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FALL 2009
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REAL TALK 8 JROTC: CREATING TOMORROWS LEADERS By Adriana Rosales
10 LIVING IN THE SHADOWS By Jose Martinez
11 AIN’T NOBODY WORRYING By Joshua Turner
WTF…WHY’S TWITTER FUN By Breanna Hogan
12 COLLEGE MYTHS: DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE By Dilane Mitchell
UNDER THE RADAR 29 CHICAGO’S RISING STARS COVER STORY 30 NEW BOYZ THE JERK: ALL IN YOUR LEGS
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YOUNG LUV 42 SURVIVING INFIDELITY By Cynthia Paz
CLEVER WAYS TO CATCH A CHEATER By Miguel Gilmore
43 MEETING THE PARENTS
By Bria Cross
By Arthur Jones & Brittany Sloan
THRU DA WIRE 32 MY MUSIC HAS NO COLOR
By Breanna Hogan
By Deleska Charleston
KANYE WEST’S TAKE ON EDUCATION By Benita Brown
MUSIC TO MY TEARS
ON THE COURT 44 HOOPS HIGH HYPE: A PLAYER TO WATCH
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MICHAEL JACKSON
By Ashley Shaffer
14 AIM HIGH: AIM FOR THE STARS
By Toni Green
By Precious Henderson
Afua Asantewaa & Dilane Mitchell
TEEN BIZ 36 INVESTING 101
COLLEGE AID: YOU HAVE CHOICES By Ashley Mathis
WRITE TO ACHIEVE 14 A TIME FOR ACTION Jayme Robinson
By Mario Gage
WHY THE OLYMPICS WOULD BE GOOD FOR CHICAGO By Myles Gage
FASHION 18 OH NO YOU DIDN’T By Adriana Rosales
EX-SOLDIER TO MAKE A BANG IN FASHION By Diana Gonzales
19 RATED “T” FOR THICK By Melinda Lee
20 TRUE STAR ACADEMY HIGH ACHIEVERS
28 REAL TEEN FASHION
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLYMPIC BID By Tashawn Tyus
LOCAL CONCERNS ABOUT 2016 BID By Stephanie Kuwornu
HOOPS HIGH REACHES THE SKY
45 A GAME OF MANY LANDS By Jasmine Morales
46 LADY AND A CHAMP By Kyle Bailey
OUTSIDE THE RING By Simeon Frierson
FRESHMAN CONNECTIONS 48 FRESHMAN 15 By Karolina Skerrett & Brian Lewis
THE BEAN
INSIDE & OUT 38 THE “C” SHAPED MONSTER
By Desiray Bonilla & Ashley Garcia
By Jameliah Salter
By Steven C. Hall
49 WHAT’S IN A NAME
THE DANGERS OF SEXTING
50 TRUE STAR HISTORY
By Jayme Robinson & April Flores
By Manoucheka Airey
40 THE HEALTH INSURANCE-LESS GENERATION By Adriana Rosales
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TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 1130 SOUTH WABASH SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605 312.588.0100 OFFICE • 312.588.0175 FAX TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 5
KJ Editors Letter
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JK
t’s about that time when we put our summer clothes back in our closets to come out and stunt for the “hood season.” But it is also a time of Celebration— True Star Magazine is celebrating its “Sweet 16!” In this back-to-school issue, True Star covers numerous issues concerning teens, from gay teens coming out to infidelity to financial awareness. You will also find insight on the insurance-less generation and much more to start the school year with a clear slate. This issue features an exclusive interview with Cali’s own The New Boyz, creators of the dance craze Jerkin’. We also have coverage of Kanye West’s “Loop Dreams” and a look back at the life and music of Michael Jackson. TrueStar staff members have been privileged to a lot of recent opportunities, including visiting the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, doing a segment on “Youth Talk Back” with The International Sunday School Broadcast, and a feature on Channel 7 News! In addition, we are launching a teen hosted and produced radio show with Power 92 for those who want to be in the broadcasting business. True Star staff has worked extremely hard to create the largest media program for Chicago young people by networking with organizations like the Kanye West Foundation, Songz for Peace, JROTC and The International Sunday School Broadcast. We hope that you savor the taste of the mind candy you are about to read. Enjoy!
Adriana “Nani” Rosales Freshman, Wright College
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUESTAR MAGAZINE CONTACT US at: Letters to TrueStar • 1130 South Wabash • Suite 302 • Chicago, Il 60605-2717 Letters become the property of TrueStar and may be edited for publication. EMAIL soundoff@truestarmagazine.com
HIT UP TRUESTAR ONLINE FACEBOOK: TRUESTAR MAG - MYSPACE.COM/MYTRUESTAR – TWITTER.COM: TRUESTARMAG
Executive Directors J. Na’Tae Thompson DeAnna McLeary
Creative Staff
Sports Writing Staff
Aaron Ingram
Creative Staff
Michael Mahaffy
Karlee Williams
Simeon High School
Crane High School
Arienna Ampey
Julian High School
Kyle Bailey
Deyonica Shelby
Instructors
Instructors
Antoinette Hubbard
Instructor
Whitney Hawkins
Ramona Little
Polina Zionts
Christy Bonstell
Ashley Jefferson
Rhonda Jackson
Natasha Bardney
Davey Hines
Jack M Silverstein
Avonte Simmons
Jalen Talbert
Kyle Hill
Monique Archer
Angelina Conway
Breanna Hogan
Jaylin McClinton
Ashlee Jordan
Toni Green
Kendra Bogard
Shimanda Corbin
Brienna Lacoste
Kareema Davis
Qi-Ante’ Alexander
Deleska Charleston
Devon Boyson
Kyree Evans
Christopher Roberts
Mariah Anderson
Xavier O’Neal
Demeris Campbell
Brianna Byrd
Erin Ewing
Clifton Moore Jr.
Devon Bussell
Ocie Duncan IV
TiAnna Coats
Simeon Frierson
Daniel Merrick
Ja’Wuan McGee
Markise Wilson
Freshman
Cherell German
Tracie Hall
Dante Orange
Amber Williams
Marquise Johnson
Connection
Anshaunti Hillery
Jasmin Hernandez
Destiney Minor
Jevale Pegues
Bernard Briscoe
Instructors
Art Direction
Darius Hillery
Shakeymah Hill
Devion Johnson
Bria Wells
Marquise Johnson
Thasia Gee
Design and Illustration
Joy Heard
Catrina Hudson
Devon Williams
Corinne Reed
Afua Asantewaa
Mireya Acierto
James Hudson
Dominique Johnson
Devontre Spears
Elizabeth Stevens
LaNaisa Lee
Tenesha Johnson
Dion Boyd
Ryan Patterson
Editorial Staff
Tarji Smedley
Yasmeen Muhammad
Jasmine Morales
Elijah Hudley
Alexandria Jones
Crane High School
Shannon Smith
Kevin Stanfield
Tomira Pryor
James Hutcherson
Daimon Hampton
Instructor
Althea Legaspi
Damitrius Sweet
Shaquita Sturgeon
Kasi Ofem
Kia Weathersby
Veronica Harrison
Marzena Abrahamik
Larry Toliver
Christal Tanksley
Lateshia Wiley
Olashade Popoola
Adonis Wagner
Calresha Temple
Marcel Jackson
Ariel Henderson
Amber Wright
Paig Williams
Markwan Wiley
Brandon Williams
Tashayla Baker
Art Director:
Patrevonte Ozia
Rashaan Meador
Ebony Haynes
Diante Lee
Kendra Bogard
Web Blogging Staff
Sales and
Jeremiah Caldwell
Assistant Art Director:
Morgan Park High School Steven Hall
Marketing Staff
Johnathan Cooley
Joy Heard
Instructors
Tamara Dufresne
South Shore High School
Joshua Turner
Project Manager:
Joi Mitchell
Tiffany Carter
Instructor
Bria Cross
Darius Hillery
Rashaan Meador
Trenton Arnold
Floyd Glinsey
Iketta Ballard
Sania Erwin
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE WOULD LIKE TO THANK CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL’S SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (SLC) FOR THEIR SUPPORT, WITHOUT THEM MUCH OF THE WORK BEING DONE ON BEHALF OF YOUTH WOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE.
6 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
Managing Editor Jack Silverstein Student Editorial Assistants Maya Powe Shannon Smith Dilane Mitchell
Angel D’ Amico Photo Coordinator Mireya Acierto Special Projects Manager Deshaun Adams Philistine Thompson Marketing & Outreach Specialist Kikanza Harris Director Integrated Marketing & Sales Floyd Glinsey Account Executive Carlin Tools Administrative Assistants Cinderalla Walls Janine Hart
CONTRIBUTORS QUESTIONS TO THE CONTRIBUTORS 1. THIS IS OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ISSUE, A TIME FOR STUDENTS TO RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM REFRESHED AND MOTIVATED. IN WHAT NEW WAYS DO YOU PLAN TO PUSH YOURSELF ACADEMICALLY IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR? AND EXTRA-CURRICULARLY? 2. WHILE THE MAJORITY OF TRUESTAR STAFF MEMBERS ARE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL, MANY WILL BE SPENDING THIS SCHOOL YEAR ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS. HOW HAS WORKING FOR TRUESTAR AFFECTED YOUR POST-HIGH SCHOOL GOALS? 3. WITH NO SCHOOL STRUCTURE DEMANDING YOUR TIME, THE SUMMER IS A TIME FOR NEW EXPERIENCES. WHAT NEW EXPERIENCES FROM THIS SUMMER WILL SHAPE YOU IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR? 4. TRUESTAR IS CELEBRATING ITS 16TH ISSUE. SEND IT SOME BIRTHDAY LOVE! Afua Asantewaa Junior, Latin School of Chicago Advertising Sales & Marketing 1. This year is my junior year so I plan to stay focused, communicate with teachers, and push myself to complete all homework because in the past I’ve realized that is the first step to getting good grades. Extra-curricular wise I plan on working hard and setting goals for my volleyball and track seasons and off season I’ll try to get in the gym and work out. 2. Well I already knew I was going to college but Truestar has given me a better idea of what I would like to major in. 3. In Truestar we learned a lot of marketing and networking skills. I’ve realized networking is a big part of gaining new experiences and possible job opportunities so that is one thing I will take on this school year. 4. Happy Birthdayyy Truestarr!!! Lol
Alexandria Jones Senior, Julian High School Graphic Design 1. This coming school year I plan to push myself by taking advanced placement classes at Julian as well as downtown with Gallery 37. For extra activities I plan on getting more involved with the yearbook, newspaper, and having more school spirit. 2. Working with True Star has opened my eyes to the many opportunities that different organizations have to offer. My post high school goals now include working with a magazine because True Star has shown me that I love it. 3. The greatest and newest experience was working for True Star and I believe when I start my graphics class my knowledge will come from working with True Star. 4. I would love to congratulate True Star on its big 16 and hope there will be many more.
Kendra Bogard Senior, Simeon Career Academy Graphic Design 1. I plan to push myself further academically by completing all assignments, staying on task and focusing on the bigger picture at hand. My extra-curricular goal is to join the dance team at my school and perform for homecoming. 2. It actually helped me a lot. I learned that you’re going to have to make some changes to be treated the way you want, and present yourself the way you want to be approached. 3. Everyone has a job and a deadline. It doesn’t matter who finishes first, as long as it’s good quality work and is turned in on time. I plan to apply that to my schoolwork. 4. TRUESTAR! A great place to work and hang out with your friends, as well as meet new friends! It’s a welcoming environment and you learn a lot in class and on outings. You’ll learn something new! THANKS TRUESTAR AND HAPPY SWEET 16! Shaquita Sturgeon Junior, Crane High School Sports Writing 1. Focusing more on my work and studying more. Also staying away from negative people. 2. I like to write about all types of topics and TrueStar helped me become a better writer. 3. I learned more about sports while working in this program. I didn’t really know anything about sports. So now when I go to our school’s games I won’t be confused like I used to be. 4. Happy Sweet 16 True Star!!
