The Catamount - Feb. 2019 - Vol. 7 No. 4 by Cougar Media

College Station High School

4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845

Vol. 7 No. 4

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

Sleep tight Sleep deprivation negatively impacts physical health, academic performance

the CATAMOUNT

10 Fashion creates confidence through identity expression.

Kylie Vernon and Erin Park Opinions Editor and Staff Reporter

Partner P.E. enriches lives of students.

Boys basketball currently sits atop district standings.

INDEX

News Opinions People Sports Health & Rec. Entertainment Etc.

2-5 6-8 9-13 14-16 17 18-19 20

Every night when our bodies rest, our brains take an incredible journey that involves cycles, stimulation, psychosis and even a coma-like state of our bodies, all of which are vital to our well-being. Inside of each person is an internal clock called the circadian rhythm, which acts as a timer, alerting our bodies when it is time to sleep and wake. This clock responds to the level of light our body is exposed to during a certain time. “In the evening, your body’s going to start producing melatonin, which tells you it’s time to go to sleep,” psychology teacher Jessica Kouba said. “There’s a little part of your brain--the suprachiasmatic nucleus--that controls the circadian rhythm.” Our bodies soon ease into sleep and slowly journey through each stage of the sleep cycle. Stages 1 and 2 are vital to establishing long-term memory and stages 3 and 4 are a more coma-like state of sleep, in which our bodies go through a period of growth and development. “And then you go into REM. In your REM sleep is when you dream,” Kouba said. REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is where the brain enters into a state not far removed from psychosis. With all of the extraordinary features that come with sleep, society easily forgets its importance. “Sleep is probably the first thing we’re willing to sacrifice,” coach Gregg Frashure said.

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2 News The Catamount What’s

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

What's

PAST PAST

NEW Seniors: scholarship deadlines approaching

Boys & Girls powerlifting win at Elgin High School

For students hoping to earn money for their upcoming freshman year of college, most scholarships have February or March deadlines.

Jan. 26: The powerlifting team won second place at Elgin High School with Tommy Hession, Truce Tumlinson, Lilly Jones and Sophie Cox winning their weight classes.

Boys & girls soccer play Rudder

Drumline hosts Night of Percussion

Jan. 29: Girls Varsity and JV won against the Rangers 2-0 and 8-0, respectively. Boys Varsity drew 1-1, along with JV at a ﬁnal score of 2-2.

Feb. 23: All percussionists from the Cougar Drumline and the three middle schools will perform ensemble and solo pieces at this free event held at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

Dual credit meeting for parents & students

Nikki Pederson speaks at AVID Lecture Series

AVID

COUGAR BAND

Jan. 24: Pederson, of Nikki Pederson Talent Agency, spoke in the LGI during advocate of the value of hard work and grit in achieving success.

Feb. 27: Students will meet during their advocate periods and parents during the evening to receive paperwork and answer any questions about enrolling in Blinn courses. COUGAR BAND

COUGAR BAND

4 band students make UIL All State

Choir hosts Gospel Concert Tonight: Come to the Auditorium today at 7 p.m. to hear performances of soulful gospel songs by the choir.

Jeremiah Arenas, Taryn Hairston, Abby Perryman and Michenna Allen were some of just 2.5% of auditioning Texas musicians to be selected for All State, the highest honor a music student can receive. COUGAR BAND & GUARD

COUGAR BAND & GUARD

The Catamount

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

News

Sacrificing sleep hurts students’ memory retention, overall health continued from page 1 With assignments and assessments weighing down on teenagers, many students tend to cut down their sleep hours. The commonplace of sleep deprivation keeps teenagers from striving for the necessary beneﬁts of sleep. Ignoring the detrimental effects a lack of sleep has on the human body, especially on a school day, can negatively impact abilities to concertrate and retain information. “Not having enough energy for the long school day would make it hard to stay awake in class and remember the information received that day,” sophomore athletic trainer Kelly Timoney said. For a high school student, memory consolidation is the key to outstanding performance. All knowledge is stored in the brain through memorization and understanding. Sleep deprivation and disruption, however, are major factors skewing the path to a successful, healthy lifestyle. “Everyone knows you’re not supposed to be on your phone right before you go to bed because it keeps your brain active. You know when you’re laying in bed and just thinking? That’s triggered from light,” psychology club president Hannah Reynolds said. Blue light, the light emitted from phones, suppresses melatonin which directly affects the

quantity and quality of sleep one can get. Prolonged time with blue light exposure before bed increases the time taken before falling asleep. Apart from light exposure, changes made to normal patterns of sleep can have great impacts on one’s daily life. “We did a sleep study in Psychology where we would push back our alarms by 10 minutes. My goal was to have a more positive attitude because I had been grumpy. I started getting more sleep, and my test grades and mood got better,” Reynolds said. With enough hours of sleep, cognitive abilities function more sensibly. Not only does that allow thorough comprehension of the information learned in class, but this also helps people retain that material. “Everything you study during the day--if you don’t get sleep--then your brain is not getting the opportunity to consolidate those memories and lock them in,” Kouba said. More important than a text conversation, an interesting video, or even a good grade is sleep. It is vital to our wellbeing and serves no more purpose than to beneﬁt each and every person. “To achieve general coherency in our thoughts, we must have sleep,” Reynolds said.•

How to Fall asleep faster 1. Listen to soothing sounds 2. Cut out caffeine 3. Read a book before bed 4. Begin deep breathing 5. Lower the temperature Source: developgoodhabits.com

News

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

ZOE 5K seeks to help poverty-stricken children in Zimbabwe Katie Guye Executive Editor In support of global orphan empowerment program ZOE, A&M United Methodist Church, CSHS girl’s track coach Robert Ondrasek, and with support from the school’s National Honor Society are hosting a 5K/1 mile “fund” run on Sunday, Feb. 17. “The money that you’re paying to donate or go run isn’t just going to one thing,” senior and NHS Vice President of Service Anna Kate Bradford said. “It’s going to continue to be used and continue to bless people and help them in their lives.” According to WeAreZoe.org, the organization aims to aid the 380 million children living in extreme poverty and relying exclusively on charity. Ondrasek became an advocate for ZOE after hearing about their mission of empowerment and visiting a ZOE group in Africa. “After I went the first time I almost felt guilty for what we have,” Ondrasek said. “Seeing a program that allows others to have control of their own lives and the appreciation and generosity of the ZOE children [has been my favorite part].” All funds raised from the run/walk will help support a new ZOE group in Zimbabwe. Groups such as this are currently spread across seven countries and three continents. Ondrasek is strongly encouraging all students to participate in the run/walk, stressing the potential for life-changing benefits for children in Zimbabwe. “I try to encourage humanity and empathy,” Ondrasek said. “I feel that we can make a big difference. It’s simple and the kids need it.”

