Is a Sticker Worth it?
By Emily Saul
March 2, 2020
Dear Mirror, I can’t decide if I should take classes that don’t interest me so I can get an Honors Diploma; is it worth it?
I've dealt with the same thing. As I'm approaching the end of my junior year of high school, scheduling for senior year has brought some stress. There’s a lot to think about when deciding how my last year of high school will be spent.
For instance, since sophomore year I’d been certain I would graduate with an Honors Diploma, since all I needed to do was take one more Spanish class during my senior year. However, when I finally started picking out my classes for senior year, I began to wonder if that sticker on my diploma was really worth taking a class I knew I would not enjoy during what was supposed to be my best and most fun year of high school.
In order to receive an Academic Honors Diploma in Ohio, students must meet six of seven requirements: four units of math, four units of science, including two units of advanced science, four units of social studies, three units of a world language, one unit of fine arts, a 3.5 GPA and a 27 on the ACT or a 1280 on the SAT.
The more I thought about how much an Honors Diploma would really benefit me, the more I convinced myself to not take a class that did not interest me.
One reason I decided to not strive for the diploma is because it has no effect on my chances of getting into college. College applications are submitted during fall of senior year, so no college will be able to see if I get an Honors Diploma or not.
The college application process occurring during fall is another reason why senior year is supposed to be the most fun. While it’s still important to maintain good grades, seniors don’t have to worry too much about taking rigorous classes to look good for colleges anymore. It’s the year when they can take the classes that interest them and won’t cause an insane amount of stress.
While graduating with Honors is an achievement to be proud of, it’s definitely not worth the pressure of feeling like you need to miss out on the things that interest you just so you can get it.
March 2, 2020
Dear Mirror, I can’t decide if I should take classes that don’t interest me so I can get an Honors Diploma; is it worth it?
I've dealt with the same thing. As I'm approaching the end of my junior year of high school, scheduling for senior year has brought some stress. There’s a lot to think about when deciding how my last year of high school will be spent.
For instance, since sophomore year I’d been certain I would graduate with an Honors Diploma, since all I needed to do was take one more Spanish class during my senior year. However, when I finally started picking out my classes for senior year, I began to wonder if that sticker on my diploma was really worth taking a class I knew I would not enjoy during what was supposed to be my best and most fun year of high school.
In order to receive an Academic Honors Diploma in Ohio, students must meet six of seven requirements: four units of math, four units of science, including two units of advanced science, four units of social studies, three units of a world language, one unit of fine arts, a 3.5 GPA and a 27 on the ACT or a 1280 on the SAT.
The more I thought about how much an Honors Diploma would really benefit me, the more I convinced myself to not take a class that did not interest me.
One reason I decided to not strive for the diploma is because it has no effect on my chances of getting into college. College applications are submitted during fall of senior year, so no college will be able to see if I get an Honors Diploma or not.
The college application process occurring during fall is another reason why senior year is supposed to be the most fun. While it’s still important to maintain good grades, seniors don’t have to worry too much about taking rigorous classes to look good for colleges anymore. It’s the year when they can take the classes that interest them and won’t cause an insane amount of stress.
While graduating with Honors is an achievement to be proud of, it’s definitely not worth the pressure of feeling like you need to miss out on the things that interest you just so you can get it.
Advice on Worthy Gifts
Braeden Eynon Long
February 19, 2020
Dear Mirror, I want to show someone I care about them, but I can’t buy a worthy gift. What should I do?
I understand the issue. Younger generations might not have the money to buy a really nice gift for someone they care about, but there are ways to show someone you care about them other than a fancy gift.
The first tip to showing your affection is giving someone a gift that isn't necessarily about the actual gift but about the thought that led to it. If you want to buy a gift for someone, don't worry about how big or expensive it is -- just buy it, and I'm sure they'll appreciate you thinking of them. Like you've probably been told before: it's the thought that counts. So if buying a gift is really what you want to do, then just buy something small and affordable; it packs the same punch.
You can tell someone you care about them without spending a dime. You could simply spend some quality time with them, watch a TV show or cook something with them at home. All of these are ways to let someone know you care with little to no cost. These could also be more interesting gifts compared to just a simple box of chocolate or stuffed animal.
A zero cost alternative for buying a gift is making a homemade gift for them. This can be anything, really: a card, baked goods, knitted things or even a song you wrote. These kinds of gifts are the most cost effective alternative. In some cases a handmade gift can be even better than a store bought gift because if you put time into making something for someone, it shows to them even more that you care.
Freshman Josh Jones says, “If I know what they like then I would make them a card.”
Even if you can’t afford a bundle of balloons or a box of chocolate, there are other -- maybe better -- ways to show someone you care about them.
February 19, 2020
Dear Mirror, I want to show someone I care about them, but I can’t buy a worthy gift. What should I do?
I understand the issue. Younger generations might not have the money to buy a really nice gift for someone they care about, but there are ways to show someone you care about them other than a fancy gift.
The first tip to showing your affection is giving someone a gift that isn't necessarily about the actual gift but about the thought that led to it. If you want to buy a gift for someone, don't worry about how big or expensive it is -- just buy it, and I'm sure they'll appreciate you thinking of them. Like you've probably been told before: it's the thought that counts. So if buying a gift is really what you want to do, then just buy something small and affordable; it packs the same punch.
You can tell someone you care about them without spending a dime. You could simply spend some quality time with them, watch a TV show or cook something with them at home. All of these are ways to let someone know you care with little to no cost. These could also be more interesting gifts compared to just a simple box of chocolate or stuffed animal.
A zero cost alternative for buying a gift is making a homemade gift for them. This can be anything, really: a card, baked goods, knitted things or even a song you wrote. These kinds of gifts are the most cost effective alternative. In some cases a handmade gift can be even better than a store bought gift because if you put time into making something for someone, it shows to them even more that you care.
Freshman Josh Jones says, “If I know what they like then I would make them a card.”
Even if you can’t afford a bundle of balloons or a box of chocolate, there are other -- maybe better -- ways to show someone you care about them.
Being Successful is Stressful
By Destiny Lortos
January 24, 2020
Dear Mirror, one of my friends told me that my “shoulds” are getting in the way of my happiness. Should I continue to do what makes me happy, or should I continue to accomplish what I need?
Everyone always wants to do what they need to do in order to become successful, but as you said it takes a toll on our happiness. Especially when we have to juggle school, studying, sports, homework, work and other tiring things, which leaves us with little to no time for ourselves.
There are many ways to go about this; however, one will never feel fully satisfied and you must go by what you think is more important. Depending on where you are currently in life, in high school, and even in college, take a weekend to focus on becoming successful and accomplishing important tasks. After you see what you're capable of, you're confidence will grow.
Once you're satisfied with your progress, give yourself a day to unwind and just breathe. Hang out with your friends and forget about the world for awhile. If you solely focus on school and becoming successful, you will go insane. It is good to just take a break every once in a while to refresh your mind. If you feel that you still have work to be done, then manage your time better and try to get it all done within the week or either finish it all on Friday, this way you can have the rest of the weekend free. Giving all your time up can be worth it, but then again, you are giving up valuable experiences and memories. It all depends on what you value more.
It is a good mindset to have to focus on what is important to you, and making sure you do well in the future; however, it is also good to just let loose here and there. If you enjoy focusing on school and it doesn’t cause much stress, then feel free to continue what you are doing.
January 24, 2020
Dear Mirror, one of my friends told me that my “shoulds” are getting in the way of my happiness. Should I continue to do what makes me happy, or should I continue to accomplish what I need?
Everyone always wants to do what they need to do in order to become successful, but as you said it takes a toll on our happiness. Especially when we have to juggle school, studying, sports, homework, work and other tiring things, which leaves us with little to no time for ourselves.
There are many ways to go about this; however, one will never feel fully satisfied and you must go by what you think is more important. Depending on where you are currently in life, in high school, and even in college, take a weekend to focus on becoming successful and accomplishing important tasks. After you see what you're capable of, you're confidence will grow.
Once you're satisfied with your progress, give yourself a day to unwind and just breathe. Hang out with your friends and forget about the world for awhile. If you solely focus on school and becoming successful, you will go insane. It is good to just take a break every once in a while to refresh your mind. If you feel that you still have work to be done, then manage your time better and try to get it all done within the week or either finish it all on Friday, this way you can have the rest of the weekend free. Giving all your time up can be worth it, but then again, you are giving up valuable experiences and memories. It all depends on what you value more.
It is a good mindset to have to focus on what is important to you, and making sure you do well in the future; however, it is also good to just let loose here and there. If you enjoy focusing on school and it doesn’t cause much stress, then feel free to continue what you are doing.
The Stress of Moving Can Be Avoided
By Braeden Eynon Long
January 23, 2020
Dear Mirror, I’m moving away from the place I've lived my whole life, and it’s stressing me out. What should I do?
Moving away can be hard, whether it’s a few or hundreds of miles, and when you’re moving away from your family it adds an extra layer of difficulty. I understand your pain.
Make sure when you move, you try to focus on the good parts. If you only think about how far away you will be and how little you will see your family, the move will stress you out. Focusing on the new and exciting experiences you will have in this brand new place will give a more open-minded outlook. Focusing on changing the attitude of the move into excitement will relieve the stress.
The move is inevitable, and the thought of losing your family can make things gloomy. If losing your family is what’s troubling you, then try making an effort to visit them and be together before you leave. If you spend the time left with your family in a satisfactory way, then leaving them is not as hard because you have left on a high note. Make time to see extended family, have a family game or movie night and just spend the remaining time in a way that makes you happy.
When leaving, having a drawn-out goodbye makes it even more tearful. When it’s time to leave, say goodbye, then leave. Cutting goodbyes to a short and sweet occasion could relieve some of the sadness of leaving.
The takeaway is to not overthink moving -- your family and friends don’t disappear the moment you leave; they are just a phone call away.
January 23, 2020
Dear Mirror, I’m moving away from the place I've lived my whole life, and it’s stressing me out. What should I do?
Moving away can be hard, whether it’s a few or hundreds of miles, and when you’re moving away from your family it adds an extra layer of difficulty. I understand your pain.
Make sure when you move, you try to focus on the good parts. If you only think about how far away you will be and how little you will see your family, the move will stress you out. Focusing on the new and exciting experiences you will have in this brand new place will give a more open-minded outlook. Focusing on changing the attitude of the move into excitement will relieve the stress.
The move is inevitable, and the thought of losing your family can make things gloomy. If losing your family is what’s troubling you, then try making an effort to visit them and be together before you leave. If you spend the time left with your family in a satisfactory way, then leaving them is not as hard because you have left on a high note. Make time to see extended family, have a family game or movie night and just spend the remaining time in a way that makes you happy.
When leaving, having a drawn-out goodbye makes it even more tearful. When it’s time to leave, say goodbye, then leave. Cutting goodbyes to a short and sweet occasion could relieve some of the sadness of leaving.
The takeaway is to not overthink moving -- your family and friends don’t disappear the moment you leave; they are just a phone call away.
The Key to Completing Your New Year's Resolutions
By Grace Mersch
January 7, 2020
Dear Mirror, I have been falling behind on my New Year's resolutions. How do I keep up?
It happens every year. When the calendar changes, social media is swarmed with posts of “new year, new me”. Many reminisce about the past year -- or even the past decade -- and even more set the notorious New Year's resolution.
According to Shireen Khalil of the New York Post, resolutions for the new year last 12 days on average. I understand they are difficult to follow, but there are ways to make it easier to reach your goal.
The best way to stick to your resolutions is to set reasonable goals. This may sound redundant, but it really works. When someone sets a resolution that is out of their reach, it would only make it more difficult to keep up.
Along with setting reasonable goals, it is important to leave room for mistakes. Everyone is subject to them, but allowing for small mistakes would contribute to the success of the resolution in the long run.
Perhaps the most important factor in setting a successful resolution, is to do something that incites passion. Setting a resolution that does not make you excited will not bring motivation to follow through with the plan.
Okay, so you have figured out how to decide on a resolution, but how will you actually follow through with it? The simplest answer: a schedule.
Organization is key. Keep a planner, a calendar, post-it notes or even cell phone apps to remind you of your goals. Even more, keep it personalized. Some people enjoy doing a lot in one day, and others do not. The intensity of your every day activities in regards to your resolution depend on your organization and schedule.
In the end, it is important to trust in yourself. Believing in yourself when reaching your goals, along with picking the resolution that is most important to you, will help you to become a better person for the next year to come.
January 7, 2020
Dear Mirror, I have been falling behind on my New Year's resolutions. How do I keep up?
It happens every year. When the calendar changes, social media is swarmed with posts of “new year, new me”. Many reminisce about the past year -- or even the past decade -- and even more set the notorious New Year's resolution.
According to Shireen Khalil of the New York Post, resolutions for the new year last 12 days on average. I understand they are difficult to follow, but there are ways to make it easier to reach your goal.
The best way to stick to your resolutions is to set reasonable goals. This may sound redundant, but it really works. When someone sets a resolution that is out of their reach, it would only make it more difficult to keep up.
Along with setting reasonable goals, it is important to leave room for mistakes. Everyone is subject to them, but allowing for small mistakes would contribute to the success of the resolution in the long run.
Perhaps the most important factor in setting a successful resolution, is to do something that incites passion. Setting a resolution that does not make you excited will not bring motivation to follow through with the plan.
Okay, so you have figured out how to decide on a resolution, but how will you actually follow through with it? The simplest answer: a schedule.
Organization is key. Keep a planner, a calendar, post-it notes or even cell phone apps to remind you of your goals. Even more, keep it personalized. Some people enjoy doing a lot in one day, and others do not. The intensity of your every day activities in regards to your resolution depend on your organization and schedule.
In the end, it is important to trust in yourself. Believing in yourself when reaching your goals, along with picking the resolution that is most important to you, will help you to become a better person for the next year to come.
Hard Time Around the Holidays
By Emily Saul
December 16, 2019
Dear Mirror, I hate the holidays; how do I get through this time of year?
I understand how there can be a lot of different reasons why the holidays are difficult. It could be because of family issues or because of a bad experience that happened one year around Christmas. However, it’s important to try to enjoy this time of year the best you can.
The first thing you should do is to figure out what makes this time of year not enjoyable for you. While you may be able to generally say what it is that makes you upset, you should try to figure out why it makes you unable to have a good holiday season. Also finding the root of your problems is much better than avoiding the issue altogether. If you can’t figure out the problem, it will never get better.
The problem may just be that people are expected to have an unrealistic holiday season, as in they expect their Christmas to look like it belongs in a movie. If this is the situation, it’s a good idea to remind yourself that hardly anyone has that kind of experience, and it’s more than okay to not have the best holiday.
Another problem may be that you aren’t getting enough exposure to light. Sunlight produces vitamin D in your brain, which then produces different mood chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, both of which make you feel happy. So try to get more exposure to sunlight or fluorescent light.
According to MedicineNet.org, an increased amount of social support may be helpful if you suffer from anxiety or depression around the holiday season.
Lastly, if all your efforts of making the holidays better for you have failed, or if the issue is unresolvable, the best thing you can do is find something to take your mind off of the problem. Go try to spend some time with people who can distract you for a while; they might just make whatever is bothering you not so bad anymore.
