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The December 2018 edition of the Olentangy Orange High School Courier.

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Published by thecourierstaff, 2019-05-08 07:20:32

December 2018

The December 2018 edition of the Olentangy Orange High School Courier.

COURIERTHE Volume 11

Issue 4

the meaning of american

local stories of the impact of immigration

page 8 page 26 page 30

take a look taking down drving through a alone behind bars
inside! stereotypes winter wonderland solitary confinement

taryn martin wrestles butch bando’s fantasy does no good

her way to the top of lights supports local by cole lewis

by jack almond charities

by raymie shields

ads | ads
2 | december 2018

staff | toc

TABLE OF 6 OLSD gets a facelift news
Embracing the giving spirit
CONTENTS
design brooke little Sticking the landing sports

editors-in-chief 9 Taking down stereotypes
Time out with Logan
design: brooke little
writing: livie mauger 12 The meaning of broader
American: scope
editor staff
Local stories of the
design: maddie shrager & impact of immigration
gwen throckmorton
photo: zaida jenkins Electric scooters feature
news: alaina beekman
opinion: zaida jenkins 19 Gerrymandering in Ohio
The ultimate ‘Entrepreneer’
feature: hannah mcdavid Reviewing ‘The Grinch’
sports: logan sigler
culture: erin jerig 24 Just a click away culture opinion
Fantasy of Lights
broader scope editor: jacob fulton Natural healing
business manager: sophia rores
asst. business manager: jessa nelson
columnist: angelica dzodzomenyo

web: jacob fulton

writing staff

katy schroeder
easton fendru
zaida jenkins
bethany jones
savannah larsen
jessa nelson

cole robb
cole lewis
sophia rores
walt campbell
samantha mcmanus
shivani rajesh
maddie miller
tatum bardash
olivia dieckmann
raymie shields
jack almond
alexa berisford
mari kebede

design staff Offering opportunity

darius butler 27 Solitary confinement
sophia leonetti Sidetracked with Angelica
mckenna dunn
hannah logan cover illustrations brooke little december 2018 | 3
kortney reed
alyssa wallace

jacob fulton
athena heckman

julie kilpatrick
taylor staab

editorial | immigration

staff editorials
writing editorial board | design kortney reed

america must protest inhumane treatment of immigrantscaravan of immigrants left Honduras and embarked on a journey with border patrol officers, causing the officers to retaliate.
Abut was denied entrance into the country.
towards America in October. It arrived at the U.S. border in November, Only a few of the protesters were behaving violently, but all of them were

exposed to tear gas, even the peaceful ones, according to Kyung-Hoon.

Thousands of Central Americans are currently waiting on the Mexican According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tear gas can

side of the U.S. border, attempting to escape war and gang violence in their cause shortness of breath, burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin and even

own countries, according to TIME Magazine. blindness in extreme cases.

On Nov. 25, U.S. forces fired tear gas canisters at these immigrants who Throwing tear gas at innocent refugees and their children is completely

were protesting at the border. inhumane and unnecessary, especially when the crowd could have easily been

According to sources at the scene, many immigrants marched while controlled using safer methods.

holding signs that read, “MR.TRUMP, HELP US PLEASE!”. Rather than tear gas, alternative measures could have been used to

A recent shot by photojournalist Kim Kyung-Hoon sparked a worldwide effectively stop protestors at the border. Said measures, like mounted officers

controversy online. The photo, which was featured in TIME Magazine, depicts or police dogs, would have been much safer and wouldn’t have endangered

a Honduran woman fleeing a tear gas attack with her 5-year-old twin daughters innocent children and adults.

at the U.S. border. As a nation, we must protest these acts of violence that are affecting so

The family in the photo walked away with minor injuries and are still many innocent people. Society needs to put politics aside and consider the

waiting to be granted asylum in the United States. However, others suffered .children, who know nothing about their situation, who are being hurt.
severe injuries, according to Kyung-Hoon from Reuters Photography. Celebrities like Rihanna and Zendaya have already taken to social media
to call these attacks “an abomination” and “terrorism.”
Seeking asylum is not a crime in the United States, and it has never been,
so these immigrants should never have been attacked. By voicing opposition to these cruel acts, we can stand up for those who
desperately need our help and demand justice for those who were attacked.
While most immigrants protested peacefully, some got into altercations

the need to protect trafficked immigrantsccording to Harvard Law School, there are at least 57,000 individuals issue a green card or make it clear that immigrants who were being trafficked
Aaccording to Fairus.org, it is estimated that 17,000-19,000 of those
involved in human trafficking just within the United States, and will not be deported instantly after reporting their trafficker.

By not having the threat of deportation, it is likely that illegal trafficking

individuals are illegal immigrants. victims will report their trafficker when given the opportunity. This could not

After being brought into the human trafficking system, many illegal only get them out of the human trafficking system, but could also potentially

immigrants only have two options: stay loyal to their trafficker or when save anyone else being trafficked by their trafficker and get their trafficker

the chance arises (and that rarely happens), report their trafficker to law incarcerated.

enforcement. The T Visa was created in 2000 as a special visa for trafficking victims. But

Many legal U.S. citizens see the choice as very simple: seek freedom since then, the visa has been under-utilized significantly. Only about 500-600

and safety. For many illegal immigrants, residing or being trafficked in the of the allotted 5,000 visas are given out each year, according to Harvard Law

United States, the choice is a bit more difficult. Many illegal immigrants avoid School.

reporting their traffickers, if given the chance, because that could result in There is also a large amount of proof that must go into receiving the T

deportation, according to Harvard Law School. Visa. Victims must testify against their trafficker. For human trafficking victims,

The idea of people enslaved in horrible conditions rather than being that can be terrifying, according to Harvard Law School.

given a safe haven in the United States is in no way ethical, yet they are given .In the United States’ Declaration of Independence, it states that all
few alternatives. As the self-proclaimed greatest country on Earth, the United
States should allow illegal immigrants who are being trafficked within the people should be given life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and as U.S.
United States a break after what can only be a horrific experience. citizens, it is our duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. The
best way to help illegal immigrants who are victims of human trafficking is to
Rather than immediately deporting victims, law enforcement should increase awareness and accessibility of this life-changing safety-net.

EDITORIAL STATEMENT

The Courier is the official student-produced medium of news and information published by the Advanced Newspaper Journalism students of Olentangy Orange High School. The Courier
has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to inform, educate and entertain readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be
reviewed or restrained by school officials, adults or sources prior to publication.

The content of The Courier is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself. The Courier will not publish any material, determined
by the staff or adviser, that is libelous, obscene or disruptive to the school day.

The adviser is Kari Phillips. Readers may respond to The Courier through Letters to the Editor. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed to [email protected] or dropped off to room 2213. The
staff asks that submissions be 300 words or less and contain the author’s name and signature. Editors reserve the right to edit or withhold publication of letters.

The Courier strives to uphold the Canons of Professional Journalism, which includes accuracy, impartiality, etc. Therefore, major errors will be corrected in the next issue. Distinction will be
marked between news and opinion stories.

4 | december 2018

holidays | editorial

beyond the twinkling lights
I writing livie mauger | design kortney reed
’I’m one of those people who listen to Christmas music starting on Nov. 1. iIllustration senior agalia christophi
Despite popular opinion, 55 days is hardly enough time for me to savour
the holiday spirit. Feel free to chuckle and roll your eyes—it won’t faze me. an overwhelming sense of family.
I’m too busy chugging scalding peppermint hot chocolate and inhaling While that Christmas was certainly a somber one, I couldn’t be more
candy canes. As I pondered the root of my annual holiday fever, I came to
blame my “illness” on dance. grateful that I had people I love to lean on. For a big family with relatives
living all over the country, it was a blessing we were all in one place. We were
From first until seventh grade, I participated in my studio’s Christmas a family in its truest and most basic sense: together, one.
show, with rehearsals beginning in October. This premature inundation of
“jolliness” didn’t cause me to become sick of the spirit: it only made it more Ever since then, I cherish the moments I get with my aunts, uncles and
normal. cousins (even the crazy ones).

The effervescent melodies of “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Rockin’ My grandfather’s death reminded me how lucky I am to have Christmases
Around the Christmas Tree” always sent me home from rehearsal smiling and
hopeful; good times were ahead. .filled with the people who matter most in my life. My Christmas spirit is not

However, just as I was beginning to get into this year’s festivities, dampened: it is heightened.
something made me pause. It was the day Mr. Smith came over the Now, when I belt out (or more like screech) “All I Want for Christmas Is
announcements to give occasional reminders and updates. After protocol, he
finished with a different message. You” or drive around at night looking at lights, my smile comes from a much
deeper place. A place of thankfulness, remembrance and love.
He reminded us that although the holidays are generally a time of
celebration, hope and joy, there are many—for various reasons—who have a
hard time during the holidays, and it is important to recognize and respect
that.

I remember sitting at my desk and feeling a little pinch in my chest. I
subconsciously held my breath. I was not only reminded of the silent struggle
of others, but also memories of pain experienced by my own family flashed
before my eyes.

Three years ago, on Christmas Eve, my grandfather died. I can still recall
that morning perfectly. Blindingly white snow and brilliant sunlight. But as
soon as I made my way downstairs, I knew something was not right.

Instead of the raucous laughter of the 21 relatives staying with us, I was
greeted by my father’s somber glance.

He didn’t have to tell me Pop-pop was gone. I knew. The hardest part
was seeing my mom and her siblings, going to dinner that night and trying to
keep spirits light when they were anything but. We were planning a funeral
after Christmas morning.

It never has been quite the same. I miss my grandfather every day—the
breakfasts at Bob Evans, shared Coconut popsicles, word games.

So as I sat in class, eyes momentarily closed, I began to wonder how, after
that Christmas, I can still treasure this time of year?

