WESTERN HILLS HIGH S CHOOL March, 2021 CINCINNATI, OHIO “HOME OF THE MUSTANGS” Issue 2 The Western Breeze Having Fun During the Pandemic: it is possible!

By Hector Alvarez, ‘21 things done that they have been putting off for a while such as cleaning out the We can agree that 2020 was a rough basement, cleaning out the garage, clean- year for all of us with a long chain of ing out the gutters, or doing some sort of project on their house whether is some- catastrophic events that have oc- thing small like painting your kitchen, curred, the biggest one being the glob- living room, or a bedroom a different col- al pandemic, COVID-19. or or rearranging a room. Oftentimes peo- It was initially reported to the WHO ple choose to do bigger projects such as (World Health Organization) on De- adding an addition to the house such as an cember 31, 2019. On January 30, extra bedroom, building a deck in the 2020, the WHO declared the COVID- backyard, or adding a garden to the 19 outbreak a global health emergen- house. cy. Many people assumed that Don’t feel like doing a DIY house pro- COVID-19 was not that big of a deal ject? How about finishing or starting and that it was going to die off in no some sort of TV series. There are multiple TV series on Netflix time. from comedy, horror, action, drama, ro- However, that was not the case. mantic, and so much more. Some of the COVID-19 began spreading and increas- more popular ones consist of On my ing rapidly, each and everyday more and Block, All American, Supernatural, The more cases were reported all over the Office, and the list goes on and on. world. Day by day the numbers of infect- https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/stay-home-stay-safe- You can also take the time to teach ed increased but so did the number of (Photo courtesy of save-lives-gm1216234413-354577370) yourself new things such as a new deaths of those who had been infected by the virus. language or learn to draw or create a Americans assumed the virus would piece of art. You can also pick up an overnight polymerase chain reaction ple were losing their minds and felt as if instrument such as a guitar, violin, never reach the United States but little did testing”. they were going crazy. Many people they know the virus was already in the tuba, trombone, trumpet, or flute and Ever since then the virus began to asked themselves the same question, states. learn how to play. spread new cases appearing in every state, how can we have fun in the middle of According to the AJMC staff, “A city, and county of the United States of Being stuck at home can be very over- Washington state resident becomes a global pandemic? whelming, frustrating, and stressful but as America. Each and every American was It seems as if it is very hard to have the first person in the United States told to quarantine and work from home long as you have an open mind and a with a confirmed case of the 2019 fun at home especially if you are large imagination you will be able to have ever since then. forced to stay at home. Quite a few novel coronavirus, having returned As the days went by the boredom start- fun at home just as much fun as being from Wuhan on January 15, thanks to ed to grow exponentially and many peo- people took this time at home to get outdoors. Amanda Gorman and “The Hill We Climb”

By Heaven Jones, ‘24 Joe Biden and Vice President Ka- qualities that make poetry come American female president in U.S mala Harris’ Inauguration ceremo- alive. history. “We’ve learned that quiet isn’t ny. Along with Jones’ opinion, Amanda also has a twin sister, peace, and the norms and nations Daneric Ford, an 11th grader at- Gabrielle Gorman, who’s a film of what just is isn’t always justice”. The Inauguration is a very im- tending James N. Gamble Mon- director. Both Amanda and Gabri- That’s a quote from Amanda elle were raised by a single moth- Gorman’s breathtakingly powerful er who works as a teacher. They inaugural poem. both had a speech impediment Amanda Gorman is an American when they were younger which is poet and activist. She was born in surprising considering that Aman- Los Angeles, California (in 1998). da spoke so well at the Inaugura- She attended a private school tion. named “Santa Monica” from Aside from Gorman being a po- grades K-12 and as a senior re- et and activist, she’s also in the ceived a Milken Family Foundation fashion industry. She has walked college scholarship. She studied the red carpet a couple of times sociology at Harvard College and over the years, was mentioned in graduated Cum Laude in 2020 as Vogue magazine, and has her a member of Phi Beta Kappa. own stylist, Jason Bolden. Now, Amanda Gorman is the first In summation, Gorman has nu- person to be named National merous talents and is a very intel- (Photo courtesy of File:210120-D-WD757-2531 (50861220401).jpg - Youth Poet Laureate. ligent individual who will hopefully Wikimedia Commons) Amanda’s work focuses on is- be president of the United States sues of oppression, feminism, someday. Her work is incredibly race, and marginalization, as well portant place for a poet to speak tessori High School believes, powerful and she inspires many as the African diaspora. Her words because they literally have millions “More than one meaning” can eas- black little girls like me to do alone have won her invitations to of people listening to their words ily make a good poem. Amanda great. the Obama White House and to which can be taken as an oppor- Gorman’s inaugural poem is a per- “We the successors of a country perform for Lin-Manuel Miranda, tunity to change the world and al- fect example of a “good poem” and time where a skinny black girl Al Gore, and Secretary Hillary so make a name for themselves, because it has a deep meaning descended by slaves and raised Clinton. She was brought to the just as Amanda did. and you can really feel her words by a single mother can dream of Inaugural Committee's attention by and emotions when she speaks. becoming president only to find first lady Jill Biden, who saw her There are many opinions of what Some fun facts to know about herself reciting for one” is an- recite a poem at the Library of makes a good poem, but accord- Amanda Gorman are that she other line from Amanda’s inau- Congress. 3. ing to Ashley Jones, 32 year old plans to run for president when she reaches the age of eligibility in gural poem, “The Hill We Amanda Gorman fascinated the medical assistant from Cincinnati, Climb.” world when she read her poem, Ohio, “A purpose, a meaning, a 2036. If she were to make it into office she will be the first African “The Hill We Climb” at President feeling, and a sensation” are the The Western Breeze Issue 2 Page 2 March, 2021

