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Home , Bangerz, Every Single Word, Frances Ha, Happy Hippie Foundation, John Mulaney, Miley Stewart

The Junto Influencer Edition 2021

I had form’d most of my ingenious acquaintances into a club of mutual improvement, which we called The Junto. -Benjamin Franklin

1 People The Junto January 2021

Colette Potter // Copy Editor

I remember watching Lady Bird one winter York City to pursue the arts. Gerwig was night a couple of years ago. Though I did originally an actress, and was even nominat- not especially love the movie, I could appre- ed for a Golden Globe for her role in ciate the artistry and thought that went into Frances Ha, which she also co-wrote. She it. Fast forward two later shifted to directing. years, I was watching It is absolutely wonder- Little Women for the ful when there are fe- second time in the male directors and oth- movie theaters. As the er women in leadership pandemic continues on, positions for these films. I have been watching The movies Gerwig di- more movies and TV rected also had strong shows. I have started to female protagonists. appreciate the movies I got to see on the “big Greta Gerwig is a great screen” much more, example of the triple and often think of Lady threat. She has written, Bird and Little Women. acted, and directed no- Both are critically ac- table works, including claimed and were mas- both indie and main- terly pieced together. stream films. Greta Gerwig was the fifth Greta Gerwig directed woman in motion pic- both of the movies, and ture history to receive also wrote Lady Bird. an Academy Award Lady Bird was even nomination for Best Di- roughly based on her rector. She is an influ- childhood in Sacramento, CA, and had encer in a world, as shown by the lack of some strong elements of the reality of grow- female director nominations, dominated by ing up, as well as making hard decisions. men. Her work is thoughtful. It seems like The Lady Bird protagonist struggles with the every movie that Gerwig writes or directs is decision of going to a cheaper, in-state with intent for every line. Gerwig’s movies school, or a City school for the are likely to keep improving, and I would not arts, which she was more interested in. The be surprised if the next time Gerwig is dom- same storyline is present in Gerwig’s own inated for Best Director she wins. life, as she moved from Sacramento to New

2 People The Junto January 2021 Sarah Hyland Kellie Painter // Off Leash Editor

As a child and even now I have always been As she got sicker, people started to realize that skinny. People praise me all the time for hav- she was losing weight. Many fans started ing a body type like a model and wishing that commenting things, saying that she looks pho- they were small like me. While on the flip toshopped or that she is promoting anorexia. side, I have people telling Those things could not me that I am too small be further from the and that I look like a truth. She proceeded to twig. Being called skinny write out a message to is just as offensive as call- her fans explaining her ing someone fat. One situation which she defi- person that has really nitely did not have to do. helped me feel confident In the message she ex- through all the criticism plained that she was sick is Sarah Hyland. and did not want to ex- plain further on it at that I first heard about Sarah given time. Sarah Hy- Hyland through the land also wrote out that ABC show “Modern she does in fact eat say- Family.” Hyland played ing, “And you’re right! I the role of Haley Dun- should eat a burger! phry, the rebellious teen Cause they’re f***ing de- in her average American licious!” I can relate to Family. I did not watch this so much because I the show, but whenever I always have people was bored I would go telling me to eat more back and watch it. As I and that I need to “put grew older, I began to follow Sarah Hyland more meat on my bones” it becomes insulting more closely. In 2012, Hyland spoke out over time. about having her first kidney transplant given to her by her dad. What most people did not Sarah Hyland cannot help being skinny and know is that she rejected the kidney four years neither can I, it’s just the way our bodies are later. When Hyland’s body rejected the kid- built. I have learned to embrace it over time ney she went through a stage of depression and become more confident in myself. I can because she felt guilty that her body did not now ignore the negative comments because I take it. Her brother ended up being a match know that there are people out there that and Sarah was nervous because she did not struggle with the same things as me, such as want to fail him. Hyland dealt with dialysis, Sarah Hyland. endometriosis, and abdominal hernias all while working on . 3 People The Junto January 2021 Alexandria 0casio-Cortez

