Quintessence: The Pulse Issue

the pulse issue - vol. 3 - issue 4 - skuttcatholicflightline.com

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f o e l b a t s t n e t n o c

2 25th ANNIVERSARY

3 FINGER ON THE PULSE: OMAHA CULTURE 12 PSURGE: ULSE PLAYLIST 13 MUSIC GENRES 15 INTERVIEW WITH OWH NEWS EDITOR

17 STUDENT JARED BAUMERT'S EXPERIENCE WITH HEMOPHILIA

19 STUDENT CAROLINE CONNELLY: DEALING WITH CHRONIC PAIN THROUGH CRPS 22 NATURAL TATTOO: STUDENT POETRY BY KELSEY HANNA 23 COLUMN: THE JOY OF RUNNING 25 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: JACKSON STREET BOOKSELLERS 29 FLATLINING 33 STUDENT DOCTOR ASPIRATIONS 35 LOCAL BOUTIQUES AND HOT FASHION TRENDS 38 TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE GREAT COLLEGE SEARCH 41 COVER: HANNAH RODRICKS 44 QUINTESSENCE MISSION STATEMENT

from the editor S

o here we are. You hold in your hands the last issue of the year- the Pulse issue- and, not at all coincidentally, my last issue as the editor-in-chief of this wonderful publication. “Pulse� can mean many things. To us, it has meant motivation, drive, the beauty of life and the body, and the things that keep us going. In this issue, we wanted to showcase all of the beautiful iterations in which these things translate. In the end, the pulse within is is what fuels us. It keeps us alive- passionate, bursting with ideas and observations, dreaming. So as you flip through the pages of the latest Quintessence, we hope you find a message: keep going.

- Lily Yates

contributors GRAPHICS EDITOR: Maria Koliopoulos -STAFF WRITERS IN THE ISSUE: Natalie Pearson, Andrew Mize, Jack McGonigal, Clara Pohlman, Hope Stratman, Adella Smolsky, Zoe Clark, Colin Fullinfaw, Maddie Mollner, Alaina Anderson, Maria Miller, Blaine Wikoff, Gracie Killgore, Zoe Clark, Tom Hermanek

-LAYOUT DESIGNERS IN THE ISSUE: Maria Koliopoulos, Lily Yates, Hope Stratman, Blaine Wikoff, Adella Smolsky, Maddie Mollner, Zoe Clark, Alaina Anderson, Nathan Fletcher, Sam Klemme, Emma Brisbois, Gracie Killgore, Natalie Pearson

a quarter of a century by Jack McGonigal This year in Skutt Catholic is a milestone. The 2017-2018 school year marks the 25th anniversary of the school’s existence. Record breaking attendances, inaugural hall of fame ceremonies, and a new student center for students to excel with. Excitement has been expressed throughout the school.

Angel Flight is an annual fundraiser here at Skutt Catholic this is the premier moneymaker throughout the year. This event consists of a dinner, a live auction, and socializing with friends in their fanciest of clothes. A record-setting 730 people came out to support the school, and raised half a million dollars. The SkyHawks were here to celebrate a quarter of a century since the beginning of the school.

Current science teacher, and softball coach Keith Engelkamp is one of the very few faculty members who have been here since the beginning, and he was honored to join his wife as the honoree hosts for the night. “A big help was that this is the anniversary, but the entire Skutt Catholic community has adored, and loved the Englekamps’ for 25 years now.” Vice President of Advancement Anthony Schenk said.

The students, and faculty received t-shirts representing the anniversary. A large amount of Skutt Catholic apparel that has been sold this school year has emphasized the school’s 25th year of existence.

The look of the school has been modified as well. The new Student Center, formerly known as the Media Center, has been completely remodeled. The old wooden chairs and tables have been replaced with sofas, televisions, and the newest tables around. Many students enjoy spending time in the student center to get work done with the resources they have, and socialize with classmates before and after school.

The 25th anniversary to the school has been one to remember, but only more successful years to come.

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25 Y E A R S 25 Y E A R S 25 Y E A R S 25 Y E A R S 25 Y E A R S

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finger on the pulse omaha 3

culture

Delicious options from four corners of Omaha

food

by Clara Pohlman

The pulse of the city runs wide in businesses and communication, but most especially resides itself in the cuisine of institutions. I’m not talking about the fast food chain places that feed off of mysterious meat and an unsettling amount of uncleanliness, but the nooks and crannies of the city that make the most palatable of food.

