volume 4 Issue 2
Meet The Staff
editors
Editor in Chief- Hailey Giles Editor in Chief- Jasmyn Weaver Managing Editor- Ceana Ray Business Manager- Emily Harris Art Director- Annika Snow Design Editor- Lindsey Villarreal Copy Editor- Asia Vinthaxay
staff reporters
Cameron Hawk Jaylin Pipkins Miracle Sosa
Staff Page by: Ceana Ray Cover Design and Photo Illustration by: Annika Snow Table of Contents by: Ceana Ray
Letter from the Editor Dear Steele High School, We are braving the controversial seas in order to discuss the importance of recognizing mental health, and learning to cope. Often times in society we choose to ignore mental health because it is too difficult to discuss, for both those struggling and those surrounding them. However, with the presence of holiday season, the rise in stress from testing, as well as other problems that may arise that can deteriorate our mental health, we think it’s important to discuss mental health through positive measures, rather than in demeaning ways. Mental health is often viewed with a negative connotation, discussed as if it should be an embarrassment, however mental health is extremely common throughout the population, especially throughout high school. Our society so rarely accepts the actuality and the severity of mental health difficulties, but we don’t want it to go unnoticed any longer, we want society to feel accepted for whatever they may be facing. We want you to know that their is a support system, and there is always something you can do in order to feel even a little bit better. We accept whatever you have to bring to the table.
-Hailey Giles
Editor-in-Chief
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By
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Junior Year...
The worst year of your Life Story and Design by Lindsey Villarreal
T SA
C Se ol a le rc g h e
AC T Why can’t everything slow down?
GPA RANK
2 | Lets talk about it
Junior year is... Junior year, the time for teenagers to get their act together. SAT’s are rolling around, your class rank rises and falls, colleges start looking at every single move you make, and EVERYTHING falls apart. It’s when your homework is due the next day, and you stay up till 3 or 4 in the morning doing projects that should have been done at the beginning of the month. What you once found easy is now difficult. You start to realize the seniors were correct when they warned you about this year. Teachers are giving you more and more homework as time passes, and your pile just keeps growing. At this point, students lose inspiration and motivation to finish their assignments to make deadline. Most of the time, students push off their homework, leaving them to never complete assignments. Due to that, their grades drop and frustrations rise. This is the year where adults tend to ask you ‘what’s your plan for the future?’ At this age, teenagers are still discovering their personality, interests, and who they want to be. During your third year of high school, students start looking at their options after high school whether it be a four-year university, a two-year community school, trade school, joining the military or heading into the workforce. It’s like you can’t stop, you can’t slow down, you have to keep grinding and grinding and grinding. There aren’t any breaks or slow breaths. This is when everything just becomes too much to handle and you snap. It’s when you feel you can’t find the light in the tunnel. It’s important to trust the process and do what you need to do to make yourself successful. Peers are not kidding when they say… Junior year is THE WORST YEAR.
“Harder that I thought it would be (that’s what she said).” - Aaliyah Crismon, 11th grade. “Stressful, blatantly and honestly one of (if not) the worst years of high school when comes to homework and planning your future after graduation.” - Sofia Urena, 11th grade.
“When you finally get the courage to text your crush and he leaves you on read.” -Beatrice Cuellar 11th grade.
“Academics and extracurriculars have kept my junior year busy.”Kamile Kurkleryte, 11th grade.
“Eh.” - Samantha Gobert, 11th grade.
First
Story and Design by : Miracle Sosa
& Lasts
Throughout high school, people experience many firsts as freshmen and many lasts as seniors. Seniors Gabriel Burriel, Jessica Do, and Selah Hammond have all felt the reality of the “last” year in school. As a senior you have freedoms such as off period and less classes to stress you out. This is the year that we can start to figure out who we are, without being confined. Teachers and parents expect more of us, so we are given more opportunities to show what we are really made of. Senior year is simultaneously our last year of our childhood and the first year of our true lives. Kids go straight to college, take a gap year and travel, or go into the armed forces. As this year closes try not to rush the last day or years of high school. Slow down. Enjoy your time that is free of bills, tuition, and the other joys of adulthood. During you senior year, go to the games, join clubs you didn’t think were for you, don’t procrastinate so you can build healthy habits that will be beneficial for you later in life. Most of all, enjoy your senior year.
