2015-12-18

IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2901 MELROSE AVE.

IOWA CITY, IA 52246

WSSPAPER.COM

VOLUME 48 ISSUE 3

DECEMBER 18, 2015

QUOI ENCORE? WHAT NEXT?

2015 2016

WINTER SPORTS

CONTENTS

12 16 32 42

PROFILE CALE SCHOON

Rubik’s cube aficionado Cale Schoon ’18 talks to the WSS about his achievements.

FEATURE UNCOVERING STIGMA

The West Side Story takes a closer look at the stigma against depression at West High.

ENTERTAINMENT THE RETURN OF STAR WARS

With the long-awaited seventh installment of Star Wars hitting theaters today, learn more about some of West’s biggest Star Wars fans.

SPORTS

MAKING THE CUT

WSS investigates how dieting in wrestling can affect an athlete’s performance on the mat, at home and in the classroom.

LETTER EDITORS

FROM THE

Winter is here, and with it has come a slew of tragic events. In this issue, we chose to expand on these events with our longest cover story ever, one that evaluates the initial Paris attacks and its aftermath overseas and in the United States. Every student, teacher and member of the community we interviewed offered a unique perspective on these occurrences, widening our own understanding on how these events are affecting us all.

We hope that you will take time to read through these stories and hopefully learn something new.

Karen

CORRECTION

In the Nov. 6 issue of the West Side Story, an article on Planned Parenthood gave faulty information. In a graphic visualizing common services provided by Planned Parenthood, abortion was incorrectly labeled as the secondmost commonly used service at 34%. Abortion is actually the second-least common service at 3% with contraception being the second-most used service. The WSS regrets this error.

SURPRISE

For a WSS holiday present, tear off the cover of this edition to reveal a special 2015-16 winter sports poster.

PHOTO BY JEREMY HU COVER DESIGN & ART BY SIMRAN SARIN

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1

COVERAGE VISIT

WSSPAPER.COM

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CLUB CONNECTION: CERAMICS CLUB West High is filled to the brim with clubs of every type, leaving some unknown to many. Take a look into a new addition to the clubs at West.

DASH FOR DASHIELL 2015 Community members and students were brought together on a two-mile glow run to honor Dashiell Codd’s eighth birthday.

4 WEB TEASER DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

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TEACHERS MAKE THANKSGIVING MEAL FOR ELL STUDENTS Language teachers have prepared a traditional Thanksgiving meal for ELL students for the past seven years.

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JOHN HUSTON, POLAR EXPLORER

John Huston visited Fin & Feather on Dec. 4 to speak about his journey as a Polar explorer.

NEWS

COMPILED BY MASON WANG

WEST GRAD NY TIMES BESTSELLER

West High and University of Iowa graduate Tim Johnston was named Iowa Author of the Year by the Des Moines Public Library in October. His winning novel, Descent, was published this year.

Descent is a thriller that focuses

on a teen named Caitlin and her family, who discover the terrors of the Rocky Mountains.

“I wanted it to be the kind of story I loved to read before I knew the world made a distinction between a great story and great writing. I

wanted it to be both,” Johnston said. The book became a part of many bestseller lists.

“The family’s collapse and Caitlin’s suffering are unspeakably sad. There were times when I

had to put the book down,” a Washington Post review said.

“I’ve read many variations on this theme, some quite good, but never one as powerful as Tim Johnston’s Descent.”

You can leave a class if the teacher doesn’t show up after 15 minutes

TWITTER TALK Q: What is your New Years Resolution?

You have to sit in your class and do nothing if the teacher decides to be tardy.

BUSTED New temporaries are coming

Construction is happening in front of the West Wing entrance. “We’re going to be taking out temporary rooms two and three,” said Molly Abraham. “Those classes will move over.” The old rooms are getting difficult to repair. The school is hoping to get them in before winter break, and they will be in front of the ninth grade center.

CONFIRMED

You can walk through closed hallways during lunch

WEST SIDE WORD zero-tasking (verb).

The act of doing exactly ZERO tasks simultaneously.

Doing absolutely nothing. (In contrast to doing lots of things at once, which is commonly called multi-tasking.)

While many have mastered the skill of multitasking, I have mastered the art of zero-tasking.

“Sorry buddy, I’m busy zero-tasking right now.”

COMPILED BY MASON WANG DESIGN BY MADDIE MORIYAMA

“You shouldn’t be walking through a closed hallway,” said Maria Martin, lunch supervisor and dean. “Typically, hallways are closed to help encourage a more productive learning environment.”

While she does make exceptions for some people, the hallway has a one-way door. “You are certainly not allowed to eat in a closed hallway, and even if you are walking through discreetly,” Martin said.

BUSTED COMPILED BY MASON WANG

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 NEWS 5

HIDING BEHIND

6 NEWS DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

THE SCREEN

BY NINA ELKADI

The rise of anonymous accounts on social media has allowed people to post anything they want without having to take credit. This can lead to both positive accounts that highlight the good in people and cyberbullying accounts that target individuals.

Twitter recently released a new to see that. It really stressed me “I think all the schools [in the levels set in place will not apply. feature that allows users to create out because I had so many people district] need to have the same In the midst of cyberbullying polls.

Some polls texting me about it.” harassment and bullying policies and the negative effects of online attempt to be funny According West High and there needs to be more anonymity, one Twitter account with questions such as Assistant Principal punishment for the kids that do has attempted to brighten up the “Would you rather lick Colby Miller, using these things,” she said. “If there’s offensive feeds. This account, the bottom of Donald the logo, words “West not, [the kids are] going to continue entitled West High Positivity (@_ Trump’s foot or stand High,” or any affiliation to do them.”

WestPositivity), has been tweeting on hot coal for 10 at all with the school will The guidelines that are currently anonymous compliments to West seconds?” while others cause the administration in place consist of three levels of students in an effort to show that Anna Jacoby ‘18 have turned offensive to intervene right as harassment. These describe the internet anonymity can be used and are aimed at West it’s brought to their actions the bully is taking and the for more than just bullying. The High students. attention. disciplinary actions that would creator of the account wishes to Anna Jacoby ’18 was one of the “If there’s any direct threats result. remain anonymous. students targeted in these polls. made at West High, we intervene Not every conflict “It’s much easier to say “I thought it was stupid. I immediately,” Miller said. “We between students is something bad about wondered who was making the certainly want to be supportive considered bullying, someone than try and accounts and if they actually of our school community and and disagreements do look for the good,” thought they were funny,” Jacoby students, but we also know the happen, so often the line they said. “I’m not a said. reality is we can’t intervene with between conflict and compliment generator, According to Jacoby, students felt every negative interaction out legitimate harassment is I’m trying to let people stressed and targeted even if they there. There’s simply too much of blurred. know there are good Ally Halverson ‘18 didn’t express those feelings. it.” “ Un f o r t u n a t e l y, qualities about them.”

“A lot of people that were in it Just like physical bullying and there are some Although they know were saying to people at school harassment, cyberbullying has misconceptions out there that having an account will not combat they thought it was really funny, repercussions. However, those just because someone didn’t like cyberbullying, according to the but then I know they went home guidelines are less clear. something about [someone else], source it is still able to show and told their parents that it was “We certainly want to be and they stated it, that that’s people that retaining integrity and really hurtful,” she said. consistent in our practice as bullying,” Miller said. “That’s not morals despite the temptation of A single tweet can reach administrators, but we also want necessarily the case. [Students] anonymity is possible. thousands of people, and according to be fair to students certainly can disagree Halverson also sees the potential to Ally Halverson ’18, another because every situation with one another. More in remaining civil even behind an targeted student, those sitting is different,” Miller times than not we find anonymous account. behind a screen may not always said. “As far as being that two people disagree “There are so many of these realize the gravity of their actions. consistent there is a little with one another and accounts. If people want to make “I really wanted to know who bit of discretion we use one of them perceives accounts with West in their name, it was because I wanted to talk based on the facts and it as bullying and make them positive,” she said. to them. I was mad. It was information.” harassment when really “There’s no need for the negative Colby Miller embarrassing having your name Jacoby feels as though it’s just conflict.” accounts.” up there in not a good context,” she in order for change to If the situation is said. “My parents are going to see happen, these guidelines need to be perceived as conflict and not that, I’m sure teachers are going set in stone. bullying or harassment, then the

PHOTO BY SARAH LONGMIRE DESIGN BY SHATI COOPER FOR MORE COVERAGE, GO TO WSSPAPER.COM

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 NEWS 7

WEST HIGH SCHOOL

DANCE MARATHON Where do the funds go?

BY ELLIE GRETTER

Gold Out $12,846.76

Team Fundraising $21,222.97

2014-15 2015-16 $49,109.41 $29,225.80* Team Fundraising $9098.49

Fundraising from West High School Dance Marathon Dance Marathon $11,043.04

Flash Festival $5105.25

Gold Out $9395.62

Dash for Dashiell $4707.78 Pool Party $2740.00

8 FEATURE DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

Avery Flick SB Game $1236.05 Car Wash $938.25

*as of publication date

PHOTOS BY PAIGE BRAZINA DESIGN BY WINGEL XUE

West High School’s Dance Marathon has been a tradition at West since the 2012- 2013 school year. In the past, the organization has given all of their profits to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon. This year, they are changing that. WHSDM has started giving profits from certain events to individual families in the community. This change began with the Flash Festival on May 12 of last year. The money raised from this event was all donated to the Flash Foundation, despite being a Dance Marathon event.

Avery Flick’s family 4.2%

$2500

2014-15 2015-16

$2000 $1500

Flash Foundation 17.3%

$1000 $500

100 Days Out

Gold Out

Team Fundraising

$0

Aug. 9 Car Wash

UI Dance Marathon 78.5%

2015-2016 Profit allocation

Preparation for West High School Dance Marathon

Sept. 4 Gold Out Sofia Perez ‘17 dances in the courtyard during Gold Out 2014.

Oct. 24 100 Days Out

What can donations do?

Pays for an entire meal at the hospital

$7 $75

Pays for playtime activities for 12 patients

Eva Branson ‘16 writes why she takes part in WHSDM.

Nov. 25 Dash for Dashiell

$100 $300

Pays for a gift card to buy holiday gifts Pays for a hospital stay for 15 patients

Katie McGrane ‘17 places candles into paper bags at Dash for Dashiell.

Jan. 17 DANCE MARATHON!!

$1000

Pays for medications for one year

FOR MORE COVERAGE, GO TO WSSPAPER.COM

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 FEATURE 9

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a y- cla tion ba ss se es in ST d o an E pti d ar M at on e s Wes s. eein t Hig h g th e ben, efits of

STE

parents who influence their children to take these classes because of all the opportunities for jobs in these fields.

“My mom said POE can help you more in life, so I decided to go with that,” said Ding.

At the junior high level, girls are offered the opportunity to attend a STEM day which hooks some students, while others take the p i class simply because they want c ti to try something new. r pa the “I thought Applied Tech was e l f g a really interesting in eighth grade. o o fem tage nol I saw Principles of Engineering r o f on the list of classes I could take ush advan tech p t n and thought I should try it out. d Following a rece n e n Engineering has always interested female students have tak nce a e me, but I’ve never really taken steps i sc to educate myself on it before I took these solving this class,” said Emma Koch ’19. engineering Science and engineering teachers problems. are very aware that many more “[This] year boys take their classes than girls, they’ve gone to all so to encourage girls to continue girl groups,” said Audia. participating, teachers make sure Encouraging girls to their projects appeal to join STEM classes both genders. s t r u g g l e d has proved to be “I’m cognizant of the back in 2007 problematic for some fact that girls tend not to when we started our teachers. Classes like take computer science, computer Project Lead the Way program and Ehren’s so the projects that I have low it was predominantly boys, but now science assign in class are gender enrollment, so it’s about 20 percent [girls].” neutral,” Ehren said.

BY DENIZ INCE & Project Lead the Way is a national instead of focusing on The number of job persuading Rachel Ding ’19 CAROLINE YOUNG organization that openings in the workforce girls to WSS INTERNS provides classes for for STEM-related jobs is take these classes, these very high, especially for women, his year there has been a high schoolers that are teachers are persuading because of the gender imbalance. spike in the number of girls interested in STEM anyone with an interest, careers.

Audia’s POE Many more men get degrees and taking science, technology, girl or otherwise. work in science and engineering engineering and math (STEM) class gives high school It’s mainly math and students the chance than women do, so taking a STEM classes, but this number is still science teachers who are build rockets, class provides students with the much lower than the number of to promoting STEM classes design and opportunity to learn more about boys in these classes. pro g r am Bethany Schillinger ’17 to students, and some an area where they would not have “Typically it’s seem to be taking notice robots, to compete because of limited job 90 percent or and enrolling. experiment with availability. more boys,” said “Teachers are always saying [to] circuitry and “[If] you’re looking for an area mathematics and join STEM classes,” said POE electronics, create where there’s going to be a lot of computer science hydrogen fuel cell cars student Bethany Schillinger ’17. job openings, without a doubt teacher Steve Ehren.

Schillinger was not convinced to and much more. computer science would be the “I probably have take the class by teachers, but by “We do a lot of hands place,” said Ehren. “If you have a more girls this on projects and it’s friends. degree in computer science or a year than I had the “[Teachers] don’t influence me as all group work,” said minor in computer science, you’re prior seven years much as my friends do, so it’s mostly Emma Koch ’18 Rachel Ding ’19. going to be a lot more marketable combined.” my friends who convinced me to Audia gives innovation in any field that you go into.”

