A Summer Poem
At last summer is finally here
Marking the end of another school year
Free from all the work and stress
Everyone gets to stop and rest
Children playing and having fun
Underneath the burning sun
Trying to find a way to stay cool
Spending all day lounging in pool
Sipping a glass of ice cold tea
Sitting in the shadows of a tree
Parties and gatherings and special occasions
Impatiently waiting to go on vacation
Spending time with family and friends
Hoping that it never ends
Until in the fall starts another school year
But at least now summer is finally here
Michael Marino '23
At last summer is finally here
Marking the end of another school year
Free from all the work and stress
Everyone gets to stop and rest
Children playing and having fun
Underneath the burning sun
Trying to find a way to stay cool
Spending all day lounging in pool
Sipping a glass of ice cold tea
Sitting in the shadows of a tree
Parties and gatherings and special occasions
Impatiently waiting to go on vacation
Spending time with family and friends
Hoping that it never ends
Until in the fall starts another school year
But at least now summer is finally here
Michael Marino '23
A Desolate Heart
Each and every day we hear about pollution, climate change, world wars, death, and destruction, but have you ever thought to yourself, “How much can the Earth take; how long before everything is destroyed; how long before we are all killed off?” The Road by Cormac McCarthy answers that question in a short and eloquent novel that leaves the reader to interpret its message. Written in the third person, McCarthy delves into the life of a father and his young son. The world they live in is all the boy has ever known, he was born into it, but the father carries the burden of what once was. A cataclysmic event scorched the Earth they currently live on and killed off most life forms. What is left is a desolate, blackened, ash-filled landscape where people live day to day in search of shelter, food, and hope. The father does all he can to protect his young son (he kills a man), who is innocent and ignorant to many of the injustices the disaster has reinvigorated, such as “blood cults [who] consume one another'' and “marauders,” (16) as they travel a long road headed South. McCarthy uses extraordinarily detailed imagery and connects to readers on a visceral level. As you read, you feel like you are seeing what the characters are feeling and are as heart broken as they are as they experience tragedy and injustice. An example of this is, “the blackness he woke to on those nights was sightless and impenetrable. A blackness that hurts your ears while listening. Often he had to get up. No sound but the wind in the bare and blackened trees. He rose and stood tottering in that cold autistic dark with his arms outheld for balance while the vestibular calculations in his skill cranked out their reckonings'' (15). This world they live in brings depression and tears up all hope left in the characters hearts. This happened to the man’s wife who (talking about wanting to die) says, “I don't care. It’s meaningless. You can think of me as a faithless slut if you like. I’ve got a new lover. He can give me what you cannot. (her husband) Death is not a lover” (57). Moreover, after his father would not let him chase a lonely boy whom he hoped to befriend, the son says. “(the father) What are you doing? ``he hissed. What are you doing? (son) There’s a little boy, Papa. There’s a little boy… I want to see him, Papa. (father) There’s no one to see. Do you want to die? Is that what you want? I don't care, the boys said, sobbing. I don't care” (84-85). Both the mother and son exemplify how humanity can be stolen from you and how tumultuous times cause an individual to lose all will to live.
McCarthy’s heart-wrenching and harrowing tale is one that we should not take for granted or ignore. It is a cautionary tale for all of us who are living today. McCarthy attempts, through the lives of his characters, to warn us of what can and will happen to humanity if we do not stop what we are doing to our world. The novel was written in 2006, my birth year. McCarthy saw these issues and wanted to warn me about them before I was even born! Do you think the world is any better than it was in 2006? I beg to differ. Although he offers no solutions directly, McCarthy effectively scares us with a haunting view of what our world may look like and what the survivors may do to each other. The reality for the father and son is death and destruction. All they fear is loneliness, and all they believe to be inevitable is death. Now McCarthy leaves you to answer the question, “what are we going to do with our world?”
I recommend this novel to all. If we live with complacency or the pass-it-along mindset, then we are accepting our inevitable downfall. It may make you cry or riddle your conscience, but the novel is a necessary and timely proclamation to action.
Sebastian Iacoune '23
Each and every day we hear about pollution, climate change, world wars, death, and destruction, but have you ever thought to yourself, “How much can the Earth take; how long before everything is destroyed; how long before we are all killed off?” The Road by Cormac McCarthy answers that question in a short and eloquent novel that leaves the reader to interpret its message. Written in the third person, McCarthy delves into the life of a father and his young son. The world they live in is all the boy has ever known, he was born into it, but the father carries the burden of what once was. A cataclysmic event scorched the Earth they currently live on and killed off most life forms. What is left is a desolate, blackened, ash-filled landscape where people live day to day in search of shelter, food, and hope. The father does all he can to protect his young son (he kills a man), who is innocent and ignorant to many of the injustices the disaster has reinvigorated, such as “blood cults [who] consume one another'' and “marauders,” (16) as they travel a long road headed South. McCarthy uses extraordinarily detailed imagery and connects to readers on a visceral level. As you read, you feel like you are seeing what the characters are feeling and are as heart broken as they are as they experience tragedy and injustice. An example of this is, “the blackness he woke to on those nights was sightless and impenetrable. A blackness that hurts your ears while listening. Often he had to get up. No sound but the wind in the bare and blackened trees. He rose and stood tottering in that cold autistic dark with his arms outheld for balance while the vestibular calculations in his skill cranked out their reckonings'' (15). This world they live in brings depression and tears up all hope left in the characters hearts. This happened to the man’s wife who (talking about wanting to die) says, “I don't care. It’s meaningless. You can think of me as a faithless slut if you like. I’ve got a new lover. He can give me what you cannot. (her husband) Death is not a lover” (57). Moreover, after his father would not let him chase a lonely boy whom he hoped to befriend, the son says. “(the father) What are you doing? ``he hissed. What are you doing? (son) There’s a little boy, Papa. There’s a little boy… I want to see him, Papa. (father) There’s no one to see. Do you want to die? Is that what you want? I don't care, the boys said, sobbing. I don't care” (84-85). Both the mother and son exemplify how humanity can be stolen from you and how tumultuous times cause an individual to lose all will to live.
McCarthy’s heart-wrenching and harrowing tale is one that we should not take for granted or ignore. It is a cautionary tale for all of us who are living today. McCarthy attempts, through the lives of his characters, to warn us of what can and will happen to humanity if we do not stop what we are doing to our world. The novel was written in 2006, my birth year. McCarthy saw these issues and wanted to warn me about them before I was even born! Do you think the world is any better than it was in 2006? I beg to differ. Although he offers no solutions directly, McCarthy effectively scares us with a haunting view of what our world may look like and what the survivors may do to each other. The reality for the father and son is death and destruction. All they fear is loneliness, and all they believe to be inevitable is death. Now McCarthy leaves you to answer the question, “what are we going to do with our world?”
I recommend this novel to all. If we live with complacency or the pass-it-along mindset, then we are accepting our inevitable downfall. It may make you cry or riddle your conscience, but the novel is a necessary and timely proclamation to action.
Sebastian Iacoune '23
Opinion on "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Some of you may be familiar with Le Guin’s short story “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas,” but for those who aren’t, the story is about a joyous city called Omelas whose citizens live in prosperity. The city is defined by a beautiful landscape with dark blue skies, towering mountains, and broad green meadows.
The citizens of Omelas are happy people who live simply; their lives free of technology, drugs and war. The people smile, laugh, and listen to beautiful music.
That story takes place at the time of a grand festival where the whole city parades through the streets. Horses with braided manes and streamers, beer and triumphant bands playing glorious music.
It is almost utopian, yes?
Well… while the whole city enjoys the festival there is a certain secret hiding beneath the city. It hides within the consciences of the people and within the city itself.
In a basement under one of Omelas beautiful structures is a room where few strands of light break through and where cobwebs and dirt consume the atmosphere. It is a broom closet.
In that closet, confined and imprisoned, lies a young child.
“It could be a boy or a girl. It looks about six, but actually is nearly ten. It is feeble-minded. Perhaps it was born defective, or perhaps it has become imbecile through fear, malnutrition, and neglect. It picks its nose and occasionally fumbles vaguely with its toes or genitals, as it sits hunched in the corner farthest from the bucket and the two mops… It is naked. Its buttocks and thighs are a mass of festered sores, as it sits in its own excrement continually.”
The child is held there and never let out. It used to scream and cry out pleading for help, begging for the chance to be good, but now it just whines.
Every person in Omelas knows of this child. Some, on the rare occasion, may come to visit it but others just accept the fact that it is there. Some understand why the child is kept there and others don’t, but all of the citizens eventually come to learn that their survival is dependent on the child’s suffering. If the child were to be released, everything would be destroyed and all hope and prosperity would be lost. The people truly believed this.
This is the reality of Omelas. This fact prevails over all others and transcends every aspect of the people’s lives. Most of the citizens live almost unbothered by the guilt but some cannot take it and leave. Hence, “the ones who walk away from Omelas.”
Le Guin’s story can be applied to our everyday lives. Sadly, every society has a child chained in the basement. Can you think of some? Can you think of people who are exploited for the benefit of others?
The people who walk away realize that their presence in Omelas meant they were complicit in the society’s sins. They realized that what was happening was immoral and chose to walk away. I think their action is noble in that they are standing against the status quo, but it seems they are merely avoiding the issue, removing it from their lives. What more could they do? How could they stand against a society who was complicit and believed something to be morally right?
What can YOU do in our society which is plagued by injustice and filled with “children in the basement”?
Sebastian Iacoune '24
Some of you may be familiar with Le Guin’s short story “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas,” but for those who aren’t, the story is about a joyous city called Omelas whose citizens live in prosperity. The city is defined by a beautiful landscape with dark blue skies, towering mountains, and broad green meadows.
The citizens of Omelas are happy people who live simply; their lives free of technology, drugs and war. The people smile, laugh, and listen to beautiful music.
That story takes place at the time of a grand festival where the whole city parades through the streets. Horses with braided manes and streamers, beer and triumphant bands playing glorious music.
It is almost utopian, yes?
Well… while the whole city enjoys the festival there is a certain secret hiding beneath the city. It hides within the consciences of the people and within the city itself.
In a basement under one of Omelas beautiful structures is a room where few strands of light break through and where cobwebs and dirt consume the atmosphere. It is a broom closet.
In that closet, confined and imprisoned, lies a young child.
“It could be a boy or a girl. It looks about six, but actually is nearly ten. It is feeble-minded. Perhaps it was born defective, or perhaps it has become imbecile through fear, malnutrition, and neglect. It picks its nose and occasionally fumbles vaguely with its toes or genitals, as it sits hunched in the corner farthest from the bucket and the two mops… It is naked. Its buttocks and thighs are a mass of festered sores, as it sits in its own excrement continually.”
The child is held there and never let out. It used to scream and cry out pleading for help, begging for the chance to be good, but now it just whines.
Every person in Omelas knows of this child. Some, on the rare occasion, may come to visit it but others just accept the fact that it is there. Some understand why the child is kept there and others don’t, but all of the citizens eventually come to learn that their survival is dependent on the child’s suffering. If the child were to be released, everything would be destroyed and all hope and prosperity would be lost. The people truly believed this.
This is the reality of Omelas. This fact prevails over all others and transcends every aspect of the people’s lives. Most of the citizens live almost unbothered by the guilt but some cannot take it and leave. Hence, “the ones who walk away from Omelas.”
Le Guin’s story can be applied to our everyday lives. Sadly, every society has a child chained in the basement. Can you think of some? Can you think of people who are exploited for the benefit of others?
- A company fires half of its employees to stay afloat financially.
- A government risks the deaths of a few people to save the millions of dollars it would take to repair a bridge.
- We all buy a certain product knowing that the company who makes it conducts unlawful business.
- We stay silent when we know something wrong is going to happen.
The people who walk away realize that their presence in Omelas meant they were complicit in the society’s sins. They realized that what was happening was immoral and chose to walk away. I think their action is noble in that they are standing against the status quo, but it seems they are merely avoiding the issue, removing it from their lives. What more could they do? How could they stand against a society who was complicit and believed something to be morally right?
What can YOU do in our society which is plagued by injustice and filled with “children in the basement”?
Sebastian Iacoune '24
No, We Aren’t Really Strangers
I have always appreciated a good board game or an occasional shuffle of cards to play UNO, Crazy Eights, or my favorite, Presidents. But not too long ago, I played a game that has altered my relationships with friends and my own mind. And no, it wasn’t some wild game of hide n seek out of a horror short film that placed runner up at Sundance. It’s called “We’re Not Really Strangers.”
The 3-level card game was created by Koreen Odiney, originally a model and photographer who then turned her interests into the art of getting to know someone. While photographing people, Odiney would ask her subjects questions similar to those printed on the small white cards now included in the game. We’re Not Really Strangers has now become a widely popularized company with 4.8 million Instagram followers, 3.8 million on TikTok, and more paying $1.99 a month for daily text messages. The questions are known for their trademark minimalist red font against a white card background, typically posed in a sentence or simple phrase. WNRS has now been recognized by celebrities such as Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl and Netflix’s You) and Hailey Bieber, drawing further attention to it via social networking since its creation in 2018.
