COLLEGE & CAREERS ISSUE
Exclusive: The Men of
The Originals
What’s Your Style
What To Do
Tips For Becoming An Entrepreneur
Dish Out Details If College Isn’t For You
Personality?
Calling All BLOGGERS,
FREELANCE WRITERS, AND DIGITAL MEDIA MAKERS
ARE YOU A MEDIA ENTHUSIAST LOOKING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH ONE OF CHICAGO’S LEADING YOUTH MEDIA COMPANIES?
JOIN THE TRUE STAR TEAM NOW! TRUE STAR IS RECRUITING YOUTH BLOGGERS, FREELANCE WRITERS AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETERS BETWEEN THE AGES 14-24, TO BE A PART OF OUR EXCITING TEAM.
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Office of Family and Community Engagement On behalf of Chicago Public Schools faculty, staff, students and families, we thank True Star Magazine and their Student Ambassadors for their outstanding service during our 2014-15 Back to School/Stay in School Campaign.
You Are at the top of the Class!!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FALL 2014
8
36
28
16
41
COLLEGE & CAREER ISSUE
TECHNOLOGY
UNDER THE RADAR
26 SHEDD AQUARIUM’S TEEN
42 DJ QUE ELEVEN & DJ PLAYMAKA:
8 THE FUTURE IS YOURS
LEARNING LAB
A DYNAMIC DUO IN MUSIC
9 THE BIG MONEY SEARCH
26 OCULUS RIFT CHANGES THE GAME
43 DYLAN LLOYD
10 TRADE SCHOOLS: THE ALTERNATIVE
27 CHICAGO STATE PROFILE:
ROUTE TO SUCCESS
DONALD WINTER
TEEN BIZ
11 INTERN & EARN 12 TIPS ON SAVING FOR COLLEGE 13 FAST FACTS ABOUT FASFA 14 IF COLLEGE ISN’T FOR YOU 18 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UNIONS 19 ARE YOU UNDECIDED ABOUT LIFE?
44 BUILDING YOUNG CREDIT
FASHION
44 THE COST OF SENIOR YEAR
28 FASHTAGFALL2014
45 THE DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN
34 DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU’RE
ENTREPRENEUR: JOHNNIE LOVETT
SHOPPING WITH?
45 HOW TO MAKE A MAJOR DECISION
35 THE LUPITA EFFECT
46 SIDE HUSTLES: WHEN MONEY IS THE MOTIVE
COVER STORY
REAL TALK 20 CHANGING THE COMMUNITY THE RIGHT WAY 21 CHICAGO STUDENT UNION: THE
YOUNG LUV
VOICE OF THE UNDERREPRESENTED
38 HOW TO GET A TOMBOY TO LIKE YOU
22 I CRASHED MY CAR! WHAT SHOULD I
STAR MOGUL
36 THE MEN OF “THE ORIGINALS”
47 THE NEXT TEEN “STAR MOGUL”: PHILLIP BROOKS
INSIDE & OUT
DO NEXT?
THRU DA WIRE
23 WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA ABOUT STEM
40 BREEDING A NEW
SELLING TOBACCO
SCHOOLS?
GENERATION OF IDOLS
49 – HOW SANITARY ARE YOUR FRIENDS?
40 ADRIAN MARCEL BRINGS HIS OWN
GIVING BACK 24 LADIES OF VIRTUE CARES 24 DISNEY DREAMERS ACADEMY 25 GAMING FOR CHARITY
48 – CVS COMMITS TO QUIT
FLAVOR TO R&B
ON THE COURT
41 NARADA EL SOL:
50 – SHOULD COLLEGE ATHLETES BE PAID?
A POSITIVE VOICE IN RAP
25 DEMOISELLE 2 FEMME
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
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True Star Magazine is produced by Chicago area youth through apprenticeship programs to celebrate the voice of today’s young people.
EDITOR’S LETTER KAYLYNN HARRIS
SENIOR WHITNEY YOUNG School is now in full swing and as you are bearing down on homework, college essays or just studying you think to yourself “I could really use a break.” Well, checking out the latest issue of True Star is a perfect way to ease your mind, but still keep your head in the game. Our fall issue is all about careers, college and your future! We even managed to stick a little fun in there too. Senior year is a pretty big deal, but an even bigger one is college. On page 9 is the beginning of our college section. Perhaps a four-year college/university isn’t really your thing. Don’t worry, True Star has your back too. Even if you don’t go to a four-year college you still have options to assure a bright future. Just check out our Career section starting on page 14. You’ll find quite a few professions that don’t require a traditional education. In our Thru The Wire section there are exclusive interviews with some of the hottest local artists in Chicago. And if fashion is your thing, you can follow the latest trends starting on page 28. Turn to our Giving Back section on page 24 to read up on the local and national organizations that offer teens excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth. Unlike those lazy summer days, school leaves you little time to binge on your favorite shows. Well, you’re in luck! Gracing our cover are a few cast members from the hit TV series “The Originals.” Not only do we have an exclusive interview, but a few teasers and hints about the upcoming season might be hiding in between the lines. Turn to page 36 to find out more on the supernatural drama. This issue is a great read and we hope you’ll love it. Your support, appreciation and love for True Star is highly valued. Enjoy the magazine, and catch you later for our next issue!
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6 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Executive Directors J. Na-Tae’ Thompson & DeAnna McLeary-Sherman Managing Editor Marti Parham Assistant Editor Lenox Magee Art Direction Design and Illustration Angel D’Amico-Bauer Promotions Manager DeShaun Adams Special Projects Manager Philistine Thompson Web Content Manager Joi Mitchell Editorial Assistant Alexander Stockstell Web Content Assistant Henry Collins Marketing Assistant Daneisha Goodman Editorial – Amundsen HS Instructor Lenox Magee Assistant Michael Walton II Aiyana Hinton Ariel Vance Bria Robinson Christopher Dobbs Dwight Hunter Jaidan McCarley Jeny Castillo Mario Romero Miciah Wilkerson Rayven Vaughn Digital Media – South Shore Instructor Kamaya Thompson Assistant Shelby Brown Asia Marie Evans Avionce Johnson Breyjon Davis Desiree Williams Fred Coleman Jalica Usher Julian Grissett Justin Grissett Justin Jordan Kamire Sewell Kayla Sullers Matthew Wilbourn Niambi Steele Precious Wordlaw Reginald McCoy Rian Dunn Shaun Felder Shayonna Williams Taylor Davis Tia Phillips Kemp Tobias Britten Tranaye Wilson Marketing Instructor Joi Mitchell Asanta Cunningham Braylyn Brown Briana Williams Donald Stewart Genisis Hope Roberts Julian Jones Kaia Clarke Madison Bowen McKinley Nelson Samantha Garcia Treazure Owens Radio Broadcasting – Chicago State University Instructor Trey Da Choclit Joc Assistant LaSandra Spencer Akram Muhammad Amber Sample
Arianna Kelley-Lomax Denzel Washington Donnell Ashford Isis Grahm Jacqueline Kidd Jasmine Davis Jaylen Golden Karmin Wright Kayla Crittle Kendall Gaines Kennedy Pulliam Kenya Muhammad Miya Taylor Morgan Hall R’mani Gamble Shazea Nathan Terrance Fullilove Yliajah Harris Editorial – South Shore Instructor Marti Parham Assistant Alex Stockstell Akia Davis Alexis Estes Chazmier Mixon Dajuan Jenkins DaParish Pritchett Elija Coulter Fatima Adedokun Giana Mitchell Jacob Bonds Jayda Grissett Jessica Jackson Jessie Ulmer Jihad Muhammad Kaylynn Harris Maya Reese Mina Waight Rikiyah Muhammad Taylor Miggins Taylor Waters Yennetta Liddell Graphic Design – Harper HS Instructor Polina Zionts Brandon Johnson Breanna Swift Devundray Hannah Jerika Boston Kenard Fleming Leakendra Lockhart Mack Owens Major Smith Myesha Hopkins Noah Tsai Nyzerria Walker Precious Myles Shakita Kinds Shakura Reyes Tahauna Holiday Tichina Williams Tywana Mintz
CONTRIBUTORS 1. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE INCOMING FRESHMAN TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR? 2. COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: “IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW, I WOULD HAVE...” 3. WHAT IS YOUR CAREER CHOICE AND WHY? 4. WHAT DO YOU THINK SCHOOLS SHOULD DO TO GET YOUTH THINKING ABOUT THEIR CAREER CHOICE SOONER?
JIHAD MUHAMMAD SENIOR MUHAMMAD UNIVERSITY OF ISLAM SOUTH SIDE EDITORIAL
1. The advice that I can give freshman is to be open and try out different things. Don’t be trapped in a box, and always do what’s right. 2. If I knew then what I knew now, I would have worked to get a higher GPA. 3. My career choice is to be a civil engineer because I have gone to many engineering camps and it has always peeked my interest. 4. Schools should have a huge list of possible career choices. Not just the ones everybody know (doctors, lawyers, teachers etc.). Then they should have certain programs to get children acclimated with the different careers to see which one suits them best.
AMBER SAMPLE SENIOR SENN HIGH SCHOOL RADIO BROADCASTING
1. First and most important thing is to always stay yourself. I feel like when incoming freshman come to high school they kind of forget who they are and try to be someone else when who they are is completely fine. Just be comfortable in your own skin. 2. If I knew what I know now, I would have enjoyed my freshman year more. I was so worried about boys not liking me and not fitting in with the “popular” girls that I was always on egg shells. But if I knew what I know now, I would have completely ignored that and just enjoyed my freshman year because I now know that you only get one freshman year. 3. Pediatrician. For one, I completely love children and what better way to love children then by caring for them. Plus, in this type of economy nowadays the money is so unstable; one day you’ll have a job, the next you won’t. So, with medicine I feel you’ll never go wrong because when will you not need a doctor? 4. The sooner you enforce the better, so I would say freshman year. But try to make it interesting. Try to make little games out of it, but by the end of the game the students have still walked away with a lesson and new knowledge. Remember, students are simple. If it’s fun and there’s free food we will listen.
TAYLOR DAVIS
FRESHMAN UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CHARTER SCHOOL, WOODLAWN CAMPUS DIGITAL MEDIA 1. The advice I’d give incoming freshmen would be to F-O-C-U-S on school work! All that he-sayshe-say drama isn’t going to promote you to the next grade level. You have mid-terms and finals to worry about, not what some clique of girls think about other people. 2. If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things completely different from what I’ve already done. 3. My career choice is to become a graphics designer because I’m very tech savvy and I know my way around Photoshop. 4. In order to get youth to think about their career choice sooner, I think schools should expand there extra-curriculum activities and add more versatile afterschool/summer programs for students.
LEAKENDRA LOCKHART
SOPHOMORE EDWARD TILDEN CAREER COMMUNITY ACADEMY GRAPHIC DESIGN 1. Freshman year is one of the most important years of your high school career. This is the year where you start to leave your print for your next three years of high school. This is also were you let your excellence be known. So, just make your mark this year. 2. If I knew then what I know now, I would have made an even bigger mark my freshman year. I would also let the freshman know that they need to be focused on their studies and that friends are not important. That was one of my biggest mistakes. 3. My career choice is to become a personal chef then open my own restaurant and bakery. I picked this career because I love to cook for others and myself. 4. My freshman year we had this thing called advisory. In this 30 minute class we talked about college and our future careers, but it wasn’t just all talk; we also played games to get us involved. At first I thought I didn’t need it until all my teachers started asking the same thing I was being asked in advisory. So, sooner or later I had to think about how to give an answer to my teachers. It wasn’t just any random answer. So, that’s what I think the school should do for the students to get them thinking about their careers.
DASHIKA ADAMS TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SOPHOMORE STREET TEAM
1. In order to have a successful school year it is essential that you communicate with your professors when you don’t, and even when you do, understand course information. 2. If I knew then what I know now I would have had better study habits. Good study habits are the difference between a 3.8 and a 4.0 GPA. 3. My career choice is to be either a pediatric or labor and delivery nurse practitioner because I believe that birth is a blessing to us all and I would like to assist women with that process. 4. To get students thinking about career choice early on, students should be able to have hands on experience in the fields they are considering. They should also have chances to shadow someone in that field.
AIYANA HINTON JUNIOR KENWOOD ACADEMY NORTH SIDE EDITORIAL
1. If I had to give any incoming freshmen some advice, the main thing they need to know is to stay focused. It’s okay to have fun and meet new people but this is a very important year. Don’t get caught up in any negativity, and focus on this school year. 2. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been more prepared for the challenges I faced during freshmen and sophomore year. 3. My career choice is to be a homicide detective. I chose to work in this field because when you live in Chicago there are many crimes going on and in the future I want to prevent things like this. 4. To get youth thinking about their careers, schools should have speakers from all types of jobs visit and get them interested in a lot of different jobs. Maybe some jobs that you don’t hear about every day.
THE FUTURE IS YOURS BY KAYLYNN HARRIS, SENIOR, WHITNEY YOUNG
THIS VERY MOMENT, EVEN AS YOU ARE READING THIS SENTENCE, YOUR FUTURE HANGS IN THE BALANCE. AS A TEEN OR YOUNG ADULT YOU’RE AT A CRUCIAL POINT IN YOUR LIFE. TAKING A MOMENT TO READ THE CAREER AND COLLEGE SECTION COULD BE JUST THE THING TO GIVE CLARITY TO YOUR FOGGY FUTURE. IN THE COLLEGE PROPORTION YOU’LL FIND INFORMATION ABOUT SAVING MONEY FOR SCHOOL AND OTHER FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES. YOU’LL EVEN LEARN ABOUT THE POWER OF AN INTERNSHIP AND HOW ONE CAN PUT YOU ON YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS. OUR CAREER SECTION FEATURES PROFILES OF PROFESSIONALS IN FIELDS THAT DON’T NECESSARILY REQUIRE FOUR YEARS OF EDUCATION. FROM MUSIC PRODUCERS TO FIREFIGHTERS AND EVEN A BLACKSMITH, YOU HAVE MANY OPTIONS IF THE TRADITIONAL COLLEGE ROUTE ISN’T YOUR CUP OF TEA.