Alania Mariano // Editor-in-Chief

The first time I heard about New York’s 14th in her own car to speak to citizens that were af- congressional district U.S. representative, fected by the Flint water crisis and the Dakota Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or better known as Access Pipeline. AOC, I was watching a video of her calling out a It was not until AOC visited fellow male representative. standing rock when she real- She called out this repre- ized she could make some- sentative for his poor be- thing of herself in the polit- havior toward women and ical world. In a past inter- for specifically calling AOC view, AOC stated that she names I cannot write in believed the only way to run this article. Her fierce con- for office effectively was to frontation, that never fails have access to wealth, social to bring me chills, inspired influence, and power. How- me as a young woman. The ever, when she visited North more I learned about Dakota, she saw people AOC, the more inspired I “putting their whole lives became. and everything that they had on the line for the pro- AOC was born into a Puer- tection of their community.” to Rican family in the Since then, she has wanted Bronx and went to school to do the same for her at University. After community. college, she returned home and worked as a bartender, AOC not only became the as well as a waitress. AOC worked countless youngest woman to be elect- hours to provide her widowed mother, who ed into congress at age 29, but she has also worked as a school bus driver and house clean- made an impact on young women like me. er, help to fight the threatened foreclosure on Holding a position like hers brings me joy to their home. know that I can be anything if I work hard enough, even with the barrier of being a fe- AOC began her work in politics by joining a male. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the defini- firm and the nonprofit National Hispanic Insti- tion of an idol to me and hope to become a tute. She later worked as an organizer for hardworking, driven, strong woman like her Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign in someday. 2016. AOC traveled hours across the country 4 People The Junto January 2021

Nailah Lockhart // Photography Editor

Miley Ray Cyrus is a singer, songwriter, actress, and . She was born on November 23, 1992 in Franklin, Tennessee. Her parents are actress and producer, Tish Cryus, and country legend, . Many found Miley Cyrus from her lead role in Disney Channels’ TV show “” from 2006 to 2011. The American Sitcom is about a teenager named who lives a double life, transforming into a famous pop singer that goes by Hannah Montana. Her friends and family are the only people who know about her secret identity.

After the show ended, Cyrus changed her image from a child entertainer to an adult pop star im- age. She chopped off her long brown got a platinum pixie haircut. In 2013, Miley Cyrus re- leased a song called “Wrecking Ball” which is in her fourth studio , . When the mu- sic video came out it caused a lot of attention because of how different it was from her other music videos when she was younger. Miley Cyrus changed her image again with a more tone down than it was during her “Bangerz” era. She felt that phase of her life has come to the end. Cyrus found a balance between maintain- ing a seductive appeal but keeps things more natural like her makeup for her photo shoots. In an interview with ‘Insider’ she stated that “You should be able to change and be who you are at any time. Like, you should not be glued to gender, to age, to race; those things should not define you.” In 2015, Cyrus launched , which supports LGBTQ+ and home- less youth. Miley Cyrus clarifies that she does not label herself as gay, bisexual or straight in a con- versation with ‘TIME’. Miley Cyrus is the epitome of a carefree person. She promotes the idea to not care what others think and to do what you want to make yourself happy. It does not matter how many changes you made in your life, it matters how you grow more as a person, a better you.

