The Salt Lake City School District and the University of Utah School of Education co-spon­ sored the fourth Annual Stegner Young Writing Scholars' Institute (The Stegner Institute) in June, 2012. This publication, Our Voices 2012, is the final product which celebrates SLCSD as developing writers. The life of Wallace Stegner provides inspiration for the work done through­ out the Stegner Institute: Wallace Stegner is a distinguished writer, past resident of Salt Lake and alumnus of East High School. The Stegner Institute is made possible by generous support from the Salt Lake City School District, the Salt Lake Foundation, University of Utah, Rio Tinto, The East High Alumni Foundation, and the Utah Humanities Council. To learn more a~out how you can help support The Stegner Institute, please contact Michael Williams, Director of Devel­ opment and External Relations, at [email protected].

The purpose of The Stegner Institute is to instruct and encourage student writers to find strength in their writer's voice and commit their arguments to paper, using evidence, logic and specific examples to support their claims. A secondary purpose is to allow teachers of writing to collaboratively hone their teaching skills. To accomplish these goals, The Stegner Institute invites high school students and secondary English Language Arts teachers from the Salt Lake City School District to discover the power of writing during a two-week vvriting institute on the University of Utah campus. For the 10 days of the Writing Institute, students and teachers are immersed in writing work­ shops for four-hours each day. During the first week, students and faculty select a topic of inter­ est, research it, and begin to articulate their claims. During the second week, students focus on supporting their claims with evidence then revising their writing. The end product is a well-sup­ ported argumentative essay that is ready for publication.

Our Voices Magazine 2012 is a collection of the essays written by Stegner Institute students and teachers from the summer of 2012. In this collection you will encounter many tender and thought-provoking beliefs and arguments. You will not share all the beliefs represented in the essays and neither does the Stegner Institute faculty nor The Salt Lake City School District. If you read an essay that disturbs you, we encourage you to either stop reading it or discuss it with a parent, teacher or friend. Both the student author and the Stegner Institute faculty have tried to ensure that the information in each essay is accurate and that the writing is polished. Please remember that these are essays are written by developing authors. Publishing student writing encourages the reluctant writer, strengthens students' self-confidence, rewards interest and careful revision as well as provides writers with the opportunity to refine their thinking and ex­ press their opinions to a wider audience.

Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

OUR VOICES STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE ------

AcKNOWLEDGMENTs/ TA5LE OF CoNTENTs ... OUR VOICES celebrates SLCSD students as developing writers. Students selected, researched, drafted and revised their way through topics ofp ersonal importance. The context for this experience was the Stegner Young Scholars' Writing Institute, honoring Wallace Stegner as a distinguished write1; past resident ofSLC and student of East High. *The publication of this magazine is made possible by a grant from The East High Foundation and the Salt Lake Education Foundation.

Pg. 3 ...... Pg. 4 ...... Pg. 5 ...... Pg. 6 ...... Pg. 7 ...... Pg. 8 ...... Pg. 9 ...... Pg. 10 ...... Pg. 11 ...... Pg. 12 ...... Pg. 13 ...... •• Pg. 14 ...... • Pg. 15 ...... ••...... • Pg. 16 ...... • Pg. 17 ...... Pg. 18 ...... Pg. 19 ...... Pg. 20 ...... Pg. 21 ...... Pg. 22 ...... Pg. 23 ...... Pg. 24 ...... 1,2,3...• What's Your •-e•r•rn•tnf! Pg. 25 ...... Upholding the Affordable Healthcare Act Pg. 26 ...... Parents Need to Teach Sex Education Pg. 27 ...... Gay Marriage in Utah. Make it Legal. g. 28 ...... It's a Basic Human Right • .•...... Social Media and It's Effect ~M~~~~~~~·~·~· r~·~··~· ~· :,:············· ...... Social Media and It's Effect g. 3 1 ...... Mexico Needs Help Pg. 32 ...... -· ... ·-. - · -~--~~~ · ~--- .. .. --· .. -· .....Does Counseling Help Teenage Suicide Pg. 33 ...... Bullying: Ifyou 're a Bully, Stop. Pg. 34 ...... t· ...... Bullying: Ifyou're. a Bully, Stop. Pg. 3 5 ...... "- ...... Tablet Computers 111 Schools Pg. 36 ...... Gay Marriage (Legalizing it) Pg. 37 ...... Gay Marriage (Legalizing it) Pg. 38 ...... Equal Funding in Schools Pg. 39 ...... Lacrosse Gaining the Recognition Pg. 40 ...... Banning Books: Unacceptable Regression Pg. 41 ...... Don't Be Seljislt, Share the Wealth Pg. 42 ...... Fatal Attraction Pg. 43 ...... Athletes vs Students Pg. 44 ...... A Good Teacher Inpires Pg. 45 ...... Sex Education Pg. 46 ...... Bullying Affects Students Pg. 4 7 ...... Release the Obese Pg. 48 ...... Graffiti is a Form ofArt Pg. 49 ...... Dream Act Pg. 50 ...... Howling For Justice Pg. 51 ...... Uniforms=Crue/ Punishment Pg. 52 ...... The Dream Act Pg. 53 ...... Don't Be a DumbDumb, Use a Condom Pg. 54 ...... Don't Define Me . STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICE STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE

2 Reducing Summer Break for High Schools shows that teachers typically spend be­ summer break I feel that I have no focus This Is My Voice tween 4 to 6 weeks re-teaching material at all. Once focused and in the rhythm of that students have forgotten over the sum­ learning this will raise a student's focus By: mer. " (msnbc.msn.com) That time could and their effort in school like attendance, TienNguyen have been used learning the new curricu­ participation, and standards will rise. Rais­ West lum . l know this from experience; during ing all of these standards, students will the school year everything we learned is focus on their work and strive for an A crammed into the remaining days after instead of a C-, which in today's society is the review, and by the end of the year we a passing grade. Based off of a year round Every student in the United States has barely finish the criteria and have almost school year with little breaks between 180 days to learn the entire curriculum no time to review before the standardized learning the overall understanding of the during the school year. There are 365 days test. It's common sense that with more subject has been increased.(American Li­ in a year, so what do the students do dur­ time available there will be a better chance brary Association, California Depmtment ing the remaining 185 days? Well , some of learning anything. Imagine yourself of Education, MSNBC) By reducing sum­ are spent on holidays and most are spent having to learn how to play a new instru­ mer break there is a smaller time period on summer break. Let me note, summer ment. Would it be much easier for you to where most students forget the things they break is on average about three months learn and perfect one song in a day or a have learned, and can improve a student's long. That is plenty of time for anyone to month? This effect will reduce review- ability to memorize the criteria. forget a years' worth of everything they ing time at the beginning of the school Still some argue that by doing this, have learned in school. Reducing sum­ year to a minimum for a more effective schools will raise the prices of tax dra­ mer break for high schools will improve use of time that could be used to begin matically. Paying for extra utility bill and education significantly because society has learning. The opportunity gives many teaching time. Well , that's true but there's changed, students will have more time to students much more time to catch up and a simple solution to that problem using learn, thus making them more focused. understand the course. With so little time the same concept by reducing summer Over the last few decades our society to learn and review each subdivision ofthe school so that there would be a small er has dramatically changed. Technology has lesson, it is highly unlikely that test scores gap between learning periods. A simple advanced much since then. " In the early and the understanding of the subject will modification to the school calendar will years offmmal schooling in America, go up dramatically. Jncreasing a student's also work, but in this case school will school calendars were designed to fit achievements by giving students more still have 180 days, but the breaks will be the needs of each particular community time in class to develop certain skills and split up equally so that the time period of (Gold, 2002). Some communities had have better grades on standardized tests. memory loss is reduced. Basically, split­ long summer breaks to help with planting By reducing summer break this ting multiple breaks then evenly splitting and in fall to help with the harvest, while increases the amount of time students them throughout the year, instead of just urban schools sometimes operated on can study; students' focus is now pin­ one long summer break. "This method II- or 12-month schedules. By 1900, 85% pointed towards education and not toward is called a year round education and this of Americans were involved in agricul­ the weekends and summer break. From does happen in the United States. Stud- ture and when climate control in school experience in school I feel as though lam ies do show that this method of teaming buildings was limited. Today, about 3% extremely focused in school six months will increase the overall learning experi­ of Americans' livelihoods are tied to the in, once summer break is near 1 become ence of a student raising their reading and agricultural cycle, and air-conditioning extremely unfocused. Coming back from math score. This method also reduces the makes it possible for schools to provide dropout rates compared to a normal school Balanced Calendar comfortable learning environments year­ calendar" (American Library Association, round (Association ofCalifomia School Summer California Department of Education, MS­ Bruk Administrators, 1988). Harris Cooper NBC). Others say there wi ll be too much Educational Resource Information Center stress on students and teachers, but with so (U.S. Department ofEducation)" We still many breaks wouldn't students and teach­ use this calendar and why when there is ers both have a better productivity? With need for the extended summer break? so much time students wi ll have plenty of This almost sounds as though the United --Fall time to do work; with such a huge amount Break States has grown lazy and has indulged its of school work split up evenly this doesn't students with the old system. affect students as much. More class time will be available if In conclusion, by reducing summer summer break is shortened. "Research Break break or shortening the times between

OUR VOICES 3 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE breaks. This can dramatically improve college and life. By understanding each and will dramatically improve our future. education; the world is different now when subject students have a better chance of That's why you should stand up, talk to don't operate like the past anymore, it will identifying their career choice. Making your state school district administrator and increase the amount of time students will the student's future bright; opening many make a difference to your learning com­ have to learn, and students will have more doors of opportunities to a better future ca­ munity offering you and others a brighter time to focus this will improve educa- reer. This must be done because education future. tion. Preparing high school students for is very imp01tant to me and many others Stop CyJ,er Bullying

This Is My Voice

By: Samantha Paredes East

According to the National Crime Pre­ vention Center, over 40% of all teenagers with Internet access have rep01ted being bullied online during the past year. High school students should not bully other students because it creates a culture of meanness and hostility often expressed by vandalism and text messages, and causes fights in schools which may lead to suicide. Bullying creates an environment of fear and anger often expressed by vandal­ ism and text messages. At some schools, I of harassment starts in the bathroom at only makes you want that person to be ex­ notice walls covered in hateful writing and school." It represents them in a bad way pelled. When seeing someone bully a stu­ pictures; people are fighting with one an­ and the reputation is no better. When you dent to start a fight it makes you wonder other on walls. lt's vandalism, to sum it up look around all you see is mad dogging what they did so wrong, why they have its trash, a waste of time. Thinking about and you feel hatred in the air with people so much anger towards them. Are they it, the time that is spent drawing nonsense texting ignorant things about each other. jealous? And most important: why waste on these walls could be time used in class )~.my school, East High, Ms. V, the your time and teachers time by coming to to do something with their sorrow lives. It teacher of the year in 20 12, doesn't accept school when you've come to school to not represents the school and the people in it that low behavior from us kids. Her room learn anything new but to bully and fight as "small", very low people. When I go in is fi lied with a structure of power, respect students who want an education. Eventu­ the bathrooms, it's a nightmare. Girls writ­ and sensibility. She's a marvelous woman ally these students who are t1ying to get ing words like "slut" in the bathroom stalls who does so much for us. Nobody dares to their education and are not able to get one with a drawing next to it. I think to myself fight and argue around her. She makes our because they are being bullied eventu- "what are we in, mt class!?" It makes you school a better place, although sometimes ally stop coming to school; some even feel sotTy for the bully who makes other when she isn't around chaos happens. take a fwther step and kill themself. All students feel so small when really that's Bullying causes fights in schools. that would be left behind is an unsettling how they feel about themselves. Not only Fights are often created by bullies who t1y feeling in that bullies got from t01turing is it a waste of time, but a waste of paint to act like the victim. 1 have seen students a child's life to the point of no return. So as well ; walls have been painted so many get bullied and stmt to physically fight. I ask, "is that what you wanted; for that times that the paint is falling off from be­ It is an unkind thing that makes you feel student to kill themselves for your actions? ing coated layer after layer. remorse not just for the victim but for the What makes it ok for you to bully students According to a school bullying statis­ bully too. Bullying has no great intention, until they feel hopeless and commit sui­ tics at www.bullyingstatistics.org, "43% but to hmt/humiliate someone, seeing it cide? Nobody should have the right to do

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 4 OUR VOICES that to someone. According to school sta­ was a 14 year old boy who was cyber bul­ enough to express your sexuality to others tistics at www.bullyingstatistics.org, " Each lied and called ho1Tible names for being and would be even harder to try to when day 160,000 students miss school for fear gay. Kids who are obese, gay, or have dis­ you're getting teased by bullies for being of being bullied." According to students abilities are up to 63% more likely to be gay. I could see how these kids would lean at Bureau of Justice School, about 46 bullied than other children says www.nlm. towards suicide when you feel like you percent of males followed by 26 percent of nih.gov. Eventually after everyone teased can't be yourself and eve1yone around you females have admitted to being victims in Jamey for so long he committed suicide. thinks you' re a joke. physical fights related to bullying. According to the National Crime Preven­ The second story Lread was about a 13 Lastly, bullying can often lead to sui­ tion Center, "over 40% of all teenagers year old boy named Ryan, who was cyber cide. I have read some stories about bul­ with Internet access have rep011ed being bullied, teased and humiliated because of lied teens that indicate that bullying often bullied online during the past year." Jamey his speech problems for a few years. It leads to suicide. The Jamey story was the was part of that 40%, he was a person stmted when he was young then got worse first story I read about, Jamey Rodemeyer - not just a number. It would be hard as he got older. Time went by and eventu­ ally a fight broke out between Ryan and the bully. As time passed, Ryan and the bully became good fl-iends, telling secrets to each other; little did Ryan know the bully would eventually strike again. He committed suicide after the bully stmted to tell his secrets to everyone and when the girl he liked found out, she stmted to cyber bully him too. Lt is a horrible feeling inside to have an issue with yourself that is not fixable but it is even worse to have an is­ sue that everyone teases you about. Those who disagree with me say that there is no way schools can stop bullying; however, 1 disagree with that statement because of all the research I have read about bullies. L strongly believe that they can stop bullying if teachers and princi­ pals would speak out more to students about this issue in school. Statistics show at www.bullyingstatistics.org that only about 17% of schools in the U.S speak out about bullying. Imagine if just 10% more schools would speak out for ten years, how many bully suicide cases would de­ crease, or how many more kids would feel safer about coming to school. That would mean less fights and arguments in schools and more kids in class; a better education. The school could even get a medal for being the best outspoken about bullying. Who knows? But the education would fly through the roof! ! In conclusion, high school students need to grow up and stop bullying. Even­ tually fewer bully suicide cases would happen. I care about this issue because it breaks my heart to see people bully other students, when really they are all the same. It would be great to see bullying stop, and that's what r soon hope for. So ask your­ self what can r do to stop this from going on in my school? Art By: Colin lieath (liiahland liiah)

OUR VOICES 5 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Should Schools Have a Uniform Policy? This Is My Voice

By: Kiera Brown Open

"Uniforms have been a positive here in Long Beach. The feedback we get is that schools have fewer reasons to call upon the police depmtment. There's less conflict among students. The uniforms tend to equalize the playing field . Students concentrate more on education, not who's wearing $100 shoes or gang attire."

William C. Ellis, Chief , Long Beach Police Department ing been bullied at school in 2007, some not define you. "lf it means that the school Salt Lake City school district needs to almost daily. Being mocked or made fun rooms will be more orderly and more have a uniform policy for all their public for clothes you do or do not wear is a form disciplined, and that our young people will high schools because it would maintain a of bullying and can be very hmtful. By learn to evaluate themselves by what they safe, healthy environment for the youth at setting a standard uniform policy it would are on the inside, instead of what they' re school, have a positive effect on students' ensure that every child would be wearing wearing on the outside, then our public learning, and unify the school, making it similar outfits, which would result in less schools should be able to require their stronger as one. teasing and bullying over something as students to wear uniforms." [Bill Clinton, Imagine you are walking down the insignificant as clothing. former president of the United States, hall. A group of popular girls are walking Students go through an extreme Long Beach, CA 1996] The price or brand towards you and you already know what amount of stress dealing with school, of your jeans does not make you better is going to happen. Brace yourself. Mean, homework, their social li ves, and jobs. than anybody else. Uniforms wou ld unite hurtful remarks are thrown at you about Working so hard to fit in with the cuJTent the schools and the children, allowing the your clothing, how cheap you are because clothing trends adds an extra, un-needed students to see each other as equals instead you cannot afford name brand, and how woblem on their shoulders. As more and of superior to one another, creating many you will never have enough style to be t~e stress is added, it makes it harder learning oppottunities and lifelong lessons in their small group of carefully selected for students to fully focus and spend the that can positively affect the students and fi·iends. The thing is you are being judged necessary amount of time and energy teachers. solely off your clothes and physical ap­ on impottant things such as academic ln contrast to this, some people I have pearance. According to the National Cen­ success. Spending so much time on your interviewed have made the point that ter for Education Statistics, nearly a third clothing just to fit in is not only ridiculous, having students wear similar outfits would of all students aged 12 - 18 repotted hav- but it's absolutely unnecessary. Clothes do stifle the students' freedom of expression, individuality and creative outlet. However, by issuing a standard outfit to all students you are not only eliminating the problem of children feeling stressed about fitting in, and creating a more efficient learning environment, but you are also unifying your school. Uniforms will make stronger schools whi le boosting the confidence and self-esteem level of students. It will teach children to learn to express themselves by using words and opinions rather than appearance.

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 6 OUR VOICES Wh Do You BeatY our Cow? the cows for the rest of their lives. What tion like these are sanctioned by com­ This Is My Voice was supposed to be a loving connection monwealth and state farm animal welfare between family members is only a hurt­ codes, and by state and territory laws that By: ful , distant memory. Male cows are kept effectively deem farm animal suffering No Photo Ocia Gillette, in dark rooms with hundreds of other 'justifiable', ' necessary' and 'reasonable' distressed cows and usually stuck in crates on economic grounds." Having to budget Available Performing Arts so small they cannot even tum around. day to day life on an already tiny sum of They are fed the minimum amount of food money for animal treatment can put many to support life, discredited sunlight so their at a loss, leaving them with little or no They smack your back side with a stick, skin stays pale, and are denied exercise so choice about many different options. But and you start moving faster. You join the their muscles are soft. The first time a veal petting a dog does not cost money, and sea of white, brown, and black, being calf(baby cow) wi---11 see sunlight will it is no different with cows. It is actually herded into a big chrome silver truck with be when they are loaded onto a truck and more expensive to buy all the cages and almost a hundred others. They toss a hand­ taken to a slaughter house. Once there, a stalls for the animals rather than letting ful of corn and hay through the opening veal calf's skin is stripped to be used for them live on a pasture, where they eat the and splash water onto your face. You do any number of fashion accessories, and the grass and weeds that grow naturally from not complain- you have been treated like meat is used as an expensive meal in fancy the ground, and when they are settled this since you were born, it is all you have restaurants. Female cows can be set in the naturally, and given time to ripen, these ever known. A long journey- first through same circumstances as the males, become cows are so much more healthy than a cow scorching heat, and then through a fi·eez­ milk machines like their mothers, or sold on a factory farm that has been pumped ing snow storm- leaving three dead on the off as beef cows. Cows are pumped full full of hormones and steroids and other truck, one laying cold beneath you. The of hormones and chemicals to help double drugs and chemicals. smell of gasoline, decay, and your own fe­ their body mass in weeks. Beef cows can People eat meat. People wear leather. ces is making you nauseous. A bump hits grow 15 to 20% faster than cows in their People like cows for many different the road and you fall over, where you are natural growing process, and hormones are reasons. Humanity is not going to drop stepped on and soon cannot feel your back added to dairy cows to create more milk. all its cattle consumption because of one legs. Once you get to the new place, they Once a milk cow stops giving, they too measly paper, but 1 hope after reading attach a rope to your back legs, drag you are also sent to slaughter houses for their mine you come to choose products where off the truck, and put a bullet through your meat. And the process repeats. the cows lived a happy, healthy life-style head. You have just been taken through According to the United Nations, graz­ before being used for its parts. By choos­ the final days of a cow's life on a modern ing animals for food consumption creates ing products where you are sure the cows commercial cattle farm . Cows are beaten, more greenhouse gases than all the cars, were treated humanely, you will help put deprived of food, and mercilessly killed, trains, and planes in the world combined, the vexatious farmers out of business, and some without ever seeing the light of day. and "more than 90% of the Amazon one day the beating of an animal will be Because of this, America should create rainforest cleared since 1970 is used for unheard of. 1 do not think anyone reading and enforce laws to insure the humane global meat production" (peta.org). To this paragraph could, with their own two treatment of cattle in the fann industry, get technical, greenhouse gases create a hands beat, hurt, or slaughter (viscously, because the current circumstances are sort of open window for sunlight to enter l might add) a gentle, grass-chewing, unsympathetic to the cow's well-being and freely into Earth's atmosphere. When the fuzzy little bovine. So why are you letting commercially fanned food products are sunlight reflects back to space, it creates someone else? less healthy. heat, and as more greenhouse gases are A cow cannot create milk until they have released, opening more and more win­ a calf, and because we do not want that dows, the Earth 's temperature is slowly baby drinking our precious dairy, the baby but surely gaining. This is very dangerous is stolen fi·om the mama so we can drink for everything living upon Earth's surface. the milk. When a cow is first born, the Furthermore, the USDA lets thousands natural first step of life is to snuggle up to of sick, diseased, injured, and infectious its mom and create a bond that a mother animals pass inspection, and no one minds and child will share for their entire lives. when dad cooks up all those chemicals on Under modern circumstances, the baby­ the barbeque. cow is ripped from its mother, creating Brian Shennan, with Nation Wide painful emotional trauma that can haunt News, stated that, "methods ofproduc-