4 |Spotlight
“
I couldn’t imagine eight periods. It feels really nice because I can go home, do homework, and hang out with my friends off campus. I can do the stuff that I need to not having to worry and do everything in such a small amount of time.”
Jessica Do 12th
“
I predict my last day as a senior will be a lot of me: laughing, crying, and being happy because I am finally graduating.”
Selah Hammond 12th
“
The term first and last means the beginning and the end of a chapter, nostalgia when you look back on your old life , videos , photos . looking back at your past self see how much you’ve changed, grown.”
Gabriel Burriel 11th
spotlight | 5
When students talk about Texas football, they always comment on how the football teams get the most funding or the most coverage. There is never a conversation about how the players feel physically and mentally. The stress and expectations increase when you are selected to play in the San Antonio All Star game. Daryn McKnight and Maison Sharp have all been selected to play on January 4, 2020. “It’s my favorite sport,” Sharp, 12, said “I don’t find it stressful, I find it therapeutic.” Sharp has been playing football since he was young,and has played all four years of high school. “It‘s cool to be able to play with others from other schools,” Sharp said “I’ve matured and realized that it’s not just a game, it’s peoples jobs, and I have to compete everyday. ‘ The San Antonio Bowl will he held on January 4, 2020. 100 students have been selected to play in this event. “I’m excited to be able to play one last game of my high school career,” Sharp said. “A lot of times football will bring stress because football in Texas is best in the nation, but for most of the time, it’s an outlet for us,” McKnight said. “It’s a way to clear your mind.” The San Antonio All Star Game 110 student athletes representing over 60 schools. This will be the 42nd anniversary of this event.
“My understanding of the game has changed; the game has slowed down for me, therefore, I’m able to play at a higher level than previous years,” McKnight is a wide receiver and has played as long as he can remember. “To prepare for the game, I’m just going about things as if I was still in season,” McKnight said. “Everybody is San Antonio area were looked at to play in the game. I am just blessed to know that I was selected to play in it,” When playing in such a big game, there is a certain mental stress that is put on the player. Though, these players find the game exciting and relaxing. “Nothing really changed for me mentally. I’ve always been in the same mindset, just different opportunities have revealed themselves, and I was able to capitalize on them,” McKnight said. Throughout their high school careers, these students have worked insanely hard to get to where they are today. “It feels good knowing all my hard work over the years have paid off,” The three students will be playing for the gold team along with 53 other student athletes. Daniel Jackson has been selected to play in the Army All American Bowl in 2020. “I deal with the stress of football by reminding myself that it’s just a game, and all that’s going to happen during the game is supposed to happen.”
Jackson said The All American Bowl will also be on January 4th. “It’s an honor since my brother played it, and I look up to him.” Jackson said. Previous players have been Caden Sterns, Brenden Brady, and Malcolm Brown. “When I found out I was selected, I was proud of myself and what I accomplished,” This upcoming game marks the 20th anniversary. “I don’t know how many players were looked at, but I know that only 90 players were chosen.” Jackson said. This game features the best 100 players in the country. The tickets start out at $6.50, and the game will be held at the Alamodome. “Right now I work out twice a day to prepare for the game and college ball.” These athletes have excelled on and off the field, and their hard work over the years have paid off. These games could help these players in their collegiate and perhaps professional careers.
“
I’m bl kn iw se pl
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living up to the
Story and Design by: Jasmyn Weaver
6| Lets Play
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I’m just blessed to know that i was selected to play in it.”
-Daryn McKnight, 12th
the ve ers in reers.
“
it’s my favorite sport I don’t find is stressful, I find it therapeutic.”
-Maison Sharp, 12th
“
it’s an honor since my brother played it, and i look up to him.”
-Daniel Jackson, 12th
Photo by Gerard Betts Daryn McKnight,12, during the assembly held for him and his teammates accomplishments on the field.
Final Score: team black 35 team Gold 34
Photo by Gerard Betts Daniel Jackson, 12, receiving his All American Bowl jersey.
