2024-01-19 by West Side Story

WEST SI DE STO RY IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2901 MELROSE AVE.

IOWA CITY, IA 52246

WSSPAPER.COM

VOLUME 56 ISSUE 3

JANUARY 19, 2024

CONTRACEPTIVES WSS explores teen contraceptive use and its common misconceptions.

PHOTO FEATURE PHOTO BY GIANNA LIU

Sebastian Rutkowski ‘24 plays a solo in “Shofukan” with the Jazz Ensemble at the annual Jazz Cafe Dec. 9. West High hosted the Jazz Cafe in the cafeteria and invited Dr. Courtney Jones to play with the students.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Hey there Trojans! I hope your year has started off well and you’re ready to tackle 2024. Take a moment to read the first issue of the year and catch up on the news you might have missed. Due to the change in seasonal patterns, many students and teachers are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Turn to page 8 to read more about the community’s experiences with SAD. This issue’s cover story focuses on contraceptives and how students’ use is impacted by accessibility and stigmas. Head to page 18 to read more contraceptives and common misconceptions. After the business of midterms, take some time to destress and flip to page 26 to fill out some parking lot mad libs or color in a winter wonderland on page 27. Stay safe and happy reading, West. I look forward to the next issue!

NEWS

SINCERELY,

NEWS BRIEFS. . .................................................................................... 04 PROTEST FOR PERRY. . .................................................................. 06

HEALTH & SCIENCE LIVING WITH SAD.. ......................................................................... 08

FEATURE PAGEANT PERSONAS. . ................................................................. 10

PROFILE A SOUL FROM SEOUL................................................................. 12 KIRPES WITH A MATHEMATICAL PURPOSE.. .................... 14

COVER CONTRACEPTIVES......................................................................... 18

ENTERTAINMENT THE RADISH........................................................................................ 24 MADLIBS............................................................................................... 26 WINTER COLORING PAGE....................................................... 27

SPORTS READY TO WRESTLE. . ................................................................... 28

ZAIRA AHMAD (she/her)

OPINION FAMILY TIES.. ....................................................................................... 32 PARKING NOT PERMITTED. . ...................................................... 34

WSS SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACT US

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CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

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EDITORIAL POLICY

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STAFF LIST

*Editorial Board Member

Zaira Ahmad* (she/her)...........................................................Print Editor-In-Chief Grace Bartlett (she/her). . ................................................................................ Reporter Maddy Cook (she/her). . ...................................................................................... Reporter Lilly Graham* (she/her)....................................................................Managing Editor Carter-Birch Houchins-Witt (he/him).. ..................................................... Reporter Reem Kirja* (she/her)............................................................................... Profiles Editor Kamakshee Kuchhal* (she/her). . ............................................................ Copy Editor

The Editorial Board will select editorial topics. These editorials will not be signed by the writer, but will reflect the opinion of the majority of the Editorial Board. The Board takes full responsibility for all editorials. Any person with an interest in the Iowa City community who has an opinion to be voiced is encouraged to submit letters to the editor or guest columns, and they must be signed. For our full editorial policy, visit: wsspaper.com/policy.

Jane Lam* (she/her) . . ............................................................. Assistant Copy Editor

EQUITY STATEMENT

Celia Sadewasser (she/her)................................................................................... Intern

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. FRONT COVER DESIGN BY ERINN VARGA

Jessie Li* (she/her)................................................................... Assistant Copy Editor Gianna Liu* (she/her) . . ............................................... Photo Editor, Sports Editor Ginger McCartney* (she/her)..................................................................... Art Editor Helen Orszula (she/they)....................................................................Artist, Designer Mrudani Ramkumar* (she/her).. ..............................................................News Editor Shanza Sami (she/her)....................................................................................... Reporter Tyler Shane (he/him).................................................................................................. Intern Zoe Smith* (she/her) . . ........................................................... Online Editor-In-Chief Anna Song* (she/her)......................................................... Assistant Design Editor McKenna Stephens (she/her).......................................................................... Designer Marie Stier* (she/her)............................................................................ Feature Editor Henry Timmer-Hackert* (he/him). . .......................... Assistant Opinion Editor Erinn Varga* (she/her) . . ........................................ Design Editor, Opinion Editor Sara Whittaker (she/her). . .....................................................................................Adviser Athena Wu* (she/her).. ........................................................... Entertainment Editor

NEWS BRIEFS With winter underway, take a look at the events that marked the first half of the second trimester. BY ZAIRA AHMAD & MARIE STIER

ART & DESIGN BY MARIE STIER

Maddux Neukirch ‘27 performs at the Vue Dec. 19. PHOTO BY ANNA SONG

CADENZA West musicians gathered at the Vue Rooftop Dec. 19 to raise money for Cadenza’s annual Vue fundraiser. Cadenza, West’s music charity club, performed from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, playing holiday music under ambient lighting for Vue customers. Cadenza earned 15% of Vue proceeds from the evening and donated their earnings to the Iowa City Music Auxiliary.

Students gather to protest gun violence Jan. 8. PHOTO BY GIANNA LIU

WALK OUT After a shooting at Perry High School Jan. 4 which injured seven individuals and killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, West students participated in a March for Our Lives protest. Students marched to the Old Capitol building after fourth period to protest Iowa lawmakers’ inaction on gun violence.

04 NEWS

JAN. 19, 2024

BASKETBALL For the second year in a row, West’s basketball teams competed in a doubleheader at Coralville’s Xtreme Arena Dec. 10; this year against Liberty. The girls team won 50-42. Freshman Sasha Baldwin led the team with 18 points and sophomore Grace Fincham with 9 assists. The boys team continued their undefeated season, winning against the Bolts 74-53. Jacob Koch ‘24 scans past a defender at the Liberty double header Dec. 10. PHOTO BY ERINN VARGA

Rana Saba ‘25 performs a solo at the Winter Swing Show Dec. 17. PHOTO BY JOSIE SCHWARTZ

WINTER SWING

Seniors Jane Lam and Kamakshee Kuchhal hold the State Championship Trophy. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN COOPER

SPEECH & DEBATE West students traveled to Ankeny to compete in the IHSSA state tournament Jan. 5-6 . For the fourth year in a row, John Cooper led west to another state title with seniors Jane Lam ’24 and Kamakshee Kuchhal ’24 placing as runner-ups for Policy. Aahana Gupta ‘27 and Evelyn Asay ‘25 made it to semifinals for Public Forum while Diana Tivanskaya ’25 and Waad Dafalla ’26 made it to quarter finals. For Lincoln Doughlas, Spencer Thomas ’24 reached semifinals and Gwen Smith ’26 made it to quarterfinals. Prior to the state tournament, Benjamin Kleiman ‘24 and Bashir Eltyeb ‘25 received bids for the Tournament of Champions throughout the season.

Good Time Company (GTC) performed in the annual Winter Swing Show Dec. 17 in West’s Arganbright Auditorium. This year, their act was titled “Time for Me to Fly,” featuring songs like “The Innocence” by Craig Hella and “Time for Me to Fly” by Jonas Brothers. The performance included solos by Andreas Warren ’24, Rana Saba ’25 and Lovella Varner ’27. The show also included special acts by the West Jazz Band, Vox Novus and more.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL The

Arganbright Auditorium transformed into a cold winter day when Theatre West showcased “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Andreas Warren ’24 starred as Ebenezer Scrooge, while Caroline Seery ’24 took on the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past and Briar Martin ’24 played the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Seniors Andreas Warren and Xion OwensHolts perform in “A Christmas Carol.” PHOTO BY CECI DE YOUNG

NEWS JAN. 19, 2024

PROTEST FOR PERRY 06 NEWS

JAN. 19, 2024

tudents across Iowa returned to school after winter break, welcoming the new year and ready to learn. However, the students of Perry High School were met with a seventeen-year-old with two guns in each hand. A sixth grader attending Perry, eleven-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, lost his life to another case of gun violence in America. In the past five years, there have been more than 1,200 cases of school shootings in the country. Within that time, Iowa alone had ten incidents. School shootings are happening more frequently, and the total number of victims wounded and killed is growing. Enraged by Perry’s tragedy and school shootings around the nation, Iowa students of all ages walked out of class and came together in Des Moines, Iowa City and other areas in the state to protest for stricter gun laws in Iowa on Jan. 8. Organizations such as March For Our Lives and colleges such as Drake University led students with chants that filled the Iowa capitol in the presence of Iowa legislators. Frustrated students from City High, West High and other schools gathered at the Old Capitol in downtown Iowa City to share their experiences with gun violence, demanding change. BY GIANNA LIU PHOTOS BY GIANNA LIU DESIGN BY ANNA SONG

Many students spoke about their experiences with school shootings and their fears at school at the Jan. 8 walkout. (right)

Students from all across the Iowa City area walked out of their classrooms to protest for stricter gun control. The Perry school shooting sparked a movement of hundreds of students in Iowa to walk out and demand change in the state legislation.

SCAN HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE.

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WHEN THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS WAS WRITTEN, IT’S IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THAT THE ARMS THEY WERE THINKING OF WERE MUSKETS. NOW THE ARMS THAT WE FACE ARE MUCH MORE ADVANCED AND MORE DANGEROUS THAN EVER; AND UNFORTUNATELY EASIER TO ACCESS THAN EVER. WE NEED MORE GUN RESTRICTIONS.

