The Mustang Spotlight Spring 2017

THE MUSTANG

SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2017

Getting

The Best

FROM YOUR

BFF

Nintendo

Switch WORTH THE HYPE

What’s

SUMMER

Mars

CARE

NEW ON

+ Plus: SNACKS WE LOVE Powered By

Nail

From the Desk of the Superintendent of Schools for Prairie-Hills ESD 144

W

elcome to another edition of The Mustang Spotlight!

This is a magazine FOR students, created, written and produced BY OUR students! Yes, our junior high students have completed this publication on their own from cover to cover!

I am so excited as they have expanded their list of topics this year. The voice of this generation is so powerful that I remain excited about their ideas, reflections and opinions.

I am hopeful you will take the time to read and appreciate each and every page. Some of the articles will make you laugh, some may make you cry, while others may make you SHOUT! I guarantee all of the articles and blurbs will make you THINK! Here at Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144, we are committed to EXCELLENCE! We remain proud of our students, and we continually burst with pride and joy at their many and varied accomplishments. Our students are the BEST and the BRIGHTEST in the state of Illinois!

As such, I invite you to enjoy this second edition of The Mustang Spotlight!

WE ARE THE MIGHTY MUSTANGS!

2 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

CONTENTS A World of Change

6. THE DAKOTA PIPELINE AND YOU BY GARY TRAPP 8. WHO AM I, A POEM BY GARY TRAPP 9. BACK TO THE FUTURE, MEN ON MARS BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. 10. THE EVOLUTION OF BOWLING BY MALIK BRANDON 11. IT’S CRAZY HOW, A POEM BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL 12. BACK IN THE DAY BY NYLIA GRIDIRON

Pens & Pencils

13. YOU AND YOUR BFF, DO OPPOSITES ATTRACT? BY DAESHIA GOWDER 14. TOP 5 TV & MOVIE BFFS BY DAESHIA GOWDER 15. MY STRANGE ADDICTION BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. 16. CONFIDENCE FROM WITHIN BY THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT STAFF

Down to the Wire

17. NINTENDO SWITCH, IS IT UP TO THE HYPE? BY MALIK BRANDON 18. MINECRAFT TAKEOVER BY NYLIA GRIDIRON

What’s Hot

19. FROM JERK TO TWERK AND FROM MOTOWN TO NOW BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL 20. #TRUELYRICS, WHAT OUR SONG FAVES MEAN BY DAESHIA GOWDER 21. SNACK ON THIS BY NYLIA GRIDIRON

Fashion

22. WHO ROCKS THE BEST SHOE BY THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT STAFF 24. SPRING FASHION

Behind the Scenes 26. SHARING YOUR EMOTIONS

BY DAESHIA GOWDER 27. FROM THE BEGINNING, A POEM BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR.

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR JR. MAGAZINE CONTACT US: LETTERS TO TRUE STAR JR. 1130 SOUTH WABASH, SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605-2717 EMAIL: TRUESTARJR@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DEANNA MCLEARY-SHERMAN & J. NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL INSTRUCTOR NIKITTA FOSTON WEB CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER JOI MITCHELL WEB CONTENT ASSISTANT HENRY COLLINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PROMOTIONS MANAGER DESHAUN ADAMS MARKETING ASSISTANT COZENE WILLIAMS

TRUESTARIS.COM TO DONATE TO TRUE STAR FOUNDATION, VISIT TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG

CONTRIBUTORS

Malik Brandon Sports & Technology Correspondent

Tamirah Green Fashion Correspondent

Nylia Gridiron Food, Lifestyles and Technology Correspondent

Essence Knighten-El Entertainment Correspondent

Gary Trapp National News & Lifestyles Correspondent

Chistopher Scarver, Jr. Daeshia Gowder

Lifestlyes & Astronomy Correspondent

Relationships & Music Correspondent

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 5

A World of Change

The Dakota Pipeline & YOU

BY GARY TRAPP

T

he Dakota Access Pipeline affects us all. But not everyone is aware. The Mustang Spotlight interviewed teachers, Mr. Fanning and Ms. Gallegos to learn their thoughts about the Dakota Pipeline and why it’s important.

