4 Features January 17, 2013 POP! Goes the cake pop  Five seniors and one simple love of cake pops has turned their passion for baking into a reality by Sierra Christopher Contributing Writer F ive Warriors have taken a delicious bite-sized cake that many know and love and have turned it in to a thriving business. Seniors Christin Link, Abigail Peterman, Katie Bell, Kelsey Meyers and Taylor Giberson have started their own cake pop business, selling these cake pops year round. Their cake pop business, “Lil’ Cake Bites,” started from one simple book. “Taylor bought a book about (cake pops) and we just decided to make them,” Link said. “We loved it, so we decided to make a business.” The girls have been baking these treats since sophomore year but say they do not plan to continue in college due to the difficulty production will be. “I think we’re going to have to call it quits when college comes around,” Bell said, “but the experience has been great so far!” “It gets really hard during volleyball season and finals to keep up with the orders,” Bell said. “But with everyone’s help it goes really smoothly.” Order information and the various flavor options can be found on the website www. lilcakebites.com. The girls make the cake pops together and say they have a lot of fun doing it. “It’s fun because we’re doing it with our best friends,” Peterman said. “We each have individual roles.” The girls even do little designs for special orders, including parties and holidaythemed cake pops. “Christin is really good with handling the little details and the same goes for Kelsey,” Bell said. “They’re both really good with money so they kind of act as treasurers for us. Abby is really helpful in the actual making of the cake pops, so she mainly works with that.” “Taylor is great with dipping the cake SENIOR CHRISTIN LINK pops, but website and I manage the smiles as she makes some has a hand in just Facebook and Instagram accake pops for their about everything,” counts.” company. Bell said. Since they handle the busiPhoto “She’s kind of like ness on their own, the business courtesy of a manager. I dip the has even helped with their financpops with Taylor too, ing skills. “Lil’ Cake but my main thing that “It has helped me figure out that Bites” I do for Lil’ Cake Bites is this (business accounting) is actually all of the media. I made the what I want to do in life,” Bell said. Keeping up with Newport Madison  This clothing company has a bright future ahead by Katie Mitchell Staff Writer C orliss (20) and Camille (17) Mejia started their clothing brand, Newport Madison (NM), in 2011 at the ages of 16 and 18, respectively. Q: Why did you start NM? A: My sister, Corliss (class of 2011) was very interested in business, so my dad thought “what better way to get business experience than to run your own company?” Our dad helped us a lot with gaining our sellers permit, establishing a line of credit with the bank and helping us get a DBA (Doing Business As) license for our company. But once he helped us with the legal work, he let us run the company on our own. We currently work with wholesalers in LA and with Brandy Melville and its wholesale department. Q: How is NM growing as a company? A: NM has grown tremendously from when we first started back in 2011. We went from only reviewing orders in California to receiving orders from all over the U.S. Our growth has allowed us to start shipping internationally. We are currently opening our doors to Australia, Canada and Great Britain and we are excited to expand further. We have also created a few additions to our website. Our latest template has made the shopping experience for our customers easier and more accessible. We have invested in new photography equipment and a new backdrop to make our photos more professional. Our poor dad had to move his car out of the garage so that we could transform the space into a studio/warehouse for our growing company. Q: How have you been advertising? A: We currently do most of our advertising using different sources of social media. Our Instagram (#NewportMadison) has especially taken off this past year. With over 16,000 followers, we have been able to showcase new products and promotions to all NM fans across the globe. We have been able to take part in events such as fashion shows in Newport and Long Beach, and we are currently working with senior Sara Clausen to create a Newport Madison promo video. Photo courtesy of Newport Madison JUNIOR GABI SAGORIN models The Gabi Dress, which is part of the company’s new collection. Features January 17, 2013 5 Not procrastinating? GOLD STAR!  With three days and six tests with about 200 questions each, how do you begin to study? by Caitlin Kealey Contributing Writer 1. Where to study: • We all know the famous Panera Bread at the Crossroads Plaza. The WiFi and delicious food make it a comfortable place. “Panera is a good place to meet for group projects. It has a quiet and workfriendly atmosphere and the employees are friendly and easy-going,” senior Jackie Greenberg said. • Starbucks is also a great place to study because it has free Wi-Fi available for students as well as coffee, just in case you need to wake yourself up. • As long as your family is not disruptive, your own house can be a good place to study, too. You can either bring friends over or go to their houses if you do not want to be alone. • Maybe after days of studying, you and your friends will need a break from being indoors. You can always take your things to the park or the pool. If it is a nice day, it can be very relaxing to study outside. 