Volume 5 • Issue 2 www.threesixtyjournalism.org May–June 2014

$1

Minnesota Teens Report Stories & Issues That Matter a lifelong journey The road to religious understanding is complicated—especially for teens who are only beginning to examine their personal faith n Pages 14–23

Self(ie) esteem Smile! Pout! Teens can’t stop mugging for their smartphones n Page 6

Making ends meet The stigma of being homeless is tough but not insurmountable n Page 12

Illustration by Kimberly Martinez Volume 5 • Issue 2

Frequently asked questions

What is ThreeSixty Journalism? How did ThreeSixty Journalism start? Writers in this issue Simone Cazares, St. Paul Conservatory for ThreeSixty Journalism is a youth journalism program The program began as the Urban Journalism Workshop Performing Artists • Ellie Colbert, Washburn HS • Dillan DeGross, of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of in 1971. UJW provided basic journalism training to FAIR School Minneapolis • Hannah Gordon, Washburn HS • Nichelle St. Thomas. The non-profit program is committed to Minnesota high school students, particularly low- Heu, Harding HS • Aamino Hirmoge, Harding HS • Deborah Honore, helping Minnesota teens tell the stories that matter in income and minority teens, at summer camps at the Bloomington John F. Kennedy • Katia Kozachok, DeLaSalle HS • Madie their lives and communities. University of Minnesota. In 2001, the program moved to Ley, Elk River HS • Frederick McConnell, St. Paul Conservatory for What is ThreeSixty’s mission? the University of St. Thomas and became a year-round Performing Artists • Shay Radhakrishnan, Math and Science Academy program with a full-time staff. ThreeSixty’s mission is to bring diverse voices into • Alexis Reaves, Blake Upper School • Elena Renken, St. Paul Central journalism and related professions and to using intense, What’s the name ThreeSixty Journalism mean? HS • Lana Rubinstein, River Falls HS • Maya Shelton-Davies, River Falls personal instruction in the craft and principles of In 2006, the program’s name changed to ThreeSixty HS • Amolak Singh, Nova Classical Academy • Amira Warren-Yearby, journalism to strengthen the literacy, writing skills and Journalism to reflect the program’s growth and the St. Louis Park HS • Ninis Widyaningrum, Lakeville South HS • Danielle college-readiness of Minnesota teens. range of backgrounds among the students we serve. Wong, Eastview HS • Thomas Wrede, Cretin-Derham Hall • Gabie Yang, Forest Lake Area HS • Mina Yuan, Wayzata HS Whom do you serve? We are interested in telling stories from all parts of our community, using a variety of media tools, including ThreeSixty Journalism directly serves more than 100 Illustrators in this issue words, photos, illustrations and video. Kimberly Martinez, Harding HS • Minnesota high school students each year via after- Mina Yuan, Wayzata HS school classes, weekend workshops, school partnerships, How can I get involved? individual coaching and summer journalism camps. To inquire about our magazine or submit ideas, Publisher: Lynda McDonnell About half the students served come from low- essays, photos and artwork, email them to info@ income homes and more than 60 percent come from threesixtyjournalism.org or contact Editor Thomas Editor: Thomas Rozwadowski communities of color. We serve thousands more via our Rozwadowski at [email protected]. Design Consultant: Diana Boger writing contests, print publications and website— To arrange classroom visits, contact Community Community Outreach Editor: Katie Johnson www.threesixtyjournalism.org. Outreach Editor Katie Johnson at katie.johnson@ stthomas.edu or Executive Director Lynda McDonnell at Administrative Assistant: Tyanna Dickerson [email protected]. Editorial offices Mail 5057, 2115 Summit Ave. St. Paul MN 55105 651-962-5282 for minnesota teachers [email protected] ✁ Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. ThreeSixty is grateful to the following individuals who donate If you would like to receive ThreeSixty free of charge four times a year, send the following information to their time and expertise to the success of the program: [email protected].

Name ThreeSixty Journalism Board of Advisors Brian Bellmont, Bellmont Partners Public Relations • Sue Campbell, Twin Cities Public School Television • David Cazares, Minnesota Public Radio • Dennis McGrath, McGrath Buckley Communications Counseling • Dr. Dina Gavrilos, School phone and extension ( ) Number of copies (30 minimum) University of St. Thomas • Dr. Kristie Bunton, University of St. Thomas Email • Mike Burbach, St. Paul Pioneer Press • Doug Hennes, University of St. Thomas • Duchesne Drew. Star Tribune • Lida Poletz, Weber Shandwick Address • Scott Libin, Internet Broadcasting • Sara Pelissero, WCCO-TV

City, State, Zip Ex officio member Dr. Terence Langan, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, University of St Thomas To get an individual subscription through the mail, send a $25 check for one year (four issues) to: Marketing coordinator, ThreeSixty Journalism, 2115 Summit Ave., Mail 5057, St. Paul, MN 55105 Major supporters include our advertisers, donors and Please include your name, address and email address. the following organizations Carl & Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation • Bremer Foundation • Best Buy Children’s Foundation • University of St. Thomas • Gannett Foundation • Dow Jones News Fund • Carlson Companies • Comcast • KSTP-TV • Google • Star Tribune • Mall of America

2 threesixtyjournalism.org the Religion issue Some are comfortable defining are often steeped in their own sense themselves at an early age. Others are of religious independence. When content searching for the answers in did faith become personal? Why do adulthood. If the answers ever come, specific rules or traditions matter? Or that is. That’s the beauty of religious do they simply follow Christianity, or discussion: The only certainty is, well Islam, or Hinduism, or atheism—you … uncertainty. Even those firmly name it—because of parental or peer entrenched in their faith can’t claim influence? In this package of stories to know exactly what will happen in and essays, several ThreeSixty writers the future, while those who openly examine the significance of personal question the logic and reasoning behind religious belief readily acknowledge the faith, and how—even with its myriad question marks—religion continues to shape unexplainable enormity of the world around them. For teens, the biggest questions today’s generation of young believers. n Pages 14-23

Send comments to contents May/June ThreeSixty Journalism Send your letters to ThreeSixty Selfie expression: Journalism at 2115 Summit Ave., 6 Thanks to smartphones and social media, teens are committed n 6 Mail 5057, St. Paul, MN. 55105, to capturing every moment—especially ones involving their own face. or comment online at www. Shining stars: A humble initiative by one South Minneapolis mother from Ghana aims threesixtyjournalism.org to help young girls feel better about their self-image and self worth. n 7 You can also join ThreeSixty Journalism’s Facebook fan Sweet sounds of summer: An often-overlooked music genre takes center stage in St. Paul as page or follow us on Twitter@ the Twin Cities Jazz Festival kicks off three days of local artistry. n 9 ThreeSixtyMN @16 with Chris Coleman: The St. Paul mayor cruised to his recent re-election, but in his spare Connect with us online time, he prefers to cruise on his bike through the much-beloved “city of neighborhoods.” n 10

Homeless, not helpless: The challenges are tough, but for several young people experiencing personal setbacks, overcoming homelessness is not an impossible task. n 12

Thank you Finance YourTurn contest winners: In an emotional moment, it’s easy to type a snarky response. 28 & Commerce This month’s essay winners share their best social media advice. n 24 The print version of ThreeSixty Don’t stop … Beliebing? Journalism magazine will be Growing up sometimes means shedding childhood friends, or in this n 27 published four times during the case, saying goodbye to celebrity inspiration-turned-paparazzi punchline Justin Bieber. 2013-2014 school year. Finance Home stage advantage: When an opportunity didn’t exist for Asian Americans to invest in & Commerce in Minneapolis local theater, Mu Performing Arts created a community to be proud of. n 28 has donated printing of the publication. We are grateful for Thinking outside the batter’s box: Beyond balls and strikes, there’s a unique promotions this generous gift. game to be played as the St. Paul Saints open their final season at Midway Stadium. n 30

An isolated existence: If autistic teens had their way, they might never leave the basement. Two local students share their daily struggles and personal challenges. n 31

May / June 2014 3 Letter from the publisher

wear the hijab. End of an era Each had been stung by others’ assumptions. But something more important happened that day. As One favorite memory from Lynda they watched one another detail the childhood is of Thanksgiving feasts McDonnell slights they’d suffered, some recog- at my grandmother’s. Her little house Publisher, nized that they make unfair assump- fragrant with the smells of home- ThreeSixty tions of their own. A few saw how made pie and roasting turkey. Her Journalism they let others’ stereotypes—that We’re incredibly thrilled and extremely proud to announce that senior wide table crowded with generations high-achieving black kids are “acting reporter Deborah Honore is this year’s recipient of the ThreeSixty of aunts and uncles, cousins and declares, “This is harder than school.” white,” for example—limit them. Scholarship. Deb, a senior at Bloomington Kennedy High School, siblings. My grandmother proudly I smile again when they graduate In a few weeks. I’ll retire from receives a full-tuition, renewable scholarship to study journalism and presenting bowl after bowl of steam- and tell us what they learned from ThreeSixty Journalism. I leave with communications at the University of St. Thomas beginning next fall. ing food, then taking her place at ThreeSixty Journalism: To write deep gratitude for the chance to do A 2013 Intermediate Journalism Camp graduate, Deb is the 11th the head of the table and bowing her clearly, think critically and be more this work and eagerness to dis- ThreeSixty alum to receive this remarkable award from St. Thomas. head for grace. curious about the world. cover how to use the new freedom To learn more about the ThreeSixty scholarship, visit www.threesixty When I look back at my 12 years I hope they also learn that no one that retirement allows. I’ll take my journalism.org/scholarship. leading ThreeSixty Journalism, is immune from making assumptions cues from comments that Nannerl a similar picture comes to mind. and judging too quickly, especially Keohane, a former college president, Not culinary feasts, mind you. We when it comes to people who are dif- made to college freshman a few Don’t limit yourself to the comfort- become a shrunken and dimin- consume far more Davanni’s and ferent from us. years back. able, the familiar, to your private ished self.” Chipotle than haute cuisine. On MLK Day back in January, Her advice is worth sharing: ambitions, to people like you. On holidays, I pull out the glass It’s been a banquet nonetheless. more than 20 ThreeSixty writers Stretch yourself. Take some risks. “You must see it as part of your bowl my grandmother used to In a society that divides people so and their friends came to our office self-interest and your moral duty serve cranberry sauce. In the spirit insistently—by age, neighborhood, at St. Thomas to document “micro- to play your part in society, to of my grandmother, I recommend income, skin color, IQ, nationality, aggressions”—words or actions that give something of yourself away to this: Spread your table with good religion—ThreeSixty has worked slighted them in some way based on others who are in need, to help sus- food and a lively mix of guests. Ask hard to make space for everyone at race or ethnicity. Each student wrote tain the common structures that good questions. Listen closely to the table, to honor all perspectives their microaggression on a white- make up our public life,” Keohane their answers. And be prepared to and to support excellence. board and recorded a video explain- said. “If you fail to do this, you will be surprised. Year after year, we’ve pushed ing what they’d written. teens to get out of their heads and The Chinese girl is a brainiac. The into the world to ask questions, black guy is a gangster. The white check facts, test assumptions and girl is a rich snob. The Hispanic teen seek alternate points of view. is illegal. The guy in the turban is a I always smile when a new writer terrorist. The Muslim girl is forced to

Whether receiving flowers at the annual ThreeSixty fall fundraiser (top), helping students with reporting, editing and life advice, or overseeing the 2003 class of attendees at the then-Urban Journalism Workshop (right), Lynda McDonnell has been the heart and soul of ThreeSixty Journalism at St. Thomas.

4 threesixtyjournalism.org The silence was so complete Enjoy the silence that I didn’t notice a deer less than two feet off the trail, just Saying goodbye to adolescence walking through the woods, means finding a new source of solitude paying no attention to me.

It’s unusually warm for a wolves. But this deer hadn’t run away mid-April jog, and to my surprise Madie Ley from me like the others. She was I find the snow to be completely Elk River walking alongside the path, exploring melted on Woodland Trails. I set off High School the thick snow just as I was. I initially with an extra spring in my step. A raised my camera—after all, how woman passes by with her baby in a often will I get this close to a deer in stroller. We make eye contact. I nod, became my own personal Room this type of scenery? she smiles, we move on. of Requirement. Although I didn’t But the opportunist photographer These silent exchanges are com- know it then, the trails would in me was held back by her gaze— monplace. A secret agreement is become everything I needed, and those huge, dark, frightened eyes. made in the trails not to disturb one the only place where I could get it. She was a friend, not a photo-op. I another. We are all here for our own Woodland Trails became my sanctu- wasn’t going to interrupt her by set- reasons. ary, the only place I had in my life ting off a click and flash. For as long as I can remember where I didn’t have to worry about We are all here for our own living in Elk River, I’ve been coming being disturbed. reasons. to the trails. Back then, I was kinder- The trail system was developed As I leave for college in the fall, garten-age—wide-eyed and possess- from a grant given to the city of it will be a bittersweet goodbye to my tranquil shelter. I have developed ing an eternal urge to explore. Once Elk River, and includes one main Madie Ley my family and I discovered the trail trail stretching about five miles. The snow-covered woods in Elk River allowed for quiet contemplation during a deep connection to these woods. system connected to our neighbor- Numerous paved and unpaved trails Madie Ley’s hectic high school moments. They have seen me at my best and hood, we began taking regular bike branch off of it to cover 340 acres of worst. They have watched me grow rides down the old railroad grade, woods and wetlands. During most on my bike, hands shaking and head ventured out to the trails with a into who I am today—from the lost, paved over with smooth asphalt. seasons, the trail is enclosed in a spinning, trying to escape from the camera, my yellow lab Cooper, and a adventurous girl riding purple train- On one particularly memorable tunnel of trees, completely blocking type of fights that left friendships predicted snowfall of up to 10 inches. ing wheels to the confident, strong, ride, I decided to go off on my own, off the surrounding neighborhoods hanging by a single thread. I learned As we trekked through the gather- still adventurous person I’ve become. only to get turned around in a mas- and roads. In winter, the tunnel that not only could I break loose ing blizzard, the snow blocked out Sure, I’m afraid of feeling lost sive maze of trails. Luckily, a police- shrinks, as the trees buckle under the from my problems, but also assess all noise. The only thing I could hear without my safe spot, my quiet man riding an all-terrain vehicle weight of the snow, further conceal- them with a clearer, more organized was the soft jingle of my dog’s collar reprieve from daily life. I’m also con- found me and helped me find my ing the area. thought process. The serenity and off in the woods. The silence was so sidering a scenario in which I won’t way back to the group. As I grew into myself more and scenery became a drug that I always complete that I didn’t notice a deer feel lost at all, but reaching a point Looking back on that day, I find discovered my craving for alone time felt safe overdosing on. I started less than two feet off the trail, just where I no longer need that haven to it incredibly coincidental that I came in nature, the frequency of these bringing a camera with me, trying walking through the woods, paying calm down. across a police officer. Sure, young trail visits increased dramatically. to capture the beauty and peace no attention to me. Beginning college is opening a kids get lost all the time and eventu- When I entered the tumultuous and that overwhelmed me. Yet pictures I have always come across new chapter in my life, and that can ally find their way back to their chaotic world of middle school and couldn’t come close. animals on the trails—deer, foxes, be scary, overwhelming and unfamil- families. But in my thirteen-odd high school, I was taking weekly bike One night in early February, I bunnies and owls. I’ve even heard iar. But I know that, just like leaving years on the trails, I have only once rides, walks with my dog, or long, my family and my home, I can always come across a policeman—during a exhausting runs through the park. come back once in awhile. time when I needed help finding my It was the perfect place to escape Do you have a special place or routine to help you deal think way home. school stress, disagreements between with the pressures of high school? How will that be affected Madie Ley will be studying journal- spot I’ve always found what I needed friends and family, or a foggy, con- once you leave for college? ism and communications at the on these trails. Essentially, they flicted mind. Many times I’ve set out University of St. Thomas in fall.

