AND winter 2014 by AND Magazine

WINTER 2014

Jump Street Presents

Sweet Tooth The First Date

NEW THIS ISSUE: Your Mental Health Real Talk & Guy Code Which Cartoon Character Are You?

For The Underaged

Editor’s Letter FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bob Welsh AND MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Christine Glover GRAPHIC DESIGNER Austin Fitz COVER ILLUSTRATION Zakiya Foster SENIOR EDITOR Yaasmeen Piper Contributing Writers Sarah Adamou | Jada Baity | Tess Berger Cara Glynn | Kayla Kellam | Daunessy Penn Jillian Procope | Taquanasia Reddick Elizabeth Royer | Kimberly Shaffer | Briana Spears Contributing Artists Aldo Acosta | Joe Binder | Darhius Cotta Zakiya Foster | Isaiah Murphy Noellie Rodriguez | Deivonte Washington Jump Street 100 North Cameron Street, 2nd Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 717.238.1887 cglover@jumpstreet.org MISSION STATEMENT 1. To provide opportunities to regional teens to participate in all phases of the magazine publishing process, from writing and editing to graphic design, photography and marketing. Area professionals will mentor the students, providing them with marketable and transferable skills. 2. To provide teens with a magazine that promotes healthy lifestyles and highlights the tremendous opportunities available to them in central Pennsylvania as students and future employees.

Here’s to the misfits The kids with the pink and blue hair The kids who live in their Led Zeppelin t-shirts The kids who dance with their dreams Here’s to the kids who read on their Friday night

Executive Director & Founder Robert C. Welsh Jump Street is a nonprofit community arts organization that is dedicated to developing education and economic opportunities in the arts for all ages. Jump Street uses the arts to provide valuable career education and transferable workforce development skills to young people. Additionally, Jump Street provides arts programs for youth and adults, arts-based community service programs, grants to artists, exhibitions, and technical assistance to artists and arts organizations. The views expressed by the contributors of and™ magazine are not necessarily those of and™ publisher or Jump Street staff. We feel that it is essential for teens to have a place to express their opinions about their world.

717.233.0109 www.benchmarkgroupmedia.com

The kids who have lived a thousand different lives The kids with the softest voices but the loudest minds Here’s to the weird and the wonderful This one’s for you EDITORS LETTER

Jump Street 100 North Cameron Street, 2nd Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 1.717.238.1887 www.jumpstreet.org

WINTER 2014 ISSUE

03 | YOURSELF

23 | YOUR FUTURE

The First Date By Yaasmeen Piper

DIY: Do It Yourself By Elizabeth Royer

Senior Year Bucket List By Cara Glynn

Job Hunting: The Do’s & Don’t’s By Kayla Kellam

05 | YOUR COUTURE

Junior Year Jitters By Jada Baity

Fashion Magazines Promote Size 2 Figure By Tess Berger

Senioritis By Jillian Procope

Spice Up Your Winter Wardrobe By Tess Berger

27 | YOUR MONEY

07 | YOUR COMMUNITY

After Holiday Deals By Jada Baity

Influence By Sarah Adamou

How Do I Pay For College? By Briana Spears

Greatness at Work By Daunessy Penn

29 | YOUR SCORE

Hannah Pride By Jillian Procope

Football: The Inside Look By Briana Spears

10 | YOUR DOMAIN

More Than Just A Game By Briana Spears

Hot Chocolate Reviews By Elizabeth Royer

31 | YOUR INSPIRATION

Social Networking By Kayla Kellam

The Essence of Life: The Day My Dad Died By Briana Spears

Growing Up In Harrisburg By Yaasmeen Piper Which TV High School is Like Yours? By Yaasmeen Piper Government Shutdown: Explained By Cara Glynn

15 | YOUR DIVERSION Sweet Tooth: A Roundup of Some of Central PA’s Best Bakeries By Cara Glynn Home for the Holidays By Briana Spears Arepa City By Tess Berger

CONTENTS

Police Athletic League By Taquanaisia Reddick Which Cartoon Character Are You? By Yaasmeen Piper

34 | GALLERY Student contributors from Aegis Education Endeavor and AND Staff

38 | YOUR TAKE New Year’s Resolutions By Jada Baity Thoughts For Today By Kim Shaffer Book Reviews Yaasmeen Piper Guns Don’t Kill, People Do By Sarah Adamou

42 | YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Kila’s Korner By Markila Johnson

Depression: An Interview with School Psychologist Julie Evinczik By Yaasmeen Piper

21 | ADVICE @AND

44 | MEET THE AND INTERNS

Real Talk By AND Staff

What Austen Means By Elizabeth Royer

Guy Code By AND Staff

The First Date BY Yaasmeen Piper | CASA

Place: Try to base your first date location off of your crushes interest. For example, if they love seafood take them to a nice sea food restaurant. If you are comfortable enough around this person then take them to a place where you could have a nice long conversation with them. A restaurant, museum, or art gallery is a nice place for you guys to chat it up. If you’re not quite comfortable with those awkward silences, a movie, amusement park, or

even a live show could help fill them up. First dates do not always have to be expensive. In my opinion as long as it is heart felt it doesn’t matter where we are. A good idea could be to put together a nice picnic and just hang out by the lake. You could watch the sunset or look up at the stars.There are so many things you could do for little to no money. Outfit: The outfit you wear should be based on the place you go. You don’t want to end up wearing heels to an amusement park. If you guys are going to a nice restaurant then wear a nice dress or skirt. If you’re a guy wear a nice button down shirt and jeans. If it’s to a place like an amusement park try to dress more comfortably. Conversation: This is the most important part of the date. This is where you really

get to know what that person is like once you are alone. It’s hard come up with things to talk about and keep the conversation so here are a few things to talk about so you can avoid that deadly awkward silence: • Hobbies: Talk about things you like and see if you have similar interests. • Family: Find out where that person came from • Future: I know this could freak someone out but you need to know what that person plans to do with their life. Are they going to college? What’s their career plan? The Aftermath: People say that you should wait “three days” to talk to your crush after the first date. But I think this is a myth. If you want to talk to him/her the same night, then do it! They would be glad to know that they are still on your mind. If both of you really enjoyed the date then make sure you schedule a second one.

YOURSELF

It’s four am, and you can’t sleep. There are butterflies in your stomach and you can’t help the gleaming smile on your face. All these are signs that you are going on your first date. The first date tends to be a bit awkward at times but necessary if you really see a future with this person. You must determine if you are attracted to them emotionally as well as physically. Here are a few things to take into consideration before your first date:

BY Cara

Glynn

YOURSELF

Near the end of August, out of sheer boredom, my best friend and I decided to create a “senior year bucket list.” We gathered all of our old magazines into a pile in the middle of my room and began to list our top “must dos” for senior year, piecing together the pages with magazine clippings and photographs. Corny, yes, maybe, but it was a cure for boredom on rainy day, and it really got me thinking what I wanted to get out of my last year of high school. Just because it is winter, and the football games and homecoming festivities

choo

igh S

H Cliff | Cedar

may be over, doesn’t mean that you still can’t make a bucket list for yourself! Not only is this a fun activity to do with friends, it helps you to come up with new ideas to fill your year with! A few on our list included, “host a themed dinner party for all of our friends, go to more sporting events (besides the football games) like basketball and volleyball and go prom dress shopping together, to name a few. After we came up with the beginning of our still growing list, we began to cut out pictures that corresponded with each event. Then, in a sort of scrapbook fashion, we compiled these homemade pages into a little book. We decided that each time an event was

“checked off,” that we would add a picture to document it, and paste it to the back of the page. Need ideas for your list? My friend and I also included things like, run a race together, reach our financial goal for our school’s miniTHON event and travel somewhere together, taking lots of pictures in the process. These are just a few of our simple and somewhat corny and random items that we want to accomplish. I think added up, however, these will make for a pretty memorable senior year. All in short, the next time you’re bored on a snow day, grab a best friend, some old issues of Seventeen and Glamour and piece together a bucket list of your own. One of the neatest things is that this seemingly insignificant “craft” can actually be like a keepsake in the years after high school. I know that my friend and I will enjoy having this fun book to look at when we are older and far beyond our years in high school. I know I will appreciate the time that was taken to put it together.

Fashion Magazines

Promote Size Two Figure

BY Tess Berger | Cedar Cliff High School

a mascara if it made her eyes look bigger? This false advertising can drive women crazy in the quest to become their desired version of themselves. As the ideal body gets smaller and smaller, girls partake in some dangerous health practices. Eating less. Skipping meals completely. Exercising incessantly. The end result is skin and bones, and a very detrimental lifestyle that can lead to serious health risks for years to come. A viral Youtube video has recently been released showing the extreme change that takes place between the time a model gets to the shoot and after the photo has been edited. Upon arrival, she appears to be an average young woman. Her face is free of makeup, and her hair is natural. In the 37-second span of the clip, the woman transforms into a completely different person — first, makeup is added and her hair is done. Then, her features are refined so much that she looks like a completely different person from head to toe.The era of embracing girls larger than a size two or shorter than 5’ 5” seems to be a thing of the past. Why is

this thigh gap, stick figure-body craze so trendy when the magazine audience is so appalled by it? Today, the average woman is a size 14, 12 sizes above the “desirable” model measurements. Plus size model Kate Dillon says, “when you are selling clothes, you want it to be about the clothes, so it’s customary that you want the model to disappear.” But as important as the actual clothing item is its fit. The average woman is not a size two. It is normal for a girl to look at a model in clothing and envision herself looking just as flawless as she is. But when she looks in the mirror and doesn’t see that body, she is left feeling dejected. Women and society as a whole must take a stand against the false advertisement in fashion magazines. Extreme photo altering can become a thing of the past and magazine ads can become more realistic and put less pressure on teenage girls to have the perfect figure. Beauty is a natural thing, unedited and faultless.

YOUR COUTURE

Flip through any fashion magazine and nearly every page displays the image of a seemingly perfect model — airbrushed skin, a flawless complexion, the perfect body — a teenage girl’s dream. But is the image in print really taken directly from the photographer’s camera roll? Or is the magazine’s audience being deceived by a distorted image? By creating a false standard of young beauty, the minds of young women are being manipulated by print media. It is well known by people around the globe that Photoshop, photo editing software, is used generously in the world of photography. Maybe a model has a few stray hairs, a prominent zit — those are swept away quickly. Then the editor notices that her waist could look a little smaller, so in one fell swoop, he shrinks the model’s waist by a few sizes. At first, it seems like an innocent altering in order to make the product more appealing. After all, wouldn’t you be more drawn to a dress if it made the model’s body look perfect, or to

spice up your winter wardrobe

YOUR COUTURE

BY Tess Berger | Cedar Cliff High School

It is the dead of winter. The trees are bare, the ground coated in a slushy concoction of 3 day-old snow and dirty sidewalk residue. There is a definite chill in the air, followed by a shiver-inducing breeze as you button the very top toggle of your boring winter coat and stuff your run-of-themill black gloves back in your pockets. Though the sun is shining brilliantly on the world beneath it, you cannot seem to find the motivation to get rid of those drab duds, ranging in color from charcoal grey to the blackest black. But your clothes do not have to reflect Mother Nature’s seasonal wrath – get out of that rut and shake up your winter wardrobe with vibrant pieces to stand out among a grey scale of garments. When it comes to winter hues, what are the first three colors that come to mind? Black? Gray? Navy blue? Not this year, ladies and gents! Expect a few of last season’s colors to return – dark red tones known as bordeaux, cabernet, and burgundy, along with army green – as well as some new shades, some more unexpected than others. Cobalt, a striking shade of blue, will be making an appearance this winter, coordinating

