Thisyear's field hockey team made it to the StateFinals, an incredible achievement that the Wilmington Friends field hockey team has not experienced since 1996. Despite how impressive this accomplishment may be, the team achieved many more of their goals as well.
The 2024 girls field hockey team wasn't only strongly goal-oriented and athletically talented, but had an amazing sense of teamwork and communication.
Each player recognized the value of their teammates, and in turn created a unique harmony on the field.
WFS Senior and team captain Sawyer Rowland ‘25 believes teamwork is one of the reasons behind this year's major achievements. “What makes the team so successful is the strong bonds and friendships between teammates,” says Rowland. “From the first day of preseason, we knew the potential the team carried. Every member on the team played a crucial part to the team’s success.”
In addition to appreciating the
community, both coaches and players demonstrated grit. Although the team didn't experience many losses, they remained resilient when they fell to Delmar during the regular season, the #1 team in the state, who they ended up facing again in the finals. Their previous loss only made them more determined to put up an excellent fight during the State Finals.
“I’m proud of the grit the team showed throughout the season,” says Rowland. “We never once gave up and always played for each other.”
To strengthen the community, the team participates in bonding activities, such as the “Field Hockey Scavenger Hunt”, which takes place a few weeks before the end of the regular season. Activities like these secure the strong friendships and relationships between teammates, ultimately improving the team’s communicative skills on the field.
However, the camaraderie between team members has not always been this way.
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Creativity: Keep It Alive!
and find expressive outlets, as well as finding ways to maintain your creative spark.
Everyone grows up at some point. The phenomena that were once terrifying, like quick sand, or the bermuda triangle, become miniscule parts of everyday lives. Alternatively, as kids grow up, a change in creativity and creative drive occurs.
When you were younger you may have enjoyed reading picture books, making up stories, playing board games, drawing, writing and many more activities that your young mind would have dreamt up. But as you grow, you also may experience feelings of burnout or exhaustion as you go through school, jobs and other parts of everyday life. With upcoming midterm exams, many students may have the growing feeling of creative burnout, which is natural when under periods of stress. Many credit the decrease of creative drive to just growing up, or the way that life works. But regardless of the reason, it is important to try
WFS English teachers, Ms. Kenney and Ms. McManus both offer hopeful insight, both expressing that students must exercise the muscle for writing and reading to improve their ease in the practice. McManus says, “You’ve got to keep working on that muscle, it doesn’t just happen. And at first it's hard, right? It's hard to do, but once that muscle gets built, you get stronger and it's easier to do.”
Hurricanes Milton and Helene: Two Months Later
Cooper Jones ‘25 Staff Writer
On the 26th of September, Hurricane Helene made landfall, with wind speeds of over 140 miles per hour. Thirteen days later, on October 9th, Hurricane Milton hit Florida with wind speeds of 180 miles per hour.
These two hurricanes tore apart families and communities, costing hundreds of billions of dollars in damages.
Yet, two months later,
news media outlets have stopped covering the aftermath of both disasters, opting to focus on the newest attention-grabbing story.
After two months, affected victims are still living with the consequences. The damages from both hurricanes cost over 250 billion dollars. In North Carolina alone, over 100 people were killed, and approximately 126,000 homes were destroyed.
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Paz Becker ‘28 Staff Writer
2024 WFS Girls Field Hockey Team. Photo: Jake Myers
Pictured: Micheline McManus and Katy Kenney. Photo: Brina Abere
The Whittier Miscellany
Why The Whittier?
Gavin Gray ‘27 Staff Writter
Students have homework to do, teachers have tests, quizzes, and papers to grade, so why would anyone want to put so much effort into the Whittier?
Although the English 9 curriculum doesn’t have journalistic writing, Mrs. Kenney, the English 9 teacher, explains, “Any writing is helpful. The more you write, the better. It’s a way of thinking.”
Mrs. Kenney says she is interested in anything the Whittier students say, but she would especially like to hear about what fascinates and scares them.
Mrs. Kenney wasn’t in her high school newspaper, but she participated in a literary magazine. She says, “I really loved it. I loved the editing piece. I liked choosing from different pieces and putting them together.” Mrs. Kenney also hints at the fact that one of the books the English 9 students will read is investigative journalism. She notes this could be a fun book for the ninthgrade students already in Whittier, because they would be reading a similar genre to what they write while on staff.
However, not all students are eager to join the Whittier.
lications. “I see a lot of students reading the the Whittier, especially when they put the new issue in the Java Nook,” she says.
She also said she liked Ethan Halaby’s article a lot. “I like the Hunger Games article from the last Whittier! I loved how it also engaged the students using a Google form.”
When asked what she wants to see written about in Whittier, she said, “I like hearing about things that are happening around the school as well as global things. It could be about issues that people are facing or accomplishments
and grow their skills as content creators and curators.”
It was difficult for Peter to name which article stood out the most. “I’d have to say Tess’s columns on the affinity and alliance groups, Jemima’s farewell to Mrs. Zug, Micah’s farewell to Mr. Scott, and pretty much the entire April Fool’s issue were standouts for me.”
Not everything went smoothly for Peter. He noted that one of the most challenging aspects was helping students meet deadlines.
that happen. I really like when the articles involve teachers too!”
Peter says that Whittier is different from doing homework. When a student is doing homework and doesn’t meet deadlines, the student is the only one affected. “When you work on The Whittier, you are part of a team, and missing your deadline has a downstream impact on others’ ability to do their job. I hope this is something this year’s team thinks about carefully as they produce each issue.”
Mr. Maguire is the archivist for Wilmington Friends, and has extensive knowledge about Whittier, due to his experience as the faculty sponsor for many years. Maguire notes that the Whittier stopped being a literary magazine in May 1957, when students decided to write instead.
Piper Roskovensky ‘26 says, “I’ve never had a strong passion for writing articles, so I personally haven’t joined it. It seems like something that requires a lot of work, but it must be very fulfilling for people who write on it.”
Roskovensky ‘26 understands that Whittier can be a lot of work at times, but she also thinks that people read it and enjoy the pub-
9 Questions with J.R. Neiswender
Temi Lufadeju ‘25 Staff Writter
Across from the nurse’s offices, and along the strip of senior lockers, lies J.R. Neiswender’s office. In this exclusive interview, we sat down with J.R. Neiswender, a passionate and responsive educator at Wilmington Friends. From his teaching philosophy to his favorite movie, we dove deeper into the hard-asked questions for Mr. Neiswender; from teaching economics, to history, to coaching track in college, J.R. Neiswender is the man to ask questions to. One thing that struck Neiswender about Delaware was the, “tight-knit community, and how everyone knows everyone.”
“That’s right, we can’t go anywhere without knowing someone; it’s still surprising to me,” says Jillian Farley ‘25.
Q: Before we get started, this has been a long-awaited question that the Friends community would love to know: How do you pronounce your last name?
A: It’s actually just how it’s spelled. ‘Nice-Wen-Der’.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in Houston, Texas for most of my youth.
