Issue 6 2022-23

9-TO-5

THESE STUDENTS ARE DiTCHiNG THE TRADiTiONAL WORKPLACE TO START THEiR OWN BUSiNESSES

THE

08 munchin on mochi

A hidden gem in downtown Noblesville offers a different take on the classic donut.

14 turning the tables

The Tabletop Gaming Club shines a new light on the gaming community.

NHS Mill Stream

OUR STAFF

10 MAKE IT OR BREAK IT

Student euntrepuners share their stories .

18 Pass, set, sport

NHS Boys Volleyball opens their first season as a school sport.

Lights, Camera, Acton

media managers maria celis, caitlin hall

manager morgan trowbridge staff writers landon durm, anna egleson, lance engelman, becca garber, kenzie glass, olivia gonzalez, max habel, andie harmon, savanna hill, danielle hook, aubrey paul, anthony pratt, tori rowe, savannah shotwell, madeline smith, carter swart, jillian thomas, santi leon torres, thomas whalen adviser joe akers

THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY

We’re told we don’t want to work. We’re lazy. We’re letting technology run our lives. We can’t climb the corporate ladder. We can’t be successful. But, we’re not going to fall for that. Together, younger generations are fighting back against the traditional 9-5 working trends. We are tired of older generations telling us that we do not meet their expectations of what working should be and blaming the economic troubles on our so-called social media-melted brains. We know we deserve better.

The truth behind our methods is that we are working. We are working in stores, restaurants, and even online. We are exploring new ways to create a future for ourselves within the world we live in. Teenagers have discovered that the 9-5 lifestyle is not for everyone, and more often than not, it’s a model that creates burnout and places us into a rut.

The standard 40-hour work week came into practice shortly after World War II, but the ideas were present long before. The process of clocking in, completing a task, and then clocking out was productive for that time period but is now outdated. The 9-5 work day first sprouted from labor unions seeking a more sustainable way to make ends meet. But that is no longer the case -- the workday should be fluid. The times are changing, and we need to as well.

The traditional workday often does more harm than good. People will work the majority of their lives, and many will barely make a livable wage. Creativity is all too frequently crushed as individuals are forced to conform to societal standards. This lifestyle has overwhelmed people for decades and an update is long overdue. A 2019

study by the International Workplace Group discovered that 80% of workers were willing to turn down a job that did not offer a flexible work schedule for a position that did.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world discovered that the 9-5 was not the only way to productively work. Businesses were able to explore new methods including reduced hours and shorter work weeks. Individuals could complete their job at home, and along with this change, people were able to explore creative outlets without the crippling weight of being at the office all day. Even at school, with reduced hours, students saw that they were able explore more creative options and make the most of their time. We were able to connect to our peers via technology and embraced new ways to become entrepreneurs.

Now, teenagers are finding creativity and new ways to earn money. From making artwork to providing yard services, our generation has the opportunity to use technology to fight the monotonous lives generations previous to ours have lived. Instead, our generation is fighting for the careers that we want, compared to the jobs older generations expect us to fill when they step down. Our careers should adapt to us, not us to them.

The MillStreamis published by journalism students and distributed free of charge. The staff will publish seven issues during the 2022-2023 school year.

The MillStreamis a student newspaper, for students by students. We provide a public forum to serve as an outlet for student ideas and opinions; we work as an agent for change and provide credible, objective reporting to inform, entertain, and better serve the reader.

We welcome both signed letters to the editor and guest columns, which cannot exceed 350 words in length.

The MillStreamreserves the right to correct grammatical errors and ask for the author’s assistance in editing. The MillStreamwill not print letters that attack individuals or that contain obscene language. Letters may be submitted to room 3016 or via millermedianow.org

The staff reserves the right to reject advertisements that are political in nature, false, promote illegal substances to minors, misleading, harmful or not in the best interest of its readers. The MillStreamis a member of the Indiana High School Press Association and Quill and Scroll.

Photo by K. Simpson

READ READ READ

politicians acRoss tHE coUntRY aRE REstRicting cHildREn’s accEss to books

Carter Swart//carterbracken30@gmail.com

Asecond grade student enters her Florida classroom, expecting to pick up the picture book she was reading yesterday. But when she checks the shelf, the book is gone. The student asks her teacher what happened to the book, only to hear the teacher state, “Sorry, dear. That book was found to be inappropriate for your age.” The book’s title? “The Life of Rosa Parks.”

This is not a hypothetical scenario, it’s happening in our country today. Book censorship has become a politicized issue in America, with politicians at the state and local levels successfully removing children’s books from library and classroom shelves. The justification these legislators are using to deny children access to these books tends to stem from the books’ supposed controversial themes, such as human sexuality, white privilege, or slavery. These politicians typically argue that children should not be exposed to these issues because the students are too young, however, this week, the Florida Board of Education went even further by proposing to forbid the teaching of sexuality and gender identity for ages K-12.

Censorship, especially book banning, is rooted in ignorance, and it’s wrong on every level. While there are some books that may be crude or even offensive, they should never — under any circumstance — be censored or banned. It shouldn’t be a problem to read a book and to disagree with whatever the writer says. If you don’t have a desire to read the book, you are not obligated to do so. If you’re a parent who feels uncomfortable about the contents of a certain book, don’t let your child check the book out. It’s that simple.

Max Goller, the Director of Education at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library in Indianapolis, cited the exact words Vonnegut offered when asked about book censorship: “Have somebody read the First Amendment to the United States Constitution out loud to you, you God damned fool!”

Not even the worst of books should ever be banned. Books by even the most vile people must be made avail able because readers need to be able to identify something and say, “That is wrong, and I do not agree.” Reading these books helps people to identify wrongdoings from our past. They can also help people form empathy for groups who were discriminated against.

Reading texts from even the worst humanity has to offer can help us reflect on the world’s historical atroci ties like slavery or the holocaust. Reading about our past helps us learn about the civil rights movement of the 20th century and the horrors of segregation in the south. It’s important that students read these texts in school so that they can identify right and wrong. When students like the second grader in Florida are denied access to the truth

about our past, that is how ignorance is formed. Politicians who claim to be protecting children from exposure to issues of gender or race simply refuse to acknowledge that societal norms are changing. And these changes are fine. So you tell me: what are lawmakers really trying to shield children from?

One Hamilton County librarian believes that when a student enters a library, they should have access to any book, of any origin, background or opinion.