OPINIONS Drug Testing too Early in Middle School

By Briaunn Hutchinson, ‘22 preme Court broadened the au- petitive extracurricular activi- drug use among adolescents thority of public schools to test stu- ties. (drugabuse.gov). According to ACLU these days, more and more schools are But Withrow High school Jun- testing kids for drug use. The theory is ior Geaunna Washington says “No I that if students know they might be don’t believe a drug test should ever be necessary for a student because tested, they'll just say no to drugs. Unfortunately, what these schools what a student puts in there body is don't realize is that drug testing is no one's concern but the students NOT the answer to their drug prob- there parent and doctor.” lems. For one thing, there is no con- crete evidence that randomly drug Washington also said “No I testing students deters drug use. And don’t believe students should get drug it does not address the reasons why tests because it’s an invasion of their kids turn to drugs in the first place. privacy. They also most likely do drugs outside of school and I feel as if what happens outside of school 16% of students subject to should not be a concern to the drug testing reported using drugs school”. compared with 22% of students in schools that didn't test. Testing Drug testing has become a com- didn't change students' reported mon procedure in some areas of soci- intentions to use drugs in the fu- ety, from teachers and athletes to pro- fessionals in a wide range of indus- ture. (Photo courtesy oft- tps://www.google.com/search?q=curse+words&safe=active&rlz=1C1GC tries. More recently, the question of EB_enUS916US920&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX2 drug testing for students has been But Western Hills High School MCDlYPvAhVBGFkFHQr3BgAQ_AUoAXoECBQQAw&biw=1366&bih=65 raised, as some schools have begun Junior Charles Bishop says “no a 7#imgrc=peVGurLRriv-pM ) to institute random drug testing in high school can’t test me without a con- schools and even middle schools. Is sent and yes that violates our rights drug testing an effective way to keep as human beings on this heavenly The Office of National Drug students “clean” or is it a blatant viola- earth; drug tests are not necessary.” dents for illegal drugs. The court Control Policy in the US asserts that tion of students’ privacy rights? The answer to that question may depend ruled to allow random drug tests random drug testing in schools has been effective in reducing drug on who you ask. According to Kaiser Health for all middle and high school (publicschoolreview). News, In June 2002, the U.S. Su- students participating in com- use and, most importantly, deters

