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Ruth Eddy
Matthew Bolich
We’re now on
I’ve always found it ironic how much kids want to be adults while adults desperately want their life to be as simple as a childs. I mean, think about it: when we’re younger we almost always wish our childhood away because we desperately want to have the freedom to make our own choices, however. When we grow up and begin paying bills, going to work every day and doing “grown-up things,” we wish we could go back to the easier life of our childhood selves.
planned out for us.
We get nervous each year making the transition from one grade to the next, wondering who we’ll eat lunch with this year and if we’ll really like our English
“The truth of the matter is, there’s no point in forcing yourself to do something just because it fits what you’ve always done and it’s what everyone else is doing.”
dents who don’t know what to do with their lives postgraduation.
The easy answer is to go to college. It’s the same concept of the system we’re used to so it’s easy to just decide to go to college in an attempt to keep the routine the same out of fear of the unknown.
I was almost one of those students.
I’ve always thought I’d end up going to college. I was back and forth on what school and what major, but my plan was to go to a university right away, get a degree and live out the rest of my life.
who take a gap year to find that they don’t want to go to college, and to me, that’s OK too.
Not every job requires a college degree and if a person finds something they love to do, that pays the bills, then I would consider that a win.
Now, as happy as I was in my decision to take a gap year, there were still moments that I felt like maybe I was making a mistake.
I’m at that nice in-between stage where I’m legally an adult, so I have a lot of freedom while also still having my parents to provide for me, limiting my financial strain.
Graduating high school may come with a lot of benefits, but there are also some aspects of it that make it terrifying.
Think about it this way: we start school around five or six years old, and for the next 13 years of our lives, everything is perfectly
teacher, and while these worries take the forefront of our mind we know that come August/September, we will be back in the classroom with the people we’ve known pretty much our whole lives.
So what happens when you’re a senior and where you end up the next fall is entirely in your hands?
There are a few graduates who have already decided college isn’t the right choice for them, so they plan to join the workforce or the military, but the majority of teens plan to go to college.
Some students have been waiting and planning for this day, they know exactly what college they’ll go to and what their major will be. Others may not know what University they’ll attend but they have a major in mind that will help them obtain their dream job, while others have their dream college and just need to pick a major.
But there are also the stu-
But now, here I am — taking a gap year.
Coming to this ultimate decision to take a year off was a roller coaster and thankfully, I had my parents support the entire time, but some people don’t have that kind of support system.
Some people have it in their mind that if you’re not joining the workforce or signing up for the military, they have to go to some type of school — whether it’s an Ivy League, community college, two year or four year program — you just have to do something right away.
I think that is silly, college is extremely expensive and if a person does not know what they want to go to school for, there is no point in putting themselves through that amount of financial stress.
A gap year does not mean no college, it just means that person is taking the time they think they need to get their ducks in a row and sort through everything.
There are some people
When adults in my life would ask me where I was going to school I was embarrassed to tell them I was taking a year off and the entire week of Decision Week at school was so draining as I felt behind all my peers as they represented and buzzed about their future universities.
The truth of the matter is, there’s no point in forcing yourself to do something just because it fits what you’ve always done and it’s what everyone else is doing.
The best thing someone can do is what they think is best for themself. Whether that’s going to college, joining the workforce, enlisting in the military, or taking time off to focus on other things.
So, class of 2024, as the fall is nearing, enjoy whatever decision you made, I know I will.
At the time writing this, Liv Suydam was an intern for The Sentinel. She graduated from Mifflin County High School in June and has since accepted a fulltime job with The Sentinel.
Liv Suydam
Preparing your athlete for back-to-school
As summer wanes and a new academic year approaches, parents of student-athletes face the challenge of readying their children for the demands of sports and studies. The balancing act requires careful planning, open communication, and proactive steps to ensure young athletes thrive both on the field and in the classroom.
Sports medicine specialists emphasize the importance of a gradual return to athletic activity. Many students reduce their training intensity over summer break, and ramping up too quickly increases injury risk.
