What is the Stegner Young Scholars' Writing Institute?

D ear Reader,

You may wonder, "What is the Stegner Young Scholars' Writing Institute?" T his page provides information explaining our work and goals. T he Salt Lake City School District and the University of Utah co-sponsor the annual Stegner Young Scholars' Writing Institute (The Stegner Institute) each June. T his publication, Our Voices Magazine, is an annual collection of the essays written by Stegner Institute students. T he life of Wallace Stegner provides inspi­ ration for the work done through the Stegner Institute: Wallace Stegner is a distinguished writer, past residence of Salt Lake and alumnus of E ast High School. The purpose of The Stegner Institute is to instruct and encourage student writers to find strength in their voice as a persuasive writer and conunit their arguments to paper using evidence, logic and examples to support their claims. A secondary purpose is to allow teachers of writing to collaboratively hone their teaching skills. To ac­ complish these goals, T he Stegner Institute invites high school students and secondary E nglish Language Arts teachers from the district to discover the power of writing during a two-week writ­ ing institute on T he University of Utah campus. For the 10 days of The Stegner Institute, students are teachers are immersed in writing workshops for four hours each day. Dur­ ing the first week, students select a topic of personal interest and research their topic, which includes investigating their topic from different perspectives. During the second week, students focus on supporting their clain1s with relevant evidence and revising their writing. T he end product is a well-supported and researched argu­ mentative essay that is polished and ready for publication.

In this collection you will encounter many tender and thought-provoking beliefs and arguments. T he positions, opinions, and conclusions in these essays represent the authors' point of view and are not endorsed by the district, the Stegner Institute faculty, or the University of Utah. If you read an essay that disturbs you, we encourage you to stop reading it and/ or discuss it with a parent, teacher or friend. Both the student author and the Stegner Institute faculty have tried to ensure that that the information in the essays is accurate and that the writing is polished. Please remember that these are essays written by developing authors and thinkers, and are published with minimal editing. Publishing student writing encourages the reluctant writer, strengthens students' self confidence, rewards interest and careful revisions as well as provides young writers with the opportunity to refine their thinking and express their opinions to a wider audience.

T he Stegner Institute is made possible by generous support from the district, T he University of Utah, T he Salt Lake Foundation, And the East High Alumni. To learn about how you can support T he Stegner Institute, please contact Michael Williams- Director of D evelopment and External Relations, at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Monica Ferguson (U of U) and Laura Scarpulla (district) , Co-Directors of the Stegner Institute

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS/ TA5LE OF CONTENTS ... OUR VOICES celebrates SLCSD students as developing writers. Students selected, researched, drafted and revised their way through topics ofpersonal importance. The context for this experience was the Stegner Young Scholars ' Writing Institute, honoring Wallace Stegner as a distinguished write1; past resident ofSLC and student ofEast High. *The publication of this magazine is made possible by a grant from The East High Foundation and the Salt Lake Education Foundation.

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OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 2 Send these, the homeless tempest­ believe that we should enforce our tost, to me: I lift my lamp beside iinmigration laws. the golden door." This is a problem Many believe that our iin­ because the Statue of Liberty is migration laws are valuable because Kimberly Cruz sending a message to everyone that they protect Americans from danger. Science Center we are the land of free. It is saying Stated in the website www;news­ that it is a freedom country and that week.org, I.CE. says that 74% of we should let immigrants can come parents are being deported because Could you imagine being to the U.S. America's philosophy they have committed a criine. I separated from your family at a has always welcomed anyone who disagree with this because the data young age? Children have been sent wanted a better life, and since the from wwwimmigrationpolicy.org on to foster care and been separated Statue of Liberty is sending out March 28, 2014 explains that within from their parents because they have the message, then why are we still I.C.E.'s own statistics reveal that been deported to their own coun­ the crimes committed by these are try. Immigrant parents shouldn't mostly minor offenses. 23% are get deported to their own country very serious criines rated a level if their child is born in the U.S. 3. They have also been deporting because children have been sent to people without regard for tl1eir foster care and in the past we let legal rights, and this is iinportant immigrants come to the U.S. to me because they are deportii1g Children have been sent to immigrants for the smallest thii1gs, foster care because their parents not the big ones, and are separating have been deported "Thousands of families. children stuck in foster care after For all the reasons above, parents deported" (Genna Jackson, we should stop sending children to 2011). This is a problem because foster care after their parents have the children end up being alone, been deported and let immigrants and they're not going to be right stay in the U.S. This topic would next to their parents. The children influence the future because we would get depressed and sad be­ would stop separating families and cause of being separated from their sending children to foster care and parents; also when the children are just let people in. I care about this getting sent to foster care, theii· because at my age it would be really parents either have been deported hard to see my family be separated, or detained. so no child should have to go In the past we let immigrants through that. So what do you tllli1k? come to the U.S. A quote from deporting people today? Why are Should we stop separatii1g families? Emma Lazarus says, "Give me your they separatii1g families? T he Statue Or have children struggle in life? tired, your poor, your huddle masses of Liberty is welcoming all the yearning to breathe free, the wretch­ immigrants that are coming to the ed refused of your teeming shore. U.S. However, there are those who

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 2014 3 Text About This

mans cannot do two things at once ac­ drivers reported using cell phones while This Is My Voice cording to John Hamilton, who explains driving, spending an average of 4.5 min­ that the human brain can only shift utes per call. Cell phone distraction is focus benveen nvo different things. It thought to be the cause of nearly 80% Hannah Brook is simply impossible to do nvo things of automobile accidents and 65% of near-accidents (Robert D. Foss, 2009). I Highland at the same time. Text messaging while walking is a significant area for con­ encountered my own experience, stand­ cern. The dangers of multitasking have ing near the corner of a main intersec­ hit the streets as people are becoming tion on a busy \,"'\fednesday from 5:00- Imagine that you are driving involved in more accidents while walk­ 6:00 pm. I observed 32 drivers with a down the road and your phone rings. ing as they text or use mobile phones. cellphone either up to their ear or being Everyone has experienced this. \,"'\fould Furthermore, if we can't walk and text held against the steering wheel. More you pick it up or wait to pull over to at the same time without some impair­ than half of the number I counted answer it? Most of us teens would not ment, who really thinks they can text were teenagers, and t:\vo teen drivers think to pull over. Licensed teenagers and drive and be perfectly fine? Though had a car full of distracting friends. One should not be allowed to have their phones while driving because teenagers do not have enough driving experience, and studies show that humans cannot multi-task safely while driving. Teenagers are new to the driving experience and probably have not suf­ fered the consequences of a risky col­ lision yet. "The biggest rate of crashes was computed for driving experience after licensure" (Anne T. McCartt, 2003). Teens may think that a collision could not happen to them. Unfortu­ nately, they happen to everyone. A classmate of a family friend, Erika Knell, was a ski racer who was training for the 2011 Olympics. \Xfhile heading the brain can shift from one task to of those cars with distracted teens as eastbound on I-80, outside of Park another in seconds, the brain cannot passengers did an illegal U-turn while City, U tah, her phone had fallen off of physically watch or do two things at the on their phone. Clearly not enough has her seat. As she reached down to pick it exact same time. been done. up, she lost control of the wheel, caus­ \Xfhile some people say that the Unquestionably, teenagers should ing her car to flip over. She also was not law has already restricted phone use not be allowed to have their phones wearing a seat belt. and later died from while driving, more needs to be done. while driving. If we do not make stricter the traumatic injuries. She was only 17. The percentage of phone use has only laws, distracted driving will continue Any teenager like Erika, a responsible gone down by one percent since the law to cause deaths in America and the driver, can easily get distracted like this. passed. As of October 2009, seven U.S. percentage of teens using their phones T he use of cellular devices and driving states banned driving while talking on will keep rising. \Xfe do not want any are clearly a dangerous pair. a handheld cell phone. Years later, use more loved ones, like Erika, losing their "People can't multi-task, and was 65 percent lower than expected af­ bright futures over a silly text message when they say they can, they are delud­ ter the ban. Later, studies revealed that or phone call. So think next time you ing themselves" (pbworks.com). Hu- approximately one-half of interviewed hear that ring.. .is it worth it?

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 4 This Is My Voice their interests." This means that FIFA limited. The World Cup is a temporary officials have been building arenas to factor to improving a country's financial get their company known and have little problems, and after the games are over or no interest in helping out tl1e people the economy will go back to how it was Joanna Rodriguez who are suffering. Rio de Janiero is a before or even worsen. Science Center city in Brazil that lacks adequate health There are many that argue that care and education. Instead of spend­ the World Cup attracts tourism and ing money on health care or education, this puts money into the economy of Another four years have passed Brazil is spending millions of dollars a country. In fact, in tl1e 2010 World since the last \Xforld Cup. Once again to build stadiums that don't help the Cup a portion of the money earned you'll be able to see classic games and people. Past \\!orld Cup hosting coun­ was spent to build a state of tl1e art rail visit new countries. Normally, you don't tries have experienced negative effects system in Johannesburg and to make think about the native people rioting with stadiums built. In Japan, Korea, highway improvements. The rail system in the streets demanding to stop the and South Africa they struggle witl1 seemed to be an improvement, but games from happening or the children wasteful buildings that take up land that Soutl1 A frican citizens have negatively having to be forced to work to build could be used by citizens. These "white expressed tl1eir feelings towards the rail new stadiums that are supposed to be elephants" are used for show during because of its high rates and negative built by a certain deadline. To many the events and are abandoned after the impact on the environment. Imaan sport spectators it means a month long games are done. They do not hold a 11ilanza who lives outside Nelsprurit excitement, and a new world champion; purpose after ilie games are over, and Soutl1 Africa states, "They lied to us." still some people that live in the hosting it's sad to think that tl1e money could Their lives were not improved from the country might not be happy about the have been spent to build hospitals or railroads being built. There is no doubt World Cup, and who can blame them? schools that are greatly needed. that tl1e World Cup brings joy to many Hosting a world cup event has no clear While the \X!orld Cup brings soccer fanatics. As a result of this, many economic benefit because arenas that in much excitement for a month, it's people do not realize what is happening are built are rarely used after an event certain that hosting such a large event inside a country; building railroads and and the country's gross domestic prod­ has no long term financial benefit. stadiums isn't going to help families that uct (GDP) has no great impact from According to an article titled, "South can barely survive. hosting the games. Africa's \X!orld Cup warning to Brazil" In conclusion, the World Cup \Xfith fourteen billion dollars by Matt Egan, "South Africa's economy has no clear economic benefit and takes invested into the \Xlorld Cup, it's no has not been able to overcome its land from tl1e public. In tl1e future if wonder people are rioting against the structural problems--before or after the FIFA officials stopped building and games, claiming that instead of fund­ \\!orld Cup-- including income inequal­ renovating new stadiums, ilie money ing goods and services that'll help the ity that has triggered labor strikes in tl1at would be put into the arenas could public, the Federation Internationale de the country's big mining sector." In build schools and clinics. Imagine giving Football Association (FIFA) officials otl1er words, tl1e \X!orld Cup hasn't a child an opportunity to get an educa­ use countries and cities that don't have influenced the work force into helping tion because tl1ey made a school nearby the correct infrastructure and renovate their employees, and South Africa is a or supporting a family that is struggling massi~re stadiums without investing in nation with problems that haven't found by giving them a part of land where public services. According to University any solutions. The World Cup brought they can grow crops. \X!hen you are of 11ichigan sports economist Stefan pride to South Africa, but it continues watching the World Cup, or any sport­ Symanski, "It's about claiming credit. to struggle with its economy, and its ing event, remember that miles beyond They want to build their name take the GDP has gone down. There have been the stadium lights people are trying to credit for everything they can. Farming reports conducted by the Moody's rat­ live another day. E ducate yourself about it out to nations that have to spend a ing agency showing that tl1e impacts what tl1e hosting country is like in both lot of money actually turns out to be in of sporting events have been brief and economic and social standard.

OUR VOICES 2014 5 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Schools Against Suicide

This Is My Voice between the ages of 10-17, he was surface of the topic of suicide, and an important part of my family, and the prevention program would also the pain of his loss was indescrib­ bring attention to those students able. The loss of any family member who aren't aware of suicide issues in Analisa Uribe due to suicide is just as horrific for their own school. Science Center any family but especially with chil­ First of all, if there was a dren, because generally speaking suicide prevention program in place, most of these tragic events could those students who have suicidal Did you know that suicide is be prevented. Suicide prevention thoughts and/ or tendencies would the second leading cause of death programs should be put into Salt feel more comfortable sharing that for children ages 10-1 7 in the state Lake City high schools because stu­ information in a school counselor's of Utah? As a student, I have had dents will become more comfortable office because they would know that to personally deal with the fact that about sharing suicidal thoughts and there is a qualified individual who is suicide is a horrible thing. My father information in a safe school set­ able to help the student(s) with their took his own life when I was nine ting, the current yearly schoolwide situation. According to the Utah years old. Although he wasn't a child bullying assemblies only touch the D epartment of Health, in an aver-

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 6 age class size of thirty students, 8 care. Many bullied children are reluc­ with the parents. It is tl1e parents' of those students will have reported tant to tell anyone what's happening job to show their child that they feelings of sadness or hopelessness. to them. Are they embarrassed or are loved and are important to their W here are those students going to scared?" In the movie "Bully" it talks family and friends. T he thought of report those feelings? T he answer is about the worst case scenarios for even taking their own life needs to the school counselor. T he job of a som e of tl1e victims in the documen­ be taken out of the child's head by school counselor is to provide a safe tary: suicide. T he documentary then their parents. It's understandable to environment to allow students to goes on to talk about ways tl1at the see why the parents would be re­ share info rmation that could pos­ parents, students, and staff members sponsible for tl1eir own child in tlus sibly be troubling them. In 2013 the of the schools of those victims go situation. With that said, students Utah Legislature passed HB 154, on to take steps to make sure that spend more time at school during "Which requires school districts the school is on a track to preventing the day than they do at home, and and charter schools to implement a and stopping bullying. As a result of most parents work during the day youth suicide prevention program the "Bully" movie bringing to light and usually don't come home till for students in grades 7 - 12 (U tah the effects of bullying on students after five o'clock in the eve11ing. As State Office of E ducation)." Teach­ in a school setting, some other much as a parent can try, they can't ers are required to watch a training causes of suicide have been left in do everytlling; their child's school video (www:uen. org) to become the dark. In a list of over twenty of has to help play a part in tlus as qualified for suicide prevention. If the most common factors of suicide well. Wouldn't it make sense that more students knew that their teach­ taken from www.suicide.org/ suicide­ the teachers have better understand­ ers are qualified, then more students causes, bullying just begins to scratch ing of how the students are feeling would feel m ore comfortable sharing the surface of what factors can lead based on their school performance? personal information regarding their to someone taking their own life. In sununar y, a suicide pre­ thoughts on suicide and/ or their In addition to the reasons vention program should be put situation. above, how much do peers know into Salt Lake City high schools Schools, in an attempt to about a student's personal thoughts, because students will become m ore prevent bullying and it effects, often feelings, and mental health? Students comfortable about sharing suicidal leave out how to help those students today aren't aware that suicide can thoughts and information in a safe who have or are currently being bul­ happen in their own school. Today, school setting with a qualified lied and are possibly thinking about high school students have a good individual, and the yearly school­ ending their own life. T he annual idea of what is going on socially. wide bullying assemblies only touch programs and assemblies only talk But do they know what is going on the surface of the topic of suicide. about the prevention of bullying, emotionally with their friends? In the T he prevention program would not the prevention of suicide for four years I have been at my school, also bring attention to those stu­ those students who have or who are there hasn't been a suicide of a stu­ dents who aren't aware that suicide being bullied. Many schools in the dent. I had only ever heard about it issues happen in their own school SLCSD district have taken students on the news or on.line. According to and are not just something they to see the anti-bullying movie "Bul­ the Utah D epartment of Health, ''An would see on the news. By putting ly" or have held schoolwide anti-ha­ average of 22 U tahns ages 15-19 die these programs into action we can rassment assemblies to prevent tl1ose from suicide each year." I wouldn't decrease the number of students situations school wide. As stated in have known about the loss of any of who lose tl1eir lives to suicide each rogerebert.com, a popular movie those lives unless I had looked it up year. I have lost a fa nilly m ember to review site, "One of the themes in or seen it on the news. T he reality is suicide and have had a friend almost Lee Hirsch's documentary is how that it can happen anywhere. Even in take their own life. Are you going to many parents and teachers have no your own school. stand in the way of a potential life­ idea what's really happening in the On the other hand, some be­ saving opportutlit:y? secret society of children in their lieve that suicide prevention begins

OUR VOICES 2014 7 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE rban

This Is My Voice just one hundred trees can remove pavement or surfaces with harm­ two tons of carbon dioxide (C02) ful chemicals or other substances from the air annually. That same on them (like the aforementioned Ian Chapline survey found that in the U.S. urban gasoline or motor oil), and become Open Classroom forests have been found to remove contaminated. a total of about 800,000 tons of As the environment around an carbon dioxide from the atmo­ urban forest becomes more clean sphere every year. Trees, like other and sustainable, the property value You may not know it, but you are plants, remove carbon dioxide of the area also increases. A cleaner surrounded by urban forests. Some­ from the atmosphere and release environment means a better space, times called "green spaces." Urban oxygen through the process of and a better space means more forests are any wooded area that is photosynthesis. people want to spend more time located in a city (like large parks). In Urban forests purify pol- around that area. If an urban forest a broader sense, this includes trees luted water; they intercept rainfall, (or even just trees) is planted near in parking lots, trees that might line absorbing it into the roots and or on the property of a residential streets. Salt Lake City should invest soil, and cleanse the water of any space such as an apartment build­ more in the creation of urban for­ pollutants. They also absorb any ing, the value of that property ests because they clean the environ­ water runoff from sprinklers and immediately increases. According ment by purifying our air and water, garden hoses (nslcity.org). Due to to the United States Environmental improve living conditions, save the fact that cities in general have Protection Agency (USEPA), trees energy, and generate annual revenue. so many impermeable surfaces, that are planted in the right spots In today's world of heightened water and other liquids can build around a building can reduce en­ environmental concerns and ques­ up rather than being absorbed into ergy costs by 15%-20%, in both the tions, it is becoming increasingly the ground. Rain water is a prime winter and summer months. They more important that people and example of this. As rain falls and will provide shade in the summer, cities alike maintain a certain level of moves along pavement or gutters, which can diminish the cost of air vigilance about their environmental it can easily become contami­ cooling and conditioning by 30%. impact. Urban fores ts help to clean nated by pollutants like gasoline or This isn't just applicable for places the environment in a city by purify­ spilled motor oil. This same water like apartment buildings. Continu­ ing the air by removing carbon diox­ may find its way into small above ing with the theme of summer ide from the atmosphere; if planted ground streams and wate1ways and months and shade, trees planted in in the right spot, urban forests can has a chance to get into tap water parking lots can keep parked cars clean the water in an area as well. or even drinking water if it is not anywhere from 5-10 degrees cooler. By planting more urban forests, Salt filtered and treated properly in a In the colder months, trees planted Lake City can reduce the amount water treatment facility (epa.gov). strategically can reduce heating of negative impact it has on the This can also happen to water that costs by 2-8% by blocking wind environment. A survey done by the might flow out of a garden hose and the other elements. Further­ USDA (United States Department or even the sprinklers in some­ more, the amount of effort that of Agriculture) found that planting one's yard; the water flows over you need to put into the creation

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 8 of urban forests depends on your that the creation of more urban of energy). So, as an urban forest resources, money, and available forests would use space that could is growing, Salt Lake City and its space which can dictate how large otherwise be used for houses and citizens will be free to tackle larger the urban forest actually is and how business buildings and that there projects that require more attention much it will cost. One study done by are more immediate projects that or effort. USEPA (the United States E nviron­ need attention, such as creating jobs To conclude, Salt Lake City mental Protection Agency) found or taking care of the large homeless should invest more in the creation that every dollar spent on the plant­ population. These are valid points, of urban forests: they clean our air, ing, nurturing, and care of a tree but an urban forest doesn't need purify our water, and make money. planted in an urban forest actually a space all its own. Trees can be In the long run, the planting of yielded $1.50-$3.00 for every dollar planted near a building or around urban forests is just as important invested. On average, the annual cost its perimeter and still have the same as other endeavors deemed more to maintain an individual tree within effect on the environment, if not a immediate. I want to be able to an urban forest ranges from $15- better one because it will be saving breathe fresh air when I go out and $65, with net annual benefits ranging energy as well as purifying the envi­ not to have to worry about toxins from $30-$90/ tree. All of that is ronment. Furthermore, the large­ entering my lungs. Support the cre­ on top of the money urban forests scale environmental effects that ation of more urban forests in Salt bring in through saving energy and urban forests have are mostly long Lake City; we'll all benefit from it. improving property value. term (though there are measurable There is the argument, however, immediate effects like conservation

OUR VOICES 2014 9 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE KEEPING OUR WILDERNESS WILD

open pit mining, fracking, the pro­ sold are examples of how there is This Is My Voice duction of oil from tar sands, and no guarantee that state-controlled other environmentally destructive wilderness areas will remain open to Emma Hanson processes. One example of a wild­ the public and be kept pristine. Science Center life area already owned by the state Not only has the state shown government is Lake Canyon. Lake it won't protect the wilderness lands Canyon is near the Strawberry River it already owns, but it is also will­ in Duchesne County, it was origi­ ing to defy Utah's constitution to In 2012 Governor Gary Her­ nally bought by the state for the lake, acquire more public lands. Article bert signed HB 148, the Transfer of which is used to shelter brood popu­ Three, Section Two of the Utah Public Lands Act. T his bill would lations of native cutthroat trout. Ac- State Constitution states, "The demand that millions of acres of public land currently controlled by the federal government be turned over to the Utah state government by 2015. These lands include all of Utah's national forests, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and many more public wildlife and wilderness areas. The federal govern­ ment should remain in control of Utah's public lands because it has the most expansive vision and the better record of success in managing lands for conservation and public use. The Utah state government is more likely to sell or lease land for com­ mercial use; it would be against the cording to an article in the Salt Lake people inhabiting this State do af­ Utah constitution to take control of Tribune by Brian Maffly, part of the firm and declare that they forever the lands; and these wilderness areas Lake Canyon wildlife area will be disclaim all right and title to the don't just belong to Utah, they need auctioned off on June 25th of this unappropriated public lands lying to be accessible to people from all year. "Bill Barrett Corp. and Berry within the boundaries hereof." Any over the world. Petroleum have already sunk numer­ attempt to take over federal lands The state government's past ous wells along the bottom of Lake in Utah, therefore, directly violates actions have made it clear they have Canyon, and Berry is proposing to the constitution. This fact has been no gualms about allowing extractive drill more wells to the west in the pointed out to the state government industries to exploit mineral, oil, and Avintaguin Canyon Wildlife Man­ by the Office of Legislative Research gas resources in beautiful wilderness agement Area, which includes Lake and General Counsel. In reference areas. "Extractive industries" de­ Canyon,'' wrote Maffly. In short, the to HB 148, they wrote that "any scribes any operation that takes raw oil wells drilled in Lake Canyon and attempt by Utah in tl1e future to materials out of the land, including those planned to be built when it is enforce the requirement, have [sic]

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 10 a high probability of being declared U tah. If tl1e state gained control of in Utah for that to be sustainable, unconstitutional." Ken Ivory, the U tah's national forests, tl1ere is no let alone the fact that it is morally chief sponsor of HB 148, argues guarantee that those forests will be wrong to destroy the beautiful land that states west of Colorado were preserved and remain open to tl1e we should be working to conserve. treated differently than eastern states public. Second, Utah is more reluctant than in that the federal government re­ The main argument for any other state in the west to tax tained control of a much higher per­ transferring Utah's public lands to its existing extractive industries. As centage of their lands. Ivory and his the state is that it could help fund revealed in a report by Headwaters supporters believe that the federal education. It's true that Utah spends Economics, Utah had tl1e lowest government promised to "relinquish the least amount of money per pupil effective tax on oil and natural gas title" to those and lands and failed in the country on education-just production-coming in at 3.3% to keep that promise. It seems clear, above $6,000 according to E duca­ compared to states like Wyorning however, that any effort by the state tion Week's Andrew Ujifusa and whose tax rate is 11.4%. These per­ government to take control of pub­ Michele McNeil. Some land inside centages demonstrate tl1at instead of lic lands would be unconstitutional. Utah is already managed for the encouraging more extractive industry We also have to remember benefit of public schools and institu­ in Utah, we need to institute more the wider effect Utah's public lands tions in the state. In recent years, up-to-date taxation of the existing have and how many people from all aggressive management of this land industry. It's clear there is a need for around the world come to visit them has generated significant revenues. more education funding in Utah, but each year. Utah's public lands belong T he School and Institutional Trust that need does not overtake the need not only to Utah but to everyone. Lands Administration (SITLA) has for conservation in Utah. Taking Keeping them under federal control generated $1.3 billion in revenue control of federal lands is not the ensures they remain open to the since 1994. As the SITLA website most effective way of raising money public. Utah is home to five of the explains, "Trust lands are parcels of for education. most breathtaking national forests land managed ... for the exclusive In summation, Utah's pub- in the country, including Manti.- benefit of state institutions or ben­ lic lands should remain under the La Sal National Forest and Ashley eficiaries, as designated by Congress. federal government's control because National Forest. According to a Because these lands are held in trust, we need wild places. Camping on study done by the National Visitor they differ greatly from public lands, red rock and hiking through national Use Monitoring Program, run by and are more akin to private lands. forests means something--spiJ:itually the U.S. Forest Service, there were Only about 6% of the state's acreage and psychologically-not just to over 173 million recreation visits is set aside as trust lands to generate Utahns but to thousands of oth- to national forests between 2005 revenue for beneficiaries, primarily ers who visit Utah each year. Such and 2009. In that same time frame, public schools." Proponents of state experiences have a profound effect, the American public made an ad­ control for all public lands have ar­ causi11g people-no matter where ditional 300 million visits to scenic gued that we could model the profits tl1ey grew up-to care about these byways and other travel routes near generated by SITLA for all public landscapes, desire their protection, national forest lands. These people land if only the state were allowed to and learn to value the interconnec­ were not just Americans visiting the make all the decisions. tions of life in all its forms. If we forests in their own states; tl1ey were There are two points of con­ allow our lands to be torn apart by people from all over the world. E ach cern relative to this claim. First, sell­ industry, or closed to the public, or person who has camped in a na­ ing off lands, or bleeding them of rui11ed for short-term gai11, future tional forest or hiked across U tah's resources, is not a long-term fix for generations will not be able to expe­ desert remembers that experience tah's education funding challenges. rience tl1e beauty and transformative of being amidst the grandeur of We can't sell land every time we power of the natural world. We owe nature and knows the significance need to spend more on education. it to our children to look iJ1to the and importance of conservation in There isn't enough wild land left future with the longest possible lens.

