BOLDLYU August/September 2020
Issue No. 21: The Current Events Issue
MAGAZINE www.boldlyu.com
Look at our
ett ee M Me & &
TWEEN DESIGN pages (pages with gold star!)
nii an ma IIm h h a a m m i i l l a S Sa pg. 34 Cu rrent Event s BE BRAVE. BE BOLD. BE YOU. WITH BOLDLYU
e m o c l We to the Current Events issue of BoldlyU Magazine!
Publisher: Darla Harmon Editor/Designer: Kelci Gould Darla Harmon Darrell Morton Jr. Board Members: Darrell Morton Jr. Nancy Heimann Kelci Gould Lucy McGowan Tish Mallicoat
Photography: Darla Harmon Ella, 13 Graphics - vecteezy.com Print ing: Sutherland Printing Co. Web: www.boldlyu.com Contact Us: 573-881-0218 or 317-210-0232 info@boldlyu.com
Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BoldlyU Team and/or our partners. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement. Notice of Nondiscrimination: BoldlyU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national orgin, ancestry, sex, age, disablitiy, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran.
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BoldlyU Magazine Inc is a 501(c)3 organization
Letter from the Jr. Editor
STEM: The Future Jobs of America. Stem stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathamatics. STEM is important because it plays a role in our everyday lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering is the basic designs of roads and bridges, but it also tackles the challenges of changing global weather and environmentally-friendly changes to our homes. Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. By exposing students to Stem and giving them the opportunity to explore STEM-related jobs, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in the STEM field. STEM activities provide handson and minds-on lessons for the student. Making Math and Science both fun and interesting helps the student to do much more than just learn. STEM is important because the more we get into technology, Math and Science we are going to know STEM. STEM is going to be essential to our school classes, to our lives, our future children, and future jobs. All future jobs are going to be STEM related, as the world integrates robots plus we are starting to learn more about what's around us with solar system, science technology, new technologies coming out every year. Math is going to be more important because you to need to measure out stuff like a spaceship or planet to know how big it is, plus we are doing more STEM related stuff than ever before. STEM will be essential in our everyday life 50 years from now. STEM should be taught in school.
Jamie, 12 OUR MISSION: BoldlyU Magazine is specifically designed for tweens, to encourage them to be brave, to be bold and to be themselves by providing a place for them to share their stories, struggles and passions. It is a positive resource to empower them to build confidence within themselves while also helping others!
Most of this content is written by tweens for tweens!
AUG/SEPT
2020
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ENTERTAINMENT 8 Show Us Your Selfies! 9 Joy and How to Achieve it STRICTLY 10 Time Management Poem TWEENS 11 I am an Entreprenuer 12 Corona Activities 13 Natural Curly Hair Tips 14 My Dog Hercules 15 Fun National Holidays 16 Leading the Way 18 Did You Hear 19 Naomi's Photography
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Dear Future Me COVID-19 Struggles High School Thoughts on the Rise My "Colored" Perspective A Proud Veteran
48 20 FEATURED 21 Self Care 22 Girl's STEM Institute 24 My Art Story 25 Amari's Art Showcase 26 Athlete of the Month: Nash 27 Athlete of the Month: Lydia 28 Short Story: Abducted 30 Sammie's Buddy Bench Project 32 On the Cover: Imani & Salimah 34 Meet Salimah 36 The Last 5 Months
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THE KNOW HOW
Mind & Meditiation Cheer: Preparing for Tryouts Butterflies vs. Moths Drawing by Priya Jones GSI: Infectious Disease Growing through Challenges Health & Wellness Upcoming Fall Events Get Involved!
August/September
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OR L O C ME!
ENTER
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MENT 8 9 10 11 12 13
Show Us Your Selfies! Joy and How to Achieve it Time Management Poem I am an Entreprenuer Corona Activities Natural Curly Hair Tips
14 15 16 18 19
My Dog Hercules Fun National Holidays Leading the Way Did You Hear Naomi's Photography
March 2017
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ENTERTAINMENT
Show us your selfies! #BoldlyUSelfie
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March 2017
Joy and how to a hie e it Have you ever felt down and sad? I know I have. Sadly, it's something that every human has to experience. Today I'm going to share some tips and tricks to bring back some happiness in your life, and how to stay happy. 1. Write. This is a simple thing that anybody can do. Grab a notebook or download an app and start writing! I recommend the app Reflectly. At the end of the day, I can settle down in between the chaos and center myself. It even gives me some "Morning Motivation" with a daily challenge and a quote. 2. Listen to music. Listening to your favorite songs can bring your energy levels up and help you feel confident and help you feel like the amazing person you are. 3. Meditate. Meditation helps you clear your mind and find your center. Meditation can be just taking a breath, or it could be listening to an audiobook. Meditation has no true meaning. What one person does to meditate might be different than the way that another person meditates. 4. Watch a movie or show. This can also help you center yourself and get ready. Sometimes watching other people solve their problems can help you realize what you need to do in your own life.
