by Gabriella Hershorn

As first-time voters, we transform from passive citizens of democracy to active ones. For many young adults, that first chance to check a box in the voting booth is like a powerful, responsible growing-up act that makes them feel like they have a say in how their little piece of democracy works.

It's something we've been hearing for decades from parents and adults; it's something they talk about when discussing candidates and the spots for elections all year round. But when the time comes to check a box for ourselves, it becomes personal. When we finally come of age to responsible adulthood and citizenship, what once was so distant becomes personal. The ability to change those things with a pen makes it personal.

As a first-time voter, there's a level of excitement to make this process. There is so much to learn about registration to being exposed to candidates to ballot measures, and what's what and what it all means. We don't just vote for who we think should be in power for us, but for the trajectory of our country too.

Yet to millions of other voters, it sometimes feels like we're but a drop in the bucket. This is what first-time voters learn. They learn that, realistically, it's a small drop, but together, it's powerful. Movements throughout history have either been framed by voting or civil rights.  People either took those conditions under advisement or did what they felt was best once. For the first time, their voice is heard.

Finally, there's something special about a collective effort. From going into the polls with people to casting a mail-in ballot as a first-time voter. This matters because democracy is only as good as the people who work it, and if we have the power to work it in any way, we should feel empowered and not take such things for granted as others have struggled so hard for.

Thus, when we become first-time voters, we not only become aware of our civic duty, but we also embrace our humanity. We value change and participating in the process for our own benefit.

by Isabella Santini

The beginning of a fresh start for North Bergen was initiated these last few weeks, with the welcoming of North Bergen’s 7th through 9th grade students starting their school year in the newly established Junior High building which is the former home of High Tech High School. Located on 85th Street and Tonelle Avenue in North Bergen, the Junior High Campus opened its doors this fall to bring about change and impact in the education of incoming students. 

This project began almost ten years ago with North Bergen’s plan to renovate the previous location of the High Tech High School with discussions being made for the improvement of this building and what was meant for the town in coming years.

According to the Hudson County View, in December of 2018, the residents of the North Bergen Township had voted in favor of permitting the North Bergen Board of Education to borrow approximately 60 million dollars to fund the upgrading of education facilities and environments, with the school districts obtaining about one-third of that amount to move forward with constructing a new structure and alterations to existing classrooms. 

Nevertheless, the development of this project was severely delayed in relation to the Coronavirus Pandemic, lawsuits, and the strike of Hurricane Ida, leading to profound flooding within the foundation of the building. The website issued later in March of 2022 a statement of what this renovated building would be, declaring it to be a Junior High for grades 7th - 9th, incorporating a variety of activities and programs into their education to conduct a diverse reach across their students.  The Hudson County View article stated the opening of this Junior High school was scheduled for September 2023, but the effects of the flooding within the school’s structure delayed the process once again. The Township and North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority had claimed they would like to “reduce flooding to improve quality of life and enhance the safety of the new campus and surrounding neighborhood.” 

The induction of students this fall marked the conclusion of such a prolonged process for the town. This is a time of recognition and advancement for North Bergen, moving forward from its past and investing time into the future of the new generation of residents, with Principal Adamarys Galvin saying, “Together, we are laying the cornerstone for what will become a place of discovery, achievement, and belonging for generations to come.”