The Reporter, Cy-Fair HS, Issue 3, Dec. 16, 2015, Vol. 68 by Lil Harris

the

PLAYING TO THE TOP Seniors play their way to All-State orchestra

REPORTER Volume 69

Cy-Fair High School

Issue 3

Page 3

SORROW IN SYRIA Jordan native shares experience as a volunteer at Syrian Rufugee Camp Page 7

December 16, 2015

CAPTURING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ONSCREEN Feel-good movies sure to complete your winter break Page 13

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the Season to give

Chloe Drumwright volunteers at the Abandoned Animal Rescue. Check out some choices of worthwhile things to do with your time. Pg 8 & 9

@cyfairpress

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INTRO

12. 16. 15 NEWS

To Our

READERS

Senior Directs

TWO THEATER SENIORS CHOSE AND DIRECT PLAYS Congratulations! You’ve survived the first semester of the school year with, hopefully, only a few tears shed. Now that finals are coming to an end, you now have the time to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest potential. Let’s take a break from the fastpaced and stress that we’ve become accustomed to. Let’s take it slow this winter break. Take this time off of school to give thanks to the people and moments you usually take for granted. Be courteous towards others, though the temptation to do the opposite (and throw shade) is strong. Create beautiful memories with your friends and family and laugh about them later. Sing loud for all to hear, spread the holiday cheer. Make these memories count; whether you spend them netflix and chilling to your favorite Christmas movies or volunteering in the community. Have a wonderful break, ya filthy animals. We’ll see you all next semester.

KAITLYN COATS assistant business manager

Both seniors Peyton Tavares and Rebecca East got the chance to sit in the director’s seat and direct their first one-act plays. One act plays fives advanced theatre and tech students to work together to showcase their theatrical skills. They are each directed by their fellow classmates Tavares and East. Last Thursday and Friday, they got perform their play in front of an audience of friends, family, and fellow Cy-Fair students. Prep for every aspect of the performances, Eurydice and Big Love started class in September. Tavares and East, the only applicants, both submitted applications for their plays with their concepts for set design, casting ideas for costuming, and final cuts to the show. Big Love, East’s play, was originally a full-length play cut down

to one hour while Eurydice was already an one-act play. “For me, I cut from the middle of scenes, so any time a character repeats itself or repeats a point for dramatic effect, that’s the stuff that goes first because we need to get it down to the main points.” Big Love, based on Aeschylus’s The Suppliants, is the story of 50 brides who flee to Italy to escape marrying their 50 cousins. Thyona (played by Brianna Benton), convinces her sisters, the other fifty brides, to kill their husbands on their wedding day. “The original script of Big Love touches on a lot more the male side and the female side of things, but in my cuts in mostly focuses on the women,” East said. “I created the basis for everything… It really is the work of everyone.”

Julia Ryza Co-Editor in Chief

Eurydice, the retelling of the myth of Orpheus from Eurydice’s point of view. The story is about Eurydice (played by Jordan York) who is forced to make the decision of whether to stay in the Underworld with her father (played by Noel Mehari) or go to back to world of the living and be reunited with her husband, Orpheus (played by Stephen Ortego). Although the play is emotional there can be comedic relief found in the trike-riding Lord of the Underworld (played Austin Baker) who for most of the play is decked out in a brightly colored striped shirt and suspenders. “It’s a lot of fantasy because it’s the Underworld, but it’s not to supposed to be like hell it’s supposed to be like Alice in Wonderland,” said Tavares.

On the stage: Eurydice (Jordan York) reunites with her father (Noel Mehari) in the underworld in the Senior Direct: Eurydice. Photo by Kaitlyn Coats

Congratulations to theater students Alyssa Andrichik, Lauren Hill, Kellie Lafflin and Peyton Tavares for advancing to the National Thespian Festival Competition in Group Acting

Q: How will you celebrate the end of the semester?

Emme Enojado Co-Editor in Chief

“I’m too exhausted from this semester to celebrate” -Shea Hunter, 11

Of the issue

“I won’t celebrate because I know 2nd semester is even harder” -Joy Houston, 10 *Questions, comments, or suggestions? DM us @cyfairpress on twitter!

“I’m going to die.” -Edwin Escobar, 12

“Spending time with “Make a sweater loved ones and like by made of tears loved ones I mean Star Spongebob” Wars” -Reilly Wiggins -Lauren Hill, 11

12. 16. 15

NEWS

Back to the future THE FACTS BEHIND VIRTUAL REALITY JOHN SANCHEZ managing editor

Girl on a mission SENIOR HELPS PEOPLE IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HANNAH HELGREN business manager HANNAH WILLINGHAM business manager

Virtual reality is an artificial environment created by using computer software. It is presented to the user in a way, so that the user believes the false reality and accepts it as actual reality. Virtual reality uses sight and sound to portray the artificial environment.

Thoughts on (Virtual) Reality: “Virtual reality technology has been around since the 90s. Now it is about the 360 camera. It looks like a cue ball and takes pictures from all angles. the price is going down and the technology is advancing,” Bobcat TV teacher Mr. Corken said. Photo by

John Sanchez

The American Academy of Neurology found a connection between playing video games and the release of dopamine, a chemical that causes pleasure, in the brain. This chemical release is similar to that of gambling and drug addiction and can be triggered by the sense of accomplishment players feel after playing video games. With virtual reality, the accomplishments will feel more real and the release of the dopamine will be stronger. This could get people addicted to the technology and lose touch with reality.

Virtual reality works by tricking your brain. A virtual reality headset shows you an image and modifies it by moving it the same way you turn your head. 3D audio also tricks your brain by playing sounds that would correlate with the pictures.

Virtual reality would further advance movie and gaming experiences. It can also be used for practice and training in the medical field, people in the military and even pilots. Virtual reality is important because it could also be used as therapy to treat people suffering from mental illnesses such as PTSD.

Virtual reality would be able to help those suffering from social anxiety by having their virtual avatar interact with others avatars in a work or school setting. It could also help people get over phobias by being submersed in an artificial environment, and interacting with their fears. Thoughts on (Virtual) Reality: “I think virtual reality is great for many people because it provides them a fantasy in which they can submerge themselves in their own fantasy. It provides them with a creative outlet for their own mind,” senior Mila Lozano said. Photo by John Sanchez

When Senior Claire Ginger goes to the Dominican Republic, she brings suitcases full of comfort items like sunglasses, shampoo and band-aids to pass out to the people in the 150 bateys (villages) who would otherwise have nothing. But it’s never enough. There are never enough items to pass out. Claire Ginger has been serving with Mission Comfort in the Dominican Republic for two years. Mission Comfort, founded by Hunter Kolon, is a charity that strives to bring comfort items to the people who have nothing. Kolon, who is now a 17-year-old high school girl who went on a mission trip about three years ago to the Dominican Republic, saw the needs of the people and decided to do something about it. “The kids we saw basically only had the clothes on their backs and that was it. But the kids love to see Americans,” Ginger said. Mission Comfort’s purpose is to give comfort items and needed supplies and clothing to the underprivileged in third world countries and the United States. Ginger’s

mission is about more than just providing comfort items. She helps her mom provide medical care and a Vacation Bible School for the kids. “Mission Comfort provides

Senior Claire Ginger. Photo provided

by Claire Ginger

so much love and comfort to the Dominicans that I just fell in love with mission work,” Ginger said. Ginger’s mother and brother preceded her on these trips, and they are how Ginger got involved. Once Ginger heard the stories about her mother and brother’s experience for 2 years, she was inspired to go have

some experiences of her own. “Being able to share Christ with the Dominicans in the bateys has been life changing” said Ginger. “I’ve learned so much about how to interact with other cultures in an appropriate way, which I think could help me in the future as a nurse.” These trips introduced Claire to the world of nursing and now she plans to go to college for it. “I find it extremely rewarding to see the smiles on the kids faces-and the men’s faces, it’s just amazing. I love working with Mission Comfort” Ginger said. According to Mission Comfort’s website, this poor region in the Dominican Republic is affected by the sugarcane industry which leaves them in these poor living conditions. Few have running water. There are no sanitary facilities and they have no electricity. The raw sewage that overflows into the streets with each heavy rainfall leads to a toxic area of fertile clay and residue. The children who play in that area are exposed to sickness and potential death. Donate by visiting missioncomfort.org If you are inspired to join Ginger on these life changing trips, feel free to contact her through her email: claire.ginger97@gmail.com.

