2014 GHS Voice Issue 5

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Spanish Classes Visited by Cuban War Hero Machado Shares His Unique Story and Offers Perspective Ames/ News Editor Gretna’s fifth hour Spanish classes experienced a treat when they were visited by a former Cuban resident, Gerardo Machado. Living in Cuba before its Revolution in 1959, Machado was able to give an absorbing perspective about Cuban culture to Gretna’s students.

“He talked a lot about what life was like in Cuba,” said Mrs. Amy Muhs, Spanish teacher. “He mentioned how hard life is in Cuba, and how the pay is so strange there. It’s not based on the importance of a job- the government decides what you make.”

While visiting, Machado spoke in Spanish to the Gretna students. He told of how he was in the military of Cuba, and how his great-uncle of the same name was a President of State Cuba, before the take over of Fidel Castro.

“He spoke on how he fought against Fidel Castro in the Cuban Revolution,” said Mrs. Muhs. “He talked about how he left for the United States just ten days before he was sentenced to be killed.”

Gretna was fortunate enough to be visited by Machado because of his

relationship with the Giebler family. He was able to visit his “granddaughter”, Kathleen Giebler, junior, in her Spanish class. Kathleen remembers her “grandparents” being in her life since birth.

“When my mom was working as a teacher, she needed a babysitter,” said Giebler. “She heard through school about my ‘grandma’, Grace. Later on, I was born.”

Elaborating on how his and the Giebler family became close, Machado said that he “knew nothing of computers”. He went onto explain that Kathleen’s father, who works in the information technology field, has been able to help him with his technologyrelated problems. Computers aside, the two families spend much time together.

“Over time, being at their house and celebrating holidays made us close,” said Giebler. “We became a family.”

Gerardo Machado has lived, and still lives an amazing life. He speaks openly about how his experiences in Cuba and in the United States have changed his life and has given him a greater outlook on it. Gretna was incredibly lucky to have such a great speaker, and storyteller, visit its students.

Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

Compostion Essay Influences Musical English Writing Assignment Changes The Way Musicals Are Judged Dart/ Reporter One assignment in English Composition was all it took to make change for Logan Langholdt, senior.

Recently, the composition classes were assigned to write a paper on a certain topic they wanted to change. Langholdt wrote on the musical and its director/ cast. In the essay, Langholdt expresses his feelings on the musical.

“You were to write about one thing you wanted to change,” said Langholdt.

“My goal [when writing this] was to allow the cast more musical performances.”

Langholdt wrote this essay on November 6th in Mrs. Rhodes’ composition class.

“The assignment was an artifact assignment on what you want to change,” said Mrs. Jennifer Long, English teacher. “[Even though I’m not his teacher], I did read Logan’s paper. I really liked it.”

In this essay, it brings up some changes he had in mind. One of which is to change the number of performances they hold every year.

“I’m very pleased with Logan,” said Mr. Patrick Ribar, choir and musical director. “He is very dedicated and fun to have [in the musical].”

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The musical would usually hold around two performances every year. But in response to Langholdt’s composition paper, they are now shooting for four every year.

“For the musical [last year], we had eight weeks to prepare,” said Langholdt.

“Then, we would hold two actual performances and dress rehearsals.”

Now the musical has more practice to put in, but more performances to follow. The schedule is a lot tighter.

Mondays are the free days. Then, invited dress rehearsals Tuesdays, and Thursdays and Fridays you perform. Saturdays are the matinee performances, which is new.

“I think we work really hard,” said Langholdt. “15 hours a week now, which is almost as much as The One Act. Only difference is, they compete, we don’t.”

Also stated in Langholdt’s essay is the plea for more judging at their performances. State judging, however, is not allowed for musical.

“There wasn’t and still isn’t a state competition for musical,” said Mr. Ribar.

“There is no state competition in vocal music at all. It’s just.... you’re judged.

There is an area, though, that holds an awards ceremony [for musical].”

This much is true. The musical cast has won many awards at a competition

December, 2013

level, just has never done any state competing.

“Really, it’s three nights of something you’ve worked so hard for, and you’re so proud, and then you walk off stage feeling like something’s missing,” said Langholdt. “Like even though you did really well, it also could’ve been better. As though we didn’t reach the full potential.”

In the musical, separate awards are given out for best vocalist, etc. They hold these awards ceremonies annually, “People work with cast, directors, workers, etc., and give awards out accordingly to those who perform.” said Mr. Ribar. “No state, but yes, I am excited for more performances.”