Amelia Douglas ‘24 makes a speech addressing gun restrictions at the Old Capital Jan. 8. (left) City High student Reyna Roach yells out chants for the march at the Old Capital walkout for gun restrictions Jan. 8. (below)

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AMELIA DOUGLAS ‘24

Bashir Eltyeb ’25 stands in front of a crowd to speak on gun legislation downtown Iowa City at the Old Capitol Jan. 8. Over 100 Iowa City students gathered at the Old Capitol to protest against gun violence after the Perry School shooting Jan.8.

Students from City High and West High School gather downtown at the Old Capital to speak and protest against gun violence Jan. 8.

NEWS JAN. 19, 2024

LIVING WITH SAD BY LILLY GRAHAM & JANE LAM

West students and faculty reflect on their experiences living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

or some, the onset of winter conjures feelings of excitement and festivity — holiday dinners with family, sledding over winter break, sleeping in on the occasional snow day. Yet, for others, the colder temperatures and early darkness bring a sense of dread and depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is defined by feelings of persistent sadness and apathy triggered by the change of seasons that goes beyond the typical “winter blues.” SAD’s symptoms align with those of depression but are correlated with seasonal changes. AP Psychology teacher Travis Henderson has struggled with SAD since third grade. His seasonal depression typically manifests as an increase in lethargy and diminished motivation. “[During the winter], I withdraw a little bit. I don’t want to go out as much … I just want to stay home,” Henderson said. “Feelings-wise,

08 HEALTH & SCIENCE JAN. 19, 2024

it’s like a pit [or] hollowness in my chest. When that feeling comes around, I’m like, ‘Oh, must be winter.’” Henderson experiences bouts of depression throughout the whole year, but winter is significantly worse for his mental health. However, for Catherine Yang ’23, a former West student and current freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, her feelings of depression are confined to only the winter months. “I’m generally pretty good at identifying what I feel. I feel weirdly apathetic and lonely during the winter,” Yang said. “I thought that was normal, but I found out it’s actually not. People usually feel pretty much the same in the winter.” For an anonymous student source, who has been dealing with SAD since junior high, the change in weather around the end of fall spurs feelings of dread about the coming months.

“All of a sudden, six o’clock hits, and the sun’s starting to set. It’s just that slight reminder that it’s going to be cold all the time and the sun’s never going to be up,” the anonymous source said. “[In the winter], I’m always exhausted. I get up before the sun has risen, and by the time I get home, the sun’s been set for four hours. So, I feel like I’ve had a whole day of just nothing.” Researchers speculate that SAD is tied to a lack of sunlight, which impacts biological systems like the circadian clock and the secretion of hormones like serotonin. Fewer UV rays may also induce an overproduction of melatonin, a hormone responsible for drowsiness. Dr. Adam Woods, a family psychiatrist at Gersh, Hartson, Payne, Hoffman, & Associates, emphasizes that increased fatigue in the winter months is not unique to humans and has an evolutionary component.

“We’re animals just like every other mammal. So what is every other mammal in nature doing in the winter? They’re sleeping more, eating more and they’re not as active as they were,” Woods said. “Only the human animal believes it needs to be just as active in December as it is in July.” Yang observes that her seasonal depression is marked by fatigue, making it difficult to get out of bed. “When I’m feeling depressed, I just stay in bed forever. I know there is stuff that I should be doing, but I don’t remember why I should care,” Yang said. “The very basic things are a struggle; there have been periods of time where I don’t eat because I’ve been sleeping so much.” Henderson also identifies his desire to stay in bed as one of the biggest challenges of his experience with SAD. “I wish I had the energy and gumption to enjoy things. [During Thanksgiving], I really wanted to enjoy [being] around my friends and the time off,” Henderson said. “[But] I just wanted to be in bed.” Another component of Yang’s SAD is overthinking, which can be detrimental to her relationships. “I’ll lay in bed, and I’ll just think about my life or the choices I’ve made or some dilemma that really doesn’t matter. But in my mind, at the time, it seemed really important,” Yang said. “I start overthinking all my relationships, all the tiny things that normally I don’t care about.” Though the symptoms of SAD can be overwhelming, many treatment options are available

for those experiencing the disorder. Talking to a mental health professional, taking antidepressant medication and getting more light exposure are all common therapies. Woods cites the benefits of a light box, which delivers fluorescent light without harmful UV rays, mimicking the effects of sunlight. He also acknowledges the importance of slowing down and finding time for self-care. “The five things … for [improving] mental health are therapy, sleep, diet, exercise and meditation,” Woods said. “If you need to sleep more, sleep a little more. If you want to eat a little more, eat a little more; don’t judge yourself.” Henderson employs a multi-faceted treatment approach to combat his SAD. “I have to be much more conscientious about getting to the gym when it starts getting cold outside because that really helps balance my mood,” said Henderson. “I will go tanning … I’m there to just get some UV rays… the benefits are so great for me that it justifies the risk. I [also] have ongoing conversations with my doctor about adjusting my meds.” Although seeking help is important, it can be difficult. For Yang, the logistics of finding time to schedule and attend a therapy appointment have kept her from doing so. However, she still makes sure to prioritize her wellness. “I do a lot of self-care. I journal everyday — I’m a creative writer, so I write occasionally,” Yang said. “I do extra, random skincare steps if I’m really feeling it.” The stigma surrounding men’s mental health also creates barriers to receiving profession-

al help. Social pressures and a lack of accurate media representation of depression have made the process of reaching out and the required vulnerability uncomfortable for the anonymous source. “There’s a lot of stigma around men’s mental health … and that’s also a big factor of not going and getting [help],” the anonymous source said. “There’s no one directly next to me where I’m like, ‘I think I should go to therapy,’ and they’re like, ‘What a loser.’ It’s more [that] I’ve seen so much in media, and people around me are like, ‘No, I’m not gonna go to therapy; men don’t go to therapy.’” Still, Henderson emphasizes the importance of validating the impact of SAD and receiving support. “It’s powerful to name what you’re experiencing. Be honest about what you’re experiencing,” Henderson said. “It’s powerful to seek help. It’s not something that you have to just deal with every November and December, [whenever] your time period is. It’s not something you just have to labor through.”

SCAN HERE TO LISTEN TO STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES WITH SAD. ART & DESIGN BY ATHENA WU

HEALTH & SCIENCE JAN. 19, 2024

PAGEANT PERSONAS

Classrooms to crowns — West students competing in pageants share their experiences and common stereotypes about pageantry.

BY MADDY COOK & KAMAKSHEE KUCHHAL

his past November, Miss Universe 2023 made history as Sheynnis Palacios became the first Nicaraguan to win the prestigious title. While Miss Universe was initially created to empower women, the pageant has received criticism for a lack of diversity and inclusion. However, the narrative surrounding Miss Universe’s legacy and impact is gradually evolving. Traditionally, pageantry in the United States has been dominated by two distinct competitions: Miss America and Miss USA. Referred to as a “scholarship pageant,” Miss America emphasizes contestants’ academic achievements, talents and community service. On the other hand, Miss USA, a feeder into the Miss Universe competition, focuses on physical appearance, confidence and stage presence. Breaking away from these conventional competitions, Aria Wa r r e n ’26 participated in the Miss Amazing circuit after a Northwest Ju n i o r High paraeducator introduced her to pageantr y . Miss Amazing offers an inclusive experience for young women with disabilities, where contestants are not judged

10 PROFILES

JAN. 19, 2024

on appearance but on their self-expression and talents. Warren highlights how pageantry empowers women by fostering confidence and connecting them to a supportive community.

HOWEVE R , PAG EANTS AR E N ’T ALL ABOUT BEAUTY AN D PR ETTY DR ESSES; TH EY ’ R E DESIG N E D TO H E LP WOM E N BE STRONG, POWE R FU L LEADE RS AN D PI LLARS I N TH E I R COM M U N ITI ES. -ARIA WARREN ‘26 “Pageants are competitions where you can show off your amazing self by highlighting your talent, community service initiative and spirit,” Warren said. “However, pageants aren’t all about beauty and pretty dresses; they’re designed to help women be strong, powerful leaders and pillars in their communities.”

