True Star Denver Fall 2014

WELCOME LETTER

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elcome to Excelsior Youth Center’s first True Star Mile High Magazine!

We were very grateful to work with such an outstanding organization as True Star Foundation in Chicago. Bringing the opportunity to our students to be involved in an afterschool literacy program for at-risk students has been amazing. Between the writing, research, interviews and learning to communicate and work together, they have produced a document for all our young reporters to be proud of.

Carol Beauchamp-Hunter, our Associate Director, and Linda Johnson our Community Based Behavior Coach led this project and empowered the students to push toward their best potential. They stepped up to this opportunity and were creative, focused and willing to learn. This experience has given our students the ability to speak, write and debate those issues that have a direct effect on their lives.

Our students built confidence each week and were able to present ideas and opinions aiding in their own personal growth and development. In spite of all the trauma our students have been through in their lives, they are survivors and used this for self-expression and the chance to have a bright future. We hope you enjoy the efforts and outcome of this magazine by our Excelsior young women.

Susan He’bert Chief Executive Officer Excelsior Youth Center

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CONTENTS POP CULTURE/OPINION 6 & 7: Being Tatted by Chayse 8: Sexy Peeps by Hibaq and Chayse 9: Sagging = Not Cool by Cheyanne

FASHION 10: Fashion on a Budget by Hope 11: Just Don’t! Fashion Dos and Don’ts by Hope 12 – 16: Fashion Spreads

MUSIC AND ARTS 17: A Teen’s Guide to Summer Concerts in Colorado By Hibaq 18 & 19: Lily Fangz – Baring her Fangz by Hibaq 20: DJ Dawn Dutchess by Dana

GET REAL –TEEN ISSUES 21: Animals Have Feelings Too by Kenbreil 22 & 23: Just the Facts of Child Abuse by Cheyanne 24 & 25: Used and Abused by Jordan 26: Under the Surface of Bullying by CeCe Snow

GENDER EQUALITY 27: Rainbow Pride by Chayse 28 & 29: Sexism in the 21st Century by Devin

CAMPUS TOUR 30 & 31: How and What We Do

PERSONAL STORIES 32: Going to a New School by Zyaire 33: Gang Related by Dana 34: Falling by Cheyanne 35: Five Inspirational Quotes by Elyssa

CONTRIBUTORS

Devin

Editor in Chief “The biggest strength in life is never admitting defeat.”

Hibaq Editor

“The path to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell.”

CeCe Snow “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Chayse

Assistant Editor “Hope is like the sun, and as you journey towards it, it casts a shadow of our burdens behind us.”

Cheyanne

“Some people say that motivation doesn’t last, well neither does bathing that’s why we recommend it daily.” Zig Zigler

Dana

“I’d rather be a failure at something I have than be a success at something I hate.”

Kenbreil

Jordan

“Don’t judge me. You may know my name but not my story.”

Zyaire

Hope

“I’d rather be a worker than a struggler.”

Design Coordinator “The road less traveled is the hardest to walk, but it will lead to the most fulfilling destination.”

Elyssa EXCELSIOR YOUTH CENTER STAFF

TRUE STAR STAFF

Carol Beauchamp-Hunter Associate Director/Clinical Director Linda Johnson Behavior Coach, Project Manager Leta Calvert Behavior Coach, Project Coordinator Jason Lister Teacher, Computer Consultant James Murphy Unit Manager of Facilities

Diana Aqra Editorial Instructor, Adviser Alisha Francis Editorial Instructor, Adviser DeAnna McLeary & Na-Tae’ Thompson Co-Founders Marti Parham Managing Editor Angel D’Amico-Bauer Art Direction Design & Illustration

POP CULTURE/OPINION

BEING

Tatted & Pierced

BY CHAYSE

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erspectives on tattoos and piercings vary from person to person. Some people get tattoos for memorabilia, humor, or meaningful purposes. Tattoos can be beautiful and some are just plain odd. Many people have their own opinions.

About 10 percent of all Americans have tattoos nowadays versus only one percent thirty years ago.

This signals that tattoos are more accepted amongst people in society.

In some workplaces they have been more lenient on tattoos and piercings on visible parts of the body. Walmart allows tattoos as long as they are not offensive, like naked bodies, violence and blood or inappropriate humor.

Borders, the bookstore chain, allows tattoos and piercings because the company believes they show a person’s character.

