First love is the hardest type of love. Learning how to love and grow together is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because it’s beautiful growing together, and it feels magical at times; having someone to grow together with is extremely comforting. Learning how to love each other is also an amazing experience, but that’s also where it gets rocky. It’s amazing to get to know a person and learn what love is and how to love, but at first it’s difficult. Love, and what it means, and how it grows is a foreign concept, and it’s tough to build a good foundation in the relationship. A strong foundation is necessary though both in love and in architecture, because without a base, the rest of the building, or the relationship, could tumble down at any point. 

Growing with someone at your side, facing the same challenges you face and helping you is a wonderful, but troublesome experience. It’s wonderful because you have comfort when life drags you down, and someone to celebrate with you when life lifts you up. Having someone you love comfort you for the first time is the most euphoric feeling, secure in that comfort that no one else can give. The arms of a partner feel like home. They provide that warm feeling that’s only found in the winter when you’re near a fireplace with your loved ones. Then experiencing the highlights of life also creates the most unforgettable memories. It is magical when the world feels insignificant, and only the two of you matter. Life feels like it could never get better, yet the more memories that are made, the better it gets. It feels like being on a rollercoaster that goes up for a long amount of time, building anticipation and excitement, and then drops, giving you that scary, adrenaline-fueled feeling. Loving is scary, and feeling that for the first time is terrifying. That terrifying feeling usually causes people to love “wrong” the first time, but that’s what first loves are for: learning. 

Learning how to love with your first love is like going through a maze; it is a frightening, yet rewarding, experience. It can also be a profound and transformative experience. First love often imbues a sense of innocence and purity, as both partners are usually exploring the depths of love for the first time. This can lead to a strong bond and a deep emotional connection, like you’re being lifted up into the clouds together, and when you finally reach the sun, you’re dancing together. However, dropping back down to earth is a strong possibility. First love can be intense, exhilarating, and sometimes overwhelming, leading to heightened emotions, and unfortunately the worst heartbreak one has ever experienced. Also, because both partners are inexperienced, misunderstandings and mistakes are common, which can cause friction and pain. Despite these challenges, the lessons learned from a first love are unforgettable and provide valuable insights and growth, and can shape one's approach to future relationships.

I was homeschooled for tenth and eleventh grades, when I lived in Long Island, NY.  At the time, this felt like the safer option for me because my school had too much violence and created too much stress for me.  Although being homeschooled was fun at first, it quickly lost its novelty.  What started out as a self-directed learning journey, turned into a nightmare of isolation.  I was seriously unmotivated to study and develop my academic skills without peers to work with, and since my parents had to work, I was pretty much on my own to set my own schedule and maintain it. At the beginning of making my own schedule, it was really easy to stay on track, but as time passed I started to feel less and less motivated.  While my motivation was collapsing, I was also feeling less and less happy with each passing day, and my social life was declining to the point where I had barely any friends left. I was bored with all aspects of life, especially my studies, and even my video games.

I am not alone.  Research shows that homeschooling can be tough on a student's social life because it often limits the daily opportunities for natural interaction with peers that traditional school settings provide. Without lunch periods. recess, and after-school clubs and sports, students have to find other ways to interact with peers.  This means networking with other homeschooled students, coordinating schedules, and extra costs.  Also, because homeschooled students are less exposed to a diverse population, homeschooled students might miss out on learning how to navigate group dynamics, resolve conflicts, or deal with peer pressure.

However, homeschooling works for some students because it offers a highly personalized and flexible approach to education that caters to their individual needs and strengths. Homeschooling can be a great fit for certain students because it allows students to learn at their own pace, spending extra time on challenging subjects and accelerating through areas where they excel. This eliminates the "one-size-fits-all" approach of traditional schooling.  Homeschooling also enables students to explore their passions and interests more deeply. Lessons can incorporate a child’s hobbies, talents, or career aspirations, making learning more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, homeschooled students aren't confined to a rigid schedule. This flexibility is beneficial for families who travel, students pursuing extracurricular activities (like athletics or performing arts), or those who thrive outside a traditional 9-to-3 structure. It also can open the door to unique experiences, such as field trips, internships, volunteer work, and hands-on learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom. With this flexibility, students often gain skills like time management, self-discipline, and independence, as they may take more responsibility for their education and daily routines. Furthermore, for  students who face bullying, anxiety, or peer pressure in traditional schools, homeschooling provides a safe, nurturing space to learn without distractions or negative social influences. Moreover, many homeschooling families focus on mastery of subjects rather than "teaching to the test." This can help students develop a love for learning without the pressure of constant assessments. 