Playing to the top

SENIORS PLAY THEIR WAY TO ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA CLAIRE MYNATT sports editor Excited, nervous, relieved. These were all things that senior violinist Andy Yang and senior cellist Andreas Kapatos were feeling through the course of the All-State Orchestra auditions on Oct 31. It took three auditions and 10 days of waiting to find out that they had made the Texas All-State Orchestra. “For the most part, I wasn’t necessarily nervous when I played but just excited to do my best,” Kapatos said. On Nov. 10, Yang and Kapatos got the news that they had made it into the All-State Orchestra. “I was pretty excited because the All-State Orchestra convention is a fun experience and I get an opportunity to play with some really good musicians,” Yang said. The convention will be in San Antonio Feb. 10-14. Both seniors will attend and perform at the convention. They will meet players from all over Texas and perform with them.

Having come from out of state, Orchestra Director Kevin Ray knows the process of the other states to get into All-State Orchestra is less rigorous than the Texan way. While he didn’t have a direct hand in their journey, being their director he has

throughout high school. “I’m extremely proud, they worked really hard. Its an incredibly selective process and they have to go through several rounds. It’s a very high honor to get,” Ray said.

Senior Andy Yang. Photo by Caitlyn

Senior Andreas Kapatos. Photo by

Axelrod

Caitlyn Axelrod

12. 16. 15

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12. 16. 15

SPORTS

Dressember CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS WEAR

DRESSES IN DECEMBER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUZY VAZQUEZ opinion editor

Freshman Abby Shelenhamer wants to end human trafficking. She is among 17 other members of the cross country team who are wearing dresses to school for the month of December to raise money for the Dressember foundation. The goal: raise $1000. There are 27 million slaves in the world according to the State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report but the girls’ cross country team hopes to make this number inexistent by wearing dresses. Dressember uses fashion to advocate for women who have been exploited for their femininity. As the cross country team takes on the creative challenge of wearing a dress for the 31 days of December they are advocating for the inherent dignity of all women. The Dressember 2015 campaign will support the work of International Justice Mission and A21, two human rights organizations that are bringing rescue and freedom to victims of slavery, sex trafficking and other forms of violent oppression. “I didn’t realize how big of a problem human trafficking

was and I definitely didn’t realize there were 27 million slaves in the world today until I heard about it from A21 at a Hillsong concert,” Shelenhamer said, “I wanted to be able to help because everyone deserves freedom no matter the cost.” Blythe Hill, founder of Dressember, began the movement in 2009 as a fun style challenge. As of 2013 it became a campaign and last year the organization raised $465,000. Senior Caroline Smith said it’s easy to feel like we can’t do anything, but Dressember gives everyone a chance to make a difference. “I hope to involve the people around me in the fight against human trafficking and help them realize everyone is capable of fighting for justice and human dignity no matter their station in life,” Smith said. Human trafficking is very prevalent in Texas, according to The U.S. Department of Justice. The I-10 corridor is one of the primary human trafficking routes in the U.S and has a large number of victims passing through every year. In 2013, Texas was

DRESS TO REPRESS The girls cross country team poses in the journalism room to show off some of the dresses they’ll be wearing during Dressember Photo by Lillian Harris

responsible for the second highest amount of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The city has become a center for human trafficking due to how close it is to the Mexican border and seaports. In addition, Houston has a national airport, major sporting events and national events that attract many tourists and cause a large demand for the commercial sex industry. Senior Jessica Ullrich said when she first started Dressember and began to

learn how present human trafficking was in Houston that she realized she and her peers were unaware of the problem. “We often associate human trafficking with foreign countries and forget that it’s real and that it involves real people and that it happens even in our own backyard,” Ullrich said. “I want to accomplish as much I can to inform people of what’s going on and hope that they are compelled to listen so we can eradicate this crime.”

TO DONATE TO THE CY-FAIR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY DRESSEMBER TEAM GO TO: http://support. dressemberfoundation.org/ fundraise/team?ftid=64213 Follow us on Twitter @cyfairpress for all the Bobcat sports updates.

‘Running through the rings with my bros’ CUEVAS BROTHERS WRESTLE BACK TO BACK ON VARSITY WRESTLING EDWARD CATEN reporter

Shooting for the pin Senior Hector Cuevas goes for his opponents feet to try and pin him Photo provided by Hector Cuevas

Senior Hector and sophomore Carlos Cuevas are brothers on the varsity wrestling team. Hector has wrestled since his freshman year. “It's an individual sportwhen you're out there you're alone,” Hector said. “It's not like football where you have to run a play. In wrestling you can do what you want, and if you lose it's on you, but it's also a team sport because you get team points, and that's how you win. You can win your own match, but you can lose the whole thing team wise.” Although Hector is not focused on college wrestling, he is open to it. “For now I'm only thinking

about high school wrestling but if I get scouted, I would take it for sure,” Hector said. Individually, Hector’s wrestling record is 14-2 and his goal is to place top four in district and regional, then go on to win state. Before a wrestling match, Carlos prepares by focusing on his goal and knowing he wants it more. “The 1st period (a round of playing) is won by the best technician,” Carlos said. “The 2nd period is won by the kid in his best shape. The third period is won by the kid with the biggest heart.” Carlos at first didn't really like the idea of wrestling at first. “I started off freshman

year because of my brother told me to join it,” Carlos said. “[Hector] would say, ‘do wrestling, do wrestling’, but I was like nah. He basically forced me into it, but I like it”. Carlos’ individual record is 12-5, and he hopes he makes it to regionals this year. Whenever Carlos is discouraged, he reminds himself that pain is weakness released from the body. Hector and Carlos help each other keep up with their weight so that they can wrestle and not go overweight. If they go overweight, then they will not be allowed to wrestle in a competition. “Carlos being on varsity with me makes me want to be the best I can be because

it sets a standard for him,” Hector said. “But not only for him, I push myself to my limits everyday to set the bar high for everyone in the room.” Not only does them working together help make them better in wrestling but it also really improves their relationship as brothers. “We have gotten closer than we used to be, we do more stuff together, and we have more of a common interests,” Carlos said. Together they have helped each other improve in the sport and have that bond to work together and make each other better so that they can become successful.