Peter Tignalia, the ninth-grade advanced math teacher, was the advisor for Whittier last year (23-24). “My experience was mostly positive, largely due to Mr. Scott’s excellent guidance on how to be a sponsor, Pablo and Tess’s unwavering commitment to the work, and Terry Maguire’s passion for the paper’s history. I enjoyed helping the team create and manage deadlines for each production cycle, navigate the editing process,
Q: Favorite book?
A: Flanagan’s Run by Tom, which is about a guy who set up a race across America
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Golf, Family/movies, you know the cheesy stuff
Q: If you weren’t in education, what would you be doing?
A: I thought for a long time I would be in journalism, specifically sports.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: For people who know me, I wouldn’t expect this answer, but right now, I would have to say Teddy Roosevelt. I find him to be particularly fascinating. Not only was he a rough rider outdoorsman, but he was a president at a time where there were huge changes domestically in terms of foreign policy. That dinner could take days.
Q: Do you lean more toward a teacher-centered approach, where the educator is the main authority, or do you prefer a student-centered approach that emphasizes student engagement and responsibility?
A: All good teaching is student centered. But it comes across differently. As a teacher, yes I am going to talk for a good amount of time but because I know what the stu-
Mr. Maguire was especially impressed when he read in the Fall 2024 issue that senior Anya Agarwal started a curriculum with a teacher.
One could argue joining the Whittier requires too much writing, or is too much like a class, but it could also benefit you. The benefits of being in Whittier include improved writing skills, finding a community to bond with, and joining a group that can only evolve.
dent needs, because I have been there before (chuckle).
Q: What does a day to day look like for you? In other words, what is your job as head of Upper School?
A: Ton of meetings. If you look at my calendar right now, there are a ton of meetings with other faculty members.
Q: Best piece of advice you have received?
A: From my father, it was that you can learn something from everyone. I actually brought this up during a faculty meeting. Even people you disagree with, there is still something you can learn. He was right.
Whittier Meeting. Photo: Elizabeth Pisano ‘25
JR Neiswender. Photo: Elizabeth Pisano ‘25
Uniforms: Yay or Nay?
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writter
When students are asked whether or not they want a uniform, the answer is usually a loud “No!” but we have all had the downsides of choosing what to wear or the frustration that the outfit we chose does not look how we want. We have experienced feelings of pride and belonging as we wear our sports uniform or the color of our favorite team on game day. Sometimes, we experience the downside of a uniform in an unflattering color or designed for a different body size. Friends never had a uniform, but they used to have restrictions that prohibited students from wearing sweatpants, leggings, or shorts and dresses that were more than four inches above the knee. Those rules have since vanished, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with COVID-19 in the rearview mirror, should a stricter dress code or even a uniform be considered? How does a uniform fit Quaker values and our school mission?
We are all familiar with the joy of wearing what we want each day, choosing whether it’s the day to show off your newest pair of jeans or the type of day for baggy, comfortable sweatpants. At Friends, we have the freedom to wear what we want and express ourselves as individuals as we continue to grow and change. Dr. Childs, the Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement, says, “We have a dress code that allows students to be themselves as individuals and that is of high importance to us, and a big part of our mission as a school, so a uniform isn’t really necessary.” Dr Childs believes how students dress tells a story about who we are as a school. She says, “If we had a stricter, more business-type dress code, where we didn’t allow students to wear sweatpants or jeans, and button-up shirts were required, it would give off more of a formal vibe, and a certain impression.” Not having a uniform doesn’t just come down to whether the Quaker values support it and what it conveys about our school. Dr. Childs says, “I think the story that we tell is that this is a place where people can be who they are, and be accepted as who they are regardless of what
they wear.” Diversity is also a focus at Friends, and is an essential part of our educational objectives. We strive to recognize diversity and that there is “that of God” in everyone. Dr. Childs says, “I don’t think we can be diverse if everyone is wearing the same thing.” Dr. Childs also mentions that if everyone is wearing a uniform, small changes, like who has the nicer red polo shirt, become more noticeable and evident. Uniforms complicate parents’ already busy lives. Dr Childs says, “There is also a cost factor by adding uniforms… they are just another thing for families to pay for.” If uniforms are unnecessary, and we can avoid them, then it is one less thing for parents to worry about. Moreover, years of not
having uniforms would complicate things for students, who would have to adjust to being heavily restricted in what they wear and adapt to a new set of expectations. If put into place, uniforms could also warrant a new set of rules and consequences that address a student’s punishment for not following uniform rules or not wearing the correct clothing.
As much fun as getting to pick outfits is for school, at some point, it can feel like a chore, remembering if you wore this top a few days ago and trying not to repeat it too frequently. Uniforms eliminate the time spent finding an outfit, simplifying students’ routines by ruling out the need for a decision. Mrs. Hegenbarth is the Upper School Quakerism teacher. “ Uniforms can go under simplicity because they take away the deci-
Creativity, Keep it Alive!
Paz Becker
‘28
Staff Writter
...continuedfrompage1
When asked how to prevent burnout, McManus says “its important to remind ourselves to have fun, which is a good way to avoid burnout.” She also finds different ways to have creative outlets,” and thinks that they “really help with avoiding burnout.” Ms. Kenney reflects on the possible change in how students learn, saying, “Over the past 10-15 years, attention spans are definitely shorter, like, it’s harder for some students to sustain attention” Kenney says, “I think it has to do with our devices, and then sometimes, creativity feels hard”
Elia Lichterman, 2028 says,“Well, it’s hard for me to read, the words jumble together, and it gives me headaches” after being asked about whether she enjoys reading. “I don’t see the enjoyment in reading stories when you can just listen to them.”
When asked if her dislike of reading affected her personal creativity, she says, “I feel like that made me more creative.” Lichterman says that she does have expressive outlets with artistic activities like drawing and painting. She also expresses one sentiment that many students may find relatable, that school work creates a feeling of resistance and dread for reading for her. “It’s made me like reading less. If it’s forced upon me, then I’m not going to do it for fun.” She says, going on to bring up that the only time she enjoys reading is when it is on her own, without any relationship to school, like
sion-making in the morning or night. If every day you wear the same thing, there is no decision needed, and it takes away that part of your brain,” she says. Wyeth Gary, ‘28, is a freshman who previously wore a uniform for 8 years. “Wearing a uniform can be frustrating as it limits what you can wear, but also can make deciding what to wear in the morning easier,” he said. Uniforms are usually associated with equality, making all students look the same to help support equitable education access. Equality is part of Friends’ core spices. Mrs. Hegenbarth says, “There is just as strong of a case for uniforms, supported by our Quaker equality testimony. With a uniform in place, students wouldn’t have to worry about who has designer clothes, or the most stylish uggs. None of that would be an issue.” Uniforms could limit comparisons between students about their clothing and what some students do and don’t have. Furthermore, as a community that practices integrity, we are not living as people who act on what they believe regarding uniforms. We believe in equality and simplicity, and both Quaker values support the idea of uniformity. Our actions would resemble our beliefs, meaning there is a strong argument for uniforms. Our school’s policy on uniforms should be mainly based on what the school needs, but our policy may affect the decisions of prospective students and families. Mrs. Hegebarth says, “I wonder what people who come and visit think. Students typically like having a lenient dress code, but parents decide on whether their child will attend this school.” Ultimately, parents just want their children to receive an adequate education, and if what students wear prevents them from doing so, it is something to consider before attending Friends. In the future, situations requiring conversations about implementing a uniform could arise. Mrs. Hegenbarth says, “It would have to come through business meetings, but it has always been supported by faculty but shot down by students.”
