Exposure Magazine 102

freeFeb 2010 issue 102

A HARINGEY YOUTH PUBLICATION

£0.00

One & only

Haringey Youth Council supplement included inside

Exposure_issue_102_update.indd 1 01/03/2010 13:01

Corinna Lambreporter

Yasmin Mahdyreporter

Mimi Osmanreviewer

Duane Ubaillustrator

Pamela Verareporter

Amanuel Tewodrosreviewer

Sofi ya Stoyanovareporter

Emily Claire Cannings

reviewer

Natasha Mintoreporter

Matthew Davisreporter

Rihanna Hudsonpoet

Kristina Volchkovaoracle

Exposure

The Bigger Shoe Box, Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfi eld Park, N10 3QJTel: 020 8883 0260 Fax: 020 8883 2906 Mob: 07947 884 282 Email: [email protected] Website: www.exposure.org.uk

Regrettably our offi ce is inaccessible to wheelchair users but we will nevertheless make every effort to include your contributions

Printed by TIP Limited 07590 850 532

DisclaimerExposure aims to give young people an independent voice which can contribute to the democratic process. While Exposure has done its best to check material contained within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for inaccurate information provided by outside organisations. Organisations mentioned are not necessarily connected with nor endorsed by Exposure.Permission has been sought, wherever possible, for the use of copyright material. Where contact has not been possible we hope that, as a voluntary organisation helping to educate and inform young people, it is acceptable for Exposure to use such material for the benefi t of young people.

Manager: Andreas KoumiSenior Editor: Gary FlavellSenior Designer: Luke PantelidouDevelopment offi cer: Flo CodjoeJunior Exposure: Mirella Issaias

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Haringey is one of the most diverse boroughs in London. It’s a place full of individuals of different accents, races and ethnicities that live together in relative harmony – you probably won’t fi nd another place mixed with so much diversity and individual fl avour anywhere on the planet. And it’s a part of what makes Haringey a great place to live.

And we, as young people of Haringey, like to be a part of that diversity. We like to wear clothes that set us apart from the crowd. We speak in a way that is different from other sections of our society. And we include ourselves in all kinds of different subcultures. Individuality is something to be embraced; it makes the world a more interesting place.

Exposure would like to thank the New London Performing Arts Centre for allowing us to stay in their lovely building while our usual offi ces were being refurbished. Give them a call on 020 8444 4544 if you’re interested in becoming a star.

Otherwise Exposure is back in Muswell Hill Centre, so if you want to become a published journalist, a graphic designer, a fi lmmaker, or want an Expressive Arts quali-fi cation, get in contact. Call us. Do it. Now. 020 8883 0260

Issue 102 February 2010

Sponsors:

Editorial by Tareic Alphonse

Exposure is free and open to anyone aged 13 to 19 living in or around Haringey. If you want to get into journalism, design or fi lm-making, get involved.

YouthfulouthfulYouthfulYThinking

Exposure, two Exposure, two time winners oftime winners oftime winners of

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Hornsey ParochialCharities


reviews

AVATARIt’s my opinion that most expensive fi lms these days tend to be rather underwhelming and a waste of two good hours of your life, think Terminator Salvation. I thought Avatar would be the same when it jumped onto the box-offi ce scene with catch lines claiming it ‘to be a revolution in fi lm production and special effects alike.’

Appropriately enough it is one of the fi rst feature fi lms to be available in 3D – you might get fooled into thinking you’re rebelling against the humans along with the fi lm’s protagonist, Corporal James Sully.

The 3D effect is a shambles; however the graphics are mesmerising, the sound is amazing and the plotline is astonishing. Ultimately this movie has been a bit of a culture shock – by my rule its not supposed to be good, its supposed to fl op like Terminator Salvation, Waterworld and A.I, but it just doesn’t. It’s cosmic.

Amanuel Tewodros

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NEW MOONNew Moon, the compelling sequel to Twilight combines romance and suspense with a supernatural twist. The planet’s dreamiest vampire Edward Cullen – Robert Pattinson – rises from the grave once more to set teenage pulses racing in the Twilight Saga’s second installment.

New Moon is a fi lm that any girl aged 12 to 20 will go crazy about. Edward leaves vulnerable Bella Swan – Kirsten Stewart – in an effort to protect her from vampires. However Bella can’t forget Edward, and sees his image every time she puts herself in jeopardy. Bella begins to take greater risks because of her desire to be reunited with Edward.

