Devils' Advocate January 2016

advocate E V I L S’

Hinsdale Central High School • January 2016 • Volume 88

Ignoring the Risk

Students discuss their driving habits and the causes of car accidents

Cover TOC Staff-- Elise.indd 1

Keeping Faith

How religion plays a role in the lives of today’s teens

New Year, New Me

Discover if Central students stick with their New Year’s Resolutions

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table of contents

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opinions 5 5 6 7

Snapthought: Students share their thoughts Cheers & Jeers: What’s good and bad this month Editorial: Bumper to Bumper Letter to the Editor: Response to The Migrants’ Journey

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Battleground: Faceoff on Gun Control The To-Do List: Saadia checks off another to-do

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Game of the Month: Girls’ Varsity Gymnastics Ask the Athlete: Learn about this season’s stars Marching Through London: Band’s trip to England Devils Take on Devil’s Head: Club ski trip A Taste of Talent: Central’s annual Variety Show

(published in October issue)

news

infographics

24 Distracted Driving: Stats about dangerous driving 28 This month: A preview at what’s coming up

features 16 21 26 30

Keeping Faith: Students incorporate religion into their lives Ignoring the Risk: Reasons behind student car accidents New Year, New Me: Students try New Year’s Resolutions Hair Today: A look at Central’s coolest hairstyles

profiles

14 The Game Plan: Peter Blust and varsity basketball 15 Target Eliminated: Seniors continue Senior Assassin tradition 20 Singing Sweethearts: Preview to next month’s Singing Valentines cover photo by Haley Anderson

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A D V O S T A F F

editor in chief managing editor head design editor copy editors and heads of writers feature editors

elise martin lauren excell faith michal shannon sinwell saadia elahi arman haveric lancelot lin dana ahdab sayali amin maria harrast nina molina selin turkyilmaz emma joyce ray shryock seetha aribindi photo editors colleen martucci shiv bajaj haley anderson special report editors rina ravisundar contributors ali ardehali • aneesh balusu • crosby becker • meg bibby • katrina blum • elizabeth bogs • steven botsoe • everett eck • barbara heidkamp • zeljko kospic • ellis kritzer • isha kukadia • juliana mayer • mitchell parse • sofia rafiq • keshav sanghani • madelyn studnicka • megan timmermann • serena tolani • anya uppal • nora wood • selina zeng • alex herbst

mission statement

Devils’ Advocate strives to provide its readers with a diverse forum for reporting and sharing information. It is a student-run, school-funded newsmagazine published monthly. Devils’ Advocate wishes to provide fair and balanced reporting on events by working with students, teachers, and the community. It strives to inform, educate, and improve the atmosphere and student body of Hinsdale Central High School.

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letter from the editor

Oh, January. The month of snow, hot chocolate, and ice skating during the cold Chicago nights. Right? Well, for Central seniors, it’s so much more.

As a second semester senior, January marks the beginning of our time to slack off. In fact, I’m even having a hard time writing this letter.

If only my whole high school career could’ve been like this. Even through the stress of AP classes, the tedious college application process, and the sadness of knowing your friends will leave soon, us seniors find ways to have fun. One of these ways is senior assassins. But, being the softie I am, I can’t even hurt a mosquito.

Ever since I was a freshman, I’ve looked at seniors as having some greater power and greater privilege. Seeing all of my upperclassmen friends partake in senior assassins reinforced this idea, but, as a senior myself now, why did I decide to not join the fun?

As most others, I’m fascinated by the allure of action movies.

James Bond? Love it. The Dark Knight? 10/10. Die Hard? Classic.

Senior assassins just seemed like too much anxiety for me. Hearing all of my friends talk about stalking and being stalked constantly, part of me is grateful for not joining. Why do I, then, feel such doubt for not taking part?

I guess it’s the fact that I am a senior. I should be involved in all these activities, exclusive to us. I should be taking advantage of not having to worry about school. I should go out and try different pastimes outside my comfort zone. Isn’t that what makes senior year so special?

Shiv Bajaj photo editor For every issue during the 20152016 school year, one of the Devils’ Advocate senior editors will write a letter from the editor.

contact & interact

Adviser Cherise Lopez clopez@hinsdale86.org 630-570-8361 Devils’ Advocate 55th and Grant Street Hinsdale, IL 60521 For more articles and content, visit us at hcdevilsadvocate.com, or scan the QR code.

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want more news?

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NEWS advo’s website at

www.hcdevilsadvocate.com sneak peek at Advo Bachelorette

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out of

2,828

1. What is your least effective New Year’s resolution?

2. What is your favorite Snapchat selfie filter?

3. If you could, what exotic pet would you get?

Michael Hu, Freshman 1. Playing a new sport 2. The techy one 3. Panda

Lisa Pitts, Junior 1. Don’t eat junk food 2. That one that dements your face 3. Koala bear

Kaitlin Barbour, Sophomore 1. To make myself have more free time 2. Rainbow tongue 3. Zebra

Courtney Berenschot, Senior 1. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule 2. The deal with glasses 3. Llama photos by Colleen Martucci

Cheers and Jeers -Cheers to Advocate Bachelorette coming out in February! Visit hcdevilsadvocate.com for details.

-Jeers to the Republican party’s obscene amount of candidates. If the GOP can’t decide who to pick, how can I?

-Cheers to the Variety Show. Hey Eamon,

Chipotle because of Assassins. Oh also,

-Cheers to El Niño (also Jeers to El Niño).

I’m no Angie, but hmu? ;)

-Cheers to #CensoredCheersandJeers. Look on Twitter if you want to know more. It’s worth it.

-Jeers to not being able to go to the small E. coli problem.

-Jeers to Student Council for giving the seniors the hardest song to sing at the

pep rally (not like a senior wrote this...).

Opinions

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BUMPER TO BUMPER Students and faculty struggle with limited parking

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hile license-happy sophomores and juniors scrounge for street parking at 6:30 a.m., second semester seniors, armed with senior lot permits, head directly to their reserved parking spots. Faculty turn into the overcrowded parking lot directly across the street from the senior lot. And any seniors without a coveted permit, regretfully take the bus, walk, or worst case scenario, get dropped off by mom.

It’s no surprise that student parking is limited at Central. Finding street parking on Grant by 7:30 a.m. is virtually impossible. Leaving school at 3:10 p.m. may take twenty minutes just to reach 55th Street. Some students have even resorted to parking in friends’ driveways or parking a few blocks away for assured parking.

