Baitline Vol. 5 Issue No. 2

Baitline

Publication Policy

The Baitline Newspaper is the official student news publication of Coral Reef Senior High School, and is written, designed, and published entirely by its staff members. Baitline is an established public forum, and welcomes a wide variety of pieces with the ultimate goal of informing students about news, events, and happenings both inside and outside the Coral Reef campus Through its articles and issues, Baitline hopes to create a more educated student population that is more overtly open to discussing current events and analyzing a variety of points of view.

As the producer of a scholastic publication, Baitline abides by the guidelines presented by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers According to the policies of the Miami-Dade County Public School System, media produced by students is not subject to mandatory review by school administrators or district personnel. Thus, all Baitline content is the product of views and opinions held by student staff members only, and is in no way a reflection of overall school views or beliefs The student editorial board and corresponding student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

Baitline gladly welcomes reader questions, comments, or feedback Letters to the editor may be submitted to Ms Woolley-Larrea’s mailbox, delivered personally to room 217, or emailed to baitline@coralreefhigh.org with the subject line "Letter to the Editor." Letters to editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed, and must include writer's address and phone number for verification Baitline reserves the right to publish any letter sent

Baitline

Katelyn Peña

Supervisor Mrs. Stephanie Woolley-Larrea

Ana Lucia Garcia

Natalie Jacob

Greta Carosio

Martina Jaramillo

Gabriella Gomez

Genesis Velasquez

Newsmagazine

Layout Staff

Martina Lenz

Lucia Vigil

Sofia Peralta

Claire Dryer

Veronica Martinez

Valeria Hernandez

Camila Yanez

Leah Jones

Isabella Manzo-Wongden

Sofia Salerno

Emma Chavannes

Caroline Toole

Paolo Lenz

Chloe Glasko

Sofia Ludovic

John Malik

Perla Chavez

Daniela Estrella

Mariana Leyva

Daniela Rosell

Aliuska Colmenares

Taylor Medina

EDITORS' NOTE

Towards a Better Tomorrow

We welcome you, the reader, to the season of change. As temperatures begin to rise and nights become shorter in the wake of spring, we see the landscape change from a winter wonderland to a blossoming field. While some may look outwards for inspiration, we hope that as you read this edition of our newsmagazine, you find inspiration and complacency in introspective reflection. In this issue, you will find contemplations on ameliorating not just the social landscape around us, but the spring fields within. We hope that through reading these articles, you may discover ways to cultivate your wonder for the life that awaits.

Katelyn Peña & Abril Strachan Editors-in-Chief

Katelyn Peña

Abril Strachan

College101: CONQUERING TheSAT

Juniors, the time has come to face what every high school student has dreaded, procrastinated, avoided, and many other verbs about fleeing responsibility: the SAT. Over the years, every high school student has heard about the horrors and struggles of this exam and the hours of time and effort it takes to master it. Not to mention the doubts surrounding the exam: What does it take to prepare? Is the SAT going digital? What’s the difference between the paper-based and digital exam? While the SAT seems like too much to handle, it is easier to navigate than one might think.

The Exam: According to the Princeton Review, “the SAT only tests your ability on mastering the SAT.” The problem with this, however, is that everyone has a different take on what it takes to master this exam. There are so many different resources available to students, and SAT prep can get very overwhelming very quickly. The most important thing to remember during the preparation process is that test prep looks different for everyone. Some people do the classic “one and done,” and by the luck of some supernatural

force, get it out of the way with their first try. Others study for months before they get near their preferred score. In addition, every student aims to get a different score. It is important to refrain from comparing scores and to remember that everyone struggles with the exam. The SAT does not measure an individual’s intelligence or worth in any shape or form.

Why We Take It: As fun and exciting as a four-hour exam full of complicated and convoluted questions sounds, no student takes the SAT in search of a good time. We take it because it is an important element of a college application. Every school has a different expectation of its applicants in terms of SAT scores. In fact, some schools do not require an SAT score on their applications at all. When preparing for the SAT a student should first ask themselves: What kind of college do I want to go to? Where can I see myself in the not-so-distant future? Questions like these help narrow down a score range. For those planning on staying in Florida, there is an abundance of schools that all expect different kinds of scores. For the

University of Florida, students who get in score on average between a 1350 to a 1490, while Florida State University admitted students score between a 1310 to a 1430. Highly competitive schools like Duke admit students with an SAT score between 1510 and 1560. However, some competitive schools, like Harvard, and Columbia, do not require students to submit an SAT score on an application. No matter where you want to go, it is important to remember each school looks for something different in its students, and schools evaluate all parts of an application, not just the SAT score.

