The Occurrence Vol. 4, Issue 2

the occurRence design by Katie Wright

Letters to the Editors

Letters to the editors can be sent via email to mabo@bryantschools.org. The Occurrence will not publish letters to the editors containing the following:

• Informally written letters

• Letters over 175 words

• Anonymous letters

• Signed by a group

• Rude remarks against sexual orientation/gender

• Inappropriate remarks towards any religion

• Rudely directed at a certain individual

We will accept the following:

• Formally written letters

• Letters of 175 words and under

• Signed letters by an individual

• Letters that aren’t discriminatory

• One letter per issue

Remember not all letters may be chosen for publication. Thank you, The Occurrence Staff

20-24 25-26

Staff

Advisor: Meag Abo

Ivana Wang: reporter/designer/artist

Daziyah Fogle: reporter/designer

Dexter Lowery: reporter/designer

Teagan Willyard: reporter/designer

Caroline Sanders: photographer

Bethany Meador: photographer

Leila Brown: photographer

Angela Ocampo: photography editor

Roe: photography editor

Gabrielle Smith: art editor

Katie Wright: editor-in-chief

Addison Warford: editor-in-chief

Annabel Odom: editor-in-chief

Letter from the editor

This issue, we looked at all our suggestions and constructive criticism from readers and tried to improve on that. We chose a lighter theme to bring a little more cheerful look which also goes along with the seriousness of some of the stories.

So we really wanted to talk about differences among people and how everyone is unique. To accomadate that, we did some stories relating to race, gender roles, style and confidence within differences. A lot of of people wanted more school relating stories so we tried to do more sports stories and featured some students in others.

Our cover shows a picture of Taylor Swift to relate stories within and also some some shapes to convey the theme of differences.

While we came across some troubles making this we wanted to bring the best for our audience.

We hope that everyone enjoys this issue and the rest of your day!

Katie Wright, co-editor-in-chief

the occurRence design by

gabrielle Smith

Here Comes the Main

Local attraction offers food, entertainment for teens and families

When going near Shackleford Crossing, you might see a place called Main Event. Main Event is an adventure park that offers laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, billiards, a gaming floor, story rooms, karaoke, mini golf, gravity ropes, multiball, mini escape rooms, quest cube and birthday party hosting.

Laser tag is a game where participants use infrared light (or “lasers”) to tag opponents. Players wear vests with built in sensors that register when the player is tagged.

Main Event also has bowling alleys. Bowling is a sport where the players try to get more points by knocking down pins. The adventure park has different alleys for different kinds of players. There are some for beginners and others meant to

challenge professional bowlers. More experiences they have are Virtual Reality games. Main Event’s VR arcade hosts even the latest VR games. Some games they have (but are not limited to): Beat Saber Vader Immortal: Lightsaber Dojo Hologate: A Closer Look Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride

It also has the perfect place to line up your shot: the billard hall. Main Event has multiple ways to play. Some include Eight Ball Pool, Nine Ball Pool, One Pocket Pool and more.

All Main Event Locations have a gaming floor. The gaming floor has over 100 games, and there’s some for every age. Even old-school players can play some of the classic arcade games, like Pac-man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and more.

With the karaoke rooms, that inner talent can shine. Yes, you can sing. But if you need some extra reassurance, Main Event’s private karaoke rooms have plush chairs and tables to keep you comfortable while you wait for your turn.

For thrill seekers, Main Event has a gravity ropes course that is 20 feet in the air. The course consists of an elevated tightrope, a suspended balance beam, and swaying rope bridges. All participants will be equipped with a safety harness in case of a missed step or lost balance.

Another Main Event original is Multiball. A mixed reality experience, there are many games you can play. Some games are math mission, music, memory, pong, goal, balloons and more.

After all this fun, you can refuel with some some snacks. Their family kitchen has a variety of foods, ranging from nachos to

buffalo wings. It’s perfect to end your trip- or to recharge for another round.

For more information on Main Event, visit www.mainevent.com

Story by Gabrielle Smith

Gabrielle Smith

Introducing HUCKABEE-SANDERS

As Asa Hutchinson neared the end of his second and final term, an election was soon to be held for the next Governor. One of the running candidates, who soon won the election, was Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with 63% of the vote.

Sanders is an American politician under the Republican party. She is the first female governor in Arkansas, and the daughter of another former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee. Before running for governor, she was the 31st White House Press secretary, serving under the former president Donald Trump. Sanders was the third woman to hold this position.

While in her current office, she plans to prohibit sanctuary cities, which shelter undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement, stop the “Green New Deal” proposal to address climate change issues, lower state income tax, and reform education, which she believes will promote law and order.

“Education reform will be the hallmark of my administration.”

Sanders said, “We will create opportunity for every student in the state of Arkansas. No student should ever be trapped in a failing school.”

Sanders plans for education reform through specifically including an increase in school choice, the choice for parents to choose the education program their children attend. She is adamant on parents promoting school choice because “public schools do not belong to the bureaucrats in D.C.” Along with this, Sanders has also called for an increase in student literacy rates.

Through promoting tourism and drawing attention to Arkansas’ “natural beauty,” Sanders wishes to increase the economy for citizens to see cuts in their state income tax, which in the end, she hopes to eliminate altogether. All of the bills she has passed so far are listed here: https://governor.arkansas.gov/ our-office/executive-orders/.

In her first week of office, she has prohibited CRT, the critical race theory, from being taught in public education, ended COVID-19 orders, froze new government hiring and regulations, and increased strict hardlines

against China.

The public has had various types of responses towards Sanders. On January 20th, @ SarahHuckabee tweeted, “It’s time for the GOP to reclaim the moral high ground on education. Democrats trapping kids in failing schools and a lifetime in poverty is wrong. Empowering parents to put their kids on a path to success with a quality education is right and exactly what I’ll do as governor.”

