Horoscopes: August-September 2023

Posted on by
Reply

Horoscopes

By: May Smith  8-16-23

Aries – The Universe wants you to be drunk on love and ecstatic with joy. So, let go. Let go of the resistance, inner and outer, as you allow yourself to flow. Oh, the portals that will open up for you once you lay your trust back in the divine plan, beautiful! When it comes to your career, examine the discontentment and understand where it stems from. Chances are, you’re so focused on ‘making it to the top’, that you have silenced the voice of your soul. Of course, this is not a sign for you to make impulsive decisions or make radical changes. It is, however, a reminder to make more time for pleasure and play; to balance that which you do for money with that which you create for love. When it comes to your interpersonal relationships, practice patience. Understand where the other is coming from and what could have triggered them. You may or may not find a resolution immediately, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you’re willing to show up for who and what you love, every single day.

 

Taurus – Reflect upon these wise words by philosopher Osho as you begin the month, “The mind: a beautiful master, a dangerous servant.” Consider this as your reminder to step into the role of the observer. Become aware of the stories that your mind is telling you and how not all of these stories are necessarily true. With the help of meditation and mindfulness, you will be able to break the old patterns, beautifully. What’s more, transformation is also going to be a major theme for you. But, the journey towards self-realization isn’t always going to be love and light. You will have to examine your shadows along the way and transmute the wounds that have resurfaced into wisdom. Overheard at the cosmic conference: It’s time to awaken your inner alchemist. When it comes to interpersonal relationships, resolution is indicated. By holding space for the people in your life to come as they are, you will activate the portal of healing.

 

Gemini – the disappointment and disillusionment are serving a purpose. They are bringing to your awareness that which has served its purpose in the story of your life. So, sit down with the discomfort, be beautiful, offer it a cup of tea, and listen to what it has to say. You are now ready to rewrite the old story. You are now ready to dance your way into the portal of abundance and bliss with the inner knowing that you deserve to create a life that looks as lush on the outside as it feels on the inside. Know that you’re supported by the divine forces at every step along the way. Forgiveness is also showing up as a big theme for you in the coming weeks. So, say “thank you” often and say “thank you” every time somebody lets you down. They’re merely revealing to you, through their actions and words, whether or not they deserve a spot in your sacred circle. When it comes to matters of the heart, take more chances. A wild, passionate encounter is on the cards for you this month, one that will offer you a chance to break free from your own limitations.

 

Cancer – What if we said the Universe wants you to be happy? So, be ecstatic with joy and drunk on love, wild one. By getting out of your own way, you will discover that euphoria is your natural state of being. When it comes to romantic affairs, listen to what your gut is telling you. If you feel like something or somebody has served their purpose in the story of your life, you’re probably right. Letting your attachments get the better of you will only prolong your suffering. So, cut the cords wherever necessary. Cancerians who are single or in the process of ending things with a beloved may find themselves attracted to somebody in their inner circle. Pro: You already know them inside-out. Con: You may feel a sense of trepidation when it comes to reimagining your relationship. Mercury retrograde later this month could bring into your experience members of your soul tribe you have lost touch with. Spend quality time with those who uplift your spirit and awaken the song of your soul.

 

Leo – This is the month to love and be loved! Emerge as the star of every show and charm your way through both the boardroom and the ballroom. Your social life is going to be on fire, Leo, and nobody’s complaining! In addition to reuniting with members of your soul family, you will have the chance to expand your network. The key to making lasting connections? Showing up as your most authentic self in every situation. Lions who’ve been in a committed relationship for a while will find a way to reignite the spark; to experience a sense of melting and merging with the other through this divine union we call love. Those in the early stages of a relationship may feel inspired to hit the accelerator button and experience the joy of cohabitation. Just make sure you talk about the practical aspects of the big move before you get carried away by the stirrings of your heart. In the realm of your career, a new, fruitful opportunity is likely to come knocking at your door. In order to make space for the incoming blessings, you may have to give something up. Something that has been providing you with a safety net up until now. Overheard at the cosmic conference: some risks are worth taking, beautiful.

 

Virgo – Patterns, patterns everywhere, Virgo! The month ahead is about examining the inner workings of your mind, bringing to light that which has been hidden in the darkness, and replacing the old programs. Here’s the thing about change, though: it does not take place overnight. So, allow nature to take its course as you let go of violence in favor of gentleness. Things have a way of falling into place unexpectedly. What’s more, health and wellness are also likely to take center stage in the coming weeks. August 2023 sees you watching your consumption habits and actively cutting the toxins out of your diet. If you’re feeling inspired to experiment with new forms of movement, consider joining a Zumba class or RSVPing to an ecstatic dance gathering. What you don’t want to do: let the past weigh you down. Things transpired the way they transpired because they were meant to. You were meant to learn certain soul lessons through the given interactions. It’s now time to open yourself to the alchemy of love and to feel magic coursing through your veins.

 

Libra – What is yours cannot and will not be taken away from you. Understanding this is growth; it’s maturity. So, if you feel like something or someone is slipping through your fingers like sand, let them. By walking the path of least resistance, you will create space in your life for a partner who’s willing to go all in. Besides, it’s not your job to convince other people of your worth and value, beautiful. Committed Venusians, this is a time of radical growth and transformation. August sees you and your beloved dancing the dance of life alongside each other. It sees you holding space for the other to show up in the big, bad world with a brave and open heart. You don’t necessarily know where life is taking you, and that’s okay. What matters is that, in this moment, you are infinite. When it comes to your professional pursuits, you are stepping into a leadership role. You are reclaiming your power and sharing your spiritual and creative gifts in a way that you feel called to. On the downside, your finances could be suffering at the moment. Just make sure that the starving artist mindset isn’t coming in the way of creating the wealth and abundance you desire and deserve.

 

Scorpio – Who are you, if not who you’ve been told to be? Your journey this month is to observe the internal barriers that keep you from showing up in the big, bad world as the most authentic version of yourself. Just a reminder: You were not sent here to dim your light in order to make other people feel comfortable. For those who want to love and be loved, August 2023 is the perfect month to experiment with new ways of relating. Expanding your definition of what family means and taking a step towards communal living may also be on the cards for some. When it comes to career and creativity, you’re being encouraged to follow your heart. The guidance that’s being revealed to you may only make sense to you, and that’s okay. Your inner compass will always lead you in the direction of growth and expansion.

