The View - January 2015 by The View News

The

iew V STRESSFUL GENERATION TEENS TODAY DO IT ALL. SOMETIIMES, WE FALL. BUT THEN, WE PICK OURSELVES UP AND WALK CONFIDENTLY INTO THE FUTURE.

VOL. IX N3. Jan 2015 A Castle View High School Publication

5254 N. Meadows Dr., Castle Rock, Colo. 80109

TABLE OF CONTENTS BALANCING CULTURE SHOCK ACT

4 5 6

Juggling work and life

Sleepless In school A step Into adulthood

FALLOUT

Reality check

Are we safe?

The lives of students are overflowing with the stresses of school, work and social expectations. But, despite the stress and challenges, our generation is able to stay optimistic and push through the struggles into adulthood. We are painting our future in vivid color, hoping to change the world.

15 16 17

PAINTING OUR FUTURE

We are Millennials

Anxiety In students

Student draws diversity

The hidden injury: Living with concussions

22-23

What is the breaking point?

The secret to a positive life

Chasing Dreams: Passion propels athletes forward

Cover Illustration by Heather Monks and Raymond Brett

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BALANCING ACT

TOO LITTLE SLEEP. TOO MUCH WORK. TOO LITTLE TIME.

BALANCING ACT

JUGGLING ACT

HIGH SCHOOLERS BALANCE WORK, LIFE DELANEY SCHOENFELDT

Junior Jenna Lindsey considers her daily schedule a bit strenuous. “My day starts with waking up at 5:30, getting ready, then I go to seminary, which is a religion-based class,” Lindsey said. “Then I go to school. After school I go to orchestra practice for ‘Legally Blonde,’ the school’s musical. I get home around 5 and start my homework, eat dinner with my family, by taking a shower and going to bed.” Like Jenna, the average teen’s life is a bit of a balancing act. Plagued with responsibilities, prioritizing is a must. “We put this pressure on ourselves,” junior Jessica Laudick said. “We’re moment of our lives. If you screw it up, you’re done for.” According to the organization GreatSchools, stress has led the suicide rate in teens to quadruple since 1950. Stress can also lead to serious men-

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Jenna Lindsey, whose days are packed with seemingly never-ending activities, designs a page for yearbook. Photo by Jackson Petrauskas

tal illness, which has increased by 63 percent in girls and 30 percent for boys since the last decade. “I think big workloads can cause stress. Another one is expectations to

Stress has led the suicide rate in teens to

QUADRUPLE since 1950.

be a certain way,” counselor Timothy Summerlin said. “Maybe parents expect you to get all A’s and that could be a problem.” Junior Taylor Shapiro is a student like any other with a tough schedule. But she’s found the necessity in knowing how to prioritize. “I think school is constantly getting

tougher and tougher. They keep raising expectations,” Shapiro said. “A busy schedule results in a lot of stress. It’s having to balance sleep, friends and work.“ Freshman Mackenzie Pratt thinks she knows why teen life can be so hectic. “It’s so busy because teens feel like they have newly found freedom and have the need to do everything,” she said. “They think they can’t waste time with friends or school or whatever they want to do.” Junior Sebastian Lopez suggests a solution to the tangled mess of work and play: Pace yourself. “Accomplish one task at a time to accomplish a bigger goal,” Lopez said. In times like these, it’s necessary to just breathe in and exhale. Jenna Lindsey offers this simple advice. “Just remember what’s most important. If you can’t get one thing done, it’s not the end of the world.”

BALANCING ACT Photo by Heather Monks

SLEEPLESS IN SCHOOL According to the National Sleep Foundation,

percent of sixth through eighth graders

percent of high school students

in the U.S. were getting less than the recommended 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep on school nights.

JACKSON PETRAUSKAS

house. Depending on the day and work schedfrom three to six hours of sleep. “Waking up at 5:30 in the morning and not being able to go to bed until 12:30 and, sometimes later, can really take a toll on performance,” he said. Stockmoe is part of the epidemic of lack of sleep among teens that is being called a public health issue by doctors and health adolescent respondents in a nationwide an average school night. Students who to engage in health-risk behavior than “Research clearly shows that a lack of sleep negatively and directly affects per-

formance in school and other skilled tasks, such as driving, which can be a safety issue,” Castle View counselor Aaron Kellar said. Only 31.4 percent of students in the United States get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night. The reasons for teens’ lack of sleep are complex, and include homework, extracurricular activities, after-school jobs and use of technology that can keep them up late on weeknights. “Chronic sleep loss in children and adolescents is one of the most common – and U.S. today,” said pediatrician Judith Owens of The American Academy of Pediatrics, which in August recommended middle and a.m. or later. Doing so, it said, would align school schedules to the biological sleep rhythms of adolescents, whose sleep-wake cycles begin to shift up to two hours later at the start of puberty. This means that kids in middle school and high school need more sleep to keep healthy habits in their

schedule. “High schools should aim for start times “Studies have shown that delaying early school start times is one factor that can help adolescents get the sleep they need to grow and learn.” An informal survey of 20 Castle View need more sleep, 17 said school should they would perform better with more sleep. Stockmoe would welcome a change in the school schedule. “People who don’t get enough sleep, like me, I feel have a harder time focusing in school,” he said. For now, Stockmoe depends on caffeine to get through the day: “I drink coffee and other caffeinated drinks to stay awake and alert during class and at work.” sun goes down. The next day, it starts all over again, dark and early at 5:30 a.m.

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Senior Andrew Stockmoe wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to get to school by 7 a.m. He leaves school at 3 p.m. to report for work at 4:15 at the Castle Rock Outlet shop Converse. At 10 p.m., he heads home to

BALANCING ACT

“WORKING IS . . . A MAJOR STEP INTO ADULTHOOD” With what he earns from his job, Patrick Warero helps his mother out with monthly bills. Courtesy photo

JETT GOLDSMITH Senior Patrick Warero works about 20 hours a week at Lids, a hat and team apparel store at the Outlets in Castle Rock. His course load consists mostly of regular schoolwork — since he’s a senior, he decided to take it easy. Many of his courses are creative and language-based, like jewelry, creative writing and public speaking. But for Warero, working toward Because of his job, he buys his clothes and food, contributes to his household rent, and is even saving up for a car — a 1999 Volkswagen Jetta that averages 45 miles to the gallon. “I’ve been working since I was 14 years old, but Lids is by far the best job I’ve had,” Warero said. “Back then

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,

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3.2 percent

who have helped him. “I give around $100 to my mom every month to help out with rent. She’s helped me so much, it’s the least I can do to give back,” said Warero. “She really appreciates it, but I owe her a lot. She just told me a few nights ago that most of the money I’ve been giving her for rent, she’s been saving for my college education.” Despite balancing schoolwork and a job, Warero doesn’t feel stressed out. “Obviously, balancing two things at once is stressful,” he said, “but I enjoy everything I do, and that makes it much easier to handle.”

of jobs in America’s workforce are held by students.

independent — I paid for my phone bill, started saving money in my bank account and learned how to budget. Working and knowing how to manage your money is really a major step into adulthood.”

it for anything in the world. At Lids, he prices and color codes hats so customers know how much the products cost. “I like sharing everything about my job because I enjoy it so much,” he said. “My bosses are lenient, and it’s a great way to spend my time when I can.” But even more importantly, he’s dence. The skills he learned budgeting and managing money have paid off well. Since Warero doesn’t incur

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3.2 percent of jobs in America’s workforce are held by students, but the teen unemployment rate is at an all-time high of 28 percent. Warero considers himself lucky to have a job, and wouldn’t trade

CULTURE SHOCK THE WORLD CAN BE A SCARY PLACE. IT’S HOW WE HANDLE THE UNEXPECTED THAT MATTERS.

CULTURE SHOCK

REALITY CHECK ONE STUDENT’S STORY: TRADING CHICAGO FOR CASTLE ROCK

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Summer 2009. I’m at the corner of Walton and Kilbourn in Chicago, throwing the football around with friends, having fun. Nearby are also gang members, blasting music, walking around in the street. Suddenly, someone yells. “Watch him!” and a member of another gang starts shooting. Bang. Bang. Bang. I run as fast as I can into my cousins’ home, about a half a block down the street. My heart is beating so fast. That day, no one was hurt. But It was one of the scariest moments of my life, a life now quite different since I left Chicago for Castle Rock in 2012. For me, coming here was culture shock. Although serious issues such as drugs, alcohol and bullying exist, often the biggest daily challenges here seem to be getting a driver’s license, where to eat lunch everyday and how many favorites a Twitter post gets. But the world that waits outside Castle View and Castle Rock is much more complicated. And counselor Aaron Kellar believes one of the biggest issues for Castle View students will be the transition to adulthood in that world. “I think kids are going to be even more shocked when they go from high school to adulthood,” Kellar said. “Trying to quickly adjust to doing everything for themselves is going to be the big challenge.” It won’t be mine. Because I’ve already seen and experienced more than many. Imagine this: Hearing police sirens and shootings every day. Worrying whether you will die if you walk outside to play basketball or get food.

Wondering if there will be food to eat for dinner. Worrying about getting to school through public transportation. Thinking about whether you’re going to sleep in a bed, or because your family is months behind in rent, it will be a car that night. That’s life for millions of inner city kids. I, years of my life. That was my reality check. Culture shock is a personal opinion, and as Kellar said, it’s really about the individual and the experience. I think I am lucky. I’m 16 years old and have already lived in two cultures. I’m from a great city like Chicago, but I know how it feels to go all day with just bread and water. I also know how it feels to go to a nice restaurant and be able to order whatever you want. Growing up in Chicago has also taught me to think ahead: Most Sometimes, that can be a good thing and, sometimes, it can be a bad thing. Because of my past experiences, I always expect the worst. I’ve seen things happen and I know life is real. Obviously, I don’t want the worst to happen, but if it did, I don’t think I would be as shocked as others would be. I’m not scared to go anywhere now, because I’ve been through some tragic times. I’m not ashamed of my past at all. Everybody has a story to tell before becoming successful.

CULTURE SHOCK

ARE WE SAFE?

The commons gate comes down at lunch to prevent students from roaming the halls. Photo by Heather Monks

ALEC HERNANDEZ lockdown mode. It closes and locks the doors to the pods, sends a message to the school, and informs police of the problem. place to hide. “Our security is not armed and it is not their job to stop the attacker,” Myhra said. “We leave that to the police.” month and one lockout, lockdown and shelter drill per semester. safe. “Our staff is trained and ready to respond,” Kaylene said. “It’s second nature to us now,” said Tracye, a security guard who declined to give a last name. Students, teachers and security guards say students who don’t care about taking the drills seriously are the biggest obstacle to creating a safe environment. “If nobody cares now, then no one is going to know what to do when it is a real emergency,” GeiKhaub said. “It’s a lot more effective now that they are surprise drills,” Japanese teacher Thor Kjeseth said. “But students still aren’t taking it 100 percent seriously.” “If people took it serious, then they would be effective,” Estes said. “But no one ever does.” When surveyed, 20 out of the 25 students thought that the lockdown drills were futile. “They’re pointless — no one takes them serious,” sophomore Wade Schlote said, “so it’s just a waste of our time.” Kaylene doesn’t think students’ lack of urgency will matter. “. . . when it’s a real emergency they will have the basics in their head and will know what to do,” she said.

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With three school shootings having occurred in Colorado in the past 15 years — the Arapahoe High School shooting in December 2013 being the most recent — many students question their safety at school. “We are not safe,” sophomore Richardo GeiKhaub said. “Security doesn’t have any weapons and won’t be able to do anything against an armed intruder.” GeiKhaub isn’t alone in his thinking. According to a June 2012 survey by the Centers for Disease Control on youth risk behavior that covered topics from feeling safe at school to the amount of people bullied on school property, 5 percent of students had missed school in the previous 30 days because they did not feel safe. “They felt they would be unsafe at school or on their way to or from school,” the report said. The majority of students in an informal survey conducted by The View also echoed that sentiment. Out of 25 students, 15 said they didn’t feel safe at school, 15 said security could not prevent a shooting and 20 said the lockdown drill would be ineffective. For some students, the main barrier to feeling safe is the security guards’ lack of weapons. “Without weapons, security seems pointless,” GeiKhaub said. “I don’t have any faith that they could protect us or the school.” “There is no point in having security guards if they don’t have weapons,” sophomore Talin Estes said. “They aren’t any more effective than a teacher or student.” Security staff, however, believes the school is well prepared for any problems. “It’s not about carrying a weapon,” said Kaylene, the head of security, who declined to give her last name. “It’s about prevention, planning and reducing the access into the building.” The school has district-wide systems in place to handle dan-

OUR VIEW STANDING STRONG FOR FREE SPEECH

OPINION

A DAY IN MY OVERWORKED LIFE

2014-2015 Editors-In-Chief

Online Editor

Photo Editor

Adviser

Graphic Design Editor

Graphic Designer

Reporters/Photographers

HEATHER MONKS

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2013-2014 All Colorado 2013-2014 International 1st Place Award, Quill and Scroll

life.

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SPEAK OUT AGAINST MASS STEREOTYPING Early in the morning of Jan. 7, two masked gunmen armed with AK-47-

the actions of the few. In the four days after the attacks, the United Kingdom’s nationally sponsored Tell MAMA project recorded 15 anti-Muslim explosion at a kebab shop, waves of Is-

and pump-action shotguns stormed the

JETT GOLDSMITH

magazine Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 and seriously injuring 11 others. The gunmen were domestic jihadists belonging to a sect of radical Islam, weekly had published editorial cartoons of Islam’s sacred prophet, Muhammad. The religion of Islam strictly forbids depictions of the prophet. Although the attacks generated outrage and concern about terrorism, they also sparked witch hunts against the Muslim community in general. Muslims who would never dream of harming another human being, much less committing an act of terrorism, suddenly found themselves harassed, belittled and ostracized simply because of their religion. All Muslims, it seemed, were being held responsible for

where a car belonging to a Muslim family This is unacceptable. Violence against anyone should be condemned, but violence against an entire group of people simply because of their religion? That is an offense of much greater magnitude. About 90 percent of British Muslims, and a majority in the Muslim world, are strongly opposed to terrorism, according to polls from the United Kingdom’s Daily Telegraph and Pew Research Center. Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with 1.8 billion adherents in almost every region of the globe. A group of people so immense can’t be condensed into one singular entity, a faceless mass of identical thoughts and equally identical agendas. Will a Muslim man living in Columbus, Ohio, hold true the same thoughts and values as a Muslim man living in Aleppo, Syria? And will that Muslim man hold

the same thoughts and values as another Muslim man living in Jakarta, Indonesia? The answer is no, just as a Christian in any of those places wouldn’t hold the same thoughts and values as their counterparts in other countries. The mindset that applies a general stereotype derived from the actions of a radical minority to a mass of people is dangerous and ignorant. An unfairly Islamophobic worldview impacts perception of news, potential threats and overall outlook on the world. It abandons reality for a more comfortingly xenophobic point of view. And over time, as this outlook becomes normalized, it spreads to places where it has the potential to directly affect the lives of millions — pervading national culture, domestic policy, and the highest levels of government. The world owes it to the Muslim community to actively speak out against the “all Muslims” mentality. Without an active opposition, this mentality will continue to permeate society until hate becomes the new normal, and xenophobic violence becomes the new fear for Muslims across the globe.

LOOKING FORWARD TO A LIFE WITHOUT REGRET cant, but to me it meant changing for the better by taking chances. There’s an old Latin saying, Carpe Diem, that translates into ‘seize the day’. Seizing the day is all about living in the moment. It’s about rolling the dice. It’s about taking risks. Take your lemons and turn them into DELANEY SCHOENFELDT lemonade. Heck, take those lemons and make a pie. The possibilities are endless. More often than not, we as humans tend to get stuck in the repetition of daily life. With slight variation, you probably have a general schedule you follow every day. Think about that for a second. It’s a mystery of human nature. choose to follow a mundane routine every single day. At any given moment, many people can travel to a foreign country. Most people can hop on a plane and never look back. They can quit their job, change their style, and shave their head. Perhaps these examples

are extreme, but think back for a moment. When was the last time you were spontaneous? When was the last time you seized the day? The times you broke out of systematic habit is what you will remember when you’re on your deathbed. You’re not going to remember waking up, going to school, coming home, and going to sleep for decades on end. It all comes down to what you’ll think you’ll regret. Looking back at middle school, I tended to be the one who hid in the shadows and tried my best to blend in. My biggest regret did not involve how many A’s I got. My biggest regret was not taking more risks to express myself. But one day, it will be getting on a plane and never looking back. Once I’ve taken those chances, I can live a life without regret. And that seems like a life to look forward to.

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Last night, I took a risk. I didn’t plan

Humans

Photo by Heather Monks

“

I had always been that awkward kid that stood on the outside of society feeling like a failure, and I finally saw that if I didn’t change. . . this would be my life forever. Realizing that people wouldn’t accept me unless I accepted myself was the best thing, and I shouldn’t have a problem with myself. I’ve come to terms with myself now, and feel freer.

”

Hayden Morris ‘17

COMPETITION TO BE THE BEST CAN DEPLETE US— MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. IT’S IMPORTANT TO BREATHE, KEEP POSITIVE AND TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME.

FAL LOU

T U O FALL

FALLOUT FAL L T O U O FALL OUT UT UT O L L L T L T FA U A O F U LL

O FA L L L L O A F FALLOUT FA FALL UT L O L T U O O U L FAL T FALLOUT FALLOUU T F A T

A F FALLOUT

FALLOUT FALLOUT FALLOUT

FALLOUT

LLOU

FALLOUT

MEGAN KEMPER

because the cost for college has risen so much in the past 20 years . . . Now, that’s something that we have to worry about as highschoolers.” Add that burden to the inescapable social pressure that technology has created through social media like Facebook and Twitter, and it’s no wonder teens today are experiencing more stress, more anxiety and more mental health issues such as depression, experts said. Society has transformed over the past 30 years, with technology being a key reason, exploding into a phenomenon that affects almost every part of a teen’s life. High expectations also now have an entirely different — and more intense — meaning.

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For senior Natalie Pearce, being a teenager in today’s world goes something like this: “You have to get the best grades, the best test scores. And there’s also a lot of stress for

This generation of teenagers and young adults have essentially built a new society from the ground up, said Kim Gorgens, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Denver. “We are assuming teenagers can appreciate the consequences of their choices,” Gorgens said. “But who can say what those consequences are?” Clear-cut rules or guidelines do not exist for technology use, and as Gorgens put it, “It’s human nature to be anxious when there’s ambiguity.” Castle View psychology teacher Keely Contadeluci talked about a study linking depression to social media in which a theory called social comparison was formed. Social comparison is when a person compares himself or herself to other people and the result makes him or her feel more or less happy. “So Facebook and all of Twitter and all of that — you’re constantly being bombarded with other people’s lives

and comparing yourself to them,” Contadeluci said. “And we have a tendency to feel bad about ourselves if we’re not doing what everybody else is doing.” Then there’s the attempt to reach seemingly unattainable standards. Students have these pressures “ . . . to have the perfect transcript and the perfect GPA and to get into the top schools,” Contadeluci said. “And just the amount of work that you feel like you have to do, like extra-curriculars, so that you can go to these top schools, so later on you can live a successful life. And, really, it’s probably not going to make that big of a difference in the end.” Despite the high expectations and stress of today’s world, Natalie Pearce has decided to tackle them with a positive perspective. “I’m just going to take it one step at a time,” she said, “and not look at them as one big problem, but instead as little ones along the way.”

NEW SOCIETY CREATES SOCIAL STRESS

Illustration by Ray Brett

STUDENTS NEED SKILLS TO COPE WITH ANXIETY Every day, students seek out Castle with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to “It’s multiple factors that contribute to the View’s school psychologist, social worker do poorly in school, miss out on important stress and anxiety teenagers experience and counselors for help on how to handle social experiences and even more likely to today,” Bowman said. “High school stuvarying levels of stress and anxiety. engage in substance abuse,” that report dents put a lot of pressure on themselves It could be about grades. Or a friendship stated. to set these high standards and expectathat’s not working. Or a situation that isn’t tions.” going as expected. leet and Bowman. The lack of necessary Society also plays a part by saying “you School social worker Annette Vanhave to be the best at what you do to Vleet and school psychologist Tracey be successful,” VanVleet said. “But Bowman believe stress among teens have we given kids the skills, at an Important coping skills: is on the rise. They also see a lack of early age, to problem-solve?” Know when to seek support from coping skills and strategies to handle VanVleet believes teens can learn someone else. life’s challenges as a major reason for and grow from mistakes -- it’s the not Talk yourself through a situation in a teens’ anxiety. giving up that helps a person move positive way. “Often, the coping strategies stuforward and provides purpose. Express feelings and needs clearly and dents use are not effective and can appropriately. lead to at-risk behaviors,” VanVleet to handle challenges, “you can see said. Because society has encourthem giving up,” VanVleet said. “They Gather facts before making a decision. aged the notion of constant praise don’t want to try it if they weren’t Be hopeful. and reward, “students haven’t had to the best. You see that with kids in use coping skills or problem-solving Call the Colorado Crisis and Support Line at the classroom. It’s 100 percent or skills . . . from a young age.” nothing.” 844-493-TALK if you need to talk about suicidal A recent Stress in America survey Bowman and VanVleet, and school thoughts, depression, stress, anxiety, abuse, counselors, try to teach those skills by the American Psychological Assogrief of loss, self-harm, substance abuse for to students who seek their help, ciation reported 27 percent of 1,000 yourself, a friend or family member. teens surveyed say they experience referring those who need mental “extreme stress” during the school health counseling to professional year and 34 percent expect stress to coping strategies can lead to drug and help outside the school. increase in the coming year. alcohol use, absences in class and de“We’re helping develop coping strategies Pressures come from school, friends, pression. “Then, you’re in a mental crisis,” when students are struggling with chalwork and family, the survey said, and teens VanVleet said. lenges ranging from time management don’t always use healthy methods to cope. The peak of that would be suicide, the And according to a 2012 study by the third leading cause of death among teens depression,” Bowman said. “We work with Anxiety and Depression Association nationally. them on how we can help them be sucof America, anxiety disorders, such as Along with the lack of stress-reducing cessful here at school and then use those phobias, panic attacks and social anxiety, skills, Bowman and VanVleet attribute teen skills in their daily lives.” affect one in eight children. anxiety to factors ranging from societal to “Research shows that untreated children individual pressures.

FALLOUT

CONNER PENNINGTON

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Photo illustration by Heather Monks

THE HIDDEN INJURY: LIVING WITH CONCUSSIONS JANE BOYD

FALLOUT

Fiona Carlin dreads passing periods. The noise, the bright lights and the loud thuds of slamming lockers makes her head throb. She feels lightheaded, like she might faint. The reason is something you can’t see: years. “It was really frustrating because we for awhile,” she said about the most recent concussion that occurred last March. “I was in and out of the hospital and saw what was happening.” Carlin, a senior and former soccer player, is still recovering 10 months later. She still gets headaches sometimes when she culty focusing and remembering. Carlin is one of 300,000 high school students and athletes who get concussions every year. For about 50 percent of these cases, post-concussion symptoms last about three days. Fifty percent of athletes return to playing within nine days after their injury. But, of the 300,000 students, 40 percent still have symptoms after three months. One of seven people have concussion symptoms one year after the

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original injury. A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head hits an object, or a moving object strikes the head. It can affect how the brain works for a while. A concussion can lead to a bad headache, changes in alertness or loss of consciousness. Castle View High School averages 80 to 90 concussions per year, said school nurse Stacey Barlow, explaining that football season brings in the most concussions and head injuries. As of January, there were 41 reported concussions. Even though education about concussions has improved, many students still don’t report them, Barlow said. This worries Barlow, who suggests “to report them as soon as possible so you can get help with their schedule and academic support.” “Our main role in concussions is to make sure that the student is supported,” counselor Tim Sumerlin said. Barlow also sends emails to students’ teachers advising them to postpone testing and big projects and avoid using computers and phones, which cause stress on the brain. But some students like Carlin still strug-

gle, and falling behind causes stress that leads to headaches, nausea and other physical reactions. cussion, and returned to school right after. But when she went to her fourth-period class she began crying uncontrollably. “I couldn’t deal with any light,” she said. “And I was also shaking uncontrollably . . . The entire right side of my body was numb . . .” A fellow classmate, Chris Blacker, who is a student trainer, helped her. She was in and out of hospitals for a two-month span. Carlin ended up missing retook all of her classes from last spring. She is also not allowed to do any physical activity. That means she can’t play soccer anymore. And for Carlin that was some of the worst news. When she graduates in May, she plans to attend Metropolitan State University of Denver for a year to take her core classes. After she completes those, she wants to transfer to a different four-year college. “I’m not that worried about college,” Carlin said. “I’m mostly worried about recovering all the way by that time.”

THE SECRET TO A POSITIVE LIFE:

ACCEPT WHAT YOU CAN’T CHANGE — AND MOVE ALONG

JOLENE MARTINEZ

One in three Americans are considered happy, according to a 2013 Harris Poll, which surveyed 2,345 adults about their happiness. The poll found 30 percent of Americans say they are happy, a number that is dropping each year. By happy, the poll means the mental or emotional state of well-being, characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Much of Walker’s school life contributes to his happiness: Friends, memories, acting and music inspire him to strive be the best version of himself.

To become positive again, sometimes you have to be negative for a while, Walker said. And being around negative situations makes him realize things could be worse. That perspective helps keep him in check. By doing this, Walker said he tries to live each day to its fullest — making sure if it were his last day, he would be remembered the way he would want to be.

FALLOUT

Every day when Ethan Walker walks into school, he tries to be the best version of positive he can be.

Walker, 16, said. Acting allows Walker to escape anything he doesn’t like. He can be anyone. Through talking with CV’s theater director Aaron DeYoung, Walker realized motive is never negative. Walker applied that concept to life in general — it’s just “As long as you find the the motive in bad situations and then approaching happy person.” them with positive tactics. -Ethan Walker That doesn’t mean Walker only

thing worth living for you can be a very positive and

has good days. But even when life isn’t going as expected, he tries to focus on the bright side.

time for Walker. At American Academy, a charter school in Castle Pines, he had many friends and wonderful teachers, he said. But most of his friends headed to private high schools and Walker found himself essentially on his own freshman year. a lot because I knew I wouldn’t know barely anybody and most everybody that I loved and was friends with, I would no longer be There were days with tears, but letting emotion out that way helped, he said. Music was another helpful tool. Walker wrote in an email.

Sophomore Ethan Walker says friends, memories, acting and music bring him great joy. Photo by Heather Monks

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Walker said.

Experience UCCS Mountain Lion Experience gives you a firsthand look at what it’s like to attend UCCS. You will interact with students, meet professors, learn about admissions, financial aid, student life, housing on campus, and much more! Also included, is lunch in our student dining hall, “The Lodge”.

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THE ROAD AHEAD IS FULL OF PROMISE. WE CAN, AFTER ALL, CHANGE THE WORLD.

PAINTING OUR FUTURE

A MILLENNIAL WORLD

Illustration by Heather Monks

“You’re potentially able to do things that have a bigger impact.” -Bob Sutterer

PAINTING OUR

FUTURE

ALEXANDRA HULIT

access to the Internet, but we are not just connected via social networks. We value community, family and creativity in our work and lives. “You guys are less materialistic and more idealistic, wanting purpose in your lives,” student government adviser Bob Sutterer said. “. . . and you are concerned about big issues.” The rising popularity of social media and advanced technology has also contributed to give us more and more opportunities to achieve. But a drawback exists, too.

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Our generation is called the Millennials, those of us born from 1982 to 2003. We’re often described by generations before us as sessed and anti-social. But I believe we have the potential to change the world. Millennials are the largest generation in the U.S., making up one-third of its population in 2013, according to www.white-

“There are more opportunities,” Sutterer false sense that things are so easy.” A TIME article by Joel Stein states an average family in the 1950s displayed a wedding photo, a school photo and a military photo in their homes. Today, the average middle-class family has 85 pictures of themselves and their pets, a number that adds to the perception we are self-absorbed. But junior Megan Wise points to positive aspects of being a Millennial. “I feel like our generation has dealt with more, technology-wise and health-wise,” Wise said. “We’ve learned more earlier than generations before us.” Another positive aspect is our desire to make an impact on the world. “You’re potentially able to do things that have a bigger impact,” Sutterer said. “The world is so interconnected these days, the Millennials have different options . . . It’s exciting but stressful.” According to Walden University and Harris Interactive, 81 percent of Millennials

have donated money, goods or services. Out of 80 million Millennials, that means about 65 million of us have given back. Like many Millennials, Wise would like to leave a legacy in her lifetime. “I would change poverty across the world,” she said. Wise isn’t the only one wanting to effect percent of Millennials are worried about the state of the world and feel personally responsible to make a difference. On top of that, 63 percent of us gave time to volunteer. A speech by then-Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1966 to South African university students living under apartheid contained this quote: “Few of us will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” That message still holds true today. We have the power to make a difference. If we work together and use those powers for good, we can change the world.

STUDENT DRAWS For a girl like Elyssa Taylor, the stress of high school appears to be irrelevant when she thinks about the adventurous and unique future ahead. Taylor, a senior, aspires to be an art teacher, but not in the way one might expect. She believes strongly in the value of diversity and individuality taught in the art studio. “We hear about artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, and you say these names and they are praised as the best artists of all time,” Taylor said. “We hear about the straight, white male artists that have done so much to shape what we know art to be today.” But Taylor, who combines her passion for art with a unique cartooning style, wants to ensure artists from non-traditional paths are showcased as well. Taylor is particularly passionate about LGBT representation. She’s noticed a trend in the types of characters shown in the mainstream media. “As soon as I started getting into the LGBT community, I noticed how straight everything was.” Taylor found a comic called “Evil Plan” that represents a lesbian couple, which

said. “Comic strips like ‘Jump Start’ don’t get a lot of appreciation and certainly don’t get an animated series.” “Jump Start” is a daily comic strip by Robb Armstrong. The subjects are a young African-American couple known as Marcy and Joe, who represent an average middle-class couple busy with work and raising a family. tooning in her middle school art class, is working on her own graphic novels: One is based on “Phantom of The Opera,” the original novel, and is called “To Haunt a Phantom.” She’s also creating “Vigilante,” “Dancing in the Rain” and “LGBTomatoes,”

which Taylor has been writing with her brother. “It’s about a trans-kid who is going through high school and stuff,” she said. Whether it’s about sexual orientation or race or gender, Taylor is passionate about connecting art to the different populations in life. That’s why when Taylor has the chance to teach art to a new generation, she will make sure diversity is front and center in her lesson plans. “I want to be able to teach kids that there is more out there than just white male artists,” she said, “and that they have a chance to be great, too.”

equality. But even the smallest bit of representation can mean the world to those in the minority, she said. “I started getting into that comic a little more and I enjoy it so much ‘cause there’s a lot of things I can relate to. Things like struggling with identity, resistance from outside forces — whether that’s parents or just society in general.” Comics with representation of the LGBT community have more relatable content, Taylor said. When bad things happen to the characters, she cares about them, which is an experience she believes every person deserves regardless of race, gender, religion or sexuality. “Representation is important so that everyone can see a bit of themselves somewhere,” she said. “Everyone needs to know that there’s someone else out there like them that they can relate to and they can research and hold onto.” beloved favorites, ‘Calvin and Hobbes,’ are all written by white men with white characters — aside from the talking cats,” Taylor

Elyssa Taylor has a plan for the future — to be a teacher who teaches diversity of race, gender and sexual orientation through art. Photo by Heather Monks

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SYDNEY DEAN

DIVERSITY INTO HER ART

CHASING DRE STORIES BY HAYLIE KOURI

MADISON MALSCH

Many families pass down precious and sentimental heirlooms. But in Madison Malsch’s family, the tradition of equestrianism has been passed down for three generations, beginning with Malsch’s grandmother. “Before competitions I get nervous,” Malsch, a senior, said. “I’m so focused that I lose track of my surroundings.” Malsch started competing at 5 years old. Starting at such a young age meant she missed out on other activities and had little leisure time. “I used to spend my whole summer in Missouri preparing for competitions,” Malsch said. “I missed out on summers at home for about six years of my life.” She practices two to three hours a day, six days a week. She also is heavily involved at school as student body president and a member of Interact club. Malsch plans to continue competing in equestrian events in college, but already knows she will have to pick and choose other activities so that she doesn’t stretch herself too thin. Malsch describes her proudest achievement as taming a buck-wild horse.

PAINTING OUR FUTURE

it. After two years of training the horse, she entered the world championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and won the showman class trophy. “I wanted to prove that we could be successful,” Malsch said.

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MADISON LAUFENBERG Senior Madison Laufenberg knew early on she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. That meant being a volleyball player. “I watched her play and thought it was a fun sport,” Laufenberg said of her mother. And next year, she heads to University of North Carolina on a full-ride scholarship to continue playing the sport she began when she was 5 years old. Laufenberg has garnered a number of accomplishments, including being named to the All State for Colorado. every Sunday in all-day tournaments. She also practiced and played all summer on the USA international team, traveling to Canada, Puerto Rico and New Zealand, with just a week off. “It consumes all of my life,” Laufenberg said. But on the road to becoming a great volleyball player, Laufenberg also had to overcome a personal challenge in the form of diabetes. “Diabetes does affect playing, but not a ton,” she said. “Volleyball actually helps me manage my blood sugar. If my blood sugar is too high or too low, then I might have to sit out a few minutes of a practice or a game. ” The most satisfying moment in her volleyball career came last summer when she made set match, she blocked a powerful serve and scored the last point to win the game. “I just love that when I am playing volleyball I can forget about everything else that is going on,” Laufenberg said. “I can forget about all of the other problems that I might be having.”

REAMS

PASSIONS PROPEL ATHLETES FORWARD

MAXWELL TUTTLE

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PAINTING OUR FUTURE

Maxwell Tuttle found lacrosse by chance after accepting an invitation to play from his neighborhood friend in kindergarten. He quickly learned he loved the sport. And later that year, he was placed in a second-grade team, a huge achievement at the time. Eleven years later, he has a partial scholarship to play lacrosse at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. He has worked diligently, practicing one to two hours for six days a week. Determined in his approach, he still believes that he can do better. “I’m always trying to improve and I’m always working hard,” he said. Some of lacrosse’s best lessons have been teamwork and work ethic. “It’s taught me that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything,” said Tuttle, who enjoys spending time with his team. Though lacrosse eats up most of his free time, he keeps up with his academic work and also participates in the Interact club. “I always make time for what I can,” Tuttle said. At this point, he doesn’t know whether he’ll follow lacrosse as a profession or a passion in the future. But, he said, “I’ll go as far as it will take me.”

THE

GRID WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?