Written by Jason Gray, a 10th grader at Hueneme High School.

Leadership doesn’t have a single meaning. Throughout my experiences with leadership, I’ve found it to be a very complex word. Sometimes you can lead others through talking, sometimes through examples, or sometimes just by believing in them. The one thing that I see all too often though, is confusing leadership with power.

Dictating oth...

Written by Jason Gray, a 10th grader at Hueneme High School.

I’m overwhelmed, and it’s no secret.

I do too much, and it’s hard to deal with.

Take up my time, and get no rest.

End the week crazy stressed.

Don’t have a breather for myself.

I think I might need some help.

Plan my future way too early.

Life on pre-order, crazy surly.

Going through my mind at mach ten.

It’s hard to sleep a...

Written by a senior at CU Boulder.

Three years ago, I started my first semester at the University of Colorado Boulder. Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use. So, you can imagine how popular it is here.

Most people who I met smoked weed. It truly was, no big deal. I saw the casual attitudes towards marijuana, and I saw my friends imbibe regularly, seemingly...

By Janette, a senior at CLU.

Mental health is something I’ve learned to prioritize over the years, and I’ve found that talking about my feelings is one of the most helpful ways to cope. When I’m struggling, opening up to trusted friends or family members helps me feel less alone and more understood. Sometimes, just saying things out loud relieves the weight I’m carrying. I also believe profession...

Written by Janette, a senior at CLU. 

In today’s society, popular culture plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes, especially among young people. Popular culture could be defined as a culture that is widely favored or well-liked by various people. For example, when I think of popular culture I think of music. The way music has made an impact in our society and ho...

Escrito por Janette, un senior en CLU.

Aunque mucha gente piensa que la marihuana "no es gran cosa," ¿por qué es un problema grave?

La legalización de la marihuana ha permitido que muchos jóvenes crean que es aceptable participar en el acto de fumar. Como resultado, muchas personas, especialmente los jóvenes, ahora lo consideran relativamente inofensivo. Sin embargo, a pesar de su creciente norm...

Written by an Ventura County college student. 

Bullying is a widespread issue that many individuals face during different stages of their lives. It can happen in school, workplaces, online, or even in social settings. Being bullied not only affects one's mental health but can also shape personality, self-perception, and overall development. I will share my experiences discussing how bullying affe...

"Building strong communication takes time and effort, but fostering open dialogue strengthens relationships and enables families to navigate tough issues together."

Written by a Ventura County college student.

Effective communication between parents and youth is essential for fostering strong relationships and navigating the complexities of growing up. However, discussing difficult topics ...

Written by Janette, a senior at CLU.

As time passes, more young adolescents are gaining access to alcohol, which has become a serious issue. What’s surprising is that the people allowing this are often those you least expect—close family members like parents, cousins, siblings, or family friends. The use of alcohol can have significant negative effects on adolescents, both short and long term. La...

Written by Lucy, a Ventura County junior in high school.

By Tara McKee

Content warning: this post contains mentions of self-harm, domestic violence, and suicide. Please take care of yourself and practice caution if these are upsetting topics for you. 

Having a rough life as a child and not really being able to talk freely about my issues was always big for me. I always hid my emotions and my feelings. I shut down rather than talked. Even at a young ag...

Written by Lucy, a Ventura County junior in high school.

Hatred drives Hatred.

Love drives Love.

When a tiger attacks,

The victim strikes

And a fight begins

And never ends

Until one ends. 

The Hatred.

Hatred.

Because Hatred

Makes Hatred

When you are broken

Do you smile at the breaker?

No.

You crush the breaker 

Til the breaker crushes you more.

So quench the urge to fight...