Medical professionals recommend parents encourage their athletes to begin conditioning at least six weeks before the season starts. This preparation should include:
— Cardiovascular exercise: Running, cycling, or swimming to build endurance
— Strength training: Bodyweight exercises or light weights to prevent muscle imbalances
— Flexibility work: Daily stretching routines to improve range of motion
— Sport-specific drills: Practicing fundamental skills to regain muscle memory
Nutrition plays a key role in athletic performance and recovery. Registered dieti-
tians recommend parents stock the kitchen with nutrient-dense foods. The focus should be on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Parents can teach their athletes to read nutrition labels and make informed choices.
Nutritionists also stress the importance of hydration. They suggest parents provide reusable water bottles and encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day, not just during practice.
While physical preparation remains crucial, academic success forms the foundation of a student ath-
lete’s eligibility and future opportunities. School guidance counselors urge parents to review their child’s class schedule and extracurricular commitments.
Identifying potential conflicts early lets families work with coaches and teachers to develop a manageable timetable. Creating a weekly schedule template setting aside time for classes, homework, practice, games, and rest can help student-athletes stay organized.
Counselors also suggest parents help their athletes set realistic academic goals for the year. This might include:
— Establishing a dedicat-
ed study space at home
— Identifying subjects where additional support may be needed
— Exploring tutoring options or study groups
— Teaching time management skills
The pressures of balancing academics and athletics can take a toll on student athletes’ mental health.
School psychologists emphasize the need for open dialogue between parents and their children.
Creating an environment for athletes to express concerns or anxieties about the upcoming year is crucial.
Parents are encouraged to:
rushes for gear. Experts advise against waiting until the week before practice starts to check what still fits, what needs replacing, and what new items are required.
Parents are recommended to:
— Review school and league equipment requirements
— Schedule appointments for any necessary physicals or health screenings
— Update emergency contact information with coaches and school officials
— Familiarize themselves with practice and game schedules
— Arrange transportation plans for the season
The costs associated with student athletics can strain family budgets. Financial advisors urge parents to plan ahead. Creating a sports-specific budget, factoring in equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and potential camp or clinic fees, can help manage costs.
Experts recommend exploring cost-saving measures such as:
— Purchasing used equipment when appropriate
— Listen without judgment
— Validate their child’s feelings
— Offer support and resources when needed
— Model healthy coping strategies
Psychologists also highlight the value of teaching mindfulness techniques. Simple breathing exercises or guided meditations can help athletes manage stress and improve focus.
With the school year approaching, parents should conduct an inventory of their athlete’s equipment needs. Sporting goods retailers often see last-minute
— Carpooling with other families to share travel costs
— Investigating scholarship or financial aid options for sports-related expenses
— Planning team fundraisers to offset costs
Success in student athletics often depends on a strong support system. Coaches emphasize the importance of parental involvement. Attending parent meetings, volunteering when possible, and staying in communication with coaches are all ways parents can stay engaged.
Connecting with other
See Athlete / Page 7
Brian Carson
Athlete
Continued from Page 6
families on the team can also create a network of support for both athletes and families.
As parents prepare their athletes for the immediate future, they should also consider long-term goals. College counselors recommend starting conversations about athletic aspirations early.
For families considering collegiate-level competition, it’s important to familiarize themselves with NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements. Counselors suggest parents:
— Help athletes maintain a detailed record of their athletic achievements
— Research potential college programs aligning with their child’s academic
and athletic goals
— Encourage participation in showcases or camps to gain exposure to college recruiters
— Understand the realities of athletic scholarships
“The pressures of balancing academics and athletics can take a toll on student athletes’ mental health. School psychologists emphasize the need for open dialogue between parens and their children.”
and the recruitment process
Preparing student-athletes for the school year requires attention to multiple facets of their lives. By addressing physical, academic, mental, and logistical aspects, par-
ents can set their children up for success both on and off the field.