Corruption of Social Media

Heaven Jones, ‘24 informative. According to Daneric he says, “Yes I When you search the definition of social do think social media can be helpful, it media on google the first thing that will has taught me a lot of things, things that pop up says, “websites and applications I wouldn't have learned in school” and that enable users to create and share he’s not the only one with that opinion. content or to participate in social net- When asked if the media can be working.” Sounds fun and harmless helpful in some ways, Ramatoulaye right? Yeah it’s supposed to be, but Samassa, a 9th grader attending West- sometimes it’s way deeper than that. I ern Hills, believes “Yes, they teach us believe that social media can be danger- ous and corrupt, you have to be very things school doesn’t”. The Breeze Staff careful with what you share online for For example, school doesn’t teach us billions of people to see. how to save money, it doesn’t teach us When using social media you have to about mental, physical, or social Reporters be cautious of others. There’s all types health, taxes and bills, interests and of people online such as pedos, creeps, mortgages, how to find the right job and prepare for an interview, and a Advisor bullies, groomers, scammers, hackers, and the list goes on. You can never be bunch of other useful things that you Ms. Shannon Silbernagel too careful and you should never trust can find on the internet. ————————————————————————————— people you just met. On top of that, to- In conclusion, social media can be The Western Breeze is an open forum for student expression produced and for day’s society is the absolute worst. very dangerous in different ways and students of Western Hills High School, 2144 Ferguson Road, Cincinnati, OH There’s racism, homophobia, ableism, you should make sure you’re safe and 45238. an unrealistic beauty standards which protected at all times. makes young girls feel bad about them- Some ways to protect yourself from Kishayla Adams, De’la Al-Hameed Irby, selves, and so much more. hackers and weirdos are by using very Hector Alvarez, Demetrione Anderson, Jordyn When asked if social media can strong passwords, use a different pass- Booker, Tyniar Chaney, make people feel bad about them- word for each social media account, selves, Daneric Ford, an 11th grader and never share any personal infor- Jashaun Chapman, Shericko Douglas, Jeral Glover, attending Gamble Montessori High mation. You never know who might Sandra Gonzalez, Ty’Drez Hailey, Briaunn School answered, “Most definitely, be a groomer or pedophile so you Hutchinson, Heaven Jones, Jamarr Jones, Bana there is a beauty standard that if you should be selective with your friend Kidane, Anthony Lamb, Sydney McAdams, Edward don’t fit you will get openly made fun request and block any suspicious ac- McBride, Tyree Pates, Hunter Sheehan, Skilar of”. counts. If you ever witness any bully- It isn’t always sunshine and rain- ing or inappropriate statues you should Southard, Jaylynn Stapleton, Niyah West, bows when using a media platform, block or report their account, those Daniel Williams, Horatio Williams, Keylon Wood- but sometimes it’s not that bad either. things are gross, unnecessary, and un- ward, Maryssa Morales, and Daniel Hernandez There’s pros and cons to it. Social me- acceptable. dia can actually be very helpful and The Western Breeze Issue 2 Page 3 March, 2021

OPINIONS Drunk Driving detrimental to youth

By Sandra Gonzalez, ‘23 be banned? Mejia responded saying, “Yes be- Should Students Grade Teachers? Is drinking and driving still a prob- cause it could cause harmful stuff to themselves and others.” lem for teens? I do think it is a problem It should be banned for teens because By Hunter Sheehan, have repercussions. For example, for teens because they are more likely it can affect their health and when they if a student got a bad grade they to get into an accident and lead to seri- are grown they wouldn’t be that Have you ever had a teacher that could convince their friends to ous injuries including them and other healthy. just ruined class and you didn't people. boycott the teacher resulting in an Why do you think most teens drink? feel like you were learning any- Jasmine Marroquin Mejia who’s a unjust system. Mejia responded saying, “They might Sophomore in West High responded, thing? There could be a system in If they ever did decide they want to feel good and release “No, because when you're drunk while place to let stu- would need to stress/forget about many problems and driving you don’t have conscious of dents tell others relax because they want to experience make sure it yourself and cause an accident involv- what it would feel like to get drunk.” their opinion on works and is ing someone getting hurt.” I think they drink because they don’t the teachers they fair and also Lots of people who drink always tend want to deal with the pain they feel and have and possi- to drive, don't know what they're doing figure out what would like to release their stress, they bly get you a and sometimes their eyesight can get it would actual- could probably use drinking as a cop- blurry and they could get into a crash. more fitting ly do to a teach- ing mechanism. What age do you think teens are the teacher. er. If it did any- What happens when you're driving most affected by alcohol? In my opinion while drunk? thing, it could Mejia responded saying, “13 because Mejia responded saying that, “You students should also serve as a they can sometimes be depressed and can cause an accident with yourself or be able to grade warning for a start to drink, or probably just want to someone else.” if a student feels fit in.” while and if it You wouldn’t be conscious of your he isn't getting Lots of young teens think that alcohol continued go own self and wouldn’t know what is is cool, and they would most likely an education or a into more dras- happening around you when driving want to try it; they can see people poor one then tic measures. and you can sometimes black out and drinking on social media and would he could reflect could hit someone or hurt yourself. (https://www.subpng.com/png)np According to want to copy them. There are some solutions with driving that in his grade pipy/ ) scmp.com, Drinking and driving can even go as under the influence. or if a student “Teachers be- far as fatality. “You can call them a taxi, offer them wants to show a Claritza Perez who is a Sophomore come qualified to teach, and stu- a ride, or call someone they trust to teacher his appreciation then he attending West High said, “No I don’t dents do not have the right or pick them up.” know anyone [that died as a result of could grade them highly. qualifications to grade their teach- It’s better to call someone they trust drunk driving] but I see lots of people But what would a grade do? ers fairly. Definitely not. Students is probably the best way because they on the news who were injured.” could affect their pay and what can feel safe, or you can offer them a are immature and might give a bad I also don’t know anybody but there lift back home and pick up the car the classes they are put in and maybe grade to a teacher just because are lots of drinking and driving acci- next day when they are sober. even enough bad grades could get they do not get on, or they have dents on the news. a bad teacher fired. But this could Should drinking and driving for teens been punished by them.” Have Cuss Words Lost their Shock Value?

