Broccoli news judgment

News Judgment
Jim Streisel, MJE
Carmel High School
@Carmel Jim
Tuesday, July 12, 16

Is this news? How do you know?

Is this news?

Answer?
They’re ALL sources of news...
or can be.

They’re just tools,
and tools aren’t news.

So what’s news?

Broccoli,
Journalism
andYou
Jim Streisel, MJE
Carmel (IN) High School
www.hilite.org/streisel
@CarmelJim
www.slideshare.net/CarmelJim

Who likes broccoli?
= DELICIOUS

Broccoli is good for you.
• It’s got vitamins and minerals.
• It’s healthful.
• It could help prevent sickness.

But people aren’t likely
to choose plain ol’ broccoli.

‘Broccoli’ = News.
• It’s good for you.
• It’s got important
information that you need.

So what is news?
• Timeliness/timelessness
• Proximity
• Prominence
• Impact/consequence
• Conﬂict
• Human interest

So what is news?
Interesting ImportantNEWS
Venn Diagram = Smart

There are those who will eat
plain ol’ broccoli.
This guy = Fun at parties

But there are a lot more
who won’t eat plain ol’ broccoli.
(i.e.Who won’t read the news)
These people = All apparently shop at Kohl’s

Today’s audience has changed.
VS.

Today’s audience has changed.
These girls = Also fun at parties

But the news hasn’t changed.
VS.
•Confederate flags
•Supreme Court decisions
•Upcoming music festivals
•Traffic problems
•New taxes
•School board issues
•Confederate flags
•Supreme Court decisions
•Upcoming music festivals
•Traffic problems
•New taxes
•School board issues

The way we access info
HAS changed

It’s my fault.
I’m sorry.
Aug. 1, 1981

Squirrel!

We’ve got a bad rap, people.

Stereotypes of Gen X and beyond?

Stereotypes of Gen X and beyond?
Limited attention span.
We don’t read.
We’re lazy.
We don’t commit to anything.

Those stereotypes are wrong.

The problem lies with time.

How many of you...
• have a TV? Cable
provider? In your room?

How many of you...
provider? In your
room?
• have a computer?

How many of you...
provider? In your
room?
• use social media?
What kind(s)?

How many of you...
provider? In your
room?
What kind(s)?
• have a smartphone?

How many of you...
provider? In your
room?
What kind(s)?
• have a smartphone?
• text? How often?

Where does your publication fall?
NEWSPAPER
Dam, venditempor
autem re inias alibusa si
sitasin veratquam reheni
bernat.
Vid eni bla inum quas
ium atur rest, temquo
bernam et fugit optur, autem
et pla dolupta tioremquisti
omnimus volum fuga. Em
experum ab idenesto et
qui inveliq uibusdaectia
nonecus debis elitatur
autaquas velestius essimol
uptur?
To ventur? Milibea est
quo eatature et ut audipicia
voloria speditate int andent.
Il expel millab id que
ne voluptatio ent, accum
nessinis re sant.
Bis saerspe rspelectur?
Ulparum fugiaecatur
ma senet eossum lisque
poriberiatur magnam,
que sunte plaboria consed
maxim fugiti nist, officabo.
Et es dictat.
Agnihillaut mod ea
que dolorepra venda vel
ipsae odis et laut res a quia
deligni hilliquae eostia
quia cusdaepudae vel
imo inctorro conem reces
conseri con rem in num
dolesti corit exceptur, sequo
ium fuga. Nem ant.
Ed molupta simus, unt
prae re nonem a sinvendus
di a sapeliam qui aut qui
sequatium re odi dit am di
debitae repudae. Ma pror
sunt qui bea et ex est velit
atur aut libus earit veni
nienducium et as aceri dest
vel ius simet et venimet et ea
vitent incti ipsunt.
Apediaborepraecumaut
que cullaborrum doluptus
eum fugia nis sent.
Non nissi repudi none
pores de aliatin nonsernam
ium qui dolore prae