 

Sagittarius – Clarity is your greatest gift this month. You know who you are and you know what you’re here to do. You’re confident in your ability to manifest opportunities that will help you move in the direction of growth. Speaking of movement, make sure you have a suitcase packed at all times. You never know when the chance to hop onto a magic bus or take the next flight out may present itself. Geographical expansion is also indicated in the coming months, especially in career and creativity. On the downside, your finances may or may not see exponential growth in the near future. If this is a cause of concern for you, make sure you have a chat with your clients/superiors and put your expectations on the table. When it comes to your interpersonal relationships, practice forgiveness. Things transpired in the way they did because they were meant to awaken you and teach you specific soul lessons. By accepting your past, you will eventually be able to make peace with where you are and open yourself to the infinite possibility of what you can co-create.

 

Capricorn – ‘Two” is your magic number this month. In case you’re thinking about partnering up with somebody and/or expanding your business, consider this as a confirmation from the divine forces above. Thinking big and making bold moves will pay off in more ways than you can imagine and in more ways than you can count. Some of you may be considering going the teaching or mentoring route. Trust that you have the wisdom and humility required to guide those who are walking the same path as you. When it comes to love and relationships, expand your heart and your mind. Practice forgiveness often as you make a conscious effort to understand where the other is coming from and what could have possibly triggered them. You have the power to create a safe haven for the both of you, Capricorn. You have the power to rewrite the story of your togetherness with the gift of loving awareness.

 

Aquarius – If there’s something your time on earth has taught you, it’s that the Universe is benevolent and that it never puts anything in your path that you’re unequipped to handle. In other words, you have the strength, courage, and resilience required to flip the script, to make things work *for* you instead. Overheard at the cosmic conference: it’s time to tap into that wild, warrior spirit! When it comes to romantic affairs, you’re being encouraged to show up with a brave and open heart. To trust in the magic of the moment and to give yourself the permission to explore the possibility of all that you can co-create with that special someone in your life. Here’s a popular quote from the rom-com Dreams of An Insomniac to remember as you make your way into August: “Unless it’s mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it’s a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love shouldn’t be one of them.”

 

Pisces – Yours is not a story of defeat and failure, Pisces. So, look your demons in the eye as you offer them a listening ear. The Universe is providing you with the opportunity to turn your breakdowns into breakthroughs and to permanently flip the script in a manner that supports your growth and evolution. When in doubt, remember the magic that’s coursing through your veins and the infinite possibility of what you can co-create. When it comes to love and relationships, stability is indicated. The inner knowing that they are both your safe space and your greatest adventure never fails to bring a smile to your face. Neptunians who are in the early stages of romance may feel inspired to hit the accelerator button, exchange keys, or take that first step toward cohabitation. Only you know what’s right for you and what isn’t. Just make sure you discuss the practical details of the move and how you would like to be supported by each other as you take that next step.

 

Advice Column: How to survive your first month of high school

Posted on by
Reply

By: Kendall Zuniga and Brittney Rodriguez 

Are you terrified of what your freshman year is going to be like? Worried you weren’t going to have the same classes as some of your friends? How hard are your classes going to be? The seniors were in the exact same position as you were once. It’s okay to be scared of new places though, that’s all part of the journey to get to your destination. Now I know what you’re thinking, “Okay, but how did the seniors even make it through their last year? “What did they even do to get to where they are?” and the answer to that is simple. You keep going. 

You keep going even when you want to give up, just keep swimming. Life isn’t meant to be easy, life throws boulders at you and sometimes you can’t dodge them. Sometimes you have to take the hits and endure the pain of it. Yes, this is all easier said than done but, we face the most gut-wrenching challenges in life in order to prepare us for the future. It’s all part of the process, you’re human. Try not to let the small things get you down, take your mistakes and learn from them. 

People like Stephen King have failed many times before succeeding, Stephen King’s first book “Carrie” was rejected over 30 times because publishers weren’t interested in selling negative utopia-science fiction. He decided to give up and threw his novel into the trash, King’s wife noticed the book retrieved it, and encouraged him to resubmit his novel to publishers. Today, Stephen King has written 65 novels and has sold more than 400 million copies of “The Shining”, “IT”, and “Carrie” worldwide. 

It is up to you whether or not you fail or succeed, you pave the path you walk upon. You will have people who love and support you every step of the way as you figure out and travel down the winding paths of not only high school but of life. 

Meet Our Foreign Exchange Students: Heloísa Torres & Akihiro Shi

Posted on by
Reply

By: Allison Collins

 

Left to right: Heloísa Torres, Akihrio Shi & Mrs. Williams posing for a selfie

Do you want to know more about the foreign exchange students here at PHS? Well, you found the place. The first two we have had the pleasure of interviewing are Heloisa and Akihiro, who are hosted by Mrs. Williams for their stay. 

Heloisa is a junior and from Sao Paulo, Brazil. For her, the biggest difference between schools in America versus Brazil is the fact that, here, we have the opportunity to change classrooms & choose what classes we can take. As she explained, “In Brazil, we have 16 subjects and it’s the same for everyone in the same year, so we don’t need to change classrooms”. Heloisa is a part of the jazz band & plays the keyboard. She also does UIL academics. She chose to be a foreign exchange student because,  “My country is my love, but I always wanted to meet the world to understand cultures and traditions.” Heloisa also spoke about how her geography teacher, in Brazil, is who motivated her to apply for the program.

Akihiro is also a junior, and from Kobe, Japan. He says the biggest difference between Pleasanton and Japan is, “this school is much freer, in japan we have uniforms and we are not allowed to go to the bathroom during class”. He’s interested in playing sports, already being in tennis. He decided to become an exchange student because “if I can speak English in Japan, it would be very advantageous to get a job”. 

If you see our new students around campus, be sure to give them a friendly welcome!

Monthly Cause: Don’t Be A Bully Month

Posted on by
Reply

By: Allison Collins 

 

“Back to School” season can be exciting for some. It brings the opportunity of meeting new friends, trying new classes, ect. For others, it can be the start of another year of bullying. Bullying affects many students, in fact, 1 in 5 students aged 12-18 are/ have been bullied in the past school year. 

Bullying comes in many different forms. One of the more common forms of bullying comes from verbal bullying. Verbal bullying can range from gossiping about the person, talking badly about them to their peers, to making up rumors. Actions like those cause students to feel uncomfortable in their school environment and can lead to them not wanting to come to school.

