Teen Ink magazine - April 2024

ENVIRONMENTALISM

Letter from the Editor

Dear Teen Ink Readers,

Welcome back to another edition of Teen Ink magazine! In this issue, we're celebrating National Poetry Month by having an extra special section dedicated to poetry. Along with this (and in honor of Earth Day being this month), we've also included an exciting feature on environmentalism!

Poetry is a very popular section amongst the Teen Ink community, and we're excited to celebrate this month with you by sharing some of our user's best poems. We also know that you've been waiting for the results of some of our contests, and we're thrilled to announce them in this issue! Throughout this magazine, you can find the winners of several Teen Ink contests, including our recent Environmental Solutions essay contest and two of our poetry contests! We want to thank everyone who entered these contests — your work was extraordinary, and we're so grateful that you decided to share it with us.

For those who aren't very interested in these topics, there's no need to worry — we've also added some sections focusing on sports, movies, TV shows, and music! This issue has a wide variety of subjects, so there is something you're sure to love.

We hope you enjoy this issue just as much as we do, and as always, we welcome your feedback! If you want to write a letter to an editor or respond to an opinion article, visit teenink.com/submit!

Best regards,

The Teen Ink Team

the dark truth of electric cars

ARTICLE BY KORBEN LUBNER, SCARSDALE, NY

PHOTO BY JAMES TANNER, GREENACRES, WA

With the entire world trying to combat global warming, governments are looking more toward renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. Legislation in the U.S. has proposed to mandate the sole sale of electric cars by a certain year in states such as California and New York. Are politician’s requirements for full electric cars by 2035 really in order to help the environment, or rather to increase their popularity and votes?

One must look past the fact that electric cars have zero emissions, and factor in the environmental cost of the batteries or the way that the electricity fueling Tesla’s charging stations is sourced. A closer look reveals that there is more going on in the electric car business than meets the eye.

While it is very important for the world, as a whole, to curb its carbon dioxide emissions to reverse climate change, electric cars don’t seem like the best place to start. Rather,

one must start at the sources of these emissions, which are the factories that produce electric cars as well as the electricity used to fuel these cars. As more and more automobile companies make fully electric alternatives to their most popular cars, one must be educated when buying into electric cars. Since the electricity used to fuel their inefficient batteries involves fossil fuels, their overall production is harmful to the environment, and the way that the batteries are sourced is unethical.

The fact is, electric cars affect the environment because of the way that their fuel is sourced. Most consumers know that electric cars don’t convert fossil fuels like oil into the energy that powers their engines. However, these cars are made in factories where fossil fuels such as coal are made into electricity which is then sent to recharge the batteries of electric cars. The average consumer isn’t aware of the fact that their fully

electric car is still, in a way, using fossil fuels as fuel. Gwyn Morgan, the former director of five global energy corporations in Canada, says that “the fact that some 80 percent of Ontario’s electricity is generated by hydro and nuclear makes electric cars look green. But it’s not that simple. Those millions of new electric cars will require massive expansions of Ontario’s power systems.” Morgan then goes on to explain that a massively expensive action plan for renewable energy would have to be established. Canada would never, in a million years, have enough affordable renewable energy to fuel all these new electric cars. Combined with the fact that wind and sun is unpredictable in Ontario due to short, cloudy daylight hours in the winter, more reliable facilities such as natural gas plants and coal plants would have to back up the renewable fuel supply. All this leads back to the fact that electric cars are only as green as their fuel supply.

Although the batteries replace normal combustion engines, these batteries have to be assembled in factories. The problem with this is that a majority of car manufacturing companies outsource their manufacture of their cars to places such as Japan, China, and South Korea, where generation of electricity remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, including coal, which increases the carbon footprint of electric car batteries. Therefore, electric cars are producing air pollution from factories on top of the fuels used to recharge their batteries once their assembly is finished and they are purchased by consumers. It is much more difficult for companies to impose their renewable energy plans on these producers in different countries rather than the native country of their company, meaning that fossil fuels will be used in those countries for years to come.

A German study sought to logically quantify the amount of carbon emissions that the production of each battery produced which ended up with the conclusion that each Tesla battery requires between 23,000 and 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions to be created. Then by applying this information to the 368,000 cars that Tesla produced in 2019, it shows that the production of these batteries for electric cars created 11.8 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. By combining this with the inefficient recharging of these batteries, one can truly see the magnitude of which electric cars are still harming our environment, even if they may seem “clean” to many consumers.

Nevertheless, the majority of the population believes that electric cars and hybrid cars are better for the environment than combustion engine gas alternatives since most people observe electric cars or hybrid cars from the surface without doing further research. Hybrid cars, which are cars that have both batteries and a classic gas powered engine have gained some support due to their superior

range over electric cars. Many people notice that a main problem about electric cars is their limited range and hybrid cars try to solve this problem by having the best of both worlds. Or so it seems. It is estimated that hybrid cars can reduce lifetime costs by 20 percent and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by half. Of course, this only takes into account the emissions from the car itself, not the amount of energy used or pollutants emitted during the manufacturing process or refueling of the car.

There are barely any recycling opportunities for the batteries after their use

Hybrid cars are also even more inefficient since they add another conversion of energy to convert energy from the engine to the battery on top of the energy conversions present in order to recharge the battery in the car. While hybrid cars might be better than fully electric cars, they still have carbon emissions which contribute to climate change. Along with the intensive manufacturing process, materials have to be sourced to be crafted into batteries and cars in the first place, thus creating another issue. That is, the unethical exploitation of children; which doesn’t only negatively affect the environment of earth overall, but the environment of child workers in dangerous mines as well. Both previously mentioned hybrid cars, as well as electric cars, need raw materials and elements such as lithium, cobalt, and manganese that are extracted from the earth in mines to have their batteries created. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, families send their children to these mines in order to try and earn money for them to pay for their own clothes,

food, and education. In this region, more than half of the world’s cobalt is extracted by children as young as seven years old. Is it worth it for children to be working in these mines only to create cars that may be worse for the environment? Think of the emotional toll that these children have to go through, only because greedy companies, supported by the government through subsidies, want more profits with electric cars. The overall extraction process is also very damaging to the physical environment in which it is extracted from.

Still after the entire process of manufacture, sale, use, and then eventual disposal of electric cars, the lithium-ion batteries need to be discarded which presents another problem. There are barely any recycling opportunities for the batteries after their use.

Governments around the world should try to focus on renewable energy production first, rather than using fossil fuels for the energy in electric cars. Most of the energy that goes into recharging the batteries for electric cars and even hybrid cars comes from nonrenewable sources such as coal plants. Even the way that electric cars are made hurts the environment since raw materials such as cobalt are extracted by child laborers in Africa. These mines often have horrible conditions for their child laborers purely to fuel the materials that factories, which use fossil fuels like coal to assemble electric car batteries and cars themselves, need.

When someone says that hybrid cars and electric cars are better for the environment since they don’t emit any pollutants while driving, one must realize, that that person hasn’t observed the entire process that occurs when fueling and producing electric and hybrid cars to begin with.

CT

UNLABELED

ARTICLE BY LUKE KIM, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

PHOTO BY FANXIU SOPHIE QIU, NEW HAVEN,

Upon endless rows of hangers droop Gucci jumpers, Louis Vuitton T-shirts, and Tom Ford jackets. Stacked upon shelves are Valentino sneakers, Saint Laurent totes, and Balenciaga caps. Collector’s items like the Versace bathrobe are displayed in a glass closet in the corner, its hand-stitched golden logo dazzling against the plush Egyptian cotton. The still-intact tag with its preposterous price of $50,000 is my ticket to teenage royalty.

To maintain my status as the school stud, I kept up with the latest luxury fashion trends

My dressing room is full of what most kids my age would only dream of — the latest collection from the hottest designers in the world. But the truth is, I didn’t purchase a single one of them. In fact, I had never even asked for any of them. At the courtesy of my cousin Minseok, the son of a Korean megaconglomerate listed in Forbes as one of the richest men in the country and consequently a VIP customer at every high-end brand and department store in Seoul, my room was routinely bombarded with shopping bags full of luxury goods that were the by-products of Minseok’s revenge spending (he claims he did not receive enough love from his parents while growing up).

And I, his sole beneficiary, received social free-passes in the form of cashmere sweaters, designer sweats, and Swarovski-studded sneakers, which I wore to school every day. I could feel envious eyes following me down the hallway — and I have to admit, I enjoyed every bit of it.

To maintain my status as the school stud, I kept up with the latest luxury fashion trends by scanning fashion magazines every chance I got. Until one day, I came across an article that turned my life, and closet, upside down.

I rarely ventured into the opinion articles when flipping through magazines, but the piercing gaze of a skinned alligator head caught my eye. Disturbed and entranced, I couldn’t tear my eyes from the report on the luxury fashion industry’s responsibility for deforestation and habitat destruction through the sourcing of exotic animal skins. Moreover, the production and transportation of said cruelty products to department stores around the world also contributed to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. But what shocked me the most was the fact that the industry routinely incinerates said

products, made at the price of blood, sweat, tears — and the environment — to create high demand and to meet it at an even higher price.

Because these clothes had been made so readily available to me, literally delivered to my very doorstep, I had never bothered to think of the ramifications of such excessive consumption of clothes. Although I myself was not the direct consumer, I was just as guilty for enabling my cousin’s irrational consumption by gladly taking all the clothes he no longer wanted. And somewhere across the globe, there were lives being sacrificed and forests being burned down for it.

I looked down at the new pair of leather boots on my feet. They had never seemed so ugly. And it was from that point on that I began to see that it was not me my classmates were interested in — they were staring at my clothes, the labels. My words fell on deaf ears as all their attention was focused on scanning my outfit from head to toe. No one bothered to find out who I was or what I was like. Everywhere I went, I was just labeled as the rich, spoiled kid that only wore expensive clothes.

And the sad thing was, it was not me that wore them. It was the clothes that wore me.

As much as I wanted to tear these labels off my shoulders, I couldn’t bring myself to do so. Over the years, my outfits had become a facade behind which I found strange comfort in. When I slipped on my new designer jeans, I knew people would see and comment on the design and price, but the conversations were never directed at me, personally. Behind the labels, I did not have to face other people’s judgment and criticisms. It was so much easier to live in the clothes I wore rather than having to bare myself to the world. But I knew my shell had to be broken one way or another. I could feel my self-identity festering from within, and the lifeless gaze of an alligator was the final push I needed.

The next day, I dressed in a plain white T-shirt and joggers to school. When I walked down the hallway past my classmates, they didn’t even recognize me. I had never felt as liberated as I did then. For the first time, I felt comfortable in my own skin.

