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Drivers eligible for the discount include: • Those under the age of 25 • New drivers over the age of 24 with less than three years of driving experience
There are three ways for drivers to complete the program: • Ask their State Farm agent for the Steer Clear kit • Complete the program online at statefarm.com • Download the Steer Clear mobile app at statefarm.com As part of the program, drivers read the Steer Clear magazine, complete a driver’s log, and, for those under the age of 19, watch an 11-minute video,. In completing the Steer Clear Driver’s Log, participants under age 19 must complete 20 driving trips with 15 supervised trips lasting a minimum of 15 minutes. Drivers with a learner’s permit must have all 20 trips supervised. Participants, who are 19 years of age and older or are over the age of 24 with less than three years of driving experience, must complete 5 driving trips lasting a minimum of 15 minutes. Lastly, the participant must complete the quiz at the end of the driver’s log. Once a driver has completed these activities, the participant must meet with their State Farm agent and return their driver’s log in order to receive the discount. This program was developed by State Farm to encourage young drivers to build safe and roadworthy habits that will help them to make more responsible decisions when driving. For more information about the Steer Clear program, contact your local State Farm Agent or visit statefarm.com.
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Spring/Summer 2010
The United
STATE OF FASHION
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Photographer MIREYA ACIERTO Assistant DESHAUN ADAMS Hair OLIVIA WELLMAKER
Makeup CHRISONDRA BOYD Stylist SASHA HODGES
TOGO, WEST AFRICA
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real talk 8 THE BIG BUSINESS OF JAILS
FASHION 18 WHAT NOT TO WEAR THIS SUMMER
36 KENWOOD STUDENT
By Adriana Rosales
By Bryan Williams
By Jade Heard
9 ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS By Jameliah Salter
CHICAGO ACCESSORY DESIGNER
11 THE VICTIM MENTALITY By Adriana Rosales
ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO SUCCESS By Benita Brown
12 HOW TO CATCH A LIAR By Jade Heard
GENERATION ME By Mariah Craddick
13 FROM LINEBACKER TO FAMILY ADVOCATE: DANNY CLARK By Jameliah Salter
The End of Sophomore Sports in Chicago by Lynda Lopez
GIVING BACK 14 RH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS By Benita Brown
A RAY OF HOPE IN CHICAGO By Kia Smith
15 TEEN GIRLS GET A LESSON IN REEL BEAUTY By Maya Wade
MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH DANCE By Shanera Wilson
CONTEST WINNERS
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MUST COVER THEIR BODIES AND MEN MUST WEAR SHORT SLEEVES.
DON’TS YAWADO’S ANDWHAT I LIKE MOST OF ABOUT INTERVIEWING LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES IS…
19 CHICAGO STREET FASHION
IN MY HOME COUNTRY WE WEAR OUR COUL (DON’T KNOW WHAT THIS IS)
I MISS MOST FROM HOME… MY FAMILY I LIKE LISTENING TO… ENINEM
INSIDE & OUT 38 THE COURAGE TO JUST WAIT
WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES IS… GETTING AN EDUCATION
cover story 26 ON COMMON
THE HARDEST AND BEST THING ABOUT BEING A TEENAGER IN THE UNITED STATES… RULES AND FREEDOM
I MISS MOST FROM HOME… MY TRADITIONS
By Ashley Mathis
“DESPITE HIS DEVOTION TO HIS MUSICAL, FILM, AND GROUNDS WITH COMMONTHE HARDEST AND BEST THING WRITING CAREER, COMMONYOU’RE HAS ALSO MADE IT HIS 40 SURVIVNG CANCER: ABOUT TOP KOKOROKOKO
By Lynda Lopez
BEING A TEENAGER IN THE UNITED STATES… FEELING LONELY AND …
LIFE MISSIONJEANS TO HELP YOUTH MODEL’S OWNFROM DISADVANTAGED
REACH GOALS.” HATBACKGROUNDS FRANK NEW ERA UPRISETHEIR NEVER ALONE AT151IMERMAN ANGELS SHOES REEBOK CLASSICS SAINT ALFRED
thru da wire 28 AS I RISE
30 TARAJI P. HENSON: SUPER MOM By Randy C. Bonds
SYESHA MERCADO: SHE’S YOUR DREAMGIRL By Randy C. Bonds
31 FROM YOUTUBE TO CELEBRITY: MEET DONDRIA By Mariah Craddick
UNDER THE RADAR 32 Chicago’s Rising Stars TEEN BIZ 34 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS By Jackson Beard
HOW TO BECOME A LICENSED NURSE By Jasmith Joseph
35 HOW TO LAND AN INTERNSHIP HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU By Maribel Arellano
EARRINGS (ASK KIKANZA) By Jameliah Salter
ALL CLOTHING MODEL’S OWN
By Adero, Reign and Demi Lobo
By Klaudia Bednarcyzk
WRITE TO ACHIEVE 16 WRITE TO ACHIEVE
GET’S A CAREER HEADSTART IN MY HOME COUNTRY WOMEN
By Maribel Arellano GETTING AN EDUCATION
10 RISE OF THE GAMER GIRL By Ashley Mathis
18, ESFAHAN, IRAN IN U.S. SINCE 2007
18, TOGO, WEST AFRICA IN U.S. SINCE 2006
By Lynda Lopez
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THE DARK-SIDE OF TECHNOLOGY By Juan Martinez and Jade Heard
YOUNG LUV 42 WHO’S OFF LIMITS WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE By Darien Boyd and Jade Heard
HOW TO SAY NO TO SEX By Ashley Mathis
43 THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS By Jasmine Morales
on the court 48 CHICAGO TEEN GOING SOCCER PRO By Fernando Garcia
49 BACK IN ACTION: WOLVERINE STYLE By Jamice Petty
closing thoughts 50 SCOOP JACKSON: PHILOSOPHER AND HOOD SCHOLAR By Jasmine Morales
True Star Magazine 1130 South Wabash Suite 302 Chicago, Il 60605 312.588.0100 office • 312.588.0175 fax
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Editors Letter
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his year’s summer issue, True Star Magazine will explore the do’s and don’ts of the season. When it comes to deciding on rather to go to college, how to handle a cheating boyfriend, or what to wear out in the sun, True Star has got it covered. Other articles focus on deeper topics, such as the recession-proof jail industry and knowing your 4th amendment rights. If you’re having a hard time overcoming adversity, “The Victim Mentality” article might just be the kind of advice you need. In the spirit of summer vacation, True Star sheds light on the “Rise of Gamer Girls,” revealing that males aren’t the only ones who will be dominating the gaming world anymore. Not to mention, several celebrity interviews that include the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Syesha Mercado, and Dondria. Plus, artists Adero Neely, Reign, and Demi Lobo break down, in their own words, how they came up in the music game in “As I Rise.” In the Giving Back section, New York Giants linebacker, Danny Clark, talks to True Star about his career and what brought about the creation of the Danny Clark Foundation. Topping everything off, Common graces the cover and reveals the latest on his career and foundation, Common Ground.
Benita Brown
Senior, Lindblom Tech High School
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR MAGAZINE CONTACT US Letters to True Star • 1130 South Wabash • Suite 302 • Chicago, Il 60605-2717 Letters become the property of True Star and may be edited for publication. EMAIL soundoff@truestarmagazine.com HIT UP TRUE STAR ONLINE Facebook: TrueStar Mag - myspace.com/mytruestar – Twitter.com: TrueStarMag Editorial Staff Apostolic Faith Church Instructor Marti Parham Maya Wade Darien Boyd Jackie Flowers Tanee Flowers Jade Heard Reggie Morgan Sohnell Hampton Editorial Staff North Lawndale Instructor Veronica Harrison Brittany Bryant Shanobia Davis Jazmine McKinnor Emma Norman Katrina Pipes Bianca Slack Shanae Shorter Larrinita Starks Jerad Strong Jazmine Tolliver Antoine Travis Porsha Treadwell Shanera Wilson Jaylen Winston KeeAna Wolfe Jasmine Wright Editorial Staff Foreman High School Instructor Edgar Molina Fernando Garcia Jason Castro Cheryl Doyle
6 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Martin Espino Diana Gonzalez Deavon Gordon Jacqueline Lopez Juan Martinez Ashley Mathis Cynthia Paz Jacob Plaza Adriana Rosales Samantha Sanchez Myesha Sims Stephanie Taylor Tiffanie Taylor Bryan Williams Lynda Lopez Jose Martinez Freelance Writers Foreman High School Instructor Edgar Molina Benita Brown Kia Smith Johari Dodd Jamilah Dodd Jasmine Tylor Mariah Craddick Jasmine Morales Marvin Thomas Jameliah Salter Ronnie Austin Ken Woods Randy C. Bonds Event Planning Harlan High School Instructors Joi Mitchell Rashaan Meador Toluwani Adesanya Ericka Braboy
Takeysha Brown Christopher Browner Akilah Davis Derrick Goodloe Kyle Hayes Angela Jackson Jemel Jennings Javon Johnson Yosef Maynie Teonca Merchant Daniel Merrick Marcquise Murphy Kiwanis Nelson Alisha Perkins Kelly Phillips Larsie Southern Markia Wilkserson Brittney Williams Jackson Stone Maurice Sutton Uneika Thomas Darion Washington Alexis Webster Dana Spears Photography Staff Julian High School Instructors Deshaun Adams Mireya Acierto Sherrita Armstrong DeAngelo Brown Justice Brown Reuben Brown Kenyata Carter Ryan Daniel Breana Davis Jessica Dixon Alexis Francois Darine Gosha Bruce Hardaway Jerome Harris
Passion Jackson Martiesa Jones Shannon Kelley Beronica Littlejohn Deandre McCottry Akyra McCray Katara Moore Shanquanika Moore LaQuisha Moss Ryan Patterson Janell Pender-Bey Carlton Rice Robert Sanders Gabriel Segee Dominique Sheats Jimmy Smith Jade Washington Radio Staff First Presbyterian Church Instructors Bionce Foxx Safiya Edwards Teray Boyd Brianna Byrd Henry Collins Shunda Johnson Arthur Jones David Kingly Ashanti Soldier Leah Stevenson Morgan Thomas Amber Flowers Ermina Veljacic Markita Watts Nikyta Wilkins Christopher Brown Lamaijah Smith Taylor Ulmer Shontel Jarmon Olashad’e Papoola Natasha Pointejour
Deja Taylor Tashay Dennie Mary Rufus-Ross Kirby Stanton Graphics Staff Simeon High School Instructors Rhonda Jackson Polina Zionts Quinnisha Allen Monique Archer Herbert Carter Hassan Childs TiAnna Coats Cherell German Shanae Haralson Anshaunti Hillery Darius Hillery James Hudson Eric Jones Miesha Newell Charles Perry Princess Rule Prince Rule Andrew Wormley Kendra Bogard Adonis Wagner Cara Crowder Jawonte Hall Latanza Ferguson Rayfield Drake Shakita Hopkins Sheyenne Crayton Breionna Myles Bria Hicks Damille Sweet Damitrius Sweet Danielle Alexander Devon Boyson Devon Bussell Fredrick Jones Garland Hennings Tikia Travis
Street Team True Star Office Jade Hedgeman Brittany McKinley Mareecia Lowry Sacha Dunkin Bria Williams Tristan Fuller Mary Rufus-Ross Christopher Brown Catherine Edwards Ronnie Austin Ken Woods Kia Smith Krissy Woods Jasmine Tiller Kevin Hendricks Carmeysha Knott Cozene Williams Alexis McClain Chanti Walker Taylor Betton Shandrea Lewis Troy Dobbins Khemdeeyah Wilder Desirrae Odneal Armani Douglas Breana Dunlap Maya Wade
Executive Directors J. Na’Tae Thompson DeAnna McLeary Managing Editor Edgar Molina Web Content Manager Rashaan Meador Art Direction Design and Illustration
Angel D’Amico-Bauer Celebrity Booker Randy C. Bonds Photo Coordinator Mireya Acierto Special Projects Manager Deshaun Adams Philistine Thompson Public Relation & Marketing Outreach Specialist Kikanza Harris Director Integrated Marketing & Sales Floyd Glinsey Promotions Managers Jade Hedgeman Brittany McKinley
Contributors Questions to the contributors: 1. Now that the school year is coming to an end, what do you have planned for the summer? 2. What does a program like True Star represent to you now that so many programs that serve teens are being cut? 3. If you had to grade President Obama’s performance thus far, what would you give him and why? 4. What kind of advice would you give a teen who is considering joining a gang? Maya Wade Junior, Daniel Hale Williams Editorial 1. Now that the school year is coming to an end, I plan to get a summer job. I could really use the money to help pay for my senior fees. 2. True Star is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s a great program. It’s more than just an after school activity; it’s like my second family. It’s a great outlet. I don’t know where I would be without True Star. 3. If I had to grade President Obama’s performance so far, I would give him 8 out of 10. He has a lot of pressure being the first black president and all. I acknowledge that he promised a lot of things in his presidential campaign that have yet to be carried through, but I also acknowledge that he is trying. He still has a long way to go, but I approve so far. 4. There are so many better things you could be doing with your life that are way more beneficial. Think about how you’ll be perceived as the poster-child for violence. Is that really what you want? Shannon Kelley Junior, Percy L. Julian High School Photography 1. I plan to participate in an internship at I.C.E. Theater, play basketball, and also work closely with the True Star family taking pictures. 2. True Star represents to me a second home. 3. I will give President Obama 9 out of 10 because he is helping to bring back jobs and boost the economy, and he also seems to sincerely care about the youth. 4. The advice I would give someone considering joining a gang is that it is worthless. In a gang, you won’t be able to accomplish any goals. Gangs will just leave you 6 feet under or in prison. Hassan Childs Junior, Simeon Career Academy Graphic Design 1. I’m planning to have a great time going to parties, drawing my comic book that’s coming out soon and spending time with my baby sister. 2. I’m really grateful that I’m a part of a program like True Star, and looking at all these cuts tells me that I was lucky to be a part of this wonderful program. 3. B, because he’s doing the things that he said he will get done, but it’s taking time to get all these problems in check for us. 4. It’s not the way to go at all. There is a lot of trouble you can get into with joining a gang, and you don’t need all that foolishness in your life. Just be your own gang, don’t follow the crowd, and just be you.
