April 2007

 

Page 3

News

(Continued from page 1)

     Maybe you don’t feel connected to the epidemic. What you must realize is that HIV/AIDS affects everyone. Your mom, dad, uncle, or best friend could be infected and have their lives taken away from them because of the lack of a cure. How would it feel if you failed to donate a little bit of money to help in that research?

     AAA has given Bishop Dunne a day to dress in red to be aware of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Also, Ms. Lipscomb, who teaches AP World Geography, teaches the impact of the epidemic and has a major research paper where students take research into their own hands to learn how serious this is.

     How can a Bishop Dunne student help raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS disease? By buying a product redistributed through the initiative (Red), you can help an African father, mother, or innocent child from suffering from a the loss of an important life.

Nails So Pretty

By: Olivia Ramirez

     Girls, you know the deal. When there’s a special occasion, a new outfit must be bought, friends need to be called, hair needs to be styled, and, of course, nails need to be done.

     The most common reason for girls getting “tips” is because they look good. Acrylic nails can be long, cut short, French- tipped, thick, pierced, or even colored. Look around the classroom—most girls have them on right now.

     Looking good is not the only reason girls get acrylic nails. Some opt to get them to hide a nail-biting habit.

     Nail-biting not only leads to unattractive nails, but also has a damaging effect on your fingers. From over-biting nails, bacteria can be transferred to the mouth, which leads to infections. If the nail is bitten short enough, the person’s fingers will go through hypersensitivity and you may have problems working with them in the future. Problems like these make acrylic nails a reasonable solution.

     What are the traps of acrylics?

     Acrylic nails can be seen similar to a drug: addictive.

     Once you get them the first time, you keep going back for more. The process of applying and removing acrylic nails is the true kicker for your nails’ health.

     If not put on correctly, the nails can lead to fungus. If not taken care of properly, the natural nails can become infected and start to change colors. By not shelling out some extra cash to get the people who put the nails on to get them off again, your nails can become ugly, rigid, and dented.

     Girls, make sure when you are spending your money for beautiful nails, you are not paying for a future infection. Take care of the nails God blessed you with and the nails you bought. Just that extra care (and money) makes your nails so pretty.

 

There’s Gotta’ Be More To Life

Loving, hating, and living: exploring the life of a teenager

By: Cydni Roberston

 

 

 

The seniors are anxious for their first taste of life, the juniors are elated that it’s almost over, the sophomores are counting the days until it’s their time to shine, the freshmen are now opening their eyes, and the middle school students have barely begun to experience the rollercoaster.

             Oh, the teenage years! They are a time of extreme emotions, uncontrollable urges, dramatic episodes, strange curiosities, adaptation to new surroundings, finding one’s true personality. But sometimes, all of these emotions and events can be pretty tough to deal with all alone. But remember, you are not alone. There are plenty of teens who are struggling with some of the same obstacles, trials, excitements, and surprises every day.

             To prove this point, I spoke with individuals from every class about what’s best and worst about being in this awkward, in-between stage of life. I’m sure you can find common ground and relate to one of these students. Bishop Dunne, here is your outlet! Tell the world about what     really goes on in your mind. Our lovely seniors have come to realize that life is all about balance.  Responsibility is no longer perceived as a serious burden, but more as an opportunity to prove yourself reliable.

             Although enjoying the short time you have left in high school is high on the to-do list, it is more imperative to find out who you really are, efficiently prepare for college, and learn to make it on your own without your parents constantly watching over you. Many have realized that the true meaning of freedom is balancing personal liberty with responsibility. With this skill, life seems to have a lighter load. But what about juniors? I can only imagine how frustrating it is for juniors knowing that you’re just a step and a half away from being on your own, but still are considered children by the majority of adults. The word trust is a tricky word with this age group. Without it, you are limited, and with it, you are — for a lack of a better term — less limited. I would say “free,” but for juniors, it does not apply completely because, for the most part, they have yet to take on the majority of the responsibilities that seniors have. And let’s not forget parents still keeping constant watch over their near-adult children.

             For sophomores, nothing puts the icing on the cake like knowing you can wake up in the morning debt-free! But accepting the fact that real life is approaching fast on the horizon, or “just around the river-bend” is nevertheless nerve-wracking. And, again, let’s not forget parents always getting on your nerves.

             As far as freshmen are concerned, freedom to do as you please and having new life experiences is their paramount goal at the moment. Some students may be detained from partaking in this long-awaited step in to “LIFE” due to money-related restrictions. In other words, “Daddy won’t buy the new Jordans!” or “I have no money to buy myself the new Jordans!” In an instant, that “freedom” is taken from you. The biggest struggle becomes how to get that freedom back.

             And at last, from the perspective of middle school students, the things that seem to be most intriguing as a beginning teenager include parties, relationships with members of the opposite sex, and the newly-established respect from pre-teens. The misfortune of having a blemish or pimple, unwanted gossip, and extensive homework assignments is the worst of the worst.

             And let’s not forget parents always getting on your nerves. From these explanations, you can acquire many different understandings and opinions. One, you aren’t alone. Many of your peers are likely to be experiencing the same ups and downs and are sometimes the best outlet for venting or talking out your problems. Two, if one were to take a closer look at the different trials between the age groups and critically analyze them, one would recognize that as they get older, the things that seem to be most upsetting are truly just minor mishaps or occurrences that will briefly pass if dealt with maturely. Three, have you ever stopped to wonder if life could be worse?  Well, I assure you that it can be. Take time out every day to appreciate your blessings rather than complain or worry about the uncertainties of tomorrow. Follow this advice, and life will seem easier to both you and those around you. Four, if you’re going through a particular personal/unmentionable situation, and still feel as though no one understands or can relate to your pain, don’t ever be afraid to speak out to someone. It’s in release therapy that we find true inner peace and satisfaction.  Can’t talk to your parents? Teachers aren’t leveling with you? Or even your friends are taunting you for feeling a certain way? There are multiple websites, phone numbers, and personal counselors who are willing to keep your situation confidential (some restrictions apply), and whose main purpose is to ensure that you have a well-rounded life.

             And finally, as difficult as it may seem, good behavior always prevails. Some people may be thinking, “What does my good behavior have to do with me enjoying life?” Well, have you noticed that the more well-behaved you are, the more privileges you receive? And guess what, it doesn’t only get you privileges, it establishes trust between your parents and teachers, too! If your parents and teachers trust you, the world is basically yours and you are free to experience as you please. See, being a teenager isn’t that bad! Well, except for your parents getting on your nerves and all.

Stressed Teen

Acrylic nails