March 9, 2021 Sports 11 Keeping Up with the Football Team and COVID-19 Spectating Guidelines [continued from page 10] Spectating

Unlike games pre-COVID, there has been a cap of “200 total individuals in a [school] facility during a competition,” as reported by the BSD Plan for Spectators for Fall Season Sports this year. Though the division of this number may vary depending on the sport, for football, the roster of coaching staff, athletes, cheerleaders, drill team members, athletic trainers, and statisticians may not exceed 90 for one team. If both teams fill up their allowed roster, only 20 total spots remain which may very likely be filled by even personnel such as officials and announcers. However, should there be Image by Shine Crazy. The football team practices a play using trash bins as opponents. remaining spots, they are to be filled and drill). While in the past students football team through installed the site at nfhsnetwork.com, you can with parents only, and priority is have made up most of the crowd, it live cameras, though it is not free. subscribe to Newport’s program at a given to the senior parents, then seems that will not be the case this The livestreams plan on using the fee of $10.99 per month to access the junior parents, then sophomore year. National Federation of State High streams for not just football but all parents, and finally freshman parents That being said, there is still an Schools (NFHS) Network to pass the other sports in school facilities (gyms of the home team (football, cheer, option to cheer on our Newport video footage to viewers. If you view and stadiums).

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1240 116th Ave. NE, Suite 200 Bellevue, WA 98004 T (425) 373-0870 F (425) 373-3243 www.MercerEducation.com 12 Sports March 9, 2021 Mr. Nimmo’s Golfing Adventures ZOYA SIDDIQUI nine holes.” The team Reporter he coaches, he added, “is lucky to have the Golf takes quite a lot of heat, often opportunity of getting to viewed as boring and unworthy of play on one of the most being considered a sport. Newport’s beautiful courses in the very own Mr. Nimmo, though, Northwest, Newcastle argues that golf deserves a serious Golf Course.” re-reflection. Lately, he has been He first played the sport as a playing during twilight pastime with his friends, becoming in the late afternoon more passionate about it when he and early evenings, to and his brother teamed up against which he described the his dad and his uncle and competed course as “beautiful and for fun. When asked about where he relatively quiet.” Mr. frequently golfs now, he said that Nimmo noted that his he “actually enjoys playing golf on favourite aspect of golf is that it takes place in a fantastic outdoor “Golf requires environment, and unlike other sports, you can patience, compete against yourself as well as friends and perseverance, family on the course. Image from Mr. Nimmo. Mr. Nimmo (front left) coaches last year’s Boy’s Golf team at the Many sports have seen Newcastle Golf Course. character, a massive shutdown since COVID hit, but golf has participating and learning the sport which wrote that in exploring the and surprisingly benefited from it. As it since it is really the ‘only game in experiences of individuals with integrity.” is one of the only outdoor activities town’” mental health problems or substance where spacing can conveniently As to the common belief that golf use when introduced to systematic occur, golf has been open for the is “boring,” Mr. Nimmo said that golf golf activities, “the findings revealed any course” and that he “tends to majority of this pandemic. The actually teaches the player quite a few a positive influence on health and play most frequently on the local, National Golf Foundation reported important life skills. He explained social well-being in addition to nearby courses that allow [him] to that, since June, there have been that “golf requires patience, positive changes in daily activities.” conveniently go out and play a quick over 50 million incremental rounds perseverance, character, and integrity For those who have an interest in of golf played. The and teaches you that you will hit bad starting to golf, Mr. Nimmo urges only other year that shots or play bad rounds in golf and people to give it a try. “Don’t take it Image from Mr. Nimmo. Mr. Nimmo and his has reportedly seen life, but you get to do it all wife take a selfie atop the Newcastle Golf over again with the next Course. such a rise in interest is in 1997, when Tiger shot ahead and the sun “You will be Woods became a coming up the next day massive sensation. for another round.” The remembered more for As another most important quality testament to the that the sport teaches, he the character you show sport’s growth within said, is integrity, as golf the past year, the golf “teaches you that you will on the course and the equipment industry be remembered more for also saw a surge in the character you show on attitude you bring to terms of sales, hitting the course and the attitude an all time high of you bring to the game the game rather than $388.6 million back rather than your number your number on the in July. The sport on the scorecard.” also saw a boost in Golf is a special game, scorecard.” viewership with the especially now, because first round of the 2020 it allows you to take the PGA Championship time to build tenacity and receiving an average extreme patience all while being too seriously at first and realize early of 1,246,000 viewers, safely socially distanced and having on the joys of the game,” he said. solidly putting it at the fun. The sport is also startlingly “Think of the beautiful environment, event’s most viewed good for your mental health. The the lessons you can learn, and the first round since 2015. publication National Club Golfer fact that you are spending time with On a local playing shared that the sport “reduces yourself or family and friends while scale, Mr. Nimmo anxiety and dampens the effects of playing a fun and competitive sport noted that he has seen depression.” This is corroborated you can participate in for the rest of “people of all levels by a published medical study from your life.” the National Library of Medicine, March 9, 2021 Sports 13 Ishika Devgan: Kickboxing JAIME CHEN Editor