Principles of Engineering (POE) join the class,” said Schillinger. teacher Dominic Audia said, “We awards out to groups in his class Encouragement also comes from who think outside the box when

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DESIGN BY SHATI COOPER

10 NEWS DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

FOR MORE COVERAGE, GO TO WSSPAPER.COM

PHOTO BY NICK DEERBERG DESIGN BY OLIVIA READ

BY JUNHEE LEE

FOR MORE COVERAGE, GO TO WSSPAPER.COM

S h e f i r s t examines the details of the photograph – the waving blond hair, the shadows of the eyes on the cheeks.

Then, pulling out a regular mechanical pencil and eraser, she draws the first of many smooth, flowing lines on a piece of paper. If there’s any doubt in the preliminary minutes about what she’s drawing, it disappears when she begins to darken her strokes and fill in the details.

Suddenly, the lines transform into the face of a young girl with a frightening expression, her widened eyes staring back with a piercing look. After a few short minutes, she holds up the painting with a half-smile on her face, still examining the paper for improvements.

Equipped with little more than her pencils, paintbrushes and the hands of an artist, Sophia Chen ’19 has the ability to turn a ten-cent piece of paper into something much more. But before the colors and the shapes fall in line to form this

something more, Chen spends up to thirty hours over several weeks erasing, redrawing and repainting until the art “decides to be done”.

“I’ll sit down and maybe I’ll [draw] for a couple of hours, and then I’ll force myself to stop because I know if I sat there for ten hours straight and then I come back, I’ll just find all these mistakes,” Chen said. “My drawings are not pretty in the process,” she added with a laugh.

For graphite drawings, Chen uses her eraser almost as much as she uses her pencils. She can mold her eraser into a flat surface to completely rework large objects and also into a sharp point to finetune the details. She says to herself, “That side [of the nose] is a little higher than that side,” while erasing the left side of a perfectly acceptable nose. “Sometimes there are days when I just don’t want to [do art] because there are so many things I have to fix.”

It doesn’t help that Chen focuses primarily on realism art, which revolves around using detail and precision to make art as lifelike as possible. But Chen denies that her hard work is demotivating. Rather, when asked about the frustration and perspiration of the process, she responded saying, “I think it’s more satisfying in the end, where you have a final product and it’s like, ‘Oh, I made that, that’s kind of cool!’”

Her hard work certainly pays off when presented to the eyes of the public, but Chen’s art also has deeper personal ties with her

family. In the very beginning, she took art lessons alongside her older sister Eugenia.

While her sister was never “as into it” as she was and doesn’t spend as much time drawing now, Chen continued to draw with inspiration from her father, Songhai Chen.

“I have this one memory of when [my dad and I] were just in the car and he stopped and he took out a pad of paper and just started drawing the scenery around us,” Chen said. “It was the first time where I was like, ‘I really want to do art now.’”

Although her father, Songhai Chen, is too busy to draw nowadays, he says that he is “ very happy to see that Sophia likes it so much.”

He remembers his own father and Chen’s grandfather, who suddenly picked up Chinese style drawing after retirement and whose paintings still hang in their home in Iowa City.

Thinking of this, he wants to see his daughter take her artistic abilities with her throughout her future.

“I hope she will keep doing [art] as her hobby.

It will teach her patience and keeping a sharp eye [on] her surroundings,” Songhai said.

“I don’t have time to do drawing now but if I pick it up when I have time, Sophia will be my inspiration.”

And like her grandfather, Chen doesn’t plan on giving up on art, even when she’s old and retired. Although she doesn’t have a clear-cut plan for the future, she knows that she’ll never stop drawing and painting.

SOPHIA CHEN ’19

PROFILES

CALE ‘18 SCHOON I RUBIK’S CUBE MASTER

BY CHARLIE CODE

nside of his head, Cale Schoon has countless algorithms, pattern sequences and their corresponding hand movements memorized. Many of these movements are as complex as the intricate puzzles themselves.

Schoon implements these pattern identifications and algorithms to solve a large variety of puzzles ranging from the standard 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5 cubes, to abstract puzzles consisting of pyramids and dodecahedrons. However, Schoon goes above and beyond by solving them blindfolded.

“I started getting into blindfolded solving around the start of last year.

I got my first 5x5 solve blindfolded in the summer of last year. Later in the fall I started getting serious about it and practiced a lot more,” Schoon said.

Schoon currently holds the national record for both the 4x4 blind and the 5x5 blind categories.

“I saw that I could get the record pretty easily because I had been practicing a lot. The first record I got was in the 5x5, I got it in January of this year. When I actually got [it], during the solving part, I forgot a part of [the pattern] for two and a half minutes so it was two and a half minutes slower than it could have been,” Schoon said.

“When I took off the blindfold and saw it solved, I was a kind of disappointed that it was that slow,

but I knew that it was the North American record so I was pretty happy about that.”

This feat alone is a testament to Schoon’s ability to memorize puzzle layouts, color and word patterns and algorithms and to translate this information into step-by-step hand movements while blindfolded.

Despite having two national records under his belt, Schoon is relatively new to cubing, having only started about three years ago.

“In seventh grade I saw that a lot of other people were bringing cubes to school. I remembered a few years before that I had tried to learn how but I couldn’t, so I thought I would go and learn how to solve it,” Schoon said. “At that time I didn’t actually have a real cube because we got rid of ours, so I had an app on my phone that had a cube on it. I used that at first and I learned how to solve cubes on that. I got a real one in February of 2013.”

In his short time cubing, Schoon has already established a striking list of accomplishments both nationally and internationally,

With two national records and only about three years of experience, Cale Schoon has twisted the boundaries in the Rubik’s Cube community.

currently holding five top 10 national records and two top 10 records worldwide. However, he does not solely value his times or records, but also the community surrounding the activity.

“I think my favorite part is that there are a bunch of other people there that share the same hobby as you,” Schoon said. “Not a lot of people that you meet every day do that, so when you go to a competition you’re able to see all of the people who do that with you.”

The cubing community supports

one another and strives to improve cubing as a whole. They maintain a competitive yet supportive attitude which helps to fuel Schoon and other cubers.

In the future, Schoon hopes to continue meeting and competing with more members of the cubing community, increase his skill with cubes, and one day surpass his current records.

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Scan the page using the Aurasma app or go to wsspaper.com for a video.

PHOTO BY MARY MONDANARO DESIGN BY CATHERINE JU

IN NATION

IN 4x4 AND 5x5 BLINDFOLDED CATEGORY

2:28.57 BEST TIME FOR 4x4 BLINDFOLDED CATEGORY

IN WORLD IN 4x4 BLINDFOLDED CATEGORY

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rd WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 PROFILE 12

BY SHAWN THACKER

FRIEND CRUSH: TEACHER EDITION

A

s fellow debate coaches, social studies teachers and best friends, Megan Johnson and Travis Henderson spend countless hours together. In fact, their shared passion for debate is what brought the two together in the first place. “[We became friends] through debate. [In highschool] we would see each other at debate tournaments and we started talking online during the week,” Johnson said. “Eventually he ended up coming to the same college I went to, the University of Iowa.

We had already known each other from high school so we started to get pretty close in college [since] we were actually living in the same city.”

The debate duo’s friendship has only grown since then. After college, they both pursued teaching careers and found themselves at West. Since they were such close friends with similar interests and schedules, they decided to live together. This worked out well, as they both appreciate each other’s personalities.

“The most interesting thing about [Johnson is] just how compassionate she is about everything,” Henderson said.

“I wouldn’t say that I don’t

like it about her, but I would say it’s something that makes things difficult for her sometimes. People feel good and want to be around her because they feel cared for. But the other dimension of it is that when you allow yourself to care that much you sometimes allow yourself to hurt a lot more, too.”

Henderson has helped to keep their friendship strong by being very honest with Johnson even when she does not feel the best.

“We’re close enough friends that he’s always brutally honest with me. So sometimes if I’m having a bad day, those days where you really just need someone to say what you want to hear, he still won’t do it. He’ll say what I need to hear,” Johnson said.

“My honesty comes in at times when she is being more upset about something than I think she should be,” Henderson said. “But it’s just because she cares so deeply and feels so much and allows herself to care and feel. So, it’s not really something that I don’t like, and it’s not even a flaw. It’s just one of those things that has two

dimensions.”

Even though Henderson tries to be as honest with her as possible, his ability to make light of tough situations keeps their friendship going strong and is one of the reasons why Johnson wanted to be friends with him in the first place.

“He’s hilarious. I don’t know, he just has this really quirky sense of humor and it’s like, he’s just silly. I think that’s one of the reasons we became such good friends; just because he could always make me laugh,” Johnson said.

Needless to say, Johnson and Henderson spend countless hours together at school. However, in their free time away from classes, they enjoy going to movies together, relaxing and especially, eating out.

“We have a rotation of restaurants,” Henderson said. “So we go to Longhorn for a while until we get sick of it, then we’ll get Indian for a while, [then] Thai and then eventually we look at each other, a n d we’re like, ‘we need to stop eating out so m u c h .’

And then we make

a concerted effort to eat at home.

That usually lasts about three days, and then we start eating out again.”

Although they seem to have an ideal relationship, one source of contention between the two friends is their cats. Or as Johnson will quickly point out, her cats.

“Megan spoils them rotten.

That’s one thing I’ll say. So in the morning, when we’re getting ready for work, the little black [cat], his preference would be to get his water from the sink. I think that’s ridiculous. It’s a cat, it can sit on the floor and drink from a bowl like every other cat on Earth. But she like picks him up and sets him on the counter, gets a little water put in the sink for him and then pets him while he gets his water from the sink,” Henderson said.

Other than their occasional cat fights, Johnson and Henderson seem to have an excellent relationship. Henderson believes that his friendship with Johnson has helped him grow to become a better person.

“One thing I’ve learned about life is that a really, really, really, really good friend is someone that helps ... and stands by you when things are tough, even when they think you’re wrong. A really good friend can be the most powerful relationship that you’ll ever have.”

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LEE DESIGN BY JUNHEE DEERBURG PHOTOS BY NICK

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BY MICHAEL MOO

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ophomore Daniel Grimes ’18 speaks three languages.

He is a pianist. He is a runner. He is a swimmer. He is a bicyclist. He is an older brother. He is a singer. He also just so happens to have been born blind.

“I was visually impaired from the beginning. People think it must be very hard or odd, but it’s not. We can do what sighted people can do. Well, not everything, but we try,” Grimes said.

After moving from Ethiopia to Iowa City earlier this year, Grimes visited West High and sat in on classes during April and May. This past August, Grimes started his sophomore year as a full-time student. “[Transitioning] has been a little hard, but the teachers and students are very nice,” he said. “The students are a little nervous because they have never learned with blind students. At West, [I am the only blind student], but there are kids like me all over the world.”

To help him transition into West, Grimes works with paraeducator Karin Bursch.

“Usually I am nervous before I meet any person. When I first heard about Ms. Bursch, I was a little nervous. But it got easier,” Grimes said.

Although Grimes claims he was nervous, Bursch did not seem to notice.

“Danny has always been really easy going when working with new people. We have become pretty honest with each other. It has been that way since day one,” she said.

Outside of school, Grimes is involved in a plethora of activities. However, his passion for music is the closest to his heart.

“I love music. I taught myself piano. I just listen to songs on Youtube, and push [the keys]. Sometimes it makes sense, and sometimes it doesn’t, but I am doing [better].”

As far as his favorite songs, Grimes has a tough time deciding. Some of his favorite songs to sing are Christian worship songs and music from his idol, Stevie Wonder. Wonder, who was born blind as a result of Terry syndrome, has 25 GRAMMY awards.

“Stevie Wonder is an amazing piano player. I always listen to his music and want to be like him,” Grimes said. “I am always impressed by him and think ‘I can do it.’”

In the future, Grimes wants to pursue a career in journalism. He cites talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks as his role models.

“I want to be a journalist and have my own talk show. I love [Banks and Winfrey] because they talk about race, abuse and real life,” Grimes said. “I would love to interview famous people and travel around the world and help people. I really want to visit Ireland, I imagine it as a really beautiful country.”

At the end of the day, Grimes wants to make sure people know that his disability does not define who he is as a person.

“I love making friends. I try to be friendly, and I can talk about any topic.

Students want to help me, but they don’t know how to communicate with me.

Just come to me and talk.”

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 PROFILES 14

www.birthright.org

irthright

Help is just a phone call away

Free & ConďŹ dential

1-800-550-4900

of Iowa City

24 hour hotline

Classes held at Christ the King Lutheran Church School year and Summer sessions available Complete schedule located on web site driversed.co

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 ADS 15

[UNCOVERING STIGMA] The West Side Story takes a closer look at the stigma against depression at West High.

BY DANETTA DOBRE & MAGGIE TERRY

16 FEATURE DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

F

ollowing the recent suicides of two former West High students, discussion about mental illness is on the rise in the hallways. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens, with 90% of those that commit suicide having an underlying mental illness. Depression is the most common and well-known of the mental illnesses, but there are still many common stigmas against it.

“I think when someone truly has depression, it’s different than being really sad because of an event. It’s a diagnosis, it’s something that you can’t help,” said Amy Kanellis, guidance counselor and adviser for Behind the Mask, a student club focused on supporting students with mental illness and fighting the stigma against it.

Many people with depression and other mental illnesses suffer in silence. They are often misunderstood and ostracized, which can make the problem worse as they internalize the stigmas that keep them from freely speaking out.

“I think there are unfortunately a lot of people that just think, ‘Oh, just get over it. What’s your problem? Everybody feels that way all the time, or sometimes.’ But if you are truly feeling helpless all the time, that’s not okay,” Kanellis said.

Misconceptions suggesting

• • • • •

mentally ill people only need to try harder to get better can pressure people to keep quiet about their experiences.

“You can’t help that you have anxiety that you can’t control,” Kanellis said. “You can’t help that you have depression that just hits you and you don’t know when it’s going to hit.”

