The Bridge Magazine Volume II//Issue I by Bridgeland Student Media BSM

Volume II//Issue I December 16, 2020

the

Bridge Br ge

MAGAZINE

THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT

How much has COVID-19 changed us and the world?

04-07

20-25

WAKING THE DEN What sporting events look like amidst COVID restrictions (page 4); Inside the mind of a superstar player (page 5); A recap of cross country’s first ever showing at State (page 6); The story of a talented runner and her devastating injury (page 7)

THE FUN STUFF Everything you need to know about the cultural phenomenon taking Cypress by storm (page 20); Why plants could be the significant other you need in your life (page 21); Some recommendations for every fashion guru looking to step up their sneaker game (page 22); Spice up your Christmas tree with these unorthodox but festive ideas (page 23); An avid gamer’s take on 2020’s most popular mobile game (page 24); How to become a social butterfly even with 6-feet distances and masks (page 25)

#sports

Inside

08-11

26-31

GET TO KNOW THEM Choir teacher Fiorini epitomizes fun (page 8-9); Picking the brain of Bridgeland’s #1 fan (page 10-11)

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE Liz Kemsley reminds the world quarantine isn’t over for everyone (page 26); A walk-through Melanie Martinez’s creepiest album yet (page 27); Soccer is the forgotten stepchild of sports in America and it needs to change (page 28); One very important country is left out of the Climate Change agreement in the UN (page 29); A new perspective on the App Store’s most controversial app (page 30); What RBG left behind and how we remember her legacy (page 31)

#features

DE CE MBER 20 20

12-19 #news

THE RUNDOWN College applications are a breeze with the help of this indepth guide for all things collegiate (page 12-13); The surprising things you don’t know about the cafeteria’s most beloved fruit (page 14-15); Hear from community voices about how the pandemic has changed teens’ view of the world (page 16-17); What it’s like for teens to be considered crucial to society in a year like 2020 (page 18); Learn more about the challenges of dual-learning and how teachers new to the district are coping (page 19) TA BL E O F CO NTEN T S

#entertain

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

#opinion

POLICIES General The publication has been established as a designated public forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to the audience. Student editors make all content decisions. The Bridge is a publication of Bridgeland High School Advanced Newspaper I, II and III students. The opinions expressed in this forum do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Complaints/Concerns Any complaint, correction or letter to the editor should be formally submitted via email to samantha. berry@cfisd.net. We reserve the right to gramatically correct letters to the editor or trim to fit allotted space, Per Bridgeland Student Media policy, all corrections will run immediately. Professional Organizations The Bridge is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Advertising Policy The staff reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for a high school publication, including illegal products or services. In cases involving political advertising, efforts will be made to solicit all points of view.

THE STAFF Kiaya Little, Editor-in-Chief Joleigh Underwood, Magazine Editor Tommy Yarrish, Online Editor Della Fowler, Photo/Graphics Editor Olivia Masterson, Multimedia Editor Ashtyn Haggard, News Editor Emma Zwick, Features Editor Ashton Lux, Sports Editor Liz Kemsley, Lifestyles Editor Alfred Dozier, Ent./Opinion Editor Cameron Armer Michael Burns Madison Clay Brooke Gamble Juliana Kawaja Brianna Keller Grace Kirkley Maxx McGlory Braden Murray Hailey Poggemoeller Courtney Smith Haylie Stum Matthias Talbert Charleigh Thomas Alex Vanderlaan Carley Zeigler Samantha Berry & Michelle Fegley, advisers

From the

Editor :

“The BEST thing to hold onto in life is EACH OTHER." Clearly, this has been a semester like no other. After a six month quarantine with virtually no brain stimulation or social interaction, paired with the dozens of new policies implemented at school to combat the spread of the virus, we’re all exhausted. Instead of winning the day, it feels more like surviving the day. Or at least that’s been my perspective. Usually I’m very optimistic, but COVID-19 sucked the joy out of everything for me. I felt robbed of a senior year, all of my classes are quiet and awkward, and I can’t help but remember what school was like before dual-learning, Schoology, and social distancing. However, that all changed when I helped interview teachers and students for our pandemic story. Rather than complain about all the challenges and inconveniences that I’ve fixated on for the past six months, sources talked about kindness. About improving their mental health during quarantine. About paying more attention to the world

MAGAZINE EDITOR E DI TO R’ S LE T T E R

around them; how the world now has a common experience to unite all of us. And that really shocked me. I truly expected the article to be bleak and morose, yet our students and staff have still found some positives to grasp onto during this semester. And once I started thinking about their perspectives, I took a deeper look into what this year has meant for me. Yes, quarantine sucked. But I also ran every day, and learned to bake chicken parm, and took a much needed breath after junior year. Relationships strengthened, swarming thoughts settled, and nature healed. Things were better than I made them out to be. Even in school with masks, hand sanitizer and Lysol, there are bright moments. Our football team is undefeated. Students are able to work from home when in need of a mental break. Teachers give elbow bumps in the hallways and smile with their eyes when we enter the classroom. Our community is so strong, and we’re all making it because of the support from each other. I know things aren’t perfect. But I’m very thankful for this magazine and specifically this article for shining light on the positives and changing my mind about this year. I truly thought there was no positivity left at Bridgeland High School, but now I know that is far from the truth. We are still winning the day, even with all the curveballs COVID-19 has thrown at us. Please keep that in mind as you thumb through these pages and read the highlights from this semester, and know that just by making it here, we are doing so much more than we ever thought we were capable of. Happy reading.

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

AND THE CROWD GOES SILENT:

With the limited capacity and restrictions of fans attending games with the COVID-19 pandemic, players and spectators reflect on how important fans are to the sporting events and the effects they have on the game.

he crowds at sporting events impact various aspects of the game, such as the atmosphere and the energy in the venue. Without a full capacity of fans, that energy is hard to replicate. “Fans just bring the overall energy to the game. I mean, you see it now in the current environment where we don’t have any fans in the stands, or very limited fans in the stands,” junior Matt Miller said. “So it just takes away the environment and the motivation to play a game in front of no fans.”

DISTANT SPIRIT Junior Nathan Turman sits socially distanced from other students at a varsity football game. Photo by Jacob Grosch

The absence of fans has a mental effect on the players, according to Nathan Earle, junior football player. “It does affect some players, but at this point we knew already going into the season that there weren’t going to be as many fans. So we had to mentally prepare ourselves for that and just make sure that we stay focused on the game,” Earle said. The limited capacity of fans and distancing in the stands is a difficult adjustment after a lifetime of packed crowds and sold out stadiums. For Sharon Kays, parent of varsity S P ORT S

volleyball players, the changes come in many forms. “There’s now a limit to how many people can come to a game for volleyball. You get four tickets per player,” Kays said. “Now they’re asking that when we do come to the games not to sit with families. So that’s been different because we’re so used to kind of sitting together and cheering the girls on and cheering the teams on. It’s been different.” According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sporting events guidelines allow fans in stadiums at a limited capacity. Some arenas or venues still do not allow spectators to attend their sporting events, and several community members do not agree with that decision. “I agree with the limiting of the crowd, but I do not agree with playing in front of no crowd. You’re seeing across the country now stadiums that could seat 100,000 people being played with no people, and they can’t host a crowd. I just feel like with science and the coronavirus and stuff, you can be able to social distance a certain capacity of crowds,” Miller said. Another issue being presented with the limited capacity is ticket sales. Since CDC guidelines only allow a fraction of fans into games, tickets prove difficult to purchase. “Fans might be a little bit sad or upset that they might not be able to come to every single game or be there every single time to support. But, you just have to buy your tickets early. And if you don’t get a ticket, you can always watch it on TV,” Earle said. The limited capacity of fans could affect the mentality and the motivation of the players, according to Miller. “The supporters are so far away and all spread out. I’m very interested in knowing the level of motivation that players have because they feed off the crowd’s energy a lot. And when the crowd isn’t there and they’re making a big play, no one’s really cheering for them,” Miller said. For fans to remain at the games, everyone must stay socially distanced and healthy. Fans fear that district officials will not allow them into games following another COVID outbreak. “I feel like [fans] should just respect the rules, and if they’re asking us to say six feet apart and to wear a mask, that’s what we should do,” Kays said. “As long as we can be there to be at the games and to support all the kids, our kids and the other children that are on the teams, I’m happy.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

STATS The Way Weigman Works REGULAR SEASON TOTAL PASSING YARDS

2914

TOTAL RUSHING YARDS

460

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

8 210 327

COMPLETIONS

ATTEMPTS

Being such a highly sought after dual-athlete brings a different level of pressure and stress, junior quarterback Conner Weigman

Story and design by Ashton Lux, Sports Editor

tatistically speaking, nearly 8 million students participate in high school sports, and of those 8 million, nearly 1 million play high school football. Only 300 players are ranked in ESPN’s 24/7 Sports and Rivals. Less than 1 percent (0.03%) of student-athletes are featured in those rankings. Junior quarterback, Conner Weigman is ranked 78th in the nation, fourth of all the dual-threat quarterbacks and 14th in the state of Texas. “It feels good but I do not let it get to my head too much. I just stick to the process and enjoy my time while I can,” Weigman said. Being one of the best players in the nation brings attention from both pro and college scouts: Weigman has already received 18 offers for football, some of those offers being for both football and baseball. “Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Michigan State are just a few. I have not really thought about it [pro] yet,” Weigman said. “I am just having fun.” Being a top player also induces quite a bit of stress and pressure. Dr. Steve Graef, former Ohio State football player and licensed, boardcertified counseling psychologist with a special expertise in sport and performance psychology said student-athletes are stressed now more than ever. “Yes, I think the demands that are placed on athletes today are greater than they have been historically. It starts at a young

age where there’s a tremendous amount of pressure from parents, club programs, and high schools to have the best program, the best club in the area of the country, and that trickles down I just stick to the athlete,” to the Graef said in an process and interview with enjoy my Psychology Today. With over time while 1,200 athletes at I can. Bridgeland, 271 of those being football players, it is incredibly difficult to stand out or shine, inciting more pressure to be the best. However, Weigman has a method to staying cool on and off the field. “Just work, do not get caught up in all the hype. Keep your head down and do what you got to do,” Weigman said. With 77% of the population in the United States of America dealing with some sort of stress, Weigman attacks it with a different perspective in mind. “I just think of it as a game, it is just a football game. It is not that big of a deal,” Weigman said.

