North Pointe - Jan. 16, 2015

LIFE PAGE 5 Left: Junior Julia Babcock poses with Jackie Stevens, her fellow yoga instructor.

Middle: Babcock, in child’s pose, practices yoga as a form of excercise.

Right: Babcock, a dedicated yogi, feels yoga cleanses her mind and relaxes her.

NORTH

COURTESY OF JULIA BABCOCK

POINTE FRIDAY, JAN. 16, 2015

SINCE 1968

Michigan drops ACT for SAT in 2016

Gearheads begin 2015 season

By Emma Puglia & Yena Berhane WEB MANAGER & WEB SPORTS EDITOR

College Board outbid ACT Inc. for a three-year contract.

The SAT will now be in the MME

ANU SUBRAMANIAM

By Radiance Cooper & Conner Bott ASSISTANT EDITOR & INTERN

Starting in the spring of 2016, students and staff w ill see a major shift in standardized testing. The state of Michigan is replacing the ACT portion of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) w ith the SAT beginning w ith the Class of 2017.

“I don’t know what to think. I think that it’s nice because it’s not mandator y to take the ACT, and colleges out of state can look at your SAT scores so you don’t have to take two (tests),” sophomore Cate Troost said.

The Michigan Department of Education and the Department of Technolog y, Management and Budget noted in their Jan.7 press release that the bid from the College Board for the SAT was $15.4 million dollars less than the bid from ACT Inc. ACT coordinator and English teacher Jonathan Byrne sees both benefits and drawbacks to the shift.

As of Jan. 13, ACT Inc. is protesting the sw itch, claiming the state informally changed the contract, and ACT Inc. was not given an opportunity to rebid. The company also claims that the SAT did not include the w riting portion in their bid, which accounts for the smaller sum. The Department of Technolog y, Management and Budget w ill rev iew

the claims later next week.

“I mean, I guess it’s good to save money, although I think that the state is being a little bit shortsighted even in that because the state schools, almost all of them, at least for now, require the ACT. So if somebody wants to go to Michigan State, U of M or Central or Eastern or Wayne State, they all require you to take the ACT,” Byrne said. “A lot of students only took it the one time that it was provided by the state. So now if they want to take it in order to get into one of those state schools, they are gonna have to pay for it themselves, and so that’s a financial burden on the families as well. So it’s not just ‘Oh, we saved a bunch of money, that’s great.’ It’s more complicated than that.”

Despite the cost of taking the ACT outside of the MME, taking the SAT in school could be easier for students who want to attend a university outside the state. Most universities nationwide will accept either the ACT or SAT as their standardized testing requirement, but the SAT is more commonly taken outside the Midwest. Math teacher Lauren Nixon sees this as one of the positive things about the switch.

The game is set. The Gearheads’ build season started Saturday, Jan. 3 when they received the manual containing the rules for this year’s robotics competition, allow ing a six-week period to prepare for the contest. The competition’s theme, arena and objective change ever y year.

“We start by figuring out how we want to play the game and think of designs of a robot that could play that game, and we prototy pe those and then go on to troubleshoot and build those and then finally decide on the robot,” build captain and senior Nicholas Santrock said.

Judges award points for the robot’s design and its ability to complete the task. Points are also awarded for safety procedures and the team’s effort over the course of the six-week season.

“It’s how well you work as a team and what you can do w ith the community as well that you can get prizes for,” team captain and South High School senior Ryan Hackenberger said. “And indiv idual prizes for accomplishments of mentors and students on the team, but it’s mainly just trophies and recognition of what you’ve done, and where you’ve been and what you’ve accomplished.”

To organize the robot-building process, the club split up into different subcommittees w ith specialized goals: safety, build, fabrication, design and media teams. Since safety is an important aspect of the competition, safety captain and South senior Kimberly McBr yan takes it seriously.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Seasonal depression worsens with popular behavior patterns

By Anu Subramaniam CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

According to the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement, about 11 percent of adolescents have a depressive disorder by the age of 18. In Michigan, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a major contributor to that percentage.

SAD is the feeling of depression during a specific season every year. Sophomore Grace Sexton said she can see why SAD could be a contributor to depression during the winter.

“Since winter is so long, it seems once the holidays end you feel like there is nothing to look forward to, I suppose. And since spring is far away, and then there is finals,” Sexton said.

For freshman Becky Lubera, however, negative feelings are more attached with summer than winter.

“When it’s summertime, and it’s really hot and humid, I just sort of feel dead inside.

I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere, and I get really lethargic, and I feel really down about everything,” Lubera said.

The number of depressed teenagers, including those affected by SAD is continuously increasing. A study conducted by the University of California Los Angeles’ George Slavich links brain inflammation to depression.

“A diet rich in trans fats and sugar has been shown to promote inf lammation, while a healthy one full of fruit, vegetables and oily fish helps keep it at bay,” the article said. “Add this to the fact that stress, particularly the kind that follows social rejection or loneliness, also causes inf lammation, and it starts to look as if depression is a kind of allergy to modern life.”

A bit of seasonal depression can become chronic depression if conditions don’t change. Depression causes people to isolate themselves and find comfort in other items such as food. Staying home to binge watch TV or Netflix and eat junk food has become a more popular behavior, but that social acceptance hides the potential harm such CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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News Calendar Ideas On Campus

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Ideas - Page 3

“INTOLERANCE HAS BROUGHT SKYSCRAPERS TO THE GROUND AND NATIONS TO THEIR KNEES.”

5 Life 6 Reviews 7 Sports 8 Feature

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VOLUME 47, ISSUE 8

© 2014 North Pointe

NEWS

2 – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 – North Pointe

Gearheads CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ALANNA SPARKS

The robotics team made it to the quarterfinals last season with their robot Howie.

Howie can grab a big red excercise ball and shoot it with tennis rackets.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19

MIDTERM WEEK SCHEDULE Jan. 20 - Jan. 23 Exam 1: 8:00-9:30 Exam 2: 9:45-11:15 Tuesday: first and second period exams Wednesday: fourth and fifth period exams Thursday: sixth and seventh period exams Friday: third period exam and makeups

END OF SECOND QUARTER Friday, Jan. 23

MME changes

in order to see which one they’re best at, so I don’t really have an opinion on which one the state requires us to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 take,” Mattingly said v ia e-mail. “If “The fact that Michigan is sw itch- we spent too much of a focus in our ing over to the SAT could help those classes on the math to be tested on the students that want to go to college out ACT and lacked focus on the vocabuof state so that they can take the SAT lar y tested on the SAT, then that could through state testing,” Nixon said. result in students scoring lower than Since the ACT has been a major por- they other w ise would have, assuming tion of the state’s testing system, most that they don’t just tr y both tests.” teachers have been aimTroost however, ing to prepare students said she is prepared for ACT-style questions. for both tests.

The state’s decision will “I think it can go most likely make teachers either way. I think focus their preparation that it’s kind of nice more heavily on the SAT. because the state “The portion of our innow pays for the struction that we reser ve SAT,” Troost said. for preparing for tests has Byrne said stubeen aimed at the ACT, dents won’t have a and so now we’re gonna problem shifting have to change gears and from the ACT to the Jonathon Byrne tr y to aim more of our SAT except that now ENGLISH TEACHER instruction towards the they’ll have to pay for SAT,” Byrne said. “We all the ACT and come in teach skills, so it’s not like we teach to on a Saturday to take it if they want to the test, but we definitely have the ACT attend a school in state. in mind when we’re tr ying to prepare “I think they’ll be able to make the the students for the different skills transition. I think the transition w ill that they’re gonna need to do well to be easier on the students than it w ill get into college. So we’re gonna have to be on the staff,” Byrne said. “The skills step back, look at the SAT, what skills that the two tests evaluate are not ver y it’s testing, to realign what we do.” different, and so (to) the students, it’s Senior Raymond Mattingly feels that just gonna look different when they too much focus on one test could result take the test. I don’t think it’ll be that in negative effects for students taking big of a deal for the students.” the other.

