SUMMER 2017
TM
Hello. For 10 years, Jump Street has published and™ magazine, the regions only magazine written by teens for teens. High school interns write articles, collect and evaluate submissions, and design the layout for each issue of the magazine. and™ magazine is looking for interns and submissions, including written and visual pieces. To be considered for an internship or publication contact Jump Street at 717.238.1887.
Students from throughout the entire Central Pennsylvania region submit their work for their peers to read, and have invested their time in writing pieces to benefit fellow students who follow the magazine. The exceptional work of teenagers contributes to the discourse created by journalism and art, as well as trains students to participate in the future, making it a necessary component of our local culture. We aspire to provide an outlet for students to express opinions, promote ideas, and share their art with readers throughout the region. I hope you enjoy the work of your friends and peers in our magazine, and that you are able to appreciate the unique artwork the teenagers of our area are able to provide. Sincerely, Megan Waardenburg Editor
AND MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Jeff Copus jcopus@jumpstreet.org COVER ART Emily Warren CONTRIBUTORS Alyssa Asick, Brooke Ryan, LIndsey Schubert, Austin Snelson, Gemma Standley, Megan Waardenburg, Imani Young AND MAGAZINE 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. 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.
JUMP STREET 21 S 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 1.717.238.1887 www.jumpstreet.org 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.
// AND
Thank you for reading our newest edition of and™ Magazine! As senior editor of the magazine, I strongly believe that displaying exemplary work from students in the area is imperative to fostering a love of art, and this is what we aim to do through our magazine. Many students have come to view writing as purely academic, and the restriction of writing to research papers and essays has made students associate it with tedious requirements. Through the production of this magazine, we encourage students to engage in diverse forms of writing such as poetry, short stories, or articles of interest. Writers and artists alike are provided the opportunity to share their work with their neighbors and peers, which is often not provided outside of educational institutions until college or beyond.
SENIOR EDITORS Miranda Hallas, Kya Wanner
Dear Readers,
3
table of contents
table of contents
Choosing a College by Megan Waardenburg // page 6 Summer Reads by Imani Young // page 8 Travel Photography by Various Contributors // page 10
Day Trips by Megan Waardenburg // page 16 Hiking near Harrisburg by Megan Waardenburg // page 18 International Holiday Recognition by Alyssa Asick // page 20 My Mind, My Love by Austin Snelson // page 22 Social Commentary on Animated Movies by Megan Waardenburg // page 24
and magazine
table of contents table of contents
page 26 // Importance of Student Journalism by Megan Waardenburg page 27 // Summer 2017 Astronomy by Megan Waardenburg page 28 // The Parting Shot by Megan Waardenburg
summer 2017
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
Megan Waardenburg
Each spring, seniors face the daunting task of committing to a college, while juniors are deciding which schools to visit and apply to. It’s the most notable choice of our age group, and each person has a unique experience in choosing a school. Before deciding where to spend the next four years and tens of thousands of dollars, it’s important to take in consideration how well each school fits your needs.
1. Majors A school might be the most impressive and prestigious place you can reasonably attend, but sometimes a school just doesn’t have the major you want. Some students are inclined to alter their major in order to attend a school like this. It is important to consider the academic advantage of each college, and how it will fit your learning style, and help you learn effectively. 2. Acceptance Most of us have a dream school. Sometimes there are a few barriers in the way, and one of the most common barrier is acceptance. Before spending time and money applying to a school, take time to consider whether or not you will realistically be admitted. If it’s still possible, try to raise your GPA or take the SAT or ACT a few more times to ensure you have the best chance, but make sure your goal is not going to waste your time. 3. Location Great schools are spread out across major cities, college towns, and the countryside, not just one or the other. Finding an environment that will help you focus on your studies and enjoy yourself in your free time is challenging, but there are plenty of places to look. Don’t settle for a location that will bore you or take away from your education. 4. Social Atmosphere Each school has a different environment when it comes to socializing. Some places are relaxed and welcoming while others can be elite and exclusive. Knowing what type of atmosphere is right for you takes a lot of work, and often involves multiple visits to multiple institutions. If you’re able to visit, make sure you pay attention to the people you speak with, and whether or not you think you would fit in there.
// AND
5. Distance Most of us can agree that going to college in California would be nice. Maybe even getting a degree abroad would be ideal for some, depending on the field of study. However, it may not always be reasonable. Before choosing a school further away from home, consider the cost of flying home for breaks and transporting your belongings to school.
