Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Skating at Newbridge Arena (Or: How to Fall Until it Stops Hurting) By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by Gail Winton “Hey, do you want to go ice skating this weekend?” The question asked above was sent to me a few weekends ago, and along with the invite, a promise of a nice break before AP season. So, I excitedly sent back, “Yes!” As much as I was looking forward to finally having plans that weren’t school-related on my calendar, there was one big problem—I can’t skate. I’ve done my fair share of sports growing up, and was even a gymnast for several years through my childhood. I know to how to ski and snowboard, and can even ride a skateboard, however, ice skates always seemed to be my downfall...literally. When like me, you have a propensity for breaking bones, and seem to be impossibly clumsy, there are certain skills you never pick up. My parents saw how often I would stumble up the steps to my room and decided that mixing me and ice skates would be asking for disaster. So, with no childhood training or balance to fall back on, I would have to turn somewhere else to prepare for my ice-skating adventure. Thankfully, my memory is better than my balance, and I remembered that last issue, we published an article about learning how to skate. After some light reading and praying to any god I could name for the gift of good balance, I got into my friend’s car, and I was on my way to Newbridge Arena. So, turns out a few prayers and reading one article won’t make you into any Michelle Kwan. I never really grew out of my childhood clumsiness, and when put on centimeter-thin blades on ice, that problem is only exacerbated. I had the grace of a baby giraffe attempting to wobble through the Savannah minutes after being born. Which, to translate from metaphor to reality means I spent most of my afternoon falling. Before anyone goes skating for the first time, I recommend learning how to fall safely . This definitely saved me from breaking a few fingers on the ice. I would also recommend bringing someone with you who does know how to skate, as they can help you get your bearings when just starting out. Thankfully, our Advice Editor, Alicja Paruch, is an excellent skater and an equally excellent teacher. She held my hand (both literally and figuratively) while I slipped and stumbled around the rink. It made for an interesting experience but ultimately a fun one. By the time I was able to hold myself up, I felt as if I had accomplished something grand. A feeling completely decimated seconds later by the small children in hockey jerseys moving faster than I ever could in my life (seriously, those kids move like the ice doesn’t bother them at all). Although I was moving slow, the feeling of finally being able to move at all was exhilarating, and I began to understand precisely why so many people love the sport. Yet, skating can be pretty dangerous. Once, while attempting to speed up, I slipped and fell. This would have been an annoying fall on its own just because of my slightly higher speed, but on the way down, I managed to kick the blade of Ala’s skate, sending her to the ice as well. Of course, we are both okay, and we escaped that fall without any major injury. If you decide to go skating, keep your eyes peeled for the rest of the rink around you. Spatial awareness can save you and someone else from a broken bone or two. Overall, going skating was a fun day trip I would recommend for anyone looking to try something new. If you dance, do gymnastics, or otherwise cultivate a skill that requires balance, you’re probably going to be far better than I was on your first try. If you’re clumsy like me, then remember to stick with it; it’s not a skill you can develop instantly. Once I could move on my own, the challenge became exciting, and I definitely look forward to going again! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Homage to My Mother Chamille Malcolm Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Artwork Provided by Chamille Malcolm BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Mexican Femicide By Pratiksha Kaur Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by the BBC Femicide encompasses the intentional murder of women based on their gender. The rates of femicide around the world have seen an increase; however, in Mexico due to the lax enforcement of laws, gender killings have gone out of control. Even though in Mexico about seven women suffer death every day due to gender-related killings, President Obrador’s government has not taken direct action towards combating the situation. The lack of governmental action has caused Mexican women to take to the streets and fight for their human rights. 