December 16, 2019
Dear Mirror, I hate the holidays; how do I get through this time of year?
I understand how there can be a lot of different reasons why the holidays are difficult. It could be because of family issues or because of a bad experience that happened one year around Christmas. However, it’s important to try to enjoy this time of year the best you can.
The first thing you should do is to figure out what makes this time of year not enjoyable for you. While you may be able to generally say what it is that makes you upset, you should try to figure out why it makes you unable to have a good holiday season. Also finding the root of your problems is much better than avoiding the issue altogether. If you can’t figure out the problem, it will never get better.
The problem may just be that people are expected to have an unrealistic holiday season, as in they expect their Christmas to look like it belongs in a movie. If this is the situation, it’s a good idea to remind yourself that hardly anyone has that kind of experience, and it’s more than okay to not have the best holiday.
Another problem may be that you aren’t getting enough exposure to light. Sunlight produces vitamin D in your brain, which then produces different mood chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, both of which make you feel happy. So try to get more exposure to sunlight or fluorescent light.
According to MedicineNet.org, an increased amount of social support may be helpful if you suffer from anxiety or depression around the holiday season.
Lastly, if all your efforts of making the holidays better for you have failed, or if the issue is unresolvable, the best thing you can do is find something to take your mind off of the problem. Go try to spend some time with people who can distract you for a while; they might just make whatever is bothering you not so bad anymore.
Controlling Parents
By Nallisa Segrist-Bellamah
Do parents smother their kids too much? For decades parents have been known as “helicopter parents”, and it's because they are overprotective when it comes to their children's freedom.
People have different opinions on how much freedom parents should give their children. If kids show that they are trustworthy and aren't sneaky, then I feel parents should give them more freedom.
Kids achieving things on there own is more meaningful, “It's when you realized you could do something by yourself. Those are childhood's magic words: ‘I did it myself!’ Not, "’Mommy helped me do it!’”
Teenagers also want to be able to go out and feel grown. Many teenagers don't want their parents hovering over their every move. Teenagers should be able to go out with friends and make mistakes so they can learn and grow from them. Having your kids be social and out in the world ends up building so much character and will be helpful in the future.
“Relax and give them some space. Children learn a lot from failure” This quote is very true and says a lot. When children fail, it builds them and in that moment it might not feel like it, but it really helps them because they can learn from their failures.
Being a controlling parent can cause your kids to be exhausted; your kids will always be worried about what you think or whether or not they will be able to go out and have a fun time. Also, this amount of stress can cause your kids to get anxiety because they see you being so stressed about everything they're doing.
In the end, it'll be better for you because they will end up feeling comfortable to come to you about their problems and express how teenagers are feeling.
Letting go sometimes and allowing your child their freedom to play, get messy and learn new things on their own isn't only good for them, but also for the parent. It'll help the parent raise an independent, strong child who is ready to face whatever the world throws at them.
Do parents smother their kids too much? For decades parents have been known as “helicopter parents”, and it's because they are overprotective when it comes to their children's freedom.
People have different opinions on how much freedom parents should give their children. If kids show that they are trustworthy and aren't sneaky, then I feel parents should give them more freedom.
Kids achieving things on there own is more meaningful, “It's when you realized you could do something by yourself. Those are childhood's magic words: ‘I did it myself!’ Not, "’Mommy helped me do it!’”
Teenagers also want to be able to go out and feel grown. Many teenagers don't want their parents hovering over their every move. Teenagers should be able to go out with friends and make mistakes so they can learn and grow from them. Having your kids be social and out in the world ends up building so much character and will be helpful in the future.
“Relax and give them some space. Children learn a lot from failure” This quote is very true and says a lot. When children fail, it builds them and in that moment it might not feel like it, but it really helps them because they can learn from their failures.
Being a controlling parent can cause your kids to be exhausted; your kids will always be worried about what you think or whether or not they will be able to go out and have a fun time. Also, this amount of stress can cause your kids to get anxiety because they see you being so stressed about everything they're doing.
In the end, it'll be better for you because they will end up feeling comfortable to come to you about their problems and express how teenagers are feeling.
Letting go sometimes and allowing your child their freedom to play, get messy and learn new things on their own isn't only good for them, but also for the parent. It'll help the parent raise an independent, strong child who is ready to face whatever the world throws at them.
Mentally Drained
By Emily Saul
November 13, 2019
Dear Mirror, I’ve been feeling extremely drained and stuck in life for a long time. Can you help me?
First off, I completely understand where you're coming from. And I think it’s fair to say we all, at least somewhat, have felt this way at one time or another. It’s a pretty common thing to go through during the school year, too, as it takes a lot of mental energy to sit through classes for seven hours, and to be expected to put 100 percent energy into every assignment you’re given.
I know this problem seems like one that will never have a solution, but I think the first thing you need to do is try to start thinking positively. I know that’s easier said than done, but even if you just think to yourself a couple times a day: It will get better.
Secondly, you should try something new, and it can really be anything. Try to find a new hobby, maybe try to find a job, if you don’t have one yet or you can even do some volunteer work. Volunteering can really help you find yourself, because you are helping others without receiving any kind of compensation. It may seem like adding more to your plate may make you more stressed and/or drained, but becoming busy is really helpful to taking your mind off the negative things going on in your life. I know this from personal experiences.
Another thing you can do is to spend some time with your friends and family. If you’re feeling down, I know it can be hard to feel motivated to go out and attempt to have fun, but if you at least try, it really can make you feel better, and, again, you’ll be busy, so you won’t have enough time to drown yourself in negative thoughts.
In general, keeping a positive mindset and reminding yourself you will be okay, and things can and will get better are most important in bringing yourself out of a bad state.
November 13, 2019
Dear Mirror, I’ve been feeling extremely drained and stuck in life for a long time. Can you help me?
First off, I completely understand where you're coming from. And I think it’s fair to say we all, at least somewhat, have felt this way at one time or another. It’s a pretty common thing to go through during the school year, too, as it takes a lot of mental energy to sit through classes for seven hours, and to be expected to put 100 percent energy into every assignment you’re given.
I know this problem seems like one that will never have a solution, but I think the first thing you need to do is try to start thinking positively. I know that’s easier said than done, but even if you just think to yourself a couple times a day: It will get better.
Secondly, you should try something new, and it can really be anything. Try to find a new hobby, maybe try to find a job, if you don’t have one yet or you can even do some volunteer work. Volunteering can really help you find yourself, because you are helping others without receiving any kind of compensation. It may seem like adding more to your plate may make you more stressed and/or drained, but becoming busy is really helpful to taking your mind off the negative things going on in your life. I know this from personal experiences.
Another thing you can do is to spend some time with your friends and family. If you’re feeling down, I know it can be hard to feel motivated to go out and attempt to have fun, but if you at least try, it really can make you feel better, and, again, you’ll be busy, so you won’t have enough time to drown yourself in negative thoughts.
In general, keeping a positive mindset and reminding yourself you will be okay, and things can and will get better are most important in bringing yourself out of a bad state.
Home Life Affecting My Education
By Raegan Lewis
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I have a bad home life, and it’s interfering with my education. What should I do?
First things first: don’t feel embarrassed. It’s okay to reach out to others because it is guaranteed that others are going through the same thing. It happens to a lot more people than you think.
First, it’s important to classify “bad” Is it verbal, mental, or physical? Do you feel safe? Do you feel you’re traumatized at home, or do you just not like doing what your parents request? How long has this been happening? What's the worst thing that's happened to you at home? Are there any drugs or alcohol involved? There are some things that you can handle on your own and some things that are out of your reach.
Either way, I would recommend going to your school's guidance counselor or another adult you trust and sit them down to talk. It’s okay to have a heart-to-heart to let them know how you’re really feeling. In a best case scenario, this solves the problem. If not, they might be able to point you to someone else who can help.
If you were to open up to the right person, then you’ll be fine. I'm not saying to open up to everyone, but find the right one. They can talk to your teachers so they know you’re going through a tough time and may be more understanding and considerate of your missing work, but don’t take advantage of this.
It’s easy to fall down the slippery slope of neglecting your work, but that will only increase your misery. Don't start to turn in your work late just because you can or do it last minute because you have an exception. DO NOT take this for granted, or you might make things harder for someone like you who has problems down the road. They are doing this for you to be nice because they understand your situation and want to help you, so do the right thing.
If you’re uncomfortable with talking to a teacher, then try a trusted friend, and maybe their parents. Explain the situation, and they could talk to the school for you. You could even try to stay at their house if they are comfortable with it.
Tell the truth about what's really going on, but don’t lead it on, it could be worse than it is. Know that you’re going through a tough time, but things will improve with time, especially when you take steps to help yourself.
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I have a bad home life, and it’s interfering with my education. What should I do?
First things first: don’t feel embarrassed. It’s okay to reach out to others because it is guaranteed that others are going through the same thing. It happens to a lot more people than you think.
First, it’s important to classify “bad” Is it verbal, mental, or physical? Do you feel safe? Do you feel you’re traumatized at home, or do you just not like doing what your parents request? How long has this been happening? What's the worst thing that's happened to you at home? Are there any drugs or alcohol involved? There are some things that you can handle on your own and some things that are out of your reach.
Either way, I would recommend going to your school's guidance counselor or another adult you trust and sit them down to talk. It’s okay to have a heart-to-heart to let them know how you’re really feeling. In a best case scenario, this solves the problem. If not, they might be able to point you to someone else who can help.
If you were to open up to the right person, then you’ll be fine. I'm not saying to open up to everyone, but find the right one. They can talk to your teachers so they know you’re going through a tough time and may be more understanding and considerate of your missing work, but don’t take advantage of this.
It’s easy to fall down the slippery slope of neglecting your work, but that will only increase your misery. Don't start to turn in your work late just because you can or do it last minute because you have an exception. DO NOT take this for granted, or you might make things harder for someone like you who has problems down the road. They are doing this for you to be nice because they understand your situation and want to help you, so do the right thing.
If you’re uncomfortable with talking to a teacher, then try a trusted friend, and maybe their parents. Explain the situation, and they could talk to the school for you. You could even try to stay at their house if they are comfortable with it.
Tell the truth about what's really going on, but don’t lead it on, it could be worse than it is. Know that you’re going through a tough time, but things will improve with time, especially when you take steps to help yourself.
Balancing Work and School
By Emily Betts
November 8. 2019
Dear Mirror, How do I manage school and work?
Managing school and work can be very hard. You have homework, assignments to catch up on and much more, along with the stress of having a job and things to remember at your job.
From experience, I know going to work right after school and trying to get school work done is very, very difficult. Every other day I go straight from school to work. I am always very stressed and never can seem to get all that I need to do, done. I've tried a few things that seem to help a little, such as timing myself -- and when I have free time at work, I work on what I need to for school. Depending on where you work, you may be able to do that, or when you have a break at work, you could get some homework done.
Sometimes I am not able to get things done at work, so I have to do school work at home. The way I get through it is to make sure you make time for yourself at home. It is very stressful when you are extremely tired from being up at 6 a.m., and then having to stay up and do many tasks before getting a chance to lay down or get any rest.
If you find yourself stressed and tired from going to school and working, take your time, shorten your hours, talk to your boss and get some extra rest. Go to bed at a certain time at night so you can get some extra rest. Being mentaly and physically healthy is way more important than making some extra cash.
Next time you’re feeling this way, just calm down and make sure you're okay before continuing what you are doing.
November 8. 2019
Dear Mirror, How do I manage school and work?
Managing school and work can be very hard. You have homework, assignments to catch up on and much more, along with the stress of having a job and things to remember at your job.
From experience, I know going to work right after school and trying to get school work done is very, very difficult. Every other day I go straight from school to work. I am always very stressed and never can seem to get all that I need to do, done. I've tried a few things that seem to help a little, such as timing myself -- and when I have free time at work, I work on what I need to for school. Depending on where you work, you may be able to do that, or when you have a break at work, you could get some homework done.
Sometimes I am not able to get things done at work, so I have to do school work at home. The way I get through it is to make sure you make time for yourself at home. It is very stressful when you are extremely tired from being up at 6 a.m., and then having to stay up and do many tasks before getting a chance to lay down or get any rest.
If you find yourself stressed and tired from going to school and working, take your time, shorten your hours, talk to your boss and get some extra rest. Go to bed at a certain time at night so you can get some extra rest. Being mentaly and physically healthy is way more important than making some extra cash.
Next time you’re feeling this way, just calm down and make sure you're okay before continuing what you are doing.
Screen Addiction
By Braeden Eynon Long
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I can't peel myself off of a screen, I think I’m addicted. How do I lessen my usage?
This is relatable. Every day -- whether it’s your phone, computer, or TV -- the constant need to have a screen in front of you can be annoying, I know.
There are a few options on how to limit and reduce your screen usage. With a phone, you might want to consider setting limits to the amount of time that devices are able to be used, certain devices like iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices have built in features that allow the restriction of screen time. You can use these along with self enforced restrictions to stay off of phones, computers, on the other hand don't really have built in restrictions like this, those require more self enforced restrictions.
It would help to train your brain to not need to have a screen in front of you. That need is what feeds your addiction. If you find yourself in front of a screen more than you or your parents would like, telling yourself to drop the screens is one step towards freeing yourself from the mindset of needing the screen. Separating yourself from, let’s say, your phone, is hard. You love your phone, you need your phone, and just giving it up for extended periods of time is difficult. Giving up your phone is a good way to not use it.
Consider turning off the notifications for apps on your devices, especially social media, not getting notified about the things on your phone will reduce the amount of times you pick it up to check “who’s doing this?”, What’s going on there?” because once you’re on it, you just don’t stop. If you identify one or two particular apps that just seen to suck your time away, try deleting them for awhile and that could be just what you needed.
At the end of the day, it would be hard to live without our phones, tablets, computers, because we rely on them for entertainment, communication, school, work, everywhere. However taking the time and making an effort to reduce how much of our limited time we spend on them could make all the difference.
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I can't peel myself off of a screen, I think I’m addicted. How do I lessen my usage?
This is relatable. Every day -- whether it’s your phone, computer, or TV -- the constant need to have a screen in front of you can be annoying, I know.
There are a few options on how to limit and reduce your screen usage. With a phone, you might want to consider setting limits to the amount of time that devices are able to be used, certain devices like iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices have built in features that allow the restriction of screen time. You can use these along with self enforced restrictions to stay off of phones, computers, on the other hand don't really have built in restrictions like this, those require more self enforced restrictions.
It would help to train your brain to not need to have a screen in front of you. That need is what feeds your addiction. If you find yourself in front of a screen more than you or your parents would like, telling yourself to drop the screens is one step towards freeing yourself from the mindset of needing the screen. Separating yourself from, let’s say, your phone, is hard. You love your phone, you need your phone, and just giving it up for extended periods of time is difficult. Giving up your phone is a good way to not use it.
Consider turning off the notifications for apps on your devices, especially social media, not getting notified about the things on your phone will reduce the amount of times you pick it up to check “who’s doing this?”, What’s going on there?” because once you’re on it, you just don’t stop. If you identify one or two particular apps that just seen to suck your time away, try deleting them for awhile and that could be just what you needed.
