The Hawk's Eye - Vol. 4, Issue #1 by thehawkseye_lia

OCTOBER 2020

THE IMPACT OF ONLINE CLASSES ON STUDENTS a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective.

VOL. 4. ISSUE NO. 1

ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground!

FALL EDITION

FEATURED PHOTOS get to know our photographers in the new section of photo collages.

Managua, Nicaragua Lincoln International Academy October 9th, 2020 To our dearest readers, Thank you for your continuous support and for taking the time to read our first issue of the 2020-2021 year! The Hawk’s Eye always intends to inform you and connect the community in a safe and creative environment. As the current board we hope to continue the founder’s vision and mission, while improving our audience’s reading experience as much as possible. It has all been made possible through the hard work of our talented writers, creative photographers, advisors and you, our dear reader, for keeping up with us. Finally, congratulations to all students and staff members for surviving this first quarter! We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoy making them for you. Thank you once again and have a great day. Go Hawks! Best Regards, Natalie Rostran, President Kassandra Chung, Vice President Yosibel Cabrera, Secretary Antonella Delgadillo, Photographer-in-Chief Isabella Bravo, Co-Editor-in-Chief Ilayda Boucher, Co-Editor-in-Chief Jorge Casij, Public Relations Ana Valverde, Teacher Advisor Jewelia Walker, Teacher Advisor

IN THIS EDITION

WHAT IS STOPPING YOU FROM ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS? Melissa Bustos

HUSTLING THROUGH A PANDEMIC Natalie Rostran

THE IMPACT OF ONLINE CLASSES ON STUDENTS Alejandra Sequeira

SPORTS AND A PANDEMIC, TOUGH RELATIONSHIP? Valeria Del Carmen

HARMONY IN QUARANTINE AND VOICES FROM HOME Isabella Bravo

STUDENT ARTICLES

12 14 SHIBE - THE LIFE OF A SHIBA INU PLUSHIE Kassandra Chung

COLLAGES

BEAUTY IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS Collection of Photographers from Hawkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye

Hustling through a pandemic An overview of how much we have changed... We’ve all felt how life has drastically changed over the past year, ranging from minuscule to a complete change of view. As a society, we have been able to adapt in a short moment’s notice, so it’s a good time to pat yourselves on the back and acknowledge your survival! Regardless of the country or region, there have been attempts to decrease the ever so-high curve of total COVID-19 cases. Although Nicaragua doesn’t have government-enforced quarantine policies, many individuals have taken matters into their own hands to reduce the risk of getting infected and spreading the disease. These efforts may not be perfect, as many people are still going outside, ignorant of their likelihood of contracting the unpredictable disease. However, Nicaraguans have been known to survive the lowest of the lows, from wars to extensive periods of unrest, uniting to get through the next day. So, to continue this spirit, here is a quick overview of we have adapted life for everyone’s safety. In domestic aspects, people have opted for self-isolation, whether as a way of self-containment or a precautionary measure. The youngest members stay at home while continuing their studies online, having different options for off-campus learning. Unfortunately, many public schools have remained open without access to necessities like running water and sanitation products. Many have also become more relaxed in their counter-spreading practices, risking students, staff, and their loved ones alike. Online classes are not as accessible throughout the country, but when possible, many stay at home, especially in the case of private institutions.

By Natalie Rostrán

Teleworking has become the new reality for many working members of society, as face-to-face meetings become digital, and office jobs turn into stay-at-home alternatives. There are many disadvantages, such as sedentarism and physical strains of the eyes and back, but it has offered many opportunities for the closest family circles to get together. Since families can stay together for longer periods of time, they can share their breaks and interact at a more intimate level with their children’s academic and personal lives. This time has also offered moments for healthier cooking and recreation. In order to leave for previously simple errands, heavy precautions are constantly implemented, as people use masks, be it homemade or manufactured, to go outside. Nonetheless, it can be more tiring as it involves more thinking and effort for what would have been a quick stop at the grocery store, or a visit to other relatives. Due to this, out-of-home consumption has diminished, as people solely leave for indispensable tasks. However, delivery services have become a staple for this quarantine, replacing on-the-runs and errands not thought of before.

The members of society considered “essential workers” are now compelled to leave their homes and physically interact with clients, who may not always follow the risk-decreasing guidelines. From drivers to cashiers, pharmacists, and workers in the informal sector, many people potentially risk their lives to provide income for their families and serve others in these trying situations. Regardless of the activity people perform, leading world health organizations advice to always put in place simple but effective measures to prevent the spread of the virus. We should all try to help make their lives easier and their jobs safer by following experts’ advice of social distancing, quarantining, masks, and constant washing of hands.

