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Winter 2010

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Featured Contributors

Three writers who contributed to this issue tell us about the most important relationships in their own lives

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Deb Rochford drochford@azteenmagazine.com 602-363-2139

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“My most important relationship is definitely with God first and foremost, then my family and friends. I have no problem admitting that my grandma is one of my best friends – we do absolutely everything together. She inspires me and has always instilled strong values and beliefs in me such as humbleness, the importance of an education, rationality and perseverance. Then there’s my best friend, Dariss. We always have each other’s backs and are like Thelma and Louise because we’re just that adventurous and silly together.” – Brittany Hardy, North ‘10

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Editors Hotshots

Alexis Gonzalez, Xavier ‘10

Last Word

Lindsey Halfhill, Higley ‘10

Special Projects

Vivian Padilla, Arcadia ‘10

Music

Jennifer Na, Xavier ‘11

Collegiate

Caitlin Cole, Gilbert ‘10

dtk

Bree Purdy, Corona del Sol ‘11 and Stefani Jones, Chaparral ‘10

Community

Yassamin Ansari, Chaparral ‘10

“My three best friends are all completely different, equally wonderful and have been in my life for different things and at different times. Danny is the smartest person I know. He is constantly challenging me and making me think everything through, and I love him for it. Megan is always making the people around her laugh and brings a smile to my face when I need it the most. And Jameson keeps me grounded and is always there for me, no matter what. Together, these three people are the most important things in my life, and I have no idea where I’d be without them.” – Emily Piskulick, Xavier ‘10

Writers

Emily

“My most important relationship is undoubtedly with my sister, Emma. Although I am two years older than her, we have a fantastic relationship. It has been fun seeing her enter high school this year and interact with people I know. I try to be as open and understanding with her as she is with me. We joke around most of the time, but I know that she will always be there for me as I will for her.” – Ben Kitnick, Chaparral ‘11

For home delivery, subscribe on-line at azteenmagazine.com. If requesting delivery to your school or business, email drochford@azteenmagazine.com. To order extra copies, send a check for $3 per copy to the address above and indicate which issue you are requesting along with your phone number. azTeen Magazine is published 7 times a year and is selectively distributed throughout Arizona. The entire contents of this publication is © copyright azTeen, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers.

ncio, North '10

magazine

Issue No. 1 Vol. 4 Winter 2010

heck out Tyler and Ashley on our cover! They’re the Greenway seniors who were selected from dozens of couples who applied to be our King and Queen of the Lovefest. Friends since they were babies and officially a couple for four years, these cuties consider themselves best friends as well as boyfriend and girlfriend. “Working through the little issues and listening to one another is what truly makes a relationship perfect,” Tyler says. Tyler and Ashley are a great couple, but we heard from a lot of great couples and wish we could have picked them all. We want to give a big shout-out to all of those who applied – like Kaycee and James, Perry and Ignacio and Rachel and Kory. We hope to see them and all the rest of you at the azValenTeens Bash on Feb. 13; check out details in this issue. But whether you’re part of a couple or not, here’s hoping you find all the love you need this month and beyond. XOXO,

Photo: Alexis Ma

azTeen c

ben

Bianca Armenta Julianne Brenenstuhl Federika Cariati HaeSoo Cheon Eliza Collins Kelly Fleming Mikaela Gibson Brittany Hardy Dylan Janis Ryan Johnson Liz Keyser Ben Kitnick Kaitlin Lang Jordan Laughlin Donnella Lincoln Carolina Lopez Aneesa Lytle Breanna Moret Emily Piskulick Zoe Simon Taylor Turkeltaub

Photographers Jesus Aponte Alexis Mancio

azTeenmagazine.com

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seventeen

:Lovefest ‘10

eight

Features It’s our Lovefest Issue

22 24

ands Off! Relationship H violence is more common than you think

That Special Something:Secrets of lasting couples

Mama’s boys and Daddy’s

girls? Teens struggle to stay close to their parents

dtk/Down to Know 08 New year, new Bash: The azValenTeen Bash is back //

08 Bash headliner My Girl Friday // 08 The Season Premiere // 09 The Secrets We Keep // 11 Meet the Models! King and Queen of the Lovefest and their court // 14 5 Questions for triple threat Brooke Hogan // 16 Plus I love my car/ He said, She said/I love my fashion

Collegiate

The Insiders Any advice to high school seniors about their first

weeks on campus?

Collins College debuts fashion program

Territory

Chandler High is C-town original

Last Word

Spotlight

What is your most prized possession? 30

Shout-Outs: Who makes you smile and how do they do it?

My Story Outreach for homeless teens is Bash beneficiary

Cover photo by Marcus Hoffman, MarcusHoffmanPhotography.com

The best thing to happen to teenagers since puberty. azTeenmagazine.com

Wardrobe provided by Dillard’s and Urban Outfitters

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New year, new Bash ‘10 t s efe v o L :

You think you know something about the azValenTeens Bash? Well, think again. This year’s Bash – Lovefest ’10 – is something entirely different. We still have great music, but we’re shaking things up a bit – adding a DJ, playing up the couples angle and introducing new stuff we’ve never done before. So forget everything you thought you knew about azTeen’s Bashes, and read on for everything you need to know about the ALL-NEW, ALL-AWESOME Lovefest ’10. The Basics:

Saturday, Feb. 13 | 6 to 10:30 p.m. Tempe Marketplace District Stage

$3 singles $5 couples

You MUST have your high school ID to compete in games – ONLY high-schoolers are eligible! Benefitting HomeBase Youth Services, a resource for homeless young people in the Valley. For information on registering for Pong, the LoveQuiz or The Bash-elor and The Bashelorette, email mburgess@azteenmagazine.com

My Girl Friday Lead singer Justin Godsey gives us the lowdown

Sounds like: An edgier Plain White T’s meets Fall Out Boy… “We take musical influences from artists such as Bright Eyes, The Starting Line, Jimmy Eat World and even Dave Matthews Band. We are trying to mold our own sound out of all the different types of music we each like.”

Worst V-Day ever? “I was really into this girl once, and we had been talking and going on dates but never made anything official. So on Valentine’s Day I drove to her house with the sappy V-Day gear that I was going to give to her. I pulled up to her house, and as I was about to get out, another guy pulled up. Probably about a minute later, ANOTHER guy pulled up. I just left.” Did the band members get into music for the girls? “It’s definitely a perk, but if it were all guys listening to our music, it would still be fun. We’d just have a huge man-fest!” Which band member would make the best boyfriend? 8

winter 2010

“Well, ladies, Josh (Hollister, drums) is the laid-back stud, Ryan’s (Steele, bass) got the cute dimple, Tyler (Christian, guitar) has always had the best hair, Justin can pull off a perfect Chuck Bass impression, and Logan (Thayer, guitar) looks like Taylor Swift. Take your pick!” What TV show is your guilty pleasure? “Gossip Girl. I’m going to marry Blake Lively. Happily ever after. End of story.” If you could tour with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? “Taylor Swift. Anyone who can sell out a concert in less than a minute is pretty good company to be in.”

The Season Premiere

Warped Tour vets are ready to rock the Bash The Season Premiere was launched by ’07 Arcadia grads Pat Boyle (guitar/back-up vocals) and Jeff Little when they were in high school. But it wasn’t until after they graduated and brought on Cali transplant Justin Garza (lead vocals) and drummer Riley Knapp, Brophy ’07, that the band really took off. They cite a bevy of musical influences, including The Maine, Taking Back Sunday, Anberlin, The Starting Line, All Time Low and classics like Tom Petty and the Beatles. We talked to the band about things both muy importante and far less so… What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to a girl? Pat: “I once pushed a girl into a boys’ bathroom, but that was a long time ago.” Riley: “I punched my female cousin in the face once, but it was an accident.” Justin: “I think we’ve all had our fair share of ugly breakups. Let’s leave it at that.” When you are old like Keith Richards or Steve Tyler, are you still going to be up on stage, or is that pathetic and icky? Justin: “Those guys are amazing – icky and pathetic would be the last words to describe them! But yeah, I don’t azTeenmagazine.com

see why not, as long as I’m not acting like I’m still 20.” Jeff: “I’m not sure about being on stage, but I will definitely still be playing music.” Riley: “Though it is both pathetic and icky, I’ll still be doing it.” Are you a big Project Runway fan? How about 16 and Pregnant? What’s your guilty TV pleasure? Jeff: “I watch a lot of Seinfeld, Entourage and Shark Week.” Justin: “I’m not the biggest fan of reality TV. Entourage is undoubtedly my guilty pleasure.” Riley: “World’s Strictest Parents.