Meredith, 12
August/September
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ENTERTAINMENT
September/October August/September 2019
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ENTERTAINMENT
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August/September 2020
Elizabet h, 11
ENTERTAINMENT
August/September
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ENTERTAINMENT
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August/September 2020
Maya
Cheese Pizza Day Read a Book Day
World Suicide Prevention Day Guacamole Day
Coloring Day
National Chesseburger Day
Hobbit Day
National Family Day
Neighbor Day
Walk to School Day
World Smile Day
Homemade Cookie Day
Mental Health Day
Train Your Brain Day Make a Difference Day Chocolate Day
Leading the way
ENTERTAINMENT
Greetings readers, My name is Amelia, I am 10 years old and I am proud of who I am. I have the job of being a role model for my sister. I have to... Teach her to do gymnasticsTeach her numbers, letters, colors and shapes Teach her how to read, write and more... In case you were wondering who she is... you're about to find out… When I turned 7, I started praying for a sister. I was tired of being the youngest. In April 2017 my parents called me and my brothers into the kitchen and said, ¨Guys we have some news¨. Months later we found out it was a baby girl and I knew my prayers were answered! January 8, 2018 my sister was born, almost at home, instead, in an ambulance on my dad's birthday. During my mom's hospital stay she sent us pictures, we named my sister Olivia. We call her Livie. Later that morning we were wondering if we could see my sister and mom. My dad called them, they said we couldn't. The roads weren't safe to drive on. My sister was born in the weirdest ways possible. She came out fast because the ambulance truck was going down a hill. When I heard this, I was just shocked.The day my sister came home was the best day of my life. We were home from school and I saw Olivia in her onesie and tiny hat, she looked so cute and delicate. My brothers had more experience than me at being older siblings. Olivia was a new chapter in my life.
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By the time Livie turned 1, she could go to the babysitter. Me and my brothers all went there so we were excited that she could go too. Right before her first birthday she was walking. She also started to get curious, she started to copy a lot of things I did. I knew this was a good time to teach her some gymnastics. She is now working on her roll. On her birthday, she had an ice cream cake. She was looking at it and then she smashed her hands into it and laughed. I´m not sure if her first word was ¨mommy¨ or not but she called everyone that. This year she turned 2. She got to celebrate twice. Her first party was at the babysitter with her friends. Her second celebration was at home with us. She was so happy and she had fun. My family and I sang happy birthday to her and my dad. Olivia got an alphabet learning tablet. She gave everyone hugs and kisses but she was not going to sleep anytime soon. We all hung out and had fun…In March of this year, when schools closed due to COVID-19, Olivia stopped going to the babysitter also. My mom put together bags of learning materials for my brothers and me to teach Olivia her letters, shapes, colors and numbers. She can recognize her name and write the letter ”O”. My mom also potty trained her. It took ten days and we all had to help, my mom says ”all hands on deck” when she needs us to all pitch in with chores. Olivia’s so funny and loving she is so brave. Mommy says she is brave like me, we both have permanent scars...but that's another story. I am so happy to have a younger sister like her. I am so proud of myself and grateful for my sister.
Amalia, 10
August/September
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ENTERTAINMENT
HOW TO MAKE
cinnamon sugar donuts
What will you need: -jumbo or mini biscuits - 1 tbsp of sugar -2 tbsp of sugar - 1bowl (not too big or to little) - 1 plate - cooking oil -sandwich bag or small container with lid -1 saucer -a small cookie cutter or some thing to cut a hole in the biscuits - an adult
1. First you need to make the cinnamon sugar mixture take 2 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of cinnamon and add those together in a sandwich bag or small container with a lid and shake it and pour it in bowl 2. Take the biscuits out the can and use a small cookie cutter or knife to make a circle in the center of the biscuits (YOU NEED AN ADULT IF YOU USE A KNIFE FOR SAFETY)keep the little circle 3. Put 1 cup of oil in the saucer turn your stove on to medium and wait a couple minutes and then turn it to 4 or 5 once it cools down take the little holes and put then in there for a couple until golden brown the flip for same amount of time (YOU WILL NEED A N ADULT ) 4. When your finished the little holes get the cinnamon sugar mixture and roll them around in then until they are fully coated 5. Do the same thing for the donuts This is a fun activity for you and your family to do while in quarantine. If you like power donuts just roll your donuts in powered sugar!
