Behind the wrapping paper

By: Bekah H

An unspoken rule. An expectation that simply exists without ever being stated. One which reveals itself not through an individual's words, but a community's shared behavior. Such a rule takes its shape during the holiday season, specifically gift giving. It has become a common assumption that gratitude and care are best expressed when packaged with a pretty bow. And yes, packaging does matter, but such expectations lay the foundation of this gilded construct in which we are more frequently associating with the idea of Christmas. After all, it seemed simple. If you care about someone and want to display such admiration, you buy them a present. But what we truly don’t see is how such an outlook on a common social and familial tradition affects teens financially and adds a sense of obligation just to prove their appreciation for those they love. Thus teens are forced to grapple with societal, social and even internal pressures to conform to the “traditional” expectations of gift giving during the holiday season. 

As a student navigating this pressure myself, I wanted to understand where it stems from and how it affects others in different situations. Afterall, not just one individual's situation can characterize such a broad perspective. But rather, everyone possesses a different outlook and approach to holiday spending based solely on their personal beliefs, culture, and financial circumstances. While we are all grappling with the same issues, the ways in which we respond to them and which we resist them, are where we truly differ. 

For most of my peers, this pressure to give gifts is tied to reciprocity. Reciprocity is a social expectation that if someone gets you a present you are to get them something in return. It acts almost as an obligation, and a constant cycle between giving, receiving, and reciprocating. Reciprocity is human nature. We do it in response to maintaining social relationships and building trust. It demonstrates respect and acknowledgement of the other person, strengthening mutual friendship and appreciation. What’s most important about such reciprocity is financially, it isn’t always equal. Rather, it's about the thought behind the present and the idea of being seen. A simple comparison would be a gift card and a box of crayons. From any external outlook, the gift card holds more value. Afterall, a box of crayons, even a jumbo pack, would never compare to the worth of a gift card. But it’s what you don’t see that truly matters. In this situation, the gift card was simply a visa, a broad and impersonal present. While the box of crayons was a childhood connection. A throwback to 5th grade when for a single day you wrote with only crayons instead of pencils because you left your pencil case at home. A meager memory, but one which resonated with your friend, something they remembered when you immediately forgot. It's truly the story and connection to both a present and who is giving the present, that makes it worth reciprocating.

 What this idea looks like in practice, however, depends largely on circumstance. For those with jobs and financial flexibility, gift giving feels more joyful and they are much more eager and motivated to make someone happy rather than just meet an expectation. This is because they don’t feel such an immense financial burden with gift giving, but in most cases know exactly what they will buy and be able to buy it. Those without steady income are able to do the same but with slight compromise. Several alternative ways can be used to insure everyone they want to buy a gift for will receive a meaningful one. These include budgeting, cooperation and alternative gifting. By sticking to a specific budget, teens feel less financial stress and can insure at least one gift for each person is wrapped beneath the tree. Additionally, many of my peers pool their money with their siblings to splurge on an expensive gift for primarily their parents. Always purchased with a reason, the gifts bought may be small in quantity but are typically necessities that the receiver always shows gratitude towards. Finally, going beyond traditional store bought presents, my peers promise experiences or handmade gifts. A way to show their appreciation that doesn’t empty their pockets. Such gifts are a commitment, but certainly don’t go unappreciated. A little goes a long way, especially when it's made or carried out with love. 

Yet, even with these adaptations, pressure doesn’t fully disappear. My peers found that the holiday season in itself creates an atmosphere naturally encouraging gift giving. The dazzling decorations, constant music, blissful snow, and the bright sparkling lights collaboratively reinforce the idea that Christmas is meant for generosity.  It’s a collective mindset that feels expected, not just by social obligation but merely because it is embedded in the spirit of the season. It adds external pressure but not in a negative light. Rather, it associates gift giving in an uplifting manner, and encourages gift giving purely for the joy on peoples faces and the love in their hearts. Afterall, Christmas is characterized by Santa Clause, the jolly good fellow, who brings joy on children's faces from homemade gifts. By partaking in such experiences, we hold onto that childlike wonder and foster a sense of connection far beyond materialistic objects in itself. It's during those moments when a present is no longer defined by its price tag or its wrapping but the intention behind it. 

Overall, the holiday season invites reflection on not just what we give but why we give. When we as teens start to prioritize value and intention over cost, the pressure which once weighed us, lifts and bliss returns. Christmas, freed from its gilded expectations, becomes less about what's under the tree and more about what exists between the people that surround it. Perhaps that is what has been hidden behind the wrapping paper all along, but we were so content with its beautiful exterior that we never attempted to uncover it. 

NQHS SCIENCE TEACHERS SHARE THOUGHTS ON BENNU ASTEROID SAMPLES

By: Rose C

Glucose…in Space!

