By Camieka Amons
Martin Luther King Day is an important holiday commemorating the life and achievements of one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. Martin Luther King once said, "Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." And this is what he did. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the many men and women who fought tirelessly against racism, discrimination, and segregation to gain the proper equality and freedom for African Americans. He led and organized nonviolent protests and advocated for equal rights, school integration, voting rights, and desegregation of public facilities. His words in the "I Have a Dream" speech influenced millions of people, gaining recognition from the U.S. government to take direct action for racial equality. The significance of celebrating Martin Luther King Day isn't just because of his birthday; it's the day to reflect on the progress made during the civil rights movement. MLK Day is important because it promotes equality and justice for everyone regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. MLK Day recognizes the enactment of civil rights, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, encouraging other minorities to step up and fight for their equality and freedom. MLK Day is celebrated nationally with parades, marches, and speeches by civil rights activists and politicians. In other words, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Day is a reminder to continue striving for equality. Acknowledging Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can encourage future generations to fight against injustice and racism and create a more inclusive society.
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By Alexis Beach
Why wait to start a goal for yourself until the new year? Is it because it's easier to keep track of the dates? Does anyone commit to their new year resolutions AND complete them? Let’s start off with where and when the tradition of New Year’s Resolutions started. It's said that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s Resolutions around 4,000 years ago. They had a 12-day religious festival (Akitu) where they reaffirmed their loyalty to the king or crowned a new king. They then made promises to the gods they believed in, which were to pay their debts and return borrowed objects, and these promises are where the originality of New Year’s Resolutions came from. According to driveresearch.com, 38% of people make New Year’s Resolutions each year but ONLY 9% actually stick to them throughout the whole year. The two most common resolutions people make are fitness and diet. The age range of people making these resolutions are adults under the age of 30. Also, according to verywellmind.com, one of the biggest issues with New Year’s Resolutions and not being able to fulfill them is that the changes and goals are too big and can be unrealistic considering the other real-life factors that play into it. As humans we aren’t programmed to make life altering changes with such ease and succeed. A psychologist Terri Bly stated, “the pain of not changing has to be greater than the pain of changing for us to really… change.” Some people like to wait until the new year to start their goals because many feel that a new year means a clean and new slate, along with finding it possibly easier to track their progress if they successfully stay consistent in achieving such goals set for themselves. If you truly want to make meaningful change in your life, then don’t wait for the new year to start that transition. There's no reason to sit around and wait for another year to start making change. If anything, that just seems like procrastination which means you clearly aren't ready to alter your lifestyle. I asked a peer about his opinion on new year resolutions and if he thinks they could be useful for some people. He said, “My opinion on New Year's Resolutions is that I don't find them to be helpful, I believe that if you have a goal and a plan in mind then you should not wait for a new year to come but to put that goal and plan into action. So, to lead onto your next question, no I do not have a resolution myself, I believe that people can be without them as they provide no benefit to people and can often at times be a hindrance instead of a support.” At the end of the day certain things work for certain people; simply do what is best and the most helpful for you! By Andres Ramos Soto
Winter is a season that affects many people around the country, especially in parts where it snows. We know winter affects us in different ways but how does it affect our pets? Many animals in the wild that live in regions that experience winters have different adaptations to overcome the cold season. The most well-known example of this is how bears will hibernate throughout all winter until early spring. We can see different behaviors in different species of animals that help them survive in the harsh conditions of winter: some animals such as the snowshoe hare can change the color of their fur to camouflage in the snow better and birds will tuck their heads in their feathers to remain warm. These adaptations help these animals in times where food is scarce, and temperature is low in the wild. With all this said, does winter affect our pets? Domesticated animals (Pets) Our pets are mostly kept indoors where they can be warm and cozy along with us, so we usually don’t see any major change in their behavior during winters but, it doesn’t mean there is no effect on them. With all this said we still need to be aware of our pets during this season. Cats and dogs are still at