StudentsXpress Winter 2018

AUTHORS IN THE SCHOOLS PRESENTS

Never change who you are for someone else.

Be unique.

Be yourself.

Ken Ludwig’s

Presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Have fun, earn money and make new friends in your community and throughout Chicago!

www.studentsxpress.com Publisher Rachel Switall Magazine Group, NFP President Rachel Switall rachel@studentsxpress.com Rachel Switall Editor, Art Director, Advertising Director, Director of Marketing Bonita Sanchez-Carlson President & Executive Director Near South Planning Board 312-987-1980 Printer Topweb, LLC 5450 N. Northwest Hwy. Chicago, IL 60630 773.975.0400 AUTHORS IN THE SCHOOLS PRESENTS

Dear Readers, This issue focuses on Being Yourself, a main theme in Broadway in Chicago’s upcoming Kinky Boots (see back page). Our students explored fitting in, standing out and what makes them unique.

This comes across in their writing, and even when they wrote nothing at all. I just love the pictures and self portraits that were submitted!

Our next issue will be all about Role Models. See our prompts below, and be sure submissions are turned in by the deadline. Our new web site now allows students to turn in their work directly via our submission form.

Speaking of our new web site, don’t forget to check out all it has to offer—student blogs, video blogs, an art gallery and games. If you would like to be a blogger or video blogger, please contact me...this is your opportunity to have your voice heard!

Roosevelt High School February 12 - April 25

Tu e s d a y s , We d n e s d a y s & Thursdays 3:30-6PM

—Rachel

Apply today at

Never change who you are for someone else.

Be unique.

Be yourself.

Cover art by Jaylen H.

While showcasing art and writing from students in Chicago Public Schools, StudentsXpress aims to promote creativity and literacy, encourage alternative expressions, create positive self esteem and open discussions.

HIDDEN PICTURES Can you find these pictures throughout the magazine?

ts— re to Studen , please be su names, k k r c o e w h ing ot c ng! ubmitt does n When s . Spell check ny names wro white a d ly e t t n o a li e g write n apologize if I in artwork, un e s g a in so I le n p r u d . t n mitted you’re best. A Also, if paper is the very page sub e on e our nam Thank you! write y

afterschoolmatters.org Questions, contact:

julia@ensembleespanol.org 773.442.5918

next issue: Role Models What makes a good role model?

Who do you think is a good role model and why?

Who is your role model? How has this person affected your life?

Do you see yourself as a role model? How? Who might see you as a role model and why?

How could you be a good role model to others, now and in the future?

What kinds of responsibilities do role models have?

What qualities should one have to be a good role model? Why? Do you have any of these qualities?

Has a role model of yours ever let you down or disappointed you?

Please explain.

Draw a picture of your role model(s).

Contact rachel@studentsxpress.com if your school would like to participate in StudentsXpress.

Draw a picture of yourself as a role model.

What are you doing in the picture?

Please turn in your submissions by January 11, 2019 Sponsored by Constant Contact

I lo ve

I Am Me

I am different and unique, or in other words, I am me. It is important for me to stand out, and truly focus on being myself. I am proud of who I am, and I’ll never stop doing what I love to do because it makes me happy. I may not be so good at volleyball, but I love it, even if I have a rough practice, I can push myself, and learn from my coaches. This makes me happy because I know that I am trying my best. Even if I am not like most people, I am not afraid to speak the truth, ask questions, and not understand something at first. I also love going to school and learning about different things in each and every single class. I come from a big family, and I am not afraid to show it. In fact, I am beyond proud to have so many family members I can trust, and I am inspired by how hard they work every day.

This is me, and I am glad to show how unique I am with everything I do. Everyone within a community or society is special in their own way, even if they don’t know it yet. Be proud, and be yourself!

dra wi ng

th ing st hat

Awesome Smart Important Amazing

Asia D.

—Mikele D.

The Diamond: This symbolizes my time and my bright future and how I shine.

ae jan e D express myself. —

Da’Najia W.

What I like most about myself is my happiness and I am pretty. I just like myself and everyone else. I even like the people who are mean to me.

Ayden V.

The Hands: This symbolizes my trust and love.

—Saniylah R.

This symbolizes my dream, what I enjoy and my success

I like my hair.

Smart, Nice, Funny, Bossy, Emotional I am smart because I go to school and I pay attention.

I am nice because I treat people with respect if they do the same.

I am funny because I make people laugh and smile.

I am bossy because I like things my way sometimes.

I am emotional because I have mixed emotions.

I am:

beautiful, short, nice, funny, energetic, fun, silly, smart, skinny, brown skin, strong, quiet.

I am unique in my own ways, because I will always be myself at all times!

—Tariah H.

—Treana B. Jamerion C.

I am inspired to play football because I can look up to a lot of NFL players like Marshawn Lynch.

He is very shifty, he got speed and he plays on the Oakland Raiders—and I play on the Near North Raiders.

2

It can be hard trying to be perfect to make yourself fit in.

Trying to be perfect like pretty or outstanding to others because that is the value of life these days.

You need to be true to yourself because it’s OK if you aren’t perfect.

Just believe and one day someone will think you’re perfect for being you.

Sometimes being you is most valuable. You will have to be strong but it will be worth it all at the end because you weren’t being fake you were being you.

Dayanni

People will think you are outstanding which is great because you are you and you will let the truth flow deeply in you which is amazing to feel that way in yourself — Ayah Z.

Winter 2018

I love to play basketball.

All my friends like the color pink.

I like dark colors. —Janiyla N. Destiny W.

What makes me Destiny is that I love to dance and be on my own.

Funnel cake is something I love to eat.

Believe in yourself. Love yourself.

I will not make fun of others and I will not bully no one. I will make friends and I will be unique. I will share my things with my friends. —Zakori G.

Akiyah Kaitlyn P.

—Kamya F.

—Aniya C.

Kind Outstanding Respectful Important I am….

Kind Elegant Loving Inspirational Smart

—Kori R.

—Kaniya H.

Loving—I love my family.

Organized—I organize my work.

Genuine—I am sincere.

Adventurous—I like challenges.

Neighborly—I love to help my friends.

5

—Peyton B.

Nice • Friendly • Smart • Independent • Amazing

I am nice because I don’t take my feelings out on people.

And I treat people how I want to be treated. I am friendly because I don’t yell at anybody. I don’t get very mad at people. I am smart because I pay attention. And if I have bad grades, I will make those grades up. I am independent because I like staying to myself.

And I like thinking to myself. I am amazing because I don’t get in fights. I don’t do anything to make people mad at me.

—Janida J.

—Logan F.

It is important to be yourself because you don’t need to act a certain way to people, be cool and fit in a group with them, when you can just make your own.

—Cherion B.

words that describe me

4

Peyton’s Personality Poem Perfectly Personable Extroverted Yes We Can Attitude Team Player Open Hearted Nimble

Neat Intelligence Young Awesome

—Kelis R.

Smart Funny Kind Loyal Determined

me

Successful Mindful Adventurous Ready to learn Talented

Amazing Normal Intelligent Young Awesome

Honest, Funny, Smart, Friendly, Responsible

I’m responsible because I have a little brother that I have to watch sometimes. I’m funny because I like to play around. I’m smart because I pay attention in school. I’m friendly because I treat people how I want to be treated. I’m honest because I want people to tell me the truth.

—Leiara F.

I Am Me Happy because of life and Rocky my cat Crazy because of April my dog Gaming for the fun and friends Kind to respect others at times Intelligent to realize that to be you is to be free

I’m kind I like to be myself My looks My eyes I’m funny

Nyeuali

#BEYOURSELF “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

—Oscar Wilde.

You hear it all the time. Being yourself can get confusing. You feel like you have to change by trying to make friends and fit in with the group.

But what if being yourself makes you special? Being yourself also means being appropriate and respectful. Being yourself is not meant to allow denial of weaknesses that you can fix. If you’re rude, for instance, this is a character flaw that should be dealt with for your sake and for everyone else around you, not just a possible love. The self in “be yourself” does not include temporary characteristics, but your core identity.

In general, being yourself means being who you are, your identity, rather than faking it because you think it will be attractive to others. This means that even though you really want to fit in, stand out from the crowd. No one wants to be the same, how boring is that? Imagine going to an all white school and everyone is the same. Their personalities are the same selfish ways and they all are not creative. BOOM! You can be the one that is out of the box, the one who’s creative, the one who can open your heart to all. Wouldn’t you want to be the superhero to save the school from darkness? It’s like saying the school is full of selfishness and greed. You can be the superhero to stand out from the crowd and be the one who everyone looks up to! These days everyone strives to be the same.

People be putting aside their identity to be one of “the popular ones.” I understand that all you want to do is to fit in with the crowd and will help you gain popularity because you’re a nobody/ invisible at school. But does that really help you in life? Once you graduate, you will not have any of those people in your life. You will have to face life with the support of your family, and move on from all the selfish and hateful people in your life. Once you find your own group of friends, you will find your role in the world… TO BE UNIQUE!!

—Christian L. —Sofia D. Winter 2018

I am unique because... y o’ri —J

...I can sing.

...I am myself, I do skating, I love to draw, and I’m kind to others.

—A’Niylah

—Kacey

...I ju in m mp y be d.

...I can write.

—James

—Jazmine

Charlotte K.

veon

ake pretty colo m .I

—Kylie

...I can read a book.

...I can put my own shoes on.

...I play soccer.

..

—Zay

rs.

an ...I c ike. ab ride a

...I play basket ball.

igh.

ph n jum

a

...I c

our —C

y tne

—F loyd

...I can sing.

—De’Maya

Keari

...I can do flips. n —Jaide

ART classes Camps Birthday pARTies Drop-In ART Kids’ Night Out ...and more!

www.thepaintbrush.net

2646 N. Halsted Chicago, IL 60614 773.636.1968

Antonio This is a painting of my portrait with thinking bubbles because I’m thinking of what makes me unique. I decided to draw a portrait of me because that is one of the things that makes me stand out from others! I am the only person that looks like me and that makes me extra unique! Everyone has something about them that makes them stand out from others! So remember you are awesome just the way you are!

—Karolina D.

I will listen to my heart.

What I like most about myself is that I can play soccer. I win every game because I have good ankle work and I’m a good team player.

—Tramier E.

Apprehensive Imaginative

I will be myself.

Five ways I’d describe myself would be caring, thoughtful, friendly, creative, and open-minded. I feel this way because I think that I put those I love before me and I always try to listen or help in any way possible. I like new people and getting to know them. Also I like to draw, dance and play sports. I feel like in some situations I’m very ‘go with the flow’ and don’t have much of an opinion. These are just some of the ways I’d describe myself and feel like I can find more ways in time!

—Maya A.

Be Yourself!

I like to have fun with friends and family. I like to wear nice clothes and shoes. I love to pay basketball with my friends.

I like to learn new things every day. I like getting good grades.

I like to cook and eat the food I cook. I like Me! —Dejuan T.

I li k

Make others smile You’re Amazing • Be a Leader You’re Smart • You’re Beautiful Live • Smile • Love • Laugh Love yourself • Be you!

—Jayla J.

ers

e

my fing

UNIQUE Roses are Red Violets are Blue I am ME not you I am unique in my own way I plan to stay this way every day I NEVER want to change Some may call me strange I have a unique style That often lasts a while I can be sweet, caring, and sometimes mean That’s just Me!

Akeelah P.

.

I’m smart, never give up on myself, and I’m a brave girl.

Kimia L.

Kaitlyn L.

William G.

6

Winter 2018

My favorite qualities about myself are my sense of humor and my ability to dance. My sense of humor is a favorite quality because I can put a smile on anyone’s face and can brighten up their day including mine. My ability to dance is also a quality I admire because some people don’t have an ability to dance because they might have a type of disorder which won’t allow them to dance. When I hear music I get right into it and just start dancing. I don’t take my ability to dance for granted.

It’s something I love to do and I can do it well. Those are my two favorite qualities about myself that I adore and love.

Arieona K.

Malik I.

—Tyreail S.

What makes me

Jabar:

YouTube, gaming, entertainment.

That makes me Jabar.

Also me being an independent person.

—Jabar W.

Kyra W.

I love myself because My unique ability is to I know how to do gymnastics. draw and to run as fast I love gymnastics because as I could and do my it is cool. I started gymnastics best­—to do what I could when I was 5 years old. do and make it happen.

I watch people doing it on YouTube.

It’s important that everybody is —Fatoumata H. different because if everybody was the same the world would be lame and boring.

—Malcolm S.

CHILDREN FLAMENCO CLASSES

I like that I’m not like everybody and I have my own personality.

Jasmine P.

I am smart, young and cute.

I’m nice and I have friends and I help people and I’m at the park and took a walk and play on the swing.

Marquis T.

Justin H.

What I like most about me is the fact that I can rap and one day I hope to change the game of rap with my unique bars.

Aaliyan B.

Janylah

—Terrance M.

What makes me unique is my kind heart and helping others and being myself.

That’s what makes me unique.

Don’t copy people’s paper please Aarion C. Keontae

8

I can draw.

I like to play the game called Fortnite.

I like to listen to music.

I like playing with my friends.

Javon W.

Winter 2018

What makes me special is how friendly I am and how long my nails are. I am a very good nail artist so people always ask me to do them.

I like me be being a good member on basketball. I love to fit in because I like to have friends.

I like to listen to music.

—Raquel W.

Do not copy other people’s paper.

Kameron S.

Naomi H.

Beautiful Exciting

You! Organized Unusual Reliable Simple Enchanting Loving Fun —Amilo R.

Beautiful Extraordinary

KeJuan

Young-at-Heart Outstanding Unique Special Excelling Loving First-rate you —Piper M.

Marquis

Amari P.

Dequan W.

What Makes me Different (poem) I am different, Nobody is the same, That does not make me insignificant, But that is something I already overcame.

I am….

Strong good at Math

Athletic

Responsible

Trustworthy

Basketball is a very good sport.

I like to play basketball.

I like the Chicago Bulls.

I practice on my shot.

I like to do it how I want.

I like to wear my own style.

This is ME I am good at

We should not care about our image, It doesn’t matter about where you come from, what you look like, or what you weigh, Life has no limits, It does not matter what other people say.

Talia L.

giving Compliments being Observed being Open-minded b eing Kind Imagining k Nitting getting Good grades

We are all special, And that is not something to hide, We can all be successful, And everyone should say that with pride!

I am very different from others, Maybe it’s my name, maybe it’s my hair, We should accept people of all colors, And that is a message that we should all share.

I am nice, smart, I will never give up on myself, kind, always encouraging people to do better. I am cute, outstanding and one more thing—independent.

—Eimear W.

—Alexis V.

I interact with humans as little as possible.

Aliajah Be yourself.

Do not follow nobody else.

Follow your heart and your dreams.

Love yourself.

What makes me unique is my physical and character traits. In real life I have green hair. In my free time I draw and write. Most of the kids at my school don’t even enjoy writing and it’s one of my favorite subjects.

For clothes I love wearing different types of styles.

Today I wore Mickey Mouse pants. But I think what really makes me unique is my ability to forgive and forget others’ mistakes. Mistakes are just a part of learning and it could never hurt one of my relationships.

I love my life.

Lamart

—Saula C.

Alyson R.

10

Winter 2018

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

It is always important to be yourself.

You are unique in your own way. Some people may be better than you at something, but that doesn’t mean you’re not good at something too. If you were like everybody else, then the whole world would be boring and no one would be special. So be yourself, because you’re extraordinary too!

Devon P.

—Niklas S.

I stand out from others by playing football and I play it in a different way.

Akiyrah H.

—Eric E.

I lo

v e to r u n t r a c

k.

Mike A.

Jasmine D.

Noel

I know we all should be ourselves. Because who cares what other people think about you. The only thing that you should be worried about is what you think of yourself who cares why should you care what other people think about you. We should all focus on ourselves more than you should on other people like their appearance and how they look and you should be like them or they should be like you. No you should not think that way you are beautiful in every single way and we should love ourselves for who we are. Do not listen to people when they say you should wear this and not that, you shouldn’t buy that it looks gross, get that outfit it looks better than that one. If you hear that, stop that person from listening into what the other person says and say “Don’t listen to them be true to yourself, be who you are, do not change your appearance because they told you to.” Every time you hear that you should think that it’s what I think about myself not what they think, it is my opinion and my opinion matters to me theirs don’t I love who I am and you should think that too.

Be yourself. Nobody else can be you.

Be careful who you hang with.

You gotta be yourself.

Life is short. Stop complaining.

You gotta be yourself.

No need for changing.

You gotta be yourself.

Always be you and not no one else.

You can be anything you put your mind to only if You be yourself.

I do not copy no one’s paper.

Demetria

—Cheyanne C.

12

Winter 2018

a I’m s d tod

ay .

Be yourself.

Dimitri W.

Braliyah B.

Brionna S.

Be Yourself!

I am the type of person to stand out.

Because what’s the point of you trying to fit in.

Just be yourself!

What I like most about myself is I help my mom with my baby sister and I feed her, give her the pacifier, I watch TV with her, and I walk her around.

Be yourself.

Follow your dreams.

Do you.

Love yourself.

—Brianna

—De’Jon L.

Carriana S.

D’erra

I’m myself

Tasiyah

Be yourself.

Don’t give up on your dreams.

Believe in yourself.

Listen to your heart.

Winter 2018

Tayvayon R.

13

m

m

Th

rawing ma kes

e

e

fd eo v lo

e.

Darius H.

Jamarion H.

What I Love

Winter Awesome, Unique Falling, Dancing, Playing Hearts Completed With Happiness Snowflakes —Khushi K.

Antonio R.

I like to play music. My favorite instrument is the drums and it is also fun to play. I also like to play guitar I enjoy playing it. I like to play soccer it is very fun and it is a good way for me to have time away from stuff I have to do. I also like to play video games on my Xbox One. I like to play video games because I get to have an entertaining time with my friends and relax. It is also a way to have time away from other stuff I have to do.

—Andrew C-P

I love to dance.

Zakia C.

When I’m singing I am being me.

Till I get in front of people you see.

When I sing in front of people I choke up Only because I am scared I’ll mess up.

When I sang for my class I didn’t choke up.

I just sang and did not mess up.

Then I started to sing in front of my family.

What can I say it’s just me

14

Kevin

Amya J.

Winter 2018

”AN ENTIRELY FRESH, FUNNY & GORGEOUS NEW PRODUCTION. A REASON FOR CELEBRATION!” –NEW YORK MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY JEREMY DANIEL. 2018.

N OW ON !

E L A S

Whatever people say that is rude, resist the urge to change!

Just be yourself. If people don’t see you as amazing the way you are then don’t be embarrassed just tell them “Hey I don’t like that.” You are unique whatever people tell you! Don’t change. :)

Tyree

Corome C.

—Klementina K.

I like to have fun with my family and play with my friend and also with the pets in my family. I like to play my friends in basketball and sometimes football, too.

But when it’s too cold, I stay in the house and play on my game, get on my TV, on my computer, or just go to sleep.

Sincere G.

—Brandon W.

Who knows who knows what happens behind the scenes but you know that spark that shines like a light beam No one knows you like you know yourself, so always stay true to you whoever comes across to change your true self always remember, you are confident strong and magnificent you.

—Maya

Amari C.

Romesha J.

Elijah R.

I am me. I love being free.

I love hanging out with my family.

I have lots of fun. I love playing video games with my family or my brothers.

Terrance S.

This is ME.

I love to draw.

16

Winter 2018

I love hockey, it is my life If I were to stop playing it, I would have a terrible night I love it so much it’s like cutting without a knife Hockey is the best it’s like going to the light.

Mia L.

Chauntalayne J.

—Dylan H.

I stand out by having a different personality.

What I like most about myself is dancing.

I love my dance teacher.

I feel really pretty when I put on my makeup and dance shoes.

I love to dance.

What I like about myself is my personality.

I am someone no one else is.

I am ME Unique • Smart • Pretty • Artistic

—Destini M.

my like he

ad

I

Zakiya S.

It is important to be yourself. The reason it’s important to be yourself is so you know who you are. Being someone else is basically copying that person and being their twin. It’s nice to be your true self and do things that you love. Don’t let anyone judge you or let them change you.

I be myself by playing football.

—Demarcus T.

Syncere B.

M

on yri

G.

One word that describes me is crazy this word describes me because I am always goofing around acting like a monkey sometimes I could get out of control. Another word is mature I am crazy but mature I don’t joke around about dumb comments.

Loyal, all I could tell you is to not mess around with my family or friends. Fourth, kind I am a very kind person I can be a little mean if you push my buttons more than once. Finally open-minded, I will always consider a new idea even if I don’t agree with it.

—Chase S. Xavier S.

Winter 2018

17

Be yourself or you may have less friends.

Be yourself so people know who you are.

Be yourself or no one may like you.

Be yourself no matter what happens.

Be yourself because if you are not then who are who?

—Aayan M.

Zairion N.

What makes me unique is... my name.

My name is Shariel. I find it unique because most people’s names pop up when they try to find a meaning. Mine does not. I usually try to shorten it like Ariel or Shar but that would not define me. My mom tells me she wanted me to have a unique name and she wanted people to have a hard time pronouncing it and that I should love it.

—Shariel

Nyiesha J.

Gia V.

Do not be a bully. Be yourself.

Don’t hit other moms’ and dads’ kids.

D’Asia

Jamari P.

This is my collage. On my collage I have a lot of different things. I think that all of these words and pictures show who I am because I love to do all of them. And I love to help people. Also I have a house in Michigan. So I like to fish, surf and jump into the lake, and have fun. I love basketball and I love it because it makes me happy. All of these words and pictures show who I am and make me unique.

When was I was younger.

My daddy told me I would never be a lawyer.

My daddy told me I had to be a doctor.

He’d say, “You are part of this family. We are doctors. So the way that you act isn’t good for your health, my son. Please be a doctor. So, my son please be a doctor.”

So I’d say, “I am part of this family. You’re a doctor. But all of my friends tell me to be myself, my dad. So, my dad, please let me be myself.”

Please let me be a lawyer.

So he’d say, “You are part of this family. We are doctors. But the way that you act makes me change my mind, my son. Please be whoever you want.”

—David B.

18

Winter 2018

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER IS NOW AN ELECTRIFYING ROCK MUSICAL!

“

WORTHY OF THE GODS!

”

TIME OUT NEW YORK

TICKETS START AT $ 25!

ON SALE NOW JANUARY 8-13 800.775.2000

GROUPS 10 + 312.977.1710

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL BROADWAY IN CHICAGO BOX OFFICES

ONE WEEK ONLY! JANUARY 22–27 GROUPS 10+ 312-977-1710 • TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL BROADWAY IN CHICAGO BOX OFFICES