2023-05-31

W EST S IDE S TORY

Beauty Beyond Bodies

West students share their experiences with eating disorders, self-harm scars and body dysmorphia.

PHOTO FEATURE

Brennan Johnson ‘23 rides the mechanical bull ring at the Party After Prom May 7.

Sachiko Goto

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hey there!

My name is Zaira Ahmad and I am the Print Editor-in-Chief for the 2023-24 school year.

Congratulations on making it through this year! You have worked hard and it’s time to finally take a moment to relax as you say goodbye to your peers.

While we bid farewell to our seniors, many West staff members also part ways with the school as they retire. To learn about a few teachers’ future plans, flip to page 8.

This issue’s cover story explores body image and its impacts on students at West. To read about students’ experiences with eating disorders, body dysmorphia and self-harm scars, turn to page 10.

As you take your final steps out of West’s doors, you may find yourself looking for the perfect way to start your summer. Turn to page 18 to find soundtracks for any occasion under the sun. Have a great summer West, I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

SINCERELY,

ZAIRA AHMAD (she/her)

CONTACT US

Mailing address: 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240

Website: wsspaper.com

Email: westsidestorypaper@gmail.com

West Side Story reflects the views of the staff and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the school administration, faculty or student body. Students who want to join WSS should enroll in Foundations of Journalism. For more information, go to wsspaper.com/join.

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RESPONDING TO WSS

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CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

The WSS strives to correct its errors. If you notice any inaccuracies, contact westsidestorypaper@gmail.com.

EQUITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District 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 sociaeconomic 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, at 509 Dubuque Street, 319-688-1000. Please contact westsidestorypaper@gmail.com for questions or comments.

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STAFF LIST

Zaira Ahmad* (she/her) Print Editor-In-Chief

Jack Alden (he/him) Reporter

Defne Bayman (they/she) Artist, Designer, Photographer

William Cheng* (he/him) ................................................. Visual Editor

Maya Chu* (she/her) Feature Editor

Ella De Young* (she/her) Managing Editor

Heidi Du* (she/her) Copy Editor

Sila Duran* (she/her) Assistant Design Editor

Jack Furlong (he/they) Reporter, Videographer

Sachiko Goto* (she/they) Design Editor

Lilly Graham* (she/her) Managing Editor

Camille Gretter (she/her) Online Editor-In-Chief

Eva Jordan* (she/her) ....................................... Entertainment Editor

Krisha Kapoor* (she/her) Print Co-Editor-In-Chief

Reem Kirja* (she/her) Profiles Editor

Kamakshee Kuchhal* (she/her) Copy Editor

Jane Lam* (she/her) Assistant Copy Editor

Jessie Li* (she/her) Assistant Copy Editor

Gianna Liu* (she/her) Photo Editor, Sports Editor

Jay Mascardo (she/he/they) Photographer, Reporter

Ginger McCartney* (she/her) Art Editor

Helen Orszula (she/her) Artist, Designer

Esther Park (she/her) Artist, Designer

Lily Prochaska* (she/her) Sports Editor

Mrudani Ramkumar* (she/her) News Editor

Katherine Shoppa* (they/them) Print Co-Editor-In-Chief

Anna Song* (she/her) Assistant Design Editor

McKenna Stephens (she/her) Designer

Marie Stier* (she/her) Feature Editor

Rosemary Timmer-Hackert* (she/they) Opinion Editor

Erinn Varga* (she/her) Design Editor, Opinion Editor

Angel Wells-Lu (she/her) Artist, Designer

Sara Whittaker (she/her) Adviser

Athena Wu* (she/her) Entertainment Editor

FRONT COVER DESIGN BY ANNA SONG

NEWS BRIEFS

SUDAN CRISIS PROTESTS

APRIL 15

Students have created a petition to protest against the war in Sudan, which can be found around the school.

CHOIR TOUR

APRIL 2729

Choir teacher poses with Virtuosa Choir in front The Gateway Arch in their tour in St.Louis April 29.

Protestors gathered at the Iowa City Pentacrest April 29 to rally over the civil war in Sudan that broke out April 15. As of May 16, over 5,000 have been wounded, and over 600 people confirmed killed. As a result of the war, over 730,000 people have been displaced. For the Sudanese community at West, Reem Kirja ’25 started a Change.org petition to raise awareness about the war.

41 West students competed at the 2023 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, April 24-30. Zach Buchholz ’23 placed first in Computer Programming Concepts and John Woodward ’23 was elected to the National Executive Council as the 2023-24 Secondary Parliamentarian.

BPA NATIONALS

APRIL 24-30

John Woodward ‘23 ran for a position on the Business Professionals of America national executive board at the national conference in Anaheim California April 24-30.

West choirs Virtuosa and West Singers traveled to Saint Louis, Missouri, April 2729 for their annual spring choir tour. They took part in vocal clinics at Quincy University in Illinois and Webster University in Missouri. The singers also performed in the St. Louis Old Cathedral and the Shrine of St. Joseph.

After months of preparation, students were tested over their AP classes May 1-12. Tests covered a variety of subjects ranging from AP Government to AP Music Theory. Students will receive their test scores starting July 5.

AP TESTS

MAY 1-12

The start of May signifies the Ap Exams for many students at West. The first ap tests will start on May 1 all through May 12.

THOMAS GIBSON WINS CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL

Thomas Gibson ‘25 poses with his congressional medal May 3.