The game is set up in 3 different levels. The first is perception, the second is connection, and the third is reflection. There is no particular order to the “depth” of these questions, as being asked “Why do you think we met?” in level 1 may tug on the player’s heartstrings more than “What’s your father’s name, and one thing about him” in level 2. The game is typically played one on one, however it is possible to be played with up to 6 if you maneuver the progression of questions and answers strategically. In the first level, a card is picked by one player and is to be answered by the other player regarding their perception of their counterpart. In the second, a player picks up a card and answers the question themselves. The questions are meant to be either big or small and answered full heartedly by the player. In the third, the player picks a card from the deck and answers a question that reflects on the game or their relationship with the other player or someone outside of the game. The final question won’t be spoiled here, but it is what I find to be the most meaningful, and tangible connection taken away from the game.
I have played this game on two occasions now. The first time being with a good friend in February 2021, and most recently on a flight to Florida with another pair of friends last week. I found my answers were incredibly different the second time I played the game. I have experienced a lot of personal growth and change over the course of the past year, some good and bad. However, this change has allowed me to play this game in two different mindsets, eye opening both times, making it still fresh. I learned much about my friends and how they perceived me, and even about how I perceived them and how that perception has changed. Vulnerability is the key to this game. No, there are no real “winners” or even competition, but that is what makes WNRS special. There doesn’t need to be. Nor should answers be exaggerated or be altered to fit what you might think the cliche or intended answer would be. Answering “Who do you miss?” by saying my younger self instead of a significant other or lost friend connected me to a level within myself that I hadn’t even come to terms with.
May is mental health awareness month. Yes, taking time to destress via reading, journaling, a hot bath, etc. is still important, I encourage you to find time to play WNRS. Healing a relationship or strengthening an existing one can do wonders for our mental health beyond the classically therapeutic methods. So take a minute and answer just this: “How are you, really?”
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game: https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com/collections/games/products/not-really-strangers-card-deck
Madigan Wirkus '23
I have always appreciated a good board game or an occasional shuffle of cards to play UNO, Crazy Eights, or my favorite, Presidents. But not too long ago, I played a game that has altered my relationships with friends and my own mind. And no, it wasn’t some wild game of hide n seek out of a horror short film that placed runner up at Sundance. It’s called “We’re Not Really Strangers.”
The 3-level card game was created by Koreen Odiney, originally a model and photographer who then turned her interests into the art of getting to know someone. While photographing people, Odiney would ask her subjects questions similar to those printed on the small white cards now included in the game. We’re Not Really Strangers has now become a widely popularized company with 4.8 million Instagram followers, 3.8 million on TikTok, and more paying $1.99 a month for daily text messages. The questions are known for their trademark minimalist red font against a white card background, typically posed in a sentence or simple phrase. WNRS has now been recognized by celebrities such as Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl and Netflix’s You) and Hailey Bieber, drawing further attention to it via social networking since its creation in 2018.
The game is set up in 3 different levels. The first is perception, the second is connection, and the third is reflection. There is no particular order to the “depth” of these questions, as being asked “Why do you think we met?” in level 1 may tug on the player’s heartstrings more than “What’s your father’s name, and one thing about him” in level 2. The game is typically played one on one, however it is possible to be played with up to 6 if you maneuver the progression of questions and answers strategically. In the first level, a card is picked by one player and is to be answered by the other player regarding their perception of their counterpart. In the second, a player picks up a card and answers the question themselves. The questions are meant to be either big or small and answered full heartedly by the player. In the third, the player picks a card from the deck and answers a question that reflects on the game or their relationship with the other player or someone outside of the game. The final question won’t be spoiled here, but it is what I find to be the most meaningful, and tangible connection taken away from the game.
I have played this game on two occasions now. The first time being with a good friend in February 2021, and most recently on a flight to Florida with another pair of friends last week. I found my answers were incredibly different the second time I played the game. I have experienced a lot of personal growth and change over the course of the past year, some good and bad. However, this change has allowed me to play this game in two different mindsets, eye opening both times, making it still fresh. I learned much about my friends and how they perceived me, and even about how I perceived them and how that perception has changed. Vulnerability is the key to this game. No, there are no real “winners” or even competition, but that is what makes WNRS special. There doesn’t need to be. Nor should answers be exaggerated or be altered to fit what you might think the cliche or intended answer would be. Answering “Who do you miss?” by saying my younger self instead of a significant other or lost friend connected me to a level within myself that I hadn’t even come to terms with.
May is mental health awareness month. Yes, taking time to destress via reading, journaling, a hot bath, etc. is still important, I encourage you to find time to play WNRS. Healing a relationship or strengthening an existing one can do wonders for our mental health beyond the classically therapeutic methods. So take a minute and answer just this: “How are you, really?”
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game: https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com/collections/games/products/not-really-strangers-card-deck
Madigan Wirkus '23
My Leaves and I
the leaves already fell, and so did I.
beneath the snow holds within
the secrets of the past season.
you stood on your pedestal of the condensed powder,
too ignorant to see beneath
that my leaves and I may have fallen for your icy atmosphere,
but her sunshine will melt your snow
and allow my leaves and I to start new.
just as she always does.
Olyvia Bendza '24
the leaves already fell, and so did I.
beneath the snow holds within
the secrets of the past season.
you stood on your pedestal of the condensed powder,
too ignorant to see beneath
that my leaves and I may have fallen for your icy atmosphere,
but her sunshine will melt your snow
and allow my leaves and I to start new.
just as she always does.
Olyvia Bendza '24
The Passion of The Christ Movie Review
Christians derive many different emotions and attitudes from the Easter season. For some, it is a time of simple sacrifice (giving up something for Lent, abstinence from meat on Fridays) and a few hour long masses. For others, it is a time of deep-contemplation, reflection, and fervent appreciation. As we delve deep into the recollection of the death of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the various events that Jesus experienced in order to save the world from sin and provide us with eternal salvation. We read about the triumphant arrival of Jesus on Palm Sunday, the historic Last Supper, Good Friday, and the joyous celebration on Easter Sunday. Throughout these various masses and readings it is often easy to simply acknowledge the significance and not be emotionally affected by it. The reason I am writing an article on this movie is to relate to all of those Christians who may have experienced that aforementioned sentiment and explain the dramatic effect the movie had on my own view of Easter.
The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson is a very controversial movie, but it is one that was expertly crafted and produced with such attention to detail. It focuses on the final day of Christ’s life and the extremely brutal and inhumane pain he suffered before his resurrection. Although the acting performances, music, and cinematography all contributed to the movie’s physical quality, they are irrelevant to the real message and goal of the movie. Gibson based the scenes primarily off of scriptural text and the stations of the cross.
The movie itself is the most brutal, gory, and breathtaking film I have ever seen. It is hard not to cry or shut your eyes while watching because it manifests the brutality of Jesus’ suffering to the fullest extent. After his arrest, you see Jesus is first whipped with brambles and then flogged with the most vicious instruments of death. I found myself gripping the couch as I saw this and all I wanted to do was scream out for it to stop, almost as if I was there in Jerusalem myself. The whole movie felt like this.
This movie is not for young viewers (obviously rated R), but it could even be hard for some adults to watch. However, if possible, I think it is something important for people to see because it gives the viewer a truer and more visceral understanding of Jesus’ Passion and the amazing extent to which he went to save humanity. I feel that it reinvigorated my faith and made me see Easter in a way very different from the traditional Easters I had experienced during childhood.
Sebastian Iacuone '24
Christians derive many different emotions and attitudes from the Easter season. For some, it is a time of simple sacrifice (giving up something for Lent, abstinence from meat on Fridays) and a few hour long masses. For others, it is a time of deep-contemplation, reflection, and fervent appreciation. As we delve deep into the recollection of the death of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the various events that Jesus experienced in order to save the world from sin and provide us with eternal salvation. We read about the triumphant arrival of Jesus on Palm Sunday, the historic Last Supper, Good Friday, and the joyous celebration on Easter Sunday. Throughout these various masses and readings it is often easy to simply acknowledge the significance and not be emotionally affected by it. The reason I am writing an article on this movie is to relate to all of those Christians who may have experienced that aforementioned sentiment and explain the dramatic effect the movie had on my own view of Easter.
The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson is a very controversial movie, but it is one that was expertly crafted and produced with such attention to detail. It focuses on the final day of Christ’s life and the extremely brutal and inhumane pain he suffered before his resurrection. Although the acting performances, music, and cinematography all contributed to the movie’s physical quality, they are irrelevant to the real message and goal of the movie. Gibson based the scenes primarily off of scriptural text and the stations of the cross.
The movie itself is the most brutal, gory, and breathtaking film I have ever seen. It is hard not to cry or shut your eyes while watching because it manifests the brutality of Jesus’ suffering to the fullest extent. After his arrest, you see Jesus is first whipped with brambles and then flogged with the most vicious instruments of death. I found myself gripping the couch as I saw this and all I wanted to do was scream out for it to stop, almost as if I was there in Jerusalem myself. The whole movie felt like this.
This movie is not for young viewers (obviously rated R), but it could even be hard for some adults to watch. However, if possible, I think it is something important for people to see because it gives the viewer a truer and more visceral understanding of Jesus’ Passion and the amazing extent to which he went to save humanity. I feel that it reinvigorated my faith and made me see Easter in a way very different from the traditional Easters I had experienced during childhood.
Sebastian Iacuone '24
Study Tips
With AP exams, final assessments, and the end of the school year approaching, many (including myself!) are scrambling to become prepared enough for upcoming tests. Fear not, for I have assembled the following tips in the hope to make this exam season less stressful.
Complete a brief review of the subject matter before getting into hardcore studying. This can help you learn what you need to focus on, allowing you to plan what to study, and for how long.
Make sure breaks are not too spaced out, but also not too close. If you’re taking breaks every ten minutes, chances are your studying isn’t going too well. Taking breaks too far apart could result in straining your brain. Methods such as Pomodoro can help adequately pace your breaks.
Learn what kind of learner you are. Whether that be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. This can help you figure out how to study. For example, if you are a visual learner, looking up videos/referencing multiple frameworks in a textbook would be the most helpful way to study.
Try to “teach” the subject to an imaginary student. Repeating concepts out loud and explaining them in-depth will help you learn the material better, as well as keep it in your brain.
There are many different ways to study, and these are just a few tips. I wish everyone good luck during the upcoming exam season!
Anna Cartier '23
With AP exams, final assessments, and the end of the school year approaching, many (including myself!) are scrambling to become prepared enough for upcoming tests. Fear not, for I have assembled the following tips in the hope to make this exam season less stressful.
Complete a brief review of the subject matter before getting into hardcore studying. This can help you learn what you need to focus on, allowing you to plan what to study, and for how long.
Make sure breaks are not too spaced out, but also not too close. If you’re taking breaks every ten minutes, chances are your studying isn’t going too well. Taking breaks too far apart could result in straining your brain. Methods such as Pomodoro can help adequately pace your breaks.
Learn what kind of learner you are. Whether that be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic. This can help you figure out how to study. For example, if you are a visual learner, looking up videos/referencing multiple frameworks in a textbook would be the most helpful way to study.
Try to “teach” the subject to an imaginary student. Repeating concepts out loud and explaining them in-depth will help you learn the material better, as well as keep it in your brain.
There are many different ways to study, and these are just a few tips. I wish everyone good luck during the upcoming exam season!
Anna Cartier '23
Spring Pros Only!
Personally, I don’t actually have a favorite season. As I always say, change is super important and keeps life interesting. Plus, my boredom and annoyance towards the end of each season doesn’t get a chance to live long before the next weather pattern comes in to bring something new. I don’t think I would want to live somewhere where the weather stays the same (or relatively the same) all year ‘round. I mean, what fun is that?!? It’s the exact reason I know that I want to stay in New England for college. Despite this, I do have to say that springtime has many pros that I’m noticing this year as I wait for it to officially become spring (and, hopefully, bring the weather I’m looking for with it!).
First is the obvious: warm temperatures. Not ridiculously hot in which you can’t stay outside comfortably without cooling off every now and then, but that perfect 60°- 80°. You can wear basically whatever you want and still feel good. Like, long sleeves? Check. T-shirt? Check. Sneakers? Check. Boots? Check. Also, you can sit outside and just hang out. Personally, I love to do my homework sitting on my back deck once it hits about April.
Secondly, almost building off the first, is the spring bloom. While the pollen gets to my allergies (as I’m sure most of you can relate to, unfortunately for us all), the rebirth of nature is super exciting. It not only shows the long-awaited arrival of nice weather, but it is just stunning to look at. Flowers of every color, trees no longer bare and grass that blows in the wind. It may be cliché, but nature is so helpful to the psyche. Once things begin to grow back, I notice that I have more energy and find myself more and more excited to get outside.
Next is the fact that the sun no longer sets at 5:00 PM. Let’s be real; the sun setting before most of us are even able to get home after sports practice/games is super disheartening. I lose a lot of motivation as the darkness outside makes me simply want to relax and go to sleep. So, when spring comes and we can slowly notice the sun setting later and later in the evening, I am thrilled. I gain motivation and, personally, there is nothing like watching a spring sun set.
