2014 profiles

INTROTONEWSPAPER iowa city west high school

2901 melrose ave.

iowa city, IA 52246

wsspaper.com

PERSONALITY PROFILES Intro. to Newspaper students profile their classmates.

Volume 1 issue 1

september 25, 2014

MODER KARATE KID comes

to West

De’Ja’s lived acrossed the country, but what place was her favorite?

RN E Just living in New York makes you feel inspired!

Brooklyn NY

HOW THE CITIES STACK UP

The wild life is so beautiful!

Fair Banks AK

BY LEAH DUSTERHOFT

A

duster298@gmail.com

Korean man steps outside to find one of the neighborhood kids being bullied along the busy Brooklyn street. The man separates the kids and offers defense lessons to the one being picked on. With some hesitation, the kid accepts the strange man’s offer.

This scene sounds like the 1984 movie The Karate Kid, right? Well not exactly. This is the “black female version of The Karate Kid.” This modern Karate Kid is De’Ja Bunyan ‘17.

And this is her story.

Five months ago, when her Korean neighbor, Mr. Shen, extended his knowledge in taekwondo to Bunyan, she accepted.

She was skeptical at first, but after thinking about how tired she was of being defensive all the time, and being bullied for doing what she loved -playing the violinBunyan said, “Why not?”

Soon after, Shin and Bunyan started lessons. Weights, sprints, kicks, and jabs were all part of Bunyan’s new vocabulary.

As Bunyan continued taekwondo, she gained confidence that she had never had before. “I was shy and [kept] to myself,” said Bunyan about herself before taekwondo. “I guess you could say [a] loner.”

Five months later, and this shy girl is no more.

With this new found confidence, Bunyan was able to make friends with one of the girls that used to pick on her. “You know how to defend yourself and [people] respect you for that,” said Bunyan.

Bunyan’s confidence carries into her school work, too.

Journalism teacher Sara Jane Whittaker, talks about having Bunyan in her Intro to Journalism class. “Whether she’s coming into the classroom singing and smiling on a muggy day,” Whittaker said, “or she’s educating the class on a current event – De’Ja’s enthusiasm is contagious.”

The most important lesson she learned from taekwondo was, “Not everything people say is attacking me,” Bunyan said.

Iowa definitely has the nicest people.

Iowa City IA

Wayyyy too hot!

Oklahoma City OK

In those short five months, Bunyan has earned the prestigious black belt. She said, “I was a little more motivated than most people.”

Bunyan thinks everyone should learn how to defend themselves, especially women. “We are coming into an era where women do ‘men’ things,” Bunyan said. “We need to be able to defend ourselves.” She also thinks it should be part of the PE curriculum at all levels of schools. “Taekwondo places would love to come to schools!” she said.

Moving to Iowa was like a breath of fresh air for Bunyan.

New school, new people, it’s a blank slate. But, for Bunyan, moving wasn’t anything new. Being born into a military family means you move. A lot. Her parents, and two sisters, Sarah (10) and Nya (7), have moved to Brooklyn, Alaska, Oklahoma, back to Brooklyn, and now, Iowa.

Alaska was Bunyan’s favorite so far, “The wildlife is so beautiful there,” she said. Though, according to Bunyan, Iowa has the nicest people.

Multiple moves might be hard on most families but, “it’s the Army way and we got through it,” Bunyan said.

Bunyan plans on using her background in the military and taekwondo in the future. Right now, she plans on going to West Point after high school and then join the U.S. Army, just like her dad.

“Army is in my blood, I guess.”

2 1/2 years in Nepal

BY QUENTIN DAVIS qrd0702@gmail.com

Your legs are stiff, your neck is cramped and your ears are plugged. You’re tired of being in an enclosed space for so long. All you want to do is stretch your legs and jump.

Fourteen hours on an airplane and the pilot comes on and says it is too foggy to land.

You hear him say we will be landing as soon as possible. Three hours later the plane lands. In total you have been on the airplane for 18 hours. This happened to Shawn Thacker ’18 on his way to Nepal.

Thacker’s father is from Nepal, so he visits every two to four years.

He has been there three times. He lived there for 2 years, visited for 2 months and 2 weeks. According to Shawn, Kathmandu is: loud, captivating, smells of spices, food, and vehicle exhaust. He hears people haggling each other and car horns galore. He see motorcycles cutting through traffic.

Thacker’s favorite thing to do in Nepal is walk around and eat the

food there. His favorite food in Nepal is Daal which is a lentil curry.

One of his best experiences was in 2012, when he met his grandma again. Oddly enough, Thacker has never climbed a mountain there, even though it is very mountainous. Thacker gives intriguing answers on questions about life. If he could change one thing in the world he said “The cost of travel”. To Shawn, life means learning new things, traveling the world, and making connections. Prateek, one of Thacker’s friends, says that Shawn is very determined in whatever he does.

Thacker likes to buy things and look at new things in Nepal. Some other foods that he likes are momos, which are steamed dumplings, and he also likes bubble tea, which is a combination of tea and tapioca pearls. From going and living in Nepal, to wanting travel costs to be cheaper, to liking bubble tea, Shawn never stops surprising you.

FAST FACTS Nepal: Population Capital kathmandu Size 56,827 square miles Nepal’s flag is the only flag with 5 points!

o h W w e kn stmas i r Ch

7 9 ‘ of

et g d l s u a o m w rist a Ch ent? s Article by. Mohamad pre S. El-Zein

“Hiba is an interesting person with her own unique beliefs, with a good family, we can learn a lot from here.”

-Salma FASTFACTS: Hiba says regrets never taking chances and saying no, this obviously includes nothing like drugs and sort of things. You think you have a big family? Hiba has five siblings.

Hiba likes learning by herself, she likes it so much she’s even teaching herself to play the piano.

For her the most important people are her friends and family. Hiba wants to got to South Korea because of her older sister learned about K-Pop. The top think in her bucket list is to travel around the world. Did you know that Hiba is from Sudan? But she was born here in the USA.

Hiba was born Christmas of 1997.

Hiba quotes,“I don’t have any role models, I want to be my own person.” That was one of the first things Hiba said. But her twin sister tells a different story. “She gets something from everyone and everything.” So which could it be?

A funny story Hiba told , this is also one of her memorize, she says: “One of my earliest memories was when I was around two. My family and me were in AdventureLand and my older sister got me a stuffed animal from a booth, after that we went to get fries, but my twin sister began crying for no reason.”

Her future plans are: she wants to do something that’s in the medical career or engineering. The most stressful part of her school life is keeping up her grades. Her biggest influence is her mom.

Hiba tells me to tell all of you. “be yourself, do yourself.” Hiba’s friend Salma confirms this, even stating: “Hiba is an interesting person with her own unique beliefs, with a good family, we can learn a lot from her.”

Running with the Marathon Club

BY WINGEL XUE

wingelxue3@gmail.com

Bang! A gun goes off, and hundreds of people dash away, frantically trying to pull away from the crowd. The race has started. For long-distance runners like Asha Irani ’17, meets like these are a common occurrence, but for her, running isn’t just about the competition; it’s a passion.

Irani started the Marathon Club last year, a club to run long-distance yearround as a leisure activity and train for marathons. Although she’s great at running, Irani’s favorite thing about it is the people.

“I really like that [Marathon Club] is a lot smaller than cross country- you can really get close with each other and make new friends,” Irani said. “It sometimes almost feels like a confessional, you can just talk to each other about your problems as you run.”

When Irani’s not running in Marathon Club or cross country, she can still be seen sporting athletic attire, occasionally with some crazy knee-high socks.

“The reason I wanted to become her friend was because she wore knee-high socks to school with leaves from Hobby Lobby pinned on to them,” said Julie Watkins ’17, a friend. “ I was impressed by how much she didn’t care what other people thought. It takes guts to just be whoever you want to be.”

Even with Irani’s delicate balance between running cross country at West and participating in the Marathon Club, she makes time to pursue other hobbies, such as rock climbing and baking.

This fall, Marathon Club will start up again, with Irani at its head. The club isn’t important to only Irani, but the 12 other members as well.

“I like Marathon Club because it gives me a fun, non-competitive environment where I can really enjoy running and just hanging out with my running friends after the [cross country] season has ended,” said Naomi Shilyansky ‘16, a member of Marathon Club.

Irani states that while she’s not sure what will happen with the Marathon Club in the future, she wants it to continue.

“I just love the feeling you get after you run,” Irani said. “While you’re doing it, it feels like, oh God, this sucks, but afterwards you have this sense of accomplishment like, ‘I did this!’”

Fast Facts Asha’s favorite food is cupcakes

Asha is half Pakistani

Asha has one dog named Marrell

Asha has 4 pairs of funky socks

Championship to recovery We’ve all had those days. You know the type. Those days that start off great, but get worse and worse until you just want the day to end. Wingel Xue, ’18 experienced that day for four months straight.

The beginning of her metaphorical day began in the best possible way - winning the vault event at a state gymnastics meet. Putting in 20+ hours of training at Iowa Gym-Nest gymnastics school had paid off as Xue collected her first place trophy, energized and excited for what was to become of her gymnastics career. Little did she realize her future was not at all going to be what she expected.

“About a week after the state meet, my foot started hurting. Something just felt off, [so I] went to the doctor to get it checked out,” Xue said, describing her thought process leading up to the startling discovery by her doctor.

As it turned out, Xue is part of the 2-10 percent of the world’s population born with an extra bone in a foot. The doctor said Xue would need surgery to remove the bone, which meant months of therapy and no more gymnastics - or any sport - for a long time.

“It didn’t feel real, you know? I felt that things like that wouldn’t happen to me,” Xue said.

A few weeks later, she was being wheeled around the hospital, the smell of sanitizer filling her nose. She describes being anxious and fearful, hoping her surgery would go well. Her foot would have to be broken in many places in able to remove extra bone.

“They gave me laughing gas to calm my nerves, and for some reason I thought I was in Disney World,” said Xue, describing her last few minutes of consciousness before she was given anesthesia.

Luckily, Xue’s surgery went perfectly, and just as it looked like her ‘bad day’ was almost over, another cloud rolled in.

“Something was wrong again,” Xue said, “[I had] an allergic reaction to the cast.”

Two days after she left the hospital,

How a few months changed one student’s gymnastics career forever

BY ASHA IRANI iraniasha@gmail.com

she was back, this time to remove the cast. After receiving a new cast, Xue had to attend therapy sessions for two months. She decided to quit gymnastics because she didn’t want to strain her body anymore, and gymnastics had been really taxing. It had taken up much of Xue’s time, and she didn’t want to re-injure herself.

“I remember she was really funny and a really good teammate,” said Carsyn Knebel ’18, a friend and former teammate of Xue’s. “[...] I remember when Wingel’s foot got hurt I was really sad because she said she was going to quit.”

But every dark cloud has a silver lining. “[Quitting] allowed me to find fencing, so I don’t feel too bad about it,” Xue said. Yes, you heard that correctly. Xue has rebounded from her surgery really well, and is now an active participator in a fencing group.

Xue’s mother says she saw how disappointed her daughter was when she had to stop gymnastics, but recall’s how her mood completely changed when she started fencing. Xue says her fencing coach is one of her biggest inspirations, and that she cherishes the friendships she has made in the group. From the state championship, to the hospital, to the fencing ring, it seems as if there is nothing Xue can’t conquer.

As she puts it, “I think you should give everything at least one shot.”

FAST FACTS: BIGGEST AND FAVORITE

Favorite Food: French fries

“It didn’t feel real, you know? I felt that things like that wouldn’t happen to me.”

Biggest Influence: Her fencing coach

Favorite Drink: Bubble tea

Biggest Pet Peeve:

People chewing food loudly

Favorite TV Show: House of Cards

living the When Junhee Lee,’18 was asked to define the stereotypical asian, he said, “The stereotypical asian; having glasses,good at math, not good at sports, in one word, a nerd, “I think that I play well into the whole stereotypical Asian,” said Lee. Even only being a freshman, Lee won’t let his age be a burden as he attends college math classes at the University of Iowa.

li “I like to think I’m smart,” said Lee. Lee was born and raised in South Korea until the age of seven. Then his family came to America for a vacation and after a few months here, decided to stay. Since he is from Korea, he has strong opinions about the issue of North and South Korea.

Lee has some interesting views on the conflict. “ I don’t think people don’t understand and exaggerate things. It’s [North Korea] a bad country, but people make it out to be much worse than it is,” said Lee. “ It would be better if they took down the border and made it just Korea. Not at this point of time, but at some point North Korea will fail [Imperialism]or become a better country and the boarders will be dropped.”Lee said.

Lee’s description of Korea is summarized in one word.

FAST FACTS Likes Classical music IPlays the trumpet IHas a 17 year old sister ILikes all types of pizza Loves chocolate ice cream Source

korean

BY SIERRA FROST

frostsr3710@gmail.com

FE

HUGE. It is completely and utterly different from our small city of Iowa City.

Huge skyscrapers tower smoggy South Korea and more urban than Iowa.

Of course, being from Korea, Lee has an opinion about the ever popular KPop[Korean Pop Music]. “I don’t like KPop. I don’t like the way K-Pop bands are formed,” said Lee. He believes that they’re plastic and fake because they’re chosen to be in bands, no bands are formed organically and they train extensively for years. “ I want to do something that has to do with math. I really like math.” said Lee. Lee started doing math when he was four, with math comic books. After a few weeks, Lee had completed up to the fifth grade level. He continued to do math, and he started really liking it.He started skipping to higher and higher math class, and eventually he got to where he is today. Mr. Kirpes, his math teacher says that having a freshman in AMPS, is very rare. Mr.Kirpes said that Lee is talented in math because of a mix of natural talent and a good work ethic.

