School size matters

In 7th grade, I was sent to a large school. I struggled with the idea of making friends in such a huge place. No one looked my way or told me about the school. I’d smile and wave only to receive a blank spaced out […]

What do you value most? Really?

What do you value the most?  The majority of people would say that they value their families and friends the most.  Maybe they would include components such as their employment, education or religion. But the reality is, if these are your answers, you’re a liar.  […]

WO food pantry: It makes a difference

On a Friday in the beginning of October, I admitted to one of my teachers that I didn’t have much food at home. She said that she would email Sally Groenheide and send me down to pick up some food at the end of the […]

Take care of yourself!

A bold move: Alejandro Leon Prieto emigrates from Cuba

Soph. Alejandro Leon Prieto was completely confused. Though he was in a familiar setting, a classroom, that was the only familiar aspect. The faces were different. The language was different. Heck, even the view out the window was different.     Four years ago, Leon was living […]

Seriously?! Already?!

We all know what time it is. It’s time to course plan. What’s that? We’re not even through one semester? You could use your seminar time for something better? Too bad.    It was a Thursday morning. I started off with my usual routine. As I […]

Losing my built-in best friend

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).  The truth is, love is unavoidable. Love is painful. Love is heartbreaking. Especially when it comes to losing a family member.    On August 20, 2013, love […]

Surviving a court-ordered move

Veronica (V): “We need to talk it is very important” Me (M): “Can I stay or no. Paulino isn’t gonna pick me up” V: “CPS is taking you guys” M: “Why” V: “You guys got to go” M: “Where. Pick me up from school” V: […]

Living with hearing aids

One day, I lost both of my hearing aids and I had to go to middle school unable to hear almost anything. I could not find my hearing aids and as the time came closer to school starting, I was getting panicked. When going on […]

Brecken Panse: Her diving comeback

  Only two months into dive season, Jr. Brecken Panse got a concussion during soccer practice. Her teammate threw a ball in bounds and hit her in the head. Panse immediately felt the symptoms especially headaches and dizziness. “I took the impact test and was […]