6
6. Financial Aid It’s no secret that college is expensive. Between federal grants and private loans, the financial burden can last well into your career. When looking for a school, don’t ignore the cost of attendance. On the other hand, don’t let the price listed on the website scare you away. Certain schools provide as much financial aid as necessary, so give your dream school a chance before looking somewhere else. 7. Career Opportunities Some schools have a great campus and academic reputation, but struggle to get students the internships and jobs they need. Before you commit to a school that has a low rate of graduating seniors with jobs or in grad school, make sure you know you are capable of getting the kind of job you want once you graduate. 8. Study Abroad Many schools encourage students to take a semester to study in Europe, and help students pay for the costs of studying abroad. When looking for a school that matches your study abroad options, make sure you can afford to study abroad if you’d like to. If you’re adventurous, make sure your school offers locations outside of Europe to find more diverse places much different than studying in the U.S. or Europe.
10. Can you see yourself going there? Some schools can fit all criteria in your college hunting checklist, but can still be a bad fit for you. To make sure this doesn’t happen, visit the campus if you can! You’ll never know how well you fit into a campus until you visit, and it will make you feel more comfortable knowing your way around a little bit on move in day.
// AND
9. Reputation and Professors Knowing the reputation a school has with other schools and employers can be helpful, since the status of the school, its professors, or its alumni can help you land a great job or internship. Professors with a great reputation often have tons to teach, and can help you understand your studies better. Though it’s not the most important component to look for, make sure you know what you’re getting into before you commit!
7
SUMMER READS Imani Young
Summer reads are the best. Lounging back on a nice sunny day with a good ole book and a cold drink. It doesn’t get any better. So let’s check out three books that I think will start your summer off just right. If you already read them, well, you’re on a good start to an amazing summer. But let’s not spoil it for the others. Now it is literally impossible to just choose three books out of all the books in the universe but I’m going try to narrow it down to the three that I personally love. There are just so many incredible authors out there, from John Green, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, Stephen King and the author of the new hit movie, “Before I Fall” adapted from the book of the same name, Lauren Oliver. The three books that I recommend you teens/ young adults read this summer are:
// AND
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky One that I hold truly to my heart; The Perks Of Being A Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is about a freshman transitioning to high school and trying to find his way, like each of us are. I would give this book to every teenage boy and girl I know. While Charlie isn’t exactly a excellent role model, he does show that being different is okay (because it is), that friends come in all kinds of packages, the right ones can last a lifetime, and that these things matter. The things we do matter. This book is such a emotional, deep and realistic story. Every character made this story unforgettable for me, and they will for you if you read it this summer.
8
Looking for Alaska by John Green Number two: Looking for Alaska by John Green. We all know John Green from his New York Times best selling book The Fault In Our Stars, and if you don’t know him, I highly recommend you look into him. He is one of the best writers of the 20th century (well in my opinion, he is). Looking for Alaska is just beyond amazing! I adore this book. The characters are so relatable. As the story progresses, you feel a sense of connection to them. Like they are real. Told from the first person point of view, Miles Halter was unpopular in Florida who had very few friends until he goes to Culver Creek Boarding School, and everything changes he meets new people, gets to make a new name for himself; especially when he meets the incredible, amazing, destructive, bookworm, Alaska Young. I feel slightly unworthy of reviewing this book. That is the feeling I get whenever I read a book that is so phenomenal I couldn’t even begin to describe it. So all I can say is “read it”. Go through the ups and down, the crazy pranks,the love and the hate, and go through the pain, and the happiness. Go through the lost. Take that journey with Miles Halter “pudge” and find the “Great Perhaps”. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Last but not least, Number three: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. You may be familiar with this title because it has recently became a motion picture. Popular high school senior Samantha Kingston is known, loved and envied by all her classmates. February 12th, also known as Cupid Day at her school, is one big party for her and her friends. A day of Valentines and roses and being at the top of the social pyramid, she has it all. Until that night. Everything changes when she dies in a terrible car accident. She still wakes up the next morning like nothing happened. However, Sam is reliving the last day of her life seven times. I found Before I Fall’s concept unique, and I enjoyed this read. I hope you will too.
// AND
So there you have it; a short summer reading list to get your summer going on the right track. Read, enjoy, and check out some other books by these authors. You won’t regret it.