At the end of the day, it would be hard to live without our phones, tablets, computers, because we rely on them for entertainment, communication, school, work, everywhere. However taking the time and making an effort to reduce how much of our limited time we spend on them could make all the difference.
Insensitive parents
By: Brandon Roberts
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, my parents don’t listen to me, how can I talk to them about it?
First, you have to know that this is a worldwide issue that has been happening since the beginning of time. Not everyone has a great relationship with their parents. There are people who don’t even communicate or get the chance to know them. You may feel alone at times, but reaching out to your parents is something that can lead to a better relationship and a solution to your problems.
Bringing up the issue is the first step. Your parents are here to be your guidelines through the toughest processes in your life. Parents are humans too, and they aren’t mind-readers. They might be waiting for you to open up so they can feel like they are doing their job as a parent by relieving some stress and easing the pain.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is very difficult to do, but once you do it, you’re going to feel so much relief. Your parents might not know how to start the conversation; they might not want you to feel forced to talk to them about the issues, but want you to know, help is there when you need it. Sometimes it can be hard for parents to reach out and check up on their kid because there’s always the possibility of them getting turned down and feeling as if you don’t need them.
In the end, building the confidence isn’t an easy process, but sometimes you have to just swallow your pride and go for it, and just hope for the best result. It can be scary to open up because you may get the feeling that someone will see you differently, but your parents could never. They’ve shaped you into the person you are today, and, at the end of the day, they will be here for you, no matter what your problem or situation is.
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, my parents don’t listen to me, how can I talk to them about it?
First, you have to know that this is a worldwide issue that has been happening since the beginning of time. Not everyone has a great relationship with their parents. There are people who don’t even communicate or get the chance to know them. You may feel alone at times, but reaching out to your parents is something that can lead to a better relationship and a solution to your problems.
Bringing up the issue is the first step. Your parents are here to be your guidelines through the toughest processes in your life. Parents are humans too, and they aren’t mind-readers. They might be waiting for you to open up so they can feel like they are doing their job as a parent by relieving some stress and easing the pain.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is very difficult to do, but once you do it, you’re going to feel so much relief. Your parents might not know how to start the conversation; they might not want you to feel forced to talk to them about the issues, but want you to know, help is there when you need it. Sometimes it can be hard for parents to reach out and check up on their kid because there’s always the possibility of them getting turned down and feeling as if you don’t need them.
In the end, building the confidence isn’t an easy process, but sometimes you have to just swallow your pride and go for it, and just hope for the best result. It can be scary to open up because you may get the feeling that someone will see you differently, but your parents could never. They’ve shaped you into the person you are today, and, at the end of the day, they will be here for you, no matter what your problem or situation is.
Nervous to Join a New Sport
By Elijah Partin
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I’m trying to join a sport; what if I’m not good enough?
It is hard to put yourself out there. It’s completely normal to be scared, especially if you have no experience with this sport. It might feel like all the other athletes have been playing for a long time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be an asset to the team. Be confident and don't let the possible judgements of yourself, your team, or your coaches hold you back.
It might be worth contacting the coach to let them know how much it means to you to play the sport. Passion is a powerful motivator. Coaches don’t want to work with players who show no commitment to the game, no matter how athletic they are.
Coaches want to work with kids who have a strong work ethic, you might want to consider putting in work on your own time and not just during practice. For example, if the sport was basketball, you could go run a mile or two for conditioning, then you could do some dribbling drills, and get around 200 shots up. For football, you could work on route running and shooting your hands to tackle somebody. For baseball or softball, maybe stand next to a fence and get your swing down. Get somebody to soft toss some balls so you can drive the ball.
It’s the same for all sports like getting work in. All you have to do is search some drills for beginners on YouTube. As you’re searching for drills, take notes and find some stuff you can do to stand out at tryouts. Most coaches will take work ethic over athletic ability.
You should really follow your own dreams and not let anyone tell you what you should do. Make your own decisions and stand out. Don’t be a follower, be a leader, and do what you think is best for you. Not only coaches, but other people around like other players will want to be a leader just like you some day. Don’t be a trend-follower, be a trend-setter.
At the end of the day just see what is best for you. You don’t know if you don’t come out and try.
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I’m trying to join a sport; what if I’m not good enough?
It is hard to put yourself out there. It’s completely normal to be scared, especially if you have no experience with this sport. It might feel like all the other athletes have been playing for a long time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be an asset to the team. Be confident and don't let the possible judgements of yourself, your team, or your coaches hold you back.
It might be worth contacting the coach to let them know how much it means to you to play the sport. Passion is a powerful motivator. Coaches don’t want to work with players who show no commitment to the game, no matter how athletic they are.
Coaches want to work with kids who have a strong work ethic, you might want to consider putting in work on your own time and not just during practice. For example, if the sport was basketball, you could go run a mile or two for conditioning, then you could do some dribbling drills, and get around 200 shots up. For football, you could work on route running and shooting your hands to tackle somebody. For baseball or softball, maybe stand next to a fence and get your swing down. Get somebody to soft toss some balls so you can drive the ball.
It’s the same for all sports like getting work in. All you have to do is search some drills for beginners on YouTube. As you’re searching for drills, take notes and find some stuff you can do to stand out at tryouts. Most coaches will take work ethic over athletic ability.
You should really follow your own dreams and not let anyone tell you what you should do. Make your own decisions and stand out. Don’t be a follower, be a leader, and do what you think is best for you. Not only coaches, but other people around like other players will want to be a leader just like you some day. Don’t be a trend-follower, be a trend-setter.
At the end of the day just see what is best for you. You don’t know if you don’t come out and try.
Living a Double Life
By Grace Mersch
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I’ve been having a hard time managing school and my home life. What should I do?
I understand how stressful it can be to manage your school and home lives. We go to school for seven hours a day, and then we are expected to go home and get our homework done while also spending time with our families. There is no simple solution to this, but we must find what works for us.
The first thing to consider: don’t do too much. I know we like our extracurriculars, but at this point, it is necessary to put mental health as our first priority. We are currently at the most stressful point of our lives, and the best thing to do is to focus on school work and spending time with others.
Another beneficial thing would be to devote time for your homework while letting go of distractions. Try to dedicate maybe 2 or 3 hours for your homework, preferably right after school to lessen the stress. That way, after you finish your homework, you have free time to be able to spend time with family or friends. Homework can also be done more efficiently when you let go of all distractions, such as your phone or conversations with other people.
Having an after-school job can pose a serious problem when balancing your many responsibilities. There is not much advice to be given with this; however, finding the perfect balance between homework and jobs helps to lessen the stress a little.
The bottom line: find what you value and work from there. If extracurriculars are your main priority, then continue with it. Keep doing the things you love, but do them wisely. If you know you have a lot of homework, it might be a good idea to keep that in mind right after school.
In the end, having a schedule is important. Aim for consistency with work, extracurriculars, and homework in order to have a less stressful high school career. Learning how to manage your time is something that will not just benefit you for now — it is a lifelong skill.
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I’ve been having a hard time managing school and my home life. What should I do?
I understand how stressful it can be to manage your school and home lives. We go to school for seven hours a day, and then we are expected to go home and get our homework done while also spending time with our families. There is no simple solution to this, but we must find what works for us.
The first thing to consider: don’t do too much. I know we like our extracurriculars, but at this point, it is necessary to put mental health as our first priority. We are currently at the most stressful point of our lives, and the best thing to do is to focus on school work and spending time with others.
Another beneficial thing would be to devote time for your homework while letting go of distractions. Try to dedicate maybe 2 or 3 hours for your homework, preferably right after school to lessen the stress. That way, after you finish your homework, you have free time to be able to spend time with family or friends. Homework can also be done more efficiently when you let go of all distractions, such as your phone or conversations with other people.
Having an after-school job can pose a serious problem when balancing your many responsibilities. There is not much advice to be given with this; however, finding the perfect balance between homework and jobs helps to lessen the stress a little.
The bottom line: find what you value and work from there. If extracurriculars are your main priority, then continue with it. Keep doing the things you love, but do them wisely. If you know you have a lot of homework, it might be a good idea to keep that in mind right after school.
In the end, having a schedule is important. Aim for consistency with work, extracurriculars, and homework in order to have a less stressful high school career. Learning how to manage your time is something that will not just benefit you for now — it is a lifelong skill.
Education Vs. Bad Home Life
By Tara Boettcher
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I have a bad home life and it’s affecting my education. What should I do? Should I talk to someone?
I’m sorry that life is tough at home right now, and I hope it gets better. I know this must make you feel like you are totally alone, but trust me, you are not. There are many other students nationwide that are struggling with the same issues as you are.
Something that might help you is seeing the guidance counselor or social worker at school. There's no shame in it, and they are always available and pleased to help students. This can help with the overload of emotions you feel during school due to the effect your home life is having on you. Even teachers can help you; If you talk to them, they will certainly try and make things easier on you or just be understanding to your situation and try to sympathize with you.
You might also want to consider spending more time outside of home doing activities you enjoy. This can include spending time with friends outside of school, which may be the perfect solution to get your mind off of things. You could take up a new hobby in which you put all of your attention towards, which can be beneficial to your mental health.
One other thing you might want to try is to talk to your family. If your situation is something that you can talk to your parents or immediate family about, then I think you should go for it. They might be compassionate and try to make the situation better for you, and if they don’t, then it was worth trying to make things better for yourself. Sometimes communication is what is best. If your family doesn’t know something is bothering you, then they can’t help you.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember you are not alone, and the best thing to do might be to talk to someone who won’t judge you.
November 8, 2019
Dear Mirror, I have a bad home life and it’s affecting my education. What should I do? Should I talk to someone?
I’m sorry that life is tough at home right now, and I hope it gets better. I know this must make you feel like you are totally alone, but trust me, you are not. There are many other students nationwide that are struggling with the same issues as you are.
Something that might help you is seeing the guidance counselor or social worker at school. There's no shame in it, and they are always available and pleased to help students. This can help with the overload of emotions you feel during school due to the effect your home life is having on you. Even teachers can help you; If you talk to them, they will certainly try and make things easier on you or just be understanding to your situation and try to sympathize with you.
You might also want to consider spending more time outside of home doing activities you enjoy. This can include spending time with friends outside of school, which may be the perfect solution to get your mind off of things. You could take up a new hobby in which you put all of your attention towards, which can be beneficial to your mental health.
One other thing you might want to try is to talk to your family. If your situation is something that you can talk to your parents or immediate family about, then I think you should go for it. They might be compassionate and try to make the situation better for you, and if they don’t, then it was worth trying to make things better for yourself. Sometimes communication is what is best. If your family doesn’t know something is bothering you, then they can’t help you.
At the end of the day, it is important to remember you are not alone, and the best thing to do might be to talk to someone who won’t judge you.
Unrealistic Adult Expectations
By Daliah Khalil
November 7, 2019
Dear Mirror, My parents have unrealistic expectations of me, what should I do?
I understand that parents can be very strict and set unrealistic standards for their child. It may seem impossible to the child, but to the parents it seems easy. I'm sorry that your parents put too much pressure on wanting you to be their "perfect child". It's hard to fit into the standard of being "perfect". This must make you feel unworthy, or even incapable, when in reality that is false.
Have you considered sitting down with your parents and talking it out? This way, your parents will understand your point of view, but also allows you to understand your parents thinking. Although listening to what your parents might have to say can be difficult at times, I recommend just going with what they say. Even if they’re wrong, once they finish talking to you, go back and correct their error, politely, of course. Talking with your mom and dad will also help you get your struggles of concerns off your chest.
It is important to think about the difference of generation you’re living in compared to your parents. They might expect more just because of the plentiful opportunities you are given compared to them, especially when it comes to going to college, or even just going to high school. Depending on the time period your parent was a teen, some might not have even went to college because having a high school diploma was capable of giving that person a good job. In today's society having a college degree is a necessity of even applying to a good job. Your parents probably just want you to live a better life than the life they had to live.
Being unable to reach unrealistic expectations set by your parents can be distressing. You'll feel overwhelmed or unable to complete a task. It is okay to make mistakes; everyone is allowed to make mistakes. You are human, and it's okay to not be perfect. Each person is perfect in their own way, and you do not need to fit into anyone's standards.
At the end of the day one of these pieces of advice is bound to help you come to a conclusion.
November 7, 2019
Dear Mirror, My parents have unrealistic expectations of me, what should I do?
I understand that parents can be very strict and set unrealistic standards for their child. It may seem impossible to the child, but to the parents it seems easy. I'm sorry that your parents put too much pressure on wanting you to be their "perfect child". It's hard to fit into the standard of being "perfect". This must make you feel unworthy, or even incapable, when in reality that is false.
Have you considered sitting down with your parents and talking it out? This way, your parents will understand your point of view, but also allows you to understand your parents thinking. Although listening to what your parents might have to say can be difficult at times, I recommend just going with what they say. Even if they’re wrong, once they finish talking to you, go back and correct their error, politely, of course. Talking with your mom and dad will also help you get your struggles of concerns off your chest.
It is important to think about the difference of generation you’re living in compared to your parents. They might expect more just because of the plentiful opportunities you are given compared to them, especially when it comes to going to college, or even just going to high school. Depending on the time period your parent was a teen, some might not have even went to college because having a high school diploma was capable of giving that person a good job. In today's society having a college degree is a necessity of even applying to a good job. Your parents probably just want you to live a better life than the life they had to live.
Being unable to reach unrealistic expectations set by your parents can be distressing. You'll feel overwhelmed or unable to complete a task. It is okay to make mistakes; everyone is allowed to make mistakes. You are human, and it's okay to not be perfect. Each person is perfect in their own way, and you do not need to fit into anyone's standards.
At the end of the day one of these pieces of advice is bound to help you come to a conclusion.
How to Improve Mental Health
Source: Pixabay
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By Destiny Lortos
November 7, 2019 Dear Mirror, I don’t have time to have good mental health, what should I do? I understand that mental health can be difficult to prioritize, or maybe you aren’t even sure how to improve it. One thing that could help is to, first, actually understand what is wrong, possibly see a doctor and listen to what they have to say and take it into consideration. They can help you receive medication you may need or help you even get a therapist. They will help you decide the best method for you. It’s important to take time for your mental health. If you don’t have good mental health, it makes everything else drag. It would probably be best to start off with time management. Once you understand how long it takes to do everything, it can help you include ways to increase your mental health. Some simple, quick ways to boost your mental health I can help with is first, work out. I know that sounds dreadful. However, this is any form of exercise, weather it be taking a walk, doing some yoga, hiking, anything you like. Another thing that doesn’t sound appealing but isn’t as bad as you may think is to have a better diet. Now, I’m not saying you need to cut the calories and eat this or that. Just include a few things into your current diet like a banana or more water. It’ll boost your mood. Take some time to do something you enjoy or makes you feel good. If you love to paint or draw bust out that pencil and brush even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Also the most important thing is you may think you don’t have time but you can make time. Once you realize that and put everything else into action, it’ll get better. At the end of the day, putting yourself above everything else is really important. Everything else can be done as well, but neglecting you won’t help anything else you have to do or get done. |
2018-19 School Year
Prom Dre$$e$
By Abigail Privett
April 23, 2019
Dear Mirror, I want to go to prom this year but I’m afraid I won’t have the money for a dress and tickets, what should I do?
