Raider Echo Vol 40: Issue 3 by Vanna Keomisy

North Garland High School 2109 Buckingham Rd., Garland, TX 75042

Volume 40 Issue 3

The pursuit

HOW TO SURVIVE A ZOMBIE

APOCALYPSE

of happiness

What to expect in 2012 pg. 12 and 13

Illegal student looks past limitations, into future pg. 9

Living borders apart

VANNAKEOMISY | Online Editor

hotos lay across the floor. They are the few photos that junior Nancy Cabrera’s mom managed to find of her uncle. Cabrera watches her mom grasp a picture in her hands, staring at it. Her mom had been crying. Praying. Reminiscing. Whispering that she misses him so, so much. Cabrera continues to look at her mom. Her mom wonders why it was not herself instead. But she keeps praying, putting everything in the hands of God. A year ago, Cabrera’s uncle was killed in Mexico when he was shot by four members of a Mexican drug trafficking organization, also known as drug cartels. Over the years, these cartels have profited billions of

Photo illustration by THANHLY | Photo/Design Editor

dollars by smuggling drugs into the United States. Families have lost their loved ones due to numerous kidnappings, theft and murders. According to statistics released by CNN, nearly 48,000 civilians have been killed. Ever since the Mexican government waged a “war on drugs,” the Mexican drug trafficking organizations have played a role in the lives of citizens in Mexico and across the U.S. border. “I think I’m old enough to accept it,” Cabrera said. “Once I go down there, I have to heal at some point. It’s all unreal because I didn’t go to the funeral. I didn’t see him pass away. I see my mom and how much she hurts. I just value my family a lot more and

value being here more. It just sucks. I don’t think the [cartels] know. I don’t think they have any hearts.” Cabrera’s uncle had been a part of the police force in Mexico and attained a higher position. After authorizing a drug bust on a house owned by one of the cartels, they began to threaten him and his family. According to Cabrera, his wife had also been a police officer, but was bribed and soon became an insider for information on the police force in the cartels. Cabrera’s family feels her uncle’s wife was connected to the killing of her uncle. He had been shot in the body over a 100 times by four men. Continued on page 8

congrats

staff

North Garland High School 2109 W. Buckingham Rd. Garland, TX 75042 972-675-3120 adviser@raiderecho.com The Echo requests student and faculty submissions. Guest columns, reviews and letters to the editor can be submitted for possible publication. Regulations are listed below.

The Raider Echo is the official student newspaper of North Garland High School. Its purpose is to educate, entertain and provide a valid source of news and educated opinion for the student body, faculty and community. The Echo is an open forum and invites and encourages its audience to submit letters and guest columns. All submissions must be signed. Names can be withheld on request, but must appear on the original document. The staff reserves the right to edit the material for grammatical errors, length, libel, invasion of privacy, obscenity and poor taste. Submit letters and columns to Mrs. Smallwood’s mailbox or the JLab. Sponsorships are due two weeks prior to publication date unless arrangements have been made. Sizes vary from 1/8 page to a full page. The Raider Echo reserves the right to refuse sponsorships that the staff deems inappropriate for a high school publication. The Echo is a member of Interscholastic League Press Conference, Texas Association of Journalism Educators and Journalism Education Association.

congratulations …to the Thespians Kemet Baylor, Michelle Gonzalez, Alejandra Casanova, Kemicha Towns, Tomi Idowu, Lisa Nguyen, Jonathan Best, Natasha Brown, Cindy Lien, Nancy Lien, Tristan Brown, Ashley Mitchell …to NG students who won first place int he district canned food drive. We collected 6.38 cans per student. …to the North Garland Math and Science UIL Teams that attended a meet at Richardson High School on Saturday, Dec 10, 2011. Tenth grade: Trenton Brandow: second place in Calculator Applications; Eleventh grade: Braxston Miller first place Calculator Applications and third place Calculator Applications overall; Twelfth grade: Nam-Tuan Tran first place Calculator Applications twelfth grade and overall; Milan Patel second place Number Sense, third place Number Sense overall; Nam-Tuan Tran, Braxston Miller, Trenton Brandow, and Milan Patel: first place Calculator team. …to the winners in the annual Academic Decathlon regional event: Milan Patel gold in Essay, gold Scholastic and team silver in Mathematics; Michael Nguyen gold in Honors team and 4th in science; Monica Carmona gold varsity team ...to the students for their success at the BPA Regional Competition on Jan. 21st. Raymond Ortiz: first place Computer Network Technology; Jaime Posada: second place Computer Network Technology; Josue Chepetla: first place Network Administration Using Microsoft; Daniel Tran: second place Network Administration Using Microsoft; Jordan Ray: third place Network Administration Using Microsoft; Alex Pham: first place PC Servicing & Troubleshooting; Ashley Cortez: first place PC Servicing & Troubleshooting; Deni Lakovic: first place Computer Security; Deni Lakovic: first place Computer Security; Michael Orio: third place Computer Security; Reed Correa, Alex Pham, Jordan Ray, Jonathan Signater: third place Network Design Team; Will Cunningham, Daniel Johnson, Bisrat Mekonen, Michael Orio: third place Web Site Design Team …to the winners of this year’s District Secondary Science Fair: Brian Pham: first place Biology, Botany, Zoology; Francis Arradaza second place Biology, Botany, Zoology; Pamela Ceku: third place Biology, Botany, Zoology; Abraham Khan: first place Behavioral Science; Lucky Nguyen: second place Behavioral Science; Tracy Vo: third place Behavioral Science; John Le: second place Chemistry Bio; William Prestenberg: third place Chemistry Bio; Nancy Trinh: first place Medicine, Health, Microbiology; Kenneth Henson: first place Physics, Math, Computer Engineering; Maria-Gabriela Alcivar, Joshua