By Briaunn Hutchinson, ‘22 tary School Teacher (https://sites.google.com/ using the curse words” Mathew added. site/bleeporganization/reasons-not-to-curse). It can quickly become an unbreakable habit. We live in a society that frowns upon the use People will respect you less. Do you respect Cursing is dangerous. One word now can of foul language and can be easily offended by someone who can’t control his mouth? Cursing quickly become a dirty word every other sen- it. will make you seem immature and childish in tence. It’s just better if you never even start. “At a certain point it’s disrespectful in certain other people’s eyes. It doesn’t make you sound The solution I think would be best is to lay situations and environment” Briannah “cool”. down ground rules while they’re young. You Hutchinson UC student. Even if you personally You never know who’s listening, especially should let your kids know when they can and do not feel there is anything wrong with curs- if you’re in public… There could be young can’t curse. Also let them know who they can ing, the rest of the world does, and it's an unac- children present. You can never be sure who and can’t curse at no matter what. If you are ceptable way to speak. I do not believe it is hears you, so do you really need to say those around someone who likes to curse just to okay to curse in public, and definitely not in words? curse, talk to them, try to make them chill or school. “Curse words can be considered disrespect- just remove yourself from them “If you curse, you should do that around peo- ful, more so from the older generations' point. I (https://www.projectinspired.com/7-reasons- ple that you do not mind that you do it” said also believe that this depends on the environ- curse-words-are-harmful/). Ryan Mathew of Frederick Douglass Elemen- ment on which you are raised and how you are The Western Breeze Issue 2 Page 4 March, 2021 FEATURES Breaking Dancing Down the History of Shoes

By Jamar Jones, ‘24 shoes it makes no sense like today. They used to be made out weather. there so many different brands, of The world's oldest leather A lot of people take shoes Shoes! Shoes are mandatory in like Jordan, Nike, Vans, Foam- shoe, made from a single piece for granted, and they really life; you need them to keep your posite, and Timberland. of cowhide laced with a leather don’t appreciate what they feet warm and to keep from step- Graduate, Eric Jones says “my cord along seams at the front have. Shoes weren't just a favorite shoe brand is Jordan.” and back, was found in a cave in ping on rocks and water. thing everyone had back in We have been wearing shoes And his favorite shoes are the Armenia in 2008, and it is be- Black and Red Bread Elevens. lieved to date to 3500 BC. the day, and now you really since seven thousand because had to have some money to we have been wearing shoes for I don't have a favorite shoe in Back then they were not worry- so long we might as well start particular because I wear a little ing about what their shoes were purchase these cosmetics. putting designs on them and bit of everything. I feel like shoes wearing, they just cared about So if you're out and about making different kinds. are everything shoes can get you being warm and having some- you should really buy your- In fact different types of shoes noticed and shoes can get you thing to cover their feet. Shoes self some shoes and appre- are made for different types of made fun of. Shoes can be kind have been a very important es- ciate them. So when you buy work, like construction boots, of a first impression. sential throughout history. They What a lot of people don't helped with a lot of things, like some shoes just think back non-slip shoes like crocs, or rock on this article and you'll do climbing shoes. know is back in the day shoes protecting your feet from rocks, We have so many modern day were nothing like how they are water, mud, and any type of great. Graffiti: A Creative Artform of Community

