The Howler - March 24

Mrs. Baudo, the first female head of AC

KEXIN CAI

As the first female head of Allendale Columbia, what challenges did you go through to get to this position?

I’ve had a lot of growth opportunities along my journey before becoming the Head of AC. The challenges I faced weren’t always specific to being a female leader, but instead were based on my age and perceived lack of experience. I learned quickly that I had to prove myself - putting in the time, asking a lot of questions, and displaying a willingness to learn and adapt. I surrounded myself with as many experts as I could find within the field who served as mentors I could lean on for help when I was struggling with tough decisions. No one has all the answers, and those who appear to usually lose trust pretty quickly from others.

Although I’m the first female Head of Allendale Columbia, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the founders and former leaders of Columbia School, specifically, Joan Twaddle, the last Headmistress of Columbia School. I’ve heard countless stories of Ms. Twaddle and the indelible mark she left on her students. I can only strive to leave a lasting impression on our students and the institution that Ms. Twaddle left for Columbia School. What I’ve learned is that regardless of the position you’re in, people will always question your decisions. Ultimately, what has kept me grounded is knowing that I act with integrity. My role is to serve the institution by putting the students and greater good of the institution before all else. Not everyone will agree with every decision, but it’s important to remain true to the mission of the institution you serve.

Opinion: Speak up Forum

Last Wednesday, Allendale Columbia hosted its second annual Speak Up Forum. The event aims to provide an open space for students to gather and discuss desired changes within AC. This year, the event expanded school-wide, incorporating various activities, and entailing over nine hours of training for group facilitators. As we reflect on our second SpeakUp Forum, we aspire to identify areas for improvement and address the issues that arose during the event.

We aren’t sure what’s more hypocritical: the fact that students complain about our school and then proceed to skip the event built specifically for “complaining”, or the fact that students aren’t involved in planning an event built specifically for students. It’s an adult’s favorite thing: guessing what would be ideal for students instead of just asking them. Without student participation in the planning process, we cannot genuinely claim the Speak-Up slogan, “for students, by students.” If a significant portion of students opt out of an event created for students, there is a conflict between the purpose of the event and the actions taken to fulfill that purpose. Before embarking on any project, leading a group, or undertaking any endeavor, we must first ask ourselves, “why.” When we understand the purpose of Speak-Up to be a platform for student expression, it becomes apparent that the low turnout signals a significant issue that cannot be ignored. At the same time, it really couldn’t be any more ironic for students to profusely harp on the school’s “lack of communication”, “long lunch periods” and “lame pep rallies”, and proceed to no-show on the one day we’ll all actually be listened to. We should appreciate the privilege of belonging to a community that prioritizes amplifying student voices and fostering positive change. This is a community that cares.

EVELYN KACPRZYNSKI & ARYANA SAEDI

THE HOWLER

MRS. BAUDO, Continued from page 1

What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what aspects of your role as Head of School do you find most fulfilling?

My mom was a High School Social Studies teacher for 32 years. I have two sisters who are also in education, one a Special Education teacher and one a Speech Language Pathologist. I did not originally plan to go into education- I studied government in college and aspired to pursue a career in politics (my dad was in local politics for over 20 years in Oswego, NY where I grew up). At my core, I knew that I wanted to help people and create change. I thought the best avenue for me to do that was working in government, but after a semester in Washington, DC and a few internships, I realized politics were not a good match for me. So I jumped into coaching and working with students and realized schools are where I was meant to be.

OPINION: SPEAK UP

Continued from page 1

However, we want to recognize the challenges that the facilitators faced throughout the day. One of the biggest issues was the groups the facilitators were given, especially in grades 6-10. Despite all of their training, many student facilitators felt unprepared to handle a room full of roudy middle or high schoolers who

had no interest in being there. Facilitators felt there were moments in which they would have benefitted from either an upperclassmen being in the room with them, or a faculty member stepping in to control the environment when things got out of hand. However, when students advocated for their need of assistance, they were told the purpose of this event was for them to

The relationships that I have formed with students, parents, faculty, staff and members in the community are the most fulfilling for me. I am grateful to lead and serve such a diverse, driven, thoughtful and passionate community; the opportunity is not only fulfilling but also equal parts exciting and humbling. Our students leave AC and make immediate impacts in their communities- to be a small part of their journey is fulfilling.

