Lesson One I Learned in Journalism: Manage Your Time

The Journalism class is full of deadlines- we have an article due every Friday. In the span of five days we have to conduct multiple interviews, choose possible quotes from said interviews, research information about our topics, factcheck, and construct a rough draft of the article by Friday night. Sound like a lot? Well it is, if you do it all on Thursday night of course. But the more time I spent in Journalism, the more I learned to plan. Scheduling interviews with multiple people, especially “high profile” subjects like an administrator or the Superintendent, takes time and skill. In real life, if I have to talk to my boss about a project I’m working on, I’ll have to schedule an appointment before the night it’s due, just like in Journalism. Time management is a must in Journalism class, and that won’t change when I leave Urbana High School.

Lesson Two I Learned in Journalism: Be Confident

Here’s a secret I picked up in my time as a journalist: people talk to you if you’re confident. A man/woman with their head held high, shoulders back, firm handshake, and eyes ahead makes an impression on people- they trust you to portray them fairly and they are wiling to talk more. Now, don’t be someone you’re not- schmoozing and being two-faced gets you nowhere and is just plain wrong. But the first time I met someone for an interview with a smile and a feeble attempt at confidence, it was easier than previous, nerve-wracking attempts. And the more I did it, the more real the confidence became and talking to strangers or important people became way easier. I always try to stay true to myself, but I try to be the best version of that self in pressure situations.
Lesson Three I Learned in Journalism: Check Your Facts
Whether it’s for a paper or a business interview, do your research. When I go into interviews unprepared, the people I’m interviewing can tell. However, when I know what I’m talking about and let the person I’m interviewing know that (without being arrogant or being unwilling to admit I’m wrong when I am), they are impressed and more willing to speak up. People appreciate it when other people show interest and dedication- it makes them feel good, and it makes me feel good to put them at ease. Trust is hard to come by in this day and age, but when I gain it with someone else it makes life much easier and way more worthwhile.
Lesson Four I Learned in Journalism: Be Aware
Working for a newspaper made me aware of other newspapers- I looked to the local and national press outlets for ideas on how to make our paper here in Urbana better. But, I also read the news to stay informed- every morning I check the New York Times website or the Yahoo! homepage to stay up-to-date on current events and to know if there’s a story the staff needs to cover. Making this habit of checking the news regularly gives me instant conversation starters for awkward moments and it keeps me in the loop. While my Journalism career ends in a week, I’ll be reading articles for the rest of my life to stay informed about current events.
Lesson Five I Learned in Journalism: Try New Things
I’ve been to a wrestling match, baked cupcakes, seen strange movies, watched good (and bad) plays, seen an ice dancing show, talked to strangers, learned to run a website, made creepy caramel apples, walked down the hallway to Dr. Taylor’s office at least five hundred times, and met some amazing people…all in the name of Journalism. Working at The Echo has made me push outside of my comfort zone sometimes for a story- nothing bold or very interesting, but different all the same. And while it may have seemed silly at the time, looking back I learned a lot from these experiences- who would have known how intense people get at Journalism State or how difficult it is not to burn caramel when distracted? The Echo made me grow as a person, and I had some really fun experiences in my journey over the years.
I’m very sad to be leaving “The Echo”…I’ve invested a lot of time and effort to this paper, but I wouldn’t take anything back. Each year I’ve enjoyed having a different, lovely advisor, and each taught me many things about journalism in general and myself. I wish the future editors of “The Echo” the best of luck, and look forward to reading coming issues!

