Staying Off the Streets When He Was 16

www.threesixtyjournalism.org Volume 3 • Issue 2 December 2012–January 2013

Minnesota Teens Report Stories and Issues That Matter

Staying off the streets When he was 16... Twin Cities activists Talking high school with get serious about Chris Kluwe Page 8 teen prostitution Page 13

Fashionable art Korean student gets creative Page 16

Illustration by Mary Wu Volume 3 • Issue 2

Frequently asked questions

What is ThreeSixty Journalism? ThreeSixty University of Minnesota. In 2001, the program moved Writers in this issue Simone Cazares, Woodbury HS • Ariel Kendall, Journalism is a youth journalism program of the to the University of St. Thomas and became a year- ThreeSixty Journalism alumna • Mary Meehan, Delano HS • Grace Pastoor, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of round program with a full-time staff. University of St. Thomas • Darwesh Singh, Nova Classical Academy • Diana St. Thomas. The non-profit program is committed What does the name ThreeSixty mean? In 2006, Lu, University of Minnesota PSEO • Maya Shelton-Davies, River Falls HS to helping Minnesota teens tell the stories that matter the program’s name changed to ThreeSixty Journalism • Simon Lancaster, Concordia University PSEO • Dan Baden, Roseville in their lives and communities. to reflect the program’s growth and the range of Area Senior HS • Jennah Benalshaikh, St. Paul Preparatory School • Calista What is ThreeSixty Journalism’s mission? backgrounds among the students we serve. We are Dunbar, St. Paul Central HS • Frederick McConnell, St. Paul Conservatory of ThreeSixty’s mission is to bring diverse voices into interested in telling stories from all parts of our Performing Arts • Ibrahim Hirsi, ThreeSixty Journalism alum journalism and related professions and to using community, using a variety of media tools, including intense, personal instruction in the craft and principles words, photos, illustrations and video. Photographers and illustrators in this issue Nico Machlitt, Highland Park Senior HS • Jennah Benalshaikh, St. Paul Preparatory School • of journalism to strengthen the literacy, writing skills How can I get involved? Apply for our after-school Mary Wu, Thomas Edison HS • Elise Swenson, Thomas Edison HS • Victoria and college-readiness of Minnesota teens. NewsTeam program, which will start in February. Whom do you serve? ThreeSixty Journalism directly For applications and details, go to our website: www. Turcios, Washburn HS serves more than 100 Minnesota high school students threesixtyjournalism.org each year via after-school classes, weekend workshops, To submit ideas, essays, photos or artwork, Editors: Thomas Rozwadowski & Lynda McDonnell school partnerships, individual coaching and summer email them to [email protected] or Design Consultant: Diana Boger journalism camps. About half the students served contact Editor Thomas Rozwadowski at thomas. come from low-income homes and more than 60 [email protected] Community Outreach Editor: Katie Johnson percent come from communities of color. We serve To arrange classroom visits, contact Community AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer coordinator: Briana Gruenewald thousands more via our print publications and Outreach Editor Katie Johnson at katie.johnson@ Grace Pastoor website—www.threesixtyjournalism.org stthomas.edu or Executive Director Lynda Administrative Assistant: How did ThreeSixty Journalism start? The McDonnell at [email protected] Editorial offices: program began as the Urban Journalism Workshop How can I support ThreeSixty? Visit the Mail 5057, 2115 Summit Ave. in 1971. UJW provided basic journalism training to Supporters page of our website to see a range of St. Paul, MN 55105 Minnesota high school students, particularly low- ways you can help as a donor or volunteer. www. 651-962-5282 income and minority teens, at summer camps at the threesixtyjournalism.org/audience/supporters [email protected]

For Minnesota teachers If you would like to receive ThreeSixty free of charge four times a year, send the following ThreeSixty Journalism Board of Advisors Brian Bellmont, Bellmont information to [email protected]. Partners Public Relations • Sue Campbell, MSP Publications • Amy Hang, Consultant, ThreeSixty alumna • Denise Johnson-Oliver,Star Tribune • Dennis Name McGrath, McGrath Buckley Communications Counseling • Dr. Dina Gavri- los, University of St. Thomas • Dr. Kristie Bunton, University of St. Thomas • School Mike Burbach, St. Paul Pioneer Press • Doug Hennes, University of St. Thomas School phone and extension ( ) Number of copies (30 minimum) • Duchesne Drew, Star Tribune • Lida Poletz, Weber Shandwick • Scott Libin, Email Internet Broadcasting

Address Ex officio memberDr. Terence Langan, interim dean, College of Arts & City, State, Zip Sciences, University of St Thomas

Major supporters include Carl & Eloise Pohlad Family Fdn. • Bremer 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 Foundation • Best Buy Children’s Foundation • University of St. Thomas • John Please include your name, address and email address. S. and James L. Knight Foundation Donor Advised Fund • Minnesota Literacy Council • Gannett Foundation • Dow Jones Newspaper Fund • Youthprise

2 threesixtyjournalism.org Cover story

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified the Twin Cities as the 13th largest center for child prostitution in the nation. In an average month, more than 200 girls are sold for sex in the area. Their average age is 13.

Organizations led by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota are rallying for change and working to end the sexual exploitation of teen girls. In this issue, meet Angela, a 26-year-old woman who still struggles to talk about her year-and-a-half on the streets. For her, it was never a “chosen” lifestyle. I Page 13

Send comments to ThreeSixty Journalism CONTENTs december/January

Send your letters to @16 with Chris Kluwe 8 ThreeSixty Journalism at 10 I 2115 Summit Ave., Mail 5057, Just a punter? The outspoken Viking reflects on life as a “nerdy” teenager. St. Paul, MN. 55105, or comment online at Are you buckled up? I 10 www.threesixtyjournalism.org Everything changed when a River Falls teenager was killed in a car accident. You can also join ThreeSixty Journalism’s Facebook Being the model minority I 12 fan page or follow us on The pressure to be smart and docile can be too much for Asian-Americans at times. Twitter@ThreeSixtyMN Making her mark in fashion I 16 Thank you Hee Soo Kim arrived from Korea with the goal of making a splash in art and design. Finance & Commerce The print version of ThreeSixty YourTurn winners I 18 will be published four times 28 How has technology affected high school learning? Our essay winners weigh in. during the 2012–2013 school year. Finance & Commerce Overcoming obstacles, overturning labels I 20 in Minneapolis has donated Being a “special ed” kid can be difficult for teens and their families to cope with. printing of the publication. We are grateful for this Not too young to ‘Reminisce’ I 28 generous gift. Minnetonka High School grad John Mark Nelson is living his music dreams at 18.

Find more at our website: www.threesixty journalism.org

December 2012/January 2013 3 meet the editor This issue’s artists Let’s get writing, teens and photographers Mary Wu, a junior at Thomas Edison High School in Minneapolis, By Thomas Rozwadowski, ThreeSixty youth editor me naturally with a pen or in front is an exchange student from Taiwan, which is a small island beside of a keyboard. China. y journalism career peaked on Nov. 30, 2004. Journalism changed everything “This winter is going to be the first time I That was the day I interviewed Dennis Haskins, or as you for me. You learn a few things will experience a snowball fight, the coldest Mmay or may not know him better, Mr. Belding from the cheesy about yourself when forced to temperature I will have gone through (because ’90s-era teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell.” tap a random teenager or mall my country doesn’t have snow), and I’m really Since I was only about two years into my tenure as a full-time Green mom on the shoulder to discuss excited about them. Bay Press-Gazette writer, I doubt the interview was any good. Instead, it’s “American Idol” results or the “I wish while visiting this year, I could get special to me because as a pop-culture nerd who best ice scrapers to use in winter to know every tiny microscopic thing about (don’t look that last story up, America, and have lots and lots of fun.” a) has engaged in serious adult please). Being the topical grab conversation as to whether “Saved bag that it is, features forced me Elise Swenson is a junior at Thomas Edison by the Bell” could be considered into all sorts of awkward situa- High School in Minneapolis. legitimately funny—I’ve always tions, eventually allowing me to “I’ve been doing artwork for as long as I can argued yes —and bust out of a long-inhabited shell remember. I love learning about different art b) used to get quizzed by high and be comfortable with, God styles from cultures across the world, and I’m school classmates about largely forbid, talking. interested in how art and psychology relate. I inconsequential details like Zack More than anything, working love creating art because it lets me express myself Morris’ SAT score—ahem, for a newspaper taught me a great in a beautiful and creative way.” 1502—I remember thinking to deal about my community. As fun myself, “Wait, I get paid to do as it can be to say you’ve inter- Jennah Benalshaikh is a senior at St. Paul this?” viewed athletes, chefs, musicians Preparatory School. She plays soccer, speaks a That’s the beauty of journalism. and celebrities—or in the case little Arabic (her dad’s from Saudi Arabia) and Every day can be different. Every of Mr. Belding, celebrities only loves photography and art. She would love to story a new challenge. to reporters who had childhood interview Lady Gaga or Katy Perry to learn In 11 years at my hometown crushes on Kelly Kapowski—the their background stories and how they became paper—first as a part-time photo best part is interacting with every- famous. clerk, then a night cops reporter, Thomas Rozwadowski day people. People I never would and finally, holding down a dusty have met otherwise. Nico Machlitt is a senior at Highland Park features/entertainment desk since If you’re a teen who finds power Senior High in St. Paul, where he works on the 2004—I had the opportunity to default, writing full-time seemed in the written word, or a parent/ yearbook staff. He speaks English and Spanish tell amazing stories about amazing like a pretty decent gig. teacher with a student who loves and has studied Chinese for four years. people. What made it even more One minor hang-up: I didn’t to write, e-mail me at thomas. “For fun, I like to read, paint, draw, ski, snow- fulfilling is that I experienced like talking to people. Instead, I’ve [email protected]. For board, run and go see movies. If I could travel those special moments in my own always been the quiet, judgmental partnership and workshop oppor- wherever I wanted, I’d go back to Peru, because back yard. kid in the corner as the loudmouth tunities, contact our community that is where I was adopted from.” Though I worked for my high party guy soaks up all the atten- outreach editor Katie Johnson at school and college newspapers, tion, unaware of my sarcastic [email protected]. Got Victoria Turcios is a senior at Washburn High and later as a writing tutor at St. mutterings. That’s probably what a one-time only opinion piece? School who runs her own photography busi- Norbert College, I still didn’t made writing so appealing. All the Send it over. We’d also love to hear ness. She enjoys ThreeSixty because “there are have any clue what I wanted to things I wanted to express but re- your best story pitches. so many ways you can be a journalist. It doesn’t do post-graduation. I only knew ally couldn’t in person (well, unless So, there you have it, teens. have to be just about writing what happens that anything involving math and I wanted to get punched in the Turns out you can get paid to do somewhere and then you’re done. You become science was out the window, so by face a lot), tended to pour out of this, too. part of the story.”

4 threesixtyjournalism.org WRITE IN, GET PUBLISHED Teachers, send us your student responses to December issue stories and we’ll print them online and in our February publication. Email: [email protected]

years. The problem runs much Everyone should be given a chance car is worth it. The camera is in Reader response deeper though, because we con- to have the same opportunities the windshield, which provides an- tinue to use jokes while saying that when it comes to marriage. I have other blind spot. The fact that, you race doesn’t matter, that the jokes a friend who is gay, and he feels as a driver, are being watched can We write, you react aren’t that bad. The very essence of very strongly about whether gay cause some discomfort. This is a these jokes implies that race does couples should be able to get mar- big distraction for a teen’s mind to matter. It undermines the ultimate ried or not. Knowing someone take when it’s already going so fast. Editor’s note: Students from John Henningsgaard’s Personal Writing class goal. The very fact that we have who is personally gay, I know that They don’t need one more thing at Laporte School in north-central Minnesota responded to articles in this hypocritical view of race is they are exactly like every other to think about. In the article, one ThreeSixty’s September-October issue. As Henningsgaard shared with us via dangerous, and it contributes to person around. Should someone of the parents of the program was e-mail, “the students were interested in the articles, so we broke into groups the problem of racism in America.” be denied the right to show the asked if, as a teen driver, would and took some time to read and discuss … From there we looked at letters to — Brian Bass way they live their life in any type you drive with the camera? They the editor, and I asked them to craft a response to their article.” of relationship? Gay couples de- said, ‘No, I wouldn’t like it.’ So as ThreeSixty article: serve the same rights as everyone a parent, why make your child do ThreeSixty article: an alleyway, he may be perceived Gay marriage as a matter else.” — Kara Shadrick something that you wouldn’t even Can’t you take a joke? as dangerous and to be avoided. of fairness do? That’s like saying, ‘I hate liver, “It is sad that some people still If a white man is seen in the same “America is supposed to be an ThreeSixty article: Driving but here son, you have to eat this.’” believe in racial stereotypes. For situation, he may be perceived amazing country, (which it as if Mom is in the car — Kyle Kerby example, in my community, if a differently. These racial stereotypes is), where we can celebrate our “I’m just not convinced that large black man is seen walking in have been ingrained in society for freedom and personal views. having another distraction in the

Report stories that matter to you

What? An introductory journalism after-school class Who? For high school students interested in telling true stories using words, photos and videos Where? At the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus When? Starts February 7 and meets every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. for 10 weeks Why? Give voice to the issues happening in teens’ lives Apply at www.threesixtyjournalism.org/ Earn money for articles, photos and videos apply-spring-2013-news-team Build your resume and network with professionals Get published on our website and in our magazine Make new friends Deadline: January 25

December 2012/January 2013 5 Nazario’s writing journey author finds heart of harrowing immigration issue

Editor’s note: Award-winning journalist and “Enrique’s Journey” author Sonia Nazario was the featured speaker at ThreeSixty Journalism’s annual Widening the Circle fundraiser in November.