Photo by Ashton Lux

MADE HIM AN OFFER SP ORT S

Photo by Jacob Grosch

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Photo by Tommy Yarrish

SETTING THE PACE Cross Country teams find success at State Meet

Story by Tommy Yarrish, Online Editor

he gun sounds at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on a warm late November afternoon, and the biggest race of the year for seven varsity cross country runners begins with hundreds of competitors rushing to try and get ahead of the pack from the get-go. Coaches Tom Kennedy and Kevin Waters sent senior Athena Reyna and the boys cross country team up north for the State meet on Nov. 24, with the hopes of bringing the first state championship banner in Bridgeland history back to the den. Reyna was the only member of the girls cross country team to advance to the state meet, thanks to a 20th place finish at the regional meet. It earned Reyna her third bid to Round Rock, just a year after she raced alongside her Placing ninth, senior Randy Smith runs teammates. Going in in his second State race. for the final time, the stakes Photo by Maddie Wilson were a bit higher. “My goal was to go all out leaving it all on the course along with having fun with it,” Reyna said. Alongside more than 100 other competitors, Reyna took to the starting line for the last cross country race of her high school career. Unfortunately, towards the end of the race she suffered an injury which made it much harder to run, but nonetheless she powered through the pain. “The last part of the race was one of the hardest things I’ve had to push myself through,” Junior Cassidy Graham takes a selfie during the team lunch. She qualified as Reyna said. “I knew all I an alternate. Photo by Maddie Wilson needed to do was to cross that finish line and finish on empty, so that’s what I did. I wasn’t super happy with how I finished, but I knew I gave it all I could.” Just 45 minutes after the girls’ race was over, it was time for the boys to step into the limelight. S P ORT S

Their first as a team at the state competition, there was a nervous, excited energy in the air. “There was a lot of cheering from the moms and everyone else that showed up for us,” senior Jacob Grosch said. “It was very inspiring honestly, to see how many people were there to celebrate us even making it to State.” After one last team huddle, they went to the front of their box. The boys team was the only team to qualify Lined up shoulder to from CFISD and placed ninth overall in the State. Photo by Maddie Wilson shoulder, Randy Smith, Jacob Grosch, Ethan Conville, Noah Willows, Reid Smith, and Nathan Turman were determined to make history. And they did. “Finding out that you’re part of one of the top ten teams in the state was exhilarating,” Grosch said. “You work so hard for so long to even try to claim a title like that, and so now we really put Bridgeland on the map and people will know our names.” Without a doubt, finishing in the top 10 in their first state race is a milestone to be Sophomore Noah Willows runs proud of. But Coach Waters in his first State race. Photo by Madison Gunn

and his runners always strive to go the extra mile, both literally and figuratively, when it comes to competition. And with a year of experience under their belts, the boys look forward to building upon the base they laid out. “What I see in our team is we’ve grown to the point where we have 80 guys on the team. We have a lot of newcomers and guys with lots of potential,” sophomore Noah Willows said. “We just need to trust the process and as the years go, our program will grow and we’ll get better.” B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

As the only qualifier from CFISD, senior Athena Reyna runs in her third appearance at State. Photo by Madison Gunn

SO N

ILSON

WIL

BY MA DD TO HO

“CROSS COUNTRY WAS SUCH A FUN EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL, AND I LOVED HAVING MY TEAM BY MY SIDE ALWAYS.” ATHENA REYNA

W IE

“THERE WAS DEFINITELY A FEEL OF INSPIRATION AND IT GENUINELY FELT LIKE WE WERE THERE BECAUSE WE WERE MEANT TO BE THERE AND THAT WE MADE IT THERE THROUGH ALL OF OUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.” JACOB GROSCH

BY MADD TO

DRAWING OF OLD SETTLERS PARK XC TRAIL

STAND OUT RUNNER SUFFERS SEASON ENDING INJURY DAYS SHY OF REGIONAL MEET Story by Haylie Stum

Sophomore Emily Ellis runs in a district championship at the district meet on Oct. 30. Photo by Madison Gunn

ith a state title on her mind, star runner sophomore Emily Ellis was determined to finish the race of what has been a stellar first cross country season. But, it was in the last few yards when life threw her a huge hurdle before reaching the finish line - a seasonending foot injury. Unaware of the extent of her injury, Ellis held out hope and tried her best to treat and care for her foot to the best of her ability only days before the big regional race. Despite the extreme measures of care taken, Ellis knew she wouldn’t be able to run. “By Monday night, I tried jogging and it hurt really badly. At SP ORT S

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

that point, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to run on Tuesday,” Ellis said. Even though she wasn’t able to make her mark on the course, Ellis made sure she made her mark in another way- by being there for her teammates. “I had to be there to support everyone still running and cheer them on,” she said. “Seeing Athena and the boys team was very exciting. It was really awesome to see them represent our cross-country program and see them do well.” In a year full of firsts for Ellis, she plans on adding another one to the list- her first season of track. “Hopefully by spring time, I’ll be back to run my first season of track. Fingers crossed.”

you talking about?’ I just thought it was great.” Mr. Fiorini took his first step into the choral world in middle school. “Our preacher at church, their son was a boy that I just looked up to greatly. I just thought he was the bee’s knees, and he was in choir. I thought if he’s in choir, I want to be in choir. So I signed up,” Mr. Fiorini said. “It then got back to me that the music teacher said ‘I don’t know why Chris Fiorini signed up to be in choir, he can’t sing to save his life. He can’t carry a tune.’ So long story short, here I am in spite of that, 30-something years later still plugging away at this whole thing.” It wasn’t until high school when Mr. Fiorini decided that he wanted music to guide his career path. Throughout middle and high school, he locked in on pursuing a law degree and becoming an attorney. But when a family friend gave him a ticket to the Houston Grand Opera, he shifted his sights to a new occupation. “I thought it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. The costumes, the stage, the singing, the whole nine yards. I had never heard or seen anything like it. It really sparked an interest, and I started to move away from the law and started to lean towards thinking music is what I needed to do. Low and behold, I went off to music school.” Mr. Fiorini studied Voice at the University of Houston, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and took his talents to Langham Creek High School, where he was the assistant choir director for three years until he was promoted to the Lobos’ head choir director. In 2019, he ditched the red and black for the blue and orange, becoming the head choir director at Bridgeland. Along with taking on the very young and underdeveloped choir program at Bridgeland, Mr. Fiorini also felt obligated to help build the culture as well. Through publicly displaying spirit and pride, he hopes to define the blurred lines of what ‘bear pride’ is truly about. “The culture at Bridgeland is young. It isn’t developed yet. My wife used to teach at Cy-Fair High

LIVING LIFE ON A HIGH NOTE Story and design by Haylie Stum

Graphics via vecteezy.com

CHOIR CHOIR DIRECTOR’S DIRECTOR’S POSITIVE POSITIVE NATURE NATURE HELPS HELPS STUDENTS, STUDENTS, SCHOOL SCHOOL SEE SEE THE THE BRIGHTER BRIGHTER SIDE SIDE OF OF LIFE LIFE

ulfilling the duties of a choir director is hard. Having to balance a choral ensemble in a way where everyone is figuratively and literally heard is no small task. To do so, the director has to be fluent in the abstract language of music. However, Mr. Fiorini, the head choir director, doesn’t just use music to communicate. He also utilizes his native tongue of optimism in order to fulfill his other responsibility- bringing light into what seems like an age of darkness. From a young age, Christopher Fiorini always had a love for music. “I have vague recollections of being a kid at my grandmother’s house in Clarksville, Texas, and I would listen to recordings on tapes when we used to have cassette tapes,” Mr. Fiorini said. “I would listen to various classical recordings, and I remember listening and running up to her and saying ‘You’ve got to hear this. This is so cool,’ and she’d just look at me like, ‘Okay kid, what are

Photo courtesy of Mr. Fiorini FE ATU R E S

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

School, and pep rallies there were just explosive. Everyone participated in everything, and just the culture at the school was impeccable, ” he said. “Part of that is not only is this student going to Cy-Fair High School, their parents went, and their parents’ parents went. It’s been around for 75 years. So, there is a history and culture that is developed in that community as to ‘We are proud to be Bobcats. BFND.’ That’s not ingrained in Bridgeland yet,” Mr. Fiorini said. “Bridgeland is new. Last year, there was still this big wave of ‘I got Bridged...’ There was this feeling of ‘I got shafted’. We’ve got to change the culture of that at the school,” he said. “The administration works diligently to change that culture, but we in organizations in choir, band, orchestra, football, we’ve got to develop our own identity. We can’t sit there and look at what’s going on in the school and be complacent about that.” Fiorini tries to contribute to the early stages of the Bridgeland spirit by uplifting students in the hallway. Whether it’s blasting upbeat music throughout the hall, dressing up dramatically for spirit days, or simply smiling at everyone who passes, Mr. Fiorini works diligently to display optimism. “We work hard in choir, and during a class period, it’s not always fun... So we always need to make sure that we have those relax-out moments that we will remember like, ‘Hey,