Why Maggots are the future of sustainability

ARTICLE BY WILLIAM GUNARTO, WORCESTER, MA

ARTWORK BY TANISHA RAGHAV, GURGAON, INDIA

I slowly started separating the maggots from the rotting food. For the first few minutes, my stomach turned at the sight of these tiny, gray creatures wriggling around. When I pursued a summer job at a factory to learn about sustainable waste management, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.

So, how did I get here?

Growing up in Jakarta, Indonesia, signs of pollution were a normal part of my smoggy car rides to school. It wasn’t uncommon to see garbage and food waste piled on the sidewalks and the roads. As my interest in chemistry evolved in the classroom, I became more curious about the relationship between chemical processes, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption, around 1.3 billion tons is lost or wasted each year, contributing to approximately 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This past summer, I reached out to Greenprosa, a biotechnology company based in

Approximately one-third of all food produced for human comsumption, around 1.3 tons, is lost or wasted each year

Indonesia, to work on their integrated waste management project. Their goal? To process food waste without producing CO2 emissions and, at the same time, create a more sustainable protein source.

So back to the maggots.

At the waste facility, we focused on two processes. One was collecting, compressing, and shipping inorganic waste. This waste included matter such as plastic bottles, plastic bags, and cardboard brought into the facility via trash trucks. I sorted the inorganic trash onto a conveyor belt where it is brought to a machine to grind it into the liquid to feed the black soldier fly’s larvae – the maggots. The second process involved the eggs. Measuring out the 5 grams of eggs into a “bundle,” I deposited them into plastic containers full of leftover food collected from nearby resorts and restaurants. Once the eggs hatched, and the larvae reached 1-2 centimeters, I separated the maggots from their food and placed them into an air-fry machine so they could be packaged up for both human and animal use as a more sustainable, protein-rich snack.

Sitting in a classroom learning about sustainability and reduction of energy consumption is quite different from watching the real process, where it came alive. It was remarkable to watch the maggots transform nearly any kind of organic waste — cafeteria refuse, manure, even toxic algae — into high-quality protein, all while leaving a smaller carbon footprint than it found.

Using larvae to eliminate food waste at this scale could be an ecological game-changer. A 2011 U.N. report detailed how rotting food emits millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, accounting for about 7 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. But when maggots consume food waste, they take all that carbon with them and transform the waste into high-quality protein with a lower energy footprint.

Maybe our path towards a greener future is paved with … maggots?

PHOTO BY LAUREN JURIC, ALLEN, TX

Let Us Awake

Where the skies are free and shining

Where the fields are fertile and vibrant

Where forests breathe deep and lakes sit calm

Where flowers rejoice in the gentle breeze

Where the rich jungles of the Amazon

And the blowing sands of the Sahara

And the frosty snow caps of the Himalayas

Are subject not to the wrath of humans, but only to nature’s limitless will

Where animals are not so cruelly stolen for breakfast or lunch or dinner

But learned from and respected as the beautiful beings they are

Where the sun, the wind, and the water propel us into a clean world without pollution

Where humanity at last realizes we are on a path of utter destruction and suffering

And knows that the time for change lies not in the past, nor in the future — but now

Where all the fish in the vast seas, a ll the birds in the blowing winds

All the insects, all the plants, the trees, the forests, the flowers

And the proud two-legged creatures that so brazenly claim everything as their own

Where all of them, all creatures on this Earth, exist in harmony

Into such peace and balance, into such a paradise, let us awake.

BY RHUSHIL VASAVADA, PEWAUKEE, WI

Environmental Solutions essay contest

THE GENESIS DOMES

ARTICLE BY LISA PAUL, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

In a world grappling with environmental degradation, the quest for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The intersection of environmental consciousness and technological advancement presents an unparalleled opportunity for healing the planet. Drawing upon insights from my Environmental Systems and Societies class, I’ve envisioned a solution that marries the potential of technology with the imperative of ecological preservation: The Genesis Domes. This concept proposes a series of self-sustaining, bioengineered ecosystems encapsulated within geodesic domes designed to replicate and preserve Earth’s diverse habitats.

At the heart of the Genesis Domes initiative is the ambitious goal of creating self-sustaining ecosystems that not only mirror the natural world but also actively contribute to its restoration. By utilizing cutting-edge carbon capture technology, these domes are designed to extract CO2 from the atmosphere, directly combating the greenhouse effect. The process is enhanced by the photosynthetic capabilities of plants and algae, alongside engineered microorganisms that increase the efficiency of carbon sequestration. This approach not only addresses the immediate concerns of climate change but also sets a precedent for future technologies aimed at environmental rehabilitation.

Beyond their role in climate regulation, the Genesis Domes serve a critical function in biodiversity preservation. Acting as sanctuaries for species at risk of extinction, they offer a living repository for genetic diversity, safeguarding our planet’s biological heritage for future generations. This aspect of the project underscores the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem resilience, providing invaluable resources for scientific research and conservation efforts.

Education and engagement form another pillar of the Genesis Domes’ multifaceted approach. By creating immersive environments that replicate the beauty and complexity of natural ecosystems, these domes aim to inspire visitors and foster a deeper appreciation for the planet’s biodiversity and the challenges it faces. This educational aspect is crucial, cultivating a sense of responsibility and stewardship among the public and empowering a new generation to take action in the fight against environmental degradation.

The initiative also addresses the critical issue of food security through the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices within certain domes. By experimenting with techniques such as vertical farming and aquaponics, the Genesis Domes project seeks to demonstrate scalable solutions to food scarcity that minimize environmental impact. This not only contributes to the goal of sustainable development but also offers a blueprint for the future of agriculture, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.

Water management is yet another area where the Genesis Domes innovate. Advanced filtration and recycling technologies ensure that water usage within these ecosystems is sustainable and efficient, highlighting a closed-loop approach that could serve as a model for water-scarce regions around the world. This emphasis on sustainable resource use is a key component of the project, showcasing how technology can be leveraged to solve complex environmental problems.

In essence, the Genesis Domes represent a bridge between human aspiration and ecological equilibrium, illustrating how technology can be harnessed for the greater good. This vision, grounded in the potential of current and emerging technologies, offers a hopeful perspective on humanity’s capacity to address environmental challenges. It is a call to action, urging us to employ our creative and technological resources in the service of planet Earth. As we move forward, the Genesis Domes could very well become a cornerstone of global environmental strategy, symbolizing a commitment to restoration, coexistence, and sustainable prosperity.

THE DANGERS OF KUDZU TO TREES

ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA LOVERN, HARTLAND, WI

Kudzu is a notorious invasive species spreading across the southeastern United States. Originally introduced from Japan in the late 19th century as an ornamental plant and for erosion control, kudzu has since become an ecological hazard, strangling vegetation and changing ecosystems. One particularly alarming sign of this invasion is kudzu’s tendency to climb and cover trees, threatening their health and altering forest dynamics. It is frequent to see trees covered in kudzu in the southern countryside because of the warm environment and abundant rainfall in the area. The vine grows quickly and can suffocate trees, preventing them from receiving sunlight and restricting their capacity to photosynthesize. In addition to weakening the infected trees, this throws off the ecosystem’s balance by giving native plant species an unfair advantage over them in resources.

A diverse strategy is needed to deal with the kudzu invasion of trees in the South. First and foremost, aggressive steps need to be taken to stop the vine from spreading further. This involves increasing public knowledge of kudzu’s ecological risks and implementing laws governing its sale and growth. In places where kudzu has not yet taken root, efforts should also be undertaken to locate and eliminate any populations of the plant.

Control measures must be put in place in regions where kudzu has already taken hold in order to lessen its negative effects on ecosystems and trees. While mechanical techniques, like cutting and mowing, can stop kudzu growth temporarily, they are frequently labor-intensive and fail to work over time. A more focused strategy is provided by chemical herbicides, which destroy kudzu only while causing the least amount of damage to native plants. However, to prevent unintended impacts on other species and water quality, their use needs to be carefully monitored.

The use of natural enemies to reduce kudzu populations through biological control techniques to avoid inadvertently harming other species. For instance, the introduction of the kudzu insect has somewhat suppressed kudzu growth, although native plant species are also at risk. Restoring natural vegetation is crucial to regaining environments overtaken by kudzu and should be done in unison with control measures. Planting native shrubs and trees can act as competitors for the invasive vine and aid in the restoration of ecosystem resilience.

In conclusion, the spread of kudzu on trees throughout the South poses a severe ecological threat with far-reaching effects. To address this problem, a combination of preventive, control, and restoration measures must be implemented in a coordinated and long-term effort. By proactively countering the kudzu invasion, we can safeguard the region’s biodiversity and the health of southern ecosystems for future generations.

ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

ARTICLE BY CLARA JOHNSTON, SUSSEX, WI

If I had access to anything I needed to help the world, the first thing I would do is research. I would look at statistics for the population of animals and their habitats. This would give me a better understanding of how to help save species and the necessities they require.

I would have people enter the areas they inhabit currently and see what changes I can make that would benefit all creatures in the area. This could be anything from relocating certain species to terraforming the land. I would also create systems to temporarily protect endangered species. This way, I could work on a better, more permanent solution without having to worry about population numbers decreasing.

One thing to remember is that some species aren’t meant to live in a certain place. Take jumping worms (Amynthas Agrestis), for example. They’re a type of earthworm that hitched a ride through some sort of vessel and slowly took over. They eat earthworm’s food sources and push others out. Because of how fast jumping worms eat, they aren’t even able to give the nutrients back to the soil, like the other species of worms do. This ruins the balance of the environment, and removing them would benefit many other species, not just other soil creatures.

Other invasive species are the same way. That being said, many habitats and species would benefit from the invasive species being transported back to the areas they belong in.

Once I’ve researched, changed the land’s format, and removed invasive species, I’ll be able to help each animal more directly. I would set up reserves for the animals where each type would thrive in a more controlled environment. Plus, I would use the DNR system to monitor species in the wild, and if numbers continue to decrease, I would check out the situation personally.

However, my system would help keep numbers more balanced and protect many different species of animals.

OCEAN RESCUE:

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION

ARTICLE BY ANGELA FANG, FORT LEE, NJ

Did you know that 14 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, making plastic debris the most dangerous type of marine pollution, contributing to 80 percent of all marine waste? This shocking statistic underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat ocean pollution since plastic is non-biodegradable and can be tremendously harmful to both marine life and the human population. Specifically, marine animals are forced to live with this plastic litter and inevitably become victims to it by getting tangled up in it or ingesting it. According to Clean Water Action, “Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86 percent of all sea turtle species, 44 percent of all seabird species, and 43 percent of all marine mammal species.” Additionally, plastic debris is negatively affecting the human food chain. By consuming contaminated seafood, people subject themselves to the ingestion of chemicals that are used in plastic production, which can be carcinogenic and disrupt the endocrine system. This can lead to many health issues, including developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders. In the face of this environmental crisis, one must think about creative and innovative solutions that will eliminate these issues in a more efficient and rapid way. If I had all the resources, power, and access to save our

oceans, I would design two such creative solutions: Ocean Plastic Cleanup Megastructures and Bioengineered Plastic-Eating Microorganisms.