The key lies in starting early, maintaining open communication, and fostering a supportive environment. With careful planning and a holistic approach, parents can help their student-athletes navigate the challenges and opportunities of the coming academic year.
As the first day of school approaches, the fields and gyms in the Juniata Valley will soon echo with the sounds of young athletes pursuing their passions. Behind each of them stands a parent or guardian, working tirelessly to ensure they have the tools and support to excel in every arena they enter.
Brian Carson is a reporter for The Sentinel. He has been covering sports for 32 years.
Celebrating Over 34 Years
Lessons I learned moving to the U.S.
time spent in United States
By YOSHENG HE
To some, culture shock sounds like a cliche, but it reshaped my understanding of this country as an international student. Tips, food, high school sports…
Here are some of the top things I learned while living in the United States that I didn’t expect:
Cheesesteak is a sandwich
Steaks are my favorite food in China, but I had no knowledge of cheesesteaks.
My first idea of a cheesesteak was a slice of deli cheese on top of an unsliced grilled steak. One night in State College, I ordered a cheesesteak online.
An entree with steak and cheese only cost me around $10? Looked like the food prices are not that high. But after getting the food — kablooey. Did they give me another person’s order?
A hoagie roll with some small-sliced beef?
Was it delicious? Not bad. I was so hungry. Would I try it later? Maybe.
American-style international food
What are my comments on the most popular Chinese fast-food restaurant chain around the States?
Broccoli beef is authentic. teriyaki chicken is similar to the chicken chops in many Hong Kong-style cafes. Orange chicken and sesame chicken are good, though I haven’t tried those in China. Pizza is another food of my favorite. But in China, pizzas are thinner. Toppings include beef, chicken, seafood, roast duck and even pineapple.
Though I am still finding authentic, lower-priced Italian restaurants, pasta with Alfredo sauce is pretty good.
If you want to be embarrassed, don’t leave tips
This is the current funniest lesson I learned. In China, people think servers would earn enough for what they do and won’t leave tips. But it is a different story in
the U.S. Last summer, I went to a restaurant in Chinatown, Manhattan. The food and service were not good and I did not leave a tip. A person suddenly rushed out of the
restaurant and chased me for tip. She stopped me when I almost entered the subway station and said I have to leave 15%.
Later, I started leaving tips but was told I don’t need to if I only take away food. One thing is pretty sure: they won’t chase me for tips out of the restaurant for food to go. Yay.
Baseball and softball rules
For me, baseball and softball have the most complicated rules among all other sports.
Before freelancing for The Sentinel, I had no baseball or softball knowledge. For work, I must nail them. The best way to understand baseball and softball is to spend 10 minutes driving to Penn State’s baseball and softball games. The first Penn State softball game I went to was facing Maryland. When the Penn State pitcher threw a ball, the ball hit the ground and bounced to the catcher.
“That’s a strike,” I thought.
Only I clapped for that pitch. Yikes.
My sports editor, AnthoSee Pa / Page 9
For Juniata Valley Family
Yusheng He stands in front of a sign for The Daily Collegian.
Continued from Page 8
ny, and a Penn State journalism professor taught me how to take notes and explained many basic rules like balk, pop-up, flyout, home run and fielder’s choice … Anthony spent at least five minutes explaining a recent triple play from the Phillies. Hats off to them.
High school and college sports are popular
NBA, NFL and MLB are the most successful sports programs. High school and college sports are the pipelines to developing and sending athletes to those platforms.
Before coming to Penn State, I didn’t recognize how widespread the development of high school and college sports was. PIAA, Big 10, NCAA tournaments… There are so many platforms for student athletes to pursue their dreams.
Nick Singleton, James Franklin, Aaron Brooks, Bridget Nemeth, Jess Mruzik … Those are the big names at Penn State.
White Out, Penn StateOhio State rivalry and the song Zombie Nation are the most popular topics at Penn State. A full-attended Beaver Stadium and tailgates at Stadium West parking are big festivals. Fans participate in sports in their own way.