Are there any female characters that have influenced and inspired your current leadership style? Whether from newspapers, books, history or reality . If so, how did she influence and inspire you to move forward?

I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by strong, independent women my entire life. Along with mom and sisters who excel in their fields, I also have a very close knit group of female friends who inspire and support me. Early in my independent school career, I watched and learned from one of the longest serving female Heads of School, Susie Graham. While at The Gunnery (now The Frederick Gunn School), Susie was the first to encourage me to apply for the Director of Admission. I was only 29 at the time and didn’t originally consider throwing my name in the ring. Thanks to her suggestion, I was offered the job and Susie became an incredible mentor and role model for me. Regardless

handle the situation on their own. Let’s be clear, the purpose of this event was to collect feedback, not to teach our facilitators how to control disruptive students. Many student facilitators walked away from this event feeling defeated, as if they were not given the proper tools to succeed. As if numbers weren’t already an issue, now we have student facilitators who don’t feel confident enough to return to this position next year.

“Last year’s Speak Up didn’t result in any changes”, is likely the most frequent complaint. For starters, changes were made: longer breaks, grade level lunch tables, more structured advisories, just to name a few. Other changes take time to implement. Establishing more inclusive spaces, for example, is not an overnight job. Overarchingly, the administration listening to our voices, doesn’t guarantee the implementation of every change we suggest, and we have to be okay with that. However,

of challenges the school faced, Susie always appeared calm and confident in moments of crisis. I learned a great deal from her steady leadership and the importance of empowering the people around you. Susie helped me see that there’s no better time than the immediate to seize a growth opportunity and I’ll be forever grateful for her mentorship and encouragement.

As you are undoubtedly an excellent leader and decision maker, can you share some of the principles, philosophies, and educational guidelines that you adhere to?

As the Head, it’s important that I’m empowering others to share their opinions and weigh in on decisions. I have never liked making decisions in a silo. I appreciate the wisdom, expertise and vast experience of the people I’m surrounded by.

I’ve always believed in the philosophy of servant leadership. Certain core values will stand the test of time for those who are most successful. Traits such as courage, humbleness, resilience, optimism, honesty and competence will never find themselves obsolete; I believe that leaders, first and foremost, always serve. They approach every day and consider every decision through the lens of serving the people they lead and the organization that they are charged to move forward.•

faculty should be reaffirming students when they do make changes. Because the event lacks trust, it is necessary that the SST tells the community when they do make a change, and are able to successfully associate that change with the event itself.

Despite all the acknowledgements made, we still wish the faculty would give our feedback more attention year long, and not just on one occasion.

We hope that moving forward, students can shift their mindset towards our community, and recognize Speak-Up as a privilege. We hope that faculty will involve students in the planning process, be attentive to received feedback, and verbalize the changes made to our community. •

Each letter in the phrase has been replaced with a random letter or number. Try to decode the message.

THE HOWLER

Women’s History Month

MARINA ELLMAKER, EVELYN KACPRZYNSKI, AMY OLIVERI, KEXIN CAI, & INDY MARING

Women in Science: Marie Curie

MARINA Ellmaker

Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw, Poland. Growing up poor, Marie received an average education yet thrived in her knowledge and even had some scientific training from her father. She was always studying, neglecting sleep and food to do so. Eventually, she went to the University of Paris, and once an adult, Marie continued her passion for science by conducting extensive research on radioactivity. From her research, she discovered two new elements, Radium and Polonium. Unfortunately due to the constant exposure to the harmful radioactivity, Marie Curie died of aplastic anemia in 1934. Her legacy continues more than a century after her revolutionary work and she continues to be a role model for young girls who want to pursue a life of science. •

Amelia Earhart’s Plane: Found?

EVELYN Kacprzynski

Perhaps one of the greatest historical mysteries: the disappearance of Amelia Earnhart, and navigator, Fred Noonan, is no longer a mystery.

On July 2nd of 1937, Amelia Earnhart embarked from Lae, New Guinea, in a Lockheed 10-E Electra, on a mission to fly around the world.

