Oakton Outlook May 2021 by Elizabeth Snyder

OAKTON OUTLOOK MAY 2021 | VOL. 15 ISSUE 3 | OUR STORIES

4-7

Pages

CLASS OF ‘21 COLLEGE MAP See what the senior class will be doing next year!

The official newsmagazine of Oakton High School. Find more inside!

O N

T E

T S

may 2021

photo courtesty of anderson wozny

senior 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

in-state college map + post grad plans out of state college map seniors committed for sports senior prom senioritis expectation v. reality senior advice saying goodbye to oakton senior Q+A differences in graduations from previous years study abroad college application advice

news 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

COVID vaccine inequality coronavirus in india vaccine trials for youth EU allows americans with vaccines to travel republican prospects for 2024 how summer tourism will be affected by COVID what is dogecoin?

photo by payton wozny

sports 27 28 29 30 31

the future of oakton athletics NFL dark horses 2021 washington wizards winning streak the growth of formula one

opinion 32 33 34 35 36 37

editors in chief

sahithi jammulamadaka zoe sauger payton wozny

editorial board

aubrey harrell charlie williams haley longfellow shevany moharir veronica preaskorn eileen lincoln claudia messina sara boddie

lebron james will never be 100% again should 16 year olds be allowed to vote? gender inequality class of 2020 v. class of 2021 why mental health days should be built into the year

a&e 38 39 40 41 42 43

EDITORIAL BOARD

adviser

elizabeth snyder

classics by AAPI female authors review of freshman year Marvel’s upcoming phase 4 demon slayer movie review a note from oakton outlook seniors

STAFF WRITERS nour al-kaaby anna allred addison becker portia dai emma dennis max dolinh alicia ernst lorne fowler nathan henriques serena hirani lucy holt tommy hunter viraj khetan

katie le aubrey leverett harriet limkin kartik mukalla artin saadt rania shah anshul sreenvias kaleb steele ashley stewart dilara vural aidan whipp katherine zevallos

OAKTON OUTLOOK >>

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Oakton,

We are so excited to share our final digital magazine of the 2020-2021 school year with you! This is the first magazine this year where staffers were able to collaborate with each other in person after transitioning to the hybrid style of learning. We have worked incredibly hard to cover a wide range of topics including Dogecoin (page 26), gender inequality (pages 34-35), and the voting age (page 33). This is our senior edition and we have dedicated an entire section to the Class of 2021. This year has been one for the history books, and the seniors have not had a traditional final year of high school. However, we look forward to sharing with you the seniors’ favorite memories of high school (page 14), what they will be doing in the future (pages 4-7), and some interesting after high school plans (page 17). There is also a continual awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine roll-out. We share updates on the distribution of the vaccine with an emphasis on inequality (page 20) and the inclusion of a wider age group (page 22). We also take a look at the pandemic in other countries, specifically India (page 21). Oakton sports has had some exciting events the past months as spring sports come to a close and many athletes are graduating. You can learn more about the future of Oakton athletics on page 27 and about the graduating athletes who will continue their sport in college on pages 8 and 9. We are so excited to share our final works as the Outlook team. We are so proud of our seniors and congratulate them on graduating high school; we wish them all the best of luck as they continue their lives after graduation. We look forward to what next year will bring and hope you enjoy this issue! The Outlook will resume in the fall; enjoy your summer!

The Oakton Outlook is the official school newsmagazine of Oakton High School. photo by payton wozny

Best, Zoe Sauger Sahithi Jammulamadaka Payton Wozny Editors-in-Chief

check us out online: oaktonoutlook.com Instagram & Twitter: @oaktonoutlook

illustration by sophia bywater

Class of 2021, Congratulations; you’ve made it! We hope you enjoy the Oakton Outlook’s last issue of the 2020-2021 school year, especially our senior section (pages 4-19). We’d like to thank all of the 184 seniors who took the time to fill out our survey which we’ve used to compile all of the data featured on the next few pages. This year has been like no other. We have faced challenges that are unique to the Class of 2021 and we have shown tremendous grit, growth, and perseverance. This past college admissions cycle was one of the hardest yet and it is so exciting to see everyone’s post graduation plans. The Class of 2021 should be incredibly proud of themselves and the Outlook thrilled to showcase everyone’s accomplishments! - Sahithi Jammulamadaka, Payton Wozny, & Zoe Sauger Editors-In-Chief

POST GRADUATION PLANS 4 year university/military academy (163) 2 year college/trade school (12) apprenticeship or job (3) military (1) gap year (5)

SENIOR | 4 northern virginia community college annandale, va 19 oakton seniors attending george mason univeristy fairfax, va 17 oakton seniors attending shenandoah university winchester, va 1 oakton seniors attending james madison university harrisonburg, va 7 oakton seniors attending virginia tech blacksburg, va 22 oakton seniors attending william & mary williamsburg, va 5 oakton seniors attending univeristy of virginia charlottesville, va 14 oakton seniors attending virginia commonwealth university richmond, va 10 oakton seniors attending christopher newport university newport news, va 2 oakton seniors attending united states marine corps (1) payton wozny | editor-in-chief

5 | SENIOR IN -S TA

class of ‘21

SENIOR | 6

COLLEGE M

CALIFORNIA (6)

FLORIDA (4)

University of Tampa (1) University of Miami (2) Florida State University (1)

Pepperdine University (1) San Diego State University (1) University of California San Diego (1) University of California Irvine (1) Stanford University (2)