Once ZOE establishes a program in a community, local orphans begin attending meetings and fill out a “dream sheet,” in which they explain their future ambitions. “They sit you down and say ‘Ok what are some skills you have,’ and for a girl it may be that she’s very passionate about hair,” Bradford said. “ZOE’s gonna provide money for her to sustain herself and get herself out of her situation.” The registration fee of $25 includes a t-shirt and snacks on race day. For all students in National Honor Society, the fee is reduced to $15 to encourage participation. “In NHS we’re really encouraging our members to get out there and show support,” Bradford said. “A big part of NHS is service. That’s kind of our whole thing. We want to put others before ourselves and take care of other people, and this is what [ZOE] does.” The event isn’t a competition, and participants are encouraged to walk if they feel more comfortable doing so. “There’s a lot of different ages. I’ve seen little kids walking around with their grandparents,” said senior Julia Lee, who ran in last year’s event. “It’s not really a competitive thing. You’re having fun and you can choose what you want to do.” In a three-year program, ZOE provides a micro loan to the children, who eventually form their own, self-sustaining businesses. After 15 years, ZOE has a current enrollment of 40,000 orphans, with an 85% success rate of self-sufficiency. “A saying that I really love is that we’re not enabling them; we’re empowering them,” Bradford said. “They don’t have to feel like they rely on us. They can rely on themselves. We’re gonna be here for them and support them but we want them to know that they’re capable of doing it.”•

ZOE 5k/1 mile details:

To support a new ZOE group in Zimbabwe Registration today for $25 After Feb. 8, cost is $30 $15 for NHS members Sunday, Feb. 17 Check in begins at 7:007:45 behind the Starbucks at Northgate Race time is 8:00 a.m. Mail in flyer to A&M United Methodist Church

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

News

The Catamount

Podcasts provide alternate, more convenient mode of information Melanie Evans and Calla Dufﬁeld Photography Editor and Staff Reporter High school. A time when everyone is always rushing to get somewhere, and people often don’t have time to spare. This is why many students and faculty alike have found a new way to keep up to date on worldly affairs, entertainment and lifestyles- podcasts. “I would say podcasts offer convenience,” AVP teacher Stephen Green said. “I like that alternative to sitting down and reading the paper or articles online and digging for topics and information.” Green said that it is exceptionally convenient to be able to listen and multitask, especially for those who dislike reading. “Some people choose [to listen to podcasts] because they don’t like to read, some because they don’t have time,” Green said. “It’s almost like listening to audio books, because you get information by listening instead of sitting and reading. Some people don’t have time to sit and read, they want to listen.” Sophomore Sophia Amstalden, an avid podcast listener, said that she listens to podcasts for their quick nature and the information they provide. “There are some bite size podcasts where I can listen to them in 10 minutes and get a lot of information from it, and it’s just easier to listen to,” Amstalden said. Amstalden also finds them helpful in her daily life and tries to incorporate the self-help aspects of advice podcasts into her routine.

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“I try to implement some things that I learn,” Amstalden said. “Sometimes they change my outlook on life if they really touch me.” Podcasts can also help those who have difficulty with reading, as a substitute to newspapers, books or magazines. “For someone who has struggled with reading, listening to information and retaining it is such an effective tool for me and is probably part of the reason why I gravitate towards podcasts so much, that spoken form,” said sophomore Ben Crockett, who is the producer of the podcast “Manovation.” But while podcasts are an essential aid to people who wish to get their daily dose of news quickly, conveniently, and in a way that works best for them, podcasts can also feature unwanted biases. “I think that just like with certain cons of news networks or news sources, you do get biases because it is just people talking and people saying what they think,” Green said. “I think it is up to the listener to do some fact-checking and think about and process what they are hearing from a podcast and whether or not it is legitimate.” For example, Crockett discusses controversial topics such as politics and religion and says that his podcasts, while informational, are also his personal views. “I’m very much an opinion journalist, I know that, and I know that there’s bias in my work, and I don’t try to hide that,” Crockett said. “[My goal with my podcast is] to get [my audience] thinking. A lot of my listeners

don’t agree with me, but they come for the perspective, and I think that’s awesome.”•

top podcasts of 2018 INTO THE DARK: Focuses on seeking justice for the 1989 mystery of the case of 11 year old Jason Wetterling, who went missing in Minnesota.

SLOW BURN: Leon Feyakh discusses politcal history, specifically highlighting Clinton’s impeachment. aRTICLES OF INTEREST: Avery Trufelman examines the different aspects, histories and hidden effects of clothing. sERIAL: Investigative journalist Sarah Koenig examines the criminal justice system over three seasons. bEAR bOOK: Reporter Jason Moon dives into the mysterious case from 1985 where four bodies were found in New Hampshire; the bodies and killer were both left unidentified. Source: newyorker.com

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Opinions

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Senior year brings newfound worries, excitement

THE CAT’S EYE VIEW

staff editorial

Lack of compromise within government leads to shutdown On December 22, 2018, the longest government shutdown in American history began. For 35 days, the government shutdown’s effects reached beyond D.C. and into the lives of average Americans. Across the country, employees of airport security, national parks and museums, the IRS, Homeland Security, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the FDA went more than a month without pay. Besides the safety concerns connected with the shutdown, the economic impact reached $11 billion, according to The New York Times. The reason behind the shutdown was that Congress cannot compromise on a bill funding President Trump’s border wall. The government’s inability to come to an agreement does not set a good example to other organizations or even students in high school. If our own government can’t compromise in order to help thousands of Americans, then why should superiors expect teenagers to communicate and compromise as well? The bottom line is that the shutdown went on too long, and we can’t use this as a bargaining tool for future disagreements. It does not hurt the President or those in

Freshman year- learning the ropes. Sophomore year- getting comfortable. Dru Peacock Junior yearworking hard and thoroughly invested. Senior year- one foot out the door. These phrases accurately wrap up each year of high school for me. I expected most of them. I expected to feel like a fish out of water freshman year (no pun intended); I expected to feel like I was getting the hang of it sophomore year, and I expected to feel busy but invested by junior year. However, I did not expect to feel how I do as a senior. As a junior, I worried about academics: homework, tests, GPA, class rank and SAT scores. I

Congress who do not live paycheck to paycheck; a shutdown hurts average Americans who are simply worried about how they are going to pay for groceries or rent. Historically, shutdowns cost the government more money than

Art by Grace Costenbader I don’t like to use the word “senioritis” because of its negative connotation, but now I understand it. Don’t get me wrong, I still value school and education, but my worries and priorities are much different now. I worry about how I’m going to pay to live next year and what scholarships I should apply for. I worry that

I won’t know anyone where I’m going and about leaving the people I do. I’m worried if I’m going to remember when to change an air filter in my apartment in a few years and how to pay taxes. I feel adulthood coming at me quickly. I’m going to miss parts of high school, but even though I’m worried about all the new things I’m about to encounter, I need to feel challenged and I’m ready for the change. I’m not using Senioritis as an excuse to be lazy. I’m using it as a way to explain that I need to get out of my comfort zone and move on. I know I’ll eventually figure out how to navigate all the newness that’s about to come, and I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way before. After all, if the class of 2018 can do it, why can’t I?•

View of the Pride: Did you agree with the reasons behind the government shutdown?

