Volume 4 • Issue 3 www.threesixtyjournalism.org September–October 2013

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Minnesota Teens Report Stories & Issues That Matter

The technology issue From Twitter to Tumblr, smart phones to dumb choices, teens need to think about the plugged-in world around them. n Pages 10-25

Creating heroes Alan Page aims to inspire through college scholarships. n Page 6

Great expectations Attention is nothing new to Seimone Augustus. Illustration by Kimberly Martinez n Page 8 Volume 4 • Issue 3

Frequently asked questions

What is ThreeSixty Journalism? ThreeSixty income and minority teens, at summer camps at the Writers in this issue Simone Cazares, St. Paul Conservatory For Journalism is a youth journalism program of the College University of Minnesota. In 2001, the program moved to Performing Artists • Dillan DeGross, FAIR School Downtown • Dami of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas. the University of St. Thomas and became a year-round Gilbert, Robbinsdale Cooper HS • Aidan Haarman, Perpich Center The non-profit program is committed to helping program with a full-time staff. Arts HS • Nichelle Heu, Harding HS • Aamino Hirmoge, Harding HS • Minnesota teens tell the stories that matter in their lives What’s the name ThreeSixty Journalism mean? Deborah Honore, John F. Kennedy HS • Kimberly Martinez, Harding HS and communities. In 2006, the program’s name changed to ThreeSixty • Frederick McConnell, St. Paul Conservatory For Performing Artists • What is ThreeSixty’s mission? ThreeSixty’s mission Journalism to reflect the program’s growth and the Shay Radhakrishnan, Math and Science Academy • Alexis Reaves, Blake is to bring diverse voices into journalism and related range of backgrounds among the students we serve. Upper School • Elena Renken, St. Paul Central HS • Lana Rubinstein, professions and to using intense, personal instruction We are interested in telling stories from all parts of our River Falls HS • Amolak Singh, Nova Classical Academy • Jessica in the craft and principles of journalism to strengthen community, using a variety of media tools, including Violette, Osseo Senior HS • Amira Warren-Yearby, St. Louis Park HS • the literacy, writing skills and college-readiness of words, photos, illustrations and video. Ricki Williams, Robbinsdale Cooper HS • Danielle Wong, Eastview HS • Minnesota teens. How can I get involved? ThreeSixty Journalism Thomas Wrede, Cretin-Derham Hall • Gabie Yang, Forest Lake Area HS • Whom do you serve? ThreeSixty Journalism directly is still accepting applications for our after-school Mina Yuan, Wayzata HS serves more than 100 Minnesota high school students NewsTeam, an 8-to-10 week journalism primer that Illustrators in this issue Kimberly Martinez, Harding HS • each year via after-school classes, weekend workshops, begins Oct. 3 at the Minneapolis Central Library. For Mina Yuan, Wayzata HS school partnerships, individual coaching and summer applications and details, go to our website: http://www. journalism camps. About half the students served come threesixtyjournalism.org/newsteam. Publisher: Lynda McDonnell from low-income homes and more than 60 percent come To submit ideas, essays, photos or artwork, email Editor: Thomas Rozwadowski from communities of color. We serve thousands more them to [email protected] or contact Design Consultant: Diana Boger via our writing contests, print publications and website – Editor Thomas Rozwadowski at thomas.rozwadowski@ www.threesixtyjournalism.org. stthomas.edu. Community Outreach Editor: Katie Johnson How did ThreeSixty Journalism start? The To arrange classroom visits, contact Community Communications Marketing Coordinator: Briana Gruenewald program began as the Urban Journalism Workshop Outreach Editor Katie Johnson at katie.johnson@ Administrative Assistant: Tyanna Dickerson in 1971. UJW provided basic journalism training to stthomas.edu or Executive Director Lynda McDonnell Editorial offices Minnesota high school students, particularly low- at [email protected]. Mail 5057, 2115 Summit Ave. St. Paul MN 55105 651-962-5282 for minnesota teachers [email protected] ✁ Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. ThreeSixty is grateful to the following individuals who donate their time If you would like to receive ThreeSixty free of charge four times a year, send the following information to and expertise to the success of the program: [email protected]. ThreeSixty Journalism Board of Advisors Brian Bellmont, Name Bellmont Partners Public Relations • Sue Campbell, MSP Publications • David Cazares, Minnesota Public Radio • Dennis McGrath, McGrath School Buckley Communications Counseling • Dr. Dina Gavrilos, University School phone and extension ( ) Number of copies (60 maximum) of St. Thomas • Dr. Kristie Bunton, University of St. Thomas • Mike Burbach, St. Paul Pioneer Press • Doug Hennes, University of St. Thomas Email • Duchesne Drew, Star Tribune • Lida Poletz, Weber Shandwick • Scott Address Libin, Internet Broadcasting • Sara Pelissero, WCCO-TV Ex officio member Dr. Terence Langan, Dean, College of Arts & City, State, Zip Sciences, University of St Thomas Major supporters include our advertisers, donors and the To get an individual subscription through the mail, send a $25 check for one year (four issues) to: following organizations • Marketing coordinator, ThreeSixty Journalism, 2115 Summit Ave., Mail 5057, St. Paul, MN 55105 Carl & Eloise Pohlad Family Fdn. Bremer • • • Please include your name, address and email address. Foundation Best Buy Children’s Foundation University of St. Thomas Gannett Foundation • Dow Jones Newspaper Fund • Youthprise • Carlson Companies • Comcast • KSTP-TV • Google

2 threesixtyjournalism.org THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

If you’re going to spend several weeks of summer batting around story ideas inside a classroom, it better be about something teenagers know. And teenagers definitely know about technology. Whether features topics dissecting the culture of music piracy and viral empowerment or heady discussions about reputation management, online permanence and the digital divide in schools, ThreeSixty’s June and July journalism campers deliver details about a plugged-in world that’s becoming less private—yet more connected— with every new Tweet or text. n Pages 10-25

Send comments to ThreeSixty Journalism contents september/october Send your letters to ThreeSixty You’ve been friend zoned She likes him. He likes her. But when one of them wants to Journalism at 2115 Summit Ave., 16 take it to the next level, out comes the dreaded “friend card.” n 5 Mail 5057, St. Paul, MN. 55105, or comment online at www. Helping hand On the hunt for scholarships? Wallin Education Partners and Page threesixtyjournalism.org Education Foundation aim to help local teens with college costs. n 6 You can also join ThreeSixty Journalism’s Facebook fan @16 with Seimone Augustus WNBA Finals MVP. Olympic Gold Medalist. What does page or follow us on Twitter@ the Minnesota Lynx star have left to accomplish? Talking with us, of course! n 8 ThreeSixtyMN Someone’s always watching Bragging and boasting on social media could gain you Connect with us online some new followers, namely, the Minneapolis Police Department. n 10

Artistic empowerment Thanks to YouTube and Kickstarter, anyone can put their creative passions on display for mass consumption. n 16 Thank you Finance 18 Digital dilemma Music is just a mouse click away, which can lead to a fiery debate about & Commerce art versus commerce in the post-Napster age. n 18 The print version of ThreeSixty Journalism magazine will be Technology “time suck” Put your phone away while hanging out with friends? Absurd! published four times during the Not to some who are advocating a break from technology. n 20 2013-2014 school year. Finance & Commerce in Minneapolis Keys for comfort Danielle Wong’s relationship with her piano hasn’t always been has donated printing of the harmonious. Then she started playing for herself. n 28 publication. We are grateful for Getting technical this generous gift. While some teens spent summer sleeping in or tanning at the lake, 200 students got ready for the real world thanks to Genesys Works. n 31

september/october 2013 3 Summer camp

View more snapshots of summer camp life at www. facebook.com/threesixtyjournalism. To read more of our student work, including journalist profiles from camp, visit www.threesixtyjournalism.org.

Letter from the editor

after-school NewsTeam graduates Daily, Minnesota Public Radio, Mark Holland, StarTribune Summer. It turns and savvy ThreeSixty veterans as part Pioneer Press, StarTribune, KARE, Jerry Holt, StarTribune of our 30-member editorial board. KSTP and WCCO for allowing staff Katie Humphrey, StarTribune It’s an awesome place to be head- members to act as on-site mentors or Neal Justin, StarTribune me upside down. ing into a new school year, and our tour guides. Also, a special tip of the Colleen Kelly, StarTribune staff couldn’t be more excited about cap to the following individuals for Amanda Lenhart, what’s to come from our teen brain their exceptional time and support of Pew Research Center I’ll leave it to you tech- trust this fall. ThreeSixty during our camps: Myron Medcalf, ESPN savvy teenagers to Google which By Thomas But before we get too ahead of Fred Melo, Pioneer Press ‘80s song those lyrics come from. Rozwadowski ourselves, it’s important for me to David Brauer Talia Nadir, University of St. Thomas But beyond exposing you to a pretty Editor acknowledge all the amazing vol- Jason DeRusha, WCCO Becky Nahm, KSTP cool tune from my childhood, it unteers who made my first summer Duchesne Drew, StarTribune Michael Olson, Minnesota offers an appropriate summation of camp experience memorable. To Bob Franklin Public Radio how ThreeSixty Journalism spent an (and possible sleep deprivation) expose our student writers to such Lisa Grimm, space150 Walt Parker, Weber Shandwick intensely fun summer. from dedicated high school stu- richness, depth and personal affin- Kyndell Harkness, StarTribune Joe Pastoor A whirlwind for the three dents—many meeting for the first ity for the craft wouldn’t have been Beth Hawkins, MinnPost Sara Pelissero, WCCO newbies (Briana Gruenewald, Katie time and giving up a sizable chunk of possible without the local faces filing Rick Hendrickson, Lida Poletz, Weber Shandwick Johnson and myself) on staff, our summer to sit in a classroom, talk to important stories every day. University of St. Thomas Toni Randolph, Minnesota June Intermediate Camp and July strangers, sleep in cockroach-filled Huge thanks to the Minnesota David Hlavac, Bellmont Partners Public Radio Intro to Journalism Camp produced dorm rooms (OK, it was one rogue Lindsey Seavert, KARE 11 the majority of content you see in roach, allegedly) and practice the Online curriculum Jana Shortal, KARE 11 this issue. But some of the stories fine art of journalism for the first Amanda Theisen, KSTP actually “premiered” a few months time. Congratulations to all of them Stories with this icon have curriculum online tied to the Bryan Treichel ago in the StarTribune and Pioneer for meeting the challenge issued by Minnesota Common Core Standards. Visit Anthony Wagner, Minnesota Daily Press—you know, those two major ThreeSixty staff and earning, in many www.threesixtyjournalism.org/teachers for more information. Terry Wolkerstorfer metro newspapers that win fancy cases, their first professional bylines. Three stories in this issue with curriculum are “Digital Wendy Wyatt, University of awards like Pulitzers. The journalism lesson extends Dilemma” on page 18, “Technology ‘Time Suck’ ” on page 20, and “Keys St. Thomas These stories didn’t come together into the school year, with many for Comfort” on page 28. Andy Ybarra, Weber Shandwick by accident. It required hard work of our summer campers joining

4 threesixtyjournalism.org Uh-oh, you’ve Entering the zone Joey: “You waited too long to make your move and now been friend zoned you’re in the friend zone.” Ross: “No, no, no. I’m not in the zone.” Joey: “Ross, you’re the He likes her. She likes him. But when the mayor of the zone.” friend card gets pulled, all bets are off Poor Ross Geller. The phrase “friend zone” was popularized on Nov. 3, 1994 when Joey Tribbiani used it to Coretta Bieter hung out describe Ross’ relationship with with a close guy friend every day Dillan Rachel Green on the hit NBC DeGross for three months. After picking FAIR School show “Friends.” up signs that suggested he was Downtown Rachel likes Ross, how- into her romantically, she finally ever, not quite enough to worked up the courage to say, “I have a romantic relationship, like you more than a friend.” With Shay leading to the uncomfortable Radhakrishnan the assumption that he would Math and limbo between “just friends” reciprocate her feelings, Bieter was and something more. So, if

Science Illustration by Mina Yuan surprised when his reply was, “No. Academy you were wondering how the Let’s just stay friends.” “friend zone” started to gain Sound familiar? According to the can come as a complete plot twist laughing with people, look you in the momentum in popular culture, 14-year-old St. Paul resident, this Gabie Yang to the best of us. Sometimes you eyes and talk to you directly. Some thank “Friends” creators David Forest Lake is an all-too-common occurrence Area High like someone, they like you back, people don’t grow up that way. They Crane and Marta Kauffman. among teens. School but ultimately, one side decides to think, ‘Oh, that’s attention being MTV also capitalized on “All of my friends have been remain “just friends.” Ironically, that paid to me.’” the phenomenon in 2011 by friend zoned,” Bieter said. may signal the end of the friendship, creating a show (appropriately) Based on experiences with young anyway. Being honest can lead to END OF A FRIENDSHIP called “Friendzone.” A trailer WHAT’S THE people and in her own life, she said vulnerability, hurt feelings, resent- That friendships and romantic previewing the fourth season “FRIEND ZONE?” “relationships don’t have the same ment or confusion. relationships offer different stakes came with the tagline, “Are In February, the Oxford English powers as friendships. So, that’s a Sometimes you infer that a friend is something Jack Thompson, 21, of they just friends or something Dictionary added the term “friend plus for the friend zone.” has romantic interest because of how St. Louis Park, learned the hard way more? These lovestruck people zone” to its myriad definitions. OED The main reason: expectations. they act. They touch you, talk to you while in high school. will do anything to get out of defines it as “denoting a friendship “You have higher expectations for often, offer to help with anything you “A lot of the time when you the friend zone.” between two people in which one relationships, that the other person might need at the time. friend zone someone, it’s for a very The topic has garnered person has an unreciprocated roman- should be a certain way or you hope Carlson’s outgoing nature put her good reason. Because you think so much interest, YouTubers tic or sexual interest in the other.” they’re going to be this amount of in that trap often as a teenager. things won’t work out between you are also voicing their opin- As with any other word in the romantic or have the same interests “People might have misinter- two. Because you’re worried about ions. Popular science channel OED, if it’s been added recently, as you,” Carlson said. She further preted that I was being flirtatious the relationship you already have,” VSauce devoted an entire nine- it’s been used often enough to suggested that with your friends, you with somebody … I touch, I have that he said. minute video—with upwards of require space. understand who they are and like outgoing kind of nature. You know, Friend zone continued on page 11 three million hits—to explain Stephanie Carlson, a marriage them simply for that reason. When the science behind the “friend and family therapist at Creative you attempt to define someone Can a friendship be repaired once someone reveals they have zone.” think Solutions Therapy, has worked romantically, that’s when complica- romantic feelings—and is then rejected? Is it better to hide spot with teenagers for 19 years in the tions arise. those feelings and stay friends? Minneapolis Public School district. It’s also why being friend zoned

september/october 2013 5 Support system

Wallin Education Partners provides big boost to low-income students

Most colleges offer a Dami Gilbert plethora of resources to ensure stu- Robbinsdale dent success. But there’s no individu- Cooper High ally tailored road map pointing each School student in the direction of ultimate personal success.

