Author: Manaar A. 
Editor: Jedidiah H.

Did you know that everything around you is made from synthetic materials? From our shoes to the homes we live in are made from materials that are not exactly natural. For example, plastic is a common synthetic material, but it is not natural. Instead, it is made from natural resources to produce a man-made material. Synthetic materials are a big adjustment in the world that cannot be removed, despite its disadvantages, because of humans’ dependency on these materials. Synthetic materials make up everything and many people depend on their affordability and easy access. They are used in labs for tubes, and hospitals for UV bags.However, many people speak of its contribution to climate change and the release of fossil fuels. Synthetic materials are not completely perfect.

 

All around us, synthetic materials are there, the foundations of buildings and spines and pages of our favorite books. They have been used for decades, allowing the human world to advance and provide. Every object you can think of is a synthetic material: leashes, electronics, bags, knives, etc. Even some foods are partially synthetic! Smithsonian magazine states that “People produce 30 billions tons of material annually, making our built environment heavier than the planet’s biomass.” Most of the materials we rely on are man-made. Many people argue that we can go back from this invention, but this is not as easy as it sounds. As the article states, our synthetic materials weigh more than the biomass of Earth. Although this is not a good advancement for the world, this shows that synthetic materials are a big and extremely important invention that helps humans with their research and medical field. Furthermore, synthetic materials, such as plastic or polymer, are affordable and easy to access. Each pound of plastic in the US is around $0.48, allowing people to use plastic as a common and financially easy material. However, many people do not recycle plastic, diverting it into wastelands and bodies of water, destroying marine life. Plastic is an uncommon concept in some countries, and it may sound silly, but making recycling mandatory in countries can solve this issue. Synthetic materials make up everything important humans use and are financially cheap and accessible for people.

 

The most important use of synthetic materials is used in labs and hospitals. This helps humans’ advancement of research and the medical field. Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications state that “Natural polymers have already been applied in numerous sectors, such as carriers for drug delivery, tissue engineering,stem cell morphogenesis (the shaping of an organism of different cells and the development of organ depending on the blueprint of a living thing), wound healing, regenerative medicine, and food packaging, etc." Any job uses synthetic materials for everything. Cashiers use cashboxes and shelf goods, doctors use UV bags and syringes, and scientists use synthetic materials for experiments. Despite these importances, everyone uses synthetic materials in their daily life. The paint used for a special canvas, the pages of a dear book, and the container of a memorable drink. Synthetic materials shape some of the most special objects we own and the necessary things we depend on. Synthetic resources help doctors and scientists advance and better their work and allows people to use daily objects that help with their work or activities.

 

Unlike natural resources, synthetic materials do not use land to “grow” these materials, or as much water to create them. From the article Beyond Fossil, the author states, “Moreover, the efficiency of synthetic fuels is presented as they do not require dedicated agricultural land or substantial water resources, addressing concerns related to the land-use change and water scarcity associated with traditional biofuels.” Without synthetic materials, the concern regarding land or drinkable water would be reduced and humans could enjoy the natural resources of our world without the worry of scarcity. However, although synthetic materials provide many pros, there are disadvantages. They release toxic elements that find their way towards our food and drink, resulting in diseases and illnesses, such as cancer or damaged brain development. Another disadvantage is biodegradability. As synthetic materials are not natural, they do not biodegrade, or break down. Once they find their way to our environment and oceans, they stay there forever, unless humans remove it. In 2019, a dead curvier beaked whale was found with 88 lbs of plastic in its stomach, such as 16 rice sacks, 4 plastic bags, and numerous shopping bags. These effects are extreme on our environments, but humans have a chance at stopping this, while also keeping synthetic materials. Recycling should be made mandatory in countries to prevent humans from not recycling. Organizations should be founded to encourage people to gather and clean up garbage around the world. Since fossil fuels are non renewable (takes decades to grow),humans can stop the creation of synthetic materials for unnecessary objects like toys, plastic cups, fake plants, etc. Although synthetic materials release toxins and do not biodegrade, synthetic materials use less land and water to help humans more than natural resources.