With time-consuming congestion and the potential accidents they bring, we believe that broadening options for Central students and faculty is necessary.

One option for parking is the senior lot. On a first come, first serve basis, the lot has 199 spots for $75 for one semester. During the spring of their junior year, incoming seniors will have six weeks to apply for a spot.

Usually, the applications received are greater than the spots available each semester. Students can only apply once in a school year. A lottery system determines the remaining spots. Most students who apply for a slot receive one.

“There is really no solution to increasing the number of parking spots because of how the parking lot is shaped. One way to add more parking spots would be to extend the teacher parking lot,” said Stephanie Spitzer, senior.

In the past few semesters, spots in the senior lot were reassigned to accommodate faculty.

“The administration is aware of the parking concerns for students and faculty,” said Mrs. Kimm Dever, Dean

of Students. “[The administration] has considered different proposals for the limited parking.”

On Jan. 4, the Board of Education held their first meeting of 2016 and discussed plans to acquire land behind the school. However, delays have occurred because of money and how to allocate this land when it is cleared. Dever believes it will be a few years before any plans for parking or construction are realized.

“I think that kids who come early, like swimmers or early bird, should have their own lot,” said Sebastian Chung, junior. “Besides seniors, it would be nice for sophomores and juniors to have a parking lot, even if they have to pay for a spot.”

According to Dever, the other District 86 school, Hinsdale South, has 1,110 fewer students than Central.

This allows them to accommodate more of their students’ requests for parking space. However, each permit costs $150 compared to Central’s $75.

“I think that traffic could be directed better. We have a crossing guard every morning directing traffic when to stop and go, and if we were able to have another staff member or police officer directing traffic after school, it would improve congestion,” said Jim Walker, senior.

“Also, if all students were to carpool to and from school we would be able to reduce congestion.”

However, Central has been making strides in alleviating traffic. Buses now pick up and drop off behind the school entrance, near the practice fields, in comparison to the front as it was a few years ago.

Removing any sports practice fields or using the empty lot that used to be Belluomini’s, which will now be used to build more homes, are not options for the school.

“There is not enough space and too many kids that want to park. Even if we were to build a parking structure, getting in and out would be a mess,” said Mr. Ira Fagel, who works in the dean’s office. “I think we are trying to make the best out of a tough situation.”

This editorial is the consensus of the Devils’ Advocate Editorial Board.

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Opinions

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t is surprising to me how little attention some of today’s biggest problems get. The war in Syria will enter its fifth year in March, and every year the atrocities taking place keep getting worse and worse. Not only are Syrians suffering inside of their own country, but now there are 4.3 million Syrian refugees around the world.

There is an ongoing migrant crisis, but the only attention it gets seems to revolve around ways to figure out how to stop those refugees from crossing international borders, instead of trying to help them survive.

Don’t get me wrong – many people do amazing work to help refugees from Syria and elsewhere, but not enough is done. What’s happening in Syria and the state that the refugees are in should get the same global support that France received after the November terror attacks in Paris. There was outstanding reassurance from all around the world for Paris, and I thought it was amazing, and that’s why I know that the same support can be shown to the Syrian refugees. In order to do that, people must speak out, voice their support, and show countries what has to be done.

Countries like Turkey and Lebanon have accepted upwards of 1 million Syrian refugees each. Sweden has accepted 64,000 refugees. Germany has accepted 260,000. Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Margot Wallstrom said, “We accept that every person has a right to seek asylum…This also puts the European solidarity to a test. I think it’s important that we signal being a community that rests on common values of democracy and defense of human rights.” And that is exactly how all countries should act, rather than closing off their borders to Syrians refugees – or any other refugees, for that matter.

I find the rationale behind the US decision to limit or forbid Syrian refugees from entering the country outrageous. An article published by the Huffington Post mentioned that, “Fifty-three percent of Americans . . . say the best course of action is for the US to deny Syrian refugees entry into the US.” I think that a big part of that reaction is due to religious intolerance.

People believe that just because a person is Syrian and/or Muslim, he or she is a “threat”. How is that justified? And how is this segregation accepted in a country that supports freedom of religion? Millions of refugees who are living in desperation are forbidden from opportunities just because terrorist organizations like ISIS fight in the name of Islam and mar the face of this religion. As a Syrian and a Muslim, I can say that ISIS has nothing to do with Islam just like the KKK or similar organizations have nothing to do with Christianity. Syrians running away from the violence in their country aren’t seeking refuge in America just to bring the violence with them.

My point is that this injustice and this segregation has to stop. Countries like the US should focus their time and resources on defeating ISIS rather than making Syrians suffer their violence. There are myriad petitions supporting Syrian refugees, and they need your vote. Also, you can assist Syrians by donating, whether it is money, clothes, or volunteering at local events. You could visit the website of MECCA-Center, an islamic center in Willowbrook, or the SCN (Syrian Community Network) to inquire about how you can help.

the migrants’ journey the united states’ refugee policy

by Arman Haveric & Lancelot Lin

Junior Liana Zogbi’s response to The Migrants’ Journey, published in the 2015 October issue.

If interested in writing a letter to the editor, please e-mail devilsadvocate@ hinsdale86.org.

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Battleground: Will president Obama’s Gun control orders fix america’s gun problem?

photos by Haley Anderson

-86 people are shot and killed each day in the U.S. -Each year, more than 100,000 Americans are shot

Matt Bradley Mitchell parse

-FRom 2000 to 2010, 335,609 Americans died as a result of gun related injuries Facts from NBCNEWS.CoM

As Jamyla Bolden, a 9-year-old from Ferguson, Missouri works on her homework in her bedroom, bullets fly through the wall—she is struck and tragically killed. The man responsible, De’Eris Brown, is a felon convicted of armed robbery. Instead of being sentenced to a minimum five years in prison according to federal guidelines, Brown received only five years of probation.

Brown, like virtually all criminals, did not purchase his gun legally. Obama’s new gun laws would not have saved Jamyla Bolden nor any of the other victims of criminals.

Thirty thousand people die each year from gunshots.* Of those 30,000, two-thirds are suicides which would not be prevented with more gun control. Of the remaining one-third, as many as 90 percent are gang related. Additionally, less than 10 percent of all homicides are committed by guns obtained legally. The solution is not more gun laws; the solution is enforcing the laws we already have, starting with locking up violent felons.

The Obama administration’s Justice Department is also not enforcing prosecutions of people who falsify information on their gun background checks. The FBI reported 71,000 instances of people lying on their background checks to buy guns in 2009, but the Justice Department prosecuted a mere 77 cases.