OUR VOICES 7 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Dumb Phones This Is My Voice it consumes. The Kaiser Family Foun­ questiion and point. In turning over so dation (www.kff.org/entmedia/entJne­ much o one's own mental abi lities to a diaO 120 I Onr.cfm?) notes that young phone, can one actually become dumber? I By: people's consumption of ente1tainment can stiJI recite phone numbers memorized Becky Bennion media has risen._dramatically over the past when a child, yet tonight I had to find my Highland five years, averaging over seven-and- a­ smm phone to look up a number for a half hours daily, with most of the increase friend. I find it much harder to remember occurring because ofthe access on mobile numbers now that I have relinquished the Last year I received a s1 art phone devices t0 more forms of media. It rep011s responsibility to my sma11 phone. Could for my bi1thday. The gift was generous, that "young people now spend more time this impact JJIY mental abilities as I age? Is and I appreciated the thougnt behind it. 'stening to_music, playing games, an a fi·iend's statement that my smmt phone However, I really wanted to get a new, watching-TV on their cell phones than is making me dumb really n·ue? Recent simple, regular, un-maimed cell phone. they spend talking on them." I cannot de­ experiences in class make me wonder In the store, I was suddenly barraged lude myself that I am one of these young ifl am not the only one suffering from with arguments for upgrading to a smart peop e, 6ut now myself sufficient y to decreased ental acuity. Students needed phone. I was worn down and walked out see that 1 get distracted and detoured eas­ to figure o t the approximate number of with a new smmt phone that I was asked ily enough; I do not need another venue to words they had written in a quick write to tly out and give a chance. I clung to the keep me from what I should be doing. activity. Many felt ill-used when I did not promise that I had thi1ty days to retu 't Increased time spent on using the smart all@w them to use the calculators on their if I did not want it (for the me ·e charge phone can lead to addictive behavior. cell phones to divide a ce1tain number by of$35 ... and the need to buy a new un­ CNN's Connect the World Blog (con­ five and then use the quotient to multiply smmt phone). At the time of purchase I necttheworld.b og.s.cnn.com/20 I 0/04/20) with the number of lines they had written. was promised unlimited assistance fi·om states that teens' need to have the cell was surprised at the number of inquiries a friendly, effusive clerk. The one time I phone constantly at hand sounds addic­ for how to d1vide, say, 55 by 5! Even with went in to n·y to resolve a couple of issues, tive. In the ~·eport Dr. Michael Seytfert access to so much information, Nicholas the same clerk offered an insulting, "Find explains, "Neuro-imaging studies have Carr rep011s, " When we go online, we en­ a man to explain it to you. They under­ shown that those kids who are texting ter an env· onment that promotes cursory stand technology better than women. ' (I have the same area of the brain light up reading, hurried and distracted thinking, thought I was talking to a 1 an!?!) On the as an addict using herojn." A picture and superficial learning. Even as the In ter­ last day of the contract, I went in to pay flashes in my mind of emaciated heroin net grants us easy access to vast amounts my $35, resolved to return to ny beautiful aadicts with glazed-over eyes, withdrawn of information, it is turning us into shal­ red, slightly marred, compact cell phone. from the life playing out before them. lower thinkers." He continues by explain­ I was met with obstacles, reasons and With brain studies showing hat the same ing how a I the information can send us excuses, and, oh yes, another insult o two area ot:th ~ in is impacted with both into cogni 've overload. Then he adds, slipped in . I left the store with the afore­ activities, another picture flashes in my ' T~e Internet is an interruption system. It mentioned, quickly becoming despised, mind (called up by the phrase of Tommy sejzes our a ention only to scramble it," smart phone, resolved not to deal with Williams, a Stegner scholar) of individu­ which exp ains how I often feel and what I these individuals further. A this point als so caught up in continual texting that see in my students. one might wonder why I am opposed to they become "mindless zombies." One A year has passed. l have my smmt a smmt phone, which leads to the whole image superimposes itself upon the other phone, ancl certain aspects of it become premise of this essay: I see to have a · my nind s eye, blending-into a single more and more appealing. While I only deeper understanding of the arguments for picture. Highly dramatic, no dou t· o erly h~ve one or two apps on it, I do have the sma11 phones even as I pursue my obvious exaggerated, most likely; yet a sobermg Internet, which can be useful... make that bias. People should question seeking and thought. The need to have a constant fix se uctive. can find an address I had for­ relying on the greater technology of sma11 om a smart phone can bind an individual gotten to look up, discover what is playing phones because it consumes too much as tightly as some higllly addictive drug. if a group decides to go to the movies time, leads to addictive behavior, and may In an age of increased addictions, again a the last minute, or search for some actually make people dumber. I ecognize that I do not need something answers to a burning (at least it feels burn­ One significant disadvantage to the that helds me back from achieving other ing at that pmticular moment) question. 1 new wave of technology accessible on goals. hav~ even been able to text, albeit slowly, the smmt phone is the amount of time These realizations lead me to a final when it is an absolutely necessity. I admit

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 8 OUR VOICES it; my smmt phone has carved a niche into struggle of not allowing it to pull me in . offers great leaps in intelligence. A fantas­ my life. However, I try to hold back from However 1 continue to fight the urge. tic vista opens up. But at what expense? using it extensively. 1 clearly remember at I have wondered whether I am just Can we afford a mental toll equal to the least two occasions dining out with friends becoming a desiccated fossil, unwilling to physical toll ofthe Industrial Revolution? or family when something has arisen change with the times. Am r like the vocal The window of unparalleled access to in­ which sent me to my phone to research. opponents of the Industrial Revolution formation and calculation is wide open. In As I looked up information, again slowly who hated change and were blind to the fact, the aperture is so wide that it cannot because of my lack of dexterity on the tiny great advancements industrialization of­ be conceivably closed. Nor should it be. keyboard of my phone, I entered into a fered? Then l ponder the question. With all However, I make an appeal to use technol­ zone completely removed from the others the advancements of the Industrial Revo­ ogy to advance what it does well but not to and their conversation. Upon emerging lution, a host of problems ensued, not the the point of replacing the powerful human from this state, 1 found friends and family least of which is the impact to the human computer, the brain. The Industrial Age looking at me and welcoming me back. body. Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity literally laid waste to many a human waist. My rudeness of ignoring them was not are just some ofthe products of a lifestyle We need to protect the human brain while what I had been taught. It also defeated the eased by the introduction of machines, still acknowledging and reaping the ben­ whole purpose of the evening out, enjoy­ automation, and mobility. Perhaps 1 am efits from the Technological Age. After all, ing the companionship of people I care not such a fossil in my thinking; perhaps I as the slogan of the United Negro College about. Even with all my reticence of using am cautious as I connect past results with Fund states, "The mind is a terrible thing this technology, I acknowledge the real future potential. The Technological Age to waste." To Ban Or Not To Ban footsteps or they want their children to still perform on stage. lt will be less pro­ This Is My Voice do something they never got a chance vocative and degrading for children. Other to do. ln an mticle by Paul Thompson, a arguments that parents make against this By: mother publicly admitted to injecting her is, that it's the child's idea. Children aren 't Thomas daughter with Botox, which is a toxin that old enough to be making those kinds of women inject into their faces to eliminate decisions. If they truly feel passionate Williams wrinkles. What kind of child has wrinkles? about being the "model type", they can East Botox can cause seizures and an inability wait until they are older and more mature. to control body movements. To see the In conclusion, children's beauty pag­ extremes parents will go through to win a eants should be banned. If we teach our Over the years there have been many competition is unheard of. children that winning a beauty pageant is debates about whether or not children's However, most parents who have chil­ the ultimate goal, then they probably will beauty pageants should be banned. There dren in beauty pageants would argue that always want to dress like a sex symbol, are a few of my own. Children's beauty it teaches children about life lessons. One with tight clothing and skimpy dresses. pageants should be banned because it life lesson these people claim beauty pag­ This is important because we're opening doesn 't give the child the opportunity to eants teaches is self-confidence. Though it up opportunities for other people to take live a normal childhood and it gives par­ may teach a certain degree of confidence, advantage of them. When I mean "take ents a chance to exploit their kids. it is still unacceptable. Parents need to advantage", l mean rape. Do you want One example of how a beauty pageant learn that there are alternative methods. If your child to parade around on stage like star doesn 't get to experience a n01mallife a child is a great singer or dancer, they can a harlot? is their weekends. During the weekends an average child would play some video games, go outside, and maybe hang out with friends. But a weekend for a pageant child is getting their hair done, shop- ping for new dresses and focusing on an upcoming competition. Another reason is their mind set. Their mind set has changed from wanting to be an astronaut or a fire fighter into being a model of some sott. The way that parents exploit their "beauty queens" are as follows: either your parents want you to follow in their

OUR VOICES 9 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Legalization of Marijuana

amounts of marijuana. In the last 15 years, ness that marijuana helps with is anorexia This Is My Voice New York City has likely spent over a bil­ and cancer patients, and according to the lion dollars making these arrests." Health NCI (National Cancer Institute), anorexia, By: care is required for the inmates which is a loss of appetite or desire to eat, is the Lucia Chavez, lot of money. Money for court and other most common symptom in cancer patients legal fees is also required. If marijuana and it fi·equently occurs together with Open was legal then a lot of money would be cachexia, weakness and progressive loss saved. Marijuana is triggering a lot of of body weight, fat and muscle. Marijuana Utah 's legal money to be wasted. causes appetite gain, treating most of these Marijuana would stimulate the problems. A while back, while I was doing a economy by making more jobs, such as Those who oppose say that if mari­ research paper about steroids, I found a growing and selling. More money would juana was legal in the state of Utah it website about all the harmful prescription go to the state economy instead of going wou ld be a "gateway "drug and would and over the counter drugs. I also read to the drug dealers or drug caJtels. Accord­ lead to more unsafe and dangerous drugs. that there are prescription drugs that are ing to Margaret Miceli, "California is one However, there are worse drugs than mari­ about twenty to thi1ty times more addict­ of 10 states allowing the sale of medicinal juana that are legal ,such as pain killers ing and harmful to you and what surprised marijuana, and marijuana is already Cali­ and alcohol, which have a more damaging me was that they are legal! That got me fornia's biggest cash crop, responsible for effect on people. According to the Foun­ thinking about marijuana and all of the $14 billion a year in sales. The state's tax dation for a Drug Free World, it says that health benefits, and the problems it caused collectors estimate the bill would bring in "the painkiller Fentanyl has killed more because it is not legal. How exactly, are all about $1.3 billion a year in revenue via a than I ,000 people. The drug was found to of those painkillers and prescription drugs $50-per-ounce levy on retail sales of mari­ be thilty to fifty times more powerful than legal then are much worse for people? Did juana and sales taxes." This would also heroin." And Fentanyl is a legal painkiller you know that ever since marijuana was create more money for luxUJy taxes and in the state of Utah. Also, alcohol has legalized in the state of California their this wi ll help save thousands of dollars. caused about a yearly average of23, 199 economy and the flow of taxes have been This would be taxed like cigarettes, which deaths, whereas, marijuana is not a direct circulating better? Their legal resources are more damaging to your health than cause of any deaths. are being restored and the state finances marijuana. The legalization and luxury tax In conclusion, legalizing marijuana are improving. Marijuana should be of marijuana would cause money to circu­ would help the legal system, the economy, legalized in the state of Utah because it late throughout Utah 's economy. and many ill people. If marijuana was is a drain on legal resources, it has health Marijuana has health benefits such as legalized in Utah, then our finances would benefits and it will stimulate the economy. helping people with their glaucoma. Glau­ be better and we would have a healthier Marijuana is producing a drain on coma, according to MedicineNet, is when society. I feel that if marijuana was legal­ resources; it is triggering a lot of legal re­ there is elevated pressure in the eye, which ized then we would realize there are more sources to be wasted. For example, police the main factof..l.eding to glaucomatous benefits than costs. Why spend thousands are wasting more of their time and effort damages to the eye (optic) nerve. Marijua­ of dollars on policing marijuana when on people who are smoking marijuana na and THC reduce intraocular pressure, a legalizing marijuana would do nothing but than fighting violent crimes. According to key contributor to glaucoma. Another ill- help? Hany Levine, "These marijuana posses­ sion arrests cost the taxpayers of New York a great deal of money. These arrests, jailing, and prosecutions currently cost $1 ,500 to $2,000 or more per arrest. In recent years this amounts to $75 million or more a year. In 2010, when the NYPD (New York Police Department) made over 50,000 of these low-level marijuana ar­ rests, New York City likely spent upwards of $100 million dollars arresting mainly young people, overwhelmingly blacks and Latinos, simply for possessing small

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 10 OUR VOICES Separate Is Not Eq,ual

then it will be harder to do so in the real make friends with both guys and girls, and This Is My Voice world. According to educationbug, one can have a variety of friends. gender is nothing without the other and it Some people argue that students By: is naturally a patt of life for guys and girls should be separated into same sex schools to interact with each other. because boys' and girls' brains are wired Gabrielle As well as that, it has been proven by a differently and that the opposite sex can Grundvig recently published Journal of Science, that cause distractions to students. However, Open l.:htssrom:nl students in single sex schools are more girls can get just as distracted by girls as likely to accept gender stereotypes. Some much as they can by boys and vice versa. stereotypes that students have encountered In addition to that, being in a school with Imagine a world where evetyone is are the following: boys are super tough guys and girls makes it possible to learn socially awkward towards the opposite and do not cry, and that girls like shopping a lot of very valuable lessons from the sex, and where you don 't have enough ex­ and are less intelligent than guys. Students opposite sex that students would not have posure ofthe other sex, and a world where getting used to stereotyping the other otherwise been able to learn, such as what you can't voice your words and opinions gender is not a good habit to get used to a guy's opinion on a specific subject may in fi·ont ofthe other gender. Think of a because it can be offensive and hurtful to be, and how well you work with the oppo­ world where these site sex, and their things existed. We view on life. can prevent this In conclu- from happening. sion, high school High school stu­ students should not dents should not be be separated into separated into same same sex schools sex schools because because they cou ld they need exposure face some hard to members of the chall enges in the opposite sexes in future that they order to ready them would have to deal for the future. Same with due to the sex schools lead to fact that naturally, gender stereotypes, girls and guys will and additionally, be­ have interactions ing in a coed school and because same helps students make sex schools lead to a variety of different gender stereotyp­ friends. ing. Don 't separate If students were the guys and girls to be separated into same sex schools, the other gender and because you may not into same gendered schools. Help them so they wouldn't have enough exposure of know just how badly you are hurting that that they will become more ready for the the opposite sex and students without person or gender. real world. Give students what they need, enough exposure of the opposite sex could According to Ridley College, "Same help them so they can become prepared lead up to some problems that they would sex schools lead to gender stereotypes. for life. Help them so they will become have to overcome in the future; such as Students at co-ed schools indicate that more ready for the real world . Give stu­ social awkwardness, not knowing how to they make friends easily with members dents what they need and assist them so interact with the other sex, and not feeling of their own sex (80%) and members of they can be equipped with the knowledge like they could voice their opinions in the opposite sex (72%). Those students they need for life. Encourage them to suc­ front of the other sex. Tn life, girls have of single-sex schools, of whom only 58% ceed. That is what we want, for students to to interact with guys and guys have to report making friends easily with students strive and do the very best that they can. interact with girls; there is no avoiding of the other gender." In life it is good to Just as a teacher, Liben, told ABC News, that fact because it's a part of biology. have a variety of friends ofthe same sex "We need to remember, separate is NOT If students' do not get the exposure they and opposite sex. In addition to that, in equal". need to spend time with the other gender, a coed school students can learn how to

OUR VOICES 11 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Model Minority Stereotypes Can lead to aConfusing life

don 't need help from others, when they they might be hesitant to ask questions, This Is My Voice don't understand the class work. Even if even to their friends, which just lets the Asian students are hard workers, it does model minority stereotype keep shaping not mean they are smat1 at everything, them. As an Asian American student, I get By: or that they can get the work their teach­ stereotyped as being quiet when I'm really SayroPaw ers give them, and get everything correct not that quiet. 1 like to socialize sponta­ East without flaws. I am an Asian American neously. Because of these stereotypes, I student, but I always need help on my don 't talk as much as I used to and it's assignments, regardless of how hard I am hard for me to make new friends. working on it. This stereotype also makes Some people may say not all ste­ Asian students have a harder time seeking reotypes are bad. I agree there are some Americans shouldn't categorize all help; these reasons could include embar­ stereotypes that can be good, such as the Asians into one group. It might help rassment, pressure, stress, depression, etc. Asian model minority stereotype. But the Americans to know that Asia has 49 dif­ According to the article "Stereotypes of problem is the good stereotypes can lead ferent countries, and each has their own Asian American Students" by Kim Angela, people to have a more complicated life. separate language, which means Asian one Cambodian student named Ming was For example, Asian students wi ll ask for students are not all the same. When saying failing his classes, but refused to seek help less academic support from their teachers, Asian students are the model minority, for his academic difficulties, because of and the teacher might think they do not such as being hard working, geniuses, his ethnicity. If this stereotype keeps going need extra help. The other reason why the competitive, overachievers, nerdy, great in on, then Asian America students will get model minority stereotype is not helping math, and smat1; it's like saying all Ameri­ less support in school. Asian students has to do with making new cans are polite and nice to people. We When Asian students get stereotyped tl"iends . Their classmates will ignore them know this is not true. When Asian students as being quiet, it will be hard for them to because they might assume all Asian stu­ get stereotyped as being the model minor­ seek out help in their social lives, and it dents are quiet, and Asian students won 't ity in America, it may seem good, but at will be harder for them to form new rela­ communicate with them, even if they try the same time, many Asian students are tionships, such as friends. One factor of to stat1 a conversation. having a more complicated life because of this is that it might be harder for them to In conclusion, positive stereotypes can these stereotypes. patticipate in class discussions. According seem good but at the same time they can Asian students often get stereotyped as to the article "Stereotypes of Asian Ameri­ make everyone's life harder. In the future being hard working. While for some this can Students," by Yeh Christine J. , Asian students should all be treated equally, and may be true, but this affects them because American youth reported more depressive not judged, by their ethnicity. Be who you their teachers, and classmates might symptoms, withdrawn behavior, and social are and do not live by the expectation put assume they will not need help on their as­ problems, even when they did better than upon by a stereotype. lt's time to stop the signments based on this stereotype. Hard­ other students in classes. When Asian stu­ Asian A, and it is fine for us to get a B. working does not mean Asian students dents don 't understand a lesson in school +hiM k-G witkottt -h::> W\'f ~-Li.. matI, 'I.d be. ~enivs get+ing *'end, a "D''/ Lin-Li !

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 12 OUR VOICES NASA'S Budget Cut and t~e Future of S~ace Ex~loration future. The cost to land a probe on Europa, in what they can do this year. But further This Is My Voice then have it drill through its icy exterior to budget cutting could mean NASA would the oceans that scientists believe exist un­ no longer produce educational materials By: der its surface, would be astronomical; if for school purposes; other organizations the budget is cut further, the probability of can educate children about the universe, Nathan Biggs exploring Jupiter's moons for life would but I doubt their main purpose is to inspire Highland be severely lowered them. Over the years, NASA has made sev­ Politicians and citizens alike claim eral scientific discoveries with their satel­ that tax payer's money should be spent on lites, probes, telescopes, and spacecraft more worthy causes such as education and It has long been humanity's desire to that have greatly added to other fields of healthcare, that we should focus on prob­ want to explore and understand the world science such as cosmology and astrophys­ lems here on Earth and that NASA has around us, but man has always yearned ics. The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy too high of a budget. They do raise a valid to explore the starlit heavens above us . Probe (WMAP), which was launched point when it comes to directing resources During the late I 960's, mankind made its in 200 I to measure the temperature of and money towards worthy causes as well first step in conquering the final frontier the radiation left by the Big Bang. The as focusing on major world problems, but by landing on the moon; over the past few information being collected by the probe in reality, space exploration is a worthy decades NASA has launched dozens of has provided a wealth of knowledge for cause. Also, the notion that NASA has a probes and telescopes as well as landed cosmological theories about the nature and huge budget is a poor one, NASA makes several unmanned rovers on Mars. But origin of the universe. The Spitzer Space up less than 1% of the total federal budget; recently, the White House released its Telescope has also provided information the NASA budget for 2007 was $16.3 budget plans for the 20 13 fiscal year, the that has had a profound effect on cosmol­ billion. That may seem like a lot, but that budget for NASA has been cut drastically, ogy and astrophysics. Future budget cuts budget is dwarfed by America's overall forcing NASA to abandon or postpone could limit scientific discoveries made by Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P.) budget projects and missions. While this isn 't NASA that could benefit many fields of of$13 trillion. extremely harmful now, it could be harm­ science. In conclusion, budget cutting for ful in the future if budget cuts continue The proposed budget set forth by the NASA now and in the near future will do to happen. Budget cutting for NASA now White House also sinks its teeth into the harm to the future of space exploration and in the future, will do harm to space funds used for educational purposes, drop­ not only for America, but for humanity in exploration because it forces NASA to ping it from $136 million to $100 mil­ general. Maintaining the current budget or terminate or postpone planned missions, lion. NASA has long used the educational adding to the budget for NASA can benefit hann other projects that could benefit funds at their disposal to educate as well us in the long run. The plans NASA has other fields of science and tamper with as inspire children and adults to study and for our celestial neighbors' holds high NASA's ability to educate and inspire a explore the universe. This is not to say hopes for our pursuit to conquer the final new generation to explore the cosmos. that we can't inspire a generation again frontier; but cutting back on science is cut­ Planned missions to Mars and the other with fewer resources or through other ting our future's throat, and NASA's future planets could be terminated because of the means but it does mean NASA is limited is a future worth funding. $0.3 billion cut to planetary explorations as well as a 38.5% cut (a $236 million drop) to Mars exploration, as highlighted in the 2013 NASA budget documents. The 38.5 %budget cut to Mars exploration has forced NASA to drop out of the planning for an ExoMars mission with the Euro­ pean Space Agency (ESA). This cut was also highlighted in NASA's new budget. NASA's exit from this mission has ef­ fectively forced the ESA to cancel the mis­ sion entirely. Also, a mission to Jupiter's moons, Europa and Ganymede, which is cuuently still in the early planning stages could also be in jeopardy if NASA is subject to further budget cuts in the near

OUR VOICES 13 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Smoking ~------, This Is My Voice

By: Abdigani Nor East

Cardiovascular disease is a mass ive chronic problem associated with smoking. If you are a smoker you are more likely to get cancer. The ones that inhale smoke are at risk as much as the smokers. Smoking should be banned around children because second hand smoke can cause chronic health problems and adult smokers set a bad example for children. and have a genera lly lower education you think smoking is good or bad?" some Second hand smoking is a massive level". It was also stated that "26% of all replied by saying " I say it is good for me problem in Utah. I found a lot of infor­ adults smoke and 50%-67% of the chil­ specifically because it clears my mind" mation about second hand smoking. It dren live in those homes". The reason for Some say smoking clears their mind. is stated by Wendy Leonard that in Utah that is because the chemicals in the ciga­ Another question 1 asked was "why do " 17,000 children's are exposed to harmful rettes will destroy the child's brain cells. It you smoke"? They replied by saying "to second hand smoking". That amount of was estimated that "660 million dollars is relieve my stress, it helps me get away children shouldn't be exposed to that kind spent in medical costs and lost productiv­ from my problems". If we look at it in of environment. That is one of the reasons ity to treat tobacco". A lot say "it costs all a clear perspective, than we will be able that smoking should be banned around Utahans" . It was stated by patient educa­ to say that smoking isn 't the only way to the children because they will suffer later tion that "over 4,000 different chemicals overcome stress. There are people that and they had no control. A lady named have been identified in cigarettes second play golf to clear their mind. There are Sen. Luz Robles stated that "second hand hand smoke and at least 43% of all these others that read a novel so they don 't have smoke is more than a health issue it is a chemicals cause cancer". to think about their problems for a whi le. cruelty". Children shouldn't be exposed to Some smokers say that the child When I have a problem I don't smoke, I smoke because it wil l destroy their future. shouldn't be next to the smoker. Some just play basketball. When you are playing It is stated in the American Lung children don 't actually have that choice. sports, your mind is somewhere else and Association that "second hand smoking There are some that smoke in the car or not on the problem. You are postponing causes close to 50,000 deaths per year". if they share a room the smoker wi ll light your problem in a healthy way. If the ALA states that second hand causes up a cigarette. There are ot ~ea lthy and Therefore, smoking should be banned close to 50,000 deaths per year imagine safe ways to relieve your stress and clear around children because it will cause ill­ smoking in general, that is another reason your mind such as, playing sports, reading ness. There will be a lot of children saved why people need to be careful where they a book, cleaning your house, or taking from sickness. I could' ve been that child smoke because there are thousands of warm baths. Many are less expensive. I with the illness. I want to stop this while people dying of second hand smoking. asked one more question which was " Do it is still possible. I want parents to think Second hand doesn 't sound that bad, but you know that when you smoke you hurt about how you want your child's future to it will cause cancer if you are not careful. yourself and hurt other people"? They be bright but, you are stopping it because There were multiple studies that showed replied by saying "yeah! I can see that, but you are smoking in front of them . If we how second hand smoking can cause lung 1 go someplace where no one is there" . I don 't stop it we wi ll be in a nation of cancer and worsen heart disease. told them that they are hurting themselves. respiratory issues with children. So, next According to Wendy Leonard, "adults They didn't have anything to say after­ time you are smoking in front of a child are between 18% and 26% of all smokers wards. think about how you are destroying the and the ones that inhale the smoke in Utah Some say smoking is good. Therefore, child's life without even touching him . come from low socioeconomic situations l asked a few questions. One was " Do