Photos by Sophia Prill

more stressed out than other places that I’ve worked with. So, I want to do my little part to help kids even have a moment to breathe and realize that it’s okay to be a high school kid.” It’s not easy making joy a priority every single day, but Mr. Fiorini tries to make sure that joy is implemented in his work no matter his own emotional state. “IF WE ARE POSITIVE, IF WE ARE “I’ll be perfectly honest with you, I am not motivated and happy 100 percent of the time. I have my days too,” Mr. Fiorini KIND, IF WE ARE HELPFUL TO ONE said. “But when you’re a teacher, there’s that moment of showtime. My kid may have peed on me this morning, my cat may have ran away… Any number of things. But when ANOTHER, OUR WORLD AND WHAT you step into the boundary of the classroom and into the rehearsal, there’s a sense of that waits. My job and what WE DO IS GOING TO BE BETTER.” I have to do right now is to be my very best for my kids, because my expectation is that they’re at their very best. let’s play some music and have fun a little bit.’ So, why can’t we I can’t hold them to that standard if I’m not going to hold share that with our friends in the hallway?” Mr. Fiorini said. myself to the same standard. That’s part of my motivation: I “The number of kids that haven’t been smiled at in a day love what I do and professionalism.” because their math teachers are overwhelmed and their Mr. Fiorini believes that his cheerful tactics paid dividends parents are mad at them because their kid has a B but they to how the young Bridgeland choir is developing. In a world want them to have an A is so overwhelming,” he said. “So, deeply rooted in pessimism, he tries to sow the soil of an there’s all these moments that can go on in a kid’s day that are uplifting learning environment in order to nourish the growth just downer, downer, downer. And if there is one moment where of his blooming program. somebody smiles at them, or fist-bumps them, or waves at them “I feel like our kids consistently have been working harder. I in the hallway that can put a smile on their face, you’re doing think they feel like they’re in a program that’s going to respect better for the world, better for the school culture, better for the them - that gives them a place where they can perform and choir program. Just be positive, and you’ll reap the benefits of have fun. I think that positivity has caused them to work that.” harder and more mindfully. When they do that, they’re more Mr. Fiorini thinks this optimism is crucial to taking some successful. It just kind of builds upon itself,” Mr. Fiorini said. burden out of the backpacks of students. And by doing so, More than ever, finding the light at the end of the 2020 he hopes that the modern-day teen will be able to shoulder tunnel is something that Fiorini continues to make a priority. something other than the weight of the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. “There’s always hope. There’s always a silver lining. There’s workload. always a moment of good that will come from what we see “I think kids are so geared up to be at the top of their class, as bad,” Fiorini said. “Bad is real. Disappointment is real. But, and if they’re not, then they’re a failure in life and there’s there’s this intrinsic optimism that I feel like if we are positive, something wrong with them. I just think they need to relax if we are kind, if we are helpful to one another, our world and a little bit. Kids need to take some time. They need to do what we do is going to be better. You can preach that all day something that they enjoy and not get so wrapped up in being long, but until you live it and act upon it, you’re just floating in better than somebody else,” Mr. Fiorini said. “ I think part of that the wind.” is the music in the hallway because I know this school is a lot

FEAT U R E S

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

HE’S LOUD AND PROUD, BUT HE’S MORE THAN THAT. MEET SAVIO LE, BRIDGELAND’S

e interrupts the conversation with, “Oh, you want to hear something else no one knows about me?” Everyone knows him at football games in his orange and blue, cheering on the sidelines, leading chants and heckling players. At pep rallies, he is the hype man, cheering up the crowd, epitomizing school spirit. Senior Savio Le gained popularity throughout high school for his friendly nature and extroverted personality, as well as for his role in TSA (Technology Students Association) and Claw Crew. But people don’t know about his koi farming business, or lawn-mowing ventures, or ultimate frisbee stint. There is much more to him than meets the eye. According to Le, his reputation started with his brief stint in football his freshman year. Playing center, a position for bigger players, as the smallest player on the team earned him a bit of attention. Centers for high school football generally range from about 5’10 to 6’2. Savio was 4’8. After football, he became the first Bridgeland High School student to hold a state-level office position in a CTSO (career tech student organization) through TSA. However, most recently, Le’s position in Claw Crew and having passion for school spirit primarily define his reputation. Attending nearly every pep rally and football FE ATU R E S

game, he obtained a pivotal role in leading chants and representing the Bears. “I think in school, people see me as ‘Mr. School Spirit,’” Le said. “I believe that from the very beginning of school, my passion for the orange and blue is unmatched.” His love for school spirit came with the birth of Bridgeland High School. Le said he enjoyed the idea that he and his peers would be the ones creating the school culture. Le wanted to not only create the traditions of his school, but implement them into the hearts of every Bear. Through his love for school spirit, Le gained a positive reputation of being passionate and spirited among his peers. However, Le says he tries not to let this reputation get to his head, instead doing his best to be as positive and approachable towards his classmates as possible. He simply wants to be a part of his school’s growth and culture. His friend, senior Jett Booker, said Le has been positive and sociable since the beginning of high school, but has gained more character since. “I feel very proud of my reputation in school and all that I have accomplished, and hope that my legacy will resonate for many years after I’m gone,” Le said, “At least that’s the goal.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

That’s the Savio Le everyone knows. Contrary to the lively person seen at school and on the sidelines, Le prefers to spend his time after school in his room. He values personal time for video games and hobbies. In his spare time, Le plays the ukulele, which he has been practicing for two years now, as well as runs a koi fish business out of his backyard. Along with that, he picked up disc golf with Booker over quarantine. “Well, I have a neighbor who is really big on disc golf. He’s one of the heads of the Bridgeland disc golf team, and over Corona we were just looking for something to do,” Le said. “And he brought up the idea of playing disc golf and I’m like, sure we’ll give it a shot. And ever since then it’s stuck.” Unfortunately, Le said disc golf was more expensive than they originally anticipated. They needed a way to fund their new hobby. A TikTok video listing summer jobs for high school students inspired the pair to start their own business. Le and Booker started a lawn service called Dos Amigos, gaining popularity quickly. FEAT U R E S

Story by Brianna Keller

“My favorite memory with him was when we first started our lawn business, Dos Amigos Lawn Services,” Booker said. “After our first ever job, we were so excited to get that first check and it really was a meaningful moment.” After meeting in football freshman year, Le and Booker bonded over common interests like fishing, biking and swimming. Over the years, Booker came to know Le as a fun person to be around: always the life of the party. “At the beginning of high school, he was still this very social character he is today, but over the years, I have seen his confidence explode and he is definitely a fan favorite at all sports events and pep rallies,” Booker said. “He enjoys getting the crowd ramped up to help the teams gain momentum.” Considering his fervent and lively impact on his classmates, Le hopes he will be known as the guy to help others find their purpose and inspire them to make a difference. No matter what his reputation is after graduation, he hopes he made a difference in his peers’ lives. “I want to make sure that everyone knows that they are accepted,” Le said, “and that they can make an impact on our world no matter how big or small.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

ULTIMATE COLLEGE APPL

Story and design by Joleigh Underwood

enior year. The one everyone looks forward to. The “blow-off” year. Less homework, easier tests, and no stress. Or so you thought. Senior year isn’t breezy and wonderful just yet... There’s one last mountain each student must climb before reaching high school heaven: College applications. Even if only applying to one school, you have to worry about countless essays, letters of recommendations, resumes, and the dreaded FAFSA form. It’s a lot to digest for barely-adults with poor organizational and time-management skills, but with the right plan and information, any senior can knock out this Goliath of a task. After completing 10 college applications thus far, I know a thing or two about applying. So, without further ado, I present my Ultimate College Application Guide, complete with essay writing tips, completion timeline, and checklist for every senior drowning in the abyss of forms and prompts.

$5 BILLION

of merit-based scholarships awarded each year

WRITING TIPS Avoid passive verbs

Using active verbs keeps writing concise and professional. Passive verbs aren’t technically incorrect, but they’re frowned upon. This tool will especially come in handy when trying to trim essays for a word count. Example: Regina George was hit by the bus. → The bus hit Regina George.

Always write the truth.

I understand- colleges will never know if you actually volunteered at the soup kitchen all summer or not. It’s easy to embellish stories and exaggerate facts to make yourself look better to colleges, but that’s what every other kid in the country is doing, too. Writing a fake story will produce a fake voice. Phony writing comes off as shallow

and it’s never as good as when you write about something you can actually draw from. Your story may not be as impressive, but the writing will be more authentic and sincere and ultimately pay off.

Showcase your strengths

Obviously, the main point of any college essay is to prove why the college should admit you. So, when telling a story or answering the prompt, make sure you include how your special skills and traits relate to this topic, or a valuable lesson you learned from an experience. The what and the how of every essay are important, but the why is most crucial when it comes to admittance.

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

GLOSSARY FAFSA- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form that evaluates your parent’s income and family situation and determines how much money the government should award you for college. They offer loans, grants, and Work Study programs. Even if your family is financially well off, you should still fill out the FAFSA because the government is likely to award at least some form of economic aid. EARLY DECISION- Early Decision applications are binding contracts with the college you are applying to. If a college admits you that you apply early decision to, you automatically have to go there. This application is good for students who know the college they want to go to for sure and aren’t interested in any other options. EARLY ACTION- Early action is a non-binding application but has an earlier application deadline. If you apply to a school early action, you will generally hear back from them sooner but you aren’t legally obligated to enroll there if accepted. REGULAR DECISION- Regular decision is just a normal application. It is non-binding and the deadline is later, so you’ll generally hear back from admissions in the spring. TEST OPTIONAL- If an application is test optional, it means you do not have to submit an SAT or ACT score in order to be admitted. However, if you have a good test score, you can send the score even if the application is test optional. HOLISTIC APPLICATION- If a college says they have a holistic application process, this means they look at all elements of an application equally. GPA is no more important than ACT scores or essays, and vice versa. Basically, colleges focus on the student as a whole instead of individual qualifications.

