"Under Pressure" by Chadrawattie Kadar

Under Pressure

by Chandrawattie Kadar


So often we hear students (well, mostly teenagers) complain about peer pressure. Yet, some of us still can't understand the reason for this pressure. Sometimes all you have to do is say, "No." Saying no doesn't mean you are a punk or want to back down. It just means you are strong enough to know where you want to go in life. Saying no prevents you from making mistakes that you will regret later in life. Making mistakes is part of life, but knowing that you can make the right choice without regretting it later is a wonderful thing. People should make mistakes so they can learn from them, not because someone else told them to. As we grow older, friends, companions and maybe even family are going to be putting us under pressure, but there is a limit to everything. I know the circumstances of saying no to your family can be really hard, especially if you're the kind of person who lives to please your parents. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. It shows you have respect for them. I would do anything for my parents, but sometimes you have got to say, "No." You cannot live someone else's life. You only get one chance at living the life you want, so you have got to make the most of it. We have got to grab every chance in life like it is our last. There is no time for regrets and what ifs.

Pressure from Parents

As I have observed for the past couple of weeks, teenagers who say no to their parents feel as though they are a disappointment. For some people, that can be very discouraging. It makes you stop wanting to try. What's the use? It doesn't matter anymore. Well, I've got news for you: Don't live your life to please anyone. I know you go by the rules, but sometimes you've got to break out. Make choices that are going to benefit you in the long run. It's hard trying to live up to people's standards. I know, because I have tried not once but many times til I've realized that that is just not who I want to be. In a couple of months or years, you might feel the same way.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is another reason why many people give in. Listen to this: "Come on. All of us are cutting math class. Who wants to take a quiz anyway? We are just going to walk around and get some lunch," says the coolest kid in your class. Now tell me, would you do what is right and go to class, would you skip because the cool kid said so?

As we get older, we will be faced with many challenges. For some of these challenges, we won't have a right or wrong answer. Sometimes the answer won't even be clear, but whatever you decide will effect your life. Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or another, it can get even more complicated. Peer pressure comes from people your age (like your classmates) and sometimes even your parents. Your peers influence your life--even if you don't realize it--because you spend so much time with them. You learn from them, and they learn from you. it's only natural to listen and learn from others in your age group.

Why do some teenagers (or people in general) give in to peer pressure?

Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They want to stand with the cool crowd. Being popular is a major reason for a kid to give in. Some kids give in because they are scared that they will get teased and made fun of. You have to be a leader, NOT a follower. I know it's hard to fit in, but sometimes the coolest thing to do is say NO. Giving in may seem like the best answer, or like the coolest thing, at the moment, but really it's not. Saying yes to those that are trying to bring you down only proves to them that they can get you to do what they want. On the other hand, others just go along with peer pressure because they are curious to try out new stuff. To tell you the truth, the idea of "everyone is doing it" might influence you to leave your better judgment or your common sense behind.

How can you walk away from peer pressure?

I understand it is tough to be the only one to say no to peer pressure but you can do it. Plus, paying attention to your beliefs and how you feel can help you make the right decision. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away and resist doing something wrong when you know better. It would be even easier to make good decisions if you have a peer or friend that is willing to say no too. It's wonderful to have friends with similar values as yours. These are friends who are going to back you up when you don't want to do something. Have your teachers or parents ever told you to choose your friends wisely? Well, peer pressure is one of the main reasons why they say that. Even if you are faced with peer pressure, just say no and walk away. Better yet, make new friends. Just stay away from the peers that pressure you to do things you don't want to do. If that doesn't work, talk to someone you trust. And please don't feel guilty if you made a few mistakes because life is all about making mistakes. We have got to make them in order to learn from them, right? Peer pressure isn't always a bad thing. It just depends on what type of friends you have. Hang out with friends that make it possible for you to say, "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."

Fiction: Sheena Bits #2

Samantha Sydney

by Sheena Silva

Here, spinning slowly and swaying along with the sound of what I pretended to be music, holding her waist closer and stronger to me with each rhythmic new step towards the future we make together, life almost feels essential.  Caused by our sudden movements, her sweet but frightening smell lingers about, grasping me in a fantasy world that mother never once read to me about when tucking me in as a child.  But now I long to hear the story.

Lights are flashing from every direction, making me as blind as her beauty never hesitates to do, creating a more rainbow-colored scene.  Leaning her head on my shoulder as if it were her own cotton pillow, she begins to whisper pure nothings in my ear, healing it from all that was before unexpectedly and undesirably heard.

