TRUESTARIS.COM
COLLEGE & Career
FALL 2016
Issue
Follow YOUR PASSION TO YOUR
Rotimi
Career
Music &‘ Power’
YOUR
TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW
INSIDE: JOHARI NOELLE, J.P. FLOYD, LYR!C NIA
Create
COLLEGE
Major
TRUE STAR Foundation A LEADER IN YOUTH PROGRAMS
Our Purpose TO INSPIRE DREAMS SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN FIND THEIR VOICE, CHOOSE THEIR PATH, AND PREPARE FOR LIFE.
TRUE STAR FOUNDATION
Our Mission
The True Star Foundation’s mission is to demonstrate healthy transitions for youth coming into early adulthood by exposing them to real world experiences in the workforce through the development of their own media and being an intricate part of the strategic direction and overall business operations of the organization.
Our Work
True Star is a youth work collaborative that amplifies youth voice through producing content for True Star Magazine, True Star Jr. Magazine, The Park Magazine, True Star Online, True Star Media TV, and True Star Radio.
Our Impact
• True Star has provided apprenticeship opportunities for over 2,500 youth since its inception. • The vast majority of True Star students (70 percent) reported that their team-working, oral communication, researching, problem-solving, writing skills, as well as their confidence and ability to do other schoolwork, improved as a result of True Star’s programs. • In 2014, True Star provided 600 work opportunities that paid out $200,000 in stipends and youth pay.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board President - Thomas McLeary CEO & President, Endow Inc. Giuseppe Commodaro - Director Strategy & Execution - CME Group David Douglas – Founder & CEO – Yolobe, Inc. Leslie A. Hairston - Alderman, Fifth Ward Sean Harden - Non-Profit Consultant Maze Jackson - Executive Director at Intelligence Group Monique Mayo - Professor, Columbia College Chicago Mia Nelson - Sr. Analyst, Baxter David Nichols - Americas Leader - EY Malcolm Weems - Senior Advisor Public Policy and Regulation, Dentons LaTonya Wilkens - Director Talent Management, University of Illinois Business School Sharming Scott-Nathan - Human Resources Director, Fox Television Stations Kathy Chaney - Editorial Manager, Ebony Magazine
Thank You To Our Major Partners
TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG
TRUESTARIS.COM
YOUTUBE.COM/TRUESTARMEDIATV
To donate visit truestarfoundation.org or send check payable to True Star Foundation - 1130 South Wabash - Suite 302 - Chicago, IL 60605 For Advertising Inquires email info@truestarmagazine.com or call 312.588.0100
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FALL 2016
26
34
41
18 COLLEGE & CAREERS
COVER STORY
TEEN BIZ
34 ROTIMI PROVES HE’S GOT THE ‘POWER’
44 TIPS ON PAYING FOR COLLEGE
8 ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE?
HOW TO SAVE MONEY IN COLLEGE
9 CREATING YOUR OWN MAJOR
GIVING BACK
45 COLLEGE BUDGETING & SAVING
10 THE FEARS OF GOING TO COLLEGE
36 YK FOUNDATION: BUILDING THE HOPES
WHY CREDIT MATTERS
11 TRUE STAR ALUMNI KEEP SHINING BRIGHT
& DREAMS OF TODAY’S YOUTH
46 LADIES OF VIRTUE HONORS ITS FUTURE
12 IS COLLEGE A NECESSITY?
37 TEEN DREAM ACHIEVEMENT
LEADERS
13 CAREERS
PROGRAM GIVES YOUNG PARENTS
14 BRANDON BREAUX
MUCH-NEEDED HELP
STAR MOGUL
15 JACINTA MERCIER-FISHER
47 SHAUNTIERRA WILSON PROMOTES
16 TAREN PLESINGER-KINEBREW
TECHNOLOGY
17 MIKE MUSE
38 THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK ACCEPT
18 IMANI KUTTI
39 INTERNET INSECURITY
POSITIVE CHANGE TO HER PEERS
YOUNG LUV
19 DIAMOND BEACH & BRITTANY BEACH 21 WORKING TO END VIOLENCE WITH POP
REAL TALK
48 WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE
THRU THE WIRE
FOR BAE?
40 JOHARI NOELLE CHASES HER DESTINY
49 SO WHAT ARE WE?
41 J.P.FLOYD: UPCOMING PRODIGY
INSIDE & OUT
22 SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON CAMPUS, THE UNTAUGHT LESSONS
UNDER THE RADAR
23 ADULTING 101
42 LYR!C NIA PLANS ON BEING THE
50 FRUITS & VEGGIES: YOUR PERSONAL BEAUTY SYSTEM
CHANGE THAT MUSIC NEEDS
FASHION
43 UP-AND-COMING ARTIST UVAY TAKES
25 AFFORDABLE ITEMS
CENTER STAGE / KTM DANCES THEIR WAY
26 FALL STYLECAST
INTO THE LIMELIGHT
32 TIPS TO WINTERIZING YOUR AFRO TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
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1130 SOUTH WABASH SUITE 302
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CHICAGO, IL 60605
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312.588.0100 OFFICE
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312.588.0175 FAX
True Star Magazine is produced by Chicago area youth through apprenticeship programs to celebrate the voice of today’s young people.
EDITOR’S LETTER ALI SCOTT SENIOR, MORGAN PARK
Executive Directors J. Na-Tae’ Thompson & DeAnna McLeary-Sherman Managing Editor Marti Parham Art Direction Design and Illustration Angel D’Amico-Bauer Copy Editor Alicia Haywood Promotions Manager DeShaun Adams Special Projects Manager Philistine Thompson Marketing Manager Joi Mitchell
Fall is here, and school is back in session. It’s time to work to our best capabilities to ensure bright futures. In this College & Careers issue of True Star, we offer game-changing advice, including information about “Creating Your Own Degree” on page 9. Those serious about the future will be inspired by artist Brandon Breaux and entrepreneurs Mike Muse, Diamond and Brittany Beach, Jacinta Mercier-Fisher, Taren Plesinger-Kinebrew and Imani Kutti, who have made a living by following their passions. Gracing our cover is Rotimi, an actor you may have seen on the hit TV show “Power” as the character known as Dre. What you may not know is that he is also a singer and songwriter. Want to know more? The information is on page 34. Even though most of us are still in high school, we need to begin thinking about what happens after we graduate. The article “Adulting 101,” on page 23, is a good place to begin to learn about grownup responsibilities. If college is in your future, be sure to read “The Fears of Going to College,” on page 10, to help you get over any anxiety issues you may have. Many of True Star’s participants finish our programs to go on to college and enter the working world to do amazing things. Find out what some of our veterans are up to in the article “True Star Alums Keep Shining Bright,” on page 11. For those looking for relationship advice, visit our Young Luv section, on page 48, to read “What are You Willing to Sacrifice for Bae?” and “So What Are We Anyway?” (page 49). This issue of True Star is sure to get your school year off to a good start and prepare you for some important life events ahead. We hope you enjoy the articles and learn a little something, too. Happy reading!
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR MAGAZINE Letters to True Star • 1130 South Wabash • Suite 302 • Chicago, Il 60605-2717 Letters become the property of True Star and may be edited for publication. EMAIL soundoff@truestarmagazine.com
FOLLOW US @TRUESTARIS
VISIT OUR BLOG FOR DAILY NEWS, INFO & ENTERTAINMENT
WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM 6 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Web Content Assistant Henry Collins Marketing Assistant Daneisha Goodman Graphic Design Instructor: Polina Zionts Assistants: L’Oreal Pace and Channa Smith Junior Art Directors: L’Oreal Pace and Kamari Robertson Tristan Adams Jessica Allen Nakyra Allen Tara Branigan Marquinn Brown-Tate Paris Butler JayShari Chears Belinda Goodwin Eugene Gutter Robert S. Guzman Jada McCurdy Jaelyn McCurdy Dominique McDade Pierre Poindexter Bryana Robinson Nia Staggers Dantae Thomas Haley Williams Marleya Williams Autumn Thompson
Cristian Hines Jonah Howard Brianna Jordan Thomiya Kendricks Micah Loudermilk Imani Manson Makayla Mitchell Maurice Phipps Makayla Smith
Multi media Instructors: Shelby Brown, Lateefah Harland & Trenton Sapp Assistants: Christopher Brown & Michael Walton Julius Burch Debrianna Cousins Lauryn Jackson Meghan King Dorien Levy Lorena Marez Daniel Merrick Catorree Ross Morgan Sanders Michael Sykes
Radio Broadcasting Instructors: Chi-Blizz & Teefa Kiara Adams Erin Baker Hezekiah Basemore Jada Brooks Octavia Clavelle Chyane Coleman Rayn Crawford Christopher Griffis Jalen-Ahmad McClay Kayla Niles Camryn Quarterman Brene’ Stamps Ania Stewart Editorial @ Garfield Nicholas Stroud Instructors: Dion Dawson & Kayla Sullers Camron Smith Ariell Toney Assistant: Briana Wilson Tia Walker Aaron Barnes
Digital Media Instructor: Shelby Brown Kylon Belk Donnell Boyd
Marketing Instructor: Joi Mitchell Assistant: Braylyn Brown Taylor Coward Cameron Cox Kayla Crittle Nikkia Ferguson Pierrerasha Goodwin Kaiqwan Johnson David Omana Jamal Ray Jasmine Roberson Editorial @ Brooks Instructor: Marti Parham Assistant: Mina Waight Sullivan Anderson Artej Benson-Carson MeKya Booker Coriana Brown Kennede Coleman Aurielle Drummer Dominque Ewing Ebony Hayes Kayla Henry Trinti Maye Taylor Miggins Alina Scott Zanea Spencer Moneshia Stampley Lailah Webster Kayla White
Lakenya Chapman Kiara Dale Teoni Dorsey Dreamer Edwards Leah Ellis Russell Garcia Dazah Haywood Sakora Henderson Jasmine Holloway Brenjanae Johns Devin Kuykendoll Laquesha Mims Khalil Myles Tyun Myles Imani Osborne Willie Overshown Jordan Powell Donovan Powell Akia Renae Janiya Robinson Tyson Smith Kennedy Stewart Deja Taylor Jameriqua Underwood Arlandrea White Brianna Williams
CONTRIBUTORS 1. What are you most looking forward to this school year? 2. Whose success story is inspiring to you? 3. What would your autobiography explaining your road to success be titled? 4. How are you starting to tailor your education to your specific future career needs? KAYLA SULLERS JUNIOR SOUTH SHORE INTERNATIONAL RADIO BROADCASTING TEAM
1. This school year, I’m looking forward being more active with my school’s student council in order to raise more money for clubs and activities throughout the school. 2. Malala Yousafzai’s success story is my favorite because she is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her efforts have led her to open a school for Syrian refugee girls. 3. My autobiography would be titled Why Not? because I’m pursuing my interests in broadcasting, theater and digital media while on the road to serve in the Army. “Why not” take on art as well as the battlefield? 4. I’ve been working with different programs, workshops and jobs that focus on my main interests, so I can learn everything I need to know to be the best I can in my career field.
KENNEDY STEWART
SOPHOMORE WHITNEY YOUNG WEST SIDE EDITORIAL TEAM 1. This school year, I am looking forward to taking AP U.S. History and being a part of the advanced choir for the second year in a row. 2. I am greatly inspired by the success stories of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors are demanding equal treatment by law enforcement and in the justice system. Their work inspires me to speak my truth unapologetically. 3. My autobiography would be titled The Spectrum because my creativity is infinite and varying, like a color wheel. It cannot be limited, which makes me the writer I am. 4. At my school, I have chosen the choral arts and ethnic studies to start preparing myself for a career in performance or as an ethnic studies teacher.
KAMARI ROBERTSON
SENIOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM 1. This is my last year in high school, so I look forward to building long, lasting friendships and having a fun senior year. 2. My idol is Common because he’s relatable. It was unbelievable that someone from the South Side of Chicago could become famous or rich. When I found out he’s from the city, my mind was blown. 3. My autobiography would be titled Astro Boy—like the cartoon that I watched growing up. I always had big dreams; big enough to touch the stars. 4. The majority of my electives in high school have been art classes. In my spare time, I teach myself new things and practice broadening my horizon. I plan on studying business to create my own in the near future.
