Third Edition: “Our Oakland” — The Power of Writing

By: Yuvitza Rivera, Sophomore 

Going into high school, I never expected to make decisions on how to solve problems within my community. I always thought adults would be the ones to make decisions for my community and not me. But, adults aren’t the only ones to be affected by the violence and problems in Oakland; adolescents too are affected. We, the adolescents, often don’t get a voice as to what should be done. Not until last year during the “Our Oakland” Project, did our class of 2014 get the chance to voice out what we thought was the biggest problem in Oakland and offer our a solution. Three big problems were voted on, and they were gangs, trash, and violence. I wanted to and got the chance to research and go in-depth about gangs being a big problem in our community. To do this, my group and I went out into the community and interviewed many people about why they thought gangs were a problem in Oakland. We also asked their opinion on what solutions might be effective. We came up with a few on our own too. The experience I had was great and exciting because it was new to me, and my ideas where expressed. However, as the project went on I found it less interesting because my group members didn’t really help me. Most of the work came from me, and I wanted their input. Without it, I got bored.  Sadly, in the end, I just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible, and mistakes were made. Overall, though it is an amazing project in which high school freshman get an amazing opportunity for our often-silenced voices to be heard.

Recently I got the opportunity to interview Ms. Thomas, the one who made this project possible.

Question 1: What inspired you to come up with the Our Oakland Project?

Answer: When I was in graduate school, I read Our America [and I] really loved [it]. Lloyd and Le Allen inspired me. The fact that they were only thirteen years old and interviewed their neighborhood shed light on their situation. I felt that our students could be heard and give voice to the issues that they worried about [in] our community too.

Question 2: Please summarize the purpose and goal of Our Oakland Project.

Answer: From my point of view as an English Teacher [the goal is] for students to recognize that writing has power. And, the skills they learn: interviewing, taking notes, and summarizing – these skills actually have real world applications.

Question 3: How has the Our Oakland Project changed over the years?

Answer: It started out as a project in Math and English only. Then became science focused over many years. And, now it came back to its artistic roots of poetry, photography, and the creative process of making a book.

Question 4: What do you learn from the Our Oakland Project each year?

Answer: I learn every year that violence is the number one issue that students worry about in Oakland. [And,] there is poetry in simple everyday conversation.

Question 5: Each year, what do you hope the Our Oakland Project accomplishes?

Answer: I hope more than anything else that the project will hook students who don’t feel connected to school yet.

Question 6: Do you think it’s a successful project? Why?

Answer: Successful some years more than others because it depends on a lot of adult facilitation and coordination in order to get off campus, conduct interviews, surveys and line everything up. But, when I see students receive their published books, then it feels successful.

From the interview with Ms. Thomas, I have learned that writing truly is powerful because it has a way to influence what others will do. Truly, what we do here at Life Academy will change something one day. I’ve also learned that doing this project is teamwork between the students and teachers. The teachers organize the project, but the students make the project become real and successful. One can say that after going through this project one is changed because there will always be that thought of what am I doing in my community to change all those malignant things that I face and hear every day that is not only affecting me and my family but everyone else around me. And, as this question follows me, I can say that slowly change is happening; we may not see it right away, but soon it will manifest. Lastly, thanks to Ms. Thomas for the project. Or, better said, thanks to Lloyd and Le Allen for inspiring Ms. Thomas and to Ms. Thomas’ teacher who asked her to read Our America. But, it goes deeper than that, so as I like to say: The domino affect caused the change from the “Our Oakland’ Project and maybe more.

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

Second Edition: “Our Oakland” — Teaching Us All Something New

By: Makayla Tarango, Sophomore 

Our Oakland was a great experience for me in my freshman year. I got to learn a lot of information about the city I was born and raised in. I was so used to my community that I didn’t see anything wrong with it even though I had heard of so many bad stories and had lost family and friends here in Oakland due to crime. Our Oakland made me more knowledgeable of what my community should look like. I realized that where I live should be cleaner than what it is and safer for my family and me to make a quick trip to the store. Most importantly, I learned that all of the people in my community and I should respect each other more since we all have a similar struggle. I would do the Our Oakland project again if I could.

