Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections North's Hidden Gems Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Image Provided by Rachael Ezeadichie While most students at North High School are engrossed in their studies, academics are not the only opportunities children have access to here. Students can always join one of the many clubs at our school, whether it’s B.S.U. or S.T.O.P., or something else that interests them (acronym optional). One of the lesser-known clubs at Valley Stream North is the Weightlifting Club. Recently, I have started to attend their meetings and have found a welcoming community and an opportunity to improve my strength and health. The Weightlifting Club at VSN meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the weight room (which has been moved to the wrestling room) from 2:45 to 3:30. Despite its name, the Weightlifting Club is not just for lifting weights, but for anyone who wants a place to work out after school without having to commit to joining a sport for the semester. When I first started going in early December, I was nervous as I was not used to working out using the equipment there, and I had never been in that “gym environment” outside of Phys. Ed. But, after just one session, I had already started feeling more comfortable with working out on the machines and accepting help when it came to correcting my form and technique. While I was there, I had the opportunity to interview Coach Dias, the club’s advisor, and ask him some questions about the club and its community: Who is welcome to join the club? Dias: Everyone is welcome. There are no restrictions. What characteristics and activities do the club promote? Dias: It’s a fitness and weightlifting club, so it promotes fitness, people lifting weights to get stronger for either a sport or just to look better and feel better. Do you enjoy being the club’s advisor? Dias: I think, for the most part, there’s a nice comradery among all the people that come here, it’s a good group. Everyone helps each other. Obviously, I tried to help people with how they’re doing their exercises, but it really is a nice group. What would you say to someone who is hesitant or debating joining? Dias: Well, if you’re hesitant or debating whether to join because you feel self-conscious, it’s a very good group. Everyone helps each other; there’s nobody here that’s super-advanced to where you would feel inferior. So, I think everyone should give it a chance. You’re going to feel better, you’re going to look better, and you’re going to have more confidence in everything else that you do. The Weightlifting Club is one of North’s hidden gems, a part of the school that I am glad to have discovered. Even if you’re only slightly interested, consider visiting and see if it is a community right for you. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Does Glasses Equal Intelligence: A Stereotype or Fact? Akilan Subramaniyan Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Akilan Subramaniyan You are struggling with your algebra homework, desperate for an answer. You need help from somebody who is comfortable with this concept. However, you must choose between someone who is wearing glasses and someone who is not. The person wearing glasses is probably smart; thus, he should help you…right? Well, the answer is not that simple. We will be looking into the worlds of frames and intelligence, and whether there is a correlation between them. Apart from the many stereotypes we encounter, this stereotype is one that’s well-known and long-standing. However, before the creation of this stereotype, what was the historical aspect of glasses? The earliest corrective lenses were crystals polished to magnify text. This originates in ancient Egypt and China. However, wearable glasses date back to Italy in the 13 th century. These glasses were the modern equivalent of what we normally use today. Crucially, glasses were not widely used, as they were luxurious and lavish items. Hence, the upper class, consisting of the wealthy and educated, used it. People who are into education and transcriptions, even in their old age, were the first to utilize glasses. These people were primarily scholars and monks. This early concept shaped the path for the modern-day stereotype as it connected eyewear to educational goals ( NeuroLaunch Editorial Team). Now that we know where everything started, we can start to delve into why people conclude that eyewear equals intellect. As discussed before, eyewear is often expensive. Usually, those who could afford glasses and be “studious” were educated. This led to the connection that a person who wears glasses is likely educated ( Mo & The Team ). In addition, a physical aspect also plays a role. Someone who is wearing glasses may look more “genuine.” He or she could look more skilled, knowledgeable, and sharp with glasses ( Ellix ). These details prove why people think a person who wears glasses is smarter or more competent. Furthermore, in media, smart people are frequently depicted with glasses, giving the character a “nerd or geek” style ( TV Tropes ). Both these details subtly support this stereotype, influencing people into the trend. Likewise, this also