“I think that ever yone should take both regardless of the state mandate

Seasonal depression CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

habits can have on indiv iduals prone to depressive behav ior.

“We increasingly eat, sloth and isolate ourselves into a state of chronic inf lammation,” the article said.

Lubera agrees that teenagers are increasingly engaging in these behav iors.

“I think if you feel sad, you don’t want to be w ith other people, and you hide. And when you’re hiding, you think about ever y thing, like why you’re so sad and it makes you wonder why you’re feeling worse and why you don’t want to see people even more,” Lubera said. “I don’t think it’s really good for people to be inside all the time and not really interacting w ith other people as much.”

Dr. Shyam Moudgil, a neurologist at Lakeside Neurology, sees the link between inflammation and depression.

“Depression is common in individuals that have inf lammation in the brain. But the reason for depression is because they’re sick. They can’t function, they can’t walk, they can’t talk. So when you’re physically affected, you’re more likely to be low,” Moudgil said.

Dr. Jennifer Hauser, a clinical psychologist at Beaumont Hospital, has also seen the physical effects depression and other disorders have on her patients.

“We certainly see changes in sleep habits, that’s one of the diagnostic criteria for depression, so either people report sleeping more, not feeling well after sleeping for a long time, or they may sleep less, have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently during the night. So we see changes in sleep—changes in appetite is another physical symptom we see in folks with depression. And again that can go either way, either you start eating more and you may have associated weight gain with that, or you may decrease in your appetite and some unintended weight loss may be a result of that,” Hauser said. “Additionally, although it is not one of the official diagnostic criteria, we can see people with depression and anxiety complaining of aches and pains and just generally not feeling very well.”

These symptoms worsen w ith increased depression that can be caused by biological or env ironmental factors.

“It can be a sort of chicken-or-the-egg thing: are people spending more time eating high calorie carbloaded foods and sitting around watching T V, playing v ideo games on the computer, because they are depressed and they do not have the energ y to do other ty pes of activ ities? ” Hauser said. “Or are those kind of lifestyle choices making us more depressed?

Chances are, there is some interaction there and it’s

“

I think the transition will be easier on the students than it will be on the staff.

“

NO SCHOOL

“I have gotten the MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets), which we have never gotten before, a safety manual, and (I) got them to wear safety glasses,” McBr yan said.

South senior Anna Karcher captains the media subcommittee, which monitors the team’s website and social media. W hile the website isn’t scored as part of the competition, it’s still a year-round commitment. Karcher highlights post-season events such as the Village Fest, where the team showcases their retired robot.

“We work on The Gazette, which is our newsletter, and we w rite articles about updating our sponsors, about what we’re actually doing w ith their money and updating Facebook and Tw itter and all that stuff w ith day-to-day updates w ith what our team is doing,” Karcher said.

As soon as build season began, the team noticed the game’s striking differences from prev ious years. This year’s game is called Recycled Rush.

“The game itself is a lot less exciting ‘cause last year we

were passing a ball between robots and then shooting it over a bar in the middle and then shooting it into a goal. It kept people on the edge of their seats,” Santrock said. “This year the field’s div ided, and you cannot cross the div ision to the other side, so you can’t interact w ith the other alliance’s robots. So there’s no interaction. You’re just stacking bins. It’s not going to be as exciting, but it’s a more challenging game.”

The team members are interested in the competition but also in the effect the experience w ill have on their futures.

“First (it) prov ides scholarships. These scholarships are taken at many schools around. A lot of them are full-ride scholarships,” Santrock said. “So first, it’s definitely a ver y helpful program for going into fields, and it’s not just technological fields. You can also go into other things such as media and design and stuff like that.”

Build season aside, the robotics team continues to grow, encouraging new members to become involved with the the group.

“It’s like a big family, and ever yone there’s just really accepting, so when I went in, they opened their arms and accepted me in, so it was really welcoming,” freshman Montana Pay ton said.

not as easy as saying A causes B, but I think the fact that we do tend to isolate more certainly doesn’t help depressive symptoms. If you are sitting around at home by yourself, I think that can contribute to either worsening some of those depressive feelings or symptoms, or prolonging them, so potentially if you are not getting appropriate social support, exercise, healthier foods in your diet.”

W hile research is going on, researchers are linking certain behav iors to increasing depression, behav iors that has become more common among teenagers. These behav iors don’t necessarily cause depression, but they can worsen depressed feelings, like SAD, or can prolong the feeling.

“I guess it’s sometimes about what social group you are in. There are some groups that w ill party ever y weekend and stuff, but the more studious ones tend to do that (remain at home) in their spare time,” Sexton said. “I guess our generation is lazy in that sense, but as long as you practice that ty pe of rela xation in moderation, I don’t think it is an issue.”

New clubs stem from student interests Junior Jeffrey Valentic noticed the lack of photographyoriented clubs at North and decided to take action to eliminate the problem.

To begin a club, one must acquire a faculty sponsor, complete an application and receive district approval.

Then it is up to the adviser and club founder to organize meetings and other club functions.

The photography club instituted by Valentic and the Sparks Innovations Club founded by seniorTrevor Joy are the two newest clubs to join North’s array of organizations.

Valentic felt it was necessary to reinstate the old photography club which disbanded in 1970 when photography began being offered as a class.

“This club is going to be a community thing, where everyone teaches what they know to everyone else,” Valentic said. “We are going to have a topic, and everyone has to go out and shoot pictures for that topic. Then we are going to bring them in and criticize them, talk about what can be improved and what was good.”

Members critique each others’ work, and the more experienced photographers assist newcomers.

“Basically we are going to have the more experienced people kind of coaching others, helping out and making sure people know what they’re doing so they can get better and improve.”

Valentic recruited art and photography teacher Susan Forrest to be the club’s adviser.

“I hope a network of support for each other is developed and stronger photography skills through critical thinking,” Forrest said.

Photography club meets Mondays right after school for an hour in Forrest’s room, A-21-G. Joy founded Sparks Innovations Club to promote technology and business within the new innovation lab.

“Taking Digital Seminar influenced me to start thinking about a technology club. I started the club because I wanted to bring everyone together who has the same interest in technology as I do,” Joy said via email. “Technology runs our daily lives, and I wanted to make a place where people can focus on creating the future. So I went to Mr. (Sean) McCarroll and asked him to be my sponsor, and we pretty much took off from there.”

When choosing a name for the club, members wanted something clever that captured the essence of the club.

“The word ‘Spark’ represents how we inspire innovation,” Joy said. “Most of the time we spend tinkering with stuff and just having fun. Right now we are creating a robot that will actually ride around the room and can be given commands to do certain actions.”

Joy said club members also create objects such as iPhone cases on the 3D printer.

Spark Innovation Club meets Tuesdays after school in Science 304.

By Caitlin Bush & Allison Lackner

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IDEAS

North Pointe – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 – 3

Conservatism in the crosshairs

“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Erica Lizza CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Anu Subramaniam CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Haley Reid CO-MANAGING EDITOR

Olivia Asimakis NEWS EDITOR

Brittney Hernandez LIFE EDITOR

Wendy Ishmaku BUSINESS MANAGER

Dora Juhasz WEB NEWS EDITOR

Jennifer Kusch IDEAS EDITOR

Kaley Makino WEB IDEAS EDITOR

Ritika Sanikommu ASSISTANT EDITOR

Emily Martinbianco WEB LIFE EDITOR

Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.

OUR EDITORIAL

State’s quick switch causes turmoil

I ‘m a left-leaning Republican. I’m a feminist.

I believe in equal rights. I’m not a middle-aged white male or a member of the 1 percent. And no, I don’t think that global warming is a myth.

Yet, I am a Republican. I have my own values, and like many Americans, I support the conservative politicians elected into office.

