How To & Advice

A journey to inner peace 

By: Savvy Wirtz, 9 

10/17/25

       Teenagers suffer with Mental Health, especially within this generation, that's why we need to spread awareness! Mental Health is your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel and act, as well as how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Poor mental health can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, or trouble functioning on a daily basis. 

     Mental Health is your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel and act, as well as how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Poor mental health can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, or trouble functioning on a daily basis. 

     Trauma can have a deep and last effect on your mental health, affecting how you act, feel, and relate to others. The effects can vary depending on the type, there's many like complex trauma, historical trauma, and witnessing trauma 

      School can affect students’ mental health in both negative and positive ways. On the positive side, it provides structure, purpose, and opportunities for personal growth. Supportive teachers and friendships can create a sense of belonging and improve self-esteem. Although that's all great, school can also contribute to mental health challenges. Academic pressure, bullying, social comparison, and high expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-confidence. 

     Despite all the cons, pros come with it, teenagers should try to join friend groups, school clubs, sports, and push through whatever mindset that is keeping them down. The population of teens should not have a feeling of failure and feel like they have nothing to look forward to, although kids can be mean and unwelcoming there's always a better thing waiting for you.

Overcoming challenges with softball games

By: Lauren McLoud, 9

5/14/25

Softball is a game of mental, physical, team, and individual challenges, and many people go through them. In softball, the game is more mental and there are more mental challenges throughout.  Players go through mental blocks and players often hesitate and not trust themselves within the game. 

Softball is a way of overcoming mental challenges. The girls can find strategies not to give up while playing. The girls can reset and take a breath to calm and refocus themselves. During the game, many different things could happen, which could be good or bad for the player. 

Many teams all around struggle with these challenges. Within all the players, they have to work out difficulties and challenges within themselves and their team. It is challenging for the girls to overcome the challenges within the umpires or within themselves. Many girls find it easier being under pressure during the game, which helps them be a better player.

Challenges can happen anytime you have a game or practice. The players could have a physical challenge which could be missing a ball in the field, the batter striking out, a player dropping the ball plus many more. These examples are ways players get in the head and may get down on themselves if something isn’t going the way that they would like to happen. 

A player may struggle with confidence or have a mental block within the sport. If a player has been injured recently, it is hard for them to come back and have their confidence at 100%. Many girls have struggled to play to their best potential after experiencing a mental block. 

Even though softball is a mental and physical sport, players should always continue doing what they love.

Travel Tips - Overcoming Anxiety

By: Anonymous, 11

2/3/25

People often find themselves in a new situation, whether that be in school, or at home. In some cases, that new situation is flying on a plane for the first time, which can be nerve-wracking. Here are some ways on how you can calm yourself down when you’re feeling anxious on a plane flight, whether you’re new to flying or not.

One way to ease your nerves is to bring an item that gives you comfort. It can be a pillow, a plushie, or anything else that makes you relax, preferably something soft. Hugging a pillow or something soft that holds good memories while you’re anxious can be a good way to calm down. 

Another way to take your mind off things is to listen to your favorite songs. It’s a common method for calming down in general, making it all the more useful when flying. When you listen to your favorite songs, not only are you doing something you enjoy, but you’re also distracting your mind from thinking too much about the flight. To add on, I suggest bringing noise-cancelling headphones to block out the sounds of the plane, while also being able to hear your own music. 

A third method of reducing your anxiety is to just breathe, and think rationally. More often than not, people’s fear of flying comes from a fear of heights or plane crashes. Statistically, it’s highly unlikely that’ll happen, but in case that doesn’t help, if you’ve ever flown before, a good method is telling yourself “if I’ve done it before, I can do it again” as a way to reassure you that many situations are possible to overcome. If you haven’t flown before, try using someone else’s experience as reassurance, like a friend or family member you know who has flown before, or even the pilot and flight attendants. Reassuring yourself that everything will be fine can help you look at the rational side of flying, and could help you feel better.

The fourth and final method is to simply take sleeping pills right before you board the plane. If you take them just a few minutes before the boarding time, by the time you get to your seat, chances are you’ll find yourself getting tired. Taking these responsibly will help you fall asleep faster, giving you the chance to sleep your worries away. 

Flying and being so high up can definitely be stress-inducing and difficult to overcome, but it’s not impossible. Hopefully, with these small pieces of advice, your next flight can be easy, and relieving.