For decades, groups of marine researchers have attempted to locate Earhart’s plane, and were left empty handed. Last month, a man working for Deep Sea Vision as a marine biologist believes he has the answer. His name is Tony Romeo, and he claims Earhart’s plane is at the bottom of the Pacific, some 100 miles away from Howland Island, where Earhart and Noonan planned to refuel. The supposed aircraft is at a depth of about 16,400 feet. By comparison, the Titanic is located at a depth of about 12,500. (Moran)

Romeo and his team followed Earhart’s flight path, examining her altitude and the flying conditions reported on that day. Additionally they analyzed the six radio calls Earhart made during the flight, where she reported that she was running low on fuel. With fin stabilizers on the backside of the aircraft, identical dimensions, and a twin- engine, the image appears to be that of Earhart’s Lockheed. (Levenson)

Archaeologists who have used similar technology to search for underwater wrecks said they were far from persuaded that the image was actually a plane, let alone Earhart’s. Some argue the image is not clear enough to be declared as an aircraft, while others argue the image is similar to a typical World War One fighter plane. To confirm that the image is actually what Romeo and his team hope, more imaging would be required, and to confirm the plane to be Earharts would require a level of identification such as a serial number, or various markings.

“If we can help bring closure to this story and bring Amelia home, we’d be super excited,”

says Romeo, planning to do just that. They’ll be purchasing an underwater camera to examine the plane close-up. If the images are promising, the team hopes to raise the aircraft up to land. •

Sources

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/30/ science/amelia-earhart-plane.html

Explorers think they’ve found Amelia Earhart’s ...

Credits to image is “Getty Images”

My excpetional mom Indy Maring

Who comes to mind when you think of an exceptional woman? Many might think of a celebrity or a historical figure when prompted. But for me, the answer is close to home: my mom. You might wonder what makes her so exceptional. Exceptional is defined by Merriam Webster as rare, superior, and deviating from the norm.

So what makes her exceptional? She’s not nice. Weird, right? Why is that a quality I would highlight? Well I’ve learned a lot from my mom not being nice.

Now, hold on before you judge. “Nice,” in the traditional sense, often implies putting others’ feelings before your own, sacrificing honesty for agreeableness. Women are often taught that being “nice” is better than being true to yourself, your values, and your boundaries.This societal expectation, particularly for women, can create a facade of inauthenticity. My mom, however, rejects that.

While some might find her not “nice”, my mother taught me that authenticity is more important than being “nice”. My mom isn’t afraid of difficult conversations, even if it means challenging the status quo or causing temporary discomfort. This wasn’t easy as a kid, but it instilled in me critical thinking and the courage to stand up for my beliefs. More importantly, her

directness fosters trust in our relationship – I know she’ll always be honest, even when the truth stings.

In a world that often prioritizes “politeness” over truth, embracing a bit more “not-niceness” like my mom’s can be truly beneficial. It might ruffle feathers sometimes, but ultimately, it allows for stronger, more genuine relationships and the freedom to live authentically. We could all learn to be more authentic and less “nice”. So, the next time you encounter someone who seems not “nice,” consider the possibility that they’re simply choosing honesty and genuineness – qualities truly worth celebrating.•

Women in Art Amy OLIVERI

When we think of art we often think of dead white men. I would like to shift the spotlight onto women in art and introduce you to some of my favorite female artists who I think you should know.

Barbara Kruger. Untitled (I shop therefore I am). 1987.

Barbara Kruger is a contemporary artist who uses bold red rectangles with san sarif white Helvetica font. It looks a little like the popularized Supreme logo from a few years back. I can tell you that Kruger came first.

She started making this work in 1969. These graphic images portray feminist phrases, “We don’t need another hero,” “The future belongs to who can see it,” and “Your body is a battleground.” If you enjoy this style, take a deeper look at her work.

THE HOWLER

Cindy Sherman. Untitled Film Still #21. 1978.

Cindy Sherman is a photographer who makes self portraits. In each of her portraits she is depicting a woman but she uses a variety of costumes, prosthetics, and make up to drastically alter her own appearance. Her work has become more avant-garde in the last 10 years. Her early work looks more like film stills - especially the image above. “I wish I could treat every day as Halloween, and get dressed up and go out into the world as some eccentric character.”

Cindy Sherman

Hilma af Klint. Group X, Nos. 1–3, Altarpiece (Altarbild). 1915.

Hilma af Klint began making work in 1906. To many she was the first abstract painter in the Western world. Her groundbreaking work emerged prior to more well known male abstract painters like Mondrian and Kandinsky.