PROM AND PARTY AFTER PROM

Glitz & Glam filled the air May 6 for West High’s annual prom. The dance took place at Courtyard Marriott Rooftop in University Heights. Following the dance, West High hosted its first Party After Prom from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. featuring a hypnotist, three thousand dollars worth of prizes, mini golf and more.

Last fall, Club West raised $5,000 to purchase a new “Hector’’ Trojan Mascot. Tryouts for the mascot team ran May 3-4 4:30-6:30 p.m. Hectors have been chosen; they will begin practicing this summer, but their identities will remain anonymous.

HECTOR MAY 3-4

West Boys and Girls Track competed at State Qualifiers at Dubuque Senior High School May 11. Girls qualified in 12 events while boys secured 16 qualifying events. Of the 16 events for boys, Jordan Caperon ’23 qualified for three wheelchair races.

PHOTOS BY SACHIKO GOTO, GIANNA LIU & COURTESY OF UNSPLASH, LUIGI ENRIQUEZ & JOSH KIDMAN DESIGN BY DEFNE BAYMAN

From competing in California to singing in Missouri, West has had a busy third trimester. Read on to learn about the events that have taken place for the Trojans.

Annie Schwartz ’23 races in the 100-meter dash in a qualifying time of 12.59 seconds.

Gianna Liu ‘25 and Annie Dickens ‘25 poses with the West High’s new mascot, Hector.

Thomas Gibson ’25 was awarded a Congressional bronze medal May 3 in recognition of initiative, service and achievement amongst America’s youth. He was one of 3,797 ages 14-24 to win a Congressional award this year. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Iowa U.S. representative, presented Gibson the award in the West High Commons.

Gabby Moniza ‘24 dances with Erinn Varga ‘24 at Prom May 6.

BY JANE LAM

BY JESSIE LI & MARIE STIER PHOTOS COURTESY OF WELLCOME LIBRARY

RED FISH HUE FISH

West students share their experiences of being colorblind and address misconceptions that may arise.

What color is the sky? The grass? A stop sign? Colors that are typically vivid may not always appear as such to those who are colorblind. People with colorblindness often can’t distinguish between certain colors, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they see the world in black and white.

While some colorblind people do only see in black and white, it is not the case for most. Instead, colorblindness prevents many from distinguishing specific colors due to the conditions of the light-detecting cells in the retina — the nerve tissue in the back of the eye. The two types of cells that detect light and color are called rods and cones, respectively. Three types of cone cells each sense a different color: red, green and blue.

When one of these types of cones malfunctions or is absent, colorblindness is the result.

Nora Stier ’24 found out she is red-green colorblind at an eye appointment for glasses.

“I offhandedly mentioned that my dad is colorblind, and so [my eye doctor] was like, ‘We should test her just in case, you know? It’s probably not going to happen,’” Stier said. “Then she gave me the little booklet and looked at me funny, and she’s like, ‘You’re definitely colorblind.’”

Ian Wells ’24 realized he was red-green colorblind early in his childhood due to his older brother’s prior diagnosis.

“[One day], my brother made a rainbow [in class] that was brown and black and all these wrong colors. [Then] the teacher called my mom and was like, ‘You know, I like my rainbows right,’” Wells said.

Shortly after his older brother was diagnosed, Wells was taken in for an eye exam.

“I thought I did really well, but I got absolutely [everything wrong],” Wells said. Colorblindness often goes unnoticed; Stier notes part of the reason is because there is no easy way to describe the world she sees compared to others.

“You’re seeing color differently than other people but you’ve always seen color that way, and there’s no internal way of measuring the way you see color to someone else,” Stier said.

Rachel Swack ’23 has color deficiency, which prevents her from distinguishing between shades of color, as opposed to not being able to see certain colors at all.

“Everyone [is] just like, ‘Oh, you can’t see color.’ I’m like, ‘No, I can see every color. I [just] can’t see shades,’” Swack said. Wells has had similar experiences with not seeing certain colors others take for granted.

“I had to learn where the red and green on a traffic light [are],” Wells said. “I [also]

get confused … if a stop sign has a green background. I was driving in a neighborhood one time and there were a ton of stop signs, and they all had a tree behind them. I had to stare at the edge of the road because I could not see the stop signs.”

Apart from driving, Wells’ colorblindness prevents him from doing things that he used to love.

“It’s annoying, but it’s not something I can’t live around. It just sucks to not be able to do stuff I enjoy,” Wells said.

Swack’s color deficiency has influenced one of her hobbies in a unique way.

“I scuba dive, which as you get deeper, colors disappear. I guess for me, they just disappear quickly,” Swack said. “As you get further down in the water, the light doesn’t reach [you]. Because [of] the way color reacts with light, one of the last colors [people] see is red, but I don’t see red as well as I see blue and purple. Everything just ends up being gray if I get super deep.”

Although colorblindness impacts specific hobbies, it also affects ordinary tasks many people are unaware of.

“I really used to enjoy painting, coloring and just art in general. I just avoid all painting and coloring now because I always get all the colors wrong,” Wells said.

Though his colorblindness inhibits some aspects of his life, Wells doesn’t think it substan-

Male (XY)

Female (XX)

Colorblind

Color vision

Color vision (carrier)

GENETICS

Red-green colorblindness, which is the most prevalent type, is more common in men than women because it’s passed down through X chromosomes.

