9 17 15 hiline

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One Tank Trips

Tiger HI-LINE

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

Columnist heads for a lake in first installment/page 10 Follow us on Twitter at tigerhiline, Facebook at TigerHilineOnline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org

Volume 56 Edition 1

“Sometimes I think, as a country, we need to listen to other voices.” -Int’l Club Adviser Gunda Brost

New international club joins list of groups

The screen goes black.

Someone in the back of the room flicks the lights on, earning groans from a few of the students. As their eyes adjust to the light, German teacher Gunda Brost makes her way to the front of the room, a smile slowly forming on her already enthusiastic face.

The students had just finished watching the movie Amreeka. Set in 2001 America, Amreeka documents the lives of a Palestinian American family Post-9/11. The movie focuses on the issues going on in America as well as the rest of the world.

German teacher Gunda Brost chose this movie with great care. “I wanted to show this movie because it’s the anniversary of 9/11, so it relates to current events. Students can learn from it. It is an experience from another point of view,” she said. Brost projected this movie for the first meeting of the International Club, a club

she began recently during power hour.

Brost is a German American; she grew up in Germany, moving to America when she was a young girl. Aware of the struggles immigrants face in a new place, she decided to take advantage of power hour and create a long overdue club called the International Club.

Brost created this club so she could help international students here at Cedar Falls High School adjust better and teach the students that are already here about other cultures. “I grew up in Germany. And coming to a different culture, I’ve always had a soft soft part in my heart for that,” Brost said.

Meetings will be held at least once a month, Wednesday through Friday, during both shifts of power hour in room 140 or 141. “We will watch movies from other countries, have guest speakers. I know someone who is a childhood survivor of slavery. It

Club

Meeting Days

Shift

Room Number Contact Info

Book Club First Friday of every month A 206 Kim Traw Art Club Every Tuesday A & B Art rooms Ms. Klenske Rocket Clu b Every Tuesday & Thursday A 31 Mr. Nicholson Greenhouse Gang Every Tuesday A Greenhouse Mr. Wiechmann TV Show & Podcast Every Tuesday A & B 206 Mrs. Lubs, Mrs. Wilson AP Bio Review Every Wednesday A/B 136 Mr. Hartman Anime Club Every Wednesday A & B Auditorium Nick Tran Chess Club Every Wednesday B 146 Mr. Strike, Sam Ponnada, Sam Zhang International Club Once a month, Wed-Fri A & B 140 /141 Frau Brost Senior Leadership Schoology Schoology 240 /54 Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Cuvelier Soph Leadership Every Thursday A 55 Ms. Lake/ Mrs. Zimmerman French Club 2 Fridays a month (1st & 3rd) B 107 Mrs. Engels Creative Writing Every Thursday A Undecided Mrs. Kennedy School of Rock Every Friday A/B 136 Mr. Hartman Spanish Club 23rd of every month B 141 Mrs. Black Math/Science Club Every Friday A & B 224 Mrs. Griffin SAGE Every Monday @ 8:30 NONE 107 Aditi Rao, Katarina Walther, Merlin MacGillivray

would be cool to have her join.

If a student just wants to come and talk about their culture and bring some food, that would be great. I’m hoping students will come and learn and meet

each other,” Brost said.

She hopes the International Club will be a positive way to spend spare time during power hour. “If you’re interested in learning about other cultures

or people, just come. It’s supposed to be really open. Stop by when you can. There’s no commitment,” Brost said.

By Staff Writer Amna

HAIDER

Robotics returns from second China trip Thirty-thousand feet above the ground, eight Swartdogs crowded together in an airplane as they anticipated taking both their engineering and cultural knowledge to the next level in China, a chance that arose as a returned favor after a Chinese robotics team visited Cedar Falls last year in order to help train a new team and to participate in a scrimmage.

The Swartdogs first became connected with this Chinese team back in 2012 at the championships. During the event, a Chinese business man was walking around the arena trying to figure out what was going on. He couldn’t speak any English, but he encountered a mother of one of the Swartdogs who fluently spoke Mandarin. After explaining to him what all of these people were doing, he immediately took an interest in learning about FIRST robotics and wanted to start a robotics team in China.

He kept in touch with the Swartdogs and later invited

Last year in the spring, a group of Chinese students and staff visited Cedar Falls to learn from the Swartdogs and participate in a scrimmage. The relationship continued in August when eight Swartdogs traveled to China. four of their mentors to China in December of 2013 to do some training.

This recent trip from Aug. 10 to 21 is the second time that the Swartdogs have returned

to China since their first trip in the summer of 2014. This time, the team spent most of its time at Shenzhen, where the scrimmage was hosted, but they also made some time to travel to Guilin and Hong Kong.

Some of the activities the students experienced on the trip besides the scrimmage included building robots, going on a cruise ship, sightseeing and exploring inside of caves.

Senior Mary Radke was one of the students who went on the trip. Unlike most of the other students, Radke went on the first China trip, as well; however, she noted that they were able to do a lot more sightseeing on this recent return trip.

“I really liked the whole river cruise. It was really pretty,” Radke said. “It was a really nice, different perspective of China that I haven’t seen.”

When it came to the day of the scrimmage, Radke described it as being like any other regional they’ve been to, although the Swartdogs had

more time to help team members with their robot.

“I really enjoyed seeing the looks on the faces of the teams we helped,” Radke said. “It’s very rewarding because you get to see how much you’ve helped them and how that had impacted their lives.”

Physics teacher Kenton Swartley, one of the mentors of the robotics team and the man for whom the name “Swartdogs” is derived, accompanied the students on the trip along with four other mentors. Like Radke, Swartley has also had experience traveling to China before. “I think it gives them a broader view of the world to have a chance to see what people live like,” Swartley said. “It kind of opens up their minds and eyes a little bit on what’s going on outside of Iowa.”

By News Editor Sarah

STORTZ

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NEWS

HI-LINE

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

CF welcomes new teachers, exchange students Freja Arildsen

Haamid Ashraf

“I wanted to experience the world by myself,” Arildsen said.

Ashraf is on the cross country team this year. He doesn’t like that he can’t here because back home he races motocross.

Ashraf loves the people here and how kind they are.

Freja Arildsen is a junior this year from Denmark.