Jayme Robinson Sophomore, Schurz Editorial 1. My freshman year I played around a lot but I passed by the skin of my teeth. This year I plan on paying more attention in class, and I plan on getting tutored. I really don’t pay attention to extra-curricular activities but next year I plan on trying out for track, softball, and tennis, which I’ve never played. 2. My post-high school goals have changed dramatically. I never really thought I was a good writer but TrueStar changed that. I learned and listened so much. I found out I was a pretty good writer and that I could only go forward in my writing ability. I want to become a writer now, and one of my goals is to write a book. 3. Most of my new experiences come from TrueStar. I interviewed people, an experience that was scary but unforgettable. I researched and learned new things, but most important was that I met all new friends. All of this would have never happened without TrueStar. I am more open-minded and more social which will help me in the new school year. 4. Happy birthday TrueStar! I will never, ever, ever forget this WONDERFUL magazine and my experience. You are the heart and soul of teen magazines. You bring new teen trends and helpful information for teens today. I am happy about the 16th issue but I can’t wait to see the 100th. Much love!!!!!!!!!!! TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 7
REAL TALK
Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders BY ADRIANA ROSALES SOPHOMORE, WRIGHT COLLEGE
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hat comes to mind when you think of Chicago Public School’s Military Academy and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)? Most teenagers think it means being in the military. But with just a little research you will find out that the program has a world of opportunities available beyond just military. JROTC’s primary goal is to motivate young people to become better citizens while helping them develop discipline, determination and the self-confidence needed to make it in today’s world. Many traditional schools leave you to learn life skills on your own but participating in programs like JROTC helps build leadership, gives exciting experiences like taking part in the inaugural parade for the 44th president and can ultimately shape your career whether you want a job in the regular working world or one with the military. One of the biggest advantages of JROTC is a guaranteed good impression in the eyes of employers. With “Military Academy” on your resume, an employer can safely assume you are a mature person and have the relevant skills to do the job. The other side of military education is at the college level – The United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA West Point). By law, graduates of USMA West Point automatically serve in the U.S. Army for a minimum of five years. So as a young man or woman considering options after high school you may wonder what unique aspects USMA West Point has to offer. Besides being one of the most highly respected quality education programs in the nation, a USMA West Point cadetship includes $400,000 of education. A recent graduate of USMA West Point and Chicago’s South Shore School of Leadership, Lynn Nelson Jones II, states the biggest impact of his military education was a structured environment and the opportunity to see a different side of the world. He also said the most emphasized component of the program is the academics. USMA West Point offers a variety of academic tracts from engineering, to business management, to chemistry, to foreign language and law. To help 8 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
students keep up with the rigorous curriculum cadets are issued wireless laptops which allow them to travel around campus and still get their work done. “My plan was to keep a positive attitude, and to learn as much as possible,” said Jones. Though he classifies the academics at the school as “fierce” he also thinks his experience in JROTC helped prepare him for the competitive curriculum. Jones believes the combination of JROTC and USMA West Point will help him become a role model for his family and other minorities as well as mentor youth and assist them in gaining financial stability and the confidence to go to college. Graciela Orantes is another example of a committed cadet. She was involved in JROTC at the Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville (CMA-B) and is also a USMA West Point graduate. “JROTC has helped me outside of school. The instructors mentored me and helped me be successful academically, so that I can help my mom out,” said Orantes. She is also grateful for the way her military education has molded her and helped her overcome many tribulations within her household. Another graduate of USMA West Point and alumnus of CMA-B, Alonzo McNeal, described the personal development he received from his JROTC education as the catalyst for being where he is today. “Going through this process of leadership development makes you a better person physically and mentally. My instructors were such a positive influence in my life that it eventually inspired me to follow in their footsteps so that I can influence others,” said McNeal. If you have interest in participating in JROTC or attending a military school you can call Area 26 Office of Military Schools and JROTC at 773.534.9770 or check out their Web site at www.chicagojrotc.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: DIGITAL STUDIO17 WWW.DIGITALSTUDIO17.COM
“MANY TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS LEAVE YOU TO LEARN LIFE SKILLS ON YOUR OWN BUT PARTICIPATING IN PROGRAMS LIKE JROTC HELPS BUILD AND SHAPE YOUR CAREER WHETHER YOU WANT A JOB IN THE REGULAR WORKING WORLD OR ONE WITH THE MILITARY.”
JROTC FACTS: • JROTC will assist in future success: Chicago Public Schools has the largest JROTC Program in the nation with 10,000 students in 44 programs. they help develop important skills like leadership, teamwork, discipline and innovative thinking.
• JROTC helps with college tuition: Cadets are eligible for one to four years of college scholarships
• Be a JROTC representative at special events: whether it’s the Taste of Chicago, the National Drill Competition in Daytona, Florida, or international visits to France and Italy, cadets serve as color guards, ushers, and participants for school, city and community events
• Joining the military is not required: you will learn important skills to prepare you for college or work after high school; there is NO military obligation. TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 9
Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ BY JOSHUA TURNER SENIOR, GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
“WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR COMMUNITY, IF YOU CAN LOOK OUTSIDE AND SAY THAT YOU’RE OKAY WITH WHAT’S GOING ON, THEN THAT’S QUITE ALRIGHT. BUT IF YOU CAN’T HONESTLY SAY ANY OF THAT, THEN STAND UP.”
hat do you do if you feel no one else cares about you? What do you do when you think no one wants to hear what you want to say? What do you do when you feel no one around you wants to do the right thing? What happens when people have the capability to do the right thing, but are afraid to do so? Do you become quiet and let everyone talk over you? Do you do the wrong thing with everyone else? Do you continue to be afraid and sit back in the shadows, even when you know you can make a difference? If you can look outside and say that you’re okay with what’s going on in your community, then that’s quite alright. But if you feel a drastic change is needed within your neighborhood, if you feel your community is degrading at an alarming rate and you feel you can make a difference, then
STAND UP. And if you’re already standing, then start TALKING. Make a voice for yourself. They say, “If you stand for nothing, you fall for anything.” I say, “If we stand together, we’ll overcome everything.” In our African American communities, you can sit there and say there’s a lot being done to improve the urban, impoverished communities of our country. Even according to some of our nation’s politicians, most of them are able to sit back in their comfortable lifestyles and say through a television set that everything is being done to help our communities for our young, urban generation. This is not meant to point fingers. I am not trying to blame anyone for what happened in the past. You can call this an Awareness, or an Uplift. If nothing
WTF…
Why’s Twitter Fun?
else has been before, call this an Inspiration. It’s the Motivation, and as African Americans we have to start a Movement, a positive one at that. If you are between the ages of 13 and 25, you are the ones who need to listen up and stand up, the ones who need to make the positive differences that we will need for our future. I put the spotlight on the poverty-stricken African American communities because we need the most help in building up our neighborhoods. I don’t think most of you need to be reminded about what goes on in our communities: the domestic disputes, the drug trafficking that goes on heavily within our “hoods,” and all of the gun violence. Without going too deeply into all of that, the main thing we need to do, especially as a young African American community, is come together.
IS BREANNA WRONG ABOUT TWITTER? SET HER STRAIGHT ON THE BLOG AT WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM.
BY BREANNA HOGAN JUNIOR, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
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oes anyone know the deal with this whole Twitter thing? None of my friends are on it but lately it’s been the source of so much drama among celebrities, from Soulja Boy and Jo Jo Simmons to Solange Knowles battling cyber bullies for her sister. Even politicians are using Twitter to discuss their political issues. From what I’ve heard, it just seems like people are using it to share every detail of every second of their lives. Sounds real annoying to me. As if I don’t get enough of that on Facebook: “I’m bored”… “I’m sad”… “I missed my bus”… Who cares? Now there’s a whole website dedicated to being annoying? No thank you!
What are you doing?
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 11
PHOTO CREDIT: LEAH SMITH
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Don’t Believe the Hype BY DILANE MITCHELL SOPHOMORE, HOWARD UNIVERSITY
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o now it’s September and you are ready to begin your college experience. College is one of those places where you really don’t know what it is like until you get there. Therefore, some myths have developed around colleges, how they work, and what the experience is like for each person. However, for the benefit of all involved we’re going to clear them up for all our FTIC (First Time in College) students.
Myth: I can already tell I am going to love/hate my roommate. Truth: No you can’t. Everyone hangs out with their roommate the first few weeks of college because at first you really don’t know anyone else, but as you get to know your roommate better and learn more about them you may change how you feel about them. Don’t jump to any conclusions.
Myth: I’m never going to take a class before 10 AM! Truth: Yes you are. Probably several. Some classes are only offered at 8 or 9 AM. Trust me: I’ve been there. Not pleasant, but ‘tis life.
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College professors don’t care about their students.
Truth:
Yes they do, but only the ones who do work and put forth effort in class. You get back what you put in, no more or less.
Myth: I can only buy textbooks from the bookstore. Truth: Please don’t! Try websites like eBay, Amazon, and Alibris, or used books from older students before you purchase books from the bookstore. It will save you hundreds every semester.
College Aid: You Have Choices BY ASHLEY MATHIS SENIOR, SCHURZ HIGH SCHOOL
“BEGIN YOUR SEARCH FOR COLLEGE CASH BY RESEARCHING GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. WHETHER IN ILLINOIS OR OUT OF STATE, KNOWING THE GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS THAT ARE AVAILABLE WILL BE A GREAT HELP."
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or most upcoming 2010 seniors, the anticipation for college is drawing near. In the middle of all this excitement, dollar signs are sure to appear…not for you, but for your college tuition. Lots of students come up short when trying to pay to further their education and end up resorting to loans. But don’t fret:
college or university. Students can earn anywhere from $7.15 to $9.00 per hour. If this sounds like something you might want to do, visit the U.S. Department of Education website (www.ed.gov) to see if you are eligible.
you do have choices. There are other ways to pay for college without relaying on student loans.
You are going to have to do some reading to save some money. Books such as College Financial Aid for Dummies helps students and their parents get a clear understanding of how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form as well as how to find money for tuition you won’t have to pay back. You can pick up these books at your local library or buy them at a
Begin your search for college cash by researching grants and scholarships. Whether in Illinois or out of state, knowing the grants and scholarships that are available will be a great help. Go to the college website of your choice and also visit websites such as www.zinch.com and www.fastweb.com to help find grants and scholarships that fit your study field. Federal Work-Study (FSW) is another way to earn money for your tuition. This program gives students part-time jobs on-campus while they are attending a 12 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
bookstore. Exploring all other options before signing your name on a loan can be beneficial and save money for you and your family. Time is money and if you put in the effort to search for college tuition you can be sure that some money will come your way.
PHOTO CREDIT: KAMERI JACKSON
College Myths:
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 13
AIM High A
PHOTO CREDIT: DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS & RICKY POWELL
AIM for the Stars
BY AFUA ASANTEWAA, JUNIOR, LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO DILANE MITCHELL, SOPHOMORE, HOWARD UNIVERSITY
re you a student looking to do better in school but don’t know where to turn? Do you need to improve your grades in preparation for college admissions? AIM High might just be the program for you.
“My grade in math was an F and the counselor suggested [AIM High]. The teacher actually sat down and explained to me what to do. My grade in math came up from an F to a B. I had to stay after school from 3 to 4 for math. It was a lot of hands-on help. That is what made me feel comfortable.”
AIM High is an after-school tutoring program designed to improve students’ grades and strengthen their work ethic. The after-school program creates an environment for teens that encourages learning and curiosity with its small class sizes and caring teachers.
– Deonna Edwards, Graduate, Crane High School
These days, the college admissions process is getting more and more complex; doing well in high school is the first step to getting into your dream university. Don’t let your friends or your pride hold you back from an opportunity that could change your life. Take charge of your academics and set a higher bar for yourself by joining AIM High. It’s FREE to register, so grab a friend and sign up today! Here’s what a few AIM High students said about their experience…
“They treated me like one of their students. They talked to my Survey Literature teacher to see what I could do to bring my grade up. Even when I didn’t have homework, they made up questions to keep me on track.” – Martese Jenkins, Sophomore, Hyde Park High School 14 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
“AIM High brought my grade from a D to a B. They made it fun, they created games and they kept my interest. It was much easier to learn, and the teachers always being there helped a lot.” – Abril Flores, Junior, Steinmetz “My geometry instructor was a great instructor and he was cool. He was also my band director so it was a natural connection between us. The tricks he taught me were very helpful.” – Brandon Cunningham, Graduate, Crane High School AIM High can raise your grades with caring teachers, games and incentives to motivate your performance. It’s FREE to register, so sign up today!
