, the anticipation, ‘Did I get in?’”
First up, vocalist Chloe Garcia (PM ‘26) auditioned a few weeks ago for PM’s “Electric Showcase”. In this show, everyone auditions even though no one is excluded. When asked about the vocal audition guidelines, Garcia relayed that the requirements were to sing the first verse and chorus of a song in front of her whole [Voice ll] class. “It was pretty chill, laid back. You sing your song in front of the class and bing-batta-boom, you're done.” During auditions, fellow voice students are required to fill out a packet with information about the performers and feedback while the teacher conducting the audition grades the performances using a rubric. Receiving feedback is optional for the performers post-audition.
While the audition may sound simple and stress-free, Garcia still faced some inner demons. She explained that, although it does feel good to exit her shell, everything is heightened when auditioning compared to, “singing by yourself in the shower or to one other person.” Although many performers attending OCSA have participated in more than a few auditions, proving your abilities in front of others when you know you're being judged never gets easy.
A different story is told when it comes to Conrad Cain (IA ‘26) who auditioned for IA’s production of “Into the Woods.” Similar to Garcia’s experience, Cain explained that he had to prepare a one minute vocal audition using any song. Cain expressed his feelings about the audition, “I think this one (audition) was very casual and low key… It felt like just talking to [the director]. It didn’t feel really serious because there were no dance callbacks, monologue or sight singing on the spot.”
However, the anxiety hits regardless. Cain stated, “Before I had the audition, I was really freaking out. But afterwards I felt really good because I absolutely devoured everyone there and did amazing at my audition.” It seems that Cain used the anxiety to push out his best work and fortunately, it paid off because Cain landed the role of his dreams.
Regardless of the differences between IA’s production of “Into the Woods” and PM’s “Electric Showcase,” both audition processes seem to have similar qualities according to Garcia and Cain. At the end of day, what you get out of the audition truly depends solely on the mindset that you go into it with.
Past and Future of OCSA Murals
James Yi
The murals in OCSA are mysterious objects. They certainly contribute to making the school feel like an art school, but how did they get there, and is OCSA even responsible for making them?
The many Tower murals are mostly courtesy of the old Visual Arts mural class. “Visual arts used to be located on the 6th floor,” said Paige Oden, director of Visual Arts. That was before OCSA acquired the VAC during the 2009-10 school year. “We had a master mural artist named Manuel Gonzales who led all the large murals in the Tower and I think a few in the Annex.” However, that only applies to the murals in the hallways. The director has no knowledge of the murals that are found in classrooms, such as in T305.
Neither the mural class nor Gonzalez presently exist at OCSA. Gonzalez retired in 2021. One of his latest projects is the koi fish painting on the DMS stairs, which he led with VA senior Miran Hassan in 2018.
Mural work still continues on without him. The OCSA painting in the VAC parking lot was proposed by the class of 2021, funded with the director’s help, and led by a painting teacher. “...[it] was a gift from our class of 2021. Those seniors came in on Friday afternoons and did all the work,” said Oden.
The OCSA murals made by various alumni. Photos by Lauren Kim.
Other murals are initiated by the director, who creates Google Classrooms for students interested in different projects. If a student wants to join a particular project, they can join the Google Classroom for that project.
In 2021, a mural was completed in the Source Mall in Buena Park accompanied by an essay written by CW student Isabel Hahn.
The most prominent mural is probably the giant parking lot mural, featuring Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, Albert Einstein, Frida Kahlo, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez. Sadly, that particular mural is actually not the work of OCSA, but of OCEAA, OCSA’s neighbor.
More of OCSA’s own murals will be coming in the future. “There will be at least four or five new murals coming in the next, probably two or three years,” said Oden. They will be part of a larger beautification project and involve professional mural artists to “help [students] understand how to paint [a mural]” and how to make a living as a professional mural artist.
Ask Darwin: Naturally Good Advice
Charles Darwin & Co.