Ocean plastic cleanup megastructures could be large-scale engineering solutions designed to remove plastic waste from oceans. These megastructures could range from floating barriers to skimmers. Regarding the design and size of the megastructures, there could be various prototypes which would depend on the type and amount of the waste to be collected. For example, there could be floating barriers which would be structures designed to float on the surface of the water and use various natural forces (such as currents and winds) and man-made mechanisms (such as catchers and blockades) to trap plastic waste. Another possible design for these megastructures could be gigantic skimmers that would be specialized vessels or platforms equipped with nets, conveyor belts, and/or other collection systems to scoop up floating plastic debris. These megastructures would offer several benefits, such as efficiently capturing and removing large quantities of plastic debris from the ocean, which could significantly reduce ocean pollution. Furthermore, these structures could provide a well-balanced and systematic approach to ocean cleanup, which could lead to more effective waste management control. On one hand, there are challenges and limitations associated with these megastructures, which include the high initial and operational costs of building and maintaining these structures. On the other hand, these costs could be mitigated if these structures operate on renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.

Bioengineered microorganisms could help remove masses of litter from the ocean if they are specifically designed to consume and digest plastic waste. These organisms will be genetically modified to possess enzymes or other biological mechanisms that enable them to break down plastic polymers. These bioengineered microorganisms will typically work by producing enzymes that target specific types of plastic polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene (PE). These enzymes will facilitate the breakdown of the plastic into smaller molecules that could be metabolized by the microorganisms as a food source. Bioengineered microorganisms will have the potential to play a significant role in cleaning up ocean pollution by specifically targeting plastic waste. They can be deployed in areas with high plastic accumulation to help reduce plastic debris and its harmful effects on marine life and the surrounding ecosystems. However, there might be concerns regarding the use of bioengineered microorganisms for plastic waste cleanup in terms of safety, regulation, and some unintended consequences. Releasing genetically modified organisms into the environment can raise concerns about their potential impact on natural ecosystems and their biodiversity. In addition, if these bioengineered microorganisms are to be released, there needs to be a strict regulatory framework to ensure the safety of the living organisms in that environment. Otherwise, the introduction of genetically modified organisms may have unforeseen consequences, which may cause changes in ecosystem dynamics. To address concerns about bioengineered microorganisms for plastic waste cleanup, thorough risk assessments and containment measures will be created to ensure safety and prevent unintended environmental impacts. Clear regulatory frameworks should be established to guide their development, testing, and deployment, with the results of the project being public and transparent at every step of the process.

Overall, urgent action is needed to fight ocean plastic pollution. The proposed solutions of ocean plastic megastructures and bioengineered microorganisms offer innovative approaches for reducing the amounts of plastic trash in our oceans. Megastructures use floating barriers and skimmers to remove waste, while bioengineered microorganisms consume specific plastics and digest them during the breakdown process. Despite some challenges in their production and utilization, these creative solutions could offer hope for a cleaner, healthier, and safer ocean.

ART

CREDITS

1. ARTWORK BY ALICE LEE, NEW YORK, NY

2. ARTWORK BY ASHLEY LEUNG, SHANGHAI, CHINA

3. ARTWORK BY KENESKHAN MAKAYEV, ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN

4. ARTWORK BY SOPHIE LI, SCARSDALE, NY

5. ARTWORK BY MINA SUN, IRVINE, CA

POETS’ CORNER

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

HAYLEE GRIFFITH ARVADA, CO

Words That Bite

I am a person of endless words.

Yet the most important go unspoken. In my library of soft phrases, My garden of carefully chosen sentences,

And my hoard of sayings and facts. 4 words go unspoken.

They hang like ripe fruit on the tip of my tongue.

Always ready to say. And always true. I try so hard to keep them from slipping out.

They bite so ferociously at the corners of my mouth.

They know they need to be said.

“I want to sob”

I deny them their place in my trove of words.

Lock them in their cage

And throw away the key.

I yearn to let them fall from my mouth  As I lay in your arms.

“I need to sob”

And I yearn for you to tell me it’s safe And say

“Then sob. And I will be here.”

BY ELLI EASON, GLENS FALLS, NY

Cardinal

My grandma and I rolling down a lush green hill — my first memory. Running around the house with my

grandma — her last memory.

A cardinal sits, watching me play. Memories don’t die.

BY BEN JOHNSON, PEWAUKEE, WI

my flower heart

when i first met you, you planted flowers in my heart.

and with a tulip in your hand, you said “till death do us part.”

so i held on to those words, the promises you gave me.

and as i got to know you, the flowers grew, roses and orchids and bunches of daisies.

dandelions, daffodils, begonias and marigolds.

the flowers grew taller, even as the weather got cold.

and you pruned them and watered them, day after day.

the flowers growing even bigger, until they formed a bouquet.  but then one day in june, a girl arrived, dressed in fur.

and you plucked out my flowers and you gave them to her.

BY STELLA MYERS, STUDIO CITY, CA

King of Kings

Bald crown atop his throne. pillars of cardboard and tape

contemporary serfs on conveyor belts discolored diapers improving “workplace flow.”

Dissipate Seconds to pick up any bill Amassing 10 thousand times their fill From an awe-inspiring forest, To cheap electronics Hmm, quite ironic.

BY SPENCER BECKEMAN, ROCHESTER, MI

When You Asked Me What My Favorite Word Was, I Said Auburn

Because auburn was the color of my first dog who sniffed my fingers and

licked the gaps between my toes; when my mother locked me outside for two hours, the wind chilling my bones through a cupcake-covered nightgown,  he gulped down my tears and let me touch his nose.

Because auburn was the name of my best friend in kindergarten who painted paper roses with me, red, blues, purples stained on our fingertips; she helped me differentiate triangles from trapezoids,  curled up next to me during nap time on a star-shaped rug.

Because, most of all, auburn was the roof of my house back in Texas whose tiles were chipped from hot summer nights; when I left at age seven, sat in a car to California with palms pressed to the cold minivan windowpane I wondered if I would - or could ever miss a roof more because under that auburn was all I had ever known.

To me, auburn is color, identity, physicality, home but to you, a six-letter word.

BY ASHLEY MO, SARATOGA, CA

Untitled

four-wheel drive — the universe is sobbing an overload  of fat and juicy raindrops. the

SONJA XIE, SCARSDALE, NY

sparkling cobalt blue — cheerful eye is clouded over with a dim drab gray — emotionless  but yet lighter around the edges — silver lining.

silence —

filling the car, crowding  every crack not filled with luggage, threatening to force  the smudged windows open.  burning, loaded, tens e— thicker than the fog outside.  static—

thick and fuzzy, hiding  sad lyrics in layers of code. not as though a cozy blanket,  like a deceiving disguise.  the radio struggles — DJ’s  laughs resemble an  aggressive coughing fit — but  neither of us change the station — not yet.

BY RENEE BUDA, STATE COLLEGE, PA

The Backup

A conversation is like a waltz, Glorious back and forth,  in sync, in rhythm, in tone  with the music connecting two souls as one

A conversation is a waltz, And I can dance.

Just not well enough.

I’m good conversation, until better walks by.

I’m interesting, until I’m not. Because I’m the backup.

Like the moon; I shine only from reflection.

And what is a burning inner light If there is no one to see it?

Because I’m the backup.

You lift me, illuminating, like sun shining light on the moon But eventually, the sun always sets.

I’m never good enough, And the resentment bubbles up Maybe you can tell, And that’s why it isn’t enough?

I need people,  like a man in a desert needs water.

My skin burns without touch,  my chest feels empty.

A friendly smile is a cooling breeze,

A few words, a saving gulp of water.

A dismissive look, a false laugh Plunge me into a chasm of doubt, A sinking pit in my stomach dragging me in,

My fingers, bloody claws of desperation.

There are tiers of friendship

And you make it clear where I sit

You’re always too tired to talk (but only when I’m the only option.)  You need to focus on your work (Is the other person at the table your work?)

You’ll answer texts (eventually) But only if I text first.

How can I dance

When you keep switching partners

And I can feel the stares burning holes into my back?

You can’t be everyone’s best friend.  I know that’s true.

But the truth doesn’t sting any less, And the sun always sets Because I’m the backup.

BY EMMA TELPIS, SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ

What Is a Stare?

A stare  Is a needle

Piercing through the air At fast speed

A stare Is a window

Glaring into other’s eyes

Sharply

A stare Is warm

A comforting gesture

A stare  Is blank, mean, rough, and soft But never meaningless

BY AUBREE BLANCK, CANNON FALLS, MN

Eternally Beautiful

Fresh prints

Sitting out to dry Perfectly pristine bindings

Lining the shelves

Finally purchased

Tales being read for the first time Stories coming to life Time goes on They’re now in your hands

Waiting for you to

Inhale the aroma of aged literature Being used for the millionth time, Feel the tattered pages

Turning, over and over, forever, and Watch the aged leather fracture Where it is weak and brittle These books will live forever Finally falling into the hands of Future generations.

BY RILEY IVERSON, CANNON FALLS, MN

Salvage Me

Hold my joints in place with those nuts and bolts of your unique form of love.

Keep me together. ratchets and wrenches cannot replace your warm arms.

Dry my tears with cloth lest I rust under your care, immobile for life.

Fill my heart with steam, my heart with your oil, lifeblood. Help me feel again.

Fix me how you will. rebuild me from your blueprints, your clockwork machine.

BY JADIE FIDEL, MADAWASKA, ME

An Overwhelming Essay

Overwhelmed by an essay to write, The frantic student typed with all his might

‘Til he fell asleep on his laptop cover And soon grew mortified to discover That his assignment was due at midnight

BY DAVID HUYNH, SAN JOSE, CA

Fractals

In chaos’ dance, where nothing seems to rhyme, Fractal threads emerge, weaving tales profound, Nature’s brushstrokes, a rhythm so sublime,

In every swirl, a pattern can be found

From branches reaching to rivers that flow,

Each twist a whisper of a hidden rule, In every storm, a harmony does show,

In every chaos, there’s a quiet jewel

Through fractal lens, the world unveils its art,

The dance of shapes, both humble and grand,

In every leaf, a masterpiece’s start, In every cloud, a story close at hand

So let us find peace in chaos’ embrace, For in its chaos, order finds its place

BY SARAH ZHANG, MINEOLA, NY

whispers

whispers of the wind carrying seeds to escape from the setting sun

BY TAILI GAO, LEXINGTON, MA

My Ode To You

Tell me you love me, with your eyes staring back at mine. And let me love you oh so dearly, when our hearts intertwine.

