November is World Vegan Month: a month-long educational effort about a lifestyle where, as defined by Google, one is against the consumption of animal products and by-products. Vegans are opposed to the ingestion or use of eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products. Veganism is an extension of vegetarianism; Hawthorne High School has a multitude of vegetarians and vegans. Class of 2016’s Amanda Kearney and Shana Isaac agreed to an interview about their lifestyle choice.

Clarion Reporter: Are you a vegetarian or a vegan?

Amanda Kearney: I am a vegetarian.

Shana Isaac: I am a vegan.

Clarion Reporter: How long have you been a vegetarian/vegan?

Amanda Kearney: I have been a vegetarian since Feb. 6, 2012.

Shana Isaac: I have been a vegan for one year.

Clarion Reporter: Do you find it difficult to be a vegetarian/vegan?

Amanda Kearney: No, not really. Every now and then there is a temptation, but other than that it isn’t hard to be a vegetarian.

Shana Isaac: No. Although the first week was the hardest, my research on veganism exposed me to what goes on inside a slaughterhouse and that made it easier.

Clarion Reporter: Do you know if Hawthorne High School has vegetarian/vegan options?

Amanda Kearney: I don’t know.

Shana Isaac: I don’t know. Salad?

Clarion Reporter: Do you feel healthier because of your lifestyle choice?

Amanda Kearney: I don’t feel healthier per say, but I do feel as if it is a great help to maintain my weight.

Shana Isaac: Yes, I feel better mentally and physically.

Clarion Reporter: What is the best aspect about vegetarianism/veganism?

Amanda Kearney: I like my ability to not eat meat, despite how before 2012 I was attached to meat. What I also like is the fact that since I became a vegetarian, I feel as if I have lost weight and my appearance is better.

Shana Isaac: What I like about veganism is how I am compassionate to all life.