Photo courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Victoria Miro

WOMEN’S HISTORY Continued from page 4

contemporary. He gained fame and credit for copying much of her work. Her incredible style has always included polka dots in both her artwork and her fashion. She is an icon in every sense of the word.•

Books for Women’s History Month

Jess Shuff

Title: Huda F Cares?

Author: Huda Fahmy

Genre: Teen & Adult Graphic Novel

Published: 2023

Come along with Huda and her family as they go on a trip of a lifetime to Disney World! Sounds fun, right? Ehhh, not exactly. Huda will be crammed in a car with her three annoying sisters for a whopping TWENTY-FOUR hours. Not only is Huda stuck in the backseat with her sisters, but she is also forced to take on new uncomfortable challenges. Ultimately, her journey leads her to develop a better appreciation for her family despite the many ups and downs they all encounter. Pick up this book if you are interested in a quick and humorous read! It is laugh-out- loud funny!

Yayaoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who creates sculptures and paintings. I recently watched a documentary about Yayoi’s life and art which shared that she was Andy Warhol’s

and David Zwirner.

Title: The Rosewood Hunt

Author: Mackenzie Reed

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Published: 2023

In her debut novel, Mackenzie Reed, a Rochester native and Nazareth College Alumna, leads readers on a wild hunt with many twists and turns. Lily Rosewood will soon take over her family company, but only after her grandma teaches her the ropes. When her grandma suddenly dies and her fortune goes mysteriously missing, it is up to Lily to solve the clues her grandma leaves behind. Will Lily find more than just her family’s missing fortune? Read to find out.•

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The only empress of china Kexin Cai

Ancient China had a strongly patriarchal society. Women were often viewed as accessories to men and upon marriage, they lost their surnames, property, and political rights, and were subjected to various restrictions and discrimination. They were expected to learn skills to please their husbands or high-status men to survive. This oppression lasted until the emergence of a woman, the first and the only Empress of China, Wu Zetian. She offered a new, extremely difficult, but worthy path for Chinese women to continue to fight, work hard, and move forward.

Wu Zetian’s journey to becoming Empress was complex and went through many stages. She was initially favored for her intelligence and beauty as the consort of Emperor Taizong of Tang. Later, Emperor Gaozong of Tang made her Empress. After Emperor Gaozong’s death, Wu Zetian gained significant influence over the government as the Empress Dowager. However, she did not stop there in pursuing her ambitions. After a series of political struggles and planning, Wu Zetian ascended the throne in 690, becoming the first female Empress in the history of China and the founding Emperor of the Wu Zhou Dynasty. During Wu Zetian’s reign, she implemented political reforms that centralized power, reorganized the bureaucracy, and reformed the tax system. These measures enhanced the efficiency of governance and strengthened the control of the central government, laying the foundation for the later prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Wu Zetian focused on economic development by encouraging agricultural production, building water conservancy projects, and supporting the development of commerce and handicrafts. Her policies contributed to the economic prosperity of society and increased the state’s financial revenue. In terms of culture, Wu Zetian

WOMEN’S HISTORY

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emphasized literature and art. She advocated for literary creation, appreciated literary talent, and had some literary achievements herself. During her reign, the economy prospered, society was stable and harmonious, the people lived and worked in peace and happiness, and culture and art developed rapidly, leaving behind many excellent literary works.

Under her rule, the social status of women also had been significantly improved, reaching unprecedented heights. As mentioned earlier, Wu Zetian valued talent and selected officials without discrimination, giving men and women the opportunity to utilize their talents in government. This initiative provided women with the opportunity to enter the bureaucracy, and some talented women were able to rise to political prominence. During the reign of Wu Zetian, education was developed due to social and political stability. Although women still faced a lack of educational opportunities, compared to the previous period, women’s access to education increased, especially in the palace and noble families. And it is recorded in some historical books that the dress requirements for women in the Tang Dynasty were also more relaxed. They did not need to wear long skirts to cover their bodies and faces, and they could also wear men’s clothing. They could also actively participate in agriculture, handicrafts, textile manufacturing, and service industries to work and pay taxes to the central court.