OUR VOICES 2014 11 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE MONEY PROBLEMS IN HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL and food in football games. They are judged by their historical and This Is My Voice the ones that feed the school. T hey present performance. In High- pay for mostly everything. They help land we can see tl1at it is a rugby every otl1er sport and school. If they school. They get everything, like Javier Argueta don't make enough money, then all new bags, uniforms, warm-ups, Marroquin other clubs in the school don't get a equipment. They are not even a Highland lot of money." That is not fair to all team at Highland. They are a club. other sports. If other sports had a Highland soccer was always being chance to make more people go and judged by tl1e problems we have My name is Javier Argueta. I watch them, they could probably had with other schools, like fight­ go to Highland High School, and I make the money they need for the ing. When that happened this year, am about to be a junior. I partici­ season. Yes, all sports fundraise, but our coach told us that we had to pate in wrestling and soccer, and it that's not enough. If tl1ey got more do comnmnity service, and we lost has come to me that the schools do help from the school, they would a large amount of money, which not split the money equally so every have less time fundraising, and that cost us lots of equipment and sport and club can get all the equip­ equals more practice time. players. He told us that our next m.ent they need. Schools should give All other sports always have season is counting on our fundrais­ equal money to all sports so they to use what they got last season. My ers. Therefore, I believe the school can all get what they need and still friend that was in football at High­ should not take away any money keep it fair with all other sports and land told me that when he was in from sports because that will affect clubs in the school. I believe that the football they did get a lot of money the new team for next year, and all school and the school district do not and that money goes to them and new people have to face what the give equal amounts of money to all everyone else in school. But the team did last season. Mostly every sports and clubs in the school. Last thing that makes the money difficult team in all schools will be in fights. season for soccer we did not have a to divide is that the school needs If football gets in fights, they don't lot of new things. We never got new books and new things. When they take money away from tl1em; they equipment, and when I saw football do that they start giving more to all will just get mad at them and keep and basketball they had so many new sports, but if we had to get every­ on playing. It's not fair that smaller things. I'm not saying give us the thing in tl1e same time the school teams get the worst consequences, same amount of money that football will not have enough money for the and football and basketball get gets; I'm saying, give us tl1e right year. There are a lot of things the small consequences. amount of money so we can get school has to pay for, but the school High school sports have everything we need for the season. does not pay for the teacher--that is turned into small businesses. I It has come to me that the the school district's job. And there­ think it is involved in certain school doesn't split the money fore, I believe all sports and clubs sports, like in soccer and girls' equally so every sport and club can should get a good amount of money basketball. They don't get as much get all the equipment they need. I to get all the equipment they need money as men's soccer and men's asked my counselor, and she told and to have the school districts pay basketball. My soccer coach in me, "Football and basketball are at­ for the books. Highland is also the girls' soccer tractions for people. They get more Why does high school judge coach and he told me, "I can tell by money than others because they can sports by how good they are? men's soccer and women's soccer get tl1e money back by selling tickets All high school sports are that tl1ey give more money to male

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 12 sports than women's sports. They for that sport. High school sports school should be divided in what all give less to my girls' soccer team should not turn into businesses sports and clubs need for the sea­ than men's soccer team because because that is taking away what son. T his will influence the future not a lot of people like watching sports teach students: to be hard­ by keeping everything equal and fair girls' sports. I think that sports in working, to influence themselves to in all sports and clubs and school. I high school are turning into a busi­ have good grades in school, to show care a lot about this concern be­ ness." They sure are turning into a team work, to show inspiration in cause I, myself, am in a sport in high business. I don't know if everyone the sport, and to have fun. I, myself, school, and last season we did not knows this, but the school who wins think high school has turned into have enough equipment to make it region or state gets more money a company to make money for the a good season. In the end I want for that certain sport so they can be school to make it better. Therefore everything to be equal and fair to all ready for next season. I believe that's I believe sports shouldn't be turned sports and for us to get new equip­ why the school gives more money into a business with money in high ment to practice with and to make to football and basketball because if school. our school champions. they win they can get a lot of money In conclusion, money in high

OUR VOICES 2014 13 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE This Is My Voice In fac t, when taking a fine arts class Parents are not able to help their you use the right side of your brain. student with some of their home­ T he right side of the brain helps work because they are not able with " recognizing faces, express­ to get a good grasp on what the Sarah H ansen ing emotions, music, reading emo­ homework is. With fine arts parents West High tions, color, images, intuition, and are able to be more involved in tl1eir crea tivity," says Kendra Cherry, a child's educa tion. Every child does psychosocial rehabilitation special­ not learn things the same way. Al­ Imagine a world where expres­ ist for children. When taking classes though, when a student takes a fine sion was demolished. A world where other than fin e arts classes such as arts class, they obtain a set of skills creativity was looked down upon, math or E nglish, you use the left that they use in other classes. T his and there was only science and side of your brain. T he left side helps parents because now they are math. A world without the fine arts. of the brain helps with "language, able get some typ e of understand- T hat world is not a world I would logic, critical thinking, numbers, and like to live in. I would like to live in a world where in schools student are able to express themselves, and have a better academic education because of the fine arts. In our world today many student are taking mostly science, E nglish, and math classes because they don't know what the fine arts could do for them. Students should take a fine arts class because they would get better grades, their parents will be able to be more in­ volved, and it provides a luxury that students didn't know they had. Fine arts can help improve a student's grade. An experin1ent done by D on Showalter showed that students who took a fine art class obtained Ns and B's while the students who didn't take any art class reasoning," Kendra Cherry also says. ing on how their student learns, and obtained low C's and high D 's. Fine H owever, fine art students are able they can help their student with their arts classes help students discipline to use both sides of their brain in all academic education. Art is not only themselves. Students learn from art of their classes. Using both sides of for parents to help their students, how to manage their time and to the brain helps students fo cus and but also to see theii· student's prog­ understand different concepts better. understand things better, and help ress. ''Art\vork is a tangible medium For example, music helps students tl1em obtain better grades. through which parents can see their in their math class by understand­ Fine arts is not only to help child's progress in school," says a ing and seeing patterns and beats. students, but theii· parents too. statement from the study of Fine

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 14 cused on the lesson because of the Arts in schools done by the U niver­ whole child. Students should be teacher. A teacher should make their sity of Michigan. Parents can't really exposed to abroad and rich curricu­ class a class that ca tches and keeps see their child's progress in school lum that includes not only math and the attention of the students and a through regular mediums such as reading, but courses and clubs that class the students want to partici­ report cards and parent-teacher focus on dance, music, art, theater pate more in. Fine art classes help conferences. However with fine art, and other creative disciplines. T he students be more active in all of parents are able to see their student's arts are important. T hey enrich our their classes. For example, a student progress. For example, a parent can lives. T hey have always offered ways taking a world civilizations class look at a student's math homework to learn and express ideas. would write their notes in a way that and see that their child is under­ T he fine arts help to educate the refl ects a music class they are taking. standing math. On the other hand student in many ways to help with Secondly, people have said that the parents are not able to see how creativity and expression. Expression art classes may not help students long it took the student to prog­ as a student helps the student to be when they apply to college or a ress. With art a student can draw a more active in home and in school. university. In the United States of picture, sing, dance, and so on, and In contras t to how partici­ America the majority of the col­ a parent is able to become more in­ pating in a fine arts class can help leges and universities are looking volved. When parents become more students, "Students get too passion­ for students who have taken a fine involved, it helps with communica­ ate about their art classes and com­ arts class or what course a student tion between parent and student. pletely neglect their core classes," would like to take at their school. For example, the Arizona State University is looking for "one year of high school fine arts or three­ credit college fine arts course". A t the Salt Lake Community College certain courses that a student takes requires some typ e of fine arts class. For example, if a student wanted to major in International Studies or Foreign Language they would need a film and culture class. Participating in a fine arts class helps with a student's school life and hom e life. Students who don't participate in any fine arts class will have a struggle with comprehension, organization, and different concepts. Everyone in T he fine arts is a luxury for says Nadia Abramson, University my family who has taken a fine students. Luxury is in the eye of School of NSU. When a student arts class was able to understand the beholder. A luxury to som eone gets bored, they start to do things things quicker and has obtained could be a cellphone. While a luxury that distract themselves and others higher grades than the fa mily m em­ to someone else could be fo od. from the lesson being taught, such ber who didn't take any type of fine However, to everyone the fine arts is as tapping their pencil to the beat of arts class. Take a fine arts class and a luxury fo r expression. NEA Presi­ a song or doodling in the borders the future will be bigger and better dent D ennis Va n Roekel said: of their no tebook. H owever, this than what you thought it could be. We must fo cus on educating the shows that the student is not fo-

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 2014 15 -

"Psychedelic music evolved in the 60s as an off shoot of rock and roll This Is My Voice adding eastern influences, including sitars, and other instruments." (crescen­ tok.com). If they hadn't tried different instruments like sitars we wouldn't Saffron Peroy have as wide of a variety of instruments in our music today. If musicians Highland didn't try drugs we wouldn't have people with a wide range of music. "The Byrds effortlessly flew like a feathered Learjet through D ylan-esque mus­ ings, inner galactic Psychedelic, and Cosmic American Music soundscapes that helped bring country music to a wider audience." (allaboutthesixties. In the 60s drugs became a big blogspot.com). Musicians widened their music which widened their audi­ influence on art and music. During ences. that era drugs were more accessible If artists hadn't used drugs we wouldn't have the art we have to­ in America for anyone to use. Drugs day: "LSD and its subsequent popularity as an agent that produces altered affected the music and art in the states of consciousness was at the core of the psychedelic Art movement" 60s because they helped create new genres in both mediums. If musicians hadn't tried drugs they wouldn't have branched out and we wouldn't have the music we have today. Musicians have been inspired by drugs as we see in this quote: "In­ spired by the use of mind altering drugs, Psychedelic rock broke with traditional rock and laid the roots for the experimental rock genres of the seventies and eighties" (crescentok. com). The 60s style of music was highly influenced by drugs: "Without the use of hallucinogenic drugs by musicians, this style of music would not have existed" (blogs.longwood. edu). If this style of music didn't exist, the music we have today wouldn't exist. Drugs brought musi­ cians to try different musical styles and different types of instruments. (arthistory.net). This quote shows that artists who had taken drugs started According to blogs.longwood.edu, to create new art. Artists like Andy Warhol who took the drug Obetrol "The 1960s psychedelic era induced (also known as Adderall) and was inspired to create tl1e Oxidation series. changes in both the sound and lyri­ The O xidation series is when Andy Warhol had people come urinate on his cal content of music, which conse­ art work that he had primed with copper-based paint, the acid in the urine quently shaped the future of rock turned the copper green which Andy liked. "Victor was Andy's ghost pisser music." These changes shaped the on the Oxidations. He would come to the Factory to urinate on canvases style that we are familiar with today: that had already been primed with a copper-based paint by Andy or Ronnie

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 16 Curtrone, a second ghost pisser. T here were boys who'd come to lunch and drink too much wine, and find it funny or even flattering to be asked to help Andy 'paint'." (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Andy_ Warhol). Andy's drug use gave him a unique idea like having people urinate on his art, Andy Warhol's pop art is still used today in society. Pop art is everywhere in our culture today; as we see in this quote: "The imagery of Andy Warhol is still affected to the extent that a large American music fa shion retailer is dedicated to selling Warhol item s. Adorning the bodies of today's youth are Warhol icons showing Marilyn Monroe, skulls and guns. Image of Warhol conception can be seen on skateboards, watches and footwear." (www.the-influences. com/ andy-warhol-influences. html). Andy has been a huge influence in the world today, "There is little doubt that his influence is still being felt by many today and that his artistic visions will persist for generations to come." (www. the-influence.com/ andy-warhol­ influencs.html). Andy has helped the world of art discover new styles. In contras t, not all artists need drugs as an influence on their work, both in tl1e 60s and today. For example, Frank Zappa was a drug-free and popular artist in the 60s. However, the work created today without drug influ­ ence is not as "out there" or crazy as what was crea ted under the influence. So, society benefited through this and it evolved into the styles we use today. "Throughout the decade it became increasingly clear that there had been a profound change in the culture of the art world" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Andy_ Warhol). D espite all the negative perspectives on drug use, without it the artists of the 60s wouldn't have gone out as they did and we wouldn't have as broad of an art culture. Clearly art wouldn't have been profoundly changed without drugs. Art is still changing today. Artists look to the past as they stretch their work into the future. Since drugs changed the way artists looked at t11ings, they also changed the way we today look at things. I love art and music. It's an important part of my life. And I appreciate the creative, hallucinogenic expression that came out of the 60s. So, as Jimi Hendrix sang, "Purple haze was in my brain, lately things don't seem tl1e same, actin' funny but I don't know why 'scuse me while I kiss the sky."

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 2014 17 participating. What makes matters this happened in Utah, you may call This Is My Voice worse is that this county is a very for help but there's a strong chance hazardous zone for earthquakes. You that a response team won't come may think that only a series of small immediately. You and your family Kayley Laureano earthquakes happen in Utah, but one need to prepare to go through the West High of these "small" earthquakes could first 72 hours. You can do this by end up being a 7.5 earthquake. You having a pre-made plan to meet up ------' and your family will not know what somewhere and have a three-day There are many natural disas­ hit them and will not know what supply of all needs necessary to sur­ ters in our world. We just can't stop to do. So if an earthquake were to vive these few days. So your water, nature from being nature. It's just happen go through this procedure: food, and medicine should always be something that is part of our lives. drop to the floor, take cover under a stocked up. Then if possible, check Utah is our home, and it contains desk or table, and hold on to it until if anywhere in the neighborhood if one of the largest earthquake faults the shaking stops (drop, cover and someone needs help. in the country--the Wasatch Fault. hold on!). This is just one method, The earthquake threat in Utah When you went to school, there looking online or asking around for has estimated 18 to 35 billion dollars were always those earthquake drills other safe ways will help your family lost due to physical and economic you had to practice. It's all for an and gain awareness that easily. damages. One example of damages earthquake, that may or may not When an earthquake strikes, was during the Canterbury Earth­ happen, but if it does it will change it does more than damaging homes quake in New Zealand. A woman our lives drastically. Therefore, and buildings. In fact, if there were observed and said, "Thousands of families should be more aware and to be an earthquake, the city would homes were damaged, and about prepare for a possible earthquake be dealing with other damages 3000 buildings are no longer safe in Utah. It may sound like a hassle, caused by the earthquake. First, as and are being demolished. Many but it's better to know what is going ASSC states, these other damages beautiful heritage buildings have on and be safer, prevent less dam­ could be fires created by the earth­ been destroyed." She is one of ages when the time comes, and save quake, dam failures, liquefaction and many who saw buildings being money along the way. other hazardous problems. Second, demolished and saw several houses Families should prepare for there is also a possibility of hav- abandoned due to being "unsafe." an earthquake, so that they could ing no water, food and electt·icity In this earthquake damages cost up know that they are safe, know what for weeks. A woman who survived to 4 billion New Zealand dollars. will be happening, and take imme­ a 2010 Chilean Earthquake states, If families in Utah were to prepare diate action when the time comes. "I realized at that moment that, now, tremendous money could be According to Utah Seismic Safety although Chile is a seismic country, saved. Depending on where you live, Commission (ASSC), 90% of our we are very unprepared to endure your house may be unstable to sup­ population in Utah are in active a situation like this: cellphones did port an earthquake. Thinking that earthquake zones. In just Salt Lake not work, we had no portable radios the insurance will cover you is not County, we have a population of available nor even a torchlight!" She great thinking. This is because if the 1.064 million. Looking at The Great shared this story to tell others about earthquake were to happen, some Utah Shakeout website we only have her experience. She also said that insurance policies will not cover 315,368 participants. That is not many people are still scared even the damage, unless of course, you even half of the population that is after the quake. If a situation like get a separate earthquake insurance

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 18 policy. I'm not telling you to get the Wasatch Front, the annual likeli­ will lessen your risk and increase one, although it would be great for hood would be 1 in 200. Therefore, chances of having a safe future for you. Your family and yourself can it shouldn't hurt to prepare even if your family. As someone who has save money by helping your home it may not occur. Your stubbornness loving family and friends, I want to become more earthquake safe and could cost you and your family, and I see them safe, protected and to keep have plenty of saved money. This wouldn't like to say "I told you so." making wonderful memories as we is because when the time comes, To conclude, awareness and come and go. So go research, make a bank operations may be disrupted preparation for earthquakes in Utah plan, practice drills, find ways to help so it will give you small access to will keep families physically and yourself and your loved ones! cash, ATMs, or online banking. So mentally ready. Having little stuff securing furniture and having copies done for an earthquake such as of important documents should be having supplies and having a plan necessary. We may not be able to stop an earthquake, but we can prevent greater damage. However, there are many who can disagree to this matter. Many people believe that this earthquake will never happen in their lifetime. The Great Utah Shakeout explains that several Utah residents do not even re­ gard the fact that an earthquake could happen at any time and moment. This is because usually the earthquakes that happen in tah are so small that we don't even feel them. So some of us as citizens in Utah disagree about preparing for an earth­ quake. I'm am going to tell you why this is wrong and incorrect to do. Now, if you look at the data that the University of Utah Seismograph Station provides, having a tremendous earth­ quake in Utah is 1 in 450 to 1 in 1,600 in your lifetime. This statistic is also the same for an annual risk of heart disease. But unlike heart disease, our risk only grows higher and higher by each year. This is just a statistic in the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch fault. If the earthquake were to happen in one of the 30 active faults in

OUR VOICES 2014 19 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Chotee oY J:)w.t11? .--T-h--.----M---V---.--..... counsel or not. It is our duty to learn to be unpleasant. IS 1S Y OICe for ourselves that we will have good Secondly, we all will have good and bad consequences and we can't and bad experiences in our lives and Danielle Purcell continue to blame everyone else for it's up to us what we will learn from Highland the bad consequences if we choose the consequences resulting from to do something bad. It is our duty to those experiences. A bad experience be responsible. could be just that, 'a bad experience,' First of all, we learn our first, or it could be a lesson. The same basic lessons at home with our goes for the good experiences. If Seven weeks into pregnancy, parents. However, we are not robots. you are having a good experience, your heart started to beat. Six or Our parents don't type a command then you probably can learn some- eight weeks after birtl1, you started into our brains for us to do right thing from the positive consequences to smile. A t six to seven months, you away. Although we are taught to be that follow. The difference is what start to find yourself. It doesn't take obedient, we need to be responsible you learn. In a bad experience, you very long for you to start to explore for everything we do, good and bad. learn a harder lesson such as respect, the possibilities of this great, big, Parents in a public setting may look endurance, or perseverance. In good scary world we all call home. Social at a child and say, "His parents taught experiences, you learn to relax, be events start to become a must and we him well." On the other hand, some happy, to love, and enjoy life. Al- learn to define ourselves with words. adults will see a rowdy group of kids though we aren't always aware of it, However, our words are not the only and say, "\\/here are their parents?" there is a lesson to be learned with things that define us. The ways we Although the key word is 'parent', every problem we face. Whether it be act, and tl1e way we talk, also show you can only wonder about the ~hild. at school or while ch-iving there are others who we are and who we could Parents really do want the best for things to learn, but we must be aware become. Everytlung we do, or don't their children, but unless the chil- of the problems. In Harriet Cabelly's do, is our responsibility. Yet many dren understand that and want the article, she says, "I'm aware of it; I children learn from a young age same things, it won't matter what the work at it. I know where it comes to put the blame on someone else parents have planned because your from; therefore that explains it but it instead of taking responsibility for kids will work toward something else. certainly does not excuse it." Being themselves. Why? Because we didn't In Harriet Cabelly's article "How aware of a problem alone will not exactly know what responsibility was, to Stop Being a Victim and Start fix it. Talking about a problem will or how it worked. A google defini­ Creating Your Life," she illustrates a not make it right. People go for years tion clearly states that responsibility scenario in which the parent is doing without fixing what needs to be fixed is "the state or fact of having a duty too much for her child saying, "The because all they do is complain about to deal witl1 something." Responsibil­ more I do for my child, the better how bad things turned out. However, ity is not a choice. We are responsible parent I am." Is that true? If so, what it is only fair to blame yourself. For for everything that we do and don't are you teaching your children? \X!ell, example, getting a promotion at work do. It is our duty as individuals, to you aren't teaching them much that versus not getting the promotion take responsibility for our actions will be of use to them. They learn can't exactly be blamed on anyone and to accept the consequences that how to depend and rely on their par- but yourself. If you didn't get it, you follow because no matter what our ents. However, when the parents are should blame yourself. If you did parents teach us while we're young, no longer tl1ere, what will happen? get the promotion, you should also it is our duty as we become adults \X!hen someone needs something blame yourself because YOU did or to decide whether to follow their and then loses that thing, it can prove didn't get that promotion. Period.

