Category Archives: Analysis

Writing Prompt: What’s a job you would like to have for just one day? Why?

Posted on by
Reply

In today’s world, people are more and more commonly making career switches when they feel unfulfilled in their previous jobs. Although I haven’t entered the workforce and haven’t had to make this difficult decision yet, I imagine that I will seek to pivot my career in some shape or form.

To answer this question, I would have to consider what job would be enjoyable in the short-term, but what I wouldn’t want to have for very long. Dangerous yet high-paying jobs such as being an underwater welder come to mind, although I’m pretty sure that the PTSD I would get from risking my life would outweigh the salary benefits. If I were to hold a job for one day, I would want it to be enjoyable and risk-free, even if it meant that I wouldn’t earn much money. Then it hit me: professional sleeper.

Being a professional sleeper for a day is the obvious choice; I love nothing more than to come home and sleep after a long day of school and extracurricular activities, so why not get paid for it?

After doing some research, I’ve discovered more about this desirable position. Unlike typical 9-5 employees, professional sleepers tend to work as part of studies that can last from several days to several months. Depending on the restrictions of the studies they participate in, professional sleepers may work multiple “jobs” at the same time in order to earn livable wages, which range from $50,000 to $100,000+ per year. For example, NASA paid participants $19,000 to undergo a rest study for 2 months (although this study was less about sleep and more about how the body responds to prolonged weightlessness). Also, the sedentary lifestyle that many professional sleepers live may lead to health complications down the line. Healthcare professionals advise that remaining inactive for many hours a day, especially without intermittent breaks in between, can lead to greater disease risk (Park JH, Moon JH, Kim HJ, Kong MH, Oh YH. Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean J Fam Med. 2020 Nov;41(6):365-373. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.20.0165. Epub 2020 Nov 19. PMID: 33242381; PMCID: PMC7700832.).

Considering the joy of getting paid for something that my body requires, I would become a professional sleeper for one day. However, I would want to seek a more fulfilling lifestyle and be more active, so I wouldn’t consider it for a long-term career. I think the perfect job would have a healthy mixture of relaxation and stress in order to promote positive mental health, but above all else, it would have variety in the tasks I would have to do. So now, I pose the question: what job would you have for one day?

The Growing Epidemic of Romantisicm

Posted on by
1

Within the recent past I feel as though there has been an upsurge in this idealistic “perfectly imperfect” life which isn’t actually at all about embracing imperfection but instead inserting a sort of “convenient imperfection” making it seem as though everyone has the perfect life by projecting the perfect kind of messiness.

Evidently this has been only exacerbated by the media. Social media is only a highlight reel, however the issue grows when it is advertised as being reality. For example, a model showing what they eat in a day being a cheeseburger and a pizza, a college student showing their day in their life studying at little cafes and going out with their friends, these are all only adding to the issue. These people are constantly talking about romanticizing their lives, always finding what is exciting and new about a given day, and showing a cookie cutter life with these “convenient imperfections” that look like nothing to the average person.

I’m not saying the issue is with finding beauty in the mundane, except I feel quite the contrary I really believe finding beauty in the mundane is essential to happiness and joy within everyday life because I think that it is there as long as you look for it. But what I am saying is that it is when these people preach an impossible standard of reality (that is really still a highlight reel) that is seemingly attainable, but in reality just simply is not, that is when the romanticist mindset turns sour.

So it isn’t that we can’t find joy in our everyday lives, even if we aren’t a celebrity, have a trust fund, or are a nepotism baby. It just is that we need to take in life exactly the way that it is given to us. Find the joy in as much as you can, it’s there you just have to be willing to receive it. Let yourself feel when things are hard or sad or disappointing, not everything is going to work out exactly then way you think they will and that is the same for everyone, but that doesn’t mean its all bad. Everything happens for a reason. Laugh and cry and smile and sing and dance and like and dislike and form opinions and look up and receive life for what it is. Because no one is going to see it the same and really that is what is so romantic about it.

Saying No Is A Strength- But Why Do People Have Trouble Saying No to Distractions?

Posted on by
Reply
Daily writing prompt
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
View all responses

In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by distractions that attempt to pull us away from more meaningful pursuits. Take, for instance, technology such as our phones. Whenever we are faced with a task that we find uninteresting, the temptation to check social media may creep in. Perhaps a student scrolls through TikTok for several minutes before starting calculus homework, or a teacher feels the need to to check Pinterest before they begin grading essays. In reality, the task may only take a short period of time to complete, but still we allow small distractions to get in our way. This feeling is universal, but does it signal laziness, or is there a deeper meaning behind this phenomenon?