As time flies, our dance is becoming more fused, and soon enough we are complimenting each other like colors; filling the room with not only our moves but our presence; attracting not only ourselves but others around us.  I am feeling their starving eyes piercing my back, ad I am hearing their raw, vicious thoughts and opinions in between her genuine and kind whispers.

I don't want to let go, I think.  Why can't we be treated the same?  Could two girls together intimately ever give off the impression they were normal?

Then suddenly she grabs my tear-splashed face, and, as if being able to hear my thoughts, she holds on tighter.  Promising, with her hands alone, that we are going to be together--no matter what mind-crushing obstacles we face.

"Battle of Brooklyn Preview!" by Anthony Haywood

Grand Street vs. Midwood

by Anthony Haywood

Date: 1/22/09

Time: 5:00 pm

It's that time of year again, and it's certainly what Grand Street Campus Wolves fans and Midwood Hornets fans live for: rivalry games.  Dating back to 2005, the Wolves are 1-6 against the buzzing Hornets with the last win coming three years ago in 2006.  Of course, we had an all-star roster and that year the Wolves took the division by storm, but the spirit of that '06 Wolf pack is hovering around this '09 team, and it should give them an edge in the game.

Come out to this game.  It's going to be held in the Grand Street Gym and the music is going to be the best of the 21st century.  There will be some giveaways, and the fans are going to go wild.  Everyone who's anyone at the Campus will be there.  Come out and show your support for your Lady Wolves!!!!!!!!!!!!

STAR WATCH:

GSC

Simone Victor: #32, Senior, 17.17 ppg, 4.13 assist

Bette Davis: #0, Senior, 8.71 ppg

Tamara Jones: #45, Sophomore, 4.86 ppg

Edith Santiago: #1, Senior, 6.20 ppg

MHS

Victoria Story: Senior Guard, 10.75 ppg

Jessica Previlon: Senior Forward, 17.75 ppg, 7.75 boards

Brittany McFadden: Junior Guard, 7.13 ppg

Poetry: 2 Poems by Crystal Johns

But Still I Stand

by Crystal Johns

After, but still I stand.

Before, but still I stand.

When time has stopped, where will I be?
But when shall I fall, either after or before?

I'm strong within my heart, but weak inside my soul.

What happened to me?

Was that just a stupid dream?

Something planned extremely well?

But still I stand, I'm a mountain, one tall as can be.

How can you know when I'm weak or even when I'm really strong?

As the petals from up above come tumbling down,

I cry--but with a joyful smile.

With much hurt and pain in my heart,

I still stand strong with a brilliant and talented start,

But STILL I stand,

The colors behind the huge, black wall lies:

Yellow, blue, red, green, black, and sometimes white.

With all this

But still I stand.

Sadness

by Crystal Johns

Sadness lives within me, the insane passion grows internally in my flesh.

Sadness wounds my soul and pierces my heart.

Sadness walks slowly over me as my guide.
It follows me left and right.

X marks the spot that sadness ripped apart.

Proudly and boldly, I stand with a higher power,
What is known as happiness.
It stands strongly in front of me,

Guiding me through tough struggles.

My sadness always stands behind me.

I cry--lonely--to an invisible shadow,
Speaking unspoken words, crying unseen tears, yelling,

But still no one hears

ME.

Sadness shall never,

Will never take over or control me.

Happiness shall always succeed.

Sadness is slowly killing me.

"What is your style?" by Tatyana Anthony

By Tatyana Anthony

Everywhere you go, you see fashion.  It's all over New York City.  But you know who's really got fashion?  The kids in the schools.  We have got all types of fashion.  Some kids even make up their own styles.  The style that is in right now is skinny jeans.  In the past, people who wore them got played out.  Now, all of a sudden they are back in style.  Everybody wears them--young and old.  Also, Jordans and Nikes are very cool and very popular.  I'm not saying that other brands are not cool, but that is what you see most people wearing these days.

When skinny jeans were in style three or four years ago, only girls wore them.  Who knew that boys were going to start wearing them in 2008?  I never thought that would happen.  The typical Progress girl wears a nice shirt (the brand doesn't matter), a pair of skinny jeans and hot sneakers.  The typical Progress boy can usually be found wearing a big shirt, slightly-more-loose skinny jeans and some fresh sneakers.

But that's not the only style.  I remember the other day, while walking through Progress, I saw this girl.  She wasn't in skinny jeans, and she didn't have Nikes or Jordans.  She had an unfamiliar style--one you really don't see often.  But it was very nice.  She almost had a fifties-style look.  She, and other kids like her, show that creating your own style can be just as hot as following the latest trend.

