THE COUGAR Summer 2016 Ardsley Middle School • Ardsley, NY 10502

Dear AMS, very quickly. In addition, I find myself relying on my friends more as classes become harder. Whether it is help on homework or So much has changed since my first emotional support, I know my friends will always be there. day at AMS. As I stepped into the cafeteria on the first day of fifth grade, Learn how you study I was greeted by paper airplanes, styl- In order to do well in middle school, it is important to learn how to ish backpacks stuffed with supplies study. Everyone learns differently: do you learn better visually or and one of my friends getting tram- by listening. Which is more helpful: flashcards or notes? Do you pled by a giant kid (later called an “Eighth grader”). “Four years,” I do better studying in 20 minute sessions or a long 2 hour session? thought, “Four years will be a long time.” In the end, studying is the process of remembering facts or a meth- And before I knew it, the end of my middle school career had ar- od of how to do something. The sooner you learn how to study, the rived. From Ms. Silberfein’s CAP class to blanking out on Mr. Nap- more successful you will be. pi’s extended response, I have so many memories of AMS. Nevertheless, there are some things I wish I knew before Don’t sweat the small stuff coming to middle school. Here are some of the lessons I have Sometimes it may feel like the end of the world when you are in a learned: fight with your best friend or you get a bad grade. Before you start to freak out, take a deep breath and ask the question, “Will this Meet as many people as possible matter a week from now? What about a month? A year?” So many One of the biggest transitions from Concord Road to the middle of the events that happen in our lives are insignificant. Just move school is the amount of people you see everyday. I never get on from them. bored at AMS because I see at least half my grade every day, mak- ing for some interesting conversations. And there are not many (Continued on next page) opportunities in a lifetime to become close with so many people

PAGE 2 THE COUGAR

But perhaps the most im- From the Editor portant thing I’ve learned is to Continued from page 1 String Bags: Good or Bad? live in the present. If you By Matthew Carrera, Rishi Raj and Elizabeth Chun get caught up in the past or First impressions matter worry about the future, time Have you ever tripped on a bag out- safety hazard. First impressions are lasting will leave the station at light side the cafeteria? Well, we’re sure impressions; they are never speed without you notic- many of you have, because we have However, this isn’t always the forgotten and can tell a per- ing. That’s what happened to interviewed Mrs. Winslow who case! We interviewed 20 AMS son a lot about you. If you me. My 8th grade graduation brought up the issue during the sixth students and of those 20, a major- set a bad impression, teach- has arrived. So enjoy your grade lunch period. We asked her a ity of the kids claimed that they ers will be less flexible with time at AMS, cherishing every series of questions about this topic walk to the cafeteria. While 9 said you, and can cause distress minute of a once in a lifetime in order to get her opinion on this they run to lunch, 11 said that later in the year. Be the per- experience: middle school. possible hazard. So, read these they walk. But, in order to ensure son you want to be. It will go questions and start to think about that no one gets hurt, everyone much further than you think it Farewell, your safety when going to and from needs to be aware of the safety will. Justin Lu lunch. precautions at all times -- not just the 11/20 students that walk to Q: What is your general opinion on lunch. putting string bags outside the cafe- teria at lunch? Why? Because we surveyed the Message from the A: I think the best place for storing same 20 people again, and 15 of bags is in the cubbies located inside them put their bags in the com- Girl Scouts! the cafeteria. They’re there for a mons. The other five people bring reason, and they should be used! their bags into the cafeteria with them. 15/20 is 75%, which is a lot with our web- Q: What would you say if kids could more than 5/20, which is site,PAYITFORWARDTAG.C not bring their books and string bags 25%. So, when those 9 people OM where you can find ideas to lunch? from before come charging into for good deeds to do and a A: I think it would be harder, be- the cafeteria and all those bags comment link so you can tell cause some kids like to do school- are in the commons, it creates a us what you did or pass along work during lunch. If their bags were safety hazard for people to trip your good deed ideas. We not with them, they wouldn’t have and fall. hope to get people started on the necessary materials to have an spreading random acts of effective study session. And if you think that’s bad, then kindness through our game of imagine this: Say there’s a fire tag so we hope you'll play Q: Do you think that kids leaving drill, or even a real fire. Then, Be on the lookout! Junior girl along! This project will help us their bags outside the cafeteria could what is everyone supposed to scout troop 2580 wants you to earn our Bronze Award pro- cause a safety hazard? do? All those bags would be play Pay it Forward Tag! ject so we hope lots of people A: Yes. They definitely cause a blocking the way of the students Bracelets like the ones pic- will play! safety hazard. However, I under- and teachers. That would create tured have been hidden stand that at the beginning of the a really serious problem. around town and if you find year, younger kids have to adjust to one - TAG, you’re it! their new schedule. They have a lot Okay, so maybe a fire is unlikely, If you find a bracelet it should on their minds and it’s hard for them and maybe a kid that slips on a have a treat attached. If to focus on where they leave their bag and falls doesn’t normally get someone gives you a brace- bags. Often, they’re really busy and seriously injured but just gets a let, they should do something just toss their bags wherever. But as minor bruise. However, take all nice for you first. Instead of time goes on, our students do a the “what-ifs” into consideration, paying the favor back we great job adjusting. They should and think about the consequences hope that instead you will work hard to get to class on time and that -- although they seem unlike- “pay it forward" by doing a Thanks! From troop 2580 do their work, while still leaving their ly! -- may result if everyone contin- good deed for someone and (Milena Cheung,Nina bags where they belong. ues to carelessly toss their bags giving them the bracelet. Now Gellman, Ellaina King, Molly in a chaotic heap outside the cafe- they will be “it” and they can Lipka, Quincey Leonard, and Q: What do you think is the best way teria! So next time you go to do a good deed for someone Emma Sudo) for kids to carry their books through- lunch and are looking for a place too. The bracelets are printed out the school -- bags, or just hold- to put your bag, carefully place it ing them? on a bench in the commons. Or A: Either way is fine. Each individual better yet, put it in one of the or- student has a system that works for ganized cubbies inside the lunch THE COUGAR them. However, in my opinion, I room! Wherever you put your Ardsley Middle School think that string bags are helpful for bag, make sure it’s safe and won’t 700 Ashford Avenue kids, because they can carry their cause injuries for anyone at AMS. Ardsley, New York 10502 materials hands-free, and also be- (914) 295-5600 cause they have all of their materials INSIDE THIS ISSUE: in one place.