well with black and white. Want to stand out, but the blavy (mixing black and navy) trend isn’t your cup of tea? Make a bold statement in bright red, complementing black and white well to create a look ranging from classy to punk rock. As for pastels, don’t stash them away for the winter quite yet – lavender, pastel pink, and powder blue popped up all over Fashion Week 2013. Be careful to balance the femininity with winter neutrals, such as white, camel, or even trendy burgundy. Let’s talk pattern. Two breakout stars this year were classic plaid and houndstooth, a new take on a familiarly masculine print. Consider them a neutral color and pair with just about any other hue this season: anywhere from emerald green to eggplant, and any shade in between. Another versatile print? Unexpected florals. To prevent them from appearing too summery, either balance them with darker pieces or opt for a neutral-based print. Remember, spring and summer pieces can be styled differently to work with a wintery wardrobe. Texture will play a key role in winter fashion this year. Giving a three-dimensional look, these pieces

are sure to wow everybody around you. Last year’s breakout star, leather, is back and better than ever! From shirts to skirts and pants to dresses, leather and leather-look fabrics are a necessity this season. They can be worn with basically anything, but be careful to not overdo it. Faux fur, velvet, and mohair among other textures have also been seen all over the runways. Not only are they cute, but they’ll keep you warm as well. Accessories are crucial in completing a look. Ranging from ankle to abovethe-knee height boots are the finishing touch to any outfit. Another great way to enhance an outfit? With a fun beanie. They come in a variety of colors and prints, and many are found with cute sayings on them. Statement jewelry can take a boring look to the next level. Vibrant necklaces, bold rings, dangling earrings, and stackable bracelets all are options that add a little oomph. My essentials for the upcoming season? Leather pants, big sweaters, booties, and lots of fun skirts. Stay stylish and make a statement this year in anything-but-the-ordinary looks.

INFLUENCE

BY Sarah Adamou Harrisburg High School

funny, but now I find it humorous, when I recall that event. When we got to New York City, I first saw my father and all I could do was jump for joy. My sister on the other hand took an interest in the snow and even tasted it, implying that it was rice.That moment in New York City was the first time I felt a feeling of unity within my family. I was glad to be home. Now I am eighteen years old and words can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to be living life in the United States with my family. I’ve acquired so much experience and knowledge from having the privilege to live on two continents. The surroundings I’ve been around have dictated my life in large aspects such as influencing my actions, beliefs and customs. In general, where you live plays a big part in shaping who you are; by influencing people’s behavior and motivation to act. Africa and North America turned out to be not much different! Sure people dressed differently and talked differently, but it was not everybody! In fact, America was diverse and filled with color. All different types of cultures were spread and shared throughout. Growing up in Niger (West Africa), I was taught to cook, clean, and be independent. Everyone was basically treated like family and the elders had to be well respected. Thinking back to my childhood days, I have to admit; I was very mature for a five-year old. My youngest sister is nine years old now, and she still doesn’t know how to cook and always complains when asked to clean. This goes to show how much our environment influences our lives. I guess it could be that in Africa kids had to learn to be independent since many of them became orphans at very young ages. I’m very fortunate to have emigrated to the U.S, if not I wouldn’t have much background knowledge on how incredible our world really is. The places you are surrounded by can have a tremendous influence on how you live. Niger and the United States all made me who I am today. In Niger I learned to survive and do things on my own. In the U.S I learned to value education and adapt to the ‘’ American life.’’ Overall it has been a great journey for me and there’s more yet to come.

YOUR COMMUNITY

What are you? That’s the question I get asked often. I believe it stems from the fact that I am of African descent. People notice my accent and African features. My friends always tell me that I don’t look like the “stereotypical” African. They ask why I don’t wear African clothing or act African. I find that funny though because I do those things, only when I am not in school. Ever since I was two years old, I’ve been moving from place to place and those areas I have lived in have all impacted me in one way or another. I get homesick sometimes, and start to reminisce on my days in Niger. When I was three years of age, my father left us to go study abroad in Europe. He made a promise to me that he would come back as soon as he was done. To say I was sad is an understatement. In fact it was me and my cousin who tried to prevent my father from leaving. I felt like my whole world came crashing down, as I watched my father step into the airport and waved goodbye to us. My father’s departure was really hard on me, but my aunt and uncle decided that they wanted to take me under their wing. They told my mom that it was best that she go stay with my dad’s family and I come live with them. They treated me like the daughter they never had, but I just felt as if I didn’t belong there. On the morning of November 2nd, 2002 my life changed. That day, I was told to come home early from school. When I got to the house, my uncle handed me the phone and surprisingly I heard my father’s voice on the other side of the receiver! I felt like my day couldn’t get any better! Then, my father told me that he was in America and was sending for us to come live with him! On December 2, 2002, my mother, sister, and I were all dressed and ready to go. We didn’t even pack much but a few clothes and souvenirs. It was pretty hard, having to say farewell to my uncles, aunts’ cousins, and grandparents. I was sad, happy, excited and even nervous because it was going to be my first time on an airplane. I was anxious to finally see my father again. Nothing could prepare me for the next thing that happened. I was guided to this big machine thing that went up and down. I was so afraid to go on the machine that I ended up missing a step and falling on it. I later came to find out that the machine I was scared to go on was called an escalator. At the time I didn’t find it

Greatness At Work

YOUR COMMUNITY

BY Daunessy Penn | Harrisburg high school

What does greatness mean to you? How do you become great? Well, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing a young woman by the name of Ashley Company. She is a 26 year old native of Augusta, Georgia but lives and works right here in the small city of Harrisburg. She runs an amazing non-profit organization by the name of Jelani Girls. Jelani Girls teaches young ladies ranging from ages 12-18 to re-imagine what it means to be great. Ashley assists the girls in building self-esteem, academic development, cultural enrichment, and health/athletic excellence.. Jelani Girls be contacted through social media such as, Facebook: Jelani Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3rd Annual Christmas Project, Twitter: @jelanigirls, Pinterest: JelaniGirls, Instagram: Bantubackpacker . If you want to find the greatness in you any local girl in the Harrisburg area (suburbs included) can get involved by visiting our website jelanigirls.org and requesting an application by sending an email to info@jelanigirlsinc.org AND: Where did you get the idea from to form Jelani Girls? COMPANY: Jelani Girls had not always had a name but it has always

been a dream I held onto until God showed me clearly that the time to act was now. I always knew I wanted to work with youth outside of a classroom setting. After continuous research on the best options in youth services mirrored with my skill set and experience, creating a unique nonprofit seemed like a natural fit. I saw a void and I believe we all have a responsibility to be the change we want to see. AND: What is Jelani Girls? COMPANY: Jelani Girls Inc. is an American nonprofit organization helping girls reimagine what it means to be GREAT. Jelani Girls Inc. uses mentorship based programming to expose 12-18 year old young women to different aspects of the worldÂ and develop well rounded young ladies. Our hallmark project is participation in a cultural immersion experience and annual service project in a different country each year. AND: What does Jelani mean? COMPANY: Swahili noun that means greatness or mighty AND: Where does your passion come from? COMPANY: Jelani Girls Inc. is a labor of love through my recognition

of a need for underserved girls to overcome the cyclical limitations of their socio economic backgrounds. I became steadfast in my pursuit of providing these young women with an opportunity to look beyond their backyards.Aware that there are different approaches to grow and develop these young women as well-rounded citizens and leaders in the community, I conceptualized an organization that empowers young women to achieve greatness through full immersion in cultural enrichment, health & athletic excellence, academic development, and collaborative advancement. AND: In the next five years, where do you see this program? COMPANY: I see this mentorship program extending into a full exchange program for girls in the U.S. and abroad. I envision us not only providing assistance in finding scholarships for our seniors but also awarding them as well. I also picture our participants understanding the importance of giving back to an organization that gave to them and therefore becoming a Jelani Girl mentor/supporter themselves.

HANNA PRIDE There is no specific definition for school pride that can be looked up in a dictionary or online; it is more of an indescribable feeling. It is something that is felt amongst the student body and the faculty of a school as a whole, and is a sense of pride for all that the school has to offer. There is no doubt that the students of Susquehanna Township High School have a lot of pride in their school, but sometimes there seems to be a disconnect between the two worlds contained within the building. Sports have excelled at Susquehanna for a long time, and the various matches and games have attracted crowds of all sizes. Students try to make it to as many games as possible throughout the sports’ respective seasons, but there are some sports at the school which bring in more supporters than others. The two most attended sport’s seasons at Susquehanna are the Varsity Football games and the Varsity Basketball games. Brad Thomas, a senior on the Varsity Football team, says, “I think that the football team gets a lot of support when we are winning games, but not so much when we are losing.” Theo Vellios, a senior on the boys’ swim team disagrees. “Everybody’s always going to support the sports they like better and the more popular sports.” Personal opinions may play an important factor in the attendance of various games, but scheduling might be another. The 2012-2013 school

year marked the first time that Girls’ Soccer joined the fall sports’ roster. With so many sporting events going on at one time, it can be extremely difficult to make it to an equal amount of games for each sport. “We do get a lot of support, just not a lot of game attendance,” says Sarah Kegerreis, a senior at Susquehanna and former member of the Field Hockey team. Fortunately, there have been many improvements in academic support due to social media. A Facebook group and Twitter profile have been made for the Susquehanna student section, the Hanna Hooligans, and the students seem to have flocked to them. Kegerreis says that the online support helps to make up for a sometimes lacking amount of attendance. There are two separate worlds coexisting under one roof at Susquehanna Township: the athletics and the arts. While some effortlessly involve themselves in both, there is still a lesser amount of student support for the arts than for the sports. Ellen Higbee, a senior at Susquehanna, is one of the students involved in both worlds. She is on the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, and has been involved in numerous musical productions at both the High School and Middle School. “Some people are just more interested in sports than they are in the arts.”This preferred opinion that some have may

directly correlate to the amount of publicity that the various art activities get. On the student section’s social media pages, there is no mention of musical ticket sales, competitions for Marching Band and Color Guard, and no shout outs when they win their competitions like there are for sport teams. Senior Libby Bechtel believes that this does have an effect on the amount of support the arts get. “The arts don’t get as much notice, and not as many people talk about them as they do for sports.” Just like for sports, there is – unfortunately – also a difference between the various arts activities in terms of support and attendance. Arielle Itzhaki, a senior participating in Color Guard, is a firm believer in this fact. “The whole school basically comes to the musical each year, but for an indoor guard competition there’s like two people.” Unfortunately, with art and music programs being cut from schools all around the country, it is not just a problem at Susquehanna. Recently, Susquehanna Township has received a lot of, unfortunately, negative attention from the local media. The students, especially in the High School, have seemingly banded together in the face of all of this controversy, and have shown a great resilience when it comes to our school pride. The media has not made it easy to keep Hanna pride in the district, but we continue to show up each day, and still flock in droves to sporting and artistic events alike.