Not only can it affect the student’s education & school performance it can affect their mental health. People who experience bullying have a higher chance of experiencing things like depression & anxiety. Some of these symptoms can last up to 40 years after the original bullying took place.

One might pose the question: what causes someone to turn into a bully? Most of the time, the bully themselves is experiencing some type of negativity. Internally, they may struggle with issues like lack of self-esteem, wanting to have control of others, or they themselves feel outcasted. Externally, the bully is getting either bullied at home or someplace else. In fact, bullies are nearly twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety themselves. 

So, how do you stop the cycle? How can you help? Encourage healthy social skills. Teach kids to be nice to one another. Even if someone isn’t being nice to you, you never know what that person can be going through privately. This school year, the student council partnered with the “Dude. Be Nice” project. This project’s mission is to get people to treat themselves and others. You can stop by the PHS Library and order your own “Dude. Be Nice” t-shirt to support the cause!

Athlete Spotlight: Kiley Wiechring

Posted on by
Reply


By: Carol

In the world of student-athletes, there are those who stand out not only for their exceptional skills on the court but also for their dedication to academics and their ability to balance the demands of both worlds. One such outstanding individual is Kiley Wiechering, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in both sports and academics at Pleasanton High School. 

Kiley’s journey as an athlete began at a young age when she discovered her passion for sports, especially volleyball. Growing up in a family that valued athletics and education, Kiley was encouraged to explore her interests. She tried her hand at various sports, from softball to track and basketball, but ultimately found her main calling in the world of volleyball. Since the young age of about five Kiley could be found on a volleyball court. “ It’s my calm space” siad Kiley. 

As Kiley progressed through her volleyball career, her talent continued to shine. She joined our high school’s varsity team and quickly became a standout player. Her incredible work ethic, determination, and leadership skills earned her the respect of her coaches and teammates. 

Her performances on the court were nothing short of spectacular. She consistently led her team in scoring and demonstrated her versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Her dedication to the sport was unwavering, as she often spent extra hours practicing and refining her skills.

While Kiley’s love for volleyball was undeniable, she understood the importance of a well-rounded education. From an early age, she excelled in the classroom, consistently earning top grades and demonstrating a thirst for knowledge. Kiley’s dedication to academics never wavered, even as her volleyball career began to take off. She managed to strike a balance between her sports commitments and her studies, a feat that many find incredibly challenging. 

Kiley is undoubtedly a standout athlete at Pleasanton High School. Kiley’s athletic career serves as a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and dedication in achieving one’s goals. As she continues to shine both on and off the court, there is no doubt that Kiley’s dedication, work ethic, and ability to persevere in the face of challenges make her a role model for upcoming athletes.

PHS is beyond lucky to have a Student athlete like Kiley. All of us here in the PHS journalism staff would like to wish Kiley and the rest of her team good luck for the rest of their 2023 volleyball season.

 

Student Spotlight: Stephen West

Posted on by
Reply

By: Leighlah Silva and Kendall Zuniga 

 

 

Welcome back to PHS! A new school year means new students in our monthly student spotlight. This month, the Quill staff have chosen senior Stephen West to shed some green and white light upon. Though quiet to the school’s eye, Stephen makes noise with the varsity football team every Friday night whether it’s being in the game or on the sidelines cheering for his fellow teammates on getting a touchdown. In his free time, Stephen continues to play football from 4 to 7 p.m. after school. Participating in sports has brought many friends and opportunities into Stephen’s life over the last 4 years of his high school career, and continues to be an experience he admires greatly. He has shown a lot of “Eagle Pride” within his fellow peers over the years and he is excited to finish off his football career with the Pleasanton Eagle Varsity Football team.  

After high school, Stephen plans on attending A&M Kingsville University. He is uncertain what subject he wants to major in. Nonetheless, we know that no matter what he will be successful and the timing will come when he decides what he wants to major in. Stephen is highly talented both in and out of the classroom. He has an amazing future ahead of him. The Journalism staff are filled with gratitude for the golden opportunity to become acquainted with more knowledge about Stephen West. We wish him the best of luck for the amazing future he has ahead of him! Pride, Pride!

 

Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Garcia

Posted on by
Reply

By: Alex Richter

To begin our round of Teacher Spotlights for the 23-24 school year, I recently had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Garcia, a new teacher at PHS. She currently teaches English III with juniors and AP English III LANG.

In addition to her teaching, she also coaches high school girl’s basketball and track. She has always been accomplished in studying English since her school days, and her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, played a significant role in inspiring her. Mrs. Smith was not only a fantastic teacher but also an excellent supporter who attended Mrs. Garcia’s games, which made her look up to her even more. In high school, Mrs. Garcia enjoyed her English II class, where she read many great books. Initially, she wanted to become a coach, but her advisor suggested teaching as a more marketable career option. This is her fifth year of teaching, but she hasn’t taught at this level before. At first, teaching at a higher level was a bit challenging, but after collaborating with her colleagues, she feels confident about the upcoming year. Although she was confident in her math skills, Mrs. Garcia chose to teach English as it was her natural strength and her favorite subject. She also shared that Mr. Roberson, her math teacher, helped her develop a love for math. 

As a Pleasanton High School alumn, Mrs.Garcia is a great addition to our teaching staff. Make sure to give her a friendly welcome when walking down the 400 hallway this year!

Cross Country

Posted on by
Reply


By: Carol

For the high school cross country team, the start of the season marks the beginning of a journey filled with sweat, tears, and unrelenting determination. Theirs is a sport that celebrates the human spirit’s capacity for endurance and resilience. Whether they’re racing against the clock or supporting their teammates, these young athletes are bound by a common love for cross country running and a shared goal of personal and collective growth. As they lace up their running shoes and set off on this season’s adventure, they are a shining example of the power of passion, teamwork, and the indomitable spirit of high school sports.

Cross country is often referred to as a “team sport disguised as an individual sport,” and the camaraderie among the athletes is unparalleled. The bond formed through countless hours of training and shared experiences is one of the team’s greatest strengths. Whether it’s motivating each other during grueling hill sprints or cheering on their teammates during races, this unity is what sets them apart. The athletes on the Pleasanton high school team understand that the journey to success is paved with hard work and dedication. They’ve spent the off-season building their strength, improving their speed, and fine-tuning their running techniques in preparation for the upcoming races. 

