The Phoenician Vol Ii Ed I

Fall Edition

Inside Stories



Mission Early College High School

Volume II Edition I

The New Grill in School Cafeteria Finally Open

Brian JACINTO-Writer

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Students race to the small café in order to beat contestants to the line, failure will mean having to wait an extensive period of time before getting your food. This is how it was before MECHS got a new cafeteria. Now it is a “golden age” because students don’t have to wait as long in order to satisfy their growling stomachs. The cafeteria took an extensive period of time to be established and that frustrated some of the students. Now it’s open and it is serving students and staff. The cafeteria started serving around the first day of September and that made students ecstatic. The new cafeteria has double the lines and a much increased seating capacity than the old cafeteria. Sophomore Salvador Fernandez said, “The [new] cafeteria is pretty cool, but it took [too] long to be ready…the old cafeteria [was] cheap and the line was really long, and with new one I [now] think it’s going to be better and faster to get food.”

A group of sophomores smile as it is the first day they get to eat in their new cafeteria. Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer

The cafeteria is better due to its bigger capacity and faster service according to many students in MECHS. Sophomore Edmur

Lara said, “It’s bigger than the portable so it’s something better”. With the new cafeteria students

MECHSimum Capacity All Classifications

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Freshman Renee Espinoza, Sophomore Amanda Bond, Junior Estephania Nuñez, and Senior Nelly Campos evolve throughout their journey at MECHS. Matthew ALONZO-Photographer

Karla SANCHEZ-Writer

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will now have a more enjoyable experience during lunch, and enjoy their time in MECHS.

August 8th, the first day of school at Mission Early College High School, students whisper to one another anxiously; some look frightened, others excited and happy, and others have a superior air to them. Those who look scared are most likely fresh-

men. The happy and excited ones are probably sophomores, who are thankful for finishing their first year at MECHS. The juniors are just happy to see their friends on a regular basis again. Junior Alex Castillo says, “The only reason I came back to school was to see my friends [because] I miss them.”

With no question as to who have a superior air to them -seniors, have finished all but one year at MECHS with flying colors, some even finishing their Associates and attending UTEP this fall semester. Finally, the school many doubted has all classifications Most students are excited about having

all classifications. Sophomore Micheal Amaya says, “It [all classifications] makes it feel more like a regular school, but I think it’s getting packed.” Sophomore Valerie Tafoya agrees, “The lunch lines are so long, it takes forever to get food, and sometimes you don’t even get to eat.” Most freshmen students are excited about attending MECHS. Freshmen Jasmine Yerena says, “It’s a great opportunity, its fun and I love being here.” While most can agree the hardest thing as a freshman is managing work load Fernie Valles didn’t hesitate in disagreeing, “Ms. Lara!!!!” But he later rethinks this and asks “Oh wait is she going to see this? While most are excited about having all classifications, some students don’t seem to notice. Senior Martha Cruz says, “I really don’t even talk to people who aren’t seniors.” On the other hand senior Joseph Saucedo tells fellow student Steven Segal, “You should be thankful, because thanks to [all classifications] you have a girlfriend” It has now become a circle, with one classification preparing to leave, as new ones replace them.

2 Л= 3.14? More like 25 cents… Bobbi FOSTER-Writer

Freshmen Amorette Visser fires a sponge full of whipped cream at Mr. Ray’s face. Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer

Freshmen Kaira Henderson observes as the launched sponge flies towards its destination. Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer

Math instructor Andrew Waxman had whipped cream smeared all over his cool science goggles and his black trash bag was smoothly converted to an apron in the pie throwing contest in August. According to Waxman the contest was not good or bad, “it was exactly what I expected and people got to throw things at the teachers without getting in trouble.” Despite Waxman being the main target for the students, he wasn’t scared to get hit except for when he saw that one kid that gave him the goose bumps, “Jamie Soto, he was the only one that hit me in the face.” Bedsides Waxman there were two other targets for the students to hit, biology instructor Mr. Ray being one of them was playfully taunting and mocking the students to throw and aim better. His taunting did test the student’s anger a bit but there was one student who used his anger a bit more proficiently, “Cabral Jerry, it’s the first time that they got me and he got me in the goggles,” said Mr. Ray.