LICATION RESUME TIPS Remove all first person pronouns

guide N

Quantify your accomplishments

PHOTO BY M

Colleges love to see real numbers behind things you’ve done in high school. It strengthens your resume and proves that these are real things you’ve worked on, not just general ideas of stuff your involvement. For example, if you organized the canned-food drive, you could say you helped donate over 20,000 cans to the Houston Food Bank.

APRIL YOUNG, COLLEGE & CAREER SPECIALIST

AD ISO

THE ESSENTIALS Complete resume

List in order of importance

Request letters of recommendation from teachers

Within each sub-category (honors and awards, leadership, extracurricular involvement) make sure to list your accomplishments in order of importance. This ensures that colleges see the most impressive things first and helps tighten up the organization. For example, if you were a National Merit Scholar and also received Honor Roll for three years, you would put National Merit Scholar first.

Submit ACT or SAT scores to schools you’re applying to. Finish all admissions applications

Make it look pretty

This is a simple one, but one of the most important as well. Make sure to use simple, clean fonts, little to no color, and bold the headers or subtitles. Try to keep the fonts and font sizes as uniform as possible to make your resume visibly pleasing and professional.

17%

“Keep the faith. It’s not hard, you just have to find the time and make it a priority because it feels so good when those award letters start coming in.”

In websites like the Common App, a couple hundred characters often limit the activities and leadership descriptions. So to get the most bang for your buck, take out all first-person pronouns and avoid complete sentences.

Complete FAFSA form Submit honors college or scholarship applications. Complete housing application for the school you choose.

of colleges consider essays to have considerable influence on admissions.

TIMELINE

Submit applications

Admissions decisions announced

Submit priority housing form

National Decision Day

FAFSA deadline

Jan. 2021

Mar./Apr. 2021

Apr. 2021

May 1, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

APPLE DAY... A

An in-depth look at apple’s roles in school lunches, health benefits

Story by Michael Burns and Braden Murray very day after lunch, my friend Braden Murray brings me, Michael Burns, an extra apple from the cafeteria. It quickly became a running joke in the journalism classroom, and we decided to pitch a lighthearted story about apples for the magazine, which we expected to be turned down because of its simplicity. What we didn’t foresee was its evolution into a full-fledged story package, with its very own two-page spread in the magazine, complete with extensive research, student polls, and in-depth interviews. What started “I as a friendly exchange soon developed into an investigation of the district’s handling of fruit and school lunches, find that it’s and the findings are much more interesting than a good snack for one would assume. Apples, the harvestable fruit at the center of a later in the school day. healthy meal. A fruit rich in flavor, bright color, and It helps me get through sweet smell. Found across the globe, apples, high my last classes, and gives in fiber and important vitamins, remain one of the most popular fruits. CFISD campuses use apples, me enough energy to and other nutritional items to meet the requirements prepare me for my of school lunches. CFISD participates in the National School Lunch afternoon.” Program, a federal program that sets guidelines and regulations for school lunches. The program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals to every student each school day. A very important part of the nutritionally balanced meals are fruits. At a high school level, a cup of fruit is required with each meal. Apples, especially fresh whole apples, are abundant in vitamin C, and actually fulfill the one-cup requirement. On account of their high fiber content and low calories, apples make a great weight-loss friendly food and dietary supplement. “Fruit is just a part of a balanced meal. Fruit can add a lot of things, apples specifically like fresh whole apples, they’re an excellent source of vitamin C,” Darin Crawford, Director of Food Service said. “They’re an excellent source of fiber, relatively low in calories, and no added sugars, as you would see, like canned fruit or frozen fruit. So those are some of the health benefits of apples.” Although apples at their core are highly nutritious, where they are sourced from, the presence of preservatives and GMOs and their preparation process are important. The district gets their produce from Hardie’s Fresh Foods and Brothers Produce. The apples served with CFISD school lunches maintain zero preservatives; however, the fruits

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

supplied aren’t organic. Additionally, after the apples are washed clean, they’re wrapped in a small layer of Carnauba wax, a digestible substance used to preserve the fruit, before being served to students. “There is a possibility that at the orchard, there are pesticides, but those, you know, go through a process before they get to us where they’re washed clean,” Crawford said. “A small layer of wax is put on the apples, which is why they’re shiny, but it’s a food grade wax just like you would see apples at the grocery store. That’s why they have the shine on them. But that, again, is a natural product.” Students who buy their lunches on campus must receive meals that meet the nutritional requirements. Food previously wasn’t allowed to be consumed outside the cafeteria, but now it’s acceptable for students to save food items for later. Apples are popular items for eating after lunch. They make for a nutritional snack, as they’re a great source of polyphenols, which is linked to a lower risk of diabetes. For example, junior Husien Darrugar “Lunch, of keeps his apples as a snack for after lunch. course isn’t the same “I actually really like apples, but we already have so little time in our lunches. So I keep as last year. Our options the apples for later use,” Darugar said. “I are limited now, and a lot find that it’s a good snack for later in the of my favorite foods aren’t school day. It helps me get through my last available anymore. I hope classes, and gives me enough energy to things start to get back to prepare me for my afternoon.” normal in the lunch lines COVID-19 protocols have relaxed soon.” gradually since the lockdown in March, and self-service is now allowed to take place for items that are contained. This rule permits a variety of fruits to be added into school lunches, including bananas and oranges. Previously, all foods in the lunch line, including fruit, were handed to each student. “Lunch, of course isn’t the same as last year when COVID-19 wasn’t a thing. Our options are limited now, and a lot of my favorite foods aren’t available anymore,” Darugar said. “I hope things start to get back to normal in the lunch lines soon.” Apples have carried much of the nutritional requirements in the cafeteria during Covid, but other fruits are slowly being reintroduced. Junior, David Fontenot is excited. Fontenot is allergic to apples, thus he has taken a liking for oranges. “I’m allergic to apples so obviously I’m happy for new fruits being added back into the lunch lines,” Fontenot said. “COVID’s impact on schools is seen in every department. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the lunch line because of safety concerns, which I’m grateful for, but variety of choices is something I’m looking forward to. I’m excited to see what’s in the future for our school, and our lunches.”

5 Little Known Uses for Apples Decorate a Tree Dried fruit can be strung together or hung as single ornaments, adding fragrance and personality to the tree. Ripen unripened fruit Apples give off a chemical that increases metabolism and increases ripening speed. Place the fruits in a bag with an apple and watch the magic happen! Use as a face mask Apples can hydrate and brighten the skin. Grate the apples and apply to your face for 10 to 15 minutes. Cure a headache Smelling green apples can release tension as well as relieve headaches and migraines. Help Prevent Cancer Apples contain high levels of certain antioxidants. Research shows that these antioxidants limit cancer cell growth.

56.5% of Bridgeland students prefer green apples

43.5% of Bridgeland students prefer red apples

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

onumental events, without fail, bring about effects that will last lifetimes after the situation has ended. Examples of this can be seen in the aftermath of 9/11 and now in the present day as the COVID-19 pandemic remains a constant in everyday life. The Coronavirus has brought about both positive and negative changes worldwide- many widely talked about like the economy or the mental health among those in quarantine. Other changes are less talked about. They lurk on the edges of conversations, the effects that no one wants to admit are there. But they are, and they need their time in the spotlight just as much as everything else does. This account is not about the virus itselt- it’s about what comes after it and what comes because of it. The changes in the perspectives of young adults, students of Bridgeland High School, inheritors of the world. This is the world as we now know it.

The Psychological Aftermath

Changes in the classroom

Students and teachers notice a shift in attitude inside the classroom. Although there are several plausible catylysts for this shift, masks are likely the biggest factor. In his article about the burdens and benefits of face masks in school, Professor Manfred Spitzer at the Ulm University Hospital Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy explains how masks block emotional signaling between students and teachers by dampening sound amplitude and obstructing the visibility of lip movement. Ms. Puckett acknowledges and tries to mitigate this lack of interaction in the classroom. “I’ve noticed I have to pull them in to be engaged more,” Ms. Puckett said. “I have to call on students more than I did last year to talk because I think the masks make it to where students don’t feel as comfortable talking and participating.”

A Lack of Motivation

The lockdown led to increased boredom, anxiety, and most importantly, a loss of motivation for many students. Loss of motivation in young adults affects performance in school and out. Less social stimulation during lockdowns leads to decreased student productivity and affects attitudes towards life in general, which in turn leads to depression in

One major threat of COVID-19 is the emotional distress and fear created by the pandemic that, if left untreated, can lead to long-lasting trauma. The risks of not seeking help and counseling can lead to decreased physical health, a higher risk of suicide or self-harm, and a greater risk of substance use. Another symptom of the pandemic is a communal sense of grief at the loss of how things used to be, as defined by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California. Alyssa Webb-McCune, Licensed Professional CounselorIntern at Amy Wine Counseling Center, takes a special interest in young adult mental health, given that this group makes up the majority of her client base. “My clients are dealing with a global trauma during a very formative and important time of their lives. This is something I discuss and work with them through so we can figure out exactly what outlooks have changed and what they want to do about that,” WebbMcCune said. “Not understanding the changes can lead to a lot of confusion and stress in the years to come.”