First, The Mustang Spotlight asked them about how they get their news regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline. Fanning said, “I watch the news to stay informed.” Gallegos said, “I watch videos about it and also read news online.” When Gallegos saw protestors getting maced, she said, “I felt disgusted.”

6 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

TMS asked them both about how The Dakota Access Pipeline affects us as a whole. Fanning said, “The Dakota [Access] Pipeline affects the economy of Canada, oil consumers, and it could also taint the water it passes through, destroying the sacred grounds of the natives.” Gallegos said, “It sets a new precedent on how climate issues are handled in the U.S.A.” I asked both, why should people care? Fanning said, “If we are gonna let private companies and the federal government destroy people’s homes, then what is gonna stop them from destroying

ours?” Gallegos said, “Everyone needs water to drink. And if we allow water to be tainted, at some point, it’s gonna be difficult for us to get clean water. We already had problems like that in Flint, Michigan.”

To let their voices be heard, Fanning said, “The natives should hold their stand in court.” Gallegos said, “What the natives are doing now is great.

They are educating people about the pipeline and also fighting the pipeline in the courts.”

Gallegos added, “It bothers me that more was not done under President Barack Obama and it still bothers me that not enough is being done under President Donald Trump. I pulled all of my money out from Chase Bank because I will not contribute to the construction of the pipeline.”

Chase Bank is one of several banks involved in financing the pipeline.

In conclusion, both are very concerned about the pipeline and its impact on Native Americans.

Gallegos changed her banking habits as a manner of protest. To learn how you can protest, share your opinion, or get involved with ways to fight the pipeline, visit: www.bustle.com/p/how-to-helpfight-the-dakota-access-pipeline-because-donaldtrump-continues-to-ignore-the-people-32724.

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 7

Who Am I?

BY GARY TRAPP Who am I Am I a sinner?

Or am I a saint?

I don’t know My mind tells me I will go to heaven But my heart tells me I will go to hell Who will tell me I want to know before I die in a lot of years As I say those words I just wanna cry I look in the mirror every day hoping that something would appear But all I see is a man confused All the things I have done for myself My selfish needs only looking out for myself But I still feel as if there is a light inside of me But at any moment that light could die out So I say again Am I a sinner?

Or am I a saint?

Back to the Future:

What You Didn’t Know ABOUT SPACE EXPLORATION

BY CHRISTOPHER CARVER, JR.

S

pace travel is amazing. NASA’s Space Program is constantly changing to give us humans a fresh look at what’s out there and what we need to do if we want to be a part of it. The Mustang Spotlight set out to find a few interesting facts about the great beyond, where we’ve been and where we’re going. If you’ve ever been curious about space and what it all means, our answers to some of these common questions may be helpful.

What’s the budget at NASA? Almost $20 billion per year.

How many people does NASA take?

According to www.nasa.gov, from the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen for the Astronaut Candidate training program.

“Including ‘The Original Seven’ only 338 have been selected.”

How much does the spacesuit weigh?

We all know the iconic, fresh white space suit that looks like it’s weightless. Well, it’s not! The entire suit weighs about 280 lbs. The suit provides protection from extreme temperatures as cold as minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 250 degrees.

Who’s the mascot for the NASA safety guide?

Snoopy, the dog from Peanuts, is the safety mascot for NASA’S Manned Flight Awareness

Program required for its employees following the deaths of two astronauts in 1967, when their Apollo 1 command module erupted in flames during a ground test. Snoopy is not only a mascot for the program but an award now recognizes people for their commitment to safety in flight. The Award is called the Silver Snoopy Award.

What is Skylab?

Skylab was America’s first space station. It was launched in 1973. The goal of the mission was to conduct different types of experiments and to stay in space for a longer period of time.

