Negative effects of drugs.

Think ahead

by Vianney Casa

There are writers who say they need drugs to get inspired. There are artists who do drugs before their performance in order to perform well and without a care. There are people use it to forget about problems. Unfortunately, 46% of teens at schools report using drugs.

Positive: (According to them)
You will feel relaxed.
You will forget about every single problem in your life.
You go to all these places you’ve never been to, and you see things you’ve never seen.
Life turns 'Oh so colorful and happy'.
I won’t be at risk of getting kicked out of my crew.
It just makes me look cool.

Nice. Now let’s get back to reality...
You might feel relaxed at the moment and no problems will exist only for a few minutes, then eventually your problems will still be there; you’ll be back to normal. And not only that you have probably made it worse.
-Drugs can have horrible consequences.
Academically: the declining of grades, school absences, increased probability of dropping out of school, falling asleep in class, not performing well in classes, and not trying to your hardest potential.
Physically: Injuries due to accidents (car accidents), physical disabilities and diseases,possible overdoses leading to death, along with death through suicide, homicide, accident, and illness.
Mentally: Depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal from friends, family, and simply life.
Delinquency: Arrest, adjudication, and intervention by the juvenile justice system.
Friends: You will most likely lose most of them.
Family: Putting family and crisis and at risk of being in danger.

If you get kicked out of your “crew” for saying no to drugs, well then THEY ARE NOT YOUR REAL FRIENDS. What friend would want to put you in the danger of illness, death, and all the suffering drug addicts go through?
You will look cool? You won’t. To the other drug addicts you might, but then people doing drugs don’t look so good. Think of your future. Will you get a job when you’re doing drugs? Will you live to your 90’s doing drugs? Will you enjoy life as wonderful as it is, when doing drugs? Would you trade happiness, all the people that love you, all your successful future ahead of you, all the real fun, the wonderfully beautiful moments of life, just to look “cool”?
Don’t be tricked, Raiders; choose wisely. Remember that time machines do not exist. Think about the things mentioned above and ask yourself if you're willing to waste your life for 5 minutes of feeling free. Are you willing to that the risk of getting arrested, losing your friends, getting Fs, and losing your life knowing you’ll never get it back. Just don't look back in time and say that you regret it, you're making the choice to do it right now.

Sources: http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/PUBS/drugid/ration-03.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0125202/My%20website/reason.htm

If you need help: Call 1-800-662-HELP to reach a free referral helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Or talk to your parents about it, don't be scared, everything will be OK.

Runners should be aware.

Raiders, stay safe!
by Stephanie Meza


With the abduction of cross country runner, Chelsea King, in early 2010, runners all over San Diego are being more aware of the safety techniques they should consider for running on the street. Chelsea King was an eye-opener for everyone to see the reality of abductions. This reality became even more alarming a few days ago on September 7th, when someone attempted to abduct one of our cross country runner during practice. During the daily practice, one of the XC athletes was finishing her run when a car approached, and tried to pull her in. Luckily, she escaped and managed to get back to the school safe.

The cross country runners are aware of the dangers they might face while running in the street, but they never had the problem of having one of their team mates in danger. Fortunately, everyone is all right and the problem is now in hands of the police. But should we feel completely safe? Unfortunately, it's the third time in 2010 in which a student from SOH was almost abducted, and this puts some of our Raiders in panic. There's no need to be scared, if you take the necessary precautions when you go run or even walk home, you should be safe.
Always consider the following while walking/running in the street:
• Ditch your music:
Leave your mp3 device at home. If you lose the sense of hearing, you're not aware of any potential threats that might be around you.
• Run with a buddy:
Always take someone with you during your run, if not, let someone else know what route your taking before you take off.
• Vary your routes and times:
Don't make yourself a target, attackers may follow your routine if you do the same one everyday.
• Carry a cell phone:
Immediately contact the police if situations get out of the ordinary.
• Most importantly, FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS:
Trust your gut, be safe, if you feel you're being followed, you probably are. NEVER second guess yourself in an unusual situation. SAFETY is ALWAYS the number on PRIORITY.

Raiders remember a classmate.

Missed, but never forgotten

by Stephanie Meza

It's been a year since the death of our fellow and beloved former Raider, Marcos Isaac Ramirez better known as "Chueco." His death was a big shock and an eye-opener for all the raider community. It made everyone realize that a bad decision can have serious consequences. Former Raider, Marcos, was coming back home from a night out in Tijuana, Mexico. Marcos was offered a ride home by one of his friends, and he accepted. On the road, the driver started a street race against another car, and at one point the race got out of control and both cars crashed. Unfortunately, Marcos lost his life during this accident. He was 18 years old.