To learn how you can ride the fast track to success,
CALL 773.553.3590
•
REGISTRATION CODE 100
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 15
“A writer needs three things, experience, observation, and imagination, any two...can supply the lack of the others.” —William Faulkner
BMOA
Presents…
The 2009 Write to Achieve Contest True Star Foundation and the Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) are calling all creative writers. If you write everything down, carry a notebook wherever you go, or think words are the best tools of expression - then this is the contest for you. Send us your best poetry, short story, or essay for a chance to be our Write to Achieve! Winner. To enter, send your work to wta@truestarmagazine.com or mail to: P.O. Box 805080, Chicago, IL 60680-4112.
Winner will receive: • An iPod • $25 McDonald’s gift card • Publication in TrueStar Magazine. Rules: Contestants must be in grades 5 - 12 and can only enter in one of three categories, poetry, short story, or essay by Feburary,15, 2010. Pieces must be between 250 - 1000 words. For more information e-mail or visit us at wta@truestarmagazine.com, www.facebook. com/truestarmag, www.truestarfoundation.org and 312.588.0100.
Rules and Regulations: No purchase necessary to enter. Contestants must be in grades 5-12 as of February 15, 2010. Creative writing pieces (maximum 1000 words) may be submitted to wta@truestarmagazine.com. All entries must be received by February 15, 2010. The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA), True Star Foundation and True Star Magazine are not responsible for lost, stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, or misdirected submissions. Entries will be judged at the sole discretion of the judges based on category, originality, writing style, quality of work, and adherence to contest guidelines. The use of profanity and/or explicit language is strictly prohibited. The decisions of the judges are final. All submissions must be original and may not have been previously published works. The winner and other honorable mention award winners will be notified by telephone or e-mail. By entering your creative writing piece in this contest, you agree to the rules and regulations and will allow the BMOA to have non-exclusive license use of your submitted work. Entrants will retain copyright ownership of his/her work submitted.
write it down
A TIME
For Action IN
order to get somewhere in life you need to be ambitious. Teens tend to be lazy and content with playing video games and being on the phone all day, but if you want to make something out of your life you need the drive and willingness to become more active in your future. Be proactive by setting goals. After all, if you don’t have goals then how can you achieve anything? Begin your path of productivity by setting short term goals that you can complete easily, then move on to long terms goals that will take more time and persistence. Say that you would like to better your grades. Then do it. Start by getting a piece of paper and writing down your goal, then ask yourself, “What do I need to do to make my goal happen?” “I always tell kids to write down [their goals] to make it permanent,” says Marlita Ingram, a student counselor at Foreman High School. Ingram talks
BY JAYME ROBINSON SOPHOMORE, SCHURZ HIGH SCHOOL
regularly to students about the importance of setting goals. “Put [your goals] in your room or on your refrigerator or on your mirror.” Once you have set your goal and written down the necessary steps to get organized, figure out a schedule. Start a to-do list or use a daily planner and manage your time so you can be organized and make the best decisions. Good advice and motivation are also key elements to completing your goals. Having a mentor can help. A mentor is somebody who is influential in your life and supports you in what you do. Sit down and ask that person: “What kept you going to accomplish one of your goals?”” Don’t be afraid to share your problems with them and ask questions. You can never get too much information. If you don’t accomplish your initial goal don’t be discouraged. Set a new one and move on. The important thing to remember is that by setting goals you have taken the initiative to not just get somewhere in life, but to be in control of where you are going.
The Scholar Group
BY DAVEY HINES, SOPHOMORE, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL The Scholar Group. Sounds boring right? Wrong. Founded by a pair of 16-year-olds, the group is known for throwing dope parties at the Harold Washington Cultural Center dubbed ‘No School Mondays’ on days before a Monday with no school. The group was founded last year by old friends Steele Collins of Hubbard and Benjamin Henry of Morgan Park, and their parents. From 7 p.m. to midnight, the party rages. And for only ten bucks! But the Scholar Group does more than just throw a great party. They unite teens from across the city. Mount Carmel to De La Salle, Kenwood to Whitney Young, high school students from all over Chicago come to 47th and King Drive to party and intermingle. So if you’re ever bored one Sunday night and have no school the next day, check out a Scholar party. TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 17
PHOTO CREDIT: JOEL FAULKNER
goals
how to achieve my goal
FASHION
Oh NO Dear Fellas, Now I don’t know when or how or why this new trend started, but it’s time to put a stop to this once and for all. Guys, girls do not (and I repeat: Do Not) like guys who dress like girls!
BY ADRIANA ROSALES FRESHMAN, WRIGHT COLLEGE Another thing: what gave you the impression that it was okay or cool to rock girly kicks? First, the pointy dress shoes are much too sleek to be manly. Second, if a pair of kicks have any combination of pink, purple or fuscia, chances are they were made for girls, which means—for all those who still
First of all, since when has it become cute to wear jeans as tight as your girl does? When your pants are so tight that it takes away from your masculine appearance, it’s an absolute turn off and it makes you look, to put it plainly, feminine. If you don’t do the baggy thing, then wearing your pants fitted (not tight) should do just fine. Second, the colors that guys are wearing now are much too flamboyant. It’s cool that dudes are trying new trends, but some of it is just completely overdone. It’s okay to wear a few colors that compliment one another, but when it’s a mixture of random colors, it screams out that you’re dying for attention. And in our eyes, that makes you look desperate and therefore unattractive.
don’t get it—they were NOT made for boys. Got it? Good. At the end of the day, you want to make sure your gear reflects your personality. If your personality is rather feminine, don’t expect most girls to be attracted to that. If your personality is not feminine, then your gear should not confuse us into thinking it is. Most importantly, whatever it is you decide to do with your style, make sure that you preserve your masculinity above all. Because as strange as it may seem to you guys, girls are most attracted to your manly qualities. Somewhere along the line, the guys of our generation overlooked this ever-important reality. Don’t make the same mistake!
Ex-solider Makes A Bang In Fashion BY DIANA GONZALES SOPHOMORE, SCHURZ HIGH SCHOOL
D
o you know what the Jonas Brothers and Kanye West have in common? Besides being top-selling musicians, they both wear the same fashion accessory: a bullet casing around their neck. Rafi Anteby, owner of the clothing line Shadang, founded a new jewelry line named Bullets 4 Peace, which is now getting a lot of attention. Other than serving as just a trendy fashion accessory, Bullets 4 Peace—available online at bullets4peace.com—intends to spread a positive message of peace and world unity. Each piece of jewelry is literally made out of real bullet casings and represents the countless lives lost to gun violence every day. With the help of a non-profit organization named Every Bullet Has a Target, a portion of every piece of jewelry sold goes towards the prevention of violence across the globe. While serving four years as an officer in the Israeli army, Anteby experienced his own fair share of violence first hand. “I’ve witnessed many conflicts throughout my life including wars in the Middle East and violence in Africa, and I am always amazed how mankind takes the beautiful world we are given and, unfortunately, fills it with chaos and mayhem. We live in a very sensitive time and space and I feel a strong need to make a statement that not only raises awareness, but also gives back to the community.” Anteby’s originality and talent has given socially-conscious fashion consumers a new way to make a strong statement towards peace and against violence. 18 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
“OTHER THAN SERVING AS JUST A TRENDY FASHION ACCESSORY, BULLETS 4 PEACE INTENDS TO SPREAD A POSITIVE MESSAGE OF PEACE AND WORLD UNITY."
Rated
“T” for THICK BY CYNTHIA PAZ GRADUATE, ECA HIGH SCHOOL
IN
the 2000’s it seems that thin is in no longer “in.” Thanks to hiphop’s rise to mainstream popularity, women have become more comfortable with their shape. Thin women are no longer the golden standard of beauty. Obsessive dieting and insecurities are starting to become a thing of the past. Women of all shapes and sizes have adopted a “this is who I am, take it or leave it” philosophy. But despite the seemingly positive outcome of this revolutionary development, one could also look at this as just another group of women who will be just as objectified as thin women once were. In other words: does the new-found confidence that thicker women now possess justify being objectified in popular media?
In this day and age, many hip-hop music videos carelessly promote negative images of women. Mostly ethnic women are seen in popular hip-hop culture as sex objects. Most hip-hop videos show many scantily clad women dancing around the artists. Instead of the artist, the focal points of the videos are the women’s body parts shaking for the camera. To complement the ambiance, the song lyrics are usually sexually explicit, suggesting that women are nothing more than a piece of meat. Furthermore, degrading women is more popular than ever with rap’s glorification of the “Pimp” lifestyle. Of course not all of the hip-hop culture revolves around degrading women, but a vast majority does. And because the culture shows women who are thicker in size, and because hip-hop is the mainstream, the media is broadening the standards to include thicker women as sexual objects. This change from only thin girls to thicker women has started a new way of thinking. Women are starting to become more comfortable in their own skin. They see women on the television that actually have something to shake. Now having thick thighs and hips is seen as a positive thing, so women don’t try as hard to get rid of their extra meat. They flaunt it and feel confident, unlike before when more meat meant too much to handle.
It seems in this case that the ends justify the means and we have to take the good with the bad. Who knows—maybe in the future the standard of beauty will expand even more.
PHOTO CREDIT: DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS
Personally, I am amazed that something that is generally perceived as chauvinistic actually boosts women’s confidence as opposed to making them feel insecure. The women in pop culture are still viewed as pieces of meat whether thick or thin. So is it better to be noticed in a bad way than not noticed at all?
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 19
Lee England Jr. Finalist in “Diddy’s Making His Band” “Get a manger. You need the help of someone who knows the industry.”
Charley Curran Savannah College of Art and Design “If anyone truly wants to excel you cannot limit yourself. If you’re smart, dedicated, and want a challenge, you can beat anyone. “
Barbara Boska All-City Art Exhibition Portfolio Winner “Try and decide what you enjoy doing in high school so that you can be prepared in choosing your major and what you would like to do in the future.”
Tim Bingham Cornell College “Dedication to something you love will always get you far. Never stop doing what you love to do because it will repay you in time.”
HIGH ACHIEVERS ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE AND
REACHING THEIR DREAMS
Stan Brown Lamar University “Always work hard and never be too good to listen.”
Chris Colvin Iowa State University “Just make smart decisions and go hard on everything that you do.”
Biyang Wang Princeton University “Be active in your interests. Know yourself and be yourself. “
Elise Brooks Science Academy Senior Project Program “Never settle for anything less than what you want. There is no sense in stopping if you can keep going.”
Leilani Howell Western Illinois University “Set a goal, believe that goal, plan for it to happen, and finally make it happen.”
Nikole Sell University of Illinois at Chicago “Stay in touch with your feelings, get good grades, be friendly and don’t let others bring you down!”
Halle Abby “Work as hard as possible. Many times people slack off and to accomplish anything great, a great deal of work has to go into it.”
Jennifer Jones Western Illinois University “Have fun and let dance express what words can’t.”
Noholey Rodriguez Robert Morris University “Never give up. Nothing is easy in this world. You have to search for it and find it.”
Angel Harold Full Ride Scholar SAIC “I’ve learned to take opportunities and learn as much as I can.”