Omaha, in particular, has so much to offer in terms of new food and old entrees presented with a twist. I recently took a stop at two of the upbeat eateries around the metro for a new look at the art of delicious grub.

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The first of my destinations led me to the heart of the Blackstone District, a revitalized district stretching along Farnam Street, to a small parking lot leading me to “Meatball.”

Meatball’s menu consists of primarily, you guessed it, meatballs.

Upon first learning about this food establishment, I was a little skeptical and honestly not too excited to entice my tastebuds with meaty creations that are usually found upon noodles. But alas I was happily surprised by the deliciousness of the menu.

The essence of the building is a step up from traditional dining options and resides itself among the classier types, yet has a feel that of your grandmother’s kitchen.

I ordered a bowl of the provincial chicken meatballs atop cheddar grits, and sauced with pesto. I must say, my first bite quickly met an empty plate from the speed at which I was absolutely destroying my plate. The creaminess of pesto mixed with the giant meatballs in the middle of the plate was perhaps some of the best food I have tasted in a long while, sorry mom.

I initially did not plan on ordering a dessert, but “fried cookie dough” was not something I could just pass! Again, the bar was not only met, but far exceeded my expectations.

There are times I find myself yearning for that sweet and warm taste of cookie and bread. Overall, Meatball did my palette an incredible service.

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For the more simple of foodies, I took a venture to as classic of food as it gets, cheeseburgers. Since Meatball nearly swept my wallet clean, “Smitty’s Garage” was my next destination.

Located on Oakview Drive, the building almost hides itself among nail salons and phone companies alike. A classic American restaurant, almost with a feel of the 1980’s, Smitty’s was decorated with garage themed decor and left a lot of room for lively conversations among the punk rock music that never ceased its soundings. Leaning more on the cheap end of the restaurant scene, I ordered a classic American cheeseburger with traditional fries. Although the majority of the restaurant was self service and over-the-counter ordering, friendly staff was constantly waiting on tables and refilling drinks if customers had their “I’m thirsty” tag up on their booths.

The burger was delicious, nothing overwhelming unlike any other burger I’ve had, but nevertheless was a perfect option for a meaty, good craving. The garlic drenched fries were also a perfect balance to the heavy burger, although I tended to drench them in ketchup to outweigh the vibrant seasoning. Not to mention the relaxed feel, which personally for me eases the tension or unforseen awkwardness of going out to eat with friends, family, what have you. If your pulse is pumping for a filling meal, drive to this garage as soon as possible.

As if Omaha was not an already pulsating city, the food scene is one that does not disappoint. As with any large city, options that keep everyone satisfied are an important factor in finding the right places to visit, eat, or even just live. Aliment in Omaha practically encompases the entirety of town, so get out and find what keeps the vibrancy of piquant meals a necessity in the heart of the whatto-do in Omaha.

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events

by Maria Miller Bite of MidOmaha Bus Tour Dates: May 24- June 19 Location: Omaha Culinary Tours Cost: $60 A unique bus tour taking you to sample Omaha classics and new culinary hotspots around town.

Creative Weapon Flow Classes

Dates: Every Friday 8pm 10:30 pm Location: 11138 Q Street Cost: $15 lesson, $5 to Live Jazz Perform Fire, Free to Watch If you’re looking to enhance Dates: Every your theater skills and Tues – Sat. embrace your medieval side Location: then look no further; at this Mark›s Bistro creative weapon class you’ll learn all about the art of Cost: $5 stage fighting.

Expand your

musical horizons with some classic jazz all while enjoying complimentary “chef’s popcorn”.

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Line Dance Lessons

Ink, Paper Press The Power and Process of Prints

Dates: Every Tuesday Location: Bogie’s Bar and Grill Cost: Free Embrace your midwestern roots with some good old fashion line dancing; western wear not required but highly recommended. If dancing with spurs in isn’t intincing enough, they offer $1 tacos and taquitos.