NASA refers to the Skylab process as, “turning a rocket into a laboratory.” There were a total of three missions, each with three crewmembers who conducted a total of 270 investigations and traveled more than 70 million miles for the three missions combined.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut, start now. Experts in the industry suggest that students study math, technology, science and engineering as areas that will support the requirements for an astronaut.

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 9

The Evolution of Bowling

BY MALIK BRANDON

H

ave you ever gotten a strike, double, turkey, or ham bone? If you have, you must be good at the sport known as bowling. People don’t think bowling is a sport but it’s always a competition. But if you don’t know, The Mustang Spotlight is here to get you caught up with bowling and its history.

Back In the 3200 B.C. Bowling is a sport that actually began back in Egypt in 3200 B.C. In the 1930s, a British anthropologist named Sir Flinders Petrie found a collection of objects in a child’s grave in Egypt that appeared to be used for a primitive form of bowling. So bowling was actually around for more than 5000 years. The next finding of bowling was by William Pehle where bowling was found in Germany in 300 A.D. England took the reins in 1366 when bowling was forbidden

by King Henry III. But it was also known that King Henry the VIII brought bowling back.

10 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Different “Pin Games” In bowling now, it seems there is only one way that the sport is played, but there are many different ways to play it. There is the ninepin game that originated in Europe and Petanque.

Bocce Ball started in Italy and is similar to British Lawn Bowling. When bowling was brought to the United States, it was found in a book called Rip Van Winkle, published during 1812. The ninepin bowling game was banned in Connecticut and the tenpin bowling became popular because the ninepin bowling was labeled as gambling. Then on September 9th 1895, the American Bowling Congress at Beethoven Hall in New York City was formed. Then in 1917, the women of bowling formed their own congress called the Women’s National Bowling Association.

Modern Bowling New technologies have advanced the bowling ball, bowling lanes, electronic scoring, and more. Bowling balls have evolved from plastic to urethane to reactive balls. Lanes don’t have pinboys but instead, have an automatic “pinspotter.” Families and friends bowl for fun while league members and pros bowl in competition. But other than that, let’s STRIKE it out on the lanes.

It’s Crazy How….

BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL It’s Crazy How one day you just wake up full of insecurities When just the other day you were confident as you said, “this is me” It’s Crazy How one pimple can change your whole feel of appearance When you were just chillin’ with your friends as if there were no difference And yet you feel as if now you don’t belong Always in the mirror wondering, “what am I doing wrong?”

As if that’s not enough, there’s drama all around you You think life is getting tough To top it all off, you’re still tryna figure out you Tryna figure out who do you belong to It’s Crazy How you can’t tell everybody your whole truth Because you’re afraid they’ll judge you for just being you But you keep telling yourself time and time again That you’ll step out of that shell you’re hiding in It’s Crazy How every time you try to show who you are People push you back in, way far But then you always got them people that say don’t let them stop you from being who you are But little do they know it’s kind of hard to stop them from doing something that they like to do To stop them, from stopping you, from being you It’s Crazy How you can look at your reflection and not see what people see It’s Crazy How you won’t let others see that this is me When you have to use pen and paper to say what you want to say Cuz you feel like you can’t speak your mind day by day It’s Crazy How you let your fears get in the way How you let them stop your talents from getting you that pay But as you write this down you can see That this is how you say, this is me How you live, love, laugh, and just be free It’s Crazy How now you can finally push away all of your insecurities All those insecurities are just fears of being seen When being seen gets you noticed for being You-nique

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 11

Pens & Pencils

Back in the Day

BY NYLIA GRIDIRON

“B

ack in my day…” Everyone’s heard that term before. One day, you will be saying that to your children or grandchildren. As years go by, something is always changing. In this generation, it’s almost monthly. I interviewed a middle school student, Anthony Johnson, a sophomore in high school, Anton Gridiron Jr., and a parent, Anton Gridiron. I asked them the same questions and compared the differences.

The Mustang Spotlight: Explain a perfect day out with your friends.

Anthony Johnson: We would go outside and do whatever we want or play Grand Theft Auto (GTA) or NBA2k in the house.

