Paint nights spur ingenuity
March 25, 2019
Filed under Features Columns, Student Life
Many people believe that artistic ability is a genetically built-in talent, when in fact most of the skills involved in art come from practice and repetition. Even so, art isn’t meant only for those with the dexterity to turn their own artistic vision into a reality, it is meant for everyone. A ...
Self-defense class proves helpful
February 19, 2019
Filed under Features Columns
While I am lucky to say I have never needed to use self-defense, the stories I see on social media show the possibility is real. Because of that I, along with three friends, recently attended a women’s self-defense class at Warrior’s Cove in St. Louis Park. Warrior’s Cove offers free monthly wo...
My first Senate testimony
February 18, 2019
Filed under Features Columns
When the chair of the Minnesota Senate E-12 Finance and Policy Committee, Carla Nelson, called my name and invited me to begin my testimony my heart began to pound. I could hear myself speak as I presented my prepared remarks about the importance of personal finance education in high school in support of SF...
Sticking to what you love
January 15, 2019
Filed under Features Columns
I have been in love with horses ever since I can remember, but I have faced hundreds of obstacles trying to find ways to do what I love. I started horseback riding when I was 7 years old. I have always known my love for horses, but once I went to Shamineau, a summer camp in northern Minnesota, it ...
Live performance encourages confidence
December 22, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
Since attending my first live music show at the Depot Coffee House freshman year, I have taken an interest in being in a band. Seeing a musical side to those kids who didn't say much at school was eye opening. After finding myself back at the Depot every month or two my involvement only grew, which e...
Age difference expands comfort zone
December 6, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
Eavesdropping at a graduation party, I overheard a woman looking for a young male actor to audition for a show. We ended up talking later that day, and I could tell she was hesitant to ask if I was interested in auditioning. That turned out to be the beginning of my first professional show. After an audition la...
Voting judging allows involvement
December 2, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
Following the news cycle over the past few months, I have become increasingly frustrated with the direction of our country. I was excited to learn about the opportunity to become a voting judge during the midterm elections, which permitted me to be involved in the democratic process, despite not being able to vote. Prior to election day, I at...
Math program encourages girls in STEM
November 1, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
Since eighth grade, I've been in the nationally recognized University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP). UMTYMP encourages girls to continue in STEM fields, and I have been inspired by my instructors to pursue math. The math part of UMTYMP is challenging and has taught me skills like f...
Youth trip inspires change in perspective
October 8, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
Over the summer I had the amazing opportunity to travel abroad with a youth group called United Synagogue Youth Eastern Europe Israel Pilgrimage. I was nervous at first because I’d never traveled abroad without my parents, and I would be meeting new people from all across America. The first part...
Elimination Diet heeds successful results
May 24, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
People diet for a number of reasons — weight loss, looking a certain way, lowering blood pressure, or even having higher energy. A month ago I decided to go on an elimination diet to help with my skin condition. Elimination diets are short-term eating plans that eliminate certain foods to dete...
Growing up with naturally curly hair
May 7, 2018
Filed under Features Columns
Having really curly hair can be tough, especially when you’ve tried hundreds of hair products specialized in keeping your hair under control. Even though it’s just natural hair, there's always a sacred story in every braid, lock and curl. As a kid before school, I would ask my dad to comb through...
What Islam means to us
Aisha Abdi, Muna Ali, and Sumaya Mohamed
April 3, 2018
Filed under Features Columns, Opinion
Being Muslim females, we’ve been targeted because of our religion. Society has made us feel abnormal for following our religion our entire lives.
Noah Orloff, Marta Hill, and Emma Leff
As sophomore Kaylee Quick painted the senior wall, she said her first Roots and Shoots event was a fun way to honor the upcoming Earth Day. “I thought it was a really cool idea as a way to prepare...
Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
Sophomore Keely Berntsen said yoga club has been a comforting and centering addition to her daily routine. “I like how it’s calming and a good start to the day and it gets me in a good place for...
As senior multicultural show host Sabnyyah Bilal fought to maintain the scheduled evening performance, she said she felt disrespected having to constantly stand up for her beliefs. “We...
Maria Perez Barriga, Gabriel Kaplan, and Katie Hardie
After being nominated for teacher of the year and becoming one of only nine finalists, band teacher Steven Schmitz said he felt enthused about the nomination, but cared most about what his students think. “It’s...