New Moon offers more of the passion, action and anticipation that made Twilight a worldwide phenomenon. The powerful tale of forbidden love will leave audience at the edge of their seats.

Mimi Osman

SHERLOCK HOLMESThe fantastic Sherlock Holmes is back on the screen with his brilliant mind and witty sense of humour. This fi lm features him struggling to discover how people are rising from the dead, why women are killing themselves in frightening rituals, and why people are dying in mysterious ways. Will Sherlock Holmes be able to solve this complicated riddle and save the token love interest?

The new Sherlock Holmes fi lm has a mixture of science, adventure, love, technological wizardry, and most importantly, mystery. The theme of black magic is a great challenge to test Sherlock Holmes’ detective powers – it even tested my brain. I found Sherlock Holmes exciting and very funny.

Emily Claire Cannings

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MimiEmilyAmanuel


6

LANGUAGE


Sofi ya Stoyanova has had enough of talking toughThe plane was taking off. The tears were fl owing down my face. I looked through the window out at Bulgaria passing away; I was trying to memorise every minute detail that my eyes could see, because I knew I wouldn’t be back for another year. It wasn’t long after the plane was in the air that I pictured my friends’ faces and I cried. Coming back to my country would never be the same.

My parents and I moved to live in London about a year ago. They wanted to give me a good education, so I could get a good job. The schooling in Bulgaria for teenagers is just as good, but universities here are more famous and prestigious.

I am happy that I can benefi t from a good education, and London is a great city. I realise how great an opportunity this is for me – one that many people dream of. However, it’s hard to appreciate a city like this if you don’t have someone to share it with, right? My parents are here, but my friends are far away. I miss them.

My friends and I would always be together. They knew how to cheer me up when I was down. I felt great just hanging around with them even when we argued (which we did a lot, we loved annoying each other.) It didn’t matter how much we bickered because I knew that nothing could damage the friendship we all shared. We do spend hours talking on the phone or through the internet, but it is not like being near them.

When I fi rst came to England I thought that I would talk to English people every day, and that they would help me to learn English faster and easier than if I was in Bulgaria. At fi rst, the people from school were very polite because I was the ‘new girl’. They were just curious to

know where I had come from and why my family had moved here. But after that, most of the people just stuck with the friends they had before. They weren’t interested in me anymore. They would help me if I asked, but if I tried to make conversation I would often get a weird look. It was as if they didn’t understand what I had said. I could also see from their faces that they weren’t interested.

When I couldn’t make friends because of the language problems I felt bad, and it affected my confi dence. I didn’t want to sit and cry, I wanted to be able to communicate, and I wanted to learn. Every day after school I would write new English words, and repeat each one ten

times to ensure I knew them. My writing improved a lot, but I still had a strong accent, and people found it diffi cult to understand what I was saying. The only way to improve my speaking was to talk with English people to get used to their accent, and try and tame my own.

I started hanging out with a girl who came to England three years ago. She too was still learning English. Through talking to her my pronunciation improved quite a lot. But English isn’t an easy language and I still have to practice words every day.

If you have just arrived in London then you must work very hard to improve your ability to communicate. Keep yourself busy all the time to take your mind off your friends, family, and country you left behind: the more you think about it, the worse you feel; and before you realise, you are in tears again. Try to think positive and remember the opportunities you have from being in England, try to use them as much as you can!

If I tried to make conversation I would often get a weird look in return

7For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

Sofi ya

LANGUAGE


to live with the consequences. In my experience schools do little to

assist young people that feel isolated. I was just told to ‘try to fi t in’ and ‘do the things the others like to do.’ This doesn’t support the individual; it makes them feel like they are the problem, which doesn’t exactly help self esteem. However this sort of mindset is present throughout

society, not just schools. Parents seem to fi nd it diffi cult to

understand why it’s tricky for some teenagers to blend in. Sometimes, like mine, they suggest that being like everyone else will bring you happiness. But for me this discourages creativity, which might make things worse because a person is being forced to suppress who they are.

