February 2022 by The Affair Magazine

CURRENT AFFAIRS IN A WAY YOU'LL LOVE

ENCANTO PHOTONICS

THE SCIENCE BEHIND PHOBIAS

SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE "MENTAL HEALTH" DAYS?

WHAT IS S.A.D.? SHOULD STUDENTS GRADE EACH OTHERS WORK?

Sahithi Lingampalli founder art co-director

vice executive layout co-director

Kavya Gurunath

Ashmita Annamalai

vice executive science co-director

Geethikaa Tarra

art & media, opinion codirector

Evelyn Chen

art co-director

Vrinda Gandhi

vice executive public relations co-director

Grace Yoon

politics & world events codirector

Juee Deshmukh

science co-director

Taruni Manam

vice executive lifestyle co-director

Samita Pandit

lifestyle co-director

Mia Grace

politics & world events codirector

Cindy Zhang

opinion co-director

Harshvir Chahal tech co-director

Uday Lingampalli

COVER ART BY CANVA

editing co-director

Aathmika Radhachandran public relations co-director

meet the staff

WRITERS: Brooke Huppert Mia Grace Sierra Tan Gunkriti Kaur Juee Deshmukh Kavya Gurunath Shabdika Gubba Taruni Manam Samita Pandit Geethi Tarra ARTISTS: Evelyn Chen Sahithi Lingampalli Thejo Tattala Mia Kim

EDITORS: Uday Lingampalli Shayna Mehta Geethi Tarra Jeet Parikh Anvitha Mattapalli Nitya Baratam Taruni Manam Mia Grace Kavya Gurunath Juee Deshmukh Jashan Mehta Cindy Zhang

LAYOUT DESIGNERS:

Helen Bian Sahithi Lingampalli Harini Akurathi Vrinda Gandhi

contents

ART AND MEDIA

Encanto

A Recap: Tom Brady

Who is Tate McRae?

TECHNOLOGY

Photonics

politics and world events

Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill

The Political Spectrum

science

The Science Behind Phobias

The Biology Behind COVID Testing

Growing Professions in Science

lifestyle

Why It's Good to Dance

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

What is SAD?

Carrot Cupcakes Recipe

Opinion

Should Students Be Allowed to Grade Each Other's Work?

art & me a recap: tom brady

A recap of Tom Brady’s football career thus far as the famous player retires.

who is tate

Tate McRae has been on recently, making headway who is this you

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n billboard after billboard y in the music industry. But ung musician?

encanto

Last November, a new animated Disney movie dropped that moved the hearts of many. With its impressive soundtrack, Colombian representation, fantastical and magical setting, as well as the exploration of the deep roots of generational trauma, Disney’s Encanto took over the Internet by storm. This film highlights the importance of family, unconditional love, and community through a Latinx perspective and values - let’s dive deeper and uncover the inner beauty of this movie other than the enchanting visuals and captivating tunes.

of her family who didn’t get a magical power (or gift, as it is called in the film), as she attempts to save the blessed candle that is the source of the family’s miracle. Mirabel is often treated as an outcast, particularly by her grandmother, the head of the family, Abuela Madrigal. Abuela is condescending towards Mirabel, believing that she does not contribute to the family due to her lack of powers. For comparison, her mother can heal people with food, her Tia Pepa’s mood controls the weather, her sister Luisa is ultra strong… you get the gist.

Encanto follows the journey of 15-yearold Mirabel Madrigal - the only member

However, Encanto holds more than just magical power - it also holds the power of diverse Latinx representation in Disney. Just on the surface, you notice the varying skin tones onscreen, many body types, different hair textures - all within the Colombian community. This is a giant step forward in showing that not all Colombian, or all Latinx people for that matter, are homogenous with brown skin and dark hair. As we mention the setting of the film in Colombia, the little village is portrayed as bright, lively and colourful, in contrast to many representations of the country today as grimy, dirty, and filled with slums.

encanto

Well, how does Mirabel save the magic? You’ll have to watch the film to find out! Overall, Encanto is a truly fascinating story riveted with magic and relatable experiences that will keep your eyes glued to the screen.

by Sierra Tan Art & Layout by Sahithi Lingampalli

Under the surface (see what I did there), the audience gains a deeper understanding of Hispanic & Latinx family dynamics, encompassing experiences relating to being part of an immigrant family as well as the generational trauma that possibly stems from it. In the film, we find out that the village community was formed as Abuela and Abuelo Madrigal had to flee their home that was being destroyed, being chased by soldiers along the way, resulting in Abuelo’s death and the formation of the miracle. The trauma Abuela faced affected the subsequent generations of Madrigals, putting much pressure onto them to uphold the reputation of their family as well as honour their encanto.

Many consider the former quarterback for the Buccaneers and Patriots, Tom Brady, as one of the best football players of all time. His image is iconic, and he has captivated American audiences for over two decades. Well known for his skill, Tom Brady has become a household name.

by brooke huppert edited by uday lingampalli, geethi tarra, & shayna mehta art & layout by sahithi lingampalli

One of the most notable aspects of his career is how long it lasted. The average amount of time a quarterback plays in the National Football League (NFL) is three years (Bloom, 2019). Reasons for retiring are numerous, but most are related to skill, health concerns and other injuries. Brady’s

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r spanned an extensive 22 years 2022). It is difficult to say what Brady’s biggest accomplishment e has broken numerous records ghout his career and never had a g season. Brady holds “nearly every r quarterback record, including ng yards, completions, touchdown s, and games started, in addition he most Pro Bowl selections'' pedia, n.d). But if you ask anyone is a football fan, it's likely that l mention his Super Bowl wins. y won an astounding seven super titles, more than any other player league (Kerr, 2022).