53%

students. This issue of motivation in students could potentially lead to an upswing in depression. Psychology and Sociology Teacher Laura Nguyen recognizes the issue of motivation and has personally witnessed its effects in her students. Mrs. Nguyen explained that online students are perhaps affected by the loss of motivation more so than inperson students. “The kids that are coming to school, they’re at least visually interacting with people, you know, talking and so forth,” Mrs. Nguyen said. “Being at home, especially with the students who are still quarantining, their motivations are going to go down because they’re less stimulated. It’s naturally going to make your brain slow down, and it’s going to reduce your productivity.”

of adults in the US reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their mental health.

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

The Need for Touch

In addition to social interaction, teens have a basic need for positive touch. Physical interaction can be anything from

hugs and cuddling to high fives and friendly pats on the back. The long-term absence of positive touch can lead to a condition called touch starvation. Although it may sound like something out of a cheesy romance novel, it’s a real problem that can lead to increased anxiety and depression as well as other negative effects. Touch starvation can even suppress the immune system or, in more extreme cases, lead to PTSD. The six-feet-apart rule, encouraged by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) led to the steady decline of casual physical affection. This new mindset that touch is taboo has the potential to lead to touch starvation becoming a more common problem in our society, as well as eliminate forms of nonverbal communication. “For some people, physical interaction is the way that they communicate with the world,” senior Chase Segui said. “A lot of people just come in for hugs and stuff like that, because that’s what they do. So for them, not being able to physically interact with other people is a really big hit because of everybody being so cautious.”

“Being at home, especially with the students who are still kind of quarantining, their motivations are going to go down because they’re less stimulated. It’s naturally going to make your brain slow down. And it’s going to reduce your productivity.”

The Bright Side

Even with all of the negativity and hardship, the impacts of COVID-19 are not entirely detrimental. As much as people around the world would like to paint the picture of a doomsday virus that brought about disastrous effects, junior Megan Cabaniss chooses to look past the metaphorical dark cloud and see some of the positives that have emerged. “I think that a common experience like COVID brought us all together as a nation, as a world almost,” Cabaniss said. “It helps us

understand each other, understand one another better.” Creating unity is not the only positive effect brought on by the pandemic. Changes can even be found in people themselves. It can be seen in the way they interact and the way that they view the world around them. “I’ve seen my friends and classmates becoming more empathetic. People are overall becoming more understanding, and I think that’s actually good for the population,” Cabaniss said. “There are tensions right now, in America especially, but I think people, especially our generation, classmates are becoming more emotionally aware of others.”

A Global Awareness

Chase Segui admitted that before COVID he didn’t dedicate much time to paying attention to the world around him. With the arrival of the pandemic, watching the news and keeping up to date on events has become much more common, especially among teens. NEWS

“I mean, I know over the summer, with everything going on with BLM (Black Lives Matter) and all that, being at home makes you a lot more receptive to the news and what’s going on in the world,” Segui said. “So I think that it’s good in that way where we are able to look around and be more receptive to the world around us.”

How to Move Forward

As the pandemic remains a constant in everyday life, the changes it brings along with it will continue to shape our society in both positive and negative ways. Dr. Webb-McCune offers advice to those who are struggling during these challenging times. “This is going to sound cliche... but breathe. Take a minute, and remember, what you’re feeling right now isn’t going to last forever. I’m a firm believer that sometimes life is just difficult, and we figure out the best way to handle it. Sometimes we get to feel on top of the world and powerful, other times, it feels like we are barely surviving,” Webb-McCune said. “But you know what? You’re still surviving. Life will get better, life will continue, and it’s up to you to figure out what you want to do to get through today in the best way possible... then do the same tomorrow.” Story by Olivia Masterson, Multimedia Editor and Alfred Dozier, Entertainment/Opinion Editor Graphics by Joleigh Underwood, Magazine Editor and Emma Zwick, Features Editor

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Essential Workers brave pandemic conditions

uring COVID-19, essential workers are required to go back to work with new safety changes put in place by companies, and employees risk contracting the novel coronavirus. Since the COVID-19 outbreak hit the country in late January, the unemployment rate skyrocketed. However, medical jobs and service industry jobs such as retail became more active. As school resumes and quarantine lifts, workers begin taking their places back. A majority of the companies and businesses opening are only requiring essential workers to attend. The pandemic is still ongoing, so returning to work means risk of contracting the virus. Senior Sarah Costigan works as a cash register at Crumbl Cookies. and was expected to return when quarantine ended. “Personally, I think I worry maybe more than other people my age,” Costigan said. “Like I’m just really cautious, mostly because of my family, because I know [for] me, I’m relatively healthy and my immune system is working fine. So I know if I got it, I would probably be okay, but I can’t say that for the other people in my house, so I’m pretty cautious.” Costigan joined Crumbl when it opened in January before the pandemic. Sarah initially took a month off work following the first outbreak. After coming back, cases spiked again and she went on another small break before returning for good. “We make sure when we’re in the back or [in] an instance where we need to take a sip of water or something, we all keep our distance,” Costigan said. “So all my coworkers are being really safe too.” New precautions at Crumbl during the pandemic include wearing a mask (also required of customers), wiping down the counters on a regular basis, and wearing gloves and changing them out whenever employees touch anything that could be contaminated. “Hopefully, as for my coworkers, if they felt symptoms NEWS

they would immediately say something,” Costigan said, “Just so we know in advance, and we can make sure that no one else is showing the same signs.” The majority of schools in Houston reopened their doors to face-to-face students for Story by Carley Zeigler the 2020-2021 school year starting around the end of August and early September. According to Wilson Elementary School nurse Jan Thomas, the Harris County Health Department advised that schools should have a positivity rate of less than 5 percent, but not all schools met that requirement when they resumed in-person learning. Harris County is currently leading the state in COVID-19 cases, yet school staffs still find reasons to return to work despite the staggering figures. Essential workers have worked around the clock since the coronavirus struck. “Being that I’ve been there for a while, they’ve become like my work family and I felt like we were all in it together,” Thomas said. “And the personality that I have, I didn’t want to trust that particular school to anyone who didn’t have experience with it with infection control. And so along with my family members, we together decided it was best for me to go back to work.” Working for the district, Thomas explained how difficult the decision was deciding if she should risk going back to work or leave the job up to someone else. In times like these, going out can have a ripple effect. “We are maintaining three to six feet apart from each other, we’re wearing masks, except when outside at recess. And during lunch, we’re washing our hands and sanitizing our hands frequently. To a degree that we follow the guidelines, they can be effective,” Thomas said. “However, with the CDC, recently, making it official that COVID has an airborne component. I’m not sure if our guidelines are going to be enough.”

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

roomers and zoomers CHOICE OF LEARNING LOCATION LEADS TO ADJUSTMENTS FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS

Story by Ashtyn Haggard and Charleigh Thomas

s the school year progresses, administrators, Technology use on such a large scale means tech students, and teachers adjust to hybrid-learning. failures make a big splash. As the district moves to a The biggest adjustment so far? An increase in 1-to-1 model, CFISD makes plans and adjustments to workloads for everyone. accommodate increased use of the network. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the day-toThere are pros and cons to both forms of learning, day lives of everyone in the community. In response to the and teachers and students continue to navigate new pandemic and to provide choice in learning environment, challenges as the year progresses. students can choose either to learn at home or “We’re all just trying to suck less. Like, can continue to learn in-person. CFISD chose the we just talk a little less today? Can we just o t s Connect learning model to implement get a little better today than yesterday was? k clic an 5 1 virtual learning and promote the safety And sometimes we can’t even do that,” 0 1 lete t in p and individual needs of each student Christopherson said. m co nmen during pandemic. The district uses the “Sometimes, it’s just trying to hold on.” new learning management system, assig oology. Schoology, along with Zoom to facilitate Sch learning online with in-person instruction. However, because of the organization and unfamiliarity of this program, students and teachers feel overwhelmed with work. “This year, I honestly can’t tell if my workload has been heavier because just in general, everything feels heavy - emotionally, physically,” junior Gabrielle Bondoc said. “I think about the negative emotions I have associated #2 with work, I look at the long to-do list I have after every school day, and I just kind of crumble sometimes.” story Schoology’s organization is viewed as less user-friendly By Ma dison C than Google Classroom, the district’s former learning lay management system. Navigating classes in Schoology and completing an assignment takes around 10-15 clicks e darkroom. ally be using th per assignment, teachers and students say. Using the new ound to “We would norm e everything ar system has been a major learning curve. we had to mov phy, So og digital phot ra “Since the teachers aren’t used to [Schoology] and as like digital art. ly be ar ne they’re used to using Google Classroom, it kind of es, isn’t ng on cell phon g a camera.” ki or w hindered my ability to do work at times because of s, as usin exciting, I gues y complications with files. I had to work with the teacher to ce, photograph Ms. Emily Spen figure out some things,” Bondoc said. For Pre-Calculus teacher Kirsten Cole Christopherson, her workload increased exponentially with the added task of teaching online and in-person simultaneously. She went from working 40 to 50 hours a week, to 65 to 70. For her, “definitely seeing my students tackle this year hasn’t been ideal. a really big problem and then get it “I don’t know that anybody thinks ‘this is my best successful (is my favo learning year ever’ as a student, and I don’t think anyone rite part). That is a really amazing, bu as teachers is, like ‘it’s my t seeing some kids that started off best teaching year ever,’” really shy, start smiling, and I can see Christopherson said. you through the “I work better ma sk like so that that’s Initially more than 70 been really positive for me.” percent of Bridgeland when I do it by students chose in-person Mr. Rayvan Watson, myself and out of a computer science learning. For freshman classroom.” Jace Gooley, the decision was because being at home caused too much of Computer graphics via vecteezy.com a hassle.