NEW YORK (5) Cornell University (3) Fordham University (1) Columbia University (1) Pratt Institute (1)

NORTH CAROLINA (9)

North Carolina State (1) Elon University (2) Duke University (5) Wake Forest Univeristy (1)

ILLINOIS(2) University of Illinois (1) (Chicago) University of Illinois (1) (Urbana-Champaign)

WASHINGTON DC (5) American University (1) George Washington (4)

UTAH (3) TENNESSEE(3)

Belmont University (1) University of Tennessee (1) Lipscomb Univerity (1)

Utah State University (1) Bringham Young (1) Utah Valley University (1)

NEW JERSEY(1) Rutgers University (1)

7 | SENIOR

MAP

sahithi jammulamadaka | editor-in-chief

MASSACHUSETTES (5) Bentley University (1) Suffolk University (2) Emerson College (1) Northeastern University (1)

PENNSYLVANIA (8)

Penn State University (2) University of Pittsburg (2) Villanova University (1) Carnegie MellonUniveristy (2) Bucknell University (1)

INDIANA(2)

MARYLAND (5) University of Maryland (3) Johns Hopkins University (1) Stevenson University (1)

LOUISIANA (1)

Notre Dame (1) Purdue University (1)

Tulane University (1)

GEORGIA (1) MINNESOTA (1) RHODE ISLAND(1) Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1)

DELAWARE (1) University of Delaware (1)

MAINE(1) Bates College (1)

Emory University (1)

University of Rhode Island (1)

ALABAMA (1)

SOUTH CAROLINA(1) Clemson University (1)

OKLAHOMA(1) University of Oklahoma (1)

Auburn University (1)

WEST VIRGINIA(1) West Virginia Wesleyan College (1)

MICHIGAN(1) University of Michigan (1)

SENIOR | 8

PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL The Oakton athletes who are playing sports in college harriet limkin | staff writer

Garrett Woodhouse One of the athletes going on to play a sport in college is Garrett Woodhouse. After running cross country and track with Oakton since freshman year, he has committed to run with Utah State University in the fall. After leading his team to win first place in the state championship, Garrett is super honored and excited that he is able to move on and compete at a more competitive level. Garrett spoke fondly of his time spend on the team, saying that “some of his favourite memories were hanging out in hotel rooms before and after races on away meets.” Garrett went on to say that he is most excited about seeing how his running can progress and meeting new people in college.

9 | SENIOR Isabelle Chin Isabelle Chin has been playing soccer since she was 6 or 7 and has recently committed to play soccer at New York University. Throughout her soccer career, she has had many amazing moments, but one of her favourites was the time her club team had a showcase in Florida and she had scored the winning goal in a game. Later on, all the parents told me they had seen Abby Wambach (former USWNT player) on the sidelines watching, and for Isabelle, it was “it was just super cool knowing that her childhood soccer hero had seen her score.” When Isabelle first found how she had been accepted to New York University, she said that she felt so unbelievably happy that she achieved something that she had always dreamed about and that she can’t wait to meet all these people with different stories and backgrounds and to be in an environment that forces her to become an adult.

Joshua Shipley Josh Shipley is a diver who has commited to dive for the University of Delaware next year. he has been diving for around seven years for his local team and joined up with the Oakton dive team. Some of his favourite memories were the summers he spent diving with his local team and getting to spend time with his friends. One particular memory Josh described was one summer he decided to do a synchronized diving meet with one of the kids on his team, and now that kid is a close friend. Initially, Josh felt shocked when he initially got an offer from this school, he never expected to be able to continue much past high school. When asked what he is the most excited about for next year is said that he is most excited about the opportunity to meet new people and continue his sport next year.

Hannah Kaloi Hannah has been playing basketball for her entire life and now she is continuing to play it in the next stage of her life - college. She was recently accepted into Christopher Newport University to play college basketball. Her favourite memories of playing basketball are the times that she could spend with different people and teams, saing “those are the memories that last forever. Not the winning or losing, but the times with your teammates.” On a similar note, Hannah is most looking forward to being able to play on a new team and to experience a different level of basketball with new people. She then concluded by saying that she is super excited and grateful for everything and everyone that has come into her life to help her improve as a player and person.

SENIOR | 10 A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS What are senior plans for prom?

lan

portia dai | staff writer

oto

ike many senior activities, both last year and this year, prom has once again been uprooted. However, unlike the Class of 2020, this year’s seniors will be able to enjoy a “Night Under the Stars” despite COVID circumstances. What are the 2021 graduates’ thoughts on prom? Let’s take a look at what the leadership team has planned for Oakton prom as well as seniors who have organized alternative proms.

photo courtesy of shevany moharir

owever, some students are not attending the Oakton prom due to “not being comfortable because of COVID” (Gracie Mouzavires 12) or “because of AP exams’’ (Kaylee Oh 12). Though, just because these seniors will not be attending the school prom does not mean they will be skipping prom altogether. Mousavires attended prom with her friends at Meadowlark Park while Hyatt will enjoy the best of both worlds, as she is signed up for

the school prom and has attended prom in Washington D. C. Both seniors loved the opportunity to see friends they haven’t been able to meet during quarantine, especially those who have remained virtual. Overall, prom 2021 will be a great opportunity for seniors to celebrate the end of their high school career one last time before beginning their post high school journey.

