6
The Correspondent
Harry Potter
‘Potter’ makes childhood magical Shea Anderluh
i s M chi e
Magic never ends. Despite the fact that the series that symbolized so much more than a simple story is now officially complete, the magic that made it what it was for millions of kids, young and old, will never be lost. Growing up with Harry Potter has been, in many ways, one of the defining attributes of our generation. Since the first book arrived in the United States in 1998, the series has developed as its loyal fanbase developed, and matured as its loyal fanbase matured. This is part of what made the books and movies so meaningful to its readers, especially. “The series to me, in a way, defined my childhood. I grew up anticipating every book, and even the movies. It made me develop the love of reading that I still have to this day,” senior Joe Lehnert said. Harry Potter and his friends, whose magical adventures have captured the hearts of fantasy lovers around the world, took the final steps of what has been a life changing journey for everyone who lost themselves in the wizarding world that J.K. Rowling masterfully created years ago. The final installment of the movie series hit the big screens this summer, and many avid Potter fans have found themselves facing an entirely unfamiliar feeling: the prospect of life without Harry Potter. “I’m sad now that it’s over,” Lehnert said. “Knowing that there are no more books to wait in line for, and no more midnight premieres. It just all goes along with growing up, and in a way gives me the feeling that my childhood is over.” Senior Catherine Kemp agrees. “I was super sad after the last midnight showing because it really is kind of like the end of our childhoods. But we can also keep reading the books, and watching the movies, so Harry Potter will never really be over,” Kemp said. A love of reading is far from the only thing true Potter fans have taken away from the spell Rowling cast on our generation with her epic tale of friendship, bravery and love. By the seventh book, the complexity and carefully placed undertones provided enough room for enjoyment and analysis alike that Harry Potter will forever be considered a classic, to be reread time and time again. “Despite the fact that it’s over, the series will always be a huge part of my life. I don’t even want to guess how many times I’ll reread the books and watched the movies,” Lehnert said. “Without a doubt, my kids will not grow up without reading them!” Even as Harry, Ron and Hermione continue to grow up and live their lives, the magic that they instilled in readers’ hearts and minds will never really be gone. “The story is timeless,” Lehnert said, “It’s as simple as that!”
f
August 23, 2011
a n a M
Wizarding world extends to Muggles Megan Boyle The famous magical school Hogwarts came to life just over a year ago when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in Orlando, Fla.. This lifesize replica of the school home to Harry, Ron, and the gang includes three roller coasters, three shows, and plenty other magical features. One of the roller coasters, The Forbidden Journey, takes tourists inside Hogwarts castle on an exclusive tour. “The line waiting for the ride is like a tour of Hogwarts, and the ride was really cool and interactive; it was awesome,” senior Meghan Griffin said. Visitors can also enjoy the town of Hogmeade where they can find actual shops and restaurants the characters go to in the books. These include the Three Broomsticks, where Muggles can experience the taste of Butterbeer, and Hog’s Head Pub, another popular restaurant. “The shops and Hogsmeade were just like what I pictured in the books,” Griffin said. Harry Potter fans can also pick out a wand (or as it happens in the books, let the wand choose them) at Ollivander’s wand shop. “The shop was identical to the movie, all the wand boxes were stacked to the ceiling. They had all the character’s wands and different wand too,” Griffin said. Overall, the park offers Harry Potter fanatics a chance to indulge in the life of those they only read about in books. “The theme park was so realistic. I felt like I was living in Hogwarts,” Griffin said, “It was truly a dream come true.”
August 23, 2011
Harry Potter
The Correspondent
Books beat box office; detail enriches experience Connor Hargett
Many people argue that the “Harry Potter” books are better than the movies, but I am prepared to fully explain why it is so. The movies are exceptional, don’t get me wrong, but the plot and detail in the movies would not translate into a great book. So ultimately, it comes down to the detail put into the books that makes them so much better. Things such as the entire Dumbledore and Grindelwald conflict. I won’t ruin the book for people planning on reading it, but throughout the book parts of Dumbledore’s past are revealed to the readers, which explains his personality and motives for his actions. Likewise, the book goes into details about Tom Riddle and how he came to power. It explains the significance of each of the horcruxes, and their hiding places. Those small additions help to captivate the reader and ultimately inspire the imagination of the readers. After all, books are only as successful as the minds that
ag
read them. Other than the detail of the characters, the book also extends each of the characters deaths. Instead of simply getting a glimpse of the death of characters, the books offer a more dramatic version that places emphasis on the significance of each death. It creates more tension on the plot and a heightened sense of what just happened. However, I am not saying that these differences should have been added to the movie. If these details were added, it would have probably made for a very boring movie, while it is a very exciting book. Movies and books are like different languages, and some things just don’t translate. All I can suggest is that if you like the movies, then read the books.