Don’t worry! We’ve all been there and there are definitely options other than just not going. If you are afraid you won’t have the money, there are people in the school who may be able to help, such as guidance counselors JoAnn Payne or Megan Gladfelter. If you don’t have the money for a dress, there are applications to Kenzie’s Closet, an organization focused on giving deserving students prom attire, in the guidance office.
All you have to do is fill out the form and then wait for an email to find out if you’re approved. At Kenzie's Closet, they will supply you with a dress, shoes, a purse and jewelry. They are super nice, and have the most beautiful dresses for any shape or size. I went there last year for my prom dress and loved my experience.
There are also some places that you can rent a dress, just like how you can rent a tux. There are websites such as www.renttherunway.com and www.charlottes-closet.com that you can rent a dress that would have retailed at hundreds of dollars for less than $100.
All you do is order the dress and then send it back after your dance, easy as that. Look out for fees for shipping and handling though. Also, some of the renting prices are more than if you were to just buy a less expensive dress, so that’s always something to take into consideration.
That’s why if you are on a super low budget, Kenzie’s Closet is the place for you. You can find super nice dresses there that would have been expensive if you were to buy it retail. They also supply shoes for free which is another expense you could have to pay for otherwise, even if you did rent a dress.
There is also Danielle’s Legacy that gives out free dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry without any kind of paperwork. All you have to do is check them out at the Norwood Community center. They have a Facebook page that can give more information.
There are always options so you can have as wonderful a night as everybody else, so don’t let money stand in your way!
April 23, 2019
Dear Mirror, I want to go to prom this year but I’m afraid I won’t have the money for a dress and tickets, what should I do?
Don’t worry! We’ve all been there and there are definitely options other than just not going. If you are afraid you won’t have the money, there are people in the school who may be able to help, such as guidance counselors JoAnn Payne or Megan Gladfelter. If you don’t have the money for a dress, there are applications to Kenzie’s Closet, an organization focused on giving deserving students prom attire, in the guidance office.
All you have to do is fill out the form and then wait for an email to find out if you’re approved. At Kenzie's Closet, they will supply you with a dress, shoes, a purse and jewelry. They are super nice, and have the most beautiful dresses for any shape or size. I went there last year for my prom dress and loved my experience.
There are also some places that you can rent a dress, just like how you can rent a tux. There are websites such as www.renttherunway.com and www.charlottes-closet.com that you can rent a dress that would have retailed at hundreds of dollars for less than $100.
All you do is order the dress and then send it back after your dance, easy as that. Look out for fees for shipping and handling though. Also, some of the renting prices are more than if you were to just buy a less expensive dress, so that’s always something to take into consideration.
That’s why if you are on a super low budget, Kenzie’s Closet is the place for you. You can find super nice dresses there that would have been expensive if you were to buy it retail. They also supply shoes for free which is another expense you could have to pay for otherwise, even if you did rent a dress.
There is also Danielle’s Legacy that gives out free dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry without any kind of paperwork. All you have to do is check them out at the Norwood Community center. They have a Facebook page that can give more information.
There are always options so you can have as wonderful a night as everybody else, so don’t let money stand in your way!
How to Steer Away From Technology
By Madison Anderson
April 18, 2019
Dear Mirror, I feel like I’m addicted to my phone. What else can I do to occupy myself?
I understand how you could feel like you’re using too much of your time on your cell phone. As a teenager, it’s common to lean on your phone when you don’t know what else to do.
For starters, I realize how frustrating boredom can be. However, there are a wide variety of alternatives to settle your boredom than just being on your phone. One thing you can take into consideration is that spring has already arrived and the weather is only going to get warmer from here. Try gathering up a couple of friends and going out for ice cream.
Of course, it can be relaxing to lay down on your bed and scroll through social media, but one thing you have to keep in mind is that the whole world doesn’t have to revolve around your phone.
Another thing you can do is spend some quality time with your family. Those little moments are the ones that count the most at the end of the day. You don’t want to grow up and the only moments you know are the ones that were caught on camera. Believe me, you’re going to want to be able to tell your kids stories about your childhood.
Another piece of advice I can offer is when you’re doing small things such as going to the convenient store or running errands with your mom, leave your phone at home. There’s nothing that important on social media that can’t wait one hour.
Have you considered limiting the amount of screen time you use? You can start by checking your most frequently used app and reduce the time you spend on it each day by thirty minutes. This could help a lot if you really think about it. As mom-like as it sounds, you can be using those thirty minutes to do something important like studying, cleaning your room or doing laundry.
When all is said and done, free time is not going to change itself. There are many other things to do and there’s so many hobbies that can distract you from having your nose in your phone and I hope you find exactly that.
April 18, 2019
Dear Mirror, I feel like I’m addicted to my phone. What else can I do to occupy myself?
I understand how you could feel like you’re using too much of your time on your cell phone. As a teenager, it’s common to lean on your phone when you don’t know what else to do.
For starters, I realize how frustrating boredom can be. However, there are a wide variety of alternatives to settle your boredom than just being on your phone. One thing you can take into consideration is that spring has already arrived and the weather is only going to get warmer from here. Try gathering up a couple of friends and going out for ice cream.
Of course, it can be relaxing to lay down on your bed and scroll through social media, but one thing you have to keep in mind is that the whole world doesn’t have to revolve around your phone.
Another thing you can do is spend some quality time with your family. Those little moments are the ones that count the most at the end of the day. You don’t want to grow up and the only moments you know are the ones that were caught on camera. Believe me, you’re going to want to be able to tell your kids stories about your childhood.
Another piece of advice I can offer is when you’re doing small things such as going to the convenient store or running errands with your mom, leave your phone at home. There’s nothing that important on social media that can’t wait one hour.
Have you considered limiting the amount of screen time you use? You can start by checking your most frequently used app and reduce the time you spend on it each day by thirty minutes. This could help a lot if you really think about it. As mom-like as it sounds, you can be using those thirty minutes to do something important like studying, cleaning your room or doing laundry.
When all is said and done, free time is not going to change itself. There are many other things to do and there’s so many hobbies that can distract you from having your nose in your phone and I hope you find exactly that.
My Advice to Incoming Seniors
By Destiny Carter
April 17, 2019
You made it. Passing the hardest year of your high school career, junior year. And now that the long awaited senior year is here, you can finally say you’ve made it. The 11 years in school has lead up to this year, arguably the most important school year of your life.
Senior year is when you’ll decide what you’re going to do with your future. It’s going to hold some of the best memories of your life and definitely some disappointments. Deciding what college you’re going to attend or whether you’re actually going to go to college or going to be taking a year off.
What people say about senioritis is 100 percent true. I say that from my experience. But then again I think I’ve had senioritis since I was a freshman. All I can say is it’s been rough; my grades this year have been the lowest they’ve been and I never have motivation for anything. Don’t let your motivation go when this year is the most important.
It’s different for me though, since I won’t be attending college in the fall I don’t necessarily have to keep my grades up to the best of their capabilities, and that’s causing me to have no motivation to do anything. Keep up to date with your schoolwork and your grades, they still matter just as much as previous years of high school. Always meet deadlines, whether it’s schoolwork deadlines or college deadlines, always turn in your stuff on time.
Choosing what college you’ll be attending is one of the most important things about senior year. Decide what college is best for you and which has the best programs. Don't base the college you're going to attend around where your friends are going.
Apply for all the scholarships you can, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get free money. Some of the applications may seem drawn out and long but it’s FREE money. Remember that.
If you decide you don’t want to go to college, there are always online classes that you can take. The classes get you more certified and makes your resume look better, so when applying for jobs you’ll have a higher chance of getting an interview and potentially even getting the job.
Don’t stress, I know that’s the worst thing to say when it’s a stressful situation, but don’t stress yourself out. Everything will sooner or later work itself out.
Enjoy your senior year, for some it will be the last year of school forever and when you think about it, it’s kind of sad. You’ll never see more than half of your classmates once you graduate, so enjoy them while you can. Go to the last football and basketball games. Go to prom and homecoming, and enjoy the “lasts” of your high school career.
April 17, 2019
You made it. Passing the hardest year of your high school career, junior year. And now that the long awaited senior year is here, you can finally say you’ve made it. The 11 years in school has lead up to this year, arguably the most important school year of your life.
Senior year is when you’ll decide what you’re going to do with your future. It’s going to hold some of the best memories of your life and definitely some disappointments. Deciding what college you’re going to attend or whether you’re actually going to go to college or going to be taking a year off.
What people say about senioritis is 100 percent true. I say that from my experience. But then again I think I’ve had senioritis since I was a freshman. All I can say is it’s been rough; my grades this year have been the lowest they’ve been and I never have motivation for anything. Don’t let your motivation go when this year is the most important.
It’s different for me though, since I won’t be attending college in the fall I don’t necessarily have to keep my grades up to the best of their capabilities, and that’s causing me to have no motivation to do anything. Keep up to date with your schoolwork and your grades, they still matter just as much as previous years of high school. Always meet deadlines, whether it’s schoolwork deadlines or college deadlines, always turn in your stuff on time.
Choosing what college you’ll be attending is one of the most important things about senior year. Decide what college is best for you and which has the best programs. Don't base the college you're going to attend around where your friends are going.
Apply for all the scholarships you can, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get free money. Some of the applications may seem drawn out and long but it’s FREE money. Remember that.
If you decide you don’t want to go to college, there are always online classes that you can take. The classes get you more certified and makes your resume look better, so when applying for jobs you’ll have a higher chance of getting an interview and potentially even getting the job.
Don’t stress, I know that’s the worst thing to say when it’s a stressful situation, but don’t stress yourself out. Everything will sooner or later work itself out.
Enjoy your senior year, for some it will be the last year of school forever and when you think about it, it’s kind of sad. You’ll never see more than half of your classmates once you graduate, so enjoy them while you can. Go to the last football and basketball games. Go to prom and homecoming, and enjoy the “lasts” of your high school career.
Finishing the School Year
By Holly Borgemenke
April 15, 2019
Dear Mirror, it’s towards the end of the school year and I have no motivation left to do anything. Are there any ways you know to stay motivated?
It’s fourth quarter and there is only a small stretch of school left. At the beginning of the year getting up was hard, but now it seems like the morning alarm sounds minutes after getting into bed. Not only is everyone exhausted, but there is no motivation left. While almost everyone is going through the struggle, I know a few ways to successfully make it through the end of the year.
Everyone is excited for the end of school, and since summer is approaching, some people think sleep isn’t that important. According to Moneyinc, not enough sleep can lead to loss of focus and it makes it harder to learn. It is so important to get a good amount of sleep each night so you won’t sleepwalk through the next day.
At the end of the year, deadlines are approaching and nobody has the energy to finish the work, but waiting until the last minute will only make you stressed. Making a to-do list might sound useless, but knowing exactly what needs to be done will make everything easier. You could even buy a cheap notebook and some colored pens to make writing down daily assignments more fun.
Junior Maliyah Mabry says she owns a planner that she uses to help her juggle all of her approaching deadlines, and it helps her ensure that everything will be done on time.
Since we’ve all been at school for months now, it feels like everything has fallen into the same old routine. Get up in the morning, drag yourself to school, and then sit in your bed for the rest of the night. Instead of doing the same thing and then rushing in the morning/late-night to get work done, try changing up your routine. It’s finally nice enough to sit outside without a coat, so take your work outside and try to finish it out there. Almost everyone feels happier in the sunshine, so switch it up and sit outside while doing your homework.
I think the most important thing to remember is that the year is almost over, and there is no reason to completely throw away all of your accomplishments because of laziness. While it’s hard to not go home and binge watch Netflix all day, you will be thankful you regained your motivation for the rest of the school year.
April 15, 2019
Dear Mirror, it’s towards the end of the school year and I have no motivation left to do anything. Are there any ways you know to stay motivated?
It’s fourth quarter and there is only a small stretch of school left. At the beginning of the year getting up was hard, but now it seems like the morning alarm sounds minutes after getting into bed. Not only is everyone exhausted, but there is no motivation left. While almost everyone is going through the struggle, I know a few ways to successfully make it through the end of the year.
Everyone is excited for the end of school, and since summer is approaching, some people think sleep isn’t that important. According to Moneyinc, not enough sleep can lead to loss of focus and it makes it harder to learn. It is so important to get a good amount of sleep each night so you won’t sleepwalk through the next day.
At the end of the year, deadlines are approaching and nobody has the energy to finish the work, but waiting until the last minute will only make you stressed. Making a to-do list might sound useless, but knowing exactly what needs to be done will make everything easier. You could even buy a cheap notebook and some colored pens to make writing down daily assignments more fun.
Junior Maliyah Mabry says she owns a planner that she uses to help her juggle all of her approaching deadlines, and it helps her ensure that everything will be done on time.
Since we’ve all been at school for months now, it feels like everything has fallen into the same old routine. Get up in the morning, drag yourself to school, and then sit in your bed for the rest of the night. Instead of doing the same thing and then rushing in the morning/late-night to get work done, try changing up your routine. It’s finally nice enough to sit outside without a coat, so take your work outside and try to finish it out there. Almost everyone feels happier in the sunshine, so switch it up and sit outside while doing your homework.
I think the most important thing to remember is that the year is almost over, and there is no reason to completely throw away all of your accomplishments because of laziness. While it’s hard to not go home and binge watch Netflix all day, you will be thankful you regained your motivation for the rest of the school year.
I'm Overwhelmed. What should I do?
By Sophie Isaacs
April 9, 2019
Dear Mirror, life is so hard and overwhelming. I want to be a kid again. What do I do?
First of all, I feel you. When responsibilities start to get too overwhelming you can feel 127 Hours style trapped, under a pile of missing homework assignments and work schedules. High school, at least for me, was a rude awakening to how difficult life is.
You’re still a kid, yet you’re starting to get adult responsibilities. This feeling of dread and anxiety can also be accompanied by nostalgia and regret. You might find yourself reflecting on how fun and carefree life was before you started receiving these newfound responsibilities. But, put it in perspective and try to figure out what's really more important to you. Would you rather be able to walk around the neighborhood with your friends until 9 every night? Or would you rather drive in your own car, with your own money and essentially be able to go wherever you want?
It's hard growing up, and as much as you may want to hold on or go back to your lost childhood, you need to let go. If you dwell on it and constantly compare it to your present life, you’ll only drag yourself down. Realize that you have a plethora of amazing and brand new opportunities in front of you. You can become a whole new person if you want. The world is literally your oyster and during such an important and formative time of your life, you need to be looking forward at your blindingly bright future and not behind you.
As far as dealing with the stress of day to day, I haven't yet perfected that either. A very helpful way to deal with stress is to keep a planner. The second you have something you need to do, write it down. When you have a list of things in your head it can be overwhelming and disorganized. You might find that after you make your To-Do list, it's way less work than you were imagining and it seems more manageable.
The most important thing to remember is you will survive. Even if somehow you fail every class, lose your job and completely bail on your responsibilities, you will still be alive and breathing by the end of it. Put things in perspective, be organized, and just try to enjoy life a little bit more.