2 | MARCH 2012

Wolde-Rafael: second place Team Life; Suong Nguyen, Vi Nguyen: third place Team Life; Abraham Khan: Grand Prize. ...to the winners who competed at the DECA District 7 Career Development Conference: Nigel Dorsey: Advertising Campaign; Cheyenn Albert: Advertising Campaign; Darien Butler: Buying and Merchandising Research Event; Lina Hassen: Buying and Merchandising Research Event; Michael Iwuoha: Business Finance Series; Jazmine Marcum: Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Series. …to the Raider Band for their qualifying for Texas State Solo and Ensemble. The starred students qualified twice: Bernard Aguilar, Gabriela Alcivar, Courtney Allen*, Eric Austin, Matt Austin*, Jesus Bermejo, Myles Bolden, Katja Cannon*, Julyssa Casanova, Tyler Carter, Nick Cerean, Engia Chara, Sydney Cohen*, Carlos Correa, Reed Correa, Alexandria Cowan, Jeremy Cummins*, Leelina Dagim*, Adrian Escusa, Tori Ewing, Eduardo Farfan, Trenord Fobb*, Jose Garcia, Charlie Geoghegan, George Granados*, Danny Guardiola, Trey Kibodeaux*, Diego Kypuros*, Precious Lampkin, Brian Maldonado, Shakir Martin, Rachel McLaughlin, Miguel Mendoza, Gabriela Miranda, Lauren Mondy, Amy Nguyen, Monica Nguyen, Bailey Saekhow, Alicia Strahan, Dorien Tate*, Brandon Thompson, Angeline Tram, Namtuan Tran*, Lindsey Waddleton*, Ryan Willis* and Josh Wolde-Rufael* … to these Raider Orchestra students on their superior performances at UIL: Abel Mathew: first division medalist; violin Mary Kim: first division medalist violin; Luke Palaparthi: first division medalist violin. …to Kim Ngoc-Nugyen: advancing to State with a two dimensional triptych comprised of a relief and two watercolors; Christine Ngo: advancing to state with a sculptural ceramic piece. …to the students who scored the highest score possible on one or more Regional V.A.S.E., the premier Art Competition for High School Students: Shamil Arefin; Jesus Becerra; Victor Carreon; Estella Garza; Christine Ngo; Karina Nunez; Valerie Rodriquez; Daniel Roque; Emely Villeda Principe; Armando Artiga; Carreon Victor; Sabrina Cruz; Kahla Fourzan; Marley Garcia; Kim Ngoc-Nguyen; Kitty Green; Shelldon Johnson; Duyen Pham; Abby Tran; Margarita Velasquez; Hong Vu; Students who earned a three at state: Yesenia Diaz; Kitty Green; Margarita Velasquez. …to the Print Imaging SkillsUSA students advancing to State competition: Omar Godinez: third place Texas state pin design; Kenny Le: third place silk screen press; Thanh Ly: first place

photography, first place Ad Campaign Group; Kim Terrazas: first place Ad Campaign Group; Myca Williamson: first place Employment Application Process, first place Ad Campaign Group, third place Job Interview. …to the HOSA Area Competition Winners 2012: Thuong Thai: first place Biotechnology; Nitesh Patel: first place Biotechonology; Neida Ochoa and Radha Patel: second place Career Health Display; Ankur Patel: first place Concepts of Health Care; Stephanie Ward: third place Concepts of Health Care; Thai Ho and Terrence Winter first place: CERT; Natalie Perdomo: first place Clinical Nursing; Timothy Dang, Alex John, Akhil Raju, Hiba Saipullai: third place Community Awareness; Thu Nguyen and Brittany Smith: first place CPR/First AID; Charles Dolinta and Angela Trinh: second place CPR/First AID; Kimberly Vang: second place Dental Place; Annie Diep: third place Dental Place; Sabrin Ahmed: first place Epidemiology; Irfa Mustafa: second place Epidemiology; Mamta Rana: third place Epidemiology; Troy Tran: Top ten percent Health Care Issues; Monica Carmona: first place Healthy Lifestyles; Milan Patel: second place Medical Math; Mathew Mansell: first place Medical Terminology; Christine Tran: second place Medical Photography; Suad Ahmed: third place Medical Photography; Helen Derbew: first place Nutrition; Jennifer Rodriguez: second place Nutrition; Michelle Kanu: third place Nutrition; Justin James: first place Pathophysiology; Stephanie Trieu: third place Prepared Speaking; Vanna Keomisy, Vincent Naidoo, Julie Ngo: first place Public Health Emergency Preparedness; Liliana Chico, Vishayla Cox, Elizabeth Cruz, Dixie Edugie, Jorge Valerrama: second place Public Service Announcement; Abel Mathew: first place Researched Persuasive Speaking; Ivan Dominguez: first place Sports Medicine; Marnie Scarr: second place Sports Medicine. …to NGHS swim team members for advancing to Regionals: Ramses Carranza: 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle (where he set personal bests times in each 200 Fr- 1:56.74; 500 Fr-5:21.01), and then to Regional Finals in the 200 Freestyle; Kris Dang: 400 Freestyle Relay (where he set a personal best time 100 Fr split- 0:58.21); Michael Lee: 100 Breaststroke and the 400 Freestyle Relay (a personal best 100 Breaststroke time @ District- 1:12.68); Peter Lim: 400 Freestyle Relay and set a personal best time (100 Fr split- 0:56.73); Jacob Sibert:400 Freestyle Relay; Andy Thai: 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke, and 400 Freestyle Relay. [He set personal best times in the 100 Breaststroke (1:05.79) and the 400 Freestyle Relay (100 Fr split- 0:55.56).] He also advanced to Regional Finals in the 100 Breaststroke; …to 2011-2012 NGHS General Educator of the Year: Jared Sibley

Sincerely, Dr. Susie Fegraeus paid advertisement

Singing from the soul Sophomore makes All-State men choir

LISATRAN | Content Editor

a bad comment [or] a good comment. You feel really nervous. About halfway in the first song, you just sing.” Not knowing what was said by the judges, Estrada was paranoid about what could be written down. He would rather sing a desk camp, which includes the choir singing behind him. “For a solo, I just look into the audience and see their faces, and they’re all smiling at me,” Estrada said. “I feel really good.” He spends 10 to 15 minutes perfecting his voice on a daily basis. Not to mention that he warms his vocal chords during Boys’ choir and Express choir class. One of Estrada’s favorite memories occurred last year when an upperclassman called him an “angel” in Spanish, saying Estrada’s voice resembled that of an angel. “People have always said that I had a very unique, beautiful voice, but I never really thought that at all until I got to high school when Mr. [Brandon] Ritter started helping me out a lot with it,” Estrada said. “I’m really thankful for Mr. Ritter helping me out.”

photo by NAYELYVALLEJO | Photographer

rembling before his auditions, sophomore David Estrada felt butterflies in his stomach as he took one step forward toward the stage at Regionals. Behind the curtains sat five judges, who prepared to grade him based on the three pieces he sang and sight read. Despite the previous solos and duets Estrada participated in, he was not afraid to admit that he was nervous before his audition. Estrada advanced to State last month after ranking among the top five vocalists at area competition at Naaman Forest, where he was third chair. After competing in another audition which included singers throughout Texas, Estrada ranked sixth. Although the top four vocalists became a part of AllState mixed choir, Estrada is content that he currently performs with the All-State men choir. “For auditioning at All-State, once the first note comes out of your mouth, it’s challenging because all you hear [behind the curtain] is pencils moving,” Estrada said. “You don’t know what they say. It could be

news

In the future, Estrada would like to become a choir director, a job similar to that of his choir teacher, who also serves as Estrada’s role model. As a teacher, Mr. Ritter is ecstatic about his student’s performance. “[David Estrada is] probably the most modest student I know with the talent level he owns,” Mr. Ritter said. “I can’t even put [my excitement] into words, just knowing how much work and dedication was put into getting there. I think I’m at least as excited as he is, if not more so.”

