Eyrie May 2017 by The Eyrie

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[The Eyrie] May 2017 Staff Policies

Carter Aakhus Tala Alfoqaha Sophie Brandser Elizabeth Buse Adam Chao Ally Cottrell Allison Fenske Sawyer Hilt Emilee Jacobson Rachel Johnson Anna Larionova Addie Marzinske Kelly Pu Inika Shetty Kate Stager Emma Swanson Oliver Taylor Mickey Venkateswaran Dustin Wolf Advisor: Jodie Flolid

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Mission Statement The Eyrie strives to be an accurate, informative and entertaining publication for the students and faculty of EPHS. Letters The Eyrie encourages all students and faculty to share their views with the school. All letters must be signed; however, names may be withheld in certain situations. Once received, the Eyrie reserves the right to edit letters for length or content. Editorials Staff Editorials are staff-written and approved by a two-thirds majority of the staff. All other opinion pieces reflect the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication, student body, faculty or administration. Multi-media To follow the Eyrie on Twitter, use the Twitter handle the_eyrie. For daily content and school updates, visit theeyrie.org Printer The Eyrie is printed by the Eden Prairie Schools Printing Services, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346

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Urban exploring Books for life Cordelia Ham Cool places to go

Letter from the editors As the end of the school year approaches, our final issue of the school year is released. Thankfully, it happens to be one of our best! Our Eyrie staff has conquered the impossible this year and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more proud of the progress made. Thank you to all our readers, especially the class of 2017. Us editors have enjoyed every minute and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to leave our last words EVER in this issue of the Eyrie. We hope you love it as much as we do!

COVER ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN BY TALA ALFOQAHA

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Closing a chapter

Retiring staff members graduate along with seniors

BY KELLY PU

s seniors look ahead to graduation, several members of the EPHS staff are also looking forward to leaving the high school. At the end of this school year, four teachers and one member of the support staff are retiring: Martha Nordmann, Lin Reller, Mary Strampe, Vince Thomas and Beth Madsen. In addition to teachers, there are many members of the support staff that help EPHS run smoothly. Martha Nordmann is an administrative assistant and Principal Conn McCartan’s secretary and has been working at the school for 23 years. She first started as a volunteer at EPHS 25 years ago before working for the counselors and deans and eventually McCartan. She started the Career Resource Center concept when working for the counselors, something she is very proud of. Nordmann is also an important member of the graduation planning committee. “This is the twentieth year that I’ve been on the committee of being a huge part of watching the graduates walk across the stage, and it’s my fondest memories.” During her time at EPHS, she has learned the importance of communication and teamwork. Furthermore, she advises students to listen to advice, particularly McCartan’s words of wisdom. “The choice is really yours,” said Nordmann. Leaving EPHS will be bittersweet for her. “I love it here. I love who I work with. I love the teams that are here, and I love working for Mr. McCartan,” said Nordmann. “Someone asked me if I have been counting days yet. I said ‘No, I’m not yet.’ ” Nordmann does not have any specific future plans, but she looks forward to having the summer off. “I feel like I’m still learning every day. I’m learning from the kids all the time,” said Lin Reller when asked about what she has gained from teaching. Reller has been in the school district since 2000 and part of the special education department at the high school for twelve years. Originally a gymnastics coach, she first started subbing at Oak Point and Forest Hills as well as having long term special education positions. Eventually, she decided to go back to college and get a special education degree. Since then, she has been an integral part of the special education department as well as being an inclusion teacher in the math department. In her time at EPHS, she has been amazed at the difference she has made on her students. One incident Reller recalled was a student coming up to her at this year’s Insights Prom. The student told her that her family had been sitting around the Thanksgiving table saying what they were thankful for. “She goes, ‘Mrs. Reller, I told everybody I was thankful for you,” said Reller. After retiring, she plans to spend more time with her grandson and do more things for herself, including traveling and yoga. She will also be back in the school district subbing next year. “Not grading papers,” said English teacher Mary Strampe when asked what she looks forward to after retiring. Strampe has been teaching at the school since December 1981. In her 36 years as part of the English

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department, she has taught everything from English 9 to AP Language and Composition. From teaching, she has learned to be more open to meeting new people and not judging as quickly. “It’s the Atticus [Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird”] thing: Put yourself in someone else’s shoes before you jump to conclusions about them,” said Strampe. Although she does not have a specific favorite memory, her best memories will be of the relationships she has had with individuals and classes. She will particularly remember “the classes that click and they think the class is fun even though you’re studying rhetoric or parts of speech or commas because it’s kind of a sense of community.” Strampe advises student to strive for personal satisfaction. “Just as a culture, as a school, we tend to be always think we need to be number one, and number two is somehow a disappointment,” she said, “Just be the best that you personally can be. Do what makes you happy, and do your best.” She will still be at the high school in the future. In the fall, she will be taking over Mike Holm, a retired English teacher’s ACT Prep class. After retiring, she also looks forward to spending more time with her grandson. However, she will miss the community at EPHS. “I started here when I was in my mid-20’s and I’m turning 62 in May. I’ve learned a lot, been supported, and all of my best friends, really, are people I’ve worked with over the years,” she said. Known for the art on his classroom walls and ceilings and his captivating classes, Vince Thomas has become a vital part of the high school math department. Thomas has been teaching math in the school district for 45 years and has been at the high school for 33 of those years. He has taught a variety of different classes and currently teaches several calculus classes. Looking back on his decades at the high school school, Thomas is amazed at the development of the school. He finds that the current generation of students are challenging themselves more and rising to the occasion. When he first started the Calculus 3 class at the high school fifteen years ago, there were only 16 kids in his class; this year there were 60. The first year the high school offered AP Calculus BC, 10 kids took the test; this year, 120 kids took the exam. As a teacher, he has learned that the kids at Eden Prairie are amazing. “I would take any kids from EPHS and stack them up against anyone else in the world,” said Thomas. Out of the 33 years he has been at the high school, Thomas has had only one bad year, his second year. He has enjoyed teaching and “working with such great kids” immensely. He advises students to take advantage of what is offered to them. The high school offers a plethora of different clubs, sports, and extracurriculars. “The scariest thing at EPHS is for kids to not find something to do,” said Thomas. He does not have any specific future plans other than still continuing to coach soccer. He will also still be at the high school helping out with classes and subbing in the math department.

Student choices drive staffing Annual student enrollment affects jobs in certain departments

BY ANNA LARIONOVA

lthough students signed up for classes in February, teachers are now going through the process of figuring out classes and schedules. Enrollment for certain electives and departments has gone up while other departments have faced a decline. While this can create uncertainty for teachers - and entire departments - it is the “curse” of a big school that offers students a variety of choices, said Principal Conn McCartan. In the past five years, for example, over two full-time positions have been taken out of the tech ed department and three quarters of a position is being lost between EPHS and CMS for next year due to declining enrollment, according to tech ed teacher and department leader Leigh Hartert. This trend has been going on for years and affects departments that teach primarily elective classes. One reason cited by teachers is that departments with a large number of required courses can reach out to potential students for elective classes. “They have a much larger marketing ability because if you have a required class within a department, you can market your elective classes to every single student in the school,” said Hartert. In particular, the social studies department has seen an increase of interest in its new electives in recent years. Jon Pogatchnik, social studies teacher and department lead, agreed that his department has an advantage marketing to students. However, he said that the school should help promote tech ed classes: “Eden Prairie does not do a good job of serving the kids that benefit from his classes.” English teacher Josh Axtman, who is also a department lead, gave another reason, saying the lack of electives in certain departments could be because of predetermined schedules and college requirements. “I think it is a combination of student interest and the pressures being put on students to meet certain requirements,” said Axtman. “All of these requirements put upon our students limit the opportunities they have to grab some of the more exploratory electives.” While interest is always a factor in enrollment numbers, art teacher Nancy Gallas, another department lead, agrees that requirements are really the danger here. “State requirements take priority PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF first,” said Gallas. Gallas said that other departments design new classes that excite students. “They’re popular because they’re changing,” she said, adding that her department and others are now also trying to rewrite some of their classes. Pogatchnik said that his department’s success is because of marketing, student interest and relevance. “I think we offer a lot of classes that kids love,” he said. “Most kids find social studies pretty relevant right now.” Although the reasons behind this issue are diverse, tension between departments over students has been a clear indicator that there is a problem. “It would be disingenuous to say that there’s no competition,” said Axtman, noting that student interest is indeed a factor in enrollment numbers. Although the numbers don’t affect the number of classes the English department usually gets, that doesn’t mean departments aren’t competing over what little free spaces are open in student schedules, according to Axtman. Gallas approached the problem differently. “Yeah, it’s competitive, but it varies,” she said. During her tenure at EPHS, Gallas has had to work part time and other times has been a part of a department with a staff of five. This year, the art department saw five new classes, too, and more classes are coming next year. Even so, Gallas does not view the issue as competition between departments. “Each time something else is offered, it pulls away from different directions, but do they keep everything? No,” Gallas said. “We always just hope for the best, and that’s the way it’s always been.”

Hartert is not so lenient on this problem, which is affecting his department the most. Although he didn’t describe this conflict as competition, he was clear about his stance: “The frustrating part is the denial that there is this frustration.” McCartan acknowledged that departments face tension, especially when a required department adds electives. Purely elective-based departments have to maintain a certain number of students in classes or else the class won’t run, and tech ed has seen a drop in its number of classes. “Every place where there are electives in a required department is a threat to their elective classes,” he said. Although McCartan clarified that the school has a responsibility to offer certain classes, he did say that the tech ed department could be shut down for a year if not enough students signed up for its classes. However, because he has seen the business department have success after continually redesigning its classes, he hopes the same will work for tech ed in the future. Because of this danger, all departments are much more cautious about which electives count as art credits and which need refining. This process is often discussed between staff within a department, but there is a disconnect between departments themselves, teachers said. McCartan said this topic is often brought up. “Our department leaders typically talk about new classes, so at least people have a sense of what that impact might be,” he said. Hartert, on the other hand, said that a lack of communication and information given to him and other department leaders is partially the source of the issue. “I don’t know why classes are added, I just know that they show up,” he said. “It’s not that we would shoot it down,” he added, but he did say that a conversation would help his department prepare. Axtman, Pogatchnik and Gallas agreed that there are not enough discussions about course offerings among department leads. “Right now, I think we department leaders are a vehicle of communication from administration to departments versus an avenue for discussion,” Hartert explained further. One of the solutions to this problem, he said, is admitting that people are upset and want to fix the gaps. “If there was a conversation then that would eliminate a lot of that friction,” Hartert said. Although Hartert has some optimism, others don’t. Axtman said that the only two ways he sees this issue going away is if there was more time in the school day for more classes or if requirements for classes changed. He said that both are unlikely to change except in the opposite direction. Gallas also doesn’t see a solution, especially for tech ed. She said the odds are stacked against them, and the school would be more willing to cut that department compared to electives in required departments. “Budget wise, you can’t always have those choices,” she said, noting that her department is also under risk. Elective departments are often more expensive to run compared to required departments, which require less materials. Pogatchnik said that the solutions are less about competition between departments and more about an administrative effort to push for hands-on classes. “I think it’s a department’s job to promote itself in the best possible light,” he said, but he continued, “We have to make a concentrated, focused effort. That’s got to come from the school board and principals to make sure that this is something that we work hard on to serve these kids.” All of these challenges are leading Hartert to start looking at the last resort for saving his department. “Our last resort would be to completely change and get rid of all of our classes and start new,” he said. After this year, his department is planning on revamping its classes and trying to adjust to current student interest. Many other departments are planning on doing the same things during the next few years to keep up with the increasing loss of student enrollment. “I feel like I’m always trying to improve myself as a teacher to make it interesting,” said Gallas.