Ray claimed he would be a better participant if the game was switched and he was the one throwing the pie instead of the students because he would use his science smarts, “I understand physics, when you throw harder you miss more.” The third teacher, English instructor Mrs. Clarke got off easily because she wasn’t as big as a target as Mr. Waxman and probably didn’t get hit more than five times. “I was disappointed because I thought they were trying to be nice like holding back,” said Mrs. Clarke. The price to hit the teachers with a pie was 25 cents--not really a pie--just a sponge covered in whipped cream. Although it wasn’t a real pie students would still give anything to get a chance to hit a teacher, “it feels good to torture them for once,” says freshman Karen Rojo she wasn’t the only one searching for revenge. Students like junor Robert Mendez had a good reason for revenge, “If the teachers were throwing the pies, they would probably want revenge too.”

Summer Splash Course Brian JACINTO - Writer

It was a drizzling experience for some students in MECHS during an obstacle course. Contestants faced water balloons, mini scooters, hula hoops, and a battalion of sharp shooters. A competing sophomore named Diego Oliveros said, “People were throwing balloons at me and they hurt if they didn’t pop.” It was a cloudy yet hot afternoon August 14, 2009, the day the school decided to set up the Obstacle Course designed by leadership and Ms. Alcantar. The obstacle course had an array of levels and teams. Oliveros’s says, “We had to do 10 hula hoops then we had to run and then jump the rope ten times and then get into the carts and roll ourselves to victory!” The day was a summer splash to remember and according to Ms. Alcantar their will be another one soon to come. With construction out of the way, Ms. Alcantar said leadership will be more ca-

Wild sponge with whipped cream splashes Mr. Waxman the math instructor. Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer

pable of making a better, longer, and more fun obstacle course. Some people said the obstacle course was to short and easy. Celia Garcia said, “It wasn’t so much competitive, but it was really fun.” Leadership will try and intensify the difficulty of the course The obstacle course/Hawaiian day was a relaxing day for students. They could forget about the pressure from work which was an objective for the organizers. Many people agreed it was a good day and it seems that the next ones to come will be better. Ms. Alcantar said, “The course was easy but it was meant to be fun which it was for the participants. We will have another one once the school construction is over.” Oliveros’s final words were, “I would really like to do it again but I think [it will be better] if we could’ve had more time to plan it and get more people involved.” Many people are waiting for it to happen

Alex Castillo rolls with style into the finish line. Eric WALDEN-Photographer

again hoping for the new improvements to be added, because most people such as Oliveros hoped the course was more long and elaborate. Ms. Alcantar said, “Leadership will plan a longer and more difficult course with added equipment, such as bicycles and a possible water features at the end of the year.”

A flying pink water ballon eyes it’s next victim. Eric WALDEN-Photographer

Karla Cruz-muros dodges water ballons while sliding on her scooters. Eric WALDEN -Photographer

Stephanie Sanchez calls for the first two teams to compete. Eric WALDEN-Photographer

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Fun in the Sun Daffney MYERS - Writer E��� WALDEN - Photographer Sand, swimsuits, and tons of water (which do not exist in the city of El Paso) were celebrated by the students of Mission Early College High School. Beach Day on August 14th was an all day event put together by Leadership and Ms. Alcantar. The sponsor of the activity is delighted everything went well and still had the chance to have fun with the other students. Ms. Alcantar said, “I think it was very successful…the obstacle course went well. We accomplished everything we wanted to accomplish. It was a big icebreaker for the students…it showed [the freshman that] they can do things other schools cannot.”

The wet weather made some happy and others gloomy, but sunny or not some people did not like their activity. Freshman Aiden Martinez responded, “I guess it is good that we get to [have] more dressed up [days]. But we have free dress as it is.” Sophomore Haylee Fierro was in a more positive mood and ready for the anything. “It is pretty cool [to get dressed in beach wear],” said Fierro. The smile she wore spread from one ear to the next spreading the joy she felt. The rain was an unexpected extra addition to the day for some of the students who participated in beach day. “[I am] pretty excited even though it is rain-

ing and cold…it feels like we are at a beach because it is wet, sandy, and cold,” said junior Eric Walden. Coming in beach wear was not easy for some people to do. But senior Rene Orantia was happy to dress the part. Orantia said, “It was really cool and really fun dressing like a beach…most classes participated.” The ice breaker on August 14th did its job well and helped many of the freshman make new friends. It was a fun and interesting day thanks to Leadership. Leadership followed up Beach Day with Movie Night on September 18th and an outdoor screening of “Gremlins.”

Ms. Alcantar looks for revenge.

Principle Dr. Aguirre spots his next dry prey.

