Soccer

We had our first official OVS soccer game this week. Leading up to the game, I felt underprepared and totally not ready for the season to start. I was using hand-me-down football cleats in practice, and my new cleats wouldn’t arrive until the day of the game. I also didn’t have shin guards or soccer socks, so I was fully prepared to look so so silly or even be benched.

Luckily, I wasn’t the only one who was not at all ready. Dylan also had no socks, and half an hour before the game started, Mrs. Kocijan had to get some for us out of the student store. Mrs. Kocijan is a serious lifesaver. Dylan and I thanked her profusely for her help, and we quickly got ready for the game.

My new cleats were so lovely, and I could tell everyone on the other team was super jealous of how white they were. That lasted about 2 seconds because our field is covered in mud, and the other team stepped on me a lot. Even though the other team was super rude and pushed me so much, I managed to score a goal and celebrate with my team, who stepped on my cleats more, this time on accident.

After making such a fantastic play, the other team got even more jealous and upset at me. When I was dribbling down the field, a defender completely took my footing, and I fell and tumbled to the ground. He was silly for that because he got a yellow card and his coach took him out of the game. After the match, everyone reeled in their sportsmanship and complimented my new brown cleats.

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Sports

Ojai Valley School is known for its prestigious athletics. Our Division 20 varsity winter sports teams are all incredible options for showcasing talent and getting scouted by top colleges. With the options to choose between basketball, soccer, and weightlifting/yoga, my impulse was, of course, to do yoga.

I am by no means a soccer player or basketball player, which led me to make this decision. In the first week, I experienced pure bliss and tranquility lifting weights and listening to my Drake. Life was perfect until the nightmare of mandatory yoga was inflicted upon me.

I reluctantly walked outside without a mat to participate in, quite honestly, the most excruciatingly painful physical experience my body has ever endured. My knees gave out against the firm brick flooring, and I began to cry as holding the cat cow pose reduced my masculinity to zero. I was humiliated. When I couldn’t bear the suffering much longer, I opted to use a bench press as a yoga mat, which proved to be even more difficult as I fell and was made fun of by at least 50 girls.

At that point, I knew this sport was too difficult for me. I simply could not compete and decided to give up. As of now, I am on the soccer team, which I feel will benefit my future and help me get scouted by a Division 1 college team.

Hatha, Ashtanga : Which type of yoga is right for you? -

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Spuddy

Yesterday, the OVS Cross Country League Championship took place at Soule Park, where I was honored to wear the school mascot, Spuddy. Wearing Spuddy is not easy, especially on a hot sunny day.

My only goal was to encourage the runners and stay out of trouble. The task was magically given to me after receiving 12 laps, which adds up quick if you don’t go to breakfast check-in.

Wearing Spuddy is a serious job. Giving high fives to all the runners was their most significant encouragement and was the only reason they pushed themselves further. Parents screaming their kids’ names couldn’t compete with the embracing slap of a potato’s hand.

Spuddy became an iconic figure for the team. My motive was to encourage all runners, but I may have come across in the wrong way to some. One girl, confused, looked at Spuddy and ran faster when he offered his encouragement.

After the race, I had the vital duty of handing out the medals to the top finishers. Some people didn’t like my costume, but the positivity outshone the disapproval.

Even though I wore the costume due to a mountain of laps, I played my part professionally and was even told by former Spuddy, Mr. Williams, that I did a great job.

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Birthday

This week I had my birthday for the first time away from home. My birthday is always a fun day, and that remains true even when I’m not with my family. My friend brought his speaker to school and we listened to only the best music, Aubrey Graham.

My birthday was still made special to me, thanks to multiple teachers making efforts for me. On my door was a special message from Lebron James regarding my birthday. When I walked to breakfast, “Happy Birthday” was written in chalk at the bottom of the stairs. Lastly, a large sign was hanging on the art building wishing me a happy birthday.

At the end of the day, I was able to call my family and talk all about my day. It was nice to still hear from friends and family, even if I could not see them.

I have never “felt” older on my birthday, and that trend stays true this year. I wonder when I will feel older. Hopefully never.

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Nights

From the moment I wake up to the time I sleep, I spend every moment active. That may be because I procrastinate and hold off until the last minute on a lot of things.

My day is kick-started at 7:30 when I spring out of bed to throw a hoodie on and make it to breakfast, and check in by 7:35. After that, the majority of the school day is spent working hard in class and focusing on doing the best I can.

The few breaks are still spent actively as I socialize with my friends all throughout the day. After school is sports. After sports is the gym, then I shower and go to dinner. After dinner is the study hall, and finally, after all of the rush, it is 8:59. My mind goes blank and fuzzy during study hall as I wait one last minute to enjoy the finale of my day.

