True Star Jr Magazine Fall 2016

TRUE STAR Foundation A LEADER IN YOUTH PROGRAMS

Our Purpose TO INSPIRE DREAMS SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN FIND THEIR VOICE, CHOOSE THEIR PATH, AND PREPARE FOR LIFE.

TRUE STAR FOUNDATION

Our Mission

The True Star Foundation’s mission is to demonstrate healthy transitions for youth coming into early adulthood by exposing them to real world experiences in the workforce through the development of their own media and being an intricate part of the strategic direction and overall business operations of the organization.

Our Work

True Star is a youth work collaborative that amplifies youth voice through producing content for True Star Magazine, True Star Jr. Magazine, The Park Magazine, True Star Online, True Star Media TV, and True Star Radio.

Our Impact

• True Star has provided apprenticeship opportunities for over 2,500 youth since its inception.

• The vast majority of True Star students (70 percent) reported that their team-working, oral communication, researching, problem-solving, writing skills, as well as their confidence and ability to do other schoolwork, improved as a result of True Star’s programs.

• In 2014, True Star provided 600 work opportunities that paid out $200,000 in stipends and youth pay.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board President Thomas McLeary CEO & President, Endow Inc. Giuseppe Commodaro Managing Director, CME Kathy Chaney Editorial Manager, Ebony Magazine David Douglas Founder & CEO, Yolobe Inc. Sean Harden Non Profit Consultant Leslie Hairston City of Chicago Alderman, 5th Ward Maze Jackson Intelligence Group Monique Mayo Professor, Columbia College Chicago Mia Nelson Senior Analyst, Baxter David Nichols Partner, Ernst & Young Malcolm Weems Senior Advisor, Dentons LaTonya Wilkens Director of Talent Management, University of Illinois Business School

Thank You To Our Major Partners

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CONTENTS EXPOSE’ 6: YOUTH CONTRIBUTION TO THE BLM MOVEMENT! BY SAGE BUTLER, KENWOOD ACADEMY 7: #PRAY4LGBT BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 8: RACE WARS BY JACQUEZ ROBINSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 9: THE “ISSUE” OF MODERN DAY FEMINISM BY NIGEL L. GRANT, THORNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 10: DALLAS SNIPER SHOOTING: AN ACT OF REVENGE OR A FORM OF PSYCHOSIS? BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 11: GUN PROBLEMS IN FLORIDA? BY NIGEL L. GRANT, THORNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

TALKIN’ NERDY 12: DEALING WITH STRESS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR, BY YAHZURI ZEBULUN, KENWOOD ACADEMY 13: 8 STUDY TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SCHOOL LIFE EASIER, BY JORDAN BEASLEY, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 14: WRITING A VILE VILLAIN BY BLAKE CARNES, WHITNEY YOUNG 15: GREAT COLLEGES YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED BY FATIMAH SKEETS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 16: FIVE WRITERS WHO CHANGED THE INDUSTRY

BY JAZZ DUNN, KING COLLEGE PREP 17: HOW TO DEAL WITH SCHOOLWORK THIS SCHOOL YEAR BY LAUREN WEAVER, KENWOOD ACADEMY

HOT OFF THE PRESS 18: TOP DAWG ON TOP BY JORDAN DUNN, JONES COLLEGE PREP 19: KPOP COMEBACKS AND DEBUTS SHANIYA L. DAWSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 20: NIA KAY TAKING ON THE RAP GAME

4EVER YOUNG 22: FUN ATTRACTIONS FOR TEENS IN CHICAGO

BY YAHZURI ZEBULUN, KENWOOD ACADEMY 23: FALL FASHION 101 BY LAUREN WEAVER, KENWOOD ACADEMY 24: HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL, BY ALISHA

BUTLER, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL 25: PARADISE ON MERRILL BY JORDAN DUNN, JONES COLLEGE PREP

FASHION 26: FALL FASHION

CREATIVE CORNER 30: I AM, BY YAHZURI ZEBULUN, KENWOOD ACADEMY 31: AMERICA’S POEM BY SAGE BUTLER, KENWOOD ACADEMY 32: TOP 5 K DRAMAS BY SHANIYA L. DAWSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 33: HOW TO SURVIVE A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE BY MARIAH QUEN, CHASE ELEMENTARY 34: TOP 5 WEBTOONS BY SHANIYA L. DAWSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 35: ART BY JAZZ DUNN, KING COLLEGE PREP

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR JR. MAGAZINE CONTACT US: LETTERS TO TRUE STAR JR. 1130 SOUTH WABASH, SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605-2717 EMAIL: TRUESTARJR@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DEANNA MCLEARY & J. NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL INSTRUCTOR NYKEYA WOODS WEB CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER JOI MITCHELL WEB CONTENT ASSISTANT HENRY COLLINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PROMOTIONS MANAGER DESHAUN ADAMS MARKETING ASSISTANT DANEISHA GOODMAN

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CONTRIBUTORS

Shaniya Dawson, Lindblom Math & Scince Academy Fatimah Skeets, Lindblom Math & Scince Academy Makayla Idelburg, Lindblom Math & Scince Academy Rhaniya Dawson, Lindblom Math & Scince Academy Lauren Weaver, Kenwood Academy Sage Butler, Kenwood Academy Yahzuri Zebulun, Kenwood Academy Nigel L. Grant, Thornwood High School Jordan Dunn, Jones College Prep Jazz Dunn, King Colleg Prep Not Pictured: Alisha Butler, Kellar Middle School Blake Carnes, Whitney Young

EXPOSE’

Youth Contribution TO THE BLM Movement

BY SAGE BUTLER, KENWOOD ACADEMY

T

he Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is more prominent than ever due to the recent situations that involve police brutality towards predominantly African-American men. It seems to be everyone’s question on how to stop violence and discrimination towards blacks in the United States. While most protests have been led by African-American men and women, last summer Chicago’s youth decided to contribute to the movement, too.