nis explautem. Berum
accus unt alitium abo.
Nequi optur a nimporias
apidelendis dolorecto
beatur, as ipsaped quo
beaquam que porerovitium
fugia num quoditatem
et offictur? Otam, sam
eostem aut apedigenis etus,
et remolorrum sandeleni
consenturatadisvoloritatur?
Pedita pratemq
uasperfere quundae
nectotatur alique assunt,
sequiandit ipit iur? Qui
duscil exerate ctendis ut
autas quasper iaernatibus,
eatem qui blab iurerspit
voluptaquo idebis doleni
sam endandenda doluptam
eum hiliandus dis alita sum
apidem reperate reptatio.
Ut ulparci psapel invendi
ctumque ommodicae.
Itaquae nimus imi, que
dias denducipsam, sum
alibusament quatiurestia
nobis sundae velistr
umquae. Ximusaperum
fugia sus accus rentinitisit
plibus dolupition peditaspe
nos dolores temporeium
nonsectis ute occaerf
eribus earum incte venestet
doluptae in comnias inihitist
voloriamenim cone dem vel
inpeintemnobitpratisrepra
nostistiis quibus doles delita
nos voloresequis as derrore,
soluptisiti vellore rspieni
hilitiis quis ut andisintur
aceaquidia provitiandae
porem dit vendiasit lam eat
omnis dolore debitatur?
Tur?
Um cum faccusanda
cuscid quam, sint assit
faccum ipides am
cusamImenimus dis arion
nat. Ta cusae eat.
Int officiur, odipsan
iaersperibus quidige
ndellendae nosaper ercimil
iquaerferor re et, ea
Wonderful story goes
right here in this spot Dam, venditempor autem re inias
alibusa si sitasin veratquam reheni bernat.
Vid eni bla inum quas ium atur rest,
temquo bernam et fugit optur, autem
et pla dolupta tioremquisti omnimus
volum fuga. Em experum ab idenesto et
qui inveliq uibusdaectia nonecus debis
elitatur autaquas velestius essimol uptur?
To ventur? Milibea est quo eatature et
ut audipicia voloria speditate int andent.
Il expel millab id que ne voluptatio
ent, accum nessinis re sant.
Ulparum fugiaecatur ma senet
eossum lisque poriberiatur magnam, que
sunte plaboria consed maxim fugiti nist,
officabo. Et es dictat.
Agnihillaut mod ea que dolorepra
venda vel ipsae odis et laut res a quia
deligni hilliquae eostia quia cusdaepudae
vel imo inctorro conem reces conseri con
rem in num dolesti corit exceptur, sequo ium
fuga. Nem ant.
Ed molupta simus, unt prae re nonem
a sinvendus di a sapeliam qui aut qui
sequatium re odi dit am di debitae repudae.
Ma pror sunt qui bea et ex est velit atur aut
libus earit veni nienducium et as aceri dest
vel ius simet et venimet et ea vitent incti
ipsunt.
Apedi aboreprae cum aut que
cullaborrum doluptus eum fugia nis sent.
Non nissi repudi none pores de
aliatin nonsernam ium qui dolore prae
nis explautem. Berum accus unt alitium
abo. Nequi optur a nimporias apidelendis
dolorecto beatur, as ipsaped quo beaquam
que porerovitium fugia num quoditatem et
offictur? Otam, sam eostem aut apedigenis
etus, et remolorrum sandeleni consentur at
adis voloritatur?
Pedita pratemq uasperfere quundae
Here’s another great story
Dam, venditempor
bernat.
bernam et fugit optur,
autem et pla dolupta
tioremquisti omnimus
volum fuga. Em experum
ab idenesto et qui inveliq
uibusdaectia nonecus
debis elitatur autaquas
velestius essimol uptur?
To ventur? Milibea
est quo eatature et
ut audipicia voloria
speditate int andent.
nessinis re sant.
Bissaersperspelectur?
Ulparum fugiaecatur
que sunte plaboria
consed maxim fugiti nist,
Agnihillaut mod ea
ium fuga. Nem ant.
eum fugia nis sent.
Yet another amazing story
that a writer spent hours on
ium qui dolore prae
Pedita pratemq
uasperfere quundae
ctumque ommodicae.