d
e
7
Same story, different experiences: movies confuse non-readers Jessica Lynk From 1997 to 2011, a whole generation of people have lined up to see midnight showings of eight Harry Potter movies and get their hands on seven books. The die hard fans waited in line for hours, while others were just dragged along with friends to see the movie a week after its premiere. Some students read every page word for word and can quote it, while others prefer to watch the movies. “I saw the first three movies before I read any of the books, so I wouldn’t say that the books ‘prepared me’ for the movies,
although those first three movies kept most of what was in the books,” sophomore Danny Kapinos said, “As the books grew longer and more was cut from the movies, reading the books helps explain different characters’ motivations throughout the story and it becomes much easier to follow.” Reading the books as a guide to the movie can help avoid angry friends who don’t want to answer question in the middle of the movie. When it comes to movies, most don’t want their friends and family to be talking to them during the movie or asking questions even when the movie ends. The same goes for “Harry Potter.” “After seeing each movie, it’s often my job to explain various things to those in my family who haven’t read the books,” sophomore Danny Kapinos said. There are many reasons why some students decide not to read. “Some peope only saw the movies because the books are a little bit too complicated for some people,” freshman Kali Tansor said. Reading for some seems to bore or can be extremely complicated. Others seem to struggle while watching the movies, but directors Chris Columbus, Mike Newell, Alfonso Cuarón and David Yates, and seemed to still keep interest for some that didn’t even read the books. “It was worth it to see the movie even though I didn’t read the books because I liked it!” freshman Kali Tansor said.
Final installment doesn’t disappoint Melanie Cohodes
Harrypotter.com/warnerbros
Typically, highly anticipated events are prone to be let downs, once they finally happen. The second installment of the Deathly Hallows movie proved to be anything but disappointing. It was on-the-edge-of-your-seat captivating, even for those who knew how it ended, and possibly the best few hours of my life I’ve ever spent. There wasn’t much of a reason to believe otherwise, though, if the other seven movies are anything to go by. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, the total worldwide gross of the previous seven movies combined amounts to somewhere around $6,377,054,500. Six billion dollars is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, it’s about one sixth of Russia’s military budget. With a $250 million budget (IMBD.com), a spectacular piece of cinema was practically a guarantee. However, it’s the actors who really bring a film to life. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson certainly delivered. They gave a fantastic portrayal of their characters, unsurprising,
considering that they’ve lived their lives as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The movie, even though it had all of its content previously written, was still a joy to watch. It brought to life the magic that encapsulates the entire franchise. Two hours worth of heart pounding battles, exhilarating dragon rides, and that unshakable sense that something great is happening, right there on the screen. It was the only Potter movie released in 3D, and they couldn’t have picked a better one. It’s no wonder that The Deathly Hallows part 2 ended up as the 3rd highest grossing movie of all time (BoxOfficeMojo.com), behind only Titanic and Avatar. It was a major suc-
6
Indepth
The Correspondent
December 9, 2011
Dear Diary,
My life as a hi Clubs conquer boredom plague