Big change for the musical. They are ready for it, though.

“Think of how you would rate our public schools,” said Mr. Ribar. “Then compare that to schools in Elkhorn, in Omaha, in Chicago. That’s what I am trying to say in terms of the musical.

It’s all just a measuring stick for how they perform. No matter the size of the school, I know they’re good, they know they’re good, and that’s all we need to know.”

Mr. Ribar is not the only one who knew we could make change. Many teachers are pleased with the effort put

in by their students.

“The musical was awesome,” said Mrs. Long. “It was great and funny, and I’m always impressed with them. If he uses the assignment to make change, that’s what us teachers try to get out of the students. It makes me proud knowing he made change with this.”

Look at what Langholdt did. Despite the fact that they still do not get a state performance. But what he did get was a response. He made change. Writing for a change is not just an assignment for Langholdt, it is a chance to do more.

All he needed to do was spark that little idea, and the magic happens all by itself.

“I spoke with the administration and we talked about what we thought could happen,” said Langholdt. “Something should be done. Musicals are delightful.

I always hear people talking about why we need more performances when not many people come to the shows already. But honestly, the community is PACKED when we perform, and they always show their appreciation. I personally think we should be allowed to sing, dance, laugh, and perform with friends. You know, it can happen, but I’d never imagine the writing assignment would ever become a movement. It just blows me away.”

News

iGretna

District’s Need For Involvment in the Digital Age Many schools around Nebraska are connected to the modern world and belong to a social networking website.

Elkhorn South and Millard South Football has an official “like” page on Facebook and a three sport coach for York’s school district, Stephen Sautter, has an official Twitter account. GHS is not a member on social media site. The staff members of The Voice believe that GHS should become more involved in social media as a method to get the word out about school events as well as teach the student body ways to use social media responsible.

Gretna Public Schools in the past year has added a handy tool to inform the parents about snow days and having a low balance in one’s lunch account through text messages, emails and phone calls. Adding a page on Facebook or having an account on Twitter would not only inform students, parents, and the Gretna community about snow days, but also about other events that are going on at GHS. The account and page would be lead by a faculty member. Booster club could also run the GHS Facebook page or Twitter accounts.

GHS needs to embrace social networking for more reasons than being connected as a community it can also keep students protected. Gretna can create school programs to warn students about the harm and dangers of the internet and how important it is to report incidents of harassments.

Creating a social networking atmosphere that is involved in the high school can connect students to each other no matter what grade they are in.

It ensures a safe place for students to go to check up on news that is going on at GHS, and the community can use it as a way to get more involved in the high school. Also, it will keep students secure.

Therefore, The Voice staff believes that GHS should be more connected to the modern world and have a place in social networking.

Editors:

What’s Your Favorite Christmas Movie?

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation because of all the slapstick comedy.”

-Kyle Beck, senior

“Elf! Duh! Will Ferrell is hilarious!”

-Kamryn Horner and Taylor Wendlandt, freshman

Not the Ideal Pets to Have Pet Peeves Plague People’s Personalities Persistently Naber/Reporter There are a limited number of things with an infinite amount of anything. The amount of Zubats in a cave, the number of exceptions to “i” before “e” except after “c”, and my personal list of pet peeves.

The largest item: rude people. People who sit near me and bounce their knee with their toes. People who click pens, tap pencils, or strum fingers on the desk to the beat of the song in their head.

People who, when my glasses are off, hold up their hand and ask how many fingers they are holding up. Bonus points of disliking if they say thumb doesn’t count. When the first snowflakes fall and that one kid screams “Oh my god!

It’s snowing!” and it is then followed by half of the class rushing to a window like they’ve never seen snow before. People who use “was like” in the place of “said”.

People who hate something for no

Jeff Glassburner/Editor in Chief Liz Schmidt/Copy Editor Lindsey LaMountain/Op/Ed Editor Kylie Holman/Features Editor Mallory Kraynik/Sports Editor Samantha Hannigan/A&E Editor Charlie Ames/News Editor Jade Naber/In-Depth Editor

Staff Writers:

“Christmas Shoes because it teaches you to appreciate things more.”

-Samantha Coufal, junior

reason at all, unless I too, share the same hatred. People who are picky eaters and don’t try new food, along with people who say a food tastes bad, and then tell me to try it. People who use sarcasm more often than a straight-forward sentence. People who judge me or anyone else on music taste. People who sniff up whatever was in their nose when there are tissues nearby. Just don’t do it.