As a great intellectual and evolutionary master, I, Charles Darwin, am offering my services to those who seek it. Students in need of my expertise have sent in questions through a rolling Google Form to be answered monthly. Thus, I have done my best to provide an intelligent, insightful response.
How can I be okay with constantly going through change?
from Tidal Wave
We all change and evolve. It is part of nature’s cycle as stated in my highly regarded theory of evolution. During my voyage through South America, I observed something quite significant. Different species will change over time in order to better adapt to the environment. These changes are meant to improve their chances of survival. I advise you to think of change in your life similarly. I’m sure when the Galápagos finches first discovered that their beaks were no longer the same, they were quite frightened. It’s completely natural to be scared. But they also discovered that their new appendages made feeding much easier and their bellies a lot fuller. A change will guide you towards better horizons. Even my own career choices evolved. From doctor to priest to now a naturalist, my journey was far from stagnant. Though the waters seem rough now, the voyage will have been worth it when you reach a beautiful destination or rather, make an exciting new discovery!
Any advice to handle junior-year burnout?
from Empty Tank
It is evident to me that the cure for burnout is quite simple. In my personal experience, I went on a five-year voyage from England to South America to Australia and beyond. It was in the course of this voyage that I stopped at the Galápagos and conducted my famed study on finches. In order to cure this disease, one must be constantly looking forward to something, as I was when exploring the natural world. Then, your daunting list of tasks to complete will seem less fearsome. And the mismatch theory, created on the principles established by my extensive studies, provides a reasonable explanation of this burnout; the way humans originally evolved is vastly different from the fast-paced lifestyle prevalent today. A final note, then, would be to take things slower and focus on the good in life– everything else will follow, naturally.
How do I marry BTS?
from Curious Army
BTS, or as I regard them, Biologically Trailblazing Superstars, has charted success in the evolutionary K-pop wave. BTS are experts in the ever-evolving music industry, and I would regard them as one of the fittest groups out there. Weighing the chances of marrying BTS falls out of line with my extensive research, but you must be ready to evolve as they did in their decade-long journey into lucrative careers. Only the fittest species may rise to interacting closely with BTS among the abundant competition, and despite all efforts one may make, there may be no chance of marrying the Biologically Trailblazing Superstars in this evolutionary cycle. Life Goes On, as the boys say, and indeed, I can attest that life will go on just fine.
Stay Darwinning,
Charles
The Appeal Surrounding Sonny Angels and Smiskis
Isabelle Ng
The two Japanese figurines, Sonny Angel and Smiski, have been on the rise, appearing on people’s phone cases, workspaces and kitchens. A mini naked baby and a glow in the dark creature–what’s the appeal?
Sonny Angel was introduced to the public in March 2005. Created by Toru Soeya, Sonny Angel serves as a tiny companion to working adults going through the stresses of adulthood. They are packaged as a blind box, with a selection of 10 different series, each one having around 12 figures with various headpieces and shirts.
Recently, more Sonny Angels can be found on top of phone cases. Chelsea Lee (VA ‘24) has a pink bunny Sonny Angel attached to her phone, and explained, “I find them really cute, and because of the variety, I find myself wanting more.”
Photo courtesy of Ava Park
While these $15 figurines are in a shortage in the United States, not everyone seems to get the appeal. Elise Park (FTV ‘24) expressed, “It’s ugly and their facial expressions are creepy.”
Another beloved figurine, Smiskis, was introduced to the United States in 2018 and was created under Toru Soeya’s company, Dream. They are bald, curious, glow-in-the-dark figures that can be found hiding in the corners of a room or in small spaces. Like Sonny Angel, Smiskis come in the form of a blind box, so there is no guarantee of a certain figure from the 14 different series. A few of the popular series are their lifestyle series, bath series and work series.
Olivia Yun (VA ‘25) uses Smiskis to decorate her room. She shared, “Collecting Smiskis helps me fixate on something other than academics, and they're cute! They add a little surprise to my room, especially when they glow in the dark!”