rte

u co

i f le yo

att

y ih

he senior prom will be held on May 15 and will be in compliance with COVID restrictions with each of the 3, fifty-minute time slots allowing up to 100 students. The prom will take place at Oakton High School and will include refreshments, a dance floor, as well as a DJ and photo booth. With 200 kids signed up, this is an experience that seniors are sure to enjoy, despite COVID restrictions. Leilani Hyatt (12) is signed up for the school prom and believes it “will be fun especially at Oakton High School to be able to see everyone again.” On the planning side of the Oakton prom, Mr. McCulla of the leadership team is “excited to be able to host.”

photo courtesy of gracie mouzavires

11 | SENIOR

haley longfellow | editorial board

EXPECTATIONS V.S. REALITY:

senioritis

How has senioritis played out in 2021?

t’s the fourth quarter, the final stretch of the school year. At this time, a condition called senioritis is known to abound in the Senior Class. For many students, postsecondary plans have recently fallen into place, and excitement and joy are setting in. There’s some disbelief in the mix, too; it can feel like the culmination of years of hard work is close on the horizon, as students reminisce about the journey from kindergarten to graduation. Still reading? You probably have the will of stone that has momentarily softened for many students, due to the sentiments described. At this time of year, it’s common for se-

niors to find it difficult to approach schoolwork and other tasks with the same focus and determination as before. This experience is at the core of the senioritis phenomenon. On the general level, senioritis seems to run a predictable course each year, giving underclassmen and adults similar expectations and observations of the overall picture. The individual level is where a disparity is often found; many students find themselves shocked at how senioritis actually affects them. You may wonder: how are seniors faring in the face of senioritis in 2021, at the end of a school year like no other? Read on for the experiences of some members of the Senior Class.

“It’s kinda like seasonal allergies. I think I can fight them at first and then they take over.” -Lindsey Dann

“I thought that senioritis was a little overrated. I knew seniors were really mentally done with high school but I never realized that senioritis is really its own emotion. Now I truly understand that it’s hard to concentrate and some assignments started to feel optional and there’s no sense of urgency to get them done.” -Maya Singh

“My expectations for senioritis was that it would start from the second semester, but it actually didn’t start there but much later, around late April-May I guess? I’d say it was much more relaxing and less pressure compared to before college season so this year was very chill for me more towards the end of the year.” -Diana Park

“It’s all mindset really (as cliche as that sounds). Especially with the pandemic and being at home all the time, I’ve had to change up my routine constantly so I don’t fall into that senioritis cycle.” -Ava Liberace

“I say that senioritis is real and I’m not going to do any work/relax but then I do it anyway because I feel bad.” -Lindsey Kotarski

“I obviously knew that once I got into college it would be hard to keep my motivation, but I think this year being mostly virtual contributed a lot to senioritis. When you are doing a class at home, in bed, knowing you are already committed to a good school and all you have to do is keep average grades... it’s almost impossible to stay motivated.” -Zoe Siamon

“I actually expected to feel senioritis a lot more, but I think because of virtual school it feels more bitter sweet that graduation’s so soon.” -Sophia Kwok

“I expected senioritis to cause me to be very unmotivated for schoolwork, and it matched my expectation exactly! I’ve been too excited thinking about the future and my career path to the extent that it causes me to disregard my current work sometimes.” -Sally Park

“I definitely came into high school thinking that I could avoid senioritis, but I experienced it a lot this year, especially with school being online for a long time. I was able to get past it and motivate myself more when I started to go back in person, and that let me bring some of my grades up!” -Sarah Jefferies

SENIOR ADVICE

SENIOR | 12

Oakton’s Class of 2021 gives some tips for underclassmen

s the 2021-21 school year winds down, everyone is reminiscing of their high school journey - especially seniors. The class of 2021 arguably took the biggest hit from the coronavirus as they lost virtually all of their senior year experience. With resilience, however, they managed to make it through the year, and are now planning their post-secondary plans and setting goals for the future. After looking back on the ups and downs of grade school, the seniors recall several things they wish they had known at various points in high school.

“Everything happens for a reason. You might be disappointed or mad because something didn’t turn out as you wanted it to, but remember that something better is coming.” -Kennedy Kabance

“Freshman - study hard and get good grades because if you don’t, you will regret it by your senior year. Seniors - enjoy every day of highschool they can, even if [you] didn’t enjoy it so far.” -Aaron Gray

“Although grades are important to some schools, it’s honestly more important how you contribute to your community and develop/find your passion for certain fields so don’t get too stuck on getting all As or all 100s on every assignment. colleges care the most about how passionate you are in what you want to study and what you’ve done in the past/plan to do in the future to further that.” -Abby Chen

CLAS 202 photo courtesy of Oakton High School

13 | SENIOR “It may be scary, but try to get out of your shell. You never know which club you’ll love or which person could become one of your best friends.” -Kennedy Kabance

SS OF 021

“Make memories! For me at least, freshman through junior year was just stressful because I was so worried about the future. I was angry all the time because of how competitive oakton is and was antisocial just focusing on school. [This year] is when I realized I was so stupid and should’ve made memories cause it seriously hits you your senior year.” -Bella Villota

“Try to join a lot of clubs and get involved in activities... enjoy it as much as you can, these 4 years go by so quick.” -Alanny Soleige

“Always be yourself and don’t stress about the small things.” -Luisa Russo

katie le|staff writer sara boddie|staff writer

We can agree that this senior year was one like not many others, but the seniors were still able to look back and reminisce about all of the great memories they’ve had throughout high school. They pass on some advice for upcoming seniors and other high schoolers that will hopefully be valuable for people. Looking through their advice, many seniors stress the importance of having fun in high school because time passes by in the blink of an eye. Others suggest students be active and take part in extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, and community service. It is sad to see the seniors go, but Oakton wishes you the best of luck and thanks you for the words of wisdom.