However, according to Susan MY TURN J. Douglas, a Uni- JENNIFER KUSCH versity of Michigan professor of Communications and the Department Chair, it’s totally okay to hate an entire population of our country.

In a column published in In These Times, Douglas doesn’t dance around her own opinions. Oh no, she cuts right to the chase.

“I hate Republicans” she says, in the very opening of her piece. Subtle. My kind of girl.

She goes on to tear into a value set that many Americans hold dear and support for religious reasons. She criticizes the belief in fetal “personhood” and fetal rights, but suggests that as a liberal, she’d never use the word “hate” against people of color, women, or gays. Republicans, she insists, are not as sparing with their hate.

So they deserve hers, and all of her readers’.

In my (very conservative) family, we don’t spread hate. My mother and I support gay rights, and we certainly don’t despise our own gender.

I don’t have aspirations to only bake apple pies and wait for my husband to bring home the bacon. Most importantly, I certainly don’t hate anyone for the amount of melanin in their skin. And, last time I checked, Herman Cain was a product of the Republican party.

Yet, according to Douglas, we deserve your hate.

University of Michigan, while quick to say that her own statements don’t reflect those of the university, has saught no reprimands for their Department Chair. Her hateful words have instilled a fear of my own beliefs in me.

I now fear for my own beliefs. I fear the documented retribution and degradation that my fellow conservatives have had to bear on campuses nationwide. I fear the fact that a professional educator (of journalism, an ideally unbiased medium, no less) can propagate hate and ill will with no fear of retribution.

Discrimination is denying social rights to people based on prejudice of someone’s membership in a certain category. Political beliefs, however, are not protected.

I am a Republican. I believe in rights of all people (including the fetal “personhood” she despises). I do not hate, yet I am afraid.

I am afraid for our government. I’m afraid that our country’s metamorphosis into a hateful political machine will be irreversible. I am afraid that my family and friends will be viewed as people with the sole desire to, as Douglas said, “deride those around (us)”—whether people of color, LGBT people or Democrats.”

Miss Douglas, I am not “single-minded”.

You hate the Republican party because of the hate and single-minded ideology you believe that they and their supporting news outlets, spew. Yet somehow, your column seemed less open-minded and more insulting than any shoddy, biased story I’ve ever seen on Fox News.

All I ask for is tolerance. Tolerance of my personal beliefs and political affiliation, as permanent and undeniable as my race or gender.

Two wrongs don’t make a right, Miss Douglas. Intolerance has brought skyscrapers to the ground and nations to their knees. We don’t need more hate, we need collaboration. Without the conservative faction you despise so much, we wouldn’t have a democracy. Our single-party government would resemble China more closely than the land of the free. Neither party is close to perfect, but vituperative attacks like this solve none of the myriad of problems facing us all, liberals and conservatives alike.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

ANU SUBRAMANIAM

The state of Michigan has administered the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) in high schools since 2008. The mandatory test is composed of three parts: Michigan-developed assessments in math, science and social studies, the WorkKeys job skills assessment and the ACT Plus Writing.

However, after only six years of using the ACT, the state has decided to replace it with the SAT. The College Board’s bid to use their newly revised SAT was $15.4 million lower that of ACT Inc., enticing the state to make the switch. Now, at least for the next three years, juniors will take the SAT as part of the MME. In high schools across Michigan, teachers and schools help students prepare for the rigorous ACT. Teachers dedicate time to teaching students test-taking skills for the exam, and schools provide additional courses to help students improve their scores.

High school students spend years anticipating the ACT. Many work outside the classroom with tutors and enroll in specialized classes to improve their chances at a better score. This includes the those in the Class of 2017, who now must switch gears and learn about the SAT. The time spent focusing on the ACT, in and out of the classroom, can be applied to the revised SAT but preparations will need adjustment. Since the SAT being included is the 2016 revised version, limited knowledge about the test available beyond its general components. The sudden switch doesn’t allow much much time for current sophomores to prepare for the new test.

The psychological impact of switching tests cannot be calculated, but it could potentially dissuade many students who spent time preparing for the ACT from even trying on the new SAT. The free ACT gave financially disadvantaged students an opportunity to succeed on a test that is more widely taken and accepted by colleges across the country. This has all changed because the state sought to save money.

The Michigan Department of Education previously emphasized the importance of the ACT by pairing it with the MME and making it mandatory. It was sold as the most important part of a student’s junior year. The SAT became an afterthought in today’s educational environment, and its slide prompted the College Board to lower its bid and revise the exam.

Michigan decided that the saved funds would be worth overhauling a system that has taken years to build. This fickle desicion is causing difficulties for students, especially because the state acted as ACT’s biggest advocate.

The all-about-ACT nature of the past six years has led some students to disregard the SAT as a whole. The state’s incessant need to make everything about the ACT puts the next three classes of juniors at risk as they are suddenly bombarded with a brand new test to tackle. Schools who were finally perfecting their ACT preparation systems and seeing improvements in their students’ scores will now be forced to start from scratch.

ACT Inc. is currently protesting the switch to the SAT. The company claims the changes were informal and that they were not given time to rebid. According to ACT Inc., the $15.4 million difference in bids is because the ACT includes a writing portion and the SAT does not.

The state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget will review the protest and make a recommendation to the state in a week and a half.

In light of possible negative repercussions of the switch, we feel both the ACT and SAT should be prepared for equally in a school setting. By making either test mandatory, the state puts schools in the position to emphasize a particular test. Instead, students should be encouraged to try both exams and focus on the one they feel best measures their individual abilities.

The Michigan Department of Education should encourage schools and teachers to emphasize both tests for students. In all likelihood, the contract could change again in the next three years. If the possibility of another switch exists, the state should focus on both exams in the meantime to reduce the disruption.

If students are both psychologically and academically prepared for both exams, another switch won’t cause such an upheaval.

“It would probably make me food—my favorite type. Probably spaghetti. “

“It would be like a pterodactyl. It would fly. Pterodactyls are cool. It would munch on people.”

“ I would have it help people. If somebody can’t do something for themselves, that robot would help them do it.”

Mike Mullens

John Kinnard

Sierra Peters

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

YOUR TURN: If you could build any type of robot, what would it do?

By Sydney Benson and Yena Berhane

“I would have it mow the lawn. I don’t like mowing the lawn at all.”

“A massage. I want a massage every day ... I just come home every day from work, and I get a massage.”

It would make my meals, and it would clean the house—that’s what it’s gonna do ... It would make wonderful meals.

Noah Gekiere

Anne Coates

Debbie Konkey

SENIOR

LUNCH SUPERVISOR

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Erica Lizza, Anu Subramaniam MANAGING EDITORS: Haley Reid, Andrea Scapini SECTION EDITORS: Olivia Asimakis, Katelyn Carney, Brittney Hernandez, Jennifer Kusch WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Emma Puglia WEB SECTION EDITORS: Yena Berhane, Dora Juhasz, Kaley Makino, Emily Martinbianco BUSINESS MANAGER: Wendy Ishmaku PHOTO EDITOR: Alanna Sparks ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR: Sydney Benson ASSISTANT EDITORS: Josie Bennett, Emma Brock, Radiance Cooper, Mora Downs, Audrey Kam, Billy Moin, Thomas Remenar, Ritika Sanikommu, Gowri Yerramalli STAFF REPORTERS: Luke Sturgill, Addison Toutant INTERNS: Caitlin Bush, Allison Lackner, Lauren Sexton, Conner Bott, Nathan Lonczynski, Dajai Chatman

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

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EDITOR’S DESK RADIANCE COOPER

Lost legacy

MLK. The boycotts. The marches. The sit-ins. This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, instead of just relaxing, I urge everybody to take a step back and look at the legacy he left.

We’ve all heard the classic tales of his famous feats. The word “freedom” might as well be synonymous with this man’s name. Dr. King singlehandedly led a movement that had stalled for years to the forefront of people’s hearts and minds.

