Godfrey Gazette

Godfrey Gazette Where is your future headed FOURTH EDITION

INSIDE:

2012

RECAPS & NEWS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!

PLUS: PARTICIPANTS ANSWER DELVING QUESTIONS & EXPLORE “ALL THE COLORS OF EMOTION” Winter 2012 - 2013

ON THE ROAD AGAIN:.

HOW TO DEAL WITH LIFE’S INEVITABLE CHALLENGES AND HOW TO GET GOING AGAIN

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Q e i Natal

Table of Contents What happened this year?

Best Quotes of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Top News Stories of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11 Top Movies + Music of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 Media Statistics of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3 “Proud” Moments of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 - 1 7 How did I see it?

Nat’s Favorite Things. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 - 1 9 “In My Opinion” Editorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 - 2 1 Special Report: Coping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 - 2 5 How to cope with life’s inevitable challenges + how to get going again. See how others respond + how you can improve handling the difficult situations in your life.

What about you?

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 - 2 7 Questionnaires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 - 4 9 American Express Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0 - 5 9 Selected “Snip-its” & “Commentary”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 0 - 6 3 “This or That” Stats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4 “Fill-In-the-Blank” Puzzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5 Last Word. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6 Thank Yous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7

Who said what?

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"I've actually never liked s p o r t s , a n d I n e ve r understood how I became an athlete." -Serena Williams, 4 time Wimbledon champion.

"Women are a complete mystery." -Professor Stephen Hawking.

"American children had never seen a moving bosom before." -- Actress Celia Imrie on the alarm caused by her low-cut dress in Nanny McPhee.

"Our campaign is about more than replacing a President. It is about saving the soul of America." -- Mitt Romney, Republican US presidential hopeful, after winning New Hampshire primary.

"Remember to look up at the stars and not down to your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up." -Professor Stephen Hawking on his 70th birthday.

"I gotta thank everybody in England that let me come and trample over their history." -Meryl Streep, accepting her eighth Golden Globe Award for best actress in a Drama for playing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

"My body is a temple, and my temple needs redecorating." -- Comedian Joan Rivers explains why, at 78, she's having more plastic surgery.

"I'm not concerned about the very poor." -Mitt Romney, Republican US presidential candidate, suggesting they can manage on the benefits safety net.

"In second grade I confessed to committing adultery: I thought it meant acting like an adult." -- What actor George Clooney revealed in the confessional at the age of eight.

"Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California." -- US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2.1 ruling that struck down Proposition 8, California's 2008 ban on same sex marriage, as unconstitutional.

"When I was young, I smoked my share.

Enough's enough." -- Former Beatle Paul McCartney, on giving up cannabis for his eight-year-old daughter's sake.

"It's just really unfortunate that drugs, bad people, bad influences, took over. It took over her dreams, her love and her motherhood.

Quotes from 201 2 I ' m scared of showbusiness. I'm scared of drugs. I'm scared of hanging out and that's why I don't do parties and hang out." -- Singer Celine Dion on the death of Whitney Houston.

"Mom, gold is good!" -- English singer Adele, who won six Grammy Awards, including the prestigious trifecta of Record, Song and Album of the Year.

"You're only two years older than me, darling." -- Christopher Plummer, addressing his Oscar statuette after the 82-year-old was awarded the Best Supporting Actor trophy. He is the oldest person to win an Oscar.

"You can't turn the wind, so turn the sail." -Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary-General and current U.N.-Arab League peace envoy, repeating an African proverb to Syrian President Bashar Assad during talks to end months of violence throughout the country.

"We better unzip him and let the real Mitt Romney out." -- Ann Romney, responding to criticism that her husband, US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, is too stiff.

"Love your body, love yourself, run around naked." -- Actress Demi Moore's advice to her children, revealed by daughter Tallulah, 18.

"It is a rare man who can be that tough on the field and also have his own line of underwear." -- Barack Obama, joking with British soccer player and fashion icon David Beckham, when the pair met at the White House.

"President George W. Bush not too long ago ordered torture and admitted to doing so.

Torture is a crime against humanity. The United States has refused to prosecute him.

Is he above the law? Where is the fairness?"

-- Charles Taylor, former Liberian President and convicted war criminal, stressing the need for ex-U.S. President George W. Bush to be prosecuted for similar crimes.

"I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one." -- U.S. cyclist Lance Armstrong denies charges of doping brought by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

"OMFG I think it just hit me, I'm a CHAMPION!! I AM a CHAMPION!" -- LeBron James, via Twitter, after winning his first NBA title in nine seasons by leading the Miami Heat over the Oaklahoma City Thunder.

"It is really a remarkable thing that has happened in my lifetime. I am rather surprised it would happen in my life, more than 40 years after the theory." -- Peter Higgs after whom the Higgs boson is named, at the announcement of the so-called God particle.

"My maternity leave will be a few weeks long, and I'll work throughout it." -- Marissa Mayer, new Yahoo CEO, believed to be first woman t o h e l m Fo r t u n e 5 0 0 c o m p a ny w h i l e pregnant.

"It's the love story. Women like to read a passionate love story." -- E.L. James claiming Fifty Shades of Grey sold 31 million copies because of romance rather than sex.

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"I'm quite happy there is a man in the world who can overcome my record, finally." -Larisa Latynina, former Soviet gymnast, whose 18 Olympic medals were the most won by any athlete for 48 years--until U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps won his 19th medal on July 31.

"Well, we've spent 9.3 billion on it, so I guess we better go and watch now." -- Ron Cooper, a British boxing legend (and 1948 Olympian) who carried the Olympic torch, speaking before the opening ceremonies.

"I think everybody pees in the pool." -Startling revelation from Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

"We like to come in first. There's nothing wrong with that." -- Larry Probst, head of U.S. Olympic Committee, on Americans' winning total of 104 medals, including 46 gold - the most of any nation in the Games.

"We need more Europe, not less." -- Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, on tackling the European debt crisis.

"Rape is rape." -- U.S. President Obama, after Missouri Republican Senate nominee Todd Akin questioned whether women can get pregnant from 'legitimate rape'; amid a firestorm of calls for him to drop out, Akin said he will remain in the race.

"I was dead wrong." -- Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, appearing before U.S. Senate Banking Committee, reversing claim he had made dismissing fallout over his bank's $2b trading loss as "a tempest in a teapot."

" S o yo u n g , s o i n love, so in debt." -Michelle Obama, America's first lady, recalls early married life with Barack.

What the hell happened?!

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A summary of 2012 Events Protests Intensify in Syria (Jan. 1): An 88member Arab Parliament calls for the immediate withdrawal of Arab League monitors in Syria because the government continues to crackdown on opponents, despite the monitors being in the country.

(Jan. 6): A bomb explodes in Damascus, killing 25 people and injuring dozens more.

It is the second attack in the capital in the last two weeks. (Jan. 11): President Bashar al-Assad appears in public for the first time since the uprising began, thanking the crowd for supporting him. Meanwhile, a French journalist is killed during an attack at a pro-government rally in Homs.

Iowa Caucus Kicks off U.S. Presidential Election Process (Jan. 3): In the 2012 Iowa caucuses, President Barack Obama goes uncontested in the Democratic portion.

In the Republican caucus, at first, Mitt Romney is declared the winner over Rick Santorum by eight votes. Ron Paul comes in third with 21% of the vote, followed by Newt Gingrich (13%), Rick Perry (10%), Michele Bachmann (5%), and Jon Huntsman (0.6%).

Romney receives 25% of the vote, the same percentage he received in the 2008 Iowa caucus. The Iowa caucuses are the first major event in the U.S. presidential election.

The 2012 Iowa caucus results will be revised later in the month. (Jan. 4): The day after coming in sixth in the Iowa Republican caucus, Michele Bachmann ends her campaign for the presidential nomination. At a news conference in West Des Moines, Bachmann says, "Last night, the people of Iowa spoke with a very clear voice, and so I have decided to stand aside." Bachmann's sixth place finish is a big disappointment, especially since Iowa is her home state.

(Jan. 10): Romney easily wins the New Hampshire primary. Romney receives 39.3% of the vote. Ron Paul comes in second with 22.9%, followed by Jon Huntsman (16.9%), Newt Gingrich (9.4%), Rick Santorum (9.4%), and Rick Perry (0.7%). (Jan. 15):

Jon Huntsman ends his bid for the Republican presidential nomination and endorses Mitt Romney. (Jan. 19): Gov. Rick Perry of Texas drops out of the Republican presidential race and endorses Newt Gingrich. Meanwhile, in an interview with ABC News, Marianne Gingrich, the second wife of Newt Gingrich, says that he asked her for an open marriage while informing her of an affair he was having with Callista Bisek, who became his third wife in 2000.

(Jan. 21): Newt Gingrich wins the South Carolina primary with 40.4% of the vote.

Romney is a distant second (27.8%) followed by Rick Santorum (17.0%) and Ron Paul (13.0%). Meanwhile, certified results in Iowa show that Rick Santorum narrowly beat Romney by 34 votes in the Jan. 3 caucus.

However, since results from eight precincts could not be located for certification, Santorum and Romney officially tie and split Iowa's delegates. (Jan. 31): Romney wins the Florida primary by a comfortable margin, receiving 46.4% of the vote. Gingrich comes in second with 31.9%, followed by Rick Santorum (13.4%) and Ron Paul (7.0%).

Obama Unveils Plan for a Leaner Military (Jan. 5): President Obama makes a rare appearance at the Pentagon briefing room to outline a new national defense strategy.

The new strategy takes into account the Pentagon budget cuts, the end to the war in Iraq as well as new threats from Iran and China. In discussing the new strategy, Obama stresses a leaner military, but not a weaker one.

Economy Adds 200,000 Jobs in December; Unemployment falls to 8.5% (Jan. 6): The U.S. economy added 200,000 new jobs in the month of December 2011, while the unemployment fell just slightly, to 8.5% from a revised 8.7% in November. The number of new jobs added in November has also been revised by the Labor Department from 120,000 to 100,000.

Cruise Ship Capsizes off Italian Coast (Jan. 13): The Costa Concordia, a cruise

ship, slams into a rock and capsizes near the island of Giglio, which is off the coast of Italy. The accident causes the cruise industry's safety issues to fall under global scrutiny. At least 11 people are killed and 22 remain missing. Francesco Schettino, the ship's captain, is accused of moving the ship off its fixed course and may face criminal charges of manslaughter, failure to offer assistance, and abandonment of the ship.

Giffords Steps Down from Congress (Jan. 22): Representative Gabrielle Giffords, still recovering from last year's assassination attempt, announces that she is vacating her seat in the House of Representatives.

Giffords, whose recovery from a gunshot wound in the head has inspired the nation, feels she cannot continue to focus on her recovery and still serve in Congress.

President Obama Provides Economic Blueprint in State of the Union Address

(Jan. 24): In his election-year State of the Union address, President Obama argues that the government should strive to bridge the gap between rich Americans and the rest of the U.S. by changing the tax code and other policies. In his speech, he says: "We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by, or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot."

Riot at Soccer Match Causes Many Deaths in Egypt (Feb. 1): At least 73 people are killed in a fight between fans of rival teams at a soccer match in Port Said, Egypt. Security at the gates is questioned as fans used knives, clubs, and other weapons in the brawl.

U.S. Economy Adds 243,000 Jobs in January; Unemployment falls to 8.3% (Feb. 3): The U.S. economy adds 243,000 new jobs in January 2012, while unemployment fell to 8.3%, the lowest in three years. January is the second

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consecutive month that employment numbers are better than expected.

Komen Reverses Decision to Cut Off Planned Parenthood (Feb. 3): After outrage and online protesting, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation reverses its December 2011 decision to cut funding to Planned Parenthood. Komen announces they will restore their relationship with Planned Parenthood, which uses the funding to provide low-income women with breast cancer screenings. "We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that case doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives," Nancy G. Brinker, the founder of Komen, says in a statement.

Giants Beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI (Feb. 5): In a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl, the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 21–17. An estimated 111.3 million people tune in to see quarterback Eli Manning lead the Giants to their second Super Bowl victory over Tom Brady and the Patriots in five years. The game edges out last year's Super Bowl (111.0 Million) to become the most-watched television show in U.S. history.

California Court Overturns Ban on Gay Marriage (Feb. 7): A federal appeals court in California rejects the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage passed in 2008. The court rules that the ban, known as Proposition 8, violates the constitution rights of gay men and lesbians in California. Both those against and supporters of the ban vow to take the case before the Supreme Court.

Obama Compromises on Contraception (Feb. 10): President Obama announces a change to a recent rule requiring all health insurance plans, including those offered by Roman Catholic institutions, provide birth control coverage to female employees. The revision, an accommodation to calm furor over the new rule, will require that insurance companies, not religious institutions, offer free contraceptive coverage.

tornadoes and storms are caused by a warm, unseasonable air mass mixing with colder air.

Pop Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at Age 48 (Feb. 11): One of the biggest pop singing sensations of all-time, Whitney Houston, is found dead in her room at the Beverly Hills Hilton. Her death comes on the eve of the Grammy Awards and while a preGrammy party is being held downstairs at the hotel. The cause of Houston's death is not immediately known. One of the world's best-selling artists from the mid80s through the late 1990s, Houston is also known for her film work, including The Bodyguard (1992) with Kevin Costner. The film's soundtrack has sold more than 42 million copies in the world and includes "I Will Always Love You," arguably Houston's best loved song.

Wa s h i n g t o n S t a t e L e g a l i z e s G a y Marriage (Feb. 13): Washington becomes the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage as Gov. Christine Gregoire signs the legislation. Opponents are already working to block the bill and put the issue before voters in a referendum.

Obama Announces 2013 Budget Plan (Feb. 13): President Obama issues a budget plan for 2013. The plan includes job-creation initiatives for infrastructure as well as jobtraining. To pay for the new jobs, Obama's plan calls for raising $1.5 trillion over ten years from wealthy taxpayers and closing some corporate tax breaks, especially for gas and oil companies. The proposal comes up short as far as Obama's goal to cut the deficit in half by 2013. Republicans seize on this, calling it a broken promise in deficit reduction. With such strong opposition, especially on the issue of a higher tax for the wealthiest taxpayers, it is unlikely that major parts of Obama's budget will pass.

Tornadoes Rip through the South and the Midwest (Mar. 2): Several tornadoes and severe thunderstorms hit 17 states, causing at least 27 deaths and injuring hundreds.

Southern Indiana, northern Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and southern Ohio are among the hardest areas hit. The

Putin Wins Presidential Election in Russia (Mar. 4): Vladimir Putin wins the presidential election in Russia, claiming 64% of the vote. (Mar. 5): Observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe challenge the election, saying Putin won because he had no competition and government spending at his disposal. The United States and the European Union call for an investigation into fraud allegations.

Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators in Moscow hit the streets, chanting, "Russia without Putin." A similar demonstration happens in St. Petersburg. When protestors refuse to leave, police arrest them. In Moscow, 250 people are arrested. In St. Petersburg, 300 demonstrators are detained.

U.S. Economy Holds Steady in February (Mar. 9): The U.S. economy adds 227,000 new jobs in February 2012. This marks the third consecutive month of job gains over 200,000. The unemployment holds steady at 8.3 percent, the same percentage as January. The report is seen as a sign that the economy in the U.S. is stable and continuing to recover from the recession.

U.S. Soldier Kills 16 Afghan Civilians (Mar. 10): A U.S. soldier goes on a door-todoor rampage, brutally killing 17 Afghan civilians, including nine children. The events immediately spark nationwide anti-U.S. protests in Afghanistan. U.S. officials fear a resurgence of the Taliban-and renewed support of the Taliban by Afghan citizens.

The attack threatens to derail talks between the Karzai government, members of the Taliban, and U.S. officials that had recently begun. (Mar. 15): The Taliban announces they are suspending peace talks with the U.S. and the Karzai government.

Meanwhile, President Karzai demands that the U.S. limit its troops to major bases by 2013. (Mar. 23): The U.S. military announces that Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder. Bales is the soldier accused of killing the 16 Afghan civilians.

Goldman Sachs Executive Resigns and Writes Scathing Editorial (Mar. 14): Greg Smith, a Goldman Sachs executive director of equity derivatives, resigns from the company. On the same day, his resignation

letter is published in the New York Times as an Op-Ed piece. In the letter, entitled "Why I Am Leaving Goldman Sachs", Smith describes the company as a place where profits come before the interests of clients.

Smith, who lives in London, blames top management for what he describes as a culture of greed within the company.

Assad Agrees to Cease-Fire (Mar. 21): The UN Security Council issues a presidential statement backing a plan outlined by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that largely mirrors the proposal brokered in Nov. 2011 by the Arab League.

The plan calls on the Syrian government to stop killing civilians, engage in talks with the opposition, withdraw forces from the streets, and begin a transition to a democratic, political system. Russia and China, which had previously vetoed resolutions condemning Bashar al-Assad, endorses the document. Assad accepts the statement and agrees to a cease-fire. He later says he will withdraw troops from cities by April 10. Many observers are skeptical, however, that he will make good on his promises. The UN estimates that about 9,000 people have been killed in the fighting up to this point.

