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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Homemade clock or bomb? The teachers and administrators at MacArthur High School supposedly could not tell the difference in the case of Ahmed Mohamed. Personally, I think they knew better.
Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Tick Tock goes the—bomb?

Summer Thomad
October 2, 2015
Ever since the 14 year old's homemade clock was mistaken for a bomb, Ahmed Mohamed has received international attention; but was the student's experiment ever truly thought to be a bomb?
It was a short one liner but what she said had a huge impact. Nicki Minaj did not go out of her way to start a “feud” between pop stars. She was just one of the many artists fighting for equality within Hollywood.
Photo Credit: Iris Zervalakos

Systematic Racism, What’s Good?

Summer Thomad
September 14, 2015
The Minaj-Cyrus debacle is shedding light onto a much bigger issue than simple celebrity drama.
Those who idealize see the world through an alternate, romanticized lens, almost as if they have another pair of eyes.
Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Through my ideal eyes

Summer Thomad
September 10, 2015
The act of idealization contains many ups and downs; It is a complex behavior that is experienced by different people in different ways.
With senior year and the new school year come a multitude of changes; the best way to approach them is to embrace them with open arms and a positive attitude.
Photo Credit: Danijel Zekanovic

Sing the Changes

Summer Thomad
August 31, 2015
Life is rapidly changing in a variety of ways; coping and adjusting to these new experiences can be just as exciting as it is scary.
In the words of famous psychoanalytic psychologist Sigmund Freud, "Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength."
Photo Credit: Nikki Molina

Embracing Vulnerability

Summer Thomad
May 15, 2015
Repressing vulnerable emotions is a common practice in society; however, getting in touch with my vulnerabilities can be beneficial in a variety of ways.
Sleeping in class is not an uncommon occurrence with school start times as early as 7:00 a.m.
Photo Credit: Jenika Chiang

Nice Sleep If You Can Get It

Summer Thomad
April 30, 2015
High schools should be required to start at 8:30 a.m. or later in order to ensure that teenagers are getting enough sleep.
The availability of gender neutral restrooms are a reasonable solution to helping all students, no matter what their gender identity, feel comfortable at school.
Photo Credit: Acel Soriano

School: A place of education, socializing and . . . segregation?

Summer Thomad
April 24, 2015
For transgender students, selecting which bathroom to utilize can be a daunting task with the implication of a new district wide bill.
We are often confronted with choices in life in which we must decide on one path over another. Decision making is a skill I have yet to master.
Photo Credit: Nikki Molina

Outgrowing indecision

Summer Thomad
April 9, 2015
Indecision proves to be an ongoing struggle I have yet to overcome.
Candles, books, and products meant for livening up my bath are essential to a night dedicated to self-care.
Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Self Care 101

Summer Thomad
March 26, 2015
Occasions spent alone became some of my most cherished and needed time through self-care.
Competitions may be taking place right before my eyes, but I remain uninterested in the pursuit of proving one's superiority.
Photo Credit: Althea Gevero

Competition: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Summer Thomad
March 13, 2015
Competitiveness is often regarded in a positive light; however, the nature of competition has its downfalls that are important to recognize.
Not even Taylor Swift can fill this blank space.
Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

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Summer Thomad
March 4, 2015
Writer's block is an irritating, but unavoidable occurrence. How can it be overcome?
Though the chances of receiving an Oscar are quite unlikely, I would most definitely use my speech to do more than simply thank the Academy.
Photo Credit: Migi Contreas

Speak up, Oscars

Summer Thomad
February 25, 2015
Celebrities and movie stars who use their platform to talk about political issues sway the conversation from the superficiality of the Oscars to more significant societal issues and movements.