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Back to Artwork Who Am I Back to Sections Sophia Mura - Who Am I? By Sophia Mura November 19, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Senior Send-Off Leah Ally Volume 5 Issue 5 July 5, 2025 Image Provided by Christy Mansfield As the year ends it is crucial that we recognize our hardworking class of 2025 graduates that have allowed North Star to grow. We thank each and every one of them for continued dedication, effort, and time invested into growing our club and school newspaper. This would not have been possible without them, and it has been a privilege working alongside them for so long. Therefore, to send-off our North Star seniors, we wrote a personal thank you to each one. Noa Cordova : Noa, ever since you took over as editor-in-chief I knew we were in good hands. I speak for everyone when I say that your work ethic is truly admirable. Not only have you run meetings, edited articles, but also provided a strong presence as the editor-in-chief that has been the driving force behind our paper. Your positive attitude and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and you’ve been a role model to me in the time that I have worked with you. Thank you for your unwavering efforts and helping shape North Star to what it is today. Rehmat Kaur : Rehmat, as our Sports Section Editor you’ve made North Star everything it aspires to be in terms of a school newspaper. You have consistently kept up with our North athletes and sport teams throughout each season and we thank you for that. Your consistency can be seen through your many interviews and analysis that not only recognized and honored our athletes but also allowed for their voices to be heard. Your time at North Star has encompassed what it means to be a reliable journalist. Thank you, Rehmat for all your work. Elaine Ching : Elaine, as our lead Layout and Social Media Designer without you, North Star would not be what it is today. You have kept up and designed every detail of our website. From uploading articles to constant updates, you allow our paper to be the best it could be. Not to mention your dedication to producing original artwork has allowed for our paper to be truly authentic and much more enjoyable for our readers. It’s your behind the scenes work that allows for our work to be seen, promoted, and displayed for all. You’ve been a crucial part of North Star , and you deserve all the credit and more for your contributions. Thank you, Elaine! Marco Alvarez : Marco, as part of our Layout Team and our spreadsheet manager, it is your work that allows for our voices to be heard and published. You have been nothing short of consistent, focused, and all around a reliable member. Your role requires hard work that deals with many technical details and organization, and you have done that perfectly which has allowed us to thrive. Not only that, but you’ve always kept the interests of others in mind and truly demonstrated yourself to be dependable. Thank you, Marco! Isabel Barret : Isabel, as our Feature Section Editor you have produced nothing short of interesting and thorough articles. Overseeing such a broad and wide-ranging section is by no means an easy task, yet you’ve followed through time and time again. Each meeting you're always one of the first to offer ideas and suggestions. It is that very attitude that makes a paper successful and why it was such a pleasure to work with you Without you our feature section would not be the same and we thank you for everything, Isabel! Sahar Ali : Sahar, as news section editor, we’ve seen you produce the most interesting current news and political articles. You’ve brought awareness and in-depth information about the most serious world issues, and you never fail to do it well. What I most admire about you is your passion. Your passion to share your opinions while delivering some of the most reliable articles North Star has to offer. It is because of you our news section was so strong the past few years and your drive has not been overlooked, thank you Sahar. Sophia Songveertham : Sophia, as our photographer, your role to North Star is a unique one and so cherished. Your talent, your dedication, and the time put into attending North’s many athletic events can all be seen by the many photos you have dedicated to our paper. You’ve contributed to our originality, sharing the achievements of our athletes, and overall making our paper stand out. Photography is not only a skill, but an art, and you encompass every aspect of that in your work, thank you Sophia. Manal Layachi : Manal, you’ve been a prominent and consistent member of North Star for many years. Over the time you’ve stuck with us, you have produced a variety of articles regarding school life and running to science and entertainment. Even while handling so much such as being an athlete and you never fail to be an active member and prioritize North Star . Your drive for writing will be dearly missed and we thank you Manal for all the time you dedicated into helping our paper bloom. Aamna Raja : Aamna, as our advice columnist you took on a very challenging role all with the goal of helping our readers and reminding others they are not alone. Your section is not only a place of help but for comfort for those who ever needed someone thoughtful to tackle any issues. By fulfilling such a role in North Star you’ve truly helped our paper shine as not only a school newspaper but one that served students in ways beyond academics. Thank you, Aamna! Each one of you has left a lasting impact on not only North Star but also everyone that got the privilege to work with you! Your work will not be forgotten, and you’ve left a legacy that will continue to be admired. We wish you all the very best and know you will all continue to succeed! Thank you, Seniors! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The Enemy That Should Be a Friend – The College Essay Ismaela Andre Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by BibGuru Many seniors must write a 650-word personal statement. This is usually referred to as “the college essay.” Once they hear this they think, “Oh that’s not too bad.” However, once their teacher says, “It has to be about you,” they instantly complain or get lost. Little do they know, the college essay is a gift, not a nuisance. The college essay allows students to showcase their unique personalities and experiences. Even though your grades and standardized test scores provide a glimpse of your academic abilities, the essay showcases your character, passions, and personal growth. It helps colleges paint a picture of who you are and what you aspire to become. This personal touch usually humanizes an application by transforming a set of statistics into an aspiring student. College essays also empower students to tell their own stories. Personally, it helped me dive deeper into a past incident. It allowed me to voice an aspect of myself that makes me who I am. The college essay offers opportunities for you to discuss your life experiences, challenges you have overcome, or unique perspectives on the world. In doing so, it promotes diversity and inclusion, as it enables those from various backgrounds to share narratives and enrich the campus community with their distinct viewpoints. Another positive is that it encourages you to think deeply about your aspirations and goals. Crafting a personal statement forces you to clarify your values, beliefs, and the impact you wish to make in the world. Personally, this process was transformative for me because it further showed how much I love to support my peers and others. I learned more about who I am and what I wanted while writing this personal statement. The college essay is much more than a mere requirement; it is a benefit that serves the interests of both you and the admissions committees. It offers you the chance to express yourself, share your story, and explore your narrative creativity and true goals. Simultaneously, it aids admissions officers in making informed decisions and building diverse, vibrant campus communities. Even though the college essay seems daunting, its positives far outweigh any negatives. Therefore, it should be embraced as an opportunity for growth, expression, and self-discovery, for both applicants and institutions alike. When you start writing, it can be hard to stop and before you know it, you will have over 650 words! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Who is Rohan Murphy? By Cody Sung Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Original artwork by Elaine Ching On October 6th, the 8th and 9th graders were invited to a special event in the gymnasium. They got to see a motivational speaker named Rohan Murphy, who could inspire many kids by speaking to them and demonstrating his physical abilities despite having no legs. I was also fortunate to meet him after the event during my 2nd-period gym class. Who is Rohan Murphy, and how did he end up at our school? Rohan Murphy was born on December 22nd, 1983, in Queens. He lost his legs at birth, and due to this, before ninth grade, he was unable to participate in sports. In ninth grade, though, Rohan Murphy joined the East Islip wrestling team after training all summer for it with coach Ron Croteau. While he did lose his first few matches, Mr. Murphy entirely dedicated himself to wrestling, becoming one of the most decorated wrestlers in East Islip history. Mr. Murphy went to college at Penn State University, where he continued his wrestling career. During this time, he started to compete in Paralympic weightlifting events. During one of these events, in May 2006 in Busan, South Korea, Mr. Murphy won a bronze medal in his category by lifting 281.1 pounds, more than any other American Paralympian. Nike noticed this and featured him in an ad called “No Excuses,” encouraging people to make a workout plan and stick to it. Mr. Murphy is an inspirational speaker, traveling to schools around the country and motivating kids to believe that they can do whatever they set their mind to, no matter what hurdles they face. At North, Mr. Murphy had the same mission, speaking to bleachers full of 8th and 9th graders and inspiring them. Mr. Murphy gave us hope that if we believe in ourselves, no matter what our current states are, we can do it. BACK TO TOP

