Women's Store

In many states, women are paid less for doing the same exact job as a man. Apparently in the business world, men haven't gotten it through their little brains that women are not below them. Girls wonder why guys are stuck up sometimes, well it's because they can't get off their high horse sometimes. When someone classifies themselves as a feminist, they are not saying women should be put higher up in status than men. They're not saying women should have more power than men. And they are certainly not saying women are better than men. We are saying we deserve the same rights as men because we are all EQUAL. This includes how much a person gets paid for doing the same job as the opposite sex. 

In Pennsylvania, women get paid seventy five cents for every dollar then men make. This is just a state rule, meaning the federal government doesn't have a say. Yes states are and should be allowed to make their own minimum wage laws and so on, however, they should at least be equal for everyone and not based solely on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. That is borderline discrimination however the federal government can't do anything about it because it doesn't actually go against the civil rights act or the Women’s Suffrage Act. Not to mention it would be taking away the state's right to make wage laws of their own. 

A Pennsylvania native by the name of Elana Schneckler didn't like this law, so she did something about it that would get the attention it needed without making a big scene. Here's an article that explains more as to what she did to show the government you can't mess with us girls. 

The fact that she had the courage to go up against society and social norms is just inspiring. It also helps that society isn't shooting her ideas down; on the contrary, they're actually helping her by giving their approval. More people, men included, have looked through the windows of this cute little Pennsylvanian shop and agree with her statement of women deserve the same pay. This just proves you don't have to fight with actions, nor with harsh words, to get your point across.  

Word Count: 406

Social Media: Yah or Nah?

With all this technology nowadays, social media is a common word you here in everyday kind of conversations. Whether it be Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, so many people are obsessed with these sites and people of the older generation don't always understand why. However this is very much understandable. The social media generation is now, not thirty years ago when the computer was first being invented. These older generations didn't grow up with iPhones and Tablets that allowed you to get information from the world wide web right in the palm of your hand. However there is a lot of controversy about these websites. Are they really helping our society? Or are they just shaping society into something that is harming the human mind? 

I personally do not have a Twitter because I don't get the point of it. Not only that, but with Twitter there's always drama that follows. That's all Twitter is really. Someone aid something bad about someone's girlfriend and her boyfriend has to defend her, only to find out she doesn't want his help. In the end, all you get is a big mess of people who are mad at each other. However on the other hand, Twitter isn't all bad. You can chose to follow whomever you please, so you don't have to follow those drama filled people. Plus, Twitter can be a fun way to show school spirit. I know my school, along with many others, have a Twitter account where they tweet at certain people who've earned big accomplishments, hold contests, etc. 

Facebook was created back in 2004 and some people consider this to be an outdated social media site. MySpace is outdated, Facebook is not. Many people still use Facebook to this day, yours truly included. To me, Facebook is a way to connect with friends and family that I don't see on a regular basis, such as the foreign exchange students for example. I can see what they're up to, see fun family vacation photos, and basically know what's going on in their life.  

I had an Instagram for three or four days when it first came out and I got super bored, so I don't use it anymore. However that was almost three years ago now and a lot has changed on this super boring social media site. Instagram is very similar to Facebook in a sense that you can connect to friends and family from around the world. However society has taken control of Instagram in the same way that it's taken over Twitter. There's not only drama, but also the stereotypical "White Girl Status." For those of you who don't know what that is, a "White Girl Status" is when someone posts a selfie of themselves wearing Ugg boots, "Pink" yoga pants, a low cut shirt, and a Starbucks cup in their hand to Instagram. There are many different types of stereotypes out there that describe this "White Girl Status" and I came upon a video posted on YouTube about this topic, take a look. She is describing how to be a "White Girl" and some of the things she says just makes me cringe because I cannot stand how society has influenced her to be this way at such a young age. Instagram is just one of the ways this girl has been taught to look, think, and act. I don't know about you, but I do not want my kids growing up in a society where this is ok. 

Word Count: 583

Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, Somewhere in Between?

A very hot topic in today's society is that of abortion. Whether or not it's an act of murder or it's an act of exercising your free will and right to your own body. When you hear the word "abortion," what do you think of? Pro-life and Pro-choice, right? See, this argument has many flaws and what I'm about to talk about is just one of them. 

The abortion debate is guilty of committing the logical fallacy of either or reasoning. Either or reasoning is when an argument is said to have one of two solutions. In this case it's Pro-life and Pro-choice. When you're asked in a questionnaire, which side do you associate yourself with, you are given two choices. No in between or somewhere in the middle. When asked in an interview which side they would chose, most Americans didn't have a clear view on the matter. Here is a short film that explains this more clearly. 

My personal view is somewhere in the middle, just like many other Americans. I don't believe men sitting on Capital Hill should have the right to tell women in bad situations what they can and cannot do when it comes to their own personal body. In this way I am Pro-choice. It's the women's choice because it's her own body and men shouldn't have a say in what laws are passed when it comes to abortion because it barely effects them compared to the mother of that child. However I will say the father has every right to know and try to talk the girl out of it if that is what he wishes, but in the end it's her own choice, not his. On the other hand, I am a Christian and don't believe in killing an innocent human being. So therefore I could never go through the act of abortion myself and this is my Pro-life side of the dilemma This is just my view. I am not forcing this upon anyone. 

Word Count: 362

Inspiring People

Being told someone looks up to you for inspiration and a model for how they want their life to be is a huge compliment. Even when you think no one is around, someone is always watching. People are constantly looking at what you do and how you do it, especially as you get older. If it gets positive light, they'll follow you. They will want to be you. Because of this you have to be careful about what you do and say. If you're on the right path of life and you're not a troublesome child, you won't have much to worry about. 