The Digital SAT: Another reason juniors preparing for the SAT feel so confused is because they are technically the guinea pigs. This year, for the first time, the SAT is going digital. The last paper-based SAT was December 2nd, and all SATs after that will be administered digitally. This completely changes the game of the SAT. The digital test itself is a

completely different beast to tackle, and for students who have been preparing for the paper-based SAT, it means relearning new test strategies and concepts. Those who took the PSAT this fall got a glimpse of what it will be like and, needless to say, it is different. The two biggest differences noted by students and test prep platforms were that the exam is shorter – only 2 hours – and that there are only two sections: reading and writing, and math. This differs from the current SAT, as the reading and writing and language sections have been combined into one and the calculator can be used during the entire test.

Tackling Test

Prep: Student Resources: What it takes to prepare for the SAT once again depends on every individual student. There are innumerable resources available, from free programs to costly tutoring sessions.

Depending on what is financially possible, students should look into what best suits their needs. Some notable resources are the Princeton Review and Kaplan, the

golden duo of SAT prep tools that offer free resources as well as tutoring sessions with a price tag. Both resources offer live classes, video lessons, practice questions, prep books, and more, as well as different programs designed to help students reach their goals based on their desired SAT score, from 1200 to 1500. Outside of these two are the more affordable and equally helpful options: Khan Academy, Fiveable, College Board, and more. There are also private tutoring sessions offered online and in person by local educators. All of these options help students all over reach their goal SAT score, despite how difficult it may seem.

The SAT process is long and laborious, and no one student has the same experience as another. All this goes to say that feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the SAT and the significance it carries is completely valid. All a student can do is try their best. Studying for the exam and focusing on your goals brings about the best results, and the efforts one puts forth into the exam will be reflected in their score.

Women In Sports:

Recently, women’s sports have become increasingly popular in the public eye. However, not only do the achievements of women in sports stretch back beyond the 21st century, but despite increasing recognition, women still do not receive the same acknowledgement as men in their respective sports. Therefore, let’s explore some of the past and today’s most notable female athletes, and how their achievements transformed the history of sports and gender norms.

To begin, in tennis, there are two notable female athletes who have broken records and changed tennis for the better: Billie Jean King and Serena Williams. Billie Jean King, former World Number 1 tennis player, won 39 Grand Slam titles in her career: 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. She is known for her advocacy on gender equality in sports, fighting against the discrimination of women in sports and campaigning for equal pay when the Open Era began in 1968. Even today, as the founder of the Women’s Sport Foundation, King continues to advocate for and encourage young women in sports. In today’s world of

sports, Serena Williams is also noted as one of the best female tennis players. Her name is known nationwide, and her extensive factories have shaped her into becoming one of the most inspiring female figures in the sport. As a black female athlete, Williams faced frequent sexist and racist attacks from the media, yet she continues to advocate for gender equality and diversity in sports. Although she retired from tennis in 2022, her name continues to inspire young girls in tennis today.

Furthermore, there have been numerous women in predominatelymale sports that have made significant achievements throughout their careers and deserve more credit than is given to them. For instance, Danica Patrick is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. She has accomplished numerous firsts for women in the field, like being the first woman to win an Indy Car series race. Although she did not receive all the credit and success as she deserved, the impact she left on the sport was undeniable. As one of the few successful and renowned female

athletes in open-wheel racing, Patrick is credited with inspiring many young girls to participate in auto racing and motorsports, despite being a maledominated industry. Another example is Diana Taurasi, the all-time leading scorer in the WNBA. Throughout her basketball career, Taurasi has won five Olympic gold medals, an NCAA championship, and three WNBA championships. She is considered one of the greatest female basketball players ever, and considering her achievements in a sport that receives little attention for women, she is definitely an inspiration that deserves more recognition. Taurasi, along with many others, has persevered through gender discrimination and lack of acknowledgement throughout her career, overshadowed by men who hold the same amount, if not less, talent. Furthermore, even women in predominantly female sports do not receive as much appreciation as they deserve. For example, in women’s gymnastics, numerous inspirational athletes lack recognition. Laritsa Latynina, a Russian gymnast, holds the most Olympic medals in

gymnastics, male and female; she holds nine gold Olympic medals, and eighteen Olympic medals overall. Until Michael Phelps beat her record, she was also the only athlete ever to hold eighteen Olympic medals. Despite this evident achievement, her name is rarely celebrated in the media. Since the 1960s, Latynina has held this record, yet the recognition she faces is little to none. It is time to provide female athletes with the appreciation they deserve, and abandon the discriminatory belief that only men succeed in sports. It is time to stand for the female athletes of today and encourage the female athletes of tomorrow.