Dr. JoAnne Januzzi, Principal Overview of the Year 3 — 4 Q: Do you think kids run in the hall- Mr. Stuart Horlacher, Assistant Principal ways too much? Do you think this Mind Boggling Emoji Puzzles 4 Mrs. Sabrina Rich & Mr. Doug Weitz, Advisors causes kids to trip more than they Book Review, Land of the stories 5 would if they walked? Would fewer Create Your Own Harry Potter 5 kids get injured if everyone walked? Writers: Zachary Arce, Octavia Basco, Matthew Carrera, Milena Chan, : The Group 6 Alicia Chang, Alexander N. Cruz, Deanna Demopoulos, Luke Faberman, A: Yes, definitely! Although many Emma Feldbaum, Alexander Fu, Lavanya Garg, Emma Greenspan, Preity kids don’t want to be late for class, California 6 Gupta, Charlotte Koenig, Yu-Chen Lung, Olympia Nassis, Clea Ndocaj, teachers would much rather kids Eulogy to Mrs. Snegroff 7 Nora Palkola, Rishi Raj, Sajal Ranjha, Liam Tannian and Zilu Wang walk and arrive a few seconds late, rather than running to get to class on The Final Test 7 Editors: Milena Chan, Alexander N. Cruz, Olivia Edwards, Lily Faberman, Emma Feldbaum,Quincey Leonard, Alex Malkin, Sajal Ranjha and Emma time and then getting themselves -- Quotes from the Kids and Teachers 8 Sudo or someone else! -- seriously hurt. Regionally-Ranking Gymnasts at 9

Introducing...Miitomo 9 Editors in Chief: Elizabeth Chun and Justin Lu Now tell us: do you think that when Why You Can’t Pause An Online 10 Layout/Visual Team: Matthew Carrera and Rishi Raj you run to lunch to be first on the lunch line that you are putting your- Why You Should Build Your Own 10 THE COUGAR IS THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF self and others in danger? Maybe by Summer Word Unscramble 10 THE ARDSLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL running or dropping your bag in the Book Reviews and Poems 11 way of the door you are causing a Midnight Canoe Ride 12

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Overview of the AMS 2015-16 School Year By Elizabeth Chun

13th!) marked the end of the first marking quarter. Congratulations -- we all made it through the first quarter of the school year!

Summer is only days away! Everyone is On December 17, 2015, the last AMS win- November 14, 2015, was a big day for so eager to be able to stay up all night and ter concert took place. The 5th and 6th many string players at AMS. Ambitious sleep all day. But, it seems as if it were grade bands and choruses performed and orchestra members at AMS left for Mama- only last week that it was September and wrapped up the series of winter concerts roneck High School to audition for a seat everyone was still struggling to get to their on a good note. This was a very special in the Westchester All-County Orches- classes on time and snap out of the sum- concert, because though it was the LAST tra. This year, a handful of students from mer trance. So many amazing things have winter concert, it was the FIRST concert all four grades were selected to play in this happened at this school, and yet, the year that the 5th grade band and chorus was orchestra. has flown by so fast! Here is a glimpse experiencing as middle school stu- dents. It’s been an amazing collection of into the past -- the highlights of the AMS 2015-16 school year are all here for you, concerts, and we all can’t wait until the so read on! spring concerts come around!

School opened on September 2nd! On Happy Holidays and New Year! School this day, AMS welcomed Dr. Januzzi (our officially closed for Holiday Break on De- new principal), Mr. Horlacher (our new as- cember 24, 2015 (Christmas Eve) until sistant principal), and our fifth graders from January 2, 2016! To many people, this is Concord Road to the middle school. AMS the best time of the year, and it’s a time

also saw the faces of returning students. worth celebrating. How can it not be? It’s a new year, after all! We hope AMS has On October 2nd, 2015, the entire school Additionally, on Saturday, November 21, had a great break. There’s so much to voted for their student body president, 2015, talented band students from AMS love about a great snow-filled winter sea- auditioned for the Westchester All-County based on the speeches that each of the son! Band. Many talented students from all candidates had given beforehand. kinds of instruments were picked to partici- The second marking quarter came to an Our eighth grade candidates this year pate. end on February 1, 2016. We’ve already were Hank Carrera, Isha Brahmbhatt, Cal- made it halfway through the year -- before ista Sassalos, Matthew Casey, Santiago we know it, summer will come

Adams, and Rory Confino-Pinzon. The around! Everyone at AMS deserves a votes were tallied up, and a few days later, round of applause. it was announced that Hank would be our president. From February 15-19, 2016, AMS closed once more for winter break! Everyone “Smile!” Picture Day was October 27th, stayed home to enjoy a week filled with 2015! Not only did all the students take snow, relaxation, and sleeping in. individual photos, many of the extra- curricular groups got photos taken as On February 25, 2016, the members of the well! The groups included performing AMS 2015-16 musical debuted Shrek the groups such as orchestras, bands, and On December 3, 2015, the 7th and 8th Musical! Directed by Mr. Grady and cho- choruses, as well as clubs for kids who grade band and chorus concert took reographed by Mrs. Grady, the cast of place. It was an amazing performance, have other hobbies outside of school. Shrek was filled with AMS students, and and also the very first AMS performing AMS students only! They put on an amaz- groups concert of the year. The band and ing show, and the entire cast was so dedi- chorus both have worked so hard from the cated -- they rehearsed the entire year for beginning of the year to put on a great per- this show, and their moment had finally formance for the audience which is eager arrived! to hear the band and chorus perform again at their spring concert!

Grades 5-8 held their first orchestra con- cert of the school year on December 10th,

2015. It was a night of amazing musical

works performed by dedicated middle

On October 30, 2015, the students of AMS school musicians. AMS can’t wait to see what our orchestras are capable of accom- came to school dressed in their Halloween costumes. Even some teachers were plishing for the spring concert! dressed up! During lunch periods, awards for the best Halloween costumes were giv- en out to the most creative students. Additionally, a second performance of Shrek the Musical was done on February November 13, 2015 (Yes, it was Friday the 26, 2016, for those fans who could not

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come to the first perfor- Science and Boston Tea Party Museum, as mance. Congratulations to the whole of the well as a Duck Tour (on land and water!) Shrek cast! and a game at Fenway Park. What a fun, yet educational two days away from school - - definitely a trip to remember!