Florida Police Chief Steps Down as Protests over the Trayvon Martin Case Continue (Mar. 22): Bill Lee Jr., the chief of police in Sanford, Florida, announces he is stepping down. Lee has been overseeing the investigation into the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, a case which has captured national attention. One the same day, thousands gather at a rally in Sanford to protest the way the police department has handled the case. The protest is streamed live on the internet.

Other rallies are scheduled around the country via Facebook and Twitter as people continue to call for the arrest of George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who claims he shot Martin in selfdefense.

U.S. Supreme Court Reviews the Affordable Health Care Act (Mar. 26): The U.S. Supreme Court begins reviewing the constitutionality of the Affordable Health Care Act, President Obama's health care law. (Mar. 27): The Supreme Court suggests that Obama's health care law may be unconstitutional. (Mar. 28): The judges reach a decision on a ruling over the Affordable Health Care Act, but the verdict will not be known until June 2012.

Seven Die in California School Shooting (Apr. 2): One Goh, a 43-year-old former student at Oikos University, a Christian school in Oakland, Calif., opens fire on the campus, killing seven people and wounding several others.

Yahoo Cuts 2,000 Jobs (Apr. 4): Yahoo announces it is laying off 2,000 employees, 14% of its staff, as part of a reorganization plan. The reorganizing is a plan from new chief executive, Scott Thompson. In a press release, Thompson explains, "Our goal is to get back to our core purpose — putting our users and advertisers first — and we are moving aggressively to achieve that goal."

President Obama and Karzai Sign 7 Agreement (May 1): On the first anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden, President Obama makes a surprise visit to Afghanistan. During his visit, Obama signs an agreement with President Karzai that promises the U.S. will provide Afghanistan development assistance for 10 years after troops withdraw in 2013. From Afghanistan, Obama gives a speech, addressing Americans directly, saying, "The goal that I set, to defeat Al Qaeda and deny it the chance to rebuild, is now within our reach. We have a clear path to fulfill our mission in Afghanistan."

Jobs Recovery Still Slow in April (May 4): April is another slow month for job growth.

Only 115,000 jobs are added in April, less than economists' predictions. The unemployment rate does decrease from March's 8.2 percent to 8.1 percent in April, but this is not because more jobs are created. The decrease in unemployment is due to 342,000 workers leaving the labor force.

Jobs Recovery Slows in March (Apr. 6): The U.S economic recovery slows down in March, adding only 120,000 new jobs. The news is disappointing even though the unemployment rate falls to 8.2 percent, a three-year low. March's jobs increase is the smallest since October 2011. (Apr. 27): The U.S. economy grows at an annual rate of 2.2 percent, according to 2012's first quarter report. The growth is largely due to consumer spending and a rise in construction on residential buildings due to the unseasonably warm weather. The growth is good news, but it is slower than the previous quarter's 3 percent.

North Korea Prepares to Launch Missile despite International Disapproval (Apr. 11): North Korea prepares to launch a ballistic missile, insisting that the launch is only for the purpose of sending a satellite into orbit. However, the missile launch is seen by the international community as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which insist that North Korea does not use ballistic missile technology.

The launch also comes just weeks after North Korea signed an accord with the United States to limit its nuclear activities.

(Apr. 12): The country attempts to launch the rocket carrying a satellite into orbit, but the rocket blows up seconds after the launch. The failure is an embarrassment to Kim Jong-un, who had days earlier been elevated to the position as leader of the national defense commission-the nation's most powerful government agency. The launch coincides with the celebration of the 100th birthday of North Korea's founder and Kim Jong-un's grandfather, Kim Il-sung. In response to the attempt, the U.S. suspends 240,000 tons of food aid to North Korea.

François Hollande Becomes President of France (May 6): François Hollande defeats Nicolas Sarkozy to become President of France. With the victory, Hollande becomes the first Socialist president since François Mitterrand's term ended in 1995. Hollande's victory is seen as a sign that France has grown weary of Germany's dominance with the economic austerity policy in Europe.

North Carolina Votes to Ban Gay Marriage (May 8): North Carolina passes an amendment to ban gay marriage by a margin of more than twenty percent. By doing so, North Carolina becomes the 30th state in the U.S. to include an anti-gay marriage amendment in its constitution.

President Obama Declares Support for Gay Marriage (May 9): During an interview at the White House with ABC's Robin Roberts, President Obama declares his support for gay marriage for the first time.

Regarding the issue, he says, "I've just concluded that for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married." With the declaration, Obama becomes the first U.S. president to back gay marriage while in office.

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JPMorgan Chase Announces Two Billion Dollar Loss (May 10): JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the U.S., announces it has lost more than two billion dollars in trading. In a statement, Chief Executive Jamie Dimon blames the loss on "errors, sloppiness and bad judgment." Dimon also says that the losses can "easily get worse." (May 14): Ina Drew retires from JPMorgan Chase. Drew is the chief investment officer responsible for the trading that led to the two billion dollar loss of the bank's own money. The bank announces that it will form a team of senior executives to investigate the loss.

Facebook Shares Go Public to Disappointing Results (May 17): Facebook becomes a public company, raising $14 billion in its initial public offering, at $38 a share, which gives the company a value of $104 billion. This makes Facebook the third-largest public offering in the history of the U.S., behind General Motors and Visa. (May 18): Facebook shares start selling at $42.05, but close at $38.23, only 0.6 percent above the I.P.O. price, a disappointing start to going public.

White Births Are No Longer the Majority (May 17): The Census Bureau releases data stating that over a 12-month period, which ended in July 2011, Asians, blacks, Hispanics and mixed races made up 50.4 percent of all births, becoming a majority for the first time in the history of the United States. The largest single share of total births still belongs to whites with 49.6 percent. Also, according to the Census Bureau, whites remain the majority in the overall U.S. population at 63.4 percent.

U.S. Adds Fewest Jobs in a Year (June 1): Only 69,000 jobs are added in May, the fewest in a year. Also, the unemployment rate rises from April's 8.1 percent to 8.2 percent in May, the first increase in 11 months. The bad news also extends to the Dow Jones industrial average which fell 274 points and erased most of the 2012 gains.

Wildfires Spread in New Mexico and Colorado (June 1): A massive wildfire continues to spread in New Mexico. The fire is burning through 190,000 acres of the Gila National Forest. More than 1,200 firefighters are on hand, trying to battle the wildfire, already the largest in the state's history.

(June 11): A wildfire burns across 60 square miles in the Colorado mountains, 15 miles

west of Fort Collins. The fire destroys more than 100 buildings and houses. The body of a 62-year-old woman is found among the damage caused by the fire. In New Mexico, hundreds of people flee a wildfire burning near Ruidoso. The fire burns 54 square miles wide. Meanwhile, the largest fire New Mexico's history continues to burn through the Gila National Forest. According to officials that fire is raging across 434 square miles and is only 37 percent contained.

(June 27): At least 32,000 people are evacuated in Colorado as a wildfire burns close to Colorado Springs. The fire is one of nearly a dozen burning in Colorado. Military aircraft tankers are called in to help battle the fires. Surveying the fire near Colorado S p r i n g s f r o m t h e a i r , G o v. J o h n Hickenlooper says, "This is the worse fire season in the history of Colorado."

Mubarak Sentenced to Life in Prison (June 2): Former President of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, is sentenced to life in prison for being an accomplice in the killing of unarmed protestors during the January 2011 demonstrations. The Judge dismisses corruption charges against Mubarak because the statute of limitations has run out. Lower level officials are acquitted. Angry over the verdict, thousands of demonstrators hit the streets in Cairo and other cities.

Egypt's military-led government announces it will appeal the verdict.

mission in Syria. A United Nations official declares that Syria is in a state of civil war.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton accuses Russia of giving the Syrian government attack helicopters to use against the rebels. (June 23): Syria confirms that its military forces shot down a Turkish military jet the day before. President Abdullah Gul of Turkey responds by saying that his country will do "whatever is necessary" in retaliation. The incident increases tension between the two countries. Turkey already supports the Syrian rebels' attempt to overthrow the government.

A New Government Forms in Greece (June 17): The Center-right New Democracy party prevails in Greece's parliamentary elections, winning 29.7 percent of the vote. The far-left Syriza party, which strongly opposed the terms of the EU bailout, takes 26.9 percent, and Pasok, the Greek Socialist party, places well behind with 12.3 percent. (June 20): New Democracy quickly forms a coalition with Pasok and the Democratic Left, and Antonis Samaras, the leader of New Democracy, is sworn in as prime minister. Samaras, who has been cool to the austerity measures and has advocated a course of growth rather than cuts, says he plans to renegotiate some of the terms of the country's bail-out packages.

Miami Beats Oklahoma City for NBA Title

(June 21): The Miami Heat win their second NBA championship in franchise history, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 121– 106 in Game 5. The win is the first championship for NBA star LeBron James. It is the second championship for Dwyane Wade.

United Nations Declares Civil War in Syria (June 8): United Nation monitors find evidence of mass atrocity in the small village of Qubeir. The monitors post footage online, providing the first visual evidence from a neutral source of the crimes occurring in Syria. (June 9): Troops clash with rebel fighters in Dara'a. At least 17 people are killed, including women and children. (June 10): At least 38 people are killed in Homs as government forces attempt to regain control of rebel-held areas. (June 12): After being attacked and fired on by a mob, the United Nation monitors leave their fact-finding

Morsi Declared President of Egypt (June 24): Election regulators declare the Muslim Brotherhood Candidate Mohamed Morsi the w i n n e r o f E g y p t ' s fi r s t c o m p e t i t i v e presidential election. Morsi becomes the country's fifth president and first from outside the military. Morsi, who won with 51.7 percent of the vote, is also the first Islamist elected leader of an Arab state.

Supreme Court Reaches Landmark Decision on Arizona's Immigration Law (June 25): The United States Supreme Court rules against all but one provision in Arizona's 2010 immigration law. The court

finds that several provisions conflict with federal laws, including making arrests without warrants. The one provision the Supreme Court upholds is the one which allows the Arizona police to check the immigration status for any person they arrest. The decision is seen as a partial victory for the Obama administration which had sued to block the law.

Supreme Court Upholds Obama's Individual Health Care Mandate (June 28): The Supreme Court upholds the individual mandate in President Obama's health care law. The ruling is a victory for President Obama and a loss for the twenty six states that sued over the individual mandate, which requires that individuals buy health insurance by 2014 or face a fine. The Supreme Court rules to uphold the individual mandate as a tax.

Physicists Find Elusive Key to Universe Particle (July 4): Ending what has become the most expensive and longest search in science, physicists discover a new subatomic particle. The particle appears to be the Higgs boson, the elusive last key to understanding why we have life and diversity in the universe. The Higgs boson is the missing part of the Standard Model, equations that have stood as law of the c o s m o s f o r t h i r t y - fi v e y e a r s . T h e announcement comes from physicists at CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory, located outside Geneva, Switzerland.

Libya Holds First National Election Since Qaddafi (July 7): For the first time since Col. Muammar Qaddafi was ousted, Libyans vote in a national election. At least two people are killed due to armed assaults on voting centers. In the city of Kufur, some voting centers close due to an ongoing battle between tribes. Despite these obstacles, turnout is over 60 percent. (July 8): Early election results show a coalition led

by Mahmoud Jibril is ahead of Islamist parties in votes. Jibril is a Western-educated political scientist. His coalition's lead is a sign that Libya, unlike Egypt and Tunisia, is not trending toward Islamist rule.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams Reclaim Wimbledon Titles (July 7–8):

Another Weak Month for U.S. 9 Economy (Aug. 3): After three months of stagnant hiring, U.S. employers add 163,000 jobs in July. However, the unemployment rate rises from 8.2 in June to 8.3 in July. Still, the increase in jobs is seen as a positive sign that the U.S. economy might bounce back from its midyear slump.

The Dow Jones industrial average rises 247 points after the report is released.

Serena Williams beat first time finalist, Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 to win her fifth Wimbledon women's singles title. Later in the same day, Serena and her sister Venus Williams win the women's doubles championship for the fifth time. Roger Federer breaks the heart of all Brits, including Scotland's Andy Murray when he defeats Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in the men's singles championship. With the win, Federer claims his seventh Wimbledon singles title, tying the record shared by Pete Sampras and William Renshaw. The win also means Federer will once again be the #1 ranked player in the world. Great Britain hasn't had a men's singles champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

Six People Are Killed in Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting (Aug. 5): Wade Michael Page, age 40, opens fire in a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, killing six people and wounding three others. Police shoot and kill Page, an Army veteran who had ties to the white supremacist movement.

2012 Summer Games Open with an Unconventional Ceremony (July 27):

Some 80,000 people in Olympic Stadium and billions worldwide watch as Britain celebrates its milestones and points of pride, from the Industrial Revolution to its National Health System to Harry Potter in a high-tech ceremony directed by filmmaker Danny Boyle. One of the most talked about events featured stunt doubles for James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Queen Elizabeth jumping from an airplane and parachuting into the stadium. (July 31): Michael Phelps wins his 19th Olympic medal, becoming the winningest Olympic athlete of all time. He surpassed the record held by Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina.

At Least 12 Killed in Colorado Theater Shooting (July 20): During a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises, a gunman opens fire on the crowded theater in a Denver suburb. At least 12 people are killed and 38 others are wounded. James Holmes set off a smoke device in the front of the theater before opening fire. Directly after the incident, Holmes, age 24, is arrested in a parking lot behind the theater. (July 30): Holmes is arraigned by Colorado prosecutors and charged with 142 counts, including first degree murder, attempted murder, and possession of explosives.

Rover Lands on Mars (Aug. 5): A plutonium-powered rover named Curiosity successfully lands on Mars. Larger than earlier rovers, Curiosity will spend two years examining the land, looking for evidence that conditions on Mars are fit for life. NASA celebrates the mission with a post-landing news conference. Associate Administrator for NASA's science mission directorate, John M. Grunsfeld says, "There are many out in the community who say NASA has lost its way, that we don't know how to explore. I want you to look around tonight, at those folks with the blue shirts and think about what we've achieved."

Egypt Launches Airstrike in Sinai Peninsula (Aug. 8): Egypt launches its first airstrike in years in the Sinai Peninsula.

Attack helicopters strike at gunmen in retaliation after 16 soldiers were shot and killed on August 5 at an Egyptian Army checkpoint. The attack on the Egyptian soldiers is President Mohammed Morsi's first crisis. Morsi orders an airstrike on the Sinai, which kills about 20 militants.

Romney Chooses Ryan as His Running Mate (Aug. 11): Mitt Romney introduces Wisconsin Representative Paul D. Ryan as his presidential running mate during an appearance in Norfolk, Virginia. The announcement immediately energizes Romney's campaign, which raises $1.2 million dollars in just four hours after the announcement. When introducing Ryan, Romney says, "Paul Ryan has become an intellectual leader of the Republican Party.

He understands the fiscal challenges facing America."

10

Punk Band Convicted of Hooliganism in Russia (Aug. 17): The three members of the all-female punk band Pussy Riot are convicted of hooliganism and sentenced to two years in a penal colony for performing an anti-Putin song on the altar of Moscow's main Orthodox cathedral. At the sentencing of one of the most high-profile trials that Russia has seen in years, activists outside of the courthouse protest, chanting "Free Pussy Riot!" Police arrest dozens of protestors.

Rallies supporting the three women are held in cities around the world, including London, New York and Paris. Immediately following the verdict, the United States, other governments, and human rights groups criticize the decision, calling the sentence severe. Appeal to come.

U.S. Military Death Toll Reaches Two Thousand in Afghanistan (Aug. 21):

The United States military reaches 2,000 deaths in Afghanistan, based on The New York Times of Department of Defense records. It is an unfortunate milestone in the nearly 11-year-old war.

set match (7–6, 7–5, 2–6, 3–6, 6–2) and wins the U.S. Open Men's Singles Championship, his first major. Serena Williams wins a tough three set match (6–2, 2–6, 7–5) against Victoria Azarenka for the U.S. Open Women's Championship. It is Serena's fifteenth major singles title.

U.S. Embassies Attacked over YouTube film (Sept. 13): The U.S. embassies in Egypt and Yemen are attacked in protest over a film which demonstrators feel insults Islam. At least 15 people are injured, some by gunfire, at the U.S. embassy in Sanaá, Yemen. In Cairo, demonstrators climb into the U.S. embassy compound and rip down the American Flag. At least 200 protestors gather at the U.S. embassy in Kuwait.

Demonstrations are also held at U.S. missions in Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia. At the U.S. consulate in Berlin, Germany an employee becomes ill after opening a mysterious envelope. Afterwards, the consulate is partially evacuated. (Sept. 14): Attacks spread throughout the Middle East as protesters attack the German Embassy in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and climb into the U.S. Embassy compound in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. In Tripoli, one protestor is killed in a clash with security forces after demonstrators set fire to an Arby's and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Protests even spread to Indonesia and Pakistan where hundreds carry banners criticizing the United States and the filmmakers.