The future’s

T

BY RYAN STARK

ryan.starkwss@gmail.com

he smell of grandma’s cookies in the oven, the quilted blankets on the couch, the old dog, everything in grandma’s house.

Remember when she would always give you advice? Kiera Dudley ‘18 already knows what she is going to say to her grandchildren.

Dudley’s advice is, “ Her friend Julia Love ‘18 said, “Kiera is very unique and isn’t afraid to be who she wants to be,” Love ‘18 also said, “She is always a positive person, instead of the glass being half empty, Kiera sees it as half full.”

Everyone knows the snickers and whispers as you’re walking down the hall, Dudley has some insight on what to do.

“If you just ignore them it makes you a better person and you shouldn’t fire back at them because you don’t know what they are going through in their life at the moment,” Dudley said. “I don’t care what you have to say behind my back because you’re behind me and there’s no reason to turn back; I know I can amount to great things and I don’t need you to bring me down when I can get higher in my life without you.”

She also longboards, because she can do what she wants because it’s fun and she enjoys it. She helps people with problems, she is a great friend and lis-

Likes to draw Loves to take pictures Her favorite color is black Longboards Favorite music: Metal

Source

advice today tener, her friends talk to her about their problems because they know they can trust her. When her friend came to her crying becuase, there was a nasty rumor about her Kiera talked to her and gave her advice on how to deal with it. She said that if you just ignore it then everything will be fine.

She also is a photographer and likes to take pictures that make her happy.

In a way, she is a motivational speaker because when someone is down in the dumps she helps them out and makes them feel better and makes them feel confident.

Kiera listened to her parents’ advice about how to be a leader and be who you really are instead of being who people want you to be. She also follows her own philosophy on a daily basis.

Thepursuit

Averageness of

A story about a sophomore and her pursuit of doing the impossible

BY CHRISTIAN ZIRBES czirbes89@gmail.com

Isabelle Hingtgen ’17 seems like your average sophomore; eager-to learn, thinks “homework is necessary” for practice, says that bacon is the only reason she isn’t a vegetarian, and “doesn’t do politics.” But Hingtgen wants more than just good grades. Her goal is to be friendly and accept everyone. No small task, because as the saying goes, “you can’t please everyone.” However, “Isabelle should already cross it off her list. I have never known anyone to say anything bad about her” says Leah Dusterhoff ’17, a good friend of Hingtgen’s.

Isabelle doesn’t seek to be a celebrity at the West. Instead, “I don’t really want to be popular.” says Hingtgen.

One reason for this is because she says she really doesn’t like to be the center of attention. Instead, Isabelle draws her inspiration from her mother, whom Isabelle sees as her role model. “I don’t think she has ever been mean to anyone,” said Hingtgen.

Isabelle has enjoyed West high thoroughly so far, especially the extracurriculars. “ [I] like that there are more people, opportunities and clubs,” said Hingtgen. She also likes band and Spanish, and believes that “marching is better than sitting.” But marching band isn’t the only thing Isabelle is involved in.

In fact, she has been dancing with the Nolte Academy of dance since the age of four, and playing the flute since fifth grade. Says Dusterhoff, “[Dance has] really helped her express herself.” Amy Underwood, Hingtgen’s mother, agrees, saying “Dance has provided her with a great artistic and social outlet.”

There is more to Isabelle than her love of dance, band and wanting to be liked by others. She really wants to travel.

“For some reason, I really like to fly,” said Hingtgen. She really wants to visit Spain,“well -- any Spanish-speaking country, really anywhere but Iowa, anywhere prettier than Iowa” After living in Iowa her entire life, she says that she finds it to be boring. After all, not many can enjoy acre after acre of flat land and cornfield. But Isabelle wants more than to just see new sights. She wants to travel to experience new cultures and try new foods, although she admits, “[I don’t] like changing much, but I guess I’ll try.” As far as food Favorite ice cream flavor: somegoes, Hingtgen is willthing chocolate ing try new foods as Favorite thing to when do not in long as they aren’t school reading and listening to musIc “moving on my plate” No idea what job she wants to

FAST FACTS pursue

Favorite music group is “My Chemical Romance” Favorite animals are Cats or monkeys, would name it Gertrude Isabelle Hingtgen

Brothers in School

BY KAVIR RAMOS

kavirramos14@gmail.com

Average Day

Conor Zielinski’s ’17 day starts when he gets into the car.

He opens the door, the beeps go off alerting the driver there is an open door. He closes the door as it clicks his brother Harry Zielinski grabs the door to only sit next to him on the way to school. This is how Conor starts “an okay day I only see him driving to school and driving home.” said Conor.

What is it like to have a sibling at school?

He said “I don’t get along really well with my brother.”

They fight argue and will be brothers to each other. Who doesn’t have a brother moment everyday like the Zielinski’s.

They share a common interest in soccer. Harry is one year younger than Conor so they aren’t on the same team outside of school said Mrs.Zielinski

I then asked how will West High soccer be this year with your Harry?

“I plan on making sure he doesn’t make a team.”

They have had accidents in the past that Conor wishes not to revisit. At a practice Conor turned into Harry with his hand raised. As they collided Conor hit Harry with his hand in the nose causing a broken wrist and “being babied by mother” Conor said.

The lesson learned from this is “always go in hard to come out on top.”

Would you want to be Harry? Conor responds “It would be awesome to be my brother because I could be Conor Zielinski’s brother.” At this moment Conor related with Kanye West as he talked about himself in the 3rd person.

What do you do when you see your brother? Conor said “I avoid him as much as possible. The more the distance the better.” Conor doesn’t want to see his brother during the day. He sees him enough during the day.

When do you want to see your brother? “I never do he gets no love except on Tuesdays if I see him.” as we can see Conor is a caring brother always on the watch.

FAST FACTS Both play in same soccer club Conor 5’11” Harry 5’6”

Conor is 15 and Harry is 14 Conor Zielinski

In the eyes of an artist Inspirations to art...

BY KIERA DUDLEY Art is in the eyes of the beholder, to Ryan Stark 18’ art plays an important role in his high school life. It helps him relax as he picks up a pencil and starts to make something out of a meir nothing.

Ryan’s interest in drawing started with his sister, he wanted to try drawing for himself instead of just watching his sister do it. He started drawing when he was 13, and he finds inspiration with just day to day thoughts. He has a real eye for art, and is very focused when it’s time to start drawing.

He is also very artsy in the way he dresses, he is usually well dress with certain colors that clash but still look good.

He also he loves to draw his name in many different ways.

His favorite artist is Pablo Picasso, because the art is interesting and he like the abstract to it. His favorite types of art are abstract, because he likes to see how far from the picture can look from what they are drawing but still have it almost look like it, and with realism he likes to see how it almost seems like you can reach out and touch the object or person drawn.

He is trying to keep improving throughout time, and working on his art skills.

Although Ryan likes to draw, he won’t be going into an art career because he is going to join the Marines/Air force, but he will always have art as a hobby.

“Art is something that inspires others and tells a story about what some has been through. It is different for all of us.”

Said Ryan

FAST FACTS Lived in 5 different states

Born on 9/11

Attended 6 different schools

Been in 11 different states

Can say the alphabet in 3 seconds

Source

“I have ADD, ADHD and Anxiety.”

Life of Hereditary Disorders

BY HIBA IBRAHIM heebuh@gmail.com

Disorder: a disruption of normal physical or mental functions; a disease or abnormal condition. This is a familiar word for the El-Zein family.

He is a fourteen year old freshman with several genetic disorders. He is Mohamad El-Zein ’18. Passed on through generations and generations of facial and oral malformations, El-Zein was born with a cleft palate. He revealed that it was passed down from his grandfather to the first born male in the family. But this isn’t the only thing he was given from his father.

“I got a lot of things from my dad: some good, some bad,” said El-Zein ’18. “I have ADD, ADHD and anxiety.”

When asked about his family, he mentioned that several of his relatives suffer from these disorders as well. ADD, ADHD, anxiety and insomnia are prominent within his side of the family.

One of El Zein’s friends, Jayden Brooks ’18, comments on what he thinks of Mohamad’s behavior.

FAST FACTS Born in Madison, Wisconsin

“I don’t really notice any bad behaviors, really,” said Jayden. “At times, he gets off task, but rarely. It think he’s learned to grow and deal with the disorders.”

El Zein’s cousin, Fatima, was asked on her opinion of the disorders within the family.

“It’s become a normal thing,” said Fatima, “At first it’s hard, like paying attention in school, but you get used to it.”

After facing multiple health conditions, Mohamad continues to stay strong and fulfill his dreams. When asked about his interests, El Zein stated, “I like to draw, read and write. I’m actually writing a comic right now.” He has been dedicating several of hours on his comic, hoping to finish it and write a sequel.

Despite all the health conditions he’s has been going through all his life, El-Zein boy with a cleft palate, a few health disorders, a good imagination, but most importantly a big heart. Oh, and he’ll always be there with a joke (He asked me to add that in).

Has been to 20 dif- Wanted to become ferent states a photographer, like Spiderman

Favorite colors are red and blue

V

Hey kid, we’re going on a

acation...

Or so she said. But when you’re driving away with your mother into the pitch black darkness, it might be more than just a vacation.

Fast Facts - Plays the drums and acoustic guitar - Favorite Band: Mayday Parade - Favorite Song: “What Would You Do”, Bastille - Last Book Read: Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner - She can run a mile in around five minutes - Favorite Football Team: San Francisco 49ers - Favorite Baseball Team: San Francisco Giants

BY JUNHEE LEE

jheelee28@gmail.com

At the young age of three, Sierra Frost, ’18, sound asleep in her father’s home, was woken up by her mother. Frost was instructed to pack her bags.

“She said that we were going on a vacation and that my dad had approved of it,” Frost said.

As she got further and further away from her father, Frost suspected nothing unusual.

It wasn’t until six months had passed that her mother was arrested for kidnapping.

During these six months, Frost realized that she didn’t live with the generic suburban mom.

“She was a pathological liar [and] she used to steal stuff,” Frost said. Frost’s mother faced several criminal charges and police warrants even before the kidnapping incident.

“My mom never really cared about me,” Frost said.

Soon after her mother was arrested, Frost’s parents fought for custody. With her mother’s criminal record, custody of Frost went to her father. Frost’s mother went to jail shortly afterward.

“When Sierra was kidnapped, it was the saddest day of my life,” said Frost’s father, Andrew. “The day I received custody of Sierra was one of the happiest days of my life.”

Frost hasn’t seen her mother since then and doesn’t want to see her again.

“You can’t really be angry at someone who wasn’t there.”

Although the experience made a big impact on her life, Frost doesn’t cling to the past.

“You can’t really be angry at someone who wasn’t there,” Frost said.

Initially, she lied about her mother because she thought the real story was embarrassing. As time passed, Frost became more confident.

“It makes me a stronger person,” Frost said. “People say that mothers are really protective. I don’t have a mother figure, so it’ll be easier for me to go out into the real world.”

And sure enough, Frost is the essence of a bold and strong person. She exudes persona through her confident posture, outspokenness, her smile, and, most importantly, her sense of humor.

“The things she says and how she says them always seemed to be filled with confidence and humor,” said Meghan Houghton, ’18, one of Frost’s closest friends.

When she grows older, Frost wants to become a journalist. She expresses her passion for journalism by writing for her church’s newsletter and participating in essay contests. Just last year, she won a scholarship for an essay that she wrote about her mother.

Through journalism, Frost wants to share her story with others and create more peace in the world.

“We keep striving to be perfect [but] if I could do anything, I would make the world united.”

Charles, a 16 year old girl that goes to Iowa City West High School. She has a life story like no other.

Charles’ mother who has always been there for her and has helped her through difficult times such as her grandmother’s passing away.

BY PRATEEK RAIKWAR

“[He told me] To just be yourself [...] be yourself to handle the situation.” Said Charles ’16

Dysfunctionality calamity

raikwarprateek9@gmail.com

About three to four years ago, Irena Charles ’16 was getting fed up of having a family that just did not communicate and work the way it should. That is when her uncle, mom and her all moved to Iowa and started listening and talking to each other at last. Today, she is a happy 16-year-old girl with a brother on his way.

Her family and her are very inspirational, considering how she managed to develop a good family relationship, she is Charles. Her father may have even left her before she was born but that will not affect her as she has a much stronger support group in her family and has an especially helpful and caring uncle. Not only a very real and down to earth person, Charles also participates in extracurricular activities such as basketball.

Wearing her hair in a top, the confident and asked what her favorite out that this quote was

ponytail, in a tank happy Charles was quote was, it turns also from her uncle.

Charles’ friend, Nia Tomas ’17, was asked if she had noticed any differences in Charles’ behavior after the family became better, she replied in a positive way.

“I have noticed a difference,” said Tomas, “she seems more energetic and enthusiastic about things rather than being depressed and sad. She seems more open to doing things and being charismatic.”

Tomas, and Charles’ uncle, Gregory Geffrard, then answered one of my questions regarding Charles’ future baby brother, Isaiah, and what role he would play.

“I feel the baby will bring them closer together. When they lived here I felt they were kind of separated, from what I observed from Irena’s stories about her and her mother, they seemed to live in different worlds yet stayed in the same house,” said Tomas, “I feel that the baby will make them that family unit that they need; they will show common love and care for the baby,” he said.

