Belinda Chan ‘22 March 11, 2022 marked two years since the World Health Organization declared COVID as a pandemic.
As countries implemented travel restrictions and borders were shut down, along with the majority of the world under lockdown, an uneasy feeling of how serious this matter was filled the air. Two days later on March 13, Fontbonne Hall and many other schools across the country, notified their students and faculty of the transition to online learning. In a media availability on March 15, 2020, then-mayor De Blasio told the press, “As we learn more about COVID-19 every day, we are keeping every possible option on the table to keep New Yorkers safe. That’s why we are asking the people of our City to make hard choices as we introduce more restrictive measures to create greater social distancing—including the temporary closure of our school buildings.” Little did we know, this would become the new norm. As one year passed, everyone you saw had a mask still covering half of their face. Hugs were no longer an option for greeting, but elbow bumps were used instead. Many students can recall how they felt during this significant time in their lives. Kayla Leon ’23, who was a freshwoman during this time said, “I was very nervous. It was hard for me to learn online because it was an adjustment. I was already friends with some people at Fontbonne, outside of school, but there wasn't enough time to get to know everyone.” A lot of progress has been made since 2020. In 2021, schools started to open and hybrid learning became an option for students. Though it was a step closer to what we were familiar with, there were challenges for the Fontbonne community. The class of 2020 said goodbye to their years at Fontbonne in a non traditional way. They weren’t able to have a prom, senior activities like senior day at school, and graduation was held in small batches rather than one unified ceremony. The class of 2021 witnessed this and were unsure if the pandemic would affect their senior year. Though school activities like clubs and sports were not an option last year, the class of 2021 were able to have a Baccalaureate Mass and a graduation, dressed in the symbolic white dress. However some things still remained changed, like prom being held on the Fontbonne campus. As we entered the year 2022, we were unsure of what this year would bring us. As for the pandemic, the number of COVID cases has slowly been decreasing. According to the World Health Organization, “Globally, during the week of 28 February through 6 March 2022, the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths has continued to decline by 5% and 8% respectively, as compared to the previous week.” Schools are now open 100 percent, the third dose of COVID vaccination is available, and on on March 2 of this month, the New York State lifted the mask mandate. Many students can agree that returning to school after almost two years has been a worthwhile experience. Kaitlyn Leon ‘23 spoke about feeling like she didn’t fully get to enjoy her first year at Fontbonne: “I’m happy to be back at school and having more of a traditional high school experience.” And sister Kayla Leon ‘23 feels more productive this year: “ I have more opportunities to study and I do sports now (lacrosse and cheer) which I wasn’t able to do last year.” Seniors Sophia Lopez ‘22 and Gabrielle Laforest ‘22, agree that they feel differently. Lopez stated,“On the first day this year, it was so different to see classrooms filled with people. I’m especially happy that for our senior year, we can have everything or at least most things.” Laforest reflected, “Ultimately, I didn't have the full high school experience because of COVID, but I’m still thankful because it taught me a lot of things. I definitely grew as a person, independently."
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Evi Delengos '24 Over the last two weeks, more than 450 miles of coastline from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, have been slammed by heavy rains, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee.According to authorities, a total of 17 people have died since the downpour started.
As per the Bureau of Meteorology in Australia, Sydney has experienced the wettest start to a year on record, with rainfall totals approaching those expected for a full year in the city. Sydney has gotten around 34 inches of rain this year, compared to an annual average of a little more than 39 inches of rainfall. Flooded roads shut off access in some places, phone and internet connection was intermittent for days, and ordinary citizens in tiny boats had to rescue their neighbors, provoking concerns over the authorities' reaction. Over the weekend, workers proceeded to clean up the wreckage left behind by huge rains that flooded hundreds of homes in Brisbane, Queensland's city, and its surrounding areas. Government officials cautioned that the recovery effort would take months and pledged more than $2 million Australian dollars (about $1.5 million in U.S. dollars) to different charitable organizations on Sunday. Kristen Russo ‘24 One devastating wildfire in the northern province of Argentina has caused more than 500,000 hectares of land to be destroyed. These huge amounts of fire spreading have forced families to leave their homes, animals to leave their habitats, etc. A lot of people and animals are in serious danger right now, as no one knows when this ongoing fire is going to end.
