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Sarabeth Mullenhoff defines home more through memories than a single place. One of her favorite memories is going to Wahoo’s Tacos with her parents when she was younger. Now, the place that defines her most is the pool deck, where she spends a lot of time playing water polo and feels connected to her team. A big turning point in her life was during COVID in 7th grade, when she stayed home more, and followed the Black Lives Matter movement she saw on the news, and started doing her own research, which changed how she sees the world. Around that same time, she also switched schools from American Martyrs to MBMS. Water polo became a big part of her life, not just because it’s fast and competitive, but because of the strong team bonding and community. When she moved schools, she met Luna in her science class, who introduced her to a group of friends that are still some of her closest today. Even though they drifted apart for a year, they got close again after working on a film together last year, and Luna has been an important friend ever since. Overall, Sarabeth’s story is shaped by small but meaningful moments with family, sports, and friendships.

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For Mason some of the people who really matter to him are the ones he never got to meet. Both of his Grandpas passed away before he was born, but he's grown up hearing stories about them his whole life. One of them died really young at the age of 55, which has always felt sudden and unfair to him. The other lived longer, but was really sick for a long time. Instead of being the fun vibrant person his family remembers, he slowly lost energy over the years, which was really hard for his family to watch. Even without meeting them, Mason still feels connected to who they are. "I feel like I still know them just from what I have heard," Mason said. The stories make him picture what they were like and what what it would be like to spend time with them. Mason sees those stories as more than just memories, they remind him of how important family is and to never take time with your familly for granted, because you never know what can happen. Even though he never met his grandpas, they still shaped who he is today.

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For Cameron his story started long before he was born. His grandparents lived in Iran during the Iranian revolution, a time when the country changed quickly and became unsafe for many people to live there. After the new government took control, many families were forced to leave to find safety. Cameron's grandparents were some of those people. They left every thing behind and escaped so they could have a better life somewhere else. They were part of the wave of people who fled Iran during this time because of political and social danger. To Cameron, that decision means everything. "if they didn't leave, I wouldn't even be here," Cameron said. He thinks about how hard it must of been for them to start over in a new country. Their courage is something he carries with him every day. Cameron says their story is a reminder of how a decision can change everything. Something he will never take for granted is the life he has today because of the sacrifice his grandparents made.

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Little kids sometimes ignore warnings justto see what happens. That streak showedearly in Adi, who never backed down fromtesting limits. Down the stairway she wentone day, ignoring sharp voices calling hername. A stumble followed, then pain - proof some lessons leave marks. At nearlyfour, another urge took hold: gatheringthings others claimed. Without asking, she collected every Easter egg tucked around the house. Driven by quiet will, she pulledthem all into a pile of bright plastic andchocolate. What mattered most wasn’t thetreat but the act itself - taking steps adultssaid not to.

Growing up, there were six kids at home, so things rarely ever slowed down. Her mother served in the Air Force while her father stayed active in the Army, which kept their household on the move. Placeslike Colorado, Nevada, and Washington became familiar - then forgotten - asyears passed. One relocation followedanother until she’d lived in Utah, Texas, and eventually California too. Seventeenmoves shaped her childhood. High school brought a fresh start each fall - in adifferent state than the one before.

At eight, her mom and dad split because their home life turned harsh and painful. Following those changes, complicationspiled up - there were moments whenofficials stepped in to check on her safety. With so much pressure around her, Adi ended up handling grown-up problemswhile still small herself. Being youngerthan nearly everyone else in class addedextra weight to each day.

Still, Adi kept reaching out. Meetingsomeone new never scared her, despiteknowing she could leave soon. Sportsshowed up again and again, year afteryear. Soccer first, then volleyball, sometimes running in circles, often racingacross fields, once swinging a bat - eachgame an anchor when everything elseshifted.

Facing shift after shift, Adi rebuilt whenthings cracked. Still, each stumble didn’tstop her reaching out, speaking up, tryingagain. Even with life bent she stayed courageous and resilient.

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If you were to ask Ryker Bavolek what he thinks home looks like, he won’t say palm trees or the ocean. It’s different for him; he’ll talk about Missouri. He remembers the kind of fall that doesn’t really happen here where we live, trees bleeding red and gold, leaving piles so deep you could disappear if you jumped in them. He and his family would rake them into huge mounds, then sprint at the piles and throw themselves inside, vanishing under a crunchy, satisfying explosion of color. For Ryker, one favorite natural event was rain. Ryker has so many memories from when he and his siblings would drag out paddle boards and push off into the gray water in their neighbor’s backyard pond, bouncing over reflections of bare branches and low clouds. That was normal for him, and that was home. A huge turning point in his life in 2017 changed everything: Ryker moved to Manhattan Beach, the new place he liked to call home. At first, when he got to Manhattan Beach, one of his core memories was beach camp. For him, instead of ponds there were endless oceans; instead of fall leaves there was summer sun that seemed like it would never disappear. At first, for Ryker, fitting in was his main priority. He met a wonderful kid named Nicholas Oh, and a lot of their friendship lived in those simple moments—sharing snacks, getting food together, hanging out after school. It wasn’t dramatic; it was just easy. However, over time, Ryker’s friends and perspectives shifted, but Nicholas’s friendship was a huge part of changing Ryker’s quiet meals back at home into being present with his friends. Then came Isaac. If Missouri was fall leaves and paddle boards, Manhattan Beach slowly became the ride home from school with Isaac—two bikes cruising down the same street home, laughing about whatever happened that day. This wasn’t just one main memory for Ryker, but rather a hundred small ones: same route, same jokes, the same feeling that even if the day was long, it didn’t have to end alone. These rides stitched this place into his life. Somewhere in the middle of all that, he tried something new: volleyball. Sophomore year, Ryker was ready to try something new in terms of sports. He wanted something that brought teamwork, communication, connection, and just having a good time. He found volleyball. He’s only been playing for about three months on the frosh-soph team, but it already feels like one of those decisions that quietly and suddenly changes everything. For Ryker, the sport was slowly becoming more than just teammates. “I like just being able to jump and hit the ball,” he says. “But it’s also spending time with my teammates, connecting with them, with my coaches.” When you put it all together, Ryker’s story moves like a river out of Missouri. His life is always flowing, and he’s always finding new friends or new events in his life. For just a moment, he’s somewhere between where he came from and where he’s going, but then he swings and the story keeps going.omore year Ryker was ready to try something new in terms of sports he wanted something that brought teamwork, communication connection and just having a good time he found volleyball. He's only been playing for about three months on the frost, soft team, but it already feels like one of those decisions that quietly and ever so suddenly changes every for Ryker the sport was slowly becoming more than just teammates. "I like just being able to jump and hit the ball."he says."but it's also spending time with my teammates connecting with them with my Coach coaches." when you put it all together Ryker story moves like a river out of Missouri. His life is always flowing and he's always finding new friends or new events in his life for just a moment. He's somewhere between where he came from and where he's going, but then he swings in the story keeps going.

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For most people, sports are just something fun to do after school or on the weekends. For Verity, hockey has been so much more than that, it has shaped almost every part of her life. She has been playing hockey for as long as she can remember, starting when she was very young. From the beginning, she loved the feeling of skating fast across the ice, the sound of the puck hitting the stick, and the excitement of scoring a goal. But over the years, hockey became more than just a game, it became a way for her to learn about herself and grow as a person. Verity spends a lot of her time at the rink. Some days she has to wake up early to practice before school, and other days she stays late for team drills or games. She admits that sometimes it’s exhausting, and there have been moments when she wanted to give up because practices are hard or the team loses a game. But she says hockey taught her to keep going even when she doesn’t feel like it. “It taught me to stay strong, even when I don’t feel strong,” she explains. Every practice and every game was a chance to challenge herself, learn from mistakes, and push her limits. Hockey also showed her how to be part of a team, how to rely on others, and how to handle both winning and losing gracefully. Mentally, hockey has helped her in ways that go far beyond sports. It gave her confidence, discipline, and focus, not just on the ice, but in school, at home, and in her friendships. When she faces a stressful situation, she often thinks back to the lessons she learned in hockey, how to stay calm, keep trying, and not let failure stop her. She explains, “Hockey taught me that even when things are hard, I can handle more than I think.” It has also shaped how she thinks about herself and what she’s capable of achieving. She has learned resilience, patience, and how to stay determined no matter the obstacles.