NO MATTER YOUR FEELINGS OR BELIEFS TODAY, IT’S ALWAYS BEST TO TAKE ACTION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.
8 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
COLLEGE
THE BIG MONEY SEARCH BY ELIJAH COULTER, SENIOR, SOUTH SHORE INTERNATIONAL
Check out these links for more scholarship information: * Scholarships.com *Bigfuture.org *Zinch.com * Gates Millennium Scholarship (gmsp.org) *Golden Apple Scholars (goldenapple.org) *Army ROTC scholarship (afrotc.com)
I
t’s your senior year and school has just begun, which means it’s time to start looking for scholarships if you plan on continuing your education. College is very expensive and your parents may not have as much money for your education as you’d hoped. There is plenty of money out there in the form of scholarships; you just have to do your research and be willing to put in the work to get the scholarship you desire. One place to start your search is with the school you hope to attend. Many colleges give out scholarships for incoming students. You can receive scholarships for your academics, athletics, and your extracurricular activities that you participate in. Visit the website of the college/colleges you have applied to and find out what scholarships are offered there and what you have to do to get the money. Anthony Greer, a freshman at the University of Missouri at Columbia, and Sade Donald, a freshman at Johnson and Wales University, who both received scholarships upon entering college, offer some advice.
Be A Standout “The most challenging thing about scholarships is maintaining consistency with the quality and feeling confident that amongst the competitiveness, your application stands out.”- A.G. “I received a full-tuition scholarship to Johnson and Wales University after competing in the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (CCAP) cooking competition worth $108,624. Then I received a $2,000 scholarship award from the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and the $10,000 Stephen P. Donatone Scholarship award from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. “I believe that I was picked as the winner of the National Restaurant Association scholarship due to the quality of my essays and letters and recommendations, along with my apparent dedication to the food service industry.” - S.D.
Prepare Yourself “In the process of applying to scholarships, I first made sure that my personal statement was well written. Also, I prepared myself by asking my counselor for the important documents that scholarship applications usually require (transcripts, scores, and recommendation letters). After that, I looked through major scholarship databases (fastweb.com, UNCF, and ScholarshipAmerica.com), and tried to time manage deadlines.” –Anthony Greer
Manage Your Time & Apply Often “To those applying for scholarships, MANAGE YOUR TIME! Scholarship deadlines creep up faster than you think. As soon as you see one, have some type of plan/ goal on getting it done. Don’t let the excitement of finding one turn into the regret of missing the opportunity. Also, build a good relationship with your counselors. They are very resourceful and can be the push you need to stay on task, even when the going gets tough.”-A.G.
“When I started my senior year, my main focus was to search for scholarships, and I found them mostly by searching the Internet and talking to my friends about ones that they had heard of. I applied for about six or seven scholarships [including] the National Restaurant Association scholarship because I am pursuing a career in the food service industry.” –Sade Donald
“I would advise students who are searching for money for school to apply to EVERY scholarship they can find, no matter how small or how large and competitive it may be. I would also advise them to make sure that they tell their own stories when writing their scholarships essays and to let multiple people read over them before submitting.” -S.D. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 9
Trade School:
THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO SUCCESS BY MINA WAIGHT, SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY
T
he thought of going to a traditional four-year college after graduation may be discouraging for some. Besides paying the expensive cost of tuition, students may not want to complete the additional required classes they may need to earn a degree, and the school may not offer hands on experience until senior year! Students can take their careers in their own hands and get started on their road to success a bit faster by taking an alternate route such as going to trade school. A trade school, also known as a vocational or career school, is a facility that provides training programs to enhance a variety of skills in a desired field in less time, according to the website Consumer Information. In the Chicago area, there are many trade schools that offer training in a variety of fields such as health, culinary arts, cosmetology, welding, automotive maintenance, computer technology and more. Below is a listing of a few trade schools in the Chicago area that offer training and certifications in some of the mentioned careers. *All costs are for undergraduates
Allied Health
Cosmetology
Welding
*Coyne College 330 N. Green, Chicago, IL www.coynecollege.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: $6,925 per year
*Canella School of Hair Design 9012 S. Commercial, Chicago, IL www.cannellabeautyschools.com Completion Time: Varies Cost: $7,063 per year
*ETI School of Skilled Trades www.etisuccess.com 500 Joliet Rd., Willowbrook, IL Completion Time: 7 months or 12 months Cost: $13,984.00 per year
*Everest College 7414 S. Cicero Ave., Bedford Park, IL www.everest.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: Varies
*Paul Mitchell Beauty School 1225 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL www.chicago.paulmitchell.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: Varies
*Roosevelt University 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL www.roosevelt.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: $18,000-$27,000 (Full Time) $500-$2,000 (Part Time)
*Pivot Point Academy www.pivotpoint.edu 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL Completion Time: Varies Cost: Varies
*DeVry University www.devryuniversitycampus.org 3300 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago, IL Completion Time: Varies Cost: (Standard Tuition Rates for Enrolled Students) $609 per credit hour – Hours 1-7 $365 per credit hour – Hours 8+ (Standard Tuition Rate for Students Not Enrolled in Degree Program) $609 per credit hour – regardless of course load
Construction *Kennedy-King College 6301 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL www.ccc.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: $5,561 per year
Culinary Arts *LeCordon Bleu-College of Culinary Arts 361 W. Chestnut, Chicago, IL www.chefs.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: $12,912 per year *Washburne Culinary Institute 6301 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL www.washburneculinary.com Completion Time: Varies Cost: $4,600 per year
10 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
*The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago 350 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL www.artinstitutes.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: Varies
Computer Technician *Lincoln College of Technology 8317 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL www.lincolncollege-usa.com Completion Time: Varies Cost: $16,500 (Full Time)/$275 (Part Time) *Sanford-Brown One North State Street, Chicago, IL www.sanfordbrown.edu Completion Time: Varies: Cost: Varies *ITT Technical Institute 11551 184th Place Orland Park, IL www.itt-tech.edu Completion Time: Varies Cost: Varies
INTERN & EARN BY AKIA DAVIS, JUNIOR, MARIST
W
hat’s one of the best ways to figure out the career you want in the future? By snagging yourself an internship in that profession! When students intern, they earn real world experience. They are able to work in a hands-on environment and understand the work they could possibly do in the future. Professionals are able to teach students about their prospective career path by exposing them to everyday task that take place in a particular occupation. Internships are beneficial because they allow the student to gain valuable experience such as skill building, time management, meeting deadlines and working with others. The other thing that these temporary jobs allow you to do is test out a line of work without being fully committed to the occupation. This way you have a better idea of whether the work is something you want to continue to pursue. Maya Powe, a 22-year-old University of Chicago law student and True Star alum, started interning in her sophomore year of high school and continued through her college years. Powe believes that “internships are where experience comes from more than full-time employment. Internships give a view of what you do and don’t want to do.” Powe, who is studying sports entertainment law, interned at Atlantic Records, where she discovered new talent, chose new singles for artists, and learned about the process of making a song. She also worked at Monotone Inc. where she worked with booking agents, contracts, and managing artists’ careers. At Nike Chicago Powe learned about the different events that go into marketing a brand. Powe said, “The overall common theme of what I learned in my internships was professionalism and how to build relationships.” While interning, students can take advantage of the power of networking to build relationships, like Powe, by interacting with professionals, acquiring references, and gaining mentors. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, nearly 36 percent of employers hired people from their own internship program. There are even more upsides to becoming an intern. Some actually pay with cash while others pay with valuable experience, which in many cases is priceless. Students can become an intern during the school year or during the summer months. Some colleges and high schools even give credit toward your degree for the completion of an internship. Because competition for jobs is high, an internship is what can be called a “resume builder.” Without a solid resume, it could be harder to be considered for a position at any company; in fact, employers are most likely to hire people with experience. According to the NACE survey, nearly 50 percent of employers would like to see an internship on a student resume.
If you have a company or business in mind that you’d love to work for someday, try contacting them to find out what their policy is for accepting interns. Internships can also be found on different websites, such as internships.com and internmatch. com, and through schools’ guidance and career offices. Many schools have bulletin boards filled with job and intern opportunities, you just have to be proactive about your future and go for one. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 11
TIPS On Saving Cash For College BY JAIDAN MCCARLEY, JUNIOR, SIMEON ACADEMY
C
ollege is very expensive and money doesn’t grow on trees. Many parents start saving money for the future before kids go away to school. By the time you’re a junior or senior in high school, you should start saving as much as you can on your own. Worried about saving the tens of thousands of dollars it takes to go to college? Here are a few suggestions on paying for higher education for college-bound students. Also, know that there’s a difference between being cheap and having spending savvy. There’s nothing wrong with living within your means, rather than beyond.
Stretch your dollar further with the following money-saving tips: 1. DON’T MAKE IMPULSE PURCHASES. SHOP MORE FOR THE ITEMS YOU NEED AND LESS FOR THE ONES YOU JUST WANT.
2. WORK DURING YOUR LAST TWO YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL. PUT A PORTION OF THAT MONEY TOWARD YOUR COLLEGE FUND.
3. ALREADY IN COLLEGE? BUY OR RENT USED TEXTBOOKS AND SELL LAST SEMESTER’S BOOKS BACK.
4. TRY TO CUT DOWN ON SHOPPING. 5. INVEST IN A PIGGY BANK TO STORE YOUR LOOSE CHANGE, THEN WATCH THE MONEY PILE UP.
6. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR RIDE YOUR BIKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU NEED TO BE.
7. AVOID EATING OUT AT FAST FOOD JOINTS. ENJOY A HOME-COOKED DISH INSTEAD AND BANK THE CASH.
8. TRY TO GET AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AS POSSIBLE. 9. LOOK FOR SALES AND USE COUPONS WHEN SHOPPING FOR YOURSELF AND THE FAMILY.
10. SKIP THE BIG SPRING BREAK TRIPS AND RELAX WITH A STAY-VACATION THAT INCLUDES FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
11. HAVE A “TRUNK PARTY” BEFORE GOING OFF TO COLLEGE. YOU CAN GET LOTS OF GIFTS, WHICH MEANS LESS SHOPPING FOR YOU.
12. DON’T BUY UNNECESSARY SCHOOL SUPPLIES. WHY BUY
CUMBERSOME NOTEBOOKS WHEN YOU CAN TYPE ON YOUR LAPTOP? IT’S ALSO BETTER FOR THE EARTH!
13. DRINK WATER INSTEAD OF DOWNING SUGARY POPS AND FRUIT JUICES. THE PRICE IS CHEAPER AND H2O IS MUCH BETTER FOR YOU. 12 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
14. OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT THAT EARNS INTEREST. CREDIT UNIONS HAVE FEWER FEES AND ARE GREAT FOR STUDENTS.
15. INSTEAD OF BUYING MUSIC USE FREE SERVICES LIKE SPOTIFY OR PANDORA.
16. ALWAYS APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID. SIXTY PERCENT OF
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF FINANCIAL AID THAT COVERS 20-40 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL COST OF SCHOOL. THEREFORE, IT’S CRITICAL TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID REGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. EACH AND EVERY YEAR, FILL OUT AND SUBMIT THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA). SEE OUR STORY ON PAGE 13 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Facts About FAFSA BY AIYANNA HINTON, JUNIOR, KENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
M
any teens will be applying for college, but it isn’t easy paying the expenses that come along with a higher education. To help with the cost collegebound students are encouraged to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, aka FAFSA. This document is used by colleges and universities around the country to determine the amount of financial aid to award to students. Here are some things you need to know when applying for aid from FAFSA.
Write A Letter To Explain Any Special Circumstances. FAFSA is a pretty intrusive form and there’s no opportunity on the form to explain specific family circumstances, like a recent job loss or high medical bills. If there are more facts you think financial aid officers need to know, send in a letter explaining the situation. The letter could be your golden ticket to getting more aid.
Apply Early.
Appeal A Disappointing Aid Package.
January is the ideal time to go ahead and get that FAFSA application out of the way. Some schools, and now seven states—Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington—award aid money on a firstcome, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
After a college has sent you a financial aid package, there’s still an opportunity to negotiate a better aid award with the school. If there has been a substantial change to your financial situation, or schools have given you wildly different aid packages, it might be worth making a call to the financial aid office.
Not Sure You’ll Get Aid? Apply Anyway.
Don’t Lie.
It’s tough to predict exactly how much money a given family will receive; households earning up to $180,000 will likely qualify for some form of financial aid.
Lying about your income or assets on the FAFSA is a form of fraud punishable by a fine up to $20,000, forfeiture of financial aid awards, and potential prison time. Be honest – this is your future we’re talking about.
Fill Out The Form Completely. This may seem obvious, but mistakes on the FAFSA can delay the processing of your application and put you to the back of the line when it comes time to hand out aid awards. One easy mistake is leaving blank fields that don’t apply to you. Always be sure to write a “0” instead when such instances occur. The online version of the application will alert you when you’ve improperly left fields open.
Don’t Miss The Deadline. According to the FAFSA website, online applications for the Federal deadline must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2015. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 19, 2015. For more information visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 13
IF COLLEGE ISN’T FOR YOU NOT ALL CAREERS DEMAND THAT YOU SPEND FOUR YEARS (OR MORE IN SOME CASES) JUST PREPARING TO EARN A GOOD, HONEST LIVING. THERE ARE MANY OCCUPATIONS THAT REQUIRE AS LITTLE AS TWO YEARS OF SCHOOLING TO GET YOU TRAINED AND READY TO WORK! THE FOLLOWING FIELDS ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE LESS-SCHOOL, NICE-PAY OPTIONS THAT EXIST.
CAREER: Makeup Artist for Film and TV Career Path: I left art school and began working in retail. I had a customer with an issue and I solved it. My customer ended up being the cosmetics manager for Saks Fifth Avenue. And the rest is history. To me, playing in makeup and selling it was another form of artistic expression.