POLARIS The Creative Student Literary Magazine POLARIS, VSN's Literary Magazine, and NORTH STAR, North's Student News Magazine, serve distinct purposes within the educational community. POLARIS is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the creative talents of the school's students, primarily focusing on literature and art. It provides a platform for students to express themselves through poetry, short stories, and artwork, fostering a sense of artistic community. On the other hand, NORTH STAR serves as the school's online student newspaper, aiming to inform the student body about school events, news, and achievements, also features and opinion pieces all written by students. Both publications are important, and our publications club sets out to ensure a well-rounded representation of the school's culture and a vehicle for our students' voices. Student Originals For what is fear, if fear cannot kill? Jasmine Roberts Read More December 22, 2025 Autumn Sees Leola Garcia Read More December 22, 2025 I Want to Knit Jasmine Roberts Read More July 5, 2025 A Story of Good and Bad Leah Ally Read More December 22, 2025 Strawberry Matcha Boba Tea Shea Flanelly Read More December 22, 2025 Goodbye Leah Ally Read More July 5, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ... 25 Featured Artist: Madison Thomas Submit Written Media Upload your original music to be featured in the next Polaris issue! Musical Media Upload your original media to be featured in the next Polaris issue! Visual Media Polaris Pod: coming soon... BACK TO ALL ARTICLES BACK TO SECTIONS

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Except from Eve Mikayla Aziz Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Olga Kawa from Pinterest Twisted and Bent and Burnt and finally Remolded, Finally, a girl made anew. I don’t even recognize her anymore; Hopefully he won’t either. Now she stumbles around, Head still high pumped with false confidence. She speaks with someone else’s tongue, Looks through someone else’s perspective, But she still thinks with my brain. That we still share; For now. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections 3/14: A Commemoration of “Pi” By Christina Ossa Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Original image by Christina Ossa March 14th is a date that ironically celebrates the math notion Pi (or π), but some of you may ask: “Why exactly 3/14”? Well, as many of you know, π is an irrational number that begins with the three numbers 3.14. So, since π’s first three numbers are 3.14, it only makes sense that the commemoration of the numerical symbol would be 3/14. While there won’t be much discussion about how the pies themselves are made, the mathematical aspects of the pies will be reviewed, but if you’d like to recreate these pies, the recipes will be at the bottom. So, to celebrate this valued symbol, let’s take a look at a few different pie recipes and their areas, circumferences, radii, and diameters! Also, let’s discuss the various formulas that go into calculating such a simple-looking symbol like π because calculating it may be more complicated than expected. What is Pi (π)?: Put simply, pi (or π) is C (circumference) / D (diameter). Now, you may be wondering what that exactly implicates, and well, the answer is more complicated than expected. Pi (π) has been studied across multiple different areas of the world, from the Middle East, Europe, China to the United States. Its studies show information revealing the true meaning of π but also a rich history of mathematics throughout time. A more shocking discovery in π’s research was the method of exhaustion, which explored the idea that if different shapes with multiple different sides (ex: pentagons, hexagons, and so on) were drawn inside of a circle, this would lead to an increasingly more accurate calculation of π. But, this obviously was not optimal since π repeats forever, and the highest value of any mathematician (Archimedes) was a 96 sided shape known as an enneacontakaihexagon. However, even this shape did not lead to an exact calculation of π. But, the main takeaway from thousands of years of research on π is that the symbol is more deceiving than it seems since it has infinite numbers calculations and continues indefinitely. Since a circle continues indefinitely, that means π will as well, which is why π constitutes an irrational number. While it may be common knowledge that circles have infinitely many sides, that’s not exactly the case, and that’s not the exact reason for π having infinitely many digits. A circle is essentially a type of polygon with infinitely many sides, but since you clearly can't tell these same sides from the circle itself, that means every point you take on a circle is aside. So, that means π will always be an irrational number that continues forever, containing infinite digits related to the “infinite” sides of a circle. But, what is the relevance of π? Well, that can be explained using actual, real-life pie... Apple “Pi”: This dessert is perfect for family or friendly get-togethers, it only takes a few elements to put together and make, but the more amusing part is how this pie, like the others, happens to be circular. This means we’ll be able to see the dimensional aspects that make up this pie using π to calculate them! Radius: 4.5 in Surface Area: 63.617 in^2 or 20.25π^2 Diameter: 9 in Circumference: 28.274 in or 9π in Original Photography by Christina Ossa The “Pi” is not only sweet but contains rich dimensional elements! The radius of this “pi” is 4.5 inches, and the diameter is 9 inches, so from there, we can calculate the circumference and surface area. If you don’t remember, the formula for calculating circumference is either 2πr or πd (d standing for diameter), and for the purposes