May 4, 2016, split the AMS seventh grade into three fascinating trips! The seventh graders were allowed to choose from three trips to go on: a trip to a Broadway work- shop and a Broadway show (Tuck Everlast- ing), a trip to Becket Chimney Corners in the Berkshires (Massachusetts) for a day filled with team building activities, or a day at Phil- recognition for their success throughout the adelphia to visit historical monuments such year were invited to this ceremony to re-

as the U.S. Mint, Betsy Ross House, and ceive awards and be praised for all their April 5-7, 2016, were New York State ELA Liberty Bell. The trips were extremely excit- work. Congratulations to all of those stu- exam days for all the AMS stu- ing and gave the seventh graders the oppor- dents! They all deserve this! dents. Although they may not be fun, these tunity to participate in events that don’t hap- exams are something students all around pen every day. Eighth grade Earth Science students took the state take. Luckily, the first half of state the Regents Exam on June 17, 2016. It’s a testing ended on the 7th -- now, there’s just On June 2nd, 2016, many 7th and 8th grade big day for these students -- they are taking French students from AMS who participated math to go. a ninth grade exam in eighth grade! Good and ranked high in the National French luck to all these students -- we’re sure they April 13-15, 2016, were New York State Competition (le Grand Concours) were rec- all did amazing. Math exam days. It may have been a strug- ognized for their success. They were invit- June 20th, 2016, is a day that many eighth gle to get through all the testing that’s been ed to Isaac E. Young Middle School in order graders have been looking forward to for a going on, but we all survived, and now, it’s to receive their medals and certificates of long time! It may be a day for the gradua- over! achievement. Congratulations to all these tion concert rehearsal, but it’s also Eighth students! Grade Fun Day! Fun-filled activities await The PTA book fair at the AMS library was in the eighth graders before they say their last full swing from April 27-29, 2016! Students goodbyes to AMS soon. were able to buy amazing books throughout June 21st, 2016 is the last day of school for the days. A board at the side of the library eighth graders! It’s the day to say goodbye even displayed Dr. Januzzi and to AMS, and although it may be sad, we are Mr. Horlacher’s favorite books! This is an sure that they will be amazing at the high amazing time at AMS in which kids can get school! Congratulations to all of them for an books that interest them, and it’s something amazing 4 years in middle school.

we should all be thankful to have. 8th graders at AMS took the New York State At 6:00 p.m. (after school), the eighth grade Science 8 Performance Exam on June 2 graduation will be taking place. The eighth and 3, 2016, as a final look back on how graders will perform for their final concert at much they’ve learned this year, and how AMS for their friends and family who have successful they’ve been in their science watched them develop and grow through classes. their middle school years. Many amazing On June 6 and 7, 2016, eighth grad- performances will close the year for the ers took the second part of the exams -- this eighth graders. AMS wishes all the eighth time, they were written exams. graders the best!

On June 14, 2016, the sixth graders went on After two consecutive half-days of school, a trip to Medieval Times! They were able to June 23rd, 2016, is finally here! It’s time for experience a “jousting tournament”, in which summer vacation, and on this day, everyone they cheered on their team while eating deli- will be out of school for a fabulous two cious food in the fancy, medieval-like months. We hope everyone has an awe- stands. It was like truly being transported some summer, and AMS will see everyone On April 28 and 29, 2016, our AMS eighth into the medieval times and everyone had in the fall! graders got the thrill of going on their annual so much fun. trip to Boston! The amazing trip consisted

of several exciting activities that engaged June 14, 2016, was not only the sixth grade

and motivated everyone. Some included trip, but also AMS Awards Night! Many very visits to the Boston Aquarium, Museum of special AMS students who deserved special

Mind-Boggling Emoji Puzzles By Emma Sudo and Milena Chan

Are you obsessed with using emojis and literally know all of them by heart? Do you think no one knows emojis like you? If so, think again! Here are some tricky emoji puzzles using compound words or common two-word phrases to try and figure out. Some may be harder than you think, so beware! -Emma Sudo

*answers are on page 10

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Book Review: The Land of Stories Series By Milena Chan

Do you enjoy adventurous fantasy books? If so, I’ve got the perfect series for you! The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer (who is also an actor who formerly portrayed Kurt Hummel on the TV show Glee) has four books that are filled with suspense and adventure. The series includes the books The Wishing Spell, The Enchantress Returns, A Grimm Warning and Beyond the Kingdoms. In these books, twins Alex and Conner Bailey are normal middle-school kids that wind up in the magical Land of Stories. Conner is a very messy person and has difficulties in school. On the other hand, Alex is neat and takes college-level classes. Their father died a few years before and they live alone with their mom, so as they grow familiar with it, the Land of Stories becomes an escape from the stress of reality for them. In the first novel, The Wishing Spell, the twins try to escape the Land of Stories after entering for the first time ever. They find out from a mysterious journal that the only way to escape from this land is to find the items to create the Wishing Spell. The two also discover that a strange man used to have possession of the very journal, and has already used out the spell once. Turns out, the twins are in luck, because the Wishing Spell grants anybody their wish, but the spell will only work twice. Along the way, they meet many characters and grow to believe that they will succeed. But eventually, they find that the Evil Queen is after the items, too. Now, the twins aren’t just on a quest. They are also in a challenging race! Will they win? No one knows but the readers of this book. The Land of Stories has many magical creatures and fairy-tale characters. These wondrous novels are filled with many emotional moments, and breathtaking cliff-hangers. It is a great series, and for book lovers, this is a must-read!

but not in bad shape either. Create your own Background: Her father, Johnson Lloyd, Now it’s your turn to make Harry Potter who is a Muggle, is an author who writes books for Muggles. Her mother, Molly Lloyd, a character! Character! a pure-blood witch, is also a writer for the Daily Prophet. She has two brothers, William By Lily Farberman and Samuel, and a sister, Joyce. Her broth-

ers are twins and are two years younger than Have you ever dreamed of creating your own her. Joyce is two years older than her and Harry Potter character? Have you ever want- used to be friends with James Sirius Potter. ed to be a wizard or witch yourself and soar Friends with Sarah Solock, a Hufflepuff Girl, above Hogwarts on a broomstick? If so, I Phillip Burmingham, and some other have good news for you: Now, you can cre- Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, Slytherins and ate your own Harry Potter-inspired charac- Gryffindors ter! There are plenty of websites where you can copy a format to make your character. Personality:Elizabeth is a huge bookworm For example: http://fanfiction.mugglenet.com/ and can’t stop reading a good book. She is viewpage.php?page=tips_oc shy as well as energetic and likes playing Quidditch. She loves to take care of animals, http://aminoapps.com/page/virtual- which makes her not very social. Although space/1090950/harry-potter-oc-template she loves many animals, spiders are not among them. She is sweet and kind but can make rude remarks once in awhile (for exam- Need inspiration? Here’s a character I creat- ple, if you interrupt her when she’s reading). ed myself: She is very imaginative and curious which sometimes leads into trouble. She is only re- Name: Elizabeth Lloyd (Nick: Zizi or Lizzie) ally close to a few friends. She is also intelli- gent and loves Charms class. Like her moth- House: Ravenclaw er and father she loves to write but she pre- fers magic. She idolizes Luna Lovegood and Era: Modern her patronus is found to be a Hare. (More about that later.) She is quirky and likes to Appearance: Light brown hair - almost red, think she is like Luna Lovegood (because wavy, a little more than shoulder length; big, she kind of is). light blue eyes with a tint of green; light skin, barely tan; simple clothing; always wears a GOAL:One day she hopes to become an silver Muggle necklace with an L given to her Auror for the Ministry. by her father (who is a Muggle); Not athletic