Today’s readers don’t want plain
ol’ broccoli.
=
NEWSPAPER
Dam, venditempor
bernat.
bernam et fugit optur, autem
et pla dolupta tioremquisti
omnimus volum fuga. Em
experum ab idenesto et
qui inveliq uibusdaectia
nonecus debis elitatur
autaquas velestius essimol
uptur?
To ventur? Milibea est
quo eatature et ut audipicia
voloria speditate int andent.
nessinis re sant.
Ulparum fugiaecatur
que sunte plaboria consed
maxim fugiti nist, officabo.
Et es dictat.
Agnihillaut mod ea
ium fuga. Nem ant.
eum fugia nis sent.
ium qui dolore prae
Pedita pratemq
uasperfere quundae
ctumque ommodicae.
dias denducipsam, sum
alibusament quatiurestia
nobis sundae velistr
umquae. Ximusaperum
fugia sus accus rentinitisit
plibus dolupition peditaspe
nos dolores temporeium
nonsectis ute occaerf
eribus earum incte venestet
doluptae in comnias inihitist
voloriamenim cone dem vel
inpeintemnobitpratisrepra
nostistiis quibus doles delita
nos voloresequis as derrore,
soluptisiti vellore rspieni
hilitiis quis ut andisintur
aceaquidia provitiandae
porem dit vendiasit lam eat
omnis dolore debitatur?
Tur?
Um cum faccusanda
cuscid quam, sint assit
faccum ipides am
cusamImenimus dis arion
nat. Ta cusae eat.
Int officiur, odipsan
iaersperibus quidige
ndellendae nosaper ercimil
iquaerferor re et, ea
Wonderful story goes
right here in this spot Dam, venditempor autem re inias
alibusa si sitasin veratquam reheni bernat.
Vid eni bla inum quas ium atur rest,
temquo bernam et fugit optur, autem
et pla dolupta tioremquisti omnimus
volum fuga. Em experum ab idenesto et
qui inveliq uibusdaectia nonecus debis
elitatur autaquas velestius essimol uptur?
To ventur? Milibea est quo eatature et
ut audipicia voloria speditate int andent.
Il expel millab id que ne voluptatio
ent, accum nessinis re sant.
Ulparum fugiaecatur ma senet
eossum lisque poriberiatur magnam, que
sunte plaboria consed maxim fugiti nist,
Agnihillaut mod ea que dolorepra
venda vel ipsae odis et laut res a quia
deligni hilliquae eostia quia cusdaepudae
vel imo inctorro conem reces conseri con
rem in num dolesti corit exceptur, sequo ium
fuga. Nem ant.
Ed molupta simus, unt prae re nonem
a sinvendus di a sapeliam qui aut qui
sequatium re odi dit am di debitae repudae.
Ma pror sunt qui bea et ex est velit atur aut
libus earit veni nienducium et as aceri dest
vel ius simet et venimet et ea vitent incti
ipsunt.
Apedi aboreprae cum aut que
cullaborrum doluptus eum fugia nis sent.
Non nissi repudi none pores de
aliatin nonsernam ium qui dolore prae
nis explautem. Berum accus unt alitium
abo. Nequi optur a nimporias apidelendis
dolorecto beatur, as ipsaped quo beaquam
que porerovitium fugia num quoditatem et
offictur? Otam, sam eostem aut apedigenis
etus, et remolorrum sandeleni consentur at
adis voloritatur?
Pedita pratemq uasperfere quundae
Here’s another great story
Dam, venditempor
bernat.
bernam et fugit optur,
autem et pla dolupta
tioremquisti omnimus
volum fuga. Em experum
ab idenesto et qui inveliq
uibusdaectia nonecus
debis elitatur autaquas
velestius essimol uptur?
To ventur? Milibea
est quo eatature et
ut audipicia voloria
speditate int andent.
nessinis re sant.
Bissaersperspelectur?
Ulparum fugiaecatur
que sunte plaboria
consed maxim fugiti nist,
Agnihillaut mod ea
ium fuga. Nem ant.
eum fugia nis sent.
Yet another amazing story
that a writer spent hours on
ium qui dolore prae
Pedita pratemq
uasperfere quundae
ctumque ommodicae.