Navigating College

Applications:

Choosing Between Admission Processes

From the first bell rung at 7:20 AM on the first day of this school year, Samantha Weber recalls “a rude awakening by the consistent college lingo inserted in every conversation that I was unaware of” (IB, 12th). Discussions concerning the college application process are full of unknown terminology to rising and beginning seniors. Consequently, many students find themselves stressed and overwhelmed by the multitude of confusing aspects of college applications. Most notably, the first step in this application process is determining the differences between the variety of admission processes and which to choose for each university: early decision, early application, regular decision, and rolling decision.

To begin, although early application and early decision may sound the same, they have very different requirements. Early decision is a binding application, which means that all students accepted must enroll, regardless of tuition price. On the other hand, early application is a nonbinding application, meaning that they are not obligated to enroll.

However, restrictive early action is the admission process offered by some private universities such as Yale, Harvard, and Tulane. Restrictive signifies that the student can only apply early to that one private institution, however, there are exceptions, including public universities. Despite their differences, both early application and decision demonstrate to universities that students are committed to that one school. According to US News and World Report, “In many cases, colleges have higher acceptance rates during the early admission rounds, especially early decision.” Therefore, one could say that it is worthwhile applying for early admissions, but early decision should only be chosen by students with a clear top choice in mind and are sure that they can afford the expense of tuition.

Regular decision and rolling admissions are the admission processes that are also very important for college applicants to consider. Regular decision is usually due in November to January. November 1st is a very notorious date

for all seniors due to all the impending application deadlines it is associated with, such as UF and many of the other Florida schools. Nevertheless, regular decision deadlines are crucial to submit since they mark the last opportunity before rolling admissions begin. This is when universities solely accept students on a space-available basis, which may last until April for some universities. Thus, it seems the most practical for students to apply regular decision to be fully considered by the universities they are applying to.

All in all, students applying to college have varying aspirations for their next four years of schooling. Therefore, every student must take into consideration their ultimate goals when selecting the proper admission process for them.

Eraof PopStars

AndreaPosner

In a harmonious convergence of talent and economic influence, two of the world's most iconic music superstars, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, have proven to be not just chart-toppers, but economic gamechangers. In an era where the music industry has evolved into a powerhouse of commerce, these two artists have demonstrated their prowess beyond their influential hits. Both artists, through their music, brand power, and entrepreneurial ventures, have contributed significantly to boosting the global economy, transcending the boundaries of the entertainment world to become economic catalysts in their own right. Their impact reaches far beyond the concert stage and recording studio, shaping industries and inspiring growth across a multitude of sectors.

Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" is making significant waves in the world of entertainment and economics alike. The tour, which kicked off in the spring of 2023, has already proven to be a monumental force, with

statistics showing its substantial impact on the economy. As of the latest available data, the "Eras Tour" has grossed over $250 million in ticket sales, further solidifying Taylor Swift's status as a formidable live performer.

Concertgoers' expenditures on accommodations, dining, and merchandise contribute to job creation and increased revenue in host cities. This tour, not only a feast for Swift's devoted fans, but also a key driver of economic growth, is a testament to the enduring influence and appeal of one of the world's biggest pop stars. Arianna Archer, a sophomore at Coral Reef High School, traveled all the way to Tampa from Miami to see Taylor Swift at Raymond James Stadium.

Similarly, Beyoncé's "Renaissance Tour" is not just a musical extravaganza; it is also a powerful catalyst for economic growth. The tour, launched in May of 2023, has

already demonstrated its ability to make a significant impact on the economy. With sold-out arenas and stadiums worldwide, the tour has generated substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships.

Beyond the direct financial gains, it has also breathed life into local economies. Concertgoers, often traveling from afar, boost the hospitality and tourism sectors by booking hotels, dining in local restaurants, and exploring the city.