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“UNLESS YOU ARE A TATTOO ARTIST, THERE ARE ALWAYS LINES TO BE CROSSED WITH TATTOOS. “

There are always lines to be crossed in the workplace, unless you are a tattoo artist, then you’re free. Ear gauging is rather new in the U.S. and might not be liked by a potential boss. A tongue ring is fun, but adults and parents may think it is too sexual.

If you want piercings or tattoos, but want a certain job, are you willing to take out your piercing every day or cover your tatts up? On the one hand, people might think these forms of adornment make the person different, unique, or exciting. On the other hand, people may think that it’s disgusting, slutty, or a promiscuous trait.

What do you think?

You draw the line.

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SEXIEST Peeps

BY HIBAQ AND CHAYSE

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ingers, actors, and rock stars. These are the hottest celebrities of them all, in our opinion.

They were selected for their looks and their too-hot-to-trot personas on and off camera. Read below to know more.

8 1. Lana Del Rey

This woman has amazing eyes, luscious lips and a not too skinny and not too fat body. She’s absolutely, insanely beautiful. She has an amazing voice and one of her best songs is “Summertime Sadness.”

2. Liam Hemsworth 9 He is beyond sexy. He has a hot body and a killer smile. He starred in the movies The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. He also has a beautiful voice.

8 3. Jennifer Lawrence She is a beautiful woman with a quirky personality, a nice bod and killer blue eyes. She is a beast in The Hunger Games movies. She is a babe.

4. Zac Efron

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He is a sexy actor with an awesome body. Ahh. Man, he is just absolutely gorgeous with that smile. He is PERFECTION.

8 5. Austin Carlile

Austin Carlile is basically everything sexy put into one person. Point made.

6. Jensen Ackles

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Jensen Ackles can make any woman fall to her knees with a passing glance.

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SAGGING = Not Cool

BY CHEYANNE

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’ve always wondered why people sag, because in my opinion, it is extremely tacky.

Sometimes I don’t even think most people know what sagging really means.

“SURPRISINGLY, SOME PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE ACTUALLY OUTLAWED SAGGING BECAUSE THEY CONSIDER IT INDECENT EXPOSURE.”

fad when famous rappers started wearing their pants low. Supposedly, this happened from their many stays in prison, and later, they wanted to adopt the style as their own.

Sagging your pants could mean a lot of different things. One definition came from when men in the prison system wanted to display whether

Surprisingly, some parts of the United States have actually outlawed sagging because they

or not they were “open” or “available” for a sexual relationship with another inmate. In other situations, sagging while wearing a certain color of boxers showed that a certain inmate was “taken” by another inmate.

consider it indecent exposure. For example, in certain parts of Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and New Jersey, you could be fined up to $500 and/or 93 days to a year in jail if caught with your pants low.

According to Hall of the Black Dragon, a blog for “modern men,” sagging started being a

So, now that you know what sagging REALLY means – wanna pull up your pants?

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FASHION

FASHION

ON A BUDGET

BY HOPE

B

eing fashionable does not mean spending a lot of money. Take these alternatives of namebrand fall fashions and you will cut your expenses by more than half.

LADY:

DUDE:

Shirt: Arizona Turtleneck Sweater in celmatis blue $5.99 Pants: Joe Fresh™ Distressed Slim-Leg Jeans med vintage $28.99 Shoes: Unisa® Camile Booties tan $19.99 Accessories: Mixit® Oversized Striped Wrap $12.50

Pants: Arizona Skinny Jeans grey $9.99 Shirt: G.H. Bass® LongSleeve Oxford Shirt blue bengal $9.99 Shoes: St. John’s Bay® Cove Canvas Sneakers red $9.99 Jackets/Sweaters: JCPenney™ Cotton Crewneck Sweater olive grove $9.99

Name Brand = $147.76 vs. Budget Fashion = $67.47

Name Brand = $160.75 vs. Budget Fashion = $39.96

$80.29 in Savings!

$120.79 in Savings!

Fashion shouldn’t be about how much money you spend. Spend more time thinking of what you want to look like instead of what brands are popular. You are sure to find the best looks at great prices.

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Just Don’t!

FASHION DOS AND DON’TS BY HOPE

F

ashion is something you use to express yourself in a fun way. It’s also an opportunity to visually give a glimpse of who you are.

There are some things that you should do and shouldn’t do in regards to fashion. These are all of my personal opinions. If this contradicts your fashion sense, don’t worry. Your fashion is good for you. *DO go heavy on the eyes, go light on the lips and vice versa.

