Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections The Science of Studying By Alyssa Garufi and Hannah Lee Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by IStockPhoto Dear VSN students,  How do you study? With APs, regents, and finals coming up, it is important to master your studying technique to achieve higher grades on your assessments. Reading over notes and class materials repeatedly seems to be the first scenario that comes to mind when you hear the word “study.” However, according to scientific studies, this repetitive action of rereading notes and drilling random information into our brains tends to “go in one ear and out the other." Science shows us that our brains work best when we truly understand the topic rather than simply memorizing information that does not logically make sense to us. The way we can optimize the capabilities of our minds is through - just like learning how to ride a bike - trial and error. The more we challenge and quiz our brains, the better prepared our brains will be.  Chances are you have been taught that studying through repetition works, right? Wrong . One of the biggest misconceptions in students is that repetition is a valuable way of studying. However, scientists have found that repetition is not as effective as we have been led to believe. In fact, Ed DeLosh, an associate professor at Colorado State University, has found that “might be the worst [method] compared to a variety of strategies you might use.” In addition, we have also been taught to stick to our learning style and not stray from what works best. Turns out that is false as well. It may be better for us to deviate from our usual methods and try out new strategies. According to DeLosh, struggling while learning “actually has benefits for long-term learning.” One such strategy that has been scientifically proven effective is quizzing yourself. Typically, we perceive quizzes and tests as methods to evaluate the progress of a student from the beginning of the year. However, DeLosh’s research shows that “quizzing is actually among the best ways to prime the brain to remember material in the future.” In DeLosh’s class, students take quizzes on a weekly basis - but don’t be alarmed. These quizzes aren’t meant to place pressure on students in terms of grades. In fact, every quiz is open-book and students tend to do well on all of them. Each quiz tests a similar concept but has variations of questions. By answering varying questions on the same topic, students learn to master the concepts that DeLosh quizzes them on. Not only does this help his pupils learn the material, but it also gives them good grades and helps them study periodically rather than cramming everything at the end of the year. In the end, his students were very successful in mastering the course. DeLosh’s study shows us that quizzing is, in fact, a highly effective method of studying for tests. So, the next time you are studying for a big exam, gather a couple of your friends and quiz each other on the topics. While quizzing strategies help optimize the capabilities of our brain, without the motivation to take on quizzes, the information present will be of little help to most of us. You must strive to not only take on the best studying strategies, but consider strategies that are best for you ! A “perfect” studying schedule is different for each individual and it is important to try different methods of studying to find which works best and gives you the most motivation. Joshua Robinson, a Wall Street Journal reporter, states that listening to music while studying does aid your memory and improve attention, allowing you to grasp the information more. The next time you are not motivated to sit down and take practice tests, listen to your favorite song, and use it to make studying a bit less intimidating. If music is too distracting to you, try to find a change of scenery instead. Sometimes sitting alone in your room trying to study leads to distractions. Instead, bring your books outside, or to a library, or even just another room in your house. According to Cory Stieg, a Health and Wellness reporter from Make It , changing settings while studying can boost your overall wellbeing and mood, allowing you to do better on exams.  Now you know you can study effectively. You have hopefully learned a handful of new and effective studying strategies for your upcoming test, so go out and try to use some of these methods! With a ton of tests coming up, implementing these studying strategies may help you improve a lot. Remember, do not stress yourself out too much over tests and exams. You’ve got this!  Best of luck,  Hannah and Alyssa BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections NCAA College Tournament By Leah Ally Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by ESPN The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, more commonly referred to as March Madness or NCAA March Madness, is a springtime single-elimination competition annually held in the United States to determine the national college basketball champion. There are 68 Division I college basketball teams, the National Collegiate Athletic Association represented in the tournament. Since its first competition in 1939, it has gained vast popularity and become one of the country's most-watched annual sporting events. The champion teams from three Division I conferences are among the tournament teams along with 36 other teams selected by a committee of the NCAA. A single elimination “bracket” made up of the 68 teams separated into four regions and predetermines which teams will play each other next. At the start of the tournament 4 teams are eliminated leaving 64 teams to be “seeded”, or ranked, from 1 to 16 within its region. Seven rounds of the tournament are played to determine the national champions. The locations are determined beforehand based on venue size, hotel and airport requirements, hosting frequency, and previous attendance numbers from the venue, While this annual sporting event has been televised since 1969, all games have not been accessible to be watched worldwide and across the country until 2011. With the increase in television coverage comes an increase in the tournament’s popularity. An average of 10.7 million viewers have tuned in to the last tournament in 2022. Even among non-sports fans, it has become extremely common in popular culture to predict each game’s outcome. Every year, bracket pool competitions are estimated to attract tens of millions of American s. The 2023 March Madness tournament will take place for three weeks from March 12th-April 8th. The competition will begin in Daytona, Ohio and will continue in Houston, Texas for the 2nd round. Out of all 68 teams participating in the competition the Houston Cougars are currently the favorites to win the NCAA tournament with North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and UCLA being close behind with 15/1 odds. Just this year alone, 45 million Americans (17% of American adults) are expected to wager $3.1 billion combined on the March Madness tournament. 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 Who Am I Back to Sections Anonymous - Who Am I? - 4 By Anonymous November 19, 2021 Volume 2 Issue 2