3 | MARCH 2012

news

Susie squared: woman’s best friend

Future guide dog sponsored in honor of Dr. Fegraeus’ battle with breast cancer KELLYSTARK |Copy Editor

trutting ahead, she is paraded around for everyone to see. She is greeted with smiles, gasps and small laughs. The pink ribbon, the symbol of the cure for breast cancer, attached to her collar jingles as she trots across the room. Finally, the tiny puppy stops in front of her destination, the feet of Principal Dr. Susie Fegraeus. For the first time, Susie meets Susie. In September, Dr. Fegraeus was diagnosed with breast cancer. During a staff development meeting in the cafeteria, on Jan. 2, Susie, a yellow female Labrador puppy, training to be a guide dog for the Guide Dog Foundation, was introduced to the faculty. She was brought in after a speech was made by her sponsor and Dr. Fegraeus’ close friend, Middle School Technology Coordinator, Hedwig Pettinger. Susie, the puppy, was led by her trainer, LIGHT Counselor Karen Gordon. As a token of support for Dr. Fegraeus having been diagnosed with breast cancer, Mrs. Pettinger and her husband, Wes, sponsored Susie, the puppy, for $7,000 and named her after Dr. Fegraeus. “I wanted to do something for her, but I wanted it to be special and unlike anything else being done by others,” Mrs. Pettinger said. “Each year my husband and I sponsor a puppy at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. When you do this, you get to select the breed, color, gender and name of the dog. I just knew this was what I could do for Susie. The puppy would be at NGHS each

day to make Dr. Susie smile and feel better, as well as be able to ‘pay it forward’ to another deserving individual who is blind.” The speech Mrs. Pettinger made to introduce Susie, the new addition to the North Garland family, was a total surprise to Dr. Fegraeus and the faculty. Only three people knew about the puppy being introduced, counselor Mary June Stringer, Mrs. Gordon and Mrs. Pettinger.

photo by JO(S)EGARCIA|Photographer

photo courtsey of CHRISTIVAUGHAN

4 | MARCH 2012

It’s incredible. I don’t know what I did to deserve this. I really don’t. “I had no idea,” Dr. Fegraeus said. “The dog was nowhere in sight, so I had no clue. I was just so touched by it. It’s just awesome. It was just too much, and I cried.” When Dr. Fegraeus was diagnosed with breast cancer, she told the faculty and staff not to contact her about it. She was not ready to talk about it. “I emailed my friend Hedwig and told her that my friend Dr. Fegraeus had just announced that she has breast cancer,” Mrs. Gordon said. “Hedwig’s had breast cancer too. Hedwig said, ‘I’m gonna contact her immediately.’ And I said, ‘No, don’t. She

told everyone not to.’ So Hedwig goes, ‘She didn’t mean me.’” She contacted Dr. Fegraeus immediately with encouraging words. “Although I was sorry Dr. Susie had been diagnosed with cancer, I knew she would be just fine,” Mrs. Pettinger said. “I've tried to keep her focused on this fact from the beginning. She will be cured, and she will live a long and wonderful life.” Mrs. Pettinger was one of the first people to send Dr. Fegraeus an email about her having cancer, telling her what she could expect. According to Dr. Fegraeus, Mrs. Pettinger “knew” what Dr. Fegraeus needed to hear, promised her everything would be fine, and that Dr. Fegraeus would be okay. The email inspired Dr. Fegraeus. “It was like, ‘Wow, she knows exactly where I’m coming from,’ because she’s a survivor,” Dr. Fegraeus. “She said she was gonna be one of my biggest cheerleaders and she has been. She said, ‘You’re gonna be strong. This time next year, you’ll be doing the same thing for somebody else because you will have survived.’” As of Thursday, Feb. 9 Dr. Fegraeus was diagnosed as cancer free. Dr. Fegraeus said she is still shocked that something so amazing like Susie was sponsored in her name. “It’s incredible,” Dr. Fegraeus said. “I just don’t know what I did to deserve this. I really don’t.”

photo by JO(S)EGARCIA|Photographer

features

Faithful Followers

Christian-based youth group promotes friendship, positivity

KIMTERRAZAS | Editor-in-Chief

photo by NAYELYVALLEJO | Photographer

Jumping through a hoop, members of Young Life bond together before starting the lesson. At each meeting the group plays a game before hearing a message and discussing what they learned that day.

understand what they are saying. But here they tell us and show us what it means. They explain it to us so [we] understand it. To me it was a new experience.” The youth group accepts anyone, regardless of their beliefs or faiths and has all kinds of people attending the meetings. Coach Denny hopes that Young Life can also be a positive influence on the kids’ lives. “You know we’re always going to talk about Jesus [at the meetings], but we tell everybody, ‘It doesn’t matter what you believe. Come and hang out with us,’” Coach Denny said. One of the benefits of being a part of Young Life, according to Coach Denny, is the relationships the kids build with each other and the adults that help out at Young Life. He says that it helps teach the students how to be adults and to show them that someone else cares Instructing his class, Coach Sean Denny explains how to do a geometry equation. Not only is Coach Denny a teacher, but he is also a leader in Young Life. for them.

photo by NAYELYVALLEJO | Photographer

urning into the parking lot, sophomore Miguel Medrano is greeted by a large group of kids. Out of curiosity, he goes over to them to see what is going on. He spots kids playing basketball, volleyball and just hanging out. Since he first walked into that parking lot, he has met with these kids for three to four months. They helped him enroll in a karate class and to stop stealing and skipping class. The group is called Young Life, a Christian youth group that meets every Monday for teens to get to know each other and learn more about their faith. They play games and socialize, and at the end of their meetings they hear a message about God. “They took me in as family,” Medrano said. “They helped me change and become a better person. They helped me change the way I thought and helped me get away from all the bad stuff. Now, I’m doing way better.” The Young Life organization in this area was started by math teacher and assistant coach Sean Denny, along with two other adults, last October. The goal of Young Life is to introduce kids to Christianity all while having fun and making new friends. It is a fun way to see students from different schools coming together, said leader Allison Fuller, who teaches English at Naaman Forest High School. “The churches I’ve been to, they are boring,” Medrano said. “For us kids, we don’t

