Got Hygiene?

Judging--everyone does it whether they try to or not. It's just in one's nature. This goes hand-in-hand with first impressions. A first impression is very important when meeting others.

It’s easy to understand that one can be tired from a long day of school, work, etc. and just wanna crash to bed.

Although one may be tired from the previous day’s tasks, one should think about the ones who have to deal with them the next day. If you go to bed earlier, then just wake up earlier and take a shower in the morning--it’s as simple as that.

When one doesn’t take care of his or her own personal hygiene, it causes problems such as

• Bad first impressions. First impressions are crucial to judgement. Statistics show that employers in job interviews are likely to consider looks when picking an employee. Why not look good?
• Others don’t want to be around someone with bad hygiene. Even if someone already knew a person and said person’s hygiene becomes poor over time, they won’t necessarily, honestly, want to be around that person. No one enjoys the foulness of B.O. Not keeping up with one’s personal hygiene can hinder his or her social reputation.
• Faulty for one’s fitness. It’s not healthy to not take care of oneself. Not keeping up with one’s hygiene can actually do a lot of bad. For example, if one doesn’t clean his or her ears, he or she could get an ear infection. If someone doesn’t clean a cut after it happens, the cut could become infected and end up being worse than it started. Nothing good can come from not cleaning oneself.

If it’s as simple as taking a shower, washing one’s hands, brushing one’s hair, etc. to keep clean and healthy, then why not take the little time it takes to complete the minuscule tasks? Just consider how others may feel around you--hopefully one would want everyone around him or her to feel comfortable.

http://www.unicef.org/lifeskills/files/5thGrade.pdf

School Segragation... Still

How would you feel if you weren't allowed to be in classes with certain people at school? What if you weren't allowed to have class on specific floors? That doesn't sound very fun, does it? This is how some of the special education students at Fort Zumwalt East High School are treated. Sadly, a hand-full of kids are not allowed to have classes on any floor besides the third and first floors. These students already have a hard time opening up and making new friends, and secluding them to that one little corner on the third floor only makes that harder.

Some special education teachers say that they would love for their students to be able to mingle with all the other kids, but it would be too much of a hassle to follow them around everywhere. As if they are dogs on leashes, each student would have to have their own personal teacher to be a chauffeur. Acceptance is also another issue. These teachers and some students think that the majority of the student body won't treat the extraordinary kids with the respect they deserve or even worse: bully them. Sad, right? Students and teachers would love for all student to be able to roam the halls together, we just do not have the resources to let this happen.

Why don't we make a statement? Let these kids have lockers near everyone else, Give them the opportunities to make friends and be around different people, stop by and just say "Hi!" to them every once in a while-small efforts make big differences.

Two student told me that school is boring for them because they are in class with the same ten people for seven hours, each lunch with them, and spend their passing period with them. Talk about the daily grind. I don't know about you, but if I was with the same people all day everyday, I'd go crazy!

Not only can these kids social lives be limited because of their isolation but, it can also affect their whole lives. Personality disorders are a very common affect of being forced to be anti-social. Of course Anti-Social disorder would make sense to result from not associating with peers, but many other psychologic problems can happen like: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Borderline, Avoidant, Dependent or, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders. Doing to same thing everyday is not only boring but can also leave extreme effects.

Saying a quick "Hello" or even giving a high five, takes like thirty seconds tops. Who doesn't like making people feel good about themselves? I know I definitely do! Just be nice and makes some new friends- It's a win-win situation. These children are so nice, relatable and will never not want to talk to you. Tomorrow, make someones day!

Are We in the Wild?

School...a place meant for learning. Some people don’t understand this concept for whatever reason. While a majority of students attend classes and do their classwork, others have the crazy notion that they are hunting wild animals.
 

I understand that people want to do this as a way of self expression, and in a school with over one thousand students, one really does need a way to be separate from his or her average conformist comrade. Sadly though, there are no deer on the premises of this St. Peters high school. Therefore there is no reason to wear camouflage to school.

I’m not a fashion guru or anything, but there are certain things that are supposed to be worn in certain places. Camouflage is just one of those things that should not be worn in school, but it is perfectly acceptable while out in the woods shooting down animals.

Camouflage is used to blend into surroundings in nature. Practically nothing in schools are brown or green so there is no logical use for Camouflage jackets, shirts, and backpacks.

