High Life : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : What Price Would You Pay to Win at Something Important to You?

Is being prepared physically and mentally enough to put you over the top, or do you need that extra something to guarantee success?

Hot Topics asks, “To what extent will you go to make sure you ‘win’ at something?”

“I would push myself to my own personal limits, and then a little farther.” Ariana Sexton, 17,senior, University

“I’d do almost anything, but I will never cheat.” Margaret Chen, 16,senior, Villa Park

“It’s good to win, but knowing that you did your best is enough of an accomplishment.” Tai Ngan, 17,senior, Orange

“I’d cheat, lie and steal.” Darren Schmidt, 16,junior, Irvine

“I wouldn’t cheat, but I also wouldn’t stand by and just watch other people win. I would give it my best shot.” Java Folice, 17,senior, Sonora

“When in doubt, lie, cheat, and steal. No, seriously, just put forth my best effort and try my best.” Tami St. John, 14,freshman, Fullerton

“I won’t do anything against what God thinks is right.” Jennifer Hunt, 17,senior, Calvary Chapel

“I always get what I want, so I never have to go very far. But I would never hurt a friend or stab anyone in the back just so I could be happy. Friendship is more important than any possession.” Suzanne Dale, 16,junior, Ocean View

“I would go to any extreme, as long as I don’t have to hurt anyone.” Alex Uhm, 18,senior, University

“I’ll go as far as my morals will take me.” Mike Ting, 17,senior, Villa Park

“I wouldn’t cheat to win or hurt myself or anyone else.” Danielle Garrison, 15,sophomore, Orange

“I’d try to do my best.” Leon Lynn, 16,freshman, Irvine

“I’d go as far as my feelings would allow me, without hurting me or someone else.” Ernest Harrison Wallace, 18,senior, Sonora

“I try my hardest at all I do and know that even if I don’t win, it does not matter because I’ve given it my best.” Michelle Tracy, 17,senior, Fullerton

“I’ll do anything in my power.” Matt Eby, 17,senior, Calvary Chapel

“It depends on what it is, but I will go far enough to probably get into trouble.” Rida Hamzeh, 16,junior, Ocean View

“All the way, if I strongly believe in it and it doesn’t go against my beliefs.” Forbes Morse, 17,senior, University

“To achieve my goals I’d go to almost any extreme, stopping shy of causing someone injury.” Jake Bassett, 17,senior, Villa Park

“I love to win, but I’d never hurt someone if that’s what it took to win.” Amy Wilson, 17,senior, Orange

“I’d go as far as I can go without cheating or lying.” Jim Froumis, 16,junior, Irvine

“I would do anything. I would break an arm or a leg to win a game, especially a football game.” Sergio Oliva, 15,freshman, Sonora

“I don’t cheat, if that’s what you’re asking.” Teresa Brennan, 17,senior, Fullerton

“I’ll go a long way.” Bert Metzger, 14,freshman, Calvary Chapel

“I’d push myself until I would spontaneously combust.” Jacqui Oviatt, 16,junior, University

“For me, personally, the end almost always justifies the means. In light of this point of view, I would go to almost any length to achieve the goals that truly matter to me.” Royce Lynn, 18,senior, Villa Park

“I would do anything.” Joey Cork, 14,freshman, Orange

“For cross-country, I would run my hardest to win, even if I was going to pass out or throw up at the finish line.” Stef Johnson, 17,senior, Sonora

“I would do everything I can, except cheat.” Mark Anderson, 17,senior, University

“I would make every effort I possibly could, so long as I didn’t affect others.” Bryan Hwang, 17,senior, Villa Park

“I would push myself to try my hardest and work to the best of my capabilities.” Nina Huynh, 16,junior, Orange

Next Week’s Hot Topic: How “cool” is drinking alcohol at your school?