November 2022 Hawk

THE WEIGHT OF

WOMANHOOD

Pay gap, medical equality remain issue for women

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville. Texas 78660 Volume 16, Issue 2 November 4, 2022

In this In this Issue...

Issue...

6-7 Election Info

11

Fall Fashion

16 Senior Mums

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Pages 8-9 11/1/22 11:49 AM

2 Our Turn Hit or Miss Tutorial times, subjects, tutors Sexual assault survivor shares need increase for success experience with gynecology exam Opinions Volume 16, Issue 1

Nadia Johst | Asst. Editor Content Warning: Warning Written below is a personal reflection on the struggles of going to gynecology appointments as a sexual abuse survivor.

If this topic is sensitive to you and you wish to not read, skipping would be advisable.

As a child, you’re usually informed of certain boundaries that preserve your safety.

C e r t a i n guidelines help keep you comfortable with those around you. When those boundaries are crossed or invaded, it leaves a lasting effect on not only your physical, but mental wellbeing. Once you’ve physically survived, the obstacles only get larger. For instance, the years leading up to my teenagehood were spent learning how to take my body back and function properly while my last few years of being a minor were centered around conquering adult tasks without the basis of my supposed normal teenage experience.

Adulthood brings a series of appointments and changes: financing, health, education, and more. One of the biggest obstacles that I only just recently faced was a health-related appointment at a gynecology facility. At first, I listened to music in the waiting room. My leg was bouncing, my eyes were cast downwards, and I was physically shaking. This was my “calm” default. I had been so used to constantly being in flight or fight mode that I hadn’t even noticed my body’s heightened nerves. I had never been to a gynecology exam before, but I had convinced myself it wouldn’t be hard, considering how much I had already been through.

Stepping into the examination room was terrifying, a lump forming in my throat as memories flashed through my mind. Every movement I made resulted in some form of familiarity, no motion unique. When the doctor asked me to undress to my comfort level, I attempted to take off my clothes but failed. I burst into sobs, explaining the

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situation through my tears. Eventually, I was able to take my clothes off. I felt numb, laying on the table as the doctor performed the evaluation. She was nice, but it wasn’t enough.

The experience was still

After school tutoring is in the library on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:20 to 5:30 p.m.

It’s only twice a week, which is not sufficient for students needing extra help, repetition, or guidance on studying for tests. Also, there’s only one teacher, which isn’t enough to help more than one student who has questions.

Finally, they need more teachers to tutor the students, well-versed to help in science, history and English from 9 to 12 grade as well as National Honor Society students on hand to answer questions. Even though After School Academy has been beneficial to students so far, there are improvements needed in order to change it from a near-miss to a hit.

Major grade weight hurts anxious test-takers traumatizing, forcing me to relive everything I had been through.

I couldn’t have denied the treatment, I could only postpone. This exam was necessary for my well being, and it was an obstacle I had to face. There wasn’t a way out, there wasn’t an option; this was the reality of living with a history of being sexually abused.

After the examination, I talked to the doctor and felt a bit better that the physical part had been over with. As I prepare for the next annual appointment, I’m practicing how to ground my body and mind when I feel unsafe. The dangerous reality my mind perceives is developed from years of negative experiences, while the environment is truly safe. It’s hard to convince yourself that you’re safe when your body connects the current occurrences with past trauma.

I’ve found that using your senses and reality-checking methods help to ground your alerted state of mind.

While all of this is true of my experience, people respond to sexual trauma in different ways. It’s important to read about different perspectives and how complex they can be.

I know I’m getting better, but it’s a slow process. There are hard days and moments that make you relive the trauma, but there’s ways to remind yourself that you’re not endangered anymore. I’m going day by day, surviving as best as I can with the shadow of my experiences following behind.

Illustration by | Yael Behar

Test taking for the majority of students is highly stress inducing. Major grades, despite evidence that they don't prove knowledge, weigh heavily on grades.

Those who struggle with test taking are greatly affected by this system.

This issue may not lie in the hands of teachers and staff members, but that doesn't mean it cannot be addressed in another way. It is crucial for teachers to alter their assignments and rules even if they don't possess the authority to change weighted grades.

Rather than loading up major grades as exams, they can incorporate more projects that allow students to show off their artistic and research abilities. Allowing for a note sheet, test corrections, and retests can help dedicated students raise their grade.

It is a teacher’s duty to help their students succeed, which means bending traditional practices to help students. Taking all that into account, the division of miss. major and minor grades’ worth is a miss

Lack of paper towels presents hygienic concerns As flu season hits the school, the lack of paper towels in rest rooms becomes an increasingly concerning issue. Because few, if any, of the rest rooms are regularly stocked with paper towels, students are left with no choice but to use air dryers to dry their wet hands.

Multiple studies have indicated that these devices are less hygienic than paper towels, with the potential to spread pathogens onto hands and clothing right after blowing them off. Additionally, Harvard Health reports researchers found hand dryers in rest rooms were picking up bacterial deposits, dubbing them a “bacterial horror.”

At a time when many students are suffering from illness and the academic consequences resulting from absences, safer alternatives like paper towels are necessary. The lack of paper towels in rest rooms is a miss miss.

11/1/22 11:51 AM

Opinions November 4, 2022

Your Turn “Everybody being able to have an opinion is important, and if not everyone had an opinion there could be anger and fights, and nobody wants that. If you write locally, you get all sorts of different ideas and different opinions: some bad, some good, but either way, they’re all unique, and it’s really good as you get different opinions from different people.”

- Bree Stiba, 10

“By voting, citizens are participating in the democratic process.

Citizens vote for leaders to represent them and their ideas, and the leaders support the citizens’ interests.”

- Adrian Salazar, 12 “I believe it is important to vote local because they could be from your hometown and you want to show that you want to change something in the world just as much as they do.”

- Zane Voigt, 11

“Because if you live in an area, you should have a say in what’s going on, and you should make sure that your input is known. You can’t complain about something if you didn’t do anything to try and get it changed”.

- Ayden Schneider, 10

“[Voting] shows that you want to contribute and that you care about the choices that are made. It shows that you want to change something in the world and that you want to make an impact.”

- Kaden Johnson, 11

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Staff Editorial

Take A Closer Look Proximity of local elections brings about conversation on importance During major presidential cycles, election day can look chaotic - hundreds crowding polling stations to submit their vote, news stations raving about who may or may not be in the lead, family texting in passive aggressive group chats playing devil’s advocate - nobody is left out of the excitement.