Social Media Photos, Download The BEST Free Social Media Stock Photos & HD Images
Stressed Out Teen Images – Browse 188,097 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video | Adobe Stock

According to McLean Hospital, there are several reasons why we might procrastinate. For some, it truly is a sense of laziness that, from time to time, causes us to lose motivation. Other times, there may be deep-rooted mental health problems that interfere with our ability to complete tasks. This includes, but is not limited to: anxiety, OCD, depression, and ADHD, just to name a few. What’s more is that procrastination can not only be a result of these mental health issues, but it can also be a cause of them as well. As people procrastinate, they have less time to accomplish whatever goals they have, which can then cause stress over time management.

The National Library of Medicine states that most people who procrastinate are between the ages of 14-29, and in another study, found that people between 18-25 have the greatest prevalence of mental illness. These statistics make even more sense when considering the especially high workload placed on people in this age group— college students attempting to manage rigorous academics along with anxiety around starting their new lives.

However, there is one positive to be considered. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illnesses such as those linked to procrastination tend to peak around 18-25 and consistently decrease thereafter; a similar trend can be seen with procrastination.

Results from the 2010 NSDUH: Mental Health Findings, SAMHSA, CBHSQ

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHmhfr2010/NSDUHmhfr2010.htm

Procrastination scores across the life span according to sex. Note:... | Download Scientific Diagram

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Procrastination-scores-across-the-life-span-according-to-sex-Note-Post-hoc-analyses_fig5_294257227

So, given this information, what can we take away from this? I believe this shows that we must be kinder to ourselves, even when we have trouble saying “no” to something that’s on our to-do lists. If we continually struggle to complete a certain task, it may be worthwhile to examine the underlying emotions that it brings us and address those feelings before we move forward. As always, we must strive to be better, not perfect.

Little Women: Character Analysis

Posted on by
2

Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott, is a classic story set around the time of the Civil War. It’s mostly centered around the 4 March sisters and how they grow up. All four are inspiring young women who differed in many ways despite their shared blood, and all 4 have unique morals to teach.

Margaret March, nicknamed “Meg,” starts as a girl who cares for her younger sisters but struggles with materialism. She spends the book learning to become more generous and a woman who adheres to the idea of a biblical matron. She gives birth to two children, who represent her growth.

Josephine March, otherwise called “Jo,” is introduced as a tomboyish teenager with a mind to write and an independent spirit. She struggles with becoming a feminine, considerate woman. Throughout the book, she expands her worldview and works in various writing-based jobs. In the end, however, she starts a school for disadvantaged boys with her husband.

Elizabeth March, often referred to as “Beth,” was a sweet child who always tried to be “out of the way” and a good, obedient, quiet girl. Unfortunately, she died early in the story because she caught a disease from the immigrant baby from the poor neighboring family nearby. Had she spoken up and told the others to actually do their chores and help tend to the family, she may not have been the victim of the disease. This event also makes us question their mother’s decision-making abilities, as she was a major factor in their association with the other family. Her character development death teaches us the importance of speaking up for oneself and not leaving any regrets. 

Amy March, the only sister without a nickname, is at first a vain child who places most emphasis on herself and her looks. However, she grows to become an accomplished and kind young lady with a better tongue and a smarter mind. I thought that all the surviving girls marrying somebody was very characteristic of the times, and that Jo’s and Amy’s marriages felt quite forced, but it all depends on the view of the reader. 

In my personal opinion, it wouldn’t be a far stretch to refer to the March sisters as the My Little Pony Elements of Harmony set in a realistic fiction 1800s setting. Through their trials and joys, we are left with a unique set of morals and a new perspective.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Why Do We Love Fast Food?

Posted on by
4

Fast food is unique in American culture. Why is it so popular? The reasons- convenience, affordability, and societal influence. In every corner of every neighborhood, there’s always a convenience store, a McDonald’s, or other fast food restaurants. Our country is keen on fast food.

On every corner of every city and neighborhood, fast food chains dot the landscape because families like fast and familiar meals that have become a staple for many. What is the reason for this love of fast food? It has unparalleled convenience.