Ignorance is one of the main reasons people carry misconceptions about mental illness. Andrea Childs ’17 is a regular at Behind the Mask meetings.

“If you don’t have an understanding of what it’s really like and what people suffering are really going through, then you’re never going to take it as seriously as you should,” Childs said.

These misconceptions can turn into something dangerous if left unchecked. Gabby Finlayson ’19 was bullied as a third grader because of her depression.

“I don’t think anybody understood what it meant,” Finlayson said.

“They just treated it like it was nothing.”

This ignorance can also lead to people underestimating the true importance of the issue.

“I think a lot [of people] don’t think [depression is] a serious problem,” Childs said. “That seems like a stigma to me because then no one wants to share because they

Persistently sad, anxious or “empty” feeling Feeling hopeless, pessimistic, guilty, worthless or helpless Irritability, restlessness Loss of interest in activities Getting tired very easily or having very low energy

Suicide is the

leading cause of death in ages 15-24

One person every

minutes dies from suicide

DESIGN BY EUGENIA CHEN

Only

want to be taken seriously [and they might] end up being made fun of.”

While it was difficult for her as a child, Finlayson feels people have improved overall in their approach to talking about depression.

“I think people think about it and support [people with depression] more,” she said. “But at the same time they [still] don’t really understand it.”

Kanellis has seen similar strides in terms of openness in her time.

“Thirty years ago, no one ever admitted that they had anything wrong with them and now I think people are much more open about it,” Kanellis said. “You would not say, ‘I go to a therapist,’ 30 years ago and now people are open about it and how much it helps.”

According to Kanellis, anyone can help make West a better place for those with a mental illness.

“Don’t be a bystander. If you hear someone say, ‘You’re crazy,’ or ‘Jeez, what are you, bipolar?’ that really hurts someone who might be standing there that might be bipolar,” Kanellis said. “I think we need to get rid of that. We can’t have that in our halls, we can’t have that in our classrooms, we can’t have that in any kind of an area at school because words hurt.”

Standing up for others is not the only way to make a difference.

“I think just having a positive

• • • • •

regard for all the human beings that walk West High, getting outside of yourself a little bit and noticing that you’re surrounded by people and being kind,” Kanellis said. “It sounds very trite to say that but being nice is really underrated.”

Finlayson agrees that kindness can go a long way.

“If somebody has depression and you think they have it, just go up and talk to them,” Finlayson said.

“It would make their day.”

There are many resources for students at West who are seeking help. Students can go to their counselors at any time.

“We certainly have the counselors here and that’s a good starting point,” Kanellis said. Counselors often refer students to outside psychologists to help assist in finding a therapist. In addition to the regular counselors, the guidance office has a Mental Health Coordinator if there should be a need for professional psychiatric care.

Behind the Mask meets every Tuesday in room 137 and every student is free to attend.

“It’s a safe haven for people on Tuesdays,” Kanellis said. “So if people want to share their stories, if people want to come in and be with other students who may be facing things that they’re facing, I think it’s a very comfortable and nice place for people to come.”

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions Changes in sleep Changes in appetite Thinking about or attempting suicide Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

of all Americans with serious depression receive treatment of adolescents that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 FEATURE 17

SECRET TO SUCCESS

BY FENNA SEMKEN AND JIUNG JUNG

Teamwork is critical to achieve the type of success West High is known for. Despite its importance, it is beginning to fade with the increase of club sports and private lessons.

“There is a culture of competition success. volleyball coach Randy Dolson A CHANGING CONCEPT “Teamwork is our priority at has found ways to financially est High is praised for in all extracurricular activities, but its outstanding athletics especially in choir where making West,” Miecznikowski said. “We help his players gain competitive and music departments, yourself better isn’t necessarily do have to work with elite athletes, experience outside of school.

“We have camps during the making success critical for students to make the choir better but to helping them achieve their goals, and teachers. This praise would not get ahead,” Seylar said. “It can be but we have self standards and summer that we want our players hard to be on a team expectations to meet.” to attend, but we offer be existent without the when you are constantly financial assistance,” idea of teamwork. This competing for the next PRICE FOR SUCCESS Dolson said. “There are concept is changing, opportunity.”

Though there is no [fundraising] options, affecting the many Showtime director Jeff price to participate like fan shirt sales, and programs inside the Knutson has taken steps in the majority of families usually buy West community. to make his program sports and activities at them.”

Ethan Seylar ’18, a more closely-knit.

West, there is a cost to In contrast, show choir member of Good Ethan Seylar ‘18 Jeff Knutson “For [show choir], we participate in club teams requires a $400 fee.

Time try to stress the idea of and private lessons.

Knutson is aware of the Athletic director Scott Kibby cost but believes that the money C o m p a n y, teamwork … The theme is unity,” believes that the price of is needed to keep the program feels that it Knutson said. “We club teams and private running. is becoming have a social crew. We lessons changes the “[The money] goes to registration h a r d e r already have had a experience available. fees, costumes, transportation, to work gathering at someone’s “[Club experiences] and competitions,” Knutson said. together as a house.”

Varsity football coach affect who plays more “Fortunately for us, we have a lot of team.

Garrett Hartwig has because the more people who really believe in what noticed that athletes are practice you have at we do, so there are scholarships also affected because any endeavor, the more that go to help some people who Ruby Martin ‘18 of West’s competitive skilled you become have difficulties paying. nature. at that Seylar believes that “The coaches will choose the endeavor,” Kibby said. the sponsors make a big best players, no matter how “So, kids that have had difference, but the cost much work a player puts lots of youth experiences is still affecting many. in,” Hartwig said. “In a 4A do get to play more in “The only difference school like West, we want the games often times.” [between music and everyone to have success, Club swimmer Ruby athletics] is that athletic but there are only 11 athletes Martin ’18 believes that, teams at West have Avery Smith ‘16 on the field at one time.” despite the cost, private boosters and sponsors Rob Miecznikowski, lessons are important. who pay for equipment the boys varsity “It depends on how you take in and travel,” Seylar said. “For show swimming coach, the information your coach gives choir, the cost is yours to cover, and has made an you,” Martin said. “If you work at that can be deterring for people.” effort to make it everyday, of course you’re going sure individual to get better.”

COMPETITION IS SUCCESS goals do not Varsity Today, students are provided with get in the way many opportunities. Despite the of the team’s amount of possibilities, West has a student body of approximately 2000 people, and with an immense number of

W

18 FEATURE DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

Do you believe that teamwork is still a large part of activities?

Do you feel like everyone on a team has equal opportunities?

80% NO 20%

YES 47%

YES

NO 53%

people, competition is inevitable. for depended at what level of an “It’s one of the biggest challenges Dolson believes that the advantage you got,” Moore said. today–to get players and families competitive spirit of West can “You definitely have more success to understand that teamwork make goals unreachable. if you do get private lessons or play cannot die,” Dolson said. “Teams “Players are all trying to compete for a better club because you get have to have almost an agreement for a chance to play, and more practice.” to obtain team core values.” some understand that Dolson, on the other Kevin Hanson ’17, junior varsity that might not happen hand, believes that the football team member, thinks . . . For others it’s more levels of the clubs can teamwork is important because of difficult and they realize make the team aspect a need for trust on the field. that they aren’t going to turn sour.

“When summer workouts are reach a goal,” Dolson “When players join going on, everybody is going said. “I think that if you [club teams], they through the same stuff, and we have Lexi Moore ‘18 are going to come to might be a starter. some really tough conditioning West and play a sport, When they get to high sessions,” Hanson said. “We push you have to realize it’s all about school, they expect that as well,” each other, and that helps you competition.”

Dolson said. “You have know whom you can Orchestra director Wayne to understand that trust.”

Thelander views private everyone is competing.”

Because of the need lessons as something that Seylar views teamwork for a team-centered can improve teamwork. as something that is outlook, Hartwig “Everyone in the ensemble is changing because of the has strong opinions working together towards a competition to succeed, that teamwork common goal–performing and yet he has still found is needed for Kevin Hanson ‘17 studying music. If the section, or light in the situation. success. team, works to support, assist and “In school choir, there’s “I think that develop every member, less teamwork because individual and club the section will be you’re constantly sports are more stronger,” Thelander said. competing against player focused “Private lesson outside of each other,” Seylar as opposed school can complement said. “Keep in mind, to team work done in class.” though, that there is f o c u s e d Avery Smith ’16 also support between and that believes that private the competition. I have can take Randy Dolson lessons can make music met some of my best away from less individualized. friends through this the team “I think that private lessons go competition.” unity that’s the other way and make it more required to community oriented,” Smith said. THE NEED FOR TEAMWORK be successful,” “At both of my old studios, we Many teams, athletic or not, Hartwig said. “It’s my would have sessions with other are experiencing a change in the job to find what clicks with the students and help improve each amount of teamwork.

W i t h team. Teamwork is critical to any other’s playing.” that, they are type of success.”

Lexi Moore ’18, who is part of finding that the freshman volleyball team, has teamwork is, indeed, noticed the difference club teams necessary. can make.

“I felt more of an advantage when playing for a club team in volleyball; however, the club team you played ART BY HANNAH SONG DESIGN BY HANNAH SONG

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 FEATURE 19

BY NINA ELKADI

DESIGN BY LEAH DUSTERHOFT

CONSTANT

CONNECTION Having constant access to the world in our pockets allows for constant communication. Some teachers are taking advantage of this by using social media sites and texting to communicate with students outside of school.

20 FEATURE DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

W

hen combined, the words “teacher,” “student” and around WHSDM, not so much as “relationship” create an teaching or as a class ... all of our every student in the classroom, aura of negativity. In shows like stuff happens outside of class, so I despite the challenges that may be 20/20 and Dateline, cases about need a way of communicating with presented.

“If you’re doing your job well, inappropriate relationships have them,” Secrist said.

Like any profession, the you’re trying to build relationships a degree in psychology, the often become headlines for dramatic importance of a work and life with all of your students and you’re find themselves acting as pseudoretellings.

With the rise of social media balance encourages many teachers trying to figure of what it is about counselors for students. They are and advanced technologies, to stray away from the social media them that makes them happy, sad, available to talk if a student has aspect of communication motivated, joyful and more willing a problem, but don’t want social connecting with people with students. to commit to hard work and media to become a primary way on a more personal “It’s a matter of balance excellence in the classroom,” Shutt for students to contact them for level has become more help. in your life, and I don’t said. “I think our goal accessible than ever “You want students to want to be tied up into should be to do that with before, and what those trust you and be able to responding to Facebook all of our students.” shows fail to recognize come in and talk with messages,” said Darci However, not all is the positivity of a you, and if they have Witthoft , English students appreciate solid teacher-student personal issues they teacher. the idea of personal relationship.

Some Darci Witthoft want to talk about,” Secrist similarly connections with teachers have chosen to Shutt said. “You don’t appreciates some kind of work and teachers, especially take advantage of these advances, Jasmine Womack ’16 want to shut that part personal life balance. through social media. while other choose to solely “We all wear multiples hats.

“It’s another way for students to of teaching down because that’s communicate with students faceWhen I’m a teacher I have a teacher keep in contact with teachers, but one of the really powerful parts of to-face or through email.

Brady Shutt, social studies teacher, hat on, and when you need me in then again it’s kind of weird because teaching.”

With certain teachers being uses Twitter to interact with his the context of a teacher, even if that they also see what you do in your students on social media. He will might be after school and we’re free time,” said Jasmine Womack known as more “accessible” than others, a common misconception respond to tweets if he is mentioned talking at four or five [p.m.], I still ’16. “It’s an invasion of privacy.” is that they can be accessed by wear a teacher hat, ” Secrist said.

“I Th ings such as rumors and and if they are appropriate. Shutt unwanted attention phone or social media for anything. also uses his account, which he care about you, however, “I had a student who got my can also arise. Teachers considers his “school account” to when I leave and go phone number from a dance home I put my parent can fi nd themselves in connect members in the West High hat on.” potentially awkward marathon . . . she had a family community.

Many teachers have situations when member who was very ill, and she “Jenny, my wife who teaches also seen a correlation students interact with would text and let me know about art, was doing pit firing for her her family member,” Secrist said. “I student them on social media. ceramics class ... I took a picture between “I was a victim of a felt bad, because I want to be very of that and posted it, “ Shutt said. performance and the Brady Shutt cyber-rumor; there was compassionate, but I just kindly “It isn’t necessarily my class, but it’s relationships they have with students a student that had the same last asked in an email to not use my related to life at West High.”

“When it comes to student name as me. Someone decided phone number if you want to share Jenifer Secrist, science teacher, texts and friends students on achievement, I certainly do think to start the rumor that he was my information with me.”

Many teachers have found useful Facebook that are a part of West that having a strong relationship child, which was weird ... people High Dance Marathon (WHSDM). with teachers where they trust the were talking about how I was ways to incorporate social media “In most contexts it’s going to be teacher to help them and work with hiding this from students and that into the way they teach, while them creates a successful academic I was a teen mom,” Nahra said. “It others prefer to never have to experience,” said Katy Nahra, was so interesting to me to see all interact with students through it.

English teacher. these crazy reactions to something Shutt does, however, have some In order to achieve this, the goal is that’s not true. Of course, I put the parting words.

“Follow me on Twitter [@ to create positive relationships with kibosh on it right away.”

Although most teachers don’t have mrbradyshutt],” he said.

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 FEATURE 21

What are the pros and cons of your daily coffee break? The West Side Story takes a look at the effects of caffeine.

BY MARY VANDER WEG WSS INTERN

I

t’s almost midnight and you’ve had a busy day of school, work and extracurricular activities. You’re pretty tired and in dire need of some sleep, but there’s one problem: you still haven’t started your homework. So instead of lying down and dozing off, you reach for your backpack and, to keep you alert, some caffeine.

