Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Proud By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 No Image available at this time It’s October 3rd, 2015; you are sitting in your room taking an “Am I Gay?” quiz from Buzzfeed . You are crying. Your lips tremble, and your voice has been lost to sobs. It’s something close to three in the morning. You are not crying because of the results; you are crying because there are none. Like some magic 8-ball from Lucifer himself, the test has told you that it is up to you to determine your identity. You are someone who lives in a world of memorizing answers and rote learning. Your parents taught you how to think critically about art, music, religion, and politics, and all the other big words adults like to use. Still, they never taught you how to think critically about this part of you. You suspect they never had to. You’re too scared to Google anything. You don’t want your mom to see your search history. So you let the questions fester. They burn into your soul with a fervor you never knew was possible. You would like to say that the burning hurts you. That the pain shapes memories and decisions, or it informs some greater understanding of the universe around you. It doesn’t. Instead, it sinks down into the shade of who you are becoming. If your eyes linger too long on the pretty woman on the magazine cover, who would blame you? You try to convince yourself that it’s just because you don’t know her name. This will not be the last time you fail to convince yourself. You know that there are words for people like you. You watch the Obgerfell V. Hodges’s decision live on TV. Your mother smiles and says, “good for them,” and that is that. You do not tell her that you feel like crying; she does not ask why you are smiling so strangely. You wonder what it must feel like to dance in the sea of colors you see on the streets of DC. Your dad smiles and then changes the channel; he wants to catch up on the Mets game. The images of rainbows large enough to swallow the capitol building are tattooed onto your synapses. Later, you see the first gay couple to be married in New York on “Say Yes to the Dress”. You sit quietly, waiting for a comment from your grandma. The comment never comes. Once, you will creep up to your parent’s bedroom door. It is 6:30 on a Saturday evening, and you will open your mouth to speak. The air around you will still for a moment; this is the first time in your life silence slips its greedy hands over your lips. It will not be the last. It will take you two years to find a space where thoughts like yours seem normal. You know better than to discuss it with your friends at the time, so you turn to the internet. Suddenly there is an explosion of life. There are words to refer to every type of person you could ever meet, and someone is always making more. The words scare you. There are too many, and they all hold so much weight. You are lost in a sea of language, of prefixes and suffixes that make your head spin. The riptide pulls you out to sea, and you are assaulted by a barrage of letters, all jumbled to become one infinite black ocean. You know nothing of who you are and where you will go. Here, you cannot breathe water or air. Sink or swim, you will not survive. Until you do. You survive because the water is only as lonely as you make it out to be. If you sink, you will find mermaids with tails that glitter like oil slicks. If you swim, you see ships with stories of every place you could ever know. Survival is ingrained in you, so you continue to survive. When you are done visiting mermaids, and the sailors have run out of stories. They may ask you a question or two. They simply wonder how it is precisely that you define you. You still don’t have an answer to that question. You expect the worst; you have visions of teeth and talons. You expect to be sent off the plank. Instead, you are granted kindness. They don’t know who they are either. They tell you that this ocean is for all of us who don’t know. You are shocked that the “us” includes you; it doesn’t feel wrong, so you stay. You learn to tie knots, and you learn to navigate using the stars. You know how to grow your own tail now, and the murky waters, once terrifying, now feel like home. With joy, you tell a sailor this. You see the sadness in his eyes when he tells you, “that means it’s time to leave.” You don’t want to leave. You have just found warmth in a murky black ocean. You had just learned to sail this ship, and now you are forced to chart a new course. You wave goodbye to the friends you made. You don’t know if you’ll ever see them again. One of them shouts your name, but just as you turn to face them, a wave crashes in your vision. There is no time to be sentimental now; you must keep yourself afloat. You take your map and plan your route. It is only when your boat touches land that you realize where you are. You are home. You are home with new scars and new memories, but this is still home. You ask your dad if the Mets won last night