This influx of visitors results in a substantial uptick in job opportunities and increased revenue for local businesses. The "Renaissance Tour" is not just a celebration of Beyoncé's unparalleled talent, but a shining example of how music can serve as an economic driver, injecting vitality and prosperity into the communities it visits.

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have harnessed the digital landscape to not only revolutionize the way music is consumed, but also to boost the global economy. Their extensive catalog of music is available for streaming and digital purchase, and the statistics are nothing short of staggering. Both artists consistently rank among the top-streamed musicians on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which in turn generates substantial revenue, not only for themselves but also for the entire music industry. These digital sales and streaming royalties contribute to the livelihood of countless songwriters, producers, and musicians, underscoring the role of music as a vital economic driver. Furthermore, the popularity of Swift and Beyoncé's music amplifies their brand power, attracting lucrative sponsorship deals and partnership opportunities. The digital era has not only heightened their creative reach but also made them formidable players

in the global economy, influencing diverse sections, from tech to marketing, and stimulating growth well beyond the bounds of the music industry.

Through blockbuster tours, digital sales, brand collaborations, and more, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have proven to be invaluable contributors to the global economy. Their concerts, merchandise, and entrepreneurial ventures stimulate local businesses, create job opportunities, and revitalize tourism in the cities they visit. Their digital sales and streaming royalties support the entire music industry, providing livelihoods for countless professionals. Their brand endorsements and creative partnerships with major companies drive sales and foster economic growth. Collectively, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift serve as emblematic figures in the relationship between the music industry and the global economy, illustrating how the power of music and branding can influence a wide array of industries, making them forces to be reckoned with, both on stage and in the boardroom.

Men Without Futures

Camila Yanez

The sun shone down with so much love the world could only be seen through a filter of vibrancy. Perhaps it was because there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky to stop it from doing what it does best, embracing the world in a compassionate hug. And on this day we see a young man sitting by a tree, reading. His brown wavy hair flopped bothersomely in his face, forcing him to push his large square glasses onto his head to keep his hair up. Although his vision was now blurred, he barely noticed being so absorbed in his book. He looked frozen in place, and he’d occasionally forget to breathe.

Leo had been attending Harvard for eight years now and was to become Dr. Leo Griswald with a Ph.D. in Social Science. He’s now coming to the very end of his stay at Harvard, feeling as though it was almost over much too soon. Leo loved learning. Everything to do with acknowledging the world in its complex beauty, he adored it all. Leo was a sensitive man, but never quick to anger. He never shouted. stomped, or punched with fury.

In fact, he was so careful as to how irritating he made himself he’d hold his dry coughs back in libraries by constricting every muscle in his body. This awareness of those around him didn’t serve him well. People leave, abandon, and hurt others. They hurt Leo. “They” being those who entered his life with the intention to use him. His mother who forced him to study and work till his head turned heavy with exhaustion, his acquaintances who used both his intellectuality and naivety to get him to do their homework and make a fool of himself in front of his peers, and his mentors who told him his devotion to knowledge could not survive in a modern, selfish world. If you were to ask him why he devoted so much of his time to his studies, despite it being a place of trauma, he’d simply shrug and say, “What else is there to do for fun?” There was no rhyme or reason, he was simply born to remain with the same childlike wonder in a boy's eyes when he learns what the dinosaurs were. Some people never truly grow up. And much like every day before today, he was reading something new: astrophysics to be specific.

It wasn’t in his field, but knowledge never hurt anyone. At least, that’s what he thought to himself.

And as he thought to himself, a figure in a large black trench coat approached him. It was a woman, with atomic blonde hair and crimson-red lips. She was old and angular, if you were to describe her in one word it would be pointy. She stood above him, and it was only now when she cast a shadow over him that he realized she was there. “Excuse me, Sir?” she states. He replies, “How may I help you?”

“Well, I'm an organizer for public speaking events, and it seems we’re one person short for the introduction portion at the very beginning.”

She tried to act like this was nothing concerning to her, but it was obvious in her face that she’d made a terrible mistake and was desperate for someone to fill this gap.

“I figured I’d come on campus and pick the first wisecrack I see, and you seem to be awfully lucky today.”

He looked up, wonderstruck. Leo had never experienced something like this before.

He sat alone at this tree, as he did in lunch, in class, and at home. He was, for as long as he could remember, alone. He didn’t get along with his mother, and his father was out of the question. He didn’t get along well with anyone. The only thing that could take his mind off the solitude that consumed his life was his studies. The only thing to break the silence of his apartment was the turning of a page. And yet, here stood someone who noticed him. He’d look in the mirror sometimes and wonder if he was truly just invisible, never being able to tell.

