To the Point #2

Issue #2DEC 01, 2014 issuu.com/tothepointsfv

[email protected] THE POINTSan Fernando Valley Edition

The Halloween Dance

Northern California College TourA journey from the San Fernando Valley to San Francisco (not to mention an allegedly haunted campground)By Matthew Shane

CREEPY COSTUMES, DECOR, AND GETTING DOWN ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Young Women’s Art CollectiveAn Innovative Self-Empowerment Group For Young WomenBy Shear Avory

THE YOUNG Women’s Art Collective is a pioneering and liberating self-empowerment group for young women attending Opportunities For Learning. It was created when OFL leaders found the need of a female centric support system and candid environment, supporting and motivating the acceptance and development of self and self-expression. A collective incorporating art and feminist empowerment and perspective, The Young Women’s Art collective created a dynamic, passionate, and positive modern feminist movement.

Created by the teachers of the newly relo-cated Opportunities For Learning, Encino, Natalie Mann and Pranjali Upadhyay, the impetus behind the creation of The Young Women’s Art Collective was to empower young women to grow into and develop their identity, individuality and authentically independent from stereotypical stigmas and the given definition of what a woman is. This

Ebola: The OutbreakMyths and facts about the deadly diseaseBy A.V. Aguilera

EVERY DECADE there is a deadly disease or virus that is responsible for much panic and oftentimes claims the lives of its victims. The most infamous include HIV/AIDS, the Bird Flu, the Swine Flu, and the virus that is especially current, Ebola. The American public is generally in a state of fear. The average citizens’ only knowledge on the topic is based on what they’ve retained from news channels and trending posts. The information circulating currently on Ebola’s most recent flurries incites panic, failing to educate without causing uneasiness and fear.

First infecting the human race in 1975, Ebola is not a new virus, as some may think. Other outbreaks occurred in the ’90s and

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BEING THROWN into a whole new city, setting, and community can be pretty intimidating. When I first signed up for the Northern California College Tour (NCCT), I didn’t know what to expect. It was both scary and exciting to walk in to the center only to see all new faces and not a single person who knew my name.

The NCCT was an amazing trip that changed my views on college altogether. We flew to Oakland, and rode the bus all the way through San Francisco to San Jose where we slept at an ominous campground… we’ll get to that later. I had never been to Northern California, let alone many college campuses. You can imagine my excitement when I heard we were getting five personal college tours at some of the finest colleges in the state! We visited Stanford University, University of San Francisco, Berkeley City College, Sonoma State, and UC Davis.

First off, I didn’t expect much. After not knowing a single person on the bus, on the plane, or when we first pulled up to the campsite, I was a little worried I’d be trapped with a bunch of strangers for four days.

However, the second we were off the bus and everyone got settled in, it wasn’t even an hour before I had been introduced to nearly everyone in the cabin. I’ve been to a few camps before, and everyone was a creep. People are awkward and don’t talk, and you find yourself eating cold cuts in a corner before you make a friend. I’ve been to some depressing camps. Now I’m not sure if its just kids from OFL or what, but I was ambushed by friendly people, funny chaperones, and amazing food the entire time. Kids from every center showed up.

The colleges were no joke. Stanford is a huge campus, with two zip codes and more than enough room for their own fire station, police, and hospital. San Francisco is one of the best cities I’ve ever visited, and the campus was absolutely insane. Technology created by students was in every classroom and all over the campus. Berkeley City College was a five-story building with everything you need. Sonoma State was beautiful, quaint, and felt like a campus where everyone would feel at home. Last. but certainly not least, was UC Davis—a giant campus filled with beautiful greenery and sculptures, you could smell the creativity it was

so strong. All of these colleges changed how I felt about my future in college. For someone who didn’t expect to go to a university, I have new goals for my education after seeing the amazing places where I could spend the time.

And while the cities were beautiful, the forests we walked through contained some of the most amazing sights I’ve seen in my years. Not to mention we stayed on a haunted campsite. It was established in 1901, and is the oldest campground west of the Mississippi River. Locals even attested to having spirits contact them and several campers with us, including myself, experienced some eerie stuff. I wouldn’t go back there if I was paid to, which the camp owner offered if some campers wanted to become counselors. I’m not down.

Overall, I met some amazing people, had an amazing experience, and got to see some incredible places on the way. I felt a sense of community that I had never felt before, with kids from every center. I wasn’t even forced to eat in a corner. If I can pass on some advice, it’d be to sign up for the Southern California Tour. You’ll see me there.