risk of frostbite and hypothermia during cold temperatures. Our pets will also eat more due to not just the change in temperature but also the change in daylight. This is due to their instincts since the longer days in the spring and summer since they know there is more time to eat during these days but due to the shorter days in winter our animals will see this as a decrease in time to eat so they'll eat more but, every pet is different, and it varies from animal to animal. For reptile and amphibian owners they will notice their pets will hide more than usual and eat significantly less during the winter. Reptiles and amphibians will go in a state of hibernation called brumation. Hibernation is a deeper and longer version of torpor. Brumation on the other hand is specific to reptiles and amphibians that enter a state of 'deep sleep' where they undergo the same process of inactivity and low body temperature, heart rate, metabolic rate, and respiratory rate drops. Hamsters, duprasi or fat-tailed gerbils, deer mice, prairie dogs and skunks can fall into a brief, hibernation-like state called torpor if they are exposed to cooling temperatures and shortening daylight. So, if you see any changes in your pets don't be alarmed, our animals are more than ready to take these cold times and it is on and is on us to make sure they have all they need for a safe winter still. If you think your pet is acting unusual and seems sick, take them to a veterinarian to clarify any doubts and chances of sickness. By Ne-Yo Marrero
Looking for an opportunity to work with optics technology and technical engineering? Well, there are companies here in Rochester who are offering job shadows and co-op opportunities. East High offers job opportunities for many of the students to participate there. If you are a student who takes Optics, I encourage you to investigate these opportunities. You must be in the 12th grade. Mrs. Spano and Mrs. Wilmarth can help with anything you're interested in and can help you get your future job and career started. They think it's a great way for kids who are interested in working with tech and working with machines to get to experience the job and maybe see if they have something in it. You also get paid! Companies such as Optimax, Optipro, Gleason, Qualitrol, Applied Image and many more offer these opportunities. These companies are advanced manufacturing that provides many products and services. Optimax and Optipro are companies that work in the Optics department. Qualitrol works with range monitoring devices. Gleason produces systems for all types of gears including design software for gears and power transmission systems, gear production machinery, metrology systems etc. If you want to see more information about these companies look at their websites. There will be a field trip in February for those who applied already and for those who are interested. If this sounds like something for you, I recommend you see Spano and Wilmarth ASAP! By Genesis Ortiz Otero
The Holocaust will always be one of the worst things that has ever happened in History. Many Jewish people died innocently, many families mourning the loss of brothers, sisters, kids, and other family. January 27th is the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. “The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution” stated from ushmm.org. “The purpose of International Holocaust Day is two-fold: to serve as an official commemoration of the victims of the Nazi regime and to promote Holocaust education throughout the world.” You can watch the award-winning Stay Connected Live series featuring special guest Tova Friedman talking about how they have survived the Holocaust. It airs live on Friday, January 26 at 1 p.m. and you will be able to watch it on demand and after on You-Tube. The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester is doing “The Meaning of Liberation: Holocaust Remembrance Day Reflections” on January 23 at Nazareth College from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. They are also doing Safekeeping Stories of the Holocaust on January 24th. These are great opportunities to learn more about this tragic time in history and support our friends in the Jewish community. By JahMier Pray
Have you ever wondered about how certain states set educational policies, setting academic standards, and ensuring that students will succeed after 100+ days of attending an institution? More specifically, New York State over 150 years ago introduced a standardized testing method called Regents. What Are the Rules? This testing method involves a very strict set of guidelines. First there’s a 3 hour and 5-minute time limit. All Regents exams are core classes such as Algebra 1 and 2 Living Environment, Earth Science Spanish 1-3, Chemistry, Geometry, Global 1 and 2, U.S. History, Physics, and Calculus. There is no asking for help with problems on the test like you normally would in a classroom, only test instructors can help issues that would affect you from being able to receive a grade on the exam. You must check to make sure you have the right name for your test and the right version as well. There is a certain way you must fill your bubble sheet for multiple choice questions. Optionally, you will receive trident mint gum or a mint before your test starts. According to Healthline consuming mints or mint flavored food prevents mental fatigue to establish maximum effort on tests. Drawbacks From This Method The Regents testing system has faced criticism on several fronts. One notable concern is the emphasis on standardized testing as the primary measure of student success. Many