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Urban Exploring Adventurers in the city

BY KATE STAGER

he urge to engage with the past, especially the forgotten past, is nothing new. Minneapolis is well known for being a cool place to go exploring, especially in the urbex, or urban exploration community. Urbex is known as the act of exploring man-made structures that are generally abandoned, underground, forbidden, or inaccessible. The dangers that come with wandering around in abandoned buildings may always be present, but being smart can help alleviate those dangers. “Urban exploring is an adventure and a constant adrenaline rush. It’s something I can say that no one else does at all.” said a senior who went exploring. Many, if not most, urban explorers are photographers, searching desperately for a location to capture their art. Most urban explorers are amateur, semi-professional, or professional photographers. Explorers and photographers consider it their duty to document these pockets of time. “I think it makes a good setting for pictures because it’s uncommon, not many people will spend two hours climbing a grain belt to get five or six solid pictures,” a junior said. While urban exploring provides interesting photos for the viewers and quite the experience for the photographer, it is not always fun and games. “I’ve been caught urbexing once because we were on top of a building downtown and the people that were working across the street called us in. We were filming a video

on the roof,” said a junior. “The cops came but let us go because it was the first time being caught.” Urban exploration is a risky sport at best, and an illegal one at worst. In general, these buildings are owned by someone, so entering without permission would fall under trespass or a similar offense. “I like the rebel-ness of it,” a student who asked to be unnamed said. “The fact that it is illegal and dangerous is what’s fun about it, to be honest.” Some people can explore with a peace of mind knowing they’re not doing anything wrong, but in reality, they are. “It becomes illegal when you are trespassing. If you are caught, you could get a misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail, and or a $1,000 fine” said EPHS police liaison officer Ashley Broden. Broden also reinforced the message that urban exploring is dangerous. “My advice would be to use common sense,” she said. “It really isn’t worth losing your life over.” Buildings that are usually explored are left to rot by people who can no longer maintain them. These buildings have fallen to the forces of nature. A lot of buildings will be covered in weeds and vines growing through every crack. “One time I tried to get through a small hole in a window that was barred up and the metal broken part of it ripped through my shirt and cut me all the way down my back,” a senior said. Urban exploration will undoubtedly continue to grow and thrive in Minneapolis. And as the city’s landscape continues to evolve, so will the local urbex community.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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Tree Huggers take on the world BY ADAM CHAO

Tree Huggers is a club that is dedicated to the conservation of nature. President Sophia Truempi said, “My definition of a tree hugger is an environmentalist who deeply cares about protecting and preserving the earth. I would classify myself as a tree hugger because in addition to valuing everything having to do with the outdoors-- from Nordic skiing, to camping, to simply being outside-- I am trying to take action to help end the climate crisis with the Tree Huggers Club.” Passionate environmentalists such as Truempi congregate once a month at room 139 with Mrs. Sather in order to “discuss environmental ideas to implement for our school.” Outside of school, Tree Huggers is involved with: State/National organizations: Tree Huggers is involved with organizations such as YEA MN! (Youth Environmental Activists of MN) and iMatter Youth. Marches: They are involved politically, as members Youth Climate Lobby Day this year and got to have a meeting with Laurie Pryor, one of Eden Prairie's representatives. Volunteer work: Many members attended a volunteer buckthorn cleanup near the Vermilion River earlier this year. Concerts: They help organize the Blues Rock Concert with Amnesty every year. Camping: They recently booked a backpacking trip to Bear Head Lake State Park on June 2-4 of this year.

Ratio of counselors to students

BY CARTER AAKHUS

tudents in today’s society face a lot of problems and pressures in their day-to-day life. From tests and homework to keep up with to extracurricular activities and home life, simply put, the life of a student can be stressful. Who can they look to in these times of need? The answer to that question would be counselors. Across the country, there are varying definitions of the job duties for a school counselor, but they all include working with and helping students to make sure their classes are a good fit for them. At EPHS, counselors help students with post-secondary plans, online classes, scheduling, class problems as well as personal counseling.

With a following of 62 members, Tree Huggers is a club composed of like-minded students. Truempi said, “My older brother, and prior to that, my older sister, were former presidents of Tree Huggers Club, so I initially became involved through them. Since then, I have become a lot more educated about the seriousness of the subject and have grown very passionate about preserving the earth and taking action to help end the climate crisis.” Similarly, Junior Ike Nebeker said, “I’ve always loved nature and just being outside. As I got older, I learned that it’s much more than just pieces of trash hurting nature but that basically everything we do has environmental consequences and I wanted to become aware of those and find a way to help solve the problems.” Adviser Mrs. Sather describes her experience with the club as “wonderful” and expresses her fortuity to work with “driven kids who really care about the environment and want to do some neat projects and work with city hall.” Recently, Tree Huggers has been working to “create a Youth Climate Action Plan to present to Eden Prairie's City Council in the hopes that they will pass it, though the organization known as iMatter Youth,” said Truempi. Additionally, they are “planning a clothing drive, with junior member Lizzie Arnold being the director, which will happen at the end of May this year. This clothing drive will help us collect money to put toward replacing the plastic utensils with all metal utensils in our lunchrooms.” Truempi said the school must realize the “impact we are making on the environment, and serve as an example to other schools by stopping the selling of plastic water bottles completely.” Acts as simple as recycling can ensure the longevity of the planet.

EPHS currently has seven counselors, but just last year there were eight. “Rather than eight counselors and one social worker, we now have two social workers,” said Lenny Moskowitz, who is the department lead. “The social workers take the more complicated mental health problems away from the counselors so that they can focus more on the academic aspect of the job.” Minnesota is ranked as 48th highest ratio of counselors to students in schools. In other words, third worst. According to the Star Tribune, there is, on average, one counselor for every 792 students in Minnesota. “With seven counselors, it has become the norm to have the high case load of 440 students each. We talk to thousands of parents,” said Moskowitz. Sophomore Andrew Nosal finds it difficult to schedule meetings with his counselor. “Every time I try to meet with my counselor, he is never there. Sometimes it can be up to a week later for me to finally meet with him when I had things I needed to fix that day, like schedule changes and class-related problems,” he said. Moskowitz believes it would be beneficial to have more counselors, and therefore, a lower caseload. “It would be ideal to have 250 to 300 students each; students would feel more safe coming in. We always hear from students that they can never see us because of how busy we are,” he said. Principal Conn McCartan hopes to get more counselors on staff. “I’ve continued to advocate for funding,” he said. “Hiring more trained professionals is pivotal. It would be great for our students.”

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Books for life Find a good book, read it and read it again BY ALLY COTTRELL

In their down time, a lot of people turn to music or movies or seemingly endless Netflix marathons to relax. To others, reading can fill this place of enjoyment and stress relief. I would like to make a case for not just reading, but also rereading favorite books. (It’s not just for English teachers). Reading a book repeatedly can bring you back to the time when you first read it. Certain passages might correspond with certain moments in your life, so the book can act almost like a surrogate journal. Senior Lila Sahar likened it to how people listen to specific songs when they feel a specific emotion. When she’s happy or sad or mad, she rereads a certain section of a book if it explains or complements the situation. Two of the books that she usually goes to are “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara and “The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel. Through rereading a book, you can see how you’ve changed since you first read it. What passages jump out at you, how you view certain characters, and how you interpret things like themes and messages can all change from reading to reading. The book hasn’t changed. But, you’ve changed, and it can be interesting and thought-provoking to realize this through rereading a favorite book. Also, if you liked a book the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll like it the second time. Reading it again can simply be fun. Senior Claire Song likes to reread Dave Berry, EB White, and Ayn Rand because they are funny, touching, and thought-provoking in that order. Also, she said that it’s just fun. Personally, I just reread “Looking for Alaska” recently. The first time I was in middle school, and how I viewed the main characters and their motives has changed dramatically. I liked the book then, and I still like it now, but the why has changed. I would have never realized that without opening that cover again.

Reading a book repeatedly can bring you back to the time when you first read it.

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ILLUSTRATION BY ALLY COTTRELL

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Though most people don’t have reading in their job description, English teachers are objectively experts on the subject of rereading. People might say that, well, they have to reread books because they teach them. But most of the English teachers I talked to don’t reread the books they teach just because they teach them. “I always get something new from re-reading it that I hadn’t noticed before or that speaks to my current situation,” Kirsten Strand-Young said of “The Great Gatsby.” English teacher Mary Strampe also rereads a book she teaches each year, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” because it’s full of life lessons that are always timely. It isn’t about finding one book that everyone should read and reread for all of time, but about finding books and writers that you enjoy. English teacher Josh Axtman rereads his favorite book, “Cat’s Cradle,” every summer. “I think the idea of finding that one book that you truly love and reconnecting with it each year, in general, is a good thing,” he said. He also compared rereading it to meeting with an old friend with each revisit. If you’re dead set against rereading books as something you would absolutely never consider, I would still recommend at least revisiting books. Discussing books and thinking about them can also have similar effects to rereading them. Associate Principal Molly Hollenbeck, an avid reader, said that while she doesn’t usually reread books, she does enjoy talking about books she has read with others who have read it as well. “This discussion brings the book back to life for me and feels as if I’m rereading it,” Hollenbeck said. She said she also keeps a book journal with quotes and does read that every so often. Whatever form it takes, or however long it takes you to come around to the (admittedly biased) right side of this topic, the books will still be there. You can always take a chance at rereading them.

