features |
Reagan's got talent!
WRITTEN BY FREEDOM GOBEL
Sometimes we fail to see the unique talents that ordinary people around us possess. We can surprise ourselves.
The woman on the subway bench may be the most wonderful dancer. The man in the corner might be that painter with those beautiful brush strokes. Reagan has some hidden talents you may not know about. Take a look deeper and see what you can find out about the everyday people around you. You may be amazed.
Sometimes we fail to see the unique talents that ordinary people around us possess. We can surprise ourselves.
The woman on the subway bench may be the most wonderful dancer. The man in the corner might be that painter with those beautiful brush strokes. Reagan has some hidden talents you may not know about. Take a look deeper and see what you can find out about the everyday people around you. You may be amazed.
|
Desiree’ Aldi is a Freshman student at Reagan. Desiree’ has a talent for playing the game of rugby. “I had a friend who introduced it to me, and I like physical sports, so I figured it’d be my type of thing,” said Desiree’. “The talent came naturally. I watched a lot of videos to learn the game, and then eventually I went to the practices. I just did my thing.” |
“The talent came naturally. I watched a lot of videos to learn the game, and then eventually I went to the practices. I just did my thing." |
Desiree playing rugby! Photo taken by Lance Aldi. Permission to use photo granted.
|
“I gained a lot of physical strength and endurance. Not gonna lie, I’ve gotten a lot more concussions since I started,” she added. Desiree’ said that playing rugby helps her with her time-management skills because she has to balance school, and four practices a week. It keeps her disciplined. “The sport is uncommon, but the skill is not,” Desiree’ concluded. Mr. Walker, a teacher at Reagan, has a special talent as well. He has the natural talent of playing the game of ping pong. “I’m more of a street player; I keep it informal,” he said. |
|
“I started playing when I was five. I've been playing every year with my family since,” said Walker. “I watched Forest Gump and he played ping pong. That was my inspiration.” “I’d say I’m better than everyone in the building except for Mr. DePerry. So, I’m like a nine out of ten. I’m sure he’s really good. I'm just guessing, based on his badminton skills,” Walker stated. “I have a lot of respect for Mr. DePerry, and if he's willing to compete against me, then I will definitely accept,” he challenged. “He would probably smoke me though.” “Ping pong takes hand-eye coordination, agility, and… use of paddle,” Walker shared. “I have ping pong dreams. If teaching doesn't work out, I'll be a professional ping pong player.” |
Image of Mr. Walker taken by Madi Larsh.
|
“It’s a great sport. I wish people would play it,” said Walker.
Shiny Rose is a member of the varsity tennis team this year as a ninth grader. “Some people say ball is life. Well, mine is tennis,” said Shiny. Shiny Rose has been playing tennis for the past three to four years.
Shiny Rose is a member of the varsity tennis team this year as a ninth grader. “Some people say ball is life. Well, mine is tennis,” said Shiny. Shiny Rose has been playing tennis for the past three to four years.
Image of Shiny by Madi Larsh
|
“I have an American grandmother, and she loved tennis. She thought I should be in sports to get out there and be active. She signed me up for recreational tennis, and I enjoyed it. This is the second year I've been playing for a school team. It was easy to pick things up. I never compare my talents to other people, I just do my personal best,” she said. Shiny said that she thinks tennis is a skill that takes time to learn and perfect, and it depends on if a person puts in effort and practice to be good. “Anyone can be great if they try, but other than that, they may not be playing at their greatest potential." |
“In tennis, you can gain a lot of physical and mental wisdom. You have to learn to concentrate, relax, and play with a clear mind,” Shiny said. “Like chess, you have to use strategies to get the upper hand. You always have to be active to run, attack the ball, and you can't just stand there. You have to do your best all the time.”
“Tennis is something I can do to get away from everyday life. I love the concentration. It’s very stress-free. I enjoy playing tennis,” said Shiny.