5 People The Junto January 2021 Margaret Atwood Julianna LoPiccolo // Off Leash Editor When you think of the biggest influences of Through The Handmaid’s Tale, her most prom- Gen Z, an 81 year old Canadian poet is not inent work for modern generations, Margaret usually the first person who comes to mind. Al- Atwood has warned of the possibility of dangers though ever since 2017, I cannot go far without when, ultimately, man reaps the consequences hearing the name Margaret Atwood. of destroying the world. She may be known as a writer, but Atwood also made it her life mission The first time I heard of Mar- to speak up about the beauty garet Atwood was during the of the environment and na- 2017 Emmys, during which ture, and what we stand to The Handmaid’s Tale was lose when our indulgences be- nominated for seemingly end- come too much. less awards. Of course I had heard of the show, but had She lyrically holds a mirror to not watched it--I did not have women in the eternal grasp of a subscription. When male fantasies in a haunting November 2019 rolled excerpt from The Robber around, I finally got a Hulu Bride. Atwood also paints a account and watched the first vivid picture of sex in society season, then the second sea- and what it means to be a son, and eventually, the third. woman in almost all of her work--notably again, The I was captivated by the world Handmaid’s Tale. As a result that was so much like mine, of its prominence in pop cul- but not (which makes it even ture, women began wearing more horrifying). And when I red gowns and white wings, find things I like, I make them like the handmaids in the my life. I wanted to know novel, to protest reproductive rights and gender everything about everyone who had anything to equality. All of this thoroughly establishes her as do with the show, and eventually I watched a feminist icon, and these are only the novels I Margaret Atwood: A Word After a Word After a am familiar with. Word Is Power, the documentary on Atwood’s life. She was intriguing, brilliant, creative in a If you have not, I highly suggest watching, if not way I wish I could be, and unbelievably empa- reading, The Handmaid’s Tale and see for your- thetic. Ever since discovering her and her work, self Margaret Atwood’s genius in the mark she it has been hard for me to go a day without has left on many generations, including my thinking about themes she planted in my mind. own. Although she never stopped writing, Margaret Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Atwood’s work has gone through a renaissance in recent years, making her mark on Gen Z. 6 People The Junto January 2021

Mallika Pal // Places Editor

Compassionate, independent, and powerful are few words to describe one of my biggest role models, Michelle Obama. She is known for being one of the most passionate First Ladies in history due to keeping a balance between her warm heartedness and powerful speeches. In Obama’s 8 years in the White House, she addressed women’s rights, public health, and racism.

Michelle Obama attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Early in her career she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin where she met . She worked in nonprofits, as the associate dean of Student Services at the University of , and as the Vice President at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She served in the White House on the cusp of Gen Z’s shift into young adult independence. We began to form our own opinions and gain perspective on human rights and politics while she was in office. Having a strong, nonwhite, female representative who is one of the leaders of the U.S. to look up to has pushed me to become the strong young woman I am today. I have many goals for myself, but the one I kept closest to my heart as I grew up was to be coura- geous and ambitious in everything I do. As I have become older, it has become less of a goal and more of a mindset, thanks to Michelle Obama. Her influence remains high even after Barack Oba- ma’s presidency has ended, and I will always keep her on a high pedestal in my head.