New DNA Discovery Provides Crucial Data on Complex Diseases (Sept. 5): Scientists discovered that gene switches, once thought of as junk in DNA, actually play vital roles in how cells, organs, and tissues behave. The discovery is considered a major scientific breakthrough. Many diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure appear to be caused by tiny changes within these gene switches. The discovery will also provide clues to how the environment affects disease risk and how one identical twin gets a disease like cancer while the other remains healthy.

Hiring Slows in the U.S. (Sept. 7): Employers in the U.S. hire less people in August then the month before. The U.S. adds 96,000 jobs in August, compared to 141,000 in July and far below the 125,000 which economists expected. The unemployment rate falls from 8.3 in July to 8.1 in August, but that is largely due to more people leaving the work force. The percentage of people in the labor force falls to 63.5 percent, which is the lowest since September 1981.

Andy Murray and Serena Williams Win the U.S. Open (Sept. 10): Fresh off his Olympic gold medal win, Andy Murray beats Novak Djokovic in an intense five hour, five

Occupy Wall Street Marks Its One-Year Anniversary (Sept. 17): Occupy Wall Street marks its one-year anniversary with a demonstration at the New York Stock Exchange. Protesters attempt to block access to the New York Stock Exchange and 185 arrests are made. Rallies are also held in other parts of New York City and in more than 30 cities around the world.

U.S. Begins Retaliatory Action against Embassy Attack in Libya (Oct. 2): The U.S. Special Operations Command prepares data to use in the capture of the militants suspected in the attack on its embassy last month in Libya. The suspects include members of Ansar al-Shariah, an Islamist militia group, and other militants with ties to Al-Qaeda. The suspects are wanted for the September 11, 2012 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, which resulted in the deaths of American ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other embassy officials.

(Oct. 15): During an interview with CNN, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton takes

responsibility for the security situation in the Libyan embassy attack last month. Clinton points out that she makes the final call on diplomatic security overseas, not President Obama or Vice President Biden. Clinton's interview comes one day before Obama's second debate with Mitt Romney. Clinton vows to improve security for diplomats, but also says, "We can't not engage."

First 2012 Presidential Debate Brings Boost for Romney (Oct. 3):

President Obama and Mitt Romney square off in the first of three president debates.

Held in Denver, Colorado, the focus of the first debate is domestic issues. Romney and Obama come out aggressive on issues such as the tax policy, budget deficit, and the role of government. Each candidate accuses the other of misleading voters and not providing specific answers. During the debate, Romney presents himself as the man with solutions to all of the problems Obama hasn't been able to resolve. Romney's energetic performance provides a much needed boost to his campaign.

U.S. Unemployment Rate Drops to Lowest Point Since 2009 (Oct. 5): The U.S. unemployment rate falls to 7.8 percent in September. That makes September 2012 the lowest month for unemployment in 44 months. It is a positive sign for a struggling economy. It may also give Obama a boost in the upcoming election. There are now 12.1 million unemployed Americans. That is the fewest number of unemployed since January 2009.

Hugo Chávez Wins Third Term (Oct. 7): Hugo Chávez wins the presidential election in Venezuela. He receives 54 percent of the vote. His opponent, Henrique Capriles Radonski, receives 45 percent. Even though it is the narrowest margin of victory, Chávez still wins easily. This will be Chávez's third six-year term as president.

Sandusky Receives Sentence in Sex Abuse Case (Oct. 9): Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach, is sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for molesting young boys. The sentencing guarantees that Sandusky, 68, will die in prison. The ruling comes three and a half months after he was found guilty on 45 counts of sexually abusing boys.

The Gloves Come Off in Second 2012 Presidential Debate (Oct. 16): The second presidential debate is held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Both candidates are aggressive during the intense debate, often interrupting each other with accusations of lying. After a lifeless performance in the first debate, President Obama takes charge of the tone and terms of this debate with observations such as, "When he said behind closed doors that 47 percent of the country considers themselves victims who refuse personal responsibility — think about who he was talking about." For his part, Romney matches Obama's aggressive tone and even seems to enjoy the challenge.

Third and Final 2012 Presidential Debate Shifts from Foreign Policy to Domestic issues (Oct. 22): The third presidential debate is held in Boca Raton, Florida. The focus of the debate is supposed to be foreign policy, but both candidates steer their answers toward jobs and the economy.

At one point, Bob Schieffer, the debate moderator, attempts to refocus the debate by saying, "Let me get back to foreign policy." Like the second debate, President Obama is aggressive. In response to Romney's comment about downsizing the U.S. military, Obama says, "You mentioned that we have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well, Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because the nature of our military's changed. And so the question is not a game of Battleship, where we're counting ships."

Hurricane Sandy Wreaks Havoc (Oct. 24):

classified as a post-tropical cyclone. New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut are hardest hit by Sandy, and about 8 million people lose power as a result of the storm.

So far Sandy has caused at least 100 deaths and an estimated $30 billion in damages, making it the second costliest hurricane in the United States, behind Katrina.

Giants Win Second World Series in Three Years (Oct. 28): The San Francisco Giants defeat the Detroit Tigers in a four game sweep to win their second World Series title in three years. In the fourth and final game of the series, the Giants beat the Tigers 4-3 in ten intense innings. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval is the series MVP. Sandoval hit a record-tying three home runs in game one.

New Proposal Presented to End Conflict in Syria (Nov. 1): China, one of the Syrian goverment's main allies, presents a new proposal to end the conflict in Syria. The plan calls on stronger international support for refugees and a truce brought about in phases. The proposal does not call for President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

The Economy Holds Steady in October (Nov. 2): The U.S. adds 171,000 jobs in October, showing steady, consistent economic growth. The unemployment rate climbs slightly higher from 7.8 percent in September to 7.9 percent in October, but this is because more workers joined the labor force. Economy analysts say even though the outlook is positive, the report will not be a heavy influence on the rapidly approaching election.

Barack Obama Wins Re-Election (Nov. 6):

Sandy, which blew into the Caribbean as a tropical storm, is upgraded to hurricane status as it hits Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica. A category 2 hurricane, Sandy leaves 44 dead in the region. (Oct. 26): Hurricane Sandy blows through the Bahamas. As it approaches Florida and the east coast of the U.S., it is downgraded to a category 1.

(Oct. 27): Although it is downgraded, the storm actually picks up energy when it collides with a midlatitude trough (a storm system that causes severe winter weather).

The storm system grows as it barrels up the East Coast, spreading to some 1,000 miles wide. (Oct. 29): Hurricane Sandy makes landfall in Atlantic City, N.J., and is re-

President Obama is re-elected, narrowly defeating Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

Obama prevails in both the electoral college (303 to 206) and the popular vote (50% to 48%), buoyed largely by taking several crucial battle states, including Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Wisconsin. (Nov. 7): Shortly before 1 a.m., Romney delivers his concession speech. In the speech, he says, "This is a time of great

challenges for America, and I pray that 11 the president will be successful in guiding our nation. The nation, as you know, is at a critical point. At a time like this, we can't risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people's work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion."

Congress Remains Divided After 2012 Election (Nov. 6): In the 2012 election, Democrats keep their majority in the Senate.

Democrats take Republican Senate seats in Massachusetts and Indiana. The Democrats also avoid defeat in close Missouri race.

Even with races in North Dakota, Nevada, Montana still too close to call, it becomes clear on election night that the Democrats will hold their Senate majority and possibly add to it. The night ends with the Democrats having 53 seats to 45 for the Republicans.

Key victories for the Democrats include Tammy Baldwin's win in Wisconsin. Her victory makes her the first openly gay candidate to capture a seat in the Senate. In Massachusetts, Harvard professor Elizabeth Warren defeats Republican Scott Brown for the seat formally held by longtime Senator Ted Kennedy. As predicted, the Republicans keep the majority in the House of Representatives with 232 seats to 191 for the Democrats. Democrats make some gains, most notably in Illinois where they take four seats from Republicans.

Petraeus Resigns as CIA Director (Nov. 9): Former four-star general David Petraeus resigns as C.I.A. director after the F.B.I uncovers evidence that he had an extramarital affair. President Obama accepts his resignation. Petraeus issues a statement acknowledging the affair. In the statement, he says, "After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours." Paula Broadwell is the woman with whom Petraeus had the affair. Broadwell is the author of "All In: The Education of General David Petraeus", a biography published in 2012. The F.B.I. reports that the investigation started when Jill Kelley, a friend of the Petraeus family, received harassing emails, which turned out to be from Broadwell. Officials say during the investigation they uncovered emails between Broadwell and Petraeus that proved they were having an affair.

All Information from the website: http://www.infoplease.com/

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Make the Yuletide Gay? Why yes, thank you for asking.

There is quite a lot to be “gay” about this time of year, but there’s a lot more than just Santa and Jesus to celebrate. The LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) community has a lot to be gay, happy, and proud of, too.

I know this is a controversial subject, but you must understand, it is one I hold in very high regards. I encourage you to hear me out respectfully. Some of you may or may not know, but I am, indeed, gay. Each year I contemplate putting something about it in my magazine, but this year I’ve finally decided to do it.

Why now? Well, because, you know what, it doesn’t really matter to me that much anymore. It is just such a part of my life now, and most of my friends already know, so I hardly find it abnormal, obscure, or as defining as I used to.

It’s just me -- Natalie Godfrey. I am what I am.

I do want to take a moment, though, to say that I was not always like this; I was not always proud and confident of who I am. Honestly, most LGBT members start out confused as they realize they’re gay, as it really is a difficult process for most. I’m happy to say I’ve progressed to this point, but it was a struggle.

In all seriousness though, I had it easy compared to most people. Society tells us, shows us, and makes us believe that there is only one kind of love. It puts a label on the concept of “love” -- selectively choosing one “natural” or “normal” way to do so. From a very young age, it’s all we are exposed to. Disney movies, story books, TV shows -- is there ever a prominent gay couple? And it’s not like it’s addressed in school or at home unless you know someone first hand. If this is all we are taught, just think of how are gay kids supposed to feel when they realize they aren’t the same as this image. Not only that, but when they finally realize this, and are trying to cope with this immense discovery on their own, many have to worry about being rejected or harassed by their own family and friends. There is also the insane amount of prejudices and hatred from people they don’t even know to deal with.

As for me, I was lucky enough not to experience any outright violence. It was still a major point in my life, but it was my own mind that hurt me. I was in fifth grade when I realized I was gay when I suddenly became hopelessly and innocently infatuated with a girl in my class. I say “realize,” because you always are what you are, there’s just a point when all the dots line up and it finally makes sense. As you probably know, crushes are incredibly normal, but because I was different than the accepted “norm” and all I could do was wonder what was wrong with me. All that made sense in my mind was that I was supposed to have been born a boy. But because I wasn’t, it drove me insane. It just didn’t make any sense and it made me question the purpose of living. Without the support of my family, I probably wouldn’t be here today to make this magazine.

The point, though, is that it breaks my heart to know that so many teens struggling with their sexuality end up take their lives. I feel like it was because no one was there for them, or didn’t care, or didn't’ try, or flat out hated and bullied them. It sickens me quite honestly, as it should to everyone.

Matt Bomer thanked his partner, Simon Hall, and kids in an acceptance speech.

Jim Parsons' sexuality was a matter-of-fact statement buried in a "New York Times" profile.

When Frank Ocean came out via Tumblr, the hip hop community embraced him.

And it became clear that hip hop was ready, more than ever, to publicly demonstrate support for the gay community.

Jay-Z led the pack as one of the first major hip hop artists to back same-sex marriage.

I’m telling you all this only in hopes that it will make you think and just be more aware of how you treat people or what you say about others. Gay people don’t choose to be gay, people choose to hate.

At this point, I give you “Reasons to be Proud in 2012.” In this year alone, monumental strides have been made in the area of LGBT equality. From marriage, to politics, to pop culture, and more -- this year has proven to us that the world is progressing. Equality is truly possible, and I believe it.

The hip hop duo, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, released a song in support of marriage equality.

Make the

15

Yuletide Gay Reasons to be Proud in 2012

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo was not afraid to be a vocal ally and stand up for LGBT issues.

Kevin McClatchy, former owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, came out after 25 years of trepidation.

Former NFL player, Wade Davis, came out nine years after an injury ended his career.

A record 23 openly gay athletes competed in Summer Olympics and 10 of them took home medals.

Barack Obama became the first sitting president to publicly support same-sex marriage.

Pro poker player, Jason Somerville, came out to his peers in a blog post and became the first out player.

Megan Rapinoe proved she had balls by coming out at the height of her playing career.

Anderson flew the coop in an email to Andrew Sullivan: "I'm gay ... and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud."

Spain reaffirmed marriage equality in a constitutional court ruling.

Featherweight Orlando Cruz won his match just days after he became the first openly gay boxer.

Jim Humes was appointed as California's first out gay justice.

Rep. Tina Kotek was elected as Oregon's first out LGBT House Speaker.

Marriage equality won out in all four states with measures regarding same-sex marriage on the ballot.

Eight out LGBT candidates ran as major-party nominees for Congress.

It turned out that the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" had no negative impact on the military.

Rep. Mark Takano of California became the first out LGBT person of color elected to Congress.

Tammy Baldwin became the first out LGBT senator.

Will Behrens and Erwynn Umali were able to profess their love to each other in the first gay union held on a U.S. military base.

The Danes passed new laws regarding same-sex civil and religious marriage allowing same-sex couples to get married in the Church of Denmark.

Brenda Sue Fulton (a key DADT opponent) and Penelope Gnesin became the first same-sex couple to get married at the Cadet Chapel at West Point.

Kate McKinnon became the first out lesbian to join "SNL" and quickly became one of the great cast members on the show.

Fun. and designer Rachel Antonoff launched an LGBT ally group, The Ally Coalition, in support of LGBTQ equality.

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The total number of LGBT characters on scripted television reached an all-time high.

In the comics world, "X-Men" character, Northstar, married his longtime boyfriend.

Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

JCPenney named Ellen DeGeneres as their spokesperson and didn't blink when One Million Moms protested the decision.

Both Intel and UPS dropped funding for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) over its anti-gay policies.

American Psychiatric Association made revisions to no longer classify transgender and gendernonconforming identities as a mental disorder.

JCPenny also released catalogues featuring same-sex families.

Ryan Murphy introduced a new kind of normal.

Target released its first gay wedding registry ad.

Zach Wahls launched Scouts For Equality to lobby the Boy Scouts of America to change its policies.

Over 170 Eagle Scouts from all across the country pledged to give their pin in support of Ryan Andersen who was denied his Eagle award.

GAP followed suit and featured gay couples in its "Be Your Own T" and "Love Comes In Every Shade" ad campaigns.

Oreo showed its pride.

Website: w w w. b u z z f e e d . c o m

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[5] [2] [4]

Nat’s

[1]

[3]

Favorite [7]

[6]

(1) Potato Leek Soup (2) “Take 5” Candy Bar (3) “Cancer Sucks” Breast Cancer Button (4) “Pure Silk” Shave Cream (5) TV Show “The Big Band Theory” (6) AP European History Class (7) Personalized Dog Collars by Orvis (8) Brown Bed Sheets and Pillows from Ikea (9) Plumeria Flower found in Hawaii (10) Music Artist Lana del Rey and her album “Born to Die” (11) Denon Record Player (12) Nicole by OPI Black Nail Polish (13) SAT Question of the Day App for iPhone (14) Erinʼs White Cheddar Popcorn (15) Riding the school bus (16) My fabulous Gay Socks

[8]

[9] [13] [10]

[11] [12]

[14]

[15]

[16]

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[18] [21] [22] [19]

[36]

Things

(17) “Bumbershoot” Seattleʼs Music & Arts Festival (18) Fahrenheit Heat Wave Flat Iron (19) LʼOréal “Infallible” Eyeliner, Carbon Black (20) Blackbird Bakery, Bainbridge Island (21) Dentyne Fire Spicy Cinnamon Gum (22) My fabulous hipster “thinking” glasses (23) “AdBusters” Magazine (24) Black Swirl Gauge Earrings (25) My jean jacket with any hoodie (26) Speedo Vanquisher Mirrored Swim Goggles (27) Burtʼs Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm (28) 7-Eleven Slurpee (29) Good Earth Chai Tea (30) Uniball Jetstream Ballpoint Pen 0.5 mm - Basic Series - Black, Red, and Blue (31) Need I explain? (32) Buley Military Boots from Aldo (33) My Cali. Driverʼs License (34) Skullcandy TiTan Earbuds - Silver (35) Leviʼs Skinny Jeans (36) Who doesnʼt love Advil?