Kassidy Vickers is a current senior on the team and gave the journalism staff an inside scoop of the team this year saying “ Our first meet was tougher than expected but we all made it through and were there for each other and I’m excited to see how our team progresses.”

All cross country stats can be found on the cross country instagram and/or facebook page. We are so proud of our cross country team and wish them nothing but success for the rest of their season.

 

Tennis

Posted on by
Reply


By: Carol

With the cool breeze of fall gently ushering in a new beginning, the excitement is palpable as the high school tennis team readies itself for a brand-new season. As the tennis courts come to life with the sound of rackets and the thud of tennis balls, the team embarks on a journey filled with dedication, camaraderie and victory. 

For the athletes on the high school tennis team, tennis is more than just a sport—it’s a tight-knit community of individuals bound by a common passion. As the season begins, the players are not merely teammates; they’re family. The camaraderie built through countless hours of practice and shared victories and defeats is what sets this team apart. Senior Evelynn Caraway said, “ When we play matches two times a week and have practice almost every day the team is more like family and even though we lost many seniors last year our team bond is stronger than ever.”

Behind every successful team is a coach with a well-thought-out strategy. Coach Everett, with years of experience and a deep love for the game, has devised a practice that focuses on refining each player’s skills. From perfecting their serves to working on their volleys, the team is prepared to face any challenge that comes their way. As Coach Evertt puts it, “Success is not just about winning matches, but about growing as individuals and as a team. My goal is to develop both as players and as people.”

The high school tennis team eagerly anticipates the fierce competition that awaits them. As the schedule unfolds, they will face rival schools and neighboring districts, putting their skills to the test. The thrill of competition is what drives these athletes to push their limits and strive for victory. 

Diggin’ Deep!

Posted on by
Reply

                                                                                                               By: Layla Rodriguez                                                                                             
Our lady eagles definitely started out their season by “diggin’ deep”, and fighting for every win! At our Edgewood tournament the eagles managed to place third overall. The next game quickly arose and the eagles dominated against South Side, capturing that win in just three sets. The following weekend they had another opportunity to dominate, and the first day of the tournament they made it to the winners bracket, the eagles had some long hard fights, and ended up in fourth place. Way to start off the season ladies!

 Some words from Head Coach Alyssa Bunch- “ I am very proud of our girls so far this season, we got off to a great start, and with lots of work and team building we will continue to grow as the season progresses.” Words from Addi Crowther- “ Our season is going pretty good so far, we had a little bit of a rocky start but we are now starting to progress. With lots of hard work and practice we will continue to grow together.” Both of these ladies are heading in the right direction and are definitely building our team! Our program is going to strive to get better and better as the season goes on; these ladies will work together at building a strong team!

Shout out to our JV and Freshman teams for starting off a great season and winning both South Side games, as well as our YWLA games! We would love it if you would come and support our ladies throughout this season! Pride, pride!

 

Valedictorian: Maria Huezo

Posted on by
Reply

By: Libby Sanchez & Jaelyn Morales

Maria Huezo, a student who gives nothing short of her best. Through the years, she has never turned in an assignment until she was 100% sure it was her best work, and all the hard work has definitely paid off. Her grades have exceeded the average students, and she has maintained her position as the number one ranked student in Pleasanton High School’s Class of 2023. The most humble classmate has earned her title as the Valedictorian, and her peers are beyond honored to celebrate it with her. 

Maria is planning on attending Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas beginning this fall. “My family didn’t want me to go far, and I didn’t want to go too far either. It’s close to home, and I look forward to being there with my friends in a new environment,” Maria said. She plans on majoring in biology, and eventually going into medical school to obtain her license in order to become a general surgeon in her future. “I’m signing myself up for 12 more years of school, but I think I have a good chance at this goal,” she states. Someone as hardworking as Maria, there is no doubt in the world she will eventually get her goal. In high school, Maria has excelled at helping her classmates in their studies, in band, and just been an amazing friend to her peers. It should come as no surprise that she will one day be saving lives the way she wants, caring for others is one of Maria’s best traits. Not only doing the best for herself, but making sure those around her are doing their best as well, and if she can help, she will.

A leader like Maria is inspired by those around her, and those inspirations are none other than her older brother, Juan Huezo, a Class of 2022 graduate, and our very own world history teacher, Ms. Infante. Juan, who just graduated last year, has always been a constant presence throughout Maria’s life, and as soon as she entered high school, the two were inseparable, even combining friend groups. It’s no surprise that Maria has chosen her brother as one of her inspirations, he’s always motivated her to do her best and give nothing less. “He’s one of the most hardworking people I know, I guess it just made me want to work harder, to match him in a way. He always does his best, and that’s all I ever try to do. I don’t know if I would have been as motivated to fight for my rank if it weren’t for him,” said the Valedictorian. Maria is lucky to have him, even as she closes this chapter of her life! “I hope she continues to strive, she’s smart and genuine, she can get anywhere in life,” stated Juan. Along with her brother, a fellow PHS teacher has also played a very important factor in Maria’s succeeding title as Valedictorian. “Ms. Infante was my teacher sophomore year, but it feels like she’s been my teacher every year. Even after sophomore year, she still found time to stop and talk, ask me how I am, how my education is going, just showing that she still cares. It really made a difference and it pushed me to do better, so I am really grateful for her presence these last few years,” Maria says. Pleasanton High School is lucky to have teachers like Mrs. Infante pushing students to be better, and even more lucky to have students like Maria who follow in the footsteps of such amazing role models. “There’s a quote by Malcolm X that fits Maria perfectly, and it says “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” It is a clear precedent that shows she can accomplish anything the future has in store for her. Maria, you are truly a gifted person, it has been a privilege and an honor to see you flourish and grow into the person you have become,” stated Ms. Infante. 

Maria has a bright future ahead of her, one in which the graduating Class of 2023 will hear about and think “Wow. I went to high school with her.” To Maria, and the rest of the Class of 2023, we wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors, never stop striving for better!

Salutatorian: Connor Lopez

Posted on by
Reply

By: Shyanne Sexton & Kassidy Vickers

Pleasanton High School has announced that Connor Lopez is the salutatorian for the class of 2023. As our school and community prepare to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of its seniors, Connor’s achievement serves as a beaming example of the hard work and dedication that Pleasanton High School students strive for. 