JESSICA WILLIAMS
Training: You do not need a license or a degree to be a makeup artist. HOWEVER, a license is needed if you want to be an esthetician and I highly recommend going to college for a business degree. You cannot be successful unless you KNOW how to run your business and know your market. Salary Range: It varies...makeup artists at department stores make
I have worked on TV shows and film productions, such as “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD,” “Empire,” Divergent, Public Enemies, and the Broadway musical “Wicked.” I used to work a ton of music videos.
between $12-25/hr. Freelance artists can make $200-400/day. Agency artists and those working in film/TV can make 400-1500/day. Artists working with celebs can make up to $2,500.00 plus.
Daily Routine: Sometimes I’m my own boss, other times I’m the boss. That’s what’s cool about my career; it’s always changing. My daily routine varies. I come in a half hour before the talent and set up my station. I review what scenes we are shooting for the day and do the makeup required for each scene. The day can last anywhere from eight hours to 18 hours.
Advice: Be coachable and remain HUMBLE. Negative attitudes will ruin your career. Be open to using all kinds of makeup. Just because something has a brand name doesn’t mean it’s the best. Read as many fashion magazines as possible. Look into special effects and theatrical makeup. The possibilities are endless.
CAREER: Hair Stylist / Entrepreneur / Owner of Darya’s Naturals Inc.
to Pivot Point to get my cosmetology license. That took a year. I have since returned to Pivot Point to receive my educators license, which took six months of hard work.
BY AKIA DAVIS, JUNIOR, MARIST
Career Path: I started out going to college for nursing at Chicago State University, that didn’t work out. I actually never wanted to be a hairstylist. Not at the time that I started. I wanted to do something altogether different and probably out of rebellion. My mother did hair, my father, brother, sister, cousin etc... I thought I wanted to go a different route, but then here comes GOD!
DARYA JOHNSON BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN MORGAN PARK
Training: I started my training as a braider under Amazon Smiley. I worked with her for about a year, worked at home for a while, a few salons here and there, and then my family and I opened up one of Chicago’s first black owned upscale salon and spas called Visionaries Full Service Salon and Spa on Orleans and Chicago. That is when I decided to go
Salary Range: It’s hard for me to say what an average salary is for a hairstylist because the sky is the limit. I guess it depends on how you place yourself in the industry. A professional in this industry can make $80k, $90k, 100k, etc. They can make much less or much more; that answer lies on the professional, how much passion is there, and how eager are you willing to help others along the way. Professional Advice: If I had to give any advice to someone about starting in this industry it would be to have passion for it, because if you don’t you will not go anywhere in this business or any business for that matter. My other advice would be that if you want to open your own salon, be able to handle the overhead on your own and everything and everyone else is extra money in your pocket!
CAREER: Chicago Firefighter Career Path: When I was a little boy I wanted to be like my father so I started going to work with him, and when the opportunity presented itself [to become a fireman] I took advantage of it. The four-year college route isn’t for everybody, and it most definitely wasn’t for me. I also didn’t want to waste my parents’ money. I’m more of a worker or laborer. I couldn’t picture myself behind a desk and I knew that was where college was going to land me. I love helping people out. The adrenaline is my favorite part; coming out the fire and knowing you made a difference.
DEKALB WALCOT
Training: You first have to be applicable for [the position], meaning you have to have a high school diploma or GED. Then you go and take a written exam that is followed by a physical exam as well. After you have passed the exams a background check is done and a drug screening. If those come back clean you are placed on a waiting list until called.
Daily Routine: Wake up early, check equipment, roll call at 8:00, dress and go over drills, lunch, house work (cleaning), practice drills, dinner. But, in between all of that, anything could happen whether it be a fire or a sick person. We always have to be prepared. Salary Range: According to the website salary.com, the median expected annual pay for a typical fire fighter in the United States is $43,002.00. In Chicago the expected median pay is $45,221.00. Professional Advice: Eat right and stay active because being a firefighter is very physically demanding, and most importantly stay in the books. Aside going into burning buildings we read and learn about building construction… and the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) system, which is what the job is mostly made of nowadays because we’re not just firefighters. We are also paramedics.
BY KAYLYNN HARRIS, SENIOR, WHITNEY YOUNG
CAREER: Mix Engineer/Music Producer/ Entrepreneur/ CIM Studios, Grammy Nominated Career Path: I was just blessed to be a part of a record label in the early 90s, which was an independent record label called “C-wall.” One of my friends was one of the owners of the label, and I was, you know, doing my knucklehead thing on the streets. I had been doing music and rapping because I was a rapper first, but I got in some trouble with the law and [my friend] just had a hit record, which was Do or Die’s “Po Pimp.” I basically got in trouble, so I called him and told him, “Man look, I can’t get in anymore trouble because I’m right on the brink of going to jail. So, I need to make a drastic turn around right now. Would you let me work in the studio?” I started out working for him as his assistant/intern/in-house producer.
CAYEX IIIAH
[I have worked with] Syleena Johnson, Twista, RiFF RAFF, Lil Durk, Bun B, Do or Die, Lil Flip and pretty
much anybody you can name from Chicago. I’ve worked with Sasha Go Hard and Chella H; those are two of my favorite artists. Training: Definitely go to school and get some type of training. Although I didn’t go to school, I got to learn from the environment, and outside of that, on my own. I read numerous books and went to countless seminars/webinars. I constantly sought out information just because I wanted to become a better producer and engineer. Train your ear and work with some of the best people you can work with. Salary Range: It really depends on how hard you work because this is pretty much like a hustle. You can make anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000. The reason why I’m able to make a good living is because over the years I’ve made a good name for myself.
BY MINA WAIGHT, SENIOR KENWOOD ACADEMY
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 15
IF COLLEGE ISN’T FOR YOU CAREER: Entrepreneur, CEO, Burks Heating and Cooling Career Path: I knew that college wasn’t for me while I was in high school, around graduation time. I floated for many years from job to job not really making any money that would allow me to take care of myself or a family, which I didn’t have at the time. I took an electrical maintenance course at Coyne American Institute in 1999. I worked at a steel mill as an electrician. The plant closed and I was out of work. My last employer was my biggest motivator. Although I made decent money, it was a dead end job. I knew I didn’t want to work at another steel mill or factory job or be unemployed again. …The state had a program for dislocated workers. In 2001 I was chosen for this program through the unemployment office.
DARIO BURKS
Training: Coyne College, as it’s known by now, is where I received my training in electrical maintenance
and HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration). Both programs were a year in length, and honestly the best two years of my educational training. It was hands-on, repairing everything from electric motors to house wiring and repairing furnaces and central AC units. The instructors had over 20 years experience each in their respective fields of training. Salary Range: The average salary range for HVAC service technicians ranges from 18.00 an hr on the low side to 48.00 an hr on the high side of the pay scale. Professional Advice: Anybody interested in this career should find a local trade school in their city. Find out how long the school has been around and what kind of reputation they have. A lot of companies want to know where you were trained. Stay committed to getting the most out of the class, especially young black men, because there is a huge shortage of black men in the HVAC industry.
BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK
CAREER: Stationary Engineer for the University of Illinois at Chicago Career Path: I was 18 when I decided to become a stationary engineer. When I was younger I didn’t have a lot of money and I knew other people that were engineers, too, and I saw that they made a lot of money, so I just wanted to take advantage of that.
DONTE ESKRIDGE
BY MICIAH WILKERSON, SOPHOMORE, AIR FORCE ACADEMY
16 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Training: [Lessons are taught in the field] first through observation and by establishing a routine. You have to be skilled with foundation heating and cooling. The classroom training would include an instructor, reading materials and “props” to give the trainee a general idea of what the different types of equipment he/she will operate and maintain will look like. Many classes offered “hands on” training to prepare the trainee for operations in the field.
Daily Routine: First I log in to my Building Automation System. I am able to observe building conditions from a central location. Once I do that, I take a walk around the building to verify the conditions and equipment operations that I may have observed on the computer. From there, I’ll perform scheduled preventive maintenance on equipment that has been assigned by our computer maintenance management system. I’ll also take calls from building occupants and make adjustments to room set points if necessary. Salary Range: It all depends on who you work for and your level of experience. A typical engineer may make anywhere from $10.00-$35.00 per hour, but I make $47.50. Professional Advice: You’ve got to be willing to work hard and learn, but to me this job is very rewarding because it pays well! Delivering a comfortable space to the occupants means that I’m doing my job well. The best part is in the event of equipment malfunction. I’m capable of correcting most issues with minimal effort due to the extensive training I’ve received.
CAREER: Blacksmith/ Steelworker Career Path: I went through the BUFI (Black United Fund of Illinois) program. They helped me become certified. I went for the trade pre-apprenticeship program. I went to training and then they were able to find me a job at the steel mill. I’ve been there ever since. Training: I mostly trained on the job. No special schools or programs like that. They taught math and reading assignments, and we also learned HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training along with OSHA 10, 30. It took about three to four months to complete the training.
Daily Routine: My day starts at midnight and ends about 11:00 am or 12:00. The average day for me involves a lot of walking. I walk to different stages of the steel making process: vacuum tank to teeming car to tapping station. I do this about four times a day. Salary Range: On average a steelworker can make about $60,000 and up depending on the job. Professional Advice: [What I do is] fun and hot! I’m around liquid steel. [If you’re interested in pursuing a job like this] you need to meet someone who is in a mill; it’s the easiest way but, find a mill online and then apply.
DAMON ANDERSON BY BRIA ROBINSON, SOPHOMORE, AMUNDSEN
CAREER: Train Conductor Career Path: I realized a four-year college wasn’t for me after the first two years I attended Fisk University in Nashville. The cost of student loans was overwhelming so I decided to stop. My father was able to get me on at CTA, and I worked there from ’96 to 2010. I came to the railroad because I felt like it was nothing else I could learn [at CTA] and I wanted to do something different. The opportunity came and I took it.
MANU CLAY
BY ARIEL VANCE, JUNIOR, AMUNDSEN
Training: I received a total of about two months of training – a month in a half in classes and three weeks outdoors. In the classroom training we were taught how to handle hazardous matter cars, how to map out your travel plan and more. With the hands-on training you were paired up with another conductor who showed you the routes from where we start in North Lake, Il, to destinations in Chicago, the western suburbs and the surrounding Chicago area. Daily Routine: I work freight trains. We transport everything like clothing, wheat, sand, cars –
everything. My routine consists of me reporting to duty on time, looking over the paperwork of what I’ll be transporting for the day, hooking up with my engineer to see if there are any safety concerns, and pretty much taking the train from point A to point B. Some days are more exciting than others. Some days I have to take the train to another yard and cut the train up (dividing the various cars on different tracks). I work a different shift every day. On average I work 12 hours. Anything over six days in a week of work, you have to be off 48 hours to rest. Salary Range: The salary range is anywhere from $50,000 - $240,000. Professional Advice: [To any high school grad interested in this job] I would say go for it! You only have to be 18 to be employed and get a minimum of $50,000 in your first year. That’s the minimum. It’s a career, not a job, and there is plenty of room for promotions. When you start that young you have plenty of time to make moves. The pay is good.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 17
WHAT YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT UNIONS BY ALEXANDER STOCKSTELL, SOPHOMORE, COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
I
f you’re fortunate enough to have a job then you already know you have your good days and you have your bad ones. However, if those bad days include times that you feel mistreated or discriminated against in some way by your employer, you need to do something about it. That’s when labor unions work to your advantage. Unions serve as an organized association that represent a mass of workers to protect them from potential unjust employers. Almost all jobs that provide services to society such as electricians, plumbers, construction workers and restaurant workers all have unions that support employees. Unions came about as a direct result of the poor working conditions and available employment that arose after the Civil War. Americans at the time came together to create these unions and push for early labor laws to protect them from their employers who were not creating healthy work environments. Unions have been shaping labor laws throughout history especially around specific events such as WWII (Smith-Connally Act) and the Civil Rights Movement (Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). According to Shmoop.com’s “History on Labor Unions,” unions have been growing smaller and less powerful over the last 40 years due to the federal government deregulating corporations, but they still hold an important place in society when corporations over-extend their power. Take a look at the fast food business, where rumblings about unionization are making headlines. Many of the companies in this industry are making obscene amounts of money and continue to expand every day. This is great for the stockholders, but how have the employees benefitted? According to NBCNews.com’s “Burgers, Pizza and Fries: Fast Questions About Fast Food Strikes,” most fast food companies pay minimum wage 18 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
or close to it, limit hours to avoid paying insurance or other benefits, and typically work their employees very hard. The employees are waking up to the fact that they have been taken advantage of and they are starting to organize, demanding for their state’s equivalent raise of minimum wage to $15 an hour. Once you’re hired for a job you will have an option to join your local union. By joining you will pay a fee that gets taken out of your check every pay period which serves as a type of collateral for you to have if the union has to take action. Let’s say that while working you notice that your workplace is unkempt and under supplied, which effects your work environment. You bring this to your superior’s attention but they pay you no mind. This can be brought up when attending a union meeting, or contact your union representative for an investigation. Perhaps you feel your superior is disrespecting you because of your race or gender. In this instance, with suitable evidence, the union can help you organize a lawsuit against the employer for violating the Civil Rights Act. These examples are common issues, but unions face very unique challenges that affect the workers they represent daily. Ezra McCann, 64, is a retired Chicago firefighter and was a passionate union member. “I would encourage any young person to join their union if their field provides one. Having that back-up is better than having nothing at all. Also, I would encourage young workers in fields without union representation to come together and create one. With the power of connection and the communication social media now provides, this generation of workers and beyond should be able to make unions stronger and work better than ever. Unions will forever be a debated topic, but the youth must be aware of their presence good or bad.”
