The Warrior Post - February 2023

TheWarriorPost

WP the warrior post

Martin High School

4501 W Pleasant Ridge Road

Arlington, TX 76016

Editors-in-Chief

Trinity Orosco and Laynie Stroup

News Editors

Katy Dixon and Helena Snegon

Features Editors

Noelle Pond and Sally Rodriguez

Opinions Editor

Inde Atwood

Thank you, counselors

Sports Editor

MacKenzie Estes

Entertainment Editors

Zizi Belvin and Molly Maddock

Photo Editor

Lorelai Hofer Adviser

Tricia Regalado

Principal

Marlene Roddy

Staffers:

Liv Bell, Kailah Cobbs, Caiden Cole, Addy Davenport, Ava Dunlap, Adam El-Kassih, Celest Harbrink, Jordyn Hentz, Sirinity Hubbard, Terry Jackson, Maham Khan, Alyssa Lee, Ashlynn Lee, Ashlyn Long, Chloe MacFoy, Morgan Martin, Jessica Nguyen, Wil Renfrow, Corrina Reyes, Emonje Richardson, Camila Rivas, Dewey Saracay, Jaylia Spotwood, Avery Whipple, Asia Wilkey

TheWarrior Post is the official publication of Martin High School. Opinion columns don’t necessarily represent the opinion of TheWarrior Post or of Martin High School.

In light of National Counselor Week occurring recently, we should take a moment to appreciate our counselors for everything they do, especially right now. They are very weighed down by making a schedule for every student in this massive school, and are supposed to balance that with supporting their students emotionally.

Counselors give us the ability to switch out of classes we don’t like.

Counselors work hard to try and ensure we make it into our first choice elective.

Counselors write letters of recommendation for college.

Counselors also help students find scholarships that they might be eligible for, saving them money and giving them the opportunity to go to schools they might not have been able to afford.

The work of counselors is never fully done as it seems, since students make changes to their schedules constantly. Even after the year starts, students decide they want to drop an AP class or that they don’t like an elective, and the counselors usually are able to help the student make that change.

It may seem like a very simple task to move one student between classes,

but having 12 counselors for almost 4,000 students means each counselor has a huge volume of students to assist. For counselors to be able to manage the schedules and emotionally support the students, there should be at least twice as many to give counselors the time to personally assist their kids.

Students have complained about their counselors being unavailable to talk about their emotions and counselors have a lot on their plate even before considering this responsibility, so it would make sense to have separate counselors for emotional support.

Having dedicated emotional counselors would make students feel much more comfortable talking to them since it won’t feel like they’re interrupting their counselor’s other work.

Counselors should be able to help their students through school, both emotionally and through helping them find a path in life.

In the current situation, it’s nearly impossible for them to personally assist all of their students individually, which is why the school needs to increase the number of counselors greatly, as well as introducing more than one support counselor so that someone is always available to talk.

{Staff Editorial}

It’s a tough, multifaceted job, and our counselors need more support

The journey to

Martin Idol

Inde Atwood • Opinions Editor

Simon Cowell. Katy Perry. Lionel Richie. None of these people were at Martin Idol.

Senior Nate Strayhorn, however, was, along with 11 different acts this year ranging from solo musicians and duets, to dancing trios, and ending with a full band of four, according to event coordinator and Literary Magazine sponsor Elizabeth Osbourne. Martin Idol took place Jan. 26.

This event last happened in March of 2020.

“I saw it during freshman year, but there were also a lot of posters up for it,” Strayhorn said. “I try to play every show or event that I can and Martin Idol has been around at Martin for a while so it seemed right.”

“At first I wasn’t going to do it,” Martin Idol contestant senior Lucas Walters said. “But it was my senior year so I decided to do something fun before I graduate.”

Martin Idol was canceled last year due to the fact that Covid nearly wiped out the Lit Mag, which has returned this school year.

“All the MHS Lit Mag staff agree that we all desperately need to return to a sense of normalcy which starts with the resurrection of the classics, and that starts with Martin Idol,” Osbourne said.

The audition process was very quick, requiring bands to play only one song.

“It was kind of strange how simple it was,” Strayhorn said. “I just showed up and did my thing, playing ‘Kyo-

to’ by Phoebe Bridgers, and then I found out I got in.”

Walters had an even easier audition, since he hadn’t decided to audition until that morning.

“My girlfriend and I made a last second decision to audition, so I went home at lunch and grabbed my guitar,” he said. “We practiced for about 15 minutes before the tryouts and made it in.”

Sun Gloves, Strayhorn’s band, played one song, which was the maximum allowed by Martin Idol.

“We started preparing a few months ago, as soon as we found out about Martin Idol,” Strayhorn said. “We practice twice a week for five hours, plus practice on our own.”

In the weeks leading up to the performance, Strayhorn said he was confident in himself and his band but he knew there was work to be done.

“Our songs are decent so far,” Strayhorn said, about two weeks before Martin Idol. “We have rehearsals coming up and I don’t know if we’re totally prepared, but I think we’ll be ready for the actual thing.”

Strayhorn said he was confident at the show.

“Confidence level is high,” he said backstage. “I think we could go to the second round, and I think we could win.”

Strayhorn didn’t know his level of competition, since he hadn’t heard most of them play. However, he said he thinks he has a good shot at winning due to the structure

of the voting.

“I think it’s a who-knowsmore-people thing,” he said. “A lot of the decision is based on how many people show up to see you.”

Sun Gloves was the last of 11 bands to perform at Martin Idol, and despite beginning with technical difficulties, his performance went well.

“I really digged it,” Strayhorn said. “I think it was better than our rehearsals, and that’s saying something.”

In the end, Sun Gloves didn’t make it to the second round, but Strayhorn did get a little taste of fame by playing electric guitar for the future champion senior Joel Yarbrough, also known as Jxdy.

“Having Nate out there collabing with me made

it a lit night for sure,” Yarbrough said. “He’s super talented, he’s gonna go far.”

Leading up to his win, Yarbrough was also confident, his spirits lifted by the crowd’s energy.

“The other contestants were crazy talented, but when I heard them chanting my name after the first performance I thought I might have it in the bag,” he said.

This win, combined with his success at the pep rally earlier in the year, inspired Yarbrough to keep his career going.

“It gave me a whole new insight on how far I can go if I just keep God first and keep believing in myself,” he said. “Feeling all the love and support was really overwhelming for me, it was a crazy night for sure.”

Senior Nate Strayhorn plays his guitar and sings in the first round of Martin Idol, while his bandmate freshman Evan Strayhorn hypes up the crowd. PhotobyLorelaiHofer

Martin Idol contestants talk about how they prepared and how it played out

Behind the scenes

Exploring how the process of how a UIL One Act Play comes together

in reasonable range.”

Sometimes, one person may need to take on multiple positions or jobs in the company, including Coker.

“Something that makes me a little bit nervous is the fact that I’ll be doing three jobs at once essentially,” Coker said. “I am the set designer, head roadie and transport, and sound board operator. I won’t be able to help set up but I trust my team fully to do well.”

Seven minutes on the clock. Go. Company members of One Act scramble anxiously but orderly to begin setting up before a competing performance.

Grabbing pillars and blocks to be placed in the correct area of the stage to create a set on spiked tape. Stairs lined up next to heavy barrels and chests, props placed in their first seen spots and lights. Sound being prepared on the board.

Two minutes left. Finishing touches and then off stage to places.

The show must go however the outcome is after those strict seven minutes.

“Last year for our very first One Act competition set up we were about ten seconds away from being disqualified completely,” senior Abram Hale said.

“It can be a very stressful thing.”

Hale shared some of his excitement for this upcoming season, as he will be playing Guildenstern in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

“I’ve been doing Martin shows since my freshman year and I have absolutely loved doing them, but this is by far my favorite one I’ve worked on before,” Hale said. “It’s really a great opportunity, and it’s such a fun show.”

Hale shared a glimpse of life acting on the stage with his fellow lead.

“James Connolly, who plays Rosencrantz, and I are both very prepared when we get to rehearsal, so we always have new ideas to bounce off of each other when we are on stage,” Hale said. “Our energy builds off of one another. It helps for the chemistry of our charac-

ters, too, that we were previously good friends.”

While what we see in the spotlight is spectacular, it couldn’t be done without those behind the scenes.

Since the One-Act set rules are quite specific and set design requires much forethought, senior and scenic designer Arlie Coker shared his vision for this year’s set.

“We knew we wanted to keep it at the element where you don’t exactly know where the characters are at any given time,” Coker said. “The setting can almost be interpreted. It has to be a very mobile set, so everything we build needs to be considered for mobility to travel with.”

“There are many technical One Act rules,” Coker said. “Set up and take down time for the set is seven minutes. The set must be completely stable on its own and abide by height and width rules, and the elements need to be

Getting an inside glimpse from a director himself, technical and acting director Jordan Chambers shared some insight on the challenges and wonders of such a complex process.

“A big challenge is definitely the limitations and rules that state implements on the productions,” Chambers said.

UIL in Texas has many specific rules for producing a competing production, such as requiring the play to be on the state’s approved list, limitations on certain language and topics.

“Comedies are difficult,” Chambers said. “You rely heavily on the audience and their reaction. Timing is more important than ever, and you’re waiting for laughs from the audience. I’m looking forward to putting it out there for people to see. I really think they’re going to love it.”

The season for competing is rapidly approaching, as the Martin UIL OAP will have a first district contest on March 4 at the CVPA, and a public performance March 9 at 7 p.m. at Martin.