YOUR COMMUNITY

BY Jillian Procope | Susquehanna Township High School

HOT CHOCOLATE REVIEWS BY Elizabeth Royer | Mechanicsburg High School

By far the most pressing question of winter-- even more pressing than perfectly valid questions such as “What is the true meaning of the holidays?” or “Is cashmere really worth it?”-- is of grave importance to the large population of sweets-loving Americans: what is the very best hot chocolate ever? Nine loyal friends of mine rallied together and blindly tasted four renowned (at least, renowned by me) hot chocolate recipes in order to determine the very best wintery concoction. The participants were asked to rate each unlabeled sample on a scale from 1-5, 5 being the epitome of chocolatey delight. Here’s what we came up with: Trial 1: A lovingly homemade mint-chocolate recipe widely known as “Super-Secret Peppermint Patty Chocolate Yum” Average rating: 2.98 Comments: “Needs more chocolate” Trial 2: Swiss Miss Premium Dark Chocolate Cocoa Mix Average rating: 2.99 Comments: “Very milky and chocolatey” “Tastes stale” Trial 3: Lake Champlain Aztec Spicy Hot Chocolate (my personal favorite) Average rating: 2.88 Comments: “MMMMMMMM.....” “If you like cinnamon” “Tastes like I’m choking on cinnamon” Trial 4: E. Guittard Grand Cocoa Drinking Chocolate Average rating: 3.74 Comments: “Sensual Dark yesh....” “bitter”

YOUR DOMAIN

Conclusions? Our lovely taste testers determined that E. Guittard takes first place in the lineup of Best Hot Chocolates. If you like rich, dark chocolate, you can order this somewhat fancy “drinking chocolate” online at the E. Guittard website. Our silver medalist, the Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Mix, can be bought at any grocery store, uses milk or water, and has a more universally appealing taste than some of our other options. Have a delightfully chocolatey winter!

There are numerous social networks with user bases larger than the population of most countries. So there is no way of getting around the fact that social media is a huge part of our everyday lives. With news spreading faster than a wildfire, we grab our phones and browse the web or tap our apps no matter where we are. When we’re at home, we usually don’t stare at the TV anymore; we post about what show we’re watching. Some of us may read statuses/tweets about popular shows while we’re watching them, even if we don’t post anything ourselves. Broadcast television shows are only a small fraction of what millions upon millions post. Internet users develop a biographical profile by sharing their thoughts, opinions, photos, videos, music, and links. The information someone shares on the internet can be viewed by practically everyone including friends, family, and yes, even strangers. It is important that internet users be careful of what they post. If social media is used the wrong

way (posting inappropriate pictures, comments, etc.) it can jeopardize a job offer, college entry, and so much more. By being aware of your cybersurroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online. On another note, social sites create an easier way for us to socialize rather than having face-to-face conversations. When we interact through social networking, we are more confident. For example, if a guy likes a girl, he will most likely confess his feelings for her through the internet or text messaging. Why is that so? Well, think about if he came up to her and said, “I like you” (or some other dorky line). It would be very awkward if she said that she doesn’t feel the same way. Can we say FRIENDZONED?! Now yes, it is possible that he could get rejected over instant messenger but the odds of that happening would be lower because he has time to have a better approach. Communication over social sites is easier because of

the new gadgets and gizmos such as mobile phones. Small keyboards have resulted to a shortening of words and increasing use of symbols. Because of this, smartphones have become addicting and we can’t let go. It is as if it was our other limb! It is almost like an instinct to most of us to check our phones for a text message, scroll on Facebook and/or Twitter, or even check our emails. Human interaction has definitely evolved over the past few centuries. The first written communication was pictographs which occurred in the ancient world. These writings were typically carved in huge stones and stayed immobile. The invention of paper made it possible to transfer documents from place to place. The current electronic technology is the most effective way to keep up with family members, online shopping, promoting events, volunteering, creating new opportunities for jobs/ business, and of course entertainment!

YOUR DOMAIN

BY Kayla Kellam | SciTech

Growing Up In Harrisburg

YOUR DOMAIN

BY Yaasmeen Piper | CASA Photos by Kelsee Baker | CASA

Neverland had nothing over my youthful perception of Harrisburg. It’s where my friends lived, where my family put down its roots.The daily street fights provided entertainment, the midnight shootings- fireworks. Red, hazy eyes only meant sorrow, crying. It went this way, my prettying up what looked ugly but surly- it couldn’t be that ugly…right? Ninth grade is where it all started.The middle school years died as the “real deal” began. High school: the time of your life when you find yourself and discover what they heck you’re going to do with your life. Make a name for myself or just become someone’s baby-mamma? Before I even had my foot in the door, SciTech had these questions running through my mind. Writing is my only passion. However, how many good writers have made a name for themselves in Harrisburg? Entering high school I became aware of the negativity around me. Ten year olds draped in blue roamed the halls chanting “cuz”. At fifteen years old, while writing occupied my life others had become mothers. Guns replaced the lint and gum wrappers in sixteen year olds pockets. Popping pimples turned into “popping molly’s”. In a city so small it’s hard to miss these things around you, yet I had no clue. Maybe I tried to look on the brighter side, or maybe I just didn’t want it to be true. One bright spring day my friend and I decided to take a walk.A group of hooded teens stood across the street seeming to be non-threatening. Slowly, another guy approaches rolling his sleeves up to his elbows. Little by little the hooded teens begin to gradually break part. Without hesitation a hooded teen pulls out a gun hidden in the waist band of his jeans and fired. Five continuous gunshots sprayed in the air. The guns shots I heard from my home could not compare to actually watching the gun spark and the bullet lodging into another human being. We ran. People in their homes glanced out their windows. The shooter took off.The victim disappeared. No police. No ambulance. Just quiet for a bit then the whole world went back to normal. It’s hard to stay away from the destruction of the city. I see girls I grew up with being persuaded into taking pills and letting boys control their bodies. Once innocent young boys now stand on the corner selling drugs for money to buy more drugs. By now I know where to get more drugs than most adults. Writing keeps me away from it all. I fall into my imagination and escape from the ruckus of the city. I hope that one day my writing will lead me out of here. So it’s safe to say growing up in Harrisburg is not an easy thing. However, there’s always a bit of light in the pit of the darkness. Here, I’ve made friends that I have kept since my childhood and learned what I did and did not want out of life. Harrisburg taught me the world can be cruel and loving at the same time. More than anything, Harrisburg taught me how to grow up.

YOUR DOMAIN

EXPLAINED YOUR DOMAIN

BY Cara Glynn | Cedar Cliff High School

We’ve heard it on the news over and over in the last few months, but what is the real buzz behind the “Government Shutdown?” As someone who is not too keen on politics, it was essential for me to research and truly understand this debacle from a much simpler standpoint. If you’ve watched the news for even a short minute, you may have asked yourself “How does this affect me?” Underneath all of the sophisticated language, numerous speeches and various opinions, how has the Government Shutdown affected our nation? First let’s nail down the basics. Why did the government shutdown? In short, our Congress could not come to an agreement over a budget, so until this issue was resolved, all “nonessential” government-funded programs were shut down. These programs included things such as the battlefields in Gettysburg, the National Zoo, and even camping in and visiting all national parks! In addition to limiting tourists, the shutdown also forced hundreds of thousands of

government workers to be furloughed for as long as 2 ½ weeks. The shutdown occurred from October 1st through the 16th, but unfortunately was not the nation’s first. Many similar shutdowns have occurred throughout our nation’s history, including the 1977 debate over abortion, as well as another budget struggle in 1995 among many others. These shutdowns lasted five days, on average. Comparing this year’s shutdown to one’s in the past, it lasted presumably longer than most. Looking at “the big picture” many of these budget arguments stemmed from the recent culmination of Obamacare, President Obama’s controversial Affordable Healthcare Act. Many Republicans in congress desired to repeal this Act, which caused friction and disagreements on spending and budgeting. This buildup acted as a catalyst and lended to the shutdown. With so much tension and disagreement, Americans were unsure of how long the stand still would go

on. Luckily, on October 17th, the President signed a budget deal, ending the government shutdown...for now. The deal was to “reopen federal agencies, call hundreds of thousands of civil servants back to work and raise the $16.7 trillion debt limit,” according to the Washington Post. After the Senate vote, the president released a statement praising both parties for accepting the deal. “My hope and expectation is everybody has learned that there is no reason why we can’t work on the issues at hand, why we can’t disagree between the parties while still being agreeable, and make sure that we’re not inflicting harm on the American people when we do have disagreements,” Obama said. Although the shutdown is not long behind us and friction is certainly still present, government officials are hopeful that this mess will be cleaned up eventually.

Sweet Tooth

A Roundup Of Some Of Central Pa’s Best Bakeries

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, the weather is getting colder, and suddenly the sound of fresh pastries and hot cocoa is seeming sweeter than ever. When you’re searching for sweet treats to give to that special someone, cheer you up on a cold day or a perhaps a bakery to visit on a snow day this winter, look no further. Don’t resort to lackluster store bought goods from your local Giant or Weis. Take a trip to one of our area’s best bakeries and discover deliciousness! Pennsylvania Bakery: 713 Market Street, Camp Hill Family owned and operated for over 70 years, the PA Bakery has been passing down family recipes for nearly 5 decades. The bakery has won many awards for their delicious cakes and treats. Most recently, it has won Harrisburg Magazine’s “Simply the Best” awards for best bakery, specialty cake and wedding cake. Not only do they serve an assortment of cupcakes, breads, sticky buns and seasonally decorated cookies, the bakery also includes a full coffee shop, mugs, and t shirts-perfect for your PA Bakery addict! Everything sold in the shop is homemade and baked on the premises, ensuring a fresh treat on every visit!

Helena’s Chocolate Cafe and Creperie 36 West High Street, Carlisle Although not specified as a bakery by trade, this creperie is all the rage to locals. Visit for a “slice of Europe” and try a selection of French Crepes and macaroons, handmade Belgian chocolates and Italian style cappuccinos and espressos. If you’re not a huge coffee fan, try some homemade Belgian hot cocoa.With so much selection, Helena’s is the perfect place to bring your date on Valentine’s Day! Plus on special occasion, it is open late for live performances. Can you say romantic?! Carlisle Bakery 35 South Hanover Street, Carlisle Recently opening in May 2012, the Carlisle Bakery is located downtown and offers a variety of baked goods and breads. Stop by and watch the bakers as they decorate cakes, bake breads and whip up some dough through the shop window. Last October, Carlisle Bakery welcomed Russ Dingeldein (of the famous Dingeldein bakery formerly in New Cumberland) as part of their team. Russ contributes some of his noted desserts to the menu, including white chocolate mousse and peanut butter cakes. Therefore, anyone who used to frequent Dingeldein’s for

their treats, a visit to Carlisle Bakery seems to be in your future! Betsy’s Bakery 115 St. John’s Church Rd, Camp Hill **Harrisburg Branch Coming Soon!** Are you gluten free? Do you have numerous food allergies? If you answered yes to either of these questions, chances are it is super difficult for you to find a sweet treat that tastes half decent. Look no further! Betsy’s Bakery offers an array of gluten free breads, and even cakes with homemade buttercream icing. In addition to sweets, Betsy’s also has a large coffee and lunch menu, which now features to-go style vegan soups. For a full list of treats, or to place a custom order, you can check out the bakery website. I am not gluten free myself, but after skimming through this menu, I think I may have to take a little trip! I don’t know about you, but after all this bakery talk, my sweet tooth is aching! Long story short, the next time you need a cute cupcake for your sweetheart, or perhaps a delectable birthday cake, consider supporting one of our local sweet shops! Especially during these freezing cold months, some sugar can be the best thing for us!