“Sir, are you there?” He shook his head, realizing he’d gotten lost in thought. Embarrassed, he let his hair fall back into his face to hide his redness.

“Yes, sorry,” he replied.

“Well, I really must be going, I’m a busy woman. Please, here’s my business card, contact me if you’re interested. It would only be for about 15 minutes, then we pay you and you can leave. The event is tonight at eight.”

He sat there, dumbfounded at this occurrence of events. What should he talk about?

There’s so much to say. And only 15 minutes? Tonight?

He had no idea what he was going to do. So he dialed the number on the little card, confirmed his attendance, and went home to prepare. He had a couple of loose ideas on what to say, something about the city and simple pleasantries that would be easily forgettable. Just get paid and leave, he thought to himself. He circled his apartment trying to convince himself that he wasn’t deathly afraid, and while doing so forgot to check the time. Hours later, he glanced at the clock. Five minutes late. He bolted to the door and practically hurled himself into his car. He drove so fast it wouldn’t have come as a surprise to any passersby if the car simply started to fly. In another 5 minutes, he’d managed to make it to a high-end auditorium on the other side of town.

When he walked in he immediately noticed he was terribly underdressed for the occasion. Men and women dressed in the most expensive, flamboyant outfits filled the auditorium, trying to find their seats.

Perhaps I’ve underestimated the importance of my role in this, he thought to himself. No matter, the mission was to make it out alive. He made his way to the steps up the stage, being careful not to spill the expensive champagne glasses out of all the socialites’ hands.

The same woman from the campus approached him.

“Ah! So you’ve finally made it! I was afraid we’d have to take more..assertive methods to get you here.” She laughed, but he didn’t, uncomfortable with what she may have been suggesting, and the fact he’ll never know if she was willing to have him kidnapped over this.

The lights dimmed and the crowd was seated. It was only now that he realized in rushing out of the house, he’d forgotten his pathetic notes.

Oh god, what was he to say?

He broke out in a cold sweat and began shaking like a madman, as if he was suddenly stricken with the Spanish flu.

I’ll die, he thought. I’ll faint and make a fool of myself, without anyone ever having known I could have been someone.

Leo had no idea what to say, so he figured he’d say everything. About current events, both local and global, the state of society, war, peace, the ugly, the beautiful, the way the air blows against the beautiful trees and makes its way back into the lungs of running children taking in the world for their first fleeting moments of pure virtue. He spoke of the wonders of the universe, how and why the stars shone bright but really could be dead, only their echoes reaching out in one final hurrah. And all this just to relate back to what mattered to him most: being human. To look at the human race, not from the perspective of ridicule on what we’ve done so far, but approval for how far we’ve come. Leo knew not what he was saying, but he knew what he was feeling and he was hopeful. He spoke so eloquently about this hope he held on so tightly to, that things would get better and how his purpose would be revealed to him. Someday. And he’d finally been given a moment to share all that’d culminated in his solitude for the past 28 years. He articulated his ideas and intelligence so beautifully that it

was practically music. Until he checked the clock and realized he’d passed his 15-minute mark.

So he stopped. This whole time he hadn’t looked once at the crowd, in fear their faces would be extorted with a look of anguish and disgust. Instead, when he lifted his head he was met with hundreds of faces all with their mouths hanging wide open, leaning as close to the stage as they could. Some were levitating off their seats in hopes of absorbing all that was said a little bit better. The room was silent with wonder. And then, applause broke the silence like a sonic boom. The powerful men stood in approval, their wives tearing up having been so moved. It could have been that he was quite handsome, or maybe the way he spoke hypnotized people. Or, it could have been because the crowd had been attending performances of people arguing and belittling one another for their entire lives, crushing those beneath to get on top. Leo, unaware of the regular theme to these events brought something unexpected to the table. Grace.