Her favorite part about coming here has been the people because they have been so nice and like to learn about her country. At home, Arildsen has two older sisters and one older brother. Her sister, Rikka, was here on the exchange program two years ago.

Haamid Ashraf is a junior this year. He is from Tanzania.

Back home, he has one younger sister and one younger brother. He plans to come back to the states for college.

Esther Hartanto

Luiza deJesus

The best part about coming here so far has been the people. The hardest thing for her is she misses her friends and family back home in Indonesia.

Her favorite parts of the exchange program are all the new people and new experiences.

Homework has been the hardest change for her.

At home she has one younger brother. Hartanto is looking forward to traveling to San Francisco this semester. She will return home in June of 2016.

Back home, deJesus has an older brother. She will return back home in June of 2016.

Mark Aalderks

Jason Lang

Esther Hartanto is a senior this year. She is from Indonesia.

Courses Taught: Information technology, Marketing Essentials, Organizes Cooperative Work Program Previous Teaching: 13 years at Southeast Polk in Des Moines Favorite Part of CFHS: The large size of CFHS, being part of the business department and specializing in different areas of business Looking Forward to: Teaching new material, getting acquainted with his classes and a schedule balanced between work and family

Elaina Loyd

Courses Taught: French I at Holmes and French II Previous Experience: Graduated from Central College in Pella Favorite Part of CFHS: The opportunities for involvement at Cedar Falls that small schools don’t offer Looking Forward to: Creating interesting lessons and getting to know students

Luiza deJesus is a senior this year from Brazil.

Courses Taught: Biology and environmental science Previous Teaching: Audobon UNI, and Independence.

Favorite Part of CFHS: The students, the number of students and all the things they can be involved in. It’s exciting.

Size of staff and the ideas we can share Looking Forward to: Working with the science department, being involved with extracurriculars including 9th grade volleyball and robotics.

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Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

FEATURE

3

‘Any Way the Wind Blows ...’

Marching band polishes performance before October festival

Dressed up in dazzling uniforms, plumes rising above their heads and instruments reflecting the dome lights, the band patiently waits to perform. The drum major whistles, and the entire band is standing at attention in designated spots.

A booming voice starts to speak, and after making sure the final preparations are complete, the familiar phrase, “The field is yours for performance” echoes across the dome.

Hearts begin to pound, especially those of sophomores who have never performed on the college field before.

Juniors and seniors feel more at ease, as the turf is familiar territory to them. The whistle blows.

Horns pop up, and the show begins. Individual members each move to their designated spots, which they have been practicing to hit for two weeks now, including two early morning rehearsals. Instruments sing out their respective parts, all blending together to create one great sound.

Suddenly, everything stops. Feet cease to take ano t h e r step, instruments are pulled away from lips and the field is silent.

Just a heartbeat later, and —BAND seemingly out of nowhere, a jazzy trumpet lick projects out of the crowd of marchers. An alto saxophone sings out the next line of the duet. Senior Brenda Sevcik takes a deep breath and plays the second part of the trumpet solo, full of accidentals and grace notes that spill out of her horn effortlessly. Junior Katherine Campbell’s fingers fly over the saxophone keys and ends the duet gracefully, and before the audience can even react, the band is moving again. The crowd is fully engaged at this point, watching the people on the field create beautiful shapes and sounds.

Just as soon as the show

In a midday practice at the high school during the week are drum major Mary Anton (at left) and the colorguard fronted by Elizabeth McRae (at top). The Iowa State marching festival in Waterloo is a day designed for people to watch bands perform their shows. Everyone is invited to hear what the band sounds like outside of the UNI Dome. Performances will be held at Central Middle School’s football stadium on Oct. 10.

Sierra Steen Photos started, it ends. The crowd cheers as the band marches off the field, proud of how its efforts paid off.

This is only w h a t the audience s e e s .

Nobody but the b a n d sees the behindDIRECTOR KYLE t h e scenes w o r k that goes into putting together the show.

During fourth hour, the band goes out onto the high school football field to practice its drills, repeating their movements so that they can build muscle memory. The first two weeks were tough — students had to battle getting back into the swing of things, the heat and learning how to march and play at the same time.

Temperatures crept into the 90s as students spent their band period learning new drills outdoors. The high temperatures did not stop them, though.

‘We have a lot of depth in all of the sections — not only good players, but a lot of good people.’

ENGELHARDT

“I was really happy with how the kids handled the warm weather last week. It was a productive week. None of us enjoyed the heat. Would we have gotten more done if it was nicer weather? Maybe a little bit,” band director Gerald Ramsey said, adding that even though it was not as enjoyable working in the heat, the kids still had fun and got a lot done.

Being a soloist brings along more challenges, such as stage fright. This year’s soloists include senior Isaac Smith on trumpet, Sevcik on trumpet and Campbell on alto saxophone. Smith said that the nervousness turns into adrenaline, while Sevcik said she doesn’t feel nervous before or during, but feels it set in after she’s done performing.

The hard work also pays off outside the band.

“Any time we go on a trip, we talk about how we need to behave in public, and every time we get positive feedback from wherever we’ve been travelling. I see those sorts of things carrying over into daily life,” Ramsey said. “Kids are becoming mature and polite people. Bigger than that, I see kids in the band helping out other kids in the band who

are struggling. That’s always a gratifying thing to see.”

Band director Kyle Engelhardt agreed, emphasizing how well the kids work together to be greater players and people in general.

“This year’s band seems to enjoy working well together and seems to enjoy the aspect of performing well and having fun,” Engelhardt said. ”I think everyone realizes in the band and during our show that everybody is important. That’s what makes marching band so fun: knowing that everyone’s part is important, so when we’re all together working together and having fun, we get a cool product.”

And Ramsey said he’s excited about this year’s performance. “I think this year’s show should have a strong appeal for our Friday night audiences. It’s a lot of fun to play; the kids were excited to learn the music. I was excited to come back to school to start working on the music,” Ramsey said.

Students had lots of fun while overcoming challenges.

Junior Delaney Schaffner said that “Bohemian Rhapsody” will be hard to memorize, but she’s looking forward to learning it.

“We are doing very well, but there are some parts that are still iffy. We will do good, though,” junior Ellie Haan said.