YES

they save, according to The New York Times. National agencies can’t collect money, furloughed workers will eventually get paid for work they haven’t done and the government will have to pay interest on missed payments to private contractors. Locally, CSHS juniors take a trip to the Bush Library every year in January and due to the shutdown, the library was not open to begin plans for the trip. No matter your political view, the government shutdown is hurtful to everyone. The President and Congress must come to an agreement on border security to keep the government open and to keep the American people, the economy and our safety on track. •

“Yes, because sometimes you’ve got to shut down to get stuff together. ” -Michael Lewis, junior

“No, because government workers have to work without pay.” -Madison Morehead, junior

“There are a lot of terrorists out there, and Trump is doing this for the good; he’s trying to get solutions by doing what America needs.” -Lakin Rand, sophomore

“No, it’s turned into a big temper tantrum that is affecting not only individuals, but families altogether.” -Ethan Hanks, senior

2018-2019 The Catamount Newspaper

The newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production class at College Station

High School, 4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the

Editor-in-Chief

Dru Peacock

Staff Reporter

Aliza Ali

Managing Editor

Grace Costenbader

Staff Reporter

Jayci Tawney

District.

Executive Editor

Katie Guye

Staff Reporter

Loredana Pearlstein

Senior Editor

Makayla Fox

Staff Reporter

Lauren Gomulka

Opinions Editor

Kylie Vernon

Staff Reporter

Calla Duffield

Entertainment

Catie Sikes

Staff Reporter

Erin Park

Staff Reporter

Tori Salyers

Editor

visited HAC five times a day and only had eyes for how I looked on paper. This year though, I find that what I think about strays far from what I’ve been accustomed to.

Sports Editor

Ethan Cohen

Graphic Artist

Grace Costenbader

Photography Editor

Melanie Evans

Cartoonist

Sloan Peacock

Assistant Editor

Jaycie Robinson

Faculty Adviser

Courtney Wellmann

Assistant Editor

Ayden Woods

Assistant Adviser

Teresa Laffin

writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The

editor reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of all staff.

The newspaper is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and a winner of their

Bronze Star award in 2014, 2015 and 2016, as well as their Silver Star Award in 2017 and 2018.

College Station ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex

or handicap in providing education services. Monica James, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Molley Perry, Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination. requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Standards of dress code for all in need of reform The modern dress code is, in my opinion, sexist on both sides of the spectrum. For the record, I am not attacking Catie Sikes schools or the administrative staff that enforces the dress code, but the code itself. Thankfully, College Station High School does not have as strict of a dress code as my former middle school, where hair dye and facial hair were banned. Obviously, the claimed need for girls to cover up more is sexist as it assumes they are being too provocative. It also poses a problem for larger women who struggle to find clothes that aren’t too tight. Similarly, some girls may not be comfortable in more baggy clothing, which is the simplest way to avoid being dress coded. Everyone should be free to be comfortable in their own bodies and in what they wear without having to worry about getting dress coded.

???

While boys do not have as strict restrictions on the way they dress, by forcing girls to cover up, this creates the assumption that boys are incapable of controlling themselves. Just because there are a few bad apples in the orchard does not mean that the entire population is rotten.

EVERYONE SHOULD BE FREE TO BE COMFORTABLE IN THEIR OWN BOD ies. I understand the necessity of a dress code. I would rather not see every inch of skin someone has to offer, but is a hole in my jeans really that distracting? Another issue that targets girls specifically is the fingertip length

rule. This standard targets women because boys’ shorts tend to be longer than girls’ shorts. Speaking from experience, it is difficult to find articles of clothing that make me feel good and that meet the fingertip length. I have friends who are able to get away with most outfits because they have shorter arms or fingers than most people. I have been blessed with long arms and long slender fingers, which bring my fingertips to a few inches above the knee. I understand that it is a standard that everyone can be accounted for, but what about my fellow long-armed girls who just want to wear leggings for the day? In conclusion, I do not completely disagree with the dress code, nor the people who enforce it. The administrators are only doing their jobs, and I appreciate that. I just feel that the dress code could be more lenient, and that we should stop targeting girls for how they dress and stereotyping guys with a lack of self-control.•

QUESTION issue OF THE

How many hours of sleep do you get EACH night? 5-7 hours 8+ hours 1-4 hours

16.9%

66.1%

17%

753 people polled

Opinions

HUMANS of CSHS

Jacob laury senior

“Integrity is important to me. I believe that we reap what we sow and that there’s a balance in everything. I try to be kind to those who are in my life because in the end, every act of anger is met with an equal reaction.”

Check out our Instagram to learn more about the Humans of CSHS @cshscatamountnewspaper

COUGAR UNVEILED by sloan peacock

8 Opinions The Catamount Relinquishing of control resloves external stress Control is most commonly defined as the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or a course of events. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? So why do we constantly have this need to control over our environment and those who surround us. I find myself in this Jaycie Robinson recurring ellipsis of thought, needing to remind myself to forget for a few minutes, to forget that I cannot control an outcome that I cannot see. With time the outcome will arrive and I will probably feel and act the same way that I would’ve if I had encountered it five minutes sooner. This problem of control encompasses many others in its grasp and slowly deteriorates self-efficacy and confidence. I suffocate my good intentions as they are overruled by social anxiety to be the best I can be in every situation. It’s not going to satisfy the need for control. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react. Most often we respond to negative situations with anger or rage in the moment, which we regret later on, but I want to encourage and practice empathy even when some Art by Grace do not deserve it. I’m often asked, “Aren’t you mad? Shouldn’t you be plotting against them?” I simply say, “Yes, I am distraught and disappointed, but I am not going to

waste my time and energy on someone or something that will not matter in the long run.” I am not going to love in moderation due to the fear of not controlling every aspect of a person or situation. Craving the same love that you give on most occasions is normal. I have to realize that I may not get the same care and thoughtfulness in return and that is less than ideal, but the world needs more kind and open hearts; look closer and they may have cracks but they give all they can. I often think control is overrated. It should not have its grips anymore into my life as it does at this very moment. Every day I see friends and acquaintances staggering through the halls aimlessly. Seeming as though they are on a loop of routine; take the next right, up the stairs, half a hallway, then they are sitting down in their classroom. Going through high school has conditioned us to compartmentalize our lives five days a week for 180 days a year. So, when something goes off track, we can glitch just like a computer. We freeze and freak-out at the same time without taking a minute to process our thoughts to the fullest extent, which leads to more stress and mental damage. But breathe, please, just breathe. Let yourself take the lead. Costenbader Love, and love again. And never feel like you have to manipulate your self-worth or mental stability in order to control an outcome to ensure your happiness.•

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

Voices What are your plans for Valentines day?

