We all got called down to the main gym and we had to sit down with our grades in separate corners. It was really packed with a lot of people and there was nowhere to sit and it was way too loud. For freshmen it was hard to get a seat because there were a lot of people sitting on the bleachers so half of us had to sit on the floor because of how packed it was.
Everything got settled down but when it was about to start everyone started to yell “Freshman go home!” I was really surprised about how loud it was and how funny it was people yelling at us, but it wasn’t that bad.
Then the cheerleaders had a performance for us and they did really well. After they were done some teachers were just talking about being respectful and kind but no one really listened.
After that, some kids explained some sports that they do at Highland and what it was about and all of that, and then they walked through the limbo and it was really funny.
Then the football boys and soccer girls and boys had a dance performance in front of everyone. They did really well and then the moment everyone has waiting for came: the homecoming queen and king.
The people that participated walked and did a dance and went in the middle of the gym. Everyone voted for a queen & king and one of the teachers got the microphone and said the winners for each grade. The winners got to sit in a special chair.
After all that was over, everyone started to yell once again “Freshman go home!” and it wasn’t that bad but it was just embarrassing. I guess it’s a tradition for American schools though.
And that was my experience for my first ever pep fest.
In May 2023, Nintendo released ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (TOTK) which was one of the Switch’s most anticipated games after the success of ‘Breath of the Wild’. Unfortunately, the creators of the game had stated there would be no follow up content or a DLC for TOTK, as they believed that it had everything they had intended it to be on its initial release. While the game was considered amazing, plenty of fans were disappointed that was where it was going to end.
It appears the Zelda developers are serious about moving on from the 2017 ‘Breath of the Wild’ world that remains a fan favorite even half a decade later, as in June 2024, the new main Zelda game had been announced. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ is scheduled to release on September 26, and it’s style is the same as ‘The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening’, which has led me, and other fans to assume it’s a sequel or set in the same Hyrule as ‘Link’s Awakening’.
One thing that you can immediately notice is different from the other LOZ games when you first watch the trailer is that you do not play as Link in this game, but rather Zelda. This is the first main Zelda game in which you actually play as the princess Zelda. The trailer displays a recurring gameplay mechanic that revolves around collecting items and creating imitation versions that are useful for exploration and combat.
Personally, I am very excited for a new main title game in the series, but I’ve never been a fan of the toy-like and simple graphics. It makes it hard for me to take the gameplay seriously, and it’s indicative to me that the game will be easy. I’m aware Nintendo makes their main games for kids and families, though, so it’s not something I am upset about.
Children are raised differently around the world, but one experience that most kids share is school. How you get to school can vary greatly between students. Whether you bike, walk, take public transportation, carpool, or hike through the mountains, everyone arrives at the same destination.
According to Saferoutesinfo.org, “In 1969, 48% of children 5 to 14 years of age usually walked or bicycled to school.” This has dramatically decreased since then, and has fallen to only 13%. In 1969 89% of children who lived within a mile of school walked or bicycled. Now only 35% bike or walk. This decrease has been happening steadily over the course of the last 50 years. As more vehicles are on the road, biking and walking become inherently more dangerous. More and more parents see walking/biking to school as unsafe which may lead them to instead drive their kids to school. This feeds into the cycle.
However, not everywhere in the world is like this. For example, the city of Oulu, Finland has recently become one of the most pedestrian and bike friendly cities in the world. They did this by greatly increasing the amount of bike infrastructure, and plowing the bike paths immediately after the snow falls. According to BBC, “In one of Oulu’s biggest schools Metsokangas, more than 90% of the children get to school by bike or on foot.” Although the average for the city schools overall is 50%, it’s still incredibly impressive seeing that it’s the 4th most northern city in the world.
Biking to school in the middle of the winter may seem difficult, but it’s nothing compared to how strenuous of a journey some kids in China had to go through. Some kids had to hike almost half way up a mountain to get to school in Gulu Village, China. From 2005-2011 students in the Gulu Village would have to hike 3-5 hours to reach a school that stood atop the mountain. They had to take a windy path that is filled with many twists and bends. The narrowest part of the trail is 40 centimeters.
The school was first made of mud, but the principal Shen Qijun through support of the people living below transformed it into a somewhat safe building complete with five classrooms and a restroom. Soon the school lacked funding, and it was decided to relocate down below in the village. This is only a small glimpse into the different challenges school kids face around the world.
According to the ‘Keck Medicine of USC’s’ Kurt Mong, eggs are a great source of high protein and also have very low calories. Eggs also contain a ton of vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.
