Former Raider serves his country

Raider Alumnus receives Navy's 2nd Highest Award
by Jasmine Straw


A few weeks ago, former Raider, Chief Petty Officer Joe Molina (Class of '97), was awarded the Silver and Bronze stars for his actions during his 2009 deployment in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Silver Star for his and his platoon’s efforts in a two-day firefight that ended in 56 enemy dead and no deaths in his platoon. Two days later his platoon rescued a U.S. Army detachment that was under attack and had already suffered three casualties. Molina’s platoon saved this group while, again, suffering no deaths within their platoon and 22 deaths of the enemy.

Molina, a chief special warfare operator of the Sea Air Land force, insists that he is no hero. “It’s about the team. It’s not about the individual,” he says. He only agreed to do interviews for his “brothers” - fellow SEALs and other military personnel. Throughout his interview he continued to deny that he is a hero, his actions were only a display of this training. His group as a whole during the 6 months they were deployed engaged in 300 hours of combat and accounted for 181 enemy casualties. Although he denies he is a hero, he will be thought of as a hero to the ones he had saved, their families, and the United States Navy.


Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/17/navy-seal-iimperial-beach-wins-silver-and-bronze-s/

Teen Angst

Raiders handle relationships
by Sierra Holter

Relationships come to an end possibly, the reasons are numerous. They all have in common that one member of the relationship is dissatisfied and pulls back. Maybe he/she has tried for some time to adjust the relationship according to his/her wishes. If this fails, he/she usually quits emotionally long before the actual break up. That is often the reason why the “dumpee” has the impression that the “dumper” is cold hearted—he/she left mentally months ago. So naturally, there comes a time in a teenage relationship where the couple must ask themselves,"Do I want to go steady, or do I want to see what else is out there?". Take into account that there is no painless way to end a relationship.It simply doesn’t exist. No magical words which take the pain away. It will hurt them and it may also hurt you. There is nothing you can do about this. You can only avoid some common mistakes and make it a little easier for them.

The first step to breaking up with someone is being sure of yourself and the decision you are making. You have to be 100% sure about what you want,this will make breaking up and moving on so much easier.

So here are some questions you should ask yourself when considering breaking up:

• Does the relationship allow you to evolve according to your wishes?
• Does the relationship fulfill your needs?
• Is it possible to have goals together and achieve them?
• Does your partner accept you as you are?
• Can you resolve conflicts together?
• Are you feeling good in your relationship?
• Is the communication with your partner good?

If your answer to these question is in the majority “no” then it is probably time to move on. You're ready to break up,but you've never done it before so here are some easy steps to ending your relationship.

1. Keep a few days distance: This will help you gain some emotional distance from your partner and will make moving on easier for you. On the other hand, your partner will sense something is about to happen and will hopefully prepare themselves.

2. Try to be sure about your decision: Chances are that you were thinking about breaking up for a long time. You have come to the conclusion that you don’t fit together, have different plans after High school or were unable to resolve or get to the bottom of your conflicts. Maybe you have simply realized that you do not love your partner. Either way you must be completely sure about your decision. This is probably the most important thing to do, because if you are unsure about what you want it will only make things harder on both of you. So, are you sure you want to break up? If you are,continue to step 3.

3. Do it in person:Always talk to your partner in person. Never use email, text messages or a letter. I know this is tempting because it’s much easier for you, but you owe your partner that you look them in the eye when you break up. Not that it would make it easier for them, but it would allow your partner to respect your decision and take you seriously.

4. Know what and how to say it – be prepared: You have to know what you're going to say in advanced, this is far from simple because you have to expect how the other person is going to react to your news.There can be various reactions. Depending on the personality of your partner, there can be denial, crying, begging, aggressiveness, even abuse. Try to stay calm whatever happens, never let this end in a fight.

Here are some tips:

• Always be understanding, no matter how your partner reacts
• Say that you are sorry that things have not worked out
• Be prepared for questions
• Try to avoid intimate body contact
• Be confident. If you have not been dominant in your relationship, be it now

5. Always be clear that it’s absolutely over: There should be no doubt that the relationship is over.

NEVER Say:

• “maybe sometimes we could get together again”
• “A part of me still loves you”
• “I never loved anybody as I loved you”
• “OK, give me some time to think it over”
• “we can still be friends”

You will feel the urge to ease the pain by saying something he/she wants to hear, but this is wrong for two reasons: you are giving false hope and delaying the healing process for both of you.