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Creative Arts Art and Creative WritingBy the students of OFL

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OFL students gathered on college campuses across Northern California

Students venturing into the forest to stay at Camp Meeker campgrounds in St. Dorothy’s Rest

Layla Gray and Taylor Englehart at the University of San Francisco

This penguin wants to let you in on a little secrect: Pathways

partners with OFL to offer various exciting field trips,

including this trip to Northern California colleges. Speak to

your teacher to learn more about upcoming trips to Washington

D.C., Blackbird Farm in Sonoma, and Southern California colleges.

Issue #2 TO THE POINT 2

I was overcome with great feelings of

accomplishment and excitement, and it was

infinite.

OFL NEWS

Student Council 5K Run“Say No To Drugs” Universal Back Lot RunBy A.V. Aguilera & Anthony Walker

Porter Valley Country Club

northridge, CaoCtober 30, 2014

Lucia Guillen and Kylie Graf

Samantha Hernandez

In the photobooth : (back row) Kira Balthazor, Danielle Ross, Maya Millis, Chris Cole, (front row) Mayra Jovic, and a mystery mustachieod student

The Halloween DanceSo fun, it’s scaryBy Walter Guzman & Sophia Russel Illustration by Anar Samedovi

THE HALLOWEEN dance was one of the most entertaining experiences as a student of OFL. It was full of great times with both friends and complete strangers. Our expe-rience at the dance was great, and many others would say the same, because whether we were sitting down at the table or hitting the Nae Nae, Shmoney dance, or the cha cha slide with teachers on the floor, it was amazing. Students were hitting the candy bar, which was overflowing with treats. OFL Encino student Shear Avory was even spotted with a cauldron full of Kit Kats and Snickers! There were great, positive vibes everywhere, and everyone was having a great time with the light strobes strobing on and off.

One highlight at the dance was definitely the photo booth, and getting to see people’s excitement while taking selfies and doing silly poses made for many laughs. Going in the makeshift photo booth and capturing crazy,

goofy memories friends was an awesome experience. There were so many props to choose from (giant glasses, masquerade masks, boa scarves, and Mickey Mouse gloves), we give them props for having so many props!

Another highlight, Mr. Leo, an English teacher, dressed as Shrek—one of the cutest costumes ever.

Ed Soto, a student from OFL Northridge, added his own highlight, saying, “I enjoyed getting to know my classmates through dancing.” Lucia Guillen, also from Northridge, said the highlight was the atmosphere being “very fun and chill and I got the chance to know my classmates.”

We recommend every student in OFL attend the next dance, or at least attend one before you graduate, because (trust me) it could be one of the most fun experiences of your life.

Halloween Dance photos by Ed Soto and others

I WOKE early on a Saturday morning and groggily drug myself to the OFL Reseda center, excited for what the next few hours would have in store for me. I, along with many other OFL students, needed to get ready to run.

Why would we wake up at 5am on a Saturday to go on a 3 mile run? The Opportunities for Learning Student Council (of which I am a part of) ran the 5k run at the Universal Studios backlot. The run was for an excellent cause: against the use of drugs. Hence the reason why it was called the ‘Say No to Drugs’ run.

But this was no ordinary run; the Universal Studio Back lot is full of famous movie sets from some of TV’s most popular shows, old and new. It was amazing to see all the interesting sets where a lot of media was filmed.

Uphill was a bit of a struggle, but the rest was mostly downhill and a breeze. Even if

you were not a runner, you had fun, and walking was encouraged.

I interviewed a participant and friend, Edward Olguin to get his thoughts on the run. When asked if he was excited about the race, he responded, “I am. What’s important is having fun and I’m pretty sure this is

going to be really fun.” After the 3 mile run, I interviewed Edward again, sweaty and exhausted, asking him if it was a success. He said, “I really had a good time and I would love to run this again. It was fun with all my friends.”

After the run was over, I walked around and saw all the different

kiosks and received a lot of small gifts, which was great.

When it was time to go home, I was overcome with great feelings of accomplishment and excitement, and it was infinite.

Student Council from Chatsworth, Encino, Northridge, and Reseda at the 5K run


collective provides an environment for young ladies to redefine reality as well as experience and express their authentic self, while expos-ing and discussing deep rooted emotions and various issues including sexism and estab-lished boundaries. Other important issues discussed are self-acceptance and perception, confidence, and self-doubt, especially due to such societal stigmas and stereotypes.

Stereotypical stigmas affect young ladies negatively as they develop into womanhood. Promoted and underlying classifications brainwash young ladies into believing that they are limited because of their gender and that they can not develop and express their individuality without stepping outside of a boundary. Sexism fosters the given definition of a woman as well as the stereotypes of the social role of women. When asked the effect of sexism on women, especially young ladies, mentor Natalie Mann stated, “[Young ladies and women] feel that they have to achieve a status and that they can not move forward from patriarchal systems. Women do not need to be limited because of their gender or ethnicity and have a right to be empowered and to grow within themselves. The Young Women’s Art Collective provides this inspiration, and encourages the young ladies to question the boundaries of classification.”