How to build 3 different kinds of cutting boards

12/20/24

By: Kasey Fortier, 12

This will be an in depth explanation on the different methods and steps you have to do to make these 3 different kinds of boards.

The first board we are going to go over is an "Edge Grain" cutting board. This is the easiest to make and the first one I made. These boards take the least amount of tools and are basically what most cutting boards are. This is where you cut the wood into strips and glue them, so the edge is faced up. All you need for this is a table saw and planer. Start by planing the wood down to a little thicker than the final width. Cut stripes on the table saw, glue the strips together in the pattern you like. After they dry, you plane the wood down to final width and cut the edges on the table saw.

  The second kind of board is a "Face Grain" board that takes a few extra tools but is a higher priced board. This board starts by planing the wood to a little thicker than final width and cut the boards to the size you want. You then have to joint the edges and glue them together. Jointing them makes sure you get rid of any saw marks so you get a clean glued edge. After it dries, you plane the board and cut the edges.

The last board is an "End Grain" that takes a lot more tools, as you can't use a planer or the board will explode. In this board you have to glue stripes together and once they dry cut them into more strips to expose the end grain. Once you glue these strips up, and they dry you have to use a drum sander instead of a planer to get it down to width, then cut the board to size.

This is three ways to make cutting boards for the holiday season. Now all you have to do is save up a few thousand to buy the equipment! You got this! 

Don’t Have a Big Sister? Don’t Worry; How to Do Your Makeup

12/21/24

By Kerrin Smith, 12

Many people today struggle without guidance or help for basic things like how to do the dishes or how to do your laundry. Today, I will give you a tutorial on how to do your makeup along with what products to use and even how to take it off after. 

First, you’re going to prep yourself. I want you to get dressed, brush your teeth, moisturize your face and lips, and push your hair back with a headband or put it up in a ponytail. Once you’re ready, I want you to wet your beauty blender and squeeze out any extra water that it soaked up. You want your beauty blender damp, not soaking wet. 

Now, let’s get into the steps to do your make-up. You’re going to take your foundation and either squirt a little bit on the back of your hand or place little dots all around your face. Once that’s done, I want you to blend it into your skin. Don’t rub your face, pat it all over your face and blend everywhere including your eyelids, lips, and maybe some on your neck. I recommend using the Soft Glam Satin Foundation from e.l.f as it’s light and only costs around eight dollars.

Next, you are going to start your concealer. For this brand, I recommend the Hydrating Camo Concealer from e.l.f which is only about seven dollars right now. Now, you’re going to take your concealer and gently apply some under your eyes for your eyebags and place some dots on any outstanding blemishes. You’re going to blend it into your skin, pat don’t rub.

We are now going to get to the fun part, starting the actual makeup. I would recommend starting with some bronzer on your cheekbones, sides of your forehead are optional. I would also recommend using both liquid and powder, using liquid first and then applying the powder version on top. Pat your blender upwards for the liquid, never pat downwards as that could smudge your makeup. Don’t blend the powder version unless necessary. Also, be careful with how much bronzer you use, you can always go back and put more on, but you can’t go back if you put too much on. Follow up with the powder version of the bronzer. I suggest any product from e.l.f or Amazon as it’s normally cheap but look at the reviews first.

Onto the blush, you are also going to want to use both liquid and powder for your blush to emphasize it. Again, anything from e.l.f or Amazon should do. Place the liquid on your cheekbones, almost on top of the bronzer you put on, forehead sides are optional if you did them, and you can even put a little on your nose. Again, be careful with how much blush you put on, you can always put on more. Blend upwards on your cheekbones and if you did your forehead, blend down the sides. For your nose, blend from side to side and up and down. Continue to follow up with the powder blush. Don’t blend the powder version unless necessary. 

Continuing, I want you to put on some mascara, I suggest anything from Maybelline as it ranges around twelve dollars. I especially recommend this part if you have short eyelashes. A blinking motion while putting on your mascara works best so you can get the full eyelash. If you prefer to hold your eye open and do it, that works too.

We’re almost there, hang in there for me. Put on your choice of lip gloss or lipstick, I recommend puckering your lips for lipstick and holding your mouth open for lip gloss. Again, anything from e.l.f works as they’re normally cheap with their pricing. Eyeshadow for this look is optional, but I would recommend no eyeshadow if you want a more natural look. Just make sure to blend your eyeshadow and use more skin colors or even pinks or reds.