12. 16. 15

LIFE

Islam not ISIS

STUDENT PROUD OF HER RELIGION:

LOVE, HARMONY & PEACE BRI GONZALEZ life editor

Ammara Khan. Photo by Bri Gonzalez. BRI GONZALEZ life editor

In America, Muslims practice the wearing of traditional religious clothing, such as hijabs (head coverings worn by some Muslim women). Freshman Ammara Khan battles judgemental eyes with pride for her culture and beliefs, and wears the garment without fear. Khan, who is a proud Muslim, wears her scarf with pride, a symbol of her comfort and confidence in her identity. “My scarf became my crown after I went through bullying,” Khan said, “I put it on, and I just received lots of respect, and sooner or later, I stopped being bullied.” ISIS commits crimes and attacks in the name of the Islamic religion. According to the March 2015 issue of The Atlantic, “...jihadists are modern secular people, with modern political concerns, wearing medieval religious disguise—and make it fit the

Islamic State. In fact, much of what the group does looks nonsensical.” Their actions sully the reputation of the entire religion, which in actuality centers around peace and community. Khan attests that her religion is about unity and equality for everyone. It focuses on love and harmony, and peace for all people. “There’s a lot about equal rights for women and men, which I totally love,” Khan said, “Everything is just so peaceful and relaxed.” Khan considers herself to be an average person, who happens to be happily practicing the Islamic religion as well. “My beliefs, my choice, my rights, everything that I do. It’s not all based on my religion,” Khan said, “I know what’s right and what’s wrong.” ISIS is one terrorist group, one group that happens to use the Islamic religion as a shield, a reason for their attacks. “If Americans are going to make wide, sweeping generalizations, they must become familiar with Islam Doctrine and beliefs,” Kevin Satterfield, a US History and Government teacher, said, “Through their study, they will soon realize that ISIS is not adhering to Islamic doctrine. You cannot base a religion, which makes up 25% of the world population, on a small group who follows a radical mission.” Khan is very unhappy with the way ISIS claims to be Islamic, but is going against what the religion truly stands for. She is even more unhappy with all Muslims being blamed and generalized as evil because of one group’s actions. “Letting one bad person represent an entire mass of people just isn’t right. Terrorism doesn’t have a religion,” Khan said. “That’s for sure.”

TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW Bigotry (noun)- intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself. Muslim (noun)- a follower of the religion of Islam. Extremist (noun)- a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views, especially one who resorts to or advocates extreme action. Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), alternately known as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or simply the Islamic State, is a terroristic organization whose ultimate goal is to create one united Muslim territory in order to enforce its extremist beliefs.

EMILY SCHULTE culture editor

FINALS SCHEDULE - WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 7:25 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. 7:25 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. 4th period 1st period REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE for periods 3-5

12:42 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 7th period Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 7:25 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. 2nd period 9:25 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. passing period 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 3rd period (no lunch provided)

9:25 -9:30 a.m. passing period 9:30 to 11:30 5th period (No lunch provided)

12. 16. 15

Sorrow in Syria

JORDAN NATIVE SHARES VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE AT SYRIAN REFUGEE CAMP AND REALITIES OF WAR SWITCH BRILLO news editor

As a volunteer at AlZaatari in 2011, senior Aya Rawashdeh was introduced to the nightmare of war. “Get up,” an ISIS member yelled. “Or we’ll shoot you.” Since 2011, the crisis in Syria has led 12 million Syrians, half of which are children, to leave their homes, according to World Vision. As of June, Zaatari, the most populated refugee camp in Jordan, is home to over 85,000 refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war who all carry the same burdens. Rawashdeh, a Jordan native, helped with schooling as a teacher and a translator at Zaatari. Fluent in English and Arabic, Rawashdeh taught children how to communicate basic needs such as food or medication to the Red Cross.

“I walked into a tent one day and I said, ‘hey’.” Rawashdeh said. “It was out of nowhere, so I guess it scared them, but I saw a little girl duck and she was screaming and crying. This is a child experiencing trauma.” Rawashdeh said. She later learned that the six-year old girl was named Sireen. In the middle of the night, an armed terrorist broke into her house and escorted her family into the oblivion that changed their lives forever. Sireen now resides inside Zaatari, with a dead mother and a missing father. But at Zaatari, Sireen’s situation was just one of the hundreds that Rawashdeh had heard. For five months Rawashdeh learned about how the war had affected refugee lives. “You notice how here in the states we’re fine and not

we’re worried about bombs and gunfire. To them it’s normal. It’s traumatizing, especially for children,” Rawashdeh said. “ I look at them and realize that they’ve been through so much. Just imagine how that’s going to affect them when they grow up.” The camp lies within the Jordanian desert, just 13 kilometers from Syria’s borders. The makeshift tents that the refugees call home occupy the two-mile long and one-and-a half mile wide fences that barricade the camp. Shortly before Rawashdeh moved to the U.S in 2012, hepatitis spread within Zaatari. “I couldn’t go back until it was detained. Unfortunately it hadn’t been by the time I had to leave so I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye,” Rawashdeh said. Despite the pain that

LIFE Rawashdeh witnessed, she describes her time there as eye-opening. “I’m more sympathetic. At first, I thought ‘They should get out. It’s not my problem.’ but when I actually realized what was going on with them, and how they were affected by this, it’s very eye-opening,” Rawashdeh said. “There, someone my age might get raped, shot, killed, starved, or their house burned down. It makes you more appreciative for what you have. I’m grateful for the roof over my head, the clothes on my back, and the food that I eat because that other person does not have that when I do.” The millions displaced continue their lives in camps such as Zaatari waiting for the day they can go back home. “People think they’re in danger, but they’re not. People need to realize that the refugees in danger.” Rawashdeh said. “We have to be humans and save our humanity and keep it intact. People are dying and no one cares.”

3 Countries 9 Years 1 Adventure Desiree Jetter and her mother rafting. Photo courtesy of Desiree Jetter.

SOPHOMORE LIVES 9 YEARS ABROAD ALEX WHITE public relations

When she was seven and her father told her she was moving to Malaysia, her first thought: “We’re going on an adventure.” Sophomore Desiree Jetter, who has lived in the United States, Malaysia and Singapore said her favorite place to live was Malaysia. Jetter lived in Mont Kiara, an affluent township northwest of Kuala Lumpur,

for four and a half years. While in Malaysia, Jetter enjoyed the diverse culture, spending time with the locals, and hiking through various Malaysian rain forests. What she misses the most about the tropical country is the flora and fauna. “The rainforests were beautiful and all of the different plants and animals that I saw were amazing,” Jetter said. Although she considered the sights breathtaking, going

abroad wasn’t just a vacation for Jetter. It was her life and it wasn’t always as fun and adventurous as she wanted it to be. “Living overseas wasn’t just a vacation, I had school just like everybody else,” Jetter said. All in all though, it was a great learning experience,” Jetter loved living overseas, but it was emotionally tough being away from her friends and family who lived in America and she often took solace in knowing that her

sister wasn’t going anywhere. “Being away from our relatives had a huge impact on our family, and it made the bonds within the household stronger,” she said. “My sister is my best friend because I know she will never leave me. She is my constant.” Most of Jetter’s relatives live in the United States and she looked forward to seeing them in the summer to make up for the lost time. “It made summers extremely exciting,” Jetter said.“We were able to travel back to the United States to see them, and I enjoyed every minute we were able to spend

Aya Rawashdeh and her father in Jordan. Photo courtesy of Aya Rawashdeh.