 

Synthetic materials have been used for years and humans use these materials to complete their daily tasks and lean on their benefits. Everything we use daily are made of synthetic materials, helping our world advance. Synthetic materials are cheaper, allowing labs and hospitals to afford these resources and help recover people from illnesses and diseases.With the help of synthetic materials, land and water can increase and help humans advance. These resources help humans better our world and can lead humans to live in a more green Earth.

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Author: Aleah C.
Editor: Jessykah S.  

Glow starts with knowing your skin. 

Ever wonder why you’re breaking out or dealing with oily or dry skin? The answer to solving it isn’t always high-end skincare or name-brand, expensive makeup. Most people say that finding the right products for their skin type, along with eating healthier has been the most effective. 

We interviewed several people and asked, “What has helped your skin the most?”

Emily G - “I had issues with acne. Face wash and eating healthier helped. Foods with a lot of sugar and oil made it worse.”

Layla H - “More products in a routine didn’t change my outcome much, but finding the right products for dry, oily, or combination skin did. Washing more often with a basic moisturizer worked best for me.” 

Lauren C - “Washing my face twice daily and eating/drinking less sugar has helped.”

Madilynn C - “Eating better and cleansing better has been a game changer!”

After interviewing many people, the most common solutions were eating healthier, washing better, and finding the right products for their skin type. 

You might be thinking: How will I know what skin type I have? After washing your face, wait about an hour without applying any other products. Then feel your skin—if it’s tight or flaky, you’re likely dry; if it’s shiny, you’re oily; if it’s both in different areas, you have combination skin. Once you know this, you can choose products that work best for you. 

Now that you know how to find your skin type and what has helped others clear their skin, don’t forget to walk with a glow!

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Author: Mirabella H

Stress, we all feel it, we all have it. But, how do we relieve it? First, what is stress and how does it affect us? 

What is stress? Stated from the, American Psychological Association, stress is, “The physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors.” How does stress affect us? Whether we notice it or not, stress has a large impact on our mental and physical health. health.harvard.edu says, “Mental symptoms range from worry and irritability to restlessness and insomnia, anger and hostility, or sensations of dread, foreboding, and even panic.” Mental stress can present physical symptoms too. The physical signs of mental and physical stress can be any number of symptoms. Having headaches, pain on parts of the body, dry mouth, fast breathing, heartbeat is pounding, tense muscles, fidgety, heartburn, butterflies in your stomach. The list of symptoms is vast. Physical signs of stress are stressful on their own. Harvard health.harvard.edu explains, “In fact, the body's response to stress can feel so bad that it produces additional mental stress. During the stress response, then, mind and body can amplify each other's distress signals, creating a vicious cycle of tension and anxiety.” How can you relieve stress though? 

Writing, reading, and drawing are great stress relievers. Reading and writing take your mind off what’s going on around you. Books, stories, and art transport you to a new world where you can calm down and just breathe. Journaling is another type of writing that can help with stress and anxiety. Writing down your feelings or what made you happy that day, can make you feel a lot better. Talking through, writing down, or even drawing your feelings and anxiety can relieve some of that pent up stress. 

These are some good tricks but, what if you don’t have a book or a pen and paper? Try taking some deep breaths. Walk away from the stress and take a little break. Tell yourself something to make you feel better and calm down when you're under stress. Here are some examples: “I’m okay.” “I just need a break.” “Breathe.” You can also fidget with something to take your mind off what’s causing the stress and anxiety. Taking deep breaths, imagining a happy place, or taking a break when you feel overwhelmed are good sources of relief. If you're taking a test and you don’t know the answer, you may feel stressed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Imagine something that makes you happy or grateful. You may not feel one hundred percent better, the problem is still there, but maybe you’ll feel a little less overwhelmed. 

Exercise can also be a big help. To explain, health.harvard.edu says, “Exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.” Exercise causes your body to produce more endorphins. health.harvard.edu says endorphins are, “...chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.” In simpler terms, when you exercise your stress is relieved. Nearly any kind of physical activity or exercise can help. 