Sophomore Alexa Baylong said that she looks forward to the next few years of marching band, and that she really enjoys the people she’s working with right now. “They’re really helpful, and the people in marching band are are nice and fun to be around.”

As it’s the seniors’ last year, more bittersweet feelings are milling inside of them.

“It’s sad to think that my three-year adventure with marching band will come to a close soon. However, I’m excited for the closure that will happen when we come to an end with our marching season,” senior Elizabeth Swanson said.

With all of the hard work they put in, every time the band marches off the field after a tiring but fulfilling performance, the members know that the cheering crowd appreciates the band’s efforts, and that they produced something that they can all be proud of.

By Staff Writier Sierra

STEEN

4 Soph Far, Soph Good FEATURE

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Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

New students quickly adjusting to CF melting pot New faces. New experiences. New memories. Confidence and friendships are two of the major keys to pushing through the days of sophomore year.

Though attending the high school may seem like one of the most frightening things incoming students could ever face, the positive connections are already developing.

Sophomore Joel Ochoa, who is involved in cross country, band, chorus and many other things, said, “It (the high school) definitely feels more free, like we’re able to do stuff more freely and that we’re able to get involved in more activities. It feels different because there are so many more people and so many new faces.”

There are still some downsides like getting up in the morning and dragging oneself to high school, but some are discovering the pros outsize the cons.

“Well, when we started practicing, you could notice it was kind of a Peet thing and a Holmes thing, but as the season went on and as we progressed, we play as a team

Main Event

now,“ sophomore football player Luke Gillett said.

Others have noticed that students aren’t separated into split “cliques” of Holmes and Peet.

“Starting high school with a good group of friends made it easier, especially when I couldn’t find my classes, they would help me,” sophomore Sarah Wagner said. “I don’t think making new friends was exactly awkward, but it was hard at certain times because Peet and Holmes kids have been split into two groups for the past three years.”

Some other factors account for high school being difficult too. Like homework.

Sophomores Dalton Closson and Molly Rygh both agreed that there is a big difference in the work load the sophomores have compared to the junior highs.

Yet, the high school also offers more opportunities like sports and clubs to get involved with. Because there is such a wide variety, more and more students participate in different activities and get to meet new people while hav-

Abbey Carlson Photos

Sophomore Natalie Harris was one of many who took in the offerings at Artapalooza on Saturday, Sept.

12. The high school jazz band also added a performance to the event later that afternoon.

Tehya Tourner Photo

Holmes graduate Tayah Mahi and Peet graduate Sammi Hall are among of the many incoming sophomores who’ve made new friends at the high school. ing a blast. New friendships are being built day by day as sophomores see that positive possibilities don’t depend on what school they attended, what kind of clubs they are in or how good they are at sports.

“You just get to know more people, and it’s great to get to experience different kind of

personalities,” varsity volleyball player Grace Burken said.

The first week might have been a wee bit terrifying being surrounded by tons of students and awkward new classes, but it’s all changing.

The school is bigger, yes. The homework may be harder, but sophomores are beginning to

see that these next three years could be the best yet.

“I wouldn’t change anything. I like the high school a lot,” Rygh said.

After all, it’s not a Peet thing or a Holmes thing. It’s a CF thing.

By Staff Writier Tehya

TOURNER

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Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

The Power of Pretty

Women should stand up against makeup shaming Almost half of all women in the United States report they wear makeup every day from a survey done by Smartgirl. org, yet somehow in our society it has become common to shame girls who wear “too much” makeup by society’s standards.

Beauty YouTuber NikkieTutorials has left lots of people in awe of how she transforms her face using different colors, techniques and tools sharing her ideas for all to see on the Internet, but what a lot of people don’t see is the abuse she got for doing it.

All over the Internet, women are being makeup shamed for transforming their faces. Instead of being praised for the art they are able to do, they are called catfishes and told they are “tricking men” into thinking they are more attractive. Men are making jokes that you have to take a woman to the pool on the first date to see what she really looks like.

What people don’t see is how this can affect a girl’s self esteem. The comments are mean and hurtful and are trying to lead people away from something they might really enjoy.

Daphne Becker illustration NikkieTutorials took a stand against that when she made a video she titled, “The Power of Makeup.” The video is all about teaching women to stop being ashamed of enjoying doing their makeup if they do enjoy doing their makeup.

There are a lot of misconceptions on reasons of why women wear makeup. Some are that the only reason girls wear makeup is to impress

guys, which might be partly true for some women, but for a lot, this isn’t the case. Another is that they are insecure about how they look and want to change it. What’s the real harm with that? If they want to take a little time out of their morning so that they feel more comfortable, then what’s the problem?

By Staff Writer Daphne

BECKER

What are your thoughts on Power Hour?

Kayla Baker: ¨We hang out in Mr. Hartman’s room and do homework. We also go to leadership groups. I think Power Hour is good for some people because they are having a responsibility they aren’t used to having, but for most people it would be more efficient to just have a study hall. People would get more work done.¨

Sammie Alexander: ¨I love power hour because I get to see people I don’t usually see, eat, do my homework, meet with teachers I need to or go out to eat. I think some people use it well, but some people go get high during power hour.¨

Gus Marty: ¨During Power Hour I eat with my friends, but not in the cafeteria.

Either we eat in the hallways or go to someone’s house. Every Tuesday is Casual Quesadilla Tuesday. A lot of times we work together on homework or study for tests. I think most people use their time wisely. There are a select few that are going to use their time dumb no matter what, but for the most part people use it well.¨ Mrs. Black: ¨I think the right word to describe what is going on with Power Hour is evolving. I think it’s true. The first week I think neither students nor teachers were sure as to how we could make the whole thing work. This week I am finding out that since I am starting to take formative assessments or I have students missing class, I say come and see me tomorrow during power hour. I already had the experience of someone saying, ‘I won’t do well on this formative assessment. Can I come and retake it?’ And I say, ‘Great, I will see you during Power Hour.’¨

OPINION

5

Our View

Though intentions were good, No Child Left Behind needs reform

According to a federal report released Thursday, Sept.

10, a staggering 81 percent of Iowa’s public schools are failing to meet standards of improvement set forth in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policy.

According to NCLB, by 2014, every single student attending a public school in the country should be performing at or above grade level. That means that 100 percent of students in America should be passing their standardized tests without much difficulty. Individual states controlled how to measure proficiency in these tests.