Image of Kenneth by Madi Larsh
|
Some people have talents in sports, and some have the gift of playing music. Kenneth Blaine, a tenth grader, is a part of the DJ club this year. “I started my freshman year. I joined the club at Reagan because I had some friends already in DJ club,” said Kenneth. “It was something new. I learned from a senior last year.” Kenneth plans on dj-ing for parties and things like that before and during college. “You learn how to read notes, how to mix music together, and just feel the music in general. Physically, you don't really gain much, except for setting up,” Kenneth said. These are just some of the special talents we have here at Reagan. Take a step back and just watch. Try it sometime. |
how it feels to be a teen with diabetes
WRITTEN BY ALEXXUS HART
“It’s extremely difficult living with diabetes. It feels like you’re constantly wondering if the way you’re feeling is because of your diabetes or because you caught a cold. Normally, when you get older things get easier, but not with diabetes. It has gotten harder as I grow older because of having to keep up with everything. I’m constantly having the thought that I'm always gonna have to do this and it’s never going to change.” Rebecca Gulland has been a diabetic since she was 8 years old; she is now 16. It has been 8 years since she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Common symptoms of Type 1 & 2 diabetes are:
The causes of Type 1 diabetes isn’t due to eating too much sugar, but it’s due to certain genetics and other factors that are still unknown. Similarly Type 2 diabetes isn't caused by eating too much sugar, but by certain lifestyle factors and genetics.
“It’s extremely difficult living with diabetes. It feels like you’re constantly wondering if the way you’re feeling is because of your diabetes or because you caught a cold. Normally, when you get older things get easier, but not with diabetes. It has gotten harder as I grow older because of having to keep up with everything. I’m constantly having the thought that I'm always gonna have to do this and it’s never going to change.” Rebecca Gulland has been a diabetic since she was 8 years old; she is now 16. It has been 8 years since she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Common symptoms of Type 1 & 2 diabetes are:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry - even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss - even though you are eating more (Type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (Type 2)
The causes of Type 1 diabetes isn’t due to eating too much sugar, but it’s due to certain genetics and other factors that are still unknown. Similarly Type 2 diabetes isn't caused by eating too much sugar, but by certain lifestyle factors and genetics.
|
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. It was previously known as juvenile diabetes, and only covers about 5% of people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, which was established in the 1940s. Type 1 diabetes, is a chronic condition in the body that produces little or no insulin. “The body breaks down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose, which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone
|
"When dealing with diabetes, you can always learn to manage your condition and live long, healthy lives." |
that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body,” according to the American Diabetes Association. Administration of insulin is essential for survival. When dealing with diabetes, you can always learn to manage your condition and live long, healthy lives.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, the problem is that your body that causes your blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. With type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin properly, which is called insulin resistance. At first, their pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels based off of the American Diabetes Association’s data.
|
Ways to manage Type 1 diabetes:
|
Ways to Manage Type 2 Diabetes
|
Rebecca says, “Sometimes you want a break, but you eventually realize you can’t get one, due to the fact that being diabetic has become part of your lifestyle and isn’t going away like a cold would. Diabetes has changed my childhood extremely. When I was first diagnosed, it was really hard for me to tell people. I once had someone tell me they didn't want to hangout with me because I had to take shots. I used to be so afraid of the looks and side comments I would always go to the bathroom to hide it. Now that I’m older I have learned that this is something I have to live with and even though I don't like it, it has become part of me. Wasting time going to the bathroom to do a shot that I could do right then and there isn't going to help me with anything but avoid my problems. I usually don't tell people I have diabetes right away. I still feel as if it scares people away, especially because many people aren't educated with both types. A lot of people just believe that ‘if you're extremely overweight you can get diabetes’ because that's what so many people are told, but that’s not the case. If I don't tell them right away I usually try to tell them shortly after.I don't want to gain a close relationship and then have it break off over something I can't help. What some people need to understand is that I’m not diabetes, but then again diabetes is me. Over the years diabetes has become apart of me that I have learned to accept. I have way more to me than just being diabetic.”
"Over the years diabetes has become apart
of me that I have learned to accept. I have
way more to me than just being diabetic.”