and your mom if she wants to go book shopping. For a second, everything is normal. You did not just walk off a boat from a magical sea. Your hair has not grown, and you have not changed. As the seconds pass, though, any sense of normalcy shatters. Your mother squints and asks about the strange flag on your ship. Your dad tells you not to move. Your parents have always been good with words, and the confession they drag from you is sharp and messy like broken shells washed too far onto the shore. Yet, they collect these broken shells and press them together in their palms. They tell you that you are loved, no matter who you happen to be in love with. Just like that, the cracks in the shell begin to fade. They are not fixed, they are still brittle, but they begin to heal. Oh, what healing will do. No longer will you drown in waves of words too niche for how you feel, nor will you struggle to explain why your gaze lingers on the pride displays at Target. You will still be awkward and messy, and you will cry too much over silly things, but that’s growing up. You are happy now with who you have become. You would like to think that 10-year-old you would be satisfied too. She deserves to be happy. She deserves to love herself in the way you do now. You are so far away from where this story began and yet still so far away from its ending. You no longer strain against the weight of your own fear. You are strong. You are one drop of water in a sea of color, but here, you are home. You have survived through four long years of inner turmoil for this day. It has been exactly four years and four days since the Obgerfell V Hodges decision. In that second, you realize how light you feel, no longer bogged down by the heavy questions in your soul. You have grown up, and you are no longer worried about precise definitions. You are loved by your family and friends, and you might just love someone too. Nobody cares who exactly that is. Your friend is next to you; you giggle as he smacks a rainbow heart sticker onto your forehead. It is June 30th, 2019; you are somewhere in downtown Manhattan, and you are laughing. You are waving a rainbow flag that your parents bought for you amongst a crowd of others. You hear music start playing, and then you are dancing. You don’t have to wonder anymore how those people in DC felt four years ago. You know it now too. You stand with your shoulders back, laughing and dancing. You smile at the sea of color surrounding you, and your mom catches a photo of you dancing, flag in hand. You are strong here. You are safe here. You are a part of an “us” larger than yourself. You are crying again, but this time you are happy. You are proud. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The Benefits of Running Manal Layachi Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Mother of Manal Layachi I have been on North’s Cross Country and Track and Field team since seventh grade and enjoy running every day. Whenever I feel stressed or just need to clear my mind, I go for a run, and I feel amazing and energetic like I just drank forty cups of coffee. Running not only improves your mental and physical health, but it provides individuals with important life lessons. I have learned over the years that it is important to be on time, persevere when facing obstacles, remain “hungry” for opportunities in which I can reach full potential, have a winner’s mindset, build self-confidence, and most importantly have fun. Firstly, running improves an individual’s physical and mental health. For example, running improves cardio health and lowers the risk of having cardiovascular diseases. Even if it is for just fifteen minutes a day, a little can go a long way. It also lowers an individual’s resting heart rate, thus leading to them having a more efficient heartbeat. Furthermore, running can improve sleep, knee health and back health. Running helps lower stress and clears the mind, which leads to better sleep and relaxation. It can even lead to a lower arthritis rate and improved back health as runners must have good running form, which includes keeping your back straight and relaxed. Lastly, running can help lower the odds of someone obtaining upper tract respiratory infections and leads to a better mood and energy. After every run, I always feel like a new person and become excited for the day. I also feel more productive when completing homework and am in a better mood. Additionally, running also improves academic performance and learning ability. In other words, exercise increases circulation throughout the body and enhances brain function, thus leading to academic achievement. For example, students that perform aerobic exercises daily may have higher test scores than those who do not exercise. I have seen this in my life as well because as a junior in high school and take multiple AP classes. Running after school helps me deal with stress and the workload of junior year. Coming home from school without running does not help me complete my homework, as I feel unmotivated