“I’m going to run up to couples and scream, ‘How could you?!’ and then run away.” Katy Stone, sophomore

“I’m planning to chill at home because I’m single.” Sarah Lee, freshman

“I’m going to go to Walmart when all the chocolate is on clearance and have myself a feast.” Sakaia Veguilla, sophomore

Poetry provides unique, alternate form of entertainment Poetry is so underrated. Everything related to literature can relate to poetry. Poetry fascinates me. I Jayci Tawney watch a live broadcast on a Youtube channel, Button Poetry, held on every first Monday of the month. For those who want to eventually be poets or those who write poetry for fun or for therapy, the channel allows them to freely express themselves through their work. My favorite poet is Phil Kaye, whose poems have many jokes and can be light-hearted while holding a subtle, deeper meaning. I also enjoy books of poetry. So far I have been able to read books by Atticus and Rupi Kaur, but I want to ex-

pand my horizons. One time I analyzed Rupi Kuaur’s book “Love Her Wild”, but I hate writing in my books. So, I typed and printed her works and then analyzed them. This wasn’t even an English assignment. My favorite poems are like stories, where the poet will start with a light-hearted voice. By the middle of the poem, the meaning of the words subtly reveal itself, and the laughter in the crowd turns silent, as they focused all their attention to the vulnerable poet. When the poet is done, there is a slight

Art by Grace Costenbader

pause before there are claps from the crowd, like they are thinking of the words the poet left in the air. Yep, those are the best. Not all poems are all sad and depressing. Asia Samson had an amazing poem that used old school versions to explain how to love someone. He had the crowd laughing with memories and he spoke with a light hearted tone that made me feel relaxed. Maybe the reason many people don’t read poetry is because they aren’t ready for the emotions they might experience. I feel that if people are able to explore poetry with an open mind they might enjoy it.•

“I plan to be home to spend time with my mom.“ Michael Medlin, junior

“I plan on making some people feel special with love and some goodies.” Jansen Shulse, senior

“I’m going to go out with my wife and eat a meat and cheese board and watch a movie.” Jonathan Brady, English and History Teacher

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

People

Jewelry with a purpose

Christian youth fundraise mission trip with jewelry sales Makayla Fox and Tori Salyers Senior Editor and Staff Reporter Fringe to knots. Gold to Silver. Simple to complex. A wholesome cause. Juniors Annabel Klemm and Celeste Pierdolla are both using jewelry sales as a means of fundraising for their summer mission trip through Grace Bible Church. “I love the jewelry aspect of being able to have people partner with me because it’s one of those little things that are powerfully memorable,” Klemm said. “Even when other people aren’t able to go, they’re able to support you and have constant reminders of what they sent you to go do.” Pierdolla hand crafts earrings of an array of colors and styles. Pierdolla said that some pairs can take ten minutes and some can take up to an hour. “I think it’s really neat that I get to craft them with my hands. It’s not just something printed out in copies,” she said. In January, Klemm partnered with the company Go Rings, who gives 30 per-

cent of each ring sale to mission-driven venturers to fund expenses. She notes that her partnership with Go Rings has not only supported her financially, but emotionally to know that she has people behind her cause. “I didn’t expect so much support. I kind of thought it would be me on my own making earrings, but I get to realize how good my friends are that support me,” Pierdolla said. Supporting both girls, junior Nina Castaneda admires her friends’ responsibility. “I think it’s very important to support my friend’s mission work because I’ve seen how dedicated they are to serving their mission and how they need to support their own mission by raising their own money,” Castaneda said. Castaneda also emphasises the importance of encouragement of her peers. “I think it’s really cool that they’re doing this, and we should encourage others that are also their friends and peers to help support them because they’re working really hard on this,” she said. •

@go_rings:

Austin, Texas based company who gives 30 percent of each individual purchase to their partner’s mission trip. You can find a showcase of their products and meet each month’s partners on their page.

▲ Pictured to the left, Celeste Pierdolla’s hand-made maroon fringe earrings she is selling for $8. To the right, a 14K Gold Go Ring bought in support of Annabel Klemm’s funding. PHOTO BY MAKAYLA FOX

Find them on Instagram:

@cpthreads: College Station, Texas based business where Celeste displays a variety of her earrings, modeled by students of CSHS. Pricing and contact information is provided to order.

Graphics by Makayla Fox

Student Life

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Student Life

passion for fashion Unique clothing habits allow students freedom of expression Dru Peacock and Aliza Ali Editor-in-Chief and Staff Reporter

tyle, in the words of designer Oscar de la Renta, is about being yourself. For centuries, personal style has been a defining personal characteristic, a way to outwardly express identity and display personality. “To me, [style] sort of represents the most basic way to express yourself because what you wear is what people see first when they look at you,” senior Mason Cochran said. “So what you wear is sort of, in a way, representing your values and what you think and what you want the world to see you as.” As trends evolve, so does personal style. Over the past 10 years alone, it is obvious to see how much about fashion has changed. However, in 2019, it seems that many trends from the 70s, 80s and 90s are returning to the scene. “There are a lot of retro aspects of things we wear today [but] it also depends on the person and their influences,” said sophomore Sophia Amstalden, who is in Fashion Design. “I definitely pull trends from the 80s and 90s.” Part of Amstalden’s passion for clothes comes from making them herself. In Fashion Design, students learn how the fashion industry works and how a piece of clothing is made. They also get to design and create a garment during the second semester. “This semester we are actually designing things and putting them together,” Amstalden said. “That’s what I really like: sewing and making things. Making [clothes] with my hands is really cool.” Students in the Fashion Design class started with learning the basics of sewing. After that, they moved on to sew a pair of pajama pants and a tote bag. Next they will

get to create whatever they want, within reason, for their individual project. “I don’t necessarily think it’s about the fashion or the style that’s important. It’s good that people learn that about themselves and get more comfortable in their style, but I think it’s more important that you’re branching into different ﬁelds that you may not get to in the basic classes,” Fashion Design teacher Bailey Wilson said.

What you wear represents your values and what you want the world to see you as. -Mason Cochran Senior Fashion is also fun to experiment with. People can discover their own style and wear whatever makes them feel like their true selves. “For me, it’s deﬁnitely a way to express myself and it’s become a hobby of sorts, playing with different pieces and seeing where I can push the boundaries of what works and what looks good on me. It’s become something fun,” Cochran said. Style is not only a personal expression of who you are,

but it also greatly impacts self-esteem and confidence. “Comfy clothes sometimes make me feel not as good as if I’m wearing something that makes me feel really confident. The way I look reflects how I feel,” senior Giselly Gomez said. “I know some people think that fashion is very narcissistic and vain, but it helps your self confidence as much as makeup or doing something you like does.” Chrissy’s Closet, the district clothing initiative for families in need, understands this concept and helps underprivileged families find clothes that make them feel good. Chrissy’s Closet opened in 2016 and provides CSISD students, staff and their family members with clothing, toiletries and other essentials for free. Each person is allowed to visit once a month and can get up to five items per person per month. “I think if you feel good about how you look, you’re going to do better academically. It’s just a whole feeling,” said Chrissy Hester, director of student services for CSISD and the namestake of Chrissy’s Closet. Fashion plays a huge role in how someone feels. Someone’s style lets their personality shine through, and how a person looks influences their mood. “It’s a psychological thing, even if [the clothing piece is] not in style, but you feel like it fits nice and you look okay, you’re gonna feel like you can talk to people,” Hester said. “It doesn’t have to be the most stylish thing, it just has to make you feel okay.” On the surface, fashion may seem to be a shallow or vain topic but in reality, it is a way to confidently present yourself to the world. “When I put on something that I feel comfortable in and that shows my personality, it makes me feel very happy and like myself,” Amstalden said. “And when I feel like that, I feel like I can conquer the world.”•

90S FASHION TRENDS RETURNING IN 2019

MOM JEANS

LEATHER JACKETS

DOC MARTENS

ROUND GLASSES Source: instyle.com and stylecraze.com

Graphics by Grace Costenbader

12 People

Friday, Friday,Dec. Feb.14, 8, 2018 2019

The Catamount

Red affects the way users perceive wait times and can provoke anxiety.