People who drink the last Dr. Pepper. What are you doing? That was mine. People who think grades reflect intelligence. People who take that perfectly buttered piece of popcorn that I mentally claimed. People who say “no offense”, say something very offensive, and then get angry when they are told that was very offensive. And just the opposite: when people are given constructive criticism and say “I am very offended by that.” They are trying to help you, not yell at you.

People who park on the line. People who are in charge of ABC Family and will not replace the over-excited narrorator guy. People who say you can’t cry over a fictional character because they aren’t real. People who wear leggings as pants.

And most of all, people who discriminate against others when it comes to gender, race, religion, sexuality, height, weight, mentality, grades, finances, political views, tattoos/piercings, likes/interests, or anything. You don’t know what they have been or are currently going through.

I will respect your opinion as long as your opinion doesn’t disrespect my existence.

In conclusion, don’t be a jerk and keep to yourself. Know that the world doesn’t revolve around you. You are not the only person on this rock and the actions you make and the words you say can affect someone’s entire day, sometimes longer.

Be a good person, don’t be annoying, and live long and prosper.

The Voice

The Voice is a bi-monthly publication sponsored by Gretna High School.

The Voice is located in room 623. This year is the 13th year of the publication’s existense. Reader response is welcome. Any student or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within the deadline: however, final publication is at the discretion of the staff. Letters should be less than 400 words and signed. Columns are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Voice staff or Gretna High School.

Becca Human Jacob Dart Hope Cudly Angel Perina

Advisor:

Gretchen Baijnauth

December, 2013

Opinion & Editorial

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Cudly Reporter

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No Poaching

Existent in this world are a set of unwritten laws. Yet these undocumented rules are followed by millions around the globe who all live under the universal code. The girl and guy code.

Also known as the Guyble and the Gur’ an, the codes are generally understood, but not spoken. They all consist of two basic ideas: Don’t be a jerk, and have each other’s back.

Never flirt with your bro’s girlfriend.

cannot invite somebody your bro Keep Out the You hates to your bro’s party. It’s your party and he gets to choose who Haters bro’s can stay and who’s gotta go. Keep the haters at the gate.

Misters before Sisters Finder’s Keepers Terminology

Bro’s sisters are off-limits even if they are the hottest girl in the grade and has had a crush on you for years. The DNA is too close, it is creepy.

Ex’s are up for grabs. It’s no big deal, once it’s over, it’s over.

Bros hang out. They do not have sleepovers. It is just an extended chilling session.

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̚ ̉ ͐ ͨ ͯ ̀ ͦ ͆ ͗ ͧ ̀ ̂ ͯ ̌ ͊ ͒͆̌ ̿̍ ́ ͮ ͛ͬ̊ͤ ͥ ̌̊ͪ ̽ͧ ̐̍͒ ͂ͥ ͂͗ ̽͗ ́ ͋̂ ̉ ͣ ̀ ͂̿ ͛̏ ͨ̓ ͖́ ̪̤͆ O̵̙̳ ̡D̬͉ E̤̼ ͢ G̤̩ Ị̑ ̼͇̹ R̰̹̟ L ҉ ̮̯̫ ͏ ̴̵̙̫̈͂C ͙ ͇ ͖ ̯ ̝͙͇ ͕͉͎ ̰̞ ̰ ͇͍ ̜͙ ͇͓̩ ̫̻̹ ̦​̦͈ ͔ ̜͎ ̠̺̯ ̮̠ ̣

Holman Op/Ed Editor

Be Honest About Looks

“Aren’t these harem pants totes adorbs?” If your bestie is about to walk out of the house looking like she has a loaded diaper, be honest.

Help the Heartbroken

Becky just got dumped. It is your duty as a fellow female to bring comfort in the form of excessive junk food, sympathetic shoulder pats, and a retail therapy shopping partner.

Ovaries before Brovaries

Ricky might seem “sooo hawt and deep” now, but you have seen Becky sobbing into a pint of mint chocolate chip. The only men a girl can depend on are her daddy and Ben & Jerry.

No Recycling

Girls shall not date friend’s exes or current B.O.I.’s (Boys of Interest). Exceptions can be made if said friend gives permission, the B.O.I. has no returned interest, or if the relationship happened pre-high school.

