Craze Issue Six: Adaptation by Craze Magazine

CRA ZE the adaptation issue issue 6 // volume 6 // may 2015

table of contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 08-09 virtual reality 10-13

inside weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re screaming

14-21

staying fit and eating right

22-23

experiencing loss

24-27

summer snapshots

28-29

your momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst nightmare

30-33

hair throughout the decades

34-35

music festivals

36-37

high school expectations

38-39

memories healed by pain

40-41

one cup of coffee at a time

42-45

sketchbook

46-47

opening act steals show

48-49

breaking out of the slump

50-51

ask a teacher

a note from the editors... You may not even read this section. We wouldn’t be surprised if you said you usually skip it. It might just seem like text filling the white space on the table of contents page to you, but for us, the letter from the editors has always been the most intimate part of the magazine. With each new issue, we couldn’t wait to see what Lia and Allie had to say about what we produced. Whether the letter was full of insightful advice or embellished with clever “High School Musical” puns, the words perfectly demonstrated our passion for our publication every time. And now it’s our turn. You don’t just wake up with ability to run a magazine. There’s no secret formula or magic spell. It takes hard work. This year we’ve been tirelessly working to improve our skills from staff members to EIC material. Kirsten stayed up till 6 am to finish an issue, while I struggled with editing a story for the first time. We were total amateurs, but that was okay. It’s about learning. And that’s what we want to show you: life is about rolling with the punches. Eventually we’ll all have to step up and believe in who we are. We have to trust that we have the ability to take on any task, the ability to better ourselves to face the world head on. Sure it won’t come overnight— it didn’t for us. However after 2 years of adapting, it’s our time to show you what we’ve learned. Saying goodbye to our former chiefs was hard to do, but we’re ready. You taught us well, guys; we’ll make you proud. Jenna and Kirsten

contributors

contributors to the issue...

editors-in-chief:

03 Claire Wilson

managing editors: 04 Lauren Chesire

11 Elise Tucker 12 Aaron Casey 14 Abby Hack 15 Jake Larsen

06 Bridget Mizener

16 Lilli Marvin 17 Nikki Saner NP Casey Arritt

07 Grace Wolfe photo editor:

10 Harper Newell

13 Erin Kruger

05 Audrey McCann copy editors:

staff: 09 Maddie Look

01 Jenna Hynek 02 Kirsten McCormack

design editor:

08 Abegale Headlee 05

adaptation

ADAPTATION design and photo by Kirsten McCormack

[Ad-up-tay-shun] 1. a change or process we constantly undergo to defend our spot as #1 on the food chain 2. the process of realization that it’s okay to wear sweatshirts everyday of your life

Swapping Sweats for Swimsuits Here Comes Your Man - Pixies Hey Ya! - Outkast Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers What I Got - Sublime Sunday Morning - No Doubt Hot Topic - Le Tigre Self Esteem - The Offspring Let Me Blow Ya Mind - Eve Frank Sinatra - Cake Vacation - Te Go-Go’s & Go-Go’s

feature // virtual reality

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE the narrowing rift between the virtual and reality story and design by Bridget Mizener, photo by Kirsten McCormack

t was a beautiful day. The trees cast long shadows on the sun-dappled forest floor as I strolled along. Swiveling my head left and right, I noticed the rocks and lichen scattered here and there. The leaves and grass rustled in the wind. I looked up at the sky and squinted into the sun, the brightness hurting my eyes. Then, I took off my Oculus Rift

headset—and was thrust back into reality. The glade I walked through doesn’t actually exist. I was really just sitting in my basement in front of a computer screen, while juniors Cameron Hickey, David Huang, Ben Frazier, Andy Mizener, and Edmon Adams—the five students who form Westside’s IT Cup team—guided me through the

virtual forest they had designed as part of their task to use the Oculus Rift headset’s powerful virtual reality capabilities in UNO’s annual tech competition: the IT Cup. The medium of this year’s competition, the Oculus Rift, is the newest innovation in virtual reality—the field of technology that simulates lifelike experiences. In other words, virtual reality can

send you somewhere you’re not, and make you feel like you’re really there. The piece of technology that can do this, the Oculus Rift headset (affectionately called “the Rift” by the team), is a hunk of black metal and plastic, a brick-like device intended to be sleek but weighed down by its bulk. It looks like a cross between Robocop’s headset and a miner’s headlamp. But put the contraption on, and you’re immediately transported into another world. “You feel as if you’re really there, and that’s what’s amazing about it,” Mizener said. This transmutational quality is exactly what the Rift was designed to have. According to the manufacturer, the Rift’s “combination of the wide field of view with head-tracking and stereoscopic 3D creates an immersive virtual reality experience.” In simpler terms, the headset immerses you in the computer. Turn your head and the screen shifts with you. Look down at your feet and you can see the ground. Gaze up at the sky and you’ll be blinded by the sun. Originally, the Rift was designed for use in video games—specifically first-person shooters. But it can be used for far more worthwhile and powerful purposes. “Oculus is essentially a toy that can do whatever you want it to,” Hickey said. That’s where the IT Cup comes in. Open to area high school teams, the IT Innovation Cup is a competition to determine who

can develop the “most innovative, creative, and best IT-based solution for a pressing problem.” The competition encourages students to use the multitudinous capabilities of the Rift in new ways. So, instead of blowing the heads off zombies, the team had to adapt the Rift for something more practical. “There had to be a need, and there had to be a solution,” Hickey said. “Other than that, we could really do wherever we wanted.” What they eventually decided on was IVPT, or Interactive Virtual Phobia Therapy. The idea is to use the Rift for exposure therapy to

especially for phobic stimuli that are expensive or difficult to replicate, like flying on airplanes. “Without virtual reality, they’d have to buy a plane ticket every time they want to get on a plane,” Mizener said. “And if they have a panic attack, well, tough luck, they’re on a plane! But with [the Rift], you can just take [the headset] off and talk about it.” It is this formula of extraordinary realism within a controlled environment that makes the Rift perfect for IVPT. So, the team settled on a phobia to treat (arachnophobia) and coded a relaxing environment (a forest) in which they placed a phobic stimulus. “A spider,” Mizener said. “We put a spider in it.” Their idea earned them second place at the IT Cup on April 21, and the team took home a check worth $1,000. But their project can extend far beyond the competition. Because it’s so safe, convenient, and relatively cheap, IVPT has the capability to become a legitimate mainstream treatment option for those with phobias. And not only can the Rift be used for exposure therapy, but it has a myriad of other potential uses. Its “stereoscopic 3D,” or depth perception, makes it ideal to be adapted to everything from remote surgery to long-distance operation of vehicles. Whether it’s a peaceful forest or a violent video game, as Hickey put it, “The Rift can really be whatever you want it to be.”