In college, you’re on your own. Zaragoza taught Moua critical Dami Gilbert Navigating the way is hard for things like the importance of spend- n Wallin Education Partners executive director Susan King said the goal of the program’s advising support is to prepare anyone, but can be especially difficult ing more time on campus instead of students for real life challenges and promote greater independence. for first-generation students. Yer going home, talking to and getting to Moua faced this harsh reality during know professors and asking ques- autonomy in a college setting. The high schools. Wallin, a World War II progress academically and socially her first semester at Carleton College tions in class. students come from different experi- veteran, received a debt-free educa- since being paired with Zaragoza. in Northfield. “First step would be: First day of ences and backgrounds, but according tion because of the G.I. Bill. Realizing math is not the right Her parents, who immigrated to class go to your professor’s office and to Zaragoza, one thing they all have in “The G.I. Bill allowed him to get path for her, Moua is off academic the United States from Thailand in introduce yourself. (Zaragoza) said if common is the ability to learn. a college education, and he wanted probation and successfully working 1991, never went to college. While you do that then your professor will She has an intentional approach that to happen for others,” King said. toward her degree as a psychology one of her five older brothers helped be like, ‘Oh, this student made the to teaching the basic, yet crucial, skill She is pleased with the 89 percent major. She hopes to one day earn her to fill out the application paperwork, effort to come and I know who she of asking great questions. six-year graduation rate of Wallin master’s degree. once she got to college, Moua was is,’” Moua said. “Second step would “We believe we’re shy, we believe alumni, nearly 30 percent higher “There are a lot of resources on left to her own devices. be: Asking questions in class—ques- we’re not confident—those are than the rate of all Minnesotans. campus, but the Wallin advisors Initially a math major, the tions easy as, ‘Professor, can you learned behaviors. Anyone can Moua, who struggled during are there to push you forward,” 20-year-old struggled in her classes repeat that?’” learn them,” Zaragoza said. “I want her first semester partly due to her she said. “(Zaragoza) pushed me and her GPA began to slip. Wallin Education Partners awards students to get over the fear of asking original Wallin advisor being absent towards things that I wouldn’t have “I took math classes. No fun at 120-150 renewable $4,000 scholar- a question and being told they are on maternity leave, has made great done by myself.” all. I didn’t do so well … I got put on ships to high-performing, low- wrong. I want them to be like, ‘OK, probation for a while,” she said. income students each year. But that’s so that’s what you mean.’ Become OK Wallin scholarship eligibility Probation is a horrifying experi- just the start of support students get. with being wrong. In life, whether ence for any student—especially one “In many other organizations, the you want to call them setbacks or WHO CAN APPLY? Seniors at one WHEN CAN I APPLY? Application who is going to college with the help money is the end of the relationship, failures, that’s what life is about.” of 27 partner high schools with an for the 2014-2015 school year of a $4,000 scholarship which isn’t necessar- The ultimate goal of the advising unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher opens in December from Wallin Education ily bad. But here, it is support is to increase graduation and a composite ACT score of 19 HOW DO I APPLY? Complete the Partners. With her scholar- the beginning of our rates and subsequently gain “a return or higher. Student’s family must online application at www.wallin- ship on the line, Moua was relationship,” executive on our investment,” King said. have a family taxable income of partners.org/apply and submit all fortunate to get support director Susan King said. Since Winston Wallin, the former $75,000 or less. Applicants must required academic and financial from Aloida Zaragoza—a Each scholar is CEO of Pillsbury and Medtronic, apply to an eligible college or documents Wallin advisor who turned assigned an advisor that started his namesake organization university. QUESTIONS? Call (952) 345-1920 Moua’s college experience works to help students 22 years ago at Minneapolis South HOW MUCH WILL I GET? $4,000 around during her second utilize on-campus High School, it has expanded to each year for four years semester. Yer Moua resources and build serve graduates of 27 Twin Cities

6 threesixtyjournalism.org Creating new heroes

Alan Page finds focus beyond football

When a former Minnesota Vikings star says he’s in the busi- Dami Gilbert Robbinsdale ness of “creating heroes,” the mind Cooper High easily wanders to strength training, School drill running and other avenues of physical betterment. But Alan Page isn’t cultivating the next generation shared experience, who can come of athletes for young people to look back to their community and talk

up to. about the importance of education,” Submitted Following his induction into the Page said. “And not just talk about n Former NFL player turned judge Alan Page (right) believes that societal troubles—such as poverty, crime and racism— Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, it, but show by example. That’s what result from a failure to understand the importance of education. Page and his wife, Diane, founded we’re trying to create.” the Page Education Foundation. Page, who spent 15 years in the “Education is what everyone can “Everybody has somebody in their neighborhood Wanting to capitalize on his “15 NFL, became the first defensive benefit from,” Page said. “It’s a tool minutes of fame” and alarmed at player in the league’s history to that can help overcome race, ability who’s going off to college and has somebody who looks like the rate by which young people be named Most Valuable Player. or disability. It is a tool that anyone were idolizing athletes and celebri- While playing football, he studied can use to make their future better them, who maybe has some shared experience, who can ties, Page set out to create the law and earned his Juries Doctor and brighter.” come back to their community and talk about the accessible heroes down the street. in 1978. He believes that societal The Page Education Foundation “Everybody has somebody in their troubles—such as poverty, crime provides financial and mentoring importance of education.” —Alan Page neighborhood who’s going off to and racism—result from the fail- assistance to 500 students of color college and has somebody who looks ure to understand the importance each year. Renewable grants—which like them, who maybe has some of education. are different from loans, in that without the grant, she would have kindergarten and 8th grade. This students do not have to pay them taken a much different route. central part of the program is where Page scholarship eligibility back—are awarded between $1,000 “The Page scholarship helped me Page sees the most impact—both and $2,500. reach a higher education,” she said. with the scholar and the mentees. WHO CAN APPLY? Students of WHEN CAN I APPLY? Application According to non-profit orga- “Without it, I probably wouldn’t have “Each person has the ability color who are enrolled full-time for the 2014-2015 school year nization College Board, the cost (come) to a four year college. I prob- to reach through to others,” Page in a post-secondary institution is available for download in of attending an in-state ably would have (gone) to said. “And why wouldn’t we take in Minnesota, graduated from a January 2014 public college for 2012-13 a community college, an advantage of that ability on the Minnesota high school, and are HOW DO I APPLY? Download an without any financial easier way, without loans.” part of our scholars to reach, at a willing to complete a minimum application packet, which includes aid rose 3.8 percent to a Unique to the minimum, one child—and quite of 50 hours for a Service-to- a form and a checklist of other record $22,261. scholarship program is possibly up to 20 children? Why Children project. materials at www.page-ed.org/ Current Page scholar the Service-to-Children wouldn’t we take advantage of HOW MUCH WILL I GET? for-scholars/grant-application Elizabeth Kong is a senior aspect—a required 50 that? It seems to me it would be a Annual grants range from $1,000 QUESTIONS? Call (612) 332-0406 kinesiology major at the hours of service for grant wasted opportunity. It just makes to $2,500 University of Minnesota. recipients to mentor sense that we would have (our She is confident that Elizabeth Kong students of color between Page continued on page 13

september/october 2013 7 Number 33 kept working hard: Zipping across the court, crisply passing the ball to teammates and shooting it with calm confidence. Sweat was streaming from her forehead, but as practice ended and she began to stretch on the floor, a small smile lit up her face as she joked with a teammate. This is Seimone Augustus, the versatile guard/forward for the 2011 WNBA champions, the Minnesota Lynx. Augustus did not rise to a high level of basketball easily. With hard work, dedication and family support, she excelled at the high school and collegiate levels while in Louisiana, finally making it to the professional ranks as the No. 1 pick in the 2006 WNBA draft. She’s never looked back. Personal and team success has followed in the form of two Olympic gold medals, four All-Star game appearances and a WNBA Finals MVP honor. Considered one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA, Augustus took time after a two-hour Lynx practice to talk with Amolak Singh about the pressure of being a high-profile basketball player in high school, her sexuality as an open lesbian, and why she enjoys living in the Twin Cities.

What were your high school By Amolak years like? Singh My high school years were fun. I Nova Classical made many friends in high school, Academy mainly in athletics and I think I was probably one of the more popular kids at school. Overall it was fun. Sports Illustrated, and I always had to prove to myself and to others You were on the cover of Sports that I was worthy of being on the Illustrated For Women (“Is she the cover. I think it has made me a next Michael Jordan?”) before your better player, and a better person in freshman year of high school. How a sense, because that’s when I first did you handle the pressure of being started to sign autographs, gain fans so good at basketball at such a and meet new people. 16 young age? It was tough. From that point on, Did you have any backup career I kinda had a target on my back in plans when you were in high school if w/Seimone@ Augustus the sense that everybody wanted you didn’t become such a successful to meet the girl on the cover of basketball player?

About this series

This marks the fourth installment of ThreeSixty’s “@16” series, where our teen writers interview Minnesota newsmakers and difference makers about life as a 16-year-old high school student. Who should we talk to next? E-mail [email protected] with your suggestions.

8 threesixtyjournalism.org With hard work, dedication and family support, of bland, without the spices and all Seimone Augustus excelled at the high school and collegiate that. Even portion sizes here are much smaller. In Baton Rouge, a por- levels while in Louisiana, finally making it to the professional tion size is two or three plates, but here it’s much smaller, like a little bit ranks as the No. 1 pick in the 2006 WNBA draft. of mashed potatoes.

What do you like best about the I probably would have done law college graduate in my family, so I Twin Cities? enforcement or something like that. just wanted to do that. And I also The fact that it’s one big melting A job where I could still be active, wanted to take it easy on my parents pot. You see many different races, and do some good and help the financially and get the scholarship. ethnicities and people here, and community they are very accepting of the gay Do you have anything in mind that and lesbian community. I love the How did your high school years you want to accomplish after retir- parade and the week of festivities prepare you for your current years ing? Any goals? we have specifically for the gays. as a pro? Hopefully, I want to be able to help Just looking around, everybody’s It prepared me well. I feel like every the younger girls understand how more laid back here and people are person and every competitor and basketball works. You see, a lot of much more healthy. Down south, teammate that I had helped prepare kids focus on the “AND1” (streetball) we tend to see a lot of obesity, but me. And all the coaches helped me stuff and want to do the crossover I like how up here there’s much by focusing me on what I really and such. Maybe I can be that more healthiness. needed to do. I’m from Baton Rouge, mentor that helps kids get to the and the New Orleans area is high on fundamentals of the game. Do you do a lot of work in crime and they wanted to do the best the community? to keep me away from that. You’re openly lesbian now. Were you Yeah, we volunteer with whatever as a teenager? the Lynx set up, mostly in the inner Submitted How have you changed since you Well, I never denied who I was. I city. This year, we went up to a n As one of the WNBA’s highest profile players, Seimone Augustus understands were 16? mean, I never went on ESPN and let school in Minneapolis, and talked her responsibility as a role model while excelling for the Minnesota Lynx. I don’t know. I’m still the same it out to the whole world, but every- to at-risk kids who were struggling height, and people say I look the one that knew me well knew about with peer pressure. (Fellow Lynx same. But just maturity-wise, I wish I that and who I was. player) Monica Wright and I went The Augustus file knew then what I know now as far as over and talked to them, and then being patient and things like that. What advice do you have for teens we had a little Q&A and they had an Profession: Minnesota Lynx bas- camps. He missed out on a that struggle with their sexuality? awesome time. ketball player in the WNBA lot of experiences, basketball In terms of your sexuality, as an open It’s tough, because some people’s Age: 29 related, with me. In the same lesbian, how does it feel to be a role parents aren’t as open. My parents What does being allowed to legally High school: Capitol High School, way, my mom had to take work model? were great. They were warm and wel- marry in Minnesota as a lesbian Baton Rouge off for me, and I have to tip my It feels great, especially at this point coming. But, for the kids who have mean to you? College: Louisiana State hat off to them.” of time. There’s a lot of debate on parents who are a little more against It means a lot. I (took) a picture with University (LSU) Best advice for teenagers: “If accepting, and I feel like I can be a it, stay true to who you are but be three or four couples that married on Find ‘em: On Twitter @ you have a dream or goal, positive role model for kids having respectful. the Target Center floor (in August) seimoneaugustus stay focused on it. Don’t let trouble accepting who they are. The … actually (was) able to go to one of Personal hero: “My parents. They anybody distract you from it. people who accept you, love them You grew up in Baton Rouge. How is the first weddings. sacrificed a lot for me to be Whether it be athletics, your dearly. And the people who don’t, that different than the Twin Cities? But, it means a lot to me. I was here. My dad worked a lot, and personal careers or paths, just keep them away. It’s hotter, most definitely. The a part of this movement, part of the so my mom was able to travel stay focused on it.” humidity. The food was one thing I fight and everybody thanks me for it, with me a lot to basketball What were your goals in high school? struggled with when I got here. The but many other people really stood Make it to college. I’m the first seasoning part is weird here. It’s kind up and made this possible.