Let’s play| 7
Cheer PressU Designed by Emily Harris
School pride is the strongest with the cheer team. They hype up the players and crowd at every varsity football game. When football season ends, what does cheer go on to do? They have their own cheer season as well as a big UIL event for only cheerleaders in January. Beginning in the fall, the team prepares a routine and practices intensely until the competition season begins after Christmas break.
re Photo by Nayeli Esquilin
Photo by Anna Belenski
“During football season, during practice, not only do we work on game day things, we start training for UIL. If we have a routine for a pep rally, we work on that. During the offseason, we also run and condition.� -Kennedy Brink, 12th Grade
Photo by Gracie Brown
8| Lets Play
Photo by Christian Ordonez
Photo by Gracie Brown
“As a team, I believe we need to work on the small details of our routine. We have the structure and now we can add a little of our own touch to it.” -Brianna Barnes, 11th Grade Photo by Gracie Brown
quilin
rdonez
Photo by Mckenzie Prothero
Photo by Gracie Brown
“We practice constantly, staying focused on one event at a time. We practice on a certain event on a certain day. Every day we practice something different and on Fridays, we run through everything.” -Makaylah Thompson, 12th Grade
“To get ready for the season, we discuss our goals, such as how high we aim to place and what we want to accomplish as a team. We do some team bonding to get comfortable with each other, then we dive into practice and continue practicing to perfect our routines.” -Nia McPherson, 11th Grade
Photo by Amar Rodgers
Photo by Amar Rodgers
Let’s play| 9
Mental Health
Story and Design by Hailey Giles
Walking through the halls we hear a constant buzz of chatter, the chatter of weekend plans, the lack of preparation for an exam the next period, the failure to accept the challenges of growing up. We hear as students mutter to their friends about their desire to end it because of the stress, or the “severity” of their Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as they wish the halls would be more organized. As the idea and understanding of mental health has grown, the discussion has become more common, despite whether or not the issues are actually present or if there is just a desire for attention. Often mental health goes ignored or unnoticed because so many people make jokes as if it’s a topic that can be joked or poked fun at. Mental health is not to be poked fun at. If you’re having a bad day that doesn’t mean you have depression. If you get a little stressed out because you have a test in your next class period that doesn’t mean you have anxiety. If you like your pens facing a certain way, that doesn’t mean you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Often times people like to make little jokes in order to
claim a particular label, in order to gain attention from those around them, while those who face the real struggles of mental health get ignored. Those who truly have depression, and struggle to even crawl out of their beds in the morning are ignored. Those who truly have anxiety, and lie awake at night thinking of every possibility in their life that could go wrong are ignored. Those who truly have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and who cannot eat unless their food has been prepared exactly to their needs, are ignored. In our society people always crave a label, a reason, and they don’t understand the assaultiveness of their self diagnosis. Those with genuine struggles with their mental health feel ostracized. They feel pushed to the side or judged by those who claim to share their same struggles. The reality is, it is okay to not be okay. It is okay to be upset, it is okay to not be happy everyday. What’s not okay is to pretend to relate with those who are constantly looking for help, just because you felt a little sad after failing a test.
Appropriation
Lets talk about it| 11
Friends
Not all
Are
Your Friends Story and Design by Ceana Ray Art by Annika Snow
As many studies continue to research and pick apart the human brain, our emotions tend to be a great mystery. If our minds understand and believe that something or someone is not good for us, why do we go back to them? A friendship is an addiction we pull ourselves into, whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent. A friend who pushes you to be the best person you can be could be considered a good habit to keep around. A friendship that is labor intensive, and toxic could be a nasty habit, and a hard one to break. In the back of our minds we tend to know which is which, but it’s up to us to determine what is best for our mental health. High school doesn’t last forever and neither do toxic friendships. Sometimes it’s hard to realize who is and isn’t good for you. Maybe you already know exactly who isn’t good for you, but you can’t seem to bring yourself to cut them out of your life. We get used to having certain people stand with us in our daily lives, we never seem to see them fade away. The real friends stand by your side, even when your life gets turned upside down. Real friends don’t treat you terribly when you’re not like anyone else but yourself. The real friends will keep your most fragile secrets. Real friends will stop your tears before they begin to stream down your face. The real friends come into our strange lives when needed most, and show no signs of leaving our sides.
Tell yourself the truth, you deserve to be surrounded by those who care about you. Ask certain questions to yourself to fully understand if someone’s friendship is good for you. Friends ask meaningful, thought provoking questions that deepen conversation. Being able to show your true colors is liberating, everyone should be able to fully be themselves. You should be able to be listened deeply by someone, rather than waiting to talk about themselves. Treasure the ones that actually know you best. It’s an extremely real possibility to be engulfed by people around you, but be completely alone. Keep those around you who you can comfortably talk about your struggles, and trust that they will not misjudge for begging for attention. It’s okay to leave people behind who are not positively benefiting you. You are not a coward or fake for doing what is best for yourself. Half the battle you fight is coming to the harsh reality that change can be a beautiful thing. You can grow and live your life without binds off emotional stress, good relationships shouldn’t make you stressed. Keep those who do check up on you when your mannerism change. It is okay to finally do something that’s better for you. You know yourself best, and know right from wrong. You do deserve to be loved and treated right.
