Cliques. Groups. Inner circles. Whatever term you use, we’ve all heard of them. They make up the basis for almost every movie set in high school, and seem to play a large role in society’s perception of adolescents. The question is, is the stereotype true? Does GHS have cliques? 

There’s no doubt that GHS offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, from theater productions to sports. However, most of these offerings require large time commitments, forcing many students to pick only one activity to pursue. Meanwhile, while many choose to pursue two extracurriculars, this typically results in them having less time for things such as homework, which in turn leads to them staying up late at night, which can have negative consequences on their well-being. Either way, the fact remains that many are limited due to the large time commitments required by extracurriculars. As sophomore Petra Prepiak explains, “I do think a lot of extracurriculars prevent people from exploring other interests. If you know you like the extracurricular and would commit time to it, then that's good…but the amount of time required for extracurriculars might not be the best.” 

As a result of this, people naturally stick to those in the same extracurriculars as them, and it’s likely that this has inadvertently led to cliques developing throughout GHS.  “Whether you have classes with only honors students, play water polo, or spend all your time in the D-wing, you’re bound to become a group of jocks, theater kids, or something else” sophomore Abby Meyers suggests. This may also be happening due to the fact that these extracurricular activities encourage their participants to group together - which is not necessarily a bad thing. Speaking from personal experience, if I didn’t have friends on the ski team, or in the orchestra, I wouldn’t even know about important events for these extracurriculars, such as races and concerts. It seems that many find themselves in the same situation, with Petra Prepiak stating, “If I didn't have theater friends I would never have even set foot in the Black Box Theater. I don't think I would have even known that it existed, honestly.” 

In light of this, I reached out to Mr. Pereira, the Dean of Student Life, asking him about the efforts made by GHS to promote a more unified environment, and whether or not these efforts have succeeded.“ I think it's really important that most people do kind of tend to lean towards what they're used to, but to be comfortable in their own skin and to enter those other groups to be comfortable to invite other people to them as well,” he responded, later explaining the school’s efforts towards promoting unity: “Well, you have the Diversity Action Club, that's working with all of the different affinity groups for that. You certainly had the cultural celebration that we do--like Hispanic Heritage Month. We're in Black History Month…So it's really a lot of those things that we kind of bring into there. And we really hope that many of our student leaders of those diversity clubs will help celebrate those things.” 

However, he also acknowledged that many might not be aware of these events despite the school’s efforts, saying, “As always, I mean, you know, email blindness… but I think we certainly have tried to our communication, like the monitors that are all up around school, and the digital app that we're using, Minga, has almost like a Facebook wall kind of feed that we're currently working on developing the group levels for that.”

Ultimately, it appears that despite a recent increase in efforts towards promoting unity, most are unaware of events that happen around the school if they’re not actively involved in them, and it seems that there are, in fact, “cliques,” at GHS. So, what can be done? 

The main issue seems to be time. If students don’t have the time to explore other interests, or simply become aware of school events, then it’s likely that this will continue. A possible solution would be to lower the time commitments that certain extracurriculars require, but this would likely be a long and tedious process, and it may not be possible at all, as it would involve changing policies across the school, which is easier said than done. 

On the other hand, the school could also work towards organizing school-wide activities that would introduce kids to different areas of GHS. For instance, many sophomores were taken to see GHS’ production of Macbeth during the school day with their English classes. A fun and original way to spend class, the in-school field trips were both entertaining and educational, since sophomores are required to read Macbeth as part of the curriculum. They also exposed many students to GHS’ theater productions. When asked if the field trip helped students explore a new side of GHS, Petra Prepiak said: “Definitely! I do think GHS should organize more events like this because they're so fun! This also might encourage some students to participate in a show themselves, and they could find their new passion.”

A similar opinion was expressed by senior Jack Glass, who starred in the production of Macbeth, stating, “ I think that the in-school shows definitely exposed students to an aspect of the school that they haven't had contact with before. I don't think it encouraged more kids to join theater, but it helped enrich people's individual connections to the wider GHS community, with some never having even come down to the lower D-Wing before.” He also believed that, “...in-school field trips like this would be very beneficial to increasing students' awareness of the events occurring around GHS. Already we've taken measures in theater to attract more students to our shows…we love to share what we do and we simply hope that people will love to come and watch.”