From Anim e club to Yearboo k, at least 53 clubs and activities ca ll Hersey ho me. Studen ts dedicate th working w eir time ever ith other p y eople day, week, fe el like any or month ex tr a to cu these clubs. rr icu activity pro As students vides this o p dedicate th p ort n it y, ” Z anona said. eir time, th ey find many N o t only can ben clubs he each club an efits from out studen d they may ts by givin find themse g them opportunit lves realizin y, but they a g how much ls o hel them feel m these club ore connec s help them. ted t the schoo l. This alt ogethe can help im “I put in usu prove the st a ll y anywhere from uden as a whole three to six and our sc hours a day h o ol as a whole. into my ex tracurricula “Th ere are a n r activitie s; umber of such as v studies that ariety show have shown , one acts, an students wh that d theatre,” o become in volved senior Ty in aft er school activ ler Zanon a ities persaid. form better academicall y because they Each studen feel a conn t finds • Megan Boyle ec different re tion to the sch uniors Danie asons to be ool and le lle Rivard an arn the in clubs. So sk il ch d ls E es ,” ri is n a . ssistant pri “Getting invo Jo me find it ncipal of lved is really nhson take part in vario as an opp student act us clubs such important an ortunity to ivities John d as I O Novak lo rve said. make frien Orchesis,” Jo ds, wherea being bored hnson said. s o . thers find There’s [now place to dis According it a forward to cover new in ] to a stud each day ‘cau something I look terests. conducted y, “The best se b n y sc io sc h r o th Ir vin Velazq holars Durol drags,” ju ing about lak and Wei clubs, is mee u ez b ei sa n id. g in ssman, scho and after sc ting new peo Boredom ol clubs hool progra ple and han ing out wit plagues m ms contrib “p h your frie g- ter school an o si y ti v st e u so d u en ci n ted to an d a ts l s,” sophom d througho Natasha Co behaviors, sc af- ach ore ing clubs ut weekend ok said. hool grades ievement te ca s. n Jo and give studen st scores.” inDedication ts somethin with their ti “I t to te ea a ch ch g m es to e, whether club can g students th students so do si it be with th ive friends or ey have a re mething to bility to to for the club eir new sponlook forwar an organiz for the end . at d to th io an of the day. n that is b th “Y em o u se m lv igger A a es k s e lots of n students be- g gan to drea think in term , and a student cann ew friends ives me som d school, jo o an t s in et just of himself o d it sa ing activitie hing to do if can bring a r herself,” N s time,” freshm id. fresh outloo I ever have o sp k an v on school fo ak are some. Annie Korff r said. Students oft Many stud en en ts fa “I dedicate ca ll n into a daily and forget ab find multip efits from jo my time bec routine le benout their in ining these to keep my ause I like te a ct rests, but cl h el iv self busy an p it ie st “I s. u dents realize think it’s ben u bs can d I don’t li that there is eficial becau ke important more to life se the most than high school. things you learn abou you learn th t yourself rough exper ience, and through
J
Class credits clash
with time
-Jessica Lynk
Grades can make or bre are vital for ak a studen college. So, t and stud it is no surp ent to finall grades can rise that y end their certainly ta academic d ke up a larg “My AP ho of the day. ay. e portion mework ca Grades are because it h n take up to o ex u p rs ple letter w ressed with allows me o n so m e nights, bu tw ith maybe a to know w o a sim- lon m ents I need t it isn’t usu hat assignplus or min g,” sophom end, but then to turn in a ll y ore Maddie that soph us at the again, so ar a s w el o O m l ’M as retake,” o e re Although th ara said. chemicals. Kelsey Panfi However, th e work is ti l said. e w o B st rk y u h m d th av en e consumin ing those le at goes into ing each gra ts find that g, ed, stu tters appear mak- efici de individu the college dents can si on a report ally postal. cr lot of work ed it is ben- assig ngle out th card is a . The distric e n m p ro t en m “I blematic school day ts lowering ay see it th still take A ends at 2:5 their grades at the ma P classes b th en ta lk 0 . k Th e ec p know acad to their tea .m., but stu my life easi ause it wil ey can emic work cher to fin l they dea dents O’M er when I can drag in d out how l with these get to colleg ar three to fou a sa id . an extra assignments e,” r hours of h It isn’t a su . omework ea College cred “I usually sp rprise that ch d it ay s . d ar en o e m d five hours a ca in g w iv d at h emics can en o e sc work each a majority to students ore a three, on my h night, my R of a studen terall they ar t’s .O.T.C. class ome- that are given in four, or five on the AP takes me th day, afe students. tests spon May. The co usually w e longest,” se It is the stu sibility to st hether or n llege determ nior Leticia d said. en t’s reay o ines to m on top of h t the credit Vasquez ca ake sure that er grades an s are accep use all scho The homew te d th d o ey are wher ls are differ be- be. H ork assigned e they need pass the test ent. Most st owever, if st can var y by to ea to u u d w ch d en hich can all ents are cap student in ts aging th class as wel ow students able of man to college a is, they are l as whatev is. Some co s a second se to go selv er day it certainly se urses, such es m u tting themes p as AP, can te fo H impacts on r r o fr m th es el e h o fu m g tu ic an b e major ar re. is another w . the amount e able to mo ay that stud of time it ta nitor their a ents kes for a cademics. “I like to ch eck Homel ogic frequen tly