Biological males have one X and one Y chromosome, so if the X contains the redgreen colorblindness gene, they will have red-green colorblindness.

Biological females, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, so both must carry the gene for them to have red-green colorblindness. This causes colorblindness to be much more common among males.

Source:NationalEyeInstitute

Deuteranopia (green blind)

Protanopia (red blind)

Tritanopia (blue blind)

Acromatopsia (no color)

ISHIHARA TEST

Invented in 1918 by Shinobu Ishihara, most plates show a number to those with normal color vision, while some will only appear to have numbers to those with a certain type of coloblindness, usually red-green.

Source:AmericanAcademyofOphthalmology

TYPES

Colorblindness comes in different severities, and is even expierienced differently by those with the same type of.

The types of colorblindness depends on which one of the three cone cells in the eye malfunction: red, green or blue. Conditions where cones stop working completely are shown here. Partial colorblindness is more common; these have the suffix -omaly instead of -opia.

Source:NationalEyeInstitute

tially affects his daily routine. Moreover, Stier believes being colorblind raises her appreciation for little things that otherwise go unnoticed.

“Now that I’ve been diagnosed, I’m more cognizant of using pencils, coloring pencils and crayons,” Stier said. “I remember not wanting to use anything that wasn’t labeled. Because then I would draw with it, and it’d be a completely different color than what I expected.”

In addition to the challenges that come with colorblindness, Wells has observed people’s reactions when they find out he’s colorblind.

“Every single time I tell somebody I’m color-

blind, I get the same question,” Wells said. “They point at something and immediately go, ‘What color is this?’”

Though it sometimes bothers him, Wells thinks these repetitive responses can be positive because they help spread awareness.

“It’s mostly just [a] lack of knowledge. Either [people think I] see the world in black and white or they think there’s only one type of colorblindness when there’s a wide range,” Wells said.

Stier has experienced similar reactions, and she hopes that she can help educate people on the different types of colorblindness.

“[A common misconception is] that colorblindness means that you can’t see color at all. Which in some cases, that’s a thing, but in the vast majority of people colorblindness is not that they can’t see color or that they can’t determine color,” Stier said. “You know what the colors are, you just don’t see the color the same way as other people see them. And then there’s always that little bit of dissonance between the way you try to explain how you see color and how other people are interpreting their own experiences of color.”

FACULTY FAREWELL

Three retiring West High faculty reflect on their time at West and share their retirement plans.

BY LILLY GRAHAM & MRUDANI RAMKUMAR

Scan this QR code to learn more about all the teachers retiring this year.

ROB MEDD (BAND DIRECTOR, 30 YEARS)

WSS: What are your best memories at West?

Medd: There have been some amazing, tremendous performance opportunities, but I think that [the best] memories are working with the students, whether it’s sometimes a performance, sometimes in a rehearsal. I have to remind myself just how fortunate I am to have been able to make music with students every day. It’s not something we just do at the concert. We are performing and playing music every single day.

WSS: What is unique about West?

Medd: Iowa City Schools are very fortunate to have support in the community for music and the arts, whether it’s the band, choir, orchestra or visual arts. For the students and the faculty, and the community of West High, [they are] not known for one thing. There are students succeeding in whatever their interests are and successful programs with a lot of people involved.

WSS: How has West stayed the same during your time here?

Medd: One of the things I really like about West is the diversity and then the appreciation for that diversity. You don’t just have to be one kind of person or one thing to be popular. You can have friends from all across the student body.

WSS: What will you miss most about teaching?

Medd: I will definitely miss seeing students every day and working with them and watching their growth, their successes and failures.

DAVID ROSENTHAL (SPANISH

TEACHER, 29 YEARS)

WSS: How did you end up teaching at West?

Rosenthal: My wife provoked me into exploring other options besides a small private school; at the private school I was [teaching at], in Maryland, my largest class [size] was 16. She said, “You can do more and impact more students at a larger school. You just have to have the confidence to do it.” I took a risk, coming to get my master’s degree and then to come and teach at a larger school.

WSS: What are your best memories at West?

Rosenthal: My favorite thing to see is when a light bulb goes on for a student. I think that’s one of the most rewarding things about teaching. When students come back and say, “Hey, I never really thought Spanish was going to be useful for me,” but then they go into their stories about how Spanish has come into their lives; I always get nice satisfaction from that.

WSS: What are your retirement plans?

Rosenthal: I kind of dream about a cabin in the woods by a lake so that I can sit down and just relax a little bit. And I want to try and fiddle a little bit with some writing. I’ve got lots of projects around the house that I’m kind of waiting to get done [too]. Between that, community service and [soccer] coaching, I think [I will be] plenty busy.

WSS: Do you have any parting advice for your students?

Rosenthal: I love to try and get students to be open-mind ed because open-mindedness can lead to opportunity going forward. And if you can keep your opportunities and options as open as possible, then you get to choose the types of paths you want to [take]. If you’re close-minded and set in your ways, you’re really limiting [your] possibilities.

TOM LINDSEY (ENGLISH TEACHER, 25 YEARS)

WSS: What are your best memories at West?

Lindsey: Some of my best memories were on Halloween when wearing costumes was still allowed. I enjoyed seeing students’ and teachers’ creativity personified and how it helped create a sense of community and bonding with students.

WSS: What is unique about West?