You’re the wildflowers in my hair, and the song in my mind. You’re the first one to care, and the one I’ve been waiting to find.

I don’t deserve this, this I know for sure.

I can’t help but feel this hopeless, even though our love holds such an allure.

Without you, I don’t know what I’d do. My love, this is my ode to you.

BY ELIZABETH WASHINE, LAKE ARIEL, PA

Please Understand

Please understand that you are not God, And I am not hesitant to be Judas

Please know that I have asked to leave you, and it is only my parents who have not let me go.

Please comprehend that I have already betrayed you because you have told me to kiss you like a coward.

But understand that you are not God, and I am not Judas.

Because I am not afraid of those–who hides and sneaks a trembling hand under a bold voice.

And though you claim to know more than me, you can never Know All. Because colleges are inestimable. All together, like a religion.

So please know that you are not The Messenger and I am not looking for a prophet

So don’t say that my writing is “too dark”, “too bold”, and I should be happier. Because you will not bring salvation to me, and I am not a Sinner to feel.

Please don’t ask about old names I mentioned, and suddenly try to keep promises you left in the dust.

Because I’m counting on you to forget;

I’m counting on me to forgive. Don’t make me a lamb to your sacrifice, Don’t use me in your game of chance.

I’m my own man because I can; Because I was, and I am.

So please understand that you are not God, And I am not Judas.

BY ALYSSA SUN, LOS ALTOS, CA

Looking Past the Screen

In realms of light where pixels play, We lose ourselves in screens each day. Addicted to the touch and scroll, In digital depths, we lose control.

Hours pass, like whispers gone, To the screen’s glow, we’re drawn. But look beyond the glassy sheen, And find the world that’s rarely seen

Switch off the light, step into day, A real world is waiting, don’t delay. For beyond the screen’s hypnotic spree, Breathe, live, feel, and truly be.

BY DANIEL FRIEDLAND, NYC, NY

Freeing Normandy

Soldiers storm the shore, History’s turning moment, Bravery prevails.

BY EMILE SEGARRA, PERNES LES FONTAINES, FRANCE

Publisher

The swords have been unsheathed, The safeties are now off, and henceforth comes the blood, A horrific paining is being conjured right before us  and all I see are painted tear drops, The mothers will begin to weep, the orphanages will overflow, the world will turn black and white, With the color lost and nowhere to be found, Nowadays the birds circle everybody’s head, but I must ask, Who wrote the script? Who filmed the scene?

Or should I say, Who would ever dare publish such a world?

ah I know, it’s you  still sleeping with the blankets over your head.

BY WILLIAM GARCIA, MUTTONTOWN, NY

The Apple Lesson

I wished on an apple once, I then threw it at a tree. I asked that God bring me a rope If He was watching me.

And, either He was watching Or He wanted to give me his rope, For, once I looked up at the sky, I saw that glimpse of hope.

But I didn’t need His rope, I just needed that little look.

I saw the apples, the tree,  And a shake was all it took.

All the apples fell; I didn’t need to climb.

I just needed to take a step back And remember

That thinking too much is a waste of time.

BY ELIZABETH PEREZ, MIAMI, FL ARTWORK

NY

Gracefully Remembered

Most days, I feel like coming here alone

A river’s edge, banks piled high of white drifting dunes

Delicate flakes lining my auburn freckles

It reminds me of my greatgrandmother.

Everything from our skates piercing an untouched surface

Slipping, sliding, their edges delineating the ice

To the solemn dark, dotted with luminous beams of light

Casting shadows only the puppets could create

Some days everything is gone

The transparent ground was covered in sparkling dust

On other days, again, I feel alone

Like the cardinals chirping, perched in

the open

Sticking out royal and bright, not knowing they’re lost

Feathers ruffled yet untouched

Walking north, headed home on the path I now call my own,

I ponder and relive what’s gone.

A river frozen and glazed, rigid only when you were here

Skates that no longer fit, years since being last laced

Gliding backward and caught in a spin

My cheeks pricked with the biting wind, pulling my coat tighter

Trying to lock the heat in

Our memories finally fall to rest.

At the magical place, they were made last.

BY LUCY LINDAHL, CANNON FALLS, MN

PHOTO BY NOELLE WU, IRVINE, CA

Equality

Equality flows throughout the air, But hatred and discrimination are everywhere

Different colors, and different cultures

Unique minds with dissimilar infrastructures

Different hair, with curls and waves

Hair that braids and misbehaves

Straightened hair that fights its natural being

Beautiful voices that protest and sing  Fighting to be noticed, and begging to be heard

Wanting justice for crimes that have occurred

Discriminatory words, often overlooked

Reading about history through old-timey books

As history repeats, again and again

We say a prayer, that ends with Amen.

BY ORTENCIA MARTINEZ, CHESTER, IL

behind the lenses

he looks into me, scrutinizing my soul for an entrance.

i look back, trying to undo the locks and chains on these fences, but it’s a bit difficult to do behind the lenses.

i hold pain, trying to conceal my bricks, because i do want to trust his words he says he got me, he says he’ll be the first man to love me, he says he’d take the bullets life shoots for me.

but, i don’t know… should i let him truly see me?

i believe i can’t answer that inquiry. that’s why i remain behind the lenses. innocence doesn’t belong with demons.

BY M.S. BLUES, TRACEY, CA

Our End Is Nigh

The end is nigh

Frozen ash falls from the sky covering everything with a pale gray skin.

Nothing escapes its grasp

The trees stand lifeless, cold to the touch.

The sky is dark at midday, bright with the light of the moon at twelve. Work stops and people spill wine instead of tears.

The world isn’t ending, we are.

BY MICAH KLUESNER, FULTON, NY

Upon Current Affairs

I do not know what my goal is, When writing my thoughts aloud.

But know this, wise ones, know this, I will shout them far and proud.

For life’s a tragedy, and far too short, For me to worry and sit and wait. So instead I will give haste to words, And state my life and case.

My life begun not long ago, But despite this it is much too fine with pain.

Shadows built around me, And I thought it was all in vain.

And sitting here, reading the world, It makes me feel the same.

For fools are left to try and help us prosper,

For fools is our world’s gain.

I will inherit a fatal Earth, Her breath to be short and weak.

And as I look on stars I shall realize, We’re to be dead and meek.

There’s not a man on this spinning globe,

Who deludes himself from the facts.

Who looks from East to West and fro, And Concludes “Ah Peace at last!”

We’ve squandered our opportunities, To be better, to go and last.

That’s my thoughts upon current affairs,

That we will die at last.

BY ISIAH NASH, OZARK, MO

Migrants’ Home

Look yonder at those birds as they fly

Aerial apparitions across the sky

With the flap of each majestic wing Distance enormous sublimely mapping

Disparage not this journey of theirs as redundant

For migration is, for them, extremely significant

They have crossed the world round  Yet are not tired, for their journey is homeward bound

And even the most weary travellers were never exhausted

While on the path that towards home led

But if it is home that they now find What was that which they left behind? Asked a child to one of the flock

As they paused to rest near a rock

To this the elderly bird replied With little said and more implied “Home isn’t that which was, nor that which will be

We are wanderers, and this is our life, you see

Where our road goes, we have never reckoned

We follow blindly the path to which we feel beckoned

In the rocky parched sands, or the sea’s wet foam, Whither thy heart leads, there lies home.”

BY VAGEESHA VASHISHTHA, MUMBAI, INDIA

PHOTO BY LAUREN WILLIAMS, MARLBOROUGH, MA

The Return

The soft sounds of breezes blow as the waves crash down to the sand.

I hear the vibrant sounds of children playing, wading in the water. Now it is silent. Now it is still. Now, the beach becomes the sea.

BY ELIZABETH HENKEL, HARTLAND, WI

sugar

you are the sunshine in my gaze

the full moon in its phase

the hope from ashes and haze

the sugar  in my bittersweet days.

BY JUNIPER MARSH, LYNNWOOD, WA

An Alternative to Death

Instead, he will live forever: Traveling around the world, Accomplishing countless achievements, making countless friends

Watching friends leave, watching the stars burn out one at a time

BY SEBASTIEN FLEURANT, HARTLAND, WI

POETRY CONTEST! THERE ONCE WAS A LIMERICK...

The Tale of the Toad’s Garden

There once was a gardening toad, who tended his flowers by the road. He woke up one morning, and the scene caused him mourning, for his small roadside garden had been towed.

BY LAYLA HOEPFNER, HARTLAND, WI

Jumping Sharks

We stare at the sea Constant as it may be, Waiting for a shark to jump Instead, they just lump Together with our idiocy

BY LILY ROSE, PALM COAST, FL

An Overwhelming Essay

Overwhelmed by an essay to write, The frantic student typed with all his might ‘Til he fell asleep on his laptop cover And soon grew mortified to discover That his assignment was due at midnight

BY DAVID HUYNH, SAN JOSE, CA

The Unusual Boy

He was an unusual boy

He spent all day inside pursuing joy When his friends came knocking

His doors he started locking For he was an unusual boy

BY ANONYMOUS

Rise

As the sun gets up in the sky, And the birds sing and fly, It’s time to wake up, And drink from your cup, And start your day with a smile and a sigh

BY EMILE SEGARRA, PERNES LES FONTAINES, FRANCE

A Cat’s Life

There once was a cat named dog

This cat called dog had a blog

He would make funny puns

And go for long runs

Until the cat turned into a frog

BY CORA ARNOLD, HARTLAND, WI

The Magnet

Birds thunk into the glass

The fish on my pole are mostly bass I am a magnet for trouble, I always pop the biggest bubble, But at least I show up for class

BY ANONYMOUS

The Girl Who Flew

There once was a girl who flew, Flying was all she knew. Till one day in autumn, She fell on her bottom, And ever since then she’s been blue

BY EL GALSTER, HARTLAND, WI

Sorry

There once was a phone left on silent, His dream was to be the most strident. So he fell to the floor, Inhaled from his core, But in class, his alarm was too violent.

BY JIEUN WON, SAMMAMISH, WA

ARTWORK BY SKY F., NEW YORK, NY

A HAIKU BY YOU!

POETRY CONTEST!

Dreams to Stories

Dreams are just stories, That are waiting for you to, Share them with the world.