NCLB has a lot of things going for it. It serves a noble purpose. It wants all students in the country to meet certain standards and base federal funding for schools on how well the students of each school do so that every school has an incentive to teach students the material in more effective and memorable ways.

However, the effects of NCLB have been far from stellar. According to government reports, nationally, no ethnic groups or genders were above 50 percent proficient according to standards, except for 4th and 8th grade Asian students (51 percent-64 percent) in both math and reading, and 4th grade white students in math (54 percent). Those statistics are far off from the 100 percent goal, which is why it is not surprising that 81 percent of Iowa’s public schools are not meeting standards. No state met the goal.

The dismal numbers are due to a flawed system and unrealistic standards. NCLB relies on too much on standardized testing as the basis on which to measure academic proficiency. Because of the immense focus on standardized testing, teachers began teaching students how to pass the tests and not how to retain knowledge and use that knowledge in critical thinking.

But NCLB had many positive impacts as well. It sets the framework for standards based reform and holds the system accountable for failure. It just needs to be reformed. The tests don’t need to measure how well students can memorize information, but what the student can do with the information they memorized. The goals need to be more attainable and set federally so that no states have lower standards than the rest of the nation, but there needs to be a degree of flexibility for students who need to re-learn the information or for students who can progress before the majority of their classmates.

No Child Left Behind failed, but it set the framework for major education reform that will bring America back to the pinnacle of knowledge.

Contact Us

The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613.

Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Fridays to read during their fifth period classes.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majority of the editors listed below. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to The Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Monday for publication in the following Friday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification.

Online Editor: Zuhayr Alam Staff Writers: Annebeth Ahrenholz, Billie Ann Albert, Daphne Becker, Madison Belden, Jamie Blair, Ben Boezinger, Abbey Carlson, Gabi Carr, Miranda Cole, Amanda Crockett, Ashton Cross, Sommer Danielsen, Alyssa Dekutoski, Noah Forker, Tana Gam-Ad, Emma Gerdes, A. J. Godbey, Camryn Grubic, Amna Haider, Aaron Heimbuck, Noah Hermansen, Cody Hood, Nathan Hoy, Jacob Jensen, Kierston Johnson, Brennan Kohls, Mercede Kraabel, Sam Magee, Jade McBroom, Scott Miller, Nolan Nickerson, Madeline Nicol, Kaylee Olson, Jason Rathjen, Austin Reyhons, Hannah Sanderman, Lane Schwickerath, Lexi Sheeley, Sierra Steen, Sarah Stortz, Allie Taiber, Tehya Tournier, Isaac Turner-Hall, Drew Walker, Isabella Wilson

6

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Sports

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

HI-LINE

Submitted Photo

Senior Noah Hermansen and the Tiger tailgaters pose for a selfie.

Senior Noah Hermansen

Q: How does it feel to finally be in the front of the student section?

A: “I love it! I’ve been waiting since freshman year to be up in the front. I knew since I was a freshman year that I was going to be a leader. Its also sad since it’s my last year.

Got to make it count.”

Q: How do you think the student section has changed since you’ve been in high school?

A: “It wasn’t very loud sophomore and junior year, but this year it’s the loudest it’s been and as loud as it’s going to be.”

Q: How do you spend your game day?

A: “I meet up with the squad, go get hamburgers and weenies, then go to tailgate. At tailgate we play catch and all that jazz and go in fourth quarter of sophomore game or when varsity starts. The leaders go to the front and navigate everyone where they should be based on grades. Then the leaders start saying the chant “What time is it?” and the student section says “Game time!” The UNI Dome actually got mad about the baby powder we use at the beginning of games. So we’ll have to do that just at away games or home games if we’re feeling risky.”

Q: Has your school spirit changed now that you’re a senior?

A: “Mine has changed because now I get to watch my class play, but I’ve been pretty loud at games since I was a freshman. I want to embrace it all before it’s all gone.”

Note: Urbandale is the biggest game of the year. It’s is away at Urbandale (Friday, Sept. 18) Tie-dye out. Check Tiger Nation Twitter for details about tailgating.

Senior Taya Herum

Q: How does it feel to finally be in the front of the student section?

A: “It’s wonderful. I get a better view of the game, and it’s less claustrophobic. I feel more in the moment of the game. I also like being in charge.” [laughs] Q: How do you think the student section has changed since you’ve been in high school?

A: “The outs have changed. We used to have a Halloween out, and the tie dye out is a pretty new one. We’ve always done Daddy’s money. This year I can tell the school cares, and the student section is supportive of their peers. They are respectful and attentive during half-time when the band and/or dance team is performing. The student section loves to cheer on anyone who is doing anything. In years past, I remember the student section not being respectful during the anthem. Now they sing, take off their hats and are very respectful.”

Q: How do you spend your game day?

A: “If it’s an away game, I find an outfit because I usually don’t dress up for home games since I’m in band. I line up a ride and the people who I’m going to be with at the away game. If it’s a home game, I’m at the high school at 6:30 to warm up with the band. I grab my uniform, instrument and everything we need for the game. We load up, then drive to the Dome. We carry everything in, which is kinda heavy and annoying. We get to go sit in our sections and start getting ready for pregame. We

Student Secti

STAND

By Staff Writer Hannah

SANDERMAN

do pregame, go sit with the band and play little fun songs for the first half. Then half-time comes up. Everybody is deathly nervous. Just kidding. No one is. [laughs] Then we slay our half-time performance, troop off and I usually go and join the student section. Then we win, and I go about my night.”

Q: Has your school spirit changed now that you’re a senior?

A: “With the increase of respect and attentiveness, I have been more excited to perform for the students and other people watching us. When we are actually watched. It’s really kind of nice and makes me feel more proud of my school. That’s more on the band side. I would say the student section is more of a family than the average school day. You come back to school, and there are groups, but at games it’s just everybody. Yeah, go Tigers!” [laughs]

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Sports

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

Junior Allie Taiber shows patriotic passion for CF.

Submitted Photo

Junior Allie Taiber

Q: How does this year’s student section compare to last year’s?

A: “I think that this year’s student section is doing a great job. It’s not so much what the seniors are doing, but more what we do as a whole to get excited about the game.”