Lynda Lopez Senior, Prosser Career Academy Editorial 1. For the past three summers, I have traveled abroad during vacation. This year, I might serve as an intern at a non-profit organization. I am mentally preparing myself for the University of Chicago. 2. Opportunities. Opportunities. Opportunities. I have been with True Star for about a month but already I have written 4 articles, ranging from CPS budget cuts to broadcasting programs in Chicago. It also provided me the opportunity to interview countless people and interact with diverse students. Have a story idea? Bring it up. True Star will listen. 3. I would have to give Obama an A for effort. He may not have changed much in the past year, but he has tried his best. From health care reform to an educational speech to students nationwide, Obama is putting forth his best effort. 4. When you’re 20 years old, gangs are not going to look as appealing and you are going to regret the lack of attentiveness in school. Who is going to want to hire a gang member when you need a job? Daniel Merrick Junior, Harlan High School Event Planning 1. I plan on working. It’s hard out here nowadays and I need money! Also, I plan on being busy to keep away from the streets because Chicago in the summertime is no joke. 2. It represents a lot. I always found refuge in coming to the program I was in. I felt safe and I always had a good time. My instructors were great and I experienced a lot of new things. I feel sorry for those teens that won’t be able to get the experience I had. 3. I honestly don’t know. I know it’s a huge responsibility as president while trying keep all the people of our country happy and also the big wigs in Congress. He’s trying his best but he is limited because he still has to go through someone. I feel his heart is in the right place but his actions need to be there a little more as well. 4. What’s the point? If you can answer me that question, I have no problem with it but that’s an impossible question to answer, logically. No, you’re not going to be protected; in fact, your life is going to be in danger even more. I know personally because at one point I wanted to be, and I hung out with all the thugs and what not. But luckily I started to realize who I truly was, and it wasn’t a GD or Stone or BD. I wanted to be Daniel Merrick and that’s exactly what I did. Fernando Garcia Sophomore, Schurz High School Editorial 1. After spending my whole life here at Chicago, I hope this summer I will have a chance to get out of Chicago and visit some new places. I would like to go to California, Los Angeles the city of dreams and see how society works out there. 2. True Star represents a lot to me. They have helped me in ways that no other afterschool program could. Not to mention, they gave me the hope of a bright future as a journalist. And if you haven’t noticed, hope is priceless in this world of ours. 3. If I had a chance to grade President Obama’s performance, I would give him a B+ because his speeches are very unique, direct to the solution and well understood. Also, President Obama is the first president to take office having to face so many dilemmas. I believe he has faced these challenges courageously so far. 4. Gangs are not beneficial in any way. The only thing they’ll do is bring you trouble. Especially since you can’t go anywhere in the city without finding trouble. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 7
REAL TALK
The Big Business of
JAILS by Adriana “Nani” Rosales, Freshman, Wright College
Photo Credit: D. Trig Adams
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“To give you an example of the enormous growth of this industry, all you need to do is take a look at how the number of incarcerated Americans went from 400,000 in the 1980s to 1.8 million people today, which also happens to be more than any other country in the world.”
very day we here about one industry or another that are suffering because of the state of our economy. The real estate industry is in decline; construction workers are laid off on the daily; Mom and Pop Shops are driven out of business by huge corporate chains on the regular; teachers and educators are either having their pay cut or are simply pink-slipped; and the list goes on and on.
these inmates, it costs taxpayers $23,000 a year per inmate, according to the Illinois Department of Correction’s website.
Interestingly, though, one industry has remained unaffected and instead continues to grow rapidly. The prison industry, or what some call the Prison-Industrial Complex, appears to be immune to the sickness of our economy. According to Randall G. Sheldon and William B. Brown, authors of “The Crime Control Industry and the Management of the Surplus Population,” “The ‘war on crime’ has become a booming business, with literally hundreds of companies, large and small, eager for a share of the growing profits.”
Scholars and human rights organizations blame this expansion on the privatization of the industry. What this means is that private corporations, instead of government agencies, are buying up contracts, inmate labor and in some cases run entire jails. The problem with this is that private corporations have no interest in public safety; there only concern is profit. As a result, they maximize their profits by cutting down or entirely eliminating rehabilitation programs, such as school and drug rehab programs that are meant to help keep people out of the system. This actually helps them in two ways: it saves them money and it helps to ensure that many inmates released will soon find themselves back in the system, helping to make them more and more money.
To give you an example of the enormous growth of this industry, all you need to do is take a look at how the number of incarcerated Americans went from 400,000 in the 1980s to 1.8 million people today, which also happens to be more than any other country in the world. According to www.DrugWarFacts.org, most of these prisoners are in jail for non-violent crimes. In order to house and feed all of
The disturbing reality of the way our society pro-actively criminalizes its people for profits can leave someone with a deep sense of paranoia. But understanding and acknowledging the risk can be the one thing that will help keep you out of their clutches. Just remember that your missteps can mean their payday, so staying out of any kind of trouble is truly your best defense.
8 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Illegal Search
and Seizure:
Photo Credit: Robert Sanders, Julian High School
Know Your Rights! by Jameliah Salter, Junior Gwendolyn Brooks High School
H
ave you ever been in your car on your way to start the day and everything seems to be going as planned when suddenly you hear “woop woop” and see blue flashing lights behind you? You pull over and this big police officer rudely taps on your window, asks for your information, searches you, and commences to search your car. The big question in this situation is “How do I know that I am being searched legally?” In any situation, policemen need probable cause to stop someone, search them, or question them legally; probable cause is the reasonable standard by which a police officer has the ability to make an arrest, conduct a personal property search, or obtain a warrant for arrest. David Montgomery, General Litigator for Montgomery & Tellis, explains that “Anything from lane changing, improper turning without a signal, a broken taillight, and temporary registration, has been shown by the Illinois Supreme Court to be considered probable cause. Officers will likely make a visual inspection of the car when they pull someone over. Illegal items seen in plain view can give the officer enough reason to search the vehicle with everyone out of it. With minor traffic stops, the glove compartment and the trunk can only be searched with the permission of the owner of the car.” So basically, any small violation can give a police officer probable cause to search you and your car.
“When it comes to school grounds, the law is a little bit more complicated.” Regardless of how our laws are defined, police have been known to violate rights. This is why it is important for you to understand your rights and how to protect them. If you do ever find yourself in such a situation, here are some things that you should consider: • It’s best if you cooperate with the officers and do what they ask. • If you know you’re not doing anything wrong, answer the questions. • Shhh! You do have the right to remain silent, everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. • Get names and badge numbers if you feel your rights have been violated (an officer cannot legally refuse to give you their badge number). • The constitution guarantees your safety, let the law know you know your rights.
When it comes to school grounds, the law is a little bit more complicated. It’s a more public, enclosed setting where the lives of many other people are being safeguarded. According to Mr. Montgomery, school security can do limited pat downs if they have an inkling that someone may have a weapon or what is called reasonable suspicion. “A search initiated by a school official may occur when they feel a student is violating the law or the rules of the school. The search is justified when evidence shows up,” he explains.
• If you drive a car, make sure to be completely and utterly legit with an up-todate city sticker and license plate. • If you feel that your rights have been violated within school, take action and let your parents know the situation. You can then take your case to the School Board of Education http://www.isbe.state.il.us/. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 9
Rise of the
Gamer Girl by Ashley Mathis, Senior, Schurz High School
S
orry to say this fellas, but video games are not just for guys anymore. Girls have started to join in on the fun over the last several years. Some have even taken part in video game tournaments and have been kicking butt in the online gaming community. Things are changing so much that girls are now being taken into consideration when creating and advertising video games. So what does a gamer girl look like, you might be wondering? A gamer girl could be a fashionista, bookworm, an artist, computer whiz, or even the girl next door. They can be an occasional, avid or even a full-blown video game addict. Take Charisse Nicole from MTV’s “True Life: I’m Addicted to Video Games,” for instance. Her addiction to video games was so bad that her grades in college suffered, and even her boyfriend complained about feeling neglected. Now, you might be inclined to assume girls only play “girly” games. But if you take a closer look, you will quickly realize this is far from the truth. Some girls do admit to playing some of the less intense games, but many play some of the most competitive games out there such as the ever-popular Halo and Call of Duty. “I get a lot of grief from guys when I play Modern Warfare 2 online,” admits Michele, a self-proclaimed Gamer Girl from the north side of Chicago. “Guys have a hard time dealing with the reality that they were just killed by a girl. But hey, I love playing and I’m not gonna stop just because I make a few childish boys feel insecure about their manhood.”
“Girls are even starting to find themselves in the video game design and production field, working in all aspects from video game art, design, animation, production, programming and visual effects.” 10 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
The gaming industry has finally wised up and started to encourage girls to partake in the world of gaming right alongside the boys. Girls are even starting to find themselves in the video game design and production field, working in all aspects from video game art, design, animation, production, programming and visual effects. Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), for instance, sponsors a scholarship for young women who want to get into video game design named Gamers In Real Life (G.I.R.L.). It was created a few years back to help change the way women are perceived in video games and change the game content to be more alluring to women. If you are interested in more information, visit www.station.sony.com/girl.
how to Overcome the
Victim Mentality
by Adriana “Nani” Rosales, Freshman, Wright College
D
o you ever feel like everyone in the world is against you? Does it seem like everybody around you is doing better than you are? Do you tend to find excuses for why you can’t succeed in this world of ours? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be suffering from what some people call the “Victim Mentality.” Luckily for you, though, there is a cure. If you take a look throughout the entire history of man, you will realize that like all the species that occupy our planet earth, humans have had to struggle for their survival. One of the most important things you need to accept, before anything, is that life was never meant to be easy. Humans have had to face unimaginable hardships such as slavery, economic depression, crop failures and terrible wars. But take note of the reality that great struggle also brings with it the rare opportunity for glory. Perseverance through hardships has been well known to build character. Surviving great hardships, to begin with, gives you the confidence that you do possess the ability to survive. Without ever facing these hardships, you will never know what you are truly made of. Some of the most successful people in the world had to overcome inconceivable obstacles to get where they are. The secret is self-reliance: rely ONLY upon yourself to face all your life challenges.