Then @ThirdWayKessler replied, saying, “Arkansas ranks 47th in education. Please explain how this is Democrats’ fault.”.

But @KyHarrod1 replied to the initial tweet, saying, “Gotta play the hand you’re dealt. She just became our Gov. best wishes for her success!!!”

The 47th governor has now gone into office and already begun working. However, despite the public showing mixed feelings about her thus far, she shows no signs of backing down.

Story by Ivana Wang and Gabrielle Smith

Teen Dating & Violence

TRIGGER WARNING: Abuse, Domestic Violence

Teenagers are being pushed into situations of domestic violence at an increasingly younger age. The Domestic Abuse Hotline defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control in any type of relationship.” This could be a sibling, guardian, or even romantic relationship.

As young people enter into the dating world, they should be knowledgeable about the dangers of abuse, but the romanization of it in the media has blurred the lines between healthy and abusive relationships and created a lack of knowledge about what abuse can look like.

Abuse is a cycle. While the offender might apologize, and the victim experiences a period of ‘peace’, their abuser is almost guaranteed to repeat their actions. This period of ‘peace’ is called the “Honeymoon Phase”. After a while, the tension will build again, and the abuser will explode and continue their maltreatment.

Abuse does not have to be physical, it can be emotional, verbal, or mental. Examples of these types of abuse are

name-calling, humiliation, or dictating the victims action.

The latter is especially common during adolescence, with the offender telling the victim who they can or cannot talk to. Whether it be in person or over the phone, this is to isolate the victim so they have no support system to turn to when the abuse worsens.

Individuals who believe they are in abusive situations should call the hotline or 911 is in immediate danger.

Stories by: Teagan Willyard

Resources

800-799-7233 domestic abuse HOTLINE: DATING abuse HOTLINE: 866-331-9474

TEEN DATING abuse HOTLINE: 866-331-9474

Red flags in relationships

In recent years, abusive relationships have been romanticized in media specifically targeted toward adolescents. The normalization of these toxic actions in social media or television, whether it be intentional or not, is pushing children into abusive relationships, unable to recognize the signs before it is too late. Here are some signs according to the national center of domestic and sexual violence to watch for in a relationship:

• Excessive jealousy

• Constantly checking in on you and requiring you to check in with them

• Isolating you from friends and family

• Insulting people you care about

• Too serious too quickly

• Has lots of bad prior relationships and blames the ex-partners for all of the issues

• Is controlling, including telling you what you can and cannot wear or to whom you can talk or demanding passwords to accounts

• Excuses controlling behavior as being protective

• Blames you when they mistreat you by telling you how you provoked them

• Has an explosive temper

• Pressures you to do sexual activity you are not comfortable with

• Has a history of fighting or hurting animals or brags about hurting people

• You have anxiety or even keep things from your partner because you fear provoking mistreatment

• Has a strong belief in sterotypical gender roles

• Refuses to let you end the relationship

deSIGN By KAtie Wright and Addison Warford

Reality

Legend

Human Trafficking Truths

Approximately 840,000 children are kidnapped a year. The F.B.I estimates 85-95 percent of abductions are children.

With all the current events that have been happening, some relating to trafficking and missing children, let’s talk about the common misconceptions/ legends according to humantraffickinghotline.org and other reports.

#1: It comes from a violent crime. While this is sometimes true, a lot of the time traffickers will manipulate victims psychologically.

#2: Trafficking only happens in underground industries. Often it happens in restaurants, at local stores, factories, etc.

#3: Only women and girls are human trafficking victims. Yes more females are commonly known to be trafficked but some studies say half of the victims are males. The males most vulnerable are younger boys and LGBTQ youth.

V.S

#4: People stuck in those situations are being locked up and can’t escape. This does happen but most often situations are more complicated than others can see, for example people may be scared to leave, don’t know how to get home or don’t actually think they’re being manipulated.

#5: The victims targeted are people the traffickers don’t even know. Many people have been trafficked by partners, friends and even family. An example of this is in ‘A friend of the Family’ they tell the real story of Jan Broberg (portrayed by Hendrix Yancey and McKenna Grace) who was kidnapped several times in the 1970s by a family friend.

#6: People hide in the parking lot under cars of the people they want to kidnap. When you really think about it, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. How could someone try to hide under someone’s car without being seen, then wait for the person to come back and hope they can get out from under the car in

time to grab someone.

While not all of human trafficking involves sexual abuse, some do and Parters Against Trafficking Humans (PATH) is here to help. In 2011 PATH started up. They are committed to serve and care for victims. Regardless of the need, we are dedicated to walking beside anyone who has been victimized by sexual abuse. Day by day. Step by step. Breath by breath.

So if you or someone you know is in need of help contact PATH by calling; HELPLINE: 501-303-4357

OFFICE: 501-993-1641

Or contact humantraffickinghotline. org by calling; 1-888-373-7888

Information from humantraffickinghotline. org and pathsaves.org

Story by: Katie Wright

Artwork by: Jenna James

The High Never Lasts

THC in Vapes Causes health problems for Teens

Vaping has been deemed a pandemic over the past few years, now another problem has popped up. THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical responsible for most of the psychological effects of Marijuana.

THC is what makes people feel “high.” More and more people have been purchasing vapes with this chemical recently, meaning more are teens getting access to it.

For people under the age of 25, THC has a negative impact on mental and physical health. Some negative effects include;

• Trouble thinking and problem solving

• Memory and learning problems

• Reduced coordination (ex. walking)

• Difficulty staying focused on tasks such as school work

• Problems with social life and school in general

According to CDC, teens that

use Marijuana are likely to have an increased risk of mental health issues such as:

• Anxiety

• Paranoia

• Depression

• Temporary Psychosis

• Long-Lasting Schizophrenia

Besides the effect on mental health, another risk factor is impaired driving. First of all, driving while using any substance is dangerous, but it is also illegal.