“I do believe caffeine is a problem among teenagers. It causes several health issues,” said Samuel Kinzer, pediatrician. “Too many kids are using caffeine regularly.”

Caffeine is a chemical compound found in various plants, which acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system.

It is most commonly found in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, energy drinks and some overthe-counter medications. For science teacher Marianne McGrane, coffee is a necessary aspect for daily life.

“When I’m feeling tired or grumpy, I reach for a pot of coffee to cope,” McGrane said.

The Food and Drug Administration states that caffeine is both a drug and a food additive, but the organization does not yet have formal recommendations for consumption.

Healthy adults can generally consume 300 to

400 milligrams without any negative side effects, but teenagers need to be more wary. Due to the importance of brain development and sleep regularity, teenagers should consume no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day. But too often, that line is not drawn.

“I drink at least three cups a day,” said Mary Stanley ’19 who, like many others, drinks caffeine to keep awake. “I just really like caffeine,” she said.

A survey conducted by the Beaumont Health System noted that 11 percent of teenagers aged 13 to 18 drink at least 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is equivalent to more than four espressos, two 5-Hour Energy drinks or five Red Bulls. This extensive amount can lead to some serious problems.

“There are many negatives that come along with drinking a lot of caffeine,” Kinzer said. Common symptoms of excess caffeine consumption are jitters, anxious feelings, headaches, fatigue and problems with withdrawal. With those who are more dependent, symptoms can include faster heartbeat, reflux, risk of obesity and bowel problems.

“I noticed one student whose hands were

22 FEATURE DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

shaking because they were drinking a lot of caffeine,” McGrane said. “I don’t pay much attention to my students drinking caffeine, but I probably should.”

Caffeine, though dangerous if consumed too often, has its positives. With teenagers staying up at night to study for their next exam, it can improve alertness and reaction times to keep them functioning the next day.

“I like that it makes you really energetic, and if you’re used to it, you aren’t affected,” Stanley said. “It helps because I’m really lazy.”

“We do have to remember the positives of caffeine,” Kinzer said. “It has health benefits such as helping those with ADHD and narcolepsy.”

So how can you still keep alert while avoiding all of those negative side effects? The answer lies in moderation.

“If your use of caffeine is affecting you negatively, decrease your intake,” Kinzer said.

“You don’t have to go cold turkey. Just try to gradually decrease consumption.”

FOR MORE COVERAGE, GO TO WSSPAPER.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH LONGMIRE DESIGN AND ART BY OLIVIA READ

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 ADS 23

Following the events in Paris, the Iowa City community evaluates the state of tolerance after the attacks.

BY KELSEY KERANEN, MICHAEL MOONJELY, SHAWN THACKER & SHARON XIANG DESIGN & ARTWORK BY SIMRAN SARIN

This is not the first time Paris Juhl recalls that the son of a fellow has faced arduous times. On Jan. teacher in France that she knew On Nov. 13, a series of terrorist 7, a Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda came to visit the U.S. earlier this attacks shook Paris. Multiple teams infiltrated the offices of the French year. He, too, was in Paris the night of terrorists coordinated attacks satirical newspaper, Charlie of the bombings. throughout the city, killing 130 Hebdo, killing 11 and injuring an “He lives blocks from where civilians, wounding hundreds and additional 11. In addition to this, this happened,” Juhl said. “This putting many in critical condition. on Aug. 21 a terrorist attempted to is the second time his son has The most deadly of the attacks kill passengers aboard a train going been exposed to something like occurred in Paris’ Bataclan concert from Amsterdam to Paris. Unlike this. It’s just gut wrenching. It’s hall, near the iconic Place de la the Charlie Hebdo incident, this one of those events that you will Républic, where militants opened attack was subdued without any forever remember where you were fire on the crowd, casualties. when it happened. And so, having killing 89 people.

“Every time it happens, walked through that city, having In addition to the it’s increasingly conversations with people there, I acts of terrorism that gruesome,” Juhl said. really know how they’re touched occurred in Paris, “You’ve got to keep it by this.” a double suicide in mind that these were Juhl’s connection with French bombing occurred that French citizens doing families makes this far-away same day in a civilian this to other French tragedy all the more real to her.

Theresa Juhl, neighborhood in citizens. [It’s hard] to Earlier this year, senior Devon French Teacher Beirut, Lebanon, killing explain to children living Eberl hosted a French student 43 and wounding over 200. in France that terrorism exists, and visiting Iowa. After the attacks on The Islamic State of Iraq and that it’s French people doing it to Paris, Eberl was quick to contact his the Levant, or ISIL, claimed other French people.” new friend to make responsibility for all these atrocities Despite how shocking sure that everything soon after the day of the Paris the attacks on Paris seem was alright. attacks. ISIL also claims to be to students at West and “My French student responsible for bringing down a around the country, the actually lived four Russian commercial plane in the brutal reality of what blocks from where it Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 happened is felt even more happened,” he said. passengers aboard. so in Paris.

“His family is all Devon Eberl ’16 The recent attacks of ISIL have After freshman year, safe, but it kind of brought into question the security Anoushka Divekar ’16 shocked me that I and safety of Western nations. went to France for a band tour. knew someone so close to where it In addition to creating a sense of Divekar felt a strong sense of happened.” concern, these attacks have giving camaraderie with the French Catherine Wiesley, former West rise to the growth of Islamophobia students she played with and High French teacher who currently and xenophobia, as seen by 31 developed friendships with many state governments issuing releases Parisians. banning the immigration of Syrian “My friends who lived in Paris refugees. are deeply shaken up. They never Following the terrorist thought it would be attacks in Paris, the them. My friends who security in France has live in the outskirts of been heightened even France are scared out of more, with armed guards their minds.” in public places and Last winter, French monuments. teacher Joan Burns and For French teacher her family visited Paris Joan Burns, Theresa Juhl, realization for the holidays. During French Teacher of the severity of the their visit they enjoyed attacks did not come to her until the atmosphere of Paris and at the Parisian government took times were within five blocks of actions to stabilize and help keep where the attacks occurred. the city safer in the days soon after “I went to the le marché, at the the attacks.

Place de la République the day “They shut down the Eiffel Tower. after Christmas,” Burns said.

They shut it down. That’s when “Beautiful boulevards, the market it really struck home that this is a was wonderful. And that’s where really scary thing that will change one of the bombings was. My [French people’s] daily lives from heart aches for that beautiful little now on,” Juhl said. neighborhood.”

CLOSE TO HOME

resides in Toulon, France, was Burns said. “We’re too comfortable equally disturbed by the events in to pick and choose when we want Paris, and postulates that this may to be concerned about the Muslim be caused by French government issue and when we don’t. I think policy. that we need to feel for all the loss “France is a country that teaches of lives, all the casualties, whether and imposes assimilation,” Wiesley they were a Syrian [civilian] or an said. “It is desired that immigrants everyday Parisian.” learn not only French, but the French culture and history and ISLAM AGAINST TERROR The recent attacks of ISIL have ‘share’ this common history and knowledge. In making everyone brought into question the security the same there is very limited and safety of Western nations. discussion about diversity. In my In addition to creating a sense of concern, these opinion, France has a attacks have given very steep hill to climb rise to the growth of and must make a more Islamophobia in the concerted effort to make United States. immigrants feel welcomed According to and like they can belong in Ala Mohamed France.” ’17, presidential However, Wiesley sees Shams Ghoneim candidates like a glimmer of hope in the Donald Trump have desolation felt after the elevated Islamophobia to new extremist attacks on Paris.

“Hopefully, [the Paris attacks] heights. Trump, who recently will incite a discussion about social called for “a total and complete problems in [France] and in turn shutdown of Muslims entering create some changes. I think this the United States,” has stirred is optimistic [considering] France controversy, especially among the is historically a country resistant Muslim-American community.

“My parents are independent and to change. I hope to be proven have never voted. But I bet you wrong,” Wiesley said.

Despite the tragedy surrounding this election my parents will vote for whoever is against the recent Paris attacks, Trump,” said freshman Burns sees a double Baraa Suleiman. standard in the media’s Shams Ghoneim, portrayal of radical president of the Muslim extremists.

Public Affairs Council of “There have been Iowa and member of the countless killings, American Civil Liberties bombings and suicide Union of Iowa’s board attacks in the Middle Molhim Bilal of directors, encourages East in the past month, students to condemn where hundreds of lives have been taken of innocent discriminatory sentiment.

“You’ve got to speak up against civilians, and yet those don’t make the front page everyday. And divisions and hatred for ‘the other’ so why does this incident that because ‘the other’ can be anybody. occurred in the West, in a culture It can be African-Americans, with which we can better identify, Asian-Americans, the poor [or] suddenly take all of our ink and the disabled. This system has got to above the fold space in our press?” stop, and you cannot allow people

in political positions, like Trump, any understanding of it. They will to do that. It pains me to see that kill the Muslims before they kill people were cheering [for Trump’s the non-Muslims.’ Then he said, policies]. How can you cheer hate?” ‘If I find them, I will fight them.’

Ghoneim said.

These are people of [ISIL] and AlWith the passing of the recent Qaeda. Where does that ideology terrorist attacks in Paris as well come from? The ideology comes as in San Bernardino, from ignorance, from California, a new wave misunderstanding of of Islamophobia has Islam. These groups of spread across America, people, they take verses inciting fear similar to out of context,” Bilal that felt during the Sept. said.

11 attacks.

Bilal hopes to bring an “We as typical end to Islamophobia in Americans don’t do Baraa Sulheim ’18 the area by educating a very good job of fellow community informing ourselves of the history members about Islam and its true of the people who end up becoming practices and interpretation. Much these radical Islamists,” Burns said. like Burns, Bilal believes that fear Burns is afraid that after the of Muslims and Arabs is brought Paris attacks, Islamophobia upon by ignorance. will negatively influence the “The best way to fight against community’s perception and [ignorance] is to do things like connotation of Muslims. [having interfaith talks]. To tell “I am concerned about the people that Islam is not about increase of Islamophobia in our terrorism. We are just like you. society. I’m concerned that people Every Muslim came to this country will paint an overly wide stroke to live simple, regular lives, like over all Muslims. Your everyday you. They want to go to school, Muslim is just trying to just live they want to get a job, they want to their life. They denounce these have a family and they want to see acts.” their children do great In response to the things, like all of us. This potential advancement is what every Muslim of Islamophobia in Iowa wants to do in this great City, on Nov. 29 the Iowa country. And there are City Mosque presented lots of Muslims [in the “Islam Against Terror,” Middle East] who wish a talk led by the Imam, they could come to this Ala Mohammed ’17 or spiritual leader of country and have the a mosque, Molhim opportunities that we all Bilal. The talk outlined Islam’s have,” Bilal said. denunciation of terrorism and also Bilal believes that the first step provided a platform for community in ending ignorance about Islam members to ask questions about is to understand some of its core the Islamic faith. principles.

“The prophet Muhammad, peace “The definition of terrorism does be upon him, said, ‘There will not include Islam,” Bilal said. “Nor come a time when there will be a does the definition of terrorism group of people who are Muslims. include any religion. Islam They will be young. They will read condemns terrorism. [The prophet the Quran and they will not have Muhammad] said, ‘Whoever kills

one person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity, and whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.’”

Freshman Maab Osman agrees that ending ignorance and discussing Islam is the best way to combat Islamophobia and is looking to start a club at West that is devoted to sharing the true teachings of the Muslim faith. Part of the reason Osman thought of starting such a club is because she has experienced Islamophobia firsthand in the Iowa City community.

“I was at the mall and a [worker] said ‘You can take that off now’ [referring to my hijab] and he said that everyone who wore a hijab was a terrorist. I just … walked away.

He clearly didn’t understand what Islam is,” Osman said.

Suleiman, who moved from Burlington, Iowa earlier this year, has experienced similar situations.

“We were the only Muslim family in my neighborhood in Burlington.

My mom wore the hijab, and everyone stared at us wherever we went. I played basketball in seventh grade and during bus rides to [away games], kids would [say things like] ‘Oh, you’re a terrorist. Osama bin Laden must be your relative.’”

Osman and Suleiman both say that their experiences are not uncommon. Osman says that in light of the events in Paris and California, her friends have been increasingly concerned about the public’s perception of Muslims.

“My friends were talking about wearing hats instead of hijab. [I guess] to disguise themselves to look ‘normal.’ … this is who I am, I am not going to change myself for [others] … we aren’t [terrorists].”

Mohamed acknowledges that people have the right to be afraid, however she has a few words of precaution.

“I know you’re scared, and we’re

scared, too, because we don’t know who is going to attack us. We don’t support [ISIL]; we hate them as much as you do. You tell us to leave our country, but what do you leave for us to go back to?” Mohamed said.

In addition to fighting against ignorance, Burns believes that to combat Islamophobia, the

government needs to implement better practices.

“I encourage our politicians [and] leaders to be reflective and thoughtful and most importantly [to] have a more long-term plan,” Burns said. “A long-term plan with a deep understanding of the history of these oppressed people and where they’re coming from.”

For Noon Bashir ’16, the refusal on immigrants and diversity. We’ve not her. She’s just the easiest thing of immigrants into the country is been improving so well up to now, to attack.”

On the Dec. 5 episode of Saturday more than just a political issue; it is when we’re faced with [the threat Jireh Massaki ’18 says that there Night Live, Ryan Gosling descended a matter of family and survival. of] attacks,” Makky said. “If it’s not have been small accounts where the iconic steps to the main stage “There are children who can American, if they’re not speaking he has felt as though he has been and introduced himself as a build the future and [ISIL] may kill in a clear tone or if they’re not targeted due to his non-native seasoned New Yorker. Choosing his them,” she said. “Give [refugees] acting the same way as them, that’s background.

New York lingo carefully, he almost the opportunity, give them a life what scares them.”