Alternative
“Some people tend to assign too much value to what other people think of them.” Part of developing self-reliance is learning to diffuse your natural fears and insecurities. We all have natural fears; but we also all have the ability to overcome them. The fear of failure is the worst of all. One way to defeat this universal fear is to realize that if you choose to give in to this feeling, failure is guaranteed. But if you try, you stand a chance to succeed. Instead of doubting your abilities, assume the opposite: I can do anything if I apply myself. Finally, in order to become entirely self-reliant you have to learn how to deal with the perceptions of others. Some people tend to assign too much value to what other people think of them. One thing you need to do is to separate sincere and constructive criticism from motive-driven criticisms. An easy way to go about this is to figure out who in your life has your best interest in mind when they do offer criticism. Those are the people whose opinions you should respect; everyone else’s opinions are more than likely driven by selfish motivations and are therefore irrelevant. In order to rid yourself of the crippling “Victim Mentality,” you must overcome your natural fears and learn how to deal with other people’s perceptions of you. Depending on others for your safety or sanity is utterly destructive. Understand that in life you can only truly depend on one thing: yourself. Learn to have faith in your abilities and everything else will fall into place.
Paths to Success
by Benita Brown, Senior Lindblom Tech High School
“N
ot everyone is right for college,” my economic teacher expressed during a discussion of what to do after high school. Although attending college has long been ingrained into our idea of success, he urged us to consider all our options. I took him up on his challenge and found some information that could be useful to people who might not be interested in spending four years of their life in college. Many high school students find themselves having no idea what they want to do with their lives once they graduate. One good place to start is to get a job. Along with a regular paycheck, a job could help give you a better understanding of what it is to work for a living. While waiting on tables or running errands aren’t the most glamorous of jobs, they could offer rare opportunities and experiences that could possibly lead to a career. If you already have a career in mind, an internship could also be a good starting point for you. According to the College Board, there are many opportunities for high school students who are looking for internships. They recommend seeking opportunities through your counselor, internship guidebooks, or websites like www. internshipprograms.com. In fact, True Star Magazine is a perfect example of an internship, where students are provided the opportunity to gain hands-on experience dealing with media without ever having to go to college. While an internship can be a great starting point for your career, many do not pay and require different skill levels to be considered. Ever thought of taking up a trade? A trade is a skilled-based occupation that generally takes only a short amount of training to start your career. Some common
“Many high school students find themselves having no idea what they want to do with their lives once they graduate.” trades include: Hair Stylist, Nail Technicians, Culinary Arts careers, Mechanic, Carpenter, Electrician and Medical Assistant. They take, at the most, two years of school—as opposed to four. Some trades do start off with low wages, but can eventually end up paying just as much as college graduates make, if not more! After looking into what my teacher suggested, it appears that though a traditional college education is glorified, it’s not completely necessary. In “The Case Against College Education,” Ramesh Ponnuru argues that “[A college degree] is inefficient, both because it wastes a lot of money and because it locks people who would have done good work out of some jobs.” The best thing to do is to explore ALL possible options. And if you do decide that college is not the right path for you, take comfort in the knowledge that a good portion of the successful people in the world never spent a day in college. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 11
How To Catch a
LIAR
BY Jade Heard, Sophomore, King College Prep
“Many liars don’t think lies through and usually have a hard time with remembering them.”
S
omeone just stole your money and there are seven people in the room. All claim to have not touched nor seen your cash, but you feel someone’s lying. Unfortunately, dealing with liars is a problem that we face in life. It is human nature to lie, whether it’s a small fib or a huge conspiracy. Nonetheless, there are numerous ways in which you can catch a liar in the act.
things that contradict past statements. For example, a person may say they were “here” at 7:00, and two minutes later say they were “there” at 7:00. That’s a red flag.
Body language expert Janine Driver says 93 percent of what we communicate to others is through nonverbal expressions—eye contact and body movements. She tells Oprah.com that for many people their nonverbal cues change when they are not telling the truth. “When we lie, our brains and bodies don’t want us to lie, so we see a lot of stuttering,” says Driver. So basically one’s body language can inadvertently confess the truth.
A change in voice pitch can also be revealing. While inquiring, listen closely to the speaker. If their voice cracks slightly or turns into a mumble, beware. Sudden pauses, “ums” and “uhs” are also good indicators.
To get a truthful answer, start by asking questions calmly. Coming off rude can automatically change the mood of a person, regardless if they are lying or not. However, an abrupt change of mood on their part is reason to raise eyebrows. Know that in most cases liars can’t look you directly in the face either. Loss of eye contact and nonchalant facial expressions can signal a person is not being truthful.
Crislin Christian, a sophomore at Walter Payton College Prep, used some of these tactics to confirm her suspicions of a liar. “When I felt like my friend was lying to me, I started paying attention to the way she was acting. She couldn’t look me in the eye and kept trying to change the subject. When I found out she was actually lying, I wasn’t surprised. I already knew.”
Look for contradictions and press for details. Many liars don’t think lies through and usually have a hard time with remembering them. Consequently they say
Trust yourself when you have to make a judgment call. By absorbing the rational from the irrational, you have a better chance at finding the truth.
Observe their demeanor. Fidgeting and sweating are signs of anxiety and nervousness, which can sprout from telling a lie.
“Generation ME!” BY Mariah Craddick, Freshman Columbia College Chicago
S
ure. We’ve all been warned about the dangers of the internet and how some technology can be harmful to your health. But have you ever thought about the effects it could have on your personality? With the new craze of social networks, i.e. Facebook and Twitter, and the constant attention paid to “self,” it is easy to see the breeding of a generation full of narcissistic people with false senses of self-importance. Narcissism, or narcissistic personality disorder, is a real mental sickness in which a person feels the constant need for attention, admiration, and approval from others. These people usually have a hard time identifying with others and often have trouble caring about anyone or anything else. Take a look at the whole concept behind Facebook and Twitter: people are given the opportunity to consistently update the world on their “status” via messages, pictures, and such—as if they were of general interest. While these networks are great for staying in touch with friends and family, some often take it too far. With these networks, people often make themselves celebrities in their own heads, putting all of themselves out there, at nobody’s request. So while social sites can have their pros, the cons could be life altering and haunt people for the 12 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“Narcissism could have devastating effects on society as a whole, including things such as divorce rates, charity work, military volunteerism, and even child neglect.” rest of their lives. One must remember to leave room for anonymity; people don’t need to know ALL of your business. Be careful with what you do put out there, remembering that what is put on the web stays there for a lifetime. So why is all of this important? When you think about it, social networks are actually more anti-social than anything. With the limited interaction it creates, people find it harder to relate to people in person. Narcissism could have devastating effects on society as a whole, including things such as divorce rates, charity work, military volunteerism, and even child neglect. All of this is not to say that social networks are bad, but more so to be a warning. Modesty is truly a virtue, and more people should treat humility as a valued quality in a person.
From Linebacker to Family Advocate: The Danny Clark Foundation
by Jameliah Salter, Junior, Gwendolyn Brooks High School
S
ince the tender age of eight, Danny admits to having the pipe dream of becoming a professional football player in the NFL. Raised by his single father, Danny managed to fulfill his dream by applying a work ethic taught to him by his dad. “First and foremost, my dad applied a decent amount of structure. I couldn’t come home with a C; C’s were not acceptable in my house. If a C even came close to my house then I had to quit what I loved, football,” he explains. During his teenage years, Danny played quarterback and linebacker at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills. “My whole objective was to prove a lot of people wrong. I just overlooked all the injuries and the minor nicks.” Fresh out of high school, Danny started playing linebacker at the University of Illinois. “I came in as a quarterback, was switched to free safety and from free safety to linebacker.” He went on to receive the honorable mention of All-Big Ten three times as a linebacker. Danny was also fortunate enough to be picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the last round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He went on to become linebacker for the Oakland Raiders in 2004, New Orleans Saints in 2006, and Houston Texans in 2007. He currently plays linebacker for the New York Giants.
Danny’s life was picturesque up until one of his sons was born prematurely. “My second youngest son was born three months premature, weighing only one pound thirteen ounces when he was born. I was twenty-five at the time.” He left out of this experience feeling alone and distraught. Nobody had any answers or support for him; not the hospital or the community. Eventually this feeling led him to believe that he needed to be the change he felt was missing. This is when he formed the Danny Clark Foundation in 2008. The primary focus of the Danny Clark Foundation is to promote and support the enrichment of the lives of young adults throughout the nation. As a familyfocused agency, it provides advocacy, education, and outreach programs. Nicky’s Corner, a program in the foundation, offers advocacy and support to families who have had a child born prematurely. They also offer the Scholarly Initiative Program (SIP), which is a college preparatory program that hopes to empower youth through education in academics, finances, and life skills. For more information on the Danny Clark Foundation, please visit www.dannyclarkfoundation.com.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 13
Giving back
Rhea A. Henderson’s
School of Performing Arts by Benita Brown, Senior, Lindblom Tech High School
“Through their daily recital of the school’s affirmation and her mentoring, Ms. Henderson makes sure to give her students “something to feed their mind as well as their bodies.”
F
rom fashion shows to dance, Rhea Henderson’s School of Performing Arts promotes the empowerment of youth while embracing their talents. Like her students, Ms. Henderson started her dance career as a child. She remembers her mother signing her up after realizing her passion for dance, and ever since she has stuck to it. Now as an adult, Ms. Henderson provides a venue where children and teens can express themselves through dance and runway modeling. Although the school has only been open for a year and a half, Ms. Henderson sees great potential in her students and the future of the school. In the last year, her enrollment has nearly doubled. She hopes to expand upon the school, add a small theater for performances, and an apparel shop so her students can find all that is needed for class right at the school.
A Ray of Hope
Outside the classes, Ms. Henderson seeks out other opportunities where her students can shine. “We go out and research different advanced programs for our students,” she adds. Gallery 37 and Jeffrey Ballet’s advanced placement dance program are some of the places her students have been accepted to. Ms. Henderson also acknowledges that “we’re in an area where a lot of our youth don’t have other options relative to performing arts.” Through their daily recital of the school’s affirmation and her mentoring, Ms. Henderson makes sure to give her students “something to feed their mind as well as their bodies.” For more information on Rhea A. Henderson’s School of Performing Arts, please visit www.rhspa.com.
In Chicago BY Kia Smith, Sophomore, Harlan High School
F
ounded in September of 2002 by Victoria Brandy, Ray of Hope provides music lessons, dance lessons, singing lessons, acting lessons and much more. They offer a variety of activities and services to teens and other age groups, including a multi-cultural touring theater group named the Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble. The group uses innovative ways to perform, entertain and tell stories using the arts. Ray of Hope also contains a teenage ran record label named Innovative Media Group. Teens actually run the company and also act as executives. They are constantly discovering, producing, and promoting teens with a distinct sound that not only reaches the urban community but all across the world. Above all, Ray of Hope creates opportunities for teens to stay out of trouble and express themselves through the arts. Victoria Brandy was totally unaware of the impact she would have on teens before she started the organization. But looking back at the last eight years, she must be immensely proud of her progress, especially since she was able to bring back a Ray of Hope to Chicago. For more information on Ray of Hope, please visit www.rayofhopearts.org. 14 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Teen Girls Get a Lesson in Reel Beauty by Maya Wade, Junior Daniel Hale Williams Prep School of Medicine
I
n today’s society, there are countless accounts of negative portrayals of women in music, media, and culture. The pressures building up against teen girls, from sex to peer pressure, and even low self-esteem, are soaring through the roof. With all the barriers surrounding girls today, there is a huge demand for real role models. That’s exactly why Reel Beauty Inc. exists. Reel Beauty Inc., founded by Deidra Massey, is a program that provides a variety of workshops for inner-city girls from the ages 11 to 18 on how to raise self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence. “We are living in different times and our teen girls are faced with societal obstacles that influence their lives,” says Massey. She started Reel Beauty Inc. in June of 2005 to give back to the community. Growing up, she recalls it being difficult without a father, especially to learn about love and how to have healthy relationships. Through Reel Beauty, she hopes to make a difference. Reel Beauty impacts hundreds of girls each year. This non-for-profit organization is not just your average program that simply tells you that you’re beautiful. The impact goes way beyond the surface.