Miss USA contestants are scored on three main categories: Evening Gown, Interview and Final Question. In addition to these criteria, Miss America and Miss Amazing participants are judged on their talents and Community Service Initiative (CSI). “Your talent plays a big role; it is showing off what you are most passionate about,” Warren said. “Community service is the most important aspect of pageantry. If you are not giving back to your community with the work that you do, it is truly pointless.” Ashley Niemiec ’25 was introduced to pageants via her twirling coach, the producer for Miss Iowa. Niemiec’s CSI, Standing Together Against Mental Health Stigma, focuses on advocating for and normalizing mental health issues among elementary schoolers transitioning to middle school. Having spoken to over 400 students, Niemiec’s favorite aspect of pageantry is engaging with the community. “[Pageantry] has strayed away from its beauty queen stereotypes and really focused on the community aspect. [The judges] are not going to pick someone who we [call] a ‘pageant patty’ — someone who’s just there for the crown,” Neimiec said. The scoring criteria have changed over the years. In 2018, Miss USA discontinued its swimsuit competition, reserving it solely for the Miss Universe level. In a similar move, the Miss America Organization eliminated its swimsuit competition in 2019, aiming to shift the focus from physical appearance to a contestant’s character instead. “The swimsuit portion has been changed to a fitness portion in athletic wear. The scoring is not about your body and how it looks [or] the clothes you wear, [but] rather, how you hold yourself while modeling them,” Warren said. “The scoring is more about personality. The key is lots of energy and confidence. However, you can definitely tell that the Miss Iowa pageant circuit still holds conventional beauty standards to some capacity.”

the future, just your personal-

ity. feel like it’s definitely eased up on how strict and how serious it has to be and lets the girls have fun.” Lacy, Warren and Niemiec believe pageantry has shifted away from traditional beauty stereotypes. Lately, pageants have been well-rounded in inclusivity, with people from all demographics placing in the contest. “The Miss America system is very open to all different beauty types. We have a bunch of people of different races and different sizes; everybody’s included in our system. The [ ju d g es] are actually specifically asked not to j u d g e on that, so everybody has a fair opportunity,” Niemiec said. Niemiec’s participation in pageantry has increased her self-confidence and community involvement. “I’ve become very brave since I started pageants and really grown as a person,” Niemiec said. “I’m now more community-involved; I volunteer once a week and do a bunch of community I

some capacity.” Faced with these standards, Warren notes it can feel as if you aren’t good enough when you don’t look like the winners. However, as their CSI, this leads them to fight harder to raise awareness about gender inclusivity and disability rights. “Because of the reputation that pageantry holds, people who typically participate in these pageants tend to stick within society’s conventional beauty standards. I have seen much improvement with this already in terms of body positivity, [but] I would also love to see improvement in gender inclusivity. I’ll tackle that once I finish with disability rights,” Warren said. “There are still a lot of unhealthy standards that we, who compete, feel the need to adhere to, like body image, even hair color … I don’t think they really thought about having a titleholder with a disability until I started, and I am so happy I am able to begin that conversation and [am] determined to change people’s minds.” Melae Lacy ’24 was encouraged by her mom to enter the National American Miss pageant after receiving an anonymous nomination in the mail. Intrigued by the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone, she decided to try it. “I used to watch a few pageants when I was younger, and I had family members mention that they had been in pageants, and it was really hard. They had to keep their diet up and were stressed about literally every word they’d say,” Lacy said. “But when I went and talked to other girls that have grown up in the pageant industry, they [said the judges] really want to hear what makes you happy, what you want to do in

events. I get a bunch of amazing opp or tu n it i e s that I wouldn’t have gotten without p a g eants.”

Wa r ren hopes to continue competing in Miss Iowa local circuits and their involvement in Miss Amazing

through mentoring initiatives. “I could take over as the head of the Iowa Miss Amazing program when the current people are done [or] with Miss Iowa, I could become a pageant consultant and aid those going through the process. I could also even start and run my own local pageant that would then feed into the Miss Iowa pageant in the future,” Warren said. “All I know is that I will never stop being involved in pageants; I think they are amazing and can bring so many opportunities and experiences to the participants.” While Lacy acknowledges she wouldn’t compete in pageantry again due to heavy makeup and intense judging, she believes the experience was worth it due to the memories she’s made and the confidence she’s obtained. “I didn’t have the best confidence before, but after seeing that I could definitely do things that weren’t sports-related: talk to people, put on a dress, feel confident and feel pretty — it was definitely something that I am glad I did and I learned from,” Lacy said. Warren highlights the inclusivity and meaningful opportunities that participating in pageantry offers to all. “ P a g e a n t - ry has taught me how to carry myself onstage in the face of pressure [and] how to showcase myself in a way t h at I am proud of. It has taught me the importance [of] sisterhood and friendship … [Pageantry] gives you incredible experiences of meeting the other girls you’re competing with … [it] is a community,” Warren said. “I recommend pageantry to anyone who enjoys being in the spotlight, performing and competing. It’s never too late to start your pageant journey. Just go for it and be confident in yourself — you got this.”

DESIGN BY GINGER MCCARTNEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF MALAE LACY, ASHLEY NIEMIEC & ARIA WARREN

PROFILES JAN. 19, 2024

A SOUL FROM SEOUL Aidan Choi ‘25 reflects on his recent move from the busy metropolis of Seoul, South Korea, to quiet, suburban Iowa City, Iowa. BY REEM KIRJA & HENRY TIMMER-HACKERT DESIGN BY ATHENA WU PHOTOS BY GIANNA LIU & COURTESY OF AIDAN CHOI

12 PROFILE

JAN. 19, 2024

he city of Seoul is bustling, and rows of cars line the streets as rambling vendors call out their prices. Billboards with K-Pop idols are in every corner, and students are giggling as they eat tteokbokki in family-run restaurants. Sky-high buildings brush the clouds, and blossoms overtake the wind. However, when Aidan Choi ‘25 landed in Iowa, he saw a change of scenery. “The big differences [between Seoul and Iowa City] are everything so far. There aren’t a lot of tall buildings and entertainment,” Choi said. “Back in Korea, we have this room full of PCs and games, so there are a lot of things for enjoyment and to play around with friends after school, but there aren’t any here.” Despite this, Choi appreciates the vast amount of educational opportunities presented and the academic flexibility American universities provide. “I really like the freedom of choosing your major because in Korea, we don’t really get a choice. There are three universities that are good and that’s pretty much it,” Choi said. “I’ve always wanted to go to U.S. universities, and I was preparing for it in Korea. That’s why I moved.” Choi has spent the majority of his life traveling between the United States and South Korea, and he believes this helped him adapt to the new location. “I wasn’t really shocked [when I came to Iowa City] because I’ve seen all this stuff when I was in fifth grade,” Choi said. “I was in North Carolina for three years from grade five to eight, and then I went back to Korea for three years, and now I’m here.” Despite his short time here, Choi has already noticed some interesting differences. “[Students here] start driving at 14, which is kind of crazy,” Choi said. “They also work, so driving and working

at the age of 14 is not something you can do in Korea. You [would] have to be 19 or older to start doing it.” Choi spent the majority of his life moving and had to part ways with many friends, but social media has allowed him to feel less isolated in Iowa City. “I keep in contact with them through social media, like Instagram. Their stories allow me to keep track of what they’re doing and how their day has been.” Although he misses his friends, Choi has formed new connections at West. Cindy Wang ’24 first met Choi during her AP Statistics class, where they became better acquainted. “He’s definitely shy, as anybody would be moving to a new school, but he’s super positive and really open to making new friends,” Wang said. “He was able to meet [my friend] Ijin Shim ’24 who [is also] Korean, and we were able to bond because each one taught me some Korean. I think that was a really cool way to connect with him, and it reminded him of his hometown.” Additionally, Wang and Choi are stand partners in West High’s Symphony Strings orchestra, and she believes that it plays an important role in their friendship. “He brightens up my day in Orchestra,” Wang said. “When I’m having a bad day. He laughs at my jokes, which I know can be really hard, so I appreciate that. He’s always just there for me to be able to say any comments that I want to and he takes them all. I really appreciate his openness and friendliness.” Before moving to the U.S., Choi’s curriculum consisted of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) courses. The IB program allows students to pursue a two-year comprehensive pre-university curriculum, leading to an IB diploma with advanced placement credit. Despite the differences between the IB and the College Board’s AP curriculum, Choi believes the extended educational commitments of the two programs allowed him to supplement his previous schedule with AP courses, including Statistics, Economics and Chemistry. “[IB and AP courses] are different. We get to have more time throughout the [AP] curriculum, but in the IB, you only get two years of studying.” Choi said. “Also, [community service for the IB program] was really hard to do. I was in a pet shelter, and I’ve done a lot of campaigns and projects about environment stuff.”