together.” Jetter and her family were able to live in Malaysia because of her father’s job as an engineer and because of his job, Jetter was also able to spend two years of her life living in Bukit Batok, Singapore. While in Singapore, Jetter and her family were quick to immerse themselves in the culture and indulge in the local cuisine. “One time my dad went to dinner with his coworkers and they ordered him Fishhead curry. The fish eyes are a delicacy, and because he was the guest he had to eat them,” Jetter said. Her father said he didn’t mind it though. “After I tried it, Fishhead curry became one of my favorite dishes, It’s really delicious, especially for date night with my wife,” Patrick Jetter said, Desiree’s father. Jetter is also a passionate vegetarian and while she lived in Singapore she managed to convince a local grocery store to stop selling Shark fin soup, a national delicacy. “I don’t believe that sharks should die for soup so I asked to speak to one of the managers at the store and gave him my reasons as to why the sharks shouldn’t be

killed,” Jetter said, “But I made sure to be respectful because I didn’t want to offend him. You have to be culturally open minded when you travel to avoid offending anyone’s culture. You are a guest in their country. You should be respectful.” Being culturally aware has made Jetter appreciate the vast diversity of cultures in Texas and has helped her adapt to being back on American soil. “I got lucky living in Houston. The people are very welcoming and Houston is very culturally diverse and open minded,” Jetter said. “But one of the downsides to Houston is that unlike Mont Kiara and Bukit Batok, Houston doesn’t have nearly as much readily available transportation. “Malaysia and Singapore were like New York. You could wave down anyone, and in Houston you can’t even wave down a taxi. Singapore especially, there were mass rapid transit stations everywhere, and in the communities, it only took fifteen minutes to get to where you wanted to go,” Jetter said. “But overall, I’m happy to be back in America because there are so many states that I want to travel to. It’s very exciting,” Jetter said.

12. 16. 15

CENTER

‘TIS THE SEASON

How do YOU celebrate? Maia Johnson 12 Celebrates: Kwanza

Madison Brewer 9 Celebrates: Hanukkah

What does this holiday celebrate?

“It’s a secular holiday that celebrates heritage and culture. It’s mostly African, the customs depend on where you’re from” What special things do you do? “We light candles that are black, gold, and red. You light a candle each day.

“Hanukkah is sometimes called the festival of lights because this temple was destroyed and there is a light that is never supposed to burn out. When they went to fix the temple they had to light the light and they only had enough oil for 1 day but it burned for 8.”

What special things do you do? “You have 8 days and each night you light the menorah which is the candle.”

EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAYS IN A NEW LIGHT LAURYN WALKER reporter

The adventure of Magical Winter begins through a gateway of light swirls that feel like a dream. They can’t fully prepare you for the full immersion of lights that is to come. The fun is just starting. Magical Winter Lights has added a flare to every aspect across the globe. With an entrance fee of $27 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under, you are on your way to enjoying the experience People Generation, a global communication firm, has brought to Houston. The first stop is Houston where a NASA space shuttle is decorated in brilliant blues. I’ve never wanted to go in a trip in my favorite rocket ship more than in that moment. The Rockets were displayed where they could finally shine. and everyone can see cowboys in a positive light.

Photo by Lauryn Walker

Just a few steps away, you’re in Asia. Vibrant yellows and reds catch the eyes as you enter the origins of this festival. Stunning, illuminated lotus flowers could have people mesmerized for minutes at a time. You feel a little closer to this 2000-year-old tradition that began all the way back in the Han Dynasty. Personally, my favorite was the giant bowl of noodles in this section, because giant food is my favorite aesthetic. Although it takes a little navigating around the grounds, once I back tracked and found another path to go, the Prehistoric Age wasn’t too far away. You’ll find a huge, iridescent volcano surrounded by a pterodactyl and even a T-Rex. To fully put you into the experience, there are stereos softly projecting background sounds, that most don’t even know are there until they realize that a fake volcano can’t make those sounds. This was, for obvious reasons, my favorite section. Dinosaurs.

Looking just past a dinosaur, you can see pyramids and other Egyptian structures. Though they are scaled down models, these pyramids are breathtaking in their own light. The layered lights bring out different kinds of beauty in them. People Generation hit their European section out of the park. It’s the perfect place if you don’t have enough money to visit Europe but still want to take the classic picture holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Magic Winter lights isn’t just full of lit up decorations, it is also overflowing with undiluted fun. There are carnival games, 22 food trucks (Recommendation: The Waffle Bus), and even 43 carnival rides (Recommendation: the Zipper). Magical Winter Lights is an experience you won’t soon regret. It’s fun for all ages and there is no stopping you from riding the carousel made for toddlers. I believe in you. It was lit.

12. 16. 15

CENTER

Be a HELPER this holiday season AUDREY GRAY culture editor

Christmas time is all about giving to others who are in need of receiving. The smallest thing could change a person’s life, and you never know the impact your help can have on a person. So it’s that time of year again. Time to get off the couch, turn off Netflix and make a difference.

Looking for other ways to make a difference around the community? Visit volunteerhouston. org for more volunteer opportunities.

Seniors Blake Critendon, Clay Allen, Caroline Kelly and Sarah Poulter help Special Olympics players at an event. Photo Courtesy National Charity League

Special Olympics 10777 Northwest Fwy #110 Houston, TX 77092 (713) 290-0049 Special Olympics is a non profit organization that works with children and adults with intellectual disabilities to help them find joy and passion through sports. The participants get to train and compete year round in multiple different sports to develop athletic and social skills, as well as make new friends and experience new things. “I love how our athletes are able to see themselves as accomplished athletes, and how that helps them gain confidence in other areas of their lives,” Tela Mange, Vice President of Communication, said. Volunteer opportunities are simple, and the participants love to have friendly faces around. Anything from cheering on the players to helping set up for events is greatly appreciated by everyone involved in Special Olympics.

MADI CHRISTIAN opinion editor

Rhea the cat at Abandoned Animal Rescue Photo by Audrey Gray

Abandoned Animal Rescue 419 East Hufmith Road Tomball, TX 77375 (281) 290-0121 If you are an animal lover, this is the philanthropy for you. Abandoned Animal Rescue is a no-kill shelter that accepts dogs and cats. The program keeps the animals until they are healthy enough to be given to a family that will love and care for them for the duration of their life, but in the meantime they appreciate the help. “My favorite part is seeing the joy in a dog’s face when they know they are leaving for their forever home,” Karen Pitcock, a local volunteer, said. Part of the healing process for animals to get better is love, and these animals need all the love they can get. AAR needs volunteers for things like answering the phone, cleaning the kennel, and the daily play time the animals get outside. Along with the in shelter support, donations help pay for the animal’s medical needs, as well as support a fund to build a new center for the animals.

Seniors Sarah Poulter, Caroline Kelly and Claire Heineman work together at a Cy-Hope event. Photo Courtesy of National Charity League

Cy- Hope 17401 Village Green Dr Jersey Village, TX 77040 (713) 466-1360 Cy- Hope is an organization that is worried about the future for the children of Cypress. The organization works with schools, churches, hospitals and businesses to provide the best education for kids living at risk of poverty. Cy- Hope believes that a proper education is vital to a long lasting and successful future. Starting in May and continuing on till July they will be hosting a shoe drive, and collecting new or gently used shoes to send to impoverished families. Another opportunity to give is the Backpack Feeding Program. Everyday during the week you can volunteer to help unload trucks, deliver food to schools and load cars with donations to bring to schools. “I love it all so it’s really hard to pick a favorite. Hope Centers, POP and Backpack Feeding if I have to pick,” Lynda Zelenka, executive director, said.

Photo Courtesy Habitat for Humanity.org

Habitat for Humanity 13350 Jones Rd Houston, TX 77070 (281) 477-0460 Habitat for Humanity is a community based organization that builds homes for people suffering from poverty. The philanthropy welcomes volunteers from any age, and anybody wishing to make a major difference in a family’s life. The houses are simple, easily maintained low-income homes built by volunteers. “I love seeing the homeowners faces change with every step of construction on their houses,” Rachel Huxohl, volunteer coordinator, said, “They just get more and more excited and it is infectious. My job is a blessing.”

