As my senior year comes to a close, I (ironically) seem to be stressing more than ever. Now, it’s not that anything is particularly stressful. But when you combine everything with senioritis and an ever-decreasing will to do anything, even the smallest things become stressful.

However, I recently watched an interesting TedTalk in my AP Psychology class that changed my view on stress. I’ve always that stress is bad for your health, and, like many others, I’ve fallen victim to the “stress less and you’ll live longer” campaign. But the woman giving this TedTalk, Kelly McGonigal, reveals that it’s not the stress itself that is bad for you.

To keep it brief, she discusses a study that followed 30,000 Americans over eight years, asking them how much stress they experienced and whether or not they believed stress was harmful to their health, before keeping track of if/when they died. As one would expect, those who experienced lots of stress were more likely to die– but only those who believed that stress was harming them.

Here’s the kicker: those who experienced lots of stress AND did not view stress as harmful were the least likely to die, even compared to those who reported low levels of stress. The best way to stress less is really to stop stressing about stress.

Encountering stress as you go throughout life is unavoidable. Yet, as cliche as it sounds, it’s truly what you do with that stress that determines the outcome. So, next time you feel yourself to be overwhelmed, remember that stress is not the enemy. It is simply your body having your back and preparing for the battle ahead, even if it is just an endless stack of homework.

Here is a link to the TedTalk. I would highly recommend watching it! There is some great detail on how the study as well as other resulting studies. https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en

Last week I had the incredible joy and amazing opportunity to attend Latin Convention in Columbus for my third and final year. When I tell people I’m going to Latin Convention, I normally get met with laughs and general mockery, but I think people misunderstand just how amazing this experience really is. 

First of all, everyone who attends knows that the whole thing is kinda lame. We very fondly refer to it as “Nerd Convention,” because that’s really what it is. However, there’s more to this weekend than just nerding out over ancient texts and conjugating verbs. One of the biggest things we prepare for is Spirit. Spirit happens before General Assembly every day, and it has mostly nothing to do with speaking or reading Latin. Every school comes up with its own chants, costumes, and posters during the 15-minute period where you get to scream and wave your arms as much as you want in the Ballroom of this random hotel. The general idea of this is that if you’re not losing your voice, you’re doing it wrong. Shaker normally gets really great placings in Spirit (what with all of our school pride), and this year we placed 1st on both Saturday and Sunday. 

The second best thing about Convention is colloquia. Colloquia is a 3-hour period where guest speakers, students, and random dudes with model Roman armor come in to teach about their respective subjects. This year I and several others attended a colloquia from a PhD student at the University of Cincinnati about the gladiatorial games. I learned so many fascinating things about the games, including that Gladiators typically weren’t the ripped, oiled-up guys we see in movies (thank you Russell Crowe and Paul Mescal for your services), but were typically on the larger side so that, rather morbidly, they would bleed more when injured. 

Lastly, the Roman Banquet is another fantastic aspect of the weekend. At this dinner, we get served pasta, breadsticks, and many different forms of desert alongside some rather nuclear-looking lemonade. The best part of the dinner, though, is that you MUST wear a toga. We meet in the hallway for about 20 minutes before dinner to help each other put our Roman attire on, trying many methods to see which one works the best with the fewest amount of safety pins. We sit in the ballroom, decked with hundreds of tables, and enjoy an amazing feast together to cap off the weekend and attempt (usually in vain) not to spill marinara sauce all over the white sheets we stole from our parents. 

Overall, I think that Latin Convention is a very misunderstood event. There is fun to be had for every single person, whether you want to play extremely competitive Roman trivia (Certamen) or just want to show off your art skills with that tapestry you’ve been making all year. I’m sad to say goodbye to this wonderful weekend of my life, but I will forever treasure the memories that I’ve made over the last three years. So, vale Latin, and Carthago delenda est.

With spring break coming up in a few days, I thought I would write about the top 5 things I’m looking forward to. I am especially excited for this spring break because my classmates and I get the opportunity to go to Italy and perform with Shaker’s orchestra!