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Pentatonix: The A Cappella Group By Mae Hawkins

Is it possible to have a band with no instru- Then, when Scott went off to college and self-titled album, Pentatonix. ments? The answer is yes! An a cappella joined another a cappella group, he met a group is a group of singers that perform friend named Ben Bram (who currently Surprisingly, Pentatonix didn’t rehearse for without instruments or other sound effects -- works with Pentatonix). He had seen their The Sing-Off until the day before the audi- just their voices and the sounds their voices high school a cappella video and decided tion! But from the first time they all sang to- are able to make. Sometimes, all the people that they could be a professional a cappella gether, it sounded like pure magic. The next in an a cappella group sing in unison and, group. Scott found this idea amaz- day, they auditioned, and they were accept- other times, everyone sings different parts. ing. However, Ben said that they would ed onto the show. After competing on 11 Some of the common voice ranges and need to find a Bass singer and a Beatboxer. episodes, on the 11th episode, they parts played in a cappella groups include won! After their successful win, Pentatonix Vocal Percussion (beatboxing), Tenor, Bari- Luckily, Scott already knew who the Bass officially became a public a cappella group. tone, Bass, and Mezzo-Soprano. was going to be -- , who he knew he could count on. Then one day, Scott Where does the name Pentatonix come Pentatonix is a very famous and popular a came across a video of a man beatboxing from? It comes from a particular musical cappella group. They are the Season 3 win- and playing cello at the same time, and was scale, the pentatonic scale. A pentatonic ners of The Sing-Off, a television program amazed. Turns out, the man was Kevin Olu- scale is a scale with five notes per oc- created for singers. Currently, they are on sola. Scott -- as well as the rest of his a cap- tave. Because their a cappella group con- their Pentatonix World-Tour, attracting fans pella group -- decided that they needed to sisted of five members and a pentatonic everywhere! recruit him immediately. scale has five notes, they decided on the name Pentatonix. Pentatonix started out as a trio; Scott, Mitch, Today, Pentatonix is a group of five sing- and Kirstie met each other in elementary ers. is the Baritone, Kirstie Pentatonix has released many songs and school and decided to start their own a cap- Maldonado is the Mezzo-Soprano, Mitch many albums. The have also won two Gram- pella group. Their music teacher thought Grassi is the Tenor, Avi Kaplan is the Bass, my Awards already! They are a very talent- they were so talented that she wanted them and is the Vocal Percussionist ed a cappella group, and they create amaz- to perform at their school’s spring concert. (Beatboxer). ing music that fits just about everyone’s When they performed, someone in the audi- tastes. So, if you’re ever tired of the boring ence filmed it and put it on YouTube. Mil- So far, Pentatonix has released six albums music that comes on the radio everyday and lions of people saw it! in total: PTX Volumes 1, 2, and 3, That’s are looking for a change, check out Pentato- Christmas to Me, PTXmas and finally, their nix!!! California! By Lily Farberman

While Southern California is the land of the stars, fame, yards are. and fortune, Northern California is pretty much the opposite. Southern California is the place where people go to be- California is the large state on the West Coast of the United come famous and train as movie stars. Individuals who succeed States of America. Their state animal is the Grizzly Bear, their here are sure to succeed anywhere else! Movies and TV shows state insect is the Butterfly, and their state flower is the Califor- are mostly filmed, produced and edited here, as well. It is home nia Poppy. The capital of California is Sacramento. to Los Angeles, San Diego, and of course, Hollywood and its Northern California stretches from the border of Oregon world-renowned Hollywood sign! Here’s a fun fact: The Holly- to San Luis. Grapes are often grown in Northern California be- wood sign used to say Hollywoodland, but the ‘land’ part of the cause many people make wine. It is known for its redwood for- sign broke off. Hollywood is also home to the big movie and tel- ests and the Pacific Coastline. Some of the biggest cities there evision industry. are San Francisco and San Jose. San Francisco, as you may know, is a hilly city well known for the 1906 San Francisco California is a great place to visit on vacations. It provides such earthquake that was a 7.8 - now, that’s a dramatic moment! San a variety of opportunities for both tourists and people that live Jose anchors the Silicon Valley technology hub where all the there. Next time the break comes around, consider California. coolest computer things are happening. Heading further north, It’s a great place to go! you can find Napa and Sonoma valleys, where most of the vine-

THE COUGAR PAGE 7 Eulogy to Mrs. Snegroff By Justin Lu

Author’s note: This was read by me at the 8th grade faculty volleyball game.

