Senior Elite Magazine | Volume 3

SENIOR

ELITE APRIL 2019 | VOL 3.

A CAPTURED BY SHERRY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLICATION

DO’S

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a first-hand look at freshman year on campus

Social Media

SPRING CLEANING A REVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO IS WATCHING

MARY-ASHTYN THOMAS | CLASS OF 2019 WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL

“I am looking forward to meeting new faces as we move into 2019.”

SHERRY ANN PHOTOGRAPHER // DESIGNER INSTAGRAM: @CAPTUREDBYSHERRYANN

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his winter has been a crazy one. The holidays always seem to get me, and boy did we have some crazy weather, too. Our snow days seem to have hit all at once, didn’t they?

I’m so glad I have an amazing studio to shoot in, and keep me out of the cold when the only thing I want to do is shoot, and the only thing preventing a lot of photographers is the weather. The rain and sleet isn’t stopping this girl, no it’s not!

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was happy to see the sun pop out a bit early and warm things up and I’m eager to see what fun we can have outdoors this year. I am looking forward to meeting new faces as we move into 2019. Make sure if you know someone who could use some creative and fun portraits you have them reach out to me. I am always open to new ideas and would love to hear yours.

THIS ISSUE Here are some of the featured articles and topics in this issue: Do’s & Don’ts Freshman Year: What you should know about heading away to college.

Kicking Off Your Credit: Establishing your credit score, the smart way.

The Light of Friendships: Learning value and prioritize your friendships.

New Spokesmodel Team Forming: Learn how the CBSA Spokesmodel program is right for you.

Half-Up Hair Styles: Why it is important to have confidence and take a chance on your own abilities.

Social Media Spring Cleaning: The scoop on our first destination shoot.

ON THE COVER: LILY JOHNSON // ORCHARD VIEW HIGH SCHOOL ON THE BACK: ALEIGHA MACK // WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL

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LINEY FIGUEROA | CLASS OF 2018 NORTH MUSKEGON HIGH SCHOOL

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BY LINEY FIGUEROA

I remember committing to Alma College and feeling so many exciting emotions, from being a first-generation college student to being another Latina attending college, but as soon as my family said goodbye to me on moving day, I knew I really did commit that day. Coming from a Hispanic household meant that family is EVERYTHING. Therefore being away from home was definitely my biggest battle. Not getting together to eat dinner? Yeah. I cried for a couple of weeks. The first few weeks for me were very hard. I missed my family, my boyfriend, and my cats!! Although it starts off difficult, trust me, it gets better!!

I made so many friends this past year and I am forever thankful for them. Especially, my roommate, she became one of my best friends, and if your roommate becomes your best friend as well, be thankful!

Not all roommate stories are the best. College is filled with so many new experiences! A couple of personal examples: I pulled my first allnighter in college to study for my biology exam! Would I recommend it? Absolutely not. But hey, if you have to do it, do it with caution. I ate French Fries every single day in college. Again, would I recommend it?

Absolutely not. Was it fun? Yes, but now that I am home, I don’t want to see French Fries ever again. As I am reflecting on my first year of college, which goes by fast let me tell you that, I am here to enlighten any seniors with a few college do’s and don’t.

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DO: Go to class every day!

No matter what others tell you, please go to class every day.

A professor might drop a test hint or even offer extra credit for attendance.

DON’T: Don’t wait until the night before to study

This one right here will save your grades and pretty much your life. Always begin to study for a test at least a week in advance or two if you can. Studying the night before will just stress you out even more.

DO: Bring flip-flops for the showers.

Honestly, just please trust me on this one.

Don’t: Bring your entire room to college.

As many college students may say, “make your dorm room feel like your room back home”, I advise you to make your dorm room feel like your room back home but with less stuff. I literally bought my entire room, and moving out day was a nightmare! Just ask my mom.

DO: HAVE FUN! College is such a fun experience, from living in dorm rooms to making friends from all around the country, or even the world! Definitely take it down a notch on the weekends and have fun. Explore your college city, or stay in and watch a fun movie with friends!

LINEY FIGUEROA

FORMER SPOKESMODEL / ALMA COLLEGE

To my first-generation college students: YOU GOT THIS! It’s going to be hard, I am not going to lie, but that degree?