April 9, 2019
Dear Mirror, life is so hard and overwhelming. I want to be a kid again. What do I do?
First of all, I feel you. When responsibilities start to get too overwhelming you can feel 127 Hours style trapped, under a pile of missing homework assignments and work schedules. High school, at least for me, was a rude awakening to how difficult life is.
You’re still a kid, yet you’re starting to get adult responsibilities. This feeling of dread and anxiety can also be accompanied by nostalgia and regret. You might find yourself reflecting on how fun and carefree life was before you started receiving these newfound responsibilities. But, put it in perspective and try to figure out what's really more important to you. Would you rather be able to walk around the neighborhood with your friends until 9 every night? Or would you rather drive in your own car, with your own money and essentially be able to go wherever you want?
It's hard growing up, and as much as you may want to hold on or go back to your lost childhood, you need to let go. If you dwell on it and constantly compare it to your present life, you’ll only drag yourself down. Realize that you have a plethora of amazing and brand new opportunities in front of you. You can become a whole new person if you want. The world is literally your oyster and during such an important and formative time of your life, you need to be looking forward at your blindingly bright future and not behind you.
As far as dealing with the stress of day to day, I haven't yet perfected that either. A very helpful way to deal with stress is to keep a planner. The second you have something you need to do, write it down. When you have a list of things in your head it can be overwhelming and disorganized. You might find that after you make your To-Do list, it's way less work than you were imagining and it seems more manageable.
The most important thing to remember is you will survive. Even if somehow you fail every class, lose your job and completely bail on your responsibilities, you will still be alive and breathing by the end of it. Put things in perspective, be organized, and just try to enjoy life a little bit more.
Surviving High School
By Maliyah Mabry
April 4, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I am an incoming freshman for the 2019-2020 school year. How will I survive high school?
I’m here to give you the best tips and tricks because I have been through it all. You are going to have many ups and downs throughout your whole experience. Some will make you want to drop out and others will make you want to stay forever.
You are going to make plenty of new friends. Sadly, you are going to lose a whole lot also. Do not expect to stick with your middle school friends. It is very unlikely. People switch up and become different people. They also meet new friends from activities and other things they participate in. Basically, don’t sweat the whole friendship thing. Friends will come and go.
Maintaining good and positive relationships with your school faculty and teachers will be very helpful. Don’t get on their bad side, because you will regret it. Stay out of trouble and do what you’re told. They are adults, so you need to respect them even if you sometimes do not agree with them.
I highly recommend joining a sport team or even a club. It is very important to do something else rather then just go to school everyday with nothing else to do. By doing this you are more likely going to have pretty decent grades because you need good grades to play. This also helps to teach responsibility and time management. Those qualities will help you later in life. Getting involved is more than worth it.
Stay on top of your work. It is easier to get good grades when you don’t procrastinate. Make sure you study also. It is important to maintain good grades, especially if you plan on going to college.
Attendance is a big one. You do not want to get into trouble with truancy. Being on time is a good thing to do because you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities of learning. Your attendance goes on your high school transcript so it is important to have decent attendance.
Don’t forget to relax and stay calm. Not everything will always be perfect. You will struggle with some classes, sports, and friends. But, it is nothing but a learning opportunity. Don’t ever give up because you’ll regret it in the end. Push your way through and it will be more than worth it.
Good luck on your high school experience. Make every minute count. Before you know it, it will all end and become a memory.
April 4, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I am an incoming freshman for the 2019-2020 school year. How will I survive high school?
I’m here to give you the best tips and tricks because I have been through it all. You are going to have many ups and downs throughout your whole experience. Some will make you want to drop out and others will make you want to stay forever.
You are going to make plenty of new friends. Sadly, you are going to lose a whole lot also. Do not expect to stick with your middle school friends. It is very unlikely. People switch up and become different people. They also meet new friends from activities and other things they participate in. Basically, don’t sweat the whole friendship thing. Friends will come and go.
Maintaining good and positive relationships with your school faculty and teachers will be very helpful. Don’t get on their bad side, because you will regret it. Stay out of trouble and do what you’re told. They are adults, so you need to respect them even if you sometimes do not agree with them.
I highly recommend joining a sport team or even a club. It is very important to do something else rather then just go to school everyday with nothing else to do. By doing this you are more likely going to have pretty decent grades because you need good grades to play. This also helps to teach responsibility and time management. Those qualities will help you later in life. Getting involved is more than worth it.
Stay on top of your work. It is easier to get good grades when you don’t procrastinate. Make sure you study also. It is important to maintain good grades, especially if you plan on going to college.
Attendance is a big one. You do not want to get into trouble with truancy. Being on time is a good thing to do because you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities of learning. Your attendance goes on your high school transcript so it is important to have decent attendance.
Don’t forget to relax and stay calm. Not everything will always be perfect. You will struggle with some classes, sports, and friends. But, it is nothing but a learning opportunity. Don’t ever give up because you’ll regret it in the end. Push your way through and it will be more than worth it.
Good luck on your high school experience. Make every minute count. Before you know it, it will all end and become a memory.
How do I prepare for end-of-year testing?
By Emily Saul
March 21, 2019
Dear Mirror,
With state tests next month and final exams the month after, I’m starting to stress about the possibility of failing. What can I do to be better prepared for the tests?
Being a high school student can be difficult for a number of reasons, but at the end of the year, it can get more stressful because of all of the testing. While there's no way to avoid the tests, there are some things you can do to make sure you will do well on them.
Something to remember is the state tests won’t affect your grade in school. While they are important, and you do need to do well in order to graduate, they can’t affect your GPA.
The state testing can be difficult because the format of it will probably be different than your teacher’s. The best way to prepare for it is to use practice tests and get a good feel of the wording and different forms. Most of the questions on the test should be reviewing information you have already learned, so going over notes and old tests can also be a good way to refresh your memory. Remember not to worry too much about the reading portion of the test since you can’t exactly study as all of the answers will only apply to that passage.
Final exams can be stressful because there is going to be one for every class, but it’s important to remember that your teachers are the ones who make them, so they will know exactly what you and your classmates need to do in order to pass. Since every teacher makes their own exam, going over old tests from that class is a really useful way to prepare because they will probably be similar questions on the exam. Most teachers give out an exam review, so that’s likely the most useful resource you can use to prepare yourself. Another relief about exams is the teachers know exactly what they have taught you throughout the year, so they probably won’t throw any random questions at you unless it’s for extra credit.
Something else that’s important to keep in mind is that there's only so much you can do to prepare. Reviewing what you have learned a few times a week will help you maintain the information you need to pass. Constantly stressing about failing will not do you any good because there's no way to have the answer key right in front of you.
Here are a couple useful websites with more tips to help you prepare:
www.hunimed.eu/news/10-quick-tips-successful-exam-preparation/
blog.connectionsacademy.com/how-to-prepare-for-state-test-taking/
March 21, 2019
Dear Mirror,
With state tests next month and final exams the month after, I’m starting to stress about the possibility of failing. What can I do to be better prepared for the tests?
Being a high school student can be difficult for a number of reasons, but at the end of the year, it can get more stressful because of all of the testing. While there's no way to avoid the tests, there are some things you can do to make sure you will do well on them.
Something to remember is the state tests won’t affect your grade in school. While they are important, and you do need to do well in order to graduate, they can’t affect your GPA.
The state testing can be difficult because the format of it will probably be different than your teacher’s. The best way to prepare for it is to use practice tests and get a good feel of the wording and different forms. Most of the questions on the test should be reviewing information you have already learned, so going over notes and old tests can also be a good way to refresh your memory. Remember not to worry too much about the reading portion of the test since you can’t exactly study as all of the answers will only apply to that passage.
Final exams can be stressful because there is going to be one for every class, but it’s important to remember that your teachers are the ones who make them, so they will know exactly what you and your classmates need to do in order to pass. Since every teacher makes their own exam, going over old tests from that class is a really useful way to prepare because they will probably be similar questions on the exam. Most teachers give out an exam review, so that’s likely the most useful resource you can use to prepare yourself. Another relief about exams is the teachers know exactly what they have taught you throughout the year, so they probably won’t throw any random questions at you unless it’s for extra credit.
Something else that’s important to keep in mind is that there's only so much you can do to prepare. Reviewing what you have learned a few times a week will help you maintain the information you need to pass. Constantly stressing about failing will not do you any good because there's no way to have the answer key right in front of you.
Here are a couple useful websites with more tips to help you prepare:
www.hunimed.eu/news/10-quick-tips-successful-exam-preparation/
blog.connectionsacademy.com/how-to-prepare-for-state-test-taking/
When Your Parents Have a "Plan"
By Starr Brock
March 20, 2019
Dear Mirror,
My parents are trying to plan my life out for me, but it isn’t what I want, what should I do?
First, I want you to know this isn’t something that is just happening to you, because it isn’t. It’s happening to a lot of people, especially now. I also can’t tell you how to feel or exactly what to do about it, but I can give you some advice on the situation.
I can tell you right now, your parents aren’t doing it to be your enemy. They want what’s best for you; that’s just natural as a parent. Although they think it’s what’s best for you, everyone else knows that might not be what you think is best for you, and I’m sure your parents know that too. Don’t feel obligated to do what they want just because they’re your parents.
You should really talk to them about how you feel. Honestly, your parents are probably trying to plan your life out for you because they don’t want you to make the same mistakes they did. It’s important to talk to them about what you want. Tell them your plan. I know it’s hard telling your parents that you don’t want to follow their plan, because it feels like you’re letting them down and nobody wants to let their parents down.
It’s so important that you follow your own dreams and set up your own plan. If you go by what your parents plan for you, it’s likely that it’ll be an unfulfilling life. Sure, you’ll be a successful doctor, accountant, whatever they want you to be, but you’ll probably feel like something is missing. That something will most likely be happiness. You don’t want to follow through with something just to make them happy, only for you to live a robotic life full of frustration and the sense that something is missing in life.
Talk to them, explain to them what it is you want to do and why. At the end of the day, your parents only goal is to make you happy and help you achieve your dreams. If you want to be a writer, be a writer. If you want to go into medicine, go into medicine. Whatever it is that you’re passionate about, then do it. They might be a little hesitant, but at the end of the day, they’re your parents.
March 20, 2019
Dear Mirror,
My parents are trying to plan my life out for me, but it isn’t what I want, what should I do?
First, I want you to know this isn’t something that is just happening to you, because it isn’t. It’s happening to a lot of people, especially now. I also can’t tell you how to feel or exactly what to do about it, but I can give you some advice on the situation.
I can tell you right now, your parents aren’t doing it to be your enemy. They want what’s best for you; that’s just natural as a parent. Although they think it’s what’s best for you, everyone else knows that might not be what you think is best for you, and I’m sure your parents know that too. Don’t feel obligated to do what they want just because they’re your parents.
You should really talk to them about how you feel. Honestly, your parents are probably trying to plan your life out for you because they don’t want you to make the same mistakes they did. It’s important to talk to them about what you want. Tell them your plan. I know it’s hard telling your parents that you don’t want to follow their plan, because it feels like you’re letting them down and nobody wants to let their parents down.
It’s so important that you follow your own dreams and set up your own plan. If you go by what your parents plan for you, it’s likely that it’ll be an unfulfilling life. Sure, you’ll be a successful doctor, accountant, whatever they want you to be, but you’ll probably feel like something is missing. That something will most likely be happiness. You don’t want to follow through with something just to make them happy, only for you to live a robotic life full of frustration and the sense that something is missing in life.
Talk to them, explain to them what it is you want to do and why. At the end of the day, your parents only goal is to make you happy and help you achieve your dreams. If you want to be a writer, be a writer. If you want to go into medicine, go into medicine. Whatever it is that you’re passionate about, then do it. They might be a little hesitant, but at the end of the day, they’re your parents.
Let's try something different this Spring Break
By Haylie Schuler
March 15, 2019
Spring Break calls for road trips, beach visits and exciting activities. However, those things can become extremely costly. Have you ever tried to see what fun Spring Break activities you can do without spending a fortune? Challenge yourself by budgeting $50 for the whole Spring Break.
On the first day, you can hang out around the house. Grab a pen and paper and write about how much you appreciate the people who surround you in your daily life. For example, reflect on a teacher that has helped you pull through in a class you had no hope in.
On day two, maybe try to get some friends or family together and head out to watch a movie. Most theaters offer half price Tuesdays, only 5 bucks. Here's a couple movies that will be showing during spring break this year: The Hidden World, A Madeas Family Funeral, Five Feet Apart, and The Kid.
During day three, maybe shoot for a walk around the park with your dog to get your mind off things. Ault Park has beautiful scenery, as well as Eden Park, Washington Park, Sawyer Point Park and so many more.
To start off day four, go to brunch with a friend. The Sleepy Bee is a popular cafe to try. After you're done eating, maybe try some thrift shopping. I know you're probably thinking, “Really Haylie? Thrift shopping, that's all you could come up with?”
Yes! Thrift shopping is so much fun. You can find so many nice things for cheap, and you could get on the Pinterest app to look up cute DIY projects. Try to find a picture frame and decorate it and put your favorite picture in it (thank me later).
On day five, grab a friend and try some ice cream. Creamy Whip, located on Forest Avenue across the street from Sharpsburg Elementary, is the bomb. They have so many different desserts you can choose from for a low price.
For day six, you should still have a decent amount of spending money. So maybe go “cash out” on your favorite shops, but remember, we’re still budgeting, so don't try to “cash out” too much.
Finally, day seven. This is my favorite but least favorite day of Spring Break, because it's coming to an end which means we’re headed back to reality. Try to spend your day relaxing. Clean your room, light your candles, take a bath/shower, turn on your favorite Netflix show/movie and relax.
By planning and budgeting ahead of time, you are guaranteed to have an amazing Spring Break without emptying your pockets.
What is one fun thing you're doing over spring break?
March 15, 2019
Spring Break calls for road trips, beach visits and exciting activities. However, those things can become extremely costly. Have you ever tried to see what fun Spring Break activities you can do without spending a fortune? Challenge yourself by budgeting $50 for the whole Spring Break.
On the first day, you can hang out around the house. Grab a pen and paper and write about how much you appreciate the people who surround you in your daily life. For example, reflect on a teacher that has helped you pull through in a class you had no hope in.
On day two, maybe try to get some friends or family together and head out to watch a movie. Most theaters offer half price Tuesdays, only 5 bucks. Here's a couple movies that will be showing during spring break this year: The Hidden World, A Madeas Family Funeral, Five Feet Apart, and The Kid.
During day three, maybe shoot for a walk around the park with your dog to get your mind off things. Ault Park has beautiful scenery, as well as Eden Park, Washington Park, Sawyer Point Park and so many more.
To start off day four, go to brunch with a friend. The Sleepy Bee is a popular cafe to try. After you're done eating, maybe try some thrift shopping. I know you're probably thinking, “Really Haylie? Thrift shopping, that's all you could come up with?”
Yes! Thrift shopping is so much fun. You can find so many nice things for cheap, and you could get on the Pinterest app to look up cute DIY projects. Try to find a picture frame and decorate it and put your favorite picture in it (thank me later).
On day five, grab a friend and try some ice cream. Creamy Whip, located on Forest Avenue across the street from Sharpsburg Elementary, is the bomb. They have so many different desserts you can choose from for a low price.
