Paw Prints Weekly, Glen A. Wilson High School’s Newspaper

By ALLISON KO
STAFF WRITER

“They’re always after me Lucky Charms!”

Although the famous sugary Lucky Charms cereal is “magically delicious,” students are more concerned about searching for luck—outside the cereal bowl.

Whether it’s good or bad, the concept of good fortune has always been popular among students.

Psychology teacher Angela Gombos says that luck can be divided into two categories of control: an internal locus, in which a person believes they are in control over whatever happens, or an external locus, where a person attributes happenings to luck.

“People are constantly hoping for luck to occur,” said Gombos.

Students show their optimistic state-of-mind through certain belongings or rituals which they believe bring them good luck.

Senior Sara Williams, for example, says she crosses her fingers and does a dance in hopes of doing well before an important event.

“It’s good to believe in something and get your hopes up,” said Williams.

Other students rely on the traditions of certain ethnic backgrounds in order to attain their luck.

“Cultures and customs influence what we may believe to be lucky or unlucky,” said Gombos.

Sophomore Ryan Chang says he rubs the stomach of a Buddha statue for fortuity, which according to a Chinese legend, will bring a person good luck, wealth and prosperity for years to come.

“It makes me feel both lucky and confident,” he said.

Different societies also have their own take on how numerology relates to luck.

An example of such beliefs is triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, which accounts for the absence of a thirteenth floor in buildings world-wide.

Religion also plays an important role in determining how certain students seek their luck.

Sophomore Lauren Zepeda says reciting a prayer has accounted for some fortunate events in her life.

“At a track meet last year, I was competing against people who were more experienced. I prayed that I would win, and I did,” explained Zepeda.

Others say that wearing a certain article of clothing or piece of jewelry affects their fortune.

“Whenever I’m feeling down, I like to look at the ring I got for my Quinceañera and remember my triumphs and accomplishments,” said junior Azalea Mora.

Sophomore Daniel Zamilpa says his pendant necklace means more than a lucky charm because it allows him to be aware of his surroundings.

“It makes me aware of what I have to do and reminds me to make decisions based on my best judgment,” said Zamilpa.

Some students say hoping for luck has affected the way they act in their everyday lives.

Junior Aftin Jaramillo says she believes that if a person sneezes three times, good luck will follow soon after.

“That’s why when I sneeze, I try to do it three times,” she said.

According to Buzzle.com, in order to receive luck, one must search for it. The site claims that appreciating luck makes the possibility of it occurring more realistic.

Students say they believe that such optimism goes with the concept of luck.

“It’s all about thinking positive—things tend to go the way you want them to if you believe they will,” said sophomore Allison Wahab.

Such positive thinking influences students to believe that there is no downside to luck.

“I only believe in good luck because I don’t really get bad luck,” said freshman Marsha Tanare.

Other students, however, say believing in good luck is not only superficial, but unrealistic.

“I don’t think luck is true because nothing ever goes as planned,” said freshman Jesus Reyes, “Whatever happens, happens.”

Gombos warns students that depending on luck and chance can lead to misfortunate situations.

“Some people rely on luck so much that they do things without thinking,” she said.

However, if a person were to base their hopes on more realistic terms, the perception of believing in luck can be healthy for the mind, according to Gombos.

“There’s always a charm to hoping and daydreaming, which can be healthy for the mind,” she explained.

Whether this “charm” includes a lucky penny, four-leaf clover or rubbing Buddha’s belly, students have found numerous ways to have good luck on their side.

Who knows? Maybe today will be your lucky day.

By ALLISON KO
STAFF WRITER

FOR SINGLES…

Although Valentine’s Day is infamously known as Single Awareness Day (S.A.D.), some students have discovered that there is nothing sad about being single.

“I’m actually happy because I’m not obligated to buy someone anything,” said junior Jahlelle Smith.

This attitude has become popular among students who say they are celebrating the day with family.

Senior Arielle Mota says she is accompanying her mom to a Barry Manilow concert.