I know the majority of us heard his name growing up, either at school or at home.

Our teachers, our parents and others have shared information about him but only what is taught in schools. I don’t think this generation has a complete portrait of who Dr. King really was.

When I was young , MLK was just a face frozen in time, a name to learn about during Black History month and later a reason to have the day off from school. Of course I heard his most famous words and watched snippets of his life replayed on TV, but I could never connect with his message.

Now things have changed.

My own image of King came to a head in recent weeks when I finally stopped to watch and listen to the words of “I Have a Dream” on my own time.

Listening to his words, I felt hopeful as he cried, “We will be free one day.” As he described the new meaning of “My country ’tis of thee,” I felt inspired. I felt my throat swell as he cried “Let freedom ring,” from all over the country. I really feel Dr. King’s dream for society should be a sort of holy grail for the human race.

I dare you to go home and listen to it yourself.

My idea of MLK includes a black and white image delivering a powerful message of equality that shook the world and the people that stood on it. A halo glowed over his head as he marched with millions to the Washington Monument and belted out the words that would become legend.

Watching the new movie Selma, I got a more in-depth view of not only the public Dr. King, but also of his more private side. The trials.

The guilt. The struggles. The man I thought was morally indestructible turned out to be no more superhuman than I am. He had his own demons to deal with.

I also began to ponder: have we really accomplished Dr. King’s ideal dream? Is it possible that maybe we’ve been taking one step forward, two steps back?

When Dr. King climbed those steps to his place behind a podium, he described his dream of seeing people of all races joined hand in hand.

It is a beautiful scene. But we have to ask ourselves: have we really accomplished this?

On the surface, maybe.

However, the way we self-segregate into groups in schools says otherwise. Segregated communities say otherwise.

Riots in Ferguson and protests in New York say otherwise.

I think we need to look at ourselves and be honest: we can do better. If we had truly accomplished King’s dream, wouldn’t things be different?

If we had fulfilled this dream, then why is there such a huge disconnect between the racial communities? Why do a certain group of young men feel targeted in this country?

I leave you with this food for thought this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. How can we close this gap? How do we fix this problem before it comes to our own city? It’s imperative that we accept and embrace each others’ differences so our country can move forward.

ON CAMPUS

4 – North Pointe – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015

Behind the lunch line

The lunchroom assistants days of food preparation and sales begin as early as 6 a.m.

By Alanna Sparks & Ava Deloach PHOTO EDITORS

LEFT: Lunchroom assistant Anne Coates arrives early to school to cook and prepare food for lunches. She works continually through the morning and into the lunch hour. “It starts early, at about six in the morning, and it’s very busy until we get it out here for the kids to eat,” Coates said.

BELOW: Before manning the register, lunchroom assistant Irene Cummins arranges salad boxes on lunch carts.

“I put out the cold stuff. The prepping I do is just putting out the milk,” Cummins said.

FACES IN THE CROWD

Mackenzie Simon

At age two, most children are just acquiring their first language, but sophomore Mackenzie Simon was acquiring two. Her family moved to Germany when her father’s job transferred.

“I spoke English at home. None of my family knows German, so I was the only one. I would just speak German with my friends,” Simon said. “I definitely lost some of it, but I’m in AP German right now. I’m sort of fluent, I guess.”

While Simon still speaks the language when she visits Germany, her memories are vague.

“I remember the kindergarten I went to, and I remember the town and stuff because we’ve visited,” Simon said. “There was a big town square that had a bunch of shops and restaurants, and there was a big fountain in the middle.”

Simon visited most recently this past summer.

“Its a lot of fun to see everyone I grew up with,” Simon said. “I would love to go back anytime.”

Kitty Clark For freshman Kitty Clark, scuba diving killed two birds with one stone. She not only overcame a fear, but scratched an item off her bucket list. Clark decided to go to a scuba center in Michigan and explore a giant pool with friends.

“It was this scuba shop somewhere near Wyandotte about a half an hour away,” Clark said.

“We were allowed to just (snorkel) around, and we had to find things at the bottom of the pool and stuff, so it was fun.”

Scuba diving can be an amusing and mindless activity, but it can also be dangerous, and Clark experienced a haunting fear.

“I started drowning. I was trying too hard, and I was so involved with everything around me that I forgot to breathe, so I inhaled water, and it was a mess.”

Despite the initial scare, Clark admits she’ll do it again.

“Yes. It was an experience.”

BELOW LEFT: Lunchroom assistant Irene Cummins typically works behind the cash register, rolling and counting money earned after the two lunches. Though she enjoys this, she prefers to work with students. “I like the kids,” Cummins said. “I like working with the kids.”

BELOW RIGHT: Lunchroom assistant Anne Coates restocks the lunch counter. The lunchroom assistants also help with school catering.

“We do catering in there too, so a lot of times we will get an order for catering as long as it comes in before 9 A.M,” Coates said. “All around the school, sometimes people will call and want 30 sandwiches with coffee or juice or water, so we have to prepare that, too.”

Charlotte Duus The bellowing voice of freshman Charlotte Duus can be heard throughout the halls—but she isn’t singing a typical pop anthem.

Duus has been yodeling since she learned two years ago.

“My classes, they like to hear me yodel, and so I do it a lot in choir,” Duus said. “I kind of yodel down the hallways when it’s a good time to so I don’t weird people out.”

Duus’ sister, sophomore Lolly Duus, pursued the hobby as well.

“I kind of got inspired by Lolly ‘cause she was doing it around the house, and I just started it. She just kind of stopped, and I just took over,” Duus said.

Duus wants to continue the hobby and hopes to perform downtown on the streets to entertain others one day.

“It’s just kind of in me. People sing and dance and act, but yodeling is special,” Duus said.

By Yena Berhane, Caitlin Bush & Emma Brock What is something that changed your life?

When I came back from France, I was very confused. So I started subbing, and I made some friends, and one them said, ‘Have you ever tried this book? It’s called The Alchemist.’ That was the book that changed my that you are born ... I was born in Oc- life. It made me see things in a more positive tober, but Saint Andrew is Novem- light. ber, so it is kind of close.”

Ciocovenaru is a self-proclaimed Any memorable travel experiences? foodie and enjoys a myriad of cui- Well, three years ago when I traveled with sines, but she is especially fond of my two best friends, and it was one of the best trips ever because we did not plan anyher traditional Romanian dishes.

“I like sushi. That is my favor- thing. We did have hotels and the planes. ite. I like Thai food, I like Indian Every three days, we would take a plane food, I like Romanian food (such to go to a different city. So we traveled to as) stuffed cabbage (and) polenta. three different countries in 10 days. It was so We eat a lot of pork—like everything relaxing and fun. We tried so many types of from the pork—we eat the skin, too,” food and met a lot of people. It was beautiCiocovenaru said. “They make this ful. It was great. We took a bunch of trains thing—not a lot of people like it— and almost missed some flights, but it was you basically have pork, and you put the best thing ever. jello—not sweet jello, it’s a savory Any favorite actors or movies? thing—you put it on top of the pork, My favorite actors are, in the following order, and you make it salty. If you are not Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling and one of my favorite used to it, you are not going to like it.” actresses is Marion Cotillard. I also like Julia RobA staple of her childhood, Roma- erts. My two favorite movies are Pretty Woman nian family gatherings still bring and The Notebook. Every time I see that movie, I Ciocovenaru enjoyment. cry. Every single time. It’s horrible.

“We usually decorate a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, (and) we Are you superstitious? usually have carolers. They’re Ro- I am superstitious, I am. So if I leave home manian, so we had about 10 people, and I forgot something, I’m like ‘Darn I have singing carolers, and we told sto- to come back,’ and that is not a good sign.

Romanians in general are very superstitious. I ries,” Ciocovenaru said. am trying not to be, it can get a hold of me.