Since the 6th grade, Ishika Devgan (11) to watch a lot of people has found herself engulfed with a unique mixed do some pretty crazy martial art: kickboxing. We often think karate stuff.” or taekwondo when we hear of martial arts, but “The atmosphere’s Currently, Devgan kickboxing is just as technical and complex. really hectic, and trains about twelve hours The first form of kickboxing emerged in the a week. In the past, she late 1950s in Japan, according to Wikipedia, there’s a bunch of, had bounced between followed by American kickboxing in the 1970s. many gyms, especially In 1974, kickboxing was brought into the light like, electricity in the boxing ones in at the Professional Karate Association’s first Seattle, but with COVID World Championships, making this sport a rather the air.” restrictions, she has recently added division to martial arts. had to move a lot of her Like all martial arts, kickboxing is very useful activity back home. Now, for self-defense, being the reason that Devgan took has been extremely helpful and motivating, and training and competing up the sport. There she describes it to be “supportive” and “a really in this contact sport are also many good community.” Though kickboxing is an are “a lot harder,” said substyles independent sport, she also has friends in Devgan. to the the tough sport that make it much more Devgan is the CEO endurable. She also credits her first of the Youth Education kickboxing teacher with hooking Initiative where she her into the sport. “She really actively works to helped encourage me and advocate for educational helped me out when I was equality, whether just getting started,” said through legislation or Devgan. working directly with Since her entrance to politicians. So, it is the world of kickboxing, not a surprise that she Devgan has progressed also loves to share her far. When asked what passion of kickboxing her greatest achievement with others through was, she shared that she teaching kickboxing went to Worlds for her age lessons. However, division two years ago in similar to her training 2019. Though Worlds was restrictions, she has not cancelled last year due to the been able to teach classes recently. Pre-COVID, pandemic, Devgan was able she enjoyed teaching the junior group of ten- to to experience an international thirteen-year-olds as well as the occasional dip into competition in South Africa. As the thirty-year-olds’ group. Devgan admitted her she explained, competitors start preference towards the kids, saying, “It’s really fun with competing many times locally to see the kids get into it and learn all the different form, until they receive enough “bids,” or wins, moves; they’re all really cute.” like many to progress to the state level. If you receive When asked if she would recommend other martial the highest bids at this level, you then progress on kickboxing for anyone, whether in search of a arts, but Devgan focuses to Worlds. good cardio workout or self-defense lessons like, solely on American kickboxing. “The atmosphere’s really hectic, and there’s a Devgan said, “I definitely think others should But self-defense has not remained as her bunch of, like, electricity in the air,” Devgan said, try kickboxing because you learn a lot of helpful sole attraction to this sport. Devgan explained describing her experience in South Africa. “But things, and it really helps ground you. Plus, it’s an that being around her training circuit group everyone’s super friendly, and you get the chance awesome workout.”

“I definitely think others should try kickboxing because you learn a lot of helpful things, and it really helps ground you. Plus, it’s an awesome workout.” 14 Focus March 9, 2021 March 9, 2021 Focus 15 Navigating the District + BEA Disequilibrium The Personal Journey of MIKI KUSUNOSE Editor Reconciliation In late January, tensions between the Bellevue School District and the Bellevue ALLYSON GRAYLIN Education Association (BEA) came to an all-time high. Many students can recall the several Reconciliation Reporter days of asynchronous learning as negotiations between the two parties unfolded following the district’s request to bring back 2nd grade educators to in-person learning. At some point in your life, you may come across a scenario where you strongly For clarification, the Bellevue School District and Newport administration are separate disagree with someone’s course of action. You may express your discontent to the other entities. Newport administrators are represented by their own union and were not party but fail to achieve a reasonable outcome. Whether this situation bothers you or the primary negotiators at the table. They were more or less close to a third party. The not, you should consider reconciling your differences. tumultuous events in late January were primarily due to negotiations between the Bellevue “On the surface, [reconciliation] is about relationships,” Ms. Erickson, one of Education Association—which represents teachers—and the district. Newport’s counselors, divulged, “but ultimately, it is about ourselves.” Stressing the Ms. Lopus serves as a BEA union representative for Newport High School. She was importance of self-reflection, she elaborated that there may be a pattern in situations quick to point out that the negotiations between the BEA and the district in late January requiring reconciliation “where we’ve been the one routinely wronged,” and we need was not a standalone event. For the past several months, the two parties have been meeting to realize “we haven’t learned the skills to speak our truth and say what we need at the negotiation table for routine negotiations. “The underlying problem is that COVID to.” If conflicts are left unresolved, the baggage from them carries over to the next has drastically shifted our working conditions,” said Ms. Lopus, and “all of the stuff relationship. She explained that by resolving conflicts, “our scars just become a part of that is written in our contract was for in-person learning.” Furthermore, because