Is that a guilty pleasure?” Who in the band is single? Justin: “Pat and Jeff. Ladies, you’re missing out!” Pat and Jeff: “Call us!” You play the Bash on Feb. 13. What will you be doing on Feb. 14? Riley: “It will be me and my girlfriend’s one-year anniversary, so I’ll be draining every ounce of romantic in me to make it special.” Justin: “Having a lovely dinner with my lovely lady. Weirdly enough, both Riley and I will be having our one-year anniversaries with our girls.”

We’ve got it goin’ on!

n addition to a DJ and dancing, Camelback’s step/dance team, the King and Queen of the Lovefest reigning over the proceedings and our three bomb bands, we’ve got some old favorites coming back, such as the photo booth. Here’s what else you can expect:

 C ouples Rootbeer Pong Tourney!  Walk of Fame/Walk of Shame! The first 16 boy-girl teams to regLike a traditional cake walk, ister will compete Sweet 16-style, but with a twist… to be the last pair standing. The  Candy bar! Hit up the barfinal round will be played on stage tender for some retro and hardin front of the whole crowd. to-find sweet treats. Nothing like a little sugar to get your  The Bash-elor and The Bashelorcourage up when preparing to ette! On one side of a screen are three lovely ladies (or smokin’ approach the guy or girl of your dudes), hidden from the hottie who dreams. doesn’t want to be single on V-Day. Based on contestants’ answers to  The LoveQuiz! Think you know your bf/gf? Prove it! Longtime crazy questions, our Bash-elor and teen couples are pitted against Bash-elorette will select the lucky each other to test their knowlindividual to take out on a date – edge of their significant others. all paid for by us! Winners get an all-expense Cupid-Grams! Write a note to your paid date and other prizes. beloved and package it with cookies or a flower. Then azTeen’s own  CoupleCam! Our roving photographer will snap shots of Archer of Love – Cupid himself! couples, friends and groups to – will announce from the stage be uploaded to our MySpace or who has a Cupid-Gram and handFacebook so you can put the deliver your message in front of shots on your own pages. the entire crowd.

All the Right Moves

Bash welcomes Camelback’s K-OTiK step/dance team

tepping onto this year’s azValenTeens Bash stage is Camelback’s Step and Dance Team, K-OTiK (sound it out if you’re confused!). K-OTiK doesn’t just think they can dance, they know they can dance, having been featured on Channel 12 News and mentioned in The Arizona Republic. The team performed at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, where they were choreographed by Mandy Moore of So You Think You Can Dance. Camelback’s team is coached by Celestina Holliday, who considers herself a second mom to each performer on the team. It is also led by Captain Stephanie Calderon, a junior, who works with members to incorporate jazz, hip-hop, krumping, break-dancing, and even ballet elements into its routines. K-OTiK practices up to five days a week, including

holidays and in the summer, and each performer also has to maintain her grades and work well with her peers. “We have very creative minds and we convert our creative ideas into stepping,” Stephanie says. Camelback’s team isn’t all about the dance moves, though, but also about community. Stephanie describes how the best part of being on the team is “performing in events, helping out the community, and last, but not least, being role models for those young ones around us.” “Like the great king of pop Michael Jackson said, it’s all love,” says Stephanie. Don’t miss the love and most importantly don’t miss K-OTiK’s performance at the azValenTeen Bash, where they will be sure to rock the crowd. —Carolina Lopez, Horizon ‘11

The Secrets We Keep

Old pros form a new band

hose who follow music in the Valley should be happy to hear that while it’s R.I.P. to former faves The Ivy, Alaska and Me, Halequin and Bring On The Fame, five of their alumni have formed supergroup (premature? We don’t think so!) The Secrets We Keep. Band members compare TSWK’s sound to The Receiving End of Sirens, Anberlin, As Cities Burn, Saosin and Hidden in Plain View. Here’s what Jeffrey Hudson Becker (vocals and an ’04 Red Mountain grad!), Renz Klingenberg (guitar), Andrew Auten (guitar and Shadow Mountain ‘07), Justin Hererra (bass) and Ian Duperie (drums) have to say about romance and which bandmate would make the best snack.

What’s in your iPod? Anything you don’t want anyone to know you’re listening to? Ian: “It’s a mess of every genre there is. Yes, including Shakira and Lady Gaga.” Justin: “I love singing along to Give It To Me, Baby by Rick James.” Renz: “Mile Cyrus. Girl’s had some good jams on the radio lately!” If the band was stranded on an island, who would be the most useful, and who would you eat first? Andrew: “(Most useful would be) Ian – he’s strong and determined. It would probably be Renz to eat first, even though he wouldn’t have much meat on him.” Ian: “I’d be the most useful. I would eat Renz first.” Justin: “Ian would be the most useful because he’d be the most delicious to eat.” Jeff: “I would be the most useful because I am an Eagle Scout and I was raised by wolves until the age of 13. I think we would eat Renz first.” azTeenmagazine.com

Renz: “The most useful would probably be Jeff, because he’s got enough Star Wars knowledge to keep us entertained for months. Who would I eat first? I’m not sure how to answer. What should fans expect of your Bash performance? Ian: “We definitely feed off each other’s energy and try Andrew: “Our live performance is a complete connection with our fans. With the versatility of our songs, there should be some parts that everyone can dig in each song.” Renz: “Very high-energy and good entertainment. The fans will get some eye candy and ear candy at the same time!”

that you just swoon over.” Renz: “I’ll go with Andrew. He does stuff for his girlfriend that I probably wouldn’t do. Ha.” Who’s single? Renz: “Who had two thumbs and is on the market? THIS GUY! Jeff is too.”

If you could be anyone for a week, who would it be? Renz: “I’d be Alex Gaskarth, the lead singer from All Time Low, just to see what things are like in his shoes.” Jeff: “Grand Master Jedi Luke Skywalker. He is a hero of the New Republic and an icon that people of all ages could look up to. Plus, having The Force and a light saber would be pretty amazing.” Justin: “Batman. He gets to drive the greatest car and has all the Who’s the most romantic best gadgets, plus Alfred.” member of the band? Andrew: “I will have to nominate Andrew: “I’d have to roll with Jimmy Page. Just to have people myself. I love my girlfriend so so inspired by my guitar playing much, even though she’s mad is awesome to think about.” at me right now…” Ian: “One of those guys who Justin: “Andrew, because he is gets paid to be on TV, traveling such a kind sweetheart.” the world and trying all kinds Jeff: “Probably Andrew. He just of food.” has this sweetness about him winter 2010

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me e mo t the del s

S cou ay hell ple o to at t s as we the V he S a cott go beh lley’s c u in sda pho le Ci d the test s vic to s hoo Cen cenes ter t

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Mr. and Ms. Lovefest ‘10! Tyler + Ashley both Greenway ‘10

4 years and counting 12

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Selecting our cover couple – the King and Queen of Lovefest! – was not easy. But Tyler Parks and Ashley Van Liew were a natural choice. They have gone to school and church together literally since they were born, and have officially been a couple since March of their 8th-grade year. “Ashy” and “Ty-Ty,” as they call each other, consider themselves best friends as well as romantic partners, love each other’s families and already have their future kids’ names picked out – well, the girl’s at least... Ashley: “We have been together so long that we know everything about each other, and we are able to work through any problems that may come up by talking things out and compromising. We can always cheer each other up and are supportive of each other.” Tyler: “We love each other and don’t take that phrase lightly.” azTeenmagazine.com

Our runners - up

! o o t e l b a r o d a e r a

Mountain Pointe ’10 (him) Gilbert ’10 (her)

Making beautiful music together

Matt + Hannah

both Horizon ‘10

You belong with me Matt McArdle and Hannah Rasmussen met in band in the 7th grade. There was a mutual attraction that never developed into much, and they both moved on to other people. Then at the beginning of their senior year, just like in the Taylor Swift song, the pair realized that the football player and the band member were meant to be together. Matt: “I went out with other girls, but my interest in her never left. To finally date her my senior year after all this time has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.” Hannah: “He made me two CDs with gorgeous piano pieces. I’ve been playing piano my whole life but had maybe talked about it once. He made a mental note and surprised me, and included a note that said he listens to them when he needs to relax. It made me tear up to listen to them. I’m a dork, what can I say?”