YOUR DIVERSION

BY Cara Glynn | Cedar Cliff High School

Home for the Home for the Holidays Holidays YOUR DIVERSION

BY Briana Spears | Sci Tech High School

As I walk in the door, I am greeted by the smell of my Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food. Boy can she cook. A sweet aroma floods the house as cookies are in the oven. They are almost done and ready to eat, I can already taste them. How they melt in my mouth and the warmth heats my cool body from the weather. This is the time of the year when everyone comes together for one great cause. For it is a celebration, a celebration of life. Yet, it is much more than that. People all across the country are getting together with loved ones in acknowledgement of the holidays. This is the one time of the year when the past remains the past, as differences and disputes do not matter. Everyone will get along. When I think of the holidays, I think of being with those who you love the most, cherishing the time that you have with them, and looking back on the memories: playing in the snow for hours, being determined to make the perfect snowman, to win a sledding contest or to make a huge snow angel,

watching Christmas classics and romantic dramas practically all day long, singing Christmas carols while drinking a cup of cider, cuddling on the couch with a companion or sitting in front of the fireplace drinking a cup of hot chocolate. I believe that winter in itself is a representation of purity. This purity is communicated simply through the joy that the holidays bring. Everything changes during the holidays. It is about love and caring for others. The holiday season teaches us to care for other people and to be appreciative of what we have. I have noticed that during the holiday season other things are used to represent these special days and have ultimately become all that people are worried about when they think about the holidays. For instance, as Thanksgiving emerges all we can seem to think about is the food and how good it will taste. However, the essence of this special day is to give thanks for all that we have been blessed with. Food just happens to be the

center point that brings us all together. Christmas is often celebrated out of context. It is a day intended for celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but it has become more about receiving gifts and Santa. Thanksgiving and Christmas are not the only important holidays. Kwanzaa is a seven day celebration to show the importance of the seven principles of the African culture: unity, selfdetermination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Another common holiday that is celebrated during this time of year is Hanukkah. This Jewish celebration is eight days long. Also referred to as the Festival of Lights, it commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Many people, including me, may not have thought these holidays to be of such importance but just because you personally do not celebrate it does not make it any less important. This time of year is not about oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religion, culture, or social status; it is about being with the ones you love.

Central Pennsylvania is not exactly what I would call the cultural hearth of food. Chain restaurants and fast food locations dominate our local eateries. It is an epidemic. However, as two exotic eating connoisseurs, my mom and I have been on the long and winding journey to find unique and delicious restaurants within the Susquehanna Valley. In experiences of both triumph and tragedy, the Berger girls hit the nail on the head when we visited Arepa City on 2nd Street in Harrisburg. By blending elements of Venezuelan and Latin American eating, Arepa City successfully gives its customers a burst of flavor and bang for their buck. An arepa is a type of flatbread made with cornmeal, often split in half and assembled as a sandwich. The Latin American equivalent of bread, arepas are consumed daily by Colombians, Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans, and more. Not to mention that they are gluten free while still being mouthwateringly delectable. Upon my walk from the car to Arepa City, I was not impressed. The name of the restaurant was hidden by a striped overhang, but as we approached the entrance, my mom

and I couldn’t help but gush over the allure of the hole-in-the-wall location. Upon opening the door, we were greeted by a friendly waitress and the comforting aroma of authentic food. Though the room is pretty tiny, it is not crowded and offers customers an intimate experience with both the wait staff and other customers. I felt very relaxed, as if I were enjoying a meal at home. It would be the perfect spot to catch up with friends, get a bite with family, or even go on a date and show that special someone your cultural savvy. With such an extensive and varied menu, you are bound to leave Arepa City feeling more than satisfied. Obviously, I had to have arepas my first time there, but among an assortment of seventeen of these stuffed sandwiches, how could I choose just one? You don’t have to — for twelve dollars, choose any three arepa sliders. With my waitress’s help, I ordered the chicken guisado, the pabellon, and the meliciosa. My mom opted for an entree of Pabellon Criollo: shredded flank steak served with rice, beans, and sweet plantains. Her dish was $15.50. After chatting for a bit, our food was delivered to us on two glorious

platters. The beautiful presentation of our meals made them that much more enticing. I dug right in — first into the meliciosa arepa, stuffed with roasted pork, queso fresco, and avocado. The impeccable combination of flavor sent me through the roof and into food heaven. Likewise, the other two sliders failed to let me down, one packed with shredded steak and the other with slow-cooked chicken. Each little (or big) bite had me craving another, until my plate was completely empty. No morsel was left untouched. My mom, possessing a smaller appetite than me, took some leftovers home, which I unashamedly indulged in the following day. We both agree that the best part of the meal was how we felt afterwards. Unlike most Hispanic-influenced restaurants (think El Rodeo), we weren’t left with that sickening feeling that occurs when you eat way more than you should have. I felt satisfied, not stuffed. So before you make a quick stop to Taco Bell for the fourth time this week, try out some genuine Latin American cooking at Arepa City in Harrisburg. Satisfaction guaranteed, or the meal’s on me.

YOUR DIVERSION

BY Tess Berger | Cedar Cliff High School

YOUR DIVERSION

POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE

BY Taquanaisia Reddick Sci Tech High School

The Police Athletic League better known as PAL is a national organization that is focused on helping kids and tries to prevent them from heading down the wrong path. PAL’s mission is to work to prevent juveniles from committing crimes and becoming violent by building bonds between the officers and the kids. Altogether PAL offers more than 100 programs across the nation. PAL continues to expand public awareness about the role of police officers. Our local PAL organization Harrisburg Police Athletic League (HPAL) is focused on youth crime prevention by building positive relationships between children and local law enforcement. One of PAL’s beliefs, and also the reason for the program, is that if children are reached at an early age they can develop positive relationships with police officers. Currently, most young kids in Harrisburg are told, and start to believe, that they have to be against police officers and that the police are the bad guys. Additionally, HPAL hopes to help kids on their journey by teaching them to be good citizens. HPAL Officers and volunteers interact with the kids through sports and education. I have had the opportunity to work with HPAL as a youth mentor. During this time, I have witnessed so many amazing things and have seen many children’s lives changed through participating in HPAL programs. HPAL provides kids with people to talk to and someone who cares about them and their future. When I first started attending HPAL events and programs, I was the one who needed mentoring. As early as the first day, I noticed how much the volunteers really care for the youth and how much they do for them. Once you walk into the room, you’re surrounded by love and positive energy. I believe this is why I became a mentor. Recently, HPAL started a youth dance group for the girls who live in the city of Harrisburg. These young girls participate in parades and will soon perform other shows to display their talents. I have become the choreographer and am hoping to expand the girls’ performances throughout Pennsylvania to positively influence other young girls. This dance group is a way for the young girls of Harrisburg to come together as a small family and connect.We are looking for dedicated, determined, and confident young girls who love to dance or would like to learn to dance. If anyone is interested in joining, we will be practicing Friday nights 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Downey Elementary School. Also, at Downey School, there is open basketball for boys ages 7-17. Kids and teenagers can come and play basketball with the mentors and volunteers. They can also get help learning to play basketball if they don’t know how. For girls there is a Positive Image group where older positive women come in and talk to the girls about certain things. For example, teach the girls to have respect for themselves and what treatment they should not accept from anyone. Furthermore, they have an opportunity to ask questions about things that are concerning them and have someone trusting to talk to about how they feel and what’s going on. I think that these programs are very useful and appropriate for the time period of our generation and help prevent so many dangerous things from happening. Another sport that HPAL connects with the youth through is soccer. Soccer is held during spring and summer in the evenings. HPAL has an open field for the kids to come to and play soccer with the help of some older kids. HPAL altogether is a wonderful organization with so many activities for youth! For more information about HPAL you can visit harrisburgpal.org.

Kila’s Korner BY Markila Johnson | Central Dauphin East High School

What did Batman say to Robin before they got in the car? GET IN THE CAR.

Why was six afraid of seven?

YOUR DIVERSION

They say it is hard to watch someone you love fall in love with someone else, but I don’t know it’s pretty hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube.

Numbers are not emotional thus incapable of feeling fear. Why didn’t the cat pass French class? Because cats are not generally enrolled in classes nor can they speak any human language.

What’s green, fuzzy and would hurt you if it fell out of a tree? A pool table.

QUESTION:

How do I make myself more attractive to boys? AND: You shouldn’t have to “make” yourself more attractive to boys. Most boys are attracted to confidence. However to catch his attention try wearing something that could possible spark a conversation. For example if you know he’s into sports try wearing your favorite team’s jersey.

QUESTION: When is the right time to break up with someone? QUESTION:

Have a question you want answered? Email it to ask.andmagazine@gmail.com

AND: The right time to break up with someone is when you feel its right. If you do not feel the same about that person anymore then make sure you let them know. Do not just drag them on. It’s better for everyone to be up front about it.

What should you do if you feel your parents are too strict on you? AND: Be straight forward with them. Sit your parents down and let them know that you’re a teenager. You need more freedom.You’ll be an adult soon and it’s time they started treating you like one.

How do you come out as (gay, lesbian, bi, transgender) to your friends and family?

AND: It’s safe to come out at any time once you’re sure that’s what you are. If you’re not comfortable coming out alone do it with someone you already came out to.

ADVICE @AND

QUESTION: 21

GUY CODE Have a question you want answered? Email it to ask.andmagazine@gmail.com

Question: How long should you wait before you ask a girl to be your girlfriend? AND:You should wait until you’re sure that you actually like her and can see her in your future.You enjoy her personality and not just how she looks. A girl should be your friend first before anything. However, you don’t want to wait too long and have someone else snatch her up.

Question: Is it okay to date your friends ex? ADVICE @AND

AND: Absolutely not, it is breaking the guy code. Even if your friend says it’s okay there will always be tension between you two. You might like that person but do you like them enough to possibly lose a friend?

Question: How do you tell a girl you like them?

AND: Be up front with them. Pull them aside and tell them face to face. Most girls like when a guy actually tells them how they feel face to face. Texting and Facebook messaging does not give them the same feeling. Be real with her. If you feel that she is special then she deserves for you to treat her as such.

DIY DO IT YOURSELF

BY Elizabeth Royer | Mechanicsburg High School

fluent in Spanish and your friends are always asking you for help with their homework. Whatever it is, you have a unique skill set, something that you are both good at and enjoy doing. So here’s this thing that you want to do, that you like doing, and that you have some amount of skill in. Why not get a little money for it? If you’re interested in starting your own business, whether permanent or temporary, here are a few ideas to help you get started. 1. Get out of your shell. Talk to people. That’s the best way to get any kind of work, pick up any kind of skill, and get other interesting people on board with your ideas. No one likes to hang out (let alone do business) with someone who isn’t friendly-- so chat! People like people who are interested in them. 2. Spread the word. No one will know how awesome

you are if they’ve never heard of you. Your target audience? People who need jobs done but don’t want to hire professionals. Print out an ad with your name and phone number and tack it on to local community boards. Tell your friend’s parents that you’re looking for work. The next time someone they know needs wallpaper stripped /crafts made /dogs walked, you’ll be the first on their minds. 3. Do Your Homework. How much do you want to make? How much does your product or skill cost? How much time do you want to spend on your

business? Decide whether you want to pay yourself by the hour, by the number of sales, etc. Find out what youth in your area are charging for similar services and charge a similar amount, or research what professionals usually charge for your service and charge a little less. As you get bigger... 4. Get an online presence. Once you’ve built a strong following in your area, it can help to have some sort of website or blog, especially if you’re selling a product and can send it to people (somewhat) far away. 5. Consider your options. How big do you want to get? Think about it: is this business just a fun way to make some money on the side while you finish high school or college? Or do you think this might end up being a career? Think about it, and plan accordingly.