Yeah, so worth it! There will be days where you’ll just feel like giving up, but just breathe and take it day by day and

Liney with friend and roommate Vanessa

I promise your first year will do just fine.

To my Latinos attending college: ¡SI SE PUEDE! We are not just some statistic, we are the future!!

Keep fighting, our Latino community needs us!

Liney with friend Lillian 6

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FELICIA LEONARD | WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL

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ABBIE KOSTER

CONSULTANT, OWNER ABIGAIL BOS, LLC

K I C K I NG O F F YOU R

CREDIT

I opened my first credit card during my first

needed to sell my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta to

semester of college. I remember walking

my 16-year-old brother.

through the courtyard behind Mackinac Hall and seeing the tables set up with applications and gifts. I filled out a clipboard full of applications that afternoon just to get a pair of yellow faux-kleys (as in not Oakleys). Some weeks later I received my first credit card with a $500 limit. I knew

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It has been almost 20 years since I sold my brother that car and I have still never paid interest on a credit card. So, lend me a few minutes of your time to advise you on how to build credit effectively without going into debt, or having to sell your car.

better than to not pay the bill every month;

In my opinion, the best way to build credit

however, I still did not budget properly to

is to open a student card. I do not endorse

be able to pay my other expenses without

a specific card, but a search engine, a bank,

dipping into my savings account. Within

or a parent or guardian is a good place to

18 months I had drained my savings and

start for advice. A student credit card gives

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the cardholder a low limit; however, that does

I spend more than I would be using cash or a

not mean the card needs to be maxed out every

debit card. The excuse I use is that I am earning

month. I recommend only charging one monthly

gift certificates for clothes or cash back; however,

budget item to the credit card. For instance,

1-3% of $100 is only $1-$3 in rewards...not

only use the card for fuel or groceries. Make

worth it!

sure to pay off the card balance every month.

Carrying a balance is a huge waste of funds.

Another key point, keep this card open even when qualifying for other cards. A credit score is impacted positively when a card is kept open for an extended amount of time.

My final piece of advice, take a personal finance class. Most colleges offer a personal finance class. If this is not an option, there are several different personal finance classes offered online that can be found via an internet search. This class will provide even more detailed advice on

I do not recommend opening more than a few

how to build credit, as well as the knowledge to

credit cards. Sure there are great rewards

budget and prepare for the future.

programs, but, personally, I find that when I use a credit card for the purpose of earning rewards

SPOKESMODEL HIGHLIGHT Mary-Ashtyn Thomas Whitehall High School When Mary isn’t on the sidelines cheering, you can find her singing, playing guitar, going to the beach, hanging out outside, or spending time with her sister and friends. Mary’s dream job is to be a broadway acress, and (or) singer.

Mary is a Senior // Class of 2019

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LILY JOHNSON // ORCHARD VIEW HIGH SCHOOL MACKENZIE HORNAK // GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL MARY-ASHTYN THOMAS // WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL KERA DEVERMAN // ALLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL 11 S E N I O R E L I T E M AG A Z I N E | VO L. 03

THE LIGHT OF

FRIENDSHIP

KIRA JO

FASHION // BLOGGER WWW.ANAMKIRAOFFICIAL.COM

Friends play an important role in every person’s life.

They become a designated shoulder to cry on, a sole ear to lend, and our biggest supporters in all our endeavors. However, when we get caught up in our immensely busy lives, it becomes easy to neglect our friendships and falter in our responsibilities.

allowed her to keep a smile on her face throughout all the pain. Truly setting an example of what friendships are to us.

I have always cherished the few friends I have gained, yet didn’t know how truly important they were to me until one of my dearest friends, passed away.

The light that she brought into my life, and the lives of many others, was the brightest and most comforting warmth I’ve ever experienced and it’s terrifying that I never get to enjoy that again.

There were many more things I could’ve done for her, making time to see her before treatments started, or even calling her instead of the daily check-ins through text-messaging. It’s hard not to beat myself up about not seeing her more before she passed away but from that self-loathing, I am able to share my experiences and what I have learned.