“Growing up, she recalls it being difficult without a father, especially to learn about love and how to have healthy relationships.” “My first impression in being part of Reel Beauty was wrong. I don’t know where I would be without this program,” says Hagar Chambers, age 20, who attended Reel Beauty in 2008. Chambers adds, “…their programming has helped me build my self-esteem and helped teach me how to respect myself as a woman.” For more information on Reel Beauty Inc., visit www.reelbeautyinc.com.
Making a Difference Through
Dance I
s it possible for dancing to be more than just something you do for fun? It is for Bril Barrett. In his early days as a dancer, Barrett tried several forms of dance but tap was the one that stuck. It was the ability to make noise that kept him interested in the unique dance form. He later used tap dancing as a way to express himself. Performing was great for Barrett, but there was still something missing. “I wanted something to come back to,” he explained. So in January of 2001, he established an organization called M.A.D.D. Rhythms, which stands for: Making a Difference Dancing Rhythms. M.A.D.D. Rhythms started as a dance program that was designed to keep teen boys out of trouble. When Barrett introduced girls to M.A.D.D. Rhythms, it took on a whole new dimension.
by Shanera Wilson, Sophomore North Lawndale College Prep
for tap instruction. They offer classes for all ages, 3 years old to adults. If you are interested in more information, please visit www. maddrhythms.com. “M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS’ mission is to preserve and promote tap dancing, not only as a means of entertainment, but also as performance art in its truest sense.” –maddrhythms.com
“Barrett’s goal is not just to teach people how to tap, but to also teach them the history behind tap dancing and culture.”
The organization exposes young people, as well as adults, to the music and the rhythm within them. Barrett’s goal is not just to teach people how to tap, but to also teach them the history behind tap dancing and culture. He hopes to ultimately instill a sense of pride in their participants in order to preserve tap dance for the generations to come. For nine years now, M.A.D.D. Rhythms has been making a positive impact. They have performed at many events, and have recently expanded to three locations TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 15
“MILLI” Grand Prize Winner High School
Bria Poe
Kenwood Academy My name is Milli My baby K-Jac keeps me fresh and warm I’m wiped down, clean, fresh, loaded, and ready to go Can’t nobody tell me nothing All I have to do is make sure I handle my business Our relationship is great He fills me up and when I get ready I explode One day we did it in broad daylight Yea broad daylight At the park with kids all around in play I was scared but its nothing I wouldn’t do for him He filled me up and cocked me back A 12 year old watched us perplexingly K-Jac yelled, trying to scare him I got heated K-Jac looked down at me and told me its time I felt his warm fingers pressing against my spot tenderly The clock was winding down 5-4-3-2…. POP!!! That was the last hit me and him did The last? Why you ask?... The reaction we got was hot We had to split up He left me on 63rd E. Willard Street At 5:07 I was left there cold and lonely…. I knew he would come back PLOP!!! What’s this? They wrapped me up in a plastic bag It wasn’t K-Jac or any friends of his They introduced themselves as Poli and Ce I knew it was the end… The door swung open Cold stares and bias opinions swept the room Main attraction… was me…
I sat there scared and confused Then suddenly I realized The eyes focused on me told it all Then the worst thing ever happened…. A man dressed like he was going to a funeral pointed dead at me He spoke three words “That is all.” Everyone got quiet… The stares got stronger… Evidence Me? _iñ Émillé Meter? Me? Testify? ¿Por qué? ¿Por qué mi? I feel his presence K-Jac comes through the door in a new outfit Ooooo orange is his color, he looks good in it K-Jac sits at the table next to me I’ve never seen him like this before Scared, shaken up, worried He keeps glancing at me In my head I’m thinking I’m completely here for him, nothing can tear us apart, But… In a knick of time I do the complete opposite The pro yanks me and holds me up The judge yells LIFE! K-Jac looks down and tears up Me? I snitched without even speaking… Yea that’s right I told it all 10/15/07, 3 minutes and 30 seconds to 5:00, we took his life Ty Je’ Rell Jones shot down in broad daylight at Towens Park Kerrion Damion “K-Jac” Jackson pulled the trigger And why? Because Ty wasn’t down with what we do .. My life, K-Jac’s life, Ty’s life gone All too young, All too soon Too bad we can’t hit reply and do it all over again… (P.S. Milli Émillié Meter- is a GUN)
The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (BMOA), would like to thank all schools for their participation in this years Write to Achieve! program.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 17
fashion
What
NOT to Wear This Summer
“Truth be told, the flamboyant streak should have ended with the pink polo.”
by Bryan Williams, Junior, Schurz High School
P
eople may think that gearing up for the summer is as easy as throwing on a white-T, some shorts, and a pair of flip flops, but fashion should be taken seriously during any season! The most important things you need to know about summer fashion is what not to wear. Some of the things you want to avoid rocking this summer are long-played-out styles, things that should have never been worn, and dressing unseasonably. If you don’t want to be stuck in the past, please stay away from the following long-played-out styles. It’s getting to the point where popped collars are just not cool anymore. If you ask me, they have been out of style for at least four summers. Likewise, the boots with shorts style has been played-out for God knows how long. Finally, outrageously baggy jeans were in style in the 90’s and if you haven’t noticed by now it’s 2010! If you don’t like tight jeans (which you shouldn’t), then rock fitted jeans. Now for the styles that should have never been worn. Like Jay-Z said in “Death of Auto-tune,” “You N***** jeans too tight/ your colors too bright/ your voice too light.” Truth be told, the flamboyant streak should have ended with the pink
polo. But since it didn’t, I’m here to put an end to it once and for all! So please fellas, give your girl back her jeans and colorful gym shoes and let’s try to keep it masculine from now on. Finally, one easily avoidable fashion no-no for the summer is dressing unseasonably. The shorts with sweaters fit has to be deleted from this world and the next. When you wear things like that it makes people feel hot, and not in a good way. You will surely get sweaty, sticky and nasty, and what girl wants that? Also, scarves were meant to protect your neck and face from the cold; chances are you won’t be cold in the summer, so please leave the goofy scarves at home. A good rule of thumb to follow is: if it wasn’t made for the summer, don’t wear it! If after reading this you are clean out of ideas, consider starting with the classics. Fitted jeans or shorts will do just fine. Designed T’s and white Air Force Ones (as long as they are clean!) will always be in style. And try to stick with bright colors that compliment the summer scenery. If you start here and avoid the styles previously mentioned, then your summer style should go just fine.
Latrise Sheriff and Shop KopyKat Accessories:
Turning Art into a Business by Lynda Lopez, Senior, Prosser Career Academy
W
atching America’s Next Top Model on the TV screen can evoke dreams of a life as a fashion designer for models all over the world. Many aspire to make it in the fashion industry, but very few make it as big as Latrise Sheriff, Fashion Stylist of WardrobeOnHeels and designer of Shop KopyKat Accessories. Born and raised in Chicago, Latrise has over 10 years of experience as a fashion stylist and she continues to expand on her line of work. She is now located in Dallas, Texas and is pursuing greater interests in fashion. Tynishia Bell, of NoHalfSteppn located in Chicago, is her partner and accessory consultant with the Shop KopyKat line, which are entirely one-of-a-kind handmade accessories. Aside from being an entrepreneur, Latrise also uses her artistic capacities in other ways. When she is not styling and designing, she is customizing artwork for homes. When she is hired to create paintings, Latrise takes a look around the room to get a feeling of what would look best for that particular room setting. She then takes this impression and paints a customized painting for it. So instead of trying to find a painting that fits a room, you can have Latrise paint you one inspired by the room itself. Not a bad idea. For more information about Latrise Sheriff, go to wardrobeonheels.com. 18 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“Born and raised in Chicago, Latrise has over 10 years of experience as a fashion stylist and she continues to expand on her line of work.”
Chicago Street Fashion The True Star photography team hit the streets to find out what teens are rockin’ in the Chi. Check out the latest trends straight from the streets. Photo Credit: Passion Jackson, Akyra McCray, Robert Sanders, Shan Moore, Jerome Harris, Deandre McCottry, Ryan Patterson - Julian HS TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 19
The United
state of
Togo, West Africa
Yawa Adevo 18, Togo, West Africa In U.S. since 2006 In my home country women wear large colorful headwraps and Boubas with skirts. Men wear Boubas over pants. What I like most about living in the U.S… Getting an education I miss most from home… My traditions The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Feeling lonely The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… You can choose who you want to be now and who you want to become in the future All clothing model’s own
fashion Photographer Mireya Acierto Stylist Sasha Hodges Hair Olivia Wellmaker
Makeup Chrisondra Boyd Shop: KopyKat at wardrobeonheels.com
iran
Atousa Bahrami 18, Esfahan, Iran In U.S. since 2007 In my home country women must cover their bodies and men must wear short sleeves. What I like most about living in the U.S… Getting an education I miss most from home… My family The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Rules The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… Freedom Top Kokorokoko Jeans Model’s own Hat Frank 151 New Era UPRISE Shoes Reebok Classics SAINT ALFRED Earrings KopyKat
burma
Ohn win Aung Hla 17, Burma In U.S. since 2007 What I like most about living in the U.S… Getting an education I miss the most from home … My friends and village, also my uncle and grandma The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Learning the language The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… Freedom Fourstar Tshirt UPRISE Button Up Kokorokoko Jeans Model’s own Shoes Nike Air Marcropus SAINT ALFRED
18, Burma In U.S. since 2007 In my home country women must wear long dresses and keep their hair long, and men have the freedom to wear whatever they want. What I like most about living in the U.S… Music, hip hop and pop I miss the most from home … Learning more about my culture The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Rules The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… Freedom Dress and Jewelry H&M Shoes Nike Zoom SAINT ALFRED
burma
Shea Ku 16, Burma What I like most about living in the U.S… Sports and getting an education I miss the most from home … My Friends The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Learning how to use computers The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… Playing soccer Top Path Alfaro UPRISE Pants Model’s own Shoes Vans SAINT ALFRED Backpack Kokorokoko
haiti
John Obas Theodore 15, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic In U.S. since March 2010 In my home country of Haiti, men’s fashion is very simple. In Santo Domingo men like to be in style and wear the latest gym shoes or belts. What I like most about living in the U.S… Beautiful places to go I miss the most from home … Shopping, I can’t find certain gym shoes and clothes in the U.S. The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Drugs and Gangs The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… education Top Quiet Life T UPRISE Pants Model’s own Hat H&M Shoes Reebok Pumps SAINT ALFRED
Olguine Obas Theodore 17, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic In U.S. since March 2010 In my home country of Haiti, women wear skirts with their hair up in head scarves. In Santo Domingo, women wear mini skirts, sandals and jeans. They don’t wear boots and hardly ever wear jackets. What I like most about living in the U.S… Getting an education I miss the most from home … My Family The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Finding Work The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… Freedom Dress H&M Top Urban Outfitters Belt and Purse Kokorokoko Shoes Converse AKIRA
india
16, India In U.S. since 2008 In my home country women wear salwar kamis; a dress, pants and head scarf. And men wear salwani; a scarf, pants and top. What I like most about living in the U.S… The festivals, traditional culture and getting an education I miss the most from home … My friends and school The hardest thing about being a teen in the U.S… Gangs The best thing about being a teen in the U.S… Education Dress Old Navy Scarf H&M Sandals Chinese Laundry AKIRA
Special thanks to Yesnia Francois, Sylvia Acierto and Roosevelt High School for helping us put this photo shoot together.