2. Manage your time: • We are not all experts at organizing the time we have to study. Some students might even start a big assignment the night before it is due: crazy, right? That is about the worst thing you can do for finals. It is impossible to cram in every bit of information from at least five classes in such a short amount of time. “I try to prioritize my things like what is most important first to something that I could probably do in five minutes,” senior Patrick Chang said. “Even though I hate to admit it, multitasking is not good. Your mind is divided and focused on different things, so studying is not as effective.” • For any class that requires you to memorize terms or vocabulary, make note cards. Split the studying up by selecting a few words each night to memorize. Over the next few days as the words build up, you will be putting aside the easy ones and only working on the harder ones. • Does it seem impossible to study an entire history or literature book? It actually is not. Hopefully, your teacher provides you with a study guide or notes. To save some time, skip the topics about the book that you know you understand well and look over the harder ones. • Do the same thing for math and science. There are sections that you will know Photo by Caitlin Kealey (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) SENIORS NOAH NEWMAN, NICK KELSO, MICHAEL BICHLER AND MITCHELL ROSSMAN help each other study for their upcoming finals. way better than others. Spend most of your time studying the harder topics and if you do not understand them right away, go directly to your teacher and ask about it. 3. Brain foods: (source Hubpages) • Another reason to go to Starbucks is because coffee beans prevent memory loss. However, adding spoonfuls of sugar to your drink cancels out the amino acids in them. Drinking the most natural coffee will get you the best results. • Wholegrain foods contain plenty of vitamins that also help improve your ability to retain information. If you go to Panera Bread to study, be sure to switch out white bread for wheat bread. • If you love fish, eat wild salmon before finals. It is proven that the iodine in it helps improve mental clarity, which means more efficient studying. Other benefits include mood improvement and memory loss prevention. Nom nom nom nom for FORMAL  Here are four great restaurants to go to with your date before heading over to Knott’s Berry Farm by Kavya Rangarajan Contributing Writer C aspian: Craving Persian food? This lovely little restaurant not only has amazing options on the menu, but the atmosphere is also quite a sight. There is also a special lounge that serves as a bar (we know what you may be thinking, seniors, but save those adventures for when you are 21). Not to mention a different form of entertainment—have you ever seen belly dancers before? Here is where they have been hiding. This place promises excellent service and large portions. And the best part? It is located in Irvine, right on Culver Drive. Menu favorites: Kebabs, Falafel (a deep-fried patty made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans) and Tabbouleh (arab salad consisting of bulgur, tomatoes and mint). Photo by Kavya Rangarajan JAVIER’S AT THE IRVINE SPECTRUM is a great restaurant to eat at before heading over to the dance. Javier’s Cantina and Grill: Javier’s is no exception to serving traditional Mexican food — this place offers the most authentic Mexican food you can find in the Spectrum. Besides the inviting atmosphere, there is a tremendous chance that your mouth will water just from looking at the menu. The service is efficient and the employees treat customers with care from the minute they step in until the moment they leave. This delightful place will leave you wanting more every time. It is located at The Irvine Spectrum. Menu favorites: Lobster Enchilada, Fajitas de Carne, Chips and Salsa and Fried Ice Cream. Lucca: Cafe or restaurant? Once you step in, that question does not even matter. If you enjoy bistro-type eating establishments, then this is the place for you. The employees are extremely friendly and even go so far as to make the best recommendations for you, serving high-quality courses of your choice. The nicest part about eating here is that the portion sizes are always just right, leaving you full and content. Located on Quail Hill, Lucca also offers cheese-tasting for those who enjoy dairy. Menu favorites: Chicken Cacciatore, Pasta, Cheeses and S’mores (served in martini glasses!). Orange County Mining Company: No need to fear, you will not find coal on your plates. The minute you step into this restaurant, you will be taken aback by a tremendous sight. This place overlooks Orange County for a breathtaking view. This would make a perfect place for a romantic date (and sure, you can go by yourself) or a get-together with close friends. Besides the incredible view and atmosphere, the service and food complete the whole package, making way for an incredible dining experience. This place is a little farther, in Orange, but the drive there is worth it. Menu favorites: Prime Rib, Cheese Bread, Mud Pie and Macademia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi. 6 Features January 17, 2013 First day flusters  Three teachers reveal I embarassing and funny moments from one of their first days of work by Kavya Rangarajan Contributing Writer “My first job in high school was as a hostess at a nice seafood restaurant. The first days I worked there I had not been taught how to use the credit card machine and was too afraid to ask, so I am pretty sure that all the to-go orders that went out that week on Wednesday and Thursday evening