Despite the controversy surrounding her reign, Wu Zetian proved that women can be effective leaders. She defied social expectations and shattered stereotypes of women in the feudal era, demonstrating that women were just as capable as men in positions of authority. As the first female emperor, Wu Zetian became a catalyst for social change, challenging deeprooted gender norms, and giving and inspiring women to pursue different possibilities.• Wu Zetian. (2024, March 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Zetian

THE HOWLER Book

The Guest List

LUCY FOLEY

GENRE: THRILLER

RATING: 1/5

I have given this book more chances than it deserves, which is two. I initially picked up this book due to its status as a book recommended by Reese Witherspoon’s book club. I found it uninteresting the first time, with superficial characters that lacked any life-like attributes. On the second read it was decidedly worse.

While the novel begins interestingly with a wedding on an island and characters with secrets, it quickly devolves due to Foley writing from six points of view in addition to a before and after narrative. I understand Foley’s intention was to show each character’s motivations and secrets. However the six POVs as well as before and after narrative serve only to muddle the narrative, making it confusing for the average reader.

Beyond the writing style, one must consider the characters. Every woman in this book appears to want to sleep with one man (though I won’t say who) and as such feels very sexualized, sometimes without reason. While the female characters are usually sexualizing themselves it was still Foley’s decision to write them that way and that choice makes me wonder about Foley’s view on women.

Narratively speaking the novel is confusing and uninteresting. The mystery is impossible to solve unless you already know each of the characters’ tragic pasts and backstories. All mysteries should be solvable by the audience. Otherwise there is no mystery being solved, there is only a reveal of facts.•

BAM!

AlbUM

CTRL

SZA

GENRE: R&B

RATING: 5/5

Ctrl has got to be one of my top 5 albums of all time. Ctrl is my comfort album and the perfect collection of songs to play when you are sad, want to chill, need to get cozy, etc. 14 songs with a total playtime of 49 minutes. The songs vary from being upbeat and bubbly, to mellow and slow. The album is described as a “coming-of-age narrative that involves human mistakes and broken relationships, which are often encountered by those learning to love themselves.” At the moment my two favorite songs are prom and 20 something but my favorites change from year to year.•

Movie

27 Dresses

GENRE: ROM-COM

RATING: 3/5

This movie genuinely took me by surprise.

The opening scene of the movie is fun, with Jane Nichols (played by Katherine Heigl) attempting to be a bridesmaid at two different weddings simultaneously. The scene has fun energy with shots of both a traditional American wedding and an Indian wedding interspersed with shots of Jane in a taxi. By the end of the night, one person has figured out what she is up to: Kevin Doyle (played by James Marsden), a journalist working on the commitments column of the paper despite believing that marriage has been reduced to dollar signs. However, Jane loves weddings and has been a bridesmaid in 27 weddings.

The two get more closely intertwined when Jane’s boss (George) proposes to her sister (Tess) and Jane is asked to be the maid of honor. As Jane plans the wedding she sees that Tess has lied about how she lives her life, what she eats, and what she likes. The movie ends with Jane and Kevin getting married with all 27 dresses present on all of the 27 past brides.

Overall the movie is a great rom-com - equal parts cheesy, infuriating, and compelling. Give this a watch if you want a rom-com.•

THE HOWLER

EVELYN KACPRZYNSKI & SIVAN JEENA YOSHA

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THE HOWLER Books Galore

JAMES THORNBURG

Last year I began tracking my book counts and found I only read a dismal 43 books. So this year I have vowed to shatter that record, setting a goal of 75 books. So far I have read 30 books, here is what is worth your time and what isn’t.

Beartown Trilogy by Fredrik Backman

Consisting of three absolutely stunning books (Beartown, Us Against You, and The Winners), this trilogy is not to be missed.

Fredrik Backman writes a very poetic, often fragmented manner about life, love, and death in a small town called Beartown. The rivalry between Hed and Beartowns hockey teams as well as hockey as a sport serve as backdrops for the tragic events that happen within the town. Each character begins to feel closer to your heart the more you read, and by the end of the trilogy, you will find yourself moved to tears as Backman helps the reader say goodbye to each one.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Trilogy by

Holly Jackson

The first book of this trilogy is beautifully written, with twists and turns you never see

coming. However, books two and three just don’t measure up. While it is hard to discuss why books two and three fall flat without giving key plot points away, I will say this, characters seem

to change mindsets about topics they were previously highly opinionated about with little exigence or plot to explain it.

Additionally, the final lines of book two are the most cringe-worthy things I have ever read.

beach read book.