Q: Do you like having home games in the Dome?

A: “No! I don’t think we’re getting much of a ‘high school Friday night under the lights’ experience.”

Q: How do you think the seniors are doing leading the student section?

A: “Pretty good so far. Some of them even engage with the whole section in order to get the sophomores excited, which is nice.”

Q: What do you think of the different outs? Should they be switched up from year to year or stick to the traditions?

A: “I like the traditional ones they’ve done. Some of them not so much, but for the majority, they’re a lot of fun.”

ion

Sophomore Will Burken

DOUTS

Logan Cole Photo

Junior Lane Schwickerath

Q: How does this year’s student section compare to last years?

A: “The student section is definitely more hyped this year, and it’s more fun to be in. I go to the games just for the student section.”

Q: Do you like having home games in the Dome?

A: “It’s a good place. I like it. The Dome makes the games more of a social event because you can walk around instead of watching the games if you want to.”

Q: How do you think the seniors are doing leading the student section?

A: “They’re getting it going. That’s for sure. They’ve been doing a great job.”

Q: What do you think of the different outs? Should they be switched up from year to year or stick to the traditions?

A: “I try my best to participate in the outs. I think we should switch it up and have some new but still have some of the traditional outs.”

Q: What do you think about the student section this year?

A: “It’s very intense. We have quite a good student section.

Good leaders that get us pumped up and good chants.”

Q: Does sitting in the student section make the game more fun for you? What do you think about the outs, chants and leaders of the student section?

A: “Being in the student section is much more fun. The baby powder at the beginning is fun, even though you can’t see the first play at all. It’s super fun. Doing all the cheers and just dancing around hanging out with your friends is very fun.”

Q: How do you like having our home games in the Dome?

A: “I think it’s cool. There’s nice facility, and it’s a good place to be at if it’s cold. It would be really cool to be outside, though.”

Sophomore Sarah Wagner

Q: What do you think about the student section this year?

A: “I think everyone is really loud this year and very supportive of our football team.”

Q: Does sitting in the student section make the game more fun for you? What do you think about the outs, chants and leaders of the student section?

A: “I really like our student section, and the outs are really fun, but I think they should change them up a little bit every year.

I don’t really know any of the leaders that well, but they start some good chants.”

Q: How do you like having our home games in the Dome?

A: “I think it’s fun being in the Dome because that’s where UNI plays, and that’s pretty cool. I also like outside games a lot, but being inside is convenient so that we don’t have to worry about weather.”

8 NFL made right call in appealing Brady decision The

Tiger

Sports

Any follower of the sports world knows of Tom Brady and his accomplishments, good or bad. For those who are not interested in the wide world of sports, Brady is an NFL quarterback for the New England Patriots. He is argued by some to be the best quarterback to ever play the game of football.

That, I say, is debatable and is beside the point.

The real point that’s drawn attention to Brady since the end of the last season is when the Patriots went up against the Indianapolis Colts in a very cold, rainy AFC Championship game. The Patriots handily defeated the Colts 45-7, rain and all. They must have cheated, right? Well, that was a serious question, and it was quickly answered.

A couple days after the game, Brady and the some members of the Patriots organization were accused of deflating 11 of the 12 game balls that the Patriots had on their sideline. Why would they deflate the balls? Deflating the football can give an advantage to the player throwing the ball by giving him a better grip on the football when wet or cold.

Weird, those were the exact same conditions during the game.

The accusations of cheating did not surprise too many, as the Patriots were famously

Tigers in

Action

Football (3-0)

Beat Mason City 33-13 Next up: @ Urbandale on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

Volleyball (13-1)

Lost 0-3 @ C.R. Kennedy Next up: DNH Tourney on Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.

Women’s CC

Next up: Rich Engel Classic on Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at Birdsall Park

Men’s CC

Next up: Rich Engel Classic on Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at Birdsall Park

Women’s Swimming

Next up: Iowa City High Invite on Sept. 19 at 8:30 a.m. (Diving) Noon (Swimming) at Iowa City High

Men’s Golf

Finished 3rd at MVC Divisonal Next up: Tiger Invite @ Beaver Hills Sept. 18 9 a.m.

HI-LINE

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

Sports Opinion

caught spying on opponent practices in another scandal known as “Spygate” in the early 2000s. So the Patriots already were on a short leash with the league when it comes to cheating.

After a couple of months of private investigation of Patriots players and staff including the head coach, Bill Belichick, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down a $1 million fine to the Patriots, which is pocket change to an organization like New England, so they didn’t argue, but that wasn’t the clincher. Goodell also slapped a controversial four-game suspension on Brady. This sent the sports world into a debate frenzy. Was the punishment too much, too little or just right?

Brady has sworn up and down that he never asked for or knew of deflated footballs, nor did he deflate any himself.

So naturally, Brady appealed his suspension of four games.

Since the suspension process is unreasonably bureaucratic, the decision did not come for nearly four months. The much anticipated decision was made on Sept. 3 by a federal judge

WHAT’RE YOU IN FOR?

I GOT IN ON TRIPLE HOMOCIDE.

I BET IT WAS SO INTENSE.

WELL?

DEFLATED BALLS.

UH...

Should Patriots quarterback Tom Brady have started the first four games of the season?

Jamie Blair Cartoon

45% Yes 55% No

“I don’t think Brady should be starting because, for one, I hate Brady, and he also cheated in the Super Bowl. He shouldn’t be able to play all season if it was up to me. He should be kicked off the team.”

—Senior Taylen Alexander

“I don’t think Brady should be playing because he’s cheater, and he should be banned from the NFL because he’s really old anyway.”

—Chris Eagan

“I think they made the right decision on letting Brady play because he wasn’t aware of the balls being deflated. It shouldn’t be his fault anyway. It should be the ball boy’s fault.”

­—Sophomore Luke Johnson

The Hi-Line Poll represents 10 percent of all students in proportion to gender and the three grades at the high school.

in New York. Brady would not be suspended four games and was eligible to start the season

rassment to the NFL and especially the commissioner. The world’s most powerful sports league was just defeated by a man just because of his accolades. The NFL then quickly responded by filing its own appeal of the judge’s decision.

That is where the situation stands now. At the beginning of another long appeal process.