While there are a million other things to love about spring and these may be the most basic three, I can’t help but say that I’m so happy we’re finally in the new season. I love the change and spring is probably perfect. (Now, if you check back in with me at the end of May I’ll be whining about how it needs to be summer already but that’s at another time, my friends!)
Amanda Thrul '23
Personally, I don’t actually have a favorite season. As I always say, change is super important and keeps life interesting. Plus, my boredom and annoyance towards the end of each season doesn’t get a chance to live long before the next weather pattern comes in to bring something new. I don’t think I would want to live somewhere where the weather stays the same (or relatively the same) all year ‘round. I mean, what fun is that?!? It’s the exact reason I know that I want to stay in New England for college. Despite this, I do have to say that springtime has many pros that I’m noticing this year as I wait for it to officially become spring (and, hopefully, bring the weather I’m looking for with it!).
First is the obvious: warm temperatures. Not ridiculously hot in which you can’t stay outside comfortably without cooling off every now and then, but that perfect 60°- 80°. You can wear basically whatever you want and still feel good. Like, long sleeves? Check. T-shirt? Check. Sneakers? Check. Boots? Check. Also, you can sit outside and just hang out. Personally, I love to do my homework sitting on my back deck once it hits about April.
Secondly, almost building off the first, is the spring bloom. While the pollen gets to my allergies (as I’m sure most of you can relate to, unfortunately for us all), the rebirth of nature is super exciting. It not only shows the long-awaited arrival of nice weather, but it is just stunning to look at. Flowers of every color, trees no longer bare and grass that blows in the wind. It may be cliché, but nature is so helpful to the psyche. Once things begin to grow back, I notice that I have more energy and find myself more and more excited to get outside.
Next is the fact that the sun no longer sets at 5:00 PM. Let’s be real; the sun setting before most of us are even able to get home after sports practice/games is super disheartening. I lose a lot of motivation as the darkness outside makes me simply want to relax and go to sleep. So, when spring comes and we can slowly notice the sun setting later and later in the evening, I am thrilled. I gain motivation and, personally, there is nothing like watching a spring sun set.
While there are a million other things to love about spring and these may be the most basic three, I can’t help but say that I’m so happy we’re finally in the new season. I love the change and spring is probably perfect. (Now, if you check back in with me at the end of May I’ll be whining about how it needs to be summer already but that’s at another time, my friends!)
Amanda Thrul '23
March Read: The Ides of March
Author: Thornton Wilder
There are many exciting dates in March that so many people take note of: St. Patrick’s Day, the first day of Spring, school Professional Days, the Ides of March. Yes, the Ides of March has been included in that list. For those who don’t know, the Ides of March is another name for March 15th and it refers to the date in which Caesar, the Roman Emperor, was assassinated.
This month I read a book that was meant to be an imagined version of the events leading up to this historic event. Interestingly, rather than being written in prose, the story is told through letters and journal entries. The unique style of the writing and plot makes for an exceedingly fun and engaging read. As a history-lover myself, I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in history as it was a super fun way to rethink the story and an excellent chance to imagine what might’ve happened. Even if the odds are slim that half the events occurred in the manner presented, is it not interesting to try and come up with your own ideas? Plus, exploring the complex relationships between the strong and prevalent characters involved will keep the interest of any history buff. If you’re looking for a short, engaging read this month, I recommend The Ides of March by Thornton Wilder from the library for sure.
Amanda Thrul '23
Author: Thornton Wilder
There are many exciting dates in March that so many people take note of: St. Patrick’s Day, the first day of Spring, school Professional Days, the Ides of March. Yes, the Ides of March has been included in that list. For those who don’t know, the Ides of March is another name for March 15th and it refers to the date in which Caesar, the Roman Emperor, was assassinated.
This month I read a book that was meant to be an imagined version of the events leading up to this historic event. Interestingly, rather than being written in prose, the story is told through letters and journal entries. The unique style of the writing and plot makes for an exceedingly fun and engaging read. As a history-lover myself, I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in history as it was a super fun way to rethink the story and an excellent chance to imagine what might’ve happened. Even if the odds are slim that half the events occurred in the manner presented, is it not interesting to try and come up with your own ideas? Plus, exploring the complex relationships between the strong and prevalent characters involved will keep the interest of any history buff. If you’re looking for a short, engaging read this month, I recommend The Ides of March by Thornton Wilder from the library for sure.
Amanda Thrul '23
Why Do We Procrastinate? How Do We Stop?
When there’s a big assignment due next week, do you wait until the weekend to start working on it? A seemingly endless list of chores, but you don’t do anything until it’s late at night? If the answer is yes, you’re probably just procrastinating. Don’t worry, you’re not alone- almost everyone has a little trouble with time management. But first of all, what exactly is procrastination?
Many people think to associate procrastination with laziness, but the explanation goes much deeper. Fuschia Sorois, a professor of psychology at University of Sheffield defines procrastination as “the voluntary, unnecessary delay of an unimportant task, despite knowing you’ll be worse off for doing so.” Better yet, a lot of people, for one reason or another will involuntarily sabotage an extremely important task that needs to get done.
Some common reasons for this behavior might simply be a lack of interest in the task or too many distractions getting in the way. Another possibility, which is often overlooked, is the fear of failing at the task. Whether it be a challenging class assignment, a duty you need to perform or a business agenda that needs attention, fear can make you put off your necessary tasks for a later date whether it’s in your best interest or not. On the other hand, some people actually work better under pressure, and this is likely because the fear of not getting the task done becomes primary to the fear of failure. Procrastinating might not appear to be such a large issue, but if the behavior progresses over time, it could become dangerous. According to studies, the effects of chronic procrastination include stress, anxiety, changes in sleep pattern, and depression.
Although it is a difficult habit to break out of, there are some strategies that can help time management become less difficult:
break a larger task into smaller steps
take short 5 minute breaks every once in a while
remind yourself of why you’re doing the task and how it will benefit you
try to remove any distractions
form a list of priorities and complete the more difficult tasks first
Overall, at one point or another, time management and the lack of focus on the task at hand can make one prone to procrastination. Once we are able to acknowledge the reasons why we put off our priorities, we can then learn to find productive ways and coping skills to handle our responsibilities in a more timely manner.
Michael Marino '25
When there’s a big assignment due next week, do you wait until the weekend to start working on it? A seemingly endless list of chores, but you don’t do anything until it’s late at night? If the answer is yes, you’re probably just procrastinating. Don’t worry, you’re not alone- almost everyone has a little trouble with time management. But first of all, what exactly is procrastination?
Many people think to associate procrastination with laziness, but the explanation goes much deeper. Fuschia Sorois, a professor of psychology at University of Sheffield defines procrastination as “the voluntary, unnecessary delay of an unimportant task, despite knowing you’ll be worse off for doing so.” Better yet, a lot of people, for one reason or another will involuntarily sabotage an extremely important task that needs to get done.
Some common reasons for this behavior might simply be a lack of interest in the task or too many distractions getting in the way. Another possibility, which is often overlooked, is the fear of failing at the task. Whether it be a challenging class assignment, a duty you need to perform or a business agenda that needs attention, fear can make you put off your necessary tasks for a later date whether it’s in your best interest or not. On the other hand, some people actually work better under pressure, and this is likely because the fear of not getting the task done becomes primary to the fear of failure. Procrastinating might not appear to be such a large issue, but if the behavior progresses over time, it could become dangerous. According to studies, the effects of chronic procrastination include stress, anxiety, changes in sleep pattern, and depression.
Although it is a difficult habit to break out of, there are some strategies that can help time management become less difficult:
break a larger task into smaller steps
take short 5 minute breaks every once in a while
remind yourself of why you’re doing the task and how it will benefit you
try to remove any distractions
form a list of priorities and complete the more difficult tasks first
Overall, at one point or another, time management and the lack of focus on the task at hand can make one prone to procrastination. Once we are able to acknowledge the reasons why we put off our priorities, we can then learn to find productive ways and coping skills to handle our responsibilities in a more timely manner.
Michael Marino '25
How To Thank Your Skin
There are so many different types of skin, and a skin care routine to match each one. Not one person will have the same skin care tailored to their skin, which is why there is so much trial and error before deciding on one routine. The main function of your routine should not be to just get rid of acne or blemishes, but to heal your skin from the inside out.
According to the New York Times, you should base your routine off of three key steps: Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing. With cleansing, the goal should be to cleanse without stripping your skin of important oils. Toners and formulas are more varied, and there could be multiple formulas involved in your daily skincare routine. For example, to boost hydration, look for products with hyaluronic acid. For acne and inflammation, look for products with colloidal sulfur and niacinamide. The one universally endorsed product for your skin routine is moisturizer to keep your skin barrier healthy.
Your skin is unpredictable. Make sure to pay attention and be patient, and you will reap the rewards of beautiful skin.
Anna Cartier '23
There are so many different types of skin, and a skin care routine to match each one. Not one person will have the same skin care tailored to their skin, which is why there is so much trial and error before deciding on one routine. The main function of your routine should not be to just get rid of acne or blemishes, but to heal your skin from the inside out.
According to the New York Times, you should base your routine off of three key steps: Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing. With cleansing, the goal should be to cleanse without stripping your skin of important oils. Toners and formulas are more varied, and there could be multiple formulas involved in your daily skincare routine. For example, to boost hydration, look for products with hyaluronic acid. For acne and inflammation, look for products with colloidal sulfur and niacinamide. The one universally endorsed product for your skin routine is moisturizer to keep your skin barrier healthy.
Your skin is unpredictable. Make sure to pay attention and be patient, and you will reap the rewards of beautiful skin.
Anna Cartier '23
Spring
Springtime has arrived,
The warm weather is revived,
Critters come out of hibernation,
Kids just waiting for their next vacation,
Gardens are beginning to bloom,
Leaving the scent of flowers’ perfume,
Damp, rainy days,
Soon followed by the sun’s rays,
Birds begin to sing their song
To a refreshing breeze we’ve waited for all along,
The birth of new baby fawns,
Sounds of neighbors’ mowing their lawns,
Echoes of laughter erupting from the swing,
Oh how I missed the feeling of spring!
Kaylee Thrul '25
Springtime has arrived,
The warm weather is revived,
Critters come out of hibernation,
Kids just waiting for their next vacation,
Gardens are beginning to bloom,
Leaving the scent of flowers’ perfume,
Damp, rainy days,
Soon followed by the sun’s rays,
Birds begin to sing their song
To a refreshing breeze we’ve waited for all along,
The birth of new baby fawns,
Sounds of neighbors’ mowing their lawns,
Echoes of laughter erupting from the swing,
Oh how I missed the feeling of spring!
Kaylee Thrul '25
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People tells the story of two people, Marianne and Connell’s, complex relationship throughout their secondary school and university days. Reading the story, I was struck by how real their relationship seemed. There was no unnecessary fluff or plot armor; the book examined the insecurities of Connell and Marianne in an artistic and driving story that captivates readers until the end. While Rooney’s writing style may not be for everyone, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a thought-provoking read.
Anna Cartier '23
Normal People tells the story of two people, Marianne and Connell’s, complex relationship throughout their secondary school and university days. Reading the story, I was struck by how real their relationship seemed. There was no unnecessary fluff or plot armor; the book examined the insecurities of Connell and Marianne in an artistic and driving story that captivates readers until the end. While Rooney’s writing style may not be for everyone, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a thought-provoking read.
Anna Cartier '23
The Beginning of the End
From what I've seen and heard, many juniors started going on college tours over February break, including me. It's a weird feeling to say the least. I'm excited to leave high school, but I also love it at Mount St. Charles. I've made so many friends I want to last a lifetime and I'm not ready to leave them just yet. So, while I was walking around and surveying college campuses during February break, it felt like the beginning of the end to say the least.
I, along with many others in the class of 2023, had a meeting with my guidance counselor this month about college. I planned out nearly the entirety of my college application process down to even whom I intend on asking for letters of recommendation. But I'm still left with so many questions: What do I write my college essay on? Is my resume good to go? How do I know I'm going to the right school?
But something will always trump those struggles- the hope of college life. I'm the youngest in my family and both of my brothers are in college. My favorite thing is hearing about all of their stupid yet fun adventures with their friends. I can't wait to have similar stupid stories myself.
This week I visited three colleges, and the mixture of excitement, fear, and pure adrenaline ran through me. No matter how scary the college process may seem, I know I'll always be in good hands with my counselor and my parents. Here's to the beginning of the end of high school, and happy belated school counselors week!
Brigid Gilberti ‘23
From what I've seen and heard, many juniors started going on college tours over February break, including me. It's a weird feeling to say the least. I'm excited to leave high school, but I also love it at Mount St. Charles. I've made so many friends I want to last a lifetime and I'm not ready to leave them just yet. So, while I was walking around and surveying college campuses during February break, it felt like the beginning of the end to say the least.
