Culture

Victor, 18, was only four years old when his parents brought him into the United States illegally. He was far too young to have made that choice, which is why he approves of the Obama Administration’s new executive action, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

By Simone Cazares

Bryan Nichols makes money performing and teaching jazz, a big change from his original plan to become a doctor.

When I picked up 13 Reasons Why, I was a bit skeptical. I thought it would be depressing since it centers on a teen’s suicide. But the story tells about much more than just that incident.

Mohamed Samatar, 19, travelled to Somalia for the first time in 2010. The Minneapolis teenager expected to be in the desert for a month without electricty. What he experienced in Somalia shocked him — because he realized his idea of Somali and the reality there were very different. And so began his mission.

By ThreeSixty and Minnesota Historical Society staff

“Hearing Ms. Ellison’s stories of growing up in a time when there was such a thing as white water and how she overcame the hatred and discrimination to become a life-changing woman was invaluable.” — South H.S. junior Maddie Colbert on why teens should interview others.

By By Emma Carew Grovum

After graduating high School, Emma Carew Grovum visited her Korean birth family in a series of hard, emotionally draining visits.

By Emma Carew Grovum

Growing up as a Korean adoptee in a predominantly white suburb of Minneapolis, Emma Carew always felt out of place. A high school graduation trip to Korea connected her to the family and culture of her birth. Now as an adult, she’s found knowing her adopted family adds a complicated layer to her life.

Teens are more than possible risk factors and test scores. In an effort to create a well-rounded picture of Minnesota teens today – what they think about, hope for, and how they communicate – ThreeSixty Journalism and the Minnesota Historical Society are calling teens to fill out an online survey.

While waiting in line for the bathroom during the intermission of Les Misérables at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, I overheard a little girl complaining that the musical wasn’t as good as “High School Musical” or “Grease,” and she was right. It was better, much better.

I never believed that people at my high school would start to look at me as the Somali girl, and not Zamzam anymore. But that’s what happened when the Somali population at school more than tripled in five years.

The 18-year-old Ryan McCartan spent his summer training in Germany, rubbing elbows with musical theater legends, and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

I love Central High School’s diversity, and that’s why I’m concerned about the Saint Paul Public School district’s new plan, “Strong Schools, Strong Communities.” Because of new busing restrictions, I’m worried this plan might allow schools to become racially segregated again.

By By Mai Ker Hang, 17, Harding Senior High School

Kamolchai Hang, 12, of St. Paul, could become the next shaman in his Hmong family, continuing a religious tradition of more than 1,000 years.

When Ready Htoo tried his first hot dog in America he loved it – until he found out what it was called.

Ever had the urge to touch artwork at a museum? Well, here’s a place for you rule breakers who always get hassled by museum security officers — Franconia Sculpture Park, located 45 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities in Chisago Country.