roperly describe Brady’s football r, it is best to start from the ning. Brady was born in 1977 and d baseball and football in high ol. Although he entered the Major ue Baseball (MLB) Draft, he went play football in college, starting unior year at the University of gan. He went on to play for the England Patriots, being picked in sixth round of the draft. Brady d go on to be the quarterback for atriots for the next 20 years.

ever, all this success didn’t come ut its share of controversy. To be rtial, Brady has been involved in little controversy, given that he een in the public eye for so long. most notable of them would be ategate”, a scandal that

Brady was involved in after the Patriots were accused of deflating their footballs to give them an unfair advantage in the 2015 AFC championships. Although many of his fans argued that it was unfair to blame the action of an entire team on one man, Brady did act as the figurehead for the team, due to his role as the quarterback. The NFL would go on to suspend Brady from playing for four games (Morris, 2022). This light punishment was thought of by many to be a result of privilege, with David Leonard saying that “Tom Brady demonstrates the unflinching power of whiteness in contemporary America. Black people are punished and demonized for cheating. White men like Tom Brady get to do all sorts of shit for a competitive edge and they are gaming the system” (Zirin, 2021). Regardless of his controversies, Tom Brady’s football career has cemented him in the American public consciousness as one of the most influential football players of all time. Brady went from an overlooked rookie to one of the most highly regarded football players and athletes ever; it’s a bit of a Cinderella story. No one ever thought he would become the icon that he is today. His story is inspirational, he pushes himself to become one of the best, it's a narrative that everyone likes to hear. Although Brady is retiring from football, his legacy undoubtedly here to stay.

who is mcrae? tate we've all been there: blasting “you broke me first” in the car, windows rolled down, hair blowing in the wind. And if you haven’t been there yet, add it to your to-do list, along with listening to Tate McRae’s entire discography. But who is this young star, whose name grows more popular with each day?

by mia grace | edited by ud

Tate McRae is an 18-yea and-coming pop star. She wa July 1, 2003, in Calgary, McRae was born to dance: he is a dancer who owned a st McRae was around two y McRae began practicing ball six, at Alberta Ballet, a p dance studio in Canada. From age, McRae won variou competitions, such as a silver the New York City Finals at Youth America Grand Prix, th ballet competition for studen world, when she was just 11 ye 2016, McRae was a contesta You Think You Can Dance: Generation”, where she placed

Although McRae’s succe dance industry helped her g her primary source of attent from her music and original so McRae posted videos on her channel, in mini series such a with tate” and “i wrote a song” her into stardom. Her original day” went viral on YouTube, amassing a great 38 million 2020, she released her debu the things i never said”. The so truly pushed her career forw however,

day lingampalli, geethi tarra, & shayna mehta | art and layout by sahithi lingampalli

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McRae released her most recent song, “she’s all i wanna be”, on February 4, 2022. She reflected on her personal experiences with comparison and the lack of self-love, pouring such emotions into her music. The captivating music video involves a dance competition between her and another girl, jealousy spiraling. By the end, however, McRae and her rival have joined forces, dancing together to the punk track.

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was “you broke me first”, which quickly garnered attention on TikTok. When McRae spoke to magazine NME, she said, “This song is about someone in a relationship who couldn’t care less for the other person and then 6 months later decides to crawl back. It’s the feeling of knowing how much they meant to you, but this time not letting them back in.” It currently has 862 million (and counting!) listens on Spotify.

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McRae is only 18, yet she already has many accolades to her name. She is making a name for herself in both the dance and music industries, and is someone to keep an eye out for. With her infectious personality and her immense talent, McRae will continue to take the world by storm.

TECH 13

Photonics

Photonics is the science or the technology that deals with light. The fact that light has a dual nature plays an essential role in that we have the magnetic currents and as well as the source of beams that provide us the path to view. Light exists as a wave; electromagnetic wave characteristics and particles; particles of light are known as photons.

What is the main purpose of photonics?

The word photonics is derived from the Greek word “pho” meaning light. Researchers wanted to find a new technology that used light in a more practical way, but the original goal was to use light as an alternative for performing the functions of electronics. This technology has been around for over 150 years, but only arrived in 1960.

For example, this lightwave technology is used for crucial eye surgeries that are in the medical field. Moreover, since the Covid-19 pandemic started, it was observed that the high demand for increasing the internet bandwidth was reluctant.

The technology of platonics connects the use of light in a more practical way for the world to consume it. The new discoveries and production of innovative creations take place with the help of photonics.

Photonics is quite a new and separate field that began with the discovery of lasers. Lasers are considered as one of the crucial pillars for the telecommunication industry. With time, photonics have evolved into almost all areas of research and is a crucial aspect of technology for scientific discoveries.

PHOTONIC 15

Why is photonics important for the growing sources of technology? With the existing technology, not only can the needs be fulfilled by photonics, but it is also used in the medical field or the telecommunication field. The demand for laser technology is in higher demand due to the pandemic as the electromagnetic wave and high frequency of light can help in passing the connection without the use of metal wirings or fiber cables. Laser technology is also in a high rise for diagnosing many diseases and is used for surgeries.

Applications of Photonics These devices have a wide range of effects. For example, photonics is a very important resource for telecommunication. Lighting that is used in our house is a form of laser beams, especially in LED lights, compact light sensors etc. Photonics, as a form of technology, has a lot more to be developed and is still being researched on. Many scientists are working on discovering more of its applications to make use of it in the real world with practical logics.