“Women are nearly completely erased in curriculum,” Natalie Mann expressed of the seclusion of women in history and expresses furthermore the importance of reflection and connection with women of importance and inspiration, “Reflection and a necessary connection with women in history of importance and inspiration allows a vital reflection and empowerment for young ladies.” The Young Woman’s Art Collective creates an unprecedented dialogue exposing women of importance in history, and furthermore, unearths and exposes those who have been suppressed and excluded. In this way, young ladies can connect with and relate to female historical figures for inspiration and reflection.

Passionately expressing the ceaseless and debilitating shaming of women, Natalie Mann adds, “Degrading and shaming women has been and is a normality in culture and teaches young ladies and women that they are not worthy and are unimportant. Underlying emotions of anger and self-doubt and insecurities come from the inability to express the self creatively. When able to do so, individuals are able to cleanse themselves. Art creates a meaning of voice and expression. I strongly believe that

art and culture can be the vehicle that can eliminate boundaries placed amongst others based on preconceived classifications.”

In a progressive and diverse society, it remains clear that women are perceived and expected to refrain from completely expressing themselves creatively and allowing them to reach their full potential. Kira Nichole Balthazor Epping—an English Teacher at Opportunities For Learning, Encino—when asked if she agreed, eagerly stated, “Injustice still faces women despite the feminist movement of the 1960s and ’70s.” When asked the importance of the feminist movement, she passionately stated that the feminist movement gives a voice to the voiceless, especially young ladies developing and growing into womanhood. When asked the same question, Joy Morales—an AR Teacher at Opportunities For Learning, Encino—stated, “As a woman, the feminist movement is important to me because throughout history and to this day, women have been subjugated. At one point, we were not allowed to vote, and that was in the not-so-distant past. Today, in many states, our bodies are legislated as if they are not our own, as if we are objects. I think more than a few men still feel that women are second-class citizens and it is therefore necessary for the feminist movement to exist.”

Pranjali Upadhyay brings science to the collective. “The Young Woman’s Art Collective bridges creativity and spirit, as well as science!” Pranjali states. “Science provides insight into the brain’s functions and mechanisms that motivate and empower individuals. [...] The scientific perspective helps us understand what we are going through. As a teacher and as a mentor of the collective, I hope to be a source of valuable support and compassion, empowering the young ladies to embrace themselves and to be themselves.”

The young ladies of the collective unanimously express that the collective is truly beneficial personally and redefines realness. A member of the collective, Natalie Pineda, states, “The collective comes together to motivate and empower each other. It is important to be able to express ourselves and to have the opportunity to develop our identity. I have found within this space a supportive and empowering environment to do so.” Brenda Sandoval, a fellow member expresses, “The Young Women’s Art Collective exposes the importance of women and brilliantly showcases what women can do. The motivation that I have

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received personally from the collective and from the bonds that I have formed within the collective, have motivated me to continue and fulfill my goals and aspirations.”

“Through the collective I feel as if I am able to advocate for other women as well as myself,” Nina Hoeanesian expresses of her experience as a member of the collective adding, “I do not believe in superiority and believe that women and men are created as an equal and should be treated as such.” The

OFL NEWS

Young Woman’s Art Collective vibrantly empowers young ladies and breaks the boundaries of preconceived classifications. This collective redefines what a woman is and empowers the members to develop their identity and individuality without fear. The Young Woman’s Art Collective meets collectively every other Friday at 2P.M. For more information, please speak with your teacher.

Members of the Young Women’s Art Collecti ve outside the Museum of Contemporary Art at the Pacific Design Center: (left to right) Catherine Canalita, Natalie Pineda, Briana Sisavanh, Kandy Valdez, and

Barbara Sandoval

What is Glee?A place to express yourself!By Black Wolf

WHAT IS Glee? Well, to some, Glee is where you can express yourself and what you like, but for others it’s a way to escape the stress, being able to sing it away. When I joined Glee for the first time, I honestly felt awkward having to sing, especially in front of people I didn’t know, but it got better. Those strangers started to become part of a group, in fact, you could even say a family. Glee is meant to be social, forcing you to interact with others in ways that everyone feels comfortable.

What if I’m too shy to sing in front of people, you ask? Well Glee isn’t just singing, you can also play instruments. Even if you are shy, there is no need to worry. Glee is not a place of judgement. The group does not judge you or anything you do, they are there to support you and make you feel safe. When I first joined Glee, I was scared because I knew no one and felt as if I was

the only one that didn’t fit. Then, slowly and gradually, I felt like I was part of some-thing. Somehow, it turned into something I’ve always wanted. Another great thing is, I’ve never heard an insult. You’ll never get negative commentary in Glee or feel a lack of support. The experience you get at Glee will make you feel as if you’d known the members for a long time.