“[Young Life] builds self-esteem and accountability,” he said. “For some of these kids it’s the only positive model they have in their life. It’s someone that wants them to be something, someone that cares enough to take time and help them be better in any aspect of life, not just spiritual. They are part of a family. They are a part of people that care about them. So I think that is one of the big draws of Young Life.” Being a part of the youth group has helped not only the kids, but Coach Denny too. He feels that what he learns there is also beneficial to his career as a teacher and a coach. “For someone who really enjoys that as a career, it sure does give me an opportunity to pour into kids and feel some satisfaction,” Coach Denny said. “I think the relationships I make in Young Life certainly make teaching easier, because you get to know kids on a deeper level. They know I care outside of school, so they know I care inside of school.” For some kids, Young Life has become something that turns their lives around. According to leader Cassie Mileski, it becomes a place where attitudes change, where people become more open and change the way they perceive things. “[My favorite part is] the way they care about people and the way they try to be there for us,” Medrano said. “They helped me become a better person mentally and physically.”

5 | MARCH 2012

features

Twisted twins share all

LISATRAN | Content Editor

ehind the red curtains, junior Nancy Lien, stage manager for the theatre production Little Mermaid, helps with set changes. Her twin sister, Cindy, also a theatrical technician, is in the booth, providing a light source on stage for viewers. For Nancy, it was her 10th show, and Cindy, her ninth.

RE: Have you ever wished you were not a twin? Cindy: Yes. It’s just other people and the things they say. I always get compared, and I feel like less than a person sometimes. You can never really get away from it. Nancy: No, but I wouldn’t say I love it. It’s who I am, so I would never change it. I think it’s completely normal. RE: How much do you love your sister? Cindy: I love her enough to not let her die, and sometimes, I feel bad for her if she’s in a bad situation. I [love her enough to] try to help her sometimes, but sometimes I can’t stand her. Nancy: On a scale of one to 10, probably five. Enough to [where] I would never want to watch her burn to death, but if I’m too far to get to her, I’m not going to get to her. RE: Does your family play favorites? Cindy: Yeah, they like me better. They yell at me less. Nancy gets yelled at more, but sometimes it’s her fault. Nancy: They like [Cindy] better. Because when I do something wrong, I get in more trouble than when she does. And then when both of us are wrong, they come and yell at me first. I don’t know why. RE: Since you both share the same group of friends, has there ever been a time where your friends chose one over the other? Cindy: Yeah, I think so. I think there have been times. [It makes me feel] really pissed off. They do it to me. [It’s okay], I have my parents.

6 | MARCH 2012

Nancy: I don’t think so, not seriously. They might be playing around. I don’t think anyone does that to me, so I feel fine.

photo by JASMINETROTTER | Photographer

Raider Echo: Do you always enjoy each other’s company? Cindy: It’s not that we don’t like each other, but too much is too much. I’ll see her in the hallway. She’ll walk by, and I won’t even say ‘Hi.’ It’s not that I hate her. I’m going to see her when I get home. Nancy: [I enjoy her company] only when I’m scared, like when I think someone’s going to kill me or something. I make her go with me, but that’s about it. I’m so independent. I don’t like doing anything with her.

RE: How did you both get hired at Albertsons last summer? Cindy: Well, the funny thing is I had an interview after hers, so when I walked in, they literally thought that Nancy changed clothes. They just said we were adorable, so they hired us. Nancy: They probably looked at us as a package, like a lot of people do, [like] ‘If I take one, I have to take the other.’ When people don’t know us, we’re always a package. I don’t like that. We’re individuals, [but] we’re always compared to each other. RE: What do you think are the upsides and downsides of being a twin? Cindy: The upsides: I can laugh at her when she does crazy stuff. Also I have someone in my grade level, so it makes it easier if I didn’t catch homework. We don’t share assignments. It’s just if I forget a page number or I forget to write it down, I can ask her, because we have the same teachers. [Downsides are] you get compared a lot, and it’s kind of harder to be yourself. People like to assume that if Nancy has a certain opinion, I have the same opinion. Other than that, I have a good life. Nancy: I don’t think there’re any ups and downs because I think it’s so normal. The down is definitely financially, because you have to put two kids to college at the same time. And everything you buy has to be doubled up, like AP tests. Everything has to be doubled, lunch money, everything.

Juniors Cindy (left) and Nancy (right) Lien showed the camera their furry mustaches during theatre class.

Raider Echo: Previously, Cindy, Nancy described you as unprofessional, someone with good intentions, someone who gets mad for no reason, smart and a hard-worker, is there anything you’d like to add to that Nancy? How does that make you feel, Cindy? Nancy: She can be rude. Cindy: I think it’s really funny because it’s probably true. RE: Nancy, you should know that Cindy described you as wild, outgoing, controlling, loyal and defensive. Nancy: That’s very true. Don’t put mean stuff just because I said mean stuff about you. Cindy: She’s crazy. Nancy: Oh, can you add stupid to hers? Cindy: You just said I was smart. Nancy: No. Cindy: Yeah, you did.

7 | MARCH 2012

in-depth

Living borders apart Contined from front cover “Basically, what it is right now, the police and drug cartels are uniting,” Cabrera said. “You don’t know who the good guy or the bad guy is. Our family was just being really threatened and after that, my mom flew down there. The house where [Cabrera’s mom] used to live with her mom and sister, they can’t stay there anymore because they still threaten us.” For Cabrera, visiting her family in Monterrey, the third largest city in Mexico, always brought good memories for her. It provided comfort and a family-like atmosphere for her. But it has been two years since her last visit. Her parents have not allowed her to go back after her family was threatened by the cartels. Her mother, however, has gone back to attend the funeral and the six-month anniversary of his death. “My family in Mexico is like the only real family we have, because my dad’s side isn’t very close,” Cabrera said. “They’re super ‘homey,’ the way they are. You don’t really get that here. And it just won’t be the same. Things will be missing. I don’t think it’s really going to hit me until I go down there.” After her uncle’s death, Cabrera’s aunt, her mother’s sister, went missing for a week. Her family had no idea where she had gone, but soon found out she was kidnapped by robbers. She was arrested by Cabrera’s uncle’s wife, accusing her of taking part in the robbery. Last December, she was released. Due to the threats, Cabrera’s aunt and grandmother move around to temporary houses. “My grandma and my aunt are trying to get their stuff to move here just because it’s so bad,” Cabrera said. “My mom sends money every month to her mom. For Christmas, I sent my grandma money for a pair of shoes. She’s got really weak knees. So my mom sent her a walker, and I sent her money for shoes.” The military personnel and officers line up across the U.S.-Mexico border. Border