7 People The Junto January 2021 John Julia Vinci // Copy Editor In order to be a comedian, you’ve got to be Past all of his many comedic and perfor- slightly chaotic, as well as have stories to tell, mance achievements, perhaps one of the most and one man in particular certainly fills those powerful things John Mulaney has done is requirements. With material about everything checked himself back into rehab after continu- from airport mishaps to playing “What’s New ous struggle with substance abuse. The strength Pussycat?” 21 times in a row on a jukebox in a to get one needs to overcome a very diner, if there is an awkward experience to ac- serious addiction is fantastic, and Mulaney has cidentally have, John Mulaney will have had it. demonstrated that he has that power. Even In just 38 years of life, this stand up comedian while he was struggling, he would always ap- has gathered a ridiculous pear on stage with a glowing amount of hilarious stories, smile on his face, and pep in which he has utilized to be- his step. For the sake of his come one of the most success- fans and viewers, Mulaney ful comedians in the world. pushed through. John Mulaney was born Stand up comedy is very on August 26th, 1982 in near and dear to my heart. Chicago, . From a very When I was younger, I was young age, he knew he want- given the two audiobooks by ed to go into show business. Jim Gaffigan; “Dad is fat” and He actually had the opportu- “Food, A Love Story.” I lis- nity to audition for the role of tened to them every single Kevin in the film “Home night, to the point where I Alone,” but his parents de- had every single word memo- clined. His career took off rized. Then, my interest pool years later, when he met Nick expanded. I loved John Kroll and Mike Burbiglia, and Pinette, Kathleen Madigan, joined the latter on his stand Mike Burbiglia, and more. up tour, where he quickly Eventually, I stumbled upon gained stage presence and John Mulaney, and my sense fame. In 2008, he gained a of humor has never been the spot on the writing team for SNL, where he same. To tell stories that make other people stayed for six seasons. Mulaney was nominated erupt in laughter and delight is so special, and for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstand- is a wonderful skill, and is one that John Mu- ing Writing for a Variety Series, and won a laney has mastered. To me, he represents smil- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding ing through your struggles, finding light in Original Music and Lyrics at the 63rd Prime- darkness, and having the power to get what you time Emmy Awards with . need. He has achieved many more awards since. He is also a voice actor on the hit show Big Mouth. 8 People The Junto January 2021 Chris Evans

Sienna Walenciak // People Editor

Actor Chris Evans, best known for his portrayal health. Though some questions are fairly of Captain America in the wildly successful straightforward -- What is impeachment? What Marvel franchise, has shed his superhero per- is a carbon footprint? -- others are more com- sona and stepped into the world of American plex. For example, Should abortion be legal in politics. the and, if so, under what cir- cumstances? These are called In July 2020, the lifelong Demo- “Starting Points.” For every crat launched a new website, A question, visitors can select a po- Starting Point. The website’s litical leader from each party to purpose is to create a more in- hear their answers in short, two formed electorate by presenting minute clips. both democratic and republican views on policy and social issues. Before beginning A Starting Evans has interviewed dozens of Point, Evans said he has always bipartisan contributors for his been passionate about politics. website, including Senators Ted In 2012, the actor confirmed his Cruz, Cory Booker, and Mitt support for same-sex marriage, Romney. The website regularly saying, “In 10 years, we’ll be features debates between Demo- ashamed that this was an issue.” cratic and Republican politicians Evans reaffirmed his pro-choice in a series called “Counter- beliefs when he publicly criti- points” to show thoughtful dis- cized the Human Life Protection cussion on complicated issues. Act in 2019, which placed a For example, in one debate, near-total ban on all abortions in Congressman Adam Schiff, a Democrat repre- the state of Alabama. In 2016, he endorsed senting , and Congressman Jodey Ar- Hillary Clinton for president and has also been rington, a Republican representing Texas, en- an outspoken critic of former President Donald gage in a spirited and insightful discussion on Trump. (An interesting note, Trump declined to whether there should be a federal mask man- meet with Evans to have his views included on date. “The more people involved in politics, the A Starting Point.) In October 2020, Evans and better,” said Evans in a video posted to promote several of his Marvel co-stars participated in a the new website. “Hopefully the people who virtual fundraising event for President Joe have no experience in this arena will find this Biden’s campaign. site to be an intuitive and friendly access point.” Though Chris Evans may only play Captain Followers of the online channel will also find America on screen, there is no denying that he answers to commonly asked questions about holds the title in real life as well with his politi- topics such as the environment, , and cal and social activist pursuits. 9 People The Junto January 2021 Billie Eilish Branden Cunard // P.O.V Editor It is mind-boggling to think one of the world’s experienced within young-women around the top musicians, arguably ever, is practically my world. She doesn’t show much skin or much of age. Her very first song, titled Ocean Eyes, was her body because she does not want to be released back in 2015. At that time, I was mere- picked out in a crowd based on how she looks, ly in the 7th grade, 13-years-old. I could barely and typically by men. Covering-up her body deal with the coming-of-age lifestyle, let alone shows that she can be known for more than just having an innovative artist compose and pro- a body type or how many curves she’s got. It is duce her first song that went viral across all inspiring, and the message she puts across is a platforms. Grammy’s, Billboard Music Awards, massive flip-off to and the misogy- Teen-Choice, MTV awards, etc. were stacking nistic music industry. up year-after-year, that paved the way for a new Her voice, however, can be generation of music, and picked out by almost any- fashion choices that shook one. It is a blended-mix of the Earth to its core was alternative, indie, only the beginning. Now at “chillaxed,” rock-esque mu- the age of 19, she has be- sic with a dash of pop. This come a landmark for almost brand of music is on the rise every Gen-Z kid’s way of and she is the catalyst for life. Her name, of course, is this genre of music. Billie Billie Eilish. currently has only two-al- bums out, “Don’t Smile At Born on December 18th, Me” and her most recent al- 2001, Billie was born and bum “When We All Fall still resides in , Asleep, Where Do We Go?” California. In fact, she still With only two albums out lives with her brother who is also a notable mu- released over the course of 5 years, she already sic artist, Finneas. One thing that has remained has jaw-dropping amounts of awards, record- constant in Billie’s life is music. She and Finneas breaking Grammy wins, and sold-out tours like would play piano together, write songs, utilize no other. To think she is only 19 and has ac- different instruments, computer programs for complished this much already is awe-inspiring. recording and producing music, etc. It is the au- thenticity that gives her a massive glow in the She connects with our generation. She is one of spotlight. She started out small and all she us. Her personality is raw and she, according to needed was one big hit, and boom, she was on many people that have met her, is one of the the rise. most genuine people on the planet. When peo- ple go back to her meet and greet, Billie re- Billie changed the way we look at fashion too. members them by name! It is hard and an ex- Aside from her impeccable singing, her fashion treme rarity to find someone in the modern-day choices are unique to her. Oversized androgy- music industry that resembles her. Billie Eilish, nous pieces, blinged-out jewelry such as rings at the age of 19, will forever be one of the and bracelets, and ever-changing hair color are greatest influences in not only the music indus- what she does. The reason she does this is be- try but in the world as a whole. cause of the body-shaming and targeting that is 10 People The Junto January 2021 Malala Yousafzai Rachel Arzoumanian // Copy Editor

Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997 in 2018 she began studying philosophy, politics, an Mingora, Pakistan. She was named after Pa- economics at the University of Oxford, and she kistan’s own Joan of Arc-Malalai of Maiwand. graduated in 2020. Malala grew up loving school and learning-her father ran a girls’ school in their village. How- Malala continues to fight to ensure all girls 12 ever, in 2008 the Taliban extremists took control full years of free, safe, and quality education, as of their town in there are still 130 million girls worldwide who 2008, banning are not in school due things such as own- to poverty, conflict, ing a television and and gender bias and listening to music, struggles. She wrote and enforcing harsh a book about her life rules and punish- and her movement ments for those who at age 15 called “I disobeyed them. am Malala.” It de- They even barred tails her experiences, girls from attending early life and ac- school. She was tivism, and how she only eleven when became the young she could no longer woman she is today. go to school. Malala is truly an in- Malala soon began to advocate for girls and spiration to all peo- their education, gaining a reputation for her ple, but especially to young girls. Her life and work. In October 2012, at 15 years old, she was work show how her perseverance and passion, shot by a masked gunman in the side of her and how she not only got through the difficul- head. She was rushed to a hospital in Birming- ties life presented her with, but also used them ham, England, where she woke up 10 days later to further her work and impact. The bullet after being shot. The world was praying for her meant to kill her did not silence her voice, but recovery. In 2014, she made the decision to not amplified it. She is a self-proclaimed feminist stay quiet and to use the platform given to her and she says that her life’s work is advocating to continue to advocate for girls and their edu- for opportunity, equality, and moderate Islam. cation. She founded the Malala Fund, an orga- She is humble, kind, and incredibly intelligent- nization that works to provide an education to and she is actively working to help educate girls every girl so she can choose her . She was to allow them to have a future that they can awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Decemeber choose. 2014 at 17, becoming its youngest recipient. In

