by Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

Christmas? Well it’s the most wonderful time of the year! There are chestnuts for roasting, marshmallows for toasting and Jesus’s birthday to celebrate!

I read the most interesting short story the other day, that you have probably all heard of — Jesus’s birthday being forgotten about due to Santa. If you haven’t read it, here’s the idea:

Jesus: Santa?
Santa: Yes?
Jesus: I’m sad.
Santa: Why are you sad? It’s Christmas right? It’s your birthday!
Jesus: Yeah. That’s the point
Santa: Why?
Jesus: Because whenever it’s Christmas, the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa.

When I read this, I started to think about the day I turned 13. Probably the worst birthday ever, and to top it all off, one of my closest guy friends never wished me happy birthday. (more…)

…And other things I’m sick of hearing.

By Editor Abbie Miller

So, confession time with Abbie. (And don’t get excited – no stories of coffee shop humiliation today.)

Ready? Here goes… (more…)

This month, we’re talking about causes, ways you – yes you, the teen sitting at home – can make a difference in this world. You have that power. Here’s what an RTF alumnus, Derek Hanisch, had to say:

“We all have causes that are near and dear to our heart. As a childhood cancer survivor, I want to end cancer. Every year my town hosts the Relay for Life. This is an all night event where everyone comes together to fight cancer. There is a track the people walk around. Throughout the night, there is much laughter, and much reflection. This year I was honored to give the opening speech. As you listen, I challenge you to find a cause that you’re passionate about and find a way to support it. That may involve speaking out on the cause, or donating your time or money towards it. Either way, you can make a difference.”

Check out Derek’s speech:

What causes are you passionate about? What do you do to make a difference?

By Guest Writer Ashlyn Slamans

How many times have I heard that phrase growing up? It seemed so cliché when I heard my mom repeating that line to me over and over. It didn’t matter if it was movies, music, books… as a young teen I just didn’t get the concept. Of course I didn’t watch the bad stuff or really listen to the raunchy lyrics. But just because it wasn’t Christian doesn’t mean it’s bad, right? (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

I smiled when I opened the email and found out that this month we were focusing on the Internet. This first semester of school I am taking a class called History of American Pop Culture which is about what the title says, America’s popular culture from the 2000’s to the 40’s and 50’s all summed up in about 18 weeks. It’s actually really interesting because we focus on music, movies, fashion, and slang from each decade. We’re starting the eighties on Monday (my teacher said she’d dress like she did in the eighties. Yellow scrunchies? I think yes.) (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Arianna Zander

It started with a doctor asking me, “Do you have a history of claustrophobia?” I answered no, already wondering what sort of torture she was going to inflict on me. After another 500 questions (OK, maybe only 15), I was trapped. In 6 days, they were going to stuff my body into an MRI machine. Gulp. (more…)

When I was younger going back to school was the best and worst of times. As I got older it was to be dreaded but then I hit high school and it just got old! Every year shopping for the same supplies, every year having to wait for teachers to learn my name, and every year longing for the first weekend of the school year. But it finally hit me this year… (more…)

By RTF Editor Abbie Miller

{I say “perfectionista” to make it sound cooler somehow… like “fashionista” or “barista”. Is it working??}

I’m one of those freaks.

You may have see me having an excitement-induced seizure in the school supplies aisle of Target.

I’ve been spotted skulking around in sweaters and jeans despite the 87 degree weather.

And that unfortunate-looking girl straggling down the sidewalk attempting to sip a pumpkin spice latte while carrying a 50-ton book bag? Well. That might have been me. (more…)