Charges for first offense are $100-$500 fine, community service and a 90 day driver’s license suspension.

Vaping is a big problem, the city of Bryant has put in a fine for $100-$500 if you get caught vaping in school. So why are students still choosing to do this even after knowing the consequences?

According to American Addiction Centers (AAC) many teens “turn to marijuana to help

deal with painful emotions and cope with mental illness,” so with mental health conditions on the rise so is the issue of drug use.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted a study showing that one out of five teens have diagnosable mental health disorders and over a third show symptoms of depression. Because of the “numbing effect” that marijuana has on a person’s mind many of these teens seek it out to relieve their pain.

However, self medication does much more harm to a person than good as people who self medicate “are likely to see an increase in social phobia, as well as other substance use disorders,” according to the AAC.

Story By: Addison Warford & Katie Wright

BY Addison Warford

We ArE

DiverSe

Diversity has increased in Bryant’s schools, overall district, and community over the last decade. This is shown in the increase of ethnic groups which have both been moving to the city and attending the schools.

Arkansas has not always been known to be a diverse state. According to Census.gov, the white population is dominant with 78.6% of the population, then, an African American population of 15.7%, and lastly, a Hispanic population of 8.3%, with other ethnicities making up only 5.6%.

Despite what appears like large gaps in these statistics, there has been significant growth if you were to compare it with a census from over a decade ago. Diversity has managed to grow in cities such as Bryant, and it will likely only continue to expand in the future.

Story By: Addison Warford & Ivana Wang

Maliha

Maliha Rahman (she/her) is a freshman Bengali student. Bengal people are from Bangladesh: a country in southeastern Asian.

Q: How diverse do you consider our school?

A: I don’t think it’s that diverse, but I do think it has become more so over the years.

Q: What’s it like being of a minority in school?

A: When I was little, I felt like I didn’t fit in but I’ve never been seriously bullied for my race.

Q: What should the school be doing?

A: The school should do more to spread awareness of cultural differences and teach more about them, especially for young kids.

Nic

Nic Edwards (they/them) is a freshman biracial (African American & White) student. They are also a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Q: How diverse do you consider our school?

A: I think that it has a good amount of diversity and a lot of different types of people.

Q: What’s it like being of a minority in school?

A: It’s crappy, kids here are mean but that’s not the school’s fault. People make hurtful jokes and struggle to be accepting of others. But because there are a lot of people here you have some people you can relate to and make friends with. People just need a reminder that everyone is important.

Mr. Lee

Bo Lee is an African American 8th grade teacher. We interviewed Mr. Lee in order to obtain the perspective of a teacher of an ethnic minority from the school.

Mr. Lee is a 2004 graduate from the school district. His class had 405 students, only 5 were black, proving that there has been a huge increase of minorities in the district these past 20 years and supporting his claim that “Bryant has become much more diverse over recent years.” He says the reason for this change is that the city is growing, meaning people with different backgrounds move in and stay which helps Bryant to become a richer and more cultured community.

While the school/community helps to make minorities feel included he feels more can always be done and that the Black History Month program started by administration has helped ensure inclusion and keep awareness on civil rights. Bryant is the place for him, it is his home, his family is here, the people he grew up with are here, this is where he belongs.

NicOle

We asked him what inspired him to become a teacher here and a large part of his answer was his mom. She herself was Bryant's first African American teacher and ended up inspiring and motivating him to become a teacher. She made him feel bigger than himself, he was not only her son but a reflection of her, and was taught to be proud of who they were. He says that she set the standard, that she was the pioneer and he followed in her footsteps.

Nicole Quiceno (she/her) is a freshman biracial (Hispanic & African American) student. She is both of the LGBTQIA+ community and an ethnic minority.

Q: How diverse do you consider our school?

A: This school is full of diversity, whether it be racial or LGBTQIA+. Most of my friends are members of the LGBTQIA+. As the years go by it’s become more diverse, they give a little more freedom.

Q: What is it like being of a minority group in a school with a majority white population?

A: I myself am treated mostly fairly, but I know there are some who don’t have the same emotional support that I get. Others in my situation are mainly treated unfairly. Personally, I feel proud of of my sexuality, many people see it as something forbidden but I think it depends on how people see it.

Q: What do you think the school could do to promote acceptance?

A: The school should allow more freedom of expression. There are lots of people who don’t get to express themselves at home so I think it’s very important that the school allows them to. When kids don’t get that chance it can be bad for their mental health.

Sign Language Classes are important for Inclusion Speak,

or Sign, Up for ASL

Ann Turbyfill grew up in a household with deaf parents. She learned how to talk from neighbors and family members.

“Being deaf isn’t hereditary in my family although it is in others.” Said Turbyfill. “Daddy was in 2nd grade [when he became deaf]” She stated. He had spinal meningitis that ended up causing him to lose his hearing. Her mother became deaf at 6 months old from an overdose of quinine (medication for fever).

Kenneth Tyler and Florene Tyler (Turbyfill’s parents) met at a deaf school in Little Rock, and eventually were married for 65 years until Kenneth died in 2008.

In the 1900s, people weren’t the kindest towards the deaf community. “There was a lot of discrimination towards deaf people because of their inability to hear,” She says, the name for deaf people was dummies and I knew my mother and father weren’t dummies.

Kenneth and Florene were

far from dummies, in fact they were one of the first deaf couples in Benton to own a business. “In spite of being a deaf person, my dad ended up owning his own successful business.” The Tyler’s owned Enterprise Shoe Shop in downtown Benton for around 40 years, it’s now Three Kings Tattoo.

Now people are aware of the offensive terminology but it still doesn’t change that people who have their hearing don’t put much effort into

So we propose that we should offer a class that teaches sign language. Just like Spanish and French, it doesn’t have to be required but allowing students to make a choice to learn it would be awesome and present more opportunities for socializing with deaf/hard of hearing people.

