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

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 Editorial Back to Sections What is Being Done About Mental Health at VSN? By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 1 Issue 5 February 12, 2021 Image provided by HRZone On Sunday, January 24th The New York Times reported the Clark County school district in Nevada, the 5th largest district in the nation, announced they would begin to allow in-person school for students. With 18 teen suicides of youths between the ages of 15 and 19 (double the number of adolescent deaths by suicide than in 2019) and 3,100 alerts of suicidal searches flagged on the district’s iPad devices from March to December 2020, the school system has linked the online, full-remote period to an increase in students' mental health issues. Additionally, the New York Post reported on February 11th that 12-year-old Hayden Huntstable hanged himself after battling depression amid COVID-19. His father stated he had limited insight on his son's struggles with depression. Hayden’s story demonstrates how crucial it is for mental health issues to be addressed in school so there are outlets available. Further on the adolescent mental health crisis, according to the American Health Ranking, the global pandemic has resulted in increased suicides. In 2019, the death of adolescents between the ages of 15-19 was 10.2 per 100,000 from suicide, while in 2020, it increased to 11.6 per 100,000 nationwide. These startling statistics would make one think schools would attempt to do anything in their power to reach out to students to provide resources and/or produce a safe outlet for students to talk about their mental issues that may have arisen due to the pandemic. However, Valley Stream North and surrounding school districts alike have taken limited observable action to address the mental health issues resulting from the student-teacher disconnect in the classroom. The district took the liberty of putting together a Summer Bridge Program to “provide social-emotional resources to the school community” as described on the district’s website. The five-volume newsletter released in the Summer of 2020 provided insight into the “new normal” in the classroom. The district presented some resources on stress management, but has done little to promote the resources to the school community. Since the release of the fifth Summer Bridge issue back on August 28th, the district has not supplied nor advertised flyers and/or meetings to help students cope in this everchanging world. While the district may be at fault for not providing enough mental health resources to the schools in Valley Stream, each respective school administration has fallen flat regarding raising awareness about the mental health complications evident in their schools. The World Health Organization found half of all mental health conditions start at age 14, but most cases go undetected, unreported, or untreated. As a result, this statistic would make one think addressing mental health issues in schools would be a priority. The rise in mental health issues, attributed to the pandemic, has also been evident in the classroom environment. In an interview with Spanish teacher Ms. Milazzo-Soto, she expressed, “Students just seem like they’re not enjoying school like they used to. Many appear bored and disinterested. Most seem reluctant to participate and interact with each other.” While she cannot postulate that the disconnect is solely due to the students’ mental state, she does say that more should be done by the administration to address mental health. She does “encourage all students if they are having difficulties [to] reach out to their teachers, guidance counselors, or any other adult in the building.” However, it is difficult to reach out to adults who have not yet introduced themselves. For instance, Valley Stream North employs three school psychologists: Ms. Kehoe, Ms. Christiansen, and Dr. Byrne. However, the failure to introduce themselves would make it difficult for a student to feel comfortable or even know where to talk to the psychologists, regardless of their qualifications. Prominent staff members generally have not addressed the drastic change in the learning experience which has taken a toll on the mental health of students. A perspective from a student at the school reads, “I feel as though many teachers do not take into consideration how hard it is to be a teenager during these times. We are constantly staring at a screen or being assigned an endless amount of work and this is very mentally taxing on the adolescent brain. Most of us have been forced to put our mental health aside to get all our schoolwork done. The limited outreach by staff has also made it difficult to stay committed to virtual learning. Most teachers do not even respect the ten-minute breaks we received which have been reduced to 5 minutes in the second semester, and most students end up with no break causing them to attend classes back-to-back, and it is not okay.” I reached out to school psychologist Dr. Melissa Byrne and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Christian Bowen to see how they are exactly attempting to address the mental health crisis on a school and district level. However, both did not respond to the opportunity to comment for this article. My intentions are by no means to solely criticize the school and the district, but rather to shine some light on the issue and how perspectives from teachers and students further prove my claim about the limited