The overarching question that remains is whether Brady is a cheater or a leader. Obviously, the biased New England fans view Brady as the second coming of the Messiah. But to others who are not blinded

by Brady’s charm, he is a man who had to break the rules to win. That is not what I would call a leader. Now did deflated balls really give the Patriots a 38-point advantage? That is a hard point to defend. The Colts are mostly to blame for that large of a deficit.

The fact is, the playing field was still not level. The Patriots did deflate footballs to gain an advantage over their opponent. The NFL needs to assert its authority and punish Brady for what he did. Four games was just right for an act that tarnishes the great game of football.

opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The decision was an embar-

By Staff Writer Jason

RATHJEN

Volleyball team off to fast start at 13-1

The women’s volleyball team is stalking the state’s No. 1 ranking in 5A volleyball play, after building a 13-1 record so far this season, with the first loss to Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Sept. 15 at Kennedy.

Head coach Matthew Johnson takes on his second year of coaching this year and has already made an impact toward the success of the Tigers. “I do not feel pressure being ranked because I think our team understands that we have a lot to improve on, and we can just focus on winning the next match we play,” he said. “I think Cedar Falls, Kennedy and Bettendorf are the three best teams in the state, but I think that 5A volleyball is so good there are 15 teams that could make it to State.”

Though Johnson is very confident in his girls this season as they have gotten better from last season, he said they still need some improvements to make the team better overall.

“I think team chemistry is one

of our biggest strengths along with our quick offense and solid defense,” senior Emma Gerdes said.

Practice started a little more than a month ago. In the beginning of the season the volleyball girls would have longer practices to get into shape for the season.

Gerdes said the younger girls have really started to show lots of potential and are key factors in the Tigers success. “Younger girls have gotten a lot better, smarter and know what it’s like to play at a varsity level,” she said.

Senior Erin Hendrickson also sees promise in younger team members. “The sophomores have really improved since last year, and since three out of the six starters are sophomores, they are a key part to our teams success,” she said. “Our team needs to work on keeping our energy up so we can be fast on our feet and stay focused.”

By Staff Writer Noah

HERMANSEN

Shoeless DeGroote

John Dunlop Photo

Running in one of his two touchdowns in a victory over Mason City at the Dome on Sept. 11 is senior Jordan DeGroote.

The

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Sports

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

Athlete of

“I think my injury was a sign from God I was taking too much attention away from him.” —senior Hunter Lavallee

Senior athlete adjusts to new sport after last year’s season ending injury Knocked out of consciousness, the stadium lights bore down on senior Hunter Lavallee, lying numb and inanimate, as he feared what was to come.

On Aug. 28 of 2014, the Tigers played a season changing game. In the third quarter with four yards to go, holding the Iowa City High Little Hawks for the first three downs, little did the varsity cornerback know this play would change his high school sports career.

The Little Hawks lined up in punt formation, but Lavallee was suspicious of a fake.

His suspicions came true, and he took off in pursuit of the ball carrier. The punter cocked the ball back to throw, and Lavallee was in trouble as the receiver he was covering was running free. He planted his foot in the ground and reversed on a dead sprint of recovery and tackled the opponent off the field, landing with devastating impact onto the long jump runway.

“I couldn’t feel anything, but I knew something was wrong; I couldn’t stand up,” Lavallee said.

Consumed by confusion, he had no idea what was going on. The injury team rushed over and helped him to his feet.

“Looks like you’ll be out for half the season,” City High injury specialist said after popping Lavallee’s dislocated shoulder back into place. As the words seeped into his heart, he was crushed. Holding the third most tackles on the sophomore team the year before and being the third fastest 800m runner in the state; coaches, teammates and Lavallee feared for what the future would hold.

After working hard in physical therapy, Lavallee was back on the field playing safety in no time. “Although I was back, nothing was the same,” Lavallee said. With the shoulder injury hanging over his head, he was never able to stop the health problems.

The next summer Lavallee attended a football prep passing tournament at Iowa State University. Incapable of competing to full potential since

the

9

Week

Jordan DeGroote Football

Submitted Photo

Athletic trainer Pete Watters works with senior Hunter Lavallee at the Iowa City High game in 2014. Lavallee’s recurring issues from the shoulder separation in that Iowa City contest have led to him switching sports this fall. last fall, his shoulder popped out once again, and he prayed to God for answers. “I asked him for a sign whether I should do football or cross country.

After my shoulder popped out again. I knew I couldn’t argue with God. The team would have to go on without me,” Lavallee said.

Although disappointed he wouldn’t be playing, the coaches were nothing but supportive. Varsity football coach Brad Remmert said, “I was disappointed for Hunter more than anything. Hunter was a returning starter on defense that really enjoyed playing football and being a part of the football program. But, Hunter is an excellent runner. He’s a tremendous competitor, and I am sure he will do great in both cross country and track during his senior year,” So, he started practice with the cross country team in early August. “Nobody really understands how hard cross country is until they do it,” Lavallee said.

Both football and cross country are extremely physically demanding, but in very opposite ways. “Football is all about short term memory.

Stop go, stop go, creating a

fast twitch muscle. But in cross country, you basically learn how to endure and suffer all five kilometers,” Lavallee said.

It’s caused him to set high expectations for himself, and to learn how to be patient with those expectations, but through the support of the team and coach Troy Becker, he couldn’t wish for a better outcome of the situation.

“Cross country is the best team environment I’ve ever been in,” Lavallee said. “Everyone is so encouraging.”

He continues to stay positive and do his very best, setting a personal record by over a minute and a half last Thursday at the meet.

“We just want him to have a good experience and find out what it’s like to do cross country,” Becker said. “We were really excited to have him join us. He’s a good leader, and he brings another positive attitude to the group. He’s also very willing to do the hard work required.”

But as he sits back in the stands of the UNI Dome, it’s hard for him to watch. “I’m happy for them, but I feel a sense of self pity for myself.

Those were the kids I grew up with every year on the field. It’s

hard to watch, not being a part of it anymore,” Lavallee said.

But in his eyes, it all happened for a reason.

As of last year, football was his identity. “I became so involved. I ate, slept and breathed football,” Lavallee said. “I think my injury was a sign from God I was taking too much attention away from him.

With the surgery, the recovery would give me time to reconnect with my faith.”