FIVE MINUTES WITH

French teacher Andreea Ciocovenaru

By Ritika Sanikommu ASSISTANT EDITOR

ANDREEA CIOCOVENARU

French teacher Andreea Ciocovenaru sits with her dad on the Spanish steps in Italy. “I love to travel. I love southern France. I love Barcelona, it’s one of my favorite spots. I really loved Venice. That was my number one place to go,” Ciocovenaru said.

Born in Bucharest, Romania, French teacher Andreea Ciocovenaru left her hometown to travel to the nation of opportunity when she was 18 years old.

“It’s a big city. It has about 2.5 million people. It is really easy to get around because we have a lot of public transportation. We have a trolley bus, a tramway, a metro. It’s developing a lot right now. We have an Arc de Triomphe in Bucharest. It used to be called “the little Paris” at the beginning of the 1900s, so it is very similar to Paris,” Ciocovenaru said.

When she became an adult, Ciocovenaru’s family moved to the United States. She adopted many American cultural norms after her move but maintains some of her Romanian traditions.

“We have something really cool— we have a name day. Because my first name is Andreea, I also celebrate (that) just like my second birthday.

We also have a cake. We have presents. It’s a lot of fun. It’s (for) a saint, so for Saint Andrew. Usually your name is going to be based on the day

LIFE

North Pointe – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 – 5

Retro ressurection

Junior Dalaney Bradley and seniors Will Lorenz and Steven Licari prefer listening to vinyl records, which have begun a trend in recent years Emily Martinbianco & Brittney Hernandez WEB SECTION EDITOR & LIFE EDITOR

The resurgence of vinyl holds musical and emotional value for senior Will Lorenz.

Records have always been a part of his life, but the trend is new for most of today’s youth.

“I don’t remember the first record I ever listened to, but my favorite recent release is FUZZ, self-titled, because I bought it without hearing it first and was completely blown away and listened to it hundreds of times over the summer, and not many albums put out recently have made me feel that way,” Lorenz said.

Junior Dalaney Bradley attributes the comeback to accessibility.

“I think it’s coming back because they’ve started putting new music onto vinyls, and it has become easier to buy. Like at Urban Outfitters and other stores they sell new stuff on vinyl,” Bradley said.

Although records appear to be soaring in relevancy, they have provided a steady system of music for many years.

“The reason I don’t really consider it much of a comeback is because all of the record stores around here have been there for decades and haven’t changed much. Bands were releasing music on vinyl still, and you could buy a record at any show,” Lorenz said. “But recently big chain stores like Best Buy, Hot Topic and Urban Outfitters started selling records, which makes them more accessible maybe to more people, which seems like some kind of comeback.”

Senior Steven Licari believes that comeback is due to the new “hipster” trend and thrifting fad.

“I don’t know. I think they’re becoming a little more popular because of people trying to become hipsters. More companies are trying to sell to that market because it’s becoming more popular,” Licari said. “People are super into thrifting now. Buying records is kinda similar if you are into older music.”

Whether it’s a true comeback or a lingering relic, record players serve a specific musical purpose for Lorenz.

“I don’t prefer it as a way of listening to music because it serves a completely different purpose than iPods or CDs, but to me, it sounds way better hearing music through actual speakers than through cheap headphones or an iHome,” Lorenz said.

The sound of a spinning turntable presents a whole new clarity to music for Licari.

“I like the sound of vinyl more. It’s more full, and you can hear all the instrumentation, things I can’t easily pick up on a digital copy with my headphones. It’s more fun than just downloading something. Going to a store and seeing good music with big album covers you recognize is exciting,” Licari said. “With a nice speaker system, you can hear all that the artist intended you to hear, and it’s pretty cool.”

For Lorenz, records are just part of the full practice of music.

“I like records because the experience of going to a record store with friends and not knowing what I’ll find that day and finding something cheap or rare or discovering something new is more fun PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA TSAKOS than trying to find music on iTunes or even ordering a physical copy online,” Lorenz said.

Head over heels for yoga Andrea Scapini

CO-MANAGING EDITOR

As she cues her students to lie on their backs for final resting pose, junior Julia Babcock ends her yoga class by reading her class a passage. The scent of aromatherapy spray is in the air, and Babcock leaves with a refreshed outlook for her day.

“It really helps to kind of clear your mind but also center your thoughts. It helps focus on your breathing, so you just kind of relax. I get out, and I just feel so mellow,” Babcock said. “I feel like I can be nicer to people, and I feel like I have so much more joy to give out when I’m peaceful with myself.”

Babcock entered her first yoga class four years ago and instantly caught the yoga bug. She became more dedicated after she joined Living Waters Yoga a year and a half ago, and since then, yoga has become a part of her daily routine.

“At first I did it just because my mom was doing it way, way back. Now, a lot of my friends are doing it, and it seemed like a good way to exercise, and then immediately I kind of fell in love with it,” she said. “My Young Life leader, Jackie (Stevens), works there, so I like going to her classes. Then I started going to other classes, and I just love the teachers there and the environment.

It’s just awesome.”

Stevens saw potential in Babcock’s yoga performance when she became a regular yogi.

“I just feel like her passion for life makes her qualified to be a good teacher, and she loved it, and it kind of all clicked right away,” Stevens said. “Then this opportunity came up that she could get certified, and I think all the stars kind of aligned, and it all fit really well for her to instruct.”

Becoming a certified yoga instructor meant traveling to a farm in Lake Odessa, Michigan for a 17-day intensive class last summer.

“Every day was doing lots of yoga and studying and bookwork and stuff. It was really educational and cool. I loved it. It was hard, but good hard,” Babcock said. “I was the youngest by a long shot, so it was intimidating, but good.”

The class proved to be beneficial for Babcock, as job opportunities arose soon after she became certified.

“They asked me to demo at Lululemon, and I started being able to teach. I’m teaching for the Liggett boys hockey team now, so all this fun stuff that I never would have gotten to do if I didn’t get trained,” she said.

Teaching the boys yoga has broadened Babcock’s teaching methods.

“I was so apprehensive at first to do it because it’s like, they’re boys, and I’ve never taught that kind of yoga before, so I wasn’t really sure, but they’re super fun and not weird,” Babcock said.

“It was definitely a learning experience though, like I had to teach in the hockey rink. Last time I did it while a game was going on, so I had to scream. Just adjusting to your environment, I guess, is a good way to help me learn how to become a better teacher.”

Babcock teaches three classes a week at Living Waters but also subs there when needed. Oftentimes, friends and family attend her classes, which provides a new experience in itself.

“I really love going to her classes,” junior Lauren Beach said.

“We usually always make eye contact, and we’ll giggle or something, or I’ll fall right down on my mat, and she’ll laugh at me, but she has to remain professional. So it’s hard, but it’s funny.”

Since it’s uncommon for high schoolers to instruct, Babcock takes extra care to be professional. However, she does not view her age as a disadvantage.

“I feel like it’s ... put me ahead of the game for future opportunities in yoga. I’ll be able to have this on my resume, and I started early, so I get to learn now, which is really cool,” Babcock said, “I honestly think I’ll be a little old woman doing yoga.”

ABOVE: Junior Julia Babcock demonstraights a yoga pose for the camera. “My leader, Jackie, and the women at Living Waters, and my parents were really supportive and they really urged me to do it which was huge because without their support I wouldn’t have been able to it obviously because I couldn’t pay for it myself,” Babcock said.

“I’m really thankful that they were so supportive of me wanting to do that and not thinking I was crazy.

I was kind of nervous about being away from home during the summer for that long, but I got home and I was just so glad that I went.”

LEFT: Julia Babcock and Young Life leader Jackie Stevens pose together at yoga certification class in Lake Odeessa, Michigan. “She didn’t skip a beat and was so on and just super fluid in her teaching, which is so cool among a group of women. She’s the youngest one and was probably one of the most calm and collected teachers, which is really cool. She kind of just went and did her thing,” PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA BABCOCK Stevens said.