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 20 It is true that parents are Ma;-,.~vell once said, "The greatest day that, as adults, parents are already primarily responsible for teaching in your life and n1ine is when we take responsible for their own actions, their children in the home, but they total responsibility for our attitudes. like holding down a job and provid­ can only teach them about respon­ That's the day we truly grow up." So ing for their families. They may be sibility. Firstly, no one can force many people say that they're going able to handle all of that, but if we responsibility onto another person's to do these amazing things, and they continue to blame and criticize them shoulders. \X!hen we do that, we are have an amazing plan but they aren't for 'not teacl1ing their children right,' actually only placing blame. \Y/e may very motivated and they're not very it is unjust. For example, if you are a think that we're helping others to be responsible. Then when tl1ey get out mother with your first child and you responsible, but we are really only of lugh school and realize that they aren't exactly sure how to raise them condemning tl1em for the tlungs aren't getting anywhere, they blame to be good, who will you ask? Will tlrnt they need to realize on tl1eir it on tl1eir bad upbringing. Tak- you ask your best friend who has no own. Also, one of the most com­ ing responsibility and accepting the experience with her own children? mon n1isconceptions is that no one consequences will get you where you Or will you ask your mother who can blame, but that everyone should want to go. raised you and taught you what you be put to blame. As evidence, Paulo In contrast, some may say that know today? Obviously, there is no

Coelho said, "It is always easier to the parents teach their children how quick and easy answer. Parents work blame others. You can spend your to live their lives and so it should so hard to cloth you, feed you, and entire life blan1ing the world, but go to say that the parents must take house you. They have probably been your successes and failures are your responsibility for tl1eir children's ac­ tluown under the bus (metaphorical­ own responsibility." As humans, it's tions. Tlus statement could be true, ly speaking) multiple times by numer­ easier and almost natural to put the but only until a certain age. While ous people when they were your age. blame on someone else's shoulders. you are young, you make decisions Throwing them under more buses However, if you continue to blame only because you're parents tell you will not make you or anyone else any everyone, it will be so much harder to or because you're curious. When stronger. Also, when parents throw for you when you have to accept you're younger than eight years old, tl1emselves under for their child, it responsibility. Eventually, every- you aren't aware of the consequences doesn't make them better parents, it one has to accept responsibility for or maybe even the choices you're makes their children rely on them too themselves. It won't be any easier for making. It is unfair for us to say much, for too long. you if you decide that everyone else that young children should be held is to blame because once you accept responsible for all their actions, but responsibility, there will be no one it is also unfair to throw all of the else to blame but yourself. John C. blame onto their parents. \Xie forget

OUR VOICES 2014 21 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Gender - Varient People Need Healthcare Too. This Is My Voice things: sex is something you are as­ Thousands of transgender signed at birth; gender is the sex you people face discrimination every day feel that you identify with. For ex­ from their peers, their families; and ample, someone whose sex is male sometimes hazing or teasing can go Preston Langlois could feel that their gender is female; too far. It can cause huge emotional Open Classroom someone like that is transgender, problems and, in some cases, death. meaning they identify as something Laverne Cox, a famous transgen­ other than their sex. Gender variant der woman, spoke out on this at a "It is an awful thing to be beti-ayed persons (someone who identifies by conference called Creating Change by your body. And it's lonely, because something other than tl1eir birth gen­ in 2014: "Some days I wake up, you feel you can't talk about it. You der) are a large part of our society and I'm tl1at fourteen-year-old kid feel it's something between you and and deserve access to physical and in Mobile, Alabama who was bul­ the body. You feel it's a battle you emotional treatment without denial. lied. Some days I wake up, and I'm will never win . .. and yet you fight Hazing is a huge problem for gender that kid who's being chased home it day after day, and it wears you variants, and they cannot find trea t­ from school practically every day down. Even if you try to ignore it, ment for the wounds that are inflict­ by groups of kids who wanted to the energy it takes to ignore it will ed; they can be denied or ignored by beat me up because I did not act the exhaust you." (David Levithan). Sex insurance companies and cannot do way that people who are assigned and gender are completely different anything about it. male at birtl1 are supposed to act."

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 22 - - -

But, this case is not the only one; obviously, a very large number. tify, right? Well, no. Not for some there are many like it. Data col­ While it's not quite as large as some people. According to several national lected since 2009 shows that over other types of sexual identities, it's and statewide surveys, about 3.4 1,000 gender-variant persons have still a fair amount of people--enough percent of American citizens con­ been killed because of the way they people to consider gender variant sider themselves a different gender identify. Seventy of those murders people a significant part of the pop­ than the one they were born with, were in the US; the only countries ulation, enough, it seems, to merit le­ which, in context, is quite a large with more killings are Brazil with gal recognition. However, almost no number--approxin1ately 700,000. 452, and Mexico with 106. Forty-one action has been taken by Congress Many people don't feel comfortable percent of gender-variant people or other high authority members of with the body they were born in and have attempted suicide, and 80% of the U.S. government to change laws wish to change their gender, so it's those affected by domestic violence to give transgender people access to not entirely normal to conform to due to their gender identities have health care or insurance. This may your birth gender. tried to take their own life. That's be due to ignorance, transphobia, or Concluding, gender-variant much more than any other type of sin1ply not being aware of the topic. people should have equal access to the population, meaning that trans­ Transgender people have much healthcare options. Someday, doctors gender people are some of the most higher numbers of job loss and job should understand and know how to harassed, emotionally and physically fragility, making insurance a hard work with non-conforming gender hurt people in the entire world yet thing to come by. Even when care identities. Hundreds of transgender also one of the most disregarded specifically for transgender persons people die every year because of and overlooked identities. is available, they can be turned down refusal from doctors and insurance One of the reasons there are by the provider, or doctor, so doc­ agencies, simply due to the way they so many deaths is that transgender tors should be taught how to care identify. How would you feel if you people can be denied insurance be­ for transgender people, and insur­ were denied what you see as a regu­ cause of the way they identify. While ance providers shouldn't be able lar civil right just because of how general health care access in America to turn them down just because of you think? What if you died from is a problem by itself, it is especially prejudice or the cost of transgender something preventable that no one complicated for and unaccepting specific care. would treat you for? Gender-variant of transgender people. T here are Some people say that con­ people deserve to be treated like ev­ 700,000 transgender people in the forming to birth gender is easy and eryone else; whether it's health care, US alone, which is almost 200,000 completely normal and that you insurance, or acceptance, everyone more people than the entire popula­ should have no other gender iden­ should be treated equally, regardless tion of Wyoming. In total, through­ tity; after all, what you're born with of gender identity. out the world there are 18,66 7 ,000 is what you get, and that's how you gender variant persons, which is, should act, how you should iden-

OUR VOICES 2014 23 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE /Ylarijuana should be leqal because it helps people

to stop the seizures for a patient of amazed at something seemingly so This Is My Voice epilepsy is marijuana; in the form of simple. So, within two years Char­ an oil, vaporizer, or pill, it can help lotte is nearly completely seizure this disorder. An article published free. In many states the drug is still Danielle Murphy Highland High in Tampa Bay Tin1es tells us that illegal in any form, and parents will children with severe epilepsy have have to leave their homes, jobs, and shown a 50 to 100 percent reduction loved ones behind in order to get a ______, in seizures while using a cannabis medicine that will save their suffer­ In the marijuana or cannabis form. Furthermore, children who ing child. plant there are t\vo main chemicals: have this terrifying disorder have When a cancer patient is under­ Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydro­ been saved by this drug. At the age going chemotherapy on a weekly cannabinol (THC) . The CBD makes of five, Charlotte Figi was hav- basis, some of the main symptoms you feel like you are hungry or want ing about 300 seizures a week and are nausea, vomiting, and loss of to sleep; it is the part that makes you couldn't walk or speak. Two years appetite. All of these symptoms can feel down. THC is the part of the later the child walks, talks and "can be nullified by the CBD chemical plant that makes you feel 'high' or even eat chili in the car," Charlotte's in marijuana. People with cancer 'stoned'. What most people don't mother, Paige Figi says, sounding go through chemotherapy once or know are that the amazing effects of both of these chemicals found in the marijuana plant can save some­ one from some terrifying things like epilepsy, or even cancer. Medi­ cal marijuana should be legal on a federal level because it helps children with epilepsy and can null the effects of chemotherapy as well as reduce cancerous cells in the body. How they work on people is amazing and could save lives if it were legal in the United States? Epileptic children have a disor­ der that interrupts neuron activity flow to the brain, causing seizures. A child throws themselves on the ground, becoming unresponsive and not knowing what to do;silently the child is jerking back and forth in a way that terrifies the parent. The mother can do nothing until the epileptic seizure passes. One way

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 2 4 twice a week, possibly even more cervical cancer can actually remove However, it is true that when a considering their condition. If themselves from the victim's body state legalizes marijuana for medi­ there is a way to help these patients if the patient is ingesting cannabis cal or recreational purposes, the through and have an alternative to (The University of Arkansas). use of marijuana in minors reduces the painful process of chemother­ Marijuana users who are heav- exponentially (news.mic.com). apy, then why wouldn't the federal ily addicted and use it every day Medical marijuana should be government make it legal? Joseph can go through heavy withdrawal legal on a federal level because it Casias has a form of sinus cancer symptoms: wanting more of the can help children with epilepsy that was causing him an extreme drug itself, headaches, sometimes and can null the effects of chemo­ amount of pain: continuous nose even depression. However if the therapy as well as reduce cancer­ bleeds, extreme back pain, and person who is taking it for a medi­ ous cells in the body. In the future long migraines. "Liquid morphine, cal reason--migraines, cancer, or if we federally legalize the use of Vicodin, Lortab. I had to take pills even epilepsy-- then they would medical marijuana then we will find around the clock and they didn't have to keep taking it as prescribed that we are saving many lives and always help." Joseph shares. He tells by a doctor and stop getting the many patients that need help. Cur­ us that his oncologist, or cancer prescriptions when they are done. rently these families do not have doctor, told him that marijuana People will see it as medicine, not the means in their state to get the might help; "And it did," he says. In something that can get them stoned. medicine for the ones they love. addition, marijuana can also be used The biggest argument against legal­ Help find a cure. Help little Char­ as an alternative to chemotherapy; ization is the fact that it is a gateway lotte and other kids like her. Help the THC in the cannabis plant can drug. It is true that about one in six the scared family whose father has actually make the cancerous cells people who start with marijuana as cancer. Help the people who need auto-digest. This means the cancer a young adult go on to do harder help. Legalize medical marijuana. cells in lung cancer, leukemia, and drugs like cocaine (drugabuse.gov).

OUR VOICES 2014 25 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE services. There's an estimated 2.1 in school until they graduate. Many This Is My Voice million undocumented students that undocumented students drop out would benefit from the DREAM of high school because they don't Act. All states should support the know if they will be able to pur- Darinka DREAM Act, because the rate of un­ sue a higher education due to their Bocanegra documented students dropping out of illegal status. The DREAM Act Science Center high school would decrease, college would reduce the dropout rate for educations would become possible, undocumented students because and the DREAM Act would benefit they will see a brighter future; they The DREAM Act or the D evel­ this country economically. would know that they have the op­ opment, Relief and E ducation for T he Urban Institute estimates portunit:y to enroll in college. Un­ Alien Minors Act allows current, that one-fifth to one-sixth of un­ documented students who drop out former and future undocumented documented immigrant students drop of high school are forced to work high school graduates and GED out of high school every yea r. The illegally. Working for other people recipients a pathway to US citizen­ DREAM Act would strongly encour­ or day laborers, are two of the few ship through college or the armed age undocumented students to stay jobs that undocumented students

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 26 can have. The DREAM Act would would start new businesses in the struggles that their parents went help undocumented students not U.S. through just to give their children fall into this path by pushing them Many people that are against the a better life. How would you feel if to stay in school. It will also show DREAM Act may argue that these your child was denied college just these students that they are capable undocumented students have already because they weren't documented of going to college and getting jobs broken the law by entering the U.S il­ students? that will pay them more for their legally; they also believe that undoc­ hard work. umented students shouldn't be able There is no federal or state to become U.S citizens. The people law that denies the admission of that qualified for the DREAM undocumented students to college. Act are students who came before Institutional policies on admit- the age of 16, and in most cases it ting undocumented students vary. wasn't their decision to immigrate According to the College Board, to the United States. Citizens of the many four-year state colleges in United States need to understand Virginia and many other colleges that many of these undocumented require applicants to submit proof students just want to have a better of citizenship or legal residency life; they want to have opportunities and refuse admission to students that would help them better them­ without documentation. This can selves. If these students graduate be a big discouragement to many from high school it means that they undocumented students because really want to become better and we they don't have something to work should not deny this opportunity to hard toward. If the DREAM Act these young undocumented students. was passed, students who apply and In conclusion, all states should meet all the requirements wouldn't support the DREAM Act because have to worry about being unable the rate of undocumented students to enroll because they would receive dropping out of high school would U.S. citizenship. decrease, college would be pos­ Not only will the DREAM Act sible by allowing them to enroll, benefit undocumented students, but and the DREAM Act would ben­ it will also benefit the United States. efit this country economically. If Secretary of Education, Arne the DREAM Act was passed many Duncan has stated that "passing of these undocumented students the DREAM Act will allow these would be great contributors to the young people to live up to their full­ U.S economy and they would show est potential and contribute to the many undocumented teens that it economic growth of our country." is possible for them to go to col­ If the United States helps undocu­ lege and have a better life. Many of mented students who are pursuing the undocumented teens that have a higher education, our economy dropped out of high school fall into would improve because they would bad paths such as gangs and illegal stay in the USA paying taxes; they activities because they don't have would earn higher wages and would the opportunity to go to college work in higher-paying jobs. This because they aren't documented means that they would be able to students. The DREAM Act would pay for their education and they also reward the hard work and the

OUR VOICES 2014 27 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE This Is My Voice exist in the music industry though. tl1eir goals. Macklemore's story and According to an article off of the lyrics tell a tale of how he changed Global Post, "seventy percent of lus life for tl1e better and inspires Nathan high school students have had at teens at tl1e same time. Darmiento least one alcoholic beverage, and In addition to hip-hop Science Center they are often with their friends music helping teens through hard when they drink." This is exactly times, it also is a way of express­ ''All the stuff I say in my rhymes what Kendrick Lamar was rapping ing yourself. For a lot of rappers I say because of how I grew up. So about; teens drink when they are tlus is the way that tl1ey express instead of going to a psychiatrist, witl1 friends because tl1ey are peer their emotions because of tl1e \Vay I got a kids' group that deals with pressured into it. they lived before becoming famous the problems a younger generation Hip-hop music helps teens or of the things tl1ey have seen. is going through." These are the tl1rough difficult times in tl1eir "This tl1e song I wrote if I died/ / I words of one of hip-hop's greatest lives. Grammy-award winning art­ was in the 50 mile doin '95, beatin poets, Tupac Shakur. Even though ist Macklemore is definitely one of the p**** like it aint got 9 lives// he had a hard life growing up, hip-hop's more successful rappers. and I'm h*** //Mix C**** and he still managed to be extremely However, he once was addicted some b***** //'Cause you only successful and inspirational. Hip­ to drugs and alcohol as a teen. "I live once//" (Joey Bada$$, Cypher hop music affects teenagers in a wanted to get clean. I knew that League). _These are a couple of positive way because it helps a lot my highest potential, the place that verses from Joey Bada$$' Death of teenagers through hard times I was most spiritual, the place tl1at of YOLO. In this song he talks in their lives, and it is a form of I \Vas the most rich in terms of about before he started rapping expression. One of California's my life, and my livelihood, and my he used to live tl1e philosophy famous rappers, Kendrick Lamar, art and my creativity, was when I of "YOLO," wluch means "You knows a lot about substance abuse was sober," says Macklemore in an Only Live Once" and that people and bad friends. His album of interview witl1 MTV According to should do whatever they want to the year, "Good Kid, M.A.A.D Muir Wood Facilities, approximate­ do, whether it is good or bad. ''All City," tells a story of peerpressure, ly 1.5 million American teens could it took was patience and now I'm crime, Compton, and California's be considered chemically depen­ on tl1e stations/ /Luckily I made gangs. His song "The Art of Peer dent or addicted in 2009. Knowing it before my life was taken// ... Pressure" lets teens know that that tl1ey aren't the only ones going Little did tl1ey know iliat I was he doesn't drink alcohol, smoke through tlus and tl1at a really suc­ bout to meet my maker/ /Til an marijuana and doesn't involve cessful artist was also in their shoes angel came down and told me my himself in gang violence normally. at one point, can be reassuring in­ time was later//" What he is talk­ However, sometimes because he is formation for teens. They hear that ing about in iliis verse is iliat he with his friends that do take part in there is hope for everyone to rid almost died from living tl1e YOLO such activities, he participates oc­ themselves from tl1eir addictions, lifestyle. The message he is trying casionally as a result of peer pres­ and that is exactly the kind of to get across to teens in tlus song sure. Peer pressure doesn't only inspiration tl1at helps them reach is tl1at living tl1at way of life has

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 28 really bad consequences, but most that there is not an exact correla­ to listen to hip-hop, then teens people don't think about those tion between hip-hop music and won't feel lonely about their consequences. However, there are violence or sexist thoughts/ acts substance abuse, and they will be people out there that believe that with teens. They found that there able to think twice when they get there are hip-hop songs that have are other factors influencing teens: peer pressured or want to live the negative lyrics and messages. They peer pressure from friends or ideas YOLO way of life. This topic is think that hip-hop is sexist and they get from home. Also, "some important to me because I listen misogynistic. A study conducted hip-hop aficionados argue that the to hip-hop music on a daily basis, by Gretchen Cundiff found that music can encourage critical think­ and it helps me in my life. So '"'respondents consider the legiti­ ing about societal issues." So, not going back to the wise words of mation of violence against women only does hip-hop music not make Tupac, "During your life, never the most offensive theme in rap/ teens act sexist, but it encourages stop dreaming. No one can take hip-hop songs." The way parents them to think critically and about away your d reams " are acting towards hip-hop music societal issues. today is the same way they acted To conclude, hip-hop mu­ about jazz music in the 1920s. A sic affects teens in a positive way. study by the Global Post found If more parents allow their teens

OUR VOICES 2014 29 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Tak~ tim~ and sav~ a lif~!

drugs, two of which are varieties risk as it can easily be mistaken This Is My Voice of anti-depressants and a medica­ for decompensation of a patient's tion called Topiramate. Topira­ mental health. Also, another drug O'rion Mayer ma te is used for migraines and that has negative side effects are East High epilepsy, but doctors also com­ anti-depressants. The page www. monly prescribe it to people for helpguide.org/ mental/ medica­ weight loss. Topiramate has many tions_depression.htm states that negative side effects but contin­ anti-depressants can actually "There's some data to ues to be prescribed due to the cause an increase in depression suggest that the average patient beneficial outcomes. There have instead of a decrease, especially in gets to speak between 12 and 15 been many reports of people young adults and teenagers, which seconds before the physician in­ being negatively affected. We puts them at risk of suicidal terrupts them," Shore says. ''And know of the author of a medical thoughts. In addition, this page that makes you feel like the per­ report named Tanvir Singh. He states that anti-depressants can son is not listening." Isn't that the documented a thirty- four year old cause dizziness and increase the worst feeling in the world? When woman who was prescribed Topi­ risks of falls which can lead to the person who is supposed to be ramate. Three days after being broken bones, and possibly death, helping you treats you like a tod- prescribed it, she reported having in people who are over the age of PA MAX ltopiramate) dler. They believe that they know paranoid symptoms and feeling as sixty-five. This is wrong because everything about you, and they if everyone was trying to get rid people's lives are being damaged can prescribe you proper medica­ of her. The woman had shown from their prescriptions, and tion just from a couple of words. signs of psychosis, meaning doctors are too busy to recognize Doctors need to be more careful someone with delusions, halluci­ how many people they may be and take time to listen to their nations, and loss of motivation hurting. patients before prescribing medi­ (eppic.org.au / phases-psychosis). Families can be ruined from cine because it can cause many Within a few days of being off depression, which is a side ef- negative side effects in people of of the drug she had returned to fect that occurs from Topiramate all ages and ruin families. normal. The report stated that and anti-depressants. Looking at Negative side effects can though it is a very rare side effect, someone else's personal experi­ be caused from many different clinicians should be aware of this ence on http:/ / boards.dailymail.

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 30 0 0 ...-- .::z....-- HH co.uk/ shows that a family has thoughts or worry about some­ family and friends are also just as many problems related to some­ one being suicidal. Instead they important. No matter what, it is one struggling with depression. should be able to live a happy more crucial to save lives than to Even worse, doctors can induce life and enjoy their family. lose one. the depression because they did People might say if doc­ In conclusion, doctors not take caution about the ef­ tors spend more time examining need to be more careful when fects that could happen to the patients we will be using too prescribing medication. If doc­ patient. It is also as important to much money for irrelevant re­ tors and the FDA do not take explain the effects thoroughly to sources when it is already prov­ precaution, we can lose more in­ the patient before prescribing the en that the medication can be nocent lives then we already have. medication. In life changes are beneficial. While this is true, ul­ I have lost family literally and common, but when someone you timately it is more important to emotionally due to physicians not love changes, it is miserable trying protect everyone, instead of just being dedicated to their job and to start a relationship again. It is the people who were fortunate their patients. I do not want to not reasonable for someone to enough to have positive effects. have to see another person lose go through that much emotional Money should not be stopping someone from their life or, even pain due to their prescription, doctors from saving patients. We worse, watch someone lose their especially when they have already need to worry about each person life. Take charge and take time been struggling. No one should who is being affected, not only to prevent innocent people from have to go through suicidal is the patient crucial, but their losing their existence.