8 | MARCH 2012

younger brother had been baptized two years ago, Gutierrez noticed members of the drug trafficking organizations started to surround public areas of Valles such as the park or the bar. “They carry weapons and everything,” Gutierrez said. “They just carry whatever they want. My great grandpa passed away last spring break when we had gone. Just by going to the cemetery, we were risking everybody’s lives because that’s where [cartels] like to hang out just to drink and do their business.” Police officers, along with members of the drug cartels, patrol her town in the back of their trucks while holding their guns in the direction of the civilians. Gutierrez believes that some of the officers are corrupt and are lured into the drug cartels through the influence of money. In a 2010 report released by BBC News, the Mexican federal police force had fired an estimate of 10 percent of their officers due to corruption. “There are [members of ] drug cartels inside the [police department],” Gutierrez said. “You never know who it is since they dress the same. Say somebody beat you up. And you go tell the soldiers, ‘Oh, [members of the drug cartels] beat me up.’ They don’t care. They’ll just beat you up again.” Gutierrez’s family had once owned a clothing store and butcher shop back in Valles. They used to visit every summer in order to restock their businesses and help out their grandmother. However, once members of the drug cartels began to expand into their area, their businesses had to be put on hold for fear of their personal safety.

patrol is heavy as new sections of bridges have been built. Patrol cars stop the cars of families and inspect the inside, questioning where they are going and why. Telling the difference between who is a member of the military and the drug cartel is difficult, junior Cassandra Morante says. “The military’s under fire,” GISD liaison to the Hispanic community Mr. Javier Solis. “The president started using military as force, but then [cartels] started infiltrating the military. A lot of judges were bought out. A lot of police were bought out. So it’s all these people you think that are in law and order [that] are actually part of the [cartel] process.” According to junior Kimberly Gutierrez and Morante, being precautious while going out is a top priority. Both students worry for their families’ well-being in Mexico. Before the crack-down on cartels, walking around freely in public had been common. “We used to spend the whole day there in Mexico,” Morante said. “But now we only go in the morning. I get scared, because I do have family over there. I’m just scared that something might happen to them, because at any moment it could happen.” Gutierrez and her family used to go back and forth to Mexico often, either by bus or car, until they started to notice their hometown, Valles of the state San Luis, became p r o g r e s s i v e l y Traveling through Mexico, junior Kimberly Gutierrez takes a picture of a police worse. After her officer patrolling the street.

“We don’t want to get a call from them,” Gutierrez said. “[They’ll say] ‘Oh, you can’t do that if you’re not going to pay us.’ The cops, they’re not like here. We don’t want it to happen to us.” According to Mr. Solis, along the border cities, recreational shopping had been one of the biggest markets. Since the market for it has dwindled due to the violence, businesses such as restaurants and shops, and the clothing store owned by Gutierrez, have closed down. “It’s just an unreal scene in [the U.S.],” Mr. Solis said. “It was odd to see military walking around the street. That’s how they keep order, because the police cannot be trusted. It’s a dangerous job. You just don’t want to be there anymore. That has really, really affected them on the border for the merchants who survive off of American tourists.” Fearing that it would look suspicious, Gutierrez’s family had stopped construction on their two-story house. In Mexico, all of their valuables, such as their two motorcycles, are kept away in storage. Having money and a nice house would be dangerous for her family, Gutierrez said. “They’ll think it’s strange for you to just build a house,” Gutierrez said. “They don’t have much money there. For someone to come and have money though, they’ll look at you differently.” Gutierrez believes it affects the students who have family in Mexico, especially areas near the U.S.-Mexico border, by not being able to visit their families as often as they had done before. People only take the risk of going if there is an emergency, Gutierrez says. “It’s making a lot of people’s lives harder,” Gutierrez said. “People that are part of the cartels, they’re risking their lives. I mean they should think about it too. They are risking their lives and their family’s lives.” Acquiring a legal visa for family members to come over to the U.S. takes thousands of dollars and scheduling an interview with the U.S. embassy, according to the website of the Embassy of the United States in Mexico. Mr. Solis believes that the main source of helping families in Mexico is sending U.S. dollars. “I think there’s going to be a family identity crisis separation,” Mr. Solis said. “[Students] will probably never see some of their family members. Hispanic culture is very tied. It’s almost going against the culture to separate them.”

in-depth The pursuit of happiness Illegal student looks past limitations, into future

s she watches her father’s red pickup drive away, Sue* does not know if this might be the last time she sees him. This time could be the last hug, the last kiss and the last “I love you.” For her family, fear and a constant state of unknowing are simply a part of life. It is a life that many families experience every day, because they do not have legal status in the United States. “I’ve made my entire life here,” Sue said. “I could be a lawyer, a doctor, anything I ever wanted because I know I’m smart enough. We could really benefit this country if they gave us a chance, but it pretty much depends on the government.” Proof of legal status is required to attain a Texas driver’s license and be hired by most employers in the U.S. Like many other immigrants lacking such status, Sue’s parents find ways around obstacles to make enough money. Her father is a self-employed landscaper and her mother is in cosmetology school, because not all beauty salons require work permission. “[My parents] are trying their best to make ends meet,” Sue said. “How do they expect us to not live in slums and a gang if that’s all [the government] is giving us the opportunity to be? We can’t have big, important jobs, because they won’t let us.” Sue’s family is currently waiting for their legal approval to work and live in the U.S. There is always a chance a request will be denied. The DREAM Act of 2011 is a bill that would allow illegal immigrant children to attain citizenship after finishing a two-year college degree or two years of military service, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) website. It was originally introduced in 2001, but it hasn’t passed Senate yet. “I was really excited about that [bill], because even if I don’t have my papers, I would get the opportunity to live out my dream,” Sue said. “But, for some reason or another, they won’t let us.” Even though Sue does not know what specific job field she wants, she knows that she wants to attend Full Sail University near Orlando, Fla. She worries about going to an out-of-state university, because of the distance and economic burden. According to the NCSL website, 12 states allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition if they