Virtual reality can send you to somewhere you’re not, and make you feel like you’re really there.” help treat patients with phobias. Exposure therapy (also called systematic desensitization) is a type of therapy designed to help people overcome anxieties by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment. The end goal is to replace the fearful reaction to the phobic stimulus with a calm, relaxed one. One of the main advantages of IVPT on the Rift is that it’s a lot cheaper and safer than traditional exposure therapy,

opinion // what we really feel

INSIDE WE’RE SCREAMING don’t let feelings drag you down story by Lauren Chesire, design by Jenna Hynek, photos by Claire Wilson

n the popular improvisation TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway,” they play a game called Fixed Expressions. It’s as simple as an improv game can be; the only thing the actors have to do is create a scene based on the prompt they’re given. The only catch is each actor is must maintain a single facial expression for the entire scene. I specifically remember one episode where “Whose Line” regular Colin Mochrie was assigned the emotion “ecstatic.” His character went through an array of emotions (as any person would) as he experienced different events, ranging from anger to surprise, but the whole time he kept the same goofy grin plastered across his face. His visible emotion was completely disjointed from his actions. It felt funny and strange to watch Colin call people idiots with an enthusiastic smile, but it also felt sort of real. It was satirical in a way, just an exaggerated version of what we all do everyday. We fake a smile, feign whatever emotion is acceptable, and just ignore whatever we’re truly feeling. Unlike Colin, most of us aren’t masters at acting ecstatic. We don’t need to be. It’s not an emotion that

looks natural. We usually prefer more tame emotions. I find myself constantly striving to appear impassive. It gives off a cool and confident vibe. But, you know what? I’m terrible at it. Despite my efforts to remain expressionless, my face distorts into exactly how I’m feeling. My emotions might as well be projected on the wall for

Just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s healthy.” everyone to see. I often view this as a weakness. Our society would rather we don’t have emotions. For example, it was considered normal to cry in public before the Industrial Revolution. Imagine people walking down the street, inexplicably bawling, while everyone else walks by them casually. Factory jobs of the Industrial Revolution would prefer a machine-like coldness because that approach is what’s most efficient for those jobs. Machines

replaced people because they are literally cold and unfeeling— perfect for the job. Even though the number of us working in factories has dropped significantly, the attitude toward raw displays of emotion has remained unchanged in our modern society. Why we still have these expectations, I can’t be sure. We all know we have emotions. We just don’t like to admit it. The final weeks of school are full of pentup emotions. The end of the year causes more stress than any other time. We’re reminded that this is our last chance to get everything done. There’s make-up work and finals and AP tests and graduation parties. In this final month I go through the halls just as I would the rest of the year, but there’s one slight difference. I may have the same “I’m-bored-someone-getme-out-of-here” expression I’ve had since August, but inside it feels like I’m hurtling towards the edge of a cliff in a car with no breaks. And the car happens to be on fire. And just to add insult to injury, the airbags don’t work either. While it’s most likely not normal to feel that anxious about the approach of the end of the year, it’s definitely normal to have emotions

opinion // what we really feel

Students Featured: (left to right) freshman Melissa Homes, freshman Jim Schueneman, freshman Jillian Dinkel, junior Ziyu that you don’t share with the rest of the world. Not telling everyone that it feels like your classes are out to get you doesn’t make you weird. It’s perfectly normal. However, just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s healthy. One of the worst emotions to have bottled up is stress, and unfortunately, it might be the most common. Stress is your body’s normal reaction to danger. The chemical which causes stress is called cortisol. It’s what induces that natural fight or flight reaction. Cortisol’s purpose is to hyperattune your body to what is threatening you, and it does a great job of it. Your muscles tense, your heart rate speeds up and your body stops unessential

functions—it’s efficient. However, cortisol isn’t supposed to have a constant presence in your body. It’s only supposed to be there when your life is in jeopardy. In and out. Those “nonessential”

It’s okay if you feel like you’re screaming inside.” systems it shuts off? They’re only nonessential in life or death moments. Consistently high cortisol levels can stunt growth and suppress your immune system. Leadership expert Simon

Sinek points to high stress levels as one of the causes for rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancer in our country. With our immune systems constantly suppressed, it’s no wonder we’re becoming more susceptible to disease. Stress can literally kill you. We’ve got to let this stress go, in whatever way works best. It may mean going for a run, expressing yourself artistically, or if you’re like me, watching an episode or two of “Whose Line” in between arduous homework sessions. It’s okay to feel the urge to flip a table or punch a wall, but maybe find a pillow or a punching bag instead. It’s okay if you feel like you’re screaming inside. Just remember: sometimes you need to let it all out.

WHEN BEING YOUNG STARTS GETTING OLD Famous Last Words // My Chemical Romance Happy // The Maine Skeptics and True Believers // The Academy Is Ignorance // Paramore Fall Apart // Every Avenue Outlines // All Time Low Crawl // Childish Gambino Snitches and Talkers Get Stitches and Walkers // Fall Out Boy Far Too Young To Die // Panic! At the Disco

interactive // fitness

HAPPY BEING

HEALTHY

your guide to staying fit and eating right story by Erin Kruger, photos by Lilli Marvin, design by Claire Wilson

ne Sunday last summer, I was sitting around all morning while watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I was lazy and I didn’t want to get up until my dad asked if I wanted to go biking out to Bellevue. At first, I was skeptical of myself. I didn’t know if I could do it. Considering the length of the journey, I drank a ton of water and ate a healthy snack. Then, we started the bike ride on the Big Papio Trail, and with some determination and a water break, we had made it to the Keystone Trail in decent time. At this point, I felt discouraged and tired, but I convinced myself to keep going. After an hour and a half, I learned to regulate my speed and manage my endurance, and handle the wind and heat. The whole trip was 3 hours, and I was very proud of myself for holding in there. Through activities like this, I learned

fitness is very important. I was impressed with what I could do, even when I thought I couldn’t. Exercising can help you stay in shape, keep you happy, and help you fight the summertime blues. However, if you don’t regularly exercise, it might be helpful to do a workout little by little over several days and add on pace and duration over time. You can start by doing simple things like taking the stairs instead of the escalator. Exercise is always better with helpful advice and motivation from friends. Eventually, you could be competing in marathons, or swimming the English Channel. Maybe that’s a big of a stretch, but summer’s a time where you can improve or ruin your health. It’s easy to slack off, as it is easy to be motivated. That’s why Craze is here to give you some ideas on how you can improve your health this summer.