Orange is a so-called active emotion of feeling that implies some kind of sedation.

Yellow has been linked to happiness and excitement it is a reminder of the sun and summer time.

Blue is associated with low anxiety levels, calm and comfort.

Purple is widely associated with bitterness and is connected to slower, minor music. Source: creativemarket.com

RED

ORANGE YELLOW BLUE

purple

Colors impact daily lives through emotions, organization Grace Costenbader Managing Editor Whether we’re color-coding folders for school or seeing a color and registering an emotion, colors affect the way we live our lives and act as a mode of organization, compartmentalization and subconscious association. “There are reasons why colors are where they are,” art teacher Candis Oberdorf said. “Colors are what we see. That’s how we process the world.” Of the many ways colors are manipulated to affect humans, advertising is one of the most influential. “When you go to a fast food restaurant, their colors are usually yellow or red because warm colors make you feel hungry, so you eat more when you go to places like that,” Oberdorf said. Similarly, colors are used in the media for many reasons, including immersing the public into situations that are portrayed in movies and on television. “Especially in movies, [colors] add effects to make your brain adjust to that setting,” senior Malia Nimocks said. Colors affect some much more than others through a condition called synesthesia. “Synesthesia, as a broad term, is two senses that link together,” Nimocks said. “I have many forms of it, but my main one allows me to connect people to color. When I meet a person, my brain picks a random color

and assigns it to that person.” Other forms of synesthesia include colors connecting to numbers or letters, being able to see sounds and the ability to feel smells. “Every time I see someone’s name, I see them, I

without color, life would be boring

-Candis oberdorf art teacher

talk to them, any time I think about them, the color comes up in my brain,” Nimocks said. “For the longest time, I thought everyone had it. I thought that everyone had a color for every person and that they were all the same colors.” In our society, we have been taught at a young age which colors are considered “happy” and which ones are considered “sad.” This stereotyping of colors has affected the way we see certain colors and leads us to assume about things that the colors are usually asso-

ciated with. “I don’t know if we’ve developed those ideas, and as a society we perpetuate them, but there is a stigma behind a lot of colors, and if you place them wrong or use them in an overwhelming way, they can either be positive or negative depending on how they’re applied,” Oberdorf said. Many colors are widely characterized in a certain way that a lot of people can identify with. “A lot people do associate red as more aggressive, and blues tend to be more soothing and calming colors,” psychology teacher Jessica Kouba said. “People associate those colors more with happiness and peacefulness.” Additionally, many obey the unspoken rules of how to decorate the interior of a house due to color association. “Some people are really good about painting rooms a certain color that are more soothing,” Kouba said. “For example, you probably don’t want your bedroom to be red because red is associated more with anger and excitement.” Whether they have to do with emotions or personal associations, colors are ultimately extremely influential in the way humans perceive the world. “Color is communication, the way we process information,” Oberdorf said. “Without color, life would be boring.”•

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Partnering P.e. pals

People

Physical education becomes more through partnering program Loredana Pearlstein Staff Reporter Although a P.E. class is designed to improve physical health, fostering friendships and broadening understanding of others is also a goal of Partner P.E., which partners students and students with disabilities. “For our partners [the goal] is to make new friends and recognize that all students have the opportunity to learn and grow,” course teacher Megan Symank said. “And for our students who are actually taking the P.E. class, getting that one-on-one attention has really been helpful and instrumental to them and really improved all aspects of their lives and fitness.” The Partner P.E. class focuses on individual sports such as golf, archery, tennis and badminton, and through learning these sports, the students connect. “I have formed so many new friendships,” senior Anna Kate Bradford said. “You don’t just know your partner really well, but you get to know everyone in the class and get to become great friends with everyone in there.” Not only has the program benefitted all students, the class is a rare find in the state of Texas, and the first course of its kind in Bryan/College Station area. Symank explained that the district wrote the curriculum for the course and is piloting the program

this year. “We knew that this year was going to be lots of trial and error, but in a lot of these trials, we’ve had a lot of successes,” she said. Students who serve as partners also develop their leadership skills as peer tutors. “It’s the best feeling when you help someone to do something, and they learn to do it on their own, even if it’s as simple as holding a basketball or swinging a golf club,” Bradford said. “Everyday the gym is full of laughter and so much love.” Along with these successes and the positive relationships students have formed with their respective partners, the program has also prepared students for their future after high school. “A lot of our students who are taking the P.E. class are aspiring to work with students with disabilities in the future,” Symank said. “Whether it’s what they do at camps or even the profession they seek outside of College Station High School. It’s really neat to see some of their experiences actually turn into dreams beyond the classroom.” In addition to the program’s applicability outside of class, Partner P.E. also serves to help those involved learn more about each other. “This program helps open the eyes

THis Program helps open the eyes of high school students to acknowledge all people in our community. -megan symank course teacher

▲ Senior Anna Kate Bradford (right) partners with Alex Delgado (left) as they play golf. “It’s the class I look forward to most each day and a class that has changed my life,” Bradford said. PHOTO BY KATIE GUYE of high school students to acknowledge all people in our community,” Bradford said. “I think it helps us to realize not to take life for granted, but to love other people and do our best to help everyone [so] we can reach their goals and their potential. I think this class also teaches kindness towards all people and even though someone may look different or act different, we all have similar goals and we all just want to do our best.” Overall, the experiences of those in Partner P.E. also assist students in changing their perspectives and how they view others. “I think [students] have learned a tremendous amount from their experiences in the class,” Symank said. “I think they’ve learned that everybody is different, and I think that they’ve learned to open their eyes to students with disabilities and view them as people and as peers and as good friends.”•

▲ Issac Walker (left) and Myra Lovell (right) partner as the class learns golf techniques. PHOTO BY KATIE GUYE