The four-month reporting experience for The Sentinel exposed me to high school sports around Mifflin and Juniata County.
Every school’s sports program has its moving story: Midd-West’s Miley Beachel’s 300 career strikeouts, Mifflin County baseball coach Ray Hoppel’s unending praise for his players, Juniata aces Elizabeth Gaisior and Shalelyn Armstrong’s tears after losing
JV FAMILY
the PIAA softball final at Penn State.
They all put forth their efforts for their goals. Their stories really inspired me to keep pursuing my dream bravely. Thanks to them.
KFC and Pizza Hut are not that popular I am not kidding. Pizza Hut is the first restaurant I learned about pizza.
Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and KFC are the most approachable Western fastfood restaurant chains in China. Over 2,000 Pizza Hut, 8,000 KFC and around 5,000 McDonald’s stores have been opened in China, according to their websites. But in the U.S., KFC and Pizza Hut are far less popular than McDonald’s.
No grilled chicken sandwiches and McSpicy wings in the U.S. McDonald’s Grilled chicken sandwiches and crispy spicy wings are my favorite McDonald’s food in China. For the chicken sandwich, I assume they first preserve a boneless chicken thigh with black peppers and oyster sauce and then grill it. Of course, I don’t have their recipes.
The spicy wings are similar to the wings in Popeyes.
But I still found my favorite one at McDonald’s in the U.S.
I live in a city in southern China famous for Cantonese cuisine. The highest-praise slang for Cantonese food is “chicken tastes like chicken and fish tastes like fish,” meaning the chef retains the original taste of the food. Here, McDonald’s chefs keep the beef’s fragrance in cheeseburgers. That’s “beeftastes-like-beef.”
The designation of highway allows mistakes Missing a highway exit or accidentally driving in the exit-only lane would be bad. That means drivers must
spend much longer time returning to the highway. But the surprising thing is that the highway entrance is usually one intersection away. Those designations save drivers’ time and reduce cutlane accidents.
Taking train might be more expensive
In my country, a faster and more comfortable transportation would be more expensive. But in the U.S., it could be a different story.
Compared to taking trains, flights sometimes save money. A one-way, coach-seat trip with AMTRAK between New York and Miami would cost around $170 and take 24 hours. But a twohour non-stop flight might only cost $100.
How will I decide between spending $300 for a one-way flight and $40 for a train ride from Philly to New York?
Neither. Driving wins.
Chinese food is not that expensive
I avoid going to Chinese restaurants in the States. Not because of their mediocre taste, but the overinflated price. A lunch special with three dishes of your choice costs around $13, but it only costs around $4 in China.
Compared to spending the same amount of money on a coffee and a sandwich, you would get at least a full bowl of rice with different dishes at a Chinese restaurant and won’t get hungry in hours.
Looks like a good deal. But I prefer to buy a sandwich and get the free coffee from Panera with their subscriptions.
YuSheng He is an international student from China who studied journalism at Penn State University. He freelanced for The Sentinel during the spring and summer and has since moved to Florida to earn his gradiate degree.
Don’t forget these back-to-school essentials
By LIV SUYDAM Juniata Valley Family
It’s officially that time of year — summer break is coming to an end.
At this point, people are frantically trying to check off items from their summer vacation bucket list or just trying to enjoy the last few weeks of sweet, sweet freedom.
As much as we all want to remain in this bubble of pool days, sunbathing, and summertime adventures, the countdown is on and it’s time to start thinking about going back to school.
Even with a few more weeks left until schools are officially back in session, we can all agree waiting until the last minute to do back to school shopping is just asking for disaster.
Whether you are starting your first year at elementary school, embarking on your last few years in high school, or beginning your new chapter at college, back to school shopping is the secret to a promising school year.
While making sure you have all the school essentials as well as a trending
wardrobe can be stressful, the key to an easy and successful back-to-school shopping spree is to not wait until the last minute, the sooner you go, the better deals you get.
