Truestar Spring/Summer 2009

SPRING/SUMMER 2009

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD MAKING ITS MARK

PLUS: CELEBRITY

COPYCAT FASHION

INTERVIEWS WITH…

COLUMBUS SHORT MAESTRO HARRELL TYLER WILLIAMS TIA MOWRY THE CAST OF BALDWIN HILLS AND MORE!

THROWING A ‘BOMB’ PARTY WHITNEY YOUNG’S HOOPS GLORY

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS YOUTH GUIDE INSIDE!

EMBRACING

FAMILIES

EMPOWERING MINDS

EMPLOYING THE COMMUNITY

It’s because of your support that the Black McDonald’s Operators Association can continue to embrace, empower and employ the communities we serve.

From L-R: Blanton Canady, Derrick Taylor, Keith Allen, Darrell Winbush, Doris Boulrece, Derrick Lott, Keith Pryor, Ron Lofton, Melvin Buckley, Phil Douglas, Yolanda Travis, Sam Harmon, Thomas Brown, Lance Jones, Thom Wheeler, Esperanza McSween (not pictured). ©2009 McDonald's

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YOUNG HOLLYWOOD 8 COLUMBUS SHORT

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EVA & LANCE

By Benita Brown

THE GAME

By Kintrell Winston, Kyle Bailey and Dion Spencer

11 MORE YOUNG HOLLYWOOD

By Diondra Bradshaw and Randy C. Bonds

ZON D’AMOUR

By David Kingly

12 KNOW YOUR CELEBRITIES!

By Toni Green

13 HOW TO BECOME A TEEN ACTOR

By Ebony Tripplett

GO AFTER YOUR DREAMS

By Xavier O’Neal

REAL TALK 14 ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

By Jameliah Salter

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEACHERS

By Xavier O’Neal

15 HOW YOUR FRIENDS AFFECT YOUR REP

By Markise Wilson

16 GUN VIOLENCE 17 SHOULD TEEN MOMS BE JAILED? TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 1130 SOUTH WABASH SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605 312.588.0100 OFFICE 312.588.0175 FAX

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THRU DA WIRE 18 THE YOUNG, THE WILD

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10 YOUNG HOLLYWOOD LOVE

By Steven Hall

36

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“Could it be our society portrays single people as lonely or & THE FAMOUS miserable…like nothing is worst than being caught by yourself?”

� By Devon Boyson

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19 HOW TO THROW A “BOMB” PARTY

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TAKING OUR FASHION CUES

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By Melinda Lee

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FASHION 20 REAL TEENS...REAL FASHION

34 TEENS BATTLING THE TOUGH RECESSION

By Monique Archer

BILL GATES QUIZ

By Tashawn Tyus

35 FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR LIFE

By Myles Gage

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22 CELEBRITY COPYCAT UNDER THE RADAR 26 CHICAGO’S RISING STARS LOUDER THAN A BOMB 28 LOUDER THAN A BOMB

By Benita Brown

INSIDE & OUT 30 CERVICAL CANCER

By Deleska Charleston

31 AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY

By Tierra McMillan

TEEN BIZ 32 CHICAGO YOUTH SAVES: EVENT RECAP

By Deleska Charleston

33 TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

By Jeannine Scott

INTERNSHIPS

By Nicolas Guzman

YOUNG LUV 36 WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING SINGLE

By Benita BrownTEEN BIZ 37 WHY ARE YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP?

By Xavier O’Neal

HOW TO LET SOMEONE DOWN EASILY

By Elicia Bibbs

ON THE COURT 38 BEHIND THE SCENES IN HOOPS HIGH

By Michelle A. Bradley

HIGH AND LOWS FOR THE PHOENIX

By Chris Frills

39 SCOUT ME... IF YOU CAN...

By Erin Ewing

40 WHITNEY YOUNG STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

By Maya Powe

BEHIND THE NAME 41 WHAT’S IN A NAME

By Steven Hall

42 BRIGHT LIGHTS, CAMERAS, TEXTBOOKS?

By Maya Powe TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 5

8

KJ W

Editors Letter

JK

elcome to TrueStar’s Spring/Summer 2009 issue. Just when you were getting used to cold weather and snow, it is time to replace the winter coats for rain jackets. TrueStar highlighted some of the most talented stars of Young Hollywood, such as Columbus Short, Eva Marcille, Lance Gross, and many others. In addition, this issue features articles on celebrity hairstyles, young girls trying to grow up too fast, becoming a teen actor, and much more.

From the increase in student involvement to partnerships with events like Louder Than a Bomb and Day26’s domestic abuse discussion, our magazine has experienced new heights. With these accomplishments, the graphic design, photography, and editorial teams stepped up to make TrueStar better than ever. Turn the pages and enjoy!

Yours truly, Benita Brown Staff Editor

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 ON THE COVER & ARTICLE OF COLUMBUS SHORT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHAEL CHEVAS Creative Staff Simeon High School Instructors Rhonda Jackson Polina Zionts

Event Planning Staff Harlan High School Instructors Joi Mitchell Kikanza Harris

Quinnisha Allen Annette Archer Monique Archer Kendra Bogard Devon Boyson Devon Bussell Brittany Brunson Brianna Byrd Hassan Childs TiAnna Coats Cherell German Monikeya Gordon Anshaunti Hillery Shakita Hopkins Irvin Hooker James Hudson Darnella Johnson Eric Jones Miesha Newell Brandon Quarles Makaela Riley Prince Rule Princess Rule Melissa Smith Gwen Spight

Christopher Brown

Darnella Stevenson Ruth Timothy Senior Apprentice Darius Hillery

Kara Brown Takeysha Brown Dontay Bryant Deshaun Clair Demetrius Cook Leroy Dennis Ashley Gibson Kierra Glispie Stephen Gordon Ashley Jefferson Javon Johnson Willie Massey Daniel Merrick Detty Reeves Maurice Sutton

Kyle Bailey Diondra Bradshaw Armani Brown Bernard Briscoe Ashley Buckner Tierra McMillan Destiney Minor Xavier O’Neal Jeannine Scott Jordan Washington Editorial Staff Manley High School Instructor Veronica Harrison Shantelle Breeze Deleska Charleston

Elicia Bibbs Justin Bowles Benita Brown Arthur Jones Jameliah Salter Adriana Rosales Ebony Triplett

Curtis Britt Dwun Brown Parrish Colbert Justinian Gardner Charlie Livingston Deontae Sanders Charlie Higgins

Freelance Writers Randy C. Bonds Michelle A. Bradley Myles Gage Christine Goggins Nicolas Guzman David Kingly Maya Powe Tashawn Tyus Chris Frills

Pathways Dion Spencer Mallory Hardin Cleveland Stewart DeMarco Steward Vernell Williams Angel Griffin

Rashon Purnell

Photography Staff Photography Staff Bogan High School Percy L. Julian High School Instructor Instructors Ven Sherrod Deshaun Adams Keara Burke Michael McToy Tamaya Johnson Phylicia Jones Takara Johnson Amisha McGraw Jimmy Smith Preston Brewer Carlton Rice Jataun Williams Darius Caldwell Carmen Garcia Miesha Glover D’ante Burton Whitney Horton Mariana Lopez Rueben Brown Dominique Williams Robert Sanders Lonesha Young Darine Gosha Jennifer Gilbert Deangelo Brown Scymone Dortch Jessica Dixon Kina Loyd Deandre Mccottry

Shannon Moore

Domonique Daily

Erin Ewing Toni Green Jessica Harrington Shaneetra Haywood Jumila Jackson

Leeza Earl Tina Curry Shelby Brown Trenton Sapp Armand Grant Briana Baker Beronica Littlejohn Laquisha Moss Ryan Daniels Crystal Walker Erin Randle Ricky Powell Timothy Shephard Deandre Watts

Editorial Staff Instructor Edgar Molina Banner West

Alondra Taylor

Vonkisha Jackson

Carl Veney

Jerrica Jordan

Markita Watts

Melinda Lee

Alexis Webster

Darryl Meneweather

Markia Wilkerson

Angela Tally

Martease Wilkerson

Angelena Young

Brittney Williams

Sakeria Young

Justin Sams

Editorial Staff Gary Comer Youth Center Instructor Jack M. Silverstein

Editorial Staff True Star Office Instructor Edgar Molina

Banner South

Anthony Britton Leonard Flowers Cordero Friend Eddie McKenzie Starjuan Nichols

Tremont Smith

Executive Directors J. Na’Tae Thompson DeAnna McLeary Managing Editor Jack M. Silverstein Art Direction Design and Illustration

Angel D’Amico Photo Coordinator Mireya Acierto Fashion Editor Kikanza Harris Special Projects Manager Deshaun Adams Philistine Thompsons Account Executive Carlin Tools Administrative Assistant Janine Hart

THE MAJORITY OF THIS MAGAZINE IS DEVELOPED BY TEENS IN SEVERAL AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS PROGRAMS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE HOSTED BY ITS PARTNER AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION TRUE STAR FOUNDATION. AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT OFFERS CHICAGO TEENS INNOVATIVE OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVIES THROUGH SCIENCE37, SPORTS37, TECH37, WORDS37 AND THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED GALLERY37 PROGRAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.AFTERSCHOOLMATTERS.ORG OR CALL (312) 742-4182.

6 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

ANNETTE MICHELLE ARCHER 17, Simeon High School Surprise Benefits? I have been doing exceptionally well using software that I’d never even heard of before working for True Star. The ways I’ve improved are definitely much more than I anticipated.

BENITA BROWN 17, Lindblom Math & Science Academy Editorial Have there been any surprise benefits of working for TrueStar, skills that improved in ways that were unanticipated?

My work ethic. I also got a feel of how magazines are run. Everything can’t be last minute. It takes time and planning to write an article.

What do your friends think about the product you help put out?

A lot of my friends want to get involved with TrueStar and write because of the work I’ve done. They think it’s great what I’m doing and I appreciate their support.

How do you plan on using your TrueStar skills in other areas of life?

I plan on majoring in journalism in college, so the skills I’m learning now will help me become successful in the field.

What would you most want TrueStar readers to know about what the magazine means to you?

TrueStar is everything I’ve ever wanted to do. It gives you something to be proud of and look forward to. When I got published I was so geeked to see my name in print that I passed magazines around my school and made sure they saw the last page.

As we come upon our 16th issue, what do you think the future holds for TrueStar?

I see it becoming like a major magazine, sold in stores and artists begging to be featured. With every issue TrueStar has gotten better, and I definitely want to continue to be apart of it.

How do you plan on using your TrueStar skills in other areas of life? I want to own my own businesses and one of them is a magazine company.

So the skills that I learned will definitely help me.

As we come upon our 16th issue, what do you think the future holds for TrueStar? I think it’s going to turn into a big magazine like Ebony or Vibe and be very successful around the world.

DEANDRE MCCOTTRY 15, Julian Photography Team Surprise benefits?

I got to meet Day 26 and Dawn from Danity Kane. The program taught me how to use the camera and improved my skills with exposure, F-stops and shutter speeds.

What do your friends think?

My friends say they would like to join TrueStar, because they see I have gotten a lot of camera experience. Now I can do professional things because I know how to use the camera.

TrueStar skills in other areas of life?

When I get older this will become not only a hobby but a career. My experience doing photography will look good on my resume.

The future of TrueStar?

