by Ashton Abram - Editor - October 10, 2023

DBQ, three letters that spark fear in the heart of any student taking an AP history class. I know I'm not alone in saying that this practically hour-long essay writing section is probably the section I dread most. Well, to the immediate joy of students everywhere (and giving yet another L to the class of 2024), this reputation may be changing soon with the essay’s newly adjusted rubric. While the immediate reaction has been excitement, I think we all ought to look a bit deeper to see how much these changes will really make the test easier.

If you somehow haven't already heard, this September the College Board released an updated rubric for the document based question sections (DBQs for short). While the essay is still graded out of seven points, the bar for about half of them has been seriously lowered. Now, test takers only have to use four of the seven provided documents and include deeper analysis for two, a whole third less than the previously asked six and three respectively. As if that wasn't enough, the Board also added new ways to get the complexity point. Besides just having a *vibe* of nuance and understanding, now you can also get it for using all seven documents or including analysis of four.

The changes I’ve described have pretty immediately gotten people excited; afterall, easier points means better AP scores, right? Well, I think we should be taking this news with a grain of salt. The AP tests are pretty famously curved each year; harder tests are graded more leniently than easier ones. What this means for us is that while an easier DBQ sounds like a dream, this is the same easier DBQ everyone will be getting. If everyones getting better DBQ scores, then we’re really just in the same spot but with even more weight put on multiple choice and the (arguably harder) long essay question. At the end of the day, if these changes make writing the DBQ itself easier, you won't be hearing me complaining, but I’d caution anyone against getting too excited until we see how these changes actually work out in May.

by Rhea Saarang- Editor - October 10, 2023

The Class of 2024 seems to be exceptionally bad at spirit. Considering we have lost the homecoming cup for the past two years (to the seniors and then the freshmen), I would say that homecoming week isn’t really the proudest moment for us. The past couple of years, I just kind of chalked it up to teachers counting unfairly, but when you see people wearing every color BUT Eastview colors on color day…well maybe that’s the real problem. As the new senior class, we have a precedent to set, we have to demonstrate that we not only have the capability of NOT placing last, but we can actually win. As for now, we’ll see how things play out…

Homecoming week is officially over. The senior class pulled through! We finally didn’t place last, on the contrary, we actually won by a large margin; shoutout to Mrs. Newton for her efforts. When the week started, things were not looking up for the senior class. We started with only having 298 points and the freshmen were all the way in first with 600 some points. On Tuesday, we improved, but with a total of 640 points, we were still in last place. Then on Wednesday, something miraculous happened. Mrs. Newton donated 30 books to the book buggy, which greatly contributed to us skyrocketing to first place. On Thursday, after hearing the rumors that the seniors were in first because of book donations, the donations started pouring in across all grade levels. Not only was every grade competing for first place, but we were donating to a great cause. Seniors were bringing anywhere from six (which was my personal contribution), to fifty books. Not only did that help, but at the pepfest Ms. Sagmoen ended up winning rock, paper, scissors for the senior class as well! With these total efforts, the seniors finally won the homecoming cup with 6,773 points.

Clearly, the seniors were able to prove that they have spirit, the real question is, who will win it next year, will the class of 2025 pull through? Stay tuned to find out…

By Ella Lambert - Editor - March 21, 2023

The parking lot near the Apple Valley Water Park is infamous for its student-chosen name—the Loser Lot. For kids who don’t want to pay $120 per semester or $240 for a year to park in the West Parking Lot directly outside of Eastview High School, the Loser Lot is a completely free parking option. The downside? Picture that it's 7:00 a.m. on a -20° Minnesota morning, completely dark outside, and you have to trek from the Loser Lot all the way to Eastview. For some students, this is a dealbreaker. For other students, it’s not so bad.

As someone who parks in the Loser Lot every day to save money, I don’t think that it’s a big deal. In the warmer months, kids make paths through the soccer fields so that the walk is not as long. Also, the walk itself isn’t that long anyways—probably under ¼ of a mile and takes only 2-3 minutes. Senior Mahum Haque, who also parks in the Loser Lot, says that “it sometimes sucks to have to walk through rain or snow or cold but with the path, it's gotten a lot easier”. She also expressed that “sometimes I kind of enjoy walking to the Loser Lot in the fall and spring because it’s warm and sunny and a nice break after school”. Despite the weather sometimes being bad, many people don’t mind the walk in general.

There is also something to be said about the stigma surrounding the Loser Lot—over the years it has seemingly gained a reputation due to its name. I know I definitely thought it was a big deal going into high school to park in the Loser Lot, but it isn’t a big deal at all. Nobody cares where you park and Mahum even said that it “feels like there’s some solidarity between the Loser Lot kids”. If you’re looking to avoid paying for parking at Eastview, the Loser Lot is a perfectly good option.

by Claire Vanorny - Writer - February 5, 2023

It’s that time of year again. The time when freshmen, sophomores, and juniors register for what classes they will take the following school year. One of the many decisions students have to make at this time is whether they will register for on-level classes, or make the leap to honors/AP. This decision can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, especially because Eastview honor classes are known for their rigorous reputation. But are honors classes really more time-consuming than on-level?

         It’s no mystery that honors classes cover more material than on-level classes and move at a faster pace, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they have more homework. “I get more homework in my on-level classes,” said Ava Montanez. Eastview’s honors classes tend to assign less homework, and instead just imply that students should be studying and working on their own time. “In my on-level classes, I get more assigned homework, but in my honors-level classes I have to do more to prepare for that class,” said Hannah Sinkinson. Many times students who take honors-level classes are already interested in that subject and will continue to learn about the subject, even without assigned homework. But even with this rigor in honors classes, they often end up spending more time completing actual assignments with their on-level classes.

          As you’re thinking about what classes you want to take next year, maybe take into consideration that honors doesn't always mean more homework. It’s like Lily Tomlin said, “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.”

by Ella Lambert - Editor - January 18th, 2023

It is not news to many people that junior year is known as the hardest year of high school. With many kids taking honors, AP, PSEO, or other rigorous classes alongside standardized testing to prepare for college, eleventh grade is quite the workload. Lots of Eastview students also have jobs or extracurriculars that diminish their free time even further. It is a tricky balance for kids to maintain their grades and responsibilities while also taking time for social activities and alone time. 

With that being said, how hard can junior year of high school really be? Several eleventh grade students from Eastview had varying opinions on how the year has treated them so far through the first two quarters.

Even though junior year is supposedly the hardest year, not every student thinks it is too bad so far. Eleventh grader Cecilia Lees says that “I was incredibly nervous going in and taking all APs and honors, but it’s not nearly as bad as expected”. She went on to express that the course load feels manageable and not too far off from sophomore year. Junior Connor Barry expressed, “I’ve found study habits that are much better than last year and I’ve actually done less work overall”. For students that manage their time well and have a good work ethic, it is evident that junior year is feasible. 

However, even for kids with the best time management skills and motivation, junior year can be difficult. Eleventh grader Lucy Warren said that even though she was expecting the workload, “I still definitely needed some time to get into the routine of things…I just think people put a lot of pressure on junior year”. The pressure is all too real as many upperclassmen are preparing to go to college. Testing, maintaining a GPA, and participating in activities are all incredibly important to that big decision that will determine the next four years for many students. 

So that begs the question—how hard can junior year be? There is no concrete answer. However, the stigma surrounding junior year being the hardest year can certainly be intimidating for underclassmen. As long as you take classes seriously and manage your time wisely, it is definitely manageable and worth the effort. These 9 months will seem incredibly short in the grand scheme of things and are not worth worrying too much about before going into it.

by Morgan Brown - Staff Writer - January 8th, 2023

Winter break this year was shorter than it typically is. The way the holidays fell during the calendar year made it difficult to have a long break, in addition to the many Fridays off this year for staff development days. It’s important that we reach the yearly quota for days in school. It is difficult to have a long break because the school district is attempting to accommodate the holidays while also leaving flexibility for snow days. The schedule has to fit together like a puzzle, and the calendar year can make this difficult. Unfortunately, this leaves students with less time to rest and spend time with family and friends. 

Some students thought the break was too short. Sophomore Evie Swenson and junior Emily Percival say that their break felt too short because of the rush of the holidays and traveling to see family. This led to a lack of relaxation time and the break feeling like it was cut short. Students didn’t have time to fully relax or recharge before school started in full swing again. 

Some students feel like they would’ve benefitted from a longer break and would rather sacrifice the Fridays we have off. Evie Swenson says that she would rather have fewer Fridays off throughout the year to have a longer break. On the other hand, Emily Percival says that she prefers the days off to be spread out and have a slightly shorter break. So there is no “right answer” when it comes to how we should distribute days off.

Having a shorter break can also affect the quality of the break. Evie says the quality of her break was not affected by the length. She had enough time to relax and hang out with friends. On the other hand, Emily says that her break felt too short with the holidays followed almost immediately by travel. Whether the travel is for sports, family, or a vacation, it can limit a student’s ability to recharge and be ready for the next long stretch of school. 

Overall, students felt that the break was too short, and they would have benefitted from a lengthier break. It would’ve given them more time to spend quality time with their families and friends as well as relax and relieve stress. Although the school district tries to do what is best for everyone, it is hard to please everyone and many students end up unhappy about the schedule for the year and abnormally short breaks. 

by Rhea Saarang - Editor - October 10th, 2022

To most of us now, we have learned of the passing of the Queen of England (on September 8th, 2022). However, the big question looming around her unexpected passing is ‘why should we care?’ 