september/october 2013 9 the technoology issue

Someone is always watching

Yep, even police officers are monitoring social media

When T.J. Neely came home Deborah to Minneapolis from prison recently, Staff Honore he shut down his Facebook page. John F. Kennedy n The Minneapolis Police Department’s strategic information center was built after the collapse of the I-35 bridge All of his friends and connections High School downtown made clear that officials needed a place to direct crisis operations. deactivated. To many, this may have seemed citing that special programs or hack- media afterward, became crucial as like social suicide, but Neely It could even be the police. ers also aren’t used. evidence in their trial. described it as simply a way to build In the Minneapolis Police Instead, police assemble informa- The two young men were found a new life. Department’s strategic information tion based on a user’s history and delinquent of rape in March and sent Neely, 25, was a former gang center, one wall of a large, dimly threats being made, particularly to juvenile detention—a minimum leader who got caught up in a lot of lit room is lined with screens from about retaliation or people accused of two years for the one who posted online drama. Fights would often ceiling to floor, along with comput- of being snitches. When his staff the video, a minimum of one year for start on social media, which led to ers spaced throughout. Seven- members see threats of retaliation, the other. more tension building up in real life. days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day, invitations to big house parties or For Neely, the days of finding “I used to post random things, police watch feeds from security other concerns, they pass that infor- trouble and potentially incriminating like, ‘I’m here, looking for some cameras and monitor “chatter” on mation onto patrol officers. himself on social media are over. friends.’ But really, all I did was open social media, especially among Police also see a lot they can’t use, Instead, he uses his new Facebook my door for the wrong kind of atten- local gang members. he said. page to communicate with people tion,” he said. “When there’s a high profile “It’s double-edged ... We have like his mother and his sister—“my Staff After deactivating his old page, event … kids talk about it. They more access to some types of infor- n T.J. Neely deactivated his old rock,” he calls her. He also posts Neely is building a new one and only talk about it not just face-to-face, mation,” Rugel said. “But there’s a Facebook page when he left prison. inspirational quotes like “The bird admitting the friends he trusts. but they talk about it online,” said ton of useless information, a whole He admits far fewer friends to his new sings before the light of the dawn”— “I doubt that I have even 100 Minneapolis police lieutenant Jeff bunch of bragging.” page and only posts inspiring quotes a recent one that “is basically saying friends now,” he said. “I don’t think Rugel. “Particularly in gang shoot- A common trend on Facebook and positive information. the bird has belief that the sun is I’ve even broken 50 yet.” ings when they start talking back and involves “prolific shoplifters hold- going to rise. The sun isn’t going to forth … and dropping hints that I ing up brand new designer purses, ALL KINDS OF TROUBLE let me down.” ONLINE CHATTER want to retaliate.” designer jeans,” he said. Sometimes, Postings on social media can His advice for young social media Neely’s experience shows how social How do police infiltrate social shoplifters even post prices and also be used for more than crime users: “It’s all about the things that media can make bad things worse, media networks? Sometimes invite people to send orders. prevention. you say. If you say something that and how young mistakes can last they create online personas and But police can’t use Facebook When two high school foot- can get the wrong kind of replies, in cyberspace forever. It’s not just pretend to be someone else, Rugel photos to arrest and charge the shop- ball players raped an intoxicated that’s not a good thing for you … friends who see what you post. It said. Sometimes people who know lifter if they don’t know where the 16-year-old girl in Steubenville, Ohio But if you’re a person who uses your could be your high school counselor, gang members share information clothes came from or where the thief last August, one of the assailants posts to influence others or maybe to the admissions office at the college with police. is keeping them, Rugel said. Instead, videotaped the crime and shared it influence your way of thinking so that you want to attend, or the company “None of the social media sites the information merely allows police on social media. That video, along people can see the kind of person you you want to work for. give us any special access,” he said, to keep a closer eye on the shoplifter. with the players’ comments on social are, then posting can be good.”

10 threesixtyjournalism.org “If the other person feels the same way about you, then you have a relationship. But if the person feels the same way about you but you never

mention it, you never know.” —Stephanie Carlson

Friend zone from page 5 A week after Thompson broke things off alter friendships in undesirable ways. But everyone has a different way of processing Five years ago, Thompson, a then- with his girlfriend, the dynamic of the friend- multiple-times friend-zoned Katy Snyder, 18, feelings. sophomore at Southwest High School, was ship changed when his friend professed her of Mankato, thinks that honesty is important “I think it depends on your nature really, in the uncomfortable position of being the romantic feelings for him in a note. Taken when feelings are involved. because some people are really shy and really friendzoner. aback and, because he didn’t feel the same way, “Once you both move on, I’m not hurt by it,” afraid and much more vulnerable to depression “As hard as it is to actually be in that friend he told her he wanted to remain “just friends.” she said. “I don’t wanna be with somebody who or sadness if they’re rejected. You never know zone and as much as you might resent the The girl moved to a small town just outside doesn’t wanna be with me.” unless you try ... There’s no possibility without other person, I guarantee (the friendzoner) is Princeton and the two didn’t talk for more Even Thompson, whose friendship fizzled making an effort,” she said. having just as hard of a time,” he said. than two years. While they reconnected over following his friend’s revelations of romantic “So much of adult life is people living out Thompson was part of a tight-knit foursome Facebook and he apologized for his high school feelings—and who sometimes second-guesses regrets. They live quiet lives of desperation with three other girls in high school. People self, their conversations no longer have that whether he made the right decision to not because they never … take that risk or say found it strange when any of them were by spark. They’re cold, distant and short. pursue a relationship with her—wouldn’t anything they wanted to say to that person. If themselves. Thompson had a particularly spe- “We message each other once in awhile, change things if given the chance. the other person feels the same way about you, cial bond with one of the four, whom he talked saying, ‘How’s life? Cool. See you in six months.’” “If you go back and change it, you become a then you have a relationship. But if the person about “absolutely everything” with. different person than you are,” he said. feels the same way about you but you never “Literally nothing was off limits,” he said. TAKING A RISK Carlson, a self-professed risk taker who mention it, you never know.” “She used to tell me about all manner of (per- Yes, admitting your romantic feelings to evaluates relationships with multiple age sonal) things.” someone who may not feel the same way can groups, agrees. However, she recognizes that

september/october 2013 11 the technoology issue

Image is everything

What’s realistic for teenagers when it comes to online postings?

Most teens know the main rule for protecting themselves on the Amira Warren-Yearby Internet: “Don’t post anything your St. Louis Park parents wouldn’t like.” High School

But is that really reality? Amira Warren-Yearby No. If every teen actually followed n Lesson learned: North High student Mattayo Goodman said a cousin was expelled from school for posting a photo of that rule, everyone would have a DAMAGE DONE himself holding a gun on Facebook. perfect online reputation. There are numerous cases of teens For most teenagers, a bad repre- who’ve faced repercussions for what Facebook pages at job interviews. older brother, monitor what you post. sentation means posting inappropri- they’ve posted online. Mattayo Colleges also check out online In a national survey of teens pub- Protect your rep ately with cursing, videos of fighting, Goodman, a freshman at North reputations. Eisenmann’s sister-in-law lished this spring, Lenhart found that half-naked photos and anything High School in Minneapolis, said his works in a college admissions office in teens are getting smarter about online Twin Cities’ teens: Be part of incriminating that involves drugs and cousin posted a picture of himself Pittsburgh, Pa. When they have more privacy. Six of 10 teens in the survey the launch of ProtectMyRep, violence. Some teens post things they pointing a gun, which resulted in candidates than they can take, all with said they have set their Facebook a new online tool that will shouldn’t on purpose, simply because expulsion from school for a year. similar credentials, the admissions profiles to private so that only friends help you learn how to repair they want someone to look at it. On the beach at Lake Calhoun in officers will sometimes check out their can see it. Girls are more likely than a damaged online reputation, T.J. Neely, a former gang member Minneapolis, 15-year-old Hugh online reputations using a Google guys—70 percent compared to 50—to get personal feedback on what in Minneapolis, said he used to post Cashman from Edina described a search and decide whom to admit keep their profiles private. your Facebook profile really damaging information because he teen from his school who posted based on what they find. Seventy-four percent of teen says, and offer advice on how wanted the image of “a big dog who a picture of himself smoking with social media users have also deleted employers and colleges are was down with anything.” Now 25, Rastas in Jamaica. The teen was sus- FINDING A BALANCE people from their network or friends’ using social media to judge he limits the number of friends in pended and kicked off a sports team. So why go online if you can’t really list. Three in 10 have deleted or deac- applicants. his network and only posts positive While that might seem a little be true to yourself? There are ways to tivated an entire profile or account. The event is free and open thoughts. extreme to teenagers, it’s not to a strike a balance. In extreme cases, professional to any teen! Join us from 4 to Phil Trout, a college counselor at school or sports team. After all, For one, simply don’t post any- reputation help is also available. 5:30 p.m. September 26 at the Minnetonka High School, advises you’re representing them, not just thing that can adversely affect your Eisenmann cited a service—reputa- Minneapolis Central Library, students beginning in grade 11 that yourself. future. Cashman protects himself by tiondefender.com—that will work 300 Nicollet Mall. The first 50 they should have a professional- How you represent yourself keeping his Facebook page private to clean up online reputations by participants will receive a free sounding e-mail address and a online reflects on your parents, your and letting his dad see what he’s creating more positive content and drawstring bag. “Facebook page that’s a good public school, your team, even the company posting. linking to it from various websites. For more information, visit relations statement about you.” you work for. If you don’t want to friend your However, the service is expensive: www.threesixtyjournalism.org/ However, many students don’t Dave Eisenmann, director of parent, Amanda Lenhart, a senior It starts at $3,000 for one year. protectmyrep or contact Lynda follow his advice. instructional technology and media researcher for Pew Research Center’s That’s a lot of money to make McDonnell at lmmcdonnell@ “In an emotional moment, they services for Minnetonka Public Internet & American Life Project in sure that embarrassing photos of stthomas.edu. post something they’d like to have Schools, said some employers ask Washington, D.C., suggests having an you don’t show up at the top of a back,” Trout said. job candidates to show them their older person you trust, like an aunt or Google search.

12 threesixtyjournalism.org Page from page 7 scholar is enrolled full-time in post second- scholars) engage in the process of working ary courses, they can re-apply for the grant to with children … That’s where the change is cover costs incurred for undergraduate, gradu- going to happen.” ate or Ph.D. programs. During her first semester, Kong ful- The foundation receives around 900 appli- filled the service requirement at Hmong cations each year, and is only able to accept American Partnership—a program that 500 to the program. A total of three people provides Hmong refugees with resources look over each application, Page himself being and support for an easier transition to life one of the reviewers. in America. She was already familiar with “I look for somebody who has financial the program, as she volunteered there in need, somebody who looks like they will—if high school. given the opportunity—fulfill their service “As the president of my volunteer pro- obligations, and who has the potential to gram … I took the (refugee) youth group contribute,” he said. out to places … I wanted to expose them to Page is incessantly impressed by the American lifestyles. Being able to meet those work, time and energy that the scholars put goals felt good,” she said. in each year. Kong plans to apply her Page Scholarship “Our motto is creating heroes through to a graduate school program once she finishes education and service,’ he said. “Our scholars her undergraduate degree—something the really do that, they are heroes to the kids (they foundation is able to accommodate. Once a serve) and also to me.” ESSAY CONTEST