TRUE STAR ACADEMY’S BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST
THE MARIE CURIE DANCERS ACCEPTED TO THE DISNEY DANCE PROGRAM
JENNIFER JONES
Western Illinois University “Have fun and let dance express what words can’t.” Clothes: White Fedora - H&M Purple Tie Dye Tank - GAP Navy V-neck Tee - GAP White Vest - GAP Purple Jeans - GAP Ballet Flats - ADIDAS Scarf – True Star Closet PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIREYA ACIERTO
NOHOLEY RODRIGUEZ
Robert Morris University “Never give up. Nothing is easy in this world. You have to search for it and find it.” Clothes: Pink Button Down - GAP Striped Cardigan - GAP Yellow Jeans - GAP Ballet Flats - ADIDAS Suspenders – True Star Closet
NIKOLE SELL
University of Illinois at Chicago “Stay in touch with your feelings, get good grades, be friendly and don’t let others bring you down!” Clothes: Gold Hoops - H&M White Tank - GAP Striped Halter - GAP Pink Jeans - Buffalo Exchange Ballet Flats - ADIDAS
WARDROBE STYLIST TIFFANY SUTTON
LEILANI HOWELL
Western Illinois University “Set a goal, believe that goal, plan for it to happen, and finally make it happen.” Clothes: Tan Wicker Fedora - H&M Yellow Tee - GAP Red Jeans - GAP Ballet Flats - ADIDAS
HAIR ANTHONY BALTAZAR
MAKEUP KRYSTYN JOHNSON
THE WHITNEY YOUNG JOCKS MEMBERS OF THE STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
CHRIS COLVIN
Iowa State University “Just make smart decisions and go hard on everything that you do.” Clothes: Grey Varsity Jacket - Saint Alfred White Tee Shirt – Chris’ own Purple Tee With Black - Saint Alfred Black Button-down - Old Navy Jeans - Chris’ own Red Gym Shoes - Saint Alfred
22 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
STAN BROWN
Lamar University “Always work hard and never be too good to listen.” Clothes: G Hat - Saint Alfred Royal Blue Zip-up - H&M Grey Button-down Shirt - Old Navy Jeans and Shoes – Stan’s own
THE WALTER PAYTON BRAINS
WINNERS OF THE CHASE URBAN DEBATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
CHARLEY CURRAN
TIM BINGHAM
Cornell College “Dedication to something you love will always get you far. Never stop doing what you love to do because it will repay you in time.” Clothes: Glasses - Buffalo Exchange Navy/White Polka Dot Bow Tie - H&M Green Button-down - H&M Sox Hat and Jeans - Tim’s own High Tops - ADIDAS
HALLE ABY
“Work as hard as possible. Many times people slack off and to accomplish anything great, a great deal of work has to go into it.” Clothes: Gold Hoops - H&M Track Jacket - ADIDAS Purple Dress - H&M Gym Shoes, ADIDAS
Savannah College of Art and Design “If anyone truly wants to excel you cannot limit yourself. If you’re smart, dedicated, and want a challenge, you can beat anyone.“ Clothes: Tee Shirt, ADIDAS Navy Blazer with Multi-color Piping - H&M Jeans - students own High Tops RYZ - Buffalo Exchange Green Sunglasses – True Star Closet Chain Wallet – True Star Closet
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 23
CREATIVE GENIUS
BARBARA BOSKA
LEE ENGLAND
Finalist in “Diddy’s Making His Band” Waukegan High School “Get a manger. You need the help of someone who knows the industry.” Clothes: Houndstooth Blazer, Black and Orange Printed Tee – Buffalo Exchange Denim Jeans – Levi’s Chain Wallet – True Star Closet
24 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
Lane Technical High School All-City Art Exhibition Portfolio Winner “Try and decide what you enjoy doing in high school so that you can be better prepared for college in choosing your major and what you would like to do in the future.” Clothes: Dark Denim Jacket – GAP Magenta Dress with Polka Dot Bottom, Long Heart Pendant Necklace, Hot Pink Sunglasses, Pink Gym Shoes Buffalo Exchange
SCIENCE + INTELLECT + ART
ANGEL HAROLD - 18
ELISE BROOKS
Lindblom Math and Science Academy Science Academy Senior Project Program “Never settle for anything less than what you want. There is no sense in stopping if you can keep going.” Clothes: Magenta Track Jacket - ADIDAS Black Jump Suit - H&M Yellow Belt - Buffalo Exchange High Tops - ADIDAS
BIYANG WANG - 18 Princeton University Whitney Young High School Academic Decathlon Winner “Be active in your interests. Know yourself and be yourself.” Clothes: Blue Faux Leather Jacket - H&M Purple Tank - H&M Multi-colored Mini - Buffalo Exchange Gym Shoes - ADIDAS
School of the Art Institute at Chicago Benito Juarez High School Full Ride Scholar SAIC “Get reviewed, get really good recommendations and apply (to schools) early! I’ve learned to take opportunities and learn as much as I can.” Clothes: White Tank - GAP Grey/Purple Striped cardigan - H&M Jeans and Shoes, Angel’s own Chain Wallet (used as necklace) – True Star Closet Grey Hat – True Star Closet Studded belt - True Star Closet
WHERE TO BUY: ADIDAS 923 Rush St. 312.932.0651 • BUFFALO EXCHANGE 2875 N. Broadway, 773.549.1999 • Saint Alfred 1531 North Milwaukee Avenue, 773.486.7159 • GAP, OLD NAVY, H&M
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 25
REAL TEENS...REAL FASHION...REAL FUN... DO YOU HAVE SWAGGER? DO YOUR FRIENDS CALL YOU MS. FIERCE? DO PEOPLE LOOK TO YOU FOR THE LATEST FASHION TRENDS? WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN THE PAGES OF OUR REAL TEENS FASHION? IF YOU THINK THIS IS YOU, SHOW US. SEND CLOSE-UP AND FULL-LENGTH PHOTOS OF YOURSELF ALONG WITH YOUR NAME, AGE, SCHOOL, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESS, AND MYSPACE OR FACEBOOK ADDRESS TO INFO@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM
Makeup Artist: Taisia Adams
Photographers: Regina Toney & Dominique Daily - Julian HS Photo Team
www.futuristictags.com
Under The
Radar
kim b. musical style I am very hesitant to put a label on my
musical style because I do not want to put myself in a box. But if I had to describe it, I would say my style is R&B/Pop. I also incorporate my spiritu-
phoenix phenom
ality in my style.
uniqueness Other artists may also be able to sing, dance, and write, but no one can do me better than me. I only compete with myself. My concern is trying to out do my previous accomplishments. I have standards and maintain a level of integrity; I will not conform just to
musical style My music style is R&B/crossover/pop,
be successful.
Music that moves all people of all colors. Music for the world.
is based on authentic music with substance. I will travel the world and be known for my phenomenal live performances. I will be a respected vocalist, dancer, and songwriter. I plan to take more risks with my music and reach the masses with my sound. I will win at least two Grammys and all of my albums will go platinum. My life will inspire others to reach their own level of greatness and excellence and motivate them to positively
and a little dance. It’s a little bit of everything. I like to make hot music.
uniqueness My ability to perform and entertain. I have
worked hard to be the best I can be in the studio, on camera, and on stage. At some point we are all compared to someone, but we are also like no other. My music is very abstract and visual. I think the most unique thing about me is the experience.
goal
To become the best entertainer in the world. I want to break the music industry’s cookie cutter attitude and bring back the incredible entertainment value that has been missing. I want to be the first female music superhero.
influence
My biggest influence is Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer in the world for all time. Then I would have to say Josephine Baker, who came from nothing and became world renown as a singer and dancer. Then, of course, Janet Jackson. Manny Mohr: 630-340-8240 streetfloss@gmail.com
goal My goal is to establish a successful and booming career that
change this world.
influence
God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, first and foremost. There’s no way I could accomplish any of these musical dreams without his power and guidance. As far as musical influences, my top three are Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Kirk Franklin. Michael Jackson is the epitome of perfection. When it comes to giving your all in a performance or recording, he truly puts his soul into it. He definitely raised the bar for all artists by conquering mediocrity. Kimberly Bennett (Kim B.) b2kim7@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/K1mb www.youtube.com/SuperstarKimb
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 29
THE NEW BOYZ
The Jerk: All in Your Legs BY BRIA CROSS, SENIOR, THORNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
F
rom their skinny jean swagg to their creative lyrics on the mic, the music industry may not have expected them. Many times over and over again, artists make dance songs and fail, but with flow like theirs, there is something very different and “NEW” about this duo that call themselves the New Boyz. Starting out in California with birthdays a day apart, Legacy and Ben J of the New Boyz were destined to come together. With fans pushing their music all over the net, the New Boyz were compelled to be the faces of this jerking evolution. The jerking movement is a complete phenomenon that even this twosome did not expect. What is jerking? “Jerking came from L.A.,” said Ben J. “It was an inner-city dance, like all the teenagers, only L.A. teenagers started it and was like ‘this was tight.’” It feels like the New Boyz brought this 90s dance back to life. Jerking is “The 2009 version of what break dancing was,” Ben J said. As many of us would like to think of this dance as a simple two step, it’s composed of so much more. “The Jerk is all in your legs,” Ben J explained. “The Reject, the backwards skip [a modern day] Roger Rabbit; then you got the Peter Pan—that’s when you go down and come back up. Then the dip, you just dippin’, it’s self-explanatory, but you put all these together and you got jerking.” With all this controversy surrounding the way they dress, it doesn’t change the fact that they are musically talented. Although there are many artists that have put out jerking songs, other artists didn’t put the creative spin on the music that Legacy and Ben J did. “We wanted to do something different from what everyone else is doing, like take it somewhere else,” said Ben J. “We wanted the outside listeners, out of [California] to know what jerking was so we made the song by using a double meaning, like calling ourselves jerks. [For example] my girlfriend called me a jerk or my boyfriend called me a jerk, you feel me? Something you can relate too.” 30 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
Countless times after a hot dance song, many artists tend to slowly fall off the charts, but this may not happen to Legacy and Ben J. “Our music is different, and not that many people know because they only heard You’re a Jerk, but we can actually spit too,” Legacy said. “Most people who make songs like that don’t really have lyrical capability but we actually getting up, you know?” Lena Brown, a junior at Seton Academy and a New Boyz fan, agrees. “The New Boyz are giving us a taste of what L.A. has, a fresh style of hip-hop.” Coming from many different artists and people, all you hear about is hip-hop being dead, but is it really? “Honestly no,” said Ben J. “It’s so many different parts of Hip-hop. You got the hip-hop heads like ‘This is what I want to listen to and be mellow.’ Then you got the people who like hip-hop because they want to party.” Legacy added: “hip-hop is hip-hop. We probably in the same category as hip-hop, but we branched off a little bit. I wouldn’t call it hip-hop, but it ain’t no such thing as hip-hop being dead because people just trying to have fun.” They are definitely opening up a new part of hip-hop, which has so many different components. “They are making people listen to hip-hop more,” said Taylor Jones, a New Boyz fan who is a senior at St. Francis De La Salle High School. “They’re making it more mainstream.” Ben J and Legacy have definitely switched up the music game, and hip-hop fans are taking notice. “A lot of people underestimate new talent. Not a lot of Cali groups are out, so they’re making good music to dance too,” said Keenen Webstar, a senior at Thornwood High School. Being different isn’t easy, but it’s apparent that the New Boyz distinct style sets them apart. With the help of YouTube, Myspace, Facebook and the newbie Twitter, the New Boyz are on their way to the top. With their very business-like minds and self-promotion, along with various future projects, the New Boyz will stay “new” and fresh in our minds for a very long time.
“OUR MUSIC IS DIFFERENT, AND NOT THAT MANY PEOPLE KNOW BECAUSE THEY ONLY HEARD YOU’RE A JERK, BUT WE CAN ACTUALLY SPIT. WE ACTUALLY GETTING UP, YOU KNOW?”
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 31
MY MUSIC HAS
no COLOR
BY DELESKA CHARLESTON SENIOR, MANLEY CAREER ACADEMY
“P-P-P POKER FACE, M-MY POKER FACE. (MUM, MUM, MUM, MA) P-P-P-POKER FACE, M-MY POKER FACE.” Why are you singing that?!” my friends asked when I was singing the song “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. “That’s a white song. Turn on some Lil Wayne.” What is a white song? And what makes a “black” song black? Why can’t people of different races listen to what they want? Does music have a color or does it depend on the person who is listening to the song? How does a person’s race determine the type of music they like to listen to? The lyrics of “Poker Face” talk about how a person can’t be read through facial expressions or looks. These lyrics can be linked back to the types of music teens listen to, and how their tastes cannot be discovered just by their race. You may be white but listen to rap and hip-hop, and you may be black but listen to pop or country. Not all people agree that black teens should listen to “white” songs. Two sisters who disagree on what they should listen to are Monique and Arielle Maiden, 18 and 19, respectively. Although they love each other and are always together, when it comes to music, they have very different preferences. “I listen to Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry,” says Monique, the younger sister, “while my sister listens to rap.”
“YOU MAY BE WHITE BUT LISTEN TO RAP AND HIP-HOP, AND YOU MAY BE BLACK BUT LISTEN TO POP OR COUNTRY."
“We argue a lot in the car about what we want to listen to,” says Arielle, “because she likes “white” songs and I don’t listen to that.” The two sisters are originally from the West Side of Chicago, but have moved since then to Michigan. The fact that Monique listens to “white” music instead of “black” music like her sister comes from their move to a predominately white neighborhood.“In the hood, people always ask me why I listen to Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, but [in Michigan], it’s totally normal to listen to anything I want, even though I’m black,” says Monique. Dervon Townsend, an 18-year-old from the South Side of Chicago, agrees with Monique. “It depends on what you grew up around,” he says. “If you grew up listening to white music even though you’re black, then that’s what you’ll like as a teen.” Teens are not the only ones who have crossed over to the “white” or “black” side. Artists like Lil Wayne and Lady Gaga have recorded songs outside their genre of music. This has brought even more hostility to the burning fire of what teens should listen to. What is it that makes people believe that different types of music is specifically designed for one race of people? Like Michael Jackson said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white.” So the next time you hear Britney Spears singing “all eyes on me/I’m the center of the ring/just like a circus,” regardless of what color you are, stop and listen to it and find out why other teens like the song.