Faculty Car Wash Joseph SAUCEDO - Writer Karla BERNAL - Photographer Students weathered the blistering heat on Friday, August 24th in an effort to express appreciation for instructors and faculty members. Ms. Alcántar, in collaboration with Leadership members, organized a non-profit car wash. Held on a Flexible Friday, some students made the extra effort to partake in the event by using ‘free’ class periods to go out and show their support. “I thought it would be a good way to show teachers that we are thankful for what they do and it sounded like an event that would also be fun,” says Senior Nelly Campos, a proud participant in the Leadership orchestrated event. Students participating in the car wash were working cooperatively, washing, rinsing, and even parking the cars.

Regardless of the light rain showers later that day, students who participated in the car wash say that the teachers were thankful and appreciative. In light of El Paso’s unpredictability when it comes to weather, our own Mr. Brewer humorously pointed out that the ill-timed showers only confirmed Murphy’s Law. “When you wash your car, it rains.” When asked why he chose to partake in such an event, “...a student offered and I thought it would be fun for them to wash a gigantic van.” “[Leadership] will be doing something for teachers every month and I’ll be happy to help with what I can,” says Campos. Students interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up for Leadership with Ms. Alcantar in the Pac Room. Senior Bernice Nevarez makes sure that every part of the car is clean.

Senior students wash Mrs. Bonilla’s black Hummer.

Senior Jonathan Shoman gazes down as he helps clean Mrs. Bonilla’s Hummer.

Senior Daniel Anaya has the ultimate water power in his hands!

Senior Hatty Lara has fun drying a car.

Story By: Joseph SAUCEDO Pictures By: Eric WALDEN

partially to blame for ‘SenioriSe•nior•i•tis (\,sē-nyər-’ī- tis’ among a multitude of other təs\) – A crippling illness affect- sources. ing high school seniors everyMany of the May graduates are regularly attending where. It is often characterized UTEP though they have not yet by chronic laziness, excessive absences/tardiness, and dismiscompleted high school courses required for a diploma. Senior sive tendencies. Many high schools across Edna Vazquez says, “I think most of the UTEP students think the states are plagued by the illness, blissfully unaware of its the same way in terms of giving priority to our college courses source and detrimental effects over high school classes.” Does on seniors. an Associates Degree make our Senior Steven Seigel says that Senioritis, even in mild May grads any less prone to the cases, “…can lead to dissatisfy- perils of Senioritis? “There isn’t too much ing grades.” In short, failure to to prevent it [Senioritis] other attend class, both high school and college-level, can be severe- than having reality check,” says Seigel. Attending class on a ly disadvantageous by the time habitual basis and prioritizing Finals Week arrives. are some of the few preventative Though the cause is unclear, Senior Jackie Gallinar measures that can be taken. says that, “Having the feeling of living up to expectations,” is Senior Nelly Campos visists Nurse Brisette to be sure she is not infected with Senioritis

SENIORITIS CHECKLIST Attention seniors! The following test will assess your level of Senioritis. Answer each question truthfully and calculate your score. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. • • • • 8. 9. 10.

You’ve ‘ditched’ 2 or more classes this semester. You don’t attend 1 or more of the classes listed on your Flexible Friday Sheet. There are Fridays you ‘forget’ to turn-in your Flexible Friday Sheet. ARMI is a class period you are comfortable arriving late to, or even ‘ditching.’ You arrive late to school on a daily basis. You often study minutes before an exam. You’ve done one of the following with your Flexible Friday Driven to Pavo Reàl for a quick swim Watched Transformers 2 at the dollar movies Went off-roading near the SAC Just took off and headed home for the day You are constantly called into the office in regard to your attendance. You finish homework late at night or the morning it is due. You’ve disregarded most of the work assigned this semester.

0-2 Level 1: You are right on track. Nothing more than a seasonal case of Senioritis. Contact your doctor immediately if condition worsens. 3-5 Level 2: There is room for improvement. It’s time to consider attending class on a regular basis and studying for exams well beforehand. 6-8+ Level 3: Outright Senioritis! Your infirmity is highly contagious. It would be best to distance yourself from peers. This is by far the most severe degree of Senioritis.

Senior Mike Caracoza’s Senioritis forces him to crush any lowerclassmen he sees.

Juniors Eric Walden and Brandon Manning bow down to Seniors Wendy Rodriguez, Monica Flores and Nelly Campos.