of the “Listening Across the Aisle”: Where to who we are but don’t get in our way moving forward.” Similarly, Olivia Paulucci (9) extraneous circumstances around COVID, the negotiations were no longer about contracts, focused on the self-improvement aspect of reconciliation when stating it is important to but over memorandums of understanding, which is essentially a “temporary document “admit when you’ve done wrong and accept your faults in order to improve.” just for the pandemic,” according to Ms. Lopus. As mentioned before, the BEA and the Draw the Line Interestingly, for Ms. Erickson, the definition of reconciliation changes from district has negotiated over the memorandum of understanding in the Spring and Summer situation to situation. She defines reconciliation based on the question: What do fairly collaboratively. When the district looked to bring 2nd grade educators back to in- ANNIE MCDONALD we need to do to make things right and to be able to move forward together with person learning, many union members felt that their voices were not heard and that safety Reporter our common, shared goal? According to Laura Davis, the author of seven self-help precautions were inadequate. books with more than 1.8 million copies sold worldwide, there are four different Following the January tumult, I was invited to speak with Dr. Duran, the ways of reconciling. The first is the most ideal but is typically the most difficult, We have probably all been chastised with the common trope, “listen across the aisle!” from our elders superintendent, on a community conversations video. With Benji Blatt (12), I had an which is through “deep, mutual healing.” This is where both sides come to a mutual when discussing politics. In a nation wrought with hyperpartisanship and political intolerance, the notion of opportunity to ask Dr. Duran questions on reopening, safety, and quality of education. For understanding of the situation, repair the foundation of the relationship, and reach bonding across party lines makes sense. If we look beyond our political differences and see eye-to-eye, we may the district, it seems, return to in-person learning is imperative. In response to a question a fair agreement to move forward on. However, not all conflicts can be resolved in be able to find some consensus. Sarah Hendrick (12) argues, “engaging with opposing ideas about politics on safety, Dr. Duran answered that mitigation strategies such as distancing, masking, and such a complete manner. An alternative is “agreeing to disagree,” where both parties and personal values is essential to being able to argue your side effectively. You can’t say you want unity if ventilation are proven to work. decide to forgo convincing the other and connect on an unrelated, common ground. you refuse to consider the other side’s points.” The majority of Newport students have successfully adopted With the district’s insistence that students return to in-person learning and hesitancy Davis also mentioned another approach, which is “shifting…expectations.” When one this belief, with approximately 57% of Knightlife survey respondents reporting they have friendships that among the general teacher population (of course, some teachers are eager to return, is unopen to change, the other adjusts expectations for the relationship and moves on transcend party lines. This statistic is especially surprising given the surface level homogeneity of political too), this conflict may have been inevitable. Either which way, it sheds light on the often- regardless of the outcome. It is important to err on the side of caution with this method ideology at Newport. contentious relationships that forge students’ education. Many would agree that students since this mindset may encourage harmful patterns of behavior to continue. If direct But many argue that a line must be drawn somewhere. In 2019, Newport’s leadership formed the Newport got the short end of the stick. Students, after all, were the one who missed out on learning methods of reconciliation are not realistic, reaching an “inner resolution” is possible. A Equity Team to protect and encourage diversity and time. It begs the question of how the district and the BEA can proceed while minimizing confrontation may evoke painful memories, or the previous attempts to reconcile may inclusion between students. Some of their recent collateral damage to students’ education. have ended in vain. At that point, one must come to terms with the situation and do the work includes raising awareness for Indigenous On March 2nd, Governor Jay Inslee announced that the state “must prioritize processing within oneself. People’s day, a SOAR panel discussing race, and vaccinations of teachers and childcare workers,” and that as a result, educators and When starting the process, it is essential to define your limits and consider what you comments on how to interact with those of differing childcare workers are to be shifted to “Washington’s Phase 1B-1 immediately.” With this want out of the relationship. This thinking can help to envision what the reconciliation political views. In an interview with members new development, negotiations between the BEA and the district may loosen. If educators needs to look like. Then, decide on the setting of the conversation. For those that are Bitanya Giday (12), Sneha Subraminan are vaccinated and feeling safe, they may be willing to return to in-person learning. comfortable speaking among themselves, simply having a casual conversation may (12), Laurken Kirkpatick (11), and Elora The events of late January serve as a lesson for all students, teachers, administrators, be enough. However, for those who have differences in power or if one person feels Brown (11), the team discussed their approach to and parents of the Bellevue School District: when relations break down, everyone seems to victimized, a facilitated conversation may be helpful. It is important to have equal discussing politics with those across the spectrum. lose. footing during these conversations. Involving a mediator can promote that. All four members of the team agreed that respectful Since the process for reconciliation