http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2011/02/cnd-new-york-fashion-week-day-2-giveaway.html

ellow Editor Gwen Childers wrote an article detailing the clothes at New York Fashion Week for Echo readers, and I wanted to supplement her piece with a tidbit about the nail trends to look for in the coming season. Because let’s face it: getting Gucci or Dolce and Gabanna here in Urbana is probably wishful thinking for most of us. But don’t fret: this article will document the hottest nail trends and you can do it yourself right here at home for less than the cost of a button on a designer jacket!
Trend #1: Tuxedo Nails, as seen at the Ruffian show
This look is intricate but with the help of a nail pen from Sally Hansen in black it gets easier. First, apply a base coat in whatever color you want the shirt to be (I think white looks best, but the lavender used at the Ruffian show is nice too) on the nail and let it dry completely. Next, use the black nail pen to make your “bow tie” at the top of the nail (two small triangles connected in the middle of the nail) and then a simple black line at the bottom of the nail for your “cummberbun.” Finally, add three small dots down the center for your buttons. Let dry and you’re done!
Trend #2: Short, Gray Nails. As seen at the Trias show
Simple and chic, this grey will go with everything! First, cut your nails so they are short and then round them with a mail file or buffer. Next add two coats of a matte gray polish and let dry. Your nails will be anything but boring!
Trend #3: Nail Bands? As seen at Vena Cava show…
I’m not so sure about this look, but maybe some of you are daring enough to try it. The goal of this look is not to paint your nails, but your fingers by painting a “ring” with polish around or under your knuckles. Popular colors include blue, orange and magenta. Enlisting a friend to help is probably a good idea to ensure your circle is even around the finger…
Which look are you excited to try, UHS? Comment below!

http://dvcfinaid.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/scholarships.png

Most Urbana High School Seniors have finished the process of applying to colleges and universities. But it is not time for a break, class of 2011. Now is the time to apply for scholarships to fund your eventual college education. To get the skinny on what students need to know, Echo Editor Mandy Facer talked to UHS Guidance Counselor Samuel Furrer. Read on for helpful hints and advice on how to earn scholarships that can finance your college tuition.

Mandy Facer: How can UHS students find scholarships?

Samuel Furrer: It’s a student’s responsibility to keep their eyes and ears open; listen to the announcements, read the student bulletin, look online. Sometimes places like Kohls or Target have posters at their stores advertising scholarships but they never reach us to tell you. The Guidance Office also publishes updates on it’s Facebook page with links to the scholarship bulletins.

MF: What online scholarship sites do you recommend?

SF: We have several sites listed on our website (Fastweb, Schoolsoup, etc.). I really suggest that students have specific emails for these sites because of all the mail these sites send.

*A Word of Caution: Don’t ever pay for a site or company that says they will get you financial aid- it is a scam. Talk to your counselor if you are confused.

MF: How can students make their scholarship applications stand out in a good way?

SF: Have good service, leadership, and community involvement…but the truth is you really need to have been doing these things all through high school. Students who are well-rounded and involved will do well.

MF: Why should students look for scholarships now rather than waiting till later?

SF: Look throughout Senior year- some scholarships are only available at certain times. Plus, when you get closer to graduation, the competition increases because everyone starts looking.

MF: Anything else about applying for scholarships that you think UHS students should know?

SF: Apply if you think you qualify. It sounds silly, but you won’t win any scholarships if you don’t try. Also, be sure to send in everything the scholarship asks for including grade transcripts.

Visit the UHS Guidance Office’s Facebook page or follow them on twitter: search “UHSCounselor”

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-BlbmCrOOoQ/SIuaidYMlMI/AAAAAAAAALg/FC8-PnIPV_s/s400/BurnBook.jpg

In my three years at “The Echo,” I’ve never really been inspired to write an editorial. And I’m not inspired now; I’m determined. Over winter break, “burn books” began popping up on the popular social networking site “Facebook.” Anonymous users stole other people’s pictures and wrote dirty comments about the respective person in public view. People flocked to these pages and flipped through the photo albums, enjoying this cyber spectacle.

We aren’t actors in a witty teen movie; Urbana High School isn’t “Mean Girls.” Dear people who hid under anonymous profiles and started this mess: do you have any idea of what you’ve done?

You are cyber bullies. Stopcyberbullying.org defines cyber bullying as a situation “when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.” While you may think it is “fun” to blatantly insult others, you are actually starting a vicious cycle of abuse that could permanently affect your victims.

