=bWceh_p_d] j[[d fh[]dWdYo - Teens in Print
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IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, it was easy for most students.Everyone got along. Even if there was conflict, after a cookie, ajuice box, and a nap, everyth<strong>in</strong>g would be over.Now, teenagers <strong>in</strong> high school face issues that seem to revolvearound popularity. To be popular, one must be surrounded by popularpeople, or by those who consider themselves popular. Popularkids seem to wear the latest styles, talk the loudest <strong>in</strong> the hallways,and host the most talked-about parties. Some of them f<strong>in</strong>dpleasure <strong>in</strong> putt<strong>in</strong>g down those they consider below them. Theydo this because, to them, it restores the power that they th<strong>in</strong>k theyhave over others.Although I strongly disagree with the ways of some popular people,I understand what those popular people have to go through aswell. Sometimes, be<strong>in</strong>g popular means hav<strong>in</strong>g to do certa<strong>in</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gsthat may seem cool now, but may end up caus<strong>in</strong>g big regrets later.For example, Dom<strong>in</strong>ique Purvis, 15, of Dorchester, who considershimself popular at his school, says he does certa<strong>in</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs becausehe feels he won’t be popular if he doesn’t. He says he has friendswho are “forced <strong>in</strong>to do<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs they don’t want to.” What hedeals with is called peer pressure, which happens when someonefeels they have to do someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> order to be accepted by peoplearound them. Sometimes, be<strong>in</strong>g popular isn’t easy.The only advice I can give freshmen is not to change who youare as a person just to fit <strong>in</strong> with a certa<strong>in</strong> group. Be<strong>in</strong>g yourself iswhat will help you f<strong>in</strong>d the friends you belong with. Return<strong>in</strong>g highschool students, stay true to yourself. Make sure the people youhang out with are people who aren’t pressur<strong>in</strong>g you to do th<strong>in</strong>gs,or who want you to act a certa<strong>in</strong> way to be friends with them.You may need to make some changes <strong>in</strong> the type of people you’refriends with.AFH photo by Jane CarperPopular teens band together aga<strong>in</strong>st a loner.VIOLENCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN a relevant topic, but morethan ever, it’s hitt<strong>in</strong>g close to home. What is just another homicide<strong>in</strong> the ghetto streets of Boston to news reporters is ourbrother, sister, cous<strong>in</strong>, or friend. Are the Rest <strong>in</strong> Peace buttonsworn by teens not enough to alert the adult audience that ourgeneration is dy<strong>in</strong>g? Does the man sitt<strong>in</strong>g on the tra<strong>in</strong> who readsof murder, then flips to the sports page, really care?Chances are, these people don’t understand that vigilance hasbecome a part of our teenage lives. We are <strong>in</strong>voluntarily drawn<strong>in</strong>to city violence. We see shr<strong>in</strong>es everywhere or a girl <strong>in</strong> ourclass cry<strong>in</strong>g for her murdered brother. These scenes with<strong>in</strong> ourschools and neighborhoods have become too familiar.Inner city youth are often stereotyped as troublemakers, butno one asks why. Our city’s leaders offer advice, but do theyunderstand our frustrations? Today’s teens are materialistic andhav<strong>in</strong>g a job and money is everyth<strong>in</strong>g. Without money, some teensbecome frustrated, caus<strong>in</strong>g a rash of violence and robberies.A lack of jobs means idle teens are on the streets after school,want<strong>in</strong>g your new Sidekick, without hav<strong>in</strong>g to pay for it.The teens whose sibl<strong>in</strong>gs are taken away by death or the law have one less rolemodel <strong>in</strong> their lives. Many drop out of school and get caught up <strong>in</strong> the streets.Violence has become a result of vengeance, idleness, and dramatic attempts to beheard. Often, when a person is murdered, there are extra measures taken at funeralsto f<strong>in</strong>d leads. Unfortunately, not every case is solved, and kill<strong>in</strong>g causes othersAFH photo by Jonathan Banksto react by kill<strong>in</strong>g. The same follows robberies and fights. Thisaffects teens and our city as a whole. The number of homicidesand <strong>in</strong>nocent bloodshed has put fear <strong>in</strong> all of Boston.This much is clear. Our generation has seen enough. I lived <strong>in</strong>Codman Square for about 15 years, and there have been shoot<strong>in</strong>gsas close as around the corner at the Dorchester YMCA. It’stime we own up to our responsibilities to f<strong>in</strong>ish school and ga<strong>in</strong>the knowledge needed to acquire jobs and establish ourselves <strong>in</strong>the world. <strong>Teens</strong> need adults to take the responsibility of <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>gthemselves <strong>in</strong> our lives. We never go to them, but that doesn’tmean we don’t need them.We need our city leaders to stop talk<strong>in</strong>g and to start listen<strong>in</strong>g.Our city cries, but this is only captured when someone is dead. IfBPS football games are recorded, shouldn’t peace walks and similardemonstrations be broadcast, too? We need support groupsand adults reach<strong>in</strong>g out to us, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g counselors <strong>in</strong> our communityand schools. <strong>Teens</strong> need to learn to let th<strong>in</strong>gs go. By cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>gthis violence, what are we show<strong>in</strong>g an audience who alreadybelieves we are noth<strong>in</strong>g? Are turf and streets that don’t shelter or support us reallyworth fight<strong>in</strong>g for?Vengeance and street violence will not end unless we each play a bigger role <strong>in</strong>stopp<strong>in</strong>g it. Teen violence makes it easier for government officials to label us all“troublemakers.” Let’s each take the <strong>in</strong>dividual challenge of mak<strong>in</strong>g this change areality, and not allow another homicide to be the front page story of the day.
This fall kicks off a new trend. To teens, the fad can be summed up <strong>in</strong>two words: Levi’s jeans. A simple symbol on the back of your jeansmakes the market. Why Levi’s? It’s not a question of why, it’s a questionof how many pairs. The wear<strong>in</strong>g of Levi’s jeans is at an all time highthis year. Maybe it’s the symbol, maybe it’s the pockets. Maybe it’s thevariety of styles, from different fades, to denim washes, to the pockets, that makeLevi’s the hottest affordable jeans. Or is it that Levi’s have been around for a whileand the brand sticks out?Levi’s: what’s old is newWalk Downtown and here’s what you will see. All teens are wea<strong>in</strong>g Levi’s. Atrendy look that young teens are fall<strong>in</strong>g for this fall is the fit look. Young teens,dressed <strong>in</strong> tight jeans and belt cha<strong>in</strong>s, are tak<strong>in</strong>g retro to another level. Sk<strong>in</strong>nyjeans have been <strong>in</strong> effect, and teens love them. From shoes, to jeans, to belt, shirt,and a new fresh haircut, fashion is switch<strong>in</strong>g up its swag. Let your clothes speakfor themselves.Jordan sneaks for guys and girlsJeans aside, the latest Jordan sneakers keep teens com<strong>in</strong>g back for more. Andnot just guys; girls are wear<strong>in</strong>g them too. It seems that everyone loves these shoes,which make other shoe companies a little nervous. It’s not just the shoes. It mustbe the colors. Jordans come <strong>in</strong> a set of collectable styles teens desire, numbered 1through 23.Here’s look<strong>in</strong>g at retroThe ’80s really set the mark for this fall’s fashions, as the ’80s have come backto the future. Teenagers like trendy scarves, bright jeans, and colorful shoes withmatch<strong>in</strong>g belts. This look has really changed some people and where they shop.Hot Topic sells skull shirts of many varieties. Retro br<strong>in</strong>gs a flashy, hip look. What’sall the hype? What does retro br<strong>in</strong>g to the table? Realistically, the bright colorsand belt cha<strong>in</strong>s tell people the ’80s are back. Sk<strong>in</strong>ny jeans really set the tone. Kidswant to look good and be seen so they can stand out. Fashion has another namefor itself and teens are rack<strong>in</strong>g up on these hot trends.Everyone has a favorite store, but how do local stores stack up <strong>in</strong> terms ofcost? Which ones are pricey? ($$ & $$$) Which ones are a barga<strong>in</strong>? ($) <strong>Teens</strong> <strong>in</strong>Pr<strong>in</strong>t made these categories based on the price of a pair of sk<strong>in</strong>ny jeans at eachstore. At the time of writ<strong>in</strong>g, Pac Sun had two pair of sk<strong>in</strong>ny jeans for $55 whileUrban Outfitters and Abercrombie had some as expensive as $90 and $115 (forone pair!). Johnny Cupcakes doesn’t sell jeans but the T-shirts are $30 and up.$Pac SunHot TopicH&MAeropostale$ $HollisterAmerican Eagle$ $ $Johnny CupcakesAbercrombieUrban OutfittersLevisApple recently released the new iPhone 3G. This is the second iPhonethat has been released, so improvements are expected. The mobile networkis faster than the previous iPhone when you are surf<strong>in</strong>g the Internet. Thereis also a huge improvement <strong>in</strong> audio quality. Another difference is design.Although it isn’t major, it’s still noticeable. Otherwise, the features of the twophones aren’t different. Basically, it’s a phone and MP3 player comb<strong>in</strong>ed.Before you go out and buy an iPhone, there are a few th<strong>in</strong>gs to keep <strong>in</strong>m<strong>in</strong>d. You can only use it for AT&T, unless you f<strong>in</strong>d a way to unlock thephone, and there are two models. There is a 8GB and a 16 GB model, sell<strong>in</strong>gfor $199 and $299, respectively. The iPhone 3G is cheaper than the orig<strong>in</strong>aliPhone, but the phone plan costs more. So, although you pay less for theproduct itself, you will end up pay<strong>in</strong>g more for the plan. If you have a tightbudget, I wouldn’t recommend this phone. Also if you have to switch cellphoneproviders to use the iPhone, I wouldn’t recommend this either. So Ionly recommend this phone if your budget allows it and you desperately needa faster network.
