Micaella Balderrama |
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Since fourth grade, Aija Andrews has been surrounded by basketball. On February 13, 2019 she will be saying goodbye to her basketball career of eight years. However, being a basketball player and a scholar is something that she has crashed and burned with.
Freshman year (‘15), Andrews came into McMahon with the mentality of making the varsity girls basketball team and work hard for a scholarship. She was able to balance her grades and not worry about the 1.6 limit GPA to be apart of McMahon Athletics.
“My freshman year I was more dedicated to my work, my grades were good, and I feel like I put more effort into playing then, than I do now.”
Now fast forwarding to Andrews senior year, the 5’10 forward-center has struggled more throughout her years of high school which almost affected her participation in the McMahon Girls Basketball program. However, with the support of her family and friends she was able to push through.
“As school got harder I started to become lazy, not doing any assignments, skipping class a lot, and worrying about the wrong things. The beginning of my senior year I was close to not playing the first half of my season because I waited last minute of the quarter to start doing my work and bringing my grades up.”
Not only were her grades a downfall in her athletic career, but due to a tear in her rotator cuff, Andrews was limited sophomore year playing basketball. She had to sit out during practices because she wasn’t able to shoot the ball without feeling pain, yet she would never complain about it when it came to game time. She started doing physical therapy to cope with it.
“I joined volleyball my sophomore year not having a clue about what it was. When I found out I had the tear in my cuff, I had to choose between, volleyball, basketball, or nothing at all. I obviously chose basketball but I had to be very careful because this injury could mean the end to my career.”
Her mother has been her supporter throughout everything. Growing up it’s been the two of them together through it all. Their bond is very strong and without her support, Andrews wouldn’t be the person she is today.
“She never misses a game, she always took her time out of her day 24/7 to bring me from practices to games. She would have to take time out of her work schedule to travel to all different kinds of places for tournaments, and spend a lot of money for everything. I honestly can say I wouldn’t be able to do anything without her. She is literally my heart, and push in life to be great.”
Throughout Andrews childhood, her goal was to play college basketball and earn a scholarship to play D1. Now that she’s a senior ready to turn to the next chapter of her life, she has second thoughts.
“I have the opportunity to play from a lot of colleges, but when I go to college I mostly just want to focus on my school work 24/7, rather than focusing on basketball and having that full commitment to it. I don’t think I would be able to balance sports and education all in one plate.”
Choosing to not play in college has been one of the hardest decisions of her life. Basketball has been a part of her for so long, without it, her life would be different. Basketball helps Andrews keep occupied and releases her emotions to the ball, the court, and the basket.
For those underclassmen who want to play basketball, whether it be in high school or another outside source, Andrews gives them this advice; “Make sure to stay on top of your grades, don’t wait till the last minute to do anything. Work hard in every practice like it’s your last. Keep positivity within your team, especially on the court because having good connection with your teammates builds success. Play with a purpose!”
Freshman year (‘15), Andrews came into McMahon with the mentality of making the varsity girls basketball team and work hard for a scholarship. She was able to balance her grades and not worry about the 1.6 limit GPA to be apart of McMahon Athletics.
“My freshman year I was more dedicated to my work, my grades were good, and I feel like I put more effort into playing then, than I do now.”
Now fast forwarding to Andrews senior year, the 5’10 forward-center has struggled more throughout her years of high school which almost affected her participation in the McMahon Girls Basketball program. However, with the support of her family and friends she was able to push through.
“As school got harder I started to become lazy, not doing any assignments, skipping class a lot, and worrying about the wrong things. The beginning of my senior year I was close to not playing the first half of my season because I waited last minute of the quarter to start doing my work and bringing my grades up.”
Not only were her grades a downfall in her athletic career, but due to a tear in her rotator cuff, Andrews was limited sophomore year playing basketball. She had to sit out during practices because she wasn’t able to shoot the ball without feeling pain, yet she would never complain about it when it came to game time. She started doing physical therapy to cope with it.