SENIOR | 14 SAYING GOODBYE TO OAKTON Seniors reminisce about their favorite parts of high school

or many, high school is a constantly-evolving collection of experiences and meaningful connections. From the highs to the lows, the good to the bad, every senior has a story to tell. Parties, all-nighters, dances, friendships, and sports games; they all contribute to the narrative. With graduation around the corner, Oakton seniors have the chance to look back on their high school careers and remember the best of their time here. For some students, their favorite part of Oakton was the extracurriculars. “Oakton theater was my favorite,” said Anne Mitchell. “My favorite theatre memory was probably [the Oregon trip] or Wild Oats.” “The musical each year!” said Carson Cullen. Oakton’s annual theatrical production has long been a popular school event and a cumulative effort by the talented theatre, tech, and musical departments. “Storming the field last year after beating Fairfax,” mused Will Mountcastle and Sarah Gomez, both referencing the Oakton Varsity football team’s resounding victory of fall 2019 at which players and spectators alike charged the field in triumph.

For other seniors, the culture of Oakton best solidified their experience. “[My favorite part of Oakton was] probably how diverse it is, to be honest,” said JJ Martin. “You can meet a lot of people with very different backgrounds, as opposed to when I lived in Florida and Cali and everyone that I went to school with was a white suburban kid.” Even the little things had an impact on the seniors’ experiences. Daria Ausen’s favorite memory was “being called Diana for a week my freshman year as a developing individual. It made me feel like a princess.” There are more stories to be had beyond Oakton, more experiences to be lived. For now, however, it’s enough for the seniors of 2021 to look back on the time they had with fondness and excitement for what the future has to offer.

charlie williams | editorial baord

“You can meet a lot of people with very different backgrounds” -JJ Martin (12) photo courtesy of unsplash

15 | SENIOR SENIOR

& A

ph o

to e urt co sy of Lindsey Ka tor sk

ph o

e urt co sy of sophia byw ate

zoe sauger |editor-in-chief

y of Jonathan F i rtes n kb ein

What is your plan after high school? Marines then college. What was your favorite class? AP Chem What is your go-to Chickfil A order? Deluxe with bacon, large fries, and peppermint shake

What is your plan after high school? I’ll be attending Wake Forest University and probably studying some combination of Biochemistry and Psychology- not exactly sure yet. Go Deacs!!! What was your favorite class? AP Biology with Mr. Trouton! It was both the hardest class I took and also the most fun- I loved every lab we did and Trouton’s teaching style worked really well for me because it made me excited to learn. Who is your role model? My dad! He’s the most reliable and loyal person I know and he achieved everything in his life thus far through hard work and dedication. He’s sacrificed a lot for my family and I can only hope to be as selfless as he is one day.

ou oc ot

What is your plan after high school? I am doing a summer and fall semester through NOVA and I will attend jmu fall of 2023 after I serve a mission for my church, the church of Jesus Christ of later day saints. What was your fondest high school memory? My fondest memory is lunch junior year with so many of my friends and New York City trip with AP photo! What is your go-to Chickfil A order? My go to order is the Chick-fil-A deluxe meal with a strawberry milkshake.

A questionnere with seniors who all have a different and exciting plan after high school.

SENIOR | 16 DIFFERENCES IN GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FROM PAST YEARS emma dennis | staff writer

Due to the pandemic, graduation requirements have been altered by certain states in an attempt to further aid students

eniors are wrapping up their high school years in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty, however, states and schools are searching for ways to ensure that they have a smooth transition to postsecondary education and employment. Most states have already begun the process of eliminating certain graduation requirements from previous years, from discontinuing end-of-year tests and exit exams, to allowing districts to minimize the amount of credits that are needed for a standard graduation. As well as changing the specific type and amount of courses they must take. Of course, these changes vary between states. Most but not all states have become flexible with the specifications for graduation. The typical graduation requirements have been shifted slightly over the course

photo courtesy of valisy koloda of this pandemic to act as better support for students. There have also been recent changes to the grading system for not only seniors but for all students attending a FCPS public school. If a student is struggling in a class, the teacher can simply write “Pass” in the grade book. This serves as a stand-in for the letter grade. This is not recommended for those with a C- or higher. It’s essentially to assist students in maintaining the highest possible GPAs. Moreover, some colleges aren’t demanding SAT scores this year. The more prestigious universities, of course, want both the ACT and the SAT scores. This, however, alleviates a lot of the tension for students who aren’t aiming for the Ivy Leagues.

This pandemic has been hard on countless students, from adjusting to an online classroom setting, to losing social time with friends. Innumerable people have had to adapt to the changes and make the most out of it. For many, that’s easier said than done. NCBI conducted a survey on high school students to see how this pandemic was really affecting their work ethic. Some were able to increase their study hours throughout the week due to free time, whilst others actually decreased their study time by 3 hours. In the end, it’s critical to reflect on the year and consider both the positive and negative aspects within it. School counselors are happy to assist with any concerns one may have about graduation and colleges, that’s what they’re there for.