Recently I interviewed a freshman, Alexis Pruitt, about her experience with the “Our Oakland” project:

Me: What activities did you do for the Our Oakland project?

Alexis: Well we first we found an adult or family member to practice interviewing. Later on we went to Laney College to interview people on their opinion.

Me: What was your group’s topic? What interesting information did you find on your topic?

Alexis: My topic was gangs. Something interesting I heard was a lady told me that she thinks gangs are doing a lot of unconstructive things and they need to start doing more constructive things for our community.

Me: What was your most enjoyable moment during Our Oakland?

Alexis: Interviewing people and actually being able to understand others ideas on things.

Me: Were you prepared for this project? What preparation did you receive?

Alexis: Yes, I was prepared and I got everything done on time. Ms.Thomas helped us a lot by giving us a rubric and a recorder. She also gave us good ideas on what type of questions what could ask in interviews.

Me: Has participating in Our Oakland changed your outlook on Oakland or showed you something new?

Alexis: It showed me that people think young kids are the cause of Oakland’s problems.

This year’s “Our Oakland” project seems to have taught the freshmen a lot about their surroundings. I believe they have a better idea of what they could do to help themselves and others to be more positive. I hope each and every one of them gained something positive to use in their future. In conclusion, I like to think Ms.Thomas for all her hard work on this year’s “Our Oakland” and last year’s as well. You’re a brilliant woman, Ms.Thomas.

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

First Edition: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless – “Our Oakland” Then and Now

By: Raynetta Van, Sophomore 

The “Our Oakland” Project was a fun and challenging experience for me. The project is still fresh in my mind because I did it last year as a high school freshman. It was fun for the most part because I learned a lot about my topic, which was trash. My group interviewed people in Downtown Oakland. I learned that most people usually pick up after other people and try to make Oakland look nice. It wasn’t hard for me to go up to people and interview them because I’m not shy. I actually really loved the interview process because I’m very outgoing and I have good communication skills. However, it was also a hard experience because a lot of people wouldn’t stop to talk to us; it was hard getting information when people weren’t talking to us. But overall, it was a very fun experience.

I interviewed Kathleen Fong, class of 2015, to better understand her experience with the “Our Oakland” Project.

Question 1: What was your group’s topic? What interesting research information did you find on your topic?

Answer: My group’s topic was gangs; we found out that there are a lot of more Caucasian people in gangs than any other races.

Question 2: How was your experience interviewing people?

Answer: It was scary at first because I’m shy, and I didn’t know any of them.

Question 3: What was the most challenging part of this project and why?

Answer: The most challenging part of this project was finding people to interview because I got rejected many times, I was behind, and I was really frustrated.

Question 4: What did you learn from the “Our Oakland” Project?

Answer: I learned that there was more violence in Oakland than I thought.

Question 5: How do you think we can reduce the poverty and violence in Oakland, after doing this project?

Answer: Well, people don’t listen. So, I don’t know if they can make a change but the people who do can come together.

In conclusion, the “Our Oakland” project is an amazing project that I was fortunate enough to be able to do. This year’s project is the same from last year. They had all the same topics and went to the same places. This year freshman’s also had the opportunity to do the project, and from interviewing Kathleen, I feel like some teenagers understand Oakland a little better. They realize that Oakland has the potential to come together as one, if we all get on the same page. They now realize if they want change, they have to CREATE it.

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

First EVER Soccer Tournament – Life Academy vs. Base High School

By: Dania Cabello, Youth Developer and Futbolistas Coach

Tired Futbolistas after a long, hard-fought game!

Wednesday was a great day for the futbolistas as they had their first ever mini-7v7-tournament against Base High School.

What initially started off as a pilot game, to test the waters between the two schools, ended up being a 50+ person attended tournament right on Life Academy’s campus!