Dates: April 20 June 2 Location: Gallery 72 Cost: Free New exhibit at one of Omaha’s various modern art galleries that is attempting to portray the strength, value, and intrinsic power of fine art prints.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner

Dates: Every Saturday 6pm - 9 pm Location: DoubleTree Cost: $45+ Grab some friends and take part in solving a humors murder case all while enjoying a four course meal. Over the course of three hours, detectives will reveal clues and regress the show, so (hopefully) you’ll all walk out of there with a case solved and a full stomach.

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Blackstone District Walking Food Tour Dates: May 22 - June 23 Location: Omaha Culinary Tours Cost: $45 Explore and learn the history of one of Omaha’s rapidly upcoming hotspots with a tummy full of the best food the area has to offer.

Fighting for the Right to Fight African American Experiences in World War II Dates: April 20- June 2 Location: Durham Museum Cost: $11 The Durham Museum’s new exhibit strives to shed light on the often overlooked aspects of history, particularly the contributions of African Americans in WWII; this exhibit features artifacts, photographs, film, and oral histories.

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Yoga in Aquarium Dates: 9am - 10am Daily Location: Walter Scott Aquarium Cost: $22 The only requirements to this one of a kind class that would make any Lifetime Fit teacher swim with enthusiasm is to be at least 16 years of age and to bring your own mat.

music

by Blaine Wikoff

Established scenes The Omaha music scene is ever changing and evolving. It can’t be constrained into one genre or subgenre. In the past the Omaha music scene was pretty basic, mostly jazz, blues, and rock, but in the last couple years it has branched off into even more unexplored territories.

Early Omaha Music scenes: The first Omaha music scenes were jazz, classical, and alter native or indie rock. In the 1800s the first and biggest scene was classical music. There weren’t any famous classical musicians that were born in Omaha, but in the late 1800s many large opera theaters were built, and classical musicians would come and perform in them. In the early to mid 1900s, jazz and classical were the most prominent genres in Omaha. North Omaha was polestar for African American jazz musicians. From this scene many jazz legends emerged, such as: internationally recognized saxist Preston love, and the drummer of one of Jimi Hendrix’s bands, Buddy Miles.

In the late 1900s and early 2000s the Omaha music scene became more indie, or alternative. Many small indie bands were scattered around Omaha, but the crown jewels of local Omaha bands are alternative and indie bands: 311 and Bright Eyes. Many bands alternative and indie bands flourished in the mid 90s because of the Omaha founded record label, Saddle Creek. Another Omaha based band that is hailed by indie lovers is the electro pop band, Icky Blossoms.

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The Icky Blossoms also signed with the record label Saddle Creek, and stayed involved in the Omaha community even when they became famous.

Some Skutt Catholic students and alumni have met or know them personally.

up and coming scenes The upcoming Omaha music scene is more diverse than it ever has been before. Genres that are up and coming are EDM (electronic dance music), rap, folk, and acoustic indie. An upcoming Omaha artist is Nat Budz, an alum of Mercy High School. Budz plays acoustic guitar and sings, but can also be heard rapping on a track with Omaha rapper DJ Just-Us. The rap and EDM scenes seem to be the most common. There are hundreds of local Omaha rappers, from high schoolers to adults. The biggest rappers from Omaha are a group called Jack and Jack, who gained popularity from the social media app, Vine.

Omaha Venues It is easy to go find live music almost any night of the week.

Omaha is home to many venues big and small. Some of the most notable venues are: - The Slowdown - The Waiting Room - The Baxter Arena - The Well (A very small venue tucked away in the coffee shop Sozo Coffeehouse) - The Centurylink Center - Stir Cove (Council Bluffs) - Outrspaces - The Orpheum Theatre - The Holland Center

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s u r g e

pulsating basslines perfect for summer Preacher Man - The Driver Era 8Teen - Khalid R.I.P 2 My Youth - The Neighbourhood Atlas - COIN Symmetry - Colouring Done For Me - Charlie Puth (feat. Khalani) Seeing Stars - BORNS R U Mine - Arctic Monkeys Voulez Vouz - The Atomics EASE - Troye Sivan (feat.