Ryan + Caitlin

Cullan + Jillian

both Mesquite ‘10

Coco and Boo Freakynaughty As their relationship has grown over the nearly three years that Jillian Salatas and Cullan (C.J.) Randall have been a couple, so has the list of pet names that call each other. They share a romantic side (both love The Notebook!), a sense of humor and a love of sports, but are opposites when it comes to food, politics and time management. Jillian: “He always gives me beautiful flowers ‘just because,’ he makes me cute cards, he supports me at my swim and track meets and rubs my back when I’m sore afterwards. We love to make each other laugh and consider ourselves best friends.” C.J. on their first date, to see the Ninja Turtles movie freshman year: “You know when it’s a first date and you don’t hold hands or put your arm around her shoulder? Well, we did. It was our first time being together, but seeing her in the glow from the movie, it was a feeling like ‘I already know this person.’” azTeenmagazine.com

Full disclosure: Caitlin Cole is azTeen’s Collegiate Editor. But we couldn’t disqualify her and boyfriend Ryan Burm from our couples contest because they have such a great story: They met in junior high, performed Green Day’s Good Riddance at 8th-grade graduation (she sang, he played guitar) and have been virtually inseparable ever since, despite a now 40-mile physical distance between them. They are looking forward to next year, when both will be at ASU. Ryan: “I was surprised over just how cool she was. I knew she was great, but now I know she’s everything I’ve ever wanted. She plays music with me, we watch football together and play Xbox together, and she’s a good cook. I don’t know another girl like her.” Caitlin: “We’ve had to make each other a top priority because of the miles between us, and to do that we’ve angered our families, lost friends and gone many hours without sleep just so we could find time to talk to one another if we couldn’t see each other that week. It may seem crazy to some people, but it’s routine for us.”

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Tuning in

“I could listen to any song produced by Ian Kirkpatrick over and over again. He produced Call the Cops, Stacey Clark, some of Stephen Jerzak and Breathe Electric. He can make even the most normal song sound interesting and different, and I love it!” –Joe Summers, vocals, Classic In The Making “They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns by Bayside is a song that is in almost constant rotation on my iPod.” –Josh Solomon, bass, Reality Stricken

“I could constantly listen to Cemetery by Say Anything because it is one of the catchiest songs I have ever heard. Say Anything is my favorite band, and that song is the climax to the entire album.” –Josh Snyder, synth/keys, Antebellum

iPod

“I have everything a person could imagine on my iPod, but right now This Is My Suitcase is all I play. I also listen to a lot of Brighten, Demi Lovato, The Summer Set, Bring Me To The Horizon, A Rocket To The Moon, and also a lot of Regina Spektor lately.” – Chris Trevigne, Saguaro ‘12

“I could listen to the song Where the Streets Have No Name by U2 over and over again because every time I listen to it, it takes me somewhere else. That song showed me when I was younger how a song or music in general can mentally transport someone to a different place.” –Damien Voita, vocals, Where Is The Glory “I could listen to the song Non-Dairy Creamer by Third Eye Blind over and over again. There’s nothing better than a song about dairy products and young gay Republicans.” –Austin Gavin, drums, From Us To You

“I could listen to the song Hey Lady by Thriving Ivory over and over again … and then over again a few more times.” –Justin Godsey, vocals, My Girl Friday “Personally, I could listen to Empire State Of Mind by Jay - Z and Poetic Tragedy by The Used over and over again; they just speak to me.” – Jerry Nedrow, bass, The Awakening “I could listen to pretty much any song by Emery, but specifically Ponytail Parade off of The Week’s End album.” –Bryan Gonzales, vocals/bass, You’re Done For

Hotties?

parents, administrators and students: It’s time again for azTeen’s annual HOT 100, and we want to t eachers, hear from you! If you’ve got a friend, classmate, teacher, administrator, favorite staffer or coach at a Valley

high school whom you think should be recognized in our annual HOT 100 competition, let us know so we can give him or her the recognition they deserve. E-mail your name, school and grade, plus your nominee’s first and last name and title or grade and the reasons why you think that he or she deserves to be a HOT 100. Teachers have had a rough time of it lately and don’t often get to hear how much they are appreciated, so take five minutes to give the truly good ones some encouragement. E-mail your entries to mburgess@azTeenMagazine.com, fax them to 602.944-0226, or mail them to 3219 E. Camelback Rd., St. 363, Phoenix 85018. Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 12. The HOT 100 issue hits the street in early May; check it out and see who from your school made the cut.

5 questions for reality star Brooke Hogan

Photo by J-Squared Photography

What song could you listen to over and over?

know any

In my chris

Compiled by dtk Editors Bree Purdy and Stefani Jones

Tall, buff and uber-blond, Brooke Hogan is hard to ignore. She sings, models and acts; her next project, due later this year, is the new horror flick Devour. 1. What was it like being a teenager for 2. For a long time now you were known 4. When you look back on your life in you? If you could go back and talk only as the daughter of someone 20 years, what do you hope to have to your 16-year-old self, what would famous; now things are different. How accomplished? you say? has that evolution changed your life? Babies, more music, a great husband, Being a teen was difficult because Are they different? I still feel like I and finding mass amounts of cute I was taller and blonder than am in the shadows sometimes. In the shoes in my size... Oh yeah. And everyone! I was very shy so I never end, the only thing that matters is looking younger and better every year – had friends. On top of that, my dad is that the people who I love know who I reverse aging! Hulk Hogan, so everyone, especially really am. the boys, were always intimidated. If 5. Any advice for teenagers? I could go back, I would tell myself, 3. Describe yourself in ten words or less. Your parents are right and it’s better to “Bleach your hair NOW. It makes you Crazy, stubborn, adventurous, bashful, have a few good friends than a lot of look happier!” spontaneous, bubbly, grounded. bad ones. winter 2010

azTeenmagazine.com

Expert advice-givers have been there, done that Valentine’s Day: love or hate it? “It depends on the year. It’s a great time to bond with your friends if you’re single but a nice time to spend with your boy if you are together.” – Aimee Katz, Catalina Foothills ‘07

“Love it! I like that it’s fun whether you are single or not.” – Matti Tygret, Williams Field ‘10

How much older or younger would you date, and why? “For me there are a few factors. First, the law; if it’s illegal, I won’t do it. It would be too much liability. Second, maturity is more important than anything else. Age is less important than maturity and personality. I think the age you both are is a big factor as well. For example, if you are both adults, six years isn’t such a big deal, but if you’re 16, six years is more influential.” – Mark Khaz, ASU ‘11 “He’d have to be within five years of my age. Any older or younger than that would put us in different phases of life, which makes a relationship too difficult or complicated to work. Or so I think.” – Walker McEwan, University of Georgia ‘07

How did you spend your first Valentine’s Day together? Marvin and Sylvia Gubin, married 62 years Sylvia: “You know, I can’t even remember!” Marvin: “I think we went to Shirlee’s for barbecue ribs.” How has having a baby changed your typical Valentine’ Day? “Valentine’s Day is, in a sense, more special now. Instead of just Rachel and me celebrating, we now include Jacob.” – Nathan Giblin, father of

2-year-old Jacob

azTeen staff, how do you keep the romance alive in your relationships? “Ryan and I have been able to keep our romance alive for the past four years, because we make our relationship a number one priority.

We have separate friends, hobbies, activities, and interests, but we always put our relationship first no matter what. It’s hard sometimes, especially because we live 35 miles away from one another and attend different schools, but with a little dedication, commitment, and trust, anyone can do it. We also like to stay away from the ordinary routine of dinner and a movie, and try to do activities we’ve never done before to keep things interesting!”

– Caitlin Cole, Gilbert ’10, who is azTeen’s Collegiate Editor and along with her boyfriend one of our cute-couple winners.