The friend mentioned was unfortunately diagnosed with a petrifying form of aggressive cancer. She found happiness and strength in the support and love from all of her friends during this time and it

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Kira with friend Kathleen

I met her my sophomore year of high school, undoubtedly one of the hardest times when it came to making friends. My late friend brought so much joy, support, laughter, and even more friends into my life during this time. I would be lying if I were to say her death hasn’t been hard on me, it’s been the most devastating event I’ve had to deal with in my almost twenty-two years of life. Coincidentally, my main support system through this has been the same friends she brought into my life. Without them,

I would still be a sobbing mess, not being able to get out of the house and punching holes in all the walls I could find, almost six months after.

With this event occurring and formally being diagnosed with chronic depression, I’ve found myself finding happiness in quality time with my friends and family. The lingering dark thoughts disappear and are replaced by only what I can explain as “Peonies, and Pure Light” for the whole time they are in my presence. There doesn’t have to be conversations or activities of any kind, just being in the same room as a person I truly love is enough, and I feel this is valid for many others.

I see far too often, persons not treating their friendships the way that they truly value them.

Everyone is too busy to visit, but not too busy for one to visit them. Not in the mood to talk, unless it benefits them. And not asking of one’s day, unless they are asked first.

forcing each other to adhere only to one side, and instead of joining together in the middle.

Everyone goes through different obstacles at differing times in their lives, whether it be cancer, mental illness, breakups, dealing with parents divorcing, etc. We, as friends, need to be able to tell when they are in a rough patch and give a little more of our hearts to them, just as we expect them to do for us.

I share this with you because we never truly know how much our friends mean to us until they’re gone.

Since we can never be certain that we will get to live out our whole lives with them, we must do everything we can to let them know their worth, how important they are to us, and how grateful we are to have them.

Right now.

Stop having petty fights with the people you care about, stop ditching friends for other friends, stop holding grudges, and instead hold your friends tight.

High school is where you find some of your true friends, and if you can take anything away from me and my experiences, take this: Everyone you meet will have an impact on you, but your friends can truly change your life. Appreciate them while you have them.

Kira with friend Lydia

What I’ve learned over these last six months is that true friendship is selfless. We need to be able to be there for our friends in time of need, without any thought of reconciliation. Now, I don’t mean this as letting them step all over you, but as being aware of their needs, and making them aware of yours yet not

Kira with friend Keyarah

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SPOKES MODEL

NEW PROGRAM STARTING The 2019/2020 Spokesmodel program is forming RIGHT NOW. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something fantastic! My program goes beyond the typical senior photo session. Think about it. – most of you will have your photos taken. Several of you will have those photos taken by a professional photographer (hello). Why not be a part of a program that offers you photos THROUGHOUT your ENTIRE SENIOR YEAR. Yes, that would be this program right here folks. Here’s a little bit of what you get when you enroll.

A full one-on-one session, fully customized to your style; hair and make-up included. Your wardrobe will be reviewed during our wardrobe consultation and you will have unique location selections and a full day during the season of your choosing with your photographer (yours truly). Throughout the rest of your senior year you will get to choose to participate in many different pop-up shoots in and out of the studio – yes, we shoot in the studio too, and it’s warm there in the winter. Regardless, if you choose to participate in any group or individual pop-up shoots, you will get a cap and gown photo shoot at the end of your senior year. Seriously, how are you not already signed up?! This is just some of the perks. I haven’t even mentioned the opportunity for destination photo shoots and our parties and classes.

All of these things are available for the ENTIRE year for spokesmodels for just a little more than what my standard senior session would cost.

SIGN-UPS ARE RIGHT NOW! CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL: Captured by Sherry Ann | www.capturedbysherryann.com Call or text: 231-670-7992 | sherry@capturedbysherryann.com 14

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BRIYANNA TWITTY // WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL 15 S E N I O R E L I T E M AG A Z I N E | VO L. 03

Scan to watch our full-length video.

KAITLYN DUFFEY

MASTER HAIR STYLIST // BAYLAGE SPECIALIST INSTAGRAM: @KDUFFEYHAIRART

HALF-UP H A I R S T Y L E S Summer is coming and it’s time to talk about hair trends. A lot of ladies are going short this season, trimming their tresses. But short locks do not mean you cannot put it up in a knot when you’re out and about or at the beach and need a cute style in a hurry.

Here are a handful of easy styles that can be used with any length hair, but are especially friendly to those of you who also have shorter styles. I have collaborated with Sherry who has baby-fine and short hair, to put these methods to the test, and as an added bonus to you all, we have recorded the steps in a Vlog and linked the video above.