“A library should be nonpartisan,” the librarian said. “I think… [it’s] a coordinated effort by political action groups to control information. From the parent side of things, I think [it] comes from a place of concern for their children, and I understand that side of it. I wish they would understand that librarians are also concerned for children… libraries are [a] choice, so you don’t need to ban books, just don’t pick up those books.”

Topics that make people uncomfortable provide us all the more reason to investigate these ideas further. Just because an issue makes people feel awkward does not mean that we should never discuss it.

“Books form knowledge and empathy, and banning them is an affront to these important human qualities,” Goller said.

When we censor ideas, when we ban history, when we take a book out of the hands of that second

Photo by C. Swart

LOST IN THE SLUDGE

A NEW ViDEO FORMAT iS TAKiNG OVER THE iNTERNET

Santi Leon Torres//santilt23@gmail.com

enjoying just a video or two simply isn’t an option.

“Having ADHD, it’s easier to watch short form content than to watch a Netflix movie, because I would get side tracked during long movies or activities, and with TikTok, I don’t have the chance to get bored or understimulated due to the constantly changing content,” Emery said.

The problem with sludge content is that, by stimulating as many senses as possible, it targets vulnerable individuals like Emery, who may struggle with attention to long-form video content. The difference between sludge videos and traditional videos is that since so many of viewers’ senses are being bombarded, the amount of dopamine supplied to their prefrontal cortex is exponentially larger. Since the dopamine dose is so large, it has an effect similar to opiates on the brain’s receptors, causing them to become desensitized, resulting in fatigue and a sense of monotony in the user’s life.

“When we use TikTok, we are essentially drugging ourselves,” journalist Megan McClintock wrote in a recent article on the issue for the website OneZero. “Unpredictable rewards cause more activity in reward regions of the brain than rewards we know are coming.”

IllustrationbyS.L.Torres

Ican’t help but cringe as I watch the teenage girl at the table next to me completely ignore the waiter trying to take her order. Her parents urge her to look up from her small, dimly-lit screen, only to be met with an icy glare, followed by some snarky retort muttered under her breath. “She’ll have the spaghetti,” the mother of the family says after a long pause. I understand that it is rude to stare, but it is difficult to ignore a 13-year-old girl sporting heavy eye makeup and chunky leather boots – obvious indications of a chronic TikTok user. I wonder if that horribly awkward interaction wasn’t a product of social inadequacy, but if it’s the direct result of the environment the girl grew up in.

Every TikTok user has probably seen something like this before– some sort of video being displayed above gameplay or a “satisfying” video. It’s obvious that these videos are meant to keep the viewer engaged and prevent them from scrolling, generating income for the account where the video has been posted. To a curious onlooker, videos like this may seem harmless, but the effect they have on users’ mental state is detrimental. “Sludge content,” as it has come to be known, is a deliberate and rather sinister strategy used to manipulate social media users, and many of its effects are destructive to viewer’s mental health.

TikTok already caters to shorter attention spans, so for people like junior Ella Emery, getting on TikTok and

Although the psychological effects of sludge videos may be dangerous, the social effects are far more treacherous. Because of the mindless nature in which this content is consumed, it is easier to manipulate users’ moral and political ideology. For example, in recent years, online influencer Andrew Tate found success in using sludge content to push his misogynistic rhetoric. He constructed a pyramid scheme where members were promised profit in exchange for reposting clips from his podcast. Since users knew the videos would perform better if they were reformatted with gameplay on half of the screen, these videos were promoted to the target audience for video games, young boys. Indoctrinating young kids using these tactics sets a precedent for propaganda being spread on the platform.

Gradually, people are starting to rely on apps like TikTok to inform themselves of current events. There is nothing more dangerous than an ignorant, vulnerable society. It is imperative that we recognize that the promotion of sludge content is doing nothing but damage, not only to viewers’ brains, but society as a whole.

THE MAN BEHIND THE CUBE

TrisTan MarTin can solve a cube in seconds, and if you blink, you’ll Miss iT

Heather McQuinn//heathermcquinn31@gmail.com

Photosby M.Vitale&providedbyTristanMartin

Fifty-four squares. Nine per side. Six faces. It’s not a toy, it’s not a game. It’s the Rubik’s Cube, created in 1974 by Erno Rubik, and it has captured players’ fascination for decades. Senior Tristan Martin can solve it in less time than it takes you to read this first paragraph. Martin is a speedCuber, someone who solves these colorful cubes as a sport. In the world, only 143,000 speedcubers currently exist, and Martin happens to be one of them. Showing off his skills in the lunchroom, in class, or even in the halls, students of Noblesville might know him as “the guy with the cube.” But how many people know the artists behind the art? Martin’s passion for speedcubing didn’t develop out of nowhere. It all started in seventh grade when his mom brought home a Rubik’s Cube.

“When I first started solving, I was doing it in a few minutes,” Martin said. “Now I’m doing it in ten seconds.” With a little practice, solving Rubik’s Cubes can become easier, and eventually solving the riddle of the cube can become second nature. But it isn’t a matter of luck. Instead, Martin has a system that speedCubers have dubbed Cross, First Two Layers, Orientation, Permutation (CFOP). CFOP is a pattern of steps Martin uses for every cube he encounters.

“I follow the same four steps every single solve. The last two steps have a lot of algorithms. They are just a list of algorithms I have memorized in my muscle memory,” Martin said. “The basic definition of an algorithm is you break something up that you have already solved, and you put it back together in a different way, and that will change other things by doing that.”

Becoming a speedcuber is something that Martin did all on his own. But how did he learned the long list of complex terms and algorithms that comes with speedcubing? Was it from a teacher? A friend? Martin says he learned how to become a speedcuber, the way most kids learn stuff these days - from the internet.

“People have spent decades studying this stuff, and I just came along and figured it out,” Martin said.

By dedicating much of his free time to the craft, Martin was able to get ahead of the speedcubing game by skipping some stepping stones to get him to where he’s at today.

“I initially learned how to start solving the cube in 2018. I started practicing speedcubing at the start of 2019, and at that time I averaged 50 seconds. Every month after that, I dropped ten seconds,” Martin said. “In that first month of January, I learned all 78 algorithms for the full advanced CFOP in one go, skipping all the intermediate steps in between.”

But Martin doesn’t take all the credit for his success. J Perm, a speedcubing YouTuber, has posted helpful videos online that Martin credits for his success in this sport.