is different for everyone, it is difficult to know discourse with those of conflicting political beliefs what to expect. The outcome depends on how much work both parties are willing to is important, but came to the consensus that society put in. Having said that, do not fixate too much on meeting all your expectations. Ms. should not expect everyone, especially marginalized Erickson acknowledged that expectations are “essential in knowing if we’ve achieved communities, to actively reach across the aisle to the desired outcome” but warned that they can also “limit us.” For example, if both defend their politics. Subraminan argued that “POC parties have the expectations to be best friends again and it does not happen, they may and marginalized communities should not bear think they have failed. Even if their relationship is not entirely restored, it does not the burden of educating those who fail to recognize necessarily mean they have failed. It may just be that their reconciliation looks different inequities,” with Brown adding that it can be from what they expected. “draining to talk with people who have problematic Reconciling may seem overwhelming, but Ms. Erickson reveals that for some, the beliefs, like ableism, racism, and homophobia.” process is “really smooth” and “sometimes it just takes some courage to get started.” Whether or not you believe in “listening across the aisle,” it is important to recognize that no one is obligated to do so. Political disagreement can be Images courtesy of Bellevue School District and Bellevue Educators Association. Logos of BEA productive as long as it remains civil and respectful. and BSD 16 Focus March 9, 2021

Mediator in the Middle ALLYSON GRAYLIN Reporter

Unlike in the playground game Keep Away, being in the middle of a disagreement may not be as bad as it seems. Both roles, however, are needed to maintain friendly relationships. When serious disputes arise, including a third party to act as a mediator can catalyze the resolution process. During her last year at Tyee Middle School, Kylee Choi (12) became a peer mediator. Her counselor “pulled [her] out of class” one day to tell her she was “picked to become a mediator,” and she “automatically took the opportunity.” According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Civil Rights, situations requiring mediation are typically caused by “poor communication,” Image by Annie McDonald A pie chart of Newport students’ responses from and having a “skilled neutral party” can adjust the “dynamics of Edition 4 Survey the interaction.” These neutral mediators provide an unbiased environment rather than taking sides. When mediating, Choi advised to “not let your own emotions interfere with the problem.” “The issues may not be a big deal to you, but it greatly affected at least one person,” she explained, “so all we can do is support them, not Vaccination: Finding Middle invalidate their feelings.” From a business perspective, FINRA, a corporation providing mediators to settle financial disputes between brokers and investors, Ground emphasized how crucial it is that a mediator “does not decide the outcome” but instead “guides” both parties to a resolution. ANNIE MCDONALD Some personalities are more suitable mediators than others. In Reporter terms of the Myer Briggs personalities, the ideal intermediaries are INFPs due to their introverted, intuitive, feeling, and prospecting In the past three months, King County has managed to vaccinate over nature. They are often “curious about the depths of human nature” 14% of its citizens. Flooded with cable news’ frequent reminders of the and “make an effort to understand other people’s true feelings.” chaos and disorganization of the vaccine roll out, it can be easy to forget Although this particular personality is labeled as the mediator type, that not everyone is vying for their shot. In a recent Knightlife survey, people with other personalities can also successfully adopt this role. only 73% of students reported they would take the COVID-19 vaccine, Some of the key qualities of effective mediators include being open- a statistic unsurprisingly representative of the rest of the . minded, approachable, thoughtful, and patient. With over 31% of Americans nation-wide reporting they will not take Acting as a mediator does not necessarily require the use of fancy the vaccine (Pew Research Center), the question of vaccination may no tactics. At times, the issue may even be resolved by simply allowing longer be “when” but “if.” for space to speak. Through his experience, Paul Stenzel, a seasoned In a time as critical as now, conversations regarding a deadly virus Wisconsin attorney and mediator, discovered that “sometimes the can be difficult. So in the spirit of finding middle ground, I brought parties just need a break and an opportunity to vent.” together Newport students Elsie Bencke (11), Isaac Jacobsen (11), Unfortunately, these mediator resources are often underutilized. Matt Robertson (11), and Cody You (10) to civilly discuss their “In middle school, I’ve only done a few sessions,” Choi shared, “and stances on the vaccine. Unsurprisingly, they had much more agreement in high school, no one signed up.” Do not be afraid to seek outside than disagreement. The group shared the belief that the COVID-19 help. Communication is key to relationships, and mediators are there vaccine is safe and effective, all nodding when Cody affirmed he “trusts to help find that key. it.” Elsie even cited her mom, a psychologist who took the vaccine, explaining that she “wouldn’t change [her decision to get vaccinated] for the world” despite experiencing negative side-effects from her second dose. But when asked whether or not they would take the vaccine, the group found disagreement. Elsie and Isaac answered with varying degrees of “inject that in me right now,” whereas Matt responded with hesitancy. Matt argued that the majority of the at-risk population would be vaccinated by the time it’s his turn, thus his decision to opt out of the vaccine would pose no safety risk. To Matt’s credit, a vaccine approved for children under the age of 16 is yet to be released, and