Fast food offers a solution in a society where time is a precious commodity. If you need a quick lunch and are short of time, these fast food places provide meals in minutes, require minimal effort and time commitment from buyers, and don’t taste bad either.

Affordability plays a significant role in the appeal of fast food. With menu items often priced competitively, they are so affordable that even young kids can afford a burger or fries.

Another factor that makes fast food a significant influence on our culture is the influence of advertising and marketing; this is the key factor in shaping the culture surrounding fast food. Fast food chains have successfully ingrained Americans from a very young age through strategic campaigns emphasizing convenience, taste, and value. TV commercials, social media promotions, or sponsorships make fast food popular among young children and teens. They have been ingrained in the American psyche as a quick, enjoyable dining experience.

Beyond practical considerations, fast food has become woven into the fabric of American social life. These restaurants also serve as gathering places for friends and family; students meet here for meals and study together.

The consistency and predictability offered by chain restaurants contribute to their enduring popularity. With standardized menus and quality control measures, we, as buyers, know what to expect when visiting our favorite fast-food restaurants. Fast food is a multimillion-dollar industry, and these restaurants are out to make the culture ingrained in our minds.

The love affair with fast food in America is complex due to convenience, affordability, marketing prowess, and social dynamics. It reflects changing dietary habits and broader shifts in lifestyle and consumer behavior. As fast food continues to evolve and adapt to new trends and tastes, its place in American culture remains secure and will only become more widespread.

My hope is that the widespread fast food trends will change according to our healthier lifestyle choices, help our population become more fit, and provide a means for younger generations to have fewer food-related illnesses.

Here’s to better, healthier fast food!

Bella H.

Humanity for the Environment, Not Vice Versa

Posted on by
Reply

Imagine two trees: one grows on the edge of a highway, while the other thrives deep within an untouched forest. Most people would agree that the second tree has a better chance of living a long and healthy life. If we tried to extend the life of the first tree, we might use advanced techniques like steroids or gene editing. However, the core problem lies in its environment, not the tree itself. The same principle applies to humanity—if we want to ensure a long and prosperous future, we must focus on improving the world around us. By understanding our impact on the environment, addressing the damage we’ve caused, and recognizing how a healthy environment benefits us, we can create a sustainable future.

Humans have profoundly shaped the environment, often to its detriment. The global population has exploded, quadrupling to eight billion in just a century, putting immense pressure on the planet’s carrying capacity. Already, 95% of Earth’s surface has been altered by human activity, fragmenting ecosystems and threatening wildlife. Pollution, such as plastics in the ocean, harms animals and ecosystems, while also affecting human health. Diseases like asthma and cancer have been linked to the emissions and waste we produce. Clearly, our current trajectory is unsustainable, harming not only the planet but also ourselves.

Thankfully, solutions exist to reverse this damage. Tackling issues like plastic waste, transitioning to renewable energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions can significantly mitigate our environmental impact. For example, adding filters to washing machines can reduce microplastic pollution, while investments in renewable energy can cut emissions and save trillions of dollars annually. Transitioning to cleaner transportation, like electric vehicles, is another vital step toward sustainability. These efforts not only repair the environment but also pave the way for a healthier, more resilient planet.

A thriving environment directly benefits humanity. Forests, for instance, provide resources essential to modern medicine and contribute to mental and physical well-being. Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress, boosts immunity, and improves mental health. Additionally, shifting to plant-based diets can reduce food-related emissions and improve global health. By protecting and restoring the environment, we secure both our health and our future.

Some argue that geopolitical challenges make these changes difficult, as nations prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability. However, this mindset is shortsighted. Neglecting the environment today creates ethical and practical problems for future generations, much like leaving broken glass in the woods harms those who come after. Addressing these issues now is not only necessary but morally imperative.

In the end, improving our environment ensures humanity’s survival and prosperity. Just like the tree in the forest, we thrive when our surroundings support us. By acknowledging our impact, repairing the damage, and appreciating the benefits of a healthy world, we can build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Does Technology Help Us?

Posted on by
1

When I was reading the news the other day, I saw that Apple has announced that they have made a ‘mixed-reality headset’ computer called Apple Vision Pro. This product is scheduled to be launched in early 2024 and is said to create an immersive experience between the real world and everyday apps. With Apple Vision Pro, users can have apps open in the spaces they are in.