Connor is truly an amazing student. According to his teachers and peers he is a joy to be around, always making his peers and teachers laugh. He is incredibly intelligent, always up to date on his current events, getting outstanding grades, and bettering those around him. Connor is someone who does not let anything bring him down and strives for perfection. He manages to find an equal balance between his academics, his extracurriculars, his family, and his friends. Since the first rankings were given freshman year, Connor worked hard and remained determined to maintain his top two ranking.

Connor will be furthering his education at Texas State, majoring in Political Science and pre law and aspires to be a lawyer.  For him, law is an excellent match that fits his personality and skill set. Connor has not only the intelligence for this field but also excellent argumentation skills that will allow him to succeed. And whilst working towards his degree, Connor hopes to attain an internship at TXST. 

Connor is a tremendous musician who has developed into a fantastic trumpet player throughout his high school career. He is an outstanding leader and has been an excellent example for all band students. Throughout the years Connor has received many awards in band, ranging from most improved musician to one of our outstanding musicians and marchers. He has a unique personality that has contributed to a huge change in the PHS program. And out of all his outstanding accomplishments Connor says that, “Going to state ensemble in band with Kevin Tucker, Cecar Garcia, Monque, Michael Lister was definitely one of the greatest.”

Connor’s achievements here at PHS are nothing short of remarkable, but not without giving credit to the teachers who have impacted him. Every student has that one teacher that made a difference and stood out to them among the rest, and for Connor Mrs. Solis was just that. It was an easy choice for him when being asked who had the greatest impact, “Mrs. Solis understands me more than most.”  According to Mrs. Solis, Connor has been nothing short of astounding, “ With Connor, I have been lucky to have the opportunity to work with him one-on-one when preparing for auditions and with a small group of individuals. I’m going to miss him, but he’s off to bigger and better things. Connor is someone who strives for perfection and always gives 150%. He has worked extremely hard to get to where he is and I’m so proud of him. He truly is an outstanding individual who is going to do great things!” As graduation grows closer and closer Mrs. Solis hopes for him to know that, “Texas State is receiving someone with lots of energy, an infectious laugh, incredible talent, dramatic burps, strong opinions, outstanding leadership, and amazing dance skills. Texas State is not ready for your energy but go make a change. You have worked so hard to get to where you are. Go achieve your goals and reach your dreams Connor, you know where to find me if you need anything. I’m sooooooo proud of you! Good luck!”

Throughout Connors high school years, Connor’s parents have been there to encourage him and believed in him every step of the way. Connor has achieved so much and his parents are more than proud, “We are so, so proud of him for being salutatorian. It feels like it’s an acknowledgement of how dedicated he has always been to excelling at academics. It’s hard to find the right words to describe how proud we are of him!” There is an amazing future prepared for Connor and his parents are just as excited as everyone else to see him find the path that fulfills him. Going into this new chapter of his life, Connor’s family wanted to leave him with a reminder, “…no matter where he goes or what he does, we will ALWAYS love and support him. And we want him to know that we are so proud and feel so blessed that we get to be his parents.” 

Connor has an amazing future ahead of him and left a great legacy behind him. PHS has been lucky to have such an amazing student. So to Connor and the rest of the class of 2023, yall have been the best role models and most influential class. We wish yall the best of luck for everything that comes after your time here at PHS!!

Baseball

Posted on by
Reply

By: Farah Standley and Letizia Perrino


You know what time it is… with the JV baseball team’s season coming to a hard-fought close, the Varsity team pushes onto Regional Quarterfinals, the second round in the playoffs. Your Eagles went completely undefeated in District with a record of 12-0, including huge wins such as,  a 22-0 win against Carrizo Springs, and a 11-0 win against Uvalde. The team swept Orange Grove in Bi-District 5-2 and 13-9 to advance to Area, and won 2 games to 1 against Zapata to advance to Regional Quarterfinals against Sinton. We are excited to see what the future holds for this very talented group of athletes.

Diego Luna and Ryan Benevides, two of our Senior starters on the team, both feel Pleasanton baseball has so far been an amazing experience in their lives. Both of their favorite things about their high school baseball career is playing with friends they grew up with and just enjoying every moment as team bonding, especially on trips. They also both agree that their biggest accomplishment in high school baseball is being able to make plays and cool diving catches in the outfield for their team. Diego’s goal for the season is to have his best batting average so far, and Ryan’s is to continue to contribute to the team the best he can. 

The team plans to not let off the gas and beat everyone that stands in the way, and we all sure hope that is exactly what happens. Every single player on the team is extremely pumped and ready to take on the Pirates. Really big things could be ahead, so be ready…because the team is!

ROTC-May Edition

Posted on by
Reply

By: Brian Avery and Dev Patel

Welcome to the last ROTC article of the year! This month, the ROTC participated in many different activities, so let’s not waste any time and get right to it!
 The first thing we will be covering is the ROTC Drill team! They went to nationals last month. Nationals were held in Daytona Beach, Florida! Cadet Major Courtney Cearly was recognized as the best overall driller at the event, so congratulations Courtney! The Eagle Battalion was a part of the Battle of the Flowers Parade for Fiesta in San Antonio on April 28th. They marched with other battalions from different ROTC programs, and Valdemar “Val” Herrera marched at the front, carrying the U.S. flag. The Battalion had a blast participating in the parade, and it was great to spend time with other ROTC members!

  We asked several ROTC members about their thoughts on the ROTC program as the year draws to a close. Val Herrera, a Command Sergeant Major who graduates this year, praised the development of the ROTC program, “My first year is nothing like what we have today. A lot of competitions we didn’t place at, but compared to now, we have trophies in the lunchroom, lobby. These last two years we have really excelled.” Cadet Staff Sergeant also praised the growth the ROTC program has experienced, “It makes a difference on our performance, and how well we do. For being a small town, we really are excelling.” Val agreed, stating that he believed they were being held to a higher standard, which contributed heavily to their success. Colonel Wynder believes that the ROTC program has only improved since he joined 4 years ago, the program better than it was the year before. “When Cadets want to be here, they get involved, and it becomes a family atmosphere.” When asked about the performance of the Cadets, he said “I know that no matter what a cadet comes with when they come here, I know they are going to reach their max potential because we challenge them and encourage them, and they meet their goals.” 

Val is heading out for active military duty whenever he graduates high school. Good luck to Val, and the rest of the ROTC program in all their future endeavors!!

Teacher Spotlight: Coach Salinas

Posted on by
Reply

By: Alexandra Garcia 

This May of 2023 the PHS journalism staff would like to recognize Coach Salinas as our Teacher Spotlight. We had the opportunity to interview him and get great feedback about his teaching and coaching life here at PHS.