OUR VOICES STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 14 Guide Dogs Guiding Communities into trouble with the law. the embarrassment of the harassment she This Is My Voice According to Law and the American's has received. with Disabilities Act (ADA) it does not Let me ask you something, if you By: matter what kind of service the animal were walking down some hallway and performs, whether it be for the blind and someone cat called, whistled, and pulled Carton Gerolyn visually impaired, a person with Post at your child's hair, would you stop it? East Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a de­ What if the cop on duty let those harassers tection of seizures, or a hearing impaired off with a 'warning', only to have them service animal, the dog has a right to be come back and harass the child in more anywhere his or her human goes. This extreme ways? Would you scream at them For the Guide Dogs for Blind class includes service dogs in training. Accord­ or tum and do the same thing? This is an I raise a Guide Dog: Puppy in training ing to a woman named Andrea, "This law issue faced by Martine's Guide Dog for each year. We take Guide Dog: Puppies gets ignored often; people ask to see an ID the Blind classes. East, West and Highland in Training with us everywhere, all day card for the dog and handler, which is not High School in Salt Lake City School eve1y day. We don 't get paid to train and allowed. You may ask, ' Is this a service District hold classes at Salt Lake Commu­ raise the potential Seeing Eye Dogs. The dog?' and ' What service does the canine nity College (SLCC) where the approved estimated time of this huge service is preform?' That's it." Andrea has been students get the oppmtunity to receive the 6,048 hours a year for a dog that has been harassed at the Good Will, restaurants, biggest service project any high school started and is already seven months old and at Costco for bringing her service student can be presented with: raising a (pups start training at 8 weeks old, but dog with her. This is against the law. Her guide dog puppy. Each year, students get the high school student trainers get them service dog is a seizure detection dog. their chance to give back to the commu­ at seven months of age.) Taking a dog She can smell the chemicals in Andrea's nity by raising a puppy throughout the everywhere is cool; however, the harass­ body changing and warns Andrea about an school year, which may someday become ment the service dogs and handlers receive upcoming seizure. Andrea's job, after be­ a Seeing Eye Dog. We work with the is not. Administration in schools need to ing warned, is to take the medication she each dog an estimated 6,048 hours per inform and enforce Service Dog Harass­ keeps with her and lay down in a safe area year. Our instructor, Martine Savageau, ment Laws because harassment towards so that she can avoid injuty and possibly tells us at the beginning " Welcome to service animals is illegal; the service dog death. Without her canine companion, An­ parent-hood!" Because that's exactly what is allowed to go anywhere his or her han­ drea faces the risk of hitting her head dur­ raising A Guide Dog: Puppy in Train- dler goes, and school is supposed to be a ing the seizure, risking a coma, memory ing makes you: a parent. And when your safe environment for everyone, including loss and even death. When Andrea is child gets death threats, their ears and service dogs in training and their trainers. asked extensive questions about having hair pulled, what do you do? Our Pups SectionS 242.05 ofUtah Law states, her certified canine companion with her it get death threats from students looking "a person is guilty of interference, harass­ is harassment, and sometimes devastating. for dog fights, they get their tails and ears ment or intimidation of a service animal She has left establishments in tears due to pulled, and they also get kicked, screamed, when he or she commits an act with intent to and which does make it impractical, dangerous or impossible for a service ani­ mal to perform its assigned responsibilities of assisting a person with a disability." This is the law protecting the safety of service animals and service animals in training. The consequences of harass- ing, intimidating, or interfering with the service animal are a class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 6 months im­ prisonment and up to a $1 ,000 fine. So is it really worth it? Life needs to be lived. This is what the service dog helps with: giving someone their mobility, self-confi­ dence, independence and a companion all wrapped up in one. So take their lead and live your life to the fullest without getting

OUR VOICES 15 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE clapped, and whistled at. In 20 I 0, at High­ The argument is made "The dogs don 't the law needs to be enforced in schools land High School a student brought a dog belong in school, they are too distracting." where pups are being trained. The dog has whistle to "see if the dog would react." I understand that the dog may once in a the same rights as a human, meaning they The pup, Carlos, didn't react. However, while ' distract' other students by making are allowed in school and school should his handler did. She walked right up to the a noise, or re-adjusting, causing a hand be a safe place for students and service student, grabbed the whistle and threw it full of students to be distracted, which animals in training alike. If the school out the window. When he yelled at her, she frustrates teachers. Also, the pup does becomes a more secure place for Guide told him to take it up with the school cop. need to be faced with distractions, so they Dog pups, in the future more pups may be We, the raisers, get harassed as well; can learn to handle distractions when their allowed to come to school without harm if the pup makes a mistake we never hear blind person goes out into public. Never­ so they may be able to learn all they need the end of it. We get yelled at if we happen theless, this needs to occur in a controlled to learn about being a good guide and give to pass a student who is afraid of the dog, setting so that the dog can be redirected students the opening to return some- or just hates dogs. If school is supposed to and taught to overcome it's curiosity thing of value to their community. My be a ' safe' environment, why do the puppy towards whatever the distraction may be. Guide Dog: Puppy in Training and I were raisers and their dogs have to leave class Being distracted and being harassed are harassed. Stopping harassment is neces­ early to avoid harassment and possible in­ two completely different concepts. These smy for the continuation this program for jury? And if the school cop who has been are legitimate reasons to be apprehensive; future students in high school. It takes a approached many times won't do any­ however, this reason does not justify ha­ community to raise a puppy and in return, thing, the raisers have to take it into their rassing a puppy. it takes the assistance of a puppy for a own hands, and sometimes that is unfair. Clearly, it is against the law to harass a community to rise! lt's a vicious cycle. Guide Dog: Puppy in Training, following Young, Wild, and Wrong

is enormously upset­ This Is My Voice ting to see the drastic change in lyrical By: context throughout the Maria Soberanis years in music today. Highland Popular music today is often based on sexism and illegal drug use. We as a joint society need to send a power­ "And since we all ful message to these came from a woman, got artists who diminish, our name from a woman, objectify and dehu­ and our game from a manize women and woman. I wonder why suppott irresponsible we rape our women, do drug abuse. we hate our women? I It seems that think it's time to kill for musicians today are in­ our women. Time to heal creasing their egos and our women" (Keep your their careers by being head up; Tupac Shakur sexist and demeaning 1993) towards women. To Only a decade ago illustrate this, Platinum our most recognized Award winning artist musicians focused their Nicki Minaj sings music on our social is­ about being a superior sues and brought much sexual partner than needed awareness to the other women and she public eye. However, it demeans her own gen-

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 16 OUR VOICES der in a horrible way; Her song "Stupid As if being sexist is not enough, musi­ however, when sexism and drug abuse is H**" says the following, "Then l p*** on cians today advertise illegal drug use in glamorized so frequently in musician's b******, you cans*** my d*****, ifyou their songs as well. The musicians are songs, this seems to imply to young adults want to take it like j***. You don't like glamorizing the use of drugs and alcohol that usi ng drugs and being sexist towards them diseases, give my a** some kisses." making this a requirement to fit in with women is a patt of a normal Iife. 1f we, as Even though the full context of the song is the popular lifestyle oftoday's society. the public, keep buying this negative mu­ not apparent here and you may be con­ A major exposer of this issue is Atlantic sic are we neglecting the values that we as fused because 1 had to change so much of Records attist Wiz Khalifa which, in his human beings have not only being caring the vulgar language, those vety changes latest hit song "Young Wild and Free" he but also respectful of each other? illustrate my point. Too much of the popu­ promotes illegal drug use: "So what we get Sarah Catter (22 years old), stated lar music today is sexist and extremely drunk, so what we smoke weed, so what the following, "As a wife and, 1 hope, as offensive. And if that is how a woman we' re just having fun, we don't care who a mother someday 1 wouldn 't want my represents her gender in music, there is no sees." This song gives the illusion that child to listen to all the bad things that are hope for women to keep moving forward abusing illegal drugs is more than okay; in popular music today." Many people do with our hard fought battle for equality. it is what is required in today's young not want the garbage that is considered Sexism has been around since the society. Take a moment to think that abus­ music to be a part of society. It is time to Stone Age but that does not mean it is ac­ ing drugs and alcohol is what modern day let musicians know, we have had enough ceptable. One of the world's most recog­ society expects from young adults. 1s this of being insulted by their music, not only nized rock bands, The Rolling Stones, also really what we want upcoming generations is it enormously offensive towards women diminish women in most of their songs. to remember us by objectifying women, but also to young adults because they "Under My Thumb" is a perfect example getting drunk and smoking marijuana until encourage drug abuse in their songs. In of this. The lyrics say the following: "Un­ we lose sense of ourselves? other words, popular music today is just der my thumb, her eyes are just kept to According to high school student a glimpse of bigger upcoming problems herself. Under my thumb, well I can still Antonio Yanez ( 16 years old) "Not all that we will face in the future if we keep look at someone else." Refening to the music is negative and if you do take away avoiding this very strong issue. And we double standard that man can be com­ all the negative music there is not going not only put ourselves at risk but also our pletely free in a relationship while women to be a difference." To summarize his future generations, by insinuating that sex­ cannot. These two songs once again point, Antonio is saying he believes that ism and drug abuse is acceptable. 1, my­ demonstrate my point, of how women are even if society eliminates this negative self, am ashamed to be a part of a genera­ viewed not only in music but in society as music, sexism and illegal drug use will tion that mainly focuses on such pointless well throughout the years. still be present. That is a very strong point; and vulgar music, what about you? Video Games Build Potentia15kills in 5c~ool

OUR VOICES 17 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE with each aspect of crafting something, action-based video games like " Halo" and This Is My Voice how math is used to calculate the size or "Call of Duty" train a player's brain to pay length it needs to be. Video games helped attention to five or more things at once By: me better understand the world without without getting confused compare this to even being told I can. Researchers from the average person can only be attentive to Enrique Jimenez Michigan State University studied 12 year four things simultaneously West old gamers. In the online journal Comput­ Parents think that playing video games ers in Human Behavior, they report that for countless hours on end makes you kids who play video games tend to be stupid and nothing comes out of it. They more creative, regardless of whether those also say video games encourage negative "Video games make you dumb," the games are violent and that the more they effects on kids. These are prime examples phrase every gamer hears, but is it true? play the more creative they are. why parents hate games. "Gamers get Can playing for countless hours really Video game genres like action/adven­ too into the game rather than their lives make you dumb, without any benefits? ture get users to learn to process informa­ outside the vittual world," said Allie, a Growing up playing video games gave me tion faster. Researchers at the University West High school student. I disagree, a different perspective on learning, en­ of Rochester Brain and Cognitive Science because I feel the benefits of playing video coUJ·aging me to learn what's possible and found that most of the video game players games. I know video games aren't perfect turning creativity into reality. Video games improved their ability to ignore visual and yet, neither are the players. Gamers can help children learn to advance in dif­ clutter by about 15% to 20% after play­ play games because it entettains them in ficult subjects in school such as science, ing an action video game for 30 hours. I ways that make them want to come back technology, engineering, and math because interviewed George Metos, a West High for more. Video games encourage students they gain skills such as critical thinking, student gamer who states that, "Video to gain certain skills such as processing problem solving and creativity. games can keep kids' minds more in information faster, improved visual cogni­ "Video games, if effectively harnessed, engaged in school by challenging their tion, creativity, and critical thinking; this are an ideal platform for learning," says thoughts with games while they' re not gives student gamers an advantage in their Alan Gershenfeld, founder and president at school, like over the weekend when schoolwork to improve on their studies. of E-Line Media. Some of the reasons they' re using their intellect in game; this is Therefore, playing video games can why video games are good learning tools keeping their brain fired up." Action video help children gain the potential to ad­ are because they are unlike film or televi­ games use critical thinking and problem vance in difficult subjects in school. As sion or other linear media, because they' re solving to fUJther improve gameplay, at previously mentioned, video games if interactive and it gets the player more in­ times players don't even know how much effectively harnessed are an ideal platform volved as they lean forward with their full they are pushing their ability to be able to for learning. Gam~ developers find ways attention. Games let people step into other have the focus to keep up. to further progresl gaming to be more shoes, making decisions, and exploring I know that critical thinking and beneficial. Whether it is more educational the consequences. The challenges and the problem solving are a big factor in action or more entertaining, both motivate you to rewards give the player more motivation games, because I' ve played games like want more. Video games helped encourage to be more engaged in the game. The fact " Halo" and "Call of Duty" competitively me to learn more about the world by ask­ that they are more interactive gives the and they demand your complete attention ing questions and getting answers. Think player more chances to learn something because of accessories like headsets to about it, if you play games you've gained new, in visual modality. This give students hear evety foot step, HD Plasma TV to a set of skills you never knew you had the benefits of improving their thoughts see everything clearly, and connected Via such as critical thinking, problem solving, on the real world without even relating HDMI cable capturing elements faster and and creativity. If you don't play games try it back to video games. l, myself, can better. The most impottant of them all is it, just don 't expect it to automatically give acknowledge video games helped progress your brain because it is able to choose to any skills but just play the game for fun. my ways of thinking. move left and right or making fatal deci­ After a whil think. Creativity drives the world, video sions that affect the game. For example games embrace that expression. Video in "Call of Duty" there's a game mode, games such as MineCraft and Halo's "Search and Destroy" This game mode re­ "Forge mode" allow gamers to edit the ally gets your heart pumping with the ten­ terrain, making anything they can imagine sion it gives to push you toward your vic­ and showing it off to the world. These tOty. It makes you develop tactics to win games encourage you to build and crate each round. This gives students a different something new that brings out your cre­ mindset on life, by learning to process in­ ativity in the real world. I grew up being formation faster and more accurately; this interested in crafting something that can gives students an advantage in real-life help people, from that experienced how situations that they can use in school sub­ technology works, how science ties in jects. Video games and especially violent,

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 18 OUR VOICES Underemphasized History

their land. Some movies and books have ennes, or the other battles, such as the one This Is My Voice touched on this, the most well-known be­ at Wounded Knee. Georgianna Lincoln ing award winner "Dances With Wolves", says, "when American children reach the By: and the book Bury My Heart At Wounded seventh grade, they may read the history Roxanne Knee, by Dee Brown. By reading the text, People, Places and Change, which latter, you will learn of many battles and devotes but one page to American Indi­ Fitzwilliam chiefs, neither of which is mentioned ans." She also says, "on the college level, West in textbooks. When I emerged from the a freshman history class uses a textbook eighth grade, I knew all about General called The American Nation. Just four of I'd wager that you do not know much Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, the Con­ 972 pages are dedicated to the history of about Native American history. Maybe if federate Capital at Richmond, the Battle Indians during the late 1800s. Interest­ your teacher had put more emphasis on the at Gettysburg, the whole nine yards. r ingly, a timeline in The American Nation subject in your eighth grade hist01y class, aced all tests given to me. However, depicts historical events for this period, you would. Maybe you would know all despite all that, it was not until the ninth but not one single Indian name or event about the Sand Creek Massacre, the Battle grade, when I read the book stated above, is recognized." These topics need to be at Wounded Knee, and the Battle Where that I learned of all the brave chiefs and imparted so that students understand the Roman Nose Died. The conflict between warriors who stood up to the settlers, conflict, and what happened, so it will not Native Americans and white settlers in the how the white Americans broke every come to pass again. The curriculum for the late I 800s is underemphasized by eighth single treaty made with them, and by what "conflicts that arose during the American means the tribes were ruthlessly killed for fighting back. l grew knowledgeable about people r had never heard of before, and I would wager that most Americans cannot distinguish them either: Black Kettle, Roman Nose, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, Manuelito. Black Kettle, who was willing to find a diplo­ matic solution to the issues between the two parties, and tried his absolute hardest to avoid bloodshed, was ironically killed in a massacre of his village. He watTants memory as much as Ulysses S. Grant does. These people are worthy of remem­ brance. They were Americans too, and have just as much right as the generals in the Civil War to be recognized, and more should be taught about them in school. The curriculum for eighth grade social Crazy Horse - Red Cloud studies states in Standard 7: " Examine the grade history teachers, and it should be conflicts that arose during the American expansion" needs to be expanded upon more included in the curriculum because expansion. Investigate the causes and itself. There have been bills proposed the people who participated in it deserve to results of the War of 18 I2. Analyze gov­ requiring schools to teach about local be remembered, and it is an important part ernment policies toward and treaties with tribal history, but we need to go further. of history that all Americans should know American Indian nations; e.g., relocation, It is American history, after all, and is and understand. removal, assimilation, and sovereignty." often underemphasized because we feel In the eighth grade, we study all about It does not go into detail concerning the guilty and emban·assed about what ensued the Civil War and the various battles, and actual small battles going on at the time of roughly 150 years ago. Even if it does who the generals were. What we do not the Civil War. As I remember, my teacher tarnish the American reputation, we must learn very much about is what was hap­ told us about the War of I 8 I 2, Manifest teach it and know about it, because it is a pening in the Western United States at Destiny, and the Trail of Tears, but not part of us, and the echoes of the past sti II that point in time, the drawn-out fight put about the other things that went on, such resound around the peaks and the plains of up by the Native Americans in defense of as the Sand Creek Massacre of the Chey- our home. We have a right to know how

OUR VOICES 19 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE we really acquired our country. and time restraints, I read a blog post by a In conclusion, ejghth grade hist01y Some people are concerned if we teach teacher who managed to integrate Native teachers should teach more about the con­ more about Native Americans that the American history into his American his­ flict between the Native American tribes Civil War will get shott-sheeted, and we tory class. Eric Langhorst said in his blog and the white settlers in the late 1800s, will not learn as much about that. I can on pbs.org that the tool he used to do this because the people who participated in assure these people that I do not mean to was the documentary series of five films it deserve to be recognized, and it is an disrespect the war that really brought our called " We Shall Remain". He showed imp01tant- though often underempha­ country together, but my only intention is several episodes to his class, and used the sized- patt of American hist01y. If we to bring it down a notch, and bring the Na­ companion website for the series, also on do this, American teenagers will be less tive American history up a notch, so that pbs.org, which contains a teacher's guide ignorant on this subject. I feel passionately they will be balanced. It has been said that to be used in teaching Native American about this subject because having read there are other underemphasized topics in history to classes. But, can we really Bury My Heatt At Wounded Knee, and I our history, and should we not teach them bring ourselves to teach about the people feel it should be emphasized more. Teach as well? I have heard from a few wonder­ whose land we essentially stole? Can we more about Native American hist01y along ing whether teachers have enough time get over our shame enough to share what with our histoty. Despite our shame, we to fit Native American studies in with all happened? We should not "get over" our must rise to the occasion and teach about of the other things they are teaching. Yes, shame perhaps, but embrace it and under­ our wrongdoings so that we can learn I am cettain that there are other topics stand it, so that something like that does from our mistakes, and history will not which should be emphasized more, but not happen again. We need to, because repeat itself. Think of Black Kettle, of Red I am focusing first and foremost on the every American should know about this Cloud, of Sjtting Bull. Their spirits are Native Americans. As for the teachers history. with you.

Thi MMV~naw~~~b"9.!h,§O~,!,~!~sw;thav;,w S 1S Y OICe pin" (caught by themselves) the gang to conformity are both uncivilized and members will beat them nearly to death. undecorated." Using violence or force to By: For example, my cousin and a couple of pressure teenagers t ~n gangs is really Viliam.i Tuungaa friends went out and found a couple of unnecessary, because it shows how un- East people from the opposite gang and statted civilized our society has come to. fighting with them, he said, "it was a piece In conclusion, forcing members to do of cake." After, he said he curb stomped stuff they don 't want to do and retaliating

In Hollywood movies we see violence of gang related activity such as robbery, home invasion and drive-by, but in my neck of the woods this actually happens. Gangs have a con side to it because gang members are forced to do certain activi­ ties they don't want to do and gang leaders retaliate on family and friends of the op­ posite gang. Most kids are usually familiar with gangs around middle school and many are involved with gangs and think it's cool. one of the members, I really didn 't know on other gang members of the opposite But, getting caught for doing criminal what a curb stomp was until he explained gang shows how society is corrupted. activity like robbery, home invasion and it to me. For me it seemed like the fight Some may think being in a gang makes drive-by, you won't feel cool, you' ll feel was worth not fighting. you feel alive, but really that is not a good more ashamed. And most people who did Most teens join gangs because they're way to be alive. Others may say " I' m a these activities regretted what they did, but looking for protection, safety and secu­ rider, soldier, etc.", but overall being a others felt like it was a necessity for them rity. But really the gang is putting you in soldier it's meaningful and when it's used to do it for the "hood." hann's way by telling you to do something incotTectly I believe the meaning is lost. Gang leaders retaliate against fam­ and you do it without thinking about it. Tupac Shakur said "A coward dies a thou­ ily and friends of the opposite gang. Mahatma Gandhi said "force, violence. sand deaths a soldier dies but once."

