SEARCH RESULTS

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Story Behind the Shot 02 By Olivia Neuner Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Original photos by Olivia Neuner Welcome back to the 2nd installment of “Story Behind the Shot”! My name is Olivia and I have a confession to make; I was that crazy puppy girl in first grade. Ok… now that we have that out of the way, allow me to introduce you to my beagle, Daisy! Last year, after my acting coach made an Instagram for her dog, Winston, I decided it would be a fun idea to make Daisy one too. Over the year we have had the account, Daisy and I have made furry friends from around the world, including some dogs from England, Germany, and Japan. It has been a great way to “travel” during the pandemic. (Top) Brought to you by my self-timer, this is my favorite picture and is currently my profile picture for my Instagram. I took this picture right after filming a lip-sync video for my musical theatre class. I had been in quarantine for a few months, and this was the first time I put on a nice outfit and makeup, making me feel confident and happy with my video. Daisy laid down next to me, and I felt it was only appropriate to get a picture on the best sunny day of the month. (Bottom Left) This picture is from Daisy’s 11th Birthday at Hempstead Lake Park. My family and I throw our dog a party every year, and even during a pandemic we wanted to continue the tradition. We had a great day filled with walks and treats, and even a dog cake. (Bottom Right) This picture features Daisy with her favorite drink from Starbucks; the puppichino. The drink is simple; but to us it’s more than just a free cup of whipped cream. During the first month of quarantine, my family and I feeling desperate for an outing hopped in the car and drove to our local Starbucks drive-thru. The line was over 30 minutes long, but nonetheless we were happy for any reason to get out of the house. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to go back once a week for the next few months; the time together in the car was a great way to catch up and clear our minds, and Daisy was always very excited to go for a ride. This picture was from the second time she ever had the treat, and her hesitant yet interested look is something I find translates well even if you don’t know her. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Unconventional Portrait By Marissa Nardone January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

< Back About the Course Your Instructor

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Cage (a short story) Annie Diep Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep My mother owns a bird, or perhaps shall I say two birds? Since...I find myself resembling the dove my mother keeps in her office quite a bit. Like the dove trapped in the cage, I am confined to my room. Like the dove unable to fly because its wings were clipped, I am unable to walk because my legs are clipped. Like the dove, I used to think this was for the better. Like the dove, I thought this enclosure is supposed to protect me from the outside. Like the dove, I am punished when I ask for things that I do not deserve. Like the dove, all I know how to do is stare outside the window all day. However, unlike the dove, I am not allowed into her office. However, unlike the dove, she has not once looked at me besides when she punishes me. Unlike the dove...I am not loved. I guess now that I think more about it...I don't resemble the dove my mother keeps after all. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Perspective Back to Sections Lexie Sowerby - Perspective By Lexie Sowerby December 16, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 3

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Here Comes the Street By Nora Chery Volume 3 Issue 1 November 7, 2022 Image provided by Adobe Here comes the street The street that never lies Beneath the simmering crimson sun. Beyond the street The street turns to grass Beneath the time where words and paper never Shackle us. Then comes the grass The grass that never dies Under our tired feet. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections North Star Advice Aamna Raja Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 “ Hi, Aamna! I wanted to ask your advice on some feelings I’ve been having. Recently, I started having feelings for one of my close friends. I really like everything about them! I have been friends with them for a while now, and I don’t want to ruin the relationship we have now by telling them how I feel. I’m worried that things may become awkward between us if I say something, and I’m scared to lose the friendship we have, but at the same time, I feel like I need to just tell them how I feel. What should I do?” -Lego Fortnite I hope you’re having an amazing day, Lego! First of all, I totally get where you’re coming from; your feelings are valid. The fear of losing a friendship that you value over a confession is common and very justified. But remember, feelings can’t and won’t just disappear because you ignore them. In some situations, ignoring your feelings can even make your inner turmoil worse, and the stress can start to spread to other parts of your life. That doesn’t mean you have to rush into a dramatic confession, but to reduce your stress, you should address them. Consider testing the waters first—see how they respond to compliments and deeper, more personal conversations. Sometimes, you’ll get a sense of whether the feeling is mutual without having to spell it out. If you’re still unsure, think about how your current dynamic works. Are you both good at handling emotional honesty? If you are, that’s a sign you shouldn’t fear an open conversation about your emotions, and a confession won’t hurt your bond. If you choose to tell them, keep it simple and low-pressure. Something like, “Hey, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I really value our friendship. I’ve started to like you as more than a friend, but I don’t want this to change anything between us if you don’t feel the same” can communicate your feelings while also letting them know that there’s no pressure to change your current dynamic. And if they don’t feel the same? It might be awkward for a bit, but true friendships bounce back. Just give it time. If they do feel the same—well, then you’ve opened the door to something even better! You’ve got this, Lego. No matter what happens, being honest with yourself is always the right move. Wishing you luck, Aamna BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections New Year Traditions Around The World Machai Augustine Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Max Ching Each year, January comes around and surprises us with another new year for new hopes, dreams, and wishes. We all enjoy having some sort of tradition to celebrate. Nearly every culture has different customs and traditions that determine how our new year will go. So, let’s learn about how various cultures and regions celebrate the new year. Ireland is known for celebrating with drinks on New Year’s, but they have other traditions. For example, one popular tradition is banging bread on the walls and doors in your house. If bread isn’t available, you can also use pots, pans, or spoons. This superstition-based practice is done to ward off any evil spirits in the area that could haunt and ruin the celebrations and bring good luck and protection for you and your family in the coming year. Another Irish tradition is putting berries and ivy under their pillows, which is supposed to bring you good luck when it comes to romance. Unlike citizens in most other nations, South Africans celebrate the new year on both the first and second of January. This is because historically, slaves in Cape Town were given a day off on January 2nd. Because of this, they use this day to not only celebrate the new year but also remember the mistreatment of their people in the past. Despite this solemn aspect of the holiday, South African traditions are overall like American ones, involving lots of partying and going out into nature to celebrate. One of Greece’s quirky traditions is hanging onions on the doors of houses. In some cultures, onions symbolize rebirth due to their fertility and how they seem to grow even when neglected. This tradition is meant to help household members thrive and become a new person in the new year. There is also a traditional dish that the Greeks have for the new year: vasilopita , a special sweet bread. Vasilopita honors Saint Basil the Great, a saint beloved by Greeks because of his passion to help those in need. The reason why this sweet bread is so special is because of a coin planted within the bread, meant to symbolize the wealth and treasures that Saint Basil gave away. Now that you know a little bit more about new year traditions around the world, what will you try to implement into your New Year celebration? Sources: New Year's Eve Irish Traditions - Twinkl Greek New Year Traditions Celebrating New Years Day in Africa | Africa Imports New Year's Day 2025 in South Africa How to do Christmas & New Year the Greek way - Greek from Greece BACK TO TOP