Avery Whipple • Reporter

Junior James Connolly and senior Abram Hale rehearse during a dress rehearsal in the theatre production class. The group will compete in UIL competition March 4. PhotobyMadeeMcClanahan

The path to presidency

Martin’s future Student Council candidates prepare for the upcoming election

Sally Rodriguez • Features Editor

As posters go up and buttons are passed out, Martin’s Student Council campaigning begins. With competitive candidates and the student council under new management, there is sure to be stress surrounding the upcoming election happening in March.

For the candidates, planning starts early in order to ensure that they have a set idea in place for what they hope to achieve during their campaign.

“Campaigning is really time tedious and I don’t want any negativity between me and the people who are running,” said junior Joel Regina who is running for Student Body President.

Regina, who said he has wanted to run for Student

Body President since before he was in high school, already has plans for what he would want to do with the position.

“I would try to work more as a team with the rest of the student council,” Regina said. “I want to work as much as I can, but also be able to delegate in the right way and work together.”

Other candidates, such as junior Maham Khan who is running for Student Body Vice President, have just recently decided to run, but are just as passionate about the position.

“I’m just willing to do whatever it takes,” Khan said.

If she were to win the position, Khan said she hopes to resolve an issue that she’s noticed at Martin.

“Martin has a lot of resources and I hope to better inform people of them,”

Khan said.

Student Council coordinator Molly Haney has her own ideas and worries for this year’s campaign with it being her first year here as StuCo sponsor.

“There’s a lot of rules that go into running and I want to make sure that I know all the rules,” Haney said.

With Haney’s arrival came new adjustments to the rules of the campaign process, such as a shorter voting period and candidates being required to be in Student Council for a year prior to the election in order to be able to run. This was decided by a vote

The cost of community

Prices to join various organizations and where the money goes

Zizi Belvin • Entertainment Editor

Trips. Camps. Uniforms. All necessary expenses to keep an organization fun and active. All requiring funding from somewhere. Here’s a list of four organizations including the cost to join, supplies, and any other fees that students may need to cover.

FFA - $25+

“It’s only $25, and you get a t-shirt and a ton of opportunities. Why shouldn’t you join?” - Agriculture Advisor Shelby Hale

FFA is an organization that allows students to gain experience in an agriculture based community. They have an initial activity fee of $25 which covers a shirt, a subscription to a New Horizons Magazine, and funds contest entry fees.

Depending on what you do in FFA, you may be pay-

ing different amounts. Optional teams simply require a uniform ($10+) and that you buy your own meals on trips ($10+ per trip).

Showing animals is another category altogether. If you decide to show, you have to pay for your animal (in the case of fancy poultry, $2 per chick along with feed, shelter, entry fees, and transportation.)

There is a fundraiser held by the students and one by the advisors, and the money goes toward various events

done by the current Student Council.

“The reason they voted to do that was to make sure that somebody in an officer role has at least a little bit of an idea before coming in of what type of work, how much work it is, and the level of commitment,” Haney said. “I just want to make sure that it’s a fair election and the best candidate wins.”

and trips. If students sell a certain amount, they are welcome on a trip at the start of summer, which students cover the price of the ticket for (roughly $100 in the past years).

FFA provides scholarship opportunities, experience, and the chance to find your place in a community.

(Sources: senior Macie Greenawalt and Shelby Hale, Agriculture Advisor)

Continued on page 24

Juniors Faith Browne and Joel Regina designing posters for their campaign. StuCo elections will be held in March. PhotocourtesyofAshlynnLee

Living up to a legacy

Theater ‘legacy’ students discuss the pros and cons of following in their siblings’ footsteps

gan said.

When starting out, they get the advantage of directors already having some trust in them because of their siblings’ performance.

“It’s kind of helped me out a lot that the directors know my sisters,” senior Macie Menard said. “They already know, ‘Oh! It’s a Menard. I know she’s gonna do good. She’s one you can trust.’ That’s helped me out but also has stressed me out with the expectations of, ‘I have to be perfect.’”

Beckley said. “It’s like an over looming thought that can take over very easily.”

While they may not be handed their roles, speculation about them receiving perks due to their legacy status continues to swirl amongst their peers.

From Timothée Chalamet to Hailey Bieber, Hollywood is full of actors who have famous relatives, now coined “Nepo Babies.”

But in the Martin Theater department, a similar phenomenon is known as “Legacy Students.”

Throughout the years, debates arise over the validity of famous people who are related to other famous people.

Some argue that their fame came through nepotism, that they are famous purely due to their relatives or that they at least got a head start due to connections. It can also be said that these “Nepo Babies” have to work harder to prove themselves and come out of the spot-

light of their famous relatives. The same arguments can arise over our own form of “Nepo Babies,” the “Legacy Student.”

“When we have a show to cast, we want the best possible person for the role,” theater director Jordan Chambers said. “Often those who have had family members go through Martin Theater know a little more information about how we operate, which can be helpful.”

Though these legacy students don’t gain automatic access to roles, there is a sense of recognition that comes with their relatives’ names.

“If someone had a sibling who was prominent in the department, that person is definitely on the directors’ radar,” senior Kamille Mor-

While these students may get a head start from their peers, this perk comes with the price of living up to their relatives’ legacy of excellence.

“There’s always been the expectation for me to perform and uphold the family name,” Menard said. “It’s always a competition. I al-

“When I’m doing an audition, going through a callback, or just doing anything theater related here, I feel the inclination to sometimes over act,” Beckley said. “I will try to make things funny or serious that are just neutral situations. I feel like that’s just me being insecure. I feel like I have to prove myself at every given moment.”

Their own talent, not their siblings, speaks for itself.

ways have to do better than what my sisters did.”

Beyond trying to live up to their siblings’ success, these students have the pressure of thinking that they may not be deserving of their own success.

“I sometimes have the insecurity that just because my brother was a big part here, that’s the only reason I get into anything when I know that that’s not really the case,” senior Brady

“People will say that the only reason that we got in, not because of talent, but because our brother or sister or one of the people related to us came in beforehand and had a bigger name,” Beckley said. “It’s just not true, because we’re talented by ourselves. I feel like all of us should be seen for our talent, not for our relatives’ talent.”

At the end of the day, they work to become their own person in the department and create a legacy of their own.

“I’ve proved myself and my talent, that I’m not just riding off of my sisters,” Menard said. “I am my own person and made my own place in the department.”

at every given moment.” “I feel like I have to prove myself

Hugging her sister, senior Macie Menard performs in the production of She KillsMonsterslast fall. Menard played the role of a sister alongside her real sister, 2022 graduate Mallory Menard.

Lorelai Hofer • Photo Editor

The false reality of social media filters One-word challenge

What is one word that you want to live up to in 2023?

The One Word Challenge is when you choose a word that either epitomizes you or some random word you just want to embody. It’s like a New Year’s resolution, but it’s something you can remember.

“The One Word Challenge is kind of taking the idea of new year’s resolutions,” math teacher Maci Holloway said. “It’s not making a resolution, but making it a type of being and more like who you want to be.”

So, what is your one word for this new year?

Ava Dunlap • Reporter

Social media is like a poker game. You never know what you’re going to get.

In poker you can lie, put up a fake facade and trick people into thinking your cards are better than they are and this is exactly what people with a strong social media presence do.

When we see posts from friends going abroad,traveling, and enjoying their lives, we start comparing ourselves to them.

We feel like we’re not doing well, not enjoying it, not being successful.

“It’s a false reality of filters, bans of darkness, advertising, fakes, greedy businesses, emotional stripping, and things that separate the body from nature, where the body belongs,” sophomore Ryann Singh said. “We are not designed to be caught up in the false illusion of technology.”

with social anxiety to open social media apps to temporarily feel connected to others.

But when they unplug it, the feeling of connection dissipates.

“I talk to my peers better online rather than in an in-person situation,” junior Pascen Jackson said. “I take frequent breaks from social media and it takes me a while to stop clicking the place the app once was.”

Social media users can make everyone else feel like they have a better life, are smarter, funnier, more interesting, have more best friends, and so on.

This can lead to strong feelings of disconnect.

“There is so much to read and so much to say,” Singh said. “And most of what you see isn’t all that cool.”

“My word is Ready,” Holloway said. “Last year was a lot of healing and getting back on our feet for my family, so we’re just ready to make new memories within the new year.”

Social media has an amplified character.

Its use activates the reward centers of the brain dopamine, a “pleasant” chemical involved in pleasurable activities.

The platforms are designed to be addictive and are associated with anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments.

“I think kids shouldn’t be allowed social media in the classrooms,” Biology teacher Jaylee Holland said, “When the shooting scare happened, kids knew before we did, it caused more panic than we could control.”

Social media provides mature information for mature audiences. Many students are not capable of regulating the emotions that come from social media.

“Healthy,” freshman Heidi Nguyen said. “As in like mentality and well being mostly.”

“Passion,” senior Madison Scruggs said. “I want to do things passionately and not do things that I don’t want to do. Also, not regret my decisions and enjoy my year.”

“Nobody has good conversation skills which eventually leads to us going back on our phones,” Singh said, “I know I do”.

Many students said they feel an overwhelming unproductive feeling that comes with social media. It’s common for people

Even other students said they believe that social media would not be appropriate for developing students.

“Honestly, I’m glad my parents don’t let me have social media,” sophomore Juan Ramirez said. “It’s a mature app for a mature age. I would do the same.”

Math teacher Maci Holloway’s Word Wall

Baby fever

Katy Dixon • News Editor

Babies are something that everyone once was and most people want, but when faced with reality, taking care of one is something you must learn.