If both having and not having a uniform support the Quaker values and our school’s mission, then is there any need for change? Our school can look too casual because of what some of us wear, which may not create a positive impression. Maybe we should explore a compromise solution with constraints that still allow us to express our authentic selves.
the Keeper of the Lost Cities book series. Lichterman remarks on the difficulties of creative storytelling, saying, “I have the plotline in my head, but I have zero energy to make all the details.” Going even farther to explain her issues with school and how it drains her energy.“School itself is designed in one specific way to teach people how to learn when that’s not how everyone learns.” English teacher, Ms. Kenney says that she focuses many class activities around the generation of writing to make it easier for students. She says, “I keep thinking about generation. Like generating ideas. Generating stuff that’s coming out of you. It forces you to generate something. The more you practice it, the more that muscle strengthens, and the better you get at it, but you definitely need the practice” when discussing how useful journaling is.
Creativity is an invaluable part of development and everyday life. From the way that you dress, to school work, to simply the way one views the world. MemorialCare Organization, an organization dedicated to providing accessible healthcare to millions, says that creativity in everyday life can help with mental health, can calm brain waves, and activate the part of the brain that processes emotions. The loss of such a creative drive truly takes a toll on both adolescents and adults. You could draw, dance, listen to new music, journal or find a variety of different ways to be expressive. It’s also incredibly important to make sure that you are including self care into your day, especially during stressful times, to fight off feelings of burnout and to keep the creative spark alive. Though it can be difficult to take all of these things into mind with lingering responsibilities and tasks, creativity is so important, so maybe start to think about how you can incorporate creativity into your daily life.
Uniform vs No Uniform. Cartoon: Sofía Hasse-Mas ‘25
Can the Holiday Spirit Come Too Early?
Sofia Velastegui-Fratticci ‘28 Staff Writer
Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, experience family bonding, and enrich cultural traditions. Some just even love the idea of giving and receiving gifts.
A few WFS students enjoy Christmas so much, that they start getting into the spirit before the autumn holidays begin. So when is it really the right time to put Frosty out on your front lawn?
Evelyn Renzo ‘28 says that, “everyone should have some time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to digest all of the autumn spirit before throwing up the tinsel and ornaments.” Evelyn says, “I think people who put their Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving are kind of jumping the gun, because a lot of people are still preparing for Thanksgiving. When there’s people who are putting their Christmas decorations out during that time, it feels like they skipped something. Like they are missing a step.”
Evelyn starts preparing for winter a week after Thanksgiving is over. It gives her brain time to shift into the winter holiday season, now that all the fall holidays have been completed. She thinks the best time to start decorating for Christmas is the first week of December; that way, the spirit of Christmas can be felt before the holiday actually begins. She argues that having Christmas decorations up before December leaves more room to start getting tired of
Jewish Characters in the Media
Lindsey Forman ‘28 Staff Writer
them, because of how long they’ve been up. Easton Martinenza ‘27 shared a few insights on when the Christmas spirit begins. For someone who participates in many autumn activities, it doesn’t take much for Martinenza to fall right into the Christmas spirit. Easton says, “Fall ends on the last day of October. Christmas starts November first. When fall ends, I am automatically ready for Christmas.”
Easton describes how it’s easy for him to get ready for winter holidays because he doesn’t celebrate Halloween. What people consider to be “Halloween” activities, he just considers it to be a fall activity. Anyone who speaks to Easton about Christmas would be able to see how much more he loves his winter activities. Easton says, “I feel like a little
when they do they’re very stereotypical.” She mentions the show Friends as an example of this. “All the Jewish characters generally tend to want money in some way, which I find very stereotypical” she says.
When you turn on the TV, how many characters do you see that are explicitly Jewish? You may think of Ross and Monica from Friends, Howard from The Big Bang Theory, or Schmidt from New Girl. If you look at their characters, the Jewish part of their identity may be portrayed differently in each. If you are not Jewish, you may not know the difference between a realistic portrayal of a character, or a stereotype brought up for laughs. That being said, it’s important to recognize the difference.
When asked how often she sees Jewish characters on TV, Charlotte Kass ‘26, member of the Jewish student union at WFS and member of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (a Jewish youth group at the Jewish Community Center), says, “Explicitly not often, and
Friends aired an episode where Ross didn’t want to donate $100 to the retiring handyman who helped him move into his apartment; as a result, everyone in the building hated him for it. It was stereotypical Jewish characterization, even though show writers didn’t explicitly say his being Jewish was the reason for his stinginess. This is a popular stereotype saying Jews want money or are good with money. Another example of this stereotype is shown the TV series ‘House MD’. Dr. Wilson, a character who is both Jewish and financially responsible, always pays for Dr. House, lending him money on several occasions.
However, though shows can be stereotypical at times, it’s nice to see people who represent your identity on screen. Charlotte comments on this, saying, “More often than not, I do like seeing them, because more often than not they are relatable and typical”.
Now not all Jewish Characters are specifically said to be Jewish. Characters such as Eric Cartman from South Park, Velma from Scooby Doo, and Batwomen are only known to be Jewish if you dig into their backgrounds.
bit before Halloween- I like to listen to my Christmas music, really get in the mood, you know?”
Say hello to the Christmas-loving guy who waits until December 1st to start celebrating, Colin Huff ‘28! Like Evelyn, Colin thinks it’s acceptable to begin decorating the first week of December, yet he doesn’t feel the energy of Christmas until winter break.
Colin says, “Honestly, I start getting excited when winter break starts, because that’s when I feel like I can actually relax. Before then, I just don’t feel excited.”
Colin explained why he likes to wait until December to get into the Christmas spirit. To him, November just, “doesn’t feel like winter yet.” He associates December with all the holidays that fall into it, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. Because November isn’t actually the month of those Holidays, he doesn’t feel spirited towards Christmas until December comes.
Colin says, “I feel like winter starts the first day that I have to wear pants and a sweatshirt. To make it more specific; when the temperature drops below 40.” While many people already bundle up in coats and scarfs during November, Colin has a different idea of what’s cold, and what’s warm.
For some at Wilmington Friends School, Christmas time brings joy, excitement, and energy. Some start celebrating with classic movies and decorations a month in advance, while others wait for that perfect winter feeling. There is no one answer to “When is the right time to get into the Christmas spirit?”. We just feel the spirit whenever we feel it, and that’s okay.
