Illustration by Courtney Loi, 15, Sierra Vista HS (Baldwin Park)

I’m better off without my dad
After years of hoping her dad would be more caring, a girl finally has a father figure who is.

One day, someone broke into my mom’s car. Her fiancé skipped work to drive her to her job, took her car to the repair shop and picked her up again. If my mom had still been with my dad, he wouldn’t have done anything except scream at her. When my mom’s fiancé came over that night, I made him toast shaped like a heart to show my appreciation.
Creating my own comics
Making comics started as a way to fight boredom in math class, but it’s become something Austin loves.
The recession hits home
It was scary when Jennifer's mom lost her job and she saw her having trouble paying her bills.
Friendship is enough
Even though it can get complicated, Tiffany, 15, has been just friends with lots of guys.
New year, new me?
Every year 17-year-old Merryck makes a resolution even though she's always failed.
School cuts survey results
More than 1,850 students told us how budget cuts have hurt their schools.
Getting real about graduating
These former dropouts talk about their second chance at a diploma.
Front-row seats
It was tiring but fun for Edda, 17, and her friends to camp out for the Rose Parade.
Stretched for time
Sometimes it’s hard for Haley, 16, to fit ballet into her schedule, but she loves it too much to quit.