Choi’s efforts are also noticeable to those around

him. “He is challenging himself with a bunch of hard classes, and I admire that too because I’m like, ‘Dang, bro’,” Wang said. “I’m a senior and he’s a junior, and to have him in my stats class was kind of a shock, but it’s also super cool that he gets to meet all these new people by taking all these advanced classes.” For now, Choi aspires to become a veterinarian, which arose from his frequent volunteering trips at a pet shelter in South Korea. “I have a lot of good memories [from my time in the pet shelter]. I like animals, and I was struggling with choosing my path. So my parents were like, ‘Well, this job is stable. Great income. You just need to study. Why not [be] a doctor?’,” Choi said. “So I was like, ‘Well, I’ll go for a pet doctor’.” Alongside his passion for learning, Choi also worked to pursue photography within an academic setting. “I started [photography] two years ago. I was the most terrible photographer in my whole class. And this one girl told me, ‘You’re the worst.’ So I was like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna start studying photography.’ And that’s how I started. We had this old film camera at my house, so my first film roll turned out really nice,” Choi said. While photography offers expansive creative possibilities, Choi particularly enjoys capturing candid photos, hoping to capture the moments of everyday life. “I like to take photos of the natural living style of people. I do take a lot of scenery photos, but I’m more happy when taking pictures during parties or when [my friends and I] are at each other’s houses so I can memorize what’s going on by looking at the photos,” Choi said. “I don’t want to forget the memories we had, and photography is one of the ways to [remember] them permanently.” PROFILE JAN. 19, 2024

KIRPES WITH A MATHEMATICAL PURPOSE

BY ZAIRA AHMAD & ANNA SONG

Friday

i = Monday

hen walking into James Kirpes’ room, one may encounter “party,” “shindig,” “homefun” and “cal-COOL-us” filling class discussions. These are just a few of the phrases from Kirpology, Kirpes’ very own math language. While unusual to typical students, many enrolled in Kirpes’ classes are accustomed to his unique language. Kirpology plays a special role in his classroom, and the origin of the language dates back to the beginning of his teaching career. While attending math competitions during his first years of teaching and coaching math club, Kirpes met Des Moines Valley math teacher Jim Jephson, who inspired Kirpes’ “parties.” “We were chatting once and I heard him say ‘I don’t give math exams, I give math parties,’ because he likes to celebrate math and celebrate his students, and he thoroughly enjoys math,” Kirpes said. “I was like, ‘I like that idea: [to] celebrate math.’” To keep his terms consistent, Kirpes also swapped “quizzes” for “shindigs” and “homework” for “homefun.” He uses these alternative phrases to reduce students’ stress. “I’m very aware some students have math anxiety. As soon as they hear ‘math test,’ they tense up, and that’s unfortunate, but it’s a reality. So I thought, ‘What can I do to take the edge off? Call it a math party?’ [Because] why get a kid all tense or nervous over the term that I use?” Humor remains an integral part of Kirpes’ lessons as he often jokes with his students. One of

14 PROFILE

JAN. 19, 2024

Math teacher James Kirpes shares his journey to West and how his experiences have shaped his 32 years of teaching.

Kirpes’ former students and current West science teacher Jeff Conner ’05 appreciates his humor and believes it’s one of the reasons Kirpes stands out. “As somebody who was nerdy myself, growing up as a math nerd and a science nerd, I tended to think he was really funny and witty,” Conner said. “I enjoyed his sense of humor, and I enjoyed how much he loved math.” Despite Kirpes’s current passion for teaching, he never believed he would become a math teacher in high school. “I had an interaction with one of my friends in high school where I was trying to explain a topic to them, and apparently I did a very poor job, because my friend said, ‘You can’t teach anything.’ So I crossed ‘math teacher’ off in my brain,” Kirpes said. However, while studying mathematics and sociology at Iowa State University in 1986, Kirpes was on the hunt for a job. He began tutoring at the university tutoring office, discovering his love for teaching in the process. “I was pretty good at [tutoring], and I certainly enjoyed it,” Kirpes said. “I had some students who requested me from one semester to the next, so that told me I was doing okay … and junior year at Iowa State, I was like, ‘I really need to consider this math teacher thing.’” Now, Kirpes has been at West for 26 years, teaching about 4000 students throughout his career. His courses vary from Geometry Honors to AP Calculus BC to Art of Mathematical Prob-

lem Solving. For Kirpes, teaching isn’t a job but an avocation. “A vocation is something that you’re called to do, and for me, an avocation is the next step beyond that. I need to [teach math] to be my authentic self,” Kirpes said. “So not only am I called to do it, but I would be denying some sense of who I am if I didn’t.” Answering his calling to teach, Kirpes strives to help students derive their own equations to success. “I want students to be successful, and I try really hard to let them define what success is. It’s really important to me that you don’t let somebody else define for you what success is. [It’s] a great thing when I see a student having success, defined in their own way,” Kirpes said. Conner experienced Kirpes’ passion for teaching firsthand. After taking Geometry Honors, the Art of Mathematical Problem Solving I and II and AP Calculus BC with him, Connor notes Kirpes’ exponential mathematical purpose. “He loves math, he wants to spread it around to as many people as possible and he’s a teacher for the right reasons — he wants to educate young people about the topic that he loves. That’s why he does it,” Conner said. In addition to spreading his joy for math, Kirpes values students’ energy and desire to learn. “I find it very refreshing that students are better at self-advocating, and I love the fact that I can do a ‘check-

in’ with a student,” Kirpes said. “When I was in school, we didn’t even have that phrase — if a teacher came up to me and said, ‘I’m checking in with you’ I’d be like, ‘No, why? I turned in my assignment.’ But I find it very refreshing that students have that ownership of themselves [now], that personal level of understanding.” Outside of school hours, Kirpes supports students by sponsoring clubs like chess, F-Cubed and Mu Alpha Theta. Once a member of his own high school’s Mu Alpha Theta chapter — a mathematical honor society — Kirpes has now coached the West High team for 26 years. He encourages students to extend their math

social-emotional development of some students because they found a home,” Kirpes said. “That’s very rewarding for me, to see a student who may be in a different venue and isn’t so comfortable, but in this venue, they find a home.” Conner was one of these students who found refuge while on the Mu Alpha Theta team. “Like many high schoolers, I was kind of adrift in terms of my identity and trying to figure out what I was good at and what I was bad at. [I had] self-esteem issues,” Conner said. “One thing that was nice about the math team is it was a place where I felt appreciated, and I felt like I was good at something.”

Benson said. “He hadn’t touched group theory in years, yet he had a joke about it. So he’s got all that stuff stored somewhere.” Under Kirpes’ guidance, Mu Alpha Theta has garnered many successes, winning Math League Nationals in May, while also holding the title of Math League State Champion for 19 consecutive years and winning 24 total. Kirpes accredits the teams’ success to his students. “When I got [to West], it was so refreshing because it became [clear] to me that I had students who were better at math than I was. That was a weird feeling, and depending on how you approach it, it could be unsettling, but I found

66 A VOCATION IS SOMETHING THAT YOU’RE CALLED 0

- JAMES KIRPES

knowledge beyond the classroom through involvement in Mu Alpha Theta regardless of their math capabilities. “With math, my passion is seeing students willing and wanting to take on challenges. Sometimes students come to me and they’re like, ‘I can’t do math club. I’m not good enough,’” Kirpes said. “I ask [students], ‘Do you want to learn math?’ and ‘Do you want to have some fun doing that?’ If they say ‘Yes’, then I’ll say, ‘Well then, check out math club.’” In addition to helping students foster their interest in math, Kirpes notices that clubs also create a positive community for members. “Whether it’s math or chess, I’ve been very pleased to see the

Current Mu Alpha Theta member, Cade Benson ’24, has known Kirpes since seventh grade, when he began competing on West’s math team. “Kirpes helps to make [Mu Alpha Theta] feel more laid back,” Benson said. “[He says] ‘Hey, we’re all on the same team and really here to have fun’ to take a little of the edge off of how competitive it can get sometimes.” Alongside Kirpes’ supportive coaching, Benson also appreciates his humorous disposition. “[Kirpes] has so many backlogs in his brain of random jokes. I remember we were coming back from a math competition in Minnesota, I was talking about the math class I was in. We were doing group theory and he had a joke about it,”

it almost liberating,” Kirpes said. “I was like, ‘I can help them and they can help me,’ and that’s true to this day. I have students who are better mathematicians than I am and that’s unbelievably awesome,” Kirpes said. As he continues teaching at West, Kirpes hopes to keep providing students with spaces to find their own paths in life. “[I want to] help students become their own authentic selves. I want my students to become good or better mathematicians because I’m a math teacher, but whatever their calling is, that’s really awesome to me,” Kirpes said.“I want to support students in their journey of being the best version of themselves, whatever that might be.”

“KIRPOLOGY” TRANSLATIONS PARTY = TEST SHINDIG = QUIZ HOMEFUN = HOMEWORK

HA PPY !! Y FRIDA

avocation IS THE NEXT TO DO, AND FOR ME, AN STEP BEYOND THAT. I NEED TO [TEACH MATH] TO BE MY authentic self.

DESIGN BY ANNA SONG PHOTOS BY ATHENA WU & TROJAN EPIC

2006 PROFILE JAN. 19, 2024

16 ADS

JAN. 19, 2024

ADS JAN. 19, 2024

CONTRACEPTIVES WSS looks into teen contraceptive usage and knowledge, addressing prevalent misunderstandings and stigmas. WSS interviewed three anonymous student sources for this article. Anonymity is used to protect the privacy of students commenting on contraceptives. View the editorial policy at wsspaper.com. BY GRACE BARTLETT, JESSIE LI & MARIE STIER

rom a young age, kids are taught preventative measures against the cold or flu: vaccines, masks, washing hands and coughing into the elbow. However, these aren’t the only health concerns that young people need awareness of. Contraception, a frequently disregarded and shamed topic, has many stigmas surrounding the usage of types of birth control. Feelings of embarrassment regarding contraception can hinder necessary conversations, leading to misconceptions arising. However, contraception is a topic that impacts a large percentage of the population, with over 65% of women aged 15-49 using some form of birth control. Dr. Michael Colburn, Head of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Iowa, believes the definition of contraception can differ depending on the person. “I believe contraception is everything and anything that leads to people being in control of when they are ready to be parents,” Colburn said.