ARE YOU UNDECIDED ABOUT Life? BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK
MANY TEENS HAVE AN IDEA ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT TO BE WHEN THEY ARE ADULTS. BUT WHAT IF YOU ARE UNDECIDED ABOUT THINGS LIKE COLLEGE, COLLEGE MAJORS OR A JOB IN GENERAL? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? FOR STARTERS, TAKE THIS QUIZ TO HELP GET YOU THINKING ABOUT WHAT PATH YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE. Have you set any goals for life after high school? Yes
|
No
Do you have an idea of possible careers you would like to pursue? Yes | No | Maybe Are you planning on attending college or trade school? Yes | No | Maybe Have you begun the college application process? Yes
|
No
Are you decided on what level of education you will be pursuing?
Mostly NO If you answered NO to most of the questions then it’s time for you to put in some work when it comes to thinking about your future. To get started try these suggestions: -Make a list of the things you like to do. -Research/brainstorm how to make a career out of your interests. -Make your squad people that have similar interests as you. -Talk to your school counselor about career possibilities. -Talk to your fam about possible career paths.
(Certification, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, PhD) Yes
|
No
Do you have an idea of possible majors that could benefit your career choice(s)? Yes
|
No
Is higher education a requirement for the career of your choice? Yes | No | Maybe Are you aware of the steps it takes to get to your career goal? Yes | No | Maybe Are you comfortable discussing your dream(s)/goals with others? Yes | No | Maybe
Mostly Maybe If you answered with mostly MAYBE, chances are you have put some thought into your plans after high school, but need to get more serious about your next steps. Move forward by doing the following: -Talk to someone that’s already doing what you want to do for better understanding about a career. -Intern/volunteer for different programs that involve the things you might want to do. -Research majors that interest you. -Go to college/trade school open houses and tours to get a feel for that environment.
Do you have any experience in the career field of your choice? Yes
|
No
Do you personally know anyone succeeding in the field of your choice? Yes
|
No
Does your family’s opinion play a major role in your decision making process about your future? Yes | No | Maybe Are you self-motivated? Yes
|
No
Is your career choice/talent something in demand by the public? Yes
|
No
Mostly YES If YES was your answered of choice, you seem to be pretty certain about your future! To stay on track True Star offers these suggestions: -Research scholarships to get you more money for school. -To stay motivated, find a mentor that’s in your chosen career field. -Get work experience in the industry of your choice by volunteering/interning. This will help build your resume and make you more marketable. -Research the requirements to complete a degree/certificate for the career of your choice. -Make realistic goals. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 19
REAL TALK
Changing The Community
THE RIGHT WAY BY MICHAEL WALTON II, SOPHOMORE, TRUMAN COLLEGE
C
hicago has seen its fair share of triumphs and failures, but with the evolving nature of media, citizens are bombarded with information at an almost alarming rate. Because of this we, as a society, have formulated a view of Chicago that has been marred by violence and a failing education system. Those who have lived here for awhile can tell you that the city has seen it all, but now the same issues we have been facing for years have become even worse. The mention of Chicago’s failing education system is well-documented. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has closed a large number of schools and programs due to “underutilization.” I commend Mayor Emanuel for taking the first step in addressing a critical issue, but we have yet to make considerable progress on the education issue in Chicago. Sometimes the issue isn’t so black and white. In July, news broke that Kenwood Academy’s program for 7th and 8th graders was moving into the vacant Canter Middle School building. This was after CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett said in 2013 that the schools that were shut down would not be re-used. Local Ald. Will Burns (4th) has come under fire for the ruling, but he maintains that this move will open up 250 seats for new students. This move is one that I believe will help more youth on the South Side have access to excellent schooling, but at what cost? ByrdBennett has backtracked on a previous statement by doing this, but she seems to have some support from the local community. The line she walks is a thin one, and the only way she can avoid a large downfall is with the help of all communities in the city. On July 17th Simeon Career Academy shut down their Electricity Shop Program, and the Chicago Crusader broke the story. Two weeks after the program’s 20 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT REAL CHANGE ONLY COMES TO THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR IT IN AN INTELLIGENT MANNER.
termination there was a public meeting held to discuss the issue. The program was reinstated on August 20th thanks to CPS’s newfound partnership with Local Union 134, who vowed to give jobs to students who completed the three-year program. Programs like this are vital to schools in the black community because they give many students their only shot at securing a long-term career. The new partnership makes one wonder why couldn’t CPS have found this partnership before deciding to cut the program? It brings to question the integrity of the CPS. If they truly do care about the kids in this city then they need to demonstrate it effectively. The Chicago Crusader and the strong-willed people of the Simeon community have shown what it takes to make real change. The media needs to report on the important decisions made regardless of whether or not they are favorable, and if the community dislikes the decision then they have to come together and organize. An open dialogue with those in power should always be the end goal. With social turmoil seemingly on the rise in incidents such as the Michael Brown shooting, it is important to remember that real change only comes to those who fight for it in an intelligent manner. The situation in Ferguson, MO, is frustrating because following incidents involving chaos, only further a mental image burned into the minds of the bigoted. To change the way American society views the black community we have to learn how to react to social turmoil in a manner that if not calm, is at least organized. The people of Chicago have created a blueprint in their deliberations with CPS, for the betterment of the black community. It is time to create change.
Chicago Student Union:
THE VOICE OF THE UNREPRESENTED BY KAYLYNN HARRIS, SENIOR, WHITNEY M. YOUNG
T
he Chicago Public School system is one of the largest educational systems within America. With nearly 200 public high schools within the system, a group of teens felt that the voices of thousands of students needed to be heard and expressed. We all know of the Chicago Teachers Union but recently a new union has emerged – the Chicago Student Union (CSU). This organization is comprised of a group of teens from throughout the city. The Chicago Student Union was created in order to present the needs and grievances of actual students to CPS officials. The union came about in 2013 as a result of the massive amount of school closings that were being done. Member Ross Floyd explains the groups creation: “Throughout these school closures, budget cuts, and teacher layoffs CPS officials and teachers were in constant negotiation in order to determine future policy for Chicago schools. However, the students of Chicago had no voice in these talks. This is a major flaw with our current education system and students from all across the city became aware of this flaw, came together, and organized to create a strong student voice in Chicago,” explains Ross Floyd a founding member of the CSU.
THE CSU IS COMPLETELY RAN AND ORGANIZED BY STUDENTS AND ANYONE WITH A WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN.
What has the CSU done so far you ask? Member Avelardo Rivera says, “On July 24th, 2013, the CSU took over a BOE (Board of Education) meeting in which one of our lead organizers, Ross Floyd, gave his Declaration of Education where he called out CPS for not receiving student input. After that meeting, BBB spoke on WBEZ in response to Ross’ speech stating that CPS would start the Student Advisory Council. The CSU has also empowered hundreds of students to have a voice in their education.” In addition, on August 10th about 100 students and allies of the CSU marched in demonstration against the CPS board to raise awareness about the misrepresentation of students in policy making. The CSU has much more in store for the future as well. Another member, Adia Nije, expressed major overall goals of the union stating, “We hope to work towards establishing a democraticallyelected Chicago Board of Education, provide all CPS schools with equal funding and register voters.” These ambitious teens are dedicated to making a better school system for current and prospective students.
There are currently 50 students that attended the union’s weekly meetings, but over the past two years CSU has collaborated with over 200. Members of the CSU are all individual leaders and feel strongly about its cause. The CSU is completely ran and organized by students and anyone with a want to make a difference is encouraged to join. The union holds weekly meetings on Mondays from 5pm-7pm at 77 W. Washington St. Floyd, Nije and Rivera all saw a flaw in a system meant for the betterment of youth and set out to change it. Their work and effort so far with the CSU has been beyond exceptional. As students, we at times forget how powerful our voice truly is, and united we can seek and achieve change. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 21
I Crashed My Car!
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? BY MAYA REESE, SENIOR, WHITNEY M. YOUNG
I
t’s a beautiful day outside. Your music is blasting out the windows, and then BAM! You accidentally hit the car in front of you! What do you do? Who doyou call? Whether it’s a big or little crash, True Star and State Farm Insurance are here to help. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study that showed over 30,000 deaths and over two million injuries resulting from car accidents annually in the United States. According to State Farm, teenage drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 have accidents four times more than the adult drivers. Shocking? Not really. Statistically, teen drivers are three times more likely to crash because of alcohol, fatigue, and other things that usually happen when coming home from parties. Teenage drivers are always overconfident and think they are more experienced than they actually are; thus, they are lethal drivers.
What to do once an accident has occurred:
1. 2. 3. 4.
EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATION. GIVE THE OTHER DRIVER YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND INSURANCE COMPANY INFO.
or bumps that are on your car. This is a great time to put your cell phone’s camera to use. Be honest about the descriptions of the marks, and never falsify information in an attempt to get money to fix your already beaten up car.
5.
Exchange insurance information. Give the other driver your name, address, phone number, and insurance company info. Don’t ever give the other driver your social security or banking information. If you do, you will be paying for way more than a few car repairs. Also, don’t ever say that the accident was your fault. Even if you crashed into them, there is still a chance that they enticed the accident. After all, you wouldn’t want to have to pay for repairs on their car if they were in the wrong, right?
6.
Promptly submit your claim to your insurance company. It is imperative that the facts of the loss are accurately recorded while the details are fresh in your mind and the physical evidence is available to be inspected. Remember, delayed reporting can result in a question of coverage.
Take a deep breath and try to stay as calm as possible. Check for injuries. Be prepared to call 911 if anything seems abnormal.
Move the car. Turn on your hazard lights and move away from traffic. Gaper’s delay is not only embarrassing; it can cause frustrating traffic jams. Check on the other driver. If there is no damage to either vehicle, you can stop sweating and go on about your day. But, if there is even the slightest scratch on either car, you should call the police and your insurance agent. While you wait for the police, take notes on what happened in your opinion and document the dents 22 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
One in four states can confirm that October has the highest crash rate, raising 15 percent for the month. Whether it’s because of homecomings, Halloween parties, or a simple coincidence, keep your guard up when driving in October. Most importantly, stay safe! For more tips on driving visit www.teendriving.statefarm.com. True Star’s Teen Driving Safety Program is possible due to a donation by
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA ABOUT STEM SCHOOLS? BY GIANA MITCHELL, JUNIOR, CVCA
O
ver the past 10 years, jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields have grown three times as fast as jobs in non-STEM fields, according to the Department of Commerce, and STEM fields are expected to grow by 17 percent by 2018. This fact has sparked the popularity amongst students across the country to enhance their learning experiences by choosing to attend STEM high schools over traditional high schools. Here in Chicago, Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have established ECSS (Early College STEM Schools) to better prepare high school students for the careers of the future. According to the CPS website, “students will follow CPS high school graduation requirements but will also have the opportunity to graduate high school with industry certifications, significant college credit, and possibly an Associate’s Degree.” The five CPS schools that have partnered with major corporations to create ECSS are Michelle Clark (CISCO), George Corliss (Verizon Wireless), Chicago Vocation Career Academy, also known as CVCA, (Motorola Solutions), Lake View (Microsoft) and Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy (IBM).
STEM FIELDS ARE EXPECTED TO GROW BY 17 PERCENT BY 2018.
At CVCA, students were given a chance to work with Motorola engineers in a program called “Project Chance” where freshmen learned to make robots and were given an opportunity to compete in a competition. Sophomores worked with Motorola’s marketing team to build a first responders app/gadget and were given a chance to sell their product to the marketing team. CVCA STEM student Alicia Williams, 16, already sees the benefits of the new school model. Williams said, “My time in the program has given me a more challenging curriculum in school and helped me to better realize my future career goals. I was strongest in the ‘Technology and Engineering’ aspects of STEM because I am a cognitive learner, so touching really helps me learn. I learned that working hands-on with equipment is better than traditional learning techniques. In particular, the Motorola sponsored project where we got a chance to make our own mobile apps, made me realize that I might have a future in coding.” In a released statement, Motorola spoke highly of the high school collaboration. “Creating the next generation of innovators is critical to the success of our country and our company, and schools play an important role in engaging students in science, technology, engineering and math. The STEM schools that are part of the Chicago Public Schools system give students education and experiences that can inspire interest and careers in engineering, computing and other growing industries.”
working hard and making lasting connections. STEM programs can open doors all over and possibly earn you scholarships from the corporate sponsors.
When you’re in STEM, students have a higher chance of going to a good college. They will have skills and knowledge that most college students don’t get until their second year. If you want to make a career within the STEM field it’s all about
As a student of CVCA myself, I can tell you that the STEM program has opened doors for me, and in my opinion, has made a big impact in the Chicago school system. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 23
GIVING BACK
Ladies of Virtue Cares: NURTURING CHICAGO’S GIRLS BY MINA WAIGHT, SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY
“A
ll things are possible through faith, perseverance, an opportunity and willingness to succeed,” said Ladies of Virtue (LOV) Founder/Executive Director Jamila Trimuel, during the 2014 LOV Cares Recognition Ceremony.
This year’s winners were three girls who created the campaign “Barbie Me Not” for African-Americans to be more comfortable with themselves instead of feeding into the “perfect body” images displayed by the media.
Ladies of Virtue was founded in 2009 and launched on October 1, 2011. This first year marked the beginning of a journey that began with six students; a journey where Trimuel would start a nine-month program for girls ages 10-18 who would become her mentees. Trimuel would use her time with the students to not only instill virtuous characteristics into the girls, but to also encourage living a virtuous lifestyle to prepare for college and adulthood.
University of Missouri attendee, Janiela McKinny, said, “I knew before that [media] affects the way you carry yourself, but now I see how it affects how you treat other people.
One signature program is LOV CARES, where the primary goal is to provide project management training to its participants. It also instills responsibility, accountability and time management while the girls are developing projects about issues they are passionate about. During the program, students are given a general topic – in this case, living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy body image. The students were then given a budget and expected to create a project about their topic. At the end of the session, the groups must put together a presentation for the recognition ceremony for their families, friends and a panel of judges who decide a winner.