More resources

Searching for scholarships this year? Here awards that may include paid visits to are some helpful websites that can get you college campuses, invitations to college How important is on the fast track to finding financial aid for admission conferences and individualized college. college admission counseling; and The n Cappex.com: Besides a convenient col- National College Match (for low-income marriage to you? lege search database, this website includes seniors), which grants finalists full four year Do you see yourself getting married in the future? student reviews and narrows scholarship loan-free scholarships to their prestigious Why or why not? choices to those that match the student’s partner colleges. Students must fill out a skills and strengths. lengthy application, which includes essays n Collegeboard.org: Provides a wide variety to be considered for the scholarships. Tell us in 500 words or less. of scholarships with a database worth n Scholarships.com: Matches you to a vari- more than $6 billion. A great place to start ety of scholarships based on your account your scholarship search, but doesn’t have profile and sorts by amount of money and/ as many search criteria as some other or deadline. Also allows you to rank schol- websites. arships and is a convenient way to organize n Fastweb.com: Allows you to create an scholarship choices. $100 account, which then filters out scholarships n Scholarshipamerica.org: Offers multiple for the winning essay that are best for you based on your profile. programs that give scholarships of varying Cash prizes for Submit your essay at: Also provides budget calculators, loan financial value to students in need. Can also 2nd and 3rd, too! www.threesixtyjournalism.org/ information and free financial aid material. be used to apply for scholarships, including YourTurnMarriage n HSF.net: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund their “Dollars for Scholars” program. provides scholarship opportunities for n Zinch.com: A huge database with a graduating Hispanic seniors and current wide variety of scholarships that can Hispanic college students. The require- sort matches by various criteria, includ- DEADLINE: ments and deadlines are conveniently ing whether or not it requires an essay or located in one place. whether there’s an online application. Can NOVEMBER 15 n Questbridge.org: Offers two programs: also “like” scholarships to get deadline The College Prep Scholarship (for low- reminders. Winning entries will be published online at www.threesixtyjournalism.org income juniors), which grants finalists —Amolak Singh and in the December 2013 magazine issue

september/october 2013 13 the technoology issue

during a professional meeting, with This issue’s artists Tag, you’re (not) it each embarrassing noise on her smart phone alerting her she’d been tagged in a photo. Though that can be remedied by changing Facebook Basic etiquette often an afterthought notification settings, Dyer was still for Facebook photos, posts left baffled. “I hadn’t seen or heard from this friend in years,” said Dyer, who was surprised by the sudden intimacy, You wouldn’t display your Frederick “but when I checked my notifica- McConnell Submitted best friend’s picture on a billboard n University of Minnesota professor tions, it said that I had been tagged St. Paul n if it were embarrassing, would you? Conservatory Shayla Thiel-Stern believes exercising in a photo.” Kimberly Martinez Yet every day, social media users for Performing “basic respect” is a no-brainer when Thiel-Stern explained that when is a senior at Harding post photos on the Internet that are Artists tagging photos on Facebook. teens update, tag and post on High School in St. unflattering to friends. Facebook, they’re going through a Paul. A graduate of A professional employee who common courtesy to ask before Nevertheless, some social media process to find their identity. For ThreeSixty’s June decides to have a night out at the pub tagging, while eight percent took it users feel that tagging is invasive. example, when a teen is posting Intermediate camp, is captured in a photo while intoxi- more to heart by saying that it should Larry Burrell, 19, of St. Paul, has about how they feel toward society Martinez enjoys spend- cated. A teenager who has changed be against the law to tag others experienced unauthorized tags on and they receive a number of “likes,” ing time on Tumblr, his or her outlook on life to a more without their authorization. Seven social media, including a picture that it can be a confidence boost. sketching in her journal religious view is “tagged,” or identi- percent of users think that it isn’t a an acquaintance posted and refused “It becomes kind of a compulsion and going to art muse- fied, in compromising pictures from big deal. to take down despite his protests. to check to see how others react to ums. She has several the past that aren’t so spiritual. Shayla Thiel-Stern, an assistant Burrell, who recently became what you posted all the time,” she career paths in mind, Angela Holliday, 14, of Richfield, professor in mass communication involved in a church community, said. including journalism had a more straightforward reason at the University of Minnesota, has explained that he is focused on his However, getting people to see and graphic design. for asking a classmate to remove researched privacy issues related to priorities—religion and having a you on Facebook can affect others a photo that had been posted to social media. She believes Facebook healthy relationship with his fiancé. around you if friends are also tagged Facebook. Like many teens who look users should always ask permission Tagging is something he tries to in the same post. Thiel-Stern thinks at pictures of themselves, Holliday before sharing photos or video of avoid and doesn’t want to see done that it’s a matter of respect and felt self-conscious. someone else. to him when logging onto Facebook. empathy to ask permission first. “I asked the other person to take “You would never just take some- Make that logged, past tense. Fed up Or put it this way: Would you it down, and they did without any thing of someone else’s and share it with gossip and conflict online, he want a photo or video that made you conflict,” said Holliday, who spent with others without their permission. recently deactivated his account. upset posted for everyone to see? part of the summer studying media That would be ridiculous. A photo or “Tags enable others to connect “Even if you might not be both- production at Macalester College in video should work in the same way— to your profile,” he said. “It’s my ered by an image like the one you’re St. Paul. “It’s just that I felt I didn’t that’s just basic respect,” Thiel-Stern personal business, not theirs. If about to post, and even if you think like my face in the photo.” said. someone were to tag me in a photo, that posting it will get you a lot of n Mina Yuan is a fresh- Holliday has company. Some polls On the other hand, tagged photos it would be because I told him or her laughs from your other friends, put man at Wayzata High show that a majority of social media can serve as an illustrated timeline to do so.” that aside for a moment,” Thiel-Stern School. A graduate of users would prefer a courtesy call of memories, pointing to positive Taneisha Dyer, 31, has had the said. “Your friend might have very ThreeSixty’s July Intro before being tagged in online photos. shared experiences between friends. negative experience of receiving legitimate reasons for not wanting it camp, she plays classical Sophos, a worldwide technology “Most people who are heavy multiple “dings” from Facebook posted.” piano and cello, speaks company, polled 830 Facebook users users of Facebook or Twitter share Chinese, enjoys drawing and asked if they felt permission personal information. That is the and is “far too addicted” should be necessary before tag- wonder of social media. It provides a to J.R.R. Tolkien for her think Have you ever experienced conflict because of a Facebook tag? ging or identifying friends in online network of shared personal connec- own good. spot Should the same courtesy in real life extend to social media? videos and pictures. Eighty-three tions, and it can be very gratifying,” percent of those polled said that it’s Thiel-Stern said.

14 threesixtyjournalism.org the technoology issue “It makes me proudproud Virtual identity, toto bebe inin collegecollege real problems and have my nieces and Vague tweets and status update overload can be draining, create conflict nephews

Teens are waking Facebook, it says I’ve got look up to me. Lana up to the fact that their like, 700 friends. But I do Rubinstein Facebook friends aren’t River Falls not have 700 friends.” — Jasmine Darden necessarily their real High School Here are some of the They want to Ausgburg College ‘13 friends. In fact, those common pitfalls for young online acquaintances can people who use Facebook be bullies, braggarts and worth tuning out. and other social media: follow in my A new report from Pew Research Center, a non-partisan research center in Washington TOO MUCH DRAMA D.C., finds interest in Facebook waning among Heavy social media use creates two very dif- footsteps.” adolescents. A national survey of teens found ferent worlds: virtual and real. Yet they often that they’re less excited about Facebook than a collide in a way that creates actual chaos. few years back. There’s the typical story: The one about In small focus groups, teens also said they that girl who posts on social media and how mnprivatecolleges.org/possible disliked the increasing number of adults on mad she is at someone, leaving her friends and the site, got annoyed when their Facebook followers to scratch their heads, wondering friends shared inane details, and are drained what could have possibly upset her. She goes by the “drama” they described as happening to school the next day and gets in a fight with a frequently online. classmate who stole her boyfriend. Augsburg College Hamline University According to Amanda Lenhart, a senior Shayla Thiel-Stern, an assistant profes- Bethany Lutheran College Macalester College researcher at Pew, “many teens, almost nine in sor at the University of Minnesota who has Bethel University Minneapolis College of Art and Design ten teens, witness people being mean to each researched youth and digital media, said teens Carleton College Saint John’s University other, or cruel to each other, in these social media “might say something online that they would College of Saint Benedict spaces. Overall, the most popular response is not say in a face-to-face situation, and I think Saint Mary’s University The College of St. Scholastica of Minnesota that they ignore people in these spaces.” that is where drama can ensue.” Concordia College (Moorhead) St. Catherine University Calvin Leitch Lodge isn’t surprised by focus Concordia University, St. Paul St. Olaf College VAGUE POSTERS group results showing a waning interest in Gustavus Adolphus College University of St. Thomas Facebook among teens. He’s over it, too. Maddie Bodell, 15, of Plymouth, is tired of “I just felt like I was wasting my time … I felt vague Tweets and Facebook updates that are like real friends aren’t in a computer; they’re in seemingly aimed at the world, but could be real life,” said Lodge, 19, of Minneapolis. “So on social media continued on page 26

think Have you ever started drama by posting something vague or indirect on social An excellent and affordable education spot media? What kind of attention were you hoping for?

september/october 2013 15 the technoology issue

Yancey Strickler and Charles Adler, reach an incredibly wide network,” CHANCE FOR DISCOVERY Artistic Kickstarter is a popular website Haaheim said. Capturing that same sense of discov- where anyone with an idea can After putting her project on ery applies to another major outlet fundraise through “crowdsourc- Kickstarter for 15 days, she raised for artistic empowerment on the empowerment ing,” or the ability to raise money $1,475, raising 23 percent more Internet—YouTube. incrementally through a large pool than her goal. Donations from For two years, Yang, a 16-year-old of Internet users. Music and film $1 to $250 came in from both from St. Paul, has posted original are the two biggest Kickstarter acquaintances and strangers, with songs and covers on YouTube to spur Creativity, discovery find a home on categories, and in fact, account for bonuses coming in the form of a her artistic career. Yang can sit at her YouTube and Kickstarter half of the site’s projects. signed chapbook or an invite to cramped bedroom’s computer desk, Haaheim’s Drifting Thoughts attend launch day. plug in her microphone, pick up one project enabled her to attach original Last June, Haaheim and of her two guitars, and sing her heart poems to balloons and send them about 20 friends launched her out while facing a webcam. Ka Lia Yang has never into the sky, all with the goal of poems into the sky at the Walker That Justin Bieber, Karmin and Aamino played an official concert, yet you landing in random Twin Cities loca- Art Center’s Sculpture Garden Greyson Chance were all discovered Hirmoge can find her songs on YouTube. Harding High tions. She was inspired by a science in Minneapolis. on YouTube gives the Harding High Katie Haaheim doesn’t have a School project her father used to do for “My project started out with School student hope. publisher, yet you can find her poems her 3rd grade class, and turned to me sending e-mails to family and “I just started singing for fun, online and scattered throughout the Kickstarter after seeing a friend raise friends, but eventually it was picked started making songs on my broth- Midwest. “So facing that, I wanted to think money for a book. as a staff pick on Kickstarter. It was er’s piano. And I said, ‘You know, And thanks to the power of outside the box a little bit.” “(It) was a really inspiring thing featured on their blog. So those this is something.’ I never knew I had viral video, the world sung along to to watch, how it is still possible independent sources singling out this, so I just continued on, playing “Clouds” by Zach Sobiech, a 17-year- POETRY FROM THE SKY for an artist to go out and find an my project expanded my audience,” piano, bought the guitar and kept old from Lakeland whose recent Started in 2009 by Perry Chen, audience for themselves and to she said. playing,” Yang said. death from cancer moved millions The most views on Yang’s worldwide. YouTube channel are for her song The Internet has provided a “Sunset,” which boasts 345,895 powerful platform for artists to views. Her channel consists of release their work without having roughly 50 videos, with her YouTube to panhandle outside with a guitar fame allowing her to reach fans from case or fear rejection by a big record California to Paris. or publishing company. Better yet, it “There’s a lot of young people, can all be done from the comfort of middle school kids especially, who an artist’s home. will message me and ask me ques- With the click of a few buttons, tions like, ‘How do you write music?’ singers, writers and performers can ‘How do you come up with chords?’ directly connect with the general ‘How do you find what’s meaning- public. Bottom line, the Internet ful?’ And they’ll say I’m a big inspira- has tipped the scales for artistic tion to them, or because of you, we empowerment. started writing or playing guitar. It “As a poet, I can never, ever hope makes me feel good,” she said. to have a steady income with it. Like, For Yang, it’s now about topping even famous poets are also profes- “Sunset’s” numbers, which is the sors and do not make money from part of YouTube she wasn’t pre- their poetry,” said Haaheim, a poet pared for. She’s wary of “dying” on from Chaska living in Walla Walla, the visual platform since she can’t

Washington, who used Kickstarter Aamino Hirmoge capitalize on long distance connec- to fund her project, Drifting n Ka Lia Yang, a high school student in St. Paul, hopes that posting original songs and music videos on YouTube will help tions and tour or record an album Thoughts. her break into the music business. without help.

16 threesixtyjournalism.org Staff

“There’s a lot of young people, middle school kids especially, who will message me and ask me questions.... And they’ll say I’m a big inspiration to them, or because of you, we started writing or playing guitar.