FASHION Trends Tiffany Zuniga

Gabriel Duron

Daniel Trejo

Fashionistas

Cheros

The “Fashionistas” cat walk down the runway, every single day. They make the rules and they break the rules but still always look fabulous. These type people always have a pair of zebra printed high heels hanging around in their closet.

Preps

Hollister, Pac Sun, American Eagle, Aeropostale, Abercrombie and Fitch every brand in the mall you name, they got it. And they make sure you know they have name brand clothes because the name, “Hollister” is printed in big white letters across their shirt. Not to mention their clothes always match to perfection. You’re walking down the halls of Mission High School when you see some guy with a neon green, three-foot Mohawk. When you go to the vending machine, you notice a girl with a pair of red heels clacking away down the hallway. You discover she’s not the only one doing the clacking when you see a boy with white cowboy boots and a perfectly matching belt. Through the doors of Mission are different fashion trends worn by everybody, from “Rockers” to “preppies” and in-between. In the trendsetter’s mind they represent more than just style. Their style represents culture, personality, appearance and the most important, who they truly are.

Is a shortened name for “Ranchero” and originated from the Mexican culture. The attire usually requires matching boots and a belt. The cowboy hat is always a must. “Cheros” can be seen ripping up the dance floor in the middle of a duranguense song.

Fashion Speaks

Dominic Alonso

Vanity Flores George Ugalde

Bobbi Foster-Writer Martha Cruz-Photographer

Jocks

The “jocks” can be seen screaming, “Score” like a mad man around the fields. The extra talented kid is always running around in Reebok basketball shorts and pair of Nikes. Things like heels and ties are a hidden behind thousands of soccer trophies under their bed.

Rockers

From dark black eyeliner to purple spiked up hair, the “rockers” know how to cause a conversation with their black baggy pants and their graphical band ties. “Rockers” can always be spotted at a Metallica concert shaking their heads and hair in an adrenaline rush.

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armi

New On Campus

W����� - M����� ANAYA

The following takes place between 8:10 am and 8:15 am. Students run around frantically, hurrying to reach their classrooms in time. The sound of footsteps, confusion, and doors slamming drown out everything else. The following takes place from 8:25 am to 8:30 am. Students entered their respective classroom, trying to find a seat. Anchors John Pacheco and Xavier Martinez inform clueless students of upcoming events and important announcements. The following takes place from 8:30 am and 9:00 am. Peeking inside English teacher Sergio Perez, students are discussing a novel. Students in music instructor Joshua Brewer are going over their agendas and learning

how to become better students. Math instructor Andrew Waxman works with his students to interpret President Obama’s quotes. ARMI class has commenced this year for the first time in the Socorro District, including MECHS. It has begun with the sole purpose of helping students who need the extra help in class. “The district has started with this class to provide during the mentoring periods accelerated information to the students who need it,” Vice Principal Ivette Savina says. MECHS does not have a high rate of failure. So how are we taking advantage of this class? Savina explains, “Here at MECHS we are using it to show our students how to be successful. We use specific

Volleyball

Photo Provided By: Alex CASTILLO G���� ���� ����� �� ARMI ����� �� ����� ������ �� ��� ��� ��� S�������� [D����� V�������]

Sophomore Damian Valencia goes over notes in ARMI class. Photographer - Alex CASTILLO activities with hopes of showing students how they can access the information they need.” Students have mixed emotions about this new class. Students like junior Juan Bolanos are excited about ARMI class. Bolanos says, “I really like this class because it helps you reflect upon yourself. You get to develop good studying habits.” Not everyone shares Bolanos’s feelings. Sophomore Micaela

Pearson says, “I think that this class is bad because it adds more work than what we are already doing.” Despite feeling overloaded, Pearson adds she will give that class her best. “I will probably pass it because I can’t let myself fail anything. I still think I’m going to pass,” Micaela says. Freshman who had high hopes of starting class later found themselves disappointed to learn school will now start at 8:15 am. Freshman Erik Duran says, “I

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Junior Eric Walden writes all of his good habits. Photographer - Alex CASTILLO thought it was pretty cool to go to high school. But I was kind of surprised they were extending our time in school and I didn’t like that.” MECHS instructors are working hard with Savina and Principal Dr. Aguirre to adjust to this new period. Savina says, “We try to promote organization and time management. We think that those skills are important to have and practice so you can become a very successful student.

