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#SPEAKOUT: Columnists shares lessons learned from sibling

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By Danielle Sheally

There comes a time in everyone’s life when a best friend or sibling backs down their driveway to start the next chapter in the journey of life and, until they’re gone we don’t realize how much they really affected our lives. My brother Willie always connected with people well. He was the person that automatically made a awkward situation feel totally comfortable and, for the class of 2013 he was definitely one of the most recognized people.

As I look back on our time together, two things my brother taught me that are imporant are: stay confident in any situation, and always form some kind of relationship with the people in our lives.

For me, staying confident in certain situations helps me rationalize with the issue at hand. For example, if I have to do the project that involves public speaking I always try to get interested in some aspect of the topic. That way the project is easier to talk about. If it something I’m really not interested in though I always try to crack a couple jokes related to the topic so it allows the crowd and I to become more relaxed.

Forming relationships with teachers and colleagues is something that I always try to do, because it may come to help when I least expect it. The relationship also help me know what kind of personality my teacher of friend has so, if I want say something I know whether to refrain from saying it or not. It’s always good to have if you just want to blow off steam.

 

So, my brother may not realize it right now but, he’s actually really helped me in my life.

Derek Hanke, Features

Senior gives advice for incoming freshmen

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By Derek Hanke

As a freshman, joining in with the ranks of high schoolers can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few good rules you can follow to try and get off on the right foot.

First things first: congratulations on making it through middle school and welcome to Floyd Central! You have been fortunate enough to become a student of an exceptional school with a great staff and with some honest effort you will be on your way towards a successful future. However, there are some things you should take into consideration as a freshman that can help shape your high school career:

1. Avoid Drama

Drama can sour your time in high school more than anything else if you let it. It is easy to get caught up in drama, but it is just as easy to avoid it. If you treat others like you want to be treated, refrain from gossiping, and listen to others more than yourself, you will easily escape any would-be stressful conflicts.

2. Be Yourself

Popularity is not everything. If you choose to act like someone you are not, you’re betraying who you really are. When you look back at your high school career, the friends you make and activities you pursue will all reflect upon your character and who you have become, so don’t worry about others’ opinions of you and just go with your natural character.

3. Come Prepared

Studying and doing your homework is not too much to ask of yourself. If you want to be prosperous later in life, you will put in the effort now. Come graduation, a higher GPA will help you get into the college of your preference. It can also make the difference in your performance in college, because the skills you develop in high school will last you for the rest of your life.

4. Ask Questions

If there is something you do not understand, you should ask the teacher about it. Asking a teacher about a problem you may be having is nothing to be afraid about. Other students may be having the same problem as well, and reviewing it with your teacher can make the difference in class the next day.

5. Socialize

Don’t let your high school career be a rut in the ground. Being social and hanging out with friends is beneficial not just emotionally but mentally as well. Having a few good friends can make the difference between a miserable high school career and a great one. There is nothing to be afraid about, and you don’t have anything to lose.

6. Get Involved

This one ties in with number four, in that the more extracurricular activities you are involved in, the more friends you are likely to have. Being involved also means that you will learn things such as how to work as a team member and operate well under pressure.

7. Have Fun

You only get to go through high school once, so make the most of it. Memories you make here will stick with you for a lifetime and then some. If you come into school with a good attitude and a smile, things will go much better for you. Be ready to come in as opposed to getting out, and you will do great!

Columns, Forum

Columnist advises vehicle choices for under $10,000

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By Jared Hinderer

If you read my column from last week, you saw that for my top pics for a first car in three categories for under $5,000. The Toyota Camry came in as the eco-car choice for its dead-solid reliability and ease of repair and maintenance costs. The Volvo S70 placed itself on my list in the luxury because of its track record of safety. Finally, the Mazda Miata landed in the sports car slot because there really isn’t a better cheap sports car.

This week the choices are a bit more exotic with a price range raised to $10,000. $10,000 can buy you some really nice cars when you think outside the box.

1. Ford Fusion- Any Ford Fusion up to 2008 is affordable in this budget with about 90,000-100,000 miles. Going with a Ford Fusion is a great way to get a nice late model vehicle in this price range. The Fusion is a solid car that will continue to look good and will always get the job done. Having driven a base model Fusion, I can say that it is a great car for the money. With a nice quality interior, and great ratings for safety and reliability, it has to take the spot as the “point-A to point-B” car in this price range.

2. Saab 9-5- Maybe I’m a bit bias, because I own a Saab 9-5, but these could be the most affordable luxury cars out there. If you want something luxurious, and relatively rare, the 9-5 is perfect. Not to mention all of the safety features that gave the 9-5 the title as one of the safest cars in the world of its time.  Look at years between 2004 and 2008. The model got some updated looks in 2006, but remained mostly the same underneath, so parts are plentiful for all years. Yes, the company is out of business, but their parts suppliers are still very much is business. 2004-2008 Saab 9-5’s range from about $5,000 to $10,000 depending on year, options, and mileage. Contrary to popular belief, these are actually very reliable cars. Edmunds.com rated 9-5 at 4 or 5 out of 5 stars for reliability for each year listed. Like most luxury cars, parts can get expensive; however, there are many shops in the Kentuckiana area that are willing and able to work on these rare Swedish machines.

3. Porsche Boxter- Ever think you could own a German roadster like a Porsche for your first car? Well, if you’ve got around $9000, you can. For just under $9,000 at $8,980 you can buy a pristine example from 1999 with 95,000 miles on eBay right now, but I would have to haggle down that price since it has nearing 100,000 miles. However, the Boxster is considered one of the best roadsters of its time by many different leading car reviewers, having been mentioned on Car and Drivers 10 Best list in 2000. It is said to be a very reliable car, receiving 5 out of  5 stars from Edmunds.com. Weighing in at 2,800 pounds with 201 horsepower, the base model Boxster is not only quick, but it handles well, thanks to its mid mounted flat six engine for better weight distribution. However, the mid mounted engine is its biggest problem, being that it is very difficult to work on. Not every shop will work on a Boxster, so beware of this when shopping for one.

Columns, Forum, Jared Hinderer

Columnist provides suggestions for first car

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By Jared Hinderer

A teen’s first car represents a lot. It represents their first step to independence, and a small sign of freedom. It also represents a big responsibility. Also, with so many choices, buying a first car is a tough choice. So what do you do? Think about what is important to you. Do you like cars? Do you not care what you drive, just as long as it gets you there? Or do you want something small and sporty?

This week I will make my suggestions for a price range of up to $5000. I will try to help out with some suggestions to get you thinking about your choices by covering three types of cars; the “A to B” eco-car for those that just want to get there, a more luxurious ride for those that want to drive in comfort and style, and sporty option for those who enjoy a bit of fun while commuting.

My choices for cars up $5000:

 1. Toyota Camry. As the “A to B” car of this price range, I like the 1997-2002 Toyota Camry. These vary in price from $3000-$4500 depending on condition and mileage. These cars continue to get high ratings for reliability and overall quality. Having driven a few Camrys, I can verify that they really a quality product, especially for the price.

2. Volvo S70. Entry level luxury can’t be defined any better than a solid Swedish built Volvo. That’s why the 1998 to 2000 S70 takes the spot for the luxury car in this range. Volvos are very safe cars and often receive high praise for their durability and reliability. With the T5 model pushing 236 horsepower, they are reasonably quick. Although, take caution when going with this option, because, while these are reliable vehicles, they can be costly to maintain if something does go wrong.

3. Mazda Miata. At the risk of being supremely cliché, the Miata is what makes it as my sports car suggestion for under $5000. While they are not exactly safe cars, they are an absolute blast to drive. Not the fastest, by far, but definitely a fun car. And for those of us really into cars, aftermarket parts are quite cheap and accessible, so it’s not difficult to make one a bit quicker.

Be sure to check back next week for more of my picks of cars at a slightly higher price range of $5000-$10000.