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ENTERTAINMENT
August/September
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ENTERTAINMENT
FEAT URED 21 22 24 25 26 27
Self Care Girl's STEM Institute My Art Story Amari's Art Showcase Athlete of the Month Athlete of the Month
28 Short Story: Abducted 30 Sammie's Buddy Bench 32 On the Cover 34 Meet Salimah 36 The Last 5 Months
Self Care
FEAT URED
To me, self care is important and not only to me to other people because they have to smell you and if you smell bad you are most likely to get talked about/bullied. If you're smelling bad everyday that's bad for the body because you can get skin infection do to all the dirt on you. Then germs, let me say not a big fan of germs, when someone say germs I automatically say "eww" because germs to me means dirty nasty bacteria and they don’t clean they self good! Another thing for self care is your teeth you don’t want to be walking around with stank breath, "ew typing it makes be gag!" but you can get a lot of diseases for not brushing your teeth, like endocarditis. It’s a infection that cause your gums to bleed and if you don’t get your tooth taken care of, it can go to your heart and damage your valves. Let's talk about this last thing hair, you're growing up, you are going to have hairy legs you don’t have to shave it everyday but don’t let it grow to the point your hair on you leg is longer than the hair on your head. Also, don’t let your toenails grow to long, you CAN’T BE A WOLF, cut your toenails. No one would ever want to sit by you if you don’t take baths or brush your teeth. Think about it, you are in people faces everyday they go smell that and when someone thinks of you they go think about your smell and how much your not keeping up with yourself, you are getting older it’s time to take care of yourself
Miracle
FEAT URED
STEM Girls STEM Institute (GSI) began its inception approximately 8 years ago, and I was blessed to be a part of this awesome organization. GSI’s mission is to create and transform communities by empowering girls of color to become leaders, innovators, and educators who use STEM as a tool for personal and social change. GSI, deliberately created spaces for these young ladies to learn to the best of their abilities. This included surrounding them with administrators, teachers, and staff who first and foremost believed the mission. Next, we created an atmosphere that allowed students to utilize their critical thinking skills and challenge teachers teach with vigor as well as to teach with one or two teaching strategy for a particular subject matter. We also teach STEM in ways that are non-traditional that allows scholars to invoke positive movements through-out the day with dance and music. GSI, understands that a good foundation and support for a student is beneficial for their educational process, we also understand that life-skills play a huge part as well. We expanded our vision, and coupled mathematical processes with students on how to function in a kitchen, how to read a recipe, how to set a simple place setting, how to make a grocery list and shop according to your household. GSI attempts to help our students in other non-traditional ways, such as teaching, coaching and training in the science of hair care as well as personal hygiene. We understand that a student will eventually leave the classroom and begin to take their training from home, community, and school and make their way into the “real world.� We know from our life experiences that teaching a well-rounded student will make for a stronger individual in the workforce, whether as an employer or employee. 22
August/September 2020
FEAT URED GSI, was no different from any other educational institution this summer, due to COVID-19, we were unable to have a face-to-face camp. Initially we were saddened, we thought we were not going to have the opportunity to engage with our scholars this summer. However, with beginning early thinking outside of the box, shifting our curriculum, and contacting parents and scholars, we were able to have our first virtual camp. Our virtual camp was very successful as we embraced our first young men to GSI and students from different cities and states.
Art Gallery
GSI, deliberately makes sure that we not only work with, encourage, and inspire our scholars, but their families as well. We recognize that with continued family engagement with a scholar’s education it encourages, reassures, and comforts that scholar into education success. I look forward to many more years with GSI empowering and transforming students, communities and the world.
Sincerely, Renee Barlow/GSI Assistant Director Director of Family Engagement.
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Amari, 12 August/September 2020
Amari's AR T
SHO W CASE
Amari, 12 August/September
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FEAT URED
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Age: 16
NASH
High School: Greenwood Community High School Favorite class: Business
Favorite TV Show: Supernat ural Nash is a member of the Greenwood High School football and basketball teams. He enjoys the outdoors, hanging out with friends, watching college basketball and sports podcasts. He is also involved with Young Men with a Purpose, and Student Council.