Pac Sun is a great store to shop at if you want to be out of theord<strong>in</strong>ary, and if you’re <strong>in</strong>to the whole punk rock, skater, funkycolors th<strong>in</strong>g. They also have really good jeans (h<strong>in</strong>t, h<strong>in</strong>t).Hot Topic is a punk rock or “emo” store. It is for very uniquepeople who decide to stand out <strong>in</strong> the crowd. They sell graphicT’s and different types of belts and pierced jewelry.H&M is low-priced, but good. They have sweaters and variety,from fancy clothes to clothes for just hang<strong>in</strong>g out.Aeropostale is a low-priced store where everyone is start<strong>in</strong>g toshop, but will it go out of style? In schools, many people wearthe same sweaters and shirts, and <strong>in</strong> high school, studentswant to be unique.Hollister is a newer store to local malls. Hollister’s clothes arelike less expensive versions of, but with the same Californiasurfer-style apparel, for teens.American Eagle is a laid-back store. They sell the same stylesfor a while, but they are cute.Johnny Cupcakes is the new store on the block. Everyone iswear<strong>in</strong>g the shirts because they are unique. They f<strong>in</strong>d differentways to put a cupcake on a shirt and mix it to look cool withcolors. They are a bit expensive, about $30 for a shirt.Abercrombie is an expensive store, with good styles similar toHollister. Although teens are not shopp<strong>in</strong>g here as much, it isstill a top store because of their styles.Urban Outfitters is a store that many teen males are start<strong>in</strong>gto shop at because they have graphic T’s with personal statements.Levi’s is a store that sells mostly jeans. They’re more expensive,but worth it. Mostly males wear these jeans and they are hip.—Paige Carruthers contributed to this story.[ TEEN PREGNANCY, FROM PAGE 1 ]Today, with Alaskan Governor Sarah Pal<strong>in</strong> on the ballot as RepublicanJohn McCa<strong>in</strong>’s vice presidential runn<strong>in</strong>g mate—and Pal<strong>in</strong>’s unwed, 17-yearolddaughter Bristol await<strong>in</strong>g the birth of her first child—the question ofglamoriz<strong>in</strong>g teen pregnancy is impossible to ignore.A conservative, anti-abortion Republican, Pal<strong>in</strong> is the last person onewould expect to have a pregnant teen daughter. But there was Bristol,hand <strong>in</strong> hand with her boyfriend, Levi Johnston, on stage <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>neapolisas her mother accepted her party’s nom<strong>in</strong>ation last summer.What the media has failed to highlight <strong>in</strong> all the coverage is how luckyJamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Pal<strong>in</strong> are. Both come from economicallystable families, with mothers will<strong>in</strong>g to help, and have supportive boyfriendswhom they plan to marry.Unfortunately this is not the case for the majority of teenage mothers.Accord<strong>in</strong>g to pregnantteenhelp.org, teens who have babies are morelikely to drop out of high school. In fact, two thirds of them do. Christ<strong>in</strong>aRossi of Planned Parenthood <strong>in</strong> Boston said, “Pregnancy is the ma<strong>in</strong> reasonteen girls drop out of high school.”Babies born to teen mothers are also more likely to have low birthweight and a number of other health problems, accord<strong>in</strong>g to studies.Even so, the United States cont<strong>in</strong>ues to have the highest rate of teen pregnancies<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>dustrialized world, accord<strong>in</strong>g to pregnantteenhelp.org.The national birth rate for teen mothers rose 3 percent <strong>in</strong> 2006, the first<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> 15 years, accord<strong>in</strong>g to a recent story <strong>in</strong> The Boston Globe.There is only one guaranteed way to avoid pregnancy. Abst<strong>in</strong>ence.Rossi, of Planned Parenthood, said, “Our programs focus on abst<strong>in</strong>ence.But we would like to educate girls about contraceptives and prevention tohelp them stay healthy and safe.” However, as statistics prove, all teens donot rema<strong>in</strong> abst<strong>in</strong>ent. While many believe pregnancy prevention should betaught <strong>in</strong> Boston’s schools, Massachusetts is one of only 13 states <strong>in</strong> thenation that does not require sex education <strong>in</strong> the classroom, accord<strong>in</strong>g toGovernor Deval Patrick’s website.Some schools are tak<strong>in</strong>g matters <strong>in</strong>to their own hands. For example,Boston’s Health Careers Academy offers the “Baby, Th<strong>in</strong>k it Over” program,which requires students to care for an electronic baby that criesat all hours and requires be<strong>in</strong>g fed and changed. Ciara Mart<strong>in</strong>ez, 16, ofMattapan, participated <strong>in</strong> the program and learned from her experience.“I learned that I don’t want to have a baby because it is too much work,”Mart<strong>in</strong>ez said. “The last night I had the electronic baby, I had to put apiece of tape over the speaker to stop it from cry<strong>in</strong>g. I got marked downfor that.”Raquel LaMons, 19, of Dorchester, has a similar story as a teen mother,although her baby does not <strong>in</strong>clude batteries. LaMons has an 8-monthold son, Raheim, and as she told <strong>Teens</strong> <strong>in</strong> Pr<strong>in</strong>t dur<strong>in</strong>g a recent telephone<strong>in</strong>terview, “It isn’t easy!”An average day for LaMons consists of gett<strong>in</strong>g up, feed<strong>in</strong>g, bath<strong>in</strong>g,and dress<strong>in</strong>g Raheim, dropp<strong>in</strong>g him off at her boyfriend’s mother’s house,go<strong>in</strong>g to work, pick<strong>in</strong>g Raheim up, and dropp<strong>in</strong>g him off at her house soher mother can watch him while she is at night school to earn her GED, orgraduate equivalency degree.LaMons expla<strong>in</strong>ed how her goals have changed s<strong>in</strong>ce the birth of herson. “When I was <strong>in</strong> high school, I wanted to go to college and I wanted togo out of state, but now if I decide to go, then I will have to stay <strong>in</strong> state. Iwould never be able to live on campus. That is just someth<strong>in</strong>g that I willnever experience.”LaMons loves motherhood but warns teen girls. “It’s the mamma’s babyand the daddy’s maybe! Any guy can leave and go to college, but thatis your baby, no one else’s. You need to remember that.” Of Jamie LynnSpears, she says, “because she has money, it looks easy, but it isn’t.”“There is noth<strong>in</strong>g glamorous about be<strong>in</strong>g up at four <strong>in</strong> the morn<strong>in</strong>g,”says Kathy Cahill, guidance counselor at South Boston’s Odyssey HighSchool, who has worked with teen moms. “Teen moms who do stay <strong>in</strong>school, and really try, do an amaz<strong>in</strong>g job even though it is so much work.”LaMons notes that the baby’s father “can still do what he wants. He canstill go out with his boys, but you can’t just leave like that. Sometimes thehardest part is not be<strong>in</strong>g able to leave.”Christy Garvey, a teacher at Odyssey, warns teens, “You have 80-someth<strong>in</strong>gyears on this planet. Spend 25 just do<strong>in</strong>g you.”
Can you believe how fast the school year has been go<strong>in</strong>g?BSAC has already determ<strong>in</strong>ed the top projects it will bework<strong>in</strong>g on this year. On Sept. 22, we decided one of ourfocuses will be to form a student union that would collaboratewith the Boston Teachers Union. The goal of this partnershipis to decrease adultism and <strong>in</strong>crease student voice <strong>in</strong> schools anddecision-mak<strong>in</strong>g.A second project is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g student <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> the hir<strong>in</strong>g processof teachers. We feel it is important for students to have a voice <strong>in</strong>who is go<strong>in</strong>g to be teach<strong>in</strong>g our peers. We probably see our teachersmore than our parents, so shouldn’t we get to decide who is <strong>in</strong> charge ofour education?Another major <strong>in</strong>itiative we will push forward is ensur<strong>in</strong>g all studentsare aware of the homework policy BSAC has produced. Unfortunately,even though we wrote the homework policy (which would provide studentswith a fair amount of homework to fit <strong>in</strong>to their busy schedules),the process is be<strong>in</strong>g held up by BPS and we will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to work thisyear on pass<strong>in</strong>g the new policy.The new “Student Rights and Responsibilities”posters are go<strong>in</strong>g to behitt<strong>in</strong>g your schools soon. Highlighted on this poster are two policiesBSAC has been work<strong>in</strong>g hard on over the past few years: military opt<strong>in</strong>gout and student government. It is important to note that students and/or their parents have the right to request that schools not send their contact<strong>in</strong>formation to military recruiters. Opt<strong>in</strong>g out is completely optional,but you only have to opt out once <strong>in</strong> your entire high school career.Secondly, it is now a requirement for each high school <strong>in</strong> the BostonPublic School system to have <strong>in</strong> place a function<strong>in</strong>g and engag<strong>in</strong>g studentgovernment. Elections for student government should have been heldby Oct. 15 at the latest. More <strong>in</strong>formation about this requirement can befound <strong>in</strong> the super<strong>in</strong>tendent’s circular FAM-02. (Available at http: // bostonpublicschools.org/node/190.)F<strong>in</strong>ally, we’re still look<strong>in</strong>g for people <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g BSAC to representtheir schools. For more <strong>in</strong>formation on the application process orquestions about who we are and what we do, contact us at BSAC@boston.k12.ma.us,or call BSAC Coord<strong>in</strong>ator Maria I. Ortiz at 617-594-5721.Students at Odyssey High School were greeted with a newbathroom policy at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of the school year. Studentsnow only have three seven-m<strong>in</strong>ute designated times dur<strong>in</strong>g theday <strong>in</strong> which they can use the facilities: after first and thirdperiod, and after lunch. If a student needs to use the bathroomdur<strong>in</strong>g a class, the teacher must call an escort from the office andwait for them to walk the student to the bathroom and unlock it.Other than that, the bathroom rema<strong>in</strong>s locked all day.For the last three years, the bathroom policy has been to lockall bathrooms for the first 10 m<strong>in</strong>utes of class. After that, thegirls’ bathroom is open for 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes, followed by 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes ofopen time for the boys’ bathrooms.The new rule has outraged many students, who believe theirbasic human rights are be<strong>in</strong>g violated. They are also curious asto what they have done wrong to deserve what seems to be apunishment.Students and faculty seem to be adapt<strong>in</strong>g to the new policy;some are still upset that many questions have gone unanswered.Policies regard<strong>in</strong>g bathrooms vary throughout Boston Publichigh schools. The two other schools <strong>in</strong> the same build<strong>in</strong>g asOdyssey—Excel and Monument—have their own policies. AtBrighton High School, Jasm<strong>in</strong>e Grant, 17, says, “You never knowwhen the bathrooms will be open. The only bathrooms that areleft open are the freshmen bathrooms on the first-floor. The second-floorbathrooms are never open. The third-floor bathroomsare left open only because they don’t lock. That’s why I just trynot to have to go. They’re not that clean anyway.” Another highschool, Course to College, leaves bathrooms open at all times,as does Boston Community Leadership Academy. on AtJeremiah m E.unit emBurke High School, Jason Timas, ke17, says, “Dur<strong>in</strong>g as,Dur class,<strong>in</strong>gyou justask for a pass, orwrite a note on thedoor, and leave.”heit eshAFH Photo