Many people eat eggs to maintain or lose weight as well. Research shows that people that eat eggs may lose up to 65% more weight than people that eat their eggs with a bagel, according to ‘Sauder’s Eggs’
People think that what they eat in the morning doesn’t affect your body throughout the day, but it actually does both physically and mentally. Breakfast options like cereal or donuts may slow you down, but eggs improve your physical and mental health for the entire day. This is because of the nutrients/vitamins that are in eggs. Eggs have vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, which are all huge benefits to your bones and brain.
Eggs are also a protein powerhouse. Eggs are a very good option for people that workout/go to the gym because of the protein. Kirkland brand eggs have 6 grams of protein per egg, meaning if you eat 5 eggs every morning you will already have half of your needed grams of protein for the day, and protein builds muscle.
According to the ‘KRQE’ eggs are America’s favorite breakfast food and around 65% of people throughout the United States eat eggs every morning for breakfast. Eggs are also a very good food to combine other foods with, for example a lot of people will make eggs with sausage or bacon or fruit which makes it into more of a meal.
Another appealing factor about eggs is that there are so many different types of eggs to make, some people even go as far as to say that there are over 100 ways to cook eggs. A couple examples would be scrambled, hard boiled, sunny side up, and omelet, but those are just the popular ones, there’s a ton more that I didn’t mention.
In Hmong culture, shamans will use veils for different purposes. Different colors have different purposes. Back in Laos and Thailand, there weren’t many color options, meaning there was only black and red, and even now the most common three veil colors are red, black, and white, while other veil colors aren’t as common or aren’t used as much as today.
Red:
The red veils are commonly linked to modern-day shamans who have spirit guides from various cultures beyond their ancestral ones. Many of them collaborate with angels and ascended masters. The color red is a powerful color often associated with protection and vitality. Wearing a red veil is often a way to feed off evil spirits or negative energies. Red is believed to be a color that repels negative forces, providing a strong shield of spiritual protection.
Black:
The black veils symbolize the ancestral shaman lineage. The color black signifies protection, secrecy, and a connection to the spirit world. In various shamanic customs, black is considered a safeguarding hue that conceals the shaman’s identity. Shamans with the black veil aid in soul retrieval and prevent souls from transitioning into another realm.
White:
The white veils are associated with the psychic shaman who can foresee into the future. Shamans who wear the white veils may seem more experienced or skilled with a stronger connection to the spiritual realm. They perform divination readings and they generally symbolize purity, peace, and protection. The color white is often used in rituals for its association with clarity, spiritual cleanliness, and to guide the souls of the deceased safely to the afterlife. The color is often associated with death and the afterlife.
Green:
The green veils are typically associated with growth, healing, nature, and balance. In shamanic practices green represents life and renewal and is often connected with the natural world and plant spirits. Shamans may wear the green veils in healing ceremonies or rituals intended to bring physical or emotional healing. It can also be seeking guidance or blessings from nature spirits or when emphasizing balance and harmony.
Orange:
The orange veil symbolizes enlightenment, wisdom, and spiritual authority. They are associated with divine beings, higher spiritual knowledge, and ancestors who possess deep wisdom. The veil could be worn in ceremonies focused on seeking wisdom, guidance, or blessings from ancestors or spiritual beings. They represent connection to higher knowledge and spiritual insight.
Purple:
The purple veil is not commonly used in the Hmong traditions. The color purple can symbolize a higher spiritual calling or the ability to communicate with powerful ancestors. It symbolizes transformation and spiritual enlightenment, bridging the gap between earthly and spiritual dimensions. Additionally, the purple veil signifies a connection to the divine, spiritual authority, and elevated consciousness.
Yellow:
The yellow veil is associated with earth and life. It symbolizes protection, healing, and guidance during rituals; it’s also sometimes linked to enlightenment or wisdom. The shaman wearing a yellow veil often guides lost souls back to their rightful place, whether in the world of the living or the afterlife.
Blue:
The blue veil is associated with wisdom, calmness, and communication with spiritual guides. It could be used during ceremonies that involve seeking wisdom or communicating with ancestors or spirit guides for insight. Blue could also represent healing, particularly emotional or spiritual healing. A shaman wearing a blue veil may be conducting rituals focused on restoring balance, bringing peace to troubled souls or calming energies in situations of unrest.
Melbourne City – Melbourne, the home of Australian fashion is known for its lively culture and vibrant lifestyle. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, one of the 7 states/territories of Australia. There is live music and jazz clubs around every corner as well as massive shopping malls. There is a free tram to access anything in the inner city circle so you can go anywhere anytime.