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! ou Y e B
FEAT URED
Lydia August/September
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SHORT STORY
Abducted
By Naomi Gibert
It was a beautiful sunset in the town of Lakeside Valley when teeanager Rebecca Simpson was taking a leisurely stroll with her boyfriend, Dave, in the soybean fields. The evening was quiet, the sky was cloudless and painted with orange, purple, and pink, and centered in the sky was the sun like a white glowing orb. The day seemed too perfect and Dave leaned in for a kiss… Later that day, the entire town was buzzing with curiosity about the proclaimed abduction of Rebecca Simpson. Meanwhile Dave, her boyfriend, was being interrogated at the police station. “I leaned in for a kiss and the poof! I saw her being carried in mid air by this flying, hovering disc. In the disc peered out a little head. It was green, pale green, and out reached two regular sized arms with four webbed little fingers with little balls at the end of each. The green thing grabbed her body and took off into outer space,’’ Dave exclaimed. As he was explaining this to the unimpressed police. “Drop it boy, drop the act, we know you’re lying,’’ said Officer Peterson furrowing his eyebrow. “Yeah, whatever things you are coming up with are bogus,’’ said Officer Daniels, obviously tag teaming the good cop and bad cop act with Officer Peterson. Tragically, Dave was arrested and was sentenced to a night at prison until further notice. After that word spread around about all sorts of crazy things. Things such as Dave murdered Rebecca and dropped the body in the woods, that Rebecca was kidnapped and being held hostage at Dave’s secret cabin, or Rebecca simply just ran away. But there were skeptics out there that thought that this all was just a hoax. In any situation, Rebecca was still missing and the town of Lakeside Valley was embroiled in a deep mystery. At 9:00 PM that night there was a man hunt organized by the people themselves. Torches were lit, guns were loaded, and the glare of flashlights were blinding. “Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca Simpson,” the townspeople cried for hours but it was no use. With sorrowful hearts and raspy voices, the residents of Lakeside Valley returned home exhausted at promptly, 12:00 p.m.
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A month later…
FEAT URED
You know the missing kids that end up on the side milk cartons, well Rebecca was one of those kids. After numerous search parties, S.W.A.T teams, helicopters, and manhunts, she was forgotten and lost. It was a hopeless cause. Until, all the sudden the local newspaper ran a front page story that said, “Breaking News: Tween, Helen Baker Abducted by Aliens!” Again just as it was before Helen was with her Dad walking her dog, in the soybean fields. Now that two people had gone missing everyone thought that the soybean fields were jinxed. The police taped off the scene and there was an investigation. They were unable to find anything. Desperation and despair began to sink in, as it seemed to be another fruitless mission. A week later... It’s a rainy morning at the edge of Lakeside Valley and elderly Mrs. McGuire woke up to make her usual morning breakfast, which was toast. She grabbed her cane and slowly walked down the stairs to her kitchen. When she walked by the window covered by droplets from the early downpour, she stopped abruptly. In the windows was a small little person, well not the person, but a silhouette. She immediately grabbed her house phone and dialed 911 frantically. But it was too late, when police arrived the silhouette was gone! “It was alien-like,” Mrs. McGuire said to the chief policeman of Lakeside Valley. So the neighborhood committee set up the neighborhood watch signs at every neighborhood in Lakeside Valley. They thought that they were prepared, but nothing ever occurred until thirty years later when everyone had forgotten about the soybean fields, abductions, and aliens. An old farmer was watching around the soybean fields and there he found a middle aged woman in tattered clothes whimpering, crying, and holding a shriveled green thing. She appeared malnourished and frail. Her only words were, “abducted, abducted.”
FEAT URED
Sammie's Buddy Bench Project Sammie was 8 when she started Sammie's Buddy Bench Project after hearing about a buddy bench at summer camp. She herself had felt lonely and shy and had seen others with same problem so when she heard about the buddy bench she wanted them for her school to help others find friends so no one would feel lonely. She has always had a big heart for people. She went from very shy to now speaking to big crowds of people about how they can make a difference no matter their age. She has wrote speeches, sent videos to groups wanting buddy benches and sent many thoughtful letters all around the world. Her appearance on the Today Show brought even more awareness and many more people wanted to be involved in their own buddy bench journey or to help Sammie out. She chose having the benches made at Green Tree Plastics in Evansville, IN because they use recycled bottle caps to make the benches and they cost less and get the community involved. Sammie wanted to help kids not be lonely and make friends. The buddy bench also helps kids that are new to the school and prevent bullying. That it is made out of recycled plastic caps is beneficial to the environment and is also very little upkeep. So helping prevent loneliness and helping the planet all in one. Being kind to one another and having the community to come together to help out was a great result. She is now 11 and hasn’t slowed down on promoting kindness and telling others how they can do a buddy bench project. She has teamed up with Walgreens and was even in a UPS ad and has helped over 100 schools get buddy benches in the last year. Her viral videos have over 40 million views. During this time of being home and away from school and friends she has been busy connecting with others around the US and world encouraging them to make a difference if it be by recycling (collecting caps) or sending smiles(letters of encouragement). And wants others to know that they are amazing just the way you are. “You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference, 30
You can be a kid too.” Sammie
August/September 2020
FEAT URED