Local teens organized a march and protest in August after video was released of Paul O’Neal, 18, being shot and killed by police in the South Shore neighborhood on July 28th. The Chicago Tribune reported that Sophia Byrd and several of her friends put together the protest “geared toward youth so that teenagers and young adults could feel safe vocalizing their outrage over O’Neal’s death.”

One month earlier, four teenage girls put together a protest held in Millennium Park. They made a flyer giving information about where and when teens or even adults should meet and trended it on Twitter and Instagram.

A 14-year-old protester named Chandini said it was important to become involved in the march because it’s inspiring. “I feel like everyone should experience something like that in their life. Yet, I don’t think it fully represented what the struggle is all about, considering the strong presence of police,” Chandini said. “It wasn’t as hard of a 6 TRUE STAR JR.

struggle compared to what our ancestors had to go through. It was very nice though.”

This protest had an amazing turnout of hundreds of teens and other Chicago citizens. The protest ran for a couple of hours throughout the downtown area. So the question is how can the African-American youth and teens support the BLM movement?

There are two major ways to support the movement as a teen. One way is to wear the Black Lives Matter T-shirts. Another way to show your support is to boycott certain stores; try to avoid some of the big box stores and start supporting more African-American businesses. Many actions are being taken and are going to continue to be taken so that future generations can live a life full of equality and justice. #blmchiyouth

#PRAY4 LGBT

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

O

n June 12th of this past summer, there was a terrorist attack on the LGBT community at a gay nightclub in Orlando called PULSE. This resulted in 49 people being killed and at least 53 wounded. The shooter was 29-year-old Omar Mateen, who was also an American security guard. Considering the amount of people killed and wounded, this attack was named the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter and the deadliest incident of violence against the LGBT community.

bias hate crimes reported to the F.B.I. in 2014 were because of the target’s sexual orientation, or, in some cases, their perceived orientation.

Ironically, part of the reason for violence against LGBT people might have to do with a more accepting attitude toward gays and lesbians in recent decades,” the NYT reports.

In total, there have been 142 hate crimes against the LGBT community from 1969 to 2016 including the Orlando shooting, maybe even more! These hate crimes have been between family members, strangers and even friends.

Sexuality is a personal decision and people have the right to continue being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

“Although laws have changed, many people’s attitudes haven’t. Homophobia still exists mainly due to ignorance, but also due to hatred,” according to lgbt.foundation. Homophobes wouldn’t want their kid(s) to see two men kissing, two women kissing, a man trying to be a woman, or a woman trying to be a man since kids have a lot of questions. This might also be a problem for some heterosexuals, because even though they might support the right for someone in the LGBT community to display affection, they may still be uncomfortable. However, this is beyond our control because the LGBT community has just as much of a right to do as they please as we do.

According to the New York Times, people from the LGBT community are more likely to be targeted for a hate crime than any other group.

The number of reported crimes has increased.

“Nearly a fifth of the 5,462 so-called single-

While statistics show that transgender black women have the highest rate when violence is committed, the reasoning is always the same.

TRUE STAR JR. 7

RACE Wars

BY JACQUEZ ROBINSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

A

s people may know, a war may be sparking up between races, mainly between Caucasians and African-Americans. According to renegadetribune.com, “Racial tensions across the U.S. between blacks and whites seem to be heating up.” White cops in America are killing black young adults and blacks have had enough!

Black people are starting to strike back due to the injustice going on. There have been many protests where blacks have come together, and decided enough is enough!

place. “It has long been established that the death penalty in this country is racially unequal,” according to dailykos.com. “Minorities are more likely to be sentenced to the death penalty: 42 percent of those on death row right now are black, while they make up just 12 percent of the country. Meanwhile, only 43 percent of death row inmates are white, significantly lower than the 65 percent white population nationwide.”

This is saying that a black person is more likely to get convicted than a white person. Despite the racial tension, chances of a race war are improbable.

“This has gone on long enough and it is time for a change. Black people have been targeted by whites way too long and it’s about time that the black community strikes back at the injustice going on,” says Brandi Edwards, 29.

Talk of a race war has been going on for more than 50 years. And black people are getting tired of the white privilege that has been taking 8 TRUE STAR JR.

The Washington Post reported that the mid 1960s were the height of racial tension.

“The United States is unlikely to return to the widespread, violent civil disorder of the 1960s.

Improvements in policing and community relations, along with the fragmentation of extremist groups, provide a bulwark against anything approximating a race war.”

The“Issue” of MODERN DAY FEMINISM

BY NIGEL L. GRANT, THORNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

W

hen you see the word feminism, what jumps in your head? Protests? Women refusing to make meals or staying at home with the kids?

Women’s liberation? According to vocabulary. com, “a feminist is someone who supports equal rights for women.” By that definition, both men and women can be considered feminists. And then there are radical feminists who may have protests, vlogs, blogs, and do public speaking.

Radical feminists, “oppose patriarchy, not men.

To equate radical feminism to man-hating is to assume that patriarchy and men are inseparable, philosophically and politically,” according to womenshistory.about.com.

While it is obvious that not all feminists are like that, the only ones that are gaining a noticeable amount of attention are making it so there is no change. The most notable way of the public mocking feminists is by overusing the term “triggered,” meaning having a negative emotional response, which could lead to fear, a panic attack, sadness, flashbacks or pain.

People will mock the term by saying they are “triggered” by everyday things such as waking up and drinking water.

When 41-year-old Lakish Latham, who considers herself a non-radical feminist, said that the public seeing feminism as bad is “more known than said but, the view of feminism is becoming more positive.” She added that while society is still trying to adjust to feminists and gender equality, “many times women are overlooked for executive positions.”

Women aren’t the only ones weighing on the feminism issue. A radical pro-feminist blog is run by a man named Julian Real and highlights “antipatriarchy, anti-colonialism, and anti-capitalism” stories like the Stanford University swimmer who received six months jail time for rape.