I think one day TrueStar will be sold in stores and I will purchase it myself because I will say I was a part of this.

TAKEYSHA EBONY BROWN

KYLE BAILEY

18, Harlan Community Academy Event Planning Team

17, Kenwood Academy Editorial

Surprise benefits?

By being in the TrueStar Event Planning Program I outgrew my shyness and came to find that I’m pretty outgoing and goofy.

Surprise benefits?

The act of going over my work again and again, making sure there are no grammatical errors. That discipline has made me a more focused worker in school. I have also made a lot of strong networking connections, and it definitely looks good on the resume.

Other areas of life?

I’ve learned computer skills, leadership skills and how to cooperate with other people, and I think these skills will help especially after high school when I get in the working world.

What does the magazine mean to you?

It means that I get to see and hear teens like me talk about issues that are important in my world.

What do your friends think?

I’ve brought other people into the program because they thought I was doing a good job and they wanted to do it for themselves.

How do you plan on using your TrueStar skills in other areas of life?

Working with TrueStar helped me understand what I want to major in. I feel like some of the skills I’ve gained—how to talk to businessmen, to get them to believe in what you are trying to sell, being able to answer all their questions—will help me with my career in the future.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 7

“STOMP THE YARD GAVE ME THAT SHOT TO SHOWCASE MY ABILITY, AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT ACTORS WORK A LIFETIME SOMETIMES TO DO.”

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 9

YOUNG

BY BENITA BROWN JUNIOR, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY PHOTO: ROBERT ECTOR

hollywood Love

Lance Gross

Eva Marcille

Ever since she won the third cycle of America’s Next Top Model, triple threat Eva Marcille has been busy. Along with fashion shows and campaigns, she is also working on her own clothing line, an interest that began in college.

But before Eva dreamed of becoming a model or fashion designer, she wanted to be an actress. “When I was young, my parents put me in the L.A. Bridges Conservatory, a school for the arts and extra-curricular activity. There I learned how to play the piano, the trombone, and to dance.” It was there that her diverse interests developed, as well as her drive to succeed at every opportunity. Considering all she has accomplished, it appears that she has brought this same spirit of determination to her professional career.

Known for his role in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Lance Gross got his start in a short film by Benny Boom.

Now, at the age of 27, he has appeared in music videos for Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Mariah Carey, as well as episodes of The Bernie Mac Show and .

Gross received a full track and field scholarship from Howard University.

Still, his real passion was performance. “I’m doing what I love. I could never see running track as a career.” His parents support his career path, but it took some time. “Any parent [whose] child wants to do acting is concerned with the longevity,” he said. “They wanted me to major in business.”

“My days are always run, run, run!” she said. “It can go from having to be on set at 6:30 in the morning to having to be there all day till 7 or even 8 at night.” The life of a triple threat must be draining.

Along with his B.A. in Theatre from Howard, he also received training from the Ivanna Chubbuck Studio and Tasha Smith Acting Studio. It was there that Perry found him, performing a scene from Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. Now he spends the majority of his time on set or promoting himself.

“There’s not one moment that sticks out on set, but everyday working with LaVan Davis is crazy.”

Her life motto is simple. “If you’re going to play, don’t worry, and if you’re going to worry, don’t play.” She believes that when acting or modeling, you have to ignore the stress that comes with the job and focus on your performance. And when it comes to fashion, “wear what is comfortable and do what you enjoy.” In other words, do as you feel, not as others do. Great advice, if you ask me.

Despite his immense success, he still draws inspiration from veteran actors such as Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and Sean Penn.

And for anyone drawing inspiration from him, his advice is this: “If you have a dream, just follow it until you achieve it. Set goals so you’re always striving for something.” Great advice from someone who has accomplished so much in so little time.

Interviews with the Cast Hosea Chanchez

by Kintrell Winston Freshman, Manley Career Academy Hosea Chanchez has done many interviews, but when asked if he ever felt like giving up on his career, he answered, “No I haven’t. I’m just getting started and I have a lot of work to do.” That answer showed his energy and dedication toward his work, both of which are, in some places, lacking in Young Hollywood.

Chanchez grew up watching Richard Pryor, and now wishes to work with Will Smith, Laurence Fishburne, Don Cheadle, and Clive Owen, a great line-up of actors indeed. He finds similarities and differences between himself and Malik, his character on the CW’s The Game. Their attitudes are different, but they are both “mama’s boys.”

Tia Mowry: From teen star to adult actress

By Kyle Bailey – Junior Kenwood Academy Tia Mowry knows exactly how hard it is to go from a teen star to an adult actress.

Tia first came to public eye with her twin sister Tamera on the sitcom Sister Sister. And while many teen stars get stuck in their glory years, Tia has succeeded in the industry as an adult while also branching out.

Adults always tell us that hard work is boring and tedious, that we must prepare ourselves for an adult life of boredom. But why? Couldn’t we have fun while making a living? The Her post-Sister Sister life has included graduating trick is to do what compels you! from the University of Pepperdine with a degree in psychology, landing a role on the TV series The Take Marion ‘Pooch’ Hall, for instance. Before getting Game, and getting married. “I’m a sucker for love,” paid to crack jokes on TV, he cracked them just for Mowry said, adding that while many feel they have fun. Eventually, his talent for making people laugh to be “deserving” of love, she feels that “love is turned into a career, but the road to stardom didn’t unconditional.” come without sacrifice and the keyword: Hardwork!

“You can’t make your first movie and expect to make When transitioning from child star to adult professional millions,” Hall said. “This thing takes hard work.” grew rough for Tia, she leaned on her family and drew inspiration from her idol, Halle Berry. “It was hard Before his career in entertainment, Pooch did a little bit for her to get roles because she was such a beautiful of everything. Though he was relatively good at sports, woman, as it is [hard] for me because I was a child he chose to do what compelled him most. star.” But things are looking up for Mrs. Mowry. She played Melanie Barnett on CW’s The Game, and her This is the key to success. God put you on this Earth for new production company with her sister will soon be a reason. All you need to do is find out what that is. releasing a movie on Lifetime.

Easier said than done, right?

All in all, he loves his fellow cast members like family.

In fact, when interviewed by TrueStar, he was in a Baskin Robbins with castmate Tia Mowry, laughing, While Mowry loves to act, it is clear that acting joking and continually shaping Young Hollywood. is not her entire life. She loves to cook, and is a devoted family woman and wife. Most of all, she is a “If you wouldn’t do what you’re doing for a career for wonderful role model to the rest of young Hollywood free, then you’re in the wrong career path.” about how to become a successful adult.

10 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

Pooch Hall: Do what compels you!

By Dion Spencer Junior, Pathways in Education, Photo: Matthias Clamer/THE CW

It doesn’t have to be hard. The trick is to be completely open-minded and approach the process like an exploration. Pay attention to those things about yourself that come easily or naturally. One of them just might be your calling.

MORE MORE WITH WITH YOUNG YOUNG HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD Tyler Williams enjoys his life

By Diondra Bradshaw – Sophomore King College Prep

Naturi Naughton

By Randy C. Bonds Sophomore, Columbia College Chicago Photo: Keith Munyan

Why let the stress of a job get to you? Is it worth it in the end?

Naturi Naughton is definitely a survivor, a trait clearly displayed in her career.

“All jobs should be fun and nothing should be taken too seriously,” says Tyler Williams, star of TV’s Everybody Hates Chris. “[Acting] is definitely a job but you should have fun doing it.” Williams knows that even if work is strenuous, you still have to push past it and do what you love.

Many remember her as one of the founding members of the pop trio 3LW. Naughton herself?

She prefers to look ahead. “I don’t like to dwell on the issue,” Naughton said, “but instead show people how much I’ve grown from it, and encourage them not to live in the past.”

Ever since nabbing the starring role on the Chris Rock-inspired sitcom in 2005, Williams has shown his comedic skills. No easy feat when you are portraying a comedic legend. “That was the biggest thing for me: how am I going to prove to [Rock] that I can play him?”

After leaving the group, Naughton attended Seton Hall, where she would use her free time to work on music and acting. She began auditioning for Broadway plays immediately after college, and was soon booked on the Broadway National Tour of Hairspray. “A lot of people didn’t know that I was doing a Broadway show,” tells Naughton, “but I was always working, just not in the music business.”

Over four seasons, Williams proved himself worthy of Rock’s status. Now, with the show going off the air, the young actor is looking ahead. “The person who inspired me to become an actor was Will Smith,” Williams said when speaking about his film career. “A movie I saw when I was very young was Men In Black, and from there I kind of got the idea that this is something that I really want to do.”

And while Williams became famous for playing Chris Rock, he landed the role just by being himself.

“I couldn’t think of anything to say [in auditions], so I just was myself,” Williams said. “In conversations [Rock and I] had later, he said that was one of the biggest things.”

Zon D’Amour:

Brian White

By Randy C. Bonds Sophomore, Columbia College Chicago, Photo: Chenoa Maxwell Born into a wealthy family with a star basketball player for a father, fame was never something to strive for in the life of Brian White. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had it. After following in his father’s footsteps as a professional athlete, an injury forced White into a new line of work. He immediately got involved in modeling while also co-founding the Phunk Phenomenon Urban Dance Theater Company.

He collected a SAG card and an agent when he was hired for a commercial, thus putting him in “the union before I even knew what it was.” He moved to New York to continue modeling, and was at an L.A. bar trying to figure out how he was going to get back into the NFL when he was approached by a director for Moesha who, intrigued by his “look,” asked if he had any acting experience. Soon after, White’s career in the field had begun. It is a job that he loves. And to him, that’s important.

After her Broadway success, Naughton took it to the big screen as “Lil’Kim” in the movie Notorious.

While Lil’Kim wasn’t too happy with the portrayal, Naughton is proud of her achievement in the role.

“It’s unfortunate that she’s not happy with the role,” says Naughton, “But I am aware that it has nothing to do with me.”

This is only the beginning for Naugton, who has a movie coming out later this year titled Fame. Be sure to check it out, and continue to watch as she grows from a singer to an actress.

Hollywood’s Next Director

BY DAVID KINGLY JUNIOR, BRONZEVILLE MILITARY ACADEMY

M

ost teens today will give up on high school if they are tired of it. That is not the case for Zon D’Amour: instead of giving up in order to get out, she finished early. It was clearly a good decision, allowing her to devote her time to what she loves: making motion pictures.

As such, she is working to create her own show, a program revolving around the life of high school students that, as she says, “isn’t your High School Musical.” D’Amour, whose program will follow the lives of students from freshmen to seniors, is eagerly awaiting the completion of her trailer.

Zon noticed at an early age that she likes to control the action. She also saw something that bothered her: the largely negative portrayals of black characters, and scenarios that seemed watered down.

Though she is a normal teenage girl in most respects, her drive sets her apart from her peers.

While many of her supporters believe she does too much, she believes they do too little. Her advice?

Stay motivated and keep moving forward.

Keep your eye out for this rising star. She may be the director of your next favorite movie.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 11

KNOW YOUR

CELEBRITIES!

BY TONI GREEN SOPHOMORE, MANLEY CAREER ACADEMY

Is Reality TV Really Real?