17 | SENIOR THE GROWING POPULARITY OF ATTENDING COLLEGE ABROAD

eileen lincoln | editorial board

How will the rate of US students in international universities be altered this year?

ach year, around 50,000 US students decide to attend college overseas: embarking on a journey in which they can experience unique cultures and broaden their horizons in a place that may feel foreign to them. Last year, 3.6% of Oakton High School seniors decided to commit to a university abroad--a rate that has slightly changed from year to year. What are the benefits of attending college abroad, and why have these factors led to the growing popularity in international students? In a country where the average student loan debt is around $32,000, a sum that could take up to a lifetime to fully pay off, there is a high incentive for students to consider studying internationally due to their financial situations. For example, Germany, Iceland, and Norway--all of which provide their fair share of prestigious institutes--do not charge tuition fees for international students. The only possible expenses could include a registration fee or a cost of living, both of which total to less than $1000 USD per semester. Countries such as Austria, France, and Spain also contain generally low tuition costs, exceptionally limiting the possibility of student

debt in the future. Regardless of finances, many decide to commit to a college overseas solely for the experience. Attending an international institute can provide an understanding of the world that many American students may lack: with a further understanding of diverse cultures, viewpoints, and backgrounds. Especially living in a place such as Northern Virginia, an international school may help someone to recognize their privileges and acknowledge the struggles occurring throughout the world, not only within the bubble of their community. It additionally allows for an opportunity to travel around the world, even early within one’s life, by having the ability to experience another country from a firsthand perspective. Broadly speaking, there has been an upward trend regarding the number of international students from the United States per year, yet this rate is predicted to be altered due to the prominence of COVID-19. According to the Migration Policy Institute, the number of students studying overseas had dropped by over 20,000 in the 2019-2020 school year, marking around a 2% decrease from the year prior. While no substantial research has been conducted surrounding international universities this year, this percentile will most likely remain stable until vaccinations are widespread throughout the world and cases begin to significantly decrease. While attending a school abroad may be seen as nerve-wracking for some, for others, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel and explore the world around them. Over the next few decades, more US students are projected to commit to colleges overseas than ever before. At Oakton, we will be able to see how these students use their skills as international scholars and translate them to their successes in the future.

photo courtesy of flaticon.com

SENIOR | 18 SENIOR ADVICE: COLLEGE APPLICATIONS How to navigate the world of college applications from current seniors and college admissions experts photo courtesy of Wannapik Studio

ith the summer of 2021 closely approaching, many high schoolers are beginning the process of their college applications. What’s the problem? There are often loads of unknown terminology, unwarranted strain, and unforgivable anxiety. And with the additional sense of confusion given the effects from COVID-19, many students have no clue where to start on their apps. Luckily, with the help of a

few professionals, we have been able to map out exactly where students should focus on this year. Before writing anything, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your most recent GPA, SAT/ACT score, AP scores, and other numeric qualities. Understanding exactly where you stand on the spectrum in comparison to your peers will make the process of choosing colleges much easier.

Once you grasp that awareness, start asking yourself basic questions in terms of where you want to go. • Do you want to go to a college in-state? • Do you want to go to a college across the country? • Is cost a factor in your decision? • What about campus or classroom size? Take the time to discuss with your parents which academic, social, and housing components serve you best, and you should be able to eliminate even more schools.

19 | SENIOR Hopefully by now, you should have narrowed your search. Now it’s time to do your research! Explore the college websites of each of your choices. Ingeniusprep.com suggests to “spend a few minutes every night researching a new school online. Become acquainted with each school’s requirements, admissions standards, and application process. Look through housing setups, student activities, and social groups as well as course listings, professor bios, and any interdisciplinary or dual-degree programs. Getting a sense of both the social and academic life on campus is key for understanding what kind of school fits you!” Additionally, it can be beneficial to research specific college programs you might be interested in, and to even visit a college campus (if permitted amid COVID-19 restrictions). And based on all of your research, create a ranking of your top schools from best to worst. Once you have ranked your colleges, it’s best to create a master spreadsheet with every college to keep track of everything. The key is to stay organized! Each school has its own set of deadlines, requirements, accounts, and fees, and it can quickly become painful to manage all that information. Rebecca Joseph, the executive director and founder of Get Me To College, agrees: “This is the most important time of the year to get and stay organized. First, save all college application usernames and passwords in one place. You can do this on your computer with Mac Stickies or a Microsoft Word document. Colleges require different types of usernames, and not only do you submit applications this way, but you also get admitted and learn about housing, accepting, and enrolling. Second, use Naviance or a master charter to track all application requirements for deadlines, test scores, teacher and counselor recommendations, as well as transcripts and essays. Track the completion and submission of each.” - usnews.com. Once everything is organized, you now have everything you need to start

writing essays. This step of the application process is usually the most daunting for applicants (49% to be exact, according to a survey by Edswell). I talked to Diane Tan, the Center Director at C2 Education Vienna. Diane guides students through the college admissions process, and she shared her advice on how students should approach the essay. “The key to college essay writing is to start early, so you will have enough time to make changes if needed. One fun way to start the process is to have a family night to review your photo album, family videos, childhood treasure box, or just a talk with families and friends. You will find inspiration in a special moment, an event, an achievement, or a turning point that you could write about. With the “I am going to trash this draft later” mentality, you should now be brave enough to just start writing.” Diane told me she always makes timelines with her students and puts down key dates on the timelines so that they have the bigger picture and can prioritize goals at different times. “The timeline should have multiple specific shortterm goals, including your vacation plans or specific time to relax and reset. Stick this timeline to somewhere you can easily access and remind yourself to focus on one thing at a time.” “The most important component to standing out is to write about YOUR story, a genuine story with lots of details.” Lastly, she told me to be confident. “It definitely takes a lot of courage to reveal your true self, but the good writers are the brave writers. Take college essays as opportunities for colleges to know who you are, what your values are, and what you want to achieve. If you don’t even know the answers now, hopefully, you are reading this early enough to have time to explore.” With essays usually being the final step of the admissions process, students should now know everything they need to begin their college applications, choose colleges, write their essays, and get into their dream school.