Base was very prepared and brought two soccer squads and a group of videographers to document the activities.

I felt so proud of all of the futbolistas that played, and equally as proud of the 20+ LIFE students that came to watch, cheer, scream, and support their classmates in positive athletic competition.

The teams played 2 games – the first was a mix of sophomore, junior, and senior boys. They played very well as a team and ended up tying Base 4-4!

The second game was the Freshman team (and Omar del Rio). They won 4-2!

These young men and women deserve much praise as they not only played like a true team, but demonstrated just how skillful they all are with the ball. Major shout outs to Nubia and Theresa (freshman girls) for stepping up and playing with and against some intimidating young men…they saved goals, got involved and took risks!

This is going to become a monthly game between LIFE and Base, at alternating sites, and we hope to host more between some of the neighborhood high school teams.

Be sure to come out and watch the next game!

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

10th Graders at Life Academy: Our Thoughts on Oakland Violence

Five year old Gabriel Martinez was shot and killed on December 30th, 2011 near 54 Ave. in Oakland, California. The boy was helping his father to clean up the front of their taco truck when this terrible event happened.

How we feel

1. I’m really mad at this situation because he wasn’t doing anything wrong and even if he was, he was a baby who just started to live his life! People these days are so stupid for thinking they can own a gun and shoot whoever the hell they want! What’s wrong with them?
2. I feel bad because the man that killed him is still on the run and has no feelings to say sorry to the family.
3. I feel scared for my little brother and sisters.
4. It’s weird that I don’t feel anything. I feel numb.

Questions

1. Why did they shoot the boy? What did they boy do to them? What do they win by doing this? What did the police do about it?
2. Why would someone kill a boy without knowing him? Why hasn’t he turned himself in?
3. Why is there a lot of violence going on in Oakland? Why do people like using weapons in a negative way? What makes humans kill humans? Why would you kill a little kid?
4. What’s wrong with society?

The extent of violence in Oakland

1. Gabriel wasn’t the first kid that was shot and died. He was the third kid that died recently in Oakland and that shows a lot of violence.
2. There is a lot of violence in Oakland. Gangs are a huge part of the violence and I think authorities are tired of trying to make Oakland a safe place.
3. Violence does happen a lot. Almost everyday someone dies. Sometimes there aren’t any reasons. Cops shouldn’t be trusted with guns either.
4. There are so many killings in Oakland I have lost count. Someone got killed by my house.
5. When I was a child a man was shot outside my house in the middle of the night.
6. Oakland is a city where there  are different kinds of violence. Normal teenagers and infants are being affected even by the cops.
7. I think violence in Oakland is getting way off board. There are people getting shot, killed, etc. It’s the worst thing going on in Oakland.
8. I think there’s violence because people don’t know how to hold in their anger. Sometimes they feel like revenge is a good answer to their problems.

Why is there violence and what can we do?

1. There is violence in Oakland because people are stuck in problems. You never know when you’ll get the gun shot. A lot of people become drug dealers once they drop out of school and have nothing to do or don’t have a job.
2. I think they choose violence because it’s the easy way to make money fast.
3. They want to feel powerful. They want to destroy lives.
4. Many people are poor and their families are messed up so they join gangs and gangs are trouble.
5. Give everyone jobs so that they stay out of the streets.
6. I think we can solve this by making this country rich and pressuring the president to make more jobs for everybody.
7. There is violence in Oakland because people have problems. They want to get money and they feel powerful when they kill someone.
8. No matter what we do about it there is always going to be violence.
9. We can all get educated and get a life. Education is the future.
10. Provide jobs for people.
11. The mayor of Oakland needs to do something about violence in the streets.