These relief techniques aren’t just for stress. They can also help relieve, anxiety, anger, sadness, fear, and a number of other items. Learning what stress is, and how it can be relieved, is an important skill to learn as a student and youth. It’s also an important tool to have as an adult in life and in the workforce. Stress can be relieved, always know that. 

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Author: Kaelee M. 
Editor: Jada R. 

Imagine sailing through freezing ocean water and suddenly seeing a giant sea creature the size of a school bus floating right next to your boat. It isn’t a whale, nor a shark, it is something way more surprising. This animal was called the Steller’s sea cow, and even though it was real, most people have never heard of it today. 

The Steller’s sea cow was a massive marine mammal that lived in the cold waters of the Bering Sea, near Alaska and Russia. It could grow up to 30 feet long and weigh more than 10 tons, which made it one of the largest animals to ever live in the ocean. It was related to manatees and dugongs, but much bigger. Unlike scary ocean animals, the sea cow was slow, gentle, and peaceful. It spent almost all of its time floating near the shore, eating kelp and seaweed. 

One interesting fact is that the Steller’s sea cow was not a good swimmer. Because its bones were very heavy, it couldn’t dive deep underwater, therefore it stayed close to the surface. This made it easy for humans to find. It also had no teeth. Instead, it used strong, flat plates in its mouth to grind up plants. Since seaweed doesn’t give much energy, the sea cow had to eat hundreds of pounds of kelp every day just to survive. 

Another cool fact is that the sea cow had extremely thick skin, sometimes compared to tree bark. This protected it from freezing water and sharp rocks. Sadly, humans hunted it for its skin, along with its meat and fat. Steller's sea cow was first discovered by humans in 1741 by a scientist named Georg Wilhelm Steller. Shockingly, only 27 to 30 years later, the species was completely extinct. 

The sea cows were also very social animals. If one was hurt or killed, others would stay close instead of swimming away. While this shows how caring they were, it made it easier for hunters to kill many at once. Even today, scientists have never found a complete skeleton of a Steller’s sea cow. Most information about it comes from old journals, drawings, and scattered bones, which makes it even more mysterious. 

The extinction of the Steller’s sea cow matters because it played an important role in the ocean ecosystem. By eating old kelp, it helped keep kelp forests healthy. After it disappeared, the environment changed, which affected other sea life too. 

In conclusion, the Steller’s sea cow was an incredible animal that disappeared way too fast. Even though it was huge and powerful, it couldn’t survive human greed. Learning about animals like the Steller’s sea cow reminds us that extinction is real and can happen quickly. If people had protected this gentle giant, it might still be swimming in our oceans today. Knowing its story can help us make better choices so other amazing animals don’t disappear forever. 

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Author: Kaelee M.
Editor: Sienna S.

Imagine standing in the open American West and seeing a group of wild horses running freely across the land. Their manes fly in the wind, and their hooves thunder against the ground. Mustangs and burros are more than just animals; they are living symbols of freedom and history in America.

Thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in the Americas, horses became extinct. They only returned in the early 1500s when Spanish explorers brought horses and donkeys from Europe for their use in transportation, trade, and conquest. Over time, the animals that escaped or were set free learned how to survive in the wild. These wild horses became known as mustangs, and the wild donkeys as burros.

As mustangs spread across the land, they became known for being strong, fast, and able to travel long distances. Because of this, Native American tribes adopted their use, which allowed tribes to move faster and hunt more effectively. Donkeys also played an important role. Originally, they were brought by Spanish settlers to carry supplies and do hard work, especially during the Gold Rush. However, when mining towns closed, many were left behind and became wild.

During westward expansion, mustangs and burros were not always treated kindly. Many people saw them as a problem because they competed with cattle for land and food. Large numbers were captured or killed, and their populations dropped. People eventually realized this was harmful, so in 1971, the government passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to protect them as an important part of American history.

Mustangs are not just animals from the past. Today, mustangs and burros are protected and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. When there are too many animals for the land to support, some are gathered and offered for adoption. People who adopt mustangs or burros must prove they can take good care of them. Adoption gives these animals a chance at a safe life while still protecting the land. 