If you’re going to go heavy and colorful on your eye makeup, then go light on your lips. You can’t go wrong with neutral lip colors such as tans and light pinks paired with popping bright blue eye shadow and smoky black eyeliner. A bright red lip with a soft brown eye shadow is also lovely. *DON’T wear skinny jeans, guys. Just don’t.

When girls wear skinny jeans, it’s hot and makes them look super sassy. But when a guy does it, well, it’s not very attractive. If you’re a skater, tighter jeans might help with your tricks, but skinny jeans cross the line; it makes most guys look borderline Ken Doll, not to mention extremely uncomfortable. *DON’T let it all hang out.

Yes, women can dress however they want. But girls, don’t throw your dignity away. Be slightly modest and cover all the naughty bits, please. Pick a pair of jean shorts and not jean panties. *DON’T sag. Stop it!

Guys and girls alike - stop sagging. No one wants to see your butt and it makes you look like you have a full diaper on. *Stripes can either make or break you.

If you’re already tall and self-conscious about your height, don’t wear vertical stripes - it will make you look even taller and ganglier than ever. If you’re a bit larger, don’t wear horizontal stripes as they will make you look bigger. *DO wear the right size.

Clothes that are too big are better than clothes that are too small. Bigger clothes can make you look cute sometimes, but clothes that are too small make you look uncomfortable and make everyone else uncomfortable too. *DO wear patterns, if they match.

Patterns can make an outfit pop and be super cute. But, if you don’t know how to match them together, then just take a deep breath and don’t!

FASHION Casual

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FASHION Dressy

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William Mason, Photographer Joi Johnson, Makeup and Hair Stylist Jazmin Aguiar, Wardrobe Contributor Stylist, Clothes Minded Amarie Acevedo, Wardrobe Contributor Stylist, Clothes Minded Katie Robinson, Wardrobe Contributor Joyeria el Ruby, Wardrobe Contributor

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MUSIC & ARTS

A TEEN’S GUIDE TO CONCERTS

BY HIBAQ

Riot Fest September 19th, 2014, Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium A newer music festival, only held in three cities, called Riot Fest will be hitting the Rockies in midSeptember, offering you a chance to embrace your hardcore side. The fest will start on the 19th and end the 21st in the Sports Authority Mile High Stadium.

Arctic Monkeys

September 4, 2014, Red Rocks

Let’s start with an extremely hip band, The Arctic Monkeys. The Arctic Monkeys were really underground until they blew up with their fifth studio album AM in 2013. From then on, they came out from the shadows and amazed us all with “Do I Wanna Know?” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

They rocked the alternative charts and now they will be coming to our beloved Red Rocks venue on September 4, 2014. You can find your tickets on StubHub.com for $89.

Another act is the insanely famous British band Bring Me the Horizon. They just came out with their album Sempiternal and it’d be great to see.

There will also be other bands like: Weezer, Primus, and The Cure. You can get your tickets at www.Riotfest.org. You can either buy the 3-day passes for $159.99 or the 1-day passes for $59.99.

Other concerts you may want to check out: LORDE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2014 (1STBANK CENTER) PHANTOGRAM (OGDEN THEATRE, $49) THE DANDY WARHOLS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2014 (BLUEBIRD THEATER, $25) TRUE STAR MILE HIGH 17

Baring Her

FANGZ

BY HIBAQ

I

“I LIKE WHAT I LIKE,” SHE SAID. “I LIKE CREATURES AND MAKE BELIEVE.”

n today’s mainstream music it seems as if everything is artificial and dumb. The majority of hip-hop today is about drugs, money, and degrading women. It’s as if music today has been completely manipulated.

A musician, in my opinion, is a person who takes the art of music and makes it say something.

There is a musician who does just that: Lily Fangz.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Lily Fangz is a female rapper who literally takes life by the fangs and questions its very foundation.

Born Lileana Krenza, her musical genius can only be explained by her experience of simply writing her thoughts. Her website says she has been “writing since she could hold a pencil.” Her music is raw, with passion and truth.

In a special Skype interview, Lily told True Star Mile High that her inspiration for her lyrics “comes from life itself.”

Lyrics are “what needs to be said.” It is the struggles and beauty she sees in her surroundings that influence her words. She says that she looks for what is “fun and nourishing to write” and enjoys “playing with words and rhymes.”

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She describes herself as “weird and proud,” referring to her unusual take on life and profession. She said that she accepts that she is not the usual.