Obama’s new background checks would only serve to penalize law abiding citizens and would do little to keep the guns out of the hands of criminals. Since 1950, all but two mass shootings have occurred in gun free zones. Moreover, the United Kingdom, a nation with strict gun control laws in place, has a violent crime rate four times higher than our own. California already has Obama’s new gun laws in place, and the law failed to stop the terrorist attack in San Bernardino. Why should we expect any different on a national level?

The 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees American citizens the right to bear arms. Obama’s executive action on guns will have little, if any, effect on gun-related homicides. Rather, it will be to the detriment of law-abiding Americans, leaving us with fewer Constitutional rights, and no fewer gun-related deaths. * All data from Pew Research Center

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Opinions

Serena Tolani

Think of all the attacks facilitated by guns in the past few months: the Oregon Community College shooting, the Charleston church shooting, and the San Bernardino attack.

In all of these, mentally deranged people were able to get their hands on guns and murder innocent people. Is it so much to ask that we try and control the widespread dissemination of guns? In President Obama’s town hall meeting, he laid out his executive actions to try and stop guns from falling into the wrong hands.

The first part of the plan relates to the background check system needed to buy a gun. The two words “background check” seem to strike fear in the hearts of gun owners everywhere. Why? As long as you haven’t been in jail for a year and you aren’t addicted to any illegal substances, you’ll pass your background check and be able to buy a gun.

Here in Illinois, it isn’t easy to buy a gun. Go a little east into Indiana, however, and you can buy a gun from a private dealer without any sort of background check at a gun show. This means that basically anyone can drive into Indiana and come back with a truckload of guns and start selling them on the South Side. This used to be an exception for small collectors and hobbyists but has now developed into the “gun show loophole.” Obama’s plan would require a background check on all gun sales. Many cite that this measure would be useless, since criminals don’t buy their guns from a gun show and background checks can’t display everything, so people would slip through the cracks. But, we have to start somewhere, right? How can we even begin to tackle the issue of gun control when we can’t even monitor all legal gun sales?

Marco Rubio, contender for the GOP nomination, has claimed in a campaign ad that Obama is “taking away all our guns.” This is a ludicrous claim, since no gun confiscation has been proposed. In fact, Obama is not proposing a plot to take away all our guns, but a plan to make us all safer, with preventative measures to protect gun owners and non-gun owners alike.

The To-Do List

by Saadia Elahi

September: Go all out for dress up days October: Fall into Autumn November: Cook once a week December: Relax and rejuvenate January: Stay inside and in shape

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completely despise winter. My skin gets dry, I shiver constantly, and the snow is only pretty for about two minutes. I’m pretty sure I have mild Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as Winter Depression, because every time winter rolls around, I find myself lacking motivation to do anything.

I’m usually the most fit during the spring and summer.

Even if I’m not going for a run or playing sports outside with my friends, I’m more motivated to take a walk and enjoy the nice weather, therefore getting at least some mild exercise. In the winter, on the other hand, I struggle even to find the strength to sit up in bed. There are no birds chirping or warm sunshine welcoming me into the new day, so what makes you think I’d voluntarily leave my warm blankets?

Don’t get me wrong—I actually love exercise. I’m usually in the best mood after a good workout because it gives both my mind and my body an energy boost. It’s just that I’m less enthusiastic about exercise when I can’t go outside.

This month, I’m going to make myself an indoor workout routine. No, this isn’t your typical new year’s workout resolution—I’m not going to get a gym membership and give up on it after two days (Granted, I’d probably give up after the first day; I’m too lazy to get in my car and drive through snow to the gym every day.

Ironic? Yes. Pathetic? Definitely.).

Starting this month, I’m going to make myself a workout calendar. Even-numbered days of the month will be designated for cardio exercises, whether that be running, dancing, or biking. Odd-numbered days will be toning days, either for abs, arms, or legs.

Even if I don’t want to go somewhere for a good winter workout, there’s no reason for me not to take advantage of the space I have at home. Even if it’s just running on the treadmill, going through a few ab and leg toning exercises, or spending some time on the exercise bike, I’m going to find the motivation to stay active this winter.

This month, I’m going to stay in shape without even having to go outside.

photos by Shiv Bajaj

Elahi awkwardly demonstrates her workout routine in the middle of the hallway.

Opinions

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Sports

game of

the month

Flipping for the win

by Sofia Rafiq and Anya Uppal

On Jan. 13, Coach Wanner watched sophomore Lily Jones practice her bar routine for the Oak Park meet.

Abbi Shaker Varsity Basketball

Katherine nordstrom

JV GYMNASTICS

cAMRYN sILHAVY JV Poms

What is your current Tv/ Netflix obsession?

jANE THE vIRGIN

White Collar

tHE oFFICE

Do you prefer morning or afternoon practice?

mORNINg

Afternoon

aFTERNOON

photos by Barbara Heidkamp

Ask the Athlete

photo by Elizabeth Bogs

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he girls varsity gymnastics team is getting prepared to participate in one of its biggest meets yet. The West Suburban Conference (WSC) Silver Division gymnastics meet will be held in the main gym of Hinsdale Central High School on Jan. 30. More than six high schools, including Glenbard West, Oak Park River Forest, Lyons Township, Downers Grove North, and York will be competing in this conference, each school battling for the winning title.

“This will be a hard win for the girls because Glenbard West always takes first, but this will push us to work harder for the winning title,” said Kim Estoque, coach of Central’s girls gymnastics team.

With Glenbard West as a tough competitor, the girls are more motivated to succeed, bringing their most intense game faces to the floor. They agree that they must work together to improve as a team, and stay tenacious during their long hours of training.

“We usually practice at the normal times, but our practice is more focused on getting ready for our routines,” said Colleen Martucci, senior and girls varsity captain.

When the meet day finally arrives, the girls are confident that their hard work will pay off.

“The coaches tell us, ‘don’t worry about the score, just have fun.’ Staying calm and trying to do your best will usually end up with you performing your best,” Martucci said.

The Silver Division Meet is the biggest one for the gymnastics team in its conference.

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Marching through london

by Zeljko Kospic and Selina Zeng

Hinsdale Central band marches during the London New Year’s Day parade.

since London doesn’t have marching bands,” Advani said.

Aside from the New Year’s Day Parade, the band was honored to play a concert at Cadogan Hall.

“There we were able to play three songs of our own and listen to another high school band along with the London Brass group,” Advani said.

The Red Devils enjoyed their trip for reasons beyond the musical aspect, including the sight seeing.