Finally we are now going to set your makeup. This seems like a plug for e.l.f cosmetics, but I swear they just have good cheap products. You are going to start with the setting powder and place it over the places you placed your concealer on. You are then going to use a setting spray and spray it all over your face of make up. If your skin gets oily, I recommend a matte spray so it doesn’t get as oily. 

Now you’re done! You have your makeup for the day. But wait, what about getting the makeup off of my face? Well, don’t worry. I wasn’t going to let you sit there clueless on how to get your face of makeup off.

Once you’re done with your makeup, you’re going to use Garnier makeup wipes or use Micellar Water which is only four dollars along with Hypoallergenic 100 Cotton Rounds which is only three to four dollars. For your wipes, just rub off the make up with it. For your cotton pads, shake the Micellar water before using it, and pour some onto one pad and start to rub off the makeup on your face. Once done, I suggest moisturizing your face again as it’s probably dry from being cleaned off. 

You’ve finally made it to the end. I hope you’re happy with your look and if you aren’t, thats okay! I heavily suggest experimenting with your make up and trying out styles you may like. I hope I was a big help today for you and I hope your makeup turned out the way you dreamed it would.

How to get bigger in the gym 

12/19/24

By: Dan Chelmo, 12

   Many fitness enthusiasts want to get bigger, stronger, and more muscular at the gym. Whether you're new to working out or you've been hitting the weights for a while, it takes the right approach and doing things like strategy and consistency for you to see progress from working out. 

   One of the most important principles of muscle growth is progressive overload. This means overtime increasing the stress placed on your muscles over time. By doing so, your muscles are forced to grow in size and strength. To implement progressive overload, you can increase the weight you lift over time, increase the number of reps or sets in your workout, and reduce rest time between sets to increase the intensity of your training. Experts recommend tracking your progress so you can gradually increase the weight or intensity in a controlled manner to avoid plateaus.

   Muscle growth happens not in the gym, but in the recovery period after you work out. If you’re lifting heavy weights and pushing your body to the limit, giving yourself time to recover is essential for growth. A key aspect of recovery is getting enough sleep, at least 8 hours. Growth hormone is released during deep sleep, which plays a crucial role in muscle repair. Another crucial thing you need is rest you need to plan at least 1-2 full rest days each week to allow your muscles to recover and grow. On non-training days, you need to engage in light physical activities such as walking, swimming, or anything relaxing to promote blood flow to your muscles without straining them. 

   Muscle building requires energy, and that means eating more. Consuming enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats is key to fueling your workouts and aiding recovery. Aim for about 1.2-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, and steak. Carbohydrates are also your body’s primary energy source. To ensure you have enough energy for intense workouts, include complex carbs like oats, brown rice, and sweet potatoes in your diet. Many bodybuilders also recommend eating at a calorie surplus, meaning you should consume more calories than your body burns to ensure your muscles have the energy they need to grow.

Consistency is the key to building muscle, results won’t happen overnight, and it’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t see immediate changes. The gym isn’t a short-term commitment, it’s a lifestyle. You need to set realistic goals, track your progress, and stay patient. With time, you’ll see your efforts pay off, if you experience a decrease, don’t be afraid to switch up your workout routine, adjust your nutrition, or even consult with a trainer to break through. 

Getting big in the gym requires more than just showing up. It takes dedication, a smart approach to training, proper nutrition, and the right mindset. By focusing on progressive overload, prioritizing recovery, eating enough to fuel muscle growth, and staying consistent, you'll be on the right track to building muscle. Stay patient, stay disciplined, and eventually you will get bigger. 

How to Become a Successful Volleyball Player

12/19/24

By: Anonymous, 12

There are many ways to become a successful volleyball player at any time and all you have to do is devote your time, effort, communicating and being consistent.

One of the most important things in becoming a successful volleyball player is putting in the time to get better. You can’t get better by only practicing once a week. You need to be dedicated and practice at least 2-3 times a week in order to be getting the reps that you need. The more time you spend doing something , the better you will become. Time is significant in getting repetition and becoming a better player because if you don’t put the time in you won’t get better and you will start to lose your consistency in playing. 