Recently I was told by a little girl that I babysit for that she looks up to me and adores me. That feeling that I got when I heard those words sent my heart soaring. Not only was I flattered, but I also felt a sense of pride in myself for knowing that I am making a difference in a child's life, even if it's only one child. It doesn't have to be just little kids too, it could be anyone although it does tend to be someone younger than you because to them, you've had more experience in the world. 

Being a role model to kids can be hard work. You shouldn't feel the need to give into them whenever they want something just to keep their approval. If they get mad at you, don't worry it's not the end of the world. You would have to do something so bad that they have a paradigm shift in their mind about you for them to not idealize you. Here are a list of 5 characteristics and qualities that good role models should have. Qualities that were chosen by young teenage girls themselves. They have been proven very helpful in keeping my life on track to help make a difference in even more kids' lives. 

Word Count: 342

Baby Squared

Think of the biggest secret you have ever had to keep. Whether it be your own personal one that is buried within the deepest part of your heart, or your best friend's secret that you promised you wouldn't tell anyone. No matter the secret, times that by let's say one thousand, and that's how big of a secret this family had to keep for many agonizing months. Take a look.

This family, their last name was not given for obvious reasons, kept the secret of twins for around seven to eight months. They kept this secret from all their friends and families to give their loved ones an even bigger surprise when the big day came. And boy were they shocked! Or should I say girl? They're reactions make it even more priceless. No one besides the parents knew and people couldn't believe they had twin girls. My personal favorite is the one towards the end where they're taking a picture and the dad hands one of them the other twin saying "And don't forget about her twin sister." The mom's face in particular made my day. 

If I ever find out I'm having twins, this would definitely be something I'd try to do. However I, among many others, have a hard time keeping a secret, especially for nine months. What about yourself? Could you keep a big secret such as this one all to yourself for nine months? 

Word Count: 262

Are You the Person the Person You're Looking For is Looking For?

Have you ever found yourself sitting in math class, staring blankly out the window, and wondering what your future husband is doing right at that very minute. Many people believe that fait or destiny will bring their soul to them sometime within their life. Others believe that they are in charge of their own fait and have to go out and find their one true love. No matter what view you may have on the subject, have you ever thought about what kind of person you want the love of your life to be? Or what kind of person your soul mate is looking for?  

The person that you would consider to be your soul mate has certain personality and characteristic traits that are important to you, otherwise you wouldn't consider them to be that one special person. These traits can be your morals, such as good judgement and honesty. They can be practical traits, such as good with kids and get along with your family. They can be professional traits, such as integrity or time management. They can even be personality traits, such as out going and humorous. No matter the trait, these qualities are important to you and you wouldn't chose a person who doesn't meet these qualities or standards.  

Now that you know what you want in a one true love, think about what the other person wants. If you guys are truly meant to be together, you would have similar views on this subject. Meaning the majority of the things you're looking for are similar if not the exact same as the other person's standards. Are you the person the person you're looking for is looking for? Do you possess all the traits and qualities you're looking for in your other half? If yes, then great! You're right on track. However if you answered no to either of those questions, then you have some reevaluating to do.  

You need to make sure you're holding up your end of the bargain. If you have some things to sort out, it's better to do them now while you're single then it is to figure it out when you have a husband, three kids, and a dog. Get rid of all that extra baggage that you've been holding on to, such as bad relationships. If you have someone in your life that's holding you back, cut them lose. If they're truly your friend, they wouldn’t be causing issues in your life. If you want a soul mate who is on the right path of life, meaning isn't an alcoholic and porn addict, then don't do it yourself! The person you're meant to be with won't be looking for you because they've already decided they don't want someone with all that baggage. 

If you've ever seen "How I Met Your Mother," Ted knows what he's talking about. He's been waiting for that one special girl and while he's searching, he's constantly trying to make himself a better person that his other half will want. if you haven't seen this show, come out from the rock you live under and check it out. However be fair warned, this is a spoiler alert and if you wish not to know the ending, please do not press the link! 

Word Count: 601

The Dos and Don'ts of a Credit Card

Every teenage girl dreams of her father giving her her very own credit card. It's like a never ending pile of money that doesn't run out. Not! Most teenagers, girls and boys alike, don't understand the concept of credit cards. Plus not to mention many students don't know the importance of a credit card, which is something that will help them later on in life.

Credit cards are not just piles of endless money, they usually have a limit you're allowed to spend on them. So don't get too crazy ladies! At the end of the month you have to pay all that money back, so it's not endless or free money either. At the end of each month you will receive a bill in the mail of not only your purchases but taxes and interest is added on as well. You must pay the credit card company back in a certain amount of time in order to keep a good credit score. Just because your parents give you a credit card, doesn't mean it's for you to go shopping and buy a lot of new stuff. Credit cards for high school students is smart thing to do because building up credit at a younger age is important. However don't go overboard on your purchases. Some common purchases would be using your credit card for only gas. The more money you spend and pay back on time at the end of the month, the better your credit score. The better your credit score, the more likely you are at getting a loan with less interest. The whole process and ways of reading your credit score can be quite complicated and can be better explained by a professional from Wells Fargo Bank and Trust because they know what they're talking about.

Having a credit card is a sign that you're mature enough to handle something such as this. With great power comes great responsibility. If you screw up with your credit card it could potentially screw over your whole finical future. Be a careful spender and know how much is enough.
Word Count: 374