Organizing more in-school activities such as the Macbeth field trips would allow students to be exposed to areas outside their interest, and could potentially result in them discovering new passions. Having similar events-for instance, having a Prep Rally event for winter and spring sports as well- throughout the school year could make students come out of their “comfort zone,” further increasing school spirit and a sense of community between the study body. 

Of course, other things can be done, but it will take the combined efforts of both students and staff  to fix the apparent divide between students with different interests or characteristics. As Mr. Pereira suggested, “In order to create more unity, I think just be willing and open to see people from different perspectives. You know, everybody brings their own positive spin to things. Everyone brings their own positive light things, but you need to be open and willing to see things from another individual side.” 

After all, to quote the one high school movie we all know, “we’re all in this together.”

In September, Taylor Swift shocked the world when she attended a football game played by Kansas City Chiefs football tight end Travis Kelce. Their whirlwind romance, from meeting the mothers to shoutouts during concerts, has since become a hot-button topic of conversation, leaving Americans from Alabama to Alaska polarized, asking seemingly unanswerable questions: did she put him on the map? Is he a simp? And, most importantly: is he the one? Today, we’ll see if we can expect a “Swelce” wedding by looking at the 6 most important factors in getting to the altar.

The first factor in any given relationship is, of course, attraction and chemistry. Given their constant PDA, it’s safe to check that box off.

As relationships progresses beyond initial attraction, people will want to share more of themselves with each other, leading to feeling comfortable together. Swift and Kelce have certainly done this, meeting each other’s parents, spending holidays together, and parading each other before beloved fans.

According to GHS Health teacher Ms. D’Agostino, “If partners are unable or unwilling to effectively and respectfully communicate with each other about their needs, feelings, ideas, and opinions, their relationships will often be strained.” Unfortunately, while it may seem that as a songwriter, Swift would be a great communicator, songs such as “Back To December” and “You’re Losing Me” demonstrate that she doesn’t tell her boyfriends how she feels until it’s too late. According to hopeful Swifties, though, Kelce’ openness and love might finally be enough to change her in this regard.

Most couples aren’t interested in the exact same things, but they don’t have to have all the same hobbies and passions as their better half, according to psychologists, as long as they support and encourage them. Kelce and Swift are a prime example of that, famously going to each other’s concerts and games.

In the long-term, a too-often overlooked indicator is similar values in important areas such as religion, politics, and family. Kelce and Swift are both Christians and Democrats. They highly value their families, with both pairs of parents attending their concerts and games and Kelce hosting a podcast with brother Jason Kelce. It’s also important to want the same things out of life. Swift and Kelce have both recently said that they want marriage and kids with each other.

Work and finances pose a significant threat to Swift and Kelce' “Love Story.” Despite their individual success in their respective fields, they balance their busy schedules. But when children inevitably come into the picture, will Swift keep on touring, neglecting her family life? Her time isn’t infinite, and chances are she’ll have to make a lot of sacrifices in her home life and career. In Swift’s previous six-year relationship with C-list actor Joe Alwyn, she wasn’t willing to make a sacrifice at home. Additionally, the disparity in their net worths, with Swift estimated to be a billionaire and Kelce having $40 million, adds another red flag. Ms. D’Agostino told the Beak, “Money can be a sensitive topic for many, especially when earnings are not even among partners. As relationships get more serious and involved, this can get increasingly complicated.” We know “All Too Well” that this is especially true for men, according to CNBC. Kelce, nearing retirement, will surely experience a decline in fame outside of his association with Swift, which once again echoes Swift's relationship with Alwyn, who kept her out of the public eye and ultimately ended. If Kelce wakes up one morning at the age of forty and realizes that he is only known as Swift's “Lover,” it could lead to the end of their relationship.

All in all, Swift and Kelce are compatible and likely to get married and start a family, but Swift’s work and Kelce’ lesser fame and income could likely drive Swift away from her family and drive Kelce towards resentment. Of course, Swift will then begin to resent her husband and it’ll only be a matter of time before they get divorced. Not too bad for a first marriage!