Poetry: 5 Poems by Anthony Haywood

From Boy to Man

Dedicated to Old Friends

It's time for me to break out.

I've got to burst this bubble. This automobile

has four wheels and inside lies my struggle.

Done nothing but run me over, back &

forth, causing lots of trouble. I'm going pop

every wheel and let this car crash.

Blow out my pains to keep from going insane.

Heal my wounds real fast. Time to expose my true face

bare never ashamed to hide behind a mask.

And when that struggle is dead, I'll be a whole

new man. I'll get back on up and on my own

two feet. I'll try to stand to one day say:

I can do anything now, cause I believe I can.

Those of you who think you knew me

when I was lying down,

left me to rot while you

painted red on the town. Now that you

see a new me, your smiles turn to frowns in disguise.

You're nothing but a blue-nosed clown

bright and I'm hype because I'm the

college-bound type. Even when trouble and fear

backed me in a corner, I still stood to fight.

And although I wear glasses, I never needed

them to see the light.

Point of View

Dedicated to America

I am, I am, I am stuck. Stuck to

the point of not breathing.

Held back by all different stereotypes

trying to keep me from achieving.

They had me believing that life was all fair.

I said, "Hey, mom, you're looking at the next

President of the United States here."

She said, "I'm sorry, my son, but you can't go there."

I said, "Why, mom? My hopes you just took?"

She said, "No, my son, you don't have the right look."

I said, "Look? You mean the one on my face?"

She said, "No, my son. You just aren't the right race."

I said, "But, moms, I have a lot of heart."

She said, "Sorry, my son, but your skin is too dark."

I said, "So, is it because I'm Black?"

She said, "America is racist, and that's just a fact."

I said, "So, mom, is it ever gonna change?" And still to

this day she didn't answer me back.

But that right there was just one point of view.

If Martin Luther King had a dream, I guess I can too.

Hoping for Her Hopelessly

Dedicated to Rochelle

For all the people who assume that I'm exaggerating

Waiting for my perfect girl so soon I'll be dating

Her hips and lips make my

Temperature rise and it's got

My heart baking

Faking drowning just to get a kiss

From her CPR got me waiting

First time I saw those eyes wide

Shining bright

I knew that soon I wasn't going to

Leave without a fight

But it's like hoping she would be

Mine and our love would last forever night

I think it's right that I assume five

Foot four would be her height

Not a Princess but an Elizabeth-like Queen

Other guys get jealous heads turn

When we would walk onto the scene

Pray every night for this dream

Hard to believe but it seems

For every day that goes by nothing

Is ever achieved

Wonder if I walked right by her

And she looked but I looked mean.

A Dream Come True

Dedicated to Avianca

When I first met my dream girl

I realized I no longer was asleep

To describe her in one word

Would be like climbing a hill that's steep

It's a hard-to-do task

She came to me this year maybe

Because it was God that I asked

This girl is like candy and

I have a sweet tooth

I touched her just to see if it was

An illusion or mirage just to tell you the truth

But all I felt was smooth velvety skin

34, 25, 36, those are the measurements of a body so slim

Voice like a cool breeze,

When I hear her speak it makes my heart tingle

Being with her doesn't only mean

Now I'm no longer single

It really translates into

The fact that I am one of those big puzzles

And it's so hard to find it but she's

The last piece she completes me so and when

I'm with her we are at peace

Just like your best memory, I will not let her go

Avianca, you are my queen, I'm not afraid to let everyone

Know.

Love, At First Sight

Dedicated to Women

My love for you is like Charmin's tissue

Soft, gentle and very beautiful.

When I'm next to you

It feels like my face turns blue

Because it feels like

I'm holding my breath, waiting to gather up

Enough to say one word,

To let you know I want you to be my boo

So I can do something

That no man has done for you.

Every day I ask myself

How could someone so

Gorgeous be looking at me

I'm thinking I should act quickly

For you every time I see, still

Wondering to myself, 'Am I worthy?'

One day, I hope that I can gather

Up the courage to speak

Because a dream date with you is what I seek

8:00, Friday, how about next week?

"Above the Influence" by Sheila Ortega

By Sheila Ortega

Many kids during the course of high school go through peer pressure.  Some regret it, and for some, it's too late.  I have interviewed some guys and girls at Progress High.  This is what three kids have to say...