Sports

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Sisters help team reach program history Jaycie Robinson Assistant Editor The girls basketball team this year is constructed through the shared love of playing basketball, quite literally. The Collins sisters have been invested in playing with one another for almost 10 years and built an undeniable force of a bond while working as a unit in the strategic team-based sport. “I take pride in being the big sister, especially when we are all in the same atmosphere everyday,” Junior Ailyna Collins said. “The thought of my two younger sisters watching drives me to do better at every practice and in every game.” Coach Megan Symank works with the three and sees their passionate love for the team and the sport as a whole. “They work so hard and their chemistry is beyond words on the court and in the games,” Symank said. As expected during the practices and throughout the season, each team bond will be tested in order to further build their trust and communication, which then is translated into the games and onto the basketball court. However, at the end of the day, all the other players hear is laughter and love for the team radiating from the three sisters. Senior varsity player Mia Rivers plays alongside the sisters and enjoys their unity and passion for the game. “I love playing with them, they are so much fun to be around and I honestly think that our team chemistry is amazing. We love being around each other all the time, and we love seeing each other fight for the win every game,” Rivers said. Being in the same vicinity to practice basketball five days a week for hours at a time, the three sisters can sometimes butt heads throughout the season. “We do get on each others’ nerves. I mean, we’re sisters, but I love them and the support they give me everyday. I think basketball has been a good bonding experience for all of us. If it weren’t for basketball, I don’t think we would be as close as we are right now,” freshman Aliyah Collins said. Two of the Collins sisters are on the team as players, but freshman Alyssa Collins works with the coaches and behind the scenes as manager for the team. The coaches and players look to her for help when needed, which is what drives her to do her best for her sisters on and off the court. “Sometimes it is pressing, especially as a team manager, to constantly be on your game with helping the entire team and the coaches, but it is very reward-

▲Freshman Aliyah Collins drives into the air for a layup while a Katy Paetow defender attempts to block the shot on Jan. 15. The Lady Cougars defeated Paetow by a score of 72-17. The Lady Cougars finished tied for first overall in district and will begin playoffs next week. PHOTO BY JAYCIE ROBINSON ing, and I love every minute of it,” Alyssa Collins said. Their sisterhood is not only founded in family and in blood, but it is also strengthened through basketball. Having this special bond helps the varsity team to be raw and instinctive during their games. The Collins sisters are thrilled and grateful to have the chance of continuously playing and working alongside each other in a sport that they have been invested in for years. The girls team has had one of the most successful seasons in program history, and currently sit 22-4 overall. The girls will played their final game of the season against Magnolia West on Tuesday, and lost in a highly contested game. The Lady Cougars will now turn their attention to preparing for their upcoming playoff game, which has yet to be determined. The game will be played on Monday or Tuesday of next week, and will be the first step on the road to state.•

NBA Predictions for the 2018-2019 season James Harden wins the MVP: The defending MVP has been nothing short of spectacular during the 2018-2019 season, and the Rockets shooting Ethan Cohen guard looks well on his way to recapturing his title as the NBA MVP. Harden is currently averaging 35.4 points per game, playing around 37 minutes of every game and has had three games where he’s scored over 50 points. Harden also lodged his fourth 50 point triple double and is now the all-time leader in regular season games of that kind. He now has more 50 point games than Lebron James, Allen Iverson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dominique Wilkins. The Rockets have been rather mediocre during the season, currently sitting at 25-19, and Harden’s incredible performances have been one of the only positive things about their season. By definition he is already an MVP, as the Rockets would be abysmal without him. In a highly contested game that was nearly handed to the Warriors due to poor officiating, Harden nailed a contested three pointer in overtime to defeat Golden State, the #1 team in the West and the favorite to win the NBA Championship. If Harden is able to maintain the level of play he’s currently averaging, he should beat out his biggest challenge in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luka Doncic wins ROTY: One of the biggest stories of the NBA season has been the excellent performances by Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic. The native Slovenian has averaged 20.3 points a game and is playing over 30 minutes every game. Recently, he became the second youngest player ever to record a triple double, the youngest being Markelle Fultz. Doncic has been so good for the Mavs that he is likely to be an All-Star in his first year in the league. Similar to Harden, Doncic is one of the only bright spots on a rather mediocre squad. The 19 year old has started every game he’s played and is considered the heavy favorite to win the award. Due to his stellar performances and highlights, that should come as no surprise. Golden State Repeats as Champions: I have little to say about this because of how frustrating it is, but the Golden State Warriors are likely to win their third consecutive Championship. The Warriors strengthened their super team by adding Demarcus Cousins over the offseason, but Boogie only recently began playing in games. The Warriors are likely to meet the the “Greek Freak” Giannis and the Bucks in the championship, as they currently lead in the Eastern Conference. Hopefully trades will restore balance to the league.•

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Sports

Senior guard leads basketball team to record season wins Ethan Cohen Sports Editor The stands are full, the crowd is roaring and the gym seems to come alive when the Cougars take the ball. Unfazed, Cade Kortan makes a play straight out of a highlight reel, crossing a defender up and then sinking a deep three to finish. Kortan, a senior and four year varsity starter, has been giving defenders trouble like this all season, and for some time before it. His tenacity and talent have made him a tough player to contend with, but for Kortan, the team is what makes the sport great. “What I love about basketball is that as an individual, you bring your talents to a team,” Kortan said. “You have to figure out how your individual talents can mold with the people around you in order to be successful.” Kortan has developed his appreciation for all that makes the game unique since his early years. He began playing at the age of 5, and hasn’t stopped since. Kortan joined the varsity squad his freshman year, and though there was a steep learning curve, he adapted. “I had to learn resilience,” Kortan said. “Being a freshman on varsity, it was tough getting used to the new speed of the game and playing against older and bigger kids.” Now a seasoned varsity player, Kortan has taken up a leadership role on the team, and he takes his responsibilities very seriously. “I find leading by example is more important than leading through words,” Kortan said. “Words can be manipulated, but work ethic and the drive you show in practice can’t. As long as I am putting forth good effort and showing the younger guys what it takes to be a good person on and off the court, I think I am being a good leader.” Kortan believes that the rigor of being exposed to varsity play early on helped him develop into the player that he is now, and what he thinks to be the strongest parts of his individual game. “The strongest part of my game is my ability to shoot at a high level, but also to finish around the rim,” Kortan said. “My game is multidimensional, and so [the opponent] will have to guard me all over the floor.” Guarding Kortan and the Cougars has been a true challenge for most opponents this year, as the Cougars have raced off to a program record

for wins in a season. Now sitting with over 30 wins, the Cougars have suffered only two losses on the season, and are close to clinching the district championship. Despite the tremendous success the Cougars have had, things are still business as usual. “As of right now we are just taking it one game at a time,” Kortan said. “It’s nice to look at the box score and see the record improve, but that is not the focus of our team. The focus is to go in each night and take care of what needs to get done to accomplish our goals.” And the Cougars have accomplished their goals. Despite last Friday’s loss to Rudder, the Cougars remain atop the district leaderboards, slightly ahead of the Rangers, who have lost two games in district play. As Kortan has been a part of many of the Cougar Varsity teams over the years, he knows that this year’s team is something special. “Our chemistry is special,” Kortan said. “Everyone gets along and the locker room energy and the energy we have at practice can’t be bought or taught. We are really close and respect each other’s games, and being as successful as we have been has added more promise to what we’ve built.” The inherent cohesion of the teams personalities and play style has been apparent on the court. In some games, opponents have been forced to target Kortan or other players, which in turn frees up the other players on the team to drive or take shots. The Cougars’ ability to involve every one of their players into the game is a true testament of what makes a great team, and success has followed as a result. With playoffs looming, Kortan and the Cougars will continue to take every game one step at a time. Being his last season on the team, Kortan knows what pillar of Cougar athletics has meant the most to him. “Sacrifice means the most to me,” Kortan said. “As an individual on a team you sacrifice a lot of time and energy for your team. Going into the gym and shooting, throwing yourself on the floor and doing everything for the betterment of the team; sacrifice is what’s most important.” After high school, Kortan would like to continue his basketball career at the college level. He plans on studying medicine with dreams of eventually becoming a radiologist or anesthesiologist. Kortan and the Cougars will take on Katy Paetow at home tonight at 6:15. p.m.•