Mad Honey by Jennifer Finney Boylan and Jodi Picoult

This book would be spectacular… if the authors hadn’t decided that the novel needed a surprise twist at the end. Overall the novel’s portrayal of a transgender character is well done and interesting and many parts of the book serve as more educational than narrative.

The authors were not afraid to make certain characters ignorant which serves to create an interesting narrative conversation about what it means to be a woman and how being transgender influences one’s life.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

The Perfect Son by Freid McFadden I found this book in a bin, abandoned. I didn’t have high hopes for it. It looked like an average beach-read thriller that would have poorly written characters and a twist that was easy to see. However, this book took me by surprise with its interesting use of point of view, fleshed-out characters, and a twist that I did not see coming. The Perfect Son does have few plot holes and uses police interviews to tell portions of the story (however not in an interesting manner) but the read is overall interesting, especially for a basic

While I didn’t read this book this year and read it at the very end of last year I believe it deserves an honorable mention for one of the worst books I have ever read. The plot appears to be grounded in reality. However the characters and plot points feel farfetched to the point that the narrative begins to collapse.

Additionally, the book ends in a way that even the most lax Child Protective Services code would scoff at, with an abusive parent getting unsupervised access to his child despite a documented history of abuse.

For More…

If you’re interested in the rest of what I’ve read this year, check out the QR code included in this article for more information on the books I’ve read, the books on my list, and my thoughts on each book I’ve read. •

INSIDE THE DEN

Teachers Swept Away in Volleyball

JAMES THORNBURG

On March 6 an epic battle took place. One for glory, bragging rights, and the right to pie a Harley School Teacher. The seniors handily beat the teachers, blowing the teachers out of the water in the third set (2510, seniors). At the end of the game, the seniors stormed the court and grabbed the trophy, celebrating their win over the teachers, as well as their right to pie a Harley School Teacher.

The event was also a fundraiser, with snacks being sold and a raffle held. All the proceeds were split between the Allendale Columbia student government and the Harley student government.•

*Correction: The faculty won their first set and held their own in the second set

American colleges speak up about the coddling of teens

TAYLER PERKINS

Have you ever felt you’re being coddled by your parents, teachers, or any authority figure. Well, lucky for you this topic was recently brought up mostly in American colleges. Students began to question if the ban of some words, ideas, and subjects is beginning to coddle teens of America. This has been a controversial issue on whether people are coddling newer generations than the previous ones. On one hand, some argue that people are getting too offended, for example, by words said from professors or campaigns being held on campuses, others argue that professors shouldn’t be teaching certain subjects. Such as, law students from Harvard Law brought up how they don’t want their professors to teach rape law, or for them to use the word “violate”. These two situations were discussed in an article written by Greg Lukianoff and Johathan Haidt, they wrote an article called “The coddling of the American Mind” published in The Atlantic. In sum, then, the issue is whether we should encourage coddling or be against coddling.

We shouldn’t be coddling as this will make people weaker and easier to crack under pressure if they encounter a serious situation in which they’ve been coddled in before. Though I concede that some people are simply born or brought up in a way that makes it hard for them to deal with certain subjects or issues is understandable but I still maintain my view that coddling shouldn’t be practiced. For example, in a recent discussion at our own school about forum topics that shouldn’t be brought up, someone said that the Israel-Hamas War should not be brought up. This subject can be sensitive for some people but just shoving it away isn’t a good way to deal with this either. Instead people should be educating others on why this war is important and why some people can find it hard to discuss. We should also be able to understand that this is a forum topic, essentially a fake debate and that people don’t actually stand by these viewpoints. We are all high school students and should be mature enough to bring these topics into a calm mature discussion. Although some might object to the idea of not coddling and say that certain individuals just simply can’t handle it because of anxiety or trauma, I’d reply to that and say that I agree some people should be coddled but that if everyone got coddled and sheltered from the real world then no one would understand what’s happening in the world. Such as the Israel-Hamas War or the war in Ukraine against Russia.

We shouldn’t be so coddled and shunned away from the real world. Coddling wouldn’t help kids mature, but some kids can mature too quickly because of how easy it is to access online resources in today’s technologies and that this is a modern problem that should be taken care of. Not wanting to bring up the Israel-Hamas war is an example of coddling. Students should be learning how to handle when these controversial issues are brought to the surface. It isn’t a subject that should be shunned and put aside, they should be spreading awareness and again as mentioned before educating others to help to not repeat this same history in the future.•