Valentine's Day
by Chandrawattie Kadar
If anyone were ever to ask who my true love in life would be,
I would simply smile and tell them, "It would have to be 'He,"
He that kisses me in a way no other could,
He that holds me in way no other would,
He that loves me through the good and the bad, even when he is sad.
He has been known to put his fears aside
To reassure me that in him I can confide
My deepest dreams, my deepest fears,
As we grow closer through the months.
I know he fears his love for me, as it seems to grow stronger every day,
Yet he doesn't understand that I too feel the same way,
Two people that shouldn't yet...two people couldn't imagine life without one another,
We push, we pull, we fight, and we love, yet we always come back to each other.
This love we have is truly one of a kind,
Which makes me realize as I look behind at our past, our present and wherever we go,
That he has my heart..."Forever to hold."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
"Teen Love" by Chandrawattie Kadar
So often I hear teenagers saying, "I love you" to their boyfriends and girlfriends, but what does "I love you" really mean? I am not saying their love isn't true. I am saying that they might misguide themselves. Love is one word with a million meanings. I, for one, won't try to define love because--honestly--I can't. Valentine's Day means appreciating the ones you love more with each day that progresses. Before I get more into my story about Valentine's Day, I asked some teens what V-Day meant to them, and this is what they had to say...
"What does Valentine's Day mean to you?"
"Celebrating the ones in your life." - Neteh
"Being with the person you love." - Nakia
"Valentine's Day means nothing to me because what I can do on February 14th, I can do all 364 other days for my girlfriend and other loved ones." - Jake
"Valentine's Day is a day for lovers." - Vic
"A day when you show all your love for that special someone." - Lissette
That's just what some teens had to say. Imagine what all the others might have said. I am not shocked that the few teens I asked gave responses that were very similar to each other.
For adults, Valentine's Day has a whole new meaning. For one adult and teacher I know, Valentine's Day means spending his 12th anniversary with his wife. Adults' meanings of Valentine's Day is often stronger than teens'. I guess that is the result of adults being wiser. Almost half of the teens I know do not like Valentine's Day because they are single or just, straight-up hate the day. I can understand that Valentine's Day can be hurtful to some because of the loved ones they have lost. However, I find it very stupid to dislike Valentine's Day because you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Valentine's Day is about being with the ones you love--it doesn't have to be a romantic relationship. It could be your family, your friends. Only one thing bothers me about Valentine's Day: Why do people only reach out to their loved ones on February 14th? I guess that's another one of my unanswered questions. Valentine's Day is also known as the day of love. Love has so many meanings, but for me, love is an illusion waiting to happen.
A Few Reasons Why Many Teenagers Hate Valentine's Day...
Valentine's Day can be especially sad for a teen if he or she has a crush on someone and that person is with someone else. A very close friend of mine told me that it hurts to know the one you love loves someone else. I am no love-expert, but here is a thought: if you love or like someone, don't wait forever, just tell him or her, and maybe in return they will feel the same way about you. Sometimes in life you have to take the risk and be willing to take a fall with the thought that the one you love will be waiting to catch you before you hit the ground. No couple is perfect--trust me on that. Couples are going to argue, fight and hardly agree on anything, but that's one more reason why they are right for each other. Like my Nana would say, the couple that fights the most is the one that is the most in love. Fighting shows that they care enough to notice when they have different opinion and traits. They say that when you stop fighting, you stop caring, which I think is true. You can't expect to meet the right person as soon as you start dating. You have to have some heartbreak before you find the right guy or girl. I asked many of the teen girls that I know how they feel about finding love at age 15. One of them said, "When you're 15 and a guy say I love you, just say whatever and walk away. That's just like them saying bullsh**. They are both eight letters."
DON'T EVER LET SOMEONE BECOME YOUR EVERYTHING BECAUSE WHEN THEY ARE GONE, YOU HAVE NOTHING LEFT!
"What does Valentine's Day mean to you?"
"Celebrating the ones in your life." - Neteh
"Being with the person you love." - Nakia
"Valentine's Day means nothing to me because what I can do on February 14th, I can do all 364 other days for my girlfriend and other loved ones." - Jake
"Valentine's Day is a day for lovers." - Vic
"A day when you show all your love for that special someone." - Lissette
That's just what some teens had to say. Imagine what all the others might have said. I am not shocked that the few teens I asked gave responses that were very similar to each other.