But what if I made that broccoli
taste better?
Cheese + Broccoli =Yummy

What if we made NEWS
taste better?

Make news ‘tastier.’
• Photos
• Quizzes
• Charts
• Maps
• Fact boxes
• Smaller stories
• More?

Don’t take my word for it.
Ask your audience.

The reader survey
0 4
N E W S B R I E F S C O M P I L E D B Y
L U C U S C H E N G , C H R I S T I N E F E R N A N D O
N E W S
M I L E S D A I
A U G 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
NEWS BRIEFS
“(THE HOT DOG
DANCE) IS A CHANCE
FOR GKOMS TO
CONNECT WITH THEIR
FRESHMEN AND
LEARN MORE ABOUT
EACH OTHER TO
PROVIDE A STRONG
FOUNDATION FOR
BOTH GROUPS,” GKOM
AND JUNIOR GLORIA
XUE SAID.
“I’M LOOKING
FORWARD TO
WORKING WITH THE
OFFICERS TO HELP
THIS YEAR’S NHS
DONATE TIME TO
THE COMMUNITY
BUT IN A WAY THAT
OUR NHS’ERS CAN
AND WILL ENJOY IT,”
JENNA FATTAH, NHS
SECRETARY AND
SENIOR, SAID.
Aug.18-20
Students who are interested in
joining Studio One Acts must
audition at 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 22
GKOMs will host the hot dog dance
football game of the year.
Aug. 28
The PTO will host an Open House
from 6 to 9 p.m. Following a
meeting with principal John
Williams, parents will follow their
students’ schedules.
Sept. 2
NHS
3:15 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 2.
Sept. 4
Key Club
from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. while
TechHounds
meeting at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 4.
Sept. 5
Students who are interested
in joining ComedySportz must
audition from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
THE BLANKET
EFFECT:
During a Key
Club meeting,
freshmen
Cynthia Cahya,
Micah Hardesty
and Sheila
Schuh cut and
tie blankets
together.
Students made
blankets that
were donated to
children.
N E W S
F R E E L I T T L E L I B R A R I E S
THE BOOK MARKET
LITTLEFREELibrariesspreadthroughoutcarmel
Last May, the Carmel Clay Public
Library (CCPL) partnered with
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and
ClayTownshiptointroduceLittleFree
Libraries to three places in Carmel:
the John W. Hensel Government
Center, West Park and Founders Park,
monitored weekly by CCPL.
“Take a book, return a book”—
Little Free Library’s saying—
essentially sums up the procedure. In
essence, Little Free Libraries are boxes
of books, and anyone can take a book
or bring a book to put in and share.
Over time, as books are taken and
new books are added, the assortment
is always shifting and changing.
CCPL Communications Manager
Beth Jenneman said the new Little
Free Libraries help connect the
community through reading and
exchanging books.
“It’s a way for the community
to make books and reading their
own. The library does belong to
the community, but these Little
Free Libraries are a way for people
to share the books they love with
fellow members of their community
directly because you bring your
books there, and people take them
and read them,” Jenneman said.
Sarah Tinaphong, House of
Books co-vice president and junior,
has started utilizing these new
Little Free Libraries. According to
Tinaphong, unlike a normal library,
the Little Free Libraries let you see
what other people in the community
enjoy reading.
Tinaphong said, “I think overall
just the whole idea of the libraries
is really unique, even for students,
because it lets you have personal
connections with other readers that
the library doesn’t. At our typical
library, we just check out books for
yourself and return them, that kind
of stuff, but here, you can actually
drop off your favorite books and
kind of connect with other kids in
the school and with other people in
the community just by sharing your
favorite books and reading some of
your peers’ favorites as well.”
Sophomore Anna Ding, as an
avid reader, said she would like to
try out the Little Free Libraries.
Ding said, “I’ll take advantage
of this because I sometimes
(run) out of series to read, and
sometimes it’s just really awkward
to go around and ask people (for)
their recommendations. With
this, I can just go over to a (Little
Free Library) and get out a book I
might want to try.”
Tinaphong said, “I hope that
(students) will use them…. I know
that lots of kids have a favorite book
they really want to share, but with
a normal library, you can’t really
do that very well, so hopefully,
students will look into this and
realize that it’s a really neat way to
share your passion for reading with
your own community.”
0 5
“IT’S A WAY FOR THE COMMUNITY
TO MAKE BOOKS AND
READING THEIR OWN,” CCPL
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
BETH JENNEMAN SAID.
A L E X Y O M
A U G 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
BOOKING IT: Sarah Tinaphong, House
of Books co-president and junior,
examines a book from a Free Little
Library at West Park. Tinaphong said
these libraries serve as a convenient
source of new books. H
S T E P H A N I E Z H A N G