Shahista Banu Hafeji
Despite his devotion to his musical, film, and writing career, Common has also made it his life mission to help youth from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their goals. In 2007, Common launched the Common Ground Foundation which serves youth nationwide in multiple youth programs. “I always believed that I was blessed with a great mother that helped me fulfill my dreams, who gave me a foundation,” Common says. “Through my foundation, I am giving someone else’s dreams the opportunity to be fulfilled.” Common describes living in the south side of Chicago and witnessing events that he hopes other young people will never have to experience. “I saw the lack of hope in the streets of Chicago and the Common Ground Foundation is about restoring the hope that is lacking,” he says. “My foundation provides an outlet of expression that keeps kids out of harm’s way.” One of the programs run by the Common Ground Foundation is Read For Change. “It’s a program in which we encourage young students to read, to exercise their reading muscle, it’s like a book club,” Common told True Star. Common also reveals his love of reading. “As a child I always loved to read and this love has carried over to my adult life,” he says. His foundation operates in several cities across America, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In June 2010, Common will make his way to Chicago to sing at a high school alongside Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco. The concert is the award that is given to the Chicago Public School with the most improvement throughout the year. Students from several high schools have been competing to score a chance to have the concert held at their school. “Showing these young men and women that they will be rewarded for their good behavior and grades is going to inspire them to try to be better for the future,” he says. Common also says that the concert will shed light on positive attributes of students in Chicago. The spotlight has been on Chicago’s school system ever since Fenger High School student Derrion Albert was brutally killed by a fellow student. The killing was captured on video and became a nationwide wake-up call about the issues plaguing young students in Chicago. The negative portrayal of Chicago students further disintegrates the confidence of the students, of their ability to thrive and escape the brutal streets. “We have to do what we can. As a community, we must stick together and inspire each other,” he says. For more information on Common or the Common Ground Foundation, visit www.commongroundfoundation.org.
“Despite his devotion to his musical, film, and writing career, Common has also made it his life mission to help youth from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their goals.”
THRU DA WIRE
AS I Rise
Chicago’s Young Artist Speak On Their Rise to Fame
Adero Neely A
ccording to my parents, the Adero Neely story started months before I was even born. Experts say that playing Beethoven and Bach to unborn children influences their musical abilities. For that reason, my mother would play classical music for me while still in the womb. My father also threw a little Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson in the mix. “Their voices will live within Adero forever,” he would say. Nine and half years later, I was singing a song by Nate King Cole while chilling in my bedroom. My father came rushing in filled with excitement. “It’s not the radio, it’s you?” he shouted. He then told me he needed a second opinion. He thought because he was my dad, he might be too biased to be able to judge my abilities honestly. “Get your coat on Adero,” he said. “We are going to get a second opinion.” He then took me to the Lyric Opera House where I sang for the music director. He immediately proclaimed that I was a “natural.” But my father wanted a third opinion, so he took me to Dr. Lena McLyn. When I arrived at her Saturday morning music lesson, there were over 70 people present, all waiting for a chance to sing for her. Finally, she introduced me and gave me the floor. I performed “Who’s Lovin’ You” written by Smoky Robinson and performed by Michael Jackson. As they say to dramatic effect, everything else from here is history. Thanks to the effort and support of my parents, I am able to rise up in the music industry and make a name for myself. I am now an independent recording artist signed to my own label, N Dahoz Entertainment (pronounced “In the house”). I am also the president and CEO of N Dahoz Entertainment. My father is my manager and my attorney. For someone like me, I don’t have a big label behind me with the big marketing and promotion dollars to ensure my spot in radio, TV and the Internet. But I’m taking a different route. I want to win over every grade school and high school student in the Chicago Public School System, because you are my base and you are my peers and friends. If 30% of the students in Chicago Public Schools spend 99 cents to buy at least one of my songs on iTunes, my songs will climb to the top of the billboard charts. My new single “Got a Call on the Other Line” from my new album “Knight Crawler” is now available on iTunes. You get a free CD with your admission fee. Also, look for my new music video on Fuse On Demand TV and my 28 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
upcoming show with Soulja Boy at the House of Blues. And call your favorite radio station and ask them to play my new singles and visit www.aderoneely.com for more information.
reign W
hat’s up world, this is Chicago’s own R&B and pop artist, Reign! I am 17-yearsold and finishing up my first album. I started my career with the Fly Boyz, Jsto and P.A. out of Chicago, and now I’m working with the legendary Jazze Pha—the man responsible for introducing Ciara to the music game. Although my journey has had its ups and downs, you will realize that anything worth fighting for demands the most of you. I chose to sacrifice going to regular school to be homeschooled because of my hectic travel schedule. My parents and family have always stressed the importance of a good education, because without one you have nothing. Fortunately, I have been able to attend school functions like prom, homecoming and other fun events prior to being homeschooled. But now everything else has to be put on the back-burner. Worst of all, I had to sacrifice some of my friendships, which was honestly very difficult for me. This meant no parties, social events or even free-time, because work and school HAD to come first. Being in this music business requires that you have your priorities in order. It is a lot of hard work and limited play, especially during the creative process. You just have to know that there is a light shining bright at the end of the tunnel. To some people, this lifestyle may sound impossible, and when you read this, some of you dreamers may become discouraged. But don’t be, because when you are able to live your dream, you will truly be happy. For me, having a number one album, my face everywhere, and all my dreams slowly coming true makes it all worth it. It also doesn’t hurt bumping shoulders with celebrities that I grew up watching and idolizing on TV. I wouldn’t change a thing that I’ve done so far, and I don’t have any regrets when it comes to my decisions. I knew from when I was a little girl that being an entertainer was my destiny. If music is your dream, don’t be afraid to put your all into it. Keep God first and keep family closest, and your hard work might just pay off and you can live your dream too. Much love, Reign
AS I Rise
demi lobo M
y name is Demi Lobo, and I am a pop artist, singer, songwriter, speaker, host and Columbia College radio major. Before making it to this point in my career, I admit that I thought being an artist was going to be a total joy ride. The reality is there are many ups, but like everything else you will have your fair share of challenges. Not only are there endless sacrifices, you have to be on your “A” game at all times. This business requires endless hours of dedication where you will be forced to assume the role of an entrepreneur, music director, sometimes a video producer/editor and even a choreographer. You will find that at times you will feel alone and have less time for friends, partying and more and more work piling on your plate. Today, many artists are being signed from having a strong internet presence. Without having the money for billboards and signs, I figured I could try a similar strategy. Eventually I became an avid user of new media, using every social medium available to market and brand myself from Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, interviews via print, radio and television. This is where my story began. Since then I have done over 80 performances in front of thousands of people in less than a year, including BET 106 & Park, B96 Summer Bash, and opening for major rap artists and more. My friends and family consider me a superstar already, yet there is so much more work to be done. The more shows you do, the more things will change. More people have access to you and they watch everything you do; and I mean everything! If you make a mistake, they are right there to let you know about it—in detail! The industry costs are not just monetary; you will also pay physically and emotionally. Being a young person in the music industry is rough. Doing it alone is even harder. This taught me the importance of keeping a strong support system in place at all times. I was fortunate enough to have my mother who offered her time and money to help me as my manager, as well as good friends who believe in me. Though all of my talents have helped guide me on my path to greatness, it’s just as important for me to stay grounded to continue the grind. Once you have your support system in place and you pursue your goals with sheer perseverance, the rest will surely fall in place. If you want to pursue the music industry, do your homework, stay focused and make sure you know who the major players are. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you “what’s your budget”? Expect the unexpected and be prepared for every event, meeting and performance as if it were your first. Outshine the competition by working harder and smarter. Practice makes perfect and perfection equals success. Do this and you might just stand a chance. Good luck! For more on Demi Lobo, visit www.myspace.com/demilobomusic and twitter.com/demilobo. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 29
Taraji P. Henson:
Super Mom! by Randy Bonds, Junior, Columbia College Chicago
T
araji P. Henson is one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses of this generation. Many may remember her from her role in “Hustle & Flow,” where she was featured on the hook of 3-6 Mafia’s “Hard Out Here For a Pimp,” which received an Oscar for Best Song in a motion picture. She also had starring roles in the films “Baby Boy” opposite to Tyrese, and T.D. Jakes’s “Not Easily Broken” alongside Morris Chestnut. Despite being a single mother, she’s managed to accomplish so much in her career, and still has much more ground to cover. Taraji graciously set aside some time to speak to True Star about her career and all that she’s accomplished. TS: Who are some of the actors or actresses in this industry that you look to for inspiration? TH: There are two women that I absolutely follow, one of which is not with us anymore, Betty Davis. I have watched all of her films. I’m a huge fan of hers, as well as Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep still hasn’t stopped. She is one who embodies her characters. She’s phenomenal! I also admire Gabby and Monique, along with anybody else with my skin color that’s doing it! TS: You have had the chance to work with the amazingly talented Tyler Perry, in what I believe to be one of his greatest films “A Family That Prays,” and you even starred in “I Can do Bad All by Myself!” What was that experience like? TH: Working with him is just amazing! I love his process. I love how he challenges you. He pushed me. He wouldn’t let me get comfortable. He would sit at the monitor, and I would do the scene, and he would say, “I don’t believe you!” and I’ve never had a director say they didn’t believe me. But I appreciate him for pushing me to do better. TS: When you see poor performances from actors in a film, who’s to blame? The director for not being bold in asking for what they want, which would be a believable performance, or the actor for their poor portrayal? TH: Just like you have good actors, you have good directors. Just like you have some mediocre actors, you have mediocre directors. You have some directors who know how to get what they need from the actor, and others who don’t. I believe that so many times directors make a horrible mistake in casting, because half of the work is done in casting. TS: You often speak of your spiritual life. What exactly do you believe, and what effect does it have on your career? TH: I believe there is a God. You have to believe in something higher than humans because humans will fall. My career isn’t about me. It’s more about me being able to touch and impact people surrounding me in positive ways, and about how God is using me. TS: What has your spiritual life taught you about success in this industry? TH: I’ve learned that it’s not about chasing trophies and awards. I like getting paid, and yes, I like nice things, but that’s not what I’m thinking about when I go to work. It’s about how many lives I can affect, move, and inspire in positive ways. The trophies and the accolades just mean I’m exposed to more people. 30 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
TS: Speaking of trophies and accolades, how has being an Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actress affected your career? TH: I’m being considered for more roles, and more people know my name. It’s been a steady incline. I’ve asked for longevity and with that came a long road. I’m not interested in any overnight success. I’m interested in doing work that people will talk about and remember long after I’m gone. TS: In many of your films, you’ve been cast as a single mother, as you are in “The First Karate Kid.” How does it feel to be the mother of the first black “Karate Kid”? TH: It was so funny because Will Smith and Jada, along with the movie producers were thinking that they wouldn’t be able to get me, that I wouldn’t be interested, but I’m like, “Are you kidding me? I would be a fool not to be the mother of the first black karate kid!” This movie is going to be so huge that I get goose bumps just thinking about it. TS: What was it like to work with Jaden Smith, who stars as your son in the film? TH: Will and Jada are such amazing parents. They treated me so well, and they are beautiful people, and that child there is a superstar! He’s got swag, he’s articulate, his vocabulary is out of this world, he’s funny, he’s charismatic, he’s talented, and he’s gorgeous! He’s just got it going on. TS: Being a single parent in this industry, how do you find balance between your job at home and your job on the set? TH: I’m a mother first, so all of that gets handled first before anything else.
She’s Your Dreamgirl! by Randy C. Bonds, Junior, Columbia College Chicago
S
yesha Mercado is no stranger to the stage after her huge success on American Idol season 7, where she was the second runner-up. She has a dynamic voice that stems back to her Gospel roots, accompanied by versatility that enables her to sing anything from Rock N’ Roll, Pop and R&B to musical theater. She spent the majority of her life attending performing arts schools in preparation for the day when she would be cast into the first official revival of “Dreamgirls” as lead singer of The Dreams, Deena Jones (recently portrayed by Beyonce Knowles).
local Florida school, Blanche H. Daughtrey Preparatory School, where she was once a student for a program in which children learn to read with musical help from a computer. She reminds young people everywhere to stay surrounded by positive people and to continue working hard, because in her words, “No one’s going to work as hard for you as you!” This is only the beginning for Syesha. She has been working with a great team of producers and writers for her much anticipated album scheduled to be released later this year. She is thrilled about this project; however, “Dreamgirls” continues to be her priority. To stay updated with the latest in Syesha’s life, feel free to befriend her on Facebook, and follow her on twitter @syesha and check out her website, www.syeshaonline.com.
