The Heard News Spring 2020

Class of 2020 we love you.

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.” Audrey Hepburn Dear Bison,

While the 2019-2020 school year was inter- TABLE OF rupted by this unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, we wanted to look back and remember the good times--and there were so many. CONTENTS For the first seven months of this school year, students, faculty, and families created wonder- ful memories here at The Camp. 4-11 SCHS 2019-2020 It is more important than ever to reflect on The good times in photos the things that brought us together. The crazy tribe at pep rallies and games. The athletes who nev- er gave up. Homecoming parades and basketball 12-16 BISON NEWS games. The students who were a part of our many clubs and organizations. Our amazing band. The cheerleaders and dance team. The students who gave all they had in each class and never gave up. 17-20 World and Local You did it all together. Our seniors are on the minds and in the hearts of us all. It isn’t fair, but we are all still cheer- ing you on to the next part of your journey. We 21-25 Editorials and Reviews see you. We have watched you grow into amazing young men and women as you walked the halls of Station Camp High School. We have seen you strug- gle and succeed, falter and then stand up straight and face your challenges with eyes wide open. And while you have every right be disappointed in the outcome of the year, the best is yet to come, really. So please, Bison, look back on the smiles and laughter and know we will be together again soon. MROD

2 The Heard Staff Section Editors

Jonah Dittes Kelly Kaczmarek Shelby Mills Wesley Keller World & Local Entertainment Photography Sports SCHS Editorals Editor

Reporters: Photographers: Bralen Baker Max Garcia Kady Thompson Jayana Villalobos Bo Birdsong Jack Hanning Jayana Villalobos Shelby Mills Chance Clendenin Kelly Kaczmarek Matthew Woodward Allie Ferrell Zeke Cook Wesley Keller Madison Croxford Landon Klapwyk Kaylie Dickens Abbie Luther Jonah Dittes Janie Petty Alexandria Ferrell Abbie Rollins Faith Gambrell Advisor: Mendy Rodriguez [email protected]

Mission Statement: The Heard’s primary purpose is to inform the student We do not own any of the pictures placed in this newspa- body and faculty about issues concerning Station Camp per it is our intention to respect all digital property used High School, our community, and the world in a way that for The Heard. is credible, accurate, and provides our readers with truth.

3 looking back... 2019-2020 Photo Credits: Shelby Mills, Haley Reynolds, and Allie Ferrell

4 on memories we made.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 An Exclusive with Julia Hall Julia Hall, Station Camp’s first solo female commander and senior during the 2019-2020 school year, gives us an inside look into her inspiration for joining JROTC, what she has learned through it, and more.

1. What first got you interested in ROTC? I knew a friend who was a year older than me in the program and she seemed to like it a lot so I thought I would join.

2. What have you learned through together, then I realized they do because of the shared passion they have the program? What were the for the JROTC program and that’s something that really inspired me the most. greatest challenges? I learned a lot of personal skills and just how to better manage the skills I already possessed such as time 5. What prompted you to take Mr. Massey to management and organizational skills. I’ve also learned quite a few life skills through this program like how to the military ball? change a tire, change the oil in a car, and CPR. My greatest Inviting Mr. Massey challenge was probably realizing I can’t do everything was actually an idea that myself. Another thing I learned through this program and Sergeant Harville brought to me because he knew in my position was to never be surprised, just be prepared. a little more about him then I did. I wanted to invite someone who could 3. Can you talk a bit about being the relate something to all the commander of the unit this year? cadets, which is really a difficult task when you’re What was being the first solo female speaking to over 80 cadets, not even including the commander like? dates and guests. With Since I’ve been in the program there have been at his career history, he was least two or more Battalion Commanders, but definitely the best choice this year it was just me. There were times where it was challenging, but I didn’t apply for the position thinking and did an excellent job. it was going to be easy. I definitely couldn’t have done it without the leadership working around and with me the entire time. It was probably my best experience in high 6. As a senior, how has the Covid-19 pandem- school and I loved every second of it. ic affected you personally? It’s just been a strange time for everyone but during this pandem- 4. During your time in JROTC, how ic, it’s given me more time to prioritize things I might have not had time for between school and work. have you been influenced by your Nonetheless, I’m ready for everything to go back to normal. teachers? Sergeant Harville and Colonel Overby have defi- nitely been the biggest inspiration for me in my 7. What are your plans for the future? I plan to attend Tennessee Tech on an ROTC scholarship and position, and in general. They’re the main reason I major in business. I decided to pursue ROTC and future military service decided to pursue my position in the first place because because I have a passion to serve and lead others, and for me, this was the of the time and effort they put into me and my character best way I feel I could do just that. development, I was able to realize what I could achieve. I would also say have to say I’ve never seen two men with completely different personalities work together so well Boolin’ with Bullen an education class and really enjoyed Bralen Baker it, so I decided to make education If you haven’t had the privilege my minor. I really wanted to become of being a student of SCHS Biology a marine biologist, but could never teacher Coach Bullen, you are missing afford out-of-state tuition to attend a out. He offers a relaxed and friendly coastal school.” environment for the kids and truly His first education position was cares that you know your stuff when teaching science to 8th graders at you leave his class. Smyrna Middle School for 4 years. So what is a day in the life of Luckily, he decided to move up to Bullen like? His morning starts off the high school level. walking his dog and pouring his first Coach Bullen loves teaching cup of coffee. If he has time in the Biology. He’s been a “science nerd” morning he whips up some smackin’ “When I was still in high school, I got for a long time, but he would also pancakes, one of his all time favorite hired as a sales associate at a local record like to offer and teach a Forensics foods. When it’s time to go to school, store. I worked there for about 10 years, class. this true lover of music jams to the eventually becoming a manager for the A good way to end the day good stuff. store. I started college at 25 because the is knowing he’s done the best he can “It changes all the time. Usually I music retail business was being killed by do. have my iPod plugged in, and it just digital music and I knew that my shop “A good day in the class- shuffles between the thousands of would not stay open forever. I stayed room can be a lot of different things. songs I have on there. Long live the 80’s with the record store until I was hired I guess I feel most confident when new wave!” into my first teaching position at age 30.” my students are excited and involved Before all of the teacher busi- He graduated from MTSU with in the material or lesson. A good day ness, he worked at a record store. He a degree in Biology. could also be just a day that I feel has over 3,000 vinyl records and CD’s “I entered college with no real like I have reached a student or made in his personal collection. One thing plan as to what I would do upon gradu- them smile and have a better day he loved about his job was simply the ating. I knew I wanted to major in Biolo- themselves. “free music and records that would play gy but was not real sure what I’d do with Thank you for all the good throughout the store.” my degree. My first year at MTSU I took memories Coach.