“He cleans up the dog vomit when I pretend I don’t see it and buys me peanut M&Ms even when I forget to ask and organizes all my sections of the Sunday New York Times. I manage all the money, even though I hate it as much as he does, and answer the kids when they ask questions that make him uncomfortable, such as ‘What does ‘gay’ mean?’ and ‘Menstruation. Can you tell me more?’ We get all of each other’s inside jokes because we’ve been together absolutely FOREVER, and every once in awhile we go somewhere totally alone. Last month, it was Vegas for our anniversary.” – Michelle Burgess, Editor-inChief, has been married to Mike, an English teacher at Gilbert, for a really, really long time.

“Every Friday for the past seven years we have had breakfast together. We speak several times a day, and we spend a lot of time together. After all this time, I still think he’s the smartest, sexiest man out there.”

– Founder and publisher Deb Rochford has been married to Terry for 21 years.

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I my fabulous vest “I love my black vest from Forever 21. I wear it with almost everything and it pretty much completes just about any outfit. It’s definitely my favorite article of clothing that I own and it is a major staple of my wardrobe.” – Rachelle Bramly, Dobson ‘10

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winter 2010

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, – Jamie Stack‘11 tain n u o M d Re

jamie

azTeen’s insightful mascot/ columnists answer teen’s toughest questions

a s k Co &

Dear Co & Ro,

I am a junior who likes to wear short skirts and low-cut tops – stuff that never breaks dress-code rules but always comes close. I am not trying to get attention – I just like how it looks. My parents say I look trashy. Shouldn’t I be allowed to express myself? I’m not hurting anyone. – Arielle, Peoria

Cody: Assuming you’re easy

on the eyes, then yeah, you’re not hurting anyone. And when it comes to what you’re trying to express with short skirts and teeny-weeny tops, well, all I can say is… me likey!

Roxy: See, that’s the problem

right there. You already understand that your clothes say something about you. Are you sure that they’re conveying the message you want to send?

Cody: The message I get when the goods are on display is “I’m ready to party!” Nothing wrong with that!

Roxy: I rest my case. All of us – guys and girls – make first impressions based at least somewhat on appearance. Unfortunately, the old adage is still true about there being some girls you take home to your mom and others you don’t. Cody: Eh, who wants to

meet my mom? She’s a real bitch! Get it?

Roxy: Ha ha, I get it – we’re

dogs, she’s a bitch, very funny. Anyway, Arielle, you should dress in a way that makes you feel good, not just physically comfortable but also comfortable in the image you are projecting. You’ll have to be the one to decide what that means for you. Right, Cody?

Cody: I got to say the b-word in azTeen Magazine. Friggin’ awesome! Disclaimer: Neither Cody nor Roxy are licensed clinical social workers.

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winter 2010

my story

less e m o h r o f O utreach h beneficiar y s a B s i s n e e t

downtown Phoenixor nearly two decades, th Services has been based HomeBase You less teens and young me ho reaching out to ills dical services, life-sk people, providing me g in lin nse cou se bu e-a training and substanc . Its transitional housing addition to food and u are yo : old eef thr is ves message to those it ser are u yo d an ct y of respe valued, you are worth welcomed here. perception, most home Contrary to popular eets str the on e liv to se” oo less youth didn’t “ch relling against their pa because they were reb y abusive all on oti em or ly cal ents. Most flee physi Midfrom back east or the situations. Many are re headwe y the se cau be re west and wind up he

ry yolanda’s sto

I had been sleepin g outside for abou t three months and was so tired of sleepin g outside and moving, having to go from house to house, one place to another. My sister is the on e who told me about HomeB ase Youth Service s. She said ‘HomeBase can he lp you, help you fin eat a meal.’ I wasn d a job and ’t sure I wanted to do it at first, but I decided to try it. I went to the Hom eBase Dustin D. W kel Center. I got sig olfswinned in with a case manager and received info rmation on all th e stuff they do. They asked m e if I would like to live at the transitional livin g facility, where yo u get three meals a day.

I knew nothing about teen homelessness when I agreed to become a part of HBYS’s teen adviso ry board. Having grown up in central Phoenix, I’ve spent my entire life involved in the activities close to my own home but was never fully aware of the rising problem of homelessness in kids my own age. I learne d some of the harsh facts about teen homelessness by witne ssing firsthand what these kids were going throu gh on a day-to-day basis living on the streets. After being a part of this experience, I’ve becom e convinced that this is an organization that needs as much help, love and support it can get. There are five of us on the committee, all juniors at local schoo ls such as Xavier, Desert Mountain and my schoo l, Arizona School for the Arts. Together we’ve work ed to

didn’t quite make it. ing to California and yder has seen some d HBYS proctor Bra Sn ar-old luding that of a 15-ye truly tragic cases, inc gle sin his apartment with boy who lived in an mom his en Wh . ily er fam mother and had no oth take to er ord ssing school in got sick, he began mi ne alo t lef s wa he died, care of her. When she and, y, no direction in life – no home, no mone ssed, mi d ha he l oo sch nt of because of the amou no education. forteens who are more HomeBase also offers act to d an r y to voluntee tunate the opportunit ools. program at their sch the for rs do ssa as amba all m fro t s involvemen The program welcome ys.org to learn more. hb it vis ; ns tee d intereste

Being in this prog ram has changed I have a paid inte rnship through Ho my life. m help keep the bu ildings clean. I am eBase. I now back on my feet. I mee tw a weekly basis; he ith a volunteer tutor on is helping me to study for the GED. A few months ag o I celebrated my birthday here. They de corated the room , made a birthday cake for me and gave me a gift. I just couldn’t believe th at people my age who had never met me be fore wa The birthday party nted to do this for me. was just a small everything. If it we part of ren’t for HomeBas e, I would not be here today.

plan birthday parties for teens that otherwise might be spending their birthdays alone and organ ized food and clothing drives. We also are working on bringing HomeBase into our schools and comm unities, our goal being to spread the word and increa se the knowledge among others. By volunteering, sharing my ideas and thoug hts, and working with others to help change the lives of these troubled teens, I feel that we are not only making a difference in our community, but that we are actually having a positive effect on the lives of real people. It’s an experience that I would recom mend to anyone. —Alex Pick, Arizona School for the Arts ‘11.

alex ’s stor y

Editor’s note: In this issue, azTeen introduces an occasional new feature in which real teens share their stories, focusing on how they were helped to get through a difficult time. This month, we are featuring accounts from a homeless teen who was helped by the programs at HomeBase Youth Services and that a teen who volunteers for the program. azTeen is excited to announce that HBYS will receive the gate proceeds from the azValenTeens Bash on Feb. 13. If you have a story to tell, submit your idea to mburgess@azteenmagazine.com.

winter 2010

azTeenmagazine.com

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winter 2010

! s t u O t u o h S

Compiled by Special Projects Editor Vivian Padilla

they do it? Who makes you smile and how do em

of th e smile; some y life make m m e people in th le s op pe nd ant st frie be y m er d Many import si on c being st friends. I feeling like I m ut ho it w d include my be un ro a h other etely myself We make eac . m a I I can be compl ho w r nds make me ey love me fo My best frie . er th judged, and th ge to by my side crazy things lp me and be he ill w ey laugh and do th on, and I know a strong pers t. no matter wha ‘10

Seeing m doesn t liv y best friend who e in at the Jo the same city concert m nas Brother s akes me s mile! -Emma Mendenhall , Rincon ‘1 0

, Desert Mountain Alaina Belzner

Feeling super short kes me feel awesome andma me smile, because I knmakes Paine, and Quinn couldow that never beat me at hide-n-se ek. Alexis Gonzalez, Xavier’10

osse he lacr smile. t n o ls The gir ys make me and lwa t, team a what we wan stly. In o We, d ll pretty bea being we re a ture, we are oming. this pic before homec 1 rizon ‘1 beastly eath, Ho Taylor H

Kenda l B eas mak smile lb willingne ecause ofesh me in greatss to dress eur costum p -Natalie Py es.” lman, Arcadia ‘10

My g Christa irlfriend adorableby giving me the grea looks and test hu gs! -Jess Pfisthner

d makes My boyfrien it sounds now me smile, I k ut honestly b , hé lic c very ry day is an ve E . e ru t s it nd we grow adventure a e together and more and mor time he looks ry I love it. Eve help but smile t n a c I e m t a he is mine. t ha t knowing

Chaparral

‘11

Who makes m e Old Navy, you smile is the people at know the mann equins? Yeah! They a re hilarious th rough their silent co nversations! Jemila Whitner , Arizona Virtual

Academy ‘10

y ‘11 Amber Hale, Perr

My wonderful boyfriend is always able to get a smile out of me. No matter what mood I m in, he always knows how to perk me up. Whether it be his silly faces, or the little grin he gets when he does something wrong. As soon as I hear his voice on the phone at night, a smile crosses my face and my day is complete.