[24]

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[25]

[26]

[28] [27]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[35]

[33] [34]

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IN MY OPINON: Things Worthy of Notice Go g n i in g s t t e r ta in th in c Le e r a e er

c e r ta g , th u ’r e li v in her e ar e o T y . s fe r our li e t th an o r wha im p a c t y t N o m a tt e o r e im p o r ta n t th in e v e n ts th a t g o. B u m ls , c e r ta t to le t th e m a th a t a r e im n a in g s c e r ta in ti m e s , th d er wan e v m e o n S . u p e o p le , ll o y an ba g r e a tl y a cur ve a n im a ls , , u s o e y c s la w p li fe s o at , ro s , li fe th r. Pe o p le r e s e n t th e e p v e m e r ti r e y fo m e o th s li fe ge, it ’s w h a t y in y o u r an chan d o n’t s ta ju s t “ th in g s ” - - h e s e “ th in g s ” c th e m o s t re en . T e v e n ts a th e y a r e t. S o m e ti m e s , e v e lf t a h w m is p le , m y s e x o e th e P to t. e r s a make a p a ar e ce or even y c a n fa ll h a n g e s . H u m a n s is it il b ta s th o u g h , f c . T h is e th e s e ources o m o v e o n y s e lf, r o r e li a b le s o n o t ty p ic a ll y li k , o g to le t d o to m in c lu d e d , r n o t b e in g a b le m in d y o u , a s I d . Pe o p le fo e r me s n o to r io u y th e s a k e s it s o r a ti v e to e ta p s im to it ke . It m a upposed w hy I m a r e n o t s a n d li fe g o e s o n a t’ s h o ld in g u s a s g in th a t th of wh ange, la c e s c h e a r t if w e le t g o p , e g n a ch eh . s ie r o n th w h a t y o u c li n g to much ea e s u o n ly lo d o w n . Yo

“Going G

reen”

Ye a h n o b o d y w a n ts to h e a r a b o u t th h ip p ie s a n d e damn th e ir e n vi ro n m e n t b la h b la th e w h a le s ya h sa ve h d a ya h d a . O k. H o n e st ly, th e sa m e w a y.

I fe e l I h a te th a t. A ll o f a su d d e a re b e in g fo n, we rc e fe d e n vi ro n m e n ta lis t a n d b u ilt u fa ct s p in th is sh in n in g ca st le d e g e n e ra te m of o th e r e a r th la n d fi ll fi lt h . h a ve b e e n m We ade a n d a re co n st o u t to b e th e b a d g u ys a n tl y g o a d e d to fe e l g u ilt y about our d yi n g p la n e t.

Ye a h , it g e ts a n n o yi n g. I h a te th e w a y it ’s p re se n te b e ca u se it re d a lly is a h u g e is su e . We a re n o t d o in g it a n y fa vo rs by tu rn in g th e id e a o f “b e in g g re e n ” in to a fa sc is t h ip p ie g re e n -p u sh in I’ ve a lw a ys g cr u sa d e . lo ve d n a tu re a b o u t yo u , b , a n d I d o n’ u t I w o u ld lik o f G re e n Pe a t kn o w e to ke e p in ce sa yi n g I re ce ss w a s th a ro u n d , re g a sh o u ld . I m e e b e st . Yo u g rd le ss a n , yo u re m o t to g e t o u t su n . Fro m sq e m b e r, a s a o f th e st u ff y u a re o n e , w e ki d cl a ss ro o m a n w e re in te r tw ki n d o f co n n d p la y in th e in e d . T h e re e ct io n . N o w, is n lik e m o st p e g ro w n a p a r t o p le , I’ ve g ro o su p p le m e n t fo r th a t fr o m it . S ch o w n u p a n d co o l a n d Tu m b lr a ct u a lly cr a zy n se q u e n tl y h a ve g o t m e if yo u si t th e o n a co m p u te re a n d th in k h o u se o n th e r 2 4 /7 . It ’s a b o u t it . S in ce w a te r, I’ ve re I’ ve m o ve d to a lly th o u g h t lo t m o re a g a a b o u t n a tu re li ve in a in . I m e a n , I w a lk o n th e b a n d th e e n vi lo o k. It ’s ri d ro n m e n t a e a ch a n d th e ic u lo u s. O n ce re ’s tr a sh e ve , m y d a d e ve o u r p la n e t is ry w h e re yo u n fo u n d sy ri n d e p re ss in g , g e s. W h a t’ s n o m a tt e r w h a re g o in g to h a p p e n in g to o yo g o a b o u t fi xi u w a n t to b la n g it . I ju st m re m e m b e r th e fo r it or how we b ri n g th is u p o se co n n e ct io b e ca u se I w n s yo u h a d o it ’s a p a r t o f a n t yo u to r st ill h a ve w yo u r lif e a s m it h n a tu re , a n u ch a s tu rn in d m a ke su re g o n yo u r co m p u te r is e ve ry d a y.

21

Twenty Seconds “All it takes is twenty second s of insane courag e.” Buy it? I surely didn’t. I just though t it was anothe r one of those optimis tic hoaxes everybo dy wants to buy into but never fully can. Can twenty second s actually matter? I’m bringin g this up becaus e I need to tell you it can. Twenty second s can make all the differen ce. If you’ve got a fire burin in your hear t that you just have to let out, then do it. Do it and those twenty second s of insane courag e could change your life. You could redirec t everyth ing with one move. It ar tle ss an d he l, ue really can make a differen ce. As much cr ey th e tf ul an d ri te su bj ec t. Ar gh vo ou fa th s , y’ od od as I may sound like an optimis t, I’m go yb lly Ev er e th ey na tu ra e’ s no ar er th r O at ? th gs is pi y sa really not at all. So take it from me, to gr ee dy e yo u kn ow s. Al l I ha ve on ho W ch ? hi w gs g in tin be if you want someth ing done, and cu ri ou s us e in de ba an d th er e’ s no se lf an d be ur yo be even if you’re afraid, I say do it. to ve us e in ar gu in g st ha CE O th at or nt to be . Yo u ju r ea lle m ki e al ar ri Why the hell not -- the glass is or se e ar lk in g a hu m an at is . I’m no t ta th as e ho w ar u ith yo w already half empty, right? y ho ha pp -- I’m ta lk in g w yo ur er of ov ss le ne rd yo ga er re ev sc re w s ou t th er e, ot s -a lo t of je rk s st ic k to yo ur ro to so ul . Th er e ar e ve ha u yo W ha t an ity, so es do w n to it. m co ou tlo ok on hu m it n he w be ? re al ly ha ve e yo u go in g to ar ow H th at ’s al l yo u e? on al yo ur se lf in yo u’ re le ft al l ha pp en s w he n u sh ou ld pr id e yo y, da ch Ea th in or fa t ac t? y or gr ea sy or ir H ow w ou ld yo u ha re u’ yo if ar e an d n’ t ca re -- it’ s w ho yo u ly be in g yo u. I do ug ht ig nr w he rs ’ or ju st do ca n’ t re ly on ot u Yo . or ba ld or pa le le op pe to be yo u us al l un iq ue ur se lf. Yo u ha ve it’ s w ha t m ak es yo h is in m di t n’ th e re al ity u ca ill lo ve yo u fo r w op in io ns an d yo ne yo er ev , u’ ve ju st T her e a An d th en co nf id en ce , yo re -- an d O W N it. to ck flo le op Pe r. w h o a s s o m e p e o p le in te ac ar ch ur yo k t of t h is w o r ld se lf fir st . a ls o a lo o o m u c h , b u t go tt a lo ve yo ur ther e a t of peo re p le o u t d o n’ t a sk the a b o u t a e n o u g h . I’ m n r e w h o o t t a lk in s k in g w C h r is t m a hat y g who s; b u t a r e d o n’ t t a k e c a r e I’ m t a lk in g a b o u w a n t fo r to ou o a s s m a ll o a fr a id t o a s k f t h e m s e lv e s . M t t h e p e o p le fo r w h a t any nee a s a s k in ev d m a jo r li fe s t r u g g fo r h o m e w o r e r r e a s o n . W h e h e lp, g le s y o u k h e lp fr t h e r it ’s yo u r o w o ju s t c a n n. Many ’t mana m a teacher to p e o p le or degr g e fe e ad w e m p o w e in g , b u t it ’s t h e l it ’s c o w a r d ly e ll e n o u g h o n r in g a n d t o a s k fo contr ar y . r t r o u b le s r , I e n c o e li e v in g. If y o u A s k in g fo r h e lp h e lp, ur a ge y ’ c r yo u . E v an be e g o in g t ou en c o p e w it if it ’s s m a ll . S t o s e e k o u t r e h r o u g h s o m e so om h li t t le g u c e r t a in s it u a t io e t im e s y o u ju u r c e s t o h e lp id a n c e . s n t c a n’ t s o n y S p e a k in g u p g o o u r o w n a n d ju d e a l o r e s a lo n g w ay - - s t n e e d a ju s t a s k .

People

Just A sk

Written by Natalie Godfrey

22

cop Life’s inevitable challenges There will always be stress.

It’s just a fact. There will always be stress, no matter what stage of life. There will always be pain, and suffering, and those moments when you just want to scream at the top of your lungs and give up.

But we are all here -- and still here -- for a reason, a purpose. We were given life; life that should not be taken for granted. We’ve all got our own battles we are fighting, but we mustn't forget to take care of ourselves.

That’s why I’ve included this section this year -- to emphasize the necessity of reaching out and taking initiative. I care about you, and you should too.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Six helpful strategies you can use to help reduce, prevent, and cope with stress.

We b s i t e : w w w. h e l p g u i d e . o r g Healthy Ways to Relax ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Go for a walk.

Spend time in nature.

Call a good friend.

Sweat out tension with a good workout.

Write in your journal.

Take a long bath.

Light scented candles.

Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Play with a pet.

Work in your garden.

Get a massage.

Curl up with a good book.

Listen to music.

Watch a comedy.

Stress management strategy #1: Avoid unnecessary stress

Stress management strategy #2: Alter the situation

Not all stress can be avoided, and it’s not healthy to avoid a situation that needs to be addressed.You may be surprised, however, by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate.

■ Learn how to say “no” – Know your limits and stick to them.

Whether in your personal or professional life, refuse to accept added responsibilities when you’re close to reaching them. Taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress.

■ Avoid people who stress you out – If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship entirely.

■ Take control of your environment – If the evening news makes you anxious, turn the TV off. If traffic’s got you tense, take a longer but less-traveled route. If going to the market is an unpleasant chore, do your grocery shopping online.

■ Avoid hot-button topics – If you get upset over religion or politics, cross them off your conversation list.

If you repeatedly argue about the same subject with the same people, stop bringing it up or excuse yourself when it’s the topic of discussion.

■ Pare down your to-do list – Analyze your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. If you’ve got too much on your plate, distinguish between the “shoulds” and the “musts.” Drop tasks that aren’t truly necessary to the bottom of the list or eliminate them entirely.

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it. Figure out what you can do to change things so the problem doesn’t present itself in the future.

Often, this involves changing the way you communicate and operate in your daily life.

■ Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. If you don’t voice your feelings, resentment will build and the situation will likely remain the same.

■ Be willing to compromise.

When you ask someone to change their behavior, be willing to do the same. If you both are willing to bend at least a little, you’ll have a good chance of finding a happy middle ground.

■ Be more assertive. Don’t take a backseat in your own life.

Deal with problems head on, doing your best to anticipate and prevent them. If you’ve got an exam to study for and your chatty roommate just got home, say up front that you only have five minutes to talk.

■ Manage your time better.

Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. But if you plan ahead and make sure you don’t overextend yourself, you can alter the amount of stress you’re under.

23

ing & how to deal with them.

Stress management strategy #3: Adapt to the stressor

Stress management strategy #4: Accept the things you can’t change

If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself.You can adapt to stressful situations and regain your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude.

■ Reframe problems. Try to view stressful situations from a more positive perspective. Rather than fuming about a traffic jam, look at it as an opportunity to pause and regroup, listen to your favorite radio station, or enjoy some alone time.

■ Look at the big picture.

Take perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run. Will it matter in a month? A year?

Is it really worth getting upset over? If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.

■ Adjust your standards.

Perfectionism is a major source of avoidable stress.

Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others, and learn to be okay with “good enough.”

■ Focus on the positive.

When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. This simple strategy can help you keep things in perspective.

Some sources of stress are unavoidable.

You can’t prevent or change stressors such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession. In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are.

Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier than railing against a situation you can’t change.

■ Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control— particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.

■ Look for the upside. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.

■ Share your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist.

Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.

■ Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.

Stress management strategy #5: Make time for fun and relaxation Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.

■ Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.

■ Connect with others.

Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.

■ Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

■ Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself.

The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

Stress management strategy #6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle You can increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your physical health.

■ Exercise regularly.

Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pentup stress and tension.

■ Eat a healthy diet.

Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

■ Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy.

By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

■ Get enough sleep.

Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body.

Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

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When the world comes crashing down, See how other people cope when they are not feeling so good.

Find friends to laugh with. Call my family. Eat ice cream.

Brooke Coutre

Well, I used to have some bad habits, but now I listen to music, talk to friends, buy things or...sleep.

Julian Carrilo

I eat a bunch of food and cry.

Amanda Sellman

I listen to Kimbra, and release all my sadness and purge my body of it. If it’s not too bad, I’ll try to suck it up and put a smile on my face.

Dance. Sing.

Read. Eat Sleep.

Sarah Brotzel

Generally I will listen to sad or inspirational music to talk to myself (because I’m just that cool). I sometimes will call someone, like my sister, close friends, etc. to talk. I don’t know. It depends. No matter what though, I’m a thinker, so I will definitely be thinking about the problem!

Casey Pao

Hot bath and read Lord of the Rings, then watch Spongebob until I fall asleep.

Daniel Golub

Tyler Dawson-Arroyo

When I succeed in not taking it out on my sisters, I like to read a book and listen to music.

Emily Carson

Listen to (upbeat) music and jamming out to it!

Sophie Brotzel

I don’t do anything. I continue on in my routine until the sadness evaporates.

Andrew Sargent

Cry into a sock ‘cause socks are softer than tissues.

Liz Bishop

I try to think of a moment when I was having such a great time I could have peed my pants. (It’s no so hard at my age anymore).

Lani Church

I watch funny cat videos.

Lora Maslenitsyna

Drinking hot chocolate while holding my favorite blanket.

Julia Mazur

Go shopping!

Retail therapy -better than drugs!

Listen to my favorite music, watch my favorite movies, or read my favorite book. Or I vent to my journal.

Madeline Corbin

Kathy Coutre

I like the gym or, even better, basketball or ultimate frisbee.

Music, a shower, and/or a beer. A great sports game (i.e. THE SHARKS).

Amber Garcia

I watch a movie. I get easily engrossed in movies, so usually my sadness skips my mind.

Aidan Mahony

Dance it out to sad music.

Samantha Opalski

25

what do you do to keep yourself up?

I curl into a fetal position and cry like a five year old girl.

I take a walk or find new music, between those things it’s impossible to stay down.

Oliver Godfrey

Listen to music, take a nap, say a prayer, or read old birthday cards.

Turn up the music and have a dance party in my room, or read a book I really like, or watch Ouran High School Host Club... It always makes me laugh no matter how sad I get.

Ignore everyone and exercise harder.

Cody Grogan

Jeff Muzia

Alex Barreira

Man the fuck up.

Grant Dalton

I get a pumpkin spice latte and play the piano and listen to music.

I try to keep myself busy. I like to surround myself with people that make me happy and can distract me from what’s keeping me down.

Sophia Drobny

Amanda Choy

I like to be alone, listen to soft music, light a candle, and think.

Spencer Alpaugh

Tessy Kimball

Grab a nice cup of tea, listen to the Vaccines, and read a good book.

I like to talk to someone.

Sometimes I’ll take the dog on a walk or read a book or play the piano.

Try to sleep it off. Go Sailing.

Megan Gleason

Wayne Godfrey

Sam Le

I snuggle with my puppy, make hot chocolate, and watch Gossip Girl. Oh, and eat SmartFood Popcorn.

Jessica Peterson

I sing songs and read the psalms.

Carol Burrough

I’m the most emotional crybaby you’ll ever have the misfortune of meeting. I listen to angry/sad music and eat.

Crawl into bed and lay in the fetal position and for a. the pain to stop or b. someone to yell at me.

I get a hot chocolate with whip cream.

Alex Nguyen

Emma Halliday

Go on tumblr. It sounds bad, but there are funny things, and cute things (Yannick Agnel) so...

Nicole Mingo

Wendy Wu Sleep. Watch old TV shows. Drink tea. Cuddle with my animals.

Geneva Levy

Talk to my friends, eat chocolate, watch a funny movie.

Buy stuff to fill up the sadness.

Celia Chaussabel

Listen to music or watch a movie.

Erin Williams

Music. Call friends.

Gigi Godfrey

All the colors of

Emotion In years past,

I’ve only chosen a handful of people to be in this section of my magazine. I’d pick the best, based on quality and thought in addition to the entertaining qualities of each answer. But this year -- this year was different. I could not differentiate; I simply could not pick the best. Each questionnaire, for the most part, had depth. Reading them, I felt so connected to the person -- like I was getting a rare glimpse of everyone’s true being. Truly, this year’s participation impresses me. I love you all so much for that.