New teachers navigate teaching in a pandemic

NEWS

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

BOBA101 Story by Liz Kemsley

efreshing, interactive, and above all, delicious. Boba tea has finally made its long-overdue arrival to Cypress, Texas. Although it may seem alien to many Cypress residents, boba tea has an extensive background and is an integral part of Asian culture. So where did this hype for boba tea come from? Although relatively new to the West, boba tea plays a significant part in traditional East Asian history and Asian American culture hubs alike. As early as the Tang dynasty, the practice of tea drinking held cultural importance as a symbol of harmony and unity and a beacon of friendship. Tea is as deeply ingrained in East Asian culture as meals are, with each cup of tea alluding to gratitude and appreciation for life as a whole. But tea culture for first-generation Asian Americans is completely different. Boba serves as a connection for teens and young adults: an unspoken source of comfort in our roots

SO MANY TEAS, TOO LIT TLE TIME The vast amount of selection may feel overwhelming. Embrace it - all drinks at most cafes are customizable; meaning that customers are able to adjust their level of sweetness, ice, and topping amount. Pretty fun, huh?

and origin. The popularity of boba in heavily Asian-clustered populations in America allowed for teens to share a mutual sense of pride over the unique drink. As a more casual and fun way to enjoy the traditions of tea culture, there is no doubt that boba is perhaps one of the most well known and loved forms of tea in modern times. As a first-gen Asian American myself, it is safe to say that I have grown up with boba as my best friend and ultimate comfort drink. Breakfast? Vietnamese coffee boba. Lunch? Fresh taro boba. And a midnight snack? No other option but a soothing Oolong milk tea with all the fixings. But what do all these words mean? How can a newbie to boba conquer the intimidating and unfamiliar menu, especially as boba slowly integrates into Cypress? Your selfproclaimed boba fanatic is here and ready to bring her vast wealth of knowledge to the Bridgeland doorstep.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE TEA OR COFFEE? Fear not, Boba establishments have you covered. From slushies to smoothies to carbonated drinks, you will not be left in the dust. Most boba cafes pride themselves in both traditional and trendy flavors.

WHAT TO ORDER I have a few consistent orders. My favorites include the Earl Grey Milk Tea with 3J’s, Taro Milk Tea with boba, and the Milk Foam Green Tea with Crystal Boba. Be bold and have fun with your orders!

WHAT’S WHAT Grass Jelly- Grass Jelly is an herbal jelly,

often seen as a topping or dessert in China and Southeast Asia. It has a slightly bitter taste and a jelly-like texture. Taro- A starchy root that has a purple speckled flesh extremely popular in Southeast Asian desserts. Its taste is nutty, rich, and similar to that of a sweet potato. Boba- Tapioca pearls, known as QQ Pearls in Taiwan because of the chewy and

addictive texture. It is a common topping for Asian drinks and desserts. Crystal pearls- Made from the konjac plant, crystal boba has a gelatin like texture and has no distinct taste. Milk Foam- Milk foam is a topping popularized by night market stalls in Taiwan that consists of a slightly salted milky foam, sometimes combined with sweet powdered or fresh cream cheese and whipping cream.

E NTE RTA I NME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

GO GREEN how buying a plant can change lives

Plants are all the rage until you have to keep them alive. It’s exhausting: they require a certain distance from the window and need to be watered once every three days at exactly 4 p.m. Your houseplant that you bought on a whim has now taken on a whole new level of commitment. Is a pile of floppy green leaves in a cute pot really worth the unexpected workload? Unbeknownst to many, houseplants can improve your life as a whole just by being in your house. Studies show that they can do everything from improve the quality of the air you breathe to increase your productivity and mental clarity. If nothing else, plants distract from the stresses of everyday life by requiring some time in your schedule to take a break and care for them.

IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH Plants don’t just serve as decoration for your coffee table- they also play a role in improving your mental well-being. According to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, several studies prove that being among plants can decrease feelings of depression. Among these studies was an examination on how therapeutic horticulture affects clinical depression. Participants were enrolled in a 12-week therapeutic horticulture program. Data was collected before, twice during, immediately

after the program and at a three-month follow up. The results concluded that improvements in the participants’ mental health maintained until the three-month follow up. In the section “Reducing Anxiety and Stress,” one of the studies was an observation of how daily exposure to natural elements and sunlight can affect stress and mood. The results were that everyday environments, nature and exposure to sunlight, did indeed have a positive impact on one’s stress levels and general mood.

BETTER AIR QUALITY The common house plant greatly reduces indoor air pollutants. Indoor air pollution can lead to symptoms of “sick building syndrome,” a term used to describe when occupants of a building experience illness seemingly attached to the amount of time spent in said building. A study led by Vadoud Niri, Ph.D., examined the effect that certain houseplants have on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a main category of indoor pollutants. The research team isolated five different plants in air-tight boxes that contained certain VOCs. After being observed for 12 hours the study concluded that every single plant reduced the amount of VOCs in its specific box.

INCREASED POSITIVITY A little bit of green can go a long way in increasing productivity in day-to-day life. In a collaborative study, three universities in the Netherlands and Australia explored the impact of having plants in a real office environment. While your home may not be an office, there are numerous daily tasks that require you to be just as productive in the comfort of your own home. The study suggests that a green office or a green home, can increase a person’s work engagement, making them more involved in their work overall and increasing productivity.

THE TAKEAWAY So, is having a pretty green friend in a cute pot worth the extra effort needed to keep it alive? That decision is yours to make, but the positive effects that plants can have on your life are something to consider the next time you’re walking past a rack of discount succulents at the grocery store.

E NTE RTAI N ME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Story by Olivia Masterson, Multimedia Editor Graphics by Emma Zwick, Features Editor

what’s C I I K N K

IGH TOPS H 0

Who doesn’t love Converse? They are a classic. Vintage fashion trends are making a comeback this season and these shoes play directly into that. The patchwork trend can be seen on everything from tops to pants and now even to shoes.

$130 W

TOP 8 SNEAKERS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST Story by Della Fowler, Photos & Graphics Editor Graphics by Brianna Keller

GO EE I believe

AIR

ADIDA

SO Z

$110

$120

& MATC H These shoes

MIX

I -H

earth tones are taking over 2020 fashion. Shoes are no different, and this beige pair is perfect for a monochromatic look. I love this pair because while it is still a good neutral, it is not as traditional as a black or white shoe. There has been some recent controversy over the chunky heeled Fila shoes, and I think the Tekno’s provide a better balance between heel and shoe. They still have a considerable heel, but it’s not as in your face like the Fila’s.

E NTE RTA I NME N T

match almost anything. They’re black, white and grey, allowing them to be paired with a variety of outfits. I am a sucker for high tops in general, but the Vans high tops are definitely one of my favorites. They provide support for the ankle and are flattering on the foot.

I've had a crush on these shoes for the longest time. In fact, they’re literally at the top of my Christmas list. These babies are absolutely gorgeous, perfect for fall or winter. The contrast between the masculine leather and dainty pink makes for a really powerful shoe. They are just enough to stand out in an outfit without being flashy and can be paired with jeans, dresses and skirts.

a black shoe is very hard to do right. There are so many black shoes, that it’s difficult for them to have a little bit of spice that makes them unique. The Adidas Ozweego is beautiful. 1990s and 2000s fashion is coming back this season and these shoes fit perfectly with that vibe. They are lightweight and can be matched with lots of different things from sweats to dresses. Be daring enough to go all-black this winter with these dynamic sneakers.

2 K TE K N O M E According to IK Fashionista.com,

JORDAN

$65

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

NIKE AIR

IT’S LIT

I have seen people criticizing white Nike Air Forces all over TikTok. I offer these shoes as an alternative to the “basic” original white sneakers. These aren’t fully white, yet they still make a statement. The color combination of the different greens work perfectly together and offer a unique shoe that stands out without being flashy. They are subtle yet chic and fit perfectly into the pastels trend this season.

SHADOW

$190

ays Alternative w ur tree o y te to decora

y Smith

n by Courtne

ig Story and des

NIKE AIR

M A The style

THERE'S GNOME PLACE LIKE HOME

of this shoe is so amazing. It’s like a 270 and an Air Force 1 had a baby. On this particular shoe, I really enjoy the surprising color combinations. Normally, I’d say a pink and brown colored anything looks like that ugly monkey from the 2000s but it is so cohesive on this shoe. In addition to that, the colors look good with everything that’s a warm tone.

Add a little personality to your tree! This is Larry and he’s been stuck up on this tree for awhile, unable to get down. I refuse to help him because I told him not to climb it in the first place.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

$120

NIKE VI

Think back to when you were happiest. Most people think of their younger self, so what better way to celebrate the end of the year holidays than with an army of infants!

ST A

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Turkey makes a common appearance on many Christmas dishes, so why not repurpose the feathers beforehand to decorate your tree? Reduce, reuse, recycle!

TE LI

While researching shoes for this story, I came across TikToker Sherlina Nym who recommended these shoes based on affordability and style. These shoes are highly rated and when styled correctly, can be easily compatible for a fall or winter look. Also, shout out to my shorter girls, these shoes will give you at least a few inches without having to wear heels.

CHRISTMAS VACATION

Cater to the Grinches of Christmas by adding remnants of summer vibes! Who says winter and summer have to be two different seasons?