6 – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 – North Pointe

REVIEWS

UN BR OK EN

WWW.CONSERVATIVECHRIS TIANUSA.BLOGSPOT.COM

AN INSPIRING WAR MOVIE SOARS UNDER DIRECTOR ANGELINA JOLIE’S WINGS

By Emily Martinbianco WEB SECTION EDITOR

The real-life tale of war survivor Louis Zamperini, a young bombardier during World Watanabe. This choice paid off as the star portrayed the role with incredible ease and War II, is exhibited in cinemas across the world in the new film Unbroken. The awe- talent, on par with his professional actor counterparts. inspiring story about the strength of human spirit was depicted by director Angelina This cast’s dedication and ability were apparent from first glance, as each had to Jolie and her talented troupe of cast members. starve themselves into the state of the real-life soldiers and depict horrific scenes of pain The journey begins in the 1940s in a World War II war zone during an air attack. Zam- and death. They reproduced the emotions of the men they stood in the shoes of with perini and the other members of the Army Air Corps crew aboard the aircraft exchange raw and strenuous authenticity, never disrespecting or witty banter while bullets and bombs pierce the concealing the realities of war. air. After the plane’s successful aerial escape, The story, though an incredible one, was long-awaitthe audience is introduced to the main characed. It had been floating around as a possibility in Holter’s previous life. lywood for decades until Laura Hillenbrand Zamperini, a mischievous child, had been inreleased a book about Zamspired by his older brother, Pete, to run track. Driven perini’s tale in 2010. This by his newfound purpose and pride, Zamperini was the movie’s launching sprints his way to Olympic success and competes pad (even sporting the same in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. name as the novel), but some Just as Zamperini is entering the train to leave criticize that the film doesn’t his family for the Olympic Games, his brother debegin to touch the amazing livers a line that resonates through the rest of the feats the man overcame and film: “A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glothat there are portions of his story missing. ry.”

The most apparent problem for the viewer is the lack of reaZamperini doesn’t achieve glory at the soning behind his survival. In the book, it’s clear that Zamgames. But, despite leaving medalperini’s faith in God, along with his will to live (among other less, he broke records and proved his things) allowed him to survive, but the movie only scraped strength in character. He claimed that the surface of what should have been the most importhis Olympics was only his first, and in the tant concepts.

OM L E .C next, he will dominate.

In old age, the real-life Zamperini was US T H K WA L SID E In a twist of fate, Zamperini must experience far more than a moment of able to run in his second Olympics (not compain as his time at war is unfathomably gruesome and heart-breaking. Zamperini petitively) that were ironically placed in Jastays faithful to the line despite it all and holds out for his moment of glory. pan. His forgiveness and survival allowed Flashing back to the war, the rest of this man’s remarkable story includes 47 days him to live to tell his stunning story, and lost at sea in a life raft with the two other survivors of a plane crash (all the while, now Jolie and her cast have shown his jourstruggling with starvation, dehydration, exposure, storms, Japanese shootings and ney to the world. shark attacks). This miserable journey continues with confinement, heavy abuse and

Despite the hiccup in Jolie’s vision, the story was well played out. This must-see cruelty as Zamperini becomes a prisoner at a Japanese war camp. movie is a story that needed to be told. The unfathomable hardship Zamperini faced Despite the controversy over director Angelina Jolie’s role in making the film, pro- unleashed a tragically inspiring story of the human spirit and forgiveness. duced a beautiful, insightful and gut-wrenching movie out of the tremendous story.

The most notable of her feats for this film is the cast she compiled.

Unbroken (2014) Her casting for the roles produced a crew of incredibly talent-rich actors. With big shoes to fill, Jolie recruited actors like Jack O’Connell (as Louis Zamperini), Domhnall Directed by Angelina Jolie Gleeson (as Russell Allen ‘Phil’ Phillips), Garrett Hedlund (as John Fitzgerald) and Finn Wittrock (as Francis ‘Mac’ McNamara). Jolie even went as far as casting a popular JapaPG-13; 2 hours, 17 min. nese rockstar, Miyavi, for the role of Zamperini’s tormentor at the camp, Mutsushiro

MOVIE

ALBUM

TV SHOW

APP

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE LOST TOMB

DAYS OF GOLD

AGENT CARTER

LOONEY TUNES DASH

The epic story of museum exhibits coming to life has returned again for its third installment in The Night at the Museum: Secret the Tomb.

WWW.FILMORIA.CO.UK of And just like before, much of the storyline revolves around the Tablet of Ahkmenrah, the magic Egyptian tablet that brings everything to life.

But that’s one of only a few similarities. This time, there are a couple more faces joining the museum action, including Tilly (Rebel Wilson), the security guard at the British Museum, who was part of the a cappella group in the infamous movie Pitch Perfect.

Along with the new faces, there is also a unique spice of comedy which makes the film stand out a bit from the others. But you can still find the familiar antics along with the new. The comedy wasn’t hilarious, just mildly funny.

The movie also includes some meaningful concepts, including the themes on family. Throughout the film, viewers get to see different family situations and how they are dealt with.

Though the movie’s content was enjoyable, the one thing that really makes this movie stand out is just one name: Robin Williams. While watching, some viewers are aware this was his last production. As such, a sense of sadness permeated the theater, especially towards the end of the movie.

Although seeing the late Robin Williams was slightly upsetting, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Lost Tomb was still a delightful film to watch.

Jake Owen’s Days of Gold is based on summer. The only problem is that it’s January in Michigan. The album’s whole concept is not WWW.KICKS99.NET attractive when warm weather is so far away.

Days of Gold is just Jake Owen. Hearing his voice for all 12 songs gets annoying on repeat. Maybe a guest artist would have spiced up the album and made it more interesting.

Then, like every album, there is always one song that gets skipped. “What We Ain’t Got” is that song, describing how everyone wants something and they can’t get to it. The lyric “we ain’t happy where we are” might not be the case for everyone. Plus, the song doesn’t fit with the rest of the album. It’s super slow, dragged out and feels like it’s five minutes long.

Overall, the songs do give off cheerful vibes. “Beachin’” has summer written all over it. It has a great beat in the back with snaps at some parts. One lyric is “having coke cans,” and the song features the noise of a can opening. The album’s overall tone embraces the idea of having fun with your friends and doing crazy things.

A number of songs actually start off sounding like pop songs. Unfortunately, this is disappointing because the beginning should set up the tone for the rest of the song. Paying $10 for a country album and only to receive crappy pop intros isn’t worth it. This album contains no pure country.

Days of Gold is average. It’s not necessary to buy all twelve songs. Save some money and just look up the fun, fastpaced songs on YouTube.

The United States In 1946, the United State is recovering from World War II, is mourning the first fallen Avenger, Captain America.

In Agent Carter, newest WWW.IO9.COM ABC’s Marvel Comics collaboration, actress Hayley Atwell reprises her role as Peggy Carter from Captain America: The First Avenger.

Agent Carter recently returned from the war in the wake of losing her love Steve Rodgers (Chris Evans). It’s difficult for Carter to be accepted by society as a female soldier, so she must keep her skills and place of employment under wraps.

The Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) is the best intelligence agency in existence, even though it flies under the radar of the American people. The SSR is better known as ‘the boys club’. As the only woman in the Reserve, Carter is stereotyped as too fragile, even though she is the most skilled in combat.

Howard Stark, founder of Stark Industries, America’s ally and Tony Stark’s father, has been framed for selling weapons on the black market, threatening national security. The genius millionaire entrusts Peggy Carter and his butler Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy) with clearing his name and saving the nation.

Agent Carter has a great plot that leaves viewers wanting more. Emmy award-winning designer Giovanna Ottobre-Melton brings out the flare of the 1940s classic look. Hayley Atwell and James D’Arcy uphold the original standards of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original comics.