Thank You and You’re Welcome:
Kanye West’s Take on Education BY BENITA BROWN JUNIOR, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
B
ack in his hometown, Kanye West kicked off his “Stay in School” concert at the Chicago Theatre. With support from the organization S.H.O.W. (Students Helping Our World), students with good attendance from five Chicago Public High Schools were able to enjoy a free Kanye concert in the afternoon before Mr. West put on a more elaborate performance that night. But the real point of the day was advocating “Loop Dreams” and the future of the Kanye West Foundation.
He also cleared up why he felt college was a different story. “If you have the opportunity to skip that step [because] you know someone that works in a business…and you can actually get in and start making money, [then] go and get the job,” he said. “It’s a marathon, and for me, I felt [skipping college] was the proper choice.” With artists like Jay-Z asking you for beats, it wasn’t a hard choice, either. College can be valuable, but as Kanye says, you have to make it work for you. “Use school, and not have it just [use] you for your money. It has to be a ‘thank you’ and ‘you are welcome’ moment.”
PHOTO CREDIT: DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS & RICKY POWELL
Before the concert, Kanye, Mayor Daley, Joseph Collins (a representative for the foundation), and S.H.O.W. founders Zach Harris and David Abram attended a press conference spilling the details of how the day came about and where they are going from here. Kanye also delivered his philosophy for keeping aspiring artists in school: “Put studios in the schools and use them as incentives’ for kids to keep their grades up.”
BY TONI TONI GREEN, GREEN, JUNIOR, JUNIOR, MANLEY MANLEY CAREER CAREER ACADEMY ACADEMY BY
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 33
special advertisement
thrifty is the
NEW COOL
up close
By Afua Astantewaa, Junior, The Latin School Ashlee Jordan, Senior, Kankakee High School
Thrifty is the new cool…and Cricket lets you communicate without digging a hole in your pocket. Unlimited service and low prices are why teens throughout Chicago have made Cricket their main source of communication.
Rene Parson
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Rene Parson knows wireless because she’s been in the business for 19 years.
Cricket’s large coverage area even works in the underground train system, and for people who need internet on-the-go there’s Cricket broadband (wireless Internet) which allows you to be anywhere with your laptop and stay connected. Cricket is a simple and affordable way to keep in touch with friends and family.
Area General Manager at Cricket Wireless – Chicago
Before Parson became a top level executive she was the youngest of 10 kids and grew up in the projects. But she didn’t let negative vibes affect her work in school and life. Parson was active in organizations at her high school which helped give her discipline that she still relies on today. “I ran track in high school and college…it gave me the discipline to get up early in the morning and workout. I feel you should set schedules for yourself, “says Parson.” It’s also about goalsetting, it is important in getting where you want to be.” Parson’s days begin at 4 a.m. so that she’s in the office by 6 or 6:30 a.m., and ends her workday sometimes at 8 p.m. or later. She works to oversee a team of hundreds during the day so that she can spend time with her family of three when at home. Parson gained a degree in broadcast journalism from Kansas State University. Her degree helps her communicate the right message in sales. Parson came to Cricket Wireless because she was intrigued by the offer to better serve all consumers and the freedom they are able to give them.
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.
Investing BY MARIO GAGE, SENIOR, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LABORATORY SCHOOL MONEY SMART KID 2004 The start of a new school year - I send my congratulations to all of you on your hard work to keep moving forward in your academics. The start of the new school year is a great time to get to know new people - and also to get to know your money! Now is the time to save more of your money, and spend less. You, your family, and your friends can all help each other reach your savings goals by working together, and by sharing the great information on getting smart with your money. 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.
P
reviously, I wrote about three basic tips to help you keep and grow your money; donate 10%, save or invest 40%, and spend 50%. Now, let’s talk about investing the 40% that you save to increase your wealth. Investing in the stock market can seem pretty overwhelming. But, it really isn’t overwhelming at all. “Read before you begin investing. Become knowledgeable!” advises Professor David Sinow, a Clinical Professor of Finance at the University of Illinois. He suggests the S&P Guide to Money & Investing (Morris & Morris, 2005) as a good source for new investors. The National Association of Investors Corporation (NAIC) also has some basic rules that break investing down into a science: pay yourself first; diversify; and reinvest all earnings. You should always pay yourself first. It is important to invest regularly throughout your lifetime. Regular investing allows you to “dollar cost average” or invest roughly equal amounts of money at regular time periods. For example, if you invest $25 each month, then you are dollar cost averaging. By smoothing your investment over time, this reduces the risk of the volatile stock market, which goes up and down in value. You should diversify your portfolio—in other words, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. A good tool for you to use to go about diversifying your portfolio is the acronym F.E.T.C.H.: Financial, Energy, Technology, Communications, Healthcare. Diversification can be difficult if you’re investing with a small amount so you may wish to consider index funds, which allow you to invest a small amount of money and diversify at the same time. According to Professor Sinow, “When you buy one company…one bad choice can blow up your entire portfolio. That’s why I prefer index funds...” Professor Sinow also chooses index funds because they help reduce fees. Finally, you should always reinvest all earnings. Reinvesting earnings compounds your investment. It makes your earnings, as well as the money you originally invested, work for you. Keep in mind that it is the power of compounding over a long period of time that produces the greatest results.
Now, does investing in the stock market still seem so overwhelming?
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PHOTO CREDIT: SHELBY BROWN
City Treasurer, Stephanie D. Neely, at the Chicago Youth Saves Conference
OPINION: Why the Olympics would be good for
Chicago BY MYLES GAGE SOPHOMORE, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LABORATORY H.S. 2008 MONEY SMART KID
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any Chicagoans are skeptical about Chicago hosting the 2016 Olympics; they say it will attract too many tourists or it will create facilities that won’t be of use after the Olympics. Although some have this feeling, I will describe why hosting the Olympics could actually be good for the city. First, if the Olympics are in Chicago, it will stimulate the economy. It will bring in lots of tourists. The attraction of tourists is actually a good thing because they spend on transportation, lodging, food and entertainment, bringing in lots of money for local businesses. Consequently, the Olympics could create
Questions about the Olympic Bid BY TASHAWN TYUS, SOPHOMORE, BRONZEVILLE MILITARY ACADEMY
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any Chicagoans would like to have the 2016 Olympics in Chicago. But how much will it cost us? What will happen to the stadium after the Olympics? What will the Olympic village be afterwards? These are the questions that we all want answered. WHAT WE KNOW · According to Herrmann and Roeder from the Chicago Sun-Times, the 2016 Olympics will cost an estimated $4.8 billion (2009). · $450 million is included in the budget as a “safety net.” · The Olympic Stadium will be in Washington Park on Chicago’s South Side. · Other Olympics at other cities have run over budget. London’s 2012 Olympics is now estimated to cost over $18 billion. This is more than twice the original estimate (Verdi, Chicago Tribune, 2009). · The Olympic Village will turn into mixed income housing after the Olympics. (Bergen, Heinzmann, and Lighty in the Chicago Tribune, 2009) WHAT STILL WE WANT TO KNOW · What will happen to the stadiums after the Olympics? What will the buildings be afterwards? There is concern about how the buildings will be used and the cost of maintenance for the park district (Heinzmann & Bergen in the Chicago Tribune, 2009). · Will Mayor Daley temporarily move any poor and low income families? · There are concerns about relocation of sports activities, schools, etc. So now we know more about the Chicago Olympics. Do you think that it is worth it? Feel free to email us at the otm@econcouncil.org if you have any questions or comments about the 2016 Olympics.
numerous jobs, thus lowering the unemployment rate in Chicago. Previous U.S. host cities have found hosting the Olympic Games to be extremely profitable. A prime example of this is the city of Los Angeles, which, according to the Los Angeles Times, generated a profit of over 200 million dollars hosting the 1984 summer Olympic Games. The Olympics will renew Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Some unused buildings will be torn down to make way for the Olympic Village, eliminating the undesirable areas of the neighborhood. The arrival of Olympic athletes will increase the need for more security, which could lower the crime rate. Improved economic conditions could also help to reduce the crime rate. The Olympic stadiums will have several other uses after the Olympics end. They will provide the community with new recreational venues. For example, the proposed stadium in Washington Park would be converted into a Community Amphitheater. While skeptics raise valid concerns, the 2016 Olympics could provide many benefits to Chicago. The Olympics could boost the economy, renew neighborhoods, and provide new and useful buildings for Chicago communities. In my opinion, the potential benefits of hosting the Olympics far outweigh the drawbacks.
The Bid: By the Numbers 1,000,000 = NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE PLEDGED THAT THEY SUPPORT THE BID. 21 = NUMBER OF PROPOSED OLYMPIC VENUES 1200 = NUMBER OF MAYORS ON THE CONFERENCE OF MAYORS THAT SUPPORTED CHICAGO’S BID 10-02-2009 = DATE OF THE ELECTION OF THE 2016 OLYMPIC SITE
WWW.CHICAGO2016.ORG
Local Concerns about the 2016 Olympic Bid in Chicago: Comments from Local Residents
BY STEPHANIE KUWORNU, KENWOOD ACADEMY
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hile Mayor Daley has Chicago gearing up for the 2016 Olympics— the official announcement comes October 2nd—many Hyde Park residents are concerned with what the Olympics would mean to their neighborhood. Sam Lowe, a Long Grove resident who lives close to the projects, is very much opposed to Chicago hosting the Olympics because his tax money will fund it, and too much money will be spent. He is also concerned about displacement of African Americans in the surrounding Washington Park communities and African Americans not benefiting economically from Olympics. Resident Dino Neal also does not support the Olympic Bid for Chicago. “Not interested. The city is not prepared to host the Olympic Games. Right now we are in a recession. Where is the money going to come from? Taxpayers?” Resident Lolita Matthews freely voiced her opinions deeply. She doesn’t support the bid for the Olympics. “It’s too expensive. We don’t need it. Revenue is going to be less [than expected].” She was also concerned the Olympics would “dislocate people out their home.” She doesn’t care if they are black, white, Puerto Rican, or any other race. It doesn’t matter to her: “It’s not fair to relocate people to a different environment, having no choice at all and knowing that they lived there probably all their lives.” TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 37
INSIDE & OUT
The
“C” Shaped Monster
BY JAMELIAH SALTER JUNIOR, GWENDOLYN BROOKS COLLEGE PREP
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ould you ever imagine having blood cells that are stiff and sticky and that form clumps as they get stuck to your blood vessels? People with sickle cell anemia live with this reality every day of their lives. Sickle cell anemia is not a contagious disease. People with the disease inherit the sickle cell gene from each one of their parents. The gene is usually found within people of African decent and those who derive from South and Central America. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, over 70,000 people in the U.S. have the disease. It is known to occur in 1 out of every 500 African American births and 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic American births. There are various signs and symptoms of the disease, which usually start with a headache, dizziness, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and chest pain. “I get up in the morning in pain and take medicine,” says 16-year-old Naomi Huvanks of Rauner College Prep. “I go to school, try to go throughout the day without calling my mom, and some days are better than others.” In the U.S. it is mandatory for a newborn to be screened for sickle cell anemia. It is possible for testing to be done while a woman is in her first couple months of being pregnant. All that is needed to test for sickle cell anemia is a simple blood test. Unfortunately, there is no cure for sickle cell anemia, but there are treatments used to help relieve pain and prevent infections, eye damage, and strokes. Huvanks has a routine of visitations to the doctor. “I go to the hospital and they get vitals. Take my blood pressure, temperature, urine samples and get
The Dangers of Sexting BY JAYME ROBINSON, SOPHOMORE, SCHURZ AND APRIL FLORES, JUNIOR, STEINMETZ
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ook out teens! Everybody is doing it and anybody can get caught. Sending or receiving sexually explicit pictures through your phone can get you in a world of trouble. If you have sexually explicit images on your phone, delete them NOW! With so much sexting going on, new and harsher laws are being developed. If you take or send these sexual photos, you can be charged with distributing child pornography even if you are, yourself, under age. You can even be charged with a federal felony if the pictures get to people in other states. Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person by accident? Well, imagine if you accidentally send a sexually explicit picture to your mom, teacher, or pastor. Unlike accidentally sending a text to the wrong person, misfiring a sexually explicit picture can have terrible consequences, from ruining your reputation to finding yourself in trouble with the law. 38 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
an IV started. The doctor assesses me and gives me narcotics. In observation if I look well enough I get to go home.” Some people with a worsening condition of sickle cell anemia get blood transfusions, which help prevent problems like a stroke or pneumonia. Although it can’t be prevented, the best way to avoid having a child with the disease is to have you and your partner’s blood tested for the trait. “You can’t catch it, Huvanks says The disease is hereditary. People without it shouldn’t treat kids with it different. Kids with it should do everything towards their health and distracting themselves from the negatives helps keep their heads up.” Many “sicklers” like Huvanks have their families, doctors, and even school to look towards for support and comfort. There are health centers, hospitals, and clinics that can help you with anything you need to know or need done about your situation, including: Northwestern Memorial Hospital 251 E. Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611 Operator (312) 926-2000 La Rabida Children’s Hospital East 65th Street at Lake Michigan Chicago, IL 60649 (773) 363-6700 Children’s Memorial Hospital 2300 Children’s Plaza Chicago, IL 60614 773) 880-4000/ 1 (800) KIDS DOC
Have you ever lost your phone? Now imagine if you accidentally forgot to delete those sexually explicit pictures you had on your phone before you lost it. Not only did you lose your phone, but whoever finds it also found your pictures. The person who finds your phone, if they so please, can send your pictures to everyone they know, post them on the internet, or even attempt to extort you. Jessica Logan, an18-year-old from Ohio, made the mistake of trusting her boyfriend when she sent him sexually explicit pictures of herself. She learned weeks later how much of a mistake it was when her boyfriend forwarded her pictures to all his friends after they broke up. The pictures apparently spread to hundreds of people and she eventually committed suicide after being tormented by her peers. Don’t let this happen to you. Please be mindful of the pictures you send and don’t ever confide in anyone to protect your privacy but yourself.