Exclusive Interview with the cast of Baldwin Hills

BY ELICIA BIBBS AND EBONY TRIPPLETT SENIORS, DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE PHOTO: DEREK BLANKS/COURTESY BET

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR FAVORITE YOUNG CELEBS? ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS CORRECTLY AND FIND OUT! 1. What celebrity said watching a

6. What male celebrity was

Destiny’s Child concert on the show

featured in Snoop Dogg’s “What’s

Good Morning America inspired

My Name” video?

her to pursue a career in music?

A. LIL ROMEO

A. CIARA

B. BOW WOW

B. ALICIA KEYS

C. BOBBY VALENTINO

C. RIHANNA

D. TREY SONGZ

D. CASSIE 7. What artist has NOT dropped 2. What rapper’s birth name is

a single acknowledging our new

Algernod Lanier Washington?

Black President, Barack Obama?

A. BOW WOW

A. YOUNG JEEZY

B. T.I.

B. NAS

C. PLIES

C. FERGIE

D. T-PAIN

D. GINUWINE

3. What artist was founded on the

8. What female celebrity’s son’s

social networking site MySpace?

name is Daniel Julez Smith Jr.?

A. HURRICANE CHRIS

A. TINY

B. SOULJA BOY TELL EM

B. LISA RAYE

C.CHRIS BROWN

C. LIL KIM

D. PLIES

D. SOLANGE KNOWLES

4. What are the names of Keyshia

9. Which artist did NOT get their

Cole’s two dogs?

start on American Idol?

A. LOLA AND SANDY

A. FANTASIA

B. LYRIC AND LOLA

B. RUBEN STUDDARD

C. SANDY AND JOSE

C. PINK

D. SPOT AND SANDY

D. JENNIFER HUDSON

5. What singer played a role on

10. What rapper’s mother’s name

the Cosby Show as one of Rudy

is Jocita Carter?

Huxtable’s slumber party friends?

A. JAY-Z

A. BEYONCE

B. JIM JONES

B. RIHANNA

C. LIL WAYNE

C. MARY J. BLIGE

D. LUDACRIS

D. ALICIA KEYS

1. A

2. C

ANSWERS: 3. B 4. B 5. D 6. B 7. C 8. D

12 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

9. C 10. C

H

“NO ONE WANTS TO BE JUDGED AT THEIR WORST, AND THIS IS EXACTLY THE TYPE OF OPPORTUNITY THE CAMERA PROVIDES.”

ave you ever wondered how much of reality TV is really real?

Don’t certain things that go down seem a bit too coincidental? And why aren’t there any moments that seem boring and common? REAL life is never non-stop action and drama—fortunately! Luckily for us, we found a few reality stars from BET’s Baldwin Hills to speak upon the subject of “Is Reality TV really real?”

The first to weigh-in was Baldwin Hills heartthrob, Justin. “A lot of young people watch Baldwin Hills,” he said, “and there is a certain type of mannerism I have to keep up because I want people to see the good in me.

I want to give a good impression for the young people that look up to me.”

Understandably, most people put in this situation would probably censor their actions.

“On the show, you don’t really get to see my goofy side,” said Season 3’s Tyler. “I’m very easygoing. I seem a little high strung on TV but I’m REALLY not.” Because of the editing, and because Tyler’s love triangle with Moriah and Gerren was the center of her camera time, she came off a bit onedimensional. But put yourself in her situation: no one wants to be judged at their worst, and this is exactly the type of opportunity the camera provides.

Etienne, also from Season 3, offered this insight: “It’s real in some cases, like when it comes to how you feel towards somebody. But when they tell you, ‘Oh, say this one more time, that was a really important line you just said’…stuff like that is not real.” He went on: “It’s kind of like you’re improvising. You do what you feel, then you try to make it real when you do it, [but if] you’re not doing it right the first time, you have to do it again. It’s just shooting different takes, and that’s what’s not real about Reality TV. But other than that...it’s semi-real.”

Etienne said it all. The truth of the matter is that Reality TV is neither real nor fake. It is semi-real. Different parts of it are real, while other parts are exaggerated. For the purpose of entertainment, reality is tweaked and transformed into something all-together different: Semi-Reality TV.

How to Become a Teen Actor

BY EBONY TRIPPLETT, SENIOR, DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE PHOTO: ARMAND GRANT – JULIAN HS

M

any teens want to break into acting but just aren’t sure where to start or if they even have what it takes to make it in the industry. Whether you have extraordinary talent or just ordinary abilities, your approach can make a tremendous difference in whether or not you succeed.

The audition process is generally the same for any production, and it starts with getting a photographer to take your headshots. Once you find an audition you want to shoot for, be sure to prepare. Research the role, and understand what the directors are looking for. Nothing can be more detrimental than coming unprepared. Also, have your friends and family critique your audition piece.

CAUTION: Once you’re there and in front of the powers-that-be, don’t overdo it! Be as natural as possible, and don’t let your nerves get the best of you.

Calm down, pace yourself, enunciate. To find local auditions, start by checking out the listings in Perform Inc, The Reader, and The League of Chicago Theatre.

You don’t necessarily have to audition for big gigs right away to showcase your talent. There are places like improv theaters that teach you the art of improvisation while allowing you to perform in front of smaller audiences.

You can also check out community and school theaters. These venues are good for getting more experience, a feel for the stage, and comfort performing in front of an audience.

As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” This is why you have to build up your networks whenever and wherever possible, meaning going to the right functions to meet the right people at the right times. Find actors and actresses, acting coaches and instructors, film and theater coordinators, and directors to get contact information. The more people you contact, the more connections you are sure to make. And if theater is your forte you can go to performances to ‘study’ and possibly stay after the show to meet with some actors.

The acting biz is far from easy to break into. You have to have a thick skin and the ability to take criticism. Actors are expected to memorize lines, take direction, and possibly improvise, be comedic, and sing. It is a very demanding occupation, but if it is your passion, it can also be a very rewarding one. Good luck!

Go after your dreams…

but keep them in perspective

BY XAVIER O’NEAL,JUNIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY PHOTO: DOMINIQUE DAILY – JULIAN HS

M

any people in today’s society tend to lose focus on major things in life, such as maintaining or getting a good education, because they are focusing on the mainstream life and becoming a superstar.

Becoming a rapper or singer may be the most common dream shared by the youth of America, and many children are blinded by success in the mainstream.

Some begin to cling to that kind of lifestyle and lose track of their schoolwork.

When it comes to dropping out of school in order to pursue a dream in the music industry, Kanye West may be the figure most often looked up to. His album College Dropout signifies how he didn’t finish school and still became rich and popular. But that experience was a one in a million sort of thing, and can give youth false hopes of something that is not likely to happen.

Once the real image is portrayed from artists and other role models, our nation will become a much better place. We will slowly see people who may have otherwise become bums—people who had nothing to fall back on after failing to ‘make it’—get off the streets, drop the liquor, and make something of themselves. Perhaps once the up-and-comers get their own education on the realities of the music industry, they will provide funding to recreational centers and youth-oriented programs, thus encouraging the next generation to keep their real-life focus as well as their dreams.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 13

REAL TALK

The Early Signs of an BETWEEN FRIENDS: 1(800) 603-HELP •••• RAINBOW HOUSE: 1(800) 913-0065

Abusive Relationship

“IF HE CUSSES YOU OUT OR THREATENS YOU, YOU’RE ASKING TO BECOME THE NEXT VICTIM IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO LEAVE.”

BY JAMELIAH SALTER SOPHOMORE, GWENDOLYN BROOKS COLLEGE PREP PHOTO: JULIAN PHOTO TEAM After the disturbing news about Chris Brown and Rihanna, I immediately thought to myself: Can a girl ever even avoid such a situation? How can a girl like me peep game before a guy tries to put hands on me?

So I did some investigating. According to the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 30 to 60 percent of female high school students have already experienced abuse. Every 1 in 3 high school students will be involved in an abusive relationship. Whoa! That is truly disturbing.

Some of my friends said the only way to avoid getting hands put on you is not asking for it. My girl Adriana Rosales told me “there were times where I manipulated the fact that I knew (or thought) my boyfriend would never hit me, and even challenged his manhood on several occasions. But one day he snapped out of no where and smacked me!” Well, one way to avoid it is not to ask for it. That seems too obvious, though.

Jayne Dawning, Executive Director of the Women’s Crisis Service, believes that nothing triggers violence. “Most abusers are violent out of choice, in secret, and wouldn’t be the same way publicly because they know it’s wrong.”

Truthfully, there is no exact science to knowing if a guy can potentially be abusive, but there are a few early warning signs. The trick is to keep your eyes open for them: Most abusive guys are jealous and controlling. Because this usually won’t come out early in a relationship, pay attention to how he reacts to your other friendships, be it with guys or girls. If he cringes or seems bothered by you spending time with them, chances are he is jealous and controlling.

Name-calling is a no-brainer. If he cusses you out or threatens you, you’re asking to become the next victim if you choose not to leave.

Most of all: use your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, then it’s probably all wrong. And if worst-comes-to-worst and you find yourself in a situation you can’t get out of, don’t hesitate to find help.

The Importance of Building Strong Relationships

with Teachers

BY XAVIER O’NEAL JUNIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY

really control the way they speak to or how they treat their teachers. Most of the time if a student doesn’t like something a teacher does they tend to disrespect the teacher or clown out and act a fool in order to show out in front of the class. Most teachers may be lenient to the situation for a short amount of time, but this is usually when the teacher will be taken advantage of. Still, the student may not understand that this is really not beneficial at all.

A student may be mostly concerned with his or her grade and without caring about what kind of a relationship they have with their teacher. The teacher knows way better than the student that in the long run the student is going to need them some way some how. This usually comes senior year, when it’s time to start applying to college and recommendations are needed. And guess who has to write them? The teachers. So now the student is thinking about teachers to ask and thinks since he or she got an A in a class despite being disruptive, they will still receive a strong recommendation from the teacher.

From here only two things can happen. Either the teacher won’t write the recommendation or they will write one saying how you are the worst student in the world.

M

any students today don’t understand the important roles teachers and administrators play in our education. When students are in school they don’t 14 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

Building a strong relationship with your teachers can be more valuable than some people may think. Maybe if you have a strong enough bond with a teacher he or she would be more likely to mention you for selective programs that may really benefit you. And while creating strong relationships with your superiors is vitally important towards school, this should also be applied universally because it can only have a positive outcome.

How Your

Friends

Affect Your

Rep

“I

ALWAYS HEAR PEOPLE SAY, ‘DRUGS AREN’T HARMFUL’ OR ‘I COULD STOP ANYTIME I WANT TO,’ BUT I NEVER LET IT FAZE ME.” Many teens complain about being judged in terms of their friends. I believe, though, that your friends can have an affect on your judgments depending on your confidence and inner-strength.

When looking at groups that participate in negatively viewed activities, I notice you rarely find an individual who stands out based on academics or anything else positive. Usually when a positive person is frequently around negative people, they are pressured to participate in such activities. As a result of constant peer pressure they eventually give in. In this case, only the strong may survive.

As difficult as it was I finally found an individual who perfectly fits the description of someone who stands out to the group of people they hang around. His name is Johnny Jenkins and he is a current student of Kenwood Academy. Johnny associates himself with “cool kids” who engage in minor drug use and alcohol. When I finally found time to talk to him I immediately asked him several questions.

BY MARKISE WILSON JUNIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY PHOTO: DOMINIQUE DAILY – JULIAN HS Markise Wilson: Have you ever been pressured to participate in any negative activities, such as drugs, alcohol or violence? If so, can you explain your experience?