of this “pi,” we’ll be using both. Utilizing both formulas, we get that the circumference of this apple “pi” is about 28.274 inches or 9π inches. Now, we can use the radius of our “pi” here to calculate the area of it, which will let us know exactly how much filling can fit into our “pi.” Using the formula πr^2 to calculate the area of a circle (our “pi”), we can infer that the surface area will be about 63.617 in^2 or 20.25π in ^2. That means we would be able to fill this “pi” with 63.617 inches of filling, which could feed at least five or six people per about 12-13 inches! These calculations allow bakers to see the exact amount of filling appropriate for a pie dish. While many (including myself) would not calculate like this, it’s interesting to figure out step by step the dimensional, mathematical aspects of pie that include the use of π. Blueberry and Pumpkin “Pi”: This is a pie I’ve talked about before, and you would think that this pie would be the same size as the last one, but surprisingly it’s not. Pie pans can vary by a slim margin, a fact that not many bakers take into account since the essential part of a dish is mostly the ingredients. But that shouldn’t mean anyone should undermine the relevance of the pan! Also, since these pies were baked with the same pan (albeit at different times), their dimensions should be roughly the same, and we should be able to draw similar conclusions from calculating solely one! Radius: 5 in Surface Area: 78.540 in^2 or 25π^2 Diameter: 10 in Circumference: 31.416 in or 10π in Original Photography by Christina Ossa The diameter of these “pi’s” turned out to be 10 inches instead of 9 inches. That would mean the radius would be 5 inches, and from here, we can use our circumference formulas! From the formulas, we would get that this “pi” has a circumference of about 31.416 inches or 10π inches, which gives us the exact value of the outside/crimping of this pie. Now, we would want to figure out how much this “pi” dish could be filled with apple filling, so we’d switch to our surface area formula (πr^2). Using the formula, we would end up with an area of about 78.540 in^2 or 25π in^2, telling us that this pie dish would feed at least 6-7 if they took 11-12 inches of pie per piece. This is helpful information since this delectable dessert could be served and shared amongst guests fairly, and we know the optimal dimensions for filling this pie. Also, this shows us how this pie dish is superior to our pie dish in the apple “pi” since it could supply more and, as a result, feed more people. Not only did the more profound and mathematical background to the “pi” help us figure out the optimal dish to use so that we could feed the maximum amount of people! As you can see, the relevance of π in pies is more interesting and complex than it might appear on the surface. Even though circumference, surface area, diameter, radius, and π may not be the end all be all to baking a simple pie, it could give you insight into the physics of how baking truly works and explain the mathematical aspects of baking that allow a pie to be constituted as a pie. So, next time you think π is useless or has no real-world applications, think back to actual pies and how without π, there would be no pie! Apple “Pi”: Ingredients: Crust: Refer to either “Pi” article listed below! Filling: -5 lbs apples -1 cup brown sugar -½ tsp salt -2 tsp ground cinnamon -½ a lemon, squeezed -1 tbsp + ¾ tsp cornstarch Glaze: -3 tbsp water -1 tbsp + ¾ tsp cornstarch -3 ½ tbsp unsalted butter Directions: Peel and thinly slice apples into a large bowl Add brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, lemon, and the 1 tbsp and ¾ tsp cornstarch to the apples; make sure to combine the ingredients thoroughly into the apples (use your hands if you have to!) Add the apples to a colander and leave over the large bowl to drain the excess liquid for about 30-45 minutes Once drained, add the collected liquid to a medium-sized saucepan and add the apples back into the bowl Keep the saucepan over medium to medium-low heat until it begins thickening Once the mixture slightly thickens, add the remaining cornstarch to the water to make what’s called a slurry Once combined, add the slurry to the saucepan mixture and allow to thicken for 1-3 minutes; after thickened, add the butter and let melt After the “glaze” is done, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes and begin prepping the crust or pre-made dough into a pie dish Add the glaze once cooled back into the apples, and once combined add this apple mixture evenly into the pie dish Place either a lattice or cover (slicing thin lines on top of the top piece of dough) on top of the apple mixture onto the pie dish (refer to blueberry or pumpkin pie recipes for detailed explanations!) Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, let cool for at least 15-30 minutes, and enjoy! Blueberry “Pi”: Refer to this article!: https://www.vsnorthstar.com/articles/holiday-sweets Pumpkin “Pi”: Refer to this article!: https://www.vsnorthstar.com/articles/fresh-pumpkin-pie-vs.