Back to Artwork Purpose Back to Sections Isabella Somma - Purple Yellow Study By Isabella Somma November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: How to Manage Stress By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Image provided by The New York Times Q. Hi Ala! This year has been so crazy, and it just seems to be getting worse. How do I manage stress? A. Hello and thank you for asking! This is such an important question to ask, especially now, when everyone is put under even more pressure than during any other school year. Stress can come from many different sources. Getting to know the source can be a good first step in starting to manage the pressure life brings upon us. Even though that sounds easy, the process can become quite complex because stress can come from a mix of categories like personal, family, social, academic, and economic, though now we have been presented with an addition to the list - a global pandemic (Darity 1).  We can also be affected by the “unwanted, random, uncontrollable, and close together in time” type of events (Darity 1). Trying to keep a track of when your emotion changes occur and analyzing the events beforehand can help pinpoint the roots of the stress. Some people practice recording their day as it passes. Writing can help you unravel your thought patterns and recognize what triggers you. It’s important to take this process little by little, to have patience, because this is going to make it possible to work on your problems later on. As I mentioned before, this is a rather complex process, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You can share your problems with a professional and get yourself on the right path to figuring things out and learning concrete methods for dealing with all of the ways stress and anxiety affects you. It is important to know what influences you and address the source directly if possible. It is hard to make up scenarios that would answer everyone’s questions due to the intricate nature of stress, however I will try to provide you with as many resources as possible. In this article, Six surprising sources of stress -- and how to do away with them, Erinn Bucklan presents the readers with six sources of stress (such as your surroundings, relations with others, social media, or your attitude) and simple ways to go about dealing with them healthily. Maintaining “[s]trong healthy relationships with supportive friends and family are beneficial, and support groups and social activities, such as clubs … [and] [v]olunteering also provides benefits'' to your self-worth and self-confidence and gives you the validation many seek (Mental Health 2). Writers also recommend to cope with stress by exercising, enjoying nature, writing in a journal, and participating in other activities” (Mental health 2) They deem “[s]kills such as meditation, prayer, and relaxation exercises are also useful in dissolving stress” (Mental Health 2). Washington Post journalist Elizabeth Chang even suggests watching cute animal videos to calm down and feel happy. That definitely works or me! Her uncomplicated way of communicating coping ideas are perfect for high school students and adults during these difficult times. If you are ever dealing with something you can’t handle on your own, please reach out to others like your family, your friends, your guidance counselor or teachers, or even a hotline. You can always visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to learn more about mental health. Additionally, don’t be afraid to call 211 or visit 211.org to get help. You are important, and there always is someone to help you, so you must reach out for such help. You made a great choice reaching out to me, and I appreciate your trust. What you did may just help one of our readers recognize ways to manage stress or ask for help themselves. Everyone could use some help today during this extra-stressful year! Works Cited Life Events, Stress." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences , edited by William A. Darity, Jr., 2nd ed., vol. 4, Macmillan Reference USA, 2008, pp. 443-444. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3045301354/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=c5a14ce2. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. "Six surprising sources of stress -- and how to do away with them." Washingtonpost.com , 25 Feb. 2015. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/A403143888/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=5f9fc7da. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. "Mental Health." Gale In Context Online Collection , Gale, 2019. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/ULXUHX033802376/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=a7062c8e. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. "Feeling election anxiety? These 12 articles about coping with covid stress may help." Washingtonpost.com , 4 Nov. 2020. Gale In Context: High School , link.gale.com/apps/doc/A640616471/SUIC?u=nysl_li_vsnhs&sid=SUIC&xid=680f56b4. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021. Nami Website: https://www.nami.org/Home BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Usman- Ava Strojan Ava Strojan February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections College Application Advice Sahar Ali Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Elaine Ching College applications can be overwhelming during senior year, especially while trying to manage work, school, sports, and maintaining a high GPA. For me, navigating the Common App and completing applications has been a struggle. Through my own experience, I’ve learned how to better approach the college application process which can help future seniors feel calm and relaxed while completing their applications. #1 - THE SAT/ACT The SAT is an exam many students take before going into college; however, some students opt for the ACT or take both. The SAT, composed of English and mathematics, is scored out of 1600 points, while the ACT, composed of English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing section, is