Students across the world look forward to their annual breaks from school, whether it’s just a day off or a complete week. Many people wonder whether a switch to year-round school as a society is worth it, or if sticking to routine breaks is the way to go. Intense research indicates that many pros and cons for both sides should be considered before making any changes to the school system. Here are a few worth noting.

A major pro for routine breaks is family time. During the school year, students, especially in high school, get piled with endless amounts of homework. Between managing work and extracurricular activities, kids barely have time to socialize with their family members. Breaks for holidays allow time for kids to take a step back from their normal routine, and spend a little extra time with family. This is very beneficial for families to stay connected, as family relationships should be kept a priority. Another pro of routine breaks is it gives all students a much-needed mental break. Today, depression and anxiety levels are skyrocketing around the world, reaching numbers never seen before. School brings a lot of constant pressure and competition. Over time, it adds up and is mentally draining for many students. School routines can become boring, as the same routine is repeated daily, but people need the opportunity for variety and spontaneous fun to be healthy! It’s important to switch it up and enjoy the surrounding world. Those breaks allow for mental relaxation and the ability to switch around the mundane. It’s a much-needed break that will set students up for future success, as they will avoid potential burnout.

School breaks seem flawless, but there are some noted downsides. Specifically, the United States has fallen behind in the education system compared to other countries because of the extensive time off for summer and holiday breaks. A longer school year with fewer breaks would allow students in America to catch up to students internationally. A year-round school approach might even put U.S. students ahead of the game! Plus, many parents struggle to find or afford a way for their children to be supervised during breaks when they are forced to work. When this occurs, juvenile crime rates in communities spike. Sometimes, it’s just not possible for children to be watched by their parents, but school certainly keeps students of all ages in line and accountable for their actions. 

There are many different ways to look at the school systems currently, and the idea of keeping or extending breaks will always be debated. With many opinions and factors to consider, it’s a tough decision that all depends on personal values and beliefs. Changing up the school system seems necessary as times are changing, but the degree to which it’s switched around is the real challenge to overcome.

In the early morning of February 6th, 2023, in southern/central Türkiye (Turkey) and northern Syria, the ground begins to shake heavily. A disastrous earthquake strikes- one that would take with it the lives of 40,000+ people.

The area around the epicenter is known for its high tectonic activity, being at the meeting point of the Arabian Plate and the Anatolian Plate, the two plates form a transform boundary (strike-slip fault), where the two plates grind alongside each other, building up tremendous strain. This weakens the rock and eventually gives way, fracturing along the fault and releasing that built-up stress in an extreme earthquake. This earthquake consisted of 2 very powerful quakes (7.8 & 7.7) and multiple other powerful aftershocks. All across Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria, many were awoken and found themselves trapped under collapsed buildings. Rubble and debris lined the streets whilst the calls of distress rang out across the affected areas. 

Furthermore, according to Vox, The buildings within the affected areas are extremely weak and neglected, called “soft-story structures”; these buildings have a particularly open plan for the bottom floor. With fewer walls, lots of open space, and supports made of weaker materials, in the face of an earthquake, these bottom levels can give out, and the heavier concrete floors above collapse. Furthermore, corruption has caused building codes to be largely ignored, preventing the necessary precautions that could have minimized building collapses. In fact, the Turkish government is currently cracking down on the neglectful engineers that had ignored those crucial building codes.

Out of the affected regions, Syria had been extremely crippled by the earthquake(s), as currently, they have suffered a grueling and brutal civil war within their nation since 2011. On top of their already unsafe and precarious conditions, Syrian residents were now confronted with their homes and livelihoods destroyed in a matter of hours, not just by the war, but by Mother Nature as well. Aid is also streaming into the affected areas slowly. Since the northern part of Syria is controlled by the rebels, the Assad government had previously closed down border crossings before the earthquake. They have since reopened those crossings but the roads are heavily damaged and hazardous.

However, there still remains a glimmer of hope. Almost immediately after the disaster struck, the global community pitched in to help out. Countries such as Israel and South Korea sent in rescue forces almost immediately after the disaster. Furthermore, many miracles are being reported in the news such as the story of a baby being born and rescued under the rubble. Day by day, stories of people being rescued from the most treacherous of debris continue to stem the hopes of the Turkish and Syrian people.