BRAYLYN BROWN SOPHOMORE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, CARBONDALE MARKETING TEAM
1. I’m looking forward to joining more organizations on my campus, as well as getting deeper into my major of advertising/integrated marketing. 2. Maya Washington, aka Shameless Maya, is inspiring to me because she took the question, “What would happen if I shamelessly promoted myself for 365 days?” and created a brand for herself. I aspire to do the same. 3. My autobiography would be called The Rise of an Englewood Phoenix because I’m ever-changing. If I fail at something, I’ll just restart and keep pushing for success. Also, I was born and raised in Englewood. 4. I’m building relationships in various fields of work I could dabble in that’s not just my major interests. So when an opportunity arises, I can have references.
SULLIVAN ANDERSON
FRESHMAN JONES COLLEGE PREP SOUTH SIDE EDITORIAL TEAM 1. This is my first year of high school, which means a new chapter of my life. I’m nervous because I don’t know anyone, but I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things. 2. Oprah’s success story is most inspiring to me. She’s a powerful self-made billionaire who’s overcome many obstacles in life, and she just kept going. She is a true example of an indomitable spirit, and I strive to be like her. 3. I’d title my autobiography 1000 Bridges to Cross: The Road to Success because nothing good comes without hard work. There may be times where you’ll want to give up, but you just have to keep going. 4. I really focus on math and science so I can be a good doctor; however, I also love to write. My second career choice is a journalist, and this program is a great opportunity to help me write and speak better. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 7
COLLEGE
& Careers
Are You Ready for Change? BY TRINITI MAYE, JUNIOR, DEVRY UNIVERSITY ADVANTAGE ACADEMY
C
HANGE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. CONTINUING TO BETTER ONESELF REQUIRES THIS BIG STEP. CHANGE CAN BE SCARY FOR SOME, BUT THERE IS NO REASON TO LIVE IN FEAR. TO BETTER COPE WITH THOSE BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR STOMACH, PLANNING AND PREPARING ARE NEEDED, AND THAT IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR FUTURE. THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE, YOU WILL READ ARTICLES THAT WILL PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY, AND ULTIMATELY, YOUR CAREER. THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE FILLED WITH HELPFUL INFORMATION, INCLUDING TIPS ON HOW TO USE COLLEGE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE AND CAREER ADVICE FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE TURNED THEIR UNIQUE LIFE EXPERIENCES INTO PROFITABLE WORK OPPORTUNITIES. YOU CAN’T STAY A KID FOREVER, SO WHY NOT LET TRUE STAR BE THE POSITIVE CHANGE THAT HELPS YOU BEGIN THE PREP WORK TODAY FOR YOUR FUTURE.
8 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Creating YOUR College Major BY MONESHIA STAMPLEY, JUNIOR, RALPH ELLISON
I
deally, your education is a reflection of who you are and what you want to become. The typical college experience may not work for everyone because of boring mandatory classes or majors that don’t quite cater to your passions. Regardless of the reason, students can design their own major to not only keep them interested in their studies but also to make them more successful in their pursuits. A do-it-yourself major is also known in the collegiate world as an individualized major. According to College Magazine, the individualized major program (IMP) began in the ʼ60s and gradually gained popularity over the years. The program is now available at approximately 30 colleges and universities across the nation. When working to create a “specialized degree,” most schools require you to have advisors or professors willing to sponsor your ideas. This won’t be easy, so you have to put your best foot forward and be confident in your major so everyone will be onboard. Once you have met with advisors or professors, you must create a proposal and identify what courses you will combine to make your major. It is very crucial that you plan your major around a theme so the courses relate to one another and are unified. Keep in mind that in some cases you have to wait until after your freshman year to apply for the individualized major program, according to collegechoice. net. Protocol for these programs may vary from school to school. Monica van Beusekom, director of the Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program at the University of Connecticut, says it’s important for students to know an individualized major cannot be a grab bag of unrelated areas of study. “Students have to make a case for why their idea is coherent and their plan is rigorous. [They must ask] how the courses they propose for their major fit together and relate to each other? And why can they best pursue their academic goals through an individualized major?”
COLLEGE
“BEING ABLE TO STUDY SOMETHING YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR EDUCATION” IS ONE OF THE MAIN BENEFITS OF BEING A PART OF AN IM PROGRAM.” — PAUL AARSTAD
Paul Aarstad, assistant director of the Individualized Major Program at Indiana University, tells True Star “being able to study something you’re passionate about and to take ownership of your education” is one of the main benefits of being a part of an IM program. He adds, “Some students might miss the community built into other majors where everyone shares a common interest. … Then again, some of our students are attracted to the program in the first place because they’re nonconformists, so they might prefer being on their own more.” If you are considering creating your own major, take the time to seriously think about the things that interest you the most and how they can possibly blend together. Research the schools that offer individualized major programs to find the best fit for you. Creating your own degree is a heavy challenge, but the outcome will be worth it.
Top Schools for DIY Majors: *CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY) *HANOVER COLLEGE *INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON *LESLEY UNIVERSITY *UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY *OBERLIN COLLEGE *UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND *UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN *UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Source: Collegechoice.net
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 9
The Fears of
GOING
TO COLLEGE BY LAKENYA CHAPMAN, FRESHMAN, NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
G
oing to college can be scary. The new school environment, not knowing anyone and a new course load could be overwhelming at first, but you can get through it. More often than not, students go through a phase of nervousness. For example, Takeida Howze is an incoming freshman at Grand Valley State University. She admits to having some fears about college life. “What scares me the most about going away to college,” says Howze, “is being on my own, and having to adapt to new people, new surroundings and also having to do everything myself.” Adjusting to a different environment, leaving your friends and learning a new schedule are all challenges of going away; however, the obstacles are part of the experience. The concept of starting fresh in a new place was created for you to be exposed to new things and meet new people. Use this time to learn something different and not only find yourself but embrace these moments in this new phase of life. According to the website About Education, “You should be nervous; being on your own—especially for the first time—is hard. But something inside of you knows you 10 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
“WHAT SCARED ME THE MOST WAS [WONDERING] HOW WAS I GOING TO FIT INTO A NEW ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT PARENTAL CONTROL.” – JOSH HICKS
are ready, or you wouldn’t have wanted to go to college in the first place.” Khalid Reed of George Washington College, talks about what worried him the most that first year of college. “A new environment was scary,” he says. “Not knowing what’s going to happen next was frustrating. Especially concerning something that determines your future. My biggest challenge was engaging with peers and developing relationships with the teachers, but eventually, I got used to it.” Recent Roosevelt University grad Josh Hicks, recalls the things that gave him anxiety during his freshman year. “What scared me the most was [wondering] how was I going to fit into a new environment without parental control. It was my first real school experience away from home, so I had to adjust to the dorm life, school freedom, etcetera. My advice to incoming freshman would be to not be afraid to be who you are.” Being nervous about starting college is normal. Keeping an open mind, however, can certainly help you land on your feet. College is a place to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s also a place to become more self-sufficient and self-aware.
True Star
ALUMNI KEEP
Shining
BRIGHT BY TRUE STAR STAFF
SUBRIA WHITAKER True Star Experience: Editorial Team, Radio Broadcasting Team and Sales & Marketing Team (August 2010-present) Education: Morgan Park High School (Class of 2012) & University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign (Class of 2016)—Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Communication concentration Benefits: Being a part of True Star has allowed me to develop valuable communication, networking and critical thinking skills. I’ve built relationships, made lifelong friends and had the opportunity to meet great people along the way. The experience and confidence I’ve gained is helpful, and I wouldn’t be where I am without the program.
F
or over a decade, True Star Foundation has worked with some of Chicago’s brightest, most talented and ambitious young people in the city. We caught up with a few TS alumni to find out what they are up to now and what’s in store for their future.
JAYLIN MCCLINTON True Star Experience: Graphic Design Team (Summer 2008/2009) Sales & Marketing Team (Spring 2010) Education: Curie High School (Class of 2012) & University of Illinois: UrbanaChampaign (Class of 2016)— African-American Studies/ Political Science: Pre-Law concentration
Currently: I’m currently a New Memberships and Ticket Sales Associate with the Atlanta Hawks. I’m also pursuing a Masters of Sports Administration at Northwestern and I’m applying to law schools to obtain a Juris Doctor and Masters in Business Administration. Advice: Always take advantage of opportunities presented to you. You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, so no matter what, go for what you want. Don’t ever settle or lower your standards or expectations; wake up every morning with the drive to exceed them.
RANDY BONDS True Star Experience: Editorial Team (Fall 2006-2009) Education: Oak Park River Forest High School (Class of 2007) & Columbia College Chicago (Class of 2012) — Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance & Music Business
Benefits: True Star helped me pursue multiple interests and to present myself with confidence. Under its leadership, I spoke to top business executives in sales and marketing. I expressed a passion for design and learned how to use complex software in graphic design. These experiences and networking opportunities have been transformational and influence my approach to everyday situations.
Benefits: True Star helped me find my true calling. By interviewing people such as Usher and Musiq Soulchild, I realized that I enjoyed telling their stories. So I went from a songwriter, to telling the stories of entertainers, to a publicist who gets my client’s stories out. I didn’t know what a publicist was before working at the magazine, but True Star showed me.
Currently: I’m currently relocating to Washington, D.C. until December 2016, but hopefully longer, to participate in a federal government internship. After the program, I hope to attend law school and pursue a career in public policy, government and politics.
Currently: I successfully run my own PR firm, RCBonds PR, and some of my biggest clients have been people that I interviewed such as Malik Yoba and Columbus Short. Learn more at RCBondsPR.com.
Advice: One of my favorite high school teachers always said, “You are brilliant. Know it, own it, and live up to it.” It’s the perfect advice for Chicago youth, especially when the city is in such turmoil. We are the future, so take advantage of all that you can. It will pay off in the end!
Advice: Soak in all you can, because everything comes full circle. The things that you’re doing for fun are the things that you can turn into a profession. So do/learn all you can, because everything happens for a reason, and you’ll be amazed at how it all connects. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 11
Is College A Necessity? BY LEAH ELLIS, SENIOR, CHRIST THE KING JESUIT COLLEGE PREP
T
here are many careers in life that require a college education, such as nursing, dentistry and engineering, just to name a few. At a young age, many are told that you need college for everything, but is that really true? College doesn’t seem like a necessity simply because there are many jobs you can do without having to earn a college degree.
Wilford University in Ohio and found his education helpful because it allowed him to gain experience from being away from home. Though Jones knows academics are important, he feels that gaining life skills are just as important. He and Donaldson both mentor teens on what happens in the business world and share stories about their life experiences.
In 2012, according to USNEWS.com, it was reported that many college graduates ended up looking for jobs that didn’t require a college degree. About 36 percent of these people actually got a job paying about $45,000 or more. There are a lot of jobs or careers that do not require a college education, such as a medical assistant or an insurance sales agent, which are solid careers. Some people make it seem like not being college-educated is a bad thing and not having a degree is a reason to quit, but that’s not the case. There are a lot of people doing well in their careers or businesses besides Mark Zuckerberg.
Even though Donaldson didn’t graduate from college, she didn’t let that limit her future. She says, “Working at the bank and doing well in school will help you go a long way in life. When I was young, I didn’t have the stuff you have now in terms of what your school offers you. You should take advantage of that.” Even if college is not an option for you, you can still be a success and find fulfillment. Settling for a dead-end job that may not lead to career stability isn’t wise. Find your passion and make the best of whatever that is.
Kathy Donaldson, a senior sales and support specialist in corporate banking at Associated Bank, and Steven Jones, vice president of Finance/Portfolio Manager in corporate banking at Associated Bank, are two people that work well with teens. While Donaldson didn’t graduate college, Jones did. Jones graduated from 12 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
There are a lot of opportunities available that don’t require a college degree. Though college is not a necessity, it’s still a great experience to have in life. Everyone’s future depends on the decisions they make now. Strive for what you want in life, not for what others want.