As far as things go, life and music make me smile and as far as people go, Jenna Handley makes me smile, because all three things are amazing. -Brant Stuns, Brophy ‘11

-Carly Bartol, Gilbert ‘10

winter 2010

azTeenmagazine.com

My best friends constantly make me smile by all being unique and completely different. We always do really random things together, like running around town having photo shoots. -Megan Mitchell, Xavier ‘10

Winning the Homecoming Powderpuff game makes us smile! Seniors 2010!

-Nick DeSantiago, Brophy’10 and Lauren Mueller, Xavier ‘10

er can My sist ake me m always e is truly h smile! S friend. my best Sunrise Mountain ‘13 owski, Dani Butk

“Debating matters of national politics makes us smile, even if it does mean giving up our Friday and Saturday nights for tournaments.” - Maya Sarihan, Chaparral ‘12

My friends, because no matter how stressed out I get with school and everything else chaotic in my life, I know my friends will always be there to keep me focused, and they will love me no matter what. -Monika Vinje, Notre Dame ‘12

Chiara Scarcella s so makes me smile. She Plus, adorable and bubbly! model she s an amazing roleme to and always inspires and make good decisions no stay true to myselfmatter what. Julie Greenwood, Corona

‘11

kes an ma e no e B g s my do ile becau t she m a s f e w m er ho ays matt s I will alw ! t r ge e he ns, o lov Fitzsimm ‘10 Maggie Chaparral

-Anita Shannon,

The people who make us smile are the cross country girls when they win the region meet!

tin My friend, Jussmile e Flores makes m me. gs hu when he

I have neve r smiled so big as w hen I met my favorit e band, Parachut e. They ar e absolutel y amazing . Chaparral ‘10

-Emilie Twilling, Saguaro ‘11 and Cary Rider, Saguaro ‘12

rth ‘10 Dariss Beale, No

My hilarious friends and family because every day gs there are those little thin t in life that others don really notice, but they do, they will make a little joke about it and that always makes me smile!

Dancing w ith my Chan d Un itown

ler

makes mefamily -Marina Harden smile! , DV’12

Maddie Giancola, Xavier ‘12

My friends because no matter what they say, ev en if it doesn t make sense, it always makes me laugh. -Amelia Drumm, Xavier ‘13

kes Mi amiga Alex ma r! he ot no e lik ile me sm she Although to many en she s wh y, sh em may se wild child with me her inner en we wh e lik , er ov s take bor s snuck into a neighbe total to ht nig at yard es! creepers in costum Vivian Padilla, Arcadia

’10

My best friend Emily, she s the one person I can count on to tell the truth, no matter what I ask her. -Corina Delgado, Sunnyslope ‘10

Gina Minechello,t, ar she s funny, smis and always er herself! No matting! ar we s e what sh

yslope ‘10 Hanna Dunn, Sunn

azTeenmagazine.com

n railia Aust lways y m , Sage . She is a I feel d if herd Shep see me, an dle with o u t c d happy n always feel safe! a c e sad I e makes m igley ‘12 H h , y S her. Brackne -Cole

Next month: My family and me. Send submissions to mburgess@azteenmagazine.com winter 2010

Hands

off!

“He made it seem like being with him was the only way to be happy, and I believed him” 22

winter 2010

nless you were living under a rock, you couldn’t miss the news last year about the beatdown Rihanna took from her then-boyfriend, Chris Brown. Her battered face stared out from tabloid covers and the debate raged: Forgive him or boycott his music? The celebrity scandal shone a light on what is an all-too-common problem that crosses every socioeconomic, racial and geographic line and affects women and girls of all ages. Relationship abuse happens far more than most teenagers could ever imagine. In fact, look into the faces of your classmates as you walk through the halls today and remember this: research shows that 1 in 10 teenage girls is physically abused by her boyfriend, and females 16 to 24 experience the highest abuse rate of any age group. Sarah* and Janelle are sisters who attend the same Valley high school. Smart, athletic, popular and attractive, the sisters say they have supportive parents and were raised to feel good about themselves. And yet both were physically abused by boyfriends in the past. Perhaps even more astounding, both kept their abuse a secret from those closest to them. “I didn’t want my mom to be disappointed in me, and I felt stupid that I let it happen,” Sarah says. While her relationship with her abuser lasted less than three months, the effect he had on her psyche lingered much longer. “It took me a long time to feel worthy of being treated well.” Janelle’s abusive relationship was also short-lived but difficult to move past. Her then-boyfriend

azTeenmagazine.com

hit her only once, when they were in the middle of an argument. Though her family was just a few feet away, she didn’t say a word. “I don’t know why I didn’t say anything,” she says. “I can’t explain it.” Katie, a senior, was verbally abused by her long-term boyfriend. Unlike Sarah and Janelle’s boyfriends, Katie’s didn’t just lash out when he was frustrated or angry but instead manipulated her into doing things she didn’t want to do and made her feel guilty on a daily basis. “He made it seem like being with him was the only way to be happy, and I believed him,” she says. Still, Katie made an attempt to get away. “I stood up for myself,” she says, “but when I tried to break up with him the first time, he threatened to hurt himself. I knew he was just using emotional blackmail as a last resort to control me again, but he was so convincing, and the last thing I wanted was to feel guilty about him being really injured.” Julia’s boyfriend cheated on her and lied to her, and yet, she says, “I would feel guilty about confronting him about rumors I would hear. He would lie about being faithful to me, and made me feel like a horrible girlfriend for listening to what other people would tell me, even though most of the time it was true.” Julia’s relationship, like many high school relationships gone bad, began to control her life. “Our relationship distanced me from my friends, family and aspirations because it was so emotionally demanding. I realized that he was getting in the way of my dreams, and that even

Photos: Alexis Mancio, North ‘10

Relationship violence is more common than you think

though I had pushed them away, my friends and family will be there for me to fall back on when I need them most.” There are plenty of guys out there who would never, ever mistreat their girlfriends, either physically or emotionally. But what about those who, like Chris Brown, eventually have to own up to their actions? Parker* not only abused his partner but was abused by her in return.“Things got way out of hand” he says. “It would happen sometimes when we were mad at each other about something or one of us didn’t get our way – stuff as stupid as that.” Parker says he learned a lot from the situation that he was in, and grew up as a person because of it. “I have definitely become less abusive and I don’t put up with abuse from anyone else,” he says. “I learned so much from my past experience and found positives in it and moved on. It taught me so much: to be trustworthy, less judgmental and obviously less abusive.” Both Sarah and Janelle are in good relationships now with boyfriends who have never shown a hint of violence. And that, says Janelle, is how it will be from now on. “It was a wake-up call,” she says. “It made me realize that you never know who is capable of acting like that, and it made me very sure that I will never, ever let myself be disrespected like that again. No one should put up with that.” – Emily Piskulick, Xavier ‘10

azTeenmagazine.com

winter 2010

that special

something Why do some relationships last

while others tank?