-Brian Loomis
c r
December 9, 2011
Indepth
ighschooler Athletics enable time management skills
Whether it’s bask etball, volleyball, bowling, or gym athletes practice ar nastics, this scho en’t provided at th ol school. Traveli e offers a wide varie ng time must be ty of sports to an added y- to the equatio one who’s intereste n now. d. Some play spor ts to tr y something Another difficult new while some aspect is coaches are may not alw elp training to beco ays consider all th me champions. e responEi- sibilities that ther way, sports m come with high take up a signific school. an t Conflictions amount of a high lp of important pr school student’s lif actice e. times or competit to One of the major ions might interfe ways sports inre fluence the stude with the athletes’ er academic success. nt athlete’s life is by limiting the tim nt “I t’s hard to get all e students have my hometo work done complete their da s on time and sti ily homework. W ll he n have some a student athlete time for myself comes home fro bem cause sometim practice or compe f es I get home pretty tition, he often ha lat e,” s sophomore fig no time for procra ure skater Briana stination and som Lear e- said. “I somet times struggle to imes miss school complete the hom bee- cause of com work on time. petitions.” “My homework St u d e nt s time is limited, and it’s harder to that sacrifice organize my tim e,” hours of tim sophomore Maggi e e Mueller said. have to work After a long day, so lving quadratic equations or learni extra hard, but ng about binary io n- definitely ap ic compounds mig preht be the last thin g a ciate the be student athlete w nefits ants to do, but he still of participat has the same resp ing in onsibilities as a re gu- a sport. lar student. Studen ts who are involv ed in other activiti There is much es outside of sp or ts to be gained have even less tim from e to complete thei r athletics, and school work. As a taking result, many athlet es advantage of are doing their ho that can mework much lat er than someone who influence an athl ete’s ’s not in a sport. life in a positive “When I get ho way. me tired, I still have to find time For some, it impr to do my homewor oves k. their self-este Sometimes, I don’t em, teachfinish until 11 p.m .,” es valuable les sophomore Joy Ka sons about nnookaden said. time managemen Even though this t, and may seem like a burden, some stu helps make new fr dents appreciate ie nds. the extra motivation “I gained confide and view it as a nce way from swim to be more time effi ming,” sophocient. more Iris Wencesla “Sports help beca o said. use as soon as you get home, yo Athletics have alw u have to do yo ays been one of ur the major pa homework. You rts of a high scho can’t mess around ol stu,” dent’s life, and sophomore Andy it doesn’t look lik Philipose said. e that will be changing an Students participat y time soon. e in sports outside of school, to o. This proves to be challenging becaus e the courts, pool s, rinks, and other places where thes e
e; I ular tu-
The Correspondent
What is y o most mem ur orable high schoo experience l thus far? Freshma
n
e
or Sophom
Zac Ling e n “My wh ole fo
otball
season.”
e e L n a Nath
Junio
r
the n i g n i c “Dan assembly.” honors
-Julia Kedzior
Zach
Schul
“Seei Corni ng Nick H footb ng to Homeeron as k all ga e me.” coming d Elizabeth uring a
Senior
S
enior Nathan Gra m board to see wha er glances at the activities t athleteics he may in. Athletics is ju be interested st dents daily routin one aspect that shape many stues.
7
Mariel Fechik “Playing at Carnegie Hall with the band.”
ze
6
The Correspondent
Indepth
“Socia l med ia ca n be bia sed , so it ca n cha nge you r opi nion ba sed on i n fo t hat’s not t r ue.”
Senior Hannah johnstone “Socia l med ia doesn’t help because it ca n rem i nd you of t he problem.”
Junior A dam Kinsella “Somet i mes st atuses about deat h or i l l ness ca n ma ke you cr y, so it doesn’t help u n less it’s a good st atus.”