So, why should you join Glee? You should join Glee not because I told you to, or because your teacher told you to, but because you want to experience Glee (the emotion and the group). If you want to join, just let your teacher know and they’ll gladly give you the information you need. Hope to see you there!

Members of Glee: (left to right, front row) Danielle French-Jun, Dana Gamliel, Sarah Zukerman ; (back row) Joy Morales, Marvin Rieli, Nataly

Wright, Martell Simpson, Dwight Colbert, Chris Knight, Ivan Munoz

(left to right) Sarah Zukerman, Johnny Sauod, Ivan Munoz, Joy Morales

The Young Women’s Art Collecti ve on the red carpet for the LA Opera


THE RECENT controversies and conspira-cies surrounding the lack of and invasion of privacy have concerned and captivated American citizens, creating international speculation and crises. Through the whis-tleblowing release of information exposing the actions of the National Security Agency of the United States Of America, Edward Snowden has exposed the clear invasion of privacy and unnecessary data collection upon American and foreign citizens and countries. This exposure has created concern and international speculation, forming the vital question of the role of the government concerning data collection and the protec-tion of individual privacy.

The National Security Agency of the United States Of America is an intelligence agency responsible for global monitoring, data collection and decoding, and the translation and analysis of information for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. A former NSA - High Intelligence Contractor, Edward Snowden became a whistleblower as well as an advocate for the privacy rights of American and foreign citizens and countries, and also a government considered criminal through his debated patriotic exposure of the factual actions of the NSA. Through this exposure, we learn that the National Security Agency has overstepped their promoted and publicized boundaries, invading the privacy rights of American and foreign citizens. Authorized from executive commanders, primarily including the President of the United States of America, the NSA is promoted and publicized as a vital initiative to prevent and see a cease to terrorism.

Executive Order 12333, issued in the year 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and since updated by two executive orders issued by the Presidential Administration of President George W. Bush (Executive Order

13355 and Executive Order 13470) and reviewed, due to the recent controversies and conspiracies, by President Barack Obama, shows that the National Security Agency of the United States of America is authorized to conduct virtually limitless surveillance and information intelligence against data servers located in foreign countries. This action is a clear demonstration of spying. Through the leaked confidential files obtained from Edward Snowden, we learn that the overview of the NSA is not limited to foreign countries, but to the United States as well and furthermore is not limited in the effort to prevent and cease terrorism, or unnecessarily collect mass data. We are starting to realize that the promoted and publicized endeavor of the National Security Agency is merely propaganda and the factual endeavor is a secret objective.

As a result of the outcome of the NSA exposure, recent revelations regarding mass surveillance conducted by the NSA has shocked many. Data experts and advisers urge for a “return to human intelligence” after the exposure of the secretive objective of the NSA through the actions of Edward Snowden. Furthermore, data experts and advisers request and advocate for the protection of whistleblowers and citizens. Under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act - brought forth recently in support of the NSA initiative, a law passed in 1986 known as ECPA,the United States government claims that is does not need a warrant to search an individual’s data including online searches and inquiries, E-Mail, and documents within the cloud - violating the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures, from the United States government, and requires a warrant to so, judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. The National Security

Agency has vigorously defended its practices and actions through stating that its endeavors are warranted by probable cause, however, refusing to release further information due to the supposed concern of homeland security, thus violating the Freedom Of Information Act.

The United States government reveals and admits through recent intelligence collection initiatives that the National Security Agency has violated the privacy rights of American and international citizens “at least” once. The United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report, “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age,” the result of an investigation into the human rights implications of government surveillance programs around the world. Steven Watt, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Human Rights Program had the following reaction to the report’s findings:

“This report confirms what we have already known: that the U.S. government’s mass surveillance programs are inherently

STUDENT VOICESFrom Russia with LoveA personal narrativeBy Anar Samedovi

The story starts all the way in Moscow, Russia,

one of the coldest cities in the world.

MY STORY takes it’s beginning at the part of my life when it split in two parts. This is a story about me at a different age, when I was just 10 years old. The story starts all the way in Moscow, Russia, one of the coldest cities in the world.

Dear reader, I am taking us back to the year of 2005, to the very cold Moscow. This year passed by very fast, maybe because all I saw was my parents’ fights. I tried not to pay attention to it, being a kid, because it just made me scared. One day, my Dad found another unworthy reason to argue with my mom. This fight, I suppose, was the last drop in the ocean.