in a recent “Meet the Press,” NIAID Director Anthony Fauci announced that children would likely not be able to get vaccinated until “the first quarter of 2022.” So while the rest of the group maintained their disagreement with Matt’s resistance to the vaccine, they were able to understand his rationale. This mini thought-talk is evidence that even in polarizing times, we are able to come to respectful disagreement on heated questions. While the group may not be the best representation of America at large, Image by Allyson Graylin. they are hope that our society may be able to find middle ground in spite of crucial personal differences. March 8, 2021 Health and Wellness 17 Ashes to Ashes, Bones to Dust Ning Wei accounting for around 0.02 percent of world carbon dioxide Editor emissions. While conventional burials do not involve the consumption of fossil fuels, they do occupy valuable land, pollute the soil Though the funeral industry has been long dominated by with embalming fluids, and necessitate the resource-intensive burials and cremations, Washington recently became the first production and transportation of caskets, headstones, and grave state in the nation to legalize composting as a “green” burial liners. Additionally, urban cemeteries in some of the biggest alternative when Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5001 into cities in the U.S. are experiencing a land shortage and face the effect. prospect of running out of room for more bodies in the near The legislation in question allows licensed facilities to offer future. For instance, Arlington National Cemetery is projected “natural organic reduction,” a process that turns a body, covered to run out of room by 2041. “There’s definitely an urban with substances such as wood chips and straw, into about two cemetery space crunch,” Florida State University Professor of wheelbarrows’ worth of soil within a month. Urban and Regional Planning Christopher Coutts explained. Once the process is complete, loved ones are allowed to keep “Space is at the highest premium in urban centers.” the soil to spread, just as they might with the ashes of someone The Catholic Church had opposed the bill, saying that who has been cremated, or even use it to plant vegetables or a composting ran contrary to church doctrine. “Disposing human tree. remains in such a manner fails to show enough respect for the Proponents argue that the method leaves a smaller body of the deceased,” Joseph Sprague, executive director of environmental footprint in comparison to the traditional the Washington State Catholic Conference, wrote in a letter methods of cremation and burial. to a legislative committee. Nevertheless, the bill passed the Cremation is notorious for burning fossil fuels, leading Washington House and Senate with strong bipartisan support. to the emission of carbon dioxide and particulates into the As of January 2021, there are three facilities in Washington atmosphere. Nora Menkin, executive director of the People’s licensed to perform natural organic reduction. Herland Forest Memorial Association, stated that the average U.S. cremation and Recompose both received their first bodies in December, “takes up about the same amount of energy and has the while Return Home out of Auburn expects to open later this same emissions as about two tanks of gas in an average car.” year. Similarly, a Reuters report found that globally, cremation emits over 6.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year,

Image Courtesy of Seattle Times. Recompose is one of the first Washington facilities to offer natural organic reduction. 18 Health and Wellness MARCH 9 , 2021 COVID Mythbusters ALEX SU a conspiracy theory circulating widely online that alleges that powerful people Editor intentionally planned the coronavirus outbreak.” What is more concerning is that a quarter of U.S. adults see at least some truth in it – including 5% who say If there’s one thing that spreads faster and further than Covid-19, it’s it is definitely true and 20% who say it is probably true.” Ashley Chen (10) outlandish claims about it. From the idea that masks give you pneumonia to mentioned that she has also heard the theory that Covid-19 “doesn’t exist, and conspiracies that the whole virus is fake, let’s inspect some and debunk them. the government just wants to control people.” A survey done by American News To start, let’s address the rumor that masks give you pneumonia. This idea Pathways, a sector of Pew Research Center dedicated to studying the statistics of spread with a post shared on Facebook by user Carol Bergmann on October the American public, reports that “around half of Americans with a high school 24th, reading ““MASK WEARERS ARE NOW ARRIVING IN ICU WITH diploma or less education (48%) say the theory is probably or definitely true.” ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT STRAINS OF PNEUMONIA,” according to USA This may be a side effect of social media, like the mask-pneumonia theory as Today. A commenter under this post, Dani Grove Bowling, expressed their the main evidence these theorists have is social media spread. Jonah Choi agreement, “I think people aren’t washing their cloth masks and are reusing (11) said, “I think they come from a need to be superior by knowing secret disposables. So, that could happen... It’s totally possible.” To debunk this, let’s information, the ‘truth’, that ordinary people aren’t aware of.” For example, look to what medical professionals have to say about this. Dr. Davidson H. some point to lyrics in a song by artist Dr Creep that say “2020 combined with Hamer, a Professor of Global Health and Medicine at the Boston University coronavirus, bodies stacking”. This artist himself has posted on his Facebook School of Public Health and School of Medicine, said in an interview with news that these lyrics were “more of a coincidence than a prediction.” Dr Creep agency Associated Press that theoretically, anything could become moldy or also clarifies, “there was already 6 or so coronaviruses in 2012/2013 when the infested with bacterial growth. However, he clarifies that this concern is “highly Pandemic song was created