An estimated 80+ billion USD worth of damage was caused by the earthquake. However, the cost of the lives, homes, and trauma that these people have endured is immeasurable. Especially for the war-torn Syrian people. You can help out victims of the earthquake by donating to reputable charities and humanitarian groups. However, be careful of any fake charities. If you cannot donate, you can also help by spreading the word. May we all stand in solidarity with the Turkish and Syrian people as they have suffered unimaginable losses.

Donate:

https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/devastating-earthquake-hits-syria-and-turkey/40794?form=donate

https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4988&mfc_pref=T&4988.donation=form1

Works Cited:

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64540696

https://apnews.com/article/turkey-earthquake-live-updates-19e7d84fefdeed4c8a355dedf23d914f

https://apnews.com/article/earthquakes-2023-turkey-syria-earthquake-government-8694408019fb13a8131cb146c347ec88

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64643790

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64588133

https://apnews.com/article/politics-russia-government-turkey-middle-east-289196a793b1354f4e3be57f2afc890b

https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2023-turkey-and-syria-earthquake-faqs

https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/emergency-response/turkey-syria-earthquake

https://www.vox.com/videos/2023/2/16/23602986/turkey-syria-earthquake-soft-story-buildings-collapse

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iTq08hvG7zM

> United States Relationship With Puerto Rico

Before I could explain what “Amsterico” really is, we need to go deeper into the history between the United States and Puerto Rico. It all started when the U.S. gained control of Puerto Rico as a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1898. Puerto Rico was considered an unincorporated territory at first, and in 1900 the Foraker Act was passed establishing a civilian government and specifying Puerto Rico’s territory status. Eventually, after 19 years of being a U.S. territory, Congress passed the Jones-Shafroth Act, which granted all Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship and at the same time gave them the eligibility for military drafting. Before that, there were around 2,000 Puerto Ricans in the U.S.

> Why did Puerto Ricans Predominantly Migrate To NY?

The first-ever influx of Puerto Ricans moving to the U.S. was in 1945, which was caused by multiple factors: World War ll, the Great Depression, and the advent of air travel. Why did many Puerto Ricans decide to move to New York though? Well, as mentioned prior, the new advent of air travel made it very accessible to anybody to get practically anywhere, and many Puerto Ricans were looking for a better life. Around that same time, New York was very affordable to live in. In that same year, around 13,000 Puerto Ricans were living in N.Y.C., and later, by the mid-60s, more than a million did.

> Amsterdam's Relationship with Puerto Rico

During the 1800s, Amsterdam, like many other cities, was benefiting from the rapid expansion caused by the Industrial Revolution in the United States. At that time Amsterdam was becoming a melting pot of cultures and identities. Through that period, Amsterdam was considered by immigrants to be a prosperous place, until the slow decline of the 1900s where The Great Depression, World War ll, and the offshoring that happened to many of the companies native to Amsterdam. It wasn't until the 21st century that there was a wave of Puerto Ricans that decided to go to Amsterdam as a way to seek refuge from the poverty and crime of larger cities.

> What is Amsterico?

Historically, the term/slang “Amsterico” has been used as a derogatory term to insult somebody from Amsterdam because of our large population of Hispanics and Latinos. This term can be seen as offensive on so many levels. For example, it is implying that there is something completely wrong with having a Hispanic background. This term also tends to be associated with negative stereotypes like substance abuse and domestic violence. Another aspect that makes this term very offensive is that it also implies more racist ideologies; by saying “Amsterico” you are making an inference that all the Hispanic people are by default Puerto Rican. This is harmful because all this does is confine large groups of people to a label, invalidating people from different cultures.

> Amsterico Affects Everyone

When researching “Amsterico” it was evident that many teachers in A.H.S. who either taught for many years in Amsterdam or were even students themselves here were all somewhat familiar with the history of this term. One teacher that stands out is Mr. Orengo; he is currently a math teacher at A.H.S., Unlike many teachers he had a firsthand experience, not just because he was a student, but also because he is half Puerto Rican. We interviewed him about his thoughts and feeling about this topic:

> Interview: Mr. Orengo

Q. What are your feelings about the word “Amsterico”?

A. I hate the word, being that I am a Puerto Rican from Amsterdam. I feel like other people use it as a derogatory term. You typically never hear anyone use the word "Amsterico" for any good reasons. I get very frustrated whenever I hear people negatively talking about Amsterdam. I am a proud Puerto Rican from Amsterdam for many different reasons. Amsterdam was the city that allowed my grandfather to work so hard to be able to provide for his big family. Amsterdam is a tight-knit community that has always shown how powerful we can be when the city works together. The diverse culture in this city bleeds more than just from Puerto Rico though. People should educate themselves about our city before they start shaming our diverse culture here.