Throughout modern history people have fought against tyranny to be allowed to be themselves without being victimised because of it; look at the Civil

Corinna Lamb standsout from the crowd I remember my fi rst day at sixth form. I felt like I was wondering into a sea of darkness and I was a lone rainbow. At least I thought I was a rainbow, everyone thought I was a freak; the whole school seemed to stop and stare right at me. But these were just teenagers right? It should have meant nothing...

I could feel their eyes burning into me, their Cheshire cat smiles widening as they whispered to one another. No one wanted to be associated with me because

of my colourful and eccentric clothes. Most teenagers don’t want to be

different. There is a stigma to standing out from the crowd. This problem has always been there, but I feel little has been done to tackle the negative attitudes towards ‘misfi ts’ like me.

The media reinforces this divide by gushing over the lives of celebrity women that fi t into the typical female stereotype: skinny and clad in designer gear. But what if you don’t fi t in? Simple. You have

It’s about feeling comfortable and happy within yourself

8

SISTER


aginative side.I dealt with the exclusion I suffered by

encouraging people that to view life with an alternative attitude could be interest-ing. As people got to know me, they began to understand why I looked the way I do, and eventually respected my choice of clothing and attitude. Some even told me that they wished they had the bravery to express themselves without being afraid of what others thought.

There is nothing wrong with staying in the crowd if you are happy with whom you are. It’s about feeling comfortable and happy within yourself. If you do, why should you change for anyone?

Fitting in can have benefi ts. You have friends that have similar interests, which makes getting along easier. There isn’t the loneliness that being different sometimes brings, and when you’re growing up you need others to talk to. But true friends will talk to you anyway. Ultimately it is always best to be who you know you are, even if others try to change you.

Rights Movement. Dr Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream...’ speech wasn’t about everybody acting the same, it was about respecting people that are different.

Some of the most important people throughout history have been different from society. Take Albert Einstein. His alternative application to mathematics and science meant he broke away from his contemporaries. His work and image remains iconic because he thought like an individual.

Perhaps we should take heed of how the music industry deals with individu-als. Performers are encouraged to act dif-ferently in order to separate themselves from other entertainers. The singer, Lady Gaga, encourages individuality through her look and music and she is successful. However, her choice of dressing contro-versial doesn’t always help those who want to be unique. It makes them seem attention grabbing instead of simply harbouring a desire to express their im-

9

Corinna

For advice on this or any other issue see the list of local services in the directory on p27

SISTER


10


I was fi ve when the bullying began. It was my fi rst day of school, and I

was excited. But when my teacher took me to class I knew I wasn’t going to be happy there. As I entered my classroom everything went silent; everyone was staring at me.

Throughout my time at primary school I never made any friends. I found it impossible to get people to listen to me. I wasn’t accepted, and as time passed I realised it was because I was white – most of the children were from other ethnici-ties.

During break times I was regularly surrounded by large groups of kids who would shout racist comments like ‘white trash!’ I was frequently pushed around until I fell over, then they would point at me and laugh.

I would be told to ‘go away’ when I tried to talk to them. Clearly they didn’t want to know me so I would go, often sitting alone, waiting for each day to

end. I informed teachers of the bullying I received, but they didn’t seem to care. Certainly nothing happened to improve my situation.

It wasn’t long before I was taken out of that school and started at another one. I thought things would be different there; I didn’t experience any bullying for the fi rst few weeks and had already made some friends.

Then I got to know someone who would make my time there miserable. She bullied other children as well, but picked on me in particular, I think she thought I was vunerable because I was quiet.

The bullying was more severe than at my previous school, and got steadily worse as time passed. She used to push, kick, punch me, and stamp on my feet every day. We frequently got into fi ghts and I once had some of my hair ripped out. I repeatedly arrived home with new cuts and bruises.

I continually asked for help from teachers, but wasn’t given any. I developed some psychological problems: I began to look at myself in a negative way.

I believed secondary school would be a fresh start for me. I was wrong. This time the bullying was mostly verbal, which hurt me even more than physical acts. ‘Ugly’, ‘freak’ and ‘weirdo’ were some of the cruel words constantly thrown at me. Unfortunately, I started to believe they were true. I felt myself shrinking.

Things calmed down when I fi nished secondary school.

Being bullied meant I isolated myself much of the time. I refused to talk to anyone, including my friends, truly believing nobody ever wanted to listen, that nobody cared. I felt so terrifi ed and alone.