Not only would this class help people be able to socialize with people who use sign but also to help people in public, for example helping someone in the store or in a restaurant to help them order food.

62.5% of people polled said they would/would’ve signed up to take a sign language class. Some of which now go to high-school.

communicating with people who use sign language. The only deaf school in Arkansas is the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock. Only consisting of 108 students from preschool through the 12th grade.

“My parents couldn’t go to my elementary school [for meetings or special events] because no one was able to interpret.” Said Turbyfill.

Dedicated to my Granny and Mamaw and Papaw Tyler

Story by: Katie Wright

Article from The Benton Courier in 1996 along with pictures of the Tylers in the Enterprise Shoe shop

Photo by Roe

People asked me how I learned to sign but how did I learn to talk is the real question.

Differences

With teens starting to notice differences between themselves, we may start to become insecure because of it. Social media, of course, isn’t helping that.

In a poll from a report commissioned by Dove’s self esteem project [Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem], 7 out of 10 girls think they are not good enough either from their looks, school performance and family/friend relationships. With that being said, it’s not only girls experiencing self esteem issues. According to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, boys worry about their body image as well.

In another article by Rebecca Adams, [It’s Not Just Girls. Boys Struggle With Body Image, Too.], the issue of body insecurities in boys is also prevalent. The article speaks of a boy named Jack, about to turn six years old and is already insecure. Jack’s mother, Heather, speaks about what he has been going through. For example, weighing himself before and after meals,

including after he goes to the bathroom. No matter the gender or age, children, teens, adults, elders, can have Body Dysmorphic Disorder [BDD].

About 1 in 50 people have BDD, that is more than 5 million people in the United States. According to an article by Katharine Phillips, MD, [Prevalence of BDD], she states that it is now more common than obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], anorexia nervosa, and schizophrenia. BDD is commonly seen at 12-13 years old, according to, [Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Youth]. BDD happens everywhere, at school, work, home, online, etc.

Beyond BDD teens are said to be experiencing more and more mental health issues than ever recorded, with “approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan, in the past year, a 44% increase since 2009” according to a CDC mental health screening in 2009. The article also states that feelings of hopelessness and depression seem to be more prevalent in different minorities such as the LGBTQIA+ community, African American adolescents, Hispanic teenagers, and people from lower income backgrounds.

When people experience extensive discrimination at school

this can cause or enhance preexisting mental health conditions. Because of this in school harassment

“depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents,” according to an Adolescent Mental Health article by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO also claims that “one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder” which makes up 13% of disease in this age group. This decline in mental health among teens has also caused suicide to become the worlds fourth leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 29.

Considering the discussion above, we want to remind everyone that they’re beautiful in their own way no matter they’re skin color, weight, style, acne/skin texture, cellulite, stretch marks, etc. Don’t let social media posts with edited photos bring you down, realistically people only post the “good.” Everyone is different and if we all looked the same, life would be pretty boring.

Self-image, mental health struggles remain depsite increasing diversity

Gender Let them eat biscuits! rolEs

Let’s talk about one of the most important things in America right now: the simple biscuit.

In a conversation with my mother the other day we came to a conclusion: everyone is born as an agender individual, and then adopted a gender that society had decided for them. We had come up with a presentation to explain this, through the art of biscuit baking.

Every human is assigned a biscuit, the frosting representing their gender. A biscuit is originally baked without frosting, and the frosting is only added later when the biscuit has cooled. But what if the biscuit eater dislikes that color or frosting altogether? What if they want multiple colors of frosting?

When researching this topic I came across the article “Stereotypes and Gender Roles” by LD Worthy, T Lavigne, and F Romero, talking about schema theory, the theory that kids will notice certain traits by active learning and sort genders this way. This will later affect what things they

pay attention to so as to reinforce these roles, meaning that a child who notices many men around them with large muscles will associate being a man with having said muscles and only notice the muscular men later in life.

The article also goes over the social learning theory, which says that people are taught gender through reinforcement. When growing up we are rewarded and punished depending on which traits we exhibit in comparison to our gender. Feminine boys and masculine girls are picked on, harassed and alienated from their peers.

This torture is often continued at home where unaccepting adults and family members punish the child for their seemingly unusual traits. They eventually either conform to what society wants or they find a way to handle the alienation, often in tragic ways as shown by the fact that 82 percent of trans youth have considered suicide and 40 percent of trans youth have attempted according to the National Library of Medicine.

Imagine thousands and thousands of broken biscuits on the floor. Except that they’re not biscuits; they’re people.

I believe both gender-learning theories in the article are true,

but that each one only plays a certain amount in each person. It is also notable that these theories can be applied to those who are not children as well.

The way one learns gender can also change with the community. One of the mornings I was writing this I had a friend tell me that though their mother was alright with homosexual people, they were transphobic. This particular friend came from a background of punks and metalheads, so I was pretty surprised at this, due to the massive impact gender has on the goth, punk and metal communities.

I’ve always seen goth and punk outfits as a sort of androgynous style. Even when wearing dresses or having short hair, the style had never seemed feminine or masculine-it is just a lot of black and red and plaid and batshaped biscuits.When looking at popular punk and emo artists like The Cure, Misfits, Green Day, and My Chemical Romance, you see a trend of men wearing makeup and strangely styled hair. The stereotype for metal heads is to have long hair regardless of their gender. Even popular 90’s grunge band Nirvana had multiple photoshoots of the members wearing dresses, all of the members being men. Bands like Flyleaf and Destroy Boys have female vocalists, and in Flyleafs case vocalists who can do crazy metal growls and

shred their voices.

Another great example of a different perspective on gender roles is autism-gender: when a autistic person views their gender and autism to be connected. A great source to use would be the article “Demystifying Autistic Gender” by Bernard Grant, located on the Autism Spectrum News website. In this article Grant discussed how autistic people often do not experience a connection to gender personally, rather it is a masking tool used around others.

