digital youth network

"I Believe"

AnArkie is a sophomore at Phoenix Military Academy, and he's already made a name for himself as a songwriter, guitar player, and performer. Check out his new recording for YouMedia Records, titled "I Believe."

Chicago Public Library's latest One Book, One Chicago selection was Colm Toibin’s "Brooklyn." It tells the story of Eilis, a young girl in Ireland with a very ordinary, predictable life. But her familiar routine changes drastically when she makes one decision and takes steps toward a very different future. Students from across the city of Chicago connected with students in Ireland for this mashup of "Brooklyn's" themes exploring what "home" really means to each of us. YOUmedia encourages young people to consider the story of Eilis and the choices she makes. Then they can begin to explore the personal narrative they're shaping right now and ask themselves, "How will I make my life story more than ordinary?"

Titled "I Hope You Live in the Sky," this composition was taken by Phopps, a tenth-grader at King College Prep with an eye for photography. "My inspiration for this piece was going to Florida for spring break. While driving through the states, the views of nature were so breathtaking. When i was in Florida, the cloud formation was so nice . . . it reminded me of my granddad, so that's how i picked the name of the piece." When it comes to photography, there are many things Phopps says he enjoys. "I also like how when you take pictures, it can mean something different for each person."

There has been a lot of blog activity lately, with important issues being discussed and considered. One of a Kind Angel, a sixth-grader at Carter G. Woodson, takes on the subject of hate, and asks why people hate one another. Check out what she has to say:

"They don't even know how BIG and POWERFUL the word HATE is and how it can CRUSH a person's mind and heart in seconds. No wonder we have a number of 6th graders failing at least 1 class. They are too busy worrying about who HATES them when most of the people who say that word dosen't even know what it means.

"Well I do, and I think it should be taken out of a 6th grader's vocabulary because it causes a lot of DAMAGE to a little fragile mind. Like Haiti's earthquake and Chile's too. That cause a lot of damage. So just like phiysical problems can cause a tremendous amount of damage, a simple word or phrase like "I HATE YOU!!!!!" can destroy a person on the inside."

My New Beat

Mz. Swagger has been making music at Digital Youth Network for almost six months, and her skills are evident. She's a student at Carter G. Woodson. Check out her latest sounds, "My New Beat."