Lockers. The epitome of the American High School; an association derived from classic movies and pop culture. The recurring depiction of teens standing by their lockers and conversing between classes, creating a hotbed for gossip and smalltalk has become a foundational symbol of American high school. At GHS, there is an abundance of lockers, but how long has it been since you opened yours? Perhaps freshman year orientation? The ease of being able to access all your personal belongings on a whim by carrying around a backpack has shoved the prospect of locker usage under the carpet, but what purpose do these abandoned relics have within GHS and why, if not used, do they line the halls so copiously?

In order to answer this question, we first have to conceptualize the evolution of lockers and their seemingly inevitable downfall. It all began when the current GHS school building was constructed in the 1970’s. Rather than lockers to safely store belongings, students kept their books in open cubbies that jutted out from the wall. This posed issues as the open concept attracted thieves and proved to be a hazard. So, when the building was remodeled between 1992 and 2000, lockers were installed. Principal Ralph Mayo, while reflecting on his high school days at the old Greenwich High campus where Town Hall currently sits, notes that the locker culture in the old building was omnipresent. Just as seen in American television, the halls were crowded and the lockers played a key role in the bustle. Mayo compares the locker culture at the Town Hall building to that of Eastern Middle School, or any other Greenwich Middle School, which he describes as being chaotic, yet charming and lively. GHS, where it currently sits, has never had this charm, but Mr. Mayo ensures that the school compensates for this in other ways. Without the hassle of making a trip to a locker, students can use the extra minutes to both socialize and be on time for class. While lockers may seem to enhance the hallway atmosphere, as suggested by pop culture, lockers are a pain. Mayo recalls that when he was principal at Eastern Middle School, students would often forget their locker combinations and require a master key to unlock it, among other issues. 

It's well-known that with Covid-19, and the limitations it placed on every physical surface, locker use was extracted from the school-scene. But GHS has long been refraining from locker use, even before the pandemic. With the exception of students in theater programs, as well as a few others, Mayo states that the percentage of students using lockers is “almost close to zero”. With the sheer size of GHS, having to retrieve your stored items in a seemingly random location, would be inconvenient and make for more congested halls. So, because locker usage for the average GHS student is nonexistent as of today, when it comes time for GHS to renovate years in the future, what will become of these unwieldy relics? Mayo states that because the lockers at GHS are built into the wall, removing them would be expensive and not financially worth it, meaning, they will continue to add to the GHS ambiance, for time to come. Even when not in use, lockers are a significant part of adding to the school charm and are quintessential to the stereotypical academic atmosphere. Therefore, functioning or not, they have a rightful place in our school hallways.

Have you ever had the feeling that you're being listened to? Many people have reported feeling the same way. Have specific ads pop up related to topics that you have recently been talking about? If you answered yes to these questions, you may also be wondering if it is even possible for your devices to listen to your conversations. 

According to BBC Technology reports, client Zoe Kleinman reported that shortly after hearing about the death of her friend, she found that the friend's personal information began to pop up in Google searches, including her friend's name, address, and details about the accident. If you have given consent to the microphone on any apps, listening in on your conversations is legal, and any recorded information may be used. Search engines can utilize your conversations to make sure that information is relevant to you. As stated by Make Use Of, “In 2019, 1000 Google Assistant-harvested voice recordings were leaked to Belgium media outlet VRT News. The recordings--many of which will have been collected from Android phones--included enough information to identify the device owners.” These recordings included sensitive information such as addresses and had many people worried for their safety. 

Numerous tests have been conducted to further understand how apps could capture information through recordings. Cybersecurity expert Kevin Monro, claims, “We gave ourselves permission to use the microphone on the phone, set up a listening server on the internet, and everything that microphone heard on that phone, wherever it was in the world, came to us and we could then have sent back customized ads.” With companies worldwide looking to expand and draw people in, technology is only making it easier to find personalized information. 

So how do you prevent your phone from listening to you? Here are some easy steps to follow. 

Step 1: Turn off the “Hey Siri” voice commands. For “Hey Siri” to work, your phone must be constantly listening to you, waiting for you to say the right words. Most things you say after you have your phone's attention will be saved in some way. 