If your best friends eats healthy, you are 5x more likely to adopt to a healthier diet yourself. -Gallup Organization
People who do not have friends at work have only a 1 in 12 chance of being engaged in their job. -Gallup Organization
“I had assumed that i would age with all my friends growing old around me, dying off very gradually one by one. And here was a plague that cut them off so early.”
-Thom Gunn English Poet
7,500 elders across the U.S. agreed it is more important on the quality of friends rather than the quantities. -Times Magazine Lets talk about it| 13
7 Types of
Loneliness
Story and Design by: Jaylen Pipkins Art by: Annika Snow
Loneliness can be an emotional response to isolation, it typically includes anxious feeling about a lack of connection or communication with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future. According to experts it is not necessarily about being alone, instead if you feel alone and isolated, then that is how loneliness play into your mind. Not everyone experiences loneliness the same way. There are several types of loneliness. New situation loneliness is the first loneliness that is most common in people life, you moved to a new city where you don’t know anyone, or you’ve started a school full of unfamiliar faces. The second common types of loneliness are I’m-different loneliness. You’re in a place that’s not unfamiliar, but you feel different from other people in an important way that makes you feel isolated. Maybe your faith is really important to you, and the people around you don’t share that — or vice versa. Maybe everyone loves doing outdoor activities, but you don’t — or vice versa. It feels hard to connect with others about the things you find important. Or maybe you’re just hit with the loneliness that hits all of
14| Lets talk about it
us sometimes — the loneliness that’s part of the human condition. The third common types of loneliness are no romantic partner loneliness Even if you have lots of family and friends, you feel lonely because you don’t have the intimate attachment of a romantic partner. Or maybe you have a partner, but you don’t feel a deep connection to that person. The fourth common loneliness is Noanimal loneliness. Many people have a deep need to connect with animals. If this describes you, you’re sustained by these relationships in a way that human relationships don’t replace. But many people feel like something important is missing if they don’t have a dog or cat in their lives. The fifth common types of loneliness are No-time-for-me loneliness. Sometimes you’re surrounded by people who seem friendly enough, but they don’t want to make the jump from friendly to friends. Maybe they’re too busy with their own lives, or they have lots of friends already, so while you’d like a deeper connection, they don’t seem interested. Or maybe your existing friends have entered a new phase that means they no longer have time for the things
you all used to do — everyone has started working very long hours so that your social scene has changed. The sixth common loneliness is Untrustworthy-friends loneliness. Sometimes, you get in a situation where you begin to doubt whether your friends are truly well-intentioned, kind, and helpful. Your “friends” with people but don’t quite trust them. An important element of friendship is the ability to confide and trust, so if that’s missing, you may feel lonely, even if you have fun with your friends. The seventh common loneliness is quiet-presence loneliness. Sometimes, you may feel lonely because you miss having someone else’s quiet presence. You may have an active social circle at work, or have plenty of friends and family, but you miss having someone to hang out with at home — whether that would mean living with a roommate or a family member It’s important to realize why you feel lonely, because then you can see how to address it. Loneliness is a major factor in unhappiness, so it is important to tackle if you want to make yourself happier.
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Lets talk about it| 15
Holiday Story and designed by Emily Harris
Diversity
Holidays are a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the festivities of the season. Each family has their own traditions and ways they prepare for the season. Not one family celebrates the same. “Leading up to Christmas, I relax and finish getting ready. Christmas shopping for my friends and family plus any extra decorating we need to do,” Ashley Lindell, 12th grade, said. The Christmas season can be hectic and finding time to relax and take a break from school is important. “In Germany, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Catholics go to church in the afternoon. Presents appear under the tree while we are gone, making Christmas more magical,” Leonie Sack, 11th grade, said. Exchange students have a different type of culture shock when the holiday season comes around. Being away from friends and family is difficult but learning about the way America celebrates is new and different. “Every year on Christmas Eve, we have a crab leg dinner. The meal is so good and it’s great to all come together and spend time with each other,” Ashley Lindell, 12th grade, said.