By Anthony Lamb, ’24 the form of prehistoric cave paintings and pictographs us- ing tools such as animal You can always find graffiti bones and pigments. These in any community you're in. illustrations were often placed You can find very cool and in ceremonial and sacred lo- interesting art styles all cations inside the caves throughout the world. (https://blocs.xtec.cat/streetart There is bad graffiti, but /history-of-graffiti/history-of- there are some amazing and graffiti-1/). interesting art styles any- The word graffiti comes where. from the Italian language and A Western Hills High it is the plural of the word School Conner Steadman “graffito.” They are both de- says, “graffiti shouldn't be il- rived from the word graffio, legal because you see it eve- which means “a scratch.” The rywhere and it’s technically earliest graffiti was created art you just see in our com- prior to written language and munity” the first drawings on walls Graffiti is so unique, beauti- appeared in caves thousands ful and cool. of years ago (“The History of The first modern graffiti to showcase graffiti as art- Davionte Elliot says, “it Graffiti from Ancient Times writer is widely considered to work (‘The History of Ameri- should be a good thing some- to Modern Times”). be Cornbread, a high school can Graffiti:’ From Subway times there could be very cool Overall, graffiti should be le- student from Philadelphia, Car to Gallery). looking art that actually looks gal, and we should have more who in 1967 started tagging Should graffiti be a good great in some parts of our art styles like that around our city walls to get the attention thing or a bad thing? community” community. It can be fun and of a girl. But it was only in Answered by another West- The earliest forms of graffiti creative in some ways, and they the 1980s that galleries began ern Hills High School student date back to 30,000 years in look very cool and interesting. The Western Breeze Issue 2 Page 5 March, 2021 FEATURES Sexual Violence Against Women Needs to Stop

By Skilar Southard, ‘24 age girls are engaged in a rela- tionship with older men. Young According to the website RAINN, women are vulnerable to this cir- on average, there are 433,648 vic- cumstance because they believe tims (age 12 or older) of rape and they are 'different' or 'mature for sexual assault each year in the their age' when the reality is they United States. are the victims of sexual preda- According to a resident of Price tion." Hill, Crystal Wilzbach says, “I College can be a very serious think it has increased because a time in the lives of women’s sex- lot of women still keep it a secret ual safety. and hidden.” According to English teacher, Those age 65 and older are 92% Kara Haddix, she explains, “I re- less likely than 12-24 year olds to cently began going through classes be a victim of rape or sexual as- to help women who were victims sault, and 83% less likely than 25- of various types of abuse (sexual, 49 year olds (RAINN). verbal. Physical, etc). I have met According to Walnut Hills sen- many women who were victims of ior Olivia Wilzbach says,”I think sexual violence during their col- that younger women get sexually lege years and I know that it is a assaulted more than older women heavy burden to carry throughout is because we are easy targets and life.” you're young and vulnerable and There are ways to stay protected we are an easy target.” ly than the general population to According to the science teach- against sexual violence. As of 1998, an estimated 17.7 be victims of rape, attempted er Leah Wade says, "Yes, I do Haddix states,“Trying to stay million American women had rape, or sexual assault (RAINN). worry that young women are safe, walking in pairs in a lighted been victims of attempted or com- Women ages 18-24 who are more often sexually assaulted, area, and not being in an isolated pleted rape.82% of all juvenile college students are 3 times more especially my students whose area are all things that can help victims are female. 90% of adult likely than women in general to wellbeing I care deeply about. A stop sexual violence. Also, if you rape victims are female. Females experience sexual violence disappointing narrative I often see are a victim, getting counseling ages 16-19 are 4 times more like- (RAINN). played out is where high school and the help that you need after will go a long way.” The Endless Possibilities of Life on Another Planet

By Niyah West, ‘22 and humans on the moon, they sent satellites outer Have you ever thought about space. These satellites take living on another planet? Just pictures of the moon and send the thought of moving to an- them back to earth. other planet amazes me. Trav- The universe is so unknown. eling through space in a There could be a whole other spaceship, looking out the win- solar system that's livable that dow and seeing billions of could just miles away from stars, seeing other planets our. We don't have the tech- seeing the great beyond. Arriv- nology that can go far and dis- ing at another planet and see- cover it, but who knows what's ing such beautiful life, would out there? be a wonderful experience. What if there is nothing out There could be life on anoth- there and it's just us, in the er planet. We just haven't dis- one solar system? covered it yet, or maybe they “I know there is a black hole did and didn't want to tell us in our galaxy but anything be- until they have all the infor- sides that I doubt it,” says mation. Strattman. “I feel as if they already We just need better technol- found evidence that there has ogy to discover it, but do you been life on mars including think you would be alive when foot prints and more,” says they do discover it? Carolyn Strattman, a resident “I think I would be alive when of Price Hill. they discover it,'' says Mack. Who knows what is out there (Photo courtesy of teachwire.net) There is so much that we yet in space? We haven't even have to discover. The world is discovered half of space. actually wasn't the first living Would they do the same such an unknown place. Even- There are nine planets in our thing on the moon. NASA sent thing when going to mars to tually we would have the tech- solar system. Why would only a monkey to make sure it was see if it's livable? nology and answer the ques- one planet be livable? Maybe safe for humans to go up. “I think they would do the tions that everyone's is ask- the plants are livable for cer- There weren't any controls or same thing and send another ing. It's a beautiful place, yet tain animals and plants but not switches he had to press. animal to test the living ground there is so much to reveal and for our animals, plants and hu- They just shot up in the air and on mars,” says Orion seventh find out. mans. he floated right back down grader, Rayonna Mack. The first person on the moon and landed in the ocean. Before they sent monkeys Issue 2 The Western Breeze Page 6 March, 2021 FEATURES Pay for College Athletes

Sherick’o Douglas ‘24 According to Woodward High about getting bullied. And some have. School student Davion Amekon, he players like to have certain equip- doesn’t think colleges should pay ment that makes them look better. ” Can you imagine staying after their students for doing athletes Should their GPA be a certain practice late and going home and because “ Some people will not number to get paid? still have to worry about homework care to go to the leagues because How much should the athletes and your job? No, because you are they're already getting paid by their get paid? They should most likely not an athlete that does that and college. And if people started to get get paid $25,000 for themselves Yes their GPA should be at least they are not even getting paid. paid more than others, problems and their equipment for the sport 2.3 because that’s their average to would come. ” They should all get and they can play some of the play their spot. Should every col- Theoretically, the athletes who the same amount because of that scholarship. lege get athletes? Yes because if should get paid are the ones play- reason. not every college play some stu- ing the sports that bring in the big dents might think it's unfair and the money, namely, men’s college bas- Should the athletes get paid for game has to be the same. If an ketball and football players. Col- According to River View student better equipment/ school supplies athlete gets paid for their energy? lege basketball and football players Kawmane Lawrence, he thinks col- or should they get paid for their No because they are not getting no in particular are the ones who pro- leges should pay their athletes be- school fundraiser? Colleges should game time. They basically mean vide a good time for fans who are cause “Some college’s students get paid for both because it will the athlete getting paid for nothing. willing to pay to watch the games, get bullied because of their clothes help the school. It will help the stu- so they deserve to get paid. and shoes so if they sport teams dents by not worrying about most pay them they won’t have to worry students having things others don't From New York to Cincinnati: one girl’s story friends we all sometimes go out to eat or just have because his work was getting very busy and he By Maryssa Morlaes, ‘22 like a family night because we are almost like a wouldn’t be able to come out here for a long time, family. We all knew we were going to movie out but when I said bye to him it was hard because I I am just a regular city girl from New York who here in Cincinnati but we didn’t know when. felt like that little girl when he left me and my lived all her life over there and never thought in her Then my mom and step-dad told me and my sib- mom. I remember the last thing he said to me in life that she would move all the way out here in lings that they had a surprise for us. It was our new person. “Remember that I love you, don't forget that and I will Cincinnati. I would have to start all over from mak- “Just a small town girl from always love your mom and always have a special place ing new friends to meeting new teachers and peo- for your brothers in my heart”. I gave him a hug and left ple. I thought it would be an easy change, but I'm Long Island, New York is now but that was hard for me because I didn't want to let go still learning, and it’s not that easy. but I had to. I grew up in Long Island, New York in a small ready to conquer Cincinnati and The last day of school in New York was hard because town called Westhampton Beach. It's always calm excited to see what the future all of my friends were over there, in every class that I and quiet and just a very nice place to live. I lived had we had a little farewell party and it was hard for me. all my life out there and had my whole family out had for me and my family out Then it came the time to say goodbye to my best-friend, there and friends that I grew but with them. My life here.” this part to this day is hard for me to write and writing out there was just like any ordinary girl school, this is hard for me and even some tears are coming out because it was hard for me. friends, sometimes I would go to parties, and go out house and we told them that we did want to move I told her “ Jenny this isn’t a goodbye this is a see to eat some friends and family members, but let me out here because we loved it. It was different but a you soon I will come visit and you have to come go back a few years later. good difference and we knew that it would be diffi- over there and we will go on trips and everything”. I was born in Riverhead, New York February 26, cult for all of us because we would have to learn To this day we still talk and keep in touch here. 2004 at 3:16 PM. I was just a little girl, small new roads and places and start a new school and It’s been almost a month since I moved out chubby and pretty white with a lot of hair. The day make new friends and meet new people. All of us I came home from the hospital my mother said it here from New York and I know that I did make were cool with that but my mom was still a little a right choices moving out here it now feels like was “the best day ever” because she had a healthy sad because she said that it was going to be hard for baby and I was her first child and I was the first home and I don’t regret my choices I’ve met us here and maybe not for us. many nice people out here and I have VERY nice nieces, daughter, and granddaughter to the family. We went back home for only two weeks and Everyone was happy that I was healthy. packed all of our stuff and get paperwork done and teacher out here and it make me feel like home. When we came out here for the holidays it was finished school out there and spent time with my Just a small town girl from Long Island, New VERY different from New York but it felt like a dad and some with my family and friends.The last York is now ready to conquer Cincinnati and ex- good difference. We met new people out here and night that I went out with my dad it was hard be- cited to see what the future had for me and my they are very nice to this day and now we are all cause I wouldn’t know when I would get to see him family out here. Issue 2 The Western Breeze Page 7 March, 2021 FEATURES The Virus Takes Over: A Poem

By Aliyah-Marie Telich, ‘21

A Speedy Letter My last doctor’s visit was brothers unexpected This virus doesn’t care By Hector Alvarez, ’21 But come to find out It will take others .. I had been infected Dear friends and loved ones, I told the doctor my body COVID cases are elevat- more than just a way to have fun. had been feeling sore ing As you all know 2020 has been a My car has been an escape for me But turns out, People are dying left and really horrible year for me but for from reality, oftentimes when I am in my head I’ll just go into my car It was much, much more right everyone else as well. It has been a very huge difference and a huge and cancel out every single thought My death is awaiting adjustment with the hit of COVID- and go for a drive. I am filled with

Here I lay I’ll soon be out of sight 19. Sometimes I just feel trapped, adrenaline as my heart begins to Waiting for the inevitable cornered into a wall, and I feel as if race and my breathing gets harder I'm constantly running around in as I step on the accelerator as my But I must say I never thought I’d say speed goes from 50 mph to 90 mph circles doing the same things over This is unacceptable this and over. I just want to feel free, down the highway. I feel my heart But it’s been swell entertained, I want to feel adrena- start to beat faster and skip beats My health status was just fine My life has been a bliss line during a global pandemic be- as my blood races through my body cause I feel as if we are all limited and I get the joy and thrill of the I don’t understand It has really taught me adrenaline rush from speeding. For to having fun and trying to be safe. Now I don’t have much well But, for me that is where cars that little moment I am calm, at time Kiss everyone I love come into play for me. As a kid I peace, it is my way out of reality itself, it's how I cope with things I wish I could hold my lov- goodbye was always interested in cars and I had always had a passion for cars. such as stress, anxiety, depression, er’s hand And please let them But, this year I had really dove into and so much more. I feel as if I am know, cars and I had taught myself so in complete control of what happens This virus is here to kill I will see them on the oth- much more and I had just fallen when I am driving. I know some of you don’t like the Although I never thought er side more and more in love with the ma- chinery, engineering, and functions fact that I am putting my life at risk I’d fall victim to it of cars. with cars and speeding, but as a car This virus is very much When I bought my first car I was enthusiast and a speed junkie, I tell real filled with thrill and excitement you all to not be sad because I am doing what I love to do. knowing that I would finally be able Moms, dads, sisters, and to have some fun during a pandem- ic. However, my car has just been Sincerely, Hector Issue 2 The Western Breeze Page 8 March, 2021 FEATURES Getting to Know Some of the New Staff Who is Sandra gonzalez? best to get good grades and to succeed, get together it gets so chaotic and fun. In ested in other types of books. One of my By Sandra Gonzalez, ‘23 but sometimes I really do struggle a lot my current neighborhood it is really quiet favorite books is The Prisoner of Azkaban. though. Some of my struggles were being and peaceful. We live in an apartment so Another hobby is listening to music. I disorganized and feeling overwhelmed, mostly everyone really does know each listen to all types of music except for Ever since I started high school at West- failing to accomplish school work on other. We have a playground which hard- country music. ern Hills University High School I can say time, and getting distracted most of the ly anyone goes to because of covid. No that my life has changed so much. I never time. At school I never really had a favor- one really goes outside because of Win- expected myself to attend Western Hills ite teacher. ter. Some of my favorite artists are BTS, because honestly my dream was to Lana Del Rey, The Neighbourhood, Wal- attend Dater High School since I was in lows, Conan Gray, Chase Atlantic, The 6th grade, but that obviously didn’t work My future plans in life are to graduate I really have lots of hobbies like danc- Weeknd, Arctic Monkeys, Ariana Grande, out. high school and try my hardest to get into ing. I really love to dance; it just seems Harry Styles, Ateez, and Twice. My favor- a good college somewhere that might not really fun and you get lots of exercise ite music right now will be “Heart like be Cincinnati if I get accepted. I would done when dancing. Yours” by Willamette Stone and Chit Chat I grew up in Cincinnati, I was born on also love to travel all around the world. by Beach Weather. Some of my interests June 1, 2005. My name is Sandra but per- My dream in life is to have a good career are, being on my phone, shopping, danc- sonally I like to be called San for short. and be happy in the future and to move A second hobby of mine is watching ing, exercising, baking, watching tv, and Growing up I didn’t really like living in away from Ohio and to be successful with movies. I love to watch all types of genres meditating. Cincinnati as I myself wished that we a good home. My dream career is to be- as long as the movie is interesting. Some moved somewhere like Los Angeles Cali- come a nurse. of my favorite movies are the Harry fornia, New York City, London, Spain, or Potter movies. I can literally always I have had some struggles throughout even Seoul. watch the movies and never get bored of the years I was really at my lowest and I have two younger siblings and my it. Another favorite is The Maze Runner. I was struggling with depression but over- mom and dad, but I'm not really close really love the movie. It is so inter- came it by myself. Losing my best friend I would say school is really one of least with my parents as I used to be when I esting. was something hard that I really went favorite things to do as we have to do so was younger. I'm sort of close with my through because she was always by my much work. At school some of my favor- sister but sometimes not that much. In side and I always told her everything I ite subjects are art, physical education, our household we always speak Spanish Some of my interests are reading was going through but as we started high and sometimes reading was also my fa- with my family. I have lots of family books. To be honest I didn’t really like to school we got distant and stopped talk- vorite, but then it started to get harder. members and they are all so fun and I'm read books at the start but as I started to ing. Today, I’ve been doing great. I have Even though school is hard, I still try my really close with my cousins. When we all read Harry Potter books I got more inter- been happy lately with myself. Who is heaven Jones?

By Heaven Jones, ‘24 emy) but ended up leaving in the be- got those little school award certifi- with three kids, my father passed I’ve always felt different from eve- ginning of fifth grade due to bullying. cates, plus I actually enjoyed waking away before I was born so I never had ryone else my age growing up. No- I’m a very shy and quiet girl so I was up at six in the morning to spend sev- any real type of father figure in my body really understood me and peo- an easy target for bullies, plus I didn’t en hours filling my brain with useless life. I used to spend my childhood ple thought I was weird for having a know how to stand up for myself information that will never help me in days jealous of my little brother for different personality. I always whatsoever. After that, I got enrolled the real world when I get older. But having a loving mother and father and thought that I needed to be someone in Roll Hill, and there I learned that now everything has changed, and it would cry to my grandma about it. Later I else in order to make friends and bullying started in found out that my grandma would go sense I craved validation so badly, I appears to seventh back and tell my mom everything I told would try to impress everyone and happen grade. I de- her, and that’s when I started developing trust issues. I still love my grandma of mask my true personality because I every- veloped a course but I would never tell her another felt like I wasn’t enough. Recently, I where. I bad, toxic found myself and realized that I live secret or anything personal. I have a hard attended mindset. I time making friends and being comforta- only once, so I should begin to live Westwood started ble around anyone besides my immedi- and be content with myself. I’m ma- in the sixth slacking off ate family, they’re the only people who turing, practicing self love, and being grade, then because I know the real me. myself is by far one of my greatest Dater in the was in a Today I’m doing better than ever. accomplishments. seventh. I different I’m starting to get my grades up, go- I was born and raised in Cincinnati, left in the environ- ing to class, actually doing my work Ohio starting June 1, 2006. I was diag- middle of ment at a on time and trying to get comfortable nosed with sickle cell anemia at 6 the year new school asking questions if I have any. I know months old. Sickle cell anemia is a and moved with new I need to better myself and not just rare blood disease which causes red to Arizona work I did- for me, but for my family as well. I blood cells to become misshapen and with my mom and little brother, there n’t understand, my teachers were want them to be proud of me one break down. It’s been a struggle of I went to some school I don’t remem- really mean and didn’t have any day. I’m growing as a person, learning course, in and out of hospitals my ber the name of. We moved back to friends so I just gave up and I just to love myself, and most importantly, whole life, but I never let my illness Ohio at the beginning of the 8th hadn’t been the same since. I stopped caring about other people affect me as a person. grade, where I attended West High, I’ve always had a very good rela- and their opinions on me. I need to I went to a couple of different and now I'm here, a ninth grade stu- tionship with my mom, she’s literally be me regardless, pretending to schools growing up for different rea- dent still in Western Hills. my best and only friend.I know be something I'm not is so ex- sons. In elementary I attended CCPA I used to do so well in school. Every there's anything I can talk to her hausting and it takes a lot out of (Cincinnati College Preparatory Acad- year I would get A and B honor rolls, I about. My mom is a single mother me.