Coach Salinas first graduated from just down the road at Jourdanton High School, and when it came time for college,… he says, “After bouncing around to a few different colleges and taking some time away to just work, I finally decided to return to UTSA and finish my degree in Kinesiology.”

 

Coach Salinas has now been teaching here at PHS for 10 years. When he first started he only taught geometry, but after 3 years he started teaching Algebra 1 along with geometry to the freshman class.

Coach Salinas was also known for coaching football and basketball for the first 7 years here at PHS but eventually decided to take a step away from coaching to be there for his wife and kids.

He was first inspired to teach because he wanted to impact students and our Atascosa County. 

He says “I grew up in this community and feel that I can relate to many students on this campus.”

 

Originally he wanted to become a coach before he wanted to become a teacher because of the impact his coaches had on his life. But not long after he says he believed he had fallen in love with teaching as the side job of coaching, and feels that he still can make a difference with every student he teaches along with students he coached. 

Coach Salinas says “When things are tough, I like to look at this Dr. Seuss quote which hangs in my room. It reads, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.” My goal here is to ensure that students feel like I care about who they are, besides being a student in my class.”

 

“I also really enjoy Algebra and working with Freshman students because I feel that I can make a stronger impact on their high school experience and understand expectations on our campus.”

He states that one of his favorite parts of teaching here is “seeing the growth of my students every year. Every student has something special about themselves, and I enjoy having a year to watch my students grow and find their way here at PHS.”

Even with teaching, Coach Salinas stays busy outside school as well. He says “Since I have kids, most of my weekends consist of kid activities, like the Zoo or Sea World. But when I have free time to myself, I enjoy playing golf with some friends/coworkers. I’m also in grad school to one day become an Assistant Principal/Principal, so that takes up most of my time outside of here.”

PHS is so fortunate to have Coach Salinas here and wish to thank him for all that he does!

Monthly Cause

Image

Reply

 

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness for people’s health mentally, rather than physically. Mental health is important because it impacts relationships, attitude, community wellness, work productivity, and most of all, the stressing of life. 

However, many people suffer from their mental health. This month is the month to encourage others to seek the health care they need. This month provides the opportunity to focus on self care and show the importance of mental health. Many people have been through traumatic events and it has had a negative impact on their minds. 

Mental Health Awareness was established since 1949 and was created mostly to educate people on conditions like depression, bi-polar disorders, anxiety, and copying with toxic family environments . Over time, substance abuse has increasingly grown and harmed others in the long run causing some to go dumb, cause migraines, and severe breathing problems .

  You can help raise awareness by asking how people are doing, or doing a good deed to enlighten someone’s day. You can greatly impact a person’s life just by one little doing.

The Quill- May Edition

Posted on by
Reply

Welcome to the last Poll of the 2022-2023 school year! This month, we asked you a slew of different questions, so lets get into it!

We asked you about what you would miss when the school year would draw to a close, and the popular answer was “My Friends!” It’s great to have such strong bonds, and we hope you are all able to stay in contact and spend time together over the summer! After that, we gave everyone a chance to shout-out someone or multiple people who made an impact on you! Here are our answers!

– I would like to thank Mrs. Williams, she has been one of my favorite teachers and her teaching style is what I feel like a lot of our teachers should do. She is amazing and always makes me feel welcome and I was so happy I was able to have her for a teacher.
– Mrs infante
– Ms.Minnear and Coach Everett had a big impact on my life and I am very thankful and grateful for everything they’ve done for me .
– Definitely Mr. Stub, he’s funny especially with his dad jokes and really enjoyed his class.
– Brianna Lopez had such an amazing impact on me and I love her more than anything! She makes me life better everyday, just by being in it!
– Mr.Salinas without him I wouldn’t be doing good and understanding math like I am now.
– To my favorite person, Liam Powell. He’s been an amazing person in my life this year and has really help me changed for the better.
– Ms Roberson has been one of the best teachers I have ever had and her class was one of my favorites I was always happy to go to her class.
– I want to shout out to Juan Casis for staying in art without Juan I probably would’ve had a way different year.
– Michaela Anguiano, she taught me many things inside and outside of school. She is a senior so she would always teach or tell me tricks that I can apply to school as well as she helped me tremendously with anything musical involved. As well as outside of school she taught me how to be courageous and calm even in hard situations. It’s hard to see her go and I will miss her lots but I can never thank her enough for how great of a friend she has been to me.
– Thank you Mrs.Hardy
– Austin Ludlam & Karen Harris
– Shout-out to all my teachers not just the ones from senior year but from all grades up to today for pushing me and believing in me when i did not believe in my self.
– I will like to thank my junior teachers most of them gave me one of the best year to remember and I learn so much that year so I was able to do great things this year
– Alexis Padilla because she is the only reason I even came to school everyday, even when she wasn’t here.
– Rylee Maspero, she is my best friend and dearest sister, and I love her and appreciate her every single day of my life.
– My shout out would go to Mrs. Vargas because she is very understanding and patient.
– The entire senior yearbook/journalism staff.
– Mrs. Lasater is so down to earth and has the most interesting perspectives/ life you can learn a lot just by having a conversation
– Mrs. Breiten is just the dopiest teacher this is been know she just a cool person and a great teachers
– My Mom
– Raylin, senior she’s made me grow as a person and I’ll miss her
– Someone who has made a huge impact in my life would be Cierra she has help me thought a lot this pass school year and I’m sad she has to leave this year and I am going to miss are coventsing that we have on the bus or just at school she has been there for me my whole life she is my best friend/my favorite person/my favorite senior/ Like my big sister.
– We asked you to give us some advice to feature at the start of next year, We thank you for all of your contributions!
As we draw this year to a close, we thank you dear readers for sticking with us and supporting this year. We wish you a wonderful summer!

Poem of the Month

Posted on by
Reply

A Warm Summer Breeze-

The trees whisper in the breeze

The forest peaceful, quiet, and serene.

The warm breeze like a soft caress,

Momentarily eliminating all stress.

 

Without delay it carries on

Leaving the place in silence when it’s gone.

A summer day, a summer breeze.

Softly whispered through the trees.

 

The summer breeze, softly it comes,

Quickly it leaves,

Causing soft whispers in the trees.

It came and soon left, a summer breeze.