Treazure Owens of Marist High School said, “I learned how to use social media in a constructive way…[because] I was [posting uplifting quotes and,] so I felt like I was doing something good for the community. Parkland College freshman, Brianna Gordon, said, “The reason I joined [LOV] was because I always had insecurities about [my size] and how my hair was not as straight as my friends or as long; my hair was always thick and just curly and I felt like I was ugly compared to my friends. “Barbie Me Not” helped me realize that you’re beautiful no matter how you look.” Forty-four girls were honored in this year’s ceremony. To join the LOV sisterhood contact www.LOVChicago.org or call 877-565-7121.
Disney Dreamer’s Academy HELPS YOUTH REALIZE THEIR DESTINY BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK
he Disney Dreamers Academy is an organization that was started by Walt Disney World in partnership with TV and radio personality Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine in 2007. According to the Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) website, the organization was started for students to learn about the transformational power of dreams and how your dreams can inspire you to set goals that will open up a world of new possibilities. Every year, 100 students from across the nation are selected to participate in a free four-day trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. During the trip, the students get to see presentations from professionals, listen to motivational speeches, meet Disney cast members, learn information about their career choice, and more. They also get time to unwind and enjoy the Disney Parks. For the DDA class of 2014, 15 career industries were represented by Deep Dives. Students got to participate in workshops related to the field of their choice. The Dreamers also got to see eight musical acts, including performances by Coco Jones and Tamela Mann. Many students have been inspired by their experience with DDA and have jumpstarted their careers at a young age. Some own businesses, non-profit organizations, a few are on the radio, a few are published authors, and the list goes on. 24 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
PHOTO CREDIT: DISNEY DREAMERS ACADEMY
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Niani Scott, 16, a high school junior from Bolingbrook, IL, explained how DDA helped her get one step closer to her dreams of becoming a television journalist: “[Disney Dreamers Academy] opened doors and it allowed me to network with people that are already in my career path. I got to talk to a ton of people.” Scott also got an opportunity to be on Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show and his radio show, to discuss her experience. Interested in becoming a 2015 Dreamer? Then visit the DDA website at www. disneydreamersacademy.com for more information.
Gaming for Charity BY JAYDA GRISSETT, FRESHMAN SOUTH SHORE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PREP
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hat do you do in your free time? If your answer is “playing games,” then why not play games for a good cause? There are many charities that raise money from just playing games, and any and everybody is able to join in on the fun. One specific charity that stands out is Extra Life Foundation. Extra Life is famous for their National Game Day, a global 24-hour gaming event where gamers can play any game, ranging from simple board games to card games and video games. Gamers have the option to play any games they want, but there is a challenge; the game has to be played for 24 hours straight! This year’s event takes place beginning on October 25 at 8:00 am and ending October 26 at 8:00 am. Your fundraising goal can be any amount you want. You can get your family and friends to sponsor you, and if you’re feeling generous, you can donate money to a fellow gamer. All of the money you earn goes to charity and is used to purchase video games and/or consoles for hospitalized children. The games lift spirits and help take the children’s minds off whatever they’re going through. Extra Life Foundation is a way for you to connect with other gamers, donate money to charity, give back to the community, and do what you love. This is something that is beneficial to both you and the children you’re helping.
The hospitals in Illinois that hosts Extra Life events are: • The Children’s Hospital of Illinois (530 NE Glen Oak Avenue Peoria, Illinois) • The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (225 E. Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois) • The St. John’s Hospital (800 E. Carpenter St. Springfield, Illinois) For more information on National Game Day visit the website extra-life.org.
Demoiselle 2 Femme:
GIVING BACK TO TEENAGE GIRLS BY ALEXIS ESTES, FRESHMEN, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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PHOTO CREDIT: DEM 2 FEMME
emoiselle 2 Femme (D2F), a French derived name meaning “young ladies to women,” is a non-profit organization all Chicago teenage girls should consider being a part of. Not only does this group offer support and mentorship to young women but there are other benefits such as workshops, scholarships, college and job preparation, and of course sisterhood. D2F’s mission is to help young ladies transition to womanhood, and the vision for the group is to be recognized as a model for social change through the personal, social and spiritual development of young women who positively impact the world as future leaders. According to demoiselle2femme.org, D2F has provided prevention and education programs to more than 3,000 girls ages 13-19 for 20 years. Taja Ferguson, a freshman at DePaul University and winner of Demoiselle of the Year, speaks highly of D2F. “Being a part of this program has propelled me to be greater [and] has given me an open eye experience to the reality of being a beautiful young woman in the urban area.” The program consists of workshops that focus on the issues of teen pregnancy, obesity, drug abuse, violence, HIV/AIDS, money management, leadership development, college readiness, personal development and leadership tours. To date, D2F has assisted more than 400 girls to become first-generation college graduates. “The Demoiselle 2 Femme program is an essential part of my life regarding education, developing leadership skills, my self-esteem and personal
development and understanding the college admission process,” said Ferguson. “[D2F] has fueled my determination and assisted me in achieving educational goals. Now, I am willing to make a viable contribution to society being a leader.” If this sounds like something you or someone you know would like to be a part of, you can visit, demoiselle2femme.org for more information, or keep your eyes open for D2F representatives at your school. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 25
TECH
The Shedd Aquarium’s Teen Learning Lab CELEBRATES ITS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
PHOTO CREDIT: SHEDD AQUARIUM/BRENNA HERNANDEZ
BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK
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hedd Aquarium has released a few new features in the past year that they are very proud of, including the Shedd Teen Learning Lab. Launched on September 21, 2013, the Teen Learning Lab is a place where teens can go to be a part of the aquarium’s different educational programs and workshops. Students are given the chance to learn what career opportunities are available at Shedd and much more. Last November, True Star teens even got the opportunity to participate in an early workshop and give some insight on what features they wanted to see in the Learning Lab. Once the Lab was up and running, workshops included a game design jam which focused on design and problem solving within delivering content, which the True Star Digital Media Team participated in. In another workshop, the True Star Graphic Design Team created a video and got a chance to dissect a squid! True Star students also got to interview the Learning Programs vice president and talk to Senior Teen Mentors about their work and the Learning Lab and Teen programs. In August of this year, True Star participants were provided with resume writing tips, interview skills and networking opportunities to help us in our future careers. Since the launch of the Learning Lab, more than 1,000 teens have participated from both drop-in visits and scheduled group visits. Now that the Learn Lab has celebrated its one year anniversary you can bet that more fun projects are in the
works, including a workshop series partnering with Adler Planetarium on citizen science and data collection in difficult places, continuation of the after-hours observation nights and robotics building workshops.
The fall hours for the Shedd Learning Lab are: • Tuesday 4pm-8pm • Thursday 4pm-8pm • Saturday 11am-4pm
Oculus Rift CHANGES THE GAME BY DAPARISH PRITCHETT, FRESHMAN, KING COLLEGE PREP
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or a long time, gamers have been waiting on revolutionary virtual gaming systems. Here and there, a trouble making blogger or a well-known gamer would put out a bug about a virtual game. It would strike disappointment when someone finally called their bluff. Truth is, no one person or company has ever released a device as innovative – until now. Send your love letters to Oculus VR. Palmer Luckey and his extraordinarily skilled group have accomplished the impossible. Their product, “Oculus Rift,” is the gaming world’s Hope Diamond. The new Rift is a relatively small device. It straps on to your head so that you are able to view the game straight forward as well as in your peripheral vision. Both of your eyes are completely covered so that you can experience the full virtual gaming sensation, according to Oculusvr.com. The ultra-high-definition screen display makes for the overall best graphics possible. The realism of the graphics are expected to contribute to sales and popularity. The microphones are almost like earphones which will provide the player with an ultra-realistic surround sound feel. Many believe there is no competing device that is as effective as the Rift. It is said to be one of the most innovative devices of its time, and may very well be a revolutionary mark for the gaming world. 26 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Oculus Vr’s success has already arrived, seeing as though when they started to give out pre-ordering options, one of their models was completely sold out. That’s a pretty big deal, especially since the product won’t release until 2015. Gamers can expect to pay approximately $350 for the popular gaming system. Gamers everywhere will definitely have an eye out for the Oculus Rift; just hope that it lives up to the diehard players’ expectations.
Donald Winter HELPS STUDENTS SEE THE WORLD THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS AT CSU BY MAYA REESE, SENIOR, WHITNEY M. YOUNG
Chicago State television professor Donald Winter on location filming a commercial with CSU student Mamadou Bah.
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re you interested in a future working in the field of video production? Well,
Professor Donald Winter of Chicago State University is the man to talk to! With over 30 years of experience in the film and video production industry, Winter brings a lot of valuable opportunities to the students in his course. He has been teaching at the university level for over 14 years, and believes that working at Chicago State University is beneficial for him as a mentor, and for all of his students who are eager to learn. Winter says, “At Columbia College I was just another adjunct instructor. Here, for me, I have more one-on-one time with the students, and I feel that at Chicago State I can make a difference.” Winter, the adjunct professor of Television and Digital Journalism, has worked with several major networks including CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. Because of his collaboration with those companies, he has learned what to do and what not to do in this profession. Winter teaches his students about how to give good impressions and start off on the right foot, saying “Get it right the first time! If too many mistakes are made, you won’t be asked back.” With a Master of Fine Arts in Independent Film and Digital Imaging from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Film from Columbia College, Winter has multiple titles on his resume. He is the president of his own production company (Winter Productions Film and Video Company), working as a producer, director, editor, cinematographer and screenwriter.
This past school year, Winter took four students on a trip to the National Association of Broadcasters Trade Show. Within this life changing experience, the students were introduced to the newest high tech inventions debuting to the public. Learning how to work with this new equipment is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in the video production field. Besides film works, Winter is passionate about covering sports. He has covered events for the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox. In 2010, Winter gaffed (Gaffer is the term filmmakers use for the person in charge of film lighting.) on a Chicago Heights production that Rodger Ebert put on his list of top 10 independent films. Another film he recently gaffed on was screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center this past August. Winter also makes sure to encourage his students by helping them face any and all obstacles that may stand in their way. He believes the hardest obstacles are “having the skills, knowing how to look for work and knowing your competition in business.” Winter teaches his students the key material that will help them land a good job in the future, which is all the more reason to get to know him a little bit better. For more information about the Chicago State University video production major, visit the school’s Communications, Media Arts & Theatre (CMAT) department on the web at www.csu.edu/cas/artanddesignandCMAT/CMAT/. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 27
#FASHTAGFALL2014: What’s Your Style Personality?
ARE YOU A #GLAMOURGIRL OR MAYBE THE #COMFYCOZY TYPE? HOW YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE SAYS A LOT ABOUT WHO YOU ARE. THANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO IS WATCHED BY ALL – ESPECIALLY YOUR STYLE. FOR THIS VERY REASON, IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FASHIONS FOR FALL ARE ON POINT. TRUE STAR CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT, BUT IT’S UP TO YOU TO TAKE NOTES FROM THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
#BOLDBADDIES Styling: Kaleidoscope By Kolaberri Make Up: Deanna Beach of Beauty Boulevard Hair: Diamond Beach of Beauty Boulevard Photographer: Shelby Brown Creative Director: Joi Mitchell Creative Assistant: Daneisha Goodman Location: Little Black Pearl
These girls know that playing it safe and being stylish don’t mix. Kayla Sullers, Tiya Woldu and Ravyn Washington set themselves apart from the crowd by showing just a peek of skin in a variety of teasing tops, while Braylyn Brown rocks a sleeveless, bold patterned jumper. Retail Info: On Kayla: Black Long Sleeve Cropped Sweater & White Vegan Leather Harem Pants (Shop.Outfit101.com) // On Tiya: Grey Cold Shoulder Top & Black Organza Skirt (Shop.Outfit101.com) // On Ravyn: White Laser Grid Cutout Dress & Black Mesh Top with Vegan Leather Panels (Shop.Outfit101.com) // Braylyn: Black & White Zig Zag Jumper (Shop.Outfit101.com)
Whether it’s a bright color, a bold print, a fancy fabric or a slammin shoe – fashion leaders always know how to make an outfit work. Retail Info: On Aramis Cheatham: Burlap & Leather Jacket (Prospective Flow) / T-shirt & Jeans (Model’s Own) // On Braylyn: Floral Zip-up Ruffled Hem Peplum Top & Fuchsia Skinny Jeans (Jimmy Skouls) // On Kayla: White Ruffle Shirt (Jimmy Skouls) / Metallic Silver High Waist Circle Skirt (Shop.Outfit101.com) // On Tiya: Varsity Jacket (Chicago Playground) / Dark Denim Skinny Jeans (Jimmy Skouls) // On Ravyn: Blue Floral Moto Jacket & White Mesh Zip Skirt (Shop.Outfit101.com)
#LEADERSOFTHENEWSCHOOL TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 29
#SOCHI Aramis may strive to be the teacher’s pet, but his style shows that he’s no fool when it come to representing for the fellas in Chi-Town with this classic look. Retail Info: On Aramis: Black Buttondown Cardigan, White Full Zip Shirt & Denim Jeans (Jimmy Skouls) // On Braylyn: Black Asymmetrical Hem Shirt & Denim Pencil Skirt (Shop.Outfit101.com) / Copper Wire & Precious Stone Necklace (Darrell Roach Designs)
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#FASHIONBESTIES If you’re a member of the #FashionBesties crew chances are that you and your best bud swap pieces in order to get the look you love. Here, Tiya and Kayla mix and match a colorful graphic print with a solid top and bottom for a stylish selfie. Retail Info: On Tiya: Black Mesh Insert Crop Top & Multi-Colored Abstract Pencil Skirt (Shop.Outfit101.com) // On Kayla: Multi-Colored Abstract Crop Top (Shop.Outfit101.com) / Reversible Denim Jeans (Jimmy Skouls)
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 31
#OOHHESMELLSGOOD
#MEANDBAE #LETMEWHISPERINYOUREAR
#GIMMEKISS WHAT’S YOUR #STYLEPERSONALITY? TWEET US & TAG US ON INSTAGRAM @TRUESTARIS
Aramis and Ravyn are proof that the couple that styles together stays together. While he rocks a white shirt and black pants with a letterman’s jacket, she compliments her bae with a grey graphic hoodie and black and white polka dot mini skirt. Retail Info: On Aramis: Grey Varsity Jacket (Chicago Playground) / White Full Zip Shirt & Black Jeans (Jimmy Skouls) // On Ravyn: Grey Hooded Sweatshirt (Chicago Playground) / Black/White Polka Dot Circle Skirt (Shop.Outfit101.com)
#CUTESTCOUPLE
FASHION
Do You Know
WHO YOU’RE SHOPPING WITH? BY KAYLYNN HARRIS, SENIOR, WHITNEY YOUNG
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ccording to Statisticbrain.com, teens overall spent $208.7 billion on clothing and other products in 2012. While shopping and spending money, have you ever stopped and thought about who you’re buying from? Major corporations like American Apparel, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters have been involved in many scandals over the years. Sweatshops, ethnic stereotyping and sexual harassment are just a few of them. These favored and loved brands may be hip and trendy, but are they really undercover shops of horror?