“I grew up with an understanding that ‘radical’ meant ‘root’ and so ‘radical feminism’ is the feminism that seeks to expose the root cause of women’s oppression. And to uproot it, eradicate it,” Real said on his site. “What I grew up learning was that eliminating patriarchy is what it will take to liberate women.

TRUE STAR JR. 9

Dallas Sniper Shooting:

AN Act OF Revenge OR A Form OF Psychosis?

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

M

icah Xavier Johnson was a 25-yearold U.S. Army veteran who was identified as the sniper in the Dallas shooting last summer. What started as a peaceful protest for Black Lives Matter on July 7, 2016, soon turned fatal when police officers were ambushed near the Dealey Plaza. The attack ended with five officers killed, six wounded and Johnson pronounced dead.

Revenge: The action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands; the desire to inflict retribution. – Science of People Johnson reportedly ambushed police officers because he was enraged that white officers were killing so many black men. This in itself was Johnson’s idea, the reason for revenge and the amount of officers killed was the result. Simple but deadly.

Psychosis: A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.

– Oxford Dictionary According to friends and family from reports, Johnson was considered a good person, but he was also known to be a “loner” and (based 10 TRUE STAR JR.

on his Facebook page) was very passionate about the Black Power movement. His house contained bomb-making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition and a personal journal of combat tactics. Considering that the Black Power movement believed that violence was acceptable in order to receive civil rights, it would make sense that he carried some type of weapon, but isn’t this a little too much? Johnson’s neighbor, Avis Blanton, told the Washington Post that she believed he “just snapped.” This could mean that Johnson probably wasn’t in the right state of mind because his emotions made him solely focused on avenging the black community.

In the end the Dallas sniper shooting was considered as revenge for the crimes against black people carried out by police officers, but based on how the shooting played out it could very well have been both an act of revenge and a form of psychosis.

GUN Problems IN FLORIDA?

BY NIGEL L. GRANT, THORNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

M

ore than 650 people were shot between June and August this past summer.

And of those shot, 31 percent died according to data from massshootingtracker.org. Two shootings occurred at nightclubs in Florida. One in Orlando was a hate crime and terrorist attack killing 49 people, and the other happened two weeks later more than 150 miles away in Fort Myers. Two people died and 16 were injured. The shootings sparked an argument on how easily people can access guns and find loopholes or simply ignore gun laws. How can two club shootings happen?

While the federal government stated they will not issue any new gun laws, the argument still continues.

According to nralia.org, in Florida you can own a concealed weapon or firearm even if you are not a Florida resident and as long as you are at least 21 years old and a resident of the United States. There is also a waiting period of three

days, excluding weekends and holidays, for handguns, which are guns that could be held with a single hand.

On gun.laws.com it states that if you are a Florida resident, a minor could purchase a fireman with the permission of their legal guardian/parent. The catch—the minor can only use the weapon while participating in sports and/or hunting. That part of the law can be easily manipulated due to the minor being able to carry the weapon while on their way to a sporting event and can use it as an excuse for carrying it. To add to easily acquirable firearms, fdle.state.fl.us states that in order to get a long rifle or a shotgun you must be at least 18 years old and “fingerprints are not required; the background check is conducted utilizing demographic data.”

Also according to gun.laws.com, in Illinois the gun laws are more strict. However there are many more daily gun crimes in Chicago than in any other city.

TRUE STAR JR. 11

TALKING NERDY

Dealing With Stress THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR

”MUSIC CALMS ME, AND PUTS ME IN A BETTER MOOD.” — ASHANTI NOBLES

BY YAHZURI ZEBULUN, KENWOOD ACADEMY

T

hroughout a child’s life, school can be one of the most stressful things to go through. As you advance a grade every year, the weight of schoolwork can become heavier and heavier, leading to a school year of stress. Although school can be intense, it isn’t worth losing your mental and physical health over. There are many ways to calm yourself and release the heavy load school can put on you.

A lot of times, school stress is cultivated by studying. There’s always that thought in the back of your mind that if you don’t study enough, you won’t pass your test. According to howtostudy. com, managing your time while studying is the best thing to do. “Instead of just determining times to study in your head, make a subjectspecific schedule and mark your calendar so you can be reminded every time you look at it.”

12 TRUE STAR JR.

Planning out a schedule allows you to have a set date of when to study, and how long you should study. Doing this also helps because you have less chance of over studying, which can stress you out even more.

Another great way to relieve stress from school is to have alone time. Alone time allows you to relax and reflect on recent events. While having alone time you can grab a book, drink some tea, or even listen to music.

Ashanti Nobles, an incoming freshman at Kenwood Academy says, ”Music calms me, and puts me in a better mood.” Music is a great way to distract you from what’s happening in the world. Sometimes alone time can simply activate your piece of mind. Remember that you shouldn’t stress too much over school, but if it comes to that, there’s always a way to relax your mind.

8 Study Tips TO MAKE

YOUR SCHOOL LIFE

Easier

BY JORDAN BEASLEY, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

D

o you have mid-terms or finals coming up? Unfortunate, the answer is probably yes.

How about a test or quiz? Who doesn’t have one of those, right? With all of the tests we have to take nowadays, studying can be vital to our confidence and success on assessments. Here are eight tips to help make studying easier, quicker and more helpful so you can get a better grade.

4. Take notes as if they were for someone else. Use colors, sketches and

definitions to make studying easier, helpful and more fun.

5. Use apps like Stay Focused

and Focus to temporarily block distracting websites and apps so you can do your homework

1. There is a theory that says if you chew

without worry.

did while studying, your brain will remember the

snacks between your book or

the same flavor gum during a test as you taste and memories that come with it. Doesn’t hurt to try!

2. When studying or doing

homework, take a five-minute break every 25 minutes. To really have an effective break, have a bit of physical activity to improve memory and blood circulation.