He wasn’t sure where all this talk had come from, but it must have been the voice deep inside of him that was tired. Tired of the suffering, abuse, and exhaustion. But more than anything, tired of the silence, the impenetrable silence that purged his life. He was tired of wanting to love, and hate, all the feelings and sensations this great earth had to offer, to run and laugh and cry and most of all be adored, feel the laughter of others vibrate upon his eardrums. Anything but silence. It was like he’d been teleported to an alternate universe in which he’d been someone different. Someone who mattered, been adored his whole life. Someone who’d always been heard. Something shifted in him at that moment. The applause waned, but he needed more. He didn’t want it to ever stop, they should clap forever. He got off the stage and was met with questions and reporters flocking him. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, with all their voices mumbled together and the flashing of cameras in his face. It was a scene he’d have to get used to. He somehow made it into his car, drove home, and threw himself

onto his bed, wondering if he’d ever even gotten up that day and was still dreaming, as he drifted off to sleep. The next morning he awoke with a burning hunger in the pit of his stomach. He immediately ran to the kitchen and ransacked his fridge in an effort to quench his hunger. He ate, and ate, and ate. But it wasn’t enough. What he felt wasn’t a hunger for food, it was a hunger for attention. He was starving for it, so hungry he barely was able to get dressed and make his way out of his house to campus.

Upon his arrival, everyone was staring at him. He felt a little fuller. Everywhere he went people whispered as he passed, making way for him. He was alone, but in an entirely different way. He was so respected that people feared approaching him, feeling they didn’t have the intelligence to be his equal in a conversation. It wasn’t that he was a genius, but rather that the circumstances of what happened last night had turned him into a prodigy overnight. He tried to focus in class, but that proved difficult with everyone staring at him. On his way out he was met with multiple

business entrepreneurs wanting to sign deals with him, to produce books, and to hold interviews. The longer the day went by, the more attention he received. He’d accumulated quite the entourage and by the time his morning classes were over, a crowd followed him wherever he went. When he pulled into his apartment driveway he realized they’d found his address. For someone studying social science, even he could not understand how people could develop such deep parasocial relationships overnight. But in a way, he understood - he had given the people what they wanted: a sacrificial lamb, a new Jesus, someone to say everything will be alright.

He dialed 911 and the police arrived, allowing him to make his way into his house where he immediately began to study. Not for class, but for the interviews and public speaking events he’d agreed to. If he was going to keep people's attention on him, he’d have to work. Having studied the mind for so long, he knew it lost interest quickly. He studied current news, in depth and with a meticulous attention to detail. He’d also

refresh himself on some old history to keep his knowledge broad. He felt different absorbing new information this time, like it was for a real purpose this time, not for his escape. It invigorated him, he felt alive. So he studied, and studied, and studied. Until he couldn’t hold his eyes open anymore. He couldn’t stop - stopping might mean failure and failure would result in the loss of the people’s love. He couldn’t afford to lose that. He stopped eating as much - a plump man can’t be an idol. He stopped sleeping as much - time taken to sleep was time that could be used to work. In between these episodes of selfdeprivation, he went to all kinds of places. He did interviews, specials, and speeches, progressively growing his reputation. After the first speech (well, second if one doesn’t count the speech that brought him fame), he picked up momentum quickly, to the point where meeting the president became the usual. By day he was a hero, by night a slave. But where was the harm? Knowledge had never hurt anyone, had it?

By the end of the month he’d

become the most renowned motivational speaker in the world, etching his knowledge of human behavior into words of ambition and desire. He galvanized people to do better for themselves, do better for the world. He was like an inspirational older brother to those who listened, whispering in their ear the secrets to building a fulfilling life. Certainly, there must’ve been a direct correlation between his speaking and his knowledge, he thought. His reasoning wasn’t so good, being that between the air jet trips to other cities and the constant speeches, he didn’t sleep much. His private world of study and his public identity which was loved for simply being himself were colliding, and he was crushing under the pressure. His eyes tricked him in the mirror as they always did, yet this time it was different. Instead of wondering if he was invisible, he wondered if he deserved it. This much praise shouldn’t come easily, he had to study this hard. He had to stay in shape, keep his mind sharp. He studied, day and night, only resting when he fainted. He

dragged his failing body back to his desk every day to cram in more information. The delusion consumed him, the connection between knowledge and success. Who was he if was not the allknowing peacemaker they wanted him to be? He’d get into routines where he’d work for weeks, consecutively. He couldn’t even notice the days passing. And then the months spent inside. The years were muddling together, the clocks dusting up. He stopped presenting speeches, they weren’t good enough. He could do better if he just worked harder. The people deserved better. If he worked harder he’d be able to give them every part of him and more, just 5 more minutes. 5 more minutes of reading with his eyelids taped open.