Martin’s Child Development class teaches students about the science behind the growth of children, including letting students take care of one for a week.

“We start off with looking at careers dealing with children,” Child Development teacher Cindy Howland said. “Then we go into pre-pregnancy, so taking care of our bodies before we get pregnant. And then we go over the nutrition and the stages and signs of the pregnancy. Then we get into the delivery process, which is what we’re in now. And then we go through the emotional, social, intellectual and development of infants through high school

age, but we typically get through six and seven year olds.”

Students get to make their own baby in class, name it, and dress it up.

Personalizing the baby to make it their own adds to the experience.

“They go to the store, buy their items, and bring them to school,” Howland said. “They have to have a foam sphere for the head and some pantyhose for the natural color of the skin. They get a newborn outfit. I provide the eyes and the stuffing for them, and then if they want a pacifier or any other accessories, they are allowed to bring those as well.”

Over the week, students get to experience what it’s like to be a parent and take care of a baby. They participate as if the sugar baby truly was a baby.

“You actually have to watch it,” sophomore Savannah Davis said. “You can’t leave it anywhere, or some people will steal it and you have to treat it like it’s your own child.”

Outside of the classroom, teachers play the role of “CPS Workers” while the parents are going about their daily school schedule.

Even being outside of the classroom, Howland knows how the parents are treating their babies.

“At school I have the entire faculty and they’re my CPS workers,” Howland said. “So if they’re not good parents in class or they see them outside of class, they

are able to email me and it would be points off of their grade if I get a CPS report.”

As any project, grading takes place at the due date, or in this case, at the end of the week. But it’s done differently than it would be if it was a regular assignment.

“They are graded by a form that they have to have each teacher fill out as they go to class to make sure that they were responsible and good parents,” Howland said. “They turn this in and then they will bring it back next Thursday. And if it looks the way that they made it, when they bring it back, then they get another grade. And then we also have some writing assignments that we’re going be doing throughout the week that they are carrying their child as a grade.”

But it’s not just something students have to do to get a grade. They get to have fun while doing it as well.

“I’m thinking it’s gonna be pretty exciting and like everyone’s gonna wanna in-

teract with it as well,” sophomore Kara Moon said.

The sugar babies give students a week of fun and exciting experiences. But they also get a good lesson in the end.

“They get the somewhat real life experience of what it’s like to take care of a child,” Howland said. “Just making sure that they take it everywhere. I have extracurricular students that have to take their babies with them on the bus or wherever they have to go outside of school. So it just kind of teaches them the numerous responsibilities of parenthood.”

Experiencing the responsibilities of parenthood is a valuable lesson for the future. And can allow people to get a better understanding of parents all around.

“I can get a better view on what it’s like for my mom,” Davis said. “And I can see what it was like raising me, and how much you have to pay attention to the kids.”

We’ve seen them and played with them, but there’s a lesson behind Child Development’s ‘Sugar Baby’ project

Sophomores Megan O’Dell and Kaylyn Soulas make their sugar babies during class. PhotobyArlieCoker

Sophomore Serenity Jefferson makes her sugar baby. Photo byZamirMelo

Students and faculty discuss vaping and addiction

Corrina Reyes & Celest Harbrink • Reporters

Think again if you believe vaping to be a superior alternative to smoking. This is a considerable problem as it has grown in popularity. E-cigarettes are the most commonly used types of devices with 9.4 percent of all adults using it.

Many think that vaping is safer than smoking.

"I would never vape,” nurse Zerritta Worsham said. “It messes with the frontal lobe."

Scientists have shown that

any type of vape could lead to serious injuries such as your lungs collapsing, brain development, heart attacks and more.

“Do not vape, it is very bad for you,” science teacher Christan Bermudez said. “It can seriously damage your growing brain and body.”

Despite the risks, vaping is popular among some students. Most teenagers who vape started vaping as early as 12 or 13, during middle school after being influenced by older siblings and friends.

“I started in seventh grade, about three years ago,” sophomore Jack* said.

Vaping has become an issue in the bathrooms, halls, and sometimes classrooms.

“I go to use the bathroom and I walk in and see multiple kids in the stalls smoking and vaping during class or lunch,” Child Development teacher Cindy Howland said.

Frequent vaping often leads to an addiction to nicotine or even marijuana.

“It started off with vaping four years ago, but after a while it wasn't enough,” Jack said. “I needed something that made me feel more. The second that I wake up, my vape is the first thing I need, and when I don't have it I get this anxious feeling that doesn't go away until I have it.”

Most teens have trouble concentrating and a major anxiety spike when they are

addicted to vaping.

“When you need it, your mouth gets dry and you start to feel hungry,” Jack said.

Another issue with e-cigarettes is their availablity to teens.

“If you’re an adult, you can make these decisions with more thought, but it's so accessible for any age,” Howland said.

As vaping is still a relatively new phenomenon, scientists and doctors don’t yet really understand the deep-rooted effects so far and this issue could be more harmful than we think.

“Nobody knows the long term effects," orchestra director Sammy Branch said. * - Not his real name

“I needed something that made me feel more.”

Tips to lessen

procrastination

Ways to help eliminate procrastination

Sirinity Hubbard • Reporter

Sometimes people procrastinate because they are adverse to the task or have a lack of energy. Maybe they have a difficulty defining goals or a tendency to self-defeat. Whatever the reason is, here are some ways to lessen procrastination.

Do the work the day you get it

When you get homework, or just work in general, try doing some or all of it when you get it. That way you will already have the task finished or somewhat complete. When you split tasks into smaller parts, it enables you to complete the work without feeling overwhelmed. It also gives you the opportunity to view your progress. Doing your work when you get it helps decrease the future workload and can potentially inspire more work to get done ahead of time.

Set goals

If you have trouble finishing assignments in class or getting work done before the due date, set a reasonable goal on when to get it done. When setting goals, try to set them a day or two before the work is due and try to work on it as much as you can. If you finish the work on time, keep it up and see how early you can get future assignments done. If it doesn’t work, adjust your goals and see how it goes.

Doing this will help you stay caught up and can give you the opportunity to learn good work habits.

Do things the moment you think about it

When you think of something you need to do, do it, especially if you are not busy. Procrastination is the act of continuously saying, “I’ll do it later,” so instead of doing it later, do it then.

If it’s a small task, try to do it in the moment. If it’s a big task that can potentially be time consuming, try setting a specific time to complete the task and do it then.

Set time-bound goals

Get your work done by providing yourself time to work on it in small pieces. If you have a lot of homework to do, set an amount of time to work on it then take a break. Resume your work afterwards.

This can work on many different things. If you have goals to clean your room, read a book, or be more active, try giving yourself a set amount of time to work on it.

There’s an app for that

Apps where you can be productive

Chloe MacFoy • Reporter

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, teenagers spend an average of nine hours daily on their phones. With such a high level of screen time, it can lead to things like anxiety, sleep problems, and depression.

But being on your phone doesn’t mean you have to spend hours scrolling on social media, and technology can be a great tool.

Pinterest

Pinterest defines its app as “a place to explore inspiration.” The main point of Pinterest is to look at images and save them to boards that you create.

On Pinterest, you can create different boards that have to do with productivity like studying habits, foods you want to make, exercises you want to try, etc. Pinterest can also be very relaxing and a place of comfort for some people. You can find inspirational quotes, meditation methods, and different things of interest.

Habitica

Habitica is a productivity app that helps you complete your goals with a game. Habitica uses retro RPG elements to gamify your tasks and goals.

On the app, you have to create an avatar and add a task. When you complete a task you earn coins that unlock other characters/animals.

Flora- Green Focus

On Flora, the main point of this app is to stay off your phone and set goals. They do this by motivating you to grow a “tree.” When you first go on the app, it tells you to plant a seed. Your tree will grow when you successfully stay on the app and don’t go on your phone.

Whether your tree successfully grows or not, Flora offers opt-in Price and Care services that let you plant real trees on the earth. They partner with tree-planting organizations in Africa and East Asia to plant trees where people need them.

Tide

Tide is an app where the focus is on mental and physical care. On the app, you can do meditation, listen to nature sounds, and get better sleep.

Tide can help you get away from a fast-paced life and stay in the moment. This app would be very beneficial to people who struggle with anxiety and sleep problems.

Over it

The senioritis epidemic sweeping through the class of 2023

Laynie Stroup & Trinity Orosco • Editors-In-Chief

The unknown phenomenon known as senioritis has slowly started to seep into the classroom walls.

So, how do seniors define this feeling?

“I think it’s a decline in motivation, knowing that you’re just about done but won’t finish it all the way through,” senior David Garcia said. “You’re kinda just going through the motions.”

Senioritis has also been known to affect studying habits.

“I feel like my mind is constantly thinking about the future, and it’s distracting me from being in the moment and focusing on school,” senior Natalia Flores said.

Senior Rebekah Morris has started to feel the impact.

“I’ve definitely taken a mental health day just to

stay home,” Morris said.

Students have noticed that senioritis tends to kick in after winter break.

“It kicked in on the first day of the second semester when I submitted my college applications,” senior Vivian Nguyen said. “My parents have told me I’m slowing down for once, and I have been less uptight and more light-hearted.”

Many see senioritis as more of a stepping stone to the next thing.

“I don’t feel like it’s being unmotivated,” senior Isabel Torres said. “I feel like you’re just over it. You are ready to move on and have that freedom of college and can do what you want.”

While most of the senior class is ready for graduation, a few students still hold on to their last moments.