Anton Gridiron, Jr.: Go and play football or play basketball outside.

Anton Gridiron, Sr.: Go and walk around in Downtown Chicago or just have a BBQ. TMS: Where is the perfect place to hang out at?

AJ: We actually made a place for a hangout.

The man cave.

AGJ: In the house.

AGS: Anywhere fun.

TMS: What is your favorite hobby/activity?

AJ: Playing GTA 5.

AGJ: Playing the game and watching TV. AGS: Cutting hair.

As the research shows, Mr. Gridiron Sr., the oldest of them all, likes to be outside most of the time. He isn’t really an inside person, which may be true for your parents too. Of course, he didn’t 12 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

have gaming systems when he was a teen to keep him indoors.

The high school student, Anton Gridiron Jr., enjoys both indoor and outdoor activity. He’ll go outside to play a sport, but wouldn’t go outside to simply hangout. Like many high school students, he is more of an inside child who can be content with a video game indoors.

The middle school student, Johnson, on the other hand, plays video games a lot, but he still doesn’t sit in the house all day. Like many school students, Johnson says, “It depends on my mood.”

Based on this research, the older generation, or “back in the day” people, generally prefer more outdoor activities. However, the younger generation, is typically content with being indoors for extended periods of time, playing video games or on social media. Perhaps this is evidence that our modern inventions are really changing our generation.

You & Your BFF, DO OPPOSITES Attract?

BY DAESHIA GOWDER

Y

ou’ve heard the saying: opposites attract. But do they really? In middle school especially, it’s important to have someone who understands you, who has your back and can pick up the slack when you’re down. Sometimes, that person is a family member. But more often than not, the person you depend on the most, lean on and rely on, is your BFF. In romance, the saying goes that opposites attract, but does the same hold true for BFFs? We decided to find out if it’s better to be more similar or more different by asking one middle school student about what she looks for in a BFF. The Mustang Spotlight interviewed Asia Hurt about her thoughts on BFFs and how to tell if you’ve really got one.

The Mustang Spotlight: What five things do you look for in a best friend?

Asia Hurt: A good personality, within my age group, good looking, goofy, dresses with effort.

TMS: Does your best friend influence you in a way?

AH: Yes, my best friend influences me to keep striving, even though people say no.

TMS: Do you and your best friend have common memories together?

AH: One memory that we have is when we found out that we have something big in common.

TMS: Do you tell your best friend barely anything, a fair amount, almost everything, or everything?

AH: A fair amount.

TMS: Overall, would you say that you and your best friend have a good relationship, AH: Yes, because we have things in common, such as goofiness.

Knowing how to spot your BFF is half the battle to happiness. Although they’re not always easy to find, when you do, make sure you are able to be a friend to them just as they are a friend to you. Friendship is a two-way street, not a oneway avenue, so look to give back to your friend what you are asking for in your friendships.

Make sure you understand what makes someone simply a good friend and who really is your true best friend. Everyone needs one, so make sure yours is right for you.

Top 5 Ingredients for BFF *Trust *Communication *Similar Interests *Time *Respect THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 13

Top 5

TV & Movie BFFs

BY DAESHIA GOWDER

Y

es, BFFs are part of what makes the world go ‘round and helps us to find happiness in the midst of challenge, stress or heartbreak.

In middle school, we look to our BFFs to help us, save us and even rescue us from ourselves. On the silver screen and TV screen, we look to our BFFs to give us direction on what to do, and what not to do, to keep the relationship with our BFF. Here are a few television and movie BFFs who’ve helped shape and define our outlook on BFFs:

Janis & Damien - Mean Girls -

Their different personalities and views on life are what bring this dynamic duo closer than ever.

Cory & Shawn – “Boy Meets

World” - These two have a relationship where they rely on each other for support and nothing can bring them down.

Mike & Sulley – Monsters, Inc. -

This pair uses their differences to help each other learn and bounce ideas off of each other.

Mickey, Donald, & Goofy – “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” -

They have similar personalities and always know what the other is thinking before they think of it.