As the winds and temperatures increase, firefighters have been deployed across Argentina to forest fires raging in 9 out of the country's 23 provinces. "The fires are advancing by leaps and bounds and have already burned tens of thousands of hectares, turning the fields into a line of fire that is almost impossible to control," the Agricultural Entities Liaison Commission stated. Many people in the area hope that the rain will put out the majority of these fires, but the weather forecast is not looking good for heavy storms or rain right now. "The fields will eventually recover, at some point it will rain heavily and this disaster will stop, but it really brings the problem to the forefront." Smoke from the fires caused authorities to shut part of the Argentine National Route 40, the country's longest highway. This highway connects northern and southern Argentina across the Andes mountain range, so people will be cut off from that transportation route until it opens again. "The fields will eventually recover, at some point it will rain heavily and this disaster will stop, but it really brings the problem to the forefront,” said Nicohlas Pino, President of the Rural Society of Corrientes. Sources say that this is one of the most serious fires they’ve ever had in that region, and that there may not be enough precipitation to stop the heat and wind from causing more flames. Amanda Marino '24 On December 10th and 11th, nine states experienced a tornado outbreak, with 34 tornadoes in total.
The state that is suffering the most is Kentucky. Seventy-four deaths have been reported, and 109 people have been reported missing. Meteorologists can’t help but notice how peculiar this tornado outbreak is, especially at the beginning of December. If we look closer at the information given, will we find out if this is a regrettable event that resulted by chance or mother nature trying to tell us about the severity of climate change? Nationally, tornado season is in the spring. This is because of the changing season and how the climate goes from cold to warm and then eventually hot. The warm air mixes with the cool air to create a supercell and form a funnel cloud which produces tornadoes. When most people think of tornadoes in America, they think of tornado alley and the plains states. In fact, Colorado, which has the Rocky Mountains, has a tornado hotspot in their state as well. Pecos Hank, a storm chaser, explains how tornadoes can form easily with mountains too. He elaborates, “Mid-level westerly winds crossing higher terrain subsides and warms when it comes down the leeward side of the mountains. This often leads to the formation of a cyclone in a process called lee cyclogenesis. The taller the mountains, the stronger the cyclone tends to be.” Lee cyclogenesis is the development of a cyclone on the downwind side of a mountain. So, if tornadoes can form in the Rocky Mountains, what about the Appalachian Mountains? Yes, they can! Tornadoes can form at any elevation. But this does not justify why these tornadoes formed so late in the year. Could this be a sign of global warming? Yes, to this as well. Philip Bump, a journalist for The Washington Post who studied at the Ohio State University, posted an article discussing how these tornadoes tied in with global warming. He said, “It is unusual to have a severe storm outbreak of this intensity in December when the warm, unstable air required to fuel intense storms is typically limited. But the record warmth swelling over the eastern third of the country created a storm environment more characteristic of March or April than December”. Also, climate change is changing the environment that affects the way tornadoes form and this, “[raises] the odds of sparking dangerous severe weather outbreaks across the South and Mid-South, particularly during the fall and winter when the jet stream dives toward the region”. In comparison to the Plains states, tornado risk is growing in the Mid-South and Southeast, and tornado occurrence is becoming more variable from year to year. According to a new study, critical elements for severe weather outbreaks grow as temperatures rise. This is how the tornadoes correlate with global warming and climate change to show that this severe storm was not just an unexpected event. On global warming, we humans should take care of our Earth the way it takes care of all of us. What are some ways to reduce global warming? There are some simple ways! For most bonnies in this school, we cannot drive yet. So, ride a bicycle instead of riding a bus or getting in a car. Another simple way is to eat plant-based foods. Producing plant-based foods releases fewer greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. A third way is to follow the three R’s (remember this from your elementary school?). Reduce, reuse, and recycle! Not everyone is perfect, and there might be some days that we cannot avoid doing these three things but always try to keep it in the back of our minds. You never know how big of an impact your intelligent and conscious decisions will have on the planet we all live on. I keep the families and the state of Kentucky in my heart and in my prayers as this is a very devastating event. I hope they recover fast and can rebuild their towns just as fast. All in all, studies show that climate change and global warming did affect these tornadoes, and hopefully, we as a society can make conscious decisions to protect our planet Earth. Gabby Reddan ‘24 The Omicron Variant is a new variant of Covid-19 that was discovered in South Africa. This new variant spreads even more rapidly and quickly than any other variants of Covid at the moment. Unfortunately, on December 1, 2021 the first omicron variant case was identified in the United States in the state of California.