I, along with many others in the class of 2023, had a meeting with my guidance counselor this month about college. I planned out nearly the entirety of my college application process down to even whom I intend on asking for letters of recommendation. But I'm still left with so many questions: What do I write my college essay on? Is my resume good to go? How do I know I'm going to the right school?
But something will always trump those struggles- the hope of college life. I'm the youngest in my family and both of my brothers are in college. My favorite thing is hearing about all of their stupid yet fun adventures with their friends. I can't wait to have similar stupid stories myself.
This week I visited three colleges, and the mixture of excitement, fear, and pure adrenaline ran through me. No matter how scary the college process may seem, I know I'll always be in good hands with my counselor and my parents. Here's to the beginning of the end of high school, and happy belated school counselors week!
Brigid Gilberti ‘23
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Teens!
Having trouble knowing what to do for Valentine’s day with your significant other? Valentine’s Day is coming up on Monday (2/14/22) and many people haven’t made plans yet! If this sounds like you and you want to make V-Day the best, here are some date ideas to help with that!
It’s still winter! This means there are still many outdoor ice rinks still up! This is a perfect chance to take your loved ones on a date where you can both have fun. If you don’t know how to skate, don’t sweat! It’s an entertaining way to learn something new together!
Hang out and watch a movie! This is a fun date to relax and spend time with each other. Staying at home can also be romantic too, especially if you are more of an introvert.
Go to the gym together! Working out with your significant other is a great way to stay healthy and have enjoyment. It’s good to help and support each other when doing different workouts too!
Re-create your first date together! If Valentine’s day is not your first date, try re-creating the night you met or went out! This is a super romantic way to show your love for eachother.
Go stargazing! This is a romantic way to spend time with each other. Even though it is very cold out, this activity will just bring you closer as a couple as you watch the stars.
Hopefully, these date ideas helped! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you want to make it special use some of these ideas!
Lexi Vercauteren ‘23
Having trouble knowing what to do for Valentine’s day with your significant other? Valentine’s Day is coming up on Monday (2/14/22) and many people haven’t made plans yet! If this sounds like you and you want to make V-Day the best, here are some date ideas to help with that!
It’s still winter! This means there are still many outdoor ice rinks still up! This is a perfect chance to take your loved ones on a date where you can both have fun. If you don’t know how to skate, don’t sweat! It’s an entertaining way to learn something new together!
Hang out and watch a movie! This is a fun date to relax and spend time with each other. Staying at home can also be romantic too, especially if you are more of an introvert.
Go to the gym together! Working out with your significant other is a great way to stay healthy and have enjoyment. It’s good to help and support each other when doing different workouts too!
Re-create your first date together! If Valentine’s day is not your first date, try re-creating the night you met or went out! This is a super romantic way to show your love for eachother.
Go stargazing! This is a romantic way to spend time with each other. Even though it is very cold out, this activity will just bring you closer as a couple as you watch the stars.
Hopefully, these date ideas helped! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you want to make it special use some of these ideas!
Lexi Vercauteren ‘23
A Review of Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Stardust tells the story of a young man named Tristan Thorn that desires to impress a girl from his village. So much so that he will venture into the Faerie land on the other side of his village’s wall to fetch her a falling star. However, instead of simply finding a falling star, he finds (spoilers!) a girl who is temporarily called “the star”. I had read a couple other of Neil Gaimon’s books, such as Good Omens and The Graveyard Book and had enjoyed them immensely, which made me excited to read Stardust. It seemed to include all of my favorite things in a book: fantasy, witty humor, and a few dark turns. While I did get those, I also discovered that I liked the added romance, which I am not usually a fan of! I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of fantasy and the bizarre.
Anna Cartier '23
Stardust tells the story of a young man named Tristan Thorn that desires to impress a girl from his village. So much so that he will venture into the Faerie land on the other side of his village’s wall to fetch her a falling star. However, instead of simply finding a falling star, he finds (spoilers!) a girl who is temporarily called “the star”. I had read a couple other of Neil Gaimon’s books, such as Good Omens and The Graveyard Book and had enjoyed them immensely, which made me excited to read Stardust. It seemed to include all of my favorite things in a book: fantasy, witty humor, and a few dark turns. While I did get those, I also discovered that I liked the added romance, which I am not usually a fan of! I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of fantasy and the bizarre.
Anna Cartier '23
Holiday Dessert Recipes
As Christmas is approaching, so is the season for holiday treats. One of the reasons why I get so excited for the holidays is because of the foods we get to enjoy this time of the year. I want to share some of the recipes I make during the winter to get in the holiday spirit and to get festive for the Christmas season!
Chocolate Marshmallow Bars - This is a recipe a lot of my friends have made me before and I decided that I really liked it and wanted to try making it for myself. It is a holiday treat that everyone will enjoy if they love chocolate and marshmallows.
Ingredients:
2 cups of chocolate chips
1 package of miniature marshmallows
½ cup butter
Directions:
Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a pot
Let the pot cool before adding in the marshmallows
Spread into a pan
Refrigerate overnight, and cut into squares when cooled
Peppermint Bark - Being someone who loves peppermint desserts, this treat is one of my favorites. It is very easy to make and goes great along with some hot chocolate!
Ingredients:
4 cups of chocolate chips (white chocolate or dark chocolate)
10 candy canes
Directions:
Put candy canes in a bag, and break them up into small pieces
Melt the chocolate in a pot
Take half of the smashed candy canes and mix them into the pot
Spread the chocolate over wax paper on a pan
Sprinkle the rest of the smashed candy canes on top
Cool overnight
Chocolate Pretzels - I love this treat because I learned it from one of my family friends and I get so excited when she makes them every year because they are just so good.
Ingredients:
1 package of small square pretzels
1 package of Hershey kisses
1 package of M&Ms
Directions:
Set oven to 175 degrees
Put the pretzels in a pan, spread out
Put a Hershey kiss in the middle of each pretzel
Put the pretzels in the oven for 2 minutes
Place the M&M on top of the Hershey kiss on each pretzel and push down a bit
Cool for 1 hour
I hope these recipes help bring some holiday cheer!
Lexi Vercauteren '23
As Christmas is approaching, so is the season for holiday treats. One of the reasons why I get so excited for the holidays is because of the foods we get to enjoy this time of the year. I want to share some of the recipes I make during the winter to get in the holiday spirit and to get festive for the Christmas season!
Chocolate Marshmallow Bars - This is a recipe a lot of my friends have made me before and I decided that I really liked it and wanted to try making it for myself. It is a holiday treat that everyone will enjoy if they love chocolate and marshmallows.
Ingredients:
2 cups of chocolate chips
1 package of miniature marshmallows
½ cup butter
Directions:
Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a pot
Let the pot cool before adding in the marshmallows
Spread into a pan
Refrigerate overnight, and cut into squares when cooled
Peppermint Bark - Being someone who loves peppermint desserts, this treat is one of my favorites. It is very easy to make and goes great along with some hot chocolate!
Ingredients:
4 cups of chocolate chips (white chocolate or dark chocolate)
10 candy canes
Directions:
Put candy canes in a bag, and break them up into small pieces
Melt the chocolate in a pot
Take half of the smashed candy canes and mix them into the pot
Spread the chocolate over wax paper on a pan
Sprinkle the rest of the smashed candy canes on top
Cool overnight
Chocolate Pretzels - I love this treat because I learned it from one of my family friends and I get so excited when she makes them every year because they are just so good.
Ingredients:
1 package of small square pretzels
1 package of Hershey kisses
1 package of M&Ms
Directions:
Set oven to 175 degrees
Put the pretzels in a pan, spread out
Put a Hershey kiss in the middle of each pretzel
Put the pretzels in the oven for 2 minutes
Place the M&M on top of the Hershey kiss on each pretzel and push down a bit
Cool for 1 hour
I hope these recipes help bring some holiday cheer!
Lexi Vercauteren '23
Egg & Spoon: A Novel Full of Trains, Twists and TurnsDuring December, I had the pleasure of reading the novel Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire, the best-selling author of Wicked. Having taken this book out of the library, I was unsure how much I would like it based on the description: two girls, one poor and one rich, meet by chance and have their lives changed drastically by a single interaction. While this did not sound like my typical type of read, I gave it a try. I was not at all disappointed, either.
The rich girl, Cat, arrives on a train and meets the peasant girl, Elena; an interaction that leads to a change in life for a moment and mindset for life in both girls. The two girls are the main focus of the novel, but their struggles bring in other characters, such as a young prince and Baba Yaga (Russian folklore figure) and the interactions of the pair bring about a chain of events that I could not have foreseen. I will not share in order to give the same impact should you read the book, but Maguire does an excellent job of subverting your expectations. Normally I highly dislike a plot twist for the sake of taking the reader’s beliefs and throwing them out of the story, but this is a story that does this in an admirable and enjoyable way that makes sense for the goal of the novel. For instance, the amount of fantasy to be found in the book was a great surprise that brought the different story threads together in a fluid way.
This book is found in the Mount library for anyone interested in an amazing novel of friendship and growth, with a hint of magic and fantasy!
Amanda Thrul '23
The rich girl, Cat, arrives on a train and meets the peasant girl, Elena; an interaction that leads to a change in life for a moment and mindset for life in both girls. The two girls are the main focus of the novel, but their struggles bring in other characters, such as a young prince and Baba Yaga (Russian folklore figure) and the interactions of the pair bring about a chain of events that I could not have foreseen. I will not share in order to give the same impact should you read the book, but Maguire does an excellent job of subverting your expectations. Normally I highly dislike a plot twist for the sake of taking the reader’s beliefs and throwing them out of the story, but this is a story that does this in an admirable and enjoyable way that makes sense for the goal of the novel. For instance, the amount of fantasy to be found in the book was a great surprise that brought the different story threads together in a fluid way.
This book is found in the Mount library for anyone interested in an amazing novel of friendship and growth, with a hint of magic and fantasy!
Amanda Thrul '23
There’s No Break Like Christmas Break!
It's finally here! Christmas break is just beginning (except for three virtual days), and we finally get some relaxation time. I think if you have a mindset of quality over quantity, Christmas break is even better than the summer. But that’s just my opinion. Obviously I love the summer (three months of the beach, hanging out with friends, especially without freezing to death), but it's just the fact that it is in the middle of the school year and it gives us a break from work, allowing our minds to rest. In this season, there's always some things you can expect. First, you’ve got those last minute shoppers, the people who start their shopping for others on the 23rd at six o’clock at night. Then there’s the people who finished their shopping last August. Another thing you can expect is that fear of opening a gift and it being the exact same thing you already have, and needing to deal with the awkwardness of that situation. I can’t express enough my hate for that. And what do you even do in that kind of a situation? Are you the type of person to just accept it and act like you don’t already have it, and figure out what to do with it when they’re gone (me), or would you tell them straight out you already have it (if you do this you kinda scare me).
I suggest if you plan on going sledding this break, go to places that are not popular attractions. I love sledding and tubing, but I don’t like going to Yawgoo Valley just to get an hour of sledding, only to go three times. The lines are horrendous and God forbid someone falls out of their tube, the whole line back up the hill needs to stop everything and wait for the person to get back in. Just drive around your area and look for good hills you think would work well and try them out! That’s less money, and less waiting around. Also here’s another opinion of mine, sledding is more fun than tubing. I feel like sleds have a more dangerous aspect to them than tubes, maybe that’s because tubes are soft, but the danger aspect makes everything more fun.
Something people are going to start having to think about are New Year's resolutions. I normally make a really lazy one and then forget about it, but it really is a good thing for you to try out. People can truly be motivated just by the thought of “needing” a resolution, which could lead to them actively pursuing the completion of the resolution. I know there’s that group of people who always say “oh yeah i’ll start going to the gym more” or “Yeah I’ll do my homework on time” or something like that, and then they completely fail it after 1½ days, but the small percent who actually stay invested in their commitment could see some very positive results.
Well, no matter how you celebrate, how you respond to duplicate gifts, where you go sledding, or what you make your resolution, the holidays are different for everyone, and all in all you should just do what really makes you happy. Give gifts, get gifts, eat food, talk to family and friends, sled, have a snowball fight, put off finishing PBAs, and just relax. Oh and make sure to watch out for black ice.
Nick Rave '23
It's finally here! Christmas break is just beginning (except for three virtual days), and we finally get some relaxation time. I think if you have a mindset of quality over quantity, Christmas break is even better than the summer. But that’s just my opinion. Obviously I love the summer (three months of the beach, hanging out with friends, especially without freezing to death), but it's just the fact that it is in the middle of the school year and it gives us a break from work, allowing our minds to rest. In this season, there's always some things you can expect. First, you’ve got those last minute shoppers, the people who start their shopping for others on the 23rd at six o’clock at night. Then there’s the people who finished their shopping last August. Another thing you can expect is that fear of opening a gift and it being the exact same thing you already have, and needing to deal with the awkwardness of that situation. I can’t express enough my hate for that. And what do you even do in that kind of a situation? Are you the type of person to just accept it and act like you don’t already have it, and figure out what to do with it when they’re gone (me), or would you tell them straight out you already have it (if you do this you kinda scare me).