Forever 21 clothing was being produced in sweatshop-like factories.
Founder of Forever 21, Do Won Chang, is a known devout Christian, which explains why John 3:16, a popular Bible verse, is printed on the bottom of all of the companies shopping bags. Though the company is based on strong morals and good faith, a major investigation of the corporation was underway. According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Labor, Forever 21 clothing was being produced in sweatshop-like factories. It was uncovered that the company owed more than $11 million in back pay to workers at their East Asia and Latin America factories. Other big brands like Urban Outfitters have consistently stayed in hot water due to their highly offensive clothing. In 2011 Santee Sioux Nation member Sasha Houston Brown demanded the company to stop labeling their knock-off Native American products “Navajo.” Brown called the clothing “blatantly racist” and felt it was openly offensive to Native Americans. This, however, wasn’t their only run in with controversy. According to Huffington Post, the store released a button-up Wal-Mart Tire & Lube mechanic shirt with the name tag Juan, as part as their vintage Urban Renewal line. Though the company says the shirt is limited and not a mass production, it still struck accord among Latinos.
Brown called the clothing “blatantly racist” and felt it was openly offensive to Native Americans.
Don Charney, the Canadian born founder of American Apparel, has brought some very bad publicity to the company over the years. With various allegations of sexual harassment, according to the New York Post, Charney often exposed himself to employees in order to seduce them. According to Soraya McDonald of the Washington Post, Charney used private company funds to pay off women in order for them to drop the allegations. Since 2011, the company has been teeter tottering bankruptcy, however, since the firing of Charney in the Summer of 2014, their stocks had risen 20 percent, saving the company from continuous financial crisis. Each one of these companies does make very trendy clothing and many of us own a couple of pieces ourselves. However, the fact remains that injustices are being committed by corporations we avidly support. It is not wrong to continue to shop at these establishments, but it is important to know what and who you are supporting with your hard earned money. CEO’s are not saints and we all hold our personal judgments, but before you spend your money on the latest fashion, whether it be a pair of jeans or a cool shirt, ask yourself this question: “What are you willing to ignore in the name of fashion?” 34 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
According to the New York Post, Charney often exposed himself to employees in order to seduce them.
The Lupita EFFECT BY FATIMA ADEDOKUN, SOPHOMORE, WHITNEY YOUNG
“ALL OF A SUDDEN IT’S COOL AGAIN TO BE DARK SKIN AND HAVE NATURAL BEAUTY. THE FASHION SCENE HAS TOTALLY EMBRACED DARKER SKIN AND NATURAL HAIR MODELS.” - SUZETTE OPARA
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here’s a new girl on the block and she’s changing the game on what’s considered to be the standard of African-American beauty in Hollywood. Though we do have crushes on Beyoncé, Megan Good, and Halle Berry, Lupita Nyong’o, known primarily for starring in the Oscar-winning historical piece 12 Years a Slave, is Hollywood’s new face of beauty. Nyong’o was born in New Mexico but has citizenship in both Kenya and Mexico. After receiving an MFA from Yale in 2012, Nyong’o got her big break in 12 Years a Slave, a role that won her an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and several other honors. Nyong’o stated, “I grew up watching foreign programs – American, English, Mexican, and very little of Kenya. The Color Purple was the first time I saw people who looked like me,” the Nairobi Wire reported. Ultimately, she’d realized someone like her could play roles just as satisfactory as anyone else. Dasija Cook, 15, considers the actress to be a positive influence to women. “Lupita is a role model to me. She is an amazing actress and inspiring women. Her achievements and accomplishments as a Kenyan woman make her the epitome of greatness in my eyes. Her actions send the message to all women that anything is possible despite how you are viewed.”
You might be asking why is this important? Ultimately, Nyong’o is being labeled America’s next sweetheart, a title actresses receive once they’ve reached a certain level of status in their career, and one very few dark skin actress receive at all. As the new face of Lancôme cosmetics, Nyong’o is breaking barriers and making a name for herself with a company historically known for hiring white actresses and models to represent their product. The petite actress, known for her much talked about red carpet looks, has also made a respected name for herself in the fashion world. After having graced the cover of fashion magazines here in the U.S. and overseas, Nyong’o has also earned the title of style icon from fashion reporters. Chicago fashion designer Suzette Opara, of 828 Collection, said that she has noticed the influence that Nyong’o has had on women of color. “All of a sudden it’s cool again to be dark skin and have natural beauty. The fashion scene has totally embraced darker skin and natural hair models. I have even noticed a level of confidence and pride in my clients that I have not seen since the early 90’s. Her story is like a Cinderella story. She is the chocolate girls’ hero!” Fans can expect to see Nyong’o on the silver screen again when she co-stars in Star Wars: Episode VII, slated for release in 2015. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 35
The Men of BY MINA WAIGHT SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY
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n 1991, L.J. Smith began writing a series of books entitled The Vampire Diaries. On September 10th, 2009 the book premiered as a TV show on the CW and has been a hit since. In season two of the series, viewers began to meet a few new characters, starting with one of the first vampires to ever exist in history – Elijah Mikaelson, portrayed by Daniel Gillies. Throughout the season, the audience got to know quite a bit about Elijah’s character and fortunately for the viewers he didn’t come alone. At the end of season two, the vampire-werewolf hybrid Niklaus “Klaus” Mikaelson, portrayed by Joseph Morgan, was introduced. “Daniel Gillies [was cast] to play the mysterious role of Elijah and they loved him,” says executive producer Michael Narducci. “They [the writers] knew they would be bringing in Klaus at the end of the season [as an antagonist] and they wanted to have some connective thread between those two characters, so they decided to make them brothers. [By making them] brothers, we kind of suggested that there is a much larger family and...we knew that going into season three that we wanted to play with the notion of who this family was.” “The Originals” has found widespread popularity with fans, and Morgan is clearly enjoying the experience. “I was on the ‘Vampire Diaries’ for two years [before] we were approached with the idea of doing a spinoff about our characters. [When we were approached,] I saw it as an opportunity to explore this character that I love playing and taking it to the next level because when you have a show set around these [characters], you spend more screen time with them and really get to explore more of their backstory, their motives and what made them like they are.” Morgan, a 33-year-old English actor, who used to play in a band before reaching stardom, feels that his character is wildly misunderstood. “I’m always learning about Klaus and I’m always reading,” he said. “I always have to understand his [Klaus] motives in order to play him...When I got the role, I had to find the voice, use music and I read a lot of vampire literature.” 36 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“The Originals,” as explained by Narducci, is “a supernatural horror story that is also a family drama. [It is about] the love between the brothers and their sister Rebekah, their feelings towards what happened to their other brothers, their feelings toward their parents who have abused them and basically, I think this is a story of madness. It is a story of what happens when you live an unnaturally long life and when you are forced to feed on people in order to survive – how that presents a disconnect between yourself and the other members of humanity...I think the only connection [the family has] after all this time on this earth, after a thousand years of immortality, is the connection that they have with one another – with their family. And yet, with that love and that great connection there’s also a lot of animosity and a lot of infighting and a lot of anger, pettiness, jealousy, rage and there’s a lot of that sibling codependence that can be both healthy and destructive and that’s a bit of what we’re exploring on this show.” Season one served as an in-depth introduction to the Mikaelson’s and their pasts. The show begins with the original family returning to their hometown, New Orleans, after a tragic ending a few centuries prior. Upon their return they find an old friend, Marcel Gerard, aka Charles Michael Davis, has taken over their territory.
Davis’ character, Marcel, was a former slave. He was saved by Klaus and raised as a close friend. Marcel is seen as the fun, charming guy on the show. He’s easy going and makes everyone comfortable to the point where they want to be on his side – all of which are qualities that Davis looks for in a role. “I realized [while] watching a documentary on the Rock [that] you get a good sense that he’s a really good guy; like he’s got a good smile and he’s charming, but he’s an antagonist on screen and I really like that. I like that he can kind of have that duality. You know, you’re playing a character that’s interesting, it’s one that kind of looks one way on the outside but different on the inside, like he still has his inner struggle; he’s not quite perfect.” For years, Davis appeared in smaller roles on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and, going even further back, the Disney Channel sitcom “That’s So Raven.” But as Marcel he’s finally found a part that’s worthy of his talents, as he’s been able to keep a tricky character compelling even without a British accent or a thousand years of backstory. “I was blessed to kind of fall into the industry (entertainment) and I didn’t really see myself doing anything else other than college,” he said. “I had tried internships and failed and I worked for the Cincinnati Bengals a little bit and nothing really seemed appealing. I didn’t really know anything about acting. I can’t really say that I really choose it. It was kind of like a blind leap of faith, but it worked out.” The 29-year-old actor enjoys playing Marcel because he’s “always wanted to be a vampire.” He says he draws inspiration for this character from hip-hop artists like Jay-Z , Tupac and DMX. “When I first got [the role] I thought who was a good rags-to-riches story that I can relate the character to, and then I thought well, one person that I really like as an artist is Jay-Z. I grew up listening
“I DIDN’T REALLY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ACTING. I CAN’T REALLY SAY THAT I REALLY CHOOSE IT. IT WAS KIND OF LIKE A BLIND LEAP OF FAITH, BUT IT WORKED OUT.” - CHARLES MICHAEL DAVIS to his albums and I would always hear his message and I would hear how intelligent he is but yet streetwise. I even looked at DMX because he kind of was battling his demons publicly, even in his music. I liked that rawness about him – especially in the sound of his voice.” The second season is expected to pick up with the threat of danger at an all time high. They’ve got some enemies like, Francesca Correa, the queen of the werewolves and DaVina Claire, the harvest girl that hates Klaus because he killed the boy that she loved. By the end of season one, Klaus has to give up his child to keep it safe because he soon realizes that the witches are under the influence of his mother, Ester, who is now buried on New Orleans soil. But unfortunately for Klaus, he can’t catch a break from the constant threats to his life.
“I ALWAYS HAVE TO UNDERSTAND HIS [KLAUS] MOTIVES IN ORDER TO PLAY HIM...WHEN I GOT THE ROLE, I HAD TO FIND THE VOICE, USE MUSIC AND I READ A LOT OF VAMPIRE LITERATURE.” - JOSEPH MORGAN
“These enemies have brought back some dangers that stretch back even further in the one thousand year history of the original vampires,” says Narducci. “Their father has returned via the machination of DaVina who has resurrected the mighty vampire, Michael the Destroyer, and has him under her control to use as an instrument of revenge against Klaus. The mother Ester has reincarnated herself in the body of the last surviving harvest girl, Cassie, and we’ll be able to now see the role of Ester in this different witches body. [But,] she seems to have brought someone back with her, and in the finale, this character referred to her as ‘Mother’.” So far, the biggest difference about the season is the unexpected return of fallen original family members; mother, father and brother. But the question is why? The guess is that they’re coming to handle some unfinished business with the living family members. Tune in to “The Originals” on the CW at 8pm on Thursdays to find out.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 37
YOUNG LUV
HOW TO GET A TOMBOY To Like You BY JACOB BONDS, JUNIOR, MORGAN PARK
LET HER BE THE GIRL SHE WANTS TO BE.
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omboys, those girls who play basketball and rock jogging pants, are interesting people. As cool as they may be, they’re still girls at the end of the day and must be treated gently. Some guys want a tomboy to be theirs so they can have the ideal Love & Basketball relationship. However, it takes a little more than a basketball game to get the tomboy to feel you the way you’re feeling her. First things first, not all tomboys are alike. For instance, you have the tough girl that wears feminine clothing, you have the girl that’s invested in sports but still has that feminine attitude and style, and you have the tough girl that wears guy’s clothing but still has a feminine face. Regardless of the type, remember she is not one the guys. Here are a few tips to getting the tomboy you like to like you back.
*Don’t pick at her tough demeanor. Let her be the girl she wants to be. Never bring up the fact that she never wears heels and dresses. This may cause her to be defensive.
*Don’t be threatened by her.
You’re the guy. Don’t be afraid to show it. This doesn’t mean you start ordering her food and pushing her around. Just exude the sense that you’re not intimidated by her. Who cares if she’s better at sports? Who cares if she’s a bit stronger? Instead, embrace her and play little friendly competitions and be a good sport. This way she doesn’t feel like you’re insecure around her. 38 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
*Compliment her in the right way.
Tomboys won’t respond well to the “you’re cute” and “you’re pretty” compliments. They’ll just think you’re after them for one thing. Instead, compliment her on the things she likes to do and the things she loves. This will show her you’re impressed by her skills.