Although it is an election day, the upcoming Nov. 8 vote may look vastly different from the situation described a b o v e because of one reason: it’s a state election.

Even worse are the times when local elections come around the corner, as on odd numbered local election years, the percent of voters pull in around the teens.

This trend is not new, however. For years, local elections have hidden from public view and thus, have been decided by a minority of the population.

In fact, in most recent mayoral elections, the median age of voters has been 57, a fact that becomes increasingly worrisome as we see Baby Boomers dwindling in numbers in recent years, and taking their votes with them.

For some reason, people have created this phenomenon. Whether it be purposeful or mischance, less and less people are hearing their voices heard and the democratic system is suffering from the chokehold of apathy.

And while voting for the president of the United States does have the most emotional appeal to voters, it’s high time that people realize that the most important decisionmakers may be living in your neighborhood. They are the ones making decisions about kids at schools, they are the ones raising taxes, they are the ones

funding local police and fire stations. Over two trillion dollars are in the hands of those who have the least attention paid to them, as stated by the New York Times in 2018.

Interestingly, the problems listed above are the ones that are usually the most complained about b e t we e n voting blocks.

People want solutions and they want them fast.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, the federal bureaucracy does not work that fast as democracy was created to safeguard from hasty decisions.

H o w e v e r, when it comes to a government that is in direct contact with their constituents, changes are more likely to occur faster and have more of a weight on what voters want to happen.

However, it is important to acknowledge that this occurrence is not just the fault of the voters, but the lack of protection surrounding these elections. Over recent years, many Republicans in Texas have enacted new restrictions on voting, including new ID requirements that many are unaware of and new rules for people who receive voting assistance (such as those who do not speak English). Mail-in ballots and vote-bymail applications have been denied in the thousands, meaning that some may miss their registration deadline.

When the minority group knows they can control the policies that affect the majority, they will do anything in their power to keep it that way. Becoming voter aware is important, not only for the protection of one’s rights, but for the protection of democracy as a whole. If voters continue to not acknowledge how heavily local elections affect them, nothing will ever get changed.

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Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660 http://www.pfisd.net/HHS (512) 594-1100 Student Population: 2,134 Staff: 180 Adviser: Kari Riemer Principal: Michael Grebb www.facebook.com/HawkNewspaper

The Hawk, the official student newspaper of Hendrickson High School, is an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions.

Opinions expressed reflect the beliefs of the student author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Hawk Staff, the Hawk Adviser, the Hendrickson Faculty and Staff, or the Principal.

Letters to the editor are welcomed, and may be dropped off in E211. Corrections will be printed when brought to the attention of the staff.

The Hawk is printed monthly at Community Impact in Pflugerville, Texas. 1,000 copies are printed each run, and are distributed to the student body for free before school on publication day and on newsstands throughout the building.

Editorial Staff Editors

Co-Editors: Yael Behar, Kaitlyn Nash, Natalia Zavaleta Copy Editor: Lili Moran Assistant Editors: Nadia Johst, Kate Hayes

Reporters

Dane Alvarez Rachel Calabuig Eliana Grant Delaney Hildebrandt Gigi Hirsch Sophia Johst Damo Kouakou Kamryn Mack Lily Miller Emily Rodriguez Elise Villa Levi Walters

Artists

Yael Behar Eliana Grant

Associations Interscholastic Press League Texas Association of Journalism Educators Journalism Educators Association National Scholastic Press Association Columbia Scholastic Press League

Honors

ILPC Bronze Star 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 ILPC Silver Star 2021 Columbia Scholastic Press League, Gold Medalist 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 Silver Crown, 2017, 2018, 2021 Pacemaker Finalist, 2018

Design by Natalia Zavaleta

Illustration by | Yael Behar

11/1/22 11:52 AM

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News Volume 16, Issue 2

ROTC claims win after win, representing the school

After hard work and enforced routines, the ROTC “There’s a lot of [factors] that go into play with Nadia Johst | Asst. Editor For many years, the Sergeant and Chief of Junior students were labeled a Naval Honor School for [the award],” Sergeant Major Hero Aguirre said. “It’s ROTC have been working alongside their students, their dedication, persistence, and desire for success measured by participation in public affairs, events, community service, marksmanship, competitions, striving towards greatness and successively achieving throughout last year. and physical fitness teams. Everything is added it. Junior ROTC is a program in which skill, into a tally and, based on how we do overall, teamwork, and fitness are combined.

“Throughout the program, you are [the score is] accumulated.” encouraged to gain skills such as initiative and The recent years of ROTC training had been limited due to quarantine. dependability,” senior Trinade Wiggins said.

“We haven’t been [in-person] for the past three “Cadets learn initiative through volunteer years, so our numbers went down a little bit,” events and helping with [the] raising and Aguirre said. “We weren’t able to do as many lowering of the flags. The program teaches events as some other [schools]. Despite the students knowledge that they can use for the rest of their lives. It teaches leadership and limitations, Junior ROTC earned enough points to be Naval Honor School of the year. tact, which is extremely beneficial.” “[Our] school is considered a Naval Honor ROTC has a set schedule that helps keep the School for this year, and it highlights our school students in a routine. in the top 20% in the nation,” Aguirre said. “It’s a “Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for inspection days,” Wiggins said. “Inspection level of accomplishment. It’s good to be back on is making sure each cadet has [every] part of top [after] all these years. It’s an awesome feeling the uniform. We workout [on] Thursdays and for the cadets and students that put out the hard work, [they’re] representing the program and Fridays.” the school.”

The next step for ROTC would be the Junior Malik Bekka, junior Asher Kamenicky, and senior Reagan Scribner completing a demonstration on October 21st during the Over the weekend of the Oct 15, the Battalion upcoming competitions.

“Our teams are striving to place top at homecoming game. “This year, we were ready to remind the teams competed in the Stony Point HS Tiger Challenge. competitions throughout the year so we why we won last year.” senior Trinade Wiggins said. Kaitlyn Nash “Everyone rose to the occasion and, at the end of the day, our Hawk Battalion was able to bring can [travel],” Wiggins said. “I am also very | Photographer the cup back home where it belongs,” Senior excited for freshmen to experience their first Marine Instructor Matthew Carter said. competition at the end of November.”

Iran protests escalate despite government crackdown

Lilianna Moran | Copy Editor

Iran has had a lengthy history of restricting women’s rights and freedoms, installing a multitude of policies and structures to reinforce and maintain Iranian women’s obedience, especially in regard to dress mandates.