Groups like Steadfast Steeds also work to make a difference. Not only do they rehabilitate mustangs and burros, they train mustangs and pair them with people who need healing or support, such as veterans or first responders. 

In conclusion, mustangs and burros have shaped America’s past and continue to be important today. From Spanish explorers to Native Americans, settlers, and modern programs like Steadfast Steeds, their story is powerful. Protecting these animals helps keep the spirit of American freedom and history alive.

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Author: Natasha N.
Editor: Jessykah S.

According to Rice University, “We choose to go to the Moon. We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”

John F. Kennedy’s words reflect on the power of believing in yourself. How have our ancestors accomplished anything? How did the ancient humans learn to survive in the wild, and then develop civilization and everything we know exists today? Humanity has always had a strong desire to explore and accomplish. Every generation has its own set of triumphs and obstacles, and everyone has their own moonshots, and their dreams. As long as we keep striving with hope and determination, we can conquer everything, and we will conquer our most recent challenges as well. We must explore the stars for future generations. We must defeat the rising temperatures of the Earth, and we must encourage balance between innovations and inspiration. I believe we need to be open-minded to solve these problems and make the world not only livable, but a greater planet. 

But first, how can we make the Earth greater if we’re ripping away its forests and nature? The human population is growing, and available land is limited. We must journey deeper into space and do what we do best: Explore. According to scientific research, we’ve practically explored 0% of space beyond Earth! Space exploration has been done for many years, and even with our current technology, it’s impossible to explore anything beyond our Milky Way. This is because it takes a significant amount of time to travel immense distances in space. Scientists are currently trying to find creative ways to travel faster. Thankfully, it’s proven that each generation builds on the knowledge of the previous one. The children of the twenty-first century dream big, and if we nurture them to their strongest potential, we will probably be zooming through space using wormholes or traveling at light speed by the end of it.

 

Now comes the matter of climate resilience. As the human race evolves, global warming increases rapidly, harming our precious Earth. The Met Office believes that since pre-industrial times, the average global temperature has risen by about 1.1-1.3 ℃. Of course people may have big dreams, but sometimes they lack the motivation to achieve them. To those of us who do feel hopeful, we should inspire others to be the same. We should hold onto our hope and belief when we are overcoming our challenges, especially now when it’s so important for us to address climate change and prevent global warming. People should know that planting even one tree can make a true difference. 

While tackling these challenges, or any problem at all, it’s also important to uphold our creativity. In modern times, people have forgotten the ways of the past; they have forgotten that the artificial intelligence which they rely on so strongly was created by them in the first place, making them the smartest creatures ever known. Nowadays people tend to depend on AI for even the smallest of matters, such as writing a short thank-you note. While it is true that some people may say that AI is a huge advantage to them, we should note that using AI for small, simple matters could limit our own innovation and ideas. AI is a tool, not a crutch. We must use artificial intelligence carefully and turn to it only when tasks are too repetitive or draining for human creativity. 

In conclusion, my dream is to turn the world into a greater place by surmounting our century’s greatest challenges. We all need to work together to achieve all our Moonshots. Whether it’s to promote climate resilience, travel into the outer unknown, or preserve our imagination in the age of technology, we must accept even the toughest hurdles, because in the end, when we come together as change-makers, humanity does more than endure—it thrives. 

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Author: Isabelle K

Have you ever pondered why your hair stays impaired by irritating split ends, or dealt with dry or oily strands? Well, you don’t need to run to a salon or purchase products you imagine will do just the trick, because the answers are simple and inexpensive! With plenty of patience the results will have your hair behaving and a marvelous guide to accomplish your hair dreams. Some of the most popular explanations to renewing damaged hair are appropriate conditioning, healthy dieting, and heat precautions with solutions on how to avoid it.