In this school, there has never been a single deer, rabbit, turkey, or other live animal. There is nothing to hunt for, therefore there is no reason to wear camouflage. Even though there are boys, girls, and classes to hunt down, camouflage isn't needed for any of those things. People may be on the prowl for the attractive specimen on school grounds but a good personality might do the trick. A gun and a nice wardrobe full of green, sticks, and leaves can most likely be left out of the equation.

There is literally no need whatsoever for camouflage in a school hallway, especially pink camouflage. There is no need for pink camouflage in general but definitely not in school. It’s just not reasonable or cute. Girls wear pink camouflage mostly when their boyfriends are the ones hunting. I guess it could be called the "girlfriend camo." How does one hide from animals while wearing such a bright and eye catching color? Think about it.

In Fort Zumwalt East there are an unnecessary number of people who wear camo. We live in St. Peters which is a typical suburban with few deer and game. There aren't many fields with brush and trees for animals to live in. People could drive to more rural areas and go for a nice hunt, but here in good ole St. Peters we have the benefit of having multiple, well supplied grocery stores right down the street. This information suggests that there is no need for wearing hunting clothes to school or a need for blending into the nature that surrounds us.

Until our school suddenly turns into a sanctuary for wild game with tall, green grass uprooting out of the floor tiles, it’s safe to say that there should be no spread of the lovely print of wood, grass and leaves on what could be a nice piece of clothing. People use it to blend in, but in a school hallway they might just look like a deer in the headlights.

Teenagers, Not Pariahs

Have you ever noticed the dirty looks and eye-rolls that groups of teenagers entering a restaurant tend to receive from servers? All of us teenagers are "known for" being rude, obnoxious, immature, and, of course, poor tippers. That's why waitresses cringe as we walk in, take forever to bring out our food and drinks, and treat us like we're a waste of their time. What they don't realize is that teenagers who act that way are actually the exception, not the rule. Teenagers at restaurants should be treated the same way that other customers are.

Why is it that opinions are so easily formed based on just a few bad experiences? Negative stereotypes that are created by teenagers who don't know how to act at restaurants aren't fair to those of us who are actually considerate of other diners and our servers. The stereotype is only perpetuated when server gives teenagers poor service based on that stereotype. I remember one time in particular that I was a victim of this hateful stereotype. While at Denny's with a small group of friends, our waitress treated us like a bunch of unwanted pests. She acted bored and irritated while taking our orders and was impatient when it took us longer than a minute to decide on what food to order. She never even refilled our drinks and only revisited the table after delivering our food when she gave us the bill. We received this treatment even though we had been nothing but polite to our waitress before she made her dislike for us clear. Poor service can cause customers to act rude and obnoxious, as it did in this instance. We felt no obligation to show our waitress the courtesy that she neglected to show us- it's a sort of automatic reaction to being treated like we're worthless and unwanted. Of course that doesn't mean there aren't people who act that way no matter what; but, once again, that's the exception, not the rule.

Why should this matter to anyone who isn't a teenager? Would a change in the treatment of teenage diners even affect anyone else? Yes, it would:

• Waiters/waitresses would earn more money. Giving all customers the good service they deserve would result in receiving fair tips from all of their customers. They are entirely missing out on a large source of potential tips by automatically neglecting teenage customers. Those of us who are aware of proper tipping etiquette would gladly act upon that knowledge if we were given a reason to.
• Restaurants would earn more profit. The effects of customer service experience are greater than you may think. Once someone receives poor customer service at a restaurant, why would they go back? It's pretty unlikely that they would, or they would at least visit much less frequently. On the other hand, receiving good service would most likely result in more frequent visits. Teenagers are no exception to this way of thinking. It's reasonable to believe that we would continue to eat at a restaurant where we receive the same quality of service as other customers. So, better treatment of teenagers would ultimately lead to a restaurant having more customers and earning more money.
• All diners would get to eat in a more pleasant environment. If bad service can cause customers to act in a way that disturbs other diners, then good service can cause customers to be more courteous and respectful of their fellow diners. Wouldn't eating at a restaurant where everyone seems happy and is content to act appropriately be preferable to eating somewhere where obnoxious teenagers are practically screaming every time they talk and are just being a general nuisance?

If teenagers were treated with the same respect and courtesy as older customers, servers would see that our stereotypes aren't always true. Bad behavior is a reaction to bad service, but bad service is also a reaction to previous bad behavior. So what will it take to change this vicious circle of negativity?

Somebody needs to just step up and be the bigger person. Act upon what you know is the right thing to do, the right way to treat people. Stop simply reacting to stereotypes and the negative attitudes they create. Both groups are guilty of doing the latter, so creating a change requires effort from both groups.