yoga rocks the park Sundays at 4:00 p.m. (May 10th -June 28th ) Turner Park in Midtown Crossings (3102 Dodge St.) This May kicks off the 5th season of Yoga Rocks the Park. It is a free event with an afternoon of yoga instruction, live music and food vendors. Yoga Rocks the Park brings the community together by benefitting people of all ages. After the hour of yoga instruction starting at 4:00 p.m., theres a party waiting for you after your workout. The celebration includes live music at the head stage in Turner Park, and many different snacks and drinks to choose from. Partying after your workout gives you a sense of wellness and accomplishment.

interactive // fitness

paths of discovery biking/walking trails throughout omaha area The interconnected walking and biking trails throughout Omaha are perfect for getting fresh air on any summer day. The longest trail in Omaha is the Keystone Trail, which spans 24 miles and connects to several other trails such as the Big Papio Trail. The Paths of Discovery can also take you to scenic areas of Omaha through the West Papio Trail. Other trails in the system include the Field Club Trail and the Omaha Riverfront Trail, which are located in Downtown and in Eastern Omaha. The trails are full of natural scenery as well as a taste of the city. Of course, no motor vehicles are allowed on the trails but any other mode of transportation is acceptable. You can walk, bike, roller blade, run, skip, jump or do whatever you want to achieve a healthier you.

photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

the color run July 18th at 8:00 a.m. 455 North 10th St. The Color Run is known as the “Happiest 5k on the Planet.” It emphasizes and promotes individuals reaching an improved self through bright colors and the importance of fitness and exercise. The Color Run is a worldwide, touring event, and it’s stop in Omaha is in mid-July. Paints of bright hues will be thrown at you during various checkpoints on your 5k run, which is what makes the Color Run fun and unique from other 5k’s and dashes. 5k’s are great to do with a friend or a group, because you can motivate each other and make sure you cross the finish line. In addition to the 5k run, there’s a pre-run dance party and warm-up exercises.

interactive // fitness

COOKING LIGHT “Health is 15% exercise and 85% food,” my mother will say. Whether or not I want to believe those percentages, I know it’s very important to eat well and exercise. However, when the summer rolls around, it’s easy to slack off, watch 10 hours of Netflix a day, and eat nothing but Doritos. Teenagers can feel invincible, but in reality, we are the complete opposite. Your fitness and health can rapidly change in a summer, and it’s important that it improves rather than regress. On the other hand, who doesn’t want to chow down on some snacks? It’s summer after all! These snack recipes will keep you healthy and prepare you for your run, and they taste delicious. Enjoy!

kale chips ingredients: 1/2 pound bunch or bag of curly kale 1 tbsp olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt

instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray. If kale is from bunch, tear kale into bitesize pieces. Wash kale. Place leaves into a large bowl, and drizzle olive oil over kale. Knead oils into the kale evenly, then sprinkle salt on leaves. Arrange kale pieces into a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes. Edges should be slightly browned, and middle should be crisp.

granola provided by: Junior Hannah Peters

ingredients:

instructions:

2 cups of oats

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pour oats in mixing bowl and set aside. Melt honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar for 25 seconds in microwave. Pour over oats and toss with spatula until coated. Spread mix onto wax paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes. Stir halfway through. Will be crunchy once it cools!

Âź cup of peanut butter Âź cup honey 2 tablespooons brown sugar

interactive // fitness

raspberry-blueberry smoothies ingredients:

instructions:

1 cup of low-fat Greek vanilla yogurt

Put the yogurt, blueberries and raspberries into blender. Then, drop the ice cubes into the blender. Close lid of the blender securely. Blend mixture until it becomes a liquid. Pour smoothie into a larger cup, and enjoy.

2/3 cup of blueberries 2/3 cup of raspberries 4-6 ice cubes

ART.

LEADERS.

AT HOME.

MUSIC.

AUTO.

NEIGHBORHOODS.

BEAUTY.

NEW HOME BUSINESSES.

BEER, COCKTAILS & WINE.

NEWS.

BEFORE & AFTER.

NIGHTLIFE.

BEST OF B2B™.

NONPROFITS.

BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA® .

NUTRITION.

BEST OF OMAHA™.

OMAHA’S BEST DOCTORS® .

BUSINESS PROFILES.

OPINION.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

PARENTING.

CHEFS.

PEOPLE.

COFFEE & TEA.

PEOPLE ON THE RISE.

DIY PROJECT.

PETS.

DOWNTOWN.

PLACES.

EDUCATION.

PREMIER WEALTH ADVISORS

ENTREPRENEURS.

Q&A SPOTLIGHT.

ETHICS.

RECREATION.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES.

RESTAURANTS.

FASHION.

RETIREMENT.

FINANCE & REAL ESTATE.

REVIEWS.

FITNESS.

SOCIAL MEDIA.

GALAS.

SPORTS.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS.

STYLISTS.

HOME HAPPENINGS.

TEEN VOICES.

HOME IMPROVEMENT.

TOP DENTISTS.™

HOT PRODUCTS.

THEATRE.

IN THE OFFICE.

YOUNG HERO.