While in the past, these enforcements have met limited push back, following the death of Mahsa Amini, the country has been met with considerable backlash. Women have

taken their grief and resentment to the streets, demanding freedom from the regime’s decades of repression.

Early Sept, a 22 year old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini was reported dead in police custody. She was arrested for supposedly wearing her head scarf ‘too loosely,’ going against the nation’s dress code for women, and thus taken to a detention center.

Many Iranians within the regime believe her death to have been at the hands of law enforcement, despite

the government’s claim that her cause of death was heart failure while at the center. Amini’s death angered citizens throughout the nation, both in regards to women’s rights (or lack thereof), and the general tyranny of the regime.

As a result, for the past month, rioters have flooded Iran’s streets in protest. Iranian women have been recorded taking off their head scarfs, burning hijabs, and cutting their hair at demonstrations, while

others have taken to documenting law enforcement’s violence towards protesters, regardless of whether it’s peaceful or not. As unrest intensifies, violence among enforcers has only worsened. PBS reported over 200 protesters have been killed by the law within the past month.

As time continues, these revolts are predicted to grow, despite the government’s attempts to snuff them out.

Student journalists claim awards at Fall Fiesta weekend Eliana Grant | Reporter

The annual journalism convention known as Fall Fiesta came around once more and was held on Oct 8-10, with several students winning awards, demonstrating their journalism talents.

“I won three awards,” senior Kaitlyn Nash said. “There was an on-site photography competition. And there were different categories for which you would submit photos for each

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category, and one of the categories was Hot and I won superior. There’s another one called Student Journalist at Work, and I got second place and then the other one is Self Portrait and I got first place, or superior.”

Nash had gone to this conference last year, as is tradition for high schools across Texas. Multiple students won awards, showing off their journalistic talents. Other students who won awards include

freshman Lucas Zavaleta, sophomore Andrea Foster, junior Lili Moran, and seniors Cayman Didier and Yael Behar.

“I thought there was going to be so much competition, and there wass,” Nash said. “I’m very glad that my work was able to reach the top. I was also really proud of all my other peers who are able to get awards as well. I thought it was really great that we were able to come home with

some awards and make Hendrickson proud.”

The festival has competitions in writing, design, photography, and yearbook categories. These provide a way for schools and students to show off their abilities in journalism.

“Fall Fiesta is such an amazing opportunity for everybody,” Nash said. “It was amazing, and I think it’s a great opportunity for every journalist out there.”

11/1/22 11:52 AM

News November 4, 2022

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Students, QSA campaign for gender neutral restrooms Kate Hayes | Asst. Editor The Uvalde shooting earlier in the year has cast a long shadow over the educational landscape of America, with many districts, PfISD included, instituting a number of safety changes in response to the event. Now, it's the dawn of a new academic year, and school social worker Lori Carl has been presented with a dilemma.

In previous years, students who requested them—predominantly transgender and nonbinary—were permitted to have a key to access staff restrooms. As a result of new district wide safety changes, however, the school has now been instructed to revoke access to those keys. Carl has been tasked with devising a solution for the concerns of primarily the transgender and nonbinary students who no longer have access to private restrooms on campus.

"I have a compassion for the people that need those bathrooms," Carl said. "Maybe I'm more in tune with the reason why it's important. I want people to feel comfortable going to the bathroom."

She has spent the previous few weeks informing students with keys of the change, and reaching out to the student body to determine a plan.

“Our policy has always been: go to the bathroom that you're most comfortable going to," Carl said. "But now, I think it's gone to the next level.

[The Queer-Straight Alliance] (QSA) want a designated bathroom, and it's the students that want that. It's nobody else. So, that's what we're trying to listen to, because we want people to feel comfortable."

While Carl acknowledges they are unable to construct new restrooms, there are options to modify the existing structure, and she says she has been consulting with officers of the QSA in order to arrive at a decision. This year, the QSA's program of action has been campaigning for the installation of gender neutral restrooms partially in response to the district mandate.

"As far as what [QSA President Kaitlyn Nash] and I were talking about, we were talking about possibly finding a bathroom that we could turn into a neutral bathroom," Carl said. "We're looking at one of the bathrooms in the library."

Nash emphasizes the negative consequences for transgender and nonbinary students that will continue to exist if QSA's program of action is not successful.

“Being forced into the bathroom that

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doesn't match who they actually are can have harmful effects on the brain; they are being dehumanized and having their identities basically stolen from them,” Nash said. “As of now, our goal is to change both of the library bathrooms into gender neutral ones as well as maybe the C hall bathrooms upstairs.”

The location of these proposed restrooms is by design. Nash plans to place those bathrooms there to cut

happiness with their cooperation, in particular principal Michael Grebb's.

"Mr. Grebb is so awesome," Carl said.

"He's like, 'let's start the conversation, let's problem solve. Let's figure out how we can make this work.'"

Grebb made the decision to request Carl be the one to act as a sounding board for the proposal of gender neutral restrooms.

“I direct people to the social worker,

back on time spent outside of class, as it means students will have both a central restroom location available upstairs and downstairs, no matter where they are in the building.

“We plan to have it told to the student body through the announcements so that students know that it is a choice that is offered," Nash said. "We don’t have a direct plan but we are still working with QSA to understand and institute everyone's wants and needs.”

As Carl works with the administration in finding a solution, she highlights her

Ms. Carl, because she works with different students depending on their situation," Grebb said. "She has a lot better insight, and probably the most experience on campus. That’s why I trust her with what she thinks is best for each individual student.”

While it has created the need for an administrative solution, Grebb explains there is a rationale underlying the district decision.

"A concern was that you can actually lock yourself in the bathroom," Grebb said. "I know that’s a huge safety concern

because of self harm, or if someone has a seizure and passes out, we might not be able to get into the area where we need to help somebody.”

The decision has been met with some criticism, however. For the former treasurer of the QSA, senior Jewel Spivey-Sorrells, the withdrawal of staff restroom keys represents a continued failure to accommodate transgender students.

"The district didn't really think of the effect that the removal of bathrooms would have on transgender students when making the decision,” SpiveySorrells said. "I believe it’s like this because when people advocate, they’re overlooked or unheard, so nothing is done."

Spivey-Sorrells herself has encountered homophobic and transphobic prejudice that, in her opinion, is evidence of the importance of gender neutral restrooms.

“At this school, I've witnessed bullying of students a part of the LGBT community several times," Spivey-Sorrells said. "One time I can recall was when a trans woman at our school was being harassed by a group of sophomore boys, being called names for how she was dressed.”