“My favorite activity was probably going on a Harry Potter tour where we got to see platform nine three-fourths,” said Payal Kachru, junior. “We got to be tourists, but we also got to be professionals; we played a concert, marched, and we got to see all of London’s beautiful sites...with friends and I’ll never forget.”

The sightseeing included visits to Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, and students had the chance to tour Oxford and Greenwich.

“The fact that the band program got to travel internationally was a great experience,” DalPorto said. “We got to present our music to other nations while also hearing great music from them as well.”

photo courtesy of HC Band

The marching band went international. Over winter break, the Red Devil Marching Band took a trip to London, where they performed in London’s New Year’s Day Parade along with bands from all around the United States and the world.

“We had about five to six after school practices for about two hours each,” said Stephanie DalPorto, sophomore.

The band then packed their bags and headed off to London over winter break. After being selected by the former Lord Mayer of the City of Westminster, Duncan Sandys, last year in February, the band prepared and practiced in anticipation of the parade.

“The trip was surreal and an eye opener,” said Andy Berg, junior. “The experience of marching in the streets of London, surrounded by buildings and hundreds of people, was the perfect backdrop to a parade that we will have in our memories.”

According to junior Anisha Advani, the New Year’s Day Parade exceeded everyone’s expectations, mainly due to the atmosphere it created.

“Everyone was so welcoming and enjoyed having us there

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Red Devils take on Devil’s Head

A taste of talent

by Juliana Mayer and Maddie Studnicka

Simply reading a paper aloud in English class can cause students to stifle under the stress. An even more daunting task, performing in front of classmates, can be seemingly impossible under the lights yet, every year, performers leave it all on the stage during the Variety Show, which took place on Jan. 20 and 21.

“It’s not too often that there is such a collection of talent and entertainment in one location,” said sophomore Parker Frankiewicz, who performed a tap number along with two other students.

“Students will be able to watch a wide sampling of musicians, singers, dancers, and more without leaving their seat.”

The show’s line up included a jam session of While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Hello It’s Us, and a dance routine to Roses.

“When you’re up on stage, it really does feel like nobody’s watching you, like you’re in your own world,” said freshman Jennifer Toyama, who danced a jazz routine. “As soon as I start performing, I’m having the time of my life.”

The focus of the night is definitely the talent; however, before the show, Student Council’s first ever “Pizza Wars” took place. Students

photo by Alex Herbst

On Jan. 18, the Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) offered students a way to take advantage of the wild, wintry weather with a ski trip.

The trip began early in the morning on Monday, with the students taking a coach bus up to the mountain at Devil’s Head Resort, located near Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin.

The early bus ride allowed students to sleep and do homework, and was considered “well worth it” by Mr. Dan Scheldrup, one of the club’s sponsors. What followed next was a day filled with skiing and pizza.

According to participants, the quick one-day trip was a huge success, and will undoubtedly be a staple in the club’s list of future trips.

“The club has grown so much in the past two years. [OAC] is in a great position to continue to grow,” Mr. Sheldrup said.

Sponsors Christie Brodell, a Spanish teacher, and Mr. Scheldrup from the science department regularly lead students on trips ranging from indoor and outdoor rock climbing to mountain biking to skiing to extended camping trips. In addition, the two recently took over the Extreme Sports Club, which focused on trips like paintballing.

OAC often takes its trips on the weekends, with one trip a month.

Both sponsors are optimistic that the club’s success will continue.

photo courtesy of Mr. Scheldrup

by Crosby Becker

Seniors Eric Foley and Eamon McMahon hosted the Variety Show on Jan. 20. They also serve as the senior social chairs.

sampled a variety of pizza tastings from Rosati’s, L & F Pizza, Bake 425, Fox’s, and Spice it Up. The profits from the event were donated to Feed My Starving Children.

“All those participating are clearly performers who love to share what it is they do with others,” Frankiewicz said.

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The Game Plan Peter Blust leaves lasting mark on Red Devil Basketball

by Colleen Martucci

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rofile

The Red Devils have used their athletes on varsity to their advantage when it comes to game time. With the loss of impact players from last year’s senior class such as Division 1 basketball players Matt Rafferty (Fordham) and George Kiernan (Navy), the Red Devils have had to adjust. While the expectations and pressure seem high, Blust notes that he tries to not let that get to the team.

“We realize that last year’s team was a special team, but we definitely feel more pressure to win,” Blust said.

Although both teammates and peers can agree that Blust is a great leader, he knows that there is always room for improvement. “I want to work on keeping my composure when things don’t go the way I want, especially in close games.”

photos courtesy of Red Devil Basketball

T

he ref blows the whistle, and Peter Blust, senior, puts all of his energy and power into making sure the Red Devils gain first possession in the game. This key position is something that Blust doesn’t take lightly. “That’s when my mind goes blank,” Blust said. “I have to trust that all [my] hard work won’t fail me.”

Basketball has played a huge role in Blusts’ life.

Since he first started playing at the young age of seven, Blust has always been drawn to the sport. Blust loved how there were infinite chances in the game; if there is a mistake made, there is always another play to make up for it. As his first year as a starting forward and co-captain for the varsity team, Blust has put his leadership skills to good use to stress the importance of being a team. “[Peter] is a great leader and we have a lot of fun throughout the season,” said Brad Huth, senior teammate. “It’s also very amusing to watch him dunk when we go through pregame.”

This kind of team mentality of having fun and doing the best they can has brought the team close, which has helped the team when it comes to game time.

“I like being on the team with Pete because we can joke around, but we can also be serious and get stuff done,” said Drew Shepard, senior co-captain.

Blust explains that as captain, he wants to lead by example, whether this is on or off the court. When asked to describe his best leadership quality, Blust called himself an unselfish player, which he sees as important in order to gain respect from teammates.

“This [also] works really great with the team because we have so many scorers,” Blust said.

Coach Latorre agrees that Blust’s leadership skills have made a substantial impact on the team. “He works extremely hard, is respectful, has a great attitude, and is a great role model for all of our younger players,” Latorre said.

photo by Barabara Heidkamp

Target Eliminated Seniors carry on with assassin game tradition

by Aneesh Balusu and Ali Ardehali

Senior Marissa Weber gears up with her nerf gun to take out her target.

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he school holds many famous traditions for its senior class. One of the most prominent is the annual game of Senior Assassins, which traditionally begins in January.

In this high-stakes competition, seniors are given a specific target that they must somehow ‘assassinate’ (off of school grounds) whilst dodging their own assassin. This makes players insidious and overly aware of their surroundings in order to find a way to ‘kill’ their targets.