and my brain overflows with thoughts from the school day. On the other hand, running after school helps me clear my mind, have fun, and prepares me for the schoolwork ahead. The next day, I ace my exams and get the grades that I want. In essence, running is a lifelong sport. Whether you are 13 or 45, running is for everyone. All you have to do is put on your shoes and start running. It is not a sport that requires a lot of equipment. If you decide to start running, start off easy, be sure to hydrate (Trader Joe’s Alkaline water is my favorite), eat foods heavy in protein and fruits and vegetables, and most importantly have fun and run with close friends or relatives. All in all, being on the team has brought me closer to the North community and I have made many friends that I would not have made had I not joined cross country and track. I would like to thank my brother and my coaches for motivating me to join Cross Country and Track and fight through the pain of running. I will miss running for North when I graduate; however, I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish in the 2024-2025 season. References: How Does Running Improve Your Health? ( webmd.com ) The Correlation Between Running And The Classroom ( coachweber.org ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Follow my Letterboxd Jasmine Roberts Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Jasmine Roberts I will not begin this without admitting that I am a begging fool. I have prostrated upon my knees; my head rests in folded thighs of shame, my spine and plucked like a bow, and I can admit that even if the merciful position is uncomfortable, I shall not move from it: Join my Letterboxd, I declare! I will use this power of magic, a spell that I crafted from time and despair, desperation and loneliness, rambling and self-expression, to speak of my need for my Letterboxd to be free for all, like Lenin’s best dream, my Letterboxd if liberated and can be followed by the masses, each and for all! I wonder if there will be a foe or a friend that finds themselves inclined to do as I wager. Picking up their heavy phone, which remains pristine and forever touched from years of deft fondling, yet I ponder even more if this person with their sweet and gentle heart may do a girl a favor and join her Letterboxd! There is no moral corruption in begging, for you see Oliver Twist did it at least once a day and I love every night, I am not even asking for a vacationed penny, just a little time out of your day. There are many reasons to follow my Letterboxd, and I could list them down a parchment that would run down Everest but let me bargain here with a silver tooth flashing in my mouth. One, the films I watch are exotic as they are a blessing to artistic passion, if you adore the aged nature of vintage horror, then my Letterboxd may surely be for you, the devils, Vampires, Witches, those Wicked things that do. I enjoy those films which make the fangs of beast drip mortal blood, I adore the brining of the dark, corruption and sin, and prayers to the seedy divine. Experimentalism is my lover and together during morbid and dark nights, we dine! Second, may I say that I review every film I watch! Yes! Yes! Yes, I do! Can you believe hearing my thoughts day and night, or at least Fridays and Saturdays when I have the time? I have thoughts for all things, and my beliefs do not discriminate against them. If you love my words here, why not follow me on Letterboxd, over there? Lastly, simply why not? I steal no souls, and I only give soft and strong words. You might find one film you adore, you might find a strange little friend on the way, and I want to connect with those films which reach out of my narrow periphery. These wishes aren’t just for I, but because I desire to seek all I can find! From you! Yes, you! You are [REDACTED], right? So, I am talking to you, expanding my vista and letting me watch movies that I am ignorant of. So please, go to my Sehkmet or ⛥rdog depending on what shows up so try both, so even if one person reads this or none, hey at least I tried and I did my best, but regardless one of my bests is certainly my Letterboxd! It’s free! Follow it today! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Bullying Impacts By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Parents.com Bullying. No matter where it happens, whether in school, at home, or online, bullying can make a great day one of your worst days ever. Bullying occurs when someone tries to hurt, intimidate, or embarrass someone else. Bullying can happen anywhere to anybody, and its effects not only hurt the victim but also the people around them. About 20% of students nationwide from ages 12-18 are victims of bullying. This can be in the form of name-calling, taunting, spreading rumors about someone, hurting someone, or threatening to hurt them, and much more. This can cause someone to be embarrassed, ashamed of themselves, and depressed. 