applies to the world. People like Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Mark Zukerberg, Bill Gates, and numerous other figures all wear glasses. This reinforces the stereotype and gives examples of people who wear glasses who were successful, intelligent, and innovative ( NeuroLaunch Editorial Team). Now we have a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and psychological view of this stereotype. Now it is time to magnify through a lens into the biological aspect. In other words, what does science say? To put it simply, there is no clear correlation between glasses and intelligence. In one study, students with and without vision correction were observed based on their educational capabilities. Students wearing glasses did a bit better, but this could be the result of socioeconomic status, and someone with access to eyecare could have more academic possibilities ( Mo & The Team ). Some other studies show that there is a small connection between myopia (near-sightedness) and minimally higher IQ scores. This could mean that people who wear glasses for myopia are smarter. However, glasses help with vision issues other than myopia, like hyperopia. This correlation only applies to glasses wearers with myopia. Additionally, this small link is a correlation and does not necessarily equal causation. There could be other factors influencing this ( Vivue) . On the other hand, a large genetic study done with about 3,000 participants proves a connection between wearing glasses and cognitive functions. The study shows 30 percent of “intelligent people” are more likely to wear glasses . This study still has its flaws, as it is based on European ancestry ( Dockrill ). Even though it is such a massive study, you cannot easily conclude that wearing glasses equals being smarter. Nonetheless, what is “near work” and how does it connect to what we are talking about? Near work is when you work close-up to something while needing concentration. Activities that fall under this category, especially when done in the dark, include coding, studying, computer work, writing, reading, and screentime for hours. These activities often help you do better at school. Overtime these activities can regularly exhaust your eyes and can affect the growth of your eyes, specifically in those predisposed to Myopia genetically. Moreover, this near work could result in: Myopia and educational success. Nevertheless, behavior patterns, genetics, and environment still influence this complicated pattern. So, to tie it all up, if someone is truly smart and is wearing glasses for myopia, there could be a chance that they participated in near-work activities, which made them smart. Not the glasses, their effort and work made the person smart ( Ellix; Mo & The Team; Vivue ). Finally, intelligence comes beyond physical traits. It comes from valuable skills, memory, innovative thinking, flexibility, and emotional acknowledgement (Mo & The Team). Critically, people who are wearing glasses are often pushed into this stereotype, making them work harder to be “smart.” On the other hand, people who do not need glasses might be judged less smart due to the absence of frames. This can have serious problems in the real world (NeuroLaunch Editorial Team). It is safe to say that for the most part… wearing glasses will not make a person smarter. Someone who is simply wearing glasses will not automatically be smarter. However, his or her actions and effort will make the person smarter. While doing activities that support academic success, there is a chance for the person to develop a need for vision correction (glasses). However, this is not entirely true and is influenced by other factors. Intelligence comes from within and cannot be easily identified through physical cues. We must question stereotypes, whether big or small, so we can all grow and become open-minded and inclusive to everybody. Just maybe, we might be able to ask for help with a tricky algebra question to a person without glasses. Glasses and Intelligence: Exploring the Cultural Connection Are People With Glasses Smart? | Myth Busting Truths Smart People Wear Glasses - TV Tropes Do Smart People Really Wear Glasses? Science (Kind of) Says Yes | by Tau Ellix | Medium Do Glasses Make You Look Smarter? The Truth About the Stereotype and IQ - Affordable Prescription Glasses, Eyewear Online | Vivue People Who Wear Glasses Really Are More Likely to Be Smart, Says Huge Study : ScienceAlert BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections North Star Club and Mrs. Byrne By Jeselys Vazquez Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original photography by Christy Mansfield Hello, my name is Jeselys Naylana Vazquez and I’m in 10th grade! I’ve recently joined North Star. It is club where you write new articles about different topics of the month or your choice of what you decide to write about. I’ve always wanted to join a club but never made the time to manage my schedule to make time for it. I feel like a lot of people have the same issue or just forget about it, until at the worst times it comes to mind. My 8th period teacher Mrs. Byrne, the lovely, sweet lady in room 113, assigns her students a quick assignment on watching