1. The first thing I’m looking forward to is (of course) getting to actually play in Italy! This is something that I know I, and I’m pretty sure everyone else going on the trip, have been looking forward to for months now. The trip includes 3 concerts where we will play in concert venues located in Santa Margherita, Florence and Rome. We will play in beautiful churches and locals will be able to watch! This is such an amazing opportunity, and when I started playing the violin at 7 years old, I never could have imagined I would be playing with my school’s orchestra in a foreign country nine years later.
2. Besides actually getting to play in Italy, I am so excited for the food. You can’t go wrong with pizza, pasta and gelato in Italy! It should be a very interesting experience to read off of an Italian menu and possibly have no idea what we’re ordering. But, hopefully it’ll be pizza or pasta. I know I will come back to Shaker though and be wishing I could enjoy all of the homemade Italian food once again.
3. The third thing I’m looking forward to this spring break is catching up on some much needed sleep. I know everyone could probably agree that third quarter is pretty rough, with tests coming up soon and work piling up. I’m looking forward to getting back from my trip and taking a few days to just sleep. That’s it. 
4. Besides sleeping, I am so excited to take some time to reset everything. I’m looking forward to just cleaning out my room and catching up on some work before going back to school. There’s nothing better than starting another quarter and catching up on last minute work and assignments that are just hanging over your head. 
5. Last but not least, (I had to include this) I am looking forward to seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I can’t wait to be such a tourist at this iconic landmark in Italy, and take all of the classic Leaning Tower of Pisa pictures with my friends. I know all of the locals will roll their eyes, but I just can’t wait to see it in person!

It’s crazy to think that after this break we only have one quarter left. I hope everyone enjoys their spring break and is looking forward to it, just like I am!

First of all, I want to make it clear that I know very little about the sport of curling. I have watched it during the Olympics, and until this year, that has been the extent of my viewing. However, starting this winter, I have studied at the Cleveland Skating Club multiple days a week, and the lobby overlooks an ice rink. Each weekday night, a group of about 25 people, most of whom appear to be seniors, take the ice to participate in curling matches.

I vividly remember the first time I saw them play, and to be honest, I was shocked by how bad they were. I suppose I am spoiled due to the Olympics, but I had always thought curling was a game of strategy. I’ve watched the pros put out blockers, use high levels of spin, and land every stone within the scoring area. This is NOT how the CSC members play. For them, anything on the board is a win. I watched a man throw four straight stones that did not make it across halfway. Luckily, he still only lost by one to his opponent, who was also dreadful.

Now, I am not at all saying that I think I would be better than any of the people I spectated. In fact, I’m quite certain I would be even worse. Nonetheless, I would love to get out there on the ice and test my own talents.

Cleveland CLEARLY needs an influx of curling talent, so somebody’s got to step up to the plate.

Here in the Writing Center we preach unity and acceptance, BUT 6th period is better than 5th period despite previous claims. 

First off, we have almost triple the amount of interns (strength in numbers!) This allows for more grade diversity in 6th period, as we have 4 juniors and 4 seniors while 5th period only has 3 seniors and no juniors. Because we have so many interns, there will always be someone to  conference with. More on the numbers talk, we have the most number of conferences out of any period, making us the most popular. When asked which period she likes better, Jay Nickels replied, “I didn’t even know there was a 5th period writing center class.” Not only does 6th period have numbers on our side, but people also know we actually exist. 

Additionally, all our interns are top notch. We have experts in athletics, academics, and theatrical performances. On top of all that, we have Guthrie, who takes the same amount of English classes as all three of the 5th period interns combined. We also offer something that 5th period is unable to do, co-conferences, giving you two for the price of one. 5th period would not be able to do that because doing one co-conference would occupy 2/3 interns. As a side note, 6th period is the most creative because we have red ink for our in-class conference tally while everyone else has green. 

If we were to put our skills to the test in a sporting event, 6th period would win every time. I challenge 5th period to a race: your three fastest runners vs our three fastest runners (good luck racing Grace, Patrick, and Alexa!) We would also win in any game of Fastrack against 5th period.  