6. Help them with no contact: Don't call,text,message,nothing for a long while. Don't even ask how they are feeling. I know this probably the hardest step in all of this but it also the most rewarding. After a break up the other person is in shock, they will not remember what was said during your conversation,let alone your reasons for ending it. Most of the time the one who breaks up has to learn as well that it is definitely over. By following the no-contact rule you help yourself and your ex-partner.

Breaking is never easy and, it is never painless. It is emotionally exhausting and mentally draining but once you break up you can heal,and become one step closer to happiness and a fulfilling love life.

Remember, if there's any doubt that it is really over it will cause more harm than good. Not only will it keep you from pursuing more gratifying relationships, it will also mess with your self-esteem and confidence. Once you've made up your mind act upon your decision and make sure you end it in a firm way. These steps will make the task of breaking up a bit easier on both parties.

SOH soccer continues its winning tradition.

Lady Raiders bring home the banner
by Stephanie Mesa

The SOH Lady Raiders varsity soccer team finished a great league season by bringing home the league banner. These ladies were led by captains Lizette Jimenez, Rosalinda Contreras, and Alexis Moreno. Although these ladies never expected they were going to get this far in the league, they successfully made it to the final game against Mar Vista. "We know Mar Vista is good, but we weren't scared of them; they're all rivals and we wanted to beat them" says captain Lizette Jimenez. Unfourtunately, hours before the game the goalie they had been counting with the whole season, Jessica Hernandez, couldn't play because of her health, and the girls had to face Mar Vista with another goalie, "that was one of the hardest moments of the season," says Jimenez. One of the starting players, Gaby Paez also said "I was super nervous before our game, but I was confident that this team could win the banner."

The first half of the game began, and the ladies were warmed up and ready to play the game that would determine who would be league champs, Southwest or Mar Vista. At the beginning, the girls tried their hardest to score, and approximately 27 minutes into the game captain, Lizette Jimenez, scored the first and winning goal, according to Jimenez: "scoring that goal was the most amazing feeling ever, I can't believe that MY goal got us the banner." When the second half ended, the score was 1-0 in favor of Southwest. It was official, the league champs banner now belonged to Southwest. The girls were full of happiness, joy and most of all pride "I felt so excited, I just couldn't believe that we actually won the banner."

These ladies never imagined that they would make it that far, but they did. "I never imagined we would make it this far, but we deserve the banner with every drop of sweat, every kick, and every hard practice" All that is left to say now, is that this team makes raiders proud to be part of Southwest, and most importantly it makes these ladies feel proud of each other. "I can't begin to explain how proud I am of this team and how far it was come."

Congratulations SOH Lady Raiders varsity soccer on winning the league banner, you guys deserve it! As captain, Lizette Jimenez stated:
"This year's team has been by far the best one. All of you you ladies played with heart and soul and I couldn't be more proud of each and every one of you. There wasn't a day that you girls didnt put a smile on my face."

Who needs Valentine's Day?

Can You be Single and happy?
By Sierra Holter


Having a significant other may seem like the most important thing during Valentine's Day, but I assure you that it is not. You can be single and still be happy on February 14th. Just because you don't have a special somebody to share the day with, doesn't mean you're "forever alone". There are many ways to stay positive during this time but before we get to those here are some "don't"s for the day.

First off, don't sulk, pout, or complain that you're single. For one thing, your single friends will just look at you and say, "Dude, we're single too so it's okay" or they'll complain with you. That obviously won't solve anything and it will put a damper on the whole day. Next thing, don't ask every girl/guy you see to be your valentine, just because you are single doesn't give you the right to blantly put yourself out there and say "HEY WORLD I'M SINGLE BE MY VALENTINE BECAUSE I'M LONELY!!!!" No, don't do that. If anything, asking random people to be your Valentine will just cause you more hurt because they won't want to be your boyfriend or girlfriend when the day ends. Lastly, don't throw yourself a pity party and dwell on your failed past relationships. You may have an ex boyfriend or girlfriend that is now happy with a new girl or boy. It's okay, don't worry about it you can have a great day without them.