9
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
// AND
Lindsey Schubert Athens, Greece
10
Lindsey Schubert Rome, Italy
Gemma Standley Patras, Greece
// AND
Lindsey Schubert Patras, Greece
11
Emily Warren Shanghai, China
// AND
Megan Waardenburg Bejing, China
12
Emily Warren Bejing, China
Emily Warren Xi’an, China
Megan Waardenburg Shanghai, China
Megan Waardenburg Shanghai, China
// AND
Megan Waardenburg Shanghai, China
13
Brooke Ryan Mojiman, Honduras
// AND
Gemma Standley London, UK
14
Brooke Ryan Mojiman, Honduras
Gemma Standley Venice, Italy
Gemma Standley Istanbul, Turkey
// AND
Emily Warren Managua, Nicaragua
15
DAY TRIPS At this point in the year, staying at home can get monotonous. Going to school every day, visiting the same coffee shops, reading the same textbooks, and walking around the same streets becomes a drag. The end of the year is further away than we like to think, and it’s hard to keep up motivation. Taking a weekend or even a day to visit somewhere nearby can help. Whether you want to visit a major city or a smaller town, a miniature vacation can help you motivate yourself to face the end of the school year. There are tons of opportunities in our own region, so here are a few that might pique your interest:
// AND
Philadelphia 2 Hours from Harrisburg Philadelphia, the former capital of the United States, offers endless opportunities to experience history, as well as modern urban life. History students can visit the most obvious attraction in old town Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell. The square nearby features multiple historical buildings that can help you learn more about the founding of our country. Science students can visit the Franklin Institute to visit exhibits ranging from robotics to dinosaurs. Students interested in the arts can visit the Philadelphia Orchestra at Verizon Hall. The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the most well known orchestras in the world, and includes some of the most talented musicians in the nation. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is another great pick for art students, since it houses works by big name
16
by Megan Waardenburg artists such as Dali, Cezanne, Manet, Monet, and Picasso. For anyone a little less interested in academics, Rittenhouse Square offers tons of shopping opportunities and cafes to visit. New York City 3 Hours from Harrisburg Since New York is the largest city on the continent, culture tends to concentrate itself there. Art students can visit some major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art to see some of the most famous works by Van Gogh, Dali, Monet, and Degas. People looking to visit some smaller museums can find the Guggenheim Museum or the Whitney Museum of American Art. Performing arts students can find a wide variety of shows at Lincoln Center to attend, ranging from classical music to ballet. History students can visit the grave of Alexander Hamilton at Trinity Church, or the site of Washington’s inauguration at Federal Hall. Of course, there’s always the the usual sights, like the Empire State Building, the UN Headquarters, the Trade Center, Central Park, or the Washington Square Arch. Washington D.C. 2 Hours from Harrisburg The capital of our country offers more than just opportunities for history and political science students. Students can visit the Capitol, the White House, and embassies from nearly every country. Art students can visit the National Gallery of Art, and see famous works by Monet, da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Raphael. Of course, there are plenty of things to do around the National Mall. Famous memorials for Lincoln, Washington,
Baltimore 1.5 Hours from Harrisburg Baltimore may be a smaller city, and have significantly less places to visit, but it is a great place for a relaxing day trip. Students interested in biology, or anyone who likes animals can visit the National Aquarium. The Aquarium features exhibits focused on animals of a diverse set of climates, ranging from rainforests to the Australian coast. Animal lovers can also visit the Maryland Zoo, which features animals ranging from reptiles and amphibians to penguins or elephants. For anyone less interested in animals, the Inner Harbor offers a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities to try out! Even though cities can be a lot of fun, sometimes they’re not very affordable, or maybe you’re looking for somewhere a little more unique to visit. There are plenty of smaller towns to visit that will offer new and unique experiences to people looking for a weekend off. Princeton 2 Hours from Harrisburg Princeton is most famous for its university, where major players in our country’s history have attended or taught at, such as Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Around the university area, the University Art Museum features artwork from every corner of the world, and era of history. Anyone interested in art or history would love roaming the halls of the historical artwork. History geeks can also visit the Princeton cemetery, where Aaron Burr is buried. Even though he’s not necessarily the most popular historical figure, it’s always great to see where some of the most influential people who helped to build our country are buried. Palmer Square offers the small town feeling shopping
and dining opportunities for the non- museum rats looking for time away. Cape May 3.5 Hours from Harrisburg Cape May is the perfect place to visit for a quiet weekend at the beach. The beaches are great for swimming or just relaxing. The Cape May lighthouse is a great sight to see, and offers a great view of the town if you’re willing to put in the effort to climb it. The Washington Street Mall is filled with shops and restaurants, but for food more unique to Cape May, try visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf instead. Whale watching and bird watching are both popular in the area, though it’s not a popular activity for our age group. Though it’s not overflowing with attractions, Cape May is a great place to relax for the weekend and start your new week refreshed. Annapolis 2 Hours from Harrisburg Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is a great location for history students to explore without having to navigate the crowds of Washington D.C. The Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, and has taught students such as President Jimmy Carter or John McCain. The academy offers a few events for people to attend who are interested in the navy or in applying to the academy. Since the city overlooks the Chesapeake Bay, there are endless opportunities to get out on the water. There are sailing classes, tour boats, or you can charter a boat yourself and explore the bay on your own. Annapolis isn’t a huge city, but it’s a great place to spend some time out of your hometown and find something new to do. Spending each day repeating the same routine can get tedious. Finding a new place to visit and exploring a new area can help you to change up your everyday habits and enter the next week with a little more enthusiasm and motivation.