Sophomore Busayo Ajayi
Seniors experience application anxiety Megan Boyle The beginning of the end has came and went for the seniors. Packed into the first quarter has been football games, homecoming, Halloween, and college applications. Starting as early as summer, seniors have began etching out time in their social lives to write essays and fill out applications. Now that school is underway, transcripts are being sent and letters of recommendation are being written. With the stress of the application process, seniors may be missing the easy-going senior year they were hoping for. “Finding the time to complete all the applications by the Nov. 1 deadline and writing all the essays was the most stressful part,” senior Tressa Frankel said. Most seniors would agree that writing the required essays is the most time consuming part of the process. “The fact that the essays have to be perfect was hard, so I spent a lot of time on them,” senior Jared Martin said. Along with online applications and essay writing, seniors had to complete other requirements such as transcripts and recommendation letters. “There are so many elements needed to be able to apply, other than the application itself, that it is hard to keep track of everything,” senior Olivia Hirt said. With so much stress, seniors turned to the college and career center to help them out. “The school would send e-mails reminding us to make sure we had all the required materials completed on time,” Frankel said. “The staff in the college and career center knew how to answer every question I had and informed me about every step in the application process,” Hirt said. Although applications for most schools can still be turned in after Nov. 1, most students choose to apply early. “I didn’t want the stress hanging over me longer than it had to, and I want to know if I got in as soon as pos-
sible,” H i r t s a i d . Now that the hard part is out of the way, seniors are excited to really get their senior year underway. “I know that whatever happens now out of my control, I can enjoy my w ends again,” senior Pietro said. Although the process is far from plying is a big step. Next, seniors w apply for scholars cial aid, and even a school. For now, seniors are taking break. “I’ll have to scholarships, but fo lax and wait for the ber,” Frankel said. For the curren coming up on the juniors to make su everything they’ve out,” Pietro said. “For the junio early to avoid feelin cess,” Martin said.
C
How do you think social media can affect your ability to cope with problems?
November 4, 2011
E M
“It doesn’t help because it’s private information.”
Freshm an Ru dy A lonso
For additional help or information on coping with pressures, visit CorrespondentLive
Indepth
November 4, 2011
The Correspondent
7
Students find comfort in ‘the little things’ Jessica Lynk Brian Loomis
COLLE
Stress, death, sickness, grades, parents, friends, and homework are just some of the thoughts that float through students minds on a daily basis. Sometimes it is hard to deal with everything that is surrounding a students’ life, but little pleasures help them get through tough times. These pleasures can be anything from inside jokes to just listening to music. “Music, music, music; I think it’s really does set your mood for whatever you are dealing with,” sophomore Kelly Holifield said. While some deal with these thoughts by themselves, others turn to friends to help them get through the hard times. “When I see other people dealing with stress, I usually tell them embarrassing stories about myself to make them laugh and see that even if what they’re going through is really hard and challenging, there are always positives that they can focus on in life,” senior Ang Charczuk said. These embarrassing stories can help make students laugh and forget the pain for a few moments. Sometimes just listening to friends can help, but at times all the friend needs to do is listen. “I deal with stress by talking to my friends and having a really strong support group,” Holifield said. When freshman Sarah Fisher gets down, she said “I almost always go find someone to vent to either my mom or one of my best friends, but I also love to sit down and play the piano; something about it just makes me feel better.”
is , so weekr Niki
college over, ap-
. will need to ships, finanntually choose , though, many a much needed
apply for all the or now I can just ree responses in Decem-
GE
nt juniors, this process is em fast. “I would tell the ure they remember to add e done to make them stand
ors, getting applications done ng rushed is important for suc-
D E
Students find different ways to cope with situations by listening to music or participating in their hobby, but almost everyone needs to rely on somebody else to get them through. When students are by themselves, they often need another outlet to help them deal with these thoughts. “I clean my room when I am stressed out and it helps me take my mind off of everything,” sophomore Kayleigh Morris said. Another thing students do to help stay positive and upbeat is by exercising. “Usually I deal with stress by going running, exercise is a great way for my body to relieve stress,” Fisher said. As time goes on, these issues become easier and easier, but the little pleasures can help remind students that the good times are coming. “To students who are going through hard times, I would say that I have gone through a lot and I’m still battling a lot of issues. I was at a point where I honestly saw no way out and i thought I couldn’t do it, but all it took was time,” Charczuk said. The pressure of everything can be hard on students, but taking time to take part in these pleasures can be a big relief for students. Although these little pleasures may not always be helpful, if students still feel upset, they should go and seek the help of their counselors.