       The day of her death, and the many days that followed included hundreds of newspapers being written, stories being broadcasted on television, and many people coming together in England to mourn her. Shows like ABC, CBS, and NBC all interrupted their regular news to talk about Queen Elizabeth, and air King Charles’ first words as king. However, none of these shows broadcasted Joe Biden’s prime time speech the previous week, where he denounced the threats of Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans.

       Why do we care more about other countries’ leaders dying, when we aren’t listening to the news impacting us? The headline “The world’s queen dies” was published under many newspapers, yet with England’s history of colonialism, imperialism, and bloodshed, all over the world, calling Elizabeth the “world’s queen” seems alarming. Even more so when she has condoned evil and benefited from it as well.

       However, a lot of us have seen her as a symbol of feminism, especially because a lot of us haven’t known anything other than “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”. However, different people around the world have seen her very differently. Africans see her as a racist, Indians see her as a thief, but the English see her as a figurehead, for all to be in awe of. 

       Long story short, should we care? I guess the answer is derived from where you come from, and what your cultural background looks like. However you feel about the Queen’s passing is your opinion, and there is no “right” answer.

Greta Riedl • Staff Editor • February 13, 2022

The day of love - a celebration of Saint Valentine, as well as romance around the world. While some appreciate the holiday of love and enjoy the overflow of roses, teddy bears, and overpriced dinners, many others disagree. In a poll conducted of Eastview students’ opinions on Valentine's Day, 61% said they weren’t fans. How has Valentine’s Day blossomed over the years, and why is it loved by some and hated by others?

The holiday began in the fifth century, although the reason is debated by historians. Some believe it was originally a pagan fertility festival, while others believe it commemorates Saint Valentine’s death. It wasn’t until the 1300s that February 14th became about love. The widespread belief in France and England that birds started their mating season on February 14 took off and became what we celebrate today with lots of pink and red hearts. 

Valentine’s Day is the biggest holiday for card exchanges after Christmas, with over 145 million cards being sent each year (not including in classrooms)! Not only do we exchange millions of cards, but we also spend BILLIONS on gifts. According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans spent over 20 billion dollars on gifts for Valentine’s Day in 2019. Companies certainly use the love-filled holiday to their advantage, with prices for almost everything increasing a significant amount during the week of the 14th. In a study conducted by IPSOS Flower Tracking Study, 30% of flower sales for the entire year are completed on Valentine’s Day. The common gift of a rose bouquet has only become more expensive.

Why do some people love Valentine’s Day more than others? First and foremost, it is a day to show appreciation for your loved ones. While largely commercialized around romantic relationships, the day is also for celebrating relationships with friends and family. It can provide a light at the end of a dark, wintry tunnel, especially during long Minnesota winters. Despite these positives, I cannot bring myself to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Why not show appreciation for your loved ones every day? I’d much rather my friends tell me they appreciate me on a random Tuesday than a day where it feels forced and expected. I’ve never been a particularly sentimental person, and I’m not a fan of the excessive PDA come February. While I see Valentine’s Day as an overcommercialized Hallmark holiday mainly for companies’ profit, there’s one thing I do love about it: everything becoming available in the color pink.

Greta Riedl • Staff Editor • December 20, 2021

Along with the world’s massive changes over the last 18 months, Eastview High school has made some changes of its own. One of these changes has been particularly controversial among Eastview students.

Advisory- the thirty minutes every Wednesday where “housekeeping” material is taken care of. While some students love being able to watch The Flash and sit on their phones or get some extra homework done, others feel as though this new addition to the 2021-2022 school year throws off their entire day. Braden Marks, senior at Eastview, says, “I like advisory because of the extra time to relax and catch up with what’s happening at Eastview with The Flash”. In addition to this statement, three other students mentioned their enjoyment of The Flash. However, do we need a separate “class” simply for watching the show? Seniors Betsy Bjerke and Alex Vincent don’t think so: “I feel we could watch The Flash with the extra time during 5th period like we used to do”. After asking students of various grades their opinions on advisory, there were many common themes, the main one being The Flash. Students at Eastview love to stay updated on cool things happening around the community, especially when familiar faces are the ones to share them. 

Despite the love of Eastview’s news show, students are unsure of the usefulness of advisory’s content. While each teacher may cover the information at a different depth, and the information is different for each grade level and their needs, there was a common theme among students I interviewed: it doesn’t help. Leif Gloege Torp, senior, says,“I feel advisory is a good concept but I think it’s 10 minutes too long. For seniors, when we already know most of the stuff they’re teaching us, it’s just 30 minutes of sitting bored on my phone when I could be in class”. The seniors aren’t the only ones feeling this way, “I do not see its purpose. The lessons don’t actually relate to anything about us,” says Kaleigh Egan, sophomore. 

The last concept students mentioned when giving their opinions was the effect it had on the school day. With such a structured everyday schedule, the six minute change in class periods can play a large role in how long a day feels. Unlike the other topics, which had fairly similar responses, this one was split. Jami Burr, sophomore, says, “I like how it shortens the rest of my classes and watching The Flash is interesting, but we don’t really learn anything important and also throws off learning time”. On the other side, Betsy Bjerke (mentioned above), states, “I like having full hour classes. I personally feel like time is wasted in advisory because I just sit on my phone. Sometimes classes feel rushed even just having about 5 minutes off”. 

In conclusion, Eastview students are fairly split when it comes to opinions on advisory. This is a conversation that has been happening since its introduction, and I’m sure it will continue for a while - not everyone can get their way. One thing is for sure, though: students love having a break during the day to watch The Flash!

Abbie Smith • Staff Writer • December 20, 2021

How many times in the past week have you gone to bed later than 10:30? I score about 8 out of the last 7 days, as I’m sure most everybody does. Managing homework is something really important but also really hard. So, how can you take control of your workload? Is it even possible to get ahead of it before it absolutely decimates you? If you’ve been around Eastview for a little while, you’re probably very familiar with the copy and paste responses to this question: do your homework as soon as it is assigned; makes a list and prioritize if you get behind; don’t be a perfectionist on everything; pUt YoUr PhOnE aWaY; and many, many more. All of these are great answers and have a lot of credible studies that thoroughly back them up, but even though we hear the solutions and understand the studies, we are all still drowning. I follow zero of the solutions previously mentioned. If I am going to do homework, I generally just do the homework I want to do and then power through the homework I have to do. I also prefer to balance my stress out by regulating the time at which I start to go to bed, which is between 10:30 and 11. 

I believe what everyone is trying to answer with our solutions is not the question of “How do we manage our extreme homework load?” but instead the question of “How can you be motivated to tackle your homework?” With the copy and paste answers, like putting your phone away and stopping procrastination, the motivator is the pride of accomplishment or the reduced stress levels, or maybe something else for you. I try to motivate myself by productively procrastinating (i.e doing the homework that’s not due for two weeks so I don’t have to study for the test tomorrow). I’m also very motivated by the thought of getting just another half hour of sleep. While it is a great first step to follow the generic solutions of prioritizing, creating a studying environment, etc, I would encourage you to find something that motivates you and work towards that. In the words of Lou Holtz, “It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.” This month, I encourage you to stop carrying your load only motivated by the stress of the deadline but carry it with confidence. 

Anushka Chaudhari • Editor-in-Chief • December 20, 2021

At the start of this quarter, the Eastview administration implemented a new lunch schedule. The new schedule consists of 3 different lunches, named A, B, and C. Each lunch lasts 30 minutes and students are dismissed before the next group comes to eat lunch. This allows teachers to clean tables in between lunches. The older schedule also had 30-minute lunch blocks. However, the students in C lunch would be dismissed while students in B lunch were still eating. The new lunch schedule has created a lot of controversy among the Eastview population. We’re going to explore what students think on both sides. 

The majority of the students at Eastview do not like the new schedule. The more people I interviewed, the more I realized that most students believe that the new lunch schedule is not efficient for a few reasons. The first reason is that the school is putting more unmasked students into a cramped area. Because 5th period was reduced from four to three lunches, there are now a lot of students spread across the three lunches. Students are complaining that lunches are crowded, with 10-12 people at a table rather than the normal 6-8. Second, one of the proposed benefits of the new lunch schedule was that teachers would have time to wipe down tables. This notion was widely supported by students; however, the teachers have not been wiping down tables between lunches. Tables have still been dirty, and students have had to clean them in between. Third, students can’t visit with friends in the lunches before and after theirs. The past lunch schedule has allowed students to converse with each other, asking questions about math homework, English assignments, and just catching up. However, the new lunch is much quieter. Lastly, the new lunch schedule permits students to be eating for a very long time. Traditionally, students have had 20 minutes to finish lunch. However, there are now an extra ten minutes for students to eat. I have heard many complaints that there is not much to do for ten minutes after you are finished eating. 

While they are a minority, there are a few people who believe the new lunch schedule is the better option. First, there is the possibility that the tables are cleaned before and after each lunch. While it does not happen every day, there are a few days where the tables are clean, which is nice for students who normally have to eat on a dirty table. Second, students don’t have to congregate into tiny spaces as one lunch mixes with the other. There is a sense of specificity to the new lunch schedule. The last advantage is that students have more time to eat and enjoy their food. Many students have complained in the past that there is not enough time to eat at school, as we’ve been repeatedly given 20 minutes to finish a sandwich, fruit, and a few snacks. For those who like to socialize and enjoy their food, this may not be an ideal amount of time to finish food. 