scored out of 36 points. Most students, according to the College Board, tend to take the SAT more than the ACT due to its many benefits such as more time per question. Although the SAT may appear frightening at first, practice can help students with understanding how questions are asked to become accustomed to the exam. I recommend taking an SAT course, either offered in school or from another organization, especially if you are aiming for a high score above 1300 because SAT questions get more complex with each module, so getting the right coaching can help chances of scoring higher. Aiming for a high score is possible for anyone, but it can be difficult to achieve if there is no practice involved. Fortunately, I was able to have the experience of receiving SAT prep outside of school; however, many people are unable to have the same. If you are unable to fit the SAT prep course offered at North in your schedule or are unable to receive prep outside of school, Khan Academy has a free SAT prep course with practice questions and videos on SAT topics. The Princeton Review also has textbooks with a QR code that provides five practice exams. The SAT is not simple English or math, rather, the questions test your deeper understanding and application of diverse concepts. Practicing for the exam can take months, which is why I recommend starting to practice before or during your junior year. Just remember: practice, practice, practice! #2 – STARTING THE COMMON APP The Common App is not something North students will start in class. Instead, they have to start the application on their own time over the summer. I recommend starting it around the start of August, which gives students enough time to answer the surplus of lengthy questions required by Common App. Depending on what schools you apply to, there will be more essays than just the college essay that you work on during English class. Starting the Common App early during the summer can help students jump start supplementals and reduce stress during the start of the school year. However, I believe the essays are the hardest part. #4 – LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Letters of recommendation are also a vital aspect of your college application as they show a student through the lens of other people, like high school teachers. During the end of your junior year, take some time to think about which teachers you would like to write your letter of recommendation. Keep in mind that you should find two teachers to write a letter on your behalf, unless otherwise stated by a specific school or program, like CUNY’s Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, which requires five letters of recommendation. Think about teachers who you have created a bond with and are aware of your strengths and capabilities. It is recommended that you ask a teacher in person rather through Teams Chat, or email, in an extremely polite manner; writing a letter of recommendation takes time and thought and is no easy task. Ask your teachers at the end of junior year or at the start of senior year, so they have ample time to create a well written letter. Your teachers will upload your letter from Naviance. Guidance will help students navigate through the website during senior year. Common App has a unique feature for most, if not all schools, where students can add additional recommenders besides high school teachers. Select a school, and on the left-hand side bar where it shows the specific parts of the application, you will see “Recommenders and FERPA.” Scroll down until you see “Other recommender.” Over here, all the extra recommender types that are allowed by the school will be shown (Ex. Arts Teacher, Coach, Employer, Peer, Other). Some schools allow students to choose from a lot of recommender types, while other schools may only allow some recommender types; some schools may only allow one additional letter, while others may allow up to three – this solely depends on the school itself. Then proceed to add your recommender, and Common App will send them an email where they can upload your letter. In my own experience, I have asked a peer and an employer to write me an additional letter. Asking a peer to write a letter of recommendation is beneficial in my opinion since it shows admission counselors who you are outside of school and how you resonate with people; I personally love the fact that some schools, like Dartmouth, allow the peer recommendations as it sheds light on an applicant from a different perspective. I have written a peer recommendation for a friend and had found it to be quite interesting, yet fun at the same time. Remember, if you hope to ask a peer recommendation, choose wisely! Additionally, you are unable to see your letters of recommendations and are heavily encouraged to waive your rights. This will be done in the “Recommenders and FERPA” section of each school’s application on Common App. #3 - ESSAYS For many students, writing supplemental essays along with the main essay is one of the hardest parts of a college application. AP LIT students must write a draft of their college essay over the summer as an assignment; however, English 4 students write it during the school year. When writing your essay, you want to focus solely on yourself. That does not mean that you cannot write about others in your life. Focus on a specific event in your life and how it has impacted you. Or think about something that is special to you. It’s important to take some time to think about your essay, especially since it is a reflection of you as a person to admissions counselors. Even if you do not like the first draft of your college essay, do not panic! North’s 12th grade English teachers provide some of the best outlooks and will take time to help you brainstorm ideas. From my own experience, talking with my teacher and revising it with her has made my essay extremely unique; with her coaching, I was able to transform an unlikeable first draft into an exceptional final draft. Supplemental essays for certain schools, however, are not the main focus of 12th grade English classes. The number of supplementals a student has to write depends on the colleges they choose to apply to. Some students may have more essays than others, while some students may not have as many. Although you may not have your teacher to help with these specific essays, students may feel more confident writing them after writing their personal essay. Yet, many students, like myself, still have trouble writing supplementals. This is where I recommend you begin to look for a private writing instructor. My experience with a writing instructor has been immaculate, especially since the