2015 – Page 6 – Teen Observer Archive

July 4, 2015July 7, 2015

National Mall visitors respond to NASA’s New Horizons

Visitors of the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Monday expressed their opinions about life in space after hearing about the photos NASA’s New Horizons captured.

New Horizons captured photographs of Pluto showing spots.

Xzavier Jones, 18, from Atlanta, Georgia, thought that the mysterious spots could be oceans.

“It would be kinda strange,” Jones said.

Jones thought that fish or other aquatic animals could be living in the oceans. However, they would breathe differently due to a water unlike what is found on Earth. Jones believes that the creatures should be studied, even if it involves capturing them.

Jones said that humans will be living in space 100 years from now. He shares NASA’s interest in space exploration.

Xzavier Jones in front of the Washington Monument

Ann Thorn, 59, from Nacogdoches, Texas, believes that the dots found on Pluto could be either rock or mud fields.

“You never know,” Thorn said.

Thorn thought that life could be on other planets. She said that future generations will not have to live in space, but that people need to take care of Earth.

Thorn watched NASA’s shuttles launch when she lived in Florida. In Texas, she has worked with the local police to document and clean up pieces of aircraft that landed in her backyard.

Due to her recent knowledge about New Horizons, Thorn plans to follow new developments in the story.

“I just hope we don’t mess it up,” Thorn said.

Amy Longstreath, 47, was undecided about what the spots are.

She cannot prove or disprove that life in space exists. If there is a planet that can sustain human life, Longstreath believes that it is necessary to emigrate there.

Longstreath said that the Democratic and Republican Parties need to work together to encourage conservation of the environment before other nations get involved. If life is found on other planets, it should only be observed.

“Anything is possible,” Longstreath said.

July 4, 2015July 7, 2015

Because People are People- NSLC Edition

From June 28 to July students flooded the American University campus for the second session of the Journalism, Film, and Media Arts session of the NSLC program. Here are some of their stories:

“My dream is to become a best-selling novelist and write a book that has an impact on everyone who reads it.” Abby Hadfield, 16

Coming from rural Pennsylvania, this rising high school junior has awaited the opportunity to attend the Journalism, Film, and Media Arts leadership conference since the arrival of an email in December 2014.

Abby Hadfield is attending the program as a student in the Professional Newswriting class.

While her attendance may show her experience is with news writing; however, her true dream is to “make it” as a novelist or a creative writer.

“Journalism is just a more practical form of writing,” Hadfield said.

“It’s really hard to make it as a novelist,” Hadfield said later in a brief interview just after the start of her first workshop session.

Beyond the classroom, she is involved with the school newspaper, the school literary Magazine, Girl Up, Girls Room and Interact Club.

Hadfield’s passions truly translate into her dreams for the future.

“My dream is to become a best-selling novelist and write a book that has an impact on everyone who reads it” Hadfield said.

“I would like to live in Mexico and help my country move forward as a leader.”

~Marina de la Sierra- 16

This student is one of many international students at the leadership conference and has traveled from Mexico to be a part of the leadership conference taking place from June 28 to July 8.

Marina de la Sierra found the program through her American school that encourages the students to look for opportunities to study in the United States.

“I got interested in it because I like writing a lot and I saw there was a journalism program,” de la Sierra said.

Journalism was not a career she had considered before the camp and she wanted to gain some experience.

Her openness to this opportunity has been allowing her to gain whatever might benefit her in the future.

De la Sierra is looking into working for the UN and help those who are impoverished and uneducated in the future.

She views human trafficking as a major world issue and is looking to alleviate it in the future.

“I would like to live in Mexico and help my country move forward as a leader,” she said.

“Knowing that everyone has a different mind for a different reason.”

Breezy Culberson, 21 (Not Pictured)

This 21-year-old office staff person of a leadership camp at American University has truly made the most of her opportunities and is continuing her education to attain her own dream.

Breezy Culberson works at the NSLC office and is responsible for some of the coordination and teamwork it takes to pull together such a big opportunity for hundreds of high school students.

Culberson chose to attend the Journalism and Mass Media conference in Berkley when invited, became a Psychology major in college and is inspired by the work she has a degree to do.

When asked how the conference benefited her, she said, “It looked good on my resume.”

The leadership experience was definitely of value to her as a student.

The discovery of her personality tendency, a koala, gave her a better direction as to her college choice and future career.

In the next six months, Culberson will be going back to school to continue her education and earn a master’s in psychology.

Her main reason for her fascination with psychology, “knowing that everyone has a different mind for a different reason.”