Family dinner is a time for everyone close to enjoy each other’s company and eat good food. Family is the most important part of the season. “Typically we hang with my grandparents and celebrate Christmas. We don’t have any special traditions,” Jessica Do, 12th grade, said. Although most people celebrate Christmas, some celebrate other holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Everyone has different traditions and reasons they celebrate the season. “We usually celebrate with our families the two days following Christmas Eve. We eat and play games,” Leonie Sack, 11th grade, said. Having fun traditions together makes Christmas more enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing certain cousins can be exciting. “My grandma cooked Christmas dinner the whole day. After cooking, she forced us to sing old Christmas songs we didn’t even know in the living room. I hated it but now I miss it because after my grandma passed away, no one would make us sing anymore,” Leonie Sack, 11th Grade, said.
“I like the cultural diversity we have in the community, it’s interesting to see how other people celebrate the holiday season.”
-Ashley Lindell, 12th Grade
Lifestyle| 16
Shedding Light on Religions in the holiday season Christianity Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). In the month of December, aside from just the church festivities, people will sing traditional Christmas carols, buy Christmas trees, and place wrapped presents under the tree to exchange at a Christmas party or on Christmas morning.
Judaism The Jewish celebrate Hanukkah. It is an eight-day festival of lights celebrated by a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and foods (fried). Hanukkah memorializes the small army of Jews that defeated the mighty Greek Army in the second century BCE. The Jewish reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and as a symbol of reclaiming the temple, the menorah was to be lit; however, only a single cruse of olive oil was left. Even with a little bit of olive oil, the menorah was still lit and stayed lit for eight days.
Islam Muslims do believe in Jesus but do not believe he is God or the son of God. According to the Islamic religion, Jesus’ birth was either in March or September based on the season indications in the Bible. Another viewpoint of the Christmas holiday is that Christmas is really just a new purposed pagan celebration which is not supported by the Islamic religion (Paganism).
Hinduism Hindus in India do celebrate in December with a five-day holiday called Pancha Ganapati. The celebration begins on December 21 to celebrate the elephant-headed lord of culture and new beginnings. The major portion of the celebration is putting up a statue of Ganesha in the home and dressing the statue for each day of the celebration in colors of yellow, blue, red, green, and orange.
Buddhism Christmas is a time of gift giving and practicing peace and goodwill toward mankind. Buddhists can practice their religion and see the similarities between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhists celebrate the holidays by hanging up Christmas decorations in their temples, sending cards to loved ones, holding late night vigils, and occasionally listen to Christmas music.
care
Holistic Story and Design by Ceana Ray Art by Annika Snow
Reduce itching and swelling from bug bites sleep Helps with headaches Relaxing scent and tends to help Side effects can be headaches, chills, vomiting and irritate skin if intolerance
Possesses calming properties Tends to help with insomnia Can trigger circulation in the skin Side effects can include eye irritation, and vomiting if taken in large amounts.
Can be used as a tick repellent Traditionally used as a decongestant Tends to open up airways Side effects can include stomach pains, burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, and small eye pupils
Part of the herb and mint family Sometimes will repel mosquitoes Can open airways to help common cold Side effects can include allergic reactions, heartburn, rash, and mouth ulcers
18 |lifestyle
For some, essential oils are a type of pain reliever. Every different oil has different effects and soothing qualities. Although essential oils are not for everyone, it tends to essential for supporters.
Acupuncture is a Chinese practice in which needles are inserted into specific points around your body to relieve pain and cure diseases.
Governing Vessel: GV20, Baihui This point is used to help cure headaches, vertigo, ear ringing, nasal obstruction and mental disorders. Shen Men: This point helps improve your feelings of calm and serenity. It helps with the treatments of anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, pain, addiction, and detoxification.
Heart Channel: HT7, Shenmen This point is used to help you maintain focus. It helps treat insomnia, nightmares, hysteria, depression, agitation, and many other mental illnesses. It can also be used to help in the treatment of heart disease and fatigue.
Small Intestine Channel: SI3, Houxi This point helps treat stiffness, pains in the neck, night sweats, seizures, and fevers. It can also help treat a variety of mental disorders.