12. 16. 15

CULTURE

BELOW ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP ANYONE ACHEIVE THE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER LOOK OF BOLD BROWS, SHARP LINER AND A SOLID CONTOUR AND HIGHLIGHT

Let’s LILY ADAM reporter

THE BROWS

The eyebrows are accredited for framing the face. Whether it be a bold brow or a natural looking brow, making sure they are in good shape is always a good idea. The first step should be brushing. Using an eyebrow brush or a spoolie, comb your brows to their natural arch and shape. Brush hair at an upwards angle into an arch. Do not brush downward. The second step is determining the best product to use for your brows. Anastasia Beverly Hills, Milani and Nyx Cosmetics are all fantastic brands with quality brow products. Use an angled brush with a brow powder, a pomade or a gel. Eyebrow pencils fill in brows easily. Brow pencils require the least amount of control, and are super quick and easy to use. If you are going for a lighter look, there is always just tinted brow gel. Regardless of the product you are using, the routine is the same. Start with lightly lining the bottom of the brow. Softly outline the

natural shape of your brow. The underside of the brow should be more clearly defined and filled in than the top of the brow. Stay away from drawing any harsh lines by using light, feathery strokes to fill in any sparse areas. Once the underside of the brow is clearly defined, move on to the arch. Use a light hand when defining the arch. Use your pencil like you would a normal pencil to trace and shade your arch to the shape of your liking. Near the front of the brow, use a very light hand, staying away from any harsh lines. Using a pencil or a brush, shade lightly in an upwards, feathery motion, mimicking the shape of the actual hairs. If you notice that the shape of your brows are too thick or if there are any areas you’d like to clean up, use a flat brush and foundation to lightly clean up any places of concern. Lastly, set your brows. Use a brow gel, whether it be clear or tinted, and brush your brows into place one last time to make sure they stay put.

THE EYELINER

Eyeliner is all about control. To make sure your eyeliner looks clean and sharp, choose either a liquid eyeliner, pencil liner, or gel eyeliner. I have always used liquid, but the routine is the always the same. When using an eyeliner, a steady hand is crucial. Rest the elbow of the hand you will be using on a table or a hard surface. Lower the eyelid to an almost closed/ half open position. Start lining where your eyelashes begin, on the inner corner and focus on making a line that is consistent with the shape of your eye. Continue the line to the

outer corner of the eye and stop. Draw liner from the corner of the eye outwards to the length you want. It can be a short, simple wing or a dramatic full wing. From the tip of the wing, draw the line inwards and connect it with the original line that is lining the lashes. It will be a thin wing. Take the liner and thicken the line to your preference. To assure that your wings are equal and sharp, take a slightly damp q-tip and shape the wing and thickness until you’re satisfied.

THE CONTOUR AND HIGHLIGHT The objective of a contour is to slim the nose, raise the cheekbones and define the jaw. The objective of the highlight is to bring light and shine to the bridge of the nose, the upper cheekbones, the cupids bow, the T-zone, the inner corner of the eyes and the high of the brow bone. Make sure foundation is applied evenly and set with powder. To contour, start with a powder bronzer without shimmer in it. The bronzer should be 3-4 shades darker than your skin tone. Using a fluffy angled brush, pick up some bronzer. Feel for your cheekbones. Every face shape is unique, so every contour will not follow an exact pattern. Once you find your cheekbones, suck in your cheeks and sweep the brush from where the hairline meets the cheekbones (should be near the ear) and contour to mid- cheek. Sweep some bronzer on your temples to assure there are no harsh lines from where the contour began.

Photo by Lily Adam

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS: FOR THE BROWS

-Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit ($6.29 on walgreens.com, can be found at any drugstore) -Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade ($18.00 on sephora.com, can be found in Sephora or Ulta) and Anastasia Beverly Hills #12 Brush ($18.00 on sephora.com can be found in Ulta or Sephora)

EYELINERS

-Almay Liquid Eyeliner ($6.56 on drugstore. com, can be found at any drugstore) -Mac Blacktrack Fluidline gel liner ($16.50 from MAC cosmetics, can be found in Macy’s) and MAC 210 precise eyeliner brush ($20.00 from MAC cosmetics, can be found in Macy’s)

To contour the jaw, take your angled brush with a light amount of bronzer and define where the jaw is by running the brush lightly under the jaw. For the jaw, it’s always a good idea to start with a light amount and build up if desired. Bronze the forehead at the hairline slightly if you think your face needs some warmth. For the highlight, use a powder illuminator and a fan brush for application. Take a generous amount of highlighter with the fan brush and highlight the highest part of the cheek bones and around the inner corner of the eye. Highlight the bridge of the nose, the area between the eyebrows, directly under your brows, and the cupids bow. To highlight the inner corner of the eyes and the cupids bow, you can use your finger to apply. The use of the fan brush is handy in that it is a very light tool, so you can use a good amount of product. Build up your highlight and contour until you feel like a Kardashian.

CONTOURS AND HIGHLIGHTS

-Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette ($46.00 on sephora.com, can be found at Sephora) -Milani XL Bronze Glow Bronzer ($8.99 on drugstore.com, can be found at any drugstore or Ulta) and L’Oreal True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator ($12.99 on ulta.com, can be found at any drugstore or Ulta)

Photos by Audrey Gray

12. 16. 15

CULTURE

Epic trilogy comes to an end Embark on Katniss’s journey one last time HANNAH WOODRUM reporter

As the fourth and final “Hunger Games” movie winds down with the release of “The Hunger Games:Mockingjay-Part 2,” the film and lead characters fight a battle far bigger than the one where they began. The movie starts off looking at the eyes of Katniss Everdeen who sits on a hospital bed underground in District 13. Jennifer Lawrence lives up to her role with her bow and arrow to inspire the people of Panem to stop pointing their guns at each other and point their weapons to the Capital. Although this movie reflects more on the political side than the rest of the series, this movie has more twists through the love triangle of Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne and Katniss Everdeen is darker than ever. Peeta Mellark is angry as he lies in a hospital bed, strapped down, belting out “It’s all because of Katniss.” You can see it in his face

that he is changed. Throughout the movie Peeta journeys through the Capitol with Katniss leading the way, through booby traps and trying to keep out of the eye of President Snow who seeks nothing more than to see “the mockingjay” fall. Peeta looks a walking corpse with deranged eyes and a wicked mind, fighting between what’s real and not real. Even if you have read the book, the movie displays it perfectly. It will be like reading the book for the very first time. It will have you holding on to the edge of your seat every minute. Francis Lawrence creates this movie with such darkness and sorrow, deaths that will for sure make you cry, and the reveal of the true enemy. He captures the conversational face offs and the burst of violence allowing you to admire the setting. It is difficult to know who to trust and who is good. We all know manipulative President Snow the

one who had such hatred towards Katniss since she brought out those poison berries in the first Hunger Games, but you may see some good out of him in this movie. Just don’t be fooled too easily. Many old and new names appear throughout this movie. New allies are introduced and more deaths follow. Toward the end of the movie, it’s all mind games and who can really play the game. This was the best out of all of them. It was, the perfect closing to end the series. Mockingjay part 2 is the movie to see for anyone who craves adventure and action packed films. This is probably the only movie which matches the author’s script, and portrays the whole concept on what Katniss has been fighting for since she said those famous words which started it all: “I volunteer as tribute.”