a video or reading an article and explain our personal thoughts or ideas about it. Sometimes in class on Fridays, she tells her students to check out the North Star page, choose an article we’d like to read, and tell her what we learned or what we got from it. I enjoyed the times we read the articles from our smart and inspiring writers. It really helps and educates readers in a variety of subject areas. Every time she read my response or called on me to tell her what I learned about the article I read because she was pleased with my answers. She asked me why don’t I join the Poetry Club or the North Star ? I said, I’ll think about it”. I asked the leader of the club if I could still join, and she said, “Yes!” Here, I am writing my first article for the North Star and starting to pursue more of what I love, which is writing. Thank you, Mrs. Byrne! And thank you North Star. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The First Black Congresswoman By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by Associated Press During her seven terms in the House of Representatives, Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first African American woman to serve in Congress and the first African American to seek a presidential nomination in the United States, has been outspoken in her advocacy for women and minorities. Born and raised in New York, Shirley Chisholm was born the oldest of four daughters to immigrant parents from Guyana and Barbados. While her parents worked to settle their family in Bedford-Stuyvesant during the Great Depression, Chisolm spent part of her childhood living on her maternal grandparents' farm in Barbados. She received a British education during this time. However, Chisholm returned to the states to finish high school and graduated top of her class. On a scholarship, she attended Brooklyn College and graduated with a Bachelor of sociology in 1946. Before starting her political career, Chisholm worked as a nursery school teacher from 1946 to 1953. At Columbia University, Shirley Chisholm obtained an M.A. in early childhood education three years later. From 1959 to 1964, she served for New York City's Division of Day Care as an educational consultant. Chisholm became involved in several campus and community groups throughout her training to become a teacher. Politics became her interest and her skills of organizing and fundraising developed from there. Her deep resentment towards the treatment of women originated from the role women played in local politics at that time, which consisted mainly of staying in the background and serving as an afterthought to their male counterparts. Chisholm found a way to express her opinions about economic and social structures in a rapidly changing nation through campus politics and her membership in the NAACP, an organization fighting for equal rights for African Americans since 1909. A second African American woman was elected to Albany's legislature in 1964 when Shirley Anita Chisholm was elected to the New York state assembly. Chisholm continued her service in the state assembly until 1968, when she ran for the U.S. Congress. She was elected and began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1982. In 1972, Chisholm ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, claiming the other candidates did not represent the concerns of black and minority voters and the poor. The campaign for Chisholm's Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972 was marked by discrimination. After pursuing legal action, she was allowed to make just one speech after being barred from participating in televised primary debates. Across the nation, women, minorities, and students flocked to the "Chisholm Trail." Despite severe under-funding and disagreements with the primarily male Congressional Black Caucus, she won 12 primaries and 152 delegates' votes. However, she did not win the Democratic nomination, yet the nation still admired Chisholm. In January 1983, Chisholm left Congress and co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women. She campaigned for Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. Shirley Anita Chisholm made history as America's first black presidential candidate and first black congresswoman. Upon leaving Washington, Shirley Chisholm said she did not want to be remembered as "the nation's first black congresswoman" or, as she put it, "the first black congresswoman." Instead, she stated, "I'd like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts". Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm will continue to inspire generations of women of color to run for office, and her legacy will never be forgotten. "I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself. " - Shirley Chisholm BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Relative By Sam Gilliam February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Cool Creatures: The Crested Gecko By Matteo Somma Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by The Spruce Pets The Crested gecko, or Correlophus Ciliatus, is a gecko species that lives in New Caledonia, a chain of islands in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. The Crested gecko is a common pet that was thought to be extinct until 1994, when scientist Robert Seipp rediscovered the species. Along with the fact that this little lizard reaches lengths of 6-8 inches, the Crested gecko is known for its wide eyes and bright colors. Like many other species of geckos, the Crested gecko lacks eyelids. Thus, they have incredibly long tongues that allow them to reach from their mouths to their eyes to keep them moist as well as to clear away debris. Other than being known for their bulging eyes, Crested geckos are also famously known for their hundreds of distinct color and pattern variations. From spots to stripes, the Crested gecko has it all. The Crested gecko lives in the trees of the rainforest. As an arboreal species of reptile, they often leap from tree to tree. Since they are also a nocturnal species – meaning awake during the night – they can be commonly found sleeping high in tree crevices in the daytime and feasting at night. Just like humans, they are omnivores, meaning they consume both meat (or insects) and plants (in their case, fruits). During the evening, they can be found down on the rainforest floor eating rotten fruit and any bugs that may be inside. For those who are familiar with gecko species, they lose their tails. While many species of gecko regrow their tails, the Crested gecko does not. When attacked by a predator, they will drop or lose their tail to distract predators from escaping. Once their tail is lost, the Crested gecko will not regrow it. In captivity, Crested geckos make great pets. They can be kept in relatively small enclosures (10–36-gallon tanks stood upright) and require little annual fees. They can live up to 20 years in captivity and often tolerate being handled. We love this interesting little lizard! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Enjoy the Silence Jasmine Roberts Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Kantonsbibliothek Appenzell Ausserrhoden A peculiar quote was spoken into the atmosphere one day with no true origin or genesis to explain its magnitude in the understanding of the role that art plays in the modern world. The quote said softly on one unspecific day, during an unspecific time: “Books were made for reading, music for hearing; films for seeing; a silent film must stay silent.’’ This quote pertained to the evolution of the film and the fears of those who saw it roar into the modern-day beast it would become. Birthed in the silence of nitrate film stock and negative film, it grew into what was deemed “The Talkies” around 1927 with the introduction of early sound demonstrated by the 1927 silent film “The Jazz Singer.” Although an avalanche would roll down the snow hill that is film, one by one descending together a series of events which would bring CGI, VFX, and digital video into modern films. The silent film has been arguably forgotten in modern day discourse on what makes beautiful cinematography, what makes a film intriguing, unnerving , and most importantly, what makes a film, not a book, or a song, or a stage play, or even a perfectly framed photo, but instead a series of photos stitched together to tell a tale made to both exist within the time of the viewer, but also supersede it all the same. To explain the type of stock and film that silent films were shot on, it is to also describe the physical appearance of silent films themselves. To a keener eye, or a zealot of the art form. A silent film is not simply what was once colored, turned black and white, having its vibrant color suffocated out of our vision. Instead, it captures the world turned monochrome, until it embodies both light and shadow. However, neither is this definition definitive; instead, the idea that silent films are solely monochrome, is a misconception. For instance, in the film Waxworks (1924) , a story narrating the imaginative ways in which a nameless poet schemes stories to bring historical wax figures to life, simply cannot be considered black and white, neither can it be considered a reflection of how color is shown in modern day film. In fact, a tint is applied to each scene to set the mood and tone. When the scenes are set in the hot, swarthy, arid Arabian desert, the tint takes an orange appeal, when the scenes begin in the icy winter of the Russian lands, the tint takes upon a blue to reflect said winter storm. The 1907 short film, Le Spectre Rouge , is one of the closest examples of color made diverse. White for bone, yellow for gold, and purple for granite caves within the unfolding scene. Even in the realm of black and white, progress had been made from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. For example, not only had the sound system slowly begin to develop prominence, but also end the need for intertitles, or printed text, spliced between shots to convey dialogue or action, while derailing the studio system or a method in which actors were signed to a specific studio such as Warners or MGM and would exclusively work with said studio on films. Around the 50’s, the freelance actor arose, or the system mostly used in the modern age. The silent film would soon be lost, as with many things, by its own evolution. Although, there might stand a modern-day director, such as director, Denis Villenueve, best known for his modern adaptation of literary work known as Dune, might profess a desire to film a movie in complete silence, only using narrative, physical and environmental storytelling to convey plot, tone, and message of a film, stating to the Times of London that, ‘’movies have been corrupted by television.’’ It is warranted to suspect that the context in which olden silent films were curated was also a lighter to the spark they had which allowed them to be completely absent from audible dialogue but not absent from humanity. Weimer Germany, the roaring 20’s, the infancy of film, the exploration, testing, trial and error, imperfections, all followed into the creation of the silent film. The grainy film and stock, the theatrical stage like acting, the bare film stages and imperfect faces smothered in camera correcting makeup in shades of yellow and blue. Without these things, both little and small, can there ever be a silent film, or more likely an uncanny imitation, taking the nose and eyes of the medium but never the heart and the mind. Fixing the superficially understood aesthetic upon a mannequin who poses in what feels human but is known to be unnatural. With modern advancements in technology, silent films have truly been allowed to die. But unlike The Golden Age of Hollywood or the peepshow shock value which carried on into the modern age, there is no detective to arrest its murderer: Time. The rawness of early films was its charm. There were no billionaire corporations to ensnare, nor were there large franchises to milk dry. Later, the Hayes Code would arrive, limiting what could be shown on screen, and while that might be a different story. One can only wonder if technology has killed film. Had CGI, digital camera, streaming, and years and years of film history both grown film to what it is, but also stunted its lifeblood from running freely and warming its body with the unbridled oddity of the silent film? As it seems, the silent film might be without a detective to cause the jailing of its executioner; it might stay rotting in a black and white alleyway, of pale skies and black markings. It might wither away and be called upon when intellectuals must signal their intellect, and directors desire to draw attention to the madness in their minds. Nonetheless, film must be seen, not heard, and therefore it needs a lawyer, and advocate for its remains. This article is simply evidence to be given to discovery; a cold case finally gone warm for this piece of film history. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Mirror Reflection By Sienna Munro January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Who will be the Men's Singles Winner of Australian Open 2024? Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Miami Open Australian Open is a tennis tournament that takes place every year and is the first of four tournaments in which players win Grand Slams. It is hosted in Melbourne, Australia, and this year it began on January 8th for singles, January 15th for doubles, and January 18th for mixed doubles. It is played on hard courts and features the greatest male and female tennis players from across the world. Players advance through rounds to compete in the final when they earn the trophy and Grand Slam championship. Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev (Semi-final) Daniil Medvedev, destined for greatness, has emerged as the finest athlete of his time. He just advanced to the Australian Open final with a superb 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev. It is Medvedev's third Australian Open final, and sixth grand slam final overall, and will be his first against someone other than Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal. Medvedev's win against Zverev demonstrates the enormous mental advantage he has developed over his opponent. Even though Zverev controlled their first four games, Medvedev has steadily reversed the trend, winning 11 of their last 13 matches. Medvedev survived both tiebreaks by playing tremendous tennis. Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic (Semi-final) Jannik Sinner won against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals; it is Djokovic's first loss at this position in a competition. Sinner, a young 22-year-old Italian, dominated Djokovic early and saved a match point by forcing him to hit a forehand into the net. Djokovic could have surrendered peacefully, but he used a lunging backhand and a stunning topspin lob to keep the match alive. Sinner's strength was enhanced by Djokovic's failure to perform even basic Djokovic things early on, such as stretch games until his opponent's play collapsed or utilizing his serve to trap Sinner at the back of the court. Sinner broke Djokovic five times, the final one coming shortly into his final set. Sinner clinched the victory with one final beautiful forehand down the line. After the thrilling wins in the semi-finals against their opponents by both Sinner and Medvedev, they will fight on Sunday for the title and the trophy at Rod Laver Arena. Why could Jannik Sinner win? Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis player, feels confident despite playing just 19 full sets in the competition, compared to Medvedev's 25. He ended two long-running streaks in late 2023, including victories against Djokovic at the Nitto ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals. Sinner has won over three matches with Medvedev, all occurring around the close of last year. Medvedev's energy levels might also be a concern because he has won two five-set matches in a straight, whereas Sinner has only played one set. Sinner, on the other hand, performed admirably in the semi-finals in terms of groundstroke control and serving. Regardless of his tennis experience, Medvedev could find himself having to shorten points and be more aggressive. In the end, Sinner is projected to maintain his momentum and win his very first Grand Slam championship after defeating the number one. Why could Daniil Medvedev win? Medvedev, with his remarkable resilience, has demonstrated tenacity in defeating Ruusuvuori and Zverev. He is predicted to come out on top over a skilled but inexperienced opponent, Djokovic, who is recovering from his emotional high after getting eliminated and losing the chance of the 11th championship. Sinner hopes to make history as the first Italian to win a Grand Slam since 1976, and his expertise at the highest level is minimal but will be critical. However, nerves may play a role in Sinner's first Slam final, as Medvedev is notorious for his ability to make life difficult for his opponents. Medvedev currently leads their rivalry 6-3, with outdoor hardcourt matches drawn 1-1. “I absolutely admire Daniil Medvedev, but I hope Jannik Sinner wins his first-ever Grand Slam. He really does deserve it a lot, going against number one is no easy thing. He is extremely talented, and his past performances show it. According to the stats he has less of a chance of winning, however, I believe he is playing like he has never and has become the crowd favorite!” - Rehmat K. Sources: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/medvedev-zverev-australian-open-2024-sf https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/26/daniil-medvedev-stuns-alexander-zverev-in-five-set-australian-open-epic-tennis https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/39391142/jannik-sinner-ends-novak-djokovic-australian-open-reign-semifinals https://theathletic.com/5229189/2024/01/26/jannik-sinner-novak-djokovic-at-the-australian-open/ https://www.atptour.com/en/news/medvedev-sinner-australian-open-2024-final-preview https://www.nittoatpfinals.com/en/scores-centre/head-to-head/singles/mm58/s0ag BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Stretching Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Yoga Kaitlin Kehoe Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by VSN Wellness Center Have you ever felt overwhelmed by schoolwork, sports, or just the daily responsibilities and expectations of being a student? Imagine a practice that not only helps you relax and de-stress but also boosts your concentration and focus, improves your physical health, and makes you feel more confident. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, or just looking for a new way to stay active, yoga offers something for everyone. Its adaptability and flexibility in practice makes it accessible to anyone and everyone! Let’s dive into the practice of yoga and discover how it can transform your life, both inside and outside the classroom. What is Yoga? Yoga is a workout for both your body and mind. Yoga practice involves doing different poses and stretches that help you become more flexible and stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. There are many different types of yoga “flow” (series of poses, or asanas ), including but not limited to: Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or find a moment of Zen, there’s a yoga style for YOU ! However, practicing yoga isn’t just about physical exercise. It also includes breathing techniques and meditation that help you relax and feel less stressed. Benefits of Yoga Practicing yoga is a great way to enhance your physical fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, and build focus and self-esteem. Here are some ways yoga can be beneficial to everyone: Improves Flexibility and Strength : Practicing yoga stretches and strengthens muscles, which can improve your performance in sports and daily activities. Reduces Stress and Anxiety : Yoga helps with relaxation and staying present in the moment, which can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels. Tip: You may want to give it a try during exam periods or when feeling overwhelmed by your school responsibilities and expectations. Improves Concentration and Focus: The breathing techniques and meditation practices in yoga can improve your concentration and focus, making it easier to stay attentive in class and while studying. Boosts Self-Esteem : Engaging in yoga can boost your confidence and support a positive self-image. It promotes self-awareness and encourages self-acceptance. Promotes Better Sleep : Practicing yoga can stabilize and improve your sleep schedule, helping you achieve a good night’s sleep, which is important for maintaining your overall health and academic achievement. Tip: Restorative