Personally, I would always choose Smiskis. The rush of excitement I get when unpackaging the box is like no other. The expressionless figures that hide on my shelf and desk bring me joy every day. While I do find Sonny Angels super cute, their eyes scare me, and I prefer the nonchalant face Smiskis give me when I place them around my room.
Photo courtesy of Ava Park
I'm Him.
Lauren Kim
I’ve been thinking lately, what if I were a man? Do y'all ever fantasize about this, or is it just me? I don’t want to get canceled so please hear me out.
My male name would be Laurence. My lord. That’s so hot.
Looks-wise, I just know that I would be godly attractive–like hello? I’d be “Lucifer type” handsome. Dark but delicate. I would have the most perfect skin, glossy obsidian hair and a pair of icy blue eyes. My voice would be deep, but I would still have one of those cute boyish laughs. Let’s not forget I’d be 6’2 and jacked . Just imagine my compression shirt-gray sweats-Airpods Max combo with these specs. Girls would start lining up to get a piece of me. If I were to compare my physical appearance to a song, I would look like “Lost Soul” by NBSPLV.
I honestly wouldn’t know what to do if I was a man. I’d be super egotistical. Should I go around playing around, breaking girls’ hearts or settling with one nice girl? Chances are I’d be more likely to go with the latter because I’d be a man of good morality. But I’d still spend some time ghosting DMs and making multiple girls manifest my love for them. Like girl, I ain’t gonna reply…chill with the delusion. I would lead on so many girls and hit ‘em with the classic “I’m not ready for a relationship.”
After this player phase, I would invest more time in constructing sophisticated hobbies and becoming a better person. I would read books on philosophy, astrology and spend my free time writing poetry. Because someday, I will be writing poems for the one.
I will never let my girl beg for the bare minimum. In fact, since I already understand girl psychology, I would treat her the way she wants to be treated . I’d take her out on dates, introduce her to the boys, my family and while I'm at it I'd give her my black card, drive my passenger princess wherever she wants to go and so much more. Online, I would text her good morning/night, update her on the things I’m doing (with pictures, that's important), send her random paragraphs declaring, no, professing my everlasting appreciation and love for her, block all girls and DM requests, post pictures of her, call her when she needs reassurance and send sweet voice messages.
Man, I would treat her so well. But obviously, I expect to receive her love, effort, and loyalty in return. There are so many girls who deserve this treatment, and it truly breaks my heart when my pretty girl friends cry over a man that looks like he only got a free trial on earth.
I hope this daydream of mine can deliver a universal message to the male population, especially for this generation. Chivalry is considered a luxury treatment nowadays, so it’s time to normalize it. This applies to women as well. Please treat your man right.
Anyways, I hope I’m this person in another universe.
Guessing Grades of OCSA Students
Ava Park
I think it's safe to say that guessing the school grades of OCSA students nowadays is getting increasingly difficult. Picture this: you confidently approach someone, thinking you've found a fellow high schooler to chat with about the latest math assignment. But to your dismay, that “high schooler ” is 12. Nowadays, the high schoolers somehow fit right in with the middle schoolers and the middle schoolers look ready to graduate. If you ask me what the explanation is for this age-defying epidemic, I blame none other than TikTok.
Tiktokers like Mikayla Noguiera have enabled middle schoolers to learn to apply makeup like pros. And these 11 to13 year olds don’t use makeup from Claire’s; they only use Makeup by Mario and Fenty Beauty. And let's not forget about the seventh graders rocking JNCOs (a jean brand) knowing very well that without a belt, their whole bodies could fit into one leg.
But I get it. We’ve all been there, right?