“I work at McDonald’s and had the audience convinced before better than the life they have in When evaluated further, students sometimes people make fun of my it was pointed out that Mr. Gosling Syria.” believed that these occurrences accent,” Massaki said. “I don’t have is, in fact, a Canadian. Defeated, he Despite finding some are not altogether friends at school because people stated, “Not everyone’s a big fan of sense in the rationale unheard of, and [can be] mean. They make fun of immigrants right now.” Although behind not being able that xenophobic me. But then they say ‘no, we’re clearly a joke, his words resounded to offer help to every sentiments are not just kidding.’ I think that they were with truth when contextualized refugee, JaeHee Eom ’17 isolated to recent laughing their hearts, though.” with current events. still harbors some qualms events.

Bashir agreed that foreignness A few days after the Paris as to the government’s “Our parents can lead to misunderstanding and attacks, 31 governors, including reasoning behind their immigrated from intolerance, even in Iowa City.

Hiba Ibrahim ’16 Iowa’s governor Terry Branstad, decisions.

Sudan,” Nada began, “People bully [me] because of my announced that they would not “Help is right, but “I didn’t know about hijab and my accent. One time, I accept the promised 10,000 Syrian the government can’t accept it until I learned it here, that Alwas walking in the mall, and a girl refugees coming into the United all immigrants,” she said.

“I Qaeda first formed in Sudan, and asked why I was wearing a hijab,” States. Then on Nov. 19, the House understand their acts, because it’s when we learned that in class, Bashir said. of Representatives passed a bill hard to get jobs in this country, but that made me shy away; I wasn’t Other students conceded that tightening oversight of Syrian I want to ask why they just don’t as quick to say ‘Oh yeah, I’m from the environment at West itself refugees by blocking their entrances accept [refugees].”

Sudan.’” isn’t entirely hostile; however, until they had gone through When questioned as to Makky agrees that this doesn’t mean thorough background why people have been xenophobia has permeated that xenophobic checks. Currently, Syrian so quick to distrust American society for quite tendencies don’t arise refugees face 18 to 24 Syrian refugees, Mas some time, referencing her throughout the rest of months of screening.

Omari ’17 suggested native Sudanese mother’s the country.

“They’re scared that that there isn’t a logical experiences in the United “At least here, at [ISIL] might be coming reason behind this States.

West, the only reason with these refugees, but perception.

“If you were to listen we haven’t really felt ... what percentage of this “People are scared that to me or my brothers or [negativity] is because Nada Ibrahim ’16 Mas Omari ’17 group is actually [ISIL]? [immigrants] will come my sisters speak, we don’t there’s so many of us,” … Why do you think here and do bad things, have an accent, we were all Hiba said. “[But] I’ve these people want to leave their but I don’t think that’s true,” Omari born in America. However, [my heard stories of our family friends home - they’re being attacked, as said. mother’s] accent is still a part of her saying, after 9/11, ‘when I was in well. It’s either that they join [ISIL] Zainab Makky ’16 also believes and she’ll never be rid of that, so high school, I was bullied.’” and die, or [ISIL] kills them and that the xenophobic reactions everywhere she goes, the first thing According to student accounts, they just die. That’s pretty much arising from recent events are that a person recognizes is ‘oh, she’s xenophobic ideals, when they’re the option America is giving them,” mostly unfounded. not from here,’” Makky began. “It’s not explicitly keeping immigrants said Hiba Ibrahim ’16. “[Even] “[Xenophobia is] just an Iowa City, so people are kind to her, from entering a country, can have after the Paris attacks, Paris is irrational fear that Americans have but there [are a] very few who are other lasting effects on the image accepting 30,000 Syrian refugees. It of people from different countries. mean and aggressive. When she of immigrants in the United States just confuses me -- we’re accepting Those fears have no place here, talks about it, she makes a point to to natives and non-natives alike. a third of that. Why is that?” considering America was founded say whatever they’re mad about, it’s Hiba suggested that certain tenets

CROSSING THE LINE

of American culture, for example, have the opposite effect on the immigrants are an integral part of the “melting pot” ideology, are population -- according to Makky, American society. subtly promoting a xenophobic the majority may, in fact, become “[Immigrants] are important agenda. more accepting and tolerant. because they can build a better “Some people don’t like saying ‘the “[Sensational news] will make future [since] they’re going to work melting pot’ because [it suggests] people think. When they publish here,” Bashir said. that everyone assimilates into one these radical theories, people are “Immigrants make every possible kind of culture, and it kind of takes more likely to realize their own effort to adapt themselves to new away from theirs,” Hiba said. “For ideas on that topic,” Makky said. circumstances. [Please] think me, I was born in Iowa and I do “I definitely think it is beneficial more seriously about accepting know my American in that way. I hope new kinds of people into society,” side … but I try as hard that, as they’re reading Eom said. as I can to bring [my the latest news, people Makky agrees that America needs Sudanese culture] out.” will reflect, is this immigrants, and asserts that, Makky agrees that really America?

Is furthermore, they need America. the discomfort some barring people based on “[Immigrants] are definitely Americans may feel religion what we want essential. I’m in U.S. history when confronted with as a whole? It’s good [in now, and what I’m learning now JaeHee Eom ’17 other cultures leads to this way.]” is that America has been seen as a loss of pride in one’s On the other hand, this asylum for all of mankind, background and identity. some students believe that and this beacon of freedom “[Assimilation] definitely the “melting pot” ideology is and every immigrant that is happens [in Iowa City,]” Makky somewhat beneficial. fleeing something, whether it’s said. “I have friends who come “America’s such a melting pot persecution and death, they come here from Sudan, and the first already, there’s no use in trying to America because they can thing they change is the way they to limit or trying to define what depend on America,” Makky said. dress. No longer is it the traditional ‘being American’ means. The Even with xenophobia making an headscarf; now they’re showing a mixing of cultures ill-fated return, Makky little of their hair, or they’re tying broadens the horizons, still has hope. it off. It’s because they want to look and broadens everyone’s “America is stable, it how other American teenagers cultural spectrum and . . allows its’ inhabitants look. I feel like they’re losing a . that’s an amazing thing,” to enjoy a certain sense of identity trying to conform said Ioana Cherascu ’16. freedom that you and trying to fit in.”

There’s a general can’t really find with Additionally, barring refugees consensus among certainty somewhere Jireh Massaki ’18 and immigrants can sometimes students that not only else. It’s a beautiful make Americans even less tolerant should immigrants have country and . . . of immigration, furthering a chance in America, but they are America should be honored that intolerance in the country. crucial to its’ social fabric. people want to be here, and that “Some people think Africa is “In Africa, a lot of people have people aren’t fleeing instead. a bad world to live [in] ... [they intelligence … but there’s no place Immigrants empower the United think] there are diseases, and that to spread it out, and they don’t States, it’s very empowering to they’ll bring stuff here. When know how to [use it]. They need to have not only someone who looks people say ‘no immigrants,’ they come here to practice it and have different from you, but someone begin to discriminate more, and more freedom and opportunity,” who can perform different things” think you’re bad,” Massaki said.

Massaki said.

Makky said.

However, Makky believes that Those who have immigrated FOR THE FULL STORY VISIT situations like this can often to America also contend that WSSPAPER.COM

car and begin your search for cell service. You walk down the side of the road and spot a hill off in the distance. Who knows, maybe the top of the hill will have service? But you’re beginning to feel the cold through your thin jacket and the sun’s starting to go down. Do you…

Get out of your

O

rather not freeze to death.

On your way back it begins to snow again, this time the snow is heavier and much denser. You look out afar and can’t see your car.

Sorry, you have reached the end of your journey.

Go back to the car; you’d

Stay in your car

You know, your mom always told you to never take candy from strangers. You wait for the van to leave so that you can climb back into the front of your car, but the van isn’t leaving. You are very hungry, and look around for food. You see an old sandwich and begin eating it, but start feeling sick. Do you…

Climb into the back of your car and hide,

and wait for someone to stop and help. After more than an hour, you finally hear the sound of a car pulling up behind you. You crane your neck to look at the car and you almost don’t see it. It’s a white van and it blends right in with the growing snowstorm. On the fender, though, you can make out the words “Free candy.” You’re a little creeped out. Do you…

DESIGN BY CATHERINE JU

the next car will drive past. A lady rushes out of the van. You talk with her and find out she works for a nonprofit agency that brings sweets and baked goods to those less fortunate. You have the realization that she’s taking you to civilization. Congratulations, you have survived the adventure.

Roll down the window and wave for help. You don’t know when

n a dark and snowy night, you are driving to your relative’s house alone. Your parents arrived hours ago in a separate car and you realize the roads are becoming very icy. You pull to the side of the road to try and wait out the storm. Eventually, the snow lightens up and you try to turn your car back on, but something is wrong. Your car won’t start. Do you…

START

BY FENNA SEMKEN AND SARAH LONGMIRE

ADVENTURE

ENTERTAINMENT CHOOSE YOUR OWN

time to get in touch with your family and get help. You reach the top of the hill, but your phone won’t turn on. The battery has died.You see a cave and start running, but you slip on the ice.

You’re knocked to the ground and can’t hear a sound. Sorry, you have reached the end of your journey.

Continue up the hill; it’s

need help to find help as soon as possible. You are half way up the hill when you see a light in the distance. It seems to be coming from a house, and you could really use some food and a warm blanket right now.

Do you…

Continue walking towards the hill, you

it’s cold outside and you need to get warm. You enter the house and smell something in the kitchen. You find the room and hope for food. Inside, you find a plate of cookies. As you take some off the plate, the cook finds you and throws you out. You are stuck in the snow and have nowhere to go. Sorry, you have reached the end of your journey.

Enter the house;

up the hill and head to the house hoping they will offer you a place to stay the night. You reach the house and ring the doorbell. After waiting a couple minutes, no one has come to the door. You check the doorknob and see that the door is unlocked. Do you…

Head towards the house. You stop your trek

can find shelter. You walk for what seems like hours and are shivering so much that you can barely walk. All of a sudden, you see a road with many cars happily chugging along. You stop on the side and hitch a ride. Congratulations, you have survived the adventure.

Decide to leave the house and walk until you

they can help you. You’re on the phone, and they tell you that you’ll be okay, and that you just need to wait it out. The operator hangs up the phone, the van drives away and you’re left all alone. Sorry, you have reached the end of your adventure.

Call 911 and hope

so you can get out to call your family. You see the person get out of their van and they walk up to you. They ask if you can give them a jumpstart, so you get out your cables.

As you attach the cables you see sparks fly as you get electrocuted and begin to die. Sorry, you have reached the end of your adventure.

Hope the person in the van will leave

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away. . . iconic words from one of the largest movie franchises to date. Today, Dec. 18, Star Wars: the Force Awakens premieres in the U.S. The West Side Story takes a look at the history of the films as well as students’ expectations for its future.

Molly Howes ‘17

Aaditya Deshpande ‘17

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN THE NEW MOVIE?

WHAT IF THE NEW MOVIE ENDS UP BEING AS POORLY DONE AS THE PREQUELS?

I’m super duper excited to see that one of the main characters of the new movie is a girl [because] not a lot of movies have a female lead.

Some people say, ‘I’m kind of afraid that it will be bad like the prequels,’ but honestly if they know that, then they should know that fear is the path to the dark side.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT STAR WARS?

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN THE NEW MOVIE?

[It] is Star Wars, anything is possible.

I just want to know what happened to Luke. Is Mark Hamill just locked up in a box somewhere?

Noah Tiegs ‘16 WHY DO YOU LOVE STAR WARS? I think it’s just a really amazing kind of adventure story that has like a million different characters and a million different locations.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN THE NEW MOVIE? I’m most excited to see if they’re going to take any elements of the expanded universe from the comics and incorporate them at all in The Force Awakens.

COMPILED BY ELEANOR HO

32 ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

Paige Harken ‘18 WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN THE NEW MOVIE? I’m honestly really excited for the new droid BB-8. He’s so cute! I thought R2D2 and C-3PO were so, so funny, and I’m curious to see what he’ll bring to the table.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT STAR WARS? I really like the love story between Han and Leia. I think Harrison Ford as Han Solo was definitely my first ever crush as a kid, which is pretty funny, but it’s okay! I love the adventure part of it, too. Star Wars has so many different genres combined into one, it’s a cool mixture of everything into one.

FILMING LOCATIONS

Star Wars takes viewers on a journey across the galaxy, and filming took the cast and crew across the world, from Norwegian glaciers to Spanish palaces.

HOTH NORWAY TATOOINE TUNISIA UNITED STATES

NABOO ITALY SPAIN UNITED KINGDOM

YAVIN IV GUATEMALA

KASHYYYK THAILAND CHINA

ALDERAAN SWITZERLAND

DOMESTIC BOX OFFICE PROFITS one money equals ten million dollars

$470 MILLION

$460 MILLION one money equals ten million dollars

$10 MILLION

$380 MILLION $300 MILLION

I

II

=

$290 MILLION $300 MILLION

III

IV

V

VI

DESIGN BY LILY WESTEMEYER

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 ENTERTAINMENT 33

FASHION SHOWS

Channel your inner preppy teen with these looks straight out of boarding school and an attitude to match.

Don your cardigans and plaid skirts for the authentic privileged New Yorker with a life full of flair style.

GOSSIP GIRL Of course excellent writing and screenplay is important in making a television show shine but another aspect that sets a show apart from the rest is a one of a kind wardrobe.

Teal plaid skirt | H&M Teal tights | hue.com Black turtleneck | Forever 21 Navy blue cardigan | H&M Blue button up | Forever 21 Yellow striped tie | Brooks Brothers Light khaki pants | Levi’s 34 ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

SCREAM QUEENS Pretty in pink takes on a whole nother meaning when you embrace the style of these bona fide scream queens. Look glamorous and dressed to kill with plenty of extravagant blouses and accessories all in pastel tones of your choosing.