Another important thing to have is effort. You need to be putting in 100% effort with everything you do when you are on the court. This will help you exceed and do everything to your full potential, which will make you a better player. You won’t get better if you aren’t putting in your full effort into everything you do. Each pass, set, hit, or serve you do, it should be to the best ability because that is your full potential. You always want to play the best you can because that is the expectation and that is how you know you can play. 

Next, having strong communication to yourself, your teammates, and your coach is very important. As for communication for yourself, you need to know your limits, and know where you are on the court and what your position is, etc. Communication with teammates is a vital part of the game because everyone needs to know their teammates' role on the court and if someone needs to go to the ball, communication is key because you need to be able to talk through who will get the ball. Communication with coaches is also very important because they are someone who is leading your team. If something is wrong or you are injured it is important to communicate that with your coach. Or if you want to get better and put in extra time, you can talk to your coach and figure something out. 

Lastly, consistency is very important in becoming a successful volleyball player. Consistency ties in with having time and effort towards volleyball. If you devote your time and effort you will become consistent and progressively get better. If you are doing the same things multiple days a week, you will continuously grow and gain new skills and be able to become the best volleyball player you can be. 

Time, effort, communication and consistency are four important things to do if you want to become a successful volleyball player and you can start at any time. 

How to be more respectful and a better student in school

12/19/24

By: Alex Brasil, 11

How can you be more respectful as a student and human. Firstly, being respectful isn’t about how you treat others, it could be how you treat your school work, how you treat animals, or your school supplies. When in the classroom, you should always be respectful to your peers and teachers. If a teacher is teaching, you should listen and be paying attention at all times. 

Even if the teacher isn’t speaking you should be nice to everybody, even if you may not like the person you should still be respectful towards them, you never know what someone is going through behind closed doors. You should finish your school work on time. If someone in the classroom is presenting, you should listen and give them your full attention, you would want that if you were in their shoes.

All of this applies to the real world too, if you are getting a job or have a very important meeting you wouldn’t mess around would you, so why would you be in a classroom? You should always treat everybody with respect. It's a key part in life, if you want others to respect you and like you, then you should do the same to them. Always treat others how you want to be treated, you have probably been told that hundreds of times, but it really has a meaning to it.

This is why you should always be respectful, treat others how you want to be treated.

College Application Advice 

2/5/24

By: Natalie West, 12 

Applying for colleges can be extremely stressful. You would think you would just need to fill out the common application and you'd be done. That is not the case though. All the extra information and essays that need to be written can be hard to manage, but I am here to help with some advice. 

To start, I would compile a list of all the colleges you may potentially apply to. I would suggest starting this list in the middle of junior year. Make sure you look at the statistics of the schools and have a variety of matches, reaches, and safeties. You can always add colleges or take colleges away, but this is a good way to get started. I would aim to apply to all your colleges early action. This means your application is in early and you hear early. 

The next thing I would do is start your essay early. Write a first draft at the end of junior year. It doesn’t need to be your final topic, you can change your essay as many times as you want. Always save your different drafts though because you can use the writings for a supplemental essay. I suggest just writing whenever you think of an idea. Make sure to work on it over the summer. It may seem like a force, but it will help so much! Go see your English teacher too. They can help revise and edit your essay. 

Another helpful thing that I did was go through all my colleges and write down everything for each one on a google doc. This includes when the EA application is due, all the extra questions, and any other documents the colleges may need. This is a great way to stay organized. As I mentioned, work on everything over the summer. Pick a day to sit down with your guardian and fill out all of the basic information questions for each college. Every little thing helps. Continue working on it a few times a week when school starts too. I promise all the work will be worth it when you feel the relief of all your applications being in. College applications may seem stressful, but you can relive some of that stress by following this advice.

How to Manage Your Senior Year 

2/5/24

By: Riley Richardson, 12

Being a senior can be harder than most people think. I went into it thinking it would all be easy and that all I would want to do is leave. Little did I know, there was a lot more to it than I thought. Navigating through friendships, sports, and college applications can be rough. 

      For upcoming seniors, the biggest piece of advice I can give you for college applications is to not rush your essay. Some people think that the essay is not a big thing to focus on, but grades are. The essay is something you need to take your time on and make sure it is unique. I highly suggest, you ask your English teachers to help you. It may not be a one and done thing. Some people like me have re-written it at least 3 times, but that is what makes it perfect in the end. 