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New Guardians movie: Does it live up to expectations? BY CARTER AAKHUS “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is the sequel to 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and is the first of three Marvel movies set to be released this year. It is directed by James Gunn and stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Kurt Russell, Dave Bautista and many others. I was extremely excited to see this movie. Being a big fan of the first movie, I was expecting a fun, exciting, and smart summer blockbuster. The movie definitely delivers on a lot of these fronts but does not succeed on others. To start off on a happy note, this movie is an absolute blast. The back-andforth between the characters is snappy and hilarious. There is an obvious chemistry between all of them that was introduced in the first movie and expanded on in this. Much of the credit towards the great characters goes to the actors, who are all clearly having the time of their lives. Chris Pratt and Michael Rooker are the highlights for me, although everyone does a great job. Both Pratt as Star-Lord and Rooker as the blue-skinned Yondu bring a ton of humor as well as emotion to their respective roles. The action scenes and set-pieces are greatly stepped-up from the first one. There are some very entertaining ship battles and explosions, but the scenes that left the biggest impression on me were a scene where Yondu takes down an entire room of guys with his whistle-controlled arrow, and the giant, galactic fist

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fight featured in the climax. The soundtrack consists of pop hits from the 70’s also like the first one. The director did a great job of picking good songs to match the scenes in the film. It especially works to great effect if you see the movie in IMAX. The music matched up with the huge action scenes are very exciting and impressive on a bigger screen with louder speakers. The plot focuses on exploring the relationship between one of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill, and his father. The film opens with the main characters on a dangerous mission that leads them to crash land on a planet that happens to be where his long-lost father is. The problem is that that is pretty much the entire plot. This plot thread gets stretched out to two hours, which I found unsatisfying, especially since the first one was able to balance a good story with humor and characters. The focus this time around is completely on humor, music and characters. Also, the first two-thirds of the movie is much more entertaining than the last act. For me, this is because I didn’t agree with the direction that they went with some of the new characters and one familiar character. Go see “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” because for the most part, it is a total blast. It is a ton of fun to watch, and I will be re-watching it again soon. Just realize that the first movie is a lot more fresh and original.

R Tacos serves up a not-so-rusty taco BY SOPHIE BRANDSER R Taco, also known as Rusty Taco recently opened in February 2016. This restaurant offers Mexican street food in a fast-casual chain. Tacos are served in an à la carte style; each taco ranges from two to three dollars. The inside of R Taco is decorated industrial and rustic. The walls are colored blue, orange and grey. Metal accents and light wood fill the seating area. A large graphic of a heart with wings reads “we love tacos” on the wall. As soon as I walked into R Taco, I was greeted by a cheerful employee. While I was ordering, the employee was very helpful in telling me which tacos were the most popular. Their menu is filled with fourteen different taco combinations. Breakfast tacos are also offered here. Rusty Taco has a variety of different foods. My decision

CREATIVE COMMONS

was to try a little bit of everything so that I could get a better feel for the restaurant. I ordered the fish taco, shrimp taco, chicken fajita taco and the famous rusty taco. I also got a side of chips and queso. The well-known rusty taco includes achiote pork with pineapple, onion and cilantro. I was very satisfied by the way the food tasted. I especially enjoyed the sauces that they put on the tacos. The fact that the food is healthy, and cooked freshly in the restaurant made me love R Taco even more. Although the flavoring was natural and delicious, some of the tacos were spicy. If you are sensitive to spice, I suggest that you try the chicken fajita taco because it is less spicy and is one of my favorites. Rusty Taco also offers a “taco truck” that is available April-October. They also have catering, and carry out. R Taco is located at 13000 Technology Dr Ste 120, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Call R Taco at 952.500.9769

Off-the-Rails: A book review on ‘The Underground Railroad’

BY INIKA SHETTY In Colson Whitehead’s new novel, “The Underground Railroad,” the author explores in greater depth the desperation of a young slave’s quest for freedom. The novel interprets the Underground Railroad as more than a figurative path to liberation that happened during the 19th century, but an actual railroad designated for fleeing slaves. The book gave a refreshing and original insight of the days of slavery, that differed from the common heavy and factual-filled stories on slavery. The main character is a Georgian slave named Cora. Her life changes drastically after she meets Caesar, who asks her to escape with him. After a few violent and unfortunate events, Cora agrees to take the mysterious and elusive Underground Railroad with Caesar. The Railroad takes Caesar and Cora to unknown stops ranging from the Northern to the Western regions of the United States. As Caesar and Cora separate, the storyline continues following Cora on her journey to independence, while developing her strong-willed, rebellious personality. Throughout the progression of the book, Cora is chased by slave catchers and faces brutal, unwavering hatred from various individuals, colored and white alike. There was a lot of back and forth that may seem fast-paced or repetitive when it came to the capturing and escaping of Cora. However, each storyline and new plot adventure brought an intriguing situation that diminished any dull or dry moments. There are chapters that interrupt the flow of the book that bring narrative insight on second-lead characters and the struggle between freedom and suppression that each distinct character faced or faces. These captivating shifts in perspective helped me follow along and was one of the more engaging aspects of the

book. It made reading the book exciting and gave a quick shift in pace at necessary points of interest. My favorite character storyline strays included Cora’s mother and Caesar, who are previously shadowed by mystery, therefore making their sub-sections thrilling. One of the many things I enjoyed about this book was the authenticity the author used, despite the merge of a fictional railroad. Whitehead effectively uses the language of the time, which includes many words deemed degrading or racist. This authenticity and effortless flow of fiction and fact made the story seem like a realistic missing piece in American history. After re-reading certain portions, I realized that the story brings in Whitehead’s strong opinion on how black history is constantly stolen by whites. The book had abstract and complex passages that made me need to stop and understand the weight of each sentence. Whitehead’s interpretation of the dehumanization and ignorance towards black Americans showcases the fundamental flaws that plagued the past, linger in the present, and stress the future. The book provided an innovative perspective and deeper connection to our history. I continued reading without notice of time or place. Although many books have been already written on slavery, “The Underground Railroad” distinguishes itself with its inclusion of both white and colored characters, and showcases them both as heroes and abusers. Just like the 19th century Underground Railroad bridged sectional and racial divisions, this book continues in its legacy of closing the social gaps in America.

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Cordelia Ham

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CORDELIA HAM

Senior Cordelia Ham is a self-taught artist who draws and paints everything from anime to realistic pieces. She has had her work on display at the Minnesota Capitol and, recently, Minneapolis Institute of Art.

[ 12 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CORDELIA HAM

INTERVIEW BY KELLY PU Q: What do you do? A: I draw and paint. I’ve tried a bunch of different styles, but I mostly do anime. I guess most people don’t think that’s very talented because it’s just cartoons. I do realistic stuff and other stuff too, but anime is still my favorite, just because it’s so fun. Q: How did you get started? A: To be honest, I don’t really know. I’ve just been doing it forever. Q: How long have you been making art? A: Just drawing in general, basically my whole life. But I guess I hadn’t taken drawing that seriously until freshman year when I started taking high school art classes.

of Art was having a special flower display and as part of that, they had a kids program. They had a storyteller come in to tell a story, and they wanted to have a big backdrop to put behind the storyteller. So I did that. Everyone was like, “oh it’s so cool,” so that made me happy. Because it took a long time. It’s huge. It’s taller than me. So you know, it took a long time and it was a lot of work, but I’m happy everyone liked it. That’s probably the coolest thing that’s been on display. Q: Is that your proudest accomplishment? A: Even though it was a really childish painting, because it’s from a children’s book, it might be my proudest thing just because so many people got to see it and it was also a larger scale and for something more professional; it wasn’t just for myself.

Q: What is your advice to other artists? A: It’s really cheesy and cliche, but just keep doing it even though everyone says Q: Have you ever taken art classes outside of school? “art isn’t a real career,” just keep doing it however you want. Also, I think find A: I mostly just taught myself, but I did take some classes when I was really little at inspiration from other people’s art because there’s a lot of really cool styles and this Chinese school. But they were not really actual art classes. Like [the teachers] techniques that you can find online or everywhere. But take those techniques but would just tell you to draw this line and you would copy that line down, and after use your own style. I think it’s really cool, like a lot of my friends are also artists, you copied all the lines they drew, they would be like “oh, you have a flower vase.” and I love how I can tell each of their different styles, even if they were to draw the same thing. I think that’s important. Q: What’s the process you go through to make a piece? A: It really depends because most of my drawings are more casual, like I just do Q: Are there any specific artists that have influenced your style? them in class. I don’t do that many like formal, fancy things, but I’ll usually draw A: I feel like the things that have influenced my style are more just like random out in pencil what I want the general shapes to be, and then- everyone gets really things I come across on the internet. I don’t know if there’s any artist in particular, confused about this- I erase the pencil that I just drew. It’s because you can still but my favorite artist is Michael Cheval, just because his paintings are nothing like see the lines, but I don’t want the lines to be visible later, so I erase it so I that I my style, but they’re just so weird. I love weird stuff. can just kind of see the lines. If I have to, I’ll also do some more detailed lines over that, and then erase those again. Then, I’ll ink it with a pen or color it with colored Q: Do you plan on doing art as a profession? A: No, I don’t think so. I might do commissions or sell my art, but nothing really pencils or shade or paint it, depending on what I want. professional. Q: How does it usually take you to make one “formal” piece? Q: What is your ultimate goal in art? A: If I work at it constantly, maybe a couple of days. But if I don’t work on it that A: For a while, I was thinking of going into it as a career, like doing animation or constantly, which is usually what happens, it could take a couple weeks. something. Even though now I’m thinking of going into something medical, I still Q: So you’ve had art on display before? think I’ll be continuing art in my free time in the future. I’m still looking for jobs A:Yeah, I’ve had my art on display at the high school before, but also sophomore where I would have time to still do my art. Even though I’m not doing it for my year, I had one of my art pieces sent to the Minnesota Capitol for the Art in the job, it’s still impacting what I’m for my career because I want something that can Capitol, and that was pretty cool. Also, very recently, the Minneapolis Institute accommodate the time [art] takes.

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Mickey’s

Staff Editorial: Clubhouse

It has been a long school year. Here is a concise list of the good and the bad including the major bummers and the wonderful triumphs of the eagles. Here is to school year of 2016-2017:

The Good:

Save the nostalgia

• • • • • • • • • •

EPHS Students win first place in DECA international Homecoming formal was saved Cwod was elected to state senate 3rd annual powderpuff tournament Magnunson won teacher of the year EPHS Girls Lax is #1 in the state Rotisserie chicken and offbrand Chipotle Quizbowl won first in state The school came together to support a community member in AdvoKate The yearbook distribution celebration happened

BY: MICKEY VENKATESWARAN SUBMITTED PHOTO

“And just like that...” “I blinked” “Time really does fly” Get ready, these phrases are coming. This graduation season, please save the nostalgia. Milestones, certainly, are times for personal reflection and recognition of growth. I would never stop someone from being proud of the work they’ve done the past four years. However, our generation seems to have a soft spot when it comes to nostalgia to the point that it gets in the way of our enjoyment of the present moment. Not only that, but in the age of social media, nostalgia is no longer contained to close friends and family but is instead projected to the whole social network. I don’t want to be rude, but personal reflections on your time at EPHS do not hold the same emotional weight with the rest of the school (excepting close friends) as they do with you. In other words, we don’t care that much. In place of constantly remarking how this is the last time you’ll do X or Y, simply enjoy X or Y. Don’t waste the rest of the time we have at this school constantly looking back; instead, stay in the moment and continue to make memories worth looking back on. The rule “if it isn’t on social media, it didn’t happen” has definitely held true for bonfires and tailgates this year, but let’s put the phones away for graduation. When we get ready to throw our hats in the air on the 8th, please, please, please do not get your phone out to put it on your snapchat story.