Overall, we see that this new lunch schedule has some benefits and some disadvantages. Many of the students that I have talked to said they prefer the old lunch schedule to the new one. However, according to the Eastview administration’s email, sent after the first day the new lunch schedule was implemented, the lunch went smoothly. This means it is highly likely that we won’t see a change in the lunch schedule.

How many times in the past week have you gone to bed later than 10:30? I score about 8 out of the last 7 days, as I’m sure most everybody does. Managing homework is something really important but also really hard. So, how can you take control of your workload? Is it even possible to get ahead of it before it absolutely decimates you? If you’ve been around Eastview for a little while, you’re probably very familiar with the copy and paste responses to this question: do your homework as soon as it is assigned; makes a list and prioritize if you get behind; don’t be a perfectionist on everything; pUt YoUr PhOnE aWaY; and many, many more. All of these are great answers and have a lot of credible studies that thoroughly back them up, but even though we hear the solutions and understand the studies, we are all still drowning. I follow zero of the solutions previously mentioned. If I am going to do homework, I generally just do the homework I want to do and then power through the homework I have to do. I also prefer to balance my stress out by regulating the time at which I start to go to bed, which is between 10:30 and 11. 

I believe what everyone is trying to answer with our solutions is not the question of “How do we manage our extreme homework load?” but instead the question of “How can you be motivated to tackle your homework?” With the copy and paste answers, like putting your phone away and stopping procrastination, the motivator is the pride of accomplishment or the reduced stress levels, or maybe something else for you. I try to motivate myself by productively procrastinating (i.e doing the homework that’s not due for two weeks so I don’t have to study for the test tomorrow). I’m also very motivated by the thought of getting just another half hour of sleep. While it is a great first step to follow the generic solutions of prioritizing, creating a studying environment, etc, I would encourage you to find something that motivates you and work towards that. In the words of Lou Holtz, “It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.” This month, I encourage you to stop carrying your load only motivated by the stress of the deadline but carry it with confidence. 

Thor Reimann • Co-Editor in Chief • 17 January 2021

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that I have celebrated most years in the style of Harry Potter. When all the gushy posts start flooding onto my social feeds, I think back to Daniel Radcliffe’s daily routine whilst living with the Dudleys:

I'll be in my bedroom making no noise and pretend that I don't exist.

Yeah, I’m pretty lonely.

But this year, this year, I thought, I could grab a V-day date. Because this year is different -- I’m 18, which means I had another trick up my sleeve to secure a Valentine: dating apps.

In December, I shamelessly stayed up until midnight on the night before my birthday, downloading Tinder as my first official act as a legal adult. I was convinced that as a gay dude, Tinder was my path to a quintessential high school relationship. After all, dating app usage is more prevalent among LGB couples than heterosexual ones. I thought that I would finally find the Prince Charming that I had pined for since... it’s been a long time, to say the least.

My midnight Tinder download soon turned into an hour of screen sharing on Zoom and getting my friend’s input on who to swipe right and left on. Who I would be most compatible with. Who would compliment my personality. Who would become my Prince Charming *heart eyes*.

Now, before you comment, I am aware. I have zero dignity. But look, I’m lonely.

After weeks of intermittent swiping, I finally found someone who I vibed with in mid-January. We snapped and ended up culminating our virtual rapport in a walk around Lake Nokomis. And I, ever the overthinker, started to think ahead -- to Valentine’s Day. I became hopelessly optimistic that for the first time, I would be comforted on V-Day not by pizza, Netflix, and Taylor Swift anthems, but by someone I deeply cared about. 

It didn’t work out. After our third date, sadly knowing that we weren’t a good fit for each other, I ended things –– just two weeks before Valentine’s Day. 

It made me realize though. Although the dating game may be different for LGB teens, although dating is inherently harder during a global pandemic, and although I may be lonely on Valentine’s Day, wishing a relationship into fruition is never going to work. 

We all know social media is toxic, and that same veneer of perfection carries over into dating apps. We become enamored with a Tinder profile, and unlike developing feelings for someone we already know, we fall for someone without seeing the whole picture, without us knowing their shortcomings, without them knowing ours. 

While I am grateful for my Tinder boy (this being my first thing, I truly learned a lot) I have come to realize that dating apps, while an endearing idea, are dangerous platforms to look for something serious on. You are disadvantaged from the start, like trying to put together a puzzle with only half the pieces.

This Valentine’s Day, I was left to my usual sit in my bedroom routine. But strangely, I didn’t find myself pining for some whirlwind, TSwift, high school romance. I don’t think those exist. And I’m ok with that. My three dates taught me that for all the positives, maintaining a healthy relationship is hard, and with life being as unpredictable as it is at the moment, I realized that frankly, I couldn’t give what I would need to.

Now, when I go to college in Boston in the fall, Tinder will likely make a reappearance on my phone. I’m not going to pretend it won’t. But at least I will have more knowledge on what to really expect. Tinder can be fun, but likely won’t give me a Valentine. 

But I’m getting ahead of myself. This is high school. Most of y’all aren’t even old enough for Tinder yet. Take it from me though: when you turn 18, don’t download Tinder right away. Keep your dignity. Then at least one of us will have it. 

Thor Reimann • Co-Editor in Chief • 17 January 2021

As we approach one year of social distancing this March, I find myself increasingly nostalgic -- but not for pre-coronavirus days. I miss the early quarantine of 2020.

Now, the economic uncertainty, the loneliness, the fear of what was to come next during these unprecedented times? I don’t miss that. But what I do miss is a certain sense of adventure. 

My first reaction to learning that we were going to be distant for a while in April of 2020 was one of elation. It was the third quarter of my junior year, and I was running on fumes; speech was intense, school was intense, and I felt like I had no time to do anything on my own. I remember thinking (more than once) that I was going to be screwed in college, because all my free time was dominated by extracurricular activities (all of which I loved) that wouldn’t be replicated in college. I found myself thinking “I don’t know what I like to do in my spare time. Because I don’t have any.”

So, when school got put on the big pause, I, like many others, decided to explore some potential passions. Trying everything from yoga (which I still enjoy today) to making my own bread (not for me), I felt like I was finally getting a good handle on how I would spend my free time once I left the fantasy bubble of high school. I was missing my friends, but I was doing well on my own -- reading for pleasure again, spending quality time with my siblings who got sent home from college. I was almost having fun.

Contrast that to today. Every time I zoom call my friends, we lament about the woes of our entire senior year being snagged from us (not that it is a competition, but at least the Class of ’20 had normalcy until March... but then again, they aren’t getting a freshman year of college) and our unprecedented lack of motivation. There’s no peaceful mornings of musing what to do for the day, the longevity of quarantine has robbed us all of our creativity and our zest.

It’s kind of really sad. My days are no longer marked by joyous exploration of undiscovered passions, but rather with a mournful loop of zoom meetings. It is for this reason that I miss 2020. Early quarantine taught me so much about who I am and what I love, a solitary moment of self-growth and discovery that has long been obscured by the pains of extended isolation. 

Let’s bring it back, or rather, start to get excited again. Do something new, bake a recipe, do something fun with your parents and siblings. Let’s bring back the magical excitement of early quarantine. And then before we know it, we will be out of it altogether.

Anushka Chaudhari • Editor • January 17th, 2020

We presently face dangers and opportunities that impact upcoming generations of District 196 elementary, middle, and high school students. Our ability to participate in some unique K-12 learning opportunities may be  disappearing.

A Working Group on Finance, composed of several Minnesota Senators, Representatives, district superintendents and other influential people, may propose to the Minnesota Legislature some measures that may decrease state funding for some advanced educational programming in District 196 and across Minnesota. Currently, state government rules provide firm mandates for funding many K-12 student services. Advanced programs, for AP, gifted education, Young Scholars, and many other creative critical, and other advanced thinking offerings, is not protected as firmly, however. The Working Group has ideas to weaken this requirement, which will threaten elementary, middle, and high school opportunities, both in our district and around the state. 

The Legislative Working Group is specifically considering legislation that suggests that individual districts do not have to provide students, as they do now, with advanced programming. Presently, only about 35% of school districts appear to use their state-allocated money for high-level programs. Some other school districts seem to utilize this money for student services other than advanced instruction. Advanced educational programs at all levels may start to disappear if districts are not required to use the state-provided $13 per pupil.. 

            Some Dakota County and other residents are members of a non-profit group, Innovate Instruction, Ignite Learning! (IIIL!)  This group is striving to strengthen the currently largely-unenforced state requirement that advanced programming dollars go to support programming for advanced students. Further, this non-profit advocates that ALL students should be provided advanced thinking skills in their education, including creative, critical, collaborative, inquiry-based, and problem-centered thinking competencies. The nonprofit board’s former professors, teachers, parents, school board members, and students are proposing a very different path that broadly requires these skills — a bill that mandates advanced instruction for all youth and provides greatly increased state funding so that this instruction can happen.

This bill (similar to last year’s widely supported, attached Senate File 4256) will identify all youths’ strengths early in their elementary careers, will train teachers to work with those strengths, and will triple funding for advanced thinking instruction for all Minnesota students.

Innovate Instruction, Ignite Learning meets with Minnesota Senators and Representatives and other civic leaders, furthering the support of teaching advanced  thinking. It also promotes advocacy from students from different Minnesota high schools in support of the bill. It advocates especially for advanced thinking skills instruction for ALL students, including those not chosen for Gifted and Talented or Young Scholars programs, who too often include youth from underrepresented cultural, racial, income, and ability/disability groups.