Now, most classroom supplies lists don’t come out until after the school year has started, but follow this list and you should be able to get the majority of the items you need beforehand, adding anything you may have missed after teachers hand out supplies lists.
Elementary school
Heading into elementary school can be very nerve wracking for students and their parents, especially kids starting their first year of kindergarten. And although nothing can really calm the nerves that come with this adjustment, being prepared will definitely make the transition from summer to school at least a little easier. The following supplies will set them on the right track for the first day:
Pencil boxes
Crayons
Markers
Pencils
Sharpeners
Glue stick
Erasers
Folders
Notebooks
Rulers
Middle School and High School
Although the lifestyles and curriculum are extremely different between middle school students and high school students, the
baseline school supplies are actually very similar. When the school year actually begins, you may discover there are some supplies that you need that differ between these two age groups, however, the following supplies is a good place to start for both:
Pencil pouch
Folders
Notebooks
Highlighters
Pens and Pencils
Calculator
Erasers
White -out
Index Cards
Sticky Notes
3-ring Binder
Personal calendar/organizer
College
Heading off to college unlocks an entirely different routine from what students are used to, but oddly enough, it’s still quite similar to previous years of school. As far as school supplies goes, the following should definitely be on your back-to-school supplies list:
Binders
Folders
Index Cards
Sticky Notes
Highlighters
Pencils and Pens
Markers
Book covers
Laptop
Also with college comes the dorm necessities. Obviously there is an extensive list of what to pack and what not to pack when moving into a dorm, but here are a few obvious ones to get you on the right track:
Laundry basket
Trash can/ trash bags
Pillows and Blankets
Fan
Extension cords
Towels
Hangers
Mini-fridge
Microwave (if allowed)
Now obviously, these lists may not cover every last detail, especially the college dorm supplies. However, with this in mind, it should make it easier to get into the rhythm of back-to-school shopping. And you also can’t forget to get a cool new backpack/ lunch box and loads of new clothes to start the school year off right.
Mother ponders rocky family relationship
Over10 years into being a mother and the hardest pill I’ve had to swallow as I get older is that we’re all doing this for the first time. No one has the instruction manual for what it takes to be a good parent. We make choices based on our circumstances and we all deserve a little understanding.
they made, but that’s what we do. We get older and realize things about life. We have regrets and wish we could have said this or did that but what the choices they make now is what matters to me.
I won’t go into everything, but I lived with both my parents as a baby. They lost custody of my siblings and myself and we spent some time in foster care.
Eventually, my father got custody of us and I remember being close with him for awhile until he moved his significant other and her four kids into our house and I think that created a change within him.
good communication skills.
But being open to learning good communication and understanding someone else’s mind set can fix this.
The problem comes when we accept that the people hurting you can either change to be a part of your life or you have to come to terms with leaving them behind.
It is OK to set boundaries and cut off family if they are harming your mental health.
I have cut off my own family if they can’t respect my parenting rules or my personal boundaries.
relationship with my mother has gotten better, but It came with a lot of fighting and turmoil and constantly wondering if I should cut her off completely.
Some people are toxic and don’t deserve to be in your life. But if they’re genuinely trying to be better, the best advice I can give is to communicate with them — see if you can understand each other.
Set some boundaries if you need to. I can always tell when my mother and I
need some space from each other and I take it. She’s been more understanding of my boundaries even if she doesn’t agree with them.
The last year the relationship with my mother has grown stronger as I watch her with my children and I question my own choices. I came to realize she was doing the best she could with the cards she was dealt and that comes from a long line of family trauma. All of which I hope to stop, or at least do my part to set my
children up for a better future because they didn’t ask to be born.
Luckily, mental health is a huge topic in this generation more than ever and I can only hope I’m doing my part as a parent to set my children up to be good humans. To be good spouses and fathers.
Most of us are wondering if we’re doing it right. I think that’s the definition of a good parent right there, if you spend your days wondering if you’re doing a good job, worrying about them and their futures, you’re a good parent.