5.4 million students skip school at some point in the year because of bullying. Many bullying victims become disconnected from friends and family. They could have trouble sleeping and change their eating habits, which are lighter effects. Some suffer from substance abuse, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and self-harm. Some see no other way to end the pain than to take their own life. If you ever feel this way, try talking to a trusted adult or counselor. Speaking to someone will be hard, but it's one of the first steps to betterment. Even the bystanders involved in the bullying are more likely to start using alcohol, skip school, and have mental health problems. Bullying also has adverse effects on the bully. Bullies are more likely to skip school, drop out of school, start using drugs and alcohol, and fight. 60% of boys who bullied others in middle school had at least one criminal conviction at age 24. They are more likely to abuse their spouse or child. Some also get arrested because of their bullying because they forget that bullying is illegal no matter where it happens. This article doesn't even fully cover every effect that bullying may have; so, think about the next time you decide to bully someone. Remember the impact it can have on you, your victim, and others around you. If you are being bullied, try to talk to an adult. You can report bullying incidents verbally or through the district website here: Valley Stream Central High School District Parents/Students | Student Resources (vschsd.org) . Try to keep your head up! We're here to help and support you! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Clark and Charlotte's Lovely Marriage Moment By Nora Chery Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Unsplash "Ahh -- Bills. Better do some bills. Let see, Water, electric, loans, mortgage…just bills. Bills bills bills bills bills bills bills bills bills bills, still more bills, bills bills bills bills— bills BILLS BILLS BILLS-Oh, Charlotte! Hello, darling."   *Door creaks*   "Hello. I just thought I'd walk by and bring you something to drink while you're working."   *Cling*   "Thank you…dear."   "You still haven't come down for dinner. Should I bring the food, too?"   "No. That’s fine, I'll come down when I'm finished."   "It'll get cold."   "I'll reheat it, it’s fine.”   "Alright then…"   "…"   "…" *Footsteps*   "Oh, not now Charlotte!"   "What!?! A loving wife can't kiss her loving husband?"   "Not while the working husband is paying for the bills that still have yet to be paid and are due to be paid."   "Well those bills can wait, the taxes can wait. Your stupid job can wait!"   "Charlotte--"   "Clark, if you can't eat the food, I cook for you or even let me kiss you on the cheek, then what am I!?! I’m just a mother, and now that's…practically meaningless. Oh…why do we even keep that damn booster seat--"   “I’m so tired of your complaining , acting like you’re some poor ol’ housewife. Why don’t you just get a job, quit being an annoying crybaby, and quit wasting my time?”   “Oh, that’s just like you Clark, you always treat everything with disdain and resentment. Everything always annoys you, I always annoy you. You never even try to sympathize with me, YOU’VE NEVER BEEN BY MY SIDE.”   “Tell me. Tell me why I would I ever be on the side of a woman who couldn’t even get around to watching our own 2-year-old child because she was too busy messing around with Jim McPherson in our own home.”   “…Y-you-”   “What? I what?”   *CRASH*   “That’s exactly like you Charlotte, like a toddler. You can even throw that broken teacup at me if you’d like.”   “You’re DISGUSTING. I want a divorce. Do you hear me!?! I want a divorce!”   *RING RING*   “I’ll go get it.”   “No, I’ll go get it.”   *RING RING CLICK*   “Hello?…Oh, hello Anne…Yes, everything is fine. Clark is fine, we’re both fine…Yes…. It is difficult but we’re sticking together, through this…Thank you, Anne…Goodbye.”   “…”   “…”   “I’m sorry. I’ll clean this up.”   “No, I’ll clean this up. You go down downstairs, I’ll join you in a bit.”   “I’m sorry-“   “Charlotte, I said I’ll join you in a bit.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections School Times By Augustine Magapan Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by ShutterStock In the year 2020, a new way of teaching has enlightened students and teachers called remote learning. Perhaps because we have done it in the past, but it wasn’t noted until now where it’s starting to not only show a trend, but is relied upon due to the pandemic. There are millions of people across the nation who use remote learning to prevent themselves from getting the coronavirus depending on how severe they think it is. Millions of people have made their own decisions about whether they should send their child to school or stay at home, and we should respect their choice. There are different characteristics for each type of learning they do, but it doesn’t matter as long the student feels safe and can learn. Whether we are on a chair logging on a computer to meet the other side of the classroom or literally