“You know if I could just play that, I would be really satisfied.”

Michael Silverglade, 17 (Not Pictured)

His experience with the leadership conference began with his sister’s involvement four years ago and now he is gaining experience in the field he enjoys, music.

Michael Silverglade’s letter came to invite him to the camp in December 2014, but his interest in playing musical instruments certainly came before that.

“In elementary school, I played trumpet… it was legit but it wasn’t very good,” he said.

He started playing trumpet in his middle school band and only expanded his involvement as he moved forward in school, adding euphonium and bass by his high school years.

He started self-teaching bass in his freshman year after he saw one of the seniors playing and started listened to more music.

He thought, “You know if I could just play that, I would be really satisfied.”

Now, Silverglade is in his school’s symphonic band, the school jazz band and a rock band made up of a drummer singer and himself on bass.

In the future, he hopes to be able to work on the business end of music by producing it and to continue playing bass.

“It’s just something I really enjoy,” Silverglade said.

July 4, 2015July 7, 2015

Because People are People- Tenleytown Edition

“I would say that my main passion is creating music and playing music.”

Ellen Rice, 26

While waiting for the bus in Tenleytown, a young woman wearing bright pink pants and listening to music shared her passions in her life as a twenty-something.

Ellen Rice plays cello in an indie rock band and guitar in a flamenco group.

“I would say that my main passion is creating music and playing music.”

Rice likes to stay as involved in as many different music group as possible because she believes all kinds of music are important.

“The people is real cool.”

Joseph Brown, 45

A retired chef sat outside Starbucks as he shared what he believed about the valuable things in life.

Joseph Brown worked at restaurants such as TDR at American University and the World Bank.

His arm of influence extended beyond the kitchen as he served as a counselor for sexually abused children.

Now that he has retired, he spends his time getting to know other people and helping to support them through tougher times.

“Most of my friends are from different countries.”

He believes, “The people is real cool.”

“I hope that it does really well so that I can move back to the US to take care of my family here.”

Richard Jackson, 51

The communications director at a new, startup business in China was on his way back to his parents’ house for a visit because his job has him living in China full time.

Richard Jackson, 51, is a part of a business that is working on developing a virtual life robot that people can talk to and walk next to in their homes.

“I hope that it does really well so that I can eventually move back to the US to take care of my family here.”

“I want to keep my options open.”

Ben Adomaitis, 12 (not pictured)

While waiting in a local pizza shop, a pre-teen explained his goals for his future career.

“Well, I’m not sure right now because there are so many options,” Ben Adomaitis said.

He later mentioned that he enjoys playing on the local little league team and the school team for baseball.

He wanted to be sure to mention that he enjoyed school, too.

Math and reading are his favorite classes.

“But,” he said, “I want to keep my options open.”

“I’m in an internship doing the sound for some theater plays.”

Rebeca Lindenfeld, 21

While she is attending college, this young woman is pursuing her dreams.

Rebeca Lindenfeld was waiting for the bus when she opened up about her dreams for her future.

“My goal in life is to work at a recording studio.”

She hurried onto the bus after a few phrases, off to her next destination.

July 4, 2015July 7, 2015

D.C. residents and visitors say SCOTUS same-sex ruling long overdue

Washington D.C. residents and tourists to the city overwhelmingly expressed joy about the legalization of same-sex marriage across America after June’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the matter.

In more than a dozen interviews across Washington D.C. this week, most were thrilled with only a few expressing indifference. Most declared it was a long overdue decision and those on the other side were hard to find.

Chris Morgan, 25, shared his personal connection to the issue.

Morgan explained that his father is homosexual and can now officially get married to his boyfriend if they want.

“That could potentially be an affect, a pretty profound affect, on my life,” Morgan said.

gay_marriage_calif_two_women_ap_606 — Photo courtesy of Associated Press.

Others like Mia Molina, a 24-year-old visiting the National Mall from New York, was born in Spain. She said same sex marriage was legalized there long ago and was surprised when she moved to the U.S. and found it against the law.

“I think it’s a right everyone should have to be able to…love and marry whoever they want.” said Molina

The legalization of same-sex marriage has had a major impact on many people in the country. Not everyone is Washington D.C. has been personally affected by it, but they believe we are now moving in the right direction.

“I’m not surprised that we’ve finally come to this point,” said Maria Crudele, 47, who agreed with the ruling.

(Photo courtesy by Associated Press)

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Comfort objects help connect to home, family

Students and visitors in the Northwest section of Washington D.C. this week shared some information about their comfort objects, which are objects that help people feel safe.