There’s so much more to people than the labels people, illnesses and diseases give them. So, in honor of National Diabetes Month which is in November, everyone should drop the labels and see people as they really are.
winter break ideas
CREATED BY MARC CRUZ
J&J Debate #3: College
AUDIO DEBATE CREATED BY JEVEN HORTON & JULIO GARCIA
Do you think going to college is necessary? Listen to the audio to hear two different perspectives debated by two Reagan seniors.
Red Arrow Park
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATIE GILLINGHAM
|
|
|
.
IT'S COLD! Yes, we all know it's about to be winter. The holidays are right around the corner, and most people will hang around inside, watch some relaxing TV with a warm cup of hot chocolate with piles of whip cream, and get cozy under piles of blankets.
Although, this is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable while it is freezing outside, it’s not entirely healthy to stay inside the entire winter. People can suffer from a condition called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression related to changes in the season. Look into it more on http://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2014/02/15/sgmd-gupta-explains-sad.cnn
IT'S COLD! Yes, we all know it's about to be winter. The holidays are right around the corner, and most people will hang around inside, watch some relaxing TV with a warm cup of hot chocolate with piles of whip cream, and get cozy under piles of blankets.
Although, this is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable while it is freezing outside, it’s not entirely healthy to stay inside the entire winter. People can suffer from a condition called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression related to changes in the season. Look into it more on http://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2014/02/15/sgmd-gupta-explains-sad.cnn
|
So now, I give you a healthy alternative, ice skating!
Red Arrow Park is an fantastic outdoor ice skating rink in the midst of downtown, that comes with a cute little Starbucks bakery right next to it! Surrounded by Uihlein Hall, MSOE, and multiple other notable buildings, the lighted trees and city lights illuminate the rink at night, which is the prettiest time of the day to go. The park is actually a dedication to the 32nd Division, who fought in World War One, World War Two, and the Berlin Crisis. The name Red Arrow Park, comes from the group’s symbol, a red arrow. Find it at 920 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Take your friends with you! Take your family! It’s enjoyable even if you aren’t the best at skating, and much more fun with company. Plus, Starbucks! It’s cold, and warm cups of coffee or hot chocolate after ice skating? Sounds like a good idea to me! The skating season begins December 3, and runs until the end of January. Have fun! |
Take it From the Team -
Favorite Holiday Dishes
|
WRITTEN BY CORI KRONSCHNABEL
Holidays - a time spent socializing with family and friends; they are also an excuse to eat large amounts of food without remorse. Every family is different. Most families have some sort of special holiday tradition - they cook the same food and do the same kinds activities every year without fail. Other families like to mix it up a little. Instead of having a real evergreen tree for Christmas, they may try a fake tree one year. Any tradition that involves food seems to be the best kind of tradition. Everyone has their favorite food, and there is no exception when it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday this time of the year. Whether it’s a food they have eaten since they were a kid, or a recipe they recently discovered, food is food, and it is exceptionally delicious during the holidays. Take it from the team! Here are some of the Husky Howler’s favorite holiday recipes! |
|
What are your favorite holiday recipes? Submit them and they will be published in the the next article of Take it From the Team!
moolah is coolah
WRITTEN BY MADELYN DRURY
Here’s something you don’t necessarily hear everyday: Teens should start saving for retirement. Even if we don’t hear it everyday, parents and professionals do. Saving money is the best way to go, no matter what you are saving for, really. Forbes Magazine Online published an article in 2012 talking about teens saving for retirement. This article highlighted the choice of families to teach their children at a young age to save for their later years.