            Some high school opportunities that may disappear in District 196 and elsewhere, if the present mandate is lifted, include AP and CIS courses and advanced counseling services. In elementary and middle school, students may lose access to exciting field trips, such as to Biztown and the Science Museum.  Opportunities for richly complex  academic competitions may soon disappear. Such programs have clearly contributed to the well-being of many EastView students today. They have increased our preparedness for high school, post-secondary education, and the workforce. 

            Please consider spreading the news to those peers, parents, and citizens  who may be interested in fighting for the cause of advanced education programming for all! Please also contact your local legislators in January to support this bill.  The statewide bill advocated by Innovate Instruction, Ignite Learning has been co-sponsored in the past by Apple Valley Senator Greg Clausen (Senate District 57), as well as by Representative Sandra Masin of Eagan (House District 51A).(Please see Senate File 4256.) 

Bill: 

http://wdoc.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/LS90/HF4384.0.pdf

Website: 

http://innovateinstructionignitelearning.com/

Thank you for your support! Please let me know, too, if you support these measures so that advocates can stay connected throughout this critical legislative session on this issue.

Anushka Chaudhari • Editor • January 7, 2021

Chaos and mayhem fill the streets of DC as Congress works to ensure President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory over the Electoral College. Trump, who lost the election, continues to falsely claim that he had won the election. He encouraged his supporters to attend his rallies. As a result, hundreds of Trump supporters breach the nation‘s capitol putting the lives of Senators, Representatives, and other government officials at risk. The situation is developing quickly, and has sparked outrage across the United States. 

Earlier in the morning, capitol hill was in the process of certifying Joe Biden as the president when they heard that there were protestors outside the building. They immediately shut down the process and took refuge in the area, waiting to see if the secret tunnels were safe to use. After breaching capitol hill, president-elect Biden went on national television to address the situation. He claims, “Threatening the safety of elected officials, it’s no protest. It's insurrection. The world's watching. Like so many other Americans, I am shocked and saddened that our nation, so long the beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment.” He calls for Trump to step up and address the protestors. Protestors were seen holding guns, flags, banners and more. In fact, two pipe bombs were found close to the building . The National Guard was activated to guard the capital and protect Congressional leaders as they tried to evacuate the building. Congressional leaders were moved to Fort McNair, an army base near the Capital. The Governor of D.C. called a curfew of 6 P.M. As the Governor of DC called a curfew, one Senator tweeted that the electoral ballots were saved before the rioters could get their hands on them. If the rioters had gotten to the ballots, the election would have become a further mess. Representative Ilhan Ohmer also tweets saying that she is calling for articles of impeachment against Trump. This ongoing story has jeopardized the liberal future many Americans were hopeful for. 

Many world leaders have taken to Twitter to  respond to these events. Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, responds by tweeting “I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America's democracy. The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.” Member of Parliament, David Sassoli says something similar, “Deeply concerning scenes from the US Capitol tonight. Democratic votes must be respected. We are certain the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected.” World leaders are confident that American will grow from this point under the Joe Biden and Kamala Harris campaign. However, there have been reports of smaller riots in Salem, Oregon; Atlanta, Denver, and Topeka. In Oregon, the government cut the speakers to play Trump’s twitter message. However, instead of discouraging them, one protestor leader claimed that “they were only getting started.” The responses all over the world are mixed. It poses the question, can the United States ever reach peace? 

“I am disappointed in how they handled the situation in D.C.'' an Eastview student says. “The government didn’t do anything and the police didn’t do anything. Even as the curfew hit, protestors were still gathered around and the police didn’t enforce anything.” Many Americans took to social media to stress the different treatments of protestors during January 6th, 2021, and the black lives matter protests. “Over the summer, during the Black Lives Matter protests,  as soon as the curfew hit, there was tear gas and there were rubber bullets everywhere. It highlights the double standard of the white privilege. These events just show there hasn’t been enough change since the Black Lives Matter protests. There were lives of important government officials at risk. Hopefully, there will be consequences for those rioters. But, so far, from what I see, there haven’t been consequences, when we had seen dangerous consequences for the Black Lives Matter protests.” 

Our worldwide image has continued to deteriorate after these protests. America is very unstable, and other countries notice it. “I am confident that we can regain peace with allies,” the Eastview student continues,  “I am not so confident about the effects we will see with our enemies. Hopefully, we regain those relationships. These events could have severe negative effects because it showed the US is a poor country. But after Biden spoke today, it made me feel like we had hope for America. He put the focus on how America is much better than what was demonstrated today. His speech was beneficial on a worldwide scale because what happened today made us look like fools.” 

Alli Hering • Editor• January 17, 2021

The global fashion industry is valued at over 2 trillion dollars worldwide, and its influence and power can be seen in every nation in the world. From necessities to luxury, clothing and shoe stores rely on a constant stream of consumers to keep their businesses open. Unlike other industries, such as the technology industry, where only a few large competitors have control over the market, in the fashion industry millions of firms are all trying to compete for consumers' attention.  In economic terms, it's a perfectly competitive market, which means all companies try to set similar prices. It makes perfect sense from a competition standpoint, if a t-shirt costs $8 at H&M and $15 at Macy's a consumer would always choose the cheaper option  in H&M, which would eventually put Macy’s out of business if they didn’t lower their prices. Of course, some retailers sell a very specific and unique product that allows them to raise prices, Lululemon, for instance, can sell its leggings for $90 without worry of being snubbed by consumers because only their company can put a lululemon logo on leggings and consumers want to be able to show off that logo. For companies that havent found a niche market however, they compete with lower prices by using the practice of fast fashion. 

Fast fashion is taking popular items from the runway that are created by big name designers, and producing them in a cheap and low quality way for the masses to buy. It’s a smart business model for many companies because they can produce clothing that everyone wants to buy, so their sales are maintained, but the clothes are cheap to make because they only have to last a season or so before the next runway trend hits stores. Many consumers also enjoy the convenience of the fast fashion industry. They can get their favorite styles and designs without breaking the bank, and are able to constantly update their wardrobe. Unfortunately the fast fashion industry has some major consequences, specifically, its environmental impact.

The thrill of getting to buy a whole new closet every season is surely a plus for many fashion obsessed consumers, but it also means that people are constantly discarding clothes that are no longer in style. The World Bank released a series of stats that show just how large the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry really is. Of the total fiber input used for clothing, 87 % is incinerated or disposed of in a landfill, and every year a half a million tons of plastic microfibers are dumped into the ocean, the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles. Unfortunately the environmental damages don't stop there, the fashion industry also is constantly producing more clothes, leading to the use of around 20 % of wastewater worldwide for fabric dyeing and treatment, and 10% of all global fossil fuel emissions coming from companies factories and warehouses. As society becomes more aware of the impact that the fast fashion industry has on our environment consumers are responding by thrifting, buying and selling used clothing, investing in small capsule wardrobes, and only buying from eco-friendly brands. Unfortunately, accessibility remains a problem for many consumers. Thrifting or buying and reselling used clothes can be inexpensive, but also requires a lot of time and dedication, so many consumers end up reverting back to fast fashion pieces they can buy quickly. Investing in a small capsule wardrobe works for some consumers, but many find the limited amount of clothing to be insufficient for a multi climate lifestyle, once again leading people back to fast fashion. Eco friendly brands are becoming more popular, but many of them have hefty prices tags attached to basic items such as t-shirts and jeans because they have to make up revenue lost from forgoing cheap production methods. 

This double edged sword seems to be the dilemma of the fast fashion industry. How can consumers be environmentally conscious while being on a budget (monetary or time wise)? Some have suggested that fast fashion might just be a necessary evil, something that consumers have to buy into, and find ways in other parts of their life to protect the environment. Luckily, this is not the only answer. The more people that start to thrift, or buy fewer but higher quality pieces the more the market for that section of the industry will expand. Spreading awareness of the carbon footprint of the fashion industry as well as the waste it creates through social media or world of mouth can help steer consumers in the right direction. Governments can subsidize eco friendly companies and tax or divest from fast fashion brands and stores. Of course the fashion industry can also do its part by normalizing outfit repeats, and saving shirts and pants year to year instead of always buying new items. It's an ongoing battle to defeat fast fashion, but it's also a necessary action our society needs to take.

Thor Reimann • Co-Editor in Chief  •16 November 2020

In my first SPARK period, our teacher started off by having us do a name game. It was a nice idea -- we could get to know our classmates, and establish ourselves as a small little community. The only problem? As a group of seniors, we already knew each other’s names very well. The activity took a total of two minutes, and a few more of awkward silence.

Every one of my SPARK periods has followed a similar pattern. Well-intended activities fall deaf upon the tired and weathered ears of seniors. With SPARK taking up a total of 90 minutes a week in the distance model, it’s vital that we find a better way to use this precious time. Don’t get me wrong. I love the SPARK period. It is a great time to check in with my teacher, and to take a break from the heady materials of school. I just think we can be using it more effectively. My proposal? Have each grade do a different activity.

For freshmen, honestly, I suggest they keep doing what they are doing. The freshman experience is vastly different this year (see Eastview News “We’ve All Been There”) and it probably requires a bit more hand holding than normal. Time devoted to learning names and seeing what activities Eastview has is probably a good use of their time. In COVID-19 it is hard to try new things, and I think the freshmen could use all the exposure to our offerings as they can get.