Looking back, Verity says hockey has been one of the most important parts of her life. It’s not just a sport she plays; it’s a part of who she is. The skills, lessons, and mindset she gained from hockey have influenced everything she does. “It’s made me who I am,” she says, “and I don’t think I’d be the same person without it.” Hockey taught her more than how to skate or shoot it taught her how to handle life, challenges, and herself with strength and confidence.

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I have always been into music and orchestra since I was little. I don’t really remember when I initially got into music, but since then, it has been a very large part of my life and my journey. Through music, I have learned to appreciate the little things and details of life, celebrating every win and brushing off every loss. I have been shaped into the human I am because of music and what it has taught me, as well as how it has helped me in my academic career. Learning new tools and techniques to help me study and succeed in my classes. This has also pushed me to try new things, dipping my toes into projects and crafts I never thought I would face.

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Kaitlin feels most at home in her room, especially in her bed, where everything reflects her personality, and she can fully be herself. It’s a space she’s made her own, giving her a sense of comfort and control. That sense of identity also connects to her cultural background; she is Russian, Italian, and Hispanic, and she takes the most pride in the food that comes from those cultures. Cooking is something she genuinely enjoys, and certain meals, like burritos her mom used to make, instantly remind her of childhood. At home, her family mostly speaks English, with some Spanish mixed in, and her favorite phrase, “lock-in,” shows how her identity blends both tradition and modern influences. She defines herself as Caucasian and European, even though she recognizes that people often misunderstand or oversimplify her background.

Her family traditions and daily life play a big role in shaping who she is. One of her favorite traditions is opening presents before Christmas Day, something that makes the holiday feel unique and exciting. Celebrations in her family are lively, filled with large gatherings, food cooked by her dad, and time spent playing games or watching movies together. At home, her family also makes an effort to include vegan options, which reflects their values but isn’t something she sees much at school. These experiences have helped her understand how culture and ethnicity influence the way people live and celebrate. She believes one of the most respectful things someone can do is show appreciation for her culture, especially through its food and traditions.

Growing up, Kaitlin sometimes struggled with feeling like she didn’t belong, especially due to insecurities related to her hypothyroidism. However, over time she became more confident and found supportive friends who helped her feel accepted. Today, she still faces challenges, particularly with balancing schoolwork and procrastination due to ADHD, but she carries advice from her grandmother: “Never say you’ll try, just say you will do it.” Although she may seem quiet at first, Kaitlin wants others to know she is actually outgoing, considerate, and always open to new experiences.

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Antonio grew up navigating a uniquely challenging life, filled with a mix of love, fear, and respect. As a young kid, his parents split up and divorced, both immigrants from Brazil, and his mother went back to Rio de Janeiro and his father stayed here. Antonio has since been having to balance life both here and in Brazil as he grew up. He's experienced love from his father and step mom, even gaining 2 brothers as the years have gone. Here, life's much more peaceful and easier. In Brazil, with his mother, it was a little bit different. He had gang violence occur right outside his house constantly, and had once been locked indoors for 3 days as a shootout went on outside. He has said his experiences and memories have shaped who he is, how he is calm and collected when others aren't, how he notices when something is off, and how he knows not to take anything for granted. He wouldn't change anything he went through growing up, rather it be his parents divorcing or having to ride a bike with no tire to a run down Rio school or travel between countries, as he thinks that his struggles are the best representations of him as a person.

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Ambre has grown up speaking French her entire life, which has given her a strong and meaningful connection to her cultural roots. At home, she speaks French with her parents and grandparents, allowing her to stay closely connected to her family’s traditions, values, and way of life. This daily use of the language keeps her heritage alive and helps her feel grounded, even while living in a different country. Being bilingual from such a young age has also shaped how she thinks and communicates, giving her a deeper appreciation for language and cultural expression.

Every summer, Ambre travels to France, where she spends time with her extended family and fully immerses herself in the culture. These visits allow her to strengthen her relationships, experience everyday life in France, and create lasting memories. Moving between two cultures has made her more open-minded and adaptable, as she understands and appreciates different perspectives. Her ability to navigate both worlds so naturally is a big part of what makes her unique, and it continues to shape her identity in a meaningful way.

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Whenever you would see Elisa you would see her doing one thing, playing soccer. Elisa played soccer not only for fun but a way to relax herself or get stronger. Soccer was her life, something she fully committed herself to by playing it 5-6 days a week. This all changed after one Costa flag football game.

The second after she tore her ACL she didn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation. She heard a pop in her leg but thought she would be ok to just walk it off and play the next day. After this she realized how serious this was. She had to get surgery on her knee which would make her wait 9-12 months until she could play any type of sport again. As Elisa says “Physically it's hard after surgery because it takes a while to even walk again or put any weight on it but the physical part is a lot easier than the mental part”. Not only was this hard physically but also mentally, this was because you mentally need to want to get better in order to physically get better. Throughout recovery Elisa had to wear a brace whenever she walked and had to do lots of P.T. She needed help walking, going up stairs, and had to do many exercises. During this time her friends and parents helped her the most. Tearing her ACL changed the way Elisa viewed competition and her Athletic abilities. She said that it makes her feel a lot weaker when she gets injured and less of an athlete than what she thought she was.

During the recovery process Elisa learned a lot about resilience and patience. She had to toughen up and remember her patience because recovery is a very long process. She has also learned to become more emotional with a lot of the other challenges in her life and be able to talk to people. Pruitt’s approach to other sports has also changed since she started recovering. She thinks that she will get back to sports it's just a matter of time and how disciplined she is. If she were to give advice to someone going through this injury she would say stick with their P.T., ask for help when they need it either mentally or physically because people want to help, and to keep hope.

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Growing up with three dogs and two cats, Savine never really knew a quiet home. There was always noise whether it was her older brother and sister or her dogs running around. But Otis was different. He was a white pug and the runt of his litter. Savine and her family got him when he was about 8 weeks old. “Because he was a runt, we kind of knew he had a lot of health issues, but he was still very spirited and a happy young pup,” Savine described. 
	As Otis grew older, things got harder for him. Health concerns started to arise quickly. “Even things as simple as drinking water, sleeping, or just breathing were difficult for him, so we came to the conclusion that we would have to put him down,” Savine said. Putting down a loved pet is never easy, especially Otis, which was the dog Savine grew up with. Savine and her family knew that this was going to be one of the hardest and toughest decisions to make. “I think it felt a little sudden, even though we saw it coming. I also knew it was the right thing for him, and my mom. My mom would stay up almost all night long trying to take care of him. So, even though I was really sad, I understood,” Savine explained. 
	Even near the end of his life, Otis found a way to show his love. “My favorite memory of Otis was actually right before he passed. He hadn’t really been walking much anymore, but about two days before he passed, he walked all the way into my room and laid down with me. It was almost like he knew,” Savine said. Moments like that are the ones that mean the most. The simple memories that once felt so small, mean everything later. “Growing up, Otis was someone I could always come home to. No matter what kind of day I had, he was just…happy,” Savine explained.
	After he passed, Savine had to adjust to life without him. That was difficult for her as the house didn’t feel the same. “The house definitely felt empty and there was a blank void that’s still there, but I still try to go on with the same daily routine. My mom left his sweater in my room, so whenever I see it, I get sad again,” Savine said, “The thing about grief is that it hits you really hard. But once you settle back into your daily routine, you begin to understand it the more it happens,” she said. 
	There are many things Savine did to adjust to her new life. “After we put him down, I spent a lot of time with my family and friends. They all came over and we just stayed together which helped distract me,” she reflected. Another thing Savine realized was that the bond between a person and their pet is deeper than most people think. “I think losing a pet can hurt just as much as losing a person. Sometimes even more. Because they’re there for you every single day. And then suddenly, they’re not,” Savine explained. 
	Even though Otis is gone, the impact he had on Savine’s life hasn’t disappeared in the slightest. Through the small moments and memories, and through the sweater left behind, he’s still there. For Savine, that is what made saying goodbye so hard, but at the same time, so meaningful. It showed just how important he was to Savine’s life. It wasn’t just about the loss, but everything he gave her throughout his life and the memories that she’ll forever hold on to. 