     For seniors, not everything is about school and college, but it is a time to focus on yourself. Senior year is your last year you will be with all of your current friends, and all going to the same school. It is extra important to make sure you find the right friends and avoid the people that weigh you down or who are not in your best interest. It is always better to have a few good friends than to have many fake friends. You want people who you will be able to keep in contact with your whole lives. With that being said, make sure you are there for yourself also. In times, there isn’t always going to be someone to be there for you or help you out, that's why it's needed to learn how to be independent. This year can be one of the toughest years emotionally, because it is your last everything before everyone leaves, that's why you need to learn to not take anything for granted and find the right crowd. 

    Anyone who plays any sports throughout high school, I feel that this year is obviously the hardest. The reason being is that you have spent at least the past few years with the same team, same coaches, and same goals. After you graduate, you are going to miss all the hard practices, and tough times you had together as a team. This year is your last year to accomplish your goals, so it is important you try extra hard to reach them. Remember to thank your coaches, and know they want the best for you. If you plan to continue on your sport in college, reach out to different coaches, it will make them more intrigued to get to know you. Take the time to have fun at practice, games, meets, matches, and competitions, and remember every time, it is the last time you have with your team. 

    Although managing senior year can be tough, it is a year made to make memories. If you want to do something, then do it, or if you want to go somewhere, then go. Always remember that these opportunities may never arise again. 

Finding Jobs in High School 

9/19/23

By: Reese Neale, 12

When speaking to your potential employer, you need to present yourself as a good asset they are going to need to add to their business. That employer is going to remember you more if you are professionally unique. When going in for an interview, be prepared to answer questions and be put on the spot. Many struggle to find the right fit for them, however, this depends on how far you are willing to drive or can drive. Having a job close to your home would be beneficial to the people who can’t drive. Being in high school and having a job can be stressful to balance, especially when you play high school sports as well as club sports. 

Now that we are in high school, we have to start thinking about our future. Having a job is another stepping stone that every kid needs to experience, starting work. This is super important because so many things are expensive, while also knowing how to manage your money. When you start to reach out to employers about a possible job opportunity, you want to have a professional email format. During your interview, you want to make yourself memorable. Some ways to do that; eye contact, avoid using words like um and uh, allow yourself to be vulnerable, and tell a story about yourself. 

When walking into an interview you want to do some preparing, you don’t want to walk into anything unprepared. Being prepared is important, but also don’t sound like a robot in your interview. Your employer is most likely looking for someone who is going to be good with time management, presentation, how you present yourself, and manners. 

Where you work can vary depending on age and if you can drive or not. Some places serve alcohol, so they won't hire someone in the ages of 15-16, however there are plenty of other places. If you are the ages 17 and up, you have a lot more options than those who are younger. 

I know being in high school and having a job could be a lot for anyone. Especially if you play any type of sport, whether it's high school sports or club, they are still very time-consuming. The most important thing is finding a balance with your current activities then adding more things to juggle, instead of taking on too much at one time. It's best to find a job that is going to take the time to work with you to help navigate your schedule, and find the best time to find hours to work.

Remember to make an impression on them, but also relax! It's you talking about yourself, and they are only looking to see if you would be a good fit for their company.

How to Balance Work & School

By: A'mya Oliveira, 12

Any high school student who has a job understands the struggles of being able to maintain your grades, as well as making money for yourself. It’s the thought of making money for yourself that has students excited to work, but then feel trapped with the excessive amounts of homework. There are many ways a student can get overwhelmed with these two issues, though there are many ways they can healthily withhold both of these!

The best advice to give would be to make sure you have a set schedule in place at work. Make sure to have a conversation with your manager/supervisor to state what day you are available, and what times within those days you can work. Never, and I mean never, say you are available during the school day. Your education should come first, and it is also against the law in most states to miss school due to work! 

Another great piece of advice to keep up with your schoolwork is to do your homework on your breaks (if you are given one). Personally, I work 13-hour days on the weekends, therefore I take that small break time to do my homework. It may sound hypocritical, since you are on your break, but honestly it's the best time to do it. Nothing feels better than coming home after a hard day at work, then thinking you had homework to do, but no, you did it during your break! Find a quiet, non-crowded space where you can bang out all that work. 

Lastly, do not let your school work consume you. This is easier said than done, considering most students get a job around the age of 16, which is when school work hits the hardest for most. But, you don’t want yourself to fall behind, but never beat yourself up over not completing one or two assignments. 

Of course, it takes time to get used to balancing not only school, but a job. Though, if you use your time wisely, you can set yourself up for success both academically and financially. 

Your Monthly Horoscope 2022

4/25/22 

By: Rachel Silva, 12

Want to know your monthly horoscope for April? Then you should keep reading!

Aries (March 21st-April 19th)

April is your time for a new start. With the start of April being an Aries new moon, this will kickstart your personal goals and passions in a positive way. It is encouraged for you to start a list of goals and work towards them each day. You will see great results in your life, as these goals will be easy to meet. There is a Libra full moon on April 16 that could bring a relationship into focus. It could be a friendship, romance, or business collaboration, you might feel an emotional push to take things further. Overall this month is great for Aries and their success.

Pisces (February 19th-March 20th)

This is your month to make your moves. Make your passions a priority and don’t let others' needs get in your way, focus on you. On April 12, Jupiter and Neptune unite in Pisces for the first time since the mid-1850s. This day could open up a huge portal for you to step into a new identity or chapter of your life.

Aquarius (January 20th-February 18th)

You should let your curiosity take over. Until April 19, the Sun is in Aries and your third house of communication and ideas, boosting your social life. Your mind is craving new information and knowledge, it is important to keep up on your work and seek new things. Although, be careful of those in your life this month. With Potent Pluto in your twelfth house, hidden information could ignite an unexpected and intense conversation. 

Virgo (August 23rd-September 22nd)

It is important for you to indulge in your healthy obsessions and go “all in” on whatever’s tugging for your attention. This unlimited, freedom-driven connection will take place in idealistic Pisces, the zodiac sign co-ruled by both Jupiter and Neptune, and a placement that hasn’t occurred since 1856! Stay connected with your intuition this month. Slow down and avoid making impulsive decisions. The April 16 Libra full moon is perfect for making a decisive move that creates more security—and it could bring exciting work or money news. 

Capricorn (December 22nd-January 19th)

You are off to a slower start to the month, you can thank the stars for that. The Sun is nesting in Aries and your domestic fourth house until April 19, giving you the urge to cozy up. But don’t fret, you will have plenty of time to recharge and socialize. Coming your way is devine news that could change many things for you. On April 3oth is a solar eclipse that could bring unexpected attention from others your way.

Sagittarius (November 22nd-December 21st)

It’s time for you to get out and have fun! The Sun is making its annual visit to Aries until April 19, heating up your fifth house of passion and creativity. April has lots of fresh-start opportunities since the month is bookended by a rare doubleheader of new moons, on April 1 and April 30. Brace yourself for some possibly overwhelming emotions, especially related to your home or family.

Libra (September 23rd-October 22nd)

Change is definitely in the cards for you this month. If you're looking for a fresh new start, this month will provide many opportunities. Make sure to spend time connecting with your closest people, checking in to make sure things are balanced between you. Be careful, as unconscious dynamics are certainly at play. A rivalry, jealousy or some other urge may cause someone close to you to undermine you.

Scorpio (October 23rd-November 21st)

With the Sun making its visit to Aries until April 19, warming up your sixth house of health, fitness and organization you’re inspired to get your life and well-being into shape. At the end of this month, brace yourself for a wave of inspiration. With the solar eclipse coming, this means good for your personal goals and relationships.

Leo (July 23rd-August 22nd)

During this month the momentum will start picking up for you. The Sun is coming into your tenth house of leadership, career and long-term goals, followed by a game-changing Taurus solar eclipse. A whole new professional chapter or set of goals could soon be headed your way!

Cancer (June 21st-July 22nd)

Got a project or an area of your life that’s ready for massive growth? Well this is definitely the month for you! Your wildest fantasies could turn into reality during this month, when everything seems possible. An opportunity to collaborate with new people or get involved in a digital venture could arise out of the blue. With Jupiter and Neptune aligned in Pisces, a spiritual awakening or a massive epiphany about your purpose will occur. Ground yourself today since the energy will be intense!

