The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow
While being bombarded with pictures of various events, feelings of FOMO are at their strongest. Photo credit: Summer Thomad

Fighting FOMO

Summer Thomad
February 18, 2015
FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out caused by social media has become a strain on my life as well as others.
At times when I see others excel at something, I can't help but feel envious of their talent. Photo Credit: Nikki Molina

Envy: the double-edged sword

Summer Thomad
February 10, 2015
A feeling of inadequacy or a form of motivation?
Ever wonder what it's like to wear the hijab? Photo Credit: Andrea Galvan

“What is under your head-scarf?”

Summer Thomad
January 31, 2015
Since I began wearing the hijab, certain questions have become a frequent part of my life.
To the recent uproar surrounding Charlie Hebdo, I say: Je Ne Suis Pas Charlie. Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Je Ne Suis Pas Charlie

Summer Thomad
January 22, 2015
After the recent attacks of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, there has been an international outcry of people proclaiming "Je Suis Charlie." However, I do not stand with this statement.
Learning to drive is one of the major steps to becoming an independent individual. This year, I am determined to get behind the wheel and finally learn this necessary skill. Photo Credit: Yusuf Thomad

The Pursuit of Independence

January 7, 2015
Learning not to rely so heavily on others in various aspects of my life has become one of my greatest conquests.
Self reflection can be a critical step in self discovery. Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

A Guide to Self Discovery

December 17, 2014
Finding yourself often requires you to dig deep and try new things; here are some ideas on making the journey of self discovery easier.
In a world where erasing memories is as easy as the click of a mouse, how many of our experiences would we compromise? Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Are you better off?

December 10, 2014
Unpleasant memories and bad experiences undoubtedly leave a mark on our lives; however, it is up to us to see them as lessons, rather than regrets.
Cheyenne Folias and a friend cosplay Margaret Moonlight and Dr. Naomi, characters from No More Heroes 2 at Anime Expo in Los Angeles. "My favorite part about cosplaying is actually making my costume and seeing it all together as the final product for the first time," Folias said. Photo Credit: Gary Thompson

Not-So Fake Geek Girls

Summer Thomad
December 3, 2014
The stereotype of geek culture being male-dominated has every right of being diminished.
With a simple glance at my bedroom walls, it is plain to see the extent of my love for various mediums. Photo Credit: Amne Thomad

Healthy Fanaticism

November 23, 2014
Being a fan can be a fun experience, as long as it does not keep you from seeing the bigger picture.
Generously filled pages of aspirations and desires occupy my spare notebooks as well as my mind. Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Never content

November 13, 2014
Whether I’m happy or sad, I often find it difficult to be fully content with anything.
Throughout adolescence, we tend to take on new identities that eventually form who we are as adults. However, looking back on one's childhood by flipping through photo albums and reminiscing about the past reminds us of what made us who we are today. Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Figuring It Out

November 4, 2014
Adolescence is a process of forming an identity, rather than just a moment in time.
When debates start to get heated, many of us choose the position of neutrality rather than picking a side to avoid getting involved.

Neutrality: The easy (and oppressive) way out

Summer Thomad
October 29, 2014
While neutrality may seem like the easiest and best option, it can lead to greater dangers.
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