Spivey-Sorrells believes gender neutral restrooms are necessary in order to ensure the safety of students.

"I still believe there is a need for trans or all gender bathrooms," SpiveySorrells said. "I definitely see benefits to students who have been bullied while trying to use the restroom and feeling unsafe or hold their pee because they can’t use it in peace.”

Additionally, she believes supplementary safety measures should be taken, not stopping at just restrooms.

“To increase safety, I definitely believe that educating everyone on certain topics, like in QSA, is the best way," Spivey-Sorrells said. "I know half the stuff I've learned about my own community came from QSA and helped me change my view on things I never would’ve thought about before. I believe that’s possible for other students as well.”

Grebb emphasizes the importance of restroom safety for everyone.

“I just think we need to figure out a plan to help everyone feel safe and secure when they use the restroom," Grebb said. "That’s how I feel about it.

No matter who you are, it’s a private situation, so I want people to feel comfortable wherever they are.”

Illustration by | Yael Behar

11/1/22 11:52 AM

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News Volume 16, Issue 2

Gubernatorial Election Showdown Greg Abbott seeks third term state top spot

Rachel Calabuig | Reporter The incumbent governor Greg Abbott was voted into office by Texans in 2015 and he is now seeking reelection in the upcoming 2022 gubernatorial election.

Since Texas is one of the border states between the US and Mexico, he wants Texas’ border secured against undocumented immigrants.

In the abortion debate, his stance is pro-life, enforcing an abortion ban in the state after the overturning of Roe v.

Wade making it so doctors cannot legally perform

and pandemics, and abortions.

His stance on LGBTQ increasing the amount issues is negative, as he is against transgender rights and doesn’t approve of same-sex marriage. In fact, he said he would continue to protect those whose religion dictates marriage must be between a man and a woman, which means he supports and wants to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in Texas.

His healthcare priorities are mental health, telehealth, increasing the number of personal protective equipment (PPE) for future epidemics Illustrations by | Yael Behar

of people able to access healthcare by keeping it cheap and affordable.

His stance on climate change is to fight President Biden’s energy and climate agenda by protecting the oil and gas industry, and protecting natural gas appliances from being banned.

Though being disabled himself, using a wheelchair for mobility, he is against protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of public

life including school, jobs, transportation and all public and private accommodations. It also guarantees equal access to people with disabilities in public accommodations, e m p l o y m e n t , transportation, state and local government s e r v i c e s , a n d telecommunications.

In terms of gun rights, he is in support of the Second Amendment right to own weapons and aims to protect it. He hopes to combat against any potential legislation attempting to strengthen gun control.

Seniors share thoughts on voting this election

80.2% 19.8% - Of the seniors surveyed are not voting in the upcoming election

-Of the seniors surveyed are voting

83.3% 16.7% -Of the voting seniors plan to vote for Beto O'Rourke this upcoming election.

-Of the voting seniors plan to vote for Greg Abbot this upcoming election.

121 seniors took the survey

"I think that this governor election is one of the most important things that Texans, especially young Texans, need to be focusing our attention on. Electing representatives who actually represent the thoughts of the majority is one of the best and easiest things we can do as American citizens to improve our government. As someone who feels completely disrespected by the current leadership in our state, I believe that voting in this election is of utmost importance." - Aidan Doseck, 12 "I’m feeling anxious if anything. As someone who can’t vote yet, I’m in awe of the number of students who hadn't registered to vote and fear for what’ll go down. Because of my identity, I’m fearful of what this election will mean not only for myself but for the millions of Texas the results of the election could impact. I might be being melodramatic about it but I encourage my peers who can to exert their right to vote and ensure a representative who we believe represents us to the truest and fullest is elected above all else. " -Devin Nguyen, 12 "I am excited to participate [in the election]. I’ve never been able to express my opinion because I’m a minor, so, a lot of the time politically, all I can really do is socially express how I feel about certain legislations, but now I can finally change some things and do my part to help the state change. I’m really excited." - Samaria Philips, 12 “I think [voting] is important because it determines your future, who gets to decide things and put things into place. This election is important in order to make certain, current decisions change.”

-Nanda Prasad, 12th

Survey conducted by | Rachel Calabuig

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11/1/22 11:53 AM

News November 4, 2022

Beto O'Rourke works to turn red state blue Lilianna Moran | Copy Editor Beto O’Rourke is the Democratic nominee for the upcoming 2022 gubernatorial election for Texas against incumbent Republican Greg Abbott. Throughout the years, he has gained much traction for his stark differences in values and goals for Texas compared to Abbott. These differences become especially apparent when looking into healthcare, gun policies, climate change, bodily autonomy, equal rights, and border protocols.

In terms of health care, O’Rourke advocates for affordable, accessible wellness programs.

As governor, he would work to expand Medicaid in order to increase employment, reduce property taxes and healthcare costs, and support rural hospitals.

Furthemore, O’Rourke would establish a Nursing Jobs Plan that would create statesponsored scholarships and apprenticeship programs, aimed at recruiting roughly

7,500 registered nurses annually to reduce the statewide nursing shortages.

O’Rourke aims to reduce firearm availability. While he does not want to completely eliminate the possession of guns among Texans, he advocates for stronger gun control. He plans to achieve this by establishing effective safe storage, child gun access prevention laws, and closing the private arm sale background check loopholes, and enact more secure domestic violence reporting laws.

Just as O’Rourke would strengthen gun security, he would also focus on solidifying more sustainable energy policies in order to mitigate the effects of global warming and maintain Texas’ status as the global energy leader. To achieve this, O'Rourke would ensure the enforcement of pollution laws and promote jobs in emission reduction fields. Furthermore, he would

How to Vote

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pursue AFL-CIO's clean energy plan by investing in the usage of renewable energy sources in order to transform energy sustainability and

Illustrations by | Yael Behar create employment options for energy workers.

O'Rourke intends to combat this ruling and support

reproductive rights to the best of his ability following the elimination of Roe v. Wade and Abbott's ban on abortion earlier this year. As governor, he plans to veto any future legislation that seeks to further control contraceptive freedoms, and wants further investments in cost-effective contraception and cancer screenings.

Additionally, O'Rourke aims to combat Texas' maternal mortality crisis through the expansion of Medicaid and increasing pregnancy healthcare aid to a year postpartum.

Similarly, O'Rourke prepares to hasten protections on civil rights, especially LGBTQIA+ rights which have been under constant threat by Texas’ Republican party members. In order to shield this potential risk, he intends to pass the state's first comprehensive nondiscrimination law, which would work to protect citizens’ essential rights and freedoms.