“The key to college essay writing is to start early, so you will have enough time to make changes if needed.”

photo courtesy of Lemmling

“The most important component to standing out is to write about YOUR story, a genuine story with lots of details.”

viraj khetan|staff writer shevany moharir|ediorial board

NEWS

COVID 19 VACCINE INEQUALITY Shortages in developing countries photo courtesy of northern virginia reigonal commission

iving in the United States, it may seem like we are not far from defeating COVID 19— over 270 million vaccine doses have been administered, and the number of cases is declining every day. However, it is a different story in many developing countries, which continue to see record-breaking growth in cases and deaths. One of the chief factors contributing to the exponential spread of COVID 19 in these countries is the lack of vaccines. Early in vaccine development, wealthy countries, like the United States and United Kingdom, made bilateral agreements with various drug companies, in which they funded their research and development in exchange for a set number of doses if

the vaccine made it through safety and efficacy trials. Poorer countries, on the other hand, could not afford to make multiple high risk investments this early on, so they waited until the vaccines were further along in the approval process to make purchases. But by then, they were at the back of an already very long line. For example, Peru made a bilateral deal with AstraZeneca, but will not see those doses until at least September. So, how can we combat this COVID 19 vaccine inequality? Well, one initiative— formed by the WHO (World Health Organization) and two other global health groups— called Covax, acts as a middleman between countries and vaccine producers. The program’s

artin saadat | staff writer

main objective is to provide vaccines to middle and low income countries that were shut out of making their own deals, and it is funded by donations from wealthier countries and charities. However, these rich countries are still at the front of the manufacturing lines, ahead of the access that countries would get through Covax, with their existing bilateral deals, so its effectiveness is undermined. In order for everyone to have equal access to COVID 19 vaccines, regardless of their country’s GDP, bilateral agreements need to go and countries need to fully commit to a multilateral global process of vaccine allocation.

May 2021

INDIA’S COVID CRISIS

how elections and holidays led to the biggest outbreak yet anna allred | staff writer

n May 7th, India set a pandemic high for new cases of the novel Coronavirus. 414,188 new cases over the course of 24 hours marked the highpoint of India’s second wave. Experts suspect that the cases were severely undercounted. Death rates, which are mirror new cases with a delay of several weeks, have just started to come off their high. So how did one of the world’s biggest producers of vaccines get caught in such a brutal crisis? Part of the answer lies in India’s high population density. With an average of 32,303 people per square kilometer in cities like Mumbai, and an average of 459.6 people per square kilometer for the country as a whole, compared to the United States’ 35.7 people per square kilometer, it’s easy to see how a virus spread through proximity could take off. A loosening of restitrictions also played a part in the sudden surge. After coming to a fall peak in 2020, India’s coronavirus cases dropped off until the number of new cases per day fell below 10,000. Like in the United States, people were eager to get back to normal life.

photo courtesy of gofundme.com

Not least of all, politicians. Five of India’s 29 states were holding elections in late March and early April, and members of India’s parliment were eager to start campaiging. As cases began to rise, political events and religious holidays led to huge crowds, largely unmasked. Super spreader events helped sky the daily case rate until India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a complete, country-wide lockdown on March 25th. The lockdown came just after votes had been cast in the year’s elections. Prime Minister Modi, who had resisted partial lockdowns and other less stringent measures earlier in the year on the grounds that India’s re-emerging economy was more important, was criticized for failing to protect either his country’s economy or health. His BJP party, which has been on a meteoric rise in influence since the early 2010s, lost someground in the Assembly, including a suprising upset in the state of West Bengal. Now that cases are falling again, and restrictions will start to lift, the goal of legislators new and old is to prevent another tragedy.

NEWS

FDA AUTHORIZES USE OF PFIZER VACCINE FOR AGES 12-15 How long until we get back to normal?

ust weeks after vaccine eligibility opened up to all adults over age 16, the FDA authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents, ages 12-15 earlier this week. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between March 1 2020 and April 30 2021, approximately 1.5 million COVID-19 cases were reported in children aged 1117. As younger individuals often remain asymptomatic, not even realizing they have contracted COVID-19, they are more likely to spread it. Additionally, the longer children stay home from school, the longer it will take for the economy to fully get back to normal with many parents not being able to go to work, currently. Opening up vaccines to younger children could be another step closer to returning to normalcy. The clinical trials for the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15 included a study done with over 2,000 participants in a random placebo-controlled trial, according to the FDA. According to this trial, the Pfizer

photo courtesy of christian emmer

vaccine was at least as good at, if not better at preventing COVID-19 in this age group versus 16 and above. As reported by the participants of this trial, the side effects of the vaccine for ages 12-15 are similar to those of older individuals. Many reported a slight fever and soreness after the second dose, but like with the rest of the population, it depends on the person. Last week, President Biden said that “20,000 pharmacy locations are ready to begin vaccinating adolescents once the necessary approvals come through”. After a long period of availability of vaccines and a rush to schedule appointments, the US now has a surplus and enough for everyone who wants to to get their two doses. That also means that the country is able to open up to more age groups, including lowest risk individuals. Many experts recommend that everyone should get the vaccine as soon as possible, including children. Although their