“J Perm has a really good video series. I’ve watched all of [his videos] several times, and I got lots of information from that. J Perm is one of the best resources for learning how to solve the cube,” Martin said.

Math and Statistics teacher Justin Keever sees Martin’s strategy as important, as Keever values the same types of critical thinking in his classroom.

“Mathematical thinking is incredibly necessary to making decisions in our daily lives. Whether you are actually using algebraic equations or quadratic formula — that’s not the point,” Keever said. “The point is for [students] to think {critically] and think in steps and think how you can problem solve.”

Keever sees the value in building problem-solving skills, whether through normal day-to-day tasks or mastering the six sides of a cube.

“You need to be able to equip yourself with the knowledge to make sound judgment and decisions for yourself,” Keever said.

For outsiders, the world of speedcubing may not appear natural at first. According to Martin, solving the puzzle of the cube requires a lot of practice and time.

“When you learn the cube for the first time there aren’t many algorithms—there are only five you have to

learn. As a beginner that’s overwhelming—five algorithms is a lot,” Martin said. “Then you go to the advanced method like me, and now you’re doing 78 algorithms.”

Cubing is more than just a hobby now for Martin. In 2019, he entered a local competition for speedCubers. Even though he didn’t take home a medal, he found a community of people just like him.

“Back then I was [solving in] 15 seconds. There were 135 people, and I got 42nd,” Martin said.

While Martin discovered this passion on his own, his dad, Jeremy Martin, has supported him through it all.

“It’s hard to believe that he can move his hands and fingers that quickly,” Jeremy said.

In the blink of an eye, Martin can solve the Rubik’s cube. But what may not be apparent is the dedication he puts into the activity.

“Tristan’s focus and dedication to speedcubing has definitely affected his focus when it comes to other academics,” Jeremy said. “His study habits and everything has improved since he got into speedcubing.”

The traits it takes in order to solve a Rubik’s cube don’t just revolve around Martin’s passion. To his dad’s surprise, his son’s high focus and determination began to affect other parts of his life.

“Tristan [originally] set his expectations really low, where he was just happy solving the cube,” Jeremy said. “He sets reasonable goals for himself, and when he meets that goal, he moves that goalpost a little bit further.”

Martin now owns more than 50 Rubik’s cubes and has spent countless hours dedicating his life to this passion. For him, no trophy can compare to the simple reward of seeing the face of spectators as he solves a cube.

“I love showing off my skills,” Martin said “It’s really fun to watch people see me do it in ten seconds and be amazed. It seems like such an impossible thing.”

“Everybody knew me as the guy with the cube.”

-senior Tristan Martin

Tristan Martin’s Google Sheets list all his algorithms. He has multiple sheets to follow that contain patterns for solving the Rubik’s Cube.

MUNCHIN’ ON MOCHI

TAKE A DEEPER LOOK iNTO NOBLESViLLE’S RiSiNG BAKERY, MOCHi JOY DONUTS

Anthony Pratt//anthony.p6758@gmail.com

Tori Rowe//torir248@icloud.com

Noblesville is an old town, a history you can see heavily reflected in the stores and buildings on the Square. All along the town’s streets is a feeling of similarity, with a series of storefronts that can start to feel repetitive. But peel back the curtains, and Noblesville can reveal that it is full of surprises and hidden gems. And when Mochi Joy Donuts opened up, Noblesville was introduced to something unique.

Husband and wife Tom Nguyen and Rachel Burnett are the owners of this growing local business. The couple worked together in another Mochi Donut shop in California for two years. Although Burnett was initially splitting her day between two different jobs, her love for the Mochi business led to a change in her career plans.

“I was working eight hours a day doing telehealth, and then I would come here and help them do dishes and finish up,” Burnett said. “I was like, ‘Let’s just try it,’ because in the worst case scenario, I can go back to audiology.”

Inspired by their work in California, Nguyen and Burnett decided to pack their bags and move to Indiana two years later. They quickly realized that the state had no Mochi shops. In March of 2022, Mochi Joy Donuts opened in Noblesville.

“We didn’t know how popular mochi donuts would be in Indiana, so we started small,” Nguyen said. “We rented a commercial kitchen out of the [Veterans of Foreign Wars] in Noblesville to make sure we didn’t invest in an expensive brick and mortar space in case Hoosiers weren’t into it.”

Photo by O. Jackson

The shop has gained fans throughout the area, with plenty of support coming from NHS students. Sophomore Noah Wilson was given a box of Mochi Joy donuts from his grandpa one morning, and he has been a supporter ever since.

“It was a very good experience. They were very kind toward their customers,” Wilson said.

Senior Caroline Thompson first heard about Mochi Joy when the owners of Kobayashi, an Asian based shop in Greenfield, mentioned the shop to her. The folks running Kobayashi are close friends with Nguyen and Burnett and recommended that she check out the new donut shop.

“[The owners] are lovely people who care about their customers and take pride in their work,” Thompson said. “It’s definitely different from other donut shops since it is family owned and run. It has a more personal touch to it which makes it even more appealing.”

Nguyen and Burnett have started to see an increase in the shop’s growth. They gained a dedicated following over the past year, with other mochi-based businesses opening in the area.

“We’ve been growing surely but slowly. A few Mochi donut franchises have moved in and a couple more are coming,” Nguyen said. “The Mochi donut scene is growing here, and we’re glad we were the ones that started it all.”

As the business continues to grow, Nguyen and Burnett have picked up a range of new responsibilities. Splitting the work between the two of them has put the owners under some unexpected pressure.

“It’s fun. It’s stressful, but it’s different stress, better stress, than working for someone else. It’s way better to work for ourselves. We like to have complete control. It’s a lot happier stress. Chaos is a good word. Organized chaos,” Burnett said.

Want

Despite the tough nature of the job, Nguyen and Burnett believe that the work is ultimately worth it for the many things that motivate them. One major encouragement for Burnett was the help provided by fellow business owners in the area.

“We moved back like four or five years ago, and we didn’t really know anyone, and then we started this, and it’s like we know everyone and everyone’s connected and we’re meeting friends of friends and everything,” Burnett said. “It’s just been amazing. We’ve met tons of mentors. Different restaurant owners are just dying to give us information to help sell.”

Nguyen and Burnett started looking for needed inspiration in the pursuit of finding new menu items. The owners took a trip to Hawaii to perfect their craft.