SpongeBob & Patrick –

“SpongeBob SquarePants” - These two have the best friendship that has to do with understanding and compassion. They are always there for each other and get each other. They are basically one person.

14 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

There are many more BFF pairs that give us hope that even when we argue with our BFF, it isn’t over. Even if we say things that we didn’t mean, a real BFF gives us a chance to address it and correct it. Whether we live next door or miles away, a true BFF relationship will endure beyond time, miles and circumstance. We need our BFFs to make the world right. Like these well-known BFFs, situations come up when only our BFF will understand. In those cases, all the challenge is worth it. We can learn about BFFs from TV and the movies and put their good ideas into practice and try to avoid the pitfalls of their bad ideas.

Happy BFFing.

My STRANGE

Addiction: GUM

BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER, JR. To Jayla, for inspiring me to write this article.

I

t’s not weird. Not really. Not if you love gum like I do. Some call it an addiction, but don’t judge me.

one, or maybe trying to get over a problem. But if you chew it like me, casually, it’s not a problem at all. I just really like gum.

The Real Story In my opinion, chewing too much gum is not bad for your health. I mean, in some very extreme cases, it could cause tooth decay or gum disease, but not normally. On the other hand, the constant chewing can actually relax you. Sucking the flavor helps even more. Plus, chewing gum can freshen your breath.

Why Gum is Great Some people think the reason that I chew gum is because the ingredients are addictive or that I’m addicted. I’m not. In fact, gum is not meant to be addictive at all. It was meant to be more of a breath freshener and to give you a feeling of satisfaction. It’s just really tastes good.

There’s Nothing Wrong If You Do In some cases, chewing gum can be a sign of an emotional problem, but that depends on how you chew. If I chewed gum way too often, I would have probably lost all of my teeth by now. If you chew it aggressively and hard, then perhaps you have an emotional problem, or you’re hiding

Get Your Gum On I think gum is okay to have because it doesn’t have anything addictive or life-threatening like Nicotine. In my opinion, it’s not bad for your health. It’s just a part of life for me. To some in my family, they might think it’s a little weird every now and then, but it’s not. So take it from me, it’s okay to have gum. Chew on!

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 15

Confidence FROM Within

BY THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT STAFF

W

ords. They can be hurtful. This is especially true when someone we’ve trusted or gotten really close to says something that hurts our feelings. In middle school, it is important to keep you confidence up, and not let your confidence be determined by other people.

Instead, you have to maintain a sense of confidence even when the entire world around is crumbling down. Here are a few tips on how to get confidence and keep it: Realize your own thoughts matter.

Yes, we listen to our friends, our family and even our enemies. We allow them to define how we look, think or even dress. Replace what other people think with what you think about yourself.

You are bold. You are strong and you are becoming better every day.

Speak up. When someone hurts your feelings, we look the other direction because we don’t want to look weak. We don’t want people to talk about us or label us as tattle tales. But when someone offends you, it is your right to respond.

And don’t wait until months after they’ve offended you; speak up immediately.

16 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Make a Top 10 list about youself.

Sounds cheesy, right? But much like we make shopping lists and to-do lists, we have to make a list of 10 Things We Love About Ourselves. Write it on a sheet of notebook paper. Fold it into a small square and keep it in your purse or pocket.

Read it when you wake up and before you got to bed.

Master something. You can’t be good at everything, but everyone is usually good with at least one thing. Find out what that one thing is for you and master it like no one else. Being great at a task builds confidence in the truth of your greatness.

Drop the dead weight. If there are people in your life who aren’t helping you live a better one, drop them. You don’t have to be rude, but you need to be clear.

If people are bringing you down, or making you not feel good about you, drop them now before it’s too late. Power comes from within. Get yours and keep it today.

Down To The Wire

The Nintendo Switch, IS IT UP TO The Hype?