YOUR FUTURE

So there’s something that you like to do, some sort of skill that you have. You might have excellent origamiswan making skills.You might actually enjoy mulching the backyard or planting in the garden. Maybe you’re

Job Hunting:

The DO’s & DON’T’s

YOUR FUTURE

BY Kayla Kellam | SciTech

Having a job as a teenager is probably one of the best feelings because for the first time, you can make your own money. You feel independent and you have a sense of responsibility. Having a job during high school can be beneficial because it instills important

is “No”, still ask for an application because when they start to hire again, your application will be on file. Fill out the application in the store so they can have it immediately. Always, always, always complete every part of an application. If you don’t, virtually

can be difficult and time consuming when job hunting but it is best to be patient.* It is important that you apply to jobs that will suit you well. For example, if you know you don’t want to work in retail, don’t apply to those certain jobs

work and management skills. But job searching can be tough enough already. So the question is:What should you do when you’re job searching? And what shouldn’t you do? Well let’s find out! DO’s: *I believe it is best if you take a whole day to travel around the city and search for jobs or to take a few hours out of your day and apply online. It’s also a better experience if a friend accompanies you* You will first need to explore job options and decide what type of jobs you are interested in. Then you would get the applications. When you walk into a place of business, politely ask an employee if they’re hiring. If the employee says “Yes”, ask for an application. If the answer

all jobs will not consider you for a job. Being honest and direct is key, even if you have criminal record or you dropped out of high school, still be truthful. If you have a resume, attach it to your applications, you might have more experience than you think! When you turn in all of your completed applications, respectively call the jobs about a week later to check the status of your applications. If you can, it is better to stop by and speak to someone face to face about hiring you. It is important that you give the hiring manager time to view your application but stay on them; your ambition will boost your chances. DON’Ts: *Do not just apply to one job; apply to as many jobs as you can. It

because you want to enjoy your job. When you ask for the applications, don’t be improper, first impressions are everything. Once you get the application, turn it in to the employer immediately. If you want the job badly enough you will be somewhat competitive and not lazy. Do not just turn your application in, follow up. If you don’t check in, the employer will see you as average job applicant. Make sure you are speaking to the person who is hiring, don’t rely on someone to relay the message for you. So there it is! I hope those tips help you find a job. Be prepared for rejection, if you don’t get the job you want, that’s okay! Keep applying to other jobs and don’t give up.The work force needs someone like YOU.

Junior Year Jitters People always talk about their junior year and how it’s the hardest and most stressful of their high school career. There are always the underclassmen who say that they have next year to get their act together when it comes to their grades and overall school performance. But then there comes your first college visit where they tell you that your junior year is the one that counts, the one that they look at when they consider you for their college. And that’s when you start panicking. Because just a few years ago you were talking about how you always had next year. And then you suddenly don’t and it’s scary and stressful and everything they say that junior year is. You find yourself scrambling to pick up the broken pieces of your grades and frantically start joining any club that you can find because colleges want a well-rounded student. Soon you actually start studying for all of your tests and quizzes and you begin to pay acute attention in your classes. Although it might not seem like it because you’re too scatterbrained to notice, there’s a method to your newfound madness. All of your dedication to getting good grades is no longer to simply avoid getting grounded once your

parents see your report card. It’s no longer about doing well just so your parents won’t give you a lecture.You’re now striving to get good grades so you can get into a good college and have a good life. But, most of all, it’s for yourself. Junior year is so scary because college becomes something that’s far more immediate than it’s seemed in your recent freshman and sophomore years. Suddenly, it’s something that you actually have to start planning for and it’s intimidating. However, there are some ways to avoid this kind of stress. Talk, talk, talk. When it comes to your junior year, you can never do enough talking. Talk to your counselors. Your counselors are your saving grace in high school. It is their job to open up as many opportunities to you as possible while also preparing you for college in every way imaginable. Don’t be afraid to talk to admissions counselors at the colleges you would like to attend either. They are great for answering any questions you may have on requirements to get into the college of your choice and making your transition from high school to college so much easier and significantly less stressful. They help you put college into perspective so you don’t have to completely lose your mind in trying to get accepted.

Another thing to do your junior year is stay on your toes. As a junior, you’re going to have a lot of deadlines and tests and quizzes to keep up with. Stay aware of any and all deadlines you have to meet. Keep a planner at all times. Writing things down is known to be the best way to remember things. And last but not least, DO NOT procrastinate. I cannot stress this enough. Things done hurriedly at the last minute are usually not your best quality of work. And teachers, believe it or not, can recognize that. Start your assignments or start studying for your tests the minute you find out you have them. This way you have time to relax before that assignment is due or that test date comes. But just remember that although your junior year is extremely stressful, you always have your senior year to just unwind and relax. Because by then, you have hopefully already started applying for colleges and this takes a small weight off of your shoulders. Don’t let all of the stress of your junior year keep you from having fun. Don’t forget to hang out with your friends over the weekends and go to a party or two. Keep everything balanced and your junior year is bound to be fulfilling.

YOUR FUTURE

BY Jada Baity | Susquehanna Township High School

SENIORITIS BY Jillian Procope | Susquehanna Township High School

YOUR FUTURE

Seniorities. Noun. A disease that plagues unsuspecting students as they begin their senior year of High School. This illness can occur quite suddenly without any warning and is highly contagious, especially when in the presence of five or more High School seniors at any given time. Symptoms include laziness, fatigue, a complacent attitude, and a total lack of concern for any and all school assignments. Students suffering from senioritis have also been known to sport a uniform of sweatpants and sweatshirts religiously. The only known cure is the celebration of a rite of passage commonly known as Graduation. Despite what many students would like to believe, senioritis is not a medically treated condition - or else we would all have our doctors excuse us from school activities on a daily basis - but it is very real. After putting in hard work constantly during the years, months, and even days leading up to the moment you receive your college acceptance letter, it is only natural to want to relax and blow off steam. However, this is when students are most susceptible to catching the senioritis bug. At first you may find yourself procrastinating on a homework assignment, and later putting off studying for a test, but pretty soon students will find that they are officially â&#x20AC;&#x153;over school.â&#x20AC;? The worst comes once the cold winter months hit and students are transitioning into the second semester. It is easy to want to throw in the towel and send your brain on vacation once spring break, prom, and even graduation enter on the horizon, but this is also a crucial time that could make or break your post-graduation plans.

It is always an exciting time when students start to receive college acceptance letters because, finally, there is tangible proof that all of your hard work has paid off. However, students can get so wrapped up in the excitement - and relief - that comes in a little white envelope that they forget to read the small print. Many colleges in the United States require that accepted students send in their mid- and sometimes even final grade transcripts, and colleges, based on the reports, reserve the right to rescind acceptances. Especially in the case of final transcripts, which are not sent in to colleges until mid to late June, students are likely to have to wait until July before finding out if their acceptance has been rescinded, and by then it is almost too late to search for another collegiate option for the fall. So even though forgoing studying for that math test might seem like a good idea at the time, remember that there can be repercussions if students let their grades slip too far. For many High School seniors, senioritis may seem like an obstacle too big to overcome, but there are easy ways to avoid some of its symptoms. Focusing on the big picture of graduation is an easy way to feel overwhelmed and anxious, so students should instead take one day at a time and work through their feelings of procrastination, but they should also feel free enough to have fun. High School seniors have waited a long time to get where they are, and should enjoy every minute, but should also remember that before playing hard, it is important to work hard.

AFTER HOLIDAY

BY Jada Baity | Susquehanna Township High School

• Clothing Basics Things such as men’s underwear, women’s intimates, and jeans are cheaper than ever after the holidays. Even accessories such as tights and fashion scarves are inexpensive. •Tech Accessories Phone cases, headphones, and screen protectors all fall under the tech accessories category. These things and

more are being sold at exceptionally low prices in most electronic stores. •Laptops During the After Holiday Deals, laptops of all brands can be found at cheap prices as well. Besides, us teens need a dependable laptop for our essays and homework. •Gaming Consoles We all know game consoles are expensive. But with “After Holiday Deals” you can satisfy all of your gaming needs without breaking the bank. And of course, you need some new games to go with your brand new console. Don’t you worry; games are being marked down after the holidays as well. Suddenly the time after the holidays is just as bright as the holidays itself. Who says that the best gifts can only be given on celebratory occasions? Now, you can go out and get the same amazing things for less. Have a happy After Holiday!

YOUR FUTURE

All of us look forward to the holidays. It’s the time to spend with family, give to others, and receive amazing gifts. But it’s the time after the holidays that none of us look forward to. Because you no longer have that countdown to the best day of the year in the back of your mind and you are suddenly confronted by the reality that you have to wait another year for that special day to come back around. However, I’m here to tell you that the time after the holidays is no longer a dismal affair. Many companies are now selling some of their most sought after merchandise for mind-blowing prices. Many people refer to these annual bargains as “After Holiday Deals”. “After Holiday Deals” are applied to things as minuscule as women’s tights to things as sought after as game consoles. Here is a compiled list of only some of the things you will be able to score huge markdowns on after the holidays.

How Do I Pay For College?

YOUR FUTURE

BY Briana Spears | SciTech High School

Nowadays, when the word college comes to mind the next thing one automatically thinks of is money. College tuition is more than it has ever been before. It is sad to say but with today’s economy, many students just do not have the financial means that it takes to attend college. Though college is not for everyone, there are those who would love to further their education but, cannot afford it. The sad reality in this is that as the cost of tuition continues to increase, the amount of financial aid available to students remains the same. Since 1992, the maximum available through government-subsidized student loans has remained at $23,000 for a fouryear degree. So the question is—how can one pay for college? In saying this, although the cost of tuition is expensive there are always alternative solutions. The average person hardly ever actually pays the full cost of tuition—at least not out of pocket. For starters, whenever a student is accepted to colleges they must file a FAFSA application. FAFSA is a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application can be submitted as early as January 1st and no later than May 1st the year of your enrollment. As a part of the U.S Department of Education, this is one of the largest providers of financial student aid in the nation, giving over $150 billion a year in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds to more than 15 million students. Federal student aid funds are delivered to students through over 6,200 colleges. How much financial aid you qualify for is based on your financial need, how much outside aid you will receive, and the availability of funds at your school. Though amounts vary for by individual, every U.S citizen is entitled. It is vital to fill out the FAFSA because without it your schools cannot offer you any scholarships. Most students are only able to afford schooling because of scholarships. Scholarships can be based on several factors. From sport scholarships to academic scholarships, legacy scholarships or even need-based scholarships. There are scholarships based on race, gender, disorders or illnesses, essay contests, and even

something as simple the color of your eyes. Generally scholarships come directly from the school but there are a lot of scholarships out there—you just have to find them. Another way of paying for school is by applying for grants. Like scholarships, you DO NOT have to repay grant money. Generally speaking, grants are given to undergraduate students and the amount received is dependent upon financial need, the cost of attendance, and your enrollment status. Two common grants are the Pell Grant, which awards as much as $5,635 and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity G r a n t s (FSEOGs), r a n g i n g anywhere from $100 to $4,000. If scholarship and grant money is not enough to pay for tuition, there is always the workstudy option. This gives both undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to earn money to go towards their educational e x p e n s e s while enrolled. Many students, however, resort to taking out student loans instead. Whether it is a private or a federal loan, this is money that MUST be repaid. Some loans include the Federal Perkins Loans,

Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Loans, or PLUS loans, which are for parents. Though the cost of attending college can be expensive, it is worth it. There are many ways to make college affordable but it is up to each individual to look for ways to pay for the college experience. This information along with other helpful information about the college process can be found at scholarships.com.