Johnny Jenkins: Yes, I daily face tempting challenges that I always dismiss. Peer pressure has not led me to go against any morals I possess. I always hear people say, “Drugs aren’t harmful, everyone is doing it” or the big, “I could stop anytime I want to,” but I never let it faze me.

MW: How do you deal with situations in which you are pressured, like in the situation you describe?

JJ: Like I said, “I remain strong and do not let little things faze me.” If it is something I don’t want to do, I simply don’t do it.

MW: In general, do you believe the people you hang with have an effect on choices people make?

JJ: I definitely believe that the people you hang with affect the choices you make. Anyone that doesn’t think so hasn’t lived yet. Although, a lot of the people I hang around with smoke and drink, but I remain above the influence.

It all depends on how strong you are. Strong-minded individuals such as Johnny are able to dismiss the pressure and remain strong, striving for a decent and healthy life. Be a leader and only do what you want to do, not what others want you to do.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 15

Gun Violence

BY CHRISTINE GOGGINS FRESHMAN, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (UIC) PHOTO: DESHAUN ‘TRIG’ ADAMS

I

never thought gun violence would be an issue that I would write about from a victim’s standpoint. I lost a very dear friend of mine, Blair Holt, to gun violence on May 10, 2007. That was the most devastating day of my life, but it has also had the most impact on my future. After losing him I knew that something needed to be done about this issue.

I had heard so many stories about people getting shot. I hear gunshots outside of my Southside home almost every night. I never thought it could happen to me but it did. I do not want anyone else to endure the pain that I have felt.

Ever since I lost one of my best friends to gun violence I have devoted much time and effort advocating against the issue. I have joined the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence as part of their youth core. My first assignment was to collect 1,000 signatures to represent the number of people that die in Illinois each year from gun violence. In our efforts we collected over 1,000 signatures and presented them at a press conference on May 19, 16 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

I lost a very “ dear friend of mine,Blair Holt, to gun violence “

2008 to state lawmakers in hopes of passing more common sense gun laws.

I also created a Facebook group for ICPGV where we have facts posted about gun violence in Chicago.

Gun violence in Chicago deserves immediate attention because it ultimately affects us all. I want my peers to be proactive instead of reactive because there’s no way to tell whose life will be taken next. I have talked to the media and I have done non-violence specials believing that I will somehow impact this tragic situation. It will take more than me to make change. I need the support of my peers. I want for us as a generation to stand up and say, “We’re scared, we’re hurt, we’re angry but we want to live.” We have the determining voice so we need to exercise that power and fight as one. In saying all of this, I hope that I will encourage and make change so that our streets will be safer. I do not know exactly what will work but I will continue to advocate until something does. I believe in my peers and although we are considered the lost and horrible generation I remain positive and hope for a less violent future.

should teen moms

be jailed?

BY STEVEN HALL SENIOR, KING COLLEGE PREP PHOTO: JULIAN PHOTO TEAM

I

t was a typical day for me as I rode the bus down Cottage Grove on my way home. The bus was overcrowded, the heat had people inclined to act up, and three young girls were becoming very argumentative with an older patron. “You all need to grow up!” the older lady yelled. From that point on muffled curses became thrown punches and hair yanks. What were they arguing for? Did they even know?

This incident of stupidity was a great example of parenting gone completely wrong, and it solidified my notion that there should be punishments and repercussions for a young woman’s reckless use of sex and reproduction.

Being born into poverty will most likely produce ignorant, hopeless youth who have little future in this world, since 7 out of 10 pregnant teenage mothers make an income of $5,600. And how can a child guide a child? Who should be held accountable for producing humans who are unlikely to be productive in life? Who should be accountable for the emotional stress and mental disarray a single teen mother’s child endures with no father in the home, and the loss of identity that comes with that?

I find it difficult to believe that a person with no plan other than “love” can be strong enough to guide a child through life. What about sufficient clothing, shelter and food? A teen mother cannot provide all of that.

We are teens, and we all make mistakes, mistakes which we should be held accountable for. Sources say that 80% of teenage mothers end up on welfare, and on the average, taxpayers pay $18,133 a year for the first birth of a teenage mother’s child. That is enough money for at least two and a half years of college. When it comes to an innocent baby, accountability should not be avoided. What do teenage mothers have to offer, to pass on to their young, our young? Not much more than a future as bloody and grim as her delivery sheets will be in the near future, sorry to say.

teenage mothers pass on " Whatto can their young? Not much more than a future as bloody and grim as her delivery sheets will be in the near future, sorry to say."

Certainly the fathers should be held accountable too, but the last decision lies with the mother. In these situations, the child goes through life searching for the love that the mother claims to give, finding it nowhere, or thinking to have found it in places where no love exists. Gangs are a perfect example of this loveless place. Lots of young men join gangs in search of the family his wed locking mother could not provide. These gangs usually precipitate violence, with young men fighting for respect. Inevitably, they are detrimental to society; it is estimated that taxpayers spend $1 billion dollars a year towards building prisons. Who is accountable for the tax money spent on these crimes? For the $6.9 million a year spent on teenage pregnancy? For the $2.2 million that goes into welfare, or the $1.5 million spent on medical care that comes from the increased complications and health risks that come when teens give birth?

If a juvenile commits a crime, his parents can be held accountable. Why not hold teen moms accountable for breeding children who are detrimental to society, as 33% of teenage mother’s sons are?

While many of the sons of these teen moms end up involved in crime, the daughters usually suffer the same fate as their mothers. These young women often have low expectations of how they are supposed to be treated, thus keeping the wheel turning on this perpetual cycle of lottery pregnancies: few successes, many failures, and a low percentage of happily-ever-afters.

Jails are for people who threaten society, and teen mothers do just that. They are the fertile cages of potentially unstable human beings who, raised without proper guidance, love, nurture, discipline, and good living conditions, will reek havoc on our society and suck barren the bone marrow of our living, breathing and functional body. Why then shouldn’t teenage moms be jailed, sorry to say?

SOURCES: www.teenpregnancy.org, www.virginia.edu, www.josh.org, www.ripnroll.com TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 17

H

THE YOUNG,THE WILD

& THE FAMOUS

BY DEVON BOYSON FRESHMAN, SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY

A

viscous cycle has occurred for decades on the dark side of Young Hollywood. The publicity and press that can make or break your career can also be your worst enemy. It happened to Drew Barrymore, Christina Aguilera, Lindsay Lohan, and even Britney Spears. They went wild. Some recovered, while others faded to black. Now Tinsel Town has a new wave of hot, young celebs to make victims. This is, “The Young, The Wild, & The Famous.”

Miley Cyrus seemed to be a teen celebrity that could do no wrong. But now, this Disney Channel angel has fallen from grace. The Hannah Montana star proves that her iconic character isn’t the only one with duel personalities. Just like one of her Hannah Montana songs “I Got Nerve,” Cyrus is full of it.

Her wild exploits were first seen when pictures of her were published, showing body parts girls her age shouldn’t expose. Then there were pictures leaked of her and a boy at a party that were only partially clothed. There was controversy over a picture in which Miley was suspected to be making fun of one of her Korean friends. Now she’s accused of being racist. Miley is a prime example that all publicity is NOT good publicity.

“I GOT NERVE”

Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon seemed to be the perfect role model for young girls. When she started out in the all-girl group “Three Little Women” better known as 3LW, Bailon wanted to set a good example for girls everywhere.

Through the Cheetah Girls movies, it seemed like she would accomplish her goal. But all that changed when, in November of 2008, several alleged photos of a partially undressed Bailon were leaked to the media. She was reportedly filing a lawsuit against the man who stole her pics, but later developments revealed that the leak was a publicity hoax set in motion by Bailon’s own team. If the truth of the “leak” is murky, the truth of the situation is clear: whether self-made or outwardly-imposed, the whole world has seen what this cheetah looks like without its spots.

As for the most talked about couple of 2009’s first half? R&B duo Chris Brown, 20, and Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty, 21. Apparently, the two got into a heated argument while driving. Chris hit Rihanna, and when she fought back, things got worse. After the beat-down, Chris pushed her out of the car, leaving her battered and bruised. Brown has been quoted by Us Weekly saying he is “deeply saddened by the whole situation, and wishes things could go back to what it was before.” Only time can tell what is ahead for this power couple.

Will Rihanna keep Brown under her “Umbrella”? Or will she push him out in the rain?

It seems that when young celebs come into power and money, they feel they are on top of the world. In reality, the world is on top of them. There’s a camera at every turn, ready to capture each move and show it to the world.

Will Hollywood ever get it together? Who knows? It sure is fun watching.

18 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

GUILTY OR INNOCENT?

SPOTTED TOGETHER

or OT no t?

HOW TO THROW A

“Bomb” PARTY

BY JAMELIAH SALTER SOPHOMORE, GWENDOLYN BROOKS COLLEGE PREP PHOTO: DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS

“E

VEN THOUGH SOFT DRINKS SUIT A THIRSTY TEEN, IT’S A BETTER IDEA FOR YOU TO HAVE BOTTLED WATER AVAILABLE FOR THE “EXTREME DANCERS” AT YOUR PARTY.” The room is packed shoulder to shoulder, people are posted on the wall, and the sweat on your forehead is slowly running down your neck. You tell yourself to take a rest but then the new Gucci song comes on and you’re right back up into the mix. One of the greatest things about being a teenager is the fun, carefree life you get to live, especially when you go to parties. But as we all know, not all parties are fun. A great theme, good DJ, and tasty food are important elements of a “Bomb” party.

There’s nothing more dreadful in a teenager’s life than to go to a lifeless party.

When it comes to theme, you’ve got to be creative. A balloon on the wall and

ribbon on the ceiling isn’t going to cut it. When thinking about a good theme you’ve got to ask yourself, “Is it enough?” How about a glamorous Hollywood theme, or set high stakes with a Casino setting? Even an 80s party could make for good times.

Your party is set for disaster if the music isn’t on-point. There’s nothing wrong with a radio but who knows if you have enough music for the entire party or even if the best CD you have is scratched? A good, reliable DJ can play just about any song requested to the pleasure of everyone’s ears. DJ’s like DJ PJ, DJ Roc, DJ Pierre, and DJ Pnut feature in some of Chicago’s hottest Juke Jams and could easily be looked up online.

As crazy as it may seem, your guests are bound to get hungry. Even the slightest bit of food satisfies the roaring hunger of a teenager. Even though soft drinks suit a thirsty teen, it’s a better idea for you to have bottled water available for the “extreme dancers” at your party. A little bowl of chips can only go so far, so you’re better off ordering enough food for all your guests.

One more thing before I leave you to your party planning: be sure to invite the right people. Inviting the neighborhood thug can only bring problems because he will bring the whole hood with him, and that’s obviously not something you want. Make sure to invite people who are down to party and won’t just stop by to mooch and leave right after. Happy party planning!

TAKING OUR FASHION CUES

BY MELINDA LEE SOPHOMORE, MANLEY CAREER ACADEMY

Celebrity hair is what sets the trend for the type of

CHRISETTE MICHELE

some of our favorite hair dos.

Chrisette Michele’s new cut is for sure hot to death.

Like her music, her hairstyle is extremely different from any others. With a soft earth tone color to match her complexion, Chrisette Michele helps prove that short hair is sexy too.