$65

E NTE RTAI N ME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

ARE YOU THE IMPOSTER

E NTE RTA I NME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

Story and design by Grace Kirkley Graphics by Joleigh Underwood

CoVid-19 Edition

mong Us,” the hit “Social Deduction Game” that recently took the gaming and streaming industry by storm, is currently ranked third amongst the “Most Popular Core PC Games,” according to Newzoo. Although it was initially published on June 15, 2018, the game “Among Us” just recently claimed the spotlight in the media. It’s so popular that in all of my classes I’m usually able to get a full lobby of 10 people to play with. According to SteamCharts, major activity on “Among Us” started in late April with a little more than 1,000 players. Fast forward five months later, “Among Us” hit 438,524 players in a single week on September 21. This sudden spike shows the game made an impact in a big way. With an average of 185,895.9 players per week within the last 30 days and a huge percent-increase of players every month, “Among Us” is officially mainstream. The premise of the game is you’re either a “crewmate” or “imposter.” If selected as a “crewmate” you have two main objectives: completing your given task and figuring out who the “imposter” is among the group without dying. However, if selected as an “imposter,” your goal is to sabotage the “crewmates’’ tasks and pick them off one by one without being compromised. Simply put, the multiplayer game consists of 10 people playing Hide-and-Seek with Micheal Myers. Although it may not initially sound very interesting and the graphics look very simplistic, “Among Us” is very user-friendly and fun to play with friends or meet new people, largely in part to the cross-platform gameplay between mobile and PC. I initially downloaded “Among Us” through a recommendation from a friend, and although I was initially confused for the first couple of games, I realized that it’s an amazing but relatively simple game that’s able to make the players turn on one another and lie to each other in a fun and hilarious way. I rate “Among Us” a 9/10 video game for a variety of reasons it’s easy and simple to learn, free for mobile, fun to play with friends, good for meeting new people, and it’s something different from the standard open world or shooter games which previously debuted this year. I think “Among Us” brings a much needed diverse multiplayer experience to people of all ages, connecting players in a socially distanced world.

Sociability Guide

Story by Matthias Talbert Design by Joleigh Underwood

oing into this school year looks crazy different for all of us, and with that there have been safety and health concerns for both teachers and students. But it appears there’s one big problem none of us really expected: loneliness. Yes of course, quarantine and isolation led to a bit of a damper on social opportunities; however, a large majority of the student body seemed to be looking forward to the return in-person school so they could socialize with their peers once again.

However, with the mask requirements, people are much less eager to speak up. It’s difficult to read social cues when facial expressions are practically nonexistent. The classrooms suffer painful silence caused by a combination of the masks, social anxiety and Plexiglas barriers. Although the precautions are necessary and appreciated for our physical health, what is this lack of interaction doing to our mental health, and how can we fix it safely? Let’s take a look at six ways you can up the ante on your social skills, COVID-19 style.

Smile with your eyes

The “Smise,” as Tyra Banks would put it. Sadly, flashing those pearly whites isn’t much of an option right now, and sometimes it’s hard to tell if a simple glance in your direction is just that or a grimace. Reassure others by showing your enthusiasm! One little smile can go a long way (or in this case, a simple friendly squint of the eyes).

Engage in class

Engage with your teacher! If the teacher asks a question to the class, answer verbally. The teachers will greatly appreciate your participation and it may lead to a domino effect in classroom conversation.

Branch Out

Class numbers are sparse this year, thus making the likelihood of being paired up with friends less likely (especially if said friends are attending via Zoom). This change can be uncomfortable for almost everyone, which sort of makes it the perfect opportunity to make some new buddies. You could end up becoming close friends with someone you never considered talking to thanks to these special circumstances.

Take initiative

When paired up in groups or partners, avoid the awkwardness by faking it ‘til you make it. Crack a joke or compliment someone’s outfit. Even if you may feel uncomfortable at first, more times than not, you’ll be effortlessly carrying on a conversation by the end of the interaction and may even leave the class with a new friend.

Express yourself through style

Show your style with the clothes you wear, whether it be a graphic t-shirt or simply a cute outfit. I highly encourage expressing yourself through your mask! Wear a mask inspired by your favorite movie, TV show, brand, sport or any other interest. Your classmates may be familiar with it and spark up a conversation.

Be Patient

Keeping that “taking initiative” idea in mind, we should also be mindful that some people may be a bit more reluctant to branch out. Don’t let this notion discourage you though- some people just need a bit of time to process their environment. Everyone adapts to their surroundings at different rates, and eventually, it will get better for all of us. Pinky promise!

E NTE RTA I N ME N T

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

MY LIFE ON

THE INSIDE

Living in an immunocompromised household during COVID-19

n almost every modern day movie, there is a “lifechanging crisis” or critical event that leaves the audience clinging to their seats and anticipating the outcome of the dilemma. I lack the buttery popcorn or cheap 3D glasses that a movie offers, but I can say that I’ve been awaiting the outcome of my ongoing dilemma for the past year. With my glasses askew and foggy, two masks adorned on my face and rubber gloves secured, I dumped the seven boxes of Clorox wipes onto the kitchen floor. My mom appeared by my side in an instant, grabbing the wipes and hauling them into the large crate that stood in the center of our living room. A deep sigh and a slight scolding for the rip in my glove snapped me back into reality. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a week before my fourteenth birthday. Given she is an organic fanatic with a love for exercise and clean eating, the entire family was in disbelief at the news. There was an initial state of denial, in which my family was outraged over the “misreadings” and “scams” that the hospital had somehow conducted. But as the visits began to deliver the same results, our household quickly unraveled into a panic. Middle school was spent at home, alone while my mom underwent several treatments and tests. When my mother was cleared of cancer, my family gained a new sense of caution. Removal of sugary goods in the pantry and an extra face mask were simply essentials in our newfound way of life.

O P I N I ON

Rewinding to the early days of Mom’s diagnosis feels like an entirely different realm when I think about this rollercoaster of a year, otherwise known as COVID-19. Living life in a pandemic with a cancer survivor is far from a walk in the park. The large crate in our living room is stuffed to the brim with cleaning supplies and N-95 masks, a kind reminder of the precautions we have to make when we step out of the house. We’ve kept a calendar that sits profoundly on our kitchen fridge. Seven months and four days since my family has been to another household. Six months since we last saw my sister, who attends a military academy in New York. Seven months since we last dined in a restaurant. I have a list of things that I miss from pre-quarantine life and I know my mother does too. My mother’s indifferent facade hides her desire for normalcy: a look so desperate that one may even question the point of our efforts. To outsiders, our cautiousness may come off as extreme or unnecessary. But for our little family of four, mom’s health is of utmost importance- more than a chicken parmesan at Olive Garden or a housewarming party down the block. The next time I feel the overwhelming urge to complain about having to decline an invite, I’ll remind myself to take a look at the supply crate and remember just what exactly is on the line in the circumstances that we are faced with. And mom? I’ll stay as long as you need me to, just let me know when to whip out the Clorox.

Story by Liz Kemsley

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

A CREEPTASTIC TIME A

NOTEBOOK

“Notebook” is the album’s opening track. It is about Martinez’s experience in one of her past relationships. More specifically, it’s about her experience with being taken for granted and having to set boundaries. This song opens the album up with the exact thing Martinez is known for: her definitive style of music and lyricism. Her voice perfectly matches this song, and it’s almost as though listeners can hear her vulnerability in her soft pitch. A huge issue with this song is the absence of a distinct bridge or wow-factor, which ruins the production. This song earns a C+.

TEST ME

“Test Me” describes the ability to accept challenges as ways to gain strength and wisdom. This song also

BRAIN & HEART

Martinez writes this song to illustrate how each partner in a relationship needs the other to live. Additionally, this song is Martinez’s favorite song on the album. Hearing this song makes people want to dance. As it is one of the slower songs on the album, the lyrics have a greater impact. Martinez’s message is so uniquely conveyed during this song that it feels as though your heartbeat matches with the beat. However, adding a bridge to this song would make it more entertaining to listen to. Without it, the song feels very repetitive. In summary, this song deserves a B-.

NUMBERS

“Numbers” illustrates Martinez’s feelings about the music industry. She says that the music industry treats her as disposable, overworking and underpaying her for their benefits. Despite Melanie’s personal motivations for this song, people can relate to her poetic descriptions of being overworked. The weights of O P I N I ON

nd Fa Wi ki ez rtin Ma ie lan Me ia ev ag

illustrates Martinez’s belief that personal experiences teach more life lessons than classes at school do. Right off the bat, this song starts off beautifully. The sound of a glass ball rolling around in a cup creates such a perfect opening and introduction into the song. Her ad-libs throughout the song are satisfying to listen to and come at just the right time with the beat. Additionally, her comparison of life experiences and school experiences under a religious tone is truly poetic. “Test Me” deserves an A for it’s amazing comparisons and music.

fter School” is an extended play (EP) released on Sept. 25 from Melanie Martinez. The EP consists of songs that are in line with the theme of her album K-12, which was about her personal experiences in school. The songs in this EP are not only personal and vulnerable to Melanie Martinez, but they are also more about her life experiences than her character ‘Cry Baby.’ The genre for this EP falls under both trip-hop and electropop. Starting off, this album is a masterpiece of lyricism. Finding an artist who isn’t afraid of taking on more difficult topics is hard to come by, but Martinez easily takes on that challenge. Although all the songs on this album embody Martinez’s musical talent and artistry, there are two songs that stick out: “Numbers” and “Glued.” Not only are they the most relatable songs on the album, but they are the most audibly pleasing. All things considered, this album as a whole averages out to a B+.

Story and design by Ashtyn Haggard

the electro-beats in the background effectively make those listening understand her rage at employers. This work of art earns an A+.

THE BAKERY

“The Bakery” is this albums’ title track. It is about the time that Melanie Martinez got fired from her afterschool job at the bakery, which had her repeatedly doing the same tasks. However, some theorize this song to be a reference to her feelings about fans pushing her to release new content. This song is absolutely gorgeous. From the low, mellow beat to the harmonization of the chorus, there is absolutely no criticism on my end. However, when it comes to the song’s formula, it’s very repetitive. Whilst that is a positive selling factor in the overall message of the song, it does sound like the same 30 seconds on constant loop. Overall, “The Bakery” deserves a solid B.