11 People The Junto January 2021 David Goggins

Isaak Torres // Copy Editor

“Only you can master your mind, which is what some miracle he did it. In his book he outlined it takes to live a bold life filled with accomplish- how this feat was accomplished and to say the ments most people consider beyond their capa- least it was insane. He worked out and ate as lit- bility.” -David Goggins tle as possible all day everyday for those three months. He explained how mentally challenging Without a doubt, David Goggins is the toughest it was but also explained that that’s all it came man alive. He has over- down to--a mental chal- come racism, abuse, obesi- lenge. From 100 mile races ty, and poverty. He is the to BUDS (Navy SEAL only serviceman to ever training program) it was complete training in the not about the physical as- Navy, Army, and Air Force, pect, but it was all mental. becoming a Navy SEAL, What is so inspiring is that Army Ranger, and an Air all the odds were stacked Force Tactical Air Con- against David Goggins troller. After his service in from youth and yet he still the military, he would go overcame his challenges on to run 100 mile races and became the man he and set a record for pull wanted to be. All because ups. Goggins's life experi- he was mentally tough. In ences were all compacted the face of adversity, he into one book--his biogra- never gave up and he real- phy--titled “Can’t Hurt ized that through the suf- Me.” Although this book fering he endured he came records his tremendous physical feats and chal- out stronger. lenges, it is his mental determination and strength that is so inspirational. That is the exact message he preaches everyday. Face adversity, challenge yourself and push When you look at the accomplishments listed, through your mental barriers and you will suc- David Goggins is clearly an amazing man. But ceed. He has over 2 million followers on Insta- when you start to understand what went into gram, 240 thousand on and 400 thou- those challenges you then realize how truly im- sand on . It is his no nonsense, tough, possible his accomplishments were. For instance, motivational prowess, and inspirational stories in his journey to becoming a Navy SEAL, he that truly draw people in. He has and will con- was tasked to lose 106lbs in less than three tinue to motivate me and all of the people with- months in order to be submitted into the train- in his following to become greater and push the ing program. That is impossible. Or at least, boundaries of life from now and for years to that is what everyone told him. Although, by come.

12 People The Junto January 2021 Tom Scott

Steven McDonald // Copy Editor

Tom Scott is one of the originators of internet along with ideas that he wants, writes about influencers. For the past 15 years he has created them, and then shares them with others. Tom is websites and videos for fun, and has amassed a fully capable of working on large projects, and following of 3.5 million people. The way he has has worked on plenty, but he also has many influenced people is via these same creations, as small projects to show and creates those out of he shares his spoofs, and an honest interest in travels with others, what he works on. He showing what others can travels to places with make and research wild stories, and his themselves. viewers get to find out about themas if they are Tom’s videos are reading of a plaque about many different near where he films subjects, most of them these same stories. being informative trivia videos, introducing any Often starting a of the over 200 things project of our own, or he has reported on. even just finding out However, he also show- about and exploring re- cases his own projects, gions near to us seems including an key- daunting, but starting board, multiple cases of small and going out satirizing governments there can always be a and organizations that satisfying feeling. Tom then come back to bite Scott is a great example him, or a program that of someone who is im- regularly changes a YouTube videos title. He pressive due to how much effort and time he shows off all of these fascinating projects, but puts into what he finds interesting. what really makes him down to earth is his video where he makes breakfast with a clothes Tom Scott may not be as remembered as Hol- iron, not because of the content, but due to his lywood stars, or politicians, but he is one of the own words years later: “I kept making stuff.” billions of people on this world with a story to tell, and he simply does a fantastic job at it. I It is hard for me to say that anything he chose him as my influencer because he has af- has done is something no else could do, but fected the internet, and in so doing Humanities what makes Tom so influential is that he goes thoughts.