Step 2: Review which apps and websites you have given microphone permissions to by going into privacy and security and then clicking on the microphone section. Some of the most common apps include TikTok, Messages, and Safari. 

Step 3: If you find any apps that you don’t need or want to have access to your microphone, turn off the permission in the settings After these steps, if you still believe your phone is listening to you, try doing a simple test and seeing if new ads pop up. First, choose a topic that is unrelated to you and that you have not researched previously. Begin to talk about things related to this topic with the people around you over the span of 3-5 days. After these days, check to see if any related ads have appeared on your phone. 

Though it is easy to believe that your phone is listening to you, just know that it is more likely that you have just shown interest in topics through your recent searches. When you go onto Google, Safari, or any other search engine, your history is recorded, and the websites are able to predict new things that could potentially interest you as well. Overall, make sure you’re being careful about who has access to your conversations just in case. 

On Saturday, October 7th, students gathered for the first event of Homecoming Week, the Homecoming Dance. The dance served as a kickoff event for the school for Spirit Week and the Homecoming Game in the days ahead. Due to the new furniture in the Student Center, the dance was held in the gym. Unlike other schools, however, turnout at the dance was very low– around 200 people out of a school of 2,500 students. As disappointing as the low turnout may have been–about 8% of the students attending GHS– it was not surprising considering the lack of support for GHS school events. At the event, the majority of attendees were freshmen and it was evident that not many upperclassmen were interested in the event. The homecoming dance, which is well-regarded in other schools, comparatively is seen with little regard at GHS. 

On TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms, many students from other schools post videos of their outfits for Homecoming, the winners of the homecoming court, and their high school’s reveal of the homecoming theme. The fact that the same amount of online student engagement has never been shown for our school’s homecoming dances, makes it seem very unappealing. If other schools can show vibrant school spirit when it comes to the homecoming dance, why does GHS fall short? 

One possible answer to this question is the lack of a theme at the GHS homecoming dance. Other schools have elaborate reveals for their homecoming themes. Themes like Y2K, Hollywood, or Under the Stars create school spirit and interest in the dance. Without the allure of a theme, GHS students feel less inclined to go. The dance seems to be unimportant within the GHS culture, and because of this people don’t even consider attending, which in turn, makes the dance less fun. Having been labeled as “not cool” and “only for freshmen” has made the dance’s reputation sour. When asked about the dance, senior Zach Libow said “in some schools, homecoming is as big as prom, in our school, it just isn’t like that.” The little advertising and money that goes to this dance accounts for the low school spirit too. If more effort were to be put into the dance, it is likely that more people would talk about it and want to attend.

It seems that GHS is only hosting a homecoming dance to “check the box.” If more school spirit was centered around the Homecoming Dance, perhaps it could be a headliner of the Homecoming events instead of the footnote that it is now.


MAR 2023 Finally, the long-awaited and most momentous day of the year has arrived: New Year's Eve. I can feel the holiday thrill of excitement bouncing through the air - there is delectable food begging to be eaten, upbeat music wafting throughout the house, and even my more reserved family members are cheerful, lightening up for the holidays that provide them with a respite from the stresses of work. At 11:50 pm, with our stomachs full and tired smiles starting to form, we all make our way to the living room to continue the yearly tradition of watching the New York City Ball Drop.

As I gaze at the thousands of people who have congregated in Times Square, pacing back and forth in the blistering cold, I wonder what makes the New Year so special to them. Is it about spending time with their family or significant other, or is it about the desire for a fresh start and a year to reinvent themselves? Around the time of Jan. 1, we hear an onslaught of information about the "New Year, New Me" mantra. While certain people regard New Year's as a milestone to set goals of what they would like to attain, creating lengthy lists outlining every step of the process, others completely disregard the tradition and view it as a damaging trend. Most resolutions that people resolve to undertake are tangible goals, like losing a certain amount of weight or starting a habit that they will continue for a period of time. Sadly, such resolutions don't foster an environment that celebrates both failures and successes, leading to unhealthy self-talk and a feeling of worthlessness if the resolution isn't completed. Instead, the shift to goals that value emotional and mental health could be a kinder route to take.