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Art by Emme Enojado

11. 20. 15

OPINION

Slow do wn

JUNIOR REFLECTS ON IMPORTANCE OF TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF EMME ENOJADO co editor-in-chief

A lot of times, or rather most of the time, I catch myself not only going through the motions of everyday life, but rushing through it. I’m rushing to get to school on time, rushing to scribble down less than quality answers to homework that I was too exhausted to complete the night before, rushing to finish the school rushing to get from school to swim practice, rushing from swim practice to my house, rushing to shower, rushing to church, rushing home to start on my homework, and then rushing to fall asleep. I don’t even have time to have, or even think, about a mental breakdown. Since the outburst of the industrial revolution, speed has been seen as a gift from heaven above. We treasure it, savor it and splash it on every daily activity- from food to learning to even yoga, an art that’s supposed

Art by Emme Enojado

to be taken slow for optimum tranquility. We live in a speed engrossed world where just about everything is a race against the ticking of the clock. Of course, speed has its own important and lovable place in the world. I love my wifi fast, my fast food fast, and my homework done fast just as much as the next person does. But

Homework vs Health

NICOLE SHAIR news editor

As students, we go to great lengths so that we can keep going and trudge through the eight hours of schooling (and eight hours of homework) thrust upon us each day. Some students work grueling long hours to support their family. Some students have extracurricular activities in order to become the well-rounded pupil colleges search for or to broaden their horizons outside of academics. And because of the high levels of class work given to be completed along with the aforementioned activities, students are increasingly moving away from their beds and more towards the coffee machine. This migration from health to homework isn’t good for both the mental and physical well being of students. To understand how education fits into the growing rates of depression, anxiety and other

the problem is that we have abused it. We’ve become addicted to the adrenaline rush, the “more bang for your buck”, doing more things in less time. We like the power to occupy our minds and bodies with earthly labor to keep us from dwelling too much about our own health. We’re becoming so fixed on the idea of the destination to the point where we’ve forgotten

about the journey itself. In a TED talk titled “In the Praise of Slowness” that I stumbled upon on one lazy Saturday afternoon, speaker Carl Honore advocates for the Slow Movement, an effort to hit the brakes on life, and that things should be done as well as possible, not as fast as possible. The Slow Movement and the value of slowness has been around for the past 200 years. Just look to our fellow Transcendentalists Thoreau and Emerson, even the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s. But the need for slow is even more imperative at this time of work and rapid innovation, as speed spreading through our culture, affecting our health, diet, relationships and life as we know it. Slowing down isn’t easy, especially as over-scheduled and over-pressured high schoolers. But I’ve learned how to say “no” to things to avoid getting too over scheduled, I’ve learned that taking time for myself and to debrief during the day is okay and I’ve learned how to simply stop my work and shut down for the night. I don’t want to race through my life. I want to live it.

JUNIOR STRESSES ANXIETY AWARENESS

mental illnesses in adolescent minds, we must first acknowledge that stress can lead to mental illness. Researchers at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in New Orleans concluded that stress, no matter its source, alters circuitry in the brain that can have long-lasting and dramatic effects on mental health. Other researchers have found that stress also causes the release of chemicals, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, which impair the brain’s prefrontal cortex, home of higher-level thinking. When these chemicals are set loose on our minds, our reactive tendencies (the ones which cause us to speak before we think) heighten while our reflective tendencies (the ones which allow us to think through a situation) are blocked. This chemical imbalance can lead to a plethora of mental illnesses which plague teens on a day-to-day basis such as anxiety

Art by Lauryn Walker

For example, those with anxiety are so overwhelmed with all that has to be done that instead of completing their work, they just sink deeper into a pit of despair that is inescapable and these pits turn into mental breakdowns that can take hours to calm; a detriment to the limited amount of time students have for homework as is. According to Chris Iliade, a certified MD, one of the major causes of stress is the high demands of school or work. The situation worsens when we are forced to choose between the academic achievements they strive toward and the well being of both

mind and body. In most cases, the former usually wins the match and we must resort to cold medications in order to make it through the school day. As for the high levels of homework, some might ask why these students are taking such difficult and demanding classes if it causes so much stress. The answer is simple: with the rise in cost of higher education, we take Advanced Placement and dual credit classes in high school to save now and not be swamped with student debt later. In the end, the only thing we can do as peers and the only thing that adults can do as mentors and educators, is to do whatever we can to help us along. Look past the stigma that surrounds those with mental illness and just be a friend when those hours of homework get to be a little too much. Perhaps, in the future, it won’t be so daunting to talk about something as accepted and supported as what I hope mental illness will become in the future.

OPINION

12. 16. 15

Capturing the Christmas spirit on screen FEEL-GOOD MOVIES SURE TO COMPLETE YOUR WINTER BREAK CODY BROWN life editor

A Charlie Brown Christmas Charlie Brown, the ever-aware social critic, laments about how materialistic the Christmas season has become. He claims that money has ruined the spirit of the holiday. As a nod to his opinion, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant to help people find its true meaning again. He accepts, only to find it a frustrating challenge, which ultimately shakes his own faith in the holiday. After finding a scrawny Christmas tree to help restore meaning to the holiday fails to change anything, Charlie Brown needs Linus’ help to find the true meaning of Christmas. This Christmas classic serves as a reminder that friendship and togetherness are more important than presents during the holidays.

Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: A Lost Claus

Spongebob Squarepants: Christmas Who?

When several imaginary Santa’s arrive at Foster’s, Mac begins questioning if Santa Claus is real. It’s up to his imaginary friend Bloo to help him believe again. At the same time, Bloo has to convince the proprietor of Foster’s, Mr. Herriman, to give each resident more than one gift for Christmas this year. Although this episode only aired Dec. 1, 2005, it has earned its status as a classic for its message of appreciating friendship and even the smallest Christmas gifts, because on Christmas Day, any gift from the heart is the best gift one can receive.

The famous yellow sea sponge gets his first taste of Yuletide festivities when native Texan Sandy Cheeks strings up her home in festive lights to celebrate. After Spongebob shares the wondrous idea of getting presents from Santa Claus with all of Bikini Bottom, the entire town erupts in holiday cheer. Everyone...well, except for Squidward, who refuses to participate in any part of the antics. This episode of the beloved children’s television show is about as familiar to teenagers as Christmas itself, and continues to be a hysterical take on the unity and festivity the holidays inspire.

A Christmas Story Nine-year-old Ralphie wants nothing more than to find a Red Ryder BB Gun of his own under the Christmas tree, to the point where it completely rules his thoughts and imagination. But it seems like every adult in Ralphie’s life wants to dissuade his fantasies, telling the boy “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” Filmed in the 1980s and set in the 1940s, this timeless, heartwarming holiday classic reminds everyone of a child’s love for the holiday and beloved Christmas presents Santa brings, and continues to serve as a reminder of the simpler times of childhood and what it means to let the imagination run wild.

Art by Bri Gonzalez

CALIFORNIA, To the Our thoughts and Thespians: prayers are with the friends & family of the California shooting victims We’re proud of you. paid shoutout ad

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‘This timeless holiday classic reminds everyone of a child’s love for the holiday’ It’s a Wonderful Life George Bailey, a compassionate businessman who faces the potential loss of his father’s company to the corrupt tycoon Mr. Potter, receives a life-changing look into a world where he never existed from an angel named Clarence. This classic holiday movie, first released Jan 7, 1946, embraces how the small contributions of an individual can have a major impact on many people, as well as how powerful the love of a family can truly be.