First, it is helpful to have added texture to your hair if it is especially fine. I recommend some sort of volumizing mousse or sea salt spray (even if you do not have wavy hair).

Second, a little backcombing will go a long way to give you the look of volume and to cover up any colics you may have. A little is all you need, be careful to not over-tease your hair.

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STYLE 1: TOP KNOT

STYLE 3: TOP BRAID AND KNOT

The first style we did was a simple half pony. First, section

For something a little fun, try braiding half of your hair

off the top area of your hair and pull it back to the crown

down to your crown, then pulling the braid big and loose

of your head. For this style, I simply collected this small

before securing it with a pony. Finish it off by gently

section of hair at the crown of your head. I like to add

backcombing your pony and wrapping it up into a top knot

texture and volume at the front by pulling pieces back up

and pinning it up for a fun and different style.

and forward. Secure your hair at the crown with a bobby pin. You can collect your hair however it will work with you for this style, the idea is to let it be fun and a little messy.

If your hair is extra thick, you may want to hold on to a couple of pins for these styles.

STYLE 4: SOFT AND LOW For something a little more elegant, I love to do a simple twist. For this, leave a little hair down around the face, and sweep your hair around slightly to one side in the back STYLE 2: PONY WRAP The second look I recommend is to collect a small section of hair at the crown of your head and tie the hair up with a ponytail holder. Then take a small section of hair from the pony and wrap it around the ponytail holder, leaving about two inches. Take a bobby pin and put the remaining hair

of your head. Gently roll once into a small twist and loop a hair tie over the twisted hair. Gently pull at the twist to loosen the knot and spread the twist even larger. Then I like to come back to the hair that is down and framing the face. I recommend gently twisting or braiding this back and pinning it to the back as well to complete the look.

into the pin about an inch or so down. Feed the pin with the hair through the pony holder and the pony and pull tight.

Remove the bobby pin.

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KERA DEVERMAN // ALLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL 18

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BY SHERRY MCKAY

Social Media

SPRING CLEANING A s part of my spokesmodel program, I

your past and you can’t change who you are.

ask my members to uphold a code of

Employers who are spying on you probably are

ethics that includes reflecting a positive

doing this to catch a glimpse of who you are

attitude in the public eye and refraining from

anyway, so don’t take that away from them. But

exhibiting improper and illegal behavior. The

you may want to think about how much of you-

public eye includes but does not limit social

you want them to see.

media. I have several reasons for asking my team to follow this code, but it is one that I think benefits us all in the long run. So follow along!

You can also use this to your advantage. Are you getting ready to head off to college or into a new job? Start fluffing up your social media

Did you know that nearly 70% of potential

and set some intentional posts to public. Do

employers screen you via social media?

you know what this is called? MARKETING!

According to a 2018 CareerBulder.com study,

You should market yourself 100% in a holistic

these employers commonly use social media to

way. Don’t be over-the-top or cheesy because

screen candidates during the interview process.

employers are smarter than you think, and can

Yikes. And even existing employees aren’t free

see through this too.

and clear. Approximately 43% of employers check in on their current employees via social media too.

Ultimately, just make sure you’re cleaning up anything you know you shouldn’t be doing.

If you’re underage or talking smack, get it off

We often thoughtlessly post things on social

there. Even if your friends tag you, it could

media that we either think are funny or

very well be public, so stop now. And if you’re

thought-provoking, but are we thinking first

already all set, then awesome, happy posting!

before we do so? Do we take the same amount

Here’s my reference to the survey for more info

of consideration into account when we post to

about what employers are looking at:

social media as we do when we approach our

http://press.careerbuilder.com/2018-08-09-More-Than-

coworkers, bosses, or even teachers throughout the day? I’m going to guess the most common answer is probably not. But that doesn’t

Half-of-Employers-Have-Found-Content-on-SocialMedia-That-Caused-Them-NOT-to-Hire-a-CandidateAccording-to-Recent-CareerBuilder-Survey

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CAPTURED BY SHERRY ANN WWW.CAPTUREDBYSHERRYANN.COM CALL OR TEXT: 231-670-7992 SHERRY@CAPTUREDBYSHERRYANN.COM