O
Careers
UR LIFE EXPERIENCES MAKE US WHO WE ARE. INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR A JOB, MANY AMBITIOUS PEOPLE IN THE WORLD FIND A WAY TO COMBINE THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THEIR BACKGROUND TO CREATE A CAREER FOR THEMSELVES. SOME OF THOSE AMBITIOUS PEOPLE SPOKE WITH TRUE STAR ABOUT HOW THEY GOT TO WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 13
CAREER
Brandon BREAUX
ARTIST BY ALI SCOTT, SENIOR, MORGAN PARK
C
hicago artist Brandon Breaux has done many projects, from designing clothing to creating album cover art, and he is determined to continue practicing his talent. He is probably best known for the artwork he’s done for Chance the Rapper’s album covers. His goal in his latest project with the company Bucketfeet is to cater to creative individuals who the mainstream market seems to overlook. His primary medium is oil paint, but he also practices in video, digital illustration, animation and fashion.
WEBSITE: brandonbreaux.com True Star: What was your childhood career goal and how has it changed? Brandon Breaux: My childhood career goal was to be a comic book artist, and it has changed a lot. As you grow, the scope of what you do or what you can potentially do grows with you. I realize that I was capable of a lot more than that. Who I was as an artist could potentially be bigger than just a comic book artist. I didn’t need to set myself into the comic book culture when we have our own culture that came from our community, anyway. I think I’m in a much better position to work with artists, and I work with people directly. TS: What did you do before making album art for Chance the Rapper? BB: I was doing the same thing I’m doing now. Sometimes I work with ad agencies doing contract work for them. I’m wrapping up [working with] the T-shirt company now. I’ve done a lot of designs for people. I did some shoes with this company Bucketfeet, and I did some other collections with some friends and some more clothing-related stuff to [showcase myself] as a creative person. The opportunities started to come in. TS: How would you describe your art style? BB: I feel like my art ranges. My personal work is pretty much a subject matter range. It’s not so much tied to a particular style, and it’s because I feel like we continue to grow. You see artists styles grow, but I just feel like sometimes a different approach is required for certain concepts and for certain ideas. It’s just to be able to be flexible in how I deliver a concept and not be confined by a certain style because as individuals grow their tastes changes and they gravitate toward certain things. Realism is what I’ve been playing off of the most just because I think to convey emotions, realism is a powerful tool, and I try to use that with a little bit of abstract sometimes as a way to speak to the process. I don’t want to confine my work to a particular style. TS: What can we expect from you in the future? BB: I’m going to be doing a lot more art shows and also ... be in museums! In all the museums in the world! That’s where I want to be. That’s what you can expect from me and from my art. I’ll be in all the important galleries.
FAST FUN FACTS:
14 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
FAST FUN FACTS:
WORK:
1. Favorite social media outlet: Instagram 2. Describe your life in three words: Love, enlightenment and contribution 3. Last song you downloaded? Sean Paul’s “Deport Them” 4. What is your guilty pleasure? Vegan chocolate chip cookies 5. The last show you binge watched? Haven’t done that yet, but it’s on my bucket list.
JACINTA MERCIER-FISHER Interior Designer BY BRIANA WILSON, SENIOR, VON STEUBEN
W
hen Jacinta Mercier-Fisher was in high school at Hyde Park Career Academy, she worked in retail and started her own cleaning service business as a side hustle. Years later, she added other work experience to her résumé, including being a fashion model and owning her own marketing company, LFPromo. After following her passion for creativity and design, she is now the owner of JMF Home, a luxury décor line, and JMF Interior Design, one of the few black-owned interior design companies in Chicago.
WEBSITE: jmfinteriordesign.com True Star: How have your past work experiences prepared you for the work you are doing today? Jacinta Mercier-Fisher: I worked at a men’s custom clothing store on the South Side of Chicago called Mr. Silas when I was 17 years old, from my freshman year in high school until college. This is where I learned about different fabrics and how to sketch my first designs for my clients. The owners, Velma and Silas Thomas, taught me how to run a business, from accounting, payroll, working with vendors, traveling to trade shows and being a buyer. Both of them, along with my family, instilled in me that I can be and do anything I put my mind and heart to. I learned so much there and designed clothes for many celebrities I met, such as Common, Avant and R. Kelly— just to name a few. I feel my past experiences of working as a professional model also prepared me for this career path tremendously. Especially working behind the scenes of runway productions and learning how to build relationships. TS: What is your educational background? JMF: My undergrad degree is in business management in marketing and public relations, which helped me with the know-how to start and maintain my business. TS: What inspired you to make interior design a career choice? JMF: It’s always been a hobby and a passion, and I finally turned it into a career. I love beautiful things and spaces. I love planning and helping people see the impossible. TS: How would you describe your design style? JMF: I’m a bit of a melting pot, if you will. I love tons of styles like classical, modern, Hollywood regency, too eclectic, with a hint of traditional twist. TS: What form of training have you received for you current position? JMF: Ironically, just life experiences and researching my craft. When you become passionate about something, you eat, sleep and live of it, because it doesn’t seem like work!
FAST FUN FACTS: 1. Favorite social media outlet: Instagram and Facebook. 2. Describe your life in three words: Blessed, unstoppable and growth. 3. Who are you listening to? Drake, Ro James and Jesse Ware. 4. What is your guilty pleasure? Laying out on the beach, boating and girl time. 5. The last show you binge watched? “Greenleaf.” Love it.
TS: What has been a benefit of this career? JMF: I get to help people enjoy their spaces and create a place they call home. TS: What advice would you offer students who are starting to think about their career goals? JMF: Never take no for an answer when you want to turn your passion into a career, and don’t ever think that you can’t have what you want. There’s enough for everybody! TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 15
TAREN PLESINGER-KINEBREW Baker
BY MONESHIA STAMPLEY, JUNIOR, RALPH ELLISON
T
aren Plesinger-Kinebrew is the owner of Sweet Petit Desserts. She put her business background to good use when she combined her love for desserts and baking to fill a need that the city of Cincinnati was missing.
WEBSITE: sweetpetitdesserts.com True Star: How have your past work experiences prepared you for the work you are doing today? Taren Plesinger-Kinebrew: Having been in the military taught me discipline and how to complete a task, no matter how challenging it may be at times. I gained my bachelor’s in business with a concentration in information systems with a minor in accounting from North Carolina Central University, which has allowed me to use my years of business experience. TS: What inspired you to go into the cooking field? TPK: I grew up in a family of cooks, but my grandmother loved sweets and really enjoyed baking. This was just something that came natural to me at an early age. Funny thing though, no one really knew I baked, except for my family. It was nothing I ever spoke about. TS: What makes your baking style unique? TPK: What I’ve managed to do with my baking style is create a menu full of mini desserts. Having traveled to other cities and enjoying desserts, I saw that many bakeries were doing more mini options. People were getting away from eating huge slices of cake and pie. Cincinnati, however, hadn’t quite caught up with the rest of the major cities, and I thought while I cannot move to NYC, L.A. or even Chicago, I had to create this vision here. I basically came up with the menu based on my favorite dessert items. TS: What formal training have you received for you current position? TPK: I haven’t received any formal training. It truly is a gift that I inherited from my grandmother. Although, I often think about going back to school to get some certifications in the pastry field. TS: What is the backstory behind the name of your shop? TPK: The name of the shop, Sweet Petit Desserts, comes from my husband calling me Sweets in our early days of marriage and my fascination with sweets. Petit comes from me loving small things, and the spelling of petit literally means small. It was a no-brainer to add desserts to the rest of the name. TS: What advice would you offer students who are starting to think about their career goals? TPK: I would say look ahead as far as you can to prepare for your future. It’s important to do what you feel passionate about, and if you can make money doing it, then that’s icing on the cake. 16 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
FAST FUN FACTS: 1. Favorite social media outlet: Instagram and Facebook. 2. Describe your life in three words: Blessed beyond measure. 3. Last song you downloaded? Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of neo-soul, like Jill Scott, Chrisette Michele and Lalah Hathaway. The last song I downloaded was the new Fantasia CD. 4. What is your guilty pleasure? On most days, it’s a chai tea latte. 5. The last show you binge watched? I just finished watching “House of Cards.” I love that show.
MIKE Muse
CHANGE AGENT
BY TRINITI MAYE, JUNIOR, DEVRY UNIVERSITY ADVANTAGE ACADEMY
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FAST FUN FACTS: 1. Favorite social media outlet: I love Snapchat and Instagram. 2. Describe your life in three words: Always in shock. 3. Who are you listening to? DJ Khaled and Drake. The last album I downloaded was Drake’s Views. 4. What is your guilty pleasure? Reality television. 5. The last show you binge watched? “House of Cards.” That show is so good. So good.
he co-founder of Muse Recordings has meshed his interests in pop culture and politics to be what he calls a “change agent” in society. The entrepreneur and motivational speaker is also a key player in President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative.
WEBSITE: iammikemuse.com True Star: What drew you to politics? Mike Muse: I believe that talking about [issues] just to talk about it doesn’t do any good; your situation doesn’t change. You have to become active. You have to get involved and get engaged in the conversation that’s happening. There are a small group of people controlling our national policies and political structure, but it could be a larger amount of us if we all realize the importance of our vote and how to hold politicians accountable for our vote. TS: How can young people intersect pop culture and politics? MM: They need to make it their own. Love what you do and figure out how policies and politics are connected to it. It’s all about the policies. Be more aware of that in terms of how policies affect your day-to-day life. TS: How did you get involved with the My Brother’s Keeper project? MM: I intersect politics and pop culture. I get people to see policies as lifestyles through music, fashion, sports and technology. They asked the U.S. Small Business Administration if I could come up with a program, and I did. They took it back to the White House, and the White House loved it. TS: What has been the response to My Brother’s Keeper from young black men and the mentors? MM: It’s been fantastic from the need of people wanting to learn and get information and resources that can help them and meet with people who want to partner, advocate and share ideas. TS: What are your thoughts on the importance of teens understanding politics and policies. MM: I think sometimes the youth vote can be taken for granted. I think the more the youth realize they are very special and they are a target demographic, the more they will educate themselves on policies; the more in control and command they can be with a narrative of policies they like and care for. TS: What are some of the challenges you face while working to establish your brand? MM: Getting people to buy into it in the beginning and having to push through this lane that hadn’t been created. Also, having the ability to just maintain and be in that space to make sure you get your goal accomplished.
TS: Why is it important for teens to develop their entrepreneurial spirit now? MM: Millennials want jobs they love. They like to follow their curiosity. Millennials want to do things on their own terms, and there is no better way to that then owning your own business. TS: What is a “change agent”? MM: Somebody who makes a difference; someone who goes and advances in conversation; someone who goes out and gets people to understand systems around them. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 17
IMANI Kutti
Fashion Designer BY DONOVAN POWELL, JUNIOR, ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP
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ing College Prep alum Imani Kutti is a fashion designer and visionary who uses her Ivorian and Nigerian background as a source of inspiration for her creations. Her fashion brand, IvoryKutts, consists of unique handmade clothes that reflect her culture. She plans to build up her brand and use it to help make women all across the globe feel beautiful. Her hope is to make every piece unique. Check out her new line on the IvoryKutts website.
WEBSTITE: ivorykutts.com True Star: How have your past work experiences prepared you for the work you are doing today? Imani Kutti: I’ve worked with my mother most of my life doing hair, and I worked for a marketing agency. Every job I’ve had basically made you work for yourself and be your own boss. It’s made me realize I don’t really want to work for anyone but myself. TS: What inspired you to make fashion design a career choice? IK: I’ve had an interest in the fashion field since I was child. I always had a passion for the fashion industry. I used to want to model and stuff, and I did model kinda, but I’ve always been into fashion. I just didn’t have the guts to follow my dreams for a long time in my life. I tried to make myself like things I wasn’t TRUELY passionate about. Becoming an adult includes being honest with yourself, and that’s what happened.
IMANI KUTTI
TS: How would you describe your design style? IK: Traditional clothing of African culture crossed with a modern touch. So it’s kind of like bringing the two worlds together. TS: What form of training have you received for you current position? IK: I haven’t received any formal training. My uncle helped me learn to sew, but as far as formal [fashion] school and stuff like that, nah. But it’s definitely part of the plan for 2017. TS: What are some benefits and challenges of having your own design company? IK: There are so many benefits; one being, staying true to your beliefs and ideas. When you work under someone else’s design company, it’s almost like a compromise every time. It’s a challenge doing literally everything yourself, there’s no second hand helping me, and it’s challenging to have to use my own funds to create more pieces. It’s time consuming, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. TS: What advice would you offer students who are starting to think about their career goals? IK: My advice would be to stick to your goal, and always just keep doing it, even when you feel like it isn’t getting anywhere or not receiving the “attention” you desire. I feel like in today’s world, people feel like, if it’s not getting attention, then it doesn’t count; but stick with what you want to do, even if the results aren’t coming out the way you want. 18 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
FAST FUN FACTS: 1. Favorite social media outlet: Tumblr. 2. Describe your life in three words: Busy, busy, busy. 3. What was the last music you downloaded? The Internet’s “Shadow Dance.” 4. What is your guilty pleasure? I guess it could be pigging out when I know I’m not supposed to. I’m a boring person. I don’t really have any guilty pleasures. 5.The last show you binge watched? “Power.” That’s like my favorite show right now. I just watched like three seasons.
SISTER, SISTER: Brittany
& Diamond BEACH
Prove PRETTY CAN BE Profitable BY JASMINE HOLLOWAY, SENIOR, VON STUEBEN
“IF YOU TRULY HAVE
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rittany Beach is a professional makeup artist, and her sister, Diamond Beach, is a professional hairstylist. The Beach sisters work as a team and have become successful doing so. They love doing what they do, which helped propel them to be the successful African-American women they are today.
A PASSION, JUST STAY CONSISTENT AND KEEP PUSHING.” – BRITTANY BEACH
The ladies began their careers after getting inspired by each other. When asked how she got started, Brittany says, “I was doing my makeup on my birthday, but prior to that, I did my sister’s makeup. She told me that I had a steady hand, and I had a clean and precise line.” Diamond commented that her sister would make a good makeup artist. Those sincere words of encouragement, and Brittany’s love for makeup, are how she started doing makeup for a living. Diamond got the idea to style hair when she was merely braiding a family member’s hair. “My passion kind of grew from there,” says Diamond, and from that point, she got started. Unlike Brittany who is self-taught, Diamond, a True Star veteran, went to Regency Beauty Institute for hair. Diamond and Brittany knew what their passion was, and they quickly seized the opportunity to build a career off of it.
DIAMOND
Just like everything in life, there are always obstacles that have to be overcome. The Beach sister’s faced a common obstacle that most people have to deal with—a lack of support. Everyone needs some support in life. If there is no support from those you expect to get it from, there’s only one thing to do: persevere. For the Beach sisters, the complications pertaining to their jobs came when the support they thought they would receive from their family and friends was compromised. Brittany says, “They either wanted to get their hair or makeup done for free, or they didn’t want to get it done at all.” This was one of their minor setbacks, but they didn’t allow it to stop them from success. They merely found a solution to their problem and “created their own community of people who wanted the services that they offered.” “Stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged” is the advice Diamond has for the youth who are serious about their future. In anything you do in life, especially your career, “there are going to be peaks and valleys,” and along the way, your plans might be “deviated.” Brittany lets it be known: “If you truly have a passion, just stay consistent and keep pushing.”
BRITTANY This advice is what will guide today’s youth onto the path of success that the ladies have traveled. If you aren’t really passionate about something and your heart isn’t in it, then it becomes hard to overcome obstacles and get through the downhill moments. But when you do find something that you do love, like the Beach sisters have, jump on it and stay committed. Eventually your dedication will pay off. Find them on Instagram @_houseofher_. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 19
20 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Working to End Violence
WITH POP BY EBONY HAYES, SOPHOMORE, CHAS
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ome people talk about all the problems that plague society, and some people actually care enough to do something about these issues. McGee, the chief of ER and medical director at Methodist Hospitals in Gary and Merrillville Ind., is a doer. After seeing countless teens come into the emergency room with stab and gunshot wounds, he knew that something needed to be done.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INFORMATION ON POP OR MCGEE, VISIT NWIPOP.ORG.
In 2008, he founded Program Outreach and Prevention on Violence, also known as POP. In 2012, Dr. Reuben Rutland partnered with McGee to create the program, a nonprofit organization targeting youth in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. “This epidemic of violence is new,” says McGee. “In my day of growing up, when you got into a fight with somebody, you fought one or two days, and it was over. Nowadays, you get into a fight with somebody, and then they come back and want to shoot you.” According to McGee, the goal of POP is to put an end to youth violence and inspire healthy lifestyles, positive behaviors and career opportunities that are accessible. The program targets a variety of youth, including those in the school system, alternative programs and at juvenile detention centers. POP offers youth violence prevention, mentorship and health professions enrichment programs (HPEP). Another way POP gives back to the community is by offering financial assistance to teens interested in entering the medical field. Johntrell Bowles, a freshman at the University of Virginia on a full ride, is also one of the lucky recipients of a $1,000 POP scholarship. He plans to follow in McGee’s footsteps and become a doctor. Bowles, 19, says that being in the program taught him “perseverance and to go for what you want” in life. He explains what he enjoyed most about POP. “The best part of the program for me was making connections and building bonds of friendship and loyalty. Just knowing that you have people that you can call and ask for help was a big thing.” In some cases, teens lose hope along their journey to reach their goals because they lack motivation and have no one in their life to keep them encouraged. This program provides those things and makes teens feel like they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. McGee, who is also president and CEO of the Independent ER Group Northwest Emergency Associates, LLC, believes teen violence can be stopped if enough people invest time into trying to end the issue. “We need to recognize that violence is a true public health problem,” says McGee. “There needs to be funding for programs like ours, and everybody needs to work together, and we have to have the youth involved ... We have to hit it from all angles and do this consistently. ... Everyone needs to recognize that this is a problem, and it’s not just in urban communities. It’s reached the suburban areas, too. We have to target every community.” TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 21
REAL TALK
Sexual Assaults ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: The Untaught Lessons BY ARTEJA BENSON & AURIELLE DRUMMER, JUNIORS, MORGAN PARK & KING COLLEGE PREP
To put your own safety first and reduce the chances of falling victim to sexual assault, experts
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exual assault is an umbrella term for any forced sex act perpetrated on an individual without that person’s consent. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. Some people don’t fully understand what giving consent is. “Understanding what consent is in a clear and concise manner is important and college campuses need to do an appropriate job of educating students on the risks of nonconsensual sex,” says Chicago-based psychologist Dr. Manisha Dayal. Dayal explains that a newfound sense of freedom can often cloud a young person’s judgment, making him or her more vulnerable for an assault. “College is the first time in most students’ lives where they have full freedom to do whatever they want. They are propelled into autonomy, and this often results in people making poor decisions. Parental control is very limited, so there is also extensive use of substances and alcohol.”
offer these suggestions: *Know your alcohol limits. Drinking and being intoxicated makes women more vulnerable to assaults. Impaired judgment can make it difficult to fight off an attacker.
*Watch your drink at all times. Leaving your drink unattended gives a predator an opportunity to slip you a roofie to impair your judgment. Taking drinks from another person is a bad idea, too, because you can never be sure of what you’re getting.
*Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable around a person, trust that feeling and leave. Being alone with someone you don’t know well could open you up to a dangerous situation, especially if you are unsure about his/her intentions.
According to Motherjones.com, 256 women said they filed sexual assault reports at the University of Michigan in 2014-15. Of that number, the university only filed 21 official rape reports. Many women who have been raped don’t file reports because of fear of backlash from their peers, police or colleges. “Women often blame themselves or are afraid others will blame them for being too drunk, too free, not dressed properly, etcetera,” Dayal says. “Rape is still a very underreported phenomenon, and because of the history of gender and misogyny, rape victims are often under scrutiny for their behavior. A great deal of victim blaming happens.” College students have been calling out schools for a more recent problem with rape cases: campuses not reporting sexual assaults to the police in order to preserve the school’s reputation. “Often college campuses don’t want to draw attention to their campuses if a rape has occurred. They want to hold on to the reputation that their campus is safe,” Dayal says.
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*Stick with your group of friends. There is safety in numbers, so keep friends close when you are walking on campus. If you can’t physically be near a friend, at least let him/her know where you are and who you are with.
ADULTING 101 BY ALI SCOTT, SENIOR, MORGAN PARK
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t won’t be long before you’re considered a grown-up. Growing pains are inevitable, but to better help you get through the fundamentals of life, here’s a guide for you to create your best adulthood now.
Get a job
The first rule to becoming an adult is earning your own money to pay for the things you want and need. If you haven’t acquired a job already, then you need to be prepared. Start by listing your past work experience in a résumé. Be sure that you know something about the business you’re applying to, so do your research. Prepare for any question the employer may ask you. The best way to get ready for the interview is by practicing using common interview questions, which you can find online. Don’t lie when answering questions. This can come back to hurt you later. Afterward, take the time to write a thank-you letter to the person who interviewed you. It will better your chances of getting the job.
Learn To Cook
If your mommy wasn’t around to cook your meals, how long would you be able to survive? Being able to cook for yourself is a necessity. Meals can be as simple as making a sandwich, preparing a salad or boiling a pot of noodles. If you’re the adventurous type, try reading cookbooks to see what you might be able to make. Websites such as food.com and the-first-time-cook.com are also great resources for beginner chefs. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you. It can be a great learning and bonding experience.
“YOU CREATE YOUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO YOU CAN BE ACTIVE IN CHANGING THEM.” — ROBERT FIRESTONE, PH.D.
Clean Your Home
Part of being an adult includes being able to maintain a clean home. The best way to train yourself is by doing your chores. Yes, that means doing dishes, laundry and cleaning your room. It may be tedious, but after you’ve completed the tasks, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction with having a tidy space. And don’t wait until your mom tells you to do something. Prove that you’re responsible by cleaning up on your own.
Be Mature
How you respond to situations speaks to your level of maturity. For instance, if someone gives you constructive criticism, meaning they’re respectful in the way they present suggestions to you, and you handle it in a way that shows you respect their critique, then you’ve proven yourself to be mature. Being mature also means knowing what your responsibilities are and how to handle them accordingly. You can’t sit around playing video games when there’s a term paper due! Enjoy the fun stuff after the work’s done. Robert Firestone, Ph.D., a contributor for Psychology Today, notes that part of being mature means not blaming others for your failures. “You create your own circumstances, so you can be active in changing them,” he says. “With the right attitude, you can simply learn from negative experiences and handle things differently.” Taking steps toward becoming an adult may mean making some life adjustments. This is just a start, but go ahead and embrace the change. After all, you’re not going to be a kid forever. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 23
24 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
FASHION
AFFORDABLE Items BY DREAMER EDWARDS, JUNIOR, RTC MEDICAL PREP
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lothing does not make the teen. If you wear name brand clothing and a classmate or peer doesn’t wear designer items, that shouldn’t change your view of that person. Everyone can’t afford expensive clothing. Also, everyone’s taste is different. Therefore, don’t expect every teen to dress alike or have the same personality. Brittany Kennedy, an employee at Tops and Bottoms in Maywood, Ill., voiced her opinion on those who spend their all on clothing without taking care of the necessities. “Some people think they will and can get somewhere wearing True Religion, Rock Revival, Robin Jeans, Love Pink and GUESS,” says Kennedy. “You can decide to help pay bills or save your money. You don’t have to fit in and try to keep up with the Joneses.” Not only is brand name clothing not affordable, Black teens and women spend thousands of dollar each year on hairstyles, including weaves and extensions. Brazilian, Peruvian and Malaysian hair is pricey, especially for those on a budget. An alternative to spending excessive amounts of cash on hair extensions can be to go without the weave and keep the hair in its natural state. Kennedy further expressed how things affordable for some women may not be so affordable to all women. “Everybody can’t wake up and decide they will be going to go get their hair done. Some girls may not have the money to do so,” Kennedy says. Some black women decide that they will like to stay natural; however, when others see them with natural hair they think her hair is nappy and suggest that she get a perm. “You don’t always need to perm your hair for it to look good,” Kennedy stated. However, you can spend your money on whatever you would like to spend it on. Saving your money or helping your parents pay bills is the best thing you can ever do with your finances.
Fashions from: Discovery Clothing, Wet Seal, & UrbanOg.com TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 25
FALL Stylecast CASUAL
to Chic
Creative Director: Joi Mitchell • Assistant Creative Director: Daneisha Goodman • Wardrobe Styling: Shelby Brown, Joi Mitchell, and Lynn Augustine • Hair: Diamond Beach of Beauty Boulevard • Make-Up: Deanna Beach of Beauty Boulevard • Make-Up: Shekayah “Sparkle” Wallace of Pink Kisses • Photography: Shelby Brown
Hat- Discovery Clothing Shirt - H & M Necklace - Chic Adorn Pants - H & M Shoes - Discovery Clothing
Payton Charlemagne Nickols, 16 Jacket - TJ Maxx Pants - TJ Maxx Necklace - Chic Adorn Shoes - Ross
Shirt - Discovery Clothing Necklace - Chic Adorn Skirt - H & M Tights - Boohoo.com Shoes - Discovery Clothing
Precious Sorrell, 16 Jacket - missguided.com Shirt - H & M Necklace - H & M Pants - H & M Shoes - Discovery Clothing
jacket - missguided.com Shirt - H & M Necklace - Chic Adorn Pants - H & M Shoes - H & M
Precious Rule, 21 Jacket - TJ Maxx Jeans - TJ Maxx Boost - TJ Maxx
Jumpsuit - H & M Necklace - Forever 21 Jacket - Forever 21 Shoes - Discovery Clothing
Destini Seals, 15 Coat - TJ Maxx Shirt - H & M Necklace - Chic Adorn Pants - H & M
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 31
FASHION
TIPS TO Winterizing Your Afro:
“DEEP CONDITION AS OFTEN AS YOU SHAMPOO.” – DARYA JOHNSON
BY EBONY HAYES, SOPHOMORE, CHSAS
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f you rock an Afro and are sick of your hair looking like a big, dry ball of frizz, keep reading! The following tips, and advice from natural hair expert Darya Johnson of Darya’s Naturals Hair Boutique, will help you bring out the full beauty of your coils during the cold months so your hair is as cute as can be.
Tip 1: Wash Your Hair •If you want a healthy head of hair, you have to keep your scalp clean, but you don’t have to wash every day. Shampoo can strip your strands of natural oils, causing it to be dry and brittle. Some stylists recommend co-washing, which is using only conditioner to clean your hair between regular washes. Be sure that you use a product that suits your hair type. •To start the washing process: Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections, wet and detangle those sections, then apply a generous amount of the product to all sections. Leave in for about 5 minutes then rinse out with warm water. Darya’s Advice: “I would shampoo an Afro every 7 to 10 days, depending on the size of it.”
Tip 3: Protect Your Hair
Tip 2: Add Moisture
•We often damage our strands without even noticing. For example, when you allow your hair to brush against your shirt all day or even when you throw on a hat to make a few runs, damage can take place. If you know your hair will be making any kind of contact with an abrasive material, wear a satin/silk scarf over your hair.
•Moisturize your hair with a water-based moisturizer daily to keep your hair from breaking and becoming tangled. A crucial step in this process is to seal your hair. Moisturizing your hair without sealing it is like painting your nails without adding a top coat—the moisture will not last! To seal your hair, simply add oil of your choice (coconut, olive, and jojoba are commonly used) and apply it on top of the moisturizer. Be sure that you don’t use too much of the sealing product to avoid the greasies. When deep conditioning your hair, leave the product in for about 30 minutes. This will add a great amount of softness and definition to your ‘fro. Darya’s Advice: “Deep condition as often as you shampoo. Affordable products to help maintain moisture are Design Essentials and Basics, from two really great black-owned product companies.” 32 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
Darya’s Advice: “When caring for natural hair, get your ends properly trimmed by a stylist. It’s one of the most important regimens of maintaining healthy hair. Protective styles (cornrows, braids, crochet styles and sew-ins), done by a professional, are also healthy options.”
Tip 4: Create A Nightly Routine •Preserving curls at night has always been a struggle. To keep your hair stretched and defined, try dividing your hair into sections and twisting it. Or use the pineapple method (put all of your hair at the top of your head and secure with a satin scarf, bonnet or satin cap). Try the methods at least once to decide which one you like best. The next day your ‘fro will be flawless. Darya’s Advice: “I conserve my curls mostly by sleeping on a silk pillowcase. Cotton cases absorb the moisture from your hair.”
YOUTH MUSIC FASHION URBAN CULTURE BLOG
WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM
Rotimi PROVES
He’s Got the ‘POWER’ BY KAYLA WHITE, JUNIOR, MORGAN PARK
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f Olurotimi Akinosho looks familiar to you, it’s because he should. The 27-yearold New Jersey native is a singer/songwriter and actor, better known as Rotimi. He can be seen co-starring in the Starz hit TV show “Power” as Dre, the right hand man to Kanan, aka Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Rotimi’s love for music began when he was young and grew because of his parents, who nutured his career. “My parents have been very supportive of me since I was a kid. They always encouraged me to play the piano, the violin and the flute, as well as sing in church and in the choir,” Rotimi explains. Even though he was the only member of his family interested in music, he says they still allowed him to express himself no matter what. “My family always kept me in line with my school and God. These main things have prepared me for where I am now in my career and where I’ll be going.” At the tender age of 15, Rotimi went to the Apollo and won the talent show competition twice! His name soon started to take off. In 2011, while majoring in communications at Northwestern University, he released The Resume, a mixtape that was well-received in Chicago. When it comes to describing his sound, Rotimi says his musical style is “very authentic.” He adds, “I write about my life, and because I am of Nigerian descent … it’s just very diverse.”
Rotimi says that he could never chose one of his passions over another, but he believes his acting career has played a big part in helping him become an even better musician. “[Becoming an actor] actually helped [my music career] in a positive way. It allowed me to be more free; I don’t think twice about what I do, and it’s easy for me to express myself. I don’t know how to turn it off.” At True Star press time, Rotimi had just released his latest mixtape titled Summer Bangerz, which is a throwback back to the ʼ90s sound. This fall he plans to release new music that he says is a mix “between R&B/urban.” Fans can look forward to seeing more of Rotimi on “Power” and in his new movie projects Burning Stands, starring Alfre Woodard and Steve Harris, and Deuces, featuring Larenz Tate, Meagan Good and Lance Gross. Rotimi’s career seems to be taking off. We’ll be watching to see what he does next and hope you will be, too.
Fast Fun Facts: 1. Describe your life today in three words: Blessed, exciting and hard work. 2. What is your favorite social media outlet?
When Rotimi added the title “actor” to his résumé, his life got even busier. During his first audition, he landed a role in the political drama “Boss,” along side Kelsey Grammer, who Rotimi looks to as a mentor. He also appeared in the movies Black Nativity and Divergent. Despite not having a huge part in the Divergent blockbuster, he considers the experience to have been a good one. “Just being on set with all the actors before it really blew up was cool because you knew that something special was in the air,” he says.
Snap Chat. 3.What is your guilty pleasure? I don’t have one. 4. What was the last song you downloaded? Drake “Controlla.” I actually did my own version of that record. You can find on my Soundcloud @RotimiMusic.
The part that has gotten him more face time and even more recognition is that of his “Power” character. “Dre is kind of a bit who I am because he is very ambitious; he wants to be the best, and he’s learning about himself, so it’s cool. And being a part of one of the best shows on TV is amazing because you know everybody’s feeling it. I’m so thankful to Starz and the “Power” team for the opportunity to showcase my talents on-screen.”
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5. What’s the last thing you binge watched? Haven’t really had time to watch much TV, let alone a entire series. “Power” keeps me very busy.
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GIVING BACK
The YK Foundation: BUILDING THE HOPES & DREAMS OF Today’s Youth BY KAYLA HENRY, SOPHOMORE, MORGAN PARK
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any young people in Chicago are faced with the tragic gun violence that we have grown used to hearing about on the news each day. Most of the time, hostility in Chicago communities make youth afraid to go places and do things. The YK Foundation, which stands for “Youth Knowledge,” is an educational program that gives young people in the city positive things in life to look forward to through dancing, acting and modeling.
Kiosha works with high school teens from freshman through senior years. Kiosha has been asked to duplicate her program on university campuses, but right now, she is focused on helping to develop high school students. Her main reason for starting this foundation was because of the violence in Chicago. She started going to neighborhoods and reaching out to kids who didn’t have a positive way out of their surroundings.
The goal of the foundation’s after-school program is to bring awareness to the youth, says YK founder Yoshimi Kiosha. “The purpose of the after-school program is to bring kids from different schools and different areas together, so they are able to unite with each other instead of being West Side, South Side or East Side,” explains Kiosha. She says that the program also gives teens an opportunity to try new things and go to different places.
According to Kiosha, youth can benefit from this program by taking classes that will help them gain valuable life skills. During this process they overcome selfesteem issues and overcome peer-pressure. Her students have been featured in local newspapers and even on “ABC 7 Eyewitness News.” She once held an event where the dancers of her program got to dance on the field at a Bears game. “The students in my program get a lot of exposure and get invited to a lot of interesting events,” says Kiosha. She adds, “Not only does this break my new students out of their shell, but [it also makes them say,] ‘I do have a chance.’”
Kiosha is also the owner of YK Management, which consults, develops and manages experienced models, actors, dancers and artists who are serious about working in entertainment and the arts. “Let’s say if you wanted to do a modeling class,” she says, “I would send you to the YK Foundation program. If you would like to take it a step forward, I would transfer you to YK Management.”
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Interested youth can get involved by contacting Kiosha and asking her to come to their school. She can only set up after-school programs at schools for her educational program. Ask her to contact the principal or assistant principal of your school so she can get their permission to get the program started. Kiosha can be reached via email at ykmanagementinc@gmail.com.
The Teen Dream Achievement
Program GIVES YOUNG PARENTS MUCH-NEEDED HELP BY TRUE STAR STAFF
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eing a teenager definitely has its challenges, but when you are a teen who also happens to be a parent, those challenges can seem almost impossible to overcome. Teen Dream Achievement (TDA) is a program specifically designed to help young moms and dads become good parents and set attainable goals to better themselves so that they are able to get the most out of life.
To help instill important life lessons, the participants take part in performing arts, music, dance and drama. Some teens are taught dramatic skits on social issues. “The arts give teens a chance to see their situations from the outside looking in through our social drama skits. This helps encourage them to improve their actions, and it’s known to promote self-esteem,” Makinde explains.
The program’s founder, Mae Makinde, is passionate about the work she does with TDA because she knows firsthand about the obstacles of being a teen parent. At the age of 19, she became a mom and had to rely heavily on her own mother for help. Because of her personal experiences, she has vowed to be a help to others in need. Since the founding of TDA in May of 2011, Makinde has helped approximately 400 teens through her program.
Before a participant of TDA completes the program, he or she will have the skills necessary to help others. According to the TDA website, members of the program are trained as public peer mentors or performing artists who are able to go out into Chicago communities and suburbs. They also make national appearances and teach other teens how to strive for their dreams.
“A teen parent or pregnant teen can benefit from being in my program by getting proper information about delaying a second or third pregnancy or baby, by setting goals and doing all they need to do to reach their goals,” says Makinde. Teens must be enrolled in school to be in TDA. Once that stipulation is met, participants are allowed to utilize the program’s resources and services. Teens in TDA are also given support and mentoring on how to build healthy relationships, finish high school and go on to college, avoid drug use, maintain self-esteem and more.
Makinde says that she hopes to someday expand the program so that she can help more young people in need. “My overall mission is to grow bigger and better, not only here in Chicago, but in other cities so that Teen Dream Achievement programs are nationwide.” If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of Teen Dream Achievement, call 773-431-2868 or 312-722-9747. You can also visit the website at teendreamachieveme.wixsite.com/program.
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TECHNOLOGY
Think BEFORE YOU CLICK ‘Accept’ BY TRINITI MAYE, JUNIOR, DEVRY UNIVERSITY ADVANTAGE ACADEMY
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ost apps require users to accept their terms and conditions before they allow you to have full access. Still, most people will accept without reading the agreement. A word of caution: Take the time to understand the app’s terms and conditions before you click “accept.” What are ‘Terms and Conditions’ and ‘Privacy Policies’? Terms and conditions are, according to TermsFeed.com, an “agreement that includes the terms, the rules and the guidelines of acceptable behavior, plus other useful sections, to which users must agree in order to use or access your website, mobile app or online service.” The privacy policy is an agreement that lets the user know what data the app or website is collecting and how they are using it. These are required by law and are only needed if personal information, such as your email address, first and last name, shipping address or phone number is used. The Importance of Reading Terms and Conditions Not every terms and conditions document is the same. Each app has specific rules (along with basic information) that they require you to abide by, and there are certain things these apps ask permission to access from your personal information. That includes being able to tap into your location, contacts, photos and microphone. The British tabloid Daily Mail ran an experiment where they had everyday people take the time to read the terms and conditions of apps. Most were shocked by what they read. One person even said, “I feel like I’m giving my life to an app.” Another said, “My mind goes to that difference between privacy and security.”
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According to Yahoo News, more than 500 million downloads of Pokéman Go have been made by people all across the globe, making it the most downloaded game ever. With numbers like that, it’s obvious that none of these people had a problem with Niantic, the game’s developer, having access to their Google accounts. If they read the terms and conditions, they would have known that. Details Matter You may ask yourself, “Why are these requirements set in place?” The importance of terms and conditions is to prevent abuse of the app. Abusing an app consists of spamming and/or disrespecting another user. Any abuse of the app will result in a suspension or a termination of the user’s account. The termination clause also allows users to remove their account whenever they feel a need to. These conditions are set to protect the owner and those behind the app or website. When it comes to a website, it informs the user that the owner is not responsible for any errors that may occur while on the website, and they are not responsible for false information presented on the website. “The intellectual property clause” states the owner of the website is the rightful owner of any logo and design of the website. So I Should Never Click Accept? It depends. In order to use most apps today, you have to agree to the developer’s terms. This is why reading is fundamental. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you can live with their demands. If you feel that you can’t, then don’t click accept.
Internet
INSECURITY
BY LAKENYA CHAPMAN, FRESHMAN, NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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ocial media makes teenagers feel as if they have to look, dress or act a certain way to be accepted. These images projected on social media can cause girls to suffer from low self-esteem and depression. “We live in such a materialistic, superficial world and everyone wants to look like someone else. We are still striving for perfection, although not even models look like that in reality,” says Qiana Lowery, a senior from North Lawndale College Prep. Licensed therapist Chelsea Hudson says, “Teens definitely compare their bodies to models because those are the images teens are constantly bombarded with. Teens spend much of their time exposed to movies, music videos, Instagram and Snapchat, and unfortunately, these platforms seldom promote a healthy body image.” Many youth think their personal appearance is all that matters, and that’s not the truth. Young people should be able to love themselves and accept themselves for who they are. There are many ways to make teenagers feel more comfortable about their bodies and not care what other people have to say. Focus more on enriching yourself through positive messages, art, books and even motivational messages that can help boost your self-confidence. Never let anyone steal your self-esteem.
“TEENS SPEND MUCH OF THEIR TIME EXPOSED TO MOVIES, MUSIC VIDEOS, INSTAGRAM AND SNAPCHAT, AND UNFORTUNATELY, THESE PLATFORMS SELDOM PROMOTE A HEALTHY BODY IMAGE.” — CHELSEA HUDSON
“The moment you accept yourself, you become
Beautiful” ~ Osho
Social media can deceive a young person’s mind into believing that a “perfect body” is the key to acceptance. Always be proud of who you are and what you look like because everybody’s body type is unique in its own way. Beauty is within and not from the outer appearance. Do not be defined by what others think of you. It’s OK to be different and stand out in the crowd. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 39
THRU THE WIRE
Johari Noelle CHASES HER DESTINY BY TAYLOR “TYA BRIELLE” MIGGINS, JUNIOR, MORGAN PARK
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aking risks and making the most of opportunities are the components to following your dreams. Chicago singer Johari Noelle knows what it feels like to do just that. One of her biggest accomplishments has been landing a spot on BET’s reality TV show “Chasing Destiny” where girls all across the nation auditioned to be a part of Kelly Rowland’s new girl group. Before appearing on the show, Noelle was busy developing her love for music. At age 11, she knew she was interested in singing and would listen to groups such as Destiny’s Child, Cherish and 3LW. She knew then that she wanted to be a part of a group. “My father was a disc jockey and my mother sang in the choir, so I was always around music,” says Noelle. “It was inevitable that I would play an instrument or sing.” Noelle began to take the initiative to start her career, which included writing her own songs and posting her version of covered songs on YouTube. It was one of these posts that got the attention of a BET producer who then sent her a flyer on Instagram. When Noelle agreed to meet, she was in for a surprise. “I didn’t really know it was going to be a reality TV show until I got to Atlanta for my callback auditions. ... They were calling it “The Kelly Rowland Project.” ... I thought it was just an individual project she was doing to work with young girls. ... There were cameras and mikes, and they had video release forms. That was the moment I realized that this was for television.” Trying out for the show was memorable for Noelle. “At that audition there were between 300 and 500 girls, so I was shocked they chose me. There were so many 40 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
talented people. Everyone could sing. Everyone was pretty. Everyone had that ‘it-factor,’ so I was really amazed they saw something in me.” “One of my favorite memories was when [Kelly] brought her son Titan in, and we sang to him.” Noelle recalls. “Another favorite [off-air] memory was after Kelly did the first set of cuts. She took us all bowling. I didn’t know how to bowl, but she taught me. I was learning and making a fool out of myself in front of her.” Noelle says that there were two very important lessons that she learned during the show. “The first is not to over think anything. A lot of times when you are really passionate about something, you want it to be perfect. … The most important thing would be to embrace who you are and what you bring to the table. The second thing would be … to always make an effort to outwork the person you were 24 hours ago.” Noelle lasted five weeks on the show, and she has some reservations about the experience. “If I could do it again, I probably wouldn’t choose the reality TV route because I would prefer to [pursue my career] in a more real way and more private way.” The True Star alum plans to release the EP NoteToSelf this fall. After an appearance on the show “Empire,” she’s also building her acting résumé. The fourth-year NIU student is also studying organizational corporate communications, with an emphasis in public relations. Keep up with Noelle by visiting her website at joharinoelle.com.
TEEN BIZ
J.P. Floyd: UPCOMING Prodigy BY ALI SCOTT, SENIOR, MORGAN PARK
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ohn Paul Floyd, J.P. for short, attended Washington Irving Elementary School in Chicago where music was a mandatory class in third grade. In fifth grade, he was presented the option of which instrument he wanted to play. “The euphonium chose me,” J.P. says. He initially wanted to play the saxophone or trumpet, but since they were popular in his class, they were all taken. The euphonium, which is a brass musical instrument similar to a small tuba, was all that was left. Even so, it wasn’t a complete loss. He began enjoying the euphonium to the point where he learned to play entire songs that he heard on V103 and WGCI radio stations, practicing the instrument before, during and after school. J.P. came a long way from playing in the Lincoln Park High School’s jazz band, concert band and orchestra to co-establishing and performing in the band known as Kids These Days (KTD). J.P. participated in some extracurricular music programs such as Ravinia Jazz Scholars, All-City Arts Programs, After School Matters and Merit School of Music. KTD originated at Merit, where most of the members were in the same program. They started out with small talk about becoming a band. After a series of jam sessions and adding on more people, they eventually became an official group. The seven grew a successful band that performed with other artists such as Kid Cudi, George Clinton, The Roots and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. They’ve traveled all around the United States and Canada, performing in shows and making appearances. They were even featured on the TV show, “Conan at The Chicago Theatre.” Though the group split in 2013, their music lives on and is still available on iTunes. KTD made it possible for J.P. to make connections with many artists. He performed with a variety of entertainers including Bette Midler, Frank Ocean during a world tour, and most recently with Chance the Rapper during the ESPY Awards. J.P. is still doing colabs and performing with other artists, but he’s also doing his own thing.
He would also like to expand his musical range and aspires to dabble in a variety of instruments, in addition to learning more about music production. “I’m trying to literally do it all and expand [beyond just] playing trombone,” J.P. says. His inspiration to be so diverse comes from Stevie Wonder who, as J.P. says, created a very assorted music career. “Stevie Wonder is just one of those artists you could literally listen to his music on any station, and you wouldn’t be mad.” J.P. describes his musical style to be a reflection of Chicago, which has a manifold of nationalities. For now, he is learning brass instruments, which gives his music his signature style. The euphonium, tuba and trombone are all featured in his first independent song, “Sarahnade,” which you can listen to on Soundcloud. soundcloud.com/jp_floyd TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 41
UNDER THE RADAR
Lyr!c Nia PLANS
ON
BEING THE CHANGE THAT MUSIC NEEDS BY SULLIVAN ANDERSON, FRESHMAN, JONES COLLEGE PREP
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veryone has the power to change the world. Some may not believe they can. Others may not have the courage to even try. Well, 15-year-old rising star Lyr!c Nia, a Chicago native, has no doubt that she can make a positive impact on everyone. Yes, she may be young, but Lyr!c’s plan is to complete this mission of change by making her dreams come true through her music. Lyr!c has had a passion for music since she was a baby. Later in life, she knew she wanted to make an impact on the youth with her voice. “Music has always run in my family. My grandmother, my mom and I can sing,” she says. “At age 11, I truly found myself and gathered the courage to have a sit down with my parents and tell them what I wanted to do.” So far she has recorded several songs and is planning to release new music in early 2017. The project will be titled Just Lyr!c. Lyr!c loves ‘90s music and has often been described by others as “the ‘90s kid.” Not pleased with today’s music, the talented teen feels that there is too much negativity and violence in Chicago. “Music is promoting violence, sex and drugs. That’s all you ever hear,” she says. “Music is always supposed to have meaning. Back in the ‘90s, it did. Now, it means nothing.” To counter the current vibe, Lyr!c tries to bring out the goodness of that era in her music. Although she is often compared to throwback singers such as Aaliyah or Brandy, the influential artist sees herself as unique. “I don’t want to be them. I want to be myself. That’s all I can be,” Lyr!c tells True Star. “The music I make now is true to myself. I write my own music, so I sing about real life experiences, like talking to a boy.” Lyr!c’s music was recently selected by LOVED RECORDS to be added to their compilation mixtape AKADEMIX. In addition to having a beautiful singing voice, Lyr!c keeps busy by acting and modeling. “It’s a hassle keeping up with it all, but school always comes first,” she says. While she gets many positive reactions to her work, there are always haters. “Many times, someone will come up to me and tell me that they don’t like the way I do something, or they tell me I ‘do too much.’”
Keep up with this up-and-coming star by checking her out at any of her social media outlets. When Lyr!c Nia becomes a household name, just remember that you read about her in True Star.
Always positive, Lyr!c doesn’t let the negativity phase her. “My mother always told me that if someone is constantly talking about you, you must be doing something right.” In other words, if you ain’t got no haters, you ain’t popping!
Instagram: just.lyric Twitter: @justlyric_ Website: JustLyric.com
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KTM DANCES THEIR WAY INTO THE Limelight BY DEJA TAYLOR, JUNIOR, NOBLE STREET COLLEGE PREP
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TM, aka “Known The Most,” includes five dancers: Clout, Kobe, Speedy, Spiffy and Trell. This group has been together for fours years. Fans know they didn’t start off as KTM. It was a struggle to try and find a name that fit. Each day the group becomes more and more known for dancing, acting and entertaining. Kobe and Trell explain that the group is most known for “bopping, jumping up and dancing with their feet.” Dancing is the number one passion for this group. Trell says, “no matter what we’re doing, dancing always has to be included.” “Even while in the store,” Speedy says, “I’m dancing. Sometimes I hear a beat and I have to dance.” Besides dancing, each member explains that he loves doing everyday boy things such as “playing 2K and basketball.” Other members of this KTM family, Chico and Prince Kyyo, both agree that KTM is not just a group but a brotherhood. Kyyo further explains that they all “stand together, no matter what. We might get into a couple of arguments, but we are still going to stand tall at the end of the day.” Chico explains that he can’t say he has a part in KTM because “KTM is not a group. It’s a family of young African-American males who all have different talents. We manage to stay together just by trusting and listening to each other.” The message that KTM wants to leave behind is “be humbled, be yourself and stop the violence.” This group, family, brotherhood, dance group, or whatever you may
call it, will leave a legacy. With the parties, dancing and acting, KTM is taking over the industry one step at a time. Pick up your phone and research this group. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @PremoKTM. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the parties, laughter and fun.
UP-AND-COMING ARTIST Uvay Takes Center Stage BY RUSSELL GARCIA, SENIOR, BOGAN
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vay knew he had a love for music early—around age 11—after taking part in school musicals. Since then, the pop/R&B singer has gone on to become the next big thing to come out of his native state of New Jersey. He considers his sound to be different than most of the current artists in rotation. “I have a certain unique flow, and the way I sing, it has a different style that makes me stand out,” he says. Uvay is confident that he will be known as a great artist in the near future. When asked about the artists who have influenced him most, Uvay’s response is the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, and Usher, another one of his favorites. Like MJ and Usher, the singer wants to have a successful career in the music industry. His professional goals are to “go on tour, open up for a major artist and have a successful album.” To jump-start his career, Uvay became a contestant on the talent competition shows “The X Factor” and “The Next Teen Superstar,”, a project from multiplatinum songwriter/producer, Sean “The Pen” Garrett. Uvay is also an ambassador for the national tobacco-free teen organization Fresh Empire in the NJ/ NY region. He
has performed at a variety of locations, including Six Flags Great Adventure, Teen Clubs and the Mall at Short Hill in New Jersey. Uvay’s single is titled “Ain’t Like Me” and can be heard on Soundcloud. The official video for “Ain’t Like Me” is on YouTube with over 13,500 views. His debut EP, Never Change, is slated for a 2017 release. His most recent video, “Trouble,” can also be seen on YouTube. To stay connected, go visit Uvay’s website at Iamuvay.com. Twitter & Instagram: @Iamuvay TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 43
TEEN BIZ
Tips on Paying for College: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT BY NIA HILL, FRESHMAN, HOWARD UNIVERSITY
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aying for school is tough. Fortunately for me, tuition and room and board are the least of my worries. The college I’m attending, Howard University, awarded me a full scholarship covering tuition and fees, but additional scholarships made up for the rest of my expenses. As another school year starts, it’s time to learn other ways to become financially independent. In this column, I will discuss saving and investing. Let’s start with the different ways to save. There are savings accounts, which many of you are familiar with, and certificates of deposit (CD). The latter will earn you a higher interest, but you have to agree to keep your money in the CD for a certain amount of time. Once you start building your savings, it is time to start investing. Why invest? Think about how many Apple or NIKE products you own. Rather than just buying these items, why not own a portion of these companies? There are three different types of investments: •Stocks: These are shares in the ownership of a company, aka shareholder. Stock represents a claim on the company’s assets and earnings. As an owner, you are entitled to your share of the company’s earnings, and the value of your stock may rise or fall with the performance of the company, among other factors.
Applying for scholarships is imperative during your senior year. They’re helpful in not only keeping you from stressing about finances during the school year, but also after you graduate from college. Unfortunately, despite the pros of scholarships, young people still aren’t taking advantage of the opportunities to get free money! According to America’s Debt Help Organization, about 60 percent of college students will graduate with student loan debt. More often than not, families can’t support their scholars financially. With the cost of education increasing, state support is decreasing, so students can’t afford to ignore these opportunities. When starting the scholarship application remember the following: Reserve time to apply for scholarships. Balancing school and extracurricular activities is already
challenging; however, you have to set aside time to apply for financial aid if you want to be really effective. START EARLY! The early bird really does get the worm. You’ll have tons of time to work on perfecting your essays and your scholarship application will be done in a timely manner as long as you apply sooner rather than later in the game. Do your research. Some scholarships will be recommended to you, but most you will have to find on your own. Use scholarship engines such as Cappex, JLV College Counseling, College Greenlight, or if you’re a CPS student, CPS Academic Works to help you find scholarships. Get recommendation letters early. If you’re starting your application early, you should begin asking for your letters around the same time. Regardless of who you’re asking, be considerate of their time and give them a real chance to write a solid letter. It can often make or break your chance. Don’t settle for less. You just won your first scholarship for $500. Congrats! But don’t stop there. Keep applying for scholarships. Every penny counts.
•Bonds: They are a form of a debt security, similar to an I.O.U., where you are lending money to a government, corporation or other entity known as an issuer. In return for that money, the issuer promises to pay you interest and to return your money on a set future date.
HOW TO Save Money in College
•Mutual Funds: They are investment pools run by professional managers who research investment opportunities and select the stocks, bonds or other investments they think are best suited for the mutual fund.
ollege is an exciting experience and a costly one. Every year, in an attempt to be ready for the challenges of a higher education, many incoming freshman spend unnecessarily. But, you don’t have to be that financially struggling student. While you’re in school this year, keep the following in mind:
Before investing, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, sec.gov, to review quarterly and annual reports filed by public companies. I highly encourage you to consider investing a portion of your savings in order to become more financially independent.
Kurt Summers Chicago City Treasurer
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 USA, N.A. and State Farm Insurance Companies®. 44 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
BY CLARK LEWIS, SOPHOMORE, MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE
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•Create a budget for yourself using CollegeBudgetBuilder.org. Ration your funds to establish your affordability, and manage where your money is going. “Ideally, a budget should not restrict your spending,” says Assistant City Treasurer Luis Frausto. “[It should instead] make you a more ‘conscious’ spender.” •Familiarize yourself with your school’s financial aid office and how it works. Allow the financial aid counselor to help ensure you’re getting the most out of your reward. Be sure to check for a book voucher in your reward details, and make buying textbooks a last resort. Chegg, College Book Rentals and Knetbooks are good sites to visit to find discounted textbooks and rentals. More often than not, your school’s library may have the book you need.
Check it out for as long as they allow, or make copies of the pages. •Take advantage of the INROADS, MLT and SEO Careers internship programs. They connect students with companies, provide professional training, internships and job opportunities. •Given that the average student can spend up to $11,000 per year on expenses, according to the site Love To Know, it can be beneficial to save money by utilizing student discounts and coupons. Research businesses that offer discounts and take full advantage of the coupons. Sites such as RetailMeNot.com provide coupons and price comparison for items at popular stores as well. •Take advantage of deals. Department stores, such as Target, have programs allowing college students to ship purchases directly to colleges for no charge. Many colleges also have a recycling center where graduates can dump their unwanted items. This is a great place to find used dorm room decor and furniture for free or at discounted prices.
College BUDGETING & Saving BY KALIAH LITTLE, FRESHMAN, BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
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udgeting your money and knowing how it’s spent is important in order to save, but many people do not do it. According to a 2013 Gallup survey, only 32 percent of U.S. households prepare a monthly budget. This is even more evident among college students. The percentage of students who said they planned to follow a budget dropped more than 10 percent between 2012 and 2014, according to U.S. News & World Report. As the cost of college steadily rises, it has become more important to learn how to manage money. Here are some quick and easy steps to successful budgeting. In order to create a budget you must assess your current spending. Track your spending by keeping your receipts or reviewing your bank statement and then breaking down your expenses into categories, such as:
•Food/Incidentals •Eating Out/Entertainment •Auto •Telephone Differentiate your wants and the needs: A need is something that has to be bought to live verses a want, which is for personal enjoyment. Create a preliminary budget, addressing how much money you should spend on these categories, according to your income.
Set goals! Some short-term goals may be:
•Saving $1,000 in an emergency savings fund •Putting 10 percent of each paycheck in a savings account •Paying off your credit card balances in 12 months It is also important to create a “broke zone or red zone.” This is the lowest amount that you feel comfortable having in your bank account at any given time. When you get close to that red zone number, it lets you know to put the brakes on your spending. Graduate student Jasmith Joseph has seen a lot of success in her life because of her budgeting skills. “As an adult, budgeting has helped prioritize my spending,” says Joseph, who doesn’t spend a penny on leisure until her needs have been met. Create your own college budget at collegebudgetbuilder.org.
Why CREDIT Matters BY HECTOR LOPEZ, HAROLD WASHINGTON COLLEGE, IIT UNIVERSITY
H
ave you thought about buying a house or car when you’re older? It sounds great, but the reality is that those purchases require a very expensive process. And it’s much harder if you have bad credit! Credit refers to money you borrow so you can make purchases, buy a car, a home or pay for college. When you borrow money or use credit, you generally must pay off the money that you borrowed plus interest, which is money that is charged to the borrower for the privilege of using the lender’s money. The time to learn about credit is now! According to Consolidated Credit, 78 percent of college students had at least one credit card. Nearly 40 percent of freshman in college sign up for credit cards, and almost 20 percent of students get them in high school. Obtaining credit is not that scary, if you start out by gradually building credit. Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Scores of over 749 are generally considered the best. Paying ALL of your bills on time, keeping the amount of credit you use low and not applying for too many credit cards at once are a few things you can do to build your credit. Be sure to check your credit report for any fraud or errors, even if you haven’t used credit yet. Check your credit at annualcreditreport.com.
Many students may ask, “What if I have bad credit? How does that affect me?” Here is the story of Sol Ortiz, an old co-worker of mine. Ortiz’s husband had extremely bad credit, which affected her as well. “We couldn’t purchase anything. Every time they ran his credit, he never qualified. To buy our house was hard because the bank did not want to give us a loan,” Ortiz says. “At times, we had to ask his parents to co-sign for us.” To learn more about credit, visit econcouncil.org (Programs/Get Real/Credit) or consumer.ftc.gov (Credit and Loans).
Bad credit can make car insurance, mortgages, credit cards and car loans more expensive or unattainable. Be responsible for yourself and your money! TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 45
Ladies of Virtue
HONORS
ITS FUTURE LEADERS
BY DONOVAN POWELL, JUNIOR, ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP
D
uring their annual awards ceremony, The Ladies of Virtue (LOV) honored and recognized the winners of the organization’s Business Plan Competition for the fifth year in front of family members and close friends. Three of the winners of the competition were Jessica Banks from Perspectives Joslin, Deja Taylor from Noble Street College Prep and Destinee Bronson from Xavier University in Louisiana. The girls made bags filled with toiletries and handed them out to women at the shelter Deborah’s Place. When asked about their experience and their feelings on their victory, they all seemed to be very excited. “It feels nice, but it’s better to be there,” Banks says. Taylor said she was really excited, and she didn’t expect to win. Because Ladies of Virtue helps make sure their girls are on the right track for their futures, True Star asked the winners of the competition what they had in mind for their future goals. Banks, a sophomore in high school, says that for the next few years, she would like to stay in the LOV program and eventually go to college. Taylor, a junior, says that she’s interested in the Air Force and that she isn’t thinking of herself but of the country she wants to dutifully serve and protect. Bronson, a college freshman, wants to become a forensic engineer after she graduates and ultimately work for the FBI. Jamila Trimuel, the founder and program director of LOV, was pleased with the night’s turnout. She felt that the outcome of the event was amazing, especially because she was able to honor the 92 girls in the program and highlight all of the mentors and participants who went above and beyond this year. “Our high school students participated in our LOV Cares program where they created a LOV Gives Back Day at Deborah’s Place to give back to woman who are affected by homelessness,” Trimuel explains. “Each group decided on how they would give back based on what they were passionate about. For example, 46 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
one group created customized journals. Another group focused on creating a positive self-image. The winning group, Just A Token, created blessing bags full of hygiene products and had an interactive booth at the LOV Gives Back Day that the ladies really enjoyed. The participants of Just A Token included: Jessica Banks, Zarria Bailey, Destinee Bronson, Deja Taylor, Alexis Jackson and Naomi Evans. We partnered with the Project Management Institute to teach the girls about project management skills. In addition, we collaborated with the YWCATechGyrls program where they learned best practices for creating a PowerPoint and developed a video about homelessness.” For more information about Ladies of Virtue, contact Trimuel at jtrimuel@lovirtue. com or visit LOVChicago.org.