I lost any confi dence I had and developed this idea that I was useless. I felt suicidal for a while, but getting good GCSE grades, and taking advantage of positive opportunities, like Exposure to

develop new skills, along with my belief in God, saved me from harm.

I have found ways of regaining my confi dence, and positive people have encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming successful in the media industry.

If you are being bullied, try not to let their words or actions hurt you. Bullies say malicious things for many reasons, often because they were once bullied too, or because they are jealous of what you have or the way you are.

Remember that you don’t have to sit in silence. There are many anti-bully-ing websites you can visit, including Kidscape.org.uk, which offers advice and support. Don’t feel you are alone. There are people willing to support you to beat the bullies.

Visit www.bullying.org.uk for advice and guidance.

Natasha Minto says don’t suffer in silence

I believed secondary school would be a fresh start for me. I was wrong


Natasha


I am new at school and have met new people, however, I am feeling very alone. I miss my real friends, those I made in my old school. I spend a lot of time in my bedroom on the internet talking to them, but it means I don’t go out much. I’m becoming increasing isolated and despondent. It can be very diffi cult making the change to a new area. It will take a little time to settle in. It seems you are already making new friends, and these may become as ‘real’ as the old ones. Arrange to go out with the new friends once or twice to develop those friendships. See if there’s any links between the two groups. This is a perfectly normal adjustment and you’re not alone in this. If there’s a counsellor in your school you could also try talking to them about it.

By Mimi OsmanIllustrations by Duane Uba

My parents think its easy getting straight A’s. I’m trying to do my best but I feeling pressured. I can’t turn my mind off from it and this gets in the way of me having fun with my friends. I want to enjoy my time in school while it lasts without the constant pressure from my family.You need to have an honest con-versation with your parents about this. It sounds like you’re doing very well, but school is not much fun. There needs to be a balance between the two. Check how much pressure you put on yourself to achieve as well. It can be useful to discuss your feelings with a counsellor, and look at how you manage your time and emotions. But you do need to talk to your parents about if their expecta-tions for you are realistic or likely to cause you more harm than good.

12


I don’t like the people my sister hangs around with. I know they carry knives because everyone says so. They are up to no good, and I feel as if I have to protect her but she’s pushing me away. I don’t know how to approach the situation, and what organisations that I can go to for help. If these rumours are true you are right to be concerned about your sister. Carrying a knife is not only dangerous but a criminal offence, punishable by a prison sentence. Tell your sister the facts about what can happen to her and her friends. Also try approaching her in a friendly way. She might be more likely to listen to you if she realises that you’re only concerned for her. You can phone the police anony-mously. They can give you advice without you disclosing informa-tion. Please also see these websites: www.knifecrimes.org/www.met.police.uk/youngpeople/guns

I never go to lessons; I always end up bunking because my class-mates always make fun of me. They blame me for everything, swear and even use me as a punching bag. It’s reached the point where I can’t face going to school. What can I do?Bullying is unacceptable. Speak to someone you trust – a teacher, parent or brother/sister. Your school will have an anti bullying policy and clear ways that you can report this anonymously. If there is a counsellor in your school talk to them. Or you can call the Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service on 020 8493 1019 or book our service online to discuss how you’re feeling. You might benefi t from looking at your levels of confi dence and self esteem as bullying can affect this too.

Everyone’s got problems – see the Directory on page 27 for a list of support services.

The Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service provides the answers to the problems featured in Agony. You can call them on 020 8493 1019 or fi ll out a booking form at www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk/health

13

DuaneMimi


What harm What harm can it do?can it do?What harm What harm What harm What harm What harm What harm What harm What harm can it do?can it do?can it do?can it do?can it do?can it do?can it do?can it do?

*8% of all teenagers will suffer from depression. 90% of those that receive help recover.

If you feel like there is something you want to talk about, the Haringey Young People’s Counselling Service is here to help. Use the new online booking form to get a call back from a counsellor within ten days.

Visit www.youthspace.haringey.gov.uk for details or to fi ll out a form.

Or call 020 8493 1019 to speak to someone friendly.

*Statistics from netdoctor.co.uk

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15


they want to die. I have felt like that and I have self-harmed. I’m not going into detail about why, but I’m receiving coun-selling.