The great ocean road is a 240 kilometer long drive that’s west end starts in Victoria, and is where you can see the world’s best coastal views, such as the 12 Apostles.
Katoomba Waterfalls
Katoomba Cascades, BlueMountains – The Blue Mountains are part of a mountain range called the Great Dividing Range, which ranges all the way from South Australia to Queensland. There are gorgeous walking tracks, beautiful views of the Australian greenery and many fun activities.
There are many local art galleries like the Lost Bear Gallery and cafes and shops nearby as well as the Scenic Skyway which is a cable car ride which glides suspended in the air. It has a 360 panoramic view of the landscape.
Sydney Harbor Bridge – Sydney is actually not the capital of Australia, yet it is the most famous city in Australia. Sydney is known for its beaches, shopping and entertainment. Go to Allianz Stadium where the women’s football World Cup was held last year to catch an A-League soccer game or head to the Sydney cricket stadium to watch the Big Bash League cricket matches.
Sydney never sleeps and people can be seen walking or playing basketball 24/7. Sydney’s most famous beach is Bondi Beach but there are many hidden gems in Sydney’s neighboring town, Newcastle.
Bogey Hole
Bogey Hole, Newcastle – The beaches of Newcastle are undoubtedly the best beaches in Australia. Red Head, Merewether, Nobbys and Newcastle beaches are beautiful places to visit. Nobbys Beach also has rich Australian history, as the boardwalk was built by the blood and sweat of English convicts. The boardwalk connects the beach to Nobbys Head and Nobbys Lighthouse, which guides ships to the biggest export/import port in Australia.
Next to Merewether Beach is Merewether Baths, which is an outdoor swimming area enclosed from the ocean, but lets in ocean water.
Bogey Hole was dug out by convicts as a private pool for Colonel James Morisett. Now, it’s clear water is open to the public, so that they can enjoy the beautiful views.
Sunset in Orange
CentralWest – Central West, New South Wales is where the pinnacle of Australian life is. It is just across the Blue Mountains shielded away from the city.
Lake Canobolas (which is actually a dam) is located a half hour drive from Orange City Center and is an amazing place to be. There is a cafe nearby, mini beach, and beautiful walking tracks around the lake. It is in close proximity to The Pinnacle, which is a pretty steep trek up to The Lookout, one of the highest points of elevation in Orange. You can visit Borenore Caves, widely known for its stalactites and stalagmites, or pick your own produce at Huntley Berry Farm, a family owned farm.
Priya’s Iphone, September 12, 2024. Two freshmen walking to class.
1. Go to orientation!
One of the first most important things for a freshman to do (especially rising freshmen) is to go to orientation. If you are already a freshman in school, skip this one, but those who are coming up, keep reading.
This is not only where you learn the school, you learn your schedule, who will be in your advisory, who you will be peers with for the rest of high school. The schedule you receive is usually paper, which is helpful for those with iPad issues (common among freshies). And at orientation, you see the teachers and office staff; obviously an important factor to becoming acquainted with your school. By attending orientation, the transitional process is much smoother and easy to cope with. It can be nerve racking, but is worth the 2 hours.
2. Get involved in school activities
School activities get you connected with more than students, but with opportunities for your sophomore, junior and senior years. You can make friends that last, and will always find someone on your team/in your club in your classes. Almost everyone is involved with a school activity, so participating in your community is a great way to allow yourself to become a part of your high school.
3. Make connections withupperclassmen
As I said in my last point, try to befriend or connect with upperclassmen! Try to find someone you can trust to get info about the school and about classes. This can be helpful when learning about the school and getting tips on big assignments. Upperclassmen can also help get you connected to more people. Of course, have boundaries with these kids, and make sure they are trustworthy friends.
4. Don’t procrastinate
Procrastinating is the number one way to fail. You should try to complete your work as soon as possible because it will help a lot with getting good grades. A good way to not procrastinate is to make a planner. Making a planner will help a lot with keeping track of what assignments you have to do and when they are due.
5. Sign up for drivers ed
Once you turn 15, you can get your permit. Even though driver’s ed is very tedious (30 hours), it is worth the time to learn to drive. You could even get your license as a sophomore! It is 3 hours for two weeks, and that is awhile, but what’s better? Freedom or having to hitch a ride every day?
6. Find a favorite teacher/class
Having a teacher that you like or a class that you enjoy will get you through the day a lot faster, especially if you can look forward to that class. It’s also good to have a teacher you trust so that you can go to them if you have a problem. Having a class that you like can also motivate you to do your work.