Once it is 9:00, I am free from all the responsibilities of the day. I blast the best music with my roommate and make TikToks just for fun. I lie down and put on a show and absorb it effortlessly. I take too much joy in my free nights and end up staying out late. I never realize the consequence until it’s 7:30 and my body is numb as I jog to make breakfast.

A full moon seen through some trees at night photo – Free Moon Image on  Unsplash

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Fall

Fall weather comes at just the right time. The heat of summer begins to dwindle as the bitter and crisp air approaches. The colder mornings are always a giveaway that fall is near. There is no better feeling than putting on a hoodie in the fall.

The changing colors of the leaves and the darkening skies bring a cozy and homey feeling to life.

Rain and cloudy weather are a welcome respite after spending 3 months in the summer heat. Having the time to now relax and enjoy a night in is fall’s refreshment.

I have always enjoyed all things fall brings. My birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other exciting seasonal activities all take place during this time of year. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from the fall, like visiting the pumpkin patches or watching fall movies with my friends and family.

Fall is an embrace that is often short-lived, overshadowed by the excitement of the holidays and all they bring.

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Drake

Listening to Drake is a life-changing experience. While some generalize him as a popular rapper with hit songs that all sound similar, his catalog and talents run much deeper.

Drake is a lyrical genius. His songs touch on all aspects of life, from the highs to the lows, which can help the listener find the right song for the moment or occasion.

Drake’s talent extends beyond rap. Drake is versatile and not afraid to rap, sing, or perform in different styles of music or even languages. Some notable hits from Drake, including “MIA” and “Gently,” both featuring Bad Bunny, exercise Drake’s talents beyond simple English rap. Drake’s hit album “Honestly Nevermind” is widely considered a top Drake album, with all but one song being House/Dance music.

Drake’s catalog is versatile and easily rotatable without the feeling of overlistening to one artist. I am currently listening to “Summer Games” from Scorpion and “Race My Mind” from Certified Lover Boy.

It is refreshing to hear different types of music conveying different sounds and feelings when listening to each song. Drake is easy to listen to and is widely respected as a top current artist, with his longevity of producing hit songs that have exceeded a decade.

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Dorms

Living in the dorms is an entirely new experience for me. I have always enjoyed the privilege of living in the small town where I went to school, but that has all changed for me. My family moved away while I had one last year of high school to complete. I made the decision to finish high school where I started, becoming a dormer to do so.

My first week was a lot of adjusting. Living on a campus in the town where I had grown up was the biggest challenge. Wanting to go out and do what I had always done before left me feeling incredibly bored.

Additionally, I felt lonely. My lifelong friends, family, and others were all gone. I still have people I enjoy talking to, but the dynamic of my life has changed completely.

I have noticed that changing my personal life to adapt to the dorms has become the best help when adjusting. I try to maintain a schedule and focus on both school work and personal growth.

While the changes are challenging, they are temporary and are a good preparation for college and life beyond high school.

Residential Housing | Carolina University

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The Gym

Over the summer, I decided to start going to the gym. In the summer heat, my days were primarily spent indoors except for golfing in the afternoons. I began to feel sluggish and less active than I thought I needed to be.

Starting as a beginner in a public gym was intimidating at first. Walking in and passing people who could bench press double my body weight didn’t help me feel welcomed.

I found a spot near the corner, put on my music, and started to work. Each time the weight was lifted, a burning yet rewarding feeling was felt in the intended muscle. As I fatigued more, the feeling increased.

While going to the gym is often described as painful, it is an indescribable feeling that combines the struggle of the body with the relief of the mind.

It often takes motivation from getting off the bed or couch to get to the gym, but the rewards it brings outweigh the dread. I’ve found that the longer I have been doing it, the more it has become a habit rather than a deliberate action.

Seeing the gradual improvements over time, even if it’s 5 pounds, shows that the work is paying off and keeps me wanting to show up the next day.

The Benefits of Having a Workplace Gym - Link Spaces

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Sunday Golf

Waking up on Sunday is usually slow. The thought of school tomorrow, the assignments due, and the thoughts resurfacing from the night before are all factors that make me want to lie in bed another hour.

The only thing different this Sunday was a mid-morning tee time with Archer and Ray. Golfing is an escape from reality. The complex thoughts and pits of feelings vanish. In the moment, the only thing you can think about is getting the ball from the tee to the hole.

Between shots, the sounds of music and laughing with friends fill every corner of my mind. Playing in the summer heat with a cold drink puts me on vacation, even if it were only for a couple of hours.

At the end of golf, we got lunch. The feelings of life and reality began to set back in. I got changed, went to work, and finished the day in the gym. I went to bed, my head full of thoughts, waiting for Monday.

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