Mom and Dad divorce, and my Grandfather, my mom’s father, gets sick. My mom decides to move to her native country Georgia, where she plans to watch over him. In our family tradition, kids always have to look after their parents once they get old and weak. What about me? Well, I had just opened a new chapter in my life, which was pretty hard. A new school, new friends, new rules, new people, and everything in general was new. For example, the Georgian language. This is a pretty hard language, and it took me 5 to 6 years to learn it. Language was a big barrier between me and others, so I didn’t make many friends.

Closer to my 16th birthday, I made a few friends. These kids, my new friends, opened

up my character. My life became pretty good, but I still felt incomplete. Like something had to happen. Not long after, I got in better relations with my dad. He told me everything about his new life, his new family, and even the new places that he moved to. He moved to the U.S. to start a new life, and he told me that we could try living together for a while, if I wanted. I thought that my Dad changed a little, and I took the risk of saying yes.

Today, I still don’t regret it, even after what I had to go through. The process of documentation for the U.S. took awhile,

but I used that time in the right way. This is how my life looked like before the United States. I have grown to be a little different, but I continue to live with these memories of my past.

This is a pretty small narrative, and just one page is obviously not enough to take you on a journey through my life, but maybe you can see what this journey has taught me. I have overcome adversity, language barriers, and family struggles. But today, I am happy, even having gone through all of that. All I can say now is, I am currently living here in the United States of America. I am studying, working, trying to reach my career goals, and finding really good friends. And you know? I am proud of myself. I am proud in not a selfish way, but I am proud of my achieved goals. It’s a great feeling.

Q: Do we even have a reason to live? What’s our purpose?A: To learn, appreciate, eat, and love is reason for all of us to live. Everyone has their own individual purpose.

Q: What is the secret to happiness?A: The secret is making the choice to be happy.

Q: How many veterans of war commit suicide daily? How many countries is the USA currently bombing?A: An estimated 22 veterans kill themselves every day, according to a 2012 Department of Veterans Affairs study. US military action in Somalia is ongoing alongside the US presence in Afghanistan, the continued drone strikes in Yemen and Pakistan, and the recent decision to begin bombing ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria.

Q: If someone hurts you a lot but you still like them, would you still hold on to them or let go?-Sincerely, LalenA: Let it go, let it go... You know how the song goes.

Q: What is the meaning of life?-Raul CherlinA: We’re still trying to figure that one out, too. Try again next issue.

Q: What is embola?A: We can’t tell you what “embola” is, but we can tell you what Ebola is. Read our News page for “Ebola: The Outbreak” to learn about the virus.

Q: How many licks does it take to get to the center of the tootsie pop? -Sir Chester McMuffin IIIA: As many licks as it takes until you finally bite the lollipop out of impatience.

Q: How do you maintain a healthy relationship with your boo thang? -ArianaA: Honesty (from both of you), compro-mise, kindness, and acceptance.

Ask UsThe Journalism team tackles your queries

Saving Money, Filling TummiesAdvice for the hungry teenager in all of usBy Nora Redko & Matthew Shane

ARE YOU a hungry teenager? Do you constantly compromise a large appetite with a small budget? If so, these helpful tips will make sure you get your favorite meal, with-out emptying your wallet.

Drinks can be overpriced. A regular soda at a fast food restaurant can cost up to $4! Why spend the extra money on some car-bonated sugar when there are cheap and tasty alternatives on every block. Instead of buying a soda, run into the nearest gas station or liquor store and find larger drinks for only a dollar. For example, any Arizona tea is only 99 cents! A couple more minutes can save you that extra cash to order more food.

Almost everyones favorite burger is at the famous In N’ Out; however, a simple combo can cost you up to $10, while the cheese-burger alone is only $2.50. My best friend and I cut down our favorite order from $20 to just $10! First, we eliminate the drinks and just grab a couple of Arizona’s and nearly a third of the price is gone. Then, since I don’t like onions on my animal fries, I simply order cheese fries and ask for extra spread when I’m at the window. Just by not ordering the pricey animal fries, I immediately save 2 dollars. Finally, I know the double-double is nearly impossible to resist for those with a hungry appetite, but to save money and not gain those extra calories, just order the regular cheeseburger.

Now, when you’re trying to eat something a little healthier but still want it just as fast, Subway is definitely a go-to. When choosing what to order, you may always be inclined to get a foot long because it’s only a couple dollars more than the six-inch, but if you’re usually full after just one half, you will likely end up throwing the rest away when it gets too soggy in your fridge. To fix this problem, invite a friend to go with you to the delicious sandwich shop and compromise on a foot-long that you both like to get. This way, you can split both the cost of the foot-long and the sandwich(which is cheaper than ordering two regular six inches), and you end up just as happy and just as full!