OUR VOICES 2014 31 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Porn: Does it affect the family?

they close themselves off from dieted to pornography, this is an This Is My Voice their family as well as friends. ''An added challenge for the family. enormous amount of the most "The Internet is transform­ Karalyn Pedersen sexually explicit material available, ing the experience of growing up Highland as well as much of the material in America. It is also transform­ that is somewhat less sexually ing the job of being a parent in explicit, is material that we would America. The Internet brings classify as degrading, the term we the world--the good the bad and Imagine a drug so power­ use to encompass the undeniably the ugly--to the American family ful it can destroy a family simply linked characteristics of degrada­ doorstep. It brings the ruins of by distorting a man's perception tion, subordination and humilia­ ancient Athens to the door step, of his wife or vice versa. Pornog­ tion ... material that, although not but it also brings the red light raphy can become an addiction. violent, depicts people, usually district of Bangkok," (Third Way It causes individual problems women, as existing solely for the Culture Project). The way the in relationships and distorts the sexual satisfaction of others... " Third Way Culture Project words person's view on what real love is. This is important to me because this is that what we do on the Pornography can affect both men both men and as well as women Internet or even on the computer and women. It can also cause are being accused by looking at will come back to you in a good, problems with a marriage and pornography. Most people just bad, or an ugly way. Stated on within the family. Pornography is aren't happy, but because of their the website alcoholismtreatment­ extremely accessible for both men pornography addiction they turn california.com "Before, teenagers and women who grow up with to it instead of their loved ones. who were blocked from pornog­ the access to the Internet.Some Most of all porn addiction can raphy had to find secret ways to say that pornography manipulates change individuals' prospects of purchase and hide pornographic a person's mind and controls their how they live their life. materials, but today people do not thoughts. Some people may know Addictions are a leading cause have to leave the house or their that pornography is bad, but that of divorce. In avvo.com, Jeff bedrooms to purchase pornog­ never stops a person from getting Adrian Bittle states "Currently, I raphy and conceal explicit ma­ addicted to it. have seen addiction to pornog­ terials." This is important to me Many times pornography raphy increase as a reason stated because I am young, and based causes problems in relationships. for a divorce." This is important on tlus evidence the problem is Data from AAMFT.org states because it explains the reason­ going to grow and traumatically the following: Seventy-five to ing that addiction is so difficult affect my generation. My genera­ eighty-five percent of porn web for the family. In today's society tion will do or look at anytlung browsers are men, and nearly a very high number of marriages they can look at. Also my genera­ twelve million people suffer from end in divorce. It is very different tion does not use their brains to sexual addiction in the United to keep communication and love full capacity. By my generation States. Pornography can affect alive with all the pressures around not using their brains to the full their mood, behavior, and how families. When a loved one is ad- capacity, they risk themselves get-

OUR VOICES 2014 32 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE ting addicted to pornography. look at their first image, they start relationships. T his topic is truly We all have to mold our looking at more images of them personal for me because when I own choices in this life. Because until they are overwhelmed with was younger my dad would lock of this we have the right to "life, the feeling they get from it. himself in my parent's room and liberty, and the pursuit of hap­ In conclusion many individ­ look at pornography. He also piness." (Declaration.) We don't uals look at pornography to make divorced my mom because his have the right to hurt others as them feel good about themselves addiction was so strong that he we find ways to be happy. Por­ and many people think that it is only lied about every bit of it. nography has ruined a lot of lives. okay. Unfortunately, it is a recur­ He also had such an addiction How can we say that looking at ring issue for many people today. that he didn't stop looking at it. pornography is not dangerous? People siinply think that pornog­ About three years ago he came Looking at pornography can lead raphy is okay to do, but in many back from prison. So yes, por­ to sexual thoughts. When, an in­ ways it truly is not okay to look nography does in fact destroy a dividual keeps looking at pornog­ at pornography. Many individu­ family and many relationships. raphy they have to lie to hide their als are affected by the ways it natural desires. After individuals destroys the family and other

OUR VOICES 2014 33 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Comm Ifarms. , St mvatmo a R alu ~ salem) found that 30 years of that the land will not be able to This Is My Voice using commercial fertilizers had be used for farming purposes. A the same effect on the soil acid­ sustainable farming method will ity as 7 50 years of acid rain. In allow the use of fertilizers that Cassidy Hermann other words, the use of com­ will not harm the soil. This will West High mercial fertilizer puts the same allow the soil that we depend on amount of acidity in the soil in so much for food to become us­ a drastically shorter amount of able for much longer than if we Imagine a world without time as does acid rain. If people use the commercial fertilizers that food. Our planet that we have around the world keep using are most commonly used today. lived on for so many lifetimes these chemically produced fer­ We must use a more sustainable will be a desolate, empty void. It tilizers, eventually, the acidity method of fertilizing our farms would be nothing more than a in the soil will become so great or the soil that is needed for food place that used to sustain life but no longer does so. It is a very ter­ rifying and difficult thing to imag­ ine such a hypothetical situation. Although it may be terrifying, it is becoming more and more realistic as time goes on. Industrial farms are making these imaginations a reality. It's time to do something about it before it becomes too late. We need to move from an industrial model of farming to a more sustainable model of farm­ ing because large-scale farms destroy the soil and also prevent biodiversity through monocrop­ pmg. First of all, large-scale farms in today's world destroy the soil due to the constant pesti­ cides that are used on the crops. A study conducted by Phillip Barak (PhD in Soil Science from the Hebrew University of Jeru-

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 34 will be unusable, causing serious "enhance the resilience of your 50 percent that year. Interestingly food shortages. farm." Another solution to this enough, that was the same year Second, if we have more issue, apart from growing more that companies started increas­ small-scale sustainable farms, it biodiverse foods, would be having ing their genetically modified soy. will allow for a lot more biodi­ many small-scale farms that allow When the companies were using versity than the large-scale farms for better crop rotation. Because more natural methods of farm­ that rely on monocropping. of the crop rotation and biodi­ ing, the allergic reactions due to Monocropping is the practice in versity, small farms won't require their crops was actually a lot less which only one variety of pro­ the constant exposure to chemical than when they started using a duce is grown in a very large area substances to the soil. If farmers more unnatural method of farm­ year after year. For example, if change what crop they grow each ing. With natural farming, it is a company plants an abundance year, the pests that ate what- easy to stay away from foods that of one specific type of crop in a ever crop they had last year will you're allergic to because, unlike single area every year, eventually come back wanting more of that genetically modified foods, there the soil that that crop was planted specific crop. Because the crop is no crossing of DNA. In short, on will become desolate due to will be different, these pests will growing foods naturally actually the amount of pesticides that will eventually starve to death. This results in less allergic reactions be needed, as well as the nutrients will prevent an over-abundance than if we genetically alter crops that will be taken from the soil as of pests and will require fewer to become more "perfect." a result of planting the same crop pesticides to control the amount In conclusion, the more each year. If the farms had more of unwanted organisms in your sustainable methods we use in biodiversity, commercial fertil­ farm. farming, the fewer issues we will izers would not be needed and In contrast, some defend have in the future because the we could use a more sustainable commercial farming techniques soil will be preserved and we will fertilizer, such as compost. This by saying that genetically modi­ have a lot more biodiversity. If we "vould prevent the nutrient deple­ fied foods allow for less allergic keep allowing commercial farms tion of the soil. The GRACE reactions than naturally growing to dump harmful substances Food Program (a foundation foods. The process of genetically into the soil, the soil will become created to educate people about modifying these foods is taking desolate and unusable. Since I was agriculture) says that if you plant DNA from one organism and about 10 years old, my stepdad only one crop in a large area, the inserting the DNA into a differ­ has been growing food naturally crop develops vulnerability to ent organism in order to apply for a living. I know how much insects, weeds, fungi, and other the benefits from the old plant healthier his soil is and how much pests. Once the pest is introduced to the new plant. The fact that better his food tastes, to the and spread to the crops, it be­ people think natural foods cause point where it gets hard to eat the comes unrelenting. As a result, more allergic reactions is a com­ commercial produce because it the excessive amount of pests mon misconception formed by isn't nearly as good as the fresh requires an intensive amount of people who believe that geneti­ produce he grows on his farms. different pesticides to get rid of cally modifying crops fixes all of We must move to a more natural the pests. The Department of the problems that are presented form of farming or, eventually, Agriculture of the Oregon State when growing food. However, a we will live in a world where food University has done many studies survey done by York Nutritional is scarce and where starvation is on this same issue to come to the Laboratory in 1999 showed aller­ imminent. conclusion that crop rotation will gic reactions due to soy increased

OUR VOICES 2014 35 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Child Abuse, Is Enough Being Done? lion reports of child abuse per year bers for incidents being reported This Is My Voice involving m ore than 6 million chil­ will rise. T his will give us an accurate dren. Also, each day about 5 children number o f kids that are really at die from neglect and/ or abuse. Out danger. of all the children that get abused E qually important, when Omar Rico 30% will grow up to abuse their own children get abused, they o ften do Science Center children (childhelp.org) . If we don't not like to tell som eone because they help kids that get abused by their m ay feel very uncomfortable ex­ own parents, then it will be like a plaining what happened or feel that "I remember my mom say­ never ending cycle. A child's parents they shouldn't talk about because it's ing ...Y ou get what you deserve, you abuses them; they grow up to abuse pointless and no one cares. T here little b**** . I'm only 6, when after their own children, then their chil­ are programs like Prevent Child my beating I'm placed in hot wa- dren abuse their children, and so on Abuse Utah, Cognitive-Behavioral ter for 30 mins, because of all the and so forth. U tah has the eighth Intervention for Trauma in Schools, blood. T hen they would dry m e o ff, highes t number of substantiated Child Speak Up Be Sa fe for A thletes, pour alcohol all over me, and tell child abuse cases in the U S (prevent­ and Child Speak Up Be Safe for m e not to scream. If I did, well, I'd childabuseutah.org) . If citizens of E ducators that will help teach kids get beat again. After this they would Utah do not do anything about these that they are not alone and that it put a robe on me and take m e deep child abuse problems, the numbers is alright to speak up about it. With in the woods, remove the robe, and can only becom e greater. this help they will eventually learn to tie me to the tree naked because the If the lessons are taught on child deal witl1 the trauma they've expe­ boogiem an doesn't like clothes. I abuse to kids in schools, we can rienced, learn steps to help them­ always would pray that G OD would decrease the amount of child abuse selves and others, also learn how to help m e and I always got free". This and increase the number of children feel more comfortable talking about is a quote from childhelp.org taken being helped. If we use these pro­ what is wrong. T hese programs are from a story writen by Nona. She grams to raise awareness, the num- very helpful, but they can only do so eventually was educated and helped much to help. T hat is why we need through programs specifically meant to have tl1ese lessons in schools so for child abuse, but she still lives they can help educate kids m ore on with the trauma. Child abuse pre­ how to help others as well as them­ vention lessons should be taught in selves. schools and not just be kept for pro­ On tl1e other hand some grams because abuse is a significant people say that som e kids are too problem and lessons would likely young to learn and understand this decrease the amount of child abuse kind of subject. T hey may say that that goes on. T hese lessons can also tllls is too delicate o f a subject to help kids to speak up for themselves, teach to young kids. I say that when so stories like Nona's will not have we teach the younger kids we don't to be experienced and written. have to go into very much detail, Child abuse is a significant prob­ but we can give them numbers to lem. In the US alone an incident of call, steps to take, and ways to speak child abuse is reported on average up for themselves. These steps and every 10 seconds. T here are 3 mil- ways can include knowing who to

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 36 trust and who not to trust--like ac­ opponents may say that there is not in a situation that involves a child cepting things from strangers. T hey ·enough information about the topic being abused. Teaching lessons to will also need to know whether or to be taught as its own class. If we prevent child abuse can help many not to trust someone who is close to can combine this with a class such as kids who need it. A report of child them, someone who is supposed to health, we can fit it into the lessons abuse is taken every 10 seconds. be there so they can trust like family. on minin1al days. It doesn't have to At this moment a report of a When we teach the older kids, we be a separate class as long as it is child being abused has been taken. can be a tad more explicit. If we taught more than just once a year. What will you do to help stop this? educate older kids on how to help To conclude, child abuse Would you want your own child or and one day they run into a situation prevention lessons can help people family being abused? Think about that involves a child being abused become more aware of what's going it: What if it was one of your fam­ they will know what to do, how to on so they know what to do and ily members? deal with it, and whom to call. Also what steps to take so they can help

OUR VOICES 2014 37 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE should be able to marry each other. a proper home, legalizing it would This Is My Voice Marriage is not about gender; it's not affect any other person other about love. Some people believe than the married couple, and finally that when gay marriage is legal­ it should be legal simply because it Alexa Balderrama .., ized, then others will want to start makes sense. People cannot change ,. ~.. -.!~ ,.... Highland r marrying their dogs or maybe even their sexual orientation; if they love _, their cars; that is certainly not true. someone they should be allowed When women were given the right to spend the rest of their lives with "Marriage should be between to vote we didn't go on and let that person. a spouse and a spouse, not a hamsters vote. How is this differ­ Imagine all those children gender and a gender." -Hendrick ent? Gay marriage should be legal­ in need of adoption and waiting Hertzberg. When two people love ized in the state of Utah because it for someone to love them and give each other and want to spend the would increase adoption for chil­ them a loving home. Since gay rest of their lives together, they dren in foster homes or in need of couples cannot naturally reproduce

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 38 they are more likely to adopt a to teach children that there are A lot of Christians believe child. Lifelong Adoption says that different types of families. It will that being gay is a sin because it an estimated two million LGBT also teach children that it's abso­ says many negative things about (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Trans­ lutely okay to love whoever you gay marriage in the Bible. For gender) people are interested in love no matter what gender they example the Bible states that it is a adopting. That is a lot of hopeful are. Being gay really will not affect sin for man to love another man. couples waiting to raise a child other people's personal lives; some Leviticus 18:22 reads, "Thou shalt together. Two million children are people like to think it will but I not lie with mankind, as with wom­ waiting to be adopted. People are don't see it affecting anybody. Love ankind: it [is] abomination."(Bible). concerned that if a child grows is not supposed to be a bad thing; This passage from the Bible is up in a gay household, it "makes" it's supposed to be that one thing morally wrong. God makes no mis­ him/ her gay. Children living with that brings everybody together. takes. He wouldn't have made gay homosexual parents do not differ Seeing a gay couple in love is really people if he didn't want them on from children raised with hetero­ no different than seeing a straight this earth. Why would the creator sexual parents; because the children couple in love. create a man that loves another have two parents who love and Love is love. The mean- man? Many people believe that care for them just like any other ing behind these three words is God loves all his children, whether family. Adoption Handbook says greater than any law stating that they're different or not. If this is that in the year 2000 there were a two people cannot love each other true, then why do religious people reported 10,700 children adopted and be happy. One cannot simply dislike the gay community? by gay couples in New York when change their sexual orientation. The Declaration of Indepen­ that state legalized it. Legalizing Some people even do a specific dence clearly states that everybody gay marriage without a doubt will therapy that supposedly makes you has the right to life, liberty, and the increase adoption for children in straight, but the therapy was prov­ pursuit of happiness. This is sup­ need of a loving home. A study en by psychiatrist Dr. L. Spitzer to posed to be true for all people in called the National Longitudinal cause suicidal thoughts. My ques­ the United States, even gay people. Lesbian Family Study confirmed tion is why would somebody want They have the right to be happy, that children living with lesbian to change who they find attractive? and if that means to get married to families had a high level in educa­ People should not have to change a person of the same gender then tion and had fewer social problems, who they are and be unhappy just so be it. As I've stated before, gay rule-breaking, or aggressive behav­ because society says so. Think back rights should be legalized because ior. It should not matter whether a to when the United States thought it will increase adoptions, it will not child is raised in a same-sex house, slavery was the right thing to do. affect anybody in a negative way, as long as they are happy, loved, The country thought that because and it's the right thing to do. The and have two parents. black people were different, they gay community should be free to How does a gay couple walk­ should be punished. Then later on love and marry whoever they love ing down the street affect you and we realized that it was wrong to because in the end it's all the same your loved ones? The answer is punish people of color for some­ love. simply that it doesn't affect any­ thing they cannot choose to be. We body in any way possible. People do not choose our sexual orienta­ like to think that when it is legal­ tion any more than we choose our ized and children see a gay couple, height or eye color. People should they'll automatically think that not be punished for being born they've seen something inappro­ with a different sexual preference priate. The truth is that it's going than most people.

OUR VOICES 2014 39 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE need to substitute oilier marine animals issue. However, if tl1ere are not any fis h, This Is My Voice into their diet, which could resul t in there are not any jobs. A SaveOurSeas. more endangered species. Equally im­ com article verbalizes tl1 at "3/4 of the portant, if the Bluefin tuna goes extinct, world's fi sh stocks are being harvested Zola Mcdonald the fi sheries are going to have to fi nd fa ster tl1 an they are reproduced." It also Open Classroom another source of fi sh to sell frequently imparts, "Ninety percent of all large in tl1 eir business. \'(litl1 the Bluefin tuna predatory fi sh--including tuna, sharks, gone, what new fi sh will become a tar­ swordfish, cod and halibut--are gone. get? T his pattern of over-fi shing species Scientists predict tl1at if current trends "By choosing a path fo r fis heries will repeat, which could also lea d into a continue, world food fi sheries could that safeguards the ocean food web, never ending cycle of seeking fi sh witl1 collapse entirely by 2050." It is supply we are making a choice for our own a high profi t margin. and demand in reverse. There will be sustainability." -Pam Growman. Did you Additionally, if these fi shing no job market for people in the fi sh- know that 80% of the world's fi shed practices continue, there will not be any ing industry if we continue our fi shing Bluefin tuna is consumed by Japan? T he fi sh left. Fishwatch.gov expresses, ''As practices because of the depletion of over-exploitation of the Bluefin tuna sushi and sashimi markets developed our supply of fi sh. T herefore, protect­ fis h should be ta ken into consideration in tl1 e 1970's and 1980's, the demand ing tl1 e Blu efin tuna fi sh is importa nt by the Japanese fi sheries because of and prices for tl1e Bluefin tuna soared. and is in everyone's best interes t. the nega tive effects this action has on Fisheries expanded, fi shing pressure Witl1out a doubt, tl1e Japanese the marine ecosystem and because the increased dramatically, and, in an all too fis hing industry should seriously con­ current demand fo r the fis h is unsus­ fa miliar scenario, the \"Xlestern Atlantic template their fi shing quotas. If tl1 ey tainable. T he world's natural resources are nega tively affected by the abuse and over fi shing of Bluefin tuna fis h. In a 2010 article entitled," A Japanese Over-Fishing Crisis: From Bluefin Tuna to Sashimi," tl1 e autl1or states that, "If Soutl1ern Bluefin tuna becomes extinct because of over-fishing, it will impact the environment, o tl1 er organisms and humans." Because of this evidence, people should pay attention to tl1is issue because smaller carnivores on a lower trophic level than tl1 e Bluefin tuna could over-populate. In view of this fa ct, tl1 ere would not be tuna to feed Bluefin tuna population plummeted." don't, then no one will be able to enj oy on them. Consequently, the over-pop­ T he fi shing industry should pay atten­ Bluefin tuna swimming alive in our ula tion of tl1e smaller carnivores could tion to tl1 e effects that over-fishing has oceans, or in your sushi roll. It's de­ lead them into "exceeding their capac­ on the industry as a whole because they pressing to iliink about how our eating ity level"(SaveTheFish SaveThe\Xlorld). are des troying tl1 e species they are so habits are destroying whole ecosystems. T he capacity level refers to the number dependent on. So tl1 e next time you pry open a can of organisms an environment is able to Some people believe that the of tuna, or order a 5 dollar Spicy Tuna, support endlessly. People should care fis herman's liveW1ood is a more impor­ stop and think. "Why did I choose to if the Bluefin tuna becomes extinct tant than any effects of over-fishing. ea t this? D id a life really need to be because it could alter tl1 e marine food T here is no doubt that is an important taken just to sa tisfy my stomach?" web. Sharks tl1 at consume the tuna will

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 40 Free Lunch for All!

and important stuff." This would be the school should improve free lunch. This Is My Voic better for parents and students. The The budget shortage can be improved ·-, leftover money can be used to pay for by channeling money from other -~~~: .. Sajid Safiullah food and other essential things that sources through proper planning and West High are important at home. In addition, fundraising. There are some cities such ?~.. -·- ·, f '\ .... parents have to fill out paperwork that as Nashville who are getting money .;,.-: . asks about their income which should tlu·ough a U.S. Department of Agricul­ ~ _· 'J I be private information. This would ture program, known as tl1e Community be a good idea, because parents won't Eligibility Provision (watchdog.org). According to the Federal E duca­ have to write how much they earn. In conclusion, I believe that tion Budget Program, of the 31 mil­ It will remain private instead of the school lunch should be free for all students because it will help families lion students who received five billion school seeing it. who cannot afford to pay. Free lunch meals during the 2013-14 school years, Third, parents are paying taxes will decrease segregation, and leftover 62 percent were free of charge, 8 per­ and bills for food, clothing, and educa­ money will be saved. Everyone will cent were reduced price, and the other tion. In an interview, one person said, enjoy free lunch and will learn better 30 percent were paid. All students "People make enough money just and concentrate on getting a better should be getting free lunch at \Xfest above the poverty line." This dis­ education. Ultimately, better academic High school, regardless of how much qualifies them from getting free lunch. achievements from students will have a money their parents have. This will Paying for lunch everyday becomes a positive impact on tl1e school's reputa­ decrease segregation among students. financial burden on parents. They can tion. Are you willing to make tl1e school save hundreds of dollars per child if It \Vill help families save money for better or not? college tuition and help parents who they get free lunch from school. make enough money to be just above I interviewed my brother who the poverty line. disagrees with me. He said, "It will First of all, those who qualify cost the school too much money, won't feel self-conscious about getting there are too many dietary complica­ free lunch. They will stop worrying tions, and if people can afford to buy about their lunch payments. Accord­ their own lunch then taxpayer money ing to care2.com, "The existing free/ should not go towards feeding them." reduced lunch system seems to wind He is right in some ways. He is right up reinforcing a class divide amongst about the dietary problems. How- students. Kids who bring a lunch are ever, this problem can be addressed considered well-to-do, while those who by working with the school district wait in a cafeteria line are considered and the parents of the children with poorer" (I<::evin Mathews, 2013). In dietary problems. I feel that the dietary addition to this, students will be able to problem should not interfere with socialize with their friends better and the free lunch issue. My brother also will not feel left out. If students don't mentioned that "schools have a budget have friends, they will feel isolated. shortage. The way schools spend their Second of all, students who money has a lot of problems, and the qualify for free lunches could save their primary focus should be to improve money for school and other needs. the class." I understand his viewpoint. Isn't that a good idea? According to But the question remains, how will the debate.org, "Parents and students students concentrate in class if they should save their money for school don't eat a healthy lunch? This is why

OUR VOICES 2014 41 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Casual Racism Normalizes Discrimination

ongomg discrimination, casual racism, and This Is My Voice epidemic of violence and discrimi­ anti-blackness amongst teens in nation against minorities, which is Salt Lake City, because using racial Samah Safiullah slurs and jokes casually dehuman­ so widespread and accepted tlnt it will not go away any time soon. West High izes minorities and excludes t11em from high school environments. However, tl1ere are ways to attack it head on. History and social stud­ Unfortunately, our country ies classes, such as sociology, can has a blood-soaked history and an Urban Dictionary, an online slang/lingo dictionary that is often used by teenagers, refers to casual racism as "the art of being slightly racist in a casual fashion. It's when one doesn't really hate people of anot11er color but still laughs at jokes at their expense." Many people would take a glance at ilie term "casual racism" and immedi­ ately state t11at "racism is racism, and it is never 'casual,"' However true tl1is is, racism is an extremely complex topic and has ingrained itself in American society in several ways. When a person refers to ca­ sual racism, tl1ey are most likely re­ ferring to racial slurs used in school and work environments, such as "nigga/ er," paki, chink, spic, etc. They are also talking about jokes tlnt are made tlnt tend to make a spectacle of certain minorities. The main issue wiili tl1e casualness of this racism is that it normalizes discrimination and isolation of students of color. This is tl1e type of racism tlnt needs to be targeted upmost and first. High schools need to take action in order to educate and create awareness on

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 42 educate and create dialogue about the n-word came from the Span­ of the word is complex and pain­ the history of slurs and why they ish or Portuguese word for black, ful, but it can be understood that are wrong. Kaitlin Bradley, a stu­ "Negro." The word has been used it was always used in a damaging dent from Highland High School, since the 17th century as a deroga­ way and never positively. T he word points out that "I have heard slurs tory term. This was turned into a was used to oppress an entire race and jokes thrown around every day slur when referring to Africans as of people. It will be important for at school. This isn't a problem you "Black" became negative. It was teachers to focus on novels and can fix immediately. But I believe used when these slaves were beat­ literary pieces written by African­ that we can start with education." en, chained, spit on, whipped in the American authors in order to These classes should be used to fields, lynched, and other horrific receive a variety of points of view our advantage. Teachers need to incidents. This was when the word on the word. create discourse in order to de­ turned into a tool of oppression. Students should create clubs crease the tolerance and acceptance White slave masters would scream that are safe places for discourse of slurs and jokes amongst stu­ the word in order to unleash their on discrimination, racism, and oth­ dents. Neal A Lester, a professor at anger and violence upon slaves, er bigoted issues in high schools. Arizona State University, was the and it was used to enforce that This will allow peers to share and first to create a college level class Blacks were subservient to Whites. educate others about their experi­ on then-word. He speaks about "This anger wasn't an example of ences. Most high schools allow the importance of critical atten­ hating slaves solely to hate slaves, students to direct their own clubs tion to the evolution of language though. Slave-holders were depen­ as long as they have an approved in today's society. When asked how dent on slave labor, so their anger teacher or faculty adviser to moni­ he would have a course on only a was fed by the fragility of their tor the meetings. I have started a word, he mentioned, "It was clear livelihoods" (Learning the "N­ student directed "Religious Tol­ to me that the course, both in its word, Adam Cherry). The word erance" club at Highland High conception and in how it unfolded, was used to remind slaves that School which allows students to was much bigger than a word. It their bodies and selves were worth come in once a week and speak starts with a word, but it becomes nothing except for being slaves about any topic. This allows peers about other ideas and realities that and serving their owners. Accord­ to discuss racist and discrimina­ go beyond words." It is clear that ing to Frederick Douglas, the word tive encounters they have had, and the discussion in these classes will was used to deem an entire race to educate others on the harmful not only be focused on the word, worthless, and to break them down effects that racist jokes and slurs but on the repercussion it has on so much that they were stripped have. Often, there are psychologi­ our lives and society. of any identity at all. "Their Eyes cal and physiological repercussions Teachers should specifically Were Watching God" (Zora Neale that come along with being called talk about then-word and how Hurston, 1937) shows that even derogatory insults and names. casually it is used amongst non­ those oppressed by the term "nig­ "Guyll and associates found that Black people. Teachers need to first ger" used it to denigrate members diastolic blood pressure reactivity educate about then-word usage of their own race. Hurston points to a speech stressor was enhanced amongst students who aren't Black, out how in-fighting only leads to among individuals who had expe­ since this seems to be the most more feelings of worthlessness rienced discrimination. Supportive commonly used slur. If people within the black community. These of Krieger and Sidney's findings, began to learn just how oppressive feelings of worthlessness create the Bowen-Reid and Harrell reported the history of the \Vord was, they stage for slave-holders and whites an inverse relationship between dis­ would begin to resist using it. We to make African-Americans com­ crinunation and cardiovascular ac­ can begin with talking about how pletely subservient." The history tivity" (Am J Public Health, 2003)