Selfie Century

When best friends hang out it is necessary to document the occasion. The world needs to be aware of the bond made over a Panera lunch date and Starbucks topped off with the perfect Instagram filter.

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Everybody Loves Mama Jack

One Act’s Jackie Moore Leaves a Legacy

LaMountain/OpEd Editor The One Act program and Mrs. Carole Carraher, director, are well known throughout the Gretna area. With state winning casts and crews, Carraher has become a familiar name. But what about her partner in crime, Mrs. Jackie Moore, or better known as Mama Jack.

Mama Jack has been a part of the program for 24 years and won 18 state championships. She was initially an interpreter for a student who auditioned and joined the cast. During rehearsals, Mama Jack began suggesting different costuming and scenery, which started it all.

Even after she retired, her love for the play was still there. Every year, she travels eight hours from Hollister, Missouri and stays the duration of the One Act season, which is the end of September to the middle of December and lives with Carraher.

“When I’m here, One Act is all I do,” said Mama Jack. “I spend all my time running errands and figuring out how to make the play better.”

Mama Jack’s main jobs are being in charge of costumes, make-up, dialect and scenery. Her son, Mr. Mike Moore, art teacher, joined the crew in 2001 to paint and design the set.

“I got too old, so I asked him to help, and he got hooked,” said Mama Jack.

Over 24 years, she has co-directed many productions. Her favorite one was called “Lakota Legacy.” Carraher and Mama Jack actually wrote the One Act and Mama Jack prides herself in

being extremely familiar with the Native American culture.

“When members from surrounding tribes came to watch at the state competition, I was not worried,” said Mama Jack.

For the state tournaments, Mama Jack has been know to dye her hair a crazy color such as pink, orange and green depending on how she feels that season.

Last year, she was unable to do this due to a sickness and her hair growing thin, but she intends on chalking it a color at the championship this year.

“I’m sure that them trying to dye it is quite an event every year because both Mama and Carole are crazy,” said Madi Stock, senior.

Although she may not get much credit, Mama Jack is the heart and soul of One Act that 24 years of members will never forget. She says that her and Carraher argue over scenes and do not get to do anything “fun” while she is here, but spending all her time focused on the play is fun to her.

“I do it for the kids,” said Mama Jack.

“It’s always for the kids.”

Her love for the students, Carraher, and the productions are obvious; however, this is going to be her last year. Due to aging and other medical hardships, she claims her “bones can not take the trip anymore.”

“I have been crying rivers of tears and haven’t slept one night because I am the saddest person,” said Paulie Clines, junior.

“I don’t want her to leave and I love her and I want her to stay. She is such an inspiration.”

Mama Jack puts ghostmakeup on Simon Gissler, junior.

Photo Credit: Lindsey LaMountain

Mama Jack leads deep breaths before each performance.

Photo Credit: Liz Schmidt

Louder Than a Bomb Makes an Impact on GHS Students Slam Poetry Program Inspires Students to Break Through Creative Boundaries Human/Reporter Traditionally, poetry has been attributed to lonely teenagers shutting themselves in dark rooms and writing about their feelings. This stereotype has been stopping people from pursuing their interests and setting up a barrier between what poetry is and what people think poetry is. However, a recent movement among Omaha youth has started breaking down the barrier and showing students that poetry can be real, inspirational, relatable, and fun.

“Slam poetry is different from regular, read-it-from-a-book poetry in that it’s more alive,” said Kayla VanOeveren, junior. “You have to deal with more than how the words look on the page and if they rhyme or not and focus more on how your voice sounds and putting inflection and feeling in your poem.”

Louder Than a Bomb is a program originally started by the Young Chicago Authors organization. It was made to bring people of all racial and socio-

economic groups together through the oral recitation of poetry. After its extreme success in Chicago, the LTAB program extended to Omaha. Each school was assigned a coach, who is generally an accomplished slam poet who provides prompts and encouragement as students develop their own writing style. Now, over 20 schools in the region participate in weekly workshops and friendly competitions, performing original slam poetry.

“Competitions really get to the heart of Louder Than a Bomb,” said VanOeveren. “We all come from separate teams, but we go up individually. Your team might cheer you on, but it’s really about you and the connection with your audience.”

Louder Than a Bomb meetings are meant to be relaxed and welcoming, while also pushing creative boundaries and inspiring new ideas. Generally, the students are given a warm-up prompt and a certain amount of time to write

whatever comes to mind. Then, larger and more intensive prompts are given, with more time to expand on the idea.