“I joined volleyball my sophomore year not having a clue about what it was. When I found out I had the tear in my cuff, I had to choose between, volleyball, basketball, or nothing at all. I obviously chose basketball but I had to be very careful because this injury could mean the end to my career.”
Her mother has been her supporter throughout everything. Growing up it’s been the two of them together through it all. Their bond is very strong and without her support, Andrews wouldn’t be the person she is today.
“She never misses a game, she always took her time out of her day 24/7 to bring me from practices to games. She would have to take time out of her work schedule to travel to all different kinds of places for tournaments, and spend a lot of money for everything. I honestly can say I wouldn’t be able to do anything without her. She is literally my heart, and push in life to be great.”
Throughout Andrews childhood, her goal was to play college basketball and earn a scholarship to play D1. Now that she’s a senior ready to turn to the next chapter of her life, she has second thoughts.
“I have the opportunity to play from a lot of colleges, but when I go to college I mostly just want to focus on my school work 24/7, rather than focusing on basketball and having that full commitment to it. I don’t think I would be able to balance sports and education all in one plate.”
Choosing to not play in college has been one of the hardest decisions of her life. Basketball has been a part of her for so long, without it, her life would be different. Basketball helps Andrews keep occupied and releases her emotions to the ball, the court, and the basket.
For those underclassmen who want to play basketball, whether it be in high school or another outside source, Andrews gives them this advice; “Make sure to stay on top of your grades, don’t wait till the last minute to do anything. Work hard in every practice like it’s your last. Keep positivity within your team, especially on the court because having good connection with your teammates builds success. Play with a purpose!”
Kristina Casubolo
PrideTime Editor
What role did you audition for?
“Technically, I auditioned for Donna, but didn’t get it. I think it’s because I literally am Rosie. The only reason people gravitate towards her is because she is so funny. Donna is more serious and I’m not very serious. I got Rosie, and I’m happy with the role.”
What did you have to do for your audition?
“They gave us a long list of songs. So, for each character you want to audition for, you learned the song. And then there were sides, which is basically dialogue from the musical, and you would have to learn your character’s sides. There is also a dance audition.”
How did you prepare for all of this?
“I went home and sang karaoke in my bedroom at night. As for the lines… I kind of just winged them. I read them over with my friends that were also auditioning for the role, so we kind of helped each other.”
What about the dance audition?
“The choreographer comes in and performs a combination. She takes time to go through it, slowly. Once you get it, she gives you time to review it with the rest of the people that are auditioning, then they split you up into groups of five and you perform the combination for your audition with that group. They grade you on each section [acting, singing, dancing], but you don’t get to see your grade.”
Why did you choose to be involved in the play?
“In elementary school, I did the musicals, so I guess it started there. Then, Roton didn’t have any musicals, so I was kind of deprived. I looked forward to going to McMahon so I could be part of the musicals again. I’ve always been fascinated with music and acting and the whole musical experience.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in the play?
“Probably the friends I’ve met, the bonds we’ve created. I’ve met so many people from cast, crew and pit. Also, the performance in front of everyone after five months of work. It feels so good.”
What is the worst part of the play experience for you?
“It’s time consuming, especially as a lead. Many people have been a lead and done a sport, but, it’s hard, and if you don’t have the motivation to do it, there is no way you’re going to get it done.”
Do you have any tips for people who are interested in auditioning for next year’s play?
“Don’t be afraid to audition. You’re going to regret not doing it sooner; that’s what everyone that gets into it late says because they missed out on all these good musicals. If you want to do it, do it. Go to Mr. Arcari, ask for information. Come see the musical this year and talk to some people who were involved.”
“Technically, I auditioned for Donna, but didn’t get it. I think it’s because I literally am Rosie. The only reason people gravitate towards her is because she is so funny. Donna is more serious and I’m not very serious. I got Rosie, and I’m happy with the role.”
What did you have to do for your audition?
“They gave us a long list of songs. So, for each character you want to audition for, you learned the song. And then there were sides, which is basically dialogue from the musical, and you would have to learn your character’s sides. There is also a dance audition.”
How did you prepare for all of this?