I also want to note that when you look up this article they use a photo of a person holding a sign saying “not he not she just me”. This is a great way of showing how many people feel about gender; they don’t care for gender- they are just who they are.

This may be the modern way of perceiving gender, as it doesn’t really affect most people until the subject is specifically on gender.

Spectrum also made a similar article, “Largest study to date confirms overlap between autism and gender diversity” by Laura Datarro, where they talk about how transgender individuals are more likely to shows signs of autism than neurotypicals, and the same goes for autistic people

being more likely to experience gender dysphoria.

I’ve heard many people try to use the argument that gender bending and being trans is a modern invention, that it just wasn’t a thing back then.

It’s well known that many cultures had respected third genders and genderless individuals, even if they were seen as outcasts or abnormal. When cultures who didn’t have these views took over through colonization and imperialism they removed these genders. An article I found useful for this is “Third Gender: A Short History” by Jack Scobey-Thal, in which he gives you a timeline of events dealing with third genders dating back to 385 B.C.

Many of these events are forgotten, leading many to think that trans culture and other genders are a modern day thing, a passing trend, but these concepts predate even the biscuit which dates back to ancient Sumeria.

To add a final example, different mythology and religions will often have important figures with nonbinary traits. Psychology Today made an article on this topic, “Gender Fluidity in the Gods” by Neel Burton, in which he talks about well-known examples like Thor, Zues and, a modern-day example, Shiva, along with some lesser known examples like Hapi, the prophet Teiresias and Ishtar. These are all from different time periods and regions, meaning that it wasn’t just a local or modern quirk.

Multiple societies spanning the globe each found ways to recognize gender diversity.

Growing up, my mother would let my brothers wear dresses, makeup and heels. She let me wear the pants version of a school uniform instead of the dress at an old school. We’ve always had equal chores and were allowed to play with whatever toys we wanted to. We never had themed birthdays, and when we were still going to Sunday school I never had to wear dresses. My parents let their kids do what makes us happy, acknowledging our gender but never making it a big deal.

I have been privileged to be able to decorate my biscuit. And research shows that if we let all trans people do the same with gender-affirming care and respect, their risk for suicide decreases. And that’s the simplest part of all this.

Gender has never been a cut and dry definition, never a simple way to classify someone. Everyone will have their own definition and rules for gender, and everyone’s relationship with their gender is different. Noone should expect anyone else to abide by their expectations, just as no one should be forced to obey others’ rules.

It’s time we let everyone decorate their own biscuit.

Column by: Roe

Art by: Roe

CODE-SWITCHING Not COmputers

Code-switching is a term to describe a daily practice used by numerous people in the workplace, but not many seem to know there’s even a word to describe their actions. According to Britannica, it is defined as “the act of shifting from one language, tone, or mannerisms to another based on the social context or conversational setting.”

To simplify, code-switching is what people mean when they say they’re a completely different person at work than at home, or whenever they put on a “customer service voice.” It’s the different ways we speak or behave based on the situation and people we’re talking to.

For another example, think of the way you act at school. The way you would talk to your teachers most likely isn't the same way you would speak or behave around your friends.

While everyone is capable of doing it, code-switching mostly occurs to a higher degree in minority groups. It is often through the form of minimizing accents, languages,

or behaviors that may cause them to be stereotyped into a specific social group.

Codeswitching is almost constantly used in large communities by immigrants who switch from their native language to their new, or secondary language. This allows them to “blend in” with the dominant majority.

Many have conflicted opinions regarding code-switching, as while it is a skill some feel is necessary in the workplace, it may also have a negative impact on an individual's mental health.

Despite its many cons, code switching can still prove beneficial as a useful skill in professional environments so long as you are capable of managing it.

Code-switching is a very selfless practice, as employing it is often with the intent of making others around oneself comfortable and allowing for easy, efficient communication. It can also bring about personal benefits by allowing one to build closer relationships and

connections to those around, regardless of whether it’s in a classroom setting or the office.

While I personally find codeswitching important, I do recognize it contains many weaknesses. According to Harvard Business Review, consistent code-switching can feel restricting, “reduc[ing] authentic expression,” contribute to burnout, and it may even cause a loss of identity.

There are always solutions to these issues, and I find they mostly only occur when shifting mannerisms become less of a subconscious act and more into an obligation. Although it is a flawed practice, it still retains many advantages.

As aforementioned, the main benefit is that it develops a form of consistency in communication and language skills, and it can even help one retain a sense of privacy by keeping your personal traits hidden.

As Kudoway.com states, the term “code-switching” was coined in 1954, but it

CODE-SWITCHING COmputers. HumanS.

has likely been used since before that time and will continue to be employed almost daily. According to In diverse workplaces and social environments it has proven to improve the communication between multilingual teams.

I believe it’s important for everyone to have practiced code-switching at least once in their life, because while everyone has their own ways of speaking, that doesn’t always mean the people we meet or work with will understand it. I personally feel it is better to code-switch as fit with those

around us in order to create a “unanimous” work language which every member can understand.

Story By: Ivana Wang

Art By: Ayana Meyer

Someone WITH FRIENDS VS. someone at work

21

design by Addison Warford the occurRence

Deep Dive inTo our

PlAyer Spotlight

AtTie MilAm

Grade 9

Age: 15

Attie Milam started swimming in 5th grade, when she was about 11. Attie started because both of her siblings swam. Her mom also wanted her to start. Her favorite thing about swimming is, “You don’t really have to talk to other people if you don’t want to, it’s not a team sport.” Attie’s goal for swimming is to get as good as she can.

ClAire MatThews

Grade 9

Age: 15

Claire Matthews started swimming around the summer of 2013, when she was 6. “I don’t really know why [I like swimming] , I guess I just really love being in the water.” Claire used to dance along with swimming, but had to quit due to an injury. Now she just swims. “My main goal is to make state in an individual event and to hopefully break one of the records on the board at the pool at Bishop.”