French Club supports Peace for Paris.

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OPINION

Beliefs, traditions not a fashion statement

12. 16. 15

SHARING SOMEONE’S CULTURE COMES WITH BOUNDARIES

Art by Mohammed Fayaz

MELODY BERRYHILL reporter

When I wore my hair in braids I felt insecure. The word “ghetto” has always been used in a disrespectful light pertaining toward black people. So when people from other races post pictures on Instagram with their braids captioning it “feeling #ghetto today”, I felt like I was categorized as that. The problem is the fact that the person who is appropriating hasn’t walked in that person’s shoes. Some celebrities want to use other cultures to be seen as “cool” or more appealing to their audience. An example is Miley Cyrus who said: “I just want something that just feels black”. This is an example of inter-sectional appropriation and why it upsets people of certain cultures when someone gets gratitude for stealing small aspects of objects in that culture. Most times when a person of

color brings it up he or she is bombarded with verbal attacks. A bindi is a Hindu decorative mark in the middle of the forehead typically worn by Indian or other South Asian women. It means a Hindu woman is married, is said to be the third eye in Hindu religion, and can be used to ward off bad luck. While some may think of it as a cute accessory to top off a bohemian outfit, there’s far more to it than that. Fashion trends have highlighted the “uniqueness” of henna, dreads and other aspects of various cultures, and the media promotes this trend. Fashion Magazines such as Vogue, Allure, and Seventeen have problematic tutorials on Bantu knots and tribal makeup. The 2014 Vogue Japan cover featured Miranda Kerr dressed in Geisha wear. Here is when cultural appropriation takes

patchouli oil.” Dreadlocks are worn by various cultures, but are strongly connected with black culture. That same year, Miley Cyrus hosted the VMA’s in dreadlocks. Later, people praised her calling it “edgy” and “unique”. At the same time, I feel some can take the situation too far and attack people rudely who naively don’t

SOME PEOPLE THINK IT’S AN ISSUE. THIS SENIOR SAYS THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT Being introverted doesn’t mean that I don’t like people. In fact, it’s not that at all. I prefer to be alone over hanging out with friends. This doesn’t mean I don’t like people. It just means I prefer to be alone rather than being social. It’s not a choice to be an introvert. It’s just something that gradually happens. I never found it to be strange or abnormal at all. Something that can come from being an introvert is anxiety. Anxiety can be in both extroverts and introverts, but I found that it affected me more as an introvert since I’m terrible at social interaction. I even get nervous when I have to talk to people in person or on the phone. Every time I try to talk to someone in person or on the phone, I feel like I lost my voice. Like there’s duct tape on my mouth that’s keeping me from talking. I try my best, but nothing comes out. I repeat myself, trying to remember what I was trying to say. In my head, I’m practically screaming to say something. When did it become so hard to make words come out of my mouth? I’ve been doing it for 17 years, so it shouldn’t be that hard? Right?

place. Cultural appropriation is when a person exploits things from someone else’s culture. Being black, I faced many moments of appropriation. Zendaya, who is a black woman, showed up to the 2015 Oscars in dreadlocks. Giuliana Rancic from Fashion Police said the young actress “Must have smelled like

LIZZIE FARIA online editor

But unfortunately for me, it is. As a kid, I was the quiet one who sat in the back of the room, not saying a word to anyone. If I wasn’t reading, I was sketching in my notebook or playing my 3DS. Even at home I sit in my room on my laptop wearing headphones with my cat as company. He’s a cuddler. My parents and sister say it’s an issue and I should get out more. I already got enough sun when I was a kid, besides, outside is a scary and dangerous place filled with bugs and humidity. No thank you. But since I’m a shut in, my sister has given me the nickname vampire. Not to mention that whenever it comes to doing anything remotely social, I want to do anything I can to get out of that situation and fast. Like where’s the nearest exit and please direct me to it now. But there are cases where I’m social for a certain amount of time before an alert goes off in my head saying it’s time to

be alone, right now, let’s go. This has happened on more than once (which has gotten me into trouble with my parents) to the point where I’m forced to go out. This also affects my self esteem and confidence since after being reprimanded, I tend to feel some sort of self loathing, wondering why I can’t just get my butt out of the house for once? But it’s not my fault. It was never a choice I made to be introverted, it just..happened. It’s also affected my time with family. But only half of it’s because I’m introverted, the other half is so I can avoid questions like “do you have a boyfriend?”, “what are you planning to do after high school?”, “what college are you going to?”, “have you applied for college yet?”, “do you have your license yet?” and not to mention my relatives share very different opinions than me so I choose not to say anything. Being introverted in my life has its ups and downs. From having trouble saying what I want to, to being someone whose understanding and willing to listen to others. I’m an introvert and there’s nothing wrong with me.

BRI GONZALEZ life editor

“Shut up,” is a phrase I’m quite familiar with. There’s also “Shut the heck up,” and my personal favorite, “OH MY GOSH, SHUT. UP. BRI.” Silence. It’s awkward and agonizing, still and stiff, full of shuffling feet and the nose whistles of your desk partner. I speak a lot about silence for someone who doesn’t experience it much, but then I speak a lot in general. Silence is something that doesn’t truly exist for me because I never shut up. I like to consider myself a fairly outgoing and confident person. People have even told me I’m the dictionary definition of an extrovert, and I can’t say I disagree. Extroverts are the “life of the party” so to speak: loud, sociable and energetic. I do find that I am all of these things. I like to talk and laugh, and if given the chance to socialize I will. I can hardly stand being quiet. It’s just not in my nature. Being an extrovert has its good points. I have a wide group of friends, and I’m able to socialize and conduct myself in confident way in all sorts of different situations, among all sorts of different people. Socializing isn’t nerve-

know any better instead of educating them on the topic. Nothing is ever going to be accomplished if you’re simply calling them ignorant instead of informing them and backing up with evidence. I also think people can take the term too far and over think every small thing of everyday life. Am I oppressing someone’s culture wearing a fishtail braid? Will I get attacked for being racist if I’m wearing tribal leggings? The answer is decisive. Smaller things such as yoga and winged eyeliner aren’t considered cultural appropriation because society doesn’t discriminate it from its origin. One of the few cases when culture appropriation is okay is when you’re told to dress in their clothing to blend in at an event out of respect. Cultural appreciation on the other hand is learning about another culture with respect and knowing

boundaries when you decide to show the appreciation. Learning about Indian culture, for example, and becoming fascinated by it doesn’t give the right to wear Indian headpieces to “spice up” a hairstyle. Many people tend to wear these accessories without thinking of the religious and cultural meaning they hold. Culture obviously is meant to be shared with everybody but it comes with boundaries such as language, foods and beliefs. The World Market sells many things from other cultures such as Turkish necklaces, foreign sweets, Matryosha dolls-the list never ends. It’s a form of culture appreciation because most items on the market are made from cultured people who contribute their items to us. This wasn’t meant to be a jab at a particular race but before you go on Etsy and order that “indie bindi set” for $14.99, think twice.