-canned-pumpkin-pie%3A-is-it-worth-the-time%3F- BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections COPPA Compliance and the Importance of Internet Safety By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Termly Have you ever wondered how safe you were on the internet? How much information were websites taking and why? How safe is your information on the internet? Certain rules have been put in place to ensure the safety of you and your information. In particular, children’s information has been the focus of government officials and lawmakers. COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rules) is a set of rules and regulations in place for online companies that market towards children under 13 years of age. COPPA was originally written out and suggested in 1998 due to a growth in companies that targeted children. COPPA was only enacted in 2000 and has seen multiple reviews and updates since then from 2001-2022 by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). COPPA applies certain rules to websites and companies that are directed towards or collect the information of children under 13 years of age. If COPPA applies to a company, certain information needs to be included in the company’s privacy policy. Namely, the type of information taken and its reason for use. Additionally, parental consent is required in terms of seeking a child’s information. Personal information cannot be taken for longer than it is being used and data collected must be under careful supervision when in use and when it is discarded. Websites can only share the information with third-party operators’ who can ensure its safety and confidentiality. Parental consent and confidentiality of information are very important and are top priorities of the FTC when it comes to COPPA and the internet in general. So, you can rest easy knowing that your information is federally protected. Safety is one of the first components to be considered while surfing the web. While the internet is a fun place, it is also a dangerous one. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of your interactions on the internet. Going to dangerous websites jeopardizes your safety, your computer’s safety, and the safety of people around you. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris, Fiction Back to Sections The Orb Part 3 By Alanna Tieschmaker Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image Provided by Elaine Ching Editor’s note: This piece goes along with the previous two pieces I have written. All three are part of the same series. Despite the task at hand, Richard could not help but gawk at the room before him. His hatred for the king flared as he took in the grandeur before him. It was grander than anything he had seen in his life, and it was only one room. Yet despite this, most of the people of the kingdom lived as peasants, with only the top 10% living in comfort. A huge statue of Jerry Movius, the famous merchant, was centered in the room. Jerry was a huge part of developing the kingdom’s economy. The legends say that with his cloak, named the Cloak of Tharion, he was able to travel through time and space allowing him to know what and when to buy and sell. One day he never showed up to his stall and he was never heard from again. The kingdom, however, continued to prosper from the information left behind by Jerry. Richard shook his head, clearing his thoughts of ancient legends. He had a job to do, and no time to look at all the things he couldn’t have. The bandits did not give him a list of what he needed to take. All they had said was ‘something expensive’. Knowing that it was his brother’s life on the line, Richard endeavored to take the most expensive seeming items he could. Heading through the door to the right, Richard entered a display room. There were exhibits lining the wall, minor artifacts in everyone. The main piece of the room, however, was the circular display case that displayed a rather unassuming shield. It was red and circular, with a metal rim and obvious signs of wear. The description read “The Shield of Ragnor - An artifact from XXXX. It is said to protect its owner from fire and harm.” Richard eyed it warily. It seemed that it wouldn’t be used, but it seemed risky to take something in a central display case. Taking a last glance around the room, he moved on to the next room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He had been through multiple exhibits now, and he still had not found something he could steal. The amount of time was dwindling, the longer he stayed the higher his chance of being caught. The current exhibit displayed a beautiful sword. There were intricate designs along the pommel and grip, yet they were burdened by rust. The improper care was obvious, despite the beauty of it. Once he looked at the display case, he understood why. “The Sword of Elora - A sword reclaimed by the king after stopping riots caused by a rogue princess.” Richard scoffed at the description. The lack of date and the poor quality of the sword made it obvious the king had nothing to do with ‘reclaiming’ the sword or stopping riots. The sword was not even used in recent years but in history. The whispered tales told from village to village did not talk about a ‘rogue princess’. The legends told of a princess who was beloved by her subjects but the daughter of a cruel tyrant. Elora sided with her people and personally led the rebellion and overthrew the cruel ruler. Once they reached the castle, she took on her father but was dealt a fatal blow by him before he died. The people buried her body under her favorite willow tree, which had withstood the fires that burned throughout