“Our trip to Oahu, Hawaii in January was a research trip. Our mochi donuts are Hawaiian-style so we decided to go to Hawaii to see what else we can add to our menu. We went to all of the unique Hawaiian restaurants and bakeries to search for things that Indiana hasn’t offered yet,” Nguyen said.

Because of their newfound popularity in the area, the couple say they are working towards their own store front, and Burnett is hopeful that they will be able to acquire one soon. The duo plan on continuing to build their brand in Noblesville.

“We’re [going to] start in Noblesville, because that’s where we started,” Burnett said. “It still [is] a good small town, which is part of the reason we want to stay here [and] hopefully be part of that growth in some cultural change, like Carmel and Fishers.”

CROWD FAVORITES

buzz is all about?

Lavender Lemon

This donut has a perfect mix of lavender and lemon. It tastes natural and not like mock flavoring in the slightest. The donut is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a spring time flavor.

Guava

The flavor of this donut tastes exactly like guava. It’s not too overpowering. Instead, it’s light and perfect for the spring season.

MAKE IT OR BREAK IT

highlighting the student entrepreneurs at nhs

Picture this: a smooth, lusciously delectable chocolate gets paired with fruit as sweetly ripe strawberries come together in a swift dipping motion to create a sense of harmony for the taste buds. At the same time, in another part of town, carefully selected projects and crafted designs are being precisely executed in the name of fashion. Outdoors, just a few miles away, strong arms are traveling from house to house to haul out bundles of trash. Though seemingly different, these scenes have a commonality: they are businesses ran by NHS students. A number of teens have walked away from their fast food jobs to create their own workplaces. These teens are taking on entrepreneurship for themselves as they pursue their visions, overcome hardships, and gain support in the process.

4.21.23

Photos provided by Sami Meguschar and Isabella Pearson Illustrations by M. Trowbridge

Olivia Gonzalez//vialiin06@gmail.com

Caitlin Hall//hallc7544@gmail.com

Danielle Hook//danielleehook13@gmail.com

Morgan Trowbridge//morganrocks270@gmail.com

It Begins With A vision

When someone starts their own business, a variety of reasons, inspirations, and ideas start to circulate. Senior Sami Meguschar had always been drawn to the world of fashion and design. Her clothing business, Derealization, was inspired by her thrifting habits and the scraps produced when she alter her clothing.

“Ten percent of the world’s waste is created by the fashion industry, and I want to eventually make a difference in that,” Meguschar said.

Often new businesses spring from a hobby, like Meguschar’s interest in fashion. But junior Isabella Pearson just wanted to find a productive way to spend her time. Pearson recalls being a driven person since she was young, which helped give her the idea to start selling chocolate strawberries on Valentine’s Day. Following her holiday success, she continued the idea year round, creating Dipped By Bella, a chocolate-dipped strawberry company.

“I started my business because I felt like I was wasting time laying in bed watching TikTok. I’ve always been ambitious ever since I was little,” Pearson said.

Although Pearson had never made chocolate strawberries before starting her business, she was dedicated to the idea and developed the company all by herself.

“I was my own inspiration. Everything I’ve done with the business has come from my own money, time, creativity, and effort,” Pearson said.

Pearson started her journey with an idea, like so many other business owners. But junior Michael Corlew started his company, MB Junk Removal with a sentimental gift that inspired him to pursue residential junk removal.

“I got a truck from my great-grandfather. It was his last truck and my first one. I got it when I was fourteen,” Corlew said. Corlew took his grandfather’s vehicle and put it to work, hauling around junk.

Lyneen Burrow is the owner of the fabric store Always In Stitches in Noblesville. She’s been in business since 2007, and she wanted to create a place where older women and women in general could go to pass time. She understands the struggles these teens faced, since she started her own business from the ground up.

“I wanted a safe place for women to hang out. I have some older women that maybe their husband passed away or their kids have moved away or whatever. They come in all the time, once a week, twice a week...they’ll come in, sit down, and talk to us,” Burrow said. “We’re [sort of] their family now.”

Corlew had always been entrepreneurial, and his current business was not his first. His first work experiences inspired him to continue working for himself and help others around him by providing his friends with jobs.

“The flexible schedule, being able to help my buddies get some extra money, and just doing what I enjoy keeps me going,” Corlew said.

IT’S not always easy

New business owners often talk about how, despite their passion for their company, starting a business brings a host of highs and lows, especially when it comes to time, ideas, and profit. Meguschar has experienced the challenge of keeping generating return business.

“The biggest struggle has been keeping customers buying, because once the hype is over, you have to constantly draw people in with other things,” Meguschar said.

Entrepreneurs frequently mention how hard it can be to learn new skills, which is often a reason many new business owners give up. Pearson faced this issue when faced with becoming her own boss.

“[It] was very stressful, not being able to succeed the first couple times. It was very discouraging,” Pearson said.

New entrepreneurs must also deal with the fear of their businesses failing. Pearson has experienced this problem and worked hard to keep going.

“I also struggled with losing money. At first I thought I wasn’t going to get any orders and that I had just wasted a bunch of money on materials,” Pearson said. “I learned to not give up. It sounds very cliché, but it’s so true.”

After sixteen years as an experienced business owner, Burrow has faced many situations that today’s crop of student entrepreneurs are now facing. But she kept going and learned how to keep her business afloat, now bringing advice to those starting their own companies just as she did.

“Don’t overextend your finances, but you’re going to have to go into it thinking you’re going to succeed,” Burrow said.

The responsibilities of owning a business while also going to school can make it difficult to maintain a balance, Meguschar said. Her days seem to go by faster and it’s hard to fit everything you are responsible for doing in those 24 hours.

“It’s really hard to manage the business, school, and work, so I try to work on [Derealization] periodically, and that’s part of my problem with keeping it afloat,” Meguschar said.

Time management is also a burden, according to Pearson. Trying to balance all of the activities of daily life along with one that you enjoy can be a source of stress.

“Managing my time became very difficult. Between school, work, and even friends I have, I struggled finding time to keep up with my outside life,” Pearson said.

Isabella Pearson covers chocolate dipped strawberries in glitter. She works to make each strawberry look aesthetically pleasing.

Finding Support

Running a business in high school is a mix of dreams and hardships that students must persevere through all while producing goods and services for their customers. So going it alone was not realistic for Corlew. His passion for junk removal was not the only thing that helped him start his business. Corlew, accompanied by his mom for moral support, recently spoke about his mother’s influence on a local radio program.

“My mom is a huge inspiration. When I got on the radio station, she was the one who went with me to listen,” Corlew said.

Those closest to Corlew have recognized his potential. Other businesses stepped up and assisted Corlew in ways a family member wouldn’t have been able to.

“I had a guy on Facebook who runs On Demand Dumpsters, and I reached out to him,” Corlew said. “He’s like my mentor. He helped me get started [and] gave me overall ideas of things I needed to do to get involved.”

Support can arrive in multiple forms. For Corlew, his various social media platforms have helped him connect with other businesses. For Person, support is found in the people she surrounds herself with.

“I have been supported by all my family and friends,” Pearson said. “They helped get the word out. They were all so happy for me and wanted to see me succeed.”

With help from friends, Meguschar’s business has become more than just selling clothing to her inner circle.

“I started just selling my items to friends, and then I

started an Etsy where I was posting my artwork,” Meguschar said. “I have a lot of creator friends who go to different schools, and we all help each other, like my friend Von helped me create a logo.”

For Pearson, the term “support” means more than just direct sales.

Want to start your own business?

Here are some tips to start you on t

Are you looking to become the next entrepreneur but need some advice to get you going? Lyneen Burrow, the owner of Always in Stitches, and experts at the college counseling website, Crimson, have curated tips to help you get started.

• Pick a type of business. Your business can range from helping neighbors with chores to selling art on a blog. Choose something that you’re passionate about and willing to go the distance with. Try to pick something with a unique selling point, something most other businesses don’t do.

• Have a goal. When Burrow started her business, she knew she wanted to provide a safe space for women to hang out. Creating a strong goal can help you push forward and stay motivated alongside.

• It’s okay to not have experience. Burrow had no prior retail experience before creating Always in Stitches, but with the help of her friends, she eventually found her way. As long as you’re dedicated to learning new techniques and taking the time, she says, you could be just as successful.

• Making mistakes is normal for first time entrepreneurs. When you notice a problem though, figure out the source and quickly address it to keep moving forward. You don’t want to waste too much time, energy, or money on the wrong initiatives.

• Understand taxes. Don’t skip researching state laws surrounding taxes and regulations. How much money you make from your business can affect your need to worry about taxes. Talk to adults (such as parents or guardians and counselors) to hear their advice.

• Assess down payments. What supplies will you be needing? How much money will you need to start-up your business? What about in the future? Are you comfortable and safely able to spend that amount of money? Asking these questions can be important to avoiding debt and other problems down the road.

• Decide on a form of advertisement. How will people know about your business? Think about creating a social media platform, website, or maybe even posting flyers to spread the word of your new business.

(left) Isabella Pearson perfected her chocolate covered strawberries when she created her business in February of 2023. find her treats at @dippedbybella_

Sami Meguschar uses thrifted materials to make her clothes. You can find her designs on instagram at @derealizati0nn.

(right) Michael Corlew regularly invites friends like austin young on his morning junk runs. his company is on instagram at @mb_junk_removal

Photos by C. Hall, D. Hook, and O. Jackson

TURNING THE TABLES

ONE NHS CLUB iS REDEFiNiNG GAMiNG

Landon Durm//landon.durm2007@gmail.com

Aubrey Paul//brepaul101@gmail.com

The idea of gaming conjures up images of handheld controllers, electronic screens emitting light in a dimly lit room, and the sounds of buttons clicking. However, for members of NHS’s new Tabletop Gaming Club, their version of the activity looks quite different. Their meetings consist of storylines, adventures, and evolving characters that turn into long nights and lifelong friendships. The club is working hard to create a new vision of gaming for the future.

English teacher Samantha Wood sponsors the Tabletop Gaming Club and enjoys playing board games herself—a hobby that has made it easy for her to connect with club members and provides her with loads of experience when it comes to the realm of tabletop.

“Tabletop games can really include any type of game played upon a tabletop, including board games, card or dice games, and strategy games,” Wood said.

The Tabletop Gaming Club was originally called the Dungeons and Dragons Club. However, the group was essentially disbanded when COVID-19 struck.

“In-person play is usually preferred over voice or video chat,” Wood said. “Most tabletop games require physical pieces, including figures that represent characters, cards, or game pieces that add to the gameplay element.”

Wood says that despite the strain put on the club by the pandemic, a small yet passionate group of students worked to rebuild it. From the ashes of the Dungeons and Dragons Club, the Tabletop Gaming Club emerged.

MEET THE TABLETOP GAMERS

favorite game: Dungeons and Dragons years in club: 2 years years playing tabletop games: 5 years

“The club changed its name…to include a wider variety of games and to build the community into a place that is both welcoming and fun,” Wood said.

Although the daunting task of revamping the club came with its challenges, the leaders of the Tabletop Gaming Club have found success in their efforts.

“These student leaders had no guidance, almost no materials, and no experience leading these games, and yet they did it,” Wood said. “They created their own set of guidelines for game and club conduct, which were based on including everyone they could in a way that encouraged others to be themselves.”

As the club moves forward, members have a variety of goals in mind for the future. Club member Brendan Metz hopes the club will grow and continue to be a place for non-traditional gamers to connect.

“The club is a safe space for all people from all kinds of backgrounds, and allows for imagination to flourish,” Metz said.

Club leader Coleman Kratz agrees, envisioning the club as a place for students to learn, grow, and discover new interests.

“We are looking to add different games to our arsenal,” Kratz said. “People wanting to play should join the club, but the great thing is that you don’t need any experience. We all love teaching new people Dungeons and Dragons or other TTRPGs (Tabletop Role-playing Games), and encourage everyone to try it if it sounds interesting.”

Clark Larson

favorite game: Dungeons and Dragons years in club: 1 year years playing tabletop games: 7 years

Colin James favorite game: Dungeons and Dragons years in club: 1.5 years years playing tabletop games: 2 years

Atlas Berlock

favorite game: Dungeons and Dragons years in club: 1 year years playing tabletop games: 1 year

Daniel Larson

favorite game: Dungeons and Dragons years in club: 2 years years playing tabletop games: 2 years

Coleman Kratz

Photos by S. Hill

Sweat beads on Caroline Santerre’s brow as her muscles strain. She pushes aside the pain from her mind and body to force one more push up. When she finally succeeds, she feels the relief and pride of someone who has conquered Mount Everest. And in her own way, she’s climbed a mountain. She’s pushed herself harder than she ever has, all for a dream: becoming an FBI agent.

This summer, Santerre joined the Indiana National Guard, a reserve component of the United States Army and Air Force.As a member, she provides support to her state and country in times of emergency. She also believed the Guard could help in her future plans.

“I joined because I wanted to gain valuable experience that will hopefully help me in a career in counterterrorism in the FBI,” Santerre said.

After graduating high school, Santerre will become a Military Police in the Guard, where she will be charged with protecting military installations. Job training for military police requires 20 weeks of training and on-the-job instruction in police methods. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, with the remaining instruction taking place in the field. Santerre has completed her basic training and is waiting to begin classes for her specific job.

“I do enjoy being in the Army National Guard because there are numerous opportunities to get more physically fit, while gaining firsthand experience and gaining knowledge alongside college,” Santerre said. “I would highly recommend it to others who want to attend college because [the state of Indiana] will pay for it.”

The Indiana National Guard and Air National Guard

Supplemental Grant pays for 100 percent of a student’s tuition to any state school. This grant is given to all members of the Air and Army National Guard who wish to attend a state institution, and more than a dozen Indiana colleges and universities are participants in the program. But Santerre says the benefits go beyond tuition.

“Even if a person doesn’t want to go to college, I would still highly recommend joining active duty and taking on-

Anna Egleson//anna.egleson@gmail.com

Thomas Whalen//tw1271941@gmail.com

line classes or simply continuing in the military as a career,” Santerre said.

Santerre says her basic training experience was unlike anything she had experienced before. A typical high school student’s day is filled with concerns over the next test, homework, sports practice, or other comparatively minor inconveniences. However Santerre looks back on her basic training fondly, despite the challenges, and she says she is appreciative of the opportunity.

“One of my favorite memories would probably be scaling down a 67-foot tower in a harness that I had to make, the friends I made, or the night infiltration course. Moments I didn’t like as much were probably the gas chamber [training], to field training exercises in the hot weather,” Santerre said.

For now, Santerre is unsure of what her future plans are after completing college but she does have a few goals in mind and a plan to accomplish them.

“I am either going to try to join active duty Army and join the Criminal Investigation Division after college,” Santerre said, “or stay local and be a police officer or firefighter until I can join the FBI counterterrorism unit. I’ll possibly stay there or go onto the FBI SWAT team or join another investigation service where I can stay in one place but travel to other countries once in a while.”

Enlisting in the military is a big decision and Santerre’s experience in the National Guard has provided her insight into the benefits and challenges of serving in the armed forces. Santerre’s story taught her about the opportunities, as well as hardships, surrounding enlistment as a student.

“The most valuable thing I took away is how you can’t be a leader without a team, learning both sides of leadership and the Army values,” Santerre said.

Santerre (right) smiles for the camera during boot camp. She says her experiences as a recruit will stick with her the rest of her life.

Photoprovidedby CarolineSanterre

features

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

A LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A STUDENT FILMMAKER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Maria Celis//celismariavalentina@gmail.com

Kenzie Glass//gracie.glass12@gmail.comm

When he’s not at school, junior Tyler Cowan is often found staring at his computer screen. He’s editing photos, finding actors for his films, and completing the countless tasks required to tie his final products together. From writing short stories during his free time to breathing life into them through film, Cowan is finding his place in the world of media. In exploring his film making passion, he developed a love for behind the camera work. As a result, taking pictures and becoming a photographer became a major element of his current work. For Cowan, the process behind each of his projects means much more to him than simply a plot and a cast.

“I’ve always loved being creative and making all the ideas I have come to life,” Cowan said. “It takes a lot of hard work, but the end result is always so rewarding and makes me feel really proud of the work everyone put in.”

His passion for writing stories began at an early age. Creativity had always been a large part of his life, and his love for storytelling sprang from his childhood.

“I used to think I wanted to be an author, and as I wrote novels, I kept asking myself, ‘Why can’t this just be a film?’ and then I realized it can be,” Cowan said.

Although viewers may not notice it in the final product, the actual process of planning and brainstorming for a film can sometimes be the trickiest part. For Cowan, this definitely rings true.

“Ideas are the thing I struggle with most. Coming up with an idea that is not only entertaining and original, but

also something that a student filmmaker with no budget could do is always the hardest part,” Cowan said.

Even with horror films, his genre of choice, Cowan has a way of incorporating his personality into his projects. While staying true to the genre’s style, he manages to injects a hint of humor throughout his films.

“I add a comedy aspect into my films -- having lighthearted, funny moments while being overall scary has always been what I’ve gravitated towards most,” Cowan said.

Filmmakers utilize a variety of strategies to bring their ideas to life, and in Cowan’s case, his plans often come to him in the moments when he is alone with his thoughts.

“The way I get ideas is overthinking,” Cowan said. “My favorite genre to create is horror, so most of my ideas come from the random thoughts I get that draw things out of proportion, like ‘Someone’s [going to] break your window right now.’”

Cowan has involved himself in several film and photo shoots throughout the journey of his growing business. ‘Barbie: Raquel’s Revenge,’ a film Cowan shot in December, is just one example of the projects he has successfully led.

Junior Kat Logue, who portrayed one of the film’s main characters, Raquel, believes that Cowan not only brings his ideas to life in his movies, he creates a positive environment for his crew while making the film.

“While he acts professional, he still is very funny throughout the entire thing, and it’s really fun for everyone involved,” Logue said.

Junior Kira Dunn, who portrays Barbie in the film, agrees with Logue about the worthwhile experience she gained from working with Cowan.

“He was super patient when we couldn’t stop laughing and messing up our lines,” Dunn said. “He was just a joy to film with.”

Tyler Hindman, an animation and film production teacher at J. Everett Light Career Center, has seen Cowan improve in multiple areas, including editing and script writing in the year Cowan has spent in his class. According to Hindman, Cowan’s work showcases his growth and ability to utilize the entire production process in an effective way.

“Tyler is a very creative person and is able to come up with great ideas for his films and other projects,” Hindman said. “He is a good director and cinematographer, and it shows in his finished work.”

Not only is Cowan devoted to film, he is also involved in the photography world. He successfully splits his time between school, film, photography, and music.

“He’s started a name for himself and has his own business. Not many people our age can say they’ve accomplished that,” Logue said.

While Cowan works independently on most of his projects, Marin Brooks, a junior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, often serves as Cowan’s assistant for his photography work.

“Usually my job entails helping to pose the person being modeled as well as assistance with photo editing,” Brooks said.

Brooks believes that she has learned valuable lessons through assisting Cowan, and she realizes the experiences she has gained from their time together may help her in other areas of her life, not just in the photography world.

“It’s really fascinating to watch how Tyler makes his vision come to life,” Brooks said. “Before I was his assistant, I was not very involved in photography. But I’ve been able to learn so much from his creativity and passion for capturing people’s life experiences.”

To create the many visions the photographer might have in mind, the models Cowan works with help him

bring his ideas to life. Senior Gabbie Manns modeled for Cowan and left the photoshoot feeling confident.

“He wanted a more dark and edgy look for this shoot, so of course I was down to help him bring that image into his photos,” Manns said. “He made me feel so comfortable and important.”

A typical session with Cowan is not simply a photoshoot. For Cowan and his crew, a photo session is a form of expression, a way to explore and display the personalities of his models.

“We always have a good time, talk about life and hype the model up, and get great pictures for whatever the occasion may be,” Cowan said. “I just love getting to see people shine and being the reason they do shine.”

According to Cowan, the true joy he finds in photography comes from the people he works with and the way everyone feels after the shoot. He says it’s what makes him continue to do what he loves.

“Knowing I can help people feel better about themselves,” Cowan said, “while doing something I enjoy, is everything to me.”

Photos by K. Glass and provided by Tyler Cowan

(Far left) Tyler Cowan’s assistant, Marin Brooks, models for a candlelit photoshoot. Cowan and Brooks started working together this year.

(Above left) Cowan checks his viewfinder while directing one of his films. Many of his movies feature student actors and actresses.

(Above right): Cowan and Brooks take a break from a recent photo shoot. As Cowan’s assistant, Brooks helps execute the photographer’s visions.

PASS, SET, SPORT

the IHSAA had approved boys volleyball as an official sport in high schools across the state of Indiana. And now, no longer a club sport, adrenaline is running high through the team as they warm up for the spring season with players looking to improve their skills and gain the benefits of being an officially sanctioned school team.

Junior Ryker Lawrence is hyped about his team’s new status.

“I’m very excited that boys volleyball became a school sport because it gives us the opportunity now to feel even more connected to the community and represent our high school,” Lawrence said.

Now that the boys volleyball team has moved into competition as school sport, players say the pressure to perform this season has increased. But so has their confidence.

“The boys have made a lot of progress, even from just last season,” assistant coach Jordyn Guenin said.

As a club, the boys team did not have the amenities that a school sport would have, such as transportation to away games or even a locker room. Former players worked around these obstacles, however it was difficult for club teams to operate without these basic fundamentals.

“I’m proud of the guys who have been playing Noblesville boys volleyball for years and are finally getting the

with other student athletes,” Guenin said.

The players from the years as club team say they now have many more goals to achieve. And with these new great opportunities, the team has grown, despite the pressure they now endure.

The current group of Miller athletes at the high school are also doing their part to prepare the future Miller volleyball players. Since the two middle schools currently do not field boys volleyball teams, the high school squad hosts middle school practices for any younger students who are interested in learning the sport.

“I would like to see our program grow even larger and become more widespread this season so that men’s volleyball can grow a strong culture that trains kids from a younger age and prepares them for high school games,” Davis said.

As younger students look forward to playing in high school, the current Miller boys are anxious for the new season ahead of them. With each match played this season, the team says they are fueled with their hope and excitement, not only for their own season, but for the future of the next generation of players.

“I hope to see more guys join volleyball because it’s a privilege and great experience where you can meet new people,” Davis said, “and become the best man possible.”

The NHS boys volleyball team begins their first season as an

Coach Ross Wellman gathers the team in a huddle at the end of a March match. The Miller boys were victorious over Franklin Central in the team’s first year as an IHSAA sport.

on the Court, as a Sport

I think it’s a step up for the boys volleyball team that we will actually be recognized as a school sport.

-junior Micah Sebas

“ ”

PhotosbyO.Jackson

GUARDING THE NATION

The Miller winTer guard is gaining aTTenTion around The counTry

Maggie Hoppel//maggiehoppel@me.com

Brenzlee Johnson//jbree1433@gmail.com

Acolor guard routine is all-encompassing, an experience reminiscent of a big top circus. In the ring, a thousand different acts intertwine into one cohesive spectacle. In a guard performance, sabres, rifles, and flags fly in all directions, and a team of athletes and dancers express themselves in a way that pushes the limits of what the human body can do. There’s something wondrous happening everywhere you look.

This is what the Noblesville winter guard is capable of. And as a result, they picked up a national runner-up title in this year’s Winter Guard International (WGI) national guard competition. However, members like junior Amelia Jarrett say that color guard is more than just a competitive sport: It’s artistry.

“Guard in itself is very expressive, but it’s up to every individual to really mold the type of expression they most enjoy—whether that be with solely dance or with some of the equipment we use,” Jarrett said.

Color guard originated in the military, but has evolved into an athletically challenging competitive sport that includes musical interpretation. As such, its members must

display the discipline and resilience of their military pre decessors.

“Being challenged by difficult work and nailing it gives me that drive to keep pushing myself,” Jarrett said.

Guard members put this drive to the test during this year’s competition season. The Noblesville guard members travel to competitions all over the country.

“Every year we compete in the state circuit which is IHSCGA, Indiana High School Color Guard Association,” Jarrett said. “We also competed in the national circuit WGI, Winter Guard International, and we’ve competed at nationals this year in Dayton, Ohio.”

Sophomore Britany Tochimani likes tracking the team’s progress over time. As a second-year guard member, she looks forward to watching the group continue improving.

“I am so glad and beyond thankful that I was in the guard last year because we won state. It felt amazing for that to happen my first year,” Tochimani said.

Tochimani admits that a second win this year wasn’t guaranteed. Guards across the state have impressive rou tines as well.

This year’s winter guard rehearses for an upcoming contest. The group picked up the IHSCGA champioinship last year.

“We had really good competitors this year, and I think that’s what makes it so much more fun,” Tochimani said.

Competition is the heart and soul of the winter guard experience. Freshman member Alyssia Caulk looks forward to meeting other like-minded people when she competes.

“During a competition, everyone cheers for every guard, and everyone is super kind,” Caulk said. “It’s like you’ve known them for years.”

However, competition isn’t everything in the winter guard world. Junior member Nat Jasper values the color guard community as much as the competitions.

“Guard is just in general an amazing way to make new friends and express yourself in a fun and creative way,” Jasper said. “Not only is it an outlet for creativity, it has an amazing competitive aspect with support for and from all teams.”

While the rigorous competition schedule may seem nerve-wracking, Jasper believes that it’s beneficial for the growth of the group.

“Going to these huge competitions like WGI finals creates such an inspirational atmosphere,” Jasper said.

And after months of practice and teamwork, the girls’ efforts paid off. After placing first in regional competition, they earned second in the nation at this year’s WGI nationals.

“The fact that we at one point were second in the nation gives me a lot of confidence in this team,” Jasper said. “Having grown up watching and being a part of this guard I can most definitely say it’s headed in the right direction.”

The winter guard continues to apply themselves in practices, which can last up to four hours. Freshman Zoe Myers notices the payoff.

“Practices can be pretty tough and long,” Myers said. “But super rewarding when you spend all that time and learn new things and skills every day.”

At the end of the day, members like Myers and Jarrett may be drawn to color guard for the thrill of competing or the pursuit of athletic and artistic excellence, but they stay for the family that the winter guard has formed together.

“I couldn’t imagine myself doing any other activity with any other group of people,” Jarrett said. “I really have found a family away from home that I know never fails to make my day better.”

always iMproving

Guard members share the elements of their performance they’re proudest of

A major part of participating in color guard is a commitment to continue refining the necessary skills, from coordination to confidence. Members of the guard keep track of the individual improvements they made this year to contribute to the success of the entire group.

“This season I feel as though I’ve become a better performer and more confident in my movement.”

“This year for me has been mainly about my individual consistency, as well as pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”

Britany Tochimani

“My dancing has improved, and I feel more confident with the choreography my instructor provides us.”

Amelia Jarett

Nat Jasper

PhotosprovidedbyNatJasper

Winter guard members prepare for another run-through. The Miller guard participants say achieving a national win takes lots of practice.

high school students receive 10% off in store purchases

GET A GRIP

LEARN HOW TO BE SMARTER WITH YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE

Lance Engelman//lanceengelman@gmail.com Gabriel Fryling//gabegoblue@icloud.com

Money can be a tough topic to bring up with students. They’re often broke and they sometimes lack self control when dealing with money. Students can tend to spend money irresponsibly or irrationally, but learning to save money can be vital for students. While the reputation teens have for being irresponsible with their money is not always accurate or fair, creating solid habits when it comes to money is a head start for any teenager. Students have a variety of ways to begin managing their finances, but experts say these are the best starting points.

Save consistently, not in intervals

“It’s okay to have money that’s not spent. A lot of people save towards one goal and then save for the next goal, but if you save in general as you get into adult life, you’ll have money saved as a cushion, which is great because you can handle surprises,” Personal Finance teacher Rich Harden said.

Save what you can

The money you set aside does not need to be a large part of your monthly income. Students can save a percentage of every paycheck, or just a monthly amount that you transfer to your savings account every month. Saving is all about creating a positive pattern, which Harden finds important as well.

“Most people say save 10% of your income which is a good idea. But if you can save more then that’s good. If you can leave that money alone, [that] is key. People as they get older struggle with leaving the money they’ve saved alone, but leaving the money alone and letting it grow is important,” Harden said.

Set up a checking and savings account

Creating separate checking and savings accounts allow you to distinguish what money is spendable now and what isn’t. Setting up a system like this can be done via your bank. Financial website Bankrate points out that banks offer a multitude of different savings accounts, including accounts where you cannot withdraw money until a certain age, preventing you from using that money for a few years and allowing it to compile over time.

Budget your money

Creating a budget can help you prepare for recurring expenses, such as car payments, gym memberships or gas expenses. Budgeting your money also allows you to set aside money for unexpected expenses that arise. The internet provides a variety of tools that can help you create a plan, like personal finance apps or even advisors available to help you create your budget.

“Start a budget by gathering your bills and pay stubs,” Consumer Reports says. “Think about how you spend money, besides paying your bills. For example, do you buy a cup of coffee every day? After a month, that coffee money could add up to an expense you might write down,”

Do your research before you invest

Researching before you invest is vital to make sure you know where your money is going and how you can access it. Multiple institutions are asking for your money, so it’s smart to know where your dollars are going, Harden says.

“Be careful with your money… If someone says it’s easy or it’s guaranteed, follow up and make sure that it’s guaranteed or it’s in writing. There are a lot of scams out there that want you to invest your money into them,” Harden said.

TOTALLY INKED

THESE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOUND A DiFFERENT WAY TO KEEP THEiR FAVORiTE MEMORiES ALiVE

Becca

Max

Garber// beccag9757@gmail.com

Habel// maxwellwhabel@icloud.com

If you only take a quick glance, a tattoo may look insignificant: random words, phrases, symbols, or images. Many NHS teachers and students, however, find their tattoos to be vital in remembering and commemorating times, places, and, most importantly, people who were influential to both themselves and the world. The words and images of tattoos can carry more weight than the casual observer may realize. This art form can hold onto memories. Everyone has a story, and tattoos often serve as a way of keeping that story with you for the rest of your life.

mason kebrdle, senior:

“I have two tattoos, one above my knee, and one on my arm. The one above my knee is a little mountain with coordinates to the peak of a mountain I hiked in Salt Lake City last year with my dad. The coordinates were the most exciting and meaningful hike I have ever done and wanted to cherish that memory forever.”

Alexa cerdes, senior:

“My tattoo is a resting angel with Roman numerals and my cousin’s name on it. It’s in honor of my cousin who unfortunately committed suicide in September. I was close with him as we shared a lot of childhood experiences and hit milestones growing up. As an advocate for mental health as well, I wanted to have his memory with me.”

Hannah dwyer, social studies teacher:

“My first tattoo is in memory of my mom. One of her favorite bands, if not her all time favorite, was Coldplay. They have a song called ‘Viva La Vida.’ It means different things, but for her it meant live your life. I added a lily flower to the end of it as that was her favorite flower.”

Stephanie Fotiades, instructional coach:

“This tattoo references my four children: Andrew, Annabel, Nicholas, and Sophia. Nicholas died thus, he is represented by the bird facing the other three. The phrase ‘Be Held’ was taken from the Casting Crowns song ‘Just Be Held.’ The wording is a reminder that God is in control, not our circumstances nor our emotions.”

PhotostakenbyB.Garber&providedbyHannahDwyerandStephanieFotiades