I suggest if you plan on going sledding this break, go to places that are not popular attractions. I love sledding and tubing, but I don’t like going to Yawgoo Valley just to get an hour of sledding, only to go three times. The lines are horrendous and God forbid someone falls out of their tube, the whole line back up the hill needs to stop everything and wait for the person to get back in. Just drive around your area and look for good hills you think would work well and try them out! That’s less money, and less waiting around. Also here’s another opinion of mine, sledding is more fun than tubing. I feel like sleds have a more dangerous aspect to them than tubes, maybe that’s because tubes are soft, but the danger aspect makes everything more fun.
Something people are going to start having to think about are New Year's resolutions. I normally make a really lazy one and then forget about it, but it really is a good thing for you to try out. People can truly be motivated just by the thought of “needing” a resolution, which could lead to them actively pursuing the completion of the resolution. I know there’s that group of people who always say “oh yeah i’ll start going to the gym more” or “Yeah I’ll do my homework on time” or something like that, and then they completely fail it after 1½ days, but the small percent who actually stay invested in their commitment could see some very positive results.
Well, no matter how you celebrate, how you respond to duplicate gifts, where you go sledding, or what you make your resolution, the holidays are different for everyone, and all in all you should just do what really makes you happy. Give gifts, get gifts, eat food, talk to family and friends, sled, have a snowball fight, put off finishing PBAs, and just relax. Oh and make sure to watch out for black ice.
Nick Rave '23
Nintendo Glory
When I was a young girl, all I ever wanted for Christmas was a Nintendo Wii. I know so many other kids were just like me. So on that fateful Christmas morning in 2008 when my dreams came true, my life was changed for good.
It's crazy to think one single thing you get at such a young age can put you on track for the rest of your life. That little gaming console my brothers and I got when I was three made me love video games for the rest of my life. It made me become someone who would always prefer Nintendo to Xbox or PlayStation. It made me become a person who would anticipate the drop of a new console every few years.
The other memory I keep with me from Christmas day was that of 2013. At this point, my brothers had moved on to the Xbox 360, but I was still heart set on Nintendo. So when Santa showed up with the Wii U I was ecstatic. My eight-year-old self would spend the next months with my neighbors on Nintendoland and New Super Mario Bros U.
Those memories of snow days and my Wii U are some of my fondest. I would sleep in until 10:00 a.m. I would then spend the next hours out in the snow with my neighbors, who were my absolute best friends at the time. After we got too cold, we'd come inside and my mother would make us hot chocolate. We'd drink it and play Wii together. It's a memory I'd never be able to recreate, but one I don't think I'd want to. It's perfect just like that.
Nostalgia is a funny thing. It takes the good and makes it great. Because as I look back on the consoles of the Wii and Wii U they're old. They had a stupid amount of problems, but in my head they're perfect. They are everything I could ever ask for. They are the most advanced consoles one could ever find.
As I compare my old Wii U to my Switch I almost laugh. Nintendo has improved upon their system in almost every way possible, but I will still forever look onto the Wii U as the better of the two. I know that it's obviously not, but nostalgia makes it so. Nostalgia makes the good great, but I couldn't ask for anything else.
Brigid Gilberti '23
When I was a young girl, all I ever wanted for Christmas was a Nintendo Wii. I know so many other kids were just like me. So on that fateful Christmas morning in 2008 when my dreams came true, my life was changed for good.
It's crazy to think one single thing you get at such a young age can put you on track for the rest of your life. That little gaming console my brothers and I got when I was three made me love video games for the rest of my life. It made me become someone who would always prefer Nintendo to Xbox or PlayStation. It made me become a person who would anticipate the drop of a new console every few years.
The other memory I keep with me from Christmas day was that of 2013. At this point, my brothers had moved on to the Xbox 360, but I was still heart set on Nintendo. So when Santa showed up with the Wii U I was ecstatic. My eight-year-old self would spend the next months with my neighbors on Nintendoland and New Super Mario Bros U.
Those memories of snow days and my Wii U are some of my fondest. I would sleep in until 10:00 a.m. I would then spend the next hours out in the snow with my neighbors, who were my absolute best friends at the time. After we got too cold, we'd come inside and my mother would make us hot chocolate. We'd drink it and play Wii together. It's a memory I'd never be able to recreate, but one I don't think I'd want to. It's perfect just like that.
Nostalgia is a funny thing. It takes the good and makes it great. Because as I look back on the consoles of the Wii and Wii U they're old. They had a stupid amount of problems, but in my head they're perfect. They are everything I could ever ask for. They are the most advanced consoles one could ever find.
As I compare my old Wii U to my Switch I almost laugh. Nintendo has improved upon their system in almost every way possible, but I will still forever look onto the Wii U as the better of the two. I know that it's obviously not, but nostalgia makes it so. Nostalgia makes the good great, but I couldn't ask for anything else.
Brigid Gilberti '23
Why Should You Watch: Colin in Black & White
In late October of this year, Colin Kaepernick released his television show Colin in Black & White. This six-episode series, which is available on Netflix, is hosted by Kaepernick himself. The show presents viewers with an in-depth look at his childhood and how it influenced the later stages of his life, but first of all, who is Colin Kaepernick?
Currently thirty-four years old and living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kaepernick was the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. He became an important figure to civil rights in 2006 when he took a knee while the national anthem was performed at a preseason game. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag that suppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick explained during an interview with the NFL Media. This movement sparked controversy among Americans. According to the Washington Post, fifty-six percent of people agreed with his protest while forty-two percent believed that it was inappropriate and unpatriotic. In order to help Americans better understand why he did this, Kaepernick describes his past experiences with racism through his show.
Colin in Black & White takes place during the highschool years of his life. Kaepernick was adopted as an infant into a white family, who lived in the mostly white town of Turlock, California. Colin had a strong and loving relationship with his parents, and even though they were very supportive, they were somewhat naive of the internal struggles that he went through. All while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, Colin played basketball, baseball, and football, but despite his talent as a pitcher for baseball and the numerous scholarships that were offered, he was focused on becoming a football quarterback. He spent multiple years waiting to receive a football scholarship to any college that would accept him. Aside from sports, Kaepernick wanted to embrace his culture, but unfortunately, racism became a challenge to overcome.
At the beginning of the show, Kaepernick makes the bold comparison between drafting players to the NFL and the slave market. Many viewers disagree with this idea because people choose to play football and earn millions of dollars doing so, but the purpose of this comparison is to show how society has judged the value of African-American men by their strength. This introduction is followed by the story of Kaepernick’s life. In the first episode, his highschool-aged self decides to braid his hair into cornrows, but his baseball coach tells him to cut them off or else he cannot play on the team. As Colin tries to explain to his parents how unfair this is, his mother says it is because he looks like a “thug,” a term that Kaepernick defines as someone who is violent and criminal. Multiple times throughout other episodes, while he is travelling with his parents, people treat his parents kindly but seem to disregard Colin. One of the last instances that Kaepernick highlights is a worker at the pool of a hotel referring to Colin as “one of the good ones.” When Colin asks the worker what he means by that, he responds by saying “maybe you’re not one of the good ones.”
Overall, these experiences in the early stages of Kaepernick’s life had a significant impact on his perspective of what America represents, especially as a young African-American. He was a firsthand witness to white supremacy and how society treated people of color so differently. As racism started to become more visible in the early 2000s, Kaepernick decided that he had to act against it. He both figuratively and literally refused to stand for a country in which people of color were not equal. Whether or not you personally agree with what Colin Kaepernick did, his show allows the viewers to gain a new perspective of what he and many other African-Americans have faced and continue to face today.
Michael Marino '25
In late October of this year, Colin Kaepernick released his television show Colin in Black & White. This six-episode series, which is available on Netflix, is hosted by Kaepernick himself. The show presents viewers with an in-depth look at his childhood and how it influenced the later stages of his life, but first of all, who is Colin Kaepernick?
Currently thirty-four years old and living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kaepernick was the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. He became an important figure to civil rights in 2006 when he took a knee while the national anthem was performed at a preseason game. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag that suppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick explained during an interview with the NFL Media. This movement sparked controversy among Americans. According to the Washington Post, fifty-six percent of people agreed with his protest while forty-two percent believed that it was inappropriate and unpatriotic. In order to help Americans better understand why he did this, Kaepernick describes his past experiences with racism through his show.
Colin in Black & White takes place during the highschool years of his life. Kaepernick was adopted as an infant into a white family, who lived in the mostly white town of Turlock, California. Colin had a strong and loving relationship with his parents, and even though they were very supportive, they were somewhat naive of the internal struggles that he went through. All while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, Colin played basketball, baseball, and football, but despite his talent as a pitcher for baseball and the numerous scholarships that were offered, he was focused on becoming a football quarterback. He spent multiple years waiting to receive a football scholarship to any college that would accept him. Aside from sports, Kaepernick wanted to embrace his culture, but unfortunately, racism became a challenge to overcome.
At the beginning of the show, Kaepernick makes the bold comparison between drafting players to the NFL and the slave market. Many viewers disagree with this idea because people choose to play football and earn millions of dollars doing so, but the purpose of this comparison is to show how society has judged the value of African-American men by their strength. This introduction is followed by the story of Kaepernick’s life. In the first episode, his highschool-aged self decides to braid his hair into cornrows, but his baseball coach tells him to cut them off or else he cannot play on the team. As Colin tries to explain to his parents how unfair this is, his mother says it is because he looks like a “thug,” a term that Kaepernick defines as someone who is violent and criminal. Multiple times throughout other episodes, while he is travelling with his parents, people treat his parents kindly but seem to disregard Colin. One of the last instances that Kaepernick highlights is a worker at the pool of a hotel referring to Colin as “one of the good ones.” When Colin asks the worker what he means by that, he responds by saying “maybe you’re not one of the good ones.”
Overall, these experiences in the early stages of Kaepernick’s life had a significant impact on his perspective of what America represents, especially as a young African-American. He was a firsthand witness to white supremacy and how society treated people of color so differently. As racism started to become more visible in the early 2000s, Kaepernick decided that he had to act against it. He both figuratively and literally refused to stand for a country in which people of color were not equal. Whether or not you personally agree with what Colin Kaepernick did, his show allows the viewers to gain a new perspective of what he and many other African-Americans have faced and continue to face today.
Michael Marino '25
November Editor's Editorial
As Thanksgiving approaches, us editors couldn’t help but get into the holiday spirit. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that generally gets overlooked due to the approaching “mega-holiday”. Especially when we are kids, there is no bunny bringing candy, little irishmen bearing gold, or a man dressed in red to bring presents. Personally, we both find Thanksgiving to be one of our favorite celebrations, both for the food and the people.
Amanda Thrul '23
Firstly, the food. How can you go wrong with turkey? It always feels extra special as most families only have it once a year. Throw on gravy and you cannot lose. Also, another favorite in my house is Bell’s Stuffing. It is one of those sides that is popular particularly in New England. So popular, in fact, that when I was helping my mom with the holiday shopping about 2 weeks ago we grabbed the last bag of this particular stuffing. Though, I cannot complain all that much seeing as it well and truly is the best stuffing brand. Another outstanding traditional Thanksgiving dish is green bean casserole.
We often see jokes about how seeing family and friends during the holidays is more of a chore than a gift. Many of us take advantage of those closest to us and do not recognize how much they do for us. Even during the seasons of thanks and giving, we often forget just how important that family and those we consider family are in favor of complaining about them to our Twitter or TikTok followers to get a few likes. This year, try to remember how those you care about have supported you and helped you in the past year, rather than all the little ways they annoy you. Enjoy your time with them and maybe even make a new memory you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
Madigan Wirkus '23:
I am personally a HUGE stickler for traditions. I look forward to the routine that I have developed over my childhood with my family members. Though they have been altered over the past few years due to some personal family changes, and of course the pandemic, I could not have been more excited to have a relatively normal Thanksgiving.
My family hosts this holiday at our house, with our guest list varying from 12 to 17 depending on the year. I like to wake up a bit early to help get set up, but in all honesty I tend to indulge in my sleep in time over break. I try to watch as much of the Macy’s Parade as possible, especially my favorite parts: The Rockettes and all the Broadway show features. Though I tend to conceal it, I am a theater kid. It’s such a joy seeing live theater again, and even watching some people I’ve worked with in the past perform. But who am I kidding? We all know exactly what the best part of Thanksgiving is: the footb- DOG SHOW! I personally love the dog show as an owner myself. Though unimpressed by some of the title holders in all honesty, I love seeing the different breeds trott around.
My dad always cooks the turkey. He spends the night before brining it, and then promptly gets to work on an 8-hour cook process the next morning. By the time dinner rolls around, everyone anxiously awaits to have a bite of the bird, most notably my dog, Max. I am so lucky to be able to share so much good food with so many members of my family. I truly could not be more grateful to be surrounded by such loving people. Remember this holiday season to take time and appreciate where you are and the people who are there with you!