May / June 2014 5 Selfie expression

Today’s teen captures every moment— especially ones involving their own face

In a classic Greek myth, a prideful hunter named Narcissus is Elena Renken so enthralled by his own reflection St. Paul Central that he admires it for days. Unable High School to abandon the sight of himself— even to acquire food—this obses- Elena Renken sion with his own image eventually to young people. By taking and Above: Group selfie time! Students at Left: Lydia Xiong, a junior at St. Croix causes his demise. uploading selfies to social media, St. Paul Central High School snap a Preparatory Academy, shares one of And he didn’t even have a teens acquire likes, comments and quick pic of their latest shenanigans the typical selfie poses teens post to smartphone. exposure. Selfies also allow teenag- inside the classroom. their numerous social media feeds. “Selfie”—short for self-portrait ers to document their activities and photograph—was Oxford English become the center of conversation. the first selfie and hold down the key glorify yourself and all of that.” Dictionary’s “word of the year” for “As teenagers, we think the whole and watch myself kind of subtly grow It’s not really surprising that 2013. Social media makes it easy to world revolves around us,” said up,” said Ruth Foster, a junior at St. adults don’t always appreciate see why. Lydia Xiong, a junior at St. Croix Paul Central High School, who stores selfies the way teens do, said Niall With the advent of front-facing Preparatory Academy. “Sometimes several selfies on her computer. Ingaldson, a freshman at St. Anthony

cameras on newer iPhones and other when you take selfies, it’s not just Selfies can also be reassuring Submitted Village High School. devices, it has become more conve- you posing and looking cute. It’s and grounding for teens battling “They don’t understand because nient than ever to snap a picture of sometimes you and your friends just self image issues. It’s another reason uses spoken word lyrics like, “Oh my when they were our age, they didn’t yourself and post it to social media. hanging out and you want to record for their popularity: They give teens God, Jason just texted me. Should have the technology to take a picture Twitter and Instagram feeds are your experience.” power over the way they present and I go home with him? I guess I took of themselves. Even if you took a flooded with selfies—whether it’s view themselves, Xiong said. a good selfie” to mock its intended picture of yourself, you couldn’t see teens pouting, making silly faces or CAPTURING THE MOMENT “I like being able to manipulate audience. The song also highlights yourself as you were taking it,” he said. hugging their friends as they photo- At the Oscars in March, Ellen how I look,” she said. “When other the use of selfies for flirting and Amanda Adams, a history teacher graph themselves. DeGeneres snapped a celebrity- people take pictures of me, I don’t attention seeking, and the music at Eagan High School and the leader According to a February 2014 packed selfie that accumulated more know how it’s going to turn out.” video bombards viewers with selfies of the Minnesota History Center’s survey by the Pew Research Center than three million retweets—an all- Added Foster: “I like being able splashing across the screen. Teen Advisory Council, doesn’t in Washington D.C., 55 percent time record for Twitter. That photo to … control images that are taken of Despite the way it portrays selfie- see selfie culture as “vindictive or of Millennials (ages 18 to 29) have is not only documentation of a major me. A lot of that is born out of self- takers, “#Selfie” landed on Billboard. malevolent.” posted a selfie to a social media site. event, it’s a representation of our consciousness about my appearance, com’s Hot 100 list. Rather, today’s youth have a Older generations don’t get any- modern era. or about how I should look or want “Of course people would make mastery of technology that allows where close to that number. Any teenager who takes a selfie to look.” fun of a way for teen girls to capture them to be expressive in a fun way. If With such an enormous group is capturing a moment in time and their own agency and take hold of adults had been able to do the same of teen and Millennial selfie-takers, recording his or her personal history. selfish selfies? their own image,” Foster said. as teens, “we certainly would have,” there is something about the phe- “Whenever I would feel bad about With selfie overload crowding the Or as Pamela Rutledge, a she said. nomenon that specifically appeals myself, I would just scroll back to social media landscape—and as psychologist and director of the “The selfie phenomenon is Oxford displayed, influencing our Media Psychology Research Center certainly reflective of the age in language choices—perhaps it was in Boston, recently told the Star which we live. I think it’s definitely a inevitable that scorn and judgment Tribune: (Selfies) “violate some of trend or a sign of the youth culture,” think How many selfies do you average in a given week? Month? would surround the trend. those Protestant work ethic kind Adams said. “It’s about them and spot Is it simple self-expression or annoying narcissism? “#Selfie,” a parody song released of values, how you’re not supposed about their perspective and what in January by The Chainsmokers, to brag and you’re not supposed to they’re doing right now.”

6 threesixtyjournalism.org Shining stars

A humble initiative aims to help young girls feel empowered Staff Being a teenager sucks. A group of teen and tween girls talk about female role models with Stargirl Initiative workshop leader Dana Suttles (far left) Shay during a recent get-together at Pearl Park Community Center in Minneapolis. Being a teenage girl sucks more. Radhakrishnan While it’s true that problems Math and facing the average teen always Science aren’t confident enough because they believes they aren’t nearly African-American, and seem huge to them—yet petty to Academy lack representation. The standard of as empowered as young even expressed an inter- adults—getting good grades, finding beauty is twisted by showing only a boys. est in cutting it. a job, landing leadership roles and “Like, how would you define “few types of women.” “At this age, all girls The goal, Kaba said, bulking up extracurriculars in order what’s beauty for you?” “The media doesn’t really show a talk about is boys, boys is to focus on those to impress colleges comprise a fairly lot of diversity either,” Suttles said. and boys,” Nguyen said. conversations through intimidating list. CREATING COMMUNITY Kaba is testing the waters, so “When I talk to some monthly workshops that But socially, a teenage girl has Kaba grew up without electricity, let to start she gathered several of her boys and ask them what engage young girls. Or to confront all of that while battling alone a TV, in Ghana. The “it takes a 13-year-old daughter Yayra’s friends the most important thing as one Stargirl sign at the hormones. And watching as those village” mentality guided her child- on a recent Saturday morning at to them is, they’ll say Ethelind Kaba meeting said: Let them insecurities potentially turn them hood, one mostly spent outdoors. Pearl Park Community Center in sports or academics. So “experience the power of into the butt of everyone’s jokes. If she would act up while outside Minneapolis. The small group dis- they’re actually shooting for some- being a girl.” What’s self-esteem if you don’t the home, Kaba said other adults cussed what made them feel power- thing. They have a different focus.” “Human beings, we tend to be have a clear face? Why is everything would “whoop me before even ful and comforted. They wrote about very reactionary. ‘Hey, here’s a prob- so hyper-sexualized? How can you consulting with my mother. They just what they wanted to become. EMBRACING GIRL POWER lem.’ But this is more, ‘Hey, let’s try stand to be alone when everyone took responsibility for every person While gathered in a circle around One of Kaba’s guiding themes to the to prevent it,’” Kaba said. seems to be dabbling in dating in the community.” two life-sized outlines of human Stargirl group is that “you have to “Why are all these issues hap- already? “Here, it’s not that way. Even if my bodies, they filled its interior with find your own beauty.” pening? You look at a decline in self- This is what set Ethelind Kaba to daughter has friends over and they words like “confidence” and “beauty.” For instance, when Yayra had a esteem—eating disorders, teen preg- start Stargirl Initiative, a community do something, I’m almost afraid to They also wrote in smaller type the difficult phase where she wanted nancies, now girls aren’t graduating outreach group that strives to build say, ‘Hey, that’s not OK.’ I’m almost words they struggle with—among to grow her hair out and straighten from high schools as much. Why are self-esteem in young girls. afraid to scold them,” Kaba said. them, “insignificant” and “ugly.” it, Kaba stressed that she should all these problems happening? Let’s Kaba—a South Minneapolis “One of my daughter’s friends was Another activity involved the embrace her uniqueness. Yayra even- try to get some of these girls here to mother of three, including two sending text messages that I thought girls picking female role models they tually settled on being comfortable talk about these issues before there’s daughters—said that while parents (contained) inappropriate language, identified with, including Lakshmi with her own hairstyle as a young a problem.” can try to give their kids the best and I called the mother. But I’m afraid (the Hindu goddess of prosperity), family experience, the outside world to say, ‘Hey, maybe you shouldn’t do Maat (the Egyptian goddess of truth) influences how young girls feel about that’ to the girl. There’s not a sense of and rapper Lauryn Hill. The meeting Strong voices themselves. Female images on televi- community, at least not the way I was ended with yoga to promote a posi- sion and in magazines, especially, are raised (in). It’s very individualistic.” tive body image. Carlson, an international travel and beyond her control. Kaba needed support, but she “Sometimes I feel insecure about hospitality company based in Minnetonka, “I started thinking, ‘How can I couldn’t find it from any existing myself, but I try to overcome that,” is committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation and create this community where girls groups in the Twin Cities. Since most Yayra said after the meeting. “And I trafficking. The firm trains all employees in its hotels to recognize are … not really bothered by what’s are geared toward at-risk teens, Kaba want to feel powerful about myself.” and report suspicious activity. happening or what the media wants reached out to Dana Suttles, a youth Lan Anh Nguyen, mother of As part of its commitment to protecting women and children, them to do?’ So they don’t think, facilitator at Amicus, to brainstorm 16-year-old Destiny, a Stargirl par- Carlson is supporting ThreeSixty Journalism’s coverage related to the ‘Oh, I want to wear these super tight about Stargirl—which is named after ticipant from Hopkins High School, empowerment of young women during the 2013-14 school year. We leggings because everyone else is the book “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli. said it’s important that girls be told are deeply grateful for this support. wearing them,’” Kaba said. Suttles said she believes that girls early to aim for bigger goals. She

May / June 2014 7 All in the family tree

Digging into the long-forgotten past can reveal a lot about your present

Preserved Fish. Angus Pattie. Mina Yuan Perhaps they both sound like food. Wayzata High

Except Preserved Fish and Angus School Staff Pattie are the names of real people. J.H. Fonkert, a certified genealogist from Roseville, stays connected to his past—and the pasts of others—through his And while Fish may have thought it work on numerous genealogy boards. rather ironic that his name matched discover a good story. The best are his occupation—a whaleboat cap- not only interesting to tell, but also 132-page book called “The Seager few years. Fonkert also attributes but I think everyone needs to slow tain—he probably never thought reveal something about the person Families of Colonial New England.” the surge in popularity to “Who Do down and look to the past occasion- twice about the origin of his name or unraveling it. The book, about her dad’s side of the You Think You Are?”—an American ally. What may happen in the future the story behind it. “There is an 84-page book that was family, dates back to the 1500s. television show that researched is important, but everyone can stop For many people, names are just written by my mom’s grandma. She “Inside, there is an article … titled the ancestry of celebrities like Jim and observe or learn something once words that are used to refer to each wrote about her life and the family ‘An Incident at Hartford.’ The article Parsons, J.K. Rowling and Sarah in awhile.” other. But to genealogist J.H. Fonkert, background,” said Annika Seager, goes into details about how one of Jessica Parker. “I think there are a lot of junior names mean far more than that. a Wayzata High School freshman. my ancestors from the 1600s was “The fact that there are commer- high and high school students who A former employee of the state “From the book I learned that almost convicted of witchcraft,” she said. cial companies out there thinking are genuinely interested, but they government, Fonkert was inspired every family member from that side It’s rare to have that much family there’s a large enough market to buy have a lot of other things on their to study family history profession- of my family has played or plays some information so readily available, advertisements is a sign of what’s minds. I don’t know how cool it ally thanks to his own last name. His type of instrument or sang. Fonkert said. Most people seeking happening,” Fonkert said. “And of would be coming out with your grandfather, a Swedish immigrant “I have studied the violin for long-forgotten information have course, that … reaches people who friends on a Friday night and saying, who came to Iowa in the early 1900s, several years without knowing that to continue to the next step, which are sitting at home who have never ‘Oh, I was doing my genealogy last died when Fonkert was only in I come from a long line of musi- often involves scanning the govern- thought of it before.” night,’ ” Fonkert said, laughing. seventh or eighth grade—leaving the cians. Music has always been very ment census that is taken once every While genealogy might not be rest of the family wondering about important to me. It has always felt as ten years. OLD VERSUS NEW able to compete with Instagram for his immigration. though it’s a part of me, while it actu- Fonkert also suggests ancestry. While a spike in genealogical interest the attention of today’s teen, Fonkert “When my mother died, I dis- ally is a part of me.” com, a popular online database has had an impact on retirees from stressed that learning about family covered a box of old letters that had containing family trees, as a starting the Baby Boom generation, for teens, history can have a deeper impact for been written from my grandfather’s ROAD TO POPULARITY place for beginners. it still appears to be buried history. all ages. family back in Sweden to him in As professional genealogists know, “Most people, unless they’re “I think a lot of teens are just “I actually think it makes people 1910,” Fonkert said. “There were all the path to defining family stories is really trying to solve a difficult not very appreciative of what their more appreciative of our differences these interesting things … a sort of not as short as some might believe. problem, can do this on their own,” families went through,” said Smita as a community. I think it increases mystery about where we came from.” The best place to start is the town Fonkert said. “After all, the fun is in Bhoopatiraju, a freshman at Wayzata people’s respect for another person Having tracked several where a family member lived. That’s doing it yourself … You look at the High School. “Many teens simply because you become aware that we quirky family histories—ranging where records (birth, death and cem- census record, and oh, there’s my don’t care, which I think is kind all brought different traditions and from his own probable seventh etery) are stored, Fonkert said. Family great-grandfather.” of pathetic. Too many people are histories with us,” Fonkert said. cousin, Princess Margriet of the Bibles or stories passed down orally The mere existence of ancestry. wrapped up in social media and their “And yet here we are, all together. Netherlands, to a client with an ax from generations are also helpful. com and other online databases own personal lives, which doesn’t We are all on the same boat. We murderer as a great-grandfather— For her personal backstory, points to an enormous change in allow people to find out new things. are all Americans. We are all Fonkert said genealogy fans love to Seager was able to reference a the genealogy industry over the last “I hate to go all philosophical, Minnesotans.”

8 threesixtyjournalism.org Sweet sounds of summer

For three days, jazz takes center stage at a signature St. Paul event

For jazz fans and musicians Simone Cazares alike, summer means the arrival of St. Paul the highly anticipated Twin Cities Conservatory Jazz Festival. Founded in 1998, the for Performing free festival takes place June 26 to Artists 28 at Mears Park in the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul. expand and hire more musicians

“There’s something about St. Paul over the years. Simone Cazares and jazz in the summer that just That’s good for local musicians Chris Bates performs on the main stage at the 2013 Twin Cities Jazz Festival, an important showcase for local jazz go together so well,” said teen jazz like Twin Cities bassist Chris Bates. musicians. The annual festival in St. Paul’s Mears Park draws about 30,000 people. pianist Will Kjeer. “There’s so much With locals making up about 75 music to pick from at any given time percent of the festival roster, Bates because … you get more people laughing. “It’s true that jazz audi- “It’s kind of coming back around, during the weekend, and finding has noticed that more available gigs coming to check it out who wouldn’t ences are smaller, but that doesn’t where 16 to 20-something year-olds exactly what you want isn’t difficult.” means less competition—allowing have otherwise taken a chance if they mean it doesn’t appeal to people are actually paying attention to jazz,” Thanks to donations and grants the artists to come together as a had to pay.” when they hear it. It just doesn’t get Drew said. from various art boards such as the community. The extra funds also give aspiring the same level of exposure that obvi- That’s something Bates knows all City Star, the Legacy Fund and the “I think that’s a big deal for jazz musicians like Kjeer the chance ously a lot of other music does.” too well. State Arts Board, the festival has the people who run it,” Bates said. to play in a festival setting. Bates has seen a build-up in audi- “I know there were a lot of kids been able to remain free, as well as “I think they want to keep it free “Being able to share the stage with ences because of the jazz festival, when I was in high school who didn’t such established artists is definitely with the exposure in summer helping know (about jazz). It was the same very cool,” Kjeer said. “It’s a great artists expand their reach. story. They haven’t heard the music. See ’em live thing that I can listen to a national “In the summer, (audiences are) They don’t have a perspective on group play in Mears Park and then huge because you can be outside at that,” he said. The 16th annualTwin Cities Jazz Festival takes place from June 26 to 28 immediately go perform at a nearby 9 p.m. and it’s nice out,” he said. “It’s “But I know … people who have at Mears Park in the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul. Each year, stage, which may then attract the a good way to grow an audience … been out of high school for almost about 30,000 people attend. same crowd.” because you have the talent and a 25 years talk to me and are like, ‘That Headliners at the free festival include Grammy-winning vocalist really great band with great energy. CD you put out was really great.’ Dianne Reeves and jazz master saxophonist Branford Marsalis. You can BUILDING AN AUDIENCE You can play on a lot of different And it’s something that I put out 15 also see Will Kjeer and Chris Bates at the following times: Although Minnesota’s jazz scene stages. People can enjoy that music, years ago. I don’t sound anything like n Kjeer performs with the Dakota Combo at the Dakota Foundation has been named one of the best in who maybe haven’t heard it before. that anymore, and they talk about for Jazz Education, Prince Street Stage, at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28. the country by national publica- Especially younger audiences.” how they still listen to that and feel n Bates performs at the Mears Park Stage with Atlantis Quartet at tions, the genre doesn’t get as much connected to that band because it 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26 and at Red Planet at 4 p.m. Friday, June attention as rock and hip-hop— A NEW GENERATION represented a thing … that got them 27. Bates, along with other Twin Cities jazz musicians, will also be especially among young people. Youth involvement at the festival is passionate about art and creating.” debuting a piece written for Zeitgeist—a new music ensemble— Its declining numbers led to the essential, said Alden Drew, head of To encourage young musicians at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Studio Z. closing of one of the region’s most the Twin Cities Jazz Festival Board. breaking into jazz, the festival will For more information about the festival and artists, or to see full sched- well-known jazz venues, St. Paul’s For many young people, the festival have a Youth Stage where teens like ules, visit www.hotsummerjazz.com. Artist’s Quarter, in January. is the first time they’ve been exposed Kjeer can play. This year, he will “What numbers?” Bates said, to jazz. Jazz continued on page 25

May / June 2014 9 t’s almost cliché to say that St. Paul is the city of neighborhoods. But for longtime mayor Chris Coleman, this statement rings true to the city’s spirit. IHaving lived in various parts of St. Paul, Coleman knows the community like the back of his hand. The classic, historic and still changing aesthetic keeps him in the position he loves. While at Cretin High School (now Cretin-Derham Hall), serving as mayor of his hometown wasn’t even on Coleman’s radar. Yet having been mayor since 2006—winning his 2013 election by a landslide margin—Coleman said he couldn’t love his job or city more. By upholding characteristics like persistence, cooperation and leadership, Coleman said he prides himself on making St. Paul “the most livable city in America”—a slogan touted on the city’s official website. However, even Coleman knows there’s a long way to go. His primary issues to tackle in the next four years are the achievement gap and making St. Paul more environmentally friendly. With Coleman’s hard work and passion leading the charge, the idea of St. Paul being “the most livable city in America” is a lot easier to believe.