ot many journalists would sit on top of moving freight trains, live in the near-

constant danger of being killed and travel Photo by Jennah Benalshaikh N Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sonia Nazario talks about the importance of covering social justice issues at thousands of miles away from their spouse to tackle the unknown in the name of investigative reporting. ThreeSixty Journalism’s Widening the Circle fundraiser on Nov. 2. Sonia Nazario, however, did all these things to tell a mind-blowing tale of a Honduran teenager, By Ibrahim Hirsi to help the estimated 100,000 school and worked as a waitress af- Enrique, who traveled through a perilous world ThreeSixty children who come alone to the ter school and on weekends to help while riding on deadly train tops to the United Journalism alum United States from Mexico and her financially struggling family. States to find his mother, Lourdes, who left him Central America each year. A 1982 graduate of Williams behind when he was a starving 5-year-old. Nazario is no stranger to the College in Massachusetts, Nazario plight of those immigrants she quickly found work at the Wall For Nazario, there wasn’t a better However, she didn’t stop where advocates for and writes about. Street Journal, reporting from way to research the experiences of the book ended. Nazario has con- Her father, Mahafud Nazario, of four bureaus: New York, Atlanta, children hitchhiking on up to 30 tinued to follow the legal cases of Syrian descent, was born in Argen- Photo by Victoria Turcios Miami and Los Angeles. She also trains to come to America. So she immigrant children in courtrooms tina. Her mother, Clara Nazario, wrote about Latinos in the United tagged along with them—even and detention centers. was born in Poland but fled to of her hometown, Buenos Aires. States and reported from Latin though it meant the risk of being “When these kids go before an Argentina during World War II. “But why were they killed?” America. raped or robbed, getting beaten by immigration judge to argue the The couple later moved to the Sonia asked. In 1993, Nazario joined the Los gangs or falling off trains and losing right to stay here, whether they United States, escaping Argentina’s “Because they were trying to tell Angeles Times as a projects and ur- limbs or life to the rolling wheels. have the right or not, they’re not dictatorship government, which the truth about what was going on ban affairs reporter. Among other “I wanted to put the reader on entitled to a government attorney,” suppressed academic freedom. here,” Clara said. issues, she wrote about immigra- top of that train alongside En- said Nazario, a former Los Ange- They gave birth to Sonia in 1960 That was when Nazario saw the tion, hunger and drug addiction rique,” Nazario said. “I wanted les Times reporter. “I saw kids of in Madison, Wis. power of storytelling and realized before she left the paper in 2008. them to feel the terror that he felt five-to-seven years old, coming to Growing up in Kansas, Nazario that a functioning democracy isn’t Nazario, who is working on her when he was beaten, the fear that immigration courts in L.A. They’re lost her father to a heart attack possible unless society is educated second book, spends three to four he lived in and all he had been supposed to make a case before the when she was 13. Her mother about what happens around them. months a year travelling across through every step along the way.” immigration judge.” decided to move back to Argentina At 14, she wanted to become a the world to talk about “Enrique’s Nazario captured these harrow- Nazario felt the need to stand up with the family during its bloody journalist. Journey.” ing journeys six years ago in her for them. She helps recruit attor- Dirty War in the late 1970s, which And she did. “I write about social justice, about Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “En- neys to represent these unequipped claimed an estimated 30,000 Clara felt Argentina was too people who don’t have enough rique’s Journey,” exposing a little- kids for free. In early November, people. dangerous, and within two years, representation,” Nazario said. “I’ve known story of the immigration Nazario gave a talk before the One day, as she walked with her the family returned to the United always felt very passionate about wave from Mexico and Central Philadelphia Bar Association in mother, Nazario spotted the blood States, resettling in Kansas. It’s writing certain kinds of stories and America to the United States. Denver, Colo., asking lawyers of two journalists on the sidewalk where Nazario attended high writing about immigrants.”

6 threesixtyjournalism.org Does Uncle Sam still want you? fewer waivers issued as recruitment goals wane

f you’ve been planning to join the United States military, you’d better cut out the extra calories and Itattoo shop visits. The Armed Forces has raised its standards and is looking for more than able-bodied recruits. Since 2011, the military has been cutting back on recruitment goals, mostly due to drawdowns in Iraq, as well as budget reductions, said Andrew Wade, Center By Grace Commander of the Army recruiting site in St. Louis Park. Pastoor Wade also said one way the military has raised its University of standards is by issuing fewer waivers to serve. St. Thomas

A waiver grants entry to a potential like if we’re not hiring people with recruit who would otherwise be behavior issues, sexual abuse would disqualified from military service due happen less.” to anything from a felony conviction During 2007, the number of to a weight problem. The military waivers issued by the Army to people decides how many waivers to issue who had committed rape, sexual and who receives them. assault or sexual abuse increased to According to the New York Times, five from two in 2006, the Times the number of waivers issued to Army reported. There was also one waiver recruits with felony convictions more issued in 2007 for kidnapping or than doubled – from 249 to 511 – abduction, up from zero in 2006, and from 2006 to 2007, during the height two issued for indecent acts with a of the Iraq war. But in past years, child or molestation, up from one. the amount of waivers has decreased Wade said the changes in standards dramatically, with misconduct waivers include lowering the maximum – issued for behavioral issues such as eligible age from 41 to 35 years old Illustration by Nico Machlitt misdemeanors – decreasing from 546 and rejecting more potential recruits in 2009 to 189 in 2011. who do not have a traditional high Courtney Gorder is glad the school diploma. in or out? There are many requirements a person must meet before they are able military is becoming more careful He said these cutbacks have helped to join the military. Here are some that could disqualify you from military service: about who they allow to serve. increase the quality of the armed • Being overweight, which is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25. BMI is the The 18-year-old from St. Louis forces. measure of a person’s weight while taking into account their height. Park, who enlisted in the Navy this “As a result of the smaller pool of • Having a criminal history, including misdemeanors spring, said the increasing rarity of training slots, we’ve been able to raise • Tattoos that violate good taste or are exhibited outside the uniform waivers makes her feel safer. our standards to make sure we get • Drug use “From what I’ve read, there’s a the most qualified applicants,” Wade • Lack of a traditional high school diploma lot of sexual abuse of women in said. “We are establishing a base of • Failure of military entrance exam (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB) the military,” Gorder said. “I feel discipline and moral values.”

December 2012/January 2013 7 Vikings punter was always confident and competitive

hree self-described “nerds” are clustered around a glowing computer screen, riveted Tas the display lights up with flashy colors and images. Just another video game marathon inside a 16 teen household, right? Fast-forward to today when that same youth- ful spirit of competition finds its way into Chris By Dan Baden @ Kluwe’s suburban Minneapolis living room. Yes, he Roseville Area has to get the juices flowing for his day job as the High School Minnesota Vikings star punter. But if you saw his giant laptop gaming screen—“a treat to myself,” Kluwe said with a smile— you’d also know how seriously he takes his unpaid profession.

Then again, his Twitter handle is @ChrisWarcraft for a reason. about “To me, it’s those various parts of my life that make me a complete this series person. Parts of a whole, a whole This marks the first that defines me,” Kluwe said. “So installment of ThreeSixty’s part of who I am is that I read a “@16” series, where our lot of books and play video games. teen writers interview I love those parts of my life. And Minnesota newsmakers yes, I also happen to play sports. and celebrities about life as And yes, now I have a family. It’s a 16-year-old high school those complexities that make us student. Who should we who we are.” talk to next? E-mail thomas. Being comfortable in dual [email protected] worlds might have seemed impos- with your suggestions. sible given the natural clash between nerd and jock social cliques. But for the California native, something if you’re going to do confidence was never an issue as a it.” Originally a soccer standout, teenager. No matter the adolescent Kluwe figured his skills would crisis, even at 16, Kluwe said he translate to kicking a football. always focused on the big picture. After he received high praise at w/Chris Kluwe “Everything in the moment a camp run by ex-NFL players, always seems so important. So life Kluwe determined that punting was never about my future or my ball practice, so that’s where I took Reaching for lofty goals also and death,” Kluwe said of high was “the easiest way to make a liv- past. I never thought about where it really seriously. I figured, hey, I came with a push from his parents, school drama. “Will this really af- ing” and put hours into perfecting (punting) would take me. It was had to be there anyway, so I might but only because not getting him fect me in four years? If not, then the precise craft. more about, ‘What can I ac- as well maximize my time as best off the couch would have meant why worry about it?” “For me, it was always about complish right now?’ And I went as I possibly could. That’s where I “days of nothing but playing video Simple enough. taking things one day at a time. I out and did it,” said Kluwe, who put the work in. I still had plenty games,” Kluwe joked. (For the Achieving success in the approached every football game played at UCLA during college. of opportunities to hang out with record, when a new game comes National Football League meant as doing the best I possibly could “I was always very practical friends, work out and do all the out now, he’s still known to go on pushing himself “to be the best at at that particular moment. It about it. I had to punt during foot- things I wanted.” all-day binges.)

8 threesixtyjournalism.org the kluwe file n Profession: Punter for the Minnesota Vikings (undrafted, joined the Vikings in 2005)

n Age: 30 (turns 31 the day before Christmas)

n High school: Los Alamitos HS, California

n College: UCLA

n Highlights: Voted by teammates as Vikings special teams MVP in 2010; set Vikings records with a 47.6-yard gross punting average and 33 punts of 50-plus yards in 2008; holds top three marks in Vikings history for landing punts inside the 20-yard-line

n Find ’em: On Twitter @ChrisWarcraft, a reference to the popular role-playing game “World of Warcraft”

n Personal hero: “Probably Leonardo da Vinci. He was the most accomplished at everything he did.”

n Best advice for teenagers: “It’s important to know that you can do the right thing. Who you are isn’t defined by other people. You’re defined by your own actions. If you look at life that way and only take responsibility for yourself, you realize that it doesn’t matter how other

Photos © Star Tribune, printed with permission people try to define you. Don’t let someone live your life for you.” How many NFL punters can also claim the title of Salon’s “Sexiest Man of 2012?” Only one: Chris Kluwe.

out putting them into a box that father, bassist, blogger, gamer … “You can’t label someone without doesn’t encompass everything that the list goes on and on. putting them into a box that doesn’t they are,” Kluwe said. “The fact is, people take each “Hopefully people I went to other way too seriously at times. If encompass everything that they are.” high school with would say I was you can’t laugh at yourself, I mean, —Chris Kluwe a good person. I always tried to really …” Kluwe said. “There’s so do the right thing. Treat others much that’s ludicrous about life. I as I would want to be treated in mean, look around you at the ab- Kluwe was his own motivating As he explained his writing return. That model of empathy surdity of life. This planet, it’s like, force. He admits to being highly these days, “I say what I want, and and tolerance is what I always .000001 percent of the universe. competitive, a personality trait I guess people listen.” strived for.” We’re such a miniscule amount that has since spilled into social “For me, it goes back to always But there is more to overcom- of what’s out there. So it’s almost activism, blog writing, hardcore doing something to the best of ing challenges and achieving goals ridiculous to even think we’re here gaming and bass playing with his your ability. If I can do that while than a few simple rules. Kluwe re- in the first place. You really have to hard rock band, Tripping Icarus. also having fun? I’m finding myself members the hormones, urges and laugh at the world around you. He even learned to hone his in more and more of those situa- pressures of being a 16-year-old “So I always think about that, writing skills by “trolling” on video tions,” Kluwe said. “It’s me basi- student. It’s why he always comes how we’re all human beings, ran- game message boards. Pushing cally giving everything I have into back to the trick that he used in dom people on this planet. Yes, I those buttons still works for him what I’m doing at the moment. high school—breaking issues into may be good at kicking a football. as an active presence on Twit- That’s who I am.” smaller pieces to focus on them But there’s a lot I’m not good at. ter and while sticking up for gay He also attributes his success easier. There’s stuff that others are really marriage—Kluwe was Minnesota’s to the Golden Rule. It’s why he When he’s punting inside an good at and should get attention most visible celebrity face for the viewed the Minnesota marriage NFL stadium on Sundays, Kluwe for. So when I think about life Chris Kluwe, left, celebrates with “Vote No” movement – or former amendment as an “issue of basic is completely focused on football. that way, I have a hard time taking Minnesota Vikings long snapper Cullen Loeffler after a successful Oakland Raiders punter Ray Guy’s human freedom” that needed But during his free time, he’s able myself too seriously.” special teams play against the NFL Hall of Fame credentials in a outspoken advocates. to forget the professional spotlight —Additional reporting by Thomas Carolina Panthers. scathing Deadspin editorial. “You can’t label someone with- and go back to being a husband, Rozwadowski