As Thanksgiving approaches, us editors couldn’t help but get into the holiday spirit. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that generally gets overlooked due to the approaching “mega-holiday”. Especially when we are kids, there is no bunny bringing candy, little irishmen bearing gold, or a man dressed in red to bring presents. Personally, we both find Thanksgiving to be one of our favorite celebrations, both for the food and the people.
Amanda Thrul '23
Firstly, the food. How can you go wrong with turkey? It always feels extra special as most families only have it once a year. Throw on gravy and you cannot lose. Also, another favorite in my house is Bell’s Stuffing. It is one of those sides that is popular particularly in New England. So popular, in fact, that when I was helping my mom with the holiday shopping about 2 weeks ago we grabbed the last bag of this particular stuffing. Though, I cannot complain all that much seeing as it well and truly is the best stuffing brand. Another outstanding traditional Thanksgiving dish is green bean casserole.
We often see jokes about how seeing family and friends during the holidays is more of a chore than a gift. Many of us take advantage of those closest to us and do not recognize how much they do for us. Even during the seasons of thanks and giving, we often forget just how important that family and those we consider family are in favor of complaining about them to our Twitter or TikTok followers to get a few likes. This year, try to remember how those you care about have supported you and helped you in the past year, rather than all the little ways they annoy you. Enjoy your time with them and maybe even make a new memory you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
Madigan Wirkus '23:
I am personally a HUGE stickler for traditions. I look forward to the routine that I have developed over my childhood with my family members. Though they have been altered over the past few years due to some personal family changes, and of course the pandemic, I could not have been more excited to have a relatively normal Thanksgiving.
My family hosts this holiday at our house, with our guest list varying from 12 to 17 depending on the year. I like to wake up a bit early to help get set up, but in all honesty I tend to indulge in my sleep in time over break. I try to watch as much of the Macy’s Parade as possible, especially my favorite parts: The Rockettes and all the Broadway show features. Though I tend to conceal it, I am a theater kid. It’s such a joy seeing live theater again, and even watching some people I’ve worked with in the past perform. But who am I kidding? We all know exactly what the best part of Thanksgiving is: the footb- DOG SHOW! I personally love the dog show as an owner myself. Though unimpressed by some of the title holders in all honesty, I love seeing the different breeds trott around.
My dad always cooks the turkey. He spends the night before brining it, and then promptly gets to work on an 8-hour cook process the next morning. By the time dinner rolls around, everyone anxiously awaits to have a bite of the bird, most notably my dog, Max. I am so lucky to be able to share so much good food with so many members of my family. I truly could not be more grateful to be surrounded by such loving people. Remember this holiday season to take time and appreciate where you are and the people who are there with you!
The Soundtrack of My Life
In all forms, I am a music lover. My life revolves around music. Of course yes, in a literal sense, where I have been a dancer for nearly a decade, and am fortunate enough to be able to sing all over the world. However, in a figurative sense, I have carefully crafted myself a soundtrack for my life. Whether that at its roots it is just an emotional attachment to certain songs due to the climate of my life in which I listen to them, or whether it is how I romanticize a seemingly normal teenage life, this soundtrack is the most tangible representation of who I am or was at a given moment.
Je te laisserai des mots by Patrick Watson: This song means the world to me. It gives the perfect melancholic feeling in the moments that I feel just that, and has been the most bitterly beautiful audio representation of my life in the past year. The main focus of this song is the fluttering and building notes on a piano to then only come down to a mere resonance. I listened to this song after heartbreak, when reminiscing, or even just winding down after a long day. One specific moment was over the summer. For reference, this summer was the greatest one of my life to say the least. I spent a month abroad performing in Austria and Italy with 13 of my best friends. On the night of my return home, after 28 days of utter happiness and an 11 hour flight from Rome to Atlanta, I gave a bittersweet look out the rainy Delta Airlines window on the runway to head back to Boston. This song was playing after the greatest adventure of my adolescent life thus far as it was coming to a close, ending it oh so melancholically.
Where The Skies Are Blue by The Lumineers: Circling back to this European excursion, one of my favorite places I performed was an island off the Amalfi Coast in Italy called Ischia. I had spent the day prior to my arrival on a 7 hour bus trip from Todi, Italy, then walking around (a very sketchy) Naples, and then a ferry ride in the Mediterranean. Yes, this all sounds much more appealing as I now write it all down, but at the moment the day was treacherously long. The bus after the ferry took us up to our hotel along winding roads. But just as I looked out the window, I saw the most stunning view of the sun setting into the Mediterranean Sea and ancient white buildings lining the hills down to the water. It was a scene from a movie, and the song set to this scene was utterly perfect.
Hello! By Role Model: Let me set the scene: January 17th, 2020. Right before COVID shut us all down. I’m on a Greyhound bus with about 20 other theater kids anxiously waiting to get to a hotel before a day full of singing and dance classes in New York City. I, however, was too busy fully embracing my main character moment. I sat quietly looking at the city skyline with my headphones in. I was listening to this song. In all honesty, that’s really all I remember, and however looking back, I really milked the whole “mysterious city girl” part a little too hard. Relax Serena Van Der Woodsen.
Campus by Vampire Weekend: This is my ultimate fall song. It reminds me of the excitement in the first days of school seeing everyone and how they may have changed over the summer, or walking up the stairs from the rink in the morning crunching leaves along the way. In my head I really do think of myself as being a sweater wearing, tea drinking, hair in a claw clip carefully messed up, type ingenue in an autumn montage. In reality however, I have bags under my eyes from catching up on Dancing with the Stars episodes after finishing my homework, a quizlet queued up on my phone, colonial boy low-ponytailed hair, and coffee stained books in an unorganized North Face. All in all though, I listen to this song to just indulge in those fall vibes, no matter how synthesized they truly are.
Though these are just a few of my favorite songs, I have specific playlists upon specific playlists of other ones lined up for when the perfect occasion presents itself. I highly recommend that you all also make note of the soundtracks of your life. These songs now have a special place in my heart, and I’m glad I could share them with you! Let’s hope they're on my Spotify Rewind as well!
Madigan Wirkus '23
The Characteristics of Fall
The hushed whispers of charming, cold breezes,
Greetings from uncles, brothers, aunts, and sons,
A short seasonal sniffle and sneezes
passing between the visiting loved ones,
Colored foliage coating neighbors’ yards,
but some leaves still hang on their dying trees,
Countertops filled with food and friendly cards,
Stores stocking up on dozens of turkeys,
While some are satisfied with pumpkin spice
some are enjoying the apple ciders,
Scarecrows and cornstalks placed very precise,
Wardrobes including scarves, boots, and sweaters,
As colorful leaves fall slow to the ground,
show thanks to the people that stick around
Kaylee Thrul '25
The hushed whispers of charming, cold breezes,
Greetings from uncles, brothers, aunts, and sons,
A short seasonal sniffle and sneezes
passing between the visiting loved ones,
Colored foliage coating neighbors’ yards,
but some leaves still hang on their dying trees,
Countertops filled with food and friendly cards,
Stores stocking up on dozens of turkeys,
While some are satisfied with pumpkin spice
some are enjoying the apple ciders,
Scarecrows and cornstalks placed very precise,
Wardrobes including scarves, boots, and sweaters,
As colorful leaves fall slow to the ground,
show thanks to the people that stick around
Kaylee Thrul '25
A Review of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
A Gentleman in Moscow takes place during the Soviet Revolution in Russia in the 20th century. It details the life of a former aristocrat, Count Alexander Rostov’s, life in exile at the hotel Metropol. The book mentions several other characters, but is almost entirely focused on the Count and his inner thoughts. Throughout the book, the emotional intelligence of the Count is heightened, and he becomes a more dynamic character by the end. As for my review, I would like to start out by saying that this is one of my favorite books. The pages are tarnished and folded from the amount of times I have read and reread its pages. Amor Towles manages to counter a seemingly bleak situation with witty remarks and bright characters and situations, creating the opposite of a microcosm of Soviet Russia: the Metropol becomes almost a sanctuary from the harsh environment of the outside world. Towles masterfully reveals the dangers of Rostov staying in the hotel, slowly building tension into the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone. Its seemingly slow beginning makes way for captivating characters and monologue. Amor Towles has perfected literary fiction, skillfully combining the ordinary with the extraordinary.
Anna Cartier '23
A Gentleman in Moscow takes place during the Soviet Revolution in Russia in the 20th century. It details the life of a former aristocrat, Count Alexander Rostov’s, life in exile at the hotel Metropol. The book mentions several other characters, but is almost entirely focused on the Count and his inner thoughts. Throughout the book, the emotional intelligence of the Count is heightened, and he becomes a more dynamic character by the end. As for my review, I would like to start out by saying that this is one of my favorite books. The pages are tarnished and folded from the amount of times I have read and reread its pages. Amor Towles manages to counter a seemingly bleak situation with witty remarks and bright characters and situations, creating the opposite of a microcosm of Soviet Russia: the Metropol becomes almost a sanctuary from the harsh environment of the outside world. Towles masterfully reveals the dangers of Rostov staying in the hotel, slowly building tension into the story. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone. Its seemingly slow beginning makes way for captivating characters and monologue. Amor Towles has perfected literary fiction, skillfully combining the ordinary with the extraordinary.
Anna Cartier '23
November Read: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan
As both an avid reader and a dog-lover, I am always looking for an amazing story about man’s best friend. Recently, I was riding home with a friend and her dad from a tennis match and we began to talk about reading. He was telling me about this book he was reading called “Following Atticus” by Tom Ryan. Personally, I don’t read non-fiction books very often as I find that I get bored more often with them. Nonetheless, I listened to him describe the story and I had already fallen in love with it before I’d even seen the cover.
“Following Atticus” is a story about personal growth and the strength to get back up, even if it seems impossible and no one else thinks you’ll be able to do it. Tom Ryan was a journalist in a small town in Massachusetts. He loves his life but he also knows that he could’ve done more. THen, one day, a friend has to move and they are asking someone to take in their elderly dog. Tom knows that he is barely able to take care of himself most of the time, but the dog needed a home and he wanted a companion, so he takes in the dog. In the end, this is one of the best decisions of his life, taking in Max. Unfortunately, Max ends up passing away and, through his grief, Tom decides to get another dog. THis is when he finds Atticus (yes, he is named after Atticus Finch from “To Kill A Mockingbird”). Immediately after getting him, Tom knows Atticus is a very unique dog, and his new best friend. They end up going on multiple adventures to climb all the 4000-footers in New Hampshire, even in the winter!
The book goes through their struggles and journeys, their goals and service for others, while showing how Atticus was able to help Tom grow and become someone he is proud of. As a true story, it is both heartwarming and endearing. Plus, it is perfect for dog-lovers of all kinds. Most of the adventures take place in the wintertime as well, so it’s the perfect novel for a seasonal read with a nice mug of hot chocolate!
Amanda Thrul '23
As both an avid reader and a dog-lover, I am always looking for an amazing story about man’s best friend. Recently, I was riding home with a friend and her dad from a tennis match and we began to talk about reading. He was telling me about this book he was reading called “Following Atticus” by Tom Ryan. Personally, I don’t read non-fiction books very often as I find that I get bored more often with them. Nonetheless, I listened to him describe the story and I had already fallen in love with it before I’d even seen the cover.
“Following Atticus” is a story about personal growth and the strength to get back up, even if it seems impossible and no one else thinks you’ll be able to do it. Tom Ryan was a journalist in a small town in Massachusetts. He loves his life but he also knows that he could’ve done more. THen, one day, a friend has to move and they are asking someone to take in their elderly dog. Tom knows that he is barely able to take care of himself most of the time, but the dog needed a home and he wanted a companion, so he takes in the dog. In the end, this is one of the best decisions of his life, taking in Max. Unfortunately, Max ends up passing away and, through his grief, Tom decides to get another dog. THis is when he finds Atticus (yes, he is named after Atticus Finch from “To Kill A Mockingbird”). Immediately after getting him, Tom knows Atticus is a very unique dog, and his new best friend. They end up going on multiple adventures to climb all the 4000-footers in New Hampshire, even in the winter!
The book goes through their struggles and journeys, their goals and service for others, while showing how Atticus was able to help Tom grow and become someone he is proud of. As a true story, it is both heartwarming and endearing. Plus, it is perfect for dog-lovers of all kinds. Most of the adventures take place in the wintertime as well, so it’s the perfect novel for a seasonal read with a nice mug of hot chocolate!
Amanda Thrul '23
Out of the Box Fall Fun!
We all know the classic fall activities- apple picking, hayrides, a drive through colorful foliage- but upon further inspection, there are some great out of the box options to add to your autumn agenda!