OUR VOICES 2014 43 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE This shows that students of color University) When people use the foundBlacks are three times more suffer much from more stress and word, they will be criticized and W

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 44 I Now Pronounce You Husband and Husband/ Wife and Wife the United States; nor shall any state should be legalized because it's a This Is My Voice deprive any person of life, liberty or win-win situation for both sides. property" (U.S. Constitution, Article Some people say adopting for XIV). As the amendment says, no per­ homosexuals isn't right because kids son should be deprived the liberty to need a mother and a father figure Moica Mejia get married without their sexual orien­ to grow up and have a normal life. Highland tation getting in the way, and to make Gay couples are capable of raising a family and adopt kids. Marriage is a a child, and this shouldn't be one of civil matter, not a church affair. Those the reasons same-sex marriage isn't who want church weddings can have legalized in all states yet. "I know, up on top you are see­ them, but marriage is a matter of civil I definitely disagree with that ing great sights, but down here at the law: And since it is unconstitutional because the kids of now-a-days have bottom us, too, should have rights." to deny equal civil rights to citizens, it many friends with parents that are Dr Seuss. Proponents argue that is unconstitutional to deny to homo­ the same sex and have no problem same-sex couples should have access sexual couples the right to marry. with it; a kid needs loving parents, to the same marriage benefits and Gay marriage can bring financial not a mom and a dad, to be happy. public acknowledgment enjoyed by gain to the state and local govern­ To sum it up: legalizing heterosexual couples and that prohib­ ment. Forbes magazine says, "One gay marriage would bring a lot of iting gay marriage is unconstitutional thing is abundantly clear: Legalizing benefits to the community, by being discrimination; Seuss believed that we same-sex marriages would mean a able to adopt kids and bring finan­ all need and deserve the same right, windfall for the wedding industry." cial gain to state and local govern­ no matter what sexual orientation you \\leddings are a $70 billion-a-year ment. I care because it makes people have or skin color. business. States and local governments feel better about themselves and Same-sex couples should have benefit from marriage licenses. Venues not get discriminated anymore. If access to the same benefits enjoyed get booked and paid for, while hotels, this country is free and meant to be by heterosexual married couples. "My restaurants and retail outlets also see equal and have equal rights for ev­ thoughts on gay marriage are that sales rise. Even vacation spots get a eryone, we should let them have the everyone has the right to love and be nice dose of business from the hon­ same right just like everyone else. loved, and that's the position I take." eymooning couple. Same-sex marriage -Nick Jonas. Gay couples are just as capable and successful adoptive par­ ents as heterosexual couples. Some­ one's sexuality or sexual preference has no impact on their ability to be a good parent or citizen. They are com­ mitted just the same as a heterosexual couple. More children in the adopting homes will be able to have a new place to be with loving parents. same-sex marriage should be legalized. Same-sex marriage is a civil right. "No state shall make or en­ force any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of

OUR VOICES 2014 45 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE h e in these programs also develop bet- because art is required in all of their This Is My Voice ter social skills. A fo undation called schools. Even though STEM is this the Arts E ducation Partnership did country's priority, there needs to be a a study on 4th and 6th graders in joint effort to help youth in any way .... ~ r;, , Isaac Jones Science Center New Jersey comparing students who possible. Fine arts need to be included 1~,f- participated in fine arts programs to in students' academic options because those who didn't. T he study fo und of its clear benefits in so many areas. ~' ~ that students reported significantly As you can see we need fine "Creativity is seeing what every­ improved attitudes relating towards arts programs for youth that are at one else has seen, and thinking what self-expression, trust, self-acceptance, risk of jeopardizing their futures so no one else has thought."--Albert and acceptance of others. Also, the they can become better critical think­ Einstein. Obstacles and challenges benefit of being able to communicate ers and develop better social skills. throughout life are inevitable. How­ with other people and collaborate is In a short amount of time youth will ever, when we make creativity a habit, an invaluable skill that can be used in develop skills that they can use for the we continue to learn new, resource­ different scenarios. To be able to teach rest of their lives, but ultimately these ful ways of solving problems in our these youth through art and boost programs are trying to save children artwork and in life. There is no doubt their self-confidence will help prepare from harming themselves by mak- that there needs to be more fine arts them for what's ahead in life. ing poor decisions. A family member programs for youth that are at risk In contrast to what I previ­ who was heading down the wrong of jeopardizing their future because ously stated, people sometimes believe path joined an art program that ended fine arts give students the chance to youth who participate in these pro­ up changing his entire life. It let him develop critical thinking skills and grams aren't really it gives the participants better social gaining any skills from BEACON H EIGHTS skills. \Y/e need to immerse youth in a the programs. They productive activity that can last their also believe that there entire lifetime. needs to be more First, the youth participants of an emphasis on will develop a deeper thought pro­ STEM education. cess if they are involved in a fine arts However, just because program. According to artinaction. we put more of an org, "Through art children learn that emphasis on science, problems can have more than one technology, engineer­ solution and that questions can have ing, and mathematics more than one answer." Also, it allows doesn't mean that we the youth participants to use critical can overlook fin e arts. thinking rather than getting the right In recent studies it has answer. \Xfe can allow these kids to let been proven through them think for themselves and give new brain research them the chance to interpret what that music and art not they personally see instead of what only improve skills in math and read­ explore his own creativity and al­ someone else sees. T he pros of youth ing, but they promote creativity, per­ lowed him to show things he wouldn't becoming better critical thinkers will sonality adjustments, and self-worth verbally say. \Xie need to give the youth allow them better opportunities in life (CAPE). Also, if you look at countries the chance to show who they are and give them a chance to let their such as Japan, Hungary, and the Neth­ without any restraints; let them out of thoughts run wild. erlands, they rank consistently higher their handcuffs, and let their creativity It has been proven that youth among math and science tes t scores run wild.

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 2014 46 Non Lethal Weapons odds of suspect injury by almost can replace lethal weapons and This Is My Voice 70 percent. Also tazers used by prevent tragedies like this. Hope- the RCSD and by the Seattle fully we can change before more police department had no effect innocent people are killed. Tevin Lawler on suspect injury. So this shows If we replace letlrnl weap- East High that non-lethal weapons do work ons it wouldn't affect the way when it comes to defending we live, but some people will yourself. This also shows that if disagree. Some people will say How do you feel about guns? you are shot witl1 a non-letlrnl we don't have tl1e right to take How do you feel about the mil­ weapon, it will not kill you. If we their guns and tlrnt tl1e second lions of people who die by them in use non-letlrnl weapons instead amendment prevents that. But a year? What if there was a way to of letlrnl ones, more lives will be tl1e second amendment says tlrnt prevent this? Well there is a solu­ saved. And when the next crazy people in America have the rights tion: non-letl1al weapons. I believe person decides to kill a bunch of to bear arms. Replacing the weap- tlrnt non-lethal Weapons such as people, non-lethal weapons will ons doesn't mean we are vandal- tasers and phasers are better tlrnn be there to protect us. izing your rights. I understand lethal weapons and should replace If we replace non-letl1al weap- tlrnt some sports and hobbies will them. Non-lethal weapons are bet­ ons, we can stop tragic events be compromised, but I assure ter because they don't kill; instead of innocent people being killed. you everything will feel the same. You would get a better sensation out of target shooting and hunting then you would witl1 le­ thal weapons. It can also open up new sports and otl1er activities through­ out tl1e world. Having non-letlrnl weapons is tl1e only way we can save ourselves and otl1ers. If we do tl1ey stun or maim tl1e target for According to www.huffington­ this, then we will be a minin1um amount of time. This post.com, a six-year-old girl from creating a better world for our will help military soldiers and of­ Detroit was shot and killed with an children. If we have non-letlrnl ficers of the law to not have to AK-47 during a carjacking com­ weapons instead of letlrnl weap­ make tl1e daunting decision to take mitted by two 15 year olds. An­ ons we could stop street violence another person's life. otl1er report tells of a girl named in the world. We can achieve this By replacing lethal weapons Kadejah Davis who was complet­ goal, and when we do countless we will be creating safer communi­ ing her homework when she was lives young and old around tl1e ties. According to www.nij.gov, tl1e struck by a bullet aimed through world will be saved. use of pepper spray decreased the the front door of her house. We

OUR VOICES 2014 47 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Where Were You When We Needed You Most? "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; work­ This Is My Voice ing together is success" (Henry Ford). T he United States is the essential plumbing to the world-- carrying important information, values, priorities, and challenges. With that, we need to open our pipelines of technological communications and networks to help our own society. T he United States Zerina Ocanovic should have a set standard to equalize the amount of media coverage given Science Center to all foreign countries because millions of people currently living in the U.S. have ties to other countries, and with modern technology we have no excuses for not reporting worldwide events to the public.

OUR VOICES 2014 48 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Many individuals living in the Today we have reporters and listeners if they include some U.S. are from other countries, which located all over the world, and with element of celebrity coverage. should give them the right to be modern technology there are no Americans and popular culture today informed or receive media coverage excuses for not reporting on im­ enjoy news pertaining to celebrities, on what is happening in their home portant events. The Federal Com­ never getting bored of commenting country. According to the Census munications Commission (FCC) has on fame mayhem and "may even Bureau, in 2009 "the U.S. immigrant estimated there to be 30,367 total prefer it to pondering more pressing population was 38,517,234 (12.5%) licensed broadcast outlets (AM/ matters" (CNN, Phil Rosenbaum). of the US total population." In early FM/TV) in tl1e United States. That With this, if nel:\vorks in the U.S. are May of 2014, rain levels reached a includes 4728 AM stations, 6613 able to publish stories on irrelevant record high amount in southeastern commercial FM stations and 3989 information, they can spare some E urope. Two months of rain came educational/non-profit FM sta­ room to speak on events occurring pouring down in two days, flooding tions. While all these nel:\vorks are in foreign countries. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and in the U.S., there are tl1ousands In conclusion, the United parts of Croatia. No knowledge or more outside of the country. The States should have a set standard to coverage was given to the United United States is given and exposed equalize the amount of media cover­ States population. Individuals from to many sources to be able to report age given to all foreign countries. If those countries had lost homes, on news stories including: phones, the United States were to broadcast families were broke, and people were social nel:\vorks, emails, and websites. information pertaining to all na­ left swimming in the chaos and the For example, CNN has a site for the tions outside of the U.S., individuals actual remnants of their lives. Tlll'ee public to send in tl1eir own stories or from around the world would form days after the disaster, the British reports. However, even with this un­ a closer bond and would have more Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) limited amount of sources, nel:\vorks compassion for one another. When posted an article telling the world of in the United States make decisions floods in Bosnia reached 4 meters the flood but excluding many impor­ everyday as to which stories to in height, I lost all contact with my tant details. However, when compar­ report and which ones to ignore. No family members there. I was left ing this to the 2010 earthquake in matter what the severity of the cir­ wondering if tl1ey were alive. I was Haiti, news spread within hours of cumstance is in any foreign country, left clueless. I could have been at the occurrence. In comparison, the nel:\vorks, news reporters and sta­ ease with mys elf along with thou­ only news regarding the flooding tions should be considerate and have sands of others if news networks in Bosnia was through the help of an obligation to foiward specific in the United States looked at the user's Facebook reports. Without the news reports to the public. It can countless emails and Facebook posts immediate posts on Facebook, the make a difference to individuals who sent to them regarding the floods. A death toll would have been higher otherwise would have never been few weeks have now passed, and the than the reported causalities. Face­ informed on the situation. Keeping damage has been done. My family's book was created to connect fami­ information and not acknowledging house was demolished, covered in lies / friends for social purposes, but all world issues is unethical. mud, and now lost in our memo­ in this case, Facebook did a better Opposing views believe the ries. "The news media, imperfect job than any other media source in United States should not have an as they are, constitute the central providing up-to-the-minute infor­ obligation to report on other coun­ nervous system of our society and mation. This clearly shows that the tries because we have our own news communications infrastructure for media is not doing their job. People here to be concerned over. However, the culture" (Poynter, Jay Harris). I need to know and be informed while knowing and being informed understand that the news media is about what is happening in their on what is happening in the U.S., "imperfect" but that does not excuse home countries and to their loved we report on other non-in1portant the fact that they chose to ignore ones regardless of where in the information. For example, journal­ my family and my country when I world they may call "home." ists attract more readers, viewers, needed tl1em the most.

OUR VOICES 2014 49 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE CaJ\ They Swffe))'?

because drugs that pass animal tests with high doses of the medication. This Is My Voice are not valid for humans and animal They thought that since it was only tests are cruel and inhumane. high doses that affected them that Drugs that pass animal tests it would not make a difference, but Samantha Krejchi are not valid for humans. Animals they didn't realize they had people's Highland are very different from human be­ lives in their hands. According to ings, and the tests do not reliably neurologist Aysha Akhtar, "over predict results in humans, making 100 stroke drugs that were effective "The question is not can they animals poor test subjects. In the \vhen tested on animals have failed reason. Nor, can they talk. But, can 19 50s a sleeping pill was released in humans, and over 85 HIV vac­ they suffer?" This famous question after being tested on many pregnant cines failed in humans after work­ was asked by the English philoso­ rodents and caused an epidemic: ing well in non-human primates." pher Jeremy Bentham in the 1700s. "the sleeping pill thalidomide, Animals have a very different DNA I believe that the answer to Ben­ [which] caused 10,000 babies to be from humans, causing them to react tham's question is undoubtedly yes; born with severe deformities, was differently than we would to certain animals can suffer. Unfortunately, tested on animals prior to its com­ medicines. Obviously drugs tl1at they cannot talk, which is why we mercial release" (procon.org). They have been passed in at1in1al testing must talk for them to keep them had been testing the pill on several should still be considered question­ safe. Testing medicines on animals pregnant rodents and their off­ able towards humans. should be made illegal in the U.S. spring had only come out deformed Animal tests are cruel and inhumane. It is apparent that the reason scientists test on animals is because they are unsure of tl1e product. Most experiments, though, are flawed and waste tl1e lives of many innocent and voice­ less animals. According to Humane Society International, animals used in experiments are commonly subjected to force feeding, forced inhalation, prolonged periods of physical restraint, the infliction of burns and other wounds to study tl1e healing process, tl1e infliction of pain to study its effects and rem­ edies, and "killing by carbon dioxide asphyxiation, neck-breaking, decapi­ tation, or otl1er means,'' (procon. org). Put yourself in tl1ese animals' positions; can you imagine being

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 50 tied down and burned with no away from tl1eir motl1ers forcibly. It anotl1er living being suffer through way of protecting yourself? Then would be completely horrifying to something like these poor ai1in1als after they are done using your be put in such an awful scenario, so are forced to suffer through. body like you're nothing, they how could you support continua­ Testing medicine on anin1als break your neck and throw you tion of testing? should be made illegal in the U.S. in the garbage. No one deserves Some people may say that because drugs tl1at pass anin1al tests to be put through such a night­ religious traditions put humans as are not valid for humans and anin1al mare. If people could have a little a higher priority tl1an animals. The tests are cruel and inhwnane. If empatl1y they would realize how BBC found that Muslim, Jewish and tl1ese tests are not stopped abruptly, serious this issue is. Anin1als can Christian teachings allow for experi­ more incidences sinlliar to tl1e suffer like humans do, whether menting on animals, as long as there thalidomide disaster will occur with we want to acknowledge it or not. is no unnecessary pain inflicted. unknown results. These defenseless Though many research centers That concept would be respectable anin1als are tormented, and I ask would deny any abuse of their if that rule was being followed. you to put yourself in their posi­ test subjects, there is proof tl1at As stated above, researchers were tion, to be abused for sometlung it does indefinitely occur. At a found purposely inflicting pain to that you could never understand. research center in Louisiana some study how tl1e animals would react, Open your eyes and recognize that of the primates housed tl1ere and that is completely unnecessary. you can do something about it: stop were put through such psycho­ Another religious tradition is that buying drugs from companies that logical trauma, they were tearing we should be merciful to animals, test on animals! chunks out tl1eir own arms and and anin1al tests are anything but legs. There was also video foot­ merciful. Anyone can agree that it age of baby chimps being torn is not morally acceptable to make

OUR VOICES 2014 51 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Sprouting a New Consciousness

and positive economic impact. for education programs, charities, This Is My Voice Urban farms encourage communi­ low-income neighborhood support, ties to buy local crops. This creates etc. The more urban farms created more money for the community to the more money there is to help Salt Kaleieha Tuitupou us e for social programs or support Lake City by assisting the existing Science Center for younger generations. For exam­ society, creating a stable future for ple, "Food from the Hood" (a stu­ our youth, or possibly improving city dent-owned community garden in conditions. LA, California) used 25% of their Along with boosting our ''When it is understood that proceeds toward a scholarship fund economy, urban farms clean the one loses joy and happiness in the for youth in South Central, Los environment. Mia Lehrer and Maya attempt to possess them, the essence Angeles. They've raised $250,000 Dunne argue that "urban farms of natural farming will be realized. for their community youth to go introduce green space to an urban The ultimate goal of farming is to college (Adam James, 2012). By environment." This means that not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." Masanobu Fukuoka, The One-Straw Revolution Urban farming, or the prac­ tice of growing food/plants in an urban setting, can change people's lives for the better. Personally, I have experienced this change. I was a part of the non-profit organiza­ tion Real Food Rising located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Working at an urban farm taught me how to grow and care for a variety of plants. But it also taught me important life skills like respect, communication, respon­ sibility, initiative, and commitment. This developing urban farm helped me participate with the people in my community in order to give others fresh, healthy produce. Salt Lake City needs to create more urban farms because they provide localized using urban farms we could improve urban farms introduce plants into economic growth, they support the the lives of many people within Salt a city setting which decreases the environment, and they build strong Lake City. The money raised could amount of pollution that gets into communities. be created into a scholarship fund the air. Since urban farms help clean Having more urban farms in like what they did in "Food from polluted air, Utah could benefit a Salt Lake City could create a huge the Hood." It could also be used great deal because of our poor air

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 52 quality. Between 2013 and 2014, may face. These urban farms are not Utah had 31 red air days. These are for creating more challenges. days where the air has a high con­ There are many good points centration of pollutants which could made against the idea of urban cause major health consequences for farming. Some people say urban sensitive groups, including people farming is going to be a financial with asthma or lung disease (Utah burden. There has to be a lot of Historical Summary of Winter Air investment for urban farms to Quality). If we introduce more function. People then ask where urban farms to Salt Lake City, the the funding will come from and if plant growth would take C02 out it will come out of their paychecks. of the air, which could potentially Moreover, people believe there is reduce the amount of red air days. not enough space for urban farms In addition to clea n air, urban farms in the city and creating space would contribute to recycling. For example, require way too much effort. T hese the Salt Lake City non-profit organi­ statements are true: finding money zation Real Food Rising uses wasted and space is going to be a big chal­ vegetables and fruits to create lenge in making urban farms. How­ compost for their urban farm. The ever, it is not impossible. According purpose of this is to keep waste out to an article by Special Assistant of landfills. Urban farms are a great for Energy Policy at the Center for way to improve the environment American Progress, Adam James, will be enabled to share ideas and while also building up communities. "These urban farms have a fantastic teach each other the skills they have Urban farms support the return on investment, with every learned. I have seen this happen on environment and they also develop $1.00 invested in a community a small scale at Real Food Rising. people and neighborhoods. The garden generating $6.00 worth of If I had not gone to the program Deseret News report that having vegetables." Urban farms rapidly I would have never learned how to urban farms and community gardens recover the cost spent to build them. make a patch of land into a healthy helps youth get involved in their The more money and effort put into garden. I would have never met neighborhoods and helps them build an urban farm, the more an urban all the wonderful people who live life skills. Urban farms help gather farm will produce for a community. close to home. Now, because of the people together so they can work to­ In addition, urban farms can be any experience I have new friends and ward a common goal. Real Food Ris­ size. T hey do not have to be huge skills. I've also become motivated to ing is a great example of this. T he acres of land; they can be a sin1ple get to know more new people, start local program brings together youth lot transformed into a garden. So, my own garden, and stay involved in and adults in order to build up an there is plenty of space in a city to service. I encourage you, my reader, urban farm. Furthermore, the youth create an urban farm. There are win­ to start urban farming now. Join in gain job skills like @ling out applica­ dow spaces, rooftops, alleyways, and on a local urban fa rm/ community tions, being in an interview, being abandoned lots to construct a green garden. Take a chance and design on-time, and working hard during space. Why waste land when you can your own green space whether its the job. They also participate in their utilize it and make it something ef­ two acres of land or a small tomato communities by donating food they fective and beautiful? plant in your window sill. As Tom grew and volunteering at local food Urban farms can transform Ziglar said, "Change starts with you, pantries and soup kitchens. Urban Salt Lake City into a lively and but it doesn't start until you do." farms form bonds between the peo­ refreshing place. This future will be ple in different neighborhoods so 6.lled with pride for local produce, they can overcome challenges they a cleaner environment, and people

OUR VOICES 2014 53 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Sex Trafficking In Utah Is A Bigger Problem Than You Think ... This Is My Voice be protective, understanding, and · identified 57% of their clients in 2006 most of all, helpful when you need it. as DMST victims after identifiers Sadly, the "helping" part isn't exactly received training [\vww.sharedhope. very true in cases of sex trafficking; org]. All shelters need to train their instead their presence to victims is identifiers to reduce the percentage Laurent Ortiz threatening. Jennifer is a survivor of victims mistaken as delinquents. East High of domestic minor sex trafficking. Some people believe prostitu­ She says, on behalf of many vic­ tion should be legalized because they Here in Utah, it's gorgeous for its tims, "For the most part she's been are making a profit and they know big green mountains, and it is known abused or molested, so when she's what they are doing. It's true that they for its fry sauce. But it's not all great. surrounded by a bunch of cops.. .it know what they are doing with their There's a plague that the whole world could be very. .. earth-shattering, and body. I don't believe that this logic is is diseased by; it's called sex traffick­ very uncomfortable, especially the true because most victims are be- ing (prostitution), and the average age whole process of the strip-searching. ing forced into prostitution by their of entry into prostitution is thirteen .. nobody wants to be in jail, nobody traffickers (pimps) and the money years [http:/ /www.rapeis.org]. This wants to be incarcerated, but she that they earn goes to the traffick- plague is everywhere, even here in wants to be treated with respect." ers. A sex trafficker or brothel owner Utah, and it's a huge industry. \Y/e can This is a point-of-view from a real can earn from three to ten thousand minimize this disease in our state, and sex trafficking victim. Not only are dollars for each trafficked individual hopefully everywhere else, by having we arresting buyers, but also the [\vww. heinoline. org] . the police spend more time in inves­ victims. Also, law enforcement has to Therefore, police in Utah should tigating sex trafficking cases as well change their ways of arresting both investigate prostitution and help vic­ as helping the victims. This change in buyers and victims for the better of tims by doing a better job at arresting Utah can be the antidote for this ter­ our community by having the victims traffickers, arrest only the traffickers rible plague. in high quality shelters and not put in and help the victims, and improve The enforcement in our state jails. This will help the victims as well identification methods in shelters for needs to focus on two things: iden­ as having fewer prostitutes on the victims. This could change the future tifying and helping victims, and streets since the police are just arrest­ of Utah by having more criminals identifying and punishing traffickers ing buyers and not the prostitutes. behind bars and fewer victims, mak­ [A CALL FOR REFORM, Lenora Shelters for Domestic Minor Sex ing tah a better state. Jon E dward, C. Cabb]. According to the National Trafficking (DMST) victims are lack­ law student, said "I was surprised that Human Trafficking Resource Center, ing identification methods, causing Utah has a D for a grade. I would bet\veen D ecember 2007 and Sep­ DMST victims to be identified as a have thought that Utah would be tak­ tember 2013, the center received 275 juvenile delinquent. It is very impor­ ing better care of kids." This subject calls that originated in Utah reporting tant that these shelters are trained on is extremely important to me and human trafficking. Sixty-one of those how to identify victims of DMST, should be for everyone else that loves calls were in 2013 alone. Scary right? because currently one identifier can Utah, because it shows how much Well if Utah police can do a better identify a young person as a victim of citizens of Utah care about what is job in prostitution cases by arresting sex trafficking, while another identifi­ happening in our community. So if traffickers and negotiating with them er will identify the same young person you truly love Utah, you will help and to spill out information, then those as a traunt. This is due to identifiers support our law enforcement with numbers will decrease. in shelter not receiving the right new changes on sex trafficking to In society, police are known to training. One run away youth shelter make Utah a better, safer place.