As for sophomores, I would prescribe lots of leadership, Top 20 Teens, Tom Cody content. I mean we all could use some. However, I think sophomore year is an especially good year to tackle it, because sophomore year, honestly, is the weirdest year of high school. You start to get a taste of what it's like to be an upperclassman, but you don’t have the pressure. So, sophomore year is the perfect time to really hone in on personal qualities before the crap hits the fan as a junior. And I’m not talking just a ten minute inspirational video. I think there should be more engaging activities, the likes of LTLC content -- discussions, mission statement crafting, etc. We could always use more student leadership at Eastview, and there’s no better place to cultivate that than sophomore year.

For the juniors, my plan would be to really start the college (or other post-graduation plans) conversation. Have mini-discussions every week about what excites you about the future, what you can see yourself doing, and make a plan. Plan out ACT test dates, start looking into scholarship opportunities, and maybe even take a virtual tour. To many Eastview students, the college process can feel like an arbitrary selection of schools from the US News List. So, let’s use the time to really break down what you are looking for, and create a solid, diverse, list of schools, or start looking at military and workforce options for those who college doesn’t appeal to. I doubt my plan would take 90 minutes every week, but that’s by design. Juniors need some study halls.

And finally, SPARK for seniors. My idea? Prepare us for the world next year. Whether that be time to work on our CommonApp, or giving us a basic rundown on personal finance. We know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, but how many of us actually know what a W-2 form is? As a senior myself, I want time to be writing essays and brainstorming with peers, time to finalize my college applications, and time to relax. The class of 2020 had it bad losing their last quarter, but the Class of 2021, we aren’t getting any of our senior year. We just  want time to be able to breathe and work on the things that are stressing us out. 

Lately, it seems that SPARK has been getting more grade-specific. I mean, does anyone remember the register to vote slide for seniors? I loved it! However, I would urge that this specificity be taken a step further. Again, SPARK is a great time to really connect and be real for a moment. We are in unprecedented times, after all, and it is a great space to acknowledge that added hardship from the pandemic. I truly appreciate the fact that the administration thought to put in time for that. However, especially if some remnant of SPARK is to remain post-COVID, I think we can use the time more efficiently. Hopefully, by doing so, we can spark a little more enthusiasm for SPARK.

Vikash Giritharan • Editor • November 11, 2020

    On Thursday, November 12th, Eastview students will transition to full time distance learning. And while some students are excited for a more comprehensive lesson plan after leaving the hybrid model, others seem overwhelmed with the new schedule. 

     It is no doubt that Zoom burnout is a real threat to our learning experience. After hours and hours of staring at a screen, learning can seem very demotivating for many students. As a result, when comparing the different options for students, the debate between asynchronous and synchronous learning is of most importance for the next month or so. For synchronous learning, live Zoom lessons are the most similar to our typical in-person experience. However, for asynchronous learning, Schoology videos allow students to learn at their own pace while staying at home. 

     To further explore which option is best for students, we can turn to our Eastview community to showcase different preferences. Senior Amanda Ta, a Digital Academy student, has an interesting take. “I’d probably choose Schoology videos. I can go to it on my own time, play back if I get confused, and teachers can make it more thorough rather than make it feel rushed under a 45 minute constraint.” In fact, this opinion is shared by Freshman Harini Vinod who claims “I would rather watch videos on Schoology or just read posted instructions on Google slides or docs because I can refer back to it and I always have access to it”. From these opinions, asynchronous learning seems advantageous to students at Eastview, but that may not always be the case.

      As a Digital Academy student, I used to prefer learning at my own pace and watch videos on my own. However over the course of time, my motivation for learning new lessons deteriorated. Zoom lessons may provide a different reality - I am no longer given a choice on whether or not to view the videos. Instead, I will be able to interact with teachers live and ask any questions that may not be answered in an asynchronous manner. Furthermore, Sophomore Tanisha Kota expands on this viewpoint by stating “I would rather have Zoom lessons because for difficult classes it’s easier to clarify questions and interact with the material. Also, it’s easy to get distracted when watching 1 hour videos.” This unfortunately is the reality for the other side of this debate, where asynchronous learning has not been the best learning experience.

     Through it all, determining whether or not this new schedule is better for learning is still up for discussion. While some students like learning at their own pace, others prefer the ability to ask questions and learn in the midst of rigorous material and coursework. Who knows, maybe we’ll all learn to adapt and find a way to learn in the midst of our already difficult school year. Let’s stay positive, Eastview! 

#EastviewTogether

Thomas Nelson • Staff Editor • October 30, 2020

As the presidential election scheduled for November 3 approaches, Americans are being faced with a choice that will undoubtedly have immense ramifications for many years to come, perhaps more so than any other election in living memory. This election will be especially significant for the many first-time voters who will finally have the opportunity to be represented in government, including some Eastview students who have recently turned 18. With that in mind, the Lightning Press is evaluating the major candidates in order to aid potential voters in making their choice. To me, the choice is clear: Joe Biden is the only candidate who will get the country out of the four crises we are simultaneously facing: the covid-19 pandemic, its associated economic recession, the widespread racial unrest and protests in our cities, and the looming threat of climate change. It is only once these problems have been handled that our country can continue to move forward and become global leaders once again.

Obviously, the most immediate threat facing our nation is covid-19, which continues to devastate the population, seeming to resurge whenever it is thought to be defeated. On September 4, NPR reported that a team of scientists projected that 1.9 million people would die of the virus between then and the end of the year, bringing the U.S.’s death toll to 410,000. That warning now seems incredibly prescient; case numbers have been increasing rapidly in the past few weeks, with the record number of daily cases being shattered on the weekend of October 24-25, and the number of deaths topping 225,000 as of October 26. This is clearly an ongoing issue, which means that no matter who the next president is, they will have to deal with it right away. Donald Trump, as the incumbent, has shown that he is totally inept at suppressing the virus’ spread, by refusing to address the seriousness of the pandemic until it had already started spreading out of control in the United States, and by promoting supposed “treatments” that had no scientific evidence to back up their effectiveness. On a more pragmatic level, he has done nothing to coordinate an effective national response, instead leaving state and local governments to determine their own standards, which has left many areas much more hard-hit than others. A strong leader should set out guidelines and make resources available at the federal level so that people have the same opportunity to remain safe, regardless of where they live. This is exactly what Joe Biden would do as president: his plan entails a national mask mandate and ensuring that tests are widely and freely available. In the end, the difference between Biden and Trump is that Biden would rely on actual strategy to combat the virus, rather than merely hoping that a vaccine will appear and cause the virus to fade out of sight. His decisions would be based on the advice of a specially created council of health experts, as opposed to Donald Trump, who takes his cues from quacks who promote disproven remedies while criticizing the nation’s top scientists on national television.

Along with covid-19, a wave of economic trouble has ravaged the United States, as it has in most other countries as well. Despite President Trump’s talk of imminent recovery, the truth is that the nation’s unemployment rate is still 7.9%, which is over twice as high as the pre-pandemic rate. The International Monetary Fund’s latest predictions show that America’s total economic output is set to shrink by 4.3% this year compared to 2019, a drop the likes of which have not been seen since the Great Depression. Economists are near unanimous in the belief that Congress needs to pass more fiscal stimulus in order for the economy to recover, something that President Trump has repeatedly failed to do. Despite a series of proposals by Democrats in the House of Representatives, Trump and his treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, have been unwilling to compromise for almost three full months. At the beginning of August, the unemployment benefits and loans offered by the previous stimulus package expired, and people reliant on the aid it provided have been left with no federal help whatsoever. With the unemployment rate still so high, and many of us personally knowing someone who has been financially impacted by the covid-19 recession, it is clear that a change in leadership is needed in order to help them get back on their feet. Joe Biden has indicated that he will not be afraid to do what is needed to rescue the U.S.’s economy, and in doing so, he wants to make it more fair and equitable for those who usually get the short end of the stick. It is clear that he will be able to work with Congress in order to get a stimulus bill passed as quickly as possible; after all, he aided in creating the stimulus that saved the economy in 2009, after the previous recession. This economic recovery will also be key to achieving his other goals: decreasing racial and income inequalities and combating climate change.

At the center of Joe Biden’s proposed $2 trillion in federal spending is infrastructure. The reason why this is so important is that infrastructure has fallen behind in the U.S. since the recession of 2008, compared to other developed countries, and the areas that have been struck the worst are often low-income or minority areas. As much as protest and advocacy by citizens are important in the wake of the controversy surrounding the death of George Floyd and the many other African Americans who have been the victims of police brutality and racism, significant change cannot occur until the federal government takes action. This starts by improving the educational and economic fortunes of minorities, who persistently lag behind white Americans in terms of household income. Biden’s economic plans would include opportunities for free college education for students from families under a certain income level, and the upgrading of health infrastructure in previously poorly-served areas. This spending will go a long way to ensure that, once our economy starts stabilizing, the benefits will spread evenly to all Americans, not just those who are already privileged by their income, their race or even just their location. Biden’s infrastructure plan is also green, meaning that its targets will be aimed specifically at reducing America’s carbon footprint. As climate change comes to be recognized as a serious threat by governments around the world, with China, the world’s biggest carbon emitter, pledging to become carbon-neutral by 2060, it is time for the United States to step up to the plate. The first step will be returning to the Paris Climate Agreement that President Trump abandoned, something that Joe Biden has pledged to do immediately upon becoming president should he be elected. Beyond that, his spending plan will direct federal subsidies towards renewable energy and encourage investment in new energy projects. These steps will be necessary if we want to avert the disastrous effects that climate change is already starting to thrust upon our nation, from the wildfires in California to hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. The other part of Biden’s program is rolling back the dangerous environmental policies that President Trump has enforced, which sacrifice unspoilt nature in favor of industry, opening up habitats for threatened wildlife to oil and gas drilling. Altogether, for anyone who recognizes the damage that is being done to our nation by climate change and destruction of the environment, a Joe Biden presidency is the only path forward that allows us to mitigate these impacts.