Pink faux-fur coat | Forever 21 High-collared ruffled blouse | White Rabbit White tennis skirt | American Apparel Star print button-up | Forever 21 Men Beige chinos | Levi’s

MAD MEN Jump into the advertising business headfirst by changing your look to something so sharp that Don Draper himself would be jealous of. Slip into the 60s Madison Avenue style with bold colored dresses and suits that fit to a T. Goldenrod shift dress | Forever 21 Sheer black thigh highs | hue.com Plain button up | Macy’s Necktie | Express Chinos | Levi’s

THAT 70’s SHOW For better or for worse the 70s are back and it brought its style with it. Get into the groove with plenty of polyester blouses and flared jeans.

Flared jeans | Forever 21 Paisley blouse | thrift shop

COMPILED BY EBONY MCKEEVER PHOTOS BY JEREMY HU DESIGN BY TAYLOR LIBBY & SIMRAN SARIN

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 ENTERTAINMENT 35

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY FOODS The holidays are here, and nothing brings people together quite like food does. Indulge in these two holiday recipes from cultures across the world.

LATKES

MAKES 6 3-INCH PANCAKES

Hanukkah, the one time you’re suppose to eat deep fried foods. Most people eat potato pancakes known as latkes which are fried in oil to represent the miracle of the Menorah.

RECIPE ADAPTED FROM FOOD52.COM PHOTOS AND COMPILED BY JEREMY HU

INGREDIENTS 2 lbs. russet potatoes 1 medium yellow onion 1 egg ¼ cup all-purpose flour Salt & Pepper Oil for pan frying

PREPARATION 1. Coarsely grate potatoes and onion.

2. Using a cheesecloth, squeeze out as much water as you can.

3. Transfer to a bowl and beat in the egg and 1-2 tbsp flour, or up to ¼ cup if you like a more cakey texture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Heat 1/8-inch oil in a saute pan and drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter and pan fry until golden brown on both sides.

5. Keep finished Latkes warm in a 200°F oven and continue frying until all the batter is gone.

6. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, applesauce or caviar if you’re feeling pretentious.

36 ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

DESIGN BY KATIE FUHRMEISTER

TANGYUAN

WITH SUGAR SYRUP MAKES 24 BALLS

RECIPE ADAPTED FROM INSTRUCTABLES.COM

A homonym for “TuanYuan” or “getting together,” many Asian families celebrate the Winter Solstice by eating a big bowl of TangYuan to symbolize family members coming together and reconnecting.

SUGAR SYRUP INGREDIENTS

TANG YUAN INGREDIENTS

3 cups water ½ cup packed brown sugar Sliced ginger, to taste Star anise (optional)

1 cup shiratama flour or glutinous rice flour 1/2 cup water Seame or red bean paste

PREPARATION

PREPARATION

1. Bring all the ingredients for the syrup to a boil and simmer for five minutes.

1. Mix the flour and water in a bowl and knead until the dough is smooth, adding more water as needed.

2. Roll the dough into a one-inch round log and cut into two-inch pieces.

3. Roll each portion into a ball, flatten and fill with desired filling (or you can opt not to have filling and make one-inch round balls).

4. Bring a pot of water to boil and drop in the tang yuan, do not overcrowd the pot.

5. Bring the water back to a boil and add a cup of cold water and bring to a boil again.

6. Place the tangyuan in an ice water bath.

7. Serve with sugar syrup.

DESIGN BY KATIE FUHRMEISTER

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 ENTERTAINMENT 37

P.O.S. OF THE MONTH

PHOTOS BY MEG MORELAND

Through beehive blunders, trunk troubles and coffee catastrophes, Ashley McMahon ’17 tells the West Side Story why her Chevrolet Impala is truly a P.O.S.

1

The second day I had my car I was going on the interstate . . . and this truck drove past me super fast, but it got too close, so it took off my mirror and part of the paint on my door. Now the mirror is a different color than the mirror on the other side because I couldn’t find one that was cheap and the same color.

2 3

I have to get my trunk fixed because the latch is broken. When I go over the bumps in the back lot, I have to be really careful because when I go over a bump, my trunk just flies open.

There was one time my headlight went out and [I] went to get my headlight replaced, and they were like, ‘Oh, okay, we’ll just take it out and it’ll take like five minutes.’ [T]hey took off the light . . . and then all of a sudden a bee came out, and then a whole entire swarm of bees flew out of my light. [Afterwards] they looked inside and there was a beehive in there.

38 ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

4

My transmission is shot . . . Sometimes when my engine gets warm, like when I’m at stoplights, if I’m there for more than two minutes, I have to put my car in park.

Sometimes I have to turn my car off because my engine gets really, really hot. Also, sometimes I’ll be driving and I’ll slow down, but then all of a sudden my car’s like, ‘No, we’re not ready to slow down yet,’ and my car will jump forward and all of my stuff will fly off. One time I had coffee in the car and it just flew and hit the windshield, so I had coffee dripping down my windshield while I was driving home.

COMPILED BY CHRISTINA DAI DESIGN BY CLAIRE MURRAY

SPORTS RICHARD ZEPEDA ’16

BY NICK DEERBERG & ABBY JANS “I don’t lose. I only learn,” Richard Zepeda ’16 said, a boxer with a confident mind set and the drive to push himself to be as successful as he can. Though the date of his first fight is undetermined at this point, Zepeda is determined to perform well, especially after dealing with various cancellations for the fights he had planned.

After experimenting with multiple forms of martial arts and other sports, Zepeda found his skill set was best applied to boxing.

“As a kid I did a lot of martial arts.

[I did] Taekwondo [and] a little bit of kick boxing. Taekwondo didn’t interest me because it was more self defense. [With] kick boxing, I was just really bad at kicking. I was like ‘Well I’m pretty good with my hands, so I might as well just fight.’”

Aside from having a past of martial arts, Zepeda’s interest in boxing fully sparked during junior high when he was bullied to the extent of feeling worthless.

“When I first started it was to learn how to stand up for myself, ” Zepeda said. “I used to hate boxing because back then I [could] feel when they hit me. I would be on the ground with the wind knocked out of me and a bloody nose.”

Although it started out hard, Zepeda learned to use his obstacles as motivation to get better.

PHOTOS BY JEREMY HU DESIGN BY BARBARA BADOVINAC

“When [training] gets hard, it makes me want to work harder.

If you hit me to the ground, I’m gonna get back up.”

After finding out that he genuinely enjoyed the activity, Zepeda was torn between committing one hundred percent to boxing or splitting his time among other sports.

“I was really bad at soccer, so when I didn’t make the West High soccer team freshman year I said ‘Screw it, let’s go with a different outlet’,” Zepeda said.

Deciding to put soccer on the back burner and focusing on boxing turned out to be the right decision for Zepeda. Putting in the time for team sports can damage a social schedule, so Zepeda prefers the solitude of boxing.

“To be honest, I’d rather be training, running and exercising.

It’s just me, myself and I basically [with boxing],” Zepeda said.

Zepeda is proud of the progress he’s made and displays his

development Fridays at ICOR Boxing Club where he spars his peers. Although he takes some hard punches, Zepeda always gets back up to show them what he’s capable of.

Zepeda considers boxing and other forms of self defense to be a part of his culture, and it’s something everyone in his family has learned how to do.

“If you’re born Latino, you have to know how to fight, even if you don’t box,” Zepeda said. “My cousins did Taekwondo for a while, and my dad did a little bit of Kung Fu and Taekwondo.”

Zepeda’s close friend Bryan Martinez ’16 has high hopes for Zepeda and believes boxing has had a positive influence on him.

“His confidence has gone way up [since he started boxing],” Martinez said. “He was a timid person. Now he goes around telling everyone he wants to box them.”

Although Zepeda has not yet participated in an official fight, his spirit has not diminished; Zepeda is still determined to perform well when his time comes around. His friends are helping him keep his moral up, with Martinez pointing out that “technically, he’s still undefeated.”

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 SPORTS 39

TH I

IME’S THE T CH RD A

RM

BY ALLIE BISCUPSKI

The boys swim team is coming off their second consecutive state championship. They are looking to repeat as champions for the third year in a row and join boys basketball, boys tennis, boys soccer and girls track as the only other West High teams to accomplish this feat.

40 SPORTS DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

T

said. “But we’re also very focused and we’re going to do great things at state.”

PH OT OS

BY S

AR

AH

LO NG M

IRE

he Coralville Recreation we were last year,” he said. “Our varsity or the elite swimmers.

“West High swim team is Center begins to fill up with second tier guys are a lot stronger just about that. Team,” he said. a swarm of high school boys coming back.”

McGlaughlin said it’s exciting “Everybody has a spot and we rely around 4:15 p.m. every day. The on everybody. That’s swim team files in, puts on their to see how the team what makes us a goggles and dives in for another has improved from last year, especially competitive program.” day of practice. underclassmen McGlaughlin said This year’s team, however, has the it’s encouraging to see two empty spots in their top lane and junior varsity the team as a whole during practice. Aidan Keen ’16 swimmers.

“All the younger working hard and and Mark McGlaughlin ’16 will not are Mark McGlaughlin ’16 setting high standards be practicing with the team this swimmers for this season. year. Instead, the boys will practice getting really fast,” “I think it is really exciting and it with their club swim team, IFLY, in he said. “Even posting personal order to train for the 2016 Olympic bests in practice, which is crazy. means good things for the future of It’s awesome. Everyone’s working the team,” he said.

Trials.

As for Keen, he is focused on Keen qualified in the 200 freestyle really hard and I think it’ll come training hard and having fun and McGlaughlin qualified in the together.”

Assistant coach Byron Butler with the team his last year.

50 and 100 freestyle and the 100 is working with these swimmers He said he’s looking backstroke. “[I’ll practice] a couple mornings to improve on technique and forward to the winter practices a week so I stay eligible [for high endurance, which he said will break school swimming], but train hopefully translate to more points with the team.

“We’re just a mostly with IFLY to stay in shape in meets.

“For the most part, f un-lov ing for trials coming the state level talent is group of up this summer, back,” he said. “Another g u y s ,” and also to see if strength for us is the fact h e that helps achieve that the guys have been something the really right in the middle of the lofty goals [coach] pack have improved over Miecznikowski has this year. They’ve gotten for me,” Keen said.

Aidan Keen ’16 stronger, spent more “He definitely wants me to get the state record in the time in the water and are in better physical condition.”

200 [freestyle].”

Top: Brennon Keen ‘18 Miecznikowski said Keen and McGlaughlin will only Middle: Lane Griffis ‘18 be competing in some away meets one reason the team is Bottom: Ethan McAreavy ‘18 during their regular dual meet so successful is the season. However, with the work emphasis put on the team is putting in at practice, working together they aren’t worried about points on all levels of the team, during the dual meets.

“Mark and I are pretty big point whether it scorers, but it’s not up to just Mark be with and me, it requires the whole team,” junior Keen said. “I mean, we’ll probably lose a few points, but overall the team shouldn’t be affected that much.”

Head coach Robert Miecznikowski said the coaches are looking towards the middle of the pack to make up for lost points in away meets, and to prepare for the bigger meets and invites. “ We’r e a little deeper than

DESIGN BY CLAIRE MURRAY

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 SPORTS 41

MAKING THE

BY AARON CARTER

42SPORTS SPORTS DECEMBER DECEMBER2015 2015 WSSPAPER.COM WSSPAPER.COM 42

CUT

DESIGNED BY RYO OHASHI

W

restling is a sport that has an exclusive fan base, and this fan base is extremely strong in Iowa. Few people understand the things wrestlers do, such as cutting nine pounds in an hour in order to compete at the highest level. To outsiders, cutting weight is viewed as an extreme measure, but to wrestlers it is just another day on the mat.

When wrestlers cut weight in order to compete in the best possible weight class to win matches for their team, they can experience backlash physically, socially and in some cases academically.

Although this seems like an obvious setback for Doyle, there are positives to doing both wrestling and football.

“It gives me something to focus on something other than wrestling and get as strong as I can so when it is time to get back down to weight, which is hard, I have more strength than if I would’ve stayed around 205 pounds.” Doyle said.

Aaron Stumpf ’16 can also speak to the physical difficulties of cutting weight, as Stumpf cut the most weight of any varsity wrestler last year. “[When cutting weight] I have a lot of weakness in the legs,” Stumpf said. “I feel fatigued and find it hard to find the energy to do things whether they take a lot of energy or Cutting weight can be physically not.” harmful if not carefully monitored.

Although cutting weight is not Nelson Brands ’18 wrestles year- ideal for one’s health, it can be round to make sure he isn’t as beneficial if done correctly. Pudil affected by the process. and others note how far wrestling “I really have no offseason,” has come in making sure the Brands said. “I wrestle athletes are cutting weight both freestyle and greco, in a healthy manner. and I don’t do another “There were a lot less sport, so I am in shape guidelines [when I year-round.” wrestled],” Pudil said. “I Being in shape yearwould be losing 15 to 18 round helps Brands, who pounds [in three days].” is no novice to the sport. Nelson Brands ’18 Pudil also cites that His father, Terry Brands, is an initial body exams consisting of Associate Wrestling Coach at the body composition and hydration University of Iowa, and his uncle, tests are taken more seriously than Tom Brands, is the Head Coach for they used to be, which is a good the Iowa team; both of whom are sign for the sport’s future. Although olympians. However, according to there were still punishments for Brands, these influences weren’t the cheating or lying about the test, reason he began wrestling. now the test examiners make sure “I started wrestling in the fourth there is no opportunity for cheating grade, which is a lot later than most to take place. people start,” Brands said. “But “In high school, my buddy [Nate I always wanted to wrestle. My Moore] and I would always come in family didn’t tell me to wrestle, it way over weight [for initial weighwas my decision.” ins],” Pudil said. “We lied about our Donovan Doyle ’16, who recently weight to say we were closer than committed to Harvard University we were. Let’s just say we did a lot to wrestle, is unlike his teammate of running for that.”