I know there will probably be many people you do not know, but I really do encourage you to read them all. These people are really something, and you don’t want to miss out.

27

Table of Contents

Questionnaires PAGE 28

PAGE 34

PAGE 40

PAGE 46

Celia Chaussabel Samantha Le

Emily Carson Jessica Peterson

Melanie Hankins Amanda Sellman

Erin Williams Julia Mazur

PAGE 29

PAGE 35

PAGE 41

PAGE 47

Daniel Golub Nicole Mingo

Sarah Brotzel Sophie Brotzel

Aidan Mahony Casey Pao

PAGE 30

PAGE 36

Lora Maslenitsyna Julian Carrillo Alexandra Nguyen

Tyler DawsonArroyo

Andrew Sargent Sophia Drobny Tessy Kimball

PAGE 31

PAGE 37

Jeff Muzia Samantha Opalski Brooke Coutre

Alexander Barreira Elizabeth Bishop

PAGE 32

PAGE 38

Amanda Choy Wendy Wu

Kelly Hamamoto Megan Gleason

PAGE 33

PAGE 39

Cody Grogan Grant Dalton

Lani Church Geneva Levy

PAGE 42 Carol Burrough Kathy Coutre Gigi Godfrey

PAGE 43 Spencer Alpaugh Kendall Ng

PAGE 44 Amber Garcia Elise Witham

PAGE 45 Oliver Godfrey Emma Halliday

PAGE 48 Madeline Corbin Taylor Boon Wayne Godfrey

PAGE 49 Nat Godfrey

Please Note:

I have included everyone’s for a reason -- they are all unique and special in their own way. I would, however, like to point out answers I find noteworthy. They are denoted with a

G

28

G Celia Chaussabel

Samantha Le

Birthday: Jul.y 16, 1996 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Wash.

Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School

What do you aspire to be everyday? A nicer, less self-centered person. I’m taking the time to be aware of these things. I sometimes make the effort to improve myself, but not always.

Who motivates you to be a better person? Nobody in particular. Nobody is perfect, so you can’t really pick on person as your role model. But I prefer to look at the good parts in everyone, because everyone has a strength & I like to notice that.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m horribly selfish, but I’m working on that. I’m bossy, insecure, and mean. I am pessimistic & ungrateful. Also, shallow. I depend too much on others’ opinions. I’m good in school, but does that actually translate to anything in real life?

What makes you who you are? I’m ambitious & very focused on my goals. I center my whole life around my future. This definitely affects the way I behave & live life (positively & negatively). I am proud that I can force myself to work hard.

Describe your future. I have a pretty clear goal -- to be an architect, designing “green” buildings that redefine the mentality people have towards houses (ex. bigger is not better).

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

People that let me be my weird self and accept me for who I am. They still choose to hang out with me despite all the things I listed in the third question (or they just haven’t realized those things yet).

Birthday: TAX DAY -- April 15th Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School Who motivates you to be a better person? Hermione Granger: 1) Being the best friend a person could be.

2) Bravery. 3) Academic Achievement.

4) Making all the boys yell “Holla.”

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I would like to change bits and pieces of myself, but who wouldn’t?

G

What makes you who you are? What makes me who I am? A broken condom.

Describe your future. What will I be doing? Hardcore blogging -- except I’ll be in England.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Only the best of people.

What makes you get up in the morning? All the things I have to get done during the day. The thought of what I do today directly affects my future.

What makes you get up in the morning? The wonderful sound of my mother yelling at me to get up.

Describe your year. There has been a theme of reality smacking me in the face... I used to be naive, but now that I’m getting older I am having realizations & a change in beliefs. It’s a part of growing up, and I’m sad.

Describe your year. Early 2012: Literally hell on earth. Summer 2012: a definite improvement from sophomore year. Now: As close as one gets to being happy.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve lowered my expectations & goals as college looms closer & closer. What used to be fantastic dreams are now lowered to more realistic expectations. Maybe I’m losing some of my ambition. Or maybe I’m just not a kid anymore.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve gotten more sappy and sentimental. Emphasis on mental. And definitely more affectionate (ask Elizabeth Ashely Bishop).

29

Daniel Golub

Nicole Mingo

Birthday: December 24, 1995

Birthday: August 9, 1995

Current City: Los Altos, California

Current City: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday? To be the best I can be, help as many people as I can, and be an optimist.

Who motivates you to be a better person?

Mostly my mom, we have a pretty bad relationship and I greatly dislike the way she treats me, my sister, and some other people. I try not to be like her.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself?

Honestly? I’m not sure. I try not thinking about myself. I have a pretty low self-esteem and I’m scared of a lot, but there’s probably some good somewhere.

What makes you who you are? My past, I guess, or lack of a past. I’m proud of my commitment to the piano.

Describe your future. I will either be designing video games or working in a surgery room. These are my goals.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who are honest.

People who are smart, not necessarily schoolsmart or street-smart but just smart. But most importantly, people who are honest.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? I honestly like school and I like learning in class and socializing during lunch, so school is what makes me get up in the morning. (And my alarm clock).

Describe your year. This year has been fantastic, especially the school year. I’ve learned more about myself and my past this year than my entire life.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I feel like I’ve changed for the better.

Not as nervous in crowds, not as scared talking to people I don’t know. A little more self-confident.

Status: Senior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? An honest, mature, but fun, person who people aren’t afraid to talk to.

What motivates you to be a better person?

My future. Honestly, I don’t want karma kicking my butt when I’m older.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m nice enough. I could be a bit more motivated at times, and not procrastinate, but I think I’m a good person.

What makes you who you are? My friends. All the people I’ve met in the seven places I’ve lived. I’m proud to be American, and to have seen so much of America.

Describe your future. I want to be a college graduate. With my own place, and a job I don’t mind. I love history (and art history) so I want to curate the Muséé d’Orsay.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Fun people (duh). People I like and people I can be...real with. People who bring out my best side.

What makes you get up in the morning? (my mom). Umm....the promise of a future. Opportunities.

The big, vast world.

Describe your year. Ups? I’M A SENIOR!! And had a good last season of swimming. Downs? Well...

I’m getting older. Kind of and up + a down.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? Well, I’m a senior in high school, so I have definitely had to mature a lot this year., but I also think I’ve just grown up in general.

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Tyler Dawson-Arroyo G Birthday: September 2, 1995 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? I aspire to be the best person I can be, but I’m too weak to actually achieve that everyday haha. Everyday I dream of being an actor, in Hollywood, or on Broadway, or even a singer (if I had the capability). I don’t know, I guess I really just aspire to be happy and have fun from day to day.

Who motivates you to be a better person? That’s a hard question!! I feel like I have three answers: First, my mother because she has faced so much adversity, but she still stays strong. So she’s really one of my heros, and the fact that she believes in me so much motivates me. Second, anyone who follows their dreams and stays true to themselves -- so inspirational!! Third, I know this sounds super egotistical, but I inspire myself because I always want to do and be better than I am.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? That’s a loaded question haha. Well, I guess I see myself as a very imaginative person, but is immature and has a lot to learn. I want to be a string, grounded individual someday, but right now I’m too insecure and egotistical for that. I don’t know, I’m a very contradicting person and I have many contrasts in my personality, so it’s really hard for me to think of myself in one way. There are things I like about myself, and things I don’t (like most people), but I don’t know how to improve my bad qualities without compromising the good ones.

What makes you who you are? Good question. What makes me who I am... I guess it’s how I react, what I learn, and how I perceive every situation. I feel like I don’t really have a direct answer for this question, but simply put, what makes me who I am is what I gain from every experience I go through. Aspects of my life I am proud of are my relationship with my family (or how I deal with some family members) and my adaptability.

Describe your future. My future -- well I would like to be a performer doing something on stage, but I don’t know. I see myself doing my best to follow my dreams, but also making the best of whatever happens. I will continue to spend time with the people I care about and make new friends (and hopefully stay in touch with the old ones). I’ll take it as it comes.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? I try to surround myself with positive people, but sometimes that’s kind of hard to do. I like to have many different people around -- people who see things similarly and people who see things differently than me. I really want to learn and benefit from the people around me. I don’t know, sometimes people are horrible, but I feel like I really enjoy being around some people because there are so many different people in the world -- why not get to know someone?

What makes you get up in the morning? What makes me get up in the morning is really just the curiosity of what the day has to offer. I want to see what will be accomplished, how will my friendships and other relationships progress, what is it that I need to learn today. I believe everyday has some sort of impact on my life, no matter how small, so it’s my job to experience it.

Describe your year. My year went by fast, I changed a lot, some of my priorities changed, and I became much stronger in knowing who I am. This entire year I have really been working a balance between beings introspective and absorbing new knowledge from others and my surroundings. More has been asked of me this year, so I’ve had to deal with rising to some of those callings and ignoring others. I’ve focused much more on what I want, such as my relationships with people, music, colorgaud, and theatre.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? Well, I’ve become much stronger in who I am, even if I’m not entirely sure on who that is. I know I have become more opinionated and raised my expectations for others (for better or worse). I mean, I’m still changing (I think we are all constantly changing), but I feel like I’m more in control of my life. I still need to mature a lot, but I don’t really want to “grow up.” Like, can I just take the maturity without actually growing up? Who knows. For now, I’m working on enjoying the moment. No day but today :)

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Jeff Muzia

Birthday: April 18, 1963 Current City: Oak Creek, Wisconsin Status: Editor’s Uncle What do you aspire to be everyday? Grateful + appreciated.

Who motivates you to be a better person? Myself!

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Pretty damn fine.

What makes you who you are? Motivation. Proud of the people that surround me. Family.

Describe your future.

Winging it. Always planning SUCKS and shortens your life.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? If they are genuine, I enjoy them. If they are fake or spread gossip -see ya!

What makes you get up in the morning? The alarm clock.

Describe your year. Better (much) then the last. Looking at things much less seriously.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

A lot more mellow. Don’t fret the small things.

Sam Opalski

Brooke Coutre

Birthday: Dec.ember 13, 1992 Birthday: October 4, 1996 Current City: Bainbridge Island, Washington Status: Sophomore at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? Better than I was yesterday.

G

Who motivates you to be a better person? Watchin Honey Boo Boo and realizing I am wasting my smarticles if I don’t use them. I just don’t want to be like Honey Boo Boo...

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? A horrible speller.

Awkwardly spazzy.

What makes you who you are? I am brutally honest most of the time, and when I’m not honest, it’s because I actually care.

Describe your future. I am a French or British princess, wearing all the best designer clothes, and finding the cure for cancer.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? The types of people that aren’t so fake they bore my to tears.

Describe your year.

Go all in. No regrets.

G

Current City: Stanford, California / Salem, Oregon Status: Sophomore at Willamette University (Oregon) Who motivates you to be a better person? My peers, my family. They give me encouragement.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I’m very critical of myself. Feel sometimes I can do better.

What makes you who you are? My family has a lot to do with it. Where I grew up.

Describe your future. I will have graduated college. I would love to have a job and a cute apartment. I hope to find something I love to do.

What makes you get up in the morning? Class :( or the sun. Noisy parents or housemates.

Describe your year. Hard, lots of work. New starts (running Camp). New connections.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? Grew personally.

Learned new things as a starting freshman. Developed academically.

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Amanda Choy

Wendy Wu Birthday: July 30, 1996 Current City: Mt.View, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

A better person.

A faster runner.

A diligent student.

A dependable friend. More selfless. More understanding, less judgmental. Less whiny. Be happy. To just be different than the mindless masses of high school.

Birthday: January 21, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School Who motivates you to be a better person? I motivate myself to be a better person because no one else motivate me in life...

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I’m a banana...Yellow on the outside and white on the inside... (white-washed).

PROUD BANANA.

G

Describe your future. I see myself being the most free-spirited person ever. I see myself traveling, freelance writing, scuba-diving, zip-lining, being in many other countries, and pretty much anything but a job in a cubical.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who can handle extreme levels of TMI and people who accept me for who I REALLY AM... Aka the real Amanda when nobody’s watching...

What makes you get up in the morning?

My god damn dog... JK I love my little SHIT HZU jk Shih Tzu. Describe your year. This year was CRAZY!!!

It was a year of truths, confessions, rejection, acceptance, suspense, and most of all SCANDALOUS!! Haha not really.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have become more intouch with who and what I really am all about.

Who motivates you to be a better person? It is not enough that I succeed, others must fail. LOL JKAY. But seriously...

Um...all my amazing friends. And my brother.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? We’re in high school. It’s like we are expected to hate ourselves.

G

What makes you who you are? I’d like to think that I am what makes me. But that’s arrogant. I’m more of little pieces of everything gathered along the way. I’m also the cheesiest person you’ll ever meet... As for pride? Not much. That never did anyone any good anywhere.

Describe your future. I hope to be content with an awesome family and remain friends with everybody. I want to know that I couldn't have tried harder. I also want to travel the world, meet exciting people, and eat. A lot.

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

Only the best :) And they're all still here :D Love my Asians.

What makes you get up in the morning? The need to empty my bladder and fill my tummy. Oh yeah, there’s school too.

Describe your year. Contrasts. I became more misanthropic, but sometimes humanity gives me a little hope. Sophomore year sucked, but junior year is better than expected. Sometimes helpless stuck in a boring rut, other times it’s endlessly hectic.

Overall, I’m hoping that there’s got to be more than this.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? Probably a little more miserable. Learned to appreciate my friends, and yes, even my family, a little bit more. My iPod has literally become an extension of my body. And in general, I sincerely hope for the better.

Cody Grogan G Birthday: September 26, 1996

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Grant Dalton

Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

Helpful/approachable. I want to get to know more people. I was kind of an introvert in middle school and the beginning of highs school. I lost friends that way, and although I may not be friends with them now, I want to get to know more people. It’s hard, but it’s nice to know more than five people.

Who motivates you to be a better person? People like Gandhi, or those kids you hear about on the news because they started their own charity or something; those kinds of people really make me stop and think about what I could do with to make the world a better place. It’s partially through guilt, because they’ve done so much compared to me, but people like them inspire me to do better.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I am too quickly irritated, that’s something I’ve been working on. Also, I’m too quiet; social interaction with people I don’t know very well comes harder for me. I don’t really think I’m all that great -- yes I have some personal achievements, but personality wise I could do a lot better.

What makes you who you are? My family, definitely. It’s big and I’m the oldest, so I learned responsibility really fast. I can also cook. Academically, I’m smart; stuff comes easy to me. I’m good in color-guard. I think I’ll run for co-captain this year. My native heritage is also made me who I am. I get to reconnect with my roots every year.

Describe your future. I see myself going to community college, in my own apartment, holding my own job. Self-reliant would describe best how I see my future. I plan to put myself through college, then maybe have a family? I know I want a kid someday, not for a while though...

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Up beat, odd people. My friends are kind of weird, but it’s okay because I am too. Also, my friends are not afraid to be themselves; we get weird looks in hallways all the time, but we don’t care. Generally upbeat, caring people who will always be there for you.

What makes you get up in the morning? Good question. On the weekends, it;s usually when I am hungry or have to pee, to be honest. Although sometimes when I sleep in, I feel so lazy because I’m wasting time when I could be doing other things. On weekdays, I get up hoping that there’s no school. But, truthfully, the only day I’m willing to get up is Christmas; my inner child kind of takes over...

Describe your year. The theme for the past year has been color-guard. I can honestly say its changed my life by giving me a new perspective, new friends, and very good hand-eye coordination. It’s been challenging, but so rewarding -- I’ll never forget the first time I threw a double and caught it perfectly; one of the greatest moments of my life, so far.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I joined color-guard, made really cool friends. I do my homework now. I’ve gained a little more self esteem. I have stopped trying to loose weight. I’m in shape. If I stay the way I am now for the rest of my life, I’ll be happy. I’ve also gotten better at dealing with my depression. I’ve learned how to cartwheel, and stopped dying my hair (it’s still growing out).

Birthday: June 19, 1996 Current City: Bainbirdge Island, Washington Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School Who motivates you to be a better person? Mitt Romney because I don’t want to be like him.

What makes you who you are? My jokes and humor.

Describe your future. I will be rich and have a huge beach house with lots of beautiful women.

What makes you get up in the morning? My motivation to get an education.

G

Describe your year. So far so good.

Summer was kinda lame. My friends graduated last year.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have found new friends and sophisticated a bit.

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Jessica Peterson

Emily Carson Birthday: July 8, 1995 Current City: Bainbridge Island, Washington Status: Senior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? I aspire to be myself everyday. I never want to be fake with people just to be liked. I aspire to be genuine and real everyday.

Who motivates you to be a better person? My high standards for myself -- I want to be the best person I can possibly be and I will always be pushing myself to reach that.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Honestly, I think I’m a pretty good person -- at least I really try to be. I’m weird and quirky, but I love it when people like that side of me. I think I can be a leader and I love having opportunities to inspire people.

What makes you who you are? My family makes me who I am. I am proud of the aspects of my life that I worked so hard for: my confidence, leadership abilities, and being genuine.

Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Senior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

I aspire to be someone people can count on and turn to if they need anything.

G

Who motivates you to be a better person? My best friend Kelsey from Camp. She is honest and caring. And we are basically the same person.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself?

I’m proud of my choices and achievements in life :)

Describe your future. I feel like I keep coming back to this question and I honestly don’t know how to answer it anymore... Right now the only thing I know for sure is I will go to college -- and I’m not even sure what college yet!

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who accept me for who I am and can be real with me. I like to surround myself with positive people who make me feel comfortable and good about myself.

Birthday: December 30, 1994

G

What makes you get up in the morning? School, the day -- I just know if I stay in bed i;ll be missing out on something.

What makes you who you are? I think working at Camp Colman makes me who I am. I can’t describe it, but it’s just a part of me.

Describe your future. I see myself as a doctor, nurse, or counselor. Living on Bainbridge or somewhere in the pacific northwest. Married. And with three children. Not like I’ve thought much about it...

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Good, honest, caring people.

People who aren’t afraid to be themselves.

Describe your year. I had a lot of new independence this year. I went to Girls State and a Hawaii tournament [water polo] by myself and I feel like I’m really preparing myself for the independence of college. I’ll ned it in college.

What makes you get up in the morning?

My phone’s brightness is turned up all the way, so I don’t want to turn the alarm off and it’s really annoying so I go shower and then come back and turn it off.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have grown to be more accepting of who I am and letting everyone see that.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve become more responsible and concerned about my future.

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Sarah Brotzel

Sophie Brotzel

Birthday: August 8, 1995

Birthday: Aug. 8, 1995

Current City: Los Altos, California

Current City: Los Altos, California

Status: Junior at Mountain View High School What do you aspire to be everyday? The best I can be, and to be happy and positive, so that others can be, too.

Who motivates you to be a better person? My sister, because she’s nice to everyone, and vice versa; she’s so amazing.

Status: Junior at Mountain View High School What do you aspire to be everyday? A loving friend willing to make everyone’s day better and more bright.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m weird! Also, very lazy. I think I’m terrible at saying the wrong thing in a conversation.

Who motivates you to be a better person? My sister because she has such an awesome attitude towards life and helps me so much.

What makes you who you are? My clothes reflect who I am, and most days, my mood. I’m fun-loving, and freespirited. Mostly being British makes me proud of who I am, so I am proud of my heritage.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself?

Now I think that I can be confident and willing to listen to others.

Describe your future. Cloudy and changeable. I hope to be successful, happy, and not a crazy cat lady (yet). I either want to be a teacher or something that relates to kids. I want to be living a steady life and be able to pay the rent on time.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Those who make me feel good and whom I can rely on to tell me “it doesn’t matter” (like Tay). Those who will drive to my house when I feel like shit and make me laugh.

G

What makes you who you are? I love that I can be humorous and silly. Even though I am ok at dancing, I am doing dance at my school for fun.

Describe your future. I will want to live a long fulfilling life with a family and a good job. Backpacking around Europe and Australia sounds fun, too :P What type of people do you surround yourself with? Friendly, humorous people who are loving and caring.

What makes you get up in the morning? The thought that Soph and Margerita are there, ready to bring a smile to my face and they make my life better. Or literally my cat shouts until I get up.

What makes you get up in the morning?

My mother telling me to get ready in the morning by placing a cat on my stomach.

Describe your year. Roller coaster. Frustrating, but amazing. Ups: Met a wonderful guy (John), made a close family with Choir, Margerita Patio is my best friend. Downs: breakup, HAMLit (school), and the lack of a social life.

Describe your year. My year was filled with realizations about myself, but that only just happened in November when I went to Camp Everytown and learned a lot about myself.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’m less uptight; I’m more spontaneous and I don’t look for my mom’s permission as much to make my own decisions. I closed myself up more, so that the only truest of friends know my secrets; not some random people.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have changed by being a better person and not being as much as a bully as I used to be. (By bully, I mean rough but in a nice sort of way).

36

Andrew Sargent

Sophia Drobny Birthday: July 19, 1996

Tessy Kimball

Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School

Birthday: March 20, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

Consistent.

G

Honestly, what do you think of yourself?

I have potential.

Describe your future.

It’s unclear. I can’t really see who I’ll be or what I’ll be doing, but my goal is to uncover the answers.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People that complete what I don’t have myself, and also people I can relate to.

What makes you get up in the morning?

The ability to slowly change and control my life every second. (And on weekends, the gym).

Describe your year. It’s brought resolve. Things got more important + they also got easier and better. But the unknowns still linger...

Who motivates you to be a better person? Probably my mom. Even if I didn’t want to hear it sometimes, she always taught me how important it is to contribute what you can to the world.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m an okay person, but there’s certainly room for improvement. I’d like to be more positive and more social.

What makes you who you are? The people I’m around everyday certainly have an influence on who I am (not to say I’m not my own person). I’m proud of my ability to make my own choices mad mot just follow everyone else.

G

Describe your future. I’ll be in college studying towards earning some sort of degree...

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Most people that I can relate to and those who have similar interests as me.

What makes you get up in the morning? My boyfriend. It sounds cheesy, but he’s really what gets me through the day.

Describe your year. It’s been pretty decent so far. Summer was great and school hans’t been so bad. A general theme for this year for me is probably maturing and developing my personality.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve definitely become much more mature and more able to manage my priorities. I’ve discovered things that I’m interested in or would like to do.

Birthday: April 16, 1974 Current City: West Bend, Wisconsin Status: Editor’s Aunt Who motivates you to be a better person? People who are cranky -- it makes me realize I don’t want to be like them.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I love being me. I am fun, outgoing, a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of girl (Pretty Woman, LOL).

What makes you who you are? My father made me who I am. Strong, depend on no one, stand up for what you believe, love everyone for who they are.

I’m proud of who I became.

Describe your future. I really don’t look that far ahead. I take each day as it comes. I live in the moment.You won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t turn out the right way then.

What makes you get up in the morning? My four legged furry babies.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I am trying to become more in-tune with my health, attitude, and well-being.

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Alex Barreira

Liz Bishop

Birthday: Dec 1, 1995 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

Richer for the experience.

Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School

Who motivates you to be a better person? The idea that the better person is right there and you just have to go get him and switch places.

What do you aspire to be everyday? THE VERY BEST. LIKE NO ONE EVER WAAAAS!

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? That changes. I know I like to rant, and do things that are funteresting.

Who motivates you to be a better person?

My friends because they are all such wonderful people and my biggest role models <3

What makes you who you are? I love that I can get excited about things. Some people can never get their feet off the ground and it’s sad. I love to get excited and idealistic about things because it makes life worth it. Music! Writing!

People! They’re all awesome.

Describe your future. More realistic, more grounded, doing something that makes me happy and proud to day I do. I want to do something where I can get all the excitement that comes from creating something.

G

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who I want to know better, who will bring something good with their company.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? Whatever this is to get excited about that day. It’s almost never Spanish... So sometimes it’s skipping Spanish...

Describe your year. Searching for the idea that everyone is looking for -- reaching that place you’re sure will make everything is okay, if you could just change a little about yourself and others.

Birthday: January 27, 1996

G

How have you have changed over the course of this year? Certainly there have been ups and downs, but I think more ups than downs. Before this year I didn’t know how awesome things could be -- life is good, overall.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself?

“Meh!” ~Ms. Grall. B+ room for improvement.

What makes you who you are? Crosscountry. Work in Nicaragua. Relationships with my family and friends.

G

Describe your future. I have a 3DS and Pokémon. I run. I am in college. I’m working hard, but still enjoying myself. I’m independent; almost as independent as Nat (this is an ambitious goal, idk how it’s gonna work out).

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who make me want to be a better person. Hard workers. Teachers. Athletes.

What makes you get up in the morning?

Honey nut cheerios!

Describe your year. Disappointing. 2011 was much more action-packed and full of selfimprovements, so 2012 was a let down in many aspects (such as cross-country and school).

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I got faster. I grew a 1/2 and inch taller. I learned the importance of cheerios and Pokémon to a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.

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Kelly Hamamoto

Megan Gleason Birthday: January 22, 1996 Current City: Bainbridge Island,WA Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

Someone who is not afraid of what other people think, who’s comfortable with who they are as a person.

Birthday: October 19, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School

G

What do you aspire to be everyday?

This sounds cheesy but... Me. I want to be real and just be myself.

Who motivates you to be a better person? My parents. They’ve always been there for me, and they’re always encouraging me to do my best and I’m thankful for that.

Who motivates you to be a better person? My friends because they make me strive to be the best person possible.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I’m pretty average. I can make good chocolate chip cookies, though.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think that I can be annoying because I complain all the time, but I like that I’m a little strange, too.

What makes you who you are? A big part of who I am are my beliefs, my hobbies, my personality. I’m proud of my relationships with my family and my friends.

What makes you who you are? My weird train of thought and ideas. I embrace the strange because that’s what makes me who I am.

Describe your future. I can see myself working with animals in some way, and writing. My goal is to do something that makes me happy, and to follow whatever plans are in store for me.

Describe your future. I see myself working in the medical field, hopefully I’ll have a job.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People that can make me laugh and smile, even on my worst days.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? Honestly, I don’t know. I like sleeping... I guess school, if I didn’t have that I’d probably live in bed all day.

Describe your year. It’s been really stressful with the SATs and stuff coming up. This year actually matters, so it’s been tough.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I like to think I’ve matured a little, but if I’m being honest, I probably haven't matured at all since 6th grade...

What type of people do you surround yourself with? I typically surround myself with friendly people who I have something in common with.

What makes you get up in the morning? The fact that if I don’t then my parents will wake me up, so I might as well get out of bed on my own.

Describe your year. This has definitely been an interesting year. Unexpected and exciting. Hatched chicks for the first time, won a playwriting contest... The downside is I have to start thinking about college.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve definitely become more self-confident and more aware of myself: what I like to do, who I want to be. But isn’t that what being a teenager is all about -- discovering who you are?

G

Lani Church

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Geneva Levy

Birthday: August 6, 1962 Current City: Oak Creek,Wisconsin Status: Editor’s Aunt What do you aspire to be everyday?

Better.You can’t achieve perfection without giving it everything you have.

Who motivates you to be a better person? My wonderful fiance! He’s worth it. He is the least selfish person I have ever met. He takes absolutely no time for himself.

Birthday: June 11 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

A role model for the people around me.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I am a good person who can easily get taken advantage of. I’m proud of my achievements, job, friends, home, etc. But I’m not too proud to know I can always do better.

What motivates you to be a better person? Seeing people smile. It makes me feel really good. I try to make all my friends smile everyday.

What makes you who you are? My outlook on life is who I am. I enjoy everyday whether it’s good or bad. I’m extremely proud to be able to help other people do the same. I sometimes feel like the pied piper. Lots of followers.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m a decent person with a lot of problems.

Describe your future. Bright. I’m currently trying to find a better job and moving up the corporate ladder. I will someday be able to take charge of my own division within a company.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Light hearted, safe, fun, and very outgoing. And if they want blue hair -- more power to them.

What makes you get up in the morning? My cats. I have a great responsibly knowing how much they rely on me for food and water. A little loving is included every morning.

Maybe that’s why I’m late for work so often!

Describe your year. This year has been very upsetting. My job stinks. I can’t get a raise. I turned 50. I had to cancel my trip to Paris. Although, I did get two new kitties!

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I realized that I have to do my best at everything I try. I’m happiest knowing that even if I fail, I really did my best.

And worst of all, I got another damn wrinkle!

G

What makes you who you are? My parents, teachers, coaches, and my sport. I am genuinely proud of my work ethic and determination.

Describe your future. In the future, I want to be a lawyer. One day I’m going to be in Congress. I want to have no regrets.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Good people? I don’t know... Athletes, good students? Funny people. People who make me laugh and smile.

What makes you get up in the morning? SWIM PRACTICE. Describe your year. I’ve had a generally good year with a theme of change. I made new friends, and I got my heart broken for the first time.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I think I have become bolder. The same “me,” but accentuated.

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Amanda Sellman

Melanie Hankins Birthday: December 19, 1985 Current City: Hugo, Minnesota Status: Editor’s Previous Babysitter + Good Friend What do you aspire to be every day? A great school counselor, genuine person and friend, daughter, and sister.

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Who motivates you to be a better person?

My principal, Sara. She is caring, extremely organized, brilliant, loves kids, works harder than anyone I know, and is always energetic and upbeat.

Birthday: September 28, 1996 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Wash.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Jeez, this is a tough question! I think I’m a kind, caring person, who loves kids. I can be a bit impatient at times, and other times a wee bit lazy, but aside from that an overall good person and good friend to many.

Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School Who motivates you to be a better person? People, because I want to make people smile + have fun.

What makes you who you are? Another tough one! I think I’m proudest of overcoming past challenges and learning how to be a happy person. It was a long journey, but so worth it in the end.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think that I am an honest person with a sad heart.

Describe your future. Right now, my main aspirations are to get married to a wonderful man and start a family. Just live the “American Dream.” Corny, I know.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who make me laugh.

What makes you get up in the morning? Well technically my alarm clock, but also the fact that I need to be at work to see the kids that depend on me, and on weekends, the fact that I can relax.

What do you do when you’re feeling sad, or just a little down and out? Oh, any number of things. Talk to someone about it, hang out with my pets, watch a sappy movie, take a nap, bury my head in a pillow and cry for a few minutes, eat some chocolate, go for a walk, etc.

Describe your year. I think it’s been a good year. Up and down, but good. The hardest part was when my dad had a heart attack last winter. I realized how mortal we are, and how I shouldn’t take my parents for granted. That was followed by an emotional decision to move back to MN (telling my coworkers and all of the kids in Bismarck that I was leaving, taking a leap of faith by moving home without a job, convincing my parents that this was a good idea, convincing myself that it was the right idea), and a long stressful summer of looking for jobs before I finally found one in August. This fall/winter so far has been good. Between work, family, and friends, I’ve been busier than ever before, but I’m happy. As for general themes, I’d say family. Also, lots of change.

G

What makes you who you are? My family, friends, and the sports I do. I am proud of ANY slight accomplishment I make + I am proud of just who I have become.

Describe your future. I see myself with a stable job + a boyfriend who loves me. I’m not sure what I will be doing. My goals are to find love + be happy.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who enjoy just chilling, and have spunky personalities.

Describe your year. I found out something about myself that I didn’t know, I’ve lost a lot of friends. I made State in swimming. Themes: alone, responsible.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have become more independent + responsible.

I value the friends that I still have.

Lora

Maslenitsyna

Julian Carrillo

Birthday: Feb. 19, 1996 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington

Birthday: November 26, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School + Freestyle Academy What do you aspire to be everyday? Funny.

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Who motivates you to be a better person? The people I don’t like motivate me to be better because I do not want to be like them.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Four stars.

What makes you who you are?

I don’t know. This is a difficult question.

Describe your future. I haven't figured out exactly what I want to do or where I want to be in the future, but I hope that I am content with my choices.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? The shadiest trouble makers I can find.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? The upstairs neighbor’s kids, who apparently never sleep.

Describe your year. There was a time of peace, but everything changed when the Fire Nation attached.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

I have learned to truly embrace the ideology of YOLO.

G

Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? As good as I can be. Successful.

What motivates you to be a better person?

Seeing people that piss me off and knowing what makes people mad and/or sad.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m flawed but it’s ok.

What makes you who you are? I’m really proud of myself for overcoming depression.

Describe your future.

Photography. I want to be a photographer. I want to work with animals, too.

Describe your year. Ups: overcoming everything.

Downs: minor relapse.

Themes: recovery.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have better habits now and have become more focused. I also have much better friends.

Alexandra Nguyen

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Birthday: December 10, 1995 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday? Me! What motivates you to be a better person? Nobody in particular, because I am not easily motivated.

What makes you who you are?

My actions make me who I am: how I treat others and how I treat myself, especially. I am proud to have a certain Natalie Godfrey as a friend!

Describe your future. A cat lady with no cats as she is allergic; steadily getting to her goal weight of one ton and beating the other fat lady who eats 30,000 kcals per day.

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

Wonderfully oblivious ones with beautiful souls (Jesse McCartney would be proud).

What makes you get up in the morning? Those blasted alarms clocks. (I have four).

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve learned how to live without people and multi-task to the point of getting nothing done...and I have discovered Gangnam Style.

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Carol G Burrough

Kathy Coutre

Gigi Godfrey

Birthday: May 6, 1965

Birthday: April 27 Birthday: April 6, 1934 Current City: Yorba Linda, California Status: Editor’s Grandmother’s Twin Sister; “Aunt” Childhood Ambition?

To be a teacher.

Current City: Stanford, California

Current City: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Status: Editor’s Mother’s Best Friend

Status: Editor’s Mother

What do you aspire to be everyday? Calm, cool, and collected.

What do you aspire to be everyday? Present.

Perfect Day? Any day with all the family.