Earth Day 3 ways to take action for the Celebrates planet while social distancing: 50th Anniversary graduate student named Denis Hayes. After putting together a staff of 1. Eat more plants- and save On April 22, people around 85 passionate environmental activists leftovers to reduce waste. If the world took time out from the and thousands of volunteers, they chose your produce goes bad, try pandemic to celebrate and advocate the date of April 22nd for this yearly for planet Earth. holiday. The date was picked to ensure composting! The first Earth Day was college students could participate as celebrated in 1970, after the tireless it falls after spring break, but before 2. Do an eco-friendly activity: efforts of Senator Gaylord Nelson of exams. *plant a wildflower garden Wisconsin. He was hoping to add This year, due to the coronavi- *make a bee condo momentum to a fledgling conser- rus, the activists and Mother Earth ad- *do yoga vation movement that was sparked vocates had to rise up online. Kathleen *build a bird feeder by Rachel Carson’s bestseller Silent Rogers, president of Earth Day Network Spring. explained, “Whether it be coronavirus 3. Start a garden exchange in Nelson knew he needed or our global climate crisis, we cannot your neighborhood through the support of college students who shut down.” social media had influenced other movements Our own Earth Day activist just including the anti-Vietnam protests. happens to be Coach Bullen! He enlisted the help of a Harvard 12 to more than just dogs and teachers. Station Camp’s Four “Students have been able to get Legged Friends hands on and real world experience. Jayana Villalobos Students have also gotten pet jobs with Some people don’t realize that there help from the experience Doggy Day- are four-legged friends attending the care provides.” school, just like you! Renee Maynard, With the experience comes great our small/large animal science teacher, learning opportunities. Each student runs a program called Doggy Daycare. gets their own assigned job that rotates. It is a place teachers can bring their “Students have learned great responsi- dog for a spa-like day while they are at bility.” work. Doggy Daycare has had so many Doggy Daycare makes sure to give different breeds of dogs. your dog a day full of fun while making “We have had a Spring Doodle, Shi- sure your pup gets clean. htzu, Husky, German Shepherd, Great Our teachers have busy schedules Dane, a Gordon Setter, and so many and sometimes they don’t have time to m ore .” bathe or groom their dogs. Thankfully, A great program brings challenges. Doggy Daycare has your back. So many people want their dog to be in We bathe, file nails, brush teeth, the Doggy Daycare. give several walks, and ferminate “The main challenge that we have them,” said Maynard. had is scheduling and overlapping. Doggy Daycare has been a program Teachers schedule last minute and we at SCHS for a while and this year has are usually booked. It’s best to schedule been a good year for them. ahead of time.” “It has been a thing for 3 years now. Maynard couldn’t be happier being It has actually become more successful the one running Doggy Daycare. this year than last.” “My favorite thing is being around Doggy Daycare has been beneficial the dogs all day.” SCHS DOGGY DAY CARE