It makes me feel good.” —Ka Lia Yang

“YouTube is a really, really hard place Haaheim is finishing up her chapbook, because you really, really have to push your- which she promised her Kickstarter backers. self,” Yang said. “But if it wasn’t for YouTube, As for future Kickstarter projects, she’d like people wouldn’t share my stuff. Because it’s to stencil moss on a wall and write more all about connections. It goes from one to poems, or possibly start a Drifting Thoughts, the other to the other to the other.” Part Two. Yang plans to maintain her presence on GETTING ‘OUT THERE’ YouTube. In addition to crafting two pro- As Sobiech’s well-traveled story shows, the fessional-looking music videos for “Sunset” act of putting yourself “out there” is what’s and “Empty Soul,” she has also auditioned for most important for aspiring artists. Without popular reality-singing shows, “The Voice” and taking that first step on YouTube, Sobiech “The X-Factor.” never would have reached seven million Though she hasn’t received her big break views, or upon his death, hit number one yet, knowing that her songs can reach the on iTunes. masses on YouTube has kept her dream of Though Yang and Haaheim don’t know “being discovered” alive. what the future holds for their art, that “I (have been) been waiting so long for a they have the opportunity to find a larger miracle to happen,” Yang said. “But you can’t audience, all thanks to simple technology, just sit there.” feels empowering.

september/october 2013 17 the technoology issue

digitally is taking a toll on brick-and- “I feel like sharing that music for free, and people Digital dilemma mortar record stores, not to mention artists—especially those on the local just sharing with each other, is a very key, important part in scene—who aren’t benefitting finan- spreading the music. If I don’t make the 99 cents off of each cially from their art. Abigail wants to Owning music is easier than ever, but support musicians, but it’s also hard song that each person has, that`s way less important shouldn’t we always be paying for it? to beat “free.” “(I think music is) something to me then that people are listening to it worth owning, because then you can and sharing it.” —Dan Rodriguez always bring it with you anywhere, Editor’s note: To protect privacy, Simone Cazares and share the joy that music brings ThreeSixty Journalism has changed St. Paul you. I mean, the artist worked on Cotter, a professor of law at the Though Napster eventually the name of Abigail in this story. Conservatory it super hard to make a living,” said University Of Minnesota, the con- experienced legal difficulties, P2P For Performing Artists Abigail, a fan of Broadway show- sequences for music pirating can be software opened the door to a wave Two years ago, Abigail tunes, who figures 30 percent of her fines anywhere from $750 to $30,000 of similar platforms like Real Player, started using Real Player, an online music library is from illegal down- per song, and up to $150,000 for LimeWire, The Pirate Bay, Kazaa software to download music illegally Abigail have been getting their music loads. “I’d rather honor and respect every album. and others. One of the most popular from the Internet. online, both legally and illegally. Now that, but (I wish) it was less of a In one of the country’s highest formats today is Spotify, which is Like other teenagers, she was the 15-year-old Twin Cities resident hassle for money.” profile digital piracy cases, Jammie legal but only pays artists $0.004 strapped for cash. Although Abigail has moved onto Spotify, a free and Thomas-Rasset of Brainerd was per play, leading musicians like The would rather respect her favorite legal music streaming software that, EASY ACCESS sued by the Recording Industry Black Keys and Coldplay to boycott artists and pay for their music, she some musicians argue, still doesn’t Music pirates don’t always consider Association of America (RIAA) for the streaming service. didn’t have the money. compensate artists fairly. the consequences of illegal music downloading 24 copyrighted songs In recent years, more teens like The ability to access free music downloads. According to Thomas illegally and sharing them with mil- PROS AND CONS lions of people on Kazaa, a peer-to- Dan Rodriguez, a Minneapolis-based peer (P2P) software. After spending musician, is more forgiving about eight years and three federal trials piracy than other artists. Although fighting the lawsuit, she ended up Rodriguez is an advocate for fans with a fine of $220,000. coming out to live shows and buying Cotter said he believes the RIAA CDs, he recognizes the benefits of stopped going after individuals in digital music, both legal and illegal. 2008, but still doesn`t think it`s a “Digital music has changed the good idea to download music ille- playing field completely, and the act gally, as there still may be risks. of music pirating has completely “People probably don’t get caught changed the game for myself and the in a very high percentage of cases,” independent artists who are trying to Cotter said. “But yes, the more you build a fan base,” he said. download, the greater the risk, and “I feel like sharing that music for the penalties can be substantial.” free, and people just sharing with The digital music debate first each other, is a very key, important generated headlines in 1999 when part in spreading the music. If I don`t Napster, a P2P software where make the 99 cents off of each song copyrighted songs were shared for that each person has, that`s way less free, exploded in popularity among important to me then that people are computer users. With the click of listening to it and sharing it.” a mouse, music fans could access The artist versus access debate

Staff entire albums without paying, some reached a fever pitch on the Internet n Martin Devaney, manager at Eclipse Records in St. Paul, hopes that customer appreciation for having an album or CD before they were even released in in June 2012 when Emily White, an rather than digital media will help stores like his survive. stores. music piracy continued on page 26

18 threesixtyjournalism.org the technoology issue

Breaking into the boys club

Women encouraged to pursue gaming, tech careers despite stereotypes

When Warwick the Blood

Hunter is dominating you in Jessica Violette Staff an intense match of “League of Osseo Senior n Kate Agnew, a business analyst for Target, is also managing director for Girls in Tech. The organization encourages young Legends,” you may never consider High School girls to follow their technology passions. that the person behind the computer screen is wearing a skirt. “The fact that I’m a female is totally besides the point More women are holding their magazine, said that since she’s play- head up high and proudly claiming ing for fun, it’s pointless to volunteer of why I’m playing video games. I try to keep it on the down her gender. the title “gamer.” According to the low because I’m not there to get attention and I don’t want Entertainment Software Association, “The fact that I’m a female is 45 percent of all game players are totally besides the point of why I’m to be treated any differently.” —Margaret Andrews women. In fact, women over the age playing video games. I try to keep of 18 represent a higher percentage it on the down low because I’m not of the gaming community than males there to get attention and I don’t Even now at 35, Andrews is still an “For a woman, it can be a bit under the age of 17. want to be treated any differently,” avid gamer and loves working with more difficult to feel welcomed and Still, females who play video- Andrews said. a magazine that highlights the video comfortable in a male dominated games are subjected to assump- game industry. industry, especially when often you tions on a daily basis. When playing TARGET AUDIENCE find yourself being the only woman online, most girls are thought to be Looking back at early video games, EARLY EMBRACE in a conference room,” Agnew said. male, so they’re often called “dude” there’s a common pattern that’s hard For Kate Agnew, a business analyst Girls in Tech hosts several events Aidan Haarman or “bro.” Upon being recognized as to miss. Often, there was a male pro- n Margaret Andrews started playing at Target in Minneapolis, embracing for women interested in technology females, they’re treated differently— tagonist, a female in distress, and it computer games when she was technology meant creating her first careers to connect and talk about whether in the form of sexist com- was the man’s job to save the helpless three years old, and at 35, remains website as a young girl and develop- what they love. They’re also planning ments or name-calling that’s meant woman. You didn’t always have the an avid gamer. ing an appreciation for the popular to find mentorship connections for to discourage women who are open choice to change your character like computer game “The Sims.” young girls and women already in with their gender. you often have now, so it’s easy to March of this year. The early exposure to technol- tech careers. “Boys often tell me to get back in see who the target audience for video The connection is important ogy prompted her to enroll in the Whether as gamers, coders, the kitchen or other comments like games used to be. because it shows that playing games 15-month Technology Leadership designers or all-around tech wizards, that, but it doesn’t bother me much,” As time has passed, more gaming can pave the way for women to Program at Target. She also is Andrews has advice for girls inter- said Jasmine Dixon, a 20-year-old companies have begun including pursue their passions, even if they’re managing director for the Twin ested in technology. gamer from the United Kingdom. female protagonists. One of the more technology based. Cities chapter of Girls in Tech, a “Over the years I have learned “They’re usually just frustrated that popular video games with a female “My earliest memory was when social group for women interested that being assertive and confident in I’m winning.” is “Tomb Raider,” which saw heroine I was like, three years old, playing in technology careers. The program what you do helps earn respect,” she Some women prefer to keep their Lara Croft raid her first tomb in simple computer games and I’ve encourages young girls to explore said. “When you show your confi- gender private. Margaret Andrews, a 1996. “Tomb Raider” games continue always loved it,” said Andrews, who technology fields and ignore the dence, people learn to respect what digital designer for Game Informer to be released; the latest came out in owned her first computer in 1980. “boys club” mentality. you do.”

september/october 2013 19 the technoology issue

Technology ‘time suck’

Putting down the phone can be tough in today’s plugged-in society

With a cell phone, you Ricki Williams hold your life in your hand. Phone Robbinsdale numbers, passwords, to-do lists and Cooper High Aidan Haarman the picture from the time you posed School n Washburn High School sophomore Rosa Johnson believes that technology use, especially the addictive nature of cell with the cutest guy in school. phones, is having a negative impact on teen social abilities. But phones can also be a huge distraction. You’re sitting across from Rosa Johnson, 15, said she made it through the first three days your friend having a heart-to-heart. believes that technology takes away also made it through the week. Instead of looking into your eyes, from teenagers’ social abilities. “They needed to get over that she’s looking at her phone, laughing “Meeting on the Internet is easier hump at the beginning,” he said. “The at the text her boyfriend sent. than meeting in person,” she said. thing we were looking for wasn’t “Hello,” you say. “You getting this?” Johnson also said cell phones and that they would change, but so that “I am, I am. Proceed,” she says, social media are becoming addictive they would understand how much typing an answer to his text. and people often don’t realize all of they rely on technology. There were Three friends from Washburn the effects. a few students that said, ‘Maybe I High School in Minneapolis decided don’t need to be on Facebook 24/7’ to do something to counter such SHUTTING DOWN or ‘Maybe I don’t need to have my irritation. On certain occasions, Trent Mitchell, a video production phone on me all the time.’ It’s OK to they store their phones in one room teacher at Shorecrest High School unplug for a little bit. That wasn’t the and move to another to focus on the in Shoreline, Wash., conducted what common reaction.” face-to-face. he called “The Social Experiment” in Mitchell also said he and other Hannah Gordon, 16, said the idea winter 2010. He assigned students in staff realized how much they, too, originated at a sleepover, when the his class to go a week without using Aidan Haarman relied on technology. girls realized they were staring at electronic devices. n Hannah Gordon, a junior at Washburn High School in Minneapolis, chooses to their phones, “doing our own thing.” When he told the students about leave her phone in a separate room when hanging out with friends. ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES Because they’d been so connected to his idea, he said about half of them Sending that message to teens and their phones, they hadn’t even talked wanted no part of it, while the other “The average home has about 24 different adults is the goal of Tech Time Out, to each other while sitting in the half embraced the challenge. a North American program imple- same room. After two or three days, Mitchell consumer media and communication devices. mented by Foresters Life Insurance Emma Stotts, 16, doesn’t blame said about half of the students quit Company in Canada. technology, but instead focuses on the experiment. Some said they So, it’s not unusual for every member of the family Tech Time Out encourages fami- the self-control aspect of it. didn’t want to do it; others simply to be on their own device even if they’re in the same lies to go technology-free for an hour “I used to be really distracted by couldn’t handle being without a day by signing an online pledge, my phone,” she said. “I’ve learned technology. house or the same room, kind of ignoring then printing it out to be posted in to use it for things that are really Once the week ended, Mitchell the house as a “constant reminder of helpful.” said that most of the students who the face-to-face.” — Teresa Pavlin time suck continued on page 26

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Privacy” study, though Facebook Media madness and Twitter still dominate the social media landscape, there’s room for these other platforms to make a bigger mark. With so much to choose from, which In Pew focus groups, teens on buzzworthy brands are worth using? Instagram and Twitter reported “feeling like they could better express themselves on these platforms, where they felt freed from the social Vine. Tumblr. Snapchat. expectations and constraints of Kimberly Nope, those buzzed about terms Martinez Facebook.” It’s also predicted that aren’t referring to the vines of a tree, Harding High “some teens may migrate their activ- tumbling in gymnastics or a quick School ity and attention to other sites to conversation with an acquaintance. escape the drama and pressures they They’re a few of the social media find on Facebook.” platforms vying for attention in a Humphrey said. “Facebook is still That’s true of Minnesota Facebook and Twitter dominated an online gathering place, but a resident Camille Ramos, 15, who Illustration by Kimberly Martinez world, adding to an already long list lot of sharing and self-expression, uses Twitter as a way to update of sites that allows teens and adults especially among teens, is happening “People I’ve spoken to say they like the creative outlet her thoughts without “annoying to communicate in mere seconds. elsewhere through photos and video. people on Facebook.” Or as Samuel With more than 200 social In addition to Instagram and Vine, that some of the newer social networks offer. Facebook Dustin, 16, from St. Paul said, networking sites on the Internet, the think Snapchat and Tumblr.” it’s a chance to “spew your every variety available has made it easier Released by Twitter in January, is still an online gathering place, but a lot of sharing and thought into the ether.” for people to craft an identity and Vine boasts a maximum size of six self-expression, especially among teens, is happening “I think people haven’t left feel a sense of connectedness. seconds for its video. It essentially Facebook because there’s so much “Kids are gravitating to these acts as an animated Twitter, with elsewhere through photos and video. In addition information there, but I also think other type of safe havens, wanting users able to post videos and add there’s so much complexity about privacy and wanting a community,” comments or captions “in the to Instagram and Vine, think Snapchat the platform, that it can be exhaust- said Lisa Grimm, director of public moment” as if it were real play-by- ing,” said Amanda Lenhart, senior relations and emerging media at play of what’s happening in front and Tumblr.” —Katie Humphrey researcher for Pew Research Center’s space150, a Minneapolis-based ad of them. Internet & American Life Project, agency. “Being a teenager is about “When Twitter launched Vine, only for it to disappear in a matter text, photos, quotes, links, music in Washington, D.C. “Now you have discovering yourself and discovering such simple video sharing was a of seconds. It will also notify your and videos from a browser, phone, these different platforms that have life, discovering relationships and novelty,” Humphrey said. Except phone when someone screenshots desktop or e-mail. different utility, so maybe you’ll find growing and evolving and trying to just a few months in, Vine now has one of your photos in an attempt Trent Anderson, 15, from St. something smaller where you don’t figure it all out.” a competitor in Video on Instagram, to keep it. The quality of Snapchat Paul, said he uses the multi-purpose have to share as much, and that Katie Humphrey, a StarTribune launched in June by Facebook, which photos is meant to be grainy so that, site as an archive to remember all the becomes more attractive.” technology reporter, needs to be extends video capabilities to 15 according to iTunes descriptions, things he admires and is amused by. As social media continues to plugged in with new social networks seconds. users can “share the moment” and In 2013, Yahoo! bought the rights to evolve at an unprecedented rate, so she can inform readers. It can be The original Instagram, with move on. Tumblr for $1.1 billion. Grimm said it’s important for teens overwhelming for her to stay on top its popular photo filters, remains Then there’s Tumblr, which According to the Pew to do their homework and make this of evolving platforms, she said, but a major factor because of its social features roughly 118 million short- Research Center’s recently form of communication their own. one trend that could be here to stay media novelty coupled with privacy form blogs where users can post released “Teens, Social Media and “Think about how these digital is short video sharing through Vine features, which prohibit any photos tools influence communication and Instagram. you post to be saved or copied for today,” Grimm said. “And study what Do you think you’ll be using Twitter and Facebook in 10 years? “People I’ve spoken to say they anything else. think has come before so you can really spot What would you like to see replace it? like the creative outlet that some Snapchat ups the ante by allowing apply what comes after well in order of the newer social networks offer,” users to send a photo to a contact, to make a bigger impact.”