BY LEYLA UNERLI, MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Blossom

After the rainfall A flower opens its heart Expanding bright wings

BY MAX CROWE, WAYLAND, MA

Haikus are Hard

I can’t write haikus Syllable limits are hard They always cut me o-

BY JULIA CHOI, BELLAIRE, TX

Spring Soon

Snow falls silently

Blanketing the ground around A flower sprouts up

BY MADISON SABATER, CONGERS, NY

Soul and Beyond

Mind in a room still Soul soars high to distant skies Boundless dreams take flight

BY CELINE TAY, SHANGHAI, CHINA

Serenade

First star’s gentle glow Wisdom’s lecture for the soul Night awakens dreams

BY HANNA HAN, XIAMEN, CHINA

The Subjectivity of Illumination

Stretching past myself

Comes the dim glow of darkness

To bring light’s safety

BY NATHANIEL GOMEZ, BUFFALO,

The Rain Song

Even as rain pours—

The bird sings a melody— I know hope is here

BY NAYOON LEE, TENAFLY, NJ

Dandelions

golden heads disperse florets carried by the breeze — seeds for tomorrow

BY AIGERIM BIBOL, BETHESDA, MD

Spoonful of Honey

Nature’s sweetest gift

Whispers tales of summer days

Honey’s hint of bliss

BY ANONYMOUS

Do You Hear Music?

do you hear music

this beat invigorates me constant like a tick

BY MICAH CALEY, SPOKANE, WA

The Forest Sees All

The forest has eyes

Watching you dance with the wind Everything is heard

BY SIERRA MOLLOHAN, GALLIPOLIS, OH

Words Renewed

Eternal are words. Renewed by every reader, words are made deeper.

BY ANONYMOUS

What I Can No Longer Reach

The clock ticked again

The moment was coldly sealed

I remain hoping

BY SAOIRSE BOLGER, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC

BADMINTON in a New Light

ARTICLE BY CAITLYN KIM, CERRITOS, CA

PHOTO BY CAITLYN KIM, CERRITOS, CA

In the United States, basketball, American football, and tennis are staple sports. Many Americans regard them as exciting pastimes, and they receive extensive media coverage via television, social media, and radio stations.

In contrast, badminton is often viewed as a ‘backyard sport’ to play with family and friends. The lightness of the shuttlecock (the projectile) and racquet, can cause people to assume the sport to be too easy compared to sports like tennis, which uses heavier rackets and balls.

Furthermore, the lack of exposure to badminton in American media prevents many from seeing the sport at a competitive level.

Despite this, badminton has so much to offer. After all, layers of different skills are needed to master the sport. Evelyn Yao, a badminton player at Gretchen Whitney High School, mentioned, “I realized that there’s a lot of different parts to badminton [footwork, strength, etc.], that all take a lot of time to become good at.” Before playing games, I also needed to undergo heavy training, like practicing various stances and ways to grip the racquet. In badminton, there are different ways to hit the shuttlecock, such as hitting it overhead, below the head, and side to side. A combination of the correct posture and handling of the racquet is necessary to effectively and efficiently hit the shuttlecock. Control is also a significant component of this sport. Though a shuttlecock is small and light, one must know when to use more or less strength to hit the projectile, or you might

send it flying out of the court. As Evelyn puts it, “I had to be careful about how much force to use for each shot.” Besides becoming physically skilled, badminton can teach you how to formulate strategies to beat your opponents. For example, if they are close to the net, you could send the shuttlecock to the back of the court or if they are far away, you could send the shuttlecock to the front. That way, you can tire your opponent out and score.

After much training, you can see badminton’s effect on your health — especially after the pandemic. Evelyn commented, “Overall, I feel like my arms, wrists, and legs are stronger now, and my stamina has gotten better.” Additionally, Sharon Wong, another badminton player at Gretchen Whitney High School, noted, “I’ve definitely been more active than before, and I feel really good nowadays!”

Badminton is essentially a whole-body sport — you need to actively move your legs and arms and engage your core to maneuver around the court quickly. With much practice and experience on the court, your reaction time and reflexes can improve. What’s more, playing badminton can improve your mental health, as it can relieve stress from school or work and put your focus on winning games instead. Badminton can be more than just a ‘backyard sport.’ You can participate in competitions, gain connections with other players, and exercise your mind and body. With confidence and determination, you can see the full potential of this great sport.

Cricket World Cup 2023:

CAN BANGLADESH LIFT THE TROPHY?

ARTICLE BY AMLAN DEY AVIK, MYMENSINGH, BANGLADESH

PHOTO BY ALESSANDRO BOGLIARI, UNSPLASH.COM

A man is as big as his dreams. If you don't dream big, you won't grow up. You can't grow up by only dreaming big, but without dreaming, without planning, without preparing, without accepting sacrifices, achieving something great does not happen. I’m talking about one dream: we’ll win the 2023 Cricket World Cup. If we continue to see this dream from now on and work hard according to a solid plan for that goal, it is very possible that we can become the champions in this World Cup event in India in October to November 2023.

It has been a dream for a long time. By 2023, it will have become a very achievable target. And the last golden opportunity for us to do well in the near future is the 2023 World Cup. This is probably the last World Cup for Shakib, Mushfiq, and Riyad. Let's say the words of hope first. In the ODI Super League, Bangladesh scored 155 points and stood third in the points table. England is number two, getting equal points but a slightly higher run rate. Besides, we have a bunch of experienced players who have experience with big occasions. Including

some young talents, the team became well-balanced, and the depth of batting and bowling both increased to a great extent. Though the statistics don’t favor us, we can hope because the game is played on the field, where statistics neither win nor lose.

I recently watched the Indian film “83.” When India traveled to England to participate in the World Cup in 1983 under the leadership of Kapil Dev, no Indian believed that this team could win the championship. During the 1983 World Cup journey, the financial condition

of the Indian cricket team was miserable. In addition, they had no coach. The manager wanted a pass to London to watch the Lord's final, but authorities laughed and said India would not play the final again, so there was no need for that pass. Furthermore, they were not treated equally like the West Indies, the world champions, regarding security, facilities, and rights as a team. But by defeating all odds, they became champions. So if they could do it, why can’t we?

We have the world's best allrounder, Shakib Al Hasan. The big stage of the World Cup is waiting to see the magic of Mustafiz. Mahmudullah Riyad is the hero of the big stage. Mushfiqur is a diligent and dependable player, practicing hard and promising that the World Cup stage will be perfect for him to show his best. Batting of Liton Das is worth watching. Pacers like Taskin and Shoriful have been doing very well recently. And our spinners are forever assets. So, it is evident that we have the balance we need to perform.

Now we need a proper plan from our cricket planners. As a cricket fan, I watched so many matches and read history too. We can talk about the experiences of others here. Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup because of two things. One is that they have played with the same team for a long time. As a result, the players' understanding was top-notch. They batted aggressively from the very beginning, scored more runs in the first 15 overs, and changed the pattern of the game. Going to Brazil, the German team that beat Brazil 7-1 in the World Cup football and won the championship

beating Argentina, rented an island in Brazil and practiced together for a long time. We have better examples right at home. Bangladesh won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2020. Did we think to beat a team like India to become champions? But it happened. Before going to the World Cup, under the leadership of Akbar Ali, the Bangladesh team played numerous preparatory matches together. The style of play and the body language were also aggressive, which surprised India in the final. India is not a team to give up. But in the end, Bangladesh was confident. Not lost before losing. So the takeaway is that playing together, fostering unity, and taking the upper hand right from the beginning is the key to success.

In the last England World Cup, we felt that we were tired of going a bit too early and playing more competitive cricket. We did well in the first few games at that pace, but by the end, we had little physical and mental strength left. The experts will

decide the strategy for this edition. But we can clearly see some scope for improvement. Lower middle-order batting, a solid opening partnership, and a lack of leg spinners are some of the problems. We can surely solve those problems if management takes them seriously.

If we become champions, the entire country will become confident. This success will work as a catalyst to achieve success in many other areas. But if we don’t become champions, there is no harm in that either. There's no shame in trying to be a champion and not being a champion. But thinking that we are not here to be the champion is a crime. Miracles can happen when you believe. We have to believe that we will be the winners. And I will strive for that goal.

PHOTO BY ANONYMOUS

PHOTO BY AVALEY MOORE, FORT CAMPBELL, KY

THE MENTAL GAME

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW WILLETT, CINCINNATI, OH

The boiling hot sun beamed onto us as we walked out for the state cup finals. The smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of cicadas in the distance. The mix of excitement and nervousness created tension in the air as everyone walked out onto the field. I couldn’t help it; I was nervous. I could feel my heart pounding everywhere in my body as both teams lined up. Starting midfield, like always. 80-minute game, like always. But this was the most extraordinary stage we’ve ever played on. Scouts everywhere.

As we got ready for kickoff, fear took over my body. This was my problem. Another opponent.

“Hey guys, this is our game. Let’s go out there and win this,” says Sean.

Coach says confidence is the biggest part of the game, but for me, it's my biggest enemy. My thoughts were interrupted as the high-pitched whistle stabbed my ears, and the game began. Here we go.

The ball comes straight to me. I

drive forward, slip around a defender, and lose it. On the very next play, I give it straight away again. I could feel my confidence just seeping away through my fingers. I told myself I wouldn’t lose it again.

“Come on, dude, keep the ball!” Shouts Griffin. It wasn’t mean or anything. We’ve known each other for years and played together for a long time. But it was not helping. I just played it safe next time and passed it back. Barely even on target, I was losing it. I could feel the

scout's eyes burning into the back of my head.

The whistle blows twice for halftime. The score is still 0 - 0. It was a bad game on our part, but at least we weren’t losing. Honestly, at that point, I would be fine with a loss; I just wanted to leave. The blinding, blistering sun peeked through my hair into my eyes. My mouth was as dry as a desert.

“Aidan, stay out wide on the start and get up that field. You’ve done it before, it's coming to you on this kickoff. Use your speed.”

But I didn't feel fast enough. I felt like there were rocks tied to my ankles when I ran. I was surprised I was even still playing at this point. Kickoff came, and I ran up the field. My legs felt heavy like my cleats weighed 10 pounds each.

The ball came flying in, off my foot, and straight to the defender. Man, I can’t do anything right now. I had no faith in myself, and I doubt any of my teammates did either.

I tried to play it safe for the rest of the half, but even then, I still struggled. Three whistles screamed for full-time, and there it was. We’re going to overtime. Salty sweat dripped from my forehead as we listened to Coach.

He called out the starting lineup for extra time. There was no way I was still in.

“…French, Bliss, Lyons, Gross.”

I was still playing. I would usually be happy, but I was going into overtime with zero

confidence. As I walked out onto the field, Caden came up to me.

“Hey, you've been having a good game today,” He says.

“You’re joking, right?”

“Nah, man, you’re balling out.”

“I feel like I’ve played terribly. I’m surprised I’m still in the game,” I said.

“Don’t say that. Honestly, there is nobody else I would rather have on that offense than you. You gotta keep your head up man, we need you up there.”

And there it was. I felt bad, but maybe it was just in my head. My team needs me.

Now I know that I can’t get down on myself ... I learned that I must stay with it; one mistake isn’t the whole game

“Thanks, man, I appreciate that.”