FOOTBALL THE INSIDE LOOK Over the summer, I made the decision to try something new. A part of me had always wanted to be in the school marching band but for the longest time I was too scared to join. Knowing that it was my senior year and that I would not have another chance to do it, I decided to join the band. I was now a Marching Cougar! I liked the sound of that. By being a part of the band, it was required to put forth a lot of effort and hard work. At any given point these words can be said, “WHAT’’S THE WORD? ENTHUSIASM! WHAT’S

it motivated these players to do better, as they knew they could. They knew losing was not an option because they had an obligation not only to themselves but to their friends, families, school, and the entire community. The third game was an away game against York- Adams County and we won!! I remember as the anticipation built up in my body from the very thought that we might actually win. There is no greater feeling than playing in the stands and actually helping the team win. I will never forget the words of our

being part of the football team is a lot of work, I can’t lie but it’s definitely worth it. Going out on the field and seeing my family and my friends cheering us on is a great feeling and the band is another thing. Every now and then when I get a free second to listen to the band I do. Y’all really are inspiring. I mean even when we’re losing, you guys are still hype and in a way that gets us hype all over again. Now when you guys play that boring stuff it’s different but really, there were times when I got upset because I couldn’t see you guys perform. If it’s a

THE KEY? DISCIPLINE! HOW DO Y’ALL FEEL? LIKE A MARCHING COUGAR!” It is our job not only to know the saying but live by it. There are a few perks, like having the “inside look” at high school football. Our first game was against Bishop McDevitt at their new field. Unfortunately, the end result of this game was a loss. The second game of the season was at Severance Field, the Cougar Home field. The Cougars lost this game against Wilson West Lawn. I can remember looking out beyond the crowd and onto the field at the players and seeing not only the frustration, but disappointment.The good thing is that

Band Instructor, Mr. Troutman, when he said, “The band always wins. Even if the football team does not win, it is our job to win. Yes, you guys sounded good last game but now you have to do even better the next game. Every game you play has to be better than your last. That’s the goal”. At times, the Cougars appeared to lose faith and stop trying. But it was almost as though we encouraged them to keep trying through our music. Despite the football team appearing to lose at first, the band continued to win and as a result the players did too. I had the chance to speak with one of the players who said, “You know

home game the band performs before the game but we’re still in the locker room but away games its halftime and we’re still in the locker rooms.” At the end of the season, I knew this would be my last time playing with my drum line. All I could think was how I would miss playing in the stands with them and that even if I played in college, it would not be quite the same. This season was truly one to remember but it had to come to an end. Though it ended with a loss, we did not go out without a fight and that is what counts.

YOUR SCORE

BY Briana Spears | Sci Tech High School

More Than Just A Game

YOUR SCORE

BY Briana Spears | SciTech High School

Throughout the course of my high school career, I have been involved in various activities. Last school year, I decided to try something relatively new. I became a part of the Harrisburg Rebels, an all-girls soccer team. It is just one of the many programs offered through the JT Dorsey Foundation (JTDF). The JTDF programs include: Future Leaders program, City Recreational Soccer Programs, Soccer for Success (after school soccer), Skill School, Freestyle Soccer, Goalie Training, Street Soccer, and Community Service. Being a part of this team helped make me a better person. It is not just about winning but about having fun. As founder, Julian Terrell (JT) Dorsey, has the goal to inspire the hearts and minds of youth in any way he possibly can. After catching up with Mr. Dorsey, I was able to get the inside scoop. Growing up he was faced with a lot of tough childhood experiences. He did not allow his hardships to stop him from making something great of himself. He feels that being able to get through some of these things has influenced things that he decided to do for kids. JT says,“Soccer is just what gets us together, it gives us something to do and winning just gives you something to look forward to. Is it nice to win? Yes.You know, I would love to win every game back to back but that is not what is important. What matters is that you are being active, getting your heart rate going, and just going out there and having fun. That’s what it’s all about”.

To JT, soccer means almost everything. He has been blessed not only to play the game but to do so professionally. Though he started playing soccer at age 8, he did not necessarily form a love for the game until age 13. At the time, he did not think he was any good but his Coach told him he could do something special if he continued to work hard. While developing his talent, he knew it was important to continue to focus on his education. He says, “I think a quality education helps you in the nucleus of who you are. Quality education comes through numerous ways, clearly books but also life experiences and social knowledge, which just deals with awareness of your surroundings and what goes on around you. Having a quality education can help you because even if you play a sport you need something to fall back on. Your knowledge is what counts.” I’ve learned that you cannot rely on what you can do or whom you know, but WHAT you know. With knowledge, Mr. Dorsey was able to change not only his life but the lives of others, including mine. When asked what was most important for people to know about the foundation, Mr. Dorsey states that he would like people to know about the awesome children. JT has influenced me in many ways and become like a father figure in my life. Even now, having recently lost my father to Cancer it is important for me to find males in my life who serve as role models. This loss is one that Mr. Dorsey and I have in common. Having

lost his mother to Cancer, he has been able to serve as a mentor to me in my grief. I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the many youth influenced by the JT Dorsey Foundation, Ms. Imani Woodyard, a current senior at SciTech High school. She says, “I originally did Cross Country in the fall sport season but when my district cut it due to budget problems, soccer was the only thing I was interested in. I had played soccer previously before high school, but being a part of the Rebels has ultimately changed my life. I improved my soccer skills while learning how to be a confident leader, both on and off the field.” A good man is hard to come by, and JT Dorsey truly is a good man of integrity and distinction. From watching the way he interacts with his young daughter to seeing the way he dedicates not only his time but also his life, to the cause of making a difference. His daughter is his greatest motivation in life and the reason for his continued success. In saying this, he wants to leave a legacy so that once his time is up; this can be something that his daughter can be proud to say “My Daddy helped do that”. I can sincerely say that all of those who I grew to know through playing soccer have essentially become like family to me. On our team it is NOT all about winning. It is more about having fun while learning the game of soccer.

The Essence of Life T H E D AY M Y D A D D I E D

Life; to some it is just a mere four letter word while to others it means so much more. The dictionary defines life as the existence of an individual being. The question is however, are you living or merely existing. In life we have triumph but we also are faced with hardships that we ultimately must overcome. Nonetheless, everything that happens in our lives is a learning experience.

children, you would have thought he would have time for me. I was the youngest of all his children and yet I felt the most neglected. Most of the people around me know what it is to be their daddy’s little girl; however, I do not and I suppose that I never will. Finding out about my dad’s condition was hard for me to deal with. I do not like having to lose people, especially considering that I

such a young age. Sure they are simple talks but they matter to me and it would have made a difference, had I had them every once in a while. The thing is, however, I could never be mad at my dad nor to I blame him for the way things were. As each day passed seeing him get fatally ill, I feared for his life. The thing is I had never been good with saying good bye and I was not ready to let

About 5 months ago, I found out that my father was diagnosed with cancer. Not just any form of cancer but to his luck, an incurable form. My initial reaction was one of shock and confusion. I could not believe what I was being forced to hear. Rather than being mature enough to face my problems I tried to act as though they did not exist by forcing myself not to think about the predicament that my father was in. Growing up I did not always have my dad in my life the way that I would have liked. Being a man with a lot of

never got the chance to fully know my father in the first place. All the things that girls get to do with their fathers, getting to hear their words of encouragement getting to share special moments with them. Just about every girl grew up with the thought in her mind that she was a princess, simply because her father told her that she was. I had to tell myself these things rather than someone else telling me. I strongly believe that had I gotten to partake in these conversations with my father, I would not have placed myself in the situations that I have at

him go—not yet. As it turns out, he did end up dying a little over a week later, forcing me to say goodbye. September 4th 2013 was the day that would change the rest of my life. As I looked at my phone ringing and saw my eldest sister’s name flash across the screen, I knew what the call was about. I worked up the courage to answer and with hesitance in her voice she said, “Hi, Da-Daddy just died. Okay”. All the things we never got the chance to say and all the things that we did not get to do. I guess now we

YOUR INSPIRATION

BY Briana Spears | Sci Tech High

YOUR INSPIRATION 32

never will. Never in life did I imagine having to deal with something like this. I do not know how I will be able to get through this. Throughout the course of my entire life I was forced to be stronger than most of the people around me, even within my own family. Therefore, because of what I have been through, I am usually good with handling pain—but not something like this. Rather than saying goodbye, it was more along the lines of see you later. The reality of what has happened still has not quite hit home yet, as this whole situation is a bit surreal. I will never be able to talk to him or even see his face again. Life will never be the same. I went through my entire life feeling alone and I thought nobody cared. This in turn helped me to grow into a stronger person. No longer would I be reliant

though he had tried far too late for the wrong reasons. As the years went on, we would talk on the phone a lot and see each other here and there but the connection was never truly there. I was harboring pain inside of my heart and I did not know how to let it go. Even writing this is painful, to read over it is just as painful, as it ultimately brings me to tears. Finding out about my father’s illness brought us closer than ever before. I will never forget sitting with him in the hospital in tears as he said to me, “I have never seen you cry this much in your whole life. I didn’t know that you cared about your father that much, I thought you hated me”. Those words will be with me for the rest of my life. Knowing that I shut him out to the extent of him thinking I hated him. It was as though he had mistaken my

mother and father love you very much and there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for you. Never forget that”. It just makes me wonder if it was my fault, all of it. Had the way things been between us been because of me-because he thought I hated him? Could that be why he stayed at a distance? What kept him so far away when he was yet so close to me? Perhaps he wanted to be there but did not know how, and more importantly did not know if it was something I wanted. There are literally a thousand questions racing through my mind, things I should have said, could have done, and answers to questions that I had yet to ask. It is sort of sad to think that within a period of about two months, my Dad and I grew closer than we were my entire life. I will

on other people or affected by what others say or do. Now I guess I really am alone. Growing up I watched as my sister, Amber, would always go places with her dad and I could not help but wonder, “Where is my Dad?” I felt like an unloved child for so much of my life to the point where I believed it, believing that my parents did not care and regretted my birth. To some this may seem somewhat extreme but this is just the way I felt growing up and even now it is hard to look back on the childhood I had. As time progressed and my father tried his hardest to do right by me, I was too stubborn. Far too stubborn to see that he really cared and wanted to be there. It was not a matter of anger but pain. My pain would not allow me to move forward, I felt as

hurt for hatred. At first I could not understand how he could think such but then I understood. All of my life I felt unloved and unwanted, when in reality my Dad loved me more than I could ever imagine. Even though it hurts, I know now that he loved me and that he was proud of me. I too, can say that I know he died knowing just how much I loved him. With tears rolling down my face, he comforted me and said, “Baby, don’t cry. I’m going to fight this and things will be different. I’ll make it through this and when I do, I’m going to take you to see where your father is from, (the Bahamas). Everything is going to be okay and hey you know if I don’t make it—everything will still be okay. I know sometimes you feel alone but I never want you to feel like that.Your

never forget that day—ever. For this was the day that changed the rest of my life. I am scared of what this experience may do to me, as I have already started to change in ways I would never have imagined. All the things I said I would not do, I found myself doing because I essentially gave up. Not just on life but on myself. I say all this to say that nothing in life is guaranteed, which is why we must live each day to the fullest. You never know when it is your last day at life. We must live our lives, love the people around us, and be prosperous in all that we do; for this in itself is the greatest success of life, rather than having monetary things that will fade away.