Lastly, 5th period allegedly stole the hall pass. 

Fashion isn’t for everyone. Haute Couture, especially, isn’t for everyone. Dresses, shoes, bags, hair, makeup, all of it is beautifully expressed in Couture shows across the world, revolutionizing contemporary art. Don’t just fall for the classics, though, because there is SO much more. If you don’t care about cool stuff, feel free to keep scrolling. If you’re still here, I’m so excited to share my favorite designers!!

Bibhu Mohapatra: Gay, Indian designer whose work is INCREDIBLE. I’m probably biased, but his craftsmanship and style of design is so appealing to me, that I can’t help but mention him in literally every conversation I’ve ever had. Yeah… Anyways, his Instagram is so much fun to scroll through, not just because of the awe-inspiring dresses, but he also posts such cute pics of him and his husband and I LOVE.

Maria Grazia Chiuri: With her more basic, chic-yet-enthusiastic pieces, this designer’s materials, color palette, and eerie look are just so engaging. I love her nature-inspired pieces, including (but not limited to) bare wooden silhouettes, flower-embedded everything, and the greens, blues, and beiges incorporated throughout. Although I am not the biggest fan of some of her designs, I still greatly appreciate the staples she has put out.

Georges Hobeika: If you want to dress like a princess, Hobeika is THE ONE for you. From the flowy ball gowns, to the slender, beaded creations he displays, Hobeika’s designs are truly stunning. (I’m also biased on this one because his bridal designs are genuinely to-die-for, and I desperately want to achieve his level of talent in the future :)) Seriously, check out his stuff.

Alberta Feretti: First of all, she is so cool. Her designs are so ethereal and fairy-like, for the most part, and I can just imagine all sorts of movie characters in her unique outfits. She has a good mix of delicate pieces and outspoken, statement designs, lending enough diversity in her work to appease even the most stingy fashionista there is. Love her.

Honorable Mentions: Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Claire Pettibone, and Vivienne Westwood all have WONDERFUL bridal designs, and I’m in love with literally every single one of them. If you made it this far, I’m begging you to take a look at their designs. Your eyes will be blessed.

April. As a senior, there is one month left in our academic year past March. This gatekeeper of graduation, this bastion of better education is named April. It is the only thing, the ONLY thing keeping me and my fellow seniors from finally escaping the monotonous minutiae of high school. However, there are a couple of issues with April.

Issue 1: April has almost no days off. April, suffice to say, is a dry season in terms of breaks and holidays. Aside from Good Friday on the 18th, every other weekday is a school day. While America’s favorite scholars may be excited to spend their days in school, I am not America’ favorite scholar. And I refuse to be.

Issue 2: It’s a full length month. Unlike the beautiful Black History month of February, April has a whopping 30 days within it!!! 30 days means that there is a consecutive 720 hours to turn in all missing assignments, ensure that all grades are in a good place, and dream of the day the month is over.

Final Issue 3: No one likes the month. If your birthday isn’t in April, it most likely isn’t your favorite month. Statistically speaking, your favorite month is probably one with a major holiday or that is representative of a favorite season. April has Easter, Good Friday, and definitely isn’t known for a season. When I think of the season of spring, I think of May and March, April isn’t even a contender.

Despite all of its failures, it may be best to view this month through a more optimistic lens. April might suck, it may be the worst month of the year, but you know what April has that others don’t: It’s the name of a character from TMNT. THAT’S RIGHT, THIS WAS ALL JUST ONE HUGE PLUG FOR TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES!!!!!!!! HIT NICKELODEON SHOW THAT SHAPED MY CHILDHOOD!!!! WHO CARES ABOUT GRADUATION, TURTLE POWER!!!