Turning-point timeline 1997- Charles is born in Boston, Massachusetts.

1999- Charles moves to Florida from Boston.

2002-2014 (On-going)- Charles continues to keep on switching schools and moving.

2002- Grandma dies, starting the family dysfunctionality.

2004-2006- Charles is raised by a single mom.

2009- Charles begins playing basketball.

2011- Charles moves to Iowa where she attends Iowa City West High School, where she still goes today.

“I believe it will be easy for him to fit into this new dynamic. Being a baby, we already have this innate instinct to make sure that he is protected and cared for.

It’s rather easy to be selfless when it comes to a baby because their needs are basic and they only learn what you teach them. We will choose to show him how to love above anything else, through by example,” Geffrard said.

Even after all of that, Charles remains strong to this day. She should be considered a big influence to other people today after all she has had to go through with her family and how her grandmother had died and kind of ruined the balance of the family.

Charles was ite subjects

then asked were, she

what her favorreplied smiling.

“I like English because it’s interesting. I have always really enjoyed short story units in school, and the English teachers are usually very good and send me good vibes,” said Charles, “I also like history of the world; pretty much anything that pre dates back to before where the world is now, just make sure you be yourself.”

2 0 0 0Lockers and three hours later

.

Every locker has an inspirational message on it.

From joining Behind the Mask, a club that helps raise awareness for mental illness. Whose favorite music is pop and dance. Who wants to live in a big city. To wanting to be a computer programmer.

Madeline Silva ‘16, is a person full of surprises.

When computer programmers are hungry they take mega-bites,. Silva takes a computer science class here at West. Computer programming is a way for Silva to prove she is just as talented as everyone else.

“It feels satisfying to fix problems,” said Silva.

She plans on going to college in a big city to become a professional computer programmer. Some of the most well known computer programing companies are Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. “Computer programming is one of the fastest growing fields,” said Silva. “But it is also male dominated.”

Because it is male dominated there are a lot of openings for females in companies.

Computer programming isn’t the only thing she is interested in. Silva joined Behind the Mask with a few of her friends last year when the club was created. Behind the Mask is a club that raises awareness for mental illness. This year they had put post it notes on everyone's locker, saying something like "Don't give up". Silva had helped write and put them up for three hours after school.

Silva helped fund raise by selling

roses to teachers and students.

The money they raised went to a national organization To Write Love on Her Arms, a organization for non-profit that also raises mental awareness.

Born in Mt. Vernon, Silva knows what a small town is, but

her favorite place to visit is New York City. She wants to visit places like San Francisco, Montana, and Wyoming. She wants to go to college in a big city and also live in places like New York City or Chicago.

FAST FACTS Favorite class: AP Computer Science Favorite movie: The Silence

of the Lambs

Favorite Restaurant: Noodles & Company Favorite book: Water Ship Down Favorite Band: Pet Shop Boys

Two siblings, one strong bond

BY IRENA CHARLES

Irena.charles21@gmail.com

family is from India plays soccer plays three instruments

H

aving an older sibling can be tough. having to live up to certain standards that older siblings

have set “She’s pretty sassy, if I’m going to be honest, but you know she stills like, tries to help me in school. Even if she doesn’t show it,” said Prateek Raikwar ‘18.

He finds his 18-year-old sister Apoorva to be one of the most influential people in his life.

“He may seem quiet to most people, but once you get to know him, he can be hilarious! “He’s also very accept-

ing,” says Apoorva Raikwar ’14 when asked how she would describe her brother.

For Prateek, he finds his sister to be very nice and helpful but he also finds her to be very sassy.

While in high school, Apoorva was a part of West High newspaper staff.

She loved the class so much that when registering for classes, she encouraged her younger brother to do the same. Something that both Apoorva and Prateek have in common, they both consider each other to be very talented. Apoorva finds Prateek to be talented with his passion for soccer.

As for Apoorva, Prateek finds her to be very good at sewing.

“She’s pretty good with fashion,” said Prateek.

To find out more about this interesting relationship, I next interviewed the mother of this interesting duo.

“I don’t think I have ever heard anyone complain from school/daycare about their behavior which makes me makes me proud that I taught them

well enough that they are well behaved,” said Mrs. Raikwar after asking if there was anything that both of her children had done that she is most proud of.

For Apoorva, she considers her brother to be one of her best friends.

Mrs. Raikwar loves to see her children work well together at home.

From doing the dishes or just helping each other out with homework, she loves their bond.

Prateek hopes for high school is to make it onto soccer team. He also hopes that his relationship can stay the same and they can build on it.

“I think that as we’ve grown very close to each other. When were younger, we fought a lot and I felt like I was always ‘in charge’ of him.

But now our age difference isn’t noticeable. Some people even think that he’s older than me. Were more like friends now than ever,” said Apoorva.

S M

O P

Fast Facts

Favorite place: Room, she likes being alone sometimes, getting away from everything. Also her room is where everything is Favorite memory: When she was little and the first time when she was on the stage.

by CRYSTAL FLANSCHA c.a.flanscha@gmail.com

Vaslau Nijinsky, Martha Graham, Josephine Baker, Gene Kelly and Michael Jackson all did it. Time, money and dedication all went into it. Two hours fifteen minute per day. Four days a week, nine hours. Twenty days,thirty-four hours and forty minutes per month. Two hundred and three days four hundred and five hours and twenty minutes. That is how long Rylee Petitgout 18’ dances per year.

Even though dancing is a big part of her life she still has other things she likes to do. She mostly hangs with friends and family but yet she still has things she wants to do on her bucket list she wants to go cliff jumping, go to a concert and sit in the front row, and go places like Paris, Bora Bora etc. Her role model is her mom, because she help with everything. Rylee is smart, but the biggest thing she has learned is “everything happens for a reason.” Even though Rylee has learned lessons she still dances and its helps with emotions.

The spotlight hits you, the music starts, and so do your feet. Your body starts moving swiftly but quickly. From the dance music being jazz or hip-hop to whatever she is in the mood for. She still is standing strong dancing. She has been dancing for around 11 years. The best part is she doesn’t only dancing with her friends but also her sister.

“It’s really cool having Rylee on the team with me. Whenever I need help or she needs help with something we can help each other at home.” said Sidney Petitgout 16’.

Moving doesn’t seem good but the opportunity does. “It would be a lot different if I lived in California it would be more competitions, but because I live in Iowa there’s not many opportunities,” said Petitgout ‘18, but she won’t want to move, because after high school she doesn’t want to dance. She wants to focus on college, family, and friends. She still isn’t yet sure what she wants to be when she grows up.

But she still has time to figure that out. As of now she is going to keep dancing and see what happens.

“Rylee has come so far in her dancing.

It’s really cool to see Rylee and her sister dance together.” Rylee’s Mom said.

DARING GIRL Travels the world

BY RYLEE PETITGOUT r.petitgout@gmail.com

You’re getting off the hot airplane, the excitement building up inside you. You have finally arrived. You walk out of the airport, lugging all your bags. You search for a taxi to catch, admiring all the different people walking around you. You think about all the things you are going to experience here. This is New York.

Crystal Flanscha ’18 is a freshman at West High School who is a very optimistic, daring, social, and outgoing girl. Flanscha loves to travel the world.

She has traveled to many places including: Florida, New York, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and many more.

Flanscha, being the daring girl she is, made a bucket list. On her bucket list, she wishes to go skydiving and also to go to Paris and California. Another thing on there is to not do things she will regret later on in life. “Everything happens for a reason,” she said. When she gets older, Crystal mentioned she wanted to be in the air force but “it changes week to week,” Flanscha said.

When Crystal was about 9, she traveled to South Dakota with her family. One day of their vacation, Crystal’s family went on a drive and got out of their car to look at something. All of the sudden, she heard a man call, “GET BACK IN YOUR CAR!” They raced into their car. There was a stampede of buffaloes coming towards them. “The whole thing was crazy,” Crystal said.

Recently, Crystal visited New York with her boyfriend, Jonah Marcussen ’18, who is also a freshman at West High School. Marcussen described their trip in three words as, “fun, adventurous, and amazing.” They traveled with Jonah’s family. During this trip, they saw five broadway shows, including The Lion King and Cinderella.

When Crystal gets older, she wants to continue to travel. She also wants to move out of Iowa and move to New York or California. “I want to live someplace big,” she said.

She likes volleyball, basketball, and Crystal said, “I like to get away and hanging out with friends see the world.” This shows her perHer grandpa is the most important sonality well. She is a very optimistic person in her life girl who makes the best out of things.

FAST FACTS

Her role model is her uncle

Wants to be in the airforce when she’s older Her favorite quote is, “everything happens for a reason.”

Source

Dancing Since She Was 3 Talk About Commitment

11

years ago, freshmanTaylor Fridrich's mom took her to the dance studio, and it has been her second home ever since.

“I basically grew up at the studio,” Fridrich said.

She practices almost every type of dance of dance except for tap. She also qualified for nationals at a camp in Illinois with their pom routine, and they will be going in February.

“The coolest place a competition has taken me is Orlando.”

Fridrich has descendants from Germany and from Italy. She told me that she is related to the person who invented the Ferrari (a brand of very fast supercars). She has never been to Italy or Germany but she hopes to go to one or both of those countries one day. er other interests include hanging out with her friends. She also used to collect business cards. “If you needed someone's business card, I probably had it,” Fridrich said. She would just pick one up every time she went somewhere where they had a business card.

Both Fridrichs parents are dentists and she wants to follow in their footsteps.

“No, I don't feel pressured to be a dentist just because my parents are.

I just like the field.”

She wants to go to college in the big city to study dentistry and later become a dentist.

Taylors Favorite Styles of Dance 1) Contemporary 2) Jazz 3) Pom 4) Modern 5) Ballet

Life

with

six cats

Stories on Quentin Davis and his pets

BY SHAWN THACKER

O

thacker.v.shawn@gmail.com

ne out of three Americans has one. Vladimir Lenin did. So did Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Freddy Mercury and even Edgar Allen Poe. Quentin Davis ’18 has six. That’s right, he has six cats.

Ever since his childhood Quentin remembers a household with a population of cats. Currently, Quentin has: Willow, Muffin, Pepper, Misty, Foggy and Tica.

Wearing khaki shorts and a yellow t-shirt from one of his summer camps, was Quentin Davis. He has an innumerable amount of interesting stories about his cats, from waking up to a cold glass of water spilled upon him by Missy, to finding all his hard work on making and icing cupcakes ruined by one of his cats eating the icing.

“One of our old cats, Pickles [was 14 at the time]. We had just finished our Thanksgiving when [he] jumps up on the counter and grabs the turkey carcass and runs off with it,” Quentin said. One of the benefits of having so many cats is that Quentin has many funny stories to tell. Time after time again, Quentin continues to share these types of interesting stories. The number of stories he had and the detail in which he remembered them was surprising. More and more, these cats gained a personality of their own, each and every one of them.

“Foggy, he’s high-strung. Sometimes if he is sniffing something cautiously and you stomp your foot, he’ll jump three feet in the air,” Quentin said.

Schyler Davis ’16 also had some input on Foggy’s personality. “[Yeah] Foggy is pretty high-strung. But he’s also talkative, tough, friendly, and he loves to play with his sister, Misty. Even though Misty and Foggy aren’t brother and sister by birth, they were in the same cage in the animal shelter and they’ve always cared for each other,” Schyler said.

CAT

STATS

Willow: 12 years old, orange coloring, sweet, talkative and smart.

While most of their cats are from the animal shelter, Willow had a different story. “One 12 day the boys and I were walking with the stroller through Willow Creek park. On the way back, we saw this cute little orange kitten. I was concerned that she might be lost. I ended up Muffin: chasing her through all those bushes, weeds and bramble along the path, and up and down Six years old, calico, indepenseveral trees before I was finally able to catch her. We put up signs all over the neighborhood dent, and doesn’t like humans. but no one claimed her, so we kept her!” said Quentin’s mother Robyn Davis.

One thing that the whole Davis family has agreed on is that having these cats has enriched 6 and enhanced their life greatly.

“Having cats has always been a special part of our life. They give us love, joy and fulfillment.

Pepper: I cannot imagine our life without them.” Robyn said.

Besides his interesting anecdotes about cats, Quentin is a six year pianist enrolled at West Four years old, dark grey coloring, very sweet, wimpy and fun High who aspires to become a meteorologist. He said that weather and the clouds always had loving. fascinated him, and he always looked up to weathermen.

4 In addition to these aspirations, Davis has always loved comedy. To him, humour is a way of life, just as real as living with his cats is. With his eye-rolling style of humor, Quentin tries to make you laugh and feel better.

Foggy: “I just love when people laugh, because I know that they’re happy. I hate it when people are Two years old, dark grey colorsad,” Quentin said. ing, talkative, friendly, tough.

Loves to play with his sister, Misty.

2

Misty: Two years old, light grey coloring, fluffy, huge ego, bullys other cats and is the “alpha cat” of the family.

2

Tica: One year old, black coloring with white belly, sweet, tough and has stomach problems.

1

Music is the Muse

About five years ago, Caleb Thurman ’17 was listening to the radio on a bus ride home.

“I heard the song “Just Dance” playing on the radio, and I became very fascinated with it,” Thurman said.

He realized how outgoing Lady Gaga is and how she gets her fans so excited about her music. She was the one who started it all, creating the person he is today.

The sound. The music. All coming together at once. His lyrics. His beats. All spilling out and creating one magnificent sound.