KERI HILSON

RIHANNA

Everyone seems to be feeling Ms. Kerry baby, as Lil Wayne calls her. Is it the hair? Keri rocks an exclusive short cut wrapped with bangs right above her eyes.

Rihanna rocks this boy hair cut, giving her a “good girl gone bad” look. Her bangs are uniquely cut over her face with combed down sides creating a cute and wild style. Choosing such a basic yet bold color choice, Rihanna’s cold black hair sets the tone for her fashionable style.

styles we like. Let’s keep it real: we’ve all at some point asked our parents if we could get the “Alicia Keys” braids or some of Allen Iverson’s “Ivos.”

We can’t deny that particular celebs have inspired

With a blend of black, blonde, and brown, her highlights stand out just right.

KANYE WEST One thing is certain: Yeezy’s undeniably unique style has made him a fashion mogul. Kanye West brings back the mullet, a hairdo from the late 80s. His hair compliments his new style and his goal to break the chains of similarity in the fashion world. A lot of people are stunned by Yeezy’s change of style...how could they be so heartless?

KEYSHIA COLE Red and blond, just blond, just black...Ms. Keyshia Cole has rocked all those colors and still manages to look like a diva. Lately, Keyshia has been sporting a small cut, sometimes worn straight and other times curly, in a jet-black color. Keyshia definitely played her cards right with this style.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 19

Real Teens...Real Fashion...Real Places...Real Fun...

10 PIN BOWLING LOUNGE 330 North State Street, Chicago, IL • 312.644.0300 • www.10pinchicago.com CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY AD LOVE www.angeldamico.etsy.com and P3 www.p3clothing.net

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 Stylists: Brittany McNairy, Naja Bailey, Derron Cherry

Makeup Artist: Brittany Edens

Photographers: Shelby Brown, Deandre Watts, Ricky, Powel Julian HS

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 21

CELEBRITY COPYCAT SHARING CELEBRITY STYLE DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO SHARE THEIR BANK ACCOUNT. CAN YOU GUESS WHO’S WHO IN OUR CELEBRITY STYLE PHOTOS?

WHETHER YOU’RE IN CHICAGO OR ZIP CODE 90210 Her: Zebra cocktail dress and studded belt, Buffalo Exchange Brown patent leather high top boots, models own Him: Black cardigan by BKC “B”, Solemates Button-up shirt by Tank Farm, Buffalo Exchange Denim jeans and Black Converse Allstar gym shoes, models own

Female Model Sharaun Brown @ Elite Chicago

Male model Emery Johnson

Photography by Mireya Acierto

Celebrities: Tristan Wilds and Lauren London

Hair Heather Rae

Makeup Krystyn Johnson

Wardrobe Stylist Tiffany Sutton

Photography Assistants Elizabeth Kindig, Deshaun Adams

YOU CAN PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR

Her: Gold Hoops, Loehmann’s Sheer top, yellow gloves, black faux leather boots, Metallic skirt

by Tibi, Buffalo Exchange Leather biker jacket, and fringe scarf, True Star closet Him: Glasses by Playboy, Track jacket, Crew neck sweatshirt by WESC, Diesel skinny jeans, Solemates Silver metallic shoe, ADIDAS Chicago Silver chain necklace, Buffalo Exchange

Celebrities: Kanye West and Rhianna

OR WILD OUT IN COLORFUL CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES SO HOT YOU MIGHT WANT TO SING AND DANCE

Her: Track jacket, magenta tank and handbag, ADIDAS Chicago Black shorts, Buffalo Exchange Grey cable knit thigh-highs and purple thigh-high boots, models own.

Him: Lime green track jacket, watch, black high tops and black hat, ADIDAS Chicago Plaid shorts by CM, Solemates Celebrities: Nick Cannon and Vanessa Hudgens

WHERE TO BUY: ADIDAS, 923 Rush St. Chicago, IL 312.932.0651

BUFFALO EXCHANGE, 2875 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 773.549.1999

WHATEVER STYLE YOU CHOOSE ALWAYS MAKE IT FUN …XOXO Her: Military jacket by Robert Rodriguez, Helmut Lang white tank, J Brand skinny jean, necklace, earrings, Loehmann’s Ralph Lauren belt, Buffalo Exchange Heels by Steve Madden, DSW Him: Cream fedora by Jacobson Hat, Tan track jacket by Lacose, Buffalo Exchange White button-down shirt and white boot cut jean, GAP Yellow tie, TJ Maxx White leather loafer, DSW Celebrities: Ed Westwick and Blake Lively

SOLEMATES, 2708 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 773.327.7732

GAP

LOEHMANNS

DSW

TJ MAXX

Under The

Radar

o plus musical style My music is pain medicine. It is witty,

informative, energetic, refreshing, the perfect melodic blend of street scriptures and pulpit pictures. The ride is a transformation: you can’t walk away from an OPlus song thinking and feeling the same way you did when you

all purpose musik musical style Soulful, pop-motivated, and street. Very powerful and triumphant. It’s All Purpose Muzik!

uniqueness It’s all-purpose. I have developed an exact

first approached it.

uniqueness My music mirrors my life experiences. Few art-

ists have been through and survived the happenings that serve as the plots to OPlus music. Few artists know what it’s like to grow up in a gang-infested neighborhood, like Woodlawn & Englewood, and still be educated in the best schools in the best neighborhoods. Few artists know what it’s like to dodge bullets on the Southside of Chicago one night, and have

science of creating a soundtrack for most artists that I would work with

lunch with Jamie Dimon or Warren Buffet the next. As an artist, I’m able to

directly. I take pride in composing a composition that is tailor-made

survive on both sides of the game.

perfectly for any artist. Most importantly, I have worked extremely hard to craft my own sound. In today’s music you just don’t see much originality across the board.

goal My goal in music is to directly change the game with timeless

goal With my art, I ultimately want to make the best music ever

created. I want to unify the masses with my sound. I want to bring people together from all walks of life, ages, races, and creeds, those who would have otherwise been unacquainted finding kinship in their appreciation for

hit songs that can be played for the next 20 years. I want to continue

my art. Ultimately, I want to be remembered for being the hardest-working

to improve my craft. Ultimately, I want to be mentioned with the greats:

and thus most successful contributor to what we call the “music industry.”

Quincy Jones, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It doesn’t get much better than that.

influence I have several people who influence my music. DJ

influence They say ‘necessity is the mother of all creation’ but I’d have to say poverty is. Having to go without is what influences

many of my songs. “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” As far as music

Premiere, Pete Rock, RZA, Just Blaze, Kanye West, DJ Toomp. Essentially,

icons go, Quincy Jones, hands down....I love that dude! As an artist:

anyone that’s making great music inspires me and influences the way I

Common, Nas, 2Pac, Scarface, and Jay-Z. As a producer (don’t sleep,

make music.

I’m mean on the beats too), Timbaland, Dr. Dre, 9th Wonder, Kanye West, and Justice League.

WWW.ALLPURPOSEBEATS.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ALLPURPOSEBEATS

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/OPLUS

Facebook: All Purpose Beatz

WWW.CLASSEDINT.COM

allpurposebeatz@gmail.com

Booking Info: Contact Reginald Allyn @ 773.471.5235

26 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

skwod deep musical style I would describe our music as a “new

school” notation with an “old school” foundation. Conceptual tracks and rhymes from an Inner City mind. Our musical style varies from day to day. Some days one may be in an aggressive mood, so aggressive music is what’s made, and other days we may be more laid back and so is the music. We make mood music.

uniqueness We’re very hands-on. Onis & JaeOneder play the keyboard and are accomplished producers who have got placements on various rap & R&B artists. Ka’Ron is an accomplished songwriter and doesn’t limit himself to just hip-hop, but has also written songs for R&B artists too. What makes Ka’Ron unique is every song he does is either a

reign musical style My musical style is made up of R&B

and pop flava. I’ve got that “make you wanna dance” music, with a little heartbreak and love from a teen’s perspective.

uniqueness What makes me different is my voice, my

knowledge for music and that I write the majority of my own songs—I’ve

conversation or a story. Everything is from a perspective that he has seen

been writing since I was a little girl. I don’t limit myself to one genre of

or people around him have experienced. JaeOneder kills em with the word

music. I love to listen to R&B, Pop, Rock, Gospel and little bit of country

play, and on the production side he throws in sounds that the average

music. I feel you can hear all these styles in my voice—that’s what makes

person wouldn’t use at first. Onis’s love for architecture, fashion, and design

me different than most artists. I dare to be different—

helps him provoke so many emotions and reach so many new ideas.

you can’t pin point me!

goal Music is for life, so we want to change the world with our music.

goalMy goal is to become a music legend. I want my music to reach

they need to relax, or when they need a pick-me-up. We want to invoke

know I’m here to stay and willing to work hard and learn from those who

new ideas, better formation, and spread light amongst our peers. We’d like

came before. My first love is to sing and write but as my career continues

to promote positivity. There is a lot of gloom within society right now and

to evolve, I plan to get into many other parts of the entertainment industry.

We want people to play our music when they need to get amped, when

we just want to be a ray from the light that’s going to clear it all up.

influence Everybody from Chicago signed and unsigned,

the whole world and touch everyone. I want longevity. I want people to

influence My first musical influences, of course, were my

parents and my grandmother. As a young child, there wasn’t a day when

hip hop and R&B, all of ‘em. Other than that, Donnell Jones, TLC, Nas, the

we didn’t have music playing at our house. Some of my favorites that I

regular legends Big and Pac, Big L, Eminem, Ras Kass, Outkast, Twista,

grew up listening to were Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Lauryn Hill, Jodeci, Dru

Bone Thugs, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gay, Method Man,

Hill, SWV, Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah to name a few. I still love the greats

Stevie, Yeezy, the Neptunes, Billy Paul, Teddy Riley, and all the song writers

though—my Aunt Tonya always told me to listen to the great singers like

and producers out there.

Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, because that’s the type of music people will always return to no matter what is

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SKWODDEEP WWW.SKWODDEEP.COM Contact Info Mike Mittens-Manager/Co-CEO

being played on the radio. Their music is timeless.

micfiend04@yahoo.com

Email us at reignonmusic@gmail.com

MYSPACE.COM/REIGNMUZIC Michael Deak D5 Entertainment at 630 430-3413

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 27

LOUDER THAN A

BOMB

BY BENITA BROWN JUNIOR, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY PHOTO: ARMAND GRANT & DEANDRE WATTS - JULIAN HS

l

ouder than a Bomb, commonly known as LTAB, is a movement inspiring poets around America. It is a competition where the scores don’t matter, but when the emcee reads a score that the audience doesn’t agree with, the crowd responds, “listen to the poem!” The feeling from the audience and the poets on stage arouses something inside that you can’t get from any other experience.

Starting off with a small group of Chicago students, Kevin Coval and Jane Addams founded the competition with sponsorship from Young Chicago Authors (YCA). As of recently, the program has gained a lot of attention, with over 500 high school and college students now participating all around the country. Their popularity eventually caught the attention of Russell Simmons, who is now working on a documentary and upcoming HBO series called “Brave New Voices” featuring LTAB. For anyone who has never seen a slam, attending Louder than a Bomb would leave you speechless. When I attended for the first time, for whatever reason I felt compelled to get on stage with them and represent! And when the excitement died down, I immediately wanted to go home and start working on my own piece.