Acupuncture Story and Design by Lindsey Villarreal Art by Annika Snow
to spending time with friends and family, activities so simple as to baking cookies with loved ones are what the holidays are all about. Unfortunately for some “the most wonderful time of the year” isn’t all that great. Seasonally, feelings like anxiety, loneliness, and depression sprout, leaving many to feel hopeless. Although those feelings might seem everlasting, i can assure you they aren’t.
Healthy
By: Asia Vinthaxay
H lidays Keeping yourself safe this season
P
During the holiday season, many look forward
When stress is at its peak, its hard to stop and regroup. Planning daily activities will keep you in positive mindset, staying busy and having fun whether its alone or with friends is key. With that being said, having time off can be seen as a positive or negative, what is there to do with so much time on your hands? This time can be used to relax, relieve stress, organize your schedule, and maybe even clean out your closet. Besides keeping ourselves busy, theres specific things we can do to relive our minds and bodies from stress. Staying active whether its getting your steps in for the day, or going on daily jogs has proven to relieve anxiety and boost your mood. Listening to music is a great way to start off your day, boosting your mood and putting you in the right state of mind for what the day has to bring. Reading a good book also has great benefits for the mind, setting a goal to finish a book by the end of break challenges us and keeps our brain flowing. Lastly, the most important thing you can do for your mental health is to let go over break! Make the holidays about spending time with loved ones.
Photo by: Tayor Eastridge
Photo by: Asia vinthaxay
Photo by: Asia Vinthaxay
P lan
en rs
Planners help us stay organized with daily tasks and organization.
Clea
ning
Relaxin g
Cleaning relieves stress, improve mood leaving you feeling relieved
Take a day to relax and get a break! You deserve it!
Lifestyle| 21
ve lve t e e Story and Design by Jasmyn Weaver Photos by Miracle Sosa
Every time an actor takes the stage, hours upon hours have been put into their preparation for this one moment. No matter if they are the lead or ensemble, the cast puts their all into making it the best possible show they can. Thaddeus Trumps, 11th, played the older version of Steven. “Performing gives me an exhilarating feeling, it’s like putting your life on pause,” Trumps said “Being able to feel like you’re entirely new person is amazing.” A high school senior has months to prepare for a roll before they take the stage. The production of Velveteen Rabbit took three months. “The Velveteen Rabbit production was actually very different than any other production. It was the same process as any other show, but the cast was just meant for each other,” During their first night performance, the theatre department was taking baby wipes as a way to pay for the admission. The proceeds went to help a local center for moms. “Mental health was more of an outside thing, but in the moments where it affected my performance, it helped,” Trumps said
“Being able to step out of reality helped to take a break.” Tickets were sold for $5 for students and $10 for adults. The cast put on 3 shows during second period for elementary school kids and three after school productions open for everyone to watch. “The biggest struggle was feeling like I was taking over the show. Having a leading role gave me a more awkward feeling,” Trumps said “It was hard to not speed through the show out of fear I was taking away the spotlight.” Every role in the play was vital. No part was too small. Without the help of the other toys in the room, the play wouldn’t have been the same. “Interacting with the kids was a good and magical moment because they thought it was based on a true story and they wanted to know more,” Andrea Robledo, 12, said. Robledo played Cymbal the Cymbal Monkey. “Preparing for the show was pretty stressful because we had to take almost our entire schedule for rehearsals on projection and our emotions,” Robledo said. The tricks included in the show were girls
oct 21-
first full run through
sept 3-
first rehearsal
nov15-
DEc 1-
rollerskating, being a jack-in-the-box, using crutches as an extra set of legs, and learning cymbals. After performing for the elementary school kids, the cast held a Q&A. “The kids wanted to know if it was based off of a true story,” Robledo said. Kids bombarded the cast with questions such as “What character did you play?” “Why did you have crutches?” “Did you break your leg?” These kids were filled with a wonder and joy that just isn’t normally seen on campus. These actors and actresses helped keep that wonder alive.
first kids show
first dress rehearsal
DEc 7-
final show
DEc 5-
opening night
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Thaddeus Trumps as Older Steven.
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Samantha Guyett and Daisy Dawson, play Younger Stephen Velveteen Rabbit, in their final scene.
Laurel Metcalf puts on her makeup to prepare for her roll as the Jack-in-the-Box.
Andrea Robledo putting on her Cymbal makeup before the show.
Samantha Guyett and Daisy Dawson play Younger Stephen and the Velveteen Rabbit, in their final scene.