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 54 We Only Have One Earth Don't Destroy It. "Don't worry, Earth will survive climate change... We won )t" -Neil de Grasse Tyson We have been so concerned with 'saving the earth'; why not save ourselves?

Climate change is human caused and will eventually affect everyone and everything on our planet because people do not want to recognize and accept its existence.

currently affecting our planet and would likely be ice free for the first This Is My Voice will continue. We are facing loss time in more than 30 million years. of glaciers and ice sheets, acceler­ Our carbon emissions are heating ated sea level rise, and longer, more the planet and ice is going to melt if we don't take action. Climate change Escha Barth intense heat waves. In fact, National won't stop on its own. We, as hu­ Open Classroom Geographic explains: After the ocean, ice is the biggest mans, have a moral duty to fix what water reservoir on the planet. There we have done wrong and protect our To start with, climate change is are more than five million cubic future. human caused. 97 percent of sci­ miles of it, and no one really knows Some might argue that record entists agree that climate change how long it would take to melt it snowfall disproves global warming. is happening and 95 percent of all ... but if we burn all the earth's Snow is cold, so that must mean scientists believe that humans are supply of coal, oil, and gas, adding that the planet isn't warming, right? the dominant cause (Smithsonian some five trillion more tons of car­ Wrong. Global warming causes more magazine). Since the start of the bon to the atmosphere, we'll create moisture in the air, which leads to industrial revolution and even more a very hot planet, with an average more extreme precipitation. Accord­ since the mid-20th century, humans temperature of perhaps 80 degrees ing to nasa.gov, global warming have relentlessly burned wood, coal, Fahrenheit instead of the current refers to surface temperature oil, and natural gas with little to no 58. Large swatl1s of [earth] might increases, while climate change consideration for the environment become too hot for humans, and it includes global warming and every­ and, in the long run, people. Hu­ thing else that increasing greenhouse mans continue to use these harm- gas amounts will affect. People ful non-sustainable resources, even misinterpret the various signs of when we have access to an energy climate change, and their false logic supply that can provide more energy contributes to the argument against than we could possibly use: the sun. climate change. We have taken advantage of these In conclusion, climate change is natural resources for so long that human caused and will eventually af­ humans are uncomfortable with fect everyone and everything on our change. We reject and don't always planet. The effects of our careless­ understand that change is a necessity. ness will become undeniably evident This is a main reason why people in the near future, and every day have a hard time understanding that we move farther and farther away global warming is human-caused from the clean world we once had. and that changes need to be made by Our way of life is harmful and not everyone to slow it down. practical and will backfire. Action is Second, climate change is essential.

OUR VOICES 2014 55 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE !nstea~ erf walihin3 te "(?.~. let's run.Jum~. an~ rellr This Is My Voice academically, it's a good physical that. Any kind of moving can show workout for those who wish to be an increase in the strength of your healthier, and it has become a fun, brain, it can be done anywhere, at popular pastime, you can do with any time. Don't do parkour to get friends. Let's jump in! Alexander Jones in shape; do it to be happy. Parkour Open Classroom Parkour is a us eful activity for can increase your level of positiv­ brain exercises to help you with ity, just as much as any other form school work and social life, because of moving. And being positive can Have you ever wanted to climb the obstacles you overcome physi­ encournge you to be more invested a wall, but didn't know how? That's cally will help raise your self-confi­ in school and actually DO their why parkour should be taught in dence and you will have a stronger work. However, it requires at least a schools in the Salt Lake City school will. People these days have low sliver of imagination. And it's free! district. Parkour is the act of get- self-esteem because they think that Famous free runner/ parkourest,

ting from one place to another as they're fat, stupid, lazy, etc. However, Brian Orosco, said "The world is my efficiently as possible. This Includes those who do parkour are always up­ playground." Parkour is an act of running, jumping, rolling, etc. It can beat and in a fantastic mood (www. creating a "playground" out of the train the mind both mentally and cdc.gov). And they don't think like architecture around you.

OUR VOICES 2014 56 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE The physical workout that park­ neither were we. Set small goals and time we do." Never giving up is the our brings to you is harder than you build upon them." Parkour, as well path to passion. And sometimes we would think. Many parkour gyms, as well as any other form of exer­ need friends to help us find the way. such as Tempest Free running, con­ cise, can actually help maintain the On the other hand, parkour can sider parkour a sport nationwide. So strength of your bones and even be very dangerous. Even failing a it could count for physical educa­ make them stronger. single vault can result in a horrible tion. It also trains the muscles, to be As well as the architecture for accident or even death. It's harder than it looks and requires the person to put forth a lot of effort and time. It can also in­ fluence bad behavior towards people, by creating a new form of escape after commit­ ting a crime. It can also count as an act of defacement of property. Though these are valid points, they can apply to every other sport, as well. We would have to remove every other sport from the SLC School District, too. David Carradine said "If you can­ not be a poet, be the poem." If you can't be the one who found parkour, be someone who supports and/ or learns the art. Once again, Parkour should be taught in schools for physical, mental, and even social benefits. It can train you in many different ways. I understand it's dangerous, able to withstand more. This could it, Parkour has grown ever more but so are gymnastics, trnck, and be useful for when students have popular since it was originated in the cheerleading, which all can be taught to write an essay or do some other 1980's. There are at least 15 differ­ in schools. Parkour is just a mix of physical activity. Everyone knows ent parkour gyms in the US. These the three. It's growing more and that to exercise, you have to move gyms, as well as parkour, can have more popular each day, so why don't SOME part of your body. Parkour is a lot of effect on the social lives of we just start teaching it in school? I a very effective workout that actually those who use parkour. This can hope to see a change in the classes, trains one muscle for each different lead to creating new, fun memo- to be able to have parkour as one of movement. Legs for running, arms ries to look back upon. In the near them. I have been passionate about for climbing, feet for jumping, and future,it can also relieve stress. It parkour ever since my bes t friend hands for vaulting. Eight-time Mr. helps people feel more open to show moved away in the thu:d grade. Now Olympia, Lee Haney, said "Exercise their true self to their friends. Con­ if you'll excuse me, I have to run, to stimulate, not to annihilate. T he fucius said "Our greatest glory isn't climb, jump, and then roll! world wasn't formed in a day, and never falling, but in getting up every

OUR VOICES 2014 57 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Whose Choice Is It?

abortion 72 hours before it takes notice law ruined her relationship This Is My Voice place. One teen who was forced to with her mother and left her home­ notify a parent under Utah's paren­ less with an unwanted pregnancy. tal notice law was kicked out of her This experience is sadly far from home when her parents learned of unique. Abortion laws for minors in Ashley Medina her pregnancy. Her mother took the Utah are unfair because the deci­ Science Center girl's money that she had been saving sion to have an abortion should be for the abortion; she then threatened the woman's choice, most teens who In Utah a woman under the to disown her as her daughter if don't want to involve their parents age of 18 isn't allowed to have an she went through with the abortion. in the decision have good reasons abortion without written permission When the teen called the clinic to for doing so, and ordering teens to from at least one parent; in addition, cancel her appointment, she was liv­ involve their parents puts the teen's that one parent is informed of the ing in a friend's car. Utah's parental health at risk.

OUR VOICES 2014 58 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE It is a woman's right to decide don't want to involve their parents risks during the abortion operation. what to do with her body and her fear they will be kicked out of their Opposing views claim that future. According to Planned Parent­ homes. Teenagers with one or both these minors aren't mature enough hood's website: parents who abuse drugs or alcohol to make decisions for themselves Utah requires that one of your make up 14% of pregnant teenag­ and tl1at they're, in fact, in harm's parents give permission for your ers that don't choose to involve way if a judge can pardon them abortion, and separately that one their parents. Twelve percent don't from getting permission from their parent be told of your decision 72 live with either one of their par­ parents to have an abortion. How­ hours before the abortion takes ents, and 8% have had at least one ever, these young women are capable place. A judge can excuse you from parent who had physically abused of knowing whether or not they the first requirement (permission), them. Many teens rightfully believe have the ability to carry a baby and but not the second (that a parent that they would be in harm's way how their parents will react to their be told). You can be excused from if they were to tell their parents. pregnancy or tl1eir choice for an the second requirement if you have These young women are making the abortion. Admittedly, a judge can only one parent and that parent has conscious and mature decision to grant a waiver if they believe the abused you, and your doctor reports protect themselves, and the law is woman needs it, but going to court that abuse to the appropriate au­ jeopardizing their decision to keep to speak in front of a judge isn't thorities. You can also be excused themselves safe and to make a future always the best alternative. Having to from this requirement if your parent that they have prepared for. Making turn to strangers and tell them about has failed to take responsibility for it the choice of the teenagers keeps the.ii· personal lives causes extraor­ your care. tl1em safer and prevents what could dinary anxiety and fear, and many These laws are making it impos­ potentially be a more hostile envi­ teens are too afraid to even make sible for it to be the choice of the ronment. going to court a real alternative. teenager; it is the choice of the Ordering the involvement of Ultiinately, Utah's abortion parents and the government. The a parent in the decision of an abor­ laws are unfaii· to rninors. Young parents are the people who are mak­ tion jeopardizes the health of teens. women are not given the opportu­ ing the choice, so they're the ones to The longer a woman waits to have nity to choose for themselves involv­ give the permission for the minor's an abortion the greater the chances ing their bodies and their futures. abortion. For the minor to be ex­ are of that woman's death. Accord­ These current abortion laws are cused from getting permission it's ing to a study done in 2014 done by leading to unwanted children, bro­ either a judge's choice or a doctor's the Guttmacher Institute, "The risk ken families, and even homelessness. and a judge's choice. Having these of death associated with abortion As a young woman ii1 this state I laws altered so that parents don't increases with the length of preg­ should be given the right to an abor­ need to be informed or give pennis­ nancy, from one death for every one tion and be trusted to choose what sion gives these teenagers a better million abortions at or before eight is best for myself and my future. We chance at having a future that they weeks to one per 29,000 at 16-20 should support the idea that mii1ors want and plan for themselves. weeks-and one per 11,000 at 21 can make decisions on their own. Teenagers who choose not to weeks or later." Young women may With these existing laws in action, involve their family in their decision wait because they are afraid to in­ whose choice is it? Whose choice for abortion are most likely afraid of form their parents of their pregnan­ should it be? both the response and consequences cy, let alone that they are not ready given by their parents. According to to have a baby and want to make the a study done by Stanley K. Henshaw decision for an abortion. Being al­ and Kathryn Kost in 1992 at the ready terrified and anxious they put Guttmacher Institute titled "Paren­ off telling their parents, extending tal Involvement in 1viinors' Abor­ the length of their pregnancy which tion D ecisions,'' 22% of teens who increases the probability of healtl1

OUR VOICES 2014 59 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE This Is My Voice of 1917 to Lord Rothschild, the head an official Jewish state, th'e P alestin­ of an influential American-Jewish ian people await the day when tl1ey family. T he Balfour D eclaration will be recognized. T he 1930 Pass­ Helena Haddadi stated: "His Majesty's G overnment field White Paper even said of the Highland views witl1 favour the establishment equal acknowledgement of the two in Pales tine of a national home for opposing parties: "The paper claims tl1e Jewish people, it being clearly un­ that the British did intend to fulfill derstood that nothing shall be done their obligations to boili Arabs and Between the countries of which may prejudice tl1e civil and re­ Jews, and would resolve any conflicts Israel and Jordan lies a piece of land ligious rights of existing non-Jewish that might surface as a result of ilieir which belongs to no country. T his communities in Palestine " The latter respective needs." G reat Britain \.Vas unofficial piece of land is referred to as the West Bank due to its western proximity in relation to Jordan, but is also known as the occupied terri­ tory due to its illegal occupation by Israel. These three regions combined are also home to the Palestinians, a people who have no official repre­ sentation as a country and are being exiled from their own land. Within these regions, tension exists between the Israelis and the Pales tinians due to a devastating pas t. T his ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict can be alleviated through the es tablishment and recognition of a Palestinian state in the occupied territory. In O ctober of 1915, the British and the Palestinians signed part referred to ilie Arabs in Pales­ constantly shady about their inten­ the McMahon-Hussein Agreement, tine. This document acknowledged tions, and their promises of granting which the Palestinians accepted as both tl1 e Jewish and the Palestinian rights to both parties went unfol­ a guarantee that a Palestinian state people, and tlus is how ilie conflict lowed. T he British seemed to feel en­ would be given to them at the end of should be dealt with in ilie present titled to decide ilie fate of a country \"Xforld War I. T he McMahon Agree­ day, with the recognition of both in partnerslup wiili its king. At tl1e ment and the Churchill White Paper parties. E ach of these three docu­ time of the First \\"forld War, Jordan, both described the British govern­ ments leaned towards tl1e es tablish­ then Transjordan, had been planning ment's intentions in terms of giving ment of a Jewish state in Palestine, on giving Palestine to its people. In the Palestinians and the Jews a state and so when Israel became a country later years, King Hussein of Jordan but never directly promised anything. in 1948, tlus feat was accomplished. had made measures to do tl1e same. Around the same time was written However, this action only dealt wiili But before this was able to happen, a the Balfo ur D eclaration in November half of ilie situation. As there is now war occurred.

OUR VOICES 2014 60 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Jump to 1967 and the Arab­ Israel. The story is dissimilar from by side in the area which everybody Israeli war. Up until this point, the the standpoint of a Palestinian, for calls home. This can be done, and area that is now the occupied territo­ as we speak, Palestine is a nation tl1at the best way to make it happen is to ry belonged to Jordan. It was during is on its way to nonexistence due to give Palestine statehood. this war that the West Bank became oppression by those settling it ille­ Humanity has been pro­ occupied as Israel took control, and gally. The Arabs of Palestine deserve gressing for some time, and witl1 thus began the illegal settlements in representation just as tl1e Jews of each group iliat makes heard their Palestine by the Israelis. Now tl1ese Israel do, so the establishment of a qualms, anoilier arises and must be are the conflicts tl1at have surfaced, Palestinian country in tl1e West Bank dealt with. The Palestinians are no and they are not being dealt with as is what must happen. different, and just like those before the British guaranteed in documents. Peace can be difficult, but is them who suffered and iliose who Attention is being given to neither always worth it. In the heat of a crisis will suffer long after, tl1ey deserve the Palestinians being pushed out such as the one at hand, such a pros­ the most basic of human rights: of their homeland nor the Israelis pect may seem entirely unattainable recognition, equality, and freedom breaking the settlement policies. \X!hy and not worth the toil. Peace-fighting in the face of the rest of ilie planet. do the Israelis need more land if they groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, The occupation of ilie West Bank have ali-eady a country by which they and the PLO throw rocks and act needs to come to a halt, for it vio­ are being recognized? Even as Israelis violently towards the Israelis, which lates settlement law and oppresses claim settlements illegally, tl1e Pales­ is no better tl1an how the Israelis those who had been residing in the tinians are being squelched, and there acted towards the Palestinians at region originally. Al-Naqba, like has been no intention shown that one point. Until both sides, Palestin­ many terrible events that could ever recognizes them as a people. This has ians included, can be peaceful, peace fall upon a people, needs to have been a problem since the 1948 crisis will grow farther and farther out reparations made in its wake. The known as Al-Naqba, which translated of reach. Many argue that Palestine closure for ilie Arabs of Palestine from the Arabic, means "calamity", and Israel could not guarantee a safe can be granted through making Pal­ "catastrophe", or "disgrace." This ca­ border, but this is narrow-minded. estine a country. Although a history lamity was tl1e mass exodus of over If anything, a border would bring of violence may seem too daunting seven hundred thousand Palestinians neutrality and might even from their homes by the newly ar­ suggest peace. Peace talks riving Israelis. Such terrors occurred have proved to blow then and again in 1967 when the things out of proportion West Bank was seized; finally in 1989, for these impassioned Jordan severed ties witl1 that small peoples, but that fervor occupied territory. The living condi­ can be instead directed tions now in the West Bank differ towards the love in place intensely when comparing the illegal of tl1e hate of one's Israeli residents and the oppressed neighbor. Another matter Palestinians. For example, a Palestin­ concerning the Israelis is ian lacks the rights to vote and to the fact that the region own land and is essentially a refugee that is now encompassed in what was once his or her home. by Jordan, Israel, and the As of 2013, 42% of the West Bank West Bank did also belong consists of illegal Israeli settlements, to them. The Jews and the with approximately 350,000 Jewish Arabs both are entitled to this land, to put to an end, it can be done. I residents. \"X!hat needs to happen is a for these two groups, as separately as stand and speak for those who still stop to this illegal settlement. Jews in they may identify, resided here. A way have sorrow due to their withering the Middle East cannot say that they needs to be formulated in which Ai:­ homeland. After all, shalom and have no place to go, for they have abs and Jews may live as friends, side salaam are the same word!

OUR VOICES 2014 61 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE We Need Stronger 6un low~ This Is My Voice national anthem. Our lives could be massacre from happening. People threatened at any place and by any with mental illness are more likely people because of the freedom to to lose self-control. Seung-Hui Cho use guns. \X!ith all the reasons above, was diagnosed with severe anxiety Huy Huynh the gun laws should be restricted disorder as well as major depressive West High specifically by always having a back­ disorder, but he could still buy a gun ground check for anyone who wants from a local gun store. According to to purchase gun, prohibiting people the spreadsheet of Mother Jones, a During World War I, 116, 516 from lending guns to the others by political left-wing American maga­ American soldiers died in order to reinforcing fingerprint technology on zine, many shooters showed signs of protect the world's peace (ci vilwar. all guns, and shutting down the gun mental illness, but in only two cases org) . D oes that number scare you? black market. was there a prior diagnosis. T he lack I have something even scarier than Background checking must be of gun laws has allowed these people that. Every year in the US, more than executed more sophisticatedly. People with guns to kill innocent people 100,000 people are shot and more with mental illnesses must be prohib­ easily. In order to prevent sad things than 50,000 of them die because of ited from buying guns. A single fl aw like this from happening, we have to

VIOLE

gun violence. With that rate, in less in the gun law system has created set up a stronger background check, than three years, the number of peo­ tragic consequences. O n April 16, especially for people with mental ill­ ple that die because of gun violence 2007 at Virginia Tech Institute and nesses. will equal the number of soldiers State University, Seung-Hui Cho, a se­ In addition to the background that died during World \'\far I. Ironi­ nior at Virginia Tech, killed 32 people checking, we also have to ban people cally, in this case, our people don't and wounded 1 7 others. It was the from lending their guns to others by die for any glorious goal; they don't second-deadliest act of mass murder reinforcing fi ngerprint technology on die under the enemies' weapon; they at a US school campus in American all guns. If we had had fingerprint die because of the people who live in history. T he saddest thing about it technology, the Sandy Hook mas­ the same country and sing the same is that we could have prevented the sacre would have never happened.

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 62 check. \X!itl1 tl1at many illegal black and somebody drew a gun." Let's be On December 14, 2012, twenty-year­ market websites, who can make sure honest to ourselves and our society, old Adam Lanza fatally shot t\venty that guns will not fall into the hands ilie right to bear arms is tl1reate1ung children and six adult staff members of tl1e wrong person? After all, when our society everywhere and every in a mass murder at Sandy Hook iliat happens, who can make sure hour. It's time for us to do some­ Elementary School in Connecticut. that nobody will be harmed by iliat thing. Adam's mom was a gun collector. She trained her son how to use guns from when he was a little boy and contin­ ued even as he got older. \Xfhat was the result? Adam shot his mom in the head, took her gun, and created a massacre. Yet people might dunk it isn't that serious to let their friends borrow tl1eir guns, but how can tl1ey guarantee tl1eir friends won't do anytlung bad wiili ilieir guns? While the recent laws can't make sure tl1at people will stop lending ilieir guns to their friends, oilier physical actions such as reinforcing fingerprinting on all guns have to be made. \Xie must require a fingerprint scanner for all guns so only ilie legitimate owner of the weapon can use it. \Xfhen that's executed, iliere won't be a second person? Shutting down black markets In conclusion, the gun laws Adam Lanza in our society. will stop guns from falling into the should be restricted. If the laws don't Last but not least, we have to hands of bad guys. A good way to change, gun massacres will just keep prorubit the operation of any black prevent sometlUng bad from happen­ happening and will take away our market ."In a 2004 survey of 1,400 ing is to stop the source. Once we get fanlliy and friends. It will happen inmates incarcerated for crimes com­ it under control, less people will be so often tl1at our society will gradu­ mitted wiili a handgun, only 11 per­ harmed by gun violence. ally get used to it. Then, every day cent reported having purchased their Critics say, "Guns don't kill when people wake up, they will look weapon tl1rough a licensed dealer" people, people kill people." It's true at ilie news and nonchalantly say," (Chicago Tribune). Where did the that people are the ones who control Well, somebody was killed yesterday other 89 percent of inmates get tl1eir the guns, so weapons don't directly because of a gun." It would feel like weapons? Black markets. One of ilie kill people. But, you can't hurt masses notlUng happened to us. Can't we see best ways to stop black markets is of people wiili your bare hands. iliose kinds of massacres are tearing to track and shut down every illegal However, wiili guns, more people will our society away from each oilier? gun selling website on the internet. be involved. Guns give people ilie Can't we see it is making us become According to the Hunffington Post, power to commit a crime. Hemenway more and more apailietic? We can't investigators found out that tl1ere a Harvard researcher once said about just sit here idle, while out there, ilie are about 4,000 illegal websites tl1at the effect of gun laws, "We expected lives of our children, our friends, and offer gun for sale. More seriously, pretty brave and wonderful dungs, our fanlliy are being threatened every the investigators found that many but most of the trungs that were day. That can't be ilie life we choose gun sellers on ilieir websites agreed presented were little more than esca­ to live. Either restrict the gun laws or 82 percent of the time to sell guns lating arguments. It wasn't like tlUs is let it restrict our lives; you make your to a purchaser who admitted iliey a good guy and trus is a bad guy. It's choice. probably couldn't pass a background t\vo people who got into an argument

OUR VOICES 2014 63 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE A1'M( ~- ._ 8'1l-tt•~MF Cow' factories. This is an important guote When I interviewed my mother, This Is My Voice because it shows that the cows are Ali Hartman, she told me that if dying in the conditions that they cows are sick when they are killed, live in. Cows are put in large pens they might have disease particles

tft· Hannah Hartman 11· Highland ~ I

Would you like to be boiled in a vat of water alive? Have body parts torn from your body with no pain­ killers? Dragged, bulldozed? Crowd­ ed in disease ridden pens with your own feces as the exact floor that you stand on? It is the truth that is hidden from the public, but happens every day to millions of animals raised to feed people. Additionally, too many anirnals are not even used for food. There is a large variety of different animals that are abused and treated in horrific ways, but I am going to focus on cows. Slaughter­ houses that abuse cows should be shut down because it is inhumane and cruel, and the conditions that the animals live in makes them sick and therefore unhealthy to eat. T he ways that cows are treated called feedlots and tl1ey are fed corn spread around in the meat that in slaughterhouses is inhumane and to create fatter and cheaper cows. they produce. By eating the disease cruel. According to Peta.org, "Most The feedlots are extremely crowded particles, a person could obtain tl1at cows receive inadequate veterinary and disease spreads quickly. Also, disease and come to be indubitably care, and as a result, many die from inhumane slaughter houses should sick. Some of the cows have E . coli infection and injury. Every winter, be shut down because the conditions or mad cow disease, which affects cattle freeze to death in states such that the cows live in and the con­ your brain. According to Peta.org; as Montana, Nebraska, and North stant pain and fear makes them sick, Cattle raised for food are also Dakota. And every summer, cows thus, unhealthy to eat. regularly dosed with drugs such collapse from hea t stroke in states Another reason why slaugh­ as antibiotics to make them grow such as Texas and Arizona." These terhouses should be shut down faster and keep them alive in these are just some examples of ways that is that eating sick animals is not miserable conditions. Instead of cows are treated so poorly in these healthy for human consumption. taking sick cattle to visit a veteri-