Anonymous Student #1:

Well, I have met a lot of friends through my freshman year in Progress, and I have to say they were not what I thought they were.  At first we would hang out and chill.  We hung out at the park near the school, and I would play basketball, but they would smoke a blunt and get high.  I didn't mind because they respected that I was into my sport.  But soon they would start smoking and get aggressive.  They once wanted to force me to smoke it, but since they were high, they didn't have much strength, and I just brushed them off.  It wasn't the same ever since...I hate people forcing me to do what I don't want to.  I'm not aggressive, but I can be when I feel threatened.  I think a person shouldn't get involved in a situation they don't want to be in.

Anonymous student #2:

Yeah, it's true.  People put a lot of pressure on you when you're in high school.  My parents want me to be a good student, and I want a better life than the ghetto.  I don't want to get involved in none of that.  I know I'm a better person, and I can achieve more than that.

I was involved in a few activities that weren't necessary...I smoked a blunt a week.  Then 2. Until it was every day.  It felt good--that's what they told me.  They said, "Come on, girl.  You'll be feeling smooth and it's the best."  I was dumb to try it.  But once I was in, it was hard to get out.  I was involved, and it became a habit.  It relieved me somehow, and I felt like it was my refuge.  I felt the soft caress of the smoke when I puffed.  My supposed "friends" offered it to me, and I was set.  But they wouldn't smoke with me.  They would watch how I was slowly drowning in my own smoke and didn't say a word.  It seemed like they were kind of happy to see that I was worse than they were.  I soon noticed and stopped.  It wasn't so hard to stop.  I didn't pay much mind.  Soon my friends told me I was changing.  The only thing I said was that I was above the influence and walked away.  I still say "What's up?" to them, but I pay them no mind.  No, they're all just bad memories of the past.

Anonymous student #3:

All I have to say is that I know what it's like to be broken down and into the habit of doing drugs.  I have been in and out, and now I reminisce and see how stupid I was--how I was so stupid, I let people pull me down and make me just like them.  Nobodies.  I was just a part of a crowd.  A part of nothings.  I made a change while I was in rehab...Yeah, I was in rehab because I wanted to change--be someone my momma would be proud of, get outta my low money situation and the rough living conditions.  I was down and dirty.  Now, I'm up and clean.  Don't be nobody.  It ain't cool.  Ya dig?

A poem dedicated to those who were almost under the influence:

Here it goes, here it came

No one's left to blame

But myself, me, only me

Why don't the people see?

Although I might be rude or violent

They don't know what's happenin, why I'm silent...

My windows, full of grease, I smell the food my momma's cookin

The teacher calls my name, but I ain't lookin

Nobody will pull me down

I am above...I'm king, so where's my crown?

I lost it while I was messin up

But my momma taught me better than to give up!

I was under the influence--now I'm above

To all my "friends" who introduced me to the habit

Just remember the turtle was faster than the rabbit

Just like that--now I'm clean

I'm in school, my smile is true

Trust nobody but you.

February Horoscope by Chandra Kadar

By Chandra Kadar

Aries

Mar 21-Apr 19

It's a perfect time to get some work done and stop putting off what matters the most.  Love is in the air and a true friend will soon take your friendship to another level.

Keyword: Stay on top of your game and stay focused on your goal.  But remember to be careful about who you trust.

Taurus

Apr 20-May 20

Don't let anyone stop you from dreaming.  It's about time you follow your heart, instead of listening to what other people say.  Some things are worth fighting for, especially love.

Keyword: Reach for your goal and fight for what you believe in.

Gemini

May 21-Jun 20

Sharing your ideas is a good way to show others what you're really made of.  Someone has a crush on you, but would it destroy the friendship or would it strengthen it?

Keyword: Love is in the air, but is it real or is it only puppy love?  Only time will tell.

Cancer

Jun 21-Jul 22

Life is all about compromise, but be careful that you don't give more than you're comfortable with.  Falling in love is possible for some, Cancer, but be careful of expecting too much from your partner.

Keyword: Be careful of all the compromise you make.  True love is really hard to find, so when you find it, appreciate it.

Leo

Jul 23-Aug 22

Keep  a positive attitude and be on top of your game because what you give is what you will get back in return.  Be open and honest with your friends.  Don't look back.

Keyword: Positive attitude will take you a few steps closer to your goal, and honesty will lead to the path you're meant to follow.

Virgo

Aug 23-Sept 22

Stay close to your family.  Let them be your number one priority because you are about to get a wake-up call sooner or later.  Close relationships will offer stability, and don't underestimate the value of being independent.

Keyword: Family comes first.   You can always count on them, no matter what.