Homeschooling is a deeply personal choice that may work for some students, yet be detrimental for others.  It is important to examine all sides before making such a big decision. While homeschooling isn't for everyone, its adaptability and focus on the student can make it highly effective for those who thrive in personalized, flexible, and supportive learning environments. 

Elon Musk has long positioned himself as a visionary and a champion of innovation. However, his recent dismantling of governmental agencies raises serious concerns about the unchecked influence of billionaires on the U.S.  Government. Unlike elected officials who are selected by the people, Musk gained his power through wealth, and donating to political campaigns, all without direct influence of voters. His ability to gut and reshape agencies crucial to not only our country, but global well-being—without any democratic mandate—poses a significant threat.

Musk’s Political Overreach: An Unelected Decision-Maker

While the U.S. government is built on a system of checks and balances, Musk has found a way to sidestep this structure by using his financial  and technological dominance to control public institutions. This became evident when he extended his ownership of critical infrastructure—such as SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system and Twitter (now X)—to influence not only domestic but also international policies.

More troubling is Musk’s deep ties with President Donald Trump, having been one of his top donors. With Trump’s political resurgence, Musk has gained even more influence, with reports suggesting he has been advising on major governmental decisions, including regulatory rollbacks that favor his businesses. This presents a glaring conflict of interest: a billionaire businessman dictating policy, not for the benefit of the people, but to enhance his own empire.

Conflicts of Interest: Government Contracts and Corporate Gain

Musk’s businesses—Tesla, SpaceX, and others—have greatly benefited from government  contracts, and tax breaks. Tesla, for example, has received billions in federal and state support, while SpaceX secures contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense. Yet, rather than advocating for responsible public investment, Musk has pushed for the deregulation of industries in ways that benefit his companies at the expense of workers and consumers.

His involvement in discussions about the U.S. space program, and artificial intelligence regulations further highlights the dangers of allowing a businessman with direct financial stakes to shape public policy. When Musk promotes reduced government size, it’s not a more effective stance—it’s a business strategy designed to limit accountability and maximize profits.

A Democracy at Risk: 

Musk’s unchecked power is symbolic of a larger issue: Democracy’s erosion by unelected elites. By positioning himself as an essential figure in policy making while remaining outside of the electoral process, he has established a dangerous example of how billionaires can override government decisions through financial leverage and influence. This undermines public trust in democratic institutions, creating a belief that money, not the people, dictates policy.

If Musk’s influence continues to grow unchecked, it raises the question: who truly governs America? Elected representatives, accountable to the people, or the billionaires, operating behind the scenes to reshape the nation in their own image? 

The solution to this is clear. There needs to be stronger checks and balances on the influence of billionaire donors and corporate executives in government affairs. Transparency laws should require full disclosure of meetings between high-level officials and major corporate figures. Additionally, stricter reform is essential to limit the ability of unelected individuals like Musk to gain political power. 

America’s government must belong to its people—not to an unelected billionaire with the ability to rewrite the rules for his own benefit. If we want democracy to survive, it must reject the influence of figures like Elon Musk, who hold power without accountability and threaten to reshape our country in ways that only benefit the wealthy.

Donald Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate the Department of Education, arguing that education should be managed more at the state and local levels rather than by a federal agency. He believes that reducing federal oversight would allow for increased flexibility in education policy, enabling states to tailor their approaches to better meet the needs of their students. Trump often cites concerns over federal regulations and standardized testing, suggesting that these requirements can stifle innovation and limit the effectiveness of schools. Additionally, he advocates for school choice, including charter schools and voucher programs, viewing these as alternatives that can provide better educational opportunities for families. Critics, however, warn that eliminating the Department could undermine educational equity and access, particularly for disadvantaged students who rely on federal support.

School choice, the idea that parents can select educational options for their children beyond the traditional public school system, is a topic of considerable debate. Proponents argue that it empowers families by allowing them to choose schools that best meet their children's unique needs, potentially leading to better educational outcomes. They believe that competition among schools can drive improvement in quality and innovation. However, critics raise concerns that school choice may exacerbate inequality, as families in wealthier neighborhoods often have access to better resources and options than those in underserved areas. Additionally, there are worries that diverting funds from public schools can weaken the system overall. Ultimately, whether school choice is beneficial depends on various factors, including implementation strategies, funding, and the specific needs of students and communities; yet, the U.S. Department of Education has a proven track record of helping students meet their educational goals and needs.