What were your high school years like? Maya I went to Cretin High School, so it Shelton-Davies River Falls was an all-boys military school. That High School was a little bit of an unusual experi- ence. And my parents had just gotten divorced, so we moved from the house I had grown up in to a house in there and thinking that I’d gone out in Como Park. It was kind of hard there myself. That area around West because all of my friends were in one 7th is very similar, a more working- area, and I was out in a different one. class neighborhood with bars and It was hard to adjust to that kind of restaurants. The nice thing about St. change, but you know, high school Paul is that it changes a little bit, but has its good points and its bad points, most neighborhoods have stayed so that definitely was true for me. fairly similar over the years.

What has changed about the What were you interested in area you grew up in? Is it any during high school? Would you different now? have been surprised by what you I grew up in a bunch of different parts ended up pursuing? of St. Paul. West 7th Street originally, I think I always knew that I wanted then the place where I went to first to do politics. I was always inter- grade and kindergarten is where my ested in politics because I grew up kids went to elementary school, so I in a very political family. I certainly still go into the room that I used to go never imagined being mayor. That 16 to class in. It was kind of funny going was not something I thought about. @ About this series This marks the seventh installment of ThreeSixty’s “@16” series, where w/Chris Coleman our teen writers interview Minnesota newsmakers and difference makers about life as a 16-year-old high school student. Who should we talk to next? E-mail [email protected] with your suggestions. Submitted

10 threesixtyjournalism.org But I had a teacher in sixth grade It’s critically important. I think who really helped me believe in Twitter has become one of the best, myself and said “you can be what- instantaneous sources of news. If ever you want to be,” so I decided it’s an election night, you know who early on I was going to go to law won immediately. Some people school. And then grew an interest in are concerned about the overuse politics. That was the easy part, fig- of social media, but I think of it as uring out what I wanted to do. Once an outlet for information that you I got there, it became harder. otherwise wouldn’t have access to. I think people should be more reliant Since you never envisioned being on the daily newspaper than they are, mayor, what was the path that even- but if I get up in the morning and I tually led you here? start reading tweets, I may get a link When my wife and I moved over to to an article online. People can get the west side, she got involved in lazy and rely too much on the 140 some neighborhood issues over in character tweets, but in the end it the Frogtown neighborhood, and we can be used pretty productively. lived there for eight years. I started getting more into neighborhood Submitted If you were to have one day to issues and city issues, as opposed to One of Chris Coleman’s favorite St. Paul pastimes is bike riding—and if he had a free day all to himself, it’s one of the ways yourself in St. Paul, how would you statewide issues. Then I realized that he’d start his morning in the much-beloved “city of neighborhoods.” organize it? the issues I was really interested in Oh, that’s hard. I would probably were city-based, and that I was very city council. I consider her a friend, know was directly impacting them. The Coleman file start off with a bike ride on some of passionate about the city of St. Paul. I and I think she has a really deep But because of the policies we’ve put the trails that we have, then I’d have decided I could do a lot more for the understanding of the fact that our in place, they’ve been helped out. breakfast at Mickey’s Diner. This way Profession: city as a city council member than region is better if the two cities are Talking to a mother whose child Mayor of St. Paul I can work off my Mickey’s breakfast Age: as a state legislator, so I ran for city very cooperative. And that’s what was able to go to an early childhood 52 before I even have it. Then, I’d go to High school: council and the rest is history. Rybak knew too, that when the cities kindergarten program because of a Cretin High (now an event at the Science Museum or work together instead of competing scholarship we gave out. Those are Cretin-Derham) the Children’s Museum. I might go Find ‘em: You’re very passionate about the city against each other, then it puts us in the stories I love hearing. On Twitter for a walk down the river or Summit of St. Paul. What part of the city has a better position to compete against @mayorcoleman Avenue, go to a Wild hockey game or Best advice for teenagers: had the biggest impact on you? other regions in the country and Another issue you’ve been at the a concert at the Xcel Energy Center. Each area has a distinct feel to it. across the globe. It’s really important forefront of is closing the achieve- “A path to success is not a Then lastly, I’d go back to Mickey’s. Maybe what makes me a better that the two cities work together ment gap. What drove you to pursue straight line. There will be a mayor is that I’ve lived in so many toward a common goal. It helped us this issue? lot of stops and starts in a lot What are some of your favorite res- different neighborhoods. I love the get the light rail line built, and we’re While a lot of kids in our city have of different directions. The taurants in St. Paul? historic charm. I love the fact that I going to continue to work together the tools they need to be successful number one thing that I say to It’s always hard to pick. I grew up can look out of my window and see with the new mayor as well. and are getting a great education, too people is to believe in yourself, going to Mancini’s, so I would go eagles flying above the Mississippi many of our children aren’t getting be persistent, and don’t let there. Skinner’s Pub has great pizza. River. St. Paul, it’s an accessible city, What has had the biggest impact on the same resources. Our dropout failure get you down. You also Every time I mention a restaurant, it’s charming and it has a big city feel you as you’ve continued to serve as rates are too high. The number of have to have a sense of humor.” there are like ten others I should to it and a small town feel to it all at mayor? kids failing classes, and the amount mention. It’s very dangerous for a the same time. I think just realizing the impact of kids not going to post-secondary mayor. There’s Blue Door on Selby. you can have on people’s lives. It’s schools like colleges and universi- big companies in the area, because There’s the St. Paul Grill. There are You and former Minneapolis mayor, something I feel like I understood ties, are too high. Now, it’s a moral if we aren’t training the workers or so many restaurants, and it’s my job R.T. Rybak, have maintained a great intellectually, but never emotionally. imperative that we create oppor- providing a good enough educa- as mayor to go to as many as I can, as relationship between the two cities. Then you come into this position tunities for people and close the tion, then these companies will go often as I can. What was the working relationship and realize how dependent people opportunity gap. It’s also important elsewhere. It’s important for a lot of like, and what are your future plans are on your understanding of their from the city’s standpoint that we different reasons. What’s the coolest thing you’ve with the new mayor, Betsy Hodges? challenges and how you can help. have trained workers, an educated ever done as mayor? I have a very good working rela- The best part of my job is when work force, and people that can take What do you think of social media I got to see Mick Jagger at the White tionship with Betsy. I knew her for people reach out to me to thank jobs in the 21st century economy. If and the role it plays in community House. That was pretty cool. I also many years when she was on the me for something that I didn’t even we don’t do that, it would be hard for outreach? got to meet Bruce Springsteen.

May / June 2014 11 NO PLACE TO GO her luck turned: She got a job and population compared to 24 percent Homeless, Young people become homeless for apartment with her boyfriend. of the overall population of teens and many reasons. But the man was abusive. young adults. That’s because people When volunteers from the Wilder “We (were) always fighting. He of color are more likely to be poor, not helpless Foundation interviewed homeless was always beating me up. I lost my unemployed and not doing well in youth in 2012, three in 10 said they job. I lost my apartment. I got a UD school, Gerrard said. Racism also were locked out, told to leave or were (unlawful detainer). So back on the plays a part, she added. fighting with parents or guardians. streets with my son.” Remarkably, most homeless The challenges are tough, but overcoming Another 12 percent said they weren’t Many young people who teens who are 17 or younger stay willing to live by their parents’ rules. become homeless face other in school. Wilder found that 69 homelessness is not impossible Many young people ultimately problems as well. Six out of 10 have percent had attended school the blamed their parents: 12 percent had a parent in prison. Nearly that day they were surveyed. The federal said their parents were using drugs many spent time in a foster home, McKinney-Vento Act of 1987 or alcohol or neglected the young group home or facility for young requires school districts to pro- Editor’s note: For privacy reasons, person’s basic needs. More than people with emotional or behav- vide transportation so that home- ThreeSixty Journalism is only using Thomas Wrede one in 10 said they didn’t feel safe ioral problems. More than half said less students can go back to their Cretin-Derham the first name of a teenage source in because of violence at home. And they had been neglected or abused original school even if they are living Hall this story. 11 percent said their family had lost physically or sexually as children. elsewhere. That access has helped their housing. Seven out of 10 suffered at least increase the number of homeless You are 19 years old, spend- “When we do a full interview, one of the following: Significant students in school, Gerrard said. ing a night in the bathroom of a local stopped going to school, you can’t we realize it’s a lot more complex,” mental illness, chronic physical “The kids really like to go to McDonald’s with your infant son. live here,” Shequita said. She got said Michelle Gerrard, research illness, substance abuse or signs of school,” she said. “It is a stable place There is nowhere else to go. No pregnant and moved in with her manager for the St. Paul foundation, traumatic brain injury. in their lives.” friend with an empty couch. No boyfriend. “And his mom, she was which conducts a statewide survey of Shequita returned to Como Park shelter bed. No home. like—she can’t stay here. So that’s homeless people every three years. MOSTLY MINORITIES High School after she left home. In It’s summer and the streets are how I was living out on the street, “It’s usually a combination of youth Wilder’s survey found that homeless fact, she earned her diploma in 2011, hot and bluntly dangerous. You are meeting people, new friends, staying and parents.” youth are disproportionally minori- a few weeks before D’Meer was born. not only looking out for yourself but at their houses. Doing anything to After D’Meer was born, Shequita ties. Young people of color make up She kept going because of him. your baby boy, as well. The night- get money to get by.” and her son lived in a shelter. Then 70 percent of the homeless youth “If you drop out, you don’t do time janitor comes in and tells you nothing,” she said. “What’s going to to leave. When you explain that you happen when the baby get here? You have no other place to go, the kind What can teens do to help peers? can’t get no job because you don’t custodian lets you stay. have no diploma.” You are weary. You are grateful. Here’s Michelle Gerrard’s advice: But since Shequita was moving You are in Shequita’s shoes. around so much, she didn’t pick up Shequita has worked with n Find someone who can talk to the teen, perhaps let her diploma until January 28, the day SafeZone, a St. Paul drop-in center them crash on the couch for a night. “Everyone knows she was interviewed by ThreeSixty. for homeless youth, since soon after someone who can use a friend.” She took it out of her backpack to she became homeless more than n Tell couch hoppers about available resources. A detailed proudly show it. three years ago. In January—as list of housing resources around Minnesota is available “It ain’t worth having if it ain’t two-year-old D’Meer jostled in at www.youthmovingforward.org/shelterhousing. worth working hard for,” Shequita her arms—the now 21-year-old St. n Volunteer to help clean and organize clothes at drop-in said. She planned to take the bus to her Paul woman sat in SafeZone and centers and shelters. Or offer to babysit children while mother’s home that day to show her. explained how she became one of homeless parents get help. Like Shequita, 58 percent of an estimated 4,000 Minnesota youth n Advocates for homeless youth support higher wages homeless young adults—ages 18 to between 14 and 21 who are home- and other changes in public policy as ways to help 21—have a high school degree or less on an average day. Like her, 29 teens and families support themselves. For more infor- GED. But it’s still hard to get a job percent of them have children of mation, visit www.mnhomelesscoalition.org. and make a living, especially when their own. For a list of Twin Cities resource centers helping homeless you’re homeless. When employers For Shequita, homelessness began youth, click on these stories at threesixtyjournalism.org. are hiring, they prefer people who when she stopped going to school— —Daniela Garcia, Edina High School have reliable transportation and which her mother would not allow. Staff housing, Gerrard said. “That was the house rule: If you Shequita with her son, D’Meer Homeless continued on next page

12 threesixtyjournalism.org young people record where they’ve welcomes visitors with symbols Shelter from been staying and which kind of ser- of various religions, “welcome” vices they need. written in many languages and Near the front desk, bright post- portraits of various ethnicities and the storm ers on a bulletin board advertise cultures. On the mural’s right edge, SafeZone’s clinic services, like nurse the artist wrote goals—ranging practitioners and social workers. from getting a GED to owning a Others emphasize safe sex and the house. Other inspirational sayings

SafeZone in St. Paul gives homeless importance of consent. Staff include, “I am black and proud,” “If SafeZone’s rules are posted on you’re not real to yourself, you’re youth the tools to get back on their feet the walls, reminding the clients to teens and young adults set goals and not real to others,” and “Homeless, respect others and the SafeZone find housing, training and other help not hopeless.” property, as well as nearby busi- they need. Behind the mural are a laundry nesses and neighbors. As the sign “He instantly gave me a log,” room and private bathrooms, each Editor’s note: For privacy reasons, reads, “SafeZone is a community.” Shequita said. “You got to call jobs. with a shower, sink and toilet. A ThreeSixty Journalism is only using Katia Kozachok “You need interview clothes. You got to call shelters. Once I kitchen serves one hot meal and the first names of teenage sources in DeLaSalle High They give you the resources to get started to do it, I was getting results.” sandwiches. Bins overflow with this story. School interview clothes. State ID. Diploma. Denise Smieja, director of home- donated jeans and jackets. Birth certificate. They do all the less youth programs for Face to In the education center, a cheery, If you weren’t looking for SafeZone, stepping stones that you need,” said Face, the St. Paul nonprofit that runs yellow room, Saint Paul Public you might never realize that it was get you out of the cold. They feed Shequita, who is 21 and working SafeZone, said the young people School teachers work Monday there. you,” said Marcellous, who now lives part-time. “When I first came here, become homeless for a variety of through Thursday to help SafeZone Tucked in the basement of a with his mother on St. Paul’s east I didn’t have a state ID. I didn’t have reasons, including when they leave clients with getting a GED, financial building it shares with The Black side. “They got a shower place to a job. Now I’m moving along. I’m foster care at age 18 or when their aid or enrolling in school. A “GED Dog Cafe and Tanpopo Noodle Shop take showers. They put clothes on getting there.” families lose their housing. Honor Roll” lists clients who have near the St. Paul Farmers Market, its your back. They do everything that a Friends referred Shequita to “Sometimes they leave because earned diplomas. obscure location is deceiving. Last home will do.” SafeZone three years ago, before it’s not a safe place to be or there’s Even more than housing, home- year, 1,400 young people—from 14 to The drop-in center is open from her son was born. She came for bus a lot of conflict. Sometimes it’s that less young adults need jobs that will 21—made 18,000 visits seeking help. 1 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday tokens and was assigned to work they’re 18 and they don’t want to be allow them to support themselves, For 19-year-old Marcellous, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. One with a case manager, Scott Cole-Hill, under someone else’s rules. But that’s Smieja said. SafeZone was a safe place to come cold day this winter, a few young who helped her figure out what she not always the case. Sometimes they “If we had better employment during the years when he was bounc- adults milled around the honey- needed to do to get her life back on just don’t have that choice,” she said. training or employment programs, ing between friends’ houses. colored front desk, which held the track. In the back of SafeZone, six A vivid mural covering one they could do the housing piece on “They help you with jobs. They sign-in sheet. Each time they come, case managers sit at desks, helping wall of SafeZone’s main room their own.”

homeless from previous page and you think—you don’t know what was working and bought him diapers “Some teens go out and they’re sexual with someone in exchange for For homeless youth, just staying I been through.” and other necessities. having fun,” said Scott Hill-Cole, shelter, housing or food. clean can also be a challenge. “There was never a time she shut Shequita’s case manager at SafeZone. While there are shelter beds spe- “People might look down on you RETURNING HOME? the door on my face. I just kind of “But the lifestyle—reality sets in. cifically for teens and young adults, because you smell,” Shequita said. Through it all, Shequita never lost shoved us onto her,” Shequita said. They think—I had a good time, now there aren’t enough, Gerrard said. “You smell because it’s been awhile touch with her mom. Her mother But she’s never asked her mother I want to go home. And the parents Large adult shelters are also chaotic since you had a shower. You feel bad took care of D’Meer when Shequita if she and D’Meer could move home. say, you got to continue having that and dangerous for young people. “I have this little thing called good time because you didn’t obey Gerrard advocates spending more money to help families in crisis and Personal reflection pride,” Shequita said. “If I go home my rules. Their parents don’t let ‘em that easily, I’m going to feel like I give come back.” prevent young people from becom- up on myself. (Because) I left here That worries Gerrard, because the ing homeless in the first place. Tackling difficult subject matter isn’t easy for a professional reporter, intending that you was going to do longer one is homeless, the greater “That time of life is such a transi- let alone a teen testing the journalism waters while in high school. that, that and that. And now when the risk that person will be abused. tion for everybody,” she said. “You’re ThreeSixty senior reporter Thomas Wrede shares his thoughts about the going get tough, you feel like you In the Wilder survey, 30 percent getting your foothold for the rest of interviewing homeless youth and the perspective it has provided in his just going to run back home.” of young people stayed in abusive your life.” own life at www.threesixtyjournalism.org. Some parents won’t let their chil- situations because they had no other If you lose hope at that point, “it dren return, anyway. housing. Seventeen percent had been stays with you for a long time.”