His journey continues to help him with his relationship with God. In James 1:2-3, the Bible discusses the importance of staying joyful through trial because in the end these trials give one the abilities to grow.

These verses hit home with Lavallee as they’ve helped him immensely through the tough times.

On that August game night just over one year ago, Lavallee’s eyes flashed from the field to his team and back into himself, and he laid hopeless and afraid. The fear of not knowing the unknown consumed his entire career, but by taking a chance on himself and his faith, Lavallee now races with his dreams to the finish line.

By Staff Writer Allie

TAIBER

Senior running back Jordan DeGroote, who moved from Texas this summer, carried the Tigers offense last week at home against Mason City as he rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns, including a 56-yard touchdown in the first quarter to start things off for the Tigers.

Why did you decide to move from Texas to Cedar Falls?

We were having some family problems and came up with the idea of me moving here.

What do you think the team’s chances are of winning State this year?

I think if we go all out every game and do our jobs, we have a very good chance of winning State. I see us improve every day at practice, and I know how bad everyone wants it. Now we just have to pursue State.

What is the biggest change from football in Iowa compared to in Texas?

Everyone in Texas is crazy about football, and I was from a 6A school, so we played a lot of incredible teams. It was hot every practice and was full blast. You never stopped moving around. They mold you into this machine to just go hard at everything you do, and that’s what I’m trying to do here. It’s nice up here. They don’t overwork you and know your limits well, and it’s a lot less stressful, but I think that helps because it makes the game fun and you’re not worried about messing up.

I love Texas and Iowa football.

How is the team preparing for Urbandale and that huge offensive line?

With a line like that, I’m sure our defense is gonna attack it as hard as they can every down, every rep. The defense surprises me every week on its ability to get the job done and fly to the football. Physical, that’s what we are gonna need this week.

10

The

ENTERTAINMENT

Tiger

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

HI-LINE

For last days of summer, Lake Ponderosa delivers star-lit setting

Travel columnist kicks off with 1.5 hour trip to west of Des Moines

D

riving all around the shores in our Ranger was the best part of the trip to Lake Ponderosa on the weekend of Sept. 1113. From the prettiest lake houses to meeting the nicest people while being followed b y young, immat u r e One Tank boys, it was all so gorgeous B Staff Writer Billie Ann and so ALBERT fun.

We drove around for about an hour freezing our toes off because we were wearing flip flops, and it was chilly at night. My favorite spot to go was the causeway after dark. It is so unbelievably beautiful. You could see every little star so brightly and the houses strung with decorated lights lit the area so perfectly.

Steam rose off the water. It was the kind of weather that makes you want to sit there with a warm blanket and hot chocolate and stargaze.

I wish I could take pictures of the sky and the stars would show up. It would be gorgeous.

I did, however, get some amazing pictures of the sunset; it was glorious.

Before we drove the Ranger to the top of the long, windy gravel road to see it better, we went on a boat ride to take more pictures, and right before the sky turned pink, I got some beautiful pictures of the sun starting to set while listening to the screams and cheers coming from the local bar/ restaurant because Iowa was ahead of Iowa State.

Climbing to the top of the grain bins was pretty scary and not even worth it. The sky looked worse up there. Saturday afternoon we had a nice grill out at the sand volleyball court with the people still at the lake.

The sun shining on the water made for some great pictures.

Once a year, they have a big Fishing Derby at Lake Ponderosa to see who can catch the most fish, and I hear it’s really fun. They also have an open house for everyone that wants to participate; home owners come up with a theme to decorate their houses and show them off to every-

TRIPS

Billie Ann Albert Photos

Though there are many sights worth exploring during the day, travelers to Lake Panorama should not pass up the chance to walk away from the lights and look up into the night skies to catch displays of stars that are not possible in the city glare of the Cedar Valley.

one around. I hear that is pretty fun, as well.

On our way back on Sunday after-

noon, the hour and 30 minute drive consisted of looking at houses and farming equipment because we love

them so much. I was dreading leaving, but all good things come to an end.

11

The

Tiger

HI-LINE

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Even in the heart of the Valley metro area, discoveries await kayaking explorers Introducing the new series Photo Expeditions. Look to this series on the Tiger Hi-Line to find yourself immersed into a journey of new perspectives through the lense of Austin Reyhons.

To kick off this continuing series we journey to George Wyth Lake where the reserve reveals a part of itself making an Iowan question if he truly is in Iowa.

What was thought to be just a small inlet on the south side of the lake turned out to be our yellow brick road that led us to an entirely new world.

We would not have noticed this if we hadn’t have decided to find the end of this seemingly ordinary creek which we assumed would come to an end at any moment.

The water was so shallow the bottom of the canoe would slide across the bottom as we pushed forward off the bottom with our paddles.

Soon, we found ourselves in an opening that felt like a bird sanctuary with geese and ducks fluttering about in their own worlds. Towering, lifeless

Photo Expeditions

By Staff Writer Austin

REYHONS

trees stood tall and naked yet still seemed at peace amongst the tall tan grass carpeting the land on the island in the center of it all.

The atmosphere felt as if we were on an African safari exploring the borderlands to the rare waters of Tanzania.

As we continued onward around the island, we peered down to see crystal clear water with an abundants of beautiful submerged weeds.

It was in that moment that I was inspired to make this series with the goal to reveal the local tucked away beauty of nature.

Austin Reyhons Photos

12

The

Tiger

OPINION

Risking It All

RUN

to

Waves meet the rocky shoreline of a Turkish beach.

As the waters touch the ground time and time again, it leaves behind remnants of what has washed away — driftwood, glass, sand, seaweed … and a body. A small lifeless body face down in the wet sand.

The body belongs to a 3-year-old boy, a refugee who had been running away from the foul and bloody civil war of his home country, Syria. Photos of the tragedy have been going around the globe, touching people, opening their eyes and hearts to those who have fled their countries in search of better lives. People everywhere are seeing the photo of an officer carrying a child on a beach, and knowing that when the camera shutter had clicked, the poor boy was already dead.

Refugee crisis. A popular word nowadays. You hear it on the radio. You see it on TV. You barely register the words while falling asleep listening to current events in history class.

More specifically, the European refugee crisis.