Since there are many participants, a bracket system allows a 1v1 style round. The winner moves on, then the eventual winner of the whole tournament receives a prize for surviving their own hitman as well as eliminating all of their own targets. “[Senior Assassins] makes going to certain places a lot more challenging because I will always need to keep an eye open for my assassin,” said Navid Shoaee, senior. “I will also have to randomly stalk people to track down my target.”

Weaponry for Senior Assassins is often a question. But,

Shoaee believes he has the perfect solution for that.

“Every single nerf weapon on the market is needed, including water guns, bows, and arrows,” Shoaee said.

“You can also carry a marker to assassinate them quietly.”

Not only does Senior Assassins present the opportunity to stalk another student and eliminate them with precision, it also gives seniors the money to fund their prom in a fun and entertaining way. Since the costs of planning out and acquiring the various activities in prom are quite high, Senior Assassins can provide a large amount of money towards the funding of prom.

“Senior Assassins is pretty cheap; it’s only ten dollars to participate in the tournament,” said Yu-Lin Yang, senior.

“Considering the number of people that are going to join in, I’m anticipating that there will be a lot of money made to go towards prom.”

The Senior Assassins tournament will last until May or until there is one last senior standing.

Your Mission Step Step Step Step Step

1: Receive your assignment.

2: Stalk your target via social media.

3: “Kill” target with a nerf gun, water gun, or marker.

4: Hide from your stalker.

5: Be the last one standing, and claim your monetary reward.

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KEEPING FAITH

photo by Shiv Bajaj

BY EMMA JOYCE, selin turkyilmaz, arman haveric, and lancelot lin

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H

ands clasped in prayer, heads bowed over religious books. Hours spent congregating, months spent at youth camps, years spent attending services and ceremonies. Studies show that many American teenagers view religion as fairly important to them; that religion forms a somewhat important part of their lives. However, according to a Pew research study, young adults are less inclined to be as religious as older generations. The same study found that millennials are more likely to balance their religious beliefs with their scientific beliefs, believing in things like evolution and supporting things like gay marriage while also maintaining their faiths. Regardless of whether someone is a non-believer, a believer, or undecided, religion has a heavy presence every day – in school, in media, in politics, and in the lives of students.

Youth Groups & Religious School

Many students who consider themselves religious attend religion classes or youth groups outside of school as a way to express their faiths. Aparna Srinivasan, a freshman who is Hindu, and who attends the Chinmaya Mission school in Willowbrook on Sundays, says she learns about Hinduism, and the application of its tenets throughout life.

“From learning about my religion, I am encouraged to start implementing some of its values and teachings into my everyday life,” Srinivasan said. “I also feel that by increasing my understanding of my religion, I am able to understand and appreciate other religions.”

Similarly, Alex Tannebaum, senior, attends a weekly Christian youth group. Although many of the members of his youth group are overtly religious, Tannebaum himself identifies as agnostic.

“Youth groups can be more like social gatherings, although I have the limited experience of only attending one youth group,” Tannebaum said. “The social component reigns over everything, from playing games to worshipping to discussion.

One of the major themes I’ve picked up on over the years is that faith, at least specifically at my church, is developed and strengthened through talking to other people about issues and conflicts. But the bond they share through communal faith is what sets it apart from a social gathering and provides the religious element.”

Indeed, at this age, peers play the biggest role in shaping teenagers’ religious identities. According to Christian Smith, a University of Notre Dame sociologist, children and preteens are most likely to be influenced by their parents’ own religious beliefs. But once those kids become teenagers, says Smith, the role that parents play decreases significantly; teenagers’ religious beliefs are more likely to be influenced by media, peers, and the congregations or youth groups they surround themselves with.

Religion’s change over time Although religion still holds a prominent place in numerous students’ lives, some students feel less connected with their faith. Research shows a steady decline in the role of

religion in today’s youth--the youngest generation of America is the least religiously observant generation in six decades, according to Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at the San Diego State University.

Twenge collaborated with professors from Case Western University and the University of Georgia in order to conduct one of the largest studies ever on Americans’ religious involvement. Taken between 1966 and 2014, the survey recorded responses from 11.2 million teenagers aged 13 to 18. In comparison to teenagers in 1970, 75 percent more of today’s twelfth graders view religion in decreased importance.

Twenge cites different reasons behind the changes in religion, such as the rise in individualism.

“Individualism puts the self first, which doesn’t always fit well with the commitment to the institution and other people that religion often requires,” Twenge said in a San Diego State University news release. “As Americans become more individualistic, it makes sense that fewer would commit to religion.”

Religion, while a source of routine and consistency, has a greater chance of change during points of transition during one’s life. The study shows that events such as entering adulthood, moving from home, long-term romantic relationships, starting college, and new workplaces are all occurrences in life after high school that can result in a shift in religious identity.

According to Mr. Chris Freiler, who teaches Philosophy Honors at Central, some teenagers may begin to examine their religious identities even during high school.

“Especially when you’re between 16 and 25, I think you really go through a period of questioning--at least, most people do where they reevaluate their religious beliefs as they were presented by their [place of worship] or their parents,” Mr. Freiler said.

Mr. Freiler believes that changes in religion over time can be attributed to major events and breakthroughs in science and reasoning, dating all the way back to the Scientific Features

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Religion and spirituality

POPULARITY OF RELIGIONS AROUND THE WORLD

photo by Shiv Bajaj

Spirituality – often defined as a way for individuals to find meaning and experience a sense of connection to something bigger than themselves – is implemented by various students in their lives. While some link their spirituality to their affiliations with a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, others seek spirituality without immediate ties to organized religion.

Alison Albelda, junior, comes from a Jewish background, but like Tannebaum, her beliefs fall more in line with agnosticism.

“Ethnically and semi-culturally I am a Jew, but not religiously,” Albelda said. “I don’t believe in god [although] many Jews do.”

However, Albelda does believe that her spiritual views impact the way she interacts with others, and incorporates elements of

Judaism within her own spirituality.

“Judaism doesn’t acknowledge the concept of an afterlife, and I interpret that as a representation of the heavy emphasis Jews place on achieving their full potential now, and acting now,” Albelda said.

Albelda notes that the rabbi at her temple does not concentrate as much on a strict adherence to their faith.

“My rabbi focuses more on the identification of being Jewish, rather than the nuts and bolts of how closely one follows the Torah,” Albelda said.

