High Life A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : So Why the Tears? Failure and Happiness

“Big girls don’t cry” . . . or so say the lyrics of a popular ‘60s song by the Four Seasons. But, in reality, big girls do cry. And so do big boys.

Hot Topics wonders, “When was the last time you cried, and why?”

“Probably three weeks ago, because a guy was mean to me.”

Emily Graham, 17,

junior, University

“When there was a death in my family.”

Tuan Ho, 16,

junior, Ocean View

“After we found out we weren’t going to CIF (Southern Section playoffs) for football.”

Dave Snow, 18,

senior, Huntington Beach

“When my turtle died in the fourth grade.”

Hubert Ho, 17,

junior, Ocean View

“About two weeks ago, because I was so happy that I made cheerleading.”

Natalie Russell, 17,

junior, Liberty Christian

“It was at the movie ‘E.T.’ ”

Kara Subar, 15,

sophomore, Dana Hills

“Yesterday, because that’s when I found out my grandmother’s friend died.”

Cheri Beaman, 18,

senior, Fullerton

“When I got home from England and found out my mom was not there to receive me at the airport.”

Hina Raza, 16,

junior, Rosary

“A while ago, because I was stressed out.”

Dan Beaton, 18,

junior, Liberty Christian

“I was water-skiing and I fell and the ski put a hole in my lip.”

Robert Harner, 17,

senior, Dana Hills

“When I watch the movie ‘Pretty Woman,’ because it was depressing.”

Hanh Nguyen, 14,

freshman, Huntington Beach

“Because I finally saw my best friend Patty after a long time.”

Nancy Rodriguez, 17,

senior, Rosary

“Three weeks ago; I was upset about my relationships with people.”

Linda Silveira, 18,

senior, University

“When I read ‘Firefighters’ by Dennis Smith because some of the stories were very sad.”

Bill Hencke, 17,

junior, Ocean View

“A few weeks ago, over a breakup.”

Amy Coffman, 16,

sophomore, Liberty Christian

“The last time I cried I was just being moody.”

April Peterson, 15,

sophomore, Tustin

“At my grandma’s funeral at the end of February.”

Andy Hulse, 16,

junior, Dana Hills

“When my brother left for his mission I cried because I was going to miss him.”

Dan Penrod, 16,

junior, Fullerton

“When I found out I couldn’t perform in (the ballet) ‘Swan Lake.’ ”

Geri Middleton, 16,

junior, Huntington Beach

“Last month my good friend lied to me and we had many arguments.”

Ngoc Tran, 18,

senior, Ocean View

“When my dad left for a year in Okinawa six months ago. I loved him and I was sad.”

Daniel Hansen, 15,

sophomore, University

“Last Sunday because I recommitted my life.”

Robert Smith, 15,

sophomore, Liberty Christian

“Last time I cried I was in Palm Springs during spring break, and I can’t remember why.”

Laurie Maturo, 17,

junior, Fullerton

“I was a freshman in high school, and I was water-skiing and tore my hamstring. I cried because it was extremely painful.”

Ted Barsh, 18,

senior, Huntington Beach

“When my great-grandmother died in 1983.”

David Chieng, 17,

junior, Ocean View

“When my boyfriend broke up with me, I cried in my room and everywhere I went.”

Tina Campbell, 16,

sophomore, Tustin

“I cried when I was watching ‘The Wonder Years.’ ”

Dianna Debellis, 16,

junior, Dana Hills

Next Week’s Hot Topic:

When you want to be alone, where do you go?

Responses gathered by Dana Wilshin (Dana Hills), Colleen Cruz (Fullerton), Jane Wei (Huntington Beach), Tom Prendergast (Liberty Christian), Felice Wu (Ocean View), Asra Hashmy (Rosary), Rachel Tuinstra (Tustin) and Kiley Coble (University).