september/october 2013 21 the technoology issue

Read the fine print

Sweating the small stuff can alleviate online headaches, annoying ads

Advertisers on the Internet aren’t telepathic, but they Aidan Haarman still know what you’re thinking. Perpich Center Arts High School “When you post, ‘I’m gonna buy flowers for my mother,’ you’ll see

an advertisement for a flower shop Ricki Williams either instantly, or in the next few The “Terms and Conditions” of n Thomas Oscanyan, software asset manager for the University of St. Thomas, recommends that computer and social days,” said Amanda Lenhart, senior websites and software are written to media users read terms and conditions carefully and decline if they find something they disagree with. researcher for Pew Research Center’s allow them access to your personal Internet & American Life Project, in information in order to personalize “It all seems fine, and it looks great, but the thing is, always think about. What might be Washington, D.C. the ads you are shown. free and easy to scan in terms of con- According to Bao Nguyen, that’s “It all seems fine, and it looks the terms of service agreement is a barrier. It is standing tent could cost you in other ways. not a coincidence. As the vice presi- great, but the thing is, the terms of “When you log onto the AOL dent of tech research and develop- service agreement is a barrier. It is between you and what you want. The challenge is to page, you see all the content that is ment with AOL in Palo Alto, Calif., standing between you and what you not only read, but understand and decline the free for you. It costs the company Nguyen works to place advertise- want,” said Thomas Oscanyan, a soft- money to put the content online, so ments on personal computers that ware asset manager at the University terms if you find something within that in return, what you give up is the are best suited for an online user at a of St. Thomas in St. Paul. “The information AOL is allowed to track specific moment. challenge is to not only read, but you disagree with.” —Thomas Oscanyan and sell to advertisers,” Nguyen said. Nguyen uses software to track understand and decline the terms if Lenhart puts the dilemma back websites people visit on the Internet. you find something within that you you notice, such as by telling you one users might want to pay closer on the technology user. Think of it as a GPS system that fol- disagree with.” about it in this policy.” attention to. “You have to answer a couple lows where you go on the web. Facebook, in particular, has a Three seniors at the Perpich For example, the agreement questions: ‘Are you concerned about Nguyen simply gathers data fairly confusing contradiction in Center Arts High School in Golden says, “You may not use the Services having ads be specifically targeted from users’ online activity, which he its Data Use Policy. In one section, Valley acknowledged that they never if you do not agree to the Terms.” to you, or do you kind of like it?’ then sells to advertisers. While this Facebook says, “We do not share read the terms and conditions on Adobe then goes on to state, “You You have to ask yourself that when information includes an individual’s any of your information with websites. may accept the Terms … by merely you start an account, when you interests, Nguyen said he doesn’t advertisers, (unless, of course, you “The language used is too compli- browsing the Services.” open a Gmail account, that you’ll be collect anything that will specifically give us permission).” What this cated,” Kayleigh Hartland said. This is a red flag for Oscanyan searched for keywords. That’s part of identify them. should mean to the user is that Whereas Bailey Zander simply because it means that by simply the exchange,” she said. Companies like Facebook make unless they directly allow Facebook doesn’t have time to read the small going to the website and looking at “You get Gmail for free in their money by selling your informa- to share their information with print, Zai Rutter said she doesn’t products or services Adobe offers, exchange for having keywords tion and ‘likes’ to advertisers. This advertisers, Facebook will be “post (stuff) I’m embarrassed about.” you automatically agree to its terms. searched so ads are delivered to information is worth a lot because legally unable to pass it along. Since Oscanyan gets paid to It’s a concern for a larger entity, you. Maybe you should think about the advertisers can show you the However, Facebook has written a read what teens and adults often such as the University of St. Thomas, a different kind of e-mail system. right advertisement at the right time, loophole for itself in a different sec- don’t want to, he’s more attentive but Oscanyan is also concerned Maybe for pay, or choose more care- or when they think you’re more likely tion. Facebook says, “We don’t share to what’s hidden in those “difficult” about what it could mean for the fully what you share in your e-mail. to purchase that specific item or information we receive about you to navigate agreements. Oscanyan everyday Internet user. It’s part of Ultimately, that will help decide what service. with others unless we have “... given cited the Adobe Terms of Use as the trade-off that Internet users don’t advertising gets delivered to you.”

22 threesixtyjournalism.org the technoology issue

Permanent footprint

Heed the warning: What goes on the Internet, stays on the Internet

When you’re 16, you feel invincible, maybe even confident Nichelle Heu you’ll live forever. As mortal humans, Harding High School we know that’s not true. However, what you post online

today will be forever. Even when Staff you’re dead, your photos, videos and Internet users make peace with the n Eric Tornoe, a computer security expert at the University of St. Thomas, warns that “permanent pretty much means blogs can still be visible to others. idea that once you post informa- permanent” on the web. His advice: Stop, think, click. Everything is permanent. tion, it’s out there and you can no Ladonna Edwards, 17, of longer control who sees or takes it. as it is if you haven’t erased the drive. someone with computer expertise everything on the Internet is perma- Sacramento, Calif., has experienced As a basic rule, anything that you (Experts) don’t consider anything can track that footprint through a log nent, it’s become more essential than the surprise of seeing photos she’d feel uncomfortable about a stranger truly secure unless you physically of activity, Tornoe said. ever to think about how to protect long forgotten about continue to seeing, simply don’t share it. destroy the drive.” So, if a company complains that your footprint in the event that you exist on the Internet. More succinctly, Eric Tornoe, Think of your path on the someone at the university is illegally or a loved one dies. “I looked up my name on Google, a computer security expert at the Internet as leaving a permanent downloading music or movies, St. Lamm advises clients to keep and I saw all these pictures of me University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, footprint. No matter where you go Thomas technicians will check the track of all their usernames and in elementary school through uses a co-worker’s poster slogan or what you delete, no matter how user ID on the computer at the time passwords, and much like a digital MySpace,” Edwards said. as a guide for how to approach the often you clear your search history, of the download, Tornoe said. will, authorize representatives While Edwards knows not to Internet. “Once the complaint is verified, to take legal action for dispos- put her Social Security number or “Stop. Think. Click.” we send a letter to the user explain- ing them or passing them on anything scandalous on social media After all, when it comes to the “Most of the stuff ing that this is a copyright violation based on your last requests. If pages, she can’t possibly keep track way computers work, “permanent on the web is living on and advise them to stop sharing the you don’t leave your password for of everything she’s posted on the pretty much means permanent.” file or risk further legal action from your family members or friends, Internet. “Most of the stuff on the web is a hard drive somewhere, the copyright owner,” he said. “We they won’t be able to access your The fact that all of that informa- living on a hard drive somewhere, also offer help to the user to stop information. tion will never go away, even after and it doesn’t cost a whole lot to and it doesn’t cost a whole lot sharing these files, as many times “Be aware of your digital property you’ve forgotten it was posted, store. It’s nearly impossible to get users are not even aware they are and its value,” Lamm said. “Make a should be a scary notion, said Isaac rid of and it stays there forever,” to store. It’s nearly impossible doing so.” list, develop a plan and make sure Wolkerstorfer, a Berlin-based soft- Tornoe said. to get rid of and it stays there What remains “living” on the somebody has the legal authority to ware developer for Asana.com. “When you erase a disk drive, that Internet is just as important as what execute the plan.” “If you post something to a blog data is still almost as easy to get back forever.” —Eric Tornoe you choose to keep for yourself, After all, everything you’ve or Facebook or Twitter or anywhere said Jim Lamm, an attorney with posted or that has been posted of else on the ‘Net, you can never be If you were to create a digital will for your online presence, Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant you—whether it’s a newborn baby think sure someone hasn’t made a copy of what would you want protected—and who would you put in Mooty. photo or life inside a senior citizen spot it,” Wolkerstorfer said. charge of protecting it? Lamm specializes in a field home—will be around long after Wolkerstorfer advises that he calls “digital passing.” Since you’re gone.

september/october 2013 23 the technoology issue iPad infusion

Cretin-Derham Hall joins an exciting classroom technology wave

Virtually accessing the world at one’s fingertips has been Thomas Wrede feasible for high schoolers since the Cretin-Derham Hall dawn of the Internet. But how about watching food author Michael Pollen’s YouTube videos for AP Environmental Science of St. Paul, is in the second year of its homework on an iPad while sitting 1:1 (one-to-one) iPad program. The

in the comfort of your school’s band 1:1 system allows each student to use Elena Renken room? the device during the school year for n Cretin-Derham Hall, a Catholic high school in St. Paul, is in the second year of its 1:1 iPad program. Students have even It was a bold possibility for academic purposes. been educating staff on best ways to use the tablet. Cretin-Derham Hall senior Adam Similar ideas had been floated by Klein thanks to his lightweight, the school’s Technology Committee troubleshooting and minimal repairs. “We tweaked the program during big transitions by offering a energy efficient, crystal clear iPad. for a number of years, and “the iPad A student that brings his or her own as we went along,” she said, “but variety of workshops and expertise For Klein, easily switching over from presented itself to be a good entry,” iPad is charged $50 for apps and most of the feedback (during those on everything from word processing the YouTube app to Safari so he said Sharon O’Connor, the tech inte- other program expenses. early stages) was positive from the and multimedia production to, of could look at questions posted online gration coordinator at CDH. “iPads were chosen because of nine teachers involved and (their) course, iPads. for reflection—and then to Pages to New technology was in their cost. They were much more afford- students.” Training is broken down into respond and upload his answers— midst and they wanted to do what able and easy to use for teachers and CDH received iPad support specific lessons on how to operate was not only doable, but far more was best for their students moving students,” said CDH principal Mona and advice from numerous places, an iPad and how to use various pro- convenient. into the future, she said. The primary Passman Schmitz. including DeLaSalle High School grams that are available. Cara Hagen, He’s not alone in his enthusiasm. questions left to answer: “How would As for implementation, CDH did in Minneapolis, which had the 1:1 an education technology consultant “I can no longer imagine high it be paid for?” and “How would not jump into the program without a program a year prior to the fellow at TIES, was amazed at the school- school without the iPad. Teachers it work with the faculty’s teaching safety net in mind. During the 2011- private high school. TIES, a joint related “buzz” that surrounded the have changed their teaching style to methods?” 12 school year, a third of the ninth powers cooperative owned by 48 iPad when it first was introduced on incorporate the iPads. We can work At CDH, the fee for a school- graders and a third of the teachers Minnesota school districts, also the market. on presentations, do our home- issued iPad is $150. This covers the got iPads for a trimester at a time. It provides schools with training and “I’ve never seen anything imple- work and study on (them),” said use of the gadget, a device cover was an experiment to gain perspec- resources in the world of technol- mented this fast,” Hagen said. The fellow Cretin-Derham senior Alisha and required apps, along with tive, O’Connor said. ogy. They assist school partners excitement was particularly off the Engelbrekt. charts because the iPad could be “It changed my high school used as not just an educational tool, experience with the ability for me “I can no longer imagine high school without the iPad. Teachers she said, but an interactive one. to do everything for school on a small device that I can carry with me have changed their teaching style to incorporate the iPads. We can work CHANGING MODELS almost everywhere.” on presentations, do our homework and study on (them). It changed my high school Although there is no “correct way” to introduce an iPad into the classroom, ROLLING OUT A PLAN experience with the ability for me to do everything for school on a small device a major part of Hagen’s job is to edu- Cretin-Derham Hall, a high school cate teachers on how to approach the in the Highland Park neighborhood that I can carry with me almost everywhere.” — Alisha Engelbrekt ipad infusion continued on page 27

24 threesixtyjournalism.org the technoology issue

Bridging the digital divide

When technology doesn’t present itself in school or at home, external resources are needed to help teens