and a coronavirus was being talked about a lot at unlikely with just typical mask use.” Associated Press also spoke with Dr. Anne the time. As for mentioning 2020, well 2020-2030 was just significant years to Monroe, an associate research professor at the George Washington University me, as well as many other people that are educated on these esoteric topics.” Milken Institute School of Public Health, who agreed with Dr. Hamer, “The idea Though an interesting theory, we can see this is untrue and there are clear that contamination could cause fungal pneumonia is not a valid conclusion,” explanations for this coincidence. and that no cases of pneumonia arising from mask wearing have been documented.” Now that we know pneumonia from masks is not something to be concerned about, let’s think about it logically. Doctors, surgeons, dentists, and anyone in the medical professional field wear masks for hours on end everyday. None of them have ever been documented to contract pneumonia from wearing masks for a long period of time. Therefore, we should all mask up and put this concern to rest. For a more outlandish claim, there is the conspiracy that Covid-19 was planned by government officials, China, or ties to some deep state conspiracy. According to the Pew Research Center, “most Americans (71%) have heard of Reap the Rewards of Reading

ZOYA SIDDIQUI were tasked with viewing 36 images of people’s eyes and asked to select one Editor of four words that they thought reflected what the person might be feeling or thinking. Those who read fictional books had much higher test scores than those For years, students have been pushed to schedule in some time to read every who read non-fiction, which meant that they had a far higher level of empathy. day. Though some find it tedious and unnecessary, it is important to realize If you feel as though it is difficult for you to start reading more, consider that reading offers benefits beyond increasing a person’s comprehension and options such as swapping out time on your phone at night with reading a vocabulary. book. Doing so can improve sleep, as the Mayo Clinic says that it can “promote Reading is a common outlet for people, especially when they are stressed. better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness.” The task can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent, according to a 2009 study You could also take advantage of small gaps during your day such as between done by Dr. David Lewis and his team at the University of Sussex in the United classes. Whether you decide to carry around a hardcopy or to read using your Kingdom. They also found that participants who “engaged in just six minutes smartphone or a kindle, consider penciling in just a few minutes of reading time of reading...experienced a slowed heart rate and reduced muscle tension.” It a day. actually reduces stress faster and more completely than tasks such as listening to music, playing video games, and taking a walk, which reduce stress levels by approximately 61, 21, and 42 percent, respectively. When asked about how reading affects her, Kiara Prabhu (12) says “I feel calmer when I’m reading. I feel like I get to learn things in a low pressure situation, I get to experience some culture or issues outside of my own. The most calming part is when I really don’t understand something I’m reading, I picture it to the best of my ability and I begin to feel like I’m dreaming someone else’s dreams.” The content of what you are reading largely affects your stress levels. Reading the news, for example, can increase your stress more than it decreases it. Reading works of fiction is a better form of escapism, and it can actually improve your social skills. A research team at the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto, Canada, conducted a study on how literary fiction influences readers’ empathetic response to the real world. To start, a group of adults were asked with an Image Courtesy of Google Images empathy and theory of mind test called the Mind in the Eyes Test, where they MARCH 9, 2021 Opinion 19 The Race to Space: Slow Down! The Pros and Cons of Interplanetary Colonization ATHENA KIM Editor “Humans need to be a multi- Chronicles repeat the same scenario: preserving the natural planet species.” Elon Musk, CEO of a mass exodus where humans must environment on Earth by taking SpaceX, established the company flee from a devastated Earth. With heavy industry, like mining, into to achieve such sights, and he is the current course of our planet, space. However, repeating such not alone in the race to colonize this may become a very real threat. harmful activities in space seems space. After stepping down as British astronaut and former ISS counterintuitive. Though space Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos has crew member Tim Peake stated, “If is infinite, it does not mean we renewed attention to his spaceflight mankind is to survive as a species, should continue to use up the company, Blue Origin, which he then in the long term our future resources of other planets with hopes will eventually help humans existence lies in colonisation of other unsustainable methods. Two- build floating space colonies around planets or moons.” Already, Musk time Pulitzer Prize winner and Earth. This idea of settlements in plans to establish a million-person political commentator David space is romanticized as a sign of city on Mars within the next Horsey warned, “As we human progress. Wrapped up in the 50 to 100 years. dream of practical concerns, we often forget As we pour about the ethical concerns still hundreds of this process. During a U.S. Senate surrounding such ideas. Who will go billions of cities hearing, astronaut Buzz Aldrin to space? Who will be left behind? dollars into on discussed the need to demonstrate What about Earth? Not to mention, exploring Mars American leadership through a there are a plethora of uncertainties space, and as we permanent presence on Mars, and on International Space Law. Our critics explore distant the Business Insider added that rush to conquer the unknown wonder moons, we “if Americans do not go to Mars, mustn’t