Light technology is playing a crucial role in revolutionising the economic and technological sectors of the world. This technology is helping discover new and innovative sustainable resources.

edited by A N V I T H A

MATTAPALLI, JEET PARIKH, NITYA BARATAM

layout by V R I N D A

written by

GANDHI

GUNKRITI KAUR 16

the topic:

WORLD POLITICS florida's "don't say gay" bill An article exploring Florida's new, controversial bill.

S the political spectrum You might have heard of the “far-left” or the “far-right,” but what do those terms mean in terms of politics? Read on to learn about the spectrum of political ideologies!

florida's

"DON't s

The Florida Senate Education Committee recently passed the 1834 Parental Rights in Education Bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill aims to ensure schools aren’t encouraging conversations on gender or sexual identity in classrooms. It would also require all personnel, such as counselors and teachers to disclose private information to parents regarding their children, which would completely demolish all confidentiality. The bill uses interesting wording to avoid being outright homophobic by stating that discussions that are not “age-appropriate” are banned. This might not seem like a destructive idea to some, as children may be too young to have a grasp on how they identify within the complex spectrum of sexuality and gender. Yet the problem arises with the (perhaps intentionally) loose wording of “age-appropriate”. This phrase has no concrete definition in the context that it is being used. A school may decide that high-schoolers are not allowed to have conversations sdfsf

about certain identities in the classroom because they are not age-appropriate, even though said students may legally be adults. To further their agenda, Florida lawmakers may be metaphorically casting their nets over a large area by using vague language so that they can persecute whoever they choose. Many individuals who live in the “Sunshine State” have voiced their concerns. A local Florida teen, Lana Goff, spoke at a rally against the bill. They described the bill as “‘just another way for them [Florida government] to silence us, and we have been silent for so long’” (Putney & Torres, 2022). Another Florida high-school student spoke to CBS News, saying, “‘The bill is sending a message to LGBTQ youth that they have something to be ashamed about, that their identities are so taboo that they shouldn't even be talked about in classrooms… In a world that already shames LGBTQ people enough, children who are learning and developing who they are don't need any more of that stigma.’”

say gay" bill Students are not the only ones making their voices heard on the issue. The White House recently released a statement on the bill, describing it as “hateful”. Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, has been vocal about his support for the bill, arguing that conversations around identity should only happen between a parent and child. Yet only 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth report that their home was LGBTQ+ affirming, demonstrating that many people cannot have these conversations with their parents (Trevor Project, 2021). 42% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and non-binary youth (Trevor Project). Statistics like these prove that it is an incredibly reckless and dangerous idea to ban perhaps the only outlet that young people have to live authentically. The true effects of the bill will reinforce heteronormativity, ostracizing queer youth from a space that should be safe for them and further shaming students for their true dsfsddfsdf

identities. If you would like to make your voice heard, you can do so by emailing your lawmakers on the issue of bill 1834. Equality Florida has provided an email-sending resource that can be found here. As lawmakers push new bills that spark outrage in marginalized communities, it is important for young people to make their voices heard on issues that matter. Update - As of February 25, 2022 the bill has passed the Florida Senate and will soon be going into effect.

featuring WRITER Brooke H EDITORS Uday Lingampalli, Taruni Manam, Mia G ARTIST Mia Kim LAYOUT DESIGNER Helen Bian

Nowadays, you’ll hear people asking each other where they stand politically. There are no set standards for each political standpoint; rather, one can be politically labeled based on their general opinions and ideas. The political spectrum is a scale with two opposite ends- far left and far right. But how did it start? Political views first started to emerge during the French Revolution in 1789. The French Revolution consisted of people who advocated for radical societal change, wanting to overthrow the French monarchy. These people are known as “leftists”, those desiring change. In contrast, there were people who supported the monarchy, and they were known as “rightists”, those valuing tradition. Ever since then, more political standpoints that are not on the extreme ends of the spectrum have risen. Generally, from right to left on the spectrum, one can be reactionary, conservative, moderate, liberal, or radical. Here are their general beliefs and philosophies:

Conservative Conservative people are less extreme than reactionaries but still favor tradition. They lean towards a limited government, personal responsibility and free markets. Conservatives believe that the government should play a small role in citizens’ lives and shouldn’t interfere with business regulation. They emphasize individual

THE POL PO SPECT

written by Juee Uday L, Tarun art by Thejo T Harin

Reactionary A reactionary person is on the far-right wing of the spectrum. They idealize the past, wanting to restore old traditions and methods. Reactionaries uphold extreme traditional views. During the French Revolution, reactionaries were in favor of the monarchy. Fascism can be viewed as a reactionary philosophy. Reactionaries want to revert to an old state in terms of technology, culture, the economy, and government.

liberty and believe that social inequality is inevitable. For example, a conservative individual might believe that healthcare shouldn’t be universal because everyone would get the same poor-quality service. If healthcare is privatized, however, those who have the money can get better service.

Moderate A moderate person tends to be in the middle for various issues. These people see both sides of societal issues. They preserve individual rights and might identify as “independent”. In terms of the economy, a moderate individual might believe that the government should be more involved,

LITICAL OLITICAL TRUM

ee D; edited by uni M, Mia G; o T; layout by ini A

but also think of the negative effects that can occur. A “center-left” moderate is called a libertarian and a “center-right” moderate is called a populist.

Liberal As we come to liberalism, we are now on the left side of the scale. Liberals strive for equality, supporting increased government involvement in society. They advocate for the welfare

of the poor. Regarding healthcare, liberal individuals favor universal healthcare, viewing it as a basic right. Liberals are also called “progressives”, seeking reform.