SilAs Sandh

Grade 9

Age:14

Sports22

Silas Sandh started swimming at age 10, when his parents entered him in the local swim team. He loves the water, and says swimming is a good workout. “I used to run cross country. I do not like running but it was good for me.” Silas’s goals for swimming are to swim free under 25, swim 100 free under a minute, and to swim 100 breaststroke under 1:15.

Walker Hester

Grade 9

Age: 15

Walker Hester started swimming at 5, but didn’t join a team until he was 8. “What got me to start swimming was my grandma told me that I had a lot of potential and told me to join a team.” He likes swimming because he doesn’t have to worry about injuries as much as in other sports. Walker also did track last year. His goals for swimming are to qualify for state, and go to college on a swimming scholarship.

Irnovan Sitepu

Grade 9

Age: 15

Irnovan Sitepu started swimming at 6 years old. “I only got started because of my parents, and I think they made the right decision.” Irnovan used to play soccer, but eventually lost interest. Some of the things that make him enjoy swimming are the workout it gives, his team, the competition, and the food they get during a meet. About his goals with swimming he said, “If I continue with my current course I can get a job as a lifeguard and if I get good enough even a probable scholarship.”

Story By: Dexter Lowrey

the occurRence

design by Annabel Odom

The in fashion diffrences

Teenagers Weigh-in on their journey to finding Style

“Sometimes people shouldn’t just have to care about how people feel about their styles, they should definitely be confident about their style. Whatever makes you comfortable.” 9th grader Natetiana Sledge stated, “My journey was pretty hard, I wanted to fit in with everyone else but I just decided to be myself.” Sledge tells a story about her journey to finding who she is in her style.

“My style is just some sort of y2k-.(Y2K means streetwear from the 2000s, it was mostly a style for music awards or red carpets to show authentic style.)” She said, “Whenever I’m choosing an outfit, I always try to imagine my figure, and think, “will this fit me?” Or “Will this look good on me?” A lot of my mom’s old clothing choices always influenced me as a teenager, because her outfits were always so stylish.”

She goes on to talk about where she shops, “I shop at Shein, Old Navy, Rue21, Hot Topic, Spencers, [and] sometimes Walmart.”

When she picks an outfit she goes through a range of colors. “My favorite outfits have to be

pink, or sparkly, or anything that looks comfortable.” She dresses to impress herself and wants everyone to pursue further into their fashion style.

Hugo Arreola, 8th, describes his style as 90s, indie, street fashion and some y2k. “Always match it with something good like pants, shirts, shoes, etc.” he says is the most important part of a good outfit. Hugo uses people on TikTok, his aunts and friends as inspiration for his outfits. But he doesn’t always dress out.

“I just wear shorts and a baggy shirt with a jacket or hoodie,” is what he says he wears when at home or relaxed.

Alex Barker, 8th, wouldn’t describe his style as anything specific. color coordination as the most important part of a good outfit. His favorite pieces of clothing are his black turtleneck and corset. Alex also uses pinterest as inspiration.

Celebrities, time and geography are just a few of what cause trend changes in styles. Sometimes a style will stay around for decades, for example the classic t-shirt. This became a fad in the 20’s due

to the Great Depression, how cheap they were to purchase, and easy to wear. They pop back up again in the 50’s when several movie stars wearing the shirt brought them back into the running. Today nearly every student at BJHS will sport one at some point.

Over the past century America has seen it all. The flappers and single breasted jackets of the 1920’s to a more conservative dress in the 50’s with men wearing pants and ties and women in poodle skirts and saddle shoes. Then only 10 short years later, everyone wore jeans and tie dye or very little of anything. In another 10 years, turtlenecks and bell bottoms in high fashion again for both men and women. Americans have seen many styles, from shoulder pads, jean jackets, parachute pants, to fanny packs, long shorts, skinny jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts with sayings or brands on them and more.

Today the true style is just being yourself. We are always bringing back some fashion choices from the past and matching it with new items.

Story By: Annabel Odom and Dexter Lowery

design by Teagan Willyard

Which Taylor Swift Album Are You?

What is your favorite book and/or movie genre?

resilient entergetic vengeful

hopeful nostalgic poetic

03. 03. 04. 04. Which is your zodiac sign?

F.

A. A. B. C. D. E.

romance psycological slice of life / indie

How likely are you to hold a grudge?

A.

Virgo, Aries Libra, Capricorn Scorpio, Leo

Cancer, Aquarius Sagittarius, Gemini Taurus, Pisces

C. A. B. C.

05. 05. 06. 06. Which aesthetic appeals to you the most?

somewhat quite very

not very what comes around goes around likely

soft pink sunrises, under a cloudy sky, sunlight filtering through pale curtains, pillow mints in a crystal glass bowl, vanilla frosting, biking in coastal town

A.

B. C.

leather jackets, snakes, heavy boots, raging bonfires, gold jewelry, thick storm clouds, cherry-stained skin, worn newspapers, ripped jeans

cotton candy, genuine smiles, rainbows against drifting clouds, transparent gemstones, bubblegum, racing in a fairground

swimming by moonlight,

D. E. F. A. B. C.

“I can’t decide if “Snakes and

it’s a choice, getting swept away”

tinted sunglasses, D. E.

Which lyrics do you relate to the most in relation to drama? drive-in movie theaters, main character playlists, freshbaked goods, blanket forts, magazine clippings, summer nights

stones never broke my bones”

“I love the players “Karma’s a and you love the game” relaxing thought”

“I don’t love the “I’ve always felt I drama, it loves me” must look better in the rear view”

earthy tones, oversized

knowing grins, flannel shirts, crisp autumn leaves, dripping candles, steaming cups of tea, early morning mist, ancient books, pressed flowers, the taste of ice on the wind

- you’re “Red”!

