Lauren Shein, Author at The Source

With Public Lands Under Threat, Local Students Reflect

From hikers and bikers to fly fishermen, Central Oregon teens are passionate about the future of public lands

by Lauren Shein July 29, 2026July 27, 2026

On any given day in Central Oregon, locals and visitors alike can be found hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and more on the region’s vast tracts of public land. These federally-managed areas are a quintessential part of life both here and nationwide, where the national forest system encompasses around 193 million acres of land, and about […]

Culture

Bend-La Pine Schools Implements Cell Phone Ban With Mixed Reactions

According to students, teachers and families, the new policy increases academic and social engagement, but raises logistical concerns

by Lauren Shein January 14, 2026January 13, 2026

High school campuses across Bend-La Pine Schools rang in the new year by implementing a complete cell phone ban, restricting access to personal technology during the school day in accordance with a state executive order. The policy, which directs students to keep their cell phones in their bags from “bell to bell,” has received both […]

Culture

College Counseling: Helpful or Highway Robbery?

Private college counseling is a growing industry, but questions of equity and accessibility remain

by Lauren Shein June 4, 2025July 26, 2025

Once students reach their junior year, they seem to cross a very important threshold—they are no longer just high school students; it is time to plan for the future. Whether it be questions from well-meaning adults, discussions with older friends or the constant flow of college mail into students’ inboxes, the thought of college becomes […]

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