Here’s something you don’t necessarily hear everyday: Teens should start saving for retirement. Even if we don’t hear it everyday, parents and professionals do. Saving money is the best way to go, no matter what you are saving for, really. Forbes Magazine Online published an article in 2012 talking about teens saving for retirement. This article highlighted the choice of families to teach their children at a young age to save for their later years.
|
(Read the Forbes article here; after you enjoy our highlights on the issue:) http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidmarotta/2012/07/23/fund-a-teenagers-million-dollar-retirement/
Sure, in all reality, not a lot of teenagers are informed enough to start saving for retirement, but what about just saving money in general? That we can work with. Bank and credit union positions often have a lot of experience with these things; including loans, savings accounts and retirement accounts like a 401K. Specifically, financial advisors are the ones that often help people save for retirement, as well as research the stock markets/marketplace, analyze information and work with their clients to prepare for a sound financial future. According to |
WalletHub.com, Landmark Credit Union in Wisconsin has a high satisfaction rating from its customers, earning a 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
The Landmark CU Bayview branch manager, April Recklies, talked about the money saving tips she recommends. “Start small” was one of the first things she said about saving money. Saving money in small, smart strategies will ultimately help you out in the long run. The “52 week plan” for example, entails you saving money each day up to $52 and 52 days. For example- on the first day you save 1 dollar, the second, two dollars- so on and so forth until the 52 day when you potentially save up 52 dollars and 52+the money saved everyday in that time period equals money in your pockets.
The Landmark CU Bayview branch manager, April Recklies, talked about the money saving tips she recommends. “Start small” was one of the first things she said about saving money. Saving money in small, smart strategies will ultimately help you out in the long run. The “52 week plan” for example, entails you saving money each day up to $52 and 52 days. For example- on the first day you save 1 dollar, the second, two dollars- so on and so forth until the 52 day when you potentially save up 52 dollars and 52+the money saved everyday in that time period equals money in your pockets.
 Image of April Recklies taken by Madelyn Drury
Recklies mentions, “I have for different accounts...designated for specific items”, which is the smartest way to save money. Different saving accounts for christmas fund, college fund, spending, clothes, car, etc. Having a money saving plan is a critical thing you need in order to prepare for the future and to be financially stable now. |
Image created by Kristen Leer
|
When asked if teens should start saving for retirement, Recklies said with 100% confidence, “Yes. They say you should have a million dollars saved by the time you retire…” Starting when you are young is the safest way to do so, and learning how to be financially prepared is important.
Landmark Credit Union in particular has “multiple services,” for students and young people like the low-cost account fees, and membership fees. To open an account at Landmark, all you need is a form of identification, like a school I.D, know your social security number and have $5 to start off your account. Landmark Financial Advisor, Sheri Drury, had mentioned, “Credit Unions require you to have at least five dollars on your account…” to get you started.
With parental guidance, you can go “the checking account route with a parent and there is no minimum balance requirement for that.” When under the age of 18, you need at least one parent's help to open a checking account.
When it comes to college time, the credit union offers student loan plans. The credit union offers guidance through your financial journey and offers many plans to get you through all of life’s twists and turns.
Overall, many will agree that saving money is always good. It is definitely a task that doesn’t always come easy, but with hard work, it all pays off.
A special thanks goes out to April Recklies for her time and money saving tips. So, now it’s all up to you - will you save or will you spend your hard cold cash?
Plus, check out www.dinkytown.com for money saving calculators and ways to make saving easier for you- it is a cool way to save up for your future.
Landmark Credit Union in particular has “multiple services,” for students and young people like the low-cost account fees, and membership fees. To open an account at Landmark, all you need is a form of identification, like a school I.D, know your social security number and have $5 to start off your account. Landmark Financial Advisor, Sheri Drury, had mentioned, “Credit Unions require you to have at least five dollars on your account…” to get you started.
With parental guidance, you can go “the checking account route with a parent and there is no minimum balance requirement for that.” When under the age of 18, you need at least one parent's help to open a checking account.
When it comes to college time, the credit union offers student loan plans. The credit union offers guidance through your financial journey and offers many plans to get you through all of life’s twists and turns.
Overall, many will agree that saving money is always good. It is definitely a task that doesn’t always come easy, but with hard work, it all pays off.
A special thanks goes out to April Recklies for her time and money saving tips. So, now it’s all up to you - will you save or will you spend your hard cold cash?
