By Laura Vettleson-Trutza As quoted in one of my favorite songs, “ I am not a Robot” by Marina and the Diamonds, “It’s better to be hated than loved for what you’re not.” When I was young, I was very shy around others. I wouldn’t talk or interact with anyone. I was known by others as the really quiet, yet nice one. At home, however, I was definitely not quiet. I seemed to … [Read more...]

By Annalise Shupe We’ve all heard different varieties of the same phrase before. I’ve heard the phrase throughout the entirety of my childhood; “Enjoy this time in your life because it’s going to be over before you know it, you’re going to miss it, so live in the moment.” Now a major stage of my life is over, I have graduated high school. With that, all of my “lasts of high … [Read more...]

By Travis Vatland Finally, the school year seems to be coming to a close. As my classmates and I set off on our new adventures, I have taken some time to reflect on what my journey this far has been. Seems like every year I remember has distinct highs and lows.  I have learned quite a bit from this 12-year journey. This essay is for everyone still in high school, and it is … [Read more...]

The rampant flitting of butterflies in one’s stomach upon a mere thought or glimpse.  The electrifying spark capable of commencing a wildfire extending from a graze or touch.  The slight coloring of cheeks and avoidance of eye contact upon noticing the directed affectionate gaze of another.  The continual craving for the missing piece to the puzzle and overall commitment for … [Read more...]

By Deanna Kay Phillips For my last article I decided to to interview Michelle McClain-Kruse on April 23, 2018, who has had success with her own business. She has been a major influence in my life.  Whether it was teaching me more about horses or declaring herself my college mom, she has been there for it all. Her business is Thunder Rode, Inc. It provides a place of safety … [Read more...]

By Ashley Haugerud The future is unfortunately quite unpredictable. There is no “right time” in life, you never know what is going to happen next, but ultimately, everything will work out how it should. In 10 years, I see myself wherever life takes me. Many people wonder when they should start thinking about their future plans, but the truth is; there is no right time. … [Read more...]

By Laura Vettleson-Trutza Have you ever been afraid of something just because you thought it was “bad luck”? Maybe seeing number 13, or seeing a black cat cross the road ahead of you. As you probably already know, these are examples of superstitions. Almost everyone has some kind of superstition whether it’s good or bad. However, where exactly did these ideas and beliefs come … [Read more...]

By Abad Macabanding As a YES Student, it is our goal to promote mutual understanding between two countries, foster longer ties, bridge the gap between the cultural differences of two countries by sharing and adapting each other’s culture and  most importantly, to acquire leadership skills which can benefit our community by using and applying those skills and knowledge that we … [Read more...]

By Annalise Shupe I have recently realized that a person cannot obtain coldness, they simply have the absence of heat. Very similar to light; a room doesn’t have darkness, it has the absence of light. This made me think of love and hate... maybe hate doesn’t exist, but it’s merely the absence of love in our lives. It is no secret that it seems easier to blame life’s … [Read more...]

By Travis Vatland In the United States, there is an estimated 50,000 non-primitive species, with about 4,500 of those non- primitive species   considered invasive. Some of the most notorious invasive animals in the United States include the Burmese python, emerald ash borer, zebra mussels, and the common carp. In Minnesota, some of the most common invasive species include … [Read more...]