The music I listen to helps me to keep focused. It helps me understand that there are others who have gone through similar problems to me. It also keeps me off the streets as I’d much rather be in my room listening to some Panic At The Disco than out causing trouble.

Emo fashion is slightly different from what people might consider ‘normal’.

There are different types of hairstyles, but mostly it’s long and black, sometimes with random colours. Styles vary from girls and boys, but you can recognise an Emo by their hair from a mile away.

Most Emos wear dark or black clothes and often paint their nails and wear make up. Although some of them wear normal types of clothing like tracksuits and plain T-shirts.

Being Emo isn’t just about what you

I got into rock music when I was 12. I was fl icking through the music channels and found Kerrang! Paradise City by Guns ‘n’ Roses was playing:

Take me down to Paradise City / Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty.

Those two lines are from the chorus and they hooked me, then the guitar solo came in, and it blew me away. Come on, it’s Slash, one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived. Paradise City made me feel excited and full of life. It was like a shockwave hit me at 200 miles an hour.

When I hear rock music it helps me burn off energy. You can have the volume up full blast and rock out all over the bedroom, which helps relieve stress.

My love of rock led me to take interest in the Emo scene when I was about 13. All

my friends were into the rock/Emo scene also. I wanted to be like them because I thought that the way they dressed was really cool and I wanted to dye my hair black.

Emo’s have a stigma attached to them. There is a stereotypical view that they listen to rock, are depressed, and self-harm. Some of that is true though. Some Emo’s do self-harm because their life is so messed up and they feel like

Matthew Davis walks away from the crowd

The bruises I got from the other kids and the cuts I gave myself were too hard to hide

16


wear; it’s about sticking together in a group, especially when in trouble. In school I used to get picked on because I used to wear make up and nail polish. People thought that I was weird because I looked that way.

My Emo friends and I had to defend ourselves on many occasions. We would get people coming up to us and punching us just because we looked different to them.

Then in year 10, aged 14, I walked away from the Emo scene, and I changed the way I looked. I left it all behind because the bruises I got from the other kids and the cuts I gave myself were too hard to hide. While being Emo offered protection because I was a part of a larger group, it also brought problems.

You should be comfortable in yourself, and ignore what other people say, but that’s hard when you’re getting hurt because of it. The Emo scene does seem to have lots of people who self harm also. Either it attracts that type of young person, or it changes people into someone who hurt themselves. Either way, getting out of Emo way of life helped me, I still like the music though!


Matthew


18

CHICKEN FEED CHICKENCHICKEN


It’s fi ve minutes before lunch. You’ve packed up your schoolbooks. You’re at the chicken shop within minutes: chicken burger and chips, four wings and chips, or a leg and chips. It’s hard to believe you can get any of these meals for as little as a pound. It tastes nice as well, so what’s there to complain about? It’s what lots of school kids eat after all. But if you realised where that meat came from you might hesitate before taking a bite.

From time to time I have spent my lunch money on fast food. However, in one science class, after watching a TV programme about the lives of battery-farmed chickens, that all changed. When the fi lm fi nished the whole class was shocked into silence. I made a vow to stop buying cheap chicken from fast food restaurants and supermarkets.

The chickens we eat should be happily walking around a farmyard, nestling into warm huts at night, with plenty of healthy food. Basically they should have a natural life until they are killed, humanely, for their meat. The life of a battery farm chicken is very different.

From when a battery hen is born to when it dies it will never be exposed to daylight, rather simulated lights that turn on and off to mimic ‘daylight’. According to animal welfare charity, Viva!, ‘a chick is about 18 weeks old when it gets placed in a cage the size of a microwave, usually with fi ve others. Here it will spend its life until it reaches 18 months when it is removed and slaughtered for meat.’ As the chickens grow they are crushed against the bars with no space to lie down or stretch their wings.

According to Farm Sanctuary, a charity that helps rescue chickens treated cruelly, it’s common in ‘egg only’ battery farms for male chicks to be killed immediately. They obviously can’t produce eggs so

Fast food falls fowl of Yasmin Mahdy

are disposed of ‘by the cheapest, most convenient means available: thrown into refuse bags by the thousands, male chicks suffocated or are crushed under the weight of others.’

‘It’s diffi cult to clean the cages so many chickens walk around in their own faeces for most of their life. These conditions result in chickens developing diseases, their bones become brittle and their legs can break under the weight of their own body.’