What motivates you to be a better person? Sometimes you meet people who are not very nice or open to others and you just think, why? You are not better than them, but you strive to not be like them.

Favorite job?

Being a grandmother to 14 kids.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? “Getting old.” Damn.

Indulgence?

Cadbury candy bars.

What makes you who you are? My family and friends make me who I am and I am proud and blessed to have all of them in my life.

Fondest Memory?

Summers at my grandparents’ farm.

Inspiration?

“Don’t cry over spilled milk.”

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People who believe like I do spiritually + people I can help with what I know.

Describe your year. A good year -- full of challenges + the Lord took me through, making Himself all the more real to me. I have a deeper, more personal relationship with Him now -Perseverance pays!

G

Describe your future. I hope I will be traveling and enjoying our “empty nest.”

What makes you get up in the morning? Coffee.

Describe your year. Sad -- my best friend’s moved away. It changes things, not always for the better.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

My best friend moved away -I’m lonely!

G

Who motivates you to be a better person? I do, because I have high expectations for myself.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I’m fair, honest, strong, loyal, creative...and wearing out.

What makes you who you are?

Every bump in the road has shaped + formed me into who I am. I’m proud to have learned from each bump + adapt.

Describe your future. Calm; healthy; layers of rich experiences, ups + downs, making the most of what is offered to me. (Paint more, too).

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Openminded, caring, interesting, respectful, funny, appreciative, good people.

What makes you get up in the morning? My family... (and sometimes my aching bones).

Describe your year. Big bad crazy irritating unsettling conflicting unearthing YEAR!

G

Spencer Alpaugh G

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Kendall Ng

Birthday: July 11, 1995 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? I aspire to be as honest with as many people as possible. Looking around, I think most people could solve more of their relationship problems with their families + friends just by being more honest.

What motivates you to be a better person? I see the mistakes of my friends, family, and even TV show/movie/book characters. I want to avoid making the same mistakes.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Overall, I think I have good intentions. But at times, I let jealousy get the best of me. I’ve been improving this over the past few years, but it’s still something I need to work on.

What makes you who you are? Aspiring to be the best person I can be everyday. I’m proud of my work ethic and my accomplishments in both swimming and school.

Describe your future. I tend to romanticize my future, picturing it to be perfect. I realize this isn’t realistic, but I still think my future looks bright. I see myself either working in law or politics. I want a family and would like to live on the west coast. My goal is to be happy, but I’m still searching for what will bring that.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? People with similar goals as me, but have different methods or ideas of how to reach them.

Also, people who will pick me up anything I fall down.

What makes you get up in the morning? I put my alarm clock on the other side of the room. That way, I have to get out of bed to turn it off.

Describe your year. Over the past year, I have come out to my friends.

There were times when I didn’t think I was going to make it, but I overcame these challenges. I ended up having a successful year in swimming, school, and the relationships with my friends. Themes that come to mind are overing coming challenges and not giving up.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I never really believed the whole “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” cliché until this year. Each person has their own challenges and suffering in life, one way or another. These challenges, as trying as they are, shape us in unique ways and prepare us for the real world. This realization has completely changed my handling of relationships and outlook on life, but for the better.

Birthday: March 5, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday? A good student + a good person (remember, this asks what I aspire to be, not what I actually am).

What motivates you to be a better person? Elizabeth Bishop because she is always nice to everyone.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I’m probs really obnoxious sometimes.

What makes you who you are?

My loud, high-pitched voice probs defines me. Hmmm.... I’m proud of my grade in Physics.

Describe your future. My future includes going to college and doing a job that I’m interested in.

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

Innocent, good people -- none of my close friends do any really bad things.

What makes you get up in the morning? My desire toe at breakfast.

Describe your year. Ups: Moving.

Downs: Having to walk home from school everyday.Year: Crazy.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

Yea, I think I’m thinking more realistically than I used to.

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Amber Garcia

Elise Witham

Birthday: March 14, 1981 Current City: Santa Cruz, California Status: Editor’s past Swim Coach + Friend What do you aspire to be everyday? Each day my goal is to enjoy life by connecting with people. I love to be a person who brings smiles to those around me.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I have learned to love myself and embrace the good + not so good qualities that make me, me.

G

What makes you who you are? I am loving, sensitive, giving, passionate, goofy, and fun.

I’m proud to be a part of a close family and proud of my work as a teacher.

Describe your future. I hope to marry and possibly have kids or travel -- one or the other. I would like a small home near the beach.

Birthday: February 23, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday? NOT late to school. Productive academically.

What motivates you to be a better person?

Friends; they’re the only people that keep me insane.

Karma; cause what goes around comes around.

G

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Otaku, worries too much, procrastinates too much, tries to hard, chatterbox...

What makes you who you are? Height (genetics suck!). Adopted from China. I know random facts and have an elephant’s memory.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? I like people who are goofy and comfortable with themselves. I prefer small gatherings.

Describe your future. Either: A nurse working in Europe + Asia with a stable job and adventures. Homeless: eating ramen 3 meals a day. Working my way through college.

What makes you get up in the morning?

My alarm. Then coffee. Then my job. On weekends, coffee + the adventures to be had.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Pessimists, optimists, whiners, mopers, obnoxious, rowdy, crazy, psychotic, melancholy, gloomy, hopeless, people who love to laugh at anything and everything.

Asians.

Describe your year. My year has been proof that when we are weak, we are strong. I encountered some major obstacles, including an injury, a breakup, moving, shifting jobs, and my car breaking down.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? In order to overcome these challenges, I put my energy into making positive life changes with the support of loved ones. I’ve become happy + successful.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? Having to pee hella bad.

Describe your year. Stress. More stress. Wanderlust.

Most stress. Ups: Hawaii. Downs: School, Trig Honors.

Themes: Stress, awkward moments.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? Realized school and grades aren't everything. Realized there is always someone better and someone worse than you.

G

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Oliver Godfrey

Emma Halliday Birthday: January 11, 1996 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Mountain View High School + Freestyle Academy

Birthday: September 8, 1998 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Freshman at Bainbridge High School; Editor’s Little Brother What do you aspire to be everyday?

Jimmy Page.

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What motivates you to be a better person? I am motivated to be interesting and fun by seeing many boring rockheads.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I’m lazy and inactive, yet I stay skinny... WHY?

G

What makes you who you are? My HCM makes me special. I’m very proud of easily shapable my hair is.

Describe your future. I will be driving down the street in a purple Pagani Huayra with a ton of chicks. My profession...cured cancer.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Well, at the moment, some astoundingly boring people, but normally, people that like to light shit on fire!

What makes you get up in the morning? My momma.

Describe your year. Ups: Straight A’s so far, new puppy. Downs: Moving to Bainbirdge.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have physically grown several inches + I have become more depressed by moving to a cloudy, rainy, just depressing in general state.

What do you aspire to be everyday? I aspire to be the person someone can see in the hallways & immediately know that they are safe & loved. Also, to be liked by my totally awesome English teacher at Freestyle.

What motivates you to be a better person? I think about all of the people that, if they needed it, I could be the one to possibly help them. No one should ever feel alone or sad. No one should hate themselves because of what other people say or what society says. I want to make others happy.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? “She forgot to leave room, to love herself.” ~JM What makes you who you are? I think what makes me who I am is my thinking. It’s a curse & a blessing -- having a brain turned on all the time, analyzing everything, but it’s me. I’m genuinely proud of my ability to listen, as well.

Describe your future. I hope I’ll be happy. I hope I’’ll be waking up every morning excited to see what adventures come today (possibly singing along with cute woodland animals as well). I hope I’ll be changing the world.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? The artistic over-thinkers. The Freestylers (literally).

What makes you get up in the morning? Other than the smell of delicious breakfast? Or the fact that my parents would not be happy if I ditched school? Probably just that I will make it through another day, one more day closer to the weekend, another day to try harder.

Describe your year. As bad as it sounds...tumblr is a good description of my year. Lots & lots of bad things that you can’t control if you see. But lots of support as well, especially from people you never expected. New best friends. Then of course there are hilarious moments where you’re crying from laughing so hard. And the maps of the world. And a random cat video / Klain gif.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

I would not have been able to experience Camp Everytown last year.

This year, I could. And through all of the hardships, I some how came out thriving.

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Erin Williams

Julia Mazur

Birthday: February 26, 1996

Birthday: February 5th

Current City: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Current City: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School What do you aspire to be everyday? I aspire to be kind and loving. I try to make the best of things.

Status: Exchange Student from Poland at Bainbridge High School

Who motivates you to be a better person? My family motivates me to be a better person because they are all so kind and supportive which drives me to be a better person.

Who motivates you to be a better person? Hopefully, I’m motivating myself to become a better person each day. Sometimes my mother encourages me to improve my behavior or life attitude.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I really don’t know how I think of myself. I strive to be someone that is kinda and caring and I hope my friends think of me as someone they can always talk to about anything.

What makes you who you are? My mother influenced me mostly. I am who I am because of her help and suggestions. I am proud of all my brave decisions -- that’s why I’m in the USA right now!

What makes you who you are? Both of my grandmas make me who I am. If I can be half the person they are, then I will be content. I am definitely proud of the family I have. They are all very loving and caring.

Describe your future. I have way too many ideas and desires which are constantly fluctuating in my mind. I have no clue what I’ll be doing in ten years, but I do want to do something meaningful.

My future goals are to follow my aims and I want to fulfill my innermost dreams.

Describe your future. I see myself as a nurse or a kindergarten teacher. Honestly, I hope my future includes a family of my own. I hop to be living in the city.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? I try to surround myself with people that treat me well. Sometimes it’s difficult to find sincere friends, so it’s been a challenge for me.

What makes you get up in the morning? The future. I like to think about the possibilities the future holds for me and it motivates me to start the day.

Describe your year. My year has been somewhat challenging. I feel very blessed to have a family that cares about me and have been very supportive of all my decisions thus far.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I have almost stopped caring about what others think of me and I have become a lot more of my true self. Before, I held back and was very shy, but I have become a lot more comfortable with myself.

G

What type of people do you surround yourself with? I surround myself with honest, helpful and affectionate people. They all have golden hearts, they are my “angels.”

What makes you get up in the morning?

The sun that welcomes me every other morning and the curiosity of each day. Every day is different than the other one.

Describe your year. My year has been fairly rich of adventures, of course I had some sad moments, but those blissful ones also took place.

Overall, this year has helped me to become more mature and responsible for my own person.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve become more independent and less trustful when it comes to making new friends.

G

Aidan Mahony

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Casey Pao Birthday: October 4, 1996 Current City: Los Altos Hills, Calif.

Status: Junior at Los Altos High What do you aspire to do everyday? Happy. Ever since I was little, I always said that I just wanted to be happy. To get up every day, knowing that I would be doing the things I love and seeing the people I treasure.

G

Birthday: October 31, 1995 Current City: Los Altos, California Status: Junior at Los Altos High School What do you aspire to be everyday?

I aspire to be awesome each day. And I succeed. Mostly because I already start so awesome.

What motivates you to be a better person? I’d say my dad. He was the first person in his family to go to college and he supports six kids and my mom and himself.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m actually a very nice person, but it is so much more fun to be evil, so I am evil.

G

What makes you who you are? I don’t know... I guess just the way my parents raised me? I am proud of my grades and of my overall ability to pick up something quickly.

Describe your future. I really like history, so I wanna go into that field, but I guess I’d have to marry someone rich cause it ins’t a lucrative field.

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

I surround myself with crazy people.

But actually I believe my friends will be successful in life, so I hope it rubs off on me.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? My alarm clock. Literally no other reason.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I think I’ve been nicer to people and also I think I’ve become less of an ass(ish). Well, I hope I did.

Who motivates you to be a better person? I could say my mom or brother, but it’s not always a specific person. In every aspect of my life I know that there’s someone better at it than I am or kinder or whatever and that makes me want to improve.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I think I’m a decent person. There are the points that I definitely can improve on, but then there are my good points. I’m not motivated to do the things I don’t want to do, but then when it’s something I’m interested in, then I won’t stop till I achieve my goals. Stuff like that.

What makes you who you are? It’s kind of hard to put down in words, what makes me, me. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective but I think, or at least I’d like to think, that I’m a loyal friend that has talent for the performing arts? There’s really nothing else, considering I can always improve.

Describe your future. I honestly have no idea. I guess it’s the standard thing to say that I want to go to college, get a good job, meet a guy who will become my husband and raise a family. But I have other dreams and goals that I’m still turning over in my head...

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

People who I can trust and people who know how to cheer me up on my sad days. People who have a good heart and good intentions. People who know when they’re wrong and can admit it. People who make me happy.

G

What makes you get up in the morning? Besides my mom, just knowing that today is a whole new day with new opportunities and new choices to make something of myself.

Describe your year. It was average. Nothing in particular that changed my life. I’ve had new experiences, met new friends, and learned some new things that I believe will change my future actions and beliefs, but nothing that gave me an epiphany.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I’ve become more impatient and temperamental? I think I have a clearer sense of who I am and how I can make myself happy. Other than that, I’m really not sure. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

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Madeline Corbin

Taylor Boon

Wayne Godfrey

Birthday: April 10, 1996

Birthday: May 9th, 1996

Birthday: August 25, 1960

Current City: Bainbridge Island

Current City: Bainbridge Island,WA

Current City: Bainbridge Island

Status: Junior at Bainbridge High

What do you aspire to do everyday? A good and honest friend and person.

Who motivates you to be a better person? All of my role models: from my siblings to my parents, to Hermione Granger to Anne Shirley.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? I guess I think I’m pretty cool... I mean, I always try to be a well-rounded + friendly person, though I can be selfabsorbed at times.

What makes you who you are? I think my family and my religion (I’m Catholic) have definitely shaped my personality. I’m really proud of my artistic ability, which I got from my family.

Describe your future. I see myself doing something related to writing -- possibly journalism. Or maybe a teacher. I don’t know. I’ll just find out when I get there.

Describe your year. This year has been one of change. And growing up. I got a job, have way more homework, my brother’s getting married, and much more.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

I think I’ve gotten much more confident in myself.

What makes you who you are? My love and deep appreciation for music that very few people possess. I am proud of my music writing ability.

Describe your future. I can see myself attending a college in CA or AZ, studying math, music, criminology, or psychology.

G

What type of people do you surround yourself with? I try to surround myself with people who care about my well-being. I also look for people who don’t have an average outlook, people who believe that we don’t understand everything. I also enjoy people who appreciate the little things.

What makes you get up in the morning? An empty stomach and the smell or thought of food in the kitchen.

Describe your year. This year was all about self-discovery. Being alone all day has helped me to figure out who I am and what I want out of life.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? My outlook on life has changed dramatically. It still affects me, but I’m doing much better at letting things roll off my back. I’ve also figured out things I enjoy doing.

G

Status: Editor’s Father What do you aspire to do everyday? Provide for family, do smart work, do the right thing, make improvements.

Who motivates you to be a better person? Gigi, Nat, + Ollie, want to be good for them.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Think hard, studious, want to make a contribution.

What makes you who you are? Fascination with basis of life.

Proud of family + research contributions, + clinical trial work.

Describe your future.

Running productive R+D group, advance immune therapy of cancer.

What type of people do you surround yourself with?

Curious, investigative.

What makes you get up in the morning? Chance to make a big step forward.

G

Describe your year.

Challenging, new job, move, new drug, new biology, new house, kids adjusting to new school + the island.

How have you have changed over the course of this year?

Had to get more practical.

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Natalie Quinn Godfrey Birthday: September 14, 1995 Current City: Bainbridge Island,Washington Status: Junior at Bainbridge High School + Editor-in-Chief What do you aspire to do everyday? You know, I really should have done this before I read all these other people’s questionnaires. I usually do but, as the rest of the year has gone, it did not go as planned. Now I’ve got all these other people’s answers floating around in my brain. The response that keeps coming to mind is “Better than yesterday” which my new friend Sam Opalski wrote on her questionnaire. It was memorable to me because, well, it makes sense. I aspire to be better than yesterday, do the right thing, act accordingly, and press on. It’s all we can do.

Who motivates you to be a better person? Obviously, it has to be my mother. She is the end all be all, keeping this family running and its members sane. Without her (literally and figuratively) I would not be here. She’s been there for me at every single bump in the road and, most importantly, she’s still here. She’s gone through a lot in her life too, and I admire her resilience and perseverance. She motivates me to do my best and I feel very fortunate to have someone like her around.

Honestly, what do you think of yourself? Honestly, I think I’m an ass. I have a really hard time controlling my emotions, especially my anger, and take out my stress on other people. I’m a self-absorbed teenager, determined, and a nightmare to challenge. I’ve got strong beliefs, and I’m a logical person, but I still don’t know a whole lot. I mean I guess I can play the “Adolescence: I’m Finding Myself” card, but it still kills me that I’m so mean to people. I try so hard to make my friends feel special and treated well, and I want them to trust me. Being someone you can count on and seek out for advice is what I wanna be, but I feel like sometimes I lose sight of what’s important. I try to be the real me, but sometimes it just doesn’t play out right.