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 64 narian, many feedlot owners simply mals that are abused. Many people smell the death of their fellow cow give the animals even higher doses don't believe that the animals are friends. While these are both valid of human-grade antibiotics in an being abused. This is a valid argu­ arguments, I have enough evidence attempt to keep them alive long ment, but if everyone opened their to knock them out of the playing enough to make it to the slaughter­ eyes and realized what was happen­ field. house. ing to the animals and didn't buy In conclusion, slaughter­ This proves that there are loads that meat, the demand for meat that houses that abuse cows should be of chemicals that are used for the was collected from abused animals shut down. If this happens, cows animals to stay alive and to speed would go down, and there would be and other animals will no longer be up their growth. They are fed large no more animals that are abused in abused and all animals that are eaten doses of Zilmax and Optaflexx, slaughterhouses. They might also will be treated humanely until their which are drugs for human use, but say that the animals are calm when death. These poor, innocent cows are also used for cows to enhance they are killed just as long as they are abused until they die, they live the speed of their growth so there is walk back and forth in lines to their in harsh conditions and are ripped more beef per cow. These chemicals death. They might also say that the from their family and friends. Every in these amounts are not good for animals are not in pain because they day, cows are abused and treated in­ human consumption. It is also just are stunned so they won't feel any­ humanely. What will you do to stop common sense to not eat chemicals! thing. This may seem true, but on the madness? If this doesn't gross you out, then occasion the stun gun misses, and reread. the cow endures the full amount Other people might say that it of pain. They know that they are is too expensive to run a facility that walking to their death; they are not is perfect and does not have any ani- stupid animals. They can hear and

OUR VOICES 2014 65 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Home School: Is it better? by yourself to do some school work. by older students at times because of This Is My Voice You don't have a teacher breathing their skin color, because of their age down your back telling you to pick and grade level, and for other things up the pace because you are running as well such as their religion and out of time. You can take as much what not. This too can help push the Montana Divine time as you need to understand the students farther and farther into the Highland homework and to get it done. \Xfhile flowing river of depression that they all of this is happening, it's pulling you are already waist deep in. Dr. Brian D. Picture this: you're a student closer to your family and not expos­ Ray, who has spent his entire career going through public school but ing you to that fear of depression that researching and studying home school because your age level does not match results in doing drugs and drinking and its effects on children, said in a your grade level (because you are alcohol, ruining your body. research paper that homeschool "pro­ way too smart) other students decide Homeschool is in more ways vides a safer environment for children you're open game. They start pick­ than not a lot better suited for chil­ and youth, because of physical vio­ ing on you and harassing you because dren going through school, whether lence, drugs and alcohol, psychologi­ you're smarter than they. Too smart they are way ahead of their game­ cal abuse, and improper and unhealthy for your own good. You start think­ -meaning that they are more advanced sexuality associated with institutional ing that you're no good, that no one than their age level--or perhaps even schools." Homeschooled students likes you; you grow depressed, want­ a bit behind their age level; although and their parents agree with Dr. Ray ing no friends and no help. You end public school can be good for chil­ that homeschool would be the better up slacking on your school work, dren, home school is better because it way to go about getting an education and your grades take a plunge for the is safer, forges healthier and stronger than going to a public school, because worse. Some older students walk up relationships between family mem­ to do the latter can lead to issues for to you and tell you they'll accept you bers, and is academically fitter for the the student as well as the parents and if you make some changes in your life, student(s). other members of the family. Equally if you change who you are. You start Going to a public school can in1portant, these temptations can be skipping class and hiding out in locker mean lots of things. Peer pressure, very harmful to children in public rooms to do drugs and drink alcohol bullying, violence, drugs, alcohol, and schools. Homeschool can reduce with your newfound "friends." You skipping class are just a few of these some of the issues that are brought pull away from your parents because things. At times students are offered on by public school. Some say stu­ you don't feel that they love you any­ drugs by peers and told that these dents that are homeschooled are not more. drugs will help them forget about exposed to everything that public Now picture this: you're a some of the things on their mind and schooled children are because home student going through homeschool, that they will be considered cool if has a sense of peace, safety, and seren­ and you're doing work that is on your they take them. Students are always ity that every child needs. level. T here are no students who under pressure to do things, such as to In addition to homeschool be­ think that you are open game to be get their work done as fast as they can, ing safer than public and, yet again, picked on and harassed. Your mom whether or not they finish because better for students, it also helps to is teaching you, and she's egging you they have a deadline. If they do not forge healthier and stronger rela­ on because she thinks that you are complete the work beforehand, they tionships between family members: doing a fantastic job on your work. are in danger of failing a subject. In namely, the parent teaching and the You're happy and content because the end this leads to more stress on child or children being taught. Public you have people who like you and the students, which can help push school children do not spend much don't want you to change who you are. them off the frail bridge that they are time with their parents because they You have places you can go to if you leaning over and into a river of de­ are locked away in a learning institute need a little 'away time' or time to be pression. Younger students are bullied for 40 hours a week or eight hours a

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 66 day. \Xfhen they are released they want fo und that the average homeschooled fi re departments, hospitals, museums, to get away as fas t as they possibly student will score about 30% higher parks, etc., then they can interact with ca n and have fun with friends which on state tests than students in public other people and get involved with causes even less family time, causing school. Dr. Ruder believes that this things. Another way that homeschool relationships to weaken. \,\1hile home­ is because students through home­ will help a student is by not confining school is protecting children from the school are getting the attention that them to one place for an allotted time harm that public school can inflict, they need in order to learn everything frame. T hey are not locked behind such as bullying and peer pressure, it that they need to. T hey get the atten­ doors and gates. is also bringing the family closer to­ tion because they are one student who Ultimately homeschool is not gether resulting in healthier and stron­ is being taught by one teacher, not a only safer, it not only forges healthier ger rela tionships. Mrs. Kate Tsubata, a classroom full of children all need­ and stronger relationships, and is not mother of three children, all of which ing help at the same she has put through homeschool, says, time and with only one "It created strong bonds that were teacher there to teach made possible by direct interaction them. and involvement" in her children's Although home­ educations. school has so much to While homeschool both pro­ offer, there are those vides a more sheltered environment who would obj ect to the and deepens relationships between a idea of it. T hese people parent and a child, it also does yet an­ say that homeschool other thing fo r students. It helps them limits social li fe fo r academically. Attending public school, children, and because children do not get enough attention of thes e "limitations" that is needed in order to learn and they do not interact with understand the concept that a teacher people outside their fa mily. They end just academically fit for students; it is trying to put in their heads. O n top up building walls and shutting them­ helps them in every way possible. I am of this, there are approximately 30 selves a\.vay from the world, develop­ not saying that every child should be children to one teacher. Clearly, one ing depression. It cannot be denied homeschooled, because it is not for teacher cannot have enough time to that this may be true fo r some, but everyone. \Xf hat I am saying though, help all the students in the short time that is only because of how a child or is that homeschool can help children of class. At the end of the allotted children are taught and where they are in many ways, especially the ways that time some students will still have un­ allowed to go by their parents. If they they need the help. It can unleash the answered ques tions and will feel like it are shut up in their house and never child's full potential and help them to was a was te of their time. allowed to go anywhere, then yes, this achieve more in their life. It can open T he point is, students are not is true. Children will become de­ up so many doors that have been developing at the same level because pressed and shut themselves away, for locked because of public school. I their questions are going unanswered. it is what they think is right because know that this is true because I was a T his will ensure a student receives a their parents are the ones that have homeschooled student for fo ur years. low grade that they feel they did not done this. T he student would feel as While I may not have enj oyed it at deserve for all the hard work that though going out in the world would times and it was not what I pictured they put into studying and trying to be wrong or unhealthy in some way. it to be, I have a better understanding understand what it was they were Homeschool does not limit the social of myself and of my education than studying. In homeschool there are no life of children. The parents do. Yes, when I started. I felt the relationship unanswered ques tions. There's plenty it is true that there are some things with my family forging just like I felt of time ensuring better grades. Dr. that homeschooled students would the other changes, with both my fa m­ Lawrence Ruder, a professor at the not be able to do such as the after­ ily and myself. I consider homes chool University of Maryland, surveyed over school programs at public schools. to be the better choice fo r an educa­ 20,000 students both homeschooled But if children are allowed to venture tion. Now it is your turn to decide. and public schooled; his research out and travel around to places like

OUR VOICES 2014 67 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE uses that accompany it. tors today are not doing everything The medical uses connected they can to preserve the life of to the marijuana plant are astro­ patients but instead are being driven nomical. In 1972, the U.S. Congress by local laws and even personal wrongly placed marijuana in Sched­ beliefs to determine the way that a Samarah Perez ule I of the Controlled Substances patient is treated rather than what Highland Act because they considered it to is genuinely needed by the patient. have "no accepted medical use." Personal beliefs have no place in The famous Jamaican singer, Since then, 22 of 50 U.S. states, a hospital room, especially when and song writer, Bob Marley once including Washington D.C., have le­ the life of another person is being said, "Herb is the healing of a na­ galized the medical use of marijua­ placed into one's hands. With the tion ... " Marijuana has been around na. Just a few of these uses include decriminalization of marijuana, we for thousands of years, and in the treatment of: nausea and vomiting, will be one step closer to personal, 17th century the United States anorexia and cachexia, multiple proper treatment of any and all government actually encouraged sclerosis, pain, asthma, glaucoma, diseases. And with that we will be the production of it. However. at migraines, epilepsy, and psychiatric more wholesome and compassion­ the beginning of the 20th century, symptoms. The Americans for Safe ate as a nation. . with the influx of Mexican immi­ Access (ASA) communications As explained above, mari­ grants also came the influx of fear consultant Hilary McQuie stated juana, or cannabis as it is more and misunderstanding associated in a July 27, 2003 article in the San properly called, has many medical with the plant itself (at this point Francisco Chronicle that " ... since uses, but aside from those it also most of the U.S.'s marijuana was the passage of California's Compas­ has a wide variety of everyday uses. being imported from Mexico). In sionate Use Act of 1996, more than A couple of words that are impor­ the 1930s, a campaign was con­ 1,500 physicians statewide have tant to know when describing the ducted by the U.S. Federal Bureau recommended medical cannabis to plant are efficacious, which means of Narcotics (now the Bureau of their patients. But over 80 percent capable of having the desired result Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) of medical cannabis recommenda­ or effect; effective as a means, which sought to portray marijuana tions have come from 10 doctors. measure, remedy, etc.; and ver­ as an addictive substance that would Many of the others that have made satile, which is having or capable lead users into addiction. An article recommendations will only agree of many uses. Did you know that from narconon.org further explains: to do so if the patient has a termi­ there are an estimated 50,000 uses "In the 1950s it was an accessory nal illness, despite the widespread of the plant itself? Some of them of the beat generation; in the 1960s understanding that marijuana is also are paper, food for animals and it was used by college students and effective in treating many non-ter­ humans, rope, clothes, soap, sails, "hippies" and became a symbol of minal illnesses." As one can see, this shoes, plastics, explosives, paint, rebellion against authority." (His­ is problematic in that many doctors sealant, methanol, gasoline, fibers tory of Marijuana) These are just will only prescribe the use of medi­ for various fuels, auto bodies, lu­ a few of the events that led to the cal marijuana to their patients if bricants, oils for various uses such prohibition of marijuana. Utah they are terminally ill even though as on furniture, varnish, ointments, should decriminalize marijuana it is known to them that it can be lacquer, and even salad dressings. because of its many medical uses used to treat non-terminal disease Hemp production first began in as well as the plentiful commercial or illnesses. This means that doc- central Asia and was first brought

OUR VOICES 2014 68 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE to America in 1606. In 1611 it grew cost efficient to do the production mentation of tl1e 'war on drugs."' to be one of the leading industrial ourselves. The Hemp Industries He also stated "I think it was pretty crops, but since then U.S. legisla­ Association (HIA) estinuted that courageous not to put an age limit tion has made hemp production the retail value of North Ameri­ on it. Arresting and putting low­ illegal. With all of its many re­ can hemp food, vitamin and body level juvenile offenders into tl1e sourceful uses, it really is a wonder care products was in tl1e range criminal-justice system pulls many why hemp, of all things, is illegal. of $156 to $17 1 million in 2012. kids deeper into trouble ratl1er tl1an One of the reasons that hemp has When clothing, auto parts, build­ turning them around." In Colorado, been prohibited is because of the ing materials, and other nonfood homicides went down from 17 to 8 confusion between industrial hemp or body care products are included, (a 53% drop), automobile break-ins and marijuana. One of the fac- the HIA estimates tlut the total from 2,317 to 1,477 (down 36%), tors is the visual similarity bet:\veen retail value of U.S. hemp prod­ and sexual assaults from 110 to 95 the many varieties of plants and ucts is about $500 million. With (down 14%). Overall violent and the fact that many people do not tl1e huge debt that our forefatl1ers property crimes dropped more tlun know that you cannot actually get and former presidents have left us 10% (allgov.com). As research has "stoned" off of hemp. Accord- with. Hemp may be the answer to shown and continues to show, mari­ ing to Ray Hansen, author of the getting us out of debt and making juana will not make crin1e rates go web article "Industrial Hemp" us a truly free people. Matl1emati­ up but will instead change numbers, from AgMRC, "Canada and the cally speaking, hemp production lives, and statistics for tl1e better of European Union maintain this alone could bring us out of our everyone. distinction by strictly regulating debt in as little as 6-7 years if all As you can see, marijuana tl1e THC levels of industrial hemp, the money made was used for that should be decriminalized in Utah requiring it to be less than 0.3 purpose. Not to mention many job because of its many medical and percent, compared to THC lev- opportunities would open up with conventional uses. If our nation els of between 3 to 30 percent in tl1e production of a new material, fails to do tlus, people will con­ marijuana." A lot of people do not again bringing in more money for tinue to witl1er away from improper even know that hemp production our country that we have for so medical treatment, and our jails will is illegal in tl1e U.S. because hemp long been taught to "pledge alle­ continue to fill up with innocent products are still being sold in U.S. giance" to. people bearing tl1e repercussions of stores. Canada alone is one of the When discussing marijuana owning a plant. The reason I feel so leading exporters of hemp prod­ and the decriminalization of it, the deeply about this topic is because ucts, and while tl1e United States first tl1ing tl1at may come to peo­ my father was diagnosed witl1 epi­ will not support the production of ple's minds is prohibition and how lepsy about tl1ree years ago. Since hemp, we are still in the process of tl1e lives of everyone were affected tl1en cannabis has greatly helped providing hemp to United States by it. Many people believe that him in his everyday life as he wakes citizens. Statistics from AgMRC. since marijuana has been classified up in the morning and goes to bed org stated that in 2007 the United as a drug tl1at tl1e legalization of it at night. Dear people, if after all States took up a whopping 59% will immediately affect crime rates of this, you still do not want mari­ of all total products exported to and other things of that nature. juana decrinunalized, then my call other countries from Canada. That In an article by Susan Ferries on to you is to at least properly educate means that there is a huge supply alternet.org, a CJCJ researcher by yourselves. and demand rate for hemp prod­ tl1e name of .Mike Males found ucts in tl1e U.S. which leads to the tlut "arrests for youtl1s for tl1e point that tax payer's dollars are largest single drug category, mari­ being used to import hemp prod­ juana, fell by 9 ,000 to a level not ucts when it would be much more seen since before tl1e 1980s imple-

OUR VOICES 2014 69 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Protect Tennessee Walking Horses

ed gait by means of inflicting pai n on horse's front hooves up to fo ur inches This Is My Voice its front legs or hooves. T he specific above the ground; the second were mo tion achieved by soring was soon chains, which were wrapped around labeled as the "big lick," where horses a horse's fo relegs to cause irritation snapped their front legs up as soon as during movement. Stacked shoes Anthea Deneris they hit the ground and reached high elevate a horse's leg in an unnatural East High into the air with them. Soon after its way and cause irregular angulation of introduction the big lick became the the leg and hoof. Horses monitored In the early 20th century, a breed ideal and most rewarded movement by the American Veterinary Medical of horse possessing a unique high­ in performance but not without grea t Association (AV:MA) while wearing stepping, ambling gait was es tablished cost to the horses who perfo rmed stacks less severe than those regularly and soon came to be known as the it. "Pressure shoeing," described by used in shows exhibited inflamma­ Tennessee \Xfalking H orse. T he breed Donna Benefi eld, the Vice President tion in the area of the fl exor tendon, quickly began to fl ourish, popular of the International \\falking H orse which is located in the lower joint of a with the public not only because of Association, is a new and hard-to­ horse's leg. Chains were implemented its smooth and distinctive gait but detect method of soring achieved by originally to increase irritation during also its placid and willing disposition. filing down a horse's hoof until blood movement to skin already damaged H owever, as their following plateaued begins to pool on the surface. A shoe by chemicals. T he ache of the chains during the 1950s, unethical owners is then banded across the hoof and sliding across raw fl esh during move­ and trainers began to employ cruel and tightened so much so as to cause in­ ment would force a horse to react with inhumane techniques to enhance their tense pressure and trigger the sensitive distress, retracting its legs quickly and horses' natural, prized ambling gait nerve endings in the sole. However, thrusting them out dramatically in in order to be awarded higher scores the most common technique, and the an effort to escape the pain. Up until in shows and to draw the adoration first invented, for soring involves rub­ recently it was thought that chains and attention of the crowds back. As bing caustic chemicals into a horse's alone had no damaging effect, but the a preventive action to stop the abuse forelegs and wrapping them in plastic A"VMA issued a statement that six­ which had become so prevalent in the for up to 48 hours while the chemi­ ounce chains, the allowed weight in Tennessee \Xfalking H orse industry, cals leach into the skin, blistering and shows as specified by the Tennessee Congress passed the Horse Protec­ burning it. Chemical soring is still a \\ falking Horse Associati on regula­ tion Act (HPA) in 1970; over forty common practice. In 2012 the United tions, "will start to cause hair loss years later, due to insufficient funding, States D epartment o f Agriculture without the use of chemical irritants." enforcement, and disciplinary actions, (USDA) tes ted 190 horses fo r foreign T he current protections pro­ the abuse still hasn't been eradicated substances at the Tennessee \Xfalking vided by the H orse Protection Act in the industry. Existing legislation has Horse National Celebration, the larg­ are not adequate and must be im­ repeatedly been shown to be inad­ est annual \Valking H orse show, and proved, as they are clearly ineffective equate in preventing the maltrea tment 145 were found positive, an appalling at preventing abuse. From 1986-201 2, of these horses and needs to provide seventy-six percent. 9,777 HPA violations were cited by the fo r more effective regulation of shows Soring was soon accompanied by USDA, and 4,350 were repeat offens­ and disciplinary actions against offend­ another harmful technique intended es. In 2013, Ed Whitfield introduced ers. to emphasize a horse's gait even more, HB 151 8 the Prevent All Soring Tac­ T he abusive training methods and t:\vo "action devices" began to tics (PAST) Act. It addresses problems originally prohibited by the H orse make their first appearances in the that have raged within the Tennessee Protection Act are known as "soring," show rings. T he first were "stacks," or \Xfalking H orse industry for over sixty which is the practice of forcing a horse "stacked shoes," weighing up to fifteen years and confronts the problems as­ to perform an artificial and exaggerat- pounds and designed to elevate a sociated with action devices and the

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 70 lenient penalties originally provided by surrounding it stem from within the industry is, at worst, purposely con­ the Horse Protection Act. HB 1518 industry and are accepted at even the cealing the amount of soring and per­ would increase disciplinary action for highest levels of authority. The 2012 mitting sored horses to compete and, soring by increasing HP!\ violation Tennessee \Xlalking Horse National at best, is completely incompetent, penalties from $3,000 to $5,000 and Celebration board of judges had 112 the fact that they have demonstrated terms of imprisonment from up to HPA violations distributed among the over and over again that they are not one year to three years. \\lhitfield's seven of them. \\lhile the Tennessee capable of self-regulation indicates Act would also ban action devices, an Walking Horse industry supports self­ that the government must intervene to amendment supported by the USDA, regulation as a method to prevent fur­ interrupt the culture of animal abuse the Humane Society of the United ther abuses from occurring, according that has festered for decades. States, the American Society for the to the AVJ'v1A and USDA, "Violation A large stepping gait was Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the detection rates are consistently five to originally trained through patience and AVJV1A, and the American Association ten times higher when the USDA is effort, and though it was never nearly of Equine Practitioners. The PAST present at shows to inspect, compared as high as today's competitors' big lick, Act would ensure that regulatory re­ ·with shows where the industry self-po­ the 1943 and 1949 National Grand quirements are adapted by the USDA lices." The reason for the discrepancy Champions Black Angel and Midnight to train, license, and qualify individuals between these numbers is not that Merry exemplified the gait that could to be able to detect and diagnose sore the industry polices itself better than be trained through patience and wasn't horses at shows and "prohibits issuing the USDA, but that it fails to report forced by soring or artificial devices. a license to any person unless such person is free from conflicts of inter­ est," ending the problem of corrupt self-regulation. In 2014 a twin bill, HB 4098, was introduced by Congressman Marsha Blackburn as an alternative to the PAST Act, but its amendments would make many soring methods harder to detect by making physi- cal inspections no longer routine at shows; rather, soring would be identi­ fied " through objective, science-based methods and protocols" instead of manual checks. However, soring tech­ niques have evolved, and taking a swab of a horse's leg will not detect pressure shoeing. Blackburn's bill would not ban action devices and would initiate the creation of a horse industry orga­ nization (HIO), which would include veterinarians and "industry experts" recruited from states with the high- est prevalence of soring. Keith Dane, the Humane Society's Vice President of E quine Protection commented on almost all violations. For example, of Their performances show that soring, Blackburn's bill: "Basically, it codi- the 145 horses identified by the USDA abuse, and action devices aren't neces­ fies putting the fox in charge of the as having foreign substances on their sary to train a big moving show horse; henhouse." As has been proven, the legs, the Tennessee \Xlalking Horse in­ they serve only to develop an artificial industry is not capable of self-policing. dustry only reported having tested two gait that doesn't truly represent the Many issues with the pres­ horses as positive. \Xlhen it is shown breed but the avaricious people behind ervation of soring and the culture that the Tennessee \\lalking Horse it.