Phoenix Activity Center

Article By: Miguel ANAYA

P������������ - Gabriel SANCHEZ

Photographer - Alex CASTILLO “Mine!” yells senior Eddie Gardea as he quickly reacts to the incoming ball. Everyone on the field slowly squats down, watching the server with squinted eyes. The sun beats down on their backs as their eyes lock firmly on the server. The server raises the ball up slowly, holding it like sort of trophy. She tosses it up in the air and smacks it into the other direction, the sound of the impact sends a rush of adrenaline through every player. Volleyball sponsor Adrian Estroga keeps his eyes glued to the ball as it flies back and forth between players, ready to point out any rule violations and pronounce Sending the ball soaring over the net, freshman Paulina the winner. Samenego fights to break a tied score. Geometry teacher Estorga will be organizing and monitoring this year’s MECHS volleyball tournament. “Before [we had organized sport tournaments], we had students playing volleyball [during lunch either way] and Ms Alcantar took it upon herself to organize the students into a tournament. Last year, Coach Arvizu organized the tournament and this year it was fallen upon me to do it,” Estorga says. Students are getting into the action, whether they are playing or watching. Junior Angel Cepeda says, “I entered the tournament because volleyball is a fun sport and I hope our team wins.” Queens of the Court Captain Alex Castillo says, “Our prize will be pride and knowing we beasted it up out there.” This year’s sports sponserer Estorga said he made major improvements to make the games as fun and efficient as possible. “Last year we had the problem of having students taking classes at Valle Verde during scheduled games and they couldn’t make it. This year I took that into consideration and asked everyone when they could play so that we didn’t run into that problem again.” Games will run into the end of the month, so students will still be able to get a glimpse of the players tearing it up.

Leadership students prepare a poster for an upcoming event.

Josh Cardoza listenst to his favorite music in the PAC.

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New Year, New Faces By Karla Sanchez & Valerie Tafoya A new school year has brought new staff to Mission Early College High School. MECHS not only has a new freshman class but, new teachers and staff members for this 2009-10 school year. MECHS now has a new teacher for 10th grade chemistry, dance, physical education, BCIS (Business Computer Informatrion System), 9th grade English, 11th grade English, government. Gloria Jurado is the new office clerk, Ms. Quintanilla the new attendance clerk and Mr. Miranda is the new counslor. The new teachers have praised Mission Early College High School. The new dance teacher Ms. Perez said, “I’m really excited, I have a supportive staff, a supportive administration, that encourages me and, the students are great.”

The new staff members prefer MECHS and are happy of being part of the staff. “I love it, I couldn’t be anywhere else”, said new Physical Education teacher, Ms. Gonzalez. The new BCIS teacher, Mr. Bonilla, said, “Should I tell the truth?”when asked about how MECHS first got in touch with him. Bonilla got in touch with Dr. Aguirre first with the help of Mrs. Bonilla. MECHS seems to bring a new environment to many of the new staff members. Sophmore chemistry teacher, Ms. Abano’s old high school had a population of 3,000 students. “Nobody knew each other” Abano said. The new teachers described their previous jobs. Mr. Bonilla said, “I was teaching, but I was doing credit recovery in

Socorro high school for super seniors.” Abano said,“Standardized tests counted as major grades” in her previous position. The teacher from other cities or states commented on how changes have come. The new chemistry teacher, Mrs. Abano, has just moved to El Paso from North Carolina. Abano said, “The people [in El Paso] are friendly and helpful.” The new school year was a new start. Mrs. Adrienne Abano, Ms. Monica Perez, Ms. Yanel Gonzalez, Mr. Raymond Bonilla, Ms. Angela Clarke, Mr. Segio Perez, Mr. Robert Acosta, Ms. Gloria Jurado, Ms. Cristina Quintanilla and, Mr. Humberto Miranda were all part of this new start. They now represent MECHS staff and enjoy being here. Ms. Perez is one of the many new teachers at Mission Early College High School. Her curriculum is dance and health. Photographer- Matthew Alonso

Having much knowledge about chemistry, new teacher Ms. Abaño will give insight about molecules to sophomore students. Photographer- Matthew Alonso

New teacher, Mr. Bonilla, works hard on his lectures, as he is proud to be apart of the Mission Staff. Photographer- Matthew Alonso

Attendance clerk, Ms. Cristina Quintanilla places a phone call. Photographer- Evelia Fraire

Phoenix Flames & Embers Members

The Phoenix Flames coordinator, Ms. Perez, shows everyone a section of the tryout dance. Photographer- Eric Walden

To prevent any injury, everyone stretched out their muscles by doing butterflies. Photographer- Eric Walden