Lets play| 23
go to a coffee shop
Read a Book Take a breath and pull out a good book, typically the best are those that don’t make you antsy. Simply sitting down and focusing on the words will distract you from whatever may be distracting you or making you upset.
Drive around and find a new coffee shop. Even if the atmosphere might not be the best, the coffee might be delicious, or vice versa. Coffee shops, and coffee can automatically make you feel better if you’re someone with a caffeine addiction, like me.
Tak
Make Your
DAY
Often this time of year is very difficult, midterms, family dramas, the financial stress that the holidays bring. We often need to remind ourselves to calm down, and relax, to let go, and to let certain things that may be worrying us go. Its important to love ourselves, and to remind us of what we love, of what helps us keep ourselves together.
Listening to your favorite artist, album, or song on repeat will bring you relaxation. Reminding yourself of what you like, and of what you enjoy hearing, will keep you thinking of the positives.
Listen to music
go to an animal shelter
Art by Annika Snow Story and Design by Hailey Giles
Going to look at cute animals will brighten anyone’s mood. Being able to have all the puppies and kitten climb all over you will relieve a great amount of stress. Ask to take the dogs for short walks, and to play in their pens with them, that’s added stress relief.
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I’m not sure what it is, the smell of buttery popcorn, and burnt Starbucks coffee, a walk around Target will calm me down any day. Grabbing a cart and walking through the aisles, roaming the endless unnecessary items in the dollar section, it will calm you down.
Take a walk around target take a nap
c
ter
Watching something familiar, or something completely new will distract you from whatever you may be feeling. Whether or not you watch re-runs of your favorite TV shows, or try one of your suggested selections on Netflix, simply calming down and changing your focus will help you
When all else fails, just nap it out. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are tired, just lay down and relax. Listen to music, lay in comfortable blankets, maybe grab a pet, and just let your thoughts go away.
Watch movies and tv shows
Entertainment| 25
Morning Routine That Helps Stress Female
57% 38%
7 Things to help with stress in the morning!
1. Wake up early 2. Make your bed
4% 1%
5 min or less Over an hour
3. Meditate/ Prayer
More than 30 min 30 min or less About how long does it take to get ready?
Male
75% 21%
3% 1%
Over an hour 5 min or less More than 30 min 30 min or less 26| Entertainment
4. Take a cold 5. Drink coffee, Tea,
shower
or any drink of your 6. choice Early morning jog, and walks 7.Playing Music
Or Creates Stress Designed by: Cameron Hawk
7 Things that create stress in the morning!
Male
1. Waking up late
57%
2. 3. Not able to
finish makeup
5. Not getting your
morning coffee
7. Not able to
shower
43%
Not able to eat breakfast
29% 21% out of 150 people
Come to tutoring Park in Africa
4. Forgetting
Stay late Park close
things
Female 52% 43%
6.Missing the bus
29% 26%
out of 150 people
Come to tutoring Park in Africa Stay late Park close Entertainment| 27
Road Trippin’ Done the Right Way. By: Asia Vinthaxay
’
1
Pick a Destination! Deciding where to take your road trip can be tough, and sometimes a deal breaker. When choosing your location, ask yourself, what are your interests? What sights do you want to see? What weather do you want to be in? Do your research. Whether you like to be outdoors, or stay inside looking at art, choose a location that will accommodate to your interests with plenty of activities.
2 Wherever you go DO NOT go alone There are tons of reasons why you won’t regret taking a road trip with friends. Economically speaking, it’s way more affordable, splitting costs between gas, meals, and even accommodations can save you tons of money. Another huge reason not to go alone is falling asleep at the wheel! There’s a possibility that you’re bound to do it, switching off throughout the trip ensures you stay on schedule and is way safer. Lastly, I mean who wouldn’t want a road trip with friends, its makes the drive 10X more fun, and who wants to sing alone anyways?
3 Have a set plan.
Go through and calculate times, how long it’s going to take to get to your destination? Where are you going to stay? What activities do you want to do most? Making a list can help you stay organized and can keep your trip on the right track. One last tip for organization would be to CLEAN YOUR CAR! Trust me as tedious as it may sound, having a clean comfortable car is key to a successful road trip!
4 Be SPONTANEOUS
It’s okay to make a few extra stops on the road, surprise yourself. Allow time for freedom in you’re route, on the road you’re gonna see so many signs saying “Exit Here” for places like national parks, cities, or maybe even decide to stop in the snow. Entertainment| 29