OUR VOICES STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 20 Teen Rape Speak Up do. There are times that the family blames family found out, they didn 't suppott me. I This Is My Voice the victim because they do not want to ended up in foster care and now 1 can say believe that their child was raped; the life is good, but it will never be the same. By: reality is too far for them to see. There are The point is that teenage rape affects times that the family of the victim is too victims and family. It does not matter if Anonymous afraid or attached to the abuser that they you're a boy or a girl, it is the same thing. put other children in the family at risk. I What 1 can tell people out there that are West honestly think that taking a child out of the going through the same thing is don 't keep family and putting them in foster care is a quiet; speak up, and don 't let it kill you great choice, not the best, but it's safer and inside. Letting it out can help you seek I like to think of my life as a puzzle. more protective. There are families that for your own savior who will stand with This part of my life is just one ofthe piec­ do not protect the child, which is another you wherever you are. There is always es that go in the corner. What happened reason to put a chi ld into foster care. someone out there that wants to make life to me not only destroyed my hopes, but it Teenage rape breaks up relationships in a little easier. People, don 't let the small destroyed the small relationship that 1 had many ways. For example, l had a personal puzzle piece be the big picture in your life. with my family. Being raped by someone experience, something that 1 wi ll never If you seek to take the weight off your in my family and not telling anyone made forget. 1 kept a secret that nearly broke me shoulders, you will find many programs me think that I needed to isolate myself because l had to think of my twelve-year­ that are there to take your fears away so from those who sun-ound me. I had to old sister and my nieces; I would never you are the happiest person there is. Help keep this secret, the pain and anger in side let anyone hmt them. I wanted to end this, yourself; stand tall without someone push­ me. I thought to myself, if he had me he but l couldn 't. I didn't know how 1 was ing you over the limit. DO NOT BLAME wouldn't butt anybody but me, and that's trapped in the hotTible arms of the man YOURSELF. 1 want all the people out how it was. I didn 't want this to happen hated with what was left in me. When 1 there to know that getting help is the good to my sister. I had to keep my fami ly safe. licked myself in my room , 1 would cty thing out of this nightmare. All you spread What I am ttying to say is teenage rape not asking God, "Why? Why me?" From that the word, let your mind speak, and see on ly affects the victim, but also the people point, I stopped believing. Why? Because how it can make life much easier. that surround them. It breaks up fami ly I had to protect myself. At times 1 couldn't and friends and traumatizes the victim. If sleep because the picture of him would be you are in a bad situation, speak up; don't in my head. I didn 't want to think of him. I keep the abuse to yourself because that wanted to stand tall with my head high for just makes things worse, and because help my sister who was man-ied to that monster. is out there. I couldn't tell her. The more I tried, the Teenage rape traumatizes the victim harder it would be. He was always there. and family in different ways. For example, The smile on my sister's face made me it affects the victim in school, making it think, "She's happy; she loves him." They hard for them to focus. According to No­ needed him ; I couldn 't let her down. 1 felt eleen Rampart, Executive Director of U.N l held their future in my hands-one move Development Fund for Women, the abuse and it would be gone. Every morning I "destroyed the gifts and potential of many would wake up saying to myself, "this is girl s." This is important because not only the day when the truth comes out!" Every does the victim have a hard time focusing, day I would say the same thing. Two years but they also are boxed in and do not inter­ passed and no one knew. This was a secret act with other students. They isolate them­ that wouldn't let go of me, suJTounding me selves from family and friends, and they with no way out. On the bitth of his third have trouble trusting people. According to baby, he decided it was time to take me the article, "Violence as a Public Health over again. That day I told myself, "Let Issue," "children who grow up in these go. Don't try and get away. lt's impos­ homes have school problems; suffer from sible." llost track of all the times he made ADHD, and stress." Victims that suffer me feel hopeless. When school started, I from stress and ADHD do not see what is wasn't interested anymore. l would disre­ around them and have trouble sitting still. spect all teachers, but one day the person Another example is the victim's family is who became my savior realized and that Speak Up also affected. They have no idea what to was when the secret ended. When my

OUR VOICES 21 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE ADecision On Death: And Withdrawing Life Support

decision whether or not to withhold and death brought me, and him, closure. This Is My Voice withdraw life support, but because Terri Dragging out my dad's death would have Schiavo didn't legally state a decision, only made the impossible task of getting By: and her parents vety adamantly wanted over losing him even harder. Maisy Phelps her ali ve, she was kept alive. When she Many people will argue that any form Open was finally pem1itted to die, the autopsy of life is better than death. I can under­ found that her brain was half the weight stand why they might think that, but who of a healthy human brain. Because of this, are they alive for? Brain-dead patients she had lost the ability to see, feel emo­ aren 't alive; their bodies are, and they're "Life is precious." I have heard this tion, and think. The doctor in charge of being kept around for the comfmt of the statement countless times from countless the autopsy stated, "This [b_l[in] damage family. Evetything that makes them who people. What about when living isn 't life was irreversible. No amoun, of therapy they are, besides their physical traits, is anymore? Unresponsive comatose and or treatment would have regenerated the gone. Letting them die when their body brain-dead patients are alive, but they massive loss of neurons." Terri Schiavo wants to, instead of keeping them ali ve aren't really living. They are gone, and wasn 't alive. Her body was kept around on a machine will allow loved ones the their body is still alive simply because for the comfort of her parents. If she had surprising closure and comfmt of know­ they never stated their preference about made an official decision that legally had ing the patient is finally, actually, gone. life suppott. The decision about whether or to be respected, all of the anger and hutt In conclusion, making an advance not to withhold and withdraw life support caused by this particular case could have decision about withholding and with­ should be required of everyone in advance been avoided. drawing life support should be mandated because it is medically improbable that a People should have the option to make because there are many medical and brain-dead or unresponsive patient will the decision beforehand to have life sup­ emotional advantages to allowing the wake up, and emotionally it is beneficial pmt withdrawn when brain-dead or in a vessel of a brain-dead or unresponsive to to evetyone involved to have closure and coma. Often people will selfishly keep person die when they need to, not when knowledge that a loved one made the a loved one who is brain-dead or unre­ loved ones think they need them to. It decision themselves. It would be easy to sponsive a li ve to ease their own grieving. will save insecurity about the decision, mandate the decision before it is needed, Prolonged coma patients will, most likely, controversy between loved-ones, and saving the inconvenience and confusion of lose their bodies and brains to inactivity. sadness during a time of loss. Asking making a difficult choice during a time of According to the Glasgow Coma Scale, one's preference on withholding and sadness. it is unlikely that someone will wake up withdrawing li fe support while at the The option to withhold and withdraw if they do not speak, move, or respond doctor's or registering for a driver's life supp01t when one is unresponsive to stimuli. If they were to wake up they license would be so easy for an act that should be an enforced decision because would awaken with debilitating damage, could prevent something so hard to it is nearly impossible medically that a need for constant assistance and most decide. l' ve never had to think about brain-dead people wiU awaken. Dead likely a wish for death. These patients pull in the plug, my dad's death didn't matter,especially brains, don't come are not benefiting from being ali ve. Their require that, but knowing absolutely that back to life. When one lets a person families are keeping them alive in an at­ it was my dad's decision, whatever he who medically has no reason to be alive tempt to ease their suffering. My dad died chose, would have given me a peace of and is an organ donor, die quickly and when I was 13 , and though I will never mind. Save the heartache and confusion, with dignity, someone in need can get a truly let go, knowing he is dead and not require a decision on withholding and transplant faster. It is also much less likely coming back is a strange comfort. His withdrawing life supp01t before it is too that there wi II be organ damage from the body attempting to shut down. Comatose and brain-dead patients deplete resources of hospitals and families, making living even harder while in the process of losing a loved one. Terri Schiavo fell into a coma in 1990. She was kept alive until 2005. During these fifteen years, her husband went to court against his in-laws over twenty times. The parents wanted her alive, but her husband felt she would want to be dead. Ordinarily, it is a spouse's

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 22 OUR VOICES Ta~lets for Everyone I can range fi·om $20 to $200, and that's getting to focus. Tablets are not used as This Is My Voice just for one. On the other hand, accord­ a tool but as a game." Although this is ing to apple.com, a 16 gigabyte iPad costs a problem, most tablets have locks that By: $499. That seems much more costly than can prevent the purchasing of apps and Kirby Saxton a textbook, but over the long run, those games. My mother herself put a password Open Classroom iPads will pay for themselves in two and a protected lock on my iPod Touch to keep half years, and that's only if the class buys me from going on an app spending spree. I textbook for each student. Many classes And even if kids get around this lock, need two to three textbooks. This should teachers would know that the students put be reason enough to give students tablet the apps on, because they would see them Imagine you walk into a big build- computers. playing with them in class and they could ing. You walk into a room and walk up Tablets would save the schools money, delete them. to a desk. You 're handed a brand new and they would help save the earth. In summary, tablets should be given tablet computer. This is your first day of According to www.greenpressinitia­ to each high school student in the school high school. Now you're ready to learn. tive.org, approximately 200,000 tons of district, because it would be the best for Tablet computers should be given to every paper is used for textbooks a year! That's everyone. Imagine a world where students high school student in the Salt Lake City 400,000,000 pounds! Tablets use no paper learn the best possible way, with a tablet School District, because they are good to make, and they consume very little computer. This would be a better place for educational tools, they would save the energy to charge. If we replace textbooks students, teachers, the planet, and even schools money, and they would be good and notebooks with tablet computers, so funders. It makes me feel sad that we are for the ertYironment by sav­ ing paper. Tablet computers would benefit children education­ ally. Students could keep notes, organize assignments, and create a schedule with their tablets. Also, students could download their text­ books for each class. This would eliminate outdated information, because every time a more recent version would be released, students could update their tablets to the new version. This would definitely help kids learn more relevant information. According to cnn.com, a study done by Houghton Mifflin showed that chil­ dren using an iPad textbook were 20% more proficient or advanced in Algebra II comprehension than chil­ dren using paper textbooks. Technology is a great way help kids learn. much paper would be saved, it's absolute­ still using the obsolete medium of the Aside from learning, there are other ly necessary that we do it. textbook, and we haven't embraced the reasons to give students a tablet. One of My mother, Gaby Saxton, a teacher in new and better way to learn. So Salt Lake them is that it would save the schools the Salt Lake City School District, says, City School District, give children a better money. On amazon.com, many textbooks "Teachers are already battling students future; give children tablets.

OUR VOICES 23 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 1, 2, 3.... What'5 Your Learning Style?

learns differently and adding different Finally, test scores in the state of Utah This Is My Voice teaching styles and methods into the class­ would rise because there would be a larger room wou ld give eve1yone a fair chance to number of students who understand what By: be able to understand the curriculum. West they've learned all year long. According High School student Enrique Jimenez, II , to UtahEducationFacts.com, the CRT test Evelyn Salazar says, "This is a good idea because students scores for Utah have ranged from 70% West get to learn in the style that best suits them - 80% over the last five years. There is instead of trying to learn with one style definitely room for improvement! Those that doesn't help them." test scores do not seem too bad, but there If schools were to split up the students are still hundreds of kids who are still lost Have you ever been in a classroom into groups whose learniJlg styles are in the shadows and they are the 20%-30% where you had absolutely no clue on what audit01y, visual, and kinel hetic, learning who fail. If everyone where to completely was going on or what was being taught? would be much easier for everyone. Stu­ understand the curriculum, then those test Even though you were t1ying your hard­ dents would be able to obtain more knowl­ scores wou ld rise to 90%-100%. est to understand, you still didn't get it edge because they wou ld be surrounded by Some may argue that teachers would others who learn in the same style as they not know how to manage the classroom in do, which could also provide the best and different styles and it would be more time most helpful study groups. The informa­ consuming for planning out three differ­ tSAAL ., ¢ tion that is being given to them would stay ent lessons. I can see why some might in their head longer than if it were to be have these concerns but there is always a S66 tT taught to them in a way that is not helpful. solution! I agree some teachers are not yet Students tend to get frustrated and uncom­ capable to handle teaching the classroom fortable if they do not understand what is in different styles but if there were to be because of the way the class was being being taught to them. Then it could result a "Teacher Training" it would be a step taught. Each student learns in a differ- in student's skipping class, never doing the in the right direction and most problems ent way than others and that is why high work because they don 't understand; caus- wou ld be resolved. Teachers would meet schools in the state of Utah should divide up together and take a class where they core classes by the way students learn, would learn how to handle, teach, and using the 3 learning styles: visual, audi­ manage their classrooms in different tOiy, and kinesthetic because students will styles. As for it being time consuming, ed­ be able to have a greater understanding ucators have told me when a new style of of what they're being taught and they' ll teaching is developed it takes time to get be able to obtain more knowledge, which used to, but after a while it wi ll become would increase test scores. nonnal and natural, which is how it is for Every classroom is taught in a similar ing them to fail, or maybe even dropping eve1ything as the world tries to keep up way; there is a teacher, a room filled with out, especially if this happens in more than with the future. A great and easy way that students and everyone is t1ying their best just one class. In order to see which learn­ this could be solved is to plan out an over- to keep up with the lesson that is being ing style is most common, I handed out given. This is the basic structure of a a survey to a group of 8 girls and 8 boys classroom, but what about those who are fi·om grades 9-1 2. The resu Its I found were i3Rf lost and confused? If classes were divided that 9 out of 16 students are visual learn­ tNCST-;:n by the way students learn, using the 3 ers, where they use graphs and flashcards learning styles, students would be able to study and must see the information DOlT. to have a greater understanding of what in order to grasp it. 2 out of 16 students' they're being taught. It would be easier learning style is strictly auditory, nothing for students to pick up the information else. As for the other 5 students, two of all lesson for every classroom in a way they need in order to be successful in the them are auditory and kinesthetic learners, that best suits the teacher and then have classroom. If a student is being taught in they learn best by listening and moving their separate lessons for each class. All a way that is not useful to them, they are at the same time, and the other three are the lessons would be similar and would not learning anything. Even if students are visual and kinesthetic learners where they have the same concept but they wou ld paying attention in the classroom and at­ must see instructions and what they' re go­ be tweaked just a little. A teacher's main tend every day, what good is it if the infor­ ing to do and have their body continually priority is to make sure their student is on mation is not being retained? Eve1ybody moving. level with eve1yone else. There are also

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 24 OUR VOICES some concerns about how a class would for the Utah State Office of Education, improve. As a student, I feel like this is be taught kinesthetically in Math, Science, says, " It is a teacher's responsibility, not a very important because education for English, or History? According to Jen- choice, to meet every student's needs and our youth should be a main priority and I , nifer Wagaman's article, Learning Styles learning styles." believe it would be beneficial to everyone. in the Classroom, strategies for teaching Therefore, high schools in the state of Graham Whisen, a university professor, Kinesthetic learners include computer Utah should divide core classes by the 3 once said something that I truly believe work, hands-on projects, and manipula­ learning styles, because students would and that is, "How are we supposed to learn tive learning materials. It truly is simple. have full understanding of what they've for the future, within systems fi·om the Monica Ferguson, project coordinator learned and test scores in the future would past?" Uholding the Affordable Healthcare Act This Is My Voice

By: George Metos -~ West already 14% of their annual income. This believes that the government should not

~------~· does not include the cost of food, hous­ have a say in whether or not we have to Suppose we have two kids, both diag­ ing and other living expenses. Already, have insurance. "Can Congress really nosed with type-one diabetes, which is a we can see why people cannot purchase require that every person purchase health disease with a known genetic component. the necessary insurance. Now think back insurance from a private company or face The first of the two is born into a family to the second child and remember his/ a penalty?" He says, "Regulating the auto with more than sufficient funds to meet her family was far fi·om wealthy. They industry or paying ' cash for clunkers' is all their medical needs. The other child, cannot afford the best health care for their one thing; making everyone buy a Chevy however, is not so lucky. His or her family child, meaning the quality of his/her care is quite another." This is a valid point and can barely afford to visit the doctor. The would decrease, limiting the tools the the bill does appear somewhat socialist, combined circumstances of their preexist­ child would use to control his/her blood but in most other countries with govern­ ing condition and the two family 's wealth, glucose, thus, causing him/her to feel sick ment mandated health insurance, take or lack thereof, can ultimately affect the quite often. Canada for example, actually have a fairly quality of the two children's healthcare Over half the uninsured people in stable economy. Not only does this have for better or for worse. The Affordable the US, about 25 million, are not insured the potential to help the economy, but it Healthcare Act needs to be upheld by because of their financial situation, but will create equality in the health care mar­ the Supreme Court for the reasons it will rather they were denied for having preex­ ket because the insurance agencies will no bring health insurance to the millions of isting conditions such as asthma, diabe­ longer be able to determine premiums and uninsured Americans, including those tes and even high blood pressure. If the benefits based on the client's past health denied for health insurance due to preex­ Affordable Healthcare Act is not upheld, status. isting conditions and those who cannot one in every two Americans is at risk of In conclusion, without the Affordable afford it. being denied due to preexisting condi­ Health Care Act over 40 million, and ris­ There are over 40 million people in tions. Insurance agencies not only can ing, uninsured Americans will rely on tax the United States, according to www. deny them the insurance, but can charge payer's money for their essential health healthcare.gov, that do not have the proper higher premiums, and limit benefits. Now care. This will only raise the cost higher health insurance. A good portion of the envision the two diabetic children aged with half the population at risk being millions are those who cannot afford the and living on their own. They apply to get denied for health insurance. My younger medical insurance. This means one in ten their own healthcare, only to be denied the brother is a type one diabetic and can be people are not insured in the event their insurance for their preexisting condition. denied the appropriate health insurance health is compromised. Last year, the The second child is right where he/she when he applies for his own, decreasing average annual deductible for individual began. The second child is now experienc­ his care drastically and fmther reduc- insurance plans was upwards around ing the same problems the other has had ing the tools to effectively manage his $2,900. Now take into account the most their whole life. disease. Fortunately, this bill can help him common job in America is a retail sales Among many people, Randy E. and millions like him if it is passed and person, who makes about $20,260 a year. Barnett, a professor of Legal Theory at upheld. The cost of the insurance for them is the Georgetown University Law Center,

OUR VOICES 25 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Parents Neea to Teac~ Sex EQ ucation to T~eir KiQs to Prevent nem From MaKin~ MistaKes least one common STD. If you don 't talk Many people say that abstinence is the This Is My Voice to your kids about STDs, they might end best way to protect teens from unwanted it up getting it. If this happen it is going pregnancy and STDs; yes it's true that By: to affect their health, their future relation­ abstinence is the best solution for teens. Rosine Lamah ship, and also will chang~eir whole life. However, some might go and have sex To save your kids from all these chronicle anyway. Teens should be taught about East diseases you need to be ready to fight it abstinence but don 't only teach about from the beginning by talking to your kids abstinence that's why kids are having about it. babies, because they were never taught All statted when Grammy came to Teen pregnancy is another main rea­ about protection before. You can teach spend the summer with us. Sexual trans­ son. According to CBS News, the rate of your children about abstinence but also mitted diseases (STDs) were spreading teenagers becoming mothers is declining give them an alternative. Most parents in the village of Lola. My grandmother rapidly. According to CBS, the average will teach their kids about abstinence, no educated my family about this issue. In teen birth rate decreased 9 percent from sex until your manied, but even if they get my school in Africa the teachers were 2009 to 20 I 0, reaching an all-time low married how much are you sure that their afraid to teach and talk about sex educa­ of 34.3 births per I ,000 women aged 15 partner is not a candidate for STDs? Do tion. l was glad to have my grandmother to 19. Many teens are getting pregnant they know if he/she has STDs? That's why educate my family regarding sex educa­ because they are not being educated about parents shouldn't only rely on abstinence. tion and how STDs destroy your body. prevention. This is happening because Teens will not only get STDs from their Parents need to discuss sex education with teens are not receiving the proper educa­ partner when they are young, but we are their children, because it will save them tion about being a teen mom. Educating also talking about their future relation­ from STDs, and it will also prevent teen your teenage children about sex educa­ ship. According to ABC news it says that pregnancy. tion and teen pregnancy wi ll make them teens who repott having good conversa­ Some people might be asking how well aware of the situation and the risk tions with their parents about sex are more talking to your kids about sex education likely to delay sexual activity, have fewer help protect them from getting pattners, and use condoms and pregnant or STDs. Well from other contraceptives when they my perspective I think it will do have sex. For those who help them by knowing more already have had sex teach them about how the human body about protection. Most teens works. lt wi ll let them know will never tell their parents how to control their body and about their sex life. If you as also see your point of view parents only teach abstinence in this issue. Parents need to to your kids, they might go know that talking to your kids and have sex and end up with about sex education does not unwanted pregnancy or STDs. mean you are condoning them That is the safest way to go, if to sex. Sometimes it can be that is your choice because ab­ difficult for parents to know stinence is not working for you. when to talk to their teens If you as a parents are not about sex education, but by comf01table talking to your maintaining an open relation­ kids about sex and STDs, ask ship with teens about this it will help them for parents to rely on media and fr iends to them to talk to their doctor and teacher, be comfortable to talk about it when the teach their kids about sex education. It 's they need to talk to someone that they feel topic is out. According to the Centers for best if, as a parent, you talk to your kids at ease with, and wi ll be able to ask any Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about these issues yourself. First, we must question about their body and about STDs. STDs are rising among adolescents. do everything to bring down the teen preg­ Parents that are not talking to their teen Nearly half of all new STD cases are in nancy rates. Parents must teach their teens about STDs are putting their kids life in young people between the ages of 15 the effects of sexual behavior. They must danger. Whether you are a male or female, and 24. Lfyou as parents want to protect take steps to prevent the high rates of teen your life can suddenly be changed forever your kids from getting diseases you need pregnancy. Parents must talk to their teens by STDs and pregnancy. In conclusion, to talk to your kid about it. In fact, it's about sex and tty to set a value in their parents need to teach their kids about sex estimated that one in four young women children and teach them about the sexual education. Kids will make their own deci­ in the U.S ages 14-19 is infected with at misconduct. sion. It's better to be safe than be sony.

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 26 OUR VOICES Gay Marriage in Utah. Make it Legal. anymore. If gay men want to serve their a problem, so I do not understand how gay My Voice countly they should be allowed to. All it marriage being legal would open a door does is adds more people to fight. Presi­ to that. I then asked the agnostic woman By: dent Obama abolished the "Don't Ask, what she thought the problem was with Don 't Tell" policy. Obama stated that it staying illegal. She said, "People will Tyler the challenge for gay people to get into start striking and protesting just like any Thompson the military still may remain a problem equal rights movement, and gay couples Highland because the law was abolished not too will still be criticized and bullied until it's long ago. recognized as okay by law." Gay people The biggest part of gay maJTiage still will most likely always be criticized no "Being gay in the Mormon culture is being illegal is people being scared. They matter if gay marriage is legal or not. beyond hell," according to an mticle on are afraid of what will happen to the state Although, the bullying of gays might religioustolerance.org. Do gay people re­ of Utah. They fear change to their religion. decrease if it is legalized. Gay people are ally deserve to be considered worse than Honestly, what would change is two men not even allowed to practice with Monnon hell? Gay marriage should be legal in Utah or two women would not be scared to hold churches. Just because they like the same because gay people deserve to have the hands in public places anymore. When I sex, does not make them any different than same rights as eve1yone and the Mormon asked an agnostic woman why she is for anyone else. "In the Bible, Paul preached Church should not discriminate. gay marriage, she said, "I believe that love to the Romans that homosexual behavior Gay people should have the same is love. There is no right or wrong way to was sinful", stated an mticle on mormon. rights as everyone. It is not easy, at all, love. Sometimes it's not up to the person org. Why is gay love considered sinful? ft for them to adopt or to be in the military. to choose. It's just what's inside." It is just is just love. They are not allowed to get man·ied. Some what is inside that counts. Outside they are A Mormon woman stated, "God people say that for gay people to adopt a just like you and me, just attJ·acted to the intended marriage to be between a man child would eliminate the possibility for same sex. Then when I asked a Mormon and a woman." Although the Bible says a regular family to adopt that child. They woman why she is against it, she said, a man and a woman will live together, also say that it would lead to problems for "lt's not what I was taught, and it's not in it also says that women cannot speak in numerous children. It actually might be a my religion. In the Bible it says a man and church, and Mormons cannot eat shell­ better life for some children. Just because a woman will live together. It says noth­ fish. They do not follow those testaments, they do not have a mother or father does ing about same sex." That might just be so they should not follow only men and not mean that two fathers or two mothers because back when the Bible was written, women should get married. The Bible is would raise them for the worse. "About gay activity was not OK, so no one would not always rational. According to mon­ 21 ,740 same-sex couples had adopted chil­ express it. Gay people deserve the same icks.net, the Bible bans round haircuts, dren in 2009, up from 6,477 in 2000," ac­ rights as everyone; truthfully, they are just football, fortune telling, and more. Mor­ cording to the Williams Institute at UCLA like everyone else. People are just scared mons should not follow one man and one School of Law. That is a huge increase of change. woman getting married because love is in just nine years, which means people Mormon Churches should not dis­ love. Marriage is a way to express partner­ understand that gay couples can raise criminate against gay people. The Mor- ship, and we should not take that away children well. By these numbers it looks mon religion in Utah is a big part in from gay people. like we are on the right track for making it why gay marriage is still illegal. When In conclusion, gay marriage should be easier for gay people to adopt. I interviewed two women of different legal because all people should experi­ The law that states gay Americans cannot religion, one agnostic and one Monnon, ence the rights everyone has. If things do serve in the militmy is finally not a law the Monnon woman said she was raised not change now, gay people will never be against it. I asked her what she allowed to practice religion the way other feels is a problem with gay people do and will never have the chance marriage becoming legal, she to live life to the fullest. These laws have said, "If you legalize same sex affected people l know and care about. My marriage, it opens the door to friends have gotten man·ied, and their mar­ other unconventional marriage riage certificate does not work here. Gay arrangements, such as between marriage needs to be legal or gay people one man and two women. Also, will never experience a lawful partnership there is the moral issue of mar­ the way people in Utah do. They should riage between one man and one have the right to do what everyone does. woman." Polygamy is already

OUR VOICES 27 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE It's aBasic Human Right of ending or continuing the li fe of their the question of how stable civil unions This Is My Voice cherished partner, which mf Tied couples really are. Our American father, Thomas have the full authority to d