Plus, check out www.dinkytown.com for money saving calculators and ways to make saving easier for you- it is a cool way to save up for your future.
December days
CREATED BY MORGAN STARK
Anti-Social Social Media?
|
WRITTEN BY LEONARDO ESPINOZA
Meet The Truth People use social media more these days than ever before. Sites like Facebook and Twitter helps people to stay connected with friends and family. However, when used carelessly or for the wrong reasons, social networking can be threatening, or hurtful to some. Words have a lot of power and often times online forums serve as a shield; these websites instill some with the confidence to say things they otherwise wouldn’t say in person. Whether intentionally or not, these types of social media can seriously hurt a person’s reputations, or threaten their safety. Mostly, everyone seems to think of these sites and services as relatively safe - no one thinks of the dangers that accompany it. |
What's Up? Social media is both a blessing and a burden. It’s sort of like talking in a seemingly safe, however dark alley with friends and yelling everything with a megaphone so everyone can hear (i.e. your posts). Among the people that can hear are the hackers, who are in this situation the pickpockets and the nosy ones. Now the nosy ones can use the information against someone and the pickpockets take everything called private. By posting something in social media, one is yelling out “What’s up?!” That means that almost anyone can hear. Then the people living in this alley are the friends, real and the ones some people add to simply to increase their total number of friends, as if that number reflects their worth. This is an analogy for how people all too commonly use social media. It’s important for every individual to think about what they post before they post it and take into serious consideration how it will not only affect themselves but others as well. |
Don’t Snapchat Picture
Share Responsibly
Sharing a selfie with a friend is fun; it shows everyone what is being done and where. However, it’s important to keep in mind, that it lasts forever and is available for almost anyone to see. The danger is in who looks at this information. Utilize privacy settings when convenient to ensure that a shared photo, comment, etc., can only be seen by those who it is intended for.
Share Responsibly
Sharing a selfie with a friend is fun; it shows everyone what is being done and where. However, it’s important to keep in mind, that it lasts forever and is available for almost anyone to see. The danger is in who looks at this information. Utilize privacy settings when convenient to ensure that a shared photo, comment, etc., can only be seen by those who it is intended for.
Stranger Danger
The phrase ”stranger danger” is something parents say all the time, however, many times it is not taken seriously. For example, on social media, the location feature can be very dangerous because it allows people to know where someone is. Also, the sharing of personal information is highly dangerous. Not being careful and cautious can make an easy target for predators.
Twatter you doing?
Here’s the thing…
Obviously, the right thing to do is to never post illegal activities and even more so to never do it. Understand that there are serious consequences for your actions. If a person’s reputation is hurt, then it could potentially affect college admissions, jobs opportunities, and personal relationships, which that require someone with a clean record. Unfortunately, some people don’t know not to post the wrong things on the internet.
Here’s the thing…
Obviously, the right thing to do is to never post illegal activities and even more so to never do it. Understand that there are serious consequences for your actions. If a person’s reputation is hurt, then it could potentially affect college admissions, jobs opportunities, and personal relationships, which that require someone with a clean record. Unfortunately, some people don’t know not to post the wrong things on the internet.
