Online classes have been offered at Mesa for more than seven years, mostly through the form of online health, but Mesa also began to offer new classes this school year of 2013-14, expanding the online class options. Classes like World History have been discussed to become online courses, although this particular class did not make it into a scheduling option. AP Statistics, which would have been taught by Mr. Smith, was a choice of an online math course as scheduling occurred last spring of 2013, but became cancelled in the beginning of the 2013-14 school year for the reason even many traditional classes are: The class simply did not have enough people signed up to take it.

Currently, online courses include the infamous Health (DeBusk), Government (Soldin), Economics (Soldin), Journalism (Abuel), English 2 (Hayes), and Yearbook (Ames). Many of these courses are new and continue to be updated and created. These are just the options at Mesa, and other schools in the district have different offerings.

Past health student, Amalia Uribe said she did not enjoy online health. She would have preferred taking the course in a more traditional class room setting as she is a “visual learner and the online course is reading which usually needs explanation.” Although she did not like the class being online, she enjoyed how tests were formatted with unlimited amounts of time. She also liked how different resources could be used for assignments and discussions.

Geoff Fulkerson, a current online government student, would prefer to take the course in a regular class because, “I can’t really focus long enough to sit down and do it online.” Although a regular class would be preferred, Geoff says the challenge is worth it because, “I enjoy getting a home period.”

Not only are classes like online government or journalism new to students this school year, teachers are also experiencing the benefits and drawbacks of the online class revolution. This year, Mrs. Soldin is teaching online government and economics for the first time. She mentioned, “I have to juggle, uphold, create, and make fresh the material. This is very time consuming. What I would usually explain, I have to explain in paper, powerpoint, or video form.”

This year has been more time consuming since the online class is completely being developed, but in the future it should take less time. With all the time dedicated to the development of online classes, Mrs.Soldin feels slightly behind in her actual traditional style classes because so much of her time is focused on creating the online courses. With the time consumption the online classes have taken on her this year, Mrs. Soldin does like, “the flexibility. I grade at home from my computer.”

As a teacher, Mrs. Soldin would prefer the personal in-class experience with her students, but she understands we are entering a “tech future and many students need flexibility in their schedules.” She feels most students need the face to face time, and only a small group can truly be successful without personal discussions.

Although most people taking and teaching online courses would prefer to take or teach the class traditionally, as expressed by Geoff, “It frees up my schedule.” Time freed up in schedules to take other classes that otherwise may not have been an option has are students main benefits to the system, allowing them to work on their own time and at their own pace. That is, if they do not miss deadlines!

With hormones, assigned reading and no sleep, books are perhaps the last thing that any high school student would want to pick up. These books, however, are books that can get the reader off the computer and into a new world of, well, whatever an author can dream up.

1. Neverwhere
Neverwhere is a book by Neil Gaiman about a man named Richard Mayhew of London. When he finds a girl on the street bleeding, he attempts to help. The world begins to twist and turn from this point giving him a world of angels and odd subway tunnels. This book is very different from the average fiction stories I have read and it keeps the reader guessing just what the heck is going on.

2. The Girl Who Owned a City
This book is by O.T. Nelson about two young children, Lisa and Todd. The world has been silenced by the death of all people over the age of 12 years old. These two children learn to survive in a world without any adults to guide them, leading them to other children who are also trying to survive. This story is interesting in that it looks at how children would function in a society without adults. It can be cynical, but it also has moments that can be cheered for.

3. What is the What
Written by Dave Eggers, What is the What is a biography on the life of Valentino Achak Deng of Sudan and his journey as a Lost Boy. It tells of the Second Sudanese Civil War in which thousands of boys were forced to walk, often times without food and water, from their homes in Sudan to Ethiopia or face death or admittance into the child army of the rebels. This book is definitely for the more mature high school audience, but is still a great read for those wanting to expand their views on countries outside of their own.

4. The Catcher in the Rye
Normally I would not add a book that is typically required for class reading, but this one encapsulates adolescence. I recommend reading this one when you are feeling down because it makes you feel like life could be worse. The story is by J.D. Salinger about a Pencey Prep student Holden Caulfield. He starts off not having any concern about where life is going to lead him which takes him down a road of unsatisfactory events that slowly become taxing to both Holden and the reader.

5. Harry Potter Series
People have probably said to read this over and over again, but if you have not already, get to it. J.K. Rowling creates a seamless world of magic and wonder centered around the life of one Harry Potter. Every high school student needs to have a book to take them out of the real world every once in a while, and this book truly does so. Plus, Dumbledore.

6. It
For the more horror-oriented readers, It is a story that will disturb you right done to the bone. Stephen King uses the town of Derry, Maine, as he does in other stories, to tell about the creature It. It has many different forms, but what he consistently does is terrify children and kill. The story focuses on the events of Bill Denbrough and his friends in their childhood and their adulthood when they return to the town of their nightmares. This book can get very graphic, so reading it may be disturbing. Please do not blame me if you get nightmares.

7. Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress
The reason why I love this book is because it talks about growing up and all the awkward parts of it. Susan Jane Gilman's autobiography does not skim over the tougher parts of living life, she instead makes them the central stories in the book. Although she grew up in a different time period than the kids of today, it is still interesting to see the similarities of her time and ours.

8. The Graveyard Book
Okay, it's another Neil Gaiman book, but can you blame me? The guy is really great. Anyways, the book is about Nobody. By Nobody, I mean Nobody Owens, a living boy among the graveyard's residents. He arrived there one night as a child after he had gotten out of his crib and into the streets after a man named Jack killed his family. He grew up learning from the ghosts of the graveyard and has no complexes with them. The only thing he did not grow out of was Jack, who is still pursuing him. 

9. Ender's Game
Genius children. In space. With an alien race as their enemy. I say yes. Orson Scott Card wrote this about 30-40 years ago, but the story is still great. The children in question are not only smart, but they are the best of the best, outsmarting even adults. These kids are sent to a place called Battle School where they are trained to fight the Buggers, named because of their appearance. Ender Wiggin, a Third, lives in this world with his genius brother and sister, bored out of his wits by the normal classes, that is, until he decides to defend himself against his favorite bully.

10. A Thousand Splendid Suns
This book has gone on my list of my all-time favorite books. Khaled Hosseini (also wrote The Kite Runner) explains the situation in Afghanistan from the time Soviet Russia controlled it, to the time the Taliban lost their control. He centers his story around two women, Mariam and Laila, and tells a compelling and somber tale of how they survived the changes in leadership. It opens eyes to the life of these people and gives a glimpse beyond the war in Afghanistan.

We know what you're all thinking. "No way...It cannot be finals already." Regardless of your feelings, finals are indeed in your near future. Need some tips on ways to study? You better keep reading before you freak out and try to cram all that knowledge in your brain during one of those ruthless all-nighters.

#10: Hit the Hay
Considering pulling an all-nighter before test day? Think again. You might think the information will be more fresh in your brain, but the pressure can be a make or break. Being tired while reading notes usually results with less information retained and facts blurred together. What you do know, you could begin to doubt. Then, as if the stress of finals week isn't high enough already, the next day you will be exhausted and will hardly be able keep your eyes open to focus on that test. Want a better solution? Study in chunks. Studying smaller amounts over several days will make sure that your full attention is given, and information will stink into your brain better. Studying multiple subjects in one evening? Take a five to ten minute break before starting a new subject of review.

#9: Utilize the Study Guide
Never know what to study? Teachers usually give out study guides. Fill those out. If there is something on there that you don't know, ask! You never know what extra tips or hints your teacher may reveal. Study guides may take some time to fill out, but become rewarding when you get your aimed grade. Teachers give students study guides for a reason. 

#8: Get Your Blood Pumping
Get some exercise! Wait, taking time away from studying helps? Yes, taking a break from studies by jogging, doing some squats, or even jumping jacks can relax your mind, and help you sleep better that night. Don't overload your brain. Get oxygen flowing throughout your body and then begin more review afterwards. If you cannot take your eyes off your studies, jump on that treadmill and flip those pages as you go.

#7: Repetition is Key
Need to memorize facts, formulas, or diagrams? Grab paper and pens, and get ready to memorize your notes by rewriting them! Muscle memory and seeing phrases more will help you prepare for the test. Create blank charts or diagrams and fill them in over and over with the necessary information. Get stuck? Once filling in as many blanks as you can, get a different colored writing utensil and fill in the answers while checking what you previously wrote. The more you re-write, the more you will memorize.

#6: Get Weird
Studying for hours can be boring. Make it interesting by bringing your studies to life! You could re-enact a scene from your studies or build a 3-D model. Drawing pictures to help you understand or dressing up can also be other options. Doing some weird things will help keep those details engrained in your mind, and maybe make some wacky memories too.

#5: Reward Yourself
Don't have the motivation to keep readying? Reward yourself while you study! Pick a set number of pages to read or review notes (less than five is usually best). After reviewing the set number of pages, eat a favorite little snack. A couple goldfish or pretzels will keep you going and feeling satisfied. After finishing the final, reward yourself with another favorite, like a candy bar or an ice cream cone.

#4: Make it A Date
Study with some friends! Getting together with classmates and finding a place to meet is a great way to study (just try to stay on task). Discussing with friends and reciting the material out loud can help the information cling to your brain. If you can teach what you learned to a friend, then you're probably in good shape. 