Stay warm out there, and enjoy the holidays!
just make them Jewish and there’s some funny Jewish jokes that they can run on.” He comments on the fact that occasionally a character’s Jewish identity os neglected, and brought up as later an afterthought so that writers could have some new material to make jokes about. “I’d say they usually bring it [the Jewish identity] up for jokes,” he says.
Not all show writers enforce Jewish stereotypes. Kate Coletti ‘28, an avid TV show watcher, says, “I think when I see Jewish characters on TV, it depends on how the writer wants to portray their character, and sometimes it has no effect on the way the character acts. Sometimes the character is just goofy,” she says. Coletti references Howard Wolfowitz from The Big Bang Theory, saying, “Most of the time he makes fun of himself [for being Jewish].”
Andrew Forman ‘25, clerk and founder of WFS’s Jewish Student Union, points out a related topic when he says, “A lot of times they put a character and
Howard Wolfowitz s a frequent victim of such jokes, as seen by frequent self-depricating comments. He makes fun of Jews “having heart issues”, and says that living with his mother is “Jewish hell”. His self-burns for being Jewish are often used for comedy, which might have come off as anti-Semitic if the writer of the show, Chuck Lorre, wasn’t Jewish himself.
All in all Jewish characters in the media (for the most part) tend to be relatable and realistic in their portrayals, even if they are stereotypical at times. They represent a community of people who are often discriminated against in a way that is light-hearted, though still offensive.
It’s important to recognize the flaws of Jewish character portrayal in media, while also celebrating characters for representing their culture, ultimately widening the inclusivity of entertainment.
Pictured Right: Howard Wolfowitz From The Big Bang Theory.
Photo:https://staticflickr.com.
Max Greenfield, Actor Behind New Girl’s ‘Schmidt’. Photo:https://wikimedia.org.
Photo:https://live.staticflickr.com
The Whittier Miscellany
The Magic of Music and Memory
Ani Seidl ‘26 Staff Writer ‘
Music has a unique ability to unlock memories that have been buried deep in our minds. For many, a simple melody or lyric can act as a bridge to the past. This connection between music and memory is a universal experience grounded in personal anecdotes and scientific insights into how our brains process sound and emotion.
For Amelia Rolls ‘25, songs like “Pompeii” by Bastille or “Firework” by Katy Perry bring a rush of emotions tied to specific moments in her life. She believes music evokes forgotten memories because “our memories are grounded in our senses”. A familiar sound can trigger the emotions we felt the last time we heard it, anchoring us to that experience. Ava Hay ‘26 recalled a similar connection to Taylor Swift’s song “Mean”, a
song she would listen to over and over as a child on the swings at her neighborhood playground. She said, “Whenever I hear songs from any point, my memories correlated with the songs come back”.
Mia Davenport's ‘25 childhood soundtrack was “Through the Deep, Dark Valley” by The Oh Hellos, an album her mother used as motivation to help her learn to swim. Now the album means much more as Mia said, “My perception of the album changed a lot as I got older, I now love it in a much deeper way.” Mrs. Butterfield, too, recalled how music from Disney’s “Fantasia” shaped her early experiences. The enchanting melodies of “Dance of the Hours” and “The Nutcracker Suite” delighted her, while the ominous strains of “Night on Bald Mountain” haunted her dreams, creating a powerful emotional imprint that lingers decades later.
These personal stories align with scientific research that explores how music is processed in the brain. When we listen to music, multiple regions of the brain activate, including the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in memory, and the amygdala, which governs emotion. This connection explains why music is so effective at evoking emotional memories. Unlike visual or tactile experiences, music remains constant over time— unchanging and familiar. As Mia said, "Things you see are always different. The world changes. But a song is always the same." This consistency allows music to act as a reliable trigger for revisiting past moments with clarity. The elements that make a song memorable vary from person to person. Amelia gravitates toward music with compelling storytelling, as she said, “Songs that I really like are usually ones that tell a story through their lyrics.”, while Ava finds powerful, relatable lyrics to be the most impactful. For Mia, a song’s instrumentation or even an indefinable quality can make it stand out. Mrs.
The Problematic History of America’s Favorite Streaming Platform
Gabby Hamilton ‘27 Staff Writer
The creation of online music streaming changed the entire music industry, and Spotify’s boom shifted it even more. Spotify is not only the most popular, but also the most profitable streaming platform, generating 14.5 billion dollars of revenue in 2023 alone.
Though the service has garnered a cult following by many music enjoyers, it has not been free from criticism over the years. Well-known issues range from unfair compensation of musical artists, various security breaches in the 2010s, and the controversial nature of their most popular podcasts, such as Joe Rogan. However, there is one topic that the platform has quietly been under fire for, from as much as a decade ago; something that listeners may be experiencing daily. Spotify has been criticized for allowing artificially generated music and artists to litter various playlists on the platform.
The alleged issue of music created by artificial intelligence or “fake musicians” has been discussed openly since 2016. Many music news outlets have reported that Spotify playlists contain hundreds of songs all written by the same person. Spotify released an official statement denying these accusations.
Butterfield appreciates melodies that follow logical patterns, such as those found in classical music, but she also enjoys the dynamic spontaneity of jazz. Despite these varied preferences, it is clear that memorable music resonates emotionally, intellectually, or both, embedding itself in our consciousness.
Music doesn’t just connect humans to the past; it can also shape how we engage with the present. Many people use music as a tool for studying or focusing, though opinions on its effectiveness differ. Amelia and Ava believe music can be a valuable study aid, depending on the individual and the type of music. Ava said, “Music is definitely a study technique, but it’s not for everyone and it depends on the kind of music”, while Mia said, “I use video game soundtracks to help me study since they don’t have words and are made to be ambient.” On the other hand, Mrs. Butterfield finds it impossible to focus on tasks like reading while listening to music. She said, “Because of my musical training and experience, I end up analyzing as I’m listening, and can’t focus on anything else.”
Whether it’s a tool for concentration, a source of comfort, or a key to unlocking long-forgotten memories, music has an extraordinary capacity to influence our minds and emotions. As Mrs. Butterfield said, “There is something that taps into our personal, emotional world of the moment, and the music we hear becomes linked to the experience.” Its unchanging nature allows it to act as a constant amid the ever-changing landscapes of our lives, providing an anchor to moments we might otherwise forget. The science behind music and memory adds depth to our understanding of this phenomenon, but the true magic of music lies in its ability to speak to our shared humanity—connecting us to our past and grounding us in the present.
fake artists put on is the same song or AI generated, so it’s just a way to get money.”
The use of AI in music challenges the entertainment industry as a whole, as we have seen it affect the movie industry with the SAG-AFTRA strike. If a company believes they can run a computer program that can sound half as good as a real producer for 100% of the revenue, will musicians be shut out completely within a few years?
Spotify’s controversy additionally evoked feelings of distrust, since the platform never disclosed the possibility of AI generated music. “I feel cheated,” says Sydney Jenkins ‘27. There are countless groups that staunchly oppose the use of artificial intelligence, because of ethical or environmental reasons. These people could be unknowingly feeding into the AI craze by listening to jazz while on a run.