Technology has many benefits, including making the world more interconnected. But, with technology like the Apple Vision Pro, how can we be sure that humans will continue interacting in person rather than online? With new technology being introduced, will we choose the convenience of Facetiming people or having in-person conversations? While there is no problem calling others, humans are created to interact with the people around us (in person).

New technology prohibits everyday interactions that used to happen before technology. If someone buys something from Starbucks, they can purchase it online or at the counter. Nowadays, most people prefer buying items online, which is more convenient. However, people lose that small interaction with an employee or another stranger. At first, losing this small interaction may seem insignificant, but this can cause harmful effects over time, even as extreme as social isolation.

Future generations need to understand the importance of human interaction. How will they grasp that technology hurts us rather than helps us? And how will society function appropriately if no one has in-person interactions because of increased technology? I believe technology should be limited, especially with advances in virtual reality. In virtual reality, people can ‘own’ as many objects as they want (money, clothes, homes, etc.). Of course, these ‘objects’ are figments; however, to many people, VR offers more than their real life. With the increased use of virtual reality and its attractiveness, will humanity start to live in a virtual world? While this might seem extreme, many articles have been made on this topic.

I believe that there is a chance that people will start to live in VR sets. The average human willingly spends 7 hours a day on technology, so it is highly plausible that future generations will live in VR. This is disturbing because the government can easily control our communities by monitoring content and promoting propaganda. A news article by Global Shakers says that a new company, Stratuscent, is developing technology to synthetically replicate smells from around the world. (For instance, if someone visited Paris in virtual reality, they would be able to see and smell Paris for how it is in real life.) I thought the author brought up a good point; he said, “And when that happens—how long before there’s no distinction between virtual reality and reality?” (Romer). If technology offers these opportunities on one device, people will not want to live in real life. People will not realize what is real and what is not.

Technology has the power to change the world positively, but we must be wary that it does not consume us. With this information in mind, I hope to end this article by causing you to ponder whether technology will help or hurt our society.

Márquez’s Criticism of the Role of Religion in Chronicle of a Death Foretold

Posted on by
Reply
Paperback Chronicle of a Death Foretold Book

Chronicle of a Death Foretold is a book in the magical realism genre and set rural Columbia. It was written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and was published in 1981. It follows a detective attempting to solve a murder that happened many years ago and is based on a true story. Please note that it was originally written in Spanish, so some elements may not translate exactly.

I recently read Chronicle of a Death Foretold and my biggest takeaway was how Marquez explored and criticized the role of religion. Marquez criticized religion in this book through the prestige of religious leaders, the townspeople’s treatment and views of the community, and by showing how people justify inaction with religion.

First of all, Marquez highlights the faults of religious leaders like the bishop and Father Amador, showing the community’s blind reverence towards them despite their incompetence and moral failings. Secondly, the community’s respect for characters like Santiago, Angela, Bayardo, and the twins is influenced by religious beliefs, leading to misplaced priorities and justifications for harmful actions. Finally, the townspeople use religion to absolve themselves of responsibility, demonstrating the bystander effect and moral decay influenced by religious justification.

Throughout the book, various characters demonstrate the misplaced priorities and moral degradation of the community. The bishop’s arrival and the townspeople’s excitement highlight the significant role of religion. Father Amador’s inaction and incompetence are shown through his failure to prevent Santiago’s murder and his disrespectful treatment of Santiago’s body. The community’s judgment of Angela’s purity and their pity for Bayardo reflect the influence of religious norms. The twins’ justification of Santiago’s murder as an act of honor under God’s will shows the corrupting influence of religion. These are just a few of the instances in which the theme of the corrupting role of religion is demonstrated in this book.

These themes are consistent and expanded upon throughout Chronicle of a Death Foretold, and through them, Márquez effectively demonstrates the negative effects of religion in society, leading to social and moral degradation, and ultimately, Santiago Nasar’s death. I would highly recommend the book and would encourage readers to look out for these details and themes. Through this, they will truly appreciate Márquez as an author.

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Should Cellphones be Banned in School?

Posted on by
Reply

Starting in 2025, the LA Unified School District will be enacting a ban on cellphones at school. Cellphone bans are nothing new; in May of 2023, the state of Florida passed a ban on phones in school as well. While some people support these bans, others are more reluctant. In this article, I will be breaking down both sides of the case on phones in school.