Even if none of these issues are particularly important to you, there is something to be said for the idea of respect and dignity in government. President Trump has embarrassed us in front of our allies by disrespecting hallowed institutions and fellow policymakers. He has degraded the office of the president by refusing to respect precedents and traditions. He has insulted many members of the armed forces who have served our country faithfully merely because they were captured or died in combat, when he himself has never set foot on a battlefield. He has changed the standards of conduct in government by committing blatant corrupt acts, using his office to influence foreign governments and personally profit from business ventures. All in all, his actions show that he only has the well-being of one person in mind: and that person is himself. All Americans should know that President Trump does not care whether they succeed or not, and that should be reason enough to vote for Joe Biden. Biden is a man who, despite his flaws, demonstrates every day his sympathy for the common people and his willingness to work for them. It is this desire that will motivate him, if he is elected president, to address our nation’s most pressing issues. For this reason, I encourage all eligible voters to vote for Joe Biden for president on or before November 3.

Izhan Qureishy • Staff Writer • October 30, 2020

In a recent poll by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, 62% of New Hampshire Democrats argued that they would rather “a giant meteor strikes the earth, extinguishing all human life” than President Donald Trump win re-election. Now that’s a mood! Orange man bad seems to be the fad these days, but is this how we should feel? Should we be in a constant state of inconsolable anger as “student activists” on Instagram seem to be? Is democracy dead? I don’t think so. The following are a couple of reasons that I, if dragged to the ballot box and forced to vote, would cast my ballot for The Donald (please don’t hurt me, I have a family). 

Let’s start with draining the swamp. It’s been a sweet four years since Trump first used this perfectly apt phrase to describe the most important aspect of the MAGA movement. How does one make America great again? Well, we can start by exposing establishment politicians and their crooked enablers: the media. As we approach the upcoming presidential election it’s paramount that we have all the facts and fully understand who the two main candidates for president really are. So why aren’t we getting a balanced picture? Obviously race has been a critical issue at the forefront of our minds recently, so let’s focus on that. When Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate and past adversary in the buildup to the primaries, correctly pointed out that he worked with segregationists- Democrats whose arrival to the Senate was literally celebrated by the KKK- to oppose integrating schools and the story didn’t even last a week I was genuinely disheartened. We’re talking about a presidential candidate in 2020 who has worked on racial policy and spoken highly of Bob Byrd: former senator (we’re all disappointed), vile racist (“African Americans are an inferior race”), and a real KKK recruiter ($3 for a hood) who convinced 150 buffoons to join the cause! That seems like a fairly relevant detail to add to the “national conversation” we’ve been having as of late. Evidently not. 

At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve simultaneously been fed the lie that Trump “has never condemned white supremacy” which couldn’t be further from the truth. He has denounced white supremacy and the like more times than any other president in American history. It’s not even close. Fact check me on that. This is just one example but it really does illustrate the trend that our sitting president has exposed for all to see. The liberal media covers for Democrats and lies about Republicans. Once my eyes were opened to this reality I couldn’t help but read more, and step by step narrative after narrative fell apart. 

Another uncomfortable issue that has forced me in the direction of The Donald is the clear and present danger the rise of intersectionality and critical race theory poses to our “mostly peaceful” society. As these ideas sink into the hearts and minds of our generation I have had no choice but to move further and further right. In the shadows lurking at the back of too many Gen Z’ers minds is the notion we need to break down and analyze every way in which different groups of people are oppressed and compensate for these injustices, whether real or perceived. It’s where our favorite catchphrases like “white privilege” and “male privilege”, and more recently “straight privilege”, are derived from. Why does this matter? Because these “truths” transform John into John (white) and Jill into Jill (black). It’s the sly trick that has never failed to create division among ordinary people. It’s the falsehood that has stoked perpetual racial strife. It’s the trash that judges you not by the content of your character but by the stereotypes dealt to you by fate. That’s not the America my parents envisioned when they immigrated here all those years ago, but it’s the America we’ll be left with if we continue on this path. 

A recent, immensely popular movement was successful in capitalizing on these genuinely terrifying ideas, but fortunately that too is fading back into the shadows as quickly as it emerged. To both minorities afraid of being placed in a box and the majority that’s afraid of being labelled something you’re not: Trump is your candidate. Biden has shown he is too weak to stand up to this threat. He embraces the far left and their radical ideas, while Trump has taken action to quash it. The decision has never been simpler. 

Ella Erdahl • Staff Writer • October 30, 2020

The founding fathers said it first: the two party system will be the death of America. Many Americans are extremely unhappy with both of this year’s presidential candidates. Whether they are moderate Republicans or far left Democrats, neither option seems ideal. The two-party system forces voters to select the next president based on party rather than policies, often resulting in a “lesser of two evils” scenario. 

Republican and Democrat can never perfectly categorize the views of such a socioeconomically diverse nation. Especially for progressive Democrats who are forced to compromise their ideologies in order to make political progress through the needed support of moderate voters, the two-party system is a burden. People will always be resistant to change, causing voters who have the privilege to not care about the outcome of the election to generally vote Republican—particularly when the candidate is further towards the middle than Donald Trump. Third-party candidates are often more relatable because they get to push their own policies instead of conforming to those of one of the two major political parties.

All that being said, the abolishment of the two party system is a long way down the road (if it ever happens). The best alternative would be installing a system of ranked-choice voting to ensure no vote “goes to waste”, but that seems almost as radical as abolishing the electoral college and is unlikely to happen any time soon. If you are of voting age, don’t give your vote to a third-party candidate, especially if that person is Kanye West. No matter what your political beliefs are, all a third-party ballot accomplishes is making winning the election for that lesser evil one vote more difficult.

Alli Hering • editor • November 14, 2020

Last spring due to Covid-19 many students never finished their classes curriculum. AP tests were cut short and final exams became a quiz or non existent. As this school year progresses we find that teachers are preparing for the worst, picking out essential points of the curriculum and abandoning the rest. As juniors look towards beginning their standardized testing and application process and seniors decide what schools they can still apply to, it's important to understand how our world is changing. The ACT was once a fairly popular (albeit dysfunctional) test for colleges to measure students academic success. Students have taken the ACT seriously for decades, as it frequently is a powerful influence on their chances of getting into the colleges of their choice. Today however, the shortcomings of the ACT have been exacerbated, and more schools than ever before have moved to a test optional admissions plan. Scott Jaschik reported for Inside: Higher Education, that a “new study finds that ending SAT and ACT requirements results in more applications and more diversity -- without any decline in graduation rates” proving that test optional policies could be the way of the future in the US. As someone who took the ACT multiple times and found myself prepping for it on weekends and school days alike, knowing now that all that stress could have been avoided is frustrating. Current students looking to apply to test optional schools should devalue the ACT in their list of priorities and instead focus on what the ACT is unable to display, their leadership, academic mindset, and finding a clear direction for their future. 

The time students spend studying for the ACT has decreased the time that they could be using to build leadership skills and participate in extracurriculars. Where at one time students could cram in an ACT study session and then quickly jump into a carpool and make it to their volunteering at the library, the pandemic has forced students to pick and choose. ACT prep becomes a direct tradeoff with volunteer work, or having the time for a leadership position in their extracurricular. The problem is that test optional schools have already indicated that the ACT holds less weight than other parts of the application. Eric Hoover writes for the Nautilus that, “admissions officers today can draw on a wealth of research describing soft skills...the ability to sustain interest in and effort toward long-term goals, predicts success over and beyond conventional measures of talent, such as standardized test scores. Many admissions offices use personal essays, interviews, lists of extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation to get a holistic view of applicants” (Hoover). This proves that students putting aside opportunities that build character because they don't have the time in their schedule, are now devaluing their ability to show colleges their true character, and increasing their likelihood of not getting into the school they want. 

The ACT does not allow students to show their true academic talents and mindset. The ACT measures an end result, one test score students send to the colleges to which they apply, but they don't measure all the effort and dedication in between. A student who gets a 30 but doesn't study for the test is not a better overall student than someone who gets a 29 because they studied to the best of their ability and took it multiple times to improve. Furthermore, in today's era when class curriculum is cut short, students who aren't a year ahead in math and science classes suddenly find themselves encountering questions on the ACT that they haven't been taught about. Test optional schools are about the full academic picture of a student. The ACT no longer shows, and arguably never did, that full picture. Nick Anderson in writing for the Washington Post stated “colleges and universities have long maintained that test scores are less important than applicants believe. High school grades and the rigor of the courses students take through 12th grade count far more, admissions experts say” (Anderson). Spending time on classes that students find to be impactful or challenging, is going to be more beneficial than spending time studying for a test that is no longer reflective of the curriculum they are being taught. If students truly want to show colleges that they have academics to be proud of,  their approach has to be more personalized and less generic which is something the ACT does not offer. 