With this in mind, here is my challenge for the next time you go out to eat or are working at a restaurant:

• Teenage customers- be polite to your waitress, don't disturb your fellow customers, and leave a proper tip regardless of service quality. Prove to your server that teenagers are capable of behaving appropriately at restaurants, it may help them to give better service to future teenage customers.
• Servers- don't assume that a group of teenagers is going to be annoying and not tip you, treat them with the same courtesy you give to other customers. If you treat them like equal customers, then they'll act like your other customers.

Poor customer service can result in uncourteous behavior and poor tipping regardless of the customer's age, so teenagers shouldn't be singled out as the only unwanted customers at restaurants. Just like other age groups are capable of being bad customers, teenagers are capable of being good ones. In order to move forward and create a better experience for diners, restaurants, and restaurant staff we need to simply forget the negative stereotypes. If every customer is shown equal respect, then they will show that same respect in return. Mutual respect is the key to creating a better restaurant environment, so give teenagers a chance to prove that they don't deserve to be treated like pariahs.

PeeeeYewww

     Lately, walking through the halls at East High School, I sense a noticeable change to the setting. At first, I wasn't quite clear about the alteration in the hallway until one day he walked, no power-walked, right past me. Man, the aroma flying off the stinky kid made me gag up my four hour old breakfast. How's this for a proposal: People should regularly shower, thus making everyone happy.
     First of all, isn't showering a basic function that you learn as a kid in order to maintain normal health and stable hygiene? This kid, this power-walker boy, obviously missed school during life skills presentations. Afterall, when you bathe on a consistent basis, you are more apt to avoid contact with harmful bacteria and toxins. It is just common sense to shower often because it fosters normal and healthy personal hygiene habits.
     In addition to hygiene, take a hint, Stinko, nobody wants to talk to the smelly kid in class. I'm here to say, one day, after gym class, he came flitting by me, racing into a classroom. I never saw anything like it. People flew out of that room like it was on fire. I can only imagine that the overpowering stench forced students to flee for a breath of fresh air. Of course, I do feel sorry for you but someone has to tell you to put some lather on that body and then rinse it off. Please. It's not tedious, in fact, it's rather refreshing to be clean and free of body odor. Whatever you do, don't be covering that foulness with cologne, either. Gross just gross!
     Maybe you are some kind of environmental freak who is on a mission to conserve water usage. If that's the case, the solution is to cut down the shower length in two. Problem solved and former stinky becomes a bathing beauty who is showered with bubbly friends. (Too heavy on the puns?)
     Lastly, here's a thought about smelly kid's future: Who in their right mind is going to hire you? Even if your uncle owns the business, no one is going to work near you or on a team with you if you reek from bodily secretions.So if you can put the puzzle pieces together, you should recognize that not having good bathing habits could prohibit you from reaching your goals, having a social life, and experiencing family opportunities.
     Just taking the initiative to "be clean" could increase your chances to feel good about yourself, reach your potential, and move on to be a productive citizen. That's why administrators should encourage students to shower daily and include more instruction for some of us to better understand the value of good hygiene.

When Did Cussing Become Okay?

We are all guilty of slipping up and saying that occasional not-so-school-appropriate word, but is it okay to cuss? The words may come from anger, frustration, annoyance, pain, and sometimes even excitement, but are we sending the right message to America's youth? Can we not send a better message? It seems that, in today's society, cuss words don't faze anyone. Kids and adults don't react to the vulgarity of television and internet. Excuses of the media and parents who use curse words in front of their children may include:

• Kids will hear it one day anyway.
• It was the only word to express something.
• It is just a word.

Parents have arguments in front of their children. Parents call each other names in front of their children. Parents are verbally abusive toward each other in front of their children. What kind of message do parents send when they are using the exact words they don’t want kids to use? The media is loaded with vulgar language. At a school curse words are extremely common. The truth is, cuss words are inappropriate and uncalled for, both inside the home and in public.

Kids repeat words they hear from their elders. Arguing is not what children need to hear while they are developing. Not only can cuss words corrupt the youth of children, it can cause them to be more disrespectful. We are constantly told we are the “corrupted generation” and we are “immune to violence,” but we are the way we are because of our elders. When parents raise children, parents need to think about what they say in front of those children. As kids grow, they are like glue and they pick up on a lot of their surroundings, including what they hear. It seems like every parent of a toddler has a story about how “Sally heard me say the ‘s-word’ yesterday and she repeated me!”