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 39
The Health Insurance-Less
Generation BY ADRIANA ROSALES, FRESHMAN, WRIGHT COLLEGE
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he cost of health care in America, like the cost of living and countless other things, has become unreasonably high for the average American family. Today, just to have the doctor see you and tell you nothing is wrong with you, you’ll have to pay $100 or more if you have no health insurance. So just imagine how hard this would be for a sick, uninsured teen that has no income?
Since being diagnosed, Campos has been taking insulin injections every day and has to keep up a healthy diet. He has to check his blood sugar level each morning and then take his insulin shot. He eventually grew so accustomed to it that it barely affected his life until his mother lost her job, and with it her health insurance that would help pay for his medications. And because he was 19 when she lost her job, he no longer qualified for government-funded All Kids Health Care program. Ever since then he has been subjected to having to wait several hours at the Cook County Hospital every month for
Emilio Morales, 22, from Wrigleyville, has X-Linked Gammabulin Anemia, which is a disease that causes a weakening of the immune system. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Because Morales has no access to health insurance, he is subjected to waiting at Cook County Hospital for about 4-6 hours every last Friday of the month just to receive the treatments that will keep him alive. Each treatment costs up to $10,000. “It’s a really stressful and frustrating situation,” he said. “And to make matters worse, the doctors get frustrated with us sick people, as if they are sick and tired of helping the sick and tired.” How is it that the youth are expected to step up and provide a bright future for all when we are not even provided the means to make it to the future? The Obama Administration is currently fighting for health care reform. Hopefully our elected representatives can finally put politics to the side and do what they were elected to do by providing solutions to our ineffective health care system, instead of excuses as to why nothing will ever work.
PHOTO CREDIT: DOMINIQUE DAILY
Every day more and more teens and young adults are finding themselves InsuranceLess. Damien Campos, 19, from Logan Square, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 9-years-old. With Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that converts sugar into much-needed energy (www.diabetes.org).
the medications that will keep him alive. “It’s hard to wake up every day and know that if I slip up and don’t take my medicine I can possibly get really ill and die,” he explained. “But I’m most bothered by the fact that because my family can’t afford my expensive medications, I am brushed off to the side as if my life is not important.”
Walgreens’ Expression Against HIV/AIDS Art & Literacy Contest
DRAW IT. DESIGN IT. WRITE IT. VOICE IT. Put your artistic spin on how you would combat HIV and AIDS in the urban community.
3 Grand Prize Winners will receive:
• $1,000 each • $1,000 for their school/organization • Feature in True Star Magazine
9 Finalists will receive a $100 Walgreens’ gift card
Be one of the first 200 entries and receive a $10 Walgreens’ gift card RULES OF EXPRESSION
*Contestants in grades 9 through 12 may enter in one of three categories, Art, Essay or Rap/Poetry by December 4, 2009. One winner from each category will be selected. To enter, log on to www.TrueStarIs.com/Events to download the contest details and entry form. Entries along with registration form can be emailed to expressions@truestarmagazine.com or send by mail to True Star c/o Walgreens Contest P.O. Box 805080, Chicago, IL 60680-4112. *Qualifying art and literature must be submitted by December 4, 2009. **For more information: Visit us at www.truestaris.com or contact True Star Magazine at 312.588.0100 or by emailing expression@truestarmagazine.com
Rules and Regulations: No purchase necessary to enter. Contestants in grades 9 through 12 as of December 4, 2009 may enter. Students under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian consent before entering. All entries must be received by December 4, 2009. Contest will run from September 8, 2009 to December 4, 2009. Entries must be submitted to: expression@truestarmagazine.com. The Walgreens Company, True Star (Magazine), Chicago Public Schools, Danielle Ashley Communications, Crawford Broadcasting and Gold Star Communications are not responsible for lost, stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, or misdirected submissions. Entries will be judged on the sole discretion of the judges based on category, originality, writing style, quality of work, and adherence to contest guidelines. The use of profanity, and/or explicit language/images is strictly prohibited. To be eligible to win, entrants must submit art, essay, or a poem focusing on either one or all of the following aspects of HIV/AIDS; respect, sexual responsibility and/or awareness. The decision of the judges are final. All submissions must be original and may not have been previously published works. The winner and any honorable mention award winners will be notified by telephone or email. By entering your art, essay or poem into this contest, you agree to the rules and regulations and will allow work to become property of the Walgreens Company. All submissions may have the opportunity to be published in a youth HIV/AIDS awareness publication. To view complete rules, regulations, and entry forms please visit www.TrueStarIs.com/Events.
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 41
YOUNG LUV
Surviving Infidelity BY CYNTHIA PAZ, GRADUATE, ECA HIGH SCHOOL
“THE FIRST THING TO FIGURE OUT IS WHETHER OR NOT YOU AND YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER STILL POSSESS THE DESIRE TO CONTINUE. IF THE DESIRE ISN’T THERE ON EITHER END, THERE IS NO REASON TO TRY.”
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PHOTO CREDIT: DOMINIQUE DAILY
kay, so after all the spying and suspicion you caught your significant other cheating. Now what? Some people immediately end the relationship after finding incriminating evidence, while others—somehow—figure out a way to overcome infidelity. If you hope to overcome your significant other’s infidelity, here are some things you should consider. The first thing to figure out is whether or not you and your significant other still possess the desire to continue. If the desire isn’t there on either end, there is no reason to try. Most importantly, the one who was cheated on needs to ask themselves why they would like to attempt to overcome the infidelity. Is it because they truly love this person or does it make their broken heart feel better to keep this person in their lives? The problem with keeping someone in your life simply to help heal a broken heart is that once that heartache is completely healed, the love may disappear as well.
and more clever next time around. The person who was cheated on has to determine whether or not their significant other—sincerely—regrets cheating before attempting to overcome the infidelity.
If the desire is there on both ends, there are still other issues to work out. Cheaters usually regret what they did. However, it is crucial for them to know whether they regretted cheating, or regretted getting caught. If the person who cheated regrets getting caught, chances are they will only try to be sneakier
In the end, the most important part of a healthy relationship is trust. Trust has to be re-established in order for the union to survive. Once broken, trust is very hard to get back. Rebuilding trust will be the most difficult part of mending a broken relationship, but it has to be done.
Clever Ways To Catch A Cheater BY MIGUEL GILMORE, FRESHMAN, TRUMAN COLLEGE
ack in the old day, before technology, the only way to catch your significant other was through gossip. Today, in the age of technology, there are a million and one ways to catch a cheater. Some are expensive, while some are free-ninety-nine. Here are a few options for you to explore if you suspect your boo might be trying somebody new. The easiest and cheapest make a fake profile. Just pictures (preferably obvious reasons) significant
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way to catch a cheater is to set up a profile with fake of someone attractive, for and then send your other a flirty note and see if they bite the bait. While this is the least expensive way to catch a cheater, it is also, perhaps, the least effective. If they bite, you got yourself a cheater. But if they don’t, luckily you still have a few more options.
One such option is the pen mini-mic. Prices range from $77.75 to $121.75 per pen, and come equipped with up to 70 hours of storage space. Best of all, it looks like a typical pen. It can easily be given as a gift, or you can simply leave it somewhere you know they will be for extended periods of time, such as their car or bedroom. If your boo is, in fact, cheating, chances are something incriminating will end up recorded on the pen. If either of these options don’t work for your situation, consider a GPS tracking device. The GPS tracking devices range from $200 to $300 and vary in size. This device is good if your significant other has a habit of disappearing on you. To find out where they are when they are nowhere to be found, you can easily slip the GPS tracking device in their car or even stash it in a book bag or purse, thus enabling you to know where they are at all times. If they are in fact cheating, this will provide you the exact location of where this cheating is going down. Finally, if none of these devices suits what you are trying to accomplish, call “Cheaters.” If you’ve watched the show you will know that “Cheaters” never fails to find them some cheaters. So, if your boo is cheating, and you have no problem putting all your business “out there,” then hit up www.cheaters.com. Happy hunting!
PHOTO CREDIT: A’MYRIKAL ADAMS
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“ONE SUCH OPTION IS THE PEN MINI-MIC. PRICES RANGE FROM $77.75 TO $121.75 PER PEN, AND COME EQUIPPED WITH UP TO 70 HOURS OF STORAGE SPACE. BEST OF ALL, IT LOOKS LIKE A TYPICAL PEN.”
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Parents
“FINDING OUT IF THE PARENTS ARE LAID BACK PEOPLE OR MORE UPTIGHT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN PLANNING YOUR ATTIRE.”
BY ARTHUR JONES, SOPHOMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY AND BRITTANY SLOAN SOPHOMORE, STEINMETZ HIGH SCHOOL
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eeting your significant other’s parents is a situation that most teens dread. In many cases, it can mean a step further or a step backwards in the relationship. In order to make a good impression, you have to be mindful of three things before meeting the parents: background, presentation and connection to the parents. First things first: you need to get some background on the parents. You want to find out their age, occupations, religious beliefs, and their likes and dislikes. This will help you get a better impression of what you are up against and how to plan your approach. Second, you need to plan out your presentation. Presenting your self respectfully is the best way to impress the significant other’s parents. Finding out if the parents are laid back people or more uptight should be considered when planning your attire. For the ladies, understand that this is not a night at the club. Best bet is to dress business casual and don’t show too much skin. For the gentlemen, do the same. Dress business casual and make sure not to wear saggy/baggy jeans and your dusty Air Force Ones.
Finally, you need to consider how to make a connection with the parents, if at all possible. This is the time where you should be thinking strategically about the information you gathered before the meeting. For instance, if your girlfriend told you her dad loves football, then guess who loves football too? If your boyfriend told you his mom loves roses, guess who’s bringing roses to dinner? Meeting the parents is not an easy situation. But there are certainly some things you can do to make the meeting both easier and more successful. Remember that the more information you have on the parents, the more strategic you can be with your approach. And regardless of how much you alter things here and there to impress, be sure to be true to who you really are.
GOOD LUCK!