alk down your school’s halls and eye every couple that walks by. “Wasn’t she just dating that one kid on the swim team? Didn’t he cheat on her with a blonde in the bathroom? I thought they broke up during fourth hour?” are probable questions that come to mind. Then you spot that one couple that’s been together for as long as you can remember. How do they do it? How do some couples manage to defy the odds when most high school relationships fizzle out after a couple of months? Arcadia senior Katie Lee will have been in a relationship with Stan Jakubczyk, a senior at Villa de Marie Academy, for two years this spring. She says that while the stereotypes that high school couples don’t last “is not a lie, but I think it’s a rare thing to come by. There are a lot of things that can strain high school relationships.” Katie and Stan don’t claim to be immune from those strains. “We’ve had our bumpy times,” Stan says. “It’s usually just one of us doing something stupid or just not thinking. It can be very difficult at times – it’s not always a smooth ride. We have had our problems, but we work with each other to get through them.” Paige Freese agrees. The Arcadia senior has been dating

winter 2010

her boyfriend, Jordan Firman, for two years. She admits that “when we get in a fight, they’re kinda evil” but stresses that the two of them always “talk about our problems after we have both calmed down.” Jordan says that the duration of their relationship is due to keeping things in perspective. “Part of it is we agree on most things, and the little things we disagree on we can put to the side.” Every couple is different, but those who have been together for a long time seem to offer a lot of the same advice: communicate, apologize, listen, accept imperfection, have fun together, and be honest. More than just always having a date to take to the dance, a long-term relationship can provide a sense of security and happiness to those who can make it work. The joys and experiences of not just hooking up with a stranger at some party, but rather being dedicated to just one person will make a couple grow intellectually as well as emotionally. Katie offers three final bits of wisdom: “Talk on the phone every day, be honest and make sure you are best friends with them,” she says. “If you can really put their best interest in mind, then your relationship will be stronger on many different levels.” – Vivian Padilla, Arcadia ‘10

Other long-termers offer their tips for

relationship success

“We have both learned not to bottle our feelings up when we get mad at each other.” – Rebecca Ann Chiffelle, Arcadia ’12, has been dating Myles Kramer, Arcadia ’12, for nine months. He says: “Usually what brings us together after a fight or argument is just spending time together. It’s easy to forgive by thinking about how much she really means to me.”

seriously.” — Conner Treude, Horizon 11, has been dating Valeria Berg for a year and a half. She says: “You need to be able to joke around and have fun together.”

“Every relationship is different, but for us the reason it works so well is because we are honest and we trust each other. For example, if we think someone else is attractive, we tell each other and make it into “If you are with the right person, the rela- a joke instead of letting it become a big tionship never seems forced. Anything you secret. Also, we are just interested in a lot do together is fun – things don’t have to of the same things. We do clubs together be a big production all the time, and we and we take some of the same classes. We are never, ever bored together. You have do fight, but we never let the fights get out to compromise with each other and never of proportion. Like, we wouldn’t let a fight take each other for granted. We care as over him not buying me lunch last longer much about each other’s happiness as we than like five minutes, whereas some coudo about our own, we trust each other and ples dwell on stuff like that.” — Madison we are really good for each other.” — HilLevine, Saguaro ’11, has been dating Ian lary Burgess, Gilbert ’10, has been dating Herschberg for three years. Matt Peterson, also Gilbert ’10, for a year and a half. “Do take it slow. If you rush into things, “Even though you’re in a long-term relathere’s a bigger tionship, make sure not to isolate yourself chance you’ll be let and make time for other people. It will down in the end. Always make you appreciate the time you spend remember that the relawith your boyfriend/girlfriend that much tionship is more important than any stupid more meaningful.” — Kayli Rosenberger, arguments that may come up. Do random Notre Dame ‘10, has been in a relation- acts that show you care, and always be ship for a year and a half. open about what’s on your mind. Don’t compare whoever you’re dating to some“Love is a wonderful thing that can take one else. Everyone has flaws, and inhold of anyone at any time, but beware of stead of trying too hard to fix them, just placing all of your eggs into one basket. realize what they are and make the best The key to a successful long-term relation- of it.” — Ruthie Berk, Desert Mountain ship is achieving a balance between your ’11, has been in a relationship for significant other, friends, family and other eight months. activities.” — Sarah Miles, Horizon ’11, has been dating Jacob Penney for more “Don’t cheat. Don’t than two and a half years. lie. Don’t get too jealous. Do be understand“To make a relaing. Do get to know tionship work, there everything you can about needs to be a little the person. Do be honunderstanding, be full of est.” — Christine Rohacz, fresh and silly ideas, and Phoenix Country Day ‘12, has been in a shouldn’t be taken too relationship for 13 months.

azTeenmagazine.com

d n a s y o b Mama’sy’s girls? arents Daensdstrd se to their p lo c y ta s to uggle Some te

or Mikayla Gallegos, the end of seventh period means the beginning of the weekend. To see the hottest new film of the week with her two best friends, to go on a date with the guy she’s had a crush on for months. As the minutes tick by, adrenaline begins to rush through her as she anticipates her plans. There’s just nothing in the world that could stop her now – well, except her parents. The Sunnyslope senior hasn’t told them anything about her plans. Like Mikayla, many teenagers find it hard to be open with their parents. Kept busy with school, dating, friends and work, teens sometimes find themselves too preoccupied to do more than exchange a word or two in passing with Mom and Dad. Mikayla says that when she was younger her relationship with her mom was great, but as she got older it all fizzled away. ”Every weekend we would go out to breakfast or lunch and I’d give her the 411 of the week,” she says. “But after my first year of high school, I had changed so much. With the type of friends, guys, even what I’d wanted to be. I just had no connection with my mom as I use to. It was just me and my friends from there on out, and when I got my license I was never home.” Central senior Alicia Valenzuela doesn’t think that much openness with her parents is needed, and it’s certainly not wanted. “I believe that what I do in my social life is mine,” she says. “It’s best not to tell, simply because parents were our age at one point. So they must surely have an idea on what we’re doing.” But not all students are quite so distant from their parents.

Dysart senior Brianna Ocotillo explains that she has a very open relationship with her mother – in fact, it’s part of her daily schedule. “I didn’t get my license until the end of my junior year, so unlike most of my friends, I’d end up waiting to get picked up by my mom,” she says. “At first, I’ll admit that I wasn’t up to it. I was so embarrassed that I had to wait with the younger kids. But after a while I got over it. I’d ask her how was her day, and she’d do the same. It had just become part of my everyday life, I had noticed that we have a stronger connection because of it and I‘m truly happy for that. I also know that if I tell my mom something, I can trust that it would just end up being between us and not half the school.” Mary Lopez is the mom of a Sunnyslope student and says that she had to work hard to have a good relationship with her daughter. “I noticed when my daughter turned 15 that she started to slip away,” she says. “I don’t blame her for wanting to hang around her friends, but I missed her. By the second semester of her freshmen year she was slipping not just in her grades, but in her personality. I had found out that she had been stressing and losing weight, getting pale because she wasn’t eating properly; it was upsetting to me. I was upset with myself for not opening my eyes. Now that she’s a senior and healthy, I know that I can sleep at night and our relationship has never been better.” – Bianca Armenta, Sunnyslope ’10, and Morgan Brewster, Sunrise Mountain ‘10 azTeenmagazine.com

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winter 2010

the

insiders

Compiled by Collegiate Editor Caitlin Cole

Our savvy collegians give the lowdown on what life on campus is really like

Any advice to high eir ut th school seniors abom s? first weeks on ca pu

Dakota Gartner Santa Barbara Community College sophomore “Look for housing early. I have been forced to live in a very small house with five other guys and have been subjected to drug addicts and thief roommates, so just do your research and find out what you’re up against. Read what’s assigned and do the homework and you will be okay in your classes. If there’s a point where you’re stuck, go to the tutors. They’ve helped me every time.”

Adriana Desiderado UofA sophomore

“Definitely get involved. Especially on a huge campus like UofA, if you don’t get involved it will just be really hard to adjust.”

Naomi Tasky UofA sophomore Ellie Spresser

“I highly recommend getting involved in college early. Getting involved makes it fun and helps to make it feel like it isn’t just all about the studying. However, when it comes to studying, make sure to set a study schedule for yourself early in the year. Find a place outside of your dorm room where you can focus. If your college offers a class or seminar about good study habits, take it! It may seem lame or like a waste of time, but it helped me out immensely.”

“I would say that getting involved in college is a really great way to meet new people and feel like you belong on campus. Whether you get involved in an academic club, Greek life or dorm life, do something that makes you a part of a group that you might not otherwise get the chance to know.”

Chrissy Stockwell

Cottey College senior

NAU sophomore

“Studying is very, very, very necessary, and college is way harder than you think it is going to be. Get involved in groups that interest you – it is a great way to meet people with similar interests as you and it will keep you busy. But at the same time, don’t try to do absolutely everything, because that will only make life frustrating and impossible.”