ALMALOPEZ | Reporter

meet guidelines set by the states. Federal scholarships are not available to illegal immigrants. Only three states, Texas, New Mexico and California, offer state financial aid to students without papers. “I guess one of the reasons I haven’t really decided is because sometimes I feel like there’s no point in deciding,” she said. “I feel like I have no future. So what’s the point?” Sue was supposed to receive her papers in 2012, but according to her, the family’s lawyer said that due to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, many visa and residency approval times were pushed back. She says she might have to either postpone college or not go at all. Because she is so unsure of her future and the possibility of having to choose where she wants to be, Sue tries to get ahead by taking higher-level classes to graduate early. She is uncertain where to finish her education – in Mexico or the U.S. “I’ll have to make a really abrupt decision that will change the course of my life forever,” she said. “It’s always a fear that that’s actually going to happen, that I’m going to have to choose. I’m terrified. I’ll have had years to think about it, but I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to make [the decision].” Because of her family’s fear of deportation, Sue feels she has to hide who she is. It helps her to know that she is not alone when she meets someone who also is applying for legal status. The PEW Hispanic Center, a project from the PEW Research Center, reports that “as of March 2010, 11.2 million unauthorized immigrants were living in the United States.” “I’m here, too,” she said. “I’m doing the same thing as you. And you know what? I’m almost there, and so are you.” Even though for Sue, and many others in her situation, her dream might seem so far away, she does not give up. “I have a promising future, but at the same time, it’s barely there for me,” she said. “[But] I still have that one vague speck of hope. I have goals for myself. I have dreams. I want to be happy. And supposedly, as a right of human, I have the right [to] the pursuit of happiness. But it seems that I’m not given that right.”

*Names have been changed

9 | MARCH 2012

Fierce Game Tied

Varsity soccer boys are on the field of Williams Stadium, ready to face Plano

Before

ISABELLANGUYEN | Photographer

During

sports

After Girls

The Varsity girls soccer team practices for upcoming games

Soccer

10 | MARCH 2012

NAYELYVALLEJO | Photographer

Varsity

Practice makes perfect

1. Running next to his opponent, senior Juan Michel strives for the ball. 2. Rushing for the ball, junior Jonathan Lemus is pushed by a Plano opponent. 3. Before the game, the teammates warm up together . 4. Huddled up, the boys place their hands together. 5. Looking for his teammate, freshman Milton Eneh kicks the ball backwards. 6. Bumped against his opponent, senior Joey Balderas looks up for the ball. 7. Walking toward his teammate, junior Jimmy Caracheo trades his spot in the field. 8. Sprinting towards the ball, senior Joseph Padron lifts his leg.

1. Holding the ball, senior Jackie Gutierrez waits to pass it to someone. 2. On the ground stretching, senior Adilenne Castro warms up for practice. 3. Running across the field, senior Erica Martinez dribbles the ball. 4. During soccer practice, junior Devan McBride passes the ball to one of her teammates. 5. Chasing the ball, sophomore Bernice Gomez prepares to kick. 6. Pausing practice, seniors Martinez, Guiterrez and junior Diana Martinez listen to the coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new ideas on how to play the game better. 7. Running with the ball, D. Martinez looks around to see who she can pass to.

sports

Kickin’ it on the dance floor

Competitive soccer player reflects on future in sports, love of dancing KIMTERRAZAS | Editor-in-Chief

unning up and down the soccer field, junior Sebastian Mata has to battle it out with his teammates to get attention from both the coaches and college scouts that come to watch them play. To do this, he practices over 12 hours a week, Monday through Thursday, in order to compete against the other players. But on Fridays, his days off from practice, Mata does something entirely different. He dances. Watching his cousins dance before him, Mata developed an interest in dancing when he was in sixth grade. By his freshman year, he formed a dance crew and began creating videos of himself dancing to upload to YouTube as well as performing at parties. At first dancing was just something that was cool to him. But after a while it began to be a way to express himself, and he ended up liking it even more. “My family supports me a lot,” Mata

said. “I usually catch my mom looking at my videos on YouTube sometimes. And then my grandma, she always buys my shirts. She tells people to buy my stuff. They’re really supportive of both soccer and my dance crew.” When he was 11, Mata was encouraged by his father to join a competitive soccer league. Since then, he has gone on to play for several different teams. “I really wanted to go further and my dad told me, ‘You have skill. You need to go further in this,’” Mata said. “And then we just started looking for teams. I just really wanted to become professional, so that was the step that I had to take.” Currently Mata plays for Andromeda, a team in the highest league of soccer for teenagers. Here, players have to fight for their spot in the games. If a player does badly in practice, they run the risk of being benched in the next game. “It’s a whole different environment,” Mata said. “Competitive leagues [are] more competitive, because everyone is at the same skill level. So you have to work harder to be better than somebody else.” Each year, if Mata wants to stay on the team, he signs a contract saying that he cannot play in any district level soccer games. This is a precaution against injury outside of competitive soccer.

photos by JO(S)EGARCIA | Photographer

“People are good [at North], but it’s just not the same competition,” he said. “Some people just play just to play. Not that many people play just because they love it. I play because I love it.” The next step for Mata, after he graduates, is to either join a professional team or get recruited to play at the college level and then eventually make it to a professional position. Right now he is trying to make it on the reserves of a Mexican soccer team. If he makes the reserves he will practice with them in Mexico, and when he is 18, he has the potential to play with them on the team. He feels he is ready to take the step he needs to become a professional soccer player. “[Soccer] is something I was born into,” Mata said. “My brother plays. My whole family plays. I just started playing when I was young, and I’ve liked it ever since.”

Varsity Baseball, Softball Schedules 2012 Mar. 2 Mar. 3 Mar. 5 Mar. 8 Mar. 9 Mar. 9 Mar. 10 Mar. 10 Mar. 13 Mar. 20 Mar. 23 Mar. 24 Mar. 27 Mar. 30 Mar. 31

Baseball 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:15 p.m. 4:00 p.m 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

Woodrow Wilson JJ Pearce Sachse Lake Highlands Berkner Lovejoy Richardson Molina South Garland Garland McKinney Boyd Rowlett Lakeview Naaman Forest Little Elm

Mar. 1-3 Mar. 5 Mar. 8-10 Mar. 12 Mar. 14 Mar. 20 Mar. 23 Mar. 27 Mar. 30 April 3 April 5 April 10 April 13 April 17 April 20

Softball TBD 4:00 p.m. TBD 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

Frisco Tournament Garland GISD Tournament Lakeview South Garland Naaman Forest Sachse McKinney Boyd Rowlett South Garland Garland Lakeview Naaman Forest Sachse McKinney Boyd

11 | MARCH 2012

features

Movies, Games, music ELISECOLEMAN | Reporter JO(SE)GARCIA | Photographer JASMINETROTTER | Photographer

As 2012 begins, the Raider Echo highlights some of the entertainment that will be released later in the year. Movies like “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Amazing Spiderman” will be the major box office releases of the summer. Halo 4 will be released in time for the holiday season, and singers Chris Brown and Justin Bieber will drop albums.