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Cambutal, Panama is not just a vacation spot for Lola, but a second home. Lola Martin grew up in Manhattan Beach, but has been visiting Panama since she was six months old. It plays a big part in how she defines herself. Lola shares that it has taught her “to appreciate the outdoors. I love nature, animals, insects, plants, and I’m surrounded by them when I go there. It has also taught me that I can’t live somewhere without a beach”. Cambutal is very different from the busy, packed streets of Manhattan Beach, a quality that Lola really admires. In Cambutal, people live off the land. They get their own meat and grow their own food, with little going to waste, a quality Lola really appreciates. The homes are much smaller and the community feels like one big family.

A specific memory that stands out to Lola is a waterfall she would visit with her family and friends. She would jump off the rock, swim, and admire the falling water. Kai, Kengey, and Francis, local kids in Cambutal, are a second family to Lola. She grew up with them, fishing and hunting crabs. They would go on adventures as little kids, exploring the land.

Panama has always helped to ground Lola. It is a place that helps her take a step back and be more carefree. It will always be a major part of Lola’s identity. When asked about her biggest takeaway whenever she leaves Panama, Lola shared, “I always felt present and at peace there. I feel free, less restrained. It is a place that brings me lots of joy. I always want to go back”.

Interviewed by Lily Wheeler

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The first day of school can be scary for anyone, but the first day at a new school can be even scarier. The first day of school can always give you butterflies, but changing to a new school where everyone knows each other can be very nerve racking! For Avery, this was not the case, Avery was very excited to change schools. Coming back to school after a huge quarantine during Covid 19 can be very difficult. Kids are getting back to their old routines, no more zoom calls in your pjs, and a much longer school day. Avery had to do all of this with a brand new school! Avery had a great time at Grandview, she had nice teachers, great friends, but once she moved houses and had a bad fourth grade teacher, she was ready for a change. During the summer going into 5th grade, Avery and her twin sister Abby chose to switch schools and transfer from Grandview elementary school, to Pacific elementary school. Avery's mom had lots of friends whose daughters went to Pacific and heard great things about the school. Avery also had lots of friends at Pacific and was very excited to go to school with them. After Avery gets asked about what her emotions were going through on the first day she says, “I always wanted to go to pacific even though i loved grandview but pacific was a 10 times better experience and i was not nervous one bit”. Avery made friends very quickly at pacific and is still very close with them till this day!

This was a huge turning point in Avery and her twin sisters life, switching schools, making new friends, and fitting into a brand new routine. This has prepared Avery for her school switches with elementary to middle school and middle school to high school, which can be very helpful when adapting to a new environment. “I made so many friends to and it was very good for middle school because coming from two schools i knew a bunch of people”, avery says with excitement. Avery now had some great memories to look back on with both pacific and grandview and is very grateful for her time at both schools.

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This photo was taken during Ryan's injury attending a lacrosse game for the school and helping out the coaches.

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Ryan was born in California, USA on August 25, 2009. Ryan began his high school experience with no idea what he wanted to do with this fresh start, and that’s when he found lacrosse and surfing. Ryan revealed that lacrosse “opened up a whole new world to me with new friends, experiences, and connections.” The sport changed Ryan and gave him a passion to work hard and put his best foot forward in anything he did. Not only did Ryan obtain a better mentality both within the sport and outside of it, but he also met new people that would become his closest friends during his high school years. Surfing provided Ryan a comfort when lacrosse couldn’t, the feel of the water and the idea of being at the beach gave him peace of mind and gave him a place to just be himself. These two sports make Ryan who he is today and continue to prepare him for his future.

Before this lacrosse season started Ryan tragically injured his elbow in a club game, yet Ryan still showed up at every single practice and helped in any way he could, even if it wasn’t on the field. The coaches recognized the drive Ryan had and made him captain of the JV lacrosse team at Mira Costa. In last week's game against El Segundo, Ryan made his return back on the field and put on a show stopping all of the other team’s players on defense. Ryan talked more about surfing calling it an “escape” and how he felt it was where he was a local, noting “I feel most comfortable at the beach and in the water.” Surfing affected him for the better, as he met even more people, gave him a break from the world, and picked up a hobby. Ryan has now exceeded what he thought he could accomplish in just two years of high school by becoming a role model for freshmen on and off the lacrosse field, and adopting a hobby that has changed the person he is for the better by embracing surf culture and discovering what it truly means to be a local.

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Jackson 6b Krains is a sophomore at Mira Costa High School. He has two loving siblings (one younger sister and one younger brother). He also has a very small dog named Sugar. He had started playing lacrosse in the summer of his freshman year. His younger brother also plays the sport of lacrosse. Now, as a freshman at Mira Costa High School, his brother is an attackman on varsity. Jackson grew to love this unique sport very much, and he would work very hard to get better and better over the years. Jackson found his passion playing attack for the Mira Costa Junior Varsity team. He was forced to fight for playing time in games, and whenever he would get some playing time, the coaches would not regret it. Another hobby of Jackson's is playing the piano. He has been practising for years and has been able to master many songs. One of his favorites to play is Heart and Soul by Hoagy Carmichael. He has mastered this song and loves to play it in his free time. Jackson Krains, as well as lacrosse and piano, loves to spend quality time with his family. They have many family dinners, eating out, or even just eating outside by the pool. On hot summer afternoons, they might have a family pool day or a barbecue. Jackson 6b Krains is an athlete as well as a skilled pianist and finally a devoted family man.

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Going into high school, Abbey Johnson, a 9th grader decided to join the Mira Costa Cross Country team. Although Abbey had been playing volleyball for five years, this was her first year trying cross country. However, it quickly became one of her favorite sports. The beginning of her season was great with a lot of new personal records for the weekly 3-mile meets. In cross country, runners compete in 3-mile races with challenging conditions and courses, making the sport both mentally and physically intense and demanding. She explained that even though running is, “definitely painful in the moment,” the feeling afterward makes it worth it and leaves her feeling, “productive and happy and like I can do anything.” Then midseason, after one of her daily runs with the team, it took a negative turn. Abbey explains that, “we did our usual four and a half mile loop around Hermosa and I felt a little bit of pain in my hip in the beginning of the run, but it got progressively worse through the workout and by the finish I could barely walk.” Unfortunately, Abbey got a stress fracture in her hip and was unable to run for many weeks to recover. This was heartbreaking for Abbey and she was extremely sad to stop running. During this time Abbey, “...did a lot of physical therapy and strengthening,” to help her recover. Even though Abbey was not able to compete in the meets, she showed up and cheered for her teammates at every race and practice no matter how early or late it was. After many weeks of repeated rest and recovery, Abbey is feeling significantly better and is almost 100% healed. She explains, “I can definitely run now. I mean, it's been a while since I was able to run, but now I can, and I feel 90 percent”. This experience taught Abbey the importance of listening to her body and always being there and to support her team. As she continues to get stronger, she is excited to return to cross country in the fall for an amazing and healthy season.