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

PROTECT THE

rowing up in England, I’ve played soccer my whole life. Moving to America was a big shock, going from everyone around you is in love with the beautiful game to only sharing this passion with the small group of soccer players in my class period. Outside of my soccer period, people make fun of it. No one really goes to games other than the parents of the players and then the other teams watch the games if they can, but it is nowhere near the same as my experience in England. I understand that people grew up with football in their house every weekend or maybe another sport, but why not try something new? Before moving to America, I had no interest in football because I played soccer from a young age and all my friends did so we played it together, and I went to stadiums to watch professionals play. That’s how my circle of friends all got close, because we had something in common: the love for soccer. I remember at recess we would all sprint out and play the same teams each time and it would be so much fun. And I feel that Americans deserve that unique feeling of like

WORLD’S

GAME Story by Cameron Armer

a kid on Christmas day. I know I felt that sensation when I tried rugby for the first time, and it brought me closer to now one of my best mates. It was the thrill of trying something new and being able to gain friendships that made me realize what American teens are missing out on when they ignore soccer time and time again. Not only is playing soccer very fun, but watching it adds to the adrenaline. Not many know this, but the U.S. right now has one of the most exciting national teams with some of their top players playing for European elites and have a real shot in the 2022 World Cup. Star players such as Sergino Dest, a talented full back who was one of the best defenders when Barcelona played Real Madrid, is on the U.S. team’s lineup. Another great talent is Christian Pulisic, a young player who is taking the premier league by storm. He is quick on the ball and not afraid to shoot and take on players. With all the additions Chelsea Football Club made during the transfer window, he will surely have another great season. Everyone feels that unique sensation of being a kid again when they see something they love, like their dream car or a huge mansion. But everytime I play soccer, whether it be with my friends or at school, or maybe training alone or with my club team, it always brightens the mood of my day and I feel like a kid again. And I sincerely believe people need this feeling and can find it in soccer if they just open their minds and give it a chance. O P I N I ON

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

THE FACTS

Since the 19th century, the earth’s average surface tempertaure has increased by 2.05F.

Tropical forests are destroyed at a rate of 30 soccer fields per minute. In the past 20 years, 68% of natural disasters have been human-influenced.

Average vertebrae populations have dropped 60% in the past 40 years.

SOURCES: Climate Nasa, Forbes, CNN, Wired Co. White House Archives, Brittanica, World Atlas Wikipedia, Crudata, Macro Trends

THE WORLD VS. I T S E L F Updated account of the United States’ efforts and plans of action towards climate change in comparison with other countries of the globe.

limate Change - let’s discuss it. We’ve all heard about climate change, we’ve all seen and heard the speculations on facts surrounding, but, in detail, what role is our own nation playing in this controversial

topic? My strongly held stance is we must all acknowledge climate change and make an effort in doing our part to lessen its impact. As to why this repeatedly, scientifically validated issue remains so politicized and disputed, I have no idea, but here is my take. Living in America means residing in a country that is the second largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. In an attempt to remedy this ranking, America signed onto the Paris Agreement on Sept. 3, 2016, basically agreeing to take initiative toward becoming low-carbon and slowing climate change. Since that pivotal day, America has withdrawn from the agreement even after the tragic wildfires sparking across California earlier in 2020. Retreating from a deal that could’ve possibly aided our country in becoming environmentally friendly will lead, experts say, to more detrimental extreme weather, warming temperatures, and so many more climate change related side-effects. As to why the United States made this decision- it can likely be attributed to major industries that would be negatively affected by efforts to halt global warming. The major industries effected are electricity, transportation, commercial/ residential and

O P I N I ON

Story and design by Brooke Gamble agriculture. As of right now, the U.S. produces 10,500 barrels of crude oil daily. The fossil fuel industry in the U.S. alone receives about $20 billion in subsidies. It is safe to assume America’s reliance on the fossil fuel industry. But how important is the amount of money being racked in when there is no inhabitable earth to put it to use? Now, to be fair, yes, America is not the only polluter in the world. China comes in first place producing a staggering 27.8 percent of global emissions; however, China remains a part of the Paris Agreement. Popular industries in China that are big pollutants are steel, glass and petrochemicals. Citizens of China experience many health-related issues due to the severe pollution, but fortunately enough, China moved down from the most polluted city since a clean-air policy’s implementation in 2013. It is clear what sets America apart from the rest of the large emitters: our country’s lack of initiative or plans to decrease our contribution to climate change. In reading the facts and causations detailed above, hopefully not a sense of overwhelming dread has reached you, but moreso a motivation to do “your part.” This means dayto-day changes, going out of the way to recycle, meatlessMondays and taking the

occasional public transportation. Don’t let the multitude of it all get to you, you’re only human, so do what is individually possible for you, and take the time to worry about your own country’s weight in global warming.

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

LIFE 360 :

Invasion of privacy or lifesaver? Story and design by Juliana Kawaja

WS RO

Life360 gives me so much reassurance of their safety. With them in mind, I better understand the importance of this app and realized first-hand that we should be grateful technology has become so advanced that it can help give families across the country gain peace of mind. Chris Hulls, founder and CEO, created Life360 in 2008. Hulls intended the app to allow families to stay protected and better coordinate their locations in real-time. Though his intent for the app got lost along the way, Hulls remains very vocal and attentive to app users and their harsh criticism through his social media accounts. A few months ago, a group of teens on TikTok made it a trend to badly rate the app on the Apple App Store in an attempt to get it removed so that parents could no longer stalk and monitor their children. Hulls has since then added features such as “Bubbles,” which enable members to adjust the precision of their location. Although Life360 provides safety CLAIRE VA measures and L security for families, some parents misuse features on the app. Helicopter parents, as they are called, like to monitor their child’s every move. They DE

ife360. You either love it or you hate it. Life360 is a popular app that allows people to share their location with up to 10 members simultaneously. The app has continuously gained popularity amongst teens and adults over the past few years. This KEVIN OS T growing usage, however, has open the door for criticism. Based out of San Francisco, this information technology company formulated an app that provides reassurance to many families with new drivers and kids all across the country. Many people are fond of this app because it allows them to locate and track their family members when they are apart. This app is great for tracking the estimated time of arrivals, location, and speed at which someone is driving. Though this app may sound comforting, some do not like it because they feel as if they are being watched and it invades their privacy. Life360 is a useful and necessary app in this day and age. Though I must say, I was not too enthusiastic about it when my family first started using it. My mom monitored my every move and I felt like she was indeed stalking me. But I must admit, sometimes when my parents work late, I often worry about their whereabouts. Having

O P I N I ON

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM

even go to the extreme lengths of grounding and taking away privileges from their children when they are speeding, ROHIT not on time JH A or not at a location they said they would be. Among other issues, many teens are not huge fans of Life360 because they feel as if their freedom is taken away. Despite its few drawbacks, I don’t mind the app. I actually enjoy having it on my phone. It’s quick and easy to access, and it puts my mind and paranoia to rest. Though some may feel their privacy is being invaded, I think the app was made for a good reason. There are some bugs that need to be fixed, but that should not take away from the effectiveness of Life360. This app is a safeguard and plays a vital role in driver safety. I would highly recommend this app to anyone who is curious about the whereabouts of those they care about so they can stay alert of any potential dangers.

following in

her footsteps

Reflections on the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Story by Kaiya Little, Editor-in-Chief y fascination with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg began when I was 15, and in the two months since her death, her impact on my life hasn’t dimmed in the slightest. I eagerly consumed any and all media about the many firsts she made in her lifetime and I have always considered myself lucky to exist at the same time as her. When she was alive, there was this sense of comfort and direction for me. Her being around and fighting the good fight felt like there was a positive future that I could see ahead, but the night of her passing distorted that. Before, there was this immovable stronghold in the shape of a woman, and after, all that’s left is the question of what comes next. The simple act of pursuing an education and a career made Ginsburg a trailblazer as she carved a place for herself in the world of law- a world commandeered by men. She became the first woman to serve on the Harvard Law Review and then again at Columbia University, where she ultimately graduated first in her class in 1959. Ginsburg entered the academic sphere when the number of women in her class could be counted on two hands. Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, with a confirmation vote of 96-3, making her the second woman in history to hold such a position. Her work went beyond the courtroom as she became a symbol of modern feminism in not only her support in rulings on the basis of gender, and LGBTQ+ issues, but also in her dissents. Profoundly, there was a lot of power to be felt in the things she disagreed with, as they shaped the future of precedence in law.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” Holding onto her words makes me feel close to her despite never having met her, Ginsburg pushed her way into any space she wanted to be in and that confidence and bravery is what makes her legacy so long lasting. She spent her life working to ensure that women couldn’t be turned away and knowing that, I am determined to work towards a world where I am a part of the effort to protect that. Ginsburg was a prime example of existing in multitudes. As a woman, wife, mother, follower of Jewish faith, professor, and lawyer, Justice Ginsburg demonstrated what it meant to carry the titles and expectations of many. She proved that she was worthy of success in spite of the qualities that societal norms held against her, but it was also because of them that her image resonated heavily with so many people. A new justice has taken the seat left open by Ginsburg and for many, there is a present level of fear for the future. But the work that Ginsburg spent her life working towards, as a woman and a lawyer, certifies that we can gracefully balance many things at once as well. We can be brave in the face of an uncertain future, we can walk through the doors she held for us and open some new ones. An America post-RBG is a daunting one, but the work she started did not end on September 18, it simply picked up urgency in the glow of candlelight vigils and widespread noise on social media.

O P I N I ON

B H ST H E B R I D G E . C OM