*Respect her. Respect is something everyone deserves. It doesn’t
matter if she can take a punch to the shoulder; she still feels pain like anyone else. Respect also means being on your best behavior. Don’t be gross by picking your nose or passing gas in front of her. Tomboys find all the manly things we may do just as unappealing as anyone else. It takes a special type of guy to date a tomboy. Those that are secure in their masculinity have the best shot at keeping her attention. But the fact remains that you have to get to know her in order for any type of relationship to develop. Briana Adkins, a junior at Morgan Park and a self-proclaimed tomboy, shares her experience: “To start off, I’m a tomboy by choice. It’s not an issue dating, because the things that may turn one guy away are the same things that make another come approach me. It all depends on the guy. Just because I’m a tomboy doesn’t mean I’m [like] a guy. I’m still sensitive, I still have feelings. Tomboys still want to be treated like a female and don’t want to be known as ‘part of the guys’ so when approaching [a tomboy], approach her as the lady she is.”
IS YOUR SCHOOL THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
Now Accepting Applications for
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-12 · · · ·
We offer:
A unique, state-of-the-art learning environment Smaller class sizes Individualized attention Drawing, photography, glassblowing, animation/gaming, and music production. · College and Career preparation Applications available online at www.blackpearl.org 1060 E. 47th Street Chicago, Illinois 60653 Phone: 773-690-5500 Fax: 773-285-1633 LBPA is a CPS contract high school. Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender,39 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation or need for special education services.
THRU DA WIRE
BREEDING A NEW GENERATION Of Idols BY CHRISTOPHER THOUGHTPOET BROWN, COLUMBIA COLLEGE
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t’s been said that the younger generation has always had a handicap because they don’t have genuine people giving back that can teach them the true art of music, photography and what it takes to become truly successful within the world of mass media. Well, if you look a little closer within the city, you’ll find a group of individuals devoted to changing that theory. The Global Mixx consists of individuals who are masters of their craft and are eager to teach their experiences to anyone willing to learn and become successful. This year the highlight of the four-day event was music legend George Daniels and Def Jam Vice President No I.D. leading a discussion into the foundations of Chicago house music and the city’s artform in general. “I feel like I have an obligation to show these young people what it takes to produce soulful music that will stand the test of time,” said No I.D. With other discussions and panels from G.O.O.D Music affiliate Malik Yousef and others, the result is starting to show. Anyone who really wants to take their craft to the next level should take the time to attend this event. Each year the list of professionals volunteering their time grows frantically. “We can’t stop the way that the world works but we can teach these kids how to adapt and succeed in it,” said Daniels.
mentoring sessions with the youth to help them get an indication of where they want to fit with their careers. According to most of the teens, this had a great effect on them mentally.
The event included great performances from local artists KD Young Cocky and others. The ultimate highlight would have to be when every media mogul had
Next year make sure you’re on the list to take part in Chicago’s history when it comes to the world of music. See you at the Global Mixx!
Adrian Marcel BRINGS HIS OWN FLAVOR TO R&B BY MINA WAIGHT, SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY
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drian Marcel came to Chicago’s House of Blues to open up for Keyshia
Cole during her “Point of No Return” tour. Wearing a simple black shirt, pants, jacket and shoes, he instantly got love from the ladies. His slick hair, intimate dance moves and “personal” style of performance really got the crowd going, making the show pretty entertaining. The Oakland, California native gives his parents credit for his introduction to music. “[There are] a lot of things you can fall to in [like] the streets and everything but, my parents just always kind of kept me in some kind of program. I think, at an early age, they saw that music was something that touched me even without me kind of knowing it.” Thanks to the attention he got from the ladies in junior high, Marcel realized he could sing and took it seriously once he attended Oakland School for the Arts. “Once I got to 9th grade...I started to kind of see what it really took to be in my craft and I’m still doing it so it must [be] something deeper. …Nothing touches me like music and singing.” Marcel is currently working on the album that he says is not only his next big career move, but also a stamp to show that there are still people who believe in R&B. “I think [my album is] going to be something that is very impactful, and in R&B I know that’s a big statement, but I shoot high and I shoot for the stars.” 40 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
This tour has taught Marcel more than he could have imaged. “I’ve learned that… you have to be focused on your craft [and] on the passion behind it, because there are so many things in this industry that can throw you off. As long as you keep a clear head and you know who you are then you’ll never lose it.”
Narada el Sol:
A POSITIVE VOICE IN RAP BY AKIA DAVIS, JUNIOR, MARIST
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arada el Sol, also known as N.E.S., went from breakdancing, to learning to DJ, to becoming a rapper. After high school, N.E.S. got signed to the independent recording label, Planet 11. He gained a lot of experience from it and he toured over 200 shows. Then he began to build relationships with rap icons like Wu Tang and KRS One. N.E.S. thinks of himself as a conscious artist who is different from most of today’s rappers. Some MC’s rap and then attempt to give back to the community. N.E.S. has always had an involvement in Chicago’s neighborhoods. As a youth activist, he participates at camps, park district events, and has mentored many youth. N.E.S. developed an afterschool program for Chicago’s youth called Beat Shoppers. This program welcomes all teens ages 13 to 18 who want to learn about hip-hop and how to alter the negative aspect of it. The program also teaches how to perform, write songs and more. Rappers like J Cole and J Electronica are the type of artists that N.E.S. connects to because they rap about positive things. N.E.S., whose stage name derives from the words “wisdom” and “giver,” considers himself to be a positive rapper. “My style of music is needed because there needs to be a balance,” he explains. “Too much of anything is bad for you, so imagine what all the kill music – I mean
“MY STYLE OF MUSIC IS NEEDED BECAUSE THERE NEEDS TO BE A BALANCE.” - NARADA EL SOL
drill music – is doing to young and easily influenced minds. No balance means no harmony; no harmony means no peace and chaos.” His latest project, Chi Mecca, is N.E.S.’s effort to reverse the stigma of Chicago’s negative nickname “Chiraq.” “Chi Mecca is a direct attack on the ‘Chiraq’ title and or stigma that Chicago was so eager to promote. We as black people need to learn how to love ourselves and where we come from. Though I am no Muslim, I recognize the strength it takes to devote yourself to being a man of peace. So, I guess the Most High inspired it, because Mecca represents peace and that’s what the Chi needs right now. Maybe a big hug too!” N.E.S. hopes that the younger generation will someday soon be motivated to make more positive rap music for the world to hear. “If the youth can see the bigger picture and understand that what is going on in our communities is a reflection of what’s going on worldwide, then maybe we could put our petty differences to the side to join forces for the bigger cause, which is stopping the killing of each other. We have been through so many generations of trauma that we just act out, not realizing who the true enemy is.” TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 41
UNDER THE RADAR
A Dynamic Duo In Music BY ALEXIS ESTES, FRESHMAN, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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or you speaker heads who love when good music comes together, there’s a team who does it all. DJ Que Eleven and DJ Playmaka have been releasing a new collection of music all over. DJ Que Eleven a DJ, journalist, and radio personality, mixes for shows like Chicago’s WGCI Morning Riot Show/UB Rodriguez Show, the Steve Harvey Morning Show, and has opened up for big names like for 2Chainz, DJ Green Lantern, Lil Durk, DJ Drama, Lil Bibby and more. Meanwhile, DJ Playmaka – considered one of the best club DJ’s in Chicago – has opened up for big names like Twista, Trick Daddy, DJ Tony Touch, Katie Got Bandz and more. True Star: When did you know you wanted to do music? QUE: I found my passion for music when I was playing the piano with my grandfather, Wayne Watkins. “Heart and Soul” is the first song that he taught me to play. I grew an ear for music, sleeping in the recording studio while my cousin was mixing songs down. PLAYMAKA: My highest level of education was high school. [I’m] 29 and a father of two working a full time job. I think this route was the best for me because of my raw talent for DJ-ing and picking up on beats. TS: How would you describe your style when it comes to mixing music? QUE: My style is a blend of attitude and cut. Blending songs from different genres gets me excited as a DJ and music lover. PLAYMAKA: My style is pretty much a freestyle. I never plan my sets. I just read the crowd and do my thang! TS: What is the Que/Playmaka partnership like? QUE: Our partnership is unique; we both DJ but are in two completely different lanes. We complement each other with different styles and spinning approaches. PLAYMAKA: We are opposites, which makes it easy to work together on projects in separate lanes.
TS: What are your main goals for a music career? QUE: To leave my mark as one of the hardest working DJ’s in the game, win a Grammy, Global Mixx Award and have a music career that finances the future of my family. PLAYMAKA: I want to be an international DJ, playing and learning about all kinds of music. TS: What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a DJ?
TS: How did you guys come up with your stage names? QUE: My name is Quentin and everyone calls me Que. I started with the name DJ Que but I wanted to distinguish myself from others in order to really make a name for myself. Eleven means purity, knowledge, and the best. PLAYMAKA: I [played] basketball at Thornton Township High School. I played point guard position, and I was so good at it, they started calling me “The Playmaker.” The name carried over to the music world. 42 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
QUE: I say study your craft, music, beats per minute and learn on turntables. I think people that learn on turntables can DJ on any program or controller. PLAYMAKA: As long as you have the talent and work ethic to pursue a career, you can be as successful as you want to be in whatever field. You can look for these two on their collaborative mixtape, Bad Boyz, that includes contributions from Lil Durk, Pavy, The Boy Illinois, Sasha Go Hard, and more.
Dylan LLoyd BY ALEXIS ESTES, FRESHMAN, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
MUSICAL STYLE:
Myself and Lupe Fiasco’s hit producer, Soundtrakk, have invented a sub-genre of pop music together called “Cool Pop.” Cool Pop is a style of pop music that blends specific melodic elements from 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s pop music together with modernized hip-hop breaks. Songwriting is also more substantive in Cool Pop because instead of just always sticking to a basic four-chord progression, we institute multiple chord progressions [and] create bridges with more consistency in the songs.
UNIQUENESS:
I do a lot of things for my fans that make them feel loved. On my social media outlets, every Friday I do something called “Fan Love Friday” where I pick one fan every week, and dedicate that Friday to only that specific fan I’ve chosen. You’ve got to treat fans with love and respect.
GOAL:
I got signed to a major music publishing deal in 2009 with Radar Music/Bug Music. The publishing deal was my first industry contract and it has been the most important stepping stone of my career. Now I’m aiming for a record deal.
INFLUENCE:
I have many influences, but my main influence is Michael Jackson. In my opinion, he is the god of everything that has to do with music; songwriting, performance, business – every aspect of his career I worship, because he is the king of music. He is the reason I’ve dubbed myself “The King of Cool Pop,” to honor who he was to music, and to the best of my ability, carry on his legacy through “Cool Pop.”
TEEN BIZ
Building Young Credit
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t’s not too soon to start thinking about your credit score. What is your credit score? It’s a number that predicts how likely you are to repay a loan in a timely manner, for instance a charge on a credit card, or a car loan. Scores range from 300 to 850, with the majority of people scoring between 600-800. Anything below 650 is considered poor credit. A credit report is your “financial resume.” It provides lenders with your history of borrowing and repaying credit. The better your credit history, the less you have to pay in interest and fees to borrow money.
A few things to know:
• You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus once a year (so three free credit reports a year!). Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free annual credit report. • Make sure no one is using credit under your name. Once you receive your credit report, review it carefully to make sure there is no fraudulent activity. Children are increasingly being targeted by identity thieves. Your family members or friends should not access credit in your name. If you suspect that someone has used your name to get credit, call the Illinois Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630.
• There are safe ways to build positive credit history. It’s important that you only borrow money that you can pay back on time, as a bad credit score can be expensive. Wait to get a credit card until you have enough income and financial experience. If you think you might have trouble paying off a credit card, consider secured credit cards or credit-builder loans, which can be safer ways to build positive credit history. Learn how to manage your debt and build your good credit. Remember, it’s your money, your choice. Learn more from the City Treasurer’s Office of Financial Inclusion at chicagocitytreasurer.com.
Stephanie D. Neely
The financial education information in the Teen Biz section is provided in partnership with the Economic Awareness Council, On the Money Magazine and the City Treasurer of Chicago and is sponsored by HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
The Cost of Senior Year BY ADRIANA NUNEZ, A RECENT GRADUATE OF UIC COLLEGE PREP
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he last year of high school is seen as an eventful year with college applications, prom and specifically graduation, but people often don’t consider how expensive it is.
Application Costs
ACT and SAT testing, CSS profile, college fees and the costs of college applications add up. The average application fee in spring 2013 was $38.39, the highest it’s been in six years, according to U.S. News and World Report. However, there are many fee waivers for low income students. Sara MacCallum, a college counselor at UIC College Prep High School, advises seniors to “make sure you apply to schools that you are interested in” as well as research schools ahead of time. Before college application time comes, students must take their ACT and SAT, a standardized test that cost $35, and there is an additional fee to send the score to colleges. The CSS profile, a financial aid form required by many colleges to develop a student’s financial aid report, costs $25.
Prom and Entertainment Cost
Senior year is not all work. There is the very much anticipated prom. In 2013, families planned to spend 5 percent more than the year before, with an average cost of $1,139 according to a Visa survey. Amy Jin, a senior at Whitney Young, encourages girls to consider all your options. “Prom dresses get pretty 44 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
expensive; but students can check out The Glass Slipper Project, which accepts gently used dresses as donations and provides them (and accessories!) to high school girls prepping for prom.” For guys, many stores rent tuxedos for an affordable price. After prom, don’t forget about graduation costs, yearbook fees, class ring, sport fees and senior pictures which in many high schools must be paid before attending prom. .
Tips On Saving Senior Year
1) Check out the Glass Slipper Project, Groupon, etc. to cut down on expenses 2) Research colleges before paying for the application fee 3) Buy an ACT Prep Book to do your best the first time on the test
A Day In The Life Of An Entrepreneur:
JOHNNIE LOVETT, Fresh Connection Brand BY KAMAL BILAL, RECENT GRADUATE OF WHITNEY YOUNG
How did you get started? I was motivated by my love for fashion and sneakers initially, but as I grew older I wanted to find ways to earn revenue from my passion so that work wouldn’t feel like work, but still paid the bills.
What is Fresh Connection Brand?