[ 14 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

The Bad: • • • • • • • • •

Scones are smaller We didn’t win state football championship Art class offerings are shrinking Tensions in election season AP Euro test on senior skip day We only had Berry Blendz first semester Hockey seating arrangement drama A bunch of great teachers are retiring The class of 2017 is leaving

Tala

Talks Generational Misconceptions BY TALA ALFOQAHA

Creative Commons

Trumping LGBT rights BY SAWYER HILT

During the 2016 election cycle, Trump used superficial claims as proof of his support for LGBT individuals. The claims included that he lived in New York City and thus was very open-minded, and that he sent a letter congratulating Elton John on his civil union in 2005. While Trump may claim that he supports LGBT people, and is against all forms of discrimination, all evidence of his support for the LGBT community has been superficial at best, and hard evidence to the contrary has surfaced in his first one-hundred days. Shortly after taking office Trump rescinded a directive president Obama released in May 2016 revoking any protection that the directive may have provided transgender students. This guidance for schools explained that under Title IX transgender students were allowed to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their gender identity. Obama’s directive allowed transgender students to feel more safe in schools, and provided much-needed protection for them. Trump also gutted Obama’s order to protect federal employees from discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity by removing key provisions of the order which required contractors to prove they are in compliance with the standards. In addition to this Trump ordered that questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity be removed from federal surveys intended the elderly and the disabled, which may lead to denying disabled and elderly LGBT people the specialized care which they require. Trump’s nominee for Army Secretary was also a scary choice for LGBT individuals in the military. Trump’s nominee Mark Green, is a Tennessee state senator who has championed several bills allowing discrimination against women and LGBT people on religious grounds, and has been quoted for calling transgender people “diseased”. Luckily, due to the sheer amount of negative press Green has experienced due to his extremist beliefs, he has withdrawn from consideration. Regardless of his withdrawal, Trump’s initial nomination of Green displays his complete lack of consideration for the well-being of LGBT people. Despite Trump’s campaign rhetoric being markedly pro-LGBT rights, Trump’s pick for vice president of ultra-conservative Mike Pence- a former Indiana state governor who built his career on “family-centric” conservative politics is some of the most substantial evidence of Trump’s true disregard for the well-being of LGBT people. In 2010 Pence vocally opposed the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” a former U.S. policy that directed that while homosexuality was not a disqualifier for military service, LGBT service members could not live openly in the military. Pence’s apparent reasoning for his opposition towards the repeal of this outdated policy was that he did not want the U.S. military to “become a backdrop for social experimentation.” In 2015 as Indiana state governor, Pence signed legislation into effect which could legalize discrimination against LGBT individuals. Pence’s horrific track record with LGBT rights is only the tip of the anti-LGBT iceberg in Trump’s administration. Overall, while Trump may have claimed to support LGBT people during the 2016 campaign cycle, his actions since he has taken office have shown his true nature, and it has become clear that Trump is no ally.

A scenario: As I scrolled through the wasteland of updated relationship statuses and buzzfeed videos, I stumbled upon a post that stopped me dead in my sleep-deprived tracks. A fellow Millennial (exact generational cut-off dates are hazy but for the sake of simplicity juniors and seniors are included in the definition of a Millennial) had shared a video obnoxiously titled “OUR GENERATION SUMMED UP”. Immediately, warning bells began ringing as I mentally prepared myself for yet another fact-devoid think piece that painted millennials into one swift, inaccurate stroke of laze and entitlement. And that’s exactly what it was. Apparently, people in our generation have lost their ability to form meaningful relationships, deal with stress, work hard, and, above all, be patient. The man in the video, motivational speaker and millennial Simon Sinek, claimed that we had grown accustomed to being given participation trophies for ‘coming in last place’, being told by our parents that we were special, and being handed essentially everything in life (I guess encouragement and parental pride are 21st century inventions?). Social media was named as another culprit for our generational shortcomings. According to Sinek, the dopamine that’s released when we receive a ‘like’ on a picture or post is the same chemical released by sex, drugs and alcohol. Beware: dopamine also happens to be released by spicy foods. And exercise. And hugs. As a result, he dutifully concluded, millennials are narcissistic, distracted, impatient and egocentric. So here I am, still deciding whether the most egregious aspect of this post was the blatant disregard for science and logic, the horde of comments underneath applauding him and agreeing with the “sad truth” of his premise, or the fact that none of his claims came as a surprise--I had simply heard it all before. As millennials, we’ve been fed this narrative ever since we could spell “entitled”. And many of us have begun to believe it. Yet according to extensive research, this narrative of inferiority is exactly that: a narrative. And an unfounded one, at that. Studies have shown that sex, drug use, and crime are less prevalent in the purported “hookup generation”. Millennials have been found to be more supporting of LGBTQ+ rights, interracial marriages, and other social justice causes and boast one of the highest rates of political engagement in college students. And although this time period has been marked by political polarization, the Pew Research Center found that millennials are least likely to hold a negative opinion of either party. In terms of work ethic, this generation has been inaccurately labeled as “lazy”, yet in reality, millennials are more likely to be workaholics than any other generation. Ultimately, the paradigm of social interaction, work, and education has now shifted into territory that varies not in difficulty but in plain difference. It may be easy to call Millenials lazy or entitled, but it’s not accurate.

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Assisted Suicide Point-Counterpoint

Cheating fate

It’s your choice

BY EMILEE JACOBSON

BY RACHEL JOHNSON

Physician- assisted suicide will be legal in not five, but six states, if granted court approval in Montana. Individuals must have a prognosis of 6-months or less to in order to be granted, in the bluntest form, death. There are misconceptions about Euthanasia’s purpose. Does it give patients more time? Relieve their pain? In a sense it might, but by doing so, it ends someone’s entire being. It’s precisely what it’s called: suicide. Suicide is suicide. If we promote mentally ill patients to seek out help, why don’t we do the same for the terminally ill? If we allow terminal patients to use this as a refuge, why is it that we agonize over a young teen’s choice to end their life? In a way, it’s cheating fate. I’m not ignorant, I know this decision would never be easy. But, I do believe that it isn’t a decision to be made by an individual in a time of distress. As someone who has watched family members and close friends pass away from an illness after fighting their hardest battle, I find assisted suicide to be not only unfair, but morally incorrect. There are people dying and choosing to live, and there are others who choose to end the fight all together, letting their prognosis truly take control of them. There are people counting down the days, fighting just to make it to their son’s graduation. There are people who don’t let the word “terminal” control them. There are people who live six years longer than the doctor’s prognosis. An ill patient given the choice between living or dying adds an entirely new level of stress to an almost unbearable situation. If assisted-suicide were to be brought about as an easily acquired option, it would have the ability to provide an unneeded sense of pressure to a terminally ill patient’s life. Whether it be family or the medical community, a patient may feel pressured to accommodate others by ending their journey earlier than necessary. One may feel like a financial and emotional burden to those around them and make an impulsive decision in the hope of saving others. Besides the pressure from loved ones, insurance companies and employees who handle financials have the potential to make inappropriate advisements in a situation that is not their own. Patients with financial disadvantages could be pressured to avoid the hefty medical bills by acknowledging the idea of surviving their illness all together. I truly worry that with the widespread acceptance of this option, patients will be pressured into decisions they’re not qualified to make. Death isn’t something that’s meant to be rushed into, and definitely not something that should be decided with the mentality of saving others. The day of your death shouldn’t be chosen. We believe with the same mentality that we shouldn’t abruptly drop a pin on a map and move wherever it ends up. Life is supposed to end when it’s supposed to, we will never truly know that date, despite the doctor’s prognosis. With hope and guidance, science is not necessarily a determining factor of death. An individual has the power to determine it themselves with the conscious belief that they can look at mortality in the face and defeat it. It is possible to fight. I’ve witnessed it. Suffering exists, but so do miracles. Have we lost all our belief in them?

Knowing the date of your death but not having any control over the situation is a definition of terrifying. Most people live in ignorant bliss of their impending and inevitable death. This is not the case for terminally ill patients. Doctors dole out a certain number of months before a disease mercilessly kills the patient. Choosing to end your life because you are in incredible amounts of pain is never going to be a comfortable topic; in fact, it is downright taboo in today’s society. Assisted suicide is for people with under six months to live and who know those months will be either be filled with medicine or pain. They will not be spending their last days with laughter and happiness with their family. Watching a family member spend their lives sitting in a bed in slowly dying while knowing their fate is no way to live. There needs to be respect in knowing the limitations of the human body. The last moments of someone’s life should be decided by them. If that person personally can endure the pain to spend more time with loved ones, then that is his or her decision. Their life is in their own. Quality of life should be valued over the longevity of a life. Six states in the U.S. authorize medical professionals to provide aid in dying. This adds to several countries that allow the option for all its citizens. These are valid for those individuals, but this does not mean assisted suicide should be inaccessible for others. In 2013, only 122 Oregon patients were prescribed the lethal medication, but only 73 people choose to go through with euthanasia. Assisted suicide would only be an option. Switzerland had has had the Yes, miracles exist. This does not discredit people who decide that dying peacefully is best for them. The course of life is not set in stone. The heartbreak of learning you have six months to live is unimaginable from a healthy person’s point of view. Living your last days doped up to ease the pain is not the way most people would want to be remembered. I do see the inner conflict of doctors administering the drugs to kill a patient. They have taken the Hippocratic Oath to never do harm. What if in refusing the patient the right to die, they risk the harm is leaving a patient to suffer for months in pure agony? Medicine is the clear option to cease all pain. But there is a cost to spending your last few days dazed and unable to talk to your relatives. The people considering ending their life are not doing so lightly. It is a medical decision to end their life.