“It’s kind of weird, but in a good way. Mostly because you can’t decide whether to be sad or get up and dance. It’s a good contrast, though.” Said Saylor That is how Thurman’s music makes people feel.

Thurman loves to write music and just be able to express himself. “The way you say it matters; you can say the same thing it’s just the tone you use that makes it different,” Caleb Thurman’ 17 said.

want.” Thurman is truly an inspiring man, not caring what others think and just being able to be himself around everyone.

Thurman’s family and friends are very supportive Thurman is such an upbeat and inspiring person of his music. it is hard not to enjoy his company.

“My parents are always super proud and supporti“He’s a very ecstatic person who can be himself vAAAs long as I don't lose my priorities,” Thurall the time. Thats with his techno stuff. But he man said. “It’s probably the greatest feeling having can also be a person who can focus on one thing at them be so proud of me;it really means the world a time and make it amazing. As he does with his to me.” slower stuff,” said Cole McKillip.

He has been writing music since about the age of 10. This year he has really taken off with it all and has recently been finishing a great album.

His full name is Caleb Nicholas “Some of his techo stuff is very upbeat. I really Thurman. like it. It gets you excited for no reason so that’s His favorite color is purple. what I like about it,” said Cole McKillip.

His favorite song is Not in That He has a great sense of music and really enjoys Way by Sam Smith listening to artists such as: Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, His favorite animal is a tiger.

Troye Sivan, and many others.

“I like Sam Smith because he writes such sad muScariest thing was going on the sic but he does it in such an uplifting way,” Thurglass box on top of Willis Tower Source man said. “And Lady Gaga is so inspiring because through the years of watching her and growing with her, she has taught me that I can be who I

FAST FACTS

A true team player

BY NINA ELKADI NINA.ELKADI@GMAIL.COM

Conor is around 5’11’’

When football, basketball, baseball and even gymnastics didn’t click - Conor Zielinski ’17 found his true passion: soccer.

Zielinski began playing soccer at age four, and ever since then it has been an incredibly large part of his life.

“Fun fact given his passion; his first word was ball,” said Zielinski’s mom, Julie. Zielinski is out on the field everyday playing midfield, but for him it’s much more than a game; it’s a team effort.

“He is a team leader, he is the team leader,” said Kavir Ramos ’16, a teammate.

There is so much more to Zielinski than soccer. He grew up engrossed in music, first learning to play the violin at age three.

“He begged to play the violin - he played for six years before switching to piano and guitar,” said Julie. Travelling is a also a big part of his life, and having been to 45 states and many countries around the world, “It’s fun,” said Zielinski.

Soccer takes Zielinski out of the real world and into just focusing on what’s at hand; the game.

“You don’t have to worry about grades while playing, just winning,” It’s his escape, and something he enjoys more than anything else.

Making the state team is one of the many accomplishments Zielinski has achieved in his soccer career.

“I got the opportunity to play with people from all around Iowa and compete against many different states across the U.S.,” Being so successful in the game already, the possibilities are endless for Zielinski.

He lost a tooth at the Louvre

He can play the trumpet

He has a younger brother named Harry

He is 15 years old

Limitless travel in the eyes of Nina Elkadi BY, CONOR ZIELINSKI

CJZIELINSKI14@GMAIL.COM

Not many high school students get to travel around the world, but Nina Elkadi '18 has gotten this opportunity many times in her life If you knew Elkadi’s family at all the traveling would make sense; her dad is from Turkey but was raised in Egypt and her mom is from Poland.

They met when Hani, Nina’s dad, was a member of the University of Iowa International Writing program. Nina is their only child.

“I think the fact that my parents are both from out of the country is what makes them want to travel and let me experience different cultures and places,” Elkadi said.

Nina’s friend Julie Watkins has known Nina’s family to travel a lot.

“At least once a year they travel out of the country,” Watkins said.

Elkadi said that the thing that she enjoys the most about her travels is the ability to see and experience different cultures.

“Nina has always liked to travel. She most enjoys observing different cultures and visiting with people. Initially, she was reluctant to try different foods. I remember one trip to Poland where she lived on Kinder Chocolate Eggs and plain spaghetti for two weeks. Now when she travels she will at least try new foods,” said Ewa Bardach Nina’s mom.

When going places for Nina there is no limit.

“Last summer I went to Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and the Netherlands,” Said Nina. As far away from the U.S as these places sound, they’re not the farthest Elkadi has traveled.

“Egypt is the farthest place from the U.S. that I have been. Even with flying it is still a two day trip,” Said Nina.

The cultural part of Nina is evident, with her favorite place to visit being Budapest.

“If I could visit any place in the world again I would visit Budapest, because it is close to everywhere in Europe, the food is great, and the culture is amazing there,” she said.

The effects of traveling on Nina are evident.

“When I grow up a job that I would love to have would have to do with something international.”

FAST FACTS Nina’s dad was put under house arrest in egypt for speaking out against the government.

Nina’s favorite color is deadly nightshade with a mix of cornflower Nina is 5’0 Nina is fourteen years old Nina plays the guitar and trumpet.

Profile on Madi Barta ‘18

LEARNING HOW TO BE TAUGHT What is life teaching you?

BY CALEB THURMAN cthurmanmusic@gmai.com

M

adi Barta ’18 may be “just a freshman,” but this young woman is wise beyond her years. She is one who believes that there is always a reason for everything that happens, no matter how hard it may be to get through it.

“In the end, it will show you something,” Barta said with a confident smile.

She knows this first hand.

Barta’s biggest lesson One long hallway, a room full of benches and an overpopulated lobby full of family that are all foreign to her...Barta begins to look around; tissues are holding the hands of family members and waterfalls are cascading from their eyes. Hands empathetically rest on shoulders as everyone tries to comfort each other. An out-of-touch man walks around, apologizing and consoling for what Barta’s family was going through.

“And in that moment, I realized not everyone is here forever. I shouldn’t take the people in my life for granted,” Barta said.

“But no matter how painful the situation is, everything happens for a reason.”

She walks into the sanctuary and sits down with her parents on one of the many benches. The man begins to speak compassionately. In that moment, Barta was upset, but she kept her head held high.

Her grandmother’s passing truly changed the way that she saw the physical world. Forever.

“Our grandparents passed away around the same time, so we really felt for each other [...]. She loved her grandmother very much and she was very close to her,” Grace Moreland ’18 said. Moreland is a close friend of Barta, they have gone through much of their lives together, and dealt with similar strifes at the same time.

“When Madi’s grandmother passed, it made her very sad; but, she realized that her grandmother was in a better place and it made her a better and stronger person.”

How Barta has changed Although losing a loved one is difficult, Barta made the best of it. And now, she has visibly grown into a compassionate young woman.

“You can always count on her to cheer you up or help you out with a problem; she is always there for people,” Moreland said.

“Madi is one of the nicest and funniest people that I know,” Rylee Petitgout ’18 has a lighter view on Barta.

“She is loud, crazy. and simply fun to be around...At first she is shy, but once you get to know her she’s pretty crazy.

My favorite thing about her is her personality; she is overall a genuine person who is really fun to be around!”

Words of wisdom Barta also has a few more lessons that she has learned.

“I think that people should not judge someone before they know them -- or even after. People should understand each other, or at least try.”

Her mother is quite the influence on this belief.

“My mom always told me to be kind to everyone, and not to be mean.”

And now, as she grows into adulthood, this belief matures and grows within her.

If Barta could let the world know one thing, she said that it would be, “If life is rough, keep going [because] it gets better...But everything happens for a reason.

It’s to teach you something.” And that it is. She has learned how to be taught.

What are you learning from life?

Coke or Pepsi?

Fast Facts on Madi Barta!

Coke or Pepsi?

MB: Coke!

CT:

iPhone or Android?

MB: iPhone CT:

Left or right handed?

MB: Right handed CT:

Reading or writing?

MB: Writing CT:

Favorite movie?

MB: The Fault in Our Stars CT:

Favorite song?

MB: ”All Of Me”

by John Legend CT:

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Mason Wang

By Braedyn Dochterman

Favorite Movie

Special Talent(s)

Hardest thing to deal with Career/job for as a grown-up

Favorite Place to be at

Left: the 5 Facts of Mason Wang comics. These are the original series of drawn comics that show examples of the interview questions of Wang. First one is the favorite movie question, second is the fame question, third is the favorite place to be at question, fourth is the ping pong question, and finally the fifth is the 42%

The Entrepeneur in Training Ace Holst ‘16 talks ambition and inspiration

BY MADELINE SILVA

mad.silva.ic@gmail.com

W

alking into freshman Ace Holst’s father’s motorsports dealership, the first thing you’d notice would probably be the pervasive and unsurprising smell of gasoline. As the glass doors swoosh shut behind you, your ears would pick up the whirr and hum of motorcycles being serviced and muffled voices of salesmen, as you gaze at the rows of shiny new ATVs, snowmobiles, and scooters. The most important part of the ambiance, however, is undetectable: the multigenerational entrepreneurial spirit that flows from the founder to his son.

“I think I want to become a business owner like my dad one day,” Holst said. While he doesn’t yet know exactly what he wants his future business to be, he’s already taking general business. He is enamored with the idea of being beholden to no one, being able to pursue his own ideas, and becoming the proverbial self-made man. And as college anxiety gears up to steal the inner peace of many of his freshman peers in the coming years, Holst is a model of stoicism and moderation; he doesn’t consider college vitally important for his career aspirations and plans to follow in his father’s footsteps by going for two years and then striking up on his own.

Ace has taken part in motorsports from a prodigious age, as per his father, Rob Holst.

“Ace has been riding motorcycles since the age of 3.” He now rides a scooter to school every day and although he hopes to own a full-size motorcycle in the future, he doesn’t harbor pipe dreams of one day making a living with such things.

“An unrealistic dream would be to race professionally, but that’s probably not going to happen,” said Holst.

Perhaps hinting at a propensity for speed, another passion of Holst’s is cross-country; although he initially wasn’t impressed.

“My mom made me join, because she was the coach,” he said of his sixth-grade beginnings. Over time, it grew to be the most important activity in his day-to-day life, a source of friendships, satisfaction and the occasional horrific moment.

“One time I was running and this kid just turned his head and threw up, and just kept running,” Holst said. His biggest win to date was coming in second place in a diathalon (an event that involves running, biking and running once again), whereupon, in the manner of a victorious Roman athlete being laureled, he received a $15 Scheels gift card.

Asked to personify Holst, Charlie Code ’17, a childhood neighbor whom Holst has known since age two, described what he thought of Holst.

“Ace is an awesome, nice dude,” said Code, and went on to describe him as easygoing and laid-back. Code also empathized with his friend’s ambitions: “I could see why he’d want to be an entrepreneur from [his dad’s store]… it’s a really cool shop.”

FAVORITES

Band- Cage the Elephant Movie- Mean Girls Book- Inferno by Dan Bailey Waste of time- Videogames Videogame- FIFA Source: Ace Holst

WSSPAPER.COM SEPTEMBER 2014 PROFILES 37

FINDING HER BEAT Fast Facts

• Has eaten cricket chips (made with real crickets) before!

• Obsessed with Doctor Who. Favorite Doctor? Matt Smith and David Tenant.

• Has been to all 50 states except Florida, Alaska and Hawaii.

• Is friends with Jay Asher, the author of 13 Reasons Why. • Loves cats and has three!

BY CATHERINE JU

ju.catherine.18@gmail.com

It’s the first day you’re playing in the orchestra at the school you just recently moved to. Your orchestra director asks you and the orchestra to play a D-major scale. You’re confused, not really sure what to do. You sit there with your bow on the cello string attempting to follow along with the people around you. Everyone else is moving their fingers up and down the strings in time with the director. Tears well up in your eyes. This is how student Kayla Shader `18, felt on her first day of playing orchestra in seventh grade.

Uncomfortable first days are nothing new for Shader. Born in California, Shader soon moved to Oregon, Maryland, and then Iowa. By age 12, she had attended seven schools. During this, Shader often found it hard to adjust, and to find and maintain friendships. In the midst of all the moving, Shader still found time to join the sixth grade orchestra in Maryland, playing the cello. And when she moved to Iowa, she met a fellow cellist in orchestra, Anna Hitchcock `18. “[Anna] was my first real friend. I remember one time I turned around and stuck my tongue at her because she kept poking me with her bow. That’s when we really became friends,” Shader said.

In Maryland, taking 15 minute cello lessons once a week didn’t help Shader improve very much. When she arrived in Iowa, she realized she was a little behind.

“If I remember rightly, they started orchestra a year later than we did here. She came across as timid and a little shy, and I could tell that she was feeling slightly overwhelmed by the music we were playing,” said North Central orchestra director Mark Awad.

“All I knew really, were the names of the strings,” Shader said.

“I was really stressed.”

Usually, if you take music lessons at school, you’ll go to a 25 minute lesson once a week, but to try to catch up with the other orchestra students, Shader took two lessons a week and a separate private lesson outside of school. Such an intense schedule of grueling cello lessons and practices did nothing to stop Shader’s desire to play the cello. She was incredibly dedicated. “[She is] determined, strong willed, and an awesome cello player,” Hitchcock said.

She moved up from being last chair in the beginning of her seventh grade year to first chair in the end of eighth grade.

“She never gave up, and I’m glad she didn’t. She grew as a player and grew more confident and outgoing as well. She was well-known and liked by her peers, but never clique-y, always approachable,” Awad said.