Broods) 12

the pulse in song Music that inspires the heart Music that inspires the heart Music that inspires the heart Regardless of one’s taste in music, everyone knows a song that increases their pulse and influences their heartbeat. Whether one enjoys electronic music, rap, pop, or country, the songs that leave one filled with adrenaline are the ones that tend to be the most admired. Music from all genres have been inspired by the human heartbeat. The pulse in a song can leave you tapping your foot without even knowing.

The beat frequently found in rap music originates from Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter, which is a meter with a rhythm that sounds similar to a heartbeat. The human pulse has inspired many artists and writers in their creations all over the world.

Students from Skutt Catholic utilize music in their daily lives as a form of self-expression and creativity. Music can be a way to destress after a long day or a way to pump someone up and increase one’s adrenaline for a game or activity.

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THE CO,\/PfIIE MIM-SERIIS PIJJS W,\'E':OJ!E fur THE MAKING OFAN EPIC

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BREAK -ING NEWS 15

by loe [/ark imagihe, if you will, livihg ih a closed-off commuhil.y where -1:..he ohly t-J< ord

you received of -1:..he outside world was from -1:..he mouths of -1:..raveler·s as -1:..he slopped -!:..hough -1:..he -1:..owh. f11ohl.hs, years eveh, could pass before hearihg

abou-1:.. pivotal eveh-1:..s such as a toppled goverhmehl. or hew advahcemeh-1:.. ih medicihe.

ih -1:..his day ahd age, some-1:..hihg such as -1:..hal. is hearly impossible lo fathom.

l(eepihg up lo dale wi-1:..h hews howadays is as simple as pushihg a hol.ifica-1:..ioh

bull.oh or scrollihg through a hewsfeed oh your smar-1:..phohe ih the luhch lihe. People as cohstahUy

overlookihg how ama2ihg this advahcemeht is . lllews has evolved from the word of strahgers, to ihvehtiohs such as the prihtihg press ahd the telegraph, to the vast ihformatioh superhighway available with the i-1:..erhel..

We have growh accustomed to hearihg about hews the secohd after ar-1 eveh-1:.. occurs.

This remarkable feat is mahaged by teams of ihdividuals workihg hight ahd day at hews­ papers arouhd the couhtry.

Ohe such ihdividual is Bob Glissmah, the breakihg hews editor of the Omaha World Herald.

This Omaha hative has beeh a part of the local hewspaper sihce

1989, workihg as a copy

editor, assighmeht editor, staff reporter ahd how breakihg hews editor. c,oMes h and deal with it. You doh 't really have a choice; ·t_ .,ahd move oh>l.o :l:..he t"1e::t thihg ." e "if we are chasihg a homicide (story) ahd receive other leads, it gets passed oh, because the first takes priority," said Glissmah. "Like this morhihg, we had somebody ih court; the reporter came back ahd wrote that up," Glissmah cohtihued.

Bob likehs the elemehts of a hews article to what you would tell your family if you saw somethihg occur ih your backyard. 'it's dowh the the basics: the who, what, wheh, where, why," said Glissmah . "The \•Jhy'

we doh't get ihto as much. Say, like the court hearihg today, if it refer-red lo ar-1 older case from last year, we cah tie it back to that for the 'why,'" Glissmahh elaborated.

There are several reasohs to keep up with breakihg hews, ihcludihg how it cah affect daily life as well as those arouhd us.

"Sometimes it' goihg to affect traffic . f11aybe you're headed west oh West Cehter ahd

there is a car cash or homicide ihvestigatioh ahd the road is blocked, so a big reasoh is for your cohvehiehce.

The cohstahe P U L S � of ihformatoh is always right at our fihgertips, regardless of the rhyme or reasoh .

Omaha World Herald breaking news editor

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hemophilia hemophilia

by Colin Fullinfaw

Jared Baumert's experience with blood disorder The red liquid in charge of keeping us alive is pretty cool. The heart pumps about 2000 gallons of it every single day, and without it, we’d be pale and rigid. Even though it keeps us going strong, there are people with a rare condition known as Hemophilia that allows the blood to keep flowing when there’s a cut or abrasion of any kind. A close af-filiate of Hemophilia, VonWillebrand’s Disease, affects Skutt Catholic senior Jared Baumert and his life in ways different from others. He has to be careful with many choices per-taining to sports and activities, and cannot participate in any high-contact sports, such as football, hockey and wrestling.