BY MALIK BRANDON

T

he Nintendo Switch is here! It’s the new console from Nintendo, which includes a handheld, console (docked) and tabletop. It also includes two small controllers called Joy-Cons on the side that are detachable. The switch can function both as a console and a handheld device, allowing easy transition from playing your games at home to taking them on the go.

The handheld version of the switch is bigger than most handhelds now. It’s slightly cramped on the right because of the analogue stick, and there’s a split D-pad on the left side. Console mode includes access to connect your television via an included dock. Tabletop mode, better for short periods of time, includes a screen that can be detached and put on a table. A kickstand holds it up, and the Joy-Cons can be used for semiportable gaming.

The Joy-Cons are a game on their own. The right Joy-Con has the A, B, X, Y button configuration.

There’s a small plus-shaped button that acts as the equivalent of the Wii’s U’s “start” button, and a home button for reaching the console’s systemlevel menus. The left Joy-Con’s minus button acts as the console’s “select” button. It also has a share button for taking screenshots (set to be upgraded in the future to allow for video clip recordings), an analogue stick, two shoulderbuttons, and the most un-Nintendo D-pad we’ve ever seen.

Pros of Nintendo Switch: •Unique hybrid design •HD Rumble •Two controllers included •Bright, crisp, colorful screen Cons of Nintendo Switch: •Joy-Cons charge only on console without accessory •Split D-pad •Oddly placed right analogue stick •Limited online service at launch The Mustang Spotlight asked two Prairie Hills students about The Nintendo Switch.

Jocelyn Sandoval: “It’s a great console overall.

It has easy controls to comprehend. It was worth buying because it has one of the best new Zelda games. You can take it on the go without messing up the game play. And it has a decent battery life. It has great new graphics too.”

Sophie Sandoval: “The switch is good, but it should have more games and Internet access. I recommend it because it’s good on the go or at home.”

Based on our review and interviews, the Nintendo Switch is well worth it. Pick up yours today and make the switch.

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 17

Minecraft TAKEOVER

BY NYLIA GRIDIRON

L

et’s build! Ever thought of playing the video game Minecraft? Many may think that it sounds lame. Chances are, those same people have never played this video game before.

It’s actually a fun and calming game. Most video games only have one particular style of playing a game: killing, shooting, or something to do with basketball or any other sport.

Minecraft is a game of building and surviving in the wild. It isn’t a boring game. Not by a long shot. You can start off with nothing at the beginning of the game, and by the end, you will have everything.

18 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

At some point, you may have to fight a dragon.

In the day, you can be building and getting food by killing animals. At night, you’ll have to fight zombies and other monsters. It is a fun game to play anytime. Now that’s survival mode.

In creative mode, you can just build on your own. There will be animals and monsters, but they won’t attack you. You can plant and breed animals, too.

Actually, it’s better for you to play than me to explain it to you. It is on Xbox One and PS4. Ask a friend who plays it for their opinion. Good luck and happy building!

What’s Hot

From Jerk to Twerk, AND FROM MOTOWN to NOW

BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL

D

ance and music have changed from the 70s to now because society has changed. We are more free with what we say and how we move. The Mustang Spotlight interviewed college student Daja Harper, eighth grader, Daeshia Gowder and adult Almena Knighten-El to find out what they think about music and dance now: The Mustang Spotlight: What do you love about dancing?

Daja Harper: Everything, from the moves, to the music I can dance to. I like how any dance move can go with any beat and how you can put your own rhythm to it. I also like how you can be creative with dance.

Daeshia Gowder: That you can do several different things to the same beat or a different beat.

TMS: Why do you think dancing has changed?

DH: Because the music has changed and the generation has changed.

DG: I don’t think that much has changed; it’s just that so many things are being repeated.

TMS: What is one of your favorite dance moves?

DH: The new version of the running man.

DG: My favorite move is the rollie.

TMS: How do you think music has changed?

Ms. Amena Knighten-EL: I think that a lot of the music doesn’t have a positive message and it doesn’t have a positive influence like it used to.

DH: It went from talking about something, to talking about nothing, and it went from real to fake. From realistic to fantasy.