- you’re “1989”!

- you’re “reputation”!

- you’re “Lover”!

E’s F’s F’s

If you got mostly... A’s A’s B’s B’s C’s C’s D’s D’s E’s

- you’re ”folklore” and “evermore”!

Taylor Swift

The Icon throughout the : Years

Anyone off the street can tell you who Taylor Swift is. She’s an icon, there’s no doubting it, but the girl who stepped into the music scene 16 years ago has grown into a woman before the world’s eyes. Her music has influenced popular music artists. Her albums continue to top the charts almost two decades after her initial entrance to the music world, but how much has changed?

Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album, Taylor Swift, which came out in 2006, featured a country heavy soundtrack, bringing well-known songs such as “Should’ve Said No”, “Tim McGraw”, and “Teardrops on My Guitar” into the world. Everything changed when Taylor Swift released her fourth album, “Red” at 22 years old. Not only had her voice matured, but her songs too. Her songs featured fresher sounds and more intricate lyrics that helped break her into the pop music scene. Songs such as “We Are

Never Ever Getting Back Together”

and “I Knew You Were Trouble” still showcased her heartbroken tone from her earlier songs, but unlike “Tim McGraw”’s lamentful lyrics about lost time and love, these songs were exciting and upbeat “1989” came out two years later with songs that screamed even stronger of the pop genre. Swift embraced the criticism of

the berating songs she wrote about her exes with songs like “Blank Space” and “Bad Blood” showing Swift’s unapologetic yet stinging take on her past relationships. While the beat was different, many lyrics carried on the same themes as her previous songs. Much like how “Everything Has Changed” shared the hopeful romantic tone of “Love Story”, “Shake It Off” approached the same devil-may-care attitude as “Mean” when it comes to the criticism of her life with a more care-free feel.

Swift’s sixth album, “reputation”, came out three years later with harsh lyrics and edgier beats. With songs like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “So It Goes…” bringing bass heavy songs into her track record. Many of the songs were about love, but rather than the hopeful romantic take, they were about not caring what others thought, like in “Delicate”, or how they never should have trusted her, like in “Don’t Blame Me”.

Her 2017 album, “Lover”, featured subdued beats but more of the same hopeful romance and heartbroken laments as her earlier tracks. While the romantic and heartbroken themes continued, many of the tracks featured more mature lyrics in songs like “The Man” and “Daylight”.. Which detailed her struggles in

the music industry as a woman, a comparison of “the daylight” she sees to a brighter future.

Swift released “folklore” and “evermore” from 2020 to 2021. Songs like “no body, no crime”, which detailed the story of Swift’s revenge on her best friend’s murderer, and “the last great american dynasty”, which told the story of a woman living in a mansion on the coast of Rhode Island, were fiction, but other tracks like “epiphany” and “marjorie” are tributes to Swift’s grandparents. Each line is packed with meaning, using words like “Machiavellian” and “contrarian” to get her intended feelings across to the listeners.

In October of last year, Taylor released her tenth album, “Midnights,” with thirteen tracks detailing nights she had laid awake. Her first track, “Lavender Haze,” began with the phrase she spread across the internet: “Meet me at midnight”.

Story by: Teagan Willyard

Binge or

Stranger Things

A classic sci-fi adventure that has swept teens off their feet with every season since the show first released in 2016. Taking place in Hawkins, Indiana in the early 80s, the show follows a boy lost in an alternate dimension and his friends coming together to save him.

The episodes honor telling a sweet but scary story in which monsters are real, so are the powers of love and friendship.

The show’s diversity, nostalgia, and supernatural elements provide viewers with a cultural phenomenon. According to “deadline.com” the viewing hours of Stranger Things [Crosses 1 Billion…] This means that the show presents concepts and ideas to keep viewers entertained.

Ginny and Georgia

In late January 2021, the world was shown the latest but contrasting teen show! Having “381 million hours watched” (CNET.com), Ginny and Georgia tell the story of 15-year-old Ginny,

who seems to have it out for her 30 -year old mother, Georgia.

When viewers first look at the show, it seems like the typical mother-daughter relationship, however, the plot gets complicated when secrets of the past come back into the light as the characters try to make a new life for themselves.

Ginny and Georgia highlight the reality of being a teenager and the hardships parents face while giving viewers teenage love triangles, drama, and enough scenes to make Generation Z cringe. The show is a complete 9/10. Cringe does have an impact.

Never Have I Ever

Never have I ever- Your typical teen drama, only funnier, hotter guys, and more chaotic than other shows listed. The series showcases the life of South Asian teen Devi Vishwakumar. The show revolves around various situations Devi is placed under while getting a glimpse of uplifting memories from her late father, dealing

with her strict mom, and the complications of friendship.

Never Have I Ever Highlights

diversity and touches on sensitive, controversial topics with great respect. Lessons are taught, and self-worth is learned. The characters are relatable and realistic.

Never Have I ever is typical but refreshing compared to works in its genre.

Locke & Key

Right around when Quarantine started, the world received something adventurous to help them through the rough time. Locke & Key is a dark fantasy involving three siblings trying to solve their father’s murder with a set of magical keys.

The storyline is new and refreshing, which allows it to create its own space. Locke & Key is full of mystery.

The plot is original, easy to follow, and entertaining. Viewers can

Entertainment24

or CringE

expect their minds to expand by the number of clues the show provides.

When watching, viewers also receive themes of sadness and trauma. Despite this, the show is a 9/10. People who love mystery and drama would enjoy Locke & Key.

Wednesday

“I see the world as a place that must be endured, and my philosophy is to kill or be killed.”Wednesday Adams.

Going from Netflix’s top ten list to becoming the [Third most watched show of all time] (CNET.com).

