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a k BY SUMNER WALLACE ART BY CAMERON REIMERS DESIGN BY BRENDA GAO
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veryone needs a little advice now and again. Whether you’re having relationship troubles or just can’t figure out how to open the peanut butter jar (those twist-tops can be pesky), West Side Story is here for you. Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Socks first, then shoes. The meaning of life is 42.
How hard is it to talk to girls? It’s alright talking to them when they start a conversation, but I’m always scared to start a conversation with a girl because I’m not sure how they’d react. Although, I find that texting them is easier. In elementary school, the idea of “cooties” makes it quite difficult to have conversations across binary gender lines, and by high school, many of us feel unequipped to handle interactions with the opposite sex. In theory, it is not hard to talk to girls. They don’t bite (usually) and most are decent human beings who would be more than willing to talk to you. As you progress in your high school years and with the “cooties” stigma even further behind you, you’ll probably find that talking to new people (including girls) becomes easier. For now however, you don’t necessarily have
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ENTERTAINMENT
FEB. 21, 2020
??? Why is it that at a school of over 1000, many of us still feel lonely? Being surrounded by people is not the same as feeling a connection with people. Although there are 1485 of us, West High can often feel like multiple different schools with no real sense of community. The best thing you can do is get involved. Join one of the many sports, clubs or other groups to start making your own community. Research reported in the Journal of Happiness Studies has shown that there is a strong correlation between a sense of belonging and a sense of happiness. To feel like you belong you must put yourself out there and build relationships with your peers even if it’s a little scary.
much of that life experience under your belt to boost your confidence. It is always easier to let someone else start a conversation or text someone. It removes you from the path of potential rejection or judgment that keeps many of us afraid of social interaction, but life would be pretty lonely if we didn’t push past that fear. Unfortunately, the only way to talk to girls is to talk to them, so don’t be scared of starting a conversation. The worst that can happen — rejection — is really not that bad. If someone doesn’t want to talk to you, then they’re the one missing out, and I guarantee you will move on from the experience and find someone better who enjoys your conversation.
What should you do if you have something stolen at West?
Before reporting your item stolen, look in your classrooms or check in the lost and found. There is a lost and found in both the Main and West Wing offices. If you don’t find your item there, go to the Main Office and pick up a missing property report to fill out. Once you’ve filled it out and returned it to the office, Assistant Principal Luke DeVries will look it over and try to help you find your item. Don’t fret if you can’t find it, however; it’s rumored that all lost and stolen items are compensated for with a jar of DeVries’ spicy pickles.
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