13 People The Junto January 2021 A History of Influencers Gabriella Feltmann // Copy Editor

There have always been influencers. Maybe not with that name, and not in the specific way we know now, but there have always been people with influence. People that set trends, people that others listened to. People that others followed and respected. The term “influencer” was first used in the 1600s, but not in the way we know it today. It wasn’t a job, there wasn’t an “influencer cul- ture” in the way there is now. Today, we know influencers as people who use their platform, most often social media, to share their opinions and connect with others. They have large fan bases that share and respect their opinions. But this isn’t a new concept. Marie Antionette was born in 1755, and is most famous for the phrase “let them eat cake” (which she probably didn’t actually say) and the loss of her head during the French Revolution. But she was also an incredibly popular fashion and design influencer. Upon her introduction into the French monarchy, she devoted her time and money to planning extravagant outfits and designing the interiors of her home. She was one of the first consumers of haute couture, and she helped to elevate fashion, and still today we see celebrities wearing styles that influence and are imitated by society. Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most fa- mous artists of all time. Not while he was alive, no, but his art style has influenced so many artists since his death. Van Gogh poured passion into his art that not many others did. In music, some more famous artists were Queen and . Everyone has heard of them. They had incredible fan bases, and everyone knows their songs. I mean, if you don’t know at least some of the words to Bohemian Rhapsody, where have you been? Freddie Mercury was openly bisexual, and he was a champion to many. The Beatles worked with many different genres of music, and they were a cul- tural phenomenon for their time. These people were all influencers in their own right, long before the word took on the meaning it has today. They had no social media, but they connected with their followers in other ways. People listened to them, and they set trends and helped change the way people thought about their areas of influence. And that is what an influencer is. Staff-Ed The Junto January 2021 Staff-Ed

We often think of influencers as unattainable, picture-perfect people. Or, perhaps as people our age who are doing what we think of as unimaginable. But the staff of the Junto wanted to explore the idea of everyone being a possible influencer. Involvement seems to be at the very heart of influencers. The way we, as high school students, can “influence” is through community involvement. This may be holding the door open, being a part of clubs and school activities, and overall small acts of kind- ness. The main idea was to spread positivity through our own personal influence on others around us. Part of this positive personal influence was discussed as keeping an open mind, and lending ear to a friend or classmate. Aside from personal influences through the “small things,” the Junto staff looked at activism through social media influence. Activism can be using our own individual plat- forms on social media to be outlets for the topics we are passionate about, as well as to be influenced ourselves by a community of others. We can have influence over each other through the discussion and exchange of ideas, both online and in-person. To conclude, promoting our passions and practic- ing positivity is the main way we can be influencers ourselves.

PA Covid-19 Total Case Count- 814K U.S. Covid-19 Total Case Count- 25.3M

The Junto has a podcast! This month hosts, Kellie and Julianna, talk with senior Editor- in-Chief, Alania Mariano, to find out her plans after high school! They will also be releas- ing a “Month in Review” episode where they will speak on all January events to wrap up the month. You can listen to new episodes now by clicking the link featured on the Easton Area High School homepage, as well as Spotify, Anchor, Podcasts, and more.

15 People The Junto January 2021 The Staff of the Junto

Advisor - Jeannine N Capecci Editor-in-Chief - Alania Mariano Points of View - Branden Cunard Places - Mallika Pal People - Sienna Walenciak Photography - Nailah Lockhart

Copy Editors Colette Potter Gabriella Feltmann Isaak Torres Rachel Arzoumanian Steven McDonald Julia Vinci

Off Leash Editors Kellie Painter Julianna LoPiccolo

16 We hope all our readers find inspiration in 2021!