Everyone stretches out their back so it would be easier to move and dance around. Photographer- Eric Walden

Nohemy Aleman Gaby Velez Ana Vasquez Lisa Garcia Alex Castillo Valerie Molina Jessica Dominguez Leyla Palacios Meagan Alvarado Alex Apodaca Gizelle Silerio Ana Diaz de Leon Jeana Nevarez Clarissa Herrera Rocio Fernandez

Mitzelle Escobar Hattly Lara Alyssa Colacion Estefania Nunez Griselda Arreola Courtney Magnason Miriam Pando Amanda Lujan Joanna Rodriguez Wendy Garcia Jazmine Gallardo Kaory Flores Daphne Myers Kaitlyn Iager Erika Quiroz Michelle Jimenez

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Student Submissions

A Blast of Silence

Matt Chapman - Special to The Phoenician

The plaza theater gives you a unique sense of the old art-deco style with a new age spirit. When you are seated, a light show representing an elaborate day and night rendtiton behind it, different to starting a movie as opposed to previews. In the end it’s worth the drive and the cost. I saw a movie called “Blast of Silence” at the plaza film festival on Friday, August 14th. The movie was black and white, we had to see this movie because the one we wanted was sold out. I found that the movie was a good mix of suspense, action, and mystery for a black and white movie from the early 60’s. The movie begins in New York City with a hit-man named

Frankie Bono who was there for a job from Cincinnati. The movie begins at Christmas time with a cetrtain emptiness that Frankie feels being away from home with no family. He sees a world around him filled with happiness and family togetherness and feels at times bitter that he can not experience that happiness. The feeling of loneliness gets worse when frankie sees some old friends form the orphanage he grew up in and they invite him in for a Christmas Eve party, only reminding him what the happiness of family brings. He soon falls in love with a girl he knew, but he is rejected after finding out she already has a boyfriend. The dismayed Frankie becomes

only more dismayed after realizing that he still has a job to do and that’s the only reason he’s in New york for. Frankie then becomes distraught from his job as he has to kill a bystander who gets in his way of finishing his job. After talking with his bosses he is told that he signed a contract and has to finsh the job or it’s his life in jeopardy. The moment of climax comes when the guy Frankies is supposed to kill falls into his trap. Frankie kills him and barely gets away. Only

a few is

sage.

moments later Frankie tracked down by the target’s bodygaurds and is shot and killexd. The title, “Burst of Silence” comes from the silence that is brought to Frankie when he is shot and killed. Overall I thought the movie was a good movie, it had a good balance of action with a mes-

Costa Rica

Zach Reyna - Special to The Phoenician

When you travel, you often buy a postcard of one of your favorite attractions since it depicts the beauty of the experiences you had there much better than any picture or story you can write. Not in Costa Rica. In this Central American paradise, you dive deep into these picturesque articles of postage and experience the adventure first hand. While the tour was conducted through EF Tours, whose purpose is to introduce and educate students about foreign countries, that doesn’t mean learning a few facts and figures here and there made the excursion any less thrilling. Over the course of two weeks in June, we learned little bits about the geography of Costa Rice while swimming at the foot of La Fortuna, one of the

country’s most gorgeous waterfalls. We witnessed the biodiversity over the region by walking the paths of INBIOparque, a reservation showcasing the different species unique to the country. We discovered Lake Arenal was the largest in the land while kayaking through its waters. And you can really only learn how sporadic the whether is over there when you experience a sudden downpour in the middle of horseback riding in the mountains (it literally felt like someone poured buckets of water on us!). Though activities such as ziplining through the jungle (and a kilometer between mountains at that) were exhilarating, unique and sometimes plain scary, it was just as fun to sit and relax on the beach

with your friends, old and new. It can be said that traveling with the people you hold close to your heart can really put a test to your relationship but in this Latin American heaven it’s hard not to love everyone you meet. Over the course the trip, the different groups of friends began to merge and fuse, introducing us to new friends and strengthening the ties to our existing ones to create lasting bonds that span a lifetime. But don’t worry about being left out of this amazing opportunity, for those of you who wish they could’ve gone there’s going to be another trip to Costa Rica filled with some familiar activities as well as new expeditions to enjoy in 2011.

Senior Zach Reyna and a fellow travaler Claudia Ramirez try on their shells

Artists of the Future

By Laura Saucedo Picture on bottom: “Black Bird L”

Anna Patino-Artist