Q. Have you been in a situation where someone has said the word to you? And how exactly was it used?

A. In high school during my senior year of football, we played Burnt Hills at Burnt Hills where their entire fan section was chanting "Amsterico!". It made the newspaper and everything. Although they did end up winning the game it took for their head coach to go on the loudspeaker and tell their fans to stop. This year when we played them their team said very similar derogatory terms. That's something we will probably deal with for many years to come.

> Accountability

Some may ask themselves things like “Why is this still going on?” Others state, “It's not a big deal” To both of those statements, there are a lot of answers and responses. For the first question, we have to talk about teamwork and how we all need to work together for a better world. We have to show other communities what Amsterdam and A.H.S. stand for. We have to show them how we are welcoming of people from other cultures, and how things like your background don't define you. We realize that learning basic skills promoting inclusivity, can take us places in life, but being close-minded won't. 

This brings me to the answer to an argument some people have about the term “Amsterico”, which is that people are making a big deal about nothing. And for that, I've got to say that if you feel that way, look in a mirror and evaluate your privilege. When your peers feel like they have to assimilate so they don't get left out, it is a big deal. When something is even remotely racist, that is also a big deal. Finally, when you are aware of racism, but you don't care because it doesn't concern or affect you, it is the biggest deal of all. I say this because we all know that this type of language is a problem and shouldn't be happening. By staying silent you are letting people know that you are supporting this racist term.

> Conclusion

In this modern world, I hope that you use what you learned in this article and apply it in your life. When you see someone getting picked on because of who they are, you should stand up for what is right. Remember that Amsterdam is home to just some people.

> Works Cited

• https://www.amsterdamny.gov/235/History-of-Amsterdam

• https://www.urbandictionary.com/author.php?author=Mike%20%22Lil%20John%22%20Jones

• https://www.recordernews.com/news/local-news/46709

• https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/puerto-rican-cuban/migrating-to-a-new-land/#:~:text=In%201945%2C%20there%20had%20been,700%2C000%20Puerto%20Ricans%20had%20arrived. 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBx7LSbD0Q4 

• https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/industrial-revolution#:~:text=The%20Industrial%20Revolution%20was%20a,%E2%80%94into%20industrialized%2C%20urban%20ones. 

• https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/puerto-rico-history

> Introduction

Vaping: Arguably one of the biggest problems in our school, and in our world. Based on the results of recent research made by the FDA, 1 in 4 high school students use e-cigarettes. Vaping in school has become one of the biggest problems. It’s everywhere, in the bathrooms and in classrooms! All of this helps vaping spread even more. Kids who do not smoke are enraged, they cannot do anything without vapes being there and it is exhausting. We interviewed bystanders of vaping. (Most would like to remain anonymous.) 

> Interview 1

“How do I feel about the smoking problem? Honestly, I think it’s gotten out of hand like I was on the bus the other day and someone was vaping and blew like a cloud of smoke from behind me and it traveled forward to where it got all in my face and in my eye. It was just so annoying and you can't even walk in the bathroom without finding 10, 15 people doing a ‘drug transfer,’ just smoking a ton of vapes, the same one at that.” 

> Interview 2

Kathleen Miseno-Bowles said: “Inside school you gotta chill, its like weird I don't wanna go to walk in the bathroom because I gotta poop, and then I got all these people smoking weed and hitting vapes and stuff, and now people are having seizures now like in bathrooms and like we don't want that here, it's not a good vibe.” 

> Interview 3

However, some kids argue that vaping is a stress relief. But is it? We interviewed kids who have vaped. (They would like to remain anonymous.) 

Reporter: “Do you think it’s [vaping] okay?” 

Interviewee: “Yeah.”

Reporter: “Why?” 

Interviewee: “Because it’s a stress reliever.”

Reporter: “Do you think it’s a good stress reliever?”

Interviewee: “No it’s not healthy but it’s whatever.” 