“She’s a really big fan so I got her backstage passes,” said Mota.

Students say that Valentine’s Day is a holiday that relates to everyone, even singles.

“Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s a day for love and there’s no one better to spend the day with than your family,” said sophomore Laurie Allred.

Families aren’t the only ones feeling the love this year. Students say that friends deserve something special as well.

“Single people should make Valentine’s Day a Friend’s Day,” said junior Tori Moreno. “It’s more fun with friends—the more, the merrier.”

Freshman Christine Tang says that she and her friends are planning a picnic at the park.

“Valentine’s Day means spending time with the people you love, and that’s what I plan on doing,” said Tang.

For seniors Khalilah Mack and Karla Gomez, their Valentine’s Day will be spent with movies and ice cream.

“We’re just going to stay at home and watch The Notebook,” said Gomez.
Many singles, however, say they would rather spend the day alone.

“I’m just going to stay home this year. To me, Valentine’s Day merely means the 14th of February,” said junior Kevin Manh.

According to StValentinesDay.org, singles should treat themselves to a day off by relaxing or doing something they enjoy.

“Valentine’s Day can mean showing some appreciation to yourself, not just to others,” said sophomore Jessica Kim.

Singles can also help out those in need of love and affection, such as people who are homeless or ill this Valentine’s Day.

“We should always help people and I’m sure they will appreciate it, especially because it’s on a day to celebrate love,” said sophomore Wesley Chen.

Although singles may experience a feeling of loneliness, many students say that there is an advantage of flying solo on Valentine’s Day.

“Being single is bittersweet. I feel left out, especially on days like today, but at the same time, I don’t really mind being single,” said senior Sophia Lu.

Another plus, according to students, is that singles can show their affection for people all around them.

“When you’re single, you have everybody—not just one person to share your love with,” said sophomore Carol Lee.

Whether it’s spending time with family, going to a movie with friends or pampering oneself, singles have found ways to spend their Valentine’s Day—even without a Valentine.

FOR COUPLES…

Mickey and Minnie, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Romeo and Juliet.

The list of couples goes on, especially on Valentine’s Day, which is a day for lovers to express their appreciation for one another.

“It means spending special time together,” said junior Tina Chen.

In order to celebrate, many couples say they plan on surprising each other with gifts.

“My girlfriend doesn’t know this yet, but I’m going to bring her flowers and teddy bears to school,” said senior Cristian Gonzales.

Senior Ryan Ng says he plans on making this year’s Valentine’s Day special for his girlfriend.

“I’m making her a candlelight dinner,” said Ng.

For seniors Rebecca Vejar and Preston Rojas, there is no other place they would rather spend their day than at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

“We’re going to Disneyland,” said Rojas. “Before we go, I’m surprising her with roses and Starbucks, her favorite.”

Senior Lia Cervantes says she is excited to spend time with her boyfriend.

“He’s taking me ice skating,” said Cervantes.

Junior Stephanie Lee says she is planning on going with her boyfriend to Downtown Disney.

“We’re going to make Build-a-Bear versions of each other,” said Lee.

Valentine’s Day is a particularly special day to get together, especially for couples in a long-distance relationship.

“I’m excited to spend the day with my Valentine because we go to different schools and I don’t get to see him often,” said senior Laura Erbe who is going out for dinner to celebrate.

For couples who are looking for something interesting to do this Valentine’s Day, they can create a scrapbook together.

“Valentine’s Day is about love and remembrance,” said senior Chris Shors.

Another creative way to express appreciation for each other is through music. Students can either dedicate their Valentines’ favorite song on the radio or create a mix CD of their favorite love songs.

“Music is a cool and romantic way for couples to express their love,” said sophomore Teddy Yu.

Sophomore Ashley Ho suggests that couples enjoy a view of the city at night.

“I always see scenes in movies where couples are standing in front of a city-view. I think it’s romantic,” she said.

No matter how it is celebrated, Valentine’s Day will always be one of the most memorable days of the year, especially for those tied down by Cupid’s chokehold.