Diana Robles Harvard senior

“Be exciting, and don’t be afraid to try new things. At first it’ll be hard to balance everything out, what with studying, extracurricular activities and building new friendships. Just be open and honest with yourself and others, monitor what you can and cannot handle and never be afraid to ask for help. Most of all, be sure to have fun, and be safe. It’s going to be a strange and new journey, but it’s going to be a blast.”

Jaime de la Cruz ASU junior

“Incoming freshman should definitely get involved in campus clubs. If there aren’t any that are of interest, then it is not a bad idea to start your own club and run events. It shows great leadership and you’ll be surprised to see the amount of support and help available on the college campus.”

Christine Sperco University of Miami sophomore

“College is what you make of it. You can decide right now if you are going to like college or not. It is not going to be perfect, and there are going to be times when it is going to seem overwhelming. Focus on each day as it comes at you. I once heard some advice about time management that discussed how it is best to look at your day in blocks of time. In high school you go to school from about 8 to 4, but in college your schedule can be crazy and inconsistent.”

Katie Petersen UofA sophomore

“I would advise high school seniors to apply for campus housing as soon as they know where they are going. The longer you wait, the less of a chance you have of getting a dorm. Even if you are trying to choose between a few schools, apply for housing at both. I waited to apply for housing because I was still trying to decide between colleges and I almost didn’t get a dorm.”

Sam Lowy ASU sophomore

“Utilize your campus library as much as possible. It may seem so lame to bury yourself with your books in some corner of the library, but that geek-like status will bring you scholar-like grades. As for getting involved: DON’T HOLD BACK! Personally, I made the effort to get involved with ASU Comedy within the first week of school and am now the director of the improv troupe. It has given me such a great opportunity to balance out my studies with extracurricular.”

winter 2010

Jake Becker ASU sophomore

“On housing, do your research as to where your dorm is located. If you want to get any studying done, find the quiet end of campus. If you are at ASU, go south. If you want a social scene, go north. It is important to realize that you won’t get any studying done if you are in the party section.”

Nicky Vandewater ASU sophomore Becky Barber

“I really recommend branching away from your parents and living on campus instead of at home. At first I was very hesitant about it, but living in a dorm at ASU has been one of the best decisions I ever made. It was so much easier to attend school activities and get together with friends to study or work on projects together. It was nice to make decisions for myself without having the pressure of what my parents will think.”

Rebecca Stanley

University of Richmond sophomore

“Try something. Try everything. College is the best and almost the last opportunity you will get to explore your passions. Try a new sport, a new hobby, a new academic interest, even if you think it won’t interest you at all. You just might be surprised and find a great thing that you might otherwise have missed out on.” azTeenmagazine.com

ASU junior

“I lived on campus my first two years of college. Some of the housing is sketchy, but the experience is amazing. You are more connected to the school and other kids who are dealing with the same things you are. Plus, not having to wake up early to get to class on time is nice.”

Nicolas Parke

University of Texas senior

“I would recommend that all entering freshman stay on campus in a dorm if possible. Even though they are not as nice as off-campus apartments, it is really easy to meet people and that is important, especially if going to a big school.”

Fashion merchandising and design merge at Collins College

The bottom line:

Fashion-field salaries Fashion Designer: $44,000 Store Manager: $48,000 Store Buyer: $36,000 Personal Shopper: $30,000 Pattern Maker: $42,000 Technical Designer: $38,000 Vendor Representative: $50,000

The real-life Project Runway

I want to be...

Says student Laquitta Moore, “I like that there is a lot to do besides schoolwork. There are so many fun opportunities and ways to get involved.” Around Thanksgiving time, the students designed and crafted new clothes for stuffed-animal turkeys and donated them to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Each turkey was then sold and the money was used to purchase holiday meals. Future aspirations of the students include owning their own boutiques, working in New York City’s fashion industry, and becoming top fashion designers. Laquitta wants to have her own shoe collection and perhaps her own clothing line too.

Fashion Stylist: $33,000 (Based on the Average Salaries in the United States; rounded to the nearest thousand)

Percentage of students nationally who go to college out of state.

– Mikaela Gibson, Chaparral ‘10

Source: USA Today

“Specializing in Teens” h e

egies. “By combining fashion design and merchandising, our graduates are more marketable to future employees,” Bissing says. Taught by professors currently working in the fashion industry, the classes are specifically designed to help each student develop the necessary design and business skills. The students will create an ongoing portfolio that showcases their best pieces. Prior to graduation, the senior class will host a fashion show displaying all of their hard work. Along with the required coursework, the students take field trips, help out at local fashion shows and volunteer their time and resources. For example, they have already assisted at Phoenix Fashion Week and plan to be more actively involved this year at Scottsdale Fashion Week.

With its unique combination of both fashion design and merchandising, the new Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Collins College is off to a great start. The program, introduced in September, is the only one if its kind in Arizona and offers students a wide variety of classes and cocurricular activities to participate in. Rather than semesters, the program is divided into 10-week quarters that continue year round. Unless a student falls behind, they will not have any classes on Fridays and can expect to graduate in about three years. “The students are so enthusiastic and excited; it’s contagious and inspiring,” says Department Chair Nicole Bissing. Classes range from Evolution of Fashion and Textile Design to Business Law and Pricing Strat-

counted.

CGCC has small class sizes, so I’m not just a number.

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Chandler

Compiled by Chandler students Karen Loschiavo ‘10, Connor Pickett ‘09, Shelby Slade ‘11, Lizzy Riecken ‘10, Hailey Davis ‘09, Raul Uriarte ‘09 and Dy Le ‘09.

the pride of

Wolf Pack builds on tradition as C-town’s original high school

The familiar creaks and groans of Old Main’s nearly 100-year-old floors greet Chandler students every morning. While most students are accustomed to the strange noises the old building makes, some believe it is the Chandler High spirit roaming the halls. CHS has a rich history that began in 1912 when it became the very first high school built in Chandler. Today, a diverse group of over 3,200 students from all types of backgrounds come together to form the loud and proud Wolf Pack. The tight-knit, open-minded group of students is not the only thing Chandler has to offer. The International Baccalaureate program is one of the best academic programs in the state, and the sports teams excel in every area. In fact, the girl’s track team has been number one in the state five years in a row. Chandler is also equipped with state-of-theart facilities for the film, robotics, graphic design, photography, swim and automotive technology programs. Chandler High is a place where everyone can find their niche and find success.

hat I hiteisard Here’s w ts tell it like Studen

p: rep: “From what I’veand seen, Chandler welcoming.” T he re Thestuden ts are friendly Carlos, Xavier ‘12

T responshee:

— Catrina

“So, there are actually a lot of cliqu and stereotypes, despite what people may think abouest Chan These primarily generate from races, extra dler at first. activities, and social status. The feelin curricular for the need to fit in will exist at any school. While we gare school, there are still many stereotypes a very diverse you will see in the hallways. While most are just for g purposes, some can be hurtful and derogatory.” –jokin Louie Chavez, ‘11

“I heard that Chandler keeps a live wolf in their locker room.” – Manny Lopez, St. Mary’s ’10, a football while in

player who claims to have heard the wolf CHS’s visitors’ locker room

“Oh, those are just all of our girls the locker room before they tame their bump its. Just kiddining! school spirit bottled up in there.” – Katie !t’s actually just our Frederick , ‘10

“I hear there are a lot of gang-related problems there.” – Anonymous, Shadow Mountain ‘12 “Every school has its gangs. It’s all abou t meeting the right people.” –Jillian Berk, ‘10

winter 2010

azTeenmagazine.com

Wolves, what makes “The diversity, the mixture of people and how people get along. And also the teachers are committed to the

students.” – Terry Lewis-Martin, ‘12

“Its classes and sports, its lunch, (and) teachers who care about the children’s education and how they want them to succeed.” – Takerra Waters, ‘13 “It has the IB program and off-campus lunches, so I think students have a little more freedom than they normally would at other schools.” – Kelsey Haueser, ‘10 “It’s because we have such a mixture of students that everyone can not only get along with their own group but can also relate

The Scene: Where to find Wolves on the prowl

CHS unique? to everyone at this school. You have different things in common with different groups.” – Kenna Nielson, ‘10 “The first people who graduated at Chandler High graduated on the same field that I’m going to graduate on.” – Raquel Perez, ‘11 “It’s the oldest, it’s the most well-known, and it’s one of the only schools in Arizona to have IB.” – Lauren Kiser, ‘11 “There’s a ghost here. That’s pretty cool.” – Macklin Fitch ‘11 “We have cool people here, actually. And we’re really good at everything we do. We’re not, like, downers. We don’t suck at anything.” – Megan Gilbert, ‘11

Los Favoritos Taco Shop “Chandler High is unique because we have off campus lunch and the student body is full of spirit.” – Elsa Duarte, ‘11

Daphne Reyes, sophomore; “I think the girls’ basketball program makes our school unique because a bond is formed yearround. We work together all year and grow closer together.” – Daphne Reyes, ‘12 “We have more freedom for lunch, the schedule helps us get through the day faster, and the teachers care and want us to be successful.” – Ryan Knapik, ‘12 – Hector Salas Almeida and Connor Pickett

Chandler Boulevard in downtown Chandler Chandler students love burritos, especially ones from Los Favs. With the bean and cheese burritos priced at a mere $2.20, Los Favs is always buzzing with CHS students. The laid-back atmosphere and the late hours make it a perfect after-hours hangout, and you are always bound to run into a familiar face while chilling there.