In middle school, we (or at least I) thought a white Gucci tee (as seen on Danielle Cohn) was the epitome of mature fashion. To be perceived as older, we'd go to great lengths to get our hands on that shirt. But it's time to address the issue at hand. We can't let this trend continue! It's time to embrace our age-appropriate fashion sense and bring back the glory days of tacky justice outfits. Remember the Minecraft creeper hoodie that zipped all the way up? Let's make that iconic piece of clothing a staple on our campus once again. We, as a society, must unite to halt the spread of @craebae_ (on Tiktok) copycats infiltrating our wonderful campus. Out with Stüssy and Urban Outfitters, and in with Under Armour and Charlotte Russe!
To all those who are reading this. It's time to take a stand against the age-defying fashion frenzy. Let's bring back the classics and preserve the unique charm of each grade. Together, we can ensure that everyone knows exactly where they belong in this wonderful, creative and occasionally fashionably confusing OCSA community.
Keeping up with The Chalamet
Sophia Kang
“Quiet up and listen down.” Timothee Chalamet has never been more entertaining in his entire life than he is now.
If you’ve been keeping up with the Frenchman like I have, you know he’s been on what can only described as a fever dream-esque rampage. Chalamet is set to star in the prequel of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” as the eccentric Willy Wonka in the film “Wonka” later this year. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, I implore you to check it out. There are truly no words to describe it. Except maybe “insane.”
Unlike his dramatic roles (“Little Women,” “Call Me By Your Name,” “Dune,” etc.) or comedic characters (“Lady Bird,” “Don’t Look Up”), he’s taken a new approach to the iconic Roald Dahl character. It seems that for the role of Wonka, he’s decided to spare no expense for acting at all! His line delivery is so monotone that I couldn’t tell if I had fallen asleep and was dreaming or if I was still watching the trailer.
Collage by Maya Ferchaw
Now, I don’t mean to criticize him. He’s one of my favorite actors (except for that one time his butt was out in that hot tub). His portrayal of Laurie from “Little Women” was phenomenal, and “Bones and All” made my skin crawl in the best way. But, an Oscar-nominated actor and the world’s self-proclaimed boyfriend is bound to face some criticism, and I can’t help if he’s always on my radar.
Chalamet’s acting choices aren’t the only interesting choices he’s made as of late. If you rot in bed while scrolling on Twitter– pardon my French, X–and Tiktok like I do, you probably know about Jenner-Chalamet Gate. If not, here’s the big news: Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner are dating. Seriously.
A popular question arose after the news of this controversial pairing: What could the heartthrob skinny legend and iconic BBL businesswoman possibly talk about? Well, in my opinion, we’re giving Chalamet too much credit. This is the same man who made a music video about statistics, laughs like he’s being held at gunpoint, and has looked 15 his entire life. Sure, his previous roles may present him as a deeply intellectual individual, but deep down, “Lil Timmy T” (his words, not mine) is not too different from the rest of us, including the Kardashian-Jenners.
I sincerely hope a shotgun 72-day wedding in Italy and an immediate divorce are in the cards for these two lovebirds. Kylothée lives on.
Barbie vs. Oppenheimer Poll
Kayra Hidirlar
If you are someone who follows pop culture, you’ve likely heard about the Barbenheimer phenomenon, which entails two well-known movies, Barbie and Oppenheimer, being simultaneously released July 21. This created widespread debates between Barbie-lovers and Oppenheimer-lovers. After gathering data from a small sample of the OCSA student body, it seems that Barbie is the fan favorite, with Oppenheimer missing the mark by a large amount!
This Vampire Media is For You
Lacole Yang
If you get scared easily, want a quick and cozy thought to cheer you up and enjoy peculiar non-sequiturs: “My Dad is Dracula” by Jason Poland (ongoing comic).
Panel from “My Dad is Dracula".” Illustration courtesy of Jason Poland.
If you’re looking for a classic coming-of-age story, like campy shows that don’t take themselves too seriously and will get hooked by the tension of star-crossed lovers: “First Kill” (2022 TV series).
If you prefer watching vicious creatures instead of aristocrats, get hopelessly attached to subplots and side characters, never get seasick and believe that blood transfusions can cure anything: “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” (2023 film).