Music To My Tears BY BREANNA HOGAN, JUNIOR, MORGAN PARK ACADEMY
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recently went through the toughest break up of my life and I couldn’t imagine getting through it without music. When I didn’t have the words I always found them in my eight favorite break-up songs:
1. Burn - Usher 2. Moving Mountains - Usher 3. Heartless - Kanye West 4. Foolish - Ashanti 5. Torn - Letoya Luckett 6. Say Goodbye - Chris Brown 7. Ex- Factor - Lauryn Hill 8. Emotional Rollercoaster - Vivian Green Tired of riding an emotional rollercoaster, I had to find the right time to say goodbye. Because we were past the point when it felt like moving mountains and I had to let it burn. I could “remember when my heart broke,” so I had to give up loving you….I couldn’t be foolish. But “when I tried to walk away, you’d [find a way] to make me stay.” And “now I’m sitting here and I’m so confused, because I keep fighting myself for you.” I’m torn. I’m not heartless but I always feel better when I think “just wait a couple months then you gone see, you’ll never find nobody better than me!”
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PHOTO CREDIT: SHELBY BROWN
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Meeting the
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ON THE COURT
THE H O O P S H I G H HYPE
A Player to Watch!
BY ASHLEY SHAFFER, SENIOR, CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL
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ermaine “The Landlord” Winfield is a wonderful basketball player and a very talented young man. He not only plays great ball—inside the paint and out—but he’s good for making people laugh and cheering others up, too. He has overcome tragedy and last winter helped lead his team to the City Championship and a 3rd place finish in the State 3A Tournament. He is now a senior at North Lawndale College Prep and widely regarded as one of the top power forwards in the city.
NAME: JERMAINE WINFIELD HEIGHT: 6’4 WEIGHT: 200 FAVORITE FOOD: FRIED CHICKEN MOTTO: I DON’T HAVE ONE FAVORITE ARTIST: LIL WAYNE HOBBIES: BASKETBALL WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING: MYSELF
HoopsHIGH Reaches
for the Sky BY PRECIOUS HENDERSON SENIOR, NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP
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ince I was a freshman at North Lawndale College Prep, I have been working with the HoopsHIGH sports broadcasting program as a camerawoman filming high school basketball games. This summer, the most advanced HoopsHIGH students got big-time opportunity to collaborate with Columbia College. We took a college-level class alongside Columbia students and received college credit for our participation and hard work. The class, HoopsHIGH in HD, exposed us to the highest-end technology that the college has to offer, Columbia’s brand new, state-of-the-art HD television truck. It also gave us the tools to improve our HoopsHIGH sports broadcasts. While working with the Columbia crew and using all the great equipment, I felt important. At first I thought the Columbia students would make us high school kids feel less valuable. They actually turned out to be very loving people. I felt like a daughter being nurtured by her mother. They showed us how to use the equipment, then let us go out and be our best, which we achieved to the fullest. The equipment looked very big and very technical at 44 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
first. After many trials of practicing and running scrimmages, we finally did one of the biggest games that HoopsHIGH has ever experienced. We got to shoot the WNBA Chicago Sky as they played against the New York Liberty. I contributed at the Sky game by operating the coverage camera throughout the whole game. This experience made me feel really important. Shooting the whole game meant that I always had to have the go-to shot. This was a lot of responsibility because if other cameras are unable to perform, I had to be there to get the action. All in all, at the end of the class I really felt like I learned a lot from the Columbia-HoopsHIGH collaboration. I made new friends and new colleagues, and learned about how intense it really is in the field of sports broadcasting. This is the kind of experience I want to build upon because I loved it! HoopsHIGH is now recruiting students for its fall apprentice program. If you like sports, are interested in television production, or just want to be a part of a cool team, this is the opportunity for you. Visit www.hoopshigh.org and download an application, or call Shaun Cave at 312-480-7018.
A game of
MANY LANDS
“AT TIMES BASKETBALL MAY SEEM LIKE A ONE-CULTURE SPORT. STEREOTYPE IS PARTLY TO BLAME FOR THIS. BUT IF YOU TOOK YOUR EYES BEYOND THE NBA YOU WILL SEE THAT BASKETBALL IS A PART OF THE WHOLE WORLD.”
BY JASMINE MORALES, MALCOLM X COLLEGE
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et me take you on a journey. Imagine going to India and playing basketball. They would greet you by saying namaste—‘hello’ in Indian. Now imagine going to Mexico and being greeted with an hola. And in Australia—good-day mate. They may be speaking different languages and you may not understand them. But if you look on the court you will understand the game they are playing. No matter the culture or ethnicity, basketball is basketball.
“Amongst my peers in the U.S., we always questioned why no Indians, or even people of Indian-origin, were playing professionally or competing at a world class level,” said Hoops India founder and president Neel Pahlajani in an interview with TrueStar. “It gives the impression that Indians are less fit, less coordinated, non-athletic, apathetic, or too short, and those things couldn’t be further from the truth.”
At times basketball may seem like a one-culture sport. Stereotype is partly to blame for this. But if you took your eyes beyond the NBA you will see that basketball is a part of the whole world. It has been introduced to different countries, including ones where you may not think the game would exist, like India, Mexico, and Iran. The NBA is watched in over 200 countries. The game is a universal language. It is a growing phenomenon that is bringing cultures of all kinds together to share a passion and drive to be the best at the sport that they love.
By starting Hoops India, Pahlajani hopes to change the international image of Indians. “With close to 20% of the world’s population, you see Indians in all shapes, sizes, and with a wide array of innate abilities. Hoops India will do our part to inspire them to play and give them outlets to improve.”
“Basketball is more diverse now,” says Jeffrey Lane, author of the book Under the Boards. “There’s still a major division between players and fans, but there’s a lot of blending cultures.”
“It’s hot, humid, the courts are banged up, the floors are uneven, but still they play,” Pahlajani said.
Up until the last ten years or so, basketball in the NBA was pretty Americanized. But when the league saw talent in other countries they began to bring those players into the fold. Yao Ming of China, Luol Deng of Great Britain and Sudan, Manu Ginobili of Argentina, Hedo Turkoglu of Turkey, and Pau Gasol of Spain—these are just some of the international talents who have become well known in the NBA. All started off from humble beginnings, learning the game in their own countries. The high number of European players in the NBA has prompted comparisons between the two regions and their differing approaches towards youth basketball. “There is a bit of a debate about American basketball and European basketball,” Lane said. “Europeans believe that education and basketball should not be combined. They do not always push for kids to go to college.” In America, of course, basketball has become a part of the education system, and in 2006, the NBA made a rule that all players must be at least 19 and a year removed from high school in order to join the league. This does not exist in Europe, where there is no scholastic basketball.
The people of India have become accustomed to the game of basketball. A passion and excitement has stirred up in them.
Though the interest for basketball in India is growing it is not as popular in India as in the U.S. Hoops India is not as flashy as the NBA. Indian players don’t make millions. They don’t live in big houses. They don’t drive fancy cars. “The basketball players in the U.S attain hero status in their communities,” said Palhani. “The best basketball players in India work two jobs to feed their families. They don’t have the private and public commitment to the game.” Still, basketball in India as in other countries is a growing phenomenon. The youth in India are extremely excited and hungry for the sport. They are willing and ready to learn everything they can about the game. Due to Internet and satellite broadcasting they are getting more exposure to the sport. They have had a chance to watch guys like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tracy Mcgrady. But when True Star asked which player most inspires the youth of India, Pahlajani said they relate to Allen Iverson. “They like Allen Iverson. He’s a small guard who plays with a lot of energy and skills. Maybe they relate to that.”
“Players will be a part of a program [at a young age] and eventually turn pro by the age of 14 and 15,” said Lane. “They often go pro a lot earlier than American ball players.”
In India basketball has definitely brought the country together. The people of India are very much divided socially, economically, and religiously. Pahlajani said that basketball has found a way to even the playing fields and unite everyone.
Hoops India. Anyone ever heard of it? More than likely you haven’t heard of the small Indian basketball league, which has quickly caught the eye of some major corporations like Nike, MTV, and also the NBA.
“In our camps and workshops, we have Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, all playing on the same team very happily.”
JUNIOR HIGH CITY CHAMPIONS:
says McKinley Nelson, a team captain. Being a leader wasn’t always easy. Still, the job did have its benefits. “The best thing about being a team captain was being able to lead the team.”
BY SHANNON SMITH, SOPHOMORE, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
With this city championship under their belts and the skills to match, the dreams of these four young stars can easily be turned into reality.
OWEN SCHOLASTIC ACADEMY T
he young boys of Owen Scholastic Academy are living proof that you’re never too young to be champions. The 5th and 6th grade basketball team won the Junior High City Championship with hard work, practice and determination. By practicing twice a week and every day during playoff season, this team of young boys proved to be mighty young men on the court. Basketball is nothing new to the 6th graders, as many of them have been playing since they could walk. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was three years old,” TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 45
Lady And
A Champ
BY KYLE BAILEY, SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY
H
ow did you start off boxing? I was a big fan because I used to go watch my dad when I was little. Then I got into a little trouble my freshman year in high school and so I was on punishment and my dad made me come to the gym with him because a friend of his was starting a boxing club. So I went and was looking at all these people and all this talk about getting in the club. It was this one girl there and I started seeing her like hit the mat and stuff like that and right there I was like “I could do that if I wanted to.” So then we got in the car. I told my dad I wanted to start boxing. So he was like “For what? You don’t play boxing.” And I was like “I’m serious. I want to box.” Then he made me see Million Dollar Baby to see if I would change my mind and after that I was like “Most definitely—I want to do this.” How do you handle being in a male dominated sport? I don’t feel it because the guys in the gym see me as a boxer. I put my headphones in from my iPod and I go to work. I don’t talk to anybody until after everything is done. So everybody just don’t see me as a girl boxer. They see me as one of them, just a boxer. I have done more in my amateur career than guys in this whole state have. So people have that respect for me. But it is hard for me. I can’t go to all the tournaments I want to because I don’t have the money. When it comes to guys, people will pay for them to go, but for females they won’t. So this year, I had to take off, because I had no money to go to all the other tournaments. So do you want to do this professionally? Um…not for a long time. I don’t want to make a career out of it because females don’t make any money. You hear of a male professional boxer making 15 million dollars a fight for a title shot. I would never make that. Lala Ali’s biggest fight wasn’t even a million dollars and it’s Lala Ali. The only reason she got that was because her last name was Ali. Even real good females don’t get paid that much money. It’s not really worth it, but I want to do it because that’s how I am, and I need to say: “Okay I did the amateur thing and now I’m going professional.” I just want five to ten belts. Then I’ll stop. Who is your favorite boxer of all time? I can’t pick. You know I am Puerto Rican and I love all the Puerto Rican boxers 46 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
all the way back. I got old school ones like Jack Johnson. I got old school ones so I know my history, but not as good as my dad. My dad is an encyclopedia. He knows it all, the year they fought and what round they fell. You can ask him, like, “Who fought in 1912?” And he would know what round they got dropped and how many rounds there were. How do you handle your father being your trainer? Is it harder or easier? It was harder before, but it’s better now. If you play basketball or football, your coach is at school but mine was at home. So if something happens at the gym, if I got mad at him or didn’t do something right, it’ll come back to the house. He would just go off on me about something that happened at the gym, like while I’m eating or something. We both had to make adjustments. Now it’s fine, so it’s cool. Me and my father are really close, so it’s comforting knowing that regardless “.he will always been there.” Where do you find your inspiration? A lot of people say they want to win a fight for their mom or something, but I don’t think like that. I just do me, you know? I could fight in an empty ring with nobody there and I wouldn’t care. I fight to win for me because I am a very competitive person and I refuse to fail. You know it’s not like basketball, when somebody gets hurt you can’t call somebody else in the ring. It’s just me and my opponent. I can’t depend on anybody else or look for anybody else. You can’t. It has to be you. 2005 State Of Illinois Silver Gloves Champion 2006 Women’s National Golden Gloves Junior Division Silver Medalist 2006 Chicago Fight Club Champion 2007 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion 2007 Women’s National Golden Gloves Champion 2008 Chicago Golden Gloves Winner 2008 State Of Illinois US Champion 2008 Great Lakes Regional Champion 2008 US Championships Silver Medalist (Alternate-Women’s national team) 2008 PAL Nationals Silver Medalist 2009 Chicago Golden Gloves Winner
PHOTO CREDIT: DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS AND RICKY POWELL
Samantha Guzman
The below* photos were taken at a gym in Chicago’s Bessemer Park. For the story behind the pictures from TrueStar’s Kyle Bailey, go to truestaris.com and search BOXING.
Ring It’s
brutal, it takes heart, it tests your very being. It’s boxing. Also known as “the sweet science,” boxing draws fans from the young to the old of all nationalities. The Matadors, a boxing team that trains at Trumbull Park on the Southside of Chicago, knows all too well what it takes to be diligent boxers.