Matt Haig, an author and mental health advocate, strongly advises against New Year's Resolutions. "You don't need a new you," said his Instagram post, which at the time of writing has over 30,000 likes. "You don't need replacing every year like another iPhone. Don't throw yourself away like another piece of plastic trash. Love the old you." He does agree, however, that there is always room for self-improvement and development, but that doesn't mean that we should punish ourselves by going on extreme salad diets or trying to erase our "past selves" from our memories. In an effort to not hate our "old" selves, we can use our experiences to develop and evolve in a positive way.

Journalist Poorna Bell echoed the thoughts of Haig in an article for Stylist. Her take is that New Year's resolutions don't "acknowledge everything that is good about who you are already as a person." Try not to view this New Year as a clean slate but rather as a fresh start. Take the bad parts of 2021 and reflect on them instead of criticizing yourself for your decisions in the past. Reflect on the year, and bring into 2023 what brings you joy and make changes (if you want.) Be sure to set realistic goals that don't feel like a burden.

So, what do you say - will you treat yourself better this New Year? The toxic parts of New Year's resolutions will always linger, but it's up to you to decide whether or not you will fall for them.

MAR 2023 Love her or hate her, there’s no denying you recognize the name Alix Earle. The 22-year-old’s lifestyle has flooded screen of TikTok users everywhere. Whether it’s from her infamous Dubai trip with Tarte Cosmetics or the iconic Rare Beauty event where Selena Gomez made a TikTok with Earle, guaranteed you’ve seen Earle’s blonde locks across your TikTok “For You Page.” She’s a student at the University of Miami Herbert Business School and rose to popularity through publishing “Day in my Life” videos depicting her glamorous lifestyle in the Miami party scene, with outfit and beauty videos to accompany this online persona. However, there’s more attributed to Earle’s success than solely her beauty. When asked what she thinks played a part in the “Alix Earle phenomenon,” Senior Lauren Mondschein states,”So many GHS students like Alix Earle because she is more relatable than the average influencer. She isn’t a crazy professional dancer; she’s a college girl (and most of us are preparing for college), so she’s a role model for us.” Mondschein’s theory is that Earle’s popularity depends not only on her outfits, hair, and makeup but also on the foundation of being a positive role model for younger girls. 

Moreover, she says,”It’s cool because even though she seems like she has this perfect lifestyle, she talks about her journey with acne and how she’s on Accutane, which many people at our school deal with. She also talked about the cosmetic surgery she went through to say the media should not idolize her body. Typically ,influencers shy away from sharing their “flaws,” as societal standards deem. Instead, Earle chooses to embrace these as normal struggles that many deal with. In doing this, she’s playing a role in destigmatizing the negative societal connotation of Accutane, for instance, and normalizing it. Senior Valentina Rivano continues to note the positive impact she has on younger followers. Rivano states, ”Alix’s content is fun to watch, but also has a positive impact. She talks about mental health and acne, which are things that I, and many of my friends, struggle with. It's inspiring to see someone in the public eye talk about these issues.”

Mondschein and Rivanoboth follow Earle for style, makeup, and beauty, on top of her discussions about Accutane and mental health struggles.”I’m obsessed with her makeup, so I've watched all of her "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos, and I feel like she has so many good suggestions. I always love to try out new things with makeup, so I want to try her makeup routine and use products similar to what she uses," Mondschein states. 

Earle's videos have skyrocketed the popularity of certain beauty products she uses in her daily routine, take the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops, for example. This skincare product is added to moisturizer to provide a natural-looking "glow" on the wearer's skin. Drunk Elephant's now-infamous product is sold out at every retailer and is impossible to locate. Mondschein managed to snag one before they became extinct, and she mentioned that the bronzing drops are now "a staple in my skincare and makeup routine." This is the only product she's been influenced to purchase from Earle's videos.

Mondschein's friend, Sofia Borja, bought Earle's praised NYX white eyeliner pencil. Unlike the bronzing drops, she was not a fan of this Alix recommendation, claiming that the white eyeliner wasn't flattering with her dark eyes and hair, contrary to Earle's blonde locks and blue eyes. Mondschein and Rivano both maintain a loyal, unshaken admiration towards Earle and will continue to follow her on social media for the foreseeable future.

