Life’s Lessons: It’s Getting Hot In Here

by Erin, 9th grade

This summer is one I have anticipated the most. I am going on a trip to Europe and a much-needed break from my exhausting freshman year in high school. However, I despise the heat; it seems this summer might be the hottest yet. According to the National and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “it is virtually certain” that 2024 will beat 2023 as the hottest year and a 99% chance of being among the top 5 warmest summers since 1850.

This may be due to the shift that happens every 2-7 years from an El Niño to a La Niña climate pattern. These climate patterns are determined by the ocean’s temperatures near the equator and blow a temperature jet stream over land. For Fullerton, as well as the rest of Socal, a La Niña means that this will bring hotter temperatures and a drier summer. However, this expected hot weather is not all due to the shift to La Niña.

As the atmosphere caves inward, human activities and pollution are being bounced back toward Earth, which causes even more of an increase in temperature. This is nature’s response to human activity and warning from our planet – this is only a taste of what else could come due to global warming. In order to protect yourself this summer, always put on sunscreen, use fans, drink lots of water, and try to stay in the shade, limiting yourself from being in the sun. And a little ice cream might help!

National Observances: National Sunscreen Day – May 27th

by Mateo, 10th grade

As the summer season grows near, so does the sweltering heat that Southern California is known for, and it is important to be prepared. Last summer was recorded as the hottest in the world in at least 2000 years; the city of Fullerton alone saw temperatures nearly hit triple digits in the summer of 2023. This abnormally hot weather only adds to the list of reasons why sunscreen is so beneficial for our well-being. Although it can be a pain to apply sometimes, especially for young children, it is a necessity if you want to avoid the harmful effects of the Sun’s deadly rays. National Sunscreen Day, celebrated annually on May 27th, reminds the community of the benefits of wearing sunscreen and spreads awareness to others of its importance in our daily lives.

The idea for a sun protection paste began in the 1930s when multiple people began working on a formula. An Australian man named Milton Blake was the first to produce and sell sunscreen, followed by French chemist Eugène Schueller (who later founded L’Oréal) and Swiss chemistry student Franz Greiter. Although their efforts pioneered future sunscreen development, these first attempts were futile, as the sunscreens were ineffective and tended to be uncomfortable on the skin.

World War II airman Benjamin Green is credited with having made the first modern sunscreen. After his first attempt went awry due to the discomfort it caused on the skin of its consumers and its unappealing red coloration, he added cocoa butter and coconut oil to his original mixture. He dubbed this new mixture “Coppertone,” and in the 1950s, it took off, selling like crazy due to some creative marketing. Even to this day, Coppertone is still a commonly used sunscreen in America.

Since the invention of Coppertone, innovative companies have made numerous advancements to sunscreen to make it more effective. In the 1970s, water-resistant sunscreen exploded in popularity on the market due to its usefulness when going swimming or when sweating profusely, and broad-spectrum sunscreens became popular in the ‘90s because they could protect users from both UVA and UVB sun rays.

So, what makes sunscreen so important? When applied properly and often, it can heavily reduce the likelihood of you getting skin cancer, the single most common cancer in the U.S. Sunscreen does this by mitigating the harmful effects that the Sun’s ultraviolet rays impose on your skin. Furthermore, sunscreen can prevent skin damage and slow down signs of aging, making your skin appear younger, and the pleasant smell that most sunscreens possess is just a bonus. So, next time you travel to the beach with your friends or enjoy a calm afternoon in the pool, don’t forget to put on your sunscreen; it may be the best health decision you make all summer.

Kids Rule: Fullerton Loop 

by Teagan, 6th grade

As spring comes to a close at the end of May, there is still a short window of time to enjoy the cloudy weather before the scorching heat of summer arrives. One great way to savor the last days of spring in Fullerton is by taking advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and simply relaxing in nature.

One popular hiking trail in Fullerton is the “Fullerton Loop,” a roughly 7-mile loop that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This biking trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its scenic beauty and moderate difficulty level. The Fullerton Loop is a great way to exercise and enjoy the fresh air before the summer heat sets in.

Numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being come from hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities that can be pursued in the Fullerton Loop. According to AHA’s  (American Heart Association) article, spending time in nature can reduce stress, “improve mood,” and increase overall “feelings of happiness and well-being.” So why not take advantage of the last days of spring in Fullerton by hitting the trails, hopping on a bike, or enjoying a leisurely picnic in the great outdoors? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Fullerton before the summer heat arrives!

Tween Experience: Student life

by Alicia, 6th grade

Men of ancient Greece woke up to hit the gym straight away, then took a nice bath before heading to work. Women began their days with household chores and childcare, moving on to more housekeeping. People’s daily routines vary depending on their lifestyle, profession, cultural background, and personal preferences. How about the typical school day of a student in Fullerton?

Most students start, and should start, by waking up between five and seven in the morning. We kick things off by brushing our teeth and dressing up for school. It depends on who you are, but I like to take a few minutes to pick out a comfortable outfit that will be convenient for the day’s activities.

Like the citizens of ancient Rome, people often grab a light breakfast for energy and head off to work or, in a student’s case, school. The motivation that keeps most students from dreading school is the joy we receive from being around our friends. It’s like we immediately forget about the hefty amount of mental strength we had to exert to wake up the moment we make eye contact with someone who brings us happiness. Many students said class time isn’t the most enjoyable part of a school day. Our eyes are constantly catching glances at the clock, hoping that the next time we look, it will be break or lunchtime. Break times in high or middle schools are entirely different from those in elementary schools, but they both share the traits of students chattering throughout the campus, often with snacks and food.

It’s impressive how fast students can switch up when the bell rings, loudly calling out the end of the school day. Most of us have after-school activities. Some of us are into sports like soccer, baseball, or volleyball. Others are more into artistic things like dance, theater, or musical instruments. It keeps us busy but tamed as we utilize action to keep us focused on our goals. On days when we aren’t occupied with anything, it’s likely for us to work on homework, chores, leisure activities, and socialization. We put time into our relationships with others to add a bit of fun and excitement to our lives.

By the time we are done with our daily commitments and tasks, most of us feel tired and relieved. We take a nice shower to relax our bodies and minds and start preparing for the next day. Once we are in bed, lying down on the mattress, some of us fall asleep within minutes, and others lie away for hours, contemplating our life choices.

Everyone has their daily routines and habits. Many Fullerton students share the same traits in their daily lives, although we are all individuals. A student’s life is busy and shaped by different characteristics of our environment.

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