How would you feel about your parents hav<strong>in</strong>g direct access to your grades?This is one service provided by Edl<strong>in</strong>e. You might have read or watched aboutit <strong>in</strong> The New York Times or on “NBC Nightly News.” Recognized as a force <strong>in</strong>technology-enabled education, Edl<strong>in</strong>e “provides the world’s lead<strong>in</strong>g technologysolutions that help schools improve student performance by harness<strong>in</strong>g thepower of parental <strong>in</strong>volvement, support<strong>in</strong>g teachers, and engag<strong>in</strong>g the learn<strong>in</strong>gcommunity,” accord<strong>in</strong>g to Edl<strong>in</strong>e.net. It is used worldwide to connect parentsto teachers and teachers to students.Schools with password-protected Edl<strong>in</strong>e accounts offer grades, along withassignments, school activities, a calendar, student opportunities, lists of classes,sports, and a contact us page. Edl<strong>in</strong>e is a full-service resource, mean<strong>in</strong>g it isdesigned for teachers, parents, and students, as well as adm<strong>in</strong>istrators.Arielle Saavedra, a teacher at Boston Community Leadership Academy, oneBPS school us<strong>in</strong>g the system, says, “It’s an efficient way to communicate andnot only academically.”Headmaster at BCLA, Nicole Bahnam, hopes parents will use Edl<strong>in</strong>e to keeptrack of their children’s academic performance and ask if they completed theirhomework, even if parents cannot help them on it.On the other hand, Edl<strong>in</strong>e, affiliated with the onl<strong>in</strong>e grade book GradeQuick,costs $2 to $2.50 per student for the entire school year, which not all schoolscan afford. If schools do subscribe, another reality is that not all BPS parentsand students have computers at home, which would limit their access toEdl<strong>in</strong>e’s services. Josiah Qu<strong>in</strong>cy Upper School and Tech Boston High are twoother BPS schools us<strong>in</strong>g Edl<strong>in</strong>e.It’s hard to th<strong>in</strong>k about the benefits of avoid<strong>in</strong>gprocrast<strong>in</strong>ation when you’re ly<strong>in</strong>g on the couch eat<strong>in</strong>ga bag of Doritos and watch<strong>in</strong>g “CSI: Miami.” Butth<strong>in</strong>k about the th<strong>in</strong>gs you actually could be do<strong>in</strong>g.You could f<strong>in</strong>ish your homework or even get thatEnglish Lit paper done, the one that’s due next week.How exactly is go<strong>in</strong>g on Facebook and YouTubego<strong>in</strong>g to help you <strong>in</strong> the future? Of course it isn’t agood idea to never stop to sniff the roses, but it’simportant to f<strong>in</strong>d a balance. If you really have a lotof time on your hands, it would be better to useyour time wisely. You can learn an <strong>in</strong>strument, jo<strong>in</strong> asports team, give back to your community, or makea friend.One can’t deny that it’s hard tostay away from procrast<strong>in</strong>ation,especiallywhen you’re sitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> front of a computer with aniPod <strong>in</strong> one hand and your cellphone <strong>in</strong> the other.And wasn’t there supposed to be a new episodeof “One Tree Hill” tonight? What about try<strong>in</strong>g tobeat your brother’s high score <strong>in</strong> “Guitar Hero”?So many distractions, so little time! Let’s face it.There’s no benefit to procrast<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g. It just leavesyou exhausted and lowers your grade po<strong>in</strong>t average.If you have the discipl<strong>in</strong>e to restra<strong>in</strong> yourself fromprocrast<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g and make it a habit to get your workdone, you are go<strong>in</strong>g to have a lot more time to do thet h i n g s you love. Not only will you get your homeworkdone earlier, but you’ll get moresleep. With more rest, it’s easier topay attention <strong>in</strong> class, and get bettergrades.“When I study I go to a quiet place so thatno one and noth<strong>in</strong>g can distract me.”–C<strong>in</strong>dy Wong, 15“I try to work ahead on weekends, getsome homework done <strong>in</strong> study halls, anddo a little read<strong>in</strong>g on the bus to reducethe amount of homework I have.”–Nicole Estevez, 17“Don’t wait to do your homework. Onceyou get home and settle down, youshould start your homework.”–Jennifer Yu, 16“Just don’t use [electronics]. Turn offyour cell and sign off of AIM, andyou’re f<strong>in</strong>e.”–William Goldstick, 18AFH photo by Darren Hicks“When I do my homework at home, Iwear an elastic around my wrist, andwhenever I catch my eyes wander<strong>in</strong>g to adistraction, I flick the elastic. It hurts, butit keeps the distractions away.”–Jesenia Aracely, 15
Have you ever felt like theair <strong>in</strong> your school is toostuffy? Ever get headachessitt<strong>in</strong>g under yourschool’s lights for hours? Well, theNexus Green Build<strong>in</strong>g ResourceCenter <strong>in</strong> Downtown Cross<strong>in</strong>g, anoffice dedicated to mak<strong>in</strong>g everybuild<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Boston green, may beable to help you out. This is goodnews for most Bostonians. “We spendalmost 90 percent of our lives <strong>in</strong>doors,”says Andrea Atk<strong>in</strong>son, who works at the Nexusresource office.For most BPS students, a majority of the day is spent<strong>in</strong>doors <strong>in</strong> a classroom and leav<strong>in</strong>g class when theydon’t like the atmosphere is not an option.While it may sound unbelievable, there are simpleth<strong>in</strong>gs schools can do, not only to improve their overallenvironments, but also to simultaneously cut costs andhelp the earth. Hav<strong>in</strong>g more w<strong>in</strong>dows and less electriclight<strong>in</strong>g is the easiest way any school can help makeitself greener. Not only does this save energy, money,and improve the environment, but accord<strong>in</strong>g to anarticle <strong>in</strong> the Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Post by reporter Kenneth J.Cooper, students who have more light <strong>in</strong> their classroomsscore up to 25 percent better on standardizedtests than students who don’t .Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the US Green Build<strong>in</strong>g Council(USGBC), not only would greener schools <strong>in</strong>crease studentperformance <strong>in</strong> class, but they would also improveAFH photo by Jane Carperair quality, reduce spread of colds andthe flu, help teachers teach better,and save money. One way to makegreener schools is to build themaccord<strong>in</strong>g to Leadership <strong>in</strong> Energyand Environmental Design (LEED)standards (see sidebar). Even thoughit would be impossible to <strong>in</strong>stantlyrebuild every city school accord<strong>in</strong>g tothese standards, changes can be madethat would make a difference.In 2006, BPS won the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts Environmental Purchas<strong>in</strong>g andSusta<strong>in</strong>ability Award for their transition to green clean<strong>in</strong>gproducts <strong>in</strong> all schools throughout the district, theiranti-idl<strong>in</strong>g policy for school buses, their use of naturalgas for heat and cook<strong>in</strong>g, and the <strong>in</strong>stallation of solarpanels <strong>in</strong> three schools. Earlier this year, a proposalwas submitted to put w<strong>in</strong>d turb<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> six of BPS’sw<strong>in</strong>diest schools to reduce CO2 emissions as well asteach students about alternative energy.“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to seeup close on a daily basis the power of new technology<strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g a cleaner, greener environment,” CarolJohnson, BPS super<strong>in</strong>tendent, said <strong>in</strong> a press release.“These turb<strong>in</strong>es will serve as outdoor classrooms forstudents and help prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow<strong>in</strong> the fast-grow<strong>in</strong>g field of renewable energy.”While us<strong>in</strong>g natural light, w<strong>in</strong>d energy and othergreen fixes alone won’t save the world, the little piecesadd up, and eventually BPS could make a big difference.Consider<strong>in</strong>g the positives, go<strong>in</strong>g green has manyeducational and health-related advantages for both thestudents and staff of Boston Public Schools. So whilebuild<strong>in</strong>g new schools along LEED standards and mak<strong>in</strong>gschools greener can’t make school any less bor<strong>in</strong>g,it can make school more bearable, and this makes itworth pursu<strong>in</strong>g.—Monika Derrien contributed to this story. Are built with materials that are susta<strong>in</strong>able(made from recycled materials, for example, orrenewable resources like bamboo). Send less garbage to landfills. Conserve energy and water. Use lots of natural light<strong>in</strong>g. Have w<strong>in</strong>dows that open for good ventilation. Are healthy and safe for everyone <strong>in</strong>side them. Don’t put out greenhouse gases. Demonstrate concern for the environment andsocial responsibility.Go to the US Green Build<strong>in</strong>g Council website formore <strong>in</strong>formation at www.usgbc.org
Sadness, helplessness, lonel<strong>in</strong>ess, anddespair are different stages of the samecondition: depression. Teenage depressionis not just bad moods and occasionalsadness; it is a serious problem that impacts everyaspect of a teen’s life. How many parents knowabout their teen’s feel<strong>in</strong>gs? How many teachersth<strong>in</strong>k about their students be<strong>in</strong>g depressed? Howmany teens know that depression is what is caus<strong>in</strong>gthem to feel sad, bad, and sometimes mad?Depression is common among teens, but it’s oftennot spoken about. Depression is a silent killer thatmany teens fight and hide from. Left untreated,teen depression can lead to problems at home andschool, drug abuse, self-loath<strong>in</strong>g, even homicidalviolence or suicide.Teen suicide is the third lead<strong>in</strong>g cause of deathamong young people ages 15-24, accord<strong>in</strong>g toteendepression.org. Studies and statistics showthat approximately one <strong>in</strong> eight adolescents may besuffer<strong>in</strong>g from depression. Even more frighten<strong>in</strong>gis that only about 30 percent of them are receiv<strong>in</strong>gtreatment, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the website.Depression affects people of every color, race,and economic status; however, it does seem toaffect more girls than guys. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the KeltyFoundation, about 5 to 10 percent of women and2 to 5 percent of men will experience at least onemajor depressive episode dur<strong>in</strong>g their adult lives.It can be hard for adults to remember how it feltto be a teen, caught between childhood and adulthood.It can be a period of great confusion and anxiety.There is pressure to fit <strong>in</strong> socially, to performacademically, and to act responsibly. So, teenagersneed some k<strong>in</strong>d of support at home from parents tohelp them get through rough times.Parents are work<strong>in</strong>g harder than ever to makesure their children have everyth<strong>in</strong>g they need. But<strong>in</strong> the meantime, teens’ feel<strong>in</strong>gs may be suffer<strong>in</strong>g.The Kelty Foundation revealed that n<strong>in</strong>e out of tensuicides take place <strong>in</strong> the home.The signs of depression are not always knownjust by look<strong>in</strong>g at a teen; that’s why parents need towatch and listen. Parents need to keep communicationopen and express concern, support, and love.Another th<strong>in</strong>g parents can do is ask questions.After they’ve watched and listened to the teen, theymight want to have some questions answered. It’s agood idea to ask, even though do<strong>in</strong>g so can be difficult.If a teen doesn’t feel comfortable talk<strong>in</strong>g withhis or her parents, parents need to suggest a moreneutral person, such as another relative, clergymember, coach, counselor, or the child’s doctor. Ifa teen confides <strong>in</strong> a parent, mom or dad must showshe or he takes those concerns seriously.Teachers must be watchful for depression <strong>in</strong> theirstudents as well. They should let students knowthey care, without gett<strong>in</strong>g too personal. Teacherscan create a comfortable, safe classroom where thestudent doesn’t feel he or she has a time limit tosuddenly cheer up. They can help students catch upon any miss<strong>in</strong>g assignments, or set up extra studytime. Whether they accept these efforts or notdepends upon the severity of the depression. Thefact that a teacher has proven they care can make adifference. Also, teachers should not give up on thestudent regardless of how long they haven’t wantedto put forth any effort <strong>in</strong> the class. Students cantell when a teacher no longer believes <strong>in</strong> them andexpects them to fail, and it only ends up mak<strong>in</strong>g thesituation worse.If teens have good relationships with their teachers,they will go to them for advice. They will talkto them not only as a teacher, but also as an adultfriend they can count on when they are fac<strong>in</strong>g difficultiesadapt<strong>in</strong>g to adulthood. Often, teens don’tlike to share their emotions and many don’t trustadults. They often choose to talk to a friend <strong>in</strong>steadof their parents. But that doesn’t mean they don’tneed and want their help. <strong>Teens</strong> need to be will<strong>in</strong>gto trust and open up more to their parents. <strong>Teens</strong>need adults to be there for them. If adults take thetime to understand and listen to them, teen depressionmay cease to be a killer.Fortunately, teen depression can be treated,and there are many th<strong>in</strong>gs concerned parents,teachers, and friends can do. Suicide amongteens often occurs follow<strong>in</strong>g a stressful eventthat parents may not even know about. So it’simportant for them to know the warn<strong>in</strong>g signs,so kids who might be suicidal can get the helpthey need. A depressed teen might: Talk about “go<strong>in</strong>g away” Talk about feel<strong>in</strong>g hopeless or guilty Pull away from friends or family Lose the desire to take part <strong>in</strong>favorite activities Have trouble concentrat<strong>in</strong>g orth<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g clearly Experience changes <strong>in</strong> eat<strong>in</strong>gAFH photo by Jesse Racusen