Once the time is up, students can choose to share what they have written and receive feedback.

“We all come into Mrs. Long’s room for meetings,” said VanOeveren. “We hang out with Pat, our coach, and talk about our week. Then Pat will give us writing prompts, like ‘write a list of your favorite moments of your year and write about one’. Or he’ll read us a poem. It’s very laidback.”

After the initial brainstorming is over, it is up to the students to expand the idea on their own time. It is nearly impossible to write and perfect a whole poem in the amount of time given during the workshop. Students can take their pieces home and perfect them for later competitions.

The reason many people become so involved in slam poetry is the personal connection they make to their poetry.

Instead of reciting poetry that has no meaning to them, students have the opportunity to create a poem that they feel strongly about and share it with others. VanOeveren exulted this aspect of the program.

“Instead of not knowing your audience, you form a personal connection with other people - even stranges,” said VanOeveren. “It feels like you’re not competing. It’s really great.”

Louder Than a Bomb is a unique and interesting opportunity to explore a creative process that has been long overlooked as lame and boring. There is an excitement and energy that fills a performer while they give their piece that is rarely seen in other events.

Anyone with interest can join the group at any time, which meets Wednesdays after school in Mrs. Long’s room. Even those without previous speaking or writing experience can stop by and check it out. There is a place for everyone in this revolutionary new club.

Andrew Hayworth, junior recites his poem for competition.

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Michaela VanOeveren, junior brainstorms poetry.

December, 2013

Trace Mannewitz , senior performs his competition piece.

Feature

Getting Muscles Via Mountains Kolton Speer Ventures Outside Nebraska Human/Reporter While many people are content to stick with the basic sports of football, basketball, or baseball, some people push the limits of what they are able to do and try new things on a regular basis. The idea of backpacking across mountains or skiing down mountain slopes might seem scary and foreign to some, but they are a great outlet for many others. A growing number of students have recently become involved in activities like these.

“We go to Colorado to ski for a good three weeks every year,” said Kolton Speer, junior. “I backpack in the summer, and I’m planning a few trips to go climb natural rock this summer.”

Speer is only one of the several people who choose to spend their time outdoors in unique ways. Venture Crew, a group of male and female GHS students, went backpacking in New York this past summer, through one of the longest trails in America. While some things like hiking might be more tame, some of Speer’s experiences involve a certain amount of risk, such as skiing expeditions.

“When we ski, we like to go on the opposite side of the hill where there aren’t many people, because people can be aggravating,” said Speer. “But they don’t maintain those places, so you could potentially hit a tree or fly off a rock.

Anyways, I was going down the hill and my brother was to my side. I could see

him through a line of trees until suddenly he disappeared. I stopped and tried to find him. Turns out he fell into a hole about six feet deep that wasn’t snow-packed all the way through. He was fine, it was mainly really funny.”

The stories that come from any sport are what make them memorable. While many people have perfectly valid recountings of practices and games, Speer has other, more extreme stories from his experiences.

“I got onto the fourth floor of an abandoned hotel in the Catskills,” said Speer. “The term ‘floor’ is loosely used because there were not any actual floors.

They had all fallen out or had never been put in. I was standing on top of a six inch wide stone wall. That’s probably one of the craziest things I’ve done.”

People who choose to do these extreme activities are rather limited, especially when compared to traditional sports.

It is far more accessible to join a football team than it is to go backpacking in Yosemite. However, for those interested in finding outlets to explore these opportunities, there are available options. Joining Venture Crew or other organizations can create ways to become involved in outings. As for advice from Speer himself, he says to simply connect with someone who knows what they’re talking about.

“Just ask someone that’s already involved,” said Speer. “Most people that do this stuff are very kind and they love to get other people into it.”

Speer and the Venture Crew explore the Catskills in New York.

Speer captures the beauty of the Catskills as he climbs.

Newly Formed Swim Team Faces Rough Tides to Start GHS Swimmers Begin Preparing for the Challenges of Starting a Legacy Hannigan/Sports Editor As a recently added winter sport, swim team has started practices off strong. About twenty GHS students decided they were going to be brave enough to sign up. A daily practice is no walk in the park. They start each morning by lifting in the weight room, starting at six. They then move onto warm ups and stretches as a team, then split up for lifting and ab workouts.

This ends around seven thirty in the morning. After school, they go to the Amburst YMCA where they use the pool for an hour and a half. There, the team warms up and do tougher sets to get their heart rates elevated. After they cool down, they have a team meeting.