By Ms. Woodard’s Students: Pablo Cox, Alexandra Guajardo, Hannah Dobashi, Natalia Espinosa Ortiz, Aydet Bernal, Ahoud Dobashi, Byron Mendoza, Servando Gastelum, Autumn Criss, James Monroe, Jaime Sakr, Ariana Luna-Floriano, and Flor Osores

Series: Advisor Interviews — Ms. Young

By: Yuvitza Rivera, Sophomore 

Ms. Kimberly Young is a Spanish and reading teacher at Life Academy of Health and Bioscience. She graduated from the University of Berkeley with B.A in Ethnic Studies and got her M.A. at Stanford. She is a teacher who believes strongly in the power of education. She is mother to Nico and is getting married in the summer. She is also my advisor.

Question 1: What inspired to become a teacher?

Answer:  Education can powerfully change the path of someone’s life.

 

Question 2: What is your purpose for being a teacher?

Answer: To make sure all students have choices and opportunities within their own life. Education is the key to choice and opportunities.

 

Question 3: What have you learned about teaching?

Answer: That you never are going to be a perfect teacher because every year students change and part of being a really good teacher is being reflection, responsive teacher. When kids change, you (the teacher) have to adapt. Being flexible is really important.

 

Question 4: What is the best part of being a teacher?

Answer: You get to laugh a lot because teenagers are hilarious. You laugh with them; sometimes I laugh at them. [It’s] really fun to be around different personalities.

 

Question 5: What is the best memory you have of teaching?

Answer: There is a good experience everyday, [but] watching my first class that I taught graduate was definitely my highlight.

 

Question 6: Would you like your students to become teachers?

Answer: Some of them. I think if you like to be around teenagers and understand importance of education and if you [believe] that being a good teacher can transform someone’s life, then yes you should be a teacher. If you do it to just get summer off, then no [this] job is too important to have lazy people.

 

From this interview, I have learned that Ms. Young is a very deep and passionate person when it comes to answering questions. She values education and expresses it in such a way that she makes you have hope and makes you believe in what she believes. She is and will be a very important person in my life for me to succeed.  I have also learn that she will push me very much and be on top of my grades during these next few years of high school. But, most importantly, I have learned that if you want opportunities to do what you want, then education will get you there.   And, in this country, no one can take that right of educating ourselves. We, as students, must take this as an advantage because there are those who don’t have education and wish they had. We do, so we must not misuse it.

 

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Teacher

 

Oakland — Through the Eyes of Raynetta

A pretty flower in Oakland, on Steele Street

There are break-ins going on!

A beautiful view of Oakland from Enos Avenue

Photos and Captions By: Raynetta Van, Sophomore

Life Academy Students Dare to DREAM

By: Makayla Tarango  

Governor Brown signed the second part of “The California Dream Act” (AB 131) as of October 8, 2011. The signing of this second document allows students to receive Cal-Grants in addition to private scholarships and loans in AB 130.

All by itself, this piece of news is exciting. However, the reason why I am writing an article on this matter is because my peers at Life Academy made it their business to help get this act passed. These students donated a lot of there own time to the cause.

Students in the afterschool program called “The Real Dream Act Kids” sent letters to Governor Brown asking him to help pass it. They also went class by class, getting other students, teachers, administrators, and staff members to send in a copy of the letter.

These kids and their teacher, Pablo Venturino, recently spoke at the school’s celebration of Latino Heritage Month about “The California Dream Act” and how they will continue and support undocumented persons.

I am proud to have witnessed my fellow classmates work passionately to help people other than themselves to get an equal opportunity at higher education.

 

Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Coach

Life Academy Students Attend Health Careers Conference

Caption: Thirty-one Life Academy Students attend Health Careers Conference at the Oakland Marriot Convention Center Caption: Patsy Soto and Carlos Moreno, members of HOSA, offer to act in a biking accident. Caption: Patsy Soto (still acting like the victim of a bike accident) gets to go into the ambulance. Caption: Blanca Burciaga and Isabel Vizcarra interview a paramedic. Caption: Francisco Gomez learns how to give compressions for CPR. Captions and Photos By: Emily Rigotti, Life Academy Science Teacher Edited By: Eva Oliver, Digital Journalism Coach