“It’s a testament to the need for young people to express themselves,” Coval explained. He’s very excited about the progress that has been made in nine years and wants it to become something that is in every school in the city.

Teens complain about not being able to express themselves all the time, but if you don’t take advantage of the right opportunities, you truly have nothing to complain about. If you need a place to vent your frustrations and are compelled to express your innermost, Louder Than a Bomb is the place for you. Check them out at www.youngchicagoauthors.org.

28 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 29

INSIDE & OUT

Cervical Cancer: What Every Teenager Should Know

BY DELESKA CHARLESTON JUNIOR, MANLEY CAREER ACADEMY PHOTO: BOGAN PHOTO TEAM

“SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER ARE ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING AND PAIN DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.”

W

hat is something that all women can share regardless of race, religion, age or were they came from? Give up? It is cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer kills thousands of women all around the world today. According to the Center of Disease Control (www.cdc.org), 11,150 women in the U.S. were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007 alone. It doesn’t matter if this woman was black, white, Hispanic, or Asian. What matters is that she could have been your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother or friend. This is a disease that can determine whether or not a woman can give birth to a child. It can affect the population growth of your generation and your child’s generation. Now can you see how cervical cancer can affect you?

As defined on webmd.com, cervical cancer is “a disease that affects the cervix in the female reproductive system.” The symptoms don’t appear until the disease has progressed, but they are: abnormal vaginal bleeding and pain during sexual intercourse. At the age of 30, you may be at risk of having this cancer.

To prevent this from happening, first know the facts of what it is and how you can get it. Practice safe sex and spread the word.

Another way of preventing cervical cancer is through a shot called Gardasil Prevention Shot. For more information on this shot, you can go to www.drugs/ gardasil.com.

Still, according to Dr. Shirley Moore of Partners in Women’s Health in Forest Park, Illinois, “The best way for teens to prevent cervical cancer is to avoid the pain and abstain.”

Dr. Moore has been a gynecologist for over 10 years and says she treats each patient with care because a “woman’s body is what holds the key to reproduction. It is important to be educated when it comes to a woman’s reproductive system.”

30 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

An American Tragedy

BY TIERRA MCMILLAN SOPHOMORE, SOUTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL

“ONE DAY I WANT TO OPEN AN AGENCY FOR TEENS WHO HAVE SIMILAR SITUATIONS TO MINE… TO LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE.”

“F

elicia Todd” is a seventeen-year-old mother and AIDS survivor, currently living in a shelter and attending Whitney Young High School. She was kind enough to share some of her struggles and tragedy with TrueStar.

Tierra McMillan: How did the shelter become your home?

Felicia Todd: When I was ten my mother died of cancer and my father was so hurt, he couldn’t maintain. He lost his job, we lost our house, he lost his mind and he almost lost custody of me. Some days we even went without food. My dad was working part time at Sears but even that wasn’t enough. By the time I was eleven I began prostituting just to eat and buy school supplies. I did this for about four years, up until I went to high school. I stopped when I was fifteen, the year my dad died of a heroin overdose, the year I fully developed AIDS, and the year I had my first child. I had no other family, so I went to DCFS and I was marked as a ward of the state. I had a hard time getting adopted because of my disease. I moved into the shelter and been there ever since.

TM: WOW. I’m so sorry to hear about your parents. You’ve had it pretty rough from the start huh?

FT: Yes. It’s been rough. You really start to feel like you’re in the world all alone.

TM: Now you said that you are a victim of AIDS. Are you being treated for that?

FT: Yes I’m on medicine and I am up to twenty-two different peels a day.

TM: You also mentioned you had a child at fifteen, and I see you’re pregnant a second time. How did that come about?

TM: How does your virus affect your daughter?

FT: Well they are trying to take her away from me, saying that I can’t give her

FT: The first time I got pregnant was from my prostitution. One day I was coming home from our school’s football game, and I walk down the alley because it’s a shortcut from the school to home. I’m walking down the alley and out jumps this man so I started walking a little faster and so does he. At this point I’m running and he catches me, pulls me by the side of the garbage can, and rapes me. This incident has put me six months along in my pregnancy.

TM: There’s just one tragedy after another. So is your one-year-old HIV positive?

the proper care she needs. So it gets really hard for me. I already feel like it’s just me and her and if they take that from me I have no reason to live.

TM: So people say she’s going to get a disease if you hold her.

FT: Yeah, people around here poke fun. Nobody will come near her or me.

They treat us like animals.

TM: Your story is incredible. You are a strong person and you really just inspired me. Just to wrap things up what do you say is next for you?

FT: No, thank God she’s HIV negative.

FT: Graduate from high school, go to college, get me a little part time job, TM: So you still attend school?

FT: Yea I have to or I won’t have a home.

and raise my two daughters. One day I want to open an agency for teens who have similar situations to mine. I want to be there for them and let them know there are people out here like them and they’re not alone.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 31

TEEN BIZ The Chicago City Treasurer is a proud partner of the Chicago Youth Saves Conference, Money Smart Week, TrueStar Magazine and On the Money Magazine.

City Treasurer, Stephanie D. Neely, at the Chicago Youth Saves Conference

Chicago Youth Saves:

Event Recap

BY DELESKA CHARLESTON SOPHOMORE, MANLEY CAREER ACADEMY

Office of the City Treasurer, City of Chicago Stephanie D. Neely, Treasurer

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO SAVE THIS SUMMER! Be part of the $ave, Chicago! Challenge.

Pay yourself first! Set goals for your savings – school, emergency, or holiday spending. Get to know your money, and get in control.

Chicago Money Smart Kids 2004 & 2008 – Myles and Mario Gage at the Chicago Youth Saves Conference

“I NOW REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCES AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE FINANCIAL CHOICES I MAKE TODAY WILL DETERMINE MY FINANCIAL TOMORROW.”

O

n February 26th, America Saves, the City Treasurer of Chicago, the Economic Awareness Council, On the Money Magazine, and TrueStar Magazine teamed up to host the Chicago Youth Saves conference at Fosco Park for over 75 young people in the city in Chicago. This event provided valuable lessons regarding budgeting money and making preparations for affording college.

As a high school student, I sometimes want things that I know are not important. However, this workshop taught young people like me the importance of budgeting as a way to get the things you want while preparing for your future. The America Saves-Youth Saves program told students how millionaires save their money and how they spend. The event was sponsored by Harris Bank, member FDIC, and HSBC-North America.

On the Money and TrueStar 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 TrueStar Foundation for their partnership.

32 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

Stephanie D. Neely, Treasurer of the City of Chicago, really captured the attention of the students. Her words, “cash is good and credit cards are bad” taught me that credit cards are not a good use of money because they often add charges that you wouldn’t have if you bought that item with cash. Since most youngsters are looking forward to being financially stable, the words and activities gave me a head start on what to do and what not to do. Exercises offered by financial experts and professionals showed students the importance of having good credit, and alerted us to the reality that people are actually putting themselves in debt from credit cards.

This entire event was an eye opener for all of the young people who attended. It personally bettered my life, and I will be sure to take these important facts with me later on. I now realize the importance of finances and understand that the financial choices I make today will determine my financial tomorrow.

Tips to help you prepare for a flawless job interview

q1vhc afg8b

BY JEANNINE SCOTT SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY PREPARING FOR A PERFECT JOB INTERVIEW TAKES PRACTICE AND PATIENCE. THE INTERVIEW IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN THE WHOLE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS. THESE STEPS WILL ASSURE A FLAWLESS INTERVIEW. • Arrive at the interview at least 10 minutes early. This will give you time to mentally prepare yourself for the upcoming questions.

• Bring at least three copies of a completed, up-to-date resume with all relevant info.

• Give a formal greeting, introducing yourself with name, age, and current educational status. A firm handshake helps as well.

• Dress like a professional. Let the interviewer see “you,” not your outfit.

• Stay attentive during the entire interview. Practice good posture.

• Take the time to answer all questions efficiently and accurately.

• Inform the interviewer of the highlights on your resume.

• Stay positive during the entire interview, even if you feel the interviewer is not impressed.

• Always ask at least three questions during the close of your interview. This shows your prospective boss that you will be an intelligent, inquisitive employee.

• Inform the interviewer that you will be waiting for a call or email.

• Remember to be polite and repeat these words: “Thank you and have a great day.

I hope to be in contact with you soon.”

Internships Outside the Comfort Zone

BY NICOLAS GUZMAN, SENIOR, BROTHER RICE

S

ometimes, people must open their eyes in order to see the possibilities that can change their lives and, truly, define who they are.

Many people have gone through life afraid to leave their home and explore.

I, too, was afraid to branch out, until one summer came along that I will never forget. I had the opportunity to spend the summer of 2008 in Dubai, a city located in the Middle East next to the Persian Gulf, for an internship at one of the largest banks in the world.

On top of the intellectual experience of working in a real business setting, I had the privilege to encounter new cultural experiences. I began taking advantage of the city’s venues—sky diving, indoor skiing, camel riding, and shopping. I met amazing people who welcomed me warmly, and tasted great food. In just one summer, I learned more than I had in the first 16 years of my life.

“IN JUST ONE SUMMER, I LEARNED MORE THAN I HAD IN THE FIRST 16 YEARS OF MY LIFE.”

Three very important lessons can be learned from my experience. The first is that the world is too great to confine yourself to home. Second—there are experiences everywhere; you just have to open your eyes to find them. The final lesson is that when you are openhearted and open minded you can learn more than you ever thought possible.

Anybody aged 14 to 24 can find a great opportunity on youthreadychicago. org, where summer jobs and internships are offered along with resume tips and extra job resources. There are many sites to find jobs, such as studentjobs. gov, aplus-summerjobs.com, and getthatgig.com, while internships can be found on college-based sites such as fastweb.net.

Let’s take finding a job or internship. A big problem for teenagers is that they do not know where to look. However, the right websites and newspapers can guide teens to great opportunities.

A teenager can even reach out to friends and family for employment help.

There are too many opportunities available to sit back and watch others take action.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 33

Teens Battling the Tough

Recession

BY MONIQUE ARCHER, SOPHOMORE SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY

BILL GATES QUIZ

BY TASHAWN TYUS FRESHMAN, CHICAGO MILITARY ACADEMY AT BRONZEVILLE

IF YOU OWN A CANDY SALE BUSINESS THAT MAKES A PROFIT OF $30 A DAY WHAT WOULD YOU DO? A. B. C.

Spend it on something you want Spend it on supplies to increase profits Save it for a new PS3 or outfit.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU WHEN YOU OWN A BUSINESS? A. B. C.

“J

asmine” wakes up every morning worried about what she is going to eat that day and how she is going to get by. Her mother lost her job; as a result, they lost their house. The 16-year-old Southsider has now gotten a job to help her mother, while her family has moved in with relatives until they can get back on their feet. “It’s very hard to work and do school,” she said. “But you have to do what you have to do.”

Newspaper headlines remind us daily that we are in a recession. According to Wikipedia, a financial recession is “a significant decline in the economic activity across the country that lasts more than a few months. It is normally seen by a decline in personal income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.” To understand more about how our recession is affecting young American teens, I spoke with a young man whose life changed because of the recession.