3. Eat a small healthy snack while

6. Place some of your favorite mini homework intervals to have a motivating reward.

7. If you like to listen to music while studying, listen to classical music to improve

focus. There’s even a Classical for Studying station on Pandora!

8. Change your environment.

Studying in different rooms to learn new

doing homework or studying to keep the brain

information for tests may help you to focus more.

awake and the hands busy working.

Good luck studying!

TRUE STAR JR. 13

WRITING A Vile Villain

BY BLAKE CARNES, WHITNEY YOUNG

I

n most stories, there’s a protagonist out to stop an antagonist from achieving their vile goals.

However, what’s often not considered is that the antagonist’s goals often seem to go no farther than “kill the hero.” What then? For a much smarter antagonist, they need a better plan than that so it doesn’t seem like they are certain they have no chance of defeating the hero (unless the certainty is intentional, which would make for an interesting story). Here’s some tips for making the most realistic, intelligent antagonist that can compete in the struggle to conquer the world.

The hero’s destruction usually shouldn’t be the main goal of the plan. What did the villain want before the hero came to save the day? What will the villain do with the hero out of they way?

The villain usually thinks they are the hero. They made this perfectly wonderful plan, and some gosh-darned hero is coming along to destroy everything they created and push them back to square one.

14 TRUE STAR JR.

If the villain has an army of evil, why are they fighting? If you were to grab a dagger walk up to a random person on the street and order them to buy you a sandwich or die, they would most likely run away or call the police instead of buying you that lovely ham and Swiss cheese lunch you didn’t even have a chance to explain. Are the minions fighting because they want to? Are they just doing a paying job? Are there threats involved?

Where is the villain getting their supplies? The tricks, traps, and enemies can’t just come from nowhere. Are they being manufactured, or ordered?

Why is the villain doing whatever it is they do? What’s their motivation? Power? Greed?

Bloodlust?

Considering these questions will provide a more realistic villain who has a plan and is willing to execute it, and can make the villain more interesting with real intelligence and an interesting story.

Great Colleges You Didn’t Know Existed

BY FATIMAH SKEETS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

M

ost people aim to get into Ivy League colleges, thinking that they’re the best choice and the best way to be successful in life after graduation. That’s not true at all! All across the nation, there are amazing colleges with wonderful opportunities that are constantly overlooked because they don’t have a big name or aren’t as popular. Here are a few examples.

1. New Jersey Institute of Technology NJIT is (pretty obviously) located in the state of New Jersey. If you’re looking for a career in technology, this may be the place for you.

According to businessinsider.com, “most grads are employed immediately after graduation and earn an average salary of about $98,000 after 10 years of employment.”

2. University of Tulsa Located in Tulsa, OK, this university offers well over 60 majors, but businessinsider.com states that “it is best recognized for its petroleum engineering program, which is one of the best in the country.” The average mid career salary of a U of T graduate is $91,000.

3. University of St. Thomas The main campus of U of St. Thomas is located in St. Paul, Minnesota. The university encourages students to study abroad through the 150 programs they have in 45 countries. The site businessinsider.com says, “Back on campus, students can take advantage of the school’s 90 undergraduate degrees or can work toward a self-designed specialty degree. St. Thomas graduates earn an average mid career salary of $86,100.”

4. Illinois Institute of Technology I’m sure most of you have heard of IIT if you’re a Chicago native. The institute is ranked number 5 out of all colleges in the Midwest, according to the PayScale on businessinsider.com. Tuition for the institute is just $25 shy of $40,000, but “graduates of the Chicago technical school earn a $100,000 average mid career salary…” says businessinsider.com.

5. Clarkson University Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, New York, and began as a technology school.

According to businessinsider.com, “Clarkson still excels in engineering, business, and the sciences, but it is also an accredited university with wellrounded liberal arts programs. Clarkson grads earn an average of $102,000 midway into their careers.” This may just be the college for you if you excel in some of these categories.

These are just a few examples of colleges with amazing opportunities, so search around the web a bit before you submit those Yale and Harvard applications.

TRUE STAR JR. 15

5 Writers WHO CHANGED A

The Industry

BY JAZZ DUNN, KING COLLEGE PREP

lot of writers who create comic and other fiction pay homage to these five writers.

They are the creative minds that helped change writing for this generation and the next.

5. Alan Moore is very

famous for his spin on the swamp thing.

Moore’s writing style is complex but relatable. He also worked on the preeminent Watchmen comic series and was most recognized for his work in V for Vendetta, and who can forget, Batman: The Killing Joke. In 2005, Watchmen was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 Best Novels from 1923 to the present.

4. Walter Dean Myers

known for his children’s books and adult literature. Some of his known writings include: The Glory Field, Malcolm X-By Any Means Necessary, Monster and Scorpions.

This man has written more than one hundred books in his lifetime of writing. He won the Coretta Scott King Award for authors five times, and he also served as the U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for two years.

16 TRUE STAR JR.

3. Frank Miller’s fame began with The Dark Knight Returns, and his work on Ronin made his popularity skyrocket. Miller’s fame came from being the one to make comic book stories more mature. In 2006, he won a Scream Comic-Con icon award.

2. Maya Angelou was an

African-American poet and author. She wrote seven autobiographies including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and the poems “Still I Rise,” “The Heart of a Woman” and several others.

She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1972.

1. Grant Morrison is known

for a writing style that is very weird and yet complex.

Morrison is famous for his re-imagination of the Man of Steel (All Star Superman).

He is also known for working on Animal Man, and his collaboration with artist Frank Quitely in New X-Men, We3 and a multitude of other books.

How to Deal with

Schoolwork This Year

BY LAUREN WEAVER, KENWOOD ACADEMY

E

veryone who attends school receives homework, tests, and the infamous pop quizzes.

Depending on the school and teacher the student is getting their education from, the amount of homework varies. However, most kids 7th through 12th grade are dealing with the same problem -- the excessive amount of homework. “The amount of homework I get is overwhelming,” says Sydney Lee, a 7th grader.

“Schoolwork takes up all my time. I have a hard time handling homework, sports, and my social life.” Many students have a similar, if not exact sentiment about school and the work that is given to them. Students all over the city need tips and help on how to deal with all the work, so here they are!

The best way for students to succeed in school is to keep a homework agenda or notebook to write down all the upcoming assignments.

Usually the school will give you one to organize your work. If not, use that wonderful thing called your cell phone! Yes, it does have more

functions than providing access to Instagram and Snapchat. Your phone also has a great calendar to make sure you are the best student you can be. Do not wait until the last minute to complete your work, that’s called procrastination.

Another great tip is to finish your homework and get it out the way. Start with the hardest and most strenuous homework and then work your way down. This habit will ensure that the student gives their full attention to completing the assignments that tend to challenge them mentally.

You shouldn’t start with art or gym homework, and then make your way to mathematics. Switch it up and get the hard stuff out of the way!

Once you finish homework for a particular subject, reward yourself! You can reward yourself by taking a break, eating a snack, or checking your social networks. This way you don’t wear yourself out and overwork your brain. Use these tips and I guarantee you will see a change in how you perform. Let’s go be great this year fellow students!

TRUE STAR JR. 17

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Top Dawg on Top

BY JORDAN DUNN, JONES COLLEGE PREP

T

op Dawg Entertainment has been releasing some of the best albums in recent years with profound lyrics and euphonious production. Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid M.A.A.D. City was Top Dawg Entertainment’s first commercial success. The album solidified Kendrick as a socially conscious rapper as he gave his outlook on violence, gang activity and the current state of rap music on tracks like “Good Kid,” “Art of Peer Pressure” and “M.A.A.D. City.” His follow up album, To Pimp a Butterfly was critically acclaimed and at the 58th Grammy Awards it won Best Rap Album of the Year.

Music lover Santiago C. is a big fan of the music coming from Top Dawg. “I think rap music is getting smarter, because of rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Isaiah Rashad.”

Isaiah Rashad is one of the newest members of the Top Dawg family. His debut album, Civila Demo, was released in 2014 to widespread critical acclaim. Rashad used metaphors and similes to describe accounts from his childhood, 18 TRUE STAR JR.

and his flow was a great match for the album’s laid back production.

Sometimes more lyrical than Lamar, Ab-Soul is one of the best around. Though his songs are just conspiracy theories, he does try to empower and enlighten his audience, especially in Longterm Mentality & Control System.

Schoolboy Q is the company’s second most popular artist (commercially). His grimy style is comparable to the East Coast rappers of the 90s, such as Biggie, Mobb Deep, and Jay Z in particular. His third album, Oxymoron, was a huge success. Songs like “Studio” and “Break the Bank” got plenty of radio airplay, but “Blind Threats” and “Prescription/Oxymoron” were his best songs on the record.

More than any other Top Dawg rapper, Jay Rock’s music feels like something from the 90s.

Right at home with the Dogg Pound or 2Pac; Jay Rock’s style, themes, and production fit right in with West Coast rap. He hasn’t yet released a “magnum opus,” but you should still keep an eye on him.

KPop Comebacks & Debuts

BY SHANIYA L. DAWSON LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

T

his year there have been a lot of KPop comebacks and debuts and people are wondering why there are so many. Well, one big reason is because some very popular groups are starting to disband and these new groups are here to take their place. Since 2012, there have been a lot of popular debuts and comebacks.

The comebacks include veteran performers and newcomers, and have given the fans something to look forward to.

KPopmap.com, who monitors all things KPop, said there is “perfect storm in an impressive lineup of some of the hottest K-Pop stars” this fall. “With so many of the greatest stars making their comeback so far this year, we wondered how October would be able to top the previous lineups. But apparently, it was very much possible,” the site added.

NobodyLikesAThird, a Kpop fan, is eager as well. “I am both incredibly excited for October and yet already completely exhausted, both mentally and monetarily,” posted the fan on the KPop fan site.

This is 12 member (soon to be 13) girl group WJSN (Cosmic Girls) who debuted this year with their title songs “Mo Mo Mo” and “Catch Me.”

The surge of comebacks doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Each month KPopmap.com posts a list of expected comebacks. In addition, these days reality/ competition shows have played a big part in determining who will be able to debut in a girl or boy group. Shows are usually made by huge entertainment companies like JYP and Starship or huge TV stations like Mnet. This year a show called “Produce 101” involved 101 girls competing to be in a one-year girl group made up of 11 girls. These reality/competition shows help entertainment companies determine who should debut faster and will help keep the KPop industry going.

Also, second generation KPop groups are getting older and are trying to keep their career in a girl/boy group going for as long as they can.

They plan a comeback. Some hot debuts from last year to this year are: Monsta X, Gfriend, Astro, Gugudan, and I.O.I. Some hot comebacks from last year to this year are: Gfriend, Monsta X, EXO, BTS, Big Bang, Sistar, AOA, B1A4, Sonamoo, and F(X).

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Chicago’s

Nia Kay

Taking on the Rap Game

BY JORDAN BEASLEY & FATIMAH SKEETS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

“K

eep the circle small, everybody ain’t your crew. I’m a trendsetter, see they moving how I move, but they ain’t never do it how I do it.

That’s the truth!” These are two lines of the many amazing lyrics from 14-year-old rapper Nia Kay. She was a featured rapper on Lifetime’s hit reality TV show, “The Rap Game,” based around the record label So So Def run by Jermaine Dupri. On the show, Dupri coaches five young rappers for eight weeks. At the end, he chooses the most fitting rapper to get a record deal.

Although Kay didn’t get the contract, viewers saw her as a force to be reckoned with. In an interview with this phenomenal teen, True Star got to know her better.

competitors: Mani, J.I, Lil Key, and Jayla Marie.

Kay chose to commit to rap over any other activity because it was a way that she could express herself. Although she prioritizes rap, she also said, “I’m a strong believer in making time for what you want. My family and my music are things that I know I want to make time for.”

Kay, who has been writing rhymes since she was 6, says she learned so much from her time on the show and isn’t bitter about not winning it all.

“The ‘Rap Game’ was a benefit because at this point, I’m already established and know who’s here and who’s not. ‘The Rap Game’ was just a benefit to get my name more out there.”

Fans, family and her manager have been her biggest supporters through her journey. She advises those who might be afraid to go for what

During the competition, Kay says she decided to push herself and be her best every week so that she could hopefully come out on top of her 20 TRUE STAR JR.

Kay admits to using her music to expression how she feels inside. “Being from Chicago, I feel like it’s already a tough city,” she says. “So that’s where a lot of my aggression comes from, because it’s hard to get supported out here. So just along with my style and how I’ve grown up, I put all of that into my music.”

they want in life to work hard and push to get to where you want to be.

This isn’t the last you’ll see of this talented artist.

Stay tuned for her upcoming fall 2016 tour, music videos, and various appearances all over.

Good luck and best wishes in the rap game Nia Kay!

FAST

Fun Facts: Who is your role model?

MY PARENTS

are my role models because they’ve taught me what I know about music.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself doing a sold out international tour. I know what I’m capable of, and that has always been my

DREAM.

If your house was burning down, what three objects would you try to save?

My phone because it has my day-to-day life, fans, and music on it lol. My music books because that’s all my memories, and my computer because that’s what I do home-school on and I’m not going back to a traditional school!

What’s your favorite social media outlet? Instagram

Described your life in three words:

UNIQUE, adventurous, busy What’s the last song you downloaded?

Nia Kay’s “Pull Up” What is your guilty pleasure?

BEING BY MYSELF. What’s the last show you binge watched? “Empire”

4EVER YOUNG

Fun Attractions

FOR TEENS IN CHICAGO

BY YAHZURI ZEBULUN, KENWOOD ACADEMY

T

oday, Chicago is considered as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. There is a lot of crime that can sometimes prevent kids from being kids. This doesn’t mean that teens can’t enjoy their city while still being safe. There are so many enjoyable and fun places to go.

fun, however being able to swim is important.

Whitney Young freshman Cameron Williams said, “I enjoy going to The Ledge because it’s a very fun and enjoyable place to hang out and bond with friends. Also it reveals the a beautiful scenery of the city of Chicago.”

3. Adler Planetarium 1. Navy Pier

There are many attractions at Navy Pier including the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and the Centennial Wheel. There’s also a large selection of food choices such as American Dog, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and Giordano’s. People of all ages come here just to hang out on the pier as well. During the winter months, they host an exciting event called Winter Wonderfest. Winter Wonderfest has many rides, ice-skating, and even high ropes.

2. The Ledge

The Ledge is an extension of Oak Street Beach, located on Chicago’s North Side. This is a great place to go if you’re feeling adventurous.

Here you jump off of a concrete ledge about 10 feet, into Lake Michigan. The Ledge is super 22 TRUE STAR JR.

The Adler Planetarium is located in Museum Park Campus in Chicago’s south loop area. The Adler Planetarium is a very interesting museum that focuses on the universe we live in. They offer many different attractions including shows like Cosmic Wonder and exhibits such as Community Lab Design.

4. Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a great local zoo to visit in the Chicago area.

There are so many animals held there from all over the world to see such as camels, pandas and zebras. They even have exhibits like the Kovler Lion House and the Regenstein African Journey.

Fall FASHION 101

BY LAUREN WEAVER, KENWOOD ACADEMY

F

all is absolutely great for fashion and looking great. To make sure you look your best throughout the school year, here are some style tips that can be used for middle school, and even high school students.

FALL FASHION TIP #1

Embrace the autumn colors. Olive green is a beautiful color to wear this fall, and it goes with everything! The nice, cool color comes in pants, coats, shirts and even hats. Dark or burnt orange is a very pretty color to rock in the school year. Another beautiful color to wear this fall is burgundy. This rich, deep color will complement you perfectly. Pop-star Vanessa Hudgens told US Magazine that, “it’s very prominent in my closet — the mustard, the burnt orange, the greens. Wearing all those colors makes me so happy!”

FALL FASHION TIP #2

Denim is a big deal. Jeans are huge this fall.

The most popular jeans include ripped, boyfriend style and frayed. You can get good quality jeans at Abercrombie & Fitch and Old Navy. A great way to wear denim this fall season is in shirt and jacket styles. They look great on everybody!

FALL FASHION TIP #3

Wearing layers is a very nice way to look raw and not get too hot or cold. A great way to layer is using jackets. Popular jackets to get for this fall include bomber jackets, military jackets, and jean jacket. These jackets can spice up your outfits so that you’ll look great in the halls. If you’re too hot you can just take a layer off! If you’re too cold you can just add a layer!

FALL FASHION TIP #4

Purses, scarves, and jewelry will make your outfit 10 times better! Hats are also very stylish, so make sure to use those this fall too. Baseball hats, snapbacks, beanies and even bucket hats are some examples of great accessories to compliment your fit. You can get great accessories from stores like H&M, Forever 21 and Express. These stores have great style as well as low prices.

Wearing olive green and burgundy, layering, as well as accessories will make you the bestlooking student at your school!

TRUE STAR JR. 23

How to Keep YOUR COOL

BY ALISHA BUTLER, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Y

ou know how you we’re in your peaceful zone, nothing happening, but then one person or one thing comes and breaks that zone? How do you feel? Angry, upset, irritated?

Sometimes it’s your family that’s driving you up a wall. Other times it’s your “friends” who start acting weird. We all feel that sting, and it sucks.

The good news is that there are solutions so you can get back to your peaceful zone.

Family Arguments Fourteen-year-old Eli Anderson said when he has a family argument, it’s usually with his sister.

“I get angry, but the arguments are useless, so I try and clam down and try not to flip out,” Anderson says. “So we figure out who’s wrong and who’s right and we get it over with.”

Sibling rivalry is something that can happen in families. According to webmd.com, “it’s just the natural ebb and flow of family life. Different personalities and ages can play a role, but siblings also often see themselves as rivals competing for an equal share of limited family resources (like the bathroom, telephone, or the last piece of cake) and parental attention.”

24 TRUE STAR JR.

When you have family issues try not to think too much about it. Just ignore the person until you calm down then try and talk about it. In the end, you might just forget the argument ever happened and move on.

BFF Issues You think that you and your best friend may never get into a fight. Well sometimes she or he might stab you in the back or, he or she might not even be your friend! Here are some tips to stay out of that drama.

Seventh-grader Yvette Reyna feels a very strong bond with her best friends.

“I stick up for my BFFs because they’re like family to me and I know that they would stick up for me too, so I don’t care about the drama,” Reyna said. “If my friend would betray me I would feel hurt and full of hate because I thought that I could trust them.”

If you have issues with a friend try and give them some space. If your friend would try and hurt you then that person isn’t really your friend.

Paradise on Merrill

BY JORDAN DUNN, JONES COLLEGE PREP

A

midst the chaos in South Shore on Chicago’s South Side, there is a small garden on 70th Street and Merrill Avenue whose goal is to counter the negative energy that surrounds the community. I’ve been working in the garden, nicknamed Paradise on Merrill, for a year and I’ve done everything from pulling weeds to cutting and moving trees. I’ve seen the garden evolve from a work in progress to an amazing sight.

Paradise on Merrill has a very interesting history.

Originally it was a memorial for an OKeeffe Elementary student who was killed. The school used the garden since 2006, but after a few years they had stopped any programs in the garden. Gangs used the space to store drugs and weapons and soon after there was broken glass and empty bottles everywhere.

People periodically came in to clean it up, but it wasn’t until 2012 when a group of women started to make cleaning the garden up their priority. A volunteer name Natalie, said they

spent the first year pulling weeds, but over time they got the chance to work on the produce and plants in the garden. The garden naturally attracts people in the community to help us with whatever task we’re doing at the moment.

Children, adults, and seniors see what is going on in their community and stop to check it out.

Neighbors can even get free fresh produce outside of the garden. The goal of Paradise on Merrill is to encourage our neighbors to come outside and be active in their community.

“There are three reasons I think the garden is important,” says Tsadakeeyah Emmanuel, a local chef who uses the garden’s produce to make food. “First, it’s a way for people to get fresh produce. Second, it’s a way for people to learn how make fresh produce. Third, it’s a way for people in the community to get together. I’ve met about 50 to 60 people the neighborhood working in the garden.”

TRUE STAR JR. 25

Fall Fashion

Photographer - Shelby Brown •Fashion Stylist - Nicole Parrott for Kaleidoscope by Kalaberry •Hair - Diamond Beach for House of Her•Makeup - Brittany Beach for House of Her

Erin- Army Green Satin Floral Bomber Jkt-Burlington, Tan V-neck T-shirt Dress-Urban Outfitters, Green & White Striped BlouseBurlington, Green Tights-Urban Outfitters, Tan Boots w/Slouchy Insert-Burlington

IsisBrown Vegan Leather Moto JktUrban Outfitters, Red & Blue Plaid Exaggerated Tails Shirt-Urban Outfitters, Navy Coated Denim Skinny-Urban Outfitters, Brown Chukka Boot w/Red Laces-Burlington

ErinNavy Trophies Zip-up Jacket, Navy & White Polka Dot L/SBurlington, Red Balloon Ruffle Skirt-Stylist’s Closet, White & Red Polka Dot Scarf-Stylist’s Closet, Navy OTK Studded Boots-Outfit101

Kam- Navy Floral L/S Button Down-Burlington, Merlot Akademiks Pants-Burlington, Wine Ben Sherman ShoesBurlington

28 TRUE STAR JR.

Isis- Pink Reversible Quilted Jkt-Urban Outfitters, Army Green Sweater DressBurlington, Pink Gold Metallic Leopard Print Top-Model’s own, Grey Ribbed Tights-Burlington, Silver Metallic Floral Sneakers-Burlington

KamSherpa CrewneckUrban Outfitters, Charcoal Dickies-Urban Outfitters, Charcoal Boots-Urban Outfitters

TRUE STAR JR. 29

CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER

I Am

BY YAHZURI ZEBULUN

I am from the wonderful community of Hyde Park.

I am from the mystery walks to find a treasure.

I am from, “Don’t look in the closet, Chucky’s in there.”

I am from reminiscing of the good times I’ve had with my sister.

I am from supporting my mom for six years to finish her doctorate.

I am from the guitar, violin, and piano.

I am from “let’s go to the park” from sun up to sun down.

I am from always waking up from the loud roar of thunder.

I am from chana masala, chicken curry, and samosas.

I am from growing up with my cousin as my best friend.

I am from, “Kiss you brother and sister goodbye.”

I am from being a natural born dancer but choosing track over it.

I am from moving school to school, meeting great people along the way.

I am from the grandfather clock that lives down the hall.

I am from staying up all night, exploring new sounds of music.

I am from being top 20 in the country while running with girls a year older than me.

I am from being social and talkative, but knowing when to shut it.

I am from those who have helped shape my life.

30 TRUE STAR JR.

America’s Poem?

BY SAGE BUTLER, KENWOOD ACADEMY

So they ask for an American poem, a poem about the “world’s best country,” they ask for an American poem, should i write about the kid that’s hungry? they ask for an American poem, one that is dedicated to the people, but which people? the people living in poverty or riches, the living people or the ones that the police haven’t found because their lying in ditches? the educated or uneducated? the inferior or superior?

So they ask for an American poem, one that is wholesome and joyful, one that tells fairytales like no other, one that creates dreams and goals for the non-developed countries, but is that really possible to do? when some of our people are marching around screaming “don’t shoot”? how would you feel if the gun was pointed at you?

So they ask for an American poem, one that would satisfy the people, make the tears of pain into tears of joy, turn the frowns upside down, but that just doesn’t seem possible, when there are budget cuts, loss jobs and a bad economy, it doesn’t seem possible when the justice system continues to lie to me, So they ask for an American poem, a good one, a poem about our presidents, about our states, about our people, one that we wish we could have, but the poem won’t be given until the broken pledge is fixed, until we are truly one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all...

TRUE STAR JR. 31

Top 5 KDramas TO WATCH

BY SHANIYA L. DAWSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

K

Dramas are Korean miniseries that have become popular worldwide because of the Korean Wave (the culture becoming popular in other countries). Here are the ones you should check out.

1. Heirs

Cha Eun Sang is a poor girl who works several different jobs to support her family. But she is tired of bringing in money and tried to run away to America. Her plans were starting to fall apart when she runs into a rich student named Kim Tan. Can Kim Tan help Cha Eun Sang without falling in love with her?

2. Seonam Girls’ High School Investigators Ahn Chae Yool just transferred to a new all girl school where she runs into four students who are a part of a private investigation club. They want her to join their special team of investigators.

Together the five students solve problems like suicide, private education, and bullying.

3. Wanted

Jeong Hye In has been in the entertainment business for about 20 years. On the day she announces her retirement her son gets kidnapped. She gets help to find her son. Will she be able to save her son?

32 TRUE STAR JR.

4. Who Are You: School 2015

Twins, Go Eun Byul and Lee Eun Bi, were separated at birth. Go Eun Byeol goes to a private school. Lee Eun Bi lives in an orphanage and is bullied. One day, Go Eun Byeol disappears and reappears days later, but has lost her memories. Will she ever be able to remember and find out the truth about what happened to her?

5. To the Beautiful You

Kang Tae Joon is a gold medalist high jumper, but suffers an injury. Gu Jae Hee disguises herself as a boy and enrolls into Genie Physical Education High School, an all boys school. She wants to help Kang Tae Joon begin high jumping again. At school, she meets Cha Eun Gyeol who starts to fall in love with her without knowing that she’s a girl. Will Jae Hee be able to help Tae Joon or will she be caught before she gets a chance to?

HOW TO SURVIVE

A Zombie Apocalypse

BY MARIAH QUEN, CHASE ELEMENTARY

T

his year a plan for a zombie apocalypse has been created. The Atlantic magazine reported that last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actually came up with the idea to have a plan for a zombie apocalypse. The CDC had a $1.4 billion budget and used it to develop a plan just in case we ever did have a breakout. The CDC sent out a warning to test the machine they are using to detect a .

Usnews.com has named the top five cities for different catagories.

Top Five Cities •Boston, MA •Salt Lake City, UT •Columbus, OH •Baltimore, MD •Virginia Beach, VA

Bottom Five Cities •New York, NY •Tampa, FL •Los Ángeles, CA •Riverside - San Bernardino, CA •Chicago, IL

Best Equipped for Defense •Virginia Beach, VA •Atlanta, GA •Baltimore, MD •Washington D.C. •Kansas City, MO

Most Likely To Find A Cure •Boston, MA •San Francisco, CA •San Diego, CA •Indianapolis, IN •Baltimore, MD

Best Equipped For Containment •Denver, CO •Houston, TX •Salt Lake City, UT •Seattle, WA •Detroit, MI

Best Food Supply •Grand Rapids, MI •Columbus, OH •Rochester, NY •Memphis, TN •Buffalo, NY

According to blogs.cdc.gov some of the essentials you might need are: •Water (1 gallon per person per day) •Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly) •Medications (this includes prescription and nonprescription meds) •Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio etc..)

•Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc…)

•Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets) •Important Documents (copies of your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate to name a few) •First Aid supplies (although you’re a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane) When and if zombies invade your area, at least now you’ll have some form of action to take and know the best places to get to. Good luck.

TRUE STAR JR. 33

Top 5 WebToons

BY SHANIYA L. DAWSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

W

ebToons are webcomics made in South Korea. To write a webtoon you don’t have to be a professional. Generation Zero webtoons are original comics that are scanned and uploaded onto a computer in a horizontal layout.

First Generation webtoons inserted flash effects into past generation zero webtoons which added tension to the webtoons. Second Generation webtoons had a vertical layout which allowed the storyline to flow easily by scrolling down and made effects such as fading more natural.

Finally, Third Generation webtoons are read on smartphones and tablets and will likely combine movement, sound and effects. The market for webtoons is about $368 million in U.S. dollars.

Here re a few to check out.

1. Flow

A fantasy comic about a boy who makes a horrible change because of a gift from his guardian god. He stops going to a school for kids who have special guardian gods.

2. Untouchable

Sia Lee is a modern day vampire who instead of sucking humans blood, absorbs their energy by 34 TRUE STAR JR.

touching them. Ever since she moved next to Jiho she has been desperate to touch him. Will she be able to help him overcome his phobia and get what she’s looking for?

3. Orange Marmalade

Baek Ma Ri is not a normal high school girl, she is a vampire. She has to figure out how to survive the human world without having anybody find out about her secret while she is also juggling a love triangle. Can she survive the human world?

4. Cheese in the Trap

Seol Hong is a hard-working student, who has returned to college after a long break. Jung Yu is a senior at the college who everybody thinks is perfect. Seol Hong thinks that Jung Yu has been making her life worse every since she met him. Is Jung Yu purposefully making her life horrible?

5. Ecstasy Hearts

Shimizu Anya is the daughter of two former tennis players. Now, it’s her turn to shine until her rival comes and “gets in her way.” This is the start of her one-sided rivalry.

ART BY ART BY JAZZ DUNN, KING COLLEGE PREP

TRUE STAR JR. 35