I ran to my spot, we were doing the same thing on kickoff. The whistle tweeted, and I raced down the field. The ball came sailing in, an absolute dime from Trey. I went in to settle it, and it came on my feet. I played a perfect pass to Griffin, and he took a shot. Bang. Off the crossbar. But hey, I made a great play. Maybe I can turn this around. In another play, Caden lost the ball. I chased down the defender, went in for a sliding

tackle, hit away the ball, and sent the kid flying. Great tackle.

“I love that, Aidan,” yelled Griffin. I’m feeling better and better, so when I get my chance, I drive towards a defender with a ball. Slip in between his legs and run around him. I got a shot, so I took it. Wide left, a miss. But this time, I won't get down on myself.

I run back, and we get the ball. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Griffin making a run into the box. I slip past a defender and kick the ball to Griffin with a low, fast pass.

He takes the shot… and he scores! Three whistles blow for the end of the game, and everyone starts dog-piling as the new State Champs.

Walking away from the field, Caden comes up to me.

“Man, that was some good stuff.”

“Thanks, man, I couldn't do it without you,” I responded.

“What do you mean?”

“What you said. The team needs me. I don’t think I could’ve done that without you saying that.”

Now I know that I can’t get down on myself, that I can’t go down the rabbit hole. I learned that I must stay with it; one mistake isn’t the whole game. I have to keep that confidence on the field. Without that, I can’t play my best game.

PHOTO BY ELLA SNYDER, WINTER

WHY TEENS SHOULD CARE ABOUT FINANCE

ARTICLE BY ZACHARY SKOUTAS, ANDOVER, MA

Equity. Mutual Funds. The WACC.

These are only a few of the finance terms I’ve stumbled across in my journey to try to understand just a little bit more about the confusing world of market prices, investment decisions, and assets. Finance can be intimidating, and sometimes it can feel entirely irrelevant to teens’ lives, but it’s important to take steps toward learning about it now, rather than later.

Recent studies have shown that the majority of teens feel a lack of confidence when it comes to personal finance. In 2021, over 1,000 high school-aged students completed a survey about their financial knowledge. About twothirds of these participants indicated discomfort with topics like paying taxes, saving money, and establishing credit (Reinicke). It is also clear that future finances are a significant source of stress for today’s teens. College tuition prices are soaring, as is the cost of living expenses, whether the price of a car or a night out with friends at a restaurant.

While some states seem to have recognized the importance of financial literacy, only 8 states actually require high school students to enroll in a financial education course before graduating (Epperson). Yet, it is clear that these types of courses have substantial impacts on student wellbeing and readiness for the real world. In fact, a research project conducted by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that even a ten-hour course on money matters resulted in considerable gains in student knowledge and confidence in the realm of personal finance (Mead).

However, because it is unlikely that schools and states will mandate financial education, teens need to work toward a better understanding of these topics on their own.

While students under 18 years of age cannot open their own brokerage accounts, they can operate a custodial account with the permission of a parent or guardian. Experimenting with financial planning with small amounts of money can help students feel comfortable with the principles of investing and with the stock market from a young age.

savings from a young age, and some of this money can eventually help finance college or other expensive endeavors in the future! It also never hurts to have some extra money stored away in the bank in case of an unexpected emergency.

Finance is a lot more complicated, though, than figuring out what to buy and when to buy it. Teens need to learn about topics like the advantages and disadvantages of different financial decisions, like taking out a loan or when to pay for something with cash over credit. Paying for a product or service with

TEENS NEED TO LEARN ABOUT TOPICS LIKE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIFFERENT FINANCIAL DECISIONS

Students can also learn a lot by simply perusing YouTube series like KidVestors or Gen-Z Finance to learn about the basics of budgeting and investing from peers. There are also many informative podcast series on these topics, including Money with Mak and G, ChooseFI, and Popcorn Finance – all of these aim to promote financial literacy in relatable, digestible ways.

But why spend your free time worrying about financing your future?

One of the most important benefits of learning how to be financially independent as a teen is that building good spending habits will become more important later on. It never hurts to begin accumulating

credit may feel intimidating at first, but building a credit history early on in your life is important for when you want to make a big purchase down the road, like a house.

At the end of the day, I want to encourage teens not to be afraid of the stock market and of the risks of opening a line of credit or investing in a company. This is not to say that everyone should jump into opening a custodial brokerage account. But learning about these principles can go a long way in shaping one’s financial well-being for the future.

WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING THROWN INTO THE WORLD FINANCIALLY ILLITERATE

ARTICLE BY SARAH CHO, PALISADES PARK, NJ

From the 50 states of America, 43% of Americans are considered financially illiterate. However, this rate in one of the richest countries in the world creates the question of whether or not the United States is doing enough. We all know the reason why financial literacy is important; once you are an adult, you must know how to pay your taxes, divide your salary, invest in life long insurances, and so on. But today, we’re in a crisis: our country is failing our current and possibly even our future generations. We are constantly denying the importance of providing personal finance classes in the first place and instead, we require high schools to teach their students a repetitive and unhelpful health curriculum.

So how can we change this broken system?

To find solutions, we first have to look at the root of this issue. We expect high schoolers to understand how to manage their money as college students or as adults in general, but with what help? None. They are not only hit with a reality check, but they also have to take on countless other tasks on top of attending college. Some of which include the challenges that come with job applications, taxes, and making their own doctor appointments without the help of their parents. Meanwhile, the education that is supposed to help graduates on adulting isn’t provided for them.

STUDENTS ARE GAINING CHANCES TO PREPARE FOR THEIR FUTURES AND THE NECESSITIES THAT COME WITH BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT AND ADULT

Thankfully though, we find some hope through recent years as increasing amounts of schools have finally decided to introduce finance classes to their students. Whether it be personal finance, economics, marketing or computer applications, more of these types of classes are provided into their curriculums. Students are gaining chances to prepare for their futures and the necessities that come with being a college student and

adult. But here is where the problem lies: there is no guarantee that students will even want to take these classes. Rather, it becomes just a formality to include these classes as options. Our generation of students would much rather choose an easy “A” class than choose a difficult but more engaging class like finance. This is exactly where we need to do better; without assurance that students will be taking these classes, we lose the chance to become financially literate. Future generations are set up for failure because most of us are unaware of the way our economic system works and those who are controlling it.

A prime example is on September 30th, 2023, when our federal government was planned to shut down. Except hours before that day came, the Senate was able to pass a last-minute bill to keep our government open for the next 45 days. 13,000 air traffic controllers, 50,000 transportation security officers, and thousands of other employees would show up to work without real pay or income or just lose their job for the time being. This shutdown could have put countless workers in peril as they would’ve lost their ability to not only provide for themselves, but to also provide for their families. I never knew this until I was on my phone scrolling through the internet. At first, my immediate thoughts were, what even is a government shutdown? What’s even happening? Is this going to affect my own life? After two years of high school, I’ve learned more

about the Pythagorean theorem than the world’s economic system. This is even more evident in the conversations I have with my friends. After texting them about how there was a government shutdown, one friend replied with “WHAT”, another texted “Huh”, and another asking for an “Explanation please.” We were completely unaware of the consequences that the shutdown could have had on our economy and the workforce that many students are a part of.

At the same time, our so-called “leaders” today show little to no effort in making real progress. The next time a major event impacts our work force and the economy, we won't understand or even be aware of it all over again. That is, unless we establish this education on finance and emphasis on current events. After all, how are we supposed to understand the effects of these types of scenarios when we are left in the dark?

As of this year, Next Gen Personal Finance shows that only 23 states guarantee a required semesterlong finance course before graduation. In comparison to the mere six states in 2019, it is a drastic improvement. It shows how schools are slowly working towards making these classes available. However, this number isn’t even half of the states in America and the problem begins to grow beyond education; our values become questioned.

If we value sex education and the basics of poetry, then why not value how to use your money? Our generation has tirelessly perfected the ability to complete an exam in under three hours, yet we still don’t understand the difference between a checking account and a savings account. The more we dismiss real-life skills and knowledge in American schools, the harder it becomes for students to face reality in the future. Today I wonder: what will my future look like? Will I become another broke college student in debt? How will I do my taxes? Can I live being financially liberated?

BY AVERY-GRACE PAYNE, HOUSTON, TX

ARTWORK

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

ARTICLE BY DAVID HUYNH, SAN JOSE, CA

Most families I know express love through words, but mine is different. Like an untold tradition, my family shows love through kind deeds — gifts, favors, and doing someone else’s chores are all examples of how we express our love to each other. Growing up, I never knew what it felt like to hear an “I love you” from my family members. It felt strange, awkward even, to verbally love someone. It wasn’t until my grandpa grew increasingly ill that I longed to say “I love you” to him. However, with his poor condition, I knew that saying something as simple as “I love you” would make him contemplate if I was hiding something from him. Besides, his worries were about death, and anything out of the ordinary would only worry him further.

In the distance, Grandpa makes another heart-wrenching phone call to a long-lost friend or relative. Grandpa is the type of person to brush his struggles off. He always told me to lift my head high in times of struggle and to smile. Smile. He always told me to smile and grin my brightest. Lately, Grandpa has been making countless phone calls to everyone he knows. At the end of each phone call, he says, “Talk to you later! Have a good day!” In reality, I know he means to say “I love you,” but those three words come off awkwardly to him. I have a feeling that Grandpa senses death coming, but he does not want to worry anyone. After all, he felt an immense burden putting all of his responsibilities onto me, as I am his only close relative available to tend and take care of him.

Thus, following my family’s untold tradition, I decided to express my love to Grandpa through action — by preparing his favorite meal, chicken noodle soup. I thinly dice each carrot, celery, onion, and scallion with precision and ease. I try to cook it to the best of my ability, reminiscent of my late grandma’s recipe since Grandpa has been seriously craving her soup. This is how I show Grandpa my love and appreciation.

“The food is ready!” I announce.

“I can smell it from here!” Grandpa says.

I scoop the soup out into the prettiest porcelain bowl I can find. Grandpa sits upright on his bed as I set up his tray. I place the bowl, a spoon, and napkins. Then, I take a seat on the chair beside him.

“Thank you, Sean,” Grandpa murmurs.

“Of course, Grandpa, I know it’s your favorite.” He takes a bite of the chicken noodle soup.

“How is it?” I ask.

“Good… this tastes like Grandma’s! Did you do something to it?”

“I tried my best to replicate how Grandma’s soup tasted!”

“Well, you did a very good job, Sean,” Grandpa pats me on the back, “I’m proud of you.”

I lean towards Grandpa and give him the tightest hug.

“I love you, Grandpa,” I finally utter.

“I love you too, Sean.”

LETTER TO MY FIRST LOVE

ARTICLE BY AIGERIM BIBOL, BETHESDA, MD

Do you remember the summer we spent chasing fireflies under the night sky? The way they flickered like stars in the dark, illuminating your face as we danced beneath the ephemeral glow? It feels like a lifetime ago, and yet the memories linger like the scent of rain on a warm summer evening.