On the contrary, Senior Sofia Borja is not a fan of Alix Earle. While Borja notes Earle's impact in the online space, she considers it somewhat strange that so many social media users take everything she says as "gospel" and worship Alix. Borja finds the TikTok trend where people ask, "What Would Alix Do?" when making decisions as creepy and harmful. She states, "I think a lot of people are obsessed with her because they want to be her, which is scary because few people can have this lifestyle. It's not practical.  

She's very conventionally attractive. This isn't relatable for the average person." While Mondschein and Rivano consider Earle's lifestyle content fun and glamorous, Borja argues that it opposes the "relatable" front she seems to depict. "Her life isn't relatable unless you're a blonde bombshell who lives in Miami and parties all the time." She cites that Earle's fame may be attributed to the fact that many viewers feel a parasocial relationship with her, as the conversational style of the video can be compared to talking on FaceTime with a friend. "They either want to be her or be friends with her," she says. Obviously, this is not a friendship, but Earle's social media content can seem more down-to-earth than other creators, lending a hand to the admiration that many hold towards her. When asked if she's purchased any of the products Earle promotes, Borja mentions the white eyeliner she lent to Mondschein, stating that, much like her friend, the makeup product's results did not impress her. "I bought white eyeliner because it looked so good on Alix without considering that I have dark features. I don't have blonde hair and blue eyes. I tried it, and it didn't look good. This upset me." This caused Borja to question her self-appearance, a process that social media viewers know all too well. In the past, we've compared ourselves to models on billboards; yet in the modern era, the beauty standard can be created by a UMiami student. Borja questioned her self-worth based on the fact that the product didn't highlight her features. She asked herself, "Am I ugly?" And then I realized, why am I trying to look like someone who doesn't look like me? Dark eyeliner is what works for me, and I'm okay with that.

It's clear that the students of Greenwich High School aren't immune to the charms of Alix Earle, and I don't blame them! I enjoy her "GRWM" videos as much as the next, and the sense of vulnerability she poses is a unique aspect that not many online creators possess. However, it's crucial to establish the knowledge that her lifestyle is not relatable, even though she may attempt to present it as such. Unless you're clubbing in Miami weekly, you can't relate to Earle, no matter how "real" her content may seem to you. The next time Earle crosses your TikTok "For You Page," pay attention to her content. Is she really "a hot mess," as she claims in her TikTok bio, still maintaining the status as a role model to younger fans? Or is Earle publicizing unattainable, toxic standards? Take your pick.

MAR 2023 Liz Truss, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, had just resigned from being Prime Minister after serving for 45 days. This set the record for the shortest reigning Prime Minister in all of the UK's history. In her statement outside of her Downing Street office, she says she "cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party." Her economic reasons were the main reason why she was deserted by her party, the Conservatives, and resigned from office. Her policy plan, which got her elected by the Conservative party, was a failure in practice. Her plan for low taxes and regulation lead to more inflation and less economic growth. In fact, the value of the pound decreased to the point the Bank of England had to intervene. Although the intervention stopped this issue from spreading, it put the pension funds at risk. The United Kingdom is no stranger to struggle since they broke away from the European Union (EU), but Liz Truss left a nation with a high cost of living crisis and a looming recession. Not only this, the Conservative party is as divided as ever. The party is full of factions like the Hard Right Brexiteers and the One Nation Tories. The conservative party needs a prime minister who will bring unity to the highly contentious political party. Believe it or not, this event is connected to a popular course at Greenwich High School called AP Comparative Politics (it is joint with AP US Government). I've talked since with Mr. Murphy, a teacher of this course (he is very passionate about it), to get his perspective on the issue.

From the American point of view, the many resignations of elected leaders are baffling. Especially when the last resignation of our president was in 1974 with President Nixon. Although this is the first time in a while this is happening in the UK, the political system they have lends itself to this. According to Mr. Murphy, the people of the UK don't elect their officials, but the party. The prime minister is the "first among equals" and must win a seat in the House of Commons, which is the lower legislative chamber. The prime minister leads the majority party, which can lead to issues if they upset his or her party. "This is the reason why so many people resign," remarked Mr. Murphy, "because if the party doesn't like you, it's hard to move forward." Now that the Fix-Term Parliaments Act, an act that requires, every 5 years, the House of Commons to elect a new prime minister, the House of Commons can call an election, in which the Monarch can dissolve the parliament and call for election. This is the reason,  according to Mr. Murphy, why so many resignations are happening in a span of a couple of months.