Although some A Central student reads the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. students build their spirituality on a religious structure, others access their spiritual sides through activities such as yoga, meditation, reflection, or even walks through nature. In an article for the website Psychology Today, Stephen Diamond, Ph.D., clinical and forensic psychologist, discusses the comparisons and contrasts between spirituality and religion.

“Today, [people] tend to differentiate between organized religion and spirituality,” Diamond said in the article. “When asked whether they are religious, many say they are spiritual but not religious in the traditional sense.”

Diamond also characterized spirituality by psychological growth and emotional maturation.

photo by Shiv Bajaj

Revolution and the Enlightenment. “[These events] give us a systematic set of explanations for why nature works the way it does, and that, for some people, replaces religious explanations that no longer seem to be necessary,” Mr. Freiler said.

In today’s society, advancements in technology continue to impact religion, as often times people balance their religious beliefs with scientific knowledge. Some students have already begun to reevaluate or reshape their beliefs to better fit with their personal ideas and views on the world.

“For a lot of people, religion provides an ethical framework,” Mr. Freiler said. “You have to, at some point, make a decision as an adult or young adult whether to continue to embrace the traditions and beliefs you’re raised with, or whether you’re going to make them your own, or whether you’re going to reject or modify them.”

“We can begin by focusing on our similarities across different religions, and promote unity instead of digging up minor differences to tear us apart.”

-Rafia Ali

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS OTHER CHRISTIAN OTHER WORLD RELIGION

BUDDHISTT

MUSLIM

OTHER FAITHS

ORTHODOX

MORMON

ATHEIST

AGNOSTIC

CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS UNAFFILIATED SECULAR UNAFFILIATED JEWISH

“We all have one god whether it be Allah, God, or Yahweh, and the Qu’ran, Torah, and Old Testament are very similar as well.”

-Alison Albelda

PROTESTANT

photo by Shiv Bajaj

COURTESY OF http://www.pewforum.org/

18 Features

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“Spirituality entails the capacity to see life as it is,” Diamond said. “It signifies a positive approach [and] an accepting attitude toward life, suffering, and death.”

A spiritual mentality is just one way that students use to reflect upon life, although there are countless other ways to do so.

Religion’s Presence in Media Religion has been a keystone topic in the recent presidential race. Before dropping out of the race, Republican candidate Scott Walker referred to his campaign as part of “God’s plan”. Various candidates also voiced anger when Starbucks removed the words “Merry Christmas” from its holiday cup. And Donald Trump made headlines in December of 2015 when he called for a “total and complete ban” on Muslims entering the United States in the aftermath of the San Bernardino shooting in California.

Indeed, religion – and particularly Islam – often plays a controversial role in America’s media discourse. Rafia Ali, senior, who is Muslim, is working to bridge the divide between students of different faiths. Ali is vice president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and as such, works to promote an understanding of Islam in the school.

“It’s painful to see my religion, which has taught me to be a patient, peaceful person, twisted by the media and other groups to further their own agendas,” Ali said. “It’s [hard] to break down the barrier [between Muslims and non-Muslims], and say, ‘Hey, I’m Muslim, and I’m an American, and my religion doesn’t advocate violence, and terrorist groups out there represent the complete opposite of what a Muslim should be.’”

Despite the controversy religion often plays in America, students such as Albelda believe many world religions have much in common with one another.

“Judaism, at least my understanding of it, is not all that different than Christianity or Islam,” Albelda said. “We all have one god whether it be Allah, God, or Yahweh, and the Qu’ran, Torah, and

Old Testament are very similar as well.”

Recently, a Wheaton College professor, Larycia Hawkins, who teaches political science, came under scrutiny by the college officials when she said that “Muslims because they, like me, a Christian, are people of the book...and [as] Pope Francis stated... we worship the same God.” The college has since started the proceedings to try to fire Hawkins.

This shows how religion can be a contentious issue and why candidates sometimes use it in their campaigns. Albelda added that a candidate’s religion wouldn’t impact how she views him or her.

“Religion is going to play a role regardless, given the crisis in the Middle East and the major role religion plays in the lives of Americans today,” Albelda said. “Despite Bernie Sanders being Jewish, that doesn’t make him any more appealing in my opinion than Hillary or John Kasich.”

Ali expressed a similar sentiment. “[In] principle, I don’t think religion should play a role in politics because America is a hugely diverse country with many religions, so it is unfair to refer to it as a Christian country,” Ali said. “But the reality is that religious organizations play major roles in politics, like other organizations, so I think we’ve all become used to it. Where I would draw the line, though, is when a religion is pitted against another or targeted in order to increase a candidate’s popularity.

That’s just bigotry.”

Whether a student identifies as Christian, agnostic, Muslim, Hindu, or Jewish, religion undoubtedly plays a role in that student’s life. But ultimately, faith doesn’t need to be something that divides students. Instead, said Ali, it can be something that unifies them.

“I guess everyone gravitates towards religion because it inspires you to be a better person and gives you hope during difficult times,” Ali said. “So, I hope that we can begin by focusing on our similarities across different religions, and promote unity instead of digging up minor differences to tear us apart.”

Lakshmi, Lakshmi, photo by Rina Ravisundar

known as the money god, is often prayed to

in order to receive good fortune, money, and Success.

Features

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Singing Sweethearts

y ob

t pho

S Ray

ock hr y

Students warm up vocal chords as they prepare to warm hearts

by Shiv Bajaj

t’s that time of year again. The time when your fellow classmates pay to see you sit in a heavily-decorated, Valentine’s day themed chair as you’re serenaded by students dressed from head to toe in red and pink.

But, as your cheeks grow more red with each verse, you probably aren’t keeping in mind what goes into the singing valentine process.

“The highest choir, known as madrigals, is required to do them, and my choir, Hinsdale Central Singers, can volunteer to do them. Almost every group that signs up to sing gets to participate,” said Ella Heider, junior.

Once individuals who wish to participate form a group, the process continues.

“The group gets to pick the song. It usually takes about two weeks to get the song ready for the audition,” said Hannah Berg, senior.

Once the song is practiced and perfected, the group must put it up to the test.

“There’s usually 10-15 groups who go around. The groups have to audition their song with movement for Mrs.

I

Burkemper, [who works in the Music Department], and then she says ‘yay’ or ‘nay,’” Berg said.

It doesn’t end there. The singers also find themselves in charge of the valentines themselves.

“The night before, we go to one person’s house, and we bundle them up. We do this so every group gets a few each period,” Heider said. “After they are bundled we can trade them all we want between groups, as long as everyone receives their valentines.”