Do you ever feel relaxed or calm when you see the color blue? How about feeling energized when seeing red? Color is a powerful communication tool that can signal action, influence mood, and even influence physiological reactions. Specific colors have been associated with physiological changes, including increased blood pressure, metabolism, and eyestrain. Theorizing on color and psychological functioning has been present since Goethe (1810) penned his Theory of Colors, in which he linked color categories (e.g., the “plus” colors of yellow, red–yellow, yellow–red) to emotional responses (e.g., warmth, excitement). Goldstein (1942) expanded on Goethe’s intuitions, positing that specific colors (e.g., red, yellow) produce systematic physiological reactions manifest in emotional experience (e.g., negative arousal), cognitive orientation (e.g., outward focus), and overt action (e.g., forceful behavior).

Color psychology is a fascinating field exploring the powerful effect colors can have on our emotions, behaviors, and decision-making processes. Colors are not just visual elements; they carry deep psychological meanings and associations that can trigger specific feelings and reactions. When we see a color, light signals are sent to the retina, which then sends these signals to the brains visual cortex. From there, the brain processes the color and ties it to a emotional response, often influenced by the associations we’ve learned over time.

For example, red, which is often associated with danger or alertness, can increase heart rate and blood pressure due to its stimulating effect, signaling the body to pay attention or react. This is why colors like red or orange are frequently used in marketing to grab attention and stimulate action. In addition to learned associations, evolutionary factors also play a role in how we react to color. Red could signal danger or something important in the environment.

On the other hand, blue and green, often associated with nature, are commonly linked with feelings of safety and peace and have an effect that can lower stress and reduce anxiety levels. Studies suggest exposure to blue can potentially lower heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to a relaxed state. This is why blue and green are often used in spaces or brains aiming to promote tranquility, trust, and relaxation.

One 2020 study that surveyed the emotional associations of 4,598 people from 30 countries found that people commonly associate certain colors with specific emotions. According to the study results:

Black: 51% of the respondents related black with sadness
White: 43% of people associated white with relief
Red: 68% associated red with love
Blue: 35% linked blue to feelings of relief
Green: 39% linked green to contentment
Yellow: 52% felt that yellow means joy
Purple: 25% reported that they associated purple with pleasure
Brown: 36% linked brown to disgust
Orange: 44% associated orange with joy
Pink: 50% linked to love

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797620948810

The brain’s limbic system, which controls emotion, is heavily involved in these responses, making color a powerful tool in influencing moods, behavior, and decision-making. This is why color is strategically used in marketing, interior design, and branding to subtly influence how we feel or act in specific environments. Whether you realize it or not, the colors around you can significantly impact your mood, choices, and even your overall well-being.

We’ve all had those days when stress is overwhelming, and our minds won’t slow down. In those moments, music has always been my escape for both relaxation and focus. Over the years, I’ve discovered just how powerful music can be not only in easing stress, but also in enhancing concentration and productivity while studying. 

Whenever life feels chaotic, the right playlist can instantly shift my mood. Whether it’s calming music or upbeat, certain sounds can create a sense of peace in the middle of a storm. Studies have shown that music can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and promote the release of dopamine, making us feel more relaxed and even happier.

I remember one particularly stressful night before one of my AP Biology tests last year, when I was completely overwhelmed. Instead of drowning in anxiety, I paused my studying, took a break, and listened to music. Almost immediately, I felt a sense of calm, which helped me regain focus and approach my studies with a clearer mind. 

There’s an ongoing debate about whether listening to music while studying is helpful or distracting. From personal experience, I can say that it makes all the difference for me. Certain types of music can create an environment of focus. 

I used to struggle with concentration, particularly in noisy and chaotic environments. But once I started studying with AirPods in and playing background music, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to stay on task. 

One of my favorite study tricks is creating specific playlists for different types of work. This method not only keeps my mind engaged but also creates a conditioned response; now, whenever I hear those songs, my brain knows it’s time to focus. 

Of course, not all music works for everyone, and some people find total silence more effective. The key is to experiment and see what works best for you. If you’re new to studying with music, I’d recommend starting with simple background noises like white noise (or even fireplace background noises like we listen to in the writing center) to see if it enhances your focus without becoming a distraction. 