[ 16 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

“I am very for it. I think the only person that can decide the worth of their own lives is themselves. It’s ridiculous that society, the government, and all these other external forces can tell you the worth of your own life.” -Amir Adan

EPHS Opinions “I think that every person should have the choice so that they can fulfill what they want their life to be. If all of their loved ones agree that it’s what’s best, then it should be deemed acceptable. That said, I don’t think it’s something I could ever accept in my own life. It’s a clash between the heart and the brain, so many factors play into it should jappen or not.” -Kira Kirchberg

“I think it’s acceptable. If you and the loved ones in your life are all in agreement that it’s the better alternative to achieve happiness.” -Benny Blanchard

“I think that someone’s life decisions should be made by themselves. If one chooses that’s the right option, they should have the right to do so.” -Leo Schwantz

“It’s a really difficult and grey area. It depends on the situation. I don’t think anyone should have to die, but I think a choice could be made by the person. There has to be a very legitamate reason though, proven from doctors. Clinic illness, that sort of thing.” -Jacob Brue

No Planet B BY ELIZABETH BUSE Environmental changes to the Earth are calling us for help. The recent passing of Earth Day, and the changes in environmental regulations in our government have made me realize the cause for action. The only thing different about the day is that it is called Earth Day. Earth Day could be any other day of the year; quite honestly Earth day is every day. It is important that we take care of this earth. There is not another one waiting for us to mess up. People are rebelling due to the wanted enviromental cuts from President Trump. On President Trump’s 100th day of office thousands of Americans protested the government’s actions. These people were protesting for the planet, the people, and the future to come. The People’s Climate March was started in 2014 and planned before Trump was elected president. Trump is proposing increased mining and oil drilling, and cutting EPA’s budget by almost one third. Budget cuts to important organizations like this leads to cutting thousands of jobs. He also ordered a review on the Antiquities Act in late April. This act protects national parks, landmarks, and monuments. Reducing these landmarks would have a long lasting effect for our future. According to a recent study by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, 93% of respondents agreed that historical sites and national landmarks should be preserved for future generations. If these type of cuts are going to start, we cannot take them back. It’s important that we understand how this will affect the Earth longterm. In order to solve environmental issues, we have to work on it more than one day of the year. Especially at the rate our population is increasing, which is a lot. We are creating more garbage and waste everyday, which has to be picked up by someone. If everyone picked up their own trash and would be a little more frugal, I think it would take the earth in a positive direction. Living in a sustainable and greener environment would improve health, air and water quality, natural resources, and protect ecosystems. These things would lead to better health, more energy, and overall well being. Living a sustainable life is positive for the environment and your own life. For example, reduce household energy use, recycle, reuse, and resell items, use less plastics, and save water. It’s important to give care to our earth. Rather, that be living more sustainable or even enjoying the outdoors more. The Earth is our home and deserves to be cared for

“Earth Day is every day”

just as much as anything else.

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Leaders don't have to be loud BY ALLY COTTRELL I have always been, and always will be, most decidedly an introvert. The idea of speaking out loud in front of the class petrifies me, and I can’t talk out loud before thinking. Speaking in front of giant crowds somehow doesn’t bother me, but the idea of any kind of phone call sends me sprinting in the other direction. I am fine with this, but it sometimes seems like the high school tries to teach introversion out of students. I don’t think teachers deliberately try to condition students into extrovertedness, but I think high school trains students to value it in leaders at least to some capacity. Fishbowls, debates, group activities and large group discussions naturally lean towards those who are the loudest. For me, in fishbowls and debates where participation is graded, I find it hard to actually listen to and appreciate what people think because I can’t stop thinking about how much I haven’t said yet. The fear of talking and debating in that setting negates any learning I would have done through other people sharing their research and thoughts. I don’t think group activities are bad at all. They are beneficial to both introverts and extroverts in sharing and exchanging ideas. But, I feel like teachers sometimes think not having any group activities is a bad thing. Lectures can get boring, but they can also be really interesting. Obviously just having lecture with no interaction would get boring, but as an introvert

I always appreciate the opportunity to just sit back and learn without having to worry about talking as well. The popularity of the book “Quiet” by Susan Cain has raised some sort of awareness about how introversion isn’t an inherently bad thing. But, in society, being outspoken is still viewed as almost an essential quality in a leader. Competitions for captains of sports and leaders in activities can tend to lean towards those who are outgoing. Those people might and can be great leaders, but they’re not the only ones. Introverts can be leaders as well. Listening and being calm in stressful situations, being able to work individually and being more inclined to form close relationships with just a few people can beneficial qualities in leading a group. Their are other beneficial qualities that extroverts have in being a leader as well. Both introverts and extroverts can be bad leaders as well. One quality does not necessarily lead to the other. The leaders themselves we study in school aren’t always extroverted. Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and Warren Buffet are all famous introverted leaders. Leading by example is a strong type of leadership, and valuing listening over talking isn’t a bad thing. Performers such as Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Emma Watson all identify as introverts, as well as about 40% of CEOs. Leading by example is not any less legitimate than being a more vocal leader. Unfortunately, sometimes the system of the high school can pass over that.

Adjusting to #adulthood BY ADDIE MARZINSKE You wake up on your 18th birthday, congratulations, you’re now an adult. Certain rules don’t apply to you anymore, but new ones now do. You no longer have a legal curfew… that’s a plus, but if you’re a guy you do need to sign up for the draft. Because you’re 18 you can go get a cool tattoo. Now that I think about it tattoos are really expensive and your parents no longer have to pay for well… really anything, even food. Hey, you can vote, although you can also be selected for jury duty, but that’s not so bad. The biggest plus of being 18 is that you can do almost anything, and you don’t need your parents’ permission. That’s what you’ve always wanted right? Sadly, if like me, you turned 18 in high school and you still live at home, I’m sorry to say, but you’ll probably get stuck with a lot of new rules versus a lot of freedom. You don’t have a legal curfew, but your newly freed legal guardians also don’t have to keep the front door unlocked all night either. You can’t be grounded anymore, but the cold shoulder is all too real.

[ 18 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

So when do you really become an adult? Obviously not when you start being referred to as one because we know how that goes. My favorite is when my mom comes to me and starts the conversation off with “I know you’re an adult now, but I would really prefer…” or the situation where suddenly my “#adulthood” gets thrown out the window when I’m making the choice between going to dinner with friends and staying home because “you’re never home.” They say the choice is yours and that they can’t make you do anything now, but can’t they? I like free meals and my warm bed. My question is when does adulthood really begin; when you move out and are finally on your own? If so why is turning 18 such a big deal? Legally I can be and will be counted as an adult but at home will that ever be the case? My problem with these ever-changing rules is that if I am never given the chance to be an adult how will it be possible for me to not be dependent on others? What will happen once I really do get out of this place and begin “#adulting”?

Literally STOP

Cheating yourself BY SOPHIE BRANDSER Why do people think it is okay to ask for pictures of homework through text? After spending hour on hours trying to complete my homework, I find it extremely unfair and irritating for other people to expect me to send that work to them. Classmates of mine that barely even talk to me will send me a text asking for a picture of an assignment. I feel so pressured to send the picture, but I hate the fact that they just expect me to show them my work. When a teacher assigns homework, they are assigning it to every single student in the class. There should not be single students in the class who do the work and get pestered for answers. If you don’t do your own homework, that’s your own problem and you should not get credit for the assignment. It is important for students to do their own homework so that they can grasp the topics being taught in class. Doing homework is supposed to help kids do well on quizzes and tests, and by not doing it themselves they are only making studying harder. If you need help with the homework, I will explain a problem to you, but I am not going to hand the whole assignment over so that you can copy my work.

BY KATE STAGER I hate to break it to you, but there’s a good chance you’re being super annoying and you don’t even know it. You know the most overused phrases as of late that we’re all tired of hearing? “Goals AF,” “I will cut someone,” and “yaaaaaaasssss.” But someone needs to step in now, and beg of us all: STOP IT. GOALS AF!!! Like seriously? These kinds of sayings have become so popularized by the internet. And sure, it’s funny on the internet, but I could never seriously bring myself to use them in everyday life. The other day, I saw someone that had a hat that said that exact phrase written on it. C’mon guys, it sounds ridiculous. “Oh my gosh, I will cut you!” No, you won’t. This I often hear from people when driving or when I’m sitting in the passenger seat. You’re sitting behind the wheel of a Chevy and you have groceries from Cub melting in the back seat and you’re in the parent pick up line at your kid’s school. You’re not going to be cutting anyone anytime soon, so please stop saying you will. Honestly, the one I hear most is “yaaaaaaasssss.” People say it’s an expression of excitement, but why can’t people just say “yes” or “yes!” instead of a long dragged out version usually in a volume several times louder than the conversation? While slang is undoubtedly one of the more interesting aspects of language, there are some terms we just really need to cut out of our vocabulary. Or, people can use a billion other words or phrases that work as an alternative.

Do you have to fidget? BY CARTER AAKHUS Trends come and go in high school. I typically do not give a care in the world with how people spend their time and money. I do, however, find the latest trend to come through these doors to be particularly annoying. The name of this? Fidget spinners. Fidget spinners are basically a toy that you use to spin. Yes, that’s all it is. It isn’t a toy like the Rubik’s Cube, which is a great toy that makes you think. Many of these fidget spinners cost in the range of $10-$20. The most annoying part about them is how distracting they are in class. When I am trying to learn, I’d rather not listen to the soft-but-just-annoying-enough buzz that they give off. Not to mention how visually distracting they are. If someone is toying with a spinner in front of me or next to me, I find myself entranced by it. Fidget spinners are expensive, dumb trinkets that are a waste of your money and a distraction. If you do buy one, please don’t screw around with it while I’m there.

To all drivers, I’m sorry BY DUSTIN WOLF If I brake too hard at the stop sign, I’m sorry. If I drive too slow, I’m sorry. If I forget to signal when I make turns, I’m sorry. I sometimes, in general, just forget how to drive. I just passed my permit test, and I’m new to the roads. Being a new driver is scary, and I won’t stop saying sorry for awhile now. Six more months to be exact. Everyone has to start somewhere. I have practiced on streets where there isn’t much traffic, but I think it’s time I step up to the big leagues and start to use the roads that have more traffic. I know that I’m not the greatest driver, but I think I’m better than some of the drivers that have been driving longer than me. For example, this guy was turning left and he then proceeded to drive down the center of the street right onto a double yellow line. My dad turned to me and said, “Wow, you took that turn better than that guy.” I don’t ever want to be “that guy.” If I’m parking, sometimes I just want to apologize to whoever is around about to see this horrendous parking job I’m about to do. I tend to park far away from anyone so I don’t scrape their car. I tend to drive in the right hand lane so I don’t slow down the speeders; better they get caught than me. I tend to put on my blinker way before I really need to; just thinking ahead. So, in the long run, I think I will just get a bumper sticker that reads, “I’m sorry.”

Being treated like kids: Language teachers are using phone pockets BY ANNA LARIONOVA Having to put my phone away into a childlike phone pouch every time I walk into French is getting annoying, and it’s only been happening this year. If teachers don’t trust us to the extent that they’re requiring kids to put their phones in a phone pocket, what has the world come to? Phones are often forgotten and could be stolen with this strategy, and the issues outweigh the benefits. The worst part is that I swear it creates more commotion than just letting students have phones. Every day, a dozen people complain about the phone pockets for at least five minutes, which takes away from my learning. Besides, just the fact that teachers think that students spend all their time on their phones is ridiculous. If I had my phone in French, I’d only use it to play music during work time. With other students, even if they’re goofing around on their phones, it’s their fault. Distracting students by making them miss their phones isn’t much of a solution. I’m tired of being treated like a toddler with toys, and I think many other students are, too.