On December 2nd of this year, a team of scientists led by Yoshihiro Furukawa of Tohoku University in Japan published a paper regarding the analysis of samples taken of the Bennu asteroid. Found in the samples, among other very important molecular components of life, were the molecules glucose and ribose. Glucose serves as the main energy source for all living cells, and ribose is a component of ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid in the body that carries out various metabolic functions.

Teachers Talk!

“The presence of ribose may support the “RNA World” hypothesis,” says Mr. Cuccia, a genetics and biology teacher at NQHS. The RNA-World Hypothesis is a hypothesis that discloses that “...[E]arly life was RNA-based rather than DNA-based,” as Mr. Cuccia explains it. Mr. Cuccia then told me RNA carries genetic information---much like DNA---and that it can act as a “...protein and/or regulatory molecule.”  RNA is very flexible---more flexible than DNA, and this is how it can configure itself into the shapes such as those created by tRNA, or transfer RNA, the type of RNA that brings amino acids to a ribosome during the creation of a protein. Since RNA is so versatile, there's no doubt that it could have been a possible precursor to DNA. This goes along with the fact that deoxyribose has one less oxygen atom than Ribose. Mr. Cuccia is excited to learn more about how this finding could advance our understanding of the aforementioned hypothesis, and says that life on Earth could have emerged “...relatively quickly,” as opposed to over a lengthy period of time---all due to the presence of the sugars on the Bennu samples. 

In relation to the concept of life elsewhere, I talked to Dr. Kymissis, who teaches AP Biology at NQHS. She is excited about the news of what was found on the samples, and absolutely feels that these findings have implications that point to the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe. She asked me excitedly, “...why are we the only unique planet?” Since sugars such as glucose are absolutely essential for metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, the presence of glucose in the samples point to evidence that traces of complex life may exist elsewhere. She told me that recently, a planet like Earth was found that houses water, and therefore, life may proliferate there. Dr. Kymissis tells me that these discoveries give more definitive evidence that there are complete answers to how life on Earth began. It is beautiful to realize that the critical compounds that make up the human body are found in space---where they originated! How I see it, It’s almost like opening a letter from your long lost family every time a space sample reaches Earth. Dr. Kymissis is looking forward to figuring out how such molecules ended up on asteroids like Bennu in the first place. She tells me, “...everything starts with exploration.”

Dr. McKibben, the Advanced Applied Biotechnology and chemistry teacher at NQHS, informed me that the reason why such biomolecules have formed the way they have and are able to power life in the first place is because that the structures contain the most “...energetically favorable conformation of the most commonly abundant elements.” This makes sense; glucose and ribose molecules have very specific molecular structures that produce very specific chemical reactions and results when interacting with other molecules, and that’s why the fact that even under all of these circumstances, life could form, is incredible and shows just how special Earth is because it harbors conditions such as those aforementioned that allow for life to proliferate. Dr. McKibben referenced the Miller-Urey experiment conducted in 1953, where the electrocution of molecules in a closed model of Earth’s early atmosphere stimulated complex chemical reactions such as those that are able to create biomolecules. Again, considering how large the scale of the universe is, Dr, McKibben says that “...statistically speaking, it is likely that [life] can be out there.” Dr. McKibben says also that there has been discovered on these samples “weird, flexible sugars” that are able to form polymers. While she believes this discovery to be super interesting, she says it’s “...not necessarily direct evidence of more life elsewhere.” 

Dr. Pekarcik, who is now a former Zoology and Biology teacher at NQHS, and presently the acting coordinator of science for grades K-12 in the Coddington building tells me, “...the finding of glucose and ribose may affect the way scientists look for evidence of organic compounds in space.” She tells me how her research regarded more the realm of looking for single elements. “Understanding that larger molecules are 'out there' may help to modify or expand detection methods that may lead to broader discoveries,” says Dr. Pekarcik. She says that “Any news about discoveries in science always gives me hope....I never want our curiosity and exploratory nature to dwindle.” Dr. Pekarcik looks forward to what these discoveries mean for the future of molecular science.

Afterword:

For more information on the discovery, see below:

"Space gum" and sugars discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals - CBS News

Sugars, ‘Gum,’ Stardust Found in NASA's Asteroid Bennu Samples - NASA

Holiday Spending: Are Students Feeling Financial Pressure This Year?