the day, and her sword was hung above the throne, as a reminder of their princess and what she did for them. The story of Princess Elora was his favorite legend. He aspired to have the courage and bravery she did. Some courage he was showing now… As tempting as it was to take the sword and hold a part of his favorite child story, the security wouldn’t allow an easy escape. Additionally, he wouldn’t want to give the sword to the thugs. They did not deserve to hold it. The king didn’t deserve to hold it either, but at least here it was safe. Uncared for, but safe. Richard was about to move on to the next exhibit when something caught his eye. Turning back towards the corner of the room, he saw a door that he had previously missed, hidden from view. Richard crept closer, taking note of the faded label on the door. ‘Staff only?’ he pondered, weighing his options. ‘Maybe I can find something here that won’t be missed.’ He pushed the door open and entered the room. The room itself was rather unassuming, with grayish-beige walls and a ceiling of a similar color. A dingy window let in just enough light to see the room, but not enough to be considered proper lighting. The light displayed the main focus of the room, boxes stacked on top of each other. Most were covered in layers of dust, indicating the length of time they had remained untouched in the room. The floor was also coated in a light coat of dust except for a long trail of the floor, where something must have been dragged over recently. Richard began his search for an object of value he could steal. With the amount of dust, nothing would be reported missing for weeks. He couldn’t explain why, but he felt drawn to the back of the room. He followed the clearer floor and found another box. Unlike the others, there was barely any dust covering the box. Despite this, Richard felt compelled to open the box. He looked around and found a crowbar hanging on the wall. He grabbed it and put the end underneath the top of the box. He pushed down with all his strength, managing to pry the top off. Peering inside, Richard found an orb. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Little Women Discuss “Little Women” By Simar Thind, Sasha Smalls, and Kamille Shrestha Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Original image by Sasha Smalls Who is your favorite March sister? Sasha : Sweet-natured, romantic, and sensible, Meg remains my favorite March sister. The eldest of the bunch, she actively tries to pacify outbursts and clashes between her other sisters, Jo and Amy. Beth is not one for conflict either, but she shies away from it completely, leaving Meg, Marmee, and Hannah to break up fights. Meg’s serene nature complements her sister’s robust personality. The audience learns early on that marriage does not suit Beth, and Jo - Jo does end up marrying, but throughout the movie, she remains opposed to the concept. Amy desires to marry rich, but she has a key moment in the movie where she gives a speech to Laurie about her thoughts on marriage being an economic proposition. Meg never has such a moment. It appears Meg never opposed the concept of marriage or questioned it. In one scene, Laurie interacts with Meg and shames her for allowing her rich friends to call her out for her name (a pet name). This parallels a subsequent scene when Laurie calls out Amy for wanting to marry rich, saying, “It does sound odd from the mouth of one of your mother’s girls.” Unlike Amy however, Meg does not combat Laurie. She accepts his taunting and moves on. Her passiveness and appeasing nature chronicles her interactions and makes her stand out. Personally, Meg reflects many traits that I as an individual would like to develop and improve on and for that reason, she remains my favorite March sister. Simar : “Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it!” Jo March adamantly rejects marriage and romance due to the constraints that accompany them. She is independent, bold, outspoken, and disagreeable. She is a dreamer, and she is stubborn enough to stick by those dreams and make them come true. Since childhood, Jo holds on to her writing, her one true passion. While Meg makes the sensible choice of growing up and adapting to adult life, Jo forever holds on to her writing. While it is important to adapt as you grow older, having a character that sticks with their dreams makes it seem like our dreams may not be as out of reach as we think. But maybe that’s just the optimist in me. Kamille : Though I could see myself in Jo for how she wished to pursue her passion and find her own way, and Amy with how realistic she was in understanding her duties as a woman and daughter, Beth was definitely my favorite. I adored how sweet, kind, serene, and loving she was. Though the spotlight focused on her less often than her sisters, her heart was always big enough to be felt beyond the screen. I am a big piano fan, and I absolutely adored how much she loved playing it, for herself and for those around her. Beth was so selfless and simply wanted to do whatever she could for the people she loved. She had the most tragic storyline, but never allowed it to be a defining trait in her life. Beth was aware that her death was imminent and that she would leave the earth sooner than her sisters, and came to terms with the prospect, simply doing her best, as her sisters did. In terms of