> Interview 4

On the other hand, some kids who don’t vape disagree: “It's not stress relief, it does the opposite, it makes your life worse. If we got rid of cigarettes and all these other drugs and alcohol and people did them in moderation at most, all of their anxiety would go away. We need to find natural ways to relieve stress because these substances aren’t helping they’re just enabling us.”

> How Do We Address this Problem?

What can we do to help this problem? What are the school officials doing to help the problem? Currently, they randomly check bags during the morning and if you are late to school or come randomly in at any point, they will check your bag and make you go through the metal detectors. They limit how many people go in the bathroom during lunch- but at other times they do not monitor the bathrooms!

> Interview 5

Some agree that the security and School officers are trying their best to help stop vaping in schools. One kid said while being interviewed: “I think they’re handling it [vaping] to the best of their ability, it’s just with a situation like this, the only thing that can stop vaping is the person that is vaping, it can never be an external force.” 

> Interview 6

Another student said: “I know that not many people see the whole picture, but I know that they're trying their best like for example, yesterday I came late and we had to do the security thing and one of the students was found with a vape in their bag they didn’t overreact they didn't make a show they took the vape without the kid seeing, they asked for the kids name I don't know what happened but I think that's the most responsible thing to do I don't know if they contacted the parents but I think that’s the main thing they should do.”

> Interview 7

While others argue that they could be more strict. One student said: I feel like the security picks and chooses… they only check your bag if you’re late. What if you’re like early and you have drugs or something and they don't try that hard. They don't randomly check bags, they only check bags if they hear you have something on you.’

> Interview 8

Miseno also says: "I think they’re just flagging people that are their constant ‘re-abusers,’- if you will. But other than that, they’re really not doing much, because I mean they wouldn't suspect someone like you and I, but I could have a full dab on me. I don't, but I could.”

> Conclusion

Now you may ask, what's the solution for such a trendy issue? Sadly the real solution to this problem is still in the air. However, we as people should know that it's not about pointing fingers at every individual who vapes or remain a bystander because it is not our addiction. We should constantly remind them that it is okay to ask for help.

In today’s world, contacting people has never been easier. With the click of a button, it’s possible to send messages across the world in a matter of seconds. On a smaller scale, this also gives us the ability to be “closer” to friends, chatting from the moment we wake up right to when we go to sleep. How much contact is too much, though? Has it become impossible to be alone, and what effect does this have on us when we are finally face-to-face?

Constant texting and messaging can make it more difficult for people to disconnect from others and take a break. With smart devices being an essential part of modern life, people have constant access to friends, family, and strangers, which can make it difficult to take breaks and recharge. It can also lead to a consistent need for stimulation and interaction, making it harder for many to be comfortable with silence and solitude. It is important to remember that despite making a person feel good, everyone needs a bit of downtime from the never-ending content and attention that is on the internet.

On the other hand, texting and direct messaging may also enhance in-person social interactions. It can be much easier to make plans and coordinate with others, and people can use messaging to stay in touch with others even when they're not physically together. This can promote stronger, more satisfying relationships. Contact in this way can also make it easier for people to communicate in situations where it might be difficult to talk in person, such as in noisy environments or in scenarios where others are present.

Overall, the effects of texting and direct messaging on our ability to be alone and on our in-person social interactions depend on how we use them. If we use them in moderation and balance them with in-person interactions, they can enhance our social lives. However, if we rely too heavily on them and use them to avoid real-life interactions, they can have negative effects on our social skills and well-being. It’s up to us to decide what kind of impact instant messaging will have on our lives, but like most things, it must be done with care and moderation.

***SPOILER ALERTS MAY BE PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE***

Babylon, a film about the nineteen-twenties, is a whirlwind of emotions. As expected from a film set during the Roaring Twenties, this movie offers one thing after the next: ambition, success, failure, and death. Damien Chazelle wrote this film to express the aspects of this era that were, for the most part, hidden or suppressed by society. Like most, this film received mixed reviews; some say it was highly inappropriate, while others say it was art at its finest. What should be taken away from this film is how with every rise, there is a fall.

Society as it is known, cannot constantly be filled with successes, hope, and living because to truly appreciate these things society needs failure; it needs fear, and it needs death. This can impact the interpretation of art in society. When people are afraid to see the truth of the past, it prevents the world from truly understanding where society has come from and how it has grown. In movies, audiences prefer to see life, not death; marriage, not divorce; health, but not sickness. Chazelle managed to encapsulate the drama and exaggeration the twenties had to offer. For those open to the truth of history, the outrageous excess of the twenties, and the speed of this film, a viewer can truly appreciate it for the art that it is. 