By Kiara I

As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, there is high demand for gift-giving and participation in social events and activities, often while running on a budget. The majority of people participating in such activities are not only adults but also usually teenagers looking to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones. As many may know, most teenagers don’t have much money to spend and often rely on their parents/guardians or other family members for help daily. To explore how teens are feeling financially during this holiday season, I conducted a small survey by interviewing four classmates, Ana, Matthew, Johanna, and Maddie. I asked each person three main questions: Have you felt more pressure this year to spend on gifts or holiday events? Why or why not? How does holiday spending make you feel? And what strategies do you use to save money or manage money during the holidays? Ana and Matthew said that they don’t feel any pressure because they don’t have enough to spend on gifts. Whereas Johanna says she ends up finding a way to spend money on gifts, and Maddie says she feels pressure as she gets older. Matthew and Johanna also stated that holiday spending makes them feel broke, Ana doesn’t find holiday spending interesting, and Maddie finds the process of holiday shopping annoying overall. Lastly, Ana and Matthew concluded that they don’t have any formulated strategies for saving money or managing expenses during the holidays. Johanna takes advantage of Black Friday sales, and Maddie cuts down on whom she gets gifts for. Although this survey is limited in scope, it offers a preliminary look at teens' financial feelings during the holidays, highlighting the need for further research. 

Holiday Shopping: Online vs. In Person

By: Ana G

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers face a tough choice: scroll through online deals or go to crowded malls. While online shopping offers convenience and fast delivery, in-person shopping provides hands-on experience many still value. Some pros for shopping online include convenience, deals and price comparisons, and no crowds. Unfortunately there are cons when it comes to online shopping. When people buy Christmas gifts online, they can experience shipping delays, wrong sizes,  and overall lack of physical convenience. Pros for shopping in-person are actually seeing the items in person to see if you like it or not, and instant purchase. There are also cons for shopping in person, which includes waiting in long lines to check out, difficulty finding parking, and huge crowds. 

“I prefer to shop in person because you can really see what a thing is like instead of buying it blind, it’s also more fun to go out.” A student from NQHS shared. For some families, going shopping together in stores has become a tradition that adds meaning to the holiday season. 

“I prefer shopping online since it’s easier to find stuff I need and it’s faster when I don’t have the time or energy to go to an actual store.” Another student shared. 

Both online and in-person shopping come with their own challenges. Online shoppers can deal with shipping delays or incorrect orders, while in-person shoppers often face long lines and crowded spaces. As a result, many people choose to combine both methods, buying some gifts online and others in-person. As technology continues to shape how people shop, the debate between online and in-person holiday shopping is likely to continue. While convenience and efficiency make online shopping appealing, the experience and atmosphere of in-person shopping still hold a special place for many. The best choice depends on personal preferences, schedules, and what makes the holiday season feel most meaningful. 

Five Books to Read this Winter

By: Therese W

Below are a few suggestions to read in the coming winter months. I have included the title, a brief description (spoiling as little as I can), and the first few lines of each story. I hope you find one that sparks your interest.

I hope these books serve you well. May they provide comfort and a cozy world to cuddle up in, to escape to, to explore, and to dream in. If not, I'm sure there's another book out there for you — one you can find someday.

Mariah Carey, Boycotts, and Young Consumers Today:

“It’s tiiiiiiiiime!”

For five consecutive years, Mariah Carey’s yearly internet tradition of her defrosting has been uploaded. But this year, some netizens are less than pleased, citing the video as “insensitive in these times” and a mockery of the “corrupt capitalist system”. Corporations are starting to lose their audience of younger consumers this year.

The video’s plot goes as such: Mariah Carey starts her high note, but is interrupted by an elf stating that they were all going on strike and he was stealing her makeup products to pay for “elf therapy”, and saying that Christmas was “canceled”. Carey reacts indignantly by freezing the elf. 

The video, sponsored by the multinational cosmetics retailer Sephora, has sparked outrage in many people online. Many claim that it is a mockery of those who are boycotting companies and the capitalist system. In a survey conducted on thirty-two people ranging from ages 14-20, 46.9% of the participants stated that they had boycotted at least one company in the past year. The most mentioned corporations on the chopping block were Sephora, McDonalds, and Starbucks. When asked for a reason, most answered that they were boycotting in support of Palestine in the Palestine-Israel conflict or protesting their removal of DEI programs. 

Boycotts are not a new thing, however. There have been many successful boycotts in history, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott from December 5, 1955, to December 20, 1956, which ended segregation on buses.

In modern times, however, it seems that boycotts are less successful.

Christopher Wong Michaelson, a business ethics professor at NYU and the University of St. Thomas, states that “even when boycotts impacts a company’s bottom line, the effect is often temporary.” Mega corporations no longer prioritize catering to a specific demographic because everyone shops at them now; customers will come regardless of the removal of their policies. For every boycotter, there is always another consumer to fill the void. 

It all comes down to this one question: if this is useless, what can I do about this?

Boycotts are only successful if everyone does it. Spread awareness on boycotts and social issues. Financial instability is greater than ever, with 83% of the participants answering with a 3 or less on a scale from 1-5, so consumers should be more aware of what they purchase. Regardless of boycotts and a company’s political ideations, consumers should be aware of where they’re buying from; several participants of the survey have stated that they boycotted companies such as SHEIN and Amazon for the poor treatment of their workers. A certain responsibility falls upon younger consumers today, and while they do not have to uphold that, it is more important to do so now than ever.

By: Nico J