You can always make your food go further. And it’s always easier when you have a friend with you.

Op-Ed: Where is Our Right to Privacy?Government surveilance and data collection have gone too farBy Shear Avory

arbitrary and violate international obligations to protect the privacy of people everywhere. It also debunks many of the legal and policy justifications that the United States has advanced for its bulk surveillance operations. This report serves as a wake-up call to the Obama administration to put its words into action by putting in place privacy protections for people around the globe, as the administration has already expressly endorsed.”

The SFV Journalism Team as well as many others hope to see some change in the Obama administration in the near future, as they learn of the publics unrest due to the increasingly drastic measures taken by the NSA in the collection of data. As American citizens, we are entitled to freedom and privacy, and it is the governments job to ensure we maintain it. We would like to see action. You can help our cause by writing/socially interacting with your local representatives, voicing our concerns in the matter of citizens privacy and protection.

Sunsetby Samantha Hernandez

The sun and clouds, the birds sing, the children laugh. The cold breeze on my face. The smell of rain through-

out the air. The leaves crunch under my feet. And all I can do is think of you. The leaves turn yellow and

brown, the rain sings its beautiful song. And all I can do is write about you. Come join me on this beautiful autumn day, at least ’til the sun sets and the last good-

byes are spoken.

When I Felt in Colorby A.V. Aguilera

Purple was the color I felt when I fell for youRed was the color I felt when you said “I love you too”

Yellow was the color I felt when you held my handViolet was the color I felt when you wrote our names in the sand

Grey was the color I felt when you went awayBlue is the color I feel to this day

Battle Groundsby Anthony Walker

Hatred and blood cover the grounds Tears of families scream out loud Darkened skies of a fearful past

We pray to God the war ends fastSad but true, the war doesn’t end

It goes on and on, the soldiers won’t bend We see the pain of a thousand lies

Still we lose thousands of lives

Just Lifeby Anthony WalkerTo live you must dieTo love you must lieTo care you must cry

Once they’re put together, it’s just lifeTo share you must stealTo hurt you must healTo joke you must feel

Once they’re all together it’s just you against the world

Poetry Corner

Are you interested in reading or writing poetry?Announcing a place for lovers of poetry!

A new poetry club is coming to OFL and will offer students an opportunity to delight in the art of poetry.

For more information, please contact Tammy Streeter at [email protected]

The Sicknessby Samantha Hernandez

My mind is fuzzy, my hands sweaty. I can’t think straight. I can’t sleep. My chest hurts, my throats dry, my thoughts won’t stop. This hurts more than death. You’re my sickness, my disease, my everything . My

heart and soul, the blood that runs through my veins, the thing that gets under my skin. But you’re bad for me but I just can’t get enough of you. You’re my sick-

ness, my disease, my everything.


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Hashtag #X It Can Wait! A New Campaign Encouraging Distraction Free Driving.By Shear Avory

A NEW campaign presented by the AT&T “It Can Wait!” Campaign encouraging distraction free driving engages teenage drivers to practice safe and responsible driving through texting, tweeting, and posting - before they begin to drive!

Hashtag #X, their new project, encourages teenage drivers to utilize texting as well as their social media accounts to signal that they are about to begin driving to avoid distractions while on the road through texting, tweeting, and posting the hashtag #X.

We look forward to seeing you all participate and use #X to let your friends and family know when you’re about to drive and cannot chat for awhile. By using #X, you help spread awareness on this important issue of distraction free driving, as about 6,000 deaths and a half a million injuries are caused by distracted drivers every year. Let’s make a change! #X

early 2000s. With its recent outbreak, many are left wondering how the virus works, and why it is so devastating. Ebola actually infects the body with hemorrhagic fever, and is similar to HIV/AIDS. Ebola infects the blood stream and attacks the immune system at rapid speed. The body in return attempts to expel all traces of the virus, which often has fatal results. Although Ebola is mostly a foreign virus, there have been seven Americans who have contracted it. One man, Thomas Eric Duncan has unfortunately passed away from it. It is believed that he was treated for the disease only in its later stages, making it impossible to save his life.

Ebola is not as resistant as we fear. Ebola can be killed with soap and water and is only transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids. Rumors of the virus being airborne are completely false. Do not faithfully follow the news and trending posts pertaining to Ebola. Do your own personal research if you truly feel uncomfortable about it. Learn how to better protect yourself and note the very rare possibility of you or anyone you know contriving the virus.

We hope to have provided you with sufficient information to comfort any lingering fear that arose with the recent outbreaks. The government is currently taking major action to both contain and cure the virus, and efforts are being made to provide medical expertise and aid for victims in West Africa, where assistance is most needed. The odds are, Ebola will be a topic of the past very soon.