5 minutes became 5 days, then 5 months, and then 5 years. He hated his work, he hated his words and he hated himself. His notability transformed him into a monster. He cut out what little of his mother he heard from, his assistants, and his business advisors. They were in the way, telling him to sleep more and eat better. They wanted what he had:

his fame and fortune. He grew greedy, tortured, and old. And people were not pleased with what they saw. Slowly yet surely, the name Leo Griwswald disappeared from peoples mouths. Never did they say Dr. Griswald, for Leo had left his Doctorate behind long ago. He sat at his desk, working at rotting the years away, studying everything there was to be known. Surely if he’d known everything there was to know for every occasion, he’d be the ultimate prodigy, loved by all. One year turned into ten, then twenty, then forty. He truly believed he’d come back to the world with as much popularity as when he started. He never really was able to understand how popularly worked, just that the suffering must take him somewhere. It is impossible to know everything, any sane person would agree. But he truly believed as long as there was a steady consumption of information he’d get there someday. His delusion was a product of his poor work ethic and childlike ambition, that fairytales are true and nothing's impossible. What was once his passion became a prison, chaining him to his computer, to the

mountains of encyclopedias he’d collected over the years. And then, just as it had all started, it ended just as quickly. One day, as Leo, the old man he was now, approach his laptop to see what was new for the day, and then to work on his essay for his doctorate, which he’d been writing and revising and tearing apart for the past 40 years, he noticed all that he read on countless forums, he’d seen before. He looked through all his notes, checked all his books, read all his papers, checked all his news outlets. As of today, nothing was new to him. He’d done it, learnt it all, or so he thought. He stared into the nothingness of his high rise, expensive apartment. He, for the first time, became aware of the scratchy beard on his face, and the wrinkles on his forehead from furrowing his brows day and night for so long. He looked in his dusty mirror, the one that hadn’t been cleaned after he’d forgotten to pay his maid, and what stared back at him was the most hideous old man. His hair was long and unruly, and he’d taken on the physique of a blobfish. Go figure, that’s what happens when you sit hunched over for 40 years straight. He’d

been extremely up to date on the outside world news, but hadn’t really considered how much everything has changed.

Sure, you can see pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but you’d never really know what it feels like to have your eyes climb to its tip until you’re standing before the landmark in Paris. So, In his disgusting unwashed robe, he stepped out of his expensive and much too large penthouse, which he could not recall when he bought and why he’d bought such a large space for one person. He was met with a world unlike his own, as if he’d stepped out and landed on Mars. The land was barren, not a tree in sight, not a man or woman on the street. You see, Leo must’ve believed if he processed information at least once in his brain, it would stay in there forever. On top of all he was researching everyday, he didn’t pay much attention to the state of conservation affairs, which clearly had failed. It took the strong smell of car exhaust to remind him the air had become toxic. He covered his mouth with his robe sleeve, and carried on, exploring this new world. The air was so dusty and

polluted it coated the city in a dirty fog. He walked aimlessly, in a state of shocked numbness, devastated enough to wail but unable to bring himself to react. He’d spent the last 40 years thinking up interesting ways to approach the meaning of life, and how beautifully destructive everything was. Despite the war and death, there was nature and the appreciation for life it warranted. Now this, this was just destruction. In his attempt to do his best, he failed everyone. Realizing this, he sat down on a bench. He contemplated how to grasp the conundrum of emotions swirling in his stomach, like a caged animal trying to get out. A figure started to approach from a distance. He looked just as hideous as Leo, which provided some comfort to this washed-up old man. The man sat down on the bench and looked at Leo, with a glimmer of recognition.

“Are you…Leo Griswald?” Leo looked him in the eyes, still partially unsure if he was hallucinating.

“Yes that’s…..that’s me. How do you know me?”

The old man grunted, spat on the ground, and then replied. “Well,

everyone knew you once upon a time ago, before everything went down. Y'know, before the landfills poured into the streets and the air grew toxic with the acid water vapor in the air. Y'know, they say part of it’s your fault.”

The old man pulled out a magazine, to show Leo what had happened to the renounced Almost Dr. Griswald. A magazine cover deeming him a liar and a snake. His popularity had originally stemmed off of his hope of a better future and his ability to galvanize others to work for good. The product of his acclaim was a deep parasocial relationship with those who adored him. After he'd abandoned all those who loved him, the general discontent in the world drove crime rates, pollution, and aggression up just enough to tip the scale and flip the world upside down. In that moment his ego shattered into a million pieces and dispersed into the orange air. Leo was free. He looked at the man, and the man looked back at him. “What’s your story?” Leo asked.