“I don’t think I have senioritis because I want to enjoy every minute of this year,” Garcia said. “I know it’ll be my last time in high

school.”

So, how are these fortunate individuals avoiding this widely-spread feeling?

“The people who tell me to keep my head up, like my mom and dad, help prevent my senioritis,” senior Erik Brito said. “I’ve always been told you must commit to anything no matter what. It’s better to finish the race if you’re already close to the finish line.”

Senior Analee Tinajero said her best advice for avoiding senioritis is to live in the moment.

“I think what has made my year pretty good is not thinking, ‘This is the last moment,’ and just living in it,” Tinajero said. “So, when I look back on it in the future, I know that I didn’t spend the whole time worrying about the last moments and instead enjoyed it.”

Statistics teacher, Thomas Bobbitt said he hasn’t noticed much of a difference in student behavior yet.

“So far, they’re doing pretty well, but it’s too early in the second semester,” Bobbitt said. “It usually hits after spring break.”

As the seniors embark on new paths, some have offered advice to the class of 2024.

“Embrace being a senior,” senior Gabriel Beaver said. “It’s your last year, so take life less seriously.”

Senior Austin Punzalan said he thinks finding something that matters is vital in your senior year.

“Whether it’s scholarships or getting into a good college, if you have something on your mind, it’s gonna make you want to come to school,” Punzalan said. “If not, senioritis will turn inevitable.”

As for the class of 2023, it’s important to cherish each moment in these last couple of months. Because senior year doesn’t last forever.

“Graduation is the expiration date,” Nguyen said.

are loved’ Students and teachers share their views

Balancing work and play can be hard when you don’t know who is on your side. Support in public schools has been a task of the times as districts across the nation learn to accommodate a new generation of students with new opinions and ways of life that they have never seen before.

Most of their students haven’t even been in school for their entire high school career.

“I’m a senior, so my freshman year was Covid year,” senior Alyson Sevy said. “My first normal year was last year. I’ll never get a full high school experience.”

Students have mixed opinions about the ways that teachers show their support for students being themselves in a classroom setting.

“Most of the time my teachers respect me and use my name but they’re horrible at using pronouns,” sophomore Ryden Van said. “If they don’t, I have just walked out of the class. One teacher kept birthnaming me and misgendering me in class even though I was following what she was telling me to do.”

But luckily for students at Martin, the good overshadows the bad for most students.

“One teacher didn’t question me or anything, she just wrote down my name,

my preferred name, and went on with it,” junior Cairo Jones said.

Many things can help build student and teacher relationships.

“One of my teachers, she opened up to me about her struggles throughout high school,” Sevy said.

Many students have shown that a personal relationship with teachers overall improves their experience at school. Even teachers agree with this statement.

“Whenever I meet a student I ask them to introduce themself to me so I know what their name is and how to pronounce it,” chemistry teacher Brenna Trull said.

A personal relationship with teachers has even allowed students to feel safer and more cared for in the classroom.

“My coach has made Colorguard a very safe space for everyone,” Sevy said. “I feel like I can be myself there with people that genuinely care and support me,” Everyone has their bad days, however, students and teachers alike.

“There are different ways teachers approach being a teacher,” junior Jane* said.

“One of my teachers was not super strict on grades but didn’t seem to care in a way that if you were hurting someone it wasn’t his problem.”

When teachers show that they do not care about the community in their classroom, students can feel

at Martin

hurt and maybe even unsafe.

“He could definitely tell I was in an unsafe situation but did nothing because I couldn’t come out and say it,” Jane said. “He would vouch for that student even when me and other people came forward about it.”

Many teachers have gone above and beyond to show their students what they mean to them.

“Above my door it says, ‘You are loved,’” English teacher Stacy Campbell

their room in favor of students’ minds and mental health.

“If you’re uncomfortable in the room, you’re going to be uncomfortable with me and with each other so I try to keep it a calm place in general,” Trull said.

When teachers and students utilize the tools given to them, a change for the better can occur. After talking with several students, all of them had one thing they wished all teachers understood about being a student.

Students value the efforts of their teachers.

“Respect goes both ways,” Jones said.

said. “Every day when they walk out of the door they see that they are loved as they hit the top of the door. I tell my kids I love them all of the time.”

Students said they feel comforted that a lot of our teachers have this mindset.

“I think the closer people are then the more comfortable they are asking for help,” art teacher Anna Lawler said. “I sense a community is a big part in feeling a sense of worth in what you’re doing.”

Sometimes just being honest about life shows students support.

“My colorguard coach is very open and lets us know it’s okay to be different than other people,” Sevy said.

Teachers can even make

With so much work on top of home lives an social lives, the consistency of going without stopping can cause even more stress.

“Sometimes we need breaks from work,” Van said.

On top of work, students have to worry about where they’re going to get their higher education and how.

“High school only matters to a certain level,” Jane said.

With all of these obstacles, it can all be summed up easily.

“We’re trying,” Sevy said.

Teachers say they do their best to support their students even if it’s the little things.

“I love that we are all a big Martin family,” Campbell said.

* - Not their real name

‘You

on student support

Wil Renfrow • Reporter goes both “Respectways”

Where to next?

Seniors

Alyssa Lee • Reporter

Many Martin Students have been dreaming of attending a certain university their whole life, while some others are completely lost between schools.

Making a big decision, like committing to a college, can alter a person’s entire life. How do seniors make their big decisions? Is it location, money, color, alumni?

“It is recommended to have at least one reach/ dream school, one safety school – a school they can for sure get admitted to, and a couple in the middle – schools you can likely get admitted to,” counselor Lani Gordon said.

Senior Auria Ervin said she has had her heart set on the University of North Texas for all four years of high school.

“I only applied for UNT and only want to go to UNT,” Ervin said.

Meanwhile, Naliyah Jackson was convinced she would go to Jackson State, until her mom shared that there are only community bathrooms on the campus.

“That is just a complete dealbreaker,” Jackson said.

Now Jackson is stuck between Louisiana State University, or having to deal with the community bathrooms at Jackson State.

Senior Vivian Nguyen said she plans to attend Stanford, but has had to make some difficult choices.

“Financial aid is the number one priority,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen has applied for many scholarships including to the Coca-Cola Scholarship foundation.

“I applied for a lot of these scholarships, but I feel like it’s good to apply to all kinds,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen said her parents play a large role in where she plans to attend college.

“My parents’ decisions

are very important, because they are the ones who are paying,” Nguyen said.

Ervin’s family also plays an important role in determining her college, but for dissimilar reasons.

“I don’t want to move far away from my family,” Ervin said.

Ervin will also be joining her cousin who attends UNT as well.

Gordon said she believes it is a smart decision to involve your family in your college decision.

“It is also good to start having the conversation with parents or guardians to see if there is any money saved for college,” Gordon said.

A social media trend of romanticizing your life or “fitting the aesthetic” has been on the rise, causing many students to focus on the looks of the campuses.

“It’s not that important, but I’d like to go to a school with pretty colors,” Nguyen

said.

Some students would also like to attend a school with successful sports teams, like football or basketball, not only to participate in, but to cheer on.

“I’d like to go to a D1 school, because I’m going for the college experience,” Jackson said.

Location is also a key factor to students who are looking for internships, wanting to stay close to home, or wanting a destination college.

“Stanford is near Silicon Valley, so there are a lot of internship opportunities there,” Nguyen said.

Of the nearly 6,000 colleges in the United States, there has to be at least one that is compatible for everyone.

“A school may look good on paper, but you want to find a college where it feels like home when you are there,” Gordon said.

share their priorities and list reasons for which colleges they applied to

The four year fear

Students talk about fears they may have about going to college after the Idaho murders

Dewey Saracay • Reporter

1978, Florida State University. 1990, University of Florida. 2011, Mercer University. 2022, University of Idaho.

A fraction of the many schools in which students have been murdered. Committed by anyone. A stalker, an admirer, or maybe someone who just happened to be there. The four University of Idaho students killed Nov. 13, 2022 weren’t the first college kids killed on campus, but for some people the case was eye opening.

“I followed along with the case but it just makes me really upset,” said senior Kendall Jerkins, who is committed to Harding University in Arkansas for soccer. “Just the fact that that could really happen to anybody. It’s just very scary to see that happening in real time.”

The brutality and severity of the case is what has many people worried. The current suspect was not only another college student, but a criminology major.

“I think the case sets a fear that there are crazy people out there and a lot of people you can’t really trust as well,” said senior Alex Chinappi, who is committed to Oklahoma State University.

Fear from the Idaho murders is prevalent because it has happened in our time. We can all turn on the news and see four kids who look

just like us, who are our age, who grew up the same way we did who just died. This story is real to us. Even so, it’s hard to place ourselves in their shoes.

“I have trust issues, so I’m always going to be putting five feet of distance between people until I get comfortable with them,” said senior Marin McCullough, who is committed to the University of Central Oklahoma. “But overall a lot of things worry me but that is not one of the major issues that worries me. I mean it’s still a concern because of Ted Bundy and people like that on college campuses, so I’m always going to be aware, but it doesn’t bother me as much as it maybe should.”

With the murders fresh on students’ minds, current and incoming college students are thinking about staying safe. The University of Idaho has started offering counseling, intervention training, self defense classes, and even free personal safety alarms.

“Obviously that could happen to anybody but at the same time, I feel like now that people know that that’s something that could happen people are more careful with what they do,” Jerkins said. “People can take precautions and just be aware not as much worried but just making sure they’re aware of these situations just so they can stay cautious and take precautions.”