It was another day in room 404. As I trap!” I exclaimed. “It’s for you,” replied Mrs. sake of two frogs singing. “Keep this as a threw away the last plant experiment, I Snegroff. These are particularly hard to take memory for everything that has happened in looked around the room. Near the back of care of, and I have trouble catching bugs to my classroom during 5th grade.” the was the Jeopardy game, a fish tank with feed this plant.” But as I was about to bolt, a thought tetras and piles of papers in the recycling “I hope feeding it will be just as fun crossed my mind. “How are you able to play bin. Old Cell towns were piled in the corner, as science class!” I answered. in the 8th grade faculty volleyball game? It waiting to be the lucky one to be a model Mrs. Snegroff smiled. There was must hurt so much just to hit the ball.” project next year. And the sun trickled in something heartwarming about that smile of Mrs. Snegroff chuckled and thought from the window, highlighting the drops of hers, only showing the top half of her for a second. “I take Advil before every water on the plants and the smile of Martha teeth. In my memories, Mrs. Snegroff al- game. But it’s the cheering from the stu- Snegroff. ways smiles. She never raised her dents that gives me the most pain relief.” “Come here” she said. As I walked voice. She never ran out of energy. She The music stopped, signaling for me across the room, I thought about what CAP always kept up with everyone’s curiosity and to leave. As I ran out the door, I knew there would be like next year without Mrs. Sne- wonder of the world. was something for me to look forward to in groff. Every day, I got to help Mrs. Snegroff The music started to play, indicating the future: playing in the 8th grade faculty clean her room, with some of my fondest it was time to go home. But before I could volleyball game against Mrs. Snegroff. memories during this period. From seeing run out the door, Mrs. Snegroff yelled, “Wait! Here we are gathered together again the cytoplasm of a Hydra, to throwing a sur- I have something for you.” She hopped to end another school year. Only this time, prise party with the present being a frog, I across the room, and climbed up to reach a our MVP is missing, gone, resting peaceful- would miss this room greatly. I promised cabinet. ly. Mts. Snegroff has taught since the begin- myself that I would come back to visit again The cabinet she tried to get to was ning of AMS all the way until she could- in 6th grade. one full of frogs. I never got to learn why n’t. But she did more than educate kids As I approached Mrs. Snegroff, Mrs. Snegroff loved frogs so much, but her about the difference between mitosis and thoughts of her advice popped in my personality reminds me of one. She came meiosis. She taught everyone how to laugh, head. Tips on how to not lose home- to school with a positive that, like a frog, how to be kind, how much a small act of work. How to survive the 3rd floor hall- lasted all day. Mrs. Snegroff was always out kindness can change an individual. But ulti- way. How to be kind to others. of her seat, helping everyone she could. mately, she taught AMS how to be a better, An odd plant was pulled out from the As Mrs. Snegroff climbed down from one student at a time. back of the windowsill. “It’s a Venus Fly- her cabinet, she handed me a small keep-

The Final Test By Ms. Licari

It’s about resiliency The crowd is stunned into silence It’s about the match of your life...for your life Tearful silence Toe-to-toe Reflective silence Boxing gloves donned Reverent silence Sucker punches flying Your body bouncing along the ropes And then Dropping into the ring A technical knock-out The silence is broken by applause Continuous applause But the crowd sees you Crescending applause Rebounding Deafening applause Ready for another round A round that courses through your veins Because with righteous defiance Weakening your body Tempered with grace and dignity But not your spirit You faced your most fierce opponent And proved victorious...even in defeat That, the crowd has learned, can never be weakened Living your final round like a Refusing to go down for the count True champion. You stay the course Continuing the fight Bobbing and weaving

The crowd rises to its feet They chant They cheer you on All bets placed on victory

But then Seemingly without warning The fight ends

Just like that

THE COUGAR PAGE 8

Advil to keep the pain away. She played every year and if she were Quotes from the Kids and in any pain, she sure didn't show it. I think the roaring cheers from her loving students was all the pain relief she needed. What an ex- Teachers ceptional woman! - Ms. Townsend

Many may not know that before I taught Music I taught 3rd grade at Mrs. Snegroff was my absolute favorite teacher. My most favorite Concord Road. I started my Ardsley career there. After 4 years I re- memory of her would be at the end of the year. We all had a party quested a move to the Middle School and was assigned 6th grade and traded in all our coupons for prizes. I got one of the pieces in her English and Math. Martha was my unofficial, but very authentic men- frog collection. It was the gift of a little glass frog sitting on a rock. tor. She welcomed me in with such care and expertise, and re- This item is very special to me and I still have it to this day. mained available and supportive throughout the entire year. I I will never forget how much fun it was to be in her class. I miss see- learned a great deal from her. She was truly my teacher in every ing her walking every day down the hallway, and saying hi to her. I sense of the word. I’ve always said that was one of my favorite hope she knows how much she meant to so many people. years: teaching English to 6th graders in 1995-96, alongside a true We miss you Mrs. Snegroff master: Martha - Frank Squillante -Calista Sassalos

I remember seeing Martha the other day and asking her how she Ms. Snegroff was the type of person who believed in me more than I was doing. She told me, "The nights are hard, my body aches and believed in myself. She inspired me to try hard and push myself most of the time I can't sleep. But I come here and I get up in the even when I was giving up - Julia Tiernan morning because these kids are my salvation". Amazing how after Mrs. Snegroff always told us that she was here for us. She never 51 years of teaching she was still focused on what was most im- wanted us to worry about her, and loved teaching. Mrs. Snegroff had portant to her - Mr. Carballo a special connection with us all and will always be with us - Joyce She taught me ELA in 6th grade...ELA was my favorite class that Lu year. Some people are born to teach - that was Mrs. Snegroff - Tom Ms. Snegroff was a great teacher who wanted me to be the best I Caldara could be, because she saw potential in me, as she did in everyone Over the years, Martha and I worked together on so many pro- else. Whenever I see a frog, I will remember Ms. Snegroff - Victoria jects. She was always so willing to implement technology in many of Berger her lessons. She was one of the first teachers to incorporate pod- Martha Snegroff was truly the best science teacher I could have ever casts and other movie making techniques. She allowed her students asked for. She helped me through a lot of problems I had during to be creative and every lesson was so meaningful. class! I remember being able to look through a microscope and see Her enthusiasm for teaching, dedication to students and love of right in front of my eyes what we were studying in class. Rest In learning was just incredible. Peace, Ms. Snegroff. You will certainly be remembered as an amaz- I'm certainly going to miss my dear friend and colleague. She will ing teacher - Alexander Fu forever be in my heart - Mrs. Rich

Mrs. Snegroff made teaching so special. Even when she was sick, Martha was one of a kind and I was honored to have worked with she never stopped. I never had Mrs. Snegroff, and maybe spoke a her through the years. One of her famous quotes to me was, “I will word to her once a month, but the school feels empty to me without never retire, AMS is my life and I love all my students.” She will be her. She was a hero to me; I miss her everyday - Caley Navins missed but not forgotten. Thank you for bringing joy to thousands of students - Dale Longworth Thanks for being a great mentor, to not just me, but the entire school. There’s a certain kind of teacher, who, when they leave, is She told me how excited she was for her new grandchild. And of impossible to forget. You were, and still are, one of those teachers - course how much she loved her grandson - Mrs. Grady