People with VonWillebrand’s Disease suffer from a lack of VonWillebrand factor, the pro-tein in blood that helps form clots when there’s an external injury to the body. “Von-Willebrand factor attaches to Factor 8 to make it last longer in the blood stream,” Baumert explained. “This makes it be able to get to the wound to form a clot,” Baumert continued.

With a disorder such as this, it can be hard choosing a university that is in close prox-imity to a hospital specializing in said condition. Because of this, Baumert chose to go to the University of Colorado in Boulder. “My condition affected my choice of college be-cause where I go must be close to a Hemophilia Treatment Center, or HTC,” Baumert said. Hemophilia Treatment Centers are specialized to treat people with Hemophilia and VonWil-lebrand’s Disease like Baumert.

Baumert has “a very different perspective on life than most people,” he said. “I have learned to see my restrictions as pros instead of cons,” he explained. Mentally, this can be difficult. However, he has taught himself to use his skills in areas other than sports. His being involved in Show Choir and Campus Ministry events, among others, are examples of this.

With all the ups and downs of everyday life, Baumert doesn’t take anything for granted and uses his skills for the better.

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pain dealing with crps

by Natalie Pearson

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When you look at her, Caroline Connolly doesn’t seem injured. She is of average height and athletic. As a junior at Skutt Catholic, she participates in a wide range of activities, such as trapshooting—which makes her pain all the more surprising to those who meet her.

She has chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare but debilitating disorder that affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. Her condition is permanent.

“Basically, there’s pain 24/7,” Connolly says. “I’ve learned how to block most of it out, but it’s still there. It started in 8th grade, when I broke my ankle. I was having way too much pain for what was going on, and that’s when they realized that I had this pain syndrome. I was on a lot of pain meds, to the point where I don’t even remember most of 8th grade.”

Essentially, when someone has CRPS, the pain sensors in their body don’t function correctly. Things such as a hug or the feeling of wind on your skin can cause pain.

For Connolly, it comes as more of a deep bone pain, rather than the common burning sensation most with CRPS are afflicted with.

The solution? Pain therapy. “The only therapy is to force yourself to feel more pain in order to raise your threshold,” she explains.

There is no managing the pain, but Connolly has learned to block it out. She splays out her hands, which are decorated with rings. Some of them are too small for her fingers.

“They help,” she says. It’s a sensation to distract her mind from the hurt.

“It’s very difficult to realize that your child is in constant pain,” says Caroline’s mother, Mrs. Kim Connolly. “I know Caroline is a strong person, but pain can be very wearying, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Focusing on what Caroline can do is our goal, rather than what may be difficult for her at a certain point in time. We are very proud of Caroline; both of what she has accomplished, and of what she continues to strive to achieve.”

Even as it pokes into her daily life, Caroline refuses to let her pain syndrome take over.

“I broke my shoulder last January, so that’s where the pain is most centered now,” she explains. “So if I go in for a hug—if they’re really short or really tall, I can do it because it won’t hurt my shoulder as much—but if they’re just at that happy medium height, it’s really bad. So I’m just like, ‘Hold off, don’t hug me.’

“When it comes down to it, there is no managing [the pain],” Connolly says. “You just kind of tell yourself, ‘Okay, sure, this is really bad but I don’t want this to get in the way 20 of my life.’ I’m a little too stubborn to let that happen to me.”

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Natural Tattoo student poetry by Kelsey Hanna My Life with Chronic Pain 3 inches up my left forearm lies a heartMy bones are not strong. shaped birthmark.

They are frail and break easily On bad days it’s an apologya life of toes pointed outward, weak An apology from my creator, muscles, and worn cartilage An “I’m sorry for how much you hurt” On good days it’s my favorite part of me.

When it rains, And I watch the droplets trickle down For as long as I can remember I have had my window, hear the rattle of the down roots for nerves spout Entangled in my body, Her stormy sadness forms a rattle in my Wrapped ‘round my bones, bones.

Dug deep into the ground below me, With each raise of a heel I pull up soil, Drop my foot like a weight So I fall back in bed, A conscious “heel, toe” motion. relieved of the gravity off my body, My nerves are not strong, I stay there until the medicine kicks in.