Junior Jade McDougal

13 SCHS: DECA in Chattanooga The written events were held on Kya Dyer- Integrated Marketing Cam- Abbie Rollins Thursday, March 5th. After the competi- paign Product IMCP 3rd Station Camp High School DECA tion, there was an aquarium dance where Abbie Rollins, Brooklyn Rippy, students competed at the state convention the students could explore the famous Neeli McEwen- Community Awareness on March 4-7 in Chattanooga. Schools Chattanooga Aquarium and a dance PMCA- 8th from all over the state attended and Station party down stairs. Micah Marasigan- Food Mar- Camp brought a strong presence. The role plays competitions were keting FMS Top 8 The competition is divided by dif- held on the morning of Friday, March Maddox Marlin- Food Market- ferent business categories: written projects 6th. The rest of the day, the whole DECA ing FMS 6th and role plays. chapter had free time until the dance Kirsten Webb- Marketing Com- The written projects are complet- where the mini awards were presented. munications MCS the 4th ed before the convention and can either Mini awards are for role players; they Audrey Baird, Kathryn be a 10 page paper with a test or a 20 page either get one if they placed high on their Mouchette- Hospitality Services HTDM paper. Students, either an individual or test or their role play. 6th groups up to three, get to choose the topic. Congrats to all of the competi- Katie Kirkham- Hotel and The topics for the roleplays are tors who placed at the conference: Lodging 6th given at the competition and one person Eliana Safer-Start Up Business Ezekial Cook-Sports and Enter- has 15 minutes to prepare and a team has Plan ESB 1st tainment HLM 3rd 30 minutes. Roleplayers take a test and if Marguerite Oakey, Stephon Jaiden Buzako, Paige Giese- there is one competitor, he or she will have Price, Briley Hitt- Integrated Mktg. Cam- Buying and Merchandising BTDM 4th two roleplays and if it’s a group, they will paign Service IMCS 6th Zoe Cantrell- Financial Literacy have one. The role play a student or group Bailynn Ballard, Thomas Curlee- Project PMFL 3rd gets depends on the category chosen. Business Services Operations BOR 6th Hannah Sutt- Innovation Plan For example, if a student is in Food and Shannon Long, Kaitlyn Moore- EIP 2nd Marketing, they will not be given a retail Career Development PMCD 5th situation. Payton Buzako, Meghan Abbott- Com- While the students were there, munity Giving 2nd they were given practice times and dates to Nick Valdez, Olivia Blevins, get ready for the competition. If they were Paige Roberson- Sales Project PMSP 4th not practicing, they would have free time Param Vyas- International Busi- to go and explore the city of Chattanooga, ness Plan IBP Top 8 within the limits. Colin Smith- Hospitality and Tourism HTPS 3rd Elizabeth Baltz, Karissa Fitts,

14 15 16 Baskin Robbins donates ice cream to local organizations and residents The Baskin Robbins in Hendersonville donated ice cream in April to Hendersonville Hospital’s doctors, nurses, and cafeteria workers. The store is owned by Hendersonville resident Teresa Gravelle, who also owns the store in Madison. “It was my way to say thank you to them for working so hard during this crisis. My friend Ann John- son's husband Chip is a doctor there and they were my connection to the donation,” Gravelle said. In addition to providing ice cream for the essen- tial workers at the hospital, she is also bringing a little joy to the elderly in the community. “We also helped First Baptist Church with a donation to Park Place Retirement for a BR Sundae Party. Grace and her husband picked up the tubs and their staff scooped and served the sundaes to the resisdents. Thursday we are helping the Webster Family supply the staff with sundaes for the staff at The Hearth.” Baskin Robbins is a bright spot in many people’s day during the quarantine, and Gravelle said she is “just helping to make everyone smile and bring some cheer to Baskin Robbins owner, Teresa Gravelle (R) and employee Sydney Shuman the community.” The Heard Staff would like to thank our advertisers for the 2019- 2020 school year- Baskin Robbins, Zaxby’s, and the Keller family--we couldn’t have done it without you! If any family or business is interested in sponsoring our newspaper, please contact Mendy Rodriguez [email protected]