In terms of immigration and

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border control, this nominee plans to make it a priority to listen to those communities' thoughts and ideas regarding the immigration system.

With this in mind, he plans to construct a secure and organized migration filter.

This includes adding more advanced border technology to maintain border order along with additional processing capacities to more efficiently screen migrants for asylum eligibility, thus quickening the immigration process.

Furthermore, O'Rourke aims to limit illegal migration by ensuring legal pathways, such as establishing a new guest worker program that gives a legal way for migrants to fill Texas’ key industrial labor shortages. He also wants to reform the reunification system to reduce the time it takes for US citizens to bring family over from other nations.

Illustrations by | Eliana Grant

11/1/22 11:53 AM

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Feature Volume 16, Issue 2

The Weight of

Misrepresentation of female bodies continues to worsen Kaitlyn Nash | Co-Editor Long treated as a mystery, women’s* bodies continue to be distrusted to their owners and misunderstood by others.

In fact, according to a survey conducted in early 2019 by TIME Magazine, one half of women believe that gender discrimination in patient care is a serious problem.

“There’s definitely a lot of ‘I don’t believe you,’” EMT and Medical Terminology teacher Shay Haude said. “They just don’t take it seriously and say it’s not worth trying to fix. They just say ‘Oh you can live with it. It takes a long time for the people to take it seriously and that is a serious medical problem.”

One factor that could be attributed to this problem is the lack of female medical researchers. In a 2020 study conducted by Nicole C Woitowich, compared to 2009, eight of the nine fields researched saw a decrease in the proportion of studies that analyzed study results by sex, therefore leading to lack of understanding of

correlation of sex to medical issues.

“A lot of the time, the people making decisions for us are men so they’re the ones that are doing the research,” licensed practical school nurse Noemi Morales said. “It would be nice to see more women put their input into the research and decisions.”

However, the problem may worsen according to health teacher Carol Peterson. Health is no longer a required credit for the classes 2027 and Texas now requires parents to opt in for sex education teaching rather than opt out like past years, which Peterson believes may lead to less health education, therefore contributing to the sex bias problem.

“Because of this consent form, I bet you’re going to see a lot of schools that did teach [sex ed] not teach it anymore,” Peterson said. “It’s also very significant that our district has now made health an elective course.

It’s going to be interesting to see what our numbers are in the future and that means a lot of people are going to

be without having sexual knowledge.”

Not only that, but the overturning of Roe v. Wade has caused doctors around the nation to hesitate when it comes to women’s health.

“Now before a doctor can do anything, they have to think it through and I don’t want that kind of doctor,” Peterson said. “I want a doctor that does what they were trained to do and do it immediately. I think medical care for women now is in a lot worse shape than it’s ever been just because a doctor cannot be a doctor. A doctor is going to have to think first before performing something that would have been an instinct before. What does a male have to go through that a doctor would have to second guess?”

Head registered nurse Ronda Ruiz hopes that the presence of school nurses on campus may help incentive girls on campus to go to them for help they may not receive otherwise.

“We’re not their doctors and we’re not their medical providers, but sometimes we’re the only medical

people that they can talk to,” Ruiz said.

“In this environment, they may feel like they can talk to us about things and then we can help them. Maybe we’re educating them to feel more comfortable to talk to that next step up of people when they’re on their own.”

Even with the changes faced by health teachers, Peterson has decided to stick to her normal health class routine and hopes to combat the problem that is the lack of understanding of women’s bodies.

“I’m very specific and make sure that everybody in the class understands both reproductive systems and I make sure that everybody understands all of the contraceptive methods available and I make sure that they all understand everything about STDs,” Peterson said. “I think there’s enough parents out there that realize that the things we’re talking about in health are very important.” *Women includes those who identify as such and those with uterus’

The Feminine Facts Women earn

Men make

17%

$10,552

less than men in the US

more than women in TX yearly

Illustrations by | Natalia Zavaleta Sources: timesupfoundation.org, hbr.org, beumontenterprise.com

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11/1/22 11:53 AM

Feature November 4, 2022

f Womanhood

9

Wage gap inadvertently affects women in the teaching industry Yael Behar | Co-Editor Historically, women have always had lower pay rates than men. It is deeply ingrained and normalized in our society that women earn less, even with similar qualifications, and similar years of experience. The notion that women deserve inherently less than men is found in virtually every job industry, except in jobs where pay is determined by years of experience, and education - such as teaching.

Even so, there is an inherent discrepancy between the amount of women going into STEM related degrees, and the stipends given to STEM teachers, resulting in an inadvertent wage gap that seeps into professions across the board.

“Traditionally, we’ve historically seen [STEM] fields dominated by

men,” biology and AP environmental science teacher Charlene Mitchell said. “Unfortunately in the past men have been pushed into those fields.

It’s only in more recent years that we’ve started to see women - through various programs, introducing women to coding and engineering, programs that specifically focus on giving women the opportunity to go into these male dominated fields.”

Teaching, in PfISD and most other districts, is determined by years of experience, education, and the type of classes you aim to teach - which allows it to be a seemingly equally paid profession.

“I think there is less [of a wage gap in teaching] because there’s a pay scale everyone sees,” chemistry teacher Hiral Mathur said. “Our

department in particular is pretty even, I think we have the same amount of men and women. Outside of teaching, it’s a different story. I think that there’s a lot of assumptions that women should ‘stay home’ and do all of the work at home, and that’s why they don’t make as much.”

The issue of wage gap is especially evident and potent in fields where pay is not determined by experience - such as fast food, and corporate jobs. Even several years after the establishment of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, women are still paid less, despite safeguards through the act.

“I don’t know why it is, there’s no reason why, in 2022, there should be a wage gap,” Mitchell said. “Older generations sometimes have those mentalities. And as the workforce

begins to get younger, I hope that we start to see more balance in wages between men and women.”

Opportunities for the introduction of more women in STEM careers has increased exponentially in recent years, especially through high school, where programs that focus on teaching women about coding or sciences have been emphasized.

These programs, combined with the progression of women’s rights in pay, and movements like the Me Too, have worked to culminate in more emphasis on women’s rights in legislation.

“It is very much so just a societal norm that we are trying to break past,” Mitchell said. “It’s not, I believe, a matter of capability, of course women are capable, it’s just giving them access and giving them space to try.”