In recent years, the conversation has shifted to the possibility of AI artists. These songs have no lyrics and are on playlists created by Spotify like “Jazz Study” or “Deep Sleep.” Upon taking a closer look, many people noticed the lack of background information on these artists. Artists, who may be verified, accumulating hundreds of thousands of listeners monthly. This, of course, means revenue for the musician, but what does it mean if Spotify is behind these artists?
Thousands have taken issue with this possibility. With the creation of these fake artists, Spotify is able to mimic human artists without any compensation to an actual musician. This ends up shoving out performers with unique sounds and creative ideas. “I feel like artists that actually put work and their heart into their music, it’s just kind of just shady to do”, says Teagan Grubb ‘27. “They’re doing all this work and all the music
Opposing critics of AI’s involvement in entertainment is the party for AI powered media, who believe that this could be used as a tool for musicians to gain inspiration, and try more experimental methods. Music made with artificial intelligence can also be a way to reach different kinds of listeners. “I think that if the music is original and not imitating other artists then it is no different than another company using AI to help create a new product,” says Dylan Macbride ‘27. “If it is quality music that people enjoy listening to more than real artists, you cannot blame Spotify for creating something successful.” Most of the songs that Spotify has allegedly been creating are instrumental pieces for focus, sleep, or idle everyday activities. If the average listener is just looking for background music to write their Statistics report to, what is the harm?
On the question of whether this practice is ethical, some say that we cannot stop the movement AI has gained in the past few years. “I think it is ethical because you cannot stop innovation…there is still somebody going through the process and work to publish that music,”
Dylan Macbride ‘27 says. The thought is that if AI is not sentient in the production and distribution of music, that there is still an element of creation.
Whether or not Spotify is truly taking advantage of AI to create music, AI has still thoroughly made its way into the app. For example, the creation of the “Spotify DJ” plays curated songs based on recent listening history and popular genres. Additionally, a new AI playlist feature can make a playlist with a single prompt. These two uses of artificial intelligence differ from the first not only the level of transparency, but the public’s thoughts.
Even though many people detest the idea of Spotify creating a playlist filled with instrumental generated music, there has been little to no criticism of the other features. Is it only ok for companies to use AI if they disclose it beforehand?
Students Enjoy Their Friendship. Photo: Lucia Cericola ‘25
Em Rissolo ‘26 Jamming Out. Photo: Lucia Cericola ‘25
The Whittier Miscellany
Clearing the Waters: How Seabins Could Help Wilmington Tackle Ocean Pollution
Abby Terrall ‘27 Staff Writter
Imagine a future where Delaware's waters are completely blue and clear, its shores are free from floating debris, and the Chesapeake Bay is booming once again. Thanks to an innovative solution known as Seabins, this vision could soon become a reality, revolutionizing how we combat pollution in our local waters and protecting the environment for generations to come.
The Seabin, created in 2015 by two Australian surfers frustrated by the amount of ocean pollution, is a device designed to collect trash from the water without harming marine life. The system is engineered to prevent the capture of sea creatures or plants, and so far, there has been no incidents of animals being trapped in Seabins.
Seabins are capable of collecting up to 3.9 pounds of floating debris and up to 58 items per day, the Seabin operates by floating on the water's surface. It uses a submersible
water pump to draw water in, trapping debris inside, before pumping the water back into the ocean while retaining the waste.
Although most of the Wilmington Friends students and teachers have not heard of Seabins, they are still deeply committed to addressing climate change. With four separate clubs and committees, the Wilmington Friends community is devoted to advocating for greener choices.
Summer Smith ‘28, an active member of the Stewardship committee believes strongly in fighting climate change. Smith ‘28 says, “Climate change and pollution affects us very directly and without having clean water and air we would live in a worse world.” She has noticed an increase in the temperature over the years, she believes it is not okay for the weather to be so hot even though it is the middle of November. Smith ‘28 has never heard of Seabins before, but after doing some research, she believes that Seabins could have a noticeable impact on creating cleaner waters. She has seen a lot more trash on the beach and in the water in the past few years. Smith ‘28 urges the young generation to come up with new innovations like the Seabins. She says, “The younger generation should get informed about climate change because they might be responsible for solving this problem. And we have to make it so that the younger generation
Hurricanes Milton and Helene: Two Months Later
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Milton was the most intense hurricane seen in the Gulf of Mexico since 2005, and the fifth most powerful recorded hurricane in the Atlantic basin. Helene on the other hand, was the deadliest inland Hurricane on record and the third deadliest overall, only being surpassed by Katrina in 2005 and Camille in 1969.
The Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, claimed that recovering lost infrastructure would cost over 53 billion dollars. Within only a few days of the Hurricane, 22 shelters were opened for those who lost their homes from the storm. Churches, schools, and businesses additionally participated in supporting those most affected. In total, Hurricane Milton destroyed approximately 12,000 homes, creating damages totaling over 50 billion dollars according to President Biden.
As of early November, the White House and Congress approved over 2.1 billion dollars for recovery efforts in Florida. This includes 931.7 million dollars granted directly to survivors and another 1.18 billion dollars given to fund recovery in the state.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been working tirelessly with local governments and organizations to help those affected, claiming to have restored power to 5.1 million homes, in addition to providing shelter to over 11 thousand displaced families. In Florida, both Carolinas, and Tennessee, the Department of Labor is working to give unemployment assistance to workers who have lost their jobs.
Despite an initial whirlwind of media attention, within only a few weeks, news outlets shifted away from these disasters, and on to the next biggest events. This has revealed a glaring issue in the modern media. Events are quickly buried and replaced by new jarring stories, despite
knows that what is happening now is not how it used to be and it's not how it should continue.” Smith ‘28 needs climate change to stop.
Like Summer Smith ‘28, Nick Ordway cares deeply about the planet's future. As a computer science teacher, he is constantly thinking about innovative solutions that could help protect the environment. Nick Ordway says, “Climate change concerns me deeply. I’m always thinking about the future—about the technology we use and the unsustainable level of energy consumption today." He believes that if we continue down this path, we risk damaging the planet.
Nick Ordway first learned about Seabins through TikTok and believes the platform can be a powerful tool for sharing educational content. He sees it as a positive way to raise awareness and spread innovative solutions, like Seabins, to a wider audience. Ordway says, “I think I could see a future where there could be a ton of Seabins that could be larger and controlled by a motor. Then we could add another layer onto it, the Seabins could get charged by the motion of the waves going over them creating energy. I think Seabins will absolutely make a difference and an impact as well, we just have to reach the ability to scale up to that level and reach that change for the better.”
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their continuing relevance and impact on thousands of people.
Donald Morton is the IB Global Politics teacher at WFS. Morton says his top news sources are The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and feels he is a 9 or 10 on a scale of how informed he is about current events. He says he has not seen many updates on the recovery from the hurricanes.