Dana Foley, 19, from Durham, Connecticut, attends American University and is an orientation leader for the summer.

Her favorite book–and also her comfort object–is The Thornbird by Colleen McCullough.

“I regret not having it now,” Foley said.

Since receiving the book from her parents as a Hanukah gift when she was in eighth grade, Foley has read it innumerable times. Every time she reads the book, she uses a new bookmark. However, she does not recommend McCullough’s book to others.

“It makes it less personal by sharing it,” Foley said.

Will Lee, also an American University student who is from Tenafly, New Jersey, is spending time with his friend who works in the library on campus. His comfort object? His black Lenovo G50 laptop that he’s owned for two months.

Lee described his laptop as a “really good way to unwind.”

He received the laptop as a gift from his father when his old laptop broke. Lee uses it at home for about one to two hours at night after work.

“Everybody loves their laptop, come on,” Lee said.

Tenleytown visitor Kelly Wyndham, from Fort Mill, South Carolina, graduated from American University in 2013 with a major in accounting.

When she was born, she received a white blanket and a Curious George stuffed animal from her grandmother, Lenora, who passed away in 2012.

“I’ll never get rid of them,” said Wyndham, who keeps the two items on a bookshelf in her bedroom.

High school junior John Belisario was born in Baguio City, Philippines, but now lives in Washington, D.C. with his parents and younger sister.

Belisario wears a necklace with a green charm that contains a crab and a silver chain. His best friend, Bilig, gave the necklace to him before he left the Philippines. The gift reminds Belisario of his native home.

When the original thread broke, Belisario kept the charm in a box for about a month. He started wearing it again when he found the new chain. He selected the chain because he could not find anything else, and it appeared sturdy.

Belisario wears the necklace daily. If people ask about the necklace, he will tell them the story behind it.

Tenleytown visitor Isabelle Davidowitz did not identify a particular item as a comfort object, but instead a particular setting: nature.

Davidowitz, who has resided in Frederick, Maryland for six years, enjoys an active lifestyle filled with bicycling, running, hiking, skiing and kayaking. The outdoors in general make her feel safe, but she specifically enjoys the woods.

C.J. Clemente, 16, from Manassas, Virginia, attends a one week ID Tech Camp at American University.

He identified his cell phone that he received from his parents as a Christmas gift as his comfort object.

American University graduate Terrence O’Connor, 21, is looking for jobs in the metropolitan area.

O’Connor began watching the television series Game of Thrones after being introduced to it by his roommate and seeing an interview on The Daily Show with Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister, a character on the show.

In addition to watching the show, O’Connor listens to the Game of Thrones soundtrack because it makes him feel “empowered.”

For O’Connor, watching the series brings back memories of enjoyable experiences and of the moments where he played it originally.

He watches it “more for nostalgia.”

However, O’Connor also enjoys being outside, reading the newspaper, and running in the morning. These activities are included in his daily routine.

It “gives me benefits,” said O’Connor.

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Confederate flag a “symbol of the past”

The Confederate flag flies near the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. (Photo: Rainier Ehrhardt/AP)

Washington D.C. residents reacted Wednesday to the revamped controversy surrounding the Confederate flag flying over South Carolina’s state capitol, which has fueled debate over institutional racism in America a week after a gunman allegedly killed nine parishioners at a historically black church in the state.

The Confederate flag jumped into the media spotlight June 20 when photos surfaced of Dylan Roof, the alleged 21-year-old white shooter, holding a gun and the flag.

Locally, residents and workers in the district want the flag gone.

“The flag is the physical representation of [America’s] supremacy background,” said American University student Leayrohn King, 18, who grew up on the U.S. Virgin Islands.

King, who is black, said the flag still carries racist symbolism outside the continental United States. The movement supporting the flag is like an uprising of those trying to return to a time when white supremacy was “true and apparent,” King continued.

Jarvis Armstrong, a 30-year-old black man who grew up in Washington D.C., echoed King. The flag is “a symbol of white America,” Armstrong said.

The flag still is displayed on the lawn of the South Carolina capitol building 150 years after the collapse of the Confederacy. And calls for it to be taken down have grown in the wake of the shooting.

“It’s very surprising that it’s still there,” said David Kearns, 40, a white man from New Jersey.

The biggest problem is that the flag remains tied to the government of South Carolina and not just its residents, well after slavery and segregation ended said Steve Monroe, 66. Monroe grew up in Washington D.C. but lived in Indiana for a brief period.