“I went home and sang karaoke in my bedroom at night. As for the lines… I kind of just winged them. I read them over with my friends that were also auditioning for the role, so we kind of helped each other.”
What about the dance audition?
“The choreographer comes in and performs a combination. She takes time to go through it, slowly. Once you get it, she gives you time to review it with the rest of the people that are auditioning, then they split you up into groups of five and you perform the combination for your audition with that group. They grade you on each section [acting, singing, dancing], but you don’t get to see your grade.”
Why did you choose to be involved in the play?
“In elementary school, I did the musicals, so I guess it started there. Then, Roton didn’t have any musicals, so I was kind of deprived. I looked forward to going to McMahon so I could be part of the musicals again. I’ve always been fascinated with music and acting and the whole musical experience.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in the play?
“Probably the friends I’ve met, the bonds we’ve created. I’ve met so many people from cast, crew and pit. Also, the performance in front of everyone after five months of work. It feels so good.”
What is the worst part of the play experience for you?
“It’s time consuming, especially as a lead. Many people have been a lead and done a sport, but, it’s hard, and if you don’t have the motivation to do it, there is no way you’re going to get it done.”
Do you have any tips for people who are interested in auditioning for next year’s play?
“Don’t be afraid to audition. You’re going to regret not doing it sooner; that’s what everyone that gets into it late says because they missed out on all these good musicals. If you want to do it, do it. Go to Mr. Arcari, ask for information. Come see the musical this year and talk to some people who were involved.”
PrideTime Reporter: Omar Partida
| Student-athlete by day, serving the Chick-fil-A dining room by night. It sounds crazy that Malik Goethe plays football, wrestling, lacrosse, but still manages to work. Malik started working at Chick-fil-A last July. He wanted to take some responsibility and start making some money on his own. “My sister was working and I got tired of asking my parents for money so with a job I see something and I get it and it looks good with anything you do” |  |
Practicing all year long Malik has to work late every day, sometimes not leaving work until 11:30. He has to leave 10 minutes early every practice to make sure he gets to work on time. Where some kids after school hang out with friends, play video games, or do their schoolwork Malik finds himself very busy and his job restricts him from having the pleasure to do the things he likes to do. He says working actually makes him more responsible because it stops him from wasting his time.
“It puts more pressure on me and I feel like I'm always busy rather than wasting my time and it has made me a lot more responsible.”
Not only does Malik stress about his late hours at Chick-fil-A but he also finds himself struggling to even get to work. After practice he needs to quickly go home to change into his work clothes and take an Uber to Chick-fil-A, so forgetting something can really shoot Malik in the foot because he has no one to bring his things. Malik found himself in these kinds of dilemmas far too many times.
“I had left my shoes once at home and I had started @ 6 and it’s was 5:45 and I get there to realize I left them and had to Uber all the way home and back”
But it’s Malik’s attitude and the fun environment at Chick-fil-A that keeps Malik from going insane. Many of the kids Malik works with are his friends from school, he claims that working along his friends rather than strangers has really helped keep his job interesting. The bond that ties his friends together in the workplace can never be broken he says.
“Malik is a very funny guy and I have fun working with him. On our free time, we would always kid around and laugh at the many jokes being tossed around.”
That was Reginald Fleuancy (19’) or Reggie for short, he is just one of the many friends that Malik works with. His friends are all amazed by his work ethic. Miguel Lopez (19’) another one Malik's coworker/friend relies on Maliks optimism to cheer him up on many lousy days at work.
“Malik is one of those guys who can cheer you up if you are feeling down and can take on a leadership role when needed at any point.”
Although working does make it hard for him to catch up on school work Malik always gives it his all. Malik’s dedication in the classroom and workplace along with his passion for sports will serve him well not for the remainder of his high school career but in college and beyond.
“It puts more pressure on me and I feel like I'm always busy rather than wasting my time and it has made me a lot more responsible.”
Not only does Malik stress about his late hours at Chick-fil-A but he also finds himself struggling to even get to work. After practice he needs to quickly go home to change into his work clothes and take an Uber to Chick-fil-A, so forgetting something can really shoot Malik in the foot because he has no one to bring his things. Malik found himself in these kinds of dilemmas far too many times.