After each step is completed, the only part left is the actual singing. The singers get to miss all their classes; their normal schedules are replaced with a different routine: locating classrooms, singing to classmates, and leaving. When they’re not out delivering cards, their breaks consist of relaxing in the community room and eating candy.

So, when you hear your name being called by three students in pink tutus, just remember how much goes into those forty five seconds. The experience is only as awkward as you make it.

“Some people own the time they are sung to. Others are extremely uncomfortable and hate the attention,” Heider said.

“It just depends on who you are.”

Above: Senior Nicole Eichelman waits for senior Talia Sankari to sing to her; Singing Valentine’s, a tradition, gears up for another sweet day of surprise visits on Feb. 12.

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Ignoring the Risk

S

urrounded by shattered glass, two teenage girls struggled to escape. Adrenaline helped them to not feel the shards of glass that pierced their skin. They fought to pry open aluminum doors, but the damage from the impact made the doors impossible to open. Their wide eyes revealed the feelings of panic that were beginning to set in as they continued to pull at the jammed doors.

This is how Micaela Dugan, sophomore, remembers her car accident. Minutes before the accident, Dugan and her friend were completely unaware that they were about to get into a car wreck. The driver was merging onto the highway, and sitting next to her was Dugan. The two were returning from a concert when Dugan went to grab something from the backseat of the car. The next thing she remembers was the sound of the crash.

January.indd 1

courtesy of Creative Commons

by Seetha Aribindi and Ray Shryock

1/27/16 2:34 PM

“I remember [the driver] saying ‘Oh, I have to…,’ but she never finished her sentence. The whole thing happened so fast I felt numb like I was in slow motion,” Dugan said.

Though neither girls were severely harmed, the car that was driven had significant damage as a result of the impact.

“The front of the car was pushed all the way up to my knees [during the crash]. And the windshield and windows were shattered,” Dugan said. “We climbed over the seats and managed to push through the damaged door.”

Since the sixth grade, Dugan has been training as an elite gymnast, the Olympic level. Her goal was to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was on track to achieve that goal before the accident.

“Since I injured my back in the car crash, I could not pursue the elite level anymore because the excessive hours of training would cause more injury to my spine,” Dugan said. “I was in a back brace, which I had to wear over my clothes, for seven weeks.

I had to sit through every one of my team’s five hour practices six days a week, watching my teammates tumble, and all I could do was sit there.”

As a result of the car accident, Dugan had to scale back her training for two months to deal with her chronic back pain. The hard work and energy that she would have put into training during that time was instead spent on exploring countless ways to relieve her pain so she could get back to gymnastics.

“I thought I would never be able to do gymnastics at all after the accident, never mind the same way as I had before,” Dugan said. “That thought was devastating.”

Teenagers, although fully aware of the risks, often drive while distracted anyway. This increases their chances of getting into a motor vehicle accident such as the one Dugan had in August 2015.

A survey done by AT&T as a part of its “It Can Wait” campaign concluded that while 97 percent of teens are aware that texting while driving is dangerous, 43 percent admit that they still do it. Also, 75 percent of the teens surveyed said texting while driving was common amongst their friends.

Of the many distractions people experience while driving, smartphones are by far the most common. The danger of using smartphones while driving is addressed in safety campaigns across the nation, but regardless, people continue to Snapchat, Tweet, text, etc. while driving.

“Before the accident, I knew that distracted driving was dangerous and I should not do it, but the commercials and lectures were almost like white noise,” Dugan said.

So, the question is, why do teens ignore the risk? Do drivers just not care? Or, do think they are the exception to the rule?

“I think everyone cares about how distracted driving causes accidents,” said Samantha Lee, junior. “People do not necessarily want to get into accidents, but the problem is they can overestimate their own abilities. I think people assume that while looking down for a couple seconds nothing bad could happen, but what they do not realize is a lot can happen in those few seconds.”

Safety campaigns that target teenage drivers typically focus on texting and driving, but with social media, teenagers can engage in several other types of distracting behavior while they

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are behind the wheel. Often times this leads them to categorize some distracting behaviors as more dangerous than others.

“I think teenagers, including myself, think that texting and driving is different from the usual distracted driving,” Lee said.

It is not uncommon for teenagers to believe that there is a lower risk of getting in an accident while using Snapchat and changing music on their phones while driving than there is while they are texting and driving.

“For me, changing music [while driving] is a lot safer than texting because there are not as many buttons to press. . . texting requires more focus,” Lee said. “There is a lot more effort that goes into texting because you need to make sure that you are typing the right thing, and also that autocorrect does not mess up your message.”

Some teens realize that although they do not always have control over what other drivers on the road are doing, they can play an important role by making sure they avoid dangerous behaviors while driving.

“The reality is, so many people drive distracted, especially teens. I have realized since I cannot control whether someone else is driving while distracted, I have to make it my number one priority to avoid distractions while I am driving,” Dugan said.

Distracted driving, according to a study published in the journal Health Psychology, can be at times attributed to peer pressure. In this particular study, males teenage drivers took significantly more risks in a driving simulator when they believed the passenger in their vehicle approved of their reckless behavior.

“Teens alter their driving behavior...to conform to [their]

passenger’s attitudes about risky driving,” said Bruce SimonsMorton, a senior investigator of adolescent behavior at the National Institute of Child Health and Development.

Being surrounded by others practicing bad habits can take its toll on students when they are faced with difficult situations regarding their own safety. This especially comes into play when teenagers are asked what they would do if they were a passenger when someone else, possibly even a friend, was driving while distracted.

“I think it is hard to say something because you do not want to come across as critical and ungrateful, or seem like a backseat driver,” Lee said. “People are just afraid to be rude. When I’m driving, using my phone doesn’t seem like a huge deal, but if you look around at the cars by you on the highway, it is scary to see how many people are on their phones.”

After her accident, when asked if there is one thing that she could share with the students at Central after her experience, Dugan said that although her accident did not cause any major physical damage, it made her conscious about the risks that she and so many other teenagers ignore.