Rodney Wilson and Ashante Moore, trainers from the Matadors team, are champions inside and outside the ring. They’ve traveled the world searching for the next opponent and made a difference in their own community, fighting the streets that try to feed many the dish of death and incarceration. Like many other sports, boxing provides an outlet and stress reliever for its participants. But when you have a lot of anger built up and you really want to hit something…well, it’s the ideal sport.
PHOTO CREDIT: DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS
Outside the
“WILSON NOT ONLY WANTED TO TEACH BOXING TO THE NEWER GENERATION, BUT ALSO DISCIPLINE AND SELF-DEFENSE.”
BY SIMEON FRIERSON, JUNIOR, EAST-WEST UNIVERSITY “Training boxers as he was once trained is a big accomplishment to me,” Wilson said. “I used to be a beginner myself and it sits right with me to help others.” Wilson went on to say that boxing inside the ring helped him outside of it. “Boxing made me want to keep a gun out of my hands and put gloves on them.” Moore agrees with Wilson’s assessment of boxing as a life activity. “You can play basketball, football, maybe even baseball, but there is no way you can play boxing,” he said. “Either you train to the best of your abilities and become victorious or you are the one who is going to be played.” So Moore applies that same mentality to life outside the ropes.
Wilson, now 41, began training boxers in 2001, wanting to engage the youth in something positive and to pass on the knowledge that was taught to him. He not only wanted to teach boxing to the newer generation, but also discipline and self-defense. Wilson comes from the housing projects of 43rd Street in Chicago, where being soft is not an option. He started boxing in 1981 because he wanted to get away from his father, a strict man.
Moore started boxing in 1980. He used it as recreation. “Boxing taught me discipline and gave me direction. It was an outlet to unleash anger.” He added, “Boxing was a platform to strive up an economic ladder.” Moore sprouted up from the inner city of Chicago, but planted his seeds elsewhere when he traveled around the world to fight and experience the beauty of other cultures like the motherland, Africa. He credits these and other life-altering experiences to boxing.
Familiar with the name Mayweather right? Of course you are. We all know the pound for pound best boxer in the world Floyd Mayweather, also referred to as the King of Boxing. The Mayweather family is highly recognized for their long tradition in boxing, and it started before Pretty Boy Floyd. Their tradition goes back one generation to father Floyd Mayweather Sr. and uncle Roger Mayweather. As a young man at the start of his boxing career, Wilson trained with Roger, and working with such a talented trainer helped Wilson become the mentor he is today.
More famous boxers like Muhammad Ali are prime examples of fighters accomplishing much outside of just throwing punches. Ali converted his champion spirit into a political standpoint from which to speak against the physical and mental torture of his race, as well as the Vietnam War. This act of speaking out definitely paved the way for boxers like Wilson and Moore. More than simply ‘stick and move,’ it is the self-discipline, motivation, and personal strength gained outside of the ropes that may be the sport’s ultimate legacy. TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 47
FRESHMAN CONNECTIONS
A
Freshman 15 BY KAROLINA SKERRETT, WESTINGHOUSE, AND BRIAN LEWIS, CLEMENTE
RE YOU NERVOUS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL? NEED SOME TIPS ON WHAT DO TO? WELL YOUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. WE ARE GOING TO GIVE YOU YOUR FRESHMAN 15. NO, NOT THE 15 POUNDS YOU ARE SAID TO GAIN ONCE ENTERING YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR IN COLLEGE BUT RATHER THE 15 THINGS EVERY FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL SHOULD KNOW TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR. 1. Don’t come to school acting hard - Acting tough in the halls can lead to many fights that you might later regret. According to Celina Huerta, a 16-year-old junior at Clemente High School, the last thing a freshman wants to do is come in acting hard. “If you think you’re tough, sophomores, juniors and seniors are going to be like ‘What the heck? You’re a little freshman!’ Don’t act tough when you’re not.” 2. Treat people the way you want to be treated - Treating people with respect is a good way to make friends and not enemies. 3. Join organizations that interest you - There are many organizations from sports to educational activities. Just find the one(s) that fit you and put your all into it. According to David Williams, 17, junior at Clemente High School: it is never bad to get involved with more than one activity. That way you can stay active throughout the entire school year and get a head start on possible future career options. 4. Set goals early - Setting goals is a great way to start your freshman year. This shows that you are serious about your studies. 5. Join a study group - A study group is a great way to catch up with your work and learn all that you can. Study groups are there for your help so don’t let them go to waste. 6. Become familiar with your Guidance Counselors early - Guidance Counselors are there for YOU! They will be one of the biggest assets to a successful high school career. Becoming familiar with them early helps you build a relationship that will last all four years and even beyond that. 7. Come prepared for class everyday - Your teacher isn’t going to have supplies set aside for you if you forget them. And depending on others is a bad habit. High school is a great time to focus on becoming independent.
8. Don’t be scared to ask for help - The only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask! 9. Avoid Drama - Drama will try to find you, but leave it alone, because it can lead to unnecessary problems. Belen Ortiz, a 15-year-old junior at Clemente, knows first hand that drama can lead to unwanted problems. “Avoiding drama will really help you out in doing your work and staying out of trouble, which is usually the biggest problem people have in school.” 10. Don’t fall into a bad crowd - You could be doing really well one semester, but if you fall into a bad crowd you could lose your focus and drop your grade. 11. Watch the people you hang with - Not everyone is your friend! It’s up to you to choose friends wisely. Surround yourself with positive people and you will see a positive outcome. 12. Have fun but not too much fun - Don’t live a boring life, but don’t forget that you are in school. Make sure you get your work done before you take time out to play. Too much fun will put you behind and playing catch up is never fun. 13. Always come to school - Don’t make skipping school a habit. Once you stop coming, you’ll be known as a dropout or have to repeat a grade. The 20-year-old junior in high school has never been cool. 14. Put School First - It’s the right thing to do. Once you make school second, you make your future second. 15. Prepare for college early - Get started right away. Find ways to develop skills that will help you in your college career and make sure you are prepared. Don’t wait until the last minute. “I waited until the last minute to prepare for college and now I’m a junior who is just getting started and it’s very stressful,” Huerta said.
WITH ADVICE FROM YOUR SUPERIORS YOU DON’T WANT TO LET THIS LIST GO TO WASTE. KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND AND YOU CAN’T GO WRONG. WE GUARANTEE IT!
Millennium Park’s
Cloud Gate
THUMBS UP
DESIRAY BONILLA, FRESHMAN, SCHURZ HIGH SCHOOL The Cloud Gate better known as “The Bean” was designed by a British artist named Anish Kapoor between 2004 and 2006. The bean is made up of 168 stainless steel plates conjoined together. It is highly smoothed and shined, and has no visible seams. It is 33 feet by 66 feet by 42 feet tall, and weighs about 110 tons. Kapoor was inspired by liquid mercury, which gave him the idea for the unique reflective covering. The Cloud Gate is a resplendent, dazzling piece of art that is known for its breathtaking, futuristic appearance. The Cloud Gate has been called “An amazingly playful place,” “contemporary,” and “a beautiful piece of art.”
THUMBS DOWN
ASHLEY GARCIA, FRESHMAN, SCHURZ HIGH SCHOOL Most people say that the Cloud Gate is “captivating” and “inspiring,” but to me, it feels lifeless. Cloud Gate more like Gate To Boredom! It looks as if a kindergartener could have made it not with the intentions of trying to put that same meaning behind it, but they sure could take a jelly bean and put it on a piece of paper that has a grid, just as “The Bean” sits on a grid at Millennium Park. 48 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
What’s In a Name? WEST AND CENTRAL EDITION
BY STEVEN C. HALL, FRESHMAN, HOWARD UNIVERSITY
THIS WAS WRITTEN TO GIVE SOME INSIGHT ON THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE WE AS STUDENTS REPRESENT THROUGH PRINTED SHIRTS, GENERATED ID, OR BY WORD OF MOUTH. LET THE NAME OF OUR SCHOOLS ENCOURAGE US TO ACHIEVE OR ACCOMPLISH MORE THAN THEY DID. GIVE RESPECT; WHERE RESPECT IS DUE. Curie Metropolitan 4959 S. Archer Ave.
Crane Technical Prep High School 2245 W. Jackson Ave.
Marie Skłodowska Curie was a Warsaw born chemist and physicist. Mrs. Curie’s discoveries include polonium and radium, through a theory which she also created called radioactivity. Her achievement earned her two Nobel Prizes, making Curie the first person to ever
Richard T. Crane was a brass and plumbing manufacturer/supplier. Crane’s company grew immensely after the Chicago Fire in 1871. This allowed Crane to employ hundreds of Chicago men. Soon the company
receive two. Manley Career Academy High School 2935 W. Polk St. Hugh Manley was a school engineer, part of the Local 143. Manley risked his life preventing a boiler explosion; this brave feat eventually brought upon his death two years later.
expanded over seas and became the world leader for valves and fittings. During the end of its independent running the company grossed $2 million annually. Hubbard High School 6200 S. Hamlin Ave. Gurdon ‘Swift-Walker’ Hubbard was Chicago’s first builder of the stockyard, first insurance underwriter, first warehouse owner, financier, and land speculator; these examples of what Hubbard actually did
Farragut Career Academy 2345 S. Christiana Ave.
in Chicago are minimal to make this paragraph digestible. Hubbard was huge in fur trade and in meatpacking. He was one of the Chicago village’s first trustees and elected as alderman of Chicago’s 7th ward.
“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,” said Union Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, the first rear, vice and full admiral in U.S. History. Farragut led the Navy in the Civil War, which eventually gave way to
Even the Chicago’s Great Fire could not stop the Swift-Walker who in the 1800’s walked 75 miles to warn the Danville people of an impending raid.
the ‘freedom’ of slaves. No matter what, you can’t question his brazen bravado. Roberto Clemente Community Academy 1147 N. Western Ave. During his career, the Hall-of-Fame right fielder Roberto Clemente won 12 Gold Gloves and the 1966 NL
Juarez Community Academy 2150 S. Laflin St. Benito Juarez was the leader of La Reform, having served five terms as President in Mexico. Juarez was dedicated to democracy and equality; he also lessened the Catholic Church’s lean on Mexico. Juarez will be remembered as one of Mexico’s most revered leaders.
MVP. Though Clemente’s baseball accomplishments were great, he was most remembered for his humanitarian acts of taking food to Puerto Rican and Latin people. His helpful spirit rendered Clemente his death, as he died in an aviation catastrophe while delivering aid to Nicaraguan earthquake survivors. TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 49
Do you really know
TrueStar Magazine? BY MANOUCHEKA AIREY, HYDE PARK ACADEMY GRADUATE
What? True Star Magazine has reached a milestone—its sixteenth issue of coverage on teen life, culture, and entertainers. After all these issues, how much can you really say you know about the magazine? Well, here are the five W’s and an H that answer those questions you have been yearning to know. When? Who? Founders J. Na-Tae’ Thompson and DeAnna McLeary have been the force behind True Star since September 2004 when it began as a four-page newsletter with only 17 students. Today it has spawned into a must-read magazine that employs 175 teens from various programs onsite and at CPS schools. Where? Before the two met, Thompson was doing teen events and programming at the Chicago Park district. While there, she often came across McLeary, who did motivational speaking at many of those events and was involved in creating publications. Thompson later asked McLeary if she wanted to start a
that it was really sad because they were going into college and the workforce without basic communication skills.” Na-Tae’ Thompson How? How did they name the magazine? McLeary explains: “The teens came up with the name True Star because they wanted to tell the truth without being censored and they wanted to shine like stars.” Sixteen issues later, the True Star vision is an ongoing reality. Thompson and McLeary’s story is an example of the goals that can be accomplished just from identifying an issue and striving to solve it. Although the journey to achieving your goal may not be easy, keep pushing forward. Thompson recounts, “it’s [been] so many days that me and DeAnna banged our heads against the wall like ‘What are we doing? What are we doing?’ But we know that we have an ultimate goal and we see the vision. We see it so close we can touch it, so you know you just can’t give up.”
journalism program for teens and it’s been history since. Why? The two began the publication because they witnessed “juniors and seniors that were in high school who couldn’t formulate a paragraph, and we thought
50 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
These ladies are true role models, so the next time you open up a True Star Magazine, make sure you remember the ladies whose vision made it possible, and that you too can accomplish your goals.