The ACT does not allow students to focus on finding a clear direction. One of the most important parts of the college search and application process for students is when students declare a major, or indicate what area of study they think best fits them. Colleges appreciate students who have direction and purpose and look for these qualities in applications. Dr. Susan Osborn emphasized the importance of showing passion in college essays. The more students convince admissions teams that they have a true drive to learn more about a specific area, the better applicant they are. Dr. Osborn went on to state that at Vassar College where she led the admissions team, the first trait she looked for in students was an evident passion for something, and how they explore that passion in their everyday life (Osborn). Unfortunately, the ACT encourages students to have the opposite mindset. Instead of looking towards the future, students are focused on memorizing past material, and stressing about a test that will only matter in the short term, if that. For students looking to impress admissions teams with their drive and determination, the ACT doesn’t hold any weight. Admissions would rather see kids volunteer for an organization they think will teach them about a possible career choice, or get an internship, or even explore more unique classes in school. 

One of the reasons the ACT is still used in the admissions process is because it's viewed as a way to universally assess students, a function which it no longer fills. In an opinion piece the Washington Post Editorial Board argued to keep the ACT  explaining that, “no college can possibly know what an A-minus or B-plus means in each of the thousands of high schools their applicants attend; the vast variation in high school course offerings and grading systems makes a uniform method of evaluation such as a standardized test extremely useful” (Board). The argument that grades shouldn’t be the only way students get evaluated in the college admissions process is valid, but the Washington Post fails to show why the ACT is the best choice for bringing that universality element to students' applications. The factors that I have mentioned throughout this review are far more important when trying to compare students. Building character, finding leadership opportunities, volunteering, showing your determination and dedication to improvement, those are qualities that every student has an equal opportunity to try to develop and show to admissions teams, and studying for and taking the ACT directly impacts students ability to focus on these more crucial displays of college potential. 

As students navigate their way through college applications in this unprecedented time it's now more important than ever to evaluate how they manage their time. The college application process starts far sooner than we realize; every decision we make, what activities we join, what opportunities we pass up or take, matter when we are filling out that application. It's time for students to focus on what makes them special and unique during application time, and to devalue what boxes them in. The ACT is no longer a test students should shed blood sweat and tears over. When schools say they are test optional, students should think about taking them up on the option, because those colleges are giving students the opportunity to choose their own unique priorities. The ACT forces students to give up control over their future, it's time for students to take it back.

Vikash Giritharan • Editor • October 18th, 2020

Due to COVID-19, this school year has already faced a lot of structural changes. From the creation of three new cohorts to the new Campus attendance check-in, students have started to adapt to this new system. However, one of the biggest changes was the creation of the all new Advisory period. 

S.P.A.R.K. Advisory stands for “Supporting Positivity, Academics, Relationships, and Kindness.” S.P.A.R.K. Advisory occurs after 5th hour on Thursdays/Fridays for Cohort A and B students, while Cohort C students have it after 7th hour on Fridays at 2:30pm. Centered around keeping students accountable and supported during these unprecedented times, S.P.A.R.K. has served as a community setting where students are able to connect with their peers in a much more relaxed manner. However, despite the busy schedules that students already face, is this advisory period really worth it?

To answer this question, we can turn to some Eastview Seniors, who arguably have the most stressful academic experience this fall. Senior Andrew Liu, who attends school as a Cohort B student, claimed that “I think the idea of having time to check in with students is great, but I don’t believe we should allocate 70 minutes into it.” This statement comes as a reflection when assessing the structural differences between Cohorts A/B students and Cohort C learners. Unlike hybrid students who have class once a week for 70 minutes, digital academy learners connect with their teachers/peers on Zoom for 30 minutes. As a result, this extended period may burden students into feeling like S.P.A.R.K. is simply way too long.

Contrary to the feeling of some Cohort A/B students for S.P.A.R.K., senior Udaya Gadiparthi has a different regard to advisory as a Cohort C student- “I think S.P.A.R.K. advisory is a great place to connect with fellow distance students to socialize. It is also very helpful to me because I’m able to get help for college applications and school from my advisory teacher. It’s a very welcoming place and in our advisory specifically, we get to see everyone’s pets, which is pretty entertaining!” Many digital academy learners, including myself, have found S.P.A.R.K. to be a unique experience while still catering to our rigor by serving a “de-stressor” for the week.

All in all, S.P.A.R.K. Advisory is most likely here to stay. For Cohort A/B students, despite its intended purpose, the 70 minute period may feel like a bit too much. As for Cohort C students, S.P.A.R.K. may in fact be the social experience digital learners desperately need at this time. Hopefully, this period can grow into a much more relaxing experience while helping Eastview stay connected: together. 

Rimika Dhara • Editor • October 17th, 2020

With digital academy and cohort systems taking over our past academic experiences, everything seems to be up in the air. Most of us find ourselves questioning our learning and ability to assimilate these lessons virtually. Is the time spent on our study material enough to truly grasp all the concepts? Or are we mindlessly beating around the bush without any rewarding consequences? How is our workload different now than half a year ago? And has it truly benefited our learning?

With weekly zoom classes, classroom interactions have significantly decreased in the digital academy world. From about 30 hours a week to 60 minutes a day of school (only 4 days a week might I add), our schooling system has become reliant on our ability to set our own schedule and environment in which we can be successful. Nonetheless, the past few months have been a testament to the teachers’ hard work creating two different lesson plans and catering to the needs of two separate student bodies. They have gone above and beyond to provide help via zoom, reminder, or other platforms to make sure every student has a chance to ask questions and learn the concepts. How teachers are expected to teach within the time provided is beyond me. From the teacher’s perspective, it only seems natural for them to require more working hours from their students in order to compensate for the in-person learning: 2.5 hours of school work every class seems to be the new expectation.

However, in the student’s perspective the ordeal seems to be rather overwhelming. All of a sudden, the learning experience has become less rewarding than before. Raising your hand in a classroom setting to satisfy your curiosity has transformed into mere waiting periods until the next zoom session. Even with our teachers consistently available on the other side of a schoology message, it doesn’t nearly seem enough. Motivating myself from home, without the support of my peers and visual stressors of the classroom, has become a challenge for almost every student online. Maintaining discipline and having a routine has become a never-ending cycle of turning in assignments. And if I’m being honest, turning in assignments can’t nearly be as satisfying as working with my peers and my teacher and having the opportunity to discuss and create memories that would last a lifetime. For seniors this also includes completing a long list of tasks in order to prepare for our future whether it be in the workforce or at college. 

All in all, virtual learning has its pros and cons. While we get the opportunity to make our own schedule and satisfy our personal needs like sleep, mental health, college apps and jobs, it has come on our shoulders to adhere to our said schedule while balancing the distractions that come with distance learning. The freedom that we wanted with our own schedule comes with more strings attached than any of us could’ve imagined–how we utilize this freedom is now all dependent on us.

Julia Prewitt • News Editor • April 14th, 2020

As coronavirus made its way to the US, and the nation began staying indoors, there were quite a few Americans who took this as a call to buy one last essential before shutting away for the foreseeable future: a gun. A quick search will quickly provide countless photos of shoppers lined up out the door to purchase a gun and ammo at the beginning of March. The FBI released information from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System on the first of this month, reporting that 3,740,688 background checks were completed in March. This is the highest number of background checks performed in a single month since the program was first put into place in 1998. While this does not directly show individual gun purchases, in order for one to be purchased, this check must be performed. Gun sales have skyrocketed since COVID-19 hit the nation, and for many it is the first gun they are owning.

Considering that America is facing a pandemic, and not a crime wave, one may question why so many are turning to guns for comfort during these times. Most, fear the desperation of others as times get rough. A large part of this comes directly from coronavirus itself; as food and other essential products are becoming increasingly scarce, many worry their homes will be invaded by those in search of food. However, the likelihood of food or other needed products disappearing from shelves is low. The real threat that many are focused on is the economic ramifications that COVID-19 will wreak upon the United States. The Washington Post reports that in the past four weeks alone, over 17 million Americans have filed for governmental benefits in the face of ever rising unemployment rates. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis estimated that unemployment could rise as high as 32.1%, which is higher than rates during the Great Depression. While there are a number of highly varied estimates to the true impact COVID-19 will have on the economy, the outcome will certainly not be positive. Those who have recently invested in guns for protection undoubtedly fear an increase in crime from the poor economy. These fears are valid, especially in such uncertain times- however, a gun will not solve any of these issues. 

One of the most popular arguments for owning a gun is that it provides protection for oneself and their family. Dr. David Hemenway, a professor at Harvard’s school of Public Health, analyzed years worth of studies on the effectiveness of guns as a tool for home defense and found that “there is no credible evidence of a deterrent effect of firearms.” Hemenway actually found far higher risks as a result of gun ownership to all inhabitants of the home. A factor that plays into this is accidental shootings. In 2019 alone, over a thousand people in the United States died as a result of an accidental shooting. Many of these accidental shootings, whether fatal or not, are due to improper storage or training beforehand. While there are certainly Americans out there who have taken proper training courses and have an in-depth knowledge of the safe handling and storage of guns, the Americans who are out buying their first gun to fight the hard times likely do not have such experiences. Worse still, there is a lack of adequate options for training during quarantine. What this ultimately means is that there are hundreds of Americans who have guns they do not properly know how to use in their homes. 

There are further complications than the owner themselves mishandling the gun as well. Under quarantine, young people of all ages are locked at home for the foreseeable future. Having guns in the home, especially if stored improperly, allows children access and ample opportunity to harm themselves or others without meaning to. Another large threat that these guns pose is in homes with unstable relationships between inhabitants. Dr. Hemenway’s work found that when guns are in homes with a history of domestic violence, women are 500 times more likely to be murdered than in the same homes without a gun. Those with mental illness are also at higher risk when guns are present in the home. A meta-analysis performed by the National Institute of Health found that access to guns can increase the risk of suicide by more than three times. Bringing a gun home, especially without following proper safety measures, is undoubtedly bringing risk home as well.