Coach Bethany Gonzalez teaches a girls-only self defense class at Martin. Gonzalez said the goal is to equip girls with the skills needed to stay safe and avoid risky situations. Taught in the class are physical techniques to get away from attackers as well as signs and behaviors an attacker may look for.

“A lot of times people are worried about being judged or think, ‘I’m just not going to say anything’ and ‘I don’t want people to think I’m weird or think I’m being rude,’” Gonzalez said. “At the end of the day, who cares? It could save your life, so speak up if something seems off. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

No one expects to be the victim of a crime. Eventually we have to leave the safety of high school and walk

into the unknown world of college. A new city, new people, new home is all nerve-wracking on its own. But it becomes worse when we have a tragedy like the University of Idaho murders on our mind.

“You’re not protected in college like you are in this school,” Gonzalez said. “You’ve got teachers looking out for you, you’ve got security and all those things. You’re going to college, and you walk from building to building, street to street nobody’s looking out for you. You’ve got to be able to catch yourself by just paying attention and speaking up and trusting your gut and not being worried about what people might think or say if you’re wrong. Who cares, it could potentially be your life on the line.”

A stranger lurks in the starry night while unsuspected students slept.

Photo by Cami Cortinas

Jumping for the basket, senior Kordelius Jefferson snatches the ball from the offensive team and made it down court untouched. Jefferson gained three points for the team. Martin basketball is ranked #13 in Texas. PhotobyArlie Coker

What you may have Basketball Softball

Trying to get the opposing team’s batter out, senior Izzy Marshall prepares to throw the the ball to third base. They won this game setting a good standard at their first scrimmage of the season.

PhotobyCamiCortinas

Swim

Swimming to the end of the pool, senior Thomas Wirgau races to finish a lap. Wirgau participated in the Bad Bass competition on Jan. 5. The swim team earned a district championship for the first time in almost 10 years. Photoby LorelaiHofer

LunarPreparing rina in VSA’s Members of cultural and complimentary

Photo

have missed

Lunar New Year

Preparing for the ball, sophomores Corrina Reyes and Elliot McCoy participate in VSA’s Lunar New Year event Jan. 20. Members brought forth a vibrant display of cultural attire known as Áo dài, sports, and complimentary food and drinks. PhotobyZamirMelo

Martin Idol

Accepting his award, senior Joel Yarbrough takes home the first place award for Martin Idol Jan. 26. Yarbrough played both the drums and piano as part of his performance. PhotobyLorelaiHofer

Monologue competition

Speaking out to the crowd, senior Brady Becker performs a monologue to the Black Student Union members and parents Feb. 9. Students performed reenactments of popular speeches by activists to spread awareness about oppression.

PhotobyShelbyZimmerman

Soccer

Dribbling down the field, junior Ava Mauldin defends the ball from the opposing team. Mauldin then passed the ball to senior Lulu Saleh, where they worked together to score a point for the team. Girls soccer is ranked first in the district.

PhotobyCamiCortinas

Police Academy

Aiming at the door, senior Kylie Hitt practices proper search tactics with the SWAT team. Hitt learned about different search tactics, penal code, and how to make proper arrests.

PhotobyCamiCortinas

Exchanging Germany for America

German exchange student learns how to adapt to U.S. culture

name.”

Even the teacher-student dynamic is a little different.

“Here I feel like the teachers are way closer to their students, support them and get to know them, while back home they just want to do their job and go home,” Haeussler said.

Sport teams and school spirit is what makes an American high school and for the first time Haeussler got to experience what American and Texas school spirit looks like.

“We don’t have a sports organization with the school, and we don’t identify with our school that much and we don’t have any school spirit,” Haeussler said. “Everything here is branded and everywhere is Martin Warriors, so going to pep rallies and football games is amazing.”

During his time here, Haueussler said he found a new love for tennis.

gles at a tournament in December and it’s hard not to like it when you win.”

Being a part of a sports team is a little different than what Haueussler is used to since in Germany he played ping pong.

“I would play in my free time five or six times a week and would play with people who got paid for it,” he said.

Haeussler credits ping pong for helping him with his tennis skills.

“I feel like since I played ping pong it really helps me in tennis,” he said.

Haeussler said the thing he misses the most about Germany is his family and friends.

Last semester Martin got a new exchange student from Germany, junior Arthur Haeussler, who came to America for the first time in July of 2022.

“I first entered the U.S. in New York and everything was really different and bigger here,” Haeussler said. “For me, it has always fas-

cinated me to go to another country and experience another culture, especially since American culture is pretty big everywhere.”

The schools are different everywhere, but what about in a totally different part of the world?

“There are 150 people at my school and I know everybody by name,” Haeussler said. “But here there are 3,800 kids and you may not know everybody by

“I wanted to try it out back home already, but I’ve never done it because it’s not closely related to school, so you have to do it in your free time or go to a club,” Haeussler said. “So I actually played for the first time here and that was the first time I picked up a racket.”

Haueussler played in multiple tennis tournaments throughout the year.

“I always like tournaments, competitions and winning,” Haeussler said. “I got first place in boys sin-

“I call my family once every two weeks and friends occasionally,” Haeussler said. “I try to limit the contact because it’s not as good for the experience abroad. You don’t want to be too close to your family back home, you want to live here and not have half of your mind back home.”

Haeussler will be here till the end of the school year and said he will take many great experiences and memories with him back to Germany.

“I’ve loved jet skiing, seeing skyscrapers, going to Hurricane Harbor in the summer, going to AT&T Stadium and going to football games and not knowing what they are, and seeing the school spirit here,” he said.

Helena Snegon•News Editor

German exchnage student Arthur Haeussler serves to his opponent during his JV1 tennis class. This year is Haeussler’s first year to play tennis. PhotobyTyRichmond

‘I just need a break sometimes’

We all see those people who walk the halls as much as they can. Why are they doing it? How? Of course they are among the most visible people in our school, but here’s what we don’t know about them.

Kailah Cobbs•Reporter

Junior Thomas Yongo

Why do you spend your time in the halls?

“Sometimes I just need a break from the classwork.”

What do you do the most outside of school?

“I read, watch TV, or hang out with friends.”

Is there anything that you like about school?

“I do like some of my classes, the social environment, and some of my teachers.”

Is there any class that you are staying in? Why?

“I like African American Studies because of what we learn and how the teacher teaches.”

Do you have a plan when walking around?

“No, I just walk around.”

Sophomore Kaylee Nguyen

Why do you spend your time in the halls?

“I just need a break from class sometimes. Sometimes I can’t focus so I walk the halls.”

What do you do the most outside of school?

“Sleep or self care stuff.”

Is there anything you like about school?

“Seeing my friends.”

What do you want to do after you graduate?

“I want to be a cosmetologist.”

Is there a class that you like staying in? Why?

“Culinary. It’s fun to cook and after you cook you get to eat.”

Do you plan when to walk around?

“Yeah to go meet up with some of my friends or when one of my girlfriends needs something. Whenever I’m tired of class, I just need a break.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities?

“Right now I’m in fashion design, and agriculture classes.”

Sophomore Chris “CJ” Anderson

Why do you spend your time in the halls?

“I just like walking around.”

What do you do the most outside of school?

“Play football, wrestle, and do homework.”

What do you want to do after you graduate?

“Go to college and play sports.”

Is there a class you like staying in? Why?

“Geometry because I like the teacher.”

Do you plan when to walk around?

“No, I just get up and go.”

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

“I play sports. I play football and wrestle.”

Junior Stephen Hart

Why do you spend your time in the halls?

“Because class can be boring.”

What do you do the most outside of school? “Mainly sleep.”

Is there anything you really like about school?

“I like the people here.”

What do you want to do after you graduate?

“Get a good job or start my own business.”

Is there a class you like staying in? Why?

“Public Speaking because we don’t just do worksheets in that class. We do a lot of interactive activities.”

Do you plan when to walk around?

“No, I just walk around when I get the chance to.”

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

“I play basketball.”

No. One of the shortest words in the dictionary yet one of the hardest to say. It carries the weight of disappointment, rejection, isolation, approval, and guilt that you were never intended to bear.

It’s easy to walk into a new year with a long list of resolutions that will define the “new you.” But in reality, sometimes we give ourselves unrealistic goals. We end the year feeling defeated like we’ve let the past version of ourselves down. Please find comfort in knowing you’re not alone in feeling this way.

What I’ve determined is the root of this feeling, this emotion that appears every Dec. 31, is that we as a society, as a generation, struggle to set healthy boundaries for ourselves. There’s external pressure that is pushing us to be our best, and to make it in this competitive world, with the hopes the pressure we face will produce diamonds from the coal.

It’s common, when you’re feeling extroverted or productive, to make several commitments to people, classes, extracurriculars,

The power of “no”

Addy Davenport•Reporter

and go all in. But when we take a step back and see what we got ourselves into, we feel incapable and in way over our heads.

Maybe your reaction looks different than anxiety, and you process your life on an entirely different wavelength.

Regardless, boundaries are a part of healthy communication, verbalizing your limits, and not living in fear of saying no.

Boundaries are “conceptual limits between you and other people,” and they’re arguably one of the more difficult tasks that come with maturing.

How do you say no to someone you love when they’re crumbling and you’re broken too?

How do you set time aside to let yourself heal and process when there’s a mountain of expectations awaiting you?

Boundaries aren’t ultimatums, chances to manipulate others to get your way, threatening, or punishing.

The realization or advice I’m leaving you with here today isn’t that you should close your heart off. But in my research and in growing in this topic myself I’ve realized a lot of us grew up being told we were too sen-

sitive or emotional.