|
If It’s Illegal Don’t Post It
Illegal activities should never be committed, let alone posted to social media. Posting illegal activities can lead to criminal prosecution, ruin any chances of getting accepted into college, or job position. It is proof that cannot be erased and that can hurt a person’s reputation indefinitely. Cyberbullying Common sense tells people not to intentionally hurt other people’s feelings. Many find social media as a safe outlet to be able to make fun of others without having to deal with the consequences. However, that is not always the case. Social media is public so essentially it is accessible to anyone. Online bullying can lead to the victim developing depression, and may even cause them to hurt themselves, or others. If caught, the person that is committing the harmful actions may be subject to expulsion or even criminal prosecution. Cyberbullying can be prevented by using social media safely and responsibly. |
Don’t Mess Up
Lying is never right, neither is cheating, or plagiarizing. However, many people do this over social media. Consider the following example: A student, claiming to be sick, skips a whole day of school in order to avoid a math test. The student goes to a movie and later posts about it on social media. This example shows how social media can work against a person. There is evidence of the student lying and skipping class. This would negatively affect the student’s reputation. The bottom line is that lying is not good and the truth is almost always revealed in the end. Don’t Tell Me You… Sometimes many people like to make empty threats. Empty threats are those with no meaning. Often times, empty threats are interpreted in the wrong way. Local authorities could be informed by making an empty threat, one is making a red flag. Then there will be chaos and nothing good will come from it. The FBI could even be involved in trying to stop whomever posted that threat and someone will have to explain what it was. As the news have said many times threats can lead to situations of fear. Also to a loss of a school day if it involves school. Even worse, it can lead to expulsion and criminal prosecution. In other words, empty threats are not good and will have a terrible outcome. |
Finally…
What To Do
The only way to prevent these effects of social media is by sticking to the following tips:
Social media poses both benefits and dangers. It helps us connect to our friends, family, and the world. However, if used the wrong way there are consequences. These can be avoided if used responsibly. Social media is not dangerous and is unlikely to damage your reputation in the future if it is used responsibly. That is why responsible use is vital to a happy life.
What To Do
The only way to prevent these effects of social media is by sticking to the following tips:
- Sharing only to people that are known (i.e. friends and family)
- Beware of Stranger Danger & avoid sharing location/personal or sensitive information
- Review the terms and conditions of a social media website before use
Social media poses both benefits and dangers. It helps us connect to our friends, family, and the world. However, if used the wrong way there are consequences. These can be avoided if used responsibly. Social media is not dangerous and is unlikely to damage your reputation in the future if it is used responsibly. That is why responsible use is vital to a happy life.
candy cane lane brings holiday cheer
WRITTEN BY EVA SZOCIK
Looking for a fun festive holiday activity to do during this holiday season?
Searching for a local, cheap thing to do that will get you in the holiday cheer?
Is there even a place existing that fits this description?
There sure is.
It’s called Candy Cane Lane, and it’s been around for about 30 years.
Looking for a fun festive holiday activity to do during this holiday season?
Searching for a local, cheap thing to do that will get you in the holiday cheer?
Is there even a place existing that fits this description?
There sure is.
It’s called Candy Cane Lane, and it’s been around for about 30 years.
Here’s a photo of a little area of Candy Cane Lane in 2010. It sure is pretty.
|
WHAT IS IT?
A neighborhood that brings out awesome holiday light displays, creating a spectacular scene, usually accompanied by Christmas tunes. WHERE? In West Allis, the neighborhood bordered by 96th Street on the west, 92nd Street on the east, Montana Avenue on the north, and Oklahoma Avenue on the south. |
|
See a map at: http://candycanelanewi.com/directions.php WHEN CAN I GO? November 27th - December 27th HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET GO THROUGH IT? Nothing! |
Candy Cane Lane is a great place to visit in the holiday season. And, another great thing about it, is you can come back for more! (until December 27th, of course)
|
Looks like Santa came to see how the residents of Candy Cane Lane are holding up. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get to greet Santa on your trip to this festive neighborhood. Image by Mike DeSisti. Permission to use photos courtesy of Colleen Moran.
|
WHY SHOULD I GO?
To encourage holiday cheer! Roll on by! You will definitely be impressed! Invite family; invite friends! |
marvelous military families
WRITTEN BY ALEXIS TORRES
November. What do you think when you hear of the month November? Do you think of the beautifully colored leaves that fall along the sidewalks? Do you think of Thanksgiving foods that are traditionally served? Or do you think of one of the main representations that November stands for? November is the month that salutes all of the military families across the nation.
"Our nation owes each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.”
- President Obama
Every year the President signs a proclamation that declares November being Military Family Month, and the above quote was included in this year’s proclamation. It basically dedicates November to the month long celebration of military families. According to www.samhsa.gov there are around 2.2 million military service members and 3.1 million immediate family members are currently in the U.S. In the United States there are over 1.8 million military children - there are even some here at Reagan.