If you adore antiques, have the attention span to watch a silent German Expressionist film, are good enough at reading long paragraphs in overly decorated fonts and will be nice enough to ignore obvious signs that something is a rip-off: “Nosferatu” (1922 film).
If you gently place bugs outside when you find them in the house, think that ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, fall in love easily and keep a dream journal which you fill with terrifying visions of looming shadows: “Carmilla” (2019 film).
If you can’t come to terms with the human condition, want more period pieces that are set in early 1900s America, like listening to fake French accents and support the autonomy of creepy immortal children: “Interview with the Vampire” (2022 TV series)
If you want to read a classic book but you’re too impatient to get through it at once, frequently check your email, often think about medical malpractice, have always wanted a pen pal and like eating paprika chicken: “Dracula Daily” (ongoing subscription newsletter)
If you used to play D&D but got too busy, are haunted by the indifference of time, write diary entries to relax and follow chance occurrences wherever they take you: “Thousand Year Old Vampire” by Tim Hutchings (2018 solo RPG).
If you need a gothic metal soundtrack as you drift through the chilly autumn night, keep your secrets in a box with a rusted lock and have melodramatic conversations with angels during the full moon: “Moonlight Waltz” by Theatres des Vampires (2011 album).
Horror Decor Ranked
Samuel Parigela
When to start decorating for Halloween is one of those traditionally contentious topics, with some preferring to start in late September, while others start earlier, in the last days of August. But, either way, if you're planning on decorating, you should have started by now. Here are five (somewhat common) Halloween decorations, ranked from worst to best.
Jack-o’-Lanterns
It might trouble you, that I place the jack-o’-lantern, the symbol of Halloween, at the bottom of this list. Well, that’s part of the problem–Jack-o’-lanterns are simply too generic. While they may be considered ‘iconic’, it doesn’t matter when everyone next door is carving up pumpkins too. They’re eyesores, given how much we see them.
Skeletons
Skeletons may be as generic as jack-o’-lanterns, but at least you can get more creative with them! You can have them strike poses, put clothes on them, cover them in cobwebs, and more. But that’s it. They’re still extremely ordinary (yes, even with the dark cloaks and red LEDs in their eye sockets).
Ghosts
Ghosts make the middle of this list for their variety and minimalistic charm. While their overuse keeps them from getting higher, they are still very nice decorations. Ghosts as decorations tend to be underwhelming, though, usually just consisting of a black or white cloth as the cloak or body and a face, though that isn’t always there.
Creepy Clowns
I know, it’s not 2016, but clowns always make for a good scare, right? When you have skeletons and vampires and all the traditional characters present, clowns provide a unique twist. Even if the clown doesn’t have a nasty look on its face, it can still play into the fear factor just because of the stigma towards clowns in general. They can also evoke the haunted carnival category of decorations.
Haunted Mirror
This may be controversial as the number one. but mirrors by themselves are already creepy, not to mention all the lore about them being portals or fortune-tellers. Plus, they’re easy to make at home and can be bought online. I rate these highly because I couldn’t imagine looking into a seemingly normal mirror just to see someone looking right back at me.
At this point, you may be more or less in agreement, or you could be outraged, or perhaps you don’t care much. But I hope you found this list somewhat useful. Happy decorating!
Senioritis
Molly Jenkins
It is so weird that I am now eligible to write an article on Senioritis. It feels like yesterday when I was a seventh grader with a bob that was definitely not fitting and the same height as I am now. It’s even weirder that I am finally applying to college after years of dreaming about where I may end up and that this year marks the beginning of the end of my high school career.
I now understand the rush of anxiety that follows the dreaded questions of “what colleges are you applying to?”, “what are your top choices?” or “what major do you want to pursue?”. Or the worst question of all, “what do you want to do in the future?”. Us seniors tend to wonder whether we’ve done enough in the past four years, if our application is up to par, and we quickly realize that 2024 is not a far away graduation date.