It was very difficult for many raiders to hear that Marcos was gone. Everyone was in shock, everyone knew that this accident could have been prevented, and no one could believe Marcos was gone. It was like a bullet to the hearts of everyone. Everyone that knew Marcos would tell you he was very nice, a great friend, great student, great soccer player, always was easy-going and had a smile on his face. Marcos had a great future ahead of him, but one bad decision ended it all. However, Marcos death will not be in vain.

Everyone always talks about car safety, and even jokes around with the famous "click it or ticket." However, these precautions are very important, because they can save a life. YOU are responsible for yourself, there's not always going to be an adult there to say "put your seat belt on!" or "don't drive so fast!" You have the voice of reason, and remember that unnecessary mistakes often have the biggest consequences.

Now, a year after his death, his friends still remember Marcos every day. Last year's soccer team had the annual alumni vs team game dedicated to Marcos. During half time, Coach Medina had a ceremony and delivered a speech that brought tears to everyone's eyes. Also, there has been a mural painted in his honor on the track - the mural is a shirt with the #12. It's a symbol of his years as a soccer player at Southwest. It's been a year, and he still runs through everyone's thoughts; there's not one day when his friends and families don't think about him. Everyone misses him, but he's in a better place now.

You will be MISSED but NEVER forgotten.
R.I.P Marcos Isaac Ramirez "Chueco"
1991-2009♥
www.isaacramirez.com

Raiders Mob Dance for the Media

Raiders show off their dance skills.
by Vianney Casas

Flash Mob dance:Large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place and perform an unusual dance.

August 27, 2010 is a very important day for us Raiders. We had a chance to show off our Raider spirit. We had been waiting for it for weeks. We couldn't wait to show what The SOH Raiders were all about. The news would record it; almost every person in San Diego would watch us, and finally that August 27 came.

“ We will perform the mob dance on the 27th, KUSI News will be coming to record us“. Confusion and excitement filled the room as soon as the words came out of our teachers' mouths, and next thing we all new is we were practicing this weird yet fun and cool dance in our classes. Mob dance practices took place during step being led by Ms. Bush’s dance students, and surprisingly enough teachers practiced too! We practiced and practiced until everybody got it right. Everyone waited eagerly and with excitement for that 27 of August.

When the day came, you could feel the excitement among all Raiders, and if you looked around you would see the colors red, white and gold. It seemed like the perfect day, the weather was unpredictably cool. After some quick announcements and instructions everyone went out to the fields with their first period class. We were all arranged in rows, the dance students placed in the front. The cameras were already there. The excitement grew a little more, however this time combined with a bit of nerves. Once everyone was in their assigned place, the song “I got a feeling” by 'The Black Eyed Peas' started playing, and Raiders started dancing. The cameras started recording, flashes were everywhere and suddenly people were fist pumping, clapping from side to side and snapping fingers to the beat of the music. Everything went as it had been expected, although I must say, it went even better.

Raiders: Great job! You showed off your spirit and now we’re all stars. Now let the other schools be jealous.

*If you want to check out how the Raiders danced, here’s the link: http://www.kusi.com/home/Southwest-High-MOB-gets-down-on-football-field-101652598.html

Raiders and Drinking

Raiders Don't Need a Drink to Have Fun

By Vianney Casas

70% of teenagers drink or have drunk at least once. Approximately 60% of those drink at parties. “My social status rises”, “I forget about my problems”, “I have so much fun” are the most common excuses. There is no need for that; you do not need to drink. Drinking should not be a 'must-do' whenever you go out. Your social status can rise, you can forget about your problems, you can have fun without drinking.

Do you really want to be talked about because you were drunk at last night’s party? "But you had fun. Is it worth it? All that self-humiliation, those rumors, are they really worth it? There will be people talking about you, making fun of you, spreading rumors, and you will probably be remembered as the drunk girl/guy for weeks. “But you had fun”. Do you really want to go through all that, or do you want to have the admiration of your friends and family because you don’t need anything but your fun and great personality to have the time of your life? Those are the people that truly know how to have fun. Those are the naturals. They don’t need this “liquid” which will give them a terrible headache the next day. They were just born fun.

Don’t you want to be a natural too? Don’t listen to those that pressure you. Believe me, they are not your real friends(if they were your real friends, don’t you think they would want the best for you?) They are not the ones who are going to feel sick in the morning. They won’t be the ones feeling regretful and humiliated the rest of their lives. They won’t get made fun of. “Just one drink”. There is no such thing as that. Most people can not resist. One drink leads to another and next thing you’ll know is people will be pointing at you and laughing.