Radical A radical standpoint is called “far-left” on the spectrum. Someone who is radical favors reform to create a utopian society. This differs from reactionaries, favoring tradition and the past to create a utopian society. During the French Revolution, radicals were those who wanted to overthrow the monarchy. Radicals, similar to liberals, believe that societal change and reform are necessary and that the government should be closely involved with the economy. Communism and socialism can be viewed as radical beliefs. Why is it important to know different political ideologies? Different countries have different political parties. In the United States, for example, the two most popular political parties are the Democratic Party and Republican Party. A democrat would align with more liberal views, while republicans have predominantly conservative views. Policymakers of each political party create policies that align with these different ideologies. Knowledge of the political spectrum helps an individual understand the laws of their nation.Additionally, knowing the political spectrum can help you identify where you stand! With it, you are better able to define your unique beliefs, interpretations and identity.

science

The Science Behind Phobias

The Biology Behind COVID Testing

Growing Professions in Science

The Science Behind There are all sorts of phobias: from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobi a, the fear of long words; trypophobia, the fear of small holes; to arachnophobia, the fear of spiders; and acrophobia, the fear of heights. All of these phobias are seemingly irrational fears about different objects and situations. How are phobias formed? What are the different categories of phobias? What is the physiology behind them? All these questions and more will be answered in this article.

What causes phobias? There are many theories on what causes phobias. The first is the most common: an early memory or bad experience causes a phobia in a person as they grow up. For example, being bitten by a dog at a young age might cause a phobia of dogs. While memories can cause many phobias, it is too much of a generalization.

Another possible cause is genetics. The Emory School of Medicine found out that if they exposed mice to the fear of cherry blossoms and made them fear it, their children would too (Thorpe, 2016). There is also research that corroborates this: fear seems to run in families; twins who were raised separately may have the same phobias (Fritscher, 2020). Another theory is that we have evolved to be afraid of things that would have been dangerous to us throughout evolution. Spiders, snakes, and heights are common things to have phobias of because our brains might have evolved to fear that these could cause us danger. A study shows that our brain can recognize and fear images of spiders and scorpions faster than images of normal objects. This proves that our brain might be trying to protect us from a perceived threat (Thorpe, 2016).

edited by Juee Deshmukh, Jeet Parikh, Taruni Manam 25

Phobias What is the physiology behind phobias?

the phobia, or if the phobia causes it (Thorpe, 2016).

Phobias cause your amygdala to react. The amygdala is a part of your brain that is associated with emotions and memory. It also reacts when you are afraid. A person’s amygdala goes into hyperdrive when they are exposed to their phobia. There is also a theory that people who have phobias have different amygdalae than those who don’t. A study in 2013 found that people with arachnophobia had smaller left amygdalae than those who didn’t have the fear. However, scientists aren’t sure whether this phenomenon is caused by

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What are the different types of phobias? There are three main categories of phobias: 1. Specific phobias: These are what you think of when you hear of phobias. They are irrational, longterm fears of certain objects or situations. The phobia of spiders, heights, dogs, etc. are all examples. 2. Social Anxiety Disorder: This disorder is characterized by a fear of public humiliation and “excessive self-consciousness” (Fritscher, 2020). 3. Fear of Open Spaces (Agoraphobia): This phobia is a fear of a specific social situation, such as leaving the house, using public transportation, etc. Many of the people who have this fear have had a panic attack and are afraid of having it again. They could also fear the place where the panic attack occurred.

art by evelyn chen

How do you treat phobias? The most common type of treatment for phobias is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is a type of counseling that helps you reduce your fear of something by “desensitizing” you to it (NHS, 2018). This occurs through gradual exposure to your phobia. For example, if you were afraid of dogs, your therapist could ask you to read about dogs, then look at pictures about dogs, and eventually work your way up to petting a dog. This slow exposure causes you to get less and less afraid with each interaction. Exposure therapy rewires your amygdala's response to your phobia and causes you to be less fearful (Thorpe, 2016). Overall, phobias are something that most people deal with. While we are not entirely sure what causes them, we do know how to deal with them. Hopefully, this article managed to help you figure out your phobias or at least made you appreciate the wonderful irony of hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobi a (sorry if you have said phobia).

THE BIOLOGY BE co WRITTEN BY SHABDIKA GUBBA EDITED BY KAVYA GURUNATH, JEET PARIKH, NITYA BARATAM ART BY SAHITHI LINGAMPALLI LAYOUT BY HELEN BIAN As we start adapting back to more in-person activities, almost everyone has been required to take a COVID test. Whether it’s to participate in a school sport, or to return to a college campus, COVID testing is ubiquitous. However, it can be easy to get confused with what you should take, since there are so many different types of COVID tests. There are two main categories of COVID tests: viral tests and antibody tests. Antibody tests, also known as serology tests, check for COVID-19 antibodies in your blood. However, it is very unlikely you will need to take an antibody test, as antibody tests are not useful for determining if you currently are infected. Antibody tests may be positive if you have had COVID-19 in the past, or if you are vaccinated. Antibody tests are commonly used in research. They can provide statistics on how much of a population has immunity against COVID, and can identify how the immune system fights off COVID-19. There is a much higher likelihood, however, that the average person will ....

need to get a viral test. Viral tests are used to determine if you currently have SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, in your system. Viral tests can be further broken down into rapid point-of-care tests and lab tests, which are either antigen tests or molecular tests. But what does this mean? To understand, we must understand virus structure. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is made up of genetic material, RNA, surrounded by a protein coat. The protein capsule typically has spike proteins, which allow the virus to enter the cell and replicate its RNA. Rapid tests are antigen tests, which means they detect surface proteins of the virus capsule. They include overthe-counter tests from pharmacies, and results can typically be determined within 15 minutes of using the test. While positive rapid test results are almost always correct, they are also more likely to give you a false negative than a lab test, especially against variants with a different protein coat. The main type of rapid test is a lateral flow assay, where results are determined through sample flow across a plate. First, the sample is added to a ....