“Marques” doesn’t understand how his life can be so horrible. Sometimes he doesn’t think he is going to make it to the next day. His family doesn’t have enough food to eat most nights and they can’t afford clothes to put on their backs. His father got laid off and now they are on welfare. “Sometimes I just cry because I’m so hungry,” Marques said. “I even think about killing myself.”

He has a job right now, making things better, but he feels he cannot take care of the household himself.

Trying to find a job in these hard times isn’t easy. According to Andrew Sum, director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, “retailers and restaurants aren’t hiring as much, and a rising unemployment rate means stiff competition from laid-off workers with more experience.” In Colorado there was a teen job fair that was crashed by adults desperate for work. Teens also face competition from illegal immigrants and young college graduates who are unable to find jobs, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008 saw 32.6% of teens aged 16 to 19 employed, a drop of nearly 13% since 2000.

Hopefully the work that President Barack Obama is putting in will help us out of this horrible recession. For now though, we have to wait it out.

“Though many U.S. adults consider today’s teens to be selfish and lazy, nearly seven out of ten parents say the current economic situation has made their teens more aware of the needs of other people.” (New World Vision study) 34 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

Money Spent Money Earned Money Borrowed

DO YOU EVER WONDER HOW YOU CAN FIX A PROBLEM OR SOLVE A DEMAND NEEDED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? (EX. A PAPER BOY OR A BOY FRIDAY (HANDYMAN).)

A. B. C.

No Yes Sometimes

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? A. B. C.

Work at McDonalds Go to College Probably Go to College

IF YOU OWN A CANDY BUSINESS SELLING SNICKERS, SKITTLES AND M&MS WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST PRICE TO SELL ONE PACKAGE OF CANDY? A. B. C.

Buy for 50 cents Sell for 50 cents I would look to maximize the amount of money I make by balancing the trade off between my profit per bar and the impact of cost on the volume of my sales.

Buy for 50 cents Sell for 1.50

If you mainly picked A, then you are the next employee of McDonalds. You spend every cent you have, and you don’t look for great opportunities around you. If you apply yourself, you might still be able to be the next assistant manager of McDonalds or any food chain. Thinking more about your financial future and career path may help you reach your goals.

If you mainly picked B then you are the next potential Bill Gates. You want to learn and are always looking for something to get into or change. You want to go to college and loves reading the Wall Street journal or any newsletter.

Congratulations and good luck in the future with your CEO abilities.

If you mainly picked C then you are the next potential owner of a McDonalds or other food chain. You have the smarts and great ideas, but you just have to carry out those ideas to become a CEO. You would benefit from more commitment to your goals and looking for big opportunities around you. Most likely you will become Assistant to the CEO.

Financial Fitness

For Life

BY MYLES GAGE FRESHMAN, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LABORATORY HIGH SCHOOL

I

t is important that teens become financially fit in order to live a long, healthy

Interested in Investing?

and wealthy life. Being financially fit is just as important as being physically fit. If you are financially fit, you will be able to eventually own your own piece of Corporate America. This opens doors to other opportunities such as owning your own home and business, meaning you will be in good shape to live a

Terms to Know

Stock: a tool that represents an ownership position (called equity) in a company; buying

comfortable life.

stock in a company means that you own a small part of it

Investing money is fun and easy to do. Since it is not a topic discussed in a lot of homes, most of us don’t know where to begin. I’m going to help you get in financial shape! Just like with exercising, you must stick to a routine to see

Growth Rate: change in value of your investment from year to year (shown as a percentage)

results. Here are two good routines to start immediately (no matter how old you are): • Don’t buy things you don’t need!

Do you really need another pair of gym shoes?

Savings Account: an account where you can deposit your money at a bank. Often pays interest.

• Start investing in yourself regularly! Decide on a dollar amount that you are going to save/invest monthly. It can be as little as $5.00 a month or more depending upon age.

Interest: extra money banks pay customers to keep their money in an account there

“If I can do it anyone can. No money is too little.

You can start with $10 a month. Everybody can scrape up $10 a month.”--Damon Williams, Ujamaa Junior Investment Club Member, High School Student, Money Smart Kid 2006

Certificate of Deposit (CD): FDIC insured investments that pay a set rate of interest for a specified time period

Once you have saved enough, you can begin purchasing stocks in companies that have good growth rates. To start trading stocks, you’ll have to go through a brokerage service like “sharebuilder.com.” To set up an account, you’ll need a parent or guardian with a credit card.

Sector: a subgroup of a market, business or economy (investorword.com)

It is good to put money in a savings account or Certificate of Deposit (CD), but when investing for the long-term you should also consider investing your money in the stock market because stocks have the potential for higher growth rates. This means stocks can POTENTIALLY make you more money. Say, for instance, that you put $100.00 into a savings account with the average interest rate of 2.4% a year. According to bankrate.com, it will take about 37 years to double your money. If you invested in a stock with an average growth rate of 10% a year, doubling will take 7 years. BUT, stocks can go up and down in value and you can even LOSE money.

Let’s take a look. If a senior in high school needs money for college tuition the following year, the smartest choice he can make is to play it safe with a savings account or a CD. (This is because you do NOT know if the market will go up or down in value in one year.) However, if you know you will not need your money for a long time (i.e. you anticipate your parents will pay for college or you will get a scholarship), this may be the perfect time to invest in the stock market.

Once you start purchasing stocks, remember to diversify: don’t put all your eggs in one sector. Invest in companies that you’ve actually heard of and are knowledgeable about. Investing can be fun if you find interesting companies to research. Remember: it is good to save but sometimes it is better to invest for the long-term because your money might grow more with investments.

CONSIDER:

a mutual fund or an index fund.

Mutual funds allow you to buy a little bit of stock in a lot of different companies. Index funds buy a set amount of a large number of companies and generally have reduced costs.

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 35

YOUNG LUV

What’s Wrong with

being single?

BY BENITA BROWN

JUNIOR, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY PHOTO: DOMINIQUE DAILY - JULIAN HS

“Could it be our society portrays single people as lonely or miserable…like nothing is worst than being caught by yourself?”

L

ike the weather, people’s feelings for their significant others change every day. These changes often end relationships, and even though this is a common occurrence, girls are usually so emotionally torn down by breakups that it affects both their personal and school life. Funny thing is they don’t realize all the possible benefits of being single, how being exclusive can take a lot of time and effort that could be used on focusing on more important things, namely yourself!

When coming out of a serious relationship, you may feel hurt or confused.

Some people feel so attached to the person they were with that they don’t see themselves with anyone else. But why do they feel so compelled to be in these relationships? Could it be that our society portrays single people as lonely or miserable, constantly putting down the “third wheel” like nothing is worst than being caught by yourself?

Eckhart Tolle, a woman recognized by Oprah for her tips on self-happiness, advised to “accept the present moment and find the perfection that is untouched by time.” She explained that people are so dependant on their 36 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

happiness, not even realizing that it is the least stable thing in the universe.

Instead of focusing on the past, move on and consider that there will be better people to spend your time with. The past is so difficult for humans to detach themselves from, is it not?

Of course, being single doesn’t mean being alone. Why is it that we, as a society, feel that having someone “always there for you” somehow completes you? You may find that being single gives you more time to be with your friends and meet people that you wouldn’t have gotten a chance to while going out with your girlfriend or boyfriend. As teenagers, we should be experiencing all types of people. We are young! This time is when we should be having fun, not worrying about how you can’t do certain things because “such and such” might find out. That just adds unneeded stress.

Single people rise up! Don’t be ashamed to say it. Focus on what is important and forget the drama of the past, because the simple fact is that everyone is going to be single at some point in life. So celebrate your status, because like the weather, it will also change in due time.

why are you in a relationship?

BY XAVIER O’NEAL JUNIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY PHOTO: JULIAN PHOTO TEAM

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any teens today are busy with relationships without fully understand why or for what reasons they may want to be in one. Many relationships are based off of social status: sex, money, cars, and clothes. In some instances a girl may not even be attracted to a guy but peer pressure from her friends may influence her to date him anyway.

In a school, there is always a cool guy who nearly all the girls find attractive.

Some girls feel that they don’t want to come into high school feeling like a lame, so they try to find a way to get a bold reputation. They date the popular guys or people in the in-crowd who they feel will boost their popularity amongst their friends. Many girls aren’t used to being treated with respect, so when a guy approaches them in a respectful manner, the girl is less likely to show interest than if the guy calls to them by saying “Ay Shawty” or “Check it out.” Girls may think it is cute and give the boy attention.

Although being able to provide for the other is an important factor, the key to a relationship is friendship. When trying to build a relationship it is important to build a strong friendship with the person so that things such as sex won’t be rushed into and nothing will be regretted.

How to Let Someone Down Easily: Sensitive, but Assertive.

BY ELICIA BIBBS, SENIOR, DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE PHOTO: CARLTON RICE - JULIAN HS

Imagine this: You are strolling through the mall, trying to see if anything cute catches your eye when you hear that all-too-familiar catcall from behind: “Hey girl,” he shouts, shamelessly. “What’s your name, Sexy?”

Now, before snapping out or simply ignoring the situation, take a moment to consider all the possible consequences: If you choose to be impulsive and curse him out, chances are he might retaliate and curse you out in return, as childish guys have been known to do when dealing with rejection. And who wants that, right?

But if you choose to let him down sensitively, then you may give him the impression that you are playing hard-to-get instead, meaning that he will surely persist and perhaps even follow you throughout the whole mall.

So how can a girl rid herself of unwanted attention without being rude or appearing indecisive? Well, the answer is simple. Pulling it off is a bit more complicated, but in no way is it impossible.

The trick to painlessly ridding yourself of unwanted attention is to be both sensitive and assertive, simultaneously. In other words, you don’t want to be mean, but at the very same time, you do mean business when you say “I am not interested.” Most of what is communicated when balancing the two is done through body language, so make sure your body is saying the same thing as your mouth. This combination should, if he’s not a total ignorant brute, soften the blow of rejection.

ON THE COURT

THE H O O P S H I G H HYPE

behind the scenes In the HoopsHIGH Family

BY MICHELLE A. BRADLEY SOPHOMORE, COLLINS ACADEMY HS

high and lows for the phoenix

BY CHRIS FRILLS SENIOR, NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP PHOTO: BO HILL

W

orking for HoopsHIGH is a blast! In HoopsHIGH, we students announce, direct, and operate cameras to make our own sports show. We also develop skills to help us in the future.

The students in our crew come from all over the city, from many different schools, with many different attitudes and personalities. But when the crew comes together we see ourselves as one, with one top goal—producing a great show for our audience.

HoopsHIGH is a “missions” program. When you are sent on a mission you think is impossible, there is always someone there to guide you. We have supportive adults who help us take our production skills to a high level. They want us to have great futures. Sometimes we do have bad attitudes, but they can handle us, calm us down, and even make us smile.

The missions are cool, too. I have interviewed Derrick Rose, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Phelps, and covered some big time games.

Well there you have it. Now you know a little bit about what goes on inside our HoopsHIGH family. The rest is on television—the greatest sports show ever—HoopsHIGH. I hope you will be watching.

HoopsHIGH airs every Saturday at 8 p.m., on CAN TV, Channel 19.

HoopsHIGH is a program of Free Spirit Media, run in partnership with After School Matters, the Chicago Public Schools, and Chicago Access Network Television.