BUSINESS. ENTERTAINMENT. FAMILY. FOOD & DRINK. HEALTH. HOME. LIFESTYLE. STYLE.

the new

feature // expierencing loss

EXPERIENCING LOSS 9,629

MILES AWAY

junior copes with losing a loved one overseas story by Aaron Casey, design by Claire Wilson, photos courtesy of Troy Suwondo

he saddest memories are often the ones that never came to be. Usually, when a loved one dies, we think back to all the time spent with them. Junior Troy Suwondo found it difficult to remember the life of his grandfather because they lived far from each other. Jetlagged, exhausted, and far from Omaha, Suwondo made a journey from the Midwest to be with his mourning family in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Together they remembered and cherished the life of his late grandfather. When his family came together, they participated in a seven-day prayer. An Imam—an Islamic religious leader—

and faces of many members of his family was difficult. “Even now, I still don’t think I could remember all of their names,” he joked. Suwondo, who was born in America, met his grandfather for the first time at five months old. From then on, he periodically took trips to Indonesia to visit his family. It was around ten years ago that his grandfather had a stroke, which began a difficult journey for his family. Since that event, his grandfather’s health had been declining. The last time Suwondo visited his grandfather was five years ago. “Last time I went to Indonesia and saw my grandfather was in 2010, and I never got to see him in person again.” Suwondo said. “I felt homesick because I hadn’t been to Indonesia in a long time, and being far from my family made me feel terrible. When I heard that my grandfather passed away, it made me feel really sad and I regret that I never got to see him again.” Not seeing his family for a long time and finding out that his grandfather died was hard for Suwondo to face. Suwondo felt guilty looking back, because all he could think of was the time he could have spent with his grandfather. Along with that guilt came a sense of homesickness. Although Suwondo hadn’t seen his grandfather in a long time, recalling the time he spent with him allowed him to find happiness in the memories. “During the trip, which was the last time I saw my grandfather, I helped

I remember all the good memories I had with him so I can relive those moments and make him feel alive again.” came to his family and assisted them with the prayer. After, the family recognized his life through celebration and food. “Late at night I went with my uncle to downtown Jakarta.” Suwondo said. “We ate a lot of different food. The fried rice in Indonesia is my favorite. The stuff in America just isn’t as good.” He appreciates the time he spends with his family, even though it seems small at times. He admits remembering the names

to take care of him,” Suwondo said. “I was by his side for a long time while I was there.” Suwondo recalls that around this time his grandfather only left the house one time. At his grandmother’s house outside the city that Suwondo and his family attempted to help his grandfather regain his strength at his grandmother’s house outside the city through exercises, workouts, and even a bit of friendly arm-wrestling here and there. He tried his hardest to get his grandfather feeling well. “At this point he was getting quite weak, but his health was not as bad then as it was before he passed away,” Suwondo said. He left Indonesia to return to his home in America. Suwondo was saddened by his grandfather’s state, but he appreciated seeing and helping him in the ways that he could. Traveling abroad in light of a loved one’s death can be a very hard experience, but in Suwondo’s case, it was a journey to meet new and old relatives and celebrate the life of his grandfather through food and prayer. Although Suwondo was unable to spend more time with his grandfather, he realized that it was important to cherish the memories he did experience. By remembering the love he felt for his grandfather, Suwondo finds strength within himself. “I now worry more about celebrating his life and the time I spent with him instead of grieving for his death.” He said. “I remember all the good memories I had with him so I can relive those moments and make him feel alive again. “

SUNSHINE & SLUSHIES when the weather gets hotter and so do you design and photos by kirsten mccormack

snapshots // summer

music // local band

SUBURBAN CRISIS your mom’s worst nightmare

story by Erin Kruger, design by Harper Newell, photos by Kirsten McCormack and Harper Newell

s most non-devout Beatles fans may not know, the band got their start in Hamburg, Germany in the late 1950’s. During their time in Hamburg, they played dingy, little clubs, and lived in tiny, dirty rooms. Their contracts made them play eight-hour sets. And to add to that, only one Beatle, then-drummer Pete Best, knew how to speak German well. These obstacles caused the band to not appeal to the German audience at first. However, over those 3 years, the Beatles began to get used to their environment. When the club owner would tell them to “put on a show,” they danced and goofed around to entertain the audience. They began to sing more pop hits and songs in German. They really improved in those few years, and it eventually made them into the biggest band of all-time. The Beatles had to get used to Hamburg in the same way we eventually got used to high school as freshmen. It’s how we learned to act as part of the student lifestyle, or blended into the Omaha culture. It’s how baby birds learn to fly to catch up with the rest of the flock. We have to adapt, and know what others

want and expect of us. Similarly, Omaha band Suburban Crisis also does this to appeal to their audiences while they stay original and new. “We usually ask our friends about what they want us to sound like, or what they want to hear,” Suburban Crisis drummer and Westside junior Nik Decker said. “Or, we will play something

through the band t-shirts they were wearing. The two began to jam together and eventually decided to start Suburban Crisis. After a few changes in their lineup, they now have what is their current three-member line-up. “We were all hanging out in our friend’s room. We were just thinking of funny names to name the band. And I said, ‘Suburban Crisis. It’s the perfect name for a ska band,” Decker said. Suburban Crisis plays ska punk. It brings the energy of punk rock, while it is also relaxed and upbeat like ska and reggae music. Naturally, the band’s main influences are ska punk bands like Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, and Streetlight Manifesto. Decker grew up listening to punk and rock music, and his father is also a musician. Kerker listened to heavy music, while Basile did not listen to heavy-style bands. Eventually, all of these different musical tastes came together to form the band’s current style and sound. However, the band also takes into consideration the tastes and wants of their friends and audiences for their live shows.

People just need to discover the music.” - junior Nik Decker and send it to our friends. We want feedback.” Suburban Crisis is a Omaha ska punk band. The members include Westside senior David Basile and junior Nik Decker. Basile is the band’s lead singer and bassist, and Decker is Suburban Crisis’s drummer and manager. Also in the band is Metro Community College student Travis Kerker, who is the guitarist. The band had its start this 2014-2015 school year when Basile and Decker noticed their similarities in music tastes

“We just try to make sure everyone is happy with they are listening to,” Decker said. “We will send friends some music, and ask them how it sounds.” Suburban Crisis will play some bigger shows than some local bands and they are also one of few ska punk bands vin the area. While they are definitely very unique for the Omaha area, they will appeal to the audience and take suggestions. The band is also new, and wants people to listen to

the music. As they are different for most of Omaha, Suburban Crisis is also unique for the music and band scene at Westside. “[At Westside], there’s a lot a pop bands, or there’s crazy heavy metal. There isn’t a lot of in between. It would be cool if people liked ska and punk music,” Decker said. “Ska music is really fun. You can dance to it, and there’s a lot of good shows and bands. People just need to discover the music.”

A good way for Westside students to learn about Suburban Crisis is to listen to their music and go support them at their live shows. They released their debut EP, “Problems”, on March 3rd of this year, which is available digitally. Suburban Crisis is also set to play shows at the Hideout in Omaha on May 20th and May 24th. The shows are open to all ages, and they will be playing along side some other bands like Moonraker, OC45 and Crab Legs.