A I COP
G IN
There are many resources available for students who are struggling with coping. They can see their counselor, who may refer them to a psychologist. In emergencies, they can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
6
The Correspondent
Wrestlemania: Defines junior’s addiction to professional wrestling
January 13, 2012
my strange
January 13, 2012
Seniors catch mania in makeup
Obsession
Throughout high school, many students became fixated with things, whether they be tangible objects, activities, or ways of life. When this fixation continues, it can rapidly become an obsession. Senior Meaghan Meehan is obsessed with makeup. “I’ve always had an interest [in makeup] like any girl, but then I found girls on Youtube who had such a passion for makeup, and my love developed from there.” Meehan has many inspirations. “I love Bobbi Brown and Mario Dedivanovic, who is Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist. Kim’s makeup always looks amazing. I also love Elle and Blair Fowler from YouTube.” “It takes me about 10 minutes to put on my makeup for school. When I have time to actually do a full look, it takes me about 20 minutes,” Meehan said. Although Meehan doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in makeup, she won’t rule it out completely. “If psychology doesn’t work out for me, cosmetology school would be a likely plan B,” Meehan said.
Ashley Hawkins
According to Dictionary.com, an obsession is defined as “the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.” Discomania is an enthusiasm for disco music. Tulipomania is the craze for tulips. Theomania is the belief that one is a god. While there is no name for it yet, my obsession is with WWE and professional wrestling. Junior Jessica Jreisat was shocked that a petite blonde such as myself spent her time watching two bulky dudes duke it out in the middle of a ring. But I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. My Mondays, Fridays, and the occasional Tuesday and Sunday, revolve around the wonderful squared circle and the people that step into it. Five years ago, I was forced to watch WWE’s “Unforgiven” pay-per-view. My mother and brother were big professional wrestling fans and wanted to watch the show. If my mom was going to pay over $35 for an event, we had to give it our undivided attention. No goofing off, no sleeping, no homework. My brother willingly complied, but I was a bit stubborn. Sitting with my arms folded, I pouted my lip as the show began. However, as I sat for those three hours, I found my eyes locked on the screen. The stories that unfolded during each match mesmerized me. It wasn’t just two half-naked muscular guys prancing around in the middle of a ring. Each match had a background, centered around a hot feud, and the business was settled with some wrestling. I was captivated. Each wrestler had his own character, and it made it highly entertaining to watch. From that day on, the WWE has had a choke hold on my heart, with no sign of loosening its grip. I was sucked into the cult known as the WWE Universe, and it doesn’t look like I’ll be let out no matter what Jreisat or anyone else thinks. My walls are decked out in posters and magazine clippings displaying my favorite wrestlers and various events in professional wrestling history. Over the summer, I visited 7-Elevens all over the suburbs in hope of collecting the official WWE SummerSlam big gulp cups. They rest in a case in the corner of my room, surrounded by additional wrestling memorabilia. In my dresser, I have over 25 WWE-related shirts, 20 of which are Randy Orton (my favorite wrestler) shirts, along with two pairs of sweatpants, three sweatshirts, three hats, nine necklaces, two bracelets, and a blanket all pertaining to WWE. The magazines I read, the movies I watch, and the music I listen to is also related to this company. I’m a huge fan of “WWE Magazine“ and “Pro Wrestling Illustrated” (Yes, there is such a thing), frequently buying the latest issues. When I feel the need to watch a good action movie, I pop in “The Marine” or “The Marine 2,” starring WWE Superstars John Cena and Ted DiBiase Jr. respectively. My iPod has numerous playlists dedicated to wrestler’s theme songs, pay-per-view theme songs, and original music by the WWE Superstars and Divas. Attending 13 live events to date, I look forward to catching WWE shows all over the world in the future. I’ve been sucked into the realm of WWE, and don’t mind it at all. I’m not encouraging everyone to develop an obsession. But sometimes, it’s nice to be unique.
Becky Pauwels
Senior Karolina Migus is obsessed with being a perfectionist. “I’m a perfectionist when it comes to homework, art, pretty much anything I do.” Migus notes that being a perfectionist isn’t always a thing. “It caused me to spend unintentional time perfecting something when I could have been doing something else,” Migus said. However, it does have its rewards. “A side effect is being organized. It helps me with school and studying,” Migus said. Senior Mati Kolendo has a passion for soccer. “I love soccer because it’s a beautiful sport. People see it as a simple and boring sport, but like the best music or the richest art, the simplicity combines into infinite complexity.” His passion is nothing new. “I became interested in soccer when the Euro 2000 was in France. My dad would tell me everything about the game and my passion just started from there,” Koldendo said. He likes the unifying aspects of soccer. “It’s an amazing game, it brings people from different cultures, religions, and political divides. When I play or watch the game, I can forget whatever is going in life, and just enjoy the game,’” Kolendo said.