Many supermarkets and private establishments require masks to enter as well as sanitizing their hands to enter their premises and access their services. Additionally, a group of companies under the campaign “Juntos Vamos a Superarlo” (Spanish for Together We’ll Overcome) have united to help roughly 22,000 families affected by the pandemic, offering a ray of light by donating necessities around the country. While many in the service industry are taking a hit, some small businesses are arising as people try to make ends meet, leading to an increase in delivery options and local transactions. Pharmacies and other businesses offer their own delivery or pick-up services in efforts to decrease physical contact while serving their community. Around four delivery companies (Hugo, Get My Food, Piki, Jumpers) have also become more prominent during this time of self-isolation, which was previously regarded as more of an occasional commodity. These have been so successful that new job opportunities have opened, Hugo increasing their drives from 300 up to 900 in a short time frame. While there is a recession in overall industries (tourism and hospitality have closed indefinitely), there are still people living in a false perception of reality who leave without exercising needed care, exposing themselves to crowded places without proper protection. The incredulous have a high chance of getting infected and unknowingly spread the virus during this time of uncertainty. The circumstances we are all phasing may seem surreal, and returning back to previous habits may be tempting, but we have to acknowledge that this is our current reality and we need to take as many precautions as we can. Try to think about what you are doing and how to improve it, making this time as tranquil as you can. Validate all your feelings and try to find inner peace, feeling joy in everything you do. If possible, try to help others get informed and make your own judgments backed with factual evidence.

Until we meet again!

The Impact of

Online Classes By Alejandra Sequeira With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to adapt many aspects of our lives. Among these aspects is our learning experience through school. Last school year, the administration had to take many sudden decisions about how the new Distance-Learning Program would work since the transition from in-school classes to online classes was rather abrupt. After some trial and error last year, the administration came up with a new plan for this school year, which they consider to be the best option. Some of the changes implemented were adding homeroom attendance online before class, changing the online classes dismissal time from 11:40 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., establishing a “No Homework” policy, etc. Since there was a change in the system, the impact on student’s lives changed as well. To know how the online classes have personally impacted high school students, a survey was sent to these students for them to anonymously comment on how online classes are affecting them.

One of the questions asked was how online classes were affecting students’ physical health. The majority of students (60.3%) answered that their physical health had not been affected by online classes. Among those who did feel that their physical health was being affected, there were mentions of back pains (20.8%), eye strain (14.4%), headaches (8%), etc. A student commented, “I was very stressed, and I got gastritis because of this. I also got many headaches, and my eyesight got bad, so I had to get glasses”. Many students have resorted to using glasses for the computer now, resulting in them developing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). People can develop the symptoms of this syndrome after prolonged exposure of the eyes to computer screens, which include: eye strain, headaches, red eyes, blurry vision, etc. Some treatments for CVS include the prescription of glasses for the computer, vision therapy, and anti-glare screen filters, among others. Recommended measures to prevent this include taking 15-minute breaks for every 2 hours of constant computer use, frequent blinking, positioning the computer in a way that it does not reflect light from lightbulbs or sunlight, etc.

on Students Students were also asked how online classes had affected their mental health. Slightly more than half of the students (58.7%) reported that their mental health had, in fact, not been affected by online classes. The most common complaints made by the students were suffering from stress (19.2%), continually feeling tired (6.4%), lacking motivation (4.8%), developing depression (4.8%), etc. One student commented that he/she would now “start feeling lonely and start crying randomly”. Another student said, “School was my safe place, a place where I could get away from my personal problems, and now that is all I think about”. Based on these answers and the corresponding percentages, many students have had detrimental effects on their mental health due to online classes. In addition to these health concern questions, the survey asked students if they felt that they were learning in online classes and if they felt that the school staff was supporting them enough. Only a minority of students (31.7%) answered “Yes”, as they did feel that they were learning from online classes. The rest of the answers were “A little” (47.6%), “No” (12.7%), and depending on the subject (8%). When asked if they felt that the school was providing them the support they needed, a majority of students (54%) answered “Yes”. Other answers were “No” (28.6%), “Sometimes/A little” (8%), and answers such as “They are good, but I wish that they could perhaps check-in on the students individually” or “I feel like I’m getting support from most of my teachers but some others just make this experience more stressful than it is”.

At the end of the survey, a comment section was placed to allow students to express concerns, opinions, etc freely. In this comment section, a common complaint was that teachers in regular classes were leaving homework despite the “No Homework” policy. Another complaint mentioned multiple times was regarding the overcomplication of math classes due to the platform currently being used: Savvas Realize, and the preference for physical books or ebooks used in previous years. Some students mentioned that they agreed with the idea of having classes online for the safety of everyone, but they dislike’ the school’s current system. Students' reactions to online classes have been widely varied, as demonstrated by the survey sent to collect this information. What could be concluded is that most students’ health has not been affected by the transition to online classes or the current Distance-Learning System; however, many students mentioned that they have been suffering from health issues as an effect of online classes. There is a wide variety of opinions about the current online classes system, but all students can agree on wanting it to run the smoothest way possible.