17 Congratulations Class of 2020 & remember the YoYoYo’s!!!

Gallatin and Hendersonville Locations Only

18 Life interrupted is a reminder that there is so much to be Looking back now, no one could grateful for that we may have forgotten have truly anticipated the toll Covid-19 about in the rush to succeed. would have on our lives. In a very short We will look back on this time period of time, life as we knew it came to a and remember. We will remember the fear screeching hault. of this invisible enemy- Coronavirus or One moment teachers and Covid19. But even more, we will remem- students alike were just trying to make it ber all the amazing humans that stepped to March 13th-spring break- and the next up and made a difference: doctors, nurses, thing we knew, this “bug” had entered the custodians, food workers, teachers, police United States and was spreading rapidly. officers, paramedics, researchers, and many Granted, there were news stories more that worked night and day to keep that a mysterious virus from China was the rest of us safe. making many people sick, and some were For you, the world is grateful. dying. And curiously, it originated from a market selling exotic animals. But China is COVID-19 Vs. The Arts so far away--so we carried on. Landon Klapwyk There were lessons, quizzes, and During this pandemic, most tests. Soccer, tennis, baseball, and softball realized seniors wouldn’t get to experience businesses have temporarily suspended were getting started. Plans for beach get- the rites of passage that all teens are enti- their services for fear of spreading the aways were still in place. And March Mad- tled to. virus. ness was on every sports lover’s mind. That The class of 2020 is on our minds Large crowds are not per- was the rude awakening that really opened often. Even though they are strong young mitted, so events have been cancelled our eyes. Is it even possible to cancel such a men and women, we feel like we need to throughout the next couple months and huge event? Oh, yes, it is. make it better for them, somehow make will continue to be cancelled as long as Then, like dominos, all live events, this time special like it is supposed to be. this crisis continues. from concerts to festivals to sports games Any idea of celebration seems like a con- Concerts have been postponed quickly toppled. Vacations of a lifetime? solation prize. Heartbreaking, unfair, and and cancelled. Fortunately, many artists Trips to see relatives? Cruises? Camping? disappointing come to mind. So our hearts have provided free concerts during the Parties? Senior celebrations? Hit the pause are with them and we know they will go on quarantine. Broadway is shut down at button. to accomplish amazing things. this time, and most smaller theaters Suddenly, our worlds became And then something very strange have shut down as well. Art galleries very small. This whole experience may began to happen. A few silver linings began have cancelled exhibits and some art have brought you and your family closer to emerge. Reports from around the world museums have closed for the time be- or made you realize you can’t wait to get revealed that nature was responding well to ing. away from them--or maybe both. The the sudden drop in human activity; i.e. less Yet GameStop refused to shut stay at home order could feel like a dream pollution. The cleaner air and water came down, stating it’s a necessary good. come true (no school work) or a long, just in time for the 50th anniversary of They were going to stay open to provide mind-numbing stream of netflix and Tik Earth Day. Ironic that is takes a pandemic all the gamers with the cure to their Tok. We may have never known of Carol to clean up the world a bit. boredom. But even the mighty fall, and Baskin if not for this virus. Another bright spot during this GameStop has announced they will be Kroger, Lowes, and Walmart be- uncertain time is the sound of children closing all their U.S. stores. came the only vacation spots away from the playing outside again. Once empty neigh- Movie theaters are being hit confinement of home. And even though borhood streets area now scattered with hard too. Once the virus gained crisis you felt like you were risking your life, it bicycles, scooters, kids, dogs and even, status, anything drawing a crowd shut just felt so good to be out of the house. Our believe it or not, adults. down. It seemed that the entertainment yards will never look better than they do The same adults that never have industry was done for when the coro- right now. time to relax, now do. The “rush” to always navirus reached the big leagues, so the Unprecedented. Most of us have be doing something--working, driving, only logical step for the entertainment never gone through a pandemic, let alone cooking, cleaning, helping, guiding, wor- industry was to go the way of Netflix or prepared for one. Where do I buy rubber rying--was lifted temporarily. Millions of any streaming service and release the gloves? Masks? Can that person in line Americans got a chance to just slow down. movies early online. behind me infect me and lead to my death? Of course, these few positives do All movies that were in the Will I spread it to my parents or grand- not make up for the crushing impact on so theater at the time the pandemic started parents? Scary. So most of us followed the many lives. We know that many have lost have been released and are ready to pur- basic guidlines and shamed those who did their loved ones to this insidious virus. chase or rent. From Pixar’s new Onward not. Many have lost their jobs, and many need to The Invisible Man, this new way of It seemed cool to have a nice long help. But, when we hear laughter and see releasing blockbusters might have to break from academic stress until many people enjoying the beautiful weather, it stay while this outbreak persists. 19 Tales of a Taco Bell What did you do during the stay at Employee: Working home order? during a crisis tiktok, insta, snapchat, netflix, a little homework, cheetos, more Kelly Kaczmarek cheetos, more netflix, slept, took “You’re out here risking your life so I can get a couple tacos, it’s the least a walk, video games, more video I can do” is what one customer told me games, rolled my eyes at old peo- after handing me a $5 tip. For working in ple on TikTok, music, more netflix, a Taco Bell drive thru, I’ve been getting a wore pajamas 24/7, laughed, cried, surprising amount of tips recently. And zoomed, read, pretended to read, the reason is obvious: since this pandemic more snacks, more tiktok...#overit started, simply being in a public place is a highly-trafficked surfaces, such as door risk. Many customers feel this act is worthy handles, card readers, and even the pumps of at least a couple extra dollars; I’m not at the gas station. Re-opening TN Economy complaining. I think a little more caution could First week in May Apart from the health risk, simply serve us all well into the future. Often I Restaurants: adjusting to the additional precautions all notice customers using hand sanitizer af- *Wear masks and gloves service champions have to partake in was ter we return their cards/cash. The people *50% occupancy a challenge. Our restaurant makes sure around me are extra careful if they sneeze *tables 6 ft. apart that we change our gloves very frequently, or cough to do so into their elbow. *bar area closed especially after coming into contact with I consider myself to be lucky that *no live music money or credit cards. To protect the work- I am able to work amid school shutdowns Retail stores: ers and customers alike from exposure, we and stay-at-home orders; it *Wear masks and gloves use trays to hand out food, which are then certainly is interesting to be *customers should wear masks washed after every use. considered an essential critical *50% occupancy I remember another customer infrastructure employee. *one way aisles who commented that the virus For those who are through stores was going to change how we not as lucky, I wish the you best, and that go about in our daily lives. As everyone is able to remain safe and healthy for myself, I feel much more until this crisis is over. cautious about coming into contact with