I dont have the best relationship with my parents, but I have my version of why and they have theirs.
Who’s to say one is the right version and one isnt?
But even if they weren’t the definition of a good parent, I forgive them.
At 30, I realized It’s OK to forgive them for their choices. I spent most of my life resenting them, but I understand them a little more now. I’m not saying everything they did was OK, actually most of it wasn’t and I don’t understand choices
My siblings were older and never around, eventually reaching ages they could move out. When I was 12, my mother took my father to court and won custody of me.
From there we bounced around al ot and I never had a stable home until I created one for myself.
Over the years, my mother has remained a big part of my life and my father is, well he’s in there somewhere. It’s a hard thing to come to terms with. Neither of them did anything to necessarily lose me from their lives but for the sake of my mental health I have had to set some boundaries with both of them.
To me, respect is earned regardless of someone’s position in your life and my parents didn’t have very
I am very good at communicating my feelings, but communication is only one piece to fixing relationships.
The listener needs to comprehend what you’re communicating and be willing to change.
Luckily for me, my mother did make changes — so did I. Like being able to release some control when it comes to her relationship with my children.
But she also has respect my boundaries with them and we both are still learning how to understand each other and respect each other.
My father isn’t cut off. We still chat from time to time and I think a lot of my personality and the way I think comes from him and for that I’ll always feel a sense of connection from him even if we aren’t close.
I wish I could tell you my parents are my best friends, but that just isn’t true. My
LOST CREEK SHOE SHOP
Sierra Bolger is a reporter for The Sentinel. She is the mother of two boys and resides in Juniata Terrace.
Sierra Bolge
Classic books have a place in modern society
What is special about books that are 100-plus years old?
Why should we read them when there are many well written books that were published in this century?
Are classics still relevant to our time and culture?
In the next few paragraphs I aim to answer these questions and give you five reasons why you should read classics.
First, I want to define what a classic is. According to Mark Twain a classic is, “a book that people praise and don’t read.”
On a more serious note, a classic is a book that has endured through the ages and remained relevant during a long period of time. It shows humanity as a sinful, fall-
en race yet also portrays its characters striving for virtue in this world. A classic must be worthy of numerous re-readings and leave you pondering when you finish it. They must have artistic depth and superior style.
1. Classics have stood the test of time.
Sometimes it seems like every old book ever written is called a classic. Were past authors unable to write bad books?
Of course not. Twaddle was written in past centuries. Time, however, has filtered out the twaddle, the trash, and the junk, and left us with the well written treasures. Homer, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, and the Brontë sisters have remained popular for a long time. These books and others should be read because they have survived over many years and people across different cultures have enjoyed reading them and thought them worthwhile.
2. Classics show us our blindspots. Every era and culture has had their problems. Slavery, women’s rights, unfair treatment of Native Americans, value of machines over people, segregation, war, communism…the
list goes on and on. The 21st century has its own blindspots. Reading classics has two benefits when it comes to this. First, we can easily spot the prejudices that the author had. We have identified many of our predecessor’s blindspots and their wrong views are much easier to see than a modern author’s prejudices. If an author had a wrong view of slavery or women’s rights we instantly spot it. We are very quick to convict our forefathers of their errors. But since we are living in this culture and are blinded by this era’s wrong views it is harder for us to spot our own culture’s faults. By God’s grace we will move from blindness to sight but sometimes we lack the ma-
turity needed to rightly assess modern books, or ideas in general.
Second, since classics were written in a different era, they introduce us to different styles and culture. It is like the difference between looking at a window and a mirror. Reading modern books will only give you a modern perspective on things. You are ingesting this culture every day. Reading Ancient, Medieval, and Victorian literature, among others, gives you a peek into the culture and ideas of a different time period. We are not the only generation to have good ideas. Many of our forefathers were brilliant and the best way to learn about them and their thoughts is not by watching
a documentary or reading a modern perspective about them but by reading what they wrote, getting their opinions firsthand, not from interpretation.