EHIND ovid testing well on a plate. The sample first passes through a conjugate pad, which has anti-COVID antibodies with a color tag. The sample then passes down through the test line, which has anti-COVID antibodies. If there are COVID particles, they will have to stop at this point, creating a test line. The remaining part of the sample will flow toward the control to validate the sample, and some remaining antibodies will stick, creating another line. Then, the absorption pad takes in the remaining antibodies. A positive result will have two lines, while a negative result will have only one, at the control line. Lab tests are typically molecular tests, meaning they check for the genetic material of the COVID-19 virus. Lab tests are typically RT-PCR tests, which are extremely sensitive. RT-PCR stands for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and is a type of NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test). PCR can be thought of as “molecular photocopying” (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2022), since it amplifies existing amounts of DNA. Once a sample is swabbed from a patient, a scientist will extract the .........

genetic material from the sample. However, COVID-19’s genetic material is RNA, a single-stranded genetic molecule, but PCR tests only work with DNA. To solve this, the viral RNA is converted to DNA by complementary base pairing, also known as reverse transcription. Then, the viral DNA can move onto the PCR stage. PCR involves enzymes and a thermal cycler. First, the DNA strand is denatured and split into two strands by the heat from the thermal cycler. Then, the DNA is cooled to allow short RNA primers to form and the DNA to be replicated. This process is usually run 30-40 times. To detect COVID-19, a fluorescent protein is added. If the fluorescent dye is present, the test is considered positive. If you live in the United States, make sure you and your family get a free set of tests. For everyone’s safety, please get tested if you start showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

GROWING PROFESSIONS IN WRITTEN BY

gunkriti kaur

EDITED BY

juee deshmukh, shayna mehta

ART BY

thejo tattala

LAYOUT BY

helen bian

According to new statistics from the Bureau of Labor, there will be a rapid increase in the employment and growth of careers that are related to science and technology. Employment in all industries and sectors will see a massive demand for computer and IT professionals. The hiring for these sectors will only evolve more as the freshmen and seniors lean towards the STEM field.

As a result of the pandemic, and the constant need for employment in the medical industry, the medical industry incorporated technology within their systems to minimize patients arriving to the hospitals for consultation. The practice of Telehealth and remote patient monitoring was introduced as well. Artificial intelligence has been the talk of the town for years now. Companies have been hiring AI experts from all over the world, and institutions have been holding various workshops to educate the youth about AI. AI is growing as a profession, and it will surge over the upcoming decade. The working sector is now taking things up a notch as they are seen switching to remote access to work. This creates a big need for cybersecurity specialists, like white hand hackers, data analysts, statisticians and data scientists. These jobs were crucial for big MNC’s even before, but were not important for small or emerging companies. Now every company, be it small or large, requires a large backend team to manage their data and encrypt it, so that no mishap can be seen through.

These are the 5 professions which will be seeing a huge rise in their employment

COMPUTER & IT RESEARCHERS

DATA ANALYST

A necessary job for all sectors with basics and professional STEM enthusiasts as part.

The main job to be performed is to sort data and analyze it to solve problems. This profession is required in all kinds of industries and sectors.

DATA SCIENTIST After organizing unstructured data, they segregate it into similar structures and research the information gathered to find better results for the company.

STATISTICIAN A very highly demanded position that every company requires, good statistical knowledge and very advanced skills to understand data in accordance. This job should obtain efficient results, and make graphs and charts to analyze the data and structure of the company.

FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIANS With a high rate of crime, these technicians are to safeguard the evidence found and research to solve the cases with police and teams involved. There are careers which will evolve and the globe will see some new changes in employment. There are still new technologies that are being researched about, to develop new budding careers. As fields are expanding, the professions and expertise is also being talked about, the surge of knowledge and practical overview, before seeking jobs, has also increased.

WHY IT'S

GOOD to dance

CARROT

CUPCAKES recipe

LIFESTYLE CELEBRATING

ST. PATRICK'S day

WHAT IS

SAD? 34

Dance is a special activity that has physical, mental, and emotional benefits. To those who regularly practice the art of dance, it is a blessing in disguise with its benefits. Furthermore, there are so many different kinds of dance that it’s hard to not fall in love with at least one fashion of dance. From the more traditional and rule-bearing ballet to the more fluid and carefree hip-hop, the benefits are ubiquitous throughout all kinds of dance.

PHYSICAL Dance improves your cardiovascular health. All kinds of dance forms tend to get the heart beating faster in a very healthy manner. Even into 2 minutes of

dancing, your body goes through an immense workout due to the fact that every part of the body is moving. Executing the various movements involved in a dance routine allows a dancer to get their heart pumping, thus improving their cardiovascular health in the long run. Dance improves balance and strength through the practice of the various poses involved. This leads to a better center of gravity over time due to the prolonged practice of holding these poses. Dance also helps immensely with lowering the possibility of developing osteoporosis as it facilitates in making the bones and tissue of the body stronger. The stronger bones and tissues of dancers are connected with the balance dancers practice on a daily basis.