Agent Carter is Marvel Comics’ next hit show. The movie Captain America: Winter Soldier left viewers wondering about the origins of S.H.I.E.L.D., which Agent Carter successfully explains. The show airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Vivacious Bugs Bunny and his evil foe, Elmer Fudd, are making a comeback in the highspeed chase of Looney Tunes Dash. Released WWW.IPHONE.MOB.ORG on Dec. 14, 2014 by the company Zynga, this free game takes players back to their childhood memories of Looney Tunes cartoons.

Players must make Bugs Bunny jump, duck and run around objects to evade Elmer Fudd as he attempts to hunt the clever rabbit down.

The app is just another version of Temple Run with Bugs Bunny as the main character and Elmer Fudd as his antagonist. The player uses the same controls as in Temple Run to move the main character and the same star system to rate the number of points achieved. The user also has to avoid the obstacles in Bugs’ path. Both apps have the same backdrop of the protagonist sprinting through a wooded area. These similarities will disappoint many users.

The game does have a few extra features to it. Unlike in Temple Run, the runner can progress to consecutive levels. Users can also win free prizes or power-ups after each level to increase Bugs’ speed and gain additional points.

These features make the game more enjoyable but don’t compensate for the game’s boring premise.

Overall, Looney Tunes Dash is a complete disappointment. If you’re looking for an original, entertaining game, this one isn’t for you. It’s too similar to Temple Run. It may be better to “dash” on to the next game before considering this one.

The Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, 2014, directed by Shawn Levy; PG

Jake Owen; Days of Gold; RCA Records Nashville; 2013

By Josie Bennett

By Allison Lackner

Agent Carter; 2015; TV-14; ABC.

By Lauren Sexton

Looney Tunes Dash; Zynga; Dec. 14, 2014; Android and Apple; Free

By Gowri Yerramalli

SPORTS

North Pointe – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 – 7

THE HUFFS’ BIG ADVENTURE Athletic secretary Laura Huff and her husband Dave Huff completed an Ironman triathalon in Busselton, Australia on Dec. 7

Anu Subramaniam

To make sure that their bodies could handle the physical stress of an Ironman, the Huffs signed up for different races that had equal distances to each discipline in the Ironman.

“We scheduled a marathon because the Ironman is a full marathon, we did a 5K swim Standing on the edge of the Busselton Jetty in Western Australia, athletic secretary last summer, and then we did a number of 100 mile bike rides, or close to 100 mile bike Laura Huff counted to 30 before jumping into the Indian Ocean and began her first Iron- rides, so that we could know that we could do all the distances,” Laura said. “And then man triathlon with her husband, Dave Huff. so we signed up for a half Ironman in April. We did that in New Orleans. And then we did “You are standing on the beach in your wetsuit, and you are standing there feeling another half Ironman at the end of summer in Muskoka, Canada.” anxious, and my husband looked at me. He said, ‘Alright, just count to 30, and let the The year of training the duo endured was tested December 7 on race day. Dave comcrowd thin out,’” Laura said. “So what I did to calm myself down, I just said, ‘Okay. I’m pleted the race in 13:54:06, and Laura completed it in 16:15:29. just going to count to 30, and I’m going to walk “It was almost therapeutic, in. I know I can swim the distance.’” so I just kept swimming, and it Swimming is one of three disciplines in an was actually my favorite part of Ironman triathlon. In addition to swimming the race, the swim ... the weath2.4 miles, the Huffs also had to bike 112 miles er was great. The wind, someand run a full marathon to complete the race times it can be really windy within its 17-hour time limit. there, and the wind wasn’t too After enjoying small-scale triathalons, the duo bad ... but (then) my GPS went became interested in signing up for a triathalon. out on me, so I didn’t know “A couple of summers ago, we started dowhat my pace was. I didn’t ing some sprint triathlons — small ones, halfknow how fast I was going, so I mile swim, 12-15 mile bike ride and a 5K run was worried that maybe I used — so we started doing these small ones and up too much energy, but then had a lot of fun doing that. Then we tried an I got off,” Laura said. “The volOlympic distance, which is basically double unteers there were amazing. that, so my husband decided that he thought They help you with all your we could do a full one. And so then he started transitions and stuff like that. to try to convince me to do it,” Laura said. “He They helped you get dressed, did all the research and kind of made his case, eat and everything. And then I and he was going to do it. So I decided that bagot on to the run. Surprisingly, sically training for an Ironman is like a partthe run was the hardest part time job added to your regular day, and so I for me. And that’s usually my thought, if I’m going to spend time with him, best discipline of the three, but I’m going to have to train for it, too.” it was so hard, and it was hot, Deciding to join her husband and getting to so you know, I just trudged on pick the location of the place they raced, Laura and finished,” began researching different Ironman locations.

When the two crossed the fin“I looked at all the full Ironman races, and ished line almost two hours apart, what I did was try and find the flattest, fastthey found that they shared the est course that I could because I thought that same feeling and were welcomed would give me the best chance of finishing bewith the same reaction. cause it’s such a monumental task,” Laura said.

“Kids were reaching out for To help prepare them for the 140.6 mile race high fives, music was playahead of them, Huff’s husband Dave created ing, everyone was cheering a training schedule on Google Calendar to and the announcers have this guide the couple’s workouts for the next year. thing where they yell out over “Having to train all the time was what was the PA, ‘Dave Huff, you are an CCCOURTESY OF LAURA HUFF hard. We were targeting 15-20 hours a week for Athletic secretary Laura Huff and her husband, Dave, smile proudly with their bikes at the airport follow- Ironman,’” Dave said. “It didn’t working out, and that’s tough to allocate into ing their race. “It was like being a celebrity…now I think I know how sports heroes feel. The entire town seem to matter to anyone what our lives. Last year alone, in preparation for the of Bussleton was focused on this event (1 out of 9 citizens volunteered to work that day) and we were place you were in … they were Ironman, we ran over 500 miles, rode probably pampered and treated as well as the professional athletes who were there,” Dave said. genuinely happy and supportive 2000 miles, swam over 100 miles … and that’s actually light for the really competitive tri- of everyone who finished … that was cool. I was tired, but you have so much adrenaline athletes,” Dave said via email. … and we were pretty well trained ... that you just want to soak it all in.”

Both agree that sharing each other’s company while training made it easier for them For Huff, it was an additional joy seeing her husband waiting for her at the end of the race. to stick to their schedule and made the hard work more enjoyable.

“Coming around that last loop and getting that last wristband and knowing you only “Imagine leaving the house three to four nights a week to go workout and taking off have a quarter mile to go to finish, and you start getting choked up a little bit and then every Saturday to go for a three- to four-hour run or five- to six-hour ride while leaving you get there, and you can hear the crowd cheering. You can see the lights. You kind of your best friend at home,” Dave said. “Laura is tough, and she pushed me to keep our know you are there, and then you come down the chute. It’s just a sea of friendly faces, training schedule many times when I wanted to skip sessions. Maybe we pushed each cheering people, and then I saw my husband because he finished,” Laura said. “I could other on some days, but mostly, it was her pushing me to get moving.” hear his voice. I saw him, so I ran over and gave him a big hug, told him I loved him, and I The two also enjoyed the support system they found at Frasier Cycle Club. just ran through the finish line ... it was just a great feeling, like I just accomplished some“Every Friday we would go out to Island Lake Recreation Area, and some days we would thing really big. And then there was, again the great volunteers. They just scoop you up meet up with one or two of the Frasier Bike Club members, and some weeks there were and take care of you after. It’s pretty cool.” like 10 people or 12 people there, and we would swim and bike. We’d spend the whole day because I had Fridays off in the summer, so we would spend all day Friday doing ... Go to NorthPointeNow.org for more about the Huff’s race experience including pictures and information about their trip to Australia. ‘bricks,’ where you swim, bike, and run, but shorter distance,” Laura said.