As C. S. Lewis wrote, “we all, therefore need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And the means old books — The only palliative is to keep the clean breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds and this can be done only by reading old books.”
3. Classics take longer to give up their treasures. This point may sound counterproductive but hear me out. Many newer books
See Books / Page13
Anna Stegeman
Books
Continued from Page 12
are only worthy of one read or none at all. You read the book once and get all the treasure out of it. They are shallow with little literary value. But classics that have stood the test of time do not release their treasures so easily. They are worthy of multiple reads, each time letting you see a little more of them. They take longer to read. You cannot speed read through “Jane Eyre,” one of my personal favorites, if you wish to understand the plot. You sometimes will struggle to decipher the older language and the different writing style. It might be harder to dive into the plot and learn to love the characters. But when you turn the last page you have found a new friend, one you can read over and over again, each time finding something new to enjoy. We as modern readers are used to instant gratification: fast food, same day delivery, digital purchases that are available seconds after you buy them. But classics make us wait and struggle before we are rewarded. Yet, the reward is worth it.
4. Classics force us to slow down and dig deep.
We live in the age of speed and constant activity. And our books have followed this trend. Most modern books are either high pace, always on the edge of your seat excitement, or they do not have much substance. You can understand the plot and any themes the author tried to convey without needing to ponder or mull it over in your mind. With classics it is harder to harvest all the jewels in it. You must spend hours with them, cultivating a friendship which will slowly grow and bear much fruit. Unlike Facebook or Instagram where you scroll through dozens of pictures, not needing to give any concentration or serious attention, with classics you need to immerse yourself in the book, ignoring distractions, and enter a well crafted world. The story will engage and teach you, taking you to depths not possible in most newer books.
5. Classics are fun to read.
Contrary to the common view that classic literature is boring, classics are an enjoyable read. Pride and Prejudice is hilarious and delightful. You will fall in love with Elizabeth Bennet, her spunk and personality. The Odyssey will keep you quickly turning pages to find out if Odysseus will ever come home and
rescue Penelope from her numerous suitors who are devouring his food, ruining his land, and taking over his house. Most classics are fun to read, you just have to give them a longer shot than the first two or three pages. There is a reason they have endured this long. For a book to remain a familiar title someone must be telling their friends and family about it, recommending the book, and telling everyone how much they enjoyed it. So try reading a classic you previously thought boring and dull. Give yourself a chance to fall in love with it. A clarification
Through this whole article I have been very hard on newer books. It is not that I think all modern books are bad. Some are very good works of literature. But it is harder to discern which books are great and which are ordinary. We do to know what books will last and which will fade away. Time
read. It is daunting just to think about. Here are some pointers: Learning to love old books takes time.
has not cut out the twaddle and the junk for us. Life is short. Our time is limited. So, instead of reading all modern books that have not had the bad apples thrown out yet, read the classic literature that has stood the test of time and still stands strong. So, now what? Hopefully, by now I have convinced you to read more classics but where do you start? There is an overwhelming amount of books to be
When you begin your journey into the wonderful world of literature, please do not start with a giant tome like War and Peace or Dante’s Divine Comedy. Build endurance and skill by climbing smaller mountains before attempting Mount Everest. Read a classic that is easier to understand and enjoy. Some recommendations are Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, the Hobbit, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Treasure Island, Pilgrim’s Progress, and Oliver Twist. Read classic poems and fairy tales. They are shorter but still incredibly rich. If you struggle to understand who everyone is, what on earth is happening, and the plot in general, then listen to the audiobook
version. Hold the book in your hand and read along with the narrator. Also, read children’s classics. Anne of Green Gables, the Little Princess, Heidi, Pollyanna, the Children’s Homer, and a Wrinkle in Time are beautiful works of literature and have a lot to offer.
Reading classics is a journey not a race.