DG: It’s gotten more stupid, it doesn’t have a message like it used to, and now it’s like they’re just saying words.

TMS: What do you think was so special about music back then that we don’t have in music today?

AK: Back then, music had a meaning. It was meaningful and inspiring in a positive way. The music today is inspiring but not the way we want to inspire.

DH: Some of the artists and being able to relate to the music and their lyrics.

DG: The music back then told a story. Most music today has no story to tell.

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 19

W

#True LYRIC

BY DAESHIA GOWDER

hen school stresses us out, or our BFFs let us down, music is there for us. The Mustang Spotlight took a closer look at the songs that move us and what they really mean.

Song: Treat Me Like Somebody by Tink Lyric: “I’d rather have quality than quantity Oh I just want someone that’ll keep it real with me.”

MEANING: You want someone to treat you right and cherish you. You want someone to love you and never let you go. They love you and love can conquer the world.

Song: Fly Before You Fall

by Cynthia Erivo Lyric: “I’ll teach you to fly before you fall away.”

MEANING: Before you just give up on all love and hope, I will be there to pick you up. I will help you learn to love and have hope to find the true meaning.

Song: Tru by Lloyd Lyric: “This is me, so please accept me for who I am, and please accept me for what I do.”

MEANING: I am asking for forgiveness. I am asking everyone to understand that this is the real me. I have changed and my past is behind me. Please do not degrade me because of my actions in the past.

20 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Song: Love Don’t Change by Jeremih Lyric: “We been through the worst, made it through the weather.”

MEANING: Even though we had our ups and downs, we managed to get through it. We have been able to push through, even through our darkest days.

Song: Still Think About You by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Lyric: “Said you always gone be there for me, now you gone and you just disappeared on me, can’t believe I really though you cared for me, you was s’posed to be the one that’s here with me. I still think about you.”

MEANING: We were supposed to make it.

Whether heartbreak or joy, music moves us from one stop to the next. Pay attention to the lyrics that move your heart, and soothe your soul.

Snack ON This

BY NYLIA GRIDIRON

H

ungry, hungry children! Everyone has a junk food crave every once in a while. The Mustang Spotlight has the top five junk snacks. Whether you like spicy or salty or something in between, we have it on our list of faves.

1. Fuego Hot Chili Lime Takis

This hot snack, which is very popular these days, will have you addicted. They are extremely spicy and will have you reaching for water just after five chips!

2. Kit Kat Bar

Oh, that chocolate sensation! It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and you can share it with anyone. The magic words, “Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar” from the wonderful Chance The Rapper, are music to the ears.

3. Chester’s Flamin’ Hot Fries

Chester’s Hot Fries are the second most famous spicy, crunchy snack. They are not as spicy as Takis but are ravishing to the taste buds just the same. Hot Fries gives you a spicy melt on your tongue and if you eat a lot of them, they get spicier!

4. Sour Punch Blue Raspberry Straws Sweet and sour! Ever had that feeling for wanting something fruity, but at the same time, sweet and sour? If you do, grab a pack of Sour Punch Straws. The sour straws come in a variety of flavors such as strawberry and watermelon, but in my opinion, blue raspberry is the most popular of all. There is always that one color that everyone really likes and then, that one color that no one eats.

5. Skittles

Another fruity sensation is Skittles of course. It’s the best rainbow fruit candy known. They’re wonderful little fruity poppers. You can just pop a Skittle into you mouth and feel the sensation. People who don’t like Skittles are rare. A lot of people who love them, say that Skittles are their number one fruity snack choice.

So, which junk food snack do you absolutely love? Do you have a snack that isn’t really known but you think it should be shared? Share it with The Mustang Spotlight and we might include it in our next issue.

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 21

Picking the RIGHT Jumper FOR YOUR JUMP SHOT

BY MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT STAFF

Y

ou’ve seen the shoes everyone is talking about. Steph Curry has one. So does Kevin Durant. Derrick Rose. And yep, Jordan’s are always in season. So, when it’s time for the game and you want to make an entrance, choose the shoe that’s right for you. But don’t wait too late. Summer is just around the corner. And in between barbecue and picnics, you’ve gotta rock the best kicks on the block. The Mustang Spotlight rounded up a few of the most popular this season to give you an idea of what’s on the market.