December 2012/January 2013 9 about that night. think back to being surrounded by “Are you buckled up?” I remember watching at one classmates and friends, all crying end of the room as a group of my and praying in the band room after friends confronted a senior girl we were told Sara had died. It’s Death of a classmate changes who had been told what happened. indescribable. I remember hearing more whis- Teenagers are supposed to stress life behind the wheel pers, then like a flash, one by one out over basketball practice and students started to pour out of the test scores, pass the time chatting nside an eerily quiet River Falls High School the auditorium waiting for our turn room crying. I remember confront- about favorite TV shows, poten- auditorium this fall, a guest speaker addresses onstage, I looked in amazement ing that same senior girl, pleading tial crushes and summer vacation Ithe student assembly about her daughter’s death at everyone next to me, phones to know the truth. schedules. While emptying out in a car accident. pulled out and texting for updates. Her cold reply: “People are run- Sara’s locker, we glanced at her day She asks how many students in the crowd fail to I desperately tried to read facial ning out of the room crying. You planner. The pages were filled with wear their seatbelts when they enter a vehicle. reactions. obviously know what happened.” notes about the last day of school, No one raises a hand. By Maya As students started to learn more, It wasn’t until my friend Brittany the start of summer, a concert with ● Shelton-Davies my friend Michelle texted Tanner came running in that I officially her best friend, all with Sara’s excla- To most people, May 18th may seem like any River Falls High about his whereabouts. He was fine. knew. I didn’t even have to ask mation points. other day on the calendar. To the student body in School So was the other passenger. before she choked out, “It’s Sara. She figured tomorrow was guar- River Falls, it’s a day that marks the death of a class- Then she texted him, “What It’s Sara.” anteed. We thought so, too. mate and friend. A freshman girl with the whole world ahead of her. about Sara?” More than a summer removed ● Ten minutes passed without a from the accident, it’s still dif- Everything changed in River Sara was a shortstop for our Traveling on the aptly nick- reply. ficult to think about, let alone Falls that day. school’s softball team, an easy- named Rollercoaster Road, the At that moment, I knew what put emotions on paper. Knowing Now, most students in my school going blonde from Michigan who truck hit gravel on the shoulder, happened. I just denied its plausi- that someone I saw every day, don’t think twice about wearing was never without her phone, loved and swerved to avoid an oncom- bility. who I talked to in the halls, would seatbelts. to wear yoga pants and had a super ing car. The driver, Tanner, then ● never be around is impossible for “Are you buckled up?” “Are you sarcastic sense of humor. swerved into the ditch, where the I can remember every detail a 15-year-old to understand. I buckled up?” Whenever I step into She was always known for being vehicle overturned. No one had a car with my friends, it’s the first a klutz. seatbelts on. thing I hear. We repeat it to every- Last year, Sara and I had a pot- ● one in our school. tery class together. One day, I was Whispering. That’s what I’ll Even a friend of mine who working on a piece of clay when remember most about the night we didn’t know Sara keeps pink and Sara tried to dramatically slide onto found out. yellow fabric—Sara’s favorite col- her stool. Instead, she fell off and We were warming up in the choir ors—hung from her front mirror landed in some clay on the floor. room, unenthusiastically going as a reminder to stay safe while in Of course, for the rest of the day through the songs and choreogra- the car. she had clay dust all over her pants. phy. That’s when classmates began But it’s not a silver lining. Sara Sara and I were also altos in whispering to each other about a shouldn’t have had to die to teach choir. We spent the Friday of her car accident and how they heard us to take the few extra seconds to car accident practicing, and to be girls in our grade were possibly click a buckle. honest, making fun of our ridicu- involved. Being teenagers, we think we’re lously cheesy “High School Musi- No one knew what happened for invincible. That when we’re driv- cal” songs for an annual concert. sure, or if anyone was even hurt. ing around with friends, it’s more The last words I said to her were, But Sara’s absence, coupled with about packing the car with bodies “See you at the concert tonight.” the whispers, were enough to cause and having a good time. She never made it. panic. Some students assembled in Think of a time you’ve seen a friend do Before the accident, I often ne- Sara was one of three classmates a circle to pray. Others simply sat, think something risky. What could you say glected to wear a seatbelt. But Sara’s in a truck that rolled over in the attached to their phones waiting spot that might make them reconsider? death taught me a valuable lesson. River Falls countryside only a few for any information. She wasn’t invincible. Neither miles from my house. While seated in a back row of am I.

10 threesixtyjournalism.org Making every voice count voting effort mobilizes Photo by Victoria Turcios a predominately white neighbor- said no, mostly to get a rise out Finally registered asian americans—and one hood and was often teased for of me. Another week passed before I looking different. One day when we were in the car remembered that my dad still stubborn dad My father had never really felt together, I asked again, needed to register. One eve- like he belonged. It was evident “Are you going to vote?” ning, I found him sitting at the n August, I was asked to take a part-time job that he had never made an effort to “I don’t know.” kitchen table. with a non-partisan effort to get 10,000 young vote because he had felt like such “I know you’re not registered. “Please fill out the form,” I IAsian Americans in Minnesota to register and an outcast. I was determined to Are you going to register?” pleaded. vote on Nov. 6, Election Day. change his mind, not just for me “I don’t know how.” My mom chimed in, “Ariel, I wasn’t sure what the three-month position would but for him. This I could help with. you’re going to have to fill it out for involve. But I knew I had to do it. I needed a job to Later that week, I handed him a him. He is not going to do it.” Ariel Kendall pay my monthly bills. Plus, it sounded like a great Frantic days registration form and asked him to “Give me this!” My dad snatched ThreeSixty opportunity to challenge myself and do something I When people asked me what I did fill it out right then so I could help the form from my hand and began Journalism never imagined doing – getting my peers to vote. as an organizer, I explained that my if he had questions. He said he was writing. alumna I’m young and part Asian, like the people we were schedule changed each day. I was tired. He would do it tomorrow. trying to reach. It bugged me that voter turnout constantly on the phone, email, Crushing comfort zones among Asian Americans is lower than average—49 percent in 2008 com- and Facebook, and meeting college Help from friends and family Another friend, Emily, helped pared to 64 percent of the total population. In a democracy, fewer votes students on campuses in the Twin While organizing voters, I took full me canvass before she left for means less power. Cities. advantage of my networks of family Army Basic Training. She Everywhere I went, I recruited and friends. My aunt let me borrow pushed me to walk up to every I also liked the campaign’s focus was more curious than surprised new people to our campaign net- her car to get to meetings. Other possible person and get comfort- on young people. More than 60 when he said no. I asked why. He work and volunteer list. I walked up friends tapped their friends via able with being uncomfortable. percent of the Asian Americans in shrugged. to students on the street, sat next to Facebook and got them to register. I needed to stand up for what I Minnesota are younger than 35. In “You should vote this year!” I them on the bus and made conver- One of my best friends from col- believed in and help others be a the Hmong community, about 80 urged. sations at every opportunity. lege, Suemee Lee, stopped by one part of our vision. percent are. We need to make our “I don’t think my vote matters,” When I asked if they planned to day and asked if she could pick up She inspired me to keep chug- voices heard. he said. “Our political system is…” vote, many said, “I don’t know” or some registration forms to take to ging, even on days when I felt like The campaign leaders told us This was going to be harder than “I don’t really care enough.” Duluth over the weekend. little had been done toward meet- from day one that 18-35 year-olds I thought. I always tried to dig deeper. Suemee is quiet and shy, and I ing our goal of 10,000 new voters. are Minnesota’s future. So, for the My dad is not uninformed. He What was holding them back? was thrilled by her willingness to On Election Day, we got the next 12 weeks, my priority was to watches the news and reads the What issues might motivate them? help. I was even more blown away results: Our efforts helped mobilize learn about the issues and educate paper, and is never shy to share his Often it wasn’t that they didn’t when she returned with all 25 more than 13,000 Asian American my peers about the importance opinion. care, but that they didn’t under- pledge forms filled out. Minnesotans to vote. And the of becoming politically aware and But he has struggled. He was stand how to register or find out “Sorry, Suemee, I’m a monster,” entire effort was led by people like informed about the issues that born in Korea to an American where to vote. I tried to leave every I said. me, mostly in our 20s and working matter to us and our families. And, soldier and a Korean woman who person with a sense of empower- “No, you’re just really passion- on our first campaign. For most of most importantly, to vote on Elec- gave him up for adoption. At six ment and a plan for making a ate...and you’ve turned me into a us, it will not be the last. tion Day. months old, he arrived in Min- difference in the election. monster,” Lee assured. But the best moment came when nesota malnourished, attention- For the rest of the campaign, her my dad proudly showed me his red The campaign at home deprived and in desperate need of My inner organizer words never left me. They helped “I Voted” sticker and smiled. We At home, I asked my 52-year- healthcare. Meanwhile, I continued to ask my keep my passion strong, no matter are determined to keep our conver- old father if he had ever voted. I He grew up in a white family in dad if he would vote. He always how difficult some days felt. sation going.

December 2012/January 2013 11 individual differences. At home “There is that stereotype that Truth and consequences and at school, Asian-American Asians don’t participate in the kids are told that they have to be great American sports. Then intelligent and get good grades. there’s the stereotype that Asian struggling with the model minority myth But what if they aren’t or can’t? people are small. I think that’s Let’s face it, not all Asian kids why people were captivated by are smart, and the ones who lag him ‘cause he broke a lot of those hen I went to my first lecture for a Cre- could be smart. behind suffer for it, psychologi- stereotypes,” she said. ative Writing class, I wasn’t expecting For the three months when I cally and emotionally. They feel Ironically, when Asian Ameri- Wmuch. I thought I’d only be treated to visited Taiwan each summer, I felt as though they aren’t living up cans excel, it can sometimes be “professional” writers tooting their own horns at us differently. There, the beautiful to expectations, and they’re held against them. Elite universi- poor, inexperienced college students. women on the billboards and ashamed to seek help from their ties are often accused of discrimi- I was pleasantly surprised when we were in- selling makeup in the department teachers. They become disap- nating against Asian-American troduced to our speaker for that day: Bao Phi, a By Diana Lu stores all looked like me. It was a pointed in themselves and their applicants because they don’t Vietnamese-American poet. PSEO student, place where the whole range of self-confidence drops. want one ethnic group to be too You might ask what is so exciting about that. University of options – being an artist, a doctor, Even if an Asian-American dominant. As recently as 2011, Well, he’s Vietnamese-American. Minnesota an actress, a political leader – student is smart, very few will rec- Asian-American applicants filed seemed open. ognize it unless the student does complaints against Harvard and “So what?” you might say. It’s of East Asian immigrant families more than what is expected of his Princeton, alleging that they not that amazing. move to the U.S. out of ambi- History of the myth or her class. were rejected due to race. To Let me tell you, as a Chinese- tion. The child born in the land Compared to other ethnic Michelle Tran, community counter this, some people no American child growing up in of opportunity is expected to stereotypes, being considered relations specialist at the U.S. longer mark their ethnicity in white-dominated America—yes, shoulder the responsibilities of “the model minority” – smart, Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, applications. it is that amazing. that ambition. disciplined, docile – might seem often encountered trouble in her When you imagine an Asian, My natural knack for learning like a good thing. Not if you look school years due to how teachers Who is “Asian?” what do you think? They’re bad at has made pressure an unneces- closely. The origin of the term viewed Asian-Americans. Then again, what does it even English maybe, they’re probably sary exertion, but that is not the “model minority” stems from “I’ve had teachers or professors mean to be Asian-American? from China or Korea, they’ll grow case with my sister, for instance, a 1966 issue of The New York who have a certain stereotype of Asia is a huge region, sweep- up to be doctors or lawyers or who has to struggle to meet my Times Magazine, in an article Asian people as being quiet, and ing from Japan in the East to the they’ll go into business. parents’ academic expectations. by William Petersen entitled in some ways that can become a Philippines and Indonesia in the Bao Phi is the first Asian-Amer- On TV, Asians are always the “Success Story: Japanese Ameri- self-fulfilled prophecy,” Tran said. South to India and the Middle ican artist I have met. “smart best friend” or the “eccen- can Style.” He praised Japanese “It was very frustrating for me East in the West. Everyone who Why? Let’s talk about societal tric shop owner” or “the guy that Americans for their virtues, in when I was in a classroom and I lives in that area is called “Asian,” and cultural expectations. knows kung-fu”— that is, when particular their ability to adapt to raised my hand and I was always but the truth is that Asia is a Ever since day one in school, they’re shown at all. mainstream American culture. speaking up, but the teacher felt highly diverse continent. Asian-Americans are bombarded None of my favorite authors The 1960s were marred by like I was being quiet.” That’s also reflected economi- with expectations. We’re supposed or TV characters were Asian. racial tension, and to some Oftentimes, Asian students cally, with Asian-American fami- to be smart, quiet and submis- None of the pretty women I saw historians, the creation of the have to go above and beyond their lies obtaining a higher median sive. Other students think they in magazines had dark hair and model minority myth during that classmates in order to be noticed, annual household income than can go to Asian-Americans for almond-shaped eyes like me. I be- time period is not a coincidence. she said. “It takes a little more to the rest of the American popula- homework because we’ll know all came, by standards of the commu- According to Guofang Li and Li- fight against that and to make a tion. But a lot of Asian and Asian- the answers. Unless we can’t speak nity in which I grew up, physically hshing Wang, who wrote “Model larger point of having to be louder American families also live in the English, then best not talk to us. undesirable. Minority Myth Revisited,” the than other students,” Tran said. lower class. Asian-Americans are shown I wanted blonde hair and stereotype “divert(ed) attention She was delighted when Many of the poorer Asian kids I that we should excel in math and blue eyes, like the TV stars and away from the problems faced by Jeremy Lin, the first American know are children of Hmong par- science, but things like art? Well, models. But my parents wouldn’t Asian Americans, and ... pitt(ed) of Chinese or Taiwanese descent ents who’ve recently immigrated. we can play piano, flute or violin, let me dye my hair or buy blue Asian Americans against other to play in the National Basket- The model minority stereotype but that’s all. contacts — I had to be a bland, groups of color.” ball Association, briefly ignited ignores these people — the recent The pressure, to some extent, unpretty Asian. So I thought Like any stereotype, the model “Linsanity” with the New York immigrants from Southeast Asia, starts at home. A good portion that, if I couldn’t be pretty, I minority label erases the reality of Knicks last spring. whose education and income