But I do not hold that against them.

But I do not hate her storms.

They are thin and over sensitive triggered by the smallest shift of the There is no cure for bad weather, Earth’s plates There is only patience and time.

So when Mother Nature’s body quakes So maybe there is only patience and time And no one can tell, for me, my joints throb with her.

Though I still wander in and out of doctors› offices asking for the answers We are most connected in the mornings, Though I am not a morning person. that no one has, Most days I will sleep past noon, swallow vitamin after painkiller in hopes engulfed in not feeling, they’ll make a difference this time the kind of painlessness that makes it so But the only thing that seems to make a hard to throw myself out of bed difference is this natural tattoo, But she gets lonely and calls out to me. this label of love she placed on my This morning I awoke as soon as she sent forearm. out the sun.

With it, she tells me she hopes that one She wished me awake and sat the sun day I might grow away from her. upon my knee She hopes that one day I do not have to he stretched his rays down my shin to my ankle up my thigh to my hip, hurt like she does.

Mirroring the spread of a dull ache She placed this marker on me so that I resting heavily in my jointsnever suffer alone. sprouting through my long-bones.

But I do not hate her sunrise.

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exhilaration Why running is my e v e r y t h i n g

by Andrew Mize To many people, running may seem as a forced workout or having to get somewhere quickly, but that is not the case for me. To me, running is a break from the rest of the world. Running takes to me to a completely different place. It is a place where I can run away from my troubles, anxiety, or stresses in my life. When I lace up my shoes, I feel at ease.

My shoes are the medium in which I express one of my loves, running.

One of the most peaceful and calming things in my life is an early morning run. Being able to be with the world before the rest of the world is a very cathartic experience. Between the mist, the trees, the wildlife, and the gentle repetition of my steps, I am at peace. The sun peaking out from the trees and the horizon as it shines on me makes me feel at home and warms me. As the world awakes, the colors of the sky mix with nature and are truly awesome; there is nothing quite like it.

The optimal time to spend time with my friends would definitely be going for a run. Being able to talk and bond as you get exercise and also improve at our passions is a great way to strengthen a friendship. You then have a similar thing in common which will make your love for running even stronger. From new acquaintances to old friends, anyone can bond with only a trail and a little time.

When it comes time for a cross country or track meet, I try to put all the noise and chaos in my life behind me. I try to tap into my surroundings, so that it is just a battle between myself and time. The competitors around me push me to try harder, but I am ultimately in charge of my destiny. My successes are not defined by how others compete, they are only defined by my past successes, so if I can improve and beat my past self, then I am satisfied, yet am excited to improve even further.

The pulse that you can feel with every step that you take is like another adventure and an accomplishment at the same time. Throughout all of the forks in the roads and the off beaten paths, you never know what what you can find by just getting some exercise. With every step, every mile and every race, everyday is a good day when you run.

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entrepreneur b o o k s e l l e r s

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entrepreneur 25

Stacks of books and papers overwhelm a checkout desk. A harsh glare emits from industrial pendant lights mounted on every other bookshelf. The smell of old paper and dust hangs in the air. Narrow walkways are lined with shelves, book spines covering every square inch. Categories range from religion to mystery to the Civil War. One can wander into Jackson Street Booksellers with no direction in mind and walk out with a stack of binding containing information they never knew they were looking for. Carl Ashford and Amanda Lynch, co-owners of Jackson Street Booksellers, have been involved in the bookselling industry since the 1980s. Their joint business began in 1993 and has successfully carried on for 25 years.

Jackson Street Booksellers

Jackson Street Booksellers

by Maddie Mollner

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“Amanda and I met while we were both working in bookstores in San Francisco in the mid-80s. I’m from Omaha originally and I kept coming back here to visit my mother, so in 1993 some friends offered us this space because we wanted to have a bookstore in the Old Market, and we’re still here today. I think people like the organic and the personal nature of the business; I think that a lot of independent businesses reflect the personalities of their owners and the people that work there. They’re mostly populated by people who like what they’re doing, and I think that marks the difference between independently owned businesses and larger chain businesses. My personality is reflected through the chaos, the broad interests that I have, and my interest in helping people find the things they’re looking for—that’s how I justify what I do. I’ve always thought that a city needs a good bookstore—even though people say ‘books are a dying breed’— that’s not really true. It seems like our business is just as good or better than it’s ever been. I think people want this experience, not that they can’t have the tablet experience, but I think that people just enjoy coming in and browsing and finding what they weren’t looking for.”