Alot of teens <strong>in</strong> Boston are sexually active, and differentSTDs (sexually transmitted diseases), such as chlamydiaand HPV, are common <strong>in</strong> Dorchester. African-Americanteens are the most commonly <strong>in</strong>fected by these diseases.Due to the rates of sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse between male and femaleteens, these diseases are more likely to be spread than other diseases,such as HIV/AIDS.To br<strong>in</strong>g teens together <strong>in</strong> a community and decrease the spreadof STDs, community health centers should have mandatory monthlySTD test<strong>in</strong>g for patients between the ages of 13-20. This will decreasethe spread of STDs and <strong>in</strong>crease good health <strong>in</strong> young people.Luckily, many centers do offer STD test<strong>in</strong>g, as listed below.I am a teen <strong>in</strong> Dorchester, and I don’t want to be scared of fall<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> love or be<strong>in</strong>g affectionate. That is why I am promot<strong>in</strong>g safe sexand healthy sex. Many teens hear about celibacy, abst<strong>in</strong>ence, condoms,and wait<strong>in</strong>g until marriage, or even tell<strong>in</strong>g their partner to gettested. However, how many teens really do so? Be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a communitywhere sexually active teens have to take mandatory STD testswill keep teens safer and less afraid of experienc<strong>in</strong>g this part of life.Bowdo<strong>in</strong> Street Health Center 617-754-0100Boston Medical Center 617-638-8000Boston Medical Center Health Connection: RoxburyComprehensive 617-442-7400Codman Square Health Center 617-825-9660Dimock Community Health Center: Adm<strong>in</strong>istration 617-442-8800Dorchester House Multi-service Center 617-288-3230Neponset Health Center 617-282-3200Tufts-New England Medical Center 617-636-5000.South End Community Health Center 617-425-2000Uphams Corner Health Center 617-287-8000 By Eubel<strong>in</strong> Ruiz // Staff WriterHer self esteem is way lower than othersshe sees all the beauty around her and throws herself <strong>in</strong> the dumpsshe’s weak and crashesno one can help her with the deep feel<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>sideIt’s hard for her to show her pa<strong>in</strong> to anyone at allshe smiles and hides her <strong>in</strong>ner self but deeply she’s filled with hateand just wants to break downDays locked <strong>in</strong> her room wish<strong>in</strong>g for life to change.What can she do? Where is the sanity <strong>in</strong> life?AFH photo by Darren Hicks
Residents celebrate last month’s open<strong>in</strong>g of the Greenway. “It is our goal to engage multi cultural and multi generationalaudiences with a range of activities.” Thesewords fueled the <strong>in</strong>tense <strong>in</strong>augural celebration on Oct.4 that marked the momentous official open<strong>in</strong>g of theRose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.To those gathered, there was no better way to celebratethan with a Ferris Wheel, ReadBoston storymobiles,carousels, rock-climb<strong>in</strong>g activities, multiculturalmusical and dance performances, and more. In apromis<strong>in</strong>g attempt to unite the diverse and extensivecultures that make up Boston, the Greenway hostedan extravaganza, stretch<strong>in</strong>g for 1 mile from Ch<strong>in</strong>atownto the North End, that brought families, friends, andBostonians closer together.Mayor Thomas Men<strong>in</strong>o made a guest appearance atthe Wharf District Parks section of the Greenway and,later <strong>in</strong> the day, everyone’s favorite monkey, CuriousGeorge, arrived along with special guests from theNew England Aquarium.With<strong>in</strong> the Wharf District Park lies the Mother’sWalk, where Bostonians can reserve a special paverfor a close loved one (they don’t necessarily need tobe a mother) and have it placed there to be rememberedand recognized forever. Student w<strong>in</strong>ners of the“Write to Honor Program” also won an engraved paverto be placed <strong>in</strong> the walkway.Before the Greenway was established, the spacewas a jam-packed, frustrat<strong>in</strong>g highway known as theCentral Artery. The Central Artery was sluggish fordrivers and almost always clogged, keep<strong>in</strong>g people <strong>in</strong>traffic for hours. The artery also presented a substantialsafety problem as the accident rates skyrocketedto four times the national average on urban <strong>in</strong>terstates,accord<strong>in</strong>g to masspike.com.As a solution, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authorityconstructed an underground 8-10 lane highway(replac<strong>in</strong>g the former 6 lane highway) and also extendedthe I-90 turnpike, creat<strong>in</strong>g the Ted Williams Tunnel<strong>in</strong> December 1995. Now a park replaces the automotivejungle that used to occupy Downtown.The open<strong>in</strong>g of the Greenway presents an opportunityfor Boston neighborhoods that were once separatedby the Central Artery to unite aga<strong>in</strong> for the first time <strong>in</strong>almost 50 years.All AFH photos by Haidan Hodgson
Bikes Not Bombs is tucked away <strong>in</strong> a Jamaica Pla<strong>in</strong> corner.AFH photo by Julia MorganKater<strong>in</strong> L<strong>in</strong>ett Rodriguez, an <strong>in</strong>tern at Bikes NotBombs, says they send bikes overseas “becausewe are sick of the government policies that wouldrather send people bombs to settle problems thanto give the people someth<strong>in</strong>g that they need. Bikesallow people to move around to get food, go toschool, and advance themselves.”Once the bikes arrive at a new country, they aregiven to young entrepreneurs to set up bike shops.The shop owners are given six months of tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gand the first shipment of bikes is free. After that,the shops start to survive on their own by sell<strong>in</strong>gthese bikes to people who do not have a mode oftransportation. “Say a person has to get water forhis family, and the well is two-three hours awayby foot. Once he has a bike, the time is cut <strong>in</strong> halfand he can th<strong>in</strong>k about other th<strong>in</strong>gs,” says AnubhaThapliyal, a BNB <strong>in</strong>tern.There are many ways a person can help this programsucceed <strong>in</strong> their mission to provide bikes toother countries. One way is by attend<strong>in</strong>g Wednesdayvolunteer nights which occur every week. “It is theTucked away <strong>in</strong> a corner of the BreweryComplex <strong>in</strong> Jamaica Pla<strong>in</strong>, the world headquartersof Bikes Not Bombs is easy to miss.As you turn the corner you are met by ag<strong>in</strong>ormous pile of twisted metal, rubber, andcha<strong>in</strong>s. As you get closer you realize that this is a pit o<strong>fh</strong>undreds of bikes. Inside is not much different with allof the available space covered with bikes and bike parts.What do they do with all of these bikes, you ask?Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) is a non profit organization <strong>in</strong>JP that uses bikes <strong>in</strong> a way most people would not th<strong>in</strong>kof us<strong>in</strong>g them. BNB uses bikes <strong>in</strong> a variety of programs,such as Earn-A-Bike and a program where you can learnabout becom<strong>in</strong>g a bike shop mechanic. Another BNBactivity is to donate bikes to parts of the world wherethey do not have the many advantages Americans have.They have sent more than 33,000 bikes to countries likeGhana, Tanzania, South Africa, Nevis, Guatemala, ElSalvador, and Nicaragua dur<strong>in</strong>g the past 24 years.The bikes BNB sends to other countries are alldonated. The staff takes the donated bikes and puts asmany as can fit <strong>in</strong>to the shop. The rest are piled up <strong>in</strong> anarea known as “The Pit” out front. From there theywork on as many of the bikes as possible that are<strong>in</strong> the shop, so the bikes are <strong>in</strong> the best conditionwhen they are sent to their f<strong>in</strong>al dest<strong>in</strong>ations. If thestaff is not able to fix the entire bike, parts of it aretaken and used on other bikes. At this po<strong>in</strong>t theyslowly start work<strong>in</strong>g on “The Pit.” The fixed bikesare stored <strong>in</strong> the shop where they wait to be placed<strong>in</strong> huge crates with 450-500 other bikes to be sentaway to exotic places.best way anyone can help us because there is a lot todo,” said Rodriguez. Bikes have to be flattened andstripped of their parts and other office jobs need tobe done.The mission of Bikes Not Bombs is to be a part of aworldwide movement for peace and responsible stewardshipof the earth. Readers are <strong>in</strong>vited to jo<strong>in</strong> them.For more <strong>in</strong>formation, contact BNB at: 617-522-0111(ma<strong>in</strong> office) or 617-522-0226 (bike shop and youth jobtra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g), or log on to: www.bikesnotbombs.org.The time has come to elect a new president. Unfortunately, notmany high school students are old enough to do so. Have no worries;local Youth Community Organizers (YCOs) of the Hyde Square TaskForce (HSTF) <strong>in</strong> Jamaica Pla<strong>in</strong> have launched a campaign that may solvethis dilemma. They ask adults to vote for them.HSTF has been work<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce the start of the 2008 summer vacation to registereligible voters to take part <strong>in</strong> what could be history if Barack Obama is electedpresident. Their mission was to set out to educate the Jamaica Pla<strong>in</strong> community onthe importance of vot<strong>in</strong>g, as well as to register new voters. By tak<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>itiative toknock on doors, the youth leaders ask everyone to vote <strong>in</strong> the election to voice teenop<strong>in</strong>ion. Through the “Vote for Me” effort, “We want all youth who are not yet 18 notAFH Artworkonly to register to vote, but to actually vote <strong>in</strong> the presidentialelection,” said Sacha Ruiz, 17, of the Hyde Square Task Force.Because most high school students are not of legal age to register tovote, the ‘Vote for Me’ <strong>in</strong>itiative falls perfectly <strong>in</strong>to place. “If you knowsomeone who is unable to vote or doesn’t want to vote,” said Ruiz, “have themvote for the candidate you want.”HSTF teens managed to knock on more than 1,500 doors. In a letter to theJamaica Pla<strong>in</strong> Gazette, YCO’s Melissa Aybar wrote, “As youth leaders of the ‘Votefor Me!’ campaign, we…have taken the <strong>in</strong>itiative to <strong>in</strong>crease the voter turnout <strong>in</strong> ourcommunity by register<strong>in</strong>g new voters, mobiliz<strong>in</strong>g community members who rarelycome out to vote, and educat<strong>in</strong>g others who fail to see the importance of vot<strong>in</strong>g.”