What is stopping you from

achieving your goals? By Melissa A. Bustos

Concluding freshman year, I was very unsatisfied with the way I had completed the year. I had terrible habits which such as staying up until 1 am finishing assignments, taking exams without studying for them the night before, and failing to pay attention in class due to being sleep deprived. I wanted to change these inferior habits into ones that would assist me in creating healthier habits, however, I was unmotivated and felt that it was too late. I waited for freshman year to be over so I could have a fresh start and clean slate. I was determined to create goals for myself that would improve my mental health for the upcoming school year. Although I was overwhelmed, I wanted to make a change. Even with this goal in mind, starting my Sophomore year, I failed miserably. I had ended up in the same trench and realized that change and achievements cannot happen unless one is willing to make a full 180-degree turn in their life. About 4 weeks into Sophomore year, I had completed research on how to successfully achieve your goals, and I had come to the conclusion that before beginning your journey, you need to aim high, start slow, celebrate, and keep going. When I read this phrase, I asked myself, “what, how, and why?”. Then it hit me like a bag of bricks.

Don’t let others set your goals for you Part of the reason why I wanted to create healthier habits for myself was that I kept on comparing my knowledge to my peers. I set the peak of my success at the level that I thought others were on. This was a major mistake.

I soon came to the vague realization that everyone is DIFFERENT. We have all heard that mellow repetitive phrase that we are constantly told by adults but the quicker we believe it, the better off we will be. NEVER compare yourself to others because we all have our own strengths and weaknesses. I needed to create goals for myself that I wanted to achieve. I had to want better grades for myself. Not because I wanted to be smarter than my classmates, but because I want to gain knowledge for MYSELF.

Understand what you consider to be “success” I had always fiddled with the term “success”. I had never felt satisfied with my success because I had always undermined my accomplishments due to comparing my goals and achievements with others. This brought about a cloud of unhappiness and disappointment. I would hope to achieve a 95 on a test, and when I would achieve it, my first thought would always be, “everyone got that score so it is no longer special”. I realized that I needed to change this thought process because if I always compared myself to what I considered worthy and successful to others, I would never be satisfied. For me, success means to feel accomplished and content for any task that you achieve. Success does not only mean getting good grades or being at the top of your class, but it means feeling prosperity or triumph in yourself for being able to achieve any task that you put your mind to.

Understand why your goal is important A thought that has recently passed my head is: “If I set a goal for every insignificant thing I do, won’t I be able to achieve anything I want?” This can differ for many people, but I knew that in order for me to achieve my goals, I needed them to be poignant and meaningful. I could not just set goals that did not have any importance. I needed them to play an important role in my life, and they needed to be goals that would affect and benefit my life for the best. Finally, always remember that your improvements and achievements are important. Whenever you set a goal for yourself, remember it’s significance and value. Find what motivates you to follow-through with these important goals. Lastly, I wish you the best luck in achieving them!

Sports and a Pandemic:

Tough Relationship? By Valeria del Carmen

This year has been filled with uncertainty for everyone because of the pandemic, especially for students and teachers following the start of a new school year. Even though several months have passed since the beginning of the pandemic, social distancing is still being reinforced and it limits students to online learning. Teachers, principles, and counselors have made many efforts to maintain the high quality of education students have received before the pandemic, making the LIA online experience more pleasurable. Sports teams are now given the opportunity to attend practices on campus to continue their intense training and to strengthen their skills. Due to this pandemic, students that attend sports after-school practices are required to follow certain responsibilities in order to maintain the safety of them and their peers. We interviewed 4 students that attend volleyball or soccer after-school practices and asked them about their feedback on how the system is structured. According to Emily Cuadra, a freshman in the Volleyball u14 team, “It is uncomfortable to wear a mask during the practice because it gets sweaty, I can’t breathe properly, and it is hard to follow the coach’s instructions due to the mask not allowing them to speak very clear.” It was also addressed by Maria Belen Carvajal, a freshman in the Volleyball u14 team, how “the practices often

collided with office hours and I wasn’t able to attend practice, so I would recommend for the schedule to be pushed later.” These are all valid concerns made by students that are giving their 100% to remain active in their teams and still taking the necessary precautions to remain healthy. Due to these concerns, our student-athletes have the collaborative opinion that the school could change the methods. Maria del Mar Icabalceta, a freshman in the Soccer u14 team, described the work done during the practices as “mostly focused and specialized on self-technique skills, rather than teamwork because of social distancing.” The change in activities was efficient and strategic for it allows the team members to explore their individual growth as athletes and make the most out of the situation It can be extremely difficult for the school’s athletes to maintain their regular sports practices and take the proper measurements to continue with a healthy lifestyle. However, even though hopelessness is very present within us, we must remain with a positive mindset to endure these tough times. We are all deeply grateful for the school’s administration and teachers for the excellent quality of education we have received and extremely proud of the vigorous efforts and discipline LIA’s athletes have had throughout the course of their training.