2016-2017 “Femincido en México. ¡Ya basta!” (Femicide in Mexico. Enough is enough!) Mexico saw the rising of gender-related killings as seven women lost their lives daily due to the lax implementation of comprehensive laws. Prevailing impurities such as corruption create an obstacle for many women who seek justice such as Irinea Buendía for her daughter, Mariana Lima. Mariana Lima’s husband, a police officer, abused and emotionally tortured Mariana before killing her on June 28, 2010. Irinea fought to bring her daughter justice; ultimately winning after six years. Mariana’s case, similar to that of many women in Mexico and other areas of Latin America, illuminates the impurities within the justice system and lack of implementation of gender-related policies. Although Mariana’s case did not receive worldwide recognition, it remains a historic order passed by the Mexico’s Supreme Court. After this decision, many Mexicans believed that the rate of these types of killings would decrease; however, they did not. 2018-2019 “¡Ni una Más!” (not one more!) With the precedent created by Mariana Lima’s case, many Mexicans believed that the numbers of gender-related killings would slowly trickle down; however, by 2018 Mexico saw an increase of 288 cases per year (2018: 893, 2016: 605). In 2019, the country also saw an increase in women’s frustration with the justice system’s incoherent manner when approaching the situation, as only 726 cases were investigated; however, 3,142 women were murdered in gender-related killings. Due to the rise in frustration, women took to the streets to demand President Obrador pass new legislation that would protect women from these killings, but nothing was done. President Obrador’s lack of direct action only angered Mexican women further. 2020-2021 “Not one more, not one less, we want them all alive” “Not one more! Not one less! We want them all alive!” chant the Mexican female protestors against the increasing number of femicides during International Women’s Day in 2020. Although femicides made up 10 percent of all murders in 2019, the rate has grown exponentially by 145 percent over the last few years, with 2020 accumulating the most deaths. In Mexico, 10 women experience suffocation, strangulation, drowning, and stabbing daily, ultimately leading to their deaths. With the worsening situation and lack of government response, Mexican females have taken matters into their own hands. They took to the streets to march against the daily civil rights violations to put pressure on the Mexican government to take some action against femicide. In 2021, with the ever-growing number of femicides and the lack of government support, females have taken up another measure of protest. Continuing with their marches, Mexican female protestors have written down the names of 939 victims on the colonial era building that serves as the presidential office and residence. That wall represents the lost lives of 939 females to intentional murder but also represents the failure of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to acknowledge and act against these civil rights violations. President Obrador responded by creating a barrier against the female protestors and the walls of the colonial era building as a means of protecting the building from vandalism. These actions of the President angered many female protestors because President Obrador failed to provide adequate protection to Mexican females; however, willingly protected a building from protestors. Due to the backlash on media platforms, the Mexican President stated that he is “not a male chauvinist. [He’s] in favor of the rights of women.” Evident from the lack of governmental support, Mexican females understand that the road for protection contains numerous obstacles and challenges; however, they willingly accept the challenge as a way of protecting their mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and neighbors. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Reflections on I, Too By Sasha Smalls Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Original image by Sasha Smalls I, too, sing America I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, Eat in the kitchen, Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed- I, too, am America ~Langston Hughes Poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, columnist, James Mercer Langston Hughes, stands out as a prolific leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Above, Hughes’s famed poem I, Too , communicates his interpretation and vision of the Black experience in America through its diction, repetition, and chronological structure. I refers to Black people, and They refers to oppression and discrimination in its broadest terms-including the oppressors. Arguably, the substitution of I for we could equally deliver the message that Hughes refers to Black people. However, I creates a singularity, I conveys unification of Black Americans. The word Tomorrow , indicates Hughes’s looks towards a later date: a point in America’s timeline when Black people enjoy the same fruits of existence fortified by the Declaration of Independence and promised in the 14th amendment. Yet, Tomorrow’s dawn is subjective. Some may argue Yesterday would be a more fitting term, perhaps referencing the 13th amendment or the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Others may choose to believe Tomorrow represents a change in disposition, as opposed to legislation. In that case, Tomorrow can not be pinpointed by a calendar date. Tomorrow symbolizes comprehension, equity above equality, justice, and more. But, as Hughes says, that is Then . A message from BSU: To learn more about Black History, we recommend visiting the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, when the pandemic is over if you are ever visiting those areas. We suggest reading the New York Times Bestseller Stamped Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections My Heritage By Katherine Cevada October 8, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 1