Sophomore Katie Odem offered a student perspective on the issue. “When people hide behind a computer they can say whatever they want and since it’s anonymous no one can do anything. What they don’t realize is their comments seriously affect the people they talk about.”

Here’s something to think about: In this world of technology, once you put something online it is never really gone- future employers and college admission boards can see these things you write about your “friends” and acquaintances. The moment you hit “post” on someone’s wall, you cannot ever really take back the words you write. It will always exist in a file deep in the world of the Internet with your name tied to it.

So what inspired these burn books? Whatever reason you may believe to have for publicly humiliating and degrading these UHS students, surely it is not worth the potential pain you may be causing your fellow classmates?

UHS Librarian Matthew Murrey shared insight as to why teens have started using the Internet to mock and torment one another. “Bullying isn’t new, teens have just found a new venue. I don’t think people understand how pervasive and hurtful online bullying can be.”

UHS Principal Dr. Laura Taylor agreed. “{Cyber bullying} is just like writing an insult on the bathroom wall…only what you post online never gets erased.”

The damage is done regarding the burn books. They exist and can’t be washed away like slander on a bathroom stall. But we don’t have to continue the cycle, UHS, and most of you have ideas on how to stop cyber bullying.

Many students interviewed for this article said they told teachers or trusted adults if they saw an incident of online abuse. Others added that deleting hateful comments or reporting abusive content were good ways to combat the bullies.

Sophomore Mary Donahue advised students to “de-friend people who cyber-bully.”

This article isn’t intended to shame the people who started the burn books- I’m not even sure they’ll read this article. But I can’t stand by and watch my fellow students be publicly mocked online because of cyber-bullying. We are better than this, UHS. As Generation Y we are known for being tech savvy, but abusing our online privileges dates us back to the days of schoolyard bullies. Do your part and think before you write online because once you post, you’re linked to that comment or photo album forever.

http://blogs-images.forbes.com/dorothypomerantz/files/2010/11/harry-potter2.jpg

As a serious fan of the Harry Potter novels, I must admit I am a bit biased when it comes to my reviewing objectivity for the movies. However, I will try to look at this as a normal movie, not the highlight of my autumn theater experience.

The first half of the final film of JK Rowling’s infamous Harry Potter hit theaters last week. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” documents the Golden Trio (Harry {Daniel Radcliffe}, Ron {Rupert Grint}, and Hermione {Emma Watson}) as they leave Hogwarts and travel through Europe searching for Lord Voldemort’s horcruxes. These horcruxes are imperative to defeat Voldemort because each one contains a part of his soul, and they must be destroyed for him to completely die.

Easier said than done. Harry, Hermione, and Ron struggle with the search and are constantly threatened by Death Eater or Ministry of Magic “Snatcher” attacks. Meanwhile, Voldemort continues to wreck havoc throughout the wizard and muggle communities. Add the story of the “Deathly Hallows” and its magical components into the mix, and one has a very complicated dark film.

This “Harry Potter” is not the joyous and magical world of children; instead, we are immersed in a depressing world of real terror and uncertainty. Director David Yates creates a stark and bleak motion picture, but such melancholy is necessary for this “Potter” film to really tell the book’s story. Yates does not rush the movie; splitting it into two parts was really quite brilliant and devout fans of the novels will appreciate the final book’s full transformation on screen.

Veteran “Potter” actors Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson shine again in this half of the final installment. Tom Felton gives a believable performance as the “I want to be bad but I’m really not” Draco Malfoy, and Helena Bonham Carter delivers as always as the chilling Bellatrix Lestrange.

The final half of “Deathly Hallows” hits theaters in July, and it will be a sad day to watch my generation’s novel series finish its onscreen life.

Author’s Note: Don’t take your young children to see this film- it’s too dark and too long for anyone under ten to handle.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oazXrKSPrio/S9cuoVSADYI/AAAAAAAAAEY/1_3mANksM8k/s1600/studying-main_full.jpg

Finals are here, UHS. This year marks Urbana’s first for holding finals before break, so students are faced with the change of adapting to this schedule in addition to the usual stress of semester exams. But not fear, students! The Echo has compiled a list of tips from UHS Seniors who have navigated exams many time before on how to successfully survive finals without the tension, so read up and get ready to take on the tests.

