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Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Beyond The Pool: Interview with Varsity Swimmer Sarah Flynn Melanie Cevada Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Image Provided by Sarah Flynn In 2023, Valley Stream North was proud to announce a new addition to the fall sports season lineup: District Girls Swimming. Among this new team, junior Sarah Flynn is one of the first students to compete. In this interview, Sarah shares her experience both personally and with her team. When did you begin swimming? Flynn: “I started swimming when I was around 4 or 5 years old. It's always been a sort of constant in my life, but it didn't get serious until they started a team here at Valley Stream. I've swam on other teams for the past 12 years, but having the varsity experience is far more significant. With a varsity team, I now have the ability to compete for my school at bigger competitions such as divisions and counties, and I have a better chance of getting seen by college coaches.” What or who inspired you to begin swimming? Flynn: “I would say my family was the biggest inspiration to me and the reason why I began swimming so young. I would always watch my sister's practices and meets and wanted to be just like her. My parents were also very involved in the team, so I always felt comfortable in that environment.” How was your experience with the team this past season? Flynn: “My experience with the team this season was really fun. The coaches are so nice and encouraging, and the girls on the team are so friendly. This season, we got to compete at the county championships and made finals which was very exciting for all of us. The bond that we have as a team is very rewarding!” What is your routine? Flynn: “This past season, our schedule was a bit erratic. We typically had practice for 2-3 days and had one meet each week. When we get to the pool, we warm up for about 20-30 minutes and then get into our main set.” How do you balance school and sports in your schedule? Flynn: “At first, I found it hard to balance swimming and schoolwork, but it was something I got better at throughout the season. I always made sure to note when I had practice or meets so I could leave myself enough time to complete my work without rushing at the last minute.” How have you handled high-pressure situations during meets? Flynn: “Some meets can be stressful for me, so I try to remind myself that I'm doing it to see improvements in my own times rather than trying to beat my opponents. I focus my energy on getting a personal best time and use the stress to push myself harder.” How have you improved your performance this season, and what would you do differently for the next season? Flynn: “This season, I was able to improve my performance by focusing on more specific goals. Last season, I didn't really have a goal in mind for myself so I couldn't reach where I exactly wanted to be. This season, I set myself on getting a time to make it to the counties meet, and I was able to accomplish that. Next season, I'll try to work on becoming a more well-rounded swimmer and focusing on other events.” Share a moment when the advice from your coach significantly improved your performance. Flynn: “My coach was very good at giving advice and constantly reminded us how much the little things mattered. She told us how our starts and turns are and where we can make small adjustments that will improve our races. Most people focus only on the stroke, but focusing on those little details was much more beneficial to me and to the rest of the team as well.” What conflict(s) did you encounter this season, and how did you resolve this? Flynn: “Toward the end of my season, I was a bit conflicted because I didn't think I would make the Counties cut. It was my goal, but I decided to not be too hard on myself if I didn't make the cut. Instead of focusing on the fear that I might not reach my goal, I focused on swimming as best as I could, and I ended up making the cut!” What advice would you give to any students interested in joining the team? Flynn: “I would recommend this team to anybody who is willing to put in the work. The girls and coaches are so friendly to everyone, and I think it's such a good environment. Swimming could be of the harder sports to pick up, but we are welcoming to people of all skill levels! Everybody starts somewhere, and there is no reason to be discouraged. We are always looking for more swimmers to build the team!” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections This year’s Newsday Marching Band Festival was cancelled, but not for Spartan Marchers. Why at Memorial JHS instead? By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Newsday It was October 17th, 2018, and the Valley Stream North High School Marching Band was excited to participate in the annual Newsday Marching Band Festival. However, they did not know it would be the last time any Spartan stepped onto the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale, New York. Now, many of you must be wondering why? Well, after a bunch of research, an answer was unraveled. To begin with, what is the Newsday Marching Band Festival? The current Senior High Band teacher, Ms. Angelica Ansbacher, provides us with the following information, stating that “It is a festival that takes place at Hofstra University. At this festival, a variety of marching bands take the field. The festival occurs on a Tuesday in November every year.” An interesting thing I have learned while interviewing her is that she had taken part in the festival three times when she was in high school. Dr. Adam Erdos, the District Director of Fine and Performing Arts, says “It is the biggest event of its kind. Three nights of marching bands across Nassau and Suffolk counties performing at Mitchell Athletic Complex in Uniondale.” Now that we know what the Newsday Marching Band Festival is, it is time to see why the Spartans no longer attend. First things first, no school in the Valley Stream Central High School District attends the festival anymore. Dr. Erdos has attended the festival as a chaperone/supervisor. Although the experience is unlike any other, he says there are some downsides. Dr. Erdos’s main criticism is the setup of the festival itself; “The participating bands do not actually get to really see or hear any of the other bands’ performances. In short, they hear little of the other bands and see even less.” He says the students gain something from the experience of travelling to and from the festival. However, some negative points overpower that positive. Besides the setup issue, the weather does not get along with the festival either. Sometimes it has been extremely cold, and light rain or snow is not uncommon either. Since the festival is outdoors, these factors contribute to the negatives of the event. Ms. Ansbacher’s experience at the festival had been great. “It was a fun night on which I got to spend time with my band friends from school. Being that I was involved in extracurricular music groups, I saw my music friends from other schools as well. It was very interesting to see the other bands perform. We used to discuss other schools’ uniforms and their field shows.” Ms. Ansbacher says there are only two drawbacks: it was a long night, approximately 4 hours including travel time, and that it was often very cold. “My friends and I would bundle up under blankets and sweatshirts while we were waiting.” Both Ms. Ansbacher and Dr. Erdos prefer the new VS District Festival to the Newsday Festival. “This allows our students to see each other’s shows, takes significantly less time than going to and from Mitchell Athletic Complex, and encourages -- or at least makes it easier for -- greater audience - parents, students, and the community at large - involvement and attendance at the event itself.”- Dr. E. “It is much more intimate being that our festival is for our community only. Since the Newsday Festival was a few hours long, very few parents/community members attended,” added Ms. Ansbacher. It is time to see what a Spartan has to say about all of this. Jack Schwabe, a senior trumpet player, has been a part of the marching band since the 9th grade. Having participated himself in the Newsday festival, he says, “It’s a fun experience, getting to see what the other schools have been practicing and playing was a pleasant surprise.” This year, he reported he had fun at the District Marching Band Festival as well. Schwabe likes to hang out with his friends in the band and is disappointed that this is his last year. All in all, it seems like moving to the District Marching Band Festival might have been for the better. Although Newsday is one of a kind, the District Festival outshines it in many ways. Schwabe said “Marching band is a little treat we all get to do every year. Playing good music with friends is always a fun experience, and I'm sad this is the last year I'll be experiencing it.” Ms. Ansbacher commented “My experience with the marching band at North so far has been exciting. I have loved working with the band. Our rehearsals, Saturday football game performances, and [the] District Festival were fun and successful. I look forward to the next marching season!” Dr. Erdos felt “It was great to hear the band playing in the stands and contributing to the atmosphere of the first home game of the season. The students sounded fantastic and Ms. Ansbacher’s direction was outstanding in every way, marking a great new beginning for the North Senior High Band.” Next year, try to check out the VSCHSD Marching Band Festival. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections The Artist Perspective By Nehilah Grand-Pierre Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Left: Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, Right: Original artwork “I am Greater” by Nehilah Grand-Pierre Perspective is what sets aside the artist from the other people of the world. An artist looks at the bigger picture, while attending to the fine details. The artist looks at the struggles and hardships of life, and rather than pointing out the flaws, they highlight the beauty of it. An artist has an outlook that turns misfortunes into masterpieces. I drew inspiration from Hokusai’s Great Wave off Kanagawa. The work depicts a giant ocean wave, which I perceive to symbolize the waves that we face while swimming through the ocean of life. The wave is not only great in size, but also great in beauty. Though seemingly terrifying, the wave is beautiful from the viewpoint portrayed in the painting, though the people painted on the boat may not think the same. My piece highlights these concepts as I drew a hand holding the wave, thus suggesting that with the right perspective, we can take hold of our hardships and realize that struggles are our personal opportunities to overcome our fears, worries, and the great ocean of life. As the loveable animated fish Dory once said, “Just keep swimming!” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Single Sally Aamna Raja Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching “I'm scared that I'll be alone for the rest of my life. No one has ever been romantically interested in me. I think I'm going to die single... What should I do?” -Single Sally Hi Single Sally! First of all, it's completely normal to have concerns about your future, especially in high school where social dynamics can feel overwhelming. Everyone wants to be appreciated and loved, and you are! Maybe not romantically, but I’m sure your friends and family love you and care about you as well. Remember, your worth isn't defined by whether someone is romantically interested in you. You have so much to offer beyond romantic relationships. If you want a healthy outlet to express these feelings, I’d recommend focusing on building your self-confidence and focusing on your interests and hobbies. This is great to help you feel better and you may find someone with similar interests this way! Friendships often develop into romantic relationships, so focus on fostering meaningful connections with others. Remember, don't rush things. High school is only the early stages of your love life, and there's plenty of time for romance to grow in the future. Stay open to new experiences and opportunities! You are worthy of love and companionship, no matter your relationship status. Hang in there, Sally, and every other person reading this. You're not alone, and there's an entire world of possibilities waiting for you beyond high school. BACK TO TOP

< Back About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Brad Grecco This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left.

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Nostalgic for Sentience’s Absence  By William Mullin Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Original photography from William Mullin Remember when you were little? And when you were happy, you laughed And when you were sad, you cried Why don’t you do that anymore? Just because of arbitrary self-restrictions Or other’s expectations, I suppose Remember what it felt like? To be free of self-consciousness Unknown to the crowd Why don’t you think like that anymore? Too aware now and I’m a mess Imbued with “social anxiety” Unfortunate that now you can’t even be free with yourself Simplicity dies, and overwhelming thought takes over Each choice, no matter how small, needs contemplation Each conversation requires active consideration A shame that nothing can be simply what it is A pity that everything will never be how it was I miss it. Both for you and for me. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Opinions on North’s latest generation: What is good? What is bad? Max Ching Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Max Ching As we are coming closer to the end of this semester, with the new group of seventh graders, as well as a few new additions to North High School, I believe that seventh graders should be interviewed and questioned about their current thoughts, appreciations, dislikes, and overall opinions on a few set themes, here at North High School. The first topic is the Smart-Pass. There's no doubt you do not know what SmartPass is, but if so, SmartPass is a computer-based app that times you to make sure that when you leave the classroom, you make it back to class within 5 minutes. Now, when seventh graders were introduced to this new form of restroom passes, most of the seventh graders, myself included, reacted negatively to this situation. Student Zion Laurenceau thinks that the time allotted on SmartPass should be increased because he thinks that students will not have enough time to use the bathroom and make it back to class in time. Another student, Matthew Watt, agrees with this, saying that the maximum time of 5 minutes is strange. Matthew also agrees that students will not have enough time to travel back to class. An important part of school is lunch. Making sure that students are not hungry is important. But what do seventh graders think of the lunches? A student Darnell Christie thinks that the lunches are nice and that 41 minutes to eat and chat is an enjoyable time limit. But seventh grader Muhammad Khan thinks that snacks being sold in the cafeteria are a swindle, and says that the snacks are overpriced, and that he can buy a much, much bigger bag of potato chips for a lower price elsewhere. Tyler Gilbert agrees with this statement, saying that the snacks are too expensive. The period system is quite common in most middle and high schools. Students at North are given 41 minutes for each period and have 4 minutes to travel to their next class. But what do seventh graders think of this system? Most students I interviewed mostly had the same response, liking the period system, and thinking it is an effective way of having a schedule and liking how they can see other students every period. Overall, from the students I interviewed, it is interesting how nobody had a single complaint about how classes are scheduled, which suggests how efficient this method is. Even though most responses I found were positive, I also asked students what they think should be improved if they were able to change one thing about this school. One student I interviewed, Kyle Cooper, said that they would change the food options. So, halfway into the semester, many students have many opinions, and they think that overall, North is a nice school. However, some believe that the Smart-Pass should be changed, the lunches should be changed. In conclusion, the seventh graders so far enjoy North but believe that changes should be made. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Toxicity of Social Media Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching It is no mystery that we are living in a world full of technology, with unlimited access to millions of websites and apps that have shaped our world over the past few decades. With the rise of the internet, social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have also gained popularity among millions of users. Young teens are the most active on these apps and are heavily influenced by what they see online whether posted by their peers or strangers. Regardless of age or maturity, it is crucial to understand the numerous effects of creating a social media account. While social media can be beneficial in numerous ways with entertainment and staying connected to others, it can also encourage cyberbullying, create unsafe environments, and may be addictive. According to the Oxford Dictionary, cyberbullying is “the use of information technology to bully a person by sending or posting text or images of an intimidating or threatening nature.” Bullying has always been prevalent in schools and workplaces, but it can now occur through your computer screen or cellphone. The reason cyberbullying is so common is because it can be done at anytime, anywhere, and to anyone (Peebles 1). With anonymous users and no supervision, online bullying makes for an easy form of harassment. Like traditional bullying, racial discrimination, gender bias, or differences in religion are the most popular causes of taunting online. Victims of cyberbullying often face self-esteem issues, mental health struggles, and even thoughts of hurting themselves or others. While telling a trusted adult or blocking their bully is best to resolve these issues, many kids feel ashamed to do so. Additionally, some may even feel that telling a parent or guardian may risk getting their online privileges taken away. However, safety is the most important priority, and reaching out for help, not engaging with the bully, and saving evidence are the best ways to address it. One of the primary concerns regarding social media is the issue of privacy. Users often share personal information, photos, and updates without fully considering the consequences. This oversharing can leave many people vulnerable to identity theft, online scams, and even real-life threats such as stalking. The ease with which personal information can be accessed and exploited on social media platforms underscores the importance of being cautious about what we share online. It is important to have strong passwords, avoid clicking on random links, and be wary of phone calls from unrecognizable numbers (FDIC 1). Another significant challenge posed by social media is the spread of misinformation and fake news. With the rise of algorithm-driven content, false information can quickly go viral and influence public opinion. This not only erodes trust in traditional media sources but also undermines critical thinking and informed decision-making. The prevalence of misinformation on social media can create a climate of confusion and distrust, compromising the quality of public discourse. It is best to get your news from sources that have a long-standing reputation for accurate and reliable coverage. Furthermore, the culture of comparison and validation driving social media can have detrimental effects on users' mental health. The pressure to present an idealized version of one's life online can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression. The constant exposure to curated images of success, beauty, and happiness can distort perceptions of reality and contribute to a sense of disconnection and isolation among users. Body image issues are prevalent among impressionable teens which often results in eating disorders that can be detrimental both physically and mentally. It is important to avoid measuring up to unrealistic standards and to understand that social media often portrays a curated version of people’s lives. Social media addiction is a topic that has caused much concern for as long as it has been around. It refers to the excessive and compulsive use of social media apps that can have negative effects on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Internet addiction can have a variety of causes, including the fear of missing out, boredom, and the stream of social connections (Jelinek). With constant notifications, texts, and features such as likes, users can stay engaged as it triggers a sense of pleasure and reward. Additionally, social media has become a center for communication and popular trends which further encourages users to urgently stay connected and be “part of the crowd.” Besides spending excessive amounts of time on social media there are numerous other signs of addiction. For instance, neglecting face-to-face interactions, feeling irritable without social media, and experiencing a seemingly uncontrollable decline in productivity are signs of addiction. Limiting screen time and setting boundaries can solve these issues while also finding new activities that bring satisfaction. With balance, social media can have numerous benefits. For instance, it allows connection between friends and family especially if they may live far away. We can easily share our thoughts, experiences, and photos with others, fostering a sense of community. With a platform for self-expression, creativity, and discovering new interests, it is easy to be inspired by the actions of others. Whether it is staying informed about current events, finding resources about various topics, or connecting with a community to find support, a healthy balance in using social media can enhance our lives. All in all, there are numerous factors to understand and acknowledge about social media. It is necessary to prioritize safety, mental health, and moderation when using the internet as it can quickly become a toxic environment. Struggles with navigating the online world are common, however, there are always solutions to overcome and improve social media safety. With balance, the internet can be an exciting place for