-Carl Ashford, Part-owner Jackson Street Booksellers

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FLATLINE

by Hope Stratman

A NURSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EXPERIENCES WITH THE FRAGILITY OF THE PULSE 29

Abby Wawers, daughter of Skutt Catholic teacher Mrs. Kathy Wawers, works as a critical care nurse in the ICU of Nebraska Medicine.

What are some of the things you do as a critical care nurse?

The ICU I work in takes care of mostly patients with different types of cancer. Half of the patients tend to come because they get some sort of infection while going through treatment.

The other half tend to come to us after surgery. My job is to manage their care, which includes giving them medications, drawing labs, and helping to start the process of rehabilitation.

Please describe how you feel when a patient goes into cardiac arrest or when you know they are very close to death.

There is definitely a moment when my stomach sinks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very hard to not think of what I could have done differently or how I could have prevented it. But when someone is close to death, the situation definitely varies depending on whether or not the family has come to accept it or not.

How does it feel in the moment when a patient finally flatlines?

When we have decided, as a medical team, with the family that we are going to stop all treatment for the patient, we use â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;comfort measures,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; meaning we are only going to do things for the patient that will make them comfortable. Then it is kind of a waiting game. When the heart finally stops, it is often a relief for the family that the struggle is over. When a patient flatlines unexpectedly, on the other hand, it is very scary. The staff has to act quickly and remain calm. Keeping your emotions intact is, to me, one of the most important parts, because this helps the family to stay calm as well.

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How often is your team able to resuscitate patients?

We do a lot of resuscitating of patients who get very acutely sick, in that their blood pressures drop dramatically or their oxygen needs increase drastically. Resuscitating patients who have completely lost a pulse and blood pressure is quite a bit harder. It is rare that these patients regain their blood pressure and vitals and are back to their baseline.

Tell me about a memorable or impactful experience youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had with a patient close who was to death A few months ago a patient of mine went to comfort measures, and the family had to leave due to other circumstances. Once the respiratory therapist and I took the breathing tube out, I did my best to make sure there was always someone from our staff in the room with him. I held his hand and told him it was okay for him to go. At one point I said the Hail Mary and sang a couple of songs I remembered from church to try to make it more peaceful. I just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the man to die alone.

Is there anything you do to cope or comfort yourself when patients die?

I have learned in my time as a nurse that there are worse things than dying. Watching someone suffer is the hardest part of my job. I have come to have so much respect for families who can accept that they have fought a good fight and it is time to let their family member go.

Your job is likely very difficult and emotionally draining at times. What keeps you going?

When I make a connection with a family, it really makes my job special. Being a bedside nurse gives me a lot of power to have an impact on a patient and their family. At the end of the day, knowing that I may have made the experience a little easier for them warms my heart.

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physician 33

Students with aspirations in the medical field

A As a high school student, the furture can be daunting. When you reach graduation and walk across that stage, your life doesn’t begin to slow down, even though we may want it to. After graduation, students have many different dreams to pursue. For many studetns, these dreams include going into the medical field.

The medical field is a revolutionary field that is continuing to make developments in health care everyday. Along with the rapid pace of advancement comes an increasing competition between students, who have to compete with millions of students to be accepted in the country’s best medical programs.

“The idea of medical school is terrifying,” said sophomore Natalie Barclay. “I will have to get exemplary grades and participate in multiple activities just to be considered as a viable canidate. So many other qualified students will be fighting for a single spot in the top programs,” Barclay said.

Many students are fascinated by the idea of human anatomy. “I have always been interested in the human body,” said freshman Lucy Parr. “I think being able to discover more about how the body works would be an exciting career,” Parr said.

Even though the medical field is highly rigorous and competive, many students are determined to expolere their curiosity and purue a career in the medical field.

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trends

by Adella Smolsky

Fashion trends are always changing; people are constantly going to store to get the latest “in-style looks.” In the past few decades we have gone from mini skirts, to platform heels, to track suits, and finally to athleisure. New boutiques, department stores, and malls are popping up everywhere around town. This ever-beating pulse in the fashion industry keeps both retailers and shoppers on their toes throughout the year.