Waterfire
Take a night time walk through WaterPlace Park in Providence and experience the view of the beautifully lit basin in the Providence River. There are even different art and music installations that take place at Waterfire. Calm and peaceful music plays in the background as you walk around the river over the different bridges, and through the arch ways. There are many amazing restaurants right around WaterPlace Park where you and your family or friends can grab dinner and even enjoy the view of Waterfire right from the restaurant. Each Water Fire is dedicated to a certain cause. Each Columbus Day Weekend, the Water Fire is dedicated to Breast Cancer Survivors. They shine pink lights all over the Water Fire to help honor those who have dealt with something so difficult. It is a very inspiring thing to see and it is definitely something that I recommend seeing. They also shine red, white, and blue lights for Veteran’s Day Weekend as well to help honor our veterans. Linked below is a website that will give you more information, when the next Water Fire, what they will be honoring, and some quick FAQs that you may have.
https://waterfire.org/
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
This fall only, a brand new exhibit will be taking place in Boston. The Van-Gogh: The Immersive Experience, will be taking over the city. An “experience larger than life” that anyone can visit will have his work on display for everyone to see. It is a 20,000 square foot light and sound exhibit that will project the artist’s most famous work all for us to see. You can walk around and listen to the music and sounds that Van Gogh himself thought went best with his work. Attendees are able to experience these paintings in a different artistic form. The light from the projectors will be everyone in the dimly lit room so we are able to have the full experience. There are many different rooms that you can walk through to see many different paintings. After you are finished here, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Boston during the fall or grab a quick bite to eat in the North End restaurants in the city. Linked below is a website that has ticket information, pricing, the address, and any quick FAQs that you may have.
https://vangoghexpo.com/boston/
Zip-Lining Outside of Boston
This one can be a little scary, but turns out to be an amazing experience once you get to the top. There is an outdoor zip-lining course right outside the city of Boston. This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors. There are multiple different courses at the zip-lining place for all different levels of experience. You can enjoy the beautiful view and fall colored foliage while zip-lining through the trees. There are also different levels of obstacle courses on the ground and while you are in the air. Each of these courses has a different level for different experiences. These courses are built for 7 and up and they ensure that everyone who goes up in the air is safe. There are many precautions that they take before you go up into the air for either the zip-lining or the obstacle courses. Linked below is a website where you can book tickets, read more about the experience, and some quick FAQs that you may have that have already been answered.
https://treetopcanton.com/
Bella Jordan '22
We all know the classic fall activities- apple picking, hayrides, a drive through colorful foliage- but upon further inspection, there are some great out of the box options to add to your autumn agenda!
Waterfire
Take a night time walk through WaterPlace Park in Providence and experience the view of the beautifully lit basin in the Providence River. There are even different art and music installations that take place at Waterfire. Calm and peaceful music plays in the background as you walk around the river over the different bridges, and through the arch ways. There are many amazing restaurants right around WaterPlace Park where you and your family or friends can grab dinner and even enjoy the view of Waterfire right from the restaurant. Each Water Fire is dedicated to a certain cause. Each Columbus Day Weekend, the Water Fire is dedicated to Breast Cancer Survivors. They shine pink lights all over the Water Fire to help honor those who have dealt with something so difficult. It is a very inspiring thing to see and it is definitely something that I recommend seeing. They also shine red, white, and blue lights for Veteran’s Day Weekend as well to help honor our veterans. Linked below is a website that will give you more information, when the next Water Fire, what they will be honoring, and some quick FAQs that you may have.
https://waterfire.org/
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
This fall only, a brand new exhibit will be taking place in Boston. The Van-Gogh: The Immersive Experience, will be taking over the city. An “experience larger than life” that anyone can visit will have his work on display for everyone to see. It is a 20,000 square foot light and sound exhibit that will project the artist’s most famous work all for us to see. You can walk around and listen to the music and sounds that Van Gogh himself thought went best with his work. Attendees are able to experience these paintings in a different artistic form. The light from the projectors will be everyone in the dimly lit room so we are able to have the full experience. There are many different rooms that you can walk through to see many different paintings. After you are finished here, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Boston during the fall or grab a quick bite to eat in the North End restaurants in the city. Linked below is a website that has ticket information, pricing, the address, and any quick FAQs that you may have.
https://vangoghexpo.com/boston/
Zip-Lining Outside of Boston
This one can be a little scary, but turns out to be an amazing experience once you get to the top. There is an outdoor zip-lining course right outside the city of Boston. This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors. There are multiple different courses at the zip-lining place for all different levels of experience. You can enjoy the beautiful view and fall colored foliage while zip-lining through the trees. There are also different levels of obstacle courses on the ground and while you are in the air. Each of these courses has a different level for different experiences. These courses are built for 7 and up and they ensure that everyone who goes up in the air is safe. There are many precautions that they take before you go up into the air for either the zip-lining or the obstacle courses. Linked below is a website where you can book tickets, read more about the experience, and some quick FAQs that you may have that have already been answered.
https://treetopcanton.com/
Bella Jordan '22
It's the Most Iconic Time of the Year!
With Thanksgiving over, it is finally time for Christmas music, presents, tables full of food, family, friends, and snowy football games. Now the people who start listening to Christmas music months in advance are finally free to listen, unjudged. I'll start this article off with stating one thing, completely my opinion, however it is the correct opinion: “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. No further explanation is needed, just go listen to this song and it will explain itself. This song is a Christmas masterpiece. Another amazing holiday song is Baby ``It's Cold Outside”, by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé. You already know that when Michael Buble comes out of his reverse hibernation to come sing his Christmas songs, something spectacular is going to result. What kind of list would this be, without mentioning the absolute classic, “Feliz Navidad'' by Jose Feliciano.
Apart from music, movies are another great part of the Christmas culture that sweeps people off their feet. Let me just say this, and I will accept no argument, that The Nightmare before Christmas is a Halloween movie. That is, at its simplest form, a fact. This is my article, you are simply reading it. With that out of the way, comedy Christmas movies are the absolute best. In that category alone you have the live action version of The Grinch, Elf starring the hysterical Will Ferrel, and all of the Home Alone Movies. Now you might be thinking: Aren't all Christmas movies comedy? No. See, in that category you have movies such as The Polar Express. Don’t get me wrong, The Polar Express is a great movie, it's just that the comedic ones tend to be far better (once again, big opinion). No matter how you choose to celebrate the season, including Halloween movies you think are Christmas movies, Hispanic Christmas songs you don’t know the words to, or Will Ferrell, a grown man eating syrup and spaghetti, one thing is for sure: if you are with family and friends, you’re doing it right.
Nick Rave '23
With Thanksgiving over, it is finally time for Christmas music, presents, tables full of food, family, friends, and snowy football games. Now the people who start listening to Christmas music months in advance are finally free to listen, unjudged. I'll start this article off with stating one thing, completely my opinion, however it is the correct opinion: “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. No further explanation is needed, just go listen to this song and it will explain itself. This song is a Christmas masterpiece. Another amazing holiday song is Baby ``It's Cold Outside”, by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé. You already know that when Michael Buble comes out of his reverse hibernation to come sing his Christmas songs, something spectacular is going to result. What kind of list would this be, without mentioning the absolute classic, “Feliz Navidad'' by Jose Feliciano.
Apart from music, movies are another great part of the Christmas culture that sweeps people off their feet. Let me just say this, and I will accept no argument, that The Nightmare before Christmas is a Halloween movie. That is, at its simplest form, a fact. This is my article, you are simply reading it. With that out of the way, comedy Christmas movies are the absolute best. In that category alone you have the live action version of The Grinch, Elf starring the hysterical Will Ferrel, and all of the Home Alone Movies. Now you might be thinking: Aren't all Christmas movies comedy? No. See, in that category you have movies such as The Polar Express. Don’t get me wrong, The Polar Express is a great movie, it's just that the comedic ones tend to be far better (once again, big opinion). No matter how you choose to celebrate the season, including Halloween movies you think are Christmas movies, Hispanic Christmas songs you don’t know the words to, or Will Ferrell, a grown man eating syrup and spaghetti, one thing is for sure: if you are with family and friends, you’re doing it right.
Nick Rave '23
Red (Taylor’s Version): An Insightful Review
Whether you just went through a heart-wrenching breakup or are thriving completely single, Red (Taylor’s Version) has something for everyone. With nine songs from her vault, re-recordings of old classics, and All Too Well (the much needed ten-minute version), Red (Taylor's Version) is one of the best albums for this time of year.
As a little girl, Red was my second favorite Taylor Swift album (second only to 1989). I had never been in a relationship, but young Brigid would scream the words to All Too Well as if I was manipulated by Jake Gyllenhaal myself. When I was young, I didn't really understand who or what Taylor's songs were about. Knowing now? I have personal vendettas against Jake Gyllenhaal and John Mayer.
Of the nine new songs on the album, it's hard to pick a favorite one. I recently have been loving 'I Bet You Think About Me' and 'Nothing New'. As a big Phoebe Bridgers fan, 'Nothing New' was a rollercoaster for me. One of my favorite things at the moment is the various memes of Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers. They may be meant to be jokes, but are absolutely true. It is pretty widely agreed upon by Gen-Z that Phoebe and Taylor have single handedly destroyed multiple teenagers' emotional states.
Anyways, who else is excited for November 19th? It's going to be the inaugural meeting of the TSwift13 Fan Club moderated by Ms. Rando. I hope I get to see you all there. If not? Oh, I'll track you down and encourage you very strongly to attend! I hope you all go listen to Red (Taylor's Version) and form a vendetta against Jake Gyllenhaal yourselves!
Brigid Gilberti '23
Whether you just went through a heart-wrenching breakup or are thriving completely single, Red (Taylor’s Version) has something for everyone. With nine songs from her vault, re-recordings of old classics, and All Too Well (the much needed ten-minute version), Red (Taylor's Version) is one of the best albums for this time of year.
As a little girl, Red was my second favorite Taylor Swift album (second only to 1989). I had never been in a relationship, but young Brigid would scream the words to All Too Well as if I was manipulated by Jake Gyllenhaal myself. When I was young, I didn't really understand who or what Taylor's songs were about. Knowing now? I have personal vendettas against Jake Gyllenhaal and John Mayer.
Of the nine new songs on the album, it's hard to pick a favorite one. I recently have been loving 'I Bet You Think About Me' and 'Nothing New'. As a big Phoebe Bridgers fan, 'Nothing New' was a rollercoaster for me. One of my favorite things at the moment is the various memes of Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers. They may be meant to be jokes, but are absolutely true. It is pretty widely agreed upon by Gen-Z that Phoebe and Taylor have single handedly destroyed multiple teenagers' emotional states.
Anyways, who else is excited for November 19th? It's going to be the inaugural meeting of the TSwift13 Fan Club moderated by Ms. Rando. I hope I get to see you all there. If not? Oh, I'll track you down and encourage you very strongly to attend! I hope you all go listen to Red (Taylor's Version) and form a vendetta against Jake Gyllenhaal yourselves!
Brigid Gilberti '23
Student Tips: Adjusting to the School Year
When starting back up at school, there are quite a few things that must change in our daily lives to help us get back into the mindset we should be in when we return for another year. During the summer, everyone lets their guard down a bit. We relax, we unwind, and we take a break from everything “normal” in our lives. Between staying up late, stopping studying, and doing whatever we want, that lifestyle is so different from our school lives. We are able to breathe and let go temporarily. However, everyone knows that all good things must come to an end. Now we’ve started going to the store, getting school supplies, and moving back into the swing and accepting that it’s time to move back. Something that is most important in this process is the behind-the-scenes work. There are a couple things you can do to help get you back on track. These steps can help you become the best student and the best possible version of yourself. Throughout the year, this is where you can find everything you need to know to improve yourself and get on top.
When summers and vacations are coming to a close, everyone has to deal with a lot of change. Maybe one of the most difficult tasks to correct is the challenge of fixing their sleep schedule. There is a certain way, however, that makes this easier than you might think. It just takes about 7 days to do.
Sure, anyone can get up at 6 am and go to push out a full day and then do it all over again, but it’s how you feel that matters. If you go to bed at 11 and then wake up at 6, that is not nearly enough time for you to fully rest and be ready for the day to come. When reading the Healthline article “How Many Hours Of Sleep Do You Really Need?” Written by Taylor Jones, RD — Medically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, MD, the article talks about the benefits and negatives of sleep amounts. In the article, it says, “ One study found that getting only 5 hours per night for 4 nights in a row negatively affected mental performance to the same extent as having a blood alcohol content of 0.06.
As if that wasn’t enough, poor sleep can lead to negative moods, less productivity, and unseemly behavior at work. Even worse, getting poor quality or not enough sleep can increase your chances of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. And because it’s the time when your body clears waste from the brain, it may be the reason why poor sleep seems to be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.” These risks talk about how bad not getting enough sleep really is. Although it might not affect you too badly right now, the long term effects could be more serious. High school students need anywhere from 8-10 hours of sleep each night. If you don’t get the proper amount of sleep, you are only hurting yourself. But, I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times from your parents and you want to fix it. Now is the time to do so. Start this year on a good foot by learning to time manage appropriately while you still can.
Mia Norris '24
When starting back up at school, there are quite a few things that must change in our daily lives to help us get back into the mindset we should be in when we return for another year. During the summer, everyone lets their guard down a bit. We relax, we unwind, and we take a break from everything “normal” in our lives. Between staying up late, stopping studying, and doing whatever we want, that lifestyle is so different from our school lives. We are able to breathe and let go temporarily. However, everyone knows that all good things must come to an end. Now we’ve started going to the store, getting school supplies, and moving back into the swing and accepting that it’s time to move back. Something that is most important in this process is the behind-the-scenes work. There are a couple things you can do to help get you back on track. These steps can help you become the best student and the best possible version of yourself. Throughout the year, this is where you can find everything you need to know to improve yourself and get on top.