7. Do not skip class or be late
Skipping class or being late is a great way to get on a teacher’s bad side. As a matter of fact, too many absences and tardies will get you on a list and a call home. Coming to class at the correct time and always showing up will define you as a trustworthy student. It will also set a routine for you and habits will form out of those routines. Being late in the workforce is a BIG no, so starting early, come to class. For freshmen, this is very important to get used to.
8. Ask for help
Can’t find a class? Don’t have an iPad? Don’t know your bus, etc, etc? Ask for help. As a freshman, no one expects you to know what to do right away. There are always students and teachers there to help, and the counselors office is a great resource for freshmen. Not only can you get help with the issues above, but you can change electives and if necessary, move core classes around. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and peers. Your teachers also expect you to ask for help, so please don’t hesitate.
9. Bring snacks/drinks
School days can get long and tiring and sometimes lunch is not enough. Especially if you have lunch really late or really early in the day you are going to get hungry pretty fast. You should make sure to bring a few snacks to school everyday as long as your teachers are okay with it. Bringing water is also important during hot days.
10. Relax
Don’t get too stressed out over school. If your only focus is school work you’re going to get stressed and burnt out. School is important but relaxing and enjoying time to yourself and spending time with friends and family is just as important. You also need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night so don’t stay up too late.
This poem is about suicide awareness because it’s the month of September. I want to spread awareness for people who are struggling with their mental health, to show them that the people around them care and that they’re not alone. I also have experienced depression to the point I had thoughts of ending myself, and also I have friends and family who struggle with mental health to the point I would barely see them often and I do want people to know that things will get better.
Like always there’s tHis dark place,
I feel I could nEver escape this.
WilL I ever find Peace?
I hate living,
Breathing,
And looking at MysElf.
I always doubt that I’ll find someone,
To motivate me to my “goals”,
Interested of what I’m saying,
Understanding.
Wait,
I just want someone to love me…
I tried to reach out,
But they always tell me,
“You’re overreacting”,
Or “It’s just a phase”.
Is it really a phase,
When I’ve been like this for 5 years?
Am I really overreacting,
If I truly can’t even get out my bed?
5 years,
That’s what these scars represent,
I feel disgusted in my own skin,
But it’s the only thing to punish myself.
5 years,
Is those failed attempts,
Feeling ashamed,
If only those attempts worked.
I thought that if no one LOVEd me,
Then there’s no point of living.
I was wrong…
I realized that there’s been a person who does,
Who is interested in the things I like,
Understanding,
Most and importantlY…
Knows me the most.
And that’s me.
I may not love myself now,
But YOU can’t expect love fRom Someone,
Who doesn’t Even know you.
To get Love from that “person”,
You need to love “them”,
Care For “them”,
And work on it.
If no one loves me,
Then I will.
September is the month of suicide awareness, to remember the lost, the people who are struggling, and survivors. Remember it only takes three words, “are you okay?”. Those words can change anything and everything to that person, you matter more than you think. Call or text 988 if you ever have those dark thoughts or moments.
‘Digital Combat Simulator’ is an aviation air to combat plane simulation game. You can play it on a PC. Here I will explain how you start an F-18C.
To start the F-18C in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’ you first must have your battery switch in the upright switch near your right console.
Now look at your left console and locate APU and click right to turn it on. You will see the APU ready light has turned green.
Below the APU there is an Engine Crank switch and right-click to put it in the Right Engine Crank.
Now look at your IFEL panel. When you crank your right engine you should see a number moving on the right side of your IFEL panel. That is the right engine. Once the number has reached 25 percent move your right throttle to idle or press RSHIFT+HOME. Your 25 percent should move up to 65 percent. Your engine crank switch should automatically go to the off switch.
Now do the same procedure on the left engine. Left-click engine crank. Left at the IFEL panel. 25 percent, and move your left throttle to idle or RALT+HOME. Check that both engines are at 65 percent.
SCREENS
Now look at both DDI and right-click the top knob to day. Now turn on your HUD by turning the knob next to the IFF. At the bottom, you should see the AMPCD screen. Turn the knob to the right.
FCS AND AVIONICS
On the far left of your left console, you should see your rudder trim. Press the button on the top to put your elevator into takeoff trim.
Near that you should see a FCS Reset Button. Hold that for 5 seconds. Look at your right DDI and press the FCS-MC button.
Take a look at your far right and you should see your FCS-BIT switch. Hold that for 5 seconds then look at your right DDI and press the FCS MC button again. It should say in Test.
Close the canopy or CTRL+C and look down and turn your INS to IFA. At your far left, turn your OBOGS on. Press the FCS MC button again. It should all say GO.
Finally, turn your seat arm and parking brake off.
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