// AND
and Jefferson are major tourist hits, and war memorials such as the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial are great places to visit. Regardless of your interests, any memorial is pretty enough to attract any type of visitor.
17
Hiking Near Harrisburg
by Megan Waardenburg
Now that spring is well on its way, students are getting impatient for time outside. Even though it’s not summer yet, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time outside and explore nature here in Central PA. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Pine Grove Furnace is the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, and features a historic iron furnace, bringing in outdoors enthusiasts from around the area. There are opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and kayaking throughout the park. Hiking/Biking Pine Grove features six major trails, each varying in length and difficulty. The Creek Trail, a half mile long trail covering flat terrain, would be the best choice for beginners. Anyone looking for something a little more challenging can try the Mountain Creek Trail, which runs for 1.4 miles. Experienced hikers would most likely prefer the Buck Ridge Trail, covering six miles, leading hikers to an environmental education center at the end. Also, pets are allowed on the trails! Swimming/Boating The two lakes in Pine Grove, Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake, offer opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. On both lakes, designated beaches allow swimmers to visit from May to September. Boating is only allowed on Laurel Lake, where visitors can bring their own electric motor boats, or non-powered boats. There are kayaks and canoes available for rental for anyone who doesn’t have their own. Fishing is allowed year round at Laurel Lake and Mountain Creek, and seasonally at Fuller Lake. Rock Climbing The Pole Steeple Trail, covering 3/4 mile, offers a steep climb providing excellent views of Pine Grove and Laurel Lake. Another trail can lead you to the top of South Mountain, but it won’t require any climbing. Yellow Breeches Creek The Yellow Breeches, which crosses the Appalachian Trail and runs through Messiah College’s campus, offers easy trails and waterways for beginners to try out. Swimming/Boating The Yellow Breeches is a slow-moving river, making it easy for beginners to learn how to kayak. In most areas, swimming is easy, and tubing is popular near Messiah College. There are no kayaks or canoes for rental so make sure you have your own or find someone to borrow from! Hiking Around Messiah College, there are multiple fitness trails that students generally like to use, but are open to the public. They aren’t difficult trails at all, and are great for jogging or walking a pet.
// AND
Gifford Pinchot State Park Pinchot Park, one of the many state parks in the area, is named after one of Pennsylvania’s governors in the 1920’s.It features 18 miles of hiking trails, and Lake Pinchot, offering kayaking and canoeing. Boating Like Laurel Lake, Lake Pinchot allows only electric motors on their lake, as well as non-powered boats. People can either bring their own boats, or can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, row boats, and electric motor boats at the lake. Hiking Pinchot Park offers eleven different hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult.Easy trails, such as the Alpine Trail, Gravel Trail, and Oak Trail are all short and flat. Medium trails such as the Midland and Fern Trail, Quaker Race Trail, and Ridge Trail are either longer or more difficult, and hard trails such as the Beaver Creek Trail and Lakeside Trail are long and more strenuous. The Mason Dixon Trail, which runs through Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, meets Pinchot Park as well, which experienced hikers might like to try. Designated trails allow biking, and are marked on each sign.