May / June 2014 13 the Religion issue If you can think of religion commitments to beliefs and practices as one giant buffet table, chances they’ve always known, several are the abundant choices might ThreeSixty writers discovered swallow you up before taking a first that Twin Cities teens are heavily bite. Perhaps it’s no wonder then that invested in religious discussion. research shows today’s teenager to They might not always know how be less invested in organized religion they should act, why others aren’t than their parents or grandparents’ like them or who their religious generation. But does that make role models should be—yet as the them less spiritual? More morally following collection of stories, essays ambiguous? Simply overwhelmed by the enormity of it all—and therefore content and profiles show, teens aren’t backing down from the tough questions. ¶ To read to find their own answers beyond adolescence? ¶ Whether it’s engaging in extended versions of our religion profile Q&As with local teens, click on the stories dialogue about other faiths, displaying religious symbols with pride or questioning at www.threesixtyjournalism.org.

… I also really like how it’s casual to most liberal form. Almost no one them to look at it through more of Laura Christenson the point that it’s really comfortable. would identify it as Christian. a moral standpoint. What can you It really goes down to the roots of do to be a better person and be love, peace and harmony. I think all What’s your earliest memory of reminded of that? We go to church Unitarianism religions strive to make you a better being religious? to be reminded of that and hear person, and this really just focuses on We had a Sunday school type of other people’s viewpoints on that. I the everyday things that you can do thing—you’ll go to a reading and think family is a really strong thing With an atheist father, with yourself. It is a really personal derive a moral out of some book. We in our church, too. There are a lot Buddhist stepmom, Unitarian mom Hannah thing, being Unitarian. had a yoga room for awhile. I just of gay and lesbian couples, and it’s Gordon and Christian grandparents, Laura Washburn remember it being very eye-opening, really cool that they feel welcome How do you practice? Christenson could have picked from High School just from the standpoint of an eight- there. It really stresses community. an assortment of religions. A lot of times it’s about day-to-day year-old, like, “Wow. I actually really Like, I wonder with other religions She decided to become a devout thinking, about how you can benefit understand this!” I always felt really if it’s easier to get lost. I could see Unitarian. Son and the Holy Spirit—we focus the greater good by looking at welcome and that everyone was people struggling to understand like, From its eye-opening ceremo- on just one holy being, whether your Unitarian credo and morals. I happy to be there. “Why am I not allowed to date this nies to the welcoming community to you that’s God or an energy/ would say that I’m one of the people person?” I’ve never once felt that way Unitarianism provides, Christenson spirit you have with yourself. A that says (Unitarianism) is more What are the biggest with Unitarianism. feels deeply connected to her faith. lot of people at our church … look about being spiritual than anything misconceptions? Being a Unitarian has helped the more, I’d say, at the values of being inherently religious. We don’t That Unitarianism isn’t a religion. How do you think your generation St. Paul Central junior define her Unitarian, so working toward a really have rules that you necessar- People will say like, “Oh, those are views religion? personal goals as she braces for common good and discovering your ily have to follow. Actually, I was the people who don’t believe in any- I can ask people, “Do you believe in adulthood. own religious path.” Catholic until my parents decided thing.” Like it’s a joke. Also, no one God?” And it seems like it’s either, But what exactly does being a they wanted to try Unitarianism, really understands the true definition “I don’t go to church, I don’t want to Unitarian mean? What is your relationship I was baptized at St. Luke’s. My of Unitarianism. I would love for talk about this,” or “Yes. I definitely “That is usually the question of to your faith? parents were married there. But people to come and reach out to our do. It’s been a part of my life since I the hour for us Unitarians. I actually Well, I could probably go to church I have some issues with rules and congregation and sit in on a service. was a baby.” I have a Lutheran friend have a little business card at home more. I think we’re all bad about religion. For example, we don’t have who hates going to church, and I with a description of what it is,” that, especially junior year, because a Bible or a Koran or anything that How do you deal with those think it’s because she doesn’t feel that Christenson said. it’s pretty busy. But I love going to Unitarians can reference. We do misconceptions? connection. It is a label sometimes. I “Historically, if you know the services. Every time I do, the sermon have like, Christmas services. It A few of my friends came to a service think a lot of people say they believe Holy Trinity—with the Father, the always connects to how I’m feeling technically is Christianity, just the and were so confused. And I told and I don’t know if they really do.

14 threesixtyjournalism.org the Religion issue

jokes about the Holocaust … and That’s when my religion started to Judaism completely for almost four Phoebe Ellis I don’t care if you’re Jewish or not, mean something to me. That’s when years. But I was, and am, friends with they aren’t OK to tell.” it stopped being a matter of me going her. So while talking to her about her Ellis said she’s “observant” about to religious school and wanting to go decision, I ended up starting to think Judaism her religion, but doesn’t follow every to religious school. about what my religion really meant tenet—like lighting candles every to me. Shabbat—as elders might expect. To What changed then? Why did it The stereotypes, the jokes, the her, the most important component change from having to go to temple What Jewish values are most impor- misconceptions. Phoebe Ellis has Lana of Judaism is being invested mentally. versus wanting to go? tant to you? Rubinstein “I am aware of all of the laws,” heard it all. River Falls I suppose that was the time when I All the mitzvahs (good deeds), the Growing up Jewish hasn’t always High School Ellis said. “I try to be educated about started to know about youth group Torah mentions. One in particular been easy for Ellis, a sophomore my religion. I’m more spiritual and events and discovered there was a has been striking to me lately. The from Beldenville, Wis. The biggest knowledgeable than anything else.” world outside the classroom that mitzvah is “do not destroy.” It origi- challenge, she said, is remaining true Everybody thinks I need to cover still had to do with my religion. Also, nates in a story of war. The original to her faith while being exposed to my body. Everybody thinks I need What’s your earliest memory of fourth grade was the year when one mitzvah is “do not destroy the fruit social stigmas surrounding Judaism. to wear a yarmulka,” she said. “And being religious? of my very close friends questioned trees” so that the world could begin “Everybody thinks I keep Kosher. everybody assumes it’s OK to make I’m going to say about fourth grade. her religion to the point of leaving judaism continued on page 16

Sunday. And I think it helps me Seamus Flynn live my life. The main practices of modern Buddhism would be the practices of compassion and mindful- Buddhism ness. And Buddhism’s addressing of those principles can be very good for teens. We’re in a world that seems Seamus Flynn is comforted intent on throwing a whole bunch of by the reminder that he exists. Hannah things at us and driving us berzerk. Gordon As the world moves so quickly Washburn What do you appreciate most around him, the 15-year-old from High School Cyber Village Academy has noticed about your faith? how easy it is to lose sight of a concept I love interconnection. It’s always most take for granted. For instance, “I’m just getting started,” he said. part of my philosophy in life. When when he walks home from his bus “But I’ve heard from some people I’m doing this (puts his hand on the stop, Flynn practices mindful walking. who told me they wish they would table, moves it around) my fingers “I try to, at the very least, get have started practicing (Buddhism) actually aren’t separate from the my breath in rhythm with my steps. when they were 15.” table. There are atoms and what I also try to notice the sights and not, other mumbo jumbo traveling sounds around me. Every day it’s a How do you identify your faith? between them. I try to think of those little bit different,” said Flynn, a Zen Some people think Buddhism isn’t things because it reminds me of how Buddhist since childhood. really as much of a religion as it is much I interact with the universe. Buddhism enables Flynn to detach a philosophy or worldview. But I I’m causing these things, and things from the world around him through consider it a religion. I feel like it are affecting me. So I’m just one little meditation and spiritual practice. is a view of the universe that I’m piece of this gigantic web. I love that. Flynn reflects at a Zen center in St. dedicated to. It’s dedicated to making Paul called Clouds In Water, where peace in the world. That falls into What are your most important his mother is an influential leader. a broader definition of religion traditions? His faith has helped him define rather than just, say the relationship Rohatsu, definitely. It’s also called the “interconnection of the world” between you and your God. Buddha’s enlightenment day. The and how he can play a better role in basic idea of it is that you spend the

Staff it. Flynn realizes he will be con- What is your relationship with morning together with some kids Seamus Flynn enters a state of contemplation while reflecting on Buddhism at stantly working toward this goal for Buddhism? twisting together paper to make Clouds In Water, the Zen center where his mother teaches. the rest of his life. I go (to Clouds In Water) every buddhism continued on page 22

May / June 2014 15 the Religion issue

did your peers react? Did they know of your life? I guess it means I don’t go to what it meant? Alex Wick Not really. On occasion, I was like, church on Sundays … It means I No, they didn’t. In sixth grade—I’m a “OK God, if you want this to happen, get to play more video games in grade ahead in math—in sixth grade, just do this.” It’s not like it ever hap- the morning. (Laughs.) I don’t go Atheism when I was in a classroom of seventh pened, of course. to church. I’ve had a bit of ques- graders and we had conversations tioning, but that’s about it. It hasn’t about God, there were quite a few Ever pray? had much of an impact. Just because Alex Wick was people who sided with me. But then Prayer, no. I have never thought it born into a household with athe- Dillan the next year, when I brought it up, would have any intention of working. How do you interact with peers when DeGross ist parents didn’t mean he had to people were like, “What’s an atheist?” When I did what I said earlier, like the topic of religion is brought up? FAIR School become one. Minneapolis I explained it and said, “I really don’t saying, “OK God, this is your chance,” Well, I get a bit uncomfortable when His parents, Tim and Patricia think God exists.” They were just there was nowhere in my thinking it’s brought up. When there’s a big Wick of St. Paul, let him choose baffled by this idea. process that it would happen. conversation about Jesus and all that whatever path he wanted to take. logically concluded that there can’t stuff, I get very uncomfortable and I “There was never a point where be a God. The same reason I learned Have you ever had moments where How big of a role does atheism play usually let it out. In a camp I was at, we said to our kids, ‘Hey we’re athe- pretty quickly that there was no you thought religion could be a part in your life? before lunch we sung a prayer. I said, ists. You should be atheists.’ It’s just Santa Claus. That’s what God is. “You know what, I’d rather not be a when we talk about religion, we talk Another Santa Claus to me. part of this,” and they let me because about what we think,” Tim said. “We I’m an atheist. invite them to tell us what they think. Was there a decision making pro- Alex, while very young, concluded, ‘I cess, or a moment when you ques- Is it hard being an atheist? just don’t believe there’s a God.’” tioned, “Wait, how can this be?” A little, but not that hard. As I’ve Alex—the sole atheist eighth Not really. It just happened. It seems said, there are a few uncomfort- grader at Crosswinds Arts and Science to me that people made up God just able situations … when there are 19 School in Woodbury—sees the world because people didn’t understand people going against me, saying, “Oh, through a scientific lens. Even in first how the universe worked. Why was it’s not true. Oh, it’s not true.” I find grade, he questioned the existence of this world created? Why? They had that really hard. I’m able to stand my Santa Claus simply because “it didn’t so many questions, and the only way ground against one person. seem possible” to him. they could answer it was with God. Although, he tries to apply logic I understand that. I’m sure that if I If God does exist and you had a and reasoning to make sense of the was in an older day and age, I would chance to ask one question, what world, Alex said he doesn’t take pride believe in a God, too. But nowadays, would it be? in it. It’s just something that “natu- we have science. People have just I just want to say that if there rally happens.” clung onto that because it’s what is a God, “What are you doing they’ve known for so long. wrong?” You let five thousand

When did you conclude that you were Staff religions take over your one! What an atheist? When did you start using the term Young atheist Alex Wick said a best friend of his used to get upset by their are you doing wrong, God? You’ve I don’t really remember. I’ve just ‘atheist’ to describe your views? How occasional religious sparring, so they both agreed to stop talking about it. let yourself go. judaism from page 15 advisors who gave us the freedom to do what science says how something happened, and about myself. again post-war. I really like the social action we wished when we planned our services. But a religion says why it happened. That’s the closest push within the Jewish community, as well. lot of my Jewish discovery has been self-explo- I’ve gotten to any sort of concrete belief I have. What would you say to someone who might ration. It was guided by my community, but I accuse you of “not really being Jewish?” What’s your favorite tradition? had to go out and find my faith for myself. Are you allowed to challenge peers who Personally, I think it’s offensive to tell anybody Fasting on Yom Kippur. It reminds me of suf- disagree with not following beliefs specifically they’re any less of a Jew than someone else as fering everywhere and … puts things back in How do you define the role that faith plays in from the book? long as they practice. (Faith) is individual to perspective. your life? I believe that all beliefs should be challenged. If everybody. While I have found practicing best It doesn’t hold me back from being logical. they aren’t, how do you know what you really while in a community of my peers, a friend of Who has had the biggest impact on you while I believe in evolution. I understand that the believe in and what you just believe because mine connects individually and doesn’t partici- growing up Jewish? stories in the Torah didn’t happen exactly like somebody told you so? I don’t agree with pate in those type of events. As long as you’re Those older than me. The older kids who took that. I understand the difference between make everything my Rabbi tells me, but I’m a better putting the effort in and getting something out Judaism and made it relatable to me. The youth believe and truth. But my Rabbi once said that Jew for actually taking the time to find that out of it, I would call that Judaism.

16 threesixtyjournalism.org the Religion issue Does practice make perfect?

Following religious rules can be a matter of personal preference

“I don’t listen to music … I used to listen to all music, but then I stopped Aamino Hirmoge for the sake of Allah.” Harding High No One Direction. No Justin School Bieber. No Austin Mahone, Lorde, Imagine Dragons. No music. Amal Muse does this to keep her Islamic faith. To her, it’s a simple way Deborah Honore Staff to strengthen her connection to God. John F. Kennedy A South Minneapolis church celebrates Palm Sunday festivities in April of 2013. Marking a triumph of the Easter season, “Music makes you do things you High School Palm Sunday is one of the most important traditions of the Catholic church. wouldn’t really (want to) do,” Muse said. Some might look at cutting “Rules are a practical necessity. I Islam (declaration, prayer, charity, church with her family every week- to pray more, but then I feel like I yourself off from music as extreme, mean, you need rules to govern life, fasting and pilgrimage). end. She became invested in her have been doing the best (in the situ- but rules and traditions—both indi- and regardless of whether or not To her, Islam is not a religion. religion around 13, thanks to the ation I’m in),” she said. vidually enforced and institutionally there is a God, regardless on whether It’s her lifestyle. Her protection and formal tradition of baptism. recommended—are part of every or not there are spirits that other shield. “I never really saw it as a religion FACING JUDGMENT major religion. religions believe in, you need rules to “It’s not a religion that is really much, because I was like, ‘Oh, you Are rules how followers should be Religious rules often serve as a make society function,” said Edward strict, because when you think about go here every weekend.’ I didn’t judged on their spirituality and faith? way to accomplish a goal—perhaps “Ted” Ulrich, a theology and world it, all these things we are doing (are) feel anything toward the religion As Ulrich pointed out, some getting to heaven, pleasing God religions professor at the University to better ourselves and to protect at all,” Mejia said. “I guess I started religious practitioners are good at with a specific offering or allow- of St. Thomas. ourselves,” Muse said. “This (points (thinking about it) around 11 or 12, following the rules laid out by their ing for reincarnation beyond your “But then you find that different to her hijab, a headscarf that Muslim because when you’re 13 you have to books and leaders, but that doesn’t current life. Catholics not eating religions, and different branches of women wear) is to protect myself be baptized. Then you have to fully necessarily mean they “see the bigger meat on Fridays during Lent or religions, have different takes on from evil eyes (of predators). That’s make it your religion.” picture” of how to treat people. Muslims fasting during Ramadan this. Some schools of Buddhism, for the way I think about Islam … it’s my Within the last year though, Meija Muse said she does her best to can be reminders of sacrifice and instance, are real relaxed and laid connection with God.” said she hasn’t felt as connected to avoid judging others as to whether suffering. Important rules can be back when it comes to rules. But As a modern teen in America, her religion as she wants to be. Most they are a “good or bad Muslim.” Yet offered up in a book—the Bible’s Ten there are some schools of Buddhism Muse admits that it can be hard to of that is due to not “having time for it almost seems inevitable. Commandments, for example—or that are very strict. And likewise, follow rules and traditions. prayer” or reading the Bible. “There are people that don’t might be passed on by generations schools of Christianity find the same “I’m a human, and I make mis- “I’ve been too busy to read the cover up and they are called a bad of religious leaders as an ideal way to sort of mix. I’m guessing it’s the same takes sometime,” Muse said. “It’s very Bible, so I don’t have a full under- Muslim. I don’t really like when show faith. with Islam.” hard when my friends are listening to standing toward it. I guess I’m not that happens,” Muse said. “I mean, I Ultimately though, it falls on the music in front of me (and) … I shake a truly religious person,” she said. cover up, of course, but maybe that individual practitioners of that faith CONNECTION WITH GOD my head to the music without even “Because my dad preaches. He reads person isn’t ready for it. You cannot to determine how strongly they want In Muse’s case, she needs rules to knowing. Then I’m like, ‘Oops, what the Bible for four hours (straight). judge … based on their appearance. to follow rules and traditions—and focus on her faith. The 16-year-old am I doing?” And I haven’t ... even read a chapter.” We believe that if you have a better how often they should apply them to from Minneapolis prays five times Jennifer Mejia, an Evangelical But Mejia wants to improve. heart, that Allah is going to see that. their daily lives. a day and follows the Five Pillars of Christian from St. Paul, goes to “I want to be (better) and I want practice continued on page 29