Reader Survey:
What you THOUGHT they saw...
A
(study abroad), you definitely should look into it. Even if it’s not
full immersion and even if it’s going to another place that speak
English, you should definitely try to do it if you can.”
Ericson also said she would recommend the experience to others.
“For me, I just think it’s important to get out and see the
world. I think if you want to see the world, then studying abroad
is a really good way to do it,” she
said. “The benefit of the program
(is) learning about a new culture. I
think that just that kind of benefit
is something you don’t get from
reading a book. You learn so much
and you meet so many different
people who teach you things you
could’ve never known. Being able
to speak to a lot of people and
knowing more about cultures is
really good, (as is) seeing how
people live in a different part of the
world. I think (studying abroad)
is important for whatever you’re
doing because it kind of brings a
different point of view from the
world, seeing how other people
view things and the world, not just
how you’ve always been brought
up. It opens your eyes.”
Ultimately, Becker said the
benefits of doing such programs
would outweigh the cost and time
in the long run and encourages
students to go abroad.
“I think you can’t even put a
money value on the life experiences
you gain from there. Yes, it’s a little
more (money), but I think in the big
picture you will make that up later
on in life by more earning potential
and if you see that over the 40 or
50 years you have to work, it is well
worth it,” she said. “Just do it.” H
have to walk to school 30 minutes every day, and
we would use the public transportation system.
It was a lot of independence.”
As more people find jobs overseas and
travel abroad, studying abroad has become
increasingly important.
“Our economy will be more and more
global, and if a company sees that you have
already worked overseas or studied overseas,
they know that if they need to send you
somewhere that you can do it because you’ve
already shown that you can,” Becker said.
“Even if you don’t go overseas, even if you work
here in the United States, for instance Indiana,
(if you look at) how many Indiana companies
have international connections, they bring
people here and then you deal with customers
or you deal with bosses from a different
country, and having had a cultural experience
that has taken you out of the United States will
definitely help you in the job market. It may or
may not translate into higher salaries too.”
Leonard said she agrees with Becker’s views.
“I think it does depend on what job you’re
going into, but I do think it helps (give an
edge in the job market),” Leonard said. “I
think that because our world’s just become so
interconnected with so many countries having
so much international trade and business
now that it does depend on what field you’re
going into, but I feel for in some job markets,
being able to say you’ve had that experience
of studying abroad (is) definitely almost
necessary to have on your applications.”
For Leonard specifically, she said her
experience may not be as useful for the job
market as for college due to her aspirations
of becoming a veterinarian, yet the language
aspect is still beneficial.
“(This experience is) definitely (useful) for
college because I plan on probably going for a
minor in French, if not necessarily a major,” she said. “I think that
being able to speak a different language is definitely a plus, even if
like me, it’s not going to be readily applicable, but I know that there
was a number of kids who were in the program who wanted to go
into business, specifically international business, or wanted to be an
interpreter (or) translator. You can find paths where you language
skills will be applicable.”
ALONG WITH BENEFITS IN THE JOB MARKET, ERICSON
said she thinks studying abroad could help with college and
beyond as well.
“I think definitely I’ve thought about it for colleges, because
college essays will probably have a lot to do with stuff like that.
For jobs, I think they like to see people who are not only well-
rounded, but they’ve traveled and they know things about other
cultures. I think they like to see that you have stepped out of
your country,” she said. “I think that the language aspect will be
helpful when I’m looking for a job (because) I want to look for a
job where I can use the language. Because (I studied abroad) in
high school, I’m still pretty young, not 18, so I think that’s one
thing that will make me stand out.”
Although the cost and time away from school may deter some
students from participating in overseas programs, Leonard said
she would encourage students to travel overseas.
“I think more people should do it because even if you don’t go
into some sort of international business or don’t get a minor or
major that relates to where you studied abroad, I think it can just
help expand your views on the world as a whole, and it can just
make you see different things in a different light so that way you
get different views as to how different cultures would respond to
a piece of news or something like that. You definitely will become
better at the language, even if it’s not necessarily full immersion
like the IU program was, and you’re going to meet some of the
most interesting people you’ll ever meet in your life. You’ll be able
to share experiences which not many other people will be able to
relate to, so you’ll just be that much closer. I’ve definitely gained
friends and relationships that I never would have had without
this program. All of (the other students) were just some of the
nicest people I’ve ever met and being able to get to know them
in a different language was really interesting, (and) I plan on
staying in contact with my host family,” she said. “If you’re able to
1
7
1
6
nearly three in four global
human resource executives cited
study abroad as important when
looking at a resumé
288,332 students
studied abroad
from 2011-2012
top five
destinations
for U.S.
students:
employed within 12
months of graduation: 1. United Kingdom
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. France
5. China
97% vs. 49%
Study
abroad
students
Normal college
graduates
25% higher starting salary
= $7,000 more annually
= $567,500 more over a career
2xrate of GPA
increase
Post study-abroad, compared
to those of students who
stayed in town
(From left to right): A scenic point near the caves of Valporquero;
A bike rests on a windowsill of one of the oldest cobblestone
restoration
U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a , m e r c e d , g o i n g l o b a l / s o u r c e s
S c o t t l i u
2 8 P E R S P E C T I V E S A U G 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
to herself and
her party’s
beliefs was met,
all through the
manipulation of
thephenomenon
social media
activism.
Many are quick to dismiss social
media activism as fake activism, some
going so far as to call it ‘slacktivism.
This is an easy accusation to make as
the effort put into hitting the ‘retweet’
button or liking a Facebook page
seems to pale in comparison to all
the energy expended by generations
before us who stood outside for
days chanting and waving signs
to encourage change. It does also
have flaws like lacking long-term
sustainability as well. However,
social media activism is not to be
underestimated. The
communityprovided
by the internet
provides for easy
crowdsourcing of
thoughts and ideas