symptoms may be less severe, COVID-19 often leaves long term effects and lasting symptoms, even in young children. Additionally, kids can still spread the disease even if they appear asymptomatic. This is a threat to higher risk individuals in the community, including family members. The Pfizer vaccine has been studied and assessed as safe for ages 12-15, and experts strongly recommend that parents get their child the vaccine as soon as possible. Studies are still underway for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for adolescents. Hopefully, these will be approved soon as well and there will be no shortage of vaccines for everyone who wants one. FDA commissioner Janet Woodstock said Monday, “Today’s action allows for a younger population to be protected from COVID-19, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and to ending the pandemic”.

serena hirani | staff writer

May 2021

THE E.U. WILL SOON ALLOW U.S. CITIZENS TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE

lorne fowler | staff writer

or almost a year, the European Union has kept a tight hold on its borders and which has prevented foreign citizens from traveling to and within the E.U.. The United States was one of the nations that Europe placed strict travel restrictions due to the rampancy of the virus within the States. However, with the ever increasing rollout of vaccines and general immunity, the EU is likely to lift much of the restrictions currently in place, to the joy of many member nations who rely on global travel and tourism for income and economic growth.

photo courtesy of christina leu Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, has already stated that because the U.S. rates have been decreasing and the vaccines in use within the States are E.U. approved, travel from abroad within the EU should soon be tenable. However, no specific timeline or plan was given, only the assertion that it will soon be able to resume. Beginning around March or April in 2020, numerous nations worldwide began strictly moderating or even closing their borders as the cases for Covid-19 began to skyrocket. Along with other methods such as wearing masks and social distancing, these lockdowns on travel were done solely to prevent the spread of the virus within the nation. However, as the year went on and as the vaccines became more readily available as well as general infection rates lowering, these countries are slowly but surely lifting these restrictions and will allow travel to resume, which will be a great boon to nations, for instance those of Southern Europe, who rely on tourism and travel for most income. However these lifted restrictions will only affect nations within the EU, and other independent European nations will likely have their own guidelines and rules that must be followed. Most notable is the U.K., which after Brexit is now no longer bound to the travel restrictions of the EU and has put their own in place. So while the EU lifting restrictions is a good sign, Europe is not completely open for travel just yet.

NEWS

24 REPUBLICAN PROSPECTS FOR 2024

photo courtesy of history in hd

addison becker | staff writer

Early bets for the Republican presidential candidates for the 2024 election

Donald Trump Currently up for debate, former President Donald Trump has been rumored to be running again in 2024 after his defeat and impeachment during his 2016-2020 term. Ever since the election results, Trump has disregarded the electoral college and claims the election was stolen from him. Furthermore, he continues to tease at the idea of running again, keeping his supporters active and engaged. Although no official announcement has been made, many people from both sides of the aisle believe a Trump 2024 presidential run is possible, however securing the GOP nomination against the other prospects may be more difficult than expected. Nikki Haley Former governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, has been rumored to be looking into the details of a 2024 presidential run. Haley is the only Republican woman on the list of prospects as of now. Recently, on her social media, she announced that if former President Trump runs for reelection in 2024 she will drop out of the race. Despite this declaration, Haley would have a good chance at securing the nomination if she decides to continue with a campaign. Ted Cruz Texas Senator, Ted Cruz, is a strong contender in the republican race for a presidential candidate. Despite recent controversies, Ted Cruz has a strong chance at nomination if he runs a good campaign against his republican coworkers. To secure the GOP nomination, Cruz would have to gain support from past Trump as well as energize the more traditional republicans. Senator Cruz has one of the greatest opportunities to succeed in the race for the Republican nomination if he unites the republican party. Josh Hawley The first-term Senator from Missouri, Josh Hawley, has been rumored to be laying the groundwork for a presidential run for the 2024 election. Despite many statements denying the claims of a campaign, many Republican strategists believe Hawley’s fast-paced career history is evidence for his upcoming presidential run. Additionally, his media presence, as he makes more appearances on FOX news, releases bold statements against Big Tech companies and shows his support of the January 6th Capitol insurrectionists. Mike Pence Not likely, but it is possible that former Vice President Pence will run for president in 2024, forging his own path separate from former President Trump. Pence has not come out saying he is against the idea of running in 2024, and some believe his recent actions are laying the groundwork for a campaign. For example, Pence created the Advancing American Freedom political committee to defend his policies and has scheduled many speeches and public appearances. These prove that Pence is not disappearing from politics just yet, and that he may be exploring the idea of a presidential run. Tom Cotton Arkansas senator, Tom Cotton, has been rumored to be eyeing the 2024 election bid. He has made a name for himself recently in the media through speaking on the electoral college’s certification of Bidens presidency and for urging the American military to be called into the protests against police brutality. His media presence could help him secure the GOP nomination in the upcoming years.

May 2021 ph

ot o

ur s te f sim yo

on rae

WILL THIS SUMMER MARK A RETURN TO NORMALCY?

