June 7, 2013 Volume XVI Issue 4
What’s in this Issue Senior Spotlight Page 2 Guide to grabbing a summer job Page 3 Where are the seniors going next year?
Page 4
Life by Seventeen magazine’s Rules Page 7 Fingertip Length: Dress Code unfair to female students Page 8
Stay in touch & visit us online! -Intermission NWSA’s Intermission @NWSA_News
School News Features Opinion
2-5 6-9 10 - 12
Northwest School of the Arts 1415 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216
North Carolinians fight for immigration reform
Local activists challenge anti-immigrant laws Damara Garcia-Garcia Staff Writer Their march began at Freedom Park and progressed to Marshall Park, but their message has been loud and clear from the beginning: comprehensive immigration reform. On April 10th community leaders along with the immigrant community of Charlotte gathered at local parks to rally for immigration reform and empower the community to make their voices be heard. Activists held signs marked “Immigration Nation” ,“Keep Families Together”
stories, and preparing the documents they will need for when the time comes to apply, but the process will not be easy. Applicants might have to undergo background checks, prove their identity and adhere to policies. They will apply for a path to legal status, then even citizenship,
“We
want the community to engage in rallying so we can fully represent the struggles of immigrants in NC.”- Jessica Contreras and “Migration is beautiful.” but their wait for The focus of immigrant citizenship may be coalitions is to put emphasis on between five to ten stopping deportations, promote years. Many undoceducational opportunities to umented students immigrants, and continue fight- are already benefiting for immigration reform. This ing from Obama’s year, Republicans agreed with DACA (Deferred Democrats on the proposal of Action for ChildArrivals) passing comprehensive immigra- hood which allows stution reform, reform that will prodents whose parvide a pathway to citizenship for the millions of immigrants who ents brought them have been here Charlotteans rally for immigration reform for long durahere are11 tion. On March million undocu- Photo by Enrique Garcia 21 the Senate when it comes to protestJudiciary Commented immiing anti-immigrant laws mittee approved grants living in the Unitand empowering Latithe bipartisan no’s to make their voices ed States, and of those immigration rebe heard. Jessica Contreform bill on a approximately 65,000 ras, an active member of vote of 13 to 5, are students looking to the United 4 the Dream a bill which includes new visa enroll in college, apply group , a youth branch of the LAC,also attended programs and for a job” the march in April. She stronger border also traveled to Washcontrol. There ington, DC to speak to are approxirepresentatives about mately 11 million unthe importance of keepinto the country illegally at an documented immigrants living ing families together and early age to work legally and be in the United States, and of those promoting the DREAM protected from deportation. The approximately 65,000 are stuAct. blueprint for immigration redents looking to enroll in college, “We want the form, titled “A Bipartisan Frameapply for a job and contribute to community to engage in ralwork for Immigration Reform,” American society. lying so we can fully represent proves a major progressive step Although the process for immithe struggles of immigrants in on the issue of immigration. gration reform is in its infancy, NC. Our program, Familias Uni The Latin American Comany immigrants living the shaddas (families united) work to alition, an immigrant rights orows are coming out, sharing their ganization, is active in Charlotte bring cases on families being de-
“T
Contact your representatives Senator Kay Hagan: 704-3342448 Senator Richard Burr: (202) 2243154 ported out to the public so that petitions may be signed and continued on page three
2 features
June 7, 2013
Senior spotlight: Shelby Mills Senior pursues passion for costume design Erin Reed Copy Editor The lights are low. Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie” booms through the loudspeakers in the transformed blackbox. Seats are arranged in an Y-shape around the runway. The annual fashion show has begun. As models strut in pajama bottoms and pieces from select student designers, one of the models stands out. Senior Shelby Mills, though she was not one of the featured designers, is no stranger to the apparel world. Mills entered the apparel program in her sophomore year, as a dance and theatre major. Although she had no prior experience with apparel design, Mills’ skills were apparent from the beginning. “Costuming is intense,” Apparel teacher Barbara Wesselman said, “There’s the organization, research, design, fitting, and understanding of the character... [Mills] just understood it all.” A background in theatre had an influence in Mills’ interest in apparel design.
Shelby Mills constucts her prom dress in the apparel workroom. Photo by Ariel Blake
she made 80 percent of the costumes this year... Just shows her utter selflesshe’s not in it for ness,” Wesselman said, the fame or glory,”- “She’s always doing for others... If we had taken Barbara Wesselman half of what she’s made for shows, her “line” would have been enormous.” “Since I started out as “I took Apparel because I a theatre major, I had a love for wanted to make pajama bottoms,” the stage” Mills said of her moMills said, “After making everyone tivation to study apparel and else’s pajama bottoms for class specifically, dramatic costuming. that year, Ms. Wess [encouraged] Although Mills did me to costume for Music Man.” not enter a line for this year’s Apparel teacher Barbara fashion show, she has been Wesselman was an integral part of heavily involved in the fashion Mills’ development as a costumer. world since her sophomore year. “[Wesselman] is the “Shelby didn’t have a ultimate power, and the overline in the fashion show because seer of everything apparel,”
“S
Mills said, “And she’s our guidance whenever we’re stuck.” “[Mills] takes the back burner because she’s not in it for the fame or glory,” Wesselman said, “She treats everyone equally, has amazing work ethic, and has never not shown up.” Mills is known and respected by her peers for her dependability backstage, especially during quick changes and wardrobe malfunctions. “Shelby is always on point. If you need assistance with anything, just look for that Rapunzel-like hair and she’s always there to help,” junior Eva Noblezada said, “And she works quickly and efficiently, which makes her the ultimate costumer.”
Mills’ responsibilities backstage include keeping the costumes organized, making lastminute adjustments, and assisting actors with changes mid-show. “What makes [Shelby] special is that she is calm in utter chaos,” Wesselman said, “If she’s losing it, you’d never know it.” “The best thing about being costumed by Shelby is that she is very detail oriented,” senior Danielle Hopkins said. “She makes sure that each piece fits the scene, the era of the show and most importantly, is tailored to the actor.” Mills’ musical costuming history begins with The Music Man, and has continued through West Side Story, The Color Purple, and most recently, Footloose.
Her other costuming credits include the annual NCTC plays, for one of which, The Revenger’s Tragedy, she received the award for Excellence in Costume Design. “My favorite costume was the Maria dress for the Dance at the Gym,” said Noblezada, who Shelby has costumed for The Music Man,The Revenger’s Tragedy, West Side Story, Romeo and Juliet, and Footloose. Mills, along with fellow apparel student Lauren Pennebaker, was invited to shadow the head costume designer, Lisa Pyle, of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus after their appearance at Northwest. Mills, along with senior Harmonie Smith, also received a $500 scholarship from the circus towards tuition costs. “We shadowed [Pyle] around the dressing rooms, saw the clown costumes, and saw her do a quick change for one of the clowns,” Mills said about the experience, “It showed me a more professional side of the costuming world. It was the real thing.” Mills has been accepted to the Costume Design and Technology program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She plans to get her BFA, work for a few years, then eventually get her masters. Although Mills is going into the next chapter of her life, she’ll take with her valuable lessons from Northwest teachers. “Ms. Wess and basically anything she’s ever said to me has been so beneficial to my learning at NWSA,” Mills said, “Everything she’s ever taught me, I’ll carry with me my whole life.”
features 3
June 7, 2013
“I’m moving towards a dream that isn’t impossible” Junior Shana Waits tackles tough issues through rap performance
Joneka Percentie Copy Editor The word rapper conjures up many different images for students. Many may think of the blinged-out jewelry, elaborate music videos and fashion styles. For junior Shana Waits, rapping is the perfect outlet for expression, which she got to share with others during her performance in “The Big Picture.”
“I’m
getting a taste of the life I want to pursue.” “Rapping is what I love to do, and I know just about everyone listens when music is involved, especially rap,” said Waits. “The Big Picture is basically an eye opener for teens. We took shocking true stats and used
tv shows that teens watch to get teens attention. It was written by teens so that it wouldn’t be as corny talking about the subjects.” In this year’s version of “The Big Picture,” Waits performed “two raps, a bullying monologue...and a few commercials,” Waits said. The process for “The Big Picture” was different for Waits this time around. “My class was the first to write the play last year, and it was partly an assignment, but I took it seriously because I know how boring the skits used to be and the issues need to be discussed,” Waits said. Waits addressed issues like homophobia, abuse and police brutality in the rap “99 Problems.” “I’m so tired of homophobes I guess I’m sleep walkin’,” Waits raps to the theatre filled with students from various CMS schools.
“I’m failing my classes now I’m scared to go home, why does he beat me around, why won’t he just take my phone,” the lyrics continue. “I’m not too fond of running from the lights that flash red and blue.” “The Big Picture” was just the foundation for Waits, who wants to be a “musical artist, rapper and singer,” said Waits. “This year I feel like I’m getting a taste of the life I want to pursue. Plus I love being able to impact others in a positive way,” Waits said. When asked about the process she used in choosing her pieces for the perfor-
“ ‘The Big Pic-
ture’ helped me use my skills for good, like a super hero”
mance, Waits made it clear that the choice was simple. “I used what I love. It was so fun making my music video and doing 99 problems live because it was like people were actually listening. I’ve always loved poetry, and music. And growing up around guys I freestyled a lot. They all molded into this idea to rap in middle school,” Waits said. “ ‘The Big Picture’ helped me use my skills for good, like a super hero,” Waits said. The impact that Waits’ has made on others through her writing and rapping is what proves to be most important to her. “Since the performance I can’t go anywhere without someone stopping me and saying they
saw me, and that I did amazing. My peers at school and other schools tell me how talented I am and it’s so encouraging,” Waits said. “It lets me know I’m moving towards a dream that isn’t impossible.”
“ I took [the assignment] seriously because the issues need to be discussed”
High school from England to China All about CMS exchange programs Rene Vanek
Business Manager
CMS works with several High School study abroad programs around the world which can open a plethora of opportunities to learn and grow. Why Study Abroad?: Study abroad can not only look good on a college application but learn about other cultures Who is Eligible: Any high school student in good academic standing (at least a 2.5 GPA) and passionate about studying abroad. Even if you are eligible many programs are extremely competitive. Most organizations will require transcripts, SAT/ACT
scores, written applications and recommendations among other things. Getting accepted to a study abroad program is similar to getting accepted into college. Semester or academic year-long programs. Students live with a host family and are expected to attend their host international high school daily. Gap-Year/ 13th year of high school-students most often live with a host family and attend high school, work as an intern, attend a language immersion school, or do community service. Short-term study abroad takes place during the summer. Studies can include language study in an immersion school or camp, a specific course related to host country/culture, community service or home stay only.
Immigration cont’d the deportation deferred. We ask families to take pictures of themselves along with a quote stating what immigration reform means to them. We will take these pictures and present them to Senator Kay Hagan and Senator Burr.” Contreras said. Contreras’ efforts represent the efforts of many activists in North Carolina and she’s a lot more hopeful this year now that reform. “These families come to this country for economic needs, some often escaping political affiliations in their home
country. They want the opportunity to live a better life through education and work opportunities,” Contreras said.
Exchange programs also offer short-term trips available to students during the summer. Students travel as part of an international group with a group leader to visit another country. Trip length varies from 1 week to 4 weeks International Travel (non-required international field trip) The international field trip takes place any time during the school year or summer and is sponsored/coordinated by a CMS school or department. Students travel as a group with a teacher or administrator from their school to an international location, for the primary purpose of travel and tourism. The international field trip length is typically less than three weeks. Even if you intend to study abroad
your upperclassmen years it is still required that you complete the Graduation Project Studying abroad might mean you will have to be familiar or fluent in another language to participate You will need to get a Visa, Tickets and Passports along with Medical Records/Insurance There are scholarships available! Checkout nsliforyouth.org
For more i n f o Annette Fratichelli-Conroy
Email:annettef.conroy@cms.k12.nc.us Office: 980-343-2702
4news
Life beyond
June 7, 2013
Northwest
The Class of 2013’s post-high school plans In-State Schools Appalachian State University Boone, N.C. Christopher Eld Peter Pizzato Alex Carroll Art Institute of Charlotte Charlotte, N.C. La’Meatrice Andrews CPCC Charlotte, N.C. Alec Fairbaugh Laura Gross Jimmya Griffin Anthony Jones Nicholas Keirstead Maureen McBride* Kaylin Little Akilah Mustafa-McWhorter Elizabeth Ojeda* Harmonie Smith Alfred Thomas-Correa Evelyn Simmons Arthur Banks* Tara Calhoun* Kalifa Carter* Jasmine Chamblee* Sabrina Cubillos
Out-of-State Schools Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee Owen Stuart Berklee College of Music Boston, Massachusetts Luther Allison Fordham University Manhattan, New York Morgan Wardlaw George Mason Fairfax, Virginia Shakayla Stewart Illinois at Wesleyan University Bloomington, Illinois Eli Miller Alonzo King Lines Ballet Theater San Francisco, California Lauren Pearson Marymount Manhattan College Manhattan, New York Sean Jenny Mercer University Macon, Georgia
Mary Datta* Timmitry Mobley* Artea Wright* Hailey York Allison Andrews* Sofeya Getahun* Imani Smith * Will Hagler Elizabeth Burgos Emm Petrey Joe Sapp* Scott Simpson Dakota Wright Zahra McCall Amari Allen* East Carolina University Greenville, N.C. Rene Vanek Ben Boekelheide Nicolas Perez -Chareq Greensboro College Greensboro, N.C. LaQ’uanda Berry Johnson C. Smith University Charlotte, N.C. Alexus Johnson North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, N.C. Klache Johnston Joseph Johnson Elizabeth Saunders
Kendra Wright New College of Florida Sarasota, Florida Frank Shultz Oakwood University (Huntsville, Alabama) Sashanah Decayette Pace University New York, New York Stephanie Uttro School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Max Boudman University of the Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Roderick Pitts Phifer Kristian Andrewson Long Island University Brookville, New York Nyla Sampson University of South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina Emily Mason University of Washington Seattle, Washington Sally Niven
Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, N.C. Claire Lucas Michelle Segovia Dominique Burton UNC-Asheville Asheville, N.C. Megan Braaten Rebecca Martens Catherine Toney University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, N.C. Alice Wilder Sophia Zhang University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, N.C. Caitlin Hubbard Sarah Cole Joneka Percentie University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, N.C. Katie Bannerman Patrick Hoffman Danielle Hopkins Caroline Oswalt Erin Tillman Khadaijah Brown Eric Figueroa Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina Christian Olver Military Ryan Lingenfelter Adam Jackson Kiana Taylor-Brown Gap Year Charles Dodson Did not respond Garrion Ligon Venturi Norris Te’Lisa Singleton Christopher Smith Cree Smith Clayton Stephenson Nicole Stubbs Jhane Williams Shenaira Allen Jourdan Gaddie
Lecsis Proctor-Long Alexa-Rae Ramkissoon Shanele Thorn Terrell Wildman Khrysten Guinyard UNC- School of the Arts Winston-Salem, N.C. Lexis Hooton Shelby Mills Shawn Williamson Maggie Winkler Ariel Blake Darrian Ratliff University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, N.C. Winston Salem State University Winston Salem, N.C. Jacob Cáceres Reyes Taylor Facchino Hailey Moore Western Carolina Cullowhee, N.C. Gabriela Celecia Wingate University Wingate, N.C. Lincoln Frye Danyelle Keenan Natalya Nimitz Dorrie Hankins Jordyn Kirkland
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opinion
June 7, 2012
Five apps you have to have for college
5
Kick start your freshman year with these affordable apps Study Buddy
8tracks
Hollaback
Take a break
What it does: Lets users report street harassment in their areas and catalogs incidents via GoogleMaps
Circleof6
Price: Free
What it does: Has tons of user created playlists without any ads or listening limits Why you’ll need it: The site is packed with study playlists as well as upbeat tunes for your study break.
Why you’ll need it: Allows you to share your story and What it does: Allows you to connect with friends to prevent violence before it happens. It makes it easy to let a friend know if you need an interruption or help getting home.
What it does: Tracks your study habits.
Price: Free
Why you’ll need it: Gives you personalized feedback to improve time management What it does: This app has two work break meditations with lots of options in background sounds.
Price: $0.99
Why you’ll need it: Taking time to relax and rest your mind will help you study without burning out. Price: Free
Why you’ll need it: It was designed for college students and is an easy confidential way to stay safe Price: Free
Attain your perfect summer job How to apply, interview and get the job of your dreams Rene Vanek Business Manager I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked, “Rene you have a job, I really want one can you help me get one?” My usual reply is, “I want a rainbow unicorn, can you help me get one?” Lacking any more witty comebacks, I think it’s high time for me to give actual advice about getting a job. FollowTheseTipsforFindingaJob: If You Are 15 and Under: The likelihood of getting a job at this age is slim to none. North Carolina labor laws have imposed many restrictions on where minors (meaning persons aged 15 and under) can work. That means employers are a lot less likely to hire you to work very few hours. This does not mean you cannot have a non-taxed job (like babysitting), an internship, or a volunteer position. It can be as
simple as volunteering at your church. These things will help you prepare for a job and build up a list of references when you become of age. It is also good to participate in clubs and maintain high grades. If you are 16+ Possible Employers: The most common job for teenagers is in food service. You may not want to work at a fast food restaurant but it’s oftentimes your best bet. Movie Theaters are another great venue for teenagers. Your “dream job” at places like Forever 21 or Olive Garden may not be realistic; they only hire 18+ workers because they have more liabilities or serve alcohol. Keep your options open, though. I never thought I would like my fast food job, but I love it. Having connections to a business is very important. If you know a family member or friend who has a business, it may help you get a job. The Application: Filling out an
application may be daunting but it is the only way to apply to a job. Most businesses (especially chains) will have an online application, but it’s best to avoid this option. It depersonalizes the experience of asking for an application and lessens your contact with the manager. When you enter a business, walk in with a confident air and a smile and ask a manager for an application. Come prepared with a pen ready and make sure you return the application ASAP. Being persistent can really help. Senior Caitlin Hubbard, who has worked at Regal Cinemas for five months, said, “I was really nervous when applying for jobs... you have to apply yourself, fill out the application and be persistent.” The Interview: Interviews are important. This is your chance to prove yourself to the business.The interview can last up to an hour so be prepared to stay for long time. Come
dressed nicely but comfortably (no jeans or sweats) and bring a pen and a resume. If you don’t have a professional resume, bring an extra-curricular one. You should be prepared to answer questions about yourself. Try to stay calm and be honest; the interviewer will probably expect you to be nervous, so speak clearly and ask questions. Never forget to smile; it makes a great impression. If you do bomb the interview (have a spontaneous nervous breakdown, wet your pants, etc.), don’t panic! You could still land the job if you go back and explain to them why you bombed it. You know you got the job if you get a call within 72 hours.
Common interview questions want to
Why do you to work here? What can you bring our company?
How much do you expect to make? (Start low, minimum wage is $7.25/hr in NC) What are your hobbies/interests? What are your strengths? Are you a people person? How do you handle stress? Do you have personal transport?
6 opinion
June 7, 2012
Street harassment isn’t a compliment Unwanted attention hurts women, and men can be part of the solution Joneka Percentie Copy Editor
“No,” she said. It should have been the end of the conversation, but he continued to follow her as we walked down the busy New York street. I felt my pulse quicken and could only imagine what my friend was feeling as he reached out to put his arm around her. Street harassment comes in many different forms, from verbal attacks and catcalls to physical aggression. I’ve experienced and witnessed street harassment and so many of my friends have shared their experiences with me as well; “We were just walking down the street,” or “I was waiting for the bus,” they begin as they start to recall their personal stories. “Street harassment is any action or comment between strangers in public places that is disrespectful, unwelcome, threatening and/or harassing and is motivated by gender,” accord-
red light ever leave me alone? It’s not a compliment. When you whistle at me or yell a name, I am not flattered. I am offended. In Scott M. Stringer’s study “Hidden in Plain Sight: Sexual Harassment and Assault in the New York City Subway System” 63% of 1,790 participants reported being sexually harassed, leaving them with the long-term impacts of “depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as a reduced sense of safety that can limit earnings, decrease mobility, and interrupt their ability to fully engage with civic life,” according to Hollaback, a movement to end street harassment powered by a network of local activists around the world. Street harassment is not limited to women, however, the Centers for Disease Control reports that sexual harassment is the most prevalent form of sexual harassment for both men and women. Through organizations like Hollaback, I’ve learned to stop containing my frustration
Hollaback has resources for victims of street harassment and info on how to help someone if you seem them being harassed
into a low bun? I yelled out back at him a few choice words and hurriedly continued on my way. When a strange man who looked in his late-twenties approached my friend as en who stand up and refuse to be we walked down that busy bystanders to street harassment not New York street that night, I braced myself. I gripped my only help stop the harassment, but umbrella questioning whether also show...sexual harassment on the I should use it to ward him I followed my instinct to streets should not be accepted as a off. yell at him and told him that common occurrence in our society” he was being disrespectful and needed to get away from her. It was when we finally reached our hotel room that I ing to the nonprofit organization and gained the tools to stand could see how much the incident Stop Street Harassment. Street up for myself and respond. Just affected her. She told me that the harassment creates an intimidat- a few weeks ago in downtown same thing happened on a recent ing and uncomfortable environ- Charlotte as I walked to my trip to Florida. She wondered ment for the harassed. Walk- mom’s car after a rehearsal, I if it was her clothes or makeup ing down the street is no longer heard someone’s voice call out that attracted the attention from mundane. Will that large group after me. “That’s what I’m talkstrange men on the streets. I asof guys try and say something to ing about,” he yelled at me. What sured her that none of her acme as I walk by? Did that guy in was he talking about? We may tions were inviting the street his car really just whistle at me? never know. Was it the dishevWill that guy next to me at the eled dance clothes that I still had harassment, but I couldn’t help on? Or how my hair sloppily fit but think of countless of women
“M
who feel the same way as she did. Placing the responsibility and the blame on the vic-
ing up and ending street harassment. Men who stand up and refuse to be bystanders to street harassment not only help stop the harassment, but he wondered if also show to others that harassment on the it was her clothes sexual streets should not be acor makeup that at- cepted as a common octracted the atten- currence in our society. The man that harassed my tion from strange friend while we walked men on the streets.” down the street was with a group of friends. Not a single one of them said a tim is not uncommon. word. It wasn’t until we neared Guides and how-tos for women the hotel that they started to that spell out steps like keep- pull him away. Even if they were ing car keys handy or walking not okay with the situation, strictly underneath street lamps their actions proved otherwise. at night are helpful to a point but Street harassment is a completely leave out a major part problem for both men and women. out of the equation. The aggres- Working to take action and fight sor should have consequences as its acceptance in society are the well. Where’s the article how to first steps in finding the solution. not harass people on the street? Women are not the only ones To learn more about street hawho can play a role in speak- rassment and what you can do
“S
to stop it visit ihollaback.org and stopstreetharassment.org.
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opinion
June 7, 2012
7
My week on the Seventeen diet What it’s like for a real girl to live by Seventeen magazine’s diet and exercise advice Alice Wilder Editor-in-Chief For the month of April my friend YingYing and I decided to live by the advice of the two top teen magazines, Seventeen and Teen Vogue. We flipped a coin and I got Seventeen. Each week we followed the advice of a different section, first was beauty, then fitness, fashion, and life. The most difficult was fitness week, where I followed their diets and exercise routine. It was miserable; but not because of the hunger. There were moments of hunger, mostly after I finished a meal when I realized that all I had until the next one was dried fruit. But I wasn’t hungry for most of the day. The worst part of yesterday was thinking about food. I thought about wanting food so much I felt as if I was back in 7th grade.
not flat and beautiful. I decided I would eat three meals a day, with one small snack in between. I would get home at the end of the day and pour myself a bowl of goldfish. While I did my home-
“I gave my body
to Seventeen magazine and it feels awful.”
work I carefully ate each one, and then stared at the empty bowl, longing for just one more cracker. Nowadays, I usually get home a little after five and have a big snack before starting on my homework. Yesterday as I sat down at my desk and unpacked my backpack all I could think about was food. At school I thought about food a was in my own lot, but had distrachome and downstairs tions. Now I was in my own home and downwas just a place filled stairs was just a place with food I wasn’t with food I wasn’t to eat. supposed to eat.” supposed It isn’t normal or healthy for so many of your thoughts during the day to center Back then I remember deciding around wanting food or convincthat my stomach was too round, ing yourself to wait just a little
“I
This was my lunch, I ate the “fistfull” of pasta they suggested
Seventeen’s diet masquerades as “healthy” but it’s actually created for extreme weight loss.
bit longer to eat. I did this diet for one day, as part of a week long focus on health and fitness. During the day I was grateful that I didn’t have to follow this diet and do complex braids, sneaky workouts and flirty texting. Later I did some of the sneaky workouts that Seventeen suggested. There was adding weight to your backpack (unnecessary, mine is already super heavy), tightening your abs in class for 30 seconds (which is difficult to do while paying attention to what your teacher is saying), and the “isometric arm curls” which involves laying your forearm on the desk and flexing as if doing an arm curl without actually moving your arm. It’s not subtle or sneaky at all. Remembering to do these “no workout workouts” was the hardest part. What it requires is constantly thinking about working out, about toning arms, flattening the belly and shaping the butt. Doing this requires giving a major part of your daily thought to workouts and portions. I want teenage girls to dedicate big parts of their thoughts to activities they’re passionate about. I want this brain space to go to fun, to enjoying being a kid, to being ferociously curious.
There is a workout for every part of the day. I gave my body to Seventeen magazine and it feels awful. I’m not hungry or sore. I feel as if they’re looking me in the eye saying, “you have no excuse not to have a perfect body! If you don’t have flat abs
“It
isn’t normal or healthy for so many of your thoughts during the day to center around wanting food or convincing yourself to wait just a little bit longer to eat.”
it’s because you lay on the couch and relaxed while watching your favorite show. You could have been doing jumping jacks during the commercial breaks!” Seventeen magazine feels toxic in my hands. During beauty week their instructions (like going in public with hair saturated in gel) felt ridiculous. Now I know its power to destroy. A version of this was originally posted on the blog, which can be found at 17teenvoguechallenge.tumblr.com
8 opinion
June 7, 2013
intermission 2012-2013 staff
A note from the adviser Barbara Wesselman Adviser Congratulations to the staff of Intermission for another year of interesting, timely and thought provoking articles with this your fourth issue of the 2012-13 school year. Already the applications are coming in for next years staff. I just like to remind our readers that this newspaper is not put together during class, we have not had this curriculum at NWSA for 2 years. This award winning, state recognized paper is a “club” that I am lucky enough to Advise for. The newspaper is done by students. Student leaders who understand the importance of reporting, news, the written word. (There’s an online edition
too). Congratulations to the extraordinary leadership of Editor in Chief Alice Wilder. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you. Your work in the world of women’s issues and rights will continue to help our world! Never stop. The best for you always. Editors, writers, and senior reporters, Lincoln, Sally, Rene, Joneka, you are a special group of people, now the adventure begins, enjoy the journey! (Gabby- enjoy every second of your adventure too). I will miss you all. I am proud to be your advisor and associated with your fine work. We are very thankful for the Friends of Northwest and their support of Intermission! Happy summer to all.
Editor-in-Chief Alice Wilder
Media Editor Alicia Erickson
Business Manager Rene Vanek
Media Staff Dep Siu
Copy Editors Joneka Percentie Erin Reed Layout Editor Gabby Ross
Visit us online!
www.intermissiononline.com @NWSA_news
NWSA’s Intermission on Facebook
Contributors Lexi Hooton Kilee Price Rixey Terry
Advisor Barbara Wesselman Staff Writers Stephenie Uttro Kati Shultz Lincoln Frye Send any story Damara Garcia-Garcia suggestions or Sally Niven
submissions to intermission. nwsa@cms.k12. nc.us
In compliance with federal law, CharlotteMecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
The opinions expressed in Intermission do not necessarily represent those of the school’s faculty or administration, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board or its administration. Intermission is a public forum for student expression.
Thanks from Friends of Northwest tion, Friends of Northwest, for As we wind down the school Miller year, I would like to thank some special people who have worked diligently this year to provide guidance and leadership on behalf of the PTO. Executive Board and Committee Chairs: Treasurer - Agatha Belvin Secretary – Val Hardesty Vice Presidents – Julie Merchant & Helen Gardner-Parks Advocacy Chair – Claudette
Box Tops Chair – Lisa Evans Fundraising Chair – Kelly Stevens Hospitality Chair – Kelly Ashman Thank you all for your tireless dedication to Friends and to NWSA. Your opportunity to join Friends. If you would like to be a part of the Parent Teacher Organiza-
the upcoming school year, please contact me at pamerickson7@ yahoo.com. We welcome your assistance and expertise as we plan for the next academic year. Donations are still being accepted for this school year. Send a check to school with your student or you can pay using Paypal on the Friends of Northwest link, on the NWSA website, http://friendsofnwsa.cmswiki.
Dress code unfairly impacts female students
Girls should not be objectified because of clothing choices Kati Shultz Staff writer Editors note: the content of this editorial may be triggering for some individuals I had just bought a new pair of gray shorts and the temperature was finally warm enough for me to wear them. I made sure they were fingertip length before I went to school, so when my substitute teacher called me out in the hall that morning, I was confused. She checked that they were fingertip length. I thought that would be the end of it. However, she then said, “Those look awfully short though.” I stared at her, not really knowing what to say. She told me that I could wear them as long as the boys weren’t distracted and sent me back to my seat. Her statement made me highly uncomfortable. This kind of policy places the burden on girls not to distract boys. Also assumes that boys themselves aren’t capable of diverting attention away from thighs and shoulders. This ideal is just a part of the larger problem. When girls are treated like they are responsible for men’s behavior because of what they are wearing or their actions, it supports rape culture where women are blamed for being sexually assaulted/raped.
Last year a gang rape occurred in Stubenville, Ohio. Two of the attackers were recently convicted. Instead of acknowledging that these two young men were rapists, the media instead took part in victim blaming. CNN referred to the victims as “star football players, very good students”, and two young men that “had such promising futures.” They sympathised with the perpetrators, not the girl whose sexual assault was broadcast on social media for all to see. They also had a legal expert, Paul Callan, who stressed the rapists youth saying “Sixteen-year-olds just sobbing in court, regardless of what big football players they are, they still sound like sixteenyear-olds.” The connection between the dress code and Stuvenville may seem extremebut they represent the same larger issue. There’s an assumption that that boys are mindless and cannot be held responsible for or control their own actions. Using this excuse teaches boys that there are times that they don’t have to respect women and that they are not responsible for their behavior. Boys should be outraged by this insulting assumption. If a girl doesn’t have a change of clothes she is sent to in school suspension. Essentially, she is being denied that educational time because she could
potentially be distracting boys. Yes, sheer camis or super short shorts could make a teacher uncomfortable or distracted and disrupt the learning environment. Sure, boys can also violate the dress code with hats or sagging shorts, but these are usually quick fixes, and doesn’t cause people to judge their character by their clothes. I understand the logic that some clothing items are just inappropriate for a school environment but girls should not be treated as sexual objects because of their clothing.
It’s embarrassing to be called a slut by some guy because my bra straps are showing, or to be glared at by a teacher because my shirt has slipped to expose one of my shoulders. It reminds me that because I am a woman, I am often reduced to being a body instead of a person. A solution to this problem is to make general rules that apply to both boys and girls. Clothes should be generally modest but don’t worry about how short shorts are or how thin t-shirt straps are. The dress code should allow students to feel comfortable and respected and not shame them for their clothing choices.
“She told me that I could wear them as long as the boys weren’t distracted and sent me back to my seat.”