There is no need to turn into another person; you are amazing just like you are. Believe me, you WILL have fun. Make everyone proud, and most importantly, make YOURSELF proud. They say “live life without regrets” and you really don’t need this one.

Depression and Suicide Risks

It's Tough to be a Teen

By Stephanie Meza and Sierra Holter

•1 out of 4 teenagers suffers from depression.

•5,000 teenagers commit suicide every year.

•300-400 teen suicides are reported in Los Angeles every year.

•Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young persons aged 15-24.

•Teens that have attempted suicide in the past are likely to attempt suicide again; in fact, according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Center (3), about 1/3 of all teen suicide victims have tried to commit suicide before.

These statistics are alarming; yet, why do people always tend to avoid talking about depression and suicide? Most importantly, why do ADULTS always avoid talking about depression and suicide to teenagers? The reality is, depression and suicide are very sensitive subjects, and many adults make the lethal mistake of not talking about it to teenagers. It’s a morbid thing to talk about; no one wants to talk about death. We all accept it as a part of life but when someone takes their own life it becomes taboo. Teenage suicide is a statewide epidemic.

The fact that society finds a way to go around depression when it comes to talking about it leaves an open gap for curiosity. At Southwest the only open discussion about suicide is in Health Class, which even then leaves one questioning. Statistics really hit home when last year, one of our Raiders was a victim of depression, and saw no escape to it and decided to take his life away. It was a serious situation, however people managed to avoid talking about it, and it wasn’t really heard on campus, given the fact that it as such a sensitive thing to talk about. This situation could have been handled better by taking action and giving a talk about suicide to people on campus, teenagers have the right to learn about it, we never know if it could be affecting someone’s life. Sometimes “the talk” is really all that someone needs to know that depression can be treated, it can save a life. Suicide is 100% preventable.

A survey was conducted among 37 students of different grades to see what they know about depression, and what they think about discussing depression and suicide. The results were the following:

• 100% of the people who took the survey said that they know of someone who has been depressed.

•99% agree that adults avoid talking about depression and suicide.

•38% of them said they have felt sad for no apparent reason, which is a minor symptom of sadness; which can lead to depression.

The truth is, suicide and depression is hard to talk about, but it’s something we must do for everyone’s own good. People who suffer from depression need to know that it CAN be treated and it CAN be cured.

If you think you are suffering from depression, take a look at the following symptoms:

•Feelings of sadness or unhappiness

•Irritability or frustration, even over small matters

•Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities

•Insomnia or excessive sleeping

•Changes in appetite

•Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

•Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

•Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased concentration

•Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy — even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort

•Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things aren't going right

•Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

•Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

•Crying spells for no apparent reason

•Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

If you have a number of these symptoms, you might be suffering from depression. You need to know that you’re not alone. Many people suffer from depression, and it can be fixed. If you are depressed or having suicidal thoughts you must get professional help immediately: You can contact the school’s physiologist through your counselor or call

(619)628-3614.

You can also call suicide crisis hotlines: 1-800-784-2433

(714) 639-8336

You should also know that you’re NOT alone, and there’s ALWAYS someone out there who CARES and LOVES you unconditionally.

Sources: http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html

http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-suicide/teen-suicide-statistics.html

http://www.suhsd.k12.ca.us/soh/?page_id=1097

Raiders want their teacher

By Jasmine Straw

Last year, there was a lot of ruckus about an AP class that wasn't going to be offered at our school. This class was AP Physics. For our students to be able to get this course offered, many signed a petition and even argued with the principal about why the class should be offered.

Earlier that year, our parents and students fought to keep two of our teachers, Mr. Orin and Miss Waters, expecting to see them on campus this year. To the student's great surprise, they did not see them that following school year. The courses that they had once taught were being taught by a new teacher, or no teacher at all.

In room 905, AP Physics, CP Physics, and Earth Science are supposed to taught, yet there is still no permanent teacher in that spot. It has been over a month since school started and there is still no actual learning going on. Many, if not all, students are getting rather upset about this, even their parents.

At Open House, many of the AP Physics students' parents came to open and complained to the principal about this issue. There, parents were told that there was a teacher being put into the position and that it would take 3-5 business days until said teacher would be finished signing the contract. Yet eight "business days" later, there is still a substitute teacher in that position.

The students are asking their substitute when they are supposed to be getting their teacher, but even she doesn't know. It seems like everything about this is being kept in the dark and the students can only hope that they have their teacher when they walk into the class. They definitely have been more than patient.