WHY IT'S

GOOD to dance WRITTEN BY

MENTAL Dancing has been proven to improve one's ability to think. As an individual ages, they develop different skills such as organization, memorization, or just improving their analytical thinking abilities in general. Dance has the ability to improve a person’s organizational and planning abilities with the aid of prolonged practice. This improvement in thinking is attributed to many different sports, but dance in specific also includes the ability to match movements to the rhythm of the music. This adds a more complex aspect to the exercise, allowing the brain to further develop organizational and planning skills. This leads to dance bearing the ability to challenge the brain. While

taruni manam

dancing, you have to make sure to recall movements while simultaneously listening to the rhythm of the music as well. This aspect is quite challenging in dance forms such as tap dance. Therefore, dance contributes not only to physical health, but significantly to mental health as well.

EMOTIONAL Dancing helps with gaining confidence and social skills. Dance is a kind of selfexpression often practiced with a group of other dancers. This method of practice strengthens the bond a dancer has with their fellow group mates. This contributes to a feeling of cohesiveness with the dance group and allows a dancer to strengthen their social bonds. This practice reduces social anxiety over time while also building confidence. Additionally, as dancers

master their dances with their group mates, they feel a sense of accomplishment which further strengthens their social bond and improves their confidence. Dancing immensely helps with emotional expression. Dancers learn to express themselves in a multitude of ways within one choreography. Expressions ranging from anger, glee, and despair can all be felt by a dancer within one dance. This kind of complex expression allows a dancer to grow emotionally in order to completely feel these emotions. This also leads to being mindful of the way a dancer feels. The mindful expression of a dancer off the stage correlates with the reduction of depression amongst dancers. In short, dancing has great physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Dancing, when practiced regularly, leads to better cardiovascular health, increased cognitive ability, and even a reduction in depression. It is suggested to pick up a dance form and practice it regularly to experience the many benefits.

EDITED BY

samita pandit, nitya baratam, jashan mehta LAYOUT BY

vrinda gandhi ART BY

sahithi lingampalli

Celebrating Saint Patrick's Day With 30 million Americans of Irish descent in the United States alone, St. Patrick has cemented itself as an important holiday, especially for those residing in the United States, regardless of whether you are Irish or not. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Interestingly, the annual holiday is celebrated on the day of his death.

Food

Depending on your age, people celebrate the holiday differently. Older folks tend to drink in celebration, while younger children spend the day trying to catch leprechauns and playing games. An activity for all ages is cooking. The iconic dish associated with St. Patrick's Day, corned beef and cabbage were first created by poor Irish-American immigrants, the dish was tasty enough to stick around. If this dish isn’t your style, fret not. Soda bread, steak, and stews are also consumed to celebrate the holiday. A quick Google search will yield thousands of tasty recipes for you to try with your family this St. Patrick’s day.

By Brooke H Edited by Taruni M, Jashan Mehta Art by Sahithi Lingampalli Layout by Harini Akurathi

Movies

If cooking isn’t your style, there are many other ways to enjoy the holiday. Side into the festive spirit by enjoying movies or television shows that take place in Ireland. Most lists include ‘Belfast’, ‘Wolfwalkers’, and ‘Sea Fever’. ‘Belfast’, a coming-of-age movie about a child Buddy against the background of 1969 Belfast paints a fascinating picture of life in that period. The movie recently won an award at the Golden Globes for best screenplay. ‘Wolfwalkers’ is an adorable animated film made by an Irish animation studio. It follows a girl who travels to Ireland with her father, a hunter. She soon hears rumors of a group of people who can transform into wolves at night. ‘Sea Fever’ is the story of a marine biologist who joins a crew at

sea to study marine life in greater depth. They soon realize that they have come across a life form that has never been seen before.

Irish Music

When the phrase “Irish music” is uttered, your mind might immediately think of bagpipes, but Irish musicians cover so many diverse genres. From more rock artists like the Cranberries to U2, or even more modern, indie musicians like Hozier, there is plenty to enjoy, for every taste. To conclude, whether you celebrate by drinking, consuming Irish media, or cooking, St. Patrick’s day is a great day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.

History of the Holiday

The holiday of St. Patrick’s day was first established in 1631 by the Catholic Church as a day of feast to honor the patron saint, St. Patrick. Interestingly, Zt. Patrick was actually British. A folk tale surrounding the saint tells of him using a shamrock to explain the holy trinity to the Irish, with each clover representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This may have led to the shamrock being such an iconic symbol of the holiday and by proxy, Ireland.

what is SAD? overview of SAD

symptoms

During certain seasons, specifically those of fall and winter when the days are shorter and less daylight is available, moods tend to shift for some. People may feel gloomier, their energy zapped. All can experience such seasonal emotions; but when they are amplified, there may be more at hand. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a condition of depression regarding the changing of seasons.

Signs of this disorder include: A loss of motivation/interest in activities Difficulty concentrating Variations in appetite and/or weight Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness Fatigue Increased irritability Difficulty sleeping Suicidal thoughts and/or actions

SAD most commonly manifests during the fall and winter seasons and revolves around spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD. It is not limited to this cycle, however, and individuals can experience its onset in spring and summer as well, known as summer-pattern SAD. Summer depression is much more uncommon, but still occurs. Around 5 percent of the population has this disorder, and it is more prevalent among women than men.

Specific symptoms for winter-pattern SAD include: Oversleeping Social isolation Higher levels of weight gain Overeating Specific symptoms for summer-pattern SAD include: Difficulty sleeping Weight loss Undereating and lack of appetite Anxiety Higher levels of violence

Symptoms of SAD can be comparable to those of major depressive disorder but are differentiated by their prevalence during certain seasons. The National Institute of Mental Health have come to the conclusion that a person's “depressive episodes must occur during specific seasons for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD do experience symptoms every year” (NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder, n.d.).