By Isabella Bravo The joy of music, as one may refer to it, has pleasured society for over centuries as it has become one of the most delightful forms of universal entertainment around the world. Being in the current state of a pandemic, and having society resorted to quarantining, has led many to have to find the best forms of entertainment from the comfort of their homes. The need for this entertainment has inspired many talented people to promote the art of music and even inspire new creative ideas for our community to indulge in. One of those many creative outlets being “Voices from Home” a project started during the summer of 2020. This project was formed by a group of talented Nicaraguan singers, with the purpose of bringing together their love and passion for music and exposing the hidden musical talents our country has to offer. Two of those musical affiliates being students at LIA. Both 12th Grade students, Paulina and Macarena Cardenal sat down (or rather zoom called) with me to talk about their relationship with music as well as their experience being part of this new project. “Music for me literally means everything, since I was little my Dad used to play us instruments, and we’ve always sung since we were little, we even took singing lessons. I started playing the piano since I was about 5 years old, and since then music has always inspired me and made me feel free.

“Definitely. I can’t explain it but for me, music is like a whole different language. It relaxes me so much and I really just find comfort in music, I love it! They were also able to tell me a bit about how music has helped them cope with the stress of the current state of the world. “Pau and I literally spend the entire day singing, we’re always singing little tunes and harmonizing our voices since we always make sure to practice before uploading anything we sing on the internet. There have been so many new and amazing songs that have been released by artists during this time in quarantine and learning and singing them has made me feel much better, I personally feel music, in general, has really helped me free myself from the stress everyone is facing at this time. “It distresses me a lot. Music is so distressing because you’re thinking about something else, you’re not thinking about the negative, your only focused on the music and its harmonies, how it makes you feel, which is what really captivates me, its something that we truly love.

In regards to Voices from Home, I asked what was the hardest part of working

collaboratively online. “I am not going to lie to you, the truth is that it was very difficult. Because at the beginning of starting the song cover [If The World Was Ending (Spanglish version)] everyone has to sing the entire song all at once, and it is a long song, so at first nobody did great. Once we had the song recorded, we all picked our best parts, and then we had to record the song once again. Additionally, it was as hard as it was editing the video, because if you can tell there are parts in our video where we all sang together, like an acapella, and it was very difficult to pull off. “The hardest part, id have to say, was merging all the voices together to make it sound cohesive because as any singer, there were people with high-pitched voices and people with low-pitched voices, and the timing of everything was pretty quick but we were able to get it done and it was honestly such a great experience, the video turned out great! The twins finished the interview leaving a message to anyone having a hard time during this pandemic. “I think a message that I would leave to anyone dealing with the stress of the pandemic right not is to find love in something you like, whether that is a talent you have or a new hobby you feel like trying out, keep trying and trust me you’ll achieve great things!” “Once you find a way to appreciate the small things around you, even if that includes music or not, it will take you to a whole new place, and believe us it feels amazing.”

Make sure to listen to Paulina and Macarena in their cover of “If The World Was Ending (Spanglish version) by JP Saxe ft. Evaluna Montaner) and follow @voicesfromhome on Instagram to see their latest cover.

Purpose: Members of Lincoln The Hawk’s Eye work to constantly inform and update students on the latest school events and activities in an unbiased and bipartisan manner. In furtherance of these goals, members seek to promote the right to be informed and to share individual opinions in a collective environment like the one that is Lincoln and the surrounding community, to educate on values of respect, synergy, tolerance, school policy and to work with others who share common goals. If you want to submit an article, please click this link: https://forms.gle/PvKWG8cMUVLBqqAA9 If you have any feedback or comments, we would love to hear them, please email us: natalie.rostran@lincoln.edu.ni – President kassandra.chung@lincoln.edu.ni – Vice President yosibel.cabrera@lincoln.edu.ni – Secretary ilayda.boucher@lincoln.edu.ni – Editor-in-Chief isabella.bravo@lincoln.edu.ni – Editor-in-Chief antonella.delgadillo@lincoln.edu.ni – Photographer-in-Chief jorge.casij@lincoln.edu.ni – Public Relations *Please also email us if you need the source of any image on this publication. Don’t forget to follow us on instagram, @thehawkseye_lia !