Karl Patrick

Our teachers are our second parents. They nurture our minds and help shape a better future for us. They make the biggest impact in our lives that we’ll absolutely remember them even years after we have graduated from school. Not so long ago, Lorly Schik was a noble kindergarten teacher at Minnesota’s Perham school district. She was a dedicated rabbi to young children from the 1940s until her retirement in 1989. And, though it’s been 30 long years since she left her profession, she could still remember the faces of her students. Lately, much to her surprise, she saw a familiar face while tuning on to KARE 11 Sunrise, a local news channel. It was her former pupil Cory Hepola delivering the news! She immediately grabbed a pen and wrote a letter, which she sent to the anchor’s parents. It read: Hi Diane & Terry. It is with a great deal of pride that I am now watching my former Kindergarten student telecast the news on KARE 11. I can still picture him as a small dark haired child in his K-desk! I am also wondering if you can view that station in Perham?? In September 20, 2013 I moved to an Independent Senior Living Complex in St. Paul. It was a very difficult decision, a part of my heart will always be in Perham. My children and grand (& great) children are all in the Twin Cities. The time had come! “Greet Cory. Tell him his K-teacher is now 90 years old, enjoys seeing his newscast, and wishes him (and you, too) the VERY BEST!” -Mrs. Schik. What did happen next? Did Lorly and Cory meet each other? Watch the video below. Video by KARE

A woman from Leeds, England named Ruth Clemens somewhat ruled the Internet just recently, and it has to do with a pair of fabulous H&M jeans… which she thought were “unrealistically small”. The pants’ state got into the girl’s nerves that she made a Facebook post about it, addressed to the famous retail store itself. Here’s the content: Dear H&M, I was browsing your sale items in your Leeds store and spotted this pair of kick flare jeans. They were only a tenner – bargain! – and a size 16. I’m normally a size 14 on my hips (occasionally 16 if buying trousers) so I thought I’d try them on. It did not go well. As I’m sure you’re aware, size 16 is the largest size you stock (apart from in your plus size range, which is very limited in store and does not offer the range of styles for the fashion-conscious that are available in smaller sizes). I am not overweight (not that that should matter) and although I’m 5 foot 11 my body is pretty average shape-wise. It’s already difficult enough for me to find clothes that fit well because of my height, why are you making jeans that are unrealistically small? Am I too fat for your everyday range? Should I just accept that accessible and affordable high street and on-trend fashion isn’t for people like me? You might recognise the top I’m wearing – it’s one of yours and it’s a size Medium. Sort it out would you. ‪#‎whatdoesplussizeevenmean‬ ‪#‎bodypositive‬ ‪#‎fashionforall‬ Also vote remain The post has already garnered bajillions of “likes” and “shares”, and continues to spark conversations regarding body image issues. Ruth is happy with the response her post has been receiving lately. In an interview with TODAY Style, she stated, “I’ve had some lovely and affirming messages from women telling me they have the same problem, that they left the changing room in tears, that they starved themselves, that it really affected their body image.” H&M has since replied to her clamor, thanking her for her feedback and being sorry for the experience she had to put up with. “At H&M we make clothing for all our stores around the world, so the sizing can vary depending on the style, cut and fabric. We value all feedback and will take on board the points you and other customers have raised.” But, Ruth thought the courteous reply from the company wasn’t enough. She want real change to happen. “On another day it could have really shaken my self-confidence… If my body is too big, too tall, takes up too much space for H&M’s clothes, then it’s them who need to change, not me. And the same goes for everyone else out there,” she said. Though that pair of size 16 H&M jeans may not fit you, know that you are an inspiration, Ruth Clemens!