DIY CLASSIC HAIRDOS

vintage styles adapted for today

story and photos by Grace Wolfe, design by Jenna Hynek

’ve always stared at women’s hairstyles through the ages, wondering how the hell they got their hair like that. Farah Fawcett’s feathered bangs? Veronica Lake’s luxurious waves? Yeah right, there’s no way I’m sleeping in hair rollers or getting up at 5 am to wear these looks to school. It’s this mindset that keeps me with straight, average hair day in and day out. Luckily, there are ways to adapt these hairstyles

into practical everyday styles. However, if you have hair that’s not relatively thin, straight, and of medium length, YouTube will tell you that most hairstyles are impossible to achieve. Let me tell you now: they’re lying. There have been hundreds of hairstyles over the decades that don’t fit the archetype. So, we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands and show different ways vintage hairstyles can be adapted for today.

60’s mock beehive what you need: bobby pins comb headband (optional) barretttes (optional)

instructions: Probably the most iconic hairdo of the ‘60s, the beehive usually requires hours of meticulous teasing and pinning. Attempting the look on your own usually leaves your arms sore, hair ratty, and nothing on your mind except, “Why did I get myself into this?” So, let me enlighten you; try a mock-beehive. This will take you only about 2-minutes, and you can make it as big or as small as your heart desires.

Start by moving all of your hair into a ponytail at the top of your head. Now, twist the ponytail into a tight bun, leaving the lifted hair loose enough that it’s possible to tuck the bun underneath. Then all you have to do is bobby pin the excess hair against your head, leaving the tucked in bun (or the beehive, if you will) the only thing standing, and you’re done! Add a headband or a few barrettes to make the look really pop.

diy // hair

70’s pigtails what you need: two hairbands two hands ribbins

instructions: A lot of my dream hairstyles derive from spending hours watching That ‘70s Show. The looks are simple, yet extremely stylish. One of my favorites were the lowslung pigtails Jackie once wore.

Divide your hair into two equal sections. Adjust your hold so that the pigtail hangs low, and tie in a hairband. Repeat for the other side. Add ribbons or use funky hair bands to add that extra ‘70s style.

80’s side sweep what you need: bobby pins hairbrush hairspray curling iron (if needed) hair bow (optional)

instructions: When it comes to fashionable hairstyles, ‘80s hair rarely makes the list for obvious reasons (see more in your parent’s yearbook). However, there are a few gems that don’t require perms or destroying your hair in general. Depending on the kind of hair you have, begin by curling

your hair in layers to gain that signature ‘80s volume. Then brush most of your hair to one side, leaving enough to sweep to the back. Bobbi pin the swept hair. Accessorize with an obnoxious bow or bright barrette, and you’ve transported back to your parent’s high school years.

diy // hair

60’s mock beehive what you need: scrunchie comb or brush the passion to be a 90’s chick

instructions: This look works best on longer, curly hair, but looks good on everyone. Brush your hair into two sections, leaving the more

hair on the bottom half. Tie the top half into a ponytail with your scrunchie. Adjust the top of your hair until there’s enough volume.

feature // music festivals

HEARTLAND HARMONIES because we can’t all go to Coachella story by lilli marvin and design by kirsten mccormack

usic festivals. We see them in the movies, on our Tumblr feeds, in TV commercials; they entice us with their rhythmic beats, crazed mosh pits, and headline musicians. They call for us to release our inner punk, hippie, or boho queen. At some point in our lives, we all long to scream along to lyrics at the top of our lungs, mosh late into the night, and just let ourselves go. Often times, we think we can’t do this because we live in the boring Midwest. No one “cool” ever comes to Omaha, of all places. Wrong. In this spread, we show you some hot music festivals you can enjoy right here in Nebraska. Rock on.

NO COAST

STIR COVE

location: westfair ampitheater

location: harrah’s council bluffs date: dates vary lineup: hozier, neon trees, alice

council bluffs date: june 2 lineup: cage the elephant, bleachers, joywae, icky blossoms, saint motel, and in the valley below price: $15

in chains, alt-j, the roots, the avett brothers, and many more price: prices vary

Some of the most discouraging things about attending music festivals are the hefty prices on the tickets. Often, tickets to see some of our favorite bands cost upwards of hundreds of dollars, leaving minimum-wage-earning high schoolers in the dust. Fear not; the No Coast music festival comes to the rescue, featuring the six headliner bands— Cage the Elephant, Bleachers, Joywave, Icky Blossoms, Saint Motel, and In the Valley Below, all for a mere ten dollars.

The Stir Cove Concert Series provides all of the fun of a standard music festival, but stretched across the entire summer. Catering to music lovers with all tastes, Stir is offering artists ranging from the old school Violent Femmes, to pop icons like Neon Trees, and the soulful lyrics of Hozier and Alt J. The entire venue is general admission, so be sure to expect crazed moshes and hysterical fans belting lyrics the closer you get to stage. For the tamer listeners, you can chill in the back and simply enjoy the set. Whether you are in it for the moshes or for the talent, be sure to buy a ticket to the Stir Cove Concert Series this summer.

MAHA

HULLABALOO

location: asksarben village date: august 15 lineup: modest mouse, purity

location: sokol park date: july 23-25 lineup: robert delong, nappy

At its inception in 2009, the MAHA indie rock music festival began with only a handful of small up-and-coming musicians, and has then since adapted into a festival that’s talked about throughout the Midwest. Attracting superstars like Death Cab for Cutie, Spoon, and Matt & Kim in the past, this year’s show continues the trend with hot artists like Modest Mouse and Wavves. Don’t just come for the bands, but for the local clothing and food vendors as well. The festival also includes the Globe tent, which features local artists and comedians. Anywhere you go in the festival, people are dancing, shouting off-key lyrics at the top of their lungs, and infecting other “festivalgoers” with the intoxicating fever of music festivals. The price may be high, but the fee is definitely worth it in order to experience the euphoria that is MAHA Music Festival.