That translated to your subconscious that your feelings were burdensome and had to meet the approval of others. That you had to be the person there for others, constantly looking out for their comfort.

It’s not a bad thing to be socially aware, but the dangerous place to be in is harming yourself by valuing others’ emotions over your own.

It’s an honor to be someone who is trusted and a safe place for others. It’s an honor to be the one chosen for tasks that require lots of responsibility. But there’s beauty in realizing you deserve to include yourself in the generosity and kindness you’re showing others.

Not everyone will respect

your boundaries because unfortunately we live in a broken, self centered world. That same world is in need of peacemakers and people who will love others wholeheartedly.

However, sometimes there’s a difference between being the bigger person and suppressing your emotions to keep the peace.

It’s okay to get to a place where you can say, “I’d rather adjust my life to your absence, than adjust my boundaries to accommodate your disrespect.”

Here’s the reality of boundaries: they’re awkward. They’re hard to stand by or defend.

But in the end it’s so worth it. It’s worth it to realize that you are worth being respected and valued.

The struggle teens have with boundaries and how to set healthy ones {Opinion}

‘The System’

Outlooks on the Department of Families and Protective Services

Terry Jackson Jr. • Reporter

The Department of Families and Protective Services is often feared and seen as people who just want to break up families. Some people are even blinded by the way they have affected their families in the past. They are misunderstood and so are the children they work with on a daily basis.

I have always been interested in other people’s realities that were totally different from my own. I find it interesting that peoples’ views on the world can be so different even though we live in the same reality – how my one rough day could be someone else’s rough life, and how Christmas day could go from running down the stairs with your family and presents under the tree, to waking up alone with nothing waiting for you under a tree that’s not even there.

Growing up I have heard things about the CPS from others in my family and saw them as people who just break up families, so I didn’t really know much. Being so intrigued by this career path, I chose to meet up with a caseworker who asked that his name not be used who has had 20 years of experience in the field.

How long have you been employed by the state of Texas?

“I chose this career path because growing up I saw a lot of kids and families who struggled in their

households,” he said. “All I wanted was to improve the lives of Texas families, and I felt that working for the DFPS was the best way to do that.”

How do you emotionally connect with these individuals?

“I wasn’t able to truly sympathize with them because I’ve never had to experience anything along the lines of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or total child neglect on a daily basis. The lack of ability to sympathize, is still something I’m not sure to feel good or bad about simply because some people could only dream of a life like that and I’m just happy to be given that life.”

What would you say is the hardest part of your job?

“I would have to say when we have to remove a child from their households. I often go back and forth with this because we know it’s what’s best for the child due to some of the terrible living conditions, but at the same time we are breaking up a family, which is just a sad situation to be in.”

Do you believe that DFPS is often feared by most people?

“I wouldn’t necessarily say feared, more of just disliked because a lot of what people

see is the negative side of what we do instead of all of the positive things that we do for these families.”

After meeting with the DFPS worker, I wanted to know more. I figured the best way to do that was to speak with people who have had encounters and interactions with the DFPS. I spoke with junior Kathryn*.

What type of relationship do you have with the DFPS?

“I’m a foster kid and I’ve been in foster care for five years.”

when I turn 18 and that’s where I’m going to go back for Christmas.”

Would you say DFPS has had a positive or negative effect on your life?

“I’d have to say positive,” Kathryn said. “I used to think it was negative, but then as I got older I kinda hit a crossroads and got more information about my case and I was really able to find out what was going on and how I was blinded for the first couple of years of being in care and how that took such a big toll on me.”

“But now it’s good and I’m happy with the position I’m in because if you were to see me a few years ago you’d be able to see how well being placed in care helped me.”

What is that like?

“If you were to ask me two years ago I’d say it’s awful and I’d leave, but it’s so much better now and that’s because of the place I’m in with my mom – not my biological mom, but my mom.”

“The outlook is different for everyone because it depends a lot on the team you have like your lawyer, caseworker, the foster parent, etc, because there are a lot of bad places out there and I personally went through one,” Kathryn said. “But whenever you find that one good place, it’s just a good place. It’s the place you’re comfortable to say I’m going to age out of this place

What are some of the experiences you have while being in care?

“At first it was a lot of fighting tooth and nail. I didn’t want to conform to anybody, I didn’t want to listen to what anybody said. Even if what they said was straight facts, I didn’t want to hear it. I went through a lot of case workers in the beginning and that kinda led my case to being ruined. But now there are so many things that I look forward to, such as seeing my lawyer and my case worker every month and I’m really glad I have the right people around me now.”

* - Not her real name

improve the lives

“I wanted to of Texas families.”

{Opinion}

Since the pandemic has come to an end, it has brought a lot of changes to our lives. Learning and teaching styles have also changed, from being at home attending Zoom calls to being back in a classroom. It’s all a big change for us. Especially teachers.

Teachers may have not quite yet adapted to the change of being back in the

Structure, please

class teaching, from sitting at home and sending out assignments to only assigning one assignment for the week. Some may have even lost the skill of effective teaching.

Some teachers have gotten used to the feeling of not having to be so attentive in the classroom, from being able to post assignments or canceling Zoom meetings. Some of those bad habits have decided to follow us back into the classroom.

The biggest problem isn’t assigning assignments and sending us to the wolves, but it’s sending us to the wolves with no further instruction or even a place to start. It’s not just a big change for teachers, it’s also a big change for students.

Cost of community…continued from page 5.

Cheer - $150 + monthly

“Cheer at Martin has been the most memorable thing about my high school experience.” - junior Jenna

Adi

Cheerleaders have to pay for their membership in a different way than a lot of other clubs. Rather than only having an initial activity fee, they have a monthly fee ($75 to $155) for outside coaching.

Cheerladers also have to purchase their uniforms ($200+) and any accesso-

ries with team information ($30+).

To help cover some of the costs, there is a fundraiser held at the beginning of the year where the cheerleaders can get people to sponsor them, diverting some of the cost of the sport.

ROTC: $75+

“AFJROTC is a place where any student can discover a sense of belonging to a family.” -David Gray, Major

ROTC has a $75 activity fee initially, and members must pay for Summer Leadership Camp. They host spirit nights at Chick-fil-a

We have to go back to actually learning from using online resources to help us complete our assignments, to now doing the assignments ourselves.

As a student, I understand that the change is very drastic from the learning styles we are used to, whatever this new learning is.

Fixing this issue is like trying to tie your shoe with a broken hand. During the online times, they had the classes set up differently. We had a synchronized learning and an asynchronous learning. If we could try and reimplement that back into the classrooms, it could eliminate homework and grading a lot easier on the teachers. This also helps students actively learn re-

and have held fundraisers in the past for candy bars and pretzel rods. The main thing they pay for is their Military Ball in the spring including a venue, catering, and decorations.

ROTC is a good organization to join if a student is looking for a “family style” environment to learn leadership, followership, communication, and confidence.

(Source: David Gray, Major)

AVID - free

“I joined because it gave me more opportunities and opened up a lot of doors.” - senior Cami Cortinas

sponsibility skills.

I know it’s hard on the teachers right now, because they are having a hard time using the skills, and they have to keep students engaged from the distractions of cell phones which makes it hard for students to retain information if they aren’t paying attention. Giving an assignment and throwing us to the wolves may seem like a way of solving this problem, or a form of tuning out the students

In order to keep us students engaged, structure in the classroom, and a consistent learning or independent working structure is the key to a successful classroom. Most students either succeed in a structured environment, or just go and do it outside of class. Structure is the key.

AVID sells baked goods to raise money along with concessions at volleyball games to fund trips and activities.

There is no activity fee, but members must have supplies to help keep themselves on track ($5+), though the price of the supplies varies vastly between members.

The only other expense is the price of a t-shirt, which is covered by the organization. The organization uses the money for field trips to visit places such as colleges to encourage the members to strive for excellence.

(Source: senior Cami Cortinas, AVID historian and Perinza Reddic, AVID Advisor)

Emonje Richardson • Reporter

It’s harder to succeed in a disorderly classroom

In a surging sea of nearly 4,000 kids always moving, talking, and keeping the school on its toes, it’s easy to see how the bathrooms should be a place of peace and cleanliness. However, it’s equally easy to see how it’s quite the opposite.

The bathrooms here at Martin are functional at best. Besides the many missing pieces due to the idiotic TikTok “devious licks” trend, the restrooms also sometimes lack basic necessities.

Some have rusty vents, foggy mirrors, dirty floors, leaky toilets, empty soap containers always hanging on a latch for dear life, no paper towels, and perhaps worst of all, some of them lack stall doors.

After a year and a half of lockdown due to Covid, we would expect to see at least a few improvements in sanitary safety. Yet, the bathrooms in most recent years have been in their most dire state.

The least we can do to prevent the spread of infection is wash our hands often, especially after using the restrooms. Soap is out in most of the bathrooms, and the sink knobs that have lost their tension seem to take a few hands to properly use. This combo leads many people to skip this crucial step altogether and then go on to spread the germs elsewhere.

According to the cleaning

Cleaning house

Maham Khan & Jaylia Spotwood • Reporters

staff, the restrooms have been significantly worse after Covid and there’s been a lot more graffiti, which is really tough to remove.

Due to the bathrooms not being in their best state, many people tend to wait until they get home. However, many studies show this habit can cause infections and health problems.

The average person can wait nine hours before they begin to run the risk of damaging their organs and some people do this everyday. People don’t want to be in a space that they don’t feel comfortable in.