May / June 2014 17 the Religion issue

At a recent IYLC meeting in St. perspectives on a global level.” Opening up a Paul, a Hmong speaker visited the “It’s really interesting to actu- group to talk about Shamanism. ally listen to other people and what As she spoke about her faith and they believe,” she said. “If people bigger world culture, not only were the questions learned more about the religious respectful, but the teenagers asking beliefs of others, a lot of problems them were also visibly invested, crav- could be solved and conflict could ing to learn more. be prevented.” Similarities, differences surface With its main goal to inspire ser- vice and engage youth, the IYLC is RESPECT AND CURIOSITY during interfaith discussion affiliated with the Minnesota Council One of the biggest worries facing of Churches. Fardosa Hassan, the teenagers is the possibility of offend-

group’s coordinator, describes the ing someone who holds different Staff organization as “a safe place for beliefs, Hassan said. It’s because of Fardosa Hassan, coordinator of the Sundays at the Interfaith Youth someone to express themselves with- this fear that fundamentally impor- Interfaith Youth Leadership Coalition in Leadership Coalition are meant Maya out the fear of being judged.” tant discussion topics like race, St. Paul, believes teens want to engage Shelton-Davies to stimulate honest conversation. A graduate of Augsburg College, religion, politics and marriage have in open dialogue about religion, but River Falls don’t often have the time to do so. Questions are strongly encouraged. High School Hassan discovered her passion for become taboo. That isn’t always the way it works different religions in a required Confronting that limited dialogue when it comes to a divisive topic like Christianity 101 course. Since that makes IYLC a refreshing experi- foster greater respect and curiosity religion. But for this small group of can’t find the ability to embrace this introduction, her primary focus has ence for both the youth and adults among teens. Twin Cities high schoolers, meeting open dialogue, then we’ll always be been spreading awareness about the involved in interfaith conversations, “It’s most inspiring to see that these twice a month for open discussion fearful when it comes to approaching importance of interfaith discussion. Hassan said. Serving as neutral high school students have so much helps them relate to the world better. each other on the topic of religion,” Al-Khawi, a Muslim, said she ground for youth representatives passion for faith and are giving back “We all need to unite in order said Lujain Ali Al-Khawi, a junior at believes that open dialogue about of various faiths—even atheists are to the community. It’s very inspiring to understand one another. If we Blaine High School. religion “really helps broaden welcome—meetings are meant to interfaith continued on page 25

matter if you’re religious. Society, DO YOU BELIEVE? smoke symbolizes our prayer going Surrendering to culture and even television feeds you When most people hear the word up to God. with stories. magic or talk about ghosts, maybe Offering is a part of life, a way to “Pray regularly so He can hear they think of Disney movies or purify oneself and give back what spiritual unknowns y o u .” stories to scare children. But in God gives. God provided food, flow- My dream as a teenager was to Bali, one of the islands in Indonesia ers, water and nature for us, so it is come to the United States as part of where most people still hold the our way to be grateful. an exchange program. The selection ancient Hindu Dharma belief, people Perhaps even more important, it Explaining the unexplainable is easy: process was so long and filled with live side by side every day with the protects us from demons. frustrating uncertainty. In fact, the “supernatural.” It’s in the air they Balinese Hindu believes that Just believe … right? committee told us to manage our breathe, the food they eat and the demons are everywhere, especially hopes and expectations. sickness they get. after nightfall. My mother once told I told myself repeatedly to keep Spirituality is the way of life me a story about how she fed me my feet on the ground, but I wanted in Bali, the island of gods and around 6 p.m. at a remote village in Growing up in Indonesia, I’ve this to happen so badly. One day, I goddesses. Bali. A local man, who could only always heard stories about how there Ninis went to a water spring temple called Balinese Hindu is more natural- speak Balinese, shouted at her in fear. Widyaningrum is another world that lives beside us. Lakeville South Tirta Empul in Bali. There were istic than Indian Hindu. Everything She didn’t understand his language, Another world that we can’t grasp High School about 20 statues there, and after is believed to have spirits. Each coming from a different island. literally. But it’s there. locating the ones that would help morning, women will place offerings However, another person translated In my home country, most things me, I prayed in front of each. everywhere—at the house, in front that she should not feed me outside that happen are associated with luck My family is not religious, but I said that I wanted to travel. I of the house, in businesses, even on in twilight. A demon could come and spirituality. The universe will help we occasionally pray together as a wanted to explore things I had never the street. The offering consists of into my food and possess me. you if you believe in it. So believe in family when it’s a full moon or if my seen before. Two years later, I am in woven palm leaf filled with flowers, Whether it could really happen yourself. And believe in God. grandparents are visiting. It doesn’t Minnesota, living my teenage dream. grasses, holy water and incense. The Surrender continued on page 29

18 threesixtyjournalism.org the Religion issue

What challenges you? Do you feel like your genera- tion is different than your parents’ Ra’wi Mahamud Living in a society where your religion isn’t the majority. Because I generation? have friends who live in Dubai and Yeah, because we are growing up Islam different countries where Islam is in a society that is completely dif- the big religion there, and it’s just ferent. Like, just with the media’s completely different how they live … influences … Although growing up Ra’wi Mahamud has all the they all have similar lifestyles and it’s I was never forced to cover up, I phone apps that you would expect of Ellie Colbert easier to relate. am glad to say that I didn’t conform a 17-year-old Washburn High School Washburn to the social norms. Over time, it’s junior—Twitter, Instagram, 2048, High School What are the biggest misconceptions helped me figure out who I am as a Snapchat. you face? person, and that I truly do value the But she also has an app that goes If you’re Muslim that you hate the beauty of modesty. off five times a day, reminding her What do you consider to be the most U.S., but that’s not true. I was born important value of your faith? Submitted Is it hard to be a Muslim teen? when it is time to pray. Ra’wi Mahamud was inspired to wear and raised here. This is my home. Mahamud is Muslim, and praying Charity, because I feel that some- her hijab—a headscarf for Muslim I am more American than I am Yeah, it’s really hard. Just because in five times a day is just one compo- times charity is just an effortless women—after seeing her sister Somali. That’s more cultural, but our religion we don’t smoke or drink nent of her Islamic faith. Another thing that can go really far. Even if proudly display it. Since then, “it’s just with religion, too, there is that ste- … and a lot of people are about that. aspect that sets her apart from peers some people aren’t able to donate become a part of me. I’d feel different reotype. Another misconception is I don’t think I’d give into peer pres- is the scarf she wears around her something, they find a way to help if it wasn’t on.” that I’m forced to wear my scarf. But sure. I’d be extremely disappointed in head. Mahamud wears it daily as a others. I try to donate and go to my parents never forced me to wear myself if I did. symbol of her modesty. places and help people who aren’t it, ever, in my entire life. “Why do you wear that? Do you as fortunate. What comforts you? Do you ever wish you weren’t have to wear it? Do you wash your It’s really difficult to explain religion How did you decide to wear your Muslim? hair? Do you have hair?” Most important traditions? sometimes, because it’s something scarf? That was more me during my fresh- Instead of being annoyed or Ramadan. Fasting is a moment spiritual that you can’t see and you It’s a part of our beauty. You should man year, just because I wanted to offended by questions, Mahamud where you put yourself into other (have to) believe. I feel like I always be modest, shouldn’t be exposing fit in really bad. Now … I could care welcomes them. people’s shoes who don’t have food have this connection with God, and yourself. That’s how the religion is, less. Everyone was different, no one “I’d rather have people ask me and remind yourself not to take your that I can ask for something. I won’t and I agree with it, but I don’t think was the same as me. But now I don’t about their questions (so that I can) life for granted. There are countries necessarily get it all the time, but if you’re a bad person if you don’t cover care. I never would want to leave educate them versus letting them where people don’t even have food I do, it’s in different ways or over a up. It’s another personal choice you my religion. believe their misconception,” she said. but they still fast. time period. have to feel connected to.

“I would be disappointed in Fourth grade. There was no set Who have been your biggest faith influences? James Sorenson myself, and my father in heaven time when I was like, “OK, I’m a would be disappointed,” Sorenson Christian now.” But I started trying Jesus. Whether or not you believe in said. “But He would still love me.” to act like one in fourth grade. I Christianity, he’s just a really good Protestantism Sorenson takes this concept of think trying to forgive someone guy. And a good prophet. I believe loving and applies it to his own life. who had bullied me. That’s prob- he’s the son of God, and even if you “I like loving people. And I see a lot ably my first memory of it. (But) don’t, he’s still a really cool dude. While most students at of love in the world, a lot of forgive- it was still my parents’ religion. I Washburn High School dances are Ellie Colbert ness. I try to take tangible steps toward hadn’t made it my own. What comforts you about your searching the floor for their next Washburn being loving and forgiving,” he said. religion? partner, James Sorenson is thinking High School What made you decide to take it as It’s comforting to know that I know about God. What is your relationship to your your own? where I’m going to go when I die. Or, more specifically, whether faith? Because I was growing up. I was like, That’s huge for me, because it’s really God would be disappointed Take those dances, for example. I try to spend a lot of time practicing “OK, if I’m going to believe this, I scary to think about what’s going to in him. Since the 10th Commandment says my religion. It’s the most important have to believe it for myself. I can’t happen after we die. That’s weird. Sorenson is Protestant, a not to commit adultery, Sorenson thing in my life. just believe what my parents believe.” So being able to believe that I’m branch of Christianity. Religion believes that performing sexual- But after thinking about it, we have going to be in this incredible place guides most of his life decisions ized dance moves would be a direct What’s your earliest memory of being very, very similar beliefs. for the rest of my life and never stop as a high school junior. violation. religious? protestantism cont. on page 25

May / June 2014 19 the Religion issue

some sort was real. Losing faith To put it simpler, I had a God Finding faith moment. As ridiculous as that sounds, it felt true. I began praying, I grew up in the green-floored thanking God and asking for His Growing up in Sacramento, Katia hallways of a Catholic school where guidance several times a day. Calif., I remember going to church Nichelle Heu Kozachok my mother taught K through 5 I decided to call myself a with my dad. I’d dress up in cute Harding High DeLaSalle High School Spanish, and still teaches today. School Catholic. My family had been going little dresses and do my hair with We were, as Catholic schools go, to a small, accepting Catholic church three of my older sisters. Until my relatively liberal. We let girls be altar for several years in downtown St. junior year of high school, that was servers. We didn’t care what every- causing a stir in the liberal, diverse Paul, the Church of the Assumption. probably the only time I ever wore like to be purified. one believed specifically, as long as community that is the mixing pot The priests were understanding and a dress anywhere. Now, as a teenager transitioning they were good people. of DeLaSalle. One day in religion kind, good attributes for someone When I turned five, my mom into adulthood, I want to experi- While my family prayed before class last year, he gave a presentation who’s trying to preach the word of and dad got divorced. She remar- ence that part of life I’ve missed dinner most nights, we weren’t about becoming a priest and told us God. I didn’t particularly agree with ried and we moved to Minnesota. I out on. My boyfriend has a lot of particularly religious. My dad was an he wouldn’t mind if “(we) all became many of the church’s stances on con- didn’t know where Minnesota was, influence on me wanting to learn atheist, having grown up in a strict priests and nuns.” Even inside a troversial issues, but I liked its focus and in fact, hadn’t even heard of it. about Christianity. He reminds Catholic household, and my mom Catholic school, we weren’t expect- on social justice. For awhile, I called But since I was the youngest, my me to reflect before I eat and to was Catholic, having grown up in ing such a pointed comment—or at myself a liberal Catholic. mom took me and left. I didn’t have say prayers of thanks and need. I Idaho where her Catholic family was least, I hadn’t. a choice. admire his commitment. the minority among Mormons. Last year was a bright spot, QUESTIONING MY FAITH While in Minnesota, my mom My first step is to buy a Bible. As I’ve gone to a Catholic school however. I liked my religion teacher, Questions about my faith still lin- cut off religion because every- Though I haven’t gone to church for the past 11 years, I’ve taken reli- a kind woman who seemed more gered, though. As much as I wanted one in her family was Shaman. yet, I plan to in the near future. I gion class daily. Most of my teachers aware of what teenagers actually to give myself to Catholicism, I felt I Shamanism is about worshiping believe that it’ll make me a better have been fervently Catholic and wanted to hear when trying to learn couldn’t air my diverging opinions. ancestors from the dead—only the person to love God. My boyfriend uninspiring, which can prove chal- about God. I had grown tired of I’d also been the feminist muckraker chosen ones can talk to spirits in says, “By learning how to love God, lenging if you’re trying to think hearing how Jesus saved my soul enough—the girl always standing up the “other” world. My grandma you also learn how to love yourself.” critically about faith. and how the Bible was basically the for her opinions. As the years went was a Shamanist, someone who The reason why I’ve been At least for me, that’s been best thing ever. She made it seem on, it made me weary. could go to the other side to talk hesitant to go to church or claim a pattern with church authority like it was OK to try to discern what My twin sister and I were and interact with spirits. Although any involvement with religion is figures. In eighth grade, the class you truly believe. When she shared enrolled in a Confirmation class five I always thought it was somewhat because I’m scared to open myself asked my teacher why Catholicism some of her own personal struggles months ago at our old school. I grew scary, it seemed pretty normal up to a part of society that I know didn’t accept gay people. She told with faith, it made me feel empow- frustrated as I tried to understand since I was exposed to it through- nothing about. Since my mom us that the church accepted them ered, too. the legalistic rules of Catholicism out childhood. But, even then, I stopped going to church after her as children of God, but that they while surrounded by devout still didn’t know a whole lot about divorce, I never cared to ask why. shouldn’t act on their sinful urges, AFFIRMING MY FAITH Catholic school kids. Why does it why I should be a Shaman. I thought it was best to leave that and we remained unsatisfied. She Though I personally drifted in and matter that I need to believe that The only reason why my mom part out of my life. took it in stride, though. With a out of faith, I had an “experience” Jesus was born of a virgin teenager? went to church in California was Maybe it’s time for a change. I hazy smile, she told us that eighth eighteen months ago that shaped Why does it matter that I give up because of my Christian dad. In feel like people who have strong graders often asked questions and me. I was in the chapel at my cous- meat on Fridays to remember Jesus’ Hmong culture, when a woman religious beliefs are more kind- explored spirituality. in’s college. The air was hushed, with sacrifice by dying on the cross? Of gets married, you’re expected hearted and content with their Freshman year, we had a chaplain most of the congregation bowing in course, these were wholly rooted in to change your religion to the lives. Friends and relatives who go who would often loiter around the prayer. I felt God’s presence around tradition, but as I grew older, I felt husband’s preference. Basically, she to church, or at least have some lunch line and try to strike up con- me, the belief that He does exist. It I didn’t need those “rules” to feel just went along with what he said. belief system, tend to stay out of versations with the students. He also was like an undeniable knowing in secure about my community. Being so young, I don’t remem- trouble. They’re always positive. prayed publicly against abortion, my heart—instantly—that a God of Losing continued on page 21 ber much about my dad’s beliefs. I I want to change now because don’t have distinct memories about soon I’ll be on my own and I’ll church teachings—though I do need help making good choices. What is your relationship to religion and faith? Has it been strengthened as a teen? Have you wavered recall feeling really happy whenever I also want to learn more about think recently? Better yet, what is the biggest issue facing your generation when it comes to spirituality? I had the chance to be inside one. religion and make it part of my spot Feel free to write your own essay and e-mail it to [email protected] for potential Everyone in my family is baptized daily life so maybe someday I can publication. We’ll pay for your work, too! except the two youngest girls, so teach my kids. I’ve never even known what it feels finding continued on page 21

20 threesixtyjournalism.org EXPLORE MORE

Losing from page 20 after. My dad has always said that, while COLLEGES Finally, I was at a Confirmation Mass two he doesn’t particularly care about Catholic months ago, looking around at the people I’d traditions, he thinks church values and a known since I was five. As the Mass went on, belief in a higher power are good attri- Minnesota Private I thought about the faded relationships we butes—and often morally beneficial. He’s had, remnants of the memories we shared. even told me in the past that he wished he I followed along with the closing hymn, had faith in some sort of God. My mom, I another song I’d liked once upon a time. I believe, also respects church tradition and College Week couldn’t bring myself to sing, to pretend that similar moral codes. I was still the same person cloaking myself in I’ve been looking into other faiths. A few Catholicism for the convenience. I did enjoy weeks ago, I found Quakerism. They basically Sign up and come take a look! being Catholic once. I’d felt God’s presence believe that it’s possible to have contact with in that college chapel months ago, but that God and that they should try to be a good seemed so far away. I wasn’t sure that being example for others. To me, it seemed to focus MONDAY, JUNE 23 – a resolute Catholic was in His will for me, at on the parts of Catholicism—community, FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014 least right now. prayer and spiritual understanding of the At last, the Mass was over. Everyone Bible—that I connected with. swarmed toward the back, where the much- I haven’t gone to a service though, and anticipated doughnuts were being held. I for now I’m undecided. I believe I’d agree mpcw felt so uncertain of myself and my choices, with some form of Protestantism—I’m still a mnprivatecolleges.org/ and the religion that I no longer shared. That Christian, though more liberal than most, and day, I knew I didn’t want to commit to being I do believe in God. Catholic, at least not right then. However it works out in the weeks, months and years ahead, I know it’ll be OK. EXPLORING MY FAITH “Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, Augsburg College Hamline University Recently, my family hasn’t gone to church I am the light of the world. He that followeth Bethany Lutheran College Macalester College much. We used to go almost every me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have Bethel University Minneapolis College the light of life” (John 8:12). of Art and Design Saturday evening and then go out for pizza Carleton College Saint John’s University College of Saint Benedict Saint Mary’s University The College of St. Scholastica finding from page 20 special about this textbook? I don’t have to of Minnesota Concordia College (Moorhead) I think religion can help me become a pay $70 to walk the stage with my diploma St. Catherine University Concordia University, St. Paul better person and influence how I pres- in a few weeks. St. Olaf College ent myself. By not having religion in my life With everything that’s been happening, all Gustavus Adolphus College University of St. Thomas as a teen, I’ve noticed how it can hurt you I can think about are the prayers and wishes in school and allow you to give into social I’ve sent up. I know my grandma is watching pressures. I’ve often made myself seem like over me. A quote that has always stuck with something other than what I really am. me is, “Send your prayers up and blessings Lately, things have been really posi- come down.” tive for me. I’ve been accepted to my top My relationship with Jesus Christ is An excellent and affordable education colleges. I won the National Academy of building slowly but surely. To even be in this Television Arts and Science scholarship. position, to expand my horizons heading out I even found my French textbook that’s of high school, I know that God is good. been lost for the past two years. What’s so I’m ready to fall into the unknown.