Cancer Fought Through The AgesBy Anar Samedovi

AS LONG as human beings have existed, disease has followed us through the ages. Cancer has touched hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of families. “What is cancer?”, some may ask. Cancer is the abnormal growth of any organ’s tissue cells, when the cells of the organ start dividing in huge numbers. The substance inside all cells that directs cell behavior is what causes cancer. The cells become damaged during a cancer patient’s lifespan. Damaged DNA can be caused by genetics or by behavior (such as smoking or diet). Another cause could be radiation, the radiation even from sun tanning. Sunshine is necessary for a human being because it is a source of vitamin D, but just like with anything, must be in moderation. When you sit too long under

My suggestions after research and study: • Be cautious in identifying lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, dietary habits or the environment that you live in.• Learn to control and minimize unhealthy lifestyle factors. • Everything in moderation.• Get checked out with your doctor at least every three years.• Take pre-emptive measures to decrease your risk of getting cancer. Don’t allow cancer to victimize you or a member of your family.

the sun and “burn”, your skin cells start dividing to get rid of burned skin, which might be the primary cause of skin cancer.

Three types of traditional therapies are known. These include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. All of these therapies are used depending on the

cancers growth. Sometimes doctors’ use only one, and other times a few of them get intermixed.

As technology grows, so do our chances of fighting cancer. Today, with our continuous growth of knowledge on cancer, new therapies continue to form and help in treatment of the disease. A few new

treatments include Gene therapy and immunotherapy; these new treatments might mean hope for many cancer patients.

CREATIVE ARTS

Edna & the ChickenA short storyBy Jared Trepepi

EDNA SAT down on the bench, her large butt jiggling as she did so. Once she sat down, she saw all the chicken that was cooked and laid out on the table in front of her.

“Hello there,” she said to the nearest chicken. “How are you?”

She grabbed the chicken and patted its headless body, placing it on her plate. Wig-gling closer, her butt squeaked on the bench.

“You look so delicious. I’m sorry I have to do this.”

The next thing you know, she is devour-ing the chicken, tears running down her cheeks because of what she has done.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - ALEXANDRIA MOORE - ENCINOCREATIVE ARTS DIRECTOR - ANAR SAMEDOVI - RESEDANEWS DIRECTOR - AYDIN AGUILERA - CHATSWORTHSTAFF WRITER - SHEAR AVORY - ENCINOSTAFF WRITER - SOPHIA RUSSEL - RESEDASTAFF WRITER - ANTHONY WALKER - CHATSWORTH

TO THE POINT STAFFThis is the official newspaper of Opportunities for Learning charter schools in the San Fernando Valley. All words are written by OFL students.

Contact us: [email protected]

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ABOUT USCONTRIBUTORSSAMANTHA AMIRKHIZI - ENCINOMADISON FRANKS - ENCINOWALTER GUZMAN - NORTHRIDGESAMANTHA HERNANDEZ - RESEDAMARIA RYBAKOVA - ENCINO

NORA REDKO - RESEDAJOHNNY SAOUD - ENCINOKANDY VALDEZ - RESEDAMATTHEW SHANE - RESEDAED SOTO - NORTHRIDGEJARED TREPEPI - NORTHRIDGE

OFL SUPERVISORSDANIELLE FRENCH-JUNLEO PORTUGAL


and shoves led to punches; needless to say it wasn’t long before the principal was involved.

Jude was disciplined for his wrong doings and was given a week’s suspension. David was happy about two things: Jude wouldn’t bother him again, and his parents didn’t have to get involved. Jude was sad about two things: David hated him, and his parents didn’t have to get involved. Jude had it all planned out before this incident. He would bully a kid like David with decent parents. David’s parents would call Jude’s parents, who would finally give Jude the attention he never received. Then, he and David would hopefully become friends after everything, which would have been good because Jude didn’t have very many friends.

Like always, nothing worked out for Jude. Nothing ever had and nothing ever would. After the boys were dismissed they crossed the street. Jude saw the car going too fast and not noticing him or David. He made a quick decision to push David out of harm’s way. He knew that David’s parents would care that their son would never return home and it would kill them more than it would kill Jude’s. Jude’s parents abused Jude, and he saw their future sadness how it would be; all for show. Fourteen year old Jude made these decisions while the truck driver didn’t. David was pushed away from death’s grasp, while Jude embraced it. Jude died that cold Califor-nia afternoon, a hero never to be recognized by the ones he saved. David felt the push and got angry again, but when he turned around, he saw Jude’s lifeless body on the street. David saw Jude’s death as punishment for the fact that he tried to push him again, he knew him as the bully. He cried out in fear of the body, but not in mourning. His bully died and that’s all that David’s eyes could see. They could not see the hero who died that cold California afternoon.