If you want to find out more about Sammie or connect with her: www.sammiesbuddybenchproject.com Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project (Group) sammiesbuddybenchproject @sammiesbenches
August/September
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LEARN MORE ON PAGE 34 >
ON THE COVER:
Ima ni & Salima h
S POT LIGHONTTHE COVER: T EAM Salimah and Imani
FEAT URED
The
last
5 months
The last five months have been a little thought and a little chilled. I learned a little about covid-19 in school but not a lot.at first I was a little nervous because my grandparents had gone out to Arizona to visit one of my aunt before it got bad. Then our schools got shut down and I was kinda excited because we got an extra week of spring break and then we were going to go back to school. I was a little sad because me and my family were supposed to go visit my aunt in Minnesota we could have but we didn’t instead we celebrated with my brother’s birthday and we started an urban garden. I was a bit nervous because my class had just started a big project that you need to pass the 5th grade and to keep going to the school there. They sent us work books about 2 times. We did our school virtual for about 3 months and for half we did Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Mondays and Fridays where for work needed to finnish is you had work. I think virtual learning was ok because it was harder to get help from your teachers but I liked it because I could do my work on my own schedule. I think I will stay virtual because at my school the teachers have to be 6 feet away and you have to wear a mask all day. Also this was my first year at this school so I was scared to lose the friends I just made but we keep contact with each other. Soon it was summer break and everything happened in Minnesota. I was really nervous because my mom and grandpa went to help my other aunt move and she lived there. When they came back everything was different.they summer was a little different than usual but was still fun. We did lots of fun stuff. Our aunt came from Arizona for a couple of weeks but she usually brings her dog with her but she didn’t. Also we didn’t go to the pool. Usually we would go to the ymca pool because we were members but we had paused our membership because of covid, but when our aunt came she bought us a pool and our dad gave us a slip and slide. Usually we would go to Minnesota to see my aunt but we didn’t but we did go to michigan to see my cousins and go to a gigantic lake. It was fun even though we didn’t get to go anywhere but I did get to go fishing for the first time. It was not so bad. Now we are getting ready to go back to school. I am excited but not excited. 36
August/September 2020
Imani, 11
P H O T O G R A P H Y
573.881.0218 learn more about us...
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ST RICT FEAT LYURED T WEENS
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Dear Future Me COVID-19 Struggles High School
March 2017
42 Thoughts on the Rise 44 My "Colored" Perspective 46 A Proud Veteran
March 2017
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ST RICT LY T WEENS
DEAR FUTURE ME
I don't think I'm going to make it! I'm not good enough for anybody, my mom says I need to exercise more because I'm not as skinny as my sister. I already play three sports and go to body conditioning three days a week on top of the sports. My grades are bad because I'm so tired all the time and I just want to sleep instead of listen to the most boring teachers ever. Plus, I'm not as smart as my brother was and the compare me all the time to him. The counselor calls me into his office and says I need better self esteem. Where am I going to find that with -Past You everyone bringing me down. Would anyone really miss me?
-Past You
DEAR PAST ME
I must say, I am so proud of you for how far have come. Good job. You took each setback as a lesson and didn't let them or yourself steer you off the direction that you saw yourself going. Sure, there have been times where I know you haven't felt good enough or qualified enough. Thank goodness you stopped letting people dectate your life. It was seriously starting to piss me off. You realized you don't need a man to make you feel beautiful or to wear a size 2 to feel good about yourself. You have taken defeat and turned it into motivation. Motivation to do better and to be better. And because of that, you have boosted yourself and found out certain qualities in your life that you didn't know that you had. -Future You
Submit your questions and concerns to darla@boldlyu.com to get helpful advice from our experienced columnists. Your questions will be kept anonymous. August/September
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ST RICT LY T WEENS
COVID-19 St ruggles
My Life in Covid-19... How I feel is indescribable, it is different in the world. Starting off with a new generation and this is how it starts, not how you expected it, right? Yeah, probably to you this world right now is hard for everyone, I mean we can't see our families, we are separated and can't go anywhere that we used to. Stuck at home all day it's different, unusual it's hard, scary, sad and it's just not how it used to be. We always have to keep our distance, wipe off everything after going to the store, we can't see as many people as we used to, lots of families are dying, the world is at risk. Not keeping their selves safe, know one has every experienced anything like this before. I think they should do a full lockdown like other country's because there numbers have went down a lot and there really fighting the covid- 19. Many countries have banned any one who is coming from America because how are numbers are climbing. Honestly I'm not sure if I have feelings about this covid at all, I'm clueless. If there is any hope that there will be a chance that they can find a quck cure for the millions of peopple that are dying. Plus, I'm not sure how I feel about being separated from my family it is very hard on me, and to even think about it's not fun and it's sad. It is something I would never want to experience again and whenever I want to see my family I cry. It brings me feel a lot of pain when I only get to call family and friends on the phone. It's hard not to be in person with the people you love very much. Well all I have to say now is fight back for our peoples lives, fight back this covid, stay safe, bless you and all be blessed.