Omaha Beach <strong>in</strong> France was the site of D-Day.Photo by Sandy LiangYou have two options. You can travelthrough time <strong>in</strong> a textbook, or go to acountry and see it with your own eyes.The world is a vast place with a long,<strong>in</strong>tense history. This summer, I traveledto England, France, and Italy as a student ambassadorof the People to People program to learn aboutother cultures and customs, and to promote peacethrough understand<strong>in</strong>g. Over the course of threeweeks, I was overwhelmed with the sights, sounds,tastes, and feel<strong>in</strong>g of actually be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Europe, see<strong>in</strong>gplaces so marvelous and breathtak<strong>in</strong>g.My most important experience was go<strong>in</strong>g toOmaha Beach <strong>in</strong> France, where a battle betweenthe Allied Forces and German troops occurred onJune 6, 1944, otherwise known as D-Day. The AlliedForces lost more than 9,000 soldiers <strong>in</strong> the battle.As I walked through Le Mémorial de Caen, I heardthe endless list of names read clearly through theloudspeaker. I looked carefully at the faces of thosebrave women and men and read about their accomplishmentsand bravery. I looked at and appreciatedthe life I have, a life that those soldiers could neverhave returned to. This experience <strong>in</strong>spires a personto accomplish great th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> memory of these soldiers,who sacrificed their lives for a better future.A formal ceremony of rais<strong>in</strong>g the flags of theAllied Forces was held especially for the People toPeople Student Ambassadors as it ra<strong>in</strong>ed soft, gentletears <strong>in</strong> mourn<strong>in</strong>g for those killed that dreadfulday. After the ceremony, the soft sunlight streakedthe stormy sky as the ocean gently lapped at ourfeet. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g was so calm it was hard to believea war had occurred here. I stood on the little islandof sand, turn<strong>in</strong>g toward the sea imag<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g myself asa German soldier hid<strong>in</strong>g and wait<strong>in</strong>g for the signalfor attack. Turn<strong>in</strong>g around, I imag<strong>in</strong>ed myself as asoldier from the Allied Forces look<strong>in</strong>g at the distanthills and watch<strong>in</strong>g my fellow comrades fall and soldiersstepp<strong>in</strong>g over bodies to cont<strong>in</strong>ue advanc<strong>in</strong>g.I felt the pride and courage that the soldiers musthave felt as they reached the shore, and then theirhorror and sorrow as the battle began.On that beach, I met a WWII veteran. She spokeFrench and showed us two pictures. In one, shewas young and beautiful as she stood by her house.In the next picture, she showed the ru<strong>in</strong>s of herhouse after the war. My friend translated the wordsthe woman spoke to us while show<strong>in</strong>g the pictures.“This is the price we pay for war,” she said.My journey through the past, contrasted with thebustl<strong>in</strong>g present, was life chang<strong>in</strong>g. The price of waris shown aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong>, but the world still does notunderstand. President Eisenhower founded People toPeople so that student ambassadors could see manycultures <strong>in</strong> the world, and that each culture has theirown unique customs. If we come together and learnabout each other, there would be less room for misunderstand<strong>in</strong>gs,and no room for war.When an opportunity to travel arises, take it.Don’t be afraid to ask for f<strong>in</strong>ancial help becausetravel<strong>in</strong>g will open your eyes <strong>in</strong> a way that noth<strong>in</strong>gelse will. I would like to thank the GlobeFoundation for mak<strong>in</strong>g my opportunity to travel toEurope possible.Check out these websites:Student Youth Travel Foundationwww.sytayouthfoundation.orgSummer Searchwww.summersearch.orgPeople to Peoplewww.studentambassadors.orgYouth for Understand<strong>in</strong>gwww.yfu.orgYouth at the United Nationswww.un.org/esa/socdev/uny<strong>in</strong>Habitat for Humanitywww3.habitat.org/youthprogramsLions Clubs Internationalwww.Lionsclubs.org/EN/content/youth_<strong>in</strong>dex.shtml
Their hearts were strong as rocks but their souls were delicate. Iwould see them <strong>in</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>, but they would hide it with little smiles.My mother’s tear drops would run down her beautiful cheeks, butshe would wipe them away with her f<strong>in</strong>gers and keep on go<strong>in</strong>gup those high mounta<strong>in</strong>s hold<strong>in</strong>g our hands so we wouldn’t fallbeh<strong>in</strong>d. My father would feed us and my mother would eat the little left overpieces so the baby <strong>in</strong> her belly would get some nourishment. My parentsmade me who I am, a strong, young, <strong>in</strong>telligent woman.Our life changed from glamorous to dust. We lived a good life. My motherhad four children at that time, a lov<strong>in</strong>g husband, and two jobs, her career jobas a teacher and her house job as a mother. She would wake up early <strong>in</strong> themorn<strong>in</strong>g, pray, feed the family and the relatives around her house, and go toher job with her husband. My father’s job was work<strong>in</strong>g with the governmentso he rarely came home early. In their additional time, my father would playwith us while my mother wrote poems, one of her favorite th<strong>in</strong>gs to do.That life changed when the Taliban war started. Women were forced toleave jobs as doctors, teachers, poets, and hairdressers to become housewives.But the men still had most of their freedoms because the Talibanbelieved that men should have all the power over women because “God hadsaid it.” If a woman wanted to go shopp<strong>in</strong>g, a man had to be next to her soshe could be “protected” from others. When she went outside, she had tobe covered up from head to toe because the Taliban believed it was dirty toshow sk<strong>in</strong> for women.My parents decided to leave Afghanistan and flee to Pakistan so theirchildren could be safe and have a good education. But travel<strong>in</strong>g to Pakistanwasn’t easy: a trip that should have taken six hours took three nights andfour days. The bus we were on was filled with sick people, mothers who werepregnant, and children cry<strong>in</strong>g from the depth of their lungs because of theheat and hunger. When we were head<strong>in</strong>g to the top of the mounta<strong>in</strong>, our buswas stopped.That moment still enters my m<strong>in</strong>d. When the Taliban man came to searchour bus, his eyes caught my dad’s eyes. I remember look<strong>in</strong>g at him. He didn’tshow any emotion; his eyes were black and he stood straight hold<strong>in</strong>g a gun<strong>in</strong> his hand as he asked my dad, “Where is your beard, have you forgotten thelaw? And why is your hat worn like that? I believe you work for the government?”My dad’s response was a laugh; that made the man angry to the po<strong>in</strong>twhere he hit my dad’s hand with the end of his gun and told my father to getoff the bus. Our driver talked the Taliban out of it by giv<strong>in</strong>g him money. TheTaliban man walked away and I remember peek<strong>in</strong>g through the w<strong>in</strong>dow see<strong>in</strong>ghim smil<strong>in</strong>g to himself like he had won the price of his life.When we came to Pakistan to our aunt’s house, it was a bright sunny dayand a new beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g. My baby sister was born the next day; that was the daywhere I saw the joy of tears <strong>in</strong> my mother’s face after a long time. I could tellall her prayers were answered and all her sad tears were gone. We lived <strong>in</strong>Pakistan for five months and went to Turkmenistan to f<strong>in</strong>d a better education.We lived there for two years but my parents couldn’t f<strong>in</strong>d jobs so we came toAmerica through a program that helps families <strong>in</strong> need of a better life.My parents are my heroes, especially my mother. She is my <strong>in</strong>spiration <strong>in</strong>everyth<strong>in</strong>g I do. She sacrificed so much <strong>in</strong> her life so we could have a betterfuture and she showed me how to be a strong woman and stand up for whatI believe. My mother and I are alike. We both love writ<strong>in</strong>g poems and help<strong>in</strong>gpeople; we both have the same smile.My father taught me to be smart, and he showed me that life is all abouthelp<strong>in</strong>g each other; that’s how we ended up hav<strong>in</strong>g the life we’re liv<strong>in</strong>g. Hetaught me not to be afraid and to take risks because that’s one of the waysyou can f<strong>in</strong>d the real you.Mawloda Dahi Khudaynazer escapedfrom Afghanistan with her familyBy Kadiatou Sarr // Contribut<strong>in</strong>g WriterMy heart is beep<strong>in</strong>g like a horn,Try<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d my place <strong>in</strong> this mess.I can’t help but th<strong>in</strong>k of how my life used to be.I come from where people don’t have worried m<strong>in</strong>ds.I come from where change is made from time to time.I come from where it’s never too late to change someth<strong>in</strong>g.My heart is as red as lava com<strong>in</strong>g from my bones,Try<strong>in</strong>g to cool the heat <strong>in</strong>side me.I can’t help but see the truth of my story.I come from where the sun sh<strong>in</strong>es so brightyou can’t help but say “cheese.”I come from where my name means a lot.I come from green, yellow, and red.My heart is powerful with all my loved ones rac<strong>in</strong>g,Try<strong>in</strong>g to wish that I had my best friend with me <strong>in</strong> this earth.I come from where I don’t hear gun shotsBloom! Bloom!I come from where god is tak<strong>in</strong>g me up with my angelsAnd read<strong>in</strong>g me the story of my life.I come from pure honey and sugar.I come from w<strong>in</strong>d blow<strong>in</strong>g red roses <strong>in</strong>to my hair.I’m Senegalese baby, from head to toe.My heart belongs to my motherland.AFH photo by Chris Rogers