12 threesixtyjournalism.org Campaign reveals levels are lower than the average the pain of teen victims American. As a group, they also remain a numerically insignificant part of the nonprofit sector. Prostitution unmasked Dispelling stereotypes All stereotypes are bad. There are no exceptions. Anyone who forms part of the population regularly stereotyped by mainstream media knows the feeling of being objectified. “It’s telling us that others are controlling how we define ourselves,” said Kang Vang, a filmmak- er and director of programming for Asian Media Access, a non- profit in north Minneapolis. “You become like a product. You become like Chinese food.” For me, the model minority stereotype feels like being put in a very small box — a box for Chi- nese take-out — with very little room to move. I’ve already somewhat settled on my future; I want to go into international relations and help develop partnerships with other countries that are based on deeper understanding of their cultures and history. But I also love to draw and write. Sometimes I wonder if I weren’t branded as a “model minority,” would I be an English major instead? I want other Asian-American children to see that they do have Illustration by Elise Swenson room to be who they want to be— to have Asian-American characters Editor’s note: exually molested by an uncle at 14, she’s learned to devalue sex. to look up in their favorite movies To protect Angela’s She starts sleeping around to fill the void left by her broken and TV shows, to see Asian-Amer- anonymity, Three- Sfamily. To find affection. ican women and men modeling Sixty Journalism It doesn’t help. outfits and advertising perfume. is not disclosing She slips into a cocaine haze to numb the pain. Prostitution is how I want them to have every door her last name or she pays for her crippling new habit. flung wide open for their choos- any other details Angela’s story of sexual exploitation didn’t happen in some far By Simon ing and for them to step bravely that may easily away metro area like New York City or Los Angeles. Lancaster through whichever ones they identify her. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified the Twin Cities PSEO student choose. as the 13th largest center for child prostitution in the nation. In at Concordia an average month, more than 200 girls are sold for sex in the area, University, St. Paul

December 2012/January 2013 13 “People think everyone who is doing this is happy and it’s a choice and that they want to meet some rich guy and be happy in the movie. But that’s not the case. People don’t according to a 2010 study by The are teens who have been sexually Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based want to know the truth. It’s not pretty.” exploited,” said Roller, adding that research firm that works with —Angela, a former teen prostitute awareness levels about teen sexual nonprofits. Their average age is 13. exploitation have vastly changed And they’re expected to sell them- from a decade ago. selves for sex five times a day. on the street or couch hopping, parents and traffickers. A 2010 tor of communications at the Started in 2010, “MN Girls Are Organizations led by the Wom- within 36 hours they will be ap- study by The National Center for Women’s Foundation, which has Not For Sale” is a five-year plan to en’s Foundation of Minnesota are proached by a pimp, and likely Missing and Exploited Children spearheaded a multifaceted educa- combat sex trafficking statewide. rallying for change and working to sold online, she said. The scene estimates that around 100,000 tion effort called “MN Girls Are Its purpose: To galvanize resources end the sexual exploitation of teen isn’t the same as it was 20 years children are victimized each year Not For Sale.” and eliminate sex trafficking of girls. They are fighting for Angela ago. Gone are the days of johns in the United States prostitution The Duluth port, especially, Minnesota girls through grants, and young women like her who surveying a neighborhood to pick trade. has a dark history of sexual abuse research, public education, engage- are forced into a life of torturous up prostitutes near a dark alley. There are several reasons why among Native American girls ment and mobilization of the sexual abuse. Everything has moved online, the Twin Cities is prominent in being beaten and gang-raped on public. Angela’s story is similar to many making it much more difficult to sex trafficking: dual interstates, ships by freighter crews. Today, The campaign’s goal is to raise teens’ across the nation. Regret- combat, Roller said. Girls are sold Minnesota’s border with Canada that abuse continues with young $5 million and provide grants to tably, not all are as fortunate to on commonly visited sites such as and a major port on Lake Superior, girls of multiple racial back- institutions that serve to combat come in contact with support Craigslist or Backpage.com, right said Mary-Beth Hanson, direc- grounds, many exploited by pimps sex trafficking, Hanson said. For organizations and embark on a in the public eye. From there, they to the point of absolute despera- example, grants could be provided successful recovery. are swept into a life no one would tion, Hanson said. to an organization that provides Even now, close to four years ever ask for. Even if they wanted to flee, it’s housing for victims, especially since she’s been free and clean, According to a 2002 study by common for many girls to resort since there are currently only two Angela finds it difficult to talk the University of Pennsylvania to survival sex, or the exchange of to four beds statewide, on average, about. While avoiding eye contact School of Social Work, more than intercourse for a warm place to set aside for teens in the sex trade. and fidgeting, she tries to describe 50 percent of sex trafficking vic- sleep, food for the night and other A report to be given next month what her life on the streets was tims are classified as homeless run- basic human needs. to the Minnesota Legislature like. She often stops mid-thought away youth. Those not classified as “I was living with a guy 30 years calls for having 50 beds through and can’t bring herself to open up. runaways are often recruited into older than me to have a place to shelters and host homes by 2014, For Angela, it was never a “cho- prostitution through abduction, live. What 20 year old wants to be Hanson said. sen” lifestyle. pressure from parents, or through with a 50 year old?” Angela said. So far, the “MN Girls” cam- “People think everyone who deceptive agreements between Lucky for her, she got out after paign has raised $3.7 million, 74 Illustration by Mary Wu is doing this is happy and it’s a a year and a half and is attending percent of the goal. choice and that they want to meet college, thriving at an internship “It’s a horrific act of violence some rich guy and be happy in the and counseling teen girls. against these children, and it was movie. But that’s not the case,” she warning signs Be aware of street activities you Much of Angela’s progress can something that we felt was our said. “People don’t want to know see and take note of girls you suspect may be at risk of harm and/ be accredited to her involvement mission to pay attention to,” Han- the truth. It’s not pretty.” or sexual exploitation. If you feel concerned, talk to a counselor, with PRIDE, which helps 150 son said. “Being a philanthropic All too often, young girls are teacher or other trusted adult. If they share your concern, tell them women and girls escape the streets organization, we’re in a unique swept into the sex trafficking they can call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Resource annually. In addition to counsel- position to convene all the groups system as a result of abusive home Center at 888-373-7888. Signs of a possible victim include: ing and therapy, PRIDE offers a necessary to create systemic re- situations, naivete and simply • Multiple unexplained absences from school. supply room with basic necessities sponse and we’re connected to the being at a vulnerable age, said • A repeated tendency to run away from home. like shampoo, diapers and snacks, resources to get this work done.” Artika Roller, program director providing an alternative to survival When the Women’s Founda- for PRIDE (PRostitution to Inde- • Frequent travel to other cities. sex. At the bare minimum, the tion first addressed this issue in pendence, Dignity and Equality), • Older boyfriends or girlfriends. organization’s six locations in the 2008, the need for that kind of a Family Partnership advocacy • A sudden ability to have expensive items. Twin Cities provide a safe haven coordinated response was clear. group that provides support to for teens who simply need a place Through the creation of the • Appearing depressed or suffering physical injuries. sexually exploited individuals and to talk. “MN Girls” campaign, and the their families. Source: MN Women’s Foundation “We don’t believe there are teen organization and coordination of If there is a homeless youth prostitutes. What we’re looking at other programs and activists, the

14 threesixtyjournalism.org What about boys? Despite framing “MN Girls STATE quency. This provision, effective Are Not For Sale” as a single gender issue, teen exploitation isn’t a Minnesota’s Safe Harbors Law 2014, ensures that adequate female-only problem, said Mary Beth Hanson, director of communi- of 2011 builds a system that re- systems to address sexually cations at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. Though the con- sponds to child victims of sexual exploited youth are in place. centrated effort to combat sex trafficking in Minnesota skews heavily exploitation and sex trafficking. It • Amends the definition of toward teen girls, plenty of male victims are also on the streets. transportation, provision or treats sexually exploited children “prostitute” to include only However, male exploitation is “more difficult to assess” because of obtaining of a person for the (under age 16) as victims in need individuals 18 years of age or its hidden nature, Hanson said. For example, teen boys aren’t as likely purposes of a commercial sex of protection, not criminals, and older, also effective 2014. to rely on pimps, but instead engage in survival sex—the exchange of act, in which the commercial establishes a mandatory first • Charges the commissioner sexual favors for basic necessities—to stay alive, Hanson said. What- sex act is induced by force, referral to services for youth ages of public safety, in consulta- ever resources are available to females through the coordinated efforts fraud or coercion, or in which 16 and 17. tion with the commissioner of Twin Cities advocates also apply to teen boys. the person induced to perform Among the other provisions: of health, the commissioner such an act has not attained 18 • Increases fines on johns to of human services and other years of age. create a funding stream for sup- stakeholders, to develop a vic- what is the law? Labor trafficking is the recruit- portive services. tim services model to address FEDERAL tion, protection and prosecution. ment, harboring, transportation, • Explicitly defines sexually ex- the needs of sexually exploited The Trafficking Victims Pro- Under U.S. federal law, “severe provision or obtaining of a per- ploited youth and sex traffick- youth and youth at risk of tection Act of 2000 is the first forms of trafficking in persons” son for labor or services, through ing victims as children in need sexual exploitation. comprehensive law to address includes both sex trafficking and the use of force, fraud or coercion of protection or services. • Increases penalties for buyers of the trafficking of “persons.” The labor trafficking. for the purposes of subjection to • Excludes sexually exploited prostitution with revenue split law provides a three-pronged Sex trafficking is defined as involuntary servitude, peonage, youth and sex trafficking victims between service providers, pros- approach that includes preven- the recruitment, harboring, debt bondage or slavery. from the definition of delin- ecutors and law enforcement.

Source: MN Girls Are Not For Sale

foundation is hoping to create a that gentler approach would be tuted, then we can start to reduce training police, security guards counsels have been brought to model for other states to follow, used for anyone under 18 who is the demand and change what the and even hotel staff to recognize PRIDE through an outside adult Hanson said. caught selling sex. The previous market looks like,” she said. potential warning signs. confidante. Finding that person One essential step in the cam- age was based on the legislature’s For example, the Washington However, the harsh reality is who can reach them requires a paign is the introduction of a new decision that 16 was the age one D.C.-based Polaris Project, one of that often it takes more than good tremendous amount of trust, piece of legislation this January could give sexual consent. the nation’s first grassroots initia- intentions to rescue a girl from a Roller said. that will further develop and “Truth is, if you’ve been sexu- tives against human trafficking, life of exploitation. Many times, PRIDE has since become a amend the Safe Harbors Minne- ally exploited since you were 14, estimated that a pimp housing girls believe they’re in love with solid wall between Angela and the sota law created in July 2011. the day you turn 16 does not give three girls often enforces an aver- their pimps or feel they have no streets. Not only is it keeping her A primary component of the you a choice,” Roller said. age nightly quota of $500 per girl, other means for survival. The safe, it’s pushing her to believe in Safe Harbors law was the con- The most comprehensive per night. If these quotas are met road to recovery requires that herself. struction of a task force, whose approach to sex trafficking, and consistently, a pimp can make as teens value themselves as human Angela is thriving in college recommendations to combat teen a big part of the “MN Girls” much as $547,000 in a year. beings and learn that they deserve with a 3.9 grade-point-average exploitation led to the proac- community-wide education “Educating people who would respect, one of the key steps in and counseling teen victims at tive measures today. Another push, is to view it as any other purchase sex would make them therapy. court appearances. Her goal is to important factor of the law was market. Sex trafficking is strictly a not want to do it as much, and “It’s better to tell people what’s obtain a law degree and help other the decriminalization of teens market-driven enterprise, and like help lower demand,” Angela said. going on than keeping it inside,” teen girls who aren’t in a position who are arrested for prostitution any business, it relies on demand, Further efforts include the in- Angela said. “Tell someone who to help themselves. while under the age of 16. They Hanson said. volvement of Minneapolis Public can help, that you can trust.” “I want people to know that are no longer treated as criminals, “If we can elevate the issue in Schools to develop health class After Angela arrived at PRIDE this is not something that just but as they should be—victims, the public and show people what curriculum that would address the as part of her probation, she happens far away,” Angela said. Roller said. this really looks like, and how no issue district-wide. Community began to see there was hope. “It’s going on here. People need If the new legislation passes, child ever chooses to be prosti- education initiatives also include Most girls that the organization help, not to be arrested.”