What Austen Means

I’m sitting by my bedroom window, looking into a heavy fog and thinking about violence in books. Until about two minutes ago, I was engrossed in one of my reading assignments- a reasonably well-known, respected manual for academic reading. What made my eyes stop reading and my thoughts start wandering was the author’s casual denunciation of Jane Austen. Plenty of people have denounced Austen, of course, in the same way they have denounced scores of classical authors, but what interested me was the reason this author did so. He objected to Austen purely due to the lack of violence in her stories. Readers appreciate violence in the stories they read, to be sure. Whether for its entertainment value or emotional impact, it has a treasured place in American art and entertainment. That got me thinking about what else people value in books and movies today, rather than in the late 18th and

early 19th centuries, when Austen was around. Audiences certainly seek out more tender subjects in their stories like romance and redemption, but oftentimes the themes we see most are those of violence as well as others like those of competition, supernatural abilities, feats of human nature, and coming-of-age stories. If we look more closely, we notice that these themes generally anchor on male characters. If they do highlight female characters, they tend to draw positive attention to their more masculine traits. For example, a “strong female character” in a modern movie usually involves an unusually skinny woman beating up hordes of muscular men. In many contemporary stories, it appears that audiences respect and value traits with a decidedly masculine spin. So let’s assume for a moment that we, as a youthful audience, do enjoy and reward “masculine”

traits in characters and plotlines. What does that mean for modern storytelling? If we overvalue certain characteristics due to their perceived masculinity, we undervalue others due to their perceived femininity, qualities traditionally considered more feminine (teaching, dancing, an interest in fashion or aesthetics) appear less often in literature and cinema. When they do, people may shrug them off as shallow or inconsequential. But is Batman really any more heroic or socially relevant than Wonder Woman? I wouldn’t necessarily argue that the author in question doesn’t enjoy Austen because she caters to more feminine interests, but I do think it’s important for us as consumers and creators of art to re-evaluate what we consider meaningful, and base our appreciation of books and movies based on their merit, rather than their alleged gender targeting.

YOUR INSPIRATION

BY Elizabeth Royer | Mechanicsburg High School

ALLER YOUR INSPIRATION

BY Isaiah Murphy

BY Darhius Cotta

BY Savanna Lenker

BY Zakiya Foster

GALLERY

BY Aldo Acosta

BY Joe Binder

BY Nahomy Rodriguez

I wonder….. I wonder if you’ve forgotten me I wonder if you’ve forgotten me on purpose, I wonder if you forgot our first kiss, I wonder if you forgot when I said “I love you”. Maybe you did forget about everything, I just wonder should I call you… Every day, every minute, every second I think about you... Every day I sink into a hole of darkness, My heart has gone into shock and it hasn’t loved again… Wishing that I can just say “hello” but I don’t want to bother you… Walking up and down the hallways and watching you makes me uneasy… I just want to run to you and say “I miss you’’… I wonder if you feel the same way I do every day… I wonder??

BY Deivonte Washington

BY Noellie Rodriguez

YOUR INSPIRATION

I wonder.....

UNTITLED BY Zakiya Foster | Achievement House Cyber Charter School Aegis Education Endeavor Partnered Resource Center

YOUR INSPIRATION

I didn’t think she was serious when she left my house that day. To think, K’Nyla, my first love, would have been gone in a flash. She left early, I didn’t know what was worse, the fact that she left crying or the fact she left during a storm. The rain fell down, as I grabbed her hand. “Don’t go,” I started. But she jerked her arm, pulling her hand from my grip. “She has a pretty name, and a lovely face.” She said as she turned to me. “Don’t drop her as well.” With that, she ran down the steps and down the street. I could feel the stares from the neighbors who saw her disappear in the night. I never thought that was the last time I’d see her… Before she died. Her mother called the morning after, asking me if K’Nyla was around. I honestly wanted to tell her yes. “No, I haven’t seen her since she left last night.” There was a silence on the other end, before her mother whispered “Okay.” And the call ended. I looked at the cellphone, as if maybe her mother would call back. Informing me K’Nyla just walked through the door. But she didn’t. The phone stayed dark and silent. As the week went about, I sat in silence. By the front door, I waited. Hoping maybe, just maybe, she would come and open the door, announcing all the fun she has had all this week, as me, her

mother and some others were worried sick about her. But it didn’t happen. There was no opening of the front door, there was no K’Nyla, and there was no hope. But, there was a call. A call I’d never forget. A date, and a time. I wore the nicest black tux I could rent, and drove to the funeral. I sat, laughing inside. This had to be one of her jokes. K’Nyla was known to put on the best show, especially on Halloween. Scaring people is what she does. As I said my parts in front of her body, I looked down at her. At any moment, she would jump up, and surprise everyone. Even me. Showing everyone she was fine, and she just wanted everyone to notice her. I sat, now with an idea of her next idea, I sat with a smile. There’s no way that K’Nyla was gone.That’s unspoken of.The girl that could never die, means she would never do such. I kept this thought in mind even as her father came to the podium. “Washed away by a storm and out of all our lives, K’Nyla, my little girl…” I’ve never seen a grown man cry before, besides myself, but that day I did. He cried, and left the room. “She isn’t gone.” I kept thinking. “There’s no way she was gone.” Even as we went out to the graveyard to bury her I kept thinking this. But as she was lowered into her grave, my

heart began to sink with her. Sinking, and being buried, I waited. “She’s gonna jump out at any time. She has to…” I mumbled. “C’mon, K’Nyla!” Her mother took my side, and pulled me into a hug. I could feel myself crying, and couldn’t stop. I embraced her, and she cried with me. As the coffin was covered, and the hole filled. I dropped to my knees. I felt the sun go down, and the night set place. I was alone. Sitting at the grave of the only person I ever learned to love, I sat alone. After what seemed like an eternity, I stood, and placed a single white rose on her grave. “I promise, I’ll be here this time. Every day, I’ll come.” Before I walked away, I could feel there was someone staring at me. I looked around, and didn’t see a thing, but I heard a gasp, and shuffling in the bushes across the field. I walked over, and got a glimpse of a face peering back at me. Eyes as red as blood. Skin as pale as the moon, and hair just as white. She store at me for a moment, before running in the opposite direction. I ran after her. I don’t know why, but I did, only to lose her at the river.

Like what you just read? Then, head to twitter @ANDMagazinePa and tell us what you think Zakiya should name it!!

BY Yaasmeen Piper | CASA

My heart races At just the thought of you When we’re together The whole world dissolves Leaving us in a storm Of passion The sound Of your invigorating voice Brings chills To my body The way my breath Disappears when ever Our skin Touches Everytime your eyes Meet I find my self swimming In your intoxicating Green eyes Your smile Your voice Your everything Just You

GALLERY

Him...

Take Me Away BY Yaasmeen Piper | CASA

Take me away Don’t ever turn back Keep going Don’t ever stop Just set me free Take me away From this mess I made Drive until there’s No gas left Then walk until our Legs collapse Just take me away Take me away From my reality Into this fantasy I built Where I cry No more Laugh Too much And love With all I have

BY Serenity Vidot

Achievement House Cyber Charter School Aegis Education Endeavor Partnered Resource Center

Take me away So I can start over Again And leave the damage Behind Take me away Miles and miles Away I don’t care Just get me away From here

BY Zakiya Foster | Achievement House Cyber Charter School Aegis Education Endeavor Partnered Resource Center

YOUR INSPIRATION

BY Dustin Jarback

YOUR TAKE

BY Jada Baity | Susquehanna Township High School

It’s New Year’s Eve and you’re sitting in front of your TV screen eagerly waiting for the legendary ball in Times Square to drop. Your mind is racing through all of the new opportunities that have suddenly been offered up to you as a result of the New Year. And then with your sparkling apple cider in hand and the countdown from 10 being chanted upon your lips, your mind suddenly opens up and in pours all of your New Year’s Resolutions. These resolutions will act as your guide through the rest of the year. The rest of your year will be occupied with fulfilling goals, keeping promises, and trying new things. Some people keep their resolutions; others let them fade away as the year goes by. But I find that to be a shame. We need our New Year’s Resolutions. We need a reason to get up every morning for the next 12 months. And they don’t need to be difficult or outlandish resolutions. They could be as simple as promising to be a good friend or getting that boy in your

period 8 class to notice you. They could even be as crazy as promising yourself that you’re going to travel to Paris and eat brunch on top of the Eiffel Tower. Maybe you want to dye your hair neon pink and buy a whole new wardrobe to better express who you are. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution is, it is something that will keep you motivated for the rest of the year regardless of anything that might turn up. I think that’s what New Year’s resolutions are all about. It’s about giving yourself the determination and strength needed to get through another grueling and tiresome year. So that next year, you can make another set of New Year’s resolutions to live by. And the cycle continues. Because whether or not you follow through with your goals, you still make new ones every year. Some of them more ludicrous than the next. So while you’re with family and friends this New Year’s, don’t forget to make your New Year’s resolutions. Because, believe it or not, they are important.

So, when the countdown from 10 dwindles down to one, make your goals. And make yourself a personal promise to follow through with them. It will pay off and you will have yourself to thank. Tell your friends about the New Year’s resolutions they should be making too.Tell your family as well. All of us need something to live by. So that’s why I’m planning on making many resolutions for this year. I don’t know what they are going to be just yet. But I do know that this year, at least for me, is going to be productive and beneficial. So when the countdown has ended and all of the lovers have finally disentangled from their passionate embrace, when friends have hugged each other in the celebration of another year, when you have downed the last of your sparkling apple cider, make your resolutions. Make some of them nearly impossible and make some of them easily attainable. Because all of them are the fuel that you will need to get through the year and come around to celebrate a new year all over again.

THOUGHTS

FOR

TODAY

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be so scared of a bully and have nowhere to go? Feel like you have no other choice than to go to school every day and expect the same thing over and over again? Well if you are feeling this way imagine a place where there are no bullies, you’re in a school at home or at a center provided to you. Imagine that there are actually teachers out there busting their butts to keep you safe, focused, and let you know that everything you do doesn’t go unnoticed. And they are so proud of you. This is all I have ever wanted out of a school and I finally have just that. I first got a school where there were no bullies which was Achievement House Cyber Charter School (AHCCS). I was finally getting a break from being bullied every day at school and not caring what my grades were. I didn’t care because no one else did and finally this year I got everything I wanted. I got teachers that helped keep me focus, are proud of everything I do and I feel safe.

I got this through a partnered resource center in Harrisburg called Aegis Educational Endeavor or AEE for short. I had never been in a school environment where I actually enjoyed learning but they somehow made it possible. I have realized that the teachers here and at AHCCS are different from any other teacher I have ever had, they cared! They cared if I passed, they cared about my situation at home, I received birthday wishes, and heartfelt condolences when family had passed away. A lot of people think Cyber School is a bad ideathat is separates kids from society and responsibility in the communities. But honestly I have never been so willing to give back to a community until I came to AEE. I have responsibilities here and they hold me accountable for them. I am very social. There are other students here that I converse with daily along with the hundreds of other kids that I talk to through BBIM, Email, virtual live classes and other ways provided through the school. We

work on group projects together and work in groups during class I don’t think I have ever been so social.We are actually encouraged to be different and be ourselves; the school isn’t worried more about what we’re wearing than what we’re learning. We are offered more subjects and are given the one on one time we need and deserve. The teachers aren’t just here for the paycheck. They are here to make sure everyone succeeds in the courses being taught. They are available pretty much 24/7 for help unlike regular school teachers who are only there during school hours and if you need help after school hours then you’re pretty much on your own. I can never express how thankful I am that this was an option for me and I will continue to recruit and try to change anyone’s mind that I can about cyber schools not being a better option.