After an attempt to murder of her brother’s bullies, Wednesday gets banned from her current school. Her parents then decide to enroll her in a school for outcasts.

The cast chosen for Wednesday did a phenomenal job. The music and aesthetics were a great way to honor Burton’s art! The storyline of Wednesday is thrilling, and the twists make the show exciting. Romance and a gothic teenage

girl who rarely shows emotion do not mix, but in Wednesday it does. The dark humor and witty dialogue make Wednesday worth watching.

Wednesday

Story By: Daziyah

Fogle

Art By: Ivana Wang

design by Addison Warford the

CongrAtulAtions

Evan Beder

Carlita Berganza Sandoval

Abbie Bradford

Londyn Burrough

Jose Chavarria

Ja’Mya Coats

John David

Charlie Denton

Maison Fells

Averie Fish

Kameiah Flenoy

Addison Gasaway

Mia Hall

Taylor Handley

Mohammed Hassan

Jadyn Heiderscheidt

Keaton Herman

Ixel Jhon Joaquin

Addison Jones

Cailey Kitchens

Brody Koder

Lillian Mefford

Darvin Moncada

Isabel Morris

Ajani Nembhard

Ty Newberry

Liandra Ornelas

Peyton Peairson

Aliya Pegram

Ocean Pikey

Paxton Pringle

Jaxon Riggs

Emma Roach

Harmoni Smith

Kaylynn Snodgrass

Lola South

Autumn Stiefvater

Avery Tyler

Kennedy Vergona

Magnolia Vincent

Isabella Wahrmund

Gabriel Watts

Luis Aguilera

Abigail Akers

Madalyn Anderson

Julianne Arnold

Abigail Ball

Sadie Berry

Landen Boykin

Alayna Burns

Madalynn Calhoun

Andre’ Davis

Myra Hall

Kennedy Henton

Catie Hill

Devin Hogue

Hailey Johnson

Caden Key

Dakota McNab

Nash Newton

Seth Patterson

Jacub Potts

Victoria Pruitt

Santiago Ramirez

Gabriel Rhodes

Hayden Roy

Lyla Spicer

Ethan Stokes

Chase Trimble

Torren Williams

Bailey Adkins

Gavin Almstrom

Kamila Alvarado

Dakotah Armstrong

Nicholas Atchley

Josie Atkins

Lillienn Austin

Brevynn Authement

Kevin Barcenas

Dexter Barr

Ashley Barrett

Leah Baugh

Jakobe Boone

A’neyia Brown

Stephanie Buck

Deyvin Bueco Perez

Wesley Cagle

Marley Cheatham

Kinzley Collins

Gavin Crawford

Amari Cross

Grace Currey

Jimena De La Cruz Bran

Ileana Diaz Hernandez

Hadley Douthit

Emma Ebert

Addison Warford

Elijah Ransdell

Anastasia Roe

Spencer Ruff

Patrick Sanders

Jacob Schlotter

Braeleigh Thornton

Jaden Vance

Ali Watson

Evan Watts

Landen Wilson

Cohen Wyse

Cooper Phelps

Alexander Purifoy

Nicole Quiceno

Gervin Orellana Gonzalez

Harper Owen

Loreto Ocampo

CongrAtulAtions

Honor Roll

Amery Felton

Caleb Ford

Ryley Fowler

Owen Fry

Mattie Fuller

Callie Galloway

Hagen Glenn

Tristan Golden

Arianna Gomez

Carter Goodwin

Makenzie Graff

Jaden Greer

Desmin Hall

Virginia Harvey

Xoe Hawkins

Elliott Herron

La’Miracle Holmes

Riley Hunter

Cord James

Aiden Jones

Ashley Jones

Aiden Kaczor

Joseph Kincaid

Haylie Lee

Chase Martin

Willow McCarthy

Audrey McGinness

Olivia Miller

Keyan Mosquera

Adaya Nelson

Hunter Oates

Lucas Oliver

Garrett Outlaw

Laila Paige

Gabriella Pankey

Maddox Parker

Sanaa Parker

Ambika Patel

Genesis Pena-Osorto

Adrienne Perez

Levi Peterson

Briaylla Pierce

Paige Polk

Kayden Prichard

Carly Pruett

Peyton Reavis

Daniel Rhodes

Kindsey Roberts

Abrielle Robison

Christian Rodarte

Lucy Rodriguez

Joshua Rogers

Sage Russell

Elijah Russum

Keaton Sanders

Angel Santos

Owen Sawyer

Heidi Schrader

Gabrielle Smith

Diana Soto

Lillian Spivey

Kolbe Stearman

Hunter Strickland

Kassidy Thompson

Caleb Tootle

Jackson Trusty

Yana Urrutia Ramirez

Alexia Valle

Eduardo Villasenor-Aragon

Kennedi Walker

Addison Warner

Isaiah Washington

Ian West

Turner Whittington

Lincoln Wicks

Ava Williams

Donta Williams

Nicholas Wooley

Julius Adams

Stephany Alarcon Aguilar

Ryne Anthony

Caren Berganza Sandoval

Miguel Bermudez-Greer

Avan Booher

Logan Brown

Jazmyne Burrow

Maria Carrera Alarcon

Andrew Clark

Kyla Croom

Alexia Diaz

Jake Dodd

Daziyah Fogle

Francisco Garrido-Cipres

Brayden Gray

Lydia Hall

Isaac Hendrix

Tanner Hentschel

Sabian Holladay

Jake Hughes

Marc Jenkins

Jaiden Jimenez Martinez

Joseph Johnson

James Jones

Riley King

Hunter Kirtley

Harrison Knarr

Madison Larsen

Cassandra Link

Zoiee Luchsinger

Blanca Martinez Berganza

Erin McCarthy

Brenda Molina

Keaton Franklin

85% of people have low self esteem.

You Are Beautiful

People turn to self destructive behaviors.

Many

Self-comparison and Social Media are not helping.