Even teachers complain about the lack of care students have for the bathrooms. According to the custodians, the staff restrooms are a lot easier to clean than the student restrooms.

It’s our job as students to keep our bathrooms clean. Dirty restrooms can create a snowball effect, which leads to additional vandalism and neglect.

Students complain about the way the bathrooms look, but they are also the ones who damage them. Martin, being the huge school it is, takes a dedicated team to keep clean and we can’t really blame janitors for not wanting to clean up the same purposeful messes day after day. They check and clean the bathrooms twice a day, but the mess is extensive and takes a lot of effort to completely clear.

Some students can’t even do the bare minimum like throwing paper towels away or not writing on stalls. How bored must a person be to paint on bathroom stalls of all places?

The ever present disarray reflects an extreme lack of respect in students for the staff and their peers.

It’s our job to keep our bathrooms maintained because we’re the ones using them.

Although the bathrooms have improved a bit recently, there are still things that could be fixed. Some bathrooms hit you with such a strong stench when you walk in, that you walk right back out.

The soap dispensers are either taken off the walls or have no soap in them, and this is completely due to the students. The paper

towel dispensers are usually emptied before the end of the day.

Bathroom hooks are also extremely necessary because as of now there’s no place to hang the passes. This causes them to get in bad conditions or lost altogether. By the end of the day, the bathrooms are usually back to where they started.

Fortunately, we’ve seen an admirable effort recently after the break to fix the restrooms. The stalls have been mostly repaired, some with duct tape, but fixed nonetheless.

As a community, we need to put our best foot forward and make sure to upkeep the restrooms in a decent state, for our sake and the faculty’s.

A view of the boys’ bathroom near the Little Theater. While custodians clean each bathroom at least twice a day, students need to take responsibility for restrooms as well. PhotobyIndeAtwood

Restroom conditions are embarassing and unsanitary {Opinion}

Mental health matters

Attendance policies should put students first, money second

Shuffling through the halls and life, waiting for something to give. The pain can feel never ending, especially for students who deal with mental illness. Somehow, this mental pain is still not taken as seriously as physical pain, even if it is just as damaging. Where do students see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Sadly, it feels as if a handful of people in charge are most worried about things such as funding and attendance, rather than how some of our generation are in a mental health crisis that is almost fully ignored until something bad happens.

Teens try to navigate through social lives, academics, work, and constant news being thrown all over the internet. Most students could agree that at times this all feels like too much to handle.

Furthermore, we can see that mental health issues among teens have skyrocketed these past couple of years. While doctor’s appointments are considered excused absences, mental health is not held to the same degree as physical health in the school system.

Recognizing a state of severe mental distress, then taking the steps to treat yourself to a day of getting extra needed sleep, and/ or going to get help from a doctor or therapist is just as sustainable as taking a day off due to a physical injury.

Noelle Pond • Features Editor

{Opinion}

illness, our brains are not in learning mode, we are in survival mode. If chronic stress, depression, anxiety, etc. were taken as a priority, teaching and learning would be more effective and allow students to grasp concepts sooner.

Obviously, not all students deal with these struggles, but those who do know how draining and lifeless they make you feel. If people who have power to change things in the school system take students struggling seriously, more students will survive.

It is not a secret that the percentage of students who have seriously considered suicide or made a suicide plan has risen, and become the second leading cause of death among adolescents.

I find it jarring that taking a mental health day to prepare for academic and life challenges is considered a school refusal. A certain number of days in the school year allotted to each student who struggles mentally is what I would suggest.

I could see how there would be fear of abuse of this privilege, but put that risk against the potential good that mental health days could do for developing high schoolers, and I’d say it’s worth it.

The intention behind mental health days are for those who are in therapy, those who have panic attacks in the morning before school, those with loss and trauma, etc.

This is a chance for teens to get out of fight or flight mode, and feel refreshed from everyday challenges like stress, deadlines, and pressure.

Taking ownership of mental health and actually being provided breaks is shown to improve school performance. With mental

Technically, average daily attendance is calculated by the sum of attendance counts throughout the year, and dividing that by the number of days school is required to be open according to the Texas Education Agency. Instead of using enrollment, Texas determines funding based on attendance. We are currently one of only six states that uses attendance based funding.

In addition, not a lot of research shows that connecting funding to attendance improves attendance. It has been shown that attendance is actually higher when students have a positive experience at school, and feel safe in their own head.

will always be a Martin Warrior’

Former head coach Bob Wager reflects on his time at Martin and opportunities at the University of Nebraska

Maddock

After more than 200 hundred wins and 17 years at Martin, head football coach Bob Wager took a job as the new tight ends coach and assistant special teams coach at the University of Nebraska. Leaving behind his whole career as a high school head coach, he starts fresh in a new state and with a new challenge for his family.

“I’ve been here for 17 years, and it was a spectacular stage in my life,” Wager said.

Wager has a trusted relationship with the head coach at Nebraska, so leaving his life in Texas was easier knowing who he was going to work under.

“I’ve known Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule for many years,” he said. “I know he cares deeply about not just developing the athlete but developing the human being. Timing is important in any decision.”

After six weeks of talking it out with family, Martin staff, and students, Wager said he knew this was the best time for him to leave and progress his coaching career. It was a lot to leave and much to deliberate. It was discussed whether his daughter, sophomore Mia Wager, and wife, Amy, should stay in Texas for two years so Mia could graduate from Martin while son

Gage and Coach Wager go to Nebraska.

“There was a discussion that my mom and I would stay here,” Mia said. “However, I think that it will be best for our family to all go.”

The family will be joining Wager in Nebraska after this school year.

Mia has been raised around the Martin community her whole life. There was also the question of Amy Wager’s career as a nurse. The question of if she would have to leave a job she loves came up in the decision making.

“Fortunately, there is a strong chance that I will be able to transfer my position to the Lincoln area in Nebraska,” Amy Wager said.

Ultimately the biggest concern was leaving behind all their family and friends.

“As for leaving our family, friends, and the whole Warrior community in Southwest Arlington, I would describe it as bitter-sweet,” coach Wager said. “We have been incredibly fortunate to raise Gage and Mia here for 17 years. There is no doubt, we will always bleed black and silver.”

Not only will the Wager family leave their Arlington extended family, but the community that has become like their family as well.

“Of course I would’ve loved to have the opportunity to stay throughout the year,” coach Wager said. “I have a niece graduating, my son is graduating, and I have a class of 2023 who I’ve known since they were in Kindergarten graduating. I would’ve loved to see them all the way through.”

Wager said that while he is excited about his new career, he is sad about what he’s leaving behind. Many are grateful he was able to coach the 2022 season.

Senior Gage Wager, will be joining his father on campus and on the football field in the fall. While he says he is sad to leave behind the home he’s always known he said he is happy his immediate family will

be right there whenever he needs them.

“I had absolutely no idea where I wanted to go to college,” Gage said.

He had offers from a few other colleges and he spent time touring many of them, but he had not come to a decision by the time his dad changed jobs.

While there had been many ups and downs throughout the years and this had not been an easy choice, Wager and the family know this is the right thing to do.

“For 17 years I loved every single day of it and I loved being a part of this community and being a part of this school,” coach Wager said. “I will always be a Martin Warrior.”

‘I

Talking to the varsity players, former head coach Bob Wager motivates his players during a game. Wager was head coach at Martin for 17 years. PhotobyLorelaiHofer

Molly

• Entertainment editor

‘The price you pay’

Injuries and sports go hand in hand. But as athleticism increases, so can the seriousness of injuries. Athletes give their opinion on their safety after the Damar Hamlin incident

As the clock runs in the first quarter, a man’s life will forever be changed. On what appeared to be just a typical play Jan. 2 – one that happens numerous of times each week in the NFL – the game between the Bills and Bengals came to a sudden halt. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was tackling Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins when Hamlin collapsed to the ground after getting up.

Hamlin laid on the ground for 19 minutes receiving medical attention until he was put into a stretcher and rushed off to a hospital. Doctors told the media that he had suffered a cardiac arrest when tackling Higgins. Higgins placed his right shoulder and hit him at the right spot and time to force Hamlin’s heart to stop. Hamlin’s journey through the hospital appeared to be a quick recovery. He was released nine days later after the frightening moment happened, but is still yet suffering from what had occurred. Do athletes really want to step foot on the playing field after seeing what could happen to them? We talked to some of them about what their views are on the dangers of their sport.

Football senior running back Michael Barrow

Senior Michael Barrow runs the ball against South Grand Prairie. PhotobyTy Richmond

Barrow said.

Most athletes said they love the game so much that the injuries don’t bother them. Football uses pads to prevent these injuries but a man hitting you as hard as he can will still hurt.

Baseball junior outfielder Bode Collins

to decline greatly,” junior Bode Collins said.

These concussions can happen from being hit by a ball, running into someone, or diving for a ball.

Many baseball companies have expanded to fixing the helmets just like football.

One of the most dangerous positions in all of the sports is the running back. The running back receives a ton of hits to the body and head each game, and then gets up and acts as if nothing happened to them.

In football around the world, an estimated 1.2 million football-related injuries are sustained yearly.

“I feel that it’s a risk we’re willing to take to have fun and play the game we love,”

“The equipment is getting better and better and I believe it protects as much as possible,” Barrow said.

Football helmets have improved tremendously in the past couple of decades with more padding and support for the player. NFL data showed a drop of over 50 percent in concussions among certain positions. Last season, Barrow missed one game due to a concussion with blurry vision.

Baseball players throw so much every day to gain velocity which later becomes enough pain to put them into surgery.