Brands in the sense that wrestling is not his only sport. Doyle plays football in the fall, which makes it even harder for him to get to his Teenagers have a reputation of desired weight of 195 pounds. being reclusive. Parents complain “Football makes it difficult about not having the connections because football is more just about they used to have with their being big so you can withstand children, and wrestling is no aid to collisions,” Doyle said. “It doesn’t their worry. put you in the best type of shape “If people know me well enough like wrestling does.” they know that I don’t want a full

Physically

Socially

on conversation,” Brands said. “I will just tell my parents ‘My day was good,’ and then nothing else.”

Stumpf also thinks that it affects more people than just his family, in particular his friends.

“I usually don’t hang out with my friends much [during the season] and I just hang out with my teammates,” Stumpf said. “This is because they’re doing the same thing as me, and they’re trying to achieve the same goal as I am.”

This ramification cited by Stumpf is a common theme among wrestlers. Most people outside of wrestling sympathize with the wrestlers, but few are able to express empathy. This is why Stumpf and others hang out with “their own kind,” as put by Stumpf.

They feel more comfortable dealing with the situation together than dealing with it in isolation.

“We know we are going through the same thing together,” Stumpf said. “So we do things together, and try not to think about the unhealthy food and practice, and just focus on having fun together.”

The Iowa High School Athletic Association declared that a wrestler cannot go under 7 percent body fat of his or her “natural weight.” If a wrestler is under this level than he or she will have to either wrestle at “their minimum weight class” or seek consultation from a physician.

“This rule forces coaches and athletes to cut weight properly,” Athletic Director Scott Kibby said.

There is a standardized hydration test that occurs before the body composition exam for wrestlers, but is not nearly as much of a concern for the athletes like the body composition test.

“None of us really take it seriously,” Brands said. “Most of the time people don’t cheat because they don’t have to, but they will talk about it if they’re worried about the test.”

According to Stumpf, teachers are just like parents in that they are protective of their students and are usually able to notice if something is different.

“A lot of my teachers know when I am cutting weight, or if it’s a meet day, because of how I am acting in class,” Stumpf said. “[Cutting weight] dropped my GPA for sure.”

Outside of the classroom While wrestling affects people physically and socially, those wrestlers are still getting educated in the form of dieting. two factors can come Coaches, including Pudil, together to affect a student worry more about athletes academically as well. cutting weight properly More and more athletes than they do about the have come to realize that, action itself. although they are called “Wrestlers don’t have to student-athletes, most of the time the sport comes Donovan Doyle ’16 change their diets as much as I had to back when I first.

Brands believes that if a wrestler wrestled, but it is still an important cuts weight properly then there part,” Pudil said. “Wrestlers need to should be minimal effects, but even cut weight the right way, and they Brands, who prides himself on do that by not skipping meals. In his ability to cut weight, has been the past we have put kids on meal plans to make sure they are doing affected.

“Last year my coach wanted me everything properly, but most of to certify at 113 pounds, and I was the time it is just verbal guidance.”

Doyle says it all comes down to at 140 [pounds]. I got down to 116 [pounds], three pounds within being able to balance playing sport certification, but I was unable to with school, and he says it is not wrestle at the 113 class so I had to much different from football.

“I don’t have as much energy, but wrestle at 126,” Brands said. “That was the only time I wasn’t able to [school] is still doable,” Doyle said. focus on school at all [due to the “I just have to stay on top of things and manage my time effectively massive amount of weight cut].”

This certification of weight is not and talk to my teachers if I need something new to the state, but still help.” affects wrestlers.

Academically

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 SPORTS 43

TALENT TO SPARE

BY LEXI SHAFFER

Bowling is the underdog of winter sports in terms of popularity. The West Side Story sat down with bowler Asha Irani ‘17 and head coach Mike Melleker to delve into what it means to be a part of the bowling team.

West Side Story: How can people get fun. Coach always says ‘we try to get involved in bowling in the future? better and try to have fun’ and that Asha Irani: This year [the season] totally happens. started around Nov. 11. Normally [the WSS: Is bowling a sport? season starts] early to mid November.

AI: People don’t see [bowling] as a [Next year] there will be a meeting sport because they don’t think it is that they announce [when it will start]. physically taxing. You don’t have to That’s where you get all the supplies run at top speed or catch a ball, but the and the forms you need to fill out. skill level required for bowling easily That’s in October every year. makes up for the physical taxation of WSS: What are practices and other sports. I am in cross country competitions like? and in bowling. Cross country is AI: We go to Colonial Lanes after obviously very mentally and physically school for practice at 3:45. Sometimes challenging, but they are still both we do drills, like aiming for sports to me, and they the corner pins or only picking should be sports to up spares. Other times we just everyone. bowl games to see where we CM: Anybody can stand. [On varsity] it is based roll a ball down the on the week of practice before lane and maybe get a to see how you have been strike now and then. A doing that week, so it changes good bowler can do it a lot. We compete all over. We pretty often. We have Asha Irani ’17 have a lot of home meets [at high school bowlers Colonial Lanes] and we also averaging 210-230 a go really far away too. The farthest we game. I have had very good football have gone is around four hours, we got players try out for the team and they out of second period to go to a bowling can’t believe how hard it is, some make meet. We go to very interesting places. varsity but most don’t. There are a lot The places are all really cool and of things going on than just rolling the different. Once we went upstairs in a ball down the lanes. During a match casino. It’s not like other sports where you need keep up with the changing the place that you play is the exact lane conditions, the mental aspect same every time. on needing to get a strike or spare to Coach Melleker: We bowl [against] win. You need to have coordination, all the Mississippi Valley Conference endurance and a mental game. [You schools. Our matches are normally on need] coordination to walk and roll Fridays with a few Tuesday meets. We the ball over a same mark (which is switch with City on the Wednesday/ only a 1” wide) on the lanes constantly Thursday practices. On those days to hit the strike pocket. [You need] we bowl for an average which will endurance, you have 6 bowlers on the determine who bowls varsity or JV. lanes and you bowl 2 games in about 1 WSS: Why should people join hour, then bowl a 5 game baker series bowling? in another hour. [You need] mental AI: [It is] interesting and very game to forget when you make a bad unique. I would have never thought in shot because you have to make another the history of my life that I would be shot in a few minutes and you need to on the bowling team, but I am really make it a good shot. glad I tried it out because it’s so much

44 SPORTS DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

ART BY HANNAH SONG PHOTOS BY SARAH LONGMIRE DESIGN BY MORGAN SCHMITT-MORRIS

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 ADS 45

OPINION

BY ISABELLE ROBLES

A

hh, winter break. The wonderful two weeks of snow, warm drinks, vacation and family. And, for high school students, mounds of homework. Nice.

Now, let’s be honest. By 3:10 p.m. on Dec. 18 we all–students, teachers, faculty and staff, etc, etc, etc–have had quite a lot of work that has been done. Chapters into

THE UNWANTED GIFT

math, hundreds of textbook pages that have been read and all those wonderful busy-work assignments to be done and graded. We’re all tired. And, as you read this copy of thy wonderful West Side Story, I’m sure you’ve looked up at the clock a few times to see how many more minutes until we can be unleashed to our 15 days of freedom. Don’t worry though, friend, I’ve done the math for you--thank you, four chapters of Pre-Calculus!

If you are reading this at 8:00 a.m., you only have 430 more minutes stuck here until you can leave. But, with the six five-minute passing times and 30 minutes of lunch, we can knock that down to 370. Now, let’s hope, as today is the last day before break, your Spanish teacher

is playing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Spanish subtitles. So, we can take out 50 minutes so you end up with a solid 320 minutes of attentive learning.

We can estimate an approximate five students per class being absent because they are on their way to the ~wonderfully warm beaches~ of Florida. If you’re lucky, you’ll have seven plus gone. We can probably take out a good two minutes per class of teachers searching for the missing students until they remember, “Oh, yeah. They’re smiling with Mickey while I’m here, in Iowa, counting down the minutes until I can leave.” I spot you, teacher. I spot you.

So now we’ve got an approximate 306 minutes left. Oh, and the two

minutes it took you to read that.

304. Yay! Now, after that wonderful formula with some words popped in there, my point is this: We’ve been learning, and teaching, about 90-ish days so far this school year, none of which typically feature a Sr. Snowman. This is about 33,300 minutes. What! Let’s not forget about all that grand homework and grading. Let’s just say, you know, for simplicity reasons, we have all endured around 2,500,001 minutes of school work. We all deserve a break. So please, no homework over break. I would love to be able to sled with my pals without thinking about synthetic division and an essay to work on, and I’m sure you would, too.

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED

BY ELEANOR HO

O

sounds like: taking something and turning it into a game. I can already hear the groans. ‘Wow, third paragraph of this column and I’m already bored.’ But what if I were to tell you that you could get a candy bar just for finishing this column? Are you interested now?

Well that would be gamification.

Specifically, gamification within the education system would be taking mechanics like leveling, progress bars, and quests and applying it to learning. Imagine if you got a reward, say $50, for every fifth math assignment you turned in. It would make people a lot less willing to give up and skip an assignment on the fourth day.

Now you might have realized by now that our current education system is doing pretty much that.

Yes, you get an arbitrary reward for doing something. But, replace $50 with a 50 point test, and now there’s a much worse taste in our mouths.

It turns out that the problems with our current situation are so deeply rooted, it would be almost

ur daily lives have grown to become both increasingly engaging and deathly monotonous. Right now, there are a million things we can do for fun. There are theme parks to go to. Movies to see. Copies of the West Side Story to read.

All around us, brand new things engage us in ways people couldn’t have imagined before. Travel is faster, cheaper and more accessible than it ever has been.

Meanwhile, how we work and how we learn has hardly evolved past some authority figure droning on while we sit at desks whittling away at. . . something. So then we’re left to wonder, what exactly is the best way to better engagement and motivation?

Gamification is exactly what it 46 OPINION DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

impossible to change. It’s because they reach us on a subconscious level in ways that we don’t even notice. You get a test back and you didn’t get a perfect. Or anywhere near that. So what do you do?

“Hmm, let’s see, I lost points here, here and here. . .”

With the current grading system, we’re subconsciously forced to pay the majority of our attention to what we did wrong and where we lose. Through gamification and say, the use of a progress bar, we can focus on the fact that we did make progress, and we want to work harder to accomplish even more, instead of simply negatively reinforcing us. The best part about this is that teachers don’t have to change how they grade, just place rewards in the right places.

This brings us to another mechanic that could easily be utilized in the classroom. Everyone knows that when you fill the progress bar, you level up. Students are too used to seeing homework and other schoolwork as a wall

to crash through. What if all of a sudden that homework assignment gets you XP that you can use to level up and get advantages? It can be as simple as a bonus five points on a test of the student’s choice.

All of a sudden that homework assignment very well might seem more important.

Better yet, imagine the teacher sets a goal. Reach a total of 5,000 points as a class, and you can have a pizza party. Suddenly, students who do better have an incentive to help students that may be struggling more. Not only would the teacher be improving individual participation, class morale would go up as each student encourages each other to do better.

But don’t just take my word for it.

There are studies out there proving that gamification works. Not to mention the fact that there are countless ways to go about doing it.

With gamification, there’s so much potential to motivate people, and to just plain make our lives better, so why don’t we do it?

PHOTOS BY MIRIAM PEREZ

MEGAN KANN ‘16 GUEST COLUMNIST

DRAG QUEENS,

ORGIES AND

CONDOMS.

OH MY!

Want to write a guest opinion for the West Side Story? Email us at westsidestorypaper@gmail.com.

A

school is a place where each student deserves the right to feel safe, valid and important. When everyday is accompanied by the fear of harassment, it is impossible to focus your mind on the lessons in front of you. Each classmate is a potential threat and the hallways are full of hidden bullies. Iowa Safe Schools recognizes the struggle of LGBTQ+ children and have made it their mission to protect all students from bullying, harassment and discrimination. It is too easy to forget that not every person in a classroom is straight or cisgender, for these qualities carry no outward characteristics. You cannot point out the queer kid purely by his or her or their rainbow aura.

One of Iowa Safe Schools’ primary forums for supporting Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) across the state is the Governor’s Conference. It was founded in 2006 with only a couple of GSAs and a few speakers and has grown to the largest LGBTQ+ youth conference in the nation. The conference is split into two main parts: the keynote speakers and the breakout sessions. Past keynote speakers include the only openly gay royalty in the world His Royal Highness Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, WWE Superstar Darren DESIGN BY ELEANOR HO

Young, and former Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir.

West High Colors has attended nine out of the ten conferences. Every year we return inspired and excited to share our new knowledge.

However this past year we were surprised and disappointed to discover that Family Leader, a conservative Christian advocacy group based in Iowa, and Republican Rep. Bobby Kaufmann were attacking the conference for “obscene material.” The two details that were distorted from the conference were the final keynote speaker Miss Coco Peru and a breakout session on safe sex. Family Leader accused Miss Coco Peru of urging students to slash tires, while Rep. Kaufmann claimed it was “an inappropriate use of public funds” to education students on gay sex.

These two allegations are based on hearsay and biased reporting.

Miss Coco Peru enlisted comical vulgarities in order to amuse and hold the attention of a room full of hyper high school kids. There is no difference between Miss Coco Peru’s comic relief and someone cracking a joke in class in order to lighten the mood-except that she is a drag queen and a majority of these students are gay.

Rep. Kaufmann claims that

during the sex ed session students were taught to find orgies online.