Tip 1: Study. No, Really.

“Finals don’t exist just to ruin lives,” Senior Glynn Davis said. “Although studying may seem daunting and unnecessary, it’s very important to refresh your memory on the things you’ve learned from the beginning of the year.”

To study for the tests, first decide the level of difficulty of each subject and then designate an appropriate amount of time to dedicate to each respective class. For example, if AP Chemistry is really hard, give that subject a few nights whereas P.E. may only need twenty minutes.

Second, find your study method. Some people are auditory learners, so record yourself saying notes then put the track on your iPod and listen to it throughout the day (not at school). Other students are visual learners: draw diagrams of complex science processes or create flashcards for math formulas. Everyone is different, but finding the study process that works for you will help you find success once finals arrive.

Finally, be consistent in your studying: do not cram the night before. Starting two weeks or a week before a big test allows you time to re-familiarize yourself with the material without a time crunch or stress. As Senior Myisha Howard says, “There is no such thing as studying too much!”

Tip 2: Sleep. Sleep. Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Teenagers are growing and developing beings, so sleep is a necessary part of life in normal life. In finals time however, it is especially important. “When you are well rested, you can concentrate at a higher level,” said UHS teacher Renee Hunt. “You are also able to think more clearly.”

Start a healthy sleep schedule a week before finals: go to bed at a consistent time, and rise at the usual time you get up for school (even on weekends). It may be tempting to snooze late on Saturday or Sunday, but doing so will mess your body’s internal clock up and make it even harder to wake up on Monday.

Tip 3: Don’t Stress.

It’s easy to worry about finals. After all, twenty percent of your grade is a pretty big deal. However, stressing is not going to make you more productive or healthy. When you feel an anxiety surge or a sense of panic, take a twenty-minute break from the books and just sit and be still. Meditate, listen to calming music, or eat a healthy snack to recharge your mind and body.

Good luck on your finals, UHS! The Echo hopes these tips will help.

http://www.dogebookguide.com/images/cute%20puppy.jpg

Think you have the cutest pet of the students and staff at Urbana High School? Find out by submitting a picture to our contest and voting on the options already entered by clicking on this link!

Here’s what you do: click on the link above (the blue word), click on the picture you like, then rate it!  If you do not want to give us your email, you can use ratethepetcontest@gmail.com instead.

http://www.freefoto.com/images/18/04/18_04_1---Outdoor-swimming-pool_web.jpg?&k=Outdoor+swimming+pool

“Senior night was awesome!” Captain Korrine Spears said. “Our senior night meet was the best we’ve had all season due to the mindset and attitudes of the girls. We made it clear that it was not only the seniors’ night, but it was Urbana Night and that we needed to step it up and show what our team could do!”

The girls apparently got the message: many swimmers broke personal records and the 200 Freestyle relay consisting of Jenny Hill, Gabi Rajic, Carolina Jimenez and Kirsten Slaughter broke the pool record with a time of one minute and 41.7 seconds.

“Senior night couldn’t have gone any better,” Captain Carolina Jimenez said. “It was like a fairy tale ending; we won by 40 points, and had great support along the way.”

With Sectionals approaching, the girls are working very hard to be in their best shape for the competition. “Right now we’re trying to get faster, drop seconds, and get a nice taper for sectionals,” Senior Morgan Cooper said. “I think our 200 free relay has great potential to go to state and I’m excited to watch them swim.”

http://www.abchomepreschool.com/PreschoolEducationBlog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/homemade-halloween-costumes-for-kids.jpg

With Halloween quickly approaching, many Urbana High School students are looking for the best costumes for the spooky season. With three premiere costume shops in the area (Dallas and Company, Halloween USA, and Spirit Costumes), students have a wide selection of stores to peruse. To find out which costumes are hottest this October, “The Echo” interviewed members of the Senior Class to get their input on dressing for the festivities.