BEING LOUD AND HYPER CAN BE INTERPRETED AS ANNOYING OR OBNOXIOUS And here’s the real kickerinserting myself into social situations where people were already interacting makes me nervous. The fear of shoving myself into a place where I am unwanted makes me wracking. It’s fun. It’s anxious and worried. I don’t energizing and fulfilling to want to force myself on know I’m able to put a smile people, because (cue internal on a person’s face just by monologue) what if they get saying ‘hello’ and holding a tired of me? What if they don’t short conversation. want to talk right now and I’m I’m a people person, It just bothering them? What if makes me happy to make they don’t like me at all? What people happy. However, being an extrovert also has its if, what if, what if, what if, what if. drawbacks. The idea that social anxiety When you’re as loud and hyper as me, you run the risk doesn’t exist for extroverts is of coming off as annoying and entirely wrong. I enjoy talking to people and having fun, but obnoxious. Incessant chatter the underlying worry that no and peals of high pitched one wants me around is quite laughter is basically all that real. comes out of my mouth. Lucky my impulse control People seem to get tired of this after a while. Gee, wonder isn’t very good so I end up inserting myself into social why. situations whether I’m wanted It’s a personal flaw of or not. mine: being a ham. I am Everyone has insecurities usually guilty of dominating about socializing. It’s human a conversation, interrupting, nature to pick out your own and laughing so loudly a flaws. The thing about being person can’t hear themselves an extrovert is you point them think. I’ve been accused of out to everyone before they being an attention-seeker, and it’s not entirely false. I do can. Pretending I don’t care is a specialty of mine. like attention. I thrive on it. Insecurities? Ha, what are Being unnoticed makes me those? It’s all chill, I don’t care. feel lonely. I don’t care at all.

OPINION

12. 16. 15

STAFF ED

the REPORTER staff

GIVE

Co-Editor in Chief JULIA RYZA Co-Editor in Chief EMME ENOJADO Managing Editor JOHN SANCHEZ Sports Editor CLAIRE MYNATT Opinion Editors MADI CHRISTIAN SUZY VAZQUEZ Culture Editors AUDREY GRAY EMILY SCHULTE News Editor NICOLE SHAIR SWITCH BRILLO Life Editors CODY BROWN BRI GONZALEZ Business Managers HANNAH HELGREN HANNA WILLINGHAM KAITLYN COATS Public Relations ALEX WHITE Copy Editor LAURYN WALKER Reporters, Artists EDWARD CATEN,, HANNAH WOODRUM, BLAKE NALL, MELODY BERRYHILL, LILY ADAM Online Editor LIZZIE FARIA SWITCH BRILLO Adviser LILLIAN HARRIS OUR POLICY The Reporter is a Cy-Fair High School student publication. Its purpose is to inform and entertain the student body and faculty, and also to serve as a lab for students enrolled in advanced journalism classes. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the entire Reporter staff, the Cy-Fair High School faculty and staff, the Cy-Fair Independent School District or the school board. The Reporter maintains the right to refuse any goods or services that it deems inappropriate for teenagers. The Reporter is a Quill and Scroll, TAJE, NSPA and JEA member. Cy-Fair High School is located at 22602 Hempstead Highway Cypress, TX 77429. Please contact the journalism classroom at (281) 897-4658 to advertise in this publication or email Lillian.Harris@cfisd.net.

more than you receive

LEARN TO BE APPRECIATIVE IN AN OVERLY MATERIALISTIC WORLD

‘Giving is not just a Christmas time occasion.’

We are all guilty of it. Arguing with our parents about wasting their money on buying a gift for someone, or being upset because we didn’t get that gift we were “desperately” wanting. It’s better to give than receive. That’s the saying that we have all heard. This generation is focused more on receiving the best gift instead of giving. Remember those days in kindergarten or preschool when you colored a picture for your parents or made them macaroni necklaces? We weren’t the best artists, but our parents loved the pictures we created anyway. The smiles brought happiness to our lives. As little kids we gave more than we do now as teenagers. There is still a little kid inside of you. Make that kid proud. Don’t let visions of wrapped gifts stacked high under the lit Christmas tree consume your mind. Sometimes there’s more excitement when you’re spending valuable time making a special gift for a certain someone. That feeling of anticipation creeps up inside of you waiting to give that special person your homemade gift you spent hours making, waiting to see her or him smile. Giving to people that you don’t know at a soup kitchen or charity may seem pointless but imagine if you were in those people’s shoes, you would be grateful for anything. To them you aren’t just giving them help, you’re changing their lives every time you volunteer. In 2014, about 64 million Americans contributed 7.7 billion hours of volunteer

service. That’s about 26% of our population. Become a part of that 64 million, through charities like United Way or Great New Haven. No size is too big or small. You’ll not only be doing good, but you will also have a better chance of getting a job if they see that you have volunteer hours. Youth volunteering has gradually increased over the past 10 years. There are charities and soup kitchens all over Houston. There is no excuse to why you shouldn’t be giving a hand. You could even just donate food or clothing at Cypress Assistance Ministries, and you would be making a difference. Don’t start wondering what you can get out of giving, that’s not what it’s about. Fulfilling someone’s happiness should make you happy and that’s enough. It’s the joy of seeing someone smile with your help. To me, that’s the best feeling you can ever experience. I believe that smiles are contagious, if you help make one person smile bright that will lead to more smiles. Within your community, there are several different ways you can contribute your help year round. Giving is not just a Christmas time occasion. Family and friends need your help any day. Be that one person who is known for always giving a hand. Peace and joy are absent in our world, not completely gone but very little is shown. It’s shocking how much they are brought back by giving. Our world isn’t filled with peace and joy always, but you can be the start of a chain reaction this holiday season.

12. 16. 15

PHOTO ESSAY

In a flash

BLAKE NALL reporter

Left Shark Feb. 1

During 2015’s Super Bowl halftime show, Katy Perry was joined by two backup dancers in shark costumes. The dancer on the left was supposedly performing the wrong moves at the wrong time, resulting in an out of sync dance. This dancer’s blunder exploded on social media and Youtube, where the video of left shark’s performance has reached over 2,000,000 views.

Blue and Black Dress

Feb. 26

Zayn Malik leaves One Direction

Mar. 25

Earlier in 2015, a photo of a dress was released on Tumblr and quickly spread to take over Twitter for a couple of weeks. The photo contained a dress that had people arguing over its colors. Blue and black, or white and gold? Although the dress was later conf irmed to be blue and black, it is still debated to this day. On Mar. 25, Zayn Malik leaves the pop band One Direction in order to save his relationship with his significant other, Perrie Edwards. The decision was met with outrage from One Direction’s fans, but Malik has yet to return to the band.

Blue Bell

After three alarming deaths due to Listeria infected ice cream, Blue Bell Creameries recalled all of their products. Much to the displeasure of Texans, the recall began Apr. 20 and ended Aug. 30, and Texas had no Blue Bell throughout the entire summer of 2015.

Apr. 6

Same Sex Marriage legalized June 26.

On Jun. 26, the US Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban same sex marriage.

Deputy Goforth shot and killed

Deputy Goforth was shot and killed at a Cypress gas station, located at Telge and Queenston. Horse Pen Creek park was renamed Deputy Darren Goforth Park in his memory.

Aug. 28

Paris Terrorist Attacks Nov. 13

On the evening of Nov. 13, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in Paris, France.

Adele’s Album 25 is released Nov. 20 Adele released her new album, “25”, on Nov. 20. It was four years between her previous album’s release, “21”, and her latest album’s release.

StarPerseverance Wars Episode 7 is released Dec. 18 through Jar Jar Binks has payed off. Star Wars Episode 7 opens on Dec. 18.

Clockwise from top left. Art by Lizzie Faria. Photo courtesy of Ashley Nguyen. Art by Lizzie Faria. Photo courtesy of MCTcampus.

com. Art by Esmeralda Harvey. Photo by John Sanchez. Art by Emme Enojado. Photo by Julia Ryza.