Shader is easily recognizable with her curly, dirty blonde hair, with the ends dyed blue. She often wears long skirts and is always sporting a different combination of various bracelets, anklets and necklaces.

“I have one of those tree racks, you know, to hang jewelry on.

Well, now you can barely even see the tree. Yeah, I have a lot,” Shader said.

When asked about the future, Shader said, “Yes, definitely freaking playing the cello in the future, in college.”

Her goal is to have people see a cello and not think of it as boring; instead, she hopes they think of it as an, “old-timey musical instrument that can still play the cool, modern music too,” Shader said.

Big dreams require supportive friends

by Isabelle Hingtgen bellenwjh@gmail.com

For Christian Zirbes ’16, education and school are important.

When asked what his favorite class was, Christian replied “science” with little hesitation. He said it is very applicable to life, therefore more enjoyable. “I can’t look at something and explain it with math, I can explain it with science”, said Zirbes.

Life isn’t all about school for Zirbes. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends. “I guess I would say he’s pretty chill”, Stefan Schmidt ’16 said. “He can be loose with his words but at heart he’s easy going and accepting.” “He is in one word, a mature person.” “An older brother figure”, said another friend of Christian’s, Joshua Kwok ’17.

Zirbes also enjoys playing tennis and watching T.V. As a result, he has come to suggest some really good shows. Dexter, Psych, and Scrubs being his top picks. If Zirbes could travel anywhere in the world, he would like to visit China or the United Kingdom because they are “prominent places to go”.

Zirbes draws inspiration from his role model Bill Gates. The reason? “Because he’s rich”, said Zirbes. Another role model of Christian’s is Steve Jobs.”He’s more innovative”, Zirbes said of Steve.

Zirbes has big plans for the future. Getting into medical school being his biggest, and possibly toughest. He hopes to get into Duke University. However, he realizes because Duke is such a “highly selective school”, this is easier said than done. His friends seem to believe in him though. “Christian has a great memory that can apply things he learns to his work”, Kwok said. “He is smart and studies hard so he could definitely get into med school.” As Zirbes continues to work towards his future, his friends have his back, supporting him along the way.

“I have very high standards, but Christian definitely has the intelligence necessary to be a doctor.” “He seems to learn a lot about what interests him”, said Schmidt. “If medicine is Christian’s passion he’ll succeed in it.”

Fast Facts Favorite Food: Fried Rice Favorite Color: Green Favorite Ice-Cream Flavor: Butter Pecan Favorite Thing to do Outside of School: Sleep

JU

OVER

SEAS A Trip To Formosa

BY KAYLA SHADER

harold.cure.org@gmail.com

Catherine and her friends

Catherine Ju '18 is in the clean smelling, sparkling, freshly swept and dusted classroom filled with girls all with their heads down.

While Ju is in the back trying to get some rest after a hard working after lunch, something unexpected is about to happen in the front.

Taiwan (aka “Formosa” meaning “beautiful island”) is a beautiful island just east off the coast of China. In the east you'll find monstrous mountains and in the west you'll find peaceful rolling hills. And if you go deep enough into the land you might find an old mining town that's meow filled with cats called Houton!! "Last year, we went to this cat town where there were SO MANY CATS EVERYWHERE! In flower pots, on roofs, in the streets, on the fences. The towns train station sky walk was even in the shape of a cat!" Said Catherine Ju '18.

Last summer Catherine Ju's mother, Chi-Yu Haung, made Catherine go to an all girls school

that Chi-yu used to attend herself when she was young for a couple days. The school that Catherine was attending is a lot different from the one she is attending now. The school has grades 7 to 12 and instead if the students going from class to class the teachers go from class to class.

After lunch (which consist of rice and beans "and some other stuff I can't remember" Ju '18 said.) the girls help clean the bathrooms, hallways, desks, chairs, shelves, etcetera etcetera, and then go back to their classrooms and lie their heads down for about a half an hour for a "nap".

While Catherine was taking her nap with everybody else something unexpected happens. "I remember though, that the days I was there, everyone snuck to the back of the room where I was sitting and were talking and asking me a lot of questions. Stuff like do you have a boy friend? What's your school like? It was so much fun though! My last day, so many people gave me little notecards and letters!" Ju wrote in an email she sent me a couple days after the main interview.

I asked her through email if any of here friends were there. "Here are some of my friends names, Cindy Liao, Patti Lai. They helped me out a lot, showing me around the school, brining me supplies." Ju replied. Even though she likes West High, she will always keep the memory of that day with her and always remember the cat town of Houton.

Fast Facts

•Favorite thing to do: Draw,(cute things) read (fantasy) •Sports: Ran cross country in jh and track •Pets: cat named Captain •Sub in school: American studies •Favorite song: Regina Spektor, Mika (indie, alternative) •Favorite animal: cats •Want to be when grow up: “[I’m]not very sure but I want to do something involving music and/or art.”

Catherine Ju ‘18 •Has ridden on an elephant

Far from a place to call home

BY ELLE BODE

Boxes were everywhere, things were out of place, and thoughts of leaving her friends were racing through her mind. Moving wasn’t a new experience to Karli Maurer ’18, and these feelings had been with her before. Karli had moved a grand total of seven times.

“It taught me to grow up and be more independent at a young age,” Karli said.

Being so young, making new friends came as a part of growing up. Karli took that in a positive way and to this day continues to use her social skills when meeting new people.

Moving has taught Karli an important lesson on independence that will stay with her for the rest of her life.

Karli was born in Marion where she described people as “very tall.” Karli hasn’t always been the tallest and is now around 5’ 2”. Shortly after being in Marion, Karli and her family of three moved to Dubuque. Karli has always lived with her mom, Kelly McGowan, and her brother, Nolan Maurer.

“Not growing up with my dad around and always moving made my family of three a lot closer,” Karli said.

In second grade her family packed up and headed to Chicago to support her aunt who was struggling with depression. Karli felt this was the hardest move. Within the same year they moved to Iowa City where they lived in two different houses. Karli remained in Iowa City until fourth grade when she moved to Wisconsin. She felt Wisconsin was more of a vacation because they didn’t live there very long. “Wisconsin was full of people interested in nature,” Karli said. In fifth grade she moved back to Marion where some of her family lived.

“Moving has been a big part of my life and it changed me for the better,” said Karli Maurer ‘18.

“Moving wasn’t fun but it also was a great way to meet new people and start new friendships,” said Karli’s brother, Nolan Maurer ’17.

In sixth grade Karli moved to Ankeny where the people were very competitive and school was harder. Finally, she landed here in North Liberty where she began middle school at North Central Junior High.

“I felt that moving gave us a fresh start. We got to meet so many people in our lifetime and I think that it really shaped how we are now,” said Karli’s mom, Kelly McGowan.

One of the big reasons Karli moved was to live near and get close with family members. Karli and her family plan to stay here in North Liberty until she graduates high school and see where life takes them after that. She loves North Liberty and is happy to be here for good. She has met many new friends that are here to stay.

“Let’s just say I’ve met a lot of people,” Said Karli.

FAST FACTS

Karli previously made youtube vidoes for one year.

Karli has three siblings.

Karli has had glasses for four years.

Karli played softball until 5th grade.

Karli’s favorite store to shop at is Pacsun.

“Being the ‘new girl’ was hard at first, but I learned to be more outgoing,” Said Karli.

‘Serving’ for the

Top with

Makyla Strunk

Smack! The ball soars over the net, slams into the ground, and ends the game. The team cheers and excitement floods the court. Makyla Strunk ’16 and her volleyball team have just won their last game.

“Volleyball is what I do,” Strunk said. “I love the excitement and the teamwork so much.” Strunk, who’s volleyball position is a libero, has named volleyball her passion for eight years and now plays on the varsity team

her as small, funny, and full of energy. “She’s super energetic and can make you want to kill her, but that’s what I love about her,” said Dahm.

Strunk’s small height, and energy, helps her in volleyball, and quickens “I think it’s awesome that she goes her speed to help her win the game. out there and kills it on the court,” said friend Lyndsey Dahm ‘16, “she’s so good and I think her passion re- Her energy also helps her, and her ally drives her.” volleyball friends, have fun at other schools, and find stuff that West Strunk has made many winning High might not have. “One time passes, digs and serves, and has we were running around before the helped win many games for her game and found this rock climbteam in her volleyball career. ing wall,” said Strunk, “it was really You can see Strunk in the hallway cool.” sporting pastel dresses and a big Stunk believes in never taking anysmile. Her friends describe thing for granted and to live your life. “I don’t have any regrets, all I

can think of is how far I’ve come,” said Strunk. One of her favorite ‘no regret’ moments was when her sophomore volleyball won their last game. “We were down by a lot of points and the game was almost over,” said Strunk, “then my team hit a lot of serves which gained us a ton of points and we won our last team game. It was a really great moment.”

Not taking anything for granted has helped form Strunk into a funny, carefree person. “She’s super fun and is always able to laugh at herself, but she has the attention span of a fly,”said friend, Emma Fowler ’16.

Over her life, Strunk has learned a lot of things, the biggest being that you just have to listen to others, no matter how hard it is. “I learned [to listen] from my mom because one day I realized she’s been through all this and actually understands,” said Strunk.

When she’s not on the court, Strunk loves vacationing in Florida,

and has high hopes to someday drive a race car. Her family consists of her mom, who is her role model, her dad, and her two twin brothers. “One of my happiest memories is when my brothers came home from the hospital because they were born 10 weeks early,” said Strunk on her family life.

Strunk spends her time messing around with her friends and trying new things. “Sometimes when she’s showering I turn off all the lights

and she freaks out because she’s Even though she is on a new team so scared of the dark,” said friend this year, she is still showing her love for the sport with lots of energy. Her Dahm. favorite team was her sophomore In the close future, Strunk wants to team, but has high spirits this year continue playing volleyball, and lat- will bring lots of fun and memories. er on, she hopes to become a physi- “It isn’t much work, but the practiccal therapist so that she can contin- es take up a lot of time,” said Strunk. ue helping others and staying active. From her beginning of playing the She plans to go to college, have four sport, when she only started bekids, and someday go to cause of her friends, to now, Strunk Hawaii and Paris. has made it a long way. “I’ve always been athletic,” said Strunk, “and I hope to stay that way.”

Fun Facts!

•She played the violin •She is very scared of the dark in junior high •She loves driving fast •She has no attention •She is only 5’2 span (according to •She wants 4 kids her friends) •Her and her friends ransack each others houses when the other isn’t home!

VO UE HER FAVORITE FALL FASHION TRENDS

FIVE THINGS ELLIE WOULD TAKE WITH HER TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

COVER GIRL: ELLIE GRETTER: WHAT SHE WANTS OUT OF LIFE AND HOW SHE PLANS TO GET IT

HOW ELLIE GOT INSPIRED TO BECOME A FASHION BUYER

by MADDIE MORIYAMA You wake up for school and are forced to decide what to wear in the morning. For some, sweatpants and a sweatshirt are a normal combination.

For others however, looking nice is something they desire. But what do you wear? The newest trend? If so, Ellie Gretter hopes to influence your decision.

“I want to be a fashion buyer,” said Ellie Gretter ‘18. Fashion buyers go to markets and purchase for their company for the next season. “You’re basically just shopping all the time.” said Gretter.

“She’s pretty, funny, high-spirited, and out-going.

She has great style and I love her clothing!” said Madi Barta ‘18, when asked to describe Gretter. “I don’t know her very well, but I know that she has some really cute clothes and is really pretty.” said Emma Andrus ‘18.

Standing at a height of 5’6, blonde hair pulled into a high bun, her black liquid eyeliner accentuating her hazel eyes and wearing a black and white patterned dress, with a teal green statement necklace and a pair of white Converse, she is already showing her appeal for fashion.

“People look at you differently when you dress nice, and I want people to see me as put-together.” said Gretter. On a trip to California when Gretter was eleven years old, her family stopped by Fashion Island, an open-air, upscale lifestyle center in Newport Beach. “I saw all the nice clothing, and I fell in love with the fabric, the feel, and the style.” Gretter is already putting her eye for fashion to work at clothing store Dulcinea in downtown Iowa City. “It’s a high-end women’s clothing store with clothes that are like Free People.”

When she’s not scoping out next season’s newest trends, she can be seen running for West High’s Cross Country team, shopping, and spending time with her close friends. “I do normal teenage girl things, but clothing and fashion is what I love.” said Gretter.

Gretter plans to go to college in Chicago, and later on in life, hopes to open up her very own high-end fashion boutique.

“I’m in love with the way clothing can change a person. It can make your day better and I hope that I can help lift someone’s confidence the way that clothing had lifted mine.”

Q&A

I: What’s your favorite clothing item you own?

EG: Probably my maroon dress with gold jewels.

I: What’s your faovrite fall fashion trend?

EG: Flannels with scarves and boots!

I: What’s fashion trend, out of all you’ve seen, is you least favorite?

EG: The neon Vans. I hate those! They look tacky!

I: What’s your favorite clothing store?

EG: Nordstrom. I love to get dresses and graphic tees from there.

I: What is something you wore as a child and cringe at now?

EG: Ballet flat Crocs!

I: If you had to choose five things from your closet to take with you to New York Fashion Week, what would you pick?

EG: My gray combat boots, my statement necklaces, my Michael Kors studded watch, my beige Free People dress and my floral kimono.

The Grind On

Skateboarding

BY BETHANY SCHILLINGER b.g.schill5@gmail.com

Sam Johnson `18 is a man of many talents; including airsoft, video games and doing the splits… but not in the way you might think.