May / June 2014 21 the Religion issue

buddhism from page 15 Apekshya Panda flowers. Then we put them in trays and bowls. We bring them (into a Hinduism zendo, meditation hall) where we have the usual morning service, and then we hand those out. Then we all get into a big circle and start Apekshya Panda is at home walking around the zendo in two inside Maple Grove’s Hindu Temple Madie Ley big circles while throwing flowers of Minnesota, a hidden gem nestled Elk River in the air and chanting (a Buddhist between rolling farmlands. The High School text). That happens once a year on temple’s ground level is composed of Dec. 8. a cafeteria, classrooms and an audi- torium. Upstairs is the temple itself, pretty religious family. It’s not like I Biggest misconceptions? featuring various shrines honoring come to temple every weekend, but Zen has different lineages, different different gods. my parents come and do things. I am a branches, sort of like Christianity. As Panda gives the tour, it’s easy pretty strong believer in my faith. I feel And some of them are actually to see that she considers herself like I really get something out of it. polytheistic (belief in multiple lucky to belong here. deities), but some people make the Panda, an 18-year-old Wayzata Have you ever questioned your faith? generalization that all Buddhism High School student, is comfort- All the time. There are little things is part polytheistic. Christians or able with her faith. She considers where I ask my mom, “Why do I do other monotheistic (one deity) reli- Hinduism an accepting, welcoming this? It seems so random. What’s the gions assume that you can’t believe religion that isn’t much different reasoning behind it?” There are some in Jesus or God just because you’re from other faiths of the world. She specific beliefs and superstitions I Buddhist, when actually that’s takes on the responsibility of reflect- don’t necessarily understand. But I perfectly possible. ing that belief, along with educating don’t really question the faith. I feel people who don’t understand aspects like I need to learn more about the What comforts you? about her culture. faith. Not just Hinduism, but religion It reminds me that I exist. “That’s something I’ve always in general. I never really question Sometimes it’s really easy to believed. Just be kind to people, be whether there’s a God. Madie Ley lose track of that. I think that tolerant, and accepting,” she said. Shrines inside the Hindu Temple of Minnesota represent various Hindu gods— it’s important to just stop and What do you consider to be the most which all “represent different parts of one God” worshipped by believers. listen to the sounds while here. How do you identify your faith? important values of your faith? I think they’re doing something People like to say Hinduism is very Karma—the idea that if you do And that is something that shapes strong community at the temple? over at the Lafayette Bridge. flexible. I think one of the rea- good, you’ll get good, and vice versa. me as a person. Our Hindu com- I think people my age, in America, are Jackhammering has basically been sons for that is that it’s a really old And something that my mom says: munity is also a really big source of more in touch with Hinduism and our going on the whole time since I got religion. It’s evolved a lot over time. “We can always change our fate.” support and comfort. That motivates culture than my cousins are in India. here. Outside it sounds chaotic, Different people have adopted dif- Basically, working for something me to be a good person. They try to be Western and they don’t but in here, it sounds calming and ferent practice. is what will get you there. She says follow as many of the things we do. almost muted. So I just like being I’m from eastern India. That’s that when you pray to God, you can’t What are the biggest It’s not like we’re constantly doing aware of my life. Being peaceful. where my family is from. Hinduism just pray and hope for something to misconceptions? Hindu things. It’s not about coming has a lot of gods, but my happen. You have to pray The way I interpret Hinduism is that to temple. What challenges you? mom has always told to God and work toward there’s one God—and a lot of people I guess (the community) keeps It’s hard sometimes, and even me—and this is what I whatever your goal is. don’t understand why there are so us remembering our roots. I really exhausting, to be present—like believe—that there’s one That’s something I’ve many different gods in Hinduism. like the fact that we have religion even right now. At times, it can God, and that all gods are always believed. That’s one of the big things that classes. I actually teach dance (at even be painful. To really realize kind of a reincarnation of people are confused about. I mean, the temple) … kathak … one of the all of this. So, that’s a challenge one God. What comforts you? there are a lot of gods, but they all classical forms of Indian dance. I feel that I face because I’m a person I feel like Hinduism is represent different parts of one God like our community fosters learning, that thinks a lot. In some ways, What is your relationship one of the religions that’s that we worship. dance and other cultural things, and it’s hard to practice with all of with Hinduism? really accepting and very I think that helps us keep in touch these thoughts. But I think a lot of I feel like my family is a Apekshya Panda tolerant and forgiving. What do you like about having such a with who we are. people have that problem.

22 threesixtyjournalism.org the Religion issue Following the family leader

The life of a preacher’s daughter isn’t what you see in pop culture

Historically, preachers’ daughters are expected to be virtu- Amira Warren-Yearby ous. They should dress conserva- St. Louis Park tively. Spend more time at church High School than at parties. They’re “daddy’s little girls.”

Yet many TV shows and movies but also because that is a reflection Amira Warren-Yearby have skewed that image. For exam- of their relationship with God,” Charis Tshihamba, left, and her dad Paul, an associate pastor in Edina, discuss how their family life is influenced by a ple, “Preachers’ Daughters,” a popu- Paul said. deep connection to faith and religious practice. lar reality TV series on Lifetime, Charis Tshihamba, a junior at St. presents four pastors’ daughters and Louis Park Senior High School, said that,” Paul said. letting them down,” she said. ignore reminders of faith. Too over- their families as they balance teen- following her parents’ expectations “I definitely have a lot of positive Except, thanks to popular cul- whelmed by choices. age life with religion. The majority make her a better person. memories growing up. Not a lot of ture, some of her peers also believe “I do think there are a bit more of the show depicts the teens in a “I think, decision-making wise, it extravagant stuff, but it helped me to preachers’ daughters have a rebel- distractions,” Paul said. “On the negative way by testing the boundar- makes me more truthful to others. appreciate the things that I do have lious side. (other) hand, I think things are the ies of parental expectations when Also, when choosing friends, I try t o d a y.” “Then (my peers) got this idea same in every generation in that it comes to premarital sex, dating, to choose as many people to be As for Andrea, she grew up in that I was going to be like the w a y.” drinking, and any other behavior that my friend. Not excluding anyone, the small town of Antigo, Wis. But preacher’s daughter in ‘Footloose.’ “Also, I think, at least in our expe- counteracts with the image of a good because Jesus was friends with she didn’t get heavily involved with And they actually got to know me rience, the core values are becom- Christian girl. everyone. He loved the good people religion until meeting Paul. and realize I’m not like her. But I’m ing more liberal,” Andrea added. But what are the real pressures and the bad people,” Charis said. “My family grew up in a small not perfect, either,” she said. “But just today’s culture, I think, is facing preachers’ daughters? Do they town. It was mostly Catholic. We becoming more liberal.” live up to the positive and negative FAMILY INFLUENCE were Baptist and went to church TRUE TO YOURSELF Charis is doing her best to adapt stereotypes? Or are their family lives A lot of Paul’s religious influence most Sundays, got involved in youth As Charis looks beyond her senior to those changes and be true to pretty normal? comes from his childhood in the stuff. But I don’t feel my faith got year, she is prioritizing Christian herself when faced with tempta- Paul and Andrea Tshihamba, Republic of Congo. After travel- personal until after college,” she said. colleges. tion. Whatever stereotype—good or parents of two boys and two girls, ing with his father to America for The family feels there are “It’s not that my parents force bad—her peers want to place on her, said their expectations are the same college, they moved back to Africa, misconceptions about growing up me. I actually want to go to one just she just laughs it off. as those in the Bible. The family— which is where Paul began to appre- in a religious household. Just as because I feel like college is kind of a “I am glad to be a preacher’s which belongs to Edina’s Christ ciate religion more. many expect fathers in the show difficult time for faith—just because daughter. Because it’s like a good Presbyterian Just Church, where Paul “I grew up in a home where “Preachers’ Daughters” to be strict, it’s so busy, you’re getting into a new kickstart to my faith and my influ- is an associate pastor—wants their there was a lot of Christian influ- and their children to be perfect, routine,” she said. “I feel like being in ence from the very beginning,” children to be good people, to love ence. Early on, my dad was a student Miriam Tshihamba, 12, has seen that a Christian community is really good Charis said. “Then I think it helps others and promote honesty. in college and then in graduate expectation carry over into her life. to be in, so then I’ll keep reminding me be more willing and open to “We hope that they would grow school. But then when I got into my “I think, it seems like my teachers myself to keep believing.” having faith, which leads me to up loving their neighbor, caring for pre-teens, we moved back to Africa expect me to be perfect, be com- Glancing at today’s youth, it can actually have faith. I’m happy just others and treating others as they and he very quickly got involved in pletely the nicest person. I mean, I’m seem as if teens aren’t as connected knowing that my family is respect- would want to be treated. Not just church work. A lot of people around really nice to people in class. If I do with religion, she said. They’re too able and (can be) good role models because that is a simple expectation, us were connected somehow with anything bad, it always feels like I’m focused on technology. Too quick to to other families.”

May / June 2014 23 YourTurn winners

to put on social media. Second, try asking yourself, “Do How do you respectfully Second place ($50 prize) people need or want to see this?” It seems as though the people who post all the time are the ones who don’t have a life express yourself online? Emma Casey outside of social media. It can annoy Barnum High School others if you continually post pointless n an emotional moment, it’s easy to type a snarky response to someone’s social media post. things and may lead to negative backlash Or think a picture is hilarious, but later realize it’s probably offensive. But what if you’re just a sarcastic Judge’s notes: This essay is clear and con- you don’t want. person? Or unafraid to express your opinions? cise and responds directly to the question. Third, it’s okay to be a quiet IThis month’s essay winners talk about rules and boundaries they’ve set for themselves to help keep it pro- The writer gives practical ideas about how observer and just think your response fessional on social media. Through mistakes they’ve made—or seen others make—these essayists have learned to achieve balance and the suggestions in your head. It’s not necessary to to practice empathy and thoughtfulness as they see the greater perspective of social media’s influence. for balance are thoughtful and mature. comment on every single item that People of any age can use this advice! passes your social media feed; in fact, entire time. When I posted this, I didn’t think that sounds exhausting. Instead, try First place about how others may interpret it. I am a very In balancing the freedom to be talking it out with a friend or sibling. ($100 prize) sarcastic person, so I thought everyone who read yourself on social media with the risk This allows you to express your opinion it would understand and see it as such. Not even of offending others or damaging your without the whole world seeing it. an hour later, I was bombarded with messages reputation, there are a few approaches to Privacy is a good thing, people! Hilary Wickenhauser asking, “Why would you say something like that?” keeping it real and staying professional. Lastly, consider whether you would Main Street School for the Performing Arts and “Are you alright?” to inquiries concerned First of all, if you wouldn’t say be OK with a future employer that I was depressed. I had intended for it to be it in person, don’t say it on seeing what you post. The Judge’s notes: This one has a strong, attention-grab- a snarky quip at my dull weekend, but it ended the Internet. This is impor- Internet is a vast place, but bing opening. The essay also stood out for using a up being interpreted as a stab at my friends and tant because it is easy to be also easily searchable. It’s specific, personal example, a narrative, to illustrate myself. Because of this simple, stupid post, people insensitive over a screen. Try important to not get out of the more general argument the writer asserts; the still go out of their way to invite me places, which to picture the people who will control, because what you said story helps bring to life how online comments can be can be extremely annoying because sometimes I see the post. What do their at age 15 can come back and misinterpreted. Finally, the voice and tone were dis- want to be alone. If this experience has taught me faces look like? If it’s a look bite you in the butt at age 22. tinctive and conversational yet professional, with a anything—aside from learning to tone down my of disappointment, disgust Bottom line: Just be careful, number of deft word choices, like “Internet worship” sarcasm—it is that the things you read online can or anger, maybe reword or considerate and mature in and “social media is a delicate dance.” be viewed and interpreted in an entirely different rethink what you were about Emma Casey your choices on social media. way from the way you intended it to be. Nowadays, it seems that the Internet has Although it is important to express yourself been elevated to god-like status. Teenagers often freely and have fun doing so, recognize that there Social networking is a form of talk about not knowing what to do without it. is a fine line between being yourself and being Third place status. It is the way to connect to friends Much of this Internet worship is related to online perceived as an opinionated jerk. Considering this, ($30 prize) and family today. It allows teenagers to social media. Because of social media, we are as a matter of principle, I avoid highly controversial express themselves, but this can risk allowed to do and say much more than we ever topics online because I refuse to have my entire offending others or damaging their were before in an indirect way to thousands of personality dictated by a comment I made that I Melody Millard own reputation. Shakopee East Junior High other people. didn’t even care or think much about. Plus, I have The way that I balance the freedom to With everyone’s different opinions being found that when even one political or controversial be myself on social media without offend- expressed online through popular social comment is made using social media, Judge’s notes: The writer makes good ing others is by “following” people who media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, it is much more noticeable than one points about being aware of what you post friendly, uplifting things. I have many one needs to be very careful about what made in real life. post online, including responding to people on my Facebook who I look up they say and do online. If you say any- Portraying oneself via social media friends’ comments. She has a heightened to and admire, and I make sure to follow thing the wrong way or post the wrong is a delicate dance between expressing awareness of how easy it is to become them instead of those who inappropriately picture, you potentially risk damaging the real you while also respecting the triggered by negative comments online, so use it. When I see something on my news- both your friendships and your future. different views of others. Remember she recommends removing oneself from feed that is offensive or is an extremely I know this to be true because of an that anyone can see what you say these situations. The writer does a fine passive insult such as, “Ugh! You would experience I had on one of these social online and that it cannot be deleted job of explaining how one can “unfollow” say that…” Or, “OK … don’t respond to me media sites. It started as a simple post from the minds of those who read it. someone without causing unnecessary when I apologize!” I will usually remove about what I did that weekend and how Hilary Use caution, but still be you. Just be hurt by “unfriending”. their posts from my newsfeed. I was so glad that I was home alone the Wickenhauser “the you” that you want represented. online continued on page 25