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adjusting to college

College As we near the end of the school year, the Eyrie staff looks ahead to life after high school.

choosing a major

other options

[ 20 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

adjusting to the new

could be in the room, when we should be loud/ quiet, and our bedtimes.” she said. “It took a little while to get comfortable with each other, but I am a pretty or many, adjusting to college life can be an exciting and empowering time outgoing person, so we were able to talk to each other and get along pretty well.” in their lives. Living away from home and having no one to tell you what to do Over time Miller said the two were able to work out their difference much like means you’re finally independent. Riegert and his roommate did, but they eventually became friends and occasionMoving out is a big step and you learn what is best for you. Some people ally hang out. choose to focus on school and others choose to focus on friends and having fun. Getting to know someone, especially someone you know you will be seeing College is the time to grow as a student as well as a close to everyday for the next year can be hard to person. You no longer have to be the person you were do. For some people they connect right away with in high school, you will make new friends and find their roommate, some take time to adjust, and some new interests. But while you’re on this crazy and exnever get past just living together. Jen has said it citing journey, you may run into a few issues; you and was a little odd getting to know her roommate after your roommate don’t get along, you miss your family, moving in together, “We were randomly matched to or you’re having a hard time making the campus feel be roommates, so we didn’t know each other at all. I like home. got in contact with her over the summer so we could EPHS alumni Grady Riegert, now a junior at Iowa talk about some things, but I really didn’t get to know State University, and EPHS alumni Jen Miller, now a her until I moved in.” sophomore at the University of North Dakota both When it came to making campus and college as explained their experiences and struggles in adjusting a whole feel like home Miller said that it was a big to college life and what living with a roommate was adjustment “I got homesick a lot and still do.” But like for them, while also giving a little advice. after awhile she found a few ways to make her feel a When talking about living with a roommate, little closer to her family and friends back home in Riegert said, “For me it wasn’t too bad since I shared Minnesota, “I call or skype my family quite often, a room with my brother while growing up. A part because even just hearing their voices made me feel that was difficult for me was living with someone who better even if I can’t see them in person. I also have a had different morals and values than I have. With my lot of pictures of my home, my family and my friends brother we grew up the same way. We knew what to remind me that my family Is always with me even was expected of us. With my roommate all he wantif I am not there with them.” ed to do was focus on non-school activities.” Miller who cheered all four years at EPHS exRiegert explained that it took a while to adjust to plains the differences in expectations and commithis new living situation and that he and his roomments brought on by joining a college level sport, mate both struggled in finding a solution. “ I guess “The whole dynamic of college cheer is way different the hardest part was trying to balance everything than high school. Since it is school cheer and the skills with him and not trying to overstep my boundaries needed are usually harder. The time commitment and also make sure I didn’t get stepped on in the is much greater, you could have multiple practices, process.” After a while Riegert and his roommate games, and events in one week. There is no cutting came up with a plan that worked best for them both practice, you are expected to take all commitments of saying, “We set up some ground rules of lines that your sport very seriously. If you choose not to, there will not be crossed and that was helpful.” Riegert said are plenty of people ready to fill your spot. It is very the best way to set up these rules was to think of how hard sometimes, but I love it and wouldn’t trade it for your actions would affect the other person; and to anything.” jen miller understand that if you wouldn’t be okay with it going As stated in “The Culture Shock of Adjusting to ephs alumni and on in your room without your knowledge the other College” by College Parent Central “Students know UND sophomore person is likely to feel the same. that life at college is going to be different, and they In the end Grady said he and his roommate nevare excited, and perhaps a bit anxious, about starting er came to be best friends, but they are civil and look their adventure. But it’s difficult to anticipate how difSUBMITTED PHOTO at the past as a learning experience. When it comes ferent life may be when you don’t exactly know what to campus life and finding your place to fit in Riegert said, “It is what you make of to expect. College is, for many students, a foreign culture." Although the thought it. There is so much to do and you just have to go find your niche and figure out of getting away from home where everyone knows who you are can be exhilaratwhat works for you.” ing, especially with the possibility of reinventing yourself, we will all experience Sophomore Jen Miller also had a difficult time adjusting to living with a challenges in college, but hopefully with a little insight on the college experience roommate. “It was very difficult for me at times because I had to work around from two EPHS alumni you can go into it with a little more ease and a few tricks someone else’s schedule and we had to compromise on certain things like who to making college feel like home as much as possible.

BY ADDIE MARZINSKE

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having it all figur

BY ALLY COTTRELL

About 50% of incoming college students are undecided about their majors. About 80% of college students change their majors at least once, with most changing at least three times before they graduate. Of course, there are also students on the opposite side of the spectrum. They decided what they wanted to do with their lives before they even got to their senior year, and they have explored that field in high school as well. Here are two of them: seniors Gabby Thomas and Caleb Martin.

what posts are doing well,” Thomas said. She started working with the owner towards the beginning of April, and she is currently working on logo ideas and where they want to take the company first. Thomas usually works independently. She has third hour open for the internship and sometimes has fourth hour open, depending on whether or not she has TDMP that day. “I’ll either just meet with her for the day or she’ll say, like, okay, here’s what I want you to get done and then I’ll just sit in a coffee shop and do that,” she said. In college, Thomas plans on majoring in graphic design and minoring in advertising. Whether or not her goals shift slightly over the next four years at Iowa State, Thomas will be well prepared for that future with what she has done here at EPHS.

Gabby Thomas Iowa State

Advertising and Graphic Design PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

Gabby Thomas decided she wanted to do advertising and graphic design during freshman year of high school. She decided on going to Iowa State her sophomore year, and she is currently helping the owner of a company rebrand her business. She has already laid out her future and is well on the path towards achieving it. Thomas is currently in the Talent and Development Mentorship Program, or TDMP, here at the high school. Through this, she did a job internship at Target and enjoyed it immensely. “I worked with their creative director, so I think I’d like to work at Target or maybe move on to a magazine after that,” she said. In TDMP, after doing job shadows, participants move onto to finding and settling on a mentor. There was an opportunity to do graphic design, and so Gabby decided on that internship. She now works with a laughing yoga business that works on mental health. “It focuses on if you fake a smile it sends endorphins and actually makes you happier even if you’re really mad at the time,” Thomas said of the business. The company goes through exercises with corporate offices such as Best Buy, sororities and fraternities and other large group events, so there is no actual location or office building for the business. Thomas’s role is helping rebrand the company by assisting in a new name, look and goals for it. “I’ll be helping her design her website and newsletters and social media platforms, and monitor how many visits we’re getting to sites and

[ 22 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

Logo sketches done by Thomas during her internship

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Caleb martin New York University Neuroscience SUBMITTED PHOTO

Martin started working at the North Memorial Medical Center in May of last year. He mainly works in discharge, which involves bringing wheelchairs to patients and helping them leave the hospital. But, he has also done more general things like help visitors navigate the high school and sort medical supplies, and he also volunteered at their golf tournament. In Martin’s junior year, he was more undecided on whether he wanted to enter the medical field or not. And, if he did want to, he didn’t know whether he wanted to work in a hospital itself or work more in the research side of things. “Volunteering at North was my very first step in trying to find out if I liked the hospital atmosphere,” he said. He decided originally to volunteer at a hospital for this reason, and also because he had heard of people volunteering at places like Fairview and other hospitals around the Twin Cities and wanted to try it out. North won out because it was further away from Eden Prairie than the other options. Through the year-long experience thus far, Martin has found that he really enjoys working in a hospital. “I like the people, the atmosphere and the feeling that we’re actually accomplishing something great,” he said. Further along down the road, Martin wants to work for the Alzheimer’s Association. He’s been heavily involved with DECA here at EPHS and competed in nationals this April, so he’s already versed in the world of business and management. He wants to blend that passion with a possible neuroscience major in helping cure Alzheimer’s. For most of his high school experience, Martin thought that he wanted to go purely into business. However, a year ago, before he began volunteering at North, he began to think about doing something more. “Working to help Alzheimer’s research is something I could be really proud of and look forward to each day,” Martin said. Martin is not against changing his mind, however. He changed his goal after volunteering at the hospital from the business towards the medical field, and he said he’s looking forwards to more decisions like that that’ll help him figure out what he wants to do with his life. Until then, however, this is his initial plan.

options

BY MUKUND VENKATESWARAN

red out

post-secondary

or many, college seems like the absolute and only option after high school, but with around 90% of each EPHS class enrolled in post-secondary education, what are the other 10% of students doing? Students who don’t enroll in college directly after high school typically want to get involved in the real world quicker than college allows. Senior Tommy Heil, for example, is enrolling in a gap semester program called Up With People to travel the world, sing and volunteer in communities. “I’ll be going around the world with 100 people, about 59 of those from the U.S.,” he said. “It’s about making the world a better place. We do community work wherever we go.” Participation in this program will help Heil get acquainted with the world quickly while doing something he loves. Although Heil is taking a gap semester, he is still able to obtain college credits through an online college. “I’m taking some credits through Florida state online, and I’ll probably attend the University of Minnesota or ISU when I get back.” Military options are not uncommon as post-secondary options for students. Senior Laurence Brennan is going straight to active duty in the U.S. Army after high school. “I chose active duty over ROTC because I wanted to see action and under no circumstances get stuck behind a desk,” said Brennan. Direct involvement was very important to him when choosing a post-secondary option, and college didn’t seem like the right option directly after high school. “I felt an obligation to serve my country, and I knew I wasn’t ready for college yet,” he said. Brennan plans on using the post-GI bill, a bill that gives education benefits after active duty, to attend school afterwards. College isn’t for everyone. Students should explore their options before choosing what to do after high school rather than going with the majority.