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art by thejo tattala layout by sahithi lingampalli

treatment primarily includes: Light apy, Psychotherapy, Medication, & min D.

longer impact than light therapy, yet both methods of treatment are effective.

Medication Medications prescribed to individuals with SAD are antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications are typical to individuals with depression, as they help to relieve serotonin disturbances. Medication has shown to be extremely effective in individuals with SAD, but it does not come without side effects. Discuss the potentials of medication with a professional before deciding what to do.

Vitamin D Finally, increased amounts of vitamin D are shown to improve symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency and SAD can go hand in hand, so increasing intake of this vitamin can be useful, though not guaranteed.

by mia grace edited by samita pandit, nitya baratam, & jashan mehta

treatments

If you or a loved one have symptoms similar to those correlating to seasonal affective disorder, consider reaching out to a professional. You deserve to start on your journey towards a healthier mind. Know that you are not alone.

Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Ingredients: For the Cupcakes: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown sugar (packed) ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg ¾ cup oil 2 large eggs (room temperature) 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons milk 1 ½ cups grated carrots ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting: ½ (1 stick) butter, softened 8 oz cream cheese, softened (brick style) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups powdered sugar

Process: Cupcakes: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown sugar (packed) ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg ¾ cup oil 2 large eggs (room temperature) 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons milk 1 ½ cups grated carrots ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

Frosting 1. Beat butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl with an electric mixer) until well combined and creamy. 2. Beat in vanilla extract and salt. 3. Turn the speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth and fully combined. 4. Frost on cooled cupcakes. 5. Enjoy!

Tips: If you’re using a food processor, grate the carrots using the grate setting. Then briefly use the pulse setting to create finely shredded carrots. Walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be folded into the batter. Use ½ - 1 cup in total. Make sure the cupcakes are cooled completely before frosting! If you’re using a food processor, grate the carrots using the grate setting. Then briefly use the pulse setting to create finely shredded carrots. Walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be folded into the batter. Use ½ - 1 cup in total. Make sure the cupcakes are cooled completely before frosting!

By Samita P Edited by Taruni M, Jashan Mehta, Shayna Mehta Art by Evelyn Chen Layout by Harini Akurathia

opinion should students be allowed to grade each other's work?

should students be allowed to grade each other's work? The short answer to this controversial question is no. Firstly, many of us value privacy. When students grade each other's work, they are, in a way, invading the privacy of their peers, which can have quite some negative consequences including loss of self-confidence, cheating, and bullying. Additionally, when students grade their peers’ work, they inevitably wind up seeing other students’ scores. Seeing other students’ scores can lead to selfesteem issues and feelings of inadequacy. Above all, having access to peers’ scores on assignments or tests can lead to bullying or teasing, which have significant impacts on one’s academic progression and even mental health.

Grading peers’ work can also increase cheating that, left unchecked, would be difficult to track and correct. When friends grade each other’s work it can lead to changing answers and disrupt academic performance.

However, the negatives only tell one side of this polemical topic. Knowing that other students will be grading your work can motivate students and give them an extra push to put in effort. Seeing the other ways peers solve problems or answer a prompt can also aid students better understand concepts and learn new ways to solve. In a bestcase scenario, students would also learn to express humility and compassion towards others. It is important for all students to learn that it is okay to make mistakes and how we should learn from them. One of the most important benefits of allowing students to grade each other's work is that some of the workload of teachers can be alleviated. Teachers work quite hard to care for their students' needs and a peer grading system would help them in finding learning gaps, reducing their workload, and teaching students important skills. Unfortunately, the positives can only be attained if we overlook all the negative aspects or possibilities for abuse of this policy. Thus to reduce the confusion and possibility of abusing the privilege, it is best to let teachers grade their students’ work.

written by Geethikaa Tarra

edited by Cindy Zhang, Jashan Mehta, Nitya Baratam

layout by Helen Bian

REFERENCES FOR ART & MEDIA Recap: Tom Brady Bloom L., 2019. How long is the average career of an NFL player? Chron. Retrieved from: https://work.chron.com/long-average-career-nfl-player-12643.html Kerr, J. 2022. Tom Brady by the numbers: Patriots and buccaneers QB had the greatest career in NFL history. CBS Sports. Retrieved from: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-by-the-numberspatriots-and-buccaneers-qb-had-the-greatest-career-in-nfl-history/ Morris K., 2022. Tom Brady retires: Looking back at the controversies surrounding the QB. Fox News. Retrieved from: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tom-brady-retires-controversies-career Tom Brady. 2003. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady Zirin D., 2021. The unbearable emptiness of Tom Brady. The Nation. Retrieved from: https://www.thenation.com/article/society/tom-brady/ Who is tate mcrae? McRae, Tate. (n.d.). YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQh6LB206jF3JxpCDD-fp5Q Savage, M. (2021, March 25). Why Tate McRae is a pop star you should get to know. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-56508538 Tate McRae. Billboard. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.billboard.com/artist/tate-mcrae/charthistory/asi/ Tate McRae. (2020, May 22). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_McRae Tate McRae. (n.d.). So You Think You Can Dance Wiki. Retrieved from: https://soyouthinkyoucandance.fandom.com/wiki/Tate_McRae Who is Tate McRae? Everything you need to know. (n.d.). Famous People in the World - Lists of Trending Celebrities in 2021, Ratings & Bios. Retrieved from: https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/tate-mcrae7977.php You broke me first. (2021, January 29). Story of Song. Retrieved from: https://storyofsong.com/story/youbroke-me-first/ Encanto Harrison, A. (2021, November 26). Disney's Encanto sets a new bar for cultural representation, says star. ScreenRant. Retrieved February 20,, 2022, from https://screenrant.com/disney-encanto-movie-culturalrepresentation-diversity-hollywood-effects/ Luna, J. M. (2021, December 27). Disney's Encanto isn't just about representation - it's an act of Defiance. Polygon. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.polygon.com/22851932/encanto-disney-latinecolombia-in-movies Martinez, E. (n.d.). Encanto Showcases Important Cultural Representation. Achona. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://achonaonline.com/culture/2022/01/encanto-showcases-important-culturalrepresentation/ Umansky-Castro, R. (2022, February 7). 'Encanto' provides Latinx representation through culture, music. The Huntington News. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://huntnewsnu.com/67662/lifestyle/encantoprovides-latinx-representation-through-culture-music/