Amidst shelves of books at Rondo Community Outreach Library Elena Renken in St. Paul, a group of patrons has its St. Paul Central eyes fastened to glowing computer screens. It is a scene set in neutrals,

with white tables and beige pillars, Thomas Wrede but the surroundings are not the n Maddie Tate, manager at PC’s for People, said computer access is a multi-faceted process, and isn’t solved simply by focus. The snapping of keys and Alexis Reaves giving customers an older model for free. Blake Upper clicking of mice fills the open space School as people work and play in this oasis experiment with technology, but devices in education are driving pushed to the periphery—“the of technology, absorbed in the pixels those in computerless homes still a gap between upper and lower family has a primary concern on their screens. face challenges. income school districts. of putting food on the table and Colorful elastics adorn the wrist of experiment with sound. Another For Jennifer Nelson, a partner- For those who live in poverty or making sure there’s a safe place to 15-year-old Donquala Patterson, who Tuesday, the lab focused on aerial ships coordinator specializing in near it, digital education can take a stay at night,” Nelson said. rests her hand next to a keyboard as photography. digital inclusion at Minnesota’s backseat to more pressing concerns. While income is one of the fac- she clicks calmly across her screen. A Once or twice a month, public Department of Education, the “For lower income teens, the tors why some schools can’t receive resident of the Rondo neighborhood, libraries also offer workshops led by classroom should be the “great older a student gets, the more pres- technology, by no means is it the she doesn’t have a computer at home the Teen Tech Crew, a group of nine equalizer,” providing the opportu- sure is on them to find a job and to only one. Cara Hagen is an education and uses one at the library once a high schoolers organized through nity to serve children, no matter be engaged in the workforce. They technology consultant for TIES, a St. week “to look for jobs.” the Science Museum of Minnesota. their background. However, “there can’t come to a public library and Paul company that trains teachers for Plenty of young people come in Peter Kirschmann, the youth crew are disparities” between schools take a class on using a computer effective electronic use. simply to use the public comput- manager for the Teen Tech Crew, and neighborhoods, making exter- because the family priority is getting “Digital equity isn’t just the haves ers, but the library also offers other said teens interact with technology nal resources necessary. them a job. That’s a huge barrier,” and the have-nots. That’s one piece,” opportunities just for teens. The in three ways: hanging out, messing According to the Pew Research Nelson said. Hagen said. Createch Program makes technology around and geeking out. Center, 84 percent of teachers With those challenges, educa- She cites policy, budget, available to teens from 4 to 6 p.m. on “As opposed to just using nationwide think that electronic tion and technological skills are management and the classroom Tuesdays. Often, the library puts out Facebook, maybe they’re playing with itself as factors. For instance, the iPads for teens to use. some things on the iPad that they “For lower income teens, the older a student gets, school in question may have pro- “I think that’s the big draw—the haven’t tried before, maybe produc- cedures in place that would make iPads,” said Tayo Adefuye, a library ing some videos, maybe doing some the more pressure is on them to find a job and to be engaged a major change such as digital customer service assistant at Rondo. stop motion animation,” he said. in the workforce. They can’t come to a public library and take implementation extremely dif- But Createch also offers other ficult. Getting community leaders activities. Once, he said, Minnesota- SCHOOL DISPARITIES a class on using a computer because the family priority is and school officials to agree on bred sound artists Beatrix*JAR Such workshops and pro- effective and financially feasible helped teens take apart circuits to grams allow teens to access and getting them a job. That’s a huge barrier.” —Jennifer Nelson. digital divide continued on page 27

september/october 2013 25 social media from page 15 about adding friends, “Well, I guess the most being behind a computer screen versus saying music piracy from page 18 targeted to a specific person. awkward is when you feel like you actually know mean words to someone’s face. intern at NPR, wrote that she has “(With) indirect tweet(s), people say things, them, and then they don’t accept (your request) “Well, it’s like over the Internet, people feel only paid for 15 CDs in her life and but they don’t say who they’re saying it to. ‘Oh, even though you have mutual friends and you like they can say anything because they’re just didn’t think her generation would I really wish you wouldn’t do that anymore’, and have talked to them before.” typing into a keyboard. They’re not really saying ever buy music. In an online rebuttal not say who they’re talking about,” she said. According to Pew, girls tend to change their it to somebody’s face,” Leitch Lodge said. “So that went viral, David Lowery, the With the option of adding hashtags, anybody friend groups around, and “are more likely than people can say a lot more negative things and lead singer of ‘90s alternative band can make a post about how upset they are, and boys to delete friends from their network and block feel more comfortable with it because they’re not Cracker, took up for musicians by add the hashtag “wannacry” or “I’mSoSad,” etc. people.” Having a lot of friends is a key priority for actually face-to-face.” pointing out the moral and finan- These types of posts leave followers speculating teens because it conveys that they’re “popular” and Jason Davis, 14, of Minneapolis, was confused cial implications of White’s “free about the reason why this person is upset. Since “social,” Lenhart said. when a teen he didn’t know tried to bully him culture” attitude. no names are mentioned, teens can become “Likes specifically seem to be a strong proxy into a fight. defensive, thinking that the post is written about for social status, such that teen Facebook users “It was a friend through a friend. I met him WHO IS IT AFFECTING? them, Bodell said. will manipulate their profile and timeline content maybe once,” Davis said. “But he was like, ‘I Those same artistic interests extend in order to garner the maximum number of ‘likes’, wanna fight you.’” to distributors of music, like local FRIENDSHIP REJECTION and remove photos with too few ‘likes,’” she said. Though nothing ever came of the incident, it records stores, which aren’t as Teens often find it stressful adding friends and proved to Davis that social media can test you frequently found these days because followers on social media sites. While at Lake CYBERBULLYING in negative ways, and how you react in real life of digital piracy and iTunes sales. Calhoun in Minneapolis, Sara Carle, 15, said There’s a sense of security that comes along with matters. If White’s generation continues to value convenience over the physical act of purchasing music, “that’s what time suck from page 20 would put us out of business,” said your commitment to family time.” Martin Devaney, manager at Eclipse “The average home has about 24 different Records in St. Paul. consumer media and communication devices,” said “We cater to the customers who Foresters spokeswoman Teresa Pavlin. “So, it’s not do care about the physical media, unusual for every member of the family to be on and we hope to win the other people their own device even if they’re in the same house or over,” Devaney said. “Having a physi- the same room, kind of ignoring the face-to-face.” cal artifact and artwork are part of Perhaps no one knows the effects better than the listening experience. Coming Amanda Lenhart, who studies how teens use tech- from an artistic side of things, they nology for Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C. put a lot of work into the presenta- Lenhart also has teenagers. It bothers her that tion of their music and packaging, as some families spend 13 hours a day using electronic well as the songs on the record.” devices. A frequent customer at Eclipse, “We should be thinking about what we’re Sophie Gleekel, 16, of Woodbury, is exchanging in our lives for that screen time. I also an advocate for record stores, and think it’s an issue of, ‘Who do you want to be?’ If more than half her music comes it’s really important to you and your family to have from them. She worries that won’t great comfort with technology, maybe spending always be the case. that much time with screened media makes sense,” “I feel really sad that there aren’t Lenhart said. as many record stores as there were “But if you’re the kind of person who wants to when my parents were going to col- do different things, maybe play a sport, maybe stay lege,” Gleekel said. “I hear a lot about outside in your garden, or give back to your com- record stores that my parents loved munity through service, or maybe work on art with going to. I’d be really sad (if a record your hands, it’d be wise to think about balancing store closed). I find a lot of joy going those kinds of things with your time in front of to places like the Electric Fetus and screened media.” Eclipse Records.”

26 threesixtyjournalism.org ipad infusion from page 24 something, a student steps right in The biggest criticism from parents and faculty remains people not to play games, me game-changing piece of technology. and shows him or her,” she said. included, and that led to me having This requires flexibility, adapt- A prime example, O’Connor said, a student’s ability to access almost any game or potentially to learn self discipline,” Crabbe said. ability and open-mindedness on the is the student tech help area that was counterproductive app. While the school is looking for ways “I think that for the most part people part of teachers, Hagen said. They located in the CDH media center. It used the iPads appropriately and it have to be willing to grant students was run by students to assist fellow to improve on that distraction in year two, Cretin-Derham allowed us to see what it would be the opportunity to explore new ways schoolmates who were experiencing like in college with laptops or any of learning—for example, a teenager difficulties with the iPad. Hall will not be backing away from technological other distraction.” The biggest criticism from par- could opt to use iMovie for a project “We wouldn’t have made it with- advancements because of it. instead of doing a more conventional out it,” O’Connor said, “and by mid ents and faculty remains a student’s book report. year teachers were even going there.” ability to access almost any game or This helps “level the playing field,” reason: to complete homework. That proved true for some. potentially counterproductive app. O’Connor said. MINIMIZING DISTRACTIONS Yet, they weren’t limited to only Eve Crabbe, a CDH senior, While the school is looking for ways Furthermore, some teachers at A majority of CDH students that. Essentially any app could be said that she didn’t think the iPad to improve on that distraction in year CDH have used the ShowMe app so asked about the program agreed downloaded, ranging from disparate changed her ability to learn. Instead, two, CDH will not be backing away they can problem solve online with a that having an iPad at school was gaming hotspots to various social it made her procrastinate more from technological advancements student who needs extra assistance. worthwhile. Turning in assignments networking sites. because of all the distractions that because of it, O’Connor said. ShowMe has greatly “improved became more fluid. Applications Klein used the device to listen came with it. Whether someone was For a first run in the ever-growing teacher-student communication,” like Notability eliminated the use of to music on his 35-minute drive to itching to level up on Candy Crush, race to adapt and stay competitive, Passman Schmitz said. O’Connor paper in certain classes because it school, as well as to study or play check a notification atop the screen it was an overall success, Passman added that it is a “shared learning enabled the high schoolers to receive, games in the morning before classes from Twitter, or send an hourly Schmitz said. Moreover, what the experience” between students and edit and turn in virtual worksheets. commenced. Engelbrekt pointed out Snapchat—it was a disturbance at future holds could be just another their educators. Students were permitted to take that the iPad was only a distraction if some level. swipe of a finger away. “If a teacher does not understand the iPad home for one primary you let it become one. “I think it was really hard for

digital divide from page 25 15th of every month, and these days are even Helping young people gain access to com- connection. To help resolve this problem in practices can also be an impediment. more chaotic. puters is one of the goals of PC’s for People. the Twin Cities, PC’s for People began selling “That is pretty much like Black Friday,” In 2010, the organization began a project discounted Internet in September of last year. A NECESSARY TOOL Tate said. called PC’s for Kids. Through this program, Three thousand customers have signed up “I think we take for granted that when you have Beyond the main room, the back of the PC’s for People strives to make computers since, Tate said. a computer, you rely on it a lot,” said Maddie store is packed with stacks of computer parts. available to families with a child in elemen- But organizations like Rondo Library Tate, manager of the St. Paul location of PC’s A technician sits next to the small mountain of tary school by coordinating with schools and and PC’s for People still have plenty to do in for People, a non-profit organization that dis- computers waiting to be refurbished. head start programs. their efforts to increase teenagers’ access to tributes free and cheap computers to local resi- “It was just recently coming out into the The business began with a kid who needed technology. A report by the Pew Research dents who qualify as low-income. “If you don’t halls, but we managed to get it back,” Tate said, a computer, Tate said, recounting the story Center found that in the United States, seven have that for school work, for job applications, sweeping her eyes across the room. Five or six of a suspended student who was able to keep percent of teens do not have a computer for everything like that, it definitely makes life computers go out on the average day, she said, up with his schoolwork when he was given available to them at home. For some teens, a lot harder.” many of them to families. access to a computer. As the presence of school papers cannot be easily typed, and PC’s for People operates out of a nonde- technology continues to increase in schools, communication through social media is not script building on Marshall Avenue. Often, a a computer is becoming more and more of always an option. line of customers forms soon after the store As the presence of technology a necessity, and it is often the minimum a It’s why Patterson has to go to a library opens at 10 a.m. on weekdays, snaking through student needs. to compete in the competitive job market. the main room. continues to increase in schools, Her friends with technology have an easier The computers that are ready for sale go MORE TO BE DONE time in school, and Patterson has noticed the to the day’s first customers. Some computers a computer is becoming more and Though providing computers to disadvantaged difference. are available for free, but many patrons choose more of a necessity, and it is often the people is a significant step in shrinking the “Without computers, kids fall behind,” to pay extremely discounted rates for newer digital divide, these machines are limited in Tate said. models. A laptop sale also takes place on the minimum a student needs. their usefulness without a working Internet

september/october 2013 27 song when I remembered what I’d Keys for comfort just told myself about facing “the mountain.” I flattened the book out and winced throughout the first page of difficult notes. Then I went online Plagued with doubt, a teen pianist begins to listen to a performance of the song and melted from the beauty of it. playing for the right reasons Submitted I remembered the last recital when I had messed up a similarly to count—my parents refuse to let My mom comes to sit next to beautiful song, and I steeled myself The bright light beats me because they know I can succeed me. She doesn’t say anything at first. against the past and focused on the down on my face and I feel miniscule Danielle Wong and that it will make me a better Instead, she just sits there with her present. Hope and the excitement beads of perspiration begin to form. Eastview High person. Their unconditional love and arm wrapped around me, the sleeve of starting something new coursed My hands shake. I struggle to keep School support makes me feel like I need to of her worn out red sweater rubbing through my veins. them still. succeed so that the sacrifices they against my silky pink pajamas. I felt myself sit up straighter. I I feel hundreds of eyes on me, make for me don’t go to waste. Then she asks quietly, just barely was going to do this. I was going to every single one piercing through the musical paradise that I almost However, fear of success, and the over the noise of the commercial, succeed. my mind, judging. I feel the vibra- reached. Sometimes I think it’s fear of not living up to my older sister, “What happened?” I reluctantly reply And I did. tions of my nervous leg jittering with because my older sister, Katerina, is caused me to pull away from piano. with the only acceptable answer. I’m more than halfway done anticipation. My hands slip off the such an amazing pianist and I feel When my piano teacher decided The one I know she probably won’t with the piece. It’s not just beauti- keys from the layer of cold sweat on pressure to perform as well as she to close her studio and work at understand or be happy with, but the ful to listen to, but it’s beautiful for my hands. I place them back on the does. Other times I think it’s because MacPhail Center For Music, I finally one that holds the truth. my fingers to play. I began to play keys, breathe like it’s my last breath, I’m afraid to succeed at piano. had an excuse to “teach myself.” But “I don’t know.” more often for my mom, telling her, and begin playing. I always get scared when I make somehow the idea seemed a lot more § “Listen to this!” or “Can you come It’s a beautiful piece, and I soon those tiny mistakes during my piano appealing in my head than when I Then I had an epiphany. It struck and listen to me?” We would discuss lose myself in it. It’s warm, soft and performances. Every minor mistake actually started practicing. me that I had been sitting around, my plans for a future career in piano wrapped around my heart. But as is followed by a larger one. They I took a break from piano last as scared as a mouse of achieving openly instead of shying away from I finish, I’m struck by the thought, throw me off, making me terrified year, and along with my parents, something that could only help me the topic. “Did I mess up at all?” And at that of what could happen at my next decided to compose a plan to begin grow—not only as a person, but also Soon, I no longer took her feed- very moment my worst nightmare recital. I always feel some flash of teaching myself once school ended. in my future career. So I took it upon back as negative, but as constructive. comes true. One of my fingers slips hurt, anger, disappointment and of But once again, I got scared and used myself to go downstairs and face Katerina even became less of a threat and I hit a wrong note. course, that torturous doubtful voice the excuse of “being too busy” to my mountain. I opened up a book to me, and instead serves as a source Suddenly I feel like my whole inside my head saying, “What if I had avoid practicing. and began trying out new piano of inspiration and wisdom. Even my world is turning and spinning. A played it with more feeling? If only § songs until I found one that looked younger sister, Isabelle, is beginning voice from the past, the one inside I didn’t have a nervous breakdown The recital has finished and I’m particularly difficult. The page was to excel at piano, and I hope to teach my head, continues to haunt me. when I played the wrong note!” on the couch watching TV. I’m wal- littered with all kinds of rhythms and her everything that my older sister “Danielle, why’d you mess up? I’m also terrified of disappoint- lowing in remorse and embarrass- symbols foreign to me. taught me. Why don’t you ever prepare better? ing my family. Sometimes I dream ment at yet another recital gone sour. I was about to flip to the next Now I can perform piano in You can’t blame anyone else but about being an amazing pianist, front of large audiences without yourself.” but then at one of my concerts I do Sometimes I dream about being an amazing pianist, being paralyzed by self-doubt and I force myself to finish the piece, something terrible and my family fear. This experience also taught but no longer is it a beautiful song. never speaks to me again. I under- but then at one of my concerts I do something terrible and me not to quit when I haven’t put It is now cold, hard and distant from stand that I’m so lucky to have a my best effort to the struggle, but my heart. supportive family, as not everyone my family never speaks to me again. I understand that I’m so mainly that I should learn piano for § has a family that cares enough to lucky to have a supportive family, as not everyone has myself, not for someone else. This is usually what happens cancel all events for that day and Before, I had to drag myself to the when I perform piano. attend a piano competition. a family that cares enough to cancel all events for piano. Now, my fingers can’t wait to Self-doubt always creeps in Even when I want to quit piano— have some fun. and causes me to pull away from which has happened too many times that day and attend a piano competition.

28 threesixtyjournalism.org head, “You have two minutes to get a career for myself since kindergar- a serious problem for me. When I It’s only (gulp) to class, Mina! Run faster!” ten, and I was pushed to strive for was in 7th grade, my social studies Turning around to spot if the it by the one person who expected teacher had allotted an entire month gargantuan seventh grader was still more out of me than anyone else. to an enormous research project. high school, right? watching me, I dashed backwards as Myself. By the end of the first week, I had a heavy blanket of terror descended. Like infamous chess master already finished and typed out all 16 My teetering brain could not handle Bobby Fischer, I was determined to pages required. A struggle with anxiety, perfectionism the additional weight of my fear. I calculate and consider every possible Imagine my horror when my suddenly wobbled, my backpack tug- move. Some people said that my printer decided to suddenly begin puts future plans into focus ging me towards the ground. Falling attitude would lead me to success, printing crooked the night before the onto my back, I skidded down the and congratulated my family on the report was due. Refusing that any hall and landed in a pitiful heap at fact that I didn’t need my parents to of my pages look less than perfect, Editor’s note: This essay was written as part of ThreeSixty’s July Intro to the foot of a door, looking like the pressure me. Yet also like Fischer, my I immediately began to handwrite Journalism Camp. We’re happy to report that Mina’s first day of high school world’s worst turtle. drive for perfection began to spoil the entire paper, even measuring was a positive experience. I laid there, the oxygen circulating and fester in my brain. out margins and line spacings with through my lungs as my head slowly Before even beginning a project, a ruler. Colorful textbooks cleared. Clambering up, I glanced I would read over the instructions By the time I had finished, it was are stacked neatly in a pile, each Mina Yuan inside the door I had landed by and dozens of times, reciting them in my almost four in the morning and I book already labeled and color- Wayzata High immediately recognized my home- head as I fearfully imagined every was nearing tears. That day, I was so School coded. A massive pencil pouch room teacher. Thanking my lucky way that I could possibly mess up. I exhausted that I almost fell asleep containing exactly ten pencils sits stars, I hurried in. was extremely indecisive and often during an exam. next to the pile. A month and a half That frightening experience required my family’s input before Unfortunately for me, this was remains until I begin my first year legs and furry Uggs, searching for occurred nearly three years ago, but deciding what to eat or what to wear. not the only time my anxiety decided of high school. a single door. Standing four-feet- the lesson I learned still remains with My friends and family began to fret to rear its head at an inconvenient Some may think I’m crazy for nine inches tall, I was a shrimpy me today. At the time, I was almost that my attitude would end up harm- time. Every weekend, I spent hours already having my school supplies sixth grader lost in a middle paranoid in my need to always know ing me, but I never listened to them. locked in my room doing homework ready in the middle of July, but I school so huge it had once been where I was going, both physically It took years for me to come to the or studying, only emerging for meals. take a lot of pride in the fact that the high school. and spiritually. I had always been realization that overthinking things When friends called, I told them I I stopped myself from reading all My mind strained to retrace an extremely competitive person, is not healthy. was busy. When the weather was of my textbooks in addition to my steps, but to no avail. If anything, I constantly driving myself to achieve I still struggle with my anxiety, nice, I shut the blinds and returned preparations. was even more confused. Just as I higher test scores, to improve my and although it often manifests my attention to books. My strategy This year, I am determined to began to think that there was no way piano technique. I had been planning itself in mild situations, it is actually for life was damaging my social life loosen up a bit. This year, my first this situation could get any worse, and mental health, and although I day at Wayzata High School will not the speakers buzzed to life. had realized the effect it was having be a repeat of that first awful day of The first bell of the day rang out, “I swear my homeroom should be right here,” I thought on me, it took a lot for me to change middle school. signaling for all students to get to frantically, staring down a whitewashed wall. I spun around, my attitude. “Hey look, the sixlet is trying class. “I’m dead,” I told myself in In 7th grade, I joined UMTYMP to follow us,” the towering eighth my hazy and dysfunctional brain, a miniature midget swept away in a sea of jeans-clad legs (University of Minnesota Talented grader chortled, pointing me out “utterly and completely dead.” Youth Mathematics Program), to his friend. I gulped and stared Suddenly, a rough shove from and furry Uggs, searching for a single door. Standing an extremely accelerated math nervously in the opposite direction. a seventh grader forced me out of four-feet-nine inches tall, I was a shrimpy sixth grader lost program. Students of UMTYMP I couldn’t believe this. The first day my daze. “Come on, sixlet! Get to attend a lecture at the University of middle school and I was already class. Didn’t you hear first bell?” in a middle school so huge it had once been the high school. of Minnesota once a week. Each hopelessly lost. My eyes traveled fearfully up the lecture covers three weeks of “I swear my homeroom should tall seventh grader and I nodded high school or college math, and be right here,” I thought frantically, hysterically, clutching my books Recall a time when you were so anxiety-ridden that it two-hour exams are held three to ruined your ability to enjoy what should have been a positive staring down a whitewashed wall. and sprinting off in a random think four times a semester. UMTYMP’s spot moment. What did you learn from the experience? I spun around, a miniature midget direction. I gasped for breath as How would you change? accelerated speed forced my swept away in a sea of jeans-clad I kept running and yelped in my high school continued on page 31

september/october 2013 29

Habiib Hassan, 17, a senior at Has your own job or internship influenced a potential career Getting technical Edina High School, underwent IT think path? What would you recommend to a fellow teen who hasn’t training over the summer. spot been employed yet? “I learned so many skills related to IT and computers, but I also Teens sharpen skills at Genesys Works’ learned a lot of professional skills, Tollefson said it used to be difficult hours, students can earn upwards of summer training program like how to deal with people,” Hassan to convince companies about the $9,000 in their senior year. According said. He also attests to the intensity value of teen internships, but now it’s to Tollefson, the cash and experience of the training. becoming easier. is invaluable to students, especially “It’s pretty rigorous because of all “It used to be harder because of ones from low-income families. Summer brings sunny days, the tests and it requires a lot of hard the misconceptions about what teens “We target anyone that’s really warm weather and—for most high Amolak Singh work. If you’re not interested in IT are capable of and what a high school motivated since this is a huge com- school students—a break from the Nova Classical and working hard, then you won’t internship means, but after seeing mitment of time, anyone willing to Academy hard work that’s demanded during like the program,” Hassan said. the success of our first class, it has put the effort in to be successful at a an academic year. The training is divided into sev- been much easier,” he said. professional and technical level. But However, more than 200 eral units, and after each unit, they Students undertake a variety we especially target students who Minnesota students didn’t sit idly training workshop throughout the are tested on the material covered. of jobs, from providing help desk come from financially challenged on the beach or blow through their summer. The intent is to teach them After they have successfully com- support to performing hardware families,” he said. entire Netflix queue to pass the professional and technical skills pleted the courses and passed the upgrades and PC trouble-shoot- Ninety-six percent of Genesys time this summer. Instead, they required to succeed in the corporate finals, the students are “drafted” by ing. They must dedicate either Works’ interns are students of color, used the school-free months to world—from dealing with customers one of 40 companies and corpora- their mornings or afternoons, and Tollefson thinks that the pro- learn what it takes to be a success- in a businesslike manner to shaking tions for work during the school year. five days a week, to working at gram is succeeding at bridging the ful professional through an intense hands properly to the specifics of Some are Fortune 500 companies, the company, which means they significant achievement gap. training program. upgrading hardware. including 3M, Medtronic, Target and must miss some school. However, While Tollefson hopes to grow Originally founded 11 years Genesys offers two technical Bremer Financial. students receive three credits for and expand to ensure more students ago in Houston, Genesys Works tracks: Information Technology Hassan will be working at their employment. are on track for successful college expanded to the Twin Cities in 2008. (IT) and business operations. Minneapolis-based Cargill this year In addition, they earn around and professional careers, the success Starting with just 11 students, it now Students select their preference as a software analyst. This is Cargill’s $8 to $10 an hour, and since interns of Genesys Works has been stagger- serves more than 200 students each when they apply. inaugural year with Genesys. accumulate an average of 1,000 ing. Their website is loaded with suc- year. The goal of the program is to cess stories of students who are now “prepare students for college and taking advantage of excellent career career success,” said executive direc- “I learned so many skills related to IT and computers, but I also learned a lot opportunities post-college. tor Jeff Tollefson. of professional skills, like how to deal with people. It’s pretty rigorous because of all the tests Since the first summer training After a selection process, which five years ago, 97 percent of Genesys includes an application and an and it requires a lot of hard work. If you’re not interested in IT and working hard, students have gone to college, and interview, upcoming seniors are more than 80 percent have either hired to engage in an eight-week then you won’t like the program.” —Habiib Hassan graduated or are still in college.

high school from page 29 hours on UMTYMP a day. By setting limits on on the grass and soaked up the sunshine. college and graduate at the top of my class, I homework load to skyrocket. I slowly came my time, I learned to finish homework quickly By no means was I over my anxiety, but I would also like to broaden my horizons and to the realization that I could not spend an and efficiently, and found myself with more was beginning to learn to manage it. enjoy being a teenager. hour painstakingly tracing a single diagram leisure time. A month and a half away from starting high I want the whole high school experi- onto my paper anymore. I started to enjoy my weekends instead of school, I have high hopes for myself. Over the ence: SAT’s, ACT’s, Homecoming, Prom. I After a month of staying up to complete using them to perfect my homework. When last three years, I have started to loosen up am going to take high school one challenge my homework, I set up a system for myself. friends called, I agreed to go watch a movie and stop fretting about every little detail, and at a time, and in four years, perhaps that On the weekends, I would spend two hours with them. When the sky was blue and there I want to continue this process in high school. first day of sixth grade will be nothing but a practicing instruments and only three to four wasn’t a cloud in sight, I happily stretched out While I still aspire to attend an Ivy League distant memory.

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/" At the event, you will: Uʏi݈LiÊ-V i`Տià Learn how UÊ >à ÊvœÀÊ œi}i Learn how to Get personal employers and repair a feedback on UÊ “«œÞiiÊ ˆÃVœÕ˜Ì colleges use damaged online your Facebook UÊÀi>ÌÊ7œÀŽÊ ˜ÛˆÀœ˜“i˜Ì social media to reputation. profile. judge applicants. Go to LundsandByerlys.com and click “ABOUT US.” Select “Careers”and click “View positions and apply.” Free and open to any teen, but let us know if you plan on coming at www.threesixtyjournalism.org/ProtectMyRep or contact Lynda McDonnell at [email protected]

Lund Food Holdings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.

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