in addition to the
instantaneous spread of information.
It allows for overwhelming support
for movements that force action to be
taken and inspire change.
Technology has allowed
for widespread involvement in
international matters. Social media
has provided a platform through
which individuals can express their
beliefs globally. Underestimating
social media activism and scorning
participants for
putting in less
effort is antiquated.
Activism isn’t
some roller coaster
with a height limit
allowing only the
most fanatical activists to participate.
It exists in many forms, all of which
are valid and respectable.
The views in this column do not necessarily
reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach
Aster Samuel at asamuel@hilite.org.
ENJOYING READING.
Englishclassesshouldemphasizefunofreading
RECENTLY I
WAS READING
a piece of
literature when
I came upon
a surprising
realization - I was
actually enjoying
what I was reading. That’s actually not
a common occurrence for me.
Well, perhaps my reading habits
aren’t as healthy as they should be.
Honestly, my reading habits are akin
to how I pursue the opposite sex -
rarely and reluctantly. But that wasn’t
always the case.
I remember a time far gone when
I’d read voraciously. When I was in
elementary school, I would stay up far
into the wee hours of night, reading
my beloved series like the “Hank the
Cowdog” series. However, English
class had to ruin everything.
It’s an ironic idea that the subject
that is supposed to foster and enhance
a person’s literary ability actually
alienated me from the passion of
reading. But it’s true. As I grew up,
my English classes began to feature
“assignments” and “worksheets”
designed to “strengthen” my learning
experience. Soon enough, I couldn’t
open a single book without being
expected to scour the text for a
literary device. And I highly doubt
Mary Shelley hid literary elements
into “Frankenstein” specifically for
desperate high school students to
ignore the story and scavenge for
worksheet filler.
I’ve seen this misery in other
students as well. There have been
far too many times when I’ve heard
classmates claim that literary classics
like “Great Expectations” or “As I Lay
Dying” simply “sucked” (it’s a well-
known fact that those books are the
bomb.com). Sometimes, I’ve shared
these sentiments with my classmates,
but when I look back at the novels I’ve
read in English class, I realize that I
may have enjoyed them more than I
thought I did.
Furthermore, I’ve come to realize
that lots of people harbor a love for
reading somewhere within their
souls. I noticed this when the English
department gave away free books late
last year and I saw people flock to the
books with enthusiasm I rarely see in
English classes.
Some may think that if English
classes did away with worksheets, my
problems would be solved, but that’s
not the case. We need assignments
to help us learn literary ideas that
we wouldn’t be able to learn by
simply reading alone. However, a
change in the frequency and nature
of worksheets could be beneficial. If
English teachers gave assignments
that focus on the hardest and most
important material while leaving
out simple and menial topics, then
students could learn while doing
what’s most important when reading
- enjoying the novel.
ChrishanFernandoatcfernando@hilite.org.
Managing
Editor
Chrishan
Fernando
O P I N I O N E N J O Y I N G R E A D I N G C H R I S H A N F E R N A N D O
H
H
SOCIAL MEDIA
ACTIVISM IS NOT
SOMETHING TO BE
UNDERESTIMATED.
P E R S P E C T I V E S 2 9A U G 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
UNPROFESSIONAL CHARACTER.
Learnanathlete’scharacterbeforeadmiringthem
Every year, I attend a few Pacers games. At the games,
I always see many jerseys of popular Pacers players
from the present and past—Paul George, David West
and Reggie Miller, just to name a few. This year,
however, some
LanceStephenson
jerseys have been
popping up. The
fans, especially
the young ones,
who wear the
jerseys, obviously
admire the
players whose jerseys they wear,
leading me to wonder the character
of the players they admire. This begs the
question, should we actually look up to
professional athletes?
Growing up, I have always looked up
to my parents. As an athlete and sports
fan myself, I also looked up to famous
professional athletes. Looking back, I
wonderiflookinguptoprofessionalathletes
was a good decision, as they often seem to get involved in
drugs, crime and shockingly immature behavior.
As I followed last year’s Pacers through their eventual
Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Miami Heat, I was
always closely watching and reading about none other
than Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson. Stephenson, a
Brooklyn native, excelled for his high school basketball
team and was named the state of New York’s Mr.
Basketball after his senior year. After playing one year at
the University of Cincinnati and being named Big East
rookie of the year, he bypassed his final three years of
college and entered the 2010 NBA draft. Certainly, his
basketball talent is admirable—but his attitude and off-
court decisions are questionable, to say the least.
After an altercation with a teammate in high school
during 2008, he was suspended for two games and five
days from school. The same year, he faced a Class B
misdemeanor sexual assault charge after he was charged
with groping a 17-year-old in high school. In 2010, after
allegedly pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs,
he was arrested for third-degree assault. Despite all this,
in the winter of 2011 he made his NBA debut for the
Pacers. So, he did some stupid stuff in high school and
college, but now that he’s professional, he’ll straighten
himself out, right?
I wish.
After no technical fouls during his first two
professional seasons, according to espn.com, Stephenson
received 6 during the 2012-13 season and 14 this past
season, including one ejection—a concerning upward
trend toward more out-of-control behavior. During
game 5 against the Heat in the Eastern Conference
Finals, he comically listened in on the Heat huddle and
later blew air into All-star Lebron James’s ear. While he is
an excellent basketball player and certainly entertaining
to watch, Stephenson should be no role model.
Sports are a large part of many Americans’ lives,
a trend which I too embrace. Yet, to everyone who
watches sports, especially kids and teenagers, we must
remember the character of the people we are watching.
That is not to say that just because one plays sports he or
she is an uneducated, drug-dealing thug—I vehemently
disagree with that stereotype. Yet, we must understand
the concerning trend which many young and talented
athletes seem to follow. As their talent propels them into
the professional world, their maturity level has not fully
developed, and foolish decisions are often the result.
So, the next time Stephenson’s antics make headlines, I
challenge you to think—is that really the name you want
on the back of your jersey?
The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the
HiLite staff. Reach Matthew Del Busto at mdelbusto@hilite.org.
Managing
Editor
Matt
Del Busto
Total
number of
NFL arrests
in 2010
507
#1 reason
for the
majority of
arrests in
NFL, NBA
and MLB
Violence/
Murder
2nd highest
reason for
arrests in
NFL, NBA
and MLB
Drug Use
M A T T D E L B U S T O D E N N I S YA N G A N D M I R I A M H UU N P R O F E S S I O N A L C H A R A C T E R
H