Now Omicron has been detected in more than half of the United States and is still spreading. After the first few days of detection of this variant in the states, President Biden decided to pass travel restrictions to try to slow the spread of this variant in America. The President also decided to slow the entry of immigrants coming into the country by closing the borders to the infected countries of South America. To look on the bright side, it has been proven that Omicron is a mild variant that does not show severe symptoms compared to other variants of Covid-19. According to the CDC, “A number of measures have been implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States through travel.” More mandates have been put in place by the CDC since this new variant, and more people have been getting vaccinated as well. Omicron has appeared at the worst time of the year, right before Christmas and the holiday season. As time goes on, all we can do as a community is do our part by following CDC mandates, wear our masks, social distance, etc. Kristen Russo '24 A deadly tornado formed in Kentucky early this December as people feared for their lives and are now heavily affected. Many houses, cars, and neighborhoods as a whole were destroyed, and the damage could take decades to repair.
“It won’t look the same, but the people will be the same. This is a close-knit community,” said Debbie Fowler, 68-year-old parishioner whose son is a pastor. Families and friends are trying their best to stick together and get through this tragedy. It is said to be the worst tornado that has hit America since one in Joplin, Missouri in 2011. By December 15th, records showed that there were about 88 people known to be killed, 74 who were in Kentucky, with many still missing. Hundreds of people have been made homeless and have been affected for the rest of their lives. The tornado also wrecked buildings in five other states across the south and midwest. Since it’s Christmas time, many parents and families are really suffering right now, losing their houses, Christmas gifts and decorations, etc. A man named Shawn Triplett noticed this, and offered a helping hand. He wanted to make sure that the kids in his area, and now he's making it happen. Triplett says that he noticed a young boy and mother crying, and he stated, "The boy told his mom, 'I've lost my Christmas.' It was at that moment that I broke down and had to walk outside. I felt actual pain at that moment. I tried to sleep that night but I couldn't. The pain in that kid's voice broke me in half. I had to do something about it." He later created a Go Fund Me page, and raised up to $44,000 in gifts. He has also partnered with Walmart, and they agreed to give him a 25% discount on all purchases. The community as a whole is working together to build Mayfield back up and pick up all the pieces. Whether it's from giving gifts to children, donating supplies, or volunteering at community centers, everyone is trying to stay positive and make the best out of this situation. Sophia Lopez '22 On December 8, 2021, Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, went before the Senate to discuss Instagram's impact on the younger generation.
Mosseri came ready to defend his app and remind the Senate of all the good things for the world. Things like suicide, bullying, and illegal drugs were brought up and discussed. Mosseri's defense on helping users' well-being includes the new features recently introduced to Instagram. He testified, "Respectfully, I don't think that research suggests that our products are addictive." The Senate is frustrated with the company and wants a change. Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), a top Democrat on the Senate Commerce subcommittee hosting the hearing, said, "A nudge, a break, that ain't going to save a kid from the addictive effects on your platform." Mosseri added that there would be multiple protections to create guidelines and a more age-appropriate network for people between 13 and 17. His company argued that the research that shows Instagram to be toxic for teen girls is not accurate or reliable. However, the data studied from the Wall Street Journal showed, "Thirty-two percent of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse." The findings supported the rise in eating disorders and anorexia within the younger generation. Mosseri has agreed Instagram has failed to create a safe step for public and private accounts on the web. Throughout the hearing, the Senate continued to attack Mosseri with data and reports of suicide caused by Instagram. The company highlights Instagram's new features like "take a break," but they forget about all the body-shaming and bullying that can still occur. The Senate is far from happy with Instagram and will closely examine their progress and data. Many students at Fontbonne use Instagram, like senior Gabrielle Laforest. She says, "Instagram is sometimes a very toxic environment because every time I post, I make sure I have a lot of likes and worry about who is sending my posts around and who is talking bad about me." Along with many others, Gabby adds that Instagram is not a safe and healthy place for teens Belinda Chan '22 Elements of Christmas bring up memories, making you feel nostalgic.