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Junior strives to achieve college gymnastics goal

By Andrea Scapini

CO-MANAGING-EDITOR

Last year’s foot injury marked a major setback in junior Chandler Lynn’s continued effort to pursue college gymnastics.

“That put me back for this year because I’m a junior already trying to get college recruiting. You’re supposed to start a lot younger than that, but I’m just doing what I can right now,” Lynn said. “Getting injured is hard in gymnastics because you get so behind.”

The injury meant that Lynn had to revert back to level eight for another year rather than advancing onto level nine, a level more ideal for college recruitment.

“When you’re doing it, you’re sometimes like, ‘I’m so tired’ with all the conditioning and endurance stuff, and you’re like, ‘This is really hard. I just wanna take a break,’” Lynn said. “But when you physically cannot do the sport, it’s so hard watching everyone doing it and wanting to do a flip so bad but can’t.”

Lynn was first introduced to gymnastics when she was a toddler at a birthday party and fully committed to the sport at age six.

“I loved getting new skills, and I loved the endurance of it and the skill of learning new things,” Lynn said. “When I’m performing, it’s kind of really scary because you don’t wanna mess up, but you don’t wanna think that in your head, or else you’re gonna mess up. You just have to pretend like it’s a practice.”

Despite her love of gymnastics, Lynn sometimes feel overwhelmed by the rigorous schedule it brings.

“With homework and stuff, it’s really hard. I used to go to my old gym and practiced until 8:45 at night, so I got home at like 9:30 and had to do homework and stuff, so it’s really stressful. But at the gym, I’m not really thinking about that until I get home.”

Now, Lynn competes at Hunt’s Gymnastics in Harrison Township, where she practices from 3 to 7:30 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. each Saturday.

“There’s always times when you can’t get a skill, and you’re like, ‘Ugh I just want to quit.’ My mom always told me that I wasn’t allowed to quit until I got the skill that I was struggling with because then once you get the skill, you’re like, ‘I love gymnastics again.’ So she never let me quit or give up on it,” Lynn said.

Lynn’s mom, Justine Lynn, understands the difficulty that the commitment brings but sees value in Chandler’s gymnastics.

“I know my daughter better than anyone, obviously, and she just gets down on herself, so I know that if she put her mind to it that she could eventually get it. She just needs to believe in herself,” Justine said. “With any kid who does sports, I think it’s great. It keeps them out of trouble, too, if they have something to focus on.”

Chandler also sees her sister, senior Justine Lynn, as a major supporter. She says that since Justine received a soccer scholarship, it inspires her to strive for a

COURTESY OF CHANDLER LYNN

Junior Chandler Lynn does a split jump during her beam routine while competing at a gymnastics meet. college scholarship as well.

“Because we’re always at our sports, we don’t really see each other that much, but we always have something to talk about about it because we can relate to each other,” her sister said. “I couldn’t do what she does. It’s crazy. I love going to her meets, and she gets really into it, and she’s really good, so I like it.”

Chandler recognizes the determination needed to earn a scholarship but is hoping her work proves to be worthwhile.

“My problem is believing in myself,” she said. “I just have to remember to believe in myself because I’m the only one that stops me from being good. I can’t hold myself back.”

FEATURE

8 – North Pointe – Friday, Jan. 16, 2015

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

In general terms, anxiety is the feeling of fear, unease, and/or worry. In psychiatric terms, it can be used to refer to an actual nervous disorder which is characterized (as most disorders are) by an excessive or constant display of fearful emotion. Everyone at some point has felt nervous or stressed out, but as midterms approach, more and more students find themselves searching for ways to deal with stress. Anxiety is not just being stressed out. While this infog is meant to inform you about actual anxiety disorders the second half of the page could be helpful to anyone trying to stay grounded in a haze of approaching assessments.

SYMPTOMS

dry mouth trouble concentrating

Diagnosed when a person worries excessively about various everyday problems, usually without something provoking the chronic anxiety, for six months. Severe anxiety can affect a person’s social life and job.

Panic Disorders

Phobias

shortness of breath irregular heartbeat upset stomach

irritability

twitches

cold or sweaty hands

An anxiety that develops after a traumatizing or distressing event. In most cases, PTSD is established after a person has been affected by harm, whether by rape, torture, kidnap, child abuse, accidents, bombing, natural disaster or war.

muscle tension inability to hold still and be calm

A X .C

O. J

OCD

Anxiety

what it is and how to cope

By Emma Puglia & Audrey Kam WEB MANAGING EDITOR & SECTION EDITOR

Stay healthy, drink water and get sleep

PSYCHOLOGY.ORG.

Surround yourself with positive people

Stress coping activities like yoga or meditation

Characterized by persistent, upsetting thoughts and compulsive rituals, like repeatedly saying or touching something in an attempt to control anxiety. These rituals are incessant and agitating, and they interfere with daily life.

Exercise

Neglect your own mental health and let anxiety affect you as well.

When you’re being supportive for a great amount of time, it’s easy to forget about your own issues.

Bring up the topic of anxiety often. Let them bring it up first, unless you think they are in possible danger.

Force them to do anything they aren’t comfortable with.

Reduce caffeine intake Write feelings in a journal

Healthy distractions like listening to music, being with family or friends or reading a book to stop focusing on the anxiety of the moment

DON’T

Talk about your anxiety with someone you trust

free app Calm is a free app to help with anxiety management

Generalized anxiety disorder Panic disorder

Phobias

Social anxiety

ADAA.ORG

Nervousness about an excessive amount of homework or before a test.

Increased heart rate or shakiness before a performance or presentation in front of the class.

Insomnia after a breakup or an embarrassing event from the day.

Self-consciousness in an awkward social situations such as going to a party where you don’t know anyone.

Making sure a place is safe or clean when in a dangerous or hazardous area.

P

Breathe

OCD

PTSD

FEELINGS

Defined as an overwhelming anxiety or fear a person feels in either a specific social situation, such as talking to people or raising his/her hand in class. People who have social anxiety may even be fearful around close friends and family.

MAYOCLINIC.ORG

PTSD

anxiety by the numbers:

N GAI

Social Anxiety

Panic attacks are sudden, debilitating spells of extreme anxiety symptoms.

They’re so severe they are occasionally mistaken for heart attacks. A person is diagnosed with a panic disorder when ADAA.ORG the attacks frequently disrupt life.

An irrational fear of a specific situation, object or type of person, most often things that aren’t realistic or feelings of unease dangerous. Some of the most common phobias include arachnophobia (the fear of inability to sleep spiders) and aviophobia (the fear of flying).

headaches

COPING STRATEGIES

Generalized Anxiety

% affected by anxiety disorders (18%)

United States Population

HOW TO HELP

Ask how you can help and take time to listen to the response.

Be patient and respectful. Realize you don’t know exactly what they’re going through, so it’s important to remain nonjudgemental and supportive even if you don’t understand why they’re upset.

Learn about your friend’s disorder.

It will help you better understand what they are going through.

Encourage professional help, whether from a counselor, a therapist or a professional like a doctor or teacher.

Let them know that they can call Undermine their disorder. Anxiety anytime, anywhere. is a real issue, it’s not just jitters Be forgiving. There will be adbefore a test. vances and setbacks when treatMake them feel guilty for being anxious or withdrawn. They needs support, not criticism, and making them feel ashamed about their mental health may worsen the situation.

Expect immediate results. Treating and controlling anxiety can take time and energy.

Give up hope. Remind yourself and your friend to stay positive because anxiety is one of the most treatable conditions today.

ing anxiety, so be prepared for both. Don’t take harsh words they may say personally. Be proud when they’ve accomplished a goal.

Spend some time outdoors with your friend. Stay active—exercise is known to help remedy anxiety.

Be yourself. Your friend asked you to support him or her for a reason.

CALMCLINIC.COM EVERYDAYHEALTH.COM