instructor has helped me get my thoughts down on words. Preply, a website where students can find tutors, has helped me find a highly qualified instructor for a reasonable price per hour. Even though it is not necessary to have that help, it certainly will help make your essays stand out more. Not only that, but certain supplementals can be reused if essay prompts are similar to one another. Just keep in mind to fix certain sections to make it specific to the school. Always do some research about the school and include it in your essays; whether it be classes, the campus’ environment, or even clubs, showing the school that you are aware of what they offer and showing your interest in the school, which is always favorable. Finally, if you ever need help with college applications, do not hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselor, any of your teachers, or even upperclassmen who are completing their applications. College applications can be overwhelming, but don’t forget that there are people who are willing to help. All you have to do is reach out, keep on top of your deadlines, and work hard. SOURCES: SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should I Take? - College Board Blog BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections College Advice from a Senior By Shubhdip Kundlas Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original photo by Shubhdip Kundlas Hello all rising freshman, sophomores, and juniors! My name is Shubhdip Kundlas and I am currently a senior here at North. I would like to give all of you advice on the college application process and to make sure you are prepared to the fullest extent. Applying to college can be extremely stressful, but remember one thing: it is only stressful if you allow it to be. If you make the necessary preparations and start on time, there will be a minimal amount of stress involved. That brings me to my first piece of advice: Sign up for SAT/ACT exams as soon as possible. With many test centers closing due to COVID-19 restrictions, many seniors, including me, had very limited opportunities to take these tests as many testing centers repeatedly closed and hindered our chances to achieve the score we wanted. Although we don’t know how the situation will be by the end of the year, don’t wait to find out. If you haven’t started to study for the test yet, don’t worry: it’s not too late! There’s still time to study and fully prepare for the next set of examinations that will start in March 2021. Many colleges have gone “test-optional” this year, but some of them have made it clear it would only be for current seniors. Will schools be test-optional next year as well? I don’t know if they will or not, but again - take it anyway because if you get a good test score, it will only help you. If you haven’t taken an SAT or ACT yet, there is no need to worry; instead, begin preparing as soon as you can. My second piece of advice: stay motivated! Freshman and sophomores, join as many extracurriculars that work for you, and for Juniors that are not in any club or sport and have not been a part of any in the past, I advise you sign up for some clubs that you are interested in as many of them still accept new members. Remember, you are competing against other students, so you want to build a strong application that is unique to you and participating in extracurriculars is an essential to that. Also, apply to honor societies. If you meet their criteria, and you are accepted, they can also boost your application. To all freshman and sophomores: grades are very important for gaining admission to your dream school, but it isn’t just about your GPA. There are an array of factors like extracurriculars, essays, and teacher recommendations. Taking AP courses makes you stand out to colleges who will know your motivation to complete rigorous coursework. Juniors, we are almost at the halfway mark of this year, and although it won’t be easy to make a drastic change in your GPA, it can still be done. Considering that we have 3 marking periods left, by working hard and putting in your best effort, you can definitely improve your GPA. Again, there is still time for you to drastically improve your application! Join extracurriculars and work hard on your grades. Although it may seem that you can’t make a difference at this point, you 100% can. Just start from today. Join extracurriculars, work harder, and just be confident. Confidence and motivation are key to help your success in the college application process, and it all starts from this point on. My third piece of advice: start early! Whether you are a freshman or junior, it is never too early to start preparing for college. Make a checklist consisting of tasks helping you prepare for college season including but not limited to: extracurriculars, grades, recommendation requests, scholarships and essays. Also, research your colleges! Make a list of colleges divided into three sections: reach schools (schools that will be difficult to get into but may have a chance), target schools (schools where you fall well within the range of their requirements and have a decent chance), and safe schools (schools that you have a high chance of getting into). Juniors, around May or June, think of teachers that you know might write you a stellar letter of recommendation and politely request it from them either face to face or by email (whichever option you are comfortable with) as it will give them an early notice and more time to write your letter. Research the schools you will be applying to and make a list of their requirements. I advise you to get a head start on your personal statement essay over the summer and make rough drafts so you can go over it with your English teacher in September. Working on your essay over the summer will allow you to pace yourself in a way that you are not rushed to complete it by the deadline and have a lot of time to think. By researching your colleges, you will get to know what supplemental essays they require, as some will require none, and some can require more than five. It’s all about planning, and the earlier you plan, the better the result will be. Please do not stress out! You will get through with this. It may seem as if it’s the most stressful time of your high school career, but trust me, it’s not. As long as you prepare yourself beforehand and have the confidence to tackle any setback, you won’t need to worry. Remember, plan out your goals for the rest of the year and make a list of tasks to complete by September. The sooner you begin, the more gratifying and successful the experience will be. BACK TO TOP

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