Columns

Reporter discusses one of her greatest weaknesses: her debilitating fear of needles.

Reporter recounts a near-death experience on his bike.

Reporter recounts conquering her fear of heights by climbing the Sydney Bridge.

I guess you can say that I have a slight case of entomophobia (a fear of insects and other bugs). For a newspaper challenge, I was to hold a bug for one minute without screaming or dropping it.

My mom is extremely superstitious and cannot let small things like this go. Though the common superstition is to not drive past when a black cat has crossed the way, my mom’s version includes any colored cat (or sometimes, large squirrels — she never takes a chance).

As my parents never fail to point out, there are very few activities I am willing to get out of pajamas on a Saturday morning for.

For the record, I’m Miss Goody Two-Shoes. I still turn my phone off during class, the way everyone supposedly did in middle school, and my attendance record is spotless. The closest I’ve gotten to trouble is attending Saturday school, which I did as an experiment for newspaper.

Reporters pretend to be employees at Target for a day.

It takes a lot to answer that question. It’s been part of my life since I was 5.

Buying a fresh, new pack of pencils from OfficeMax can be described as one of the most magical moments life offers. Every time I complete my homework, I take a second to notice the amazing powers of the often under-appreciated pencil.