The financial impact of $2.3 trillion to relieve the Covid 19 economic stress during this time. Jonah Dittes With the unstable na- The Covid-19 pandemic has put ture of things during this the global economy in dire circumstances. pandemic, only time will With the severity of the health crisis, clos- tell if these decisions will be ing of nonessential businesses and stay-at- effective. For now, we can home orders have effectively shut down a only focus on getting over large portion of the economy. this health crisis. The economic downturn was notice- able before Covid-19’s pandemic status, as China quarantined 600 million people in order to combat the virus. China’s role as a supplier to several businesses was sud- denly compromised, and the stock market plummeted. Now, with the U.S. being the new epi- center of the pandemic, millions of people are left unemployed or unable to work. Twenty-two million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in the last four weeks; and the Paycheck Protection Pro- gram has run out of money. The government has announced a $2 trillion relief package for the virus, and the Federal Reserve has set aside an additional 20 Photo credit: MarketWatch Ignoring Global Warming “This is due to humans emitting If we don’t begin to take will not save the planet more carbon into the atmosphere action soon, children of the future Jayana Villalobos hence it being absorbed into the will only know what certain ani- Did you know that more ocean. Every year 2 million tons are mals are from pictures. than a million different species face absorbed.” There are little things we potential extinction due to global The National Resources De- can do that can help combat this warming? Global warming is hap- fense Council explains how global change. Northwestern Facilities pening, and it is happening fast; we warming happens and why many gives us a few suggestions: need to act now. natural disasters seem to occur now *Replacing one regular light Global warming is the long more than ever: “When the Earth bulb with a compact fluorescent term rise in the average temperature absorbs the sun’s energy or when light bulb will save 150 pounds of of the earth's climate system. atmospheric gases prevent heat re- carbon dioxide a year According to the govern- leased by Earth from radiating into *You can save 2,400 pounds ment’s NASA site, “The planet’s space (the greenhouse effect), the of carbon dioxide per year by re- average surface temperature has planet heats up. As the earth heats cycling just half of your household risen 1.62 degrees fahrenheit since up, it collects, retains, and drops waste the late 19th century.” more water, changing weather pat- *Keeping your tires inflated terns and making wet areas wetter properly can improve your gas and dry areas drier.” mileage by more than 3 percent. Ev- ery gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere *It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by taking shorter and cooler showers and washing your clothes in cold or warm instead of hot water (more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide saved per year). *You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you reduce your garbage by 10%. *Moving your thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer That may not sound like a big With our planet heating up, could save about 2,000 pounds of enough number to make a differ- our ice melting, and oceans acidify- carbon dioxide a year ence, but the “slight” degree change ing, lives are in danger. *A single tree will absorb has led to Greenland losing an aver- Iberdrola, a global energy one ton of carbon dioxide over its age 286 billion tons of ice every year leader, reports “Human activity, lifetime. Simply turning off your between 1965 and 2016. the consumption of fossil fuels, the television, DVD player, stereo, and NASA said that the sea level acidification of the oceans, pol- computer, when you're not using has risen 8 inches in the last centu- lution, deforestation, and forced them, will save you thousands of ry. The lasting effects of this is det- migrations threaten life forms pounds of carbon dioxide a year. rimental to our oceans and marine of all kinds. It is estimated that life. 1/3rd of corals, freshwater mol- The time is now to start taking “The acidity of the ocean luscs, sharks and rays, 1/4th of all care of our environment. waters has increased 30 percent mammals,1/5th of all reptiles, and since the industrial age,” said NASA. 1/6th of all birds are headed toward extinction.” 21 is much easier now to be a vegetarian or vegan, and even those who are meat eaters are more conscious Opinions and Reviews of how much meat they consume. In fact, 90% of those who ordered the Impossible Whopper were Mock Meats: Fad or the Future? meat eaters. As a country I believe we are becom- Kelly Kaczmarek ing more health and environmentally conscious, Mock meats, from impossible ents on its label. In addition, the plant- contributing to an ongoing decline of meat sales and burgers to meatless meatballs, have become based Beyond and Impossible burgers leading to this rise in mock meats. all the rage in recent years as the sales of contain a higher level of sodium than a Fast food places make up only a part of plant-based meat have risen nearly 40%. real beef patty, about 16% of the daily this shift. Vegetarian meat is usually a store-bought The word vegan is no longer strange and sodium intake. It is no wonder those in frozen or refrigerated food made from soy, wheat unfamiliar with more restaurants and gro- the meat industry often cite these statistics gluten, vegetables or a combination of those three cery stores than ever offering vegetarian and to create distaste for the mock meats com- main ingredients. These options are often healthier vegan options. peting with their business. than fast food. Even so, “The key thing is that any However, some are against this It is worth noting that the food that has been highly processed should be eaten rise in vegan meats, arguing that they plant-based and meat burgers have similar mindfully – so not necessarily avoided completely, should not be praised as a healthy source of amounts of calories and protein, with the but I wouldn’t recommend a vegan sausage weekly protein. plant-based options actually having less due to the high salt content and most likely list of saturated fat and zero cholesterol com- additives and preservatives,” reports The Guardian. pared to their meat counterpart. At the end of the day, we must realize With this in mind, it appears not all vegan meats are made the same. A burger that mock meat has some benefits over or other fast food item is not the healthiest choice real meat options at fast food places, but whether it is plant-based or made from meat. The in the grand scheme of protein options vegan meats at the store may be a healthier, more they are both not a healthy choice because affordable and easy dinner for families looking to of their additives and preservatives. So curb their meat consumption, but it is best to always while it is interesting as a vegetarian to check the label for the protein, sodium, and fat once again eat a burger from Burger King, content. And we mustn’t forget about tofu, beans, I understand that it is not that healthiest. mushrooms, lentils- a galore of options to choose One concern for many is how The benefit that should be noted from instead of meat. I hope anyone reading this processed many vegan meats are, with the is how these options can help ease the will take away that eating less meat is easier than famous Beyond Burger listing 18 ingredi- transition into eating more plant-based. It ever, and we have mock meats in part to thank. Is it right for professional athletes to earn a higher salary than military Members of the military receive some However, it is still unacceptable men and women? benefits: free education, health and den- and shameful that we view these famous Maddie Croxford tal care, and special home loans and dis- athletes, who are parading their own On average, big-name athletes counts. But with all they do for our safety name around and making millions in make $2.1- $6.5 million a year. Whether and rights, they deserve much more than salary, as superior to the men and women they are just walking out of a winning the meager pay they receive. serving our country. season, or if all they did was ride the We teach our kids that money bench, many make an amount of money Many believe that comparing and fame make you important. The real the average person would kill to have. the salaries of such different careers is heroes are the men and women that do However, while they are playing the games not reasonable. Retired Master Ser- all of the behind-the-scenes work of go- they love, military men and women are geant Ben Croxford from the Air Force ing to different countries to fight for our risking their lives to protect the luxuries explained, “You cannot compare the sala- lives while willingly risking theirs. we are so fortunate to have. With all of ries of these two professions. The salaries these sacrifices comes a salary starting at come from two completely different plac- only about $19,660. es. We also don’t choose our job because Although service members’ sal- of the money, we do it for the country.” aries may increase with higher rankings, A professional athlete’s salary it comes nowhere close to what it should comes from ad and media companies, be. It is easy to look past these men and as well as from millions of fans who pay women that are giving their lives to our to watch their games. The money to pay country because you never know who the military simply comes from federal they are unless you see them in a uniform. government and tax revenue- two com- Society has made it seem almost okay that pletely different places. we overlook these heroes. Their paychecks allow them to get by, but not comfortably.