“I like what I like,” she said. “I like creatures and make believe.”

She believes we’re here to explore. She’s been traveling a lot lately, playing music in the South mostly, in states like Georgia and South Carolina.

Her single “Bubblegum” speaks of the misogynistic views that many male rappers have today.

“It’s not attractive to call a girl a ho,” she says in her song. Being female in a hyper-male industry, we asked her how it felt.

Her experience speaking to a Native American elder helped her learn about “healing the feminine.” She said it helps to integrate our lives and lead girls and women to carry themselves with more respect.

You can find more about Lily Fangz by visiting her website, www.planetfangz.com, visiting her on Facebook page, www.facebook.com/planetfangz, or on Instagram @LilyFangz.

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Dawn Dutchess

Inspiring Dreams

BY DANA

D

awn Duchess began her career by writing songs and poetry in her uncle’s studio as a youth. She hasn’t stopped since. Born in Sacramento, California and currently living, writing and rhyming in Savanna, Georgia, she finds lots of inspiration in the music of Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot.

In a Skype interview with True Star Mile High in July 2014, she talked about what it takes to follow your dreams.

TSMH: What inspired you to be a rapper?

DD: Writing poetry is a way to vent. I’m a loner at times, so writing helps me express myself when I am feeling down.

TSMH: Do you still get stage fright?

DD: Most definitely. The scariest part for me was being afraid of what people might think. When people heard it and started liking it, I got over that. I still get nervous; I don’t think I’m ever going to get over that. I think the obstacle is just fighting through that fear.

TSMH: I have dreams, but people criticize me when I [share] them and it makes me get down on myself. How do you cope with that? How do you not get down on yourself?

DD: People still try criticizing me. They tell me I should curse more because it sells more, or to 20 TRUE STAR MILE HIGH

be more girly and feminine. I wanted to make it [in the music industry] so bad I thought about changing who I was. You just gotta believe in yourself and in your vision. You have to be comfortable and confident in yourself in order for people to see that. You have that dream and that inspiration for a reason. As long as you follow your heart, then you are doing the right thing.

To say the least, Dawn Duchess puts in “Work” to make her music happen. This is the title of her latest single which can be heard on Georgia FM air waves’ Internet rotation and YouTube.

Her newest project, “7 Day Weight,” can be found on DatPiff, a website for free mixtapes, hip-hop music, videos, and underground culture.

You can also find her on her website www. dawnduchess.com and rockin’ it at venues and college campuses across the U.S.

GET REAL / TEEN ISSUES

Animals Have Feelings Too

BY KENBREIL

“BY LOOKING AT THEM, LISTENING TO THEM, AND IF YOU DARE TO SMELL THEIR ODORS WHEN THEY INTERACT, YOU WILL SEE THAT THEY DO HAVE FEELINGS.”

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nimals mostly get neglected, abandoned or physically abused because people take their emotions out on their animals. When the animal does not follow commands, like when they are not potty trained, for example, owners become angry and take it out on the animals.

People get angry at their dogs and embarrassed when they do things like poop in the house or constantly bark. It is easier to take it out on a defenseless animal than on a human who could strike back.

Some people aren’t properly prepared to take care of them because they do not know much about animals. Many people think that animals do not have feelings. According to Dr. Marc Bekoff, a professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, animals’ insides and outsides clearly show they have feelings.

“By looking at them, listening to them, and if you dare to smell their odors when they interact, you will see that they do have feelings,” said Bekoff.

By nature, animals are not aggressive, like many

people who abuse animals may think. A leading cause of aggressive behavior in animals is due to the fact that they have been abused, according to Cindy Morris, a researcher of animal cruelty, as reported on the blog Furry Friends.

“I see a direct link in the number of animals that end up in shelters in the case of abuse and neglect,” she said in an interview.

We, as a community, have the responsibility to protect animals and love them as family members. They should not be tied up all the time or out in the cold.

If you know an abused animal and can’t help them, find a local shelter to take them in. The ASPCA (Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – a New York based agency who protects animals – takes in pets who have not been fed, are living on the streets or need medical treatment. Many times, an abused animal can find a good family to take care of them through the help of a shelter.

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The Cold-Hard Facts

About Child Abuse

BY CHEYANNE

C

hild abuse is a very real problem in today’s society, but the sad thing is that not many people recognize the signs and even fewer try and do something to stop it. To shed some light on this very sad situation, take a look at the following facts from ChildHelp.org found in 2012.