Fresh Connection Brand is an urban street wear line inspired by contemporary fashion, but created with street wear influence. (Learn more at www.freshconnectionbrand.com)
What tips would you give to other entrepreneurs? - DO YOUR RESEARCH! Know the ins and outs of your product or service, brand, and even what you want people to think/feel when they interact with your brand. - STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! You have to be “the everything guy,” so stepping out of your comfort zone will allow you to polish your great skills, and build on those you aren’t as strong at. - COMMITMENT! Entrepreneurship is not about winning overnight… commitment is the name of the game.
An Entrepreneur’s TOOL BOX Here are a few key skills highlighted from the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education. Learn more about these skills and check out many other important skills at www.entre-ed.org. • Adaptability - Being able to recognize and apply to changes to certain situations • Creativity - Helps with coming up with your initial product or service • Organization - Being organized is key in keeping track of everything in your business • Research - Researching and knowing your market, competitors, etc… will facilitate the process of organizing and solving problems in your business plan
We would like to thank the Coleman Foundation for their support of entrepreneurship education.
How to make a MAJOR decision BY JESHAIAH CAMPBELL, A RECENT GRADUATE OF GWENDOLYN BROOKS
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hoosing a college major is like unlocking the door to the rest of your life and career. All majors have their pros and cons, however, it’s about choosing the major that’s right for you. It’s ideal that you choose one based on your passion that leads to a job with a high potential for employment and a good salary. Did you know that nationally more than 40 percent of declared engineering majors change their minds and switch majors by the time they graduate? Majors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) typically have salaries starting at about $64,000 and typically have an unemployment rate of less than 2%. But if your math homework makes you want to cry, you might not want to pursue majors in this field. Liberal arts majors (ex. English, sociology, and fine arts) tend to be the most popular, yet the lower paying, higher unemployment majors. If you choose to major in this area, don’t get discouraged. Mrs. Aurora Diaz, a professional school guidance counselor says, “It’s important to follow your passion, whatever it is. If you have a major where finding employment is sketchy, you can obtain a minor where you can easily gain employment. All in all, the most important thing is to have a backup plan.”
Here’s an example. Let’s say you want to major in theater arts, which tends to have a high unemployment rate. You can minor in something like secondary education, and teach a drama class at a school. College is expensive, so it’s not only important to get the most money from your major, but the most fulfillment from it as well. If you’re completely unsure about what you want to major in, visit www.whatsnextillinois.org/careerplanning and take an interest profiler, which can match you up with different majors you may be interested in. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 45
TEEN BIZ
Side Hustles:
WHEN MONEY IS THE MOTIVE BY DAPARISH PRITCHETT, FRESHMAN, KING COLLEGE PREP
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ho doesn’t like to hang out and have fun, especially during the school year? If you’re like most teens, in order to have that fun you have to constantly go to your parents to ask for cash because you don’t have any of your own. Lots of us have the idea that if we’re in school we can’t have a job or don’t have time for one. In reality, if you’re in need of cash to purchase the things you want, you will make time to find a way to get money. They call it a side hustle!
BEING A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR IS NOT THAT DIFFICULT; YOU JUST HAVE TO BE DILIGENT AND AMBITIOUS.
2. Think of things people don’t like to do.
Lots of adults get that, “I really don’t feel like doing that” attitude when it comes to their own to-do list. You can take advantage of those fleeting moments and do the things that they don’t want to do for a fee. These jobs may include doing yard work, walking the dog or running errands.
3. Think of things some people can’t do.
With a side hustle, you can earn your own source of income. Most jobs for teens take place for a few hours after school or on the weekends, usually at a restaurant or some retail store. But, if you are clever, your side hustle can be whatever and whenever you make it, and the best part is that you will be the boss!
Some people don’t have the patients to do certain tasks or they just don’t have a clue as to how to do something. This is where you come in. If you’re good with technology and gadgets for instance, you can help people with computer problems, create someone’s websites or even program phones or televisions for those that are techno challenged.
Being a young entrepreneur is not that difficult; you just have to be diligent and ambitious. When thinking about the type of job you want to take on, take these four things into consideration:
4. Think of things people don’t have time to do. Some people are so very busy with work and other things that they
1. What are your talents? Let’s say that you do well with numbers, you might want to think about becoming a math tutor. Perhaps you’re good at styling hair; you could style your friends “do” for them or even groom pets to perfection.
46 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
don’t have time to do the small stuff. You can be the one to do those tasks for them. If you see that your neighbor’s fence needs painting or their car needs washing, don’t be afraid to offer your services in exchange for a few bucks.
The possibilities for a side hustle are endless. All you have to do is recognize a need when you see one and take advantage of the situation. Before you know it, your business will allow you to purchase all the things you want and possibly hire some friends to help you out too.
STAR MOGUL
THE NEXT TEEN “STAR MOGUL”
Phillip Brooks BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK
P
hillip Brooks is a young entrepreneur who started his own clothing line called King Wear Royal Apparel.
Phillip Brooks
16, JUNIOR, CHICAGO HOPE ACADEMY True Star: How did you come up with the name “King Wear Royal Apparel” for your brand? Phillip Brooks: I came up with the name for my clothing line through a variety of influences. My grandmother would always call my cousins and me royalty, so I wanted to incorporate that into the line. I just always thought kings were interesting and cool, so after trails and eliminations, I chose KWRA. TS: What inspired you to start your own clothing line? PB: I was inspired to start my clothing line by always spending time at Macy’s after school and seeing all the famous brands out. It made me want to make something of my own that could one day reach that status. This entire process of starting the clothing line would in no way have been possible without the help of my uncle, Terran Thomas, and my mother, Keeya Thomas. TS: How long have you been designing?
PB: My clothing will range from $15 - $40 depending on the item.
PB: I have been designing since about 2011-2012. The line released for sale on September 20th.
TS: In terms of design, what was your inspiration for this first line of clothing you are debuting with?
TS: What boutiques will “King Wear Royal Apparel” be released in?
PB: These first designs I’m dropping are all about getting the brand out and mixing a king/royalty feel with a bit of a Greek twist but all clean cut and classic.
PB: Other than online, as of now, my line will be sold in Mint boutique, located on 1058 W. Taylor Street.
TS: What designers are you inspired by?
TS: Who is your clothing line for?
PB: Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Chris Pfaff, Alexander Wang and Virgil Abloh.
PB: My clothing line is for everybody. I wanted to merge the urban fashion world and the classy fashion world into one brand that everyone can wear and enjoy. I have specific garments for boys and girls.
TS: What goals do you have for your brand?
TS: Being a male, what’s it like designing for females? PB: Being a male, it is somewhat hard designing for girls, but I just use a lot of various inspirations. My mother is a great fashionista, so I incorporate what she wears, as well as what I think would look nice on a girl and what I think girls like to wear. TS: What price range do the items you sell range in?
PB: I want to be sold in most boutiques in Chicago and eventually branch out nationally and open up a chain of KWRA stores throughout the country. TS: What advice would you give to teens that want to start their own clothing line? PB: For other teens trying to start a clothing line, I encourage them to make something different and new that no one has seen before. Also be patient and make sure it’s something you want to do, because you will have to invest a lot of time and money into it. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 47
INSIDE & OUT
CVS Commits
TO QUIT SELLING TOBACCO BY ALEXIS ESTES, FRESHMAN, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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VS is starting its New Year’s resolutions early this year. In late September, CVS publicly announced its decision to kick tobacco off its shelves for good. From now on, people will no longer be able to walk in the store and buy cigarettes, making CVS/pharmacy one of the first chains of national pharmacies to cut the big smoking habit. Why is CVS doing this? With more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide, CVS hopes to make a big impact on world health. According to a CNN interview with Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Caremark, the move was a logical one. “Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing […] to do for [the] customers and company to help people on their path to better health. The sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.” Like many addicted tobacco users, CVS’ road to quitting won’t be an easy one. According to CNN, CVS Caremark estimates the pharmacy will be paying the price of “an annual loss of $2 billion from tobacco shoppers - $1.5 billion in tobacco sales and the rest from other products tobacco shoppers purchase while in the store.” Yes, they were making money, but it’s about staying true to yourself. Ask yourself, what would you do for some paper? Well, CVS definitely knows what they will no longer do, and that’s contribute to world’s health issues. According to the website betobaccofree.gov, 8.6 million people live with a serious illness, 48 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
including cancer, caused by smoking. The drugstore’s mission is to have no involvement in this statistic moving forward. Though few customers will be disappointed, many are proud of the company’s decisions. The American Medical Association praised the bold move. “We commend CVS for putting public health ahead of their bottom line and recognizing the need for pharmacies to focus on supporting health and wellness instead of contributing to disease and death caused by tobacco use.” Even President Barack Obama approved. “As one of the largest retailers and pharmacies in America, CVS Caremark sets a powerful example, and today’s decision will help advance my administration’s efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths, cancer, and heart disease, as well as bring down health care costs ultimately saving lives and protecting untold numbers of families from pain and heartbreak for years to come.” Though the company will be removing cigarettes, it plans to launch a national smoking cessation program this coming spring. For those who are addicted to cigarette smoking, CVS offers access to comprehensive programs, information and treatment on smoking cessation as part of the program. According to Dr. Troyen Brennan, chief medical officer for CVS Caremark, smoking cessation products such as nicotine patches or gum will continue to be available at CVS/pharmacy locations.
How Sanitary ARE YOUR FRIENDS? BY DAJUAN JENKINS, SENIOR, SOUTH SHORE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PREP
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ave you ever shared a snack by allowing your friend to reach their hand into your bag of chips? The truth is that a lot of teens have done this. There’s nothing wrong with being generous, but did you know that you were passing germs and increasing the chances of you and your friend getting sick? There are thousands of germs laying on many surfaces that we touch on a daily basis. Teens are exposed to a lot more germs because we are in contact with many people and objects. We touch a lot of things that are infested with germs like money, door knobs, people, keyboards, tables, and more. We may not pay too much attention to these things but they do affect our health. Germs that make you sick are a risk to you through direct contact, airborne transmission, or indirect contact usually received from touching surfaces. Many teens have seen someone reach their hands into another person’s bag of chips or tear off a piece of a sandwich and give it to their friends. This is germ central. By doing this you’ve allowed someone who spent a whole day doing whatever, to touch something that you were about to put in your mouth. It’s also not good to share your drink with someone after you have already put it up to your mouth. Anginette Magitt, a certified nurse’s assistant, says, “Teens have many unsanitary habits. The drinking after one another is especially risky because
of germs in saliva that can lead to things like EBV or mononucleosis. I would recommend for [teens] to pour their friends some of their drink into a cup before they take a drink out of it. The reason is because everyone backwashes; therefore, when you share your drink after drinking out of it, you’re sharing your germs with others.” If you want to share your snacks or beverages with friends think about how you can do so in a sanitary way. Maggit advices using a kitchen utensil to cut a piece of whatever you’re eating for your friend, and pouring your friend some of your bagged snack into a napkin or into their hands is also suggested. This lowers your risk of spreading germs. There was an observational study done called “How Germs are Spread” by Dr. Kelly Reynolds. In the study data showed that 77 percent of the people overall washed their hands after leaving the restroom – 66 percent of men washed their hands, and 88 percent of females washed their hands. This is important to know because you have to be mindful of the hygiene habits of others. Do you want someone touching your stuff that didn’t wash their hands after leaving the rest room? Everyone doesn’t think the same, so the things that you may see as disgusting may be okay to someone else. Think about that the next time you feel like sharing. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 49
ON THE COURT
SHOULD COLLEGE ATHLETES
BE PAID?
BY JIHAD N. MUHAMMAD, SENIOR, MUHAMMAD UNIVERSITY OF ISLAM
W
hether it be the excitement of March Madness in NCAA basketball or a new must-see football player like Johnny Manziel, college sports just seem to bring the whole country together. The NCAA has become a billion dollar industry and it continues to grow. Since the student-athlete is essentially the lifeblood of the empire that is college sports, should they have the right to receive some type of monetary compensation? Many people believe they should – especially the student-athletes themselves. These athletes have the strenuous job of having to balance both regular school work and being able to perform at the highest level possible on the field or court. In 2008, college athletic departments that are in the NCAA were asked to total their yearly earnings. According to ESPN.com, the total earning for that year was $123,769,841. And how much of that money went to the players? None! ESPN analyst Tony Kornheiser said it best in his interview in 2013 with Keith Olbermann. “The coaches make money, the schools make money, they get applications, they get alumni contributions, we make money (referring to analysts), and the only people that don’t make money [are] the college athletes.” Recently student-athletes from Northwestern University in Illinois have been working to solve this problem. A labor board has come to an agreement that the football players are school employees and the players have now unionized. Northwestern has fought the petition saying that the players are students “not employees.” As of July 3rd the university filed a brief requesting that the unionization be overturned. At press time Northwestern declined any further comment. The representative of the athletes has said that they want better medical coverage, concussion testing, four-year scholarships and the possibility of getting paid. This may sound like a lot but compared to the amount of the money the schools make off the athletes, these request are trivial. ESPN.go.com reports that pro athlete Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings believes that players, “are the ones making these universities money.” While in college Peterson was investigated by the NCAA because, he was believed to have received a Lexus from a car dealership and since he had such a bright future in the NFL, the NCAA believed that he was violating a rule called amateurism and received benefits from the dealership. Other players like LeBron James, and more recently, Johnny Manziel, were all accused of the same thing. Essentially players are being threatened and punished for making money off of their own brand and fame. If the players are not allowed to get paid, then the rule of amateurism should be removed, allowing players to make their own means of income. Many student-athletes come from impoverished families and though they receive a scholarship to play sports, they still struggle to have everyday necessities. A solution to the problem could be to have a weekly stipend for all athletes, nothing major, but enough money to enable them to have everything they need. These players generate a huge amount of the revenue colleges make. Shouldn’t they be rewarded for that? 50 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
IF THE PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GET PAID, THEN THE RULE OF AMATEURISM SHOULD BE REMOVED, ALLOWING PLAYERS TO MAKE THEIR OWN MEANS OF INCOME.
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