Miriam Cates, a conservative lawmaker, said about Liz Truss: "It's time for the Prime Minister to go." I asked Mr. Murphy if he agrees with this comment, considering all that is going on. He agrees, saying that if the prime minister loses the trust of the party, by definition she cannot serve as prime minister. He also told me that in the AP curriculum, having trust in the prime minister is important in a Parliamentary system, which is the governmental structure of the UK. In a Parliamentary system, a majority is needed for someone to rule. If the prime minister loses the majority, the person can't serve as Prime Minister. This brings to light more of why Liz Truss has to resign. 

Mr. Murphy and I discussed what the United Kingdom should do on a governmental scale in order for this to not happen as often. He recommends that the party should pick a leader that is "less polarizingand more competent". Especially dealing with the effects of the British exit from the European Union (Brexit) is quite complex. "Brexit revealed a lot of the potential for instability", said Mr. Murphy, "but it's important to know that they are still a functioning democracy." The new UK prime Minister is Rishi Sunak. We are yet to see how he'll  do as Prime Minister with the increasing polarization and factions in the Conservative Party.

College application season for GHS seniors is in full swing, with Early Action and Early Decision applications already due Nov. 1, and Regular Decision deadlines are fast approaching. Applying to colleges is complicated; its many different rounds and types of applications make it a nerve-wracking, tumultuous process. After interviewing several underclassmen attending Greenwich High School, I found that the most confusion and anxiety stemmed from worries about the applications themselves, as well as figuring out whether a college is a good fit. 

Procrastination is an issue for nearly everyone—it's much easier to push something off rather than deal with it immediately or even preemptively, especially if it’s a project so big you don’t even know where to start. With pressure to go to a top-ranking college, students feel the application process is stressful, leading many to wish they had started their applications sooner, so they ​​didn't have to work on them until the last minute. Greenwich High School senior Kyra Dybas wished she had started filling out her applications and writing her essays over the summer going into her senior year, noting that she "...envied people who had everything done by mid-September." 

College applications shouldn't be the only thing that you start early. Touring colleges plays a significant role in gauging whether a school would be right for you. Several Greenwich High School seniors and alumni have recommended starting college searches during junior year, allotting time to assess the offered courses and tour campuses. 

Mei McGuinness, a freshman attending Colgate University and a Greenwich High School Alumna, shared that touring colleges helped give her insight to a major factor that should be considered when deciding on colleges to apply to: campus life. "It’s cliche but it genuinely just feels right when you're there," said McGuinness, "which is why it’s so important to tour all of the schools you’re interested in because you could love a school but once you’re there in person, you could also realize that you don’t see yourself at a certain school when you’re there." McGuinness explained that in her personal experience, visiting colleges that she may not have been the most interested in, was vital to her search. "Colgate was the last school I toured in late October of my senior year…and I did not want to go. I had never heard of Colgate and thought I was wasting my time, but once I was on campus I knew it was the right place."  

Another important aspect of college tours to consider is the tour guide. The tour guides of college tours are typically students attending the college, so they’re somewhat obligated to promote the school, but you can get additional information that will help you better understand what the school is like as long as you ask questions specific to your own interests. "The tour guide also makes/breaks your experience" said McGuinness, "so don’t be afraid to ask questions or even go back for another tour if your guide wasn’t great." Additionally, McGuinness advised that high school students sign up for tours that take place on a weekday rather than a weekend or holiday so that you can see what the college campus is truly like while school is in session.

There are so many unknowns pertaining to how colleges choose which students to accept at colleges. Ivy Leagues and other top schools receive thousands of qualified applicants each year, yet only a small fraction are chosen among the best of the best. While we can certainly improve our chances, we cannot control nor guarantee whether we get into a certain college, so make sure to focus on what you can control: your determination, actions, and work ethic.