Lindsey: I taught in Oregon before coming to West, and what impressed me most about West was the level of academic rigor along with all the talent showcased at theatrical productions, debate tournaments, sporting events and the list goes on. West High is percolating with talented students who yearn for opportunities to tap into their talents.

WSS: What will you miss most about teaching at West?

Lindsey: I will miss figuring out new ways to connect students to literature and writing, and ideally, inspiring students to think for themselves while feeding their intellectual curiosities. I will also miss the faculty at West, especially my English department compadres. They’re the bomb.

WSS: What are your retirement plans?

Lindsey: I’m looking forward to devoting more time and energy to my creative writing pursuits [to] see what un -

PHOTOS BY ELENA GARCIA & GIANNA LIU

DESIGN BY ERINN VARGA

Editor’s note: Barbie is not affiliated with this article. The decision to include Barbie in design elements was an aesthetic choice and not an editorial comment on the Barbie brand.

Beauty Beyond Bodies

BY KAMAKSHEE KUCHHAL & GIANNA LIU PHOTOS & DESIGN BY ANNA SONG

Students of West unpack their personal experiences and struggles with their bodies.

As summer approaches, many students replace their sweaters and sweatpants with t-shirts and shorts. For some, more revealing clothes are just another way to combat the heat, but for others, it can invoke self-consciousness. A study from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital shows that up to 73% of teenage girls and 69% of teenage boys express negative perceptions of their bodies. Eating disorders, body dysmorphia and scars can be reasons why these insecurities become more prevalent.

Eating Disorders

The American Psychiatric Association defines eating disorders as behavioral conditions characterized by extreme and continuous negative eating habits and related distressing thoughts and emotions. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Many develop these in adolescence and young adult-

hood, affecting 5% of the total United States population.

Grey Gromacki ’26 was diagnosed with anorexia, which often meant counting calories and not eating food for long periods of time. They first experienced symptoms in eighth grade due to the social environment.

“It didn’t just happen one day, it started socially,” Gromacki said. “My anorexia was influenced by other people’s disordered eating habits. I would see people not eat lunch for days on end,

REALIZING

and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s normal,’ even though it wasn’t. But because I put my trust in people that I cared for, I saw that as a sense of normalcy.”

Ijin Shim ’24 was also influenced by her peers. While Shim was never diagnosed, she developed disordered eating habits at the start of her freshman year cross country season.

“There is the stereotypical runner’s body: very thin [and] lean. During the summer, we wear tank tops and sports bras to run because it is hot. You start to compare yourself to other people’s bodies, and when you realize that you don’t have that stereotypical body, you think you’re fat,” Shim said.

For some, once negative thoughts begin, they can spiral into destructive habits. Gromacki became more reliant on their anorexia as a coping mechanism for a sense of security and control, especially during their parents’ divorce.

“Eating disorders are mental. The reason that you feel like you can’t eat is because of an outside problem that you’re ignoring by taking control of your food intake. You feel like an eating disorder becomes your friend; it feels like someone that you can talk to,” Gro-

macki said. “Having control around something, even if it was slowly killing me, was something that I felt comfortable with. That’s why so many people don’t want to recover, because there’s a voice in their heads being like, ‘I’m in control. I feel better this way.’”

Eating disorders affect every part of life, not just eating. Other manifestations of eating disorders include withdrawal from activities or friends and body dysmorphia. Besides significant weight loss or gain, common physical symptoms of an eating disorder include stomach cramps, fatigue, dry skin and trouble with sleep.

Due to the lack of nutrition in their body, Gromacki struggled with swollen feet and always felt cold. They also had trouble focusing in school due to constant feelings of exhaustion.

“When I was at the height of my eating disorder, I was very lightheaded. You feel like you can’t focus. Sitting in class, you’re just thinking about food all the time. But you’re also thinking,

RECOVER

‘Oh my god, how long have I gone without eating? How many calories were these?’” Gromacki said. “When I started getting better, I was like, ‘What the heck, life is fun? I can be happy?’”

Similar to many athletes that experience disordered eating, the harder Shim strived to achieve a stereotypical runner’s body, the further she was from becoming a better runner. Her eating habits caused a decline in her performance and health.

“One day [at cross country], I passed out. I don’t even remember what happened but [suddenly] I was in an ambulance to the ER because I wasn’t eating enough. I thought I was going to die. I couldn’t move my body at all,” Shim said.

Shim believes another reason teenagers develop eating disorders is the lack of elaborate nutrition education they receive.

“[Coaches need] to make sure all their athletes are healthy and have the right food and fuel for their bodies, but those are the things that we forget and are not educated about,” Shim said.

For Gromacki, the path to recovery started with a diagnosis from their therapist. They felt relieved to give their

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder

“THE BIGGEST THING THAT HELPED ME

WAS

THAT I CAN TAKE CONTROL OF MY OWN LIFE IF I CHOOSE TO WANT TO GET BETTER.”

- GreY Gromacki ’26

struggle a name and a reason; acknowledging the problem motivated Gromacki to heal.

“The biggest thing that helped me recover was realizing that I can take control of my own life if I choose to want to get better,” Gromacki said. “It’s very difficult because you’re constantly fighting against yourself, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”

As for those who want to lose weight, Shim believes that it should be done through a healthy, balanced diet and exercise routine.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to get skinny or wanting to have a specific body type. It’s the way you [achieve] it; a lot of times, it’s not the right way,” Shim said. “[Disordered eating] is very unhealthy and dangerous for your body, and I think that’s what we don’t realize.”