Why we should ban phones: 

  • Phones are considered highly addictive. A scholarly journal published by the National Library of Medicine reported that on average, 16% of adolescents are addicted to their phones. In addition to this, addicitoncenter.com states that, “A recent study scanned participants’ brains with a phone addiction and discovered a change in their brain’s grey matter. According to the researchers, the physical shape and size of their brains resembled that of drug users.”
  • It’s a distraction. Since phones are addictive, students can easily be distracted by their addiction in class. Even if they aren’t addicted, it’s hard to resist a buzzing phone. “Approximately 40% of public schools report moderate to severe negative impacts on student learning and on teacher and staff morale when students use their electronic devices without permission. Many teachers report that students being distracted with their cellphones is a major problem in their classrooms… The presence of smart phones may reduce cognitive capacity, especially for those highly addicted to their phones, and notifications disrupt focus and attention. Further, there is a negative association between time spent on smartphones and academic performance,” says KFF (affiliated with Kaiser Hospital).” A common reason for cellphone bans is the high risk of distracting from schoolwork, in turn reducing grades. 
  • They are harmful to mental health. The National Institute of Health says that, “Numerous studies have found that addiction and depression often go hand in hand, and that addiction increases the risk of depression and is an important predictor of depression. A 4-year follow-up study confirms that Internet addiction is a stable cause of depression.” Increased awareness about student mental health have led to concerns about the impacts of smart devices.

Why we shouldn’t ban phones:

  • They are a learning tool. While phones can be distracting in class, they can also be great learning tools. “Cell phones give students access to tools and apps that can help them complete and stay on top of their class work. These tools can also teach students to develop better study habits, like time management and organization skills,” claims Oxford Learning.
  • Cellphones are a way for schools to help students prepare for adulthood. Statistics show that around 97% of the adult population possess cellphones in the US. Even if phones may be a distraction, students need to learn how to responsibly use these devices so that they can be successful as an adult. “A research scientist in the center for Health and Happiness, argues that more flexible classroom policies [regarding cell phones] can create opportunities for teaching tech-literacy and self-regulation,” explains Harvard Gazette
  • Helpful for communication, especially in emergencies. Another reason many parents cite for keeping phones in class is the purpose of communication and safety. Many phones have built in tracking devices that parents use to keep track of their kids. In addition, phones can be very useful in a school emergency as they possess the ability to contact emergency services. “We aren’t texting our kids memes or asking them what the latest TikTok trend is,” National Parents Union president Keri Rodrigues says in a statement. “Cellphone bans fail to take into consideration the tragic, real-life scenarios that unfortunately play out all too often in schools. And schools have yet to improve communication with us.” 

In conclusion, there are many pros and cons to having cellphones in schools. There is no right answer for how to proceed on this policy. Only time will tell if phone bans even end up being effective. What do you think? Should phones be banned in schools?

Crying in H Mart: How Food Connects Us

Posted on by
Reply

This summer, I had to choose a memoir to read for my AP Lang course. My friend and I chose Crying in H Mart so we could read and discuss the book together. Crying in H Mart has become one of my new favorite books.

When Michelle Zauner finds out her mother has been diagnosed with cancer, she puts her life in Philadelphia on hold to be with her mother. Told plainly and honestly, Zauner describes growing up Korean American, her strained relationship with her mother, and dealing with grief. At the center of it all is her and her mother’s shared love of food.

Reading this memoir was deeply thought-provoking as an Asian American. In the United States, when you can’t go back to your home country, food is the easiest way to connect to your culture. After all, what is the one thing all humans have to do? Eat. Our cultural recipes connect us to our ancestors and allow us to preserve the past. After Zauner’s mother’s death, she cooks Korean dish after Korean dish. All her life, she has never felt Korean enough. Cooking is how she reconnects to her heritage and her memories with her mother. Michelle Zauner provoked me to think about how food fits into my life and how it connects me to my heritage, especially when I feel torn between so many cultures. I know I’m not alone in the sentiment that I don’t feel Asian enough for other Asians and I don’t feel American enough for other Americans.

I am of Pakistani, Burmese, and Indian heritage. I have never visited these countries but when I eat my grandma’s shrimp biryani, or I slurp the broth of the Kaukswe my mom learned how to make from her dad, I feel as if I am home. Food is what ties my family together. We were all born in different countries: Burma, Pakistan, India, and America, but when we all sit down at the dinner table, we are all tied together by the same string. Food.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.