December 2012/January 2013 15 creative,” she said. In the U.S. she competition. this way,” she said and drew an eye Fashioning art can be more creative and experi- Kate Woolever, Hee Soo’s art on another sheet of paper to show ment with different styles. instructor at St. Paul Preparatory, me how. In one part of the iris, she Hee Soo’s drawings and paint- said Hee Soo’s training in Korea drew a semicircle to demonstrate Korean student thrives ings have won her national awards, gave her exceptional technical skill how the eye reflects light. I hadn’t a trip to New York City and a and a commitment to working thought about that detail before. on creativity, achievement scholarship to a college art class hard – including before and after But Hee Soo is modest about last summer. class. She shares her knowledge her skill. If someone compliments She submitted many of her art generously with her fellow stu- her artwork, she gets really shy and ee Soo Kim is different and proud of it. pieces last fall to the Minnesota dents. In art class she offers to help says it needs improvement. Whether it’s the way she does her hair or Scholastic Art Show, hosted by the people with their work and teaches Hthe art she creates, the senior at St. Paul Minneapolis College of Art and them how to make it better. Winning a national prize Preparatory School keeps changing things up. Design. Her paintings won three “She is an outstanding student,” Coming to the U.S. has allowed “I want to be unique,” said Hee Soo, who moved gold keys, one silver key, two hon- Woolever said. Hee Soo to study fashion and get from Korea last year to attend high school in orable mentions and a scholarship a better sense of what other styles St. Paul. By Jennah for the MCAD summer program. Sharing her skill exist outside Korea. Hee Soo also In July, she had her hair long and wavy and wore Benalshaikh Two of her paintings made it Hee Soo is my classmate, and she wanted to experience living in a a striped t-shirt under a big tunic with splashes St. Paul all the way to a national competi- has helped me a lot in art class. more diverse area. So her parents of blue. Now her hair is chin-length, black and Preparatory tion in New York City. One piece, Once when I was sketching my sent her to live with a host family pencil straight, and she wears it proudly. Her look School “Seeking Attention,” a colored- face for a self-portrait and Hee in the Twin Cities. is simpler and more monotone – black jeans, white pencil drawing of her grandmoth- Soo was busy getting ready for her She never dreamed she would sweater, black jacket. er’s dog, won a national gold key, trip to New York, she stopped to travel to New York for a national the highest honor awarded at the help me get the eyes right. “Do it art competition. Last year, she drew detailed To succeed at an American col- When she and Woolever went portraits with colored pencils. lege, she needed to know English to New York, the Empire State Now her work ranges from big, better. Attending an American Building was lit up in gold to splashy self-portraits to book pages high school would help. honor the gold key artists. Hee cut into lace-like patterns with At first, her parents were un- Soo and her teacher attended X-ACTO knives. She wants to be happy about the request because the award ceremony at Carnegie a fashion designer and is working it would put her behind in school. Hall, where she was awarded her on her portfolio so she can get into Hee Soo was a junior in her national gold medal. a good art school after graduating Korean school, but differences They also went to artists’ talks, in the spring. On the side, she has between school systems meant workshops and art galleries, and a business painting shoes and mak- that she would have to start as a visited the Fashion Institute of ing jewelry. sophomore in the U.S. But she Technology and Parsons The New The chance to experiment and persuaded her parents – Hee Soo’s School For Design. be creative is a big reason Hee Soo, father has a company that trades After returning from New York, 19, decided to leave home when products with other countries she finished up her junior year, she was 17 to study at St. Paul and her mother helps him – and then headed home to Incheon, Preparatory, a private high school now they think she made the right Korea, to see her family. She came where most students come from choice. Photos by Jennah Benalshaikh back to the U.S. on July 13 so she other countries. Hee Soo Kim frequently changes her look. This fall, her hair is chin- could attend summer classes for Art training differs length and she dresses in black and white. two weeks at MCAD. Leaving family behind High school in Korea is strictly There, Hee Soo stayed on cam- It wasn’t easy to leave her parents, for studying, Hee Soo explained, pus and lived the life of a college younger brother, sister and friends and art training involves repeating Would you go to high school in another student. She started out each day to come to the U.S. But Hee Soo work over and over until it’s cor- think country if you had a chance? What with liberal arts or a basic drawing had big goals. rect, or until the student is good spot pros and cons do you see? class, and then painted from 1 to 5 “I really wanted to go to college at it. p.m. every day. in the U.S.,” she explained. “They don’t do anything really “It’s a long, intensive studio

16 threesixtyjournalism.org “I am learning the real American culture.” —Hee Soo Kim

For her book art class, Hee Soo Kim uses an X-ACTO knife Above: Hee Soo Kim wants to be a fashion designer and is already decorating t-shirts, shoes and jewelry for friends. to cut intricate patterns and human figures into black paper. Below: A self portrait explores different moods. class,” said Lara Roy, director of continuing education at MCAD. She also had to speak English all the time at MCAD because the other students were American. At St. Paul Preparatory, more than 80 percent of students are from other countries, including many from South Korea. So when she’s not in class, Hee Soo can speak Korean with her classmates. “I am learning the real Ameri- can culture,” Hee Soo said. She also earned two college credits and learned a lot from her fellow students. “I am motivated by them.” Ultimately, Hee Soo doesn’t plan to be a painter. Even though she likes the craft, it’s too much of the same. She likes that fashion is always changing and believes that clothes help define people. Hee Soo plans to study fashion design and marketing in college and use her talent as an artist to become a fashion designer. She is also starting an online store, Tvetvetve, where she sells some of the clothes, shoes and jewelry that she has made. Woolever believes in her student’s future: “What ever she does, she will be successful.”

December 2012/January 2013 17 YourTurn Winners

second place students that takes away from What are the effects of their learning. I’ve seen students ($50 prize) slip and not do their work because Sophie Dwyer they’d rather Tweet than do math. Southwest High School It happens to me; sometimes if classroom technologies? I get too discouraged, I’ll goof Sophie’s essay explains the di- around on my phone instead of any schools are investing more money in classroom technology—such as iPads, SMART Boards and chotomy between using technology sitting down and trying to solve laptops—because they think it will help students to learn better. However, studies have not been able for entertainment and educational the problem. Mto clearly prove a link between technology and better academic performance. purposes. While technology can For me, technology has We asked students to tell us, based on actual experiences, how much technology has helped in classroom often become a distraction, Sophie undoubtedly helped me learn. learning…or not. We received thoughtful responses—from a record number of 209—on the assets and pitfalls reminds us that we each have the Teachers use their SMART boards technology has brought to students’ lives. personal power to use it in ways to show colorful, informative that will benefit us in the ways we PowerPoints while lecturing to 2005. Leaving home was of the population are so choose. keep students engaged. Heck, First place not easy, but we were visual learners and 90 without the PowerPoints, I’d ($100 prize) optimistic about the mi- percent of information verything has its ups and probably be bored senseless! With Yee Leng Yang gration. We had always that goes to the brain is downs - technology is no computers at my disposal, I have Washington Technology Magnet heard that America was visual. Hence, I think exception. Technology has access to resources that I would School E a land of freedom, food, SMART boards are the made so many things easier includ- have never had if I had just been money, dreams, and op- best thing that every ing writing, spelling, mathematics, paging through books. I am able Yee Leng writes with a unique per- portunities. During our classroom could pos- and research. I personally believe to accomplish more work faster spective as a recent immigrant from early settlement, I could Yee Leng Yang sibly have. the question of how technology because of typing and because of Thailand. Having been restricted sense that my family had There are also impacts learning depends on how easy it is to do research for from technology for most of his early finally come to a great place. computers in my classroom. I can’t how you choose to use it. If you large projects. One delightful life, his outlook is very different from Early on, I encountered many miss out on this one. This technol- choose to waste your time on plus of technology is the online a student who was born in America. things that define America, but ogy has helped me a lot. Thanks websites such as Facebook and textbook. I’m taking more and Also appreciated is the evident re- the most extraordinary thing to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs for Twitter, of course there will be no harder classes this year, and it is search that accompanied the writing that caught my attention the their efforts. I have used comput- improvement in your knowledge. an absolute pain to lug textbooks of his essay. most was a computer. I was so ers to learn typing, do research, for Conversely, it can be an excellent back and forth. Instead of having fascinated with this device. It was entertainment, to email teachers resource to help better your educa- my backpack weigh fifty pounds, I rowing up in a small refu- then that I realized technology is and friends. I really enjoy typing. tion. can simply go online and sign into gee camp in Thailand, one of the reasons why America I often play games to improve my As a student in modern day the textbook’s website and even Gthere were no possible is so great. It has changed my life typing skills, because if I type fast, I America, we have wonderful get videos and more examples ways that I could ever know any- since then. will finish my work faster. equipment at our disposal to help than in the physical textbook. thing about technology. Restric- Nowadays, technology has Last but not least, calculators us improve our minds. Teachers Technology has been indisputably tions were all around us. For helped me even more with many are just as important as the other have SMART boards to show helpful to me. example, in order to get out of the modifications over the last few devices. What I like about them PowerPoints and demonstrate Whether or not technology camp legally, we had to do paper years. More importantly, with the is that they can show graphs. That math problems on. We have nice is a valuable learning tool really work. A place where I could really technology in my school, I think it makes it a lot easier for me to computers on which to type re- comes down to how you choose call home was inside the camp. has taken me a step further wheth- learn. ports and do research. to use it. If you get distracted by Outside of it, it was a strange land. er in my life or schoolwork. In In conclusion, these Many people have funny photos or the latest rela- A strange land that I dreaded my classroom, there are SMART technologies have truly smart phones and iPods tionship update, doing projects to enter and explore, because if boards, computers, calculators, etc. improved our lives. So to text, play games, may mostly be updating your sta- someone caught you, there would This technology has become part when asked should listen to music, and use tus. But if you choose to use it as be consequences. So as a minority, of my daily life. schools invest in more social networking sites. the incredible research tool that we had to depend on each other To begin with, I’m a visual classroom technology, I That is where I believe it is, it will make learning much for protection. learner and I learn better by seeing have no doubt in answer- technology becomes a more enjoyable and easier. We My family immigrated to the images and different colors. A ing “DEFINITELY problem. This pro- have been blessed with wonderful United States on October 30, study has shown that 65 percent YES.” Sophie Dwyer vides a distraction for technology, use it wisely.

18 threesixtyjournalism.org ThreeSixty Journalism’s YourTurn third place to conduct deep research on the Internet. Essay Contest We wasted many hours this way. It made ($30 prize) the use of technology increase and therefore Nathaniel Larson administrators assumed that it was beneficial Southwest High School for our learning, while the truth was quite Dear Mr. President... to the contrary. Mr. S had one constantly Nathaniel shows us a snapshot in his educa- unused computer provided to his classroom, In 500 words or less, ThreeSixty Journalism invites you to tional career that brings to light the impor- and taught with a chronically finicky and un- give the President advice on one of the following concerns: tance of educating educators on how to best derutilized SMART board. When time came use technology as an effective teaching tool. around for the presentation of our projects, • Education • Immigration He ends with a profound statement about the many were unprepared. From the bibliogra- • Creating jobs • Keeping my neighborhood safe power of humans over machinery. phies to the display boards one could tell it was not even a month long project. Mr. S left s anyone can attest to, our lives are the following year. What’s one thing he could do that would help affected immensely by technol- Make no mistake, it was not just the use you, your family or your community? Aogy. But people often misuse these (or misuse) of technology that made that ever-complicated gadgets and fewer people year’s learning substandard. His methods understand how their technology works. Ed- were slow and he couldn’t always control the ucators want to tap into these innovations, class. But this brings up an important point: which continue to get smarter and the money and resources used to faster, but they fall short. Ever since buy and maintain a slew of tech- my education started and the push nology for the school could have for technology in the classroom been used to pay for better teach- picked up pace, my learning has ers or professional development. not been helped, but sometimes Rather than another computer, a even hindered by technology. better method of teaching would The first school I attended was have helped me learn. invested in bringing technology The power of technology is into education; our computers Nathaniel Larson one that any educator wants to Submit your essay at were replaced twice over the course bring into the classroom. But this of my years there. Every teacher received a must be done in an effective fashion. Teach- www.threesixtyjournalism.org/president SMART board. But as much as these tools ers need to know how to use it in order to were fun and interesting, the way they were bring its benefits to students. The power of used didn’t help me. Technology breaks, and technology is great, but it cannot replace the $100 for first place must be fixed by someone. Technology costs power of good teaching. So let us consider money—lots of it—to replace every few before we leap headfirst into a technology $50 for second years. Most importantly, technology in the craze. I want good teachers, not computers, classroom often detracts from the true focus: to teach me about the world. $30 for third learning. Technology can be very useful, but it needs to be incorporated into learning, rather than replacing it. Deadline: Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 I once had a teacher who did not do well honorable mention incorporating technology into his curricu- ($25 prize) Winning essays will be presented to Minnesota’s U.S. Senators lum; we will call him Mr. S. That year we had Maria Lewis Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and published online at a major history project as the centerpiece of Indus School www.threesixtyjournalism.org and in the February-March issue our learning. It was many months long, so of the ThreeSixty Journalism magazine. it took up a lot of our time. Multiple days We couldn’t leave out the story of a girl a week we would go to the computer lab to from a small Minnesota town who is often conduct our research, but either students faced with technological detriments. Maria didn’t care or were too confused about how YourTurn continued on page 30

December 2012/January 2013 19 education students cope with Self-esteem is also a big issue. Special consideration everyday social difficulties. Because their brains aren’t able to Once-per-week she meets function normally, Lundell said individually with teens to discuss special education students often feel students rely on strong support system anxiety or depression issues. Most overwhelmed and think they can’t of Lundell’s patients are there to complete a task. This affects their to overcome daily challenges discuss bullying. ability to keep trying. They also “Sometimes the (special educa- dwell on negatives and label them- nable to walk on his own, Kenny Knutson depending on what her mom told tion) kids may think that they are selves “bad” or “stupid,” she said. relies on his parents to move him around her, (that’s) how she is going to the victim, but are not realizing that Sally Ryan, a special education Uthe house in a wheelchair. judge. Because some kids, they’re they are a bully too,” Lundell said. teacher for Aris Clinic in Wood- He eats from a feeding tube since he can’t close his lucky they have parents who are In special education classes, bury, deals with students who may mouth or bite. His eyes are permanently open, so his very sensitive. And they’re able to many students have trouble con- be too anxious to attend a regular parents apply drops to moisturize them. tell them about it and say it nicely, trolling their behavior or under- school. Aris operates a one-room “We’re very lucky that he’s able to talk to us,” said By Simone while some people are like, ‘Oh, standing how it affects others. That schoolhouse that divides students Kenny’s older sister, Kaitlyn Knutson. “He can still Cazares they’re just retarded.’ Very rude might lead them to badger or oth- into two groups — elementary and read. And he can still learn and everything. Some Woodbury High people that don’t understand those erwise harass their peers without junior high school in one, senior kids can’t actually speak.” School sorts of things.” recognizing what they’re doing. high school in another. “They don’t think they are Regular school subjects are Kenny has been diagnosed with ranges from autism and Asperger’s Daily challenges doing anything wrong … and the taught at Aris, but an additional Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, syndrome to emotional distur- Stacy Lundell, a licensed marriage, students who may be bullying Individualized Education Program or ACC, which means his Corpus bances, developmental delays and family and play therapist at Prai- them may not understand that is administered for further evalua- Callosum, the part of your brain speech, language or other health rieCare in Woodbury, helps special either,” Lundell said. tion. There are different areas that that connects the right and left impairments. sides, is underdeveloped. Kenny doesn’t switch classes. The doctors explained to Kenny’s Instead he stays in the same room family that it’s like having the “super all day and learns basic grammar highway” of his brain—where in- or how to memorize his phone formation can pass quickly between number. At home, Kaitlyn helps both sides—cut off. her brother with everyday activities “He has to use the country roads most teenagers take for granted, to get the info where it needs to like peeling a banana or playing an go,” said Kenny’s mother, Danielle Xbox game. Knutson. “So he is a little slower to It’s hard on Kenny’s family do things, cognitively and physical- because they often see the reaction ly. Also, the ACC results in global from strangers, and can only do so developmental delays for his gross much to protect him from it. motor control issues.” “A lot of times little kids, like, they don’t understand. They usually Meet Kenny stare at him because of his eyes or This means a regular day for Kenny something,” said Kaitlyn, 14. “I re- is a lot different from the average member one day we were walking, student’s. and there was this family passing A seventh grader at Woodbury by, a woman and her two children. Middle School, Kenny is one of six And I could hear as they walked by, million young students enrolled the little girl said, ‘Mommy, what’s in public school special educa- wrong with that boy?’ tion programs, according to the “And you know, it was hurt- Submitted photo from Knutson family National Education Association. ful. But I also know that she was Kenny Knutson, bottom, was diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum at an early age. Because his The variety of disabling conditions a little girl that was curious, and brain is underdeveloped, he needs help with everyday activities most teenagers take for granted.