Shim stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with people who influence you positively to live a healthy life.

“Friends influence you, your life and your eating habits. Those are the people you spend the most time with and who give you the most feedback and comments about yourself,” Shim said. “Everyone has a different body and different lifestyle. You can get tips but that doesn’t mean you can copy and paste everything they do into your lifestyle.”

Gromacki agrees and has learned to be patient with themself, emphasizing that recovery is never linear and relapse can be a part of the process.

“If you really feel like you’re struggling to find motivation [to change], then talk to somebody. If you truly want to get better [or] need to get better, having a support system is good,” Gromacki said.

Body Dysmorphia

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition in which thoughts about perceived defects or flaws in appearance constantly intrude one’s mind, according to the Mayo Clinic. Anxiety Institute states that BDD often develops during adolescence, affecting 2% of both males and females in the United States. Body dysmorphia can impact teenagers differently; some females often express discontent with body fat, facial hair and complexion, while some males express dissatisfaction regarding a muscular physique, acne and height.

Body dysmorphia in men is underrepresented as they are less likely to reach out for help, according to The Newport Institute. For weightlifter, track and field runner and football player Seth Overton ’23, body dysmorphia, specifically muscle dysmorphia, impacts his confidence and everyday life.

“[Masculinity] is where I get my body dysmorphia [from]. I feel like I’m too small and not masculine enough. I’ve always been kind of super skinny [and] didn’t have any muscle,” Overton said. “No matter how hard I work [or] how I physically look, I will think of myself as less than and not up to par. No matter how much affirmation people give me, I still never see it.”

On the contrary, Gromacki’s body dysmorphia originated from their eating disorder, often leading to feelings of self-hatred or resentment.

“I hated myself. I didn’t want to look at myself. I was mad at myself every time I looked in the mirror,” Gromacki said. “I was like, ‘Why do I look like this?’”

Shim believes the impacts of body dysmorphia have become normalized among students.

“I’ll be hanging out with my friend and they would be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so fat,’” Shim said. “I think a lot of times they need validation from other people [to say] they aren’t [because] your head keeps telling you, ‘You’re fat, you’re fat.’”

Gromacki and Overton acknowledge how those struggling will often hide their appearance by staying at home, keeping to themselves, wearing makeup or switching up their wardrobe.

“One of the main [coping mechanisms] is not wearing stuff that you can see your body in. A lot of people wear baggy clothes to hide their body or they’ll wear super tight-fitting [clothes] to try [and] show off everything they have,” Overton said.

Overton also believes many lifters struggle with body dysmorphia due to pressure from social media to achieve an idolized body type, leading to compulsive actions or obsessive thoughts.

“You’ll see these bodybuilders that are on performance-enhancing drugs; they’re super big, super lean and they look great. But then you compare that to your own body, when you’re not taking performance-enhancing drugs and think you look small,” Overton said.

In addition to medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, Gromacki mentions that caring for yourself can effectively combat body dysmorphia.

“I faked confidence for a long time because I wasn’t confident in myself, but I wanted to be perceived that way. As I faked it more, I just started not caring, and I just had confidence,” Gromacki said. “I think the biggest way that I

Source:TheRecoveryVillage

combated [body dysmorphia] was by starting to try to love myself in general rather than just my body. [I found] things about myself that I like, things that made me feel good about myself. As I got better, it was easier to love myself because there was less self-hate.”

Self-Harm Scars

Self-harm is injury inflicted on oneself on purpose, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is an unsafe approach to cope with emotional pain, despair, anger and stress. The National Library of Medicine states that 14% to 21% of high schoolers self-harm. Self-harm is significantly more prevalent among teenage girls, with ninth grade girls committing self-harm at three times the rate of ninth grade boys. Those who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse are among the most vulnerable.

Forms of self-harm include cutting, burning or hitting oneself. These can lead to fresh wounds in patterns, which can cause feelings of shame, as scarring can be permanent. To hide these scars, people often wear long-sleeved shirts or pants.

Serene Hamzeh ’24 has had self-harm scars on her legs, arms, waistline and ribs for the last two years.

“They are kind of hard to look at sometimes, just knowing that if they’ve healed, then they’re there forever,” Hamzeh said. “But it also does show me how much I’ve gone through and how much I’ve overcome as well. It helps me [think], ‘I’ve gone through this; I can get through anything.’”

Hamzeh finds that when self-harm scars are regarded as ‘just for attention,’ critical mental health issues are dismissed, creating a harmful stigma that can prevent individuals from getting help.

“People say, ‘If you’re showing your scars, you’re doing it for attention.’ And even if you’re not showing them, people will still say it’s for attention,” Hamzeh said. “Sometimes, it could be a cry for help.”

Hamzeh advises covering up fresh selfharm scars to reduce the likelihood of infection and not trigger others who are struggling. However, self-harm scars should be treated like any other skin once healed. Despite this, Hamzeh has struggled with wearing short sleeves in public.

“It’s definitely hard being able to look in the mirror like, ‘Okay, that’s what everybody’s gonna see,’ and knowing that I’m going to walk past strangers outside and they’re probably going to notice. I get looks all the time,” Hamzeh said. “But knowing that a lot of people struggle with the same thing as I do will probably help people become more confident with their [scars] … People should get to wear whatever they want.”