(March 21-April 19)Symbol: The ramStrengths: Active, dar<strong>in</strong>g, spiritedWeaknesses: Hasty, impulsiveIdeal City: New York CityFriends: You and your posse have letyour grades drop. Now it’s time for astudy session. Grab all your books andget some work done!Riches: You need to get a job. Yourparents are tired of giv<strong>in</strong>g you money forschool. This will give you a chance to ga<strong>in</strong>some <strong>in</strong>dependence. (April 20-May 20)Symbol: The bullStrengths: Patient, imag<strong>in</strong>ative, authenticWeaknesses: Stubborn, defiantIdeal City: ParisFamily: Make big plans for the Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g holiday.Gather up some recipes and get the pots mov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> thekitchen.Friends: One of your friends is go<strong>in</strong>g through a lot. Let herknow you have her back, no matter what. Guide her <strong>in</strong> theright direction toward what she should do. (May 21-June 20)Symbol: The tw<strong>in</strong>sStrengths: Curious, open-m<strong>in</strong>ded, multitalentedWeaknesses: Capricious, impatientIdeal City: TokyoLllov<strong>in</strong>’: You are liv<strong>in</strong>g the s<strong>in</strong>gle life, but make sure tokeep an open m<strong>in</strong>d. Your true love could be right aroundthe corner!Riches: Everyone wonders why you save so much money.It doesn’t hurt to treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers ora fresh new outfit.(June 21-July 22)Symbol: The crabStrengths: Generous, perceptive, car<strong>in</strong>gWeaknesses: Cranky, temperamental, grumpyIdeal City: LondonRiches: You are way too nice about lett<strong>in</strong>g people borrowmoney from you. Start tell<strong>in</strong>g people you aren’t lett<strong>in</strong>g themborrow money if they’re not sure how to pay you back.Family: You haven’t been spend<strong>in</strong>g enough time with yourfamily. School has been keep<strong>in</strong>g you extra busy. Don’t letthat keep you from spend<strong>in</strong>g time together.(October 23-November 21)MORE ABOUT SCORPIO:You are a water sign who tends to be shy but passionate as wellas stubborn, imag<strong>in</strong>ative, determ<strong>in</strong>ed, and loyal. Pisces and Cancerare your best mates. You are dest<strong>in</strong>ed for a career <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g deepanalysis such as a detective, psychologist, researcher, or surgeon.Your likes <strong>in</strong>clude secrets, mysteries, activity, and recognition. Youdislike people who flatter you too much or ask too many questions!You don’t trust strangers.(July 23-August 22)Symbol: The lionStrengths: Responsible, reliable, devotedWeaknesses: Arrogant, crabby, self-<strong>in</strong>dulgentIdeal City: Wash<strong>in</strong>gton D.C.Friends: Your friends have been clash<strong>in</strong>g with eachother for a while. Lighten up the mood and squash whateveris bother<strong>in</strong>g your clique.Lllov<strong>in</strong>: You deserve a pat on the back. Your new fl<strong>in</strong>g iseventually go<strong>in</strong>g to become official..(August 23-September 21)Symbol: The MaidenStrengths: Supportive, compassionate, conscientiousWeaknesses: Unorganized, critical, pickyIdeal City: HollywoodRiches: You spend too much money on random th<strong>in</strong>gsyou do not need. Th<strong>in</strong>k twice about spend<strong>in</strong>g that cashand see how much you can save.Family: A younger family member needs your attention.Save some time to play a childhood game.(September 22-October 22)Symbol: The scalesStrengths: Appeal<strong>in</strong>g, smart, sensitiveWeaknesses: Schem<strong>in</strong>g, hopeless, coyIdeal City: Las VegasRiches: A new way to make money is right under yournose. Take the chance!Family: This summer, you didn’t really spend time withyour loved ones. You were too busy work<strong>in</strong>g and hang<strong>in</strong>gout with friends. Take time this weekend and watch afunny movie with your family.(November 22-December 21)Symbol: The archerStrengths: Fervent, stimulat<strong>in</strong>g, charm<strong>in</strong>gWeaknesses: Quarrelsome, irresponsibleat timesIdeal City: AtlantaFriends: One of your friends has startedoff the school year on a bad note. Step <strong>in</strong>and show him you care. Let him know youare there to talk whenever he needs to.Lllov<strong>in</strong>: Try not to be so moody. Lately, theapple of your eye has been th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about abreak-up.(December 22-January 19)Symbol: The goatStrengths: Meticulous, diligent, achieverWeaknesses: Fatalistic, egotistical, <strong>in</strong>flexibleIdeal City: Berl<strong>in</strong>Riches: You have spent too much money on school suppliesand now, your pockets are empty. Practice spend<strong>in</strong>gyour money <strong>in</strong> places where it is needed most.Family: Your rocky relationship with your parents is go<strong>in</strong>gto get worse if you don’t learn to listen. Take a second tohear what they say. It will be better for the future.(January 20-February 18)Symbol: The water bearerStrengths: Rational, coherent, consistentWeaknesses: Offensive, self-centered, immodestIdeal City: RomeFriends: Over the summer, you didn’t really do much.Don’t be lazy this school year. Jo<strong>in</strong> a team or club so youcan meet new friends.Riches: It’s time to spend the money you made work<strong>in</strong>gthis summer. You have saved it all this time and the gadgetyou want has come down <strong>in</strong> price.(February 19-March 20)Symbol: The fishStrengths: Vigorous, dar<strong>in</strong>g, boldWeaknesses: Impractical, dreamyIdeal City: MiamiLllov<strong>in</strong>: Work<strong>in</strong>g so much has led you to leave your honeybun <strong>in</strong> the cold. Plan a night at the movies and talk aboutwhat can make your relationship grow.Family: You have been spend<strong>in</strong>g a lot of time with family.It has only brought out good th<strong>in</strong>gs, but you need a break.Try to do someth<strong>in</strong>g for yourself this weekend.
Life is too shortBy Keisha Lorna Dauph<strong>in</strong> // Contribut<strong>in</strong>g WriterQuo StatusLife is too shortTo be dwell<strong>in</strong>g on the badAnd not accept<strong>in</strong>g the good that comes with<strong>in</strong> and to you.Life is too short not to push yourselfTo the highest limit of your ability.Life is too short not to realize that you can hold the keyTo the world’s future and become the world’s greatest.Life is too short to allow yourself to get upsetAbout the small th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> life.Life is too short not to say your prayers at night.Life is too short not to feel blessedTo know you are able to wake up every dayTo see another light of day and your loved ones.Life is too short not to tell your loved onesthe three little words I l-o-v-e youbecause tomorrow may not promise you.So accept the good, push yourself,Realize that you are the world’s future,Don’t let the small th<strong>in</strong>gs get to you,Talk to God <strong>in</strong> your prayers,Know that you are blessed and that people love you.Life is too short; it’s like a clock, tic-toc.It’s tick<strong>in</strong>g and tick<strong>in</strong>g,But one day the battery will stop and die.The new life will be the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of a beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g.TsunamiBy Pablo Silva // Contribut<strong>in</strong>g WriterBlaz<strong>in</strong>g hot sweat rolled down my backA cloudless sky was at reach from my palm’s viewMy eyes centered on the sun as it stood above my headSummer’s end sneaked around the cornerBut its endless heatFooled me to th<strong>in</strong>k it would never cease.Milky sand gra<strong>in</strong>s covered my toesBeach balls rolled back n’ forthChildren’s castles were made and later destroyedClear waters waved <strong>in</strong> my thoughtsIt was supposed to be a beautiful dayAnd until that moment, <strong>in</strong>deed it was.The moment the earth shookLoud voices suddenly began to riseAnd footsteps tumbled the groundI looked aroundRight, left, up, downWhere had the commotion come from?The sun bl<strong>in</strong>ded me from the truthWhen the photons <strong>in</strong> my eyes reassembled the imageA shock traveled to my heartMak<strong>in</strong>g it pump furiously <strong>in</strong> my chest.A desert ahead of me laidContent faces ran from my presenceThe air dragged my body forwardThe ocean rapidly seemed to disappearI looked upon the never end<strong>in</strong>g horizonAnd its l<strong>in</strong>e had ascended greatly.At that momentI refused to run like all the othersI refused to avoid its magnificent movesThe w<strong>in</strong>ds pushed me backwards with a tremendousforceSpr<strong>in</strong>kles of icy water splashed aga<strong>in</strong>st my sk<strong>in</strong>A great calamity I was bound to face.Shadows covered the surface of my dreadAn enormous wall of wetness surrounded meAnd with a bl<strong>in</strong>k, I was no longer visible to the eyes ofmenEven God could not spot me from the heavens above.I gasped for air <strong>in</strong> the salty waters of the oceanBut there was none to be foundAnd with that last thought <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dI drowned myself <strong>in</strong> its eternal beauty.By Matt Kimm // Staff WriterMatt is: Escap<strong>in</strong>’ this whackness where people consider blackness to bea form of religious practice, but the fact is, we lack it: that resilient abilityto bounce back, and still walk some moral path. It’s ridiculous theway we’ve cracked reality and still lasted, by forsak<strong>in</strong>’ our pr<strong>in</strong>ciples for<strong>in</strong>security, then attempt<strong>in</strong>’ to mask it, but I’m ask<strong>in</strong>’ while we essentiallyare kill<strong>in</strong>’ each other, plac<strong>in</strong>’ one another <strong>in</strong> caskets, will our action countas a unanticipated reaction? In essence, can we lessen ourselves andsay we’re count<strong>in</strong>’ bless<strong>in</strong>gs, when all you’re really count<strong>in</strong>’ is the deadchildren that weren’t you, so you say you learned your lesson? Can weexpect to, because we’re adolescents, be excused from our pretensionsof be<strong>in</strong>g little slices of heaven, when we’re direct<strong>in</strong>’ all positive force theopposite way, with all possible deflections and compla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>’ when we go toassemblies about premeditated crime prevention? And we claim misunderstand<strong>in</strong>gswhen blame is po<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> our direction, say<strong>in</strong>’ “well, I didn’tdo it,” as if that places you above the rest, then. And tensions betweenraces fuel the locomotive of peace’s recession, but all we’re really madat is the muddled color of our own reflection. And I don’t claim this tobe my profession, I’m just carry<strong>in</strong>’ this message of declension to theassembly on knowledge that not all youth are attend<strong>in</strong>’. So, even thoughwe’re black, it doesn’t mean we have to blend <strong>in</strong> with the dark, but stand<strong>in</strong> stark realization that we are the light descend<strong>in</strong>’. We ought to be commended,and mentioned <strong>in</strong> positive ways, besides the “statistics claimthat we might not get a pension.” I’m just say<strong>in</strong>’ that this is an issue thatMatt is feel<strong>in</strong>,’ but I gotta add this, aim for more than what’s expected,’cuz you weren’t called to be “quo-status.”