entertainment and information. Sources: FDIC: Avoiding Scams and Scammers Is there a link between social media and depression? ( medicalnewstoday.com ) Bullying | Crisis Text Line BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Fresh Pumpkin Pie vs. Canned Pumpkin Pie: Is it Worth the Time? By Christina Ossa Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original photo by Christina Ossa When it comes to the holidays, it can be confusing what to or how to bake, what recipes to use, and how much time to devote to your desserts, so the process can get complicated. It’s also very tempting to just ask Mom to bake something or buy something for the holiday dessert, but this year you should try something new. Even if you’ve never baked before or aren’t interested in baking, you should at least give it an attempt. This year, you should try to bake a pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkins. Now, I know this could sound like plenty of work, but the outcome is worth the effort you put into it. This pie is strong in its spice flavor, yet it has a sweet touch to it. The texture also is like pudding, and if you’re feeling up to it, making the crust gives it such a different dimension of flavor. The crust tastes like a shortbread cookie, and it’s sweet and flaky like one too. But, like all amazing desserts, this pie will take its fair share of time and effort. If you’re a baking fanatic like me, or even just a casual baker on the side, you’ll definitely enjoy the process. Also, if it’s too much work to make the crust, then just cut that step out because as good as it is, a downfall is that it’s also a tedious process to roll out and form the dough. If you are going for a pre-made pie crust, however, I recommend the crust from the brand Pillsbury . Also, I made my sweetened condensed milk from scratch, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to because it was a long process to make it. But the difference between canned and fresh ingredients is huge, and you’d be surprised by the difference in flavor. Homemade condensed milk and pumpkin puree is a lot better than canned in my opinion; there aren’t any preservatives plus you get a richer, more homogenous, sweet flavor to your pie. I’d say start either the morning of or one to a couple of days before making the pie itself and take about two hours to prepare the puree and condensed milk if you’re planning on making them. Also, you need to buy SUGAR pumpkins for this recipe, but you’re probably wondering: what’s a sugar pumpkin? Well to answer that, it’s a pumpkin that’s a lot richer and sweeter than the pumpkins you would carve for Halloween. If you’re going to make the puree, you need to buy sugar pumpkins, but that’s where it could get tricky to make this pie. During my own experience, I went hunting for sugar pumpkins and I couldn’t seem to find them anywhere. But, while you can’t find them at your local supermarket, a more fresh supermarket like Trader Joe’s (which is where I eventually bought mine from) or Whole Foods suffices. Also, if you live near a local farmer’s market or feel like driving out to one then they’ll likely have fresh sugar pumpkins depending on the orchard. Making the puree itself can be tedious though, and you’ll need either a blender or food processor to puree the pumpkin flesh. But the outcome is worth it, and once my puree was done, it tasted like butternut squash but much sweeter. The filling for your pie is the most important part, and just before you add the eggs I recommend that you do a taste-testing so that you can tell whether your filling needs more spice, sugar, or dairy. The filling for the pie is one of my favorite parts of this recipe because you’re halfway done, and once I saw all of my ingredients together, I got this sense of accomplishment. It feels nice to know that you’re contributing to a special dinner, and it gives a warm feeling of sorts to bake a pie during the cold, windy weather. After my pies were out of the oven, I put them to chill for a day since I made them the day before Thanksgiving. Letting them chill deepened the flavor of the pie and allowed the filling to settle. The overall result was amazing on our Thanksgiving table. I can assure you that if you want to wow your family or anyone you’re spending the holidays this year with, you should definitely give your best shot at making the fresh ingredients. Compared to the pie I made with canned pumpkin puree and condensed milk, my fresh ingredient pie was so much more flavorful and rich. Usually, I would sense a strange after-taste when I use canned pumpkin, but that taste was gone in the pie with the fresh pumpkin. The pie with the fresh sweetened condensed milk was also much sweeter and more complex in flavor than the pie with canned condensed milk. In almost all areas of the canned put up against the fresh pie, the fresh pie won out. While there’s no doubt it will take a lot more time to make a pumpkin pie with fresh pumpkins, as I continue saying, you should put in the time and effort to make it this way. Not only does it taste better, but looking at my pies once I was done made me feel like I did something important, something meaningful. It was also a good pastime to make these pies since with COVID-19 and the pandemic that’s hit our world it seems we need many meaningful activities to pass the time. So use your extra time during this holiday-pandemic to bake a pie for your family. I’m sure everyone will be wowed no matter your skill level with baking and you’ll feel accomplished yourself. Recipe: Pumpkin Puree: -2-3 Sugar Pumpkins (Depending on size) -Food processor/blender Homemade sweetened condensed milk: -3 cups whole milk -½ cup heavy cream -1 cup granulated sugar Crust: -2 cups all-purpose flour -2 tbsp granulated sugar -Pinch (about ½ tsp) kosher/fine salt -2 egg yolks -4 tbsp ice water Pumpkin Pie: -15 oz Pumpkin Puree (canned/homemade) -1 cup/can sweetened condensed milk -½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup whole milk -½ cup dark brown sugar - ½ cup granulated sugar -1 tbsp molasses -½ tsp nutmeg -1 tsp cinnamon - ½ tsp ginger -¼ tsp cloves -⅛ tsp allspice -½ tsp salt (fine or kosher works) - 3 eggs -2 egg yolks Directions: Pumpkin Puree: -Preheat your oven to 400°F -Wash off your pumpkins with any type of soap, thoroughly -Grab a sharp and easy to handle knife and cut your pumpkins in half -Scoop out the seeds and guts from the pumpkins with a spoon -Grab a baking sheet/tin that’s oven-safe and oil it and the pumpkins, generously -Put the pumpkin tray into the oven for 40-45 minutes or until tender enough to poke through with a fork -Peel the pumpkin skin off the flesh of the pumpkin -Blend the pumpkin flesh in a blender or food processor until the consistency is soft and drippy -Store and chill for later use in a glass/plastic container Sweetened Condensed Milk: -Pour all of the ingredients into a saucepan -Put the heat on medium-high and lower to medium or medium-low when the mixture begins to boil -Whisk every 1-2 minutes until the consistency becomes thick and sticky like canned sweetened condensed milk -Once done, store and chill in a glass/plastic container until you’re ready to use it Crust: -First add the dry ingredients, whisking the flour, sugar, and salt together -Make sure your butter is COLD or frozen and chop it into cubes -Combine the butter with your dry mixture and rub the butter into your flour mixture with your fingertips (the coldest part of your hand) -Once well-combined, whisk two eggs in a bowl and mix it with ice water -Pour about a tablespoon at a time into your dough and combine it with a fork until it forms clumps in your hand when you squeeze a piece of the dough -Turn this mixture into a ball and put saran wrap over it and let it chill for 2-3 hours (or until hardened) -Once hardened, flour a counter/surface and a rolling pin and roll out your dough to ¼ in thick -Lightly fold your dough over 4 times and place the tip lined in the middle of your pie pan -Unfold the dough and make sure it’s lined up with the pie pan correctly -Optional: once lined up, make a design of your choice for the edges of the pie shell -Once done, put in the fridge to chill until your filling is ready Filling: -Preheat oven to 400°F -Pour in the puree, condensed milk, heavy cream, and whole milk into a large bowl and whisk until well incorporated -Add your spices, molasses, salt, and sugars -Taste mixture with a spoon before adding eggs to add anything more (if needed) -Separate two egg yolks and whites, use only the yolks -Whisk in the whole eggs and yolks into the mixture -Pour the mixture into your chilled pie dish and put the dish onto a baking sheet to avoid spillage or oil seeping from the pan -Put into the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes then reduce the temperature to 350°F for 30-35 minutes -Chill the pie overnight or for a day until you’re ready to serve it BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections College Essay Noa Cordova Volume 5 Issue 5 July 5, 2025 Image Provided by Noa Cordova In 1300 Words or Less, Advise Incoming Seniors on College Essay Writing “Some colleges require submission of the personal essay with your Common App. ” It’s the final tab on the Common App, prompting you to summarize your whole life story in 650 words or less, except, it’s not. College essays provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate an integral part of yourself that the academic achievements on your transcript and extracurricular activities on your resume cannot reveal. College admissions officers should meet you through your writing. While it could, your essay does not have to cover monumental life experiences, it could cover something seemingly insignificant, but of great value to you. Choosing a topic challenges you to pinpoint significant experiences or details to develop an essay. Ideally, you should brainstorm essay topic ideas during your senior summer so you can start drafting over the summer or early fall with guidance from your English teachers. While the Common App essay prompts open early August, you’re not required to answer a specific prompt, and the prompts do not vary much year to year, so if you have an idea, feel free to start developing it before the Common App releases prompts. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to approach your essay as a creative writing piece, according to Mrs. Mansfield, an AP Literature teacher and college essay advisor to her senior students. Typically, we associate essays with research and arguments, but in this case, it’s a personal narrative, and you have the creative freedom to make it a distinctive, enthralling writing piece. According to The Ivy Institute, a college advice blog, admissions officers spend about 90 seconds reviewing personal essays. With this in mind, it's crucial to capture admissions officers’ attention. To do this effectively, begin with a strong hook and “show, don’t tell”, as Mrs. Mansfield stresses to her seniors. Get Them Hooked A hook, an attention-grabbing opening statement, serves to keep a reader interested in a piece of writing. A few generous Class of 2025 seniors shared their hooks as examples. Some hooks introduce the topic directly, putting readers in the writer's shoes, eager to want to hear their story. For example: “‘Why do you try so hard at school?’” “‘People are happy when I get