18
Whether you’re a beginner at outdoor sports or you’ve been working for a long time to try out new places, you can find places to try here in Central PA. Even if you don’t want to get involved in any sports, you can still appreciate the scenic nature in our area.
// AND
Also check out these places for alternative sites: Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area Little Buffalo State Park Michaux State Forest
19
INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY RECOGNITION by Alyssa Asick
Here is a question to ask yourself: Do you know any of the major Muslim holidays? Now what about the major Christian holidays? Statistics show that there are about two billion Christians in the world. That number is decreasing. There are about one and a half billion Muslims in the world, eight million just in North America, and that number is growing. These staggering numbers show that there is no excuse for people to not recognize Islamic culture just as well as we know Christian holidays. Situations like these showcase how ignorance is not prejudice, but it can lead to larger, more dangerous problems. The two official Muslim holidays are Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the religious month of Ramadan, and is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” According to an article on CNN, on this holiday “Gifts are usually exchanged, and alms-giving is also a common practice. Another custom involves donning new clothes for the new day, which marks a spiritual renewal.” Eid Al-Adha is celebrated for three days, after the annual Hajj, and is also known as the feast of sacrifice. Similar to Easter, these dates change with the Islamic calendar. In many schools, students are allotted over a week to celebrate Christmas over winter break. Obviously, not everyone celebrates these holidays. For Muslim holidays specifically, schools do not permit any days off. This is incredibly unfair, as these students have to choose between missing school and important lessons, or their holiday. In 2015, New York City made the progressive decision to put Muslim holidays on their public school calendars. Over ten percent of students in these schools participate in the practices of Islam, and the decision affected around a million people. The bitter reality is that ignorance is prevalent all over the world.
// AND
Not only do Muslim students struggle with this, but they also cannot eat most, or any, cafeteria food that is provided by their school. This is because there are components of each lunch option that they cannot eat due to the constrictions of their religion. The ignorance to Muslim culture and religion is not contained just to the educational systems. Ignorance in workplaces also affect Muslims. Muslims cannot take off work for the entire month of Ramadan, and during this time, even relatively sedentary jobs can become unsafe. It is not rare for people to pass out from dehydration, especially younger kids. Summer programs, like training for sports, are usually man-
20
datory and start without the consideration of students are fasting, putting them in an unsafe situation. Most people do not realize what is like not being able to eat or drink for most of the day, so these struggles do not occur to them. Our society is greatly influenced by the people in power, and how they view Muslims can be detrimental to the possibility of fair treatment in their communities. This progress is halted when you have politicians who take biased information that’s shown in the media, and turn it into a discriminatory act. For example, banning Muslim people from the United States will only make Muslims seem more like an enemy, when they are the same as any other United States citizen. Muslim citizens in the United States are just like everyone else living here, and do not deserve to be treated any differently. Another issue that results in this, is when parents become biased, their children may become biased as well. Many Muslim schoolage kids do not feel safe, and over half of all Muslim students have reported being bullied or discriminated against. This is unacceptable because no person should have to endure this for their religion.
// AND
Within all of our communities, we need to strive towards becoming more informed and more involved. In Susquehanna Township, schools are closed for Jewish Holidays, but they are still open for Islamic holidays. In Harrisburg, there are Mosque open houses that anyone is invited to, and Muslims who go to local cafes to answer any questions people are curious about. If you call your local representative, you can leave a message on your opinion on any issue to try and really make a change. When you look, there are many opportunities for you to make a difference, and get Islamic culture recognized.
21
My Mind, My Love
// AND
by Austin Snelson
22
My mind is riddled with the question “what really is love?” Try… and try again. Try after try after try after try. The saying “History will repeat itself” isn’t only true to history. This applies to whatever that thing called love is, my mind is littered with love. Try… trying again. My Love is irreplaceable. I’m taken for granted. I’m used. My Mind is impenetrable. This fear is instilled in me. You win me over only to show how easy my love is to shatter. My mind is bigger than this thing called love. My love is insignificant in this game you play. My mind-- my love is washed down the drain at the sake of the plug you so easily pulled, does that suffice? Where did the love go, where did my will to love go? What is love? Will I find the love to penetrate my impenetrable mind? Or will I start trying and trying and trying again… Can I love? How can I get my mind to learn to love?
// AND
My Love has been shattered at the sake of the repetitive game you play.