ACCESSIBILITY

olburn advocates for care that allows patients to choose individualized plans for contraceptive use. “Our statement [at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics] is that you have the ability to

consent and choose treatment in certain realms,” Colburn said. In line with the University’s commitment to providing accessible treatment, the University of Iowa’s Adolescent Clinic encounters many teens who take control of obtaining their own contraceptive options. “The vast majority of people [coming to the clinic for contraception] are the patients themselves,” Colburn said. “In this clinic, we’re really helping them be goal-focused. Asking, ‘Why are you here? What’s going on?’ and as part of routine care, we talk about sexual health.” Studies from the National Institutes of Health have concluded that when healthcare providers initiate sexual health discussions, adolescents are more likely to get tested for sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are among many examples of STIs. HPV is the most common STI in the United States, with a majority of infections among teens and young adults. Although teens can make many health-related decisions independently, Colburn points out some exceptions. “In this state, you can consent to sexual health preventative stuff; you can get your HPV shot without your parent’s consent, you can do screenings, you can get all your sexual health testing and you can get treatment,” Colburn

ART & DESIGN BY ERINN VARGA

said. “The only time [it] gets a little weird is if you are getting tested for HIV and your HIV [test] is positive. In Iowa, I have to report that to a caregiver.” In 27 states, including Iowa, all individuals are allowed to consent to contraceptive services at a specified minimum age, with Iowa’s being 12 years old. However, 19 states only allow some minors to consent to contraceptive services, such as people with a health issue or who are married or pregnant. Despite the limitations some teens face, Ashley Guerrero, the University of Iowa’s Clinical Coordinator for Adolescent Medicine, believes it’s essential to educate teens and their families about contraceptive use. “It may not be appointment one or appointment two that we really get through to them, but our goal is to educate the patient,” Guerrero said. “Sometimes the family too, because maybe the patient’s on board, but the family isn’t. Just because we’re giving a kid birth control doesn’t mean we’re saying, ‘Hey, go out and have a bunch of sex.’” Although this is often an uncomfortable subject for teens and their families, Colburn believes transparency is the best course of action when providing care. “Young adults are going to lose so much faith in the system if we manipulate care for the parents’ benefit,” Colburn said. “We don’t want to

TYPES

OF BIRTH CONTROL There are many different types of birth control that prevent pregnancy. Here are some of the options available. Source: Planned Parenthood

IMPLANT

PATCH

PILL

CONDOM

SPONGE

SPERMACIDE

$0 to $1300 Five years

$0 to $150 Weekly

$0 to $50 Daily

$0 to $2 Use every time

$0 to $15 Use every time

$0 to $270 Use every time

The implant is placed in the arm to release hormones that prevent pregnancy.

The patch releases hormones through the skin and into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

Birth control pills, such as Apri or Yaz, are taken orally and come in packs.

Condoms offer protection from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The sponge covers the cervix and contains spermicide to help prevent pregnancy.

Spermicide has chemicals that stop sperm from reaching an egg.

IUD

SHOT

RING

DIAPHRAGM

CERVICAL CAP

FERTILITY AWARENESS

$0 to $1300 3-12 years

$0 to $150 Three months

$0 to $200 Once a month

$0 to $75 Use everytime

$0 to $90 Use every time

$0-$20 Daily

An intrauterine device is a tiny device that is put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy,

The depo shot, or Depo-Provera, is an injection of hormones you get once every three months.

A small, flexible ring inside the vagina. Prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into the body.

A diaphragm is a shallow, bendable cup that covers the cervix during sex to prevent pregnancy.

The cervical cap covers the cervix, stopping sperm from joining an egg. Used with spermacide.

Fertility awareness methods, or FAMs, are ways to track the menstrual cycle and fertile days.

“ I BELI EVE CONTR ACEPTION IS EVERYTH I NG AN D ANYTH I NG THAT LEADS TO PEOPLE BEI NG I N CONTROL OF WH EN TH EY ARE READY TO BE PARENTS.” - M ICHAEL COLBU RN , DOCTOR AN D H EAD OF ADOLESCENT M EDICI N E AT TH E U N IVERSITY OF IOWA trick parents, but we understand that sometimes you’re not ready to talk to your parents yet, so we might coach you on how to talk about why you have [contraceptives].” However, Guerrero reminds teenagers that they are entitled to a private doctor’s visit without their parents in the room. “Always remember that you’re open to having these conversations with your primary care provider,” Guerrero said. “Your parents should be leaving during the [doctor’s] visit anyway. That’s our standard of care.” Colburn agrees, noting that guardians often have their own opinions about teens’ contraceptive use that may conflict with what the teen wants or needs for themself. “I really think birth control is your [own] decision and not to help alleviate someone else’s fear,” Colburn said. “But it’s important that you can tell me what is actually going on so that we are able to make the best decisions for you.” Nonetheless, Guerrero believes it is important to take precautions and be prepared if things don’t go as planned. “We don’t know what your choices are going to be [beforehand], and when you’re in the heat of the moment, it’s not the time to think, ‘Oh, I should be on birth control,’” Guerrero said. Additionally, Colburn reminds teens that there are many ways to obtain contraceptives if needed.

“If somebody’s like, ‘I want this, but I can’t get it,’ you can, because there are resources in the community. There are places here that will see uninsured people,” Colburn said. An anonymous student source found the contraceptives that she needed were easily available. “Both [the birth control pill and Nexplanon] have been very accessible; I was able to get my Nexplanon the day of. It was like a two-minute process,” the source said. “There weren’t as many barriers for me, but I know for IUDs, there was a pretty long waitlist, and a lot of people needed anesthesia for [IUD placement]. That probably would have been a bigger barrier if that was what I had chosen to do.”

METHODS UTILIZED These are the most common methods of contraception used among females aged 1519 who have engaged in sexual intercourse.

1% Patch

Condom

19% Shot

65%

20% IUD

Withdrawal

SIDE EFFECTS olburn suggests teens who are looking for birth control options should begin with non-hormonal contraceptives. “I want your body to use your own hormones for a bit, because you still have about four centimeters of growth that can still happen height-wise after you have your first period, and if I put you on estrogen-containing birth control pills, that gets a little stunted,” Colburn said. Despite providing safe preventative measures, contraceptives also come with side effects. When taking birth

97%

53% Pill

15% Implant

11%

19%

Emergency Contraception

Fertility Awareness Source: National Center for Health Statistics

FIRST-TIME USAGE Contraception usage during first sexual intercourse among females and males aged 15-19.

Percent 20

100

78 Female

57 79 83

89 78 Male

93 91

Total

14 & under

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

15-16

17-19

control pills to combat painful period cramps, an anonymous source said she experienced increased fatigue. However, despite these negative side effects, the source wanted to remain on birth control. “I noticed I had a lot less energy,” she said. “But I chose to take [birth control] consistently, even if it was always a very crazy hormonal roller coaster.” After transitioning to Nexplanon, a birth control implant, the same source said these exhaustion side effects, along with cramping, went away. However, she acknowledges her positive experience may not be replicable for every person. “I will occasionally get cramps, but they’re still not as bad [as before any birth control],” the source said. “I haven’t really had any negative side effects with Nexplanon, but I know a lot of other people have, so it really just depends on the person.” However, because Nexplanon has worked well for her, the source plans to continue using it. “I’ve heard a lot of people have really difficult times finding birth control options that work for them like I did,” she said. “So [now that] I found this one, I’ll try to stick to it as long as I possibly can.” Prior to going on hormonal birth control, one of the anonymous sources heard online about breakthrough bleeding, a symptom of hormonal birth control where a person will bleed between their regular period

cycles. “I heard some people bleed for six months straight, which was something I was really scared about,” she said. “I was like, ‘I can’t do this, my period cramps are already so bad.’” Though some online conversations initiate apprehension about certain types of birth control, Colburn notes some may do the opposite and ignore negative side effects. “Sometimes when people talk to you about [implants], they make it sound like it’s really good because it’s a really effective birth control,” Colburn said. “But you might not get the full picture of how random your bleeding can be after you get it, and that happens to a lot of people.” Because of the variety of contraceptive options available, Colburn advocates searching for an individual’s best fit. “You can stop [any contraceptive and its side effects],” Colburn said. “So if it’s not a good fit for you — even if you have a device in your uterus — it can come out. We say it lasts eight years, but it doesn’t have to stay in place for eight years.” Though contraceptives are mainly associated with impeding pregnancy, a third of teens in the United States taking oral contraceptives use them exclusively for reasons besides pregnancy prevention. One of the leading motivations, with 14% of American women, is preventing acne. There are four birth control pills recommended for treating hormonal acne, which work by lowering testosterone levels and, in turn, lowering levels of oil and sebum, which can clog pores and cause pimples.