We are constantly thinking, and our past experiences may be brought up when something familiar is presented. This is nostalgia and you may be currently feeling this because of the holidays. As soon as Thanksgiving ends, we ditch the turkeys and begin setting up for Christmas. Driving around Brooklyn, you can see displays of lights and inflatables. Holiday merchandise is being sold in every store and you can hear Michael Bublé everywhere you go. As a matter of fact, there is a particular reason for this - volitional reconsumption. It’s something the marketing industry created to use nostalgia in order to appeal to consumers. It’s also why there’s a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the mall or a man dressed up in a Santa costume. You find yourself eating chocolates from your advent calendar, and it’s only a matter of time before it is Christmas day. You get to open presents and gather with your friends and families to continue traditions. We’ve been doing this year after year, so it makes sense why you may feel nostalgic during the holiday season. You may be reminiscing about how Christmas was like before - before you realized Santa was very much fictional - and how exciting it was to watch The Polar Express with your classmates before winter break. Or you may be thinking about last Christmas and how the pandemic put a damper on your Christmas spirit. In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Tim Wildschut explains this complex emotional experience. “Nostalgia spontaneously rushes in and counteracts those things. It elevates meaningfulness, connectedness and continuity in the past. It is like a vitamin and an antidote to those states. It serves to promote emotional equilibrium, homeostasis,” said the psychology professor. This can explain why you have watched the same holiday movie a dozen times. Whether it’s Elf or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, it takes you back to your childhood. According to Dr. Darryl Watson, a clinical senior lecturer psychiatrist at the University of Adelaide, it can actually make our brains lighter. He says, “If you think about it, they have a certain soundtrack to them that might be contemporary or stuck in a past time. That hits our brain through our ears, and schmaltzy music or Christmas music is something that that part of our brain has a memory for but isn't something that most of us hit our brain with 52 weeks of the year." Krystine Batcho, a nostalgia expert, adds: “It is not the number of parties, gifts or awards, but the extent to which a child feels happy, proud or loved. It could be that people who are more socially connected early in life are more likely to become nostalgic. But just as holidays can remind some people of happy childhood experiences, they can also remind other people of unpleasant ones. If holidays were associated with greater stress, family discord or unhappiness, an individual might well avoid painful memories by creating new holiday traditions.” In addition, she believes that nostalgia has to do with the people we surround ourselves with. “Most often, holidays remind us of people who have played important roles in our lives and the activities we shared with them. This is one reason why people who are away from home are especially likely to feel nostalgic during the holidays and why so many people travel to be with family and friends." by Alexandra Sommerville '24 Black Friday is the term for the day after Thanksgiving. This year it took place on November 26, 2021. Most stores such as Target, Walmart, and others, have extremely good deals for products that are high in demand.
Malls take this religiously, and some open their doors at a whopping 4 in the morning! People wait outside malls in tents waiting for the opening times to hit. Crowds come rushing through the door, trying to get as many deals as they can. A lot of people use this opportunity to get family and friends gifts for the Christmas season, making Black Friday the kicking off to the season. Gabby Reddan ‘24, a student here at Fontbonne, said, “My mom and I usually go shopping on Black Friday to get the best deals for Christmas.” According to the NRF (National Retail Federation), the total sales for Black Friday this year are expected to reach $843-$859 billion, estimating that each shopper is spending about $1,000. Emma Flohr ‘24 stated, “Last Black Friday, my mom spent over $2,000 dollars trying to finish up all the Christmas shopping she had left. It's insane!” A couple of your favorite celebrities might be participating in this event. Look out for Iggy Azalea and Kylie Jenner, as they tweeted they will indeed be participating! Black Friday involves crowds of people around you. So if you did attend, I hope you stayed safe. I also hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays! Giada Amendolara '25 It is impossible to change the past, but it is possible to shape the present by being an optimist and developing a positive mindset. Having a positive mindset is the practice of focusing on the good. Studies have shown that having a positive mindset can have a large impact on your physical and mental health. Having a positive mindset means being positive about yourself, interactions and situations.
There are many traits linked with having a positive mindset. These traits include optimism, acceptance, gratitude and resilience. Having a positive mindset does not mean being constantly cheerful and always smiling, and it is not about ignoring anything negative or painful that happens. What it is about is taking control over your own attitude and choosing what you do with the situation. We are responsible for our attitude and how we respond to what happens to us. Stop waiting for other people to make decisions for you and take responsibility for your own life. If things don’t happen the way you want, make them happen. Having a positive mindset means making the best out of the circumstances we find ourselves placed in, focusing on what can be controlled and letting go of what can’t be controlled. Having a positive mindset and living without regret means paying attention to the positive and good, rather than the negative and bad. Try practicing being more optimistic, accepting, grateful, and resilient because having a positive mindset will help you to excel in life. |