23
SOCIAL COMMENTARY IN ANIMATED MOVIES by Megan Waardenburg By the time people reach the age of about sixteen, they write off animated movies as childish and boring. Putting this label on a genre can be reasonable, but writes off an endless list of films that feature great storylines and fantastic visuals. In recent years, animated films have been tailored to interest both adults and children. This extends to the humor in the film to themes and morals extending past the basic “be kind to everyone” and “it’s okay to be unique”. Animation is able to extend its influence past children, and affect the adults watching with them, and has done so in powerful ways in the past few years.
// AND
Inside Out If we’re being honest, Inside Out is barely a children’s movie. Though it shows off colorful animation and childish scenes, children are unlikely to understand the setting (being the human mind), the psychological humor, or the overarching point the film makes. The complex setting of the human mind requires viewers to understand how their minds function, and be in touch with their emotions and memories. Alongside the setting, the jokes throughout the film reference commonly known psychological concepts, ranging from the train of thought existing as a literal train, or the stages of abstract thought being displayed through the characters. Children who are unable to understand these allusions are hugely unlikely to understand the overarching theme, urging its viewers to embrace all emotions rather than suppress them. This is a lesson adults sorely need, and the film draws its audience in with its humor and complexity.
24
Monsters University Given the title of the film, the audience for this film is not ambiguous. College aged audiences have been given plenty of sequels deriving from films of their childhoods. Major pictures such as Toy Story 3 and Finding Dory have been successful, showing us just how much people enjoy reviving their childhood Disney characters. The film, following Mike Wazowski through his college career, relates to an environment children can’t yet understand. He faces struggles similar to those of any
other college student. College students relate to his constant vacillation between pursuing his dream career or choosing an easier path. Ultimately, his success references two major societal issues surrounding college. The first is revealed when Mike ends up in a job he didn’t realize was a major position, but fit his skills and preferences. This is the situation many college students face as they discover new jobs within their field they never imagined themselves in. The other is revealed when he works his way up to his dream job by beginning in the mail room without a college education. This issue is widely debated, but the film tells its college aged viewers that it’s okay not to go to college and that college isn’t for everyone. Zootopia Zootopia is littered with social commentary. The moral hits the viewers right in the face, and directly links to controversial current events. The plot of the story alludes to racism, feminism, and the need for equality in society. Race relations are paralleled by the tensions between predators, representing minorities, and prey, representing the majority. It follows the characters through situations displaying prejudice, hateful attitudes, and violence against predators, who become societal outcasts. The film, with exclusively animal characters, is able to address issues with less controversy, and their optimistic approach makes it an entertaining and effective film for both children and adults.
Moana has added to a recent trend within children’s films by excluding a love interest, and focusing on empowering women. The story features multiple strong female leads, but focuses on the main character who acts independent of a desire of approval from men. This film highlights major social issues in a way that does not mourn the problem, but encourages people to look towards solutions. By depicting feminism and cultural appreciation, Disney has been able to appeal to audiences across generations. Animated movies are often neglected by adults, and for many films, it is for good reason. However, a handful of films hold powerful social commentary that teaches children lessons about the society they will grow up in, and can change the views teens and adults have on issues they face daily.