Johnson enjoys to go skateboarding with his friends to pass the time and learn some new tricks. One day, Johnson was skating quickly, when his back foot slipped off the board. His front foot stayed on the board, however, and since his board kept moving forward Johnson was pulled into the splits.

Most days, though, Johnson’s time skateboarding is accident-free and instead full of different tricks.

“I can do an Ollie, a Fakie, a Pop-shove it, a Fakie pop shove it, and a Caveman,” Johnson said.

Johnson started skateboarding seven years ago, but dropped his hobby until about three months ago. Johnson and his friends like to skate around their neighborhood, or in front of their houses.

“A friend of mine has a rail and a box that we put out and do tricks on,” said Johnson.

Another common place for Johnson and his friends to skate is the Iowa City skate-park.

“At the Iowa City skatepark, it’s like a community. Everyone there knows each other and we’re all friends. It’s a great atmosphere,” said Mohamed Nour `17, a friend of Johnson’s.

Johnson and Mohamed met each other two months ago and

like Johnson, Mohamed loves to skate.

“There’s no coach telling you what’s right from wrong, not a specific way to do something right. It’s all based on your personal perspective,” said Nour.

In Johnson’s future he hopes to become an Airforce pilot.

His father has had a pilot’s license for three years and likes to fly as a hobby, sometimes taking Sam up into the air with him. Sam was inspired to become an airforce pilot because of the perks they have like free housing and good pay, but also because he simply enjoys being in the air.

“They say that if you play video games you have great reflexes, and that’s something that’s recommended for pilots,” says Johnson.

For now though, Sam is living a normal teenage life, shooting airsoft guns and going skateboarding with friends.

“Skateboarding’s just really fun and I really enjoy it,” said Johnson.

FAST FACTS

Sam once fell out of a 7 foot tree and landed straddled on a fence Has a dog (Piper) and two cats (Sasha and Nala) Used to play baseball Has double-jointed fingers Has been to California twice Source: Sam Johnson

Not your

Average Teen

“When I hear something about cancer it sends me back to Carol and makes me remember that cancer sucks.”

By sarah longmire

sarahbeth1999@gmail.com You are laying on the hot sand with the sun shining

I’ve had happen in my life,” said Connor. But he is glad to

Bates.

down on you as you hear the faint crash of waves against

“[The relationship between Connor and Carol was] very

have had the opportunity to be so close to his godmother,

the shore. You see a seagull flying overhead and kids play-

special. She loved him and loved having him around to

and even to have had a godmother as many kids don’t.

ing frisbee along the shoreline. This was what it was like

spend time with. Sleepovers were always welcome!” said

Connor still remember Carol in his day to day life. “When

for Connor Gast `16 when he went to Cancun, Mexico

Angie Gast, Connor’s mom.

I hear something about cancer it sends me back to Carol

for a vacation.

Going to the beautiful beaches of Cancun is only one of the unique experiences Connor has had in his life. In Cancun, Connor got to swim with dolphins, cliff jump,

Sadly, three years later Carol Bates was diagnosed with

and makes me remember that cancer sucks.” said Connor.

ovarian cancer. She had fought through it, but eventually

Carol will always be in Connor’s memory and continues

it came back and Carol passed away in July 2010.

to influence him to do his best everyday.

“When Carol died, it was definitely the hardest thing

This helps Connor in working hard in everything he does, especially in pursuing a future career in business .

and snorkel.

“I was scared at first but then my dad convinced me

“I definitely want to do something with business, most

to go,” Connor said, recalling swimming with dolphins.

likely sports and business,” said Connor. He works hard

“They would come up to you and you could feed and pet them.”

This trip wasn’t only special to Connor because of all the amazing experiences he had but because of whom he

Fast Facts

Connor thinks social media is out of control Loves to be outdoors

got to share them with.

Connor’s parents, Tracy and Angie, his sister Madi, and

Enjoys fishing

try to have a career with both.

“He likes sports and enjoys his business classes and be-

All these life experiences have made Conner the person he is today. “Connor is responsible, reliable and very kind

His role model is his Dad

smaller vacations but never one this big. The Gasts also spent almost every holiday and family event with the

Because of his love for business and sports he wants to

Connor’s older sister.

Has a dog named Rosco

“She was like a grandparent to me,” said Connor.

Before Cancun, the Gasts and Bates had gone on many

class I can.” said Connor.

ing physically fit is important to him.” said Madi Gast,

his godparents Joe and Carol Bates went on the trip. Connor was especially close to Carol.

to ensure that this happens. “I take every single business

Connor Gast

hearted.” said Angie.

What a big family Sarah Longmire

By Connor Gast You are nervous. Palms sweaty, heart racing.

You have no idea what to expect. Another addition to the family? And then boom, just like that you meet your new sibling. Sarah Longmire 17’ has not only been a part of just one adoption but four.

Sarah Longmire is the oldest of 8 children in her family. But it isn’t exactly your average big family. Not every kid in the Longmire family was a born into the family. Sarah has four adopted siblings. Three of them are from Korea and one (who hasn’t arrived yet) is from China. Jake who is from Korea is nine years old.

He is blind and hearing impaired. “I was really nervous with Jake because he was blind,” said Sarah. He was also the first child the Longmire family adopted, so the nerves were running wild. And then there is Phillip who was also adopted from Korea, he is seven years old.

Two more adopted children, Hannah who is six and Thad who is five. Hannah has only two fingers on each hand and has no feet. Thad

who is still in the process of being adopted has no arms. He is expected to arrive in the Longmire household hopefully sometime this year. Sarah also has 3 biological siblings: Mary Grace, Rebekah, and Luke.

“Sarah is such a great person to look up to. She handles the oldest sibling role very well.” said her sister Mary Grace.

Being the oldest sibling in your family definitely is a big job, especially with 4 adopted siblings.

When asked about how she felt about adopting children she had an interesting response. “I didn’t really know it was a thing,” said Longmire. She wasn’t fully aware that you could actually adopt a try child rather than kid.kid at the time. But Sarah warmed up to the idea quickly. “I thought it was super awesome,” said Longmire. Sarah and her family do many other great things. They took a trip to Belize with their church to help the less fortunate people build

FAST FACTS

Sarah loves to run cross coutry Her favorite movie is the Parent Trap Sarah’s role model is her m,om Loves photography Lived in Virginia in seventh grade

houses and interact. She said they played soccer, played music, and also told bible stories. While in Belize, she realized how fortunate she was and really learned to appreciate things more. Seeing people with houses smaller than a tool shed and being so happy really shows that you can make good out of any situation.

Sarah also really enjoys taking pictures with her high tech camera. Generally when she travels she takes photos of the people she sees there or the scenery. Sarah wants to be a photographer when she grows up and maybe do things along the lines of taking family pictures for people.

When asked if she could change the world she just said she wanted to change child poverty because when she was in Belize she saw the bad in it all.

Nobody thinks what I think. Nobody dreams when they blink.

Are you searching for purpose?

Then write something, yeah it might be worthless Then paint something then, it might be wordless Pointless curses, nonsense verses You’ll see purpose start to surface No one else is dealing with your demons Meaning maybe defeating them Could be the beginning of your meaning, friend.

Glowing Eyes

to be

Too

Jaded jad·ed /jādid/

By Natalie Jansen adjective tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.

The world is enormous and terrifying, but riveting and exuding with possibilities and life and love and everything in between.

Life is short but the longest thing we will ever have to endure, the longest thing we ever get the pleasure to see unfold before our eyes.

The world is contradicting and pretentious nothing makes sense yet everything can be explained with scientific experiments and dictionary definitions.

Trapped between two worlds, the real one and her writing, Natalie Jansen struggles between which world is truly the better one.

The one that is completely Natalie’s, and the world that seems determined to kick her down when she’s standing tall.

Moving is stressful, especially when it happens every other year, and at one time, that has yet to happen, during the school year.

Living in the same state four times is at least a bit promising, I mean, the land will, at the very least, be familiar.

Between navy green jackets, the language of flowers, broken pencils and bent-out-of-shape everything else in her life, Natalie strolls through the terrain one step at a time. Sometimes she stumbles, sometimes she falls, sometimes she wants to go back, but somehow she’s managed to stay on the path, one worn pair of shoes after another.

Writing is the one thing she finds solace in, in all forms, from reading it to writing it.

‘I hate how [Natalie’s] so good at descriptions.’ Her friend once told her, reviewing her latest piece of work.

Natalie calls it pretentious, well, she calls everything pretentious. It’s sort of her ‘go-to’ word, for some reason. One of them, at least, her vocabulary is perpetually growing and changing and morphing into something that makes even her most regular words are confusing to her father.

S.Alltarting Over Again

“The hardest part of moving was having to leave everything I was used to and starting over.”

BY ABBY JANS It hits you. Your life is about to change completely. You’re moving away from everything you’re used to. The city, the people, the activities - the things that make up your everyday life. Hannah Krupp `17 had to deal with this when her family decided to move to Iowa. Until eighth grade, Krupp’s family lived in Madison, Wisconsin, about a mile away from the Badgers Stadium. She liked Madison better than Iowa City, partly because she liked living in the capital of the state, and also partly because she felt like she had more established friends. Her family had debated whether they were going to move or not instead of just a decision based on one person’s opinion.

“Madison is a great college town with lots to do and it’s beautiful there,” Krupp said. “The hardest part of moving was having to leave everything I was used to and starting over.” Starting school, meeting people, and getting involved helped her with adjusting.

Hannah and her older brother, Michael, grew closer through the move.

According to her brother, they now

get along well.

“We didn’t when we were little, but it’s gotten better as we got older,” said Michael Krupp ‘14. “We don’t fight nearly as much as we used to.”

For him, the hardest part of moving was being without friends for the entire months of July and August.

“It was the worst summer of my life,” said Michael.

Hannah lived in Madison for seven years, and before that lived in Port Washington, which is also in Wisconsin. Her family moved to Iowa because her mom accepted a job delivering babies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. While in Wisconsin, Hannah participated in soccer and enjoyed hanging out with her friends. She attended eight different schools up until seventh grade. In eighth grade, she attended North Central Junior High and now attends high school at Iowa City West High. She now participates in cross-country and enjoys being with her family and friends. When she graduates, she plans to go back to Wisconsin to attend college.

“I would move back, but it would be hard.”

FAST FACTS

Hannah wants to major in psychiatry Her role model is her mom. She thinks of her as confident, successful, and isn’t afraid of being helpful and doing what’s right. They have a good relationship.

She hates how judgemental society is and thinks that no one can do anything that stands out or is different without being judged.

She wants to tour California and visit Australia.

She also enjoys reading, and her favorite book is My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Double the family,

Double the

FUN!

By Shati Cooper

Her dad walked out of what could be called

a well accommodated family of a loving mother and daughter. When he came back, he definitely did not come back empty handed.

Quinntessa Nicole Maxey-Kinney ’18 is the oldest of her four siblings, but what separates her from other big families is the fact that she is raised by not two parents, but four.

Her biological mother Nicole, biological father Andrew, stepmother Sharon, and step-father Michael have a respective relationship with each other despite their differences (i.e. parenting styles and choices) they’ve had and continue to not let it get in the way of their children’s lives.

Because they’re not old enough to understand, Maxey-Kinney’s siblings don’t seem to mind the big family even though she does understand where and how they came into her life.

“I love my family no matter where they came from or who they are because they play a big role in the reason why the way I am today,” Maxey-Kinney said.

To clarify what she meant by “where they came from” and she had stated that some of her siblings were her half siblings therefore, you can put two and two together on how the other parents had been introduced into the family. Later on in the day, I caught up with two of Maxey-Kinney’s closest friends.

“Her family is amazing and unique, just like her. Also, her siblings are so cute and sweet.” Maggie Ross, freshman at West High School ’18 said. Kaalon Williams, also a freshman at West High School ’18 commented on how Maxey-Kinney was lucky to have the nice siblings and parents that she does.

Having one biological mother, one stepmother, one biological father, one stepfather, two sisters and two brothers doesn’t stop Maxey-Kinney from loving and cherishing her family disregarding the differences that they share. She’s actually thankful for having an untraditional family. “Having families like mine make the world a more diverse place.

Besides, who would want to live in a world where everyone and everything was the same?”

Quick FActs On Quinntessa Her middle name is Nicole

She currently lives with just her biological mother, Nicole

Her birthday is December 10th

She has three dogs and one cat

Because of having families like her’s make life just a little more exciting than the rest; untraditional but extraordinary.

That’s So Sketchy

Fast Facts In Ice Age, the drawings of characters done by the children of the animators A typical lead pencil can draw a line that is 35 miles long.

During Renaissance and particularly in 1500s artistic painting was not considered a suitable occupation

People pull inspiration from many places. Some from life experiences, others from pure self creativity. Leah Dusterhoft on the other hand finds herself sketching to success ,no pun intended. “When I graduate, I want to work as a Graphic Designer.” Dusterhoft 17’ said.

Dusterhoft has many talents from track and field, motivating the wrestling to drawing. She also pulls her inspiration from life’s events ” I've been drawing since I was able to talk, its always been a hobby of mine.” Dusterhoft said. On Instagram Dusterhoft has displayed many of her projects. One picture that got the most likes was a picture of a wrestler. “ In my drawing I absolutely love using crazy vibrant colors and drawing portraits, especially, wrestlers.

People who don't draw would ask exactly how artistically inclined people like Dusterhoft drew such an extravagant piece of work. “I used inverted, contrasting colors to emphasize the muscle even more.” For those who want to learn how to draw more than a stick figure, Dusterhoft is your girl.

