How to be a
Connoiseur
Designed and written by Carley Spading
Almost a grand total of twenty years old, Netflix has had a major impact on popular culture, especially on the youth. From introducing new addictive TV shows, to becoming a fount of knowledge and documentaries, the internet streaming service boasts a diverse source of entertainment. But for some, it has become more of an addiction. “[I’m] definitely an addict,” said Kora West ’20, a self-proclaimed Netflix connoisseur. West claims to have watched the famous streaming service for a total of six years, before it really gained popularity in 2013. “I probably do like two hours a day, so probably fourteen to twenty hours a week,” she said “I have a lot of free time.” This idea of “binge-watching” is not uncommon. Popular shows are available by the season, and new episodes are often added. “I’ll watch multiple episodes a day, and then on the weekends if I’m not going anywhere and I have wi-fi, I’m about to whip out
that computer and watch Netflix all day.” To many, however, Netflix is only a source of distraction. Something that only encourages procrastination in youth. With only so many hours in the day, and even fewer to do homework, many think that a student’s time could be better spent. “I’ll do homework and stuff while I watch Netflix, and then when I’m done with homework I’ll watch Netflix,” West said “It’s just kind of built into my day.” Netflix is an integrated part of many students’ lives today, so while it can be distracting for some, it may be beneficial for others. “Netflix is good, you should definitely use it,” said West “[but] I don’t like Hulu, that’s some bogus stuff right there. Netflix is the way to go.”
Some recommendations from the connoiseur herself!
Shameless
3
This show is probably one of the funniest shows I have ever watched but it also gets very real at times. I know a lot of people have watched this and they like it. I binge watched the crap out of this show and watched all 6 seasons in about 2 weeks max. If you are looking for something funny, sad, relatable, and sometimes inappropriate definitely watch this
Girlboss I just recently started watching this, there’s only one season out as of right now but it’s worth watching. Its hilarious and it kinda just puts you in that good laughable mood. She’s trying to figure out where she belongs in this world but keeps failing. Who doesn’t love seeing someone fail at life once and awhile!
Nurse Jackie This show is so dramatic, I cried so much with this show. You can't help it honestly, it's funny but it's also sad and it kinda gets your blood pumping because you can't do anything about the things happening you know? This definitely hits all the bases with emotions.
Sustainable For the Summer Written and Designed by Carley Spading
There are many things to look forward to with the upcoming summer. The freedom from homework opens a myriad of possibilities, from lazing in the A/C to fun in the sun. But for some, making a difference is on the mind. “I go out to the raptor center almost every day,” said Haley Shook ’17, “basically we clean up Lake MacBride in the summer.” Lake Macbride is a popular Iowa state park located in Solon. It is home to the Lake Macbride Raptor Center, where injured birds of prey are rehabilitated and released, or kept as ambassadors if they are unfit for the wild. There are many volunteer opportunities available for anyone interested. “You [can] just put in an application and they’ll give you a call,” said Shook, “and you can help feed the birds, you can handle the birds. We have a family day once a month, you can help with that.” With so many chances to make a difference, there is a surprising lack of motivation to contribute. “A lot of people need to get jobs. It’s difficult to be a student and an athlete and involved in music and involved in debate and have a job during the school year.” said Brad Wymer, a science teacher here at West High. “So these two months that we have in the summertime are really critical for some people to get that spending money [for] during the school year, or maybe just money in general.” High school students lead a pressed life, going between education, social life, extracurriculars, and find-
ing jobs. So perhaps during the summer, an additional non paying job-esque activity doesn’t always sound the most appealing. “I think that a lot of people are very self-inflicted… they care about themselves.” said Shook. “I’m an athlete, I row. But most athletes, they’re very self-inflicted.” While sports can certainly take up much of one’s focus, it can be difficult to make commitments to several things. “Volunteering is not something that is available to everyone because of resources that [students] have to raise for themselves.” said Wymer. Not everyone can afford
to spend time doing anything other than what they have to. In some families, a high school student could be one of the main sources of income. “Some people can be pretty stingy with their personal time, they want that time to do things that they truly enjoy doing.” he said. Motivation to do something with no reward, especially without pay, is not common among today’s time-constrained youth. So how does one find a way to encourage students to pursue volunteer opportunities? “Even just go outside.” said Shook, “You know, wake up in the morning and go on a hike, enjoy the day. And whenever you go on a hike, just take a trash bag with you.” Simple ways of being aware of the world around you can be just as helpful as volunteering. The more one acknowledges about the life they live, the more willing they will be to take extra time to contribute to it. “Just do stuff that’s outside of your comfort zone.”
Summer Recipes
Designed by: Esraa M.