“The accident gave me a chance to share my story. I was not the one who was driving the car during the accident, yet I had to deal with the aftermath,” Dugan said. “After the accident, every time I got into a car, I was anxious. I would sit in the passenger seat of a car and feel like it was moving too fast, and that we were about to run into the person in front of us. The text, snapchat, tweet, whatever it is--it is not worth it. Your life can be irreversibly changed in the blink of an eye.” photo by Haley Anderson

Features

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m

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New Year, New Me?

by Dana Ahdab and Sayali Amin

W

ith the New Year approaching, she knew that she had a decision to make. Her commitment, which took great amounts of discipline and perseverance, was almost over. O ver the course of the past year, she had forged an emotional relationship with Instagram: it helped her crawl out of a dark place filled with stress and pressure. Her Instagram was filled with comments of positive encouragement to continue into 2016. S hould she keep going? A fe w days later, the date on her phone read Januar y 1, 2016. Her decision was made. This time when she opened Instagram, she was greeted by a photograph, taken by her, of footprints freshl y made in the sand: Â #day1 #round2.

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Maddie Studnicka, sophomore, is the mind behind an Instagram account of a unique nature, 365daystohappy. As of Jan. 1, she has posted one photo every day on Instagram, accompanied by a thoughtful caption. This was Studnicka’s New Year’s resolution from 2015: to motivate herself to be happy and channel her passion for photography. She has 365 posts to prove her commitment to it.

For many students, the start of the New Year presents an appealing opportunity—a fresh start, a clean slate. Students reach out for a chance to better themselves. Ideas of goals they want to achieve and habits they want to change are solidified to form a New Year’s resolution.

“My resolutions for this year are to exercise more regularly and to get better at saving money for college and life,” said Mackenzie Huber, junior.

Her resolution of exercising regularly is one of the the most common resolutions pursued. According to TIME magazine, the goal to “lose weight and get fit” is the number one New Year’s resolution, followed closely by “eat healthier and diet”.

Carrie Morrissey, a fitness supervisor at Midtown Athletic Club, sees an increase in the number of people coming to the gym around the time of the New Year holiday, every year. As for the number of people who continue to come, it varies from year to year.

goal setters and regular goal achievers. People who don’t set goals regularly are the ones who might be less successful with New Year’s resolutions,” Ms. Fratella said.

One way to encourage success is to set smaller, less intense goals for a New Year’s resolution.

This year, Huber believes that setting up short-term goals will help her to fulfill her resolutions and better herself.

“I think it’s important to set short-term goals that eventually get you to fulfilling your resolutions, this way it’s achievable,” Huber said. “You wouldn’t tell someone to bake a cake without giving them step by step instructions first.”

Studnicka believes that accountability is the key to maintaining a resolution. The public nature of her Instagram ensures that she is held accountable to post a picture every day, which she has done consistently since the start of this year.

Blogs and online journals can also function in a similar way.

In addition to accountability, the motivation from her friends and family is what helped Studnicka fall within the eight percent of those who achieve their resolutions. In the end, however, it’s all about self-motivation.

“Even when you feel like you’re getting into a rut where you don’t want to do it anymore, it’s got to be your own selfmotivation to persevere,” Studnicka said.

“I like to take pictures of things people don’t normally see.” photo courtesy of Maddie Studnicka

“It depends on the weather, but some people do end up dedicating themselves. They come in, get the hang of it, and keep on coming,” Morrissey said.

However, people who “get the hang of it” are often a rarity. According to Forbes, 40 percent of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions; however, only eight percent of those who make resolutions stick with them for the entirety of the year.

In the past, Huber has fallen among the majority. In the last few years, she has returned to making New Year’s resolutions after stopping for a while. “I never really stuck to them,” Huber said.

According to Ms. Erin Fratella, a psychology teacher at Central, people who only set goals once a year are less likely to stick to them.

“People that have high achievement motivation are regualar

January Issue.indd 3

Ms. Fratella believes that the key to sticking to a resolution is by finding a “sweet spot” in which the resolution is not too hard and not too easy.

“If the goal is not motivating enough, you’re bored with it. And if the goal is too much, you want to quit. You only stick with it if you are motivated by your progress,” Ms. Fratella said.

Junior Bernard Wong has a series of resolutions that range from athletic goals to personal goals. He believes that since his athletic goals (number of pushups and mile time) contain concrete numbers, he can compare and say whether or not he’s reached them. “I also have them written down, both physically and on my phone, just so I have a constant reminder of what I need to get done by the end of the year,” Wong said.

Now, a month into the new year, it will be tough to stick to a resolution, but many students hope to persevere and make it all the way to the 365th day of 2016.

1/27/16 2:11 PM

Where to be this month jan. 22 - feb. 4

chicago restaurant january 31

week

international kennel club dog show january 31

donut fest feb. 13 - march 13

chicago botanic

What to eat this month

garden orchid show

PREVIEW OF donut fest

T

he annual Donut Fest is returning to Chicago for its third year. The highly anticipated and nearly sold out event brings between 10-15 donut vendors from New York City and Chicago to celebrate the art and finesse of donuts. Each participating donut shop guarantees one fourth of a donut serving and complimentary coffee; previous vendors included Donut Den, Goddess and Grocer, and Firecakes. The option of purchasing donuts and coffee from vendors is also available; all proceeds will go to charity. The event is broken down into four separate time sessions: the first session will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., which will include limited crowds, three coffee tickets, and a Donut Fest mug for VIP guests. The second session begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m.; the third and final session will be between 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The last two sessions of the day are open to all guests, VIP and General Admission. Tickets are limited to four per person, so make sure to grab them before they sell out to guarantee you donut miss this event.

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by Rina Ravisundar

O O O O O O O O O O O O O

When: January 31, 2016 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where: The Chop Shop & 1st Ward 2033 W. North Ave. Chicago, Ill. 60647 Tickets: $35 General Admission $50 VIP For more information and tickets, please visit: donutfest.com

Infographic

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MENU OF THE MONTH: CHICKEN NOODLE soup

DIRECTIONS: 1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Cook onion and celery in butter until just tender, 5 minutes. Pour in chicken and vegetable broths and stir in chicken, noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes before serving.

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sliced carrots

1 tablespoon butter

recipe photos by Rina Ravisundar

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 1/2 cups egg noodles

1/2 teaspoon dried basil 4 cans chicken broth

1 can vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 pound chopped cooked chicken breast

photos by Rina Ravisundar

MUSIC MANIA OF THE month “Sorry” by Justin Bieber: No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

“Hello” by Adele: No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

MOVIE MADNESS OF THE month

star wars: the force awakens

the forest

in theaters now

IN THEATERS NOW

DEADPOOL february 12 Infographic

January Month.indd 3

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Hair today...

Students show off their hairstyles

Photos from Colleen Martucci, Shiv Bajaj, and Haley Anderson

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...gone tomorrow

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A V Cover TOC Staff-- Elise.indd 4

D O 11/16/15 4:27 PM