It follows an ensemble of characters slowly rising to fame in the silent era of Hollywood: an upcoming actress, a famed actor, an immigrant trying to find his name in Hollywood, a trumpet player, a famed journalist, and a well-known triple threat. These characters are all vastly different, but Chazelle perfectly intertwined their stories, making them all come together in the outrageous first party scene, but then breaking off and finding their own versions of retiring from the industry. This movie also depicts a huge transition, from silent films to sound pictures. As one can imagine, it was very stressful to make this huge change. In fact, this caused many executives, actors, and even musicians to reach their inevitable fall. Although the many different character arcs and fast pace of this film make it hard to comprehend, it is worth it for the underlying message: people should follow their dreams. 

One way Chazelle manages to encapsulate this drama and overarching theme is through the musical score created by Academy Award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz. Hurwitz creates entirely new themes, but with a nostalgic tone to them giving the audience the impression that they’ve heard it before. He uses the general instrumentation of a 1920s jazz band but worked it to give the feel of modern rock music. This is another example of the exaggeration both Hurwitz and Chazelle want the audience to feel; they want it to experience the drama and to feel the intensity and insanity that this film really is. Yet, he manages to reuse some of the themes in this film while giving them a different meaning. For instance, the song “Gold Coast Rhythm” or anything with “Gold Coast” is a common theme used throughout this movie. It is generally played during scenes of immense realization or as a method of calming the audience down before another epic moment. Similarly, “Manny and Nellie’s Theme” is a common tune that resurfaces throughout the picture, anytime there is a somewhat intimate or story-altering moment between the two, Manny and Nellie. Eventually, the theme circles back to when they see each other for the last time. 

Another big influence on the expression of drama in this film is through the costumes. Incredibly thought out by Costume Designer Mary Zophres, this film has over 7,000 costumes, with each main character having about 10 different looks. The essence of each character is truly realized through what they wear. For instance, when Nellie Leroy is first seen on screen she is wearing a ruby red, almost jumpsuit, not revealing too much, but not concealing it all either. Zophres deeply thought out the story behind this look, saying since Nellie lives in poverty, she is still wearing something nice enough for a party, but it is likely made from a curtain she found lying around. Despite many not fashioning any garments, this film was still jam-packed with many glorious and extravagant costumes. 

Furthermore, another thing that added to the drama of this film was the many uncomfortable moments. The many inappropriate parties, revealing a little too much, greatly added to both the story and visualization of the film. These parties progressively became darker and more unsettling. This could refer to the change in the industry and the downfall all of the main ensembles were currently or about to face. This aspect of the film is what can make it feel undesirable and the main source of complaints from many viewers. Going back to the initial theme of society's fear of discomfort, this film presents many moments that are in simple terms, a turn-off. But, to truly understand the deeper meaning Chazelle intended to present through this film, it is crucial to at least comprehend the purpose of incorporating these many uncomfortable scenes. These scenes act as checkpoints for each of the characters. The opening scene, The Wallach Party, acts as a starting point, showing insight into where these characters came from. Then once the second party is reached, The Hearst Party, it shows discomfort among the characters; they seem to feel out of place in a formal environment is newly found celebrities. Then, at the Blockhouse Party, the energy of the movie becomes disturbingly real and dark. This is where the characters are first clearly seen falling apart, with murder, drugs, and insanity presented. And finally ending the parties with Jack’s Party where a revelation occurs that the life lived in this industry should come to an end. The parties are the key to understanding the dynamic changes of each individual character, and no matter how uncomfortable they are, they are key to understanding the story. 

In turn, this film, at its heart, is a cinematic masterpiece, but it has to be uncovered. It shows great creativity in the costumes, score, and even production design, which are all nominated for academy awards. And despite the many negative reviews, this film is a must-see, especially for those interested in the film industry. Without risk-takers like Damien Chazelle, society would not be able to appreciate, not only the film industry but the entertainment industry as a whole. Despite this review in support of this film, it is highly suggested that people watch if they are mature viewers and can take sensitive and, at points, gory scenes. Overall, this film is highly recommended. With all of that said, Babylon will go down in history as a deeply emotional and realistic letter to Hollywood and a source of inspiration to those striving to eventually become a part of this industry.