“Well” the man replied, “I was a student just like you once, not an extraordinary one but one with aspirations just as you. But then everything went south, and Armageddon began. After your

absence, a consequential mass hysteria swept the nation, people trying to fill the void that was revealed in their hearts.

You were the bandage that fell off. I was there to watch the world cave in, the people pile their trash in the middle of the streets. The fighting and the complete disregard for human decency. Panic became the new normal, the ship had sailed.”

Leo had wasted all his life just to end up here, never being able to fully appreciate life before all that was good was destroyed, and this man had witnessed horrors beyond Leo’s imagination to still be here.

“Do you remember when things were beautiful?” asked Leo.

“Everyday.” said the man. “When the sky was blue, when the sun shone bright everyday, and the moon glowed white every night. The way laughter filled the city every hour of every day, whether we were rich or poor, we laughed and cried and sang and danced.”

It was not that Leo hadn’t seen these things in his youth, it had just been so long it was nothing but a hazy aftertaste to him.

“I wish I had been there,” said Leo.

“I wish it had ended there,” said the man.

Consequences of Stigmatizing Abortions

Anne Perez

“Liberté, Egalité and Fraternité '' , stated first during the Age of Enlightenment, expresses that equality, liberty, and fraternity are the three main components of an ideal society. Despite this, efforts to limit the equality and liberty of women have historically been put into action throughout the globe. From the struggle for suffrage to the right to healthcare, women have historically had to fight their way towards equality. This is in daily life, where women are shamed and oppressed due to long standing patriarchal views. Recently, outside parties have heavily debated abortions, despite being an essential component of women’s health care. Currently, Poland’s government is looking to prosecute individuals involved in providing or assisting in an abortion. In 2020, the ruling by Poland's Congressional court outlawed the most common form of abortion, allowing the Polish government to search for any legal grounds to use against those receiving abortions. Hillary Margolis, a senior women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, compared the pursuit of women to a witch trial. Margolis states that women are being wrongfully tried and mistreated: “The government is misusing police and courts to advance its anti-rights agenda,

taking its abusive policies into private homes, hospitals, and doctors’ offices.''

In January 2021, six women in Poland died because they were denied an abortion despite being in danger of health complications. When two male paramedics showed up at one woman, Joanna’s, house, they stated they could search her home, seeking out for “a crime,” despite abortion pills being legal. They also demanded she strip and cough, without stating why. Joanna communicated that “I felt I wasn't human”. Kamila Ferenc, a lawyer at the Warsaw-based Foundation for Women and Family Planning, is representing Joanna in this case against the police for infringing on her rights, providing inhumane treatments, and violating her privacy, amongst other things. Similarly, in July, a 41-year-old Polish woman was treated unfairly and shamed after having contacted an ambulance after a miscarriage. After she was discharged, the police waited outside her house where they pumped her septic tank and investigated it in search of “evidence”. The police wanted to

create a case against her but eventually discontinued it in October of 2022 due to lack of evidence; ‘[the police] acted like [she] was a criminal and they wanted to find someone to bring charges against,” said Fernec. This experience demonstrates how women are being sought out and stigmatized despite legally proceeding with abortions. Even in places such as Australia where abortion is less legally restricted women continue to resort to unsafe abortions due to the stigma. For example, in an Australian exploratory interview study, many of the participants stated that many healthcare providers appeared uncomfortable with the conversation of abortions, and dismissed their concerns. For example, one participant in Queensland stated that she contacted a doctor to help her navigate an unwanted pregnancy and the GP responded with “we don’t do that here”. The participant stated that she felt “dismissed and judged”. Even some participants in other regions stated that they were denied access to their GPs altogether. The stigma on abortion, which deems that abortion is morally wrong, is dangerous to the lives of all women globally. The

misinformation caused by patriarchal views on abortions and female ideals creates repressive laws. Societally, the ideas of “a nurturing mother” or “sexual purity” all come into play, questioning what a “good” woman is. It can limit, shame, and isolate those women who decide to get an abortion or have gotten it in the past, and it pushes them away from asking for support or medical care. Currently, there already have been measures being placed in order to overcome these abortion barriers. Younger generations have been advocating and campaigning for abortions to remain accessible in local communities. These little steps can make a world of difference in a woman's life. For these reasons, educating women, especially young girls, on their reproductive rights is crucial to ensure their well being.