9 EVERY 10 SECONDS SOMEONE REPORTS CHILD ABUSE.

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MORE THAN FOUR CHILDREN A DAY DIE BECAUSE OF CHILD ABUSE, AND MOST OF THOSE CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED IF SOMEONE HAD JUST SPOKE UP.

9 SEVENTY PERCENT OF CHILDREN THAT HAVE DIED WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 4.

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ONE-THIRD TO TWO-THIRDS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT CASES INVOLVE SUBSTANCE USE TO SOME DEGREE. Below are some of the consequences of child abuse in the United States.

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THIRTY PERCENT OF ABUSED CHILDREN, ONCE THEY ARE ADULTS, WILL ALSO ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN. 22 TRUE STAR MILE HIGH

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IN AT LEAST ONE STUDY, ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF 21-YEAR-OLDS THAT WERE ABUSED AS CHILDREN MET CRITERIA FOR AT LEAST ONE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER.

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FOURTEEN PERCENT OF ALL MEN IN PRISON AND 36 PERCENT OF WOMEN IN PRISON IN THE U.S. WERE ABUSED AS CHILDREN.

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CHILDREN WHO EXPERIENCE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ARE ABOUT NINE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BECOME INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

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TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF ABUSED CHILDREN WILL MOST LIKELY EXPERIENCE TEEN PREGNANCY.

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ABUSED TEENS ARE MORE LIKELY TO

ENGAGE IN SEXUAL RISK-TAKING, PUTTING THEM AT GREATER RISK FOR STDS.

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AS MANY AS TWO-THIRDS OF THE PEOPLE IN TREATMENT FOR DRUG ABUSE REPORTED BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED AS CHILDREN.

MORE THAN FOUR CHILDREN DIE EACH DAY BECAUSE OF CHILD ABUSE.

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IN ONE STUDY, CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ABUSE ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS WERE THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE ABUSED AND MORE THAN FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE NEGLECTED THAN CHILDREN FROM NON-ABUSING FAMILIES.

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MORE THAN A THIRD OF

ADOLESCENTS WITH A REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT WILL HAVE A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BEFORE THEIR 18TH BIRTHDAY, THREE TIMES AS LIKELY AS THOSE WITHOUT A REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT.

So, as you can see, child abuse is not only a “one time thing.” Just because a child is abused once, doesn’t mean that the one incident wouldn’t cause a life-time of problems. If you think or know someone that’s being abused, please tell a responsible adult.

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Used and Abused

BY JORDAN

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ost people are peer pressured into doing drugs. Others do them to be cool or to deal with stress or depression.

About 100 people die from drugs a day, and about 33,000 die each year from drug overdose, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common drug in the world is alcohol. The next top five abused drugs in America are marijuana, meth, heroin, ecstasy and cocaine.

There are a number of immediate and long-term effects of drug use. Physically, you can have a weaker immune system (which increases risks of infection and disease), brain cancer, holes in the brain, slower muscle reactions (causing you to not be able to move very fast), rotting teeth, rotting lungs, and holes in your throat.

Mentally, you can experience paranoia, hallucinations, and can feel emotions such as depression, laziness, happiness, or even anger.

In America, there are about 13,000 babies born addicted to drugs each year, which is about one baby each hour. For these babies, there unfortunately is no cure.

Babies born addicted to drugs feel the same withdrawal symptoms that recovering addicts feel. They can also have tight muscles, which can lead to trouble feeding or problems with their autonomic nervous systems, which could mean the baby gags, vomits, changes its skin color, has diarrhea, breathes and hiccups fast.

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6 celebrities that have recovered from drug abuse:

m Eminem, recovered from cocaine, meth, and LSD

m Robert Downey Jr., recovered from cocaine and marijuana

m Nicole Richie, recovered from LSD and ecstasy

m Fergie, recovered from meth, cocaine, and marijuana

m Angelina Jolie, recovered from ecstasy and marijuana

m Demy Lavabo, ecstasy, and cocaine

“IN ORDER TO RECOVER FROM ANY ADDICTION YOU HAVE TO SURRENDER AND RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU NEED TO OVERCOME.” -DEMI LAVATO

“BURGER KING SAVED MY LIFE FROM ADDICTION. EVERY TIME I WOULD THINK OF DOPE, I WOULD BUY A BURGER AND TAKE A BITE OF THAT NASTY THING, AND IT HELPED ME RETHINK MY LIFE AND MOTIVATED ME TO STAY CLEAN. “ - ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

The top 5 ways to fight an addiction are . . .