Students feel similarly. Steven Kosikowski ‘24 rates himself as a 3 out of 10 in terms of being well-informed. Kosikowski says he “hasn’t heard anything about the hurricanes since they happened.”
Morton says the tendency for news stories to be buried is a “huge problem.” The media has moved on, but the people who live there still need to pick up what’s left behind. While the hurricanes came and went around two months ago, the effects are going to last for much longer. The communities hit will still take months if not years to rebuild, and even after that, the memories of this tragedy will last a lifetime.
Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall.
Clearing the Waters: How Seabins Could Help Wilmington Tackle Ocean Pollution
Abby Terrall ‘27 Staff Writer
Continuedfrompage6...
Ordway’s vision for small changes in Seabins reflects his deep commitment to finding creative solutions for environmental protection.
While some Wilmington Friends students, like Rex Davis ‘27 and Buzz McGuire ‘25, may not view climate change as an immediate concern, they both recognize the potential of Seabins to positively impact the environment and improve the cleanliness of Delaware’s wa-
The Whittier Miscellany
Holiday Issue 2024
ters. Rex Davis ‘27 says, “I think climate change doesn’t really affect my day to day life.” Rex Davis ‘27 later goes on to say, “I heard about Seabins watching a video on social media. I think Seabins are a good invention because they don’t catch fish but they catch trash. They make our oceans cleaner in general. I think Seabins could affect how clean the ocean is, and if Seabins become more popular it could make our world a lot more clean and beautiful.” Like Rex, Buzz McGuire ‘25 believes that Seabins are an innovative creation that could impact Delaware for the better. Buzz McGuire ‘25 explains, “ I have heard of Seabins, I watched a video on them. They might have a big impact if they are catching micro plastics that end up in our food. I do see a future where Seabins could be in Delaware’s marines and oceans.” Not all students view climate change and pollution as major issues, but many see that innovations like Seabins
Holiday Celebrations: A Hidden Contributor to Climate Change
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Staff Writer
The holiday season brings about warm feelings of community and festivity to many people. At the same time, however, these celebrations are harming our environment and contributing to climate change.
Consumerism is prevalent during the holidays. Many people splurge on new decorations, expensive gifts, and food. The waste and pollution produced are unignorable; Americans produce 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than the rest of the year, according to the Colombia Climate School.
One of the most prominent sources of holiday waste is excessive gift-giving. Most packaging is discarded right away. According to the Colombia Climate School, Americans throw away 38,000 miles of ribbon during the holiday season, which could wrap around the earth about 1.5 times. Many gifts are also single-use or non-durable, ultimately adding to the amount of waste produced.
There are ways to reduce the amount of gift packaging thrown away each year. For instance, Mary Woodward says, “I reuse as much wrapping paper as I can, and the rest I use as kindling in my fireplace.” She also always wraps her dog’s gifts in recyclable brown wrapping paper, since, “they don’t know and don’t care.”
have the potential to make a positive impact to our community.
The Seabin technology offers a promising solution to the growing issue of water pollution, offering a future where Delaware’s waterways are cleaner and safer for both the environment and marine life. As the Wilmington Friends community continues to advocate for climate action and sustainability, the support of initiatives like Seabins can help push the change needed to protect our oceans and bays. With passionate voices like Summer Smith’s urging the next generation to take responsibility and find creative solutions, there is hope that together we can make a real impact on the fight against climate change and pollution. The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today, and it’s clear that the Wilmington Friends community is ready to be a part of that solution.
tually cut global emissions by 8 percent. It doesn’t take much to make an effort to keep food out of landfills. For instance, Jordyn Moore ‘26 says, “My family and I don’t throw out food during holidays, and we give out our leftovers to other family members or neighbors.” She and her family also eat off of glassware instead of paper or plastic products to make their meals as sustainable as possible.
Some people also get creative with ways to use up their leftovers if eating the same meals for a week doesn’t appeal to them. Sara Woodward says, “I always enjoy making Bobbies with my leftovers.” “The Bobbie”, a Delaware classic from Capriotti’s, is a sandwich with turkey, cranberry, and stuffing. Sara also gives her unwanted leftovers to her dogs. Holiday decorations also contribute greatly to climate change and pollution. Most are single-use and not eco-friendly. For example, according to The Nature Conservancy, about 10 million artificial Christmas trees are purchased in the U.S. every year. Most of them are shipped from China, which results in more carbon emissions. Furthermore, while artificial trees last longer, they eventually must be discarded. They are not biodegradable, so they accumulate in landfills forever. Additionally, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, over 150 million holiday light sets are sold in the U.S. every year. Many people leave these lights on all day long, which increases light pollution and electricity usage. As a result, more greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.
Still, gift-giving is a cherished tradition that expresses affection and care for one another. Sara Woodward says, “Gift-giving is one of my love languages. I try to find gifts that the person is going to use or is going to make their life easier or is an experience.” She believes that quality over quantity is most important when picking out gifts, as it is more thoughtful and sustainable.
Another major contributor to pollution and climate change over the holiday season is food waste. Every American wastes an average of about 100 pounds of food. The production and transportation of food already emits large amounts of greenhouse gasses, but when it is discarded in landfills, it generates even more. While reducing individual food waste seems insignificant, it could ac-
Although he has reused the same Christmas lights for many years, Josh Fung ‘26 recognizes that there are more ways to reduce the amount of energy used and waste produced. He says, “Maybe we could turn the lights off outside from around 2:00 am to 5:00 am.” He believes that holiday decorations are crucial to the celebrations, but building human connections should be the main focus. Like Josh, many people want to reduce waste and consumerism during the holiday season. According to a 2022 survey done by the American Psychiatric Association, 87% of respondents believe that the holidays should focus more on caring for others. Piper Roskovesky ‘26 says, “Big parts of the holidays are quality time with people, music, and the spirit. I think those parts are more important than materialism.”
Holiday shopping and consumerism are not only stressful and expensive, but they are speeding up climate change and hurting the environment. Keep simplicity and sustainability in mind over the upcoming holidays, and think about the true meaning and importance of the celebrations.
Shoppers in a Bustling Mall. Photo: Brina Abere ‘25
The Off-Campus Grind
Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27 Staff Writer
While walking through the athletic hallway, one may find a few notable faces missing from team photos. Despite most Wilmington Friends School students opting to play a sport offered at school, there exists a small population of students who meet their athletic requirements otherwise. These students are ice skaters, hockey players, and dancers, many of whom dedicate hours to their sport.
Through a process of interviews, high school students who play sports outside of school spoke about their experience balancing school, sports, and a social life, and what it is like to play sports outside of school.
Many students who play sports outside of school practice prolifically, as Irene Kirifides ‘25, an ice skater, notes. Kirifides says, “I practice every morning at 5:30 with a coach, and then on Sundays I practice with a team.” When playing a sport outside of school, there are varying levels of time and effort required to achieve success. For Kirifides, a lot of her time is spent practicing ice skating.