Rishi Raj It was an honor and privilege to get to know Martha this year. She Whenever I felt like giving up, Mrs. Snegroff would always say to me, shared her classroom with my 8th grade Italian class, allowing me to “Don’t give up, you came so far to go back.” She once said that the see first hand how she inspired her students and how loved she most important thing to her was coming to this school, and teaching was. While we taught different content areas, I've learned so much her classes. What kept her going was her passion of teaching. She from her and if I ever come close to being half of who she was as a would never be afraid to ask for help, and she would never be person in my life, it would be a huge accomplishment - Ms. Genna ashamed of kids -- especially her students. She would brighten my Martha met Betsy and me in the hallway one day about three weeks mood by just saying “good morning,” and I would always feel so ago before the school day started. She hugged us and told us that cheery. I’m going to miss her so much - Priscilla Ha she couldn’t express in words how grateful she was for all of us and Mrs. Snegroff was a role model for many students and all those she our support. She told us that coming to work every day was what met. She motivated me to be the best student I could possibly be - was “keeping her going” - Ms. Cohen

Jonah Kurian Martha’s great joy was being with the kids. She was totally “child- Mrs. Snegroff was a great teacher. I always looked forward to her centered” probably because there was always a part of that “kid” in- class because she made science really fun. I wish I was in her class side her. Years and years ago, when Martha taught ELA and would longer than a year - Julia Bavaro read Charlotte Doyle to her class; in keeping with the theme, she would dress up in pirate garb complete with an eye-patch. Later Even though I’ve never had Mrs. Snegroff she was always kind to when assigned to science, she arrived one day with her pet rat on me . She was an inspiration to many teachers and I hope her legacy her shoulders. All day that creature sat around her neck, and unbe- will live on - Resa Garcia lievable as it seems, we all began to see that animal lovingly through “Martha eyes.” She taught for over fifty years, but more than Mrs. Snegroff always told us that she was here for us. She never ELA or science, Martha taught us all how to love to learn, and we wanted us to worry about her, and loved teaching. Mrs. Snegroff had reciprocated by loving her in return! - Ms. Westbrook a special connection with us all and will always be with us - Joyce Lu Martha stopped by my room just a few weeks ago to chat. In our conversation, she reminded me about how special Ardsley really is Mrs. Snegroff was a great teacher. She was always there for us and how we have a wonderful community here at the middle when we needed help. She spent all her last days with us. She kept school. She cared about her students and she also really cared doing what she loved even when she was sick. It was teaching that about her colleagues. Thank you for caring Martha, it made all the kept her going. Even though she’s not here today, she’ll always be in difference - Mrs. Ahn my heart. And nobody will forget her - Ibrahim Siddiqui Martha always had a smile on her face. Her positive attitude was Whenever I see a mushroom or a weird blobby shape I think of contagious. She was passionate, caring and kind -- not only did the amoebas which reminds me of Mrs. Snegroff. I will miss her a lot - kids love her but the teachers did, too - Ms. Brindise Michelle Lee When the fourth floor copier was on the blitz and Mr. Ryan practical- “The best volleyball player. Everyone cheered the loudest for her!” - ly camped out next to it to fix it for us, Mrs. Snegroff didn’t let that Kendall And Cailyn kind deed go unnoticed. She rallied us to sign a card of appreciation Before every staff vs. 8th grade volleyball game, she would take an and to surprise him with a gift - Ms. Licari

THE COUGAR PAGE 9 Regionally-Ranking Gymnasts at AMS! By Elizabeth Chun

Gymnastics is a sport that is enjoyed by AMS. She began gymnastics when she was 45 gymnasts, after the top seven that are re- many people around the world. Gymnasts 3 years old and is on the Galaxy Gymnastics cruited for the Super train and practice all year-round in order to team. It is located in Orangeburg, NY, which Team. participate in competitions, meets, and more is over the Tappan Zee Bridge. She practic- thrilling activities. It is even a sport that is es 23.5 hours a week, 6 days a week. Two Kate and Maddie have been very successful part of the Summer Olympics every four of those days, she practices twice. On these this year in gymnastics, a hobby that they years. have been committed to from a very young Many young gymnastics participate in age. They are very talented and show AMS a competition in which they are compared how exciting the thrill of competing and doing with other gymnasts from their area. The what you love can be. Congratulations to competitions are split into levels that you both of them for all of their hard work this must reach. The higher the level, the better. year -- it really paid off! In order to advance level-wise in the compe- titions you need to get a certain minimum score. Here are the essential scores: to pro- ceed to Level 2, a score of 28 must be reached. To proceed to Levels 3, 4, and 5, scores of 32 must be reached. To proceed to Level 6, a score of 32.50 must be reached. To proceed to Level 7, a score of 33 must be reached. And finally, to proceed to Levels 8, 9, and 10, scores of 32 must be reached.

days, one of those practices takes place ear-

ly in the morning, before school! This year, Kate made it up to Level 8. There, she scored a 37.525, placing onto the Super Team, which selects the top 7 gymnasts (Kate was the fourth).

Maddie Wong is also a seventh grader at AMS. Like Kate. She is on the Galaxy Gym- nastics team and crosses the Tappan Zee to get to Orangeburg, where she and her team

train for meet and competitions. Maddie

practices 18.5 hours a week over the course of 6 days. This year at Level 8 gymnastics, A list of all the qualifiers from Level 8 she received a score of 36.075, placing Regionals for the Super Team and to be an 23rd. Her placement also made her an All- All-Star. Kate Michelini is a seventh grader at Star -- this means that she placed in the top

Introducing...Miitomo By Liam Tannian

for your Mii and dress it up for more excitement. Or, if Mario dis- guise isn’t the wardrobe for you, you can buy other clothes, as well. You get coins for these new outfits with money you get after talking to your Mii. Plus, if you go on your Miitomo daily, you can get re- wards like game tickets. Game tickets can be used for a sub-game called Miitomo Drop, where you can unlock new clothes and other fascinating features. (You can also just go to the Miitomo shop, which many people may find way easier.)

Additionally, if you have a or Twitter account, you can “friend” other people that have the app and share your interest in Miitomo. You can also use the face-to-face option. Then, your friends can see your questions, answers and comment on them. One of the coolest things is that with a feature called Miifoto, you Miitomo is Nintendo’s first mobile game that was released not so can take pictures of your Mii with different poses and facial expres- long ago. Now, you can get it for iPhone or Android and play it on sions. You can also use an image from your mobile device as a the go. background for your profile. Your friends’ Miis can be in the picture, So, what is Miitomo like? And what abilities does it give too! Unfortunately, only five Miis can be put in the picture. you? Miitomo is kind of like a mobile device version of Tomodachi There are over 10 million people that downloaded Miitomo, includ- Life for 3DS. It’s fun, exciting, and keeps you on your toes. Also, ing me. I think it’s a very fun app. I suggest that, if you are a gamer, using Miitomo you can talk to your Mii and add more detail to your you try it out, too! world. However, Miitomo takes aspects from Tomodachi Life to the next level -- your Mii will ask you questions! It’s fun, and makes it See you on Miitomo! seem like your Mii is really alive and with you! If you have a My Nintendo account, you can get a Mario costume

THE COUGAR PAGE 10

an extremely strenuous task, with the usual and quitting the game will cause the team to Why You Can’t response of, “Hold on, 5 more minutes”. If suffer in the end. you’re a student, you know what I’m talking Pause An Online about. Your parents call you to stop playing Another topic is pausing in a single player the game, and all you want to do is to finish game. This is a pretty easy idea to grasp. If that one round so you can get off. your child is playing a single player game (a Game game centered around only the player), it’s Parents, the reason your kid won’t get off the easy to pause the game, as no progress is By Alexander Fu computer or phone is because within games, lost. Resuming the game basically is just there is something called rounds, or match- starting your player where you left off. Alt- es. For example, in Call of Duty, there are hough you might think all games are like multiplayer matches where you compete this, it’s simply not true. In multiplayer with other live online players on score, cap- games, you are actually playing with other tures, and more. Although it is certainly pos- real people from across the world, connect- sible to leave the game in the middle of a ed. All movements are live, so leaving the match, it should be a last case scenario. In game while it’s still in progress can be the many games, leaving mid-game on a multi- difference between a team winning or losing. player match means an automatic loss, and all the stats accumulated from playing in the I hope you all enjoyed this explanation and round are lost. Most gamers, including me, learned a little about how different games take great pride in our in-game statistics. work. Happy gaming! Therefore, leaving mid-game is one of the easiest ways to ruin player stats. If I am playing a multiplayer match and I’m on the top of the leaderboard, it’s really not optimal Whether you’re a parent or a student, the to leave mid-game. Teamwork is a very im- gaming struggle is real. If you’re a parent, portant factor in multiplayer games as well, calling your child to stop playing the game is

that can be easily upgraded with newer parts Why You Should instead of going out to buy another comput- er. This experience is also a very beneficial one because you can learn about how a Build Your Own computer works and what parts are in a computer. Computer By Alexander Fu How do you start off? Find a budget. A $700 budget goes very far. A custom built $700 What pops up when getting a new comput- computer is able to run the latest games at er? Most likely Apple, Dell, or going to Best high frame rates. Whereas a $700 Dell com- Buy. Sadly, you’re getting ripped off. Big puter would be capable for internet surfing companies like Dell and Apple overprice only. But where can you buy the parts? their computers a lot to the point of it becom- There are two ways: buy them in stores or ing the price standard. You are limited to online. The best way to find parts that will all work together is by going to Microcenter. choosing only the models that the company makes. The worst part is that gaming is a Microcenter is a chain store (there’s one on nightmare on these machines. Central Park Avenue in Yonkers) that offers professional service where you can buy What’s the best solution? Build your own parts for very reasonable prices and build computer! Choose your own parts and as- your own computer in-store. semble them yourself. It will save hundreds All in all, building a computer is a very fun of dollars and you’ll end up running a PC and positive experience. And when you’re done, you’ll have the best computer in town.

Summer Word Answers to Emoji Puzzles (from page 4) Unscramble By Milena Chan

Summer -- the time we have all been waiting for -- is finally here! What’s your favorite thing about sum- mer? That feeling of relaxation when you’re down by the pool? Not having to worry about wearing a big coat each time you step out- side? Fill out the word scramble to reveal all the aspects of summer that are so lovable!

THE COUGAR PAGE 11 Pax Book Review Novels Summer By Charlotte Koenig By Emma Greenspan By Octavia Basco

To all the readers out there:

Do you believe that a good book is a great gift in life? Isn’t that feeling you get when you see new books on the library shelves so pleasing and exciting? The smells of the clean, black, ink and The blossoming white of the pages the soft, crisp, cream- Soft between my fingertips In summer, colored pages enve- It evolving through ages Everyone laughs and smiles are lope you in a blanket Resisting tears and rips. shared of happiness. No mat- It would be a shame to miss it ter what it is about books you love so much, we can Soft between my fingertips For it’s the wildest time! all agree that books are amazing contributions to Are the stories we’ve told our lives. And if you’re one of these people who Resisting tears and rips The most colorful season feels the way I do about books, then I’ve got good As the wonders unfold. With splashes of the pool news for you. A new book called “Pax” takes read- Gives the gold from the sun ing to the next level! Are the stories we’ve told To the grass and the plants. Full of light or dark? “I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what As the wonders unfold Thank You for summer, I should be doing. This is peace” We fall under the curse. the most glorious season.

Full of light or dark? Coming from the new novel Pax, this quote shows No one quite knows the real meaning of the story. Pax means “peace” We fall under the curse in Latin. Living in the middle of war, Pax is a fox Of the unfolding stories. who got separated from his loving owner, Peter. Peter had to go to his grandfather’s home while his No one quite knows dad was serving in the war. Unfortunately, Pax It evolving through ages was not allowed to come, and was left to survive on Of the unfolding stories his own. The white of the pages.

Luckily, Peter realizes at once that he must see his beloved fox once again. The boy embarks on a journey to find his fox, abandoning his grandfather and facing a long and treacherous mission that will change him forever.

This novel is about two passionate friends who know that although they are far in distance, they Summer Word Search! are close at heart. Along the journey, they learn By Kohko Kamimura more about themselves than anything else. And -- along with leaving you with a story you will never Summer’s finally here, and there are so many things to love about this amazing forget -- Pax and Peter will also reveal to you the season! true meaning of peace. What’s your favorite thing about it? Fill out the word search to find the things the Newspaper Club and I love the most about summer.

A Horse

By Octavia Basco

It is the wind And the wind is it

It’s spirit will be set free… It’s spirit will be set free…

Softer than a rose pedal, But stronger than lion

It is the wind And the wind is it

THE COUGAR PAGE 12 Midnight Canoe Ride By Justin Lu

always die down gracefully, sinking into their other and tried to help me too. Just before I hot grave of coals. As I began to unwind, entered the shadows, an old tree root someone in the distance shouted, “The ca- stopped the canoe. I took a deep breath: noes are ready!” this reminded me of the uncomfortable jerk right before a Disney ride to state the My friends stopped talking. Seconds after rules. I was so grateful for the trees, allow- hearing the shouts, a horde of teenagers ing me to take a breather. Is this related to raced to the lake front, ready to stay up for why people go camping? Is this the true es- another twenty minutes. A short man await- sence of nature? Is this why people want ed us, with hair resembling an old were- to… wolf. It was Frank San Marco, the guy who took us on this trip. “Okay gang, it’s time for The canoe broke loose of the tree root. The the midnight canoe ride.” ride started. The first thing I noticed was the sky. The My body was jammed with fear, but my curi- sky was the color of a fresh coffee bean, osity was jumping for joy. Here I was, on a with clouds forming a summer maple leaf. In safe boat, exploring the shadows that kept the middle was the moon, lightly tinted au- me awake at night. Like a planetarium, the burn, like Grandma’s pumpkin pie. And the moonlight began to dim until it was ab- background was dotted with stars, mingling sent. Scary noises were approaching and I with each other. The water slowed as I prepared myself for any hungry creatures stopped paddling to look up. Usually, tilting ready to feast on me. But instead of crawl- my head up was scary because it meant I ing into a ball, I sat up straight and listened was talking to some giant. “Wow,” whis- to Mother Nature’s symphony warming pered Jonathan, my best friend who was in up. The crickets were the percussion, chirp- the canoe with me. Everything seemed so ing a steady beat. Cicadas practiced their still. My hands reached for the paddles, scales and dynamics. Bullfrogs bellowed wanting to move along. But my eyes stayed low notes like a bassoon, competing to see with the sky for a moment as I drifted away. who can croak the lowest. Owls hooted a sweet melody, screeching high occasional- Author’s Note: This is my personal experi- Creak, creak. The canoe tilted left and right ly. But most of all was the loon, whistling the ence about a midnight canoe ride on the Trip as I crossed the lake. With the paddle rub- tune of a Native American flute. It was mys- Reconnection. I won a silver key in the Na- bing against the hull, it sounded like a tired terious and powerful. But, there was some- tional Scholastic Writing Awards for this cow trying to swim. Jonathan laughed: I ac- thing that confused me: the sound of snor- cidentally said that out loud. But the water memoir. ing. What animal could make that sound? drained his voice and continued to rock the Every night I fall asleep yearning to explore boat. I expected a quiet ride, but paddling It was a homo sapien named Jonathan. He those shadows. They’re shadows with the any speed faster made a loud scrape. So I fell asleep during my little adventure with the power to engulf forests, shadows that get had to let the water guide the boat around. shadows. Before the water changed direc- deeper as day shifts to night. Shadows that tion, I woke Jonathan, “Let’s head back to indicate the boundaries of my explora- As the current made a wide circle around the shore.” He nodded, still groggy from his tion. I’ve only seen the Adirondack Moun- lake, a breeze passed. The air. Usually, the nap. As we started to canoe back, three tains at day, with its friendly sunshine, clear wind outside irritated my allergies, but not in blinks from a flashlight illuminated the ar- water and leaf green foliage. But something the Adirondacks. Here, the air was pure of ea. It was the signal Mr. San Marco estab- else comes out at night, something that lurks the industrial haze of humans. There was lished before the canoe ride: three flashes in the dusk, waiting to be discovered. What no hint of gasoline or chemicals: just the meant it was time to head back to camp. So is it? I would go, but the sounds of unknown smell of pine needles and fire from our Jonathan and I raced to land, but the sound croaks, hoots, and howls jump out from the campsite. Maybe in the future, an entrepre- of a cannon echoed throughout the area. I of trees, telling me to back off. I shiv- neur will realize how true this air is, and use heard some inexplicable shouting and water ered. Were there more blood-sucking mos- the Adirondack scent as a substitute for caf- being splashed around. “I think it was a bea- quitoes waiting to bite me endlessly? Or lone feine, energizing zombie teenagers like me. ver!” someone shouted. Giggles spread wolves hungry for food? Beads of sweat The canoe started to turn, this time back to throughout the forest, but got muffled, restor- formed on my forehead as the shadows sur- the starting point. I guess it’s Mother Na- ing the earlier balance of sound. Later, I rounded me. ture’s way of saying the canoe ride is almost found out that a beaver’s tail whacked the over. But instead of crossing the whole lake, counselors’ canoe. One of the counselors But I would be safe around primitive man’s got so scared that he almost fell into the greatest invention: fire. As I turned around, the canoe veered on to a backroad. I tried to paddle back, but my hand couldn’t find the lake. But luckily, I arrived at the campsite my fears were melted by the warmth of the dry and in one piece. All of my friends were campfire. All around me were friends from paddle. It was too late: the water pushed the canoe into the mysterious path. Even at the campfire, excited to share their experi- home, chatting quietly. Three days ago, we ences. I went there, but sat in the corner waved goodbye to our parents to begin Re- though I could still see the main lake and furthest away from everyone. connection, a five-day expedition to the Adi- moon, the path would be going into the heart rondacks. So far, the trip had been enjoya- of the shadows. My pulse beat faster. It And then I realized. What’s so great about ble, but exhausting. From purifying the lake seems like the shadows only engulfed some nature? It allows us to be free. In modern water to dragging huge branches for the fire, of the path, but even a small portion of com- society, people are restricted by social, racial camping in the Adirondacks drained my en- plete darkness was scary. It was like going and financial barriers, imprisoning curiosity ergy. By the end of the day, I could only lie to Six Flags, forced on to a rollercoaster I and happiness into a jar of no hope. But na- down or sit by the campfire. What was so didn’t want to ride. ture strips humans of prejudice and inequali- great about nature? All I experienced so far But just like the employees who stop the ride ty, leaving only humanity. In this world, was the humid air, stuffy tents and pesky for a safety check, the trees waved a final there are no outside influences like social insects. Why do people put up with these farewell. A summer green and new furniture media altering the way we think. Camping uncomfortable conditions to bond with the brown blended together to make the colors costs almost nothing and no experience is wilderness? But the cracks from the flames of the Adirondack trees. They were like bas- needed. Above all, nature allows humans to interrupted my thoughts and my mind went ketball players: trying to reach their goal, the experience the world. Maybe that’s what the back to the fire. Of all the things I hated so sky. But they also helped the other saplings, shadows were hiding: how to live. far, the fire was not one of them. I loved the struggling to get any nutrients. As I looked campfire at night because it was relaxing, around, I saw the roots intertwined with each could be used to roast marshmallows, and other, holding hands tightly like kinder- kept away the bugs. And the flames would gartners on a field trip. They all helped each