Reading good literature and learning to love them is a never ending journey. You will never read all the great works of literature in your life. No one has ever reached a point where they can say they have read everything that is worth reading. The more you read the more you realized there is to read. Embrace this reality. Go out into the immense library of great literary works, pick up a book, and read! You will never be the same again.
Adjusting to change post-graduation
By LIV SUYDAM Juniata Valley Family
I recently graduated from high school and although I decided to take a gap year this is still my first fall “on my own” since, well, forever. Even now, I’m not really on my own, I still have loving parents who help me out when I need it.
However, most of my peers will be heading off to their respective universities in a few short weeks and while this is a major milestone in their lives…it’s also big for their families.
I am the youngest of four, so I’ve seen first hand what it looks like for parents when their children leave the nest and have felt for myself the sadness of saying goodbye to siblings.
I feel like there is always talk of how difficult and scary this is for the new college student, but there’s less discussion of how it feels for the parents and siblings.
All of my siblings left for different reasons post-graduation. My oldest brother joined the military, my second brother went off to college, and my sister moved across town with her boyfriend…yet the look on my moms face was the same every time: pride with a hint of heartbreak. And each time, I felt a little more alone, missing my siblings and the craziness that used to envelope my house with four kids running around.
As the fall approaches, and the graduating class of 2024 is about to embark on the next chapter, I know there must be some mixed emotions, so I’d like to share my experience on this topic.
Parents Letting Go
All parents wish for happiness and health for their children; going off to college, joining the military, or just moving out to be on your own is a sign that you’ve made it, but with that comes the realization that the hard part is over.
Now I know most parents claim they can’t wait until their kids are all grown up with success for themselves, paying their own bills, and so on…but let’s be honest, that’s not really true…I mean, I’m sure they’re thankful for their kids paying their own bills.
I may not know what it’s like to raise a child and then have to let them go, but I witnessed my parents let go of three other children, and I saw the pride and pain on my moms face as she realized her babies were all grown up.
If you’re a parent, be proud. They did it, and you did it. You have raised them to a point where they are confident to take on the world, and that is a direct reflection of your parenting. Although it may be hard to accept that they may need you a little less now, I promise you, they will always need you. So, it’s okay for them to leave the nest, they’ll always know where home is.
Saying Goodbye to Siblings
Growing up, the chances of siblings actually getting along the majority of the time is slim to none.
I know I was never close with my siblings when we were young, we’d bond over driving our parents insane, sometimes doing so on purpose because we thought it would be funny, but more often than not, we were fighting over something silly. My brothers are significantly older than me so although we weren’t close we didn’t really fight as much either, but my sister and I are two years apart so you can imagine the torture we put our parents through. Everyone always told me when we got older we’d be close and I would laugh at them. That is until my siblings left, one-byone, and it made the house feel a little emptier. By the time my sister moved out, and I was the only kid still at home, my heart hurt and I longed for those silly little fights over who could pick what we watched on the TV or who got to go first when we played card games. All I can say to the younger siblings of graduates is that your sibling will still always be there for you and it’s true what people say,
you will be closer when you both grow up. Friends come and go, but sibling bonds are forever.
Setting Off On Your Own
It is important that new college students focus on school and making friends their first year at school. Everyone going off to post-secondary institutions are given the same words of wisdom: spend the first semester not coming home as much, make friends, get involved at your new school as this is where you are spending the next four (give or take) years.
The advice I have- branch
off on your own, but make sure you check in with your parents, call them regularly. Don’t forget who helped you get to this point in your life through encouragement and support. Parents are children’s biggest advocates and trust me, they’ll always be one call away.
As for your siblings, especially younger siblings, they may be annoying but I promise you, at some level they look up to you. They will miss you and even though they may not act like it, they are a little broken at your leaving.
Difficult for Everyone
I won’t pretend to know
AREA’S
all of the thoughts that go through families heads when one of them is moving on to the college life. However, I do know that it is hard for everyone for different reasons, and as the fall is fast approaching, dozens of families are about to embark on this adjustment. So during this bittersweet time remember that family is forever, and home is where your family is.