Aali
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R E M O C O VER
ST RICT LY T WEENS
Counselor’s Corner
My "Colored'' Perspective Self-Esteem, is how you see yourself in society. You evaluate yourself either positively or negatively based on your perceptions. The way you Through paternal grandmother's eyes see yourselfmy plays an important role on how you interact with others. It When helps my determine how was you astrive and aadapt toher theschool environment and grandmother little girl, part of was burned has a major rolecounty on whether or fix notit.you will be successful in the future. down, and the wouldn’t Why didn’t the county fix it, you may ask?has Because was aifschool for the Colored. I was happy to hear Research shownit that you have higher self-esteem you tend to that this experience was a motivating factor for my grandmother’s parbe more grounded and happy. You are also healthy mentally and physticipation the Civil grandmother for ically unlikeinthose thatRights sufferMovement. from low My self-esteem andmarched tend to be her Civil Rights and the Civil Rights of her people. depressed and unhappy.
Through the eyes of my maternal great-grandmother
Self-esteem is very important when it comes to academics. If you lacks self-esteem, times may notice that you struggle Colorisms is many prejudice or you discrimination against people with aacademicaldarker skin tone. From what my mother told me, my great grandmother wasa poor ly too. Think about a time you or maybe one of your friends got a colorist. Sheand would always say, or “marry or white.” phrase is grade in math told yourself yourlight friend stated “IThis suck, or I’m an example of colorism. Once I learned about my great grandmother’s just not good at this”. This is unhealthy and is how you develop poor perspective, I would always wonder if she would have liked me. As a self-esteem. don’texperienced even realize that they doing what young Black Most man, Ipeople have never colorism, butare I have experiwe call “negative self- talk”. There is a positive relationship between enced racism. high self-esteem and being academically successful. When you are academically successful, you take pride in your work. You tend to enThrough my eyes - My wonderings courage yourself, work hard and set goals. There are many ways that During childhood, in fear. I One had to have “talk” whenpositive I was you can my create healthyI lived self-esteem. way is the by remaining four due to hatred towards my community. I would often why am I and speaking positive to yourself. It may seem weird orask, sound hated because of my skin color? strange, but encouraging yourself- and telling yourself good things, keeps you healthy.why Black communities and Black schools lacked the I often wondered resources found in White communities at an early age. I wondered why
some people would ask,time “whyyou do Blacks live indown, “bad” neighborhoods?” For example: The next are feeling look in the mirror Here are some reasons, we have to live in “bad” areas because we have and tell yourself “I love you”. fewer or no all. watch how great you start to feel. Do this options every day foroptions a weekatand I will admit at first it might feel strange, but the more you do it, the better you feel.
ST RICT LY T WEENS
What I have learned about Black communities is that we are overpoliced. Since Black communities are overpoliced, there will be a higher statistical crime rate compared to White communities. The under policing in White communities leads to a less statistical crime rate. The over-policing of Black communities leads to more Black people in jail or prison, which leaves kids struggling to survive. Then as the kids of those incarcerated grow older, some have to go to extreme measures to survive. Some will go to college, but not all of them can pay or get accepted and may end up in jail or prison, and the cycle made for people of color continues.
Jamie, 12
ran
te A Proud Ve
Int Introducing roducing My My Mot ,, Mother her
Mas Master ter Sergeant Sergeant (Ret ired)
Lakeisha Price My mother, Master Sergeant (Ret.) LaKeisha Price served in the United States Air Force for multiple years. I was born on her fifth assignment in Hampton, VA and have some questions about her career. Today, she joined me in my home office to answer some unknown questions. 1.Why did you decide to join the Air Force? I decided to join the world’s most elite Air Force because of my elementary school’s education partners. They were a group of Airmen from Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL who would visit us and talk about their careers. During the holidays, the Air Force band would come to our school and play carols. I was impressed by their leadership and blue uniforms. 2. How long did you serve and what were your assignments? I served a total of 20 years. My first assignment was to Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX
for Basic Military Training. My second Assignment was to Langley AFB, Hampton, VA. My third assignment was my first to an overseas location and that was Al Udeid AB, Qatar. There I learned a lot about the Middle East and enjoyed shopping in their markets called “Souqs”. My fourth assignment was to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS. During that assignment, Hurricane Katrina hit the area and I was there for only six months. Because of the devastation in the area and lack of resources, I was relocated to Langley AFB, Hampton, VA for my fifth assignment. That’s where my handsome son Ashton was born. From there you and I traveled through West Virginia and Kentucky to Scott AFB, Belleville, IL. You made your first friend “KJ” there. Sadly, you could not accompany me on my next assignment and you moved to Augusta, GA to live with your grandparents. I traveled solo to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and resided at Eskan Village AB for one year. After that assignment, we joined forces and traveled to Hickam AFB, Honolulu, HI. There we got to island hop and explore volcano caves together. Next and finally we to Maxwell 2020 AFB, Montgomery, AL. It was quite amazing to end my 46 moved August/September career in the very location that I started it.