Music lovers from across the state will be flocking to the Hullabaloo Music Festival in Bellevue this year. Complete with camping, movies, and vendors galore, the Hullabaloo Fest goes way beyond your standard music festival. Hullabaloo offers a frisbee golf course, midnight movies, and theme days for each day you’re present. For those who rock too hard, yoga and pilates will be offered in the mornings. Many won’t be buying a ticket for the bands, but for the crazed atmosphere. Party too hard in all the festivities? Don’t worry, the festival allows you to camp out overnight in the park and never miss a moment of Hullabaloo. Be sure to check out the crazy 3 day long party (and music festival) that is Hullabaloo.

ring, alvvays, the good life, speedy ortiz, all young girls are machine guns, atmosphere, wavves, the jayhawks, ex hex, freakabout, and both price: $50

roots, kris lager band, earphunk, andy frasco, indigenous, samantha fish, funk trek, and many more price: $20 - one day pass $60 - full event pass

opinion // expectations

LIVE WHILE WE’RE YOUNG

learning to love yourself as the nerd you really are story by lilli marvin, design by kirsten mccormack

s high school students, the majority of us know about the infamous Breakfast Club, or Cady Heron’s tiff with mean girl Regina George. We all want Gabriella and Troy’s relationship (or maybe a bad boy like Ren from Footloose), or to throw the party of the century as seen in Project X. Many of us are stuck fantasizing about what could be or could’ve been. We look back on high school regretting that it wasn’t more like the Hollywood Highs we romanticized growing up. The problem with idolizing the “teens” we see on TV and on the big screen is we can’t help but compare their star-studded lives to our sometimes dismal experiences. When I was growing up, I was always looking ahead. I’m still guilty of it today. Throughout elementary school, I counted down the days until middle

school. The sooner I went to middle school, I thought the sooner I could get to high school. High school was where everything fun was supposed to happen right? Spontaneous road trips, sudden admissions of love, and parties every weekend. Movies had taught me that my high school years would be the best years of my life, so I’d better live it up while I could. No one character demonstrated that better than the infamous Ferris Bueller. I always envied Ferris, with his carefree attitude and rebellious persona. Ferris didn’t care one bit what people thought about him, and didn’t bother kissing up to teachers (or even attending school for that matter). He did what he wanted and everyone loved him for it. I craved that kind of attitude towards life: the “I can skip school, steal a Ferrari, and have the time of my life without thinking about

the consequences” mindset. However, the reality was that I couldn’t even show up a minute late to class without feeling surges of guilt and the sense I’d somehow let my teachers or myself down. I set a goal for high school: to become the next Ferris Bueller. I wanted to not care if I skipped large group, showed up late to class, or said the wrong thing during a speech. I wanted to radiate selfconfidence, and make sure everyone knew I wasn’t some goody two shoes, that I wasn’t afraid to break the rules and have a little fun. Being Ferris 2.0 worked— for a bit. I started to put myself out there and portray this “cool punk rock chick” who doesn’t care what people think, and I thought I was happy with it. Thought. As my façade wore on, I began to realize I had to work at being “me.” Socializing my way through school and

putting up this fake person who never even existed in the first place was a chore. People weren’t getting to know my real self, they were getting to know who I thought I should be. I came to learn that this person, this Ferris, wasn’t who I really wanted to be. Growing up, I idolized the idea of being a “rebellious teen,” yet failed to realize that just because Ferris had a killer time, I wasn’t guaranteed the same experience. Yet, this whole escapade wasn’t without perks. In acting like the teen I idolized on the big screen,

some of his charisma shaped me into who I am today. I learned to loosen up, have some fun; a dose of trouble here and there is healthy. More importantly, I learned high school is nothing like it is in the movies. You can act like your teen idol all you want, but I guarantee you won’t enjoy yourself in school nearly as much as if you are simply yourself. I idolized a rebellious Ferris Bueller, and turned out to be a total geek like Napoleon Dynamite. The thing is, I am infinitely happier being a total

nerd with killer dance moves like Napoleon than a try-hard cool kid like Ferris. Reflecting on myself, I’ve come to the conclusion that sure, my high school experience was nothing like I expected, but my time spent as an awkward-dancing, tater-tot-loving geek has been far more rewarding than trying to be someone who I’m not. I’m definitely not as cool as Ferris, or as popular as Cady Heron. I’m a nerd in marching band who obsesses over video games and wears too many band tees. But I’m happy, and you should be too.

You’re a Righteous Dude Another Brick in the Wall - PInk Floyd Mr. Brightside - The Killers People - AWOLNATION That’s Not My Name - Theh Ting Tings Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day Society - Eddie Vedder Lane Boy - Twenty One PIlots On My Way - O.A.R.

feature // memories healed by pain

FLY AWAY TO HEAVEN

student uses unconventional method to preserve memories story and design by Jenna Hynek, photo by Kirsten McCormack

ain comes in two different forms. As much as we try to spare ourselves from situations that could harm us, they’re inevitable. There’s emotional pain, the kind that makes you strong. The every day battles we go through, contribute to this. Like when a best friend moves to a new state, or not getting into the college of your dreams. It hurts and it hurts a lot. Then there’s another kind of pain. It’s the physical kind that leaves scars on our bodies to remember the hurt we’ve felt. However, for junior April Adams, put herself through a long physical process to help preserve the emotional hurt from her past. In the form of a winding tree over her left shoulder Adams dedicated a tattoo to her deceased grandparents. She sat for 3 hours listening to the ironically soothing whir of the tattoo gun and the piece was completed for that session. Flying away from the aged looking tree are three birds, each in their own direction. “I took it as a family tree, “ Adams said. “And they’re flying away to heaven.” Each of the birds represents a grandparent of Adams who has passed away. The first being her grandfather, Roger, who was always outgoing and enjoyed working on old cars and brought the entire

family closer by introducing them to the game of pool. “My sister and I would go over to his house and he would always take us to go get ice cream in the newest car he had just fixed,” Adams said. “He and I were very close when I was young so it was very hard for me when he had passed.” Her grandpa Roger passed away on September 14, 2010 from esophageal cancer. A second bird represents her grandpa Fred, who lived in Wisconsin for most of Adams’ life. “Every time we would go up there he would always get me macadamia nut cookies,” Adam said. “He was very quiet and a good listener.” Her grandpa Fred was diagnosed with dementia in early 2014. As his disease progressed he was put into a home for dementia patients and later passed on August 28, 2014. The final bird is for her grandmother, Wilma, who was a single mother of four. She was a loving woman who cared about her children and grandchildren’s lives, always attending graduations and being a supporter to all events. “Her and I are so similar I considered her to be [my] role model,” Adams said. “She never failed to make me happy.” On Thanksgiving night in 2014, Adams found out her grandmother Wilma had been diagnosed with leukemia. A

month later on Christmas day she received a call explaining that her grandmother had passed away due to a brain hemorrhage. “She was my best friend,” Adams said. “She was the main reason I got my tattoo.” After dealing with so much loss in just a few short years, Adams decided to celebrate the lives of her lost family members. Adams and her dad decided to get tattoos together symbolizing their loved ones. On May 13, 2015, Adams walked into the tattoo shop to finish the final parts of the tree and birds. Her last session may have ended, but the loving memory of her grandparents will be with her forever. People mourn loss in different ways. Some drink, some smoke, some call to a higher power. Other times, you get someone like Adams, who believes that changing her body was the best way to memorialize her loved ones. The birds beautifully placed across her back helped her heal her emotional pain. In some cases, the physical pain of something like a tattoo can help fix the even more broken parts inside us that aren’t as easy to mend. “It was really painful,” Adams said. “It’s temporary pain, it will go away, but I just keep thinking it’s for a good reason and they’re proud of me for getting it.”