It’s fair to say that every senior to some extent feels overwhelmed. It can feel like the last four years have led up to this moment, to a rejection or acceptance letter. Trust me, I know how it feels when your motivation to do your work declines in the moments when we need it the most–when mountains of work towering are over us. I've Watched my classmates criticize themselves as they stress over whether or not they have done enough for their applications, even at times when it feels impossible.
“It’s good that we're all doing it together,” Lula Buckle (MT ‘24) remarked. “It’s hard to not compare yourself to the people around you and to not feel behind, especially with OCSA’s campus environment and especially when it feels like your friends are ahead of you in the process.” Remember, we are all trying our best. Whether that is approaching the college process and the trials of being a senior day by day or being weeks ahead on your work. As hard as it may be, I encourage you to try not to compare yourself to your peers.
We tend to romanticize high school. It’s the time all coming-of-age movies talk about, and it’s a bittersweet feeling realizing that this year is the end to a major chapter in our lives. We are now experiencing the first of many lasts. We reflect on our experiences, things we’ve learned, the people we’ve met, and everything in between. As stressful as this time may be, try to prioritize yourself while experiencing your senior year to the fullest. The fact that we have all made it to our senior year is a huge accomplishment. Try to feel proud of yourself and how far you've come rather than stressing about whether you could have done more.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling realizing that this year is the end to a major chapter in our lives.”
I promise, there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of opportunities for you to be successful. Life doesn’t stop at that decision letter. As we embark on the next chapter, remember that this stress is temporary and will be over in a few months. Additionally, the feeling of being done with our applications will be so rewarding. New things are coming and we will all end up where we belong. Again, be proud of yourself! You are all amazing!
October Horoscopes: Coraline Dolls
Lauren Kim
Aries (March 21 ~ April 19)
You’re at a point in life where your actions and attitude will be considered when building relationships. Don’t let your emotions get in the way and try to stay as rational as possible.
Taurus (April 20 ~ May 20)
Lately, you might’ve felt insecure about your physical appearance. It’s important to realize that you’re not actually ugly, you’re unhealthy. Look for new ways to build the best version of yourself, and you will see amazing results.
Gemini (May 21 ~ June 20)
You’ve finally got back to it, my fellow Geminis. Life can throw plot twists, but I’m proud of you for making it through everything. Happiness and peace await you! I hope you walk on a bed of flowers every day.
Cancer (June 21 ~ July 22)
Restrain yourself from jumping to conclusions because there are multiple layers to people and situations. The world doesn’t revolve around you!
Leo (July 23 ~ August 22)
It’s time to show your potential. Everything you worked towards so far, people will finally begin to see it. Just keep going, okay? Don’t think, just act.
Virgo (August 23 ~ September 22)
You have a strong sense of values and principles, and I respect you for that. However, I want you to realize that staying open-minded will lead to new opportunities. Be accepting of new things.
Libra (September 23 ~ October 22)
Although it may not feel like it, always remember every ending is a new beginning. Whatever happened happened. Confusing loops will close, and you will be at peace temporarily.
Scorpio (October 23 ~ November 21)
It’s time to pay attention to your physical and mental health. Make sure you don’t fall back into your unhealthy habits even though they may be tempting. Read “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
Sagittarius (November 22 ~ December 21)
You may feel the need to join a community this month, but remember that being alone is okay too. Get to know yourself and become comfortable with your own presence. At the end of the day, even your own shadow leaves you.
Capricorn (December 22 ~ January 19)
I see that you’ve been contemplating your life recently, but you have to realize that the choices you made were the best you could do at that time. Everything will work out in the end. If it didn’t, you’re not there yet. You’ve made the right choice.
Aquarius (January 20 ~ February 18)
Never stop learning! There are so many interesting topics you can delve into. Start by watching niche video essays on YouTube; they go well with Raising Canes and a fluffy blanket.
Pisces (February 19 ~ March 20)
Avoiding an issue will not make it go away . . . it will only lead to new problems in the future. I don’t want to overwhelm you, so try to keep things organized.