Being cast in such a historic production was a rigorous process. It took more than a year for the cast of “Dreamgirls” to be selected. She can remember walking past the Radio City Music Hall when she received a call from her agent with the great news. “It was like a movie scene,” says Syesha, who immediately became overwhelmed with joy. “I began to jump up and down, and was completely oblivious to all the people walking around me!” The tour has already hit big cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, where they celebrated with the original “Dreamgirls” cast, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and Jennifer Holiday. They are even going as far as Tokyo, making the tour international. Since being in “Dreamgirls,” Syesha has been able to take her fortunes and make a difference in her community. She donated $25,000 worth of equipment to a
From YouTube to Celebrity:
Meet Dondria
“She reminds young people everywhere to stay surrounded by positive people and to continue working hard.” Dondria’s debut album “Dondria vs. Phatfffat” will be released June 22, 2010 and the lead single “You’re the One” is already burning up the charts. Musically, she cites Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin as being her influences. She hopes to help bring back the days of good R&B music. And having already been compared to Monica and Beyonce, she is well on her way to achieving that goal.
by Mariah Craddick, Freshman, Columbia College Chicago
O
ver the past couple of years, the power of YouTube and the stars and crazes it has created has become quite apparent. We have seen everyday people rise to fame and notoriety overnight after simply uploading a video of them lip-synching or dancing to an old Backstreet Boys song. These days, those dreams of being well-known and celebrated are more attainable thanks to YouTube. Just ask newly-signed recording artist Dondria, better known as Phatfffat. Dondria was discovered on YouTube after posting several videos of herself singing other artists’ songs, by Jermaine Dupri, founder of the So So Def label.“Use every outlet possible; even if you think it’s dumb, use it—you never know who is watching,” she advised. It has been said that Dupri not only loved her voice, but also her personality. In many of her videos, Dondria would share her love of food, often eating on camera, hence the nickname “Phatfffat.” Dupri signed her to his label back in 2006 and she has been feverishly working on her debut ever since. Growing up modestly, singing in church back in Texas, Dondria was quickly thrown into the whirlwind of celebrity. While it is still hard for her to believe sometimes, it seems that she knows this path was destined for her. She says that she posted her videos on YouTube not looking to become famous, but to simply get feedback on her voice. Her fan base grew quickly, and that’s what ultimately helped to catch the eye of her boss, Jermaine Dupri.
“Use every outlet possible; even if you think it’s dumb, use it—you never know who is watching” TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 31
baller status clique musical style Well, first and foremost, we would like to
let it be known that we are true artists and we take our music very seriously. We don’t look at music like our next big pay day; this is what we love to do and have been doing since we were in grammar school together. But we would describe our music as “Blue Collar,” representative of everyday life. For example, take a club banger like “Light or Dark,” which is easily relatable in its simplicity, and you can play it for almost anybody and they’ll know what we’re talking about.
uniqueness
The thing that makes our music the most unique is that we just want to have a good time! The songs that we make are soundtracks for everyday life. It doesn’t matter if the song is something that people nod their heads to, or if it’s a song where we’re reaching them on an intellectual level. The bottom line is that the beat and the hook are memorable and we go hard with our verses from a lyrical standpoint.
goal
Our ultimate goal is to be as successful as possible in this industry and even more importantly, be respected for what we do. We understand that this is a very competitive game and that you can be here today and gone tomorrow. We really want to touch lives with our music and be able to see the world. We have so much love for what we do that we feel it would be such a privilege to live our dream and have people show us love. It would be a true blessing.
influence Our biggest influence, even before music, is our
parents. All three of us were raised in very supportive environments. Our parents have always been our #1 fans and it’s a good feeling! As for our musical influences, it starts with Michael Jackson, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, RUN DMC, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, 50 cent, Dr. Dre, Timbaland and the list goes on. We grew up listening to all kinds of music. Jahari’s mother was listening to George Michael and The Culture Club with Boy George when he was growing up, which gives him a very different sound. Ace’s parents were listening to a lot of soul music when he was growing up like Frankie Beverly & Maze and The Isley Brother’s. So, that’s why he writes with a very deep soulful tone. Nova’s parents raised him on gospel music, so that gives him a great ear for big melodies and it’s probably why he raps with such a melodic high tone, as if he’s preaching with his rhymes. For more information contact:Regina Williams(312)276-8084THE KNOW GROUP, INC.207 E. Ohio, Suite 433Chicago, Illinois 60611
D SON musical style My musical style is hip-hop mostly,
but it also has a sprinkle of rap in it as well. I tend to blend both styles depending on how I feel a song should be structured. I also tend to put a lot of soul into my music as well, because I feel it is important that my music reflects everything that I am feeling. My music is the embodiment of me just multiplied by 100.
uniqueness I think what makes me unique IS my music.
When I say that, I mean that there will never be a time when I or a casual listener can say that I sound like another artist. I have my own style of music, my own swag that I have molded to give myself the ability to reach out to any and all listeners. I feel I can do it all no matter if I’m creating something for the casual hip-hop listener or something that is radio friendly.
goal
My ultimate goal with my music is, of course, to be heard but it just doesn’t stop there. I am very ambitious. I want to be mentioned with not only the best in Chicago, but the best in the world. I know those goals are within reach because of the hard work I put in daily. As long as I stay on the path that God continues to lead me in, I know greater things are on the horizon.
influence I’m influenced by a few artists such as Eminem,
Jay-Z, KRS-One, Slaughterhouse, and Rakim, just to name a few. I am also strongly influenced by my constant drive to succeed. I really doubt you will find another as motivated as I am. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 33
TEEN BIZ The Chicago City Treasurer is a proud partner of Chicago Youth Saves, True Star Magazine’s Teen Biz and On the Money Magazine.
City Treasurer, Stephanie D. Neely, at the Chicago Youth Saves Conference
Entrepreneurship:
Tips and Tricks for Success by Jackson Beard, Freshman, Walter Payton College Prep
S
ummer is one of the best times to start your own business. If you are finding the summer job search challenging, starting your own business can serve as an alternative. One of the perks of managing your own business is that it allows you the power to call the shots and make your own decisions. Once school is out, consider starting your business and follow through with your goals. First thing you want to do is brainstorm things you’re passionate about. Generating a list of your hobbies and talents will make deciding on the right business idea easier. For instance, if you love clothing, consider a business in fashion. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your ideas! After deciding on a business idea, find someone who has done it successfully. Kai Mitsushio, who has been a part of two startup companies, believes that finding a mentor in the field is helpful because you can learn from both their successes and their mistakes. The next step is to balance school and your new business. Remember to stay focused on what is most important: your education. Look at education as a “catalyst and backbone to developing a successful business over time,” suggests Johnnie Lovett, founder of Stay Fresh Online. He is both a graduate of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy and junior at Illinois State University; not to mention, a finalist in the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship Competition.
Did you know that credit cards are only 50 years old? Before credit cards people could only make cash purchases, so saving was important. In the last 50 years we have changed our mindset from SAVING to BORROWING. Now we have debts greater then we can handle.
Enjoy the benefits if your business succeeds, but do not get discouraged by failure. “Don’t be afraid to fail – otherwise you’ll never get to the [business] that is going to work,” says Mitsushio. To learn more about entrepreneurship, visit the Small Business Association for Teens at www.sba.gov/teens or access a full resource list in the On the Money Facebook page.
Become a Licensed Nurse While Still in High School by Jasmith Joseph, Senior, Morgan Park High School
As you take your first job and begin to dream about your future realize this, saving will help you achieve your goals. I often hear adults say, “I wish I would have started saving earlier.” You have the opportunity to learn from others’ past mistakes by starting to save early. I challenge you to set a savings goal for this New Year and stick to it. Have a great year!
Stephanie D. Neely Treasurer On the Money Magazine and True Star Magazine would like to thank HSBC – North America for their sponsorship of this issue as well as the Office of the City Treasurer of Chicago, Stephanie D. Neely, the Economic Awareness Council and True Star Foundation for their partnership.
34 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
D
id you know you could become a licensed practical nurse by the time you graduate from high school and can make up to $22 an hour? Becoming a licensed practical nurse requires an associate’s degree, but with a program implemented by Chicago Public Schools, you can be one by the time you’re 18! The CPS-LPN is a two year program that allows high school juniors and seniors to pursue careers in nursing. The first step is taken during your sophomore year. If you have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and are in good standing in attendance, you may be eligible. All you have to do is apply and take the entrance exam. Once you pass the exam, which consists of reading comprehension, vocabulary and math, there’s a bit of paperwork to complete along with obtaining immunizations. In your junior year, students go to their home school in the morning and then to nursing, which may or may not be at another school in the afternoon. Seniors attend nursing classes in the morning and go to their home school in the afternoons.
While in nursing classes, you will spend a lot of time in hospitals all across the city. You will get the opportunity to observe surgeries, give shots and gain meaningful handson experience. Not to mention, off-campus lunches! “This program offers a lot and I can explore new territory even before college,” says senior T. Martin of Morgan Park High School. But remember, this program is open only to students interested in nursing who maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA. For more information, you can visit your school counselor for applications or call Crane Tech Prep High School for more information at (773) 543-7890.
Internships 101
by Klaudia Bednarcyzk, Junior, Francis W. Parker High School
W
Tips for finding an internship include: 1. Ask local businesses whether internships are available, whether it’s a representative at a bank across the street, a professor at a school
ith a summer break lasting 2-3 months, students often get caught up in vacations and hanging out with friends. As the time quickly passes by, we soon realize that our entire summer was unproductive and we start to wish that we had done something in preparation for the future. With the college application process approaching, why not have an additional, enriching experience that will set you apart from other applicants?
or an organization you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to ask. 2. Browse on Google by typing key phrases such as “high school summer internship in Chicago” can yield results. 3. Find organizations that are dedicated to student high school internships. Programs such as the Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) and magazines like On the Money offer great paid internships that include workshops and direct assistance from professionals.
Internships are jobs in which students work in a particular professional setting in order to gain work experience. These opportunities are not restricted to business and banking, and have a place in every industry. Whether you are interested in journalism, religion, or photography, internships offer you an enriching experience in the field of your dreams. Cydney, a junior at Francis W. Parker, for example, was a photography intern at Columbia College here in Chicago. “Working with a professional and experienced photographer was the best way to help me learn about photography,” she adds. Although internships may be unpaid, they give students valuable knowledge about their dream occupation. If paid, the wage is often relatively close to the minimum wage. However, internships give students the opportunity to gain professional experience, educate themselves about the realities of their field, and distinguish themselves from others who are applying for the same jobs and schools.
Even once you find an internship, you may find the application process stressful. However, hunting for a job and interviewing are necessary skills that need to be developed. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Good luck! To learn more about Chicago internships and youth employment, visit http:// www.youthreadychicago.org/ and On the Money on Facebook at http:// www.facebook.com/#!/pages/On-TheMoney/143284329914?ref=ts.
How to Choose the Right College for You by Chelsea Farkye, Senior, Saint Benedict High School
F
or all you seniors, I bet that senioritis kicked in a long time ago. After four years of hard work, it is finally almost over! But wait, what about college? It may seem like just yesterday that we were applying for colleges, but now, as the acceptance letters start to roll in, we have yet another big decision ahead of us that will affect us for the next four years. Why not make it easier for yourself by creating a well-organized spreadsheet for all the acceptance letters that you have received, which can help comparing each school much easier. Morgan, a current high school senior said, “I make sure that I take everything into consideration because that will be my home for the next couple of years. So I want to be as comfortable as possible.” Maybe your view of comfortable is a school that has a Division I sports team, a Greek System, a diverse campus, or a study abroad option. Also, remember to consider the location (urban, suburban, or rural), size and extracurricular activities. Which setting would you be most comfortable in? Think of the all the factors above, as well as the ever-important financial aspect. In addition to researching tuition and room and board, it is important to review your
financial options. Phyllis, a senior at Neuqua Valley High School, advises students to “Pay attention especially to your reward packets because the money that you are so happy about getting might not be free. There might be loans in there that have been factored into your award letter. Also, add up the expected cost of attendance and compare it to the money that the school is offering you.” As a senior, I am doing my own spreadsheets, and I have found it to be really helpful. It keeps all my college information organized and helps me prepare a budget. I challenge you to start your own college spreadsheet. You may learn a lot about yourself and your needs. Below are some helpful websites to check out if you need to do some research. Good luck! • www.hesc.com/Content.nsf/HESC/Comparing_College_Award_Letters • www.educationplanner.org/education_planner/selecting_article.asp?sponsor=2 859&articleName=College_Comparison • www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/letters-are-in/103.html • www.offtocollege.com/first_time/april.html
Saving Matters... • Resolve in 2010 to save more money by paying yourself first! • Explore low- or no-fee savings accounts to help keep your costs down.
www.yourmoneycounts.com
“Fascinated with technology, even as a child, Davis was always glued to a computer.”