feature // well grounded

WELLGROUNDED

westside alum fundraising one cup of coffee at a time story by Nikki Saner, design by Casey Arritt, photos by Abegale Headlee

here’s a bright and inviting environment with paintings plastered on the walls and the friendly workers are always ready to converse and make you a delectable drink. However the story behind this

Westside alum and founder of Well Grounded Coffee, Sarah Van Putten, is trying to change the world one cup at a time. Every time someone purchases coffee, 10% of all profits are donated to an organization called Charity: Water. This organization goes around the world and builds wells in countries that can’t provide clean water to sick people. Before Van Putten came up with the idea of building a coffee shop she was a nurse at a clinic that helped people with HIV/AIDS. “I had some patients that were always sick because the water was

I wanted to help but I didn’t want to go around fundraising” shop goes much deeper than coffee beans and eager baristas.

dirty in their country,” Van Putten says. “I wanted to help but I didn’t want to go around fundraising for the rest of my life because that sounds awful. So, I opened up a coffee shop and donated some of the profits to something good.” Although she’s not sure how far the shop will go, Van Putten hopes to succeed while helping impact the lives of those in need. If the heartwarming story behind this shop doesn’t make you want to stop by, the adorable interior should. Don’t forget you’re helping give water to countries in need, one cup at a time when you buy your drink.

sketchbook // stephanie dong

SEARCHING for INNER PEACE using art as a medium for finding freedom

story and design by Abby Hack, photos by Harper Newell, artwork and graphics by Stephanie Dong

flick of the wrist. A piece of pure pigment. A blank page. A fresh idea. Put all of these together and a masterpiece is created. When building a portfolio or a piece, artists are constantly changing based on the materials they have and how they see their work coming together. Creating art is a process that requires focus, motivation, and flexibility. For junior Stephanie Dong, the art process is nothing new. In a schedule chock full of AP classes, art gives Dong the opportunity to have control in a way no other class allows. “I like the freedom in it,” Dong said. “I like how much the teachers trust you when doing your own thing.”

Being independent can be challenging, especially for Dong, who doesn’t always receive support from her parents on her artistry. “They appreciate it, but I think they prefer it as a hobby,” Dong said. “They say, ‘[you] shouldn’t spend so much time on it, you should just work on studying for your AP tests.’” Trying to balance expectations from her parents as well as honor-level classes and still managing to find time for art is difficult for Dong. Accounting for these bumps in the road is just one way Dong adapts as her art process continues. Bit by bit, the pieces come together to become a masterpiece. This photoset pays homage to her exquisite portfolio and all the beautiful works she has already created.

sketchbook // stephanie dong

music // vance joy review

VANCE JOY B

ottle of Jack Daniels in one hand, microphone stand hoisted above his head in the other, the lead singer of Young Rising Suns, Andy Tongren, had the crowd captivated. Every person in the room was clinging to every note he belted out, and he wasn’t even the main act. Young Rising Suns were only opening for Vance Joy, but yet the crowd seemed to be reacting to their raw, upbeat sound much better than the slow, acoustic licks of Vance. At a college concert, Young Rising Suns definitely catered to their audience much better than Vance Joy. This year’s UNL Spring Concert featured both bands at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Hundreds of college students poured into the general admission area. Mic check. Mic check. Young Rising Sun’s bassist stuck a few warm up chords, getting the attention of the audience, and then the show was underway. On the radio, Young Rising Suns perform very poppy, upbeat tunes, with an almost artificial sound to them. When

opening act steals show story and photos by Lilli Marvin design by Kirsten McCormack

Tongren belted out the intro to the show, he shocked everyone with the astounding contrast between studio and live performance. The band sounded raw and authentic, almost borderline grunge. A welcomed change. That being said, I could handle about two seconds of their chart topper “High” before the repetitive pop lyrics made me want to rip my ears out. It may be my preference for a more natural sound, but Young Rising Suns were far too poppy on their studio album. When the Young Rising Suns dropped the auto tune and pop sound, their fan appeal and talent levels grew exponentially. If their new album, due in July, is anything like their live sound, we are all in for a treat. The Young Rising Suns offered an array of songs ranging from alternative rock to more mellow love ballads: a variety in sound that catered to all. The varying tempo in the set kept the audience engaged, getting everyone on their feet and singing along. When the concert transitioned to Vance Joy, it took a very different turn.

Personally, having listened to the entirety of Vance Joy’s discography, I appreciate his quiet talent, soft-spoken lyrics, and acoustic sound of his album. Generally, most college students haven’t done so, and are only used to his smash hit “Riptide”, the ukulele riff recognized across the country. If you went into this concert expecting a full set of songs similar to “Riptide”, I can guarantee you left disappointed. Nonetheless, Vance Joy performed a very engaging set, showing off in a talent filled performance. He doesn’t need auto-tune or heavy bass lines to keep the audience engaged, unlike many pop artists of today. However talented he may be, there still were some flaws within the set. The entire performance was extremely slow and monotonous, leaving the audience trying to figure out when he switched songs. Vance would benefit from switching up the tempos in his music, and differentiate a little between songs. Adaption is key

when you’re performing across the country. Artists must know their audience and play sets that will keep them engaged. Young Rising Suns did much better in this respect than Vance. Monotony aside, Vance really connected with the audience, his songs about love and struggle brought tears to the audience’s eyes. The entire time he played his set he had the largest grin on his face. You knew he found what he loved in life, making you get into the music even more. For up and coming artists, both really delivered and the audience was always engaged in their sets. Which is something that can be very hard to do with lesser known music. It was obvious in both artists performances that they put the time in, working for hours to be where they are today. A wide spectrum of music appealed to all and catered to all music tastes. Whether it is for the alternative sounds of Young Rising Suns, or the soft harmonics of Vance Joy, both rising artists are worth a listen.