AND ////AND
Moana Adding to the already huge group of Disney Princesses, Disney released a new princess film actively combatting most of the widespread complaints about previous films. Disney chose to highlight the culture of the Pacific Islands, and extensively researched local traditions and history in order to accurately and respectfully depict their culture on screen. While their portrayal was not flawless, most can agree that the film has heightened awareness and appreciation of Oceanic culture. Alongside aiming to be more realistic in dealing with culture, animators committed themselves to making their main character to have reasonable body proportions, unlike every other Disney Princess before her. This slow improvement has helped empower children and adults of every size, seeing people in animation appear realistic for the first time. Most notably,
25
IMPORTANCE OF STUDENT JOURNALISM by Megan WAardenburg Back when we regularly printed student news, nearly everyone read it. Maybe it was just because it was accessible, or people liked the crossword puzzles and comic strips. The community became involved and put local advertisements in the paper, and people could be found reading their newspapers every morning. The newspaper was popular a few years ago, but why did this have to change just because we’ve digitized? The shift to online student publications has lowered the number of readers, though it should have done just the opposite. Releasing the paper online creates endless opportunities for content and media components. Because school news sites, students can write articles and release them closer to the time of an event. There can be more content more often, and it can be more relatable. We no longer have to wait until the next paper comes out to read about a football game or band concert that happened the other day, editors don’t have to limit the length of articles to fit on one page, and photographers don’t need to publish quality photos printed in low quality. The news online can include a wide variety of photos, videos, and recent updates. Even though some of us don’t get our papers delivered in school anymore, the articles we write are no less important. If anything, they are more important. The shift from print journalism to digital journalism is a milestone in the actual industry, and students learning how to work with this have a major advantage over other students. Student journalists can grow to be better writers, stronger members of the community, and braver journalists. Within our own magazine, we’re finding that the digital format allows us to publish more students work, try out new types of articles, and gain more readers quickly. It is absolutely imperative that students in the area support students finding their voice in society through writing, artwork, and journalism. The students published in student publications today will be the names you see in your papers in the future. They will be the expositors of the greatest scandals, messengers of the greatest news, and leaders in entertainment. They will be the faces you see as news anchors delivering updates about your community, your world, and your daily life. Student journalists show us what the future of news will look like. So read your student newspaper, literary magazine, and local publications, provide feedback and encourage students. Your peers aspiring to work in journalism in the future will reshape the media that we call corrupt and misleading, and their experiences in writing early on can help them figure out how to get readers without lying or twisting the truth.
// AND
Help your friends and peers write. Maybe give them a quote to write in their article. Comment on their article online or in person. Interact with them on social media. Answer their polls. Do whatever you can do give our journalists a way to move up. You won’t regret your devotion to the newspaper when you read your classmate’s writing in the New York Times one day.
26
SUMMER 2017 IN ASTRONOMY Megan Waardenburg
On May 17th, Mercury will be at its greatest western elongation. Though it sounds complicated, planetary elongation is when an inner planet reaches its greatest distance from the sun as viewed from Earth, making it visible to the naked eye. Mercury will be visible just before sunrise on this morning, so watch for it on your way to school. Venus will be at its greatest western elongation on June 3rd, so even though school will be finishing up, you can still watch for our planetary neighbor in the sky! On June 9th, the moon will appear smaller than usual, causing a micro moon. A micro moon occurs when it reaches its apogee, which is the moon’s farthest point from Earth. On top of this, the moon will turn into what most Americans call a Strawberry Moon (or called a Rose Moon in Europe, since strawberries
didn’t exist in Europe when it was discovered). The moon usually turns a slight pink or a dark yellow color. It doesn’t always turn pink, This is caused by a partial solar eclipse, similar to the total solar eclipse that causes a blood moon. The moon enters the Earth’s shadow called the penumbra, causing it to reflect light differently. You can watch for this event before sunrise this June. Saturn will be at opposition on June 15th. Opposition is when a planet aligns directly with the Earth and the Sun with Earth in the center, making them visible directly opposite from one another. It will be easy to spot, since it will be in the center of constellation Ophiuchus. Its rings will be angled to be maximally visible with a telescope. On July 28th and 29th, the Delta Aquarids meteor shower will be visible. These meteors are easily visible, and are the perfect way to prepare for watching the Perseids meteor shower, which is much more popular, since they are the easiest to see without a telescope. No matter which meteor shower you watch for, you should be able to see the bright meteors easily. Summertime is the perfect season for stargazing, so make sure you get outside to watch the sky to find an event you can enjoy for free no matter where you are.
// AND
Watching for events in the sky is always fun, especially when an event is rare and won’t occur again for another hundred years or the sky makes you feel like you’re in a science fiction movie. Being able to see other planets and celestial objects through telescopes has allowed our generation to understand what’s happening outside of Earth better than any generation before. To explore astronomy and stargazing, watching eclipses, comets, and planetary events can help you understand your surroundings and appreciate the complexity of outer space.
27
// AND
THE PARTING SHOT
28
by Megan WAardenburg
COME VISIT US AT
jumpstreet.org/and-magazine
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT SUBMIT YOUR WORK LOCAL EVENTS TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
WANT TO BE
PUBLISHED? NOW ACCEPTING:
DRAWINGS, PAINTINGS ILLUSTRATIONS , PHOTOGRAPHY SHORT STORIES, POETRY, INTERVIEWS TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK OR FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE CONTACT JEFF: JCOPUS@JUMPSTREET.ORG
// YOUR
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: AND.JUMPSTREET.ORG 30