24 threesixtyjournalism.org interfaith from page 18 your own religion, but it’s equally United States is growing more It’s easy to forget. It would be fairly to see these young people that aren’t important to be informed about diverse. More than 44 percent of easy for me to just, like at dances—I afraid to express themselves or ask other religions around the world.” adult Americans have switched don’t know, I don’t really go anymore questions,” Hassan said. “The ques- Rachel added: “If you know religious affiliation over time. because I can’t deal with the dirti- tions they are asking are tough, but about another religion and under- Among Millennials (ages 18 ness—or at parties … those seem very respectful. It’s because of that stand it, then you’re less likely to to 29), one in four are unaffiliated really fun sometimes. And it’s very respect and that curiosity that I get discriminate or persecute people with any faith. They also attend tempting to go out there and throw it inspired every day.” for their beliefs.” religious services less than older back or whatever. Rachel Farber, a Jewish fresh- Americans, are less likely to belong man from Mendota Heights, A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE to their parents or grandparents’ Submitted What are the biggest misconceptions and her brother, Noah, a junior, The main source of difficulty for religion, and generally, say religion Faith is the most important tenet of you face? discovered the IYLC through their the IYLC is finding teens who want is less important to their lives. James Sorenson’s life, which is why Christians don’t have any fun. I mother, who works at the Jewish to make religion a priority outside Hassan wonders if that’s he’s often found in prayer when faced suppose, in a sense, that’s true. But Community Relations Council. of their customary places of wor- because “real” religious conversa- with high school struggles. we have fun in other ways. Or that Since they’ve both been asked ship, Hassan said. With academics, tion isn’t encouraged enough. By Christians are really judgmental to speak about Judaism before, sports, extracurriculars, social lives opening up about religion and Protestantism from page 19 and hate on anyone who isn’t like the Farbers aren’t strangers to and jobs taking up so much of their other heavy topics, teens can is awesome. It’s also comforting them. And we are all humans, and discussing their faith. However, time, spending an extra Sunday or discover that they have more “simi- to have a reason to be on earth. I God loves all of us the same. We are addressing it outside their Jewish two talking about religion might be larities than differences,” Rachel believe that God put us here to love no better than anyone else. I try to community was a bit intimidating, too much to juggle. said. Even promoting healthy one another and build relationships make it clear that just because I am Noah said. “People aren’t resistant to it,” dialogue within friend groups can and bring others to Christ. So that’s Christian, I am not better “It’s definitely important to go Hassan said. “It’s just that it isn’t make a difference. really a good mission to have. It’s than anyone. outside of your comfort zone. I prioritized.” “Just by going up to a friend and good motivation, too. know that the world isn’t full of just The world around teens is discussing religion, just having that In general, how does your generation Jewish people. It’s full of a ton of changing, too. According to a discussion and being polite about What challenges you about your respond to faith and religion? diversity and diverse people with survey on religion by the Pew it is important,” Hassan said. “Don’t religion? I think there is a lack of serious different opinions and beliefs,” he Research Center in Washington be afraid to ask questions as long as High school. Just trying to live a religion in our generation. I know a said. “It’s important to know about D.C., the religious makeup of the you do it in a respectful way.” sinless life. That’s impossible, and lot of Europe has fallen away from obviously it’s not going to happen, Christianity. A lot of America has. I but it’s still nice to try to follow what can’t support this, but I would guess jazz from page 9 CONNECTING TO THE MUSIC intellectualized the way a lot of the Jesus said is good. that it would be (the same with) be leading his own group of high Kjeer said that he’s always liked players think about it. We have all other religions. I think there is faith school aged musicians while also jazz and got into the genre by of this intricate stuff that we think How is high school a challenge? still. I think our generation believes playing in the Dakota Combo, made watching the Peanuts’ TV specials. about, and most people just hear It’s easy to step away from my faith. in something, but they may not up of the region’s top high school The music, composed by Vince music,” he said. It’s easy to say that I have too much practice seriously. So that’s where musicians. Additionally, McNally Guaraldi, is what Kjeer considers “I mean, sometimes all it takes is going on, that I don’t have time to there’s hope. There’s hope that they Smith College of Music, located in “bottom line accessible jazz.” you playing a ballad, and some- read the Bible, that I don’t have time still believe in something and maybe downtown St. Paul, hosts work- “When’s the last time you heard one being like, ‘What’s this?’ And to pray, that I have to get stuff done. I can influence that. shops that youth can attend with someone say they don’t like the finding out that it’s ‘My Funny visiting artists. Charlie Brown music? Probably Valentine.’ ‘Oh, wow! That’s a cool “In the past, I’ve been able to never,” Kjeer said. “I think a lot of song.’” online from page 24 mood. This also prevents me from attend one with Jon Weber, who is people who get into jazz get so deep No matter your comfort level This is a really nice way to keep accidentally damaging my reputation one of my all-time favorite pia- into it that they sort of forget that with jazz, Kjeer believes the Twin things that break your heart away because I am only interacting with nists and who has an encyclopedic we live in a culture where in order Cities Jazz Festival is a great oppor- from you. This way, you are not people that I know I can trust. Yet, knowledge of all things jazz,” Kjeer to attract a larger audience, it’s tunity to sample something new “unfriending” them, you are just I am still “friends” with those from said. “They’re definitely worth important to keep the music acces- from a wide-ranging genre. preventing yourself from seeing my school, but they cannot know checking out for anyone who is sible to those who don’t understand “If you think of yourself as liking their posts on your newsfeed. Since that I blocked their information from interested in learning more about exactly what’s going on … just by music, go,” he said. “It’s free, there’s my newsfeed is always filled with showing up in my newsfeed. jazz or just hearing some really listening to it.” food, the weather is always nice,. inspiring things, I actually feel Knowing the risks is important, great music.” Bates agrees that jazz may be It’s outdoors, the bands are always refreshed after spending some time because anyone can see what you “That’s really our mission of the intimidating because of its esoteric absolutely mind-blowing … You on the Internet. I don’t get angry are doing. Search your usernames jazz festival is to promote jazz in nature. won’t find a better day to sit in the with people’s remarks since I have on Google, and make sure you are Minnesota,” Drew said. “(Jazz) doesn’t have to be sun and listen to music anywhere.” blocked them, and I stay in a good pleased with what pops up.

May / June 2014 25 property manager scopes the hallways to listen teachers and classmates. At first, I began No longer a kid, for disturbances. clowning around because I was a natural goof- This is all old news to me. I just choose to ball. But then I began to feed off the attention ignore it when my parents aren’t home. that my friends gave me. not quite an adult This is Bad Freddy. After a disruptive day in class, one of my As the oldest sibling in the house, it’s my teachers finally pulled me aside. responsibility to take care of Tianna. If she’s “What happened to the quiet Freddy I not supposed to watch TV until her homework know? The one who talked only when neces- Knowing how to find your role as a teen can be tough is completed, I don’t become sympathetic and sary? Can you bring him back?” she asked. let her turn on “American Idol.” If she’s done I looked at all my peers behind her, smiled with her work, then I’ll check it and give her and walked away without saying a word. the approval to have free time. News traveled fast about getting scolded. It’s Thursday night and my parents For the last three or four years, my parents The newfound attention from my classmates aren’t home. My 10-year-old sister, Tianna, asks Frederick McConnell have trusted me to take care of the house and made me a careless guy. I went home thinking if we can listen to music, so I go into my room St. Paul Conservatory act like an adult. I know what I’m supposed that I was “cool” or “popular,” but it was a dif- and grab my stereo, which has really huge for Performing Artists to get done with Tianna. And I do it. To know ferent feeling when I had to go to English class speakers that create a big, booming sound. that your parents give you a lot of trust, it feels again. I felt nervous. It literally jars the floors and walls when pretty awesome. I knew that I made a wrong turn with my played at a high volume. For the next three My mom cannot stand loud music. She says This is Good Freddy. teacher, but was scared that if I stopped goof- hours, we’re jamming and dancing to Selena it disrupts the neighbors and is a lease violation ing off and trying to make people laugh, my Gomez, Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson. that will eventually get us in trouble since our CLOWNING AROUND classmates would stop giving me attention. It At times, I feel like two different people. Every was part of me now. I was a class clown. day at school, I find myself in situations where Sure, I enjoyed the reactions from others, I lose control of my maturity and end up stoop- but it also made me feel like an idiot at ing to childish behavior. It’s boredom getting times. After awhile, the jokes got old. People GET INSPIRED the best of me. who thought you were funny before start Things had started to change when I arrived to grow up. Sometimes they’re offended by GET EXPERIENCE at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing what you say. Artists. I was also a different person when I TRYING TO SHAPE UP GET AHEAD VANTAGE: MINNETONKA ADVANCED arrived there as a sophomore. PROFESSIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM I didn’t talk to anyone unless there were That’s when I decided that I wanted to be taken in-class group activities. Even then, I didn’t more seriously. • Work on real-world business projects say much. Now a junior in high school, I still struggle • Earn high school and college credits My teacher loved my quiet personality. She with what’s expected of me. I want to be the • Make your college application stand out told me that I was mature and that she appre- guy who can balance out playing Madden on ciated how I’d always inform her about my Xbox with three hours of homework. I want to Check out VANTAGE if you’re interested in: classwork. One of my past problems in school be the guy who can go out every Friday night - Global Business or was a lack of communication with teachers. So and still get a 1,500 word essay done without far, I had removed that bad habit. being late. I want to be like many of my friends - Health Services Two months into the school year, my peers who can multitask and get their work done, but had started to wonder why I was so reserved. still be a fun loving kid. “Freddy, stop being so anti-social. Talk to us.” With college looming, the pressure has I simply told them that I’d communicate when only increased. I am constantly worried about the time was right. what I’ll be like as an adult. I don’t want to be It didn’t help that I had anxiety problems. a failure. Judgments always ran through my head, so I It’s hard to be a teenager, not knowing what just kept to myself. your “role” in life is supposed to be. Some find But slowly, I started to come out of my shell. it sooner than others. It goes back to that saying “feed them an inch, Though I’m still searching, my new and they’ll take the whole yard.” That’s what approach is to picture myself as having already Minnetonka High School welcomes open enrollment students. happened to me. achieved my goals. To act as though I’ve Sure, I started to talk to everyone, But I already made it to college and my dream job. WWW.TONKAVANTAGE.COM also cracked stupid jokes. I started to disrupt It’ll become reality soon enough.

26 threesixtyjournalism.org pop singer who grabs headlines for Don’t stop … all the wrong reasons. She used to be the sweet, loving, country-accented star of Disney’s “Hannah Montana.” Beliebing? Now, she’s showing tons of skin and changing her music so she can be seen as a “bad girl,” or at least, more like an adult. No one stays the same as they get older— People also change over time. As a sophomore, I dress differently than especially celebrities I did when I was a seventh grader. I never used to care about my hair. I didn’t care about my clothes. Now, it’s the complete opposite. I make Baby, baby, baby, ohhh my hair look nice every morning. Like, baby, baby, baby, nooo Gabie Yang I care about how I dress in front of Forest Lake Like baby, baby, baby, ohhh my peers. What others think about Area High Thought you’d always be mine, mine School me matters. I even act differently. Since I was Do these lyrics sound familiar new to the junior high environment saw every day. We were quite the as a seventh grader, I wasn’t sure how to you? Wikimedia Commons Four years ago, those words devoted community. When he was young: Fresh-faced to navigate social situations. I was defined Canadian pop star Justin Justin Bieber, in 2009, won the more quiet and reserved. Now, as a REALITY CHECK Bieber, the 16-year-old with a high- hearts of young girls. When he sophomore, I’m loud when I want pitched voice who sang the repetitive Around this same time, Justin was arrested: Bieber, earlier to be and speak my thoughts freely. song, “Baby.” The hit single would began to change publicly. At 17, he this year, gets his mugshot I’m much more confident about who play on radios over and over until started to style his hair differently. taken upon being charged for I am. some people grew to hate the song— His famous “hairflip” had been cut. drunken driving. and ultimately, him. He also started to dress differ- LAST STAGE: ACCEPTANCE At 13—and while still trying to ently. When he was 16, he’d opt for Maybe Justin had simply been given navigate junior high—I loved Justin. simple T-shirts and skinny jeans He supposedly spit off a too much freedom and money, and Not only was he my favorite singer, that fit comfortably. Now, entering balcony into a crowd of now he’s acting out while still grow- but I also considered him my one his 20s, he’s wearing baggy jeans his fans while in Toronto. ing up before our eyes. Even today, true inspiration. that sag, tank tops too big for his He egged his neighbor’s house in I look at him and think about the I would hear him say, “Never say small frame, and gaudy gold chains California. Worst of all, he was “Baby” singer who made me want to never. Dreams come true if you just around his neck. arrested for drag racing and driving wonder: “Why did he change? What believe and dream. Who, on those keep dreaming.” And I believed him. The biggest change, however, was under the influence. made him change?” days when I felt alone and unhappy, In fact, my personal dream was to that his voice had finally deepened. I had to face reality and realize Society tells us we need to dress could simply sing to me so I’d one day meet him. He didn’t sound like a “girl” or some- that Justin had changed. Big time. and act a certain way. That we need instantly feel better. Three years later, I kept believ- one who puts helium in their voice Now, Justin is a rich 20-year-old to live our lives a specific way or else But once he was busted for driv- ing in him. I kept thinking, hoping before singing. And yet, his detrac- making poor choices, getting in we don’t fit in. ing under the influence, I resigned and dreaming that he would show tors still would find something to trouble with the law and altering Even before Justin’s voice change, to the reality that he wasn’t the up to my door. Then we’d have a tease him or be mean about, which— the way he sings and records his he was receiving more hate and teen heartthrob I fell in love with. normal conversation, like we were of course—bothered me a lot. music. Today, it seems that most pressure from society than any Whatever the reasons for his decline the friends I always pictured. I even But I never left him. I thought, everyone in America is fed up with teenager could probably handle. If in behavior, he’s changed. The old used to spam him on Twitter so that “He’ll always be the same Justin his behavior. Some people were so you’re called a girl because of how Justin Bieber isn’t coming back. he would “follow” me. Because of my Bieber that I fell in love with. upset, they created an official White you dress and sing at 16, you’ll likely That’s probably what I’ve learned devotion to him, I also made a hand- The same Justin that sang ‘Baby’ House petition to have him deported try to craft a tougher image once most since I decided to “give up” on ful of friends through the fandom and would tell me to never stop from America. you’re older. being a Belieber—something I never Beliebers—all because we had looked dreaming.” After all, a lot of celebrities have thought would happen. up to the same singer. Some of those Then came the train wreck. OLDER, BUT NOT WISER changed physically and emotionally No one stays the same, whether friendships became even more Media reports began to sur- As all of this happened in a mere to satisfy the needs of society. Just we’re ready to accept those transfor- important than ones with people I face that he was using marijuana. three years, I’ve been forced to look at Miley Cyrus, another young mations or not.

May / June 2014 27 for perpetuating Asian stereo- Home stage types—worst of all, through use of “yellowface.” Yellowface refers to the practice, originated by early advantage 20th century filmmakers, of chang- ing a non-Asian actor to look like a stereotypical Asian. The practice is identical to “blackface,” where Mu Performing Arts gives local white actors would use makeup to look black. Asian American actors a voice Shiomi believes that a lack of representation and sensitivity at the production level is the main reason why yellowface remains somewhat It was the day after our accepted. school’s big musical auditions for Danielle Wong “They create (that image) because “Legally Blonde.” There was talk of Eastview High in their minds, they think that’s intense competition for the lead School what the audiences want. And that’s roles, and with it, the typical rumors what they think people will sell … of not-so favorable picks. suddenly 500 million dollars means As my friend and I shove our way In 1991, Japanese-Canadian play- more to them than whether this through the overcrowded and bois- wright Rick Shiomi was approached character’s a stereotype or not,” terous hallway, we begin to discuss by a graduate student from the he said. potential roles. University of Minnesota to begin Creating a solution to those “I’m just hoping to get in,” I say a local Asian American theater challenges on a local level had its with a nervous smile. “There are so company. Despite the few Asian roadblocks. When it started, Mu many good freshmen this year. I’m American performing artists at the attracted few Asian American actors scared they’ll take all the parts!” time, the theater was up and running and actresses—as there were few in “Same here,” my friend replies. by 1992. Minnesota to begin with. The youth “Hey, isn’t there some nerd charac- Mu Performing Arts—originally that Mu did attract, Shiomi said, also ter? Kate? You’re Asian, you could known as Theater Mu—was the Michal Daniel had little to no training to do full- Since 1992, Mu Performing Arts has given local Asian American actors a totally play her!” first, and remains the only, all-Asian scale theater productions. chance to shine on stage—and behind the scenes—for productions. I laugh. I don’t correct her, nor do American performing arts company Mu would face 10 long years of I try to defend myself. in Minnesota. It gave a voice to rarely developing talent to begin “laying the Later, as I sat in my math class, recognized Asian American actors, “Individual artists like that (Jackie representation of Asian Americans foundations of the company.” I began to wish I hadn’t brushed off and an opportunity for them to Chan, Bruce Lee) are often perceived in the performing arts, especially “It wasn’t until the early 2000s my friend’s comment so easily. perform and hone their talents when by the community as exceptions. on TV. that I felt like we really started to few theaters would accept them. Like, Asian Americans can’t really Case in point: Earlier this year, an have a more established company, m act, but one or two of them are episode of “How I Met Your Mother” that then (we could do) much more CONFRONTING CHALLENGES exceptionally talented (so) we’ll give aired under the name “Slapsgiving challenging, much larger-type pro- The karate masters. The nerds. The Back in the late ‘90s, Asian American them the opportunity. There’s no 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra.” It ductions,” Shiomi said. foreigners. artists weren’t typically seen as sense of larger acceptance of that sounded harmless, the title play- All are characters we often see lead material or even as ensemble general talent base,” said Shiomi, ing off a silly recollection of main MAKING AN IMPACT Asian Americans playing in our material. One of the main reasons, Mu’s former artistic director and a character Barney Stinson getting Over the years, Mu has played the day-to-day lives, whether they are Shiomi said, was a lack of precedent freelance director in the Twin Cities. slapped—a running gag on the show. dual role of talent developer and onstage or on-camera. However, for successful Asian American actors Not having a precedent means However, the show received a opportunity producer, Shiomi said. these are frequently the only charac- and actresses. that there won’t be enough steady stream of online backlash Due to the low number of trained ters we see Asian Americans playing. Asian actors and actresses, Mu While the lack of opportunities began the “New Eyes Festival”—a for Asian American performing art- workshop that gave young Asian think What are some racially insensitive portrayals you’ve seen on television or in the movies? Does it happen ists continues to be a challenge, one American artists the opportunity to spot to one race more than another? When is it OK to poke fun at stereotypes? When does it cross a line? group in Minnesota is trying to do perform and develop their skills. something about it. Mu continued on next page