Reader Survey:
What they REALLY saw...
A
(study abroad), you definitely should look into it. Even if it’s not
full immersion and even if it’s going to another place that speak
English, you should definitely try to do it if you can.”
Ericson also said she would recommend the experience to others.
“For me, I just think it’s important to get out and see the
world. I think if you want to see the world, then studying abroad
is a really good way to do it,” she
said. “The benefit of the program
(is) learning about a new culture. I
think that just that kind of benefit
is something you don’t get from
reading a book. You learn so much
and you meet so many different
people who teach you things you
could’ve never known. Being able
to speak to a lot of people and
knowing more about cultures is
really good, (as is) seeing how
people live in a different part of the
world. I think (studying abroad)
is important for whatever you’re
doing because it kind of brings a
different point of view from the
world, seeing how other people
view things and the world, not just
how you’ve always been brought
up. It opens your eyes.”
Ultimately, Becker said the
benefits of doing such programs
would outweigh the cost and time
in the long run and encourages
students to go abroad.
“I think you can’t even put a
money value on the life experiences
you gain from there. Yes, it’s a little
more (money), but I think in the big
picture you will make that up later
on in life by more earning potential
and if you see that over the 40 or
50 years you have to work, it is well
worth it,” she said. “Just do it.” H
have to walk to school 30 minutes every day, and
we would use the public transportation system.
It was a lot of independence.”
As more people find jobs overseas and
travel abroad, studying abroad has become
increasingly important.
“Our economy will be more and more
global, and if a company sees that you have
already worked overseas or studied overseas,
they know that if they need to send you
somewhere that you can do it because you’ve
already shown that you can,” Becker said.
“Even if you don’t go overseas, even if you work
here in the United States, for instance Indiana,
(if you look at) how many Indiana companies
have international connections, they bring
people here and then you deal with customers
or you deal with bosses from a different
country, and having had a cultural experience
that has taken you out of the United States will
definitely help you in the job market. It may or
may not translate into higher salaries too.”
Leonard said she agrees with Becker’s views.
“I think it does depend on what job you’re
going into, but I do think it helps (give an
edge in the job market),” Leonard said. “I
think that because our world’s just become so
interconnected with so many countries having
so much international trade and business
now that it does depend on what field you’re
going into, but I feel for in some job markets,
being able to say you’ve had that experience
of studying abroad (is) definitely almost
necessary to have on your applications.”
For Leonard specifically, she said her
experience may not be as useful for the job
market as for college due to her aspirations
of becoming a veterinarian, yet the language
aspect is still beneficial.
“(This experience is) definitely (useful) for
college because I plan on probably going for a
minor in French, if not necessarily a major,” she said. “I think that
being able to speak a different language is definitely a plus, even if
like me, it’s not going to be readily applicable, but I know that there
was a number of kids who were in the program who wanted to go
into business, specifically international business, or wanted to be an
interpreter (or) translator. You can find paths where you language
skills will be applicable.”
ALONG WITH BENEFITS IN THE JOB MARKET, ERICSON
said she thinks studying abroad could help with college and
beyond as well.
“I think definitely I’ve thought about it for colleges, because
college essays will probably have a lot to do with stuff like that.
For jobs, I think they like to see people who are not only well-
rounded, but they’ve traveled and they know things about other
cultures. I think they like to see that you have stepped out of
your country,” she said. “I think that the language aspect will be
helpful when I’m looking for a job (because) I want to look for a
job where I can use the language. Because (I studied abroad) in
high school, I’m still pretty young, not 18, so I think that’s one
thing that will make me stand out.”
Although the cost and time away from school may deter some
students from participating in overseas programs, Leonard said
she would encourage students to travel overseas.
“I think more people should do it because even if you don’t go
into some sort of international business or don’t get a minor or
major that relates to where you studied abroad, I think it can just
help expand your views on the world as a whole, and it can just
make you see different things in a different light so that way you
get different views as to how different cultures would respond to
a piece of news or something like that. You definitely will become
better at the language, even if it’s not necessarily full immersion
like the IU program was, and you’re going to meet some of the
most interesting people you’ll ever meet in your life. You’ll be able
to share experiences which not many other people will be able to
relate to, so you’ll just be that much closer. I’ve definitely gained
friends and relationships that I never would have had without
this program. All of (the other students) were just some of the
nicest people I’ve ever met and being able to get to know them
in a different language was really interesting, (and) I plan on
staying in contact with my host family,” she said. “If you’re able to
1
7
1
6
nearly three in four global
human resource executives cited
study abroad as important when
looking at a resumé
288,332 students
studied abroad
from 2011-2012
top five
destinations
for U.S.
students:
employed within 12
months of graduation: 1. United Kingdom
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. France
5. China
97% vs. 49%
Study
abroad
students
Normal college
graduates
25% higher starting salary
= $7,000 more annually
= $567,500 more over a career
2xrate of GPA
increase
Post study-abroad, compared
to those of students who
stayed in town
(From left to right): A scenic point near the caves of Valporquero;
A bike rests on a windowsill of one of the oldest cobblestone
restoration
U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a , m e r c e d , g o i n g l o b a l / s o u r c e s
S c o t t l i u
2 8 P E R S P E C T I V E S A U G 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
to herself and
her party’s
beliefs was met,
all through the
manipulation of
thephenomenon
social media
activism.
Many are quick to dismiss social
media activism as fake activism, some
going so far as to call it ‘slacktivism.
This is an easy accusation to make as
the effort put into hitting the ‘retweet’
button or liking a Facebook page
seems to pale in comparison to all
the energy expended by generations
before us who stood outside for
days chanting and waving signs
to encourage change. It does also
have flaws like lacking long-term
sustainability as well. However,
social media activism is not to be
underestimated. The
communityprovided
by the internet
provides for easy
crowdsourcing of
thoughts and ideas
in addition to the
instantaneous spread of information.
It allows for overwhelming support
for movements that force action to be
taken and inspire change.