No, he’s not with the Chicago Bulls anymore, but Derrick Rose still has a shoe that hopefully lasts longer than he does. Now that he’s with the New York Knicks, maybe some new kicks will score more points.

The D Rose 7

Sure, he left Oklahoma City and the land of Thunder to join Golden State with Curry, Klay and co. We’ll have to see if these jumpers help the Warriors to a championship after being beat by the Cavs, following a 3-1 lead in the final series.

Nike KD6 Kevin Durant

22 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Always a classic. It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of Jordans on any court. Although he’s long been retired, Michael Jordan continues to reign as one of the best, if not the best, basketball player ever.

AIR JORDAN 9 Kobe Bryant, who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, wowed the crowd with his amazing jump shots, agility and ability to get into the paint and drive to the rim. Despite retiring from the game, Bryant remains a fan favorite and basketball great.

KOBE HYPERDUNK 4 Lebron James will forever be known for making history by leading his team to a national championship in 2016 after being down by three games to Golden State. These jumpers might not give you King James power, but you’ll look good trying.

Lebron James Witness

Sure, the shoe has a lot of colors. Well, a few. But Steph Curry appeals to lots of different kinds of people. The Golden State star player is known as 3-point-dominator and force on the court: free throw, jump shot and everything in between. You name it. Steph’s got it.

STEPH CURRY 3 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 23

G N I R P S

24 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Fashion

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 25

Behind The Scenes

Inside Out: SHARING Your Emotions

BY DAESHIA GOWDER

B

e emotional! You may not know, but sharing your feelings can be an awesome experience. To release what’s bottled up inside, follow these easy steps and start feeling better sooner.

The first, and probably most important step to sharing your feelings is to find someone that you trust. There are no limitations to who you might want to speak to. They could be young or old, male or female, or even someone that you just met a few days ago. The major key to sharing is trust. If you trust someone enough to share your problems and feelings, then you will most likely get more and more into the habit of sharing. Not only does sharing your feelings benefit you, but it also helps the person that you are sharing with to connect to their emotions. Sharing with someone allows that person to know you care enough to share, even if it is a challenge for you to do so.

Communicating comes in as many different styles as there are people. You can share via email, 26 THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

text message, letter or orally. Some people prefer one way over the other, but it doesn’t matter, as long as you are sharing. Others couldn’t care less about how they share. They only care about who they share with. People may prefer females to males, elders over peers, strangers over friends, or some combination.

Personally, I prefer to talk to my male best friends. I will speak to some females, but only those I’m really close with. I say this because, in my experiences, some females tend to share things that aren’t always theirs to share. I also prefer to share orally or through text message.

If I’m in class, I may find an alternative way to share. But don’t let my preferences influence you.

The point is that you share in the way that makes you feel comfortable.

Sharing your feelings can make you a new person, a happier and more joyful person. If you need help with getting those feelings out, go to someone you trust with all your heart.

From BEGINNING to End

BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER, JR.

Fire gone Water froze Oceans sank The Moon crumpled And our sun perished We were there, but you didn’t know Surviving the cold land of frost We come here now, in the world we know We’ve built a massive world around us And the cost of our nature and nation Trees tumbled Water pollution has grown off the chain The climate growing destroying icy lands Bloody wars killed more lives than you can count And casualties coming from all ends make it no better The world we knew then -- gone Guns have killed more than the knife could ever touch And if I could stop it. …I would But I can’t The world is complete mayhem And all you can do is feel blue Even though you have no clue And that’s the cold, hard, truth.

THE MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 27

Are You A

TRUESTAR?

REAL TEENS

REAL ISSUES STYLE TRENDS

CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS

HEALTH,

NEWS, SPORTS

AND MORE! CHECK OUT WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM