The Bridge Magazine Volume II, Issue II by Bridgeland Student Media BSM

May 25, 2021

POLICIES General The publication has been established as a designated public forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to the audience. Student editors make all content decisions. The Bridge is a publication of Bridgeland High School Advanced Newspaper I, II and III students. The opinions expressed in this forum do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Complaints/Concerns Any complaint, correction or letter to the editor should be formally submitted via email to samantha. berry@cfisd.net. We reserve the right to grammatically correct letters to the editor or trim to fit allotted space, Per Bridgeland Student Media policy, all corrections will run immediately. Professional Organizations The Bridge is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Advertising Policy The staff reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for a high school publication, including illegal products or services. In cases involving political advertising, efforts will be made to solicit all points of view.

THE STAFF Kaiya Little, Editor-in-Chief Joleigh Underwood, Magazine Editor Tommy Yarrish, Online Editor Della Fowler, Photo/Graphics Editor Olivia Masterson, Multimedia Editor Ashtyn Haggard, News Editor Emma Zwick, Features Editor Ashton Lux, Sports Editor Liz Kemsley, Lifestyles Editor Alfred Dozier, Ent./Opinion Editor Cameron Armer Michael Burns Madison Clay Brooke Gamble Juliana Kawaja Brianna Keller Grace Kirkley Braden Murray Hailey Poggemoeller Courtney Smith Haylie Stum Matthias Talbert Charleigh Thomas Alex Vanderlaan Ryleigh Wilson Carley Zeigler Samantha Berry, adviser

From the

Editor As an outspoken student myself, student voice has always been an important topic to me. In just the past few years, our generation has participated in walkouts, started entire movements on social media, and advocated for a vast majority of topics spreading from climate change to BLM. We are the first to grow up in the world of instant news and viral movements… which can be a double-edged sword. Social media allows us to stay informed with politics, promote our own platforms, and spread information important to us, but it’s also highly uncharted territory and potentially dangerous. Our voices are now permanent. One opinion online has the power to ruin lives. So what is student speech in the age of social media? It certainly isn’t what it used to be. Should students be punished in school for the things they say online? Should schools use social media to promote

professionalism? Should social media companies be regulated? These are all questions that are crucial to our generation’s voice, yet we don’t fully have the answers. Our history is being written as we speak and social media is still in its infancy. Scary. So how do we exist in this new space, a space no generation has been in before? Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know that our voices need to be heard, and we shouldn’t shy away from social media just because of the impending threats that surround having a public platform. Again, free speech defines America. And free speech should define social media, as well. So retweet that activist’s post and go live on Instagram to talk about what’s important to you. We have such a unique opportunity as teenagers that no other generation has had. We don’t have to become adults to get our voice out- we can start now. This magazine is a testament to the student voice and the power of free speech. Every story in here is the sum of a student’s story, a student’s opinion. Let’s reflect on the importance of our voice and the powerful contributions this generation has already made, and will continue to make. Happy reading.

MAGAZINE EDITOR

E DI TO R’ S L E T T E R

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

04-07

20-25

WAKING THE DEN A summary of boys soccers’ historic season and what made this year’s team so special (page 4); Houston sports fans have many reasons to hang their heads low (page 5); Discussing the gender gap in sports from the NBA to the high school courts (page 6-7)

THE FUN STUFF What are fandoms? They’re awesome, that’s what they are (page 20); The cutest plushies everyone is crushing over, plus a guide to consuming and producing fanfiction (page 21); How to understand the world’s most popular band on a deeper level (page 22); Reviewing the lengthy new Justice League (page 23); Your local Asian Supermarket has great finds only available there plus a taste of vibrant culture taking the world by storm (page 24-25)

#sports

#entertain

08-11

26-31

GET TO KNOW THEM Senior Hannah Everage has a lot on her plate, and still kills it (page 8); A spotlight on the founders of QSA (page 9); Some appreciation for Bridgeland’s best friends (page 10-11)

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE Sending off our seniors with some advice from the one’s who have seen it all (page 26); Bridgeland’s top selfstarter gives insight to his success and what steps to take when building a career in high school (page 27); Why diet culture is a toxic mentality and how to avoid falling into those traps (page 28-29); An in-depth discussion defining implicit bias and recognizing its dangers (page 30); A student’s religion rich in unique traditions have helped her find her own originality (page 32)

#features

#opinion

Inside M AY 2021

12-19 #news

THE RUNDOWN Predictions about the vaccine and its impact on travel (page 12); TikTok is taking over the world, and our students (page 13); How open-note testing has changed the way we study (page 14-15); Why student voice is important and how to identify social media snares like echo chambers and censorship (page 16-17); Neurodivergent learners and using people-first language (page 18-19)

TA BL E O F CON T E N T S

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

HEADING TO THE TOP BOYS SOCCER PROGRAM SCORES IMPRESSIVE PLAYOFF RUN GOING SIX ROUNDS

Story by Cameron Armer

ROUND 3 VS MACARTHUR 3-1 WIN Bridgeland started off the first half very slow with little realisation they were in the playoffs going 1-0 down from a set piece. A half time team talk seemed to wake up the squad and everyone from the bench to the field was energetic and battling for every ball no matter what. After a bit of Senior magic from Ethan Anderson magic down the sideline a seemingly hopeful ball slipped through the gloves off the goalkeeper and a cool composed finish from Ian Inigo at the back post saw them go level. After the Bears pilled on the pressure they eventually got a second through another Jacob James penalty and Ethan Hajdik with a thumping back post volley to secure the win and to put the Bears through to another round of playoffs.

CH L A ND A C S SS S R E R S LOSE ACE LO LAC PL TP S T S A L A L PO TS S R R O SP OO S LA P E LAM SATION C C U A C S C S A LO D E DE A D R A TR ST R E E T H A C E L CH ANDA RS E SC S LO E C A ST PL A L TS R O P OR ROUND 2 VS THE WOODLANDS ROUND 1 VS TOMBALL S O P 1-0 WIN 4-1 WIN MEsystem, TIO Apress When you pile on aL high Going into the very first playoff soccer SA you leave gaps in your defence and game in the history of Bridgeland High U C eventually leave dangerous attackers C School the fans expected a tighter game. SS A O L open. But after a rotational switch from In the first half the Bears weren’t afraid to ED DCorrales Cristian Ornelas to WingerA Andy commit men forward. TR R Tgoal of the nightEwith S saw the first and only They also wanted to play a high R Tthe top beautiful footwork and a curlerA into press against a defence that wasn’t too Hin E left saw the crowd erupt happiness and CH C technical. (With Varsity captain Brady L A all the subs sprinted to Corrales with pure Drozdowski opening the scoring inside the D N joy on their faces. first minute after a great corner from Ryan SC SCA The second half saw a change ofERS Riddle). A great counter attack matched S OThey formation from The Woodlands. with an even greater finish from Ethan L E C A switched to a three back great defending Hajdik that arrows into the top left corner. L P Trunning by Brady Drozdowski and a lot of The third goal was a penalty by Jacob S A L SL by Roberto Alvarez,Jacob James and James that he put smartly above the T R Cristian Ornelas in the midfield. PO goalkeeper. The Bears conceded late into S (After abit more catching practice for the second half but a astonishing run from EP M Johan Osuna and some crosses that A Ryan Riddle saw him net a great goal and L needed claiming). top of a great playoff performance. US C C A ROUND 4 VS SACHSE ROUND 5 VS ROCKWALL HEATH ED D A 3-3 WIN 1-1, 4-1 LOST ON PENALTY SHOOTOUT TR After a long journey the Bears were Rockwall heath starts quick and gets TE ready and after two quick goals by Jacob a throw in and it looks to be cleared butHEA C James and 2 Sachse instant replies some miscommunication from the defense A everything was level. Jacob James had causes rockwall heath to go 1-0 up. Brid- AND C the opportunity to put Bridgeland up but geland kept the ball with Rockwall S Heath he missed a crucial penalty. Ryan Riddle staying disciplined. And not pressing high OSE scored the rebound but Sachse didn’t give they are covering passing lines and keep-L up and another penalty which they scored. ing Bridgeland pinned in their half. Which TP After extra time, everything was level then forces them to play a long ball. SoLaAS so as the penalties started the Sachse simple through ball and cool weak footed O goalkeeper made some outstanding finish puts the game level. Rock wall goal- SP saves. But the outfield players can’t seem keeper saves three penalties in a row and LA to score the penalties but the Bridgeland wins it for his team. players make them count. It’s all down to A Braden Mcanear. If he scores Bridgeland win he sets the ball down and rifles the ball into the bottom left. TR CH S P ORT S 04 B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM SC

the big

S L E A T A HEA AL CHE DAL CH CANDA ERS SC LOSERS E LOSER S OS S ND AN CE L R LAC LAST A C A E E P S L C S C S P T S LAS PORTS SER LACE LO AST PLA S LAST R O S L O T R T O S L P R P O CE ME IONS AST PORTS OR SPO OOR SP E POOR L A L S P M NS AT A ORT POOR S ME PO E O S L I M U T S A A S C N L AME IONS LA TIONS USATIO S ACCUS LOSS AC DED LOS S C SA AT C S U A LOS RADED RS TRA TER C U A S C D C E S E A T LO CH AND TE AD SS S A L D R R O E A E T L E H ED LC EAT AND ERS SC S RAD EATERS A T H C D S C S N L S R S O H EATE NDAL C SCANDA ERS SCA E LOSER LACE LO PLACE L P S C P A T T S S SC LOSER LACE LO AST PLA S LAST RTS LAS RTS LAS E O L P RT O PLAC TS LAST SPORTS OR SPO OOR SPO OOR SP POOR SP E P P O R SPO E POOR LAME P S LAME S LAME NS LAME NS LAM S N N AM AT TIO IO N O O L S A T I I O S T T A U S I A S A ON CUSAT CCUS US CU CCU SS ACC D C C A C A S A WITHOSS A GRAPPLES E S LO S D S O S L S A S ACHOUSTON D L O R O E D L ED D L SPORT EDDRAMA, E DLOSSES ADE S TRAD ATERS T L CHE D D A R PRO T A A R T R TR ER S RS HE DforA S S T E S R C N A T E R L E A T A E ecent divisions between star although they were left with a During this period T A C Ssports, CHMorey ANDA ER HE CHEdumpsterDfire Las Daryl S S HEA Aplayers Houston sports Houston fans have Cand L R A O C E L A L D OS many emotions D organizations SS areN highlighting the Cstepped AN downSandE[Russell] CEand opinionsPonLAC L R N A A E S L A C C S P C major issues S and losses within Houston Westbrook and Harden have the events that have occurred, O A STin the L T R L L A S E RSthe past few P E L S E A sports over years. left. The [George] Springer and what should happen T C L S LO TS TS S LAdeparture hurts AS R R E L O O E LO Houston C sports have been andT areP for the Astros ORT future. Venkatesan said that S P P A S L a rough patch. S RTgot to keep [Michael] Pthrough SP R Sthe fanbase LATeams going but hasR a right to be Othey T R O O OO P S S O O O S P T A P P O R L are notSchampionship E contenders, Brantley. Still a net negative. As disappointed. R P the ownership E PO E PTexans M MEand OO LfarAasMtheETexans, AorM L A A S star players want to leave, “You get rid of key players don’t L L R S N O S S N O M I O S N N O quarterback Deshaun Watson faces over organization could not have handled it know how to hold onto them and you A T I P L allogationsTagainst T ON worse,” SA TIO said.SATIO wind Sassault I S A U N 20 sexual Venkatesan upA with a fan baseC that has nothing S A U CC O I S U U C C A T C C U C A S A him and there are issues within the With the losses of Houston icons such to root for. However, we are in a city that C C C A S organizations A A as James SSand the tickets S JJ lovesLitsOsports OSto ACthat sportsOfans Lseem S S S S S like junior Harden, George Springer, S O D L S O RA E D L L T O E D D L S E D D D Marcos Flores have opinions about. Watt and possibly DeShaun Watson, sell themselves,” Venkatesan said. A E the teams E hard to replace D D “Obviously, ER TR A RA T AD ADit’s R S those are entering a S newTphase, With all of the losses and drama A T R R R E AL T T E S R H D T E S S R C good memories, especially with [James] especially in the competitive aspect. This within the Houston sports teams and N A T E R R E organizations, T A E HardenEand EA ALthere is stillSa bright TtheERockets, butHweEA H C A D S C haven’t phase isH defined as a rebuilding phase, C N L H C A L R accordingEto LOS A E L A D won a championship. The Texans haven’t with new players and approach to the SCoutcome for these teams, S A D N AL C O Ddivisional round, S Flores.E L Rprior. Nthe AC E made itA past game that different fromS years SCisA L CAsoNI R C S P C T S O A S S T S L A S E S R mean it can’t really get worse from here,” Having success in rebuilding leads to PL “We [Houston teams] were never really E L S E A R T the dominant E Flores said. TSthe O S Lteam. We were LAC and S competition gameplay, never ASwhile LOS ACE LO good R T L P R O E T P P C O Tto loss of fans Lplayers have hurtLASpoor rebuilding S S losses of key leads and Chiefs or the Patriots. We were never the P R P S R R O PLAtheTheorganizations T R O O S and fanbases performance. Warriors. the Lakers. We O O OWe were never SP TofSthe poor P P O R LAteams. R P E O E O S ME P Houston According to Udaya “Basically the Rockets are already never dominated a certain era, at least for E T M M O A S L A A M P L L R OR Venkatesan, A S E L I think they’re OcommunityLmember S and soTthere’s and doing S a rebuild. just this last decade, Sa Nreally no AT O N N O AM I P N O O I I E O parent of Bridgeland students, there are couple of good picks away that they have way to go down,” Flores said. “Obviously S T T A S I A S A U T N S S A U C AMstill positives O I S U U C C looking forward for these gotten. Texans are still not officially in the we have amazing memories with James C going to Harden C but it’s most U are rebuild AWatson, AM Clikely Cphase, Cteams ACand possibly S SAT butScityAsport A A C S S U organizations, Deshaun S S S O L C L LO but I think OS if Deshaun D AC still stuckLinOtheSnegativesEforDnow.LOS happen N justLbecause Watson we are on to a greater eraS if E D O I E D D D off-season A SA AT DE gets traded, E“Well, moves it’s D time to rebuild. TR weA can correctly rebuild.” D are just partRAofficially A S U D R U C T R A S Tto There’sEstill R of the business. S seem a lot left to do but I’d say they ER SWall, SoutTonThetopRockets Rrebuild ACC OSS AC LO T R R A T E S E have come with [John] are in the phase right now,” Flores E T T S A L EA LO HEsaid. AL CH ED D H HEA[Christian] C E Wood and [Stephen] L Silas D D C E D A L A D D A R TE DA TR ND AN ORTSS TRAB H ST H E B RRI DS ST A R E E G E . C OM H T CAN RS SCA ERS SC TESPR E 05 EAT LC EA A A H S E E D SC H C S O H C N L L S C LO A L R A E L A D C SC SE

STORY AND DESIGN BY ALEX VANDERLAAN

DER EQUA LIT Y

AN IN-DE

S RT

PT H

K O

G EN T A

O SP

PL A

F A G IR N IY T DI

O EE ZIN A BY AG JO L EIGH UNDERWOOD, M

he gender gap in sports has been a topic of discussion for many years surrounding professional leagues, but that isn’t the only place this gap is present. My interest in this story first started after the NCAA tournament TikToks went viral, and it made me realize there is a disparity of treatment on every level, including college and high school. Salaries are a huge talking point when looking at the gap in professional sports, but there are also significant differences in spending and budgets for high school programs across the country. From just plain observation and research, it’s become clear that the gap that begins in the professional world eventually trickles its way down to us. Women’s professional sports are less popular, and now girls sports in schools get less attention too. The gender gap in sports may have started with Male professional sports generating more revenue, but it has evolved into a fundamental disparity ingrained within society. Girls

have 1.3 million less opportunities in school sports than boys. Let that sink in. So yes, biology and revenue might play a factor, but that doesn’t change the fact that girls never even get an equal chance from the start. Title XI was a great step toward gender equality in at least public schools, but it isn’t perfect either. There are little to no repercussions for violating Title XI guidelines and huge organizations such as the NCAA aren’t even liable under it. Essentially, some good things are happening for women in sports, but we have a long way to go before women have the same access to that industry as men do. It truly comes down to society’s attitude. America is supposed to be the country where you can do anything, so why is it that women pursuing sports is like swimming upstream?

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

GIRLS HAVE

1.3 MILLION

LESS OPPORTUNITIES IN HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS

THAN BOYS.

WORD FROM A PRO ONLY 8% OF WOMEN AGES 15-24 EXERCISE REGULARLY (MORE THAN FOUR TIMES A WEEK)

THERE ARE 33 WOMEN ON THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPICS COMMITTEE OUT OF 144.

20 - 30% OF COACHES ARE WOMEN

A MAN’S WORLD 92%

of sports articles are written by males according to a survey of 22 countries.

11%

of sports media coverage is dedicated to female atheletes.

In professional sports such as golf, basketball, tennis, and soccer, males make anywhere from 15 to 100% more than females. The salary cap for the WNBA is $117,500. The salary cap fro NBA players in the league for less than 10 years in 38.2 million. After that, there is no cap. In 2015, the US Womens soccer team was ranked 1st in the world compared to the US Mens team ranked 30th and generated $20 million more in revenue than the mens team, yet the womens teams salaries were 60% less.

THE HIGHEST PAID ATHLETES IN THE WORLD Serena Williams, the highestearning female athlete makes

$29.2 million/yr

HOW DO YOU THINK THAT GENDER-BASED PERCEPTIONS THAT PEOPLE HOLD AFFECT THE WAGES AND THE BUDGETS THAT GO INTO PROFESSIONAL SPORTS? “I think things are getting better on that front, we’re really starting to see that if you put women’s sports on TV people are going to watch them. If you invest in writers to cover women’s sports, you’re going to have the readership, you’re going to have the page views. Women’s soccer certainly is moving the meter; they’re a lot better than the US Men’s Team, so that helps. And then I think things like this being an Olympic year is good for women. You know, when you have Simone Biles dominating every athlete at the Olympics, she started to get a little bit more attention put on female sports. I think if your perception is always going to be that there’s not a LeBron James in women’s basketball, I think you could turn around and say the same thing; but there’s not a Breanna Stewart in the men’s game, right? I think younger people who have an appreciation for the analytics and the style and the actual game are seeing that the women’s game has elevated a lot and that is, if you look at it as its own product and stop trying to compare it to men’s basketball, it’s a very entertaining product. And we can make that separation like, stop saying women’s soccer needs to be like men’s soccer, women’s basketball needs to be like men’s basketball. They don’t have to be that way, they’re different leagues, they’re not playing against each other.”

SO, WHAT COULD WE BE DOING TO BRIDGE THIS GAP BETWEEN MALES AND FEMALES IN ATHLETICS, GOING FORWARD?

Lionel Messi, the highestearning male athlete makes

$127 million/yr Photos courtesy of WikiCommons

titles matter TITLE IX EVENS THE PLAYING FIELD Title IX was implemented as a part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and drastically changed the landscape for gender equality in schools, including regulations and guidelines regarding sports. Title IX is a big part of the genderequality in sports conversation because although it increases equality in many ways, there are also some loopholes and flaws that maintain the gap between male and female sports in schools.

Deputy Managing Editor of “The Athletic” Jenny Dial Creech sounds off on women in sports and how to overcome the gap Interview by Kaiya Little, Editor-in-chief

One double-sided coin of Title IX is its use of total program comparison, meaning it evaluates a school’s entire athletic program for each gender, not individual sports teams for each gender. This is good and bad, because on one hand it allows gender-specific sports such as softball and baseball, but on the other hand allows there to be major disparities between individual teams such as boys and girls soccer. NEWS

“You have to keep talking about it, and you can’t just say you would like things to be different, you need to watch a women’s game, you need to support a woman’s team. It’s that simple. Title Nine can only do so much. I think there’s a lot of people who pay a lot of lip service and talk about how there should be more equality and women should have all the same opportunities as men do, but do something about it. You know, care about them the same way that you care about the men’s product, if everybody did that you’d see a massive, massive turn.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

for a better purpose

SENIOR HONORS FATHER’S LEGACY WITH POSITIVE MINDSET unched over a desk, Redbull can in hand, she knows it’s going to be a long night. She needs to get this one task of many done. The hours ticking by serve only as a reminder of the weight on her shoulders. Steadily, the clock strikes midnight before racing toward the sunrise. It’s summertime and instead of hanging out with her friends, she is here. Working on what of all things? Taxes. Not out of sheer curiosity or even a last-minute economics project, but for her family. The pandemic brought on hardship and her mom needed some help. At 18 years old, senior Hannah Everage experienced a lot more than the average teenager, but she handles it with grace and gets things done. Her method is simple: positivity and acceptance. Everage has many responsibilities. She plays the role as a parent when she’s helping out her mom or little sister. At school, most of her peers recognize her as president of Photo Society or getting A’s in her dualcredit classes. She also plays the role of volunteer when it comes to working as an intern at the non-profit literacy organization called IWrite. All the things she does begins with her dad. In 2015, Everage’s father passed away after years of battling cancer. However, even in his final days, he continued working hard at his job and his church volunteer work. After he passed, Everage stepped up to help her mom take care of things around the house and look out for her sister. Because she was so young, she believes it was something that took her a long time to grasp. “I didn’t really grasp it,” Everage said, “I never really showed emotion about it but, in my head I was losing it. I was just being really logical and telling myself not to think too hard about it and I didn’t like it when people talked about him because I got really sad and didn’t want to show that I was sad.” When things get difficult for Everage, she looks back at her dad’s high school accomplishments for motivation and sees his life as a guide to success.

FE ATU R E S

“I want to make him proud even though he’s not here,” Everage said. “He was a straight A student and everyone called him a genius, so I compare myself [to him] and try to live up to that.” Even though Everage has grown from the loss, losing a parent is still arguably one of the hardest things people have to go through in life. Through the hardships she experienced from losing a parent, although it was difficult, she believes it made her who she is today. Despite minor disagreements Everage has with her mom, she really respects her for all that she’s been through. “Sometimes we butt heads, just like every other mom and daughter,” Everage said, “but I will always love her and appreciate all that she has done for my sister and I.” Another position Everage holds is vice president of National Honor Society. She had a huge fear of public speaking, so when she had to deliver a speech for her campaign, she was terrified. Now, she calls it one of her proudest accomplishments and loves helping out the community. “I really didn’t think I’d get it,” Everage said. “When I did I was just really proud of myself.” When things in her life get difficult, she relies on her best friend of seven years, senior Isabella Gracia. According to Everage, Garcia keeps her happiest and down to earth. Garcia admires Everage for her perspective on life. “She’s definitely a planner. She’s always on top of everything,” Gracia said. “It’s inspiring how busy she keeps herself, and she’ll often say she goes crazy if she doesn’t have something to do.” No matter what role Everage plays, she focuses on getting things done. She plans to continue this outlook on life after she graduates. She believes that all of her struggles are leading her to where she’s meant to be. “Everything I do, I want to do in a positive manner.” Everage said. “I don’t think anything happens for wrong reasons. I think everything happens for a reason and for a better purpose.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

With Pride

JUNIOR, SENIOR WORK TO BRING BACK QUEER-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE CLUB Story by Brianna Keller

ith Crayola markers, she colors each hue of the flag diligently, every color with its own meaning. Every tint invites a different person, from brown to blue. Her heart swells with pride when the poster, decorated with the pride progress flag of many colors, is hung for everyone to see. Finally, the club has come together. Senior Mary Frances Hughes started the Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA) club with junior Caitlin Kalb after careful planning to make the club a safe place. The first meeting occurred Jan. 12, and will held every other Tuesday in the second floor library. “I was really excited because I wanted to help make a safe place where people who are part of the LGBTQ community could openly be themselves,” Hughes said. “I just really wanted to be able to help.” When the club first started as the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club, the club struggled to advertise and get started because of backlash they faced. Hughes said people would tear down posters the GSA had hung around the school and use derogatory words towards the members. Bullying of LGBTQ students is not an unknown issue. According to the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 33% U.S. high school students who self-identity as lesbian, gay, or bisexual report being bullied on school property. The study also reported more LGBTQ students did not go to school because of safety concerns than their heterosexual peers. It was hard to create a safe place for LGBTQ students to be themselves. “In the year that [GSA] was being lifted off the ground there was [backlash],” co-sponsor Deidre Joehl said. “And I think that is evidence of us needing a club like QSA.” The idea first came from Kalb, who noticed the previous president of the QSA club had not started the club back up for the school year. Upon asking Beth Keene, librarian, about the status of the club in early November, she learned that Keene and Joehl were waiting for someone to start it that year, as they were willing to be the teacher sponsors. Because Kalb and Hughes are close friends, they decided to become co-presidents of the QSA club. Hughes will be graduating early, and wanted to see the club reopen before she graduates. “I’ve wanted since freshman year to have a good, well run QSA,” Hughes said. “I’ve always been of the mentality that if you want something done right, you should do it yourself.” Hughes and Kalb rebranded the Gay-Straight Alliance into the Queer-Straight Alliance when they started the club again. Joehl said they rebranded to offer a fresh start for the club, FEAT U R E S

and take back the meaning of the word “queer”. Historically, “queer” was a derogatory term referring to LGBTQ people. Joehl said by renaming the club “Queer-Straight Alliance”, LGBTQ students are helping take out the harsh meaning behind the word. It is also to invite everyone, not just gay students. According to the Merriam-Webster, the word gay means: “of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to people of one’s same sex,” pertaining to gay men in particular, while queer means: “of, relating to, or being a person whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual and/or whose gender identity is not cisgender.” This invites students of all sexual orientations and gender identities, not just homosexual individuals.. “There’s so many individuals who are not really sure of their sexuality, but just know that they’re queer,” Joehl said. “I think that they wanted it to reflect that inclusiveness.” Hughes described the QSA club to be a place where members of the LGBTQ community can have a safe place to talk and be themselves, no matter their gender, race or sexual orientation, including straight allies. Kalb said her vision for the club is to spark a wave of change in the student body of Bridgeland to be more accepting and more friendly towards LGBTQ members. She wants the QSA to be taken seriously, and be a club that everybody wants to be a part of. Meetings consist of LGBTQ themed history lessons and other fun and engaging activities. “I need to give credit to Mary, because she did a lot of the heavy lifting and getting this club off the ground,” Kalb said. “She started [the] Instagram, planned out a lot of our history lessons, brainstormed all kinds of fun ideas and service projects. I’m really proud of her.” Kalb hopes she and Hughes can create solutions to break the barrier between straight and LGBTQ students, opening up conversations about how to create a safe space for all students and a fun inclusive community. Hughes hopes to be able to educate young people LGBTQ history, and make a safe place for everyone. “The QSA is a place to learn and a place to just feel accepted for you,” Hughes said, “even if you’re still trying to figure out ‘you.’”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

good to the bone Story and design by Grace Kirkley

ome to a diverse set of students and staff, BHS has an environment unlike any other; one particularly large contributor to what makes it so unique are the dogs which make up the Bear family. These dogs are specifically trained to accompany their owner for health and safety purposes. With their wagging tails and friendly demeanor, these pups help make the school a safer environment while putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Sophie Speaks

“Howdy! My name is Sophie, and I am a guide dog in training. You can spot me in the halls with my trainer, Maddie Combs. Unlike other service dogs who pass training and get placed with a new owner, I willl soon go on to breed more topnotch puppies like myself because I’m one of the highest ranking dogs in the state. I may look serious, but I love playing with my toys and napping with my owner just like any other dog.”

FE ATU R E S

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

a guide to service dog etiquette... RESPOND if a service animal is trying to get your attention, otherwise do not attempt to disturb.

Allow the dog to work WITHOUT DISTRACTION. Remember they are an asset to their owner.

Besides providing help and looking adorable while doing so, what exactly does a service animal do? “I have had a diabetes service dog for a little over a year now,” junior Jillian Alford said. “I would describe our relationship as life partners, because when we are together, we are capable of doing anything.” Alford’s service dog, Felix, is a two-year-old Dutch Shepherd Miniature. The pair can be spotted through the halls, where Felix sports a bright red vest to notify the other students he is on duty. Felix’s most important job is pawing at or licking Jillian anytime her blood sugar is above 150 or below 120. “There is a lot about service dogs that people don’t know,” sophomore and service dog training aid Jackson Nichols said. “I wish people knew that petting service dogs out in public with their vest on is actually very rude and can harm the training of the dog.” Students in ownership of these dogs have specific needs that require their four-legged friends to accompany them in classes and other everyday locations. It is important for others to be aware of a service

“The they a se dogs are re n’t servic providing just pets, a ne e to t MADD heir own cessary ers IE CO MBS .”

DO NOT question the legitimacy of a service dog.

dog’s presence and their given responsibilities so that the dog can perform tasks to their best ability. Some owners prefer their dog not be touched for safety of both dog and others. “Kelly, a blind woman in my club, has told me how her dog makes her less lonely,” Nichols said. “I guess you could say that in a way, her dog saved her life by giving her a greater sense of purpose.” Service dogs are used for more than just the aid of the blind. Some dogs are used by owners diagnosed with epilepsy, anxiety disorders, extreme allergies, autism, PTSD, hearing and even diabetes. Emotional support animals have also been on the rise, though they are not recognized as a service dog. “ESAs [emotional support animals] are very different from service dogs,” ESA owner and math teacher Kirsten Cole said. “So any time I want to bring him somewhere new, that pets aren’t already allowed, I have to follow their procedures for approving him, and I have to accept that a lot of times the answer is no.“ Many people are unaware that the two (service dogs and ESA’s) are different, and find it difficult to understand what sets them apart. Unlike service dogs, ESA’s are not trained to perform specific tasks that align with the owner’s disability, nor are they required to wear a vest while training. “For me, since I already had a diagnosis, and a licensed therapist, it was just some paperwork

E DI TO R’FEAT S LEU TR TER S

03 11

to get an ESA,” Cole said. “They brought me a few dogs to meet, and Harley came right over, sat on my feet, and leaned into my legs. He basically picked me, and I just took him home.” Pre-calculus teacher and dog lover, Ms. Cole, has been in ownership of her ESA, Harley, for four years. The two have been inseparable since, and Harley enjoys tagging along with her to work. Ms. Cole’s students enjoy his company as well, and look forward to seeing his big toothy smile upon arriving to class. As a result of his friendly nature, Harley serves as a comforting friend for anyone he meets; in a way he is an ESA for all. “We’re partners,” Cole said. “We are better together than apart.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

HAR

LEY

THE BIG SHOT VACCINE BRINGS BACK SENSE OF NORMALCY

Story and design by Charleigh Thomas

s of March 29, Texans 16 or older qualified to receive the COVID vaccine. The vaccine’s new availability could give the state a reminder of life before the pandemic and a chance to change the new protocols put in place. Up until recently, the vaccine was only accessible to people of ages 50 and older, those working in schools or health care or those with underlying medical conditions. Even though the vaccine’s availability reaches nearly everyone, adults are advised to be prioritized when giving out the vaccine. “I know that in a way, I was signing myself up to be kind of a human guinea pig,” Laura Pham, Bridgeland High School Nurse, said, “I don’t believe that the immunization will completely stop us from catching COVID. But I think it’ll make our body’s immune response to it less, and hopefully that’ll help us to not have those serious outcomes from it.” As more people continue to get vaccinated, the chances of COVID spreading become less likely. On May 16, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced that vaccinated individuals would not need to wear masks under most circumstances, but despite this change, some continue to wear a mask. “Not much has changed since I’ve been vaccinated. I continue to wear my mask, and I try to avoid large crowds or stay away from groups of people. The data available has shown that you can still contract COVID even if you’ve been vaccinated,” Jan Thomas, Wilson Elementary Nurse, said. Since the pandemic, new travel procedures have been put in place. Many medical researchers believe these procedures are likely to become less strict as more people receive the vaccine. Creating herd immunity is believed to be the ultimate goal in order to get the upper hand in battling COVID. “It’s safe to travel once you have been vaccinated but continue to wear masks. And if you go indoors, make sure others are vaccinated as well,” Thomas said. Even though it has already been a year since the pandemic’s arrival, researchers still aren’t sure of what’s to come. The vaccines offer clarity and allow people to get a little bit of their “normal” back. No one can know for sure how life will be in a year or even a month from now. All we can do is get prepared. “It feels like this has been a long year and it has. I just want to remind everyone to be safe and wear their masks,” Thomas said, “Take care of each other and yourselves.”

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

STUDENTS BECOME CREATORS ON POPULAR APP Story by Matthias Talbert

W W

ith the initial launch in 2016 only in China then the following year it became available for international use. TikTok has now become one of the most popular social media being used in America and in the world over the course of the past 3 years. Although with its initial release only in China in 2016 then the following year it became available for international use. In 2018 and 2019 TikTok popularity and fame took over the social media industry with its new style of entertainment, content, and way to express yourself. With the diverse ranges of people using the app, it can be said this app can be used by and for everyone. Oblero stated that 62% of the people who use TikTok are between the ages of 10 to 29 years old with the range of active monthly users being 271 million in 2018 and then it jumped to over 508 million in 2019. This puts into perspective the number of people who use TikTok along with the growing popularity of the app to be able to grow this much in such a short amount of time. Now in 2021 according to Oblero TikTok has been downloaded over 2 Billion times on the Apple and Google play store. With a whopping 689 million active monthly users worldwide and that number continues to grow with more and more people downloading the app every day. With the increasing number of people using the app and the popularity of it growing there are bound to be people who have become “known” or as the kids say “TikTok Famous”. This phrase relates to the people who have become very popular on the app, from a high number of likes on every video to a huge fan base or amount of followers one has. This stems from the TikToker showing their “audience” some of their hobbies, passions, interests or just something funny that makes the user subscribe to the channel or just like the video. Either way, TikTok is a great platform to find things you are interested in and allows you to show those things to others or just browse through the app to see what fits you. NEWS

username

total likes across videos

follower info

video views

thumbnail of video

new update shows you what video you just watched on your FYP

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

grid view of all videos

TAKE NOTE

open note testing isn’t all we hoped for StORY AND DESIGN BY jULIANA kAWAJA othing they were ever taught in college and or through experience could have prepared them for this moment. Hybrid learning. How could teachers navigate this new norm? With the pandemic still in action, teachers needed a plan that would be sustainable for their students’ learning and fair to both virtual and in-person students. The only solution to this issue was open-note tests— every student’s dream. The idea of open-notes tests came about when making a plan on how to equal the playing field between in-person and online students. Online students could have an unfair advantage over in-person students due to their ability to use notes and the internet without a teacher knowing. Administration decided to allow all students to use notes on tests and major assignments in particular classes. This announcement thrilled student. Not only can open-note tests help students pass exams and raise their grades, they can also allow students more time for extracurricular activities outside of school, less stress on test day and more time to finish homework assignments from other classes. “I prefer open-note tests and I think they pose as a great advantage for students, especially under the circumstances of this pandemic,” junior Elizabeth Pittman said. “Open not e t e Most students quickly s t s have not helpe learned to adjust to this d a s much as I was ant useful advantage as it icipating t h could not only benefit their e y would.” test scores, but give them a sense of relief. With all of the craziness of this school year, it was relieving to many students that they would be able to use their notes on tests and wouldn’t have to over-stress about remembering vocabulary words or things of that sort. Teachers also enjoy open-note tests as they encourage students to pay attention in class and copy down helpful notes that they can use on

NEWS

upcoming tests and assignments. However, some could argue how this advantage is rather useless to a student’s learning as it allows them to cut corners essentially. “I find value in open-note tests, but I don’t know that they actually allow us to prove to ourselves that we know the content that we’re studying, so that’s why I have mixed feelings,” college algebra teacher Mrs. Kathryn Zepeda said. “I think they can be very beneficial to you to realize what you don’t know because you scroll through your notes to get it, but in the end, the idea for you is to know a lot of content before you finish a class, no matter if it is here or in college, and I find that sometimes you can become very deficient in the knowledge that you should have if you have been doing open-note tests the whole time.” Open-note tests can pose a disservice to student because they don’t necessarily have to learn and understand the material taught in each unit. Students have unintentionally affected their test taking abilities by becoming highly dependent on their notes and relying on the internet for questions they do not understand. “I like open-note tests because I tend to always do better, but I never feel like I’m actually learning. I’m just passing,” junior Ava Buck said. “I just take notes and wing it on my tests which isn’t really getting me far.” As students are no longer taking the time to understand the concepts teachers have taught, this could interfere with their scores on the AP exams, EOCs, STAAR, and other standardized tests such the SAT and ACT. In fact, the school has already experienced the effects of open-note testing on students’ grades. When taking the district benchmark earlier this year, US history teachers noticed a dramatic decrease in test grades because students couldn’t use notes on the district test. Students have not been expected to rely on their own knowledge to get through a test and it was obvious to teachers when they received test grades. Not to mention that in the following years, students will most likely not be B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

allowed to take open-note tests and will have to work on regaining all of their studying habits and test taking skills that they lost during this school year. “The DPM’s [district benchmarks] we did in US history,” US history teacher Mrs. Jacqueline Hughes said. “Across the board, scores were 20% lower across the district from what they normally are.” That is just one of the many examples of how open-notes testing will affect students in the long run. In order to prevent some of these long lasting effects on students, many teachers have implemented new testing rules for their classroom. Teachers have started to encourage their students to take their test without notes and only use them for the last half of the class if needed. This, an attempt for students to regain their testing skills by prying them off of their notes and getting them to remember what they’ve learned, seems to be helping students. Regulating the amount of time students have to use notes on tests is just one of the many ways teachers can help students regain testing skills by encouraging them to be more prepared and have a better understanding of the material prior to the test. After relying on their notes for so long, students could ultimately pay the price and struggle over the next few years. The future of tests and how students will readjust in the next years to not having this advantage is unknown.

NEWS

“I think that I’ve done a disservice to my students in their overall knowledge by providing them with opennote tests just because pen I want to facilitate their “I think o re good a security and having the te tests ewards us o n grades that they believe it r because ing attention that their hard work has earned them,” Mrs. for pay g good notes Zepeda said. “I’m pretty and takining class.” sure that based on all the dur challenges that we’re all facing with COVID-19, that if I had closed note tests on everything else, I would have a lot of students that would feel like they are struggling big time and would be very saddened by the situation. And so I think open-note tests allowed them to have that security they needed in a time like this.” In the end though, not all teachers oppose students accessing their notes for exams. “I just feel like tests are not supposed to stump us. They aren’t supposed to be tricky. They are supposed to make sure we know the information,” Mrs. Hughes said. “I love notes, so if they are taking good notes in class, and even if they don’t study, if they have to look through them to answer a question on the test, then they’ve already gotten the information twice. I think they have been really beneficial and I’m just hoping that my team next year will want to continue to do them.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

The battle between free speech and social media

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Story by Michael Burns, Braden Murray Design by Michael Burns, Joleigh Underwood

CHECK O UT CASES T HAT IMPTHE AC STUDEN T SPEEC TED H

WHERE IS THE LINE OF ON-CAMPUS AND OFF-CAMPUS SPEECH? WHO POLICES ONLINE SPEECH?

MIND

NEURODIVERGENT COMMUNITIES SPARK CONVERSATION ABOUT ABELISM AND CREATING INCLUSIVE SPACES Story by Emma Zwick Graphics by Emma Zwick, Olivia Masterson

ith the rise of the pandemic, mental

health has become a hot topic due to the impact that the stress of quarantine and online learning has had on people. Although depression and anxiety are widely talked about, many tend to neglect the various other neurological, developmental conditions that still affect students, such as autism and ADHD. “Mental health challenges fall under the category of what we would call a ‘hidden disability; the types of disabilities that people don’t wear on their sleeve, there’s not a cast for,” Dr. Richard “Wes” Baker, a member of the CFISD Mental Health Intervention Team, said. As stated by Dr. Baker, most people going through challenges don’t understand that others do as well, which causes people to internalize their difficulties. This internalization can lead to social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts and can even carry on to affect people physically. “It’s easy to think about yourself as fitting into this dichotomy; on one side [are] people who have mental health challenges, or people who don’t have [on the other],” Dr. Wes Baker said. “The fact of the matter is that everybody falls somewhere on that challenge spectrum. We just don’t tend to think about ourselves as falling somewhere on that spectrum.” An article by the American Psychiatric Association said “more than half of people with mental illness don’t NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

receive help for their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood.” The negative stigma surrounding mental health and cognitive challenges has not only created problems for people seeking adequate help, but for parents who may not want their child to be viewed negatively. As students grapple with the mental impact of a pandemic, this can collide with undiagnosed or treated neurodivergent conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. “The biggest problem is that parents will deny support and services for their students even when they are needed because they do not want their student ‘to be labeled,’” Academic Achievement Specialist Breana Smith said. “As a school, when we identify that a student is in need of support, we must get parental permission before we can implement an official plan. Knowing that a student needs help and not being able to provide them all the support they need is very difficult.” A study done by the International Journal of Family Medicine said that “approximately half the parents of children with conduct disorder reported that they felt restricted in doing things socially with or without their children, embarrassed about their child’s problems and that these also made the relationship with their partner more strained.” According to Dr. Traci Schluter, CFISD’s Director of Psychological Services, the problem lies NEWS

within parents not having a positive mental psyche of their own. “If you’re not taking good care of yourself, and you’re not in a good place, it’s hard to be a caregiver for other people,” Dr. Schluter said. “We have a lot of parents that work multiple jobs and maybe single parenting their children. So that can be a lot of stress on a parent, so we talked to those parents too, about making sure [students] have some kind of a partner. It may not be, you know, a romantic partner, it may be another caregiver, a grandparent, a friend, somebody that you can kind of check-in with.” In order to help and support students with different abilities, the education system contains processes and procedures to help students feel comfortable within their own environment. This includes 504 plans and the Student Intervention Team. Programs like these aid students with disabilities to have an equal playing field. Accommodations at school target barriers that may limit students educationally, physically or socially. “Our environment is essentially built for people without disabilities, and ableism is not recognizing that that’s taking place, and then expecting the person to adapt to the environment, as opposed to the environment adapt to the person,” Dr. Baker said. “In terms of mental health challenges, we have a real sort of ‘suck it up’ mentality and there’s the expectation that people with depression ‘just deal with it.’”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

everyone is a hater ONLINE COMMUNITIES CAN TAKE THE INTERNET HATE A BIT TOO FAR Story and Design by Ashtyn Haggard Graphic by Emma Zwick

s years progress and the internet becomes further relied on, there have been major changes to what defines fan culture. A fandom, in simple terms, is a community built around shared interests. Some of the biggest fandoms have the most hate online, especially on social media. Online behavior in fandom communities both within and out have created unsafe spaces on the Internet. Here is some advice from an a fandom and Internet expert on how to make all spaces safe and welcoming.

M inecraft Content Creator FANS

COMMUNITY ABOUT MINECRAFT STREAMERS AND YOUTUBERS AND THE CONTENT THESE CREATORS MAKE I can’t say much on this one because I pay Quackity and Technoblade $5 a month to make content. My only issue with this community is how much they trend on Twitter. Like yes, we get it, Dream went live on Twitch for the first time in over a month, but that doesn’t mean he needs to be number three, number seven, and number eighteen on trending. It’s fun talking about interests, but there comes a time where it’s too much.

The Anime Community ENJOYS FILMS, SHOWS, ART, AND COSPLAYS RELATING TO ANIME I’ll give it to them, they have one of the most diverse fandoms I have ever seen, but within that, they also have one of the most toxic fandoms. Whenever anyone complains about an anime, there are always fans in the comments arguing and invalidating people’s complaints because they believe complainers are too sensitive. However, it’s not just the ‘too sensitive’ comments that are the worst. There are fans that will harass people until they change their mind about these things, and that is problematic.

Disney Adults

PEOPLE WHO ARE ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THE DISNEY MOVIES, SHOWS AND PARKS As someone whose parents replaced their baby photos with Disney movie posters, I have quite a few issues with this community. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are amazing Disney Adults out there but their entire community utilizes the company a bit too much. Everything has to be Disney-themed for them - vacations, parties, holidays. The same old party trick gets boring. Venturing outside of the world of Disney isn’t as scary as it seems.

Sports Enthusiasts

ACTIVELY KEEP UP WITH AND TALK ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS AND POST ABOUT THEM From my experience, this community is full of hypocrisy. There is always talk about how other communities are ‘too obsessed’, when they’re no better. They do the same exact things they complain about, and it’s endearing to witness. I get that liking sports has been dubbed a ‘normal’ interest to have, but that doesn’t mean that those interests matter more than others. It’s important to not hold oneself on a pillar above others because everybody has interests.

K Pop Lovers

KOREAN POP LISTENERS WHO LOVE BOTH THE MUSIC AND THE IDOLS THAT MAKE AND PERFORM IT I love the music, really. I myself am a fan of the groups NCT and ATEEZ, and I love seeing fancams of idols under tweets. However, I sincerely will never understand those who treat idols as if they are perfect. They are human too, and just as likely to make mistakes as the rest of us, and blindly following after them once they’ve done something wrong instead of asking for them to be held accountable is ridiculous. It’s sad to be so blinded by admiration for a person that they cannot even see their faults. E NTE RTA I NME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO

fanfiction

STUFFED TOY SKYROCKETS IN POPULARITY

Story and Graphics by Brianna Keller

ow many times have you rewatched “Grey’s Anatomy”, wishing Derek Shepherd hadn’t died? Or perhaps wondered how you would live in the “Stranger Things” universe? Fanfiction is the perfect solution for that. Fanfiction takes every fan’s fantasy for their fandom and turns them into a reality. From fix-it fics to alternative universes, the original plot line is not the only one. READING IT Fanfiction is the term for fiction written by a fan, using characters or worlds from, a specific TV series, book, movie, etc.. Although the internet has made them more popular and widely available, they are not new; in fact, fanfiction was first made popular by the Harry Potter series,with many fans handwriting their own versions of the Potter universe to share with friends. Now fanfiction is commonly published on websites like Archive of Our Own (AO3), Wattpad, Fanfiction.net, Tumblr and Quotev, making all of these stories widely available. Oftentimes these stories are meant to fix plot lines or to imagine characters in a different scenario or setting, allowing readers to enjoy even more of their respective fandom.

WRITING IT Reading fanfiction is one thing, and creating it is another. Not every fanfic will hit just right, so fans can create their own. Fanfiction is a great way for creative writers to start off, especially because fans don’t have to develop their own characters from scratch. A good start for beginners is writing crossover fics and soulmate AUs (alternate universes). These two use already developed plot lines that authors can build off of, allowing the writer to develop their creative writing skills without stress. These fanfictions don’t have to be published online, either. They can simply serve as an outlet for fans to bring ships or ideas to life.

NEW TYPE OF FANFICTION: CHARACTER PLAYLISTS Have no time to read fanfiction, or aren’t a writer? Don’t worry, there is a new form of fanfiction: character playlists. While there is no reading or writing involved, a story can still be built out of music. Playlists can be made from songs that remind a fan of the character, or songs that a character would listen to. Plot lines can even be created with carefully selected songs that build a storyline. It’s easy, fun, and another way for fans to be creative.

Fanfic Terminology

) and the aimer s (TW t TW/Discl arning essages a rn w r e Trigg are m eant to wa s r e w Fic im r m e discla f fics pics o for th ing o ive to Short eginn r of sensit will n b y ) a . r c e /N to fi it s e r e fan ad yw te: (A the re cies that th r’s no usuall r their Autho n authors ccura r afte a o o in e ti r c fo Fanfi e. ers or te be r featur n (HC) claim h r’s no ent o autho present dis onnect wit ano c an ev d a e c H k, r to on is o o n o y , r a b s c , g to s lly s d in A hea out a serie a fan, usua r warn b y . a trigge e b il c e ta n e de die mad n of th , etc. the au hen n movie own versio ly agreed sed w e ir Ship/OTP the term u aracters a fa e id for th and not w ” is ch tic e “Ship m. ut two oman plotlin the fando g abo aired in a r in lk ” P ta by p T n e O o “ e t fics, p s r. u m to -inser Cs gethe , a ter likes N and O found in self for “Your / ship to ue pairing ip. Y n o ti n rela ally ne tr e sh viatio : Norm s for o favorit abbre ten as stand is the monly writ stands a fan’s g /N s in Y il ib ” ta ”. Com descr on or de ]. “OC Name vents an r [Y/N V Y/N, o aracter. Canon/F ” refers to e rmed in a T ), /N (Y n n” ch nfi “Cano e been co etc.. “Fano iginal for or , ely av that h ook, movie events wid ,b nd t are series tails a ndom tha to de fa refers upon by a d agree non. not ca Ex: ction”. ord “fi

E NTE RTAI N ME N T

Story by Ryleigh Wilson Graphics by Brianna Keller quishmallows. These soft, plush, and squishy stuffed animals have taken over all kinds of stores, ranging from your local drug store to novelty stores. They have also made countless appearances on social media platforms like TikTok. These plushies have unique characteristics like names, personalities, color palettes and different animal or character appearances. “I think the best part is looking at all of their different names and personalities,” sophomore Rinoa Mackenzie said. However cute these squishmallows are, the community of collectors and fans have expressed their distress about resellers taking over third party apps like Mercari, DePop, and EBay. Often, you can find squishmallows at stores like Target, Kroger and many other stores with resellers or “scalpers” reselling these online for a higher cost causing a decline in availability of in store stock. Many consumers avoid these sites, with hope to come across them in regular shopping. “I’ve considered buying Squishmallows third party, but it’s usually really overpriced so I’ve never done it,” sophomore Carley Ziegler said. While Squishmallows can be found both online and in-store, most people choose to trade with fellow collectors and friends to grow their collections. Many collectors will take any squishmallow they can get their hands on. “I have five and I want as many as my minimum wage job will allow,” sophomore Paige Malone said. People are also building their squishmallow collections from very specific stuffed animals. They’d rather spend time hunting down a specific group of squishmallows to make the perfect collection rather than pick up every single one they may come across. “Really I’m only in it all for the turtle and dragon Squishmallows and there’s just others I’d find cool to get along the way,” Ziegler said. Not only do customers spend time hunting for specific squishmallows, or just the plushies in general, they also have ideas on what they want to see next. These plushies already have some unique features, but with any brand there will always be suggestions and recommendations to see something new. “I wish there could be more diversity in Squishmallows, like different foods or animals that are from a different culture or continent,” Mackenzie said. Not only could the addition of new features and qualities provide more content, it could reveal the potential for new ideas later on. This could increase the amount of potential consumers for the Squishmallow brand, and allow customers to have even more fun hunting for Squishmallows. “I think the best part about collecting squishmallows is going out and finding the ones that you want,” junior Ashtyn Haggard said. “It’s always a 50-50 on if they have the one you want or not, and the fun is really in the hunt.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Story by Braden Murray Design by Braden Murray

Listening Guide

The Beatles are one of the most iconic and influential bands of all time, but all their albums came out over 50 years ago. Which can make getting into their music a little daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin. They by no means have the largest discography, but 13 is still a good amount (for reference, Bob Dylan has 39 studio albums). I have listened to all of their albums numerous times. So I can tell you what you absolutley nust listen to. Here, I have listed seven of what I consider to be the essentials and why you should listen to them.

Please Please Me (1963)

Rubber Soul (1965)

LENGTH: 34:55 LISTEN FIRST: “In My Life” MY FAVORITE: “In My Life”

LENGTH: 32:16 LISTEN FIRST: “I Saw Her Standing There” MY FAVORITE: “Anna (Go to Him)”

I recommend starting with their debut album “Please Please Me,” and for whatever reason, I love this album with my whole heart. It functions as a good introduction to the band and their basic sound. The Beatles wrote eight of the 14 songs on their debut album, which was very unusual for the time. This was their original sound and it is really indicative of what to expect in the group’s first four albums.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) LENGTH: 39:36 LISTEN FIRST: “A Day in the Life” MY FAVORITE: “Lovely Rita”

THIS is my favorite album of all time! I love love love this album, everything about it is just perfect. I know every word to all 14 songs on this masterpiece of an album. This was the logical next step as a follow-up to “Revolver.” By the way, after The Beatles heard The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” it inspired them to make this album, so we’ve gone full circle. There’s not much I can say about this one, just listen to it for yourself. (if you don’t like it, I will be personally offended)

Abbey Road (1969)

LENGTH: 47:03 LISTEN FIRST: “Something” MY FAVORITE: “Oh! Darling”

Even though “Let It Be” was released later, “Abbey Road “ was actually the last album they recorded together. Which makes the penultimate song “The End” that much more powerful. We get the usual McCartney & Lennon fare, but we also get two great songs from my favorite, George Harrison, we even get a contribution from Ringo Starr. The real standout is the 16-minute medley comprising the album’s last nine songs

Revolver (1966)

Let It Be (1970)

LENGTH: 35:10 LISTEN FIRST: “Let It Be” MY FAVORITE: “Get Back”

“Rubber Soul” is the band’s 6th studio album and really signifies their shift away from the rock & roll sound of the 50s. This is a good album to listen to in order to prepare yourself for their more experimental songs in the latter half of their career. This album has the added benefit of having one of my favorite songs of all time, “In My Life.”

LENGTH: 35:01 LISTEN FIRST: “Eleanor Rigby” MY FAVORITE:“Yellow Submarine”

We’re finishing off with the final album The Beatles ever released. “Let It Be” is different when compared to the other albums in their discography, it is much bluesier and folksy. The band wanted to get back to the more raw sound of their earliest albums. A little fun fact for you, the boys were promoting this album during their legendary rooftop concert at Apple Studios. Which ended up being the last concert they performed together.

“Revolver” came out a little under a year later than “Rubber Soul” and is considered by many to be their best album. I don’t know about that, but don’t get me wrong, I still love this album. Here’s a little fun fact, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys heard this album and it inspired him to create “Pet Sounds,” a great album in its own right. Even though it isn’t my favorite album of theirs, it is still necessary to tell the Beatles full story.

E NTE RTA I NME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

The Beatles/White Album (1968) LENGTH: 93:33 (1 hr 33 minutes) LISTEN FIRST: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” MY FIRST: “Happiness Is A Warm Gun”

Clocking in at just an hour and a half, The White Album is the longest album in the Beatles discography. They recorded this at a time of great turmoil. George and Ringo felt unappreciated and wanted to leave the band, John hated Paul’s poppier tendencies, and everyone hated John’s girlfriend Yoko Ono. This rift causes the album to sound like four different albums at times, so you have that to look forward to. I will say this, the highs are really high and the lows are really low.

Zack Snyder’s

A REVIEW OF JUSTICE LEAGUE

True Vision Z

ack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’ is a step up from the original, as it offers a new lens into the storylines, action, and flow of the 2017 ‘Justice League’ that is directed by Joss Whedon. Snyder seemingly has complete control over the direction of the film, which allows him to tell the story of what could’ve been the original vision of the ‘Justice League. Production of the 2017 ‘Justice League’ was marked with tragedy and drama. Snyder, the original director, was fighting with Warner-Brothers studio executives over the length of the movie, while dealing with the death of his daughter. He would eventually leave the postproduction of the film for his family. Whedon would take Snyder’s place conforming to Warner-Bros wishes and ‘Justice League’ would later release as a shorter version of the film with many of its scenes reshot. Fans of Snyder’s vision and directional style wanted his version of the film and got #Releasethesnydercut trending on social media. As luck would have it they would get their wish and now Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’ is out on HBO Max, but does it live up to the hype? In terms of consistency throughout and sheer enjoyment ZSJL (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) keeps me engaged in spite of its four-hour runtime. Those who have watched the 2017 ‘Justice League’ will notice that the aspect ratio and lighting have been changed and numerous scenes have been altered. I can say that most of the new scenes add clarity to the movie but some do drag on. The newly added scenes do improve the characters throughout the film. The Flash, played by Ezra Miller, and Cyborg, played by Ray Fisher, are prime examples. Snyder said Cyborg was meant to be the heart of the Justice League, and he finally is in ZSJL. Cyborg’s story arc takes him on a journey of selfdiscovery as he comes to grips with his new life and his powers. Throughout the course of the story, Cyborg shows that he has the true heart of a hero. His relationship with his E N TE RTAI N M E N T

father is juxtaposed with his coming to grips with his powers and new cyborg body. Unlike his comic-book counterpart The Flash is just now learning how to use his powers but still has the drive to fight something bigger than himself and save others. One of the best sequences of the film happens when the Flash fully realizes his abilities. While Cyborg and The Flash stand out, Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, also shines in her role The ‘Justice League’ aren’t the only group to go through major changes, to the villains improve drastically. Steppenwolf, the main villain of the film, not only gets a design change but he also gets an actual personality and goals, which was the big thing that was missing in 2017 JL (‘Justice League’). The movie also introduces another villain that would’ve been ‘Justice League’s Thanos, Darkseid. Darkseid, while having few appearances, fills the space and makes his presence known. Of course, the movie does have its faults. Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, feels left out, unfortunately, ZSJL fails to match the powerful, serious but also lively Atlantean we met in ‘Aquaman’. Martian Manhunter is incredibly underused and wasted completely for his first Cinematic appearance. Superman, played by Henry Cavill, and Batman, played by Ben Affleck, mostly feel the same as 2017, which isn’t a bad thing. Superman does get a costume change that’s an homage to his comics. While Superman might still feel like a powerhouse that is steps above the other League members, this version of Batman feels like a person who never really belongs in the Godlike roster. Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’ is what fans have wanted and waited for, and while many hope for a continuation, Warner Bros have already decided not to. Still, the Snyder cut is now released, and that’s all that matters. It’s a good watch and it’s encouraged that you watch it in parts. Overall it’s a fun movie and what we should have got in 2017.

Story by Alfred Dozier Graphics by Brianna Keller

B H ST H E B R I DG E . C O M

FOOD TRIP A guide to your Local Asian Supermarket Story and design by Liz Kemsley

se . Plea ough fore n e ule ded be n irst r this f pen-min nd foreig d s s e a e r o t k r s d c t ia n o il st la no I can espectfu gh unfam nd items med to r u o a t o e h b us be od g. Alt may e acc he fo visitin ricans, t rkets ar , while it ars of a j e id s m to Am n super being sa see glas dients, ia o is re in As aste. Th for you t nted ing culture. e r k nt c u m o o ia r f h s e f s o A lture imp and ly a part u c a d shr simp pickle ems are it these

Story and design by Madison Clay L I FE S T Y LE

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

here’s nothing like stepping into the supermarket and having the pungent yet intriguing smell of Durian bodyslam your nostrils. Even better, when you accidentally knock down the ramen ower at the front of the store and find yourself throwing the discarded ramen into your cart; partially out of guilt but also as an excuse to stock up on cup ramen. These types of experiences were a weekly occurrence for me throughout my life. Trips to the nearest Asian supermarket in Koreatown felt like mini-vacation trips; each visit gave me the chance to indulge and bask in familiar foods that brought me familiarity and comfort. As an H-Mart enthusiast from birth, I feel pride and anticipation while seeing my peers discover the places of my childhood. The Asian supermarket experience is a rite of passage into understanding the world of Asian American culture. Considering dropping by your local H-Mart or 99 Ranch but have no idea where to start or how to shop smart? No need to fear, Liz is here. I present my multi-step guide to shopping at an Asian supermarket.

OTTOGI SESAME RAMEN

YANGGAENG

EGG TART

a rich instant noodle with slightly thicker noodles and a sesame oil and egg based broth; has a subtle kick

a stick of sweet red bean, commonly eaten by children; has a jelly-like texture and a deep, earthy taste (similar to a sweet potato)

influenced by the British and Portuguese items of the same name, egg tarts have a rich, creamy filling and a buttery crust

Instant noodles. An essential part of Asian cuisine, as well as a favorite for students on a budget. The variety of instant noodles offered fills an entire aisle on its own and features ramen from Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, China, and South Asia. From ramen in bulk to cup ramen, you will be stocked for life.

Most newcomers make a beeline for this aisle and I completely understand. The famous Asian snack aisle offers intriguing and unique chips, cookies, and treats that catch the eye far more than the vegetable aisle. Many cultures in Asia utilize flavors of sesame, cuttlefish and shrimp, and fruits to adhere to Asian taste. Have fun with the neverending choices and choose a snack that sticks out to you.

On your way out, you will pass an in-store bakery. Obviously, you need to make one last stop before saying goodbye. Asian Bakeries are convenient, and fresh. Offering delicate pastries, buns, and tarts, it’s safe to say there is little to no self-control when choosing items to purchase. Grab a lining tray and tongs, before moving along the line to grab the items you want. When you are ready to check out your drool-worthy treats, hand your tray to the cashier and pay at the counter. Alongside the bakery, there is often a built-in cafe to accompany your food. Snag a latte for the trip back home, you’ll need a wake-up call to prevent you from putting too many irresistible desserts on your tray.

Liz’s personal recommendation: I consider myself a ramen connoisseur. With this in mind, I have a selection of recurring favorites. For Korean ramen, I enjoy Jin ramen, Nongshim Chapagetti Noodles (Korean-Chinese instant savory black bean noodles), and Ottogi’s Sesame ramen. Korean ramen tends to be spicier than most instant ramen, so be careful if you have a low spice tolerance. As for Japanese instant ramen, I prefer Nissin Curry Cup Ramen. Instant noodles can be more interesting than you think and Asian ramen is proof.

Liz’s personal recommendation: Growing up in a strict household, I was only allowed the luxury of snacks every few months. For years now, my picks remain the same. I recommend Ppushu Ppushu (the literal translation means ‘break, break’ to symbolize the process of breaking the dried ramen and shaking it with the seasoning packet. Sounds crazy until you try it). For cookies and candies, my go-to’s are Meloni (the melon equivalent of an Oreo), and Yanggaeng. Yanggaeng is a sweet red bean jelly stick, popular in both Korea and Japan. I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a child)

L I F E ST Y LE

Liz’s personal recommendation: I am a victim to the Asian Bakery curse; my wallet absolutely adores the temptation of pastries. My favorites would be the uber-rich egg tarts, crispy melonpan, and soboro buns. I order these alongside a refreshing yogurt smoothie.

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

The

Best Advic e To S t ud e nt s From St af f

“Seek first to understand. You know, being a good listener, getting others perspectives, is very, very, very important and has proven to be very good.”

Story and design by Olivia Masterson

Mr. Archie Grigsby Assistant Principal

want y l l a g u re “If yo it, as lon t y it, bu don’t pu u .” as yo lf in debotn rc se yousr. Cynthia Atolary Mr

. ction e f r e p to over give t s s n e a r “Prog ver you c enge tha ll te Wha ct or cha gh.” je ou , a pro day is en Berry ntha

S His

AP U

ama Ms. S ournalism J

“You’re going to find people in this world that can be hurtful, or that can do things that are abrasive, or inconsiderate. And you can really destroy your own life by harboring bitterness. So that phrase, let it go, is very real.”

“Neve r ever mad at you go to bed r sp anyon e else ouse or you n ever k because n the m orning ow what will br Mrs. J ing.” enny Munr E o

Mrs. Charlotte Thompson Counselor

nglish

O P I N I ON

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

O TH SET THE STANDARD

Advice from Tommy Yarrish

hen I stepped through the glass double doors at Bridgeland, I wanted to be a star basketball player. After just one semester of practicing and trying out, I quickly realized that my dreams athletically wouldn’t amount to what I hoped they would. It got me thinking, what am I going to do with my life now? Life changing moments come at different times in our lives, in various ways. Sometimes it’s moving to a new area, taking up a new hobby, or even meeting a new friend. But for me, it was a magazine. I picked up the December 2017 issue of VYPE’s high school sports magazine at a grocery store just a few days before the new year began. As I stared at it in my room, an idea came to me. Bridgeland was a brand new school, maybe this magazine needed some help covering the sports there. So, I looked on the inside cover and emailed the editor-in-chief to see if they needed any sort of coverage. The next morning, I received an email back from the director of a new internship program the company had started, and they were looking for students just like me. If you see an opportunity, take it. You may only get it once, and regret will set in once you realize what you could have done. Since I received that email in early 2018, I’ve been recognized as one of the best student journalists in the nation. worked inside two NFL stadiums, interacted with pro athletes on a daily basis, and gained credibility around the Houston area as a sports reporter. You can do the same things and more, with the right mindset and work ethic. Whatever your profession may be, they all share one common factor: Networking. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to meet people with similar interests and keep in touch with them. Think of it as a Hydra in Greek mythology. When you cut off one head, two more grow back. In the same aspect, when you meet one person in your field of work, two opportunities can open up. If you prove that you’re willing to work and do it well, you will be offered those opportunities, guaranteed.

O P I N I ON

So you’ve got your start now. An internship, a mentor, whatever it may be. What’s next? The answer to that is whatever you want to happen next. The ball is in your court now. What you will do with your opportunity is whatever you make of it. What you put in is what you’re going to get out. If you work 20 hours a week on your craft, you’ll see yourself improving a lot faster than everyone else. If you work only when you feel like it, there’s nothing wrong with that, but you may not get as much out of it. It’s important to note that there’s a difference between working hard and working hard consistently. Perfecting your craft takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Complacency is public enemy one when it comes to starting out. You may think there’s nothing to do or improve upon, but there always is. You may be thinking, “Sheesh Tommy, how am I supposed to have fun in high school?” You still can and will, you just have to manage your time. Balancing sports, clubs, activities, homework, and a social life may seem daunting, but is possible if you prioritize the right things. There will be days where you have to say “no” to being with friends or family to work, and even though it sucks, you learn that those who truly love and care about you understand the circumstances. Last but most definitely not least, grades will be a big part of securing your future. All four years of high school, even the second semester of your senior year, staying on track and finishing strong will only help you in the long run. Higher grades could mean getting into a better college, beating another student out for a scholarship, or even landing a job that would usually require a degree. My final piece of advice to you is this: don’t let society’s standards define you. You can work toward whatever you want to, it doesn’t matter your age, gender, sexuality, or any other outside factor, as long as you’re willing to do what it takes to get where you want. Don’t strive to meet the standard, set the standard. Best of luck.

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Yes, that comment your grandparents made on your body was backhanded, no its not normal to drop half your body weight in a week despite what that ad is saying, and yes these are all unfortunate results of diet culture. This obsession with dieting has infiltrated countless aspects in the lives of teens and adults alike. Now comes the time to identify it’s impact, devise a lifestyle free of it, and help others in doing so. This influence of dieting has thoroughly damaged numerous relationships with food, brought on crippling mental illness’ and yes, even fatality in the case of an eating disorder’s victory. It is well past time for diet culture to be called out as it is and pushed aside for more body positive voices. Starting with defining the abstract concept of ‘diet culture’- diet culture is the idolization of thinness and developing unhealthy habits to attain it. This culture is most prevalent in the occasional social media post, the classic Weight Watchers or Slim Fast advertisement, the unnecessary remark of a peer or adult and unfortunately so many more places. A frequent outspoken enemy of this culture is the idea of body positivity, which encourages all ages and genders to accept their body as worthy despite unrealistic standards being shoved in their faces. Various people have argued with the ideals of body positivity claiming they simply encourage people to be okay with being overweight, which must not be in the interest of their health. However, then the whole term of health comes into play- since when did skinny equate to healthy? The key to determining health in the nature of fat is really the amount your body possesses, not how much you appear to have. Studies support research stating individuals on the thinner side may be prone to type 2 diabetes more so than their heavier counterparts because of a hereditary condition that causes fat to be stored not just beneath the skin but deeper amongst organs tissues. This condition makes it harder to store fat below skin level and presents problems with organ disruption in a close proximity to excess fat. Essentially, while being overweight can be a cause for various health issues, people on the lighter side are not totally in the clear. Author of the Hangry Woman blog, Mila Clarke Buckley researches and writes about all things diabetes and living with the condition. Initially, Buckley was incorrectly diagnosed with type two diabetes, when in reality, she suffered from type one. “I got into this vicious cycle of trying to lose weight and trying to over-exercise and trying to change my

eal weight r e h t

diet. None of those things were working, along with the medications that i was taking. So it took a lot of time and a lot of me begging my doctors to believe me that something else was wrong here” Buckley said. About 40% of people are incorrectly diagnosed with type two diabetes as a result of these dangerous assumptions. Many of those people could have ended up in a coma or with diabetes ketoacidosis if they did not receive proper treatment. “The medical system assumes that if there’s something wrong with you and you’re fat, it’s because you’re fat” Buckley said. On the subject of scientific reasoning: the infamous BMI (body mass index scale). BMI is a loose measure of body fat and health, based on height and weight. A key issue in applying this simplistic scale is that BMI reports just excess weight, not excess fat which is somewhat an issue for muscular athletes. To further explain the reasonable skepticism surrounding the accuracy of the BMI scale, let us dive into the origins. BMI was actually not created by a physician, but rather a mathematician, with arguably less understanding of the complexity of the human body. And not to mention the fact that the BMI scale was created over 100 years ago, and we rarely question it- as we usually would of other rather old medical practices. Would you really trust a doctor with the medical knowledge from the 1800s to treat you now? Also, BMI does not take age into account which is so obviously quite the factor seeing as older adults have a higher body fat than younger adults with the same BMI as the other. Overall, without the BMI scale including the proportions to bone, fat, and muscle, it cannot be used to indicate a person’s health very accurately at all. Arguably the best reason for eradicating diet culture’s voice in life is that life is so preciously short and wasting our time on things such as a food diary, waist measurements, and other nonsensical worries would be a devastation. How do you go about freeing yourself of diet culture’s hold though? Take active steps in educating and providing yourself with the resources to flourish without dietary restrictions and excessive exercise routines; essentially improving the balance of your lifestyle every day. Balance meaning eating those nutritious fruits and veggies but along with thatthose cravings you fight so hard to keep at bay. This way of eating has been labeled ‘intuitive’ eating for research purposes. Fad diets and unnecessary restrictions have become so rampant even not being on a diet has been given a name. Finally, as a parting message, unfollow those influencers you unfairly compare yourself to, swap the smoothies and bars for a real meal, and most importantly, trust your body’s instincts. Story by Brooke Gamble

O P I N I ON

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

how to be body positive

Body positivity is a movement that is taking off. It started in 2012 and has been growing in more recent years. Before we learn how to be body positive, we first must know what exactly it means. According to VeryWellMind.com, “Body positivity refers to the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image, regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance.” Okay so that’s great, now you know what body positivity is but have no idea how to be it. That’s alright. For me, it took me about two years to become as body positive as I am now and I would say I’m still far from perfect. However, here are my tips on becoming a more body-positive person. Don’t say the word ‘fat’ like it is a bad thing. Fat on your body is normal, healthy and needed. Using phrases like, “ I’m going to get so fat” or anything of the sort isn’t body positive towards yourself or others. After I cut the word fat out of my vocabulary, I began to see myself in a much more positive light. Consume body positive content. A personal struggle I used to face was falling down a rabbit hole of negative content. If you consume body positive content it’ll be a whole lot easier to make your view on yourself and other people a lot easier. Some of my favorite people to follow are Brittani Lancaster, William Hornby and Rianna Kish. My favorite way to consume body positive content is through TikTok, but you can check out their Instagrams, YouTubes and other socials as well. Cut the size tags out of your clothes. This tip was a total game-changer for me. At first, I wondered why a number on my jeans made me feel so guilty, I wondered why it held so much power over me. I later realized that all sizes are different depending on brand and production. if I needed to get rid of a tiny tag that was probably a nuisance in the first place to feel good about myself, then I should do it. Cutting the tags is almost a way of proving your strength that you won’t give into the body negativity that surrounds a number on a piece of clothing. Start affirmations- I used to think affirmations were such a waste of time, I thought it was so dumb to just say random stuff to myself in the mirror. Wow, was I wrong. After I talked myself up in the mirror for about a week I began to feel more confident in my skin. Even if you start by just telling yourself simple phrases like “I am beautiful and strong” you will eventually believe it and start living it. Don’t focus too much on the numbers- For me, the numbers are the things that freak me out the most when it comes to body positivity. Whether it be sizes, weight or calories, more often than not I overanalyze the number. I’m not saying those numbers aren’t important for certain people but I know for some people the numbers are just a little bit overwhelming. Instead of focusing so much on this focus on things like hunger signals, how much energy you have or simply how you feel. When you focus more on yourself you can begin to feel happier with the skin that you are in. Everyone faces challenges with their body, but I believe that the body positive movement has created a safe space for self-love. It is a long process to be body positive but I believe following these steps will help anyone get there!

Written by Della Fowler O P I N I ON

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

CRASH COURSE SCHOOLS PROVIDE SAFE SPACE FOR TOUGH DISCUSSIONS, SAFE DISCOURSE

Story by Haylie Stum

hether it’s “being canceled”, offending someone that you didn’t intend to offend, or losing relationships due to a difference in standpoint, speaking your mind can be a nightmare, and, let’s face it - we all hate being wrong. The satisfaction of being right is just too powerful. But in the midst of such complex issues socially and politically, is anyone completely right? The issues we face today are more nuanced and rarely fit into a multiple choice question. The sad part about that is that’s how we treat these issues. We treat them like there is one definite answer when in reality there could be infinite different responses - all worth hearing and discussing. The ¨No Place For Hate¨ initiative at Bridgeland attempted to distribute a video lesson addressing the topic of implicit bias, and it was met with backlash and concern from parents about the nature of the lesson and whether appropriate to discuss at school. The lesson was modified and limited to just present an opportunity for kids to share their experience or thoughts on the issue. Personally, in my class, the only response to the opportunity was the loudest silence I’ve ever heard. It’s in this fear, this lack of bravery and initiative that we let these issues fester until the wounds we bear are permanent. Not being able to talk about our stance on social issues is a social issue. If we can’t feel safe enough in a classroom to speak our minds, how can we do so in the real world? The classroom is the ideal environment to express thoughts and perspectives. School consists of a diverse population which makes for different perceptions on topics based on experience. It is through sharing these experiences that we get to understand other people’s ‘why’. Why they think that way. Why they find their truth there. Life happens at high speed, O P I N I ON

and there isn’t much time to hear others’ ‘why’. But in a classroom that consists of at least 19 people rather than a city filled with 1.9 million, we can slow down and take in a different ‘why’ rather than our own. Through hearing other people’s truths, we can reflect, respect, and maybe even adapt the angle of our lens we see the world through. And should conversation turn toward a negative direction, a mediator is at the disposal the teacher. As not only a student but a teen trying to navigate through a messy world right now, I feel like I’m being sent up an uphill battle to try to find “what side I’m on” only to get to the top to be sent down. Sent down to not share your thoughts unless you want to cut yourself off from “the other half” or those who don’t share your opinion completely. Sent down to be met with the classic, “If you don’t speak up about what you believe in, do you really believe in it?” We send each other up the hill into a winless battle. Opening our minds to other ideas rather than opening our mouths to spread hatred is the only way we as a community can tackle these problems. It’s not choosing one side. It’s choosing to listen along with speaking. It’s accepting instead of denying the fact that everyone is different. By adults closing the door on an opportunity to explore these issues in a mediated way, they are teaching children that listening to varying opinions is dangerous. Sure, parents are trying to shelter their child from uncomfortable conversations, but the problems we face today are not going to be solved sitting around, looking at each other in silence. Instead, encourage us to do what adults of today apparently cannot. Teach us to respect rather than resent other opinions. Teach us sharing leads to solutions and our voice does matter.

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Story by Haylie Stum

East TO West

FROM

STU DENT FIN DS CO M FO RT I N FA ITH

his is the Faith of the Apostles; this is the Faith of the Fathers; this is the Faith of the Orthodox; this is the Faith which has established the universe!” -The Synodicon: The Affirmation of the Orthodox Faith The symbolism and rituals found in the Orthodox church are like no other. If you walked into my church on any given Sunday you would see a priest, iconography, incense, and a handful of altar servers. At first glance, it might not appear much different than a Catholic church. When in reality, there are an array of differences that not many people know of because Orthodoxy today is not as mainstream as the Catholic and Protestant religions in America. After the Great Schism in 1054, The Eastern Orthodox Church split from the Roman Catholic Church. This means that the Orthodox church is now the oldest and most traditional church in the world, followed by the Catholic church. The Orthodox Church traces back to Jesus Christ and the Apostles and is the religion of over 260 million Christians all around the world. The Orthodox religion is very uncommon in America as most of its members reside in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the former Soviet countries. Some of the most predominantly Orthodox countries are places such as Russia, Serbia, and Greece— just to name a few. That being one of the reasons my religion is so unknown to many Americans, especially Western Christians. Many are unfamiliar that my religion even exists because it is rarely talked about in the Western world and is often overlooked when compared to other religions. O P I N I ON

My family comes from a small city, six miles north of Jerusalem. This city is called Ramallah. It was a small village that consisted of the smallest populations of Christians in that region. Due to war and conflict, many Arab families were wrongfully kicked out of their homes and forced to flee elsewhere. Families in Palestine immigrated to other parts of the world and tried to instill that same Christian foundation into their own families. With that being said, it should come as no surprise that religion plays a very important role in my family. Culturally, I grew up similar to most of my friends but religiously there was a vast difference. To the average American, the Orthodox church is foreign. The term “Orthodox” is linked to Judaism, and the gold dome at the top resembles that of a mosque. The only common denominator among these three faiths is that we worship one God. The greatest difference is how we worship God. There are many differences between the Eastern and Western churches, such as how the services proceed, what the Eucharist (the Holy Communion which represents the body and blood of Christ) and the Holy Spirit represent, the calendars the churches follow, and even the languages spoken in the church. There are many things to consider when comparing the churches. A difference I will always take such pride in though is how beautiful and ornate Orthodox churches are. An Orthodox church has very intricate architecture and is detailed with iconography all across the walls. An Orthodox church is a beautiful sight and should be treated with respect. Members of the Orthodox church do not face their backs to the altar as a symbol of respect to the icons and altar. Icons are venerated and the sign of the cross is done on one’s body many times throughout the service. When I was younger I did not necessarily like being Orthodox. My church service consisted of me standing for two hours and not being allowed to talk to any of my friends and as a kid, this was torture. Before I was old enough to understand the tradition behind our Divine Liturgy, I found myself continuously growing bored of it. I was always envious of my friends who went to churches of other denominations because their church looked way more fun. They had bands and loud music during their service. My church seemed so out-dated in comparison. It wasn’t until I went to an Orthodox summer camp where I grew to love my faith. In fact, I found the more I educated myself about my faith and had a better understanding of it, the more I wanted to learn. Something I had always wondered about as a child was why people touched my priest’s vestments during the Great Entrance. Every Sunday my priest walks down the aisle carrying the Eucharist. People of our parish that need special prayers reach out and touch the vestments of the priest. I learned that they do this in the tradition of when Jesus walked in the Holy Land, and the sick and suffering reached out for his robe to ask for healing. I am thankful to be a part of a service that is so meaningful and has such a rich history behind it. I think my many years of not truly understanding my faith go hand in hand with why I admire it so much now. I’m happy to say that after many years, Orthodoxy has become a part of me. With the current climate of the world, nothing seems to make sense. However, one place that remains to make sense to me through these unprecedented times is my church. Walking into the church I feel a sense of relief, and a sense of calm. There I am able to zone out of all the injustices, racism, corruption, and the current global pandemic happening around us. Something about the innocence and beauty of my church makes it feel so safe and comforting to me. The Orthodox Church never changes, despite what goes on in society, and that is why it remains so sacred. Story by Juliana Kawaja

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM