At first glance, a 50-foot-long prehistoric predator like the Spinosaurus might seem to have little in common with your average high school student navigating their day. But dive deeper, and you’ll find some surprising parallels between these two vastly different beings. Let’s break it down.

Size and Presence

The Spinosaurus, one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, was a towering creature with a crocodilian snout, a massive sail on its back, and powerful limbs for swimming and hunting. It commanded attention simply by existing, and its presence in prehistoric ecosystems was impossible to ignore. A high school student might not be 50 feet long, but they have their own way of making their presence known. Whether it’s their loud laughter in the hallways, their new outfits, or their social media posts that rack up shares, they also have their version of a “sail” that catches everyone’s attention. (Though, instead of prehistoric adaptations, it’s more likely a hoodie or a fresh pair of kicks.)

Adaptability

The Spinosaurus was uniquely adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. Fossil evidence suggests it could wade through water to hunt fish and use its crocodile-like snout to snatch prey. Its ability to live both on land and in water made it an adaptable predator in a world of uncertainty. High school students face a different kind of adaptability challenge: juggling school, work, extracurriculars, friendships, and the demands of family life. Much like Spinosaurus switching between land and water, students seamlessly move between classrooms, sports practice, part-time jobs, and TikTok dance trends. Their survival depends on their ability to adapt to constantly shifting social and academic environments.

Diet and Fuel

Spinosaurus had a diet primarily consisting of fish, evidenced by its sharp teeth perfectly suited for gripping slippery prey. Its survival depended on a steady intake of protein-rich meals to fuel its massive body. High school students are no less voracious, though their diet may consist of energy drinks, chips, and whatever’s in the cafeteria. A slice of pizza or a box of chicken nuggets fuels their relentless schedules, from 8 AM classes to late-night gaming sessions. While the Spinosaurus had to hunt, students merely have to scavenge the snack aisle.

Social Behavior

The Spinosaurus, while intimidating, likely lived a solitary life, roaming rivers and swamps alone. Its sheer size and power meant it didn’t need to rely on a pack for protection or hunting. Contrast this with high school students, for whom social interaction is a survival skill. From tightly-knit friend groups to group projects, they thrive in herds. The Spinosaurus may not have needed emotional support, but for teenagers, a supportive friend group can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.

Stress and Threats

Spinosaurus had to deal with threats like territorial rivals and changing ecosystems, but it was undoubtedly a dominant force in its environment. It faced challenges, but few creatures could match its power. High school students, on the other hand, face an entirely different kind of predator: deadlines, exams, peer pressure, and the occasional awkward promposal. While they might not have to fend off a Tyrannosaurus Rex, they do have to fend off the overwhelming stress of being a teenager in the modern age.

Legacy

Spinosaurus left behind a legacy etched in fossilized bones, reminding us of a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. It’s a symbol of strength, adaptability, and survival. High school students, too, leave their mark. Whether it’s through achievements, yearbook photos, or inside jokes etched into bathroom stalls, their legacy lives on in small but meaningful ways. After all, every high school student has the potential to grow into their own kind of giant.

Conclusion

While a Spinosaurus and a high school student couldn’t be more different in terms of biology and lifestyle, their similarities are a reminder of what it takes to survive and thrive in challenging environments. Whether navigating the swamps of prehistoric Earth or the hallways of AHS, adaptability, resilience, and a little bit of flair will always go a long way.

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. In 2025, the festival will fall on January 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake. Understanding the significance of this event, along with its connection to Chinese astrology, provides insight into why many schools, including Amsterdam High School, observe this occasion with a day off.

The celebration of Chinese New Year is steeped in history and traditions that date back thousands of years. It is a time for families to come together, honor their ancestors, and wish for good fortune in the year ahead. The festivities typically last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. During this period, people engage in various customs such as cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck, decorating with red lanterns and banners, and enjoying traditional foods that symbolize prosperity and happiness. 

Chinese astrology plays a vital role in the New Year celebrations. The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals, each representing different characteristics and attributes. The Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and elegance. Those born in the Year of the Snake are often seen as deep thinkers, capable of analyzing situations carefully. The element associated with 2025 is Wood, which symbolizes growth and creativity. When combined, the Wood Snake encourages individuals to be resourceful and adaptable, embracing change while remaining grounded in their values.

At Amsterdam High School, we recognize the importance of cultural diversity and education, and we appreciate the day off for Chinese New Year. By observing Chinese New Year, our school fosters an inclusive environment where students can explore and respect the traditions and beliefs of others in the community.  As we enter the Year of the Wood Snake, we should all take the opportunity to reflect on our growth and adaptability, while also recognizing the importance of community and family.

For over 50 generations, people have been making New Year's resolutions. You can have one, two, or even more. They can be anything, from eating healthier to reading for 20 minutes daily. There's no limit to what your resolution can be, and no one is stopping you from achieving it. However, only 9% of people manage to stick to their resolutions for the entire year. In fact, 23% quit by the end of the first week, and most give up by the end of January. So, someone is stopping you from achieving your resolution—you. 

How do you keep motivating yourself to complete and stick with your resolutions? Well, there are different ways. First, you want to create a list of everything you’d like to complete. There is only so much you can do as a person who has many obligations:  school, work, cooking, cleaning, and more. You need to be sure to not have too many resolutions, or you may eventually get overwhelmed and quit. Pick 2 or 3 resolutions at most; who cares if you even just make one resolution? After that, you have to make a plan on how you're going to achieve your goal.  One strategy is to make a routine that incorporates the resolution.  Most people don’t have a solid routine outside of attending work and/or school,  yet experts say that 92% of people who successfully keep their resolutions do so because they have a solid routine. Keeping a semi-stable routine will help you bring your resolution into the next year.

Many people crave novelty. They get bored when something stays the same for a long time. Depending on what your resolution is, you can switch up the way you do it. If your resolution is to read more,  you can try to switch up the type of book you're reading. If your resolution is to work out more, or to begin an exercise program, you can sample different workout videos, or classes. If you want to cook more, you can find different recipes. There are usually countless ways you can switch up your resolution to keep things fresh and exciting. 

If you have your heart set on achieving several resolutions, a way to accomplish them without becoming overwhelmed is to integrate them gradually.  For example, on the first day of the week, choose one of your resolutions and work on it throughout the week. Once it has become an established habit or routine, try adding a new resolution. If you incorporate a new resolution every month or two, by the end of the year, you'll have established many good habits.

The bottom line is that if you want to keep your New Year resolutions, you need to have a plan. You can’t just want to do it, or  hope you’ll do it. Instead, make a list and create a routine. Then, by the end of the year, you will have achieved goals and kept your resolutions. 

Jimmy Carter’s contributions to America were significant. In honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who has recently passed (1977–1981), here are some of the most important contributions he made to the United States during his time as the 39th president, and in his post-presidential life.

As President

Promoting Peace and Human Rights

• Camp David Accords (1978): Carter brokered a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, ending decades of conflict and earning worldwide recognition.

• Human Rights Advocacy: His administration prioritized human rights, pressuring authoritarian regimes globally to improve their records.

Energy Policy

• Energy Independence: In response to the 1970s energy crisis, Carter implemented policies to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil. This included creating the Department of Energy and promoting renewable energy sources.

• Environmental Conservation: Carter signed several significant environmental laws, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which protected millions of acres of wilderness.

Focus on Diplomacy and International Relations

• Normalization with China: His administration finalized the normalization of diplomatic relations with China in 1979.

• Panama Canal Treaties: Carter negotiated treaties that returned control of the Panama Canal to Panama, improving relations with Latin America.

Post-Presidency Contributions

Humanitarian Efforts: Carter became a global advocate for peace, health, and human rights. He founded the Carter Center in 1982, which focuses on advancing democracy, resolving conflicts, and combating diseases like guinea worm and malaria.

Elections and Democracy: The Carter Center monitors elections worldwide to ensure fair and free democratic processes, playing a vital role in global democratization.

Affordable Housing: Carter’s hands-on work with Habitat for Humanity helped raise awareness about the need for affordable housing and inspired millions to volunteer for the cause.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Carter has personally mediated in conflicts around the world, including in North Korea, Haiti, and the Middle East, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to diplomacy

Legacy

Carter’s presidency is often viewed as one of principle, focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term political gains. His post-presidential work has earned him widespread admiration, with many historians considering him one of the most effective former presidents in U.S. history. His humanitarian legacy has inspired generations and shown a deep commitment to the betterment of humanity.

 Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and now X (formerly known as Twitter), has been no stranger to controversies over the years.  He called the 2020 COVID lockdowns “fascist” and compared them to “forcibly imprisoning people in their homes”, as well as “de facto house arrest”. Musk has also used his platform “X” to spread conspiracy theories and hate.  And now a good share of recent controversies have been the result of his deep association with President Donald Trump over the past few months. 

Perhaps the most notable recent controversy regarding Elon is the repeated hand gesture he made during a post-inauguration rally for Trump. This appeared to many as a Nazi salute. Many different politicians and organizations have weighed in as to whether or not this was indeed a Nazi Salute:  the Anti-defamation League, which considers itself an anti-semitism watchdog, said that it was not a Nazi salute, but more of an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm.” Others have argued that because of Musk’s Autism Spectrum Disorder, awkward moments like this are bound to happen. 

Despite opinions such as these, Elon’s own daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, with whom he is estranged, clarified that this in-fact WAS a Nazi salute, saying: “I’m just gonna say let’s call a spade a f---ing spade, especially if there were two spades done in succession based on the reaction of the first spade.” Elon Musk has a history of sympathizing with Nazis.  Just this past Thursday (1/23), Musk took to his platform “X” and made a series of puns with the names of Nazi generals, including the statement  “Bet you did Nazi that coming.”  Perhaps the most telling sign of the intent of the gesture is the way right-wing extremists, white nationalists, and neo-Nazi groups are celebrating and sharing appreciation all over the internet.  It should also be noted that Musk has allied himself with far-right movements across Europe, especially in Germany.    

In an age where anti-Semitism (which means prejudice against Jewish people) is unfortunately increasing at a fast-growing rate, Elon Musk, being one of the world’s most influential people, should take a good look at the message he is spreading, and change his tone if he wants to continue being the genius-figure that he is regarded to be.

 TikToks meteoric rise over the past few years has fundamentally reshaped the social media landscape, turning short form video content into one of the most popular and engaging ways to communicate. With over 2 billion global downloads and an ever growing user base, the app has not only changed how people consume media but also how brands interact with their audience. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the future of TikTok holds significant challenges. 

In recent years, the debate surrounding the potential ban of TikTok has become a focal point of global conversations. As the app continues to dominate social media, with over 2 billion downloads worldwide, its rise has been met with growing concern from governments around the globe. From fears of data privacy violations to national security threats, the call to ban or regulate TikTok has reached new heights, particularly in countries like the United States, India, and parts of Europe.

The primary reason cited for potential TikTok bans centers on its ownership. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, which has raised alarms among politicians and cybersecurity experts in several countries. The concern is that the Chinese government could have access to user data due to China’s strict data laws that require companies to share information if requested by the government. This has led to accusations that TikTok could be a tool for Chinese surveillance, potentially compromising the security and privacy of users in other countries.

For example, in the United States, lawmakers have warned that TikTok poses a national security threat, claiming that the app could be used to collect sensitive information on American users, including location data and browsing history. This concern was heightened by TikTok’s data-sharing practices, which some argue could enable the Chinese government to influence or manipulate public opinion abroad.

In 2020, India became one of the first major countries to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns and the app’s ties to China amid ongoing border tensions between the two countries. India’s decision to remove TikTok from app stores marked a significant turning point in the global conversation about the app’s risks. While the ban in India was seen as politically motivated by some, it also set a precedent for other countries to reevaluate their own security concerns with TikTok.

India’s move was a significant blow to TikTok, which had been one of the app’s largest markets, with over 200 million active users before the ban. The loss of such a massive user base highlighted just how important TikTok’s relationship with local governments would be moving forward.

In the United States, the debate over TikTok’s future has intensified over the last few years. Bipartisan pressure to ban the app has continued to grow, particularly from lawmakers who view TikTok as a tool for espionage. In response to these concerns, TikTok has made several attempts to reassure the public by attempting to relocate its data storage and operations outside of China.

One such attempt involved the company’s negotiations with Oracle and Walmart, aiming to create a “secure” version of TikTok, with American data stored on American soil. However, political roadblocks have complicated these efforts, with some legislators pushing for a full ban on the app, fearing that any compromise would still allow China too much access to sensitive data.

In 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing further scrutiny of TikTok and other Chinese-owned apps, fueling the growing push for a nationwide ban. Several states have already issued bans on TikTok for government devices, citing security risks, and the possibility of a nationwide ban has remained a hot topic.

In the face of increasing bans and scrutiny, TikTok has worked to distance itself from the Chinese government and reassure users and governments alike. The platform has invested in creating transparency centers in the US and Europe, where it allows independent experts to review its data practices. Additionally, TikTok has promised to store user data outside of China in an effort to alleviate concerns about Chinese government access.

Despite these efforts, TikTok's response has been met with mixed reactions. Some critics argue that these measures are not enough to mitigate the risks, while others point to the fact that no evidence has been presented showing that TikTok has actively shared user data with the Chinese government.

While the political drama around TikTok continues, the impact on users and content creators has been profound. For many young people, TikTok has become a central part of their social lives and creative expression. Influencers, musicians, and small businesses have built entire careers and brands on the platform, relying on its algorithm to help them connect with new audiences.

 Yondr Pouches have been a hot topic of discussion throughout our school, and even throughout the world. Most of you remember the second month of school where these pouches were introduced. The Yondr pouches were vandalized, broken, and ripped apart promptly, making the policy entirely useless; there were no more Yondr Pouches to hold devices! But now, as of January 2nd, we were all assigned our own pouches– threatened with fines if it was damaged or lost.

The question is, does this really work? The answer to that question is a rather simple one. Kids have simply gotten better at hiding it. I’ve seen more phones in restrooms this month than ever before. The issue isn’t that the phones aren’t in the pouches– as long as they’re off and away, the school policy is being followed. The issue is that students insist on using their devices during school hours and during class. I’m sitting next to a girl who was using her phone just a minute ago. Heck, almost everyone in the room I’m in is using a phone!

But, you may be saying, there has been a decrease in poor behavior such as fights and the like… Which is entirely true… Although insubordination is still a prevalent issue in this school– even more so with the Yondr policy in action. I’ll take today as an example. Only today, I’ve seen roughly 25 phones with close observations. 3 students were told to put their phones away, and only 2 of them listened. This leads to a one-third insubordination percentage. Imagine 1,500 students (roughly the size of AHS) and 500 of them say ‘no’ to putting their phones in their pouch when told to. That is absolutely asinine!

The fact of the matter is that students simply need to know that the Yondr pouches aren’t a punishment. To screen addicted kids, this may seem so, but the pouches are only being enforced to help us as AHS students succeed.