“Lady Gaga is the best costume for this year- she’s hot and lots of stores have wigs and outfits for her,” said Mahala Kneller.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01243/lady-gaga_1243850c.jpg

“The Avatar costume is definitely the best choice because it’s an awesome movie and who wouldn’t want to be one?” said Greg Morris.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4378740&CAWELAID=586999973

“Phineas and Ferb costumes are definitely in right now,” said Brandy Craig. “Phineas, Ferb, or Perry would all be cool choices because everyone can relate to wishing summer never ended.”

http://www.costumehound.com/product.aspx?ID=14076

“I appreciate any costume that is creative,” said Elise Ellinger. “Anything that’s not lingerie with animal ears as an afterthought is good.”

“I think something steam punk would work,” said Kyle Silver. “The sexy Chubaka costume is cool too.”

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AV4IxZ43glk/S9_ZBzryC5I/AAAAAAAAAwA/pVhGVtgejAo/s1600/steampunk.jpg

“Hollywood killers would be a good choice- they’re popular and have been around for years,” said Nick Johnson.

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/Gangster-Adult-Costume/

What Halloween costume will you be donning for this year’s festivities? Comment below!

http://www.lovelypromdress.com/images/aboutus1.jpg

With Homecoming right around the corner, girls at Urbana High School are on the search for that perfect dress for the dance. To guide your shopping pursuits, “The Echo” has compiled the top three looks from this year’s fashion trends and given two examples of each style for versatility.

Trend One: The Multiple-Wear Dress

For a frugal fashionista, spending a bunch of money on a dress you’ll only wear once doesn’t make any sense. Instead of buying a dress that screams “Homecoming,” opt for something more sophisticated that could also be worn to a wedding or job interview.

http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Elasticated-Waist-Tulip-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1273394&cid=8799&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mink

Trend Two: The Teal Deal

Variations of turquoise and teal have popped up all over department stores in all kinds of styles. These two options from JCPenny won’t break the bank and are sure to turn heads come Homecoming night.

http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=196574f&deptid=71275&dep=JUNIORS&catid=78201&pcat=JUNIORS&cat=Homecoming+Shop&SO=0&pcatid=71275&Ne=4294957900+5+585+29+3+11+1031+18+904+833+949&N=4294939186&cattyp=RLE&Nao=0&PSO=0&cmAMS_T=XGN3&cmAMS_C=MERCHA&cmAMS_Z=XGN3TOPOFRESULTS&CmCatId=70646|78201

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/XGN.aspx?deptid=71275&pcatid=71275&catid=78201&cattyp=RLE&dep=JUNIORS&pcat=JUNIORS&cat=Homecoming+Shop&refpagename=X2%252Easpx&refdeptid=70646&refcatid=70646&cmAMS_T=X2&cmAMS_C=MKTGA&cmAMS_V=X2V1&CmCatId=70646#&&CmCatId=70646%7c78201&deptid=71275&PSO=0&cattyp=RLE&dep=JUNIORS&catid=78201&pcat=JUNIORS&cat=Homecoming+Shop&SelDim=1031%7e+4294957900%7e&x5view=1&pcatid=71275&Ne=4294957900+5+585+29+3+11+1031+18+904+833+949&CatSel=4294939185--dresses&N=4294949526+4294939185+4294949530&SO=0&Nao=0

Trend Three: One-Shoulder Red Stunner

A hot red dress is sure to command attention on the dance floor. If you’re going red though, be sure to keep it classy- anything uber short or low-cut will detract from the dress’ vibrant color which stands out by itself.  Dress one is from ModCloth, while you can buy dress two from Forever 21.

http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/SoCal+Bungalow+Dress+in+Scarlet

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress%5Fspecialoccasion&product%5Fid=2080618173&Page=all&promoType=1

What Homecoming look will you be sporting at the dance? Comment below!