All statistics collected from a email survey of EPHS seniors done by the Eyrie staff GRAPHICS BY RACHEL JOHNSON

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Girls Tennis

Track

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON

Boys Track [ 24 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

Offcourt with Oliver

New Era in Minnesota BY: OLIVER TAYLOR

Tennis

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN WOLF

Badminton

With the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected the most terrorizing, dominant and unstoppable running back of this generation, Adrian Peterson. Although Peterson was never able to lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl, he sits as a three time NFL Rushing Champion and the 2012 NFL MVP. Peterson has firmly entrenched himself as a bona fide Hall of Fame player. With age, injury and contractual demands, the Vikings elected to let Peterson leave in free agency, and he signed a two-year, $7million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Seeing Peterson in another uniform will leave a sharp burn in the hearts of many Vikings fans. But between free agency addition Latavius Murray and 2nd round draft pick Dalvin Cook, the Vikings shouldn’t miss Peterson on the field. With a tandem of Jerrick McKinnon and Matt Asaita carrying most of the load last season, the Vikings finished last in team rushing yards per game. Beyond the new running back additions, the Vikings addressed various other positions of need through free agency and the draft. Pat Elflein, center, Ohio State University, was selected in the 3rd round. Pro Football Focus ranked the Vikings as the 4th worst offensive line in the league, but in addition to Pat Elflein, the Vikings also acquired new offensive tackles additions Mike Remmers and Riley Reiff. The Vikings offense won’t suddenly propel to elite levels, but Murray is an established running back. Many executives consider Cook to be just as good as, if not better than, Leonard Fournette, who went 37 picks higher. Between the refined run game and bolstered offensive line, quarterback Sam Bradford should only be able to improve from last season’s production, where he posted the highest completion percentage in history last year. With all the new additions, a return to the playoffs is very much within the grasp of the Vikings. Even if the Vikings offense is shaky at best, their defense is nothing short of elite. They ranked 3rd in total yards per game and passing yards per game. The Vikings weakness comes in stopping the run, where they ranked a measly 20th in rushing yards per game. Due to the Vikings shortage of high draft picks, only minor defensive additions could be made. Jaleel Johnson, defensive tackle, Iowa, was selected in the 4th round. With the news of the Vikings’ current defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd’s career being over due to knee nerve damage, Johnson has the opportunity to make an early impact. Despite competing with a duo of playoff teams, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, in the NFC North, the Vikings should still have extremely high aspirations. Their defense alone should carry them to most victories, and their offense has seen significant improvements. Superstar wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey rejected more years and more money from the Vikings to sign with the Eagles, so the Vikings need to prove to not only the rest of the league, but themselves, that they’re a force to be reckoned with. Le’Veon Bell, Alshon Jeffrey, Jimmy Graham and Kam Chancellor headline the group of superstars available in free agency next summer, and if the Vikings want a chance to sign any of them, they’ll need to have a successful season.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Boys Lacrosse

PHOTOS BY KATE STAGER

Girls Lacrosse [ 26 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

PHOTO BY ALLISON FENSKE

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Holm Gets Results

Andre Espindola, Claire Zurn, Varun Kamath, McKinley Swift and Merili Roberts: 35 Alyssa Maes, Sanjana Sharma, Sally Pearson, and Mitchell Gardner and Evan Liu: 34 Adam Riester, Ben Becker, Kelly Meyer, Catherine Lee, Aneesha Andrew, and Jack Frakes: 33 Cameron Dobler: from a 25 to a 32! Sara Haines: from a 28 to a 32! An improvement by 7 for Erin Peterson 6 by Katie Garten, and 4 by Elijah Fourre and Meghan Kuntz

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PHOTOS BY KATE STAGER

Baseball

PHOTOS BY INIKA SHETTY AND EMMA SWANSON

Softball [ 28 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Boys and Girls Golf

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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GRAPHIC BY RACHEL JOHNSON

Romanticizing the truth Netflix series starts both a conversation and a controversy over teens’ mental health and suicide awareness

BY RACHEL JOHNSON

etflix has made binge watching shows incredibly easy, but the content is not always so mindless. “Thirteen Reasons Why,” a show based on a book by Jay Asher and co-produced by pop singer Selena Gomez , has become a popular Netflix original series. Ever since the show was released in April, it has generated controversy. The major critique of the show has been that it glorifies of serious topics such as suicide and projects a romanticized image of substance abuse, mental health, and rape. Sophomore Aubrey Mathews said, “The show is just too graphic and triggering with the entirety of the mental health problem. I seriously did not think it added to the show itself.” The show’s main character, Hannah Baker, displays signs of depression but the illiness is not handled in a healthy way, according to critics. Another main character, Clay, believes he was truly in love with Hannah Baker, but watchers of the show said love is not the remedy to suicide and depression. “It’s toxic to promote the idea that a group of minors could be wholly responsible for the death of a girl with an untreated mental illness,” said junior Genevieve Belote. This aside, the show has many students binge watching every episode. “13 Reasons Why” features thirteen tapes that are passed to people who Hannah blames for her death. These revenge tapes sparked controversy and made many students question the realism of the show. “I think this is the most cliche show ever because the message of show is what high school is like times two. Everything in the show is too much,” said senior Mohamed Omar. A dramatization of high school is understandable in a show, but the show is triggering for many watchers. In the final episode of the show, Hannah finally seeks help from a profes-

[

sional school counselor. She pleads with the counselor asking if her rapist would go to jail if she came forward with her story. He continually gets distracted by his phone and gives no hope to Hannah. In fact, his advice is simply to move on from the trauma unless she has evidence. Steve Banks, an EPHS social worker, said the show’s counselor displayed, “negligence, and I am glad it was just acting. It was poorly portrayed, and I do not agree with how he handled it at all.” Banks also believes that Eden Prairie counselors would have handled it differently by validating her feelings. “Part of depression is that when you hear things it is a little bit distorted. Some of the feelings you have are a little bit distorted. They are not based on facts, but people don’t understand that or don’t believe that,” Banks said. The show opens a dialogue if nothing else, Belote said. There are a vast array of topics displayed in the show that can help parents begin to discuss and talk with their child. An email was sent from Eden Prairie schools to give parents of high school and middle school students talking points with their child about “Thirteen Reasons Why.” Some include why suicide is never a heroic or romantic action and also includes the intense Hollywood portrayal of mental illness. Senior Emily Pederson took a positive message from the show because the intense nature of the show allows teens to empathize with others. “You might not even realize what everyone has to deal with,” Pederson said. The show follows the lives of the people Hannah Baker blamed for her suicide to not only capture their reactions, but different problems students deal with. Aubrey Mathews said the whole show felt too unrealistic to be set in an actual high school because the situations are overly dramatic. “But this is not every student’s experience with mental health and is not accurate when it comes to how everyone handles it,” she said.

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“It’s toxic to promote the idea that a group of minors could be wholly responsible for the death of a girl with an untreated mental illness.”

[ 30 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

Sending Mixed Messages PHOTO ILLUSRATION BY KATE STAGER

BY EMILEE JACOBSON

“Thirteen Reasons Why” a compelling, dark, 13-episode series recently made its debut on Netflix. Based on Jay Asher’s novel, the producers of the series had intentions to spark caution and awareness about a controversial topic and portray the implications of suicide. Yet in reality, it polarized viewers, leaving some to believe it departed from the main idea of the novel and romanticized suicide. Although the novel and series both intended to spread the same message--treat people kindly for you never know what battles they may face--it wasn’t received in such a positive manner by all. Senior Annika Peterson had read the novel prior to watching the series. Although she found no issue with the novel, of the series she said, “The novel focused primarily on Hannah’s internal struggles with depression and anxiety, whereas the show focused more on the blame of students around her.” Peterson is not alone in this sentiment. Some argue the series’ adaptation, which was produced by Selena Gomez and Brian Yorkey, takes a major departure from the novel’s main idea. Sophomore Megha Paracha felt the series did an injustice to the novel’s overall message and meaning: “I think the whole point of the series was to get audience members. The book took the right initiative by trying to gain awareness rather than seek out viewers.” The novel covers Hannah Baker’s story within 256 pages.While it depicts Hannah’s depression and mental illnesses as the major standpoint of the story, viewers fail to hear it once throughout the Netflix series, according to people critical of the show. Instead, viewers are led to blame the classmates behind it rather than the illness Hannah Baker truly faces. Many believe this fault in plot potentially takes away from the true meaning behind the story itself. “I think the show would have greatly benefited by creating a more realistic depiction of what suicidal thoughts are like rather than investing so much time within the other character’s feelings,” said Peterson. The premise of the series surrounded the same overall plot, but at times drifted from Hannah’s story to the rest of the characters. The novel was primarily focused upon Hannah Baker as the protagonist and the 13 recorded tapes of her explaining the events and individuals that led to her death. The tapes were then handed off by a close friend to each individual after her suicide, implying to some that her death was more of a game than a tragedy. “As someone who struggles with mental health issues, it made me sick to see her turning her suicide into some kind of game for people,” said Peterson. Senior Elena Page not only disagreed with the series’ focus of plot, but also disagreed with the way Hannah was portrayed in the series: “Hannah romantically victimized herself to depression and suicide.” Published in 2007, the novel casually introduces topics such as alcohol, rape

and partying but with a less prominent focus. Meanwhile, the Netflix series truly depicts the modernization of a millennial world through social media, frequent drug use, and current slang. Some, including Page, argue this adaptation creates an over-dramatized version of actual high school and creates an unnecessary appeal to gain a wider audience. “No one was actually grieving throughout the episodes and none of it was realistic,” said Page of the Netflix series. “The book was written with such a stronger message.” Some students on the other hand, say the Netflix series can help teens develop empathy. “After watching the show, I felt more aware of my surroundings. Whether I refrain from making a sarcastic comment or decide to not spread that one rumor, I realize that the things I say could just add up for someone who’s going through a really hard time,” said senior Kellie Fuhs. Despite their differences, both stories, on film and on paper, undoubtedly prompt important conversations that were meant to be talked about much earlier than the year of 2017. In fact, the buzz of “Thirteen Reasons Why” debut on film has pushed the novel to the top 10 nation’s best sellers list. It has remained in the top 100 teen novels since 2007 - a stance rarely taken by such a modern book. Some have not praised the conversation the series and novel brings about. School districts throughout Canada have banned discussion of both storylines deeming it “disturbing” and “harmful” to young minds and ever since its publication, the book has been one of the most banned or challenged in school districts across the United States. Although the series sparked an array of commentary by all, its publicity clearly created a desire for more. Recently announced on Instagram by executive producer Gomez, a season 2 will be renewed in 2018 including thirteen new episodes. Along with the renewal comes new boundaries due to its controversy; all episodes will now be rated as MA (mature audience). Additionally, each episode will have a content warning at the beginning warning of graphic depictions of suicide and rape. In the midst of the controversy, fans still continue to be positively affected by the series and novel: “Everyone should watch ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ because it is eye-opening and scary realistic. Many teenagers can connect to the character’s personal battles because we’re all currently doing the same in our lives. It’s so important to understand the seriousness of suicide and this show takes a small glimpse at its reality,” said senior Charlotte Smith.

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Sara Finocchi is an exchange student from Italy.