To begin bringing the bounce back to hair, we need to understand what conditioner essentially is. It’s a product that moisturizes, nourishes with oils, humectants, and emollients that lock in moisture into the cuticle of the hair—the outer layer most perceptible to UV and heat damage. Unfortunately, some apply this treatment onto the scalp, however for the best results it should be treating the middle and ends, which lessens the production of oil glands. Furthermore, discover your hair type because it can help determine the conditioner that will ensure your haircare is giving ideal love and appreciation.

The second tip is eating well because as they say, “You are what you eat.” Science has proven the quality of a person’s hair reveals the individual’s nutritional state. It makes sense given our hair is made up of primarily protein, which is critical for the production of healthy locks. So, a few suitable food choices are consuming those rich in omega-3s, boosting nail and hair growth, which is typically found in walnuts, fish, salads, and yogurt. Nevertheless, sitting down to eat delectable proteins is also highly advised, so fix yourself up some eggs for breakfast tomorrow and your hair will thank you for it!

The final trick up the sleeve is acknowledging how to handle heat appropriately, and although people utilize heat protectant, it hasn’t been proven to be enough to prevent damage. When applying heat to hair it dries out the cuticle and alters the protein structure; likewise, in frequent usage, it can increase breakage and split ends. However, a brilliant alternative to reduce these possibilities is by employing heatless styles or curlers. Since they are a protective and sleep accommodating wear, silk curlers present individuals with the same results a curling iron would, minus the risks. Nonetheless, it's just as they always express, "Where there is a will, there is a way," and heat isn’t the only option for fabulous hairdos!

All in all, there is an abundance of practices to restore and improve the health of hair, whether by understanding conditioner’s influence, how our body’s health effects it, or why heat can be a don’t rather than a do. Everyone’s hair is distinct, so one person’s haircare won’t always yield similar outcomes for the next individual. Now go explore the vast beauty that is yours to keep, and remember to, “Care for that hair!”

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Author: Payton R.
Editor: Sophia L.

Have you ever received money and been unsure of how to spend it?

After earning money, many people use it without considering whether they need the items they buy. When you get paid, you should think about what you are buying and if you will use it. In this article, I'll teach you what to do and what not to do after earning money.

The Do’s:

When you get paid and want to buy something, the first thing you should do is stop and ask yourself two questions: do you need or want this? and will you use it once bought? These are important questions you should ask yourself when you are about to make a purchase. If you answer yes to both questions, then it’s most likely worth buying. If not, consider buying something else that you could use instead. 

Some expert advice for saving money is to open a savings account at your local bank. This is beneficial because it can help you develop good saving habits. It will help you learn how to track your spending, how fast money can be spent, and how to make wise financial choices. Asking a parent or caretaker to assist you with this would be helpful, as they can help you make informed choices to ensure your financial stability; some banks also require consent from an adult for those under the age of 18.

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Author: Ileah P.
Editor: Dreia D.

Summer is approaching, and with it comes the need for your mind, body, and soul to indulge in self-care.

We’ve made it to the end of another awesome school year! Give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work and dedication. Now that school is finally over, it’s time to relax and recharge over the summer break, and luckily for you, I'm here to help you prepare for a #SelfCareSummer!

So, what is self-care? Self-care involves tending to your emotional, mental, and physical health in a way that is fulfilling to you. This may be getting your hair and nails done, listening to your favorite music, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness. Whatever it may be, ensure that you prioritize it this summer to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Now, let's get into it!

I’d like to begin with our class of 2024. Congratulations! You've officially conquered high school, and that's a huge accomplishment. Whether or not you’ve developed a case of senioritis this school year (I feel your pain), take some well-deserved time for yourself before you launch into your next chapter. This summer is all about you. Utilize this extra time to relax and focus on wellness. If you haven't already planned a trip or activity, now is the perfect time. You can unwind and recharge through a weekend getaway, a beach trip, or learning how to play pickleball. Nevertheless, you can always enjoy a staycation.

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Author: Shyann R.
Editor: Sophia L.

According to Theresa Schempp from the University of Maryland, “…many students find that one of the best ways to stay focused no matter where they are is through listening to music.” Studies have shown that incorporating music into one’s study sessions can improve memory by providing a beneficial cognitive environment, thus making it easier to manage complex study concepts.

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