Gets a Career
Photo Credit: D. Trig Adams
Kenwood Senior
Headstart by Jade Heard, Sophomore, King College Prep
W
hile most teens are playing basketball or loitering after school, Patrick “Pakman” Davis is hard at work with his own business. At 18, he is the CEO and founder of AssisTech, a company that mainly deals with computers, fixing viruses and other problems, as well as helping out small businesses with management. Fascinated with technology, even as a child, Davis was always glued to a computer. This wonder eventually grew into a love for technology. He quickly educated himself on the topic and recently entered into the Youth Entrepreneur/Investors Program sponsored by the Chicago Urban League. The judges recognized his natural talent for business management and he won the competition. Now, well-established in his business, Davis directs employees at work and aspires for the best future. He’s working on getting sponsors for his company to further enhance their financial freedom and ultimately grow the company. At this rate, Davis is well on the path to becoming a business juggernaut. 36 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Though his love of computers is great, they are not his only field of interest. Patrick is also involved in the entertainment industry. He is a devoted hip-hop fanatic who is trying to make a name for himself in music by representing several upcoming hip-hop artists. He isn’t all work, though. In his spare time, he enjoys such hobbies as basketball, swimming, traveling and hanging out with friends. To those curious about how to start their own business, Patrick offers these words of encouragement: “I would simply ask them a question: ‘What is your passion?’ If a person can honestly answer this question and say, ‘I have no problem doing this for the rest of my life, for free,’ then believe me, everything will literally and naturally begin to fall into place.”
The Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing: Tips for a Successful Interview by Maribel Arellano, Senior, Gage Park High School
Do’s… 1.
Research the company or employer. Have
an understanding of who they are and what they do before going to the interview.
2.
Prepare what you will say in the meeting.
Practice talking about yourself, why you want to work for the organization and your past experiences.
3.
Dress appropriately. Dress according
An interview is not a style contest; it is about appearing professional.
Show up late. Try to arrive fifteen
minutes early. Arriving right on time is too late.
2.
Ramble on for too long or stutter. Be
concise with your answers.
3.
Answer your cell phone. Make sure
turned off.
4.
Talk negatively about former jobs and
people you know. Demonstrate that you are a positive person who works well with others.
Be persuasive, confident and articulate.
Maintain eye contact and let them know why they should hire you. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself!
5.
1.
your cell phone is on silent or better yet,
to the environment you are about to enter.
4.
Don’ts …
Ask questions. This demonstrates you are
5.
Appear bored when you’re answering
questions. Be alert and show that you are excited about the opportunity.
6.
Interrupt when the interviewer is
interested. Examples include, “What are some
talking. Employers also want someone who is
of the job responsibilities?” or “How would you
a good listener.
describe the work environment here?”
6.
Thank them for interviewing you. Follow
up with an email or thank you note within 48 hours of the interview.
For additional information about interviewing, including common interview questions visit www.jobweb.org/resumes_interviews.aspx or quintcareers.com.
“An interview is a participatory opportunity and not merely a spectator’s experience.” —Debra Carson, Program Director, Chicago Summer Business Institute
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 37
INSIDE & OUT
The Courage to
Just Wait by Ashley Mathis, Senior, Schurz High School
T
eens and young adults face many challenges in their everyday lives, but especially when it comes to sex. With the media, peer pressure, STDs and teen pregnancy rates rising, it’s hard not to feel trapped in a world that has turned promiscuous. If you want to wait until you’re ready to have sex, then you should take becoming abstinent into consideration. Just Wait Inc. is a non-for-profit organization that helps teens who are (or want to be) abstinent by giving them the support they need. It was started by Taylor Alston and other abstinent teens who felt discouraged by the overly-promiscuous world they were growing up in. Just Wait’s mission is to advocate abstinence, as well as safe and healthy relationships among teens and young adults. Their goal is to recruit 100,000 teens to join the cause and help spread the word. Membership in the organization includes a membership card, free newsletter, celebrity membership, acknowledgement, blogs, chat rooms, and lots more. They are also trying to plan a summer concert this year so they can help promote their mission.
38 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“Waiting is not going to be easy, everyone knows that, but sometimes the easiest choices have the worst consequences. “ “If you are on the fence about abstinence, I want you to know that this is a life changing decision that will only benefit you in the long run,” Taylor adds. “Waiting is not going to be easy, everyone knows that, but sometimes the easiest choices have the worst consequences. We live in such a promiscuous era that it seems like becoming 16 and pregnant is the ‘in thing,’ and it’s important to know that it is OK to wait. Waiting allows you to ease away from the stresses of sex and allows you to focus on what’s most important, YOU! You should have every opportunity to set goals and dreams for yourself and to not let a ‘feeling’ be the deciding factor in your future.” For more information on Just Wait Inc., please visit www.justwaitinc.com.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 39
Surviving Cancer: You are Never Alone at
Imerman Angels
by Jameliah Salter, Junior, Gwendolyn Brooks High School
I
merman Angels was founded in 2003 by Johnny Imerman, a testicular cancer survivor. At the age of 26 he managed to survive his cancer battle, and the one thing that he left out of his ordeal with was that no one should have to go through it alone. This is why, in 2006, he started working towards creating a network of supporters who could fulfill the role of mentor for cancer victims everywhere.
all been there. There are people out there that have not only survived and beaten their cancer, but they’re more than willing to help, share their story, and be a mentor.” The organization is based in Chicago, but still provides services to people nationwide and in 35 different countries. At Imerman Angels, they know the struggle of being diagnosed with cancer and just want people to know that they are not alone. For more information, visit www.imermanangels.com.
Imerman Angels provides personalized connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers. Any one of any age, race, or sex can receive their free networking support. The organization actively recruits volunteers and mentors. One such mentor and cancer survivor is Abigail Cline. At the age of 16, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Now, at the age of 18, she is a mentor angel for a 16 year old girl that has the same cancer she had in her youth. She notably tells the young lady she mentors that “It will all be OK, don’t let it get to you. If you need to, just look at the mirror and laugh at yourself because it will all be over sooner than you think.” Laura Alexander, Director of Events at Imerman Angels, is also a cancer survivor that mentors others in need. “We’re all cancer survivors that work here and we’ve
The Dark-side of
Technology
by Juan Martinez, Sophomore, Schurz High School Jade Heard, Sophomore, King College Prep
E
ver since the first cavemen discovered fire, humans have always believed technology to be a great benefit for our species. It has helped us find cures for diseases, find safer and more efficient ways of storing food, build powerful machines, and made life all-together easier for us. But despite all these great benefits, we are coming to realize that technology also has a dark-side. One of the most disturbing dark-sides of technology is how it can affect our health. Doctors have known for a long time now that sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time can do ungodly things to your back. According to the website Mail Online, “girls as young as 12 are being diagnosed with nerve damage caused by slouching over screens.” Furthermore, video game addiction has been known to cause aggressive behavior, and has also been linked to childhood obesity, carpal tunnel syndrome and high blood pressure. And these are just the problems that have been discovered so far; only time will tell how many more problems abusing technology can cause to your health. Another serious problem technology has been known to cause is isolating people from one another. Nowadays, car rides are turned into iPod time; dinnertime 40 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“At Imerman Angels, they know the struggle of being diagnosed with cancer and just want people to know that they are not alone.” “Nowadays, car rides are turned into iPod time; dinnertime means taking your plate to the television alone or in your room; and fun means playing video games instead of playing with siblings.” means taking your plate to the television alone or in your room; and fun means playing video games instead of playing with siblings. This can weaken social bonds, as well as have a negative effect on the development of social skills throughout one’s life. In effect, we forget how to relate to one another because we get so little practice. When it comes to the physical consequences, technology can appear eerily similar to drugs. If you find yourself spending too much time with technology, you should attempt to cut that time in half, cold-turkey. Put the controller down, turn the television off, hold Alt and press F4 on your computer, and go spend time with your family. Using technology isn’t wrong, but when it begins to dominate your life and affect family interaction, then it must be addressed.
SMOKE- BY
Every day in the United States alone, approximately 3,000 kids under the age of 18 start smoking. More than 2,500 people are killed per month over a drug related drive-by shooting. We can’t control drive-by shootings but we can control smoking. So please don’t start!! Designed by Jawonte Hall|True Star Graphic Design|Sophmore, Simeon Career Academy
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 41
YOUNG LUV
Who’s OFF Limits
Photo Credit: Shelby Brown - Julian HS
When It Comes to Dating? by Darien Boyd, Junior, Daniel Hale Williams Prep School of Medicine and Jade Heard, Sophomore, King College Prep
A
girl and her best friend’s ex-boyfriend join their high school track team. Though merely acquaintances before, they start to become real cool from spending time together. Progressively, they become attracted to each other and consider dating. But they can’t; or can they? Isn’t that breaking the “code”? Some consider an act like this a betrayal; as if you wanted your friend’s boyfriend/ girlfriend all along. It’s an unwritten rule, and yet many feel like there should be loopholes. That’s where the question arises: Is it okay to pursue your friend’s ex? Oftentimes, girls are more possessive about guys they once dated. “With us, it’s once an ex, always an ex, no matter who he is,” says Victoria E., a junior at DuSable High School. “It definitely brings conflicts to friendships quick.” Guys, on the other hand, don’t feel it’s such a big deal. A True Star poll found that male teens tended to be less emotional or angry over a friend wanting to get romantically involved with their ex. Kendall Mason, a Whitney Young sophomore, has some experience in this area. “One of my guys wanted to talk to my ex from last year,” he explains. “I didn’t care at all, we were totally through.”
“Maybe honesty among friends is the best policy in these types of situations.” Maybe honesty among friends is the best policy in these types of situations. The worst thing to do is sneak and date an ex behind a friend’s back. It makes you look untrustworthy, putting you at a greater risk of losing that friendship. You never know what your friend’s reaction will be about the budding relationship unless you ASK. He or she could surprise you with their response and end up giving you a free pass.
Photo Credit: Domonique Dailey - Buena Vista University
How to Say
NO To Sex
by Ashley Mathis, Senior, Schurz High School
A
re you feeling pressured by your boyfriend for sex? Well, trust me when I say you’re not alone. Girls everywhere are pressured into sex more often than you think, and sadly many end up caving into their boyfriend’s pressure and some are even raped. A certain percentage of these girls end up pregnant or infected with an STD. Don’t let this be you. The key is to remain firm in your decision to wait. A big part of this requires self-esteem. It’s important to have respect for yourself before expecting others to. If you feel that you might have low self-esteem, then you should definitely seek out help from a family member or even a school counselor. Just remember that your value does not depend on what other people think of you, but on how you carry yourself. You also need to talk to your boyfriend about why you don’t want to have sex. Be unyielding and tell him exactly how you feel. Explain to him that you’re not ready for the emotional stress of sex and once you are, maybe you will 42 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“It’s important to have respect for yourself before expecting others to.” reconsider. But if he keeps pressuring you, tell him he will NEVER get the opportunity. And if he hits you with the sorry old “If you love me you would have sex with me” line, then tell him “If you really love me you’ll wait.” At the end of the day it’s your choice, your body, and if he can’t respect that, then you should reconsider your relationship all-together. Respect means a lot in a relationship and if he’s not showing it to you, then it might be best to move on. Especially since the single life sounds a whole lot sweeter than being a teenage mother.
Truth
Photo Credit: Rashon Snyder - Julian HS
The Ugly
“No matter how many questions you ask, it will never change who he is and how many times he hurt you.”
About Relationships
BY Jasmine Morales, Malcolm X College
L
adies, have you ever found yourself tempted to spy on your man? Relationships most of the time start off with lies or little white lies. When we meet someone who can potentially be our boyfriend, we actually meet his representative first. It’s not until you get deep into the relationship when you meet the real him. But before you meet the real him, you’re served with many lies! Oftentimes, we would rather believe we’re with the man of our dreams than face the fact that he might not be our prince charming after-all.
The lying, cheating, and misleading; we all have to admit that it hurts. How are some of the ways we get over these things. Some of us choose to cry, listen to music and leave the guy. And then there is us: the mistrustful women who are too hurt to forgive and forget, as well as too attached to let go. Instead, we ask every question in the book just to be hurt all over again.