OUR VOICES 2014 71 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Choose Books, Not Movies.

development, no evidence of such is usually in use when paying close This Is My Voice benefit was found," says Marie Ev­ attention to a task", says Nata- ans Schmidt, a researcher at Harvard lie Phillips, who lead the project. Medical School. So, brain develop­ There is also an increase in different ment is not increased when watching parts of the brain when reading for Hannah Dimock T\T (http:/ /www.mychamplainvalley. enjoyment Q1ttp: / / www.futurit:y. Open Classroom com/ content/webmd/ parentingtod­ org/ mri-reveals-brain's-response-to­ dler/ story/ d/ story/ tv-before-age- reading/ ). This means that reading At this point in time, almost 2-wont-boost-babys-brain/15984/ requires multiple functions of the anyone you ask possesses a TV and rZiUj9FCZkycPZLotS3jug). Some brain. A big part of this is thinking uses it often. Owning a T\T and watching it are not bad things, but TV certainly doesn't improve your brain. Reading, however, can greatly improve the thinking process. There are so many good reasons to read a book as opposed to watching a mov­ ie. Think about the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books compared to the movies, or the Harry pot- ter books and their brilliant writing compared to the similarly good but not as great movies. People should read books more often than they watch movies because reading stimu­ lates the brain much more than T\T does, those who read more are gen­ erally much better in literary subjects and tend to learn more overall, and there is more detail and originality in a book. When reading, brain activity largely increases, whereas watching researchers at Stanford asked people about a book after reacting. We can TV or a movie does not improve to read a book while inside an MRI see from this study that it takes more your brain. According to Jennifer machine; studying the activity of concentration, more imagination, Warner, children who watch T\T at the brain, they came up with some and more interest to read; watching young ages do not show any im­ surprising information. When you TV does not improve the brain, so provement, but it's not harmful to are paying close attention to what reading is actually better for your their development either. "Contrary you are reading, blood flow to the brain than T\T is. to marketing claims and some par­ brain greatly increases, but even Reading not only stimulates your ents' perception that television view­ more in1portant "it's not only in brain more than TV would, but it ing is beneficial to children's brain the 'executive function' area, which increases literary skill. Most people

OUR VOICES 2014 72 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE don't realize it, but when reading, we tends it to be. I'm sure most readers quite a bit for an iPad; everyone has do notice the structure, remember know a bookworm, and have gotten free access to books at any library. vocabulary, and figure out where caught up in a conversation about Secondly, the book is worth that certain punctuation is necessar y. the differences between a book and time. I realize that many movies are T his is helpful to more than your tl1e movie development of it. You great and very interesting, but books, reading skills, but to writing skills will find that those who have read as stated above, have much more as well. Most of the greatest writ­ the book will almost always prefer it detail included, and can further com­ ers read as much as they write if not over the movie. People who read a plete or engage a reader on some more. As Leki stated in 1993, "Biol­ lot are often very attached to books; occasions. If the book is a better ogy professors learn to write articles to these people the quality of the product, and has more detail, why the way biology professors do by movie will very much depend on would you watch a movie because reading articles that biology profes­ how well it follows the storyline of it doesn't take as much time? That's sors have written." While Leki spoke the original book. As Stephen King like going to Liberty Park to ride the only of biology professors, this is said, "Books and movies are like tiny Ferris-wheel because it takes less true for many different authors and apples and oranges. They are both time, instead of going to Lagoon writing types. From my experience, fruit, but taste completely different." to ride the massive one as well as authors read the same genres of I believe books have more flavor. so many other rides. It just doesn't books that they write, whether that's D etails develop the story, and where make sense. newspaper articles or sci-fi novels. in a movie you will get to see a set­ In conclusion, books are obvi­ T he reason they are so good at writ­ ting, the in-iagery in a book can more ously much better for your brain ing is that they have read so many fully explain what that scene feels tl-ian movies, and they help people different books in the style that they like to the character or looks like in learn how to read and write. If more write, and are able to realize what their eyes opposed to just the back­ people could read, the majority of doesn't sound quite right or what ground in the movie. So to avoid the population would be better read­ a specifically good method is. That getting caught in an argument with ers and writers, and those are two of proves that reading is more than a a bookworm, (which you don't want the most valuable skills you could brilliant form of entertainment. This to be involved in, trust me) or miss possibly have at your disposal. When is so important because writing is an in-iportant factors of the story line, I I was a tiny child, my parents read important skill to have, whether you suggest you read the book! to me, and I don't see many others plan on pursuing a literary career or Some may bring up the point reading to their children these days. not. Any job you ever have will re­ that not many people have enough Instead they watch TV. What would quire some form of writing. Yes, you time to read long books when they we be without books? Writing is one have to write a resume and fill out can just watch the movie witllin of the most ancient and effective an application to get a job. If writing a couple hours. While movies are forms of communication to date. is in-iportant, reading must be too, much shorter than most books and Any book has at least some possibil­ considering the fact that it improves contain more information within ity of being published, and even if writing. that short amount of time, it is that doesn't happen, most books are Another point worth consider­ worth reading the book as well for read at som e point, published or not. ing is the amount of detail in a book a few reasons. First of all, you can Movies are generally developed only and the originality of the story. Due stop reading whenever you want from the most important or popular to the limited time of movies, they and continue whenever you want. books or events. If we lost our abil­ are often lacking many of the origi­ Whatever time you do have, you can ity to read, even in a technological nal details of the book version and spend reading, whether that's just at world, we would no longer be who are not exactly true to the author, home or while waiting for food at we are as humans. So, next time you while a book is absolutely original a res taurant. Sure, you can ahDost have some spare time on your hands, and can be as long, as detailed, and watch a movie anywhere now with will you watch a movie or read a as complicated as the author in- iPads and such, but you have to pay book?

OUR VOICES 2014 73 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 1asAioH is a lilostylJo,,

acceptable for women to wear shorts people using nonverbal communica­ This Is My Voice during World War II, which intro­ tion, which is where no words are duced fabric rationing and forced spoken or written, but where silent women to take on more masculine messages are sent. It's just like how Riley Wolfe jobs (pbs.org). Women put on shorts the Romans wore togas, sandals, and Open Classroom in protest because they wanted to chitons. Romans got all of those prove that they could do "men's" things from the Italians and made work. So they started doing more them their own. Their influence was "Fashion is not something that masculine jobs. The businesses so great that just before the fall of exists in dresses only. Fashion is in didn't really object because all of the the Roman E mpire, the Greeks had the sky, in the street. Fashion has male workers were at war. So women adopted the fashion. Clothes are to do with ideas, the way we live, started to work in the manufactur­ influenced by so many things, such what is happening." -Coco Chanel. ing business. After the war was over, as how the Greeks influenced theit· Fashion has an influence in our daily federal and local policies replaced clothes from the Romans and how lives. Even if it's just that woman men with women. This raised their the Romans influenced their clothing walking down the street, that adver­ self-confidence by showing them from the Italians. It is so interesting tisement how a few you saw, or styles can even the go all over thought the world. you just Another had, we instance of see it and a bridge is feel it every that eye­ day. It also liner wasn't contrib­ popular utes to our until the style and corpse the way of King we think. Tutankha- Fashion mun was throughout discovered history has in 1922; had a posi­ bridges of tive impact fashion are on our lives connectit1g because it has raised self-confidence they can do a "man's" job and that us all over the world by emulating and self-esteem, it has helped us the government was even support­ their style and way of life. connect to others in the world, and ing them. This is how fashion has a Fashion is more than clothes it has allowed for self- expression. positive impact and raises self-confi­ and accessories. Fashion is a lifestyle. Fashion over titne has raised dence and self-esteem. T he definition of fashion in the dic­ self-confidence and self-es teem. For Fashion helps us connect to tionary is a manner of doing some­ example, it became more socially others by making bridges to other thit1g. It is art, the nlli1d, and ideas.

OUR VOICES 2014 74 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE People use fashion to express them­ it is only for wealthy, selfish people. In conclusion, through time, selves every day. The way you talk or However, designers are coming fashion has had a marvelous influ­ think or the way you dress is fashion. out with more affordable lines of ence on society. Fashion is a way Fashion is the most powerful art clothes every day, meaning more of thinking and is a form of art. If there is. It is movement, design and people can access high fashion. we think of it in a positive way, it architecture all in one. It shows the There are also thrift shops, which will have more of a positive impact world who we are and who we'd like cater to those who are more inter­ in the future by bringing about a to be. It lets people present them­ ested in recycling or vintage cloth­ more positive attitude and thoughts selves in many different ways and ing. Others can also say fashion can of yourself. It is necessary to have lets people be who they are and who cause eating disorders (mayoclinic. positive thoughts about yourself they want to be. In the past it was a org). This usually happens because and others. It can help you have way to know someone's social rank. they look at a size zero models in confidence and make others have In the Middle Ages (which started a magazine or they see that really a more positive, healthy environ­ around 300AD) the nobility wore pretty dress in the window but it is ment. "Fashion is a statement not red, peasants wore brown and gray, only a size two. But fashion is not a style. Fashion does not have to and merchants wore green. The way specific to certain sizes. Designers be worn casually nor outside the you were dressed defined your social design clothing for a full range of runway. Fashion is fit for all sizes status and what you did for work,. sizes. Though it is true some retail­ for all people of all ages. Fashion is This is a way of self-expression and ers only stock unhealthy sizes, like an art of personal self-expression, shows us that fashion is positive. the retail company Abercrombie and not an excuse to be pretty, popular Despite the many great as­ Fitch, fashion designers are not the and charismatic." -unknown author. pects of fashion, still some people people who determine what sizes the Don't change to fit the fashion, say fashion is detrimental because retailers stock. change the fashion to fit you! Smartphones for Elementary Kids

have more options than a regular cell and family. People depend on these This Is My Voice phone. Elementary aged kids should devices so much that instead of not have smart phones because they talking to someone in person, they are a distraction from being social, spend time texting or even talking to Stacey Roman they're expensive, and they are un­ someone across the world instead of Highland necessary to have. those people near to them. Connect­ In today's generation we see ing with people online has become young kids spending more time on easier, but what about connecting their smartphones than they do with offline to those around you? If kids Smartphones are being used their friends/ family. Science and become more comfortable talking more often than it seems. Adults use technology editor Victoria \\!ool­ online, they will have trouble inter­ them for work. Teens use them for laston states that the average person acting with others offline and not be school and friends. \Xfell what about checks their phone 110 times a day. able to go a second without checking elementary kids? What reason do Elementary kids have more time on theii· phone. Kids need to learn social they have to use one? It can be the their hands than the average teenager skills early that will help them in their same reasons as teens, but the dif­ and adult, which means they look lives, and smart phones prevent them ference is maturity and age. Elemen­ at their phone more than the aver­ for learning valuable social skills. Not tary kids should be able to handle a age person. Therefore smart phones only are smartphones distracting, but simple call and text cell phone not are a distraction, to the point where they are also expensive. smartphones, because the difference kids may find these small devices Kids tend to lose their favorite between the two is that smartphones more entertaining than their friends toy, break them, or even want the are connected to the internet and

OUR VOICES 2014 75 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE new latest toy. Smartphones are basi­ much money. The money could be need it, but they want it. They may cally a toy to them but cost 10 times spent for school, games, clothes, or not understand how unnecessary and more than the average toy. For exam­ anything a kid could use that's not a harmful it can be to have a smart­ ple smartphones' price range is from smartphone. Smartphones are a great phone, but they just want it to fit in 100 dollars to over 500 dollars, not privilege that shouldn't be treated as with everyone else. to mention the monthly phone plan. a toy, and kids need to mature more Some argue that it's under­ Journalist Sadie \X!hitelocks reports, to understand the use of smart­ standable for a child to have a phone. "The Intelligence Group conducted phones. Phones are a way of connecting a 800 online interviews with young­ Finally, smartphones are not child to worried parents and call- sters across the U.S. in a bid to learn necessary for elementary-aged kids ing in case of emergencies. This is more about the habits and behaviors because the only difference between especially true for kids who have of the digitally-oriented 'Genera­ a smartphone and a regular cell parents working constantly. However, tion Z.' One third of those surveyed phone is the internet one can take they do not need tl1e smartphones of said they owned a mobile phone, anywhere, and a kid doesn't need today. They can be perfectly safe with while 28 percent had a computer internet wherever they go. There a regular cell phone that has calling tablet--up from just 5 percent two is no other reason to have a smart­ and texting. Smartphones comes with years ago (2011)." This article was phone besides to call or text. If a games, application, and internet-- ev­ published in 2013, so imagine how kid wants a phone it's because they erything that a kid doesn't need. The much can change in just one year. want to fit in and have a phone like only thing a kid needs on their phone is the ability to call and text. Kids should be able to have a phone, just not smartphones that have more than needed for em(;!rgencies and safety. In conclusion elementary-aged kids should not have smartphones. These smart devices are simply an unnecessary addicting toy to them. If every elementary kid has a smart­ phone, imagine recess as a quiet bor­ ing hour while all the kids are staring at tl1e bright screen. There may even be fights about who has the better smartphone and who doesn't. I've watched my two young cousins bat­ tling over their moms' smartphone, to the point where they are crying and hitting each other. It's terrible to Another thing to consider is how everyone else. Journalist Anita Brayer see how they react over this addict­ much money parents had to spend says, "It's sad that children nowadays ing device at such a young age. If to satisfy their children. Companies get bullied for not "keeping up with kids can just wait until they're older likes Samsung and Apple come out the Jonses," but it's true. Statistics and more mature to know tl1e use with new smartphones each year, show that almost 90% of teenagers of a smartphone, their behavior will and one can see how many people own a cell phone." These are teen­ change for the better. Until there is would throw out their recent phone agers alone; well what about kids in a change, kids will continue getting for the newest one on Black Friday. elementary? Most kids look up to bullied and hurt because they don't With the money parents spend on their older sibling and see they have have tl1e phone that they "need." smartphones for their kids, imagine a smartphone, and then as well want what they could be buying with that a smartphone themselves. They don't

OUR VOICES 2014 76 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE STEGNER WRmNG INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 2014 77 What's your gas mileage?

miles in its lifetime. This means ov~ r pH of a lake can kill every organism This Is My Voice a single vehicle's lifetime, a 30mpg within its waters. If our vehicles are vehicle produces 60,555 kilograms causing such environmental damage, less in C02 emissions than a 15mpg why is this issue only being addressed Ashley Maxfield vehicle! Due to the fa ct that on-road with new vehicles that come to the East High vehicles are the largest single source market? of air pollution, think of what would T here is no doubt that cleaner air change if we took action and imple­ eguates to better health; thus, polluted mented a reguired gas mileage for all air eguates to decreased health. \X! hen ''Americans want not only energy vehicles on the road. The environ­ diesel fuel is burned, it releases 40 independence but also to find ways to mental impact of this change would toxic air contaminants, as well as other break the linkage bet\veen energy use be enormous largely because C02 is a harmful pollutants, including benzene, and environmental harm, fr om local greenhouse gas; thus, when less C0 2 arsenic and fo rmaldehyde- contami- air pollution to global warming" (Gus Speth). T he United States government needs to initiate a minimum average gas mileage for the registry of pas ­ senger vehicles because removing less efficient vehicles from the road would decrease environmental emission pol­ lution, increase human health, and re­ sult in more energy-related economic independence. Pulling less efficient vehicles off the highway would result in fewer national vehicle emissions. \Xlith the reguired average gas mileage of new vehicles climbing due to the current reguirements of Corporate Average Fuel E conomy (CAFE), we must now concentrate on replacing 'gas guzzling' older vehicles with more efficient models. T he average gas mileage should be 15 miles per gallon, is produced and released, the anthro­ nants known or suspected to cause or higher, fo r any passenger vehicle pogenic causes of global warming and cancer (Office of E nvironmental to pass inspection. If one vehicle is climate change could be dramatically Health Hazard Assessment). When we pulled off the highway that is less ef­ reduced. A vehicle also produces acid­ breathe in these toxic contaminants, ficient than 15mpg, and the consumer ic emissions that can gather to form miniscule particles travel down our replaced it with a vehicle able to travel acid rain. Acid rain is rain with a pH esophagus and into our lungs, and 30 mpg, there would be a difference level between 4.2-4.4, rather than the they begin to cause maj or damage. of C02 emissions of over 367 grams normal 5.6ph level of rain. When this T hey can become lodged in the soft per mile driven (fueleconomy.gov) . rain falls it cannot damage human skin tissue in our lungs and from there According to the New York Times, but can des troy ecosystems, especially migrate into our bloodstream. T his the average vehicle is driven 165,000 marine or aguatic ones. Changing the air pollution can result in many and

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 78 various health complications besides unpredictability and immense debt citizen in their daily activities. In the cancer, including asthma, cardiovas­ accumulation, we have been presented end, the rich can only purchase and cular disease, and respiratory diseases. with this opportunity to bring our­ use so many vehicles. \X!ith more fuel It has also been linked to other health selves to an independent, efficient efficient vehicles, families would also problems. \Xie are not only harm- economic position. As a country we save on monthly gas, contributing ing ourselves by our actions, but would collectively save billions of to long-term savings. In addition, if also children even before their birth dollars each year, and each individual families still struggle with purchasing through their circulatory exchange would save as well. The extra money a new vehicle, the US government with their mothers. As Congress­ spent on purchasing a more efficient currently allows a $7 ,500 tax credit for woman Louis Slaughter said, "\Xie vehicle is an invesm1ent that would re­ the purchase of some qualifying elec­ have children coming into this world pay its owner hundreds of times over, tric and hybrid vehicles. This tax credit already polluted, at the same time we in ways ranging from monetary value lowers hybrid and electric vehicle don't know what the effects of that to health enhancements. costs for models such as the Chevy pollution will be on their mental and There are individuals who Volt to under $32,000, the average physical development." \,\lorldwide, believe that initiating a mandatory passenger vehicle cost, permitting for and especially in the United States, minimum fuel mileage requirement a more attainable purchase. we spend trillions of dollars treat- would only benefit the privileged in As you can see, the United States ing cancer, asthma and respiratory government should initiate a mini- diseases each year. Instead of spend­ ing so much on treatment, we should stop the initial development of these diseases. Simply, we need to stop pol­ luting! In 2013, about 134.51 billion gallons of gasoline were used in the United States, and around 40% of the petroleum consumed was imported (Environmental Protection Agency). If we mandated more fuel-efficient vehicles, our dependence on foreign fuel would largely decrease. If we bought fuel from inside the United States rather than importing it, we would keep the money inside our economy, benefiting from our gaso­ line usage rather than putting money into international markets. This would society because they are the only ones mum average gas mileage for the cause substantial internal economic able to buy newer, more efficient registry of passenger vehicles. If we stimulus as shown by the Fuel Free­ vehicles. This is largely due to average choose instead to ignore the issue, we dom Foundation, "Every dollar spent cost of new vehicles at $32,000. This will be left with an unhealthy popula­ on gasoline at the pump generates leads to the idea that only the rich can tion and an environmentally-damaged 40 cents of economic activity be­ afford to save the planet. Although planet. This is the time to start making cause most of that dollar goes to this is a valid point, if a specific fuel decisions to turn our fate around so pay foreign producers. Domestically mileage is required, this would give our children, and their future, are not produced fuels, on the other hand, vehicle companies incentive to pro­ affected by our poor decisions now! benefit from the multiplier effect duce cheaper and more fuel efficient Through our actions toda we affect with each dollar spent generating an vehicles. \Xlith cheaper, more efficient the future. \I: ill ou make our contri­ estimated three dollars in economic vehicles, everyone would be able to bution constructi' e or destructi' e? activity." \X!ith our current economic fulfill their duty as a pollution-aware

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 2 0 14 79 ATTENTION SHOPPERS~ ferent than conventional food in that nests, or do anything that is natural This Is My Voice they are healthier for animals, humans, and important to them. Most won't and the local economy. even feel the sun on their backs or \Xfe all know the mantra "treat breathe fresh air until the day they are others the way you want to be treat­ loaded onto trucks bound for slaugh­ Tyrell Floyd ed," but have you ever wondered if ter." This quote is just a brief descrip­ Science Center that rule applies to things rather than tion of how animals on conventional people? The way that farmers treat farms are treated, and it should make their animals on organic farms is you feel, as I did, uncomfortable con­ Have you ever wondered what considerably better than the way that cerning the treatment of animals in the word "organic" really means? T he conventional farms treat their animals. conventional farms. USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) defines the term or- ganic as "food that is produced using sustainable agricultural production practices," such as compost. Food that is not organic is referred to as conven­ tional. Organic meat, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hor­ mones, such as GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms). In addition, organic farms (also referred to as sus­ tainable farms) usually treat their ani­ mals with more care than conventional farms. Conventional farms are permit­ ted to use artificial pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and sewage sludge. When it comes to organic foods, only about four percent of Americans will buy them. Many say that "organic food is too expensive" and that "they can't tell the difference." In some respects this is true. Organic produce is too expen­ sive, and according to a recent study An article written by the People for On the contrary, some might conducted by the Annals of Internal the E thical Treatment of Animals say that just because the word "organ­ Medicine, there really isn't a measur­ (PETA) titled "Factory Farming: ic" is posted on a food item, it doesn't able difference in taste and there isn't Cruelty to animals" states that in con­ necessarily mean that the animals were much of a difference in the levels of ventional farms "animals are crammed treated well, it just means that they vitamins and minerals such as phos­ by the thousands into filthy, window­ weren't fed things that used artificial phorous and calcium, when compar­ less sheds and confined to wire cages, pesticides and treated with GMO.s. ing these two types of food. For these gestation crates, barren dirt lots, and In some cases this is true, but there reasons, the average American often other cruel confinement systems. are websites such as farmerspal.com decides not to buy organic food. I am These animals will never raise their where you can find local farms that do here to argue that organic food is dif- families, root around in the soil, build treat their animals well and as close to

OUR VOICES 2014 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 80 ATTENTION SHOPPERS the way that nature intended them to washing and peeling." Even though forced to increase the price of their be treated. The Florida Agricultural organic produce significantly reduces products. If we were to bu more Mechanical University claims, "An your pesticide and chemical intake, from organic farms, the competition organic livestock producer must create you should still wash your produce would increase, resulting in a decrease and maintain living conditions that (Sonya Lunder, a senior analyst with in the price of organic produce (Food accommodate natural behavior and the E nvironmental Working Group). & Water Watch. Factory farm nation: health of the animal. The living condi­ This evidence supports the idea that How America turned its li' es tock tions must include access to outdoors, conventional produce is unhealthier farms into factories). This evidence shade, shelter, fresh air, direct sunlight than sustainable produce. But it's not shows that bu ing organic food is bet­ suitable to the species, and access to just health that people worry about. ter for the local economy, because if pasture for ruminants." This state­ People are concerned for the well­ we were to buy more organic food the ment represents the rules for how being of the economy. price for organic food would decline sustainable farms are conducted and Buying organic edibles supports and the profits of our local econom) can help strengthen the trust between the growth of your local economy. would increase. farmer and buyer. \\!hen compared Chism, and Levins stated in "Farm Conclusi el], organic food is to conventional methods, you can see spending and local selling: How do advantageous to conventionall) man­ that sustainable farms are copiously they match up?" tl1at "sustainable aged food. Organic food is beneficial more suitable for animals. As the topic farms support local economies by for animals because they are treated is food, the thought has likely crossed providing jobs for members of the with respect and provided a genuine your mind about why conventional community and purchasing supplies living space to thrive. Organic pro­ produce supposedly pales in compari­ from local businesses." Organic food duce is not treated with pesticides, son with organic produce. is not filled with preservatives, which meaning that it is much healthier for Unlike conventional food, means it isn't suitable for interna­ us humans as well as anin1als. Also, organic food is not treated with pes­ tional shipping. The farmers' best the purchase of organic food aids ticides. As stated by the E nvironmen­ option is to sell their produce locally. the growth of your local economy by tal Protection Agency (EPA), "Out As a result of selling their food locally, providing jobs and by putting mone3 of the twenty-five most commonly more money will be available for the into the community. In the future used pes ticides, five are toxic to the use of the community. if people are to buy more organic nervous system, eighteen are harm­ However, some may argue, food, the prices would decrease, more ful to the skin, eyes and lungs, about as stated by Cassandra Potts, a lo- animals would be beaming with joy, half are composed of cancer-causing cal grocery shopper, that they don't and humans would be healtluer. Bu3 - chemicals, seventeen cause genetic buy organic foods because they are ing organic food is important to me damage, ten are harmful to reproduc­ too expensive. According to Melissa because I am a vegetarian and I take tive organs, and SL'l disrupt normal White Pillsbury, she is correct. Melissa seriously ilie treatment of animals and functions of hormones." This study stated, "The mean cost of organic believe that they should be giYen as clearly shows the hazards of conven­ items surveyed was 68 percent higher much care as humans. I also want to tional food. than non-organic." This evidence ensure a healthier future and stronger Contradictory to this evidence, might lead you to think that buying economy for the human race. \re you others may say that the solution to conventional food is better because going to be a bystander to the millions the present pesticides is to wash the it is cheaper; that is not the case. The of animals who arc being ph) sicall produce before you consume it, but reason that organic food is highly and emotionally abu ed? Do you the USDA, specifies that "of the priced is because there aren't as many care about your health? Do you care top twelve most commonly eaten organic farms when compared to the about your economy? If o, buy produce, up to ninety percent was amount of conventional farms. This orgaruc. contaminated by pesticides, even after means that the organic farmers are

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