20 threesixtyjournalism.org “Give every person an open heart regardless. Whether they are disabled or not.” —Kaitlyn Knutson can qualify a student for an IEP, for instance, day or check in with someone,” she said. “It because of Kenny’s scheduling or lack of “Give every person an open heart regard- speech and vision difficulties. depends on the level.” accessibility. As he’s become “an annoying less. Whether they are disabled or not,” Many students start in the program at a teenage boy,” his tendency “to repeat things Kaitlyn said. “Some have amazing skills in young age and stick with an IEP through ‘Really sweet kids’ constantly” continues to test her. reading or math and might not be as good college. The benefit of an IEP is that special It’s a lesson in patience, one Kaitlyn knows Yet having seen her brother’s progress first- in other things. Or they just might not look education students get more time to work on firsthand as Kenny’s sibling. She admits to hand, she hopes that others will take the time like they’re good in other things. assignments or take tests, Ryan said. internalizing a lot of frustration, especially to get to know special education students “If you just get to know them, you can find “Students go to a professional for a whole as a child when her interests took a backseat like Kenny before making judgments. out that they are really sweet kids.”

grabbed my basketball and kicked it across At my next school, I got in more fights our huge playground. and landed more suspensions. My prin- I’m in special ed. At first I was stunned. “What the heck? cipal, who I couldn’t stand as an “unfair” Go get my ball,” I told him. disciplinarian, eventually sat me down for He started laughing. Other kids gathered a tough talk. Does it matter? around to join him. “You need to stop what you’re doing be- I snapped. cause in high school you’re going to end up Editor’s note: To protect the writer’s privacy, ThreeSixty Journalism is not disclosing his name. Even though Charlie was bigger, I behind bars. I don’t want to see that happen We have also changed the names of the other students. punched him in the stomach and snatched to you because you have so much talent that him so hard by the head that his ear began can be used on other things,” she told me. I on’t let anyone see this,” I screamed inside my head. to bleed. It was the first time I ever stood up went home crying. The C+ in red marker was suddenly an afterthought. I wasn’t prepared for to one of my bullies. Honestly, it kinda felt All the labeling and bullying had taken what my teacher had attached to the end of my 8th period test. good to see him cry. a toll on my academics and social in- “D Looking back, that incident with Charlie teractions. I also have ADHD, so with Designed to keep me on task, my special me, I thought. When one person knows, was a turning point. I’m not the kind of everything crashing down on me, there education behavior chart was in plain sight. everyone does. person who explodes on classmates. But were days when I wouldn’t even remem- It’s the one thing that had caused me to stay This, more than anything, is what scares those constant judgments had been building. ber a teacher’s lesson. My mom thought I inside a shell at my new high school. The me about being labeled as a “special educa- To always be the quiet kid. The slow kid. The needed extra help, so we worked with the reason I couldn’t be “me” around classmates. tion” kid. Classmates are unwilling to in- nervous kid. The pushover. Bullies feasted school to design a special education plan “Don’t let anyone see this,” I kept repeating. clude a “slow processing” person—which on that. for me. I frantically stuffed the chart into the back is what I’m always called—in everyday What made the fight even worse is that Having this plan meant I could take extra folder of my three-ring binder. Too late. It conversations about sports or video games. summer vacation was only three days away. I time on tests and quizzes, learn lessons at had caught the prying eyes of my classmate, Girls don’t want to go out with someone never went back to that school again. Special continued on page 29 Tim. who has “special needs.” Students always “Are you in special ed?” he blurted. think I’m behind, so why bother getting I immediately put my guard up. This was to know me? the Facts about special ed in minnesota just like middle school again. Sure, I might be a little socially weird at • In 2012, 36,257 high school students were enrolled in special education in Minnesota. “Why does it matter?” I asked defiantly. times. Whenever I’m introduced to new That’s 13.7 percent of all 9th to 12th graders. Before he could respond, I struck back people, I fidget and look for ways to distract • Minnesota spends about $876 million on special ed services each year. That’s 12 percent of harder. myself. I’m always nervous inside. total state education spending. “Are you gonna judge me because of that? I also speak carefully. It’s my way of listen- • “Special ed” covers youth with a wide range of disabilities. They range from autism to There are a lot of people who have problems ing to information and being thoughtful speech impairments, from behavioral disorders to blindness or traumatic brain injuries. in this school that you’d never even know with responses. But to most people who • Services for special ed students range from offering Braille and technical resources for blind about. Do you have problems?” meet me for the first time, I’m not fast or students to one-on-one help for students to prepare for jobs and independent living after This kind of reverse psychology was noth- loud enough. I never show the same level of high school. ing new for me. Tim was a popular kid who emotion that they do. • Each special ed student has an IEP, or Individualized Education Program. Based on assess- always got away with saying what he wanted. I’ve suffered those judgments at every one ment data, a student’s educational needs and a written statement, IEPs are developed and He also spoke loud enough so that others of my schools. periodically reviewed by a team that includes a parent and at least two teachers. could eavesdrop. I hated that. In fifth grade, I was shooting hoops by Sources: Minnesota Department of Education Now they were all going to take shots at myself at recess when another kid, Charlie,

December 2012/January 2013 21 walking on the high wire and per- Running away forming on the Wheel of Death, which requires keeping your balance while walking inside two to the circus wire wheels at opposite ends of a long bar that spins in a big circle. They also were teaching classes to Friendships, skills formed at younger students. “We all kind of inspire each St. Paul’s Circus Juventas other,” Krey said. The guys loved to test their endure across oceans limits in training to help build more confidence and encourage ack in fifth grade, Sam Krey joined the circus. each other to do his best. During

“I fell in love with the circus from that very Photo by Ryan Siemers training, they’d watch each other Bmoment,” Krey said. Sam Krey chats with other Circus Juventas performers. closely from backstage. Afterward, Krey, who is now 19, loved the chance to perform they’d high-five each other but also in front of more than 900 people when shows sold Krey said that being in the circus point out mistakes. out at Circus Juventas, a youth circus in St. Paul. and in theater at his school helped After every show, Krey, Fricke, Just knowing that a sold-out crowd came to see him By Frederick improve his grades. Houlihan and the other perform- leaves a warm feeling in Krey’s heart, he said. McConnell “They stayed the same at first, ers celebrated with their closest The St. Paul circus school teaches youth ages 3-to- St. Paul but after I enrolled in more classes friends and went out for an hour- 21 the gymnastic, juggling, trapeze and acting skills Conservatory (at the circus), they improved,” he long lunch at favorite spots like needed to make a large crowd stand up and cheer. said. “I think that being busy with Mickey’s Diner or Famous Dave’s Twice a year in the spring and summer, hundreds of the classes helped me.” on 7th Ave. Then it was back to students perform in the Circus’ giant dome in Highland Park in St. Paul. flipping, flying, riding, juggling, The rest of the year, students take classes and practice. Friends challenge and inspire tossing, shouting and styling in Photo by Ryan Siemers By last summer, the three friends Like all Circus Juventas artists, glittery costumes. Like the famous Cirque du May’s shows highlighted famous were performing the most chal- Zeb Fricke applies theater make- Back to the smells of hot, salty Soleil, Circus Juventas tells movies like “Jaws,” “Grease” and lenging and dangerous acts— up before performances. pretzels and steaming, grilled stories with acting and theater. the “Indiana Jones” franchise. Unlike the traditional three-ring August’s shows featured advanced circus, there are no tigers jump- students performing a Wild West ing through hoops or girls riding theme. good grades Circus Juventas and Children’s Theatre also offers homework tutors galloping horses. Instead, there Connor Houlihan, a long-time other performing arts programs in the Twin Cities for performers who need help with any subject are six-year-olds walking on giant friend of Krey’s, introduced him help make sure students keep their grades up. in school. “People get used to being busy and will globes and teenagers spinning like to the circus nine years ago. They Circus Juventas has a good-grades policy, which learn how to handle things so that their performing basketballs in the air, then being started by taking nonperforming requires a C average to participate, because many life will be a lot more exciting,” said Tim Jennings, caught by partners on a swinging classes that helped build their students spend too little time on academic studies. the theater’s managing director. trapeze. strength and balance. Another “This rule is to help children understand that it’s Jerome “JT” Scott was 18 when he joined Circus Circus Juventas also has a dif- friend, Zeb Fricke, joined the more than just performing, but school is an impor- Juventas in 2011. He had been involved in gymnas- ferent theme every season. Last circus later, when he was 17. tant factor as well as having fun,” said Dan Butler, tics since age 5, which enabled him to get accepted founder and head of the circus. in the advanced shows with their more rigorous Staff at Children’s Theatre Company in Min- rehearsal schedule. neapolis agrees. “It’s one of our expectations for the Scott had to manage his grades while taking Sam, Connor and Zeb challenge each other to children here,” said Sherry Ward, senior publicist classes at the circus and he has succeeded. think work harder and develop their skills. Have you for the theater. “The performers must have a pass- ”It was a lot harder, but I didn’t let it affect my spot had a similar experience with friends? ing grade to perform in the shows or else another grades,” he said. “I studied hard, even if I had to stay person replaces them.” up till 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. to get school work done.”

22 threesixtyjournalism.org scholarships Circus Juventas offers scholarships to families that can’t pay the full tuition for classes. Students may also work off the cost for participating in the classes by cleaning around the arena or helping move mats.

without the use of words … all you have to act on is your body.” Fricke is working with a circus in Australia and Houlihan is attending a circus school in Canada, trying to polish his skills before auditioning for other big circus companies. The friends stay in close touch. “Facebook is a big one,” Houlihan said. “We are Photo by Dan Norman The three friends performing together during a 2011 show. At the right side of the photo, Connor Houlihan, Zeb Fricke and Sam Krey are seen with constantly posting things and Gracie White. sending each other messages about shows or acts we have hamburgers. Of sugary cotton seen and what we are up to candy and buttery popcorn. in general. We call each other And finally, back to earth and when we can, but Zeb is out of waving to the audiences after the the country a lot. Also, Skype is final act. nice because we can actually see our faces while talking.” Moving on, staying connected They also dream of the time This fall, the long-time friends when they’ll perform together split up. Krey started college at again. DePaul University in Chicago, “I don’t know where or when, where he was one of only 30 but I can tell you that we are all students accepted into the theater going to try and create the oppor- program. tunity to perform together again,” “Best I’ve ever felt in a long Houlihan said.

Photo by Ryan Siemers time,” he said. “Before we all left, we got Connor Houlihan shows off his biceps before a performance of Krey believes that his experience together and shared a moment to- “Sawdust” in 2010. with Circus Juventas made the gether. We were finally all going to difference. do what we have dreamed of from “I don’t know where or when, but I can tell “Circus is what sparked my the time we met. I know that our career in acting. It gave me my friendship will stay strong until the strength in physical acting because day we die.” you that we are all going to try and create Photo by Dan Norman Connor Houlihan as Little Red the opportunity to perform together again.” Riding Hood’s wolf in a 2011 —Connor Houlihan performance of “Grimm.”