were free of charge! Oops!” – Psychology and A.P. World History teacher Kristina Nemec “In an effort to be ‘down with the kids,’ I gave my students my home phone number. Luckily, the kids were kind and did not abuse the privilege. Woodbridge kids are the best.” – English teacher Nani Doner “A little over seven years ago, I taught my very first lesson ever as a student teacher to a class of eighth graders in Irvine. Growing up, I never considered myself a strong public speaker and often found ways to get around giving presentations because Photo by Kavya Rangarajan ENGLISH TEACHER ROCHELLE ZUNIGA speaks confidently as she teaches her students a lesson. of my shyness. The night before my first teaching lesson, I employed visualization strategies, organized and re-organized the sequencing of class activities and practiced transitions in order to prepare for my big day. As I drove to school, I again practiced what I was going to say for the lesson. After the bell rang, I walked up to the classroom podium as 36 pairs of eyes watched my every move, stood in front of the class, took a deep breath and started crying. My master teacher jumped up from her seat at the back of class and frantically motioned for me to talk to her. Through my sobs she told me, “Get yourself together and do this.” Obediently, I nodded, wiped away my tears and taught the lesson. Was it the best lesson I have ever taught? Nowhere close. But I fought my way through it. I often think about that day and laugh. Now, as a teacher I stand before about 165 students and speak publicly every day. I have chosen to be a part of what I believe to be one of the most honorable professions and as an active member I have had to overcome a lot of my insecurities. I know that I am better and stronger for striving for excellence.” – English teacher Rochelle Zuniga Dear 16-year-old me...  Social science teacher Scott Sodorff gives himself the advice he wish he had when he was 16 years old by Scott Sodorff History teacher Dear 16-year-old me, Your hair looks fine. No seriously, look in the mirror. That doesn’t just happen; that takes some work, and you, my friend, have done the work. Now that I have your attention, let me tell you why I’m here. I have some advice for you. Here it is: Work hard and stop worrying about how things look. You need to understand that the effort you give and the processes that you go through are more important than the results you achieve. You have goals right now. Number one, you want to be a starter on the football team. Don’t think that Coach is going to hand that to you just because you go to practice every day. Show him the greatest Senioritis, why? effort so he has to give you the spot. Prove every day that you work harder than anyone else on the field. Make it so that Coach would be crazy not to have you start. Goal number two, you want better grades. I’m going to blow your mind here. Are you ready? Grades don’t matter. I know, you want to earn good grades so you can attend Washington State University (the finest university in the nation), and grades do matter to get accepted to college, but here is the deal: the effort is more important than the result. Don’t do your assignments to get them done. Think about them!!! Take that thinking to the classroom and ask questions, engage in the material. Don’t worry about other students thinking you aren’t cool because you’re focused and working hard. The appearance doesn’t matter; the effort does. If you make the effort, good grades will follow. Effort empowers you; effort makes you strong. Results get hung on a wall, but effort opens doors. Now go get that new Bell Biv Devoe CD because it’s awesome! Photo courtesy of Scott Sodorff SCOTT SODORFF went to Pullman High School in Pullman, Wash. He was a tight end. t is 7:05 p.m. the night before this column is due and I am sipping a delicious caramel latte. I am sitting next to a lovely window and I am leaning against a very comfortable wall. This is the first of many Panera visits and therefore, one of the first signs of Senioritis. It is an epidemic spreading among high school seniors throughout every school in the nation. Some unfortunate students claim to have had Senioritis ever since freshman year. It is something I thought I would never catch, but I guess it was bound to happen eventually. I used to never procrastinate. It just wasn’t a part of my study habits. I would always hear my friends complain about how they had a 1,000-word essay to write for English the night before it was due and I thought to myself, “I am so glad that isn’t me.” But lately, deadlines have been a struggle for me to keep up with. It was not until this moment that I realized why I have felt so lazy lately. I thought I was just still on winter-break mode. Senior year is so different for me. I went from having some sort of quiz, test or project due every day of the week in my junior year to barely having one quiz a week my senior year. I find myself waiting to finish papers and projects until the last bearable opportunity. I never considered that I would become a victim of this so-called Senioritis, but it has honestly turned my mind to mush. It is now 7:30 p.m. and I realize something (yes, it took me 25 minutes to write those paragraphs). This procrastination is just a wakeup call to get myself out of this deep, dark hole. But having two open periods this year has definitely contributed to my newfound laxness. I am relatively productive in the first one, and I just have a good time in the second one. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, right? Your Features Editor, Hannah Hartstein