When summers and vacations are coming to a close, everyone has to deal with a lot of change. Maybe one of the most difficult tasks to correct is the challenge of fixing their sleep schedule. There is a certain way, however, that makes this easier than you might think. It just takes about 7 days to do.
Sure, anyone can get up at 6 am and go to push out a full day and then do it all over again, but it’s how you feel that matters. If you go to bed at 11 and then wake up at 6, that is not nearly enough time for you to fully rest and be ready for the day to come. When reading the Healthline article “How Many Hours Of Sleep Do You Really Need?” Written by Taylor Jones, RD — Medically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, MD, the article talks about the benefits and negatives of sleep amounts. In the article, it says, “ One study found that getting only 5 hours per night for 4 nights in a row negatively affected mental performance to the same extent as having a blood alcohol content of 0.06.
As if that wasn’t enough, poor sleep can lead to negative moods, less productivity, and unseemly behavior at work. Even worse, getting poor quality or not enough sleep can increase your chances of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. And because it’s the time when your body clears waste from the brain, it may be the reason why poor sleep seems to be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.” These risks talk about how bad not getting enough sleep really is. Although it might not affect you too badly right now, the long term effects could be more serious. High school students need anywhere from 8-10 hours of sleep each night. If you don’t get the proper amount of sleep, you are only hurting yourself. But, I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times from your parents and you want to fix it. Now is the time to do so. Start this year on a good foot by learning to time manage appropriately while you still can.
Mia Norris '24
Why Do People Watch Scary Movies?
In the month of October, with Halloween soon to come, people want to participate in the spooky celebration! A popular activity is watching scary movies, whether it’s about monsters, ghosts, or a killer on the loose. Some people love them, while others absolutely hate them, but both sides can agree on one question. Why do people watch scary movies?
First of all, these films are famous for the terrifying suspense that they create. The feeling that makes you wonder “what happens next?” Everyone is desperate to know who the killer is, what’s causing inanimate objects to move, or if their favorite character is still alive at the end of the movie. These mysteries draw interest, which is why nobody can look away.
The next reason is strange, but true. After witnessing something so frightening, it’s normal to think about the possibility of something happening to you. Staring into the darkness to see if something’s standing there, closing the curtains so you can’t see outside, we’ve all done it! As ironic as it seems, watching a scary movie can actually comfort people. The resolution of the movie can “teach” viewers how to protect themself against something inhuman. Remember, if ghosts are haunting you, all you need is a vacuum!
Lastly, people feel as if they accomplished something by lasting throughout the entire movie. Think of it as a roller coaster. At first, the thought of dropping from so high seems terrifying, like the jumpscares in a movie, but in the end, at least you’ll be able to tell everyone what you did. If you’re feeling brave, you could attempt to keep your eyes open while something appears out of the darkness!
In conclusion, people don’t watch scary movies simply to instill fear in themselves. The plot of the story fills us with adrenaline and curiosity. Watching these films gives people a mystery to solve, something to test your courage against, but most importantly, fills everyone with the Halloween spirit!
Michael Marino '25
In the month of October, with Halloween soon to come, people want to participate in the spooky celebration! A popular activity is watching scary movies, whether it’s about monsters, ghosts, or a killer on the loose. Some people love them, while others absolutely hate them, but both sides can agree on one question. Why do people watch scary movies?
First of all, these films are famous for the terrifying suspense that they create. The feeling that makes you wonder “what happens next?” Everyone is desperate to know who the killer is, what’s causing inanimate objects to move, or if their favorite character is still alive at the end of the movie. These mysteries draw interest, which is why nobody can look away.
The next reason is strange, but true. After witnessing something so frightening, it’s normal to think about the possibility of something happening to you. Staring into the darkness to see if something’s standing there, closing the curtains so you can’t see outside, we’ve all done it! As ironic as it seems, watching a scary movie can actually comfort people. The resolution of the movie can “teach” viewers how to protect themself against something inhuman. Remember, if ghosts are haunting you, all you need is a vacuum!
Lastly, people feel as if they accomplished something by lasting throughout the entire movie. Think of it as a roller coaster. At first, the thought of dropping from so high seems terrifying, like the jumpscares in a movie, but in the end, at least you’ll be able to tell everyone what you did. If you’re feeling brave, you could attempt to keep your eyes open while something appears out of the darkness!
In conclusion, people don’t watch scary movies simply to instill fear in themselves. The plot of the story fills us with adrenaline and curiosity. Watching these films gives people a mystery to solve, something to test your courage against, but most importantly, fills everyone with the Halloween spirit!
Michael Marino '25
Video Games: A Quarentiner's Saving Grace
During quarantine, more than half of Americans turned to video games to keep themselves occupied, according to The Verge. Whether for the simple fun of it, or to find some sense of escapism, 55% of Americans became “gamers''. When thinking of video games, the obvious ones such as Call of Duty and Valorant come to mind; however, during quarantine, more peaceful, light-hearted games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley, and Mario Kart overtook the more action orientated games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a game that came out right after that “two-week break”, was highly anticipated even before COVID turned up on the radar. The announcement of the game was talked about all over twitter, and those who had grown up on Nintendo games were ecstatic. When the pandemic took hold, Animal Crossing became a bright, colorful escape from the dark, harsh outside world. Animal Crossing allowed people to forget about the real world for a few hours while they painstakingly worked towards achieving a five star island through conversing with the animal villagers that came to their island and polishing their botanical skills by applying their 9th grade knowledge of biology to create new flowers. Working towards a goal in their fictional world, for a while, helped to refocus people’s minds while they were struggling with goals in their real lives.
Stardew Valley, a fun, pixelated farming simulator, Mario Kart, an innocent racing game, and Animal Crossing all had options to play with other people. With the lack of social interaction in early 2020, opportunities that allowed safe socialization (AKA not seeing anyone in person) were welcomed. Whether friends and family talked over Discord (a popularized gaming server), or just felt the presence of each other in the game, the experience of still being able to interact with other people online was refreshing.
Whether solace was found through peaceful or action games, the ability for people to be able to escape from the real world for a few hours was enough to get them through the early, and now even late stages of the pandemic.
Anna Cartier '23
During quarantine, more than half of Americans turned to video games to keep themselves occupied, according to The Verge. Whether for the simple fun of it, or to find some sense of escapism, 55% of Americans became “gamers''. When thinking of video games, the obvious ones such as Call of Duty and Valorant come to mind; however, during quarantine, more peaceful, light-hearted games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley, and Mario Kart overtook the more action orientated games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a game that came out right after that “two-week break”, was highly anticipated even before COVID turned up on the radar. The announcement of the game was talked about all over twitter, and those who had grown up on Nintendo games were ecstatic. When the pandemic took hold, Animal Crossing became a bright, colorful escape from the dark, harsh outside world. Animal Crossing allowed people to forget about the real world for a few hours while they painstakingly worked towards achieving a five star island through conversing with the animal villagers that came to their island and polishing their botanical skills by applying their 9th grade knowledge of biology to create new flowers. Working towards a goal in their fictional world, for a while, helped to refocus people’s minds while they were struggling with goals in their real lives.
Stardew Valley, a fun, pixelated farming simulator, Mario Kart, an innocent racing game, and Animal Crossing all had options to play with other people. With the lack of social interaction in early 2020, opportunities that allowed safe socialization (AKA not seeing anyone in person) were welcomed. Whether friends and family talked over Discord (a popularized gaming server), or just felt the presence of each other in the game, the experience of still being able to interact with other people online was refreshing.
Whether solace was found through peaceful or action games, the ability for people to be able to escape from the real world for a few hours was enough to get them through the early, and now even late stages of the pandemic.
Anna Cartier '23
The Limit of a Lens
What is the one place you have always wanted to visit? Now imagine that place. Maybe it is snow-covered mountains in Austria or clear, blue ocean water in Greece, or maybe even a shady rainforest in Brazil. You probably have not visited these places or experienced these scenes, but an image came to mind. The image is filled with happiness & tranquillity. It is easy to make assumptions about a picture’s subject, whether that be a destination, a person, or an animal. While many believe that pictures do not do a subject justice by potentially hiding its beauty, the opposite is also true. Often, pictures create unrealistic views of the subjects of the picture. In sports photographs, the captured image often creates an unrealistic prediction about the outcome of a play. Similarly, a picture as simple as the famous image of Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, & Joseph Stalin at the Yalta Conference gives an unrealistic look into Roosevelt’s health.
As an athlete, it can be exciting to get an awesome action shot back from a hard-fought game, but the picture often does not match the play. In reality, most shots caught on camera are shot wide of the net or straight to the goalie’s chest. A seemingly fantastic shot can actually be a constant error made by athletes everywhere. A picture that shows an athlete chasing a ball does not show the ball going out of bounds or the athlete getting beat by an opposing player. Even pictures taken of a player with their hands on their head breathing heavily does not show that they just made a full field sprint to get to a ball. The storyline created by the viewer seldom matches the reality of the play. This happens partially because there are so many possibilities, so we assume the most expected one. A picture of an athlete playing their chosen sport can inaccurately represent both the athlete & the play made. It is an accurate measure of how a picture confines our thoughts of the subject.
Many believe that you never know what someone is truly going through & the same can be said for pictures. A picture that is found throughout history books displays a deeper meaning than just world leaders meeting. In the historic picture from the Yalta Conference in 1945, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, & Joseph Stalin can be seen sitting in three chairs placed next to each other. What the picture does not display is Roosevelt’s declining health. The leaders were sitting because Roosevelt was struggling with Polio & unable to stand. Likely a strategic placing, Stalin & Churchill do not look more potent than Roosevelt as they would have had they been standing. The President’s declining health is not depicted in the picture but is somewhat disguised. Roosevelt died just two months later. The picture is the ultimate testament that you never know what someone is going through.
Sports photography creates unrealistic depictions of an athlete’s play & historical images like the one of Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, & Joseph Stalin create a false sense of reality. Pictures create an unrealistic perspective of the subject because the viewer creates a false reality based solely on what is depicted in the picture. Now, remember that place you have always wanted to visit. Think about what could realistically be going in that destination: unrest, poverty, corruption. Next time you see a picture, try to catch yourself before making unrealistic assumptions about the subject of the picture.
Lauren DeVito '22
What is the one place you have always wanted to visit? Now imagine that place. Maybe it is snow-covered mountains in Austria or clear, blue ocean water in Greece, or maybe even a shady rainforest in Brazil. You probably have not visited these places or experienced these scenes, but an image came to mind. The image is filled with happiness & tranquillity. It is easy to make assumptions about a picture’s subject, whether that be a destination, a person, or an animal. While many believe that pictures do not do a subject justice by potentially hiding its beauty, the opposite is also true. Often, pictures create unrealistic views of the subjects of the picture. In sports photographs, the captured image often creates an unrealistic prediction about the outcome of a play. Similarly, a picture as simple as the famous image of Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, & Joseph Stalin at the Yalta Conference gives an unrealistic look into Roosevelt’s health.
As an athlete, it can be exciting to get an awesome action shot back from a hard-fought game, but the picture often does not match the play. In reality, most shots caught on camera are shot wide of the net or straight to the goalie’s chest. A seemingly fantastic shot can actually be a constant error made by athletes everywhere. A picture that shows an athlete chasing a ball does not show the ball going out of bounds or the athlete getting beat by an opposing player. Even pictures taken of a player with their hands on their head breathing heavily does not show that they just made a full field sprint to get to a ball. The storyline created by the viewer seldom matches the reality of the play. This happens partially because there are so many possibilities, so we assume the most expected one. A picture of an athlete playing their chosen sport can inaccurately represent both the athlete & the play made. It is an accurate measure of how a picture confines our thoughts of the subject.
Many believe that you never know what someone is truly going through & the same can be said for pictures. A picture that is found throughout history books displays a deeper meaning than just world leaders meeting. In the historic picture from the Yalta Conference in 1945, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, & Joseph Stalin can be seen sitting in three chairs placed next to each other. What the picture does not display is Roosevelt’s declining health. The leaders were sitting because Roosevelt was struggling with Polio & unable to stand. Likely a strategic placing, Stalin & Churchill do not look more potent than Roosevelt as they would have had they been standing. The President’s declining health is not depicted in the picture but is somewhat disguised. Roosevelt died just two months later. The picture is the ultimate testament that you never know what someone is going through.
Sports photography creates unrealistic depictions of an athlete’s play & historical images like the one of Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, & Joseph Stalin create a false sense of reality. Pictures create an unrealistic perspective of the subject because the viewer creates a false reality based solely on what is depicted in the picture. Now, remember that place you have always wanted to visit. Think about what could realistically be going in that destination: unrest, poverty, corruption. Next time you see a picture, try to catch yourself before making unrealistic assumptions about the subject of the picture.
Lauren DeVito '22