Obviously this cruel lifestyle causes severe stress in the chickens, and them pecking each other to death isn’t uncommon. To prevent this, the beaks of battery-farmed chickens are clipped off. All that misery just to end up as a burger beside some chips.

The government fi rst sanctioned battery farming just after World War Two. A new Agriculture Act granted subsidies to farmers to encourage greater output, in order to reduce Britain’s reliance on

imported meat and to help stop the rationing of food. Since then little has been done to improve conditions for chickens as there is still massive demand for cheap meat and eggs despite people having the choice of better quality food.

And what danger is there when eating cheap meat? Salmonella, e-coli and infl uenza are much more likely to be spread to chickens raised in a battery farm. These diseases can be passed on to humans through consumption of the meat, and all three can be fatal.

I’m not saying you should become a vegetarian, I’m saying you should be aware of what you are putting in your body. If you don’t care about the chickens, then care about yourself.

If you read ‘it’s fi nger-licken’ good!’ on the side of the shop, it’s probably not.

As the chickens grow they are crushed against the bars with no space to lie down


Yasmin

Fast food falls fowl of


With exams results now over with, love seems to be on the horizon. Be happy, the stars say you will meet someone very special.

Look out for a romantic opportunity around the 23rd February, because you’ve entered a new positive phase. If you’re single, it is a perfect time for searching out a match.

All new things have big potential over the next couple of months. Steer away from alluring suggestions to do with your money though, February isn’t the best month for big spending for you.

Valentines Day is here so you’ve got plenty of opportunities for romance, and maybe someone you weren’t too keen on is actually a very good match.

By Kristina Volchkova

The fi rst week of February might be a strain on you work-wise, don’t let unfi nished work hang over you. Money won’t be a worry though so treat yourself.

Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Aries

Pisces

Taurus

Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

Feb. 19 - Mar. 20

Apr. 21 - May. 22

20

Horoscope


There has never been a better time for job-hunting: your energy levels are sky high and luck is on your side. Talking to your friends before heated arguments take over.

Don’t panic if you hear bad news, it will feel like nothing is in your way. After so much hard work falling onto your shoulders in January, you deserve a break before spring arrives.

If you’ve had work hanging over your head from last year, this is the time to get it done. A good atmosphere in the working environment puts you in a good mood. Also it’s a good time to enjoy your social life.

Helping others achieve their best isn’t always what you’re interested in, but this month it’s time to put someone before yourself. Not that you’ll have to do this for long, but you’ll feel the rewards!

This is the best time for any Libra to make plans for the future, as you are under the infl uence of mars, and whatever you decide to do will work out for you perfectly.

Being the one who is usually relaxed and on the ball, recent events are proving diffi cult to deal with, but don’t worry, next month will take care of everything.

Leo’s, although usually you radiate warmth, you need some time out to gather your strength before you can carry on. Don’t worry though, this ‘winter blues’ phase is almost over; good things are in store.

Don’t let a burst of frustration spark an argument at home because it’s likely to fi lter out into your friendships. Protect yourself with an energy sphere, like your love life?

Images by Janos Papp, Llewellyn Harrigan, Orlando McKenzie, Camila Lopes and Tony Randall

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Capricorn

Sagittarius

Scorpio

Jul. 24 - Aug. 23

Aug. 24 - Sep.22

Sep. 23 - Oct. 23

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Gemini

Cancer

May. 23 - Jun. 23

Jun. 24 - Jul.23

21

LlewellynJanos Orlando Camila TonyKristina


Are horoscopes real or fake? Is there such thing as psychics, spiritual beings, and soul mates? I think there is, and I believe in fairies too, I do! Because for me, if fairies exists – something that is not meant to – if only on a paranormal level, then it gives me hope for the world.

One day we can have peace throughout the planet. People in Third World countries no longer have to starve to death. I believe that the impossible can

be made possible. It’s called ‘faith’, and it isn’t only religious people who have it.

According to the dictionary, ‘faith’ means ‘complete trust or confi dence’ or

‘fi rm belief without logical proof.’ With faith I can believe that the

dreams and goals I have for myself are going to happen, even if people tell me that they won’t.

With faith I believe in something bigger and better than what currently exists, that things can always get better from the way they are. Ten years ago people would have laughed at the idea of America having a black president (some people even laughed a year before it happened!), but faith got him there. The slogan ‘Yes We Can’ was based on faith, in believing in unlikely change for good.