 

By: Christina Rossetti

 

Summer is almost here and the times we share in school are coming to an end. The seniors are getting ready to start the next chapter of their lives. Most will be going to college, the work force, or the military. Friends will have to say goodbye, yet still can hang out in the summer and make some more memories before school starts again.

 

Sincerely,

 

The Passionate Poet

 

Sweet Treat

Posted on by
Reply

By: Savannah Valdez

Are you looking for a sweet treat that will sweep everyone off of their feet? Then you came to the right place! For this month’s issue the sweet treat is Strawberry cake cookies! These are a great summer treat for you and your friends.

Here are some ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1 box of strawberry cake mix
  • 2 whole eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup of powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup of flour (for rolling dough)
  • Cookie sheet

Let’s start baking:

  1. To start you will begin preheating the oven to 375 F and line a cookie sheet with parchment or silicone liners.
  2. In a medium sized bowl insert the 2 eggs and vegetable oil and whisk till combined well.
  3. Add into the medium sized bowl your box of cake mix and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Once added, mix all ingredients together well.
  4. Pour the ⅓ cup of flour mixture into a bowl. Using a cookie or ice cream scooper, you will make balls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Once you roll the balls of dough, you then place them in the flour mixture then once coated, you can place them on the cookie sheet.
  5. Once you have all the dough balls on the sheet, you can then insert them into the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes till they slightly rise.
  6. Once risen, you will take them out of the oven, let them cool, and enjoy!

There you have it guys, all it takes is 6 simple steps to make these delicious cookies. You will be the one they won’t forget this summer! Enjoy!

Advice Column

Posted on by
Reply

By: Aaliyah Herrera 

Summer is just around the corner and this month’s issue we have mainly summer questions for this month’s advice column. All questions will be anonymously by students here at PHS. Let’s get right into it!

Here to start us off, “what are some fun things to do during the summer if you have no money and you have no transportation? – anonymous” some ideas are taking a walk in your neighborhood, having a picnic or camping out in your backyard, or even inviting friends over for a sleepover at your house. 

Next, “what are some ways to keep track of your memories for this school year? – anonymous” what could help is vlogging or even writing down about your memories or fun experiences from this year! Having them fresh in your mind would help out even more to get exactly every detail right in that particular memory. 

Furthermore, “what is a good way to plan out a summer trip – anonymous” a good way that could help you plan is communicating with the people you are traveling with to figure out a good date to schedule the trip doing so will help a lot and make things easier when it comes to the day of the trip. Assign who will bring what on the trip so everybody could pitch in for the trip. And find a place to stay as soon as possible for the trip. 

Following, “what can keep me occupied during this summer? – anonymous” some options are taking a week long vacation whether it be a beach trip or going camping doing this will keep you occupied and exposed to outdoor activities. Also taking a trip to another state or city is a great way to get out and explore new places!

Last but not least, “what are some indoor activities to do during this summer? – anonymous” If you’re wanting to keep cool this summer some indoor activities could consist of going to a museum or indoor attraction such as, arcade, skate rink, or even an aquarium! These are just some ideas there are so much more you could find online or near you!

These were such great questions for this month’s issue. If you enjoyed this and want your questions answered in the next advice column next year go to your class in google classroom and go to the POLL where you can ask your questions there!

Movie Review: Evil Dead Rise

Posted on by
Reply

By: Myame Lara

Evil Dead Rise 2023 U.S. One Sheet Poster - Posteritati Movie Poster Gallery

A new addition to the Evil Dead franchise has recently hit screens worldwide and made $40 million alongside its debut. Gaining a rating of 4 stars out of 5 on Rotten Tomatoes, and  6.9 stars out of 10 on IMDb, the movie also gained mixed reviews from the public. Evil Dead Rise follows sisters Beth and Ellie, played by Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland, reunion as it gets cut short by “the rise of flesh-possessing demons.”

This movie is definitely not for the faint-hearted, as it is packed with gore and uncomfortable scenes. Evil Dead Rise wastes no time to get the show started, and as much as I loved it, it quickly became obvious why this movie received mixed reviews from critics all around. Along with the movie’s quick start, I expected a clear storyline to play a part in it, but to my disappointment there was none. Though a failing storyline, this movie was a great addition to the Evil Dead franchise and has introduced us to new characters that are quickly becoming fan favorites!

If I had to put a rating on this movie, I would rate it a solid 6/10. The movie had great potential and I would recommend it to any gore-loving horror fans. Just keep the snacks in the cabinet for this one!

May 2023 – Horoscopes

Posted on by
Reply

 

By: May Smith

 

  Aries – This is a great time to focus on your finances. You may be feeling particularly ambitious and driven when it comes to your career, and your hard work is likely to pay off. You may also find yourself attracted to new money-making opportunities, so be sure to keep your eyes open for any potential investments or side hustles that could boost your income. Avoid being stubborn in the matters of the heart and look to resolve issues at the earliest.

 

   Taurus – This month is an excellent time to focus on your career goals. You may have new opportunities coming your way that will allow you to showcase your talents and skills. Take advantage of these opportunities and show off what you’re capable of. You may also see an increase in your finances. If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner may feel more connected and in tune with each other. However, be mindful of communication issues.

 

  Gemini – Focus on building your reputation and expanding your network this month. You may find that your hard work pays off as you receive recognition and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, this is a great time to consider investing in your education or skill set to further your professional growth. Avoid taking loans of any kind. If in a relationship, be mindful of any possessive or controlling tendencies that may arise.

 

  Cancer – Your social and networking skills are likely to bring new opportunities your way. You may get a chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your goals, and this could lead to success in your career. Financially, this is a good time for investments and new projects. With proper planning and guidance, you can achieve financial growth. This is a great time to strengthen existing relationships, both romantic and platonic.

 

  Leo – You are likely to receive recognition for your hard work and your efforts will be appreciated by superiors. You may also receive a promotion or a raise in your current job. However, it is important to be cautious and not let success get to your head. You will be able to manage your finances well. You may receive some unexpected financial gains. For those who are single, this month may bring opportunities to start a new relationship.

 

  Virgo – You may feel more confident and optimistic about your future prospects, and this may encourage you to take on new projects or start a new business venture. You may also find yourself drawn to learning new skills or pursuing higher education. In matters of the heart, you may find yourself feeling more adventurous and open-minded. Try to incorporate some relaxation techniques into your daily routine to manage stress.