REFERENCES FOR politics & world Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill SB 1834: Parental Rights in Education. The Florida Senate. Retrieved from: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1834 Putney, M. Torres, A. 2022. LGBTQ+ Advocates Stand Against Proposed ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill’. WPLG Local 10. Retrieved from: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/02/04/lgbtq-advocates-stand-againstproposed-dont-say-gay-bill/ Cohen L. 2022. Florida Senate committee passes "Don't Say Gay" bill that would bar LGBTQ discussions in schools. CBS. Retrieved from: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-dont-say-gay-bill-lgbtq-schoolssenate-committee/ 2021. National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021. Trevor Project. Retrieved from: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/?section=Introduction Tell Florida Lawmakers to Oppose "Don't Say Gay" Bill. Equality Florida. Retrieved from: https://act.eqfl.org/a/oppose-dont-say-gay-bill2?_ga=2.3024567.6404404.16448809461504897668.1644880946

REFERENCES FOR tech & design Photonics Paschotta, R. (n.d.). Photonics, explained by RP Photonics Encyclopedia; optical and laser technology, harnessing light, optoelectronics, applications. RP Photonics. https://www.rpphotonics.com/photonics.html Photonics Definition and Historical Timeline | Photonics Buyers' Guide. (n.d.). Photonics.com. https://www.photonics.com/LinearChart.aspx?ChartID=3 Photonics: What is Photonics? (2017, November 10). Innoget. https://www.innoget.com/what-is-photonics Purcell, P. (n.d.). A brief history of photonics. TECHNOLOGIST. https://www.technologist.eu/a-briefhistory-of-photonics/

References for science The Science Behind Phobias Fritscher, L. (2020, March 7). How Different Factors Cause Certain Phobias. Verywell Mind. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-causes-phobias-2671511 NHS. (2018, 10 26). Treatment - Phobias. NHS. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/treatment/ Thorpe, J. (2016, January 6). The Science Behind Common Phobias, Explained. Bustle. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.bustle.com/articles/133786-the-science-behind-common-phobias-explained The Biology Behind COVID Testing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 1). Covid-19 testing: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). PCR test for COVID-19: What it is, how its done, what the results mean. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19and-pcr-testing Commissioner, O. of the. (n.d.). Covid-19 frequently asked questions. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-andresponse/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions John Hopkins Center for Health Security. (n.d.). Rdt diagram - Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Antigen Tests. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/covid19TestingToolkit/serology/RDT-diagram.pdf National Human Genome Research Institute. (2022, January 18). Understanding covid-19 PCR testing. Genome.gov. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/factsheets/Understanding-COVID-19-PCR-Testing Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Orr, R. B., & Campbell, N. A. (2021). 20: DNA Tools and Biotechnology. In Campbell Biology (pp. 420–422). essay, Pearson. Growing Professions in Science The 10 fastest-growing science and technology jobs of the next decade. (2021, October 11). CNBC. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/11/the-10-fastest-growing-science-and-technologyjobs-of-the-next-decade.html Best Science Jobs | Best Jobs Rankings | US News Careers. (n.d.). US News Money. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-science-jobs Yate, M. (n.d.). 6 Fastest Growing Jobs in Science and Technology. Monster Jobs. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/most-stable-professional-sectors-science-technology

References for lifestyle What is SAD? Light therapy. (2017, February 8). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/light-therapy/about/pac-20384604 NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder Psychotherapy. (2016, March 17). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms and causes. (2021, December 14). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affectivedisorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 Torres, F. (n.d.). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder Why it’s Good to Dance Bhatt, S. (2015, September 17). Physical Benefits of Dancing | The Essence of Dance. Sites at Penn State. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://sites.psu.edu/sbxoxo/2015/09/17/physical-benefits-of-dancing/ Bubnis, D. (2019, May 10). Benefits of Dance: 8 Benefits for Adults and Kids. Healthline. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/benefits-of-dance#benefits Ducharme, J. (2018, December 20). Dance Like Your Doctor Is Watching: It's Great for Your Mind and Body. Time. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://time.com/5484237/dancing-health-benefits/ Carrot Cupcakes Recipe Merritt, S. (2018, February 26). The Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Sugar Spun Run. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://sugarspunrun.com/cream-cheese-frosting/ Merritt, S. (2018, February 27). Carrot Cake Cupcakes. Sugar Spun Run. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://sugarspunrun.com/carrot-cake-cupcakes/

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February 2022

Articles inside

Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill

Photonics

Who is Tate McRae?

A Recap: Tom Brady

Encanto