“J UST BECAUSE WE’ RE GIVI NG A KI D BI RTH CONTROL DOESN ’T M EAN WE’ RE SAYI NG, ‘ H EY, GO OUT AN D HAVE A BU NCH OF SEX .’” -ASH LEY GU ERRERO, CLI N ICAL COORDI NATOR FOR ADOLESCENT M EDICI N E AT TH E U N IVERSITY OF IOWA

An anonymous source found that her birth control, contrary to her belief, worsened her acne. “The [birth control] that I take is supposed to help with acne,” the anonymous source said. “It’s one that you take specifically for acne, but it did the opposite for me.” Another anonymous source wanted to regulate her hormones due to painful symptoms and an irregular menstrual cycle. “I’ve had a really heavy flow since I first got my period, and I was having really bad hormonal acne, so I just wanted to figure it out,” the anonymous source said. However, birth control didn’t work for her due to concerns that arose after consulting her pediatrician. “I asked my pediatrician about [hormonal birth control] and she originally agreed, but because I have a family history of blood clotting and strokes, we decided it was best not to [use hormonal birth control] because birth control put me at high risk. I was offered other [non-hormonal] alternatives, like an arm implant or an IUD, but I decided against it,” the source said. Because of the combined risk of her family’s medical history and birth control’s side effects, this anonymous source decided to forgo contraceptive use and instead found other alternatives to her irregular menstruation cycle. “I ended up going to the dermatologist for my

PLAN B

acne, but my periods are the same, so it can be

“ I REALLY TH I N K BI RTH CONTROL IS YOU R [OWN] DECISION AN D NOT TO H ELP ALLEVIATE SOM EON E ELSE’ S FEAR .” - M ICHAEL COLBU RN , DOCTOR AN D H EAD OF ADOLESCENT M EDICI N E AT TH E U N IVERSITY OF IOWA really frustrating; I’ve had to miss school be-

cause of the pain,” the source said.

MISCONCEPTIONS

eligious beliefs play a part in some people’s decision to go on birth control. Some religions, like Catholicism, don’t condone the use of birth control, while others permit its use in certain circumstances and specific forms. However, birth control is becoming an increasingly popular option for family planning amongst younger generations. With more transparency in using contraceptives, the number of women using a modern method increased from 663 million to 851 million between 2000 and 2020. An anonymous source said she finds it easier to talk about contraceptives with people her own age. “I have a lot of religious family, and I don’t ever mention [contraceptives] in front of them. I’m open with friends and in high school because I feel like everyone’s in the same boat,” she said. “I’d rather people know about something I’m having a good experience with because I’ve seen so many of my friends have a really bad experience on the pill. I’d rather them know that you don’t have to be miserable on birth control.” Even though there is more openness to contraception, many misconceptions about its effects remain prevalent. Colburn believes they impede

RESOURCES & OPTIONS FOR EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION Source: National Library of Medicine

PREVEN

TRIVORA

UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH

LEVORA

ALESSE

FOOD BANK

OVRAL

LEVLITE

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA MOBILE CLINIC

LEVLEN

OVRETTE

EMMA GOLDMAN CLINIC

LOOVRAL

TRIPHASIL

BEDSIDER.ORG

NORDETTE

TRILEVLEN

PLANNED PARENTHOOD 877-859-0551

Withdrawal Implant Patch

Condom

Spermacide

Pill

Sponge

IUD

Diaphragm Fertility awareness

Cervical Cap

Ring

Shot

76-71%

82-78%

97-92%

*Depending on method

Least Effective Source: University of California Davis Student Health and Counseling Services

Sterilization

99% Most Effective

EFFECTIVE BIRTH CONTROL

teenagers’ ability to make fully informed decisions. “These misconceptions that birth control is going to turn you into a rabid sexual beast are ridiculous,” Colburn said. “When you are ready to become a sexual person, you will become a sexual person. We need to make it less complicated for you because I want you to have safe and respectful relationships.” An anonymous source believes online discussions can misconstrue how contraceptives will have varying effects on each individual. “The biggest misunderstanding about contraceptives is that they’re all the same for you,” she said. “People say birth control pills suck, IUDs suck and everything birth control sucks, but it really depends on the person. I went into [my birth control appointment] very scared that I would have a bad experience, but I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the stigmas that I heard online.” Another widespread misunderstanding regarding birth control is that it can affect a person’s fertility or ability to conceive later. However, research has shown this isn’t true. Colburn suggests this misconception can stem from other causes. “No birth control causes infertility,” Colburn said. “What might happen is you use hormonal birth control, and then you didn’t use condoms because you were relying on your hormonal

birth control, and then you started having sexually transmitted infections that led to scarring, and then infertility.” However, if a person has concerns about the

“ PEOPLE SAY BI RTH CONTROL PI LLS SUCK , I U DS SUCK AN D EVERYTH I NG BI RTH CONTROL SUCKS , BUT IT REALLY DEPEN DS ON TH E PERSON .” -ANONYMOUS SOU RCE birth control or contraceptive device they’re utilizing, Colburn wants them to remember there are many alternatives available.

“[It’s important] to have honest conversations and know that you can stop any [contraceptive],” Colburn said. “I think we sometimes get worried that if we make a decision, we have to commit to it, but you guys will learn that you don’t. If it’s not a good fit for you, it’s not a good fit for you.” Another common misconception Guerrero has encountered is that hormonal birth control inhibits the spread of STIs. Guerrero stresses that barrier protection, such as condoms or dental dams, should be used alongside hormonal contraceptives to prevent STIs. This is important, as not only do STIs cause extreme discomfort, but they can also lead to more serious consequences, such as cardiovascular diseases and infertility. “Birth control doesn’t prevent STIs. You need to have a physical barrier to prevent STIs,” Guerrero said. “You can still get pregnant on birth control, and you’re not decreasing the risk of STIs at that point, so barrier protection is very important.” Because of the impact that misconceptions can have on teenagers’ trust and use of contraceptives, Guerrero stresses the importance of discussion and education about birth control. “This needs to be more of an open conversation with people,” Guerrero said. “I don’t know why there’s this stigma that we can’t talk about birth control. We’re all humans; the majority of us are going to have sex at some point in our lives.”

THE R A DISH BY CARTER HOUCHINS-WITT

WARNING: The contents of these pages are entirely satirical. These stories should not be taken seriously as they bear a faint resemblance to reality. Unless… ART & DESIGN BY HELEN ORSZULA

FESTIVE FLASH At West High’s “A Christmas Carol” production, audiences were sorely disappointed with Theatre West’s interpretation of the classic holiday play. The cast entered singing Jingle Bells, took a bow and left the stage. Given how often they rehearsed the two-minute, twelve-second song, the performance was on-point. Instead of having two months of rehearsal for a typical show, the cast only had two weeks, with 30 minutes a day. “I’m so happy with how the set turned out!” Idid Nuthin ’26, a member of the backstage set crew, said after the show. “Do you see that bush? I didn’t make it, but someone else did!” Even though those who put on the play were happy, the performance perplexed many audience members. “I…don’t know what just happened,” parent Slothawt Prosses said. “I bought flowers … Am I supposed to give them to my kid now? It was so short.” The production has broken several Theatre West records, such as “Shortest Performance” and “Shortest Rehearsal Time.” Putting the past behind them, the cast and crew are excited to move on to the auditions for the musical, “The Secret Garden.” Instead of singing or dancing for these auditions, students were required to plant a garden without their relatives finding out. The best of these gardens will be shown in the spring.

SMALL TALK, BIG CONSEQUENCES After Iowa’s Congress passed a new law Dec. 17, faculty and students can no longer ask questions like, “What did you do during winter break?” or “How was your weekend?” during school. This law was passed after Congress reasoned, “Knowing anything about students’ extracurriculars may result in a personal bond, and school is only for learning, not forming any sort of connections with teachers.” A list of over 60 phrases not permitted in schools has been created, including the word “twilight.” In addition, teachers must report to parents whenever a child uses a greeting other than the traditional “Hello!” or “What’s up?” Greetings also cannot be used back in response unless the parent gives permission. As of Jan. 11, three faculty members have been fired, two students have been expelled, and many more have been fined and suspended. Lay Zeeboy ’27 said in reaction to the laws, “I’m glad. Don’t have to talk to people anymore. Don’t have to tell people about my boring weekend. Don’t have to feel bad when someone else does something cool.” Some teachers question whether this violates their First Amendment rights. Still, students have a simple response, “Shut up.” Teacher Nottcar Ful sat down for an interview with West Side Story and began with, “What did y’all have for Thanksgiving?” This resulted in a SWAT team immediately storming the room and taking them away. Students like Tat Eltale ’25 quickly report teachers to authorities when they question students’ lives outside of school. Eltale said, “I’ve got to use this law while I can. I do not like talking to teachers.” In response to these laws, a Supreme Court case, Karen v. Iowa Public Schools, has appeared, where teachers have sued the state. Iowa Congress is still considering increasing the law’s regulations to disallow mention of anything outside of school, including hobbies, sports and family life.