EXPAND YOUR DEFINITION OF THERAPY

MEDITATION

NUTRITION BEING ACTIVE

CONNECTION OF MIND, BODY, & SOUL For help with a drug addiction go to: Drug-rehab.org www.samhsa.gov www.helpguide.org www.psychologytoday.com/basics/addiction www.webmd.com/baby/drug-use-and-pregnancy TRUE STAR MILE HIGH 25

UNDER THE SURFACE

OF BULLYING

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

BY CECE SNOW

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ullying is when one person forces another to do what he or she wants. It’s an imbalance of power and there is intent to do harm or cause distress. Bullying is when one harasses and overpowers others. It gives them a sense of superiority, usually making up for the lack of control in another part of their life. People bully one another based on looks, size, actions, sexual choices, or ethnicity.

The effects on the victim of bullying are shame, fear, low self-esteem, depression, and perhaps suicide. The physical effects include bruises or wounds from harassment, sleep disruptions, bed wetting, and psychosomatic aches. Victims often have inappropriate social skills, are socially isolated, have inaccurate social perceptions, difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance and absenteeism.

According to Stop A Bully, a statistics provider that did a study on bullying in Canada from 2009 to 2013, some of the most common types of bullying are: *Name calling/insulting 80% *Spreading rumors 29% *Fighting 16% *Cell phone messaging 13% *Homophobic comments 20% (As a percentage of incidents reported) When bullying occurs in a school, the overall school climate is broken down, the school is less 26 TRUE STAR MILE HIGH

WHEN BULLYING OCCURS IN A SCHOOL, THE OVERALL SCHOOL CLIMATE IS BROKEN DOWN, THE SCHOOL IS LESS CONNECTED AND VIOLENCE ESCALATES.

connected and violence escalates. Bullying is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. There are thousands, maybe even millions of teenagers out there that get bullied every day. You’re not the only one, I’ve been bullied myself. It’s not fun. Nobody in the whole universe likes getting bullied.

Bullying doesn’t get people anywhere in life but sitting on their couch with no job. Yet, you’ll be out traveling the world, being a doctor, or volunteering to help animals. Be strong and don’t let anyone bring you down because they are miserable. My suggestion is: Don’t let them get the best of you, because you know that your future depends on the actions you make today.

GENDER EQUALITY

Rainbow PRIDE

BY CHAYSE

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BAD TREATMENT OF THE LGBTQ POPULATION OFTEN DISCOURAGES PEOPLE FROM BEING WHO THEY ACTUALLY ARE INSIDE AND PREVENTS THEM FROM TRUE HAPPINESS.

n average, about 3.5 percent of the U.S. adult population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual or queer (LGBTQ), according to the Williams Institute, a public policy researcher. This amounts to the population of New Jersey, or roughly 10 million people.

But gay marriage is still illegal in 31 states, leaving this portion of LGBTQ community with lesser rights and access to resources than those who have legal rights to marry.

For example, married couples have greater access to shared health care plans, retirement and insurance policies and have better tax incentives.

Coming out of the closet can be hard, but there are some ways to help more easily express who you are.

But that is not the hardest part about being gay.

The most horrible part is LGBTQ people being ridiculed on a daily basis. This is because society puts a giant stigma, or shame, on homosexuality.

Many people may think it is wrong because of their religious beliefs or the way they were raised.

The consistent bad treatment of the LGBTQ population often discourages people from being who they actually are inside which prevents them from true happiness. Because of this, they endure a much harder life than their straight peers and often “stay in the closet.”

On the other hand, when LGTBQ people come out of the closet and they do not experience shame and disgrace from society, their self-esteem rises and they often feel very happy to come out.

Tips on Coming Out:

1. Know and accept yourself.

Know your sexual orientation before telling people.

2. Tell people that are trustworthy. If you do

not trust your parents don’t tell them. If you trust your best friend then tell him or her. Just make sure they won’t tell anyone, unless you want them to.

3. Think of some questions that people might ask you and be prepared to talk about it. Be proud of who you are and don’t be afraid.

4. Help others to not be afraid to tell people, too. Remember that many people are gay, lesbian, and bisexual.

Be you and be true.