to expect in 2012

(top left) Katy Perry Album: Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection Release Date: March 27 (top right) Justin Bieber Album: Believe Release Date: March 16 (left) Chris Brown Album: Fortune Release Date: March 16

sophomore Cesar Zapata

(Top Left) Breaking Dawn Part 2 Release Date: November 16 (Top Right) The Dark Knight Rises Release Date: July 20 (Left) The Amazing Spiderman Release Date: July 3 (above) Max Payne 3 Release Date: May 15 Rated M (top left) Halo 4 Release Date: Holiday 2012 Rated M (bottom left) Paper Mario 3DS Release Date: TBA

12 | MARCH 2012

Photos courtesy of: http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/ http://www.chrisbrownworld.com/us/home http://www.theamazingspiderman.com/ http://www.thedarkknightrises.com/ http://www.katyperry.com/news/ http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/games/halo4/Overview http://www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3/ http://e3.nintendo.com/games/detail/#/3ds/papermario

features

HOW TO SURVIVE A

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE What to expect in 2012

KELLYSTARK | Copy Editor THANHLY | Photo/Design Editor

RUN FOR THE HILLS

EVERYDAY IS A WINDING ROAD

ow that you’re out of the city, try to take highways. This will save precious gas and most everyone will be “thinking smart” and taking back roads. When traffic becomes bad, turn off your car. When it becomes terrible, create a detour or hoof it. You’ll have to get used to walking and running, so have people stay in the car and go for a run when traffic is at a stand still. Come back and switch with the other people in your car. Try to get at least 60 miles clear of the cities. Small towns don’t really come into contact with big city viruses, but should they, a population of 1,500 is easier to handle than the millions that live in Dallas County.

SAYING BYE

his one’s tough. Eventually, someone you know, and are close with, will be bitten or left behind. I can guarantee it. This is going to suck. Even more so, because a) it’s premature and b) you will almost never see it coming. Yes, you will be sad. That’s okay. But you’re going to have to move on. Should they be bitten in your group, you are going to have to take care of it. For a less violent option, tie them up. Keep the undead at least a mile from your camp and if you can, say your goodbyes while they’re still sane and actually alive. Remember: once they’re zombies, they are not, and never will be, the same person.

ROUGHIN’ IT

eave all electronics at home. Also, no beauty products. Yes I’m being serious. Zombies won’t care if they’re messing up your hair, and eyeliner in the woods is stupid. Who looks hot camping? Unlike the movies, you will not have a beauty crew, an air conditioned place to chill or even a shower. You are going to get dirty. And dirty usually means sick. So, some of what you will need are: antibiotics, aspirin, warm clothes, sturdy shoes and lots of socks, jackets, blankets, a first aid kit, a tent, flashlights, a ton of batteries and sleeping bags. Fishing necessities won’t hurt either, but you won’t die without them. Pick up anything else that will actually be useful too. For example, shovels, knives, pans and matches.

ONE IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER

nd the most likely to be killed and/ or eaten. Have you never seen a horror movie? Splitting up is never okay, unless at least three people are in each group. At all times, take at least two people with you everywhere. Should you be separated, pick a place to meet up after whatever disaster is over with. However, if whoever is missing doesn’t show within an hour of everyone else, go back to camp. If they don’t find their way back by the next morning you are allowed to search the perimeter for only a day. You can’t waste time looking someone when there is always going to be more things to do back at home.

nd make-up p s, a pto tay at home. a l s, ld s ou

iPo sh d

eriously, get out of the city. With everyone breathing on everyone else and the close proximity, bites and scratches could happen in an instant. Then you’re just a time bomb, waiting to die, and become reanimated, gorging yourself on the tasty flesh of your younger sibling. Once trouble starts, everyone and their grandma will try to flee the chaos. Try to leave early, take as many people as you can without going completely out of your way to get them. Don’t forget to stock up on gas. People will be stubborn and want to stay at home and fight to the death over the last can of Spam, insisting that the government will “get things under control” (even though every zombie movie ever made in history tells us the government was behind everything). Hey, they could be right. But better safe than sorry, and if indeed everything does work out, you’ll get a few Boy Scout badges for camping out until everything dies down.

13 | MARCH 2012

opinion Student ignores criticisms, works for own values

hen I tell people where I work, they usually make a confused face or burst into laughter. They often judge me and think I only work at a silly little Hispanic grocery store. Apparently, according to my peers, my work place is a depressing, bad job. I work as a sacker at El Mercado Azteca, but sacking is not the only thing I do. I usually stock milk, eggs, packages of water and whatever else is left. I move items from the back shelf to the front. An hour before closing time, I take out the trash, clean the restrooms and sweep. At closing time, I begin to mop. I am always looking for something to do for the better of the store. I feel as if it is my duty to do so and want to make sure my managers think highly of me. I admit that this isn’t the greatest job in the world. I only make minimum wage. I often feel as though I have to make up for others’ lack of work when they don’t do their fair share. I’ve also had to clean things from the restrooms that I wish to not ever see again. However, all of the negatives aspects of my job are outweighed by the positives. I believe my job has one of the friendliest

environments, both to its workers and customers. When I walk through the doors I am often greeted by a friendly hello by one of my managers. I’ve never been yelled at in my 10 months of working there, and I’m well-liked by everyone. I’m their number one guy. If they need an extra hand, I am always willing to help. I am always the one they contact first. I’ve always agreed to go to work, except on the days I am taking care of my nephew. On inventory night, I worked four hours in addition to my normal shift. I worked a total of 12 hours and didn’t get out until a little before 1 a.m. This is one of the things I take the most pride in. That night my dad shook my hand with respect, making me realize I have made him proud that he raised a good, young, hardworking man. I don’t let anything else bother me. Negative comments just go in one ear and out the other. I’m working to make myself proud, knowing I am a hard-working American teenager balancing school, homework and work. I am not ashamed of where I work or what I do to earn my money. I am not ashamed of sacking bread, cleaning spills

The Prom Planner T wo months. 72 days. 1,728 hours. And then it’s prom. I keep trying to convince myself that I have all the time in the world left to make sure everything is perfect. Instead of just finalizing all that I have planned, I keep spewing out new ideas as if I was able to do half the things in the small time frame I have left. Even as I write this, it has not even hit me that, oh my gosh, our senior prom is a couple of months away. As class president, it is expected of me, by my peers, to throw the perfect prom in the history of all senior proms. It is a night that leaves memories etched into students’ minds for the rest of their lives. A night that brings the senior class together for the last time right before we walk on stage. A night that I am, with help, personally responsible for. I think I might just have an anxiety attack right about now. Do not get me wrong. I am prepared for prom. But the thought that I might not

14 | MARCH 2012

COLUMN JO(S)EGARCIA | Photographer

or scrubbing toilets. The simplicity of me uttering the words, “I have a job,” overcomes all of the judgments. No one should be ashamed of any job they start with, whether they’re flipping burgers, filing papers, changing tires, hosting little kid parties or sacking groceries. I don’t let others get me down when they laugh at where I work. I’m not working for them, but for myself and the important things in my life. In the future, I can say, “Look at where I began, and look at where I am now. I’m happy and successful, which is what matters most.”