In baseball, you may not run a lot but you can step wrong on a bag and have a muscle tear.

“The worst injury I have ever gotten was a severe concussion which caused me to miss four weeks and caused my school work

They started making a guard called a C-Flap that covers the jaw for the players. This will prevent a broken jaw from a baseball hitting them.

“I do not think there is a way to make it safer,” Collins said. “I believe they have done all they can do.”

Junior Bode Collins stands in the batter’s box while he waits for the pitch. PhotobyVictoria VanRavenswaay

Caiden Cole & Terry Jackson• Reporter

Basketball

junior

guard Will

Warren and coach John Osborn jumping to shoot the ball and get rebounds.

Basketball players see a lot of pain in their legs.

“I’d say spraining both of my ankles many times in my life is the worst, because of how it’s led to other injuries and pains in my body,” junior Will Warren said.

Warren said he has felt this pain in his ankle from

Wrestling

Junior William Warren defends against Sam Houston. PhotobyTyRichmond

Ankle sprains are the most common and account for 25 percent of all basketball injuries in 2021. When going up for the ball, players jump to get the ball and can land badly falling down. It’s like when you’re walking somewhere and you step wrong. When you are playing one of those sports with the biggest people in the world, one wrong slip and you could be hurt for a long time.

Injuries are just increasing more and more in the NBA because of the increase in the size of the players.

junior wrestler Jamia Dunigan

Junior Jania Dunigan gets on top of her opponent during her match at Martin. Photoby AddisonSmith

Coach John Osborn has been the head varsity basketball coach since 2018. Last year, he brought Martin a far run into the playoffs making it to the fifth round. Currently, Martin is ranked 19th in Texas.

Osborn said he was an hour away from dying when he ruptured his spleen during a game in his senior year of college at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

only prevents you from cauliflower ear, which is not an injury,” junior Jania Dunigan said.

Cauliflower ear is caused by getting hit in the ear multiple times. This may seem like an injury, but for wrestlers this is just a daily thing.

Coach John Osborn sketches out a plan before the boys Varsity team plays. Photoby ZamirMelo

Even though this happened to him, it doesn’t mean he thinks basketball is unsafe.

“It would take a freak accident for something so severe to happen in basketball,” Osborn said. “I’m not saying it can’t happen, but it’s not something you really think about and don’t really want to think about.”

Osborn said that he believes if something were crazy to happen then we would always be prepared for it since Martin always brings trainers to the games to make sure everything is under control.

Wrestling has referees who call when the match is over. So if you’re paired up with a bad referee and you are getting torn apart and they don’t call it, you can’t do anything about it.

Wrestling is one of the hardest individual sports to play. Two people going head to head trying to tackle each other is very in-

tense. Your body just aches everywhere from getting tackled.

“The only equipment in wrestling is headgear which

Dunigan said her parents are concerned about her wrestling due to one wrong move and she could be injured for the rest of her life.

“Wrestling needs to get better referees because it is their job to blow the whistle when something looks very dangerous on the mat,” Dunigan said. “Sometimes they’re terrible and there are way more injuries.”

Although many athletes see it differently, depending on their sport, there can always be an accident. New technology all around the world has also brought better safety to all athletes like headgear, referees, pads, etc. “It’s just one of those things you prepare for just in case, because you never know,” basketball coach John Osborn said. “Just like what happened to Damar Hamlin.”

Beauty on a budget

The best makeup products no longer have to empty out your pockets

Camila Rivas • Reporter

Do you hate having to spend all your money on high-end beauty products? Well, there are affordable drugstore makeup alternatives.

Although luxury makeup brands typically seem to be of greater quality, this isn’t always the case.

Many drugstore makeup alternatives work quite similarly to their high-end versions while not being identical duplicates, whether it be the color shade like a blush, or a base makeup product like a foundation or concealer.

I posted a poll on Instagram asking all Martin girls what their favorite makeup alternative (dupe) is.

The poll included how much money they spent on buying it compared to the original, and for them to rate it one out of 10 (with one being the worst) including comparing flaws. Here are the responses.

The most popular drugstore makeup brand was Elf Cosmetics. Elf’s Putty Blush has been the most well liked product.

Junior Avery Moran and senior Gianna Nelson rated it their favorite.

Moran rated the putty blush an eight out of 10, and

she reviewed the product as having a “tiny flaw because it can be hard to blend the blush out with my hands.”

Nelson also rated the product an “eight out of 10” and reviewed it as “the prettiest blush I have ever used.”

The Elf Putty Blush has been retailed for around $7 to $9, spending less than $10 on a makeup product.

This product is the alternative for the high-end brand, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush which retails for around $23.

Also, Elf only formulates its cosmetics and skin care products with non-toxic ingredients that are safe, vegan and cruelty-free. Any preservatives that have been studied and found to be harmful to health are banned from Elf formulas.

Saving roughly $10, this product has been favored by many others.

The second most voted popular drugstore product was L’oreal Lumi Glotion.

This product is a “multi-purpose product that can be used as a luminous primer, lightweight full face foundation, highlighter, contour and full body luminizer,” according to Ulta.

Senior Cate Gunter and junior Ava Birch both voted that the Lumi Glotion was their favorite alternative makeup product.

They both rated the product a nine out of 10.

“It has no flaws,” Gunter said. “But if you have oily skin it could make you look a little greasy.”

The True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer by L’oreal retails for around $12 to $15.

This product is the alternative for the high-end brand, Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops which retails for around $35, ultimately saving roughly $23.

The Lumi Glotion comes in four different shades ranging from “fair” to “deep” unlike the Drunk Elephant Bronzing drops which only has one shade.

“The only difference is the Drunk Elephant Drops do not have a moisturizer in the product, and the Lumi Glotion does, which in my opinion makes it better,” Birch said.

After reviewing all the votes, these two products had the highest votes to no surprise.

They are affordable, under $15, and have the most

similarity to the high-end brands with having little to no flaws.

Health on the go

Here’s how to find healthy gas station snacks

Asia Wilkey • Reporter

A healthy balanced diet is particularly important in your teenage years. Since your body is still growing and developing, you should be incorporating all the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into your diet. Making the decision to have a healthy snack over an unhealthy snack is a simple yet beneficial habit that all teens should try to add into their routine.

Greek yogurt is an amazing source of calcium, which can help improve bone health. Low-fat, and fat-free dairy foods like Chobani yogurt are part of a recommended healthy eating pattern that provides a source of protein, a balance of good fats, and a host of naturally occurring essential vitamins and minerals.

Hummus helps boost fiber intake, especially when paired with veggies or whole grains. The mix of soluble and insoluble fiber supports heart health, and the combination of protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber aids in weight management and blood glucose control.

Although almonds are not low in fat, most of it is the healthy kind - unsaturated. A single ounce of almonds has six grams of protein. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, and magnesium.

Beef jerky is an excellent snack food that has low calories, high protein, and is a good source of vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron, choline, and Vitamin B12. Jerky is also known for being high in fiber, which keeps you full.

Baddie on a budget

A guide to getting low-cost dupes with high style

Jordyn Hentz & Ashlyn Long • Reporters

Martin students have found the perfect answer to the inflation of clothing prices. Many stores and websites have made it easier to wear the brands we love.

Dupes are a fake version of an expensive item.

Some people find dupes, knock-offs of an expensive popular brand, as something to be ashamed of but now they’re becoming popular throughout the Martin hallways.

Many students want brands including Lululemon, Free People, Yeezy, Gucci, and others. Those brands can leave a hole in your pocket, but we have a solution to that.

Stores like DHgate, Q, Wave, Old Navy, Halara, Uptown Cheapskate, Amazon, TJ Maxx, Target, TMEU, and the Kroger on Sublett Road have been

nominated for best knockoffs by Martin students.

Sophomore Averi Ramirez is devoted to finding the best dupes and shared hacks on how to thrift, shop online, and find the best knock-offs.

“Target sells many fake brands like Yeezy, Free People shirts, and Lululemon,” Ramerez said. “I thrift in Fort Worth Goodwill bins for fake Lulu, Cotton On shirts, and leggings.”

Online websites make finding clothes 10 times easier.

“I have found the best UGG brand finds on Face book Marketplace and Am azon,” junior Carlee Caudill said. “I also like DH Gate, TMEU, and Halara for clothing and shoes.”

Clothing is a big way of expressing yourself. Don’t let the cost limit how you dress. Instead of getting scammed for clothes by Hollister, try going to TJ Maxx or Amazon. These dupes will help you become a budget baddie.

The real - $140

Music affects students’ moods and outlooks

Adam El-Kassih • Reporter

Music is an art that can have an effect on its listeners in different ways depending on the type, genre, and lyrics.

This is why most people decide to use music as a way to cut out the outside

world. It helps people get through the school day and engages their emotions.

It not only can help people get through their days, but it can also make it a hobby or career. Sophomore Cor’Darian Drisdle makes music and said he wants to create his own influence on the industry.

“I make music and listen to it all the time,” Drisdle

said. “It’s been something I’ve wanted to do since grade school.”

Music can have such an impact on its listeners that it can change peoples lives in very different ways.

Music’s ability to influence our emotions can have a bigger effect than we might think as it being able to make us feel a certain way is a power.

Musical influence is a power that can inspire you to be more productive and not wasting time dozing off doing nothing.

“Negative music can make for negative thoughts,” Criminal Justice teacher Ethan St. Pierre said. “The only thing worse than having a bad day is continuing the negativity with more negative music.”

The Dupe - $69.99