The flag, Monroe said, has become a symbol taken on by other places outside of the South and stands for something “racist and hateful.”

South Carolina governor Nikki Haley hinted on Twitter on June 22 that the flag could be coming down soon, tweeting “…our state Capitol will soon fly the flags of our country & state, and no others.”

People were quick to blame the flag for Roof’s actions, but others including Monroe and Jody Dixon, 29, said the flag alone couldn’t have spawned the shooting.

“It’s definitely a symbol of oppression,” said Dixon, who is black. Dixon said getting the flag down would be a victory.

The flag is a “symbol of the past” said William Fells, 18, who is black. He continued, “It makes a lot of people feel unwelcome and uncomfortable.”

Heather Cox Richardson, a 19th-century America historian and professor at Boston College, says the flag still represents the same sentiments that it did at the end of the Civil War.

“The flag represents opposition to an active national government,” Richardson said in an article published in June on the Boston College Office of News and Public Affairs website.

“Roof believes that whites should control the government,” Richardson continued, “just as white southerners believed after the Civil War. In that era, they organized the Ku Klux Klan to keep the government in the hands of white people. We’re looking at the same issue now. African Americans, women, and minorities are demanding a say in the American government and there’s a significant part of the population that thinks that’s a really bad idea.”

Roof was reported to have told his victims that blacks in the U.S. were gaining too much control.

“You rape our women and you’re taking over our country,” Roof reportedly said in the church during the shooting rampage, according to Sylvia Johnson, a cousin of one of the shooting victims, who told NBC News she had spoken to a survivor.

Back in Washington D.C., opposition to the confederate flag and horror about Roof’s actions remained strong nearly two weeks after the shooting.

The flag is “clearly a symbol of something negative,” said Paula Warrick, 51, who is white.

Warrick spent several years growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she said the flag was displayed prominently on cars and homes.

“The flag is an ingrained symbol of racism,” Warrick said.

July 3, 2015July 6, 2015

Nationals fans happy, but still want more

Nationals_Park_in_June_2015_after_a_thunderstorm — Nationals Park in June 2015. Photo by Jami430.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly spelled pitcher Jordan Zimmermann’s name.

Washington Nationals fans are enjoying their team’s recent hot streak, but many want the hometown team to take its success to a higher level and contend for the World Series.

As of Friday, the Nats hold first place in the National League East by three and a half games and are looking to win the division for the third time in four years.

“We need more hitters, besides Bryce Harper. I know he’s got the big stick this year,” said James Morrison, a 29-year-old Nats fan. “We need more hitters who can get on base.”

Morrison and others are hoping the Nationals end its postseason struggles–the team was eliminated after its first series in 2012 and 2014. They have never earned a trip to the World Series.

Harper, the Nats’ right fielder, has a .339 batting average with 24 home runs and is leading the Nats’ offense.

“He’s great, he’s doing real well,” said Steve Monroe, a 66-year-old Washington, D.C. resident. “I just hope he can stay healthy. He’s got a good future.”

The Nats also have the pitching weapons to contend for a title.

Ace pitcher Max Scherzer, in his first year with the Nats, has three wins in his last four starts, including a no-hitter on June 20.

When asked about Scherzer’s recent dominance, Monroe said that the Nats’ ace has been “amazing” and has proven that he’s worth the seven-year, $210 million contract.

The rest of the Nationals pitching staff has also been performing at a high level.

Starters Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann have been dominant recently, while Gio Gonzalez is also improving.

“They definitely have the advantage,” said Haley Sayre, 23, a Red Sox fan interviewed Wednesday in Northwest Washington, D.C.

Despite the influx of weapons, many fans still don’t give the Nationals a realistic shot to win the World Series.

“I feel like they can get far, but I don’t have them winning it,” Morrison said.

With tough teams in the National League including the red hot St. Louis Cardinals who have the best record in baseball, and the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, the Nationals may have a tough road.

The Nationals have also had multiple postseason disappointments in the last five seasons, and still haven’t taken their playoff performance to a championship-caliber level.

However, Monroe thinks that this season could be different for the Nats.

“Contenders? Yes,” Monroe said. “If they can get some more players back from injury, they’ll be better contenders.”

With many key players on the disabled list, the Nats still have fared well. Without hard-hitters Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman, Harper has stepped up and been one of the best hitters in baseball this season.

For now, Harper’s and the Nats’ success is aiding the team’s popularity.

“It definitely helps, it gives them more respect as a team,” Sayre said.

Updated July 3 2:50 p.m.