24 ENTERTAINMENT JAN. 19, 2024

PARKING SURVIVAL TACTICS Especially with construction, getting out of the parking lots after school has many difficulties. If you aren’t in your car within five seconds after the bell rings, you aren’t going to make it out of the lot before the sun sets. Here are eight tips to get out ASAP! 1. Carpool! Carpooling means fewer people are on the road, so there is less traffic. It’ll also be fun to ride in a car with others. 2. Park close to the school. It can help you easily get into your car fast and beat everyone else to the exit. 3. The power of distraction is underrated. Play music as loud as your car allows with the windows down. The other cars won’t want to be anywhere near you, so you can easily pull in front of people! Bonus points if it’s loud enough that you can’t hear other cars honk. 4. Multiple people in your car gives you many more options. Have your buddy hop out of the car and stand in front of other vehicles to let you through. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work! 5. Aren’t brave enough to sabotage other cars right in front of their drivers? Simply drive over the grass! No one else is on the grass, so you only have to worry about the trees. Your car has a four-wheel drive for a reason. Use it! 6. Those pesky buses are always in front of you, holding up the line. Give them a little tap to show you can’t be pushed around. You mean business. Do the same to the other cars near you. Get some respect for your name. 7. Remember to always have a screwdriver in your car to pop tires. Use this classic one-liner, “If you cut my car off, I’ll cut your tires open!” 8. Keep a positive attitude! Breaking laws is way less fun when you get all mopey about it. Did you know that just smiling can decrease anxiety about whether the cops will find you or not? Keep that big ’ole grin on your face!

MECHANICALLY BALLIN’ Cheating using Artificial Intelligence (AI) was taken to a new level when basketball star Notta Roe-Bot ’24 was revealed to be using it during a basketball game. Before playing Iowa City High Dec. 22, Roe-Bot failed a CAPTCHA test in the locker room. Roe-Bot said, “I. Am. Not. A. Robot … I. Just. Do. Not. Know. The. Difference. Between. A. Crosswalk. And. The. Broken. White. Line. In. The. Middle. Of. The. Road.” The real Roe-Bot was later found to be 5’3’’ instead of the AI’s 6’8”. Getin Carried ’26 said about the incident, “When you’re winning, most people just look the other way. The only reason we are winning now is because of Model-34.” Model-34 X324 ’25, the team’s other star player, was immensely disappointed by his teammate’s lies. “Why. Would You. Have. An. Artificial. Intelligence. Play. Basketball. For. You? That. Is. Unethical,” he said. Thanks to Roe-Bot, every player must solve a reCAPTCHA test before each game. X324 said in reaction to this new rule, “That. Is. Stupid. I. Will. Not. Be. Able. To. Play. If. I. Have. To. Think. About. Streetlights.” However, after explaining that a reCAPTCHA, as opposed to a CAPTCHA, is only the box that says ‘I am not a robot’ and not clicking on fire hydrants, X324 breathed a sigh of relief. Metaphorically, of course. He doesn’t have a mouth, as he is made of metal.

IMAGINARY CANDIDATES As many may not have seen, my imaginary friend Toby recently announced that he is running for president as an independent candidate in 2024. Toby has never been seen and neglects to attend debates even when he has a reserved podium. When Toby was asked about his opinions, he responded, “...” Climate change activist Watam Ido-In ’25 said, “Who’s Toby? He’s running for president? Oh. I’ve never actually heard of him.” Toby responded by saying, “...” Wow, Toby certainly has a lot to say about that. Toby’s polling results have risen dramatically from 0% to 0.000000006% after I convinced my grandmother to vote for him instead of herself. However, unfortunately for Toby, he has been caught up in some allegations. According to public opinion, Toby does not pay any taxes. He remains uncaught by the IRS, likely because they cannot find him. When asked about his personal biggest issue, Toby said, “...” When many voters learned about Toby, they claimed he was a second choice to their candidate because they thought a politician on the opposite side of the political spectrum was worse. However, Toby’s polling results in Iowa remain at virtually 0%.

ENTERTAINMENT JAN. 19, 2024

WSS

WEST HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT

MAD LIBS

0206

BY MCKENNA STEPHENS ART & DESIGN BY MCKENNA STEPHENS

Grab a friend and your favorite pen — it’s time for West Side Story’s Mad Libs.

THE PARKING LOT AFTER A LONG DAY OF _______ AND ________, verb ending with -ing

verb ending with -ing

THE STUDENTS OF WEST HIGH WARE FINALLY FREE TO GO HOME. EVERYONE GETS INTO THEIR ________ AND LEAVES SCHOOL, WHEN SUDDENLY, plural noun

A HUGE _______ BLOCKS THE EXIT OF THE object

PARKING LOT. PEOPLE GET OUT OF THEIR _______ AND START plural noun

RUNNING TO SAFETY EXCEPT FOR ______ name

WHO GETS OUT AND BEGINS TO FIGHT IT. THE TWO OF THEM ______ AND _______ UNTIL FINALLY, _____ verb

verb

name

DEFEATS THE _______ AND SAVES THE DAY. UNFORTUNATELY, THE same object

STUDENTS WERE UPSET BECAUSE THEY STIIL HAD SCHOOL THE NEXT DAY.

26 ENTERTAINMENT JAN. 19, 2024

WINTER COLORING PAGE Relax and take refuge from the cold with this winter coloring page!

DESIGN BY GINGER MCCARTNEY

JAN. 19, 2024

ENTERTAINMENT

READY TO WRESTLE BY GIANNA LIU & CELIA SADEWASSER

After being sanctioned in 2022, girls wrestling has become the fastest-growing sport in Iowa, sparking a new generation of girls on the mat who are ready to wrestle. DESIGN BY HELEN ORSZULA

ourteen rows of wrestlers line up in the middle of the Xtream Arena, each holding a sign with their respective weight class. Before the champion matches begin, the girls march onto the mat in the Parade of Champions. The wrestlers buzz with excitement as they watch Jean Berger, the Executive Director for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), begin her speech. The arena is silent while listening to Berger; then the lights flash purple. The crowd erupts into cheers. The fourteen rows of girls all flip their signs, one by one, spelling out the word “SANCTIONED.” IGHSAU hosted its inaugural girls state wrestling meet on Feb. 2-3, 2023, at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. Since the decision to sanction girls wrestling as the 11th girls high school sport in 2022, participation has spiked. Prior to official approval, schools created clubs and the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) held tournaments. Sylvia Brofitt ‘26 joined wrestling in the inaugural season and noticed a big increase in participation due to the sanction. “Our last tournaments more than 200 girls [wrestling] because so many more are interested in wrestling in the girls division,” Sylvia Broffitt said. Seven years ago, 67 girls wrestled for their boys teams at schools across Iowa. The number jumped to 683 in 2021, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. In 2022, during the first official season, a record number of 2,400 girls, wrestled for their school’s

Harper Chase ‘25 gets her hand raised after pinning her opponent Dec. 12, 2023. PHOTO BY HELEN ORSZULA

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JAN. 19, 2024

[BECAUSE OF WR ESTLI NG] I HAVE A SECON D FAM I LY I CAN GO TO. - EM MA PEACH ’24

Sylvia Brofitt ‘26 breaks down her opponent at the dual against Western Dubuque Dec. 7, 2023. P H OTO BY GIANNA LIU

ure o u t that I’m at a higher level than they are, it’s either I get zero respect, or they’re totally down to listen to me,” Peach said. “I had one of the best [teammate] in my life because he was so down to take advice.” Similarly, Laura Broffitt received overwhelming support from teammates and coaches. “I felt like a part of the team. There were a few people specifically that went out of their way to make sure I felt welcome,” Laura Broffitt said. “Our heavyweight wrestler would pick me up before school when we had early morning practices and then after practice, he would take the time to make sure that I was learning things as well.” Now watching her daughter wrestle in an official program, Laura Broffitt feels optimistic for the future of girls wrestling. “When I wrestled, I didn’t see the reason behind having a separate sport for girls. Anyone who wanted to go out could be on the boys team,” Laura Broffitt said. “I’ve definitely changed my perspective, seeing so many girls who are interested in wrestling that wouldn’t have participated on a boys team.” Wrestling requires a tough mentality and strict self-constraint, and Peach finds that the hard work has been integral to shaping her character. “Wrestling has made me who I am. I’m competitive. I have a good GPA because if you have bad grades, you’re not allowed in the practice room,” Peach said. While Peach admits wrestling is a demanding sport and may not be for everyone, the community and developed relationships make it worthwhile to stay, even through burnout. “I have a second family that I can go to,” Peach said. “Last year, I [said to my coach] ‘I don’t know if I’m ever gonna wrestle

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newly-created girls wrestling team. The University of Iowa contributed to the rise of female wrestling as the first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Power Five school to implement a women’s wrestling program. With a 46% average increase of girls participating across all states this past year, the number of high school girls wrestling is predicted to double within the next year nationally. West Girls Wrestling Club started in 2019. While small, the club successfully recruited around 20 girls before COVID-19, but only half returned after the pandemic. Before West’s wrestling club, girls who wanted to wrestle had to join the boys team. Laura Broffitt ’98, Sylvia Broffitt’s mother, was among the first girls to join the boys wrestling team at West almost 30 years ago. She wrestled her freshman to junior year. “There was that question at the beginning [of wrestling] like, ‘What point are you trying to prove being on the [boys’] team?” Laura Brofitt said. Before the sanction, in both practices and matches, boys regularly forfeited against girls. It was a controversial topic; some believed it was an appropriate decision, while others found it detrimental to both wrestlers. “There were some people that were in favor of [me wrestling against boys] and thought it was great,” Laura Broffit said. “There were [teammates] who weren’t thrilled about having a girl on the wrestling team.” Coming from a family of wrestlers, Emma Peach ‘24 wrestled with boys until her freshman year. Peach started wrestling when she was three years old and has won two consecutive IWCOA state titles. Although she has faced sexism on the mat, it has never discouraged her. “[Some] boys are so competitive [about getting] beaten by a girl. If they are not able to beat me technique-wise, they have about 10-15 pounds of muscle on me,” Peach said. “One time, I was wrestling a boy who didn’t want to get beaten, so he pulled [my elbow] back into a really weird position and almost broke it.” After the incident, Peach reflected on her coach’s anger toward the boy and felt that her experiences from those who respect and value her skill outweigh her experiences with sexism. “At my old school, I had a level of respect from the boys and the coaches. Once they fig-

again’ and he told me that he loved me. He said that I was going to be me whether I wrestled or not, and that I was important in this world.” Sylvia Broffitt also believes that the people influence the wrestling experience the most. “There’s a whole wrestling community,” Sylvia Broffitt. “Our coach knows so many other coaches there and you get to meet so many new people.” With an official system set up, girls can now wrestle more than double the matches before sanction, providing valuable experiences for the girls to come. “The sport is so new,” Laura Broffitt said. “But a lot of our girls starting in junior high will have two years of experience coming in. We’ll see a lot of growth in the sport in high school.” As West High continues to develop its own girls wrestling team, they will work to recruit girls and fill a complete varSPORTS sity roster. JAN. 19, 2024