Most people thought that toys were fun when theywere young. However, Jason Talbot thought they werebor<strong>in</strong>g. When he was a kid, colorful, plastic toys werenot as engag<strong>in</strong>g as the stories and emotions that comicbook pictures revealed.As an adult, visual artist, and Dorchester native,Talbot, 31, tells his story today. He is a project directorat Artists for Humanity (AFH), a non profit organization<strong>in</strong> Boston whose mission is to bridge economic, racial,and social divisions by provid<strong>in</strong>g underserved youthself-sufficiency through paid employment <strong>in</strong> the arts.Like a lot of the teens he now employs, he used tobe a graffiti artist who would mark his territory aroundBoston. He was arrested once when he was tagg<strong>in</strong>gSWAT, and ended up with 1,000 hours of communityservice. That was f<strong>in</strong>e by Talbot because communityservice is his passion.He had to change his behavior after gett<strong>in</strong>g caught.His high test scores and experiences at AFH led himto pursue a higher education and a career as an artist.He studied at the Art Institute of Boston to master hisskills. Throughout a his time at art school, he cont<strong>in</strong>uedto help out at Artists for Humanity.In 1999, he moved to Atlanta to work <strong>in</strong> the field ofgraphic design. After a st<strong>in</strong>t do<strong>in</strong>g corporate art andWeb design, Talbot realized that his heart and passionwere with Artists For Humanity. He wanted to giveopportunities <strong>in</strong> the arts to youth. “I’m an explorer,search<strong>in</strong>g for the truth, when I f<strong>in</strong>d it, I share it with mypeople,” he says.Talbot’s mentor, Susan Rogerson, executive directorof Artists for Humanity, says, “Jason is a k<strong>in</strong>d,generous, thoughtful, and <strong>in</strong>telligent contributor tothe world.” Damon Butler, cofounder of Artists forHumanity, called him “charismatic, unforgettable,slightly hard-headed.” Maliek Tuitt, 17, describes work<strong>in</strong>gwith Talbot as “boot camp, because he’s like thatgenius drill sergeant that throws you <strong>in</strong> the pit and letsyou figure it out. He does not forget to come back andhelp. There are no words to describe the techniques [heuses]; he gives you suggestions on how to improve yourskills as an artist.“I am a product of my environment with a story totell about how Jason Talbot made me wiser. Four yearsago I met him. He taught me that an artist has to beopen to criticism and has to acknowledge other people’sskills. He taught me that I couldn’t just say ‘No, it’sme’ about my art without further explanation. When Iwas go<strong>in</strong>g through a lot, I’d sit there pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g long afterstudio time had ended, and he and I would start talk<strong>in</strong>gabout life. He taught me that the way someone looks ortalks doesn’t mean they don’t have someth<strong>in</strong>g to offer.He also taught me, ‘You have noth<strong>in</strong>g to lose but knowledge;knowledge is priceless.’ The bond that we have isstronger than him just be<strong>in</strong>g my mentor. He has helpedme make many decisions that have made me who I amtoday,” Tuitt says.Are movie rat<strong>in</strong>gs fair? That is a question oftenasked of the Motion Picture Association of America,or the MPAA, which is responsible for the film rat<strong>in</strong>gsystem, usually found at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of a movie ortrailer. But are all movies rated for the same reasons?There are five rat<strong>in</strong>gs the MPAA gives to its movies.The first is G, which states that a movie has no adultor <strong>in</strong>appropriate content, and is viewable by people ofall ages. The second rat<strong>in</strong>g is PG, which means theremight be some content that some parents might notwant their children to see, but is otherwise OK. Thenext three rat<strong>in</strong>gs are PG-13, R, and NC-17; this iswhere the criticism of the MPAA is directed.PG-13 is a rat<strong>in</strong>g that means the content of themovie might not be for children under the age of 13.It is a rat<strong>in</strong>g for films that are more violent or <strong>in</strong>appropriatethan a PG film, but not meet<strong>in</strong>g the requirementsfor an R film, where the content isn’t suited forpeople under 17. However, people under those agescan still see a PG-13 or R-rated movie, provided theysee it with someone over this age. On the other hand,NC-17, the least common movie rat<strong>in</strong>g, states thatno one who is 17 years of age or under is allowed towatch it. This is where the controversy beg<strong>in</strong>s.NC-17 is basically a death sentence for a movie.Most filmmakers would rather release their movieunrated than under the label of NC-17. Because ofthe severity of the rat<strong>in</strong>g, a common reaction amongmoviegoers is that it was rated that way because itconta<strong>in</strong>s blatant sexual content. It’s not helped by thefact that the NC-17 rat<strong>in</strong>g formerly went by the dist<strong>in</strong>ctionof “X,” and was only changed because of theimage it created. However, chang<strong>in</strong>g the name has notchanged the stigma it creates.Part of the reason for this belief about NC-17 moviescomes from another one of the rat<strong>in</strong>gs system’scriticisms. Many movies are given higher rat<strong>in</strong>gs forsexual content than violence or profanity. A violentaction film could probably get away with a PG-13 rat<strong>in</strong>g,as long as sex stays out of the picture. Also, onecould use profane language a few times <strong>in</strong> a moviewithout gett<strong>in</strong>g an R rat<strong>in</strong>g, just as long as it’s notused <strong>in</strong> a sexually explicit way, which will get themovie bumped up to a higher rat<strong>in</strong>g.Another criticism given is that the MPAA is tougheron <strong>in</strong>dependent films than on movies <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g bigname actors or directors. Film critics, such as RogerEbert, say that violent movies such as “Passion of theChrist” and “Sav<strong>in</strong>g Private Ryan” often receive R rat<strong>in</strong>gsbecause of the <strong>in</strong>volvement of famous directorsand that, without their participation, the films wouldhave earned an NC-17 rat<strong>in</strong>g.The MPAA rat<strong>in</strong>gs system has a number of problemswith it. They need to follow their guidel<strong>in</strong>es alittle more strictly, <strong>in</strong>stead of lett<strong>in</strong>g bias get <strong>in</strong> theway of their job.10. Guitar Hero: On Tour, for N<strong>in</strong>tendo DSOK, it’s not the same Guitar Hero we all know andlove, the one with the fancy guitar controller. But it isportable and it does have all the same controls. So Igive it number 10.9. Boom Blox, for Wii GameI th<strong>in</strong>k if you’re go<strong>in</strong>g to play a Jenga-like game, itshould follow real-life physics. Boom Blox does justthat, and <strong>in</strong> a fun way.8. Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People(SBCG4AP), for WiiwareYou don’t have to be a big Homestar Runner fan toappreciate this game. It’s just like an extended, <strong>in</strong>teractive,po<strong>in</strong>t-and-click, Homestar Runner episode,and just as funny, too.7. Mario Kart Wii, for WiiThe Mario Kart series cont<strong>in</strong>ues to impress me; it’sfun and competitive. It’s no surprise that Mario KartWii is even better than the rest. They have added bettergraphics, controls, and easier, better onl<strong>in</strong>e play.6. Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2, for DS.OK, it’s no Wii version where you po<strong>in</strong>t and click toperform the operation, but it’s still awesome. You haveto tap and drag on your touch screen to save lives.
5. Wii Fit, for WiiThis game is not only fun with games you can playon your Wii Fi Balance Board, but it’s also like yourown personal tra<strong>in</strong>er. Just play every day to set goalweight and reach it.4. Madden NFL ’09, for Xbox360, PS3 and Wii.Now I’m not usually <strong>in</strong>to sports games, but I justcouldn’t let down those stunn<strong>in</strong>g graphics. Thisgame is like you’re watch<strong>in</strong>g your favorite team,except you’re play<strong>in</strong>g it.3. Spore, for PCThis game is about evolution. You start off creat<strong>in</strong>ga s<strong>in</strong>gle cell organism, work<strong>in</strong>g your way throughevolution, fac<strong>in</strong>g others’ creations onl<strong>in</strong>e, and reach<strong>in</strong>gthe advanced stage of alien super-be<strong>in</strong>g. Thisgame is not only <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, but when you reachthe f<strong>in</strong>al stage, you feel triumphant.2. Army of Two, for PS3 and Xbox360This game is fun and <strong>in</strong>teractive. You will have towork with your friend or teammate to create diversionsand take down terrorists. It’s action packedand has a great story. Unfortunately, this game israted “M.” So although people my age are mostlikely unable to get one, I still recommend it.1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, for WiiAh, Super Smash Bros. Brawl! Not only was thisthe most anticipated game of ’08, but <strong>in</strong> my op<strong>in</strong>ion,it met everyone’s expectations. The “SuperSmash Bros.” games were always top sell<strong>in</strong>g, butBrawl met their peak. This game not only has stunn<strong>in</strong>ggraphics, but is topped off with a killer storyfilledplay-through, mixed with N<strong>in</strong>tendo’s bestcharacters. Super Smash Bros. Brawl seems to beN<strong>in</strong>tendo of America’s fastest sell<strong>in</strong>g game, ever!Fill the grid so every row, column, and box conta<strong>in</strong>s 1-9without repeat<strong>in</strong>g a number <strong>in</strong> any row, column, or box!ACROSS:4- If there’s someth<strong>in</strong>g strange <strong>in</strong> your neighborhood, who you gonna call?9- New game revolves around evolution.10- Gobl<strong>in</strong>s, elves, and sorcerers onl<strong>in</strong>e on the PC.DOWN:1- First appearance of evil phantom, Bellum.2- Released before all other 3rd Gen Systems for malfunctions <strong>in</strong> its predecessor3- Football series5- Was delayed twice before last March release6- Our great hero is an old man?!7- New game to feature Pokemon Glameow exclusively8- Strong Bad’s new game has many <strong>in</strong>itials.Answers on page 24
Photo by: Alana AndonianHave you ever been on your way home from football practice, an after-schoolprogram, or job, and been left stranded? How, you ask? Well, your student T Passexpires at 8 p.m. and surprise, it is now 8:03 p.m. Realiz<strong>in</strong>g the dilemma, many BPSstudents are <strong>in</strong> the Boston-Area Youth Organiz<strong>in</strong>g Project, a coalition with the RoxburyEnvironmental Empowerment Project, which has launched a campaign to extend thehours of the student passes.Christmas is only six weeks away, you know. Have you f<strong>in</strong>ished your shopp<strong>in</strong>g yet?Well, the T may be able to help you save some green this holiday season! Pick up the2008 CharlieCard Discount Book, available at most MBTA stations. You can also downloada copy of the brochure from www.mbta.com. Inside, f<strong>in</strong>d out all the ways youcan save some money just by show<strong>in</strong>g your CharlieCard. From museums to stores, torestaurants and spas, get great deals all over the city. Take 10 percent off purchases atplaces like Ben & Jerry’s, Jamaicaway Books and Gifts, and NIKETOWN. This is good<strong>in</strong>formation to know for your last m<strong>in</strong>ute holiday shopp<strong>in</strong>g.Effective December 27, the MBTA will change its bus and subway schedules for w<strong>in</strong>ter2009. Keep an eye out for new green schedules, and be sure to pick up some from aT station or your driver, unless you want to be left out <strong>in</strong> the freez<strong>in</strong>g cold wonder<strong>in</strong>g,“where’s my bus?” For more <strong>in</strong>formation, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g which routes are chang<strong>in</strong>g, checkout the T website: www.mbta.com.Photo by: Stuart Sp<strong>in</strong>a[ HIGH SCHOOL, FROM PAGE 1 ]tion. Through MASA, she ga<strong>in</strong>ed not only volunteerand cultural experience, but also said she achieveddiscipl<strong>in</strong>e, knowledge, and <strong>in</strong>dependence. Eddisonsaid she was able to establish who she wants to beand what she wants to do <strong>in</strong> the future. She says heryear off has helped her “grow <strong>in</strong>to an admirable person.”Head<strong>in</strong>g for George Wash<strong>in</strong>gton University <strong>in</strong>Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, D.C. this fall, Eddison said she wouldn’tbe “a little fish <strong>in</strong> a big pond.” She recommends tak<strong>in</strong>ga year off to every high school senior who has theslightest doubt, or no clue at all, what they want to do.For her, the experience of tak<strong>in</strong>g a year off “cannot betaught <strong>in</strong> a classroom,” she said, add<strong>in</strong>g that she hasno regrets.Ariel Champagnie, 19, a graduate of Tech Boston,knows what it’s like to be a senior and feel utterly confused.When asked why she chose to take a year off,she said she needed a break from the daily hustle andbustle of school. Her parents supported her decisionbecause ultimately, it was productive. While participat<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> the local program Year Up, Champagnie ga<strong>in</strong>ed<strong>in</strong>formation technology, or IT, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and an apprenticeshipat Bank of America. She is now focused oncont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g her education and is send<strong>in</strong>g away her collegeapplications so she can cont<strong>in</strong>ue her journey.A gap year is not always planned. A 2008 graduateof Madison Park, Cather<strong>in</strong>e Rodriguez, 18, decided lastm<strong>in</strong>ute not to go to college. “I wanted to go to BunkerHill, but I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t want to wastethe money if I wasn’t ready,” she said. “I worked atDorchester House for the summer and I asked them ifI could keep work<strong>in</strong>g there.” She liked her job, whereshe filed papers, sent faxes, answered the phones, andtyped, but her supervisors were unable to keep her.Today, Rodriguez is figur<strong>in</strong>g out her next steps onher own. Her current plans? “Right now, I have noth<strong>in</strong>g.I want to go to school next September so I can bebetter prepared, and get a better job.”The reason most local students don’t opt to take agap year is distraction. Some can barely rememberwhat they learned when they get back from w<strong>in</strong>tervacation, never m<strong>in</strong>d tak<strong>in</strong>g a year off and then try<strong>in</strong>gto study aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a new environment. Let’s not forgetadd<strong>in</strong>g the three m’s to the equation. Most students,asked about tak<strong>in</strong>g a year off, scrunch up their faces,and the Nike slogan comes to m<strong>in</strong>d. “Just do it.”Keshelle Dolly, 17, a senior at the Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>gSchool, connects more to the Nike slogan than shedoes to the explore-yourself route. When asked whyshe is not consider<strong>in</strong>g tak<strong>in</strong>g a year off, she said,“Honestly, I want to get <strong>in</strong>, get out, and be f<strong>in</strong>ished.I can have time off after school. All tak<strong>in</strong>g a year offwould do is cause me to be lazy and become off po<strong>in</strong>twhen I do go back to school.”Guidance counselor Marc Abelard, of theEng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g School, said “the rigor of life gets [students]off track” if they don’t stay on the school path.But he th<strong>in</strong>ks programs like Year Up and AmeriCorpsare great “because they are beneficial academicallyand work wise.” Ultimately, tak<strong>in</strong>g a year off “reallydepends on the m<strong>in</strong>d set of the student.” Abelard saidthat motivation is the test. If the high school graduateis go<strong>in</strong>g to lay around the house for the majority of theday, then she need not take a year off. But if she feelsthere is more to life than sitt<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d a desk, thereare options like these to explore.Kelly Knopf-Goldner contributed to this story.