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While most people grow up in regular families, Lily Vandewegh was raised in a family where Olympians and professional athletes are the standard. Lilly has been following in her fathers footsteps as a beach and indoor volleyball player. Her father was on the beach national team and played in the top of the AVP pros. Going beyond her father her family has excelled in more sports than one. Her uncle and grandfather both being in the NBA and in the all star games her grandfather was actually the first NBA player to be a doctor at the same time. Her aunt was an Olympic swimmer. Both of her siblings also excel at their sports. Her brother plays D1 basketball at Berkeley. Her sister committed to SMU to play D1 volleyball. Lily is currently a part of the national training development program for both indoor and beach volleyball and has won 3 medals In junior nationals in both beach and indoor. She got MVP for JV indoor volleyball and is a starter on varsity Beach volleyball. Despite all of this she still always feels pressure that she isn't enough and that no matter what she does she will never be able to exceed what her family has done before her. Every accomplishment that she's made has already been done by someone before her. And the pressure never goes away. This year she has struggled and figured out how to live with the pressure and thrive.

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Giuliana Armato has been playing surfside volleyball since she was 11 years old, and is now 15, She has been on the top teams for all of her years. Giuliana loves volleyball and all of the experiences and memories she's made. Giuliana's played lots of positions before, she has been an opposite and setter yet now she is a middle blocker. Giuliana has traveled to places like Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida and Texas. Giuliana loves being with all of her teammates and really enjoys traveling with them. Giuliana has learned lots of things through volleyball.

The main thing that Giuliana learned in her years of playing volleyball is that communication is key in all of her relationships or sports. She tries her best to keep a positive attitude when participating in anything for volleyball. Volleyball also helps her with her time management,of keeping her grades up and going to practices. She also learned how to get along with people a lot more even if it’s challenging. Giuliana keeps improving on all of her skills and mental focus while playing volleyball and she wouldn’t know what to do without it.

By, Gianna La Bella

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Jodie Gatchalian's Story - By Maggie Griffin

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Jodie Gatchalian's Story - By Maggie Griffin

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As Jodie is getting older, the one thing that has remained the same for her is her love for film. The big dream that Jodie has for the future is to work in the film industry. She has grown up surrounded by movies and tv shows that have inspired her and loves going to Disney. One of her favorite shows is Gilmore Girls which is, “...my comfort show. I have watched an episode every day.” She said how this show feels relatable and has become really close to the characters, Rory and Lorelai. Now that she has watched so many great pieces of film, she wants to become a part of the actual creation. In the future she hopes to have a career behind the scenes either to direct films or to work on a sound stage. “This is my dream and I hope to be on a set one day.” In order to start her career she hopes to get into Chapman University’s film school in California. Jodie said how even though USC is probably the best film school she feels that Chapman would be the best fit for her future. She even said, “Chapman University has always been my dream and I know that it is what I am targeting for.” Now that she is in high school she is making sure to take the cinema class and making her own small films. One of her small works was even put into the Mira Costa morning announcements, acknowledging her talent. She also explained how she would rather work on movies than tv shows. Jodie explained, “I like the process of making movies better than tv shows.” Her dream project would have been to work on the set of one of the marvel movies because she has a love for the Marvel franchise. The Marvel franchise has become such a global phenomenon and it would mean being a part of something big for the world to see. Also there are many cool visuals and CGI in these kinds of movies that Jodie would have loved to work with. For the future through hard work and dedication Jodie hopes to be a part of the film industry, working on projects for millions of people to enjoy and be inspired to.

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For many people playing a sport is a big part of their lives, for Makena beach volleyball is everything. Makena is a student at Mira Costa Makena started playing indoor volleyball when she was 8 but discovered and played beach volleyball shortly after along the side. It wasn't until 2 years later that she decided to get serious about beach and start playing in tournaments. This was a huge decision for her because it would inevitably kill all of her free time and force some big decisions in the future. She would say “It was what I wanted to do but it took up a ton of my time”. Fast forward 4 years to when she was 14 Makena would quit indoor volleyball and chose to devote herself to beach, she went to her club practices more frequently, joined the Costa team, and began developing a portfolio for herself within the sport so she could one day keep playing through college.

Makena is much more than just a beach volleyball player though, she has 2 dogs, 4 older siblings between 9 and over 15 years older than her, and most importantly her friends are everything to her. Makena plays so much volleyball that she almost never has any free time but whenever she does she makes the most of it either with her friends, boyfriend, or dogs and family. When you see Makena from the outside it looks a lot like all she is is a girl who's devoted everything to beach volleyball but really she's a friend, girlfriend, pet owner, daughter, and sister to so many people across Manhattan Beach.

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Humans of MC Interview-- outside of class (Mar 21, 2026 at 7_31 PM)

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Most people feel uncomfortable before giving a speech. But for Ganga, it was something else entirely. It’s safe to say that she used to hate speaking in front of a class. “Since I was young, it’s safe to say I hated presentations. I never really thought I’d be someone who could speak in front of people.” Thai stated.

The stage felt like her enemy. Even a small room made her nervous. Last year she signed up for a public speaking class. At first she regretted it. The class only had about thirty students, but during the first week everyone had to give a speech. When the teacher called her name, her heart started racing and her hands felt sweaty. “I had the worst case of stage fright. I remember thinking I was going to forget everything. I jittered, fumbled, and shook the whole time. But when it was over, I thought, ‘That wasn’t even that bad. Maybe I should see where this leads.’”

The first speeches felt uncomfortable. Maybe even impossible. She rushed through her words and tried not to look at anyone in the room. “My hands shook like crazy and every time I spoke, it felt like a blur.” Standing in front of the class felt like everyone was watching her. “All eyes on me definitely heightened those feelings. And we had to memorize our speeches.” But the class kept going. Every week meant another speech. Slowly things started to change. She practiced speaking slower. She tried to look up at the audience instead of at the wall. Sometimes she even added a small joke. When people laughed, it helped her relax. “By the end of the semester I had so much more confidence that I actually enjoyed giving speeches and honestly, it was really empowering to be able to do that confidently. Week after week, I was improving, and not only in class. I felt like that confidence shined through in my basic, daily interactions.”

So now speaking in front of people feels different for her. What once felt scary now feels manageable. She says the biggest lesson was simple. “Confidence grows with practice,” she added. Each time she stood up to speak, it became a little easier the next time. “It’s a skill that definitely grows over time, to speak with conviction. But now, even though I’m still a little nervous– I think it’s a good thing. It’s someone anyone can do if you just learn to overcome it. I would’ve never thought before I signed up that I would come so far. I’m overall, just really proud of myself.”

Now , of course still feels some nerves when she steps in front of people. But she’s learned something important. “Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s proof that you’re doing something that matters. I’m still scared sometimes, and that’s okay. It means I’m growing.”

And she also knows that if she can survive thirty people staring at her and keep talking, she can handle almost anything that comes next.

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Gigi Corvera's Story by Katherine Boroch 

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Gigi Corvera's Story by Katherine Boroch 

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Gigi Corvera is a ninth grader, she has always been tight knit with her older brothers. Ever since she can remember they have been there for her and as a supportive figure. Gigi says that "They’ve always been my built-in best friend, and never left my side".  She loves having a good influence and an older figure helping her through life. They’ve been able to help her through any school, friendship, or sport hardships and give her advice. She loves being able to talk to him about anything with no judgement. They are always willing to give her advice on things that he's experienced before or anything for that matter. Growing up they were always close and didn’t fight more than a little bit. She explains her relationship with them as “always on the same team”.

One of her favorite memories with her brothers is the concert they recently went to together. They dressed up in similar outfits and enjoyed the night at the concert together. They went to see Peso Pluma. She loves this memory because they were able to be themselves and enjoy some of their favorite songs with other people who love the same music. Speeding quality time with him will always be part of Gigi’s favorite memories.

For Gigi having older brothers has made a safe haven for her and made her feel so lucky to have them. Being the only daughter, and the youngest has only made her more adaptive to the world. Her brothers had a lot going on in their lives while she was growing up. They were high school seniors, applying for college, leaving for college, and starting lives of their own. The sadness of them leaving also made her realise that as much as she loves them and cares for them, they have taught her so much she can go out into the world and use it every day now.

She loves being able to talk to them about anything without any fear of what he might say or do in response. They gossip together about school and sometimes family drama. They come from a big family so the drama grows and is talked about often. She knows that their relationship won't fade even as he grows older and away from the family. They will always make time for each other and prioritize when they are together.

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Brooklyn Riba says that the biggest influence in her life is her mom because she sees her as a strong, good person and an important role model. She explains, “She’s my role model,” and says she looks up to her in many ways, especially in how she treats others. Brooklyn believes her mom has shaped how she wants to act and describes her as “a really good person in life.” Some of her favorite memories come from when she was younger, especially simple moments like going out to get yogurt together, which she still remembers as meaningful. Now, she enjoys spending time with her mom by watching movies and walking their dogs, and she says her mom is “very supportive,” especially when it comes to her sports. Brooklyn describes their relationship as very close, saying, “We’re like best friends,” and explains that they don’t really argue much. She feels comfortable talking to her mom and trusts her advice, which makes their bond even stronger. Overall, Brooklyn says her mom inspires her “to be a great, loving, kind person,” and she hopes to follow in her example as she grows older. If she could tell her mom anything, she says, “You’re very strong, and everybody loves you no matter what.”

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Emma playing in the International sixes games in Hong Kong. 

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Emma Barrows isn't just stepping onto the field this summer, she is stepping into something bigger than a lacrosse game itself. With the opportunity to play for the Filipino national team at the World Lacrosse Games in Japan, Emma is representing not only her outstanding skills as a player but her heritage, values, and the people who have shaped her life. “Playing on this team means more than just competing to me, it something bigger than my self.” she says. Over the past few months, Emma has competed with the team in the Hong Kong international sixes games and won second place. This next step to the world games it really a dream come true for her.

For Emma lacrosse has always been about growth. Whether it’s pushing herself to compete at the highest level or being someone her teammates can always count on. “ I want to continue to grow my skills while also helping better the people around me.” These qualities are exactly what makes her a strong addition to the national team, along side with her speed and crafty skills in the game. The success doesn’t only depend on the strongest or biggest team, but unity and support.

What makes this experience especially meaningful to Emma is the connection it creates to her heritage. Wearing the Filipino jersey is more than a shirt but a source of pride. “ I am connecting family to a game I love.”  It helps to remind her that every play, every practice and every moment she has worked for is for more than a medal but a personal achievement that goes beyond lacrosse. This goal represents her family, background, and everything that has shaped her into the player she is today. As Emma prepares to compete, she carries a sense of purpose. She is not only aiming to improve her game, but to elevate those around her. And in doing so, she exemplifies what it means to truly love the sport, not just for competition but for the discovery of identity and growth that comes with it.

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It takes a unique level of mental strength to be a competitive long distance runner. Laney Phelps, a 9th grader at Mira Costa, exemplifies the state of runner’s high as the only freshman on Varsity Cross Country/Track. Her current personal record for the three mile race is 17:48 and one mile is 5:20. After moving from Iowa to Phoenix in 2015 to now Manhattan Beach in 2024, one thing in particular stayed within her: running. Running for fun in kindergarten soon turned serious in 5th grade upon Laney joining her elementary school team and club team, Huron Athletics. Moving to Manhattan Beach, away from the dangerously hot weather of Arizona, expanded her running community and skills. Laney reflects, “I have met a lot of new people through running and feel it is where most of my friends come from.” Her favorite memory of high school cross country season was attending the Nike Cross Nationals in Oregon as she happily exclaims, “It was such a fun opportunity and the third time in history that Mira Costa high school girls qualified.”

A dream of Laney’s has always been to attend the University of Oregon as a member of both the distance track and cross country team. She explains, “For running, the way you get recruited is through the school team, not a club team.” Therefore, she decided to focus on her high school career, quitting her club team, this freshman year. Laney describes the process, “Getting recruited for running is so subjective. It depends on your times, rather than what kind of player or runner you are.”  She also sees herself capable of running a marathon in the future, after high school, with precise training.

Ultimately, Laney’s impressive running career has shown her that dedication and resilience are essential to reaching her goals. She has grown into a community-driven athlete, valuing not only personal growth, but also the connections she builds with others along every mile.

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For most people, hockey is just a sport, but for Michael, it’s more than that, it’s shaped the way he thinks and handles pressure. Being a goalie isn’t easy. Every goal he lets in feels like a mistake, and sometimes it sticks with him. But Michael has learned to shake it off. “I just think about the next shot and forget about it,” he said.

He remembers the times when a goal got past him and how it made him want to work harder. “I feel like I could have saved it, so it makes me want to try harder on the next shot,” he explained. Even though his coach doesn’t always say much during games, Michael keeps himself accountable. He thinks about what went wrong, like who was open or where he should have been, so he can be ready next time. Michael says there wasn’t one moment that changed him, it’s been a slow process of getting better every practice and game. Before big games, he admits he feels nervous, but the second he steps onto the ice, all that disappears. “I’m just calm and playing in the moment,” he said. For Michael, hockey is more than stopping pucks. It’s about learning from mistakes, staying focused, and pushing yourself even when things don’t go your way. Every goal allowed teaches him something new, and every game helps him grow, both on and off the ice.

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Family has always been something very important in Tylers life. His parents met it Chicago, and he is a mid-westerner at heart. His mom is from Geneva, Illinois and his dad is from St. Louis. He is a huge Chicago Bulls fan and falsely thinks MJ is the G.O.A.T. Whenever he visits his family in Chicago he goes too Bulls and Cubs games with his cousins. His mid-western heritage also continues in the sports he enjoys. He is a huge Lacrosse player and also started football this year at Mira Costa High School. He has been playing lacrosse for about 4-5 years on Mad Dog Elite. He is a corner in football, a short stick middy in lacrosse, and has considered pursuing lacrosse at the collegiate level. Tyler also is a great outdoors and thrill-seeking lover. He loves to bring his friends up to Lake Tahoe to go skiing, mountain biking, and golfing. Additionally he loves roller coasters, with his favorite parks being 6 Flags and Tetsu. His closeness with his family has also influenced his personal tastes. He is a country music lover, which he gets from his mom, and his dream concert is stagecoach. His families influence on his personal tastes also shines through with his love of Star Wars. His dad got him into Star Wars when he was younger and his favorite movie is Revenge of the Sith. His love of Star Wars, and his closeness with his family influenced his future career path, as he wants to pursue aerospace engineering, or working on fighter jets, like his dad. Essentially, the most important things in Tylers life are family, friends, and sports.

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For Casey, holidays were never something to split, they were something to protect. While some families rotated houses or argued about schedules, hers believed firmly that holidays should be spent together, all in one place, no exceptions. She is the youngest of three, with two older brothers who towered over her in family photos, and a golden doodle named Woody who zigzagged between legs under the dinner table. Her mom grew up in Julian,San Diego, and Casey spent her summers there, racing cousins down sidewalks warmed by the sun and falling asleep to the hum of nighttime traffic drifting through open windows. Even with different religious traditions, half Jewish, half Catholic, the role stayed the same. When it was a holiday, everyone showed up.

One winter evening, as candles flickered against the windows and the smell of baked bread filled the kitchen, Casey asked her grandmother why Poland was spoken about with such seriousness. Her grandmother set down her glass and explained,”Poland was taken by Russia. It was divided up and disappeared for years." She described how, in the late 1700s, powerful countries split Poland until it vanished from the map entirely. Casey tried to imagine that, a whole country erased, families scattered. “That’s why we stay together,” her grandmother said quietly. “When history tries to separate you, family is what keeps you whole.”

From that night on, the crowded table felt different to Casey. Lighting candles and decorating a Christmas tree weren’t contradictions, they were connections. The unity her family protected wasn’t accidental, it was intentional, shaped by generations who understood what it meant to lose land but refuse to lose each other. Through summers in Julian, San Diego and winters gathered shoulder to shoulder, Casey learned that history may change borders, but her family would always choose togetherness.

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For Brianna, the most important thing to her is her family, something we both have in common. She grew up with two brothers and parents who believe in support, understanding, and responsibility. She early learned that respect and kindness matters most. One moment in the past year made this shine clearer. When Brianna's Great-Grandmother passed away she felt it deeply. Her great-grandmother was “Like the queen of the family” as Brianna said. During that week Brianna missed a lot of school and spent the time surrounded by family who were grieving together. Even though this moment was hard it reminded her how important family really is.

As Brianna has grown through high school she's found comfort in things that connect her with people. She enjoys her Spanish class because it helps her more understand her culture and communicate with family members who speak the language. Outside of school Brianna enjoys baking brownies and cookies and listening to music when she needs to relax. One example is one of her favorite memories, going to the $uisideboy$ concert. She enjoyed this experience with her dad and says “It's a moment I'll never forget”.

Looking back Brianna believes that family is one of the most important things to her and shapes who she is. She hopes for people to see her as who she really is and hopes to stay close to the people she loves while remembering the lessons her family has taught her.

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Volleyball was not just a sport for Gianna, but a passion that taught her more about herself. Gianna first started playing volleyball at the age of 10. She tried clinics and then small practices in the beginning, which she ended up really enjoying. She then did the big leap of trying out for a club, Surfside, which she made, and it continued from there. At first, it was terrifying. Not knowing any of the girls on the team was very intimidating. The coach could be intimidating as well, being heavily critical when evaluating players. However, Gianna was able to overcome the obstacle of criticism and  learned how to use it to her advantage. She became more confident in herself, separating the criticism from how she defined herself as a player.

Volleyball soon became a major part of Gianna’s life, not just as a sport, but, according to her, “a way to get rid of stress” and an outlet for “having fun with my friends”. It became a tool of self discovery and growth, allowing Gianna to make fun memories and travel to new places. One of her favorite memories with volleyball was traveling to Florida. She said what stood out the most was “getting to play with my friends and being somewhere new”. She met two of her best friends from volleyball and continues to make new ones. Gianna was able to take the challenge of trying a new sport head on and grow not just as a player, but as an individual as well.

Interviewed by Lily Wheeler

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Around the age of six is when your brain starts holding memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. For Kara her first lasting memories were of her grandma and watching her daily struggle through stage four kidney cancer. Kara's grandma had always lived with her and was the driving force behind the way that she carries herself now. Her grandma passed down a range of gifts to Kara from her dying love for basketball and the Lakers to the true meaning of family and giving your life to serve others. Kara has now been playing basketball for almost 7 years and it is an extremely important part of who she is and she will forever be a Lakers fan. “Watching Jesus reflect through my grandma came in many ways from the way that she always stayed positive and put others' needs before her own, always being there for her family, or the last words that she said being prayer.” Her grandma gave her the three biggest parts of her life: her relationship with God, her knowledge of what it is to be a true family whether blood or not, and her love for basketball. And she will always be the biggest blessing in Kara's life.

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As a kid, most people grow up with faith as something they inherit from their families. For Taylor Greenstone, however, it was something she found on her own. After reaching one of the lowest points in her life, Taylor found herself searching for an outlet to help her. “I turned toward God,” she said. “Knowing He is there for me.” During this time, she began reading the Bible and slowly shifting her focus away from what others thought of her. “I stopped trying to please other people and started trusting God more,” she explained. “I realized I didn’t need other people to make me happy.” Since then, Taylor says her outlook on life has changed completely. She feels happier and more at peace because she believes everything happens for a reason and is part of God’s plan. Even when life gets difficult, she says her faith helps brighten her perspective. “No matter what happens around me, I know it’ll work out in the end,” she said. As Taylor learns to forgive others and worry less about what people think has helped Taylor grow and become the best version of herself. Today, faith is one of the biggest parts of Taylor’s life. She spends much of her time involved in church, serving on the leadership team and attending youth groups throughout the week. While her family understands the deeper connection Taylor has with the Lord, they show support as she continues to follow the path she discovered on her own. Religion may be a big part of Taylor’s life, but she also continues to pursue what she loves; playing beach volleyball. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue finding success in the sport, while also keeping ministry as an important part of her future. “I don’t know exactly what the future holds,” she said, “but I know I want to keep serving and helping people, especially the ones I love.” Taylor’s story shows us that even when life can get hard, there is always something that can help them find hope. Her experience shows that difficult moments can lead to the discovery of what truly matter to them.

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The trip to Montana was the vacation that had a big impact on Kelley’s life. Even if this wasn’t where his permanent home was located he can always call Montana a second home. One of his favorite memories that has stuck with him from that trip was when “My dad and I went out past the fence to see a pack of coyotes crowded in the forest.” He described this experience as being very exciting but also a little nerve-racking when he had heard the branches snapping in the deep forest. During this trip he had many unique experiences but one of the most important parts was bonding with his family. They were staying in an Airbnb in Northern Montana where most of the land was empty, so there weren’t many other people to see just endless land and groups of wild animals. However he enjoys being in the wilderness with the quiet and describes, “I want to live in Montana when I’m older. It is a really special place to me.” The bonds you have with places are very special especially because they give you a sense of belonging. He was able to share this special trip with his family as they made many new memories together, including visiting an old saloon and watching phenomenons in nature. One of these phenomenons he experienced was when, “Early one morning I got up before the sun rose and went outside, watching the sun rise as steam rose over the pond.” This was a memory that stuck with him because it was unique and reflected the peaceful atmosphere that he enjoyed so much. Also Kelley said he was with his family for a lot of the trip and described, “We didn’t spend much time apart and did everything together.” The bond you have with your family is something that you should cherish forever. Making these incredible memories in the places you love the most with the people you love the most just make everything better.

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For most kids Kiki Pasula’s age, their time is focused on school, sports, and friends. But for Kiki, she grew up with a different experience. When Kiki first found out that her mother, Kris, had been diagnosed with breast cancer Kiki “was really scared and didn’t know what was going to happen”. During that time Kiki was unsure if her mom would ever get better and was uncertain what the future would hold. Kiki admits that “I could just always turn to my mom for support and I feel like she's always been there for me”. This made the experience much harder for Kiki. Her everyday life quickly changed. “I did a lot of work around the house to help us, and I feel like we all became more independent. This was a very good thing, yet it also felt weird because she wasn't around all the time”. Kiki had to adjust quickly to her mom being gone at doctor appointments and had to miss cheer practices and take care of her younger brothers. Going through this difficult time also taught Kiki many important life lessons. Through this scary life-changing event Kiki learned to “always love everyone around you, because you never know what they're going through”. Kiki relied on her supportive friends to help her get through this and to distract her from anything that came up. Her mom also taught Kiki to “power through and keep fighting no matter what”. Even though Kiki went through a very hard thing at an early age, she is stronger now and is ready to fight through anything with her mom by her side.

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Interview collin and Aasima

Alright, I’m starting this interview with my friend Asa. I met her about a month ago. This is kind of like a podcast — we’re just talking.

Question: When do you feel most like yourself? Out of all the places you’ve lived, where do you feel happiest?

Out of all the places I’ve lived, I think Manhattan Beach resonates with me the most. My parents sometimes think I should feel more Pakistani, but I’ve lived in America longer, so I feel more at home here.

Yeah, I like that. I like when people from different countries say they feel American. That’s kind of the point of America — people come here from everywhere.

Question: What’s something you’re still figuring out in your life?

Well, I’m 15, turning 16, and my parents think I should have my whole life planned out. But since I move a lot, I don’t even know where I’m going to be next. I can’t plan everything when there’s that much uncertainty, so I just try to learn things as I go.

That’s actually a really good answer. Everyone’s kind of figuring things out as they go.

Question: What’s a childhood memory that makes you smile?

Probably the mangoes in Pakistan. They’re really sweet and you can’t find mangoes like them here.