inside the classroom, there is a discussion that should be had. Do students have enough school time when they’re fully remote or at school? Eric Suni, a writer who has over a decade of experience in health communications and worked as a science writer and information specialist for the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, had an approval of his report by Dr. Alex Dimitriu. He is the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, and is board certified in psychiatry as well as in sleep medicine. According to Suni, there is a function of your body called the circadian rhythm, which helps you work out with everyday functions of your body. For example, your best coordination might occur at five in the afternoon. Maybe you are at your strongest point at noon and gradually decrease strength or energy during the afternoon. These all are parts of your circadian rhythm. However, we will be focusing on the time when you sleep and when you wake up. This will affect how you perform in school. Not being able to get enough sleep is common with adolescents which affects them, and one of the causes is due to early school times. Adolescents change their circadian rhythms depending on what time they sleep and wake up. When high school times start early, it creates an effect on a student’s learning behavior where they will be a downturn in their mental and physical school performance. In California, they have refined their school times where class starts later, so students can get more sleep. The local districts in the state are already seeing effects from the change and will modify schools over time. High schools will not start earlier than 8:30 a.m. For example, first period at Huntington Beach Union High School District starts at 8:24 a.m. This will also depend on the parents and staff trying to adjust to the new bell system. Therefore, it’s a fascinating question that revolves around today’s society. There had been positive outcomes when schools start earlier since there has been better performance and health for teenagers according to the California Medical Assn. and the California State Parent Teacher Association. Kuss Middle School, in Fall River, Massachusetts, was analyzed as a chronically underperforming school in 2004. As time progressed to 2013, they were finally able to reach great improvements involving students when they took part in longer school days or extended learning times. Creating a school time involving a longer day seems to improve student learning. In addition, their school time was 9am -5 pm. Although that the school day is long, they start school later which can connect to the California school district’s findings. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools should start at 8:30 a.m. or later so students can have more sleep. The CDC has stated that according to 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study, 93% of high schools and 83% of middle schools in the U.S. start before 8:30 a.m. Depending on what state you are in, a lot of public and middle high schools started before 8:30 a.m. From the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, they recommend that teenagers from ages to 13 to 18 years old should sleep 8 to 10 hours on a regular basis. If you do not, you’ll most likely be overweight, not engage in daily physical activity, suffer from symptoms of depression, engage in unhealthy behaviors such as drinking, smoking tobacco, and using illicit drugs, and perform poorly in school . The last part of the previous sentence can help explain some reasons why a school’s schedule can affect a student’s performance. The American Academy of Pediatrics also says that delaying school times can be an effective countermeasure to chronic sleep loss and contains a variety of benefits that revolve around physical and mental health, safety, and academic achievement. Although that there are positive outcomes when students have school starting later, there can be contrasts and obstacles. Every school will function differently. It will depend on how everyone will adjust to it. There are people who will also disagree on having school times later and when school ends. It depends on how much influence students, teachers, and education staff has on the larger population revolving around school and their hours. After reading this article, if you still go to school, did you reflect on what your school is doing right? There are many other resources to find more information about the effects of a later school starting time if you surf through the web or look at the news. This is a fascinating question. It all depends on what you and your school does your sleeping schedule. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Spotlight Back to Sections XSCAPISM II By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia March 18, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Gomez Addams – An Introspective Dive By Alain Deen Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by VSN Drama “Where are we from!? Funny you should ask. July 31st, 1715. The Spanish Warship, Pico De Gallo, commanded by my great nautical ancestor, General Redondo Ventana Languna Don Jose Cuervo, leaves Madrid, bound for the new world. Three weeks later, he is still in Madrid, as Madrid is four hundred miles from the nearest ocean. A stubborn man, he sets sail anyway, only to sink, six months later, off the southern coast of Florida - a hostile land, infested with mosquitoes, rattle snakes, and many retired Jewish peoples. But enough about us.” The Addams Family has developed into a beloved franchise since its inception in the early 60s. Namely, The ABC TV network created The Addams Family television series, which was based on the Addams’ cartoon likenesses. In short, the general premise of the franchise revolves around a ghoulishly strange family and the relationships within it. Gomez and Morticia are husband and wife and are also madly in love. Together, they had two children, Wednesday, and Pugsley. The two often feud, as any “normal” sibling pair would. Lurch is also present, who serves as the family’s half-dead butler. Furthermore, Grandma Addams is often depicted in an out-of-touch manner. She’s quite crazy and lacks awareness in contrast to the other characters. Lastly, Uncle Fester serves as the primary comedic relief of the show. Over time, this franchise has grown immensely, with various adaptations across multiple mediums. Namely, various animated shows such as The Addams Family: The Animated Series (1992-1993), The Addams Family (1973), and The Addams Family (2019). Along with this were a plethora of live-action adaptations, with the most recent being Netflix’s Wednesday (2022). With all of this said, however, I would like to take a deeper dive into Gomez Addams and evaluate his character arcs over the years. In almost every adaptation, Gomez is quite inferior to his wife, Morticia. She has always served as the family’s spearhead and makes most of the decisions. This is an interesting element, as the men of the early sixties did not translate these ideals into reality. However, it was an early sign of breaking the patriarchy in the film and media industry. Nonetheless, Gomez’s primary motives in life stem from pleasing his wife and protecting his family, which is integral to a father-figure like himself. Along with this, Gomez’s personality stems largely from his Spanish Ancestry, which was first mentioned in “Art and the Addams Family.” Morticia refers to him as a “mad Castillan” in one of the episodes, demonstrating his passion for his roots. This trait has remained consistent throughout the various adaptations of the Addams Family, which is enhanced by his pencil moustache and devotion to Morticia. In some adaptations, it is mentioned that he is a wealthy businessman who studied law. However, Gomez’s relationship with work has remained fickle as he has struggled between balancing his family and work. Nevertheless, he cares for his wife above all, and his love is constantly tested across every adaptation. Rachel Ezeadichie (Uncle Fester), Gigi Perlaza (Morticia), Alain Deen (Gomez), Giancarlo Oliveri (Lurch), Caroline Testa (Pugsley), Quinn O’Connor (Wednesday), Carolina Caraballo (Grandma). I had the pleasure of playing Gomez in Valley Stream North’s recent production of The Addams Family Musical . It was a great experience, to say the least. I had a lot of fun with the character and delved deep into his passion for Morticia and love for his roots. However, in this particular adaptation, Gomez is tested in terms of Wednesday as well. He had to keep a secret from Morticia (something he would never dare attempt) in order to please Wednesday. From playing Gomez, I gained more insight into the character himself, learning more about the intricacies of passion and unconditional love. My character served as the driving force for most of the events throughout the show, including various songs which demonstrated his internal conflict, arguments with Morticia, and antics with lurch. Overall, it is safe to say that with every adaptation, Gomez’s love for Morticia is tested the most. He is a man of his word, and never wants to keep secrets, unless it is at the expense of his daughter. Although Gomez deeply cares for his wife, his children also play a prominent role in his life, demonstrating another complex aspect to his character. Alain Deen (Gomez) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Interview with Jaela Cardoza-Alvarez Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Jaela Cardoza-Alvarez Jaela Cardoza-Alvarez is a charming, outgoing individual and an incredible tennis player who played on our school's team. Throughout the season, we had numerous wonderful and amusing experiences. Unfortunately, this was her last tennis season with our school's team, and I wish her all the best in the future. Through this interview, I got the amazing opportunity to learn more about her passion for tennis. Her responses to the following questions are as follows: What is your position on the school’s