Photo credit: WorldFinance 22 Are you in a TOXIC relationship? Physically abusive relationships between partners are the most heart Janie Petty wrenching ones due to the physical and mental pain, and eventually, scars. When most teenagers think of toxic relationships, they Many people do not come forward about being abused by their partner, and think of a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship that is physically or that could be for many reasons, such as money issues in a marriage, losing emotionally abusive. However, any sort of relationship- family, friends, or losing the “only person that loves them.” friendships, and love- can turn toxic. Emotions a person in an abusive relationship would experience Friendships that are toxic usually become that way over include fear of the other person or even losing them, believing abuse is normal time, mostly from spending too much time together. Spending a lot for the relationship, embarrassment from others (family, friends, peers, etc.), of time together would give that person the advantage to manipu- low self-esteem by losing confidence over a time length, and hope that they will late you into doing something they wanted you to do, making you eventually change because they “love” you. feel worse about yourself, or even making you become a different No one ever really changes, and if they have enough anger issues person. to put their hands on you once, they will end up doing it again. Many victims Some signs to look for would be if you give more to them that are in this situation say the words “he/she will do better.” It is best to than they give to you, you do not like checking your phone because leave because that person does not deserve to take your self respect and your it makes you feel worse, and it is a very big issue if you compete confidence from you, and that is exactly what they do every time they put their with them. The most toxic friendships result from jealousy towards hands on you. one another. For example, if your friend asked you to “stop trying so Signs of a physically abusive relationship: much,” that would mean they are jealous of your appearance. It • Slapping • Smacking could be nothing you did, and they might just feel incomplete with • Pushing • Kicking themselves. If you lose trust for them, there would be no point • Grabbing • Choking in staying in the friendship because it will never be a long lasting • Shaking relationship between the two of you. The best advice is to always watch what is happening around you, and never expect the best. “As a little girl I was scared of monsters. My parents told me