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21st Century SEXISM

BY DEVIN

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lthough sexism has subsided over the years in America, it is still present and active in the 21st century. Maybe you have heard of the unequal pay of women compared to men? Or the fight for women’s reproductive rights? Or maybe you have heard of overwhelming statistics about violence against women?

men, but when the numbers add up over the course of time, men still have a great deal more dominance in the workplace.

According to the National Women’s Law Center, women in Colorado on average are paid 80 cents for every dollar a man makes. If a woman is African-American, she is paid 64.1 cents for every dollar a man makes, and a Hispanic woman makes 53.4 cents for every dollar of a man. That is almost half of a man’s wage!

As far as our country progressing in the area of women’s rights in the workplace, we are still so far behind. Women are “allowed” to be in the same positions in the workforce as 28 TRUE STAR MILE HIGH

According to Catalyst.org, a policy and research center, women only represent 14 percent of leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies. Women are not only doing the same work for less pay, but they are not getting hired for the best paying positions. This doesn’t even consider the effect of racial discrimination.

Women of color represent only 1.6 percent of Fortune 500 companies, according to The Network of Executive Women.

The hottest topic in today’s news is women’s reproductive rights. According to Pro-Choice America, a national organization advocating for and providing comprehensive information on reproductive rights in the U.S., only seven out of our 50 states ensure that women’s birth control prescriptions will be filled. The other 43 states

do not have a law that will ensure women will receive birth control medications if they order them. On top of that, 47 states allow institutions and individuals to refuse women reproductive health-care, referrals, or even information on their own right to contraception. Some pharmacists in those states have been known to not only refuse, but also humiliate women who come to the pharmacy for birth control, therefore ruining that women’s chance to protect herself against an unwanted pregnancy in the future.

The recent Burwell v. Hobby Lobby ruling that passed in the Supreme Court on June 30, 2014, was a defining moment for the women’s reproductive rights movement. In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby saying the company does not have to offer health insurance that pays for certain types of birth control for female employees if it conflicted with the company owner’s religious beliefs.

One of the three women Supreme Court Justices on the case, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, said, “I certainly respect the belief of the Hobby

WOMEN IN COLORADO ON AVERAGE ARE PAID 80 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR A MAN MAKES

These are few among many examples of the sexism that continues to go on in today’s society affecting the way women live every day.

Women’s rights should not be pushed aside as an issue that can wait. Women are constantly living under someone else’s rule as to what they have the rights to do. Women are not treated as equal and can’t even make some decisions regarding their own bodies and their lives.

Not every person agrees on every issue regarding women’s rights, but we should all respect people’s decisions as human beings and let women live the life THEY want to live, even if it isn’t parallel to your personal beliefs.

Lobby owners. On the other hand, they have no constitutional right to foist that belief on the hundreds and hundreds of women who work for them who don’t share that belief.” She also said that “contraceptive protection is something every woman must have access to control her own destiny.”

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CAMPUS TOUR

How & What We Do:

“The Life” at Excelsior

Map of Excelsior, Aurora, Colorado

Art Class - In art class students can express their feelings while using a variety of different art materials. There is an annual art show where students’ art is sold and they receive 100 percent of the profits.

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Rec Department - In the rec department students do lots of fun activities like games, exercise, movies, yoga, and culinary arts.

General Recreational Outings - On general recreation outings students go to different events like go to concerts, carnivals and the zoo.

Hot Cocoa Machine When students have exceptional behavior we are allowed to visit the hot chocolate machine.

Karaoke - Every Friday night students can go on stage and sing a song of their choice for the crowd.

Book Club - Students get together and read books like The Fault in Our Star, enjoy snacks, and relax.

Canine Healers - Students get together and pet therapy dogs while working through their traumas.

Poetry Group - Students read their poems aloud to the group and explain what inspired them to write their piece.

Rhythm and Life - Students learn to dance and to express themselves through their talent – dancing. A group performs a show every new term.

Paws for Trust - Students learn how to handle and care for a dog.

Swim Class - Students learn how to swim and how to be safe while swimming.

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PERSONAL STORIES

Going to a

NEW SCHOOL

BY ZYAIRE

M

ost teenagers entering a new high school for the first time are terrified of getting bullied. They are also afraid people will make fun of their appearance.

When starting a new school it’s important to be yourself and to not allow others to influence you to make bad choices. You can tell jokes to let people get to know you. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others. To get to know them, ask questions.