On the other hand, there are people who practice in the afternoons and practice in different ways. Wilmington Friends School student Madi Richardson ‘27 dances, an activity that requires practice every day after school for 2-3 hours. And
SEASON VICTORY! WFSGirlsFieldHockeyTeamMakes State Finals
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Lila Rubano ‘26 recalls a different atmosphere during her freshman year. “Basically we were little new freshmen, a little scared, and we’re watching these seniors who are pretty good at field hockey. I remember, we were sitting in a circle at break, and they told us to be quiet, and said they had an announcement to make. They were like, I just want to let you know that we’re not going to be your friends, so don’t talk to us in the hallways.” As a freshman, Lila felt excluded, and like the team was not a safe environment to share her thoughts.
Molly Dolan ‘26 went through a similar experience freshman year, and now says, “The friendship on our team is my favorite part about it, and it’s always been like that,” Dolan says. “I’ve had cousins come to the games, and they say that it looks like we are all best friends with each other.”
Between Coach Kelcey Hutchinson’s extensive goalie background, JV Coach Pamela Love’s positive outlook, and Coach Clothier’s 11 years of coaching experience at Friends, the players feel well supported.
According to Rowland ‘25, Coach Clothier often hands out a quote to every member of the team during an important moment. “The quotes he gives us before the game are impactful and always have a deeper meaning behind them,” says Rowland. “He has an ability to inspire the team to believe in ourselves as well as others which helps lead the team to success.”
As Coach Clothier often says to both the girls field hockey and soccer teams, “A successful season isn’t always represented by wins and losses. It’s represented by improvement, individually, and as a team”.
lastly, Tripp Young ‘25, an ice hockey player and senior who attends WFS, practices 3-5 times a week.
Different sports require different times and amounts of practice. Along with all the practice that these students have to do, they also juggle competitions, performances, and games. Young ‘25 says, “I have games every Saturday and Sunday, all year round.” Sounds like a lot, right?
Richardson ‘27 only performs with her company. Her main performance is the Nutcracker Ballet, which takes place in the winter. Because there are not many performances throughout the year, dancers have ample time to prepare for shows. In addition to games, practices, and performances, these student athletes have to balance their schoolwork and teenage lives with their sport.
Kirifides ‘25 says, “Because I have my practices in the morning, I have the afternoon to do all my school work.” This works well for her. However, Young ‘25 says, “I lose a lot of sleep and it’s a tricky thing to balance. Sometimes I have to skip practice so I can get all of my work done.” Being able to balance school work and sports is crucial to being successful in both. Richardson ‘27 feels she does that well and says, “I prioritize school work over dance”.
In between balancing school and sports, these students can also miss a lot of fun experiences that come with playing sports at school.
Finding time to see friends poses an additional consideration to balance. Young ‘25 says, “Yes, I find that I am not able to attend a lot of out of school events. I also am often busy on the weekends and can not hangout with kids who I’d like to.”
What about Homecoming games? To many, their energy and spirit brings lots of joy. Kirifides ‘25 says she sometimes feels like she is missing out on fun traditions before homecoming and prom that a school team would participate in. “But I have a good community at ice skating, so it balances out, ” Kirifides ‘25 says.
Richardson ‘27 echoes the thoughts of her fellow athletes, saying, “I often feel like I am missing out on different club meetings, and chances to hang out with my friends and family because of my commitment to dance.” Trying to find time to navigate being a teenager, on top of sports and school can get tricky, and there are many ways to try and find equal opportunities for each.
Each student-athlete had a different answer and opinion to whether Wilmington Friends should add their sport. Kirifides ‘25 voices her wish that Friends had an ice skating team, so she could meet others who share the same passion. “But sadly I don’t think it would work because each team needs to consist of three people. and then you would need other schools to compete against,” says Kirifides ‘25.
Richardson ‘27 says “There wouldn’t be enough good dancers to make a good team. Also, people might not take it seriously.”
In contrast to both of these ideas, Young ‘25 believes that, “Friends should have an ice hockey team”, and that, “it would be fun.” Introducing these new sports could create friendships and shared passions, though it looks like these students already have that covered.
Tripp Young ‘25 Playing Club Hockey. Photo: Darragh Young
Molly Dolan ‘26 playing field hockey. Photo: Jake Myers
Lila Rubano ‘26 and Sawyer Rowland ’25 celebrate a goal in the State Finals. Photo: Jake Myers
Social Media: HarmfulorHelpful?
Ethan Halaby ‘27 Staff Writer
It is no secret that Gen Z is often associated with technology. New innovations have paved the way for developers to create more complex and engaging ways to use our phones. While technology has given mankind new and fascinating methods of communication and entertainment, many around the world worry about the negative implications of social media.
To better understand how the WFS community uses social media, a poll was sent out to the Upper School, intending to inspect student patters. The poll accumulated a total of 81 responses, and has led us to a better understanding of the effect social media has within our school.
Social media is a practice that the majority of American youth indulge in, with the average daily usage among teenagers being 4.8 hours for boys, and 5.1 hours for girls. On average, Gen Z, people from age 12 to 27, spend 49 hours a week consum-
ing online content or media, (which is a bigger time investment than working a full time job).
This data reveals that the endless rabbit hole of content sucks up time faster than people realize or care to acknowledge.
One anonymous upper school student responded to the poll, saying, “I’m so grateful that our school doesn’t allow phone use. I had a close friend come visit from another state last year and she remarked to me how awesome it was to see kids joking around and having fun with each other instead of being glued to their phones.” The student goes on to say, “I think we’re too scared to admit that social media can waste our life away”.
Human Health and Dynamics teacher Amy Hess says, “The most dangerous thing about social media is the association that researchers are seeing between high social media use and negative mental health.” Hess says, “Researchers see higher rates of anxiety and depression especially among teenagers who excessively use social media.”
Studies from trusted universities and organizations such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Mayo Clinic, and the University of California indicate the correlation between social media use and the surge of anxiety and depression among American kids.
Finding Your Path With MBTI
Brianna Fang ‘28 Staff Writer
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a globally famous personality test that separates people into 16 distinct types using eight different letters (E&I, N&S, T&F, and P&J). Each four-letter permutation (some examples include ENFP, INTJ, and ESTP) represents a certain group of similar people, despite differences on the surface level. Is there a way that MBTI can help one succeed?
MBTI reveals strengths and weaknesses, helping one understand themselves better. By using MBTI, you may have wider oppurtunities to find a career path that fits and engages you.
According to a survey that was sent to the WFS Upper School body, 32% of students believe that the accuracy of MBTI is more than 90%, while 53% think that the accuracy could range between 60% and 90%.
“The personality traits described me pretty much perfectly, and the job list it gave were all jobs I thought about doing,” says Evelyn Renzo ‘28.
77.9% of students agree that MBTI can serve as a reference for choosing a career path. LT Alleyne ‘26 says, “MBTI can help guide career choices by showing your strengths and preferences, like whether you enjoy working with people or independently. Also, employers can use it to understand you better, but it doesn’t define everything about you.