good grades.’” Using dialogue as a hook creates a fly-on-the-wall moment for readers, including them in an explanatory conversation in the writer’s life. “If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, you can find out firsthand what it’s like to be me.” To an angsty twelve-year-old listening to My Chemical Romance’s song, “The End.” From the album The Black Parade for the first time, these lyrics perfectly described what it felt like to “be me.” Song lyrics, or quotes, are other effective ways to hook readers. Additionally, their sources naturally reveal the writer’s interests along with their essay topic. In this case, readers learn about the students’ love for alternative rock music and how the lyrics resonated with their self-image journey. Other functional hooks leave the essay’s topic mysterious, which may intrigue admissions officers because they can’t anticipate the essay’s direction. For example: “I hate talking about my dad. Not my dad as a person, but rather what’s inside of him. The thing that has weighed over my family for twelve years.” This essay’s strategically vague hook introduces a mysterious “thing” that significantly impacted this student’s life and leaves readers in suspense, only anticipating a compelling, touching narrative. “I was the last to find out.” This short, cryptic hook’s ambiguity sets up an essay that could take almost any direction. The writer shared the essay discussed their heritage and experiences as the youngest siblings where they were the last to find out about their family’s past, deaths in the family or the realities of their refugee family; the writer takes a simple idea in their life and takes their essay in a complex direction, which the hook leaves unpredictable. Lastly, I’ll share mine. “I was an Egyptian mummy once.” A seemingly contradictory hook can add a unique flair to your essay, much like the mysterious hooks; not only do you leave the topic a mystery, but it prompts readers to keep reading to figure out how an implausible statement makes sense by the end of your essay. Show Don’t Tell The idea that you should show who you are rather than tell enhances your essay and makes it flow like a narrative rather than a factual essay you’d write in an academic setting. You can show certain attributes through techniques, including, but not limited to, dialogue (internal or external), metaphors, or describing an experience in detail. Rather than tell an admissions officer, “I am proud of my culture,” describe a cultural event or influences of your culture in your daily life. Instead of writing, “I am always thinking about others,” add dialogue outlining an interaction that highlights your thoughtfulness. Use italics , bold words , underlined words , or write in CAPITAL LETTERS to visually grab your reader’s attention and distinguish internal thoughts or yelling from regular writing. By the end, as Mrs. Mansfield tells her students, a phrase like “this made me who I am today” should be unnecessary and omitted altogether from your final draft because your essay should demonstrate that your topic impacted you and “made you who you are” without explicitly stating it. Supplementary Essays, Supplementary Advice Although your college essay gets sent to each college as your main essay, most colleges require one or more supplemental essays, which are shorter than your college essay. When choosing a topic, consider writing about something the rest of your application doesn’t reflect; avoid repeating yourself and aim to show as many sides of yourself as possible. A common supplementary essay is the “why this college” essay. In my experience, it’s best to treat this prompt like a mini-research task. You might love the college but find yourself with a limited ability to describe why, or you may not be that interested in the college, so answering the “why” prompt is especially challenging. You should consult the college’s website to learn about course offerings, student life, and most importantly, the school’s culture. If you know what you want to major in, check the program for that college and pick distinct aspects of the program unique to the college, not something most colleges have, like a study abroad opportunity. You can also discuss a club or activity you did throughout high school that you’d like to continue throughout your college years. For example, for my “why” essays, I found the names of each school newspaper and expressed my interest in joining. University social media pages on Instagram and TikTok can give you helpful insight into what university life is like at a particular school. The most important thing about a “why” essay is specificity, demonstrating your interest by naming opportunities to show you’ve looked into the school and prove to the college that you can fit within their community. Final Advice (200 words or less) You’ve likely heard it before, but I’ll reiterate it: write about what you want to write about, not what you think admissions officers want to read. Writing what you think admissions officers want to read risks originality and authenticity, arguably the most important components of a successful essay. If your essay is causing you immense stress, remember, the admissions officer reviews your application holistically, so it’s just one small aspect of a bigger picture they’re considering. Test out different topics, write rough drafts, experiment with words and perspectives, and while looking at others’ examples can be inspiring, be careful not to compare your writing harshly. Don’t hesitate to ask trusted people for assistance, without diminishing your voice. Best of luck, incoming seniors, with telling your story in 650 words or less. BACK TO TOP