Yoga is a great type of practice to do before bed. “ Legs Up the Wall ” pose can help with sleep, activate relaxation and improve digestion. Click the link for a video example! Tips for Getting Started Start Slow : If you’re new to yoga, begin with beginner-friendly poses and you can advance in difficulty as you continue to practice. Wear Comfortable Clothing : Choose clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably. (ex. Leggings, t-shirt, sweatpants, or any type of athletic wear that you feel comfy in) Build the Habit : Like any other skill, consistency and practice is key. Try to do yoga regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes every day. Listen to Your Body : It’s important to pay attention to how your body feels while doing yoga. If something hurts, stop and adjust your pose, or move on to a different one. Sign up for a Class : If possible, join a yoga class at your school, local studio, or online. When first starting, having a teacher or someone to assist you can help ensure you’re doing the poses correctly and safely. Tip: We offer yoga classes throughout the year at the Wellness Center with a certified Yoga Instructor. It’s a great way to start practicing yoga and learn the basic skills and movements to ensure your safety. You can also check out our VSN Virtual Zen Den under the Exercise & Yoga tab for some quick and easy yoga videos. Even Celebrities Practice Yoga! Jennifer Aniston : Credits yoga practice for her toned physique and mental clarity David Beckham : The soccer star practices yoga to maintain his flexibility and overall fitness. Beyoncé: Incorporates yoga into her fitness routine to stay in shape and manage stress Reese Witherspoon : Uses it to maintain her physical strength, feel energized and support her well-being How Do North Students Feel About Yoga? Student Wellness Advisory Committee (S.W.A.C.) members were asked to try some yoga poses and then give their thoughts and experiences on practicing yoga. Here is some of their feedback: Olivia (Senior High) – “ The yoga pose I practiced was incredibly calming and relaxing, making it an enjoyable experience overall. I found it not very difficult, which allowed me to focus on my breath and let go of any tension. It was a great way to clear my mind and unwind, providing a refreshing break from daily stresses. This pose is perfect for anyone looking to release their thoughts and find a moment of peace, making it a wonderful addition to my routine. ” Aikam (Senior High) – “I spent some time practicing yoga. I focused on soothing poses like shavasana and bridge pose. It was incredibly relaxing, and I felt a surge of energy as well as a deep sense of relaxation. The gentle stretches and controlled breathing helped me release tension and destress.” Jassica (Senior High) – “I tried the leg up on the wall pose and it actually helped me have a good night's sleep. I recommend yoga everyday as it can benefit individuals with their health and can be an easy and efficient way to relax the mind and body. In addition to yoga, I think people should meditate as well to also relieve any stress and tension on the mind.” Khloe (Senior High) – “I tried the leg up on the wall pose last night and it helped me have a good night's sleep. I recommend yoga everyday as it can benefit individuals with their health and can be an easy and efficient way to relax the mind and body. In addition to yoga, I think people should meditate as well to also relieve any stress and tension on the mind.” Zo (Senior High) – “After trying the ‘Legs Up the Wall’ pose, I found my transition into sleep faster that night. In addition, it gave my body a break from the stress-filled week I'd been having and has now become a part of my settling down routine before bed.” Ms. Kehoe (Wellness Staff Member/School Psychologist) – “I practice yoga regularly, about 2 to 3 times per week. I also do morning stretches for about 15-20min each day before work. I’ve had this routine for the past two years and I could write a book on how beneficial it has been to me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I love doing it when I have had a long day or feel stressed out because it really helps me to relax. One of my favorite poses is ‘Legs up the Wall’ as it is good for digestion, relaxation, and helps me sleep better. I encourage everyone to give it a try!” Dr. Byrne (Wellness Staff Member/School Psychologist) – “Our yoga sessions at the Wellness Center appeal to students and staff, who all seem to enjoy taking the time to relax their bodies, as well as their minds with our yoga instructor. Whether you are a beginner or have taken yoga classes before, these sessions offer something for everyone and are a nice way to quiet one's mind when things may seem stressful or overwhelming. It also helps your body loosen up and release tension you may not even know you were carrying.” NORTH STAR extends much thanks to Ms. Kehoe and the S.W.A.C for contributing this article. Sources: https://www.insightstate.com/spirituality/27-celebrities-who-practice-yoga/ https://www.brettlarkin.com/celebrities-who-practice-kundalini-yoga/ https://blog.calm.com/blog/types-of-yoga https://www.yogalineshop.com/blog/types-yoga BACK TO TOP