personality, Beth remained a stark contrast from her sisters in that she was shy, quiet, and good-natured, wishing to please everyone and keep her family together. She recognized her place amidst conflict and chose to not engage, yet consistently acted as the magnet that brought everyone together. Out of the four, Beth’s flaws were the least visible, which lends one to believe that her declining health served as more than just a tragedy, but an effort to show that she was not strong nor ready to challenge an ever-changing, seldom forgiving world. For me, she encompassed a tranquil, fleeting sort of beauty that plays a subdued chord throughout the movie. How does the concept of being soulmates but not lovers apply to Jo and Laurie’s relationship? Sasha : On the concept of Jo and Laurie as soulmates, I believe a quote from Meg helps us understand. Meg says to Jo, “Just because my dreams are different than yours, doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.” Jo embodies a strong spirit; one cannot help but to get caught up in her wild and enthralling nature. I believe Jo gets caught up in herself as well. She pushes her agenda on her sisters because she has determined what works best for them. As stated perfectly by Meg, this thinking is false. Jo marches to her own drum. As a result, she is deaf to opportunities that pass her by. Take Laurie for example - she told him they could not marry because it would never work, and she believes she may never marry. I do not think Laurie and Jo are romantically compatible, but she confuses the situation when she changes her mind and decides to marry him. Imagine the turmoil if Jo had told Laurie she loved him before he could inform her of his and Amy’s marriage. I think the story would have been consistent if she did not marry anyone. Despite being soulmates, I also believe her and Laurie should not marry either. Fredrich, although ultimately her love interest, foils her character arc. Jo should have stayed single. Simar : Jo and Laurie grew up together as best friends. They know everything about each other, and their chemistry is undeniable. Laurie understands that Jo has vowed to never marry, but everyone knows that he’s in love with Jo - except for Jo. He confesses his love for her, after waiting and waiting for her to love him back. She loves him, but she says that she could never be in love with him, crushing all my dreams for this couple. Jo says they would be a disaster together, but he responds saying that he can never love anyone else. He desperately wants her to say yes, but when he brings up that everyone expects it, it pushes her away because Jo loves to go against what is expected of her. Jo refuses to marry Laurie, and further argues that she’s unlikely to marry at all because it would place her independence at risk. I understand that soulmates do not have to be lovers, but I cannot accept the fact that they did not belong together, especially since Jo ended up with another man that she barely knew. The book could not have been published without Jo getting married, but ideally, she should have remained single. I think Laurie was “the one”, so it should’ve been him or no one. Just because something is rooted in childhood does not mean we should get rid of it in adulthood. Soulmates are real, and it does not have to be a romantic dynamic. However, I think Jo and Laurie would be great together if they were given the chance. Kamille : Right before Laurie confesses his love for Jo and proposes marriage, Jo mentions running off and joining a pirate ship with him, thus escaping reality. The dynamic of the exchange begins with both of them not being on the same page, and they remain that way during the conversation. Jo did not even want to get married, yet Laurie attempts to convince her that they should be together since everyone else sees it that way. Further, she tries to guilt her into changing her mind - both being childish tactics to sway her. Their connection is built entirely off childhood fantasies and nostalgia, and as a result, their relationship could never properly mature to the point where they could be more than just friends. They were memories they were not ready to relinquish. There is no doubt that they love each other, but one does not need to seek romance to have an intense, serious connection with another. Soulmates are more than just who you fall for, and people can have more than one. They were amazing as friends, but they would clash as partners. Jo ends up contemplating changing her answer when she realizes that she might end up being alone for the rest of her life. It is never because she loves him in a romantic way, but because she wanted to be loved and not lonely, and Laurie was the easy choice. Jo writes a letter to Laurie when she decides that she wants to change her answer to him and places it in their childhood mailbox. She does not even attempt an adult conversation about it, but resorts to putting letters in a childhood keepsake mailbox. Jo would be able to feed off his love but not truly return it, as her true love was writing, which would absolutely conjure up issues had Jo chosen to marry him. And in any case, a relationship, speaking in the context of marriage, does not merely float on love. There is a point where love becomes a choice because of the sacrifice associated with it. Jo and Laurie’s relationship was far