Back to Articles News Back to Sections The Truth About Vaccination By Aleeza Dhillon Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by USA Today Chances are you know someone who has gotten Covid within the past year because the deadly virus has infected approximately 166,761,227 people worldwide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supplied the first Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a Covid-19 prevention vaccine on December 11, 2020. The vaccine was initially approved for people 18 years or older, but the Pfizer vaccine was permitted to be injected into citizens ranging from 12-16 years old on May 10, 2021. Although the vaccine does not entirely prevent Covid infections, it limits symptoms’ severities and the likelihood of infection. Many people were thrilled to have a chance at lowering their risk of contagion, but others were skeptical of the vaccine. There is a growing fear and distrust of vaccines, which can lead to dire consequences. Many people are concerned about how quickly the Covid vaccine was created. Most vaccines take years to develop, and although scientists have been working on SARS vaccines for decades, this one seemed to have taken less than a year to be tested and accepted. Kelly Elterman, MD, shares that the vaccine was developed quickly by using 20 year-old technology. So, doubting the vaccine based on timelines does not tell the whole story. Still, others are concerned about the unknown side effects of the vaccine. People believe there are life-threatening outcomes of getting vaccinated, and some of this concern comes from reports in the media. Joyce Ann Kraner, a citizen of Tennessee, says, "We don't know the long-term effects. We don't know what it's going to do." Much misinformation had been spread through social media and the internet, causing certain people to believe in false side effects, even possible infertility, and creating further media distrust. One in four Americans refuse the vaccine, and 5% are unsure if they would take it given a chance. Experts are becoming concerned that refusal of the vaccine, or “vaccine hesitancy” by that substantial number will prevent the U.S. from reaching herd immunity (when Corona cannot spread throughout the population quickly and transmission disappears). On the other hand, approximately 41.6% of the U.S. population is vaccinated. Many people flew at the chance to limit the possibility of spreading Covid to their friends and families. Once citizens are fully vaccinated (two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna and two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson), they should still take precautions, such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and staying six feet apart. However, people can start having small gatherings with others who are vaccinated. Many people took the shot for their protection too. It is impossible to predict how COVID will affect you, so many people believe it is best to stay on the safe side and take all defenses to make sure you stay alive. The vaccine has shown it is safe and effective for the vast majority. Chances of infection are low, and even if a vaccinated person is infected, symptoms are limited with the vaccine. It is crucial to stay educated on the Covid vaccine. Check multiple reliable sources to make sure the information you have is correct and current because vaccination could be the difference between life and death. The CDC has ensured that vaccine is reliable and effective, and safety is their first goal. It is predicted that in January 2022, the total vaccinated population for the U.S. will reach 64%. Works Cited Barczyk, H. (2020, October 12). Why So Many Americans Are Skeptical of a Coronavirus Vaccine . Retrieved from Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-so-many-americans-are-skeptical-of-a-coronavirus-vaccine/ Brumfiel, G. (2021). Vaccine Refusal May Put Herd Immunity At Risk, Researchers Warn . Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/07/984697573/vaccine-refusal-may-put-herd-immunity-at-risk-researchers-warn Elternam, K. (2021, February 9). COVID-19 Vaccine Distrust: Why It’s High, and How to Respond to It . Retrieved from Good Rx: https://www.goodrx.com/blog/distrust-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/ Gu, Y. (2021, April 26). Path to Herd Immunity Normality : 2021 Outlook of COVID-19 in the US . Retrieved from covid19-projections: https://covid19-projections.com/path-to-herd-immunity/ Sauer, L. M. (2021, May 19). What Is Coronavirus? Retrieved from Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Introductory - Ekin Pinar Ekin Pinar Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Ekin Pinar Welcome all readers of North Star! My name is Ekin Pinar, and I will be taking over the advice column from here on. This section of the paper is dedicated to you, the reader. Here you can ask about anything that plagues your thoughts and mind. This can be anything from a bad test grade, or you are just stressed about school, all you have to do, dear reader is submit your response to this form North Star Advice column submissions  – Fill out form Don’t worry, all responses are completely anonymous so don’t feel shy and fill out the document. No question is too big or too small for me to tackle!! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Comic Back to Sections You Got This! By Alain Deen December 16, 2020 Digital Art Volume 1 Issue 3

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Deodorant: A History of Scents, Smells and Why You Should Use It! Giancarlo Oliveri Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Elaine Ching Disclaimer: If you wear deodorant this does not apply to you, but you are more than welcome to read along! Good morning, Spartans! It is the dawn of a new school year! New classes, new teachers, new friends, and new weather patterns thanks to global warming! Undeniably, this building feels a lot warmer, causing many to sweat, perspire, and swelter, with interesting scents to come about. A sure-fire way to prevent certain odors is deodorant . The colorful history of deodorant dates back to the Ancient Egyptian civilization, where they incorporated oils, fruit, or even aluminum crystals (ouch!) as antiperspirants, effectively masking the stench stemming from the boiling Sun that still wreaks havoc on our building (Oars and Alps, 2013). Similarly, the Ancient Greeks incorporated natural techniques to smell pleasant, bathing regularly in baths scented with fragrant and aromatic oils, even spraying incense in the air (Oars and Alps, 2013). Following their innovation, the wealthiest of upper classes across numerous civilizations such as the Yuan, Ming, or Qing dynasties of Classical China, the Classical Mexica, Aztec, or Incans of South America, or popularly, Marie Antionette and the rest of the Versailles Third Estate in the late 1700s, used deodorant, most typically, in the form of perfume, typically, floral scented. However, contemporary deodorants similar to the ones used today rose to popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developed and patented by Edna Murphey in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, titled “Mum” (Humble Brands, 2023). Originally, a waxy cream, the packaging differed from modern sticks of deodorant, arriving in a metal tin, and containing zinc, later evolved to contain antiperspirant ingredients such as aluminum compounds to control sweat and odor, connecting back all the way to the Ancient Egyptians (Humble Brands, 2023)! Now with this history lesson adjourned, I beg the question, do you want their work to go to waste? The Egyptians who pounded aluminum into crystals, the Ancient Aztecs who pulverized flowers into fragrances, and most recently, the incomparable Edna Murphey, who revolutionized how Americans would smell for years to come. Do you want their work to be all for nothing? Why neglect decades, even centuries, of human evolution and innovation? It used to be a privilege to smell pleasant, and now, you have the absolute, undeniable, and unbeatable right to every historical figure, and every person in this school to mask the musk! If you want to benefit the rest of humankind, do me, the rest of the student body, and the rest of the human body a favor, and wear deodorant. A Brief History of Deodorant – Humble Brands When Was Deodorant Invented and Why? | Oars + Alps ( oarsandalps.com ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Strawberry Matcha Boba Tea Shea Flanelly Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 I am strawberry matcha boba tea from the Kung-Fu Tea a couple miles from my house. A strange drink that probably shouldn't even exist. I splash when I walk. Sugar spills down my ribs, and the tapioca pearls rattle inside me Like loose teeth, like I was built with a chaotic touch. Every sip of me is a gamble Sometimes I'm pure sugar, Sometimes I’m bitter, like grass, Sometimes you choke on me and laugh about it later. Even sealed tight in plastic, I fizz, I shake, I want to explode through the straw, to stain your hands pink and green so you never forget I was here. But the truth is, I’m always half-finished, lukewarm by the time you notice me again. You carry me around like an obligation, like something too strange to throw away, and I sit there, wondering if I was ever really worth the sip. BACK TO TOP