Pink tax still prominent throughout country, store creates change Natalia Zavaleta | Co-Editor Women have been known to pay more for less— whether it be for period products or clothing. The pink tax is an invisible tax known to target women and products marketed towards women. Government studies show that personal care products for women are 13% more expensive

than men’s products, even though the quality is essentially the same.

As similar as an item might be to a “men’s” product, there is an up charge simply because it is specifically made “for women;” such as lotions, razors, shampoos, and deodorants.

The name of it derives from the visually pink items that are

specifically marketed towards women. A 2015 report from the New York City Consumer Department shows a 48% price difference between men and womens shampoo and conditioner and an 11% difference in razor blades, razors and lotion.

This tax particularly affects women in low-income areas.

However, companies such as CVS, are working to remove the tax on period products. In early October, the price of CVS brand tampons and pads decreased by 25%.

If more companies eliminate this tax there could be an end to period poverty and a step towards fully ending discrimination against women.

For every dollar a white man makes... a Latina woman makes a Native American woman makes a Black woman makes

52 cents

8-9.indd 3

57 cents

62 cents

an AAPI woman makes

90 cents

11/1/22 11:53 AM

10

Feature Volume 16, Issue 2

On The Right Track

Band members march their way towards Grand Nationals

Delaney Hildebrandt | Reporter The marching band and guard rankings at Nationals. will travel to Grand Nationals in “Building off the mistakes I make Indianapolis on Nov. 12. The year’s helps me calm down if I do poorly,” show is Trainlapse and includes the Head Drum major Tony Gamez said. “I song Everything In Its Right Place, by think our show is amazing this year and Radiohead. can definitely get us far.”

“The kids knowing that they can As Nationals get closer, the band learn from mistakes that they made is starting to polish and clean the and can improve from them for the performance. next performance drives that focus,” “The attention span definitely makes Director of Bands James Hairston or breaks the performance,” Gamez said. “I definitely see more of a focus said. “If everyone pays attention and in the students after a football game or there’s not a lack of focus, all our performance.” performances would be great.”

The band has never been to Grand Trainlapse has much more movement Nationals before nor out of the state than their last year’s show The Arch for any competition, traveling with and with more “exciting” music.

205 members, including guard which “The visuals this year are my means planning the rooms and plane favorite thing about Trainlapse,'' for the trip. One of the most difficult Hairston said. “I’m excited for us competitions in Texas the band goes to go to Grand Nationals for the Junior Natalie Giusti and other saxophonists play on the 21st of October during to is Bands of America (BOA) San first time and to represent our the homecoming pep rally. "It's cool to have the whole school come together and Antonio. It’s difficult because a total of school and Texas with this show.” have fun for a bit, plus we also get to play a lot of fun music, which is a great 96 bands perform. Additionally, there Trainlapse is the last time the seniors feeling," Giusti said. Andrea Foster | Photographer aren't semi-finals, so it’s all based on will perform on a field for judges. one performance. “It’s luck of the draw As Grand Nationals draw closer, “Part four is definitely my favorite to learn, it’s so regarding what room you are in or where you sit on more seniors are reliving their last moments on the angsty and has so much attitude,” Head Colorguard the plane,” Hairston said. “We let the kids decide who field. “I’m really excited that this show is my last Captain Savanna Ponce said. “I really like it because I they want to room with.” performance and I get to go out with a bang,” Ponce get to be sassy.”

The show has a total of four parts, learned in the said. “There are definitely moments where I still get The band is ranked in the “Next 10” list on span of two to three months, with multiple tosses and nervous as I did in my freshman year, but once the HornRank, surrounded by theories of making top visuals. show starts it all just rushes away.”

Junior Michael Ayad plays his trumpet on the night of the homecoming game.

"I find it fun to perform in front of a crowd and showcase months worth of work and rehearsing," Ayad said. Andrea Foster | Photographer

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Senior Jordan Willy, sophomore Santiago Gamez, freshman Christian Russel, and sophomore Jonathan Robinson-yancey play their instruments for the audience during the homecoming game. Andrea Foster | Photographer

11/1/22 11:55 AM

Fall Into Style

Feature November 4, 2022

11

Students show off autumn season inspired outfits Lucas Nguyen, 10

Quinci Stringer, 10

Ariana Rowry, 12

Amazon Handmade YesStyle Pacsun

Amazon

Goodwill Bins Hot Topic

Janisa Miles, 11

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Thrifted

Cynthia Keiser, 11

11/1/22 11:56 AM

12

Entertainment Volume 16, Issue 2

Seasonal Spice

Staff reviews pumpkin spice products Dirty Pumpkin Spice Chai Cream Blast Tea

Kaitlyn Nash | Co-Editor

One of the strangest renditions of pumpkin spice treats would most definitely be the pumpkin spice boba line that Teapioca Lounge off of Farm to Market has at its stores during the autumn months. One drink that was recommended to me by the barista when I asked was the Dirty Pumpkin Spice Chai Cream BlastTea for $6.16.

This was only one of the drinks off of the seven drinks offered including Pumpkin Spice Coconut Smoothie, Pumpkin Spice House Coffee, and Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino

Frappioca.

Although pumpkin spice is not my favorite thing in the world, I decided to give it a try. Needless to say, I was not impressed. Though cheap, the taste was a bit soapy and there was not enough chai in my drink to make the buy worth it, as it just tasted like pure pumpkin spice syrup. However, the taste got a bit better after I continued to drink it, as I got used to the awful taste. If you are going for a pumpkin spice vibe this autumn, I would recommend sticking to Starbucks.

IHOP Pancakes

Oreo One of the renditions of the the pumpkin spice seasonal flavor is pumpkin Oreos. Upon getting the package from Costco, I was so dreadfully excited, the walk down the stairs to the kitchen was almost pitiful.

In full honesty, I was expecting them to be very bad, because how good can pumpkin Oreos be? Upon opening the package I was thoroughly surprised by the vibrant thick filling in between the Oreos.

Without hesitation, I took one and hurriedly put it in my mouth. To my surprise, it was not all that different

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The new Pumpkin Spice Pancakes from IHOP are divine. The pumpkin spice flavor was minimal, but they were still delicious. I feel as if they would have been better if they were hot, but they still tasted fine. The pancakes without syrup were not the best thing out there, but as soon as I added the syrup, the whole bite of pancakes melted in my mouth, and

Lily Miller | Reporter

the flavor was truly enhanced. The whipped cream on the top really took the pancakes to the next level, and when I took a slight break from eating them, as soon as I came back I felt as if they became even better.