November. What do you think when you hear of the month November? Do you think of the beautifully colored leaves that fall along the sidewalks? Do you think of Thanksgiving foods that are traditionally served? Or do you think of one of the main representations that November stands for? November is the month that salutes all of the military families across the nation.
"Our nation owes each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.”
- President Obama
Every year the President signs a proclamation that declares November being Military Family Month, and the above quote was included in this year’s proclamation. It basically dedicates November to the month long celebration of military families. According to www.samhsa.gov there are around 2.2 million military service members and 3.1 million immediate family members are currently in the U.S. In the United States there are over 1.8 million military children - there are even some here at Reagan.
|
With the ups and downs that comes with being a military child, one has to inquire how they are to handle it to make it a part of their normal life. Below is an interview I conducted with a Reagan student, Katie Gillingham, whose has several family members in the military.
How much of an effect does them being in the military have on you? “It was hard. I hardly got to see them since they all were halfway across the world. And when they did come to visit, we hardly got to spend any time with them since they had other friends they all wanted to visit too.” How long has it been since you have seen them? “Now, after they were stationed in different states, they all live in different states across the United States. While they were all in the military, it was rare that we ever got to see them all at the same time. They all came in at random different times, and hardly stayed with us.” Do you and your family “celebrate” when they come back home? “Incredibly. When we would get to see them after they would come back from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, or Korea, we would have big dinners and everyone was extremely happy.” How long have they been serving for? “They have all served between 8-10 years.” How often do you get to communicate with them? “I call them fairly often, but when I was younger I didn’t really do much about that since I didn’t have any ways of my own to keep in touch.” Are you okay with sharing any stories about your life in a military family or past stories your siblings have shared with you about being in the military? “Sure. One story fairly prominent in my mind, is that my brother was hiding in a large tower with some other soldiers and he had to keep completely still, as a camel spider crawled up his arm and bit him.” Are you thinking about going into the military? “I have, I thought about going into the air force, but I'm not sure.” |
I was also able to interview a former marine named Tim Carson and asked him various questions about him being in the military. Now Tim is actually my uncle and I can tell you that he isn’t married and doesn’t have any kids, but he does have his two sisters, his parents, and a new girlfriend. Being in the military also provided him many options for his future.
Questions I asked Tim and his responses: How long were you in the service? “I was in the service for 3 years and 9 months.” How did you feel when you were away? “Indifferent. I enjoyed the opportunity to experience and learn new things. At the same time, I wondered how things may have panned out if I didn't join.” Why did you choose to go into the military? Or more formally, why did you choose to go into the marines? “I joined the military because I wasn't sure what to do after high school and I didn't want to feel like I was stuck at the job I had forever. I wanted to open up possible opportunities. I joined the Marines because the Army never called me back. Also, the Marines are some of the best and bravest people out there.” Where have you traveled? Nowhere special. I went to bootcamp at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) San Diego. Went to school in 29 Palms located in the Mojave Desert. Finally I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. I never got to leave California.” What are the benefits of being in the military? “Life experience is a big one. Also, free healthcare and free college.” What changed from before you were in the military to where you now? Any special treatment? “I suppose I'm more pessimistic now. I don't aim to bend over backwards for anyone either unless there's something in it for me. At the same time, I don't like to see other people get shafted because of it. Ultimately I look out for myself, and the people working alongside me when possible.” How was your experience personally? “When it was good, it was good. When it was bad, it absolutely sucked. Misery loves company though, so those bad times weren't always experienced alone. In the face of adversity you bond more with the people next to you, and form relationships. Ultimately I don't regret joining at all, and I'd do it again, though hopefully doing something different the second time around.” Military families are all over the United States. The month of November represents a month of celebration for those serving, even though this year’s Veterans Day takes place on November 11. November 11 is the official date because in the year 1918 on that very day, it was and still is known as the the end “of wars to end all wars.”This was the day World War 1 ended. Ever since then, soldiers have been honored for their courageous efforts and service. |