▲ Senior guard Cade Kortan dribbles past a Waller High School defender at home on Jan. 25. The Cougars defeated the visiting Bulldogs 78-46, one of their biggest wins of the season and the sixth time they’ve beat an opponent by over 30 points. Kortan scored 30 points in the game, helping him become the first player in program history to score over 2,000 points in his career. PHOTO BY JAYCIE ROBINSON

Cougar Basketball Stats: State Rank: 9 National Rank: 94 Overall record: 32-2 Win %: 94.1 Points Scored: 2110 Points allowed: 1476

Sports

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Unbreakable Bonds

Athletes find lifelong friendships through sports Ayden Woods Assistant Editor The friendships built merely through the act of playing on a team may seem immensely thin and even forced from the stands. However, these connections can easily become lifelong. For juniors Zoe Peterek and Kate Georgiades, their friendship started with the same interest in volleyball. Seniors Kit Cawley and Brandon Williams have a brotherhood developed through baseball. “She has been like a sister to me,” Peterek said. “Kate and I formed a bond the first time we met.” Peterek and Georgiades have been playing volleyball together since the 8th grade and their friendship has only blossomed with time. Their bond within the sport has strengthened their teamwork within the game and player chemistry. “We have a deeper bond because of sports. We wouldn’t be as good of friends if we didn’t play club volleyball together,” Georgiades said. Through sports, the two girls have become close to one another through the hours of practicing together and being in the same headspace in order play the game efficiently. This is similar to the friendship between Williams and Cawley. “Having him there in sports has helped me get to know him.” Williams said. “Being around each other a lot definitely helped.” Playing baseball together provided a way for the boys to expand their friendship that may not have been nearly as strong outside of sports. Being in a team environment allowed them to work together and become good friends. “I would say that my friendship with Brandon is closer than with friends outside of sports,” Cawley said. Teamwork takes time and effort to perfect. Working hard with teammates gives a sense of a brotherhood between each other. “Being in year round sports together definitely helps us be good friends,” Williams said. “We are around each other a lot which helps us maintain that relationship.” Having friendships with your teammates is helpful when playing against other teams. Players are able to communicate and have a better flow when around close friends. “Teams that don’t have bonded players don’t work as well together,” baseball coach Jeremy Locke said. “These boys will go to war for each other; they always have each other’s back.”•

Close friends and teammates Brandon Williams and Kit Cawley and Zoe Peterek and Kate Georgiades.

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Health & Rec

Yoga provides relaxation through improving posture Jayci Tawney Staff Reporter Yoga is a practice that improves health and posture and also provides relaxation. “I have a really bad back, and my mom heard that yoga is supposed to help with your joints,” junior Kylie Meyer said. “[Physical therapy] wasn’t working and massage therapy wasn’t working, so we decided to try yoga to strengthen my back and help my joints.” According to upliftconnect. com, scientists have confirmed that there are many health benefits that yoga can provide. Many people who practice yoga are trying to diminish joint pain, decrease stress levels or live a healthier life. “I was looking for something to help me get in shape and feel better,” Athletic Trainer Chelsea Frashure said. “Yoga helped me feel better about myself after having kids.” During the season, the varsity football team uses yoga on Saturday mornings to recover from Friday night games. The sessions typically last for 45 minutes. In addition to physical benefits, yoga also reduces stress. “It slowed down my mind, and I could think freely. I found it very relaxing and calming,” senior Jacob Kniffen said.

Yoga positions influence the chemicals that get released from our brains. Yoga tends to aim for the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals that would make an individual less stressed and lower the amounts of anxiety and depression. “[My instructor and I] will adjust my practice to where it will calm me down or it can be more restful rather than to build muscle strength,” Meyer said. Anyone can practice yoga practically anywhere. There are gyms dedicated to yoga, but there are alternative ways that people can practice as well. “I normally do it at home with a private instructor, but sometimes I’ll practice on a paddle board out in Lake Bryan whenever it’s not cold,” Meyer said. Yoga has been reported as one of the fastest-growing workouts. In the last five years, the average number of participants has nearly doubled. One of the main reasons for the major increase of participants is because people today are more stressed than they have ever been before. “I would recommend yoga to people of any age and ability level. It’s great for building strength, flexibility, balance, confidence and for stress relief,” Frashure said.•

▲ Junior Kylie Meyers practices yoga as a form of physical therapy to recover from a back injury. Above, Meyers practices the bridge pose which stretches and strengthens her back. PHOTO BY CATIE SIKES

TRY THESE YOGA POSES:

TREE

dOWNWARD DOG

KOBRA

warrior

triangle Graphics by Melanie Evans

Entertainment

The Catamount

Freedom Writers

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

Writers express imagination, passions through original stories

Catie Sikes and Lauren Gomulka Entertainment Editor and Staff Reporter While many students may not enjoy writing, some students use their creativity and over-active imaginations to bring life to their wildest dreams, all through words. “I started writing in elementary school. It started out with simple stuff, creating goofy little stories to calm my overactive imagination, and it just grew from there,” junior Jaina Lara said. Writing is a way that these students can distort reality in a way that allows them to express themselves and what they believe in. “You get to create your own world. There are no rules that apply,” junior Riley Lemons said. “If you don’t like something that’s in the real world, you can change it and make it better in your story, or you can fight for it.” According to English teacher and Creative Writing

Creative Writing Club When:

Every Tuesday (next meeting Feb. 12)

Where:

Room 2009

What:

an opportunity to be published to understand the publication process to encouraging students to develop into real-world writers

club sponsor Jeanette Mitchell, writing inspires growth in students. “Writing can help students discover aspects about themselves and find their own individual voice to create transformation in the world,” Mitchell said. “It can inspire, heal, incite and damage a person, a community, a country, the world.” Writing does not only affect the writers, but the readers as well. “I love crafting intricate details and sensitive issues into my stories and showing them to people, hopefully to positively affect them,” junior Morgan Lemons said. “I plan to invest my maximum effort into creating amazing books that people will love, find hope and comfort in, and also find community in.” Senior Emily Gibson, who plans to pursue writing as a minor at Stephen F. Austin University, hopes to publish findings for NASA or National Geographic after college. “I normally write fiction, but [nonfiction] is an applicable way to communicate what I’m passionate about,” Gibson said. While Gibson plans to study English and Creative Writing in college, senior Anushka Daripa has plans to continue her writing career through self publishing. She is inspired by well known actress and women’s rights activist Emma Watson. “My role model is Emma Watson because I like her activism and how vocal she is about her publications,” Daripa said. Other writers, like Lara, are inspired by their favorite authors that they have read and studied over the years. “My favorite author has to be George R. R. Martin. Just the sheer imagination he had in creating the Game of Thrones universe is something I admire and aspire to accomplish one day,” Lara said. Many writers enjoy writing so much because it gives them the freedom to change and create new things, places

and people. It gives them a way to promote their passions and bring to life what they can only imagine. It is their own personal movie, or multiple movies, that they share with the world. “You know how when you read a book and you can almost see it? You can see the scene. You can see the characters. I love that. That’s my favorite part,” senior Vanessa Baker said.•