Technology has allowed
for widespread involvement in
international matters. Social media
has provided a platform through
which individuals can express their
beliefs globally. Underestimating
social media activism and scorning
participants for
putting in less
effort is antiquated.
Activism isn’t
some roller coaster
with a height limit
allowing only the
most fanatical activists to participate.
It exists in many forms, all of which
are valid and respectable.
Aster Samuel at asamuel@hilite.org.
ENJOYING READING.
Englishclassesshouldemphasizefunofreading
RECENTLY I
WAS READING
a piece of
literature when
I came upon
a surprising
realization - I was
actually enjoying
what I was reading. That’s actually not
a common occurrence for me.
Well, perhaps my reading habits
aren’t as healthy as they should be.
Honestly, my reading habits are akin
to how I pursue the opposite sex -
rarely and reluctantly. But that wasn’t
always the case.
I remember a time far gone when
I’d read voraciously. When I was in
elementary school, I would stay up far
into the wee hours of night, reading
my beloved series like the “Hank the
Cowdog” series. However, English
class had to ruin everything.
It’s an ironic idea that the subject
that is supposed to foster and enhance
a person’s literary ability actually
alienated me from the passion of
reading. But it’s true. As I grew up,
my English classes began to feature
“assignments” and “worksheets”
designed to “strengthen” my learning
experience. Soon enough, I couldn’t
open a single book without being
expected to scour the text for a
literary device. And I highly doubt
Mary Shelley hid literary elements
into “Frankenstein” specifically for
desperate high school students to
ignore the story and scavenge for
worksheet filler.
I’ve seen this misery in other
students as well. There have been
far too many times when I’ve heard
classmates claim that literary classics
like “Great Expectations” or “As I Lay
Dying” simply “sucked” (it’s a well-
known fact that those books are the
bomb.com). Sometimes, I’ve shared
these sentiments with my classmates,
but when I look back at the novels I’ve
read in English class, I realize that I
may have enjoyed them more than I
thought I did.
Furthermore, I’ve come to realize
that lots of people harbor a love for
reading somewhere within their
souls. I noticed this when the English
department gave away free books late
last year and I saw people flock to the
books with enthusiasm I rarely see in
English classes.
Some may think that if English
classes did away with worksheets, my
problems would be solved, but that’s
not the case. We need assignments
to help us learn literary ideas that
we wouldn’t be able to learn by
simply reading alone. However, a
change in the frequency and nature
of worksheets could be beneficial. If
English teachers gave assignments
that focus on the hardest and most
important material while leaving
out simple and menial topics, then
students could learn while doing
what’s most important when reading
- enjoying the novel.
ChrishanFernandoatcfernando@hilite.org.
Managing
Editor
Chrishan
Fernando
O P I N I O N E N J O Y I N G R E A D I N G C H R I S H A N F E R N A N D O
H
H
SOCIAL MEDIA
ACTIVISM IS NOT
SOMETHING TO BE
UNDERESTIMATED.
P E R S P E C T I V E S 2 9A U G 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
UNPROFESSIONAL CHARACTER.
Learnanathlete’scharacterbeforeadmiringthem
Every year, I attend a few Pacers games. At the games,
I always see many jerseys of popular Pacers players
from the present and past—Paul George, David West
and Reggie Miller, just to name a few. This year,
however, some
LanceStephenson
jerseys have been
popping up. The
fans, especially
the young ones,
who wear the
jerseys, obviously
admire the
players whose jerseys they wear,
leading me to wonder the character
of the players they admire. This begs the
question, should we actually look up to
professional athletes?
Growing up, I have always looked up
to my parents. As an athlete and sports
fan myself, I also looked up to famous
professional athletes. Looking back, I
wonderiflookinguptoprofessionalathletes
was a good decision, as they often seem to get involved in
drugs, crime and shockingly immature behavior.
As I followed last year’s Pacers through their eventual
Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Miami Heat, I was
always closely watching and reading about none other
than Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson. Stephenson, a
Brooklyn native, excelled for his high school basketball
team and was named the state of New York’s Mr.
Basketball after his senior year. After playing one year at
the University of Cincinnati and being named Big East
rookie of the year, he bypassed his final three years of
college and entered the 2010 NBA draft. Certainly, his
basketball talent is admirable—but his attitude and off-
court decisions are questionable, to say the least.
After an altercation with a teammate in high school
during 2008, he was suspended for two games and five
days from school. The same year, he faced a Class B
misdemeanor sexual assault charge after he was charged
with groping a 17-year-old in high school. In 2010, after
allegedly pushing his girlfriend down a flight of stairs,
he was arrested for third-degree assault. Despite all this,
in the winter of 2011 he made his NBA debut for the
Pacers. So, he did some stupid stuff in high school and
college, but now that he’s professional, he’ll straighten
himself out, right?
I wish.
After no technical fouls during his first two
professional seasons, according to espn.com, Stephenson
received 6 during the 2012-13 season and 14 this past
season, including one ejection—a concerning upward
trend toward more out-of-control behavior. During
game 5 against the Heat in the Eastern Conference
Finals, he comically listened in on the Heat huddle and
later blew air into All-star Lebron James’s ear. While he is
an excellent basketball player and certainly entertaining
to watch, Stephenson should be no role model.
Sports are a large part of many Americans’ lives,
a trend which I too embrace. Yet, to everyone who
watches sports, especially kids and teenagers, we must
remember the character of the people we are watching.
That is not to say that just because one plays sports he or
she is an uneducated, drug-dealing thug—I vehemently
disagree with that stereotype. Yet, we must understand
the concerning trend which many young and talented
athletes seem to follow. As their talent propels them into
the professional world, their maturity level has not fully
developed, and foolish decisions are often the result.
So, the next time Stephenson’s antics make headlines, I
challenge you to think—is that really the name you want
on the back of your jersey?
The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the
HiLite staff. Reach Matthew Del Busto at mdelbusto@hilite.org.
Managing
Editor
Matt
Del Busto
Total
number of
NFL arrests
in 2010
507
#1 reason
for the
majority of
arrests in
NFL, NBA
and MLB
Violence/
Murder
2nd highest
reason for
arrests in
NFL, NBA
and MLB
Drug Use
M A T T D E L B U S T O D E N N I S YA N G A N D M I R I A M H UU N P R O F E S S I O N A L C H A R A C T E R
H

What if you have to write?
• Make it good

What if you have to write?
• Make it quick.

It’s the same news.
You just need to present it
differently.

Meets the NEEDS
of your READERS.

Meets the READS
of your NEEDERS.

Thank you.
Jim Streisel, MJE
Carmel (IN) High School
www.hilite.org/streisel
@CarmelJim
www.slideshare.net/CarmelJim

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