“I had left my shoes once at home and I had started @ 6 and it’s was 5:45 and I get there to realize I left them and had to Uber all the way home and back”
But it’s Malik’s attitude and the fun environment at Chick-fil-A that keeps Malik from going insane. Many of the kids Malik works with are his friends from school, he claims that working along his friends rather than strangers has really helped keep his job interesting. The bond that ties his friends together in the workplace can never be broken he says.
“Malik is a very funny guy and I have fun working with him. On our free time, we would always kid around and laugh at the many jokes being tossed around.”
That was Reginald Fleuancy (19’) or Reggie for short, he is just one of the many friends that Malik works with. His friends are all amazed by his work ethic. Miguel Lopez (19’) another one Malik's coworker/friend relies on Maliks optimism to cheer him up on many lousy days at work.
“Malik is one of those guys who can cheer you up if you are feeling down and can take on a leadership role when needed at any point.”
Although working does make it hard for him to catch up on school work Malik always gives it his all. Malik’s dedication in the classroom and workplace along with his passion for sports will serve him well not for the remainder of his high school career but in college and beyond.
PrideTime Reporter: Daisy Restrepo
Do any of your friends have to balance going to school with sports and having a job? Well if they do, they are not alone.
Ali Mills does this every single day. She is a 16 year old junior here at Brien McMahon, and has been cheering since her freshman year - now a captain. She has been dancing for most of her life and has also been playing softball for a long time. Not only is she a straight A student, she works at a physical therapy office called Formula Physical Therapy. She helps out with filing, record keeping, and even exercises for patients. The owner of the office is close friends with her mom, so she was lucky enough to get a job.
Ali Mills does this every single day. She is a 16 year old junior here at Brien McMahon, and has been cheering since her freshman year - now a captain. She has been dancing for most of her life and has also been playing softball for a long time. Not only is she a straight A student, she works at a physical therapy office called Formula Physical Therapy. She helps out with filing, record keeping, and even exercises for patients. The owner of the office is close friends with her mom, so she was lucky enough to get a job.
“Being able to keep up with so many things every day is hard. But being able to manage my time makes everything a lot easier. I often plan out the time I have and devote each chunk of time to different homework or activities. I also get my homework done as soon as I get home from school rather than procrastinate. If I have extra time, I get my assignments done in advance so that I have time to relax during busy weeks.” says Ali.
Ali makes sure to find time to keep her grades up and hit second in her class ranking last year. She takes challenging classes and is very good at managing her time which is why she is able to do so much. Even with so much on her plate, she also finds time to spend with friends and family. She’s also able to get herself to her job and back home because she drives, which makes it easier.
“I usually work for a few hours after school before my cheer practice. I also take advantage of having open end on A days and go straight to work after school. Friday’s after school are also a very good time to go in because there is usually no one in the office so I can go in and get all my work done.”
Ali is very hardworking - her coworkers attest. When I spoke with them, all of them praised very highly of her, saying she has many good qualities.
“Ali is a very hardworking girl. We know that she has a very busy schedule and yet she always finds time to come in and she always finishes the work that needs to be done around the office. She is someone that is very reliable.” says her boss.
Ali makes sure to find time to keep her grades up and hit second in her class ranking last year. She takes challenging classes and is very good at managing her time which is why she is able to do so much. Even with so much on her plate, she also finds time to spend with friends and family. She’s also able to get herself to her job and back home because she drives, which makes it easier.
“I usually work for a few hours after school before my cheer practice. I also take advantage of having open end on A days and go straight to work after school. Friday’s after school are also a very good time to go in because there is usually no one in the office so I can go in and get all my work done.”
Ali is very hardworking - her coworkers attest. When I spoke with them, all of them praised very highly of her, saying she has many good qualities.
“Ali is a very hardworking girl. We know that she has a very busy schedule and yet she always finds time to come in and she always finishes the work that needs to be done around the office. She is someone that is very reliable.” says her boss.
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