I attended a new school, Columbia. I was really nervous because I didn’t think I would know anyone there. My first day was full of new experiences and was not as terrifying as I thought it would be. I met new friends, experienced drama, met my new teachers that I liked, I saw my cousins, I saw old friends, and I got all the books I needed for classes.

Starting a new school can be very scary, however, if you plan ahead you can ease the anxiety and have a great time.

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GANG RELATED

BY DANA

T

eens tend to get into gangs because they are influenced by their close friends, family, or by societal pressure to be a part of a group.

These teens believe that gangs can provide them with love, family, and protection that they feel they do not have elsewhere.

BEING IN A GANG COMES WITH ITS CONSEQUENCES.

Some teens are part of gangs because they were born and raised around gangs. Many parents who were in a gang often have kids that also join the gang.

From the year 2000 to the year 2009, the number of people in gangs increased 33 percent from 750,000 to about one million people in the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported.

Being in a gang comes with perks like feeling supported, receiving guidance from the OGs (original gangsters) and learning how to fight and protect oneself in a dangerous situation.

Gang life can make young people feel like they are a part of something and contribute to something larger than oneself.

The share of gang members under the age of 18 has dropped slowly from about 50 percent in 1996 to about 35 percent in 2011. Source: National Gang Center

Being in a gang comes with its consequences, too, like going to jail, losing loved ones, having to wake up every day with scars, and getting killed. Being a female in a gang comes with specialized trauma like having to deal with getting raped.

There’s not a large population of female gang members so it is harder to get into female gangs than it is for men, but there is no difference in the types frequency of violence. Both go through the risks and the rewards.

The percentage of female gang members has remained under 10 percent since 1998. Source: National Gang Center

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Falling

BY CHEYANNE

Standing in a crowd but not feeling found.

Not feeling heard when you’ve already said too many words.

Just because I’m sad doesn’t mean I’m mentally mad cause I also deserve to be glad.

So why are you ignoring me?

Do I fill you with too much pain and misery?

Can’t you see me?

Can’t hear me when I scream your name?

I reach out to grab your hand but you’re nowhere to be found.

Now I’m falling, falling, falling into this pit, this black abyss.

Somewhere that’s nowhere but everywhere at once.

Someplace between life and death.

You know this because if you were alive your feet would be on the ground and your face would be plastered with a smile.

But you know you’re not dead because hell’s fire is still away by about a mile.

Somewhere where happiness and pain coexist in perfect harmony.

But how can this be?

Because you still feel so alone, Because your heart has grown cold, no love to cure your insanity.

And now you’re falling, falling, falling into this pit, this black abyss.

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Inspirational quotes & What They Mean To Me

BY ELYSSA

3.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

-Wayne Gretzky

1.

“What you think of yourself is way more important than what others think of you.”

-Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Taking chances is a great way start adding something new to your life. If you don’t take a chance, you might regret it later. If you don’t take a new path, you might go down the wrong road. Taking chances is something you should do every day.

You should try it.

4.

“Dream big and dare to fail.”

- Norman Vaughan

To me this quote means that it should not matter what others think about you. It’s what you think about yourself. In reality people should not rely on other people to wake up or how you should dress or how to do your makeup and hair. It’s what comes from the inside and what YOU think.

If you go down new roads or paths and you have a goal, don’t give up. Keep trying. If you don’t reach that goal, the worst thing you’ll hear is a “no.” That does not mean you have to give up. It just means to try harder.

2.

5.

Honestly, this quote to me means if you want to start something you have to be something. For example, if I wanted to start a company or a job, then I would have to be motivated to start it. For me, starting something has to come from what is inside.

PAIN: Being strong does not mean you will never get hurt. It means if you do get hurt, you will never let it defeat you. Pain or struggles in life is all about getting back up. If you fall down seven times, get back up eight. Keep trying.

“If you could create something you have to be something.”

-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

-Friedrich Nietzsche

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The Production of this True Star Mile High Magazine was made possible through funding from the Anschutz Foundation and the Daniel’s Fund for substance abuse treatment programming.

ANSCHUTZ FOUNDATION Anschutz Foundation Mission and Values: The Anschutz Foundation supports giving nationwide with an emphasis on social and cultural organizations which work in areas larger than local communities; support for media projects; projects that support the underprivileged, public policy and traditional family values.

The Daniels Fund provides funding to nonprofit organizations that assist youth and adults with alcohol and substance abuse challenges to achieve and maintain stability in their lives through prevention, treatment, or supportive/after-care services.Â