For adults, Valentine's Day has a whole new meaning. For one adult and teacher I know, Valentine's Day means spending his 12th anniversary with his wife. Adults' meanings of Valentine's Day is often stronger than teens'. I guess that is the result of adults being wiser. Almost half of the teens I know do not like Valentine's Day because they are single or just, straight-up hate the day. I can understand that Valentine's Day can be hurtful to some because of the loved ones they have lost. However, I find it very stupid to dislike Valentine's Day because you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Valentine's Day is about being with the ones you love--it doesn't have to be a romantic relationship. It could be your family, your friends. Only one thing bothers me about Valentine's Day: Why do people only reach out to their loved ones on February 14th? I guess that's another one of my unanswered questions. Valentine's Day is also known as the day of love. Love has so many meanings, but for me, love is an illusion waiting to happen.
A Few Reasons Why Many Teenagers Hate Valentine's Day...
Valentine's Day can be especially sad for a teen if he or she has a crush on someone and that person is with someone else. A very close friend of mine told me that it hurts to know the one you love loves someone else. I am no love-expert, but here is a thought: if you love or like someone, don't wait forever, just tell him or her, and maybe in return they will feel the same way about you. Sometimes in life you have to take the risk and be willing to take a fall with the thought that the one you love will be waiting to catch you before you hit the ground. No couple is perfect--trust me on that. Couples are going to argue, fight and hardly agree on anything, but that's one more reason why they are right for each other. Like my Nana would say, the couple that fights the most is the one that is the most in love. Fighting shows that they care enough to notice when they have different opinion and traits. They say that when you stop fighting, you stop caring, which I think is true. You can't expect to meet the right person as soon as you start dating. You have to have some heartbreak before you find the right guy or girl. I asked many of the teen girls that I know how they feel about finding love at age 15. One of them said, "When you're 15 and a guy say I love you, just say whatever and walk away. That's just like them saying bullsh**. They are both eight letters."
DON'T EVER LET SOMEONE BECOME YOUR EVERYTHING BECAUSE WHEN THEY ARE GONE, YOU HAVE NOTHING LEFT!
Monday, February 9, 2009
"The Bronze Wolf" by Anthony Haywood
The Bronze Wolf
by Anthony Haywood
The Grand Street Campus Wolves wrestling team's second loss to their bitter rival, the Madison Golden Knights, doesn't mean that it's the end of their season. The mighty Wolves still have a chance to capture third in the city on Tuesday, February 10th, against Curtis HS. The wrestling team had a great season, and even though we didn't capture the city title, wrestlers like senior captains Akinniran Akinfemi and Victor Maldonado would tell you that upon capturing the bronze prize, individual awards are still up for grabs.
I myself have been to about four or five wrestling matches and loved watching my friends represent my school in a way that would make anyone proud. The honor, discipline and effort it takes to bear the sky-blue, white and black Wolves' emblem is something that you never forget, long after your four years at "The Campus." Respect and admiration are earned after you show leadership on this wrestling team and in other Grand Street sports. I know my Wolves will do great in their meeting against Curtis not only because of their strength, talent and skill, but also mainly because of their warrior-like heart that has what it takes to overcome obstacles and claw their way to victory.
Special shout-outs have to go to Mr. John Zarcone, a.k.a. Coach Z. of the GSC wrestling team, for breeding three consecutive championship contending wolf packs. The chemistry was always there in these past few years, and no single Wolf ever went astray. Only smart coaches have the ability to do this efficiently, but Coack Z. is on a level above all others. The goals he accomplished in his early years of coaching are what some average coaches dream to obtain. Also, I want to acknowledge wrestlers Akinniran Akinfemi, Victor Maldonado, Marlon Perez, Dominick Albino and Rjakim Carmichael for their striving focus and discipline to maintain a healthy diet so that they are healthy enough to lead their pack of howling Wolves to victory week after week. Good luck to these brave individuals and to the rest of the GSC Wolves in their futures. What a great season you guys had!