Hamzeh believes it is rude to point out selfharm scars in public or ask personal questions, as it can make people self-conscious about an already sensitive topic. A better alternative is to check-in on the person privately.

“It’s difficult to know how to react to certain things. You can’t get upset at certain people who are genuinely just curious or worried,” Hamzeh said. “I used to say it’s personal, or I laugh it off. It’s still an awkward thing for me to talk about.”

While wearing always brings a light sweatshirt or jacket to conceal her scars if she gets uncomfortable. She acknowledges it takes time to get used to the change and the importance of a supportive environment.

“Surround yourself with people who don’t mind [scars]. I don’t think anyone should ever mind it because it’s just something [they have] gone through, but it doesn’t make up who they are. It’s a part of their journey, not their whole personality,” Hamzeh said. “It should not be a big deal to people around you if they know that you’re safe, you’re doing okay and you’re getting the help you need.”

“I DON’T THINK ANYONE SHOULD EVER MIND [SCARS] BECAUSE ... IT’S A PART OF THEIR JOURNEY, NOT THEIR WHOLE PERSONALITY.”

- SERENE HAMZEH ’24

SHARING THE FIELD

BY REEM KIRJA ART & DESIGN BY MCKENNA STEPHENS

Varsity soccer players Corentin Charles ‘23 and Erwann Charles ‘25 share their passion for the sport and how their brotherhood has helped them improve as players and as individuals.

Sitting with their grandparents and a closeknit group of French community members, two young boys stare at the iridescent television screen, mesmerized by the little dots racing across the field. As they watch the 2018 World Cup in France, they dream of becoming professional soccer players. Corentin Charles ’23 and Erwann Charles ’25 are currently members of West’s varsity soccer team. Although they no longer envision themselves as professional soccer players, they strive to achieve their initial goals in a different way.

Originally from France, Corentin and Erwann frequently moved between the United States and their home country, eventually settling in Iowa in 2016. Their older brother, Malo Charles

’21, helped embed soccer into the Charles family. As the two grew up watching Malo play in games and practices, they also fell in love with the sport.

“You just fall into your older brother’s footsteps. It wasn’t really a choice. It was more like ‘Just do it,’” Corentin said.

Due to the deep integration of soccer into the country’s traditions, Erwann believes that the sport is a part of everyday life in France. However, he notes a difference in the culture of U.S. soccer compared to his home country.

“[In the U.S.], you’re not going to encounter soccer unless you’re at practices or at games. It’s more enclosed and it’s a smaller community,” Erwann said. “In France, it’s everywhere.”

Corentin adds that children in France view professional soccer players as role models and even copy their actions, such as spitting on the playing field.

“They’re your idols. When you’re a kid [in France], you adore them. It’s almost like a religion,” Corentin said.

Although there are differences in soccer culture in the U.S. compared to France, Erwann believes that the same familial relationship with teammates is engrained at West High.

“[My relationship with my teammates] is comparable to a brother or cousin. It’s my first year on the varsity team, so it’s mostly new people who are my teammates, but I feel pretty close to them already because we go to practice every day of the week. We are in that same struggle [of soccer] and that just brings us together,” Erwann said. “They’re my team and none of us would ever give up on each other. It’s a really, really close bond.”

Corentin has noticed a similar connection with his teammates, believing they have encouraged him to become a better person and overall player.

“When you’re on the field and you’re playing and you’re practicing and you’re pushing each other, it’s a bond that’s completely different because you’re in the same struggle and you know you’re working hard for each other and you know you’re leaving it all out on the field,” Corentin said. “When you see your teammates do that, you want to do the same.”

In addition to forming close-knit relationships, the Charles brothers enjoy partaking in friendly competition with each other and assuming different roles on the team. As the varsity captain, Corentin takes on detail-oriented responsibilities.

“I make sure everyone’s on the same page and everyone’s ready to play,” Corentin said. “Since I’ve been here as one of the longest players, it’s my role to teach the values and important ideals that West soccer is all about to the next generation.”

Erwann views his job on the team as a motivator, uplifting those around him when playing.

“My role on the team is to make sure everyone else is working hard because I’m not one of the best players, so I always need to be working hard,” Erwann said. “That way, the players

that are better than me, they know they can’t be slacking. They can’t have an off day and skip practice or not try.”

Corentin believes that playing the same sport as his younger brother has allowed the exchange of meaningful advice, helping each other improve in soccer.

“I’ve always tried to push Erwann to be the best player he can be but also to be a good teammate. And he’s always the little brother that’s nagging, so he’s made me want to improve myself,” Corentin said. “We’re always trying to one-up each other and I think that makes us both better. In the end, it’s not like we’re trying to push each other down. We’re trying to help each other up.”

Although healthy competition has encouraged him to continue growing, Erwann notes the rare times he feels expectational pressure due to his older brother’s skills in the sport.

“I feel like there’s some pressure on me to play well because Corentin is one of the team captains of varsity, and he’s one of the strongest players on our team,” Erwann said. “Whether it’s there or not, I feel pressure to play really well.”

In contrast, Corentin has rarely experienced expectational pressure and views his two brothers as motivation.

“We’re just all in the same race trying to better each other,” Corentin said. “It’s fun going to practice together. Sharing the field together is something that you don’t really get to experience a lot.”

Corentin acknowledges other challenges in soccer and believes that success can only occur with hardships.