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

The Catamount

Entertainment

Staffers enjoy colorful smoothies at local shops

Northgate Juice Joint Melanie Evans Photography Editor

Upon entering Northgate Juice Joint, I was immediately greeted by a friendly employee. She informed me of their mission statement, which is to make the most delicious juices and smoothies possible using the freshest, healthiest, most nutritious produce available. The menu ranges from cleanses, juices and smoothies to bowls and gourmet food, all of which are hand crafted from fresh, locally grown and clean ingredients that are all vegan and vegetarian friendly. They also use 100% compostable cups, straws and lids. Northgate Juice Joint also doesn’t throw away extras from smoothies, so I was able to sample their pecan pie smoothie. I ordered the Islander smoothie, which included pineapple, coconut water, banana and vanilla. I, however, replaced the banana with extra pineapple. Although extremely healthy, with no

added sugars or ice, the smoothie tasted incredible, which was a pleasant surprise. I also purchased a reusable straw, which all totaled to $8. I received a punch card so that once I purchase 10 smoothies or juices, I can redeem the card for one free smoothie or juice. Northgate Juice Joint offers numerous brochures containing information about the best fruits and veggies to eat for workouts, cancer and cleanses. After receiving my smoothie, I went to the outdoor patio that features plants and ﬂowers, wind chimes, numerous seats and games such as tic tac toe and foosball. Northgate Juice Joint has an incredible mission and drive for serving healthy and tasty smoothies and juices to create healthier and happier people. After my ﬁrst visit, I returned the very next day to get another one of their incredible smoothies. To say the least, I would highly recommend going to Northgate Juice Joint to try one of their smoothies or juices for yourself.•

Smoothie King

Jamba Juice Calla Dufﬁeld Staff Reporter It may look like just another cubicle along a drab beige stripmall, but inside, Jamba Juice is everything but! The colorful Juice Joint, located on 980 University Drive East in the Towne Center, has a lively atmosphere with its bright lime-green interior, fake plants and wood furnishings. It’s a very clean space and would be a nice place to relax and do homework while sipping on a smoothie. My friend, my dad and I ventured to Jamba Juice in the late afternoon, and we were greeted with no wait. The staff was very kind and helpful and told us that some of their most popular smoothies are Protein Berry, Apples and Greens, Razzmatazz, Mango Go Go and

▲ The Islander smoothie, a mix of pineapple, coconut water, banana and vanilla, costs $6 at Northgate Juice Joint. PHOTO BY MELANIE EVANS

the Strawberry Wild. The prices for the smoothies ranged from $4.79 for a small to $6.89 for a large. My dad got the Kale-ribbean, my friend ordered the Pomegranate Paradise and I got the Strawberry Wild Smoothie. In addition to smoothies, the store offers a selection of freshly squeezed juices, cold brew coffee blends, smoothie bowls, oatmeal, juice shots, soft pretzels, wafﬂes and snacks such as Clif and Kind bars. My smoothie was a mixture of strawberry, banana and apple goodness, and it tasted just like a combination of all three fruits, though it was a little sweet for me. The other smoothies we got weren’t as sugary. I recommend Jamba Juice because the store has an vibrant atmosphere and the smoothies are delicious too!•

Aliza Ali Staff Reporter Located on Texas Avenue South in front of HEB and next to Mattress One, Smoothie King serves a variety of smoothies, snacks and supplements ideal for anybody wanting a healthy snack. Although the smoothies are a bit more expensive than the typical smoothies sold at fast food places, they are healthier and the ingredients are more fruit-based. The 20 oz. size is $4.49, the 32 oz. is $6.69 and the 40 oz. is $8.29. Smoothie King smoothies can also include proteins and vitamins to make them healthier. The store also offers several supplements, vitamins and ﬁtness enhancers as well as healthy snack options such as banana chips, veggie chips, nuts, protein mufﬁns, protein cookies, pretzels and protein bars. All of the snacks are under $5. Customers can choose from four dif-

ferent types of smoothies. Fitness blends are meant to help people with toning and building muscle, while slim blends are meant to assist with weight loss and reducing calories. The wellness blends build immunity and balance diets, and the take-a-break blends are simply meant to be treats. There are also vegan and dairy-free options as well as a kids menu. Smoothies from the kids menu are 12 oz. and cost $3.09. I ordered the 12 oz. Pineapple Surf smoothie from the take-a-break blend options. It was made with pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, apple and papaya juices. The smoothie was blended well and tasted sweet and fruity. The employees were really friendly and made the smoothie quickly and efﬁciently. Overall, I really liked Smoothie King and would deﬁnitely recommend it. The smoothies make for a great snack whether you are wanting a sweet treat or something healthy.•

20 Etc.

DEAR VALENTINE

The Catamount

Friday, Feb. 8, 2019

Whether you have a significant other this Valentine’s Day or not, use the day as an excuse to treat yourself and the ones you love with these helpful suggestions

Where to

O G Wolf Pen Creek Wolf Pen Creek will have a trail of lights all month and special gift vendors and food trucks on Feb. 14.

Plants

Queen Theater

Spirit ice arena U paint it Paint pottery at U Paint It for the special price of $10 a person, plus pottery. Participants will enjoy snacks and receive a photo.

Handwritten note

Succulents are a unique gift to give anyone. Purchase them at Walmart or Lowe’s.

Decorate a card, write some sweet words and you have a personal gift from the heart.

Cd/Playlist

Sweets

Making a list of songs for a loved one is a personal gift that shows you care and know their favorite music.

Queen Theater in Downtown Bryan will show Sabrina on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. for a Ladies Night. The ice rink will hold a special two for the price of one admission on Feb. 14 for couples.

What to

Where to

EAT

Make a treat of chocolate covered strawberries, rice crispy treats or cookies for Valentine’s Day.

Three Daughter’s Chocolates Sweet tooth? Visit this local chocolate shop and enjoy a sweet treat.

Star Cinema Grill

Plan a classic dinner and a movie date at Star Cinema. They will show What Men Want on Feb. 14. Must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.

Sweet Paris

Share a crepe and a coffee at this popular College Station restaurant at Century Square.

Homemade picnic

Pack a homemade meal and head to Lake Walk near the Stella Hotel or any local park.

Graphics by Dru Peacock