Ac ross the globe

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH BUSE

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Students expand their horizons by studying abroad BY ALLISON FENSKE

Traveling allows you get a glimpse of life in other parts of the world, but nothing immerses you in a culture quite like living and going to school in a different country. A few Eden Prairie high school students are getting to understand this firsthand by being a part of foreign exchange programs to take classes across the world. We were able to talk to a couple EPHS students, one who has arrived here from Italy and the other planning to study abroad for the majority of 2018. Junior Nate Bent sent an application for a year-long abroad program, and in April, he found out that he would be spending his senior year studying in Germany. He interviewed alongside thousands of other students across the United States and was chosen to be one of fifty students in the Midwest to be a part of the trip. A culture shock is to be expected as this will be the first time Bent is leaving the country. He will most likely be staying in a smaller town in Germany where he will have to dive head first into the customs of the region. Having done a bit of research, Bent compared the country to a nice, German-engineered car. “Everyone is very punctual and on time,” he said, expressing the difference between American and German habits. “They all dress so nice as well. There’s no set uniform or anything, they just do it.” Despite the daunting idea of spending eleven months in another country, Bent is extremely grateful for the amazing trip. “Opportunity of a lifetime. I’m so excited,” Bent said. On the other side of the foreign exchange program, a few Eden Prairie high school students have welcomed people from across the globe into their homes. Junior Sydney Neuman took in senior Anges Jusselme last year at the end of December after many months of living with uncomfortably with an awkward family.

[ 32 ] · theeyrie.org · May 2017

“It’s pretty easy to get an exchange student,” Agnes said and explained that you just need to be interviewed and have your house checked for safety concerns. Her original host family made her feel very unwelcome by never really conversing with her and never taking her out to experience Eden Prairie. When Agnes joined the Eden Prairie High School Girls Swim and Dive team, Sydney Neuman immediately befriended her and realized how upset she was in her current living situation. The Neuman family decided to take Agnes’ happiness into their own hands and try to “adopt” her and bring her into their household. “It wasn’t a pleasant experience to get her, but I’m glad we did it,” said Sydney’s mom, explaining the painstaking process of bringing Agnes into their home. Sydney and her family are finally giving Agnes the experience she had dreamed of, as well as learning so much about France and it’s culture. Sara Finocchi, a junior exchange student from Italy, has been living with junior Alix Condit and her family for the last three months and and loving it. Finocchi’s decision to come to the United States was quite spontaneous, and the Condits were able to give her a place to experience American culture. “My first year of high school, I knew about this experience. When my best friend decided to do it, I decided to go to,” Finocchi said. Three of her best friends are currently in different states across the United States. She was able to visit one of them over spring break at their home in Wisconsin. Alix plans on bringing Sara on countless adventures during her stay, including showing her all the hotspots in downtown Minneapolis and taking her to the best restaurants. Her visit might be short, but both Alix and Sara plan on making the most of the warm weather in upcoming months before she returns home in June. Traveling to another country for as long as these foreign exchange students are is such a rewarding opportunity that not many people get to experience in their life, and being able to give someone that experience is important and so

A conservative

Ally Tries

A questionable humor column becomes a questionable advice column

viewpoint on the presidency BY ANNA LARIONOVA Donald Trump’s approval rating is at 45 percent, according to Fox News. This could be because, just like the Republicans at EPHS, people tend to have varying opinions on all of Trump’s promises, both kept and unkept. One thing that can be agreed on is Trump’s fast pace to get things done. “He’s doing things pretty quickly, and I like that,” said sophomore Nolan Bastyr. So far, Trump implemented a travel ban that was shot down in court, supported a replacement plan for Obamacare that did not pass and dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb on Afghanistan. As for promises not kept, construction for his famous wall has not started. One promise that Trump made was beating ISIS. On April 13, the “mother of all bombs,” a nearly 22,000 pound non-nuclear bomb, was dropped. Senior Nelson Linscott liked the aggressive military stance. “It sent a message to not only ISIS but to North Korea,” he said. One of his favorite things about the bomb was that it wasn’t about keeping promises. It was about defeating ISIS and establishing Trump as an influential leader in the world. Bastyr also liked the use of the bomb and its ability to weaken ISIS. “I really hope we can get ISIS out of the way because I can’t stand seeing that stuff going on in the news.” As for senior Julie Underwood and Parker Hewitt, they like how this bomb turned out, but they fear that too much military aggression. “I fear a policy of quick, rapid decisions for military action will become the norm,” said Hewitt. While Trump’s military stance is popular among Republicans, health care brought about mixed feelings. A new healthcare plan has not been passed yet. “The promise he made that appealed to me was getting a replacement for Obamacare,” said Linscott, and he was disappointed by the bills that were proposed. Hewitt also did not like the plans that Republicans had, but he was more angry that they did not spend more time on it while they had time. “Republicans had 8 years to find an alternative, and it’s disappointing they could not make anything happen.” Underwood is upset that a repeal and replacement plan has not passed yet. Other promises that caught Underwood’s eye were the travel ban and the border wall. When the travel ban was implemented, she did not like its connotation. “You can’t just ban a country that is predominantly one religion,” she said. As for the promise not yet kept, she also did not agree with the border wall that Trump said would slow down illegal immigration. Underwood said that one large wall covering the entire southern border would be too much, but she said, “If he does a few key cities, that would probably work better.” As for the future, Underwood wants more unity, even within parties. She said, “I just want the Republican party to finally work together.”

to be funny

BY ALLY COTRELL

A questionable humor column becomes a questionable advice column

We’re coming up on that time of the year when seniors become nostalgic and emotionally instable about their past four years at EPHS. We, as I am one of them, also sometimes think ourselves such experts at these aforementioned nostalgic yearnings that we try to impart our “wisdom” on underclassmen and incoming freshmen. Contrary to contrary popular belief, I would like to tell all those who would be the recipients of our advice to not take it. Granted, this is a humor column (or I have tried to make it so over the past four issues), so any advice to come out of it should be questioned thoroughly before even possibly taking it. Even so, I still think that any advice from a senior should be taken with a grain of salt (maybe even a few). Sure, we’re as much “experts” on the topic of high school as anybody else who has gone through their four years, but I don’t think there is such thing as an expert. You can be an expert on your specific high school experience, but expanding that to everybody doesn’t make sense. Any advice I give to underclassmen would just be advice I would want to give to my freshman self. And, while she did need a lot of advice and if I think about her for too long my cringing becomes too much for the abs I don’t have, I wouldn’t want to go back and actually tell her any of it. The inherent problems of time travel aside, without her mistakes I would never become me. I’m going to stop talking about my past self in the third person before that gets too philosophical, and I’m not able to crawl up out of that hole of deep and emotional-crisis-causing questions. I don’t have time for that right now. But, I think the point still stands. “Join lots of clubs” and “get involved early” notwithstanding, a lot of the other pieces of advice giving by departing seniors are only really understood and gained through personal experience. Things like “be yourself,” while pleasantly inspiring on the outside, assumes the receiver goes into high school having a deep and confident image of their true self, which seems doubtful. I came into the high school barely knowing how to get to the high school despite coming here for various sports since the fourth grade. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, to recipients of senior advice, try out any advice that you want to. But, just because it comes from an “expert” doesn’t mean it’s necessarily for you. Or, maybe it is, and you could be completely right in ignoring this advice as well (in a roundabout way, it’s also senior advice, though questionable). Now that I’ve utterly confused myself about whether or not I am giving the advice that I’m also against, here is one piece of advice that I’m 100% sure is questionable. But, through some senior-compulsive nostalgia, I can’t help but write it out anyway. Take it, or not, I will have absolutely no way of knowing (as this is a one-way conversation). But, if you even slightly consider it, congrats on making it this far into the article, and I dearly hope it works for you. 1. Always try something new (perhaps even joining the Eyrie?)

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As the school year comes to a close, students are getting excited about summer break. Not everyone has the opportunity to travel far placeXs by plane like we wish we could, so what places are there in Minnesota to check out over the summer? You’d be quite surprised what you could do in a day with a car.

COOL PLACES TO GO STORY AND PHOTOS MICKEY VENKATESWARAN

TAYLORS FALLS Taylor’s Falls is a state park just outside of Chisago and is only an hour and a half drive from Eden Prairie. Drive up there in the morning, and you can spend the whole day hiking, enoing in the trees or even rent a boat. There are gorgeous views, and there is a very interesting history around the place as lava used to flow there and there are many potholes that are a result of glaciers. Afterward go eat at a local restaurant in Chisago.

stillwater Stillwater is a small city a little less than an hour away from Eden Prairie. With lakes and a more rural setting, it’s a fun area to explore for a day. Take a few friends and even stay for a night at a cheap hotel.

gooseberry falls Gooseberry Falls and Splitrock Lighthouse are two sights near Duluth. These might be a stretch to do in a day since it will take around three hours to drive each way, but it is still doable. Gooseberry Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that you can even walk on in some places and also has some hiking trails. Splitrock Lighthouse is a pretty lighthouse off the North shore of Lake Superior and is another beautiful sight. Duluth also has many good restaurants that are worth checking out if you’re spending the day there.

shadow falls Shadow Falls is a small park in St. Paul, so not too much of a drive from Eden Prairie. You can spend the day picnicking, hiking, and looking at the small waterfall. The park even has biking trails so you can take a ride through the park.

downtown mn If all else fails, there are always things to do in Minneapolis. There are many concerts and events running at the U of M campus yearround and always good places to eat on campus as well. Eat street is also a great place to go as there are a ton of different local restaurants you can eat at, and you can’t really go wrong wherever you choose to eat.

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JUMP SUMMER Into SUMMER CONCERT CALENDAR BY ALLISON FENSKE

Blackbear @ The Myth on June 7

Lady Gaga @ Xcel Energy Center on August 21

Bruno Mars @ Xcel Energy Center on August 5

Miike Snow @ First Avenue on July 3

Coldplay @ US Bank Stadium on August 12

Bon Iver @ Walker Art Center on July 22

Ed Sheeran @ Xcel Energy Center on July 1

John Legend @ Northrop on June 7

Guns N’ Roses @ US Bank Stadium on aJuly 30

Misterwives @ FIrst Avenue on June 29

Justin Bieber @ US Bank Stadium on August 18

Queen @ Xcel Energy Center on July 14

What’s next for summer? BY EMMA SWANSON

“I am a camp counselor, and I am going on vacation probably.” -Junior Mira Subramanian “I am going to be living with a host family in Nicaragua and managing health care and civil rights projects.” -Junior Olivia Owens

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SUMMER BUCKET LIST BY ELIZABETH BUSE

Visit an ice cream shop Go to a drive in movie Go swimming in a pool or lake

Go fishing

Go to the Quarries

Go on a hike

Visit the library

Have a bonfire and make s’mores

Watch the sunset

Attend a free concert

Have a cookout

Grow something

Go hammocking

Buy something at a garage sale

Have a picnic

Make something you can wear

Go on a road trip or day trip

Go to Valleyfair

Visit a Museum

Tie dye something

Play beach volleyball

Go biking or skateboarding

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Visit the Humane Society

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Eno Spots By: Mickey Venkateswaran

Starring lake

Lake Ann

Riley Lak

Backyard

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