We can all admit that we’ve looked for the “ugly truth” at least once in a relationship, meaning we’ve looked through phones, MySpace and Facebook accounts or interrogated him. Not to better your relationship, but just because you simply wanted to know. Ladies, why do we do that? Is it because we just wanted to know? And then when we do find out, what does it change? I know most girls say “if I find out he’s cheating, I’m gonna leave him!” But more often than not, we don’t because we love them so much.
No matter how many questions you ask, it will never change who he is and how many times he hurt you. Why put yourself through more pain than you have to? Now, I will say that it’s important to figure out the type of person he is. But some questions don’t matter. And as much as it drives you insane to not know the truth, sometimes its best you don’t know. Before you start asking questions, you need to ask yourself one thing: am I willing to leave him? If the answer to this question is no, don’t bother asking and spare yourself the unnecessary pain. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 43
TRUE STAR’S
Photo Credit: D. Trig Adams
“I Wanna Be a True Star” Talent Show Recap
by Daniel Merrick, Junior, Harlan High School Jameliah Salter, Junior, Gwendolyn Brooks High School
A
fter 10 weeks of preparation and hard work, True Star’s Event Planning Team presented “I Wanna Be a True Star (Come Shut The Stage Down)” Talent Show and After-Party on Saturday April 17th. This was True Star’s very first citywide talent show, held at Room 43 (1039 E. 43rd St) from 5pm to 7 pm. There, teens from all over the city came to show their skills for a chance to win cash prizes, an article in True Star’s next issue and a featured spot in the True Star Radio show on Power 92. Many auditioned, some good and some were bad, but we narrowed it down to a good few.
TS: How would you describe your music?
That few included singers, dancers, rappers, poets and even African drummers. We also had some celebrity judges that included a record industry executive, a producer with well-known music, along with two of our own teen judges.
TS: What type of audience are you trying to reach?
Sharmon Jarmon from True Star Radio and Marcquise Murphy from Event Planning were the co-hosts for the evening, keeping the crowd entertained in-between acts. The competition was very stiff due to the great performances, but in the end beautiful Chicago singer Ayona emerged as the winner with her colorful performance and amazing voice. After the competition, True Star got the opportunity to sit down with the songstress to ask a few questions about her career and life. TS: How did you get your start? A: I started off singing unprofessionally when I was five and I used to watch Tina Turner and Whitney Houston on TV and just mimic them. Eventually, I joined two singing groups that didn’t work out. But, with the connects I made through those singing groups I ended up keeping them and they helped me to become a professional solo artist. TS: Who inspires your music? A: Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner. I am also inspired by some new artists like Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga as well. 44 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
A: I think its pop and R&B. Sometimes it’s hip-hop and R&B, but as far as genres I think they’re very different. They don’t sound like anything else.
A: Everyone. Chris Brown reaches everyone from 0 to 79! I’m trying to have that wide range of a fan base. TS: Tell us one thing about you that your fans don’t know. A: I still watch the Disney Channel even though I’m like twenty something years old! I have a cat, his name is Mijo. It means “my son” in Spanish. Q: What are you currently working on? A: Currently I’m working on a new music video. I’m also working on our next mix tape sale which I want to release by the fall. My new music video is named “Lost in the Music.” TS: Thank you for your time and congratulations on your big win! A: Thank you and you’re welcome. Once the competition was over, it was time to party! We had a special performance from BXC, Ludacris’s newly-signed group from his label Disturbing The Peace (DTP). DJ Chip played all of the hits and kept everyone dancing until they cut the lights on. It was a great experience for everyone, especially us in Event Planning because we got to see our hard work finally pay off.
The End of Sophomore
Sports
in Chicago By Lynda Lopez, Senior, Prosser Career Academy
F
or the past year, the Chicago Public Schools have been hit with a slew of budget cuts due to a mounting budget deficit of almost 900 million dollars, according to chicagoreader.com. From enrichment programs to College Bridge classes, students from all across the city are being affected by the cuts. A little more than a month ago, CPS officials announced that sophomore sports were being discarded because of lack of money. Students not playing at varsity level would simply not have an official team to play on. Despite the difficulty of the situation, students are fighting back. Several Facebook groups have sprouted protesting the CPS cuts. On April 8, 2010, CPS students even organized a walk-out from school to march in front of the CPS building.
Debra Bustamante, a junior at Uplift, also attended the walkout with several other students. “CPS cannot keep cutting the programs that help students thrive in schools,” she says. “There is still hope for the future if we stick up for our rights.”
“I was directly affected because I’m a sophomore and I play volleyball,” says Bill Phan, a student at Lane Tech who attended the walk-out. “Lane Tech is taking it pretty hard and this is one way I am showing my support.”
All in all, the budget cuts are rousing debate across the city and leading to more protests and petitions. Students are finding creative ways to fight for what they believe in. It is up to CPS if they want to listen. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 45
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TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 47
on the court
Chicago Teen Going
Soccer Pro
by Fernando Garcia, Sophomore, Schurz High School
V
iewed as one of the best defensive players in the city of Chicago, Uriel Garcia is a rising star in the world of high school soccer. Because of his great 2009 season, Uriel’s team won their conference championship and made it to the semi-finals. But Urial’s accomplishments don’t end there; during the season Uriel was noticed for his defensive skills and was scouted to play with Chicago Fire Academy, and now has future plans of turning pro. The first time he was noticed for his skills was at the age of six. His mother would take him to play pickup games where he was eventually noticed by a coach, who later agreed to teach Uriel everything he knows about the sport of soccer. But he was originally inspired to play because his father used to play with the University of Mexico’s soccer team. “Soccer has always been an important part of my life,” Uriel explained. “Soccer is the one thing that I can never say no to.” Beyond his exceptional skills on the field, Uriel also proved himself to be a strong leader. During the middle of his last season, his team found themselves in a difficult situation. Several players started complaining about not getting enough playing time, which eventually created animosity within the team. Uriel and the second team captain eventually grew tired of all the fighting and bickering, so they decided to take the initiative and address the team. The speech ended up inspiring the team to regroup and overcome their differences. From then on they never had another issue about playing time.
“His mother would take him to play pickup games where he was eventually noticed by a coach, who later agreed to teach Uriel everything he knows about the sport of soccer.”
From playing in small fields to a possible future as a pro soccer player, Uriel has come very far in his short life. He is a perfect example of the possibilities out there for those who possess the drive to pursue greatness. “Never give up and always play hard because you never know who’s watching,” he added. 48 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Photo Credit: D. Trig Adams
The H o o p s H I G h Hype “Simeon was a power house on the hardwood, grid iron, AND on the baseball diamond.” Photo Credit: D. Trig Adams
Back in Action: Wolverine Style! BY Jamice Petty, Junior, North Lawndale College Prep Charter High School
S
imeon High’s baseball team, the Wolverines, have been impressive ever since the 1980’s. The key to their success is undoubtedly the leadership of their legendary head coach, Leroy Franklin. The 68-year-old, New Orleans native graduated from Grambling State University in 1966 and started coaching Simeon in 1975. Ever since then, this IHSA Baseball Hall-of-Famer has sent 26 players to the pros. He credits his success to “teaching the fundamentals, good defense, and being disciplined.” In the early 1980’s through the late 90’s, Simeon’s baseball team was phenomenal—five trips down state, fourteen city championship games, and a shelf full of trophies. Their conference record is 22-6, 12-2 in conference with the only two losses coming to Whitney Young High School. Simeon was a power house on the hardwood, grid iron, AND on the baseball diamond. Last year, however, Simeon’s legacy was put to the test. The first knock came to Richards High School, in an 11-1 loss. Two days later, the Wolverines suffered another defeat when they lost to St. Rita, 10-0. Despite all of this, four seniors still went on to graduate and now play in Division I schools. But now the Wolverines are back in action, having gone undefeated in their entire conference play. Simeon slammed Curie 23-4, and finished off the conference against Harlan. Sophomore, Blake Hickman, pitched a no-hitter in that game. Simeon also torched Agriculture High School 13-0, thanks to three innings of brilliant pitching; upset Richards High School 7-5 in Oak Lawn, and Blake Hickman pitched a phenomenal 3-hitter with 14 strikeouts against Harlan High School.
Quintin Richardson is the newest leader of the team, and has the entire team motivated to continue to exceed expectations. Needless to say, things are looking good for Simeon, and with a starting line-up of four freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, and only one senior, it may stay that way for quite a while.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 49
Scoop Jackson:
The Philosopher and Hood Scholar BY Jasmine Morales, Malcolm X College
A
ll successful people in life seem to share one common characteristic: confidence. It is the one most important attribute a person must have in order to achieve any goal that is set before them. Without confidence, you can easily let fear and doubt overcome you. But if confidence is so important to one’s success, how does someone develop the confidence to overcome their fears? Out of all the people I have met in my life, no one exudes confidence more than Scoop Jackson. If you’re not familiar with Scoop Jackson, let me fill you in. Scoop is a writer and sports journalist who has worked for many major publications, such as XXL, Slam Magazine, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, The Source and currently is a contributing writer for ESPN. He is also author of “Sole Provider: Thirty Years of Nike Basketball” and “The Last Black Mecca: Hip-Hop.” In addition, he makes appearances on ESPN Radio and ESPN TV. What set Scoop apart from his peers is that he developed a style of writing very different from the average writer. It’s opinionated, non-apologetic and you can be sure to take something from it and immediately apply it to life. But for those who respect and appreciate him, he is much more than just another writer. For me, he is a philosopher, a hood scholar! He is the best example of what I hope to be one day and this is why I chose to ask him, of all people, how he developed his self-confidence. Scoop grew up with many different influences around him. His travels have taken him around doctors, lawyers, business owners and many more movers and shakers. But like every community, there is always bad with the good. Oftentimes we young people allow the wrong individuals to influence us. Scoop, on the other hand, chose a different path. “Growing up, I never really knew what I was gonna do. As a kid, I was interested in a lot of stuff. I was a ‘quote on quote’ hustler. I mean, we from Chicago. This is the land of the Hustler. I used to lie about my age on applications just to work. I’ve seen people hustling legally and illegally. My thing was to keep it legal.” Scoop began working at the age of 14. His first job was at McDonald’s and he has been working ever since. But his road to ESPN was a long one. He began to take writing seriously while attending Howard University. It started with his letter of admittance. He wrote a letter to the editor in the school’s newspaper. It was published as a column and from that point on people began to take notice of that wise dude from Chicago. Although the response was good, Scoop still had to face adversity. His dream was to one day work for Sports Illustrated, but when they told him he’d never work for them in a million years, he was quickly brought to the reality that no matter how good he was people were not always going to appreciate what he has to offer. But anyone who knows Scoop understands that adversity is his best friend and with his best friend right by his side, he was able to take that rejection and turn it into his confidence. How, you might be asking? By simply telling himself everyday: “They ain’t never met nobody like me before.” 50 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“Scoop determined at a very young age that no matter the circumstances and obstacles in life, he would not allow skeptics to determine who he wouldbecome.” Scoop determined at a very young age that no matter the circumstances and obstacles in life, he would not allow skeptics to determine who he would become. Instead of making excuses for not being able to do this or that, he created reasons why he HAD to succeed. He recalls a point in time when his mother said something very influential to his thinking. “My mother used to have a saying that I carry with me all the time. She said black people have to dream their way through bars that don’t bend. We’re living in a prison state and we can’t bend these bars, we have to dream our way through those bars.” When we are in situations where it almost seems like our dreams and aspirations are impossible, we have to remind ourselves that many have come before us—and succeeded! By just appreciating this reality, you will be able to look at life and simply tell yourself: If they can do it, so can I. Every one of us realistically possesses the capacity to succeed. It is all a matter of developing the self-confidence to face and conquer our natural fears and insecurities. You need to dig deep within you and find the confidence to face the world. Remember that even though it is great to find inspiration in others, you will have to face your fears alone. “You have to tell yourself everyday that the world has never met anybody like me before. But you also have to go out and prove it. When you walk out the door and all you see is concrete around you, and there’s no way for you to get out, at some point you have to look at that concrete and say I have to be the rose that grew from within the concrete.”—Scoop Jackson