How tourism over the summer will be affected by COVID-19 protocols

ith this summer looming on the horizon, it’s ordinarily the time of year to start planning summer vacations. After all, the idea of summer vacation for most people conjures up images of a sweltering beach, famous historical cities, or enjoyable leisure with family and friends. In spite of those expectations, the summer of 2021 is bound to be an unusual one in continuation of a peculiar year. Unsurprisingly, following a year of virtual work and school all over the globe, the world is ready to return to some normalcy. As a result, a handful of countries are loosening their restrictions for tourists in preparation for a heartening summer. After banning nonessential travel for over a year, the E.U. is prepared to let vaccinated U.S. tourists visit the European Union once again. According to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, this reopening is due to Americans having E.M.A (European Medicines Agency) approved vaccines. Combined with vaccination certificates, American tourists are on track to be able to travel to the E.U. as soon as they release a reopening timeline. Not to mention, countries who rely on tourism to stay afloat, such as Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, are partial toward this plan. One of the E.U. countries in particular, Italy, plans to introduce “Covid-free islands” in accordance with expectation of resumed tourism. The primary directive of their plan

is to vaccinate all residents of holiday islands to help begin the recovery of tourism despite the ongoing pandemic. Even with these strategies in place, Italy still requires visitors to test for Covid-19 and follow the five-day quarantine rule upon arrival. Nevertheless, the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, declared ““Let us not wait until mid-June for the EU pass..In midMay, tourists can have the Italian pass…”. Meanwhile, North Frisia is the test model region of Germany, where tourism is once more thriving. Just to be allowed to book their overnight stays, tourists have to take a Covid-19 test every 48 hours to check for a negative test result. Manager of StrandGut, one of the participating test resorts, dismissed concerns by explaining, “With three different meal times, distancing rules and partitions in the restaurant, we already ensured the safety of our guests and staff here last summer,”. Clearly, several precautions and regulations are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 despite the first steps toward a return to pre-pandemic living. Back in the U.S., D.C wants to welcome back tourists. After the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was transformed into a field hospital for Covid-19 patients, it definitely wasn’t able to function as a convention center. Now that the U.S. vaccination rates are increasing at a consistent rate, the field hospital isn’t needed. D.C’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, is “making travel and hospitality a top priority for our recovery”.

As the summer approaches, people are gearing up for what many hope is the turning point of this pandemic. For Addison Boyle (10), traveling out of state is common and “Covid-19 has made it hard to do so but most of [her] plans haven’t changed for this summer.” While Covid-19 protocols have impacted international traveling significantly, Americans are still able to travel between states at their own risk. Hopefully, this summer begins the renewing of a more regular routine for everyone.

lucy holt | staff writer

photo courtesy of PNG all

NEWS

THE RISE OF DOGECOIN How a joke became the hottest currency torania shah | staff writer day

Dogecoin was established on December 6, 2013, by a pair of software engineers as a joke. Billy Markus, an IBM programmer from Portland, Oregon, set to transform his cryptocurrency to differ from Bitcoin, which steeped in mystery with an anonymous creator. He wanted his cryptocurrency to be open to the masses. Markus searched for assistance when hoping to accomplish his extraordinary dream and found Jackson Palmer, who worked for Adobe. Palmer purchased the domain dogecoin.com, an attraction to the “doge” meme that occupied the internet at the time. The website consistently nods to its

joke origins as its Shiba Inu mascot is the first image on the main page, imitating the meme that inspired it. It featured the dog identical to the one displayed on the website’s page, surrounded by multiple Comic Sans text in fragmented English. Why did it become popular all of a sudden? Dogecoin is no longer a joke as its popularity has soared astronomically this year, buoyed in part by the mainstream adoption of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. However, Elon Musk is the most prominent supporter of Dogecoin. One of his unusual tweets to his 50 million followers can send the cryptocurrencies surging. That occurred when during April, Musk tweeted “Doge barking at the moon” and shared a photo of a painting by Spanish artist Joan Miró titled “Dog barking at the moon.” Dogecoin has additionally enjoyed a cult status on the internet message board Reddit, where a popular group decided earlier in the year to propel its value “to the moon.” The cryptocurrency system soared over 600% in the wake of that impact. Markus did not benefit from the coin’s rising growth as he sold all his Dogecoin to buy a Honda Civic in 2015. An active concern remains as to whether or not it is a wise investment. The more universally accepted Bitcoin is subject to extreme volatility as it could possibly crumble without warning.

photo courtesy of Jc Gellidon

urrently, Dogecoin is the most popular cryptocurrency on the planet, marking the total value of its circulation as approximately $50 billion. It is the No. 5 most valuable cryptocurrency on the market, increasing more than 6,000% this year. The price of Dogecoin doubled on April 30 after Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted about it multiple times. In fact, the demand for Dogecoin became so excessive that it briefly broke Robinhood’s cryptocurrency trading system. Similar to other cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin is a digital system that can be bought and sold as an investment while spent like money. Although each individual cryptocurrency is unique in a particular way, it shares a few relations with its popular rivals such as its code is primarily based on the script for Litecoin. Differentiating from Bitcoin, which has set 21 million as the finite amount of digital currency, Dogecoin has 129 billion coins in circulation. They further hope to continue to produce innovative blocks of money to be available to mine each year. This contributes to the fact that one Dogecoin is currently valued at nearly three dimes while a Bitcoin is worth approximately $62,000. Cryptocurrencies are gaining more acceptance as a method for purchasing goods, however, Dogecoin does not have sufficient mainstream usage. It consists of a few niche markets, including using Dogecoin to tip online artists. Its main differentiator, an active online community, allows this currency to be exceptionally entertaining. The group, which is active on Reddit