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The School Newspaper of Southwest Career and Technical Academy.

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

Southwest Shadow

As an eighteenth birthday present, my mother surprised me with a trip to Portland, in which I will be able to explore the city I will move to in September, and tour my college campus.  Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

Never truly a farewell

Alex Nedelcu
April 10, 2015
Four years and one college decision later, I am writing my farewell column with great excitement, in the heart of my college city.
Though thought as a hindrance, social media is actually a godsend.

Social Media: a misunderstood blessing

Alex Nedelcu
March 27, 2015
Sub-tweeting and blurry selfies ruin the image of social media.
even as an almost-eighteen year-old, I still wear my hair the same as I did when I was in the first grade. by doing so, I feel most like myself.Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

Dear 10 year-old me . . .

Alex Nedelcu
March 9, 2015
Eight years have passed since I made wishes as if it were my job.
At Zion National Park in Utah, on the hike to the emerald pools, there are various sources of water which turn the mud in the park a clay-orange. It was almost impossible for me not to play with it. To commemorate the beauty, I asked one of my hiking partners to draw on my face with it.  Photo Credit: Ciprian Nedelcu

Contentment: buried in nature

Alex Nedelcu
February 27, 2015
No matter what one does to be happy, one can, indeed, be happy no matter what.
Whether I am wearing prom-worthy makeup (left side of my face), or I am choosing to go bare-faced (right side of my face), I feel pretty. One should not be undermined nor congratulated for their choice of makeup. <br /< Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

The makeup make-down

Alex Nedelcu
February 20, 2015
A snarky comment from my peer a few days ago made me realize that beauty is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder.
Personally, I would be offended to have my victory flawed by a passerby. A moment is a moment well-deserved, and that should be respected.  Photo Credit: Summer Thomad

Dear Kanye West

Alex Nedelcu
February 13, 2015
Kanye West's reaction to Beck's victory for "Morning Phase" has driven me insane.
I embrace my acceptance with open arms and I know that my college experience will not be based upon the acceptance rate of my school. 
 Photo Credit: Danijel Zekanovic

I am accepted

Alex Nedelcu
February 6, 2015
Patronization of college acceptance should not be based upon acceptance rate.
Snarky cafe customers cause me to become off-edge enough to spill their fresh cup of joe right in front of them. 
 Photo Credit: Danijel Zekanovic

Coffee! PRONTO!

Alex Nedelcu
February 1, 2015
Working in the foodservice industry often goes hand-in-hand with not-so-sweet customers.
This kitten, along with many others is available to play with at a local pet shop. Shelters also offer the option of visitation with cute cuddly pets that are sure to make a day brighter.  Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

Cats: too cute to cut through

January 23, 2015
Alas, my Anatomy and Physiology class has started cat dissections. My sadness commences.
My recipe for happiness: sappy poetry, glasses, fruit, sketchbook, and hand lotion.  Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

New Year’s Revolution

January 8, 2015
My personal perfect new year consists of a few specific practices.
My curiosity for new information ranges from my personal life, to life in the classroom. I have a constant demand for facts.  Photo Credit: Danijel Zekanovic

Ignorance is (an) abyss

December 18, 2014
Being apt to ignorance is not necessarily a great perk to handling issues.
Not having a job around the holiday season can lead to stress-related reactions. Luckily, when in financial hardship, a hand-made gift is also an option.
Photo Credit: Alex Nedelcu

Festive financial funk

December 11, 2014
Acquiring a seasonal job teaches many lessons.