---ALTAR'D STATE--One up and coming boutique in Omaha is Altar,d State. Starting in Knoxville in 2009, altar'd state has grown to over 80 stores tody.“The company originated as a coffee shop with a little bit of clothing, but they still gave back a little bit of something to their communities and the world. The clothing did so well that they decided to sell strictly women’s clothing,” said employee Stevi Azure. Their apparel is very ontrend and cosmopolitan. They are currently transitioning from winter sweaters towards spring/summer shorts and tank tops.

---FRANCESCA’S--Another popular fashion boutique among students is Francesca’s. They have a large selection of dresses, shirts, pants, skirts and shoes. “We get new shipments in to the store everyday, and there are always new styles coming in,” said Junior and Francesca’s employee Payton Rhen. “We start transitioning from winter clothes to spring clothes in about February,” Rhen continued. “I think that you can notice the biggest change in style in our dresses. They transition from mini to formal to maxi at different points of the year, and their patterns and styles are always changing,” Rhen finished.

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THE EVER-CHANGING industry Globally, the fashion industry is also making a large shift. In the past, it could take up to six weeks between when a look hits the runway, and when it arrives in stores. This system worked very efficiently for many years, however in the age of social media this is no longer the case. By the time the clothing is displayed in store, buyers see it as an old style, or the design has already been ripped off by a cheaper brand.

Distributors and designers are looking to move towards a â&#x20AC;&#x153;see now, buy nowâ&#x20AC;? market.

This being consumer shows, where they would be able to buy the outfits immediately after seeing them on the runway.This system is very much supported by London and New York, but Paris and Milan are still hesitant.

This groundbreaking change in the industry is going to greatly affect both large distributors and small designers, but after adjusting the shift will prove to be very prosperous.

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the great great college college the search search

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by Tom Hermanek For Skutt Catholic juniors, this summer is a crucial time to begin the college search process. The process can be long and complex, but it is vital that one does their diligence in order to end up in the best position for success. Below are four items that I would keep in mind if I had to start the process all over again.

1

start

early

After the bustle of my junior year was over, I quickly realized that it was time to take action on my college search process. Having an inkling that I might want to go out of state for college, I shifted my focus from school to exploring college information on the Internet.

Looking back, I›m glad that I didn›t wait to take these steps as the fall was very busy time with activities like Mock Trial.

2 Senior year is busy, and you›re bound to feel overwhelmed.

But it›s important to consider your college plans throughout the year. If you give your decision honest thought over a long period of time, you›re going to have confidence in your decision at the end of the year.

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Do not lose

sight of your

college decision senior year

do

stress

not

too

much

about

s ta n da r d i z e d

t e s t s

3

This opinion may be contrary to everything that your parents, counselors, and especially John Baylor is screaming at you, but, in my experience, standardized tests are not as important as they might seem. In fact, in my case, my ACT score increased by 3 whole points and not a single college changed their admissions or financial aid decision a bit because of it.

Sure, you’ll want to take the ACT a few times, and do your best on it, but don’t let others make you think that it’s the be and end all to your future.

apply

to

4

reach schools

When you›re dreaming of the college you might attend, don›t be afraid to aim for prestigious schools. Your chances of being admitted there are bigger than you might think.

Although applications can be tedious and difficult, it›s to your advantage to apply to many schools. This is especially true of schools with low acceptance rates--the more you apply to, the better chance you have of being able to attend one.

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on the cover: junior Hannah Rodricks

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quintessence mission statement

QUINTESSENCE IS A HIGH SCHOOL PRINT & ONLINE STUDENT LIFE MAGAZINE, CREATED BY AND FOR THE STUDENTS OF SKUTT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. A NEW ISSUE WITH A DIFFERENT CREATIVE THEME IS PRODUCED FOUR TIMES PER YEAR BY THE FLIGHTLINE NEWSPAPER STAFF WITH THE AIM TO CELEBRATE, INFORM, AND ENTERTAIN STUDENTS, TEACHERS, MEMBERS OF THE SCHS COMMUNITY AND BEYOND.

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