forgo these priorities. why this should not someone else will. And that spells Interplanetary colonization seems money be lulled into political and economic benefit for distant, even ludicrous, with our isn’t spent thinking we whoever succeeds.” The urgency and present technology and knowledge. on solving can quickly pressure to be the first to lay claim Nonetheless, proponents cite a urgent escape the to these benefits often makes us need to be far-sighted when we problems mistakes we make forget about the non-technological can afford the time and resources. such as world here on Earth.” concerns of space colonization. Entertainment pieces such as the hunger. In fact, On the other A paper written by researcher film Interstellar and physician and hand, investing in Marko Kovic on “Political, moral, the science fiction Concordia Station space colonization could and security challenges of space series The researcher Alexander Kumar actually help save the Earth. In colonization” discusses questions Martian said on BBC, “Maybe this the long-term, Bill Nye, CEO of ranging from who is allowed to continuing lack of care for The Planetary Society, suggested engage in space colonization to how the planet and its people that “humanity should focus on we will deal with space colonies will one day become the sending humans instead of robots that wish to secede and become reason we leave Earth to Mars because humans could independent. Kovic reminds for once and for all.” make discoveries 10,000 times as readers that “the notion that space While Mars and other fast as the best spacecraft explorers should belong to all of humankind landforms may become we have today.” Those discoveries is appealing, because it implies a alternative homes in just might lead to improving peaceful and cooperative future.” such a case, they cannot conditions of life on Earth. Currently, However, such a future seems compare to a life on experiments in space have advanced unrealistic. Even more troubling are Earth. As Fraser Cain, our understanding of human the notions of “lunar imperialism,” publisher of medical conditions and have even in which Western countries with the Today and co-host transformed surgery on Earth. On a most financial resources perpetuate of Astronomy Cast, daily basis, satellites and other space their history of colonialism in space, explained, “Mars technologies provide data on climate and the “Elysium Effect,” where might be a change, predict natural disasters, commercialization of space deepens fascinating place and measure pollution. wealth inequality. to visit and an To anthropologist Kathryn Indeed, space colonization may adventure to Denning, the question is about actually create more problems colonize, but I balance. Denning, who specializes than it solves--but we don’t really want to swim in space exploration, humanity think about that at all. In an article in rivers, and ethics at York University, by researcher and writer Martin climb posed the question: “How can we Robbins of The Guardian, Robbins mountains, be enthusiastic about the human claims, “There’s no room for walk in capacity to explore while maintaining discussion about social justice or forests, our focus on what needs to happen equality when it comes to planning watch here on this planet?” our future Mars colonies because we birds, Unfortunately, the survival of all just assume that decent educated sail in the Earth and our species aren’t the only scientists and engineers - the ‘right ocean.” goals of colonizing space. Political kind’ of people - won’t have any Bezos and financial incentives are causes problem with that thing.” suggested for concern in terms of justifying 20 Opinion MARCH 9, 2021 Double Edged Sword of K-Pop Fandoms SARAH SCALLON Reporter

and other artists release music, fan bases have banded together to support their favorite groups, often clashing with other fan bases to flaunt success, awards, and “beat out” other groups. With music event awards and music video views used as leverage above others, fanwars unfold online and enable a hostile environment. One student stated, “my overall impression of the fan culture on these platforms is that they can be very intimidating, almost toxic. However, Images courtesy of Google this also depends on the side of Sarah Scallon pleads the K-Pop fandom to "go touch some grass!" you’re on. Some fans and fandoms can be way more severe Whether it is fans breaking the latest Youtube and aggressive than others, and streaming records or infiltrating Twitter’s it is very easy to get canceled for saying Images courtesy of Google worldwide trends, the growing social media something even remotely offensive to Ji soo, a Korean actor, is one of the figures at the center of presence of K-Pop and its fans is undeniable. Social another group or idol.” bullying allegations after an anonymous online forum accused media has transformed the global perspective on As fanbases grow divided, some intense fans him of serious school violence and sexual assault.The actor K-Pop, with platforms like Twitter, Instagram, develop an concerning sense of loyalty to their publicly apologized, as investigations continue. and Youtube connecting millions across the world. favorite K-Pop groups, leading them to insult Celebrities’ fan bases have established themselves other social media users and weaponize the Yet, the existence of this small, hostile subset within these social media platforms, and their ever- recent development of “cancel culture”. Helena underscores the importance of treading carefully growing media presence prompts us to question Schneider (12), no longer active on K-Pop on these platforms with mindfulness and respect. whether these online communities are safe places twitter, emphasized that, “having a dedicated to explore new interests or risky territories that one fanbase is always going to lead to idolizing and it should steer clear of. can be too much. As much as I love the passion and sense of community, it can get out of control As K-Pop groups like BTS, , ATEEZ, TWICE Images courtesy of LEON magazine sometimes.” False rumors of K-Pop Sehun of K-pop boy group Exo idols participating