“My results are aligned with my future career goals and prospects,” says another anonymous student.
However, 15.8% of students think that MBTI is not directly related to your career path, while 73% of students believe that MBTI can be changed through circum-
Upper school student Micah Davenport ‘27 says, “I think social media has a really bad effect on people’s perception of themselves. Influencers show their audience a very small portion of their lives, enough to make people think they are seeing the full picture, when in reality they aren’t. This makes the viewer think that their life is much worse than the influencer’s. This causes feelings of envy and leaves the viewer feeling dissatisfied and unhappy with their life.”
Although it may seem like society is at a dead end when it comes to fighting the less positive effects of social media, many teens who use social media practice self awareness and are willing to admit its flaws, and acknowledge the habits it creates among individuals. Silas Montana ‘25 says, “I’m badly addicted to watching hilarious Instagram reels. I’m ashamed to say that it has become second nature for me to pull out my phone and watch my reels when I get bored”. He goes on to say, “I’m too afraid to look at my screen time because I know it’s going to be absurd”.
Another high school student, LT Alleyne ‘26 comments, “Why are people coming up to me saying ‘skibbi rizzler’? We need help”. The fact that many social media users are willing to admit its negative effects on society has given many people hope that self awareness hasn’t been completely lost. It is encouraging to see that teens are still
stances and environments.
Mia Davenport ‘25 says, “For some, it might help them realize things about themselves that they did not know, such as collaborating well in groups. However, it should not be the main reason why someone chooses a career path.”
There are several methods of applying MBTI to help you consider your career, such as studying extroversion and introversion. Most of the time, extroverts find
socializing easier, because they gain energy from it. In contrast, introverts are good at communicating with themselves, reflecting, and seeking inner thoughts. Consequently, extroverts typically prefer jobs that require communication with others, like teaching, politics, or law. This satisfies their energy needs and makes them more excited when working. On the other hand, introverts usually spend more time staying with themselves. Unlike extroverts, who may feel lonely when alone, introverts enjoy this time; they are more adept at reflecting on themselves and focusing on
willing to call out the absurdity of some of the things that come out of the apps we use.
Social media has without a doubt raised its fair share of red flags in the world, but it is definitely not a completely negative addition to society. Apps like Instagram and Snapchat have opened up ways to communicate with friends and family like never before. Mia Davenport ‘25 says “While I am definitely addicted to Instagram, it really allows me to connect with my friends who are away in college right now.” Another student offers a similar opinion, saying “Social media offers teens a platform to connect with friends, build relationships, and explore different identities.” The student goes on, saying “It also allows us to engage with people across the globe, giving us exposure to many diverse perspectives and ideas.”
While there are countless perspectives that support the positives and negatives of social media, the thing to remember is to make sure to exercise self control. Society will stay strong as long as people check themselves, and ensure that they are doing right by themselves, and those around them.
their own work. As a result, introverts typically gravitate toward jobs as writers, developers, artists, and analysts. MBTI additionally tests sensing vs. intuition. Generally, sensors tend to be pragmatic. They mainly focus on facts, details, and things that have already happened. In contrast, intuitives have a fertile imagination and curiosity, showing more interest in the possibilities of the future.
Therefore, sensors are well-suited for technical roles, customer service, management, and accounting audits—jobs that require developing step-by-step processes carefully, while intuitors may show advantages in jobs that are inspired by thoughts and ideas, such as scientists, designers, and venture capital investors.
The third scale is based on the extent to which you value rationality or feelings when making decisions. Thinkers use logic and facts to solve problems, prioritizing reason and truth. Feelers, on the other hand, make decisions based on their feelings and emotions, prioritizing personal awareness. Due to this, roles that require precision, such as judges, businessmen, scientists, and accountants, are suitable for thinkers. Positions that call for a sensitive mindset, such as counselors, therapists, educators, social workers, and psychologists, are suitable for feelers.
The last distinction is based on the tactics scale, and is measured by judging vs. perceiving. Judgers prefer to organize everything, planning clear goals and strictly following them, appreciating a sense of control. In contrast, perceivers are known for their flexibility and love of freedom, disliking constraints. They prefer to keep more possibilities and changes in their plans, seeking more random opportunities.
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L-T Alleyne ‘26 and Lucy Cericola ‘25 showcase their personality type. Photo: Elizabeth Pisano ‘25
Heard In the Halls...
“Can I cite Quora for my math IA?”
“Ok fine, I’ll get an ice cube for myself…and I’ll lock you out.” (Evil laugh)
“Don’t lie, pilots have aura.”
“Skibidi Stevennnnnn...I love you.”
(A): “It’s snowing!” (B): “We know.”
“Someone left a 3D printed Donald Trump Buddha with a ring pop in Mr. Morton’s room.”
“Yeat on my Spotify wrapped again.”
“I’ll bet you 10 bucks he’s seen Borat.”
“Perchance I shall.”
“Alright ‘Buzz’...Biology Huzz...Let’s get started.”
Vegan And Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies With Peppermint Glaze
Ani Seidl ‘26 Staff Writter
CookieIngredients
- 8 grams ground flax seeds 1 tablespoon
- 3 tablespoons water
- 180 grams almond butter ¾ cup
- 112 grams coconut sugar ¾ cup
- 25 grams cacao powder ⅓ cup
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
PeppermintGlazeIngredients
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- A few drops of peppermint extract to taste
- 1-3 teaspoons water
- Crushed candy cane (optional)
Recipie:
In a small bow or cup, whisk together the flax seeds and water to form a flax egg. Let it sit and thicken while you combine other ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine almond butter, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Add flax egg once thickened. The mixture will take some work to fully combine, but it is necessary that all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Place dough in the fridge to cool while you pre-
heat the oven to 350 and line your cookie sheets.
Once the oven has preheated, roll the dough into 12 balls and place on cookie sheet. Press down the dough balls slightly to ensure they spread properly.
For a soft cookie bake for 15 minutes and for a crunchy cookie bake for 18 minutes.
While cookies are cooling make your glaze.
In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and single teaspoons of water until you reach desired texture. Then mix in peppermint extract to taste. Be cautious when adding peppermint as it is very strong.
Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle glaze and sprinkle crushed peppermint over cookies.
Finding Your Path With MBTI
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Summatively, judgers would fit jobs like organizers, project managers, data analysts, and roles in the financial industry. Perceivers would likely show their strengths in positions like HR, administration, or community outreach and advocacy, where flexibility, adaptability, and new experiences are valued.
In conclusion, the MBTI can be a useful tool for self-discovery and career exploration. It helps by showing your preferences, strengths, and work styles. While it gives insights into possible career paths, it is important to remember that MBTI does not decide your success or fulfillment. It should be seen as a guide that works alongside other factors like your skills, interests, and experiences. By understanding your personality type and how it affects your energy, decision-making, and organization, you can make better career choices. Tools like MBTI can help guide the way of your personal journey, but not the final steps.
The Whittier Miscellany is published five times during the school year by high school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www. wfswhittier.net.