That is the exact opposite of what happened. The story was shared as a cautionary tale for students trying to find information on the web. The man believed he was attending an innocent party in the city he had just moved to, but when he arrived, boy, was he surprised! Again this was used as comic relief to warm the audience to a sometimes awkward topic.

Another point Rep. Kaufmann was stuck on was the attire of the lady who accompanied Mr. Orgy.

She was wearing a dress entirely covered with condoms. Rep. Kaufmann claimed that she said she was wearing it so she could pluck one off whenever she wanted to have sex. Again, not true. She specifically told the audience that these were defective condoms sold for arts and crafts purposes only. Rep. Kaufmann made her sound as if she were some clown off the street holding a room full of uncomfortable children hostage, so that she could teach them her sinful ways (the whole lesbian witches thing). She in fact is an adolescent sexuality expert with a doctorate, and the students attended this breakout session because they personally wanted to know more

about safe sex.

Rep. Kaufmann wishes to investigate the use of public funds to support such a heinous gathering, except the Governor’s Conference isn’t funded by the state. The only way public funds are involved is because some schools use taxpayer money to rent buses to take the students there. The Governor’s Conference is a completely unique environment, one in which that LGBTQ+ teens feel safe to be themselves. For many students there is nowhere else for them to get this information because their school’s personal development courses does not cover safe gay sex.

So why are these grown adults attacking a conference for high school students? Because these students are gay. It is as simple as that. After everything Iowa Safe Schools has done to improve the lives of ALL of the state’s students, they are still forced to explain the worth of this conference. Why are they afraid of educating these students on their sexualities?

Would they rather they found it out on the street? Rep. Kaufmann, are you going to stop bullies, or are you going to be a bully?

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 OPINION 47

SEEKING ASYLUM

A

fter numerous recent attacks around providing them with jobs, food, and homes. the world including those in Paris, They are aware of the struggle that may ensue Beirut and Baghdad, the latest glaring when entering the nation, and by allowing question being asked of United States officials them a safer place to live we are giving them a is if Syrian refugees should be allowed into the chance to rebuild their lives. Allowing them into country. The West Side Story editorial board the country is the least we can do to save them voted in favor of allowing them from any terror they may be into the country. experiencing in Syria.

Should the United States By accepting Syrian refugees accept Syrian refugees into If people are wary of the into the country, the U.S. will backgrounds of refugees, they the country? continue to be a strong leader need not have fear. There is an in the fight against terrorism. extensive process for entering As a superpower, our decision our nation as a refugee. It as a nation is crucial in setting isn’t as simple as hopping on an example for the rest of the a plane and buying a house. world, and allowing refugees Suggestions have been made into the country will express The WSS editorial board voted to keep Syrian refugees under in support of this measure. that terrorism doesn’t incite strict surveillance. If that will terror on our nation. make U.S. citizens feel safer, it Labeling a complete should be implemented. population as terrorists is morally wrong. Most Refugees are just as human as students at West, refugees in Syria are seeking asylum from the and if humanity is ever going to fully come same terrorists that we fear and restricting together we need to accept those in need of help. people from escaping that world is cruel. The There are radicals in every religion, every nation U.S. accepts refugees from other countries and and every group that could potentially enter the by restricting those from one country or region U.S. By looking at the situation as helping people we would only add to the problem. in need, our duty to help others, regardless of Accepting Syrian refugees does not mean religion or nationality, will become apparent.

16-1

WRAPPING UP 2015

*to the tune of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Twenty-Fifteen’s a good year and we know this all because chemical civil warfare brought refugees from Syria

Twenty-Fifteen’s a good year, and we have to know that’s so, NASA sent a robot to Mars and found a little H2O

Katy Perry’s left shark messed up, John Boehner left and won’t come back, Mizzou’s football team went on strike and beat you all in Trivia Crack.

Dr. A went and retired and now our principal is Gregg The U.S. is friends with Cuba, and all we had to do was beg

Donald runs for president and so does Hillary SCOTUS backed equality for homosexuality

School board cut the funding but admin made it clear that City gets 200 hours but we still have to volunteer

Starbucks “defiled” their coffee with “Holiday” not “Christmas” cups but it’s still so expensive just like prescription drug mark ups

Twenty-Fifteen’s a good year but now it’s coming to a close, leaving us with one last question: “Come on man, what are those?!”

48 OPINION DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

WSS EDITORIAL BOARD BARBARA BADOVINAC ALLIE BISCUPSKI PAIGE BRAZINA AARON CARTER CHARLIE CODE CAMERON COOK SCHYLER DAVIS NICK DEERBERG DANETTA DOBRE NINA ELKADI ELEANOR HO KELSEY KERANEN MICHAEL MOONJELY ISABELLE ROBLES SIMRAN SARIN CHANEL VIDAL LILY WESTEMEYER SHARON XIANG CHRISTIAN ZIRBES

EQUITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, martial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at your school, please contact the Equity Director, Kingsley Botchway, at 509 Dubuque Street, 319-6881000. Please contact westsidestorypaper@ gmail.com for questions or comments.

EDITORIAL POLICY The West Side Story reflects the views of the staff and does not represent the school administration, faculty or student body. Guest articles may be accepted to represent an additional point of view or as a part of a collection of reader contributions. The staff will carefully scrutinize all reader submissions.

All ads are subject to approval by the business staff. Those that are libelous, obscene or plainly offensive may be rejected. The West Side Story attempts to publish all letters, which must be signed, to the Editors, but may reject submissions due to space limitations, inaccuracy or poor quality. It is the responsibility of the opinion editor to verify authorship. Editors can make minor edits for the sake of clarity, length and grammatical correctness.

WEST SIDE STORY EDITORS Kelsey Keranen Sharon Xiang Barbara Badovinac Allie Biscupski Paige Brazina Aaron Carter Charlie Code Cameron Cook Danetta Dobre Nina Elkadi Layla Hannaford Eleanor Ho Zayetzy Luna Ebony McKeever Michael Moonjely

STAFF

Isabelle Robles Simran Sarin Morgan Schmitt-Morris Madeline Silva Gabby Skopec Maggie Terry Chanel Vidal Lily Westemeyer Christian Zirbes

STAFF Leela Bassuk

Benjamin Bliven Shanthi Chackalackal Eugenia Chen Shati Cooper Christina Dai Schyler Davis

Nick Deerberg Braedyn Dochterman Leah Dusterhoft Katie Fuhrmeister Ellie Gretter Louis Ho Jeremy Hu Abby Jans Catherine Ju Jiung Jung Junhee Lee Taylor Libby Sarah Longmire Mary Mondanaro Meg Moreland Maddie Moriyama Claire Murray

Jacob Nishimura Ryo Ohashi Miriam Perez Anthony Pizzimenti Prateek Raikwar Olivia Read Stefan Schmidt Fenna Semken Lexi Shaffer Kayla Shader Hannah Song Shawn Thacker Caleb Thurman Mason Wang David Wu Wingel Xue Sara Whittaker– Adviser

YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW

ART BY BRAEDYN DOCTHERMAN DESIGN BY ELEANOR HO

WSSPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2015 OPINION 49

HUMOR A CONSUMERIST

CHRISTMAS

*This page is satire and is not meant to be percieved as factual.

BY STEFAN SCHMIDT

Each winter, families put up Christmas decorations weeks in advance to show their excitement for the coming holiday season.

However, the Jolly Old Man himself worries Christmas has become more of a commercial event than a time of celebration.

“Christmas isn’t even a holiday anymore! Why not just lump it in with Black Friday and save everyone the trouble?” said Santa Claus.

Industry reports from the North Pole show the net value of annual Christmas wish list requests has grown by an astonishing 29 percent per year for several decades, and the white-bearded CEO has been hard pressed to keep up.

“The world expects me to take the North Pole from fairytale factory to industrial superpower

in a matter of years. What do they think this place runs on, Christmas charm?” Mr. Claus said.

“He has just been under so much stress lately. He’s always on about ‘production capacity this’ or ‘labor utilization that’ and barely spends any time at home anymore,” Mrs. Claus said.

The Clauses say long ago Christmas was a holiday for families to come together to eat cookies, play in the snow and rejoice. Gifts were a somewhat common tradition but not the center of the holiday.

“We used to have a cute little workshop where we would put together wooden trains and dolls for all the little boys and girls.

Those were the days,” Mrs. Claus said.

Nowadays the frigid

1

We have all seen the videos of cars slipping and sliding on ice. Well you know who doesn’t do that? Ice skaters. What is your car missing to make it a majestic ice swan? Skates. Remove those pesky tires and boom, your car goes from an out of control toboggan to a gold-medalist figure skater.

You’re welcome.

2

Fuel economy is a big deal and gas is expensive. Save yourself money and time at the pump by going as fast as possible on ice. Figure skaters spend tons of time on ice, but don’t look tired. Why? Because ice lets you slide. That’s right: take advantage of the ice to save yourself some precious moola.

Hello, Nobel Prize committee? Yeah, I’ll take my prize in economics now. No, I won’t be attending the after party.

5

manufacturers atop the North Pole work tirelessly to supply consumer goods they feel are worthless.

“You wouldn’t believe some of the junk kids put on their lists. Do you seriously need a mini basketball hoop to hang on your door? How often will you actually use that?”

Mr. Claus said.

In fact, the cherry-nosed chap has been widely criticized for distributing the very mass produced merchandise he detests.

“Half those twits demand their plastic crap and their iPhones and the other half accuse me of being a capitalist sellout. I just can’t win!”

The increase in demand has taken its toll on the workers, too.

“You know what’s funny?” Elf 587 said. “No one ever thinks to ask what the elves want. We’re supposed to be chipper and festive.

TIPS FOR WINTER

BY CHRISTIAN ZIRBES Winter is a scary time for even the most experienced drivers. After seeing how many of you drive, it’s hard to believe that you have ever seen a steering wheel. Have no fear; these tips will get you through this slippery time. Call the Winter Olympics and tell them to cancel it because you have already won.

3

In the morning when your car windshields are iced over, you have two options: exhaust yourself scraping the diamond sheet off of your car with a pointy stick or try driving to school seeing only vague outlines. The second option doesn’t work so

50 HUMOR DECEMBER 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

We’re just not cut out for this kind of labor.”

The Pole’s Merry Manager says he is well aware of the labor force’s discontent, but has not been able to find a solution to the company’s shortage of production.

“I know my elves are overworked. In fact, if adults thought I was real they would be all over me for human rights violations. But what choice do I have? Consumerism calls,” Mr. Claus said.

Despite these challenges Mr. and Mrs. Claus have not given up on preserving the less industrial aspects of Christmas and say they still have hope the holiday season will once again be about celebration rather than consumption.

great and I’m too lazy to try the first. Here’s the secret: the night before, make sure you pour warm water on your windshields. That way the windows are nice and toasty and ice can’t form on them.

4

We all know it’s going to happen. You roll up to the parking lot, but uh-oh, the fresh layer of snow means that you can’t see the lines. Now, you usually don’t regard the lines anyways and park how you like, but now how are you going to take up five spots with your little Ford Focus? Answer: if you can’t see the lines, they don’t exist. Go ahead and try to take up eight spots. My personal record is seven.

5

Worst case scenario: your car breaks down, it’s freezing outside, you’re getting cold and you think you just spotted a polar bear. A blanket is not going to help you here. What you need is a fire.

Toss a couple of dry logs, a container of gasoline and some matches in the boot of your car, and you have the makings for a nice toasty fire. Plus it scares off predators, at least according to that Bear Grylls show.

DESIGN BY CATHERINE JU

12.3.15 at 7:30(H) vs Mount Vernon 12.18.15 at 7:30(H) vs Washington 1.5.16 at 7:30(H) vs Thomas Jefferson 1.8.16 at 7:30(H) vs City High 1.15.16 at 7:30(H) vs Linn-Mar 1.29.16 at 7:30(H) vs Kennedy 2.2.16 at 7:30(H) vs Xavier 2.12.16 at 7:30 vs City 2.18.16 at 7:30(H) vs Dubuque Hempstead

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball 12.1.15 at 7:30(H) vs Prairie 12.11.15 at 7:30(H) vs Waterloo West 12.15.15 at 7:30(H) vs Waterloo East 1.8.16 at 6:00(H) vs City 1.12.16 at 7:30(H) vs Dubuque Wahlert 1.19.16 at 7:30(H) vs Bettendorf 1.22.16 at 7:30(H) vs Dubuque Senior 1.26.16 at 7:30(H) vs Cedar Falls 2.5.16 at 7:30(H) vs Thomas Jefferson 2.12.16 at 6:00 vs City High

Wrestling 12.17.15 at 5:30(H) 1.7.16 at 6:00(H) vs City High 1.9.16 at 9:00am(H) 1.14.16 at 6:00(H) vs Wash

Boys Swimming 12.12.15 at 10:00(H) 12.15.15 at 6:00(H) vs Kennedy 1.5.16 at 6:00(H) vs Muscatine 1.19.16 at 6:00(H) vs Linn-Mar

Bowling 12.11.15 at 3:15(H) vs Waterloo West 12.18.15 at 3:15(H) vs Dubuque Hempstead 1.8.16 at 3:15(H) vs Cedar Falls 1.15.16 at 3:15(H) vs Linn-Mar 1.29.16 at 3:15(H) vs City High 2.12.16 at 3:15(H) vs Dubuque Senior

GUESS ME IF YOU CAN (A-Z EDITION)

West Side Story went around to Coralville and Iowa City businesses taking photos of their signs. Each business represents a letter of the alphabet and there will be three prizes given out to the first three people to bring in 20 correct answers. Can you figure out 20 of the 26 businesses included?

DESIGN BY LILY WESTEMEYER PHOTOS by MEG MORELAND