opinion // cubs

BREAKING OUT OF THE SLUMP

t was late June in 2008 and I was glued to the TV. I was watching ESPN and baseball experts were discussing the best team in baseball: the Chicago Cubs and their record of 45-25. They sounded a lot like typical Cubs fans, continually stating that this year was “the year.” A Cubs fan since day one, it was nice to finally be optimistic for my perennially losing team. The experts saying the Cubs were winning the World Series this year caused me to joyfully skip to the other room (shut up, I was ten). October 3rd came, and I was fighting back tears. The Cubs had just been swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers. They had now lost for a whole century. The collapse was just like the 1969 Cubs, who had the best record in the National League going into the last month of the season, until a terrible losing streak eliminated them from the playoffs. It had to be, the Cubs would never win. Even the Cubs team that finished as the best team in the National League couldn’t even win a game in the playoffs, let alone win the World Series. Despite officially losing for 100 seasons and being

so pessimistic after that season, I continued to support them. No matter how much agony I might have to deal with in doing so, no matter how many more losses it would take, I would remain loyal to the Lovable Losers, waiting for the day they become Lovable Winners. From time to time, all of us fail to realize not everyone is perfect. One person who constantly struggles with this realization is me. Yes, the same person who puts faith into a baseball team that hasn’t won the World Series since Teddy Roosevelt was our president. Too many people want to give up after trying something once and not succeeding instead of fixing our weaknesses, we let ourselves stay as failures. We have trouble accepting that it is possible to fix our biggest problems, even if we’ve already fixed problems before. One of the most important human qualities is determination. A human without determination is a car with no gas. If you don’t have determination or faith in yourself, you will get nowhere, and if you try to push yourself forward you’ll just get worn out. Do whatever you have to do to get yourself to move forward

important life lessons learned from the cubbies story by Jake Larsen, design by Jenna Hynek and photo by Lauren Chesire

and accomplish goals, even if it’s creating an ego. Being a little arrogant is better than being a failure. Whatever you need to do to turn your weaknesses around will be worth it (unless it’s selling your kidneys or something--you shouldn’t go that far). So if you’ve failed, how much embarrassment would you go through to prove to yourself that you are a winner and you’re not just crazy? Is over 100 attempts overdoing it? If you’re a Cubs fan like me, you’ll learn at some point in your life that a century of failing might just be worth it. But this isn’t just about the Cubs. Being able to rebound from failure isn’t just something in sports. Everyone has flaws, but you can choose whether you want to keep them or not. The Cubs have clearly had a history of flaws that seems insurmountable. Everyone has problems that are “insurmountable,” but you choose if they’re insurmountable or not. Whatever you want to become is your choice. Whatever problems haunt you, all you need is a little more determination and hope as large as a Cubs fan’s. This might be the year for the Cubs, and if you push yourself, 2015 could be your year too.

Q& A

with Sra. Olvera story by Elise Tucker, photos by Maddie Look, design by Claire Wilson

She’s the teacher who blasts Spanish music from her room, the one who isn’t afraid to show a piece of herself in front of her students. With a creative teaching style in her back pocket, she makes her students follow along with her whims. The way she posesses words when discussing tough issues, Spanish instructor Maria Olvera’s style of teaching is like no other. With each idea creates, she implements a whole new world of learning for her students. Her background in Mexican culture is shown throughout her lessons in class. Olvera has a first hand understanding of the language which helps her connect more to the material and the students in class. So, Olvera has infinite experiences to help advise us well beyond the debts of high school.

Anonymous Freshman: I’m trying to get a job, but no one is hiring me. What should I do? When asking for an application try this; ask to speak to the manager, confidently introduce yourself and state that you are looking for an opportunity to collaborate with him or her and then ask him or her for an application. When turning in your completely filled out application; ask for the manager, joyfully greet him or her and verbally state your availability and your expertise in the field. Hand him or her your application. If there are questions answer them without hesitating. Follow up; make sure you always follow up with your application within a week or so. Remind her or him that you turned in your application a couple of days ago and you were wondering if he or she had gotten a chance to look at it. But remember you could also start your own business. You can mow lawns, babysit, tutor, etc. May the force be with you in your journey to finding a job!

q&a // ask a teacher

Tom Hoglund, Junior: How can I learn to feel more comfortable and confident in my own skin? When you learn and believe that you have a purpose in this life. Often times it is easy to compare ourselves to others and convince ourselves that we don’t measure up to people around us. This awful mental state of mind leads us to question everything about ourselves and it makes it difficult for us to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin. It is not wise for you to compare yourself to anyone else because you were not born to be anyone else, you were born to be you!

Leah Lee, Senior: How do you deal with stress or anxiety during finals? Finals are like the final review of everything that you have learned in class. This review helps you look back and analyze how much smarter you are now that you took such class. When you study for your finals and you ask yourself, “What have I learned in this class?” it should help you reduce your anxiety and feel less stressed out. However, if you struggled with the class the entire time and you never asked for help, you may not know how to identify what you learned. It can be stressful to try to learn in a few days what has been taught for months. My advice is to make a list of what you have learned in class and go back to your notes to cement your learning for each item that you write on the list. If your professor offers a study guide, take advantage of this opportunity and use it to study.

Your stress and anxiety will reduce if you feel prepared for the exam. Keep in mind that to follow this advice I am assuming that you took notes in class, that you still have those notes and that you asked for help when you did not understand something. If you did not take notes, or if you got rid of your notes, you could join or create a study group and ask to look over someone else’s notes. Even if you have your notes, study groups may be a great way to study.

Sarah Alexander, Junior: Would you suggest having a serious relationship with someone in high school, or is waiting until you’re older a better idea? Relationships can make your life a lot more complicated. The human brain develops through stages and during the adolescent years your brain is continuing to develop. While in high school you may feel that a person is the right one for you and make a commitment, remember your brain is not done growing. In a couple of years while in college your brain is still developing and you may not feel the same way about your high school sweetheart. With that in mind, I think you should participate in school events and dances because they are for you to enjoy and have friends from the opposite sex because that is how we learn to interact with others, but don’t commit yourself to anyone yet. Leave that for when you are done with college because at that time your brain would settle into a more matured you and at that point you will have a really good idea of what you are looking for on a partner.