For day six, you should still have a decent amount of spending money. So maybe go “cash out” on your favorite shops, but remember, we’re still budgeting, so don't try to “cash out” too much.
Finally, day seven. This is my favorite but least favorite day of Spring Break, because it's coming to an end which means we’re headed back to reality. Try to spend your day relaxing. Clean your room, light your candles, take a bath/shower, turn on your favorite Netflix show/movie and relax.
By planning and budgeting ahead of time, you are guaranteed to have an amazing Spring Break without emptying your pockets.
What is one fun thing you're doing over spring break?
"I will most likely watch Netflix "Taking my kids on a plane to see "I'm going to Myrtle Beach" - Senior Dillon Daniels
the whole time" - Senior Jose-Jonathon my mom and dad in Florida"
Arthur - English teacher Ashley Martin
the whole time" - Senior Jose-Jonathon my mom and dad in Florida"
Arthur - English teacher Ashley Martin
Should I Go To College?
By Destiny Carter
March 11, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I don’t want to go to college, but I don’t want to disappoint my parents. What should I do?
Well, I feel your pain. This year I decided that I didn’t plan on going to college and the one thing that I was worried about was what my mom was going to think. Disappointing your parents is one of the worst feelings and making a big decision like this is hard. But I have some advice for you.
First off, do you not want to go because you don’t know what you’d major in? Or you don’t think you’ll like it? Or you don’t think you’ll get into the college of your dreams? Consider everything before you make a decision.
Going to college right after high school isn’t a requirement, it’s an option. Always remember that. There are many other things you can do after high school that don’t require you to go to college.
You can take a year off if you aren’t 100 percent sure you do not want to go to college. If after that year you decide that college just isn't right for you, I’m sure your parents will understand, but then again everyone’s parents are different.
Sit down with your parents and talk to them. Explain to them how you are feeling about college and tell them what you’d be planning to do after high school that isn’t college.
Working full time is an option for after high school or even taking classes online. There are so many options for you after high school, you just have to research a little bit.
Your parents will understand sooner or later why you decided you don’t want to go to college. Going to college and getting a degree in something you know you won’t use is not worth the time or the money, and I’m sure they would agree.
Since everyone’s parents aren’t all the same, I can not give you straightforward advice, but I hope the advice I did give you helped you a little bit. I hope everything works out for you in your future.
March 11, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I don’t want to go to college, but I don’t want to disappoint my parents. What should I do?
Well, I feel your pain. This year I decided that I didn’t plan on going to college and the one thing that I was worried about was what my mom was going to think. Disappointing your parents is one of the worst feelings and making a big decision like this is hard. But I have some advice for you.
First off, do you not want to go because you don’t know what you’d major in? Or you don’t think you’ll like it? Or you don’t think you’ll get into the college of your dreams? Consider everything before you make a decision.
Going to college right after high school isn’t a requirement, it’s an option. Always remember that. There are many other things you can do after high school that don’t require you to go to college.
You can take a year off if you aren’t 100 percent sure you do not want to go to college. If after that year you decide that college just isn't right for you, I’m sure your parents will understand, but then again everyone’s parents are different.
Sit down with your parents and talk to them. Explain to them how you are feeling about college and tell them what you’d be planning to do after high school that isn’t college.
Working full time is an option for after high school or even taking classes online. There are so many options for you after high school, you just have to research a little bit.
Your parents will understand sooner or later why you decided you don’t want to go to college. Going to college and getting a degree in something you know you won’t use is not worth the time or the money, and I’m sure they would agree.
Since everyone’s parents aren’t all the same, I can not give you straightforward advice, but I hope the advice I did give you helped you a little bit. I hope everything works out for you in your future.
How I found the perfect hobby
By Haylie Schuler
February 27, 2019
Have you ever felt lost or had so much stress on your shoulders that you feel like you just need something to do to take your mind off of things for a little? Me too.
I've sat around for months feeling like I have had so much stress on my shoulders with work and school. I decided maybe I just need something that can take my mind off of things when I do get a few minutes of free time, so I began to think and all I could come up with was “find a hobby”. I began to research the effect hobbies can have and found they're a great way to relieve stress.
For many people, it is very easy to find a perfect hobby. But if you're like me, it is definitely not that easy. So I decided maybe, I need to dig a little deeper.
The first thing I did was start to think about when I was a child and what I liked to do when I got stressed but soon realized, I had no stress as a child. Other than when I couldn't find matching shoes for my barbie dolls.
My next step was to try to remember if I had any old hobbies I once liked to do but maybe forgot about. I thought for what felt like forever, so I ended up asking my mom if she remembered anything I used to do when I was a bit younger. She reminded me that when we lived in Chicago, I loved helping her paint.
I’ve been spending all of my free time designing crafts and I've fallen in love with it. So far, I have made flower vases, door reefs, decorations for parties, painted dressers, etc. Each project or craft was not very difficult at all. It was nothing but relaxing. It was like a breath of fresh air. I recommend doing crafts anytime you are needing to ease your mind and feel relaxed.
Moral of the story, a hobby is perfect for stress relief. Everyone should have something to do outside of their work/school life so they can keep busy but keep their mind off of worldly things as well.
Here are a couple links to surveys that may help you find the perfect hobby for you!
https://www.quizony.com/what-hobby-should-you-try-next/index.html
https://www.quizony.com/whats-the-best-hobby-for-you/index.html
February 27, 2019
Have you ever felt lost or had so much stress on your shoulders that you feel like you just need something to do to take your mind off of things for a little? Me too.
I've sat around for months feeling like I have had so much stress on my shoulders with work and school. I decided maybe I just need something that can take my mind off of things when I do get a few minutes of free time, so I began to think and all I could come up with was “find a hobby”. I began to research the effect hobbies can have and found they're a great way to relieve stress.
For many people, it is very easy to find a perfect hobby. But if you're like me, it is definitely not that easy. So I decided maybe, I need to dig a little deeper.
The first thing I did was start to think about when I was a child and what I liked to do when I got stressed but soon realized, I had no stress as a child. Other than when I couldn't find matching shoes for my barbie dolls.
My next step was to try to remember if I had any old hobbies I once liked to do but maybe forgot about. I thought for what felt like forever, so I ended up asking my mom if she remembered anything I used to do when I was a bit younger. She reminded me that when we lived in Chicago, I loved helping her paint.
I’ve been spending all of my free time designing crafts and I've fallen in love with it. So far, I have made flower vases, door reefs, decorations for parties, painted dressers, etc. Each project or craft was not very difficult at all. It was nothing but relaxing. It was like a breath of fresh air. I recommend doing crafts anytime you are needing to ease your mind and feel relaxed.
Moral of the story, a hobby is perfect for stress relief. Everyone should have something to do outside of their work/school life so they can keep busy but keep their mind off of worldly things as well.
Here are a couple links to surveys that may help you find the perfect hobby for you!
https://www.quizony.com/what-hobby-should-you-try-next/index.html
https://www.quizony.com/whats-the-best-hobby-for-you/index.html
What a Break-up
By Dakota Walters
February 25, 2019
Dear Mirror,
What is the best way to deal with a break-up?
Dealing with the aftermath of a break-up it’s usually a rough time for most people, but some tend to not care about the effects or even about the entire relationship to begin with. There are many ways to overcome a break-up, but I’m here to tell you my way of dealing with it.
Don’t try and get their attention. That is the worst thing you can do because you’re showing that you care about them and you want them back. Yeah,sometimes it might work, but honestly people aren’t really that stupid and they will probably catch onto what you’re doing. Don’t go around and dating other people to make them jealous because it’s not fair to the other person, as they would want something real and you’re just using them.
How I would suggest getting over your break-ups is that you should give yourself a break from indulging in your attractions, because it’ll help you realize you don’t need anyone or anything to make you happy and that you can be strong in this type of situation. Doing this will also show you who would check up on you and reach out to you. These people are more than likely your true friends.
Try and shut your emotions off to other people because it’ll teach you that some things aren’t as bad as they seem. Maybe the break-up was a good thing because it shows that there is someone else for you and that you’ll find them later on in your life.
The last thing is to let everything happen; thinking about them, listening to all the depressing music, and even crying over them because when it’s out of your system it feels great to move on. This process takes time, it can be about a week, a month, a year or maybe even a few years. It’s honestly how you handle it as a person. If you can overcome this, you'll be mentally prepared for the next real relationship that you’ll have.
This is how I think you should deal with a break-up because I know from personal experience this process helped me. I felt tempted to go back to try a relationship with them again, but all in all that is unhealthy because it’s most likely to end the same way again. Stay strong, and get stronger.
February 25, 2019
Dear Mirror,
What is the best way to deal with a break-up?
Dealing with the aftermath of a break-up it’s usually a rough time for most people, but some tend to not care about the effects or even about the entire relationship to begin with. There are many ways to overcome a break-up, but I’m here to tell you my way of dealing with it.
Don’t try and get their attention. That is the worst thing you can do because you’re showing that you care about them and you want them back. Yeah,sometimes it might work, but honestly people aren’t really that stupid and they will probably catch onto what you’re doing. Don’t go around and dating other people to make them jealous because it’s not fair to the other person, as they would want something real and you’re just using them.
How I would suggest getting over your break-ups is that you should give yourself a break from indulging in your attractions, because it’ll help you realize you don’t need anyone or anything to make you happy and that you can be strong in this type of situation. Doing this will also show you who would check up on you and reach out to you. These people are more than likely your true friends.
Try and shut your emotions off to other people because it’ll teach you that some things aren’t as bad as they seem. Maybe the break-up was a good thing because it shows that there is someone else for you and that you’ll find them later on in your life.
The last thing is to let everything happen; thinking about them, listening to all the depressing music, and even crying over them because when it’s out of your system it feels great to move on. This process takes time, it can be about a week, a month, a year or maybe even a few years. It’s honestly how you handle it as a person. If you can overcome this, you'll be mentally prepared for the next real relationship that you’ll have.
This is how I think you should deal with a break-up because I know from personal experience this process helped me. I felt tempted to go back to try a relationship with them again, but all in all that is unhealthy because it’s most likely to end the same way again. Stay strong, and get stronger.
Options After High School
By Holly Borgemenke
February 25, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I am having trouble figuring out what to do after high school. Are there any pieces of advice or options you know of?
I completely understand where you’re coming from. There is always a pressure to know exactly what you are going to do. Whether you know it or not, multiple career paths are available and can all lead to a successful life.
Going to college directly after high school is an option available for people who want to continue their education right away. Some colleges provide an Undeclared/Undecided major option so that people are able to discover what they like and dislike about different fields if they are unsure about what to do. According to www.hercampus.com, around 50 to 70 percent of students who declare majors will likely switch before graduation. It’s great if you know what major to go into straight after high school, but if you don’t, there is nothing to worry about.
An option for people who don’t enjoy sitting in a classroom is joining a trade. A trade is usually a hands-on type of career, so looking for a job or an apprenticeship can help earn the certificate or license needed to advance into a career. An apprenticeship is a way to learn a valued trade through structured training while getting paid. Jobs with this pathway include: boilermakers, electricians, plumbers, brick masons, mechanics, carpenters, and welders.
Joining the military gives so many more opportunities than people may know. Serving in the military can provide you with the opportunity to attend college without the worry of debt, valuable training in different fields, and the ability to travel across the country or overseas. In an article written on www.theclassroom.com, high school seniors who join the military can receive scholarship programs that pay 100 percent of college tuition for many post-secondary colleges in the United States.
One of the most important things to remember is that it is okay to change your mind. Often times you may think something is the right path for you, but you could end up hating it. If you are unsure about what the future holds, asking someone questions never hurts. It is important to do your research and if you’re still unsure, don’t worry because you’re not alone.
February 25, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I am having trouble figuring out what to do after high school. Are there any pieces of advice or options you know of?
I completely understand where you’re coming from. There is always a pressure to know exactly what you are going to do. Whether you know it or not, multiple career paths are available and can all lead to a successful life.
Going to college directly after high school is an option available for people who want to continue their education right away. Some colleges provide an Undeclared/Undecided major option so that people are able to discover what they like and dislike about different fields if they are unsure about what to do. According to www.hercampus.com, around 50 to 70 percent of students who declare majors will likely switch before graduation. It’s great if you know what major to go into straight after high school, but if you don’t, there is nothing to worry about.
An option for people who don’t enjoy sitting in a classroom is joining a trade. A trade is usually a hands-on type of career, so looking for a job or an apprenticeship can help earn the certificate or license needed to advance into a career. An apprenticeship is a way to learn a valued trade through structured training while getting paid. Jobs with this pathway include: boilermakers, electricians, plumbers, brick masons, mechanics, carpenters, and welders.
Joining the military gives so many more opportunities than people may know. Serving in the military can provide you with the opportunity to attend college without the worry of debt, valuable training in different fields, and the ability to travel across the country or overseas. In an article written on www.theclassroom.com, high school seniors who join the military can receive scholarship programs that pay 100 percent of college tuition for many post-secondary colleges in the United States.
One of the most important things to remember is that it is okay to change your mind. Often times you may think something is the right path for you, but you could end up hating it. If you are unsure about what the future holds, asking someone questions never hurts. It is important to do your research and if you’re still unsure, don’t worry because you’re not alone.
Help me Step Out of my Comfort Zone
By Madison Anderson
February 14, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I feel like time is slipping out of my hands so fast. I want to make the most out of my high school life. What can I do to change myself?
I know exactly how that feels. When people said high school would fly by, they weren’t lying. While some days may seem never-ending, as a whole, a year goes by faster than you realize.
One thing you can do to fulfill the rest of your time during your high school years is engage yourself with the people and events around you. When you grow up, do you really want to look back on a boring high school experience?
Start attending sports events or join an after school club. There are so many offered to students for all grades, and you can never go wrong by being at a basketball game. Stand in the front row of the bleachers and get out of your comfort zone for once.
A lot of students attend college tours. You could try that if you haven’t already. Even if you don’t feel like getting up at 7 a.m. on a day there’s no school, it could benefit and prep you for the future.
Planning ahead for next year, you can join an interactive class such as Newspaper, Photography or Yearbook. These classes can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy putting your voice out there or if you’re just naturally a social person.
If you aren’t in sports already, you should try to play one. You can easily build relationships with the people on your team and it’s an easy way to find an instant hobby. A person you don’t normally associate with could turn into your best friend.
Feeling like you have too much free time on your hands is such a common feeling, and I’m sure a lot of people can relate to your situation, possibly even some of your friends. Asking a friend of yours to join a club or sport with you could also be a great start.
At the end of the day, if there’s not anything you find enjoyable, at least you’re guaranteed to have a bit of free time to spare.
February 14, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I feel like time is slipping out of my hands so fast. I want to make the most out of my high school life. What can I do to change myself?
I know exactly how that feels. When people said high school would fly by, they weren’t lying. While some days may seem never-ending, as a whole, a year goes by faster than you realize.
One thing you can do to fulfill the rest of your time during your high school years is engage yourself with the people and events around you. When you grow up, do you really want to look back on a boring high school experience?
Start attending sports events or join an after school club. There are so many offered to students for all grades, and you can never go wrong by being at a basketball game. Stand in the front row of the bleachers and get out of your comfort zone for once.
A lot of students attend college tours. You could try that if you haven’t already. Even if you don’t feel like getting up at 7 a.m. on a day there’s no school, it could benefit and prep you for the future.
Planning ahead for next year, you can join an interactive class such as Newspaper, Photography or Yearbook. These classes can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy putting your voice out there or if you’re just naturally a social person.
If you aren’t in sports already, you should try to play one. You can easily build relationships with the people on your team and it’s an easy way to find an instant hobby. A person you don’t normally associate with could turn into your best friend.
Feeling like you have too much free time on your hands is such a common feeling, and I’m sure a lot of people can relate to your situation, possibly even some of your friends. Asking a friend of yours to join a club or sport with you could also be a great start.
At the end of the day, if there’s not anything you find enjoyable, at least you’re guaranteed to have a bit of free time to spare.
The Day Full of Love
By Maliyah Mabry
February 14, 2019
Dear Mirror,
Valentine's Day is coming up and I don't have a boo. What do I do?
Well, I am here to tell you that there are multiple pros and cons to having a significant other for the day full of love, known as Valentine’s day.
We all know those power couples or married love-birds that go all out for Valentines Day. They buy each other multiple items like giant teddy bears, chocolate, expensive jewelry and much more. Or they even go to a fancy dinner while being all dressed up. Basically, they do the most to get their point of “love” across to one another.
But, why? Why does it matter if you have a valentine or not? Trust me, you can do so many things without one. Here’s a tip: The day after Valentines day, the candy is all discounted, so splurge just for yourself. Take yourself out to dinner. If you take yourself out to a three-course meal, guess who you have to pay for? Yep. Yourself. Also, you could watch a movie by yourself. This will allow you to pick whatever movie you want to watch without having to worry about pleasing someone else.
If you aren’t very accepting of the fact that you're lonely, spending time with yourself is the best way to fulfill your happiness. There is nothing better than taking a hot candlelight bath with your favorite bath bomb. You could always play your favorite tunes in the background and have your own personal concert without a care in the world. After your bath, throw on a relaxing face mask. These ideas with loosen up your nerves and sadness of being alone on Valentine’s Day.
While some people think Valentine’s Day is all about your significant other and spending an enormous amount of money on them, that is not what it is all about. The day is meant to appreciate your loved ones, which includes your family and friends. You can always spend time laughing and talking about your favorite memories with them. You can even grab a bite to eat at your favorite restaurant and enjoy their company.
Okay, it would be cool to own a giant teddy bear or receive flowers, so just buy it for yourself. Treat yourself. Be your own Valentine, you don't need a significant other to enjoy the day of love. Love your family. Love your friends. Love yourself.
February 14, 2019
Dear Mirror,
Valentine's Day is coming up and I don't have a boo. What do I do?
Well, I am here to tell you that there are multiple pros and cons to having a significant other for the day full of love, known as Valentine’s day.
We all know those power couples or married love-birds that go all out for Valentines Day. They buy each other multiple items like giant teddy bears, chocolate, expensive jewelry and much more. Or they even go to a fancy dinner while being all dressed up. Basically, they do the most to get their point of “love” across to one another.
But, why? Why does it matter if you have a valentine or not? Trust me, you can do so many things without one. Here’s a tip: The day after Valentines day, the candy is all discounted, so splurge just for yourself. Take yourself out to dinner. If you take yourself out to a three-course meal, guess who you have to pay for? Yep. Yourself. Also, you could watch a movie by yourself. This will allow you to pick whatever movie you want to watch without having to worry about pleasing someone else.
If you aren’t very accepting of the fact that you're lonely, spending time with yourself is the best way to fulfill your happiness. There is nothing better than taking a hot candlelight bath with your favorite bath bomb. You could always play your favorite tunes in the background and have your own personal concert without a care in the world. After your bath, throw on a relaxing face mask. These ideas with loosen up your nerves and sadness of being alone on Valentine’s Day.
While some people think Valentine’s Day is all about your significant other and spending an enormous amount of money on them, that is not what it is all about. The day is meant to appreciate your loved ones, which includes your family and friends. You can always spend time laughing and talking about your favorite memories with them. You can even grab a bite to eat at your favorite restaurant and enjoy their company.
Okay, it would be cool to own a giant teddy bear or receive flowers, so just buy it for yourself. Treat yourself. Be your own Valentine, you don't need a significant other to enjoy the day of love. Love your family. Love your friends. Love yourself.
Help Me Get My Best Friend Back!
By Nevaeh Downs
February 7, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I am worried me and my best friend are drifting apart. How do I fix it?
I understand what you’re going through. First off, figure out what happened. Is there a reason why you guys haven’t been talking or hanging out? If you can’t seem to figure it out, try asking them. It is better to ask rather than assume the worst. Have an open mind about the situation as well. Everyone goes through different things.
Once that problem is out of the way, plan a day with your best friend. Include all of the fun things the two of you used to do together. The two of you could have a chill night and go out for ice cream and just have a talk about what has been recently going on. You could also plan an eventful evening and go bowling, skating or maybe to the movies.
Hanging out with your friend is a sure way to show them the friendship is still a priority to you.
Take the time to understand what their reasoning could be. It could just be that you are both busy. As high school students, your schedules are most likely packed. Between studying, sports and having time for friendships it can all become one big mess.
If, for instance, neither of those things work, it is important to understand that friendships change and sometimes end. Remember the good things about your friends.
Junior Madison Anderson says, “that is still the person that you ranted to, cried on, and laughed with.”
In the end, if all of your efforts didn’t work, it is probably time to move on. There are reasons as to why everything happens. But if it did work and you two talked it out over a bowl of ice cream then just remember to make time for each other.
February 7, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I am worried me and my best friend are drifting apart. How do I fix it?
I understand what you’re going through. First off, figure out what happened. Is there a reason why you guys haven’t been talking or hanging out? If you can’t seem to figure it out, try asking them. It is better to ask rather than assume the worst. Have an open mind about the situation as well. Everyone goes through different things.
Once that problem is out of the way, plan a day with your best friend. Include all of the fun things the two of you used to do together. The two of you could have a chill night and go out for ice cream and just have a talk about what has been recently going on. You could also plan an eventful evening and go bowling, skating or maybe to the movies.
Hanging out with your friend is a sure way to show them the friendship is still a priority to you.
Take the time to understand what their reasoning could be. It could just be that you are both busy. As high school students, your schedules are most likely packed. Between studying, sports and having time for friendships it can all become one big mess.
If, for instance, neither of those things work, it is important to understand that friendships change and sometimes end. Remember the good things about your friends.
Junior Madison Anderson says, “that is still the person that you ranted to, cried on, and laughed with.”
In the end, if all of your efforts didn’t work, it is probably time to move on. There are reasons as to why everything happens. But if it did work and you two talked it out over a bowl of ice cream then just remember to make time for each other.
To Marry or Not to Marry?
By Sophie Isaacs
February 7, 2019
Dear Mirror,
Should I pop the question?
As Valentine’s Day approaches, and your high school career ends, it can put a lot of strain on a relationship when you feel like you're being pressured to make this eternal contract with someone.
Although it may seem like the next expected step in your future, it's important to see that you need to take your life one step at a time. If you get all of it done too soon, what's left for the remaining years of your life?
You need time to figure yourself out without anyone else in the picture. Your teenage years are usually the most formative years of your life. This time in 10 years, a year, or even tomorrow you could feel like a completely different person. The average lifespan is about 72-years-old, which means you’re making a 50 plus year commitment. A commitment, which done with the wrong person, could end in losing money, fighting, and turmoil.
Senior Savannah Howard says, “Your brain isn't even fully developed until you're 25. So it doesn't make sense to make a life long decision at 17 or 18. Which is the same reason I think you shouldn't have kids, but that's not what we’re talking about.”
Having a soulmate and falling in love at first sight may be real, but there's a good chance the first person you think you're ready to settle down with isn't the one. According to Quora, high school relationships only last about two years. By jumping the gun on this decision, you could also be closing doors to opportunities in your life. According to BrandonGaille.com, only 1 out of 5 people who get married out of high school go to college.
Not only that, but according to high school student Evan Manning, contributor to Huffington Post, “The majority of the time, high school relationships do not last, as only two percent of new marriages in North America are comprised of ‘high school sweethearts.’"
I'm not saying that your high school relationship is pointless or fake. Being in love in high school is sometimes the only thing that can get you through it. The relationships you have throughout your school career can teach you valuable lessons. They can help you learn red flags, how you want to be treated in a relationship, and act basically as the training wheels for the rest of your relationships throughout your life. Relationships that will possibly end in marriage if you find the right one, will come in time.
February 7, 2019
Dear Mirror,
Should I pop the question?
As Valentine’s Day approaches, and your high school career ends, it can put a lot of strain on a relationship when you feel like you're being pressured to make this eternal contract with someone.
Although it may seem like the next expected step in your future, it's important to see that you need to take your life one step at a time. If you get all of it done too soon, what's left for the remaining years of your life?
You need time to figure yourself out without anyone else in the picture. Your teenage years are usually the most formative years of your life. This time in 10 years, a year, or even tomorrow you could feel like a completely different person. The average lifespan is about 72-years-old, which means you’re making a 50 plus year commitment. A commitment, which done with the wrong person, could end in losing money, fighting, and turmoil.
Senior Savannah Howard says, “Your brain isn't even fully developed until you're 25. So it doesn't make sense to make a life long decision at 17 or 18. Which is the same reason I think you shouldn't have kids, but that's not what we’re talking about.”
Having a soulmate and falling in love at first sight may be real, but there's a good chance the first person you think you're ready to settle down with isn't the one. According to Quora, high school relationships only last about two years. By jumping the gun on this decision, you could also be closing doors to opportunities in your life. According to BrandonGaille.com, only 1 out of 5 people who get married out of high school go to college.
Not only that, but according to high school student Evan Manning, contributor to Huffington Post, “The majority of the time, high school relationships do not last, as only two percent of new marriages in North America are comprised of ‘high school sweethearts.’"
I'm not saying that your high school relationship is pointless or fake. Being in love in high school is sometimes the only thing that can get you through it. The relationships you have throughout your school career can teach you valuable lessons. They can help you learn red flags, how you want to be treated in a relationship, and act basically as the training wheels for the rest of your relationships throughout your life. Relationships that will possibly end in marriage if you find the right one, will come in time.
Help me like my job!
By Destiny Carter
February 6, 2019
Dear mirror,
I don’t like my job, I want to get a different one but I don’t want to start over. What do I do?
Well first off, I feel your pain. I’ve been through your situation before and it sucks. Even though I’m not currently the happiest with my job, I still have some advice for you.
What’s making you not like your job? Do you like your co-workers? Do you like your managers? Do you not like the work? Or is it just the customers that's making you not like your job?
Since not wanting to start over is your main conflict, try resolving whatever it is you don’t like about your job, before you actually leave. This ensures that you are making the right decision and thinking it through.
For me, I love my managers. They really make me like working where I work. The customers are what makes me want to go somewhere else. “The customer is always right,” is a commonly used phrase, but hardly ever true.
Everyone has jobs they don’t like, and they either leave or they stick through the animosity. I’d say if you really don’t want to start over somewhere else, try finding the root of the problem.
Try switching up what you can do at your job. If you’re a hostess, try moving to the register. Or you could even try being a cook if your job is in the food industry. I know people aren’t the nicest when they don’t get their way, and that could be one of the main factors making you dislike your job. So if that's the case, maybe switching it up a little bit will help.
Management is an important part of your job. If you aren’t the biggest fan of your managers, I’d highly suggest try and working it out with them before you quit and go somewhere else. If you really just can’t make yourself enjoy working with them, I’d say find another job.
Since I’m going through the same thing you’re going through, I’m still trying to figure out what’s making me not like working at my job. But these are just some of the things that I’ve come up with that could possibly be a factor. I hope this helps, and sooner or later we’ll both be happy with our jobs.
February 6, 2019
Dear mirror,
I don’t like my job, I want to get a different one but I don’t want to start over. What do I do?
Well first off, I feel your pain. I’ve been through your situation before and it sucks. Even though I’m not currently the happiest with my job, I still have some advice for you.
What’s making you not like your job? Do you like your co-workers? Do you like your managers? Do you not like the work? Or is it just the customers that's making you not like your job?
Since not wanting to start over is your main conflict, try resolving whatever it is you don’t like about your job, before you actually leave. This ensures that you are making the right decision and thinking it through.
For me, I love my managers. They really make me like working where I work. The customers are what makes me want to go somewhere else. “The customer is always right,” is a commonly used phrase, but hardly ever true.
Everyone has jobs they don’t like, and they either leave or they stick through the animosity. I’d say if you really don’t want to start over somewhere else, try finding the root of the problem.
Try switching up what you can do at your job. If you’re a hostess, try moving to the register. Or you could even try being a cook if your job is in the food industry. I know people aren’t the nicest when they don’t get their way, and that could be one of the main factors making you dislike your job. So if that's the case, maybe switching it up a little bit will help.
Management is an important part of your job. If you aren’t the biggest fan of your managers, I’d highly suggest try and working it out with them before you quit and go somewhere else. If you really just can’t make yourself enjoy working with them, I’d say find another job.
Since I’m going through the same thing you’re going through, I’m still trying to figure out what’s making me not like working at my job. But these are just some of the things that I’ve come up with that could possibly be a factor. I hope this helps, and sooner or later we’ll both be happy with our jobs.
Overcoming the stresses of junior year
By Holly Borgemenke
January 14, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I’ve heard so many bad things about junior year from my older friends and even the internet. How am I going to survive my junior year?
Coming from a senior halfway through my last year in high school, I know that junior year was a stressful time. According to an article written by Odyssey, junior year is stressful because classes “require hard work and dedication.”
For my junior year, I took two AP classes along with three other honors classes. While the thought of these classes seems super stressful, I had a couple of ways that helped me do well my junior year.
The first piece of advice I would give to any student approaching or already in junior year, is to make sure you have a few other classes that are interesting and that you know you would enjoy. In my junior year, I took a mythology class and a gym class that both helped take my mind off the rest of my hard classes. Having at least one class that you really enjoy can make the entire stressful day a lot easier to handle.
Another piece of advice that I would tell anybody is to make sure that you take advantage of advisory. I know sometimes it would be easier to just sit and relax during advisory, but using that time really does take so much stress and worry off of your shoulders. If there is any free time during bells, I highly recommend trying to get other assignments done so when you get home from school you won’t be overwhelmed with a bunch of assignments.
Another thing that really helped me do well in junior year was to make sure I didn’t wait until the night before to study for a test. There are going to be a bunch of different test dates for multiple classes and it is really important to stay on top of the topics you’re learning. Lifehack.org wrote a blog saying that the consequences of failed time management include missing deadlines and living with excessive stress.
One last piece of advice I would give is to have people around you that make you happy. I know it sounds cheesy, but having someone you can laugh with makes a stressful year a lot more fun. Doing this along with trying your hardest will ensure great grades for your junior year.
January 14, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I’ve heard so many bad things about junior year from my older friends and even the internet. How am I going to survive my junior year?