COLUMN

Senior class president reflects on prom

live up to such high expectations makes me just want to die a little inside. It’s not even what others expect of me that worries me the most; it’s my own expectations that seem to get shaken every time something goes

wrong, such as a change in the menu or the cost of the casino. As diva-like as it is, in my mind, I have set up this fairy tale prom where absolutely nothing could go wrong and that everything will go my way. It has to. It has to be everything I want and more. I don’t handle disappointment well. This

VANNAKEOMISY | Online Editor

night could go either two ways. The “maybe” factor scares me and brings out all my insecurities. Maybe it could be the best night ever. Maybe it could be the night everyone remembers. Or maybe it could be a disaster. Maybe it could be the night everyone wants to forget. I want to believe that I can make everyone happy. But I can’t. There have even been disagreements this year about prom. Those arguments were constantly brought up in conversations around school. Although people have told me to just brush it off, it just makes me feel as if I am not capable of doing my job well as class president. These menial things make me doubt myself. I am terribly frightened, but it comforts me to know that I have tried. As junior and senior class president, I have put in a massive effort trying to plan and coordinate every event and fundraiser leading up to prom with the help of my class sponsors and officers. I just hope I have done the senior class of 2012 some justice.

opinion COLUMN

Student reflects on family afflictions in Mexico

remember the look on my mom’s face last Christmas when she turned on the webcam and saw her family for the first time. Sure they spoke on the phone and chatted over Facebook, but it was entirely different to see them over a webcam. It was like they were talking to each other in person, and I saw how such a simple act made my mother so happy. It was the closest she had felt to her siblings for so long. But, at the same time, I also knew that it was the closest she could get to actually visiting Mexico for an even longer time. Since I was six months old, my family would go to Mexico every summer to see my extended family. I remember visiting the beaches with my cousins, eating popsicles in the town square and walking around freely in the market. But now, it has been over two years since I have visited because of the risk it takes to go down there. Towns are inhabited by the military and drug cartels, and people live their life with a drug war around them, never knowing if their families are safe. We have missed birthdays, holidays and graduations over the years, and I know how much it hurts my mom. These things may not seem so bad to some, but for someone who spent so much of their childhood with their cousins in Mexico, it’s a drastic change. In fact the last time she went was for a funeral that she didn’t let me go to, because it was too dangerous to travel. I knew I couldn’t ask her to stay because of how much her aunt had meant to her, and I knew that she would never even consider missing the funeral of the person who was practically her second mom. Still, it scared me to think that

KIMTERRAZAS | Editor-in-Chief

if I wasn’t allowed to travel to Mexico, how would it be safe for my mom? I think the worst part is not knowing what could happen. While my mother’s family in Veracruz is dealing with the military inhabiting the town, my father’s family in Torreón is living with a curfew. I know my family is generally safe where they are, but things could change very quickly. There is so much tension in that country, it is impossible to know if today is going to be one of the “bad days” or if things will be calm enough until tomorrow. I couldn’t imagine living with that kind of unsettling feeling. It would be like if there was a war going on in Oklahoma while I’m here in Texas unharmed. Every day, though, I would be relatively safe, I wouldn’t be able to stop wondering when the war path would reach my front porch. I couldn’t live never knowing if I was truly safe or not. When she was only 10, my mother moved away from the ranch she grew up on to go to the city to live with her aunt and go to school. Since then, she has spent most of her life away from her mother and her siblings. Then, after moving to America in the ‘80s, she earned her residency through amnesty, which was given to illegal immigrants by President Reagan. The distance between her family in Mexico and her life in the United States only seemed to grow. Finally, after gaining her citizenship and starting her family in Texas, she began to go back to visit Mexico more consistently. I feel like my mom lucked out in her situation; she was just at the right place at the right time. I know many others have had a difficult time

making it to America for various reasons, even before the drug war started. But I am grateful for what my mother endured by leaving her family to have a better life for herself and her future children. Despite the obstacles, many people will risk their lives trying to come to America, even more so now as the drug war spreads. Because of the increase in immigrants, a general unkind feeling toward Mexicans living in this country has begun, creating a sort of divide. It has landed people in a situation that has no happy ending. We are not welcome in this country, but we are too scared to go back to our old one. So instead people shuffle around, living day to day, hoping for a friendly smile and some respect. I know immigration is no easy fix, and I see both sides of the issue. But I also see my family living side by side with drug cartels and corrupt officials, not knowing who to trust. I see them as human beings scared for what is to come.

In Mexico, senior Kimberly Terrazas stands in front of an ancient pyramid.

15 | MARCH 2012

photo essay

Raider deco

The Echo shows how to make a flower out of the newspaper

ISABELLANGUYEN | Photographer THANHLY | Photo/Design Editor

Use a ruler and place it vertically against the newspaper. Mark at the 2-inch line. Where the mark is, place the ruler horizontally and draw a line across the paper. Now use the scissors and cut across. It should look like a square when finished. Pick a paint color, paint the paper and let it dry. 1

Take the end of the paper, and fold it until it meets the other end. This should look like a triangle when done (picture 2). 2

On the left flap, fold the flap to the left, and do the same on the other side, but instead fold to the right. 4

5 On each flap take the tip and fold downward. 6 Afterward, open the flaps, and you should see line creases already made. Push down the flap and crease one more time.

For both sides, take the tip of the paper and fold it down, then you should see a crease line already made. Fold in half from left to right on both sides. 7

3 Take the ends of each side of the paper and fold until it reaches the tip.

Pull both sides together until they touch. Keep your finger there and tape it with clear tape. Repeat steps one through eight until you reach five petals. 8

9 Use a little piece of tape and connect the petals. Repeat it until you have no more petals to connect. Flip it around and push the petals together before taping around it. 10 With your choice of color, take a fair amount of tape, and place it in the middle of the little flaps inside your petal. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re almost done! Repeat it and then your finished product will look like this.

To learn how to do newspaper nail art, go to www.raiderecho.com.

16 | MARCH 2012