action taken to address mental health issues. It is difficult to understand the necessities of students, especially during a time where no one, adult or adolescent, has any prior experience or frame of reference. Solutions that I recommend would be first, for the school psychologists to make an introductory video. This would allow for students to know what they look like and to understand their job descriptions and how specifically they can assist students. Once that is done, the PPS, or Pupil Personnel Services, team should implement an optional mental health survey per grade level to evaluate students’ wellbeing in order to grasp the number of students who may be dealing with mental health issues and then maybe meet with students who are struggling. Lastly, utilizing students’ Outlook emails to send them weekly to monthly emails with links to resources on how to better attend to common mental health issues such as stress management. Students need to know administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, and psychologists care; however, in some instances, staff neglects to convey their care for students' mental well-being. With suicide being the third leading cause of death by adolescents between the age of 15-19, it is crucial that Valley Stream North emphasizes how the difficult encounters teens may face during the pandemic contribute to mental health and it needs to be addressed. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Exam Study Tips Wardah Khizer Volume 6 Issue 3 Image Provided by Ariane de Gennaro of Yale Daily News Finals season is right around the corner, with it comes the scramble to learn a year’s worth of content in less than a month. For many students, this means late night study sessions, piles of notes, and a lot of panic. Before you start re-reading the same notes for the fifth time, take a step back and learn how to study more effectively. Studying does not have to be overwhelming. With the right techniques, you can feel more prepared, less stressed, and even have enough time left over to hang out with your friends. Here is a guide to make the most of your study time. Make a Plan Before you dive into your notes, make sure you have a clear idea of when and how to study. Start by creating a study schedule that breaks your study time down into manageable sessions. Assign specific tasks or topics to each session, making sure to include regular breaks to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Taking care of your mental and physical health is just as, if not more important than studying itself. Ensure that you are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night, eating balanced meals, and staying hydrated. Also, limit distractions, such as your phone, to help your brain concentrate. Either use screen time limits or place your phone in a separate room altogether. A quiet organized environment will help you retain information better and make your study sessions more efficient. Active Recall According to tutor Prisha Shrivastava, “[a]ctive recall is a proven study technique where instead of passively repeating information, you stimulate your brain to actively retrieve the information you have just learned.” This process strengthens the neural pathways associated with memory, making it easier to recall that information later, especially during exams. Rather than just highlighting or rereading notes, active recall encourages you to quiz yourself, summarize concepts from memory, or use flashcards. Each time you pull information out of your brain, you reinforce your understanding and make the knowledge stick. There are multiple websites and apps that you can use to practice active recall. My personal favorite is Knowt, which is a free Quizlet alternative. On this site, you can create flashcards from PDF files, study guides, or access resources, such as flashcards, detailed notes, and practice questions, created by students who previously took your class. The best part is you do not have to pay a subscription fee! Spaced Repetition According to J.E. Choi, Spaced repetition works by reviewing material over increasing intervals of time. You might go over a topic right after learning it, then revisit it a few hours later, again after a few days, and then once more after a few weeks. This technique helps reinforce what you have learned and reduces forgetting by strengthening your memory each time you recall the information. Knowt provides a flashcard study mode that uses spaced repetition, and it allows for full customization. You begin by selecting the date of your upcoming test or exam, then choose how frequently you would like to review different types of questions. For example, you can schedule your most difficult questions to appear every day, while those you consistently answer correctly can appear every four days. Once everything is set, simply review the material at recommended intervals, and you will find yourself recalling definitions and key concepts more easily. Teach What You Learn One of the most powerful ways to truly understand and retain information is to teach it to someone else. Explaining a concept in your own words forces you to process it deeply, identify gaps in your understanding, and strengthen your memory. According to Michael Simmons, "Without some form of active processing, like teaching, almost everything we read is lost within weeks." Teaching turns passive knowledge into active recall, whether you are helping a classmate, speaking aloud to yourself, or writing down an explanation. If you struggle to explain something