The Pumpkin Spice pancakes plus two eggs, two sausage links, and hash browns cost $10.79.

Levi Walters | Reporter

from the regular, original oreos, maybe just a hint more sweet.

What shocked me the most was the outside of the cookie as the pattern that we have all come to know and love was replaced with a spooktacular ghost with the word “boo” on it and four other designs, making picking and choosing which one to eat that much more enjoyable.

In conclusion, if you are looking to spook up your afternoon snacking with a spinechilling yet very familiar taste to the true Oreos, Pumpkin Oreos are just what you need!

11/1/22 11:56 AM

Entertainment November 4, 2022

Pumpkin Spice Latte Every late August, legions of consumers await with eager anticipation for the release of the quintessential fall beverage: the coveted Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) from Starbucks. Despite witnessing the hype surrounding the drink for years, I myself had never tried it, content to watch in wonder at others who would wildly speculate the latte’s release date and rave about its gourdy flavor. Since I never considered myself a fan, I approached my tasting of the PSL without bias, and safe to say, my review of the beverage seems to contradict popular opinion.

In terms of drinking quality, the PSL can be summarized as overhyped.

It certainly isn’t fair to the drink that it has to live up the reputation it has generated over the years, but nevertheless, I remain confused as to how that reputation was even built in the first place.

Car Freshener With the commencement of fall comes interesting, overbearing scents that clog your nose and cause your eyes to sting. Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of fall-scented objects, especially pumpkin spice.

When it came to trying out the car freshener version of this portable sin, Yankee Candle had me in a chokehold from the first whiff. If you’re wondering what the connotation is of that sentence, I’ll give you a hint; It’s bad. Everything about the scent screamed artificial and overbearing.

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Kate Hayes | Asst. Editor The hints of pumpkin spice were easily the best part of the drink, but they were just that—hints. The coffee in the latte overpowers its pumpkin spice elements, making me feel like I was drinking a regular latte with a dulled pumpkin aftertaste.

It didn’t necessarily taste bad, but my preconceived notion was that it would be an exceptional drinking experience. Despite my contentions with the flavor, the cultural significance of the PSL cannot be understated, and I felt this significance in full force immediately after taking my first sip. I felt myself transformed; it was as if I could feel my heart warm even as the first breaths of autumn wind lapped against my car window.

Perhaps the vibe of the Pumpkin Spice Latte was even more important than what it tasted like all along.

Nadia Johst | Asst. Editor

The color was ghastly, bordering on an obnoxious burgundy hue. It wasn’t orange like a pumpkin, it was red, like an apple. Do we no longer have rules in marketing? What happened to the basic principles of society and when did we discard them so carelessly? These are the questions I found myself asking as I sat in the car suffocating from the overwhelming smell of spiced pumpkin. All in all, I am not a fan of the pumpkin spice refresher.

13

Yael Behar | Artist

Bath & Body Works With the grass drying up and the trees losing leaves, pumpkin spice makes its way into every American household during these next few months.

And as the cold weather approaches, the peak of Bath & Body Works (B&BW) fragrances and scents can be smelled right around the corner.

From Sweater Weather to Vanilla Bean Noel, fall and winter classics start creeping their way onto the shelves.

Now, B&BW is no stranger to the pumpkin spice epidemic, releasing 19 pumpkin scented candles and six pumpkin fragrance sets this fall. I took it upon myself to go to the store with some trusted scent experts (my friends) in order to review every single pumpkin scent we could find in the store. We sniffed until we could no longer smell anything, forming our final list of the best and worst pumpkin scents available.

Starting off not so strong, you are greeted at the door with a Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles display.

Containing notes of pumpkin, toasted marshmallows, maple syrup, and golden waffles, these were the most atrocious scents that we came across. The overwhelming sweetness of the lotions blocked our senses temporarily, putting us behind on our timely quest. Moving forward, the stunning packaging of

Natalia Zavaleta | Co-Editor White Pumpkin and Chai can catch anyone’s eyes. The notes of cinnamon cider, spiced pumpkin, and vanilla glaze make for a subtle yet not head turning scent, perfect for anyone who’s looking for something less prominent. Last but not least, the best scent was Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin.

Heirloom pumpkin, autumn cinnamon, ginger snap, and whipped vanilla, make for a refreshing lotion and spray, perfect for fall.

Moving on to the most iconic item sold at B&BW, candles. Out of the 19 candles, I managed to smell seven. The fan-favorite of the bunch was Spiced Pumpkin and Patchouli. The notes of rich pumpkin, warm patchouli, and touch of cinnamon sugar mix together to create the smell of the holiday aisles of Hobby Lobby (a very prominent and nostalgic scent.)

Pumpkin Apple was a close runner up, with crisp apple, pumpkin, and clove bud notes (it was very basic, but basic is never bad). Pumpkin Carving was the worst smelling candle due to its accuracy. It smelled like the Minion pumpkin I carved for the first time ever a couple Halloweens ago.

Overall the entire collection is not a complete miss. For those who solely enjoy pumpkin smells during the fall holiday season, some hidden gems can be found amongst all. Personally, I can’t wait for Christmas.

11/1/22 11:56 AM

14

Sports Volume 16, Issue 2

TO HOOP . . .

Boys’ basketball team prepares for 2023 sport season Damo Kouakou | Reporter Despite finishing last season with a two-win streak, the basketball team didn’t make playoffs, instead ending the season with a 13-21 record. With a new season about to start, new people have joined the team with new plans on how they practice and on their style of play.

“Due to last year’s outcome, we will be taking this off season way more seriously and putting in more work to get better,” senior David Alexander said. “Our workouts have been different just to help us out on the court and the drills we do and the new defense we are learning just to be better overall on both sides of the ball.”

The team fought hard last season through rough patches that brought the team together to overcome the

difficulties, but many good memories have been shared throughout last season that helped lessen the difficulties.

“My proudest memory of our team was versus Cedar Creek at home,” senior Davion Allen said. “We put on for the team and we showed out by coming back from being down and hitting clutch threes to tie the game and eventually winning in overtime.

My favorite moment was senior night.

The team overall had a good game and we appropriated our seniors on their accomplishment, while the energy from the crowd was crazy.”

With Fall Ball, which are preparation games before the season starts, coming to an end, the team has had many successes with their game plan and their new skills coming into the 2023 season.

Having these scrimmages are not just games to compare the teams, but are games to make sure the chemistry and the game plan between the players are good.

“Our first game is going to be a big game to show the people where we are as a team and as a program,” Allen said. “This season I’m looking forward to having some fun and playing my last season with my teammates.”