While many of these issues may not affect the average gun owner, there is more harm than benefit from owning a gun. The odds of someone entering your home and you successfully stopping them through use of a firearm is low- but the risk to your family is high. Harvard University analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, and found that from 2007 to 2011, guns were used as self defense in only about 0.9% of crimes. Guns simply are not an effective tool to fight crime. A significant factor to consider from the Harvard study is the years in which it focused on. During this time period, the Great Recession was occurring. While this economic downturn will not be the same as the one that occurred more than ten years ago, it is important to realize that even in times of economic downturn, guns did not play the role of savior, as much as it did the perpetrator. In 2019 alone, over 15,000 people were killed by gun violence (Gun Violence Archive). Guns are meant to inflict harm upon others; having one in your home will only increase the likelihood that the “other” is the one you love.

Akshara Molleti • Editor • April 7th, 2020

   Cancelled. Postponed indefinitely. Delayed until further notice. I am sure many of us have seen these words over and over again during the past few weeks. Whether it be sports seasons, award ceremonies, or standardized tests, a wide range of events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, as most of the United States continues to practice social distancing, many people are truly realizing how lucky they are. Things we took for granted — whether it be seeing our friends everyday or physically going to school —have disappeared. As a result, people are seeing how valuable these daily events truly were. 

One of my favorite guilty pleasures, TikTok, has shown me how people are changing their perspective of this break and how they are beginning to realize how critical in-person interactions with other people truly are. Being quarantined has exposed the true benefits of communicating with people and having daily conversations with them. Senior Jyostna Rathinma describes how many of us feel when she states “I’m thankful that I’ve been surrounded by a supportive and fun family to spend time with. Also, I appreciate all my friends who I’ve been Facetiming and texting, who make social distancing bearable!” Social distancing is a new experience for all of us, and it takes more effort to interact now. Before, all we would have to do is go to school to see our friends; now we need to put in real work to connect with them. However, this added work, and conversations that are occuring online shows many of us how truly value our friendships and relationships are.

Another aspect of life many of us often take for granted is our health. The other day, I saw an Amazon Prime truck driving by and the driver was wearing a hazmat suit to protect themself. Just a few weeks ago, this person would have been able to walk around with nothing covering their face, and would not have been afraid at all. As the death toll increases all over the United States, and the world, people are truly realizing how lucky many of us are to be healthy. Junior Andrew Liu describes how “I’m thankful none of my parents and grandparents have gotten sick, especially because half of my family is in China.” This is just one example of how many people, who often put their health on the back burner as they juggle different aspects of life, realize the importance of staying healthy. Basic actions like washing your hands have never been more vital to people. Being healthy is definitely something many people are becoming increasingly grateful for.

As the coronavirus continues to affect every aspect of our life, I hope you take the chance to reflect on what you are grateful for. While all of us self-quaraniting, I am sure you have also realized the importance of daily actions that we often take for granted.

Rimika Dhara • Variety Editor • April 6th, 2020

It is no surprise that during this time of quarantine, people all around the globe are experiencing a new level of boredom and isolation. The switch from constantly being engaged in some type of an activity to being ceaselessly confined to our homes has got us all completely hooked to the internet. The hashtag #QuarantineAndChill is actually a thing, and it could be a nice distraction from a lot of the uncertainty we’re currently facing. How you quarantine and chill is up to you, but the internet has lots of advice for how to make the most of your time indoors.

While our newly formed dependency on Zoom and Schoology progressively increases, we find more time for ourselves at the comfort of our homes. This could be the mental break that you’ve been wanting for the longest time. Or the time you wanted to finish reading or rereading your favorite series. Or the time to binge watch the one show that has been in your ‘My List’ forever.

I am certain that all of us are familiar with the popular entertainment and social media apps like Netflix, Hulu, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. While these apps are extremely convenient and helpful to connect with our friends that we so dearly wish could meet, this quarantine might be the perfect time for you to catch up with your creativity. There are internet apps for virtually any kind of hobby that you’re interested in or activity that you’ve been wanting to try out. 

Maybe this is your time to experience the world of fitness through the apps Nike Training or Seven. These apps are highly admired by the fitness gurus for their ability to reach your fitness goals with expertly designed workouts. Or it’s time to finally go on an online shopping spree. While Amazon can be an amazing virtual mall, there are several other apps, such as Romwe, Zara, SheIn for clothing for example, that would help you find your perfect item. Additionally, all of our suitable retail stores have an app or a website to assist their customers, especially during quarantine. Got a knack for coding? Try Codecademy or SoloLearn for free. Want to learn a new instrument? Check out Yousician that has lessons tailored to your needs.

Apart from hobbies, there’s always something new out there. I’m sure you’ve already heard of it, but try learning a new language through Duolingo. Ran out of books to read?  Subscribe to Audible or Kindle. Want to look at colleges and get ahead on the college search? Try CollegeVine where you can put in your stats and learn about several colleges around the country. If you’re ready to dive into the world of podcasts, give Pocketcast a shot! If you’re passionate for Sketching or Painting, try the many available drawing apps, like Sketchbook, that are available even on our school iPads. There’re always games that can keep you busy and productive. If you’re anything like me and enjoy Astronomy, definitely check out NASA’s app and the many Stargazing apps that are available such as Night Sky, SkyView, Star Chart, etc. You can also connect with your friends through FaceTime or, for Droid users, through Houseparty.

All I am saying is that quarantine, even though seems like a ceaseless solitary confinement, may be an opportunity to explore your interests and give yourself a break. And I’m sure that each one of us would make it through this time with a new skill and a lot more to offer this world.

Meggie Pruidze • Staff Writer • April 6th, 2020

With all of the chaos surrounding the Corona outbreak, it is important to understand how we as individuals can keep ourselves and each other safe. The most important method to keeping yourself safe is washing your hands, which is often done incorrectly. Oftentimes, people will wash their hands with hot water, which does not kill more germs, but instead leads to broken skin, allowing even more bacteria to enter your body. Instead, you should use warm or cold water to ensure your skin stays healthy and unchapped. Another common mistake is allowing water to run over your hands while you are rubbing them with soap. In order to make sure your hands actually get clean, you need to rub your hands with soap, without water running over them, for at least 20 seconds. Lastly, it is important that you don’t touch the sink/faucet after you have finished washing your hands, as that counters everything achieved in the handwashing process. Instead, use your elbow or a towel to turn off the faucet. 

The most important method to keeping each other safe is one that has been wildly ignored: staying home. Although there’s been minimal deaths in teens and children, we are the biggest spreaders of this disease. Fatal to older people and even young people with autoimmune diseases, when we continue to leave the house and meet with other people we are furthering the spread of COVID-19, which in turn leads to an overflow of patients in hospitals and a shortage of medical supplies. One selfish act can lead to the deaths of many, which is why it is vital that we don’t go outside unless absolutely necessary. The definition of necessary seems to be a grey area in this situation, but it is really quite simple. You should only leave your home if you need groceries and other essential materials. You are however welcome to go for walks around your neighborhood as well. When you do leave your home though, avoid contact with people who do not live in your household. If we remain patient and follow these tips we can limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe. For more information and tips visit the CDC’s Coronavirus website.

Rhea Rajvansh • Staff Writer • April 6th, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic has been impacting every facet of our day to day lives - from e-learning to telecommuting to reduced shopping. Most people are also staying home and practicing social distancing to avoid further spread of the virus. However, even with social distancing, many people are worried on how to stay healthy and keep our immune system strong to steer clear of the Coronavirus. Here are tips compiled from medical experts so that YOU can stay healthy and fit during the Coronavirus pandemic! 

Staying Active!

Although gyms are closed, there are still several options to get a good workout at home. “If you have any sort of exercise equipment that's been gathering dust in the corner, dust it off. Hop on a treadmill, bike, whatever”, write Dr. Elizabeth Cozine, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician. In addition to that, many app-based workout programs that usually require a monthly fee are offering free trials right now. Some apps include - FitOn, Strava, JEFIT and many more! Easy options to get a good workout include getting outside and taking a jog, or even going for a short walk. 

Zen Time!

Rigorous activities such as running and biking aren’t for everyone. An easy alternative to make sure you stay healthy is taking part in yoga or meditation. Yoga instructor Pooja Singh states, “Yoga brings harmony between the mind and body. Not only does it help increase muscle strength and boost endurance, it gets rid of toxins. Hence, ensuring proper body functions.” 

Meditation can also be a useful tool to stay healthy! Singh reveals that, “Meditation is the best way to keep oneself calm. Meditation first thing in the morning or just before going to bed is the best way to keep it part of your daily routine. But if that’s not possible, just taking a 5 minute break and meditating during any time of the day is enough. Being consistent is the key here.” All in all, engaging in yoga or meditation will help you stay active, reduce stress, and be happy. 

 Eating Healthy  

The last tip for you is to eat healthy. This one has been the most difficult for me! When you are at home all day, you may feel inclined to grab a bag of chips, or stuff your mouth with candy. Especially since several of us have stocked up the kitchen due to being quarantined. However, regulating consumption and preventing overindulgence is important. Not only will it ensure a well balanced diet, but it is scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. 

All in all, this has been a roller-coaster for all of us! But, we will stay strong and get through this TOGETHER.  #StayStrongEastview