More signs of a toxic friendship: they didn’t exist. How I wish they would have told me the • You don’t enjoy spending time with them whole truth. Monsters do exist; they’re just not hiding in • You know they talk badly about you closets.” • You don’t think they have good intentions • They tend to get mad at you a lot “You don’t know what’s • They do things that would upset you, and choose to keep doing “If you walked away right or wrong. You’ve it from a been told ‘you’re crazy’, Toxic relationships between a boyfriend or girlfriend are toxic, negative, abusive, ‘you´re overreacting’ so very hard to get away from for most people. Some do not see a way many times you start- out, or they feel that they are just overreacting. Most relationships one-sided, dead-end that are toxic are more on the emotionally abusive side than the low vibrational ed to believe that’s the physically abusive side because people see it as okay as long as they relationship or friendship truth” do not put their hands on their significant other. — you won.” - Anna Akana, So Much I Want Emotionally abusive partners are hard to see through - Lalah Delia to Tell You: Letters to My Little because they could be so unbelievably horrible to you, and then do Sister something sweet and act like what they did that upset you does not matter anymore. For example, if he/she is screaming at you because Songs to listen to to help with the you were speaking to a person of a different sex than you, and then apoligizes later for it, then it is toxic. closure of the relationship:

Some signs of an emotionally toxic relationship: Holding out for a Hero by Elise Every Storm (Runs Out of • They always find something wrong with your appearance or Lieberth Rain) by Gary Allan how you may act Be Alright by Dean Lewis Break Even (Falling to Pieces) • They take away your self confidence in tiny comments What Hurts the Most by Rascal by The Script • They are excessively jealous Flatts Used to Be AJ Mitchell • They are controlling Ruthless by MarMar Oso Let It All Go by Birdy and • They never take responsibility Closure by Blake McGrath RHODES • Always making you question yourself Pain Won’t End by Luvlilk Love in the Dark by Adele I Don’t Want You Back by AJ Wasting All These Tears by “The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep and Mitchell Cassadee Pope Changes by XXXTENTACION Blue Bird by Zachary Knowles long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but So Cold by Ben Cocks Scared by Jeremy Zucker are often not as obvious. In fact, even among women Paralyzed by NF July by Noah Cyrus who have experienced violence from a partner, half Lie by NF Better Off Gone (Acoustic or more report that the man’s emotional abuse is Coaster by Khalid Version) by Logan Mize If You Want Love by NF It’s Ok by Tom Rosenthal what is causing them the greatest harm.” Apologize by OneRepublic Wait by M83 - Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of I Hope Gabby Barrett Angry and Controlling Men 23 most cases, they’re memorable for many Parasite: The Movie elements of their personality. I have nothing but glowing With No Genre praise from my end. I thought the Landon Klapwyk language barrier would be a hassle to Letterboxd: landklap deal with, but it’s easy to get used to. The Set in modern day South Korea, setting of South Korea provides a very the story of Parasite follows a struggling different cultural experience for viewers lower class Kim family working their way as well. into the rich society by taking over jobs It’s a modern day masterpiece for the Park family. But before long, they that I can’t believe I waited this long to begin to get tangled into a dangerous, watch. If you have any passing interest even deadly situation. in film, watch this movie. It won Best I am at a loss for words. Picture at the Oscars and is the high- Usually that happens when the est-rated movie on Letterboxd; both movie ends, but this one was different; I achievements are well deserved. became speechless early on. I was on board and impressed. However, there were so many plot twists and turns right away, I felt overwhelmed- piece that details the setting, to a bombastic -but I held on and it was worth it. The Dear Hunter: song that marks a major character choice. There are themes of social And a major character introduction being class, respect between a fellow man, Weaving Narrative “The Pimp and the Priest”. But the story cre- the connection of family, a black and scendos with the song, “His Hands Matched white worldview, and a warning to never Through Song His Tongue”, an emotional ballad sung with scheme your way to riches, for it never Landon Klapwyk no spare heart. It follows a long walk home works in the end. The movie is smart and The indie scene has been a grow- as the main character thinks about before he sets the stage for these characters and ing medium for awhile now and, despite this brilliant plot. how ironic that statement is, this develop- knows it, his mother will die and he won’t The lives of the characters, and ment has given rise to all kinds of bands know anything about the life outside of the the stark difference in the way of life with the passion to make something truly sheltered one he’s lived his whole life. between the rich Park family and the exceptional. poor Kims builds suspense and, strange- While many artists make fan- ly, great affection for members of both tastic music, few come close to the level families. of ambition that a small band called The One part thriller, and one part Dear Hunter has. With a strong sense comedy, the audience is taken on a wild, of planning and attention to detail, The emotional rollercoaster ride. Living in Dear Hunter has made a series of concept abject poverty, the Kims, one member of albums. A concept album is an album that