And in parts of America during the 1960s white and black people couldn’t eat in the same restaurant as each other. Martin Luther King had faith when he ‘had a dream.’ And with it he inspired people to believe in the impossible,

Is Pamela Vera away with the fairies?

No one alive can prove that heaven exists. No one has died, gone to heaven, then come back to tell us about it

22


fi ght for the impossible, and achieve the impossible.

Faith is often about believing in something that isn’t physical (like fairies!) I get people asking ‘how can I believe in magic and fairies when I haven’t actually seen them?’ Well how can Christians believe in God, or heaven or hell? It’s the same principal.

No one alive can prove that heaven exists. No one has died, gone to heaven, then come back to tell us about it. How can Muslims believe in Allah, have they seen him? No. But their faith allows them to believe, enables them to communicate with God, and to live their life accordingly (however this is sometimes unfortunately misplaced in radical fundamentalism.)

For lots of people everyday life can be diffi cult, and believing in religion or something similar can help them get through the day. Isn’t it comforting in some way to know that there are bigger forces at work than just you and me? That our destiny isn’t completely our own

making? That something somewhere is looking out for us.

That’s not to say that you can’t take control of your own life. If you don’t revise for your exams you are going to fail them, unfortunately faith alone won’t get you good grades.

Everyone wants something to believe in, so that they don’t feel alone. Many people believe in God (in some form), others in true love, and some in things like witches and werewolves (and fairies!) I think a lot of faith also comes from believing that there is an afterlife, that when you die, there is something to go on to rather than just, well, nothing. There HAS to be something. You don’t have to believe in the same things as other people, but you should respect their ideas. Ultimately though, even if it turns out that there is no God, or fairies for that matter, having faith can and will bring positive changes to your own life and those around you. Ask Barack Obama.

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Pamela


what’s

what’s

DANCE DANCE DANCE TO THE RADIO...Ever wanted to ‘light up Broadway’, or be a TV soap star? Britain’s Got Talent will be on again soon; perhaps you need to hone those skills to impress the judges... Maybe you just like to sing and dance. The North London Performing Arts Centre in Muswell Hill offers performance opportunities for children and young people of all levels.

They have all kinds of courses available, and professionals with loads of experience on hand to pass on skills.

In the past the Centre has had groups perform at some of London’s

most prestigious venues including Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Buckingham Palace, as well as the Old Vic, Alexandra Palace

and the BBC Hippodrome. Some students are even given the opportunity to perform professionally and have appeared in West End productions of Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Lots of their students

have appeared on TV shows such as Eastenders, The Bill and Murphy’s Law, as well as numerous adverts and fi lms. So if it sounds like something you want to get involved in, ring 020 8444 4544, email [email protected] or visit www.nlpac.co.uk for further information.

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BBC BLAST WORK EXPERIENCELooking to get ahead in the creative industries and want to get experience working with BBC teams? They have a lots of work experience opportunities specifi cally for young people.

CREATIVE TRAINEESHIPS

Blast Creative Traineeship placements with BBC Blast, BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, BBC Introducing, Asian Network, Switch, CBBC, BBC Three and Your Game!

Between April and November this year, the Blast Creative Traineeship scheme offers over 20 eight-week placements across a range of BBC departments, giving you the opportunity to work alongside BBC events, online and production teams. Applications for 2010 placements are now open for 18 + year olds.

YOUTH PANEL

Blast is on the hunt for 10 vocal young people aged 13-19 to join their nationwide Youth Panel. They’re looking for people who are creative, motivated, full of fresh ideas and crucially, not afraid to speak up and represent the voices of other young people from their region of the UK.

You will attend a number of face-to-face meetings as well as interact via e-mail to help shape their competitions, website and projects. This can be a fantastic stepping-stone to other opportunities and is an excellent chance to meet industry professionals within the BBC.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Interested in event management? Over 100 people will get the opportunity to work on the Blast 2010 Tour – make sure you’re one of them! You’ll get the opportunity to work on all aspects of a live event, including marketing and promotion, production schedules, event planning, workshop delivery and stage-managing a showcase. Work Experience placements last 1-3 weeks and are open for 18 + year olds. Applications open in the Summer. Visit bbc.co.uk/blast/newsletter to be the fi rst to hear when..