too immature to sustain the nuanced aspects of a relationship more demanding than a friendship and would most likely ruin each other. I wish she did end up single because that is what suited her agenda best and it was defeating to see her change her mind about something she felt so strongly about, but I am glad she did not end up with Laurie. What role did childhood fantasies play in the context of the movie and how is it applicable to our lives? Sasha : Each March sister has a thing . Jo, the writer. Amy, the painter. Beth, the pianist. Meg, the actress. I believe Meg’s talent symbolizes her biggest flaw in the movie, a childhood fantasy that follows her into adulthood and threatens the livelihood of her family - Meg wants to be rich. In her youth, Meg attends countless social events and basks in the idea of having disposable wealth. However, Meg does not have disposable wealth. Further, she marries a loving, intelligent, yet poor fellow. Meg’s wedding symbolizes the transition from childhood fantasies to adult duties as she begins her family. But Meg the actress has a role to play. She makes a terribly irresponsible purchase of fabrics with money originally saved for her husband, John Brooke, to purchase a new winter coat. While discussing their situation with Brooke, she makes a comment about being tired of being poor. Despite knowing her financial situation, Meg gets caught up in the idea of having more and living auspiciously. Eventually, she sells the fabrics, and as much as I would like to say this symbolizes her finally relinquishing her rich fantasy, it does not. Meg names her daughter Daisy, a pet name given to Meg by her rich friends. Meg’s reluctance to quit on her childish fantasies defines her character arc. Unlike Jo, Meg cannot embrace her passion mind, body, and soul. Similar to how she acted as a peacemaker, she sets her passions aside (she does not dispose of them) in order to do what is best for the time being. Simar : As many high school seniors are making pivotal changes in their lives, picking colleges and potential careers, it’s incredibly daunting. Everyone wonders what their thing could be and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses in order to make their next move. Many students have one thing they are known for: their athleticism, intelligence, artistic ability, etc. This notion is highlighted in the movie since each sister has a unique talent. However, life does not always go the way we want it to. Beth passes away before breaking through her shyness and showcasing her natural talent on the piano. Meg marries a poor tutor instead of marrying to elevate her social status, placing her in a position where she must make sacrifices in the name of love. Amy wishes to give up her art because she sees no value in it; she believes that there are very few ways to elevate your status, and the main way to do so is marry. She is set on marrying rich in order to secure her future, as well as shine light on her family, but she says no to a man that seemed to be a perfect suitor because she wanted to marry for love. Childhood fantasies often drive our futures, and although we shouldn’t reject them entirely, it’s critical to be open to change, since nothing is certain. Kamille : Childhood fantasies are just that: fantasies. In the case of the March sisters, their fantasies were not necessarily abandoned, but exchanged for more achievable dreams and aspirations. In this context, compromise does not necessarily mean subjecting oneself to misery, because dreams can change. Meg adored acting but found that settling down with the man she loved to become a housewife was what was meant for her, despite wanting a lavish life. Amy wished to paint but recognized that painting’s long-term value would not work in her favor while marriage as an economic proposition could, hence her fixation on marrying rich. Beth lived for the piano but accepted that her sickness would eventually consume her. The only sister who stuck to her path mapped out since childhood was Jo. Their fantasies (for the most part) simply became more realistic, but that does not negate their importance. Most of us will or already have outgrown childhood dreams and wishes, considering that it is a time in our lives that is supposed to be fleeting and indicative of rapid development. The beauty of fantasies lies in that they refrain from limiting the wild imaginations of a child; they evolve as an individual grows up. One does not simply desert their childhood, as it has major formative implications on an individual. The period of growth out of a childhood fantasy can shatter one’s perspective on everything and force themselves to see who they truly are and if their aspirations are worth the trouble. Each March sister had a talent that they wished to hone in on, but simply put, a talent or passion does not necessarily mean anything in a cutthroat world where people vie for any opportunity they can acquire by any means. They are called fantasies because it is rare that they metamorphose into reality. It means nothing to like something or be good at it if the individual in question does not have the will to make it happen. Childhood fantasies act as a filter from a merciless truth; the world is seldom a happy, forgiving place. Dreams tend to become more realistic for that reason; it is merely a privilege to fantasize. BACK TO TOP