So, it's Valentines day and you're single - what are you going to do to stay positive? Well, you can start by smiling. It's scientifically proven that if you smile, your day will automatically seem a whole lot better. Plus, you never know, maybe that future special somebody is falling in love with your smile right now. Next thing, shake off negative vibes. You may be walking around school seeing all the couples kissing, hugging, and holding hands. You may be thinking to yourself "why am I still alone?", shake those vibes off. Those thoughts will only keep you down and will make your day horrible. Most importantly, be satisfied with yourself. No one is perfect, no relationship is perfect, so why make yourself more depressed by thinking everyone has it so much better than you do? Honestly, I know it's hard being single during this day but you should know that you - yes, you - are a great person! You don't need another person to tell you that you are fabulous to know it! So, look yourself in the mirror today, and every other day, and say, "hey beautiful, you are an amazing person inside and out and I don't need someone else to tell me how wonderful I am because I already know it!" Stay classy and beautiful.

Anorexia and bulimia

Don't freak, just eat
by Sierra Holter


Hundreds of girls everywhere feel tortured every day when they look in the mirror. Some go to drastic measures to make sure they don't gain an extra pound or even to feel like they've gained an ounce. Anorexia and Bulimia are serious and deadly habits that kill 50,000 women in the U.S.

Many anorexics say they acquired this habit when they started puberty, when the female body actually gains weight to handle all the changes taking place. Others say they've had that fear instilled in them after someone made a rude remark about their weight as a child. There are also women who see it as just a simple way to lose a few pesky pounds. Truth is anorexia and Bulimia are the real deal, they soon become an addiction and the young women spiral out of control.

Teenagers who do not have to battle this inner monster are educated about it in middle school health class. The only thing they usually get out of it is "Blah, blah, blah eat healthy. Blah, blah, blah don't starve yourself. Blah, blah, blah". Do they really listen to the severity of the problem? No. So one might ask how does a seemingly beautiful, young, vibrant young woman become so obsessed with her looks she's willing to risk her health to "look better"? Well, there's a myriad of reasons some ranging from childhood obesity to childhood starvation. Many have been reported saying "I just wanted to look like the models in those magazines". This is an unrealistic goal for many teenagers and an unrealistic way to feel comfortable with your body. The reason is different for all bulimics and anorexics. Regardless of what the main factor may be, once an eating disorder takes control, the individual has an insatiable hunger to regain control of their life.
It's hard to believe that this silent killer takes hold of 10% of all high school girls. Sometimes the warning signs are hard to see so here are 5 red flags you should look out for when suspecting anorexia or bulimia:
1. Skipping meals
2. Obsession with calories, fat grams, and nutrition
3. Fixation with body image.
4. Compulsive exercising
5. Harshly critical or appearance.
Don't let a loved be affected by this disease. If you suspect anyone of dealing with this monster help them get treatment as soon as possible. No one wants to see someone they love wither away into nothing.

Appreciate everyone on Valentine's Day

Raiders Celebrate Valentine’s Day
By Vianney Casas

Let’s be honest here: What comes to mind as soon as you hear Valentine’s Day? Answer: Chocolates, heart shaped balloons, roses, cards, hugs, kisses, I love you’s, couples, couples and couples. Last year at Southwest High, Valentine’s day was all about couples. It pretty much went like this: 80% couples, 20% friendships. You would see girls holding balloons and rose bouquets with gigantic smiles on their faces. Now honestly, who actually thought that was their “friends” who gave those gifts to them? It was not them but their boyfriends.

What is Valentine’s Day translated to Spanish? “Dia del Amor y la Amistad”. Day of love and friendship. People (Raiders included) take the love part too seriously. Yes, I have proof: “Who wants to be my Valentine?” is the most asked question people write on Facebook status’ during February. Lately, there has been a thousand likes on phrases such as “Dia de San Solterin” (Day of the single), and another asking February to bring them something good. What does that translate to? “Please, February, give me a boyfriend/girlfriend to get gifts from on Valentine’s Day". I have friends, classmates, and even relatives, who complain about not having a boyfriend/girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. “Why should you?” is my question. Valentine’s day does not only consist on having someone to kiss, or hold hands with. Yes it is about love, so what about your friends, your family, and your pets?! They all love you and you love them as well, so why can’t you celebrate that kind of love? Is it that they have a different version of Valentine’s Day? No need to bother thinking of an answer though. I asked people what they thought about Valentine’s day and here’s what they told me:

“It’s stupid , probably was created by candy stores to win more money”-Alexia Chavira

“Proud”- Amairani Salazar

“If you're single then it sucks, if you're taken it’s nice”-Abraham Lopez

“People lost the real meaning of Valentine's Day... Now all people want is kisses and sexual stuff, it’s no longer about love or celebration of being together”-Hector Armendariz

“It’s the cutest holiday overall! If you have a boyfriend”-Cindy Centella

“ Well, I think Valentine's Day is actually a really cute day for couples and even for singles whether it's enjoying love from a partner or maybe just some chocolate candy with friends”-Albert Fernandez

“It’s like one of my favorite holidays, but honestly because of the candies. I don’t really celebrate it because 1) I’m single and 2) nobody wants to celebrate it with me. So overall it’s all about the chocolates, but I think it’s the perfect time to express your feelings to that special person. It could be your friend, your pet, your mom; love is not only about that person you kiss or hug. It’s about that person that makes your days happy, that person that makes you smile, and that’s the love that matters, that’s the love we should celebrate”-Mayte Casas

“Well honestly, I think it’s a made up holiday, I think that if people really wanna celebrate their friendship and love for one another they should do it every moment of every day there is no need for a holiday to express your love for someone else.”-Andrea Osuna

“Well, personally I think Valentine's day represents not only love but friendship and to show how much you care for your friends, family, and lovers.”-Oscar Vargas

“To me it’s a day to spend it with people you love.”-Berthita Villegas

“I don’t know, it’s whatever”-Arley Aguilar

There you go, Raiders. We have some people in the “Valentine’s day is just about having a relationship” category, and some on the “Love and Friendship” category. I’m not here to criticize anyone’s point of view, but let me just say that Valentine’s Day should indeed be one of the best holidays! Love is what keeps us going. Love is the air we breath, the sun we see, the stars we wish upon at night. It is everything. Whether it’s family love, friend love, or boyfriend/girlfriend love, love is the best feeling in the world. When love breaks our heart, there is the love of a friend to put it back together again. When love clouds our skies, there is the love of a mother to bring back the sun. When love ends, there is another love to start it again. What would the world be without love? Just what would SOH be without love? There would go our future, our education. So, Raiders, do not ever think that on Valentine’s Day you lack of love for not having someone to kiss. Get out to lunch and see all your friends waiting for you. Go home and see your mom preparing you the best meal. There is love, and the best love you could get. So this Valentine’s Day let us celebrate the most amazing feeling in the world, let us scream how much we love our mothers, our fathers, our dogs, our brothers and sisters, our friends, and our teachers, and let us celebrate one of the best holidays of the year because remember:

"A life filled with love must have some thorns; but a life empty of love will have no roses."-Anonymous.

Tuition costs on the increase.

Is College still affordable?

by Stephanie Meza

With the budget cuts that have been going on, paying for college is becoming more expensive than ever. The highly-stressing college applications are finally over, but many seniors are anxious to know what they’re going to do for the rest of their lives. But are budget cuts really preventing students from getting a higher education? I did a survey with 15 different seniors of different backgrounds to calculate statistics, and these are the results.

•Out of these 15 seniors, 14 want to attend a 4-year university after high school and 1 is considering joining the Military.

•10 of them think financial aid will not be enough to pay for their college expenses, while 5 of them think they can get by with the help of financial aid.

•11 of them would consider going to community college if they can’t afford a 4-year university, and 4 of them are confident that they can afford college.

•Finally, 8 out of 15, more than half, see money as an obstacle that can prevent them from getting a higher education.

These results were an eye-opener on how the economy is affecting the way students look at higher education. Many hard working Raiders are planning to go to a community college before going to a 4-year university in order to save money. Even though community college is often incorrectly looked down upon, you can actually take many general education classes if you want to save money for a 4-year university. Some consider joining the military since 2 years in it pays for your tuition.

However, the most devastating fact was on how more than half of these students actually thought money was an obstacle that prevents them. Obstacles aren’t there to stop people; they are there to filter out those who don’t really want something. There are many ways you can pay for college: financial aid, scholarships, student loans, grants, etc. Money should never be an obstacle. Never let anything or anyone keep you from doing what you have worked so hard for. So whatever it is you decide to do, raiders, make sure to not look at money as an obstacle.