The first time that Leah had her first encounter with the Christian faith, was at a camp called Cricket Creek. “ Ever since i was ten every summer i would visit this camp, we would learn about the Christian faith and have tons of fun.”

Her parents also seem to be very supportive of Leah’s love for drawing. Her mom works as a secretary

for the University of Iowa and her father owns a local tire shop. When life gets busy, Dusterhoft still has time to spend with her friends and family - whether she’s cooking Cajun food or watching old movies “You make time for the people and things you love” Dusterhoft said.

Dusterhoft draws many things using oil paints to just regular sketching. “I want to draw things that catch other people’s attention; I want to draw about things that make people think.”But because Leah found her inspiration through a little bit of faith and perseverance, she was able to push towards her ultimate goal of becoming a Graphic designer.

IRISH DANCER 101

FAST FACTS She’s been playing the violin since she was 6 years-old.

Regrets 7th grade fashion.

Wants to adopt a child.

Favorite color is blue.

has no pets

Fenna Semken

By Makayla Strunk There are costumes, shoes and makeup everywhere. People are frantically running around looking at their watches and are ready to move when the lights shine on. The nerves start kicking in for Fenna Semken as she prepares to go on stage in her favorite blue costume.

Semken is only 14 years old and filled with so many talents.”She plays the violin, is very artistic, and is an irish dancer which I think is very unique and cool,” states her friend Bailey.

Her world revolves around dance and music. Besides dancing and playing an instrument, she also likes to sing, but rarely has time for it with her busy schedule.

When Semken grows up she wants to travel and study world music.

While doing this, she could visit some of the places she wants to go, like Ireland, Germany, Costa Rica, and Mexico. She has always wanted to go parasailing, so maybe she could throw that in there as well. But before all this, Fenna wants to go to college in California, get married and have two children. Hopefully, she dresses her kids cute going through junior high so they don’t regret their fashion just like her.“My whole wardrobe would be filled with Aeropostale clothes.” says Semken.

There is so much more than just dance in Semken’s life. She loves to hang out with her friends, Bailey and Cala. Bailey and Fenna met at Wapsie in 2013 and became good friends ever since. They have so many memories together.

“My favorite memory is when we went to wisconsin and played messy twister, jumped off docks, and just hung out.” says Bailey. “Fenna always cheers me up and makes me laugh on good and bad days, she is such a great friend.”

Cala is another one of Semken’s friends, who grew up with her. “Our moms went to pregnancy aerobics class together when they were pregnant with us, so I think that’s pretty cool.” said Cala.

Semken is surrounded by great friends and family.

Her family used to come to lots of Semken’s dance competitions, but not so much anymore because she has been dancing since she was 8 years old and that is a lot of watching dance. Her friends come to support her and her dance teacher is always there for her too.

She looks up to her dance teacher as a role model and is very influenced by her.

“I am most proud of my dancing and how far I have come.” Semken works extremely hard at her dancing, with nearly 19 hours a week of practices. Fridays and Saturdays are off days of practices, but she usually has competitions and recitals on those days. Not only, does she dance for herself, but she also teaches little kids how to dance, from ages 2 through 9. How does she manage to juggle all of her dance with homework and freetime?

“It is a lot of work, but it is worth it because its what i love to do.” “I love the people, the energy, and the nerves.”

Tennis love affair

BY HANNAH KRUPP hlkrupp@gmail.com

The court. Dark green with white lines coating its surface. The sun beats off of it and reflects onto your black shorts. You spin your racket in your hand and step up. Abby Jans ’17 is very involved in tennis, to say the least.

“My passion started to grow when I was about to start high school,” Abby Jans ‘17 said. The summer before freshman year, Jans invested most of her time into the sport she was developing a life around.

She began loving tennis and she no longer felt obligated to play. Jans put her heart and soul into developing the skill she needed to be as good as she possibly could before high school started. Jans became much more serious about tennis, and because she was investing so much time in it she began to see improvement in her game.

She started playing tennis when she was only five or six years old, thanks to her older sister introducing it to her.

She played on three club teams, one of them in Minnesota where she lived before Iowa. She also played it recreationally, for fun. It was never a serious thing to her until high school.

As a freshman, Jans made the varsity tennis team at West High School. The team only has six elite spots, so this was a great accomplishment for her. She had the opportunity to play with better players allowing her to excel her game. Her serve got much stronger and more consistent.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ABBY JANS She previously lived in Rochester, Minnesota from birth till she was 11 years old She wants to major in Psychology in college She has traveled to Paris, Prague, and around the United States Her favorite past time is hanging out with friends and family, of course when she isn’t Her #1 thing on her bucket list is to move to New York Abby Jans

“It was fun and I think having Abby be another freshman on the team was great because we get along well and were both very new to everything,” Simran Sarin ’17 said. Sarin was another freshman who made the varsity tennis team the same year Jans did.

Currently in the off season, Jans continues to pursue her passion of tennis by visiting the HTRC recreational facility which is an exercise center with large tennis courts near West High School, and hits there around six days a week, almost every day. Jans and Sarin go there to improve their strokes, skill, and to continue becoming better at a sport they love. They hope to keep their varsity spots for the upcoming season, and the only way to do this is practice.

“It is a lot of fun hitting with Abby! We really play well against each other and even though we play games against each other and get very competitive, there are no hard feelings in the end. [...] We tend to try new techniques and tweak our game together,” Sarin said. Sarin and Jans are very good friends because their commitment of tennis grew with one another around.

In the future Jans hopes to continue her passion into college. She wants to play tennis for a division three or division two college. She wants to go to school outside of the midwest, to ramify her horizons.

“Making varsity freshman year really started my drive and made me set my goals higher.”

-Abby Jans ‘17

Four facts about the fascinating Scott Jenkins “Family isn’t always related by blood.”

BY CHARLIE CODE ccode04@gmail.com

Your arms ache, and your pads groan as you look into the eyes of your opponent. A big defensive tackle looks back, and in two seconds - it will be an all out war. Pads clash as the ball is snapped. Six seconds is all it takes six seconds of hell or glory.

First down.

This is a daily routine for Scott Jenkins ‘18. As a left guard on the junior varsity football team he sees a lot of action. On the team, Jenkins has developed close friendships with his fellow teammates.

“Family isn’t always related by blood you know?” said Jenkins.

Football has played a large part in Scott’s life,

teaching him important morals and life lessons.

“The game isn’t about whether you win or lose, it’s about how you play,” said Jenkins. That saying has inspired Scott to be the best person he can.

He believes that it teaches sportsmanship and determination. In the future, Scott hopes to pursue a career in football. His favorite NFL team is the Denver Broncos, a team he hopes to be a part of some day.

Football isn’t the only thing Scott is interested in, as Scott is an intense outdoorsman. If he isn’t on the field, or in school, he is most likely outdoors.

“Scott is a huge hunter,

his armory is impressive.”

Said Sam Johnson ‘18.

From fishing to hunting Scott can be seen doing it all. Scott is an avid fisherman, with his biggest fish weighing in at 22 pounds.

"It was a twenty-two pound carp that I caught in the Res, and it fought like crazy."

Jenkins said. Scott hunts deer and turkey, he normally hunts with his trusty bow, and his dream catch would be a Kodiak bear.

Born and raised in Virginia, Scott moved to Iowa in seventh grade. But Scott fit right in with his easygoing and lighthearted attitude. Described by his friend Ace Holst ‘18 as

being a "Funny guy, Scott is the kind of guy who can break the awkward silence with a joke."

Scott has been known to crack jokes in and out of school on a regular basis.

Similar to his humor, Scott has great school spirit. He can often be seen walking down the hallways sporting West High apparel. Besides football and the outdoors, Scott is a car fanatic, and a bass player in West High's orchestra.

Scott is a man of many interests, from football to hunting a Kodiak bear, Scott Jenkins is a guy who lives, and thrives in the moment.

Sundown MT.

name for unsunny day Perfect

FACTS ABOUT SHATI Her full name is Shatiana Cooper Her nickname is Shati Her birthday October 6th She lives in Iowa City Her favorite words are Bruh and Bae

One thing she wants to do before she dies is to travel to all 7 continents She can do weird human tricks

BY QUINNTESSA MAXEY-KINNEY quinntessa.mk@gmail.com

About a year ago, Shati Cooper ’18 was getting ready to go down the bunny hill at Sundown for the third time. It was just like every other time, except this time - she didn’t make it all the way down.

It was January 2013, and she was going on the school ski trip.

“She was perfectly fine and excited to go skiing,” said close friend Sophie Schenkel ’18.

Since it was Shati’s first time skiing, she decided to go down the bunny hill, and the first two times she went down the hill she was fine. But, as she headed down the hill for the third time she ran into a pole. She didn’t know who she was or where she was at first, but after awhile she started to gain back her memory She went to the hospital that night and the doctors said she had a concussion. Ever since she ran into the pole she has had problems with remembering things and hearing people when they talk.

“I hate skiing. I will never ski again,” said Cooper.

Ever since she ran into the pole she has had to learn how to deal with her memory problems.

“After that ski trip I have realized how important it is to stay safe, and now my memory is messed up,” said Cooper. She told me about how she has to write things down in order for her to remember things. “I have to put things in my phone, in my planner, on sticky notes, just to remember little things like homework or stuff I have to do at home. It is difficult at times, but I work through it,” said Cooper.

Young Writer

Applauded at Carngie Hall

BY MEG MORELAND

Stefan Schmidt’s work wins three awards

mcmoreland3@gmail.com Meryl Streep. An iconic movie star. She is regarded as one of the greatest film actresses of all time, which seems fitting when you consider the fact that she has been nominated for 28 Golden Globes.

“I didn’t know who she was,” Stefan Schmidt ‘16 said with a laugh.

For most, not knowing a movie star means you get a lot of weird looks when asking who that is when they are brought into conversation. This eventually accumulates to your own annoyance at people’s assumption that you live under a rock. So, you’ll go rent one of their movies and that is the end of that. But, for Schmidt, this meant that when he attended an event held in Carnegie Hall in his and about 999 other kid’s honor, her words didn’t have as much of an impact.

Stefan entered the National Scholastic Writing Competition two years ago with two pieces; a short story and a photograph. “I entered my work because it’s a huge ego boost when you win,” Schmidt said. “I just got the notification that one of my students had entered,” said Tom Lindsey,

Schmidt’s English teacher at the time.

But, when asked about the time period when he wrote these stories, it seems like an ego boost is exactly what he needed.

“I was really unforgiving of myself,” Schmidt said. A six month “dark” period is what he describes.

“My writing was dark as well.” His short story submitted was titled “London Streets”, follows a protagonist through a day in his life.

“London Streets” is about a homeless boy living on the streets. The ending, death. “I had a lot of anger, frustration, and despair.”

Both of his submissions won awards. “London Street” won on the regional level with a gold key in the short stories category, and his photo won on the regional level with a gold key in photography.

Stefan had submitted a piece a year before which won on the national level and resulted in being invited to a ceremony, to celebrate his and other writers accomplishments, in Carnegie Hall in New York.

“I was there a week before. There

was a line of 1,000 kids on the day of, we all filed in, sat, the speakers came, some of the stories were shared, and we stood up and were recognized,” Schmidt said. “ I was aware that he had gone to New York to receive a reward, and junior high me was jealous that he got to miss school for a week or two,” said Christian Zirbes ‘17, a friend of Schmidts.

Stefan’s writing has changed, as well as his feelings. “I made a conscious decision that I want to socialize with people. I started being more social around late spring,” Schmidt said. As far as his writing goes, “I’ve practiced writing a lot more since then. My writing is in more of a compressed format and I focus on word choice.”

His teacher would agree to the fact that his writing is more lighthearted, “It’s funny. I would say that’s the main thing,” Lindsey said.

I assumed that this event would have been Schmidt’s happiness moment in life, his response surprised me. “My happiest moment in life is just when I’m hanging out with friends.” For Stefan it’s the little things. Although, his writing is anything but.

b jk

QUICK QUOTATIONS

EXERPTS FROM STEFAN’S WRITING

“...loneley and withering Like flowers you picked but never had the courage to send.” -”Pigeon Poem” “God gives not gifts on whim” -”A Poem for the Moon”

“What? Uh, I’m not sleeping, I was just... far behind my eyelids.”

-3rd Period Chem, 2013

“But with brother it was, towards the jaws of death But with pride and passion, the Russians fast were met. Those I sat and prayed with, those I sang and at with This the band of patriots, this the brave six hundred.” -”The Charge of our Light Brigade”

BY TAYLOR FRIDRICH

fridrich.taylor.18@gmail.com

It was just a typical brother-sister argument, but it wasn’t so typical.You hear the door slam and angry footsteps are heard upstairs. Few upset, intricate words are exchanged back and forth in raised voices. Although the language is different, more melodic - not English; it’s Spanish.

“Spanish sounds a lot better when you’re mad at someone,” said Daniel Leira 18’.

Leira, who moved from Spain as a baby, is ready to go back. His 11 year old sister Marta is currently going to school in Spain, living with their grandparents. Leira wants to go to school in Spain next year, because he’s not afraid of new experiences and dif-

4,347

miles from

Home

ferent environments.

“Daniel is a very outgoing person,” said Nathan Hinkley ‘18, a good friend of Leira’s since fourth grade. Hinkley said laughing, “and he loves to talk...a lot!”

Leira is able to speak both Spanish and English fluently.