December 2012/January 2013 23 Brave new world Studying abroad provides unique learning opportunities for ambitious students

ungee jumping. Jet boating. Luging. Hiking through picturesque mountains, Bpasses and glaciers. Scott Carpenter also did some studying during a five-month spring semester in Queenstown, New Zealand—the “adventure sports capital of the world.” Just not in an environment most American By Mary college students are used to. Meehan “It is not what you think of traditional classroom Delano High learning,” said Carpenter, a senior English major at School the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. “I learned the most by talking to other students and going out and participating in Submitted photo from Scott Carpenter various activities with students from all over the world.” University of St. Thomas student Scott Carpenter carved himself a comfortable (though admittedly cold) spot in New Zealand during a study abroad trip to the University of Otago. His advice: Get out and explore the Carpenter attended the Uni- on an overseas study trip during world before a full-time career kicks in. versity of Otago in Dunedin, college, according to Open Doors, New Zealand through a study a program run by the Bureau of Huesing said. find what fits them ing a program.” abroad program run by Arcadia Educational and Cultural Affairs “It was not neces- academically and University. It was a chance for the at the U.S. Department of State. sarily where I traveled, personally. Once you’ve Know your options Owatonna native to get out of the St. Thomas’ specialties include but the impact of being applied for a program, Travel methods can include a Midwest and explore the world studying in Rome at the Angeli- overseas that as a whole set up an appointment faculty led program with a class, a before “graduating school and cum campus and a popular Lon- … changed me,” said with an advisor who self-guided trip with a host family being tied down by work or other don business program where stu- Huesing, who turned will walk you through or a program at a specific country’s financial, relationship obligations.” dents not only earn college credit those early interna- the basic steps. This not university. St. Thomas trips can Inspiration from his sisters’ in Great Britain’s largest city, but tional visits into a career Sarah Huesing, only includes cultural vary by length—a year, semester, travels led Carpenter to pursue also get to travel throughout Eu- path. “I had never been study abroad details, but financial J-term, month or summer long. a study abroad opportunity, one rope. Common majors that study outside of my comfort advisor at St. components including Summer abroad programs last that around 1,000 St. Thomas stu- abroad include business, journal- zone. I was very much Thomas campus scholarship op- 3-to-10 weeks and are especially dents take advantage of annually, ism, psychology and language, a homebody (before). portunities or national popular with students involved in said Sarah Huesing, a study abroad though science and engineering Now, I hope other students have ones targeting merit or money- sports during the academic year. advisor at the college. About 50 students are becoming increasingly the opportunity.” based needs. percent of undergraduates embark aware of overseas opportunities, Before digging your passport A “first step session will teach Determine your budget out, there are some essentials to you how to research your program Read the fine print so you know know about the study abroad and apply online—there is a sepa- what is/isn’t included in a pro- experience: rate application process,” Huesing gram. For example, when looking What challenges do American students who said. “We talk through academ- over meal costs, verify what’s pre- think study in other countries sometimes face? Does Do your research ics, financial and cultural things covered (a host family may also spot the idea of studying abroad appeal to you? Become familiar with the wide so one can feel more comfort in be providing food) and what’s out array of options and programs knowing that advisors will answer of pocket. Also important: Figure available. That way, students can all questions possible when choos- Study Abroad continued on page 30

24 threesixtyjournalism.org lem transitioning to newer mobile Game on! platforms. While Dinehart represents a new generation of gamers adding Students can power up their individual touches, people like Carrillo are teaching gamers design skills for successful the skills they need to create them at a basic level. After all, Dinehart’s video game careers dream career wasn’t narrative design. But as he got his foot in tephen Dinehart has always been a gamer and the door, he learned to master comic book lover. everything about the industry and S When he was 10 years old, he bought the Illustration by Nico Machlitt found his niche. original Nintendo Entertainment System for $110 However, as gamers know all after a year of saving his money. like a pipe dream. But schools too well, not every new level “It was the best day of my life,” the California like Brown College in Mendota “We teach them reached leads to a perfect ending. native said. By Darwesh Heights offer bachelor’s degree to value quality over Now an award-winning narra- An avid gamer with dreams of working at Marvel Singh programs in game design, giving tive designer working on freelance as a comic book designer, Dinehart attended the Nova Classical students the skills to create and de- quantity. It makes projects, Dinehart has seen both University of Southern California, got an intern- Academy velop every aspect of a game, even the good and bad in the industry. ship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and ones they’d never think about. no sense to have a While there is a lot of demand for started making brochures and graphics for clients. That’s why the education of huge, crappy game.” developers, designers and storytell- gamers is as important as the ers, the market is a minefield, he Fifteen years ago, he got his than 68 million Xbox systems development, marketing and pub- – Ari Carrillo said. big break. He scored a free ticket this year. lishing of games themselves, said “The atmosphere at these big to the Electronic Entertainment For most, the idea of playing Ari Carrillo, a video game design houses quickly becomes negative,” Expo in Los Angeles, the largest games every day and turning that teacher at Brown. tography and Internet technology. Dinehart said. “They aren’t open gaming show in the country, and passion into designing or concep- The majority of students in That’s also what makes the game to new ideas.” was able to talk his way into the tualizing mega-selling titles seems Brown’s gaming program want to development program unique. The Only a few games become hits VIP lounge. be artists—to create characters and skills required for making video and actually produce some sort of There, he passed out his business design how they act and behave. games can be used in numerous profit. Also, because “big houses” card to everyone he saw, and a Most of them don’t like the idea professions, Carrillo said. like Blizzard, Electronic Arts, few months later got a call from of having to write programs, even Brown students learn a variety Gameloft and Nintendo usually Warner Bros. They offered him though it’s the highest-paying job, of different computer languages make the most popular games an internship, and he dove in by by far, in the industry, he said. and game formats to account for of the year, they can take all the working on high profile games like At Brown, students play games swift advances in technology. rights—even Dinehart’s narrative “Medal of Honor,” “F.E.A.R. 3” to analyze how they work. Carrillo Brown is migrating from Adobe’s credit. and “Constantine.” teaches them to create small, high- now-dying Flash to the new Ultimately, it’s a reflection of Dinehart’s path is just one quality level designs, as opposed to HTML5 while still teaching staple the industry’s massive appeal, and way into the lucrative gaming a full game with too many holes to software programs like Unreal why Carrillo and Dinehart believe industry—a massive market where pick apart. Engine 3 and 4 and Unity 3D, gaming will be relevant long into Microsoft alone has sold more Stephen Dinehart “We teach them to value quality Carrillo said. the future. Though mom and dad over quantity,” Carrillo said. “It The school is also preparing its may have discouraged those mara- makes no sense to have a huge, students for mobile gaming since thon nights of “Diablo III,” career- crappy game.” the market is growing exponential- wise, gamers have a lot to gain What challenges face someone who Despite that advice, only five ly. Desktop, console and mobile from their video game passion. think wants to be a professional developer of percent of his 200 annual students platforms share a lot of similarities, “Gaming is never going to go spot computer games? become professional game devel- which means that someone who away,” Carrillo said. “It’s essentially opers, Carrillo said. The rest go learns primarily about developing my job to teach (gamers) the skills into related fields, including pho- older formats won’t have a prob- to make good games.”

December 2012/January 2013 25 Stepping up Despite tough job market, Minneapolis program matches teens with opportunities

o most teenagers, being surrounded by 20 or more children would be something to avoid. TTo Anel Braziel, it’s an opportunity. During the summer, Braziel worked as a teacher’s assistant at Kaleidoscope Place in Minneapolis, helping students with math and reading in an eight- week program called Summer Kids. By Calista “I have to do activities with the kids,” Braziel said. Dunbar “We do structured math and reading.“ St. Paul Central

Braziel, 15, lives in Minneapolis with her mother. Photo by Jennah Benalshaikh She got her job through a summer employment As part of the Step-Up job program, Anel Braziel worked as a teacher’s assistant at Kaleidoscope Place in program called Step-Up Achieve, operated by the city of Minneapolis. Minneapolis, where she once attended school.

Tammy Dickinson, director of Today reported that more than 44 over and over from employers that back all the way to the early 1970s. Step-Up for the city, described it percent of U.S. teens who wanted they can train on the hard skills.” more info We have some pictures from sev- as an internship program for 14- summer jobs wouldn’t get them Soft skills include knowing how For information about eral years ago of students who now 21 year-olds. or would be working fewer hours to dress, whether it’s for the corpo- Step-Up Achieve, check out work for us in the youth employ- “We typically serve youths than they wanted. rate world or the child-care world; http://www.achieve mpls. ment program.” who are least connected to the In August, the national unem- how to problem-solve, including org/stepupachieve Kirk knows firsthand how work force, whether they’re from ployment rate for 16- to 19-year- whom to go to for help and how valuable interns can be in the low-income families or they have olds was 24.6 percent compared to to solve the problem; and commu- classroom. a risk factor or some other barrier 8.1 percent overall. nication skills. “Somebody who is there regu- that would make it challenging to Step-Up’s main goal is to get About 2,000 youth sign up for “They typically fall in about six larly knows what works and what graduate,” Dickinson said. low-income kids into the work- the program every year, and 1,700 or eight categories: social work, doesn’t work,” he said. “We do Since 2000, the number of force by providing them with are placed with employers in the working in government, as clerical have a lot of tough students with a 16- to-19-year-olds with paid direct experience that employers private sector. The other 300 find support, and in schools,” she said. lot of tough situations. jobs dropped to the lowest level are seeking. jobs with non-profit organizations. “We do have youth placed in the “We have a teacher’s assistant since World War II, according to “It came out of programming Braziel was in the Kaleidoscope legal field and the medical field, fi- who was invaluable. She was out the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a to get young people job-readiness program as a young girl, and be- nance industry, and typically those at another camp for two or three federal agency that studies work skills, primarily the soft skills,” cause Kaleidoscope was a partner are going to be support positions.” days, and we did as best as we trends and unemployment. USA Dickinson said. “We keep hearing with Step-Up, it seemed right Ryan Kirk, advisor of Kalei- could without her.” to work at a place that she had doscope Place, said the longtime Braziel said her job as a teacher’s enjoyed for years. partnership with Step-Up has assistant gives her experience and “I remember always being fostered a strong feeder system of responsibility, but it also shows her excited when I got to come here,” future employees. what it would be like if she were to think Do you have the “soft skills” that employers Braziel said. “It was like a home “We have our 40 years of follow the same career path. spot look for? Who could help you develop them? away from home. students,” said Kirk, pointing to a “After being a teacher’s assistant Step-Up partners with about bulletin board filled with student for so long, maybe I can become 230 employers, Dickinson said. pictures. “These are pictures going an actual teacher here,” she said.

26 threesixtyjournalism.org Living art Dedication and second jobs support artists’ careers

ryan Nichols is an accomplished jazz pianist from Minneapolis who makes his money Bfrom performing and teaching. That wasn’t always his plan, though. Nichols attended Iowa State University with a full scholarship, thinking he was going to be a doctor. He began to pursue a degree in biology and pre- By Simone med, but eventually realized that he was not cut out Cazares Woodbury High for medicine. Photo by Howard Gitelson “I wasn’t interested in lab work,” he said. “I wasn’t School Pre-med might have been his goal in college, but Bryan Nichols decided to ditch lab work for a career excited about that.” performing and teaching jazz.

Now his education is a joke at minor in English literature. After waitress, or a writer and librarian, parties, where he’ll ask strangers, graduating in 2008, she began or a writer and all of these other “Hey, guess what I got my degree working as a personal advocate in things.” in?” the health-care business, answering Nichols, 33, is a Twin Cities questions about insurance policies. Turning down gigs artist who decided to follow his “It was what I thought I was Nichols makes most of his living dream instead of pursuing a more supposed to do,” Brimmer said. “I as a performer, but also does some lucrative career. Although many thought I was supposed to get my teaching at MacPhail Center for people might consider such a college degree, and then go climb Music in Minneapolis and in his move risky in today’s economy, the corporate ladder. But it’s not home. It allows him to turn down Nichols said it’s possible with hard me.” gigs he doesn’t like. work. But when it comes to finan- In addition to being a spoken- “At this point, I almost always cial stability, being an artist has its word artist, Brimmer works as a play music that I want to be ups and downs. waitress to support herself. involved in,” Nichols said. “But a “It can be difficult in this lot of people, if you’re not teach- Count on a second job economy and in this country to ing, have to take a lot of stuff that Lisa Brimmer, 26, knows that well. build a life off of being an art- maybe you don’t always want to Brimmer is a spoken-word artist ist. Specifically if it is the written do, but you have to. And I would Photo by Calista Dunbar in the Twin Cities. She attended word,” Brimmer said. “The game’s rather not do it.” Lisa Brimmer left the corporate world to pursue her true passion— spoken word performance. the University of St. Thomas tough … because you can’t just be a Although the number of venues with a major in psychology and a writer. You must be a writer and a for performers has decreased in the past 10 years, the music scene in and a newer venue, The Ice House, Combining influences the Twin Cities is still quite active, also in Minneapolis. Brimmer For Brimmer, getting gigs isn’t and neither Nichols nor Brimmer can be seen at The Turf Club and hard because she works with jazz What strategies have these two artists has much trouble finding places to Black Dog Café, both in St. Paul, musicians. think used to make a living while being perform. and the 331 Club in Minneapolis. The partnership allows her work spot active performers? Nichols often performs at the Other venues include the Red to be heard by more people and Artist’s Quarter in St. Paul, the Stag Supper Club, Barbette, Café create a diverse atmosphere that Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis Maude and Studio Z. Artists continued on page 30

December 2012/January 2013 27 Youth movement John Mark Nelson no longer waiting (and waiting) for his music career to begin

e all have a friend who is trying to become a rock star. W They drag us to shows, pass out demo CDs and hassle until we like their Facebook fan pages. Of course, their musical ambitions often don’t amount to much, and eventually they have to be content with jamming in their parents’ basements By Grace while punching a time clock elsewhere. Pastoor Not John Mark Nelson. University of He knows how to get where he wants to go. St. Thomas Thanks to his sophomore album “Waiting and Waiting,” the 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Minneapolis is making a bold impression in the Twin Cities.