in school bullying or mistreating fans run rampant, and they are likely attributed to extreme fans hoping to step on the necks of others to better their group’s success. With a handful of fans cyberbullying and degrading other users and K-Pop groups, one may question if these individuals gain the most enjoyment by the sense of superiority and power that comes with a group’s achievements rather than enjoyment of the music itself. Though toxicity is very prevalent and degrades the reputation of K-Pop, social media platforms can also prove to be a great space to meet fans with similar interests and keep up with the latest K-Pop content. The student stated, “I’ve met plenty of lovely people through the platform. It really depends on who you interact with and associate yourself with within twitter since who you follow will be what you see on your timeline.” Schneider added, “especially in a place like twitter where everyone has an opinion, it can be a great place if you know what to expect and what type of people to avoid beforehand.” This is not to say K-Pop fans all have a toxic mindset, as the majority of the online fanbases truly do enjoy the music, performances, and connecting Images courtesy of Koreaboo with other users with similar interests. Bona of the K-pop girl group Cosmic Girls MARCH 9 , 2021 Opinion 21 Seeing Eye to Eye: Camera Usage Through a SARAH SCALLON Reporter Student’s Lens When logging onto morning classes, most their homes and may Newport students can expect to be greeted by feel uncomfortable a gray panel of profile icons. The classroom turning on their camera, environment is a major shift for students and and that may also steer teachers alike, and the students’ reluctance to their attention away turn on cameras undoubtedly enables a more from learning.” Though isolated class environment. Yet, with frustrated many may believe that teachers applying pressure to turn on cameras requiring cameras could for participation grade or attendance, we are hold students accountable prompted to question whether requiring students to focus in class, some to turn on their cameras is helping or hindering teachers do not recognize the establishment of a comfortable learning how turning on cameras environment. could take a negative Bringing virtual learning into our personal toll on the students’ lives at home undeniably invites new challenges, learning. William Eng one being camera usage. Whether it is disruptive (11) explained that, siblings, living situation, or concerns about one’s “lots of people don’t feel appearance, requiring students to use cameras comfortable being seen overlooks the discomfort that students may feel. Lillian Lin (11) stated, “I don’t think cameras Image courtesy of The Stanford Daily should be required, especially as a participation have to show my face when I roll out of bed.” grade, because you can’t assume that everyone "It really bothers me when While talking with Newport students about has a quiet or nondisruptive place to attend I ask a question and there their class experiences, it became apparent that class. Even with blurred backgrounds it can is no response from group Newport teachers display a range of attitudes still be very uncomfortable.” Belle Lin (12) members because they can regarding camera usage. While some teachers added on, “everyone has different situations in appear flexible and nonchalant, others may impose hide behind their screens." grading policies that penalize students who do not use their camera. Intimidating or passive aggressively forcing students to turn on cameras on the computer may be counterproductive; Singling students screen. Meetings out one at a time to turn on cameras may only are often recorded heighten the hyper awareness of their visibility. and used and lots Additionally, passive aggressive comments may PREP only tarnish students’ relationship with class SAT/ACT of people may be uncomfortable engagement via camera usage. with [showing their To make up for lack of camera usage, we as faces].” students should continue to demonstrate our Get results Admittedly, engagement, whether it is through using chat this feeling of function or turning on our microphones. Roberts with our SAT or ACT prep programs discomfort could be emphasized, “I think as long as people are actively a byproduct of the turning on their mics, it's okay to have cameras Huntington has the best SAT overwhelming lack as a choice and not mandatory. It really bothers or ACT prep programs for SAVE $100 me when I ask a question and there is no response students seeking improved test WHEN YOU CALL BEFORE 06/30/2020* of camera usage. If from group members because they can hide scores and better college choices. Personalized Attention. Proven Results. more students were to normalize the behind their screens." 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Students also suggested policies that find Bellevue camera usage, 4 Convenient Locations compromise between both students and teachers. 425-643-8098 4 Specially Trained Teachers Mia Roberts (11) Issaquah stated, "it's really Lin suggested that “if they want to require it they 425-391-0383 50/50 for me. It's could take smaller steps first like encouraging CALL TODAY really cool to have students to turn on their cameras when working in 1.800.CAN.LEARN everyone's cameras groups or something but other than that, forcing students I think will give them an added pressure www.HuntingtonHelps.com on since it forces them to participate in this online environment that we are still ©2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently owned and operated. SAT is a registered trademark of adjusting to.” Navigating the challenge of cameras the College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. These entities were not involved in the and I'm not just production of and do not endorse this program. *Offer valid for Academic Evaluation or Tuition; new staring at my screen, within our current educational environment is students only. Not valid with any other offer. HLC3231.3A but from time to a barrier that we can overcome if we continue time it is nice to not working to understand one another.