Elmer’s

Arizona Avenue in downtown Chandler At lunch, Elmer’s is the most popular place for Chandler kids to eat. It’s right across the street from the school, and the $4.50 Student Special with sauce is like a fiesta in the mouth. Elmer’s has been a CHS tradition for years and is a lunch favorite for just about everyone.

dents head to Jump Street. From 8 to 10 on Fridays, high school-age students pay only $12 for two hours of pure, bouncy excitement.

Chandler Fashion Center Frye/Chandler Boulevard and the 101 With hundreds of stores, the Chandler mall never gets old. The enormous Forever 21 and Tilly’s are two favorites for Wolves’ apparel. On Friday nights, the food court and the attached Harkins movie theater are always buzzing with CHS students.

The Wolf Den

Contrary to popular belief, the Wolf Den is not where Chandler keeps its pet wolf. But if you are looking for an athlete after school, the Wolf Den is the place to find him or her. A new addition to Chandler, The Wolf Den is the home of the locker rooms and training room.

Sonic

Ray Road and Arizona AvenueSonic is the place to be after school. Happy Hour is from 2 to 4, so Slushes and icy cool drinks are dirt cheap. With Slush flavors ranging from blue Powerade to chocolate, the possibilities are endless.

Jump Street

Warner and the 101 Filled with wall-to-wall trampolines, Jump Street is brand new to Chandler but is already a huge hit. Instead of going to the mall on Friday nights, stu-

azTeenmagazine.com

Arrowhead Park

A popular hangout for Wolves, Arrowhead Park is equipped with four tennis courts, a huge field with a path for jogging, multiple ramadas, a public pool and baseball fields. The brand-new jungle gym is also a huge hit with CHS students who want to get in touch with their inner child. winter2010

Compiled by Last Word Editor Lindsey Halfhill

What is your most prized possession? “My most prized possession is my “abstinence makes the heart grow fonder” lanyard. I carry my keys on it, it shows my beliefs and it always gets a smile.” —Jeff Coltin, Brophy ‘11

“A bullet shell from my grandfather’s funeral, because he was in the military and was a great, loving person.” – Michael Thompson,

Trevor G. Browne ‘11

“That’s my daughter Arianna. She’s the sweetest thing anyone could dream of, and she does this quirky face that’s like ‘Um,you know I’m a diva!’ She’s my firstborn and only kid, my only true possession.” —Shante Smith, Tempe Accelerated ‘10

“My most prized possession would probably be my dogs because they are always there for me and give me their unconditional love.”

—Betsy Griffen, Notre Dame ‘12

“My heart necklace, because my dad gave it to me on Valentine’s Day the year he died.” —Mimi Litchey, Greenway ‘10

“My most prized possession is my camera, because photography is the one thing I would like to do when I am older. It is a way for me to express myself through art.” —Ebbie Wickstrom, Arcadia ‘10 “My prized possession is my diary, but I don’t call it my diary because that sounds too girly! I just call it my journal.” —Tarah McKeever, Notre Dame ‘11 30

winter 2010

“My iPod, because at the end of the day it always says what I want to hear.” —Anthony Rios, North ‘10

“My Chicago Bears helmet-phone is my most prized possession, because it was one of the first of it’s kind and it’s been handed down through two generations of family to me.”

—Jacob Cole, Desert Vista ‘12

“My phone is my most prized possession because it lets me plan fun things to do.”

“My prized possession is my stuffed husky my brother gave to me when I was little. It represents our relationship and how well we get along.” — Elliot Goldberg, Phoenix Country Day ‘12 —Lexi Larson, Notre Dame ‘11

“My most prized possession is my computer, because I do everything on it! It’s basically my life. Plus, I’m such a techie. It makes me happy.” —Matt Harvery, Saguaro ‘11

“My most prized possession is my moon frog necklace that I got in Costa Rica. I wear it all the time and it reminds me to always be positive, no matter what.” — Hilary Novatt, Chaparral ‘10

“I would have to say my tablet, because I love to write short stories and I write them all on my tablet.”

—Nikki Sanders, Chaparral ‘11

“My Kairos stone is my most prized possession. Despite just being a small stone with only the number 100 inscribed on it, the stone symbolizes the brotherhood and family built on the Brophy Kairos retreat.” —Patrick Miller, Brophy ‘10

“My iPod. Without it, I’d lose my rhythm!

—Fiona Bodagas, Sunnyslope ‘10 azTeenmagazine.com

“My most prized possession would most definitely have to be my guitar, because in any situation I can play it and it always puts me in a good mood.” —Zach Ruiz, Brophy ’11 “Without a doubt, my Tivo. How else am I expected to catch up on Rock Of Love marathons?”

—Alisha Meschkow, Horizon ‘11

“My necklace that I almost always wear, because it reminds me of a place of which brings me such serenity. It was custommade in Jerusalem, and says “my heart is in the east, but I am at thve far ends of the west” on one side, and “this too, is for the good” on the other. —Sinead McIntyre, Central ‘10

“My guitar, because it gets me all the ladies.” —Colin Johnson,

Corona ‘10

“I’d say that my chalk wall is my most prized possession. Anytime anyone comes into my room, the first thing they’ll say is, “Where’s the chalk?” It’s bound to cheer me up, even on the worst day, considering it’s covered with brightly colored drawings, sayings, and nonsense contributed by my friends. I don’t even mind the dust.” —Betsy Ochoa, Gilbert ‘10

university spotlight:

Key Facts: CONTACT > 3300 W. Camelback Road > >

Phoenix, AZ 85017 www.gcu.edu/azt Admissions: 888-280-3970

OVERVIEW > > > > > > ore than just a four-year education, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is an exciting living and learning environment that will cultivate your growth physically, mentally, and spiritually. As a GCU student, you’ll enjoy:

What’s campus like? > On campus dorms and apartments > Gourmet coffee shop, Latté Dah > Amazing recreation pool > Beautiful 90-acre park-like environment

What about fun? > > > >

Division II sports Student government Community outreach Mission trips

Why Phoenix?

Why GCU? > > > >

12:1 student-teacher ratio Professors know you by name Wide variety of degree programs Campus and online classes

> Over 300 days of sunshine each year > Five major professional sports teams > Year-round hiking, biking, golf, etc. > Expansive shopping malls

For more information, call 888-280-3970 or

COSTS AND AID (ESTIMATED) > 2009-2010 undergraduate in-state > > > >

www.gcu.edu/azt

tuition (academic year): $16,500 2009-2010 undergraduate out-of-state tuition (academic year): $16,500 Scholarships: Yes Grants: Yes Loans: Yes

ADMISSION CRITERIA > Required GPA: 2.75 or higher > High School or College Transcript >

visit

Institutional control: Private School type: Four-year Academic calendar: Semesters Religious affiliation: Christian Campus students: 1,200 Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

Required: Yes Application deadline: Rolling admission Application fee: None

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. (800-621-7440; http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/).

azTeen

Articles inside

Who makes you smile and how do they do it?

Collins College debuts fashion program

Chandler High is C-town original