38 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

“W

e’re Rockin’ Phoenix … Phoenix,” the North Lawndale Varsity Boys Basketball Team chanted arm-in-arm before tip-off at every game. This chant represented the pride and unity that the team constructed in its fast rise to elite status, the first charter school to win state and city Championships.

This pride took a strange hit this spring. The NLCP Phoenix had been on a memorable journey since winning IHSA’s 2A Championship in 2008. From the bullet wound in junior forward Jermaine Windfield’s thigh to the unique lawsuit by team leader Jonathan Mills, this season had been dramatic and unusual. Off-court events seemed to be overwhelming those on the court.

Looking strong, the Phoenix had a highlight game in the defeating rival Whitney Young (and eventual 4A Champ) in the City Semi-Finals, and followed that with a clutch comeback win against Hyde Park to take city. The Phoenix were showing their true talent and heart. They avenged a loss to St. Joe’s and headed downstate for a fourth consecutive year.

Then in Peoria, another bizarre twist: the IHSA penalized them for a uniform violation before their semi-final game. The team tried to brush off the distraction, but the one point that Champaign’s Centennial HS earned on the pre-game technical became a huge issue when the Phoenix, who had led almost the whole game, suddenly found themselves down one with two seconds to play. There was no miracle this time. Centennial won the game and the 3A Title.

scout me...if you can...

BY ERIN EWING SOPHOMORE, MANLEY CAREER ACADEMY

T

is talent.

“Fair is fair shouldandbetalent deprived a chanceNototeenager excel.”

he NBA and NFL will be scouting draft prospects for many years to come.

The question is, how can a high school athlete get drafted if scouts don’t scout them? I have noticed that scouts tend to only scout schools with either strong athletic reputations or schools in higher income areas. This is not fair to students who are interested in professional sports but also attend high school in a low income, high crime neighborhood. All young athletes deserve the same chance.

In most cases, it is not a teenage student’s choice what high school they attend. A lot of times, youngsters are obligated to attend a particular high school due to their family’s socioeconomic class or situation. For example, in Chicago’s Austin community, high schools including Simeon, Marshall, Austin and Crane have exceptional players on their teams. However, when asking the young athletes how many times they’ve been scouted for draft picks, the answers are disheartening.

A different situation occurs on the opposite side of town in the western suburb of Hillside. According to 17-year-old Devin Thompson, a senior at Proviso West High School, college scouts are often at his basketball games looking to recruit the newest talent for their colleges.

“Even though scouts from colleges make me nervous to play, I am thankful to know that I have a chance to make it to the pros,” says Thompson.

Truth is, in most cases if a high school has a bad reputation, scouts refuse to seek talent at that particular school. However, fair is fair and talent is talent.

No teenager should be deprived of a chance to excel...even if their neighborhood does reflect high crime and low income.

“I’ve never had a scout come out and watch me play,” says 17-year-old senior Lance Freeman of Marshall High School’s basketball team.

When Freeman realized he was not getting the proper attention that a young athlete of his standing should be receiving, he complained to his coach and looked for other ways to get noticed by college scouts.

Freeman is in his senior year at Marshall with hopes of becoming a team player for the NBA. However, his dreams are deferred when he looks up at the bleachers at his games and sees not one scout.

“I want to make it to a good college team and eventually the pros just like the next kid,” says Freeman. “Where I’m from should not determine where I’m going.”

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 39

WHITNEY YOUNG Wins the Basketball State Championship

BY MAYA POWE SENIOR, WHITNEY YOUNG HS PHOTO: RAY WHITEHOUSE

D

edication, teamwork, and determination may seem like the cliché

ingredients for success, but for the Whitney Young Dolphins, they are commonplace. Winning 69-66 against Waukegan in the Boys 4A State Championship, the Dolphin seniors attribute their success to the team’s hard work and their drive to accomplish the impossible.

There is no debate that hard work plays a large part in being successful. But for these young men, hard work is an understatement. Between practice and weekly games, the team worked close to seven days a week, with little room for down time. Their hectic schedules also required the team as a whole to make sacrifices. “There are many things we had to give up in order for us to win,” said guard Chris Colvin. “It was good for the team.”

Center Stanford Brown added, “We won. That’s what we wanted all year.

We had doubts but we overcame and won state.”

Colvin also attributes the team’s success to their close relationship.

“I’ve been with some for two years and some for all four years. We’ve built a family amongst each other, we trust each other, and we all became successful.”

For many of the players on the team, winning the championship means more than the title itself. “Winning state was the end to a great senior year,” said forward Franklin Griffin. “As seniors we wanted to leave this school better than it was when we got here. We were finally able to accomplish that.”

Guard Marcus Jordan was among those making sacrifices. “My time here at Whitney Young has been great. Many people wondered why I transferred but now they can look at my ring! My teammates have been really great at

“Our class will always be remembered for leaving Whitney Young with a state championship,” said guard Ricardo Munoz. “Our names will always

making me feel welcome.”

be on the wall.”

The Dolphins have many strengths but it’s their ability to channel criticism that drives them. “When the season started, we were playing exactly how

With a state championship under their belt, the Dolphins sit on top of the world. Nonetheless, they never forget that they are a part of something bigger. As Munoz said, “We represent more than the school. We represent

everybody said we would,” said forward Antonio Johnson. “We played like a BUNCH of talented INDIVIDUALS, instead of ONE talented TEAM.” 40 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

the city of Chicago.”

What’s In a Name?

SOUTHSIDE EDITION

BY STEVEN HALL SENIOR, KING COLLEGE PREP Bowen Environmental Studies Team (BEST) 2710 East 89th Street Chicago, IL 60617 James Harvey Bowen (1822-1881) was an entrepreneur in the dry goods industry. Bowen’s interest was centered in the southeast side’s development in industrial industry, and due to his contributions the school’s name was changed from South Chicago H.S. to Bowen H.S. William J. Bogan Computer Technical 3939 West 79th Street Chicago, IL 60652 William J. Bogan (1870-1936) was involved in Chicago Public Schools, leading an extensive educational career from 1893 to the early 1930’s.

Bogan prepared those who would not attend college; they were considered the “forgotten 90%.”

Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy 250 East 111th Street Chicago, IL 60628 Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) was one of America’s most prolific writers. She grew up in Chicago, and had seventy-five published works in the Chicago Defender by her twenties. In 1950, Brooks won a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry, one of America’s most prestigious awards for writers.

George Washington Carver Military Academy 13100 South Doty Avenue Chicago, IL 60827

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. WHAT ARE THE STORIES BEHIND THE NAMES? Christian Fenger Academy 11220 South Wallace Street Chicago, IL 60628 Dr. Christian Fenger (1840-1902) was a Denmark native who immigrated to the U.S. in 1877. Fenger was a surgeon and pathologist; he served for 25 years as a professor of surgery throughout the Chicago region.

John Marshall Harlan Community Academy 9652 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60628 It is said that John Marshall Harlan (1877-1911), this former colonel of the U.S. Army Air Force, was revered as the “judge’s judge.” He was appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1877 where he fought for the rights of the individual. In 1896, Harlan was the lone dissenter in the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson decision, the case that re-enforced segregation in public schools through its “separate but equal” doctrine.

Emil G. Hirsch Metropolitan School of Communications 7740 South Ingleside Avenue Chicago, IL 60619 Emil G. Hirsh (1852-1923) was entrenched in the Chicago educational system, including teaching at University of Chicago and being on the Chicago Public Library Board. He fought for black students’ rights to equal opportunity education.

George Washington Carver (1864-1943) could be considered America’s greatest inventor. He found over three hundred uses for peanuts, and created dyes and methods for rotating crops, methods that saved the South from their soil depletion (from cotton and tobacco crops/slavery). Though Carver invented many things still relevant today, he didn’t to profit, instead offering his finding for the advancement of mankind, saying: “Take your share of the world and let others take theirs.”

Percy L. Julian (1899-1975) was an extraordinary chemist, responsible for producing a foaming fire retardant which was used in WWII, and steroids that treated hormonal deficiencies.

George H. Corliss 821 East 103rd Street Chicago, IL 60628

Neal F. Simeon Career Academy 8147 South Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60620

George H. Corliss (1817-1888) was an inventor and engineer. Born in New York, where transportation trafficked the water area, Corliss created improvements to the steam engine, thus making travel less expensive. In 1878, he received the Montyon prize, the most prestigious award for a mechanical engineer.

Neal F. Simeon (1916-1963) was a jack of all trades. An athlete throughout high school and college, Simeon was valedictorian in high school and graduated from ITT with a degree in bachelor science. He was one of the first black men to gain an aviation license, though his heart was in educating the youth of Chicago.

Percy L. Julian High School 10330 South Elizabeth Street Chicago, IL 60643

TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 41

Bright Lights, Cameras, TEXTBOOKS?

BY MAYA POWE – SENIOR WHITNEY YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL

Y

ou’re a seventeen-year-old senior by day and an actor/musician by night. You hang out with your friends at the movies and have dinner with the people who write, direct, and act in them. After coming home from movie premieres, you have chores and homework to complete. And to think you do it all without masks and wigs. Impossible right? Not for Maestro Harrell.

Maestro began acting at a young age. He did his first television show at 7, and from there we’ve seen him in HBO’s The Wire, movies like Barbershop and Ali, and even musical theatre in The Lion King. Nonetheless, though Maestro has been acting for about fifteen years, he’s only now seeing acting as a career. “When I was younger, it was just something I did. I never really realized that this could be a profession. You’re doing it, but you don’t really realize what you’re doing. But definitely, as I’ve started getting older, I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ve been doing this for so long, and this is what I want to do.’ I don’t want to do anything else. I don’t want to switch it up now and, like, become a dentist or something.”

Unlike some child stars, Maestro’s success is the product of hard work, not silver spoon syndrome. He attributes his acting world exposure to connections he’s made over the years and inspires others to follow their dreams, regardless of who they know. “As my career progresses, [I want to] come back to Chicago and give other kids a shot.” He added, “All the connections I have now, the ones I do have, I made on my own, me and my parents. There wasn’t anybody handing it to me. Even all the jobs I got, it wasn’t like I knew casting directors. I auditioned. So I’d like to help, to give back, to let people see how it is.”

While Maestro has much to brag about, most important is his ability to juggle work and school. “Most [kids] go to school because they have to get a job pertaining to what they’re learning in school.

Whereas with me, it’s always been more—you know, I go to school, but at the same time I’m working on my profession. So that’s always been a juggling act. But I get good grades… Sometimes the hardest thing is that you’re not in class learning, and you sort of have to teach yourself… If you put the time in at school—as long as I make up all my work, I’m alright.”

Though it may seem like Maestro spends his school days signing autographs and answering questions about Randy’s activities on the week’s episode of The Wire, Maestro enjoys being a “regular” student. “That’s what’s cool about my school, about [Morgan Park Academy]. Everybody has their own stuff going on. Whether they’re extremely smart and going to be doctors, or whether they’re musicians, or whatever it is. At that school, they think it’s cool what I do, but at the same time I’m just one of the guys, just another friend, and I like it that way.”

Even though Maestro’s accomplishments speak for themselves, it is his maturity and tenacity that speak even louder. “I have a lot of years in it, because I’ve been working pretty consistently since I was like 4 or 5. I started at 2, but like really doing stuff since 4 or 5. But you gotta pay your dues. And it takes time. I’m fortunate. I’m 17, and I’ve accomplished all that I’ve accomplished.”

42 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE

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