Popular Electives: Digital Photography

by Kaden Callahan

      There were over 85 electives to choose from during the 2023-2024 school year, and with 2024-2025 course selections around the corner, it might be useful to know which electives students preferred over others. 

Although each students' opinion differ, digital photography was overall one of the most popular electives this year. A poll conducted with a small sample of students emphasized students' preference for digital photography, though ceramics and psychology were top choices as well.

The Titan Times conducted an interview with Ms. Lazarus to ask her about the class.

Q: How many years have you been teaching digital photography?

A: I've been teaching digital photography for six years now. I started teaching in Pembroke about 14 years ago.

Q: Why do you think students like this class so much?

A: I think it’s active,  students are always thinking. It keeps students on their toes, projects are varied. There are numerous fun activities involving food dye, sports, light painting, performance based art, and two dimensional imaging. Many projects are also collaborative which draws students in.

Q: Do you enjoy teaching digital photography?

A: Yes, I am passionate about content and student expression. I enjoy the involvement aspect, and teaching students the basics to creating momentous unique shorts. Trying new techniques to complex coordination. Photo club exists for students who are unable to take the class, students who have taken class can continue their work.

Q:Why would you recommend a student take this class?

A: To promote themselves, professionally and in social media landscapes. Most importantly, TO HAVE FUN!!!! Take digital photography to learn a whole bunch and see through an artistic lens, and consider if you’re interested in photo/film/video related fields or hobbies.

Q: What are some alternatives to this class that a student might enjoy, since this class is so popular?

A: It fills up pretty quick with only two-three periods. Digital art 1 is very similar, in that class a student would learn to work with photos they take, engage in digital painting/digital design, and have fun printing out t-shirts, magnets, and stickers. There are many other fun things to do such as collages with photoshop and animation + video.  Alternatively, students could take 3D animation, multimedia design, or 3D printing/product design which are also like digital photography!

     Other highly regarded electives were ceramics and psychology. 

           Senior Avery Findley said she enjoys her psych class very much. She has been studying psychology with Mr. Jackson for almost two years, and says she likes the class because it, “helps (her) understand human behavior."  Findley also emphasized that the class is not that difficult which she also appreciates.

          Senior Kate Wesinger, an artist herself, stated that she looks forward to ceramics because it's de-stressing, and she claimed that the workload is very light. Wesinger suggests that aspiring-artists take ceramics due to it's simple curriculum and calming nature. 

Effect of Music on Our Psychology

by Pietra Silva

Music has a huge impact on our psychology. Music can influence our mood and our actions. Depending on the type of music you are listening to you can feel empowered or it can even bring your mood down.

According to freshman Kasidee Crudup-Ashby, “Music is a way for me to escape reality and focus on myself. It helps me cope and I can listen to whatever music suits my mood.” 

Music helps a lot of people in many ways. Our brains have something called the frontal lobe which helps us with thinking and decision-making. Listening to music can help us inherit these functions. 

Freshman Jaelyn Resil said, “If I am feeling happy and listen to something sad then my mood most of the time will lower and if I am sad listening to happy music will make my mood better.” 

There is another part of the brain called the Wernicke’s area which comprehends written and spoken language. We use this part of the brain to analyze and enjoy the songs we listen to. 

Senior Audrey Hanson said, “I enjoy listening to country music.”

Wernicke’s area lets us enjoy what we are listening to, which can work with the frontal lobe to help us figure out what we enjoy most. The Nucleus Accumbens is a part of the brain that releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, it plays a big part in addiction. Music can be very addictive, it increases the amount of dopamine released and plays a role just like illegal drugs. The Amygdala processes emotions and music can make us ready to fight, increase our pleasure, or even help us control our fears. 

Senior Audrey Hanson also said, “music calms me down.” 

Music can play a huge role in our lives. Music helps a lot of people and we may not even notice it. Music can impact our behaviors and our brain functions. Music can help reduce pain, stress, and even symptoms of depression. Music can improve our motor skills. So when you see a classmate or student with headphones in while walking around the halls or sitting in class you now understand on a deeper level some of the reasons why.