Why You Should Donate Blood

11/21/21

By: Maggie Francis, 12

Every year our senate holds organized blood drives where students and teachers alike can skip class and donate their aforementioned blood. And yet despite the free snacks and lack of schoolwork, sign-ups are still relatively low as student representatives rush around the school begging for signatures. With this, you must question what deters 90% of eligible donors from stepping up and volunteering during difficult times in order to help those in need. After all, would this not be considered a selfish act? There are massive blood shortages in the US because of blood drive cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased hospital stays. In addition to this, the shelf life of blood is extremely short, hence, it is important to have a constant flow of it available. And yet, people still hold back over personal fears and a dislike for the potential of feeling dizzy. Needles, sterile equipment, and hospital beds line the gymnasium and trained professionals monitor patients, however, still anxiety lines the halls. These feelings are completely normal before experiencing a medical procedure of any type as the unknown from the lack of schooling that nurses and doctors complete is bound to leave anyone uneasy, however, these fears are quickly alleviated as the process begins and support from all involved suffocates any negative emotions. Consequently, positive feedback of selflessness and pride in yourself for accomplishing something that not many are willing to will replace all hesitancies that one may have experienced and lead to anticipation of the Red Cross’s for this fulfilling community service opportunity. However, if these emotional pleadings are still not enough for you, here are three more reasons why you should consider giving blood at next year’s blood drive. 

1. Free Health Screening

Before giving blood, a registered nurse is required to check the basics on your health. Although this is not an in-depth or full physical that you would get annually from professionals, it is a quick and easy way to make sure your body is functioning correctly. They check your hemoglobin levels, blood pressure, temperature, pulse and go through basic questions on your recent health history. All of this is done to ensure that you are in perfect condition to donate and that the blood you give is able to be used for hospital patients. For those afraid of fainting or passing out due to a blood donation, this screening helps to prevent you from being put in any dangerous situations and to greatly decrease these odds. However, feelings of sickness or unease may persist and in that case the nurses are always well equipped to handle any situation that comes their way. The Red Cross also follows up on the blood samples that they take after your blood donation if something is amiss (similarly to having your blood drawn at a hospital). Although the Red Cross is desperate for blood donations, they will never put their patients' health and safety at risk for the benefit of others. 

2. The expectation that someone will do it for you

Whether from surgery, a car accident or emergency, there is a very high chance that you will need a blood transfusion at some point in your life. Doctors and the health industry will always make the best call to further benefit their patient’s health whether or not our country has the available blood to support it. The expectation in this situation is that no matter the supplies, the patient will receive the blood that they need. It is the responsibility of all eligible donors to pay forward this health care necessity by overcoming fears and participating in the blood donation process. By donating, a donor is developing a mutualistic relationship with their health providers in a show of action that inadvertently displays their support and encourages the possibility that their kind action will cause more people to donate for the benefit of their future selves. 

3. Finding out your blood type/donor card

One of the most common reasons that high school students choose to give blood is to find out their blood types. After a blood donation, the Red Cross mails a letter to the donor's home as a thank you note which includes their blood type information. Although something small, blood types are a way to define yourself and your health similarly to horoscopes or birthstones. It is a defining feature completely unique to a person at birth and inherited from your parents that many people know little of. In addition to this, blood drive participants also receive a donor card from the Red Cross which outlines their blood type underneath their boldly typed name. Not only is this card a personalized and interesting keepsake to have, but it also has a lot of benefits in the case of emergencies. First responders know to look for these cards when recovering people from disasters or accidents in order to provide for them the correct blood transfusions in a timely and organized manner. The efficiency that these blood cards provide may very well be the difference between life and death when tragedy strikes, hence, they are extremely important to keep close. 

Although there is the tendency to blame the population who refuses to give blood due to fears, the lack of communication from blood drive organizers at our school is also at fault. During this past blood drive, the majority of students did not even know that donations were taking place in the gymnasium and many were disappointed when they lost their chance to participate. There are numerous ways to communicate information in our school, however, administrators often fail miserably at this due to a lack of consideration for their faculty and students. The options to put up posters, include dates and activities on the morning announcements or to utilize the wide social media platform that nearly all students have access to is often bypassed for word of mouth or simply nothing at all. Ultimately, it is completely necessary that this disconnect is addressed by both students and administrators in order to further the educational experience and environment that encapsulates us all.