Dancing through life
Obsessed dancers express their love for dance Jessica Lynk
•GRAPHIC BY: JESSICA LYNK
Some baseball players have been playing since third grade. Some artists have been drawing since they were signed up for art classes. For most dancers, though, they have been dancing since they could walk. Throughout their lives, their obsession has developed. Although some would call it devotion, dance is constantly on their minds. “I have been dancing for 11 years or since I was three,” freshman Abby Wendell said. “I started dancing as a kid, when my parents signed me up for dance classes,” senior Brianna Ulbert said Students can define obsession any way they want. For some it means constantly thinking about dance, whereas others it means dancing constantly. “I can break dance anywhere, so I am constantly practicing,” sophomore Nathan Lee said. Dance students can define their obsession by what style of dance inspires them the most or by just dance in general. “I spend my time dancing because there’s never really a limit to dance, so I could keep improving forever and ever. It’s also really fun, especially after, say, a long day at school; I just go to dance class or something and I lose myself in the movement,” sophomore Rino Nozawa said. Dance students can be inspired by dancing daily because improvement is always easy to come by. Most dedicated students can find improvement daily.
“All my dance teachers who I’ve grown up with have inspired me to dance. I always look up them and they are always there for me and help me grow as a dancer,” senior Ulbert said. Most dedicated dance students dance for at least two hours a day. “I dance anywhere from 4 to 10 hours per day, depending on what day of the week it is,” Nozawa said. When students start off in dance, they have to make a decision whether or not to continue. “I stopped dancing because I became more involved in other sports like softball and soccer,” sophomore Carly Mandernach said. As more sports become available to students, dance seems to be sent to the back of their minds for someone who did not take a interest or become obsessed. “I actually originally wanted to do gymnastics because of the pretty leotards, but my mom thought that would be dangerous, so she signed me up for ballet,” Nozawa said. Some students were forced into dance but continued and discovered their love. “I started when my mom signed me up for dance classes,” Wendell said. No matter what, many dancers always find the pay-off in their obsession “I chose to spend my time dancing because it’s a great way to express yourself and it’s so much fun. It’s hard work but it always pays off in the end,” Ulbert said.
The Correspondent
7
Sophomore enthralled with garbage trucks
Brian Loomis
Let me start out by saying that I know this is a weird and definitely uncommon obsession, but it is definitely an interesting one at the same time. Ever since I was able to walk, I would follow the garbage truck up and down the street, with my mom’s supervision, of course. I got to know my garbage man very well and knew him by name. That was way back when I was still in preschool and kindergarten, since then the obsession has evolved. I am often asked what the reason for the obsession is, and to be very honest I am not really sure. It isn’t uncommon for kids to like trucks, but to grow up with it is a very different thing.
•BRIAN LOOMIS I guess that’s what happened; I never grew out of it. The obsession has now gotten to the point that I can tell someone who his garbage man is, and what truck he drives. Alex Mueller’s garbage man is Benito, who drives truck 3179. Morgan Harris’ driver is Bill who operates truck 3199. Megan Brant’s garbage man is Russ who drives truck 3167, which was the first natural gas truck in the midwest. Over the past few years, I have been a witness to several changes occurring within the waste hauling business which include automation, buy outs of national haulers, and the beginning of a switch to using alternative gasses to power the trucks. Each of theses changes are always changing the way in which the waste is collected. I enjoy being able to see the way that these events impact the industry. It isn’t uncommon for residents (usually angry) to question me on why I am taking pictures of their garbage being collected, which often leads to their disbelief on the explanation, although still upset. Some friends share disbelief in my obsession. Although I do try my best to explain, it isn’t the easiest to understand. Even without understanding, people are fascinated by the obsession on a regular basis. They are often surprised that I have been able to get to know all of the drivers in Arlington Heights by name, as well as other towns, and even been able to get to know the higher ups within the company. Despite people who often point out how weird it is, I am never going to stop following the garbage trucks because I would not know what to do with my time.
Click here to share your obsessions
•
•BRIAN LOOMIS