CREATIVE ARTS My Job Is More Important to Me Than John Briggs

Cold California AfternoonA short storyBy A.V. Aguilera

SMALL AND feeble was David, outwardly insecure about his non-proportional features. His parents named him David, after the great King David from the Old Testament. David Joshua Chait was his full name, he had his father’s middle name. His father Joshua was named after a biblical character. David’s father, like his father and his father’s father, fought in great wars of their time and passed those tales to David.

David wished to be a hero like his father, and his father’s father, but he knew he wasn’t. Joshua told his son tales of his own school days, the mischief and triumph. Unlike his father, young David was the victim of the mischief, the defeated in every battle. Like many kids, David was the victim of bullying. Like most bullied children, he hid the pain from his family, especially his father. Every day at school a boy named Jude would con-stantly tease him, crushing the small pieces of courage David had collected.

On Monday morning, David went to get the books from his locker groggily, he, like every kid, was recovering from the weekend. He was surprised but not shocked when Jude gave him a push that sent the books flying out of his hands. When he looked at Jude, he saw he was laughing, and David in turn felt anger course through his body. He bravely stood up to Jude and pushed him. Pushes led to shoves

bombs, and weird books with titles like 1984 and Dystopia from his home. He should’ve known better than to keep books like that. The Upper tell us those dangerous books contain content so devastating, it could kill everyone and no one would be safe. Everything is so clean here in the city where I live, and I like clean things, so I never want to go.

The only time that I ever questioned whether the Upper was protecting us to their best was just a few nights ago. John Briggs, my friend from school days, was killed right in front of my eyes. He was always so nice to everyone, and also loyal to the Upper, it left me confused. I had noticed that John was behaving a little strangely. He mentioned that he’d seen this guy who wouldn’t stop staring at him. I asked him which guy he spoke of and and he pointed beside him, and there was no such man there. I told him that, and he got agitated. Sometimes when he tried to talk, he would hold his head and suddenly stop. The last time I saw him, he was talking to someone, but no one was there. It was wrong, as if he was having a one-sided conversation, if one-sided conversations even were so.

We lived next door to each other and the Upper stopped him right in front of my window. They began asking him who he was talking to. John got angry, and they hit him with a white rod. They hit him a few more times, and I don’t believe they saw me watch-ing. The Upper police officer spoke to a radio and said, “Schizophrenic. No pulse. We got him.” They carried John away and I never got to say goodbye. For a while, I was mad and angry with the Upper for not giving John a chance. I read in a book a long time ago that there was medicine for people with “mental illness” and that Schizophrenia was treatable. I wanted to ask the Upper why they did that to people who weren’t in perfect health like me. I wanted to know why they sent them to Omega.

Then again, I decided not to, because I love my job. My job is more important to me than John Briggs.

A short storyBy A.V. Aguilera

MANY CLAIM that we are nothing now, and I am embarrassed to say that I believed them for a time, though now I strongly dis-agree. We humans have created quite an effi-cient way of controlling our civilization. The world is at peace now. Many historic philoso-phers believed that wars between each other would kill us, but it is not the case—it is the disease. The Upper is what we call the govern-ment in our “world”, though we don’t call it that anymore. It is renamed the New Eden. The Upper and their genius ideas gave birth to a new system of keeping humans safe. It was considered inhumane and abominable at first, but those who argued against it were quickly silenced. I am an Alpha, like many others, and I have never known an Omega. New Eden is divided into halves. One half is called Alpha, where the healthy and valuable citizens live. They are free from any type of disease or imperfection, mentally and physically.

We flourish intellectually and help the Upper with our brilliant ideas. Who you are in life is determined by your intelligence. The Uppers is where the highly intelligent work. I am not smart like the others, but I am not dumb like the street sweepers. I work as a programmer for all the big screens that project praise to the Upper. I love the screens and all they stand for. They show the people of New Eden all the accomplishments of the Upper, and how good of a job they are doing to keep us safe. This morning the Upper caught a man who tried to blow up a building—a build-ing where the Uppers worked! Why would someone do such a thing?

He was sent to live with the Omegas all the way on their side of New Eden. The Upper said he was afflicted by all kinds of mental illness. The Omega is where all the diseased and disturbed go. I don’t know what it’s like there and I won’t ever know, because the Upper never informs us. Last month George Ortiz was flown by shuttle to the Omega. I saw the police bring out all kinds of handguns,

Artists (clockwise, starting from the left):

Anar Samedovi, Maria Rybakova, Kandy Valdez, Madison Franks, and Samantha Amirkhizi

See everything online, in color, at issuu.com/tothepointsfv

To the Point #2

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