“[Soccer] presents a lot of challenges, whether it’s mentally or physically, and you have to be able to continually push past your limits because that’s how you get better in the end,” Corentin said.

Erwann adds that the lessons he learned from soccer have allowed him to improve in other as-

pects of his life, such as academics.

“[Soccer] teaches a lesson of hard work and that hard work does pay off,” Erwann said. “If I want to get better grades, then I just have to study more and pay more attention in class. That’s something that I translate from soccer.”

Though soccer comes with its challenges, Corentin believes that the foundation of playing is finding happiness in the sport.

“You have to go with the flow, having fun and enjoying what soccer is all about and just playing with your heart because at the end of the day, that’s why you play,” Corentin said. “It’s to remind yourself of those moments of playing on the street with your friends.”

In addition, Erwann believes that winning gives him a sense of fulfillment and makes those around him proud.

“I want to get my team to win more than I ever have before because there’s more people counting on me and we’re all counting on each other to push each other to win,” Erwann said. “That’s why I prioritize getting my team to win [through having fun] and not letting my teammates down.”

Corentin thinks that pivoting from his initial plans of becoming a professional soccer player to focusing on academics has resulted in his further appreciation of the sport.

“I’m focusing on academics, but I’ll definitely keep on playing until I physically can’t,” Corentin said. “Now, I’m enjoying it and playing it for the love of the game. I feel like a little kid when I’m on the field now. That feeling of pure joy is

incomparable.”

Although becoming a professional athlete was the original endgame, Erwann’s goals in soccer have changed to indulging in the sport with his brothers.

“I don’t see soccer as a career option anymore,” Erwann said. “The main goal now is to have fun because that’s why you play. If you’re not having fun while playing then why are you really playing?”

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE CHARLES BROTHERS, VISIT WSSPAPER.COM.

WE’RE ALWAYS TRYING TO ONE-UP EACH OTHER AND I THINK THAT MAKES US BOTH BETTER. -CORENTIN CHARLES ‘23

HOROSCOPES

How are the stars aligning for you today? Find your zodiac sign below for a horoscope reading forecasting your future!

BY ZAIRA AHMAD & ESTHER PARK

ARIES TAURUS

You may have been feeling extra burdened and alone the past couple of months. Now is the perfect time to take a step back, allowing others to take the lead. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to seek support from others instead of trying to tackle all of your problems alone.

The upcoming months will bring change and renewal into your life. It could be a new addition to your wardrobe or meeting a person you’re bound to spend the rest of your life with. Don’t underestimate the value of a seemingly insignificant change; embrace it.

GEMINI VIRGO LEO CANCER

Known as the social butterfly among the zodiacs, you excel at forming connections. However, it’s important to understand that deeper, meaningful relationships are more valuable than superficial interactions. From now on, be mindful of quality over quantity when it comes to forming friendships.

Nostalgic and sentimental, you often catch yourself dwelling on the past. Now is a great time to reach out to those you have lost touch with. As you focus on rekindling your relationships, don’t limit discussions to just fond memories. Accept the changes that time has brought and make an effort to bond with who they’ve evolved into as a person.

You may find yourself losing control as you embark on an unknown journey. The future may seem scary now, but the path laid out for you will teach you more about yourself than expected. Embrace your future and take advantage of every opportunity that may seem daunting. Taking one step at a time may just help you regain your balance.

As the seasons change, you may be feeling frustrated with a sense of restlessness. As the sun begins to peek out behind the clouds, you begin to emerge from your own shell. Like the flowers blooming, allow yourself to feel colorful in the warm weather. You may just reunite with a version of yourself you left behind last summer.

You may be noticing things that need fixing in your everyday life. Whether it be a bike, your desk, or even an old shoelace, take the time to tidy things you’ve been meaning to. Taking on small projects will help you organize your space, clear your mind and shrink your list of tasks. Each step you take will lead to your mind feeling free of burden.

LIBRA CAPRICORN

Allow yourself to do something you have been fearing. You might find yourself in positive situations or enjoying a hobby you always dreamed of having. The days ahead of you have yet to be discovered, shape them how you want.

SCORPIO

Things may seem boring to you right now with nothing sparking interest. Your mind may be floating in and out of conversations while you wait for what lies ahead. Find inspiration amongst those you appreciate and seek avenues you would not have expected to enjoy.

You are feeling motivated to get work done. With your mind craving routine, take this opportunity to implement the habits you desire. Possibilities are endless in this period of your life. Take advantage of your mood and the lessons you have learned. This is your time to create new practices that may make your days brighter.

The last few months have taken a huge toll on your well-being and life in general. As a result, you may be experiencing heightened levels of exhaustion and a lack of motivation. Take a break from the stressors in your life, whether they are related to academics, relationships or other factors.

WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?

Aries: March 21 - April 19

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

Gemini: May 21 - June 20

Cancer: June 21 - July 22

Leo: July 23 - August 22

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

Libra: September 23 - October 22

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

As the most selfless zodiac, you tend to focus so much on others’ needs that you forget about your own. Make self-care your biggest goal for this year. Journal, bike, meditate or take a tenhour nap to make up for the hours of sleep you’ve lost. Prioritize whatever brings you peace and contentment.

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

Source:zodiacsign.com

ART & DESIGN BY HELEN ORSZULA

West Side Story presents their top summer song picks for the upcoming summer break. Scan these Spotify codes to tune in!