“I like Spanish, all my family speaks it, it’s a very versatile language.” Along with the fun language, one of the most popular sports in Spain is soccer, which Leira enjoys playing with his family. If he went back to Spain for the year, he would play club soccer there.

Besides soccer and Spanish, Leira enjoys magic tricks, photography, music and skateboarding; even though he claims he isn’t good at it.

“I like to skateboard in my free time.It’s something fun to do with friends, and it’s a break from school work,” he said.

You can most likely catch Leira and his friends skating at the skate parks in Iowa City during free time.

Aside from soccer and Spain Leira has few crazy ambitions of his own.

One interesting thing about Leira is the number one thing on his bucket list:squirrel diving. Squirrel diving is described as skydiving in a suit with

wings instead of the traditional parachute.

“There is chance you could die doing this, but c’mon it looks too fun not to try it,” said Leira.

What lies ahead for Leira - or so he hopes - is more time in Spain. Spain has many of Leiras favorite things; family, the Spanish language, soccer, and much more. Leira feels life in Spain would be suiting for him.

“I’ve been to Spain countless times, it’s where my family is at, and if I had the choice I’d go back,” Leira said. And maybe he’ll get the chance to squirrel dive there, too.

FAST FACTS Favorite color: blue #1 Thing on Bucketlist: Squirrel Diving

Favorite thing about Spain: the ocean Coolest place he’s been too: Rome, Italy Family: Mom, Dad, and sister Marta

Every Mile a Memory Read about few of the many wonderful memories Elle Bode has made while traveling.

You wake up to the sound of birds chirping and the sun barely touching your face but you still feel the warmth. You raise your body up enough in bed to peek over the window. There you see the clear aquamarine water brushing up against the warm, bronze-colored sand. Its only 6 a.m., but you hear adults laughing and children running into the water with energy like they’ve been up for hours. You must be in hot, exotic Dominican Republic, Elle Bodes ‘18 favorite destination she has traveled to. From tropical islands to beautiful alluring landmarks, Elle has seen it all.

Elle enjoys more than just traveling; she also loves to dance. Elle has been dancing at Nolte Dance Academy since she was three years old, and has loved it ever since.

“Dance has always been in my life since I can remember and I wouldn’t change that for the world. Dance has shaped who I am today and I don’t know what I would do without it,” Elle said.

Elle is currently taking a break from Nolte because she has been so busy with West High varsity dance team POMS. She has been doing POMS since March now and got third place

at camp this past summer and will be going to nationals in Orlando this January.

Elle has traveled different places for dance including Ohio, Missouri and Minnesota. One place that stood out was a town called Branson, Missouri. She went to Missouri and got fourth in Nationals.

“Branson was an interesting place. It was full of colorful buildings with big signs and attractions. It felt very western,” Elle said.

Elle was also with her best friend Taylor Fridrich ‘18 on this trip.

“Branson was a very touristy, country-inspired place We spent many nights finding fun new shops and activities to do on the side of dancing! I can definitely say some of the outrageous places are remembered by all the laughs we had, I think we can both say we won’t forget that trip!” Taylor said.

Aside from dance trips, Elle travels a lot with her family. Her and her family have been to Italy, Dominican Republic, Washington DC, and a cruise to Puerto Rico,

Aruba, Cayman, Saint Martin and Curacao. Her family is very close and love traveling together. Her brother, Alex, graduated from West in 2014. He is 18 and now in college, majoring business. Elle’s sister, Courtney, graduated from West in 2010. She is 22 and is going to college in Wisconsin to be a dietitian.

Elle and her family went to Italy for a wedding when she was about five years old. The wedding was for her uncle and the wedding was in Italy because his fiancé was from there. “Florence was my favorite city. Italy is such a beautiful place and I would love to go back sometime if I ever got the chance.” Courtney, ‘10.

Elle has been to a lot of islands, but her favorite has been Dominican Republic. This is where she got over her fear over the ocean. She has always been slightly afraid of the ocean, swimming in the unknown. After she got over her phobia, she spent her whole vacation in the water. She snorkeled, rented boogie boards and swam with stingrays. Elle also did exciting things like drinking straight from a coconut and parasailing.

“Parasailing was an amazing experience. When you’re up there, everything feels so still and looks so surreal. It was like I was watching the National Geographic channel!” Elle said.

Elle also enjoys going to non-tropical places. “Washington D.C…it’s not exotic like the other places but it was just as great!” Elle visited Washington D.C. to visit her Aunt, Uncle, and two cousins she doesn’t see very often.

There, she went to the Zoo, White House, Martin Luther King memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Holocaust Museum. “I thought seeing these places would be boring but it was cool! I learned a lot while having a good time, it’s an incredible and memorable place.”

Elle plans on continuing her travel adventures as long as she can. “Traveling can change your perspective on the world and you can see how other people live and interact. It makes me want to travel even when I’m older and share fun memorable memories with my own family!”

BY KARLI MAURER

Fast Facts Playing guitar for 5 months and Stay With Me is her favorite song to play.

Wants to be a doctor when shes older.

Likes summer because the warm weather and no school but also loves fall fashion and the holidays.

Had braces for a year and 9 months but recently got them off.

Favorite subject is science because you don’t just sit in a desk, you get to do Source experments.

Our devoted artist Drawings by BraedynDochterman, ’17

BY MASON WANG

mwanger32@gmail.com

Ask Braedyn Dochterman ’17 to draw a hand holding a pencil sometime. Drawing the things that appear closer first, he starts with ovals, but with a few swift hand motions, these transform into fingers. He creates an area of empty space, and suddenly, the palm of a hand evolves. He draws two, straight parallel lines, and the form of a pencil emerges. Finally, he adds the details. The wrinkles and shadows of each finger are now

two years old,” said Scott Dochterman, his father.

“Whenever my classmates saw my art, they called me an artist and told me I should be an artist,” said Dochterman.

Braedyn is interested in more than just art. He also likes things such as Pictionary, Greek mythology, television, Spanish culture, and rap and hip-hop music. During our interview, he drew a cartoon of parents protesting against the rap-

visible. He finishes by drawing the tip of the pencil. The finished piece almost looks like a reflection.

Normally, however, Dochterman has a cartoon-like style of drawing.

“It’s fun, it makes you creative, and it’s one of the best ways to get people to know you,” said Braedyn Dochterman ’17.

Braedyn loves drawing, and hopes to have a future career in the art, perhaps as a cartoonist. Also wanting to create a book of all his

BRAEDYN’S FIVE FAVORITE ARTISTS

#5: Grant Wood #4: Hokusai, the painter of the great wave #3 Pablo Picasso drawings, he has taken coloring and black and white drawing classes. “ It’s pretty much the best thing I can do,” said Dochterman.

Yes, unlike many other high school students, Dochterman knows what he wants to be when he grows up. Dochterman’s number one role model is Walt Disney, who he says motivates him to draw.

“He is very creative, and has amazing art skills. He seems like the cleverest artist in the world,” said Dochterman.

He was passionate about art before he could read, drawing comics books.

“He started showing an interest in art probably when he was about

per Vanilla Ice. They all hold signs saying things like “Slice Slice Baby” or are holding megaphones.

“I’m not against Vanilla Ice, he’s just kind of abusive,” said Dochterman.

When Dochterman is asked what his best piece of artwork its, he draws a blank. “Everything,” he says. Everything Braedyn draws is his best, quality work.

#2 Matt Groening #1 Walt Disney

‘Go kill yourself’

Maddie Moriyama tells her story about how she learned to laugh at her anonymous hate on ask.fm.

You’re scrolling through Ask.fm and you see numerous anonymous accounts telling Maddie Moriyama “’18” to kill herself and you wonder what she ever did to deserve this harsh treatment.The answer is nothing.

“I never knew why they started.They just did,” Moriyama ‘18 said.

Moriyama is different then most teenagers due to her ability to” shake off very harsh and hurtful comments with a sarcastic response. Her responses range anywhere from directly repeating what the user said to her or using a witty meme.

“She’s the kind of person that shakes every bit of hate off like it’s no big deal. I’m sure that it didn’t make her feel good, but she never let it get to her,” said Callie Dains ‘18.

Most eighth graders aren’t able to just let go of such a horrible thing.

“She doesn’t care what other people say about her, she just does her thing and that’s Maddie,” said Lauren Schuchard ‘18.

Some examples of the cyber bullying on Ask.fm which is a website where you can ask anonymous questions to anyone who has an account. Moriyama was receiving was when an anonymous user said, “The reason you get hated on is because you deserve it. If you were pretty or skinny or cool I wouldn’t hate on you but you’re none of those so yeah”.”

Moriyama’s response?

“Your logic needs some fixing, sir.”

Her sense of humor also comes through in just normal conversation. When I ask Moriyama about her style this is how she responds: “My style is slightly homeless with a touch of Bumble and Bumble hair spray.” Moriyama is sporting a gray University of Iowa Football crewneck, black cropped yoga pants, and the classic black flip-flops.

“Maddie is very honest hilarious and down to earth,” said Haley Shook ‘18.

Moriyama is currently in volleyball and plays for the green team. Which is Maureen Head’s team. She likes playing with her dog a 126 pound American Akita. Moriyama also enjoys doing everything that a normal 14 year old enjoys,including hanging out with friends, shopping, and “singing in the shower.”

Moriyama also enjoys cooking. Her favorite meal to prepare are fajitas. “ They are my favorite because they are easy,

taste good, and it makes the kitchen smell nice,” said Moriyama.

Moriyama still enjoys Ask.fm and lots of other types of social media.

“You can let internet hate get to you or you can just laugh at it. I choose to laugh at it because if someone can’t say those things to your face then they are a coward and don’t deserve your attention,” said Moriyama.

Moriyama plans to leave Iowa the first chance that she gets. She plans to go onto Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Moriyama doesn’t have any further plans than that but plans to just go wherever the wind takes her.

“People need to learn that internet hate shouldn’t mean anything to you. I feel like so many people overreact when they get mean comments on Ask but it shouldn’t matter at all to you it’s just stupid internet hate,” said Moriyama.

FAST FACTS 35% of kids have been threatened online 58% of kids have had something hurtful said to them online

According to the i-Safe American survey of students bullying statistics, about 58 percent of kids admit to never telling an adult when they’ve been the victim of a bullying attack.

BY ELLIE GRETTER

The

Real

Story

of

OCD

Stefan Schmidt s.n.schmidt14@gmail.com

A

Make no mistake, Moreland also lives vicariously herself. Moreland said she and some friends dressed one of them up like a baby and took her through a park in a stroller, to the surprise and confusion of many peaceful parkgoers.

When Meg Moreland ’18 casually said, “I have OCD”, I suppressed the urge to correct her: No, you don’t have OCD, you just like an amount of order like every other human being on the planet. “The panic attacks got so bad I had to tell someone. [...] I was on meds for a year and a half,” she continued. Good thing I kept my mouth shut.

After working to help herself, Moreland immediately turned her attention to helping others. “On Thanksgiving [...] I went to St. Mary’s Church and served Thanksgiving lunch to the homeless,” Moreland said. She states she may become a psychiatrist to educate people about mental illness and help those who have them.

well-read woman spends hours brushing, flossing, and cleaning teeth. She follows the same careful, detailed routine every day. This isn’t a day in the life of a dentist, but rather a girl with untreated OCD.

“Now that I’ve learned to

control it, it’s a beautiful characteristic I take pride in”

Moreland does have some pet peeves, like “tomatoes [being] on every single dish known to man,” but her OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety, is decidedly more severe. “I could not even [watch TV]. I couldn’t sit still,” Moreland said.

Moreland also makes sure to help those closest to her. Katherine Carter ‘18 said “you can always rely on [her] to be there for you.” Moreland even wrote a slam poem about the effects of striving for perfection in today’s youth.

“It hit me how at some point we all feel like we’re not good enough. Seeing [my friends] question themselves was what hit me hard.”

Moreland said.

“I denied I had a problem

Like so many teens, Moreland didn’t know what to do other than wait for the symptoms to go away. Or hope that they would at all. “I denied I had a problem for a really long time,” Moreland said.

By the time she told her parents, she was suffering from panic attacks from things as little as a spontaneous change in restaurant destination or messing up her nighttime routine.

for a really long time”

It was easy for Moreland to think she would be okay. After all, up until then she had been dancing for 12 years and participating in show choir like a perfectly healthy, hard-working girl.

Well, hard work was what she’d need. It took over a year of medication – which she hated - and regular appointments with a psychiatrist – which she hated - to conquer her OCD. And conquer it she did. It doesn’t take a shrink to conclude Moreland has made astounding progress. After years of not being able to sit still because of severe anxiety - a core aspect of OCD - Moreland immediately points to reading as her favorite hobby. “I live vicariously through books. One time I made a fort on a snow day and read for eight hours straight.

Four books in one day, it was crazy.” she said.

“And conquer it she

did”

Perhaps her benevolence comes from her ability to see the bright side of any situation.

Even of her own OCD, Moreland said “OCD has helped me more than hurt me. It comes in handy with school work and organization [...] It makes me driven. Now that I’ve learned to control it, it’s a beautiful characteristic I take pride in.”

Quick Tidbits Piece of advice: “When you’re worried about

something, think ‘in two days will this matter?

Two weeks? Two months?’ Put things in perspective.”

“I hate”...: “when cars are parked on both sides of the road”, “tomatos”, and “when people tell others they can’t do something.”

The most trouble I’ve gotten in: “was when I was watching my brother five years ago and he grabbed the curling iron while it was on. In my defense, my mom left the curling iron on.”