28 threesixtyjournalism.org mu from previous page and Drama class at the University of practice from page 17 “It’s part of your life. It’s a puzzle. you should look internally and see “What Mu has done is actually Minnesota. She gives credit to her He is all knowing. If one piece is missing, your puzzle if you are adding up to your own developed that precedent, developed (favorite) teacher, Josephine Lee, “Every religion has a bias and won’t be complete,” Salat said. standards. If you do see a fault in that kind of, ‘Here’s a pool of people, who first exposed the students to not everybody is going to be a good someone else’s life, you should not just one exceptionally talented Mu. Muslim, Christian, or whatever. ‘WALKING THE WALK’ address them with love and not person. Here’s a pool of people that “I think without Mu, I couldn’t Every religion is going to have Aron Knigge, 20, of Minneapolis, negativity,” Knigge said. have this talent, who are creative as have met the kind of people I’ve met someone to judge you.” wasn’t born into a religion. However, In the end, the level of spiritual- directors, as actors, as playwrights.’ today,” Ko said. “Mu is very respon- Likewise, Hamdi Salat, a Muslim for the last three years, he’s dedi- ity one feels—and how powerful And I think that’s sort of changing sible for the career I have right now.” teen from St. Paul, wears a heads- cated himself to being a non-denom- their connection to faith is—can the landscape,” Shiomi said. It’s an impact that Mu’s new carf and proudly serves as a “display inational Christian. While at a youth often be guided by how well rules Mu has also had an impact artistic director, Randy Reyes, hopes of my religion.” Salat grew up in a conference with a friend in 2011, are followed, Ulrich said. Yet while beyond the Twin Cities. Now to carry into the future. religious family and began to “truly Knigge realized he needed to change they serve as important daily recognized as a “vital center of “I’d love for us to be a beacon, like understand” the rules and traditions his life. “reminders,” modern adaptations of Asian American theater activity” by a home base for all Asian American of her Islamic faith while at her “I heard a message about religious rules have become much journalists and policymakers, Mu theater artists and taiko (Japanese local mosque. lukewarm Christianity, and I real- more fluid—especially to young co-hosted the 2nd National Asian percussion) artists to come here,” “Ramadan nights. Just being ized that I was talking the talk and people. American Theater Conference in Reyes said. “Not only to work profes- at the masjid (mosque) praying. not walking the walk. And then I “You go to any religious text of June 2008. Four years later, Shiomi sionally, but to do a training program That’s the moment when you realize decided to fully commit my life to any number of religions and tradi- earned the Ivey Award for Lifetime to bring in Asian American art- that you’re passionate about your Jesus,” he said. tions, and yes, you can get very Achievement, a prestigious honor in ists from all over the nation … and religion. You feel that you love it,” As part of his weekly routine, strict rules laid out … ‘Do this, or Twin Cities theater. continue to feature Asian American Salat said. Knigge leads Bible study two nights you’ll suffer in flames. Do this or playwrights and plays, to do it in a To her, the rules of Islam create a week, prays every day and goes God will be angry,’” Ulrich said. INTO THE FUTURE way that people are excited about a barrier from “bad things”—for to church on Sundays with the “But for a lot of people, they’re The foundation built by Mu has the art itself, and not just about the instance, rules against sex before intent of “loving Jesus with all my very laid back … and don’t need to created hope for young Asian social justice issues.” marriage or drinking/doing drugs heart and mind, strength and soul.” be threatened with hellfire, or that American actors. Naomi Ko, a prevent teen pregnancy, sexually Though Knigge strives to walk in God is going to be mad … or if they 23-year-old Korean American actor m transmitted diseases, car crashes, Jesus’ footsteps, he doesn’t judge don’t conquer their desires, they’re and writer based in Minneapolis, and even death. If you don’t follow others who fail to lead by example. going to suffer forever. That’s not is accustomed to racism in theater. As a young Asian American actress, all of the rules, you lose your “Before you blame or accuse what it’s about to most religions.” When she was younger, Ko said that I am honored and privileged to “safety net.” others of not being good enough, her theater experience—and being have worked with Mu on multiple cast as “grotesque characters” like occasions. In fact, I am currently in a Gollum from “Lord of the Rings”—in show at Stages Theatre Company, in surrender from page 18 in his usual fun nature. Sometimes when I go outside middle school and high school left collaboration with Mu, running until or not, who knows? But he was a Yet I feel brave when I wander and stand with the wind in my face, her jaded. May 18 in Hopkins. respected elder, someone whose alone in the dark at midnight. Once I feel like the spirits are with me. “I think Asian American actors “Starry River of the Sky” takes advice people sought. He believed on Christmas Day at my house in They’re reminding me about this really have to ask their directors, traditional Chinese folktales and it, so everybody believed. Lakeville, I came downstairs at 1 wonderful life that I have. before they’re auditioning, exactly brings them to stunning, vivid life. When I talk about supernatural a.m. to wrap gifts and put them I believe there’s some medium how they see their character. And The show opens the audience’s eyes beliefs to Americans, they often out for the rest of the family. The we cannot touch that lives with us. I I think that, when I was younger, to the beauty and possibilities found don’t believe. They tell me that downstairs was cold and I could believe what we do affects our karma I didn’t do that. I never asked the within the Asian culture. advanced technology and science hear noises throughout the house. and something is always keeping reason why my directors in middle Mu has given me so many can prove anything—how the But I wasn’t scared. count of our good and bad deeds. It’s school and high school would cast opportunities to surround myself universe is made, why the sky is That’s when I realized it: My the part of me that’s very Indonesian, me as those types of roles,” Ko said. with a culture that I knew little blue, or how long the brain releases mind can control if I want to be and it’s not easy to change. “It’s hard, of course, to break about. Being an Asian American warnings when something dan- scared or not. Now that I’ve been in America, beyond types. I’ve been very, very actor means taking on the weight of gerous happens. To them, there the only thing that might be chang- selective of the types of roles I audi- knowing that it is up to people like is no logical explanation for the ‘THE SPIRITS ARE WITH ME’ ing is my role in it. tion for, the types of productions I’m me to pave the way for generations supernatural. I can only smile at my host father’s Yes, I have the choice to not be in. Because I refuse, 100 percent, to to come. I told my American host dad reaction about my belief in ghosts scared about a spirit or supernatural play any kind of ‘type.’ I can’t sacri- Every time I perform this show, about how I believe that there is and spirits. He pointed at my head force at night. But I can also believe fice that. I can’t do that.” I’m reminded of this incredible race I something unseen that is watching and said, “‘Everything is in there.” I that it’s what is ultimately protect- Ko gained awareness of Mu while am part of and the Asian culture that us. Something that will either pro- know that. But I also know that there ing me—and what helped shape me taking an Asian American Literature I proudly embrace. tect or attack us. He called me crazy is something outside of my head. into who I am today.

May / June 2014 29 “The Way I Work”

Thinking outside the batter’s box

Beyond balls and strikes, there’s a promotions game to be played

For Sierra Bailey, promotions manager of the St. Paul Saints base- Amolak Singh ball team, nothing is more satisfying Nova Classical than making several thousand fans Academy laugh at a silly promotional event. Staff Play ball! Sierra Bailey, promotions manager for the St. Paul Saints, enjoys interacting with baseball fans on summer days. “I love hanging out with the fans,” Away from Midway Stadium, she also helps rally the crowd at Twins games. said Bailey, 26, of Maple Grove. “I with several major Minnesota love hearing (them) laugh at our teams, including the Lynx, promotions, or even at something Timberwolves and Twins. ideas come together before the Yeah, it is amazing. I mean, we work execute it. we didn’t plan. Hearing them laugh Bailey runs promotions for the Saints season begins in mid-May. a lot, sometimes 10 or 11 hours each meant that it was a success, and I Saints, a minor league professional day. It can be tiring. But it is amaz- What would a typical day as promo- don’t care about anything else in that team that plays in the American Why did you start working in sports ing how once the gates open, we all tions manager look like? moment.” Association of Independent promotions? change from being zombies to being During the season on a game day, As an undergraduate student Professional Baseball—which is not I’ve always loved the baseball super excited. It really is a lot of fun. we always get here at 9 a.m. I put at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with Major League Baseball. atmosphere the most … and Saints together scripts for our public Bailey knew she wanted to have a They have played at Midway Stadium promotions are so much more than What keeps the Saints important in announcement guys, help plan what career based in sports. However, in St. Paul since 1993, but are moving every other team I’ve worked for— the St. Paul community? promotions we are going to have she thought that being a therapist or into a new stadium starting with the which is what they are known for. If There’s always something going on. each inning, and get all our crazy trainer was the only way to work in 2015 season. we see a line, we just don’t get close Between innings, there is always a promotion stuff ready before the the industry. Since the Saints are a smaller to it. We cross it. It’s awesome to promotion going on. People love free game. I have about 25 game day At a promotional TwinsFest, team with rotating players, they work at a place like this. stuff. For example, if a section won interns that I meet with and tell them she quickly “fell in love with rely on unique promotions to draw something and didn’t get their prize what’s going on. They go off and we the business side of sports” and fans to the ballpark. ThreeSixty How do you know when it’s OK to coupon, they would flip out and get everything set up. Then, it’s game switched over to sports manage- Journalism reporter Amolak Singh “cross the line” with a promotion? demand it. We always try to pick two time. ment. Since then, she has interned chatted with Bailey about how those There have been some instances or three promotions that get national where we have to make sure we attention. Do you interact more with Saints fans Career advice aren’t doing anything wrong, and compared to a bigger organization? we usually check it with our GM What do your promotions look like? We seat 5,000 to 6,000 fans at our This is the third installment of“The Way I Work,” a regular ThreeSixty (general manager) and owner to We might have a theme of the day, ballpark, so there’s a strong commu- feature aimed at providing insight into unique and interesting career make sure. I’d love to say we can do which means our promotions and nity feeling here. I’m always involved fields. Intrigued by this career path? Promotions manager Sierra Bailey whatever we want, but that’s not giveaways are based on that. One with the fans because I’m busy pick- offers the following advice to teenagers: always the case. But 90 percent of the promotion we do every year is St. ing out contestants and hanging out “You have to have a certain drive, but you can’t take anything too time we can cross the line, and that’s Patrick’s Day in July, where people with them and getting to know them. seriously. You have to be able to market yourself, and networking is your what is fun. The Saints motto is “Fun dress up in green and get super There’s drunk people, there’s old main tool to getting jobs and internships. I didn’t apply for this job. Our is good.” excited like it’s actually St. Patrick’s people, there’s young kids who get assistant GM, who also worked (with the Saints) when I was an intern, Day. Anything is on the table. There super shy when they’re on the field. Was it eye-opening to realize all the called me up awhile back and asked me what I was doing. Then he asked will be times when something looks My voice gets super hoarse at the behind-the-scenes action that goes me if I wanted to be the promotions manager.” really funny on paper, but when end of the summer because I talk to into baseball games? we get to it we have no idea how to everybody and I can’t shut up.

30 threesixtyjournalism.org “Call me crazy, but I hear things In the seventh grade, around my ambitions,” he said. “Eventually, An isolated that torture me on an unrelenting the time Ely was diagnosed with things kind of went wrong and basis that never, ever, ever shut up. Asperger’s syndrome, he fell in love rumors started being spread around And they’re basically the same voices with a classmate. A typical crush. about me ... existence that I was surrounded by in class that Except, as he attempted to share “I heard people whispering about were whispering about me.” his feelings, he wasn’t aware of how me at the back of my class … It’s sort At first glance, 16-year-old Ely is Asperger’s would affect his ability to of like living your worst nightmare.” both charismatic and gregarious. He be so relentlessly open and honest— Autistic teens share their daily struggles speaks with a confidence bordering and how that would also disrupt the Feeling alone on bravado. girl in question. Annaliese, who also has Asperger’s, while trying to fit in with peers However, this acts as a varnish Looking back, Ely said he realizes is Ely’s girlfriend. They met after hiding the difficulties that, at times, that he simply did not know how attending classes provided by stifle him. to appropriately express himself. the Autism Society of Minnesota One could see tufts of these But at the time, all he knew was to (AuSM). Editor’s note: For privacy reasons, hidden struggles as he contemplated profess “I love you” as many times as Like Ely, she has also endured the ThreeSixty Journalism is only using Alexis Reaves relating a childhood incident that possible. burden of bullying. first names of teenage sources in Blake Upper still haunts him. It’s a hesitation that “I didn’t understand it, and while “Recently, someone called me this story. School perhaps epitomizes autism’s effect on she didn’t return the love, I couldn’t pathetic because I couldn’t do his social interaction. see it. So I just continued pursuing autism continued on page 32

May / June 2014 31 autism from page 31 a perception that there is a lack of something that everyone else could motivation—when actually, it’s that do,” she said. “(People think) that anxiety where they are so afraid that it autistic people are freaks. Some paralyzes them from making a move.” think we’re stupid. There are a lot of us that are really smart … It’s just MAKING PROGRESS stereotypes that we’re someone that Annaliese has gained newfound they can be condescending to.” confidence from the sessions. The nature of Asperger’s—named Having experienced times when she after the doctor who diagnosed unknowingly said “something that it—can make the already vulner- turned out wrong” to others, she able period of adolescence even feels comfortable working on social more trying. Though it’s consid- skills around teens like her. ered a higher functioning form of “I know they’re going through autism by medical experts, typi- something I’m going through, and cal Asperger’s symptoms include: they won’t look at me and judge me,” Difficulty initiating and maintaining she said. “It makes me feel better conversation, struggling with eye around people who may judge me, contact and body language cues, not because I’m growing into not caring being able to make friends easily, as much as I used to.” developing odd and repetitive move- As for Ely, he feels as though the ments, maintaining specific rituals, classes have done their job. He’s

and developing intense—often Mina Yuan ready to move on. obsessive—interests. “I was struggling to grasp that this It’s why Ely and Annaliese said is real life. This is the world you live they value solitude more than any- reason I don’t have many serious especially proud of AuSM’s Saturday getting along with your co-workers.” in, you have to adapt. And I was truly thing else. connections with people,” he said. social skills classes, which bring “There are a lot of kids out there immersed in my own realm,” Ely said. Annaliese recalled that when she As for Annaliese, her Asperger’s autistic youth to places like Como that are in their basements right “I have improved past that point. It’s was little “my parents said that I was has also been challenging while in Zoo in St. Paul to learn improvi- now playing video games when like taking off the training wheels on always off by myself … ever since I high school. But in a different way. sation skills—or how to respond they could be doing (the class). The a bike.” was little, I was in my own world.” Ely “The first two girls I told at school and react appropriately in social statistic is two years out of high Slawik’s mission of creating isn’t much different, saying that he’ll … they looked at me and said, ‘No situations—while in an engaging school, students on the spectrum are safe spaces for teens like Annaliese often lock himself in his bedroom way, you’re not stupid enough. You environment. either unemployed or not in higher and Ely is a multifaceted one that and “do absolutely nothing.” can do a lot of stuff. You’re making “We find that (the class) builds education. So if they’re two years out requires more than just individual “Lately I’ve been forced to come it up.’ There are different forms of self-confidence and better self of high school, not in a job or not effort for those who are autistic. She out … (I’m) still kind of procrastinat- autism. It comes in different levels. esteem. They feel better about school in college, where are they? Playing notes the importance of society’s ing at the more important side of I stopped telling people after that … overall, and they are coming to a video games in their parents’ base- behavior toward the condition itself, my life,” he said. “I often believe that And then as people started question- place on Saturday that they feel good ment,” Slawik said. and how all should strive to show (isolation) is viewed as something ing … why I was so different, then I’d about,” Slawik said. “Motivation starts to play in that empathy to those who struggle with you should avoid, but I relish in that. just tell them I have autism. “Because school is not an easy as they get older. Any workshop we basic interaction. Internally, I rebel (against the idea of “(They say) ‘I never would have place. And at home may not be an do with the word motivation, we get “When I go to a room and I am socializing) but I’m very passive, so I known.’ You can act so normal, just easy place. So we’re creating an a bunch of people because there is doing a training (session), I will say, just go with it.” because you can pick stuff up on environment where they can feel ‘How many of you know someone Their tendency to detach often how to act. And then you stay quiet, good, have that growth and yet learn with autism?’ Most of the hands go up manifests in alienation from their so you don’t make a mistake. They’ll a lot, too.” Helping hand these days. So I think there is a bigger peers. For instance, Ely said he often never guess.” Slawik said it’s especially taxing awareness in general,” Slawik said. zones out mentally and can close for young adults with autism as they To learn more about the “However, what many people himself off from everything else hap- EDUCATION AND OUTREACH enter adulthood. Social deficits can Autism Society of Minnesota’s don’t know is how to respond appro- pening around him. Nora Slawik, AuSM’s director of affect the ability to go to college, social skills classes, including priately, that the biggest thing is just “You’re in this stage of serious education, has played an active role get a job interview, and then keep a summer opportunities, visit being kind. (Teens with autism) are contemplation, and then someone in removing the stigma and miscon- job—whether it’s “eating lunch with www.ausm.org. not trying to act out. Be accepting. snaps you out of it … It’s for that ceptions that surround autism. She’s people, following the routine or Be kind to them.”

32 threesixtyjournalism.org