But this is not a recent event; it’s been going on for a few years. The difference this time is that the world is finally starting to open it’s arms to those in need. Due to war,

HI-LINE

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

World needs to welcome refugees escaping unexpected atrocities

conflict and instability in many countries, swarms of refugees have been flooding the European continent’s gates looking for a safe place. They come from many different countries: Syria, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iraq, Pakistan and other places as well. They run from their countries hoping for something better.

These refugees risk everything to escape. They run from their pasts hoping for a brighter future, but most find there might be no hope for any future at all, seeing as the road to “better” is much more dangerous. They have been through much. Too much, in fact. They walk large distances, ride buses, trains or boats.

They are even smuggled over borders; all the while only carrying the bare minimum needed to survive and having the lowest chance of survival.

Seeing as they are either put into camps or turned away at country borders and transport stations, many even die during the travel such as the poor Syrian child on the beach.

People everywhere are anxious and aware. Aware of the change that is happening and the impact it has on the world. Change makes people feel various things, both good and bad. A clear example of

the bad is the event that happened on Sept. 1 when, after hundreds of migrants crowded onto trains bound for Austria and Germany, at a central Budapest station, the Hungarian authorities decided to close it to migrants. Riots occurred as those seeking asylum were blatantly denied access into the country.

This truly surprised me as I had just spent the summer travelling through Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary. After hearing the stories of these suffering people and being immersed in such a clean, generous and hospitable culture that belonged to none other than Hungary itself, I couldn’t help but wonder. I couldn’t help but think about how fast the world changes.

It may be fear or some play on politics that is keeping the migrants out, but I still can’t help but feel for them, and I can’t help but find myself going back to every time I took the subway or rode a bus in Budapest, and how so many poor people have literally died to be in my position. I think about the people I’ve met and the sights I’ve seen, and I find myself hoping that one day the refugees get to see them too. I think back to boat rides I took, and how lucky I was to be there

— because they were on boats too. The difference is the boats I was on … didn’t sink.

There is bad, yes, but there is also good. And at times like these, sometimes we have to see the brighter side of things.

Like how Germany is opening up it’s doors. They chose to suspend the Dublin rule and decided to consider asylum cases from the majority of Syrian applicants. The country has also stated that it would accept 800,000 refugees (equivalent to about 1 percent of its population) in 2015.

Many countries may have slowed the influx of accepting migrants into their borders, but they still try. Greece is accepting thousands of refugees, and people often stand on shore waiting and watching for any sign of life, hoping they make it to land so they can help those who have been through a lot.

Earlier last week President Barack Obama ordered the United States to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees in the fiscal year 2016.

It’s going to be tough for everybody. Taking in large numbers of refugees is going to require accepting that those refugees might bring changes to a nation’s identity or culture.

It means having to modify your vision of what your town and

neighborhood look like, and having to widen the definition of your community’s culture.

That’s not bad, at all; at least it shouldn’t be because I’m pretty sure it’s a lot better for them.

It’s a big change for us, but a bigger change for them.

I can’t do anything about a refugee crisis. I’m just me, and I’m just here. I was where all of this is going on, but I’m here now, and I can’t change any of that. If I was there now, I don’t think I could change anything at all, but I’m glad the world is starting to move. I’m glad that slowly everyone is starting to do their share. Politics are complex, but human empathy and moral ethics are simple.

You see, you feel, you do; that’s all there is to it. “Doing what?” you ask. Anything, from signing the petition to accepting those asking for asylum, clicking share on Facebook to spread awareness, to praying and hoping for the refugees to stay safe. These people were forced to leave everything they’ve ever known or loved.

They took an unexpected journey to look for something new, something good. I hope they make it through because good is what they deserve after everything else.

By Staff Writer Tana

GAM-AD

Animal empathy leads staffer to embark on vegan exploration If slaughterhouses had glass doors, everyone would stop consuming meat.

It’s no secret slaughterhouses aren’t pretty; they are horrendous. Each year, over 56 billion farm animals are slaughtered, which evens out to roughly over 3,000 animals killed per second.

To me, animals are not simply just food products, and although they may not talk like we do or even process things like us, they feel things just like every human being. But growing up, we are taught that cows, pigs and chickens only exist so we may eat meat, dairy products and eggs.

Why do we view animals as less than they are? I don’t know, but this is what I do know: it’s time to change the way we see animals with which we share the same planet. They are not resources; they are living individuals who deserve respect and care.

If you ask around, many people would say animal abuse is not evident in slaughterhouses. Many meat factories claim they treat animals with humane care, and their deaths are quick and painless, but those are lies, spread

KIND the

“My whole life I’ve eaten meat. Sadly, I was kitchen never aware on how bad the conditions of

By Staff Writer Lexi slaughterhouses really are, and, quite frankly, it SHEELEY sickens me.”

by so many ignorant mouths. Many animals are beaten severely, and many suffer mentally. These animals are separated from their parents and young right from birth, and just like a human, they know what’s being taken away from them. Cows are stunned with iron rods, and pigs reproduce so quickly they cannot do anything but lay in their confined pens and wait. Chickens are fed with so many different types of steroids their legs break beneath them.

There is no “humane” way to confine and kill animals. Imagine hanging by your ankles, attached to a conveyor belt, freezing in the middle of the night.

Many animals are held over night like this, before having their throats slit the

next day, which is not a quick, pain-free death. Workers throw chickens around by their necks, stun cows and force pigs to give birth triple the amount of healthy pigs. These animals live in a constant state of fear, and that is not how beautiful creatures should be treated.

My whole life I’ve eaten meat. Sadly, I was never aware on how bad the conditions of slaughterhouses really are, and, quite frankly, it sickens me. Dogs and household pets are also abused every day, and that always broke my heart.

And on June 20, 2015, I came to the realization that while I’m fighting for the rights of abused dogs, cats and other pets, I was leaving slaughterhouse animals behind.

I quit eating meat, and I never plan on going back. Eating animal products like cheese and milk still exploits animals in a very harsh way, and I plan on switching to a plant-based diet very soon.

I’ve already started my vegetarian journey, and I’d like you to come along with me, as well as my vegan journey in the near future. I will not only cover animals rights, but also tips on how to transition into an animal-friendly diet, health benefits and delicious recipes.

In the end, I hope some of you will consider trying either of these diets, and together we can fight for the lives of innocent animals and our health.