Libra

Sept 23-Oct 22

You have a lot on your mind, solet it go and move on because everyone else around you is moving forward, but you're still holding on to the past.  It's time to be free.  Love is right in front of you.  All you need to do is open your heart and let it in.

Keyword: Things are not always as they seem.

Scorpio

Oct 23-Nov 21

It's time to make some new friends who you can learn a thing or two from.  Remember, looks don't matter.  A friendship should be based on trust.  Temper will destroy any short-term relationship.

Keyword: Take a chance and make new friends.  You will never know unless you risk something in return.  Stay cool and humble.

Sagittarius

Nov 22-Dec 21

Everything you do is closely watched.  Take notice of how you feel.  Nobody needs to know what you are doing or thinking unless you want them to.

Keyword: Don't believe everything you hear and don't get involved in power plays.

Capricorn

Dec 22-Jan 19

Being competitive ensures that nobody treads on your territory.  Everything seems too perfect but be prepared.  Something is about to happen that will change your life forever.

Keyword: Be organized.

Aquarius

Jan 20-Feb 18

You have no option other than to work on your short-term goal because the clock is ticking.  So warn your friends and family that you will be preoccupied.  It's time to show your personality in a relationship.

Keyword: Avoid distraction

Pisces

Feb 19-Mar 20

Life is about to get hectic, so be prepared to face challenges that have been avoided.

Keyword: Enthusiasm is contagious.

"Wolves Lose Their Howl" by Anthony Haywood

By Anthony Haywood

October 26th, 2008

The moon didn't shine on the Wolves long enough for them to claw their way to victory.  The Brooklyn Tech Engineers held down their home turf on Saturday, October 25th, against a win-hungry GSC team.  The game was separated by one touchdown with Tech winning 36-30, extending the Wolves losing streak to eight fames.  The Justin Andujar-led Wolves could not come up with the last minute touchdown that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter and would have given the Wolves the chance to win the game.  Kicker/Punter Janeel Harford said after the game, "We were in the game early in the first half, but after stupid mistakes, we lost the momentum and the game seemed to wear out in the second half."

The Wolves' fans might think that this game was the draining point for this young team, but I beg to differ.  They have one more game in which they could prove themselves worthy to represent Division 5 football.  They take on the 7th-place, hopping Boys' and Girls' Kangaroos team on November 2nd.  The full moon is going to be out on this day...

Anthony's Prediction: GSC Wolves: 18; B's&G's High Kangaroos: 12 

"Heart of the Wolves" by Anthony W. Haywood

By Anthony Haywood

October 19th, 2008

Being a great football team does not necessarily mean you score the most points or have the most skill.  It is the ability to have confidence and heart to perform under any circumstance, no matter what your record says.  The Wolves are a prime example of a team that has the biggest heart out of all the teams in the Public School Athletic League.

The GSC Wolves absolutely played their hardest on Saturday, October 18th, in an attempt to capture their first win of the season but came up short.  Fort Hamilton's undefeated top-ranked team spoiled their hopes.  The Wolves lost 30 to 6 at the hands of the Tigers but still seemed optimistic about the rest of the season.  Before the game, I asked Senior Tight End/Defensive End Steven Arrindell if he was nervous going up against a team of this caliber, and he said, "There is no player on this team who isn't nervous.  We are anxious to go out and play our game the way we know how--no matter what the outcome is.  We learn something from each opponent we face.  Even if we don't win here today, we still played our hearts out like a team--no matter what the scoreboard says in the end."  Every Wolf on this 2009 team knows that their record is 0-7.  They still have the optimism, enthusiasm and composure of a great team for each game they play and that is most valuable.

The Wolves football team will play Brooklyn Tech's 2-5 Engineers on October 25th on their field in hopes to capture their first win and I know they are going to win.  Here come those howling Wolves, baby!

Anthony's prediction: GSC Wolves: 24; Brooklyn Technical Engineers: 12

Poetry: "Here's to Us" by Chandra Kadar

HERE IS TO US

by Chandra Kadar

Here is to US, here is to all that had hope,
Here is to the next lifetime together,
Get this, baby, we made it so far and yet we keep going,
The road ahead looks as bright as can be.

Here is to all those losers who said we couldn't do it,
Look at us, we are winning and there is no stopping us now, we are on a roll,
Here is to the haters who try to bring us down but fail,
So here is to US for putting everything behind and holding on to each others' hearts.

Look ahead, tell me what you see,
A life of love with no ending, I see that,
Here is to those who said we were never right for each other,
Look at US now, we are stronger than ever, nothing can break US apart,
For we are in love and love has no limit.

So here is to those who said that love was something we would never achieve,
So tell me, can you picture life without me?
If no, then we prove to all that what we have is special,
And in this lifetime or the next, one thing is true, our love will never die.

So I say thank you to all those haters who said we couldn't last this long,
Look at US, climbing for that mountain with no goal of coming back down,
So here is for never giving up on our love, for we have achieved something that happens once in a blue moon,
So here is from me to you, you're everything I ever dream about, and now you're finally mine, so with this I say I love you and always will,
And that's a promise!

Poetry: "Progress" by Nanyah Franklin

By Nanyah Franklin

ii HAVE A GOAL iiN LiiFE

TO SUCCEED AND DO MANY GOOD DEEDS

BUT AS ii TRY TO ACCOMPLiiSH THAT GOAL

iiT SEEMS THAT ALL ii FiiND ARE

OPEN WOUNDS FROM THE PAST

LEFT TO DO NOTHING BUT BLEED

ii TRY AND TRY

BUT EACH TiiME I FALL DOWN

EVERY TiiME ii GO TO CLiiMB THAT LADDER

TO SUCCESS

ii ONLY FiiND MYSELF ON THE GROUND

AS ii PRACTiiCE TO WALK

ii CONTiiNUE TO STUMBLE

AT TiiMES WHEN ii SHOULD SPEAK

ii FIND MYSELF TO DO NOTHiiNG

OTHER THAN MUMBLE

SOMETiiMES ii SiiT

THiiNKiiNG OF A MASTER PLAN

TO KEEP FROM HAViiN PAiiN iiNSiiDE ME

AND GiiVEN TO ANOTHER STRANGER

ii DON'T UNDERSTAND

WHY THiiS RiiDE FEELS SO LONELY

ii'VE TAKEN THE KNiiFE OUT OF MY HEART

BUT STiiLL ii FEEL PAiiN STRONGLY

ii'M NOT GOiiN ANYWHERE

WHY AM ii STiiLL STANDiiNG??

AM ii DREAMiiNG OF BEiiNG A TALL MOVELESS MOUNTAiiN

OR AM ii TRULY A HUMAN BEiiNG FOR REAL??

WHEN AT TiiMES

iiM FEELiiNG WEAK

ARE MY PROBLEMS PUSHiiNG ME TO THE GROUND??

THAT'S WHEN ii FEEL NOTHiiNG'S WORKiiNG OUT FOR ME

AND NO ONE'S GOiiNG TO STAY AROUND

ii GRAB AT THE STRENGTH

DEEP WiiTHiiN MYSELF

AND SMiiLE AS ii CONTiiNUE TO WALK

AWAY FROM THE GATES OF HELL

Fiction: Sheena Bits #1

By Sheena Silva

As I squeezed the air out of it, the tears it once drank from moments before began to gush out wildly, leaving its cover stained, and a thick stench of depression lurked about.  No matter how much I twisted and turned, something felt missing.  The warmth, the electricity from one to another was nowhere to be found, but in its place, loneliness and sorrow took over.  The short hairs on my arms quickly stood up as the goosebumps and emotions overtook my body's atmosphere--leaving me empty, with only a mere object between my still-hopeful arms.

Inhaling what was known to be my future, I began to pretend: pretend I had human flesh instead of 100% cotton against my face and skin; pretend I had someone to whisper ideas to about exploring this world and beyond, or how I thought my life would be in the decades ahead of me.  And soon enough my lips became one with it.  Falling deeper and deeper into my fantasy--into my dream--I lost all acknowledgement of my surroundings and of myself.  But while I began to slowly caress and physically, but not sexually, love it, I realized it didn't love me back.

There were no kisses being thrown back at my hungry lips.  There were no hands driving to find mine.  There was no heartbeat to be heard but my own, and that's when I stopped.  Breathed.  And repeated the true, but piercing, words my wise mother once said:

"I don't care how much you hug a pillow.  It ain't gonna hug you back."

Then thought:

"So who will?"

Child Abuse by Chandra Kadar

By Chandra Kadar

Research shows that in the USA an estimate of 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect each year, which is making child abuse as common as it is shocking.  It doesn't matter whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, either way children are suffering.  The emotional scars can be deep and long-lasting and often lead to future child abuse.  you can learn the signs and symptoms of child abuse and help break the cycle.  With your help, we can do so much.  So just take the time to read this article and see how millions of children are being punished each year just for being themselves.

How can anyone hurt an innocent soul?  A poor, defenseless child?  Furthermore, how can anyone stand the thought of abusing their own flesh and blood?  The worst part of all of this is most of us can't even imagine why an adult would want to hurt a child.  Child abuse is more common than you may think.  It crosses all social classes and all ethnicities.  Yet sadly, child abuse is in the hands of those who are supposed to be the child's protectors: the parents.  As we have seen, child abuse can happen in many different ways, but the results are the same: serious physical and emotional harm.  Physical and sexual abuse may be the most commonly discovered type of abuse, since they sometimes leave physical evidence behind.  Even though emotional and neglect abuse are serious types of abuse, they are often more subtle and hard to spot.

Many people wonder how child abuse happens, but there isn't just one possibility, there are so many.  There are many complicated issues that lead to child abuse.  Child abuse could be caused by the pattern learned in childhood.  Without thinking about what he or she is doing, the cycle of child abuse continues.  Alcohol and drug abuse also lead to serious errors in judgment.  Drinking alcohol and doing drugs just make child abuse more common, and with all of that, it's making it more likely to happen.  Also, due to being intoxicated, alcohol and drug abuse frequently lead to child neglect as well.

All types of child abuse and neglect leave scars that can last a child a lifetime.  Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long-lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child's sense of all that he or she is capable of.  It can even destroy the child's sense of having a healthy relationship with anyone.  One of the worst things about child abuse is that it has a cycle of repeating itself.  As some have seen, children that have been abused sometimes grow up to be abusive parents, which is not really what we want for young kids.  One out of every three kids that are being abused each day is more likely to become an abusive parent in the future.  So tell me, is that what you really want?  Help us prevent that.  Don't influence kids to do the wrong thing.  Everything has its consequences.  You may be reluctant to interfere in someone's family, but you can make a big difference in a child's life if you do.  People need to understand that the earlier they speak up about something, the better chance there is that the child's scars will heal.  Only time can tell.  Sometimes, some of the damage that has been done cannot be undone, but that doesn't mean things won't change for that person's life.

Club Review: Building With Books! by Barbie Rose

By Barbie Rose

I don't know about you guys, but there are so many things I don't know about Grand Street Campus.  But one thing I do know about is the clubs, and one of my faves would be 'Building with Books' (aka BWB).  This club is so interesting to me that I even joined it, and--trust me--if a club doesn't have anything to do with sports or history, you can usually count me out.  The thing that interested me is that you learn about the world, and plus you have a good time.

For one, BWB is a youth empowerment program.  It helps us as young people to develop skills to face the real world.  It raises money for kids in poor countries that don't have a chance of getting an education.  It also gives a hands-on experience to see how life is in other countries.  This opportunity is called "Trek."  Trek is when two people from each group go to another country and build a school for less-educated kids.

In this program we also help our community and other areas that need help.  One project we did was when we went to Coney Island.  We cleaned up the beach and tried to make it a good place for everyone who spends time there and for the animals that live there.  We also do many fun projects like planting trees, going to fairs, cleaning parks and helping others in need.

The BWB is filled with jolly staff members.  One of them is Eliza Chardd.  She is so much fun and she loves her job because she loves working with othes.  Ms. Chardd is one of the people that helped put such an amazing program in our high school.  Not only Ms. Chardd works with this program but so do Ms. Comer, Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Woods.  These three women are well-respected people and if you have something to talk about I suggest you go to them because they can always put a smile on your face.

So now that you have heard about BWB, I hope that you can join us.  We meet...

"Sexual Preference: Trend or trait?" by Danielle King

By Danielle King

You see it all the time: on cable-based teen dramas such as Degrassi or 90210, on talk shows like The View and The Tyra Banks Show and on X-rated shows like Girls Gone Wild.  Homosexuality is being spoken about more and more.  Is there an increase in homosexuality today because it is more accepted and even celebrated in today's society?  Are more girls becoming lesbian and bisexual naturally?  Is it out of curiosity?  Or is it a cry for attention?  It is important to go inside this deep personal dilemma and try to get closer to the truth.

Rejected No More

These days, with the use of modern technology and the switch of the channel, it's almost literally impossible to not be bombarded with images of young women making out or sharing their feelings for one another.  What a lot of people are wondering is why did the number of bisexual and lesbian young women rise?  For one, a lot of it has to do with the time era that we live in.  For the past decade, our generation has been known for breaking the rules and going against the typical status quo--that includes being open about sexuality.  In fact, this new liberation really began in the 1960's in which huge change arose.  The 1960's were a period that involved taking many risks.  New music was on the rise, TV shows were starting to have more shocking material, and drugs were becoming a huge addiction.  Hippies dressed in slacks were smoking all day and telling people to live in "peace."  With all of this new "liberation," everyone was free, able to express themselves and allowed to let their true selves out after being freed of the small-minded fifties.  Fast-forward to a few years, or decades rather, and you have a much more liberal, secular society in which we share.

A Cry for Attention?

While today being lesbian or bisexual is something much less controversial, a lot of students are worrying over whether or not this is just a new trend.  As one Progress High School student puts it, "It seems to me as if being gay is the new thing these days.  It's like everywhere you go, someone's going, 'I'm gay' or 'I'm bi.'  It's like an epidemic."  But while this "epidemic" is starting to get more and more recognized, a lot of kids are starting to wonder where it is coming from.  Some believe that the excessive use of girl on girl action between female characters on television and movies is accountable.  With shows like this, some girls may want to experiment in the same things.  When you watch the teen drama South of Nowhere, a show about a teen girl who moves out of her quiet hometown into Los Angeles, where we all know things are scandalous, it shows young girls exploring their sexuality with many images of homosexuality.  When asked about shows like this, one Progress student said, "When I see girls around our school and on TV discovering that they are gay, I start to wonder if I am too.  The simplest symptoms such as fantasizing about another girl could mean you're gay.  In a way, these shows make me question about MY own sexuality, which is a little scary."

Another reason for the recent rise in homosexuality may be the "special treatment" that some girls get for being gay or bisexual.  When asked on an online survey if girls who claim to be bisexual get more attention, the majority of teen girls answered yes.  In fact, one teenage girl from a Brooklyn high school wrote that guys find it "sexy" when girls claim to be bi because it "turns them on."  Which brings us to the next question: are some young women doing this for a boost of their self-esteem?  When asked about this, the Progress student explained, "It depends on the girl.  At parties, some girls make out or dance or grind on each other while guys watch.  It's kind of typical.  The guys get their 'jollies' while the girls feel better about themselves."

Although this topic can be a bit touchy, there are some students that praise this new freedom.  Chandra Kadar, a freshman at Progress High School, does not choose to take sides.  "I don't care.  That's other people's lives.  They live however they want to.  I have nothing against them.  I'm not for it and I'm not against it either."

Other students find it liberating that society is starting to embrace different, unique personalities, or, in this case, sexualities.  "I think it's good that people are accepting different types of people.  It's about time that being gay or bisexual is being celebrated!" said a high school junior.  Ultimately, many people find this celebration as a good thing because it allows each person to be him or herself.

You Decide

All in all, as the number of gay and bisexual girls is rising, some students are starting to resent it.  As one student at Progress puts it, "I'm over it already.  That's so 2007."  But one thing is for sure: no one can choose your sexuality for you or tell you that being gay is wrong.  If you do consider yourself to be lesbian or bisexual, just make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons, not for recognition.  The way you live your life should be to make yourself happy and not some guy or your friends, but for you.  After all, your happiness and satisfaction should come before anyone else's.

"Morning Scare" by Selvin Sinclair

By Selvin Sinclair

Anger and fear took its place on the morning of Tuesday, December 9th.  As I was walking inside the door of Progress High School, all I saw was a bunch of scanners and metal detectors.  Kids were taking off their belts and earrings and emptying out their book-bags.  I could tell by their facial expressions that they were furious.  When one of the security guards asked me to take off my belt and lift up my arms, I began to feel uncomfortable--uncomfortable because I had never experienced anything like that before.  At that time all I kept thinking was, 'Why were scanners placed inside our school?  Did something violent happen the day before?  Did someone break in?'  That's when I began to quiver.

After security had checked my bags and searched m, it was time for me to go to class.  When I got there, I noticed that the bell had rung!  It took me 10-15 minutes to get to class, which made me want to go back there and do something I would regret.

Time passed and it was time for lunch.  During lunch period, the scanner situation was still the buzz.  Even my friends had something to say about the whole scanner idea.  My friends are all freshman: Syed Hoque, Danielle Dixon, Jennie Novas, Felicia Thomas and Rebecca Rivera.  Syed was saying that searching the kids and making them empty their bags was a violation of privacy.  Rebecca said, "Scanners and metal detectors are a waste of time...kids are still going to get their things inside the school.  She also stated that it makes kids late.  Jennie was saying that she felt like she was being harassed because she had never experienced anything like that before.  Last, but not least, Danielle spoke about how she felt uncomfortable when they asked her to take off her belt and lift up her arms.

The voices of these people must take effect.  Let our opinions matter for once.  We are old enough to decide what we want and what we do not want.  And we want the scanners to leave!