Released in August, the Once the recent Minnetonka album has spawned two popular High School graduate began singles—“Reminisce” and “Rain working on new material, the Submitted photo Comes Down”—on Minnesota whirlwind that followed changed Thanks to a boost from 89.3 The Current for his “Waiting and Waiting” album, John Mark Nelson decided to Public Radio’s tastemaker station, everything. forgo college and focus on his music full-time. 89.3 The Current. Nelson said When did this new reality sink local music director, Jon Schober, in? teenager. discovered his early songs through “I walked out on stage at the It also helped that he grew up Bandcamp—an online hosting site CD release show and found that I in “a very musical household.” for indie artists—and offered to was looking out at a room full of Nelson’s father was a piano player “I am still just play them on The Current’s strangers,” he said. and music minister, his mother a a kid who likes “Local Show.” Nelson began playing the piano singer. That was in April, before much when he was five or six but was far Before his songs experienced to make music.” of “Waiting and Waiting” had from a prodigy. He only became a surge in popularity, Nelson —John Mark Nelson even been written, Nelson said. serious about music when he was a planned to study drum set performance at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul. Now, he’s taking a gap year to capitalize on What made John Mark Nelson’s music his current—no pun intended— Others think that a gap year can and college,” Nelson said. think stand out to radio hosts at The Current, momentum. be a good way to focus in on your (Music) “means everything. spot FM 89.3? “For some people, the idea of long-term goals. There isn’t one It’s how I express ideas and relate not going straight to a university correct answer. I just needed a to other people. It’s a way for after high school is detrimental. breath of air between high school strangers to communicate and

28 threesixtyjournalism.org experience emotions and feelings was such a fully realized sound.” together. It’s powerful and impor- It’s why breaking into The tant, and something I truly love.” Current’s rotation is such an It shows during his live perfor- accomplishment for Nelson. mances. The station receives so many On stage, Nelson carries himself CDs and demos, “you could with a quiet confidence that could build a house of jewel cases,” be the by-product of his natural Campbell said. It takes dedicated musical talent, sudden popularity, staff members to find the best or even his indie folk-rock beard, Twin Cities’ talent, turning the which is far bushier than that of discovery process into a “game the average teenager. of telephone, where one person Instead of bursting onto the Tri- hears it and is like, ‘Oh man, you ple Rock Social Club stage, elec- gotta hear it!’” tric guitar blaring, the spotlight fo- “We like his art,” Campbell said. cused on him alone. Accompanied “Our job here at the station is to by a ten-piece band—including an Photo by Grace Pastoor find people’s art we like and then upright bass, violin and glocken- Backed by a ten-piece band, John Mark Nelson, far right, performs during a recent opening gig at Triple Rock talk about it.” spiel—Nelson switched between Social Club in Minneapolis. Campbell also has some advice acoustic guitar and accordion, the for teens who, like Nelson, want to harmonious blend of instrumenta- long ways off. There are so many me),” Nelson said of the station. succeed at making music. tion as much a part of each song as incredible musicians that live, and listen up You can “They started rotating my music, “You have to learn how to do his gentle voice. have lived, in this city. My musical hear John Mark Nelson’s sponsored my CD release show, lots of stuff,” he said. “Learn how It’s a huge part of what makes journey is much more a work in sophomore album, “Waiting invited me and the band to per- to book shows, effectively market his indie folk-pop unique. This is a progress than a finished product. and Waiting,” online at form in their studio. Everyone at whatever you’re working on, learn teenager who is sensitive without I have a long way to go before any http://johnmarknelson. the station has been very support- how to do live sound, play a couple being cheesy, contemplative with- dents are made.” bandcamp.com. The album is ive and encouraging. I owe them of different instruments and study out being complicated and humble Still, the gathering storm sug- also available on iTunes or at a lot.” it. The truth is a lot of success- without being fake. gests bigger and better things to local record stores. Dave Campbell, a “Local Show” ful musicians are very skilled and “I am still just a kid who likes to come. In October, Nelson finished host for The Current, said Nelson’s organized.” make music,” he said, citing a sup- third in City Pages’ “Click to experience isn’t typical for young Or more succinctly, make it port group of family and friends Pick” best new bands poll, which Project Vol. 4 compilation, out musicians. your “invocation.” who’ve become “excited and is compiled annually with input this month. “There was an ephemeral qual- “Don’t stop doing what you confused together.” from the Twin Cities’ major music Even better, his latest single ity (in his album) rare for young love,” Nelson said. “If you pour “I hope to continue to make scenesters. He also contributes “Rain Comes Down” has, again, artists,” he said. “Young kids don’t your whole heart and soul into music in the Twin Cities. As far the opening Beatles cover, “Day in earned fans at The Current. have a refined quality or sound. everything you care about, you are as making a dent, I think that is a the Life,” to the Minnesota Beatle “They have done a ton (to help For being such a young person, it never wasting your time.” special Today, I’m still not totally comfortable in I’ve since transferred to a new school. Al- me. I’m able to showcase talents that a lot of continued from page 21 my skin. At my first high school, the chart ready, I feel more accepted. I also don’t need people don’t have. my own pace, and work on behavioral issues made me paranoid. Students, even though to use the behavior chart any more. Instead, I I know I’m always going to be quiet and constructively, for instance, by squeezing they didn’t know about my special educa- can work with a case manager for extra help. nervous. I also know that the “real me” can stress toys. The chart I received kept me on tion background, would ask me personal So far, I haven’t needed it. be loud and fun, too. I wish I could loosen task with teachers, and I was always happy questions and I’d freeze up. Especially Tim, People think if you’re in special education, up around my classmates, but caring too when I saw good marks. By the end of who loved to jab at me about autism or it automatically makes you “slow and stupid.” much about what others think can really middle school, I even got into honor council Asperger’s on the bus. The whole time I’d I wish I didn’t have to justify why I needed mess you up inside. and earned awards as Student of the Month be thinking, “He’s trying to put me down extra help, but I can’t worry about my past. Until I learn to trust more, I’ll still be and Principal’s Choice. so others won’t like me.” He always tried to Now, my focus is on school and extra-curric- doing a lot of screaming inside my head. I thought to myself, this was the “real me.” make me feel “different.” ular activities that will bring the best out of

December 2012/January 2013 29 Study Abroad penter pointed out, aren’t legally allowed to ings. While in New Zealand, he lived in a kind of life-altering effect for study abroad continued from page 24 because of work visa eligibility issues. flat with several international students and a students, Huesing said. Not only is it an out the exchange rate. Anticipate major city Huesing said another potential roadblock native Kiwi. opportunity to build a resume, but socially, costs since they’ll be more expensive. Europe is loss of an “easy support system.” Being in “Introversion is not insurmountable,” it teaches students to become more cultur- tends to have a higher cost of living com- a new country without familiar faces can be Carpenter said. “The laid-back lifestyle there ally competent and increase independence, pared to say, South America. This also factors stressful. Students may miss American class- made it hit home to me that there is so much problem solving and language skills. It also into personal expenses. Since he wasn’t aware mates. The language barrier can lead to tough more to life than making money. I had to forges lifelong relationships with new friends of how much money to bring, Carpenter said adjustments and miscommunication. As silly completely reassess my plans for post-grad from the United States and beyond. he lost about 35 pounds because, “I couldn’t as it sounds, there may also be conflict with life.” “I am definitely not ready to forego afford to eat.” an international student or host family about That future includes more travel, gradu- (another chance to travel) just to enter the Money is often at the “forefront of a lot of everyday issues like allergies to a family pet ate school and teaching English abroad after workforce and settle down for the rest of people’s minds” when determining travel op- or vegetarian food preferences. finishing his St. Thomas studies in May, my life,” Carpenter said. “I want to see the tions, Huesing said. After all, many students Shy by nature, Carpenter said he learned preferably in Sweden. world.” overseas either can’t take jobs or, as Car- to open up and embrace his new surround- Exposure to other cultures often has that

artists yourturn the school labels them as With the increase in continued from page 27 continued from page 19 “forums” or “blogs”. Even dependence on technol- people want to come back to. Anything to get more explains the negative impact technology sources like Wikipedia have ogy, I see more time spent “names on lips,” Brimmer said. has played in her learning and why she been blocked for student use. dealing with delays than “Venues like it because we are bringing in artists oftentimes gravitates toward the old- These websites are classified as actually working. that they have contact with,” she said. “We’re keeping fashioned tools. inappropriate for educational It is a hassle to finish a good relationship with the artists by booking them, purposes. homework when you and I think it’s mutually beneficial.” he use of technology is an Oftentimes, I feel as have to go back and forth The biggest challenge for these artists is just keeping ever increasing and evolving though the use of videos and Maria Lewis between school and home their drive. Tproject. Some schools have DVDs in school is a way of technology. It is time “It’s like being in a relationship,” Brimmer said. “I more opportunities to access these relieving a teacher of their work. consuming to transfer documents mean, you love it and you hate it and you’re frustrated innovations than others. At my K-12 Whenever educational videos are from one computer to another. I don’t with certain things about it.” school in rural northern Minnesota, played, I have a hard time retain- always have a jump drive with me. I It’s really up to the artists to stay involved in the arts students don’t have a wide range of ing the information. Even though have tried using Google Documents, community, do new things and keep getting better at technological advancements avail- I am a visual learner, videos don’t but there always seems to be an error what they do, Nichols said. able for use. Still, the role of technol- provide the instruction of teachers. with the website when I use it at “There are all these roadblocks and bottlenecks and ogy is evident within my school. I need repetition to grasp concepts. school. At this point, it seems easier stop signs and everything. So you’ve just got to have Over the past few years, my Usually, videos are only shown once. to start my projects over. That way I the fortitude to keep going, and just believe in what school has received reprogrammed It is hard to retain information that can actually get work done instead of you’re doing,” he said. and updated computers. Person- you only see once. Plus, videos move wasting time trying to make technol- “If you love it and it’s the only thing that will make ally, I don’t think this has benefited quickly through their information ogy work. you happy, do it. If something else will make you the students. These updates have and it is difficult to comprehend Overall, technology has been a happy, do it on the side.” resulted in more time spent fixing everything. hindrance to my learning. Technology the computer than using it. Often, Technology has been an inconve- is supposed to make things efficient. it can take up to twenty minutes to nience for me. In most cases, I end Very rarely have I saved time by using log on to a computer. Class time is up having more problems when I technology. There is lots of infor- wasted on trying to fix technology use technology than if I work on a mation available with technology. see ’em live To find out where that is supposed to work. project without it. I have seen how Unfortunately, my experience hasn’t Bryan Nichols is playing next in the Twin Cities, On top of this, privacy and pro- unreliable technology can be. Often, provided me with that information. visit his website at http://bryannichols.org/live/. tection acts have put restrictions on the computer networks at my school Technology is not useless. It is valu- Lisa Brimmer also posts shows on her blog at the websites that students can access. have failed to work. We have had to able when it functions properly. I, http://2speakeaseblog.wordpress.com/. Most of the websites I have tried delay projects because we can’t access however, would rather stick to paper, to use have been blocked because our documents on the computers. pencil, and encyclopedias.

30 threesixtyjournalism.org

Complete spaghetti lunch

Students bite back mixed results for healthier school lunchroom offerings

n first look during the new school year, shows what the students should it wouldn’t seem much has changed at have when taking a meal: fruits, OCentral High School in St. Paul. vegetables, whole grains and lean Submitted photo by St. Paul Public Schools Classes are overcrowded with students. Hallways meats.” Got greens? If are as congested as someone’s nose with the flu. That has led to more fruit inComplete spaghetti lunch St. Paul Public In the cafeteria, however, a food fight is happen- and vegetable options — kiwis, Schools had its ing. Due to new federal rules, schools across the By Calista mangoes, watermelon, bananas, way, the ideal country are required to serve healthier options and Dunbar celery, tomatoes, carrots and green lunchroom tray set calorie limits for their students. St. Paul Central beans, to name a few. But even would feature Beware of flying bananas. with those healthier benefits, there plenty of healthy “all you can eat” are drawbacks with meal planning, offerings like “The meatballs that were with The law is also designed to Ronnei said. fruits, veggies and my spaghetti look like soggy help students develop healthy “With these new guidelines, it’s legume salads. brown Styrofoam. And the chick- eating habits by providing fewer hard to be creative while creat- However, reaching en looks like it’s made out of tofu,” carbohydrates (bread, grains) and ing meals,” she said. “Sometimes for extra color isn’t always the reality said Central High School student offering more nutritious foods. For we come up with something, and at Central High Tara Solvang. instance, students are required to then the guidelines come in and School. The 17-year-old senior believes take at least one serving of fruits or say, ‘Oh, sorry, can’t do that.’ We the overall quality of cafeteria vegetables. try the best we can, but sometimes food has suffered because of the Jean Ronnei, director of nutri- it just doesn’t work.” healthier requirements. She’s not tion and custodial services for If students don’t like the cafete- alone. St. Paul Public Schools, said that ria food offered at their school, Also unhappy with more restric- the new requirements follow My they also can pick from a To-Go tive servings, the new law led some Plate, which is essentially the time- Bar featuring salads, parfaits, Photo by Calista Dunbar students in Minnesota, Wisconsin, honored food pyramid “but just peanut butter-jelly sandwiches and Michigan and New Jersey to boy- on a plate.” packages of fruits and vegetables. decrease in her appetite while might not understand the benefit cott their school lunch program “Some of the new changes have While in line, several students making the cafeteria rounds. now, eating healthier while in high this fall. been dramatic, while others have commented that they like To-Go However, she does miss unique school could lead to greater self- “It’s like I eat breakfast in the not while following the 2010 because it’s less congested and fea- offerings like a brunch-combo that sufficiency. morning on the first floor, and by dietary plan. If you remember tures better looking choices. Teens featured French toast. “Teens need to understand that the time I reach the fifth floor for the food pyramid that was shown can also bring their own food from “It was a … cinnamon swirl-type mommy and daddy aren’t going to first period, I’m out of breath and to you as a kid in elementary home. thing with apples in a syrup glaze always be there to make sure you’re hungry after going up 25 million school, then My Plate is simple to Ellise Wright, a 17-year-old that came with scrambled eggs eating right and healthy. We’re stairs,” Solvang said. follow,” Ronnei said. “The plate junior at Central, hasn’t noticed a or home fries. That was a good young adults and will be out of the The regulations go hand-in- lunch,” Wright said. “I have no house attending college. We need hand with an increase in the idea why I liked it so much. Maybe to learn how to do it ourselves childhood obesity rate, where 17 “Teens need to understand that mommy it was because it’s something one before we’re on our own,” she said. percent, or 12.5 million children wouldn’t expect a public school to “If we learn these skills now ages 2 to 19, are considered obese, and daddy aren’t going to always be there to have available for lunch.” — eating right, portion sizes, according to the National Health Despite losing some favorites, balanced meals — then our brains and Nutrition Examination make sure you’re eating right and healthy.” Wright said she understands why will be programmed to do that Survey. —Ellise Wright changes were made. Though teens without a second thought.”

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