COMPILED BY ERINN VARGA

Ihate getting up from bed after hours of scrolling on my phone. I feel clammy and guilty, wrapped up underneath my blanket. I tear myself apart as I look down at my laptop screen and see the Netflix tab asking me if I’m still watching. I shouldn’t be. “Productive” videos on social media have done nothing but ruin my self-esteem.

Recently, my social media algorithms have been exhibiting people showcasing their perfect schedules. Maybe it’s because I keep liking those videos, hoping one of these routines will finally replace my inconsistent day-to-day life. We all know what videos I’m talking about; the ones of a person’s day starting at 5 a.m., not checking their phone, making their bed right away and arriving at the gym by 5:30 a.m. After their healthy and light breakfast, they immediately get to work and they’re finished by noon. At the end of the day, they still manage to find the time to relax, read a book and even go out with friends. These videos are constant reminders of what I cannot achieve.

And I’m not the only one. My friends and peers constantly complain that they didn’t get anything done the night before, even though we all know that our to-do lists should be cleared by the end of the day. Social media constantly feeds us unrealistic videos of what our lives should look like, but in reality, many more factors go into how our days flow. The videos never mention these aspects, maintaining the façade

UNPLANNED

BY WAAD DAFALLA ART & DESIGN BY ATHENA WU

of perfection.

As high school students, we have assignment after assignment, tournament after tournament and game after game. Some days we come home

do list sitting on our desks. This is when we contemplate whether we can handle another couple of hours of work.

Some may say that these videos are motivational for certain individuals, and I don’t entirely disagree. They could be motivational if they were relatable to impressionable teens, but in actuality, most of these influencers are not high school students. They no longer have to deal with all the responsibilities that come with being a teenager.

Seeing others being productive can encourage individuals to get tasks done. But at the same time, these standards are too high; the chances of successfully following through with these routines are very low. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to think something is wrong with you when you aren’t able to keep up with someone else’s expectations.

late at night from whatever extracurricular we’ve roped ourselves into, and all our body wants is to get some sleep before we have to wake up in a couple of hours. However, we don’t allow our bodies to get their rest with an overflowing to-

Whether you have a perfect schedule or not, you can still be productive. It is okay to be lazy sometimes. You don’t need to be doing something at all moments; that is not how the human brain is built. We’re designed to need rests and resets. Stop trying to force yourself to have a perfect schedule and be productive 24/7 when you know your body and mind cannot handle it. Situations come up, and circumstances happen that prevent us from living these perfect lives. It’s okay to have those lazy days.

The pressures of constant productivity easily harm the self-esteem of today’s youth.

WHETHER YOU HAVE A PERFECT SCHEDULE OR NOT, YOU CAN STILL MANAGE TO BE PRODUCTIVE.

-WAAD DAFALLA ‘26

SAYING NO

EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER:

This is an editorial. While based on facts, its purpose is to share conclusions and opinions derived by the WSS Editorial Board.

Why did this happen to me? When can I be okay? What did I do to deserve this? These are only a few questions that survivors commonly ask themselves in response to sexual violence. With 51% of reported sexual abuse coming from teenagers, it is vital that students at West High understand and respect consent.

Consent is the permission for something to happen or the agreement to do something. In regards to sexual situations, consent consists of two people agreeing they are comfortable with each other and are ready to proceed in a physical relationship. Learning what is and isn’t consent is important to your own and others’ well-being. What qualifies as consent during sexual activity? Consent must be freely and verbally communicated in an enthusiastic way. Anything less does not provide consent, no matter how people attempt to defend themselves. Someone intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol can not give consent. Pressuring someone into sexual activity by using fear or intimidation is not consent. Using manipulative or guilt-tripping tactics is not consent. If consent is given to one activity, it does not mean consent is given to another. Assuming you have permission to engage in a sexual act because you’ve done it in the past is not consent

The widespread lack of knowledge creates a toxic culture surrounding the discussion of consent. When talking with friends or peers, the topic is often not taken seriously or with enough care. The phrase ‘believe the victim’ is normalized but we often don’t consider what it really means. Over time, some people even drop their support for a victim. They may say it was a mistake or say the assaulter would never do such a thing.

In addition, people have irrational fears of fake reports, worrying that an accused’s life could be ruined from then on. However, these cases are extremely rare. Researchers from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network agree that only 5% of all sexual assault reports are false. Yet, 80% of sexual violence cases go unreported, resulting in a greater culture of silence.

The complex structure of the legal system only increases the difficulty in reporting cases. The lack of physical evidence is often an insufficient amount of proof for courts, and the principle of innocent until proven guilty can backfire on many victims. With this knowledge, many are terrified to go to the police, fearing the emotional toll on themselves.

Part of this emotional toll comes in the form of survivor’s guilt. The victim may blame themselves for not being clear, being too suggestive, seeming like they want it and not being able to stop it. Seventy-four percent of victims experience self-blame; however, it is the assaulter that is at fault for disregarding consistent communication with the victim and ignoring comfort and safety within the relationship.

Practicing consent can prevent seriously harming another. It’s important to teach others the worth of consent and apply it to your own interactions. Consent should not be a choice and it is necessary for making everyone feel comfortable and safe.

West Side Story Editorial Board believes it is vital that the student body is knowledgeable about consent and the conse quences of sexual violence.

ART & DESIGN BY GINGER MCCARTNEY