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REALITY’S HERO Rihanna Hudson

And help people out,Pick them up when they’re down,

Have I done that for you?Everybody needs a hero,

That’s what they say,But what about the hero...

I am a hero,I’ve got superpowers too,But I bet you can’t guess,

What it is I do.

I don’t fly or travel in time,And I can’t hear your thoughts,

I can’t even turn blue.What I am is true.

I can listen and talk,

...Will someone save him one day?

26 If you would like to see your poem published, please send it to [email protected] or post it to the address on page 2

Rihanna


Muswell Hill Area Youth ProjectMuswell Hill Centre, Muswell Hill, N10 3QJ020 8883 5855Bruce Grove Area Youth Project10 Bruce Grove, Tottenham020 3224 1089Wood Green Area Youth ProjectWhite Hart Lane Community Sports Centre020 8489 8942Broadwater Youth ClubStructured sport-based programme Broadwater Community Centre, Tottenham07870 15 7612

4YP HaringeyYoung people’s sexual health services including dedicated clinic, drop-in sessions and the 4YP buswww.shharingey.gov.ukTel: 020 8442 65364YP PlusContraception and Sexual Health ClinicWomen Only Clinic – for under 20s A confi dential walk in serviceThursdays 3:30pm-6:30pmLordship Lane Primary Care Health Centre, 239 Lordship Lane, London N17 6AA020 8365 59104YP Clinic, St Ann’s HospitalSt Ann’s Road, Tottenham N15 3TH 020 8442 68104YP nurse mobile : 07943817289 or07984037172Teenage Pregnancy and Par-enthood TeamJan: 07817 164 4733Margaret: 07971 309 513Teenage Fathers WorkerTerry: 07980 316 761Young Mums To BeCourse in Tottenham for teenage mums and dads1 Ashley Road, Tottenham Hale020 8275 4230OutzoneConfi dential information and support for lesbian, gay and bisexual young peoplewww.outzone.orgFirst MoveFor people lesbian, gay, bixual,

trans or think they might be.020 7700 1323www.facebook.com/fi rstmove

Girl DivaFor lesbian bisexual and ques-tioning women aged 25 & under.www.girldiva.org.uk

Markfi eld ProjectInclusive services for disabled and non-disabled young peopleMarkfi eld Road, Tottenham020 8800 4134

In-VolveFor young people with drug or alcohol issues020 8493 8525CosmicFor the families of people with drug or alcohol issues0800 38905257www.in-volve.org.uk

HearthstoneFor people experiencing domestic violence020 8888 5362

AntennaFor black African and African-Caribbean young people020 8365 9537www.antennaoutreach.co.ukHaringey Young People’s Counselling ServiceAdvice and support for young people020 8493 1019HostGeneral mental health care020 8885 8160Open Doorcounselling and psychotherapy for young people aged 12-2512 Middle lane, N8020 8348 5947Victim Support HaringeyWorking for victims of crime020 8888 9878www.vslondon.org

ShelterlineShelter’s free housing advice line0808 800 4444

Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardProgramme of personal devel-opment020 8826 9393BTCV V involved TeamNational volunteering programmewww.btcv.org.uk

KIS TrainingHelping young people into employment, education & enterprise020 8275 4230Harington SchemePreparing young people with learning diffi culties or disabili-ties for work55a Cholmeley Park, Highgatewww.harington.org.ukConnexionsOne-stop shop for young people020 8881 7050Drop-in centres:Ground fl oor Marcus Garvey libraryLeisure Centre, N15 4JA020 8881 7050Wood Green Library, 2nd FloorHigh Road, London, N22 6XD020 8489 5200www.haringey.gov.uk/con-nexions

Directory

Exposure is made possible thanks to core funding support provided by Haringey Youth Service.

Exposure is a registered trademark of Exposure Organisation Limited, registered in England no. 3455480, registered charity no. 1073922.

The views expressed by young people in Exposure do not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher or its funder. (c) 2009. All rights reserved. ISSN 1362-8585

If your organisation would like to be included on this page please call 020 8883 0260

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Request your FREE test online by logging on to: www.gettested.co.uk

Or call 020 8442 5541/5624 or text 07939 827 222 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm)


Documents

Exposure Magazine 102