What makes you who you are? I’m proud of my ability to reason and the fact that I’ve got common sense (for the most part). I’m proud that I don’t lie to myself, or try to cover up the real me and I’m proud of my creativity, sure, but more so my work ethic. That damn perfectionist gene I got from my father is both a godsend and a curse. I just like working hard and doing things right. I like defending who I am and what I stand for. I guess you could say I am everything combined together. Every part of my DNA to my experiences to my friends to the opportunities life has provided me with. I’m Nat -- not another soul like it.

Describe your future. Well, I’m going to college...and that’s about as far ahead as I can see. From there, I have no idea.

What I would like to see happen, though, is a different story. I would like a good job, not necessarily a six-figure job, but a career I enjoy pursuing. I love art, technology, animals, and politics -- so I have options. I would love meet somebody who I can spend the rest of my life with and I would also love to be legally married in all the states. Someday, maybe a lil Nat Jr. running around might not sound so bad, and a home in the suburbs might not either. I don’t know what’s in store for me, but I don’t think I want to just yet.

What type of people do you surround yourself with? Quite honestly, I typically surround myself with people who have a lots of problems. People who were broken or are broken tend to have the most depth. They don’t take most things for granted and that makes them so much more insightful and fascinating. In others means, I try to surround myself with openminded, free-thinkers who notice things others don’t. I love people who wanna do something with their lives, and have got a passion. They’ve gotta be original. Spontaneous. Clever. Not afraid to take on a challenge. There for you when you need help.

Confident, smart people who won’t sit there and take life as it comes to them.

What makes you get up in the morning? Not much, actually. I hate getting up. The only reason is probably because I “need” to go to school. I can’t fall behind on classwork... That’s about it.

Describe your year. Well, it started off promising... But it didn’t go very smoothly after that. I had some issues with a good friend of mine and I moved for the bajillionth time. Don't’ get me wrong, Washington is great with all it’s rain and trees and what not... but I sincerely miss my friends and stability I left in California. It was rough starting at my new high school and trying to accept the change. Unless you’ve experienced it yourself, you’ll probably never fully understand the mental ringers you and your family go through when you move. It’s tough -- I’m just glad the worst (I hope) is over.

How have you have changed over the course of this year? I learned how bad I can let myself get. I realized I really need some better coping skills and a stronger foundation. I let some things get to me more than I should have let them, and I turned into a nasty and bitter person. I saw what a cruel and weak person I could become if I let myself do so. I don’t think I’ve really made any headway this year with it, but I have now acknowledged it -- so it’s a start. This year has really just gone to show me how you never really know who you truly are until you’re left with only yourself to rely on.

50

American Express

Challenge My adaptation from the creative ads by American Express.

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in it?

Lora Maslenitsyna

Nat Godfrey

Amber Garcia

Oliver Godfrey

Amanda Choy

Jessica Peterson

Brooke Coutre

Jeff Muzia

Tyler Dawson

Taylor Boon

Geneva Levy

Lani Church

Samantha Le

Sarah Brotzel

Emma Halliday

Wendy Wu

Cody Grogan

Sophie Brotzel

Julian Carrillo

Liz Bishop

Spencer Alpaugh

Sophia Drobny

Delany Houston

Gigi Godfrey

Celia Chaussabel

Andrew Sargent

Elise Witham

Kathy Coutre

Emily Caron

Erin Williams

Wayne Godfrey

Megan Gleason

Alex Barreira

Nicole Mingo

Aidan Mahony

Madeline Corbin

Lora Maslenitsyna (CA)

Amanda Choy (CA)

Tyler Dawson (WA)

Samantha Le (CA)

51

52

Cody Grogan (WA)

Spencer Alpaugh (WA)

Celia Chaussabel (WA)

Emily Carson (WA)

Alex Barreira (CA)

Nat Godfrey (WA)

Jessica Peterson (WA)

Taylor Boon (WA)

53

54

Sarah Brotzel (CA)

Sophie Brotzel (CA)

Sophia Drobny (CA)

Andrew Sargent (CA)

Erin Williams (WA)

Nicole Mingo (WA)

Amber Garcia (WA)

Brooke Coutre (OR)

55

56

Geneva Levy (WA)

Emma Halliday (CA)

Julian Carrillo (WA)

Delaney Houston (CA)

Elise Witham (CA)

Wayne Godfrey (WA)

Aidan Mahony (CA)

Oliver Godfrey (WA)

57

58

Jeff Muzia (WI)

Wendy Wu (CA)

Lani Church (WI)

Liz Bishop (CA)

Gigi Godfrey (WA)

Kathy Coutre (CA)

Megan Gleason (WA)

Madeline Corbin (WA)

59

60

SNIP IT s For My Misfits Certain(comments(I(just(had(to(include...

Freestyle Academy (Lora Maslenitsyna)

Summer Lack of Totoro (Brooke common sense Family (Liz Bishop) Yannick Agnel + my Coutre) friends too, of course (Amber Sleeping Horses (Amber Garcia) Cats Laughing (Nicole Mingo) Garcia) (Kendall Hockey + Reading (Sarah Brotzel) (Cody Grogan) Ng) Snobs Food Recycling + Music Picnics Rain Books (Tessy Kimball) Everything (Sophia Running Windows Fraps (Taylor (Gigi Godfrey) British Drobny) (Wendy Wu) Phonies (Some) People Boon) BMWs (Sam Le) (Wayne Not being with Christmas Time! + Comfy Chairs (Andrew Sargent) Sophie Godfrey) (Alex Barreira) Sour Patch (Emily Carson) (Sarah Brotzel) Sloths Crowds Watermelon Everyone (Amanda Choy) (Julian (Kelly Hamamoto) Carrillo) (Aidan Mahony) Uninterrupted Sleep The Phillies Feet + Wasting Things (Jeff Muzia) (Aidan Mahony) Owing Fuji Apples Gigi Spiders + (Some) Photography People (Jessica Peterson) Animals (Wayne (Julian Carrillo) People (Wendy Wu) (Alex Barreira) (Tessy Kimball) Godfrey) Jokes My Twin Coleslaw Learning Asian Good Books (Grant (Sophie (Madeline Arguing Being Alone + Horses Dalton) (Nat Godfrey) Brotzel) Food Corbin) (Megan (Erin Williams) (Amanda (Julia Mazur) Ice Cream Nail Polish Meanies Gleason) I could go on Sellman) Being a (Madeline Corbin) (Geneva Levy) (Delany T-Swizzle forever... Justin couch Houston) (Liz Bishop) Bieber, Selena Meow Mix potato. Bainbridge Bakers Pee on the Bitches Gomez, Toby the Third (Samantha (Spencer Alpaugh) toilet seat Maguire...

(Amanda Lazy People (Elise Opalski) Chocolate (Sam Le) (Jeff Muzia) (Oliver Godfrey) Bad Drivers Sellman) Witham) (Kathy Coutre) Acting (Melanie Rude People Cucumbers Prejudice Being (Emma Halliday) Hankins) Scary Movies (Kendall Ng) (Lani Church) blatantly Squirrels Politicians + RAIN lied to (Lora (Brooke (Cody (Grant Maslenitsyna) Dalton) Coutre) Grogan) Lies Green Grapes (Carol (Jessica Throwing Up Failure Melted Cheese Pain Disrespect TV Burrough) Peterson) (Nicole Mingo) (Casey Pao) (Samantha Opalski) (Daniel News (Tyler (Gigi Braces Shitty Teachers Fake People Ignorant People Golub) Dawson) Godfrey) Moving (Amanda Choy) (Kelly Hamamoto) (Emily Carson) (Andrew Sargent) (Nat Godfrey)

I LOVE

I Hate

Waking up Saturday, That I will be Snakes 61 Snakes + the Rejection Drowning realizing it始s Monday. disappointed (Wayne Unknown (esp. the (Grant Dalton) (Geneva Levy) with what I Godfrey) woods at night!)

(Alex Barreira) Cleaning my room... Spiders become when (Emily Carson) (Jessica Peterson) ZOMBIELAND I grow up.

Balloons College (Liz Bishop) + Rubber (Casey Pao) (Sophie Brotzel) Bands Love The world will Clowns (Sophia (Amber Affection never get along. (Sarah Drobny) Garcia) (Jeff Muzia) (Lani Church) Brotzel) Being Annoying The Unknown Making Getting Nat to Visit Something (Amanda Choy) Decisions (Kelly Hamamoto) Old more, always. (Amanda Space to (Brooke Being stabbed (Madeline Being forgotten (Alex Barreira) Choy) live my Corbin) in the back or hated by the Elizabeth Coutre) own life.

Oxygen Planes people I love.

To graduate Bishop -Time with a knife.

(Cody (Grant (Julian Carrillo) (Sam Le) (Nat Godfrey) high school. not the (Gigi Grogan) Dalton) SPIDERS (Nicole Mingo) dead poet.

Godfrey) Failure Dying Alone (Taylor Boon) (Aidan Mahony) (Nicole A psychologist. (Sam Le) Rain Boots Mingo) Small Rooms (Jessica Peterson) (Oliver Godfrey) Friends who Fear itself (Julia Mazur) (Andrew Sargent) My love me for who Family I am + people I Nat to come home.

(Emily can count on.

(Liz Bishop) Onsie Carson) (Nat Godfrey) To know what Pajamas To know what始s Ovaltine Freedom Coffee Probably Cookies (Emily makes me happy. in store for me.

(Madeline (Sophia (Daniel (Erin Nothing (Celia Chaussabel) Carson) (Spencer Alpaugh) Corbin) Golub) Williams) (Kathy Drobny) My Own House Nat to be back!!! Order Motivation To brush my hair Coutre) To follow (Amber Garcia) (Kelly Hamamoto) (Gigi (Casey Pao) (Wendy Wu) my dreams.

Security A Wallaby Godfrey) (Casey Pao) People to Laugh Manga My driver始s license (Gigi (Julian Carrillo) (Grant Dalton) (Megan Gleason) Godfrey) (Elise A pet Confidence Witham) hedgehog + More Sleep To Win To see (Nicole Mingo) more black (Andrew (Geneva Nat! To Meet Kimbra socks.

Sargent) Levy) (Brooke (Sarah Brotzel) A Vespa (Wendy Wu) To be around people. Coutre) Time (Amanda Choy) Weekends off 1965 (Celia Chaussabel) (Alex (Wayne Godfrey) Mustang Stability Barreira) Creativity SEVERE MENTAL (Nat Godfrey) A New Pet Manual (Tyler An awesome HINDERANCES Transmission Apprehension (Taylor Boon) Dawson) girlfriend (Oliver Godfrey) (Sophia (Tyler Dawson) Italian Food (Andrew Sargent) Too many cat Drobny) (Andrew Opportunity related items...

Enough Sargent) To Travel (Alex Nguyen) (Grant Dalton) (Sarah Brotzel) Compassion (Cody Grogan) An (Amber Garcia) A Snake Internet Ambition (Julian Carrillo) Addiction (Tessy Kimball) (Sam Le) Imagination The Sniffles A rock (Cody Grogan) All I A family that始s High expectations (Amanda Choy) collection Fantastic need still here even for myself.

To improve my from around Earlobes Everything (Wayne after all this time.

(Casey Pao) (Wendy Wu) language skills. the world.

I need to Godfrey) (Nat Godfrey) (Julia Mazur) (Elise Witham) A procrastination succeed.

A good group A lot to be thankful for + problem Nine Chickens (Celia of Friends. a lot to look forward to.

(Lora Maslenitsyna) (Megan Gleason) Chaussabel) (Nicole Mingo) (Alex Barreira)

I Fear

I need

I want

I have

62

Commentary When answering the question just Wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough.

Wendy Wu Lora Maslenitsyna

Amanda Choy

Alex Nguyen

Wu

Jessica Peterson

Sophia Drobny

Sarah Brotzel

Celia Chaussabel Lora Maslenitsyna Julian Carrillo

Kelly Hamamoto

63

Amanda Choy

Tessy Kimball

Aidan Mahony

Lora Maslenitsyna

Emily Carson Alex Nguyen

Wayne Godfrey Alex Nguyen

Amber Garcia

Grant Dalton

Casey Pao

Alex Barreira

Sarah Brotzel

Sam Le

64

THIS OR THAT

Here are the participant statistics for what they think is better. Total of 45 participants tallied.

27%

30% 70%

73% Pepsi Coke 43%

57%

Cats Dogs 45% 55%

Chocolate Vanilla 50%

50%

Girls Boys 46%

54%

Soup Salad 46%

37%

54%

Sailboat Motorboat

Rain Sun

52%

48%

Math English

20%

28% 63%

Summer Winter 29%

72%

80%

Pens Pencils 35% 65%

71% Morning Night

Mac PC

33%

Kiss Hug 52%

iPhone ...not iPhone

33% 67%

Beach Mountain

64%

67% B&W Color

67% Causal Formal

36%

Pumpkin Pie Apple Pie

16%

33%

48%

33% 84%

Love Money

67% Saltwater Freshwater

65

Fill in the Blanks 1. Who is a senior at Bainbridge High who believes her high standards motivate her? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 2. Who has a twin, goes to Mt. View High, and aspires to be positive? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Search 3. Who lives in Mt. View and was born on July 30th? through the magazine to fill in the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ blanks, then unscramble 4. Who is the only sophomore? Hint: BHS them to decode the message! __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5. Who is senior that mentions the Musee d’Orsay? Hint: BHS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 6. Who said they aspire to be “richer for the experience” everyday? Hint: LAHS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 7. Whose birthday is on Tax Day? Hint: LAHS __ __ __ __ __ 8. Who is the only person to mention the SATs? Hint: Junior at LAHS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 9. Whose page is the only other page beside the editor’s to take up a full spread? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ -- __ __ __ __ __ __ 10.Who is the editor-in-chief? Hint: You better know this. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

NOW UNSCRAMBLE + DECODE THE MESSAGE: __ __ __ __ __ __

Answer: Stay Strong

__ __ __ __

66

Readers, At the close of this magazine, and as we wrap up the year, I delightfully wish you a very merry New Year. Every twelve months we start anew, and I hope this coming year will be better than your last. The arrival of January brings new chances to find joy and overcome pain, and gives us even more time to grow and mature.

I believe every year we learn something new about ourselves, whether we want to or not and for better or worse. I don’t know if I’ve changed quite as much as I’d like to admit, but I’ve learned I will never stop doing so. We are constantly challenging ourselves and altering our habits -- no wonder why we are so tired all the time.

Moving states and switching high schools has opened up many new doors for me and has challenged me in countless ways -- I can’t say I’ve enjoyed it, but I’m sure there will be some benefit I can look back on someday. It's really pushed me to change in many ways and make me become more aware of certain things. I’ve had to dig deep to overcome this adversity, but I think it will be worth it in the end.

I made this year’s magazine in hopes you all could see how other people are changing, stressing, coping, and succeeding, too. Something I have become more aware is that I’m not they only one going through all the motions of life -- other people have problems too and are struggling just the same. I know that sounds superficial, but it’s true -- when you’re young you don’t fully realize breadth of human contact and emotion. It’s all about the relations you forge, and those that you break. It’s about the people you interact with, and the way you behave, think, learn, and respond. I say everyday the more I learn, the less I know. But I’m just like the rest of humanity -I’m just trying to give meaning to the life I live.

I sincerely love you all, and will always encourager you to talk to me whenever you are in need. There are a lot of broken people in this world, but you don’t have to suffer alone.

Happy Holidays

NAUGHTY OR NICE WHO WAS ON THE LIST THIS YEAR? Spencer Alpaugh ✓

Tyler Dawson ✓

Geneva Levy ✓

Alex Barreira ✓

Sophia Drobny ✓

Aidan Mahony ✓

Elizabeth Bishop ✓

Amber Garcia ✓

Julia Mazur ✓

Taylor Boon ✓

Megan Gleason ✓

Lora Maslenitsyna ✓

Sarah Brotzel ✓

Gigi Godfrey ✓

Nicole Mingo ✓

Sophie Brotzel ✓

Nat Godfrey ✓

Jeff Muzia ✓

Carol Burrough ✓

Oliver Godfrey ✓

Kendall Ng ✓

Julian Carrillo ✓

Wayne Godfrey ✓

Alexandra Nguyen ✓

Emily Carson ✓

Daniel Golub ✓

Samantha Opalski ✓

Celia Chaussabel ✓

Cody Grogan ✓

Casey Pao ✓

Amanda Choy ✓

Emma Halliday ✓

Jessica Peterson ✓

Lani Church ✓

Kelly Hamamoto ✓

Andrew Sargent ✓

Madeline Corbin ✓

Delaney Houston ✓

Amanda Sellman ✓

Brooke Coutre ✓

Tessy Kimball ✓

Erin Williams ✓

Grant Dalton ✓

Samantha Le ✓

Wendy Wu ✓

What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is often to make a beginning.

So we must keep in mind,

THE END is merely a place where we can start again.

T.S. Elliot