When I was younger, I only enjoyed Christmas for the superficial, sugary
bliss Santa and twinkling lights induced. After the passing of my grandfather, I
still indulge in the same holiday traditions, but I am simultaneously filled with

Livie and her sister Julia pose with their
grandfather. He passsed away three years ago on
Christmas Eve, and it was a difficult time for the
family. “It’s different, and it can be really hard
sometimes. He was the center of attention at
Christmas, and now it’s like a piece of the holiday
is missing,” sophomore Julia Mauger said.

photos stephanie mauger december 2018 | 5

news | rebranding

olsd gets a facelift

central office looks to rebrand

Twriting alaina beekman | design hannah logan | photo illustration hannah logan
he Olentangy Local School District is administrators to find what Olentangy is defined options, school size, future preparation and use of

known for many things: its academics, by. They are looking for a few words or phrases resources.

teachers, student athletes, test scores and that define the district that we can use to brand Along with branding the district with these

safety. Although these things do seem to define ourselves,” Davis said. attributes, the distinctive blue circle logo of a

the district, a project to rebrand Olentangy is Cult Marketing and other brand-identity teacher and a student holding books will change.

underway. project leaders worked with focus groups, “When the project began in January, we

According to Olentangy’s website, the district, comprised of current students, alumni, principals, hadn’t decided if a logo change was something

comprising 95 square miles; 21,638 students and teachers, PTOs and administrative assistants, so that should be done, but we have concluded that

25 schools, is, well, huge. Within these miles, there the project’s leaders could gain input from the the district’s logo will change. We have a group

are those who live in the district’s boundaries but community regarding what the district’s best working on that, and the changed logo will be

no longer have a student in the district or who attributes/assets are. unveiled by February 2019,” Davis said.

never have had a student in the district. To these At Orange, there are a few teachers/ Once the new logo is unveiled, measures will

people, Olentangy may not be much more than administrators who took part in these groups. “I be taken to protect and trademark Olentangy’s

the residing district in the area where they live. met with two representatives from Cult Marketing, new brand.

The district wants to change this. and I was asked to create a collage of ideas and “Part of our brand-identity project is the

“Olentangy is undergoing a process to define pictures that I thought represented Olentangy. prevention of open-use of our brand. Reining in

and articulate the district’s brand identity and The representatives asked and recorded many how and where the logo is used is important to

image. Part of this process will allow us to clarify questions regarding my views of the Olentangy us,” Davis said.

who we are, how we describe ourselves, as well community. It’s been quite an interesting A major point of interest for the

as include a refreshed logo,” Assistant Principal experience so far,” Intervention Specialist Marcia communications department is ensuring that

Christine Tartt said. Lower said. local businesses and Olentangy’s stakeholders are

According to Director of Communications Ordered from most popular (35 percent) included in this rebranding.

of Olentangy Krista Davis, the district is working to least popular (3 percent), the results of these .“Our end goal is to create a logo and a brand
with Cult Marketing, a Columbus-based marketing groups and a survey about what the district’s best
agency, to discover what exactly defines Olentangy. attributes/assets were: great education, diverse identity that resonates with the community.
programs and classes, great teachers and staff, Essentially, we want to create a brand identity
“Cult Marketing is talking to people in the community, Olentangy’s standards, learning that is a point of pride for stakeholders in the
the community like students, teachers and community,” Davis said.

6 | december 2018

charity | news

embracing the giving spirit

clubs support communities in need

Twriting shivani rajesh & jessa nelson | design hannah logan | photos hannah logan
he giving spirit of the holiday season has food and toiletries to families in need. On Dec. 9, Sink.

touched the hearts of countless clubs at the club members helped deliver some items at PIN “We [Spanish Club] started this project four

high school. They have planned to aid the Delaware location. years ago. Mrs. Leonard told us about the need

community or already have done so in a plethora Junior and Vice President of Interact Club and our Spanish club decided to get involved and

of ways, ranging from food drives to making Grace Bezold has aided greatly in the planning of help. Each year, she helps us coordinate this and

ornaments. these drives and events. gets the items to the volunteers who take them

student council “We are also doing a holiday gift drive, where to Nicaragua,” Sink said. “Our gifts go directly

we ‘adopt’ needy families in our district,” Bezold to the children in the Bradley’s House of Hope
said. “They give us a list of what they need, or orphanage in Nicaragua.”
Student Council is one of the many clubs Christmas gifts for their kids. ”
giving back to the community this holiday season. The event is going on now until Dec. 21, the

After getting the lists from the families, the last school day before winter break and students
In particular, its members are choosing to focus on members of the club can then donate items to can bring any donations into any of the Spanish
nearby senior retirement centers and the special them.
needs kids at the high school. classrooms.

In November, the club had meetings where spanish club “After winter break, the club members will
they planned to visit the Inn at Olentangy Trail on
write notes to the children and will put the
Dece. 12. donations into stockings to be taken to Nicaragua,”
There are many ways students can help out Sink said.
“We decorated these cute snowmen made of and get involved with the act of giving back to the
As this is a student-led drive, Spanish Club
socks and rice with them (the speacial needs kids),” community. Currently, Spanish Club is collecting starts very early in the holiday season preparing
Senior Shailee Shah, who planned the event, said. goods such as small toys, books, mini notebooks, for this drive. Spanish classrooms are given boxes
“We decided on this because we wanted to do a toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, hair accessories, to collect donations. Any students in Spanish
craft they could put their own creative touch into toothpaste, soap, nail polish, writing utensils and National Honors Society can also receive service
and keep while also having fun!” more to stuff red stockings full of goodies to send hour credits for donating items— one service hour

interact club to children across the world. per two donated goods.

Interact club has planned numerous charitable This holiday season, Spanish Club is sending “I am very proud of our students for their work
events for the holiday season, including a food the stockings to Nicaragua through their project
drive, a holiday gift drive and helping People In called “Esperanza y Sonrisas para Nicaragua”, or .on this project. I think in our busy lives, we need
Need (PIN) holiday clearing house by delivering “Hope and Smiles for Nicaragua.” This is a student
led drive that anyone is welcome to bring in to take the time and opportunity to help others
donations for, according to Spanish teacher Sonia who are less fortunate than ourselves. Nicaragua
is the poorest country in Central America. Our
students are making a difference,” Sink said.

In the season of giving, clubs at the school lend a hand to those in need in the
community. Students in Interact Club gathered at the Delaware County Fair Grounds
on Dec. 9 to benefit Delaware People in Need (PIN). “It’s so rewarding to see the
positive impact we are making on these families’ lives,” juinor Sam Fedio said.

december 2018 | 7

sports | gymnastics

The gymnastics team cheers in a circle. Last year, the team plced second in the OCC Buckeye Division and 10th at the Central District
Tournament. “I think this season is going to be one to remember. We have a lot of potential for success and I’m excited to see what
will happen,” senior Savannah Byas said.

sticking the landing

understanding the components of gymnastics

writing olivia dieckmann | design brooke little | photo emily myers
Flipping through the air, the landing stuck
and the athlete’s hands go up, saluting to the six competitors, the girls who are competing and goals and the future
judge the end of her routine. A large smile representing their team. Teams move through
vault, bars, beam and floor. The gymnastics team, equipped with their
largest squad yet, consisting of 26 gymnasts, looks
erupts on her face, the sparkles on her leotard With so many athletes, variation in ability to break more records than ever before. During
the girls’ first practice, they created a list of their
dancing in the bright arena lighting. Moments becomes more apparent. However senior goals for the season, and how they planned to
achieve them. The team aims to break the school
later, a score is flashed from the table of officials. Savannah Byas warns spectators, and said, “Each record for team score and bring home trophies for
the school display. Last year, the team broke the
Based off of the celebration from the gymnast and girl works extremely hard no matter their skill record more than once and placed second at the
Warhawk invitational to win its first team trophy.
her coach, a spectator assumes she performed level, so be supportive of everyone”.
Also among the list of goals are desired
well. But what does it mean? How does the sport results finishes for some of the bigger meets, like OCCs
actually work? and districts. They hope to improve upon last
year’s top 15 placement and end the season with
scoring As for placing and results, the top finishers a top 8 finish at districts. “Our team is ready to go
are recognized at the conclusion of the meet. down in history at Orange,” Byas said.

Gymnastics, a sport as mental as it is physical, Usually, the top 10 scores on each event will be This year’s team excites Head Coach Jen
Hedrick, in more ways than one. With many new
is more complex than it looks and made up of given a medal or ribbon. After this, each girl who girls joining, including quite a few club athletes or
girls with a deep background in the sport, Hedrick
many different components. First, scoring can be competed every event is eligible for the all-around, said this could be the best team the community
and supporters have seen out of Orange High
quite confusing. a special category where their event scores are School yet, calling the 2018-19 team “The most
talented in Orange’s gymnastics history.”
Senior Celia Ritchie said, “If you meet all the added together for their overall score.
.Ritchie sums up her feelings, dreams and
requirements set by OHSAA, plus bonus, the start Oftentimes, gymnasts will finish with the same
aspirations for the team and said, “Being the
value will be a 10. Each requirement not met or score on an event, causing them to have a tie. More biggest team in Orange history means we are
looking forward to creating and being the best
missing will lower your score, as will deductions.” times than not, ties won’t be broken; instead, the team in Orange history as well.”

Each gymnast may have a different start value, results can have multiple third place finishers, or

due to different elements of difficulty or missing whichever place in which the tie occurred.

elements, but Ritchie said, “the objective is to Team wise, the top four scores from each

score as high as possible, or to be perfect”. event, for a total of 16 scores, will be added

meet layout together. The team with the highest score wins
the meet. Depending on the meet and the teams

Secondly, a gymnastics meet can oftentimes present, team scores can vary widely, but finishing
resemble a circus, with so many athletes and with 130 points would be considered average.
coaches from different teams running around. Sometimes, teams will finish extremely close, with
Through warmups and competition, teams results less than tenths of a point apart.

rotate through all four events to “throw” their

8 | december 2018

tayrn martin | sports

taking down stereotypes

taryn martin wrestles her way to the top

Iwriting jack almond | design brooke little december 2018 | 9
n a sport dominated by male athletes, females do not usually thrive. The high school has a new exception to
that on the wrestling mats in sophomore Taryn Martin.
Martin moved to Orange from Grove City High School this year. She wrestled there and many would
say she had a successful season.

“I took second at Fargo girls nationals and qualified for districts as a freshman,” Martin said. Fargo is one
of the hardest tournaments in the country where wrestlers compete with other wrestlers from across the
country.

She began wrestling in sixth grade because her brother wrestled. By seventh grade, she was competing
in national tournaments.

“My brother wrestled, and I played multiple sports. I hated getting dragged around to his practices and
tournaments,” Martin said. “I started wrestling around with the guys and joined the youth team for Central
Crossing in sixth grade.”

She has had a lot of success at the national level. Martin is on the U.S. national team and had the
opportunity to travel to Guatemala for the Pan-American Games.

Martin says that competing on the national level is “a lot of pressure. I’m not only representing
my state, but also my country,” Martin said.

Martin is the only girl on the team and many people would think she feels
uncomfortable or left out with all boys. However, she has been welcomed by the team
with open arms.

“I love how they treat me just like one of the guys,” Martin said. “I know they
would have my back with anything. They are like a second family.”

Although wrestling is mainly an individual sport, wrestlers are very tight-knit
and close. Martin has had no problem forming those bonds with teammates.

“The guys came out and watched my soccer games and made me feel
supported,” Martin said. “They treat me like one of their own, and I’ve gotten
really close with a few of them in particular.”

Having a girl on the team can be different for the rest of the team as well.
Many wrestlers have never had a girl on their team, or even wrestled a girl before,
so it takes some adjusting.

“It can be challenging for some young men to deal with, because growing
up as boys, you’re taught to never hit girls,” Social studies teacher and wrestling
coach Scott Tressler said. “Now, they find themselves in a situation where they
are allowed to physically harm another wrestler who happens to be a girl.”

Tressler coached two other girls in his career, and one went on to become
an All-American in college.

Tressler said a girl has “the same practice and match expectations as a
male wrestler,” and the only thing different is “the room they use for weigh-
ins.”

Girls have a physical disadvantage wrestling boys because most boys will
be stronger than a girl in the same weight class. This physical setback forces girl
wrestlers to focus on other parts of their game to succeed.

“I know in order to give them my best match I have to have the best technique
and be able to compete with their strength,” Martin said.

The wrestling team had four district qualifiers and two state qualifiers last season.
This year, the team is looking to build off of that and continue to improve.

“I think we can be really good this year,” Senior wrestler Cole Jackson said. “We

.could really do something special.” The wrestling team will wrestle at Liberty on Jan.

10.
Wrestling is an extremely demanding sport, both physically and mentally and

Taryn is helping show us that it is not just for males. She hopes to help inspire other
girls to take a risk, try it out and succeed.

photo darius butler

TIME OUTsports|column
with logan sigler

stress fractures athletes’ performance

Twriting logan sigler | design mckenna dunn Rather than learning from failure, most will experience months of
o be the alpha of a sport is to be the most decorated — holding the struggling in which their one instance of failure will haunt and hinder them
greatest number of records and medals of anyone on the team. from performing well.
It would feel amazing wouldn’t it? To be on top of the entire
world, the best. However, secretly for some students, the pursuit of accolades Since this happens to kids often, a new movement has arisen in which
can become their worst nightmare. some parents believe everyone should get an award for participation.

In today’s society, awards mean everything. No one seems to care Some schools and athletics now offer an award for everyone whether it
anymore about “runner up” or second or third place. be a participation award or even a ‘character award’ for displaying a
All that matters are terms of “greatness” such as certain characteristic.
“champion” and “winner.” This is absolutely fine except when every single kid
receives an award, especially if they didn’t earn it.
So when a kid tells their parents, “I want Athletes should be able to earn awards for both
to play football; it seems fun,” they often being the best and displaying amazing characteristics,
figure their child wants to become the but only when they have truly earned it after years
premier athlete in their sport. of hard work and dedication.
Personally, I was lucky and was
These parents soon become raised to follow the sport I love without any
extremely concerned with making pressure from my parents or family members to
their kid the so-called ‘premier be the most advanced athlete.
athlete’ and spend hundreds to Due to this, I was able to actually
thousands of dollars so their child enjoy running cross country even while injured
can achieve prestige. as it allowed me to learn new skills, make new
friends and acquire perseverance, which allowed
Yet, parents rarely ever me to massively improve my times.
actually talk to their children Not being forced to become the best allowed
about their hearts’ desires; they me to gain a newfound passion for the sport in which
simply believe that this is what their I was able to become a varsity runner after years of hard
child wants. work and I now have the opportunity to run at Capital at
the college level.
According to South Sports So teachers and parents, don’t go crazy
Psychology, this then leads children to when a kid says they want to play or run a sport and
become stressed, as they feel obligated put unnecessary pressure on them to achieve
to fulfill their chosen destiny as their parents’ “greatness,” but don’t also go crazy
expectations become their own. giving every kid an award,
especially if they didn’t
After months or years of striving to be the best and do anything to
avoiding failure at all cost, eventually the stress of earn it. There is
the child slowly but surely takes over, and they a balance.
actually become more susceptible
to performing worse and
eventually experience
failure first hand.

This failure
then causes
kids to feel
as if their
entire world
shattered.

10 | december 2018 permission to print
from logan sigler

gifts | trending

holiday gift guide
writing tatum bardash | design mckenna dunn

Pura Vida Bracelets, $6-$45. Pura Amazon Echo Dot, $29.99. 72 percent
Vida partners with over 174 different of the smart speaker market is
charities across the globe and has controlled by Amazon and their Echo
given back $1.5 million to them. Dot product.

Hydroflask, $45. Red Dead Redemption 2 Video Game, $59.99.
Hydroflasks feature Red Dead Redemption 2 was rated ten out of
vacuum insulated ten by IGN.com.
technology that is able Polaroid Camera, $70. Polaroids
to keep cold drinks have been around for about 70
cold up to 24 hours years and people are still about to
and hot drinks hot for continue to create instant pictures
up to 12 hours. with their products.

Apple Music Subscription
Gift Card. Apple Music
allows users to access
50 million songs for as
low as $4.99 a month, a
special price for students.

Tile Keychain, $25. Over ten Homage T-Shirt, $32. Homage
whichwas founded in 2007 offers a
sources: apple music, pura million Tile Bluetooth trackers wide varriety of unisex sweatshirts and
vida, hydroflasks, polaroid, have been sold since the t-shirts from different sports teams.
amazon, target, ign, homage. company was founded in 2013.
december 2018 | 11

broader scope | immigration

The United States has had many immigration policies placed in the past
years. Sowdo Mohamud is a former refugee and currently works at CRIS
(Community Refugee & Immigration Services) with other refugees and
immigrants. “I came [to the United States] by myself six years ago while
my family stayed home. I became a citizen Jan. 2018. It’s been amazing.
I am so grateful for the refugee process,” Mohamud said.

photo maddie shrager
12 | december 2018

immigration | broader scope

the meaning of american

local stories of the impact of immigration

writing tatum bardash, zaida jenkins & jessa nelson | managing jacob fulton

design maddie shrager & gwen throckmorton
“My dad was in America when I was
born, and he moved here for work. country, as opposed to 64 percent just 10 years Junior Izzy Marcelo’s great grandfather
For years, he was alone in America, earlier, according to Gallup. But that hasn’t always immigrated from Ireland into the United States for
been the case. Historically, many immigrants new opportunities and life. However, at this time,
immigrants were treated poorly after entering the
but he finally figured out how to make it so my have been met with varying types of opposition, country.

mom was able to join him. She left me and my whether legally or socially. “Throughout history, Americans have shown
a tendency to act hostile towards immigrants; it
older sister behind in Sierra Leone, where we Over the years, immigration has changed happened when the Irish flooded into the country,
and we have seen the same thing in the last 20
were raised by our family members, but she was immensely, both in demographics of immigrants years towards Latinos and Middle Easterners,”
social studies teacher Scott Tressler said.
trying to bring us with her,” sophomore Raina and immigration levels. According to The
The process of applying to immigrate
Thullah said. Washington Post, countries such as Germany had into a new country is very strenuous and time
consuming. To become an immigrant, an individual
Thullah moved to the United States when she high immigration rates in the 1900s, but today, must follow the strict and lengthy requirements to
eventually become naturalized.
was 9 from her home country of Sierra Leone, there are very few American immigrants from
According to the U.S. Citizenship and
a country in West Africa, leaving behind the life Germany compared to other countries each year. Immigration Services, the process starts with
checking if a person is eligible to become a US
she’d known before. In 2013, immigrants made up 13.1 percent citizen. If eligible, the person can then start to
fill out the application for naturalization. To be
“My parents tried three separate times to of America’s population—the highest level it was eligible, immigrants must be at least 18 years old,
be able to read, write and speak basic English,
bring us over before they were successful—they in 100 years. Supporters of immigration feel the have a basic understanding of the ideals of the
Constitution as well as other requirements.
were trying for years. When it finally happened, converging experiences contribute greatly to
After submitting the application, they may be
I was conflicted. I was excited to see my mother America’s unique cultural identity. asked to attend a biometrics appointment set up
by the group of people assessing their application.
again and meet my father for the first time. “People who come to our country who Then, there is an interview, which helps the United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services make
However,it was hard to leave the rest of my family are from different cultures and have different their final choice on whether the person should
be granted citizenship. Finally, if the applicant is,
and all my childhood friends,” Thullah said. languages and food make it much more diverse. in fact, granted citizenship, they are then asked to
take the Oath of Allegiance, making them officially
When he came to the United States, Thullah’s Immigration is so much more open now than a citizen of the United States.

father found work as a truck driver, which in the past where it was predominately more “Students should know that immigration is
very difficult for most people, often taking more
enabled him to raise enough money to pay for European immigration, whereas today, we don’t than 10 years to actually become a citizen with
equal rights,” junior Face to Face and Diversity
her mother’s trip to America. When she arrived, really have European immigration,” social studies club member Mariam Khan said.

Thullah’s mother teacher John Jordan said. UNDERSTANDING CURRENT

Thullah is one of the over one million In the past, and still even today, some families IMMIGRATION POLICY

immigrants who arrive in the United States each decide to go through the immigration process to The immigration policies of the United States
have changed over many years after situations
year, according to Pew Research Center, some of escape the oppressive society and government and rare cases have triggered a need for change
in the policy. Currently, the Immigration and
whom end up in Lewis Center. In Columbus, the of their home country. Relatives of senior Leah Naturalization Act states that there is a set limit of

impact of immigration is very present—the city is Fogel’s experienced the Holocaust and made the december 2018 | 13

the fifteenth most populated in the nation when decision to move to the United States to escape

it comes to African immigrants, according to the the inhumane conditions.

Population Reference Bureau. The process of “My great uncle Sam Soldinger immigrated

immigration is lengthy and challenging, and many to America in 1950. It wasn’t easy for him, even

people do not realize what goes into it, or how it after surviving seven years in the ghetto and

impacts a country. concentration camps. He was one of Schindler’s

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Jews during the Holocaust, so that’s the main
reason of him coming to America. His entire

OF IMMIGRANTS immediate family died in the Holocaust,” Fogel
said.
America is home to 325.7 million people,
according to the US Census Bureau, but there are There are both positive and negative
7.7 billion people on the planet. Though America attributes to immigration, but Jordan believes that
is only 4.2 percent of the world’s population, it the positives outweigh the negatives.
is home to approximately one-fifth of the world’s
immigrants, according to the Migration Policy “This [immigration] prepares people in our
Institute in 2017. country to be better citizens, but economically it
can help as well. Currently, we get a lot of help in
As of June 2018, a record-high 75 percent of technology, agriculture and construction through
Americans believe immigration is beneficial to the the people who are coming to our country,”
Jordan said.

broader scope | immigration Undocumented children brought to the when she was 6 years old, said.
United States by their parents through immigration Texas, as well as the other border states facing
into the United States annually. However, the could qualify for the program with a submitted
policy does have a few exceptions, one in regards application as long as they were “under 31 at the immigration issues at their front doors, have taken
to close family members, and this is where the time the program was announced, have come to the DACA program to court multiple times in an
confusion begins. the U.S. before reaching their 16th birthday and attempt to get it recognized as an illegal action and
lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007. placement of illegal immigrants, but the issue is
For government teacher Theodore Papas, still prevalent even a year after President Donald
his association with family affects his perception They also had to have been in the United States Trump ended the program.
of immigration, as his father and paternal the day of the announcement, be in school, have
grandparents immigrated from Italy. a diploma or the equivalent or be an honorably- “Legal immigration has become more difficult
discharged veteran and not have been convicted of because of the lack of enforcement with illegal
“My entire childhood is full of great memories a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more immigration. For decades, illegal immigration has
of food and family,” Papas said. “My immigrant misdemeanors or be a public or national security been ignored, and this hurt immigrants who have
upbringing has influenced my entire life: who I threat,” according to NBC News. entered the country,” Papas said.
married and how my wife and I have raised our
family. My father and grandparents never talked Those who qualify for DACA face many The immigration rate is constantly growing,
about regretting their decision to come to the U.S. obstacles, but people pursuing legal immigration and new problems are arising within it that
They would talk of things they missed sometimes, often face many similar issues before they enter the United States government will have to face
but the experience as a whole was positive.” the country, and sometimes face problems even eventually. Last month, when the migrant caravan
when they have entered America. was nearing the US borders, there were thousands
According to the American Immigration of immigrants traveling. President Trump’s
Council, the system of immigration to the United “We didn’t get our visa until two days before immediate reaction to this sudden imposition was
States “is based upon the following principles: the the flight even though we filed for a visa six years a threat stating he would send U.S. troops to meet
reunification of families, admitting immigrants beforehand,” senior Naman Patel, an immigrant the migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and cut
with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy, from Vadodara, India, said. U.S. aid to Central American countries.
protecting refugees and promoting diversity.”
These principles all come with their own Patel is only one of hundreds of thousands of “The government is finally enforcing laws
exceptions and legal necessities, which means immigrants who have faced the excruciatingly long on illegal immigration, so it may seem negative,
there are always holes to be found. process of entering American borders, and many but there is a difference between legal and illegal
face problems receiving legal documents even after immigration,” Papas said.
One of the loopholes was actually established they are within borders for many years.
by the US government under the direction 2018 graduate Dyan McWilliams feels that
of President Barack Obama. Back in 2015, “When I was trying to get my temporary because the immigration process is thorough,
the president initiated a program called the license, they [the DMV] would not let me because those who don’t follow it are hurting people who
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) my green card was ‘too old’ even though it does try to follow proper procedures.
that protected undocumented children from not expire for many more years,” senior Alice
deportation and made them eligible for a work Cooke, who immigrated from London, England “The vetting process is very extensive and it
permit in the US as well. is hard to actually become an American citizen.

IMMIGRATION LAWS IN THE UNITED STATES

1790 1882

The 1790 Naturalization Act, the United The Immigration Act of 1882 was the first
States’ first rules for naturalization in time immigration regulation happened

the country. on a large scale.

1986 2001

The Immigration Control and Reform Act, The USA Patriot Act, again, increases
increases security and updates immigration security and monoriting on immigrants.

legalizations. 2017

2012 Trump makes the decision to phase out the
DACA Program. The Supreme Court has
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) projected to have a decision by June 2019.
Dream Act was initiated during Barack Obama’s
presidency. This act allowed children brought
in through immigrant guardians the option to

stay without fear of deportation.

14 | december 2018 source migration policy institute

The illegal immigration issue is a big problem and immigrants in childhood has been becoming a part immigration | broader scope
it needs to be controlled,” McWilliams said. “It is of a minority group.
unjust for someone to go behind the back of the “Even though I was born in the United
law and get a job or live in America when there are Although Cooke did not face a language States, I grew up with many Colombian foods
people who are taking the correct legal processes.” barrier, she did struggle with the attention that her and traditions. The difference in cultures was
British accent received. sometimes a big clash growing up since Colombia
IMMIGRATION IN LEWIS is a matriarchal society and the United States is a
“When I started school in America, for years patriarchal society. I also grew up with my mom
CENTER many people asked me to say things and asked only speaking Spanish to me and I’d respond in
me if I drink tea with the queen. None of this was English so I became fluent in the language, which
Within Olentangy Local Schools, there are necessarily harmful to me. However, it was hard was a big part of my childhood,” McGuire said.
students from 75 different countries, and 46 to feel like I fit into the school system. I lost my
different languages spoken among the student accent, so I wouldn’t stick out,” Cooke said. McGuire’s family connections to immigration
body, according to district statistician Ian Wei. inspired her to work with Columbus area
Although many do not give immigration much Yearning to fit in is a normal experience, yet immigrants through a group called Community
thought on a day-to-day basis, there is a substantial many immigrants in America have to curb parts of Refugee and Immigration Services.
number of immigrants among the high school’s their identities in order to do so.
student body. Although the process is long and “Being a mentor has really made me develop
tedious, many families choose to come to America “People [in America] have to realize that a different view about the people who live in our
for greater opportunity. immigrants chose to come here because of the community. It’s taught me to appreciate people
opportunities here. We don’t bring crime; we bring for their stories and what events in their life that
Patel explained that his family chose to love. I love this country just as anyone else but to have made them into who they are today. We are
make the journey to America in search of a better see me, an immigrant, as less of an American is surrounded by so many people with so many
education. Six years after applying for a visa, his disheartening,” Patel said. different backgrounds and learning to appreciate
family was finally allowed to make the journey. people for their individuality is something I hope
Although Cooke brushed off adversity as everyone can experience,” McGuire said.
“In India, I was projected to be in the bottom harmless, others are not as lucky to do so. School
25 percent of the class because of how competitive is not the only place that immigrants do not feel Thullah said that certain stereotypes about
it was. However, there is less competition here, so a part of the “in-group.” Some strangers also feel immigrants can often affect their perception of
I had a better chance to succeed.” the need to make their voices heard regarding the themselves and America as a whole.
status of an American.
Cooke came to Lewis Center at a young age “I dislike the idea that some people have of
to accommodate her father’s job, but was still “When I was 11 years old, a man approached immigrants. They have a bunch of expectations
affected by the immigration process. However, she me and told me to go back to my country. I of what an immigrant should be like—that we
said, “the school district is a lot better here and has assured him that I was a legal American resident, are dumber because we don’t all speak English
much higher academic skills.” but he refused to accept that when I showed him perfectly, we are poorer because our birth
my green card. At 11 years old, I had already seen countries aren’t America—the list goes on,”
Moving is never an easy process, but how rude and hateful people can be. I cried to my Thullah said.
immigration is an entirely new journey. Moving parents about how people here are so mean and
from one culture to another comes with a lot of rude, and they tried to tell me otherwise. But it However, Thullah’s experience has been
change: language, food, government and so much was clear to me that people here lack perspective mostly positive in the United States—despite the
more. For Thullah, the change in the education and most importantly empathy,” Patel said. problems she has faced.
system was drastic. In Sierra Leone, discipline was
handled with corporal punishment, which is not Sometimes, even children of immigrants are “It was definitely hard to make the change
something schools practice in America. conflicted when it comes to their cultural identity.
Senior Sarah McGuire’s mother immigrated from .to move to America, but I’m glad it happened,”
However, the biggest change for many Colombia, and her culture is present in McGuire’s
life. Thullah said. “I wouldn’t say one experience was
better than the other. Each of them had their
positives and negatives, but I’m thankful I went
through them.”

Senior Alice Cooke poses with her family in England. Cooke immigrated to America when she was 6. “My life is different in America because I feel like I have more
opportunities here,” Cooke said.

permission to print alice cooke december 2018 | 15

photo jacob fultonthe scene | wrestling
16 | december 2018
the scene

wrestling | the scene

sophomore zack miller prepares
to escape his opponent in the
second period of a dual meet at
upper arlington. the match took
place on thursday, dec. 6, and the
pioneers fell to the golden bears,
43-24. “there’s still a lot of room
for improvement, and i’m looking
forward to working hard towards
the postseason,” miller said.

december 2018 | 17

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18 | december 2018

electric scooters | feature

German Village is only one of the many intercity hub destinations for scooters. Scooters all over Columbus have been recieving backlash for the possible problems they propose.
“The scooters are a great system of transportation around campus, but they could be very dangerous if not used appropiately,” former Ohio State University student Cassidy
Hunter said

better than walking

columbus scoots toward a cleaner environment

Twriting katy schroeder | design sophia leonetti | photo sophia leonetti and Smart Columbus to prevent such occurrences.
he Bird: a dockless scooter company based that have less traffic, cleaner air and safe streets. The basic guidelines include proper parking of
in Santa- Monica, California. The company We’re working with cities and universities across
was founded in 2017, and the Bird scooter the world to provide new transportation options, the vehicles, designated parking or staging points
can now be found in over 100 cities throughout complement public transit systems and invest from the city, a limit of 500 devices per city with
a maximum speed of 15 mph, proper education
North America, Europe and Asia. The scooter is in safety infrastructure that benefits everyone,” and warning from companies prior to riding and
access to riders without credit cards. “People on
primarily popular on college campuses and in Rachel Bankston, a corporate communicator for the scooters can act idiotic and very dangerously,”
Kryjewski said.
major cities. Bird, said.
The use of the Bird scooter is growing rapidly
The scooters can be located on the Bird app While the unseen benefits of Bird are taking for a company that has only existed for slightly
over a year. The scooter offers clean, convenient,
where users can find any of the scooters nearby place when people don’t realize, college students and affordable transportation alternatives. Thus,
the popularity of the devices is growing rapidly.
and see their battery percentage. All one has to around the country are grateful for the scooter
According to the Bird website, “Since creating
do is have the app, find a scooter, unlock it and and the convenience it adds to their lives. Many and introducing the concept of shared e-scooters
a year ago, people all over the world have opted
follow the directions from the app on how to and students on college campuses use the Birds to to exchange short car trips for clean Bird rides,
tallying up 10 million rides. Available in 100
where to ride. One must be 18 years old to ride. travel around campus instead of walking like most communities, Bird rides have prevented more than
12 million pounds of carbon emissions from being
When done, one simply “ends” their ride on the students. released into the air people breathe, decreased

app and parks the scooter in a safe place where it “I use Bird scooters quite often to get around .congestion in city centers, and made parking in

won’t disturb public walkways and transportation. campus or to class. They are convenient, especially cities more accessible.”
To get started with the adventure, all one
Lastly, the app will ask users to send a picture of when running late or if I need to get somewhere
has to do is download the app, sign up, and start
where to ensure it is in an adequate location. The quickly,” Oliver Kryjewski, a freshman at University riding.

company charges $1 to ride, with an additional 15 of Cincinnati, said.

cents added every minute. However, despite its convenience, there have

One may ask why? What is the point of these been major safety concerns. A rider in San Diego

electric scooters being scattered around cities? The reported an incident of flying off the scooter

main goal of the Bird company is to create a better after hitting a bump. He suffered a concussion,

environment for urban areas by helping reduce air a broken nose and lacerations across his face.

pollution. According to Columbus Business First, Columbus

“Bird encourages clean, car-free alternatives. has created guidelines that were crafted by Public

Bird is passionate about vibrant communities Service, Public Safety, the City Attorney’s Office

december 2018 | 19

feature | veterans health

remembering and caring

veterans memorial opens downtown
Awriting mari kebede | design sophia leonetti | design sophia leonetti
new veterans’ memorial opened in and having a memorial like this allows a bridge to security guard outside the bar, then went in
Columbus on Oct. 27. The reason for this be built to enhance understanding, knowledge and continued shooting, injuring other security
memorial is to recognize the veterans who and appreciation for those who have decided to workers, employees and patrons,’ Ventura County
fought and sacrificed everything for the country. serve in the United States military and those who Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Long killed 12 people
According to natonalvmm.org, “The National paid the ultimate sacrifice in doing so,” Economics before apparently taking his own life,” according
Veterans Memorial and Museum began with a teacher and veteran Kevin Haynes said. to CNN.com.
vision from the late Senator John Glenn (1921-
Haynes was in the Air Force for nine years When it comes to veterans health, soldiers go
2016), Colonel, USMC (Retired), who understood and was stationed in South Dakota, Mississippi, to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs,
the pressing need to carefully preserve not only Italy and Turkey as well as deployed to Iraq and also known as the VA. This agency provides near-
the names, dates and battles, but the intimate Afghanistan. comprehensive healthcare for Veterans.
memories, personal belongings and painful losses
After coming from war, veterans tend to Unfortunately, the process of helping Veterans
of our nation’s veterans. His vision is now the grapple with health issues, both mentally and can be such a long process due to how many
guiding principle for the institution he inspired.” physically. The most well-known issue is post- people need the help. McDermott injured his
Many veterans said that their visit to the traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. According back 12 years ago, which ended his miliary career,
museum was very heartwarming. and he is still on the process of finishing up his
to Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a disorder in which a surgeries.
“The museum is not so big, so I expected to person struggles recovering after experiencing or
be in there for about 30 minutes. However, then it witnessing a terrifying event. “I think that veterans should have more
ended up taking me more than two hours because affordable access to private healthcare and mental
Unfortunately, the recent mass shooting in healthcare providers and facilities. VA facilities are
I wanted to read all of the stories that were up a bar at California on Nov. 8 was committed by not always close to veterans geographically and the
everywhere on the walls. They were very moving,” gunman Ian David Lung, who was a US Marines VA system can sometimes provide long wait times
Intervention Specialist and veteran Terrance veteran suffering from PTSD. Despite his diagnosis, to be seen and having more accessible and reliable
McDermott said. options will help veterans financially, physically
specialists decided it was not necessary to detain
While the significance of the memorial may be him, according to CNN.com. .and mentally,” Haynes said.
apparent to veterans, this is not always the case for The California shooting highlights the
“‘He arrived at the bar on Wednesday night importance of caring for and honoring our
civilians. veterans, something Columbus has a head start
with a pistol, officials said. He shot an unarmed on.
“Sometimes there can be a distance or a

disconnect between civilians and service members

Pictured is The National Veterans Memorial and Museum, located near Downtown Columbus and COSI. The $82 million memorial and museum recently
opened their doors to the public on Oct. 27, with the mission of remembering Veterans through a different lens. They were able to accomplish their goals
through four founding pillars, “Honor, Connect, Inspire and educate”, according to nationalvmm.org.

20 | december 2018

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december 2018 | 21

feature | gerrymandering

drawing the line
explaining gerrymandering in ohio

Awriting savannah larsen | design jacob fulton political party over the other, it is completely legal, and the Supreme Court
ccording to the Washington Post, most of the State of Ohio ranks in the has yet to find it unconstitutional.
85 percentile for most gerrymandered district lines. Currently Ohio is
gerrymandered to favor the Republicans, to help them win the greatest “States are allowed to gerrymander on the basis of party advantage. It is
number of districts. unconstitutional if it is on the basis of disenfranchising a demographic based on
race or religion. The Supreme Court has had cases about the constitutionality
The term gerrymandering was first coined in the year of 1812, when of gerrymandering, and so far on the basis of party advantage, the practice
Governor Elbridge Gerry made an attempt to draw congressional lines that has not been found unconstitutional,” Laflamme said.
would benefit his party as opposed to a bipartisan agreement, according
to Vox. Throughout history, both parties have used gerrymandering to Another possible reason it is legal is because the U.S. has yet to come up
their advantage. “Gerrymandering is the intentional division of political with a set system that creates an equal congressional district for both parties
subdivisions and communities for the benefit of the majority party. Meaning, according to Delaware County Democratic Party Chairman Peg Watkin.
the folks who are in charge are crafting a legislative district that will directly
benefit them. Normally, it benefits the office holder more than who the office “Legislative districts are determined by the party in power at either
holder is meant to be representing,” Ohio house eighth district democratic the state or federal level. It’s legal because we haven’t come up with a non-
representative Kent Smith said. partisan or bipartisan method for drawing districts that does not favor just the
party in power,” Watkin said.
The congressional maps are drawn about every 10 years; the current map
for Ohio was drawn based off of the 2010 census. However, there have been cases where states have had success in lawsuits
allowing them to change their Congressional maps earlier to be more fair.
“It was gerrymandered as a result of the 2010 election and census. The
legislative maps get redrawn every 10 years following the census. The current “This actually just happened in Pennsylvania, for the 2018 elections, so
map lasted from the election of 2012 through 2020. There will be new maps they did not wait for the 2020 census. At the moment, I don’t think there is a
for the 2022 election through 2030,” Smith said. court case pending in Ohio. I know that we, the legislature, and the citizens of
Ohio have put forth fixes that will be implemented following the 2020 census.
Gerrymandering directly affects the elections, and does in fact, have the So, unfortunately we have one more bad election, or rather unfair election.
ability to tilt Congress to one party or the other according to Smith. That will occur with the old maps in 2020. Then, hopefully there will be a
more fair map moving forward in the 2022 election,” Smith said.
“Ohio is the perfect example, specifically Central Ohio. Our own District
12 was flooded with ads from both parties, as we had the closest district in While gerrymandering seems to appear as a threat to democracy, it is
the state. Why spend money and resources if a district is going to go one way? only detrimental if it ruins citizens’ political efficacy, according to LaFlamme.
Ohio has voted Republican and Democrat. Also, Ohio has elected Republican
and Democrat senators. But with Gerrymandering, our Congressional .“It does not threaten democracy, but democracy is a really big thing. I
representation is not even close to 50/50. It’s 12-4 for the Republican Party,”AP
government teacher Michael Laflamme said. think it’s unhealthy for democracy, but I don’t think it threatens it per say.
Democracy has lasted in our country 240 years. There’s been all sorts of abuse
While gerrymandering may appear to be unfair, as it seems to favor one within the system. But the system has over time managed to better align itself
and correct its mistakes,” Smith said.

understanding the gerrymandering process

census every ohio is in the

10 the party in power 85th
years redraws the lines
based on population percentile for
22 | december 2018 gerrymandering

andre farinazo | feature

the ultimate ‘entrepreneer’

andre farinazo’s road to success

Ewriting alexa berisford | design jacob fulton
ver since senior Andre Farinazo Jr. first scribbled in his middle school notebook and began brainstorming new
ideas to solve problems, he was hooked on creating something new.
“Andre has always loved ideation and invention. He has a long list of initiatives that he says he’d love to
pursue one day,” his father Andre Farinazo Sr. said.

Farinazo Jr. is a young entrepreneur who his father described as “relentlessly curious.” “Andre is driven, and his
motivation is intrinsic.”

Farinazo Jr. is the Co-Founder of Virra Marketing. The company “was born out of the desire to help talented local
musicians get out there and grow an engaged audience for them on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
and Spotify,” according to the company’s website.

The company started with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) launch program. It is an extremely
competitive business program available to high school students around the world to help them start their own
companies at MIT, according to Farinazo Jr.

“My idea from the beginning was to create a marketing company specifically for musicians because I saw just how
often talented artists never gained a large audience because they had no idea how to market their music. It wasn’t easy

convincing my teammates, especially because there were so many other things they could work on,” he said.
The MIT program wasn’t the first time Farinazo Jr. displayed interest in entrepreneurship. Starting in
middle school, he spent his time in study halls researching possible solutions to the world’s most pressing
issues.
“My binders were filled with sketches and ideas and possible projects. I even developed one of
them in seventh grade and submitted it to the Google Science Fair,” Farinazo said. “Unfortunately,
I wasn’t selected but that experience and the process I went through became a large part of how
I tackled issues later on, especially when it came to entrepreneurship.”
After entering high school, he attended a startup weekend event in Louisville, KY. A
startup is a “company that is in the first stage of its operations,” according to investopedia.
com.
During the weekend, teams had 54 hours to choose an idea, prototype it and prove
that it has potential. His team placed second out of 19.
“That weekend showed me just how powerful startups can be and how effective they
can be at fostering change around the world. I was hooked,” Farinazo Jr. said.
As a junior, Farinazo Jr. attended the North Central District Science Day and the Marion
Area Science & Engineering Fair. He received the Yale Science & Engineering Association
Award and the Mu Alpha Theta Award. He also was awarded the 11th grade trophy award.
Farinazo Jr. is also involved in the school’s DECA program. This is his first year, due
to his involvement with STEM. He decided to run for a position as an Ohio DECA State
officer and was chosen to be the current Ohio DECA Executive Vice President of Marketing,
according to the DECA Adviser, marketing and business teacher Chrystal Shanahan.
“Andre is a leader, but he is still able to work well in a team setting. He is full of ideas
and very determined to succeed,” Shanahan said.
Balancing being a senior in high school and work can be difficult according to Farinazo Jr.
In his free time, he enjoys running. He has been on the cross country team since his freshman
year and the last two as a member of the varsity team.
“I find it very therapeutic,” Farinazo Jr. said. “It allows me to stay in shape and push myself. It’s
so nice being able to run through High Banks and just kind of take it all in.”
For the future of his company, his team will be applying to the largest startup incubator in
the world. The Y combinator is a “seed funding for startups. Seed funding is the earliest stage of

.venture funding. It pays your expenses while you’re getting started,” according to their website.
For his personal future, “I see myself probably going to Miami University to major in
entrepreneurship pursuing the marketing track. I’m also considering OSU and the University of
Pennsylvania. I know wherever I go, I’ll be building a company and encouraging entrepreneurship
in the student body,” Farinazo Jr. said.
photo jacob fulton december 2018 | 23

culture | grinch

‘bah humbug’
the evolution of the grinch movies through time

Cwriting easton fendru | design alyssa wallace fueled cash grab. With a runtime of one hour and
urling up against the fireplace, milk and runtime is around 30 minutes, with no changes 45 minutes, it does nothing to add to the tour de
chocolate chip cookie in hand, while in the pace or storyline. This gives it an authentic force of the original, but doesn’t necessarily take
queuing up a classic movie is living the way Christmas vibe with the perfect comedic balance. It away from it either.
the gods intended. Fuzzy blankets, hot chocolate reminds the audience of the core of the Christmas
Benadryl Cucumberpatch succeeds at sucking
and soft music are inarguably the best way to spirit held so dearly. I would rate it five out of five the diabolical wit of the Grinch out of him.
However, it’s clear the writing was sloppy and
spend winter. All that’s left is selecting the perfect stars. astonishingly forgets the Grinch’s main character
trait: being mean. This makes his later epiphany
movie. Up next is the live-action 2000 remake starring anticlimactic and disappointing at best.

When in doubt, one of the classics that Jim Carrey. Having a runtime of one hour and 50 It was as if they recycled Despicable Me’s
Gru and hoped audiences wouldn’t notice
outshines the others is Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch minutes, it took many creative liberties— adding Illumination’s clear lack of effort in providing
thoughtful and original children content.
Stole Christmas.” Most people are well acquainted a backstory, a new plotline and more comedic
At the same time, the vibrantly colorful
with the story of the green, cave-dwelling neighbor gags. These were executed with mediocrity, and animation does enough to distract from the
memory of Carrey’s prosthetics. A music score by
to the Whos, but it’s time to put the holiday the comedic pace was frantic, Carrey’s charm does Danny Elfman and a soundtrack featuring Run-
D.M.C and Tyler the Creator helps create a fresh
standards to the test. nothing to solve the movies misplaced themes and atmosphere, but the writing does little to carry it. I
would give it a final score of three stars out of five.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” was uncomfortable romance plot.
When it comes to Dr. Seuss, it might be best
released in 1966 and starred Boris Karloff. It Its forced heteronormativity is weirdly sexually
.to just to stick with the original. While other
featured music by Albert Hague and the renowned charged and unbearable to watch, detracting from
reincarnations may give one a laugh or cause half a
Christmas song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” the Christmas message. The movie does away with tear to fall, the first movie encapsulates the holiday
spirit and reminds the audience what the season
performed by Thurl Ravenscroft, according to the the polished colorful design of the animation is truly about.

IMDb article on the film. Coming from a Broadway and replaces it with questionable makeup and

background, Hague’s music breathed life into lackluster lighting.

the movie. Production Designer Maurice Noble Overall, the tone of the movie misses the

worked on the overall color scheme of the film, mark and one should opt to put it on as white

setting a vibrant yet garish tone, along with Chuck noise to their Christmas party or throw it in the

Jones, who gave the Grinch his infamous green fire altogether. I would rate it two and a half stars

color. out of five.

Being the only movie Dr. Seuss had input Lastly is the 2018 animated remake. It appears

on, it follows the book almost word-for-word. Its someone decided to haphazardly create a money-

“the grinch: 2018” “ how the grinch stole
christmas: 1966”

24 | december 2018 vs

photo illustrations: alyssa wallace

clothes | culture

just a click away

dia&co styling boxes change the game of shopping

writing hannah mcdavid | design alyssa wallace
Everything a person could ever wish for can
now be sent straight to their doorstep with a personality. It was not something I would have
single click. Through the Internet, there are worn normally, but it ended up being my favorite
item in the box.

no bounds to what can be delivered. Recently, this The skirt was the only item that I didn’t like. It

trend has expanded because now people can have was too formal and tight around the waist. However,

stylists choose their entire wardrobe with the click I chose to keep every item in the box, including CANCEL ITEM FEEDBACK NEXT
Love it
of a button. the skirt, because a 25 percent discount is applied

One such styling service, Dia&Co, provides a when everything in the box is purchased. It ended

clothing box to women at varying intervals, such up being cheaper to buy the skirt than to not buy it.

as monthly. Through this service, the recipient The full price of my box was $271, but with all

receives five clothing items, such as pants, jackets the discounts, it cost $163.25 for five high-quality

and dresses. Special packages can be purchased to items.

include sportswear and underwear, though this is Using an online styling service was much easier

separate. than in-store shopping because it eliminates the

When I signed up for Dia&Co, the first step it stressful decision making. These styling services

had me complete was a styling quiz to show what also help expand my wardrobe because they include $65 THML
Brinsley Blouse
my style was like. Some of the topics included how items that I never would have bought otherwise but

I liked my clothing to fit, how much I usually spent ended up loving.

on clothing and the colors I enjoyed wearing. More specifically, Dia&Co matched my RETURN KEEP

The styling quiz itself was extremely useful personality and preferences perfectly. I was

because it allowed my stylist, an employee at pleasantly surprised by the speed with which my STYLE

Dia&Co, to understand exactly what I wore every clothes were delivered and the outfits themselves. Hate it Just ok Like it

day. It also showed the stylist where I was willing to .However, not everything in the box was perfect and
go out of my comfort zone.
the pricing was a little steep, although only one
Perhaps the best part about my Dia&Co of the five clothing items were unsatisfactory, and
experience was how fast I received my box. My Dia&Co offered discounts. Overall, I give Dia&Co’s
box came in the mail four days after ordering. The styling box a four out of five stars.

speedy shipping was a positive because I didn’t

have to wait an inordinate amount of time before

receiving my package.

Five days after receiving my box, I had to pay

for the items I planned on purchasing. For my first

box, I received an additional $20 off my purchase

because I was new. In addition to this, there is a $20

styling fee for every box. This means that if I chose

not to buy anything, I would still have to pay $20.

However, of the items I chose to keep, this $20

styling fee would be deducted from the total. The

costs for styling boxes can be pretty steep, so this

reduces the price significantly. Carson Motto Jacket: Roni Skinny Jean with
Of the items in my box, there was a pink leather Also avaliable in Pearl Embellishments:
Available sizes:
jacket, a black lace top, jeans with pearl accents, a 14 - 24

patterned hoodie and a gray pencil skirt. The items black and navy

were meant to be worn interchangeably, so the Available sizes:
shirt could go with either the skirt or the jeans and
match. 1X - 5X
I loved that these items could be either dressed

up or down, and the jacket matched my style and

december 2018 | 25

culture | fantasy of lights

driving in a winter wonderland

fantasy of lights raises money for charities
Iwriting raymie shields | design taylor staab
t’s a tradition that thousands of people take part in every year. A three- This year also features a whole new light show.
mile car ride through the Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek campgrounds. “We switched all of our lights to LED lights, which overall makes
This is the 19th year it has been open, and business has improved after everything brighter and prettier. This year we feature a brand-new display

some changes have been made. from the Delaware Area Career Center that the junior and senior welding

Not only is there a new owner this year, but the owners are also department created for us. It even includes animated lights as sparks,” VP of

implementing a new name, Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, and two charities, Operations, Kelly Chaffin said, according to butchbandofantasyoflights.com.

A Kid Again and Recreation Unlimited, will receive a portion of the profits. For many people, the show has become a yearly family tradition they look

The owners are very passionate about these charities and work hand- forward to.

in-hand with them in order to maximize the experience for the children and “I loved going to the Fantasy of Lights this year. My family and I go on

adults they raise money for. Thanksgiving Day. It’s the perfect place to go and make memories. I can’t wait

“We are so blessed that we get to raise money that helps us with our to go again next year,” Gahanna Lincoln freshman Riley McHale said.

camper scholarships. Recreation Unlimited is a summer camp for children For others, seeing the show year after year can end up getting repetitive.

and adults with disabilities,” Owner Paul Huttlin said, according to “This year was my third time seeing the display and overall I found it

butchbandofantasyoflights.com. boring. It feels like there are no new displays. I don’t think I’ll be back for a

The show will also benefit A Kid Again. While it’s their few years,” junior Grace Parsons said.

first year being a part of the Fantasy of Lights, they The light show is held at Alum Creek

have a plan to use those proceeds. Campground, 3311 South Old State

“Every month we provide an adventure Road in Delaware and runs through

for our kids and families who are battling Jan. 1, and it opens at 5:30 p.m.

a life-threatening illness. The proceeds and is open until 9:30 p.m. on

will go towards our holiday party, which weekdays and 10:30 p.m. on

was held on Dec. 2, where we saw 1500 photo credit taylor staab .weekends. The cost is $20 per
family members come out and celebrate the
holiday season together,” Executive Director car on weekdays and $30 on
of A Kid Again, Chris Elliot said, according to weekends, and 50 percent of
butchbandofantasyoflights.com the profits go towards these
charities.

26 l december 2018

natural healing | opinion

the wild sage collective

my experience with natural healing
Awriting zaida jenkins | design taylor staab | photo illustrations taylor staab
fter being intrigued by natural healing for the past few years, I finally Each tarot card had a different picture and a different meaning. My cards

visited the Wild Sage Collective after finding a “Shop Local Saturday” followed a common theme: a quest for knowledge and the start of a new

deal online. The shop is located at 2121 Riverside Dr. in Upper Arlington. journey, which in my mind translated to my college search. I was pleased with

Although they do accept walk-ins, an appointment is recommended. For the outcome, but did not feel like I found the answers to a problem in my life.

guests under 18, parent permission is required. I then switched to a separate room for my chakra reading. Chakras are

I received a tarot card and chakra reading, a chakra bracelet and a bundle the seven energy centers in one’s body and can often become unbalanced due

of palo santo for $30. The bracelet was originally $24, so it was quite the steal. to stress or unhealthy thought processes. As I walked in, a wave of relaxation

As soon as I walked in, I was immediately hit with an aroma of incense, fell over my body, even though I was very nervous about what I was about to

and I was pretty overwhelmed. The lobby was filled with jewelry displays; experience.

necklaces, earrings and bracelets were adorned with colorful stones, each Erica, the owner of Wild Sage Collective, conducted the reading. She

promising to provide support for a different aspect of my life. explained that she would hold a crystal pendulum over the seven energy

I’ve seen a psychic in the past and really enjoyed the centers in my body, also known as chakras. The speed and distance

experience but had never been to a natural healer. Tarot of the pendulum would determine if my chakra was closed,

cards help guide one to find answers regarding balanced or open.

love, relationships, careers, finances and more. crown chakra She began at the top of my head, slowly
The cards will not give direct answers, but moving down towards my feet, recording

rather guide one’s thoughts to spark a what she found. Four of my seven chakras

new realization or confirm old ones. third eye chakra weren’t balanced, which means I have a

Kisha, the reader, had a stack lot of work to do.

of tarot cards, a line of gold coins Each chakra can be brought

and a clear crystal laying on back into balance through

the table. She asked if I had affirmations, food choices,

any pressing questions on scents and crystals. I feel as if

my mind. Uneasily, I told my chakra reading was more

her I was completely accurate, and I truly intend

new to the experience throat chakra to follow the advice that
and wasn’t looking for she gave me to become

anything in particular. more balanced. I then

She continued picked out a bracelet

shuffling the stack heart chakra designed to help
of cards as we balance my solar

spoke, and finally plexus chakra.

asked me to solar plexus chakra Looking back

split it in to two on the experience,

piles. From here, my readings were

she laid out 10 surprisingly accurate

cards in a spread sacral chakra and applicable to my
called “The Stag.” life. I would love to

The positions of go back in the future

the cards held and dive in deeper,

meanings in but without the deal,

themselves, ranging there is no way that

from my current root chakra .I make this a regular
state, signs to look
for, my driving force occurrence. For now, I
and sources of strength will stick to burning the
or protection. palo santo in my room
every night—Sorry Mom!

4 OUT OF 5 crystal rating

december 2018 l 27

opinion | urban developement

through different lenses:

out with the old and in with the new

Gentrification, “the process of repairing and rebuilding homes and businesses in a deteriorating
people and that often results in the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents,” is a very

W writing maddie miller | design julie kilpatrick of crime all play a role in these changes around
alking home from work, cold wind but now there was no fear. Paycheck in pocket, Columbus.
cracking against the skin like a whip, the there was no more body-trembling fear of walking
newly built businesses and apartments home at night, scared to be jumped. While this part of gentrification creates a much
stood tall in the black sky. It was strange to see The slick, paved town avenues were smoother better atmosphere for those who can economically
survive in the renovated neighborhoods, it can also
the shiny buildings instead of the old, run-down now, and the restaurants and firms that lined each induce negative effects on those who can’t. With
the addition of higher-valued homes and booming
stores that street offered opportunity instead of stagnation. businesses, the price of living can increase quite
significantly, leaving those of lower socioeconomic
used to Home was different now, yes, but home status to continue to struggle.

b e , was cleaner, home was safer and This can lead to the displacement of those
of poorer status, rather than allowing them to
home could still feel like home. improve their lives along with the area they live in.

In essence, the idea of Still, the basic effects of gentrification are still
ones that could be critical in progressing areas
gentrification is one that around all of the U.S.’s bigger cities. We must find
a way to create the positive effects of gentrification,
could catapult lower-class without leaving lower income families unable to
afford life in the renewed area.
neighborhoods into success,
Future solutions could come in various forms,
but it must be used correctly. but there have already been areas across the
U.S. who have implemented strategies to reduce
Gentrification efforts displacement. According to Urban Displacement
Organization, California’s East Palo Alto put
can drastically change lives. several renter protections in place, such as just-
cause eviction protections and rent control in
With the construction of new order to deter displacement.

businesses and homes, While the houses around East Palo Alto
begin to multiply in price, and newer, renovated
new employment buildings pop up, the rent controls help to protect
the lower-income members of the neighborhood,
opportunities follow and keep affordable housing an option.

along. As well, there Additionally, the just-cause eviction
protections prevent the possibility of low-income
is great potential for residents being forced into displacement for unjust
reasons. In neighboring Bay areas without just-
crime rate reduction, cause eviction protections, tenants can be issued
eviction notices even though they have paid rent
which would in turn diligently and followed all stated rules, according
to Urban Displacement Org.
create a safer atmosphere.
Reduced crime rates, access to better
In Columbus education and cleaner streets and areas are

specifically, numerous .integral to creating better lives and neighborhoods

urban development for Americans. Gentrification can help rebuild
poorer areas, but as the past has taught us, it can’t
projects have led to a be gentrification alone. When we bring new life to
a neighborhood, it must include the people too.
massive increase in success

and growth. According to Forbes,

in the past 50 years, Columbus’s population

has nearly doubled, and income growth in

and around Columbus is climbing above

other Midwestern cities.

Over the past 18 years, Columbus

has had 11 eligible areas that have

undergone gentrification, according

to “Governing”. These areas

have significantly increased in

property value, with some areas

even experiencing increases

of up to 39 percent. The

creation of new businesses,

better education

opportunities,

and lower rates

28 | december 2018 photo julie kilpatrick

urban developement | opinion

the effects of gentrification

displacement is distasteful

area (such as an urban neighborhood) accompanied by an influx of middle-class or affluent

controversial topic surrounding urban development, and an ongoing occurrence in the Columbus area.

Awriting bethany jones | design julie kilpatrick .from their homes simply to increase curb appeal
s I drive down the streets of what once used neighborhoods and districts oftentimes results
to be a culture-rich, historic neighborhood, in the loss of unique, eclectic architectural and aesthetics.
the unwelcome changes imposed on the character. When older homes and buildings
area are obvious. A newly homeless family stares are torn down or renovated and replaced with

longingly at what once used to be their home, an more modern, coveted buildings, they lose their

eviction notice on the door, wondering where originality historical character that once made

the next place they are able to reside will be. All them so desirable. This concept is frustrating

the unique architecture has been replaced with for many, because these places may never

uniform, bland houses, and many of the quaint regain their distinctive qualities.

restaurants and stores are no longer a part of the This concept can also be tied back to

community. the Lewis Center and Powell area, where

Change in urban areas is inevitable, but rapid urban development has changed the

gentrification is a process that has many negative feeling of the area. The streets that used

effects and rips communities apart. to be filled with independently owned

Gentrification has radical impacts on both the shops and restaurants have been slowly

residential and cultural sectors of the area being flipping to contain chain companies

altered. One of the most evident effects concerning instead, ridding the area of much of

the residential aspect is the possible increase of its history.

homelessness rates and general displacement of Gentrification can also

poorer people in areas being gentrified. result in changes in the social

Because of a change in the median household aspects of cities. In an interview

income, which later results in a higher cost of on National Public Radio, Jacy

living, people living in these neighborhoods and Webster, a Philadelphia resident

will no longer be able to afford essentials like rent spoke about the social change in the

or taxes, which eventually results in moving out city, “It seems like my neighborhood .
voluntarily or even eviction. is moving to a place that I don’t belong
in. And I’m sure all the old people who
In some cases, people driven out of their live around me that have been there
homes may not be able to afford any other place

to live, leaving them homeless. According to the forever feel the same way.”

Los Angeles Times, the percentage of homeless Not only do these places lose the

people rose 12 percent in Los Angeles, an effect physical history behind them, but they also lose

of “gentrification downtown and in Venice, where the social and cultural history. Families and

cheap hotel rooms, motels and single-room groups of people who have lived in a certain place

apartments — once the last refuge of the poor — for extended periods of time may be replaced,

are being eliminated.” erasing much of the history they were built upon.

According to a 2003 American Housing Overall, gentrification is a harmful process

Survey conducted by Kathe Newman, an that strips communities of their history and

Associate Professor in the Urban Planning and culture, and pushes those of lower socio-

Policy Development Program at the Edward J. economic status out of their homes and

Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, onto the streets. The community could

“approximately 225,000 renters with low-incomes take the first steps to clean up these

below the poverty level moved at least once and areas and make room for them in

mentioned cost pressures as a reason. Of these these communities instead of

renters, 96,000 were directly displaced from redoing theirs entirely. Society

their neighborhood by the private landlord or should focus more on helping

government actions.” those in need out in difficult

In addition, the transformation of times instead of forcing them

photo julie kilpatrick december 2018 | 29

opinion | solitary confinement

photo athena heckman

alone behind bars

solitary confinement does more harm than good

writing cole lewis | design athena heckman
Being locked in a small room for up to 23
hours a day and repeating it day in and Rights. People in solitary confinement are being someone up in a small room with nothing to do
day out messes with people. Being in jail tortured, and that is a violation of Article Five of for up to 23 hours is too much. Some prisoners
the Constitution, which bans torture. just made one mistake and have learned from
their mistake. Others that have committed horrible
is hard enough, but being alone in jail makes it According to connectusfund.org, solitary crimes should be punished but should also get
help to become better people in the world.
even harder. confinement can fit the into the category of
According to Business Insider, “In a landmark
In 1829, the first use of solitary confinement in torture, as suggested in international human rights Eighth Amendment case from 1994, the Supreme
Court found a prison official can only be liable for
the United States was in Eastern State Penitentiary treaties. denying inmates of humane conditions if he knew
an inmate faced high risks of harm but disregarded
in Philadelphia. This idea comes from the thought When people go to jail at any time, they lose that risk.”

that prisoners could improve as people if they some freedoms in society, but being in solitary On the other hand, people think that solitary
confinement is very beneficial due to the fact that
were isolated with the Bible, but this was not the confinement, it feels like they have no right to do it can be a good alternative to the death penalty,
while others think that if the crime is committed,
case. anything because they are alone and have nothing then the crime should be paid for. If the crime is
very bad, then the punishment should be just as
According to American Friends Service to but think about their past. People get more bad as the crime was, if not worse.

Committee (ADFC), in today’s society, there are dangerous because of the amount of time the The process of solitary confinement is a
punishment that takes away human rights, gives
80,000 men, women and children in solitary imprisoned think about their past, and this makes anxiety, as well as makes some people more
suicidal. I personally think that we should take
confinement in the United States. This number is them very dangerous to themselves. away the punishment of solitary confinement and
add more therapy to the prisons to help inmates
shocking, as the number of people in United States If someone is being isolated in cell, that learn and evolve as people.

prisons is over 2 million. person would feel like their control of their The use of therapy could make the inmates

Solitary confinement must be stopped surroundings was taken away, which can cause .learn from their mistakes, which hopefully will

because the number of people who become increased anxiety, paranoia and claustrophobia, help them when they get out of prison. With the
help that they would get from therapy, jail would
suicidal from this form of punishment is rising, according to connectusfund.org. no longer be a place for them to go back to, but a
place to rise above.
and it takes away from human rights, causing The inmates who are in solitary confinement

people to become more dangerous after being in have a higher rate of self- mutilation then other

in solitary confinement. inmates.

According to PBS, Stuart Grassian, a faculty According to PBS, in a study from California’s

member at Harvard Medical School said, “roughly prison system, researchers found that from 1999

a third of solitary inmates were ‘actively psychotic to 2004 nearly half of the inmates who died by

and/or acutely suicidal.’” This makes the mental suicide were in solitary confinement. A 1995

capacity of the inmates dramatically decrease, and study from the federal prison system found that

if their suicidal rate is increasing, the likelihood of 63 percent of suicides occurred with inmates that

them surviving past their release date is slim. were in “special housing status,” which is solitary

As an American, each person has a select few or psychiatric seclusion cells.

rights that are called Human Rights or Natural In many cases, the thought of locking

30 | december 2018

democratic party | column

Sidetracked
with Angelica Dzodzomenyo

democrats, do better!
I writing angelica dzodzomenyo | design athena heckman
n November, Democrats managed to secure a victory in the House of progressive and “Instead, pundits should
focus on educating their
Representatives and pick up a few key Governor’s mansions. However, e s t a b l i s h m e n t

the midterm elections were far from the “Blue Wave” that prominent Democrats is nothing

members of the party predicted. Democrats lost gubernatorial races in swing new. For example, in viewers aboutthelawsand

states such as Ohio and Florida. 2016, Bernie Sanders
Hence, no current front runners emerged for the 2020 election to represented younger, policies that are at stake,
counter Trump, and the party is conflicted about its identity. more radical liberals,
As of late, the Democratic party isn’t while to many others, and politicians should

what it used to be. It does not present Hillary Clinton concentrate on advancing

a united front against its rival party, represented old- their legislation.”
nor is it the beacon of change fashioned,
left-of-center -angelica dzodzomenyo
former leaders like President

Barack Obama and Secretary of

State Hillary Clinton claimed it corporatism.

would be. However, such infighting in the party is neither productive

The biggest problems that the nor helpful in the long run. Instead of battling each other, the

party faces aren’t President Trump progressive and establishment factions of the Democratic party

or non-college educated white should work together in order to further their common goals of

voters; they are the deep divisions raising wages, expanding health care and education and stopping

within the party and the hypocrisy climate change.

expressed by many prominent Putting aside differences will help Democrats appeal to a broader

Democrats. audience and will divert their attention to more important matters.

Recently, there has been Already, anti-choice and anti-environmental legislation is gaining a

an influx of young, Democratic foothold in Mississippi, New Mexico and Ohio.

politicians such as Alexandria The Democratic party would also do better to stop participating

Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Marcia in the polarizing, combative rhetoric of our time. This is an area where

L. Fudge (D-Ohio) who oppose politicians, pundits and civilians alike can improve.

current Speaker of the House Nancy By now, we know what President Donald Trump stands for, and his

Pelosi, according to the Washington outlandish statements shouldn’t come as a shock. It is unhelpful to get on

Post. They—and like-minded Twitter or CNN to respond angrily to every latest ad hominem attack.

Democrats— say, “It is time for a new Instead, pundits should focus on educating their viewers about

generation to rise.” the laws and policies that are at stake, and politicians should

Many of these new Democrats concentrate on advancing their legislation. Democrats should

are young, female or minorities. spend more time speaking about what they are for, rather

They typically support noble than just responding to what they are against.

causes like social justice and Providing an alternative to the divisive rhetoric of

are admired by younger our time will uphold the integrity of the Democratic

voters. Their progressive party and attract more moderate voters.

goals include expanding .The road to recovery for the
Medicare, LGBT
rights and ending Democratic party will not be an easy one, but if
gun violence. they have any desire to win the election in 2020

Conflict and change the direction of the country, it is
one worth taking.
between

december 2018 | 31

Olentangy Orange High School 2840 East Orange Road Lewis Center, Ohio 43035


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