 

  Libra – You may feel a desire to take control of your finances and investments. This is a good time to review your financial situation and make any necessary adjustments. You may also find yourself drawn to spiritual and mystical pursuits, seeking deeper insights into the mysteries of life. You may find yourself confronting issues around trust. It’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner about your feelings.

 

  Scorpio – This month, your focus will be on partnerships and collaborations in your career. It’s important to lean on your colleagues and work together to achieve your goals. You may find that you are more successful when working in a team than when working alone. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to help you make smart investments. Singles may be drawn to people who have a strong sense of teamwork.

 

  Sagittarius – You are likely to be busy with projects and responsibilities, but you have the energy and enthusiasm to tackle them all. Consider saving more and cutting back on unnecessary expenses. You may also find that a new opportunity for additional income arises. In your personal relationships, you may find that conflicts arise, but with an open and honest dialogue, you can find a resolution. Keep your energy levels high by eating healthy food.

 

  Capricorn – Romance is in the air this month, and you are likely to be swept off your feet. If you’re single, you may meet someone new who shares your interests and values. This could be someone you meet through a creative pursuit or a social event. Your career and finances are also looking up this month. The stars will bring positive energy and recognition to your creative talents. Financially you may receive unexpected income or a bonus.

 

  Aquarius – Your career may take an exciting turn this month. This is a good time to network, make connections, and promote your skills and talents. Keep an eye out for any potential investments or business opportunities that may come your way. In personal life, you may have some difficult conversations with your partner, but the outcome will be positive and lead to a deeper understanding of each other.

 

  Pisces – You may find yourself feeling a little restless and uncertain about your career path. You may feel that you’re not making progress as quickly as you would like, and this can lead to some frustration. Gradually, there will be improvement in your work life. Financially, this is a good time to focus on long-term investments, as they are likely to pay off in the future. You may have a strong urge to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.

The end of a decade, but the start of an age

Posted on by
Reply

By: Libby Sanchez and Jaelyn Morales

As the 2022-2023 school year is coming to an end, the senior class is preparing themselves to graduate and start the next chapter of their lives. Even though most of us don’t wanna grow up, these last 4 years have prepared us to go out into the world and strive for success. On May 26th, 2023, at 8pm, the senior class will gather for one more goodbye. It’s hard not to find it all a little bittersweet and while our class has had many ups and downs, Long story short, we survived! 

For the class of 23 favorites, the seniors voted in favor of silver and green as the class colors, the white rose as the class flower, and “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift as the class song. These past 4 years might’ve been happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time, but they were also years full of many joyous memories with friends and family. There are five seniors graduating from the journalism class and staff editors on the Quill graduating are as follows: Editor in Chief- Libby Sanchez, Copy Editor- Jaelyn Morales, Photo Editor- Noah Ramos, and Managing Editor- Brian Avery. We are all going to miss journalism very much, but not as much as we are going to miss Mrs. Minniear who has been an amazing role model. 

As a class, we all gave our “blood”, sweat, and tears for this moment and survived the Great War. I want to wish every single person in our class the best of luck in their future endeavors and with whatever path they choose to follow. Congratulations Class of 2023, “Long live the walls we crashed through. I had the time of my life, with you” and lastly I want to remind everyone that Taylor Swift was right, “You’re on your own kid.”

The Summer Memory

Posted on by
Reply

By: Alex Richter

Under the summer sun, one afternoon I was sitting on the beach. My brother had been entirely buried in sand, as I stood on top of him in victory. Even though he had let me do it, I liked the feeling of winning something, even though I wasn’t really. His brown hair was dropped toward the center of his face, and he looked up, smiling.

“This is actually way better than sitting in the sun, thanks Tom,” my brother, Will said.

“Wait what? That’s not fair, you weren’t supposed to enjoy it,” I spat.

“Eh, don’t worry about it. I’m going to unbury myself anyway,”

“The water looks rough, I kinda want to go out… Will you come with me?”

“Yeah, just give me a moment,” he strained. 

I watched as he pulled his torso slowly out of the sand, struggling to get out. Of course, I didn’t help, yeah sure I buried him, that doesn’t make me responsible for unburying him. Placing his hands on either side of him, he lifted one leg after the other out of the sand, panting slightly. I was beginning to question if it was really as hard as he was making it seem.

“Oh, please. It’s not that hard coming out of the sand ‘innit?”

“And you’re actually watching me struggle, not doing anything about it, don’t tell me anything like that. Tom, you’re a spoiled brat,” he breaths, lifting himself fully out. “You know, if you weren’t my brother I’d probably hate you, but unfortunately you are.”

“Uh-huh, yeah sure.” I spoke, thinking. I have an idea… “Race me, one lap around that big rock over there.”

“That’s too far, Tom. You know that.”

“You’re pretty scared even though you’re… What? How old are you? Thirty?”
 “I am 21, Tom. Old is not a way to describe me just yet.”

“Please, just come on,” I had said, laughing. 

As we lined up at the same distance from the water, I yelled and swiftly took a deep breath, diving into the warm ocean. Swimming was not a hobby that I often did, but I was feeling confident. Clear waters were in every direction, I had already made it out pretty far. Veering upward, I spotted Will, swimming as fast as his legs could take him.

Morning would’ve been a more suitable time for swimming in the ocean, because it would’ve been cooler. Questioning my distance, I stared in wonder, in the distance.

Wait, where is Will? 

Ten seconds prior, I had not noticed Will hitting the rock on accident; he was then slipping further into the depths of the sea. I wish I would have noticed him sooner, I might’ve been able to save him. I watched him perish in the summer of 2018, not knowing what to do. Of course, I was only 14, naive and stupid.

Please come back, please.

As if I was a god with the ability of resurrection, I had wished with all my heart that we would see each other again. During that time, I was just watching, he was probably looking right at me. Just as I was starting to grow up, I had been hit with a wave of sadness and depression that no words would be capable of describing. Knowing Will, he would not wish grief upon me, he would say: “Listen to me, Tom; because of you I am dead, yet I felt so alive when it happened. Mourning me is unnecessary if you were the best brother anyone could ask for, and I’ll always thank you for that.” He’d say something poetic like that.

Nevertheless, I am successful in my life, and I wouldn’t let the death of a loved one change that. We all experience loss at some point, but it’s a part of life. Rolling with it can be necessary at some point when that happens. The point is, not to forever mourn them, but to move on and continue to be happy.