It might sound crazy, but there are kids in elementary school that are already using curse words. Times have changed... We were the kids who used to whisper "crap" because that was a 'bad word.' Now, kids are influenced by what they hear from friends at school. A lot of parents don't filter what their kids are watching, so when those kids go to school they will talk about bad things they saw and heard, therefore they corrupt the kids who have television filtered.

The media has curse words everywhere! It used to be "safer" to watch a PG-13 movie, but now movies with a PG-13 rating are allowed to use the 'f-word' once per script. Filmmakers are taking advantage of the chance to be able to use the 'f-word.' Why? Does one word make a movie sell that much more? Probably not! A study showed that kids that were exposed to curse words in the media were more likely to become violent with others. Curse words and violence related!? NO WAY!?... Duh!

I challenge you to stop yourself from using all cuss words, at least in front of kids. Kids have parents, friends and media surrounding them with curse words. We as young adults can influence kids with our actions. Why don't we take a stand and stop cussing?

Sotally Tober

Drinking and driving is always okay. Drinking and driving is sometimes okay. Drinking and driving is okay if you didn't drink what you consider a lot. Drinking and driving is okay if it's only one time. Drinking and driving is NEVER okay, was NEVER okay, and will NEVER be okay.

Often times people justify this regrettable mistake with any one of the following excuses:

• "I didn't have that much to drink."


• "I live close enough."


• "I've done it before"


• "I'm actually better when I'm drunk."

Let not one excuse go unaddressed. This website supplied sufficient statements that debunked the bullets above. As little as .02 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can impair ones mind. If an individual is drinking and planning on driving later it is imperative he or she knows his or her legal limit--from .08 BAC and up it is legally to be behind a wheel in Missouri. Driving to blocks versus ten miles doesn't make a four thousand pound car any less lethal to a person. Around two-thirds of all drunk driving convictions are first time offenders. Alcohol has been chemically proven to impair depth perception and mental processes. It has never been proven to improve any skills needed to drive.

Nothing is more disappointing than when harmless fun with friends quickly changes into probable harm due to one poor decision. Respect drives off with an intoxicated driver the second he or she starts the ignition.

There is an endless amount of legitimate reasons why a person should not drive after the consumption of alcohol including:


1. Sensory and motor impairment. The effects of alcohol can be found here. In naming a few alcohol impairs vision, mental functions, decision making, and anticipation skills--all needed while driving.

2. Legal consequences. If a person is over the legal limit and is pulled over, he or she can receive a DUI resulting in serious legal consequences. DUI convictions may result in thousands of dollars in fines, jail time, extended probation, license suspension, and mandatory classes with charges. In many states a DUI can even accumulate a felony charge.

3. Unnecessary death. A life lost do to a alcohol related accident is a tragedy that could have been 100% prevented. Every 30 minutes a person is killed as a result of drunk driving. Approximately 16,000 people die each year from these easily avoided accidents.

There are preventative measures a person can and should take in order to avoid finding his or herself behind the wheel after a night of drinking.

• Having a designated driver can ensure a safe way home.


• Calling a taxi and/or friend/family allows everyone to drink and no one to get behind the wheel after.


• Planning ahead and not drinking if there is a chance of ending up behind the wheel.


• Walking home from a night out is safe if you are not alone or far from home.

Drinking and driving is harmful to society as a whole. It is a plague killing off thousands a year. Anyone can be affected by this. A person doesn't have to be the one making the immoral decision to lose his/her life or a loved ones. If you ever find yourself considering to drink and drive, ponder this--could you live with your life after taking another out of this world? Drinking and driving is NEVER okay.

Retarded Does Not Mean Stupid

Paula and I (Homecoming '10)

My neighbor, Paula, has cerebral palsy. At a first glance, one would think she is mentally retarded due to her facial features, her need to "play" dress up with her Barbie’s, and her slow development- her lack of ability to do anything on her own. Paula is made fun of, and called a "monster". However, when people get to know her, they learn that she is the kindest person on this planet. A woman who has difficulties doing things, but can always do them if she tries hard enough. A woman who "plays" with Babies to work on her mobility therapy for her hands. A woman who knows every word to every Elvis Presley song, or movie. A woman who is far from stupid, and if someone would take the time and learned about her they would she that she has more knowledge than someone without a mental illness, and someone who is far from mentally retarded. A woman who suffers from cerebral palsy and not mental retardation, yet is judged but her appearances. A woman judged on an illness she had no control over.

What comes to mind when you hear the word retarded? Do you picture someone acting like a dork, someone being stupid or making stupid statements? Do you picture your idiot friends doing something that would possibly get him/her hurt or put in jail? Do you picture someone who suffers from mental retardation?

Athlete who won 4 events
in one event meet.

Track athlete for the Special
Olympics

The definition of "retard", according to Dictionary.com, is "to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede. “This does not mean, stupid, or dumb, or a dork. Mental retardation is a serious diagnosis, not a disease that can be caught like mono, or swine flu. Retardation is passed down through your DNA, not by acting like an idiot. A mentally challenged individual has slow motor skills, like talking or walking, and failure to adapt to situations they aren't use to being in. (This website here gives some more information on mental retardation.) Someone who suffers from Mental Retardation is only that...slow. They can do many of the same things that a human without mental illnesses. They can read, write; even participate in sports such as swimming, and skiing. These talented athletes can dribble a ball down a court or ski down a mountain of snow. Those challenged with mental retardation can do anything they set their minds to, even winning four metals at one event. They are strong athletes, and will push to do the same things people who aren't challenged with mental retardation can do.

The definition of an idiot is " an utterly foolish or senseless person". The definition of stupid is "lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull." Neither of these definitions means "to make slow" or to slow development. Yes, one could say, "but stupid sounds a lot like retard", however Mental Retardation is a serious mental illness. Stupidity is not. Why is society using the word "retarded" to mean stupid or an idiot? People acting like that of an idiot aren't retarded. They are just that- an idiot. Anyone who makes a stupid statement are just making stupid statements. Neither of the two are retarded. Why can't we just call it like it is, either stupid or idiotic.

The word "retard" or "retarded" should be treated just the same as the "N" word. The N word is not acceptable to use due the emotional harm it causes to the members of the Black community. The word cracker offends Caucasian whites, beaners offend the Mexican community, and the word fag offends homosexuals, so why is the word retard allowed to be used out of context to describe someone who is acting like an idiot? The word hurts those who suffer from the illness and those who love them. You may think to yourself "they don't know what I'm saying" but they do. Do you think a Black citizen would know what you meant if you said the N word? The answer is yes.

Being mentally retarded doesn't make you stupid. Albert Einstein was considered to be "retarded" and today society sees him as the smartest man who had ever lived. Here is a link to help pledge to "Spread The Word To End The Word". Mental retardation is a disease, not a virus that can be caught. These human beings, living people on this Earth, can hear everything that you say- they comprehend the names you call them, and they way you treat them. Don't believe it, go talk to a man or a woman who is mentally retarded. You might just be shocked at how bright they truly are.

Young, Successful, and Worry Free

"Try-hard". "Teacher's pet". "Honor's student". These labels are given to the kids who put forth an effort in school. But never once is the label "cool" used. And why's that? It's because getting good grades isn't always perceived as a "cool" thing by our peers. Some would say high school is the time to have fun before the "real world", so teens drink 'til they pass out and smoke 'til they're high... because that's what's cool. Some have defended their life style with the honorable lyrics of WIZ KHALIFA: "So what we get drunk, so what we smoke weed. We're just having fun, we don't care who sees. So what we go out, that's how it's supposed to be. Living young and wild and free." Sounds like loads of fun. NOT. Teenagers look to these celebrities as their role models... maybe if good grades were as glorified as partying is, being a "try-hard" would be something to strive for. But what if the lyrics read, "So what we get As, so what we try hard. We're just preparing ourselves, we care what colleges see. So what we do homework, that's how it's supposed to be. Living young, successful and worry free"? Is that enough to consider getting good grades cool?

Some consider it cool to be prepared for college. Our high school years are the building blocks for our transition into college. Some kids party every weekend in an effort to equip themselves for the college experience they dream of. In reality, they will never make it through their freshman year of college that way. So why not take a few advanced classes or even few college credit courses in high school? Teens that put forth effort in high school are far more likely to succeed in college. On top of that, think of the scholarships available for high grades? Colleges reward effort... they want students who will represent their school in the best way possible. Show the college of your dreams that you're hard work is worth a scholarship because just like high school, college is the final block before the rest of your life. Maybe being a "try-hard" isn't such a bad thing when it'll only improve life later on.

Some consider it cool to challenge their selves. Sure, senior year would be wonderful if it's packed full of blow-off classes, but what's the point if there is no learning? Yet everyday people challenge themselves to be the best looking, to have the coolest items, to be the prized MVP. Yet, where's the big competition for grades? See, our society is all about winning. Life is a game; everyone is striving to be the best. Think about the last time you "won" something you worked so hard for... remember the feeling of pure happiness you received? Now apply that to school. Challenge yourself to make the best grades possible, but do it for yourself. Don't hold back success because it's not "cool" because most likely, people will notice. They will look up to you because you prevailed, you WON.

Some consider it cool to be rewarded for doing a great job. Rewards aren't always gifts though, they can also be a feeling of pride or accomplishment. Just imagine the joy of walking across the stage wearing a medal or being a part of the highly honored, Cum Laude system. PURE BLISS. Start simple, turn in missing assignments or study longer for test... in the end, your grades will improve. When the next report card is sent home, make a deal. Find a "prize" for each A received or just do it because of how good success feels. Success isn't a set list of achievements, so make your own and start working. That new report card will not only provide a sense of accomplishment, but it could also lower car insurance prices. Some insurance companies discount around 20% for good grades! Call that an incentive. With all of that money saved, it can be put away for college or fund a fabulous shopping spree. In a way, it's almost like being paid for getting that awesome report card. By the end of high school, after the caps are tossed into the air... think about the gifts waiting. Some families often reward hard work in high school with a new car, a computer, or a handful of cash. Use these incentives to push past the limits that society has set; make it "cool" to get good grades.

So what do you consider "cool"? Remember that making good grades in school is admirable and will open up so many opportunities in life. "So what we get As, so what we try hard. We're just preparing ourselves, we care what colleges see. So what we do homework, that's how it's supposed to be. Living young, successful and worry free." Remember these lyrics, live by them. Hopefully one day, we'll all be singing them... because trying hard in school is COOL.

The Ones Whose Words are Silenced

History, rumors, stories, what happened last weekend, who just broke up with who, gossip, the latest thing, God... Wait, stop. We can't go that far. But why can't we? Will someone be offended because he/she has conflicting beliefs? Will someone accuse another of "forcing" his/her beliefs upon that individual? Will someone bully another with titles such as "Jesus Freak", "prude", and so on and so forth? People everywhere, inside a school building and meandering out on the sidewalks, all have their own individual ideals, values, and beliefs, so disagreements are bound to surface in every community; it can't be helped.

Does this make it right for students, the ones about to finally begin their own lives in our community, any community, to daily be stripped of their First Amendment right of free speech before they even get to apply it to the real world? The phrase "separation of church and state" in the First Amendment embeds the idea that students like myself whose voices are clawing at their sealed mouths that it is okay to live life "in the crowd" without being able to let the colors of passion trickle from their lips, granting those students strength, faith, and individuality.

Not being able to let "religious talk" into our schools also is withering away yet another First Amendment right; the right to assemble. Most teachers or principals will tense up if you surface the idea of a religion-based club or organization within a public school. Some teachers who are strong in a specific faith concur to the idea of constructing such organizations. Those are the teachers you must seek out if you desire to spark up a club based on religious faith, for you must have a sponsor to provide supervision to each after-school activity.

I have witnessed an after-school bible study at Fort Zumwalt North High School that to my knowledge still occurs every Wednesday afternoon. The sponsor; she just sat quietly and kept to herself in the corner of the room. Finding a sponsor for a religious club like this is possible, just he/she is forbidden from vocalizing his/her opinion on the subject.

Pretty much it would be a class run by students because the teacher has to keep his/her mouth shut for once, unless things get out of hand of course. Every kid's dream, right?

Others may say that planting religion-based organizations within schools will build social boundaries between students, creating "clicks". Now, instead of having just your "band geeks" and "drama freaks", schools would now have groups of "die hard Christians" and "rebellious Atheists". One issue with this theory: don't we already have those titles lingering around schools? They just aren't as lucid throughout the halls.

Truth is,

life is full of judgement.

It's going to happen.

Yet, what really struck me is the research I pursued on what I thought was a physical law; the separation of church in state.

Oh, guess what? It's not.

This idea is only a phrase Thomas Jefferson used when writing the First Amendment of the United States Constitution that many people today mistake for an actual law. To sum up what he had written, Jefferson stated that you cannot be forced to practice a certain religion, you cannot be prohibited from practicing the religion you choose, and that no religion can increase or reduce your civil rights, as well as no law can be religious-based. Hmmm, okay. Well if a student decides to start up a bible study, locates a willing sponsor, allows it to be open to the entire school, has the students sign a form agreeing that this is an open room for opinion and discussion, and that you are coming on your own will, therefore not being "forced", would this continue to follow the First Amendment as well as redeem us of our rights we were given to begin with?

The sooner students and adults realize that there will always be conflicting opinions to just about every ideal or belief, the sooner everyone as a whole will be able to become more tolerant and less shaken by the thought of actually being able to speak those opinions without being accused of wanting to change the rest of society. Anyone out there, have you ever had something you passionately believed in? Something you would fight for? Well, now you understand my passion, so go stand up for yours. It's as easy as just rounding up a small group of close friends and igniting a revolution of individualistic faith throughout your school. Ponder this: is your faith worth fighting for, or should you continue to be "in the crowd", continuing to be one whose words are silenced?

The Skinnier, The Better?

 The average morning of a teenage girl consists of popping out of bed, hitting the snooze button, and bursting with confidence ready to take on the day ahead. She meanders to her closet, pulls out a super fabulous dress, that of course looks amazing draped over her slender body, and tosses it on. Looking in the mirror, all she needs is one hair flip and her luscious blonde locks flow down her back in a perfect manor. While she gazes at her glowing bronze skin, long limber legs, and teeth as white as ivory she thinks to herself “Dang girl, you’re lookin’ HOT today!”

Just the morning of your average teenage girl, right?

WRONG.

 American Media such as: T.V., books, magazines, movies, and billboards tell us that this and only this is “beautiful”. A society striving for perfection expects nothing less from its inhabitants. But is this right? Is it okay for girls to starve themselves? Force themselves to puke up their food? Despise the person staring back at them every single time they look in the mirror all because the media tells them that if they don’t fit a certain mold, they’re hideous?  This is most definitely NOT okay. EVER.

“Just be you”. “Oh yeah, no problem! Even though every page of my fashion magazines tells me this double zero model is gorgeous, I’ll just be me.” Let’s be real— how can one expect a girl to feel wonderful about herself when society is drilling into her head “Sorry, but you just aren’t good enough."

Maybe if normal sized people were chosen for clothing ads, movies, commercials, and television shows girls would understand skinnydoesn’t equate to pretty.Of course we want to influence our youth to be fit and healthy, but since when did five percent body fat and ribs protruding from our bodies become ideal.

Teenage girls have gone to many lengths to achieve the perfect body image that is expected of them. Studies show 10 million people have some type of eating disorder. Two common types of eating disorders associated with teenage girls are:

Anorexia Nervosa

• excessively thin
• refusing to keep a healthy body weight
• consuming fear of gaining weight
• a body image that is distorted and self-esteem heavily reliant on body weight
• denial of unhealthy low body weight
• restricted eating habits

Bulimia Nervosa

• maintain proper weight but are extremely scared to gain weight and dwell on losing it 
• uncontrollable binge eating which leads to vomiting up food out of guilt/fear
• use of laxatives, excessive exercise, and fasting

Its alarming how common these life-threatening and horrendous illnesses are. No, media is not the sole cause for this; though it certainly isn't helping teenage girls maintain proper nutrition. Eating disorders such as these stem from obsession with body weight and shape. When teenage girls see these sickly skinny models and aspire to transform their bodies to look like them, how can we not expect the battle of the perfect body shape to consume their lives? Media shows girls that if they are skinny they'll get more attention from boys, have more friends, and feel better about themselves. With  all of the benefits they assume go along with being skinny, suddenly throwing up their meals and depriving themselves of food until they reach their goal doesn't seem like such a high price to pay.

Seeing unbelievably skinny models and actresses, it's hard for teenage girls not to compare these women to themselves. Scrutinizing every inch of their body and wondering why theirs doesn't even look remotely close. When this is all teenage girls see it takes a low blow to their self esteem. When they're told "If you don't look this way you're undesirable, inferior, and gross" they begin to feel worthless. Is that the message America should be sending to the youth? If we pride ourselves on being a nation with unique people who are all different sizes shapes, ethnicities, and religions then what is the point of pressing society to conform to one mold?

 

   

     What makes weight pressures hypocritical and horrible is half of the time these skinny models are airbrushed or have to take desperate measures of their own to look the way that they actually do. That hot and flawless model on the cover of your favorite magazine isn't as perfect as one may think. If exceptionally beautiful individuals aren't even acceptable enough to star on the cover of a magazine in her natural state, then how can a teenage girl feel comfortable in her natural state? Thanks a bunch Photoshop. Even when girls are full of innocence and starting to comprehend the world around them they're deceived about actual body size.  Studies were done showing that if one was to recreate Barbie in human size her dimensions would be so distorted she couldn't actually live. What kind of message is this sending our youth? Their childhood dolls they idolized aren't even legitimate.

Here's a challenge for today's teenage girls: Embrace you!

-Think about it. There is no one out there that is exactly like you. You're one of a kind; You're beautiful.

-Don't sweat miss double zero on the front of your Vogue, she doesn't actually look like they portray her.

-Focus on what makes you wonderful. Not chiseled calves and slender mid sections-- who you are on the inside.

-Don't forget to tell yourself the things that make you great, your talents, your best qualities.

“I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness.”- Drew Barrymore

http://www.sirc.org/publik/mirror.html

Marijuanhuh?

Marijuanhuh?

      Dope, Mary Jane, Hash, Weed, Pot, Marijuana—whatever you call it—this drug has become an increasing problem in the United States. According to Time Magazine, 42% of Americans have tried marijuana and11,469,120 were arrested in 1996-2010 because of it.

                  If this narcotic is so widely smoked, why is it so frowned upon?

     Many argue that marijuana damages the brain and lungs and causes fetal defects. As more research is conducted, average household items such as disinfectants, bleach, and antibacterial products are proven to be more harmful to a human's body than marijuana, yet our nation sprays these chemicals like they're fresh water. These chemicals are in constant contact with the average person body. They cause annoying allergic reactions, sickly birth defects, and dangerous cancers and diseases, and these aren't the only dangerous legal products available.

                    

             Alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine: each one is perfectly legal, but is each one safe?

•      Caffeine is a harmless substance that keeps one focused after a restless night, right? Not quite. It’s true this stimulant is helpful every once in awhile, but studies show that those who consume it regularly are at risk of mental dependency, fetal defects, and sleep deprivation.
•       Alcohol not only destroys one’s brain and liver, but it also is one of the main causes of domestic violence and car accidents. Although many have experienced the terrifying effects of alcohol abuse, our nation depends on it. We have even tried banning it in 1920, but Prohibition just created a whole lot of angry people and a series of gangs.
•      Tobacco is the most harmful legal substance out there. Everyday mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends inhale this toxic poison, and by making the choice to light up, they are unintentionally digging their graves. From the addicting nicotine to the never-ending cancers that follow, cigarettes devastate lives. One puff can lead to a life of misery and years of regret. 

     Teens as young as 15 are being sentenced to juvenile prison for small quantities of weed when cancer patients have constant access medical marijuana. If marijuana is hazardous, why are doctors prescribing it? According to Science Daily, "The active ingredient in marijuana cuts tumor growth in common lung cancer in half and significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread, say researchers at Harvard University who tested the chemical in both lab and mouse studies." A cancer destroying, life saving alternative to chemotherapy is illegal to the everyday citizen, but cancer causing tobacco and alcohol are on the everyday American's weekly grocery list, kinda like the 221,130 tobacco users that are put on JUST the lung cancer chemotherapy list every year.

                                                                      

                                                                The truth is:

• Marijuana has less harmful effects and more beneficial consequences than alcohol or tobacco.

  It has been successful in treating the symptoms and the progression of Alzheimer's.     

  It has been successful in relaxing muscles and effectively treating seizures.

  It has been successful in slowing down multiple sclerosis.

  It has been successful in taking the edge off migraines.                      

                                             It is not related to sleep deprivation. 

                                                It is not related to liver failure.

                                                  It is not related to cancers.

                                              

                                                    

• Weed generates crime; people want what they can’t have, and some people are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain marijuana. Many purchase marijuana on the black-market from dealers, dealers lead to gangs, gangs lead to gang wars, and these wars lead to the destruction of families, friends, and civilians. Legalizing marijuana will cut down the need for these drug dealers and this street corruption. 

•  By legalizing this 'herb' and placing significant taxes on it, our government could potentially raise money for "hardcore" drug rehabs and save millions of lives. Though, we must consider a few hazards first: 

               First: we must determine a suitable buying age. Because of the impairment of clear judgement     while high--similar to alcohol consumption--21 is the most appropriate buying age.

               Next: we must create regulations on the recreation (i.e make it illegal to drive under the influence or providing it for minors).

               Then: we must legalize marijuana.

               Finally: we must place significant taxes on the substance. 

      By implementing these laws, our government will be fulfilling the wants of the people while making a profit that could be used for community programs. It's a win win situation, and let's be honest how many times does that happen?

     Marijuana has been a part of our nation from the time the Native Americans settled here. It is our past, present, and future. So, whatever you call it--weed, hash, or marijuana--instead of deciding it's a problem, let's mold it into a solution.