Remember my favorite saying:
"Patience is the key to victory being promised soon, so step on a few foes while you howl at the moon." -Anthony Haywood
Anthony's Prediction: GSC--63 and Curtis HS--49 in Bronze prize battle.
by Anthony Haywood
The Grand Street Campus Wolves wrestling team's second loss to their bitter rival, the Madison Golden Knights, doesn't mean that it's the end of their season. The mighty Wolves still have a chance to capture third in the city on Tuesday, February 10th, against Curtis HS. The wrestling team had a great season, and even though we didn't capture the city title, wrestlers like senior captains Akinniran Akinfemi and Victor Maldonado would tell you that upon capturing the bronze prize, individual awards are still up for grabs.
I myself have been to about four or five wrestling matches and loved watching my friends represent my school in a way that would make anyone proud. The honor, discipline and effort it takes to bear the sky-blue, white and black Wolves' emblem is something that you never forget, long after your four years at "The Campus." Respect and admiration are earned after you show leadership on this wrestling team and in other Grand Street sports. I know my Wolves will do great in their meeting against Curtis not only because of their strength, talent and skill, but also mainly because of their warrior-like heart that has what it takes to overcome obstacles and claw their way to victory.
Special shout-outs have to go to Mr. John Zarcone, a.k.a. Coach Z. of the GSC wrestling team, for breeding three consecutive championship contending wolf packs. The chemistry was always there in these past few years, and no single Wolf ever went astray. Only smart coaches have the ability to do this efficiently, but Coack Z. is on a level above all others. The goals he accomplished in his early years of coaching are what some average coaches dream to obtain. Also, I want to acknowledge wrestlers Akinniran Akinfemi, Victor Maldonado, Marlon Perez, Dominick Albino and Rjakim Carmichael for their striving focus and discipline to maintain a healthy diet so that they are healthy enough to lead their pack of howling Wolves to victory week after week. Good luck to these brave individuals and to the rest of the GSC Wolves in their futures. What a great season you guys had!
Remember my favorite saying:
"Patience is the key to victory being promised soon, so step on a few foes while you howl at the moon." -Anthony Haywood
Anthony's Prediction: GSC--63 and Curtis HS--49 in Bronze prize battle.
"Student Confrontations" by Selvin Sinclair
Student Confrontations
by Selvin Sinclair
During my time at Progress High School, I have witnessed serious confrontations within the student body. Most of the involved students are getting physical. Mostly this takes place in the lunchroom because many students feel it is the perfect time to settle their differences. My opinion is...who wouldn't start a fight in the lunchroom?!? The lunchroom is huge, full of your friends, and most of the security guards have their eyes on other students (which is understandable because the whole 9th grade is there!). All the more reason why some students feel they can get away with anything and feel that it is a good time to confront their enemy. But the question I want to ask is, "What are good ways students can agree upon when dealing with their confrontations?" One student, JahPaul, told me that whenever a student is messing with him, he focuses his anger on a different topic in order to not get into any trouble with him or her. Felicia, who is another student going to Progress, told me that she would ignore verbal attacks by other students, which I think is a brilliant way to not get into any student confrontations. Last but not least, an anonymous student told me that if she is having trouble with another student, she'll talk to him or her about the situation. All of these techniques are brilliant in their own way. Here are the tips I find helpful when dealing with other students:
1. Ignore. Eventually the student will get tired of messing with you.
2. Tell a friend. Tell your friend about the situation. Maybe he or she will reason with the person.
3. Sit down and talk to the person. If he or she won't give up, tell that person how you feel.
4. Tell his or her friends. Maybe the person's friends will have a better influence on him or her.
These are the tips I recommend when dealing with student confrontation.
by Selvin Sinclair
During my time at Progress High School, I have witnessed serious confrontations within the student body. Most of the involved students are getting physical. Mostly this takes place in the lunchroom because many students feel it is the perfect time to settle their differences. My opinion is...who wouldn't start a fight in the lunchroom?!? The lunchroom is huge, full of your friends, and most of the security guards have their eyes on other students (which is understandable because the whole 9th grade is there!). All the more reason why some students feel they can get away with anything and feel that it is a good time to confront their enemy. But the question I want to ask is, "What are good ways students can agree upon when dealing with their confrontations?" One student, JahPaul, told me that whenever a student is messing with him, he focuses his anger on a different topic in order to not get into any trouble with him or her. Felicia, who is another student going to Progress, told me that she would ignore verbal attacks by other students, which I think is a brilliant way to not get into any student confrontations. Last but not least, an anonymous student told me that if she is having trouble with another student, she'll talk to him or her about the situation. All of these techniques are brilliant in their own way. Here are the tips I find helpful when dealing with other students:
1. Ignore. Eventually the student will get tired of messing with you.
2. Tell a friend. Tell your friend about the situation. Maybe he or she will reason with the person.
3. Sit down and talk to the person. If he or she won't give up, tell that person how you feel.
4. Tell his or her friends. Maybe the person's friends will have a better influence on him or her.
These are the tips I recommend when dealing with student confrontation.
Advice from Stephanie Gonzalez
February 3rd, 2009
Hey Stephanie,
How's it going? I have kind of a dilemma. I like two boys. I've liked both of them for the same amount of time. One of the guys is Matt, and I talk to him all of the time--every day--but I barely see him. He doesn't tell me everything, but he's like the sweetest person ever to me and puts up with my annoying habits. Phil, on the other hand, is really attractive and so nice to me. Phil's personality is more appealing to me, and I see him almost every day because we work in the same office. What should I do? My heart's telling me to go with Matt because I have more feelings for him, but I have a lot of feelings for Phil, too, and see him all the time.
Sincerely,
Me
Dear You,
This is a very confusing problem because the way I'm seeing, it can go either way for you. You could be good with either one of the two, but I wouldn't suggest that you go for both at the same time. If you say you like Matt that much, then why can't you and him make it your business to set time out to see each other? Of course you're going to keep liking other people if you don't see Matt very often. But if you start seeing him more often and talk to him as much as you say you do, you might just grow to like him. Or, you could go ahead and like Phil because you see him more and continue to have more feelings for another problem. What if that gets in the way of your and Phil's relationship because you will still be thinking of Matt? In my experience, you shouldn't jump into something new when you're not done with what you started. If you end up being with Phil, you should talk to Matt and tell him everything before he ends up getting hurt.
-Stephanie
Hey Stephanie,
How's it going? I have kind of a dilemma. I like two boys. I've liked both of them for the same amount of time. One of the guys is Matt, and I talk to him all of the time--every day--but I barely see him. He doesn't tell me everything, but he's like the sweetest person ever to me and puts up with my annoying habits. Phil, on the other hand, is really attractive and so nice to me. Phil's personality is more appealing to me, and I see him almost every day because we work in the same office. What should I do? My heart's telling me to go with Matt because I have more feelings for him, but I have a lot of feelings for Phil, too, and see him all the time.
Sincerely,
Me
Dear You,
This is a very confusing problem because the way I'm seeing, it can go either way for you. You could be good with either one of the two, but I wouldn't suggest that you go for both at the same time. If you say you like Matt that much, then why can't you and him make it your business to set time out to see each other? Of course you're going to keep liking other people if you don't see Matt very often. But if you start seeing him more often and talk to him as much as you say you do, you might just grow to like him. Or, you could go ahead and like Phil because you see him more and continue to have more feelings for another problem. What if that gets in the way of your and Phil's relationship because you will still be thinking of Matt? In my experience, you shouldn't jump into something new when you're not done with what you started. If you end up being with Phil, you should talk to Matt and tell him everything before he ends up getting hurt.
-Stephanie
Sunday, February 1, 2009
"Beauty Secrets" by Danielle King
15 Quick Beauty Secrets for the Diva on the Go!!
by Danielle King
I'm sure, like any normal teenage girl, you want to look cute and presentable. But with the SATs, homework, chores and work right around the corner, it's literally impossible to take any time out for yourself. Well, fear no more, because with these ultra-fast shortcuts, you'll be able to go from "drab" to "fab" in a matter of seconds (and still look cute during your Regents prep class).
Tip #1: The number one tip that every make-up girl should know is that the key to good-looking make-up is great skin! And in the winter time, it is very common for skin to dry out, lose its moisture and begin to look dry and sullen. Well, the secret here would be not only to drink tons of water but to use a facial scrub at least once a week instead of your everyday, regular cleanser. This will shed the old skin off your face--which makes it look dull--and will revive it to new. You can also use the facial scrub a second time the next day and follow it with a good, strong moisturizing facial lotion. (Don't forget: It should be at least SPF 15).
Tip #2: You know what they say: the eyebrows are the window to the soul...okay, it's the eyes that are the window to the soul, but they totally go hand-in-hand! When you have shaggy, unfeminine brows, it totally ruins your look! You can go to your local salon to get them done, or you can do it yourself at home with tweezers or a brow razor. Trust--your face will look ten times fresher.
Tip #3: Your eyes are one of the features that you can really play up the most. If you're in a rush to get re-beautified after lunch, just brush on a shimmery eye shadow that is subtle but big enough to get the cute guy across the class to take notice! FAIR SKIN: Shimmery pink; MEDIUM: Bronze-like color; DARK: Shimmery gold.
Tip #4: When you're tired from all the hard work, sometimes all you need is an eye reviver! Curling your lashes opens your eyes and makes them look wide awake. Just make sure you hold the curler on each eye for at least 15 seconds.
Tip #5: To add onto tip #4, if you want a little extra pizazz, you can also apply a coat of black or brown mascara on the top lashes to look even more wide awake.
Tip #6: We all get bags under our eyes, but when your bags have got bags, it is not a pretty picture. And it really sucks when they show from a long night of "studying" (Wink, wink!). Dab a bit of concealer (that is at least one shade lighter than your skin tone) using your middle or index finger around, on top and under the eye. Basically, put it wherever the lines are noticeable. Make sure not to put too much--you don't want your skin to look like clay!
Tip #7: Facial highlighters are good also! Shimmery eye shadow on the brow bone lights up the face. You can buy one from a store like Sephora or, if you're on a budget, Duane Reade. Don't be fooled by what's on the box! Some of these highlighters can be used on the brows, inner lids, cheekbones, upper lip, brow and even a lil' dab on the lips can be used to brighten them up.
Tip #8: Blush is a good extra in waking the face for the working diva. A light pink blush would look good on fair skin tones whereas plum or rose color would look good on darker tones. These colors will look good because they have a glow that will have (and keep) all eyes on you!
Tip #9: A bright, red lip gloss (or lipstick, if that is your thing) draws attention to your face, makes teeth look whiter and will have all the boys' heads turnin' with their eyes on your luscious lips.
Tip #10: Got 3 minutes? That is all you need for this cute winged-out liner look! All you have to do is start with a thin line of liner across the lid, then go over it once again and extend the line a wee bit. Voila! Look at you, Cleopatra!
Tip #11: Sometimes in the winter, your hands can get dry and cracked. If you've got at least 3 minutes, you can apply two coats of clear nail polish on your nails and have them looking instantly cleaner. Ahh!
Tip #12: Don't dismiss clear mascara! If your parents do not allow you to wear make-up, or if you don't like the feeling of it on your face, clear mascara brightens the eye and gives the illusion that you have something on your lids when you really don't. Totally natural but still luscious!
Tip #13: If you also hate the feeling of lip gloss, then you can wear chap-stick that tastes delicious also. I would recommend a cherry-flavored chap-stick or any sweet-smelling brand, or if you hate the way those taste, Blistex is on the rise!
Tip #14: If you hit the snooze on your alarm a little too long, you can apply a coat of mascara on your lashes followed by a shimmery, sweet, lip gloss. It's totally subtle and gives you the natural look. People will be wondering how in the world you look so fab!
Tip #15: There are some people in life who go for pizazz, excitement and drama. If you are like me, you love all those things! If you want to really stand out, try a jewel-toned color for your eyeshadow (like topaz, emerald, etc.) and sweep it across your lids. Also, after applying a coat of mascara, you can add a coat of tinted mascara on top. This has different colors like purple or blue. These two colors whiten the look of the eyes and are great for when you want those wacky days!
Hope you enjoy these beauty secrets! If you have any comments, questions or ideas that you'd like to talk about, post a comment on the site. Until next time, my fabulous divas!
by Danielle King
I'm sure, like any normal teenage girl, you want to look cute and presentable. But with the SATs, homework, chores and work right around the corner, it's literally impossible to take any time out for yourself. Well, fear no more, because with these ultra-fast shortcuts, you'll be able to go from "drab" to "fab" in a matter of seconds (and still look cute during your Regents prep class).
Tip #1: The number one tip that every make-up girl should know is that the key to good-looking make-up is great skin! And in the winter time, it is very common for skin to dry out, lose its moisture and begin to look dry and sullen. Well, the secret here would be not only to drink tons of water but to use a facial scrub at least once a week instead of your everyday, regular cleanser. This will shed the old skin off your face--which makes it look dull--and will revive it to new. You can also use the facial scrub a second time the next day and follow it with a good, strong moisturizing facial lotion. (Don't forget: It should be at least SPF 15).
Tip #2: You know what they say: the eyebrows are the window to the soul...okay, it's the eyes that are the window to the soul, but they totally go hand-in-hand! When you have shaggy, unfeminine brows, it totally ruins your look! You can go to your local salon to get them done, or you can do it yourself at home with tweezers or a brow razor. Trust--your face will look ten times fresher.
Tip #3: Your eyes are one of the features that you can really play up the most. If you're in a rush to get re-beautified after lunch, just brush on a shimmery eye shadow that is subtle but big enough to get the cute guy across the class to take notice! FAIR SKIN: Shimmery pink; MEDIUM: Bronze-like color; DARK: Shimmery gold.
Tip #4: When you're tired from all the hard work, sometimes all you need is an eye reviver! Curling your lashes opens your eyes and makes them look wide awake. Just make sure you hold the curler on each eye for at least 15 seconds.
Tip #5: To add onto tip #4, if you want a little extra pizazz, you can also apply a coat of black or brown mascara on the top lashes to look even more wide awake.
Tip #6: We all get bags under our eyes, but when your bags have got bags, it is not a pretty picture. And it really sucks when they show from a long night of "studying" (Wink, wink!). Dab a bit of concealer (that is at least one shade lighter than your skin tone) using your middle or index finger around, on top and under the eye. Basically, put it wherever the lines are noticeable. Make sure not to put too much--you don't want your skin to look like clay!
Tip #7: Facial highlighters are good also! Shimmery eye shadow on the brow bone lights up the face. You can buy one from a store like Sephora or, if you're on a budget, Duane Reade. Don't be fooled by what's on the box! Some of these highlighters can be used on the brows, inner lids, cheekbones, upper lip, brow and even a lil' dab on the lips can be used to brighten them up.
Tip #8: Blush is a good extra in waking the face for the working diva. A light pink blush would look good on fair skin tones whereas plum or rose color would look good on darker tones. These colors will look good because they have a glow that will have (and keep) all eyes on you!
Tip #9: A bright, red lip gloss (or lipstick, if that is your thing) draws attention to your face, makes teeth look whiter and will have all the boys' heads turnin' with their eyes on your luscious lips.
Tip #10: Got 3 minutes? That is all you need for this cute winged-out liner look! All you have to do is start with a thin line of liner across the lid, then go over it once again and extend the line a wee bit. Voila! Look at you, Cleopatra!
Tip #11: Sometimes in the winter, your hands can get dry and cracked. If you've got at least 3 minutes, you can apply two coats of clear nail polish on your nails and have them looking instantly cleaner. Ahh!
Tip #12: Don't dismiss clear mascara! If your parents do not allow you to wear make-up, or if you don't like the feeling of it on your face, clear mascara brightens the eye and gives the illusion that you have something on your lids when you really don't. Totally natural but still luscious!
Tip #13: If you also hate the feeling of lip gloss, then you can wear chap-stick that tastes delicious also. I would recommend a cherry-flavored chap-stick or any sweet-smelling brand, or if you hate the way those taste, Blistex is on the rise!
Tip #14: If you hit the snooze on your alarm a little too long, you can apply a coat of mascara on your lashes followed by a shimmery, sweet, lip gloss. It's totally subtle and gives you the natural look. People will be wondering how in the world you look so fab!
Tip #15: There are some people in life who go for pizazz, excitement and drama. If you are like me, you love all those things! If you want to really stand out, try a jewel-toned color for your eyeshadow (like topaz, emerald, etc.) and sweep it across your lids. Also, after applying a coat of mascara, you can add a coat of tinted mascara on top. This has different colors like purple or blue. These two colors whiten the look of the eyes and are great for when you want those wacky days!
Hope you enjoy these beauty secrets! If you have any comments, questions or ideas that you'd like to talk about, post a comment on the site. Until next time, my fabulous divas!
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