Music has been my greatest ally through stressful times, helping me unwind, stay focused, and even enjoy studying (very rarely). If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly encourage you to give it a shot. You might be surprised at just how much a good playlist can transform your mood, productivity, and overall well-being.

As someone who was completely obsessed with reading from a young age, I went through many series in elementary and middle school. However, there are three Dystopian trilogies that I call the Big Three: The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner. All are iconic in their own ways, and each offers their own unique world and story line that will captivate you throughout the entirety of the series. However, for me, The Hunger Games will always take the cake as my favorite. In honor of the newest book coming out in a few weeks, featuring the story of Haymitch, I have decided to give my take on why this is the best trilogy. The distinctive world created provides readers with the realities of a world that has gone off the edge. Just the concept of the story is so incredibly creative and twisted that you cannot help but be hooked. The strength and determination of Katniss is inspiring as to how one small thing can spark so much change. Never once was I bored reading it, and the ending left me sobbing on my floor, because Gale, you were in fact the issue. Suzanne Collins was able to create one of the most notable and epic stories in just 1,155 pages.

Now, for the actual logistics as to why this series is superior. First of all, Katniss – the girl on fire – is an inspiration to all, and her selflessness is incredibly admirable. I mean, she offered to go off to the Games to die so that her sister would not have to. Then, in the Games, she helped Rue and became her ally so that Rue had a better chance. I am very convinced that had the Games ended with just her and Rue, she would have let Rue win, which again goes to show her selflessness. In Catching Fire, she did everything in her power to make sure that Peeta had the best chance to get out of the Games, even though she knew that she would die because of it. She made allies with Finnick and Johanna, even though she didn’t want to, just so that Peeta was protected and had the possibility of making it out alive. She never once put herself above others and did everything for the good of her family, Peeta, and Panem. Also, she is one of the strongest characters in a book that I have ever read. She totally could have shot Peeta and won, however she instead decided that they would both make it out, or neither of them would make it out. Maybe she doesn’t have the greatest decision making skills, but our girl is only 16, so let’s give her a little bit of a break. She also sends a message to the President of Panem who is responsible for all of the atrocities that those in the districts face, and the Hunger Games themselves, that “if we burn, you burn with us.” Chills. You cannot get much more direct than that. And let us not forget one of the most important facts: that is she is wicked with a bow and arrow. I mean her speed and accuracy could probably only be matched by the Turkish shooter from the Olympics. So how can you not love her?

The next matter to discuss is that of Peeta Mellark – Lover Boy. Selfless from the beginning, Peeta is one of the best love interests that there ever was. From the minute that he is introduced, it’s bye bye Gale. I mean this man took a beating because he threw bread he had purposefully burnt to Katniss when she didn’t have anything else to eat. He too tried everything to make sure that Katniss made it out of both Games. Another thing that cannot be overlooked is how incredible this man is with his one-liners. “If it weren’t for the baby”, we see you Peeta. He was so down-bad for Katniss that he tried absolutely everything to protect her, even though she made it clear that their relationship was only for show. There is one matter that might need to be discussed, and that is him trying to strangle her after coming back from the capital, but HE HAD BEEN BRAINWASHED. So, I think that we will overlook it. It wasn’t his fault. We saw his process of healing, and he even offered to remain hand-cuffed so that he wouldn’t accidentally hurt someone else during their infiltration of the capital. So selfless. And so much better than Gale. Because Peeta may have been brainwashed, but at least he didn’t lucidly decide to drop bombs on the innocent people of the Capital, killing Prim in the process. Gale, that was not a smart decision, I must say. You cannot read the series and not be in love with Peeta in the end, because he’s just hopelessly in love with a girl, and we cannot fault that.

And then there is Finnick, and I feel like I don’t even have to explain this one, because – Finnick. It does not get much better than Finnick Odair. That is one death that I will never get over in my entire life.

It is for these reasons that The Hunger Games will always hold a special place in my heart. From a whistle that nobody will ever forget, to an iconic pin, this series will forever be one of the best trilogies ever written.

Thank you for your consideration.