Coming from a senior halfway through my last year in high school, I know that junior year was a stressful time. According to an article written by Odyssey, junior year is stressful because classes “require hard work and dedication.”
For my junior year, I took two AP classes along with three other honors classes. While the thought of these classes seems super stressful, I had a couple of ways that helped me do well my junior year.
The first piece of advice I would give to any student approaching or already in junior year, is to make sure you have a few other classes that are interesting and that you know you would enjoy. In my junior year, I took a mythology class and a gym class that both helped take my mind off the rest of my hard classes. Having at least one class that you really enjoy can make the entire stressful day a lot easier to handle.
Another piece of advice that I would tell anybody is to make sure that you take advantage of advisory. I know sometimes it would be easier to just sit and relax during advisory, but using that time really does take so much stress and worry off of your shoulders. If there is any free time during bells, I highly recommend trying to get other assignments done so when you get home from school you won’t be overwhelmed with a bunch of assignments.
Another thing that really helped me do well in junior year was to make sure I didn’t wait until the night before to study for a test. There are going to be a bunch of different test dates for multiple classes and it is really important to stay on top of the topics you’re learning. Lifehack.org wrote a blog saying that the consequences of failed time management include missing deadlines and living with excessive stress.
One last piece of advice I would give is to have people around you that make you happy. I know it sounds cheesy, but having someone you can laugh with makes a stressful year a lot more fun. Doing this along with trying your hardest will ensure great grades for your junior year.
Help me say no to places I don't want to go!
By Haylie Schuler
January 8, 2019
Dear Mirror,
My friends are pressuring me to go to a party where there will be illegal actions. What do I do?
Being in this position must be hard, but remember you have a right to say no.
If you know there will be things you don't involve yourself in such as, drinking and smoking don't feel the need to. If your friends chose to do those kinds of things, don't feel like you need to follow in their footsteps.
If you have a gut feeling something bad could come out of whatever you are doing, you're probably right, so use common sense. Usually, when you have a gut feeling about something, you're right and whatever you think is going to happen, will more than likely happen.
It's okay to be yourself and not want to participate in certain actions. Do what you feel is right.
As known, when you are with people who are doing certain things, even if you're not doing them and you guys get caught you'll be in just as much trouble as the people who are doing the actions. As a teenage girl with many friends who like to get themselves into things that I don't particularly like to get involved in, I know how hard it can be to say no when you are put in that position but be strong.
As you have always heard I’m sure, be a leader not a follower. Also, stand your ground to the things that you think are right and wrong. Eventually good karma will hit you and your friends may even start to follow in your footsteps.
If you would like to read more on how you can say "no" in a situation that you feel you can't get yourself out of, here are a few links to more articles that are similar to mine. I hope you all enjoy, and you begin to be able to say no without feeling bad in the end.
Want to learn more? Check out these links:
"How to Say No to Anyone"
"The Ultimate Guide to Saying No"
January 8, 2019
Dear Mirror,
My friends are pressuring me to go to a party where there will be illegal actions. What do I do?
Being in this position must be hard, but remember you have a right to say no.
If you know there will be things you don't involve yourself in such as, drinking and smoking don't feel the need to. If your friends chose to do those kinds of things, don't feel like you need to follow in their footsteps.
If you have a gut feeling something bad could come out of whatever you are doing, you're probably right, so use common sense. Usually, when you have a gut feeling about something, you're right and whatever you think is going to happen, will more than likely happen.
It's okay to be yourself and not want to participate in certain actions. Do what you feel is right.
As known, when you are with people who are doing certain things, even if you're not doing them and you guys get caught you'll be in just as much trouble as the people who are doing the actions. As a teenage girl with many friends who like to get themselves into things that I don't particularly like to get involved in, I know how hard it can be to say no when you are put in that position but be strong.
As you have always heard I’m sure, be a leader not a follower. Also, stand your ground to the things that you think are right and wrong. Eventually good karma will hit you and your friends may even start to follow in your footsteps.
If you would like to read more on how you can say "no" in a situation that you feel you can't get yourself out of, here are a few links to more articles that are similar to mine. I hope you all enjoy, and you begin to be able to say no without feeling bad in the end.
Want to learn more? Check out these links:
"How to Say No to Anyone"
"The Ultimate Guide to Saying No"
Mirror, Mirror... Help Me!
By Maliyah Mabry
January 10, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I have a hard time balancing sports, work, and school. Any suggestions for time management?
This must make you feel extremely overwhelmed. School is hard enough with all of the assignments due this or that day, projects due in a week, and even the homework that you have to complete each night. Coincidentally, I have ran into the same struggle and I have plenty of advice!
First of all you need to know your goals. Know what you are doing and why you are doing it. You must remember that school is very important if you want to graduate and go to college, or start a certain career for the rest of your life.
Prioritizing wisely is the biggest piece of advice I can give. Make sure you are always getting done what needs to be done. It is okay to have fun with your friends every once in a while, but the things that will make you successful later in life are way more important. Trust me, you will be more than thankful if you tend to your goals first.
Don’t forget that it is okay to say no to your peers! I know how hard it can be to turn down a night out with your friends. But, getting your school work done or going to practice to become a better student will benefit your future. Trust me, once you fall in that hole, it is very hard to get out of it.
Lastly, organization is a must when it comes to having good time management. You don’t want to not be able to find your homework, or even your practice gear. Keeping your things nice and neat will make life a lot easier.
Throughout all this, do not forget it is normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed about this. However, always work hard and strive to become the best you that you can be. Following my tips will lead to you straight to success. Good luck!
By Maliyah Mabry
January 10, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I have a hard time balancing sports, work, and school. Any suggestions for time management?
This must make you feel extremely overwhelmed. School is hard enough with all of the assignments due this or that day, projects due in a week, and even the homework that you have to complete each night. Coincidentally, I have ran into the same struggle and I have plenty of advice!
First of all you need to know your goals. Know what you are doing and why you are doing it. You must remember that school is very important if you want to graduate and go to college, or start a certain career for the rest of your life.
Prioritizing wisely is the biggest piece of advice I can give. Make sure you are always getting done what needs to be done. It is okay to have fun with your friends every once in a while, but the things that will make you successful later in life are way more important. Trust me, you will be more than thankful if you tend to your goals first.
Don’t forget that it is okay to say no to your peers! I know how hard it can be to turn down a night out with your friends. But, getting your school work done or going to practice to become a better student will benefit your future. Trust me, once you fall in that hole, it is very hard to get out of it.
Lastly, organization is a must when it comes to having good time management. You don’t want to not be able to find your homework, or even your practice gear. Keeping your things nice and neat will make life a lot easier.
Throughout all this, do not forget it is normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed about this. However, always work hard and strive to become the best you that you can be. Following my tips will lead to you straight to success. Good luck!
Dear Mirror... Help me with heartbreak
By Starr Brock
January 11, 2019
Dear Mirror,
Recently I’ve been going through a pretty hard break up and I’m heartbroken. How do I deal with this?
To be clear, there is no real definite way to handle heartbreak. It’s different for everyone, but from my experience, I went through four stages.
The first stage- pain. This is to be expected, but usually people don’t realize this is probably the easiest. There’s nothing like a good cry. The pain you feel, it’ll go away eventually. For some it might be quicker, others it might be a while. No matter how long, it’s necessary to get better.
The second stage- distractions. These are key in dealing with a broken heart. I mean, have you ever noticed if you’re too busy to think about it, then you just don’t. If you can’t think about it, then you can’t be sad about it.
The third stage- withdrawal. This one, I can’t even really make it sound better because it sucks, a lot. Being so used to someone and then they become a stranger, sucks. You start to see things that remind you of them, you think about the memories, and it just sucks. This was one of the hardest parts of being heartbroken. I thought I would never get through it.
The last stage- self love. This was the worst, and it usually is. This stage is just something that a lot of people don’t get to. Obviously it’s not because they don’t want to, it’s because they just don’t know how to. Before you can love anyone, you have to love yourself. This is something that comes easy for some, but tends to be impossible for others. There isn’t an answer on how to do this, you just kinda do it. You need to do it. Without it, it’s hard to be happy, and isn’t that all we really need in life?
My answer is simple. Love yourself. Find your own happiness.
January 11, 2019
Dear Mirror,
Recently I’ve been going through a pretty hard break up and I’m heartbroken. How do I deal with this?
To be clear, there is no real definite way to handle heartbreak. It’s different for everyone, but from my experience, I went through four stages.
The first stage- pain. This is to be expected, but usually people don’t realize this is probably the easiest. There’s nothing like a good cry. The pain you feel, it’ll go away eventually. For some it might be quicker, others it might be a while. No matter how long, it’s necessary to get better.
The second stage- distractions. These are key in dealing with a broken heart. I mean, have you ever noticed if you’re too busy to think about it, then you just don’t. If you can’t think about it, then you can’t be sad about it.
The third stage- withdrawal. This one, I can’t even really make it sound better because it sucks, a lot. Being so used to someone and then they become a stranger, sucks. You start to see things that remind you of them, you think about the memories, and it just sucks. This was one of the hardest parts of being heartbroken. I thought I would never get through it.
The last stage- self love. This was the worst, and it usually is. This stage is just something that a lot of people don’t get to. Obviously it’s not because they don’t want to, it’s because they just don’t know how to. Before you can love anyone, you have to love yourself. This is something that comes easy for some, but tends to be impossible for others. There isn’t an answer on how to do this, you just kinda do it. You need to do it. Without it, it’s hard to be happy, and isn’t that all we really need in life?
My answer is simple. Love yourself. Find your own happiness.
How To Stay Away From Fake Friends
By Hannah Robinson
January 11, 2019
Dear Mirror,
One of my friends told me that another friend was talking about me. Should I confront her or let it go?
It’s an old tale of friends talking about others behind their backs. Everyone has gone through it at one time or another. Some people just get jealous, and some people make it up just to start a fight. It’s, unfortunately, a very normal thing for people to go through. It’s immature, but it’s high school. So what can you do? Well I’m here to answer that exact question.
You may want to try addressing the problem by talking to the person being accused. Some may deny it untruthfully,but you have to go with your gut and decide if you want to believe them or not. If you’re not comfortable with confronting them, then go to other sources like the friend who told you initially. Ask them what was said or how they know about it. If they don’t answer you directly, then they may be lying. If they give you a direct answer but it seems far fetched then they may also mean they are lying.
You can also confront the gossip without accusing them. Let them know someone is talking about you, stating that you’re not sure who, also letting them know you’re not okay with it. Don’t drop names or hints, but keep others on the lookout to watch what they are saying. If you know they are talking about you for a fact, then keep confrontations short, and it’s up to you if you want to keep them around. It would probably be the best to drop being friends with them.
In the end, it’s your decision. If you don’t want to bring anything up and continue being
friends with them, then that’s your choice. If I were you, I would put a lot of deep thought into it, so you really understand what you want to do.
January 11, 2019
Dear Mirror,
One of my friends told me that another friend was talking about me. Should I confront her or let it go?
It’s an old tale of friends talking about others behind their backs. Everyone has gone through it at one time or another. Some people just get jealous, and some people make it up just to start a fight. It’s, unfortunately, a very normal thing for people to go through. It’s immature, but it’s high school. So what can you do? Well I’m here to answer that exact question.
You may want to try addressing the problem by talking to the person being accused. Some may deny it untruthfully,but you have to go with your gut and decide if you want to believe them or not. If you’re not comfortable with confronting them, then go to other sources like the friend who told you initially. Ask them what was said or how they know about it. If they don’t answer you directly, then they may be lying. If they give you a direct answer but it seems far fetched then they may also mean they are lying.
You can also confront the gossip without accusing them. Let them know someone is talking about you, stating that you’re not sure who, also letting them know you’re not okay with it. Don’t drop names or hints, but keep others on the lookout to watch what they are saying. If you know they are talking about you for a fact, then keep confrontations short, and it’s up to you if you want to keep them around. It would probably be the best to drop being friends with them.
In the end, it’s your decision. If you don’t want to bring anything up and continue being
friends with them, then that’s your choice. If I were you, I would put a lot of deep thought into it, so you really understand what you want to do.
How to Get Back In The Game
By Starr Brock
January 23, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I recently got out of a relationship and I’m trying to move on, but I’m having trouble talking to the guy I like, how do I go about this?
First of all, I just wanted to make it clear that I’m no expert in talking to guys. I was in a relationship for three years and I lost my touch too, so I feel you on this.
I know it can be hard to get back into dating after a relationship, no matter the time stamp. The whole process of having to get to know someone all over again and the chance that it might not work, again, can make the whole attempt at trying discouraging. But let's be real, we’re in high school still, we’re probably going to go through this a million times. So, might as well give it a shot.
Honestly, I would just go for it, but that might just be me. Shoot them a text to start a conversation and carry it out from there. If it seems like they’re interested, keep the conversation going and maybe ask them to hang out. But if it seems like they aren’t interested, well move along, nothing to see here.
If they aren’t interested, don’t let it discourage you, it’s their loss. Either way, the only advice I can really give you is to step out of your box and at least try to have a conversation with them. Once you get more comfortable, it’ll be a normal thing for you to talk to them all the time.
One big thing to remember when moving on from a relationship and trying to get into another one, do NOT compare them to your past relationship. There will be times when you’ll compare the things that person does to your last relationship, do NOT do that. Just don’t.
Make sure that you’re keeping your options open. You might find that the more you get to know them, they just aren’t right for you. Don’t lock yourself into them just because that’s the first person that caught your attention.
My advice is to just to put on your big girl pants and start a conversation. Go from there and see where it ends up. Or, if you’re extra, you can always “bump” into them and go from there. Either way, just go for it.
January 23, 2019
Dear Mirror,
I recently got out of a relationship and I’m trying to move on, but I’m having trouble talking to the guy I like, how do I go about this?
First of all, I just wanted to make it clear that I’m no expert in talking to guys. I was in a relationship for three years and I lost my touch too, so I feel you on this.
I know it can be hard to get back into dating after a relationship, no matter the time stamp. The whole process of having to get to know someone all over again and the chance that it might not work, again, can make the whole attempt at trying discouraging. But let's be real, we’re in high school still, we’re probably going to go through this a million times. So, might as well give it a shot.
Honestly, I would just go for it, but that might just be me. Shoot them a text to start a conversation and carry it out from there. If it seems like they’re interested, keep the conversation going and maybe ask them to hang out. But if it seems like they aren’t interested, well move along, nothing to see here.
If they aren’t interested, don’t let it discourage you, it’s their loss. Either way, the only advice I can really give you is to step out of your box and at least try to have a conversation with them. Once you get more comfortable, it’ll be a normal thing for you to talk to them all the time.
One big thing to remember when moving on from a relationship and trying to get into another one, do NOT compare them to your past relationship. There will be times when you’ll compare the things that person does to your last relationship, do NOT do that. Just don’t.
Make sure that you’re keeping your options open. You might find that the more you get to know them, they just aren’t right for you. Don’t lock yourself into them just because that’s the first person that caught your attention.
My advice is to just to put on your big girl pants and start a conversation. Go from there and see where it ends up. Or, if you’re extra, you can always “bump” into them and go from there. Either way, just go for it.