As a member of the Massachusetts AsianSociety Athletic Establishment (MASAE), I havetraveled across the country and participated <strong>in</strong>many activities, such as camp<strong>in</strong>g, hik<strong>in</strong>g, ski<strong>in</strong>g,canoe<strong>in</strong>g, and basketball. The MASAE was createdby V<strong>in</strong>h Bui and Michael Nazareno to givean athletic outlet to Asian youth <strong>in</strong> Boston neighborhoods.“Our objective was to give the largelyuntouched Asian population <strong>in</strong> our neighborhoodspreviously unavailable opportunities to travel allaround North America and compete,” said Bui,founder and the coach of my basketball team.The MASAE boys’ basketball team was formedafter we were picked on while play<strong>in</strong>g basketballwith adults, so Bui decided to tra<strong>in</strong> us to make usbetter basketball players. He created this team ofteens so we could have the opportunity to th<strong>in</strong>kwisely and to play a more organized game. “Thereweren’t many basketball programs <strong>in</strong> my neighborhoodemphasiz<strong>in</strong>g the teach<strong>in</strong>g of the fundamentalsof the game. The youth <strong>in</strong> my neighborhoodwere all learn<strong>in</strong>g the game through pick-up play,which creates bad habits and lack of structure,”accord<strong>in</strong>g to Bui. “Dorchester youth, particularlyAsians, were not be<strong>in</strong>g taught how to playorganized basketball. Most of the kids from ourneighborhood will never receive the opportunityto practice with set plays, or a structured condition<strong>in</strong>gregiment.”Our teammates met through friends and youthfrom other programs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Dorchester YouthCollaborative, an after-school program <strong>in</strong> FieldsCorner where young adults can meet new people.“I feel that MASAE is a great organization thathelps us stay away from gang violence,” said M<strong>in</strong>hTroung, 14, of Dorchester.MASAE also changed my life because play<strong>in</strong>gon a basketball team, I was not affiliated withDorchester gangs, which helped me live above the<strong>in</strong>fluence.As years have passed, we have improved ourbasketball skills and worked hard as a team, practic<strong>in</strong>galmost every day at Dorchester House Multi-Service Center. I’ve learned that be<strong>in</strong>g committedto a team is a big decision to make <strong>in</strong> life, becausebe<strong>in</strong>g successful takes responsibility and dedication.Although we realize many people have madenegative comments and judged us by the color ofour sk<strong>in</strong>, that does not br<strong>in</strong>g us down because itshows us that we have to work harder to provethat we can play well.Our biggest accomplishment was when we wona championship game <strong>in</strong> New Jersey <strong>in</strong> early 2008.That’s when we realized: hard work pays off.“Transform<strong>in</strong>g youths who had no experienceplay<strong>in</strong>g organized basketball <strong>in</strong>to a team that canThe MASEA basketball team.run complex set motion plays feels very satisfy<strong>in</strong>g,” said Bui.“A couple of kids couldn’t even f<strong>in</strong>ish a lay-up. Now, they’replay<strong>in</strong>g junior varsity basketball for their high schools. That’sa very gratify<strong>in</strong>g feel<strong>in</strong>g.”This year, we are fund-rais<strong>in</strong>g so we can travel and play <strong>in</strong>more tournaments. We held a Halloween party at DorchesterHouse and we’re plann<strong>in</strong>g a video game tournament this month.Photo by WriteBostonAthletes work harder, overcom<strong>in</strong>ghurdles, and fight<strong>in</strong>g all odds to compete.There are 148 countries, 20 events,19 venues, 12 days, 53 shattered worldrecords, and “one world, one dream.”Where can you f<strong>in</strong>d this and more?In the International Paralympic Games,which take place approximately twoweeks after the clos<strong>in</strong>g of the SummerOlympic Games. The Paralympic Gamesare held <strong>in</strong> the same host country asthe Olympics. The Paralympics are an<strong>in</strong>ternational conven<strong>in</strong>g of disabledathletes who compete at the same prestigiouslevel as Olympic athletes. Events<strong>in</strong>clude wheelchair basketball, archery,and judo.The Paralympics are less widelyadvertised than the Summer Olympics.Just take a look at NBC’s coverage ofthe Olympics. Daily coverage of the2008 Beij<strong>in</strong>g Olympics brought an averageof 27.7 million viewers nightly toNBC, more than any other SummerOlympics, accord<strong>in</strong>g to msnbc.com.And how many viewers will be drawnnightly to the NBC prime time coverageof the 2008 Beij<strong>in</strong>g Paralympics? Zero!Why? There is no television coverage ofthe Paralympics available <strong>in</strong> the UnitedStates.Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the The New YorkTimes, Americans had to stream videoson www.universalsports.com <strong>in</strong>order to view the Paralympics. Why?NBC Olympic president, Gary Zenkel, isquoted <strong>in</strong> a New York Times story say<strong>in</strong>g,“We are a commercial enterprise…We are not public television. We have toget advertis<strong>in</strong>g revenue that exceeds itscost. It is not <strong>in</strong>expensive to cover twoweeks of athletic events <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a.”What do teens have to say about this compromised media coverage?One hundred and thirty teens, ages 13 to 16, were asked if they had heardof the Paralympics, if they would be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> watch<strong>in</strong>g any part of theParalympics, and whether they would like to have more media coverage of theParalympics. Below, see our results.Have you ever heard of the Paralympics?60.77% Yes 39.23 % NoWould you be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> watch<strong>in</strong>g any part of the Paralympics?58.14% Yes 19.38% Maybe 22.48% NoWould you like to have more media coverage of the Paralympics?74.8% Yes 9.45 % Maybe 15.74% NOOf those who said they had heard of the Paralympics, 83.54 percent said theywould be <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> watch<strong>in</strong>g some part of the Paralympics and <strong>in</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>gmore media coverage. Others who had not heard of the Paralympics may beunaware of this amaz<strong>in</strong>g event because of the lack of media coverage. Withsuch high level of <strong>in</strong>terest, doesn’t it make sense for the media to cover theParalympic games and give the respect to those athletes who deserve it most?
Hey You!I have been trapped <strong>in</strong> the wilds of Burundi for 15 days, hav<strong>in</strong>g been separated frommy exploratory expedition. The natives are hold<strong>in</strong>g me hostage and I’m not sure whattheir next move is. They have taken my passport and other belong<strong>in</strong>gs and sacrificedthem to their god, Orang-Haqatut Chapo’e G’uln. I call him “Chippy” for short. It’s goodto see animistic beliefs alive and well these days.Anyway, I th<strong>in</strong>k the chiefta<strong>in</strong>’s daughter has taken a sh<strong>in</strong>e to me. Whenever shewalks past the post I’m tied to, she’ll stop and chat. It turns out we have so much<strong>in</strong> common! For example, we both like fusion jazz, Italian food, and not contract<strong>in</strong>gmalaria. So what should I do to sweep her off her feet and w<strong>in</strong> her heart?S<strong>in</strong>cerely,Look<strong>in</strong>g For Love <strong>in</strong> Faraway PlacesDear LFLIFP,I know this might sound obvious, but take her out to a nice restaurant to start th<strong>in</strong>gsoff. See<strong>in</strong>g as you two like Italian fare, I recommend you take her to Anthony’s. Theplace offers great views of Lake Tanganyika, quick and polite service, and would notbe too hard on you wallet. I’ve been there millions of times. I love it!Before you do that, f<strong>in</strong>d out if her tribe practices cannibalism. The sure way to ru<strong>in</strong>a beautiful even<strong>in</strong>g at a nice restaurant is to f<strong>in</strong>d out you’re the ma<strong>in</strong> course.As for d<strong>in</strong>ner conversation, allow for flexibility on both sides. You do not wantth<strong>in</strong>gs to stagnate because only one of you knows what’s go<strong>in</strong>g on. Don’t come on toostrong. She may <strong>in</strong>terpret this as anyth<strong>in</strong>g from “he’s try<strong>in</strong>g too hard” to “my goodness!He has been possessed by the evil spirit of Azathoth!” And we all know what anunnecessary exorcism can do to a relationship.Your biggest challenge is appeas<strong>in</strong>g her father, the chief. Basically, my friend, takeyour time. Go slow, and keep her best <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d.S<strong>in</strong>cerely,Hey You! ANSWERS: