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YOGA 2 3 Chen, from China More Than Just Music Track by Lauren Thurston Mrs. Chen also noticed a difference in rules for re- by Cailyn King By telling her testimony, Lacey influ- Triumphs lationships. In China, relationships are absolutely ences many teens going through similar affairs Close your eyes and imagine being a forbidden for teenagers until college. The Chinese Lacey Sturm, formally known as Lacey that she has. Instead of just singing about it, Lacey teacher. Now, imagine going to a completely dif- believe that school studies are more important in Mosley, is the former lead singer of Flyleaf. Flyleaf reaches out. Amy Shumaker, a freshman, notices by Ashley Carlson ferent country to teach your language to teenagers. that moment in time. Therefore, when Mrs. Chen is an alternative Christian rock band from Texas, the way Lacey is separate from other singers. “It’s Simple? Not in the slightest. started teaching at THS, she was confused at how but they’re more than just another band that really cool how she can get up there and confess If someone enters Viking Hall at any many people were in relationships. She didn’t un- makes music. They deliver a message, particularly her faith in a genre that is mainly dominated by given time, they can view students dribbling bas- Tennessee High’s very own Chinese derstand how the teachers and parents gave their through Lacey. men, and she’s not afraid to,” Shumaker said. ketballs and sprinting across the room while teach- teacher, Mrs. Dora Chen, faced this challenge with approval to such a thing. Now, she realizes that it’s ers encourage them to push themselves as hard her head held high. Mrs. Chen is from Chengdu, just how things are in the United States. Growing up, Lacey had a hard child- Lacey describes her testimony as “a as they can. Coach Zachlynn Blackburn is one of China with her family of three. She worked as an hood. Fighting with a single mother, losing a three positive message that not only inspires people but these teachers. She times exercises on her phone English teacher in Chengdu. Having been offered a In her free time, Mrs. Chen enjoys to year old cousin due to abuse from his step father, is also for the Spirit of God.” Amy also commented while sporting athletic attire, such as basketball job in America, she was stuck in a major dilemma. read books. Her favorite books are “The Help” by and getting involved in drugs at age ten, led Lacey on her testimony by saying, “I think that everyone shorts and an East Tennessee State University Her husband let her know that she indeed had his Kathryn Stockett and “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel. to become an atheist early on in her life. She did should see it. Her testimony was very powerful Track and Field t-shirt. approval to experience this amazing opportunity. Mrs. Chen also enjoys watching movies. Her favor- not become the Christian she is today until custody and emotional, and I think that anyone struggling After hearing his approval, she decided to take the ite movies are “The Notebook” and “Out of Africa”. was transferred to her grandmother. Feeling like in their lives should watch it. It’s very relatable to Blackburn is an interim gym teacher for two year job. If she isn’t teaching, reading, watching movies, or she lost everything, Lacey decided she was going to teens.” David Halstead and is very happy to be at Tennes- spending time with her daughter, she is listening commit suicide, but her grandmother persuaded When asked why she does what she does see High. Prior to becoming a teacher, she was a At the start of Fall 2011, Mrs. Chen to music. Her favorite genre is country music. her to attend church. Lacey responded, “If it wasn’t for what Jesus did, personal trainer for five years. Being a gym teacher traveled to the States by herself for her first year as I’d be dead.” became her new passion because she loves fitness a Chinese teacher. It wasn’t until her second year One of Mrs. Chen’s favorite things she Even though she was reluctant, Lacey and strives to change or at least impact obesity. Boys just She also has a desire to change gym class from at THS that her daughter, Sally, came along with got to do during her two year term was to experi- went so her grandmother would stop bugging her Emi Lowe, a senior, also talks about how her. Mrs. Chen enjoys having her daughter here ence the Rhythm and Roots Festival in downtown about going. Inside, a miracle was waiting to hap- Lacey has inspired her since she heard Flyleaf in playing games such as kickball and basketball to because it’s not so lonely. Mrs. Chen says, “Being Bristol. She loved the music very much! She also wanna pen. The preacher began to talk about dysfunc- seventh grade from her sister. “I like the way she actual exercises that help students stay active. in a different country is a grand adventure. But we enjoyed all the items you could buy while there. tional families and the pain they carry. According sings and conveys emotion into her songs.” Emi have no friends or family here. It’s a completely She liked the idea of having an annual festival in to Lacey, she felt like he was talking directly to her. says that she doesn’t view Lacey as just another Fitness has been a passion of hers have fun throughout the duration of her life. Blackburn different world. We just have to overcome the Bristol. It reminded her of China’s annual festival, by Taylor Booker He went into detail about how there was a suicidal singer. “After hearing her testimony, I became started track in seventh grade after she was driven challenge.” To her, family is the most important The Spring Festival. It is very important to people Years ago, boys wanted to be “manly spirit in the room. Freaked out, Lacey ran to the more interested in her as a Christian, and how she away from softball when a friend’s nose was bro- thing. She knows that no matter where she goes, in her culture. men.” But times have changed, and now boys just doors as soon as the service was over only to be was able to get out of things.” ken. She decided to do shot-put and discus. she will always return home to her family where want to be themselves! grabbed by a deacon that worked in the church. she belongs. Later in May, Mrs. Chen will say good- Lacey made one last album with Flyleaf Track was special to Blackburn because bye to her students at THS for the last time. She Yoga at the Wellness Center. That’s how He told Lacey that God wants to take in 2012 titled New Horizons before parting with her father was her coach in high school. When First impressions are important. Mrs. and her daughter are going back home to rejoin Brian Scott and Alex Cassell spend one evening her pain away, and even though she’s never known the band to spend time with her family. Although she was a sophomore, she had the opportunity Chen’s first impression of Bristol was an incredible Mr. Chen in Chengdu. “Saying goodbye will be of every week. “We call it ‘broga’,” said the two. an earthly father, He’ll be a better father than any she’s left Flyleaf, Lacey participates in worship to represent Virginia in The Down Under Track one. “The people here are very helpful to me. Most difficult for me. But I have to go home. It’s where I The boys first became interested in yoga because earthly father could ever be. Little did Lacey know, with a ministry she’s in called The Whosoevers and and Field Meet in Australia. Her school system in everyone here is kind to my daughter and me.” belong. It’s my root.” Brian’s mom invited him to her class. Brian loved her real father had passed away a while before continues to write her own music. She frequently Tazewell, Virginia paid for the trip. it, so he invited Alex. Now, the boys look forward without her knowing about it. From that moment, has question and answer sessions with her fans After high school, Blackburn received a full schol- While being here, she has seen a lot of If there is any advice that Mrs. Chen to their weekly relaxation time at yoga. They Lacey decided against suicide and began her tran- and is always willing to listen. You can find her tes- arship to East Tennessee State University for track differences in the American and Chinese cultures. would give to students at THS or to her fellow feel the “broga” is bettering them all around and sition into Christianity. timony on YouTube by searching “Lacey Strum’s and field. “In China, meal times are fun times!” They spend a teachers, it would be, “Don’t ever be afraid to try improving their health! Their advice to you: Do Testimony” and participate in the question and long time preparing meals. Most Chinese believe it new things. No matter how scary they seem, just it! Cassell said, “It takes more of a man to do yoga answer sessions by going to www.thewhosoevers. She then began to train for hammer is a very enjoyable task.

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