YOUR TAKE

BY Kimberly Shaffer | Achievement House Cyber Charter School Aegis Education Endeavor Partnered Resource Center

Book Reviews BY Yaasmeen Piper | CASA

YOUR TAKE

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The Perks is about a shy, slightly depressed teen named Charlie who writes to an anonymous person about his freshman year. He starts off with no friends. The only person he could connect with was his English teacher which is pretty sad for a teenage boy. That is until he meets two seniors named Patrick and Sam. Patrick aka “Nothing” is a fun spirited senior and

Looking For Alaska by John Green Miles Halter leaves his home for Culver Creek High School in Alabama to start his junior year. He meets his roommate Chip “The Colonel” Martin, Takumi, Lara and the infamous Alaska Young. Alaska is beautiful yet very emotional and mysterious. Miles bonds with them by smoking cigarettes and feuding with the “Weekday Warriors.” Miles is obsessed with the last words of famous people. One that was very popular by Francois Rabelais- “I go to seek the Great Perhaps,” was used to describe Miles’s sudden change in behavior for a “good boy” to this rebel. He always becomes closer to Alaska. Occasionally he would get a chance to see through the cracks of her mask. Everyone knows Alaska was emotionally unstable, so when she leaves the room, drunk, and hysterically crying Miles and The Colonel barley even blinked. They let her go and that was one thing they would regret for the rest of their lives. Green wrote a very emotional novel that will have you go from laughing to crying and then back again within seconds. The story line iS genius and the wording is flawless. Looking For Alaska is a must read.

Sam, his step sister, is a beautiful and quirky girl.They both befriend Charlie and after Charlie confesses the only best friend he ever had shot himself a year ago they label him a Wallflower: “You see things. You keep quiet about them and you understand.” Sam and Patrick take Charlie along with their chaos and create moments that are truly infinite. The Perks of Being a Wallflower should be on each teens must read list. This book takes you into the mind of most teens and shows what it’s like to be a wallflower. The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie was released September 12, 2012. The movie stars Logan Lerman as Charlie, Emma Watson as Sam, and Ezra Miller as Patrick. I highly recommend reading this novel and also seeing the movie. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green The Fault in Our Stars is narrated by Hazel Grace, a sixteen year old cancer patient. Hazel attends a meeting for teens with cancer and meets and falls in love with a fellow cancer patient and amputee named Augustus Waters. The relationship between Hazel and

Augustus quickly deepens as they travel together to Amsterdam but Hazel tries to pull away. She views herself as a grenade… she knows the relationship will only end in tragedy. The Fault in Our stars is one of my favorite novels of all time and

is instantly a classic. It’s written beautifully and I enjoyed reading about the connection between Hazel and Augustus. Though I ended the book in complete tears I recommend this to every one of all ages. The Fault in Our Stars movie is scheduled to be released in June of 2014 with Shailene Woodly as Hazel Grace, and Ansel Elgort as Augustus Waters.

Guns Don’t Kill, People Do Gun violence. What is gun violence?! I’m pretty sure by now everyone knows or has witnessed the wrath of this monster. Nowadays it seems like that’s all people use to “defend” themselves. Unfortunately many are abusing their rights and are using guns for any situation, ranging from ‘My girlfriend didn’t cook me

were there that day to do their job. The list just goes on and on! I can go all day about other tragic events that occurred, but the sad thing is I will never come to an ending. In a speech regarding the horrific massacre that occurred recently at the Washington Navy Yard, President Obama stated, “It should be clear that

or even the violent career criminal, from obtaining weapons on the black market”. I agree completely with the author because guns are useful, especially when dealing with criminals, and hopeless situations. We can’t wipeout guns, but we can make some adjustments in regards to background

dinner-to he just happened to be in my way”. I mean like come on! Many of these situations can be approached and handled differently. Guns are getting into the wrong hands and are taking the lives of the wrong people. Innocent people are becoming victims of gun violence only for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Just recently a man who felt discriminated against took it upon himself to go attack anybody that was in his way at the Washington Navy Yard. A couple months before that , a man took his mother’s gun , traveled to the school his mother taught at, and shot her, innocent children, and teachers who

the change we need will not come from Washington, even when tragedy strikes Washington. Change will come the only way it has come, and that’s from the American people.” The president himself knows that this has gotten way out of control! Legislation can’t really do anything about this; it’s all in the hands of us, the people. For example one news article I read at businessweek.com was talking about how guns shouldn’t be banned, but should be secured from certain people. The article stated,” Tightening the background check system might deter some crime. But it would not stop the determined mass shooter,

checks, and illegal selling of guns. Banning guns wouldn’t stop violence, but it can decrease the occurrence of gun violence to proximity. There are other weapons people use to kill and to take their own lives, but starting with this conflict, can also have an impact on the other issues. Who’s to say it will work? Or have a positive effect. We will never know if we don’t at least start, it never hurts to try. What do you think about gun violence? What should be done, if anything? Tell us on twitter, facebook or tumblr!

YOUR TAKE

BY Sarah Adamou | Harrisburg High School

Depression AN INTERVIEW WITH SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST, JULIE EVINCZIK

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

BY Yaasmeen Piper | CASA

AND: What is depression? Evinczik: A period of at least two weeks where one is in a depressed mood, has lost interest in things once found pleasurable, irritable, has physical pains and sometimes has episodes where they break down and cry. AND: What are the symptoms of depression? Evinczik: A person must exhibit these symptoms of a period of two weeks or more: A change from previous functioning or less active Depressed mood most of the day and nearly everyday Irritability Decrease in activities once enjoyed Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping Over eating or appetite loss Aches and pains Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts Depression looks different in children and adolescents, and their symptoms are anger, irritability, behavioral problems, and physical symptoms, such as stomach aches AND: What are the types of depression? Evinczik: Currently, the main types of depression are: Major Depressive Disorder- a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s inability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. A Major Depressive Disorder episode lasts for a period of more than 2 weeks Persistent Depressive Disorder- formerly known as dysthymia-(( Having symptoms that can interfere with everyday life but are not as severe but are present for a long period of time (two years or longer))), combined with chronic major depressive disorder. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder- diagnosed in children up to age 18 who exhibit persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme behavioral dyscontrol AND: How do you diagnose someone with depression? Evinczik: Easiest thing to do is to tell your family doctor and tell them how you are feeling. They may ask you questions and run medical tests to rule out any physical conditions whose symptoms may look like depression. He or she may ask you to fill out a questionnaire or conduct a mini mental status exam, to get an idea of how you are doing. If you appear to meet the criteria for depression then the doctor will diagnose you and give you the proper treatment. If it becomes a chronic or long-term condition, the doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist to receive more specialized treatment. AND: How do you treat depression? Evinczik: This depends. Doctors may want to start by addressing the patient’s diet, exercise level, vitamin intake, and the amount of sleep they receive. These factors can all affect mood. Some are directed to a therapist for talk therapy. If the depression is ongoing, the depression could be treated with medications such as Prozac or Paxil. Those who have severe depression can be at risk for harming themselves and may benefit from care at a psychiatric hospital. AND: How can you help yourself if you are depressed? Evinczik:You almost can’t do it alone. People with depression have a tendency

to isolate, which makes the condition worse. If you’re in too deep you need someone to help you out. Talk to people about how you feel and seek help. AND: How can you help someone who is depressed? Evinczik: If you see that they are down and have a lot of self-deprecating comments, frequent aches and pains talk to them and suggest that they start by seeing the school counselor. As a student, if you feel someone is a danger to themselves or others you should immediately notify the school counselor so that they can call the parents and obtain psychiatric care for the student and maintain their safety. AND: Where can someone who is depressed go for help? Evinczik:Tell your school counselor, parents and/or your doctor. There are even some help lines (listed below) if you’re feeling down and just need someone to talk to. AND: Are there any support groups? Evinczik: Holy Spirit Hospital has a support group on Wednesdays, called Teens Helping Teens. Also, Contact helpline should have an updated list a numbers to call on their website, and your local County Crisis Intervention off ice can be a good resource. AND: Has anyone ever gotten worse? Evinczik: Yes. Sometimes the medication does not work and because of that they grow more depressed. Sometimes when the medication does work people with depression think they are “fixed” and stop taking the medication that was perhaps responsible for making them feel well. Eventually they become depressed again and sometimes it’s even worse, which is why seeking treatment, participating in the treatment and maintaining treatment is so important.

COULD YOU BE AT RISK?

Think about how you have felt during the last two weeks as you answer the following. Not at all

Several Days

More than half the days

1. Little

Nearly Every Day

how difficult have these problems made it for

not difficult

somewhat dif-

you to do your work, take care of things at

at all

ficult

interest or pleasure in doing things

2. Feeling 3. Trouble

down, depressed or hopeless

falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

4. Feeling

tired or having little energy

5. Poor 6. Feeling

appetite or overeating

bad about yourself- or that you

are a failure or have let yourself or your family down

7. Trouble

concentrating on things, such as

reading the newspaper or watching television

8. Moving

or speaking so slowly that other

people could have noticed.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

the opposite

being so fidgety or restless that you have

been moving around a lot more than usual

9. Thoughts that you would be better dead, or of hurting yourself

off

TOTAL 10. If

you have checked off any problems, very difficult

extremely difficult

Total Score depression severity 1-4 Minimal depression 5-9 mild depression 10-14 moderate depression 15-19 moderately severe depression 20-27 severe depression

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

home, or get along with other people?

MEET THE INTERNS

Name: Yaasmeen Piper Age: 16 School: Capital Area School for the Arts Yaasmeen loves Tumlr, author John Green, & to make collages. She wants to travel the world and would like to live in England or New York City.

YOUR MEET SCORE THE INTERNS

Name: Daunessy Penn Age: 18 School: Harrisburg High School Daunessy is a singer, a writer, an activist. She also happens to be resilient and independent.

THIS COULD BE YOU! Name: ? Age: ? School: ? About: ?

Name: Kimberly Shaffer Age: 17 School: Achievement House Cyber Charter School Kim is a confident procrastinator who loves to cook & sing. Kim’s greatest talent is making a paycheck disappear in seconds!

Name: Cara Glynn Age: 18 School: Cedar Cliff High School Cara is a tech nerd who is pro Apple products! She’s traveled to Ireland, wants to go to Australia someday and has Channing Tatum’s autograph.

Name: Kayla Kellam Age: 17 School: Sci Tech High School Kayla has 2 younger brothers, loves makeup, enjoys English, is only 5’1” and is pretty social when she’s feeling comfortable.

Name: Elizabeth Royer Age: 17 School: Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School Elizabeth plays the viola, adores vintage dresses, hopes to meet Alice Walker someday, she’d like to present a TED talk one day and thinks that Coke should bring back glass bottles.

Name: Jada Baity Age: 15 School: Susquehanna Township High School Jada loves being in musicals, singing and dancing, reading, the beach, trying new foods and watching makeup tutorials on YouTube.

Name: Taquanasia Reddick Age: 17 School: Sci Tech High School Taquanasia was born in Brooklyn. She came to Harrisburg when she was 10. She loves to sing, dance, work with technology and loves kids.

Name: Jillian Procope Age: 17 School: Susquehanna Township High School Jillian is the ultimate Disney fan, an avid reader, attends concerts like it’s her job, travels the world and is a theater nerd.

Name: Deivonte Washington Age: 17 School: Harrisburg High School Deivonte draws, makes beats, plays piano, can sing & is in general a creative guy.

Name: Sarah Adamou Age: 18 School: Harrisburg High School Sarah is Nigerien. She moved to the U.S. when she was 7.She enjoys meeting new people, listening to music, dancing, reading and being challenged!

Name: Briana Spears Age: 17 School: Sci Tech High School Briana is a 4’10” Christian who has 13 siblings and plays cymbals for the Marching Cougars.

THIS COULD BE YOU! Name: Tess Berger Age: 17 School: Cedar Cliff High School Tess’s dream is to be Editor-in-Chief at Vogue. She likes Breaking Bad & coaching gymnastics. It is highly likely that she has an online shopping addiction. Oh, and she hates mashed potatoes, despite loving them in general.

Name: ? Age: ? School: ? About: ?