During the off season, the team is left hungry to make the playoffs and with that, along with the new training techniques, they are prepared to go into the 2023 season on a good note.

“For this off season, we want to get better as a team,” Allen said. “ [We want to] be overall better leaders for each other to guide on.”

Letoya Toombs | Photographer

Sarah Stokes | Photographer

OR TO NET?

Volleyball plans on maintaining win streak through playoffs Sophia Johst | Reporter The volleyball season is coming to an end with countless wins. The team has earned the title of being #1 in the district. There is no indication that their winning streak will come to a stop as they approach the playoffs.

Players have been warming up for playoffs since the season started in Sept.

“When playing I feel a combination of excitement and nerves,” junior Kara Wynn said. The playoffs will take place Nov. 1. They will determine the district champion.

The players will achieve their aspirations through improving their skills and tightening their bond as a team to become stronger this year.

“Extra training is how we’re preparing for future games,” Wynn said.

The team trains for long hours, and players train on their breaks in

14-15 Sports.indd 2

preparation for playoffs.

"I am a peacemaker on the court to help diffuse any possible arguments,” Wynn said.

She helps her team remain unified and assists in achieving their aspirations.

Wynn ensures that her team is all working towards the same goal. Though it may demand extra training hours and an immense amount of dedication, the volleyball team is prepared to make those sacrifices.

"We hope to compete in the 3rd round of the playoffs,” Wynn said. Competing in the 3rd round will set up their goal of ending the season on a good note.

If recent games are anything to go by, the team will surely continue to climb their way to the top. A recent game on Oct. 11 against Pflugerville awarded them another win with a score of 3-0.

They also took the win, 3-2, against

Georgetown on Oct. 14. It is apparent they have no plans of halting their winning streak or slowing down.

The hope of making it to the playoffs has the team training frequently for long hours. The coaches work to build individuals' strengths and weaknesses while simultaneously strengthening the team as a whole both on and off the court.

The team participates in games against opposing schools every couple of days to prepare themselves for future competitions. The players continuously work hard and devote themselves to improving in order to achieve personal and team goals. The coaches’ efforts and the players’ unmatched dedication on and off the court has helped them become #1 in the district and will surely take them to the playoffs.

11/1/22 11:57 AM

Sports November 4, 2022

15

Land and Water

Larissa Perez | Photographer

Athletes discuss going through motions of sport they play Damo Kouakou | Reporter Swimming and cross-country running are two physically and mentally demanding sports. They are excellent all-around exercises, because they raise your heart rate while also relieving your body of some of the impact stress. By working hard and practicing during the weeks to be ready for competitions and meets, which are similar in both sports, one can increase muscular strength and endurance.

“Before a meet, I like to hydrate myself really well the day before and have a clean dinner the night before too,”

Natalia Zavaleta | Photographer

14-15 Sports.indd 3

cross country team member Sebastian De Lara Serna said. “Then the day of the race, I would get up pretty early and just listen to music and try to get in the zone. Some days we do a six-by-one kilometer with a three-minute rest, but only on the workout days. Most of the time we’re doing easy mileage.”

Similarly, swimming has taxing aspects, both during practice and during a swim meet. They take a similar amount of preparation and practice to perfect their craft.

“Before a swim meet, I like to play the swimming playlist I made and I have a

lucky breakfast I eat every morning,” swim team member and State Qualifier Stephanie Oiessen said. “We’ll do 30 to 45 minutes of dryland workouts and then two hours of water practice.

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, we practice for an hour and a half from six to seven-thirty.”

With both these sports being aerobic sports, the difficulties to stay fit in the sport are high. Many athletes have to balance their school time with sports time to form an equilibrium, which can be hard for busy students.

“The difficulty is to keep going,” De Lara Serna said.

“It’s a hard sport. It’s hard mentally because there are no rewards like football where you get to celebrate and score and all that.

It’s all individual effort, and it’s hard to push yourself to keep going when you’re not reaching the goals.”

It’s not just winning that matters in solo sports, but seeing someone improve in time, strength, and mindset makes someone want to keep doing hard work to improve themselves.

“It’s definitely hard to manage time,” Oiessen said. “Sometimes I make time for both

school and swimming and practice. It can also be really tough both physically and mentally but in the end, seeing time drops and improvements makes it worth it.”

Athletes’ bodies must adapt each time they run or swim in order to become stronger. This is due to the fact that being physically active not only helps you gain strength and stamina but also breaks down your body, giving it the rest it requires to avoid becoming overworked or exhausted.

“I like to roll myself out; I have this big foam roller that I’ll just put on my blog and I’ll just roll it out,” Oiessen said. “And also moving around a little bit after you’re racing to get out lactic acid helps a lot with soreness. I just like to replenish myself, drink a lot of Gatorade, and stretch.”

Not before the game, but after, is when there is the most pressure, especialy after a defeat. Athletes may develop a mindset of self-doubt and ongoing tension toward themselves, putting pressure on their bodies and minds. However, Oiessen believes that continuing to make sure enjoyment is the top priority is what brings tne real reward.

“Make sure that you’re still having fun with it because it’s a sport,” Oiessen said.“You’re doing it because you like it and not because it’s a requirement.”

So though swimming and cross country may be done in two completly different elements, the stress, practice, and feelings when completing goals are alike.

11/1/22 11:57 AM

16

Back Page Volume 16, Issue 2

Everything’s Bigger in Texas

Seniors showcase their mums in celebration of homecoming Sofia Dodd | Photographer Destiny Dryden | Photographer

“Making mums in one of my favorite Homecoming activities. We bring everyone together and all go shopping to gather our supplies, and we pick a house where we work nonstop to finish them in time. We all had so much fun, especially it being our senior year. We just had to go all out.”

Bethany Glaser | Photographer

Le-Anh Nguyen | Photographer “Creating my senior mum has to be one of my proudest moments. I totally forgot about homecoming week, so I had to make my mum last minute. I stayed up till 3 am two nights in a row making it, and I’m still surprised it turned out so well. It was totally worth the exhaustion.”

-Kyra Carr, 12

-Sarah Schulze, 12

“My overalls and my mum cost around $300 all together. It took my mom and I a whole week to finish. We spent so long working on it, staying up till midnight working on it all week. I love it. It has my favorite color, light pink and white since I’m a senior. It also has a lot of cheer incorporated into it since I’ve been in cheer for four years now.”

-Isabella Caballero, 12

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11/1/22 11:57 AM