#3: Visualize
Ever have a big race and you imagine yourself crossing that finish line with your personal record or imagine yourself scoring the next goal at your game? Mentally preparing yourself acing that test is a great way to build that self-confidence. Positive attitudes can define test grades. If you think you are going to do well, and studied the best you know you could, then take a deep breath and start filling in that Scantron.

#2: Grab Some Grub
Love to eat? Certain brain foods can help you when the studying is done. A glass of warm milk before bed can cozy you up to get that good night’s rest before test day. It is hard to do well if you fall asleep during the allotted time of a test. Hot cocoa can help trigger your memory. Mints during the test can have the same effect, and those are easy to put in your pockets on test day. 

#1: Color Code
Color coordinating your notes can help you memorize your terms and concepts. This method works especially well with note cards. The brain can associate different words with colors. If you get stuck on test day, a color might help trigger that word you need, and help you choose the right answer.

During the first few weeks of the New Year, all of the hype is about resolutions and striving to be better. What tends to be forgotten though, is what we accomplished during the previous year. So before we all hit the gym or the books, The Equestrian wanted to take a moment to acknowledge everything you achieved, big or small. Check out some of the student body’s proudest moments of 2013 and their goals for the upcoming year!


“I'm proud of being able to become more confident and write beast essays! I'm also proud of myself for learning how to prioritize my time.” 
     -Susana Rowe

“[I'm proud of] going to CIF for Cross Country as a team.” 
     -Jayson Baker

"I'm proud of starting my own website for my bow business. It's really cool to hear people at school asking, 'Are those Janelle's bows?'." 
     -Janelle Alonzo

“[I'm proud of] winning Best Smile.” 
     -Grant Ripchick

"I lost 16 pounds during the 2013 year. It was a lot of hard work. I plan to keep working hard to get in shape." 
     -Joseph Wase

"[I'm proud of] winning the Defensive MVP Award for Volleyball." 
     -Karina Cruz

"I'm proud of making CIF for girls' Cross Country; We haven't been in 5 years." 
     -Jocelyn Gutierrez

"[I'm proud of] making Varsity Volleyball." 
     -Lisa Perlin

“I'm proud of working hard and getting accepted to my dream school, Stanford University, with a full ride scholarship! My New Year's resolution is to not screw it up!” 
     -Loralee Sepsey

"[My resolution is to] run a marathon this year." 
     -Montana Martin


Happy New Year!

Senior Extraordinaire Loralee Sepsey has landed a full-ride to Stanford University.  Being the well-rounded student that she is, it’s no surprise that she has accomplished such a great feat.  She’s involved in KMESA, Make A Wish Club, journalism, band, National Honor Society, drama, and academic decathlon, all while maintaining a 4.1 GPA.  According to http://www.questbridge.org/about-questbridge/mission-a-vision  “QuestBridge provides a single, internet-based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment programs employers, and organizations seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles.”  QuestBridge is partnered with thirty-five of the nation’s most prestigious schools including Brown University, MIT, University of Chicago, and Stanford among others.  
In the middle of her junior year, Loralee received an email from QuestBridge.  This email detailed a scholarship they were offering to outstanding juniors, which Loralee applied for.  In winning this scholarship, she was able to spend the day at Stanford University, taking part in a college admissions conference.  There she learned of a scholarship that has since given her a remarkable opportunity: the QuestBridge National College Match.  After a long selection process, winners of this scholarship receive a full four-year scholarship to the college they are matched with. 

Loralee started applying for the QuestBridge National College Match in August, a month before the start of her senior year. To apply, students have to fill out an online application.  They also have to submit a transcript, test scores, three letters of recommendation, and multiple essays.  Mr. Abuel, Miss Ras, Mrs. Gilboe, and Mr. Gall were all great assets to Loralee during the selection process.

With over 12,818 applicants, Loralee became one of 4,773 finalists on October 22, 2013.  The next step was ranking up to eight of her top choices.  “My number one was Stanford, my number two was Yale, three was Northwestern, four was Columbia, and five was Vanderbilt.”  She then sent in her SAT scores, common application, supplements, and her family’s income level.

“I was so scared because my SAT scores were so low compared to all of the other people I knew who were applying to QuestBridge because we have Facebook groups and they share those things,” Loralee said.

On December 2, 2013, Loralee was in a journalism pitch meeting when she was notified of her match to Stanford University.  Out of the 4,773 finalists, 440 were matched.   “I’m just so happy that I’m going to Stanford.  I can’t believe it; it feels like a dream,” Loralee exclaimed.  

The annual cost of Stanford is $60,749.  Because of the National College Match, Loralee will receive about $55,000 in grants per year.  As her student contribution, Loralee must pay about $4,700 off through a work/study program and/or through other grants and scholarships.

“And then there are the rest of us…who may or may not get into college,” jested CMHS junior Janelle Alonzo.