The U.S. Department of Education was established in 1980, but its roots can be traced back to the early 19th century when education was primarily a local and state responsibility. The federal government first became involved in education during the Civil War when it provided land to states to establish colleges and universities. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the federal government began to play a more significant role in education, particularly with the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965. This landmark legislation aimed to provide equitable education for all students, regardless of their background.

Over the years, the Department of Education has implemented various programs and policies to improve education across the country. These include financial aid for college students, initiatives to support underprivileged schools, and regulations to ensure educational standards and accountability. The Department also conducts research to identify effective teaching methods and educational practices, which helps guide policy decisions and improve student outcomes.

Eliminating the Department of Education could have serious consequences for society. Without a federal oversight body, disparities in education would likely widen. States with fewer resources might struggle to provide quality education, leading to poorer educational outcomes for their students. This could perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit opportunities for many young people, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Furthermore, the Department of Education plays a critical role in enforcing civil rights in education. It ensures that students have access to a safe and fair learning environment, free from discrimination based on race, gender, or disability. Without this oversight, vulnerable populations could face increased inequality and exclusion from educational opportunities.

In addition, the Department's role in funding education is essential. It provides billions of dollars in financial aid to college students, helping them afford higher education. If the Department were eliminated, many students might be unable to pursue their educational goals, resulting in a less educated workforce and a negative impact on the economy.

Evidence of outcomes has established that the U.S. Department of Education is vital for ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. Its historical development reflects a growing recognition of the importance of education in fostering a fair and just society. Eliminating this department would likely exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder the progress of future generations. Education is a fundamental right, and the Department of Education is crucial in protecting and promoting that right for every student in the United States.

As a young business owner myself, I’m always finding ways to improve on my tactics and strategies for saving and budgeting. I figured I would be helpful and share this information with the people of the school.

Budgeting for needs and wants is critical when deciding when and where to spend hard-earned money. I set aside some pocket money just for my personal convenience, then I plan out all of the rest of the money for expenses and the like. Then, with any leftover funds, I can either donate or save.

For example:

Album / music items: $25

Merchandise: $75

Coding equipment / software: $10

Extra: $15

I have several gigs that I work at sometimes, including farm work, mowing lawns, doing stuff for bigger businesses, selling things online, and when I was a middle schooler, I would work at stores (not here, though!) Because of my constant effort, I find myself stacking up on money for emergencies or just my own convenience. That being said, much effort is needed. I myself am not rich– but budgeting has stopped me from becoming entirely piled in debt.

As I buy all of my items myself, I can certainly appreciate my efforts in saving as much money as possible. And time, too. So I can work on less profitable things; or even things that take my precious dollars from my old Chococat wallet. Be sure to think things through before you take action. Remember to make smart decisions and live life to the fullest!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are critical concepts in modern American culture that aim to create a fair and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their background. Understanding what DEI is—and what it is not—is essential for fostering a community that values all individuals.

What is DEI?

DEI refers to three interconnected principles:

Diversity: This involves recognizing and valuing the differences among people, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. A diverse environment encompasses a variety of perspectives, which can enhance creativity and innovation.

Equity: Equity means ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all individuals. It involves recognizing that different people have different needs and may require different resources or support to achieve similar outcomes. Equity aims to level the playing field, allowing everyone to thrive.

Inclusion: Inclusion is about creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued. It goes beyond mere representation; it involves actively engaging diverse individuals in decision-making processes and acknowledging their contributions.

What is DEI Not?

It is important to clarify what DEI does not entail. DEI is not about providing preferential treatment to certain groups at the expense of others. Instead, it seeks to rectify historical and systemic inequalities that have marginalized certain individuals and communities. DEI is not a program or checklist to be completed; rather, it requires a continuous commitment to change and improvement.

Why is DEI Important in American Culture?

DEI plays a crucial role in American culture for several reasons:

Social Justice: DEI initiatives strive to address historical injustices and promote social equity. By acknowledging and confronting systemic biases, society can work toward a more just and fair future.

Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more innovative solutions and better decision-making. When people from different backgrounds collaborate, they can challenge assumptions and inspire creativity.

Stronger Communities: Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for community building. When people feel valued and included, they are more likely to engage in their communities, leading to stronger social ties and a greater sense of responsibility toward one another.

Economic Growth: Companies and organizations that embrace DEI benefit from diverse talent pools and can better serve a diverse customer base. Research has shown that diversity in the workplace leads to improved performance and profitability.

In conclusion, DEI is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute. By understanding what DEI is and why it matters, we can all work together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.