30 ADS

JAN. 19, 2024

ADS JAN. 19, 2024

FAMILY TIES Nepotism negatively impacts players and coaches at all levels, dividing teams and limiting opportunities for deserving athletes.

BY TYLER SHANE DESIGN BY TYLER SHANE

ollege football fans across the country have heard of Iowa’s incompetent offense, disappointing Hawkeye fans week after week. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, has received criticism for the stagnant offense. Fans question his job qualifications with concerns stemming from a complicated hiring in 2017, where the athletic director had to be his direct superior to comply with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) restrictions. During 2022, Iowa’s offense averaged 17.7 points per game, ranking 123rd of 131 Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams. Iowa’s offense followed that season up with a 2023 campaign averaging only 16.6 points per game, compared to Big Ten rival Michigan’s 36 points per game. The offense ended the season ranking 129th of 133 Division 1 FBS teams. However, with Iowa’s strong defense that helped the team reach a 10-3 record, fans were left to wonder what could have been. Despite the winning season, Hawkeye fans expressed their disappointment with Brian Ferentz. Interim Athletic Director Beth Goetz then finally did what previous athletic directors wouldn’t: fired the coach’s son. In sports, nepotism detrimentally impacts hiring and recruiting decisions, leaving many deserving candidates behind. Iowa’s football program is a highly publicized example of one of the biggest underlying problems in sports today. Family members of high-ranking people appear on sports teams at every level, whether on the coaching staff or the active roster. Sometimes, it’s difficult to judge whether athletes deserve their spots or not. Although football is the most acknowledged example of nepotism, it isn’t the only sport affected. Bronny James, son of Lebron James, was closely observed throughout his youth and high school career and now attends the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship. Many people questioned

32 OPINION

JAN. 19, 2024

whether his father influenced his recruitment, because Lebron went on record to say that he would sign a contract with the team that drafted his son. This caused ripples through the sport, exceeding far beyond the two players. Teams could intentionally lose games, or “tank,” to get a better draft position to pick Bronny. This ultimately impacts the integrity of the game, an aspect the NBA has struggled with recently. Besides Bronny James’ recruitment, Arch Manning, nephew of star NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, is another player influenced by nepotism. Rated as the #1 recruit in the country, Arch dismissed any nepotism allegations directed at him; he chose to attend the University of Texas, which had no connections to his uncles. Peyton attended the University of Tennessee, and Eli attended the University of Mississippi. Although he had Division 1 talent coming out of high school, the five-star rating from scouts and spot as the #1 country recruit was because of the name on the back of his jersey. Arch never attended any recruiting camps, a method used by both coaches and scouts to evaluate players. Meanwhile, many of the other top quarterbacks in Arch’s class participated in these camps, which notable recruiting scouts often consider when rating prospects. High school competition also affected the doubt surrounding Arch’s perfect rating. Compared to other quarterback prospects that played for topranked high school football teams, Arch’s team wasn’t facing the same level of competition. They even suffered a 49-13 loss in the playoffs. Still, Arch remained the #1 recruit throughout the end of his recruiting process over many other deserving recruits because of his last name. Nepotism is a problem that will always remain in the world of sports. There’s no way to separate those who deserve their spots and those who don’t. Athletes may be motivated to play for their families instead of being fueled by their

personal goals. Irrespective of a player’s talent, coaches and athletic directors in powerful positions in professional and collegiate sports continue to make decisions that are partial to family members. Nepotism restrictions and laws are very different across the country, with the NCAA not having any rules about it in its rulebook. States and universities have their own policies and laws, resulting in confusing situations that create more issues than they solve. The NCAA and professional sports leagues must implement clear rules and regulations to level the playing field for recruits and coaching candidates alike.

ADS JAN. 19, 2024

PARKING: NOT PERMITTED BY WSS EDITORIAL BOARD

The WSS Editorial Board urges the West community to park in designated parking spots instead of handicapped, staff or other reserved spaces.

uring passing time, daily announcements list the license plates of cars parked in the fire lane, followed by threats of towing. While the West administration has put effort into enforcing punishments, vehicles still park in reserved spots, such as handicapped and staff parking. Ideally, West would have the capability to monitor their parking lots frequently. However, the school can’t achieve this due to the district-wide understaffing of paraeducators who are assigned to this task. The administration tries to send a warning before towing vehicles, but ultimately, the West community should uphold its moral responsibility of not parking in designated spaces. Since the start of the school year, West’s disabled students have arrived at their reserved parking spots to find them illegally taken by students, parents or other staff members. West’s traveling lunch staff and other part-time teachers experience similar frustrations. Traveling and part-time staff have tight schedules and should not have to use their time searching for parking. While some may ignorantly park in these parking spaces, others choose to park in handicapped and staff parking, assuming there won’t be consequences. The WSS received an email from an anonymous account claiming to be a West teacher. The email included reports of unregistered cars frequently parked in handicapped and loading spots at West, despite being illegal. Due to construction, parking is limited by the West Wing, causing staff to park in loading zones beside the handicapped spots. Students also might park in the loading zones to shorten walking distance. In addition, parents or guardians waiting to pick up students block wheelchair access by parking in loading zones of handicapped spots. This is ART & DESIGN BY GIANNA LIU

34 OPINION

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not only a significant inconvenience for disabled students but also a safety concern. For Aria Warren ’26, a student with cerebral palsy and in need of a wheelchair, arriving and leaving school has additional difficulties due to illegal parking. Audra Warren, Aria’s paraeducator and sister, recalls the many times when she was forced to move parking spots to have room to load Aria into the vehicle despite the dangers of leaving them alone in a busy parking lot. Additionally, parents and staff also park next to sidewalk slopes that connect the sidewalk to the road. This blocks off the sidewalks and hinders disabled students from leaving the sidewalk, preventing them from safely getting to and from the school. The WSS Editorial Board wants to remind administrators, students, parents and staff alike that neglecting students with disabilities violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title III of the ADA requires all places of public accommodation, such as schools, to comply with specific requirements related to architectural standards and reasonable modifications to policies, practices and procedures. In Iowa, vehicle owners without required credentials found in handicapped parking spots will be fined $200. Although West has communicated its intention to tow illegally parked cars, the message is easy to miss at the end of West’s weekly newsletter, the Weekly. The WSS Editorial Board advises the West administration to create a more formal letter or advisory video to explain this issue to the community. Even if the West admin-

istration does not currently have the resources to give its full attention to the parking lots, the community can contribute by sending a report to alert the West administration in the form of an email, note or call to the office, with evidence such as a license plate or photo. Students should also remind their parents of responsible parking procedures and make plans to avoid traffic, especially while West is still under construction. The WSS Editorial Board wants to remind the community to uphold their moral obligations, especially when the actions performed hurt others. While it is easy to park in a loading zone close to the school when running late, it is important to park in your designated spot.

Lucy Wolf ’24 eyes the hoop as she dashes past two Liberty defenders to make a layup. The girls won the Liberty double header 50-42 at the Xtream Arena Dec. 10. PHOTO BY CECI DE YOUNG

PHOTO FEATURE

MISSED CONNECTIONS

Valentine’s Day is on its way, which can only mean one thing: West’s secret admirers have sent in their love confessions for the annual Missed Connections. COMPILED BY MCKENNA STEPHENS

To the girl with pink and purple hair: You have the prettiest smile in the whole world. It always makes me want to smile too. I wish I knew you better.

To the boy in my psych class, just mere exposure to you drives me crazy. My oxytocin peaks when I’m around you.

Anonymous

A n o ny m o

us To the boy with a beaming smile and irreplaceable laugh, dimples and freckles paired to make the perfect duo, I only hope passing you in the hall won’t be the only time I ever see you.

To the girl with the gorgeous blue eyes that shine, even through your glasses, seeing you in the halls and locking eyes with you is truly my favorite part of the day. I want to be the one to treat a gem like you right<3

Lady Mar malade To the pretty boy who sits next to me in band; your smile makes my stomach have butterflies all morning. I hope you know you are loved by someone always <3

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