people argue that this approach may not present the full range of a student’s abilities, as it relies heavily on a single method of evaluation, overlooking diverse talents and skills that students possess. Another drawback is the stress and pressure that Regents exams can have on students. What’s really at stake with these assessments is that they are often tied to graduation requirements, sometimes contribute to elevated stress, impacting student mental health and potentially stopping their overall learning experience. Why is it important? Regents play a crucial role in shaping educational paths of students and classes they could take next year, serving as key figures in overseeing and guiding educational institutions. Firstly, Regents contribute to the establishment of academic standards that ensure a high quality of education. They work to develop curriculum, set graduation requirements, and assess academic performance. It is mostly known for creating a foundation for educational excellence. This helps maintain consistency and a benchmark for students across different schools and districts. Additionally, always remember that you can retake the Regents exam as long as you attend a school in New York State. By Samareia Moton
How often do you sacrifice your sleep for a few extra hours of work or fun activities? What if I told you that neglecting your sleep can have horrible consequences for your mind and body? One consequence is Impaired cognitive function: Lack of sleep has been shown to have a detrimental effect on cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, decision making, and problem solving. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation impairs these functions similar to alcohol intoxication. Increased risk of chronic diseases: Numerous studies have found a strong link between insufficient sleep and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that inadequate sleep is associated with an increased risk of developing these health issues. Negative impact on mental health: Sleep deprivation is closely tied to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that individuals with horrible insomnia have a higher risk of developing these conditions. Weakened immune system: Lack of sleep compromises the immune system, making you more susceptible to common infections. Studies by the Mayo Clinic have shown that people who get less sleep are more likely to catch colds and experience longer periods of illness. In conclusion, not getting enough sleep can affect your mind, body, physical and mental health. So, take care of yourself and your needs. Take all the sleep you can get. By Mazie Riley
At East High School and all schools throughout the RCSD, students are given the opportunity to take and retake Regents exams during late January. If a scholar does not have an exam scheduled, they are not required to attend school. Lower School students who have no exams have regular school. This could be a great time for upper school students to come in and catch up on work and get help if teachers were available. I was wondering if it is possible for students who need assistance in certain classes to receive that extra help. If a student is behind on their work or just needs help in general, they could make arrangements with their teacher. Support does not need to be available to all students all the time but if a scholar sets something up with their teacher. To receive the support, students should email the teachers or Mr. Mascardi to arrange a time to come in. If a teacher is available, and a scholar is willing to come in, I think this would be a great use of this time. It’s a time many students would use to sleep in and do nothing so if they actually want to do work, they should be able to. By Kymizza Maldonado
Three Kings Day is a holiday right after Christmas, uncelebrated by many. Three Kings Day is on January 6, it is when the 3 wise men or magi, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar. Coming to give their gifts to baby Jesus for his birth and adore him. This holiday is usually celebrated in Latin countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, and especially Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico school break goes on starting around December 15th till after Three Kings Day, around January 8th. Three Kings Day is celebrated the same way Christmas is celebrated in the United States. According to my mom, in Puerto Rico, Christmas isn’t as popular as three wise men. In most towns, people dress up as the three kings and give out toys to kids, almost like a parade. Something my sister and I would do is leave glasses of water and a box with grass inside under their beds for the three wise men's camels. Though the United States doesn’t really celebrate Three Kings Day, it’s celebrated in different countries or at church. By Ewan Craddock
Student aid has arrived but what if you missed the FAFSA fest here at East? Here is what you can do for that. The first step you need to take is to talk to your counselor about FAFSA. Step two is to go to Studentaid.gov and create your FAFSA ID and your parents will need to create a FAFSA ID as well. You and your parents will have to provide personal information including social security numbers, addresses, and emails. To complete the FAFSA form your parents will need their 2021 tax forms. If you have a problem with filling out the form you can contact your counselor, visit the FAQ page of FAFSA, or call or text their customer service. You will need to do this every year of college. Best of luck on the journey. |
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