ST RICT LY T WEENS 3. Which assignment was the best and which one was the worst? Throughout my career, I believed that each assignment, location and position presented new opportunities for me to grow professionally and personally. I used every opportunity to make myself better and leave each place in better shape than I found it for the next person. I remember being in Afghanistan and people always asked why I smiled or what made me smile. For me, it was simple, outside of my old Russian building were the most beautiful snow capped mountains that I got to look at every day. So, each assignment was great for me and I have great memories. 4. What made you decide to retire? When I had to leave you for Saudi Arabia, I promised you that I would do my best to ensure we weren’t separated too many more times. Additionally, I was ready for a new chapter in my life after having committed to service for 20 years. I wanted to do more for my family. So, I decided to hang up my boots. 5. Since you've retired, are there things you miss about the Air Force? Yes, I miss seeing my friends and getting to travel new places I’ve never been. I miss being a mentor to new Airmen leaving home for the first time and trying to find their way. Thankfully, we have technology that still allows me to connect with my friends and my mentees still share their good news with me and call me for advice. Conclusion Out of all the questions I asked, they were all answered in the best way they possibly could be. This project could not be finished without her. A tribute to my mother, for being great in the military and a thanks for helping me complete this project, a hard working mom who cares for her children, and being a great mom overall.
Ashton, 11 August/September
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HOW 49 Mind & Meditation 50 Cheer: Preparing for Tryouts 51 Butterflies vs. Moths 52 Drawing by Priya Jones 54 GSI: Infectious Disease
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Growing through Challenges Health & Wellness Upcoming Fall Events Get Involved!
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Naomi, 12 August/September
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THE KNOW HOW
GSI Summer Institute: Learning about Infectious Disease By Demetrice Smith-Mutegi
“The summer of 2020 was like none other!” You can say that again! This summer, we had an unpredictable, but amazing opportunity to learn scientific concepts in a virtual setting. Each week, GSI scholars logged on to engage together at the Virtual GSI Infectious Disease Headquarters. We started off with a brief introduction to epidemiology and the epidemiologic triangle, then we discussed and modeled ways to reduce the spread of infectious agents, which includes adhering to the 20-second hand-washing rule. For two weeks, we engaged in design thinking to create tools that could keep us safe during the season of COVID-19, while enjoying the things we love, such as takeout food and birthday parties. To wrap up our infectious disease training, we conducted a bread mold experiment and simulated the distance a sneeze travels! All in all, we had an educational and fun experience during our virtual sessions. These GSI scholars are now ready to keep themselves and their families safe. Watch out, future epidemiologists and virologists are making their way! Here is a detailed look at one of our experiments this summer, Sneezy Plots. During this experiment, scholars obtained the following materials: a small dropper, washable tempera paint, six sheets of white paper, tape, and a sneeze stool (something to rest the dropper on like a bottomed-up trash can, or a step stool). Most of us completed this experiment outside, so we were sure to find a nice place that would not interfere with others. To set up the sneeze station, we taped all six sheets of paper together lengthwise and placed them in front of our sneeze stool. After setting up our sneeze station, we add a small bit of water to the tempera paint to dilute it, and then we filled the dropper with the paint. Once the dropper was filled, we placed it on the sneeze stool, and then (Ahhh-choo), we sneezed (we pressed the bulb of the dropper). Our sneeze (paint) landed on all six sheets of paper. But where did most of the sneeze droplets land? We predicted that the sneeze would land closest to the sneezer, and that’s what happened! We also found that the sneeze droplets were heavily concentrated on the second, third, and fourth sheets and began to trail off around the sixth sheet (66 inches). Could this be the reason why we should stand 6 feet away?!? 54
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Data shared by Elizabeth (she compared the viscosity of two different paints)
Reya, 14
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THE KNOW HOW
Growing Through Challenges After the 2019 Girls STEM Institute (GSI) summer program came to a close, the GSI staff started planning for the 2020 Summer Institute. We designed the curriculum, connected with community partners and parents/caregivers, and secured online meeting space. By mid-February, applications were under review, and we were ready to set the dates for the 2020 parents/caregiver summer orientation, but a global pandemic changed those plans. Our lives abruptly changed in almost an instance. As we were adjusting to sheltering in place, we decided to check on our GSI families to see how they were doing and how we could support them. The requests of parents/caregivers confirmed that we could not allow COVID-19 to cancel GSI for summer 2020. We decided to take this experience as a growth opportunity and made an early decision to host Girls STEM Institute as a virtual experience and to provide STEM kits to all participants. Virtual programming was a new adventure for Girls STEM Institute, and our funders and community partners were supportive of this