tennis team? “First singles.” What is your position preference (singles or doubles)? “Singles.” What is your preferred type of court? “Hard tennis court." What are your favorite tennis shots? “Cross court forehands and volleys." What do you do when you are not playing tennis or practicing? “Hang out with friends, listen to music, or workout." Who is your favorite tennis player? “Serena Williams.” What is your favorite meal after a game? “Pasta.” What is your pre-game routine? “Just get hype and remember to play your hardest and your best." How did you come to be a tennis player? “I actually started off dancing, and when I got old enough, I expressed to my family that I didn’t like dancing and didn’t want to do it anymore, so they tried to find other stuff for me to do, and I didn’t like anything else, but then I found tennis." Who is your role model or someone you looked up to? “My mom is my role model." How has your experience playing high school tennis been? “My experience playing high school tennis has been so much fun. It’s taught me some stuff here and there. I’ve learned to play against many different types of playing styles, I enjoyed playing with my team, and I had a great coach." Who were your past coaches? How have they helped her become a better tennis player? “My first ever coach for tennis was named Milton. I had him as a coach for 2 years, and then he left to move on with his life. I was then introduced to Coach Akins, who has now been my coach for a total of 3–4 years. He’s definitely encouraged me to play better, play smarter, and is always pushing me to play stronger and reach new levels. My family is the reason I am who I am today, especially my mom. I receive endless amounts of love and encouragement from all of them, and they are truly amazing." What do you look for in a coach? “I look for a coach that wants me to succeed and will push me to the next level." How do you maintain focus in a game or deal with stress? “I take deep breaths, and I always look at my opponent and tell myself, “I want this more than they do.” My opponent will never understand how much more I want this than they do." Do you see yourself playing tennis even more competitively in the future? “I do see myself playing more competitively in the future because I really do love playing tennis." What makes someone good at tennis? “I think that with enough practice, anyone can play, but to be good, you have to have what it takes to win. You need to have enough discipline and confidence to tell yourself that you are good and that you have the ability to win." BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Mixed Feelings Regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by NY State of Health The COVID-19 Vaccine has been around for several months now, and it’s a widely available vaccine that helps your body develop antibodies to protect you from COVID. However, does the person taking it feel protected? Although I took my first dose of the vaccine, I still don’t feel safe in large, crowded areas, nor do I feel fully protected. I think that I can still be infected with COVID despite having the vaccine. I also think that other people can carry the virus whether they’re vaccinated or not. I can’t say that I liked getting the vaccine shot; however, I can’t say that I don’t like it either. Students at Valley Stream North High school also share mixed views regarding the vaccine. Amelia Avila, a 10th grader at VSN, said in an interview: I believe the Covid-19 vaccine has been a type of ‘safety net’ most people have been waiting for. There is no certainty behind it, but there is no certainty behind any vaccine during its beginning stages. Not only does it keep you safe, [but it also] keeps others safe as well. Some might argue that the COVID vaccine doesn't work because you can still get COVID, but no one has said that you cannot get Covid if you have the vaccine. Just like the flu shot, you can still get the flu, it just helps your body to prepare for the flu antibodies if they ever enter your body; the Covid-19 vaccine does the same thing. Amelia acknowledged both opinions regarding the vaccine, and I agree with her. The COVID-19 vaccine might’ve been the “safety net” that people needed from this pandemic. However, some students at VSN find the vaccine very helpful and they trust it. Syeda Zainab, a 10th grader, said in an interview that she “loved getting the vaccine. I felt protected and safer after I got it.” Some people, after getting vaccinated, felt safer than when they were unvaccinated. However, there are also some students who have no views regarding the vaccine. Jamilie Ramirez, another 10th grader from VSN, said “I only don’t like the vaccine because after I got it, it hurt for a week.” Some people liked the vaccine but didn’t like the aftereffects that came with it. There are mixed views regarding the vaccine, but each person can express their opinion about it. How do YOU feel about the vaccine? Add your opinion here! https://forms.office.com/r/TxU90u6t34 BACK TO TOP