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 28 OUR VOICES Social Media and Its Effect on Student literacy . writing, which doesn't necessarily change regression in literacy skills. Take a quick ThiS I S M Y V OICe the content of the exchange, just the fact glance through Facebook or Twitter and that you could potentially return to it chances are that you' ll find an error, either By: and identify errors." She's correct; most in spelling, grammar or punctuation. This Leo Stillinger people don't worry about correct grammar is either caused by an honest mistake, in a friendly conversation, and it would be Open Classroo or the social laziness explained in the an unnecessary distraction from what the previous paragraph. Now, some might speaker is saying if they did. Social media point to the fact that there are so many is the same. She continues: "Most adults errors (and really, there are a lot among "ya ur rite lol, c u 2moro" probably aren't I 00% correct in their use teenagers and those younger) as proof that A sentence like the above, butchered of spoken English in social settings, and social media is harming literacy skills. But so thoroughly as to lack even one single it follows that neither are young people. really, social media acts more as showcase real word used properly, is probably The difference is that social media acts as for the enors than a cause for them. lt's a enough to make most English teachers get a medium for socialization (surprise, sur­ bit like passing notes in class; few would a little squeamish, especially if they see prise!)-which should hypothetically al­ wony about perfect spelling or grammar. it coming from one of their own pupils. low for mistakes, slang, idioms, and lower The difference is that on social media, the They' d much rather see, "Yeah, you' re coherence- but is presented in a manner mistakes are public and can be seen by all right, see you tomorrow," the proper much closer to that of formal at1icles. The your friends. If someone types out, "ya ur equivalent. And yet, sentences similar rite lol, c u 2moro," that doesn't neces­ to the first one are becoming more and sarily prove that they' re bad at spelling or more common for one reason: the rise of punctuating. More likely, they just can't be communication-based technology. lfyou bothered to do it right in a situation where have to send a quick text, typing out "ya ur correct sentences count for nothing more rite lol, c u 2moro," is much quicker than than the intrinsic value of using the Eng­ "Yeah, you're right, see you tomorrow." lish language correctly. Some may say that This trend, which began with cell phone this laziness alone proves that our English texting, has now spread to popular social skills are getting worse, but 1 don 't buy it. media like Facebook and Twitter, and it Even the best football player in the world has left some people wondering: is social would throw some bad passes if they media making our kids and teenagers less were just messing around and not really literate? The answer is no. Social media is trying. The fact that teenagers can't be not making young people less literate be­ bothered might be wonying in itself, but cause it plays the role of a social situation that's another conversation. As it is, while where perfect grammar and spelling is not there's nothing demanding perfect English demanded, there are no elements to social in these websites, there's certainly nothing media that would actively cause a regres­ expectation of the format contradicts the preventing it either. For this reason, social sion in academic literacy skills, and social purpose as viewed by the primary users." media remains unthreatening to our teen­ media can actually help teach literacy Twitter proves to be a slightly different agers' abilities in the English language. skills instead of hann them. beast; with users' "tweets" limited to 140 Dan Spencer, a fonner teacher, writes for Websites such as Facebook, or its characters, it is less focused on the con­ the Jackson Citizen Patriot that websites Google counterpat1, Google+, are truly nections between people and more focused like Facebook or Twitter are "easy targets social media; they rely on people chat­ on a person's desire to tell the world, in a for those who want to label the rising gen­ ting, commenting on others' posts, and short, succinct message, what's on their eration as lazy, ignorant, or out-of-touch." generally socializing. Both ofthem, and mind, whether they're lauding a great goal He argues that, while errors on social MySpace before them, take on the role in a soccer game or posting a picture of media sites are frequent, we need to avoid of a social situation in a virtual world. their sleeping cat, and just like Facebook, confusing correlation with causation. "It They are places to chat with fi·iends and they are not expected to have perfect would be foolish to suggest all students show each other things, and just as in grammar, especially when the character were mini-Hemingways in waiting until real life social situations, perfect gram­ limit sometimes forces abbreviations Facebook, Twitter and texting wandered mar is not required. According to frequent in longer messages to fit them into 140 onto the scene and corrupted them. Social Google+ user Meredith Wade, 16, social characters. media didn't cause those deficiencies, but media "takes the colloquial, casual feel Furthennore, there are no elements to it does display them for all to see." of conversation with friends and puts it in social media that would actively cause a While social media does not actively

OUR VOICES 29 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE huttliteracy skills, it can actively help chemistry teacher Matt Withers set up a you are continually practicing bad gram­ them . Zoe Kleinman writes for the BBC Facebook group for his chemistty class mar and spelling, it will spill over into that "Children who blog, text or use social where they could go for information about your academic writing. However, data has networking websites are more confident the class after school. The student-to­ shown that students that use social media about their writing skills, according to the student collaboration and communication are able to switch back into a fonnal mind­ National Literacy Trust. A survey of 3,00 I that resulted were great examples of how set when they have to write academically. children aged nine to 16 found that 24% social media can be used the right way in Of the 8th graders at the Open Classroom had their own blog and 82% sent text mes­ education." This is a great example of how Charter School in Salt Lake City, Utah, sages at least once a month. In addition social media can b.tused effectively to II out of 12, or 91.7%, of those that had a 73% used instant messaging services to help learning, notf lllt1 it. Facebook account at the time finished with chat online with fi·iends. However, 77% Not evetyone agrees that social media a passing grade, while 85.7%, or 12 out of still put real pen to paper to write notes in is a good tool, however. Many think that 14, ofthose without a Facebook account class or do their school homework. Of the the inherent laziness that comes from had a passing grade. While this differ­ children who neither blogged nor used so­ using it develops bad habits and makes ence is not significant enough to show that cial network sites, 47% rated their writing students more likely to use text talk in Facebook actually helped these students as ' good' or ' very good', while 61% of the a formal situation, such as an essay for with literacy, it is proof enough that, at bloggers and 56% of the social network­ class. Kiana Webster, 14, writes, " It seems least for this class, Facebook cettainly ers said the same." Based on the study, that a lot of teenagers are having a hard didn't hurt them. there is a clear link ,..------, 1n summary, between technol­ social media is not ogy use (including LOL = laughing out loud harming young social media) and people's literacy literacy skills; even JIK =just kiddinfl! 5 =see you soon skills because it if they are doing it takes the virtual role all in text talk, it still LYL =love ya lots Thx =th ks of a social situation practices necessary where perfect spelling skills needed for suc- LMK = let me know and grammar is not cess. Dan Spencer expected, there are no says in his afore­ parts of social media mentioned atticle for XO =hug & kiss lc=o/c that actively hutt the Jackson Citizen best friends forever "# their literacy skills, Patriot that schools BFF and social media can should try and inte­ NW = no way SWAK =statui wLth" ~ actually help literacy grate social media ski lis instead of hurt and technology them. If teachers into classes. "The IYD = in Your dreams recognize that social frustration many media can actually be students express W /E = whatever a useful tool to help with school is that it oh my god aid in learning, they doesn't apply to their OMG= can better connect to world. In my opinion, schools have an time identifying the separation between students and be more effective teachers. obligation to make learning relevant to the appropriate times to use each type of As a frequent user of Facebook, Twitter, real world." Many kids would argue that speech. l've actually read papers written and Google+, 1 highly value the impor­ reading and discussing Shakespeare has by peers that include texting lingo, exces­ tance of social media in both socializing nothing to do with the modern world. So, sive abbreviations, and the like. Twice, and connecting with immediate acquain­ asks Spencer, "why can't educators find I've even read papers where the author tances and connecting with old fi·iends ways to promote literacy using the tools had written sideways smiley faces into that have moved away. To discourage that are already shown to engage students? their essay. I just think that people are sott these websites because they are thought Why can't we help students see how of neglecting proper English in favor of to make teenagers less literate is unfair ' school ' prepares them for the ' real world' more modernized types." Marina Hayes, and ill-informed. So the next time that by using 'their world' to engage them?" 15, agrees, stating that "when you slack you see sum I tlk lik dis and you jump to It's a valid point; if the use oftechnology on grammar and spelling frequently it be­ conclusions, remember: believe it or not, is shown to increase students' ability, and comes a habit, and that habit canies on to social media is not making students less students already like to use technology, more formal occasions, making it almost literate. why not use it to teach? Some teachers uncomfortable to tty and communicate." do. Spencer cites how "Michigan Center Practice makes perfect, some say, and if Thx =thanks

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 30 OUR VOICES Mexico Needs Help

at cbslocal.com, "more than 47,500 people However, some people may ask the This Is My Voice have been killed since 2006" at the hands questions of, " Who is going to do the of drug cmtels. The mass murders are led searching and be in charge of operations No Photo By: by drug cmtels, using the illegal weapons regarding traffic going out of the U.S. and Fernando Available as a way of decreasing any resistance to into Mexico," or " Where is the funding their drug smuggling operations. going to come from ?" Though these are It is not to say that there are not any valid claims, it is essential and critical to problems in the U.S., though. The ad­ know that both Mexico and the United I come from a Hispanic family, and a verse effects of the weapons flowing into States can chip in for this proposal. What Hispanic heritage. We as a people have Mexico is making it so that drug cmtels I am asking is for the U.S. to help and been scrutinized, and deemed unimportant to many. I feel as if no one cares about my people, my heritage, or my history, that no one would care if we lived or died. We are in a war, and countless lives are being lost. We seek mercy, but instead, our cry for as­ sistance has fallen on deaf ears. Every day my family in Mexico lives with a constant fear of being gunned down. To have to gain strength and are able to smuggle simply adopt the strict procedures they live a life of relentlessly looking over your more and more of their drugs into the U.S. are currently using at the U.S. border and shoulder is a torturous and depressing life Fmthermore, the mass killings are being simply apply them to the traffic that is all because drug cmtels want to smuggle felt not only in Mexico, but also here in entering Mexico. There is already a well­ drugs into the U.S. Accordingly, the U.S. the U.S. I can truthfully say that the in­ established security system and sufficient needs to have the exact same procedures tense violence of the drug war has directly man power on the border all that is needed and regulations for those leaving the U.S. affected my family with the abduction and is for border security to equally check and entering Mexico, like they do for murder of a family member in Mexico vehicles that are entering both the U.S. those leaving Mexico and entering the led by a drug cattel. The drug cattels are border and Mexican border. As claimed in U.S. because many people are transporting ruthless and take out anyone that stands an atticle found at wordpress.com "it costs weapons into Mexico which is fueling the in their way or any bystanders that just so $ 12,500 to dep01t just one illegal immi­ drug war occmTing there, and due to the happen to be nearby. The drug cattels kill grant." So much funding is currently going massive flow of weapons, drug cmtels are anyone because they need to smuggle their into the dep01tation of illegal immigrants gaining strength and finding more elabo­ drugs into the U.S. and the less resistance that in the long run, spending more money rate ways to transp01t their drugs into the they have the greater the chance of them on increased security on the border will U.S. getting their drugs across the border will lead to fewer dep01tations and save the "The United States is the easiest and be. An article found at prweb.com states U.S. millions of dollars. the cheapest place for drug traffickers some elaborate ways that drug cartels have In conclusion, the drug war in Mexico to get their firearms, and as long as we used to smuggle their drugs into the U.S. is taking a toll on many li ves and affect­ are the easiest and cheapest place for which are, " using a catapult to sling the ing many families, and that is why the the cmtels to get their firearms there' ll drugs across the border, using children as U.S. needs to have stricter security on the continue to be gun trafficking," said J. ' mules', and even digging underground border to limit what goes into Mexico and Dewey Webb in an atticle found at www. tunnels to get their drugs across the bor­ what enters the U.S. We control our desti­ guardian.co.uk. Many 'gunrunners' are der." With U.S. intervention, drug cattels ny by doing what is necessary today. With transporting weapons from the U.S to could be slowed down and the Mexican U.S. intervention and stricter procedures, Mexico and U.S officials are doing noth­ Government could catch up and effective­ the future could be a safer and brighter re­ ing to stop this; in fact, some U.S. officials Ly take them out. An atticle found at npr. ality than what we are currently facing. No have even sold weapons to known illegal org says that, "Since 2006, Mexico's presi­ one should have to experience the loss of gun smugglers in an operation known as dent has set out an all-out crackdown on a loved one like my family did, and even "Fast and Furious." For evety action, there drug and weapons trafficking" which has more so, no one should have to feel that is a consequence, and the consequence of taken a toll on drug cmtels, but the cartels loss at the hands of something so idiotic as U.S. officials allowing gun smugglers to still gain strength each and every day that drug trafficking. Wake up America, sooner buy weapons is leading to mass murders the U.S. allows guns to be transported into or later the violence will be at your door in Mexico. According to an article found Mexico. step if something is not done today!

OUR VOICES 31 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Does Counseling Help Teenage Suicide Victims' Families and Friends~

other relationships. You need to talk and you are mourning over the victim you can This Is My Voice express your feelings to a counselor, that's experience the signs of PTSD which are what they are there for. " Never think that grouped in three different sets such as re­ By: when you are not crying for a death means experiencing symptoms: flashbacks, bad Holly Brown you aren't sad, it ,lfst means that you just dreams, frightening thoughts; avoidance East don't cry. I know'\hat many fi·iends or symptoms: isolation to yourself, feeling siblings feel guilty; such as a woman who emotionally numb, feeling strong guilt or was contacted by her brother that he had depression, losing interest in old hobbies, bought a gun to go hunting. She took a not fu lly remembering the event that made " Does counseling help teenage suicide precaution and asked her parents if she this occur; and hyper-arousal symptoms: victims' families and friends?" That is a had to be won·ied since he had a mentally being easily stmtled, feeling tense, having question that r hear after a suicide has oc­ hard life, but he had taken the same gun trouble sleeping, and or ang1y outbursts. CUlTed . There are many reasons to why it she was told about and committed suicide As you may have gotten PTSD you can is helpful, and why it is not. Counseling is after mailing a letter to her that he felt and will be treated by the counselor by very helpful for the families and friends of betrayed by her that she told their parents. talking to them. PTSD changes your the teenage suicide victims to get a better She took that letter very hard and thought personal routine and that won't necessarily understanding and comfort for the victim 's that she was the reason that had happened. hurt you, but it won't help you. actions, treat the family and fi·iends for She went to Dr. Kristina Randle who told After you had to deal with all the guilt and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), her, " When you love someone and some­ sorrow from a loved one's suicide you can and teach them how to spot and prevent a thing bad happens to them, you always learn how to potentially prevent a suicide potential suicidal teen. Talking about your wonder if you could have done more. fi·om happening by learning about the feelings can bring your mind to justice Many people have feelings of guilt. The signs and behaviors of a potential suicidal and make your life much better. When I more serious the outcome for the loved teen. There are so many different warn­ lost my brother I didn 't want to talk to a one, the more guilt that is felt. Feeling ing signs to suicidal behaviors as many counselor, but as I got myself there and guilty is not the same as being guilty." You counseling websites li st such as: disinter­ talked out my feelings I felt better every could have only helped so much. They est in favorite extracurricular activities, time I went. chose to commit suicide, not you. problems at work and school, substance I know counseling helps the families and As you sit with counselors they check and abuse, behavior problems, isolation, sleep friends with knowing and understanding treat you for PTSD and or Depression. changes, change in eating habits, neglect­ why their loved one had taken their own If you witnessed the suicide or found the ing hygiene and appearance, decline in life. The families can possibly try to figure body you have a high chance of get- school grades, risky behavior, and emo­ out when the victim started feeling the ting PTSD, even if you just hear that the tional distress. As Teen Suicide website way they did to take their own life and victim had died you can be at high risk of states, not all teen suicide signs will be why. When you are talking to the counsel­ severe depression. The Nationallnstitute present in cases of possible teen suicide. or you don't have to "be strong" for any­ of Mental Health (NIMH) states that as There are many cases which a regular stu- one. You are there to talk and express your feelings. You express your feelings and let out your emotions, you will feel refi·eshed and that's a good thing. Counselors are there to help you cope with your grief, as an article on Helpguide.org reads, "The sadness of losing someone you love never goes away completely, but it shouldn't remain center stage. If the pain of the loss is so constant and severe that it keeps you fi·om resuming your life, you may be suf­ fering fi·om a condition known as compli­ cated grief. Complicated grief is like being stuck in an intense state of mourning. You may have trouble accepting the death long after it has occurred or be so preoccupied with the person who died that it disrupts your daily routine and undennines your

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 32 OUR VOICES dent will commit suicide and didn 't show my feelings private", it irritates me. l ing a therapist; it's their job to listen." any signs. On March first, ABC4 news mean r know it's hard to talk about your Therapists and Counselors are there to . reported that two young men, who went feelings to a stranger, but they can'tjudge help you and to listen and give you an to Clearfield High school, both committed you and they can tell you what they think understanding on anything you need. suicide in one week and they didn 't show about your situation. Many also say " I Clearly, as you have read, you know that any signs that lead to suicide. Teenage can always talk to a friend" or "I don 't I believe counseling does help especially suicide is a very important subject in life. understand how talking to a stranger can after a suicide has occurred in the family. Teens may not show any signs but you be helpful" but Nmthridge California Counseling helps you in many different can still look out for the teen. Most teens State University states that, "Although ways: for your health, for your comfort, promise or give their personal belonging friends can provide wonderful support and to teach you how to spot a potential­ to their friends and most adults and friends and empathy, they often are unable to be ly suicidal teen. For your own good you ignore it and they don 't see that as an act objective, and they may lack the necessary should go see a counselor. Just talking of suicidal behavior. Stay alert and when training regarding psychological dynam­ and letting out your emotions can bring you think that you know ones then try and ics. Furthennore, in a friendship, the needs you back to your normal self and you help them. of both people must be attended to since can live on with your life. Counselors When 1 hear, " It's nobody's business friendships require a mutual exchange choose this job to help people who are what I'm going through as a friend or of listening and sharing, In a counseling depressed or just need someone to listen family member of a suicide victim. I'll relationship; the focus is solely on you. to their problems. They are your backup work it out on my own. I'd rather keep You don't have to worry about burden- assistance to keep you going in life. Bullying: If You're aBully, Stop. If You're aVictim, Report it.

Bullying puts students at risk whether beck said "A group of older neighborhood This Is My Voice it is physical or emotional. Students get boys would be after me for reasons that beat up sometimes because of their ap­ were never entirely clear. [ ... ] Most days By: pearance, hobbies, or anything really that I'd make it home safely, but some days Brenda Marin the bully finds "weird or different." Some I'd end up belly up on the grass trying to East people believe bullying is just name-call­ fend off blows and kicks while a ring of ing and that students getting beat up is just kids jeered and cheered that day 's aggres­ something that happens in TV shows and sor." A punch or kick in the right spot and movies. Bullying is a real thing today and children and teenagers could be sent to Imagine a group of 12th graders beat­ people are getting hurt. Dr. Mark Dom- the hospital with severe injuries. I think ing up an 8th grader; a group of"popular" kids calling others inferior because they dress or act differently; a girl crying des­ perately because someone posted indecent pictures of her, obviously altered, on a popular internet site. Sound like something you've heard before? Bullying is defined as "Persistent unwelcome behavior, mostly using unwarranted or invalid criticism, nit-picking, fault-finding, also exclusion, isolation, being singled out and treated differently, being shouted at, humiliated, excessive monitoring, having verbal and written warnings imposed, and much more." There are not many laws against bullying even though it should be consid­ ered a form of harassment. The federal government should create a law against all forms of bullying because bullying puts targeted students in danger, it has become a big issue in our society, and it can cause severe psychological trauma and even death.

OUR VOICES 33 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE e•rle 1et l.ul he..r etleryJ~y. . 'f •.., "''1"t ... t t"'"~< •t's true lout w•r..ls lourt·· T&.ey ,_ ~l

it's scary how some people will go to such psychological bullying include insomnia, and be very brave to face the person who cruel measures to show rejection against anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of is bullying them. However, not eve1yone someone who might be slightly different. post-traumatic stress disorder. All of these is or thinks the same way. Some people Second of all, bullying has increased symptoms can also result in the target are not confident enough or prefer to avoid critically in the past few years. Society committing suicide. Bully victims are be­ confrontation. Bullying just creates fear, associates bullying to schools most of the tween 2 to 9 times more likely to consider anger, and hate. The only positive thing time but if it was only happening at our suicide than non-victims, according to that comes from bullying is that the bully schools, then the percentage of students studies by Yale University. Bullying is a feels better about themselves by ten-or­ being bullied wouldn't be so high. Accord­ great cause for suicide these days and that izing others and making the victims' lives ing to makebeatsnotbeatdowns.org, 90% has to stop. An anonymous source said miserable and sometimes that's not even of 4th through 8th graders report being to me that she was bullied all throughout the case because some bullies feel awful victims of bullying. That is a disastrous elementary and middle school; she had to after what they do but don't know how to percentage and this doesn't even cover deal with depression, she cut herself, and stop. high school. The schools' handbooks can't she could not trust anyone. She also said In conclusion, the federal govern­ protect students at home where at least "1 felt so worthless, I even thought of sui­ ment should create a law against bullying emotional and cyber bullying cannot be cide at least twice a week." The interesting because it has become a big problem in fought so easily. The sad part is that, at thing is that the bullies barely knew her, our society and it has many negative ef­ least in Utah, no one's really doing any­ she was "different" according to them and fects on the targets. I am not saying it will thing about it. We have a law against cyber that's why she " deserved" to be treated be easy but our society would be a much bullying but it doesn't change the current like she was a piece of garbage. better place if we at least try. I' ve seen the situation because there is no sanction if the Some people might argue that being effects of bullying in my community, my law is not being followed. bullied is just a part of life and people peers and my own family and that's why Finally, bullying can cause psychologi­ will have to go through it eventually. I I think it is important for others to realize cal trauma and even death. Name calling completely disagree with that statement; it is a problem and not something we can has become a great issue in schools and it no one should ever feel like they have no just ignore. Let's give future generations a is often justified by a "just kidding". The wo1ih or feel threatened in any way. We better life. lfyou' re a bully, stop; it is not old saying, " Sticks and stones may break all matter and bullying doesn't let a person helping you. lfyou' re a victim, report it my bones but names will never harm see that. Others say that being bullied and seek help. We cannot change the past me" actually works backwards. Physical helps a person stand up for oneself and but we can do something now to create a harm is easier to heal but emotional scars build character. I can see where that's true, better future. will affect a person longer. The results of one has to have a really strong character

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 34 OUR VOICES .TaVlet ~om~uters in 5c~ools: Wit~in All 5tuaents' Reac~

in which they ask questions, get answers, lend their cognitive and developmental • collaborate, and create. In Prensky's expertise that will be essential to this type ThiS I S M Y V OICe words, "So it generally isn 't that Digital of digital learning environment. Teach­ Natives can't pay attention, it's that they ers can also facilitate the human touch by By: choose not to." Teachers must be equipped helping students work in small groups and Afton Lambson with technologies and training to help on large media projects. The good news is students choose to interact personally and Clayton that most schools already have a team of responsibly with digital media, to make techies. sound arguments and decisions, and share Getting on board the inevitable is one their work with a global community. thing, paying for it with valuable school In order to remain competitive in that funds is yet another. I am confident that "That was so 27 seconds ago," scoffs global marketplace, students have to learn using mobile labs and tablet computers a colleague to her friend in a recent AT&T the aptitudes and tools needed for jobs will save money and put more digital ad. Viewers laugh because the world not yet created. We have to prepare them learning devices into kids ' hands than the moves at such a lightning pace that if one by approaching learning tasks from both traditional desktop computer lab. Dell is not connected to the mobile grid he may a practical and pedagogical angle. My computers supplies most of the state of miss out on important business, relation­ suggestion is to move towards adopting Utah 's school computing needs. The base ships, or events by a mere few seconds. innovative technologies before placing cost for a desktop PC for educators is What were you thinking about ten seconds an order for that new computer lab that $500, not including a monitor. Schools ago? What are you thinking now? If I were is already obsolete. Consider leaving one also purchase smart boards, document to ask my middle school students, many computer lab for student use and replac­ cameras, and Clickr's, all of which are of them may not be able to answer these ing the others with tablets, mobile labs, easily replaced with a tablet PC when questions, but they may be able to show studios for creating movies, podcasts, hooked to a projector over a wireless net­ on their cell phone what they were think­ and animation, school-wide broadcasting work. Any well-equipped tablet PC runs ing just moments ago. Schools should equipment, digital story labs for creating below $200, and Intel and Apple both have replace desktop computers with innovative eBooks, or app labs for Android and Apple one-to-one programs if a school wanted to technologies in order to meet the needs of products, like the iPad and other devices. get them into all students' hands. Tablets all students, remain competitive, and save We are asking students to come to school become mobile studios, mobile science precious financial resources. and power down and endure obsolescence labs, mobile math chatts and graphs, and Educational technology must continu­ paraded as educational technology. From almost anything else a school needs them ally adapt in order to meet the needs of all a teaching and learning perspective, we to be. A tablet in my hands in my class­ the unique students in our schools. These will need the collective will of schools room would save at least $3,000 in what students may be highly gifted, autistic, and districts to embrace the moment and it would replace. Multiply that by thirty English Language Learners, struggling not resist fmther on-site training and to classrooms, then by thirty schools, then by readers and writers, or have special learn­ ing needs. Marc Prensky, game designer and educational technology enthusiast, authored a paper in 200 I called " Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants," making the comparison that teachers were the immigrants trying to teach the natives, or students. Almost any teacher can identify with this feeling. He further claimed that technology actually changes the nem·obi­ ology of students' brains and causes them to think more quickly, to engage with the world, and to perform better on tests. His follow-up research shows that under a traditional class structure, students get a chance to ask a question every ten hours on average. He posits that they do so more frequently when provided a digital system

OUR VOICES 35 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE the districts in our state. It may even free disagree that the concerns of using tablets tablet advantage by now. It makes sense up money and classrooms for additional outweigh the benefits to student learning. for schools to switch to tablets and to teachers. So, worry no more about the cost I am sure that some teachers will resist replace desktop computer labs. If schools, of replacing desktop PC's, the savings are having to teach and learn a new way of districts, and educational boards fail to clear. using technology in schools. It just so successfully implement this visionary Those who oppose a transition to happens that table;s may hit their stride in step, then thousands of students will be tablets cite concerns regarding impact on schools just at thtlright time for teach- a step behind landing their dream jobs, student learning and training staff. All ers with the Smarter Balanced Assess­ creating the next big iTunes app sensation, of these concerns are valid because they ment that accompanies the new Com­ or progressing toward college and career affect so many groups of students and mon Core CurTiculum, which calls for readiness. I care deeply about this issue school stakeholders. However, research a performance-based assessment. To be because I witness the tragic and troubling conducted by the UK 's Open University clear, tablets are not yet another purported misuse of powerful technologies every day in 2005 con-elates using tablets and an educational panacea, but this transition in schools. It is time to use these tools for increase in engagement, motivation, and represents a paradigm shift that will take greater purposes and for raising the next test scores, as well as greater faculty col­ students into successful careers. generation of capable, balanced, and com­ laboration. State educational bodies can In conclusion, this paper may have passionate digital learners. That future is rest assured that high stakes testing will taken longer than 27 seconds to read, literally in our hands today. Go ahead and continue without interruption. Futiher, I but hopefully you are convinced of the put it within reach of all Utah 's students! Gay Marriage ( Legalizing it) This Is My Voice

By: ShadeDiaz East

Gay marriage should be legal nation­ wide because America was founded on freedom and equality, traditional mar­ riage is not the social norm for everyone, and the sociological effects would be says capitolpride.org. 1t was not the first ers over age 50. This provides insights beneficial to both modern society and the time this had happened, or the last, but it on the delicate balance of gay marriage LGBT(Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgen­ did stari the gay rights movement. Our support, but considering that percentage dered) community. According to procon. history seems to repeatedly display rough would have been fewer than I 0 in 1970, org, 31 states have bans on gay man·iage; prejudices, for invalid reasons. From black the advancement of gay support is slowly making gay marriage illegal meaning it is rights, to woman's suffrage, America moving upward. Freedom and equality are punishable in court. This system is roughly continues to overcome its preconceptions. at the core of our great nation, and should flawed, and steps on the toes of a consider­ Now, I argue that America's largest preju­ dictate the laws. able portion of our society. In America, dice, and thereby, problem, is the banning Traditional maniage is no longer the I 6.1% of crime was committed in 2007 of gay maniage. In the 14th Amendment, societal norm for everyone, and it shows in bias to gay bashing (most of which the equal protection clause protects "Life, when one follows the evolution of tradi­ was violent) according to civil rights.org, liberty, and property" . This means that tional maniage. From polygamy, to shot­ making it a real life problem needing to the government cannot impend or restrict gun marTiages, claiming that legalizing be dealt with. There are numerous reasons personal or public lives, and that man·iage, gay marriage would degrade ' traditional' to legalize gay marriage, if one just thinks then, should not be legally restricted and marriage is ridiculous under the premise about it. that any two adults who consent to be that ' traditional' marriages history is un­ America was founded on fi·eedom and married should be given the privilege to traditional itself. Carleton.edu defines tra­ equality, although over I 0% of the country do so. When polled by CNN news team, dition as, "a ritual, belief or object passed cannot many the one they love, threaten­ 52% of Americans think that there should down within a society, still maintained in ing life and liberty of the American citizen. be a constitutional right to protect same­ the present, with origins in the past," dis­ In 1969, New York police swarmed a sex marriage, and that number increases playing how tradition changes according gay bar and assaulted the patrons inside, to over 60% if you do not include vot- to the times. For one to argue that mar-

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 36 OUR VOICES riage is going to be in danger is unethical, community, for patrons 15-24 alone. This bish. One argument against gay marriage because he has not considered the fUJther number is staggering, and inexcusable. On was that it would propel the gay com­ evolution of marriage for the better, to top of that, 30% to 50% of LGBT youth munity to conquest for more and more allow the modern constitution of love. The will attempt suicide before age 25. These things, until all traces of morality fly out next argument is that marriage is for a man are our friends, our colleagues, our family the window; the first part at least is not and woman, as the Bible dictates. There members; all of them falling victim to unlikely. If there are problems that need are two things to consider when mak- societies hypocrisy's. These numbers are to be fixed, then of course the LGBT ing that claim. Firstly, does the Bible say the statistics of homosexuals, let's look at community would continue to pursue it. anything against same-sex marriage and the effects this has on heterosexual indi­ Another argument against same-sex mar­ how closely do we or can we truly follow viduals. According to the Psychological riage is that allowing same-sex couples the Bible? Secondly, what effects does Association of America, it is predicted that to marry threatens religious values. There this have on our impressionable children? not allowing gay marriage sends the mes­ have been and are religious values that While considering the first, know that to sage that it is "acceptable to discriminate change with the times; polygamy was a lie with a woman on her menstrual cycle against them." Obviously, this is wrong mistake that was soon changed and now is sacrilegious. While considering the because America stands for equality, as it is history. Why cannot gay marriage be second, know that according to the Bar mentioned earlier. FUJthermore, children similar? Allow gay marriage as a modern Association, it does communicate that it is raised in ignorance grow up into adulthood luxury, and prove that religious change is okay to treat others unfairly if they are dif­ without opinions of their own. A major- not biased. ferent than you. The long term psychologi­ ity of religious believers do not accept In closing, gay marriage should be cal effects of this could lead to develop­ same-sex marriage, and when asked why legal nationwide. Thousands of chil- mental issues later in life, such as racism, it is a likely answer that this is because dren are bullied everyday based on their sexism, or any other kind of ' ism ' . The they were not raised to believe like that; sexual orientation, and only because it claim that traditional marriage is in danger proving the point that raising a child in ig­ is not accepted. In elementary school, I is not even applicable when considering norance leads to a discriminative attitudes heard horrible derogatory words being these things. later in life. The truth is that the human used to describe people, places, or things. Last, but certainly not least, there are mind is always trying to protect itself, and When I was in middle school, I had a a vast amount of sociological benefits to one way to do that is to lash out at confu­ friend who was bullied every day until modern society and to the LGBT com­ sion; this might explain the prejudices he had to switch schools. This is deeply munity by allowing same-sex marriage. some Americans have against gay mar­ personal to me because some day I want There has been, for hundreds of years, riage. The answer: become educated on to get married to the man of my dreams, a problem with bullying, harassment, topics you haven 't been taught about. and as long as gay marriage is illegal, 1 hazing, assaulting and suicide all in bias A lot of people in fact, have prejudices sadly cannot. Legalizing same-sex mar­ to being LGBT. According to Wikipedia. against the LGBT community based on riage would validate that it is okay to be org, 34,000 youth who are LGBT will die their way of life. Numerous websites gay, and might just save thousands of by suicide every year, making it the most protest gay marriage, and some of them human lives every year. Use your rights potent fonn of fatality in the entire LGBT have points that are not complete rub- to accept others, and to move forward.

OUR VOICES 37 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Eq,ual Funding in Schools

are not focusing on the educa­ This Is My Voice tional part of school because they believe they will make it into the By: draft. So why is there more fund­ ing going towards these sports Sam Whitaker programs? It is only a 2% chance Highland of being a successful professional athlete. Some students are not even capable of playing a sport! Where are sets for theater, outfits and shoes for dance, their options? and even new instruments for musicians. Are sports not your thing? Do you Some students, like my brother and I, The costs associated with the arts easily enjoy patticipating in music, dance, or cannot play spmts for medical reasons. At equals or can exceed the costs of spmts theater? I do too, as well as many other the age of four my brother was diagnosed programs. But atts students often have to students; however, regardless of the many with a brain tumor and since then has had fend for themselves and make or buy their students who enjoy patticipating in the fourteen surgeries. My brother never had own props and equipment. Of course, this atts, funding for spmts is a greater prior­ the chance to enjoy playing football and has an unexpected benefit for atts stu­ ity for schools. So many students cannot instead of sports he tumed to music and dents- forcing them to show responsibil­ pursue their dreams in the atts, because of plays the piano. He has been playing ever ity and resourcefulness, which spills over a lack of funding. School funds need to be since the second grade. I have seen how into their other classes. Nevertheless, it distributed equally between the atts and much he has grown as a musician and it would make the att student's lives a little sports programs because it is easier to get is truly amazing. As for me, my fresh- more stress fi·ee, if the schools pay for somewhere in life through the arts rather man year I played football. During one of these things. than on a sports team and some students my games 1 dislocated my right shoulder. Other critics of funding for the arts with medical conditions who cannot play Nevettheless, I pushed through the pain make this argument: " Many teens play spmts have turned to atts, not only for and finished the game. The game after spotts and get scholarships to play at col­ entertainment, but also for a vety complex that, J dislocated my left shoulder, but this lege, and through their coll ege education challenge. time could not manage to push through the they do get somewhere in life." I both It is easier to get somewhere with a pain of both shoulders. After a visit to the agree and disagree with this statement. r degree in the atts than get recruited on doctor's office I was diagnosed with loose agree that sports scholarships enable many a spmts team. With an atts degree, the joints. Although my condition is not as se­ students to go to coll ege, where they have possibilities are endless. For example, vere as my brother's, we both really want the oppmtunity to get somewhere in life if according to a Utah attomey, "many law to play football to this day, but we simply they apply themselves in their schooling. schools prefer applicants with a degree in are unable to physically compete. I have However, many college athletes ignore the arts because it shows they are creative played the drums since the sixth grade, but their schooling and rely on the "profes­ and have teamed critical thinking." This I really focused on music after my injuty. sional dream." If they put too much focus allows them to think outside of the box. My brother set an example for me, and into their sport and not enough into their It is much easier to get an arts degree in showed me that a spmt is not the only fun schooling, they forfeit their backup plan of college than go through what seems like thing in this world. I have completed all having a college degree, if their "profes­ an etemity of waiting and training to be the music classes that have been provided sional dream" does not work out. a professional athlete. For example, you in school, but they are not enough. l need As you can see, arts programs have would have to be on a college team, get more advanced classes to teach me my art proven to be more effective in getting noticed as one of the best, wait for the form, which is why I' m fighting for more students somewhere in life, which is why draft, and hope to get drafted. What hap­ funding. lt's not just me who is complain­ schools need to distribute their funds pens if a person does not get drafted? In ing about the lack of arts programs. It 's the equally between the atts and spmts pro­ an issue of"The Sports Digest" William students and teachers who are passionate grams. Doing this will give future students J. Price says, "athletes who, after years about what they do. We, the students of of the arts a chance to be creative and of ignoring a cad em ics and being passed the arts, need more funding for what we express themselves in a way other than through classes in high school and college, do in our classes. sports. My brother and I have turned from are left with nothing when the professional Some students may claim that "sports sports to the atts because of our medical dream doesn 't work out. It's the athletes cost more, so that's where the funding conditions that restrict our physical abili­ who suffer the consequences of finally should go." 1 strongly disagree. There are ties. What if you had a medical condition finding themselves with no education, numerous "hidden" costs associated with like my brother? Would you like better job, or trade." Clearly most sport players the atts, including costumes and props and options?

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 38 OUR VOICES Lacrosse Gaining the Recognition

This Is My Voice play lacrosse for them. their classes; giving the students a reason Employers seek out the most quali­ to excel in the classroom they tend to ac­ fied person. The Block 'E' Award shows cept students who have more pmticipation By: the employer that you are a hard worker and good grades. Colleges would have Mikala Bland by stating that you played a sport along more acknowledgment for the student East with maintaining the academic portion who earned the Block 'E'Award. I have to of school. You must have persistence in compete with other students who receive lacrosse in order to support the team and the awards for school participation, aca­ stay caught up in school. The Block ' E' demic scholars, and letterman who have Lacrosse at East High School is a non­ Award displays your hard work in an the award to present to a college. Scholar­ sanctioned sport, so it is recognized as a appealing way. By being well rounded ship opportunities stmt to open up. Having club. The Block 'E' Award is for participa­ you show how you possess a variety of more scholarships that you are able to tion in school activities. According to the skills and interests and stay caught up on apply for will help fmther your education. East High's Block 'E' in order to receive work, and you are more likely to acquire Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the award you must accumulate a total the job. By allowing lacrosse to count for America needing the recognition as a of fifty points. For each event, sp01t, or the Block 'E' Award it displays to your sp01t. Some people might say that other community service project you pmticipate employers that you are able to work with schools do not accept lacrosse as a part in you earn a certain amount of points. As others. It is an important asset to add to a of the school, but Judge Memorial counts a lacrosse player 1 am unable to utilize my participation jacketlacrosse and toward the Academic the letter in lacrosse toward the Block ~~~~~~~§~~~==~~~~~~~:a~100-_..~~..--. Scholar Award, which is ' E' Award. The students of i given to players with a high East High should be able to GPA . Judge accepts lacrosse count their pmticipation in as a sport which is part of the lacrosse as a school activ­ school. On the other hand, ity. East High should accept East High does not allow lacrosse for the Block ' E' lacrosse to count toward the Award because the award letter jacket or the academic would help to make advanced scholar. According to Chad lacrosse teams, enhance col­ Martin the reason why East lege applications, and add High does not give out the to job resumes thus; giving awards is, "East High is a students the most beneficial public school, whereas Judge experience. is a private school which sup­ College coaches seek students who job resume. ports lacrosse," whether or not the school excel and participate in the sport. Coaches The Block 'E' Award is the best way to is private or public should not affect the would see that you participate in lacrosse show you are a qualified individual. High support and pmticipation of the school. 1 as an activity and attend class. The award school students find it great to have more would have been able to get both awards would display how dedicated you are awards on a college application. Colleges if East High would be supportive of the to playing lacrosse; coaches are always look at the applications for the best quali­ sport. East High needs to follow Judge and looking for dedicated players. Having the fying student. Having the Block 'E' Award accept lacrosse, by giving the players the awards would help as l compete against would show the college you work hard same treatment as other sports. other students to get into college. Coaches in school while participating in extracur­ In conclusion to lacrosse counting for will note that you have experience at ricular activities. Even though lacrosse is the Block 'E' Award, college applications working as a team. The award reveals that not a sanctioned sport it uses the name of along with a job resume would look better. you show commitment, helping coaches the school. Lacrosse is an activity which As a student who plays lacrosse I worked know that you are willing and eager to East High students pmticipate and play hard to stay on the team along with main­ play for the team. Thus, giving coaches a against other schools. Colleges like to note taining good grades, therefore 1 feel like reason to place you on the team may end a student's effort and the Block 'E' Award lacrosse should count toward the Block up giving you a scholarship. Schools will is just the way to display hard work. 'E' Award. I think that we need to stick to see your dedication to the sport and may Having the school support the sport will the idea of recognizing lacrosse and the offer you a scholarship to the school if you encourage the students to stay engage in players as a part of the school.

OUR VOICES 39 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Banning Books: Unacceptable Regression

racial tolerance. Now, one may wonder Of Rights). This is the first amendment This Is My Voice what this has to do with banning books. to the Bill of Rights. It states that the law The book, The Adventures of Hucklebeny shall not prohibit or abridge the speech of By: Finn has been called, "Trash and suitable anyone. America is built from this docu­ only for the slums,"(The Concord, MA), ment, and so many tty to defend it, but Nathan Cox because, "Some readers find the colorful why not now? Books are a form of speech East stories Huck tells immoral, sacrilegious, and, therefore, should not be banned fi·om and inappropriate for children" (http:// the public. In an almost comical case of www.pbs.org). In actuality, the stoty is book banning, "two civil rights organiza­ about a young boy from the south who tions are suing Virginia prison officials be­ Books are being banned and chal­ runs away with a slave. Huck often cause they banned inmates from receiving lenged all throughout America. This needs talks about how he doesn 't want to go to a book teaching them how to file lawsuits to stop. School districts should not ban Heaven, but people mainly ban this book against prisons" (www.huffingtonpost. "offensive" books such as Lord of the because of race. "Today there are school com). While this may seem unimportant Flies and The Adventures of Hucklebeny districts in America that ban this American and, yes, laughable, it is an all too serious Finn from high schools because these classic for one reason - one word: ' ni--- crime to ban books from anywhere in the books contain knowledge, people must -,' a word so offensive it's usually call ed U.S. learn from their mistakes, and it is uncon­ the 'N-word,'" (www.cbsnews.com). The Many people say that these books are stitutional. word, "ni---," is a mistake in American inappropriate for young children. I am The book, Lord of the Flies, by Wil­ histoty, but then again, America is a coun­ not proposing that teachers force young liatn Golding, is the story of a group of try based on mistakes. It was a mistake for children to read books that they don 't young boys who are trapped on an island England to oppress people based on reli­ understand I am only saying that high and build their own civilizations and gion when this countty was first settled, school students are old enough to know tribes. Lord of the Flies was, "Challenged and it was a mistake to oppress people what these books have to teach. The argu­ in the Waterloo, IA schools ( 1992) because based on race when this country was first ment has also been used that these books ofprofanity, lurid passages about sex, and fonning. By banning The Adventures of use racist or sexist language, and that statements defamatoty to minorities, God, Hucklebeny Finn, people are just ttying can make some kids uncomfortable. It's women, and the disabled"(www.ala.org). to cover up their mistakes, and if people true, these books do use racist and sexist Waterloo, Iowa was not the only place to don't leam fi·om their mistakes, they are language, but that's just how the world is. challenge this book, many others have to. bound to make them again. These books show us what the world is, This book was written to show the honest "Congress shall make no law respect­ and was, like. Im agine how much more truth about children, egocentrism, and ing an establishment of religion, or prohib­ uncomfortable these kids will be if they've the direct animal instinct in humans as a iting the free exercise thereof; or abridging never heard these words before and people whole. What people take away from this is the freedom of speech or ofthe press"(Bill use them as adults. Many parents argue their own business, but this book was writ­ that they want to protect their children ten to teach. To teach people about what from these books, but the reality is that they could become, and to show parallels these books reflect on real life. Sheltered into our own lives today. " It offers a bleak children turn into ignorant adults, and God assessment of humanity's chances for knows there are enough ignorant adults in survival, an outlook that echoes .. . an often­ FREE this world. gloomy world view"(classiclit.about.com). America is racially and academi- As with many books, this book has a dark cally regressing. You need to help stop it. way of showing a dark message, but it PEOPLE Please, don't ban books in high schools shows it nonetheless. This book shows because people can learn so much from what people, especially children, are like these books, people have to learn from under extreme circumstances of life and their mistakes, and banning books is il­ death. legal. The world is sure to repeat the same People are constantly progressing; mistakes it once made if we choose not unfortunately, people are also regressing. to learn from them. So please, don 't ban From the economy to academics, people books in high school. are not-so-slowly falling behind. But one thing that people cannot fall behind on is

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 40 OUR VOICES Don't Be Selfish, Share the Wealth We are all focused on somebody who is I thought that was really wrong. As I got This Is My Voice running on a field, making touchdowns, older and watched my mom raise three or throwing a ball into a basket treating kids on her own, with not very much them tike they are making a difference in money, she still looks very happy to me. By: the world. Therefore, athletes should play sports MustafHussein There are more important jobs than for the love, not because they can make West sports and they still don't get paid as much millions of dollars. Do what you love, not as athletes. For example, a fireman who what amount of money comes out of it. risks his life gets paid nothing compared Who is it to blame for the high salary to athletes, according to Christian Sci­ of athletes? According to Chris Butter­ ence Monitor, "Just last year Kobe Bryant field, it's our fault. We are the ones who Athletes should not be paid millions of himself earned $53 Million." However, go to these sporting events spending $50 dollars because there are other people who a fireman approximately earns $52,000 to $100 bucks for a ticket or jackets and contribute more to the community and get a year. This seems unfair for a fireman. hats for our favorite teams. Why can't paid less; there would be plenty of wealth He is going into a burning building, he we just supp011 our teams without paying to go around if we were willing to share does it while knowing that he might come that much for all those expensive goods? it and entertainment should not be very out with injuries, like burns, or maybe he If you think about it, we are the ones who expensive. We live in a world where you might not even come out at all. Kobe Bry­ give the athlete a raise every year and we can only have power and fame when you ant does not face the same kind of trouble try and work so hard in our jobs just to get have a lot of money. Nobody is ever going but still gets more money. a promotion or a raise. There are others who would say that athletes do de­ serve the high salary because athletes could use that money later on in the future since they don't get to play very long. No team would be inter­ ested in someone who is 38 or 40 years old. Another reason would be because they need the money for recovery dur­ ing injuries to pay for medical bills if the teams don 't do that for them. True, they do need the money, but whose fault is it that they didn't decide to have a backup plan uke a college degree? Didn't they know that they won't be play­ ing very long and that their career could be over very eas­ ily if they got a big injury that could shut them down from playing anymore? As society, we are willing to recognize somebody who is a firefighter The second impm1ant point is sharing to spend hundreds to thousands in buying or a police man and many more because wealth. ''Perhaps if athletes got paid less some tickets just to see a basketball or they don't have as much money as ath­ there would more wealth to go around" any kind of sport event instead of using letes. Those people do their job because said Kevin Smith, teacher. As I have been that money in helping the community or they want to contribute to their community growing up, when teachers or people using it for something meaningful. Next by educating others, running into fires, or asked me what 1 wanted in life, I always time, before you go out to buy a season trying to keep criminals off the streets. But said, "a lot of money," and they always ticket, think twice about what else you who pays attention to those guys? Nobody. replied, " money does not buy happiness." can do with that money.

OUR VOICES 41 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE r------~~---,Fatal Attractions This Is My Voice

By: Rebecca Anguiano Science Center

I have a family member that used to be abused when she was a teenage mother. She experienced hoJTific injuries and almost gave up the life of her first born child, just because she kept quiet and stayed by the side of her abusive husband. This history gave me more than one rea­ son to make sure girls and women all over Utah do not have to suffer abuse anymore. School districts in Utah should raise Once these signs are shown they begin to women, depending on the family traditions awareness to help girls all over Utah gain move from a psychological state of abuse they are used to, are usually told that the the courage to speak up if they are being to a physical state of abuse. Because the man in the relationship should be able physically abused in a relationship. It is perpetrator has caused such a big impact to make commands and make sure their impmtant to make "hot lines" and have on the victim, they can be so afraid of the women are well disciplined. For example, groups or clubs to suppmt such women abuser it keeps them fi·om reporting what­ some Hispanic women are told this. This and girls because without these resources ever has been going on. Being physically makes it harder to leave because setting a girls wou ld still be afraid to report abuse abused can affect the mind so much the good impression with your family can be and wouldn't face the situation and instead victim can believe that if domestic vio­ all that matters. suffer the consequences. This type of lence is reported, the abuser will kill them. Women who decide to wait until the last silence would lead to domestic violence Most women and teenage girls believe minute to repmt abuse often end up asking and raise death rates. Homicidal domestic that eve1yone deserves a second chance. for help too late to stay alive. One reason violence seems to be the highest crime rate Even though the victim can be brutally such women give for this is that reporting in all Utah. Girls eve1ywhere get into more injured, the abuser wi ll often find a way to abuse causes more problems and violence, psychological or mental help and families convince the victim it was un-intentional. or that women and teenage girls might not would suffer as well. Thus, proving the victim probably still has find a way to stay safe and be protected af­ According to the Utah Depmtment of feelings for him, which explains why most ter repmting abuse. This is why we need to Health, "In Utah, 14.2 percent of females women choose to stay with the abuser. teach women that there are shelters found 18 years or older indicated that an intimate Teenage girls are easily convinced all over Utah that can keep women away pmtner had hit, slapped, pushed, kicked and think that if they give their boyfriend from danger. Those shelters include a or hurt them in anyway." When girls keep another chance, there's hope that he might place to sleep, food, and sometimes cloth­ quiet, it causes more violence, rapes, change. But let's say a girl decides she ing donations. But that's not enough for and death rates, which is something we has enough and can't take any more of all girls, some still fear to say just a few call domestic violence. A very impmtant the abuse: the end of this relation can be words. That is why girls also need to gain part of domestic violence is being physi­ sad. Like the abuse cou ld ' ve gotten to her more courage to speak out to the world cally abused, which means being injured, so badly it's possible the victim might and live the life a teenage girl should. emotionally abused, raped, and sometimes commit murder or suicide. Or, the victim Most convicts mention that they were even murdered. Some abusers exert power could report the abuse, but all of the abuse just frustrated with their girlfi·iend or wife and control over the victim- when these could' ve caused so many traumas, the for not doing what they wanted them to, influences are combined, they can keep victim wouldn't be mentally capable to or that they simply just couldn 't stand to the women in an abusive relationship. The withstand all the questions people wou ld be with their partner anymore and had first step of showing power or control over ask. On the other hand, if domestic vio­ become tired of seeing the same person. the women or girl is being psychologically lence is not repmted, teenage girls or any Sometimes hitting someone is just so abusive. Signs of this are: using intimida­ woman can be led to believe being physi­ that they could take out their stress from tion, emotional abuse, and denying blame. cally harmed is "nonnal." A lot of young work, school, or life in general. It is said

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 42 OUR VOICES that most teenage boys or men do not like In conclusion this is why the school dying? Because for once l would like to admitting that they were responsible for districts should have hot lines or create stop hearing the excuses, "He' ll change." , hUJting the " love of their life." Sometimes groups or clubs at school to help teenage Or "It was just an accident, he won't do it their consciousness gets to them so strong­ girls- and sometimes even boys. Without again." And "I have to stay by his side, I ly : for example, The Violence and Injury all this, more women and young girls can't lose him." Because all these excuses Protection Program says, "One-third of would suffer, most likely, with never are not wmth it to live day by day be- domestic violence perpetrators committed ending pain, and many more would die. ing brutally hurt, raped, and maybe even suicide after committing the homicide." Wouldn 't you want to save innocent lives killed. Speak out if you are being abused So, teaching both men and women about of teenage girls? Wouldn 't you want girls in a relationship. abuse is important. to speak up when almost being at risk of Athletes vs. Students day before or are too tired to get anything and coaches in high schools have to put an This Is My Voice done. A student from high school said end to this unfair system. What are they "teachers give them extensions on past teaching students? That you ' re rewarded By: due assignments and it makes me feel mad for your athletic talents and not by your because it's not fair". If a teacher is going effort or academic accomplishments? Erika Hernandez I know athletes such as basketball East to be like this with one specific student group, he or she might as will be like players, baseball players, volleyball play­ ers and especially football players work this with the other students. According to really hard to get better and better to win Lance Pugmire Overall, 56% of the young the games and make our schools look I had recently been at the hospital with athletes agreed with the statement: "In the good. They even spend most of their time my aunt who was recovering from surgery. real world, successful people do what they in practice and are tired and sometimes I had spent my whole day with her to have to do to win, even if others consider fi·ustrated. Especially when they have attend her needs and keep her company. I it cheating." So does this mean that they school the day after a hard game or prac­ had totally forgotten that I had an assign­ could get away with homework excuses tice. But still, they shouldn't get treated ment due the next day. When I tried telling and other things us regular students have any better than regular students. They my teacher my reason for why I couldn't to do but they don 't just simply because knew that being in a sport was going to turn it in time she refuse to accept it. The they play sports and we don 't? take time and dedication it was their deci­ next day in class 1 was working on my Secondly, often times during class 1 sion after all and they have the responsi­ classwork when one of my classmates see students walking out of class early or bility that comes with it. who was a football player was turning in coming in late without getting in trouble. It 's unjustifiable to the regular students his assignment late. The teacher told him Most of these students are the football if this doesn 't stop. Teachers should have the same thing she had told me: that it players. So why should athletes get the op­ consideration for other students as well was too late. Then the student explains to portunity to come in late or get out early? as athletes. Therefore, changes need to be her that he had football practice the day An education requires its full attention made in any school if this is occurring. before and- gasp- the teacher accepted his and participation as well as attendance. If teachers don 't put a stop to this unfair excuse. When 1 overheard this 1 felt angry And have I noticed and other student have treatment then there's going to be prob­ but 1 didn 't say anything and kept it to noticed that athletes get special treatment lems between athletes and students. Teach­ myself. But now 1 can write this essay to for their participation in sports. This may ers need to act fast on this injustice. say that from this day forward 1 feel like seem logical, but not when you reaUze the teachers shouldn't treat athletes better than hard work and dedication and effort other academic students because it's unfair that students have been committing to their athletes feel like they could be excused classes. You don't often see them getting fi·om assignments get out of class early or rewarded which is unfair because they feel that their tardies are justified. inferior to others. An anonymous student Usually a teacher will give a spe- from Highland high school said "Foot­ cific due date to turn in an assignment or ball players get feasts, and pictures in the homework in . I find this a good way for hallway, and recognition from teachers, students to be responsible. But what seems this upsets me very much" he said. Glen unfair to me and some other students Cook said. "We were starting to treat high is that teachers sometimes give student school athletes like prima donnas, and athletes more time to turn in their work. there's no reason for that. That needed to Just for the reason they had practice the stop." 1 agree with his article. Teachers

OUR VOICES 43 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE AGood Teacher Inspires ...------, dollars a year. Now if we take all the costs Why do teachers deserve a better This Is My Voice for rent household payments and student pay? What makes them more special or loan it would be$ 42,963 .84, dollars a better than other jobs? Well to stmt out year. A new teacher with a bachelor's with, depending on where you work you By: degree makes $35,580 in the Salt Lake could possibly end up teaching four to five Abel Vasquez City School District so lets subtract the classes with 25-40 students in each. Let's Science Center total amount of costs of living by cost of say you assign an essay, at a minimum, payment a year, (42,963.84 - 35,580 = that wou ld be 25 times 5, that would be -14, 134.56 and a Masters is 42,963.84- 125-130 different essays that a teacher 40,0 17= -2946.84). Teachers don 't make would have to read through, grade and For the last three years of my life I enough money now and if they also had give feedback to, then once you hand them have wanted to become a teacher. r can to take care of a family or parents or got back students that aren't satisfied would remember my eighth grade language mts into an accident that teacher with his/her want to re-write it again and then you have teacher, Mr. Baird, inspired me to become family wou ld out in the street before you to re-read all of the new papers that come a teacher by saying, "you have the poten­ know it. in, grade them again, and give feedback tial of getting someone to say, Oh, I get it Students are being stopped from be- on, then after all of that some students

now." But after finding out how = .. ____ ~ --__-- would still not be satisfied and much a teacher gets paid I feel this process is repeated again. At like the U.S government should SLCSE I know of two teachers pay teachers a better salary be­ who exceed at helping students, cause of the amount of schooling the first teacher bikes to school that teachers go through. Not only If YOU CAN at 7:00A.M to help struggling is it unfair to teachers, but it's also students with chemistry and then discouraging passionate students statts teaching at 8:30A.M. An­ who are considering becoming other teacher shows up to school teachers, who could bring out the at 8:00A.M (school statts at 8:30 best qualities of each individual A.M) she but leaves usually at student. . READ THIS, .' around 5:30-6:00 P.M and on Teachers not only deserve a Fridays (where school gets out at better pay but need a better pay. I: 18 P.M.) she stays until 6:30- According to the Salt Lake City 7:00P.M. School District pay scale chart, In conclusion, teachers a new teacher with a bachelor's THANK A1I deserve a better pay not only for degree gets paid$ 35,580 U.S their hard work, but also for the dollars a year for about $40,000- passion they have to help stu­ $50,000 U.S dollars worth of dents. If we don 't raise teachers' the tuition they paid for their salaries, a decrease in teachers bachelor's degree. Those with a TEACHER will not only happen in Utah, but Masters earn $40,017 U.S dollars. - -- ·- all over the U.S. as well. 1 person­ Now let's do some math: in the Salt Lake coming teachers because of the amount of ally want to become a teacher because it is County, a one bedroom apartment costs pay for their first years of teaching. This is my passion, but after learning how much on average $620 dollars. Multiply that really unfair for students whose passion is a teacher will get paid for the first three by twelve, that's $7,440 dollars, now add to become teacher. Maria Garcia, a student years of teaching I am considering chang­ household payments; this would be bills, at the Salt Lake Center for Science Educa­ ing my future profession. I really want to food dispense and including your own tion want to become a math teacher. In become a teacher and I love the look on personal expenses, maybe about $2,500 an interview I asked her if she knew how someone's face when they say, "Oh, I get a month for one person and for a year much a teacher got paid and she told me " I it now! ", but is it worth the pay? ln the that would be $30,000 dollars. Now add think it would be maybe about $50, 000," end, if we don' t fund our education not onto that possible student loan by taking next I told her how much a teacher actu­ only will teachers be affected, but also our $ 30,000 dollars in a loan and your plan is ally gets paid and she replied with "I'm students. If we don 't have good teachers to to pay it over 10 years with a 6.8 interest not so sure ifl want to be a teacher now." do their job then our students will not get your bill would be$ 460.32 a month dol­ Why should the amount of salary stop the education that they need to succeed in lars multiplied by twelve$ 5523.84 U.S anyone from fulfilling his or her dream? life.

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 44 OUR VOICES Sex Education of education should have a more informa­ children. I am unwilling to conclude that This Is My Voice tive sex education program because it can the state knows better than Utah's par- help prevent teen pregnancy, informs teen­ ents as to what is best for their children" . By: agers about other important topics such Although the subject of only teaching Whitney as homosexuality, and educates students abstinence is clear in the bill, if it had been Simoneti before they learn fi·om outside sources. passed, another topic would have been Teenagers who engage in sex without secretly included into the forbidden topics East the use of a condom or other contra­ allowed to be explained in school; if the ceptives are at a much greater risk for opting in bill had been passed, than the pregnancy and STD's than those who do. topic of homosexuality would not be al­ "You should have known better!" Fif­ But whether or not a teenager knows about lowed to be even discussed in classrooms. teen year old Vivienne stood silently, hold­ protection let alone how easily an unex­ Even if students asked questions about ho­ ing back hot tears as her mother roared in pected pregnancy or STD can occur or mosexuality, teachers would be unable to outrage. "Are you stupid? Why didn't you spread depends on the teen entirely. In an explain any information about the subject use protection? I thought I'd taught you interview with a teen mom named Dani­ and, according to an article from www. better!" Vivienne gently cradled her stom­ elle from East High, when asked about her lgbtqnation.com "LGBTQ advocates argue ach as her mother bombarded her with point on whether sex education in schools the restrictions on discussing homosexual­ accusations. But with the last accusation, should be increased, she stated fervently ity will lead to further anti-gay stigma." she snapped her head up and stared at her "Hell yeah it should" explaining "I didn't Schools should be united despite sexual mother with anger, hurt, and innocent con­ leam; my dad put me on birth control." preferences. Excluding topics of homo­ fusion in her eyes. "Don 't act like you care Ultimately, she stated "I learned [prob­ sexuality would be just as detrimental as mom. We never talked about condoms ably] from experience". Danielle did not discriminating against the colored commu­ or bi1th control. 1 had to learn from my state learning at all from her health class nity. Although this restriction was dodged, boyfriend and websites about it! So don't and admitted she only used condoms spar­ Salt Lake City's school district should you dare say you taught me! I didn't learn ingly and would forget about birth control. continue to allow topics of homosexuality from you." Teenagers just like Vivienne Despite only trying 2 types of protection, and for this reason explain further con­ all over the United States are engaging in however, if sex education at her school traceptives and keep all doors open when sexual acts at earlier ages than the genera­ had been available and thorough about the dealing with students of different sexual tions before. With the increase of sexually usage of contraceptives, her pregnancy preference. active teens, increases in teen pregnancy could have been prevented. Ignorance is Although Salt Lake City boasts a and STD's have become rampant. Despite the biggest threat to teenagers who engage significant amount of diverse teenagers this steady rise in teenage sexual activ- in sexual activity. Although the ending in color and in the LGBTQ community, ity, sex education has failed to meet this result depends on the teenagers, if clear the topic of where students leam about growing epidemic. In Utah, sex education sex education was required to be taught in intercourse and contraceptives has not laws are better than the average restric­ Salt Lake City School District, than teens changed in the eyes of any teenagers' tions of"schools are not required by law would know the risks they take before parent; the main source of information to provide any sex education" according to they make mistakes. for sex education. The topic of sex and www.teen-aid.org. However, in Utah, laws Utah has been known to be strict contraceptives is personal and sometimes are trying to be enforced to limit sex edu- about laws of morality when it comes to frightening for adolescents who begin gambling, premarital sex, etc. However, learning about the body developing in in recent news, Utah has now tried to limit · maturation during fifth grade. By seventh the availability of sex education. A few grade, students are learning about drugs, months ago, a bill was passed called ' HB alcohol, and the body's reaction to inti­ 363 ' which, if had been passed, would macy and concluding about intercourse. have "parents opt[ing] their children ' in ' For many, sex should only be explained to sexual education classes as opposed to and taught by parents. However, not every having the option to ' opt-out"' according parent has the time to do their parenting to www.lgbtqnation.com. Govemor Her­ job or sit down and explain touchy topics. bert vetoed the bill instead saying "If HB In an interview with a mother of2 and an 363 were to become law, parents would no elementary school teacher, Mrs. Miller longer have the option the overwhelming explained "1 truly believe it is a parent's majority is cuJTently choosing for their job to educate their children about sex

OUR VOICES 45 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE but... sadly a lot of parents don 't do their talk about with their own parents. When the case for every teen, in a recent poll (parenting) job" and " if they aren't learn­ Wendy, a fellow student at the Stegner done at the Stegner Writing Institute out of ing it there THEN ... I guess the schools Writing Institute, was asked why she 19 students a total of 4 stated they learned have to ck that up and teach it to students didn't talk to her parents or an educator about sex, contraceptives, and further sex­ too, because it IS imp01tant." Despite about sex, she admitted " I didn 't ask my ual education from their parents, 6 from her preference for sex being clarified at parents about it because I thought it would their teachers at school, 5 fi·om an outside home, Mrs. Miller still emphasized the be weird. In Health, we didn't talk about it source, and 4 chose not to answer. Even importance of sex being taught. And much either." Wendy had to seek outside if the 4 who did not answer had said they though parents argue sex should only sources to learn about a crucial lesson had learned from their parents, the ratio be elucidated at home, for teenagers teenagers must learn about as they grow would still be 8 to I I. All in all, students too, sex can be a subject too personal to and mature into adults. Although this isn't are not getting the proper education. Bullying Affect Students This Is My Voice

By: Jazmin Alvarado Science Center

Bullying affects students everyday because of the damaging emotional affects that come along with bullying. BuiJying causes students to feel excluded, depressed and unwanted. No one should have to live with that feeling; therefore, students of all ages shouldn't bully others because bullying affects students socially and academically and there is a con-ela­ or is going through bullying shouldn't being bullied because they need to learn tion between academic/social life and need to feel this way. They should feel like how to survive in the real world. However, suicide and bullying. they' re safe. throughout this essay I have shown the Students living in fear of being bul­ Students who are being bullied eventu­ ugly side of bullying. Most impottantly, lied hide from any social activity. This ally skip school because of their fear of bullying can lead to serious long-term affects the victims socially. They begin being bullied; this causes the victims damage. a stage of feeling unwanted, like twtles grades to decline. The same study shows In conclusion, students shouldn't bully they hide from anything that can hwt grades decline by 87%. Personally, I had a others because bulling effects the victims them. According to www.americanspcc. friend who was constantly verbally being academically and socially which has a org, 160,000 students that lack social bullied because of a rumor of her being correlation to suicide. If bullying stops activity go through stages of loneliness pregnant. The words that the students in schools students wouldn't need to fear and depression. A student who identified where calling her really affected her. This going to school, those who skipped school herself as @shy2546 said she was bul­ experience caused her to not even want to because of their fear of being bullied lied and felt alone, depressed, and lived go to school so she didn't. She would miss would see their grades will improve. And in fear for the longest time. She felt like at least 3 to 4 days a week. Eventually most importantly, students wouldn't have there was no way to make the situation this impacted her grades. Her grades went thoughts of suicide. I care about this be­ better, and that there was no way to prove from all A's and B's to all F's, which this cause it hurts me to see students constantly herself. @shy2546 thought that the only made her behind on her credits, but it also depressed, sad and alone and sometimes way to make things better would not to be made it hard for her to get into a good col­ bullied students end up killing themselves. alive. There wouldn't have to be any more lege. All in all, it really affected her future. One word, one wrong message sent, one of the pain or no more living in fear. This Those who disagree with me say punch has made these students victims of student or any other student that has been students need to learn how to deal with bullying.

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 46 OUR VOICES Release The Obese: cdc.gov, a child on average needs an hour lifestyles. This is the time where the This Is My Voice of exercise per day. This doesn 't seem parents need to step in and be a good role to be happening because kids nowadays model for their children. This includes eat­ By: spend an average of I hour and 40 minutes ing habits. "Child nutrition and growth are Allie Ly watching television and 27 percent of detailing the ways in which parents affect their children's development of food- and West the time kids are either on their phone or playing video/computer games. Please activity-related behaviors," said profes­ note that I' ve stated that this is just the sors in the Department of Nutrition. Eat AVERAGE time that these kids spend on healthy and showing the kids that eating technology; meaning that there are kids healthy is important. When parents start "When you're lost in those woods, it out there who spend more than the average feeding their children healthy food from sometimes takes you a while to realize of I hour and 40 minutes on technology. early age, they will grow into this routine. that you're lost"(www.goodreeds.com). Not everyone in America lives a ln our society nowadays, we are gaining There's many things in life that you can't wealthy life. The official U.S unemploy­ more access to unhealthy food. You can avoid and you will eventually get lost; but ment rate has risen from 7.6 percent to 9.1 drive along the streets and find a fast food make sure that you find a way out before percent, causing median household income restaurant within a blink of an eye. How­ it's too late; like obesity. Parents need to fall for three years in a row (http:// ever, parents need to understand that cheap to prevent their children from becoming theeconomiccollapeblog.com). 1 include and fast food doesn't mean that the food obese by reducing the amount of time their this information to show how difficult it is healthy. Parents need to understand that kids spend using technology, by provid­ is to make money during the tough times they can't spoil their kids with hamburgers ing healthier meals, and by supporting of our economy; there are things we can't and fries eve1y day because fast food one their kids to achieve an exercise routine. afford, possibly including medical treat­ of the immense cause of obesity accord­ Parents in America must assume the re­ ments for obesity. Annual costs of obesity ing to livestrong.com. It might seem like sponsibility of decrea~ing their children's are as high as $147 billion. On average, a hassle to cook healthy every day, but in obesity because obesity is expensive to obese people have medical costs that are the long run, you'll realize that it was all treat, children are dying at a younger age, $1429 more than medical costs of nonnal WOJth it. and obesity in children grows into a low weight people (www.buisnessinsider.com). "This might be the first generation self-esteem. $1429 isn 't a small amount of money. where kids are dying at a younger age than During my childhood, what l enjoyed Plus this estimation is only average of the their parents and it's related primarily to the most was to spend my day outside day medical costs. Although, parents wouldn't the obesity problem." (www.brainyquote. and night. Whether r was alone or with need to spend so much money on getting com). A mother carries her child for nine a group of friends, 1 was usually up and treatment for their obese child if they pre­ months and ten days; this child becomes active. Although, as I grew up, 1 sta.ted vented it from the sta1t. The obesity rate in their parent's world. The happiest day of noticing a change: children aren't enjoy­ America isn't difficult to reduce as long as a mother's life is the moment where her ing their days outside anymore. They stay parents are willing to take responsibilities child is born: but what about the saddest inside because their lives are revolving for teaching their children to live healthy day? Death. Everyone will eventually die, around different types of technologies. New technologies are entering into our lives day by day. Is this benefitting us or causing harm? A survey on debate.juggle. com has stated that technology gives people less incentive to move around and increases obesity rates. Children are now able to socialize online and play online interactive games without moving a muscle. For example, video game allows you to play the sport you enjoy without having to actually be active and playing it. Therefore, parents need to reduce and limit the amount of time their children spends inside the house using different types of technology and help them achieve an adequate exercise routine. According to

OUR VOICES 47 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE but to have them die at a younger age just their identity, and only focusing on their on how to "eat right when money is tight" doesn't seem fair. Studies have shown that weaknesses to become an outcast (www. such as buying only the amounts of fresh heaviest youngsters were more than twice forwardcounseling.com). Think about it, foods you can use before it spoils', make as likely as the thinnest to die premature­ do you really want to see your child living a shopping list based on the money you ly, before age 55. Don't think that living every day of their life revolving around have to spend and knowing how much till 55 is good enough because through negative thoughts about themselves? Or money you have to spend on food. Plus, the years of obesity, many diseases occur even having fear to step out to the world there are programs to help you out such as such as hemt disease, type 2 diabetes and and enjoy what they love doing just The Emergency Food Assistance Program, even hype1tension (www.nytimes.com). because of how they look? Don't be the which provides food for low-income Don't let your child get lost in depres­ parent who stands on the side not lending families. sion to the point where you'll all regret it a hand when your child needs it the most. Overall, the obesity rate will decrease because depression is one of the causes of Not taking actions lead to consequences with the attention and help ofparents in obesity. Researchers on everydayhealth. that you can't even imagine. America. Take a minute and think about com said that they've found out that I admit that not eve1yone will agree changing YOUR lifestyle to benefit your depressed people with decreased levels of with me about having parent's providing a children. It won't hurt to try things that the hormone serotonin also have a tenden­ healthier meal for his or her child be­ will benefit your children's life because cy toward obesity. They tend to eat in an cause of low income. 1 understand where down the road your child will live the life attempt to self-medicate and restore their families with low income are coming you want them to live: happy, healthy, and serotonin levels to normal. If you're just a from. "1fthis is their concern, 1 find it a not afraid to step out to the world. Right at step too late and have your child become poor excuse because he a Ithy foods aren't this moment, close your eyes and picture obese, your child's depression not only always expensive because fresh food that yourself standing at your child's funeral ; will still exist but also low self-esteem has not been processed can be in low her cute little doll face has now become will take place. However, one problem calories, sodium, and sugar," says a blog­ cold and pale. Lt 's like a nightmare isn 't may lead to another, after experiencing ger on http://lifedietbalance.blogspot.com. it? Don't be the absent-minded parent who depression and low self-esteem, these Budgeting can be a solution for people ignores obesity and sh01ten your child's effects will lead to your child isolating with low income who' d like to eat healthy. life span. themselves. A feeling of shame towards Choosemyplate.gov has given some tips Graffiti Art is a Form of Art George C. Stowers once said, "Graffiti mt is a form of mt," and the reason why is, This Is My Voice "Aesthetic Criteria." Aesthetic Criteria is the branch of philosophy that deals with the expression of beauty. Many view graffiti as a beautiful, expressive art fom1 that talks to people. Communities should provide a place where graffiti artists could create and dis­ By: play their mt work because they can show their love for mt, and it would not be a crime. Dominic Graffiti mtists should have their own specific place to graffiti such as a graffiti studio Science Center where they can show their love for mt and they would not be "destroying" our streets. A recent survey done by the Salt Lake Tribune said, "only 3% of residents in West Valley City considered graffiti to be the community's top concern. That's down 19% from 2004 and 26% in 1998." These statistics shows that people are not as concerned about graffiti art as they were in 1998. For example, my uncle likes to tag all over the side of his garage. This got me thinking why doesn't he just go to a public place to tag and not tag all over his garage? Well, the answer is he would be committing a crime. He needs to have a bigger space to show his art than on this small garage. Communities should build a place where graffiti mtists can show their love for art. Another reason graffiti artists should have their own specific place to graffiti is so when they show their graffiti all over the walls in their own specific place it would not be a crime. The Seattle Times Newspaper states, " In Seattle the cost of the removal of graffiti was almost I million dollars. The removal for graffiti on the busses was $734,000." If there was a specific place where people could do their graffiti, less money would be spent to clean over illegal graffiti. For example, this family by my grandpa's house has a white vinyl fence, and they do not care if there is graffiti over it because some of the art work that goes on that fence is really good. He wi II leave it up there for a couple of weeks then he

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 48 OUR VOICES will end up painting back over it and then the graffiti attists have their own specific give them a legal place to graffiti. If we it will be fi lied up with graffiti as soon as place to graffiti. A writer, Edgar Allen do not do anything right now then the it dries up. But, if we get a graffiti studio Beem, once said, "Graffiti supporters artists who graffiti all over our community where graffiti is allowed, then it would not claim that graffiti art is a true art fonn, and will not be able to make art that means a be on that white fence, and we can have a that they have a right to practice it under lot to them legally. If my uncle were not nicer community. the concept of Free Speech." 1 agree with able to graffiti he would not be able to Some people may say that graffiti this comment because graffiti artists have do anything, he lives for his graffiti. Hey should be banned from all public places the same right to free speech as anyone communities, if you do not want any more because it makes our community look else although theirs is done a different graffiti in random places, you should just dirty and it is a crime. However, if we get way. open up a graffiti studio, so graffiti would a graffiti studio people would not have to In conclusion, communities should not be a bother to anyone. wony about our community looking nas­ have their own specific place for graffiti tier, and it would not be a crime because artists to show their passion for art and Dream Act friend who has a dream of being a doctor. The Government did not pass the This Is My Voice He told me "Some people are destined to Dream Act because they were not will- succeed, while others are detennined to ing to spend money for the Dream Act. succeed. I hope the government consid­ The money was the biggest issue because By: ers the dreams of other because I believe of the econ01nic problems the govern­ DanielDiaz we all have one dream that we as human ment is facing today. One thing that the East beings are willing to fight for." He would govemment would benefit from is that then contribute to the community and it immigrants would pay taxes because they would be a good investment to the medical become citizens. There is one saying that field. Through the Dream Act it would "you have to spend money to make mon­ Immigrants have come to the USA help supply money for immigrants to go to ey." So paying immigrants so they could for a better life. They dream about having college. buy more things would boost the economy the same privileges as US citizens. Sadly The Dream Act leads to an easier and help out solve the money issue. because of their legal status, this dream system of acquiring citizenship. What the In the end, the Dream Act should pass has yet to be realized. Since the USA has Dream Act does is get immigrants a tem- for the good of the economy and for our a democracy the Dream Act should pass community. It because it would create more educational would create opportunities and lead to an easier system many oppor­ of acquiring citizenship. tunities for The Dream Act would create more individuals educational opportunities. The problem is who want an that immigrants are having trouble paying education. I college tuition. The reason is because they care because pay out of state and it is because they are I know not from the states. The Dream Act states people who that " Immigrants with aGED or going for work hard; a higher source of education will qualify porary pass of being legal and allowing they do not have a lot of educational op­ for the Dream Act". If The Dream Act them to work. It would let people go ahead tions that could help them go to college passes it would allow immigrants to go and be able to work because many im­ and those people could use the opportunity ahead and pay in state tuition. The out of migrants are denied the right to work just to go far. We all have our own version state taxes are higher because you do not because of what their legal status is . The of the American Dream and we all have pay taxes in state and by paying you are Dream Act states that "2 years of serving different ways of getting our dreams. A helping support the school. This would en­ the US military or the path of getting a great woman fi·om the Dream Act Associ­ courage more immigrants to go to college higher education, passing high school will ates named Maria Flores said, "we have because of the reduced cost of the tuition. qualify any immigrant that got here in the learned your language, lived your culture, ln other cases colleges won't accept immi­ states before the age of 16." I have people lived in your neighborhoods, been through grants just because of their status. Immi­ r know who meet all these requirements disasters and doesn't this mean enough to grants with an education could go on to do and would benefit from being able to gain be considered an American?" greater things in life. l have interviewed a citizenship.

OUR VOICES 49 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Howling For Justice negatively impacted other animal's food wolves in the highest esteem in their My Voice sources whose population seemed threat­ culture. They are (many times) seen as a ened and also caused drops to the other strong, intelligent, loyal animal and fea­ By: predatory animals. That is one reason why tured significantly in their ancient songs, Elizabeth the wolves were reintroduced: to maintain dances and stories that have been handed Gamarra the ecology. Wolves are stJ·ong preda- down for generations. Wolves are also a tors and are at the top of the food chain. symbol for protection and alarming of en­ Science Center The deer, elk, and moose are the animals emies in the past "We credit the wolves in that that wolves prey upon. When wolf teaching us about the importance of family Many of us carry childhood stories populations are large, wolves help keep and how to hunt and forage for food" says of the mean bad wolfthat had us wor- the numbers of large animals down. Many Danne Edward, a member of a Navajo ried through fairy tales like the Little Red environmentalists and scientists believe tribe. In other words, they were credited Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs and that the reintroduction plan will help keep with the li velihood of the tribe. If weal­ often, hearing a wolf's howl still scares the populations of these animals from low others to continue killing wolves, the us a little. However, after so many years growing beyond the resources oftheir customs will be affected adversely and the of conflict between us and this mysterious environment. There are several of places value of the wolf would diminish within species, the time has come to finally say where wolves are being reintJ·oduced like the cu lture. maybe they' re not so bad. A Utah senator, Utah however; one successful area that Third and most importantly, wolves Allen Christensen, is tly ing to get a bill has had a lot of progress is Yellowstone. should be protected in Utah because they passed that will allow any wolves in Utah According to Nicholas Thompson ofthe could become endangered again. Take for to be captured or killed on sight. However Boston Globe, "Wolves bring a surprising example the case of the Gray Wolf. Ac­ there are still people who believe wolves ecological recovery to Yellowstone." In cording to the state of Utah Natural Ser­ should not be hunted even though they this way, wolves help keep the balance of vices, the Gray Wolf was once common have recently been off the endangered their environment healthy. in Utah, but early settlers exterminated it species list. Wolves should be protected Secondly, wolves should be pro- fi·om the state. Gray Wolfs were the most in Utah because they impacted species, are part of our ecosys­ but in 2009 rein­ tem, they have cultural troduction plans significance for many, for this wolf and they could become occurred in Idaho endangered again. Yellowstone Wolves should National Park be protected in Utah and now they are because they help in recovery. They keep the balance in the were reintro­ ecosystem. Wolves are duced to Yellow­ part of our environ­ stone to repopu­ ment and every animal late. Some of the has a purpose in it. If wolves were able there's not a good bal­ to repopulate and ance in the ecosystem then spread out to then there are nega­ other areas. How­ tive consequences that ever, they are still come with it. When in recuperation. you impact one patt If they are not of the ecosystem it affects other patts. tected in Utah because they have cultural protected then we assume the risk that For example, according to Utah Division significance for many. Wolves are used as they would be endangered again. of Wildlife Services when wolves were religious symbols in many cultures such Some might argue that wolves should disappearing, elk and other large animals, as in the Native American culture. Native be hunted or killed on sight without any which were normally kept in balance by Americans have used wolves as symbols serious consequences because they pose wolves, stmted eating more of the vegeta­ in their religion and n·aditions for a long a threat to people, especially toward tion because elk were overpopulated. This time. Native Americans have often held chi ldren. Ranchers are also concerned that

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 50 OUR VOICES wolves will kill their livestock and many humans by the wolves, according to biolo­ It is obvious we need more support for hunters believe wolves limit their sport for gists Hort Rinehmt and David Winston. In wolves to be protected in Utah. Wolves hunting. Even though these are valid points response to ranchers concerns that wolves are animals that are very important to our to consider, according to Penny Elis from will kill livestock, some biologists offer ecosystem, significant to many cultures the Organization ofRescue and Preserva­ evidence that most wolves living in their and are in danger of disappearing. Un­ tion of Animals, wolves are shy animals territory with areas that contains adequate less more people join the fight to protect that prefer to keep their distance from peo­ populations of deer, elk, moose, and other wolves, the future of wolves is bleak. This ple. Most wolf enthusiasts admit that there prey do not attack livestock. Organiza­ controversial issue is important because are places where wolves belong and places tions have also been set up to pay ranchers wolves maintain the harmony of nature where they don 't, but there are selected when they lose an animal to wolves. Also, and our environment. For these reasons, reintroduction zones that offer environ­ some hunters believe wolves limit the we need to take action by spreading the ments where wolves can cany out a vital population of deer to hunt, but more deer awareness of the importance of wolves to role without becoming a serious threat to are killed by cars than by wolves. Subse­ others. We can make a difference in the humans. In those areas, there have been quently wolves should not be blamed for lives of the wolves. Wolves protected us, no substantiated or documented attacks on the lack of deer intended for hunters. and now it's our tum to protect them. Uniforms=Cruel Punisment dents will be wearing uniforms or will be able to afford the expense of new uniforms My Voice following some kind of a uniform policy evety upcoming school year, especially if throughout their professional careers. the unifonn policy changes. By: Uniforms are an unnecessary expense, Some people may s-ay school uniforms and can create an economic hardship. Ac­ help identify intruders in the school and Abdikadir Eftin cording to Superintendent Marianne Bart­ that uniforms help prevent gangs from West ley, the average cost for a school uniform forming on campus. However, when I is between twenty-four dollars to thitty­ went to Jackson Elementary, students two dollars and ninety nine cents. She also would shift and rearrange themselves by stated when she bought her children brand the color of shirts their brothers and sisters The Salt Lake School District needs name designer clothes from an outlet were wearing. Therefore, if the Salt Lake to remove the unifonn policy because it store she spent less. l remember when I School District removed uniform policies violates a student's right to freedom of expression, unifotms are an unnecessary expense and can create an economic hard­ THE RlliHT ship. Forcing a student to wear a uniform violates his or her right to freedom of expression. According to IDebate.com, we TO FREEDOM OF all have the right to individuality, to make personal choices and to express our per­ sonality. For us students, having the right to individuality means having the right to EXPRESSION express our feelings through the clothes we wear and making personal choices. For went to Jackson Elementary, and I would then it would give students more rights example, we students really like wear- always hear parents complaining about the and it would make students feel like they ing jeans because they are comfortable, school unifonns and how expensive they are not being pushed around by authority. fit right, and are a good part of"swag." can be. It is hard to imagine families with To conclude, unifonns are uncalled We also like different varieties of colors low incomes buying expensive school for. They infringe on a student's individu­ of shirts. We don 't like wearing the same uniforms for each child in the family. ality, and create a financial adversity. If old boring school colors every day. We l remember my mom hating to take us uniforms have to be worn, then it will be students have the right to choose whatever shopping for school uniforms because she difficult for families with low salaries. we want to wear without having author- thought it was pointless going shopping Uniforms are cruel and seem like a pun­ ity forcing us. Students should be able for certain types of shirts and pants. She ishment. School authorities need to start to dress into their cultural clothing. With also hated the fact that we couldn't wear treating us students like adults and give us unifonns, we cannot express our culture. I jeans. School uniforms do cause economic the right to express ourselves. am against unifonns in school because stu- hardship to families because they won't be

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE OUR VOICES 51 The DREAM Act The National Training for Counselors and foreign-born, and the militmy relies heav­ This Is My Voice Mentors "There are about 65,000 undocu­ ily on the translation and cultural expe1tise mented students that graduate each year of immigrants." from high schools all over the U.S." From Therefore the DREAM Act should By: those 65,000 undocumented students most be reconsider by Congress and passed be­ Monica of them cannot afford to go to Coll ege cause the U.S. could benefit economically Feliciano because their families don't earn enough from such talented students and it would Science Center money to pay for their College tuition allow them to purse their dreams of a since they are charged as if they were out higher education. Now if the DREAM Act of the count1y because oftheir immigra­ were to be passed it would increase the The DREAM Act is a piece of legis­ tion status. Tuition for Out of the Count1y U.S. economy by bringing more money lation that would allow undocumented students is double or sometimes triples in. It would also stop the dep01tation of students a path to citizenship (if they are the amount of an in Country student. Also young adults who did not choose to come under 35 years-old and were brought to some of those undocumented students are to the United States but were brought the United States before age 16) by attend­ rejected from Colleges, but mostly from anyways by their parents at a ve1y young ing at least two years of college or serving federal loads, financial aid, student loans, age to a Count1y they don't even know. in the military for at least two years. and grants therefore they are unable to What if you were the one fighting for the The DREAM Act was first presented by pursue higher education. There is a group DREAM Act to complete your dreams of Senators 01Tin Hatch and Richard Durbin of activist called the Salt Lake Dream going to College? in the Senate, and by Representatives Team (SLOT) who fight for the DREAM Howard Berman and Chris Cannon in the Act and preach for immigrant rights. The house (Immigration Policy Center). The Salt Lake Dream Team are also people DREAM Act should be reconsider by the known as Dreamers. Dreamers are people Congress and passed because the United who pursue a higher education, except States could benefit from such talented that this pmticular group of people already students such as economically, and a went to Coll ege and currently hold either higher education should NOT have to be an Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's a Dream. Degree but they are just waiting for an The United States could benefit eco­ immigration reform so they can use their nomically from talented undocumented Degrees for a better job. students that graduate from Colleges and Those who argue against the pas- Universities from all over the Country. Ac­ sage of the DREAM Act say that, "The cording to the Migration Policy Institute, DREAM Act is ve1y expensive. On aver­ "an estimate of 96,000 young adults with­ age, each illegal immigrant who attends out legal status hold at least an Associate's a public institution will receive a tuition degree or higher." The DREAM Act could subsidy from taxpayers of nearly $6,000 prevent " brain drain", that is the loss of for each year he or she attends, for total the most talented undocumented students cost of $6.2 billion a year, not including from entering the U.S. workforce with other forms of financial assistance they their college degrees. Also many of those may also receive," (http://debatepedia.ide­ undocumented students work " under the bate.org/en!index.php/Debate:_ DREAM_ table" in low wage jobs, still hoping for an Act). Although, after these undocumented immigration reform that will allow access students have completed their two years to better jobs. With the DREAM Act those of College or at least two years of Military undocumented students would already be service and have become legal U.S. citi­ working for what they studied so hard for zens, they will have to stmt paying taxes. like being lawyers, doctors, psychologists, However before that, just by allowing engineers, etc. By pursuing their dreams, these students to go to College, Universi­ these young adults will help bring money ties will benefit from more money gained into the economy. Why waste their talents by having more students attend. Militmy when we could use them! service wi ll also benefit, according to the Higher Education in the U.S. should Immigration Policy Center, "The DREAM NOT have to be a DREAM because of Act would help aid militmy recruiting. their immigration status. According to Almost 8% of the current armed forces are

STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE 52 OUR VOICES Don't Be ADumbDumb, Use ACondom to contraceptives" (www.advocatesfory­ This Is My Voice outh.org). If condoms are a pat1 of their parents. This clearly shows that teenagers everyday school community, teens will be have various reasons as to why they may By: more aware of the impottance of condoms not speak to their parent about the topic of SuperLiu and use them in a consistent and regular sex and contraceptives. Although it is nec­ East manner. essaty that parents bring up the topic with A spine-chilling statistic about teen their children, teens aren't likely to talk pregnancy has shown "that nearly one openly with their parents about it. Stud- million teen girls get pregnant within a ies have shown that teens are more likely "Condoms: don 't be ashamed, get to year of consistently having unprotected to use a condom during their first sexual know the names" (www.youtube.com). sex"(www.crihb.org). If condoms were an intercourse and continue using them if Although we live in a hypersexual society easy item to obtain, adolescents would be they have had discussions about safe sex. where teenagers tend to have multiple sex more likely to engage in safe sex. A 20 II Meanwhile, high schools require sex edu­ pattners, they clearly do not understand study reported that 49% of pregnancies in cation, and they need the involvement of the impottance of using condoms. The the United States were unintended (http:// the government to provide condoms. With use of condoms can prevent 98% of the www.cdc.gov). If more teens engage in the promotion of condoms in schools, both unwanted consequences of sexual inter­ safe sex as opposed to using no form of the school and community will become a course. To promote the use of condoms protection, the teen pregnancy rate will safer environment. Having governmental among youth, the government needs to get drop heavily. If educators and parents help increases the chances of adolescents involved by having condoms available in expect youth to take responsibility, teens practicing safe sex, which will decrease Utah high schools because it will promote need to have more access to condoms. the pregnancy rate and lower the risk of safe sex by increasing students' motivation Though not I 00% full proof, condoms contracting an HIV, STis and STDs. in obtaining condoms, prevent unintended improve your chances of not contracting Therefore, " It clearly shows that we pregnancy and reduce the chances of con­ STis and STDs. Condoms are a barrier have to address these attitudes, fears and tracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus between the infected and the potentially concerns that many teens have regarding (HIV) along with other sexually transmit­ infected. Without the barrier, hundreds condom use" (www.epigee.org), com­ ted infections/diseases (STis/STDs ). of thousands, if not millions, of people mented by Larry K. Brown, MD, from the Adolescents face many obstacles in become infected each year. With teens Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Cen­ order to obtain condoms; their biggest only having access to condoms via stores, ter. These attitudes may be easily influ­ obstacle is to bypass the fear of feeling they are less likely to buy them and to enced and changed through the help of the ashamed and embarrassed. In order for use them in a consistent and correct way, government by having condoms available teens to use condoms, they need to be which would allow them to stay STI and in Utah high schools. With the availabil­ comfottable with the idea. If condoms be­ STD free. Latex condoms are highly ef­ ity of condoms to the community, it will come easily available to adolescents, they fective barriers to HIV along with other promote their use, which can help prevent will feel more confident in their choices STls/STDs when used consistently and and reduce a majority of adverse effects. of having safe sex because it is a part of cotTectly (www.advocatesforyouth.org). Having the help of the government and everyday society. It has been statistically If America is going to move forward in a Utah high schools will bring the commu­ proven that with condoms being more eas­ healthy and disease/infection free direc­ nity together to protect future generations. ily available in the zones filled with teens, tion, condoms need to become more avail­ Although this solution might work, parents it will increase the use of condoms among able to youth to stop the spreading of such still morally believe that their innocent youth, meanwhile changing the "percep­ illnesses. child is not having sex, which blinds them tion of their peer norms that are opposed Some parents may argue that the from reality causing them not see that governments should not get involved and many of them are. Personally, this topic invade parents' right to educate their child has been a huge concern to me because about moral behaviors and religious value; many of the students in my middle school but according to a survey the Henry J. class that I graduated with in 8th grade Kaiser Family Foundation has conducted, are either sexually active, pregnant, or nearly 83% of the teens surveyed are have had an unintended miracle that they worried about parental reactions; 78% cannot support. It is very disappointing. said embarrassment was a big issue; and With reality slapping you in the face, start of the 77% that were surveyed 83% of now and protect your child! Support the the females and 71 % of the males did not availability of condoms in high schools; it know how to bring up the topic with their is the only way to a safer community!

OUR VOICES 53 STEGNER WRITING INSTITUTE Don't Define Me This Is My Voice

By: Maria Garcia Science Center

Have you ever heard the saying ' Don 't judge a book by its cover' ? This saying is used to explain that the outside of a book might never behold the wonders of what is inside. Many laws have been brought up in 201 0 that have to do with immigration problems here in the United States. One of those laws was in Arizona, SB I 070. This allows the Arizona Police Depmtment to when they are pulled over, the police can Profi Iing is when a person thinks that the check the immigration status of someone still reject the documents under ' reason­ color of your skin defines who you are stopped or atTested under ' reasonable sus­ able suspicion'. But that brings us back to as a person- or indicates that you might picion', but how do you define ' reasonable the question what is ' reasonable suspi­ be guilty of a crime. This is not the first suspicion' ? ln 20 II , Utah tried to pass a cion'? A person's look, the way they talk, time in America that this kind of profiling similar law, HB 497. HB 497 states that or the way they dress? Police should not has happened. Jn World War II , Japanese ' all ' the people of Utah have to carry their be able to identify an undocumented im­ Americans had to leave their homes and identification papers, whether they are migrant based on appearances because this were placed in internment camps, no undocumented or documented. This is so is racial profiling and will harass citizens matter if they we documented or not. This that if they are stopped by the police, for and non-citizens alike. was because the American government even a traffic violation, they have to prove Racial profiling occurs when police of­ was afraid that the Japanese Americans citizenship or their immigration status. lf ficers are given the power to pull someone were spying on them for Japan. During the an individual has the correct paperwork over based on the way they look. Racial whole war there were only I 0 people con­ victed for spying for Japan and they were all Caucasians (http://www.sfmuseum.org/ war/issei.htm) During this point in history Japanese Americas were put aside because the government thought that they were spies, even if the Japanese Americans were born here. With Utah's HB 497 this might happen to Hispanics. I think to myself, ' I was born here, I have never even been to Mexico. I don 't even speak that much Spanish.' Yes I am Hispanic, I am proud to be. AND I am Mexican American and proud, but when people judge me before they know any­ thing about me just based on my appear­ ance, I feel angty because it's unjust. Wha1 would you do if someone defined who you are, how you dressed, talked, and acted based on the color of your skin?

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