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Some district residents say terrorism thoughts always close on Independence Day

People in Washington D.C.’s Tenleytown neighborhood discussed their opinions Thursday regarding the potential terrorist attacks on July 4th, fearing the nation’s capital could be a target.

Brittany Jones, 24, admitted that she is not one to celebrate the Fourth of July, but said she would fear the chance of terrorist attacks.

“When you think about fireworks and gunshots, you can’t really determine what’s what,” Jones said.

“I mean, yeah, I wouldn’t want to go down there, because then that would make me a target,” Jones continued about the festivities on the National Mall.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security released a joint bulletin June 26 titled “Holiday Celebrations Remain Attractive Target,” citing the likelihood of ISIS to attack large celebrations during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Despite the warning, Haley Sayre, 23, is planning on celebrating at the National Mall with her friends.

“I mean, it’s scary,” Sayre said. “The people that are supposed to protect us the most are warning us about a terrorism threat, and that’s what scares me the most.”

As a Massachusetts resident who has never witnessed a fireworks display, Sayre is excited. However, she is still uncomfortable about the situation and noted the 2013 Boston Marathon attack struck close to home.

Sayre answered that she normally would not go to watch the fireworks because of the heightened risk of attacks, but pressure from her friends has made her want to go despite the risks. Government security warnings are a help to some.

The National Park Service said on its website that visitors will be screened at all entry points to celebrate July 4.

Jones appreciates the warning and security: “They should, just to be giving people a heads up, just in case something did happen.”

Others, like Sayre, have mixed feelings. “I don’t really think it’s right for them to scare us, but I think if they do think something is going to happen, they should let us know.”

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Religion aside, District happy with Pope’s climate change stance

Numerous people interviewed this week in Northwest Washington D.C. celebrated Pope Francis’ recent controversial comments about climate change, noting his influence would be a positive one in the debate regardless of religion.

When asked if climate change should be considered a political issue, Isaiah Beaton, 20, agreed that the issue is larger than that.

“It shouldn’t even be a political issue,” Beaton said. “It just should be a humanitarian issue that we all decide to get behind, but the support of a religious leader is good.”

Chris Diamond, 22, thought it was important for the Pope to talk about climate change because he is pointing out an important issue to a crowd who might not have been paying attention.

The Pope said in a sweeping June 2015 184-page report that climate change is a moral issue.

Fifty-five-year-old Sheila Roar was aware of the Pope’s speech on climate change and agreed with him on the fact that governments must take action.

“The way he framed it hopefully got more people on board that there is a moral piece to this, this isn’t just about the economics,” Roar said.

While some people had an indifferent attitude towards environmental problems, others considered it to be a top priority and were happy to know the Pope brought it to global attention and is attempting to stir a movement in politics.

For instance, Evelin Aguilera, 19, said she believes climate change should be a top priority for international governments and knows what she can do to help.

Evelin Aguilera, 19, believes climate change should be a top priority for international governments. Photo by Marina de la Sierra.

“Right now I’m on the hunt for a car, so I know I can definitely buy a hybrid type of car,” Aguilera said.

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Campus summer programs offer future college insights

High school students taking summer programs at American University listed their expectations of their future college experiences as taking challenging classes, meeting people and being busy and tired.

In Fall 2014, about 21 million students were expected to attend American colleges and universities, an increase since 2000, according to the National Center of Education Statistics.

For summer leadership and conference participants on American University’s campus this summer, they are receiving valuable insight into taking classes with college professors and living in dorms without their parents around.

Amy-Beth Hoarty, 17, a participant in the National Leadership Conference, said she has experienced being a part of a community with other students she relates to and connects with. Being in class with people who share her interests made it go faster, unlike her school where she doesn’t really connect with others, she said.

Kelsey Lageraaen, 17, a Long Island native enjoys having an experience different than she would at home.

“There is definitely a more diverse group of people because there is people from different states and countries, so you get to see people’s opinions and ideas based on where they are from.”

This encounter, she said, makes her realize this is definitely something she wants to have at her future college.

Amaris Norwood, 19, said she knew what she was expecting before she got to American University because she did a lot of research. When she got here she was not disappointed; the campus was full of diversity and passionate students, she said.

Norwood said she was surprised by how easy sickness spread in close quarters of the dorms.

“Sicknesses get spread easily,” Norwood said. “Sometimes you forget to eat and then you end up getting sick and passing out.”

Lageraaen feels college is a key part of her future.

“You get a lot of new experiences. It’s the first time for a lot of people being on their own and getting to live with themselves and their friends, so they learn to be independent,” she said.