Are they big?

Yeah, and really sweet. In the summer everyone eats mangoes because they’re in season. I once ate like twelve in one day.

Twelve mangoes?

Yeah

That’s crazy

Question: What’s your diet like when you live in different countries?

We mostly carry Pakistani food with us wherever we go. My mom’s a really good cook, so she finds the ingredients and makes food from home. I feel like food kind of keeps us grounded.

Food’s a big part of your family then.

Yeah, my mom makes really good food.

Question: Are you religious?

Yeah, I guess I am. In Islam we’re supposed to pray five times a day. Right now it’s Ramadan, which is really important, so you can’t really miss prayers.

Do you eat something specific to break your fast?

Usually dates. That’s what our prophet did, so we follow that.

Every day?

Yeah. I’m kind of sick of them now.

Yeah, I’d probably get sick of them too if I ate them every day.

Question: What do you like to do in your free time?

I like doing art. I recently got into scrapbooking. My friend and I started a scrapbook project, and when I leave I’m going to give it to her with all the memories.

That’s actually really cool.

Question: What’s something you didn’t care about as a kid that matters more now?

Probably my family. I think I took them for granted before, but moving around a lot brought us closer together. My friends might end up all over the world, but I’ll always have my family.

Yeah, that makes sense.

Alright, I think that wraps up the interview.

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A big Moral family value my family teaches is honesty. This has kind of driven my life, and I try to practice it every day. I definitely hate lying and see no need to be dishonest and hide the truth from anybody. If I did something wrong in some sort of sense, I would rather be honest about it and own up to it rather than lie. In a ton of situations, both personal and observational, whenever people lie, it puts them into a deeper web of lies. Creating a kind of false reality and going deeper into it which almost always ends up worse than before. I have definitely made mistakes, but I constantly find myself going back to trying to be more honest, both with myself and others. The story behind this rule is that my parents are pretty lenient with what my sister and I do, and we are a super open family. But the one rule not to break is just being honest with our parents. There is no judging policy in our house, so as long as we communicate, all will be good and well. I hope one day to bring this way of life to my kids and continue this practice. I definitely feel better after being honest, and I constantly try to encourage my friends to do the same, especially because no one feels good after lying. This has definitely changed my life, and I will never go back or try to contradict it again.

Interviewed by Margaux M

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For many people, a pet is just an animal, but for Meghan, her dog was a constant source of comfort. When Meghan was in seventh grade, she experienced one of the most difficult moments of her life: losing her dog, Maggie. One day after school, Meghan came home to devastating news. Her mom told her that Maggie, who was sixteen years old, would have to be put down. That evening felt emotional and overwhelming as Meghan and her family tried to spend as much time with Maggie as possible. They took her on walks and stayed close to her, trying to make the most of their last moments together before the vet came to their house to put her down.

Meghan remembers the day as chaotic and heartbreaking. “It was very hectic, and it was very sad,” she said. At the time, both of Meghan’s sisters were away at college, which made the loss feel even lonelier. Maggie had always been there for her, especially when she was home alone. Meghan explained that her dog made her feel safe and less alone, sharing that when she was younger, “if I ever heard a noise or was scared, I felt like she was always there to protect me.” Maggie was older and usually calm, but Meghan loved seeing how excited she became on trips. When the family traveled to places like Big Bear, Maggie would suddenly have bursts of energy and run around happily, something she rarely did at home.

Looking back, Meghan says losing Maggie changed the way she sees things. The experience made her feel a deeper connection to dogs, and she is often reminded of Maggie whenever she sees one that looks like her. A few months after Maggie passed away, Meghan’s family got another dog, but Maggie’s memory still means a lot to her. Reflecting on that time, Meghan realized how much Maggie had helped her through moments when she felt alone, making her loss even more meaningful.

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This photo was taken in Shanghai, China with Emma's mom, Shania.

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Emma was born in Shanghai, China on March 23, 2011. She lived in China for 10 years before her mom, Shania, decided to take the 13 hour flight from Shanghai, China to San Francisco, California in 2021. Emma and her family took the risk of moving to a new country in order to give Emma and her siblings, Michael and Sophia, a better education, and with that came struggles like learning a language, knowing nobody in the United States, and moving countries during a pandemic.

Emma explains “It was really hard because I had to meet new people while learning the language, and I was sad to leave the people I knew in China behind.”  Her final moments in China were celebrating her departure with her friends and family that she hasn’t seen since the day she left. When Emma first moved to San Francisco she began her education with online school because of Covid-19. This furthered her inability to meet new people along with the language barrier because she was unable to talk to anyone outside of her family, making her feel more alone than ever. Fortunately, after staying in San Francisco for 5 months, Emma’s family moved to Hermosa, as San Francisco was only a temporary plan. Emma said “I remember the first time I tried acai bowls In Hermosa, and I didn’t mind moving here because I felt at home again, trying these new things.” When asked about what she learned from this experience Emma remarked “I realized that home doesn’t have to be where I’m from,” demonstrating that Emma found a community and a belonging within Hermosa. Even though Emma moved over 6,000 miles away from the people and place she was closest to. Emma was able to power through the struggles of moving to a completely new country and create a new home within the love of her family and friends in Hermosa. If someone were to ask Emma today where she is a local to, she would tell them “Hermosa.”

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Tucker grew up in Hermosa Beach his entire life. Born on September 1, 2010, he was always surrounded by the ocean and his family was really into sports. From a young age, athletics were a big part of who he was. For a while, water polo was his main sport, and he spent many hours practicing and competing in the pool.But in 2022, one moment changed everything. During a stormy practice, rain was pouring and the water was freezing. Tucker remembers feeling horrible as the team still had to stay in the pool. At one point, he ran to the bathroom just to warm up and escape the cold. When his coach found out, he became angry and said things that stuck with Tucker. It was a moment that made him question whether he still wanted to play the sport he had grown up with. Tucker said "I felt really sad and I felt really trapped and hated the sport”. That night, Tucker went home and started watching videos on YouTube. Somehow he ended up watching lacrosse highlights. “It just looked really fun,” he said. The next time his mom took him to a lacrosse practice, something clicked immediately.Looking back, Tucker says that one difficult day pushed him toward something better. Now, he dreams of playing Division 1 lacrosse one day, a goal that started with a rainy practice and a random YouTube video.

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While waterpolo was a sport that Lily played, it was also a learning lesson. When lily was going into her first year of high school she felt a lot of pressure to choose a sport to play, and she didn't want to feel left out. She had done swimming before and ended up choosing waterpolo. Lily tried out for the team and made it! Yet she still had a rough first couple practices with the early mornings and added stress , and she didn't know if she wanted to continue playing. Lily talked to her parents and they told her that she should keep going, so that's what she did. Lily began to love the sport  and always looked forward to practices,she made some of her best friends through it. She loved going to tournaments and traveling with her teammates. Her family was always very supportive and her little sister would always come to cheer her on.

Lily played for all three years until the summer before her senior year, she wanted to get a job. Lily realized she couldn’t handle all of it and decided to stop playing. Some of the biggest things that Lily learned was to keep going and to push herself harder, she also learned amazing time management skills. Some of Lily's favorite memories come from her playing Waterpolo and she is so grateful for her experience.

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Harper Terry's Story By Taylor Greenstone

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Harper Terry's Story By Taylor Greenstone

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For many students, sports are just something they do after school. For Harper, sports are the biggest part of her life. She plays lacrosse, indoor volleyball, and beach volleyball, and they take up almost all of her time. She first started playing lacrosse when she moved from North Carolina. At first it was just something fun to try with her sister on a local team. But soon she realized how much she liked it. Harper said, “We just went out to the rec team for fun, but then I ended up falling in love with it.”

As she got older, sports became way more serious and important in her life. Harper now practices every day of the week. During the high school lacrosse season, she practices every day, maybe even two times in one day. She also practices volleyball several times a week and sometimes travels to San Diego for her club lacrosse team. Before big games, Harper likes to get ready by thinking about what she wants to do well. She listens to music and imagines herself playing well, as well as talking about her gameplay with her Dad. She explained, “I try to visualize how I’m going to play, like seeing myself go through the motions and succeed.” Even though she loves sports, they can still be hard sometimes. Losing a game can be really upsetting. Harper said she takes some time after a tough loss, and she tries to learn from it by asking her coach what she can do better next time.

Harper hopes that all of her hard work will help her in the future. One of her biggest goals is to play a sport in college. She especially dreams about going to the University of North Carolina, where some of her family members went. Harper knows it will take a lot of effort, but she believes she can do it if she keeps working hard. “I think I can get there,” she said. “I just have to work hard.”

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Moving into a new home can feel overwhelming and exciting, no matter how far or close. The drive home from school one day in second grade felt different for Lucca. Moving from 4th Street in Manhattan Beach to 31st Street in Hermosa Beach she felt a mix of emotions. Her family was renting a house before her mom, Jess, found one for sale on Zillow while visiting her grandma. Together as a family, they toured the house, and Lucca loved it at first sight. “We were like let’s just do it and then we moved,” she says, smiling.

On the day of the move, Lucca was at school, too young to fully understand the big change that was happening. When her parents picked her up, they exclaimed “Let’s walk to our new house.” as it was just a few minutes away from Robinson Elementary. The moment she stepped through the front door, she sorrowfully realized “I didn’t get to say goodbye to my old room!” Her new, chaotic, messy room was filled with boxes of toys and clothes. Lucca explains her mixed emotions, “I was happy because of the new house, new place, new street, new neighbors.” Yet, she felt sad, not being used to change after living in her old house for most of her memorable childhood years. She missed her old neighbors, who she played with practically everyday, and the new neighbors were not her age, making the adjustment even more difficult.

Three months later, following a room makeover, Lucca finally felt at home. She reflects, “I was more sad than I thought I was going to be, but really excited to organize everything and be in a new house with fresh beginnings.” Lucca learned that change can be bittersweet, but also full of new opportunities and memories waiting to be made.

Written by Tara Shivpuri

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Maggie has 2 older brothers. Her oldest left for college in Ireland four years ago. At the time, it didn't really hit her, because she still had an older brother at home. it just felt normal. But this past year, her other brother left for college as well, and that's when it started to feel different. Their rooms are giht next to her, and suddenly the house was much quieter. It felt empty, like something was missing. They did everything together growing up. They are a big surfing family, and she remembers when they would go to Hawaii and Cabo on vacations and surf together. Her brothers taught her how to surf when she was younger. Some of her most cherished memories are her and her brothers just out in the water, surfing. She also vividly remembers when they would play out in the alley, skateboarding and chasing each other up and down the street, just being siblings and kids. At first she thought she'd like having the house all to herself. But over time, it just felt empty. She realized how much she missed the little things, like making fun of each other and arguing, but also just the beach trips. She feels like the moment she realized how important her brothers are to her, they were already gone. That's when it set in that things wouldn't ever be the same as they were when they were kids, and that they are growing up, becoming adults.

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Growing up with a sibling, you are forced to be close with them, but being forced doesn't always mean a bad thing. Growing up, Tara had one older brother named Armaan and one older sister named Maya. Armaan and her had a 7 year age gap, but their ages didn't get in their way of being close. When Tara was graduating 5th grade in 2022, her brother was graduating highschool! The night Tara will always remember, is when they got to celebrate Armaan for his amazing success, going off to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute College. That night when they got in the car and had to take her brother off to the airport, they also had to say goodbye. After getting asked what the hardest part of her brother leaving for college is, Tara admits, “Our household would be different because the energy changes and also how our bond together would probably never be the same”. From having a household of 5 to a household of 4, Tara learned to do her everyday life without her brother, going from living together, to every now and then calls. Tara’s favorite memory with Armaan is when they would play video games on their PS5 together, playing games like fortnite and fifa. Once her brother left, Tara and her older sister grew closer together. They got to spend more time together with just the two of them and they also both play soccer. With having her brother live all the way in New York, this made holiday breaks way more exciting. Tara mentioned that she has never visited her brother's college, but every break she would get to reunite with him. Growing up being the youngest in the family, Tara had to experience saying goodbye to her brother, but this made their greetings ten times better. This experience made Tara realize how much she would miss her brother.

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Growing up with an adventurous grandma, Kai and his cousins have been exploring the world for the past few years. She always had a passion for learning and trying new things and wanted to make sure that her grandchildren could experience the many wonders of the world. What better way to do that than talking to the kids around the world herself every year.

“[The trips] are such great times, it helps us bond and come closer as a family while also seeing so many things we never imagined,” Kai expresses.

Kai’s family has been close, always staying in touch and doing fun activities as much as possible. He talks about how those are so fun but an experience without parents is an important one everyone should have. Spending a week with his cousins and his grandma has given him so many inside jokes as well as lots of knowledge about the world. Although all were amazing “[his] favorite would have to be last year when we went to Egypt and inside a pyramid.”

While inside the pyramid they were able to see many ancient ruins and read different stories about what really happened. These trips changed Kai and gave him a much wider knowledge branch. He was also able to see things he never knew existed and learn about them. The opportunities that come with traveling and  sightseeing are endless and can do so much good and joy in one's life. His favorite tradition and one that he hopes to carry out and continue on will forever be the yearly trips with grandma. He’s able to connect with his family and have special experiences that they can share and remember forever.

“These connections aren’t replaceable,” he says, grateful for all his family has done for him.

Photo above taken on a camel.

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On January 7th, 2025, the morning started like any other normal day. But, by 10:00 in the morning, everything quickly changed for Natalie. “I was in my second period class, there was smoke outside and people started freaking out. Some people were excited because they thought we would get time off from school,” Natalie said, “After, I went to my third period class, science, and the sky was completely yellow. Two minutes later, my principal came in and pulled my teacher to tell him that we had to evacuate.”

The students quickly rushed home, unexpected of what would happen. At that moment, she took what mattered most and left her childhood home behind. Natalie packed what she considered to be the most important things. “I took my Bible, my savings, my pajamas, my volleyball clothes for later, and my favorite shirt which said ‘Get Busy Living.’ The shirt was an honorary mention to remember my best friend’s dad, also my principal, who died due to ALS,” Natalie said. “Mr. Ludwig taught me how to stay positive as he continued to show up everyday to school while fighting the disease. He even came to our graduation which was only three days before he passed. Mr. Ludwig showed me what it’s like to be a Christian and lead by example,” she explained.

Mr. Ludwig shaped Natalie and her perspective on life. Going through a tragedy like that can deeply change a person’s outlook on life. “It’s easy to be negative and focus on the downside of a situation, but he showed me how to trust God’s plan and stay positive through one of the hardest moments of my life,” Natalie said. As she drove away from her house, she didn’t know what would happen next, but she knew one thing for certain: everything would be okay. Natalie would carry those lessons Mr. Ludwig taught her for the rest of her life.

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Colin spends a lot of time fishing with friends along the coast near Redondo Beach. Most trips involve long hours of waiting, casting lines, and hoping a fish decides to bite. But the moment he remembers most had nothing to do with catching anything

One day he and his friend Miles took an 18 foot Boston Whaler out to Catalina Island. The ocean sat flat and calm, something fishermen call “eggs and bacon.” They spent the day casting small lures across the surface, trying to catch bass near the island. Everything felt calm until Miles suddenly felt something crawl across his face. He reached up but did not find anything. A few seconds later his friend looked closer and saw a spider about the size of two quarters crawling across Miles’s cheek. “It was the biggest spider I have ever seen in my life,” he said. Miles screamed so loud the sound carried across the water.

Looking back, he laughs at the memory. Fishing requires patience, and sometimes the catch does not matter. The moments on the boat with friends stay with him longer than any fish. As he explained, “It’s called fishing, not catching.”