STAR MOGUL
Shauntierra Wilson
PROMOTES POSITIVE CHANGE TO HER PEERS BY ARTEJA BENSON, JUNIOR, MORGAN PARK
S
hauntierra Wilson has achieved a lot in her young life. Besides being a senior at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Ill., she is already an author, entrepreneur, a radio show host and was named the winner of the spokesmodel competition in the National American Miss Illinois Pageant. Wilson’s love for writing came as a result of a form of therapeutic self-expression. “Growing up in middle school, I was bullied to the point of not even wanting to get up and go to school in the morning,” Wilson explains. “I never wanted to get school authority or my mom in the mix of anything for fear of making the situation worse, so I began to express myself through words on paper, writing poems and short stories. I let my sixth grade teacher read some of my work, and she, along with my mom, encouraged me to get my work published. After a year of revising, True Survivor was ready for purchase by my 16th birthday.” True Survivor follows the story of 16-year-old Jasmine Daniels, who grew up without her father in her life. Wilson describes the novel as “a book mainly about loving the skin you’re in and not needing validation from anyone to know you’re beautiful; but bullying, STDs and teen pregnancy are mentioned throughout the novel.”
“INNER-CITY YOUTH CAN HELP STOP THE VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO BY EDUCATING OTHER YOUTH ON HOW TO MORE EFFECTIVELY HANDLE THEIR ANGER AND DAY-TO-DAY STRUGGLES.” — SHAUNTIERRA WILSON
Aside from writing, Wilson also has a radio show called “Teens with Voices” on Intellectual Radio. Pageantry actually helped her become interested in radio. She said, “Competing in pageantry is just as beneficial as participating in a sport. Throughout the pageant I learned how to speak in front of a crowd of people with confidence. Public speaking is huge in pageantry because there’s an interview/ introduction competition in National American Miss and before the pageant you have to go around your community promoting your platform, which has helped shape my future as a radio host and motivational speaker.” In the spirit of motivation, Wilson created Epic Destiny Youth Foundation for girls ages 5 to 18. The foundation helps young girls build their self-confidence and encourages them to go after their dreams. “When I was bullied, all I had was a pen and paper,” Wilson says. “Hopefully these girls have a new support system and lifelong friends.” If that’s not enough to keep her busy, Wilson also uses her voice to inspire youth to create a better Chicago. “Inner-city youth can help stop the violence in Chicago by educating other youth on how to more effectively handle their anger and day-today struggles. … I’ve noticed that teenagers are heavily influenced by their peers. If they saw other teens taking initiative, we can really make a change.” In the future, Wilson sees herself as being a positive change in society by working as an actress, broadcast journalist or even a TV show host. Until then, she will continue promoting self-love through her novel. True Survivor is available at Amazon. TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 47
YOUNG LUV
What Are YOU
WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR YOUR BAE? BY LAILAH WEBSTER, SOPHOMORE, GARY COMER COLLEGE PREP
FOR THE LOVE OF BAE
Twitter poll results for what partners are willing to change. CHANGE YOUR DIET – 46% CHANGE YOUR FASHION STYLE – 34% CHANGE YOUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE – 10% CHANGE YOUR RELIGION – 10%
M
ore often than not, people get into relationships without truly knowing their new partner. As time passes and both parties get to learn more about each other, some challenges may arise. Because you have feelings for your bae, you accept him or her for who they are. When this happens, you may find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone. If your partner is dedicated to you, he or she should be willing to make a sacrifice for the relationship. You should be willing to do the same. But are there limits on what you are willing to give up for love? Many people would go as far as changing their personal style or even giving up friendships just to see a smile on a partner’s face. Some won’t change anything at all. True Star ran a poll on Twitter asking how far people would go when it comes to changing themselves for their partner. Of those that voted, 46 percent said the most they would change would be their diet; 34 percent said they would change their fashion style; and there was a tie for religion and physical appearance, which only 10 percent of people agreed to change. Amber Henderson, a sophomore from Kenwood Academy, shares with True Star that she is open to change if it means pleasing the person she cares about. “I 48 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
would change myself for someone when I know my actions, the way I’m handling a situation, is wrong or even if the way I’m talking to [my partner] is wrong.” Henderson went on to say that she would do whatever she needed to do to keep her relationship on its feet without changing her true self. Some people feel like changing themselves would defeat the purpose in being in a relationship. Imanii Uwakwe, also a sophomore from Kenwood, states, “I honestly feel as though my partner shouldn’t even want me to change. Take me or leave me.” Changes can lead to more drama, which can result in further things such as a breakup. “Changes in a relationship can be negative because more problems could occur in the relationship due to the change that transpired, which could more than likely lead to more arguments,” says Uwakwe. Changes and sacrifices can either break or make a relationship. If the sacrifices you make don’t alter you to the point of self-destruction, then stick it out and make the most of the relationship. But, if you feel that there is something about your partner you can’t deal with or vice versa, then it’s time to get real about your union. Parting ways may be the best thing to do. Only you can decide what is right for you.
So, What ARE We? BY JOCELYN CAIN, SENIOR, KENWOOD
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ove is something almost everyone experiences growing up. That happy feeling of having a special someone you can’t live without is addictive. But teen relationships aren’t always easy. Sometimes love doesn’t occur only between a boyfriend and a girlfriend. Sometimes two best friends may love each other but are afraid to admit it. Sometimes a couple shares an unspoken bond that only they can understand. We often become content with that special spark and don’t want to do anything to ruin it. So we try to avoid putting a label on the relationship. What we tend to avoid is the question, “What are we?” Labels can either make or break a connection. They clarify murky courtships and they often motivate you to make a step toward — or away from — that special person. That’s a scary, but often necessary, place to be. These days, the “talking” stage is more familiar than an actual relationship. It’s that delicate time right after meeting a person you like but right before getting into a relationship. We label other relationships too: “friends with benefits,” “friends that flirt” and the “we cool” stage (when one of you is ready for more but the other party isn’t). Defining your relationship status often brings expectations with it. But most teens fear “claiming” someone and then ultimately getting hurt by that person. Girls,
who are usually more open to expressing feelings, may need to ask “What are we?” Guys, however, may avoid the question to maintain a cool image and not look too “attached.” But if you really care about a person, why not just tell him or her? Aiyana Hinton, a senior at Kenwood Academy, says knowing where you stand is important in dating. “I can relate to putting a label on something because sometimes saying ‘we talk’ isn’t enough,” she says. “When a boy or girl knows that, they might think, ‘Oh I’m free to talk to other people since we’re not in a relationship.’ ” Urban Prep senior Isaiah Hawkins thinks the expectations are clearer when you define your status. “If we’re not together, then I can’t get mad at what you do and you can’t get mad at what I do,” he says. “If we are talking and we’re feeling each other, and you don’t like it when I talk to other people, we should just be together.” Nobody wants to end up with a broken heart, and Hinton says commitment is key in deciding what your relationship status is. “I’m not saying jump right into that relationship stage,” she says, “but know where each other’s head is.” If people see a couple together and ask about it, “saying ‘we talk’ just seems weird,” Hinton adds. “If I want somebody to know [he’s] mine, I want to say, ‘That’s my boyfriend.’” TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 49
INSIDE & OUT
FRUITS & VEGGIES:Your Personal Beauty System BY TRINITI MAYE, JUNIOR, DEVRY UNIVERSITY ADVANTAGE ACADEMY
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eauty products can be expensive, and nothing is worse than spending $30 or more on something that doesn’t work. There is an easier way to get the skin and hair you desire. How? Fruits and vegetables, that’s how. To achieve healthy skin and hair, try these remedies that work from the inside as well as the outside.
LEMON JUICE CLEANSE
According to Livestrong.com, lemon juice can prevent oil buildup and control acne. Lemons contain a natural astringent and antibacterial agents, which help to remove dead skin cells fast and prevent clogged pores. The first step is to wash your face with water and a mild soap. Then cut a lemon and squeeze into a bowl. Next, dip a cotton ball into the juice, squeeze off excess juice, and apply the cotton ball to the troubled spots. Wait 10 minutes and wash with cold water; repeat these steps twice a day.
BOILED SWEET POTATOES
Stylecraze.com offers at-home remedies using sweet potatoes. This vegetable is considered a superfood and can be used topically for both hair and skin. Place dry, cracked feet inside the warm water used to boil sweet potatoes, which are a good source of vitamins B6, C and D. Soak feet for about 10 minutes, then dry and moisturize. Eating sweet potatoes can also help improve your complexion and help with hair growth.
SPINACH
You can kiss dry, brittle hair goodbye, but only if you say hello to spinach. The leafy vegetable is full of vitamins A and C as well as iron, beta-carotene and folate. According to webmd.com, when you add this veggie to your diet, these nutrients work together to ensure a healthy scalp and prevent damage to your hair.
WATERMELON MASK
If your skin is starting to look dull and feel rough, then thebeautybean.com suggests trying a DIY watermelon face mask. You will need 1 teaspoon of water and lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of Greek yogurt. Mix the ingredients together and apply to your face. Let the mask stay on your face for 10 minutes, then wash it off. The lactic acid from the yogurt will exfoliate, and the watermelon will hydrate your skin. 50 TRUE STAR MAGAZINE
BROCCOLI & CARROT NAILS
In order for your nails to grow, they need iron, and broccoli has plenty. Iron boosts red blood cells and it also increases the oxygen level of tissue. Without iron, your nails will break easily and become pale. If they still manage to grow, they will grow with ridges on their surface, instead of a smooth surface. For an improvement in the appearance of your nails, Top10remedies.com recommends eating a small portion of carrots daily. They contain lots of vitamin A, which prevents nails from becoming dry and dull. Before you go and spend your money on facial masks and hair products that are loaded with chemicals that aren’t guaranteed to work, look around your kitchen and see what fruits and vegetables can help with your particular problem. Do your research. Your body will thank you for making the healthier choice.
“I’M RUNNING LATE FOR
“MOM...WHY ARE YOU TEXTING?”
WORK AND IT’S A LOT GOING ON, BUT DON’T WORRY ABOUT THAT.”
“BUT WE COULD GET
“WE ARE NOT GOING
HURT. YOU KNOW THAT’S
TO GET HURT, I AM THE
DRIVING INTEXTICATED.”
PERFECT DRIVER.”
6 years later... “BRANDON... YOU ALMOST RAN THAT LIGHT!”
“I SEE, I SEE I’M PAYING ATTENTION.”
“NO YOU’RE DISTRACTED
“I’VE LEARNED IT FROM
BECAUSE OF THAT PHONE!
YOU ALL OF THESE YEARS
YOU NEED TO STOP
MOM, YOU SHOULD TAKE
TEXTING AND DRIVING”
YOUR OWN ADVICE.”
Don’t Drive Intexticated. Practice Safe Text. Parents Take Your Own Advice. TRUE STAR’S TEEN SAFE DRIVING PROGRAM IS POSSIBLE DUE TO A DONATION MADE BY