clearly, it is a sign that you need to revisit and review that material. The more clearly and simply you can teach a topic, the better you understand it. Conclusion Good luck with your finals! Apply these techniques—make a plan, use active recall, space out your studying, and teach what you learn—and you will set yourself up for success. You have worked hard all year, and now is the time to study with intention and confidence. Sources: https://lsc.cornell.edu/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule-2/ https://upchieve.org/blog/active-recall-studying-methods https://upchieve.org/blog/spaced-repetition https://medium.com/accelerated-intelligence/explanation-effect-why-you-should-always-teach-what-you-learn-9800983a0ea1 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The History of the Institutions of First Responders By Cody Sung Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Florida National University October 28th is National First Responders Day, and while Congress has only designated this day for four years, there is a long history behind the institutions of the first responder, the humble firefighter (fire department), police officer (police force), medic (hospitals, among other places), and others who help in our darkest hours. In ancient Rome, when it was ruled by Augustus, a person named Marcus Licinius Crassus made a brigade of 500 firefighters, but instead of helping with the fire, he would first bargain the price of his services. The first actually free service would be with the Roman emperor Nero in AD 60, called the Vigiles. This firefighter service would also lead to the first firefighting service in Britain, as the Romans invaded it in AD 43. After the Romans left, though, there would be no solid firefighting service in Britain until after the Great Fire of London in 1666. In the United States, the first fire department was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but the first government-run departments did not exist until the Civil War. Prior to this, private firefighting companies competed with one another. In the early 1800s, fire departments began accepting steam-powered fire engines, and as technology advanced, old technology, like horse-drawn fire engines, were phased out. Further advancements in firefighting technology would lead us to the modern firefighting system we know today. The policeman in the United States wasn’t always there. The first organized police force was formed in Boston in 1838, to protect shipping interests. In the South, police forces were not created to protect shipping interests, but to preserve slavery. However, in the late 19th century, the leadership in many police precincts were becoming corrupt, turning a blind eye to illegal actions in exchange for payment from political leaders. To solve this issue, President Hoover appointed the Wickersham Commission in 1929 to investigate how ineffective police forces were nationwide. To solve this problem, police precincts were changed so they would not correspond with political wards. After this, there was a drive to professionalize the police force, which only grew into the 20th century, creating the police force we know today. If you happen to have a severe illness or injury, a hospital should be your destination. The first example of a hospital would most likely be in early India, with a Chinese Buddhist monk recording examples of “healing institutions”. Similar buildings existed in ancient Greece and Rome. In 805, the first general hospital in the Islamic world was built in Baghdad. In Europe, hospitals became less religious and more secular, and after this movement was over, more and more hospitals began to appear across British cities, including London in the 18th century. During this time, hospitals became more of centers of medical innovation and discovery than providers of basic care for the ill. More advancements in technology during the Industrial Revolution and afterwards brings us to the modern hospital, centers of medical care and development. The role of the institutions first responders work at have changed over time, and have grown to become essential services to society, maintaining order when all else fails, and swooping in during times of great need. Thank you, first responders, and we will always appreciate you! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Stressful Minds Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep in the labyrinth of the mind, stress creeps, a shadowed figure that never sleeps it twists and turns, a tangled vine, entwining thoughts in a complex design a silent storm, it rages within, a whirlwind of chaos, where to begin? each thought a puzzle, each feeling a knot, in this maze of stress, we find ourselves caught yet amidst the turmoil, there lies a key, to unlock the door, to set us free for within the chaos, there's a hidden calm, a sanctuary where we find our balm so let us navigate this maze of stress, with courage and grace, we'll find success for in the depths of chaos, we'll uncover, the strength within us, to rise and discover BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Soldier By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Image provided by Medpage Today The soldier has survived the impossible. But there’s so much going on in that little helmet of his That he smacks it away, smacking it away. Until it goes away, except it never does. The soldiers says he’s fine, but those words quickly float away Without any meaning. BACK TO TOP

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