“Practices are going well,” said Isabel Dammermann junior. “Practices are challenging us and making us work as a team.”

Even though practices are starting off on the right foot, the fact that we do not have a pool at the high school could pose a struggle for some of the students on the team. Carpooling and driving themselves are always an option as well as Mr. Paul Duin, swim coach, driving a van for those students who can not drive. Nebraska winters can be very unpredictable, though, so arriving to a different location may be tough.

“The rule right now is if

school is cancelled, so is practice,” said Dammermann.

Never having a swim team at GHS means everyone is on the same team.

Competing against different schools might be hard going against those that have had teams for a long time.

“The whole team has great potential,” said Dammermann.

This year’s team is working incredibly hard. They are ready for the challenges ahead.

Photos by: Hope Cudly

December, 2013

Sports

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Catching Fire is a Craze, but Did Not Ignite into a Blaze Advertisements for Catching Fire Were Sparse and Left Theater Seats Open

Photo Credit Hope Cudly

Cudly/ Reporter The fandom craze is everywhere; everyone seems to have a fandom that they are affiliated to. One of the fandoms raging the nation is the Hunger Games. When the first movie came out, excitement could be seen in stores and schools, the question ringing out through the halls, “Are you going to the premiere tonight?” Stores from Walmart to Hot Topic had their back rooms filled with merchandise, mockingjay pins practically flying off the shelves to settle themselves on children’s backpacks. Everything from the Team Gale or Team Peeta shirt, to the right design in the fan’s nail polish was sorted out and ready for the big movie.

On the actual premiere day, the doors to the theaters opened at six o’clock sharp, letting the first people there, those who were dressed up and camping outside the doors, get their choice of seats. From there, these people claim their seats and start the long, six hour wait for their favorite fandom to start. Students of Gretna High School settled into at least two consecutive rows at the AMC Theater, well before the start of the movie. The Hunger Games

was the only movie on people’s minds for months before the premiere, but that was not the case for it’s sequel, Catching Fire.

The sequel to the Hunger Games was just as thrilling and even more emotional than the original movie, so what happened to the crazed fans, the pre-movie excitement, and the lines in front of the movie theaters? Catching Fire was released on the 22nd of November, a Friday morning. Because many Hunger Games fans have a curfew on school nights, there were not a lot of people at the premiere. To try and fix this dilemma, some theaters, including Marcus Theaters and AMC Theaters, were allowed to premiere the movie four hours earlier. These theaters, however, did not advertise the news that the movie would be starting at 8 p.m. instead of 12 a.m. so the showings were not taken advantage of. Trailers for the new Catching Fire movie were far and few between, and many people had no idea what the date was for the new movie; there were empty seats at both the 8pm and the midnight showings. The movie was unable to catch fire and blaze into the raging inferno of The Hunger Games before it.

Lionsgate Films Photo

Fanfiction and Flings A Sense of College, Fangirl Book Review Holman/ Features Editor

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Photo Credit Kylie Holman

December, 2013

“Fangirl” is a novel written by Rainbow Rowell. The familiar setting and landmarks within the novel make local readers feel a sense of insider perspective. It relates to the fear and excitement of life after high school.

Rowell is an excellent author from Omaha. She also wrote “Eleanor and Park” and “Attachments”, which can be found in the library. Her works are among those of John Green and Cal Armistead.

Cath is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, beginning the “best time of her life”. Her twin sister Wren has decided she does not want to be roommates, and for once Cath is alone. She spends her abundance of free time absorbed in the fictional world of Simon Snow. The fandom is her home, her fanfiction is her passion.

Cath’s snarky roommate, with an always-present boyfriend, is an

unlikely companion, but Cath’s not one for making friends. Despite her lack of social skills, she also manages to acquire a writing partner and possible love interest. Her limited love life springs from an unlikely place and unlikely complications. Kissing in kitchens and easily-made assumptions are among the many twists to this quirky love story.

Cath can hardly manage school, home, and an ever-growing fanbase.

Her father’s mental instability, Wren’s constant partying, and her estranged mother’s attempts at re-entering their lives make having a normal college experience difficult. On top of it all, she is racing the clock to finish her fanfiction finale before the final Simon Snow book is released. Cath is determined to answer all the questions, say all the goodbyes, and write an ending to satisfy her thousands of fans and herself.

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