the family at a time, weasel their way into explores a theme or story through its dura- the home of the very successful Parks. tion. Each is hired as an employee to “serve” Casey Crescenzo was originally the family. But things suddenly go horri- in the band The ReceivingE nd of Sirens. fyingly wrong. After May of 2006, Casey left the band to The movie, for how serious it pursue a project that he wanted to dedicate is, is surprisingly comical at times with all his time to: The Dear Hunter and its Act II: The Meaning of, and All clever dialogue and interestingly slap- series of albums, called Acts. Things Regarding Ms. Leading provides a stick comedy. It’s that surprise comedy The sixth and final part of the deep look into someone discovering the that makes me unable to classify a movie series has yet to be released, and has no world for the first time. As foreshadowed in like this into a single genre. set release date. And while the story isn’t the previous album, the mother of the main All involved in this movie, finished, what parts of the series have been character leaves him all alone. He boards a from the make-up and hair team to the released have reached highs most bands train to take him to the city, where he meets director himself, pull no punches. only dream of. a woman (Ms. Leading), he falls in love with The actors are putting their all The story begins in Act I: The her. He then finds out the woman he fell in into this film, from the deceiving nature Lake South, The River North, it’s a short love with is “cheating” on him. Act II focuses at the beginning, to the absolute fear of album but sets the tone and major motifs of on the idea of experiences, and feeling over- every character towards the third act. the rest of the series. The songs build upon whelmed, the feeling of love and intimacy. From the smallest role to the core cast of each other from the slow and methodical This is very evident in the song “The Bitter characters, most everyone in the movie acappella beginning to foreshadow many Suite III: Embrace” focusing on the major is memorable for something, and in things to come, then a playful instrumental elements of the album. 24 The Deer Hunter cont’d Top Five Starbucks Act III: Life and Death con- tinues right where Act II left off with Drinks the main character in the army and Abbie Luther experiencing the horrors of war. 1.Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. From the first song to the last, this is This drink is for people who have the bleakest album of the series, but a sweet tooth. With having the choice to it’s also a personal favorite. The main make this drink caffeinated or non caffein- character loses his platoon in a battle ated, it hits the spot anytime. Made with and wanders across various people, dark caramel and whatever choice of dairy/ a woman who enjoys killing soldiers non dairy you would like, it includes whip with poison, a man with a messed up cream, caramel, and crunch pieces that are world view who steals from dead bod- placed at the bottom and top of this drink. ies because they won’t need the items now. When the main character almost 2.Honey Citrus Mint Majesty (Medicine dies from mustard gas, he listens to a Ball) single voice, the voice being another For when you are under the soldier saving him from death. The weather this is the drink for you. This drink 5.Mango Dragonfruit Refresher person who saves the main character includes both Peach Tranquility and Jade For the people who like fruity turns out to be his half brother-- the Citrus Mint tea, which are both caffeinated. drinks, this one’s for you. The refresher squad commander is both of their fa- Depending on what size the drink by itself comes with water, mango dragon thers. And after the tragic death of his is, it comes with a certain amount of honey. fruit juice, and dragon fruit pieces. You half brother, the main character ends The tea is then brewed with water and can also get this drink made with lemon- up deciding to poison the father with lemonade. ade instead of water. Or you can make it poison he gained from The Poisoned with coconut milk, like the famous pink Woman. drink.

The standout of the album are the closing tracks “Son”, “Father”, and “Life and Death”. The maincon- cepts are of taking one’s life through 3. Chai Tea killing them and then taking their If you like more simple non-caf- life through stealing their identity. Its feinated drinks, the Chai tea can be iced, themes are intricate and Casey brings hot, or can be made as a frappuccino--all a subtlety to the music and to the sto- of which are really good. No matter which rytelling that is honestly breathtaking. drink form you choose, it comes with dairy/ While this is only halfway non-dairy, whichever you prefer. All get through the story, the next albums add topped off with cinnamon but the frappuc- to the dense tale and the complexity cino is the only one to get whipped cream. of the music. They will remain to be discussed for another time. 4.Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice The Dear Hunter is an artist This drink is for the people who and band that takes the welding of need a lot of caffeine fast. With a tall music and stories to a higher level and getting two shots, grade getting three shots, doesn’t stop acceling. Each song is and a venti getting five shots. purposeful and expresses the themes The drink includes the same each album tackles masterfully. pumps of classic syrup as shots. It then gets This is the height of class and shaken up creating a foamy texture and is a display everyone should experience. topped off with 2% milk. It won’t be for everyone, but if a mix of indie, rock, some acoustic, and many more experimental styles sounds up your ally, take a chance on this band, and you will never regret it. 25