shift. We reached out to everyone who applied for the face to face experience to let them know that a virtual STEM Institute was planned for June 8th - July 25th. The GSI staff has been in conversations about the need for a parallel program for boys and young men. Therefore, we took this summer as an opportunity to invite elementary and middle school boys to join the program. We received 50 applications, and 45 scholars started on June 8th, two of whom were young men. In early 2020, we never thought that we would conduct an all virtual 7-week STEM learning experience during the pandemics of COVID-19 and anti-Black racism. While we could not control the context in which we found ourselves, Girls (and Guys) STEM Institute became an oasis of joyful learning, hope, and growth. Girls STEM Institute grew to a four-state program as we welcomed scholars from North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Our theme for summer 2020 was Empowerment through STEAM and 21st Century Skills. Scholars analyzed areas associated with the study of infectious diseases, forensic science, coding, music technology, and African dance. Given our holistic approach, scholars also engaged in learning experiences 56
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focused on entrepreneirship, financial literacy, career and college readiness, digital media, mindfulness, nutrition, hair care, and physical fitness. Space was also provided for scholars to discuss and critique the impact of COVID-19 and systemic racism. This summer offered us the opportunity to continue partnerships with BoldlyU, Asante Children’s Theatre, Always Making Progress, STEM Planning 4 You: K-12 Educational Consulting, faculty, students, and staff from IUPUI School of Education and the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. It was a privilege to work with Teacher’s Credit Union, the Indy Black Chamber, the 15 White Coats, a neuroscience student from IU Bloomington, and new community partners from Indianapolis and Maryland for the first time. Words cannot express our level of appreciation for the support we received. Summer 2020 was unlike any we have seen in our lifetime, and it taught us that a strong family bond could overcome any challenge. We learned that we must do what is right for the whole and not just focus on self. We have a mantra in GSI that there is "only one scholar in Girls (Guys) STEM Institute." Meaning that our actions not only impact us, they impact the collective. We rise and fall together! This summer was a time of growth and empowerment. As one of the adults in the space, it was encouraging to see our future leaders critically analyzing their world and their drive to make it a better place. These young scholars gave me hope for our future. The hope that we will have a better tomorrow. Even though the summer program ended on July 25th with a drive-thru celebration and tears, we will remain connected through our Saturday programs throughout the year. And beyond that, will always be connected as the Girls (and Guys) Stem Institute Family.
Dr. Cry s tal Hill Mor ton
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Heal t h & W e ll n e s s
What is Depression?
Depression is a very real medical issue. It does not mean there is something wrong with you or that you are not strong enough to feel better. It is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. This is common in teenagers and pre teen years because the hormones are cycling wildly due to puberty. This hormonal imbalance mixed, with the high levels of stress and expectation during these years, makes it easy to become overwhelmed. If you are depressed, you cannot just decide to feel happy and fix the issues. Yes, this is part of the process. You do have to try to find positive things in your day. Mostly though, it requires help to overcome. Talking with a counselor or psychologist is the most important part. It helps you identify the emotions you are experiencing that are making you feel this way. Sometimes too, medication is needed in addition to therapy. This will help balance the chemical irregularity happening in the brain. Taking a medication will not make you feel 100% back to normal, but it will help the hormone balance enough so you can use other tools to help you get back to yourself. Needing to take an antidepressant medication does not mean you are crazy or not trying hard enough. Some people who are depressed harm themselves in an effort to feel things. One common example is people who cut themselves. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, it is scary and overwhelming. You may feel alone like you cant’ talk to anyone about it, especially not an adult because what if you get in trouble? This is absolutely NOT the case. The world today is much more overwhelming and has way more stress than in the past. Finding ways to deal with all the stress is difficult. You can ABSOLUTELY and ALWAYS tell an adult about the situation. You will not get in trouble. It is ok to ask for help. Find an adult you trust- a parent, a guidance counselor, a teacher, a doctor, and tell them what is going on. Odds are, they will know resources to help.
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Signs of depression can be subtle and can get worse slowly over time. The most common signs are: Sleep changes: not being able to sleep at night or sleeping a lot more during the day Not wanting to hang out with friends or do activities you used to like to do Feeling worthless or hopeless Feeling like you don’t have any energy It is harder to concentrate than usual Change in appetite: Not wanting to eat or wanting to eat a lot more Feeling on edge or anxious Thinking about hurting or killing yourself Please get help and reach out
Dr. Brittani M. Corbisiero, DO
Sui ci d e Ho t li n e: 1-800-273T A LK (8255)
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