I replay our relationship in my mind. One fateful encounter in a café that led to quiet nights and sunlit days spent side-by-side. The soft hum of conversation around us faded into the background as we shared our hopes for the future, sipping coffee that tasted like the promise of new beginnings.

I heard your favorite song on the radio the other day. The lyrics stirred something in me that I can’t quite place. For a moment, I was back in your arms, swaying to the music as it wrapped around us like a warm embrace. I wanted to etch the memory of your presence onto my skin like constellations of stars. I wanted to drown in the depths of your eyes, those vast oceans of azure.

To be 18 again, with the future unfolding like a flower in bloom. At 18, our love was infinite and our dreams ever-present. 18, and the world was ours.

I should have memorized every part of you. The way you crinkled your nose when you laughed. The subtle fragrance of your favorite cologne, a hint of smoky incense and sun-kissed petals lingering in the air. Lazy afternoons spent lying on the grass, fingers entwined. The way you whispered sweet nothings in the hushed moments before dawn, made promises you couldn’t keep. Do you remember us, and the love we thought would last forever?

In my mind, the echo of your laugh reverberates like a beautiful melody that lingers long after it fades away. I can still feel the warmth of your touch, remember an embrace that felt like home. I hold you in the quiet corners of my heart and cherish every moment we shared.

I think that I might always be a little bit in love with you.

THIS LOVE HELPS ME GROW

ARTICLE BY ZHIXUAN LI, DALIAN, CHINA

An earthy breeze stirred the dry air, reminding me of playing in the backyard of my childhood home. The

grey clouds colored the sky with a stroke of melancholy and not even the chirping birds could lighten the hue — it was my grandpa's funeral.

Back at my house, the water bottle he drank from, the sunglasses he always wore, and the cigarettes he liked to smoke still sat on the table where he had last placed them. Without him, all these objects seemed out of place. Surrounded by sorrow and regret, I felt as though a heavy bag of cement weighed down my body...

My grandpa used to be a massive advocate of Chinese culture and under his influence I picked up Guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, as a hobby when I was five years old.

After learning Guzheng for two years, the songs became a nightmare for me; the originally clear and silvery sounds became harsh, screaming out loud for anyone’s heartfelt help. My head was spinning with melodies I could not master, my fingers filled with the strong smell of iron due to frequent contact with the strings. Here came my grandpa, a Chinese cultural fan, hounding me to practice still.

“Why do you have to be so strict and mean?” My grievance suddenly interrupted my grandpa’s spiel.

“I do not mind if you choose to give it up.”

I thought of hundreds of ways he could have responded to me, especially how he could be didactic and gave me a Harvard thesis. But he did not. He was calm, the kind of calmness that indeed made me fearful. Maybe I shouldn’t give up?

Later, my mom handed me a handwritten letter.

I opened the letter:

“To my dearest grandchild in the world,

Learning is a life-long process, and only the ones who can sustain the ups and downs will eventually succeed. A pen cannot describe my love for you, but I reminded myself to help you become a more mature girl who can take up challenges in her life. I hope the pain you experienced from learning Guzheng was only a tiny thorn in your journey that will help you eventually reach the peak of your life.”

Frozen. I heard no whistles of cars nor the tweets of birds outside the window. Only the letter and I… God knows how I wish my grandpa could be there, seeing me holding the gold trophy in the national competition after, but he was too sick to even walk.

Indeed, every time when I unpack my Guzheng and pluck a string, his silhouette seems to reappear.

MOVIE & TV SHOW REVIEWS

FANTASY/HORROR

Supernatural

Review by Hailey Diez, Anoka, MN

I felt my own heart pounding in my chest, watching the nurses and doctors work frantically to save my brother’s life. The sound of the heart monitor was deafening, and I could barely even hear my thoughts over the noise. I’d never felt so helpless, like there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop this from happening. Then the guilt set in.. what if it could’ve all

Eric Kripke and Kim Manners have written and directed a heartwrenching, anxiety-inducing episode within their already enthralling universe of “Supernatural” (2005). This series intertwines suspense, horror, and drama into one storyline between just two brothers and their acquaintances along the way. Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) make their way through the world …saving people, hunting things” — their “family business.” Which consists of going around the country and, on rare occasions, even the world, fighting supernatural beings and protecting civilians from things that go bump in the night. “In My Time of Dying” is the riveting, tear-jerking pilot of the second season of Eric Kripke’s “Supernatural.” It is certainly an episode with an enticing storyline, as well as one with deep, unspoken emotion to make your heart ache with a dull sensation of sorrow.

In Season Two, Episode One, titled “In My Time of Dying,” we find Dean Winchester in fatal condition from a semi-trailer truck and car wreck in Shiloh County, Missouri. His brother Sam and his father John (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) are left alive, and now, they have the task of putting their differences aside and bringing Dean back from being trapped within the veil. Although Dean swore he’d fight and never give up on this life, as well as saying that this battle could not be fought without him, when met with a reaper holding the name of “Tessa,” he begins to rethink this decision.

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO DABBLE IN THE GENRES OF FEAR AND FANTASY WITH RAW EMOTION

been prevented? What if I had done something — anything different? Would we still be here? I felt numb, in a daze of sorts. I felt so lost at this moment. So lost in the lack of sound and scene. What was happening to me?

The reason why the storyline is so captivating is due to the emotional depth of the characters and the high stakes of the plot. This particular episode is a game changer because it starts to delve into the complex relationships between the members of the

Winchester family (mainly Sam, Dean, and John) and the lengths they will go to protect each other. Sam is willing to do whatever it takes to save his brother’s life, even using an Ouija Board to communicate with Dean to figure out how to save him. Their father then makes the ultimate sacrifice to keep Dean alive and fighting despite the odds. The characters confront major grief and loss, as well as the fear of losing each other in the process.

The emotions of “In My Time of Dying” are raw and intense, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The emotions are extremely palpable from the very beginning. The episode also explores the complicated relationship between John and his sons and the feelings that come with that. The flashbacks to their past are poignant and bittersweet, highlighting the love and loyalty that they have for each other. For example, in Season One, “Salvation,” Sam and Dean are actively trying to save a family from a demon that John has been hunting for years now. Once John shows up unexpectedly, he and Sam find themselves caught in a heated argument about John’s hunting obsession and neglect. Sam accuses John of not caring and only using Dean to further his agenda. John insists that he’s just “trying to protect them,” while Sam storms out and Dean continues to hunt the demon with John. Overall, the emotions are definitely what make this episode so powerful, and it’s a strong testament to the show’s writing and acting that they can convey such complex emotions so effectively.

“In My Time of Dying” is undeniably an episode filled with intense passion and admiration. This story will certainly draw you in and make you want more of it. “Supernatural” is undoubtedly an excellent choice for those who love to dabble in the genres of fear and fantasy with raw emotion intertwined in the mix. If truth be told, these two brothers will grow on you.

Stand by Me

Review by Aang Saechao, Sacramento, CA

Have you gone out of your way to find a dead body? I haven’t, but these four kids have. This comingof-age story about 4 kids going on an adventure to find a dead body was depicted in the movie, “Stand by Me.” The film is based on the book The Body by Stephen King and was directed by Rob Reiner, a well-known filmmaker. The film may have come out a long time ago, but no matter how much time passes, “Stand by Me” is a timeless masterpiece.

The characters in “Stand by Me” have a lot of background, which is what makes this film age well; it is a coming-of-age story, after all. It focuses on four kids, but there is one, Gordie, that we get to learn the most about. Of course, he still acts like the others, all of them throw out foul language at each other like any kid without a filter would do. But what makes Gordie stand out is that he wants to pursue writing and make it out someday, while the rest

of the kids are just goofballs. Even then, they all have backstories of their own, like Vern and how he hasn’t been able to find his penny collection. All the characters are interesting in their way, and they change at the end of the story as well.

“Stand by Me’s” narrative structure is an interesting point of view and is executed well. It starts with an older version of Gordie, and as he sees other kids riding on bikes, it reminds him of when he was a kid. That’s when the story of the four finding a dead body starts. This is a great way of telling a story; it feels like a person is telling their experience to you, and if a person is sharing their own story, it makes it all feel more realistic. The narrator being the older version of the main character creates a more natural speech through the story; you don’t wonder how the narrator knows the information it’s showing because it’s Gordie in the present, and the story is told from the past. After the story is finished, a beautiful song is played at the end, “Stand by Me,” by Ben E. King in 1982. It is an older song, but it also stands the test of time. The movie is named after this song, and it sends a message to stand by those whom you trust the most and let those stand by you as well. It’s a great way to end the tale, and the movie being called “Stand by Me” fits more than “The Body” because, even if the story is about four kids looking for a body, it’s more about them standing together throughout their adventure.

Going through change is an experience that everyone goes through, and “Stand by Me” shows how different things can be. It is timeless because no matter who you are, you can resonate with the characters while they grow up, and everybody grows up at some point. Give “Stand by Me” a watch, and maybe reflect on the changes you’ve gone through.

MUSIC REVIEWS

COUNTRY

"Leather"

by Cody Johnson

Review by Kylie Adams, Hartland, WI

Country star Cody Johnson recently released a new album called “Leather” on November 3rd, 2023. Cody is a country music singer and has had many hits in the past, such as “On My Way to You” and “Till You Can't.” Cody has made his way onto TikTok with many trends through his music due to his lyrics fitting with many different situations.

His new album is no exception to his amazing way with lyrics. This new album has 12 songs, many of which have made iTunes the most played songs. Cody was also nominated as male vocalist of the year at the CMA Awards.

“The Painter” came out before the album did as a single release in the summer of 2023. This song has a

TikTok, launching the song as a whole. Part of the chorus goes, “With every wall I built, she saw a canvas / I thank God every day for how He made her / My life was black and white, but she's the painter.” These lyrics were very popular online due to many people posting their significant others online, making a very cute trend that made the songs very popular.

“Jesus Loves You” is about a breakin that happened to Cody and his family. The song has amazing lyrics and gave me goosebumps while listening to it. The song may be controversial or not as appealing to certain groups due to the religious and gun views in the song. The song speaks about how Cody believes Jesus was on the intruder’s side because his gun was in his truck, "The good Lord was lookin' out for you / 'Cause my gun was in my truck.” The song does an amazing job of expressing the anger and fear you would feel in this situation and can be reliable to anyone suffering from anger or hurt towards someone.

“Dirt Cheap” hits a soft spot listening to it. It does an amazing job of making you think about what is happening around us and how every piece of land has meaning. The song is about how two townspeople who came to a farmer's house to ask if they could have his land to build a suburb on. The farmer then talks about how no amount of money can buy his land and what has happened to it. The song makes the listener feel love for what is around them. It's a

CODY HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND DOES A GOOD JOB WRITING LYRICS THAT ARE RELATABLE AND HIT HOME IN A WAY THAT EVERYONE CAN UNDERSTAND

beautiful rhythm as well as beautiful lyrics. The song itself is about his wife. Cody does a great job of showing off his love for his wife and how much she has helped him. The song is very catchy and well written, with a very sweet chorus that caught the attention of

beautifully written song and fits with the album perfectly.

Each song on “Leather” has its own wave of different emotions and is all written beautifully. I think this album will help boost Cody more into the popular artist's list as well

as give him a great image. Cody has a beautiful voice and does a good job writing lyrics that are relatable and hit home in a way that everyone can understand, making the album a hit for everyone.

ACTION-ADVENTURE

“Everything you lose is a step you take."

Review by Mia Lee, Sharon, MA

Only one month into the new year, and I have been faced with obstacles that I could not have imagined I would have to experience in my whole life. 2023: the year of my eighteenth birthday, entering senior year, and making the most of what's left of my high school experience. While reminiscing on my life at the moment, I am often brought back to Taylor Swift’s song in her newly released album, “You’re On Your Own Kid". This song is Taylor Swift’s interpretation of her childhood, and the balance of loss and growth in her life. Her famous lyrics, “Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned, everything you lose is a step you take” make me realize that no matter where you are in life, what age you are, what your story is, at some point everyone will experience these themes of growing up and losing things in order to reach a new mark. Personally, my favorite part of these lyrics is the idea that with every bad thing that happens in your life, there comes some good out of it:

Towards the beginning of Taylor Swift’s song, she states, “I didn't choose this town, I dream of getting out, there's just one who could make me stay”. As I listened to these lyrics for the first time, and then over and over again, I imagined how children are thrown into a life they did not choose. As a child, you are placed in a setting where you are expected to create something out of nothing. Taylor Swift’s interpretation of being placed in a setting, and then growing up, dreaming of leaving reminds me of the process of graduating high school and leaving our childhood behind that I as well as my peers are bound to face. The idea of applying to colleges, searching around for a whole new environment, where a brand new chapter of your life will begin seems intimidating as well as exciting. Within the lyrics, Taylor Swift sings “There's just one who could make me stay”. This specific part of the song reminded me of my best friends whom I wish to keep in my life throughout whatever journeys I am about to embark on. Although change is something everyone is bound to face in their lives, if there is one thing that makes me fear the process of leaving where I’ve grown up, it is leaving my friends.

Further into the song, Taylor Swift sings, “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it, you've got no reason to be afraid”. “Make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it” sums up what I consider my perspective on life at the moment, as well as how I desire to finish off my high school experience. If there is one thing I have learned throughout my seventeen years of living, it is how important the quality of friendship is. One of my best friends who is currently facing an obstacle of her own recently told me, “Although I have been cursed with all the bad happening to me right now, I have somehow been blessed with the best friends.” My whole life has changed in the past month, yet

throughout everything that has happened and beyond, the people I know I can count on are my best friends and I know we can understand each other to an extent that most people can’t. I’ve learned that friendship is something that you cannot take for granted and good friends are truly a luxury.

Sometimes the things in life that bring me comfort to my mind are the things that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. I often wonder, does everything in life truly happen for a reason? The more I think of this concept, I realize that everything that has happened in my life has somehow altered my perspective, and each experience reflects upon who I am. Taylor Swift sings, “I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this”. I interpret these lyrics as her sharing how she gave something her all, and in the end it may not have been worth it but it's another experience which has shaped who she is as a person. A question that lingers, but most people don’t take the time to unravel is the question of how I have evolved throughout the years. Questions like these are what triggers Taylor Swift’s lyrics about how you work so hard and no matter what the outcome is, the journey getting there has changed you. Although Taylor Swift’s song is not specifically about growing up, it interprets the stages of growing up. One of the most powerful lyrics in my opinion is, “Just to learn that my dreams aren't rare”. These lyrics shift you into the real world, or the adult world one could say, and as a child you often dream of the most magical, fantastical ideas but the process of growing up includes shifting away from those dreams. Throughout her song, different themes appear, yet every lyric carries a different meaning and makes you feel a certain emotion.

Life hits you in all different directions; experiences are something that occurs and not ones you can always predict. If there is one thing I take away from Taylor Swift’s meaningful lyrics, it's “You’ve got no reason to be afraid”. The feeling of your heart racing,

"Leather" by Cody Johnson

"You're on Your Own, Kid" by Taylor Swift

palms sweating, mind spinning, those are all speed bumps until you get to your true destination. Every new experience in life has taught me to view each day, each interaction, each obstacle, differently. I am often asked what I fear the most, and it is difficult for me to answer with one word. I realize that may be because the thing I fear the most in life is the feeling of fear. Fear is the emotion that runs throughout my body at certain times, and it is easier to tell myself not to be afraid than to do the actual action. Taylor Swift’s message that, “You’ve got no reason to be afraid” conveys the idea that you will lose things, gain things, experience good and bad, but those are all stages of life and you can’t be afraid of life.

a big contributor to taking me away from this world. The Joshua Tree is by an Irish band called U2, and this album is what put U2 on the charts. They released it on March 9th, 1987, and it is by far their most successful album, containing their most successful hits.

especially with the last verse of the song mentioning Jesus. “Where The Streets Have No Names” is nothing special, but The Edge provides the most memorable guitar riff in U2 history at the beginning of the song and the tone of the whole thing is just so nice. I understand why it's a fan favorite.

I'll keep it brief as I go over the songs that don't appeal to me off the album. The songs being "Running to Stand Still" and "Mothers of the Disappeared". If I were to be honest, I don't think I’ve actually properly listened to either of these songs. Neither of them appealed to me and, in my eyes, they seemed way too slow. I'm not against slow music, I like some slower songs, but these ones just aren't on that list.

ACTION-ADVENTURE

ALT/INDIE ROCK

Yakuza 0

by U2

Review by Olivia Pakosinski, Oakland, NJ

When I first got into listening to music, my mom told me that “music was a gateway to the soul.” I listen to music a lot and the reason I listen to music is to block out the noises outside because music, to me, brings me to my place. Everyone has their own different tastes, and no two music tastes are 100% the same. I've always been into classic rock, and I like anything from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The Joshua Tree just so happens to be one of my favorite albums, and it is

I always find myself listening to The Joshua Tree. There are a lot of elements to the album that makes it so good and so unique. Most people are familiar with three songs from the album, “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For”, and “Where The Streets Have No Names”. I am not one to listen to the most popular songs from an album or band. A lot of bands I listen to, I try to refrain from listening to their most popular songs because I feel like I hear them too much on the radio. But there is something about these three songs that I just adore. “With or Without You”. I particularly didn't like it very much. It was the band's most successful song, but that's not the reason I didn't like it at first. My mom would constantly loop the song, which bothered me a lot. I learned to appreciate it though. I think what really brought me and the song together was this one time when my mom and I had a fight, but I had to go somewhere, so my mom had to drive. The car was full of silence until I decided to play “With or Without You” on my phone, and I quietly heard my mom sing. I still don't listen to “With or Without You” as much as I think I should. But when I do listen to it, it sweeps me off my feet. It's so memorable and Bono’s lyrics and Adam Clayton’s driving bass line really makes the song what it is, plus the guitar The Edge provides. He makes his guitar soft where it needs to be, but he'll be harsh in other places. The song is a chef's kiss, and now I see why it's U2’s most popular song. As for “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For” and “Where The Streets Have No Names”, I don't have an interesting story to tell. The songs are still special. “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For” brought me, and still brings me, back to my religion, and my faith,

The next couple of songs I want to go through are personally my favorite from the album. "Red Hill Mining Town", "In God's Country", "One Tree Hill", "Bullet the Blue Sky", "Trip Through Your Wires", and “Exit”. I don't know what I fully like about these songs. I'm not sure if it's the tone, the melodies, the way the instruments are played, or the fact that they are less popular than the three previously mentioned songs. "In God's Country" and "One Tree Hill” have a certain tone to them that I like. They are very similar to “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For”, and “Where The Streets Have No Names”, but they seem brighter and happier. I always regarded "One Tree Hill" as sounding like a hymn from church. The chorus to my ears sounds so

THERE ARE A LOT OF ELEMENTS TO THE ALBUM THAT MAKE IT SO GOOD AND SO UNIQUE

beautiful, and the lyrics really contribute to the song. "In God's Country" is a lot like “One Tree Hill” and “Where The Streets Have No Names”. It's never particularly been

"The Joshua Tree"

my favorite or one I like, but I can't condone it because it sounds like the songs I prefer on the album. "Bullet the Blue Sky” is the oddball of the album. While all the other songs on the album seem very whimsical and mysterious, this song is hard. Larry Mullen Jr. provides insane drumming that makes the song so tough, and Adam Clayton provides a very solid bass line, but the main aspect of the song is the various guitar noises that The Edge makes that I can not put into words. Plus a guitar solo. The only way I can describe the guitar noises is that it sounds like war and chaos, which fit the song's theme so perfectly. Next, we got "Trip Through Your Wires". Excuse me? Might I ask, did Johnny freaking Cash walk into the studio when U2 was making The Joshua Tree? This song has a solid southern feel to it. I particularly like this song a lot because I'm very into country and southern-sounding music and this song makes me want to walk into a saloon and order a beer. “Exit” made a recent impression on me, mostly because I like the live version they do of the song where

they combine it with “Gloria” by Them. I watched U2’s Documentary Rattle and Hum, which introduced me to this killer song. The song to me has no real structure to it, it's just chaos. Bono yells some random stuff, Adam Clayton plays a solid bass line, Larry Mullen Jr. goes ham on the drums, and The Edge plays a killer guitar solo twice and that's the whole song, but it's really the simplest songs that leave an impression on someone and this song left a massive impression on me. It may be simple, it may not be my favorite, but it screams. And finally, last but not least, we have “Red Hill Mining Town”. I could go into so much detail about why this song is my favorite off the album. This song takes me to another universe every time I listen to it.

BONO PROVIDES SUCH POWERFUL LYRICS ... AND THE SONG JUST PROVIDES THIS SORT OF MAGICAL FEEL

Bono provides such powerful lyrics throughout the song and the song just provides this sort of magical feel. I’ve been caught so many times blasting this song into my ears, and I'll probably go deaf because of this song. There are so many extraordinary aspects to this song that make it so great. For example, the post-chorus sounds so enchanting and the lyrics are so freaking magical.

Overall, The Joshua Tree has so many great things that makes it such a great album. The popular hits are just the surface of this album. As you dig deeper into the album, you find an array of different songs; slow songs, fast songs, hard songs, soft songs, rock songs, country songs, the list goes on. This album gives you songs that all sound the same but all sound different, and it is such a great album to consider listening to. This album almost guarantees that there is a song for everyone to enjoy. For me, I just like all of them.

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