Bearing Down

Making a living in the skateboarding industry is nearly impossible. There are only a handful of people who will ever turn pro. Growing up, Markovich looked up to classic skateboard heroes like Mark Gonzales, but his true influences were his parents. His dad made him who he is today. Only now does Markovich admit that his dad knew more about what the judges wanted than he did.

Unfiled

It’s a hazy June day, and we’re driving down the freeway in my dad’s yellow Chevy truck. We’re headed to my Uncle Kirk and Aunt Jennifer’s house to visit the newest addition to their family, my cousin. At 4 years old, I’m inquisitive about everything I encounter – that’s how I got my nickname, “Duey.” I’m always asking, “Papa, what are you doing?” “Momma, what are you doing?"

Out on Her Own

It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was something. It was Friday night and Michelle Morales was coming to the end of her shift at her uncle’s restaurant, where she served as a waitress. Her blue apron was smeared with food stains, her hair wrapped up in a messy pony tail, her forehead, dripping with sweat. She was tired and ready to go home.

Sweet Hearts

It’s a cool, crisp New Year’s Eve day in 1996. With no sign of clouds, the sun illuminates the sky, and all is well at the Schultz residence. Lloyd Schultz, a retired firefighter with 28 years on the force, is sitting on the couch, watching TV, while his wife, Gayle, is in the kitchen, cooking food for the celebrations taking place later in the night.

From Class to Couture

Alma Meza and colleague Jasmine Jenison know a thing or two about class: as college students they attend it, and as designers they define it. Since 2005, they’ve collaborated to create fashion house Nineteentwentynine. Inspired by the female fashion liberation of the 1920s, the pair produces couture dresses for the innovative and cutting-edge woman.

Come to Light

The house was quiet. I could hear the crickets chirping outside. The moon shone through the horizontal blinds behind the black, cluttered entertainment center. Our family portrait – my mom, dad, sister and I – was illuminated in the dark on the opposite wall. There was a creak as my foot came down on the living room carpet.

Bruised, not Broken

Staff Sgt. Jarod Behee sorts through the stacks of paperwork that surround him on his desk. It’s an all-too-common routine for him during his stay in Balad, Iraq. Soldiers aren’t sent to Iraq to do paperwork; they are sent there to fight. Jarod doesn’t expect to see any time in real combat unless he volunteers to assist another unit. That’s why today is going to be different.

Names in Vain

Names in Vain, an indie band from Chino Hills, Calif., combines guitars, keyboards, synthesized bass, drums and harmonizing vocals for a sound that is both sophisticated and melodic. But when it comes to the stage, band members Richie Aquino, Michelle Ashley and David Quattrocchi take on a whole new energy.

Youth, Interrupted

He was the starting pitcher for his all-star team. With a powerful curveball, he stood out among his teammates. But every now and then, something happened on the mound that no one could detect but him. It began with odd sensations prickling up and down his pitching arm. He would feel a sudden jolt, a surge of electricity rushing down his right side into his leg.

Do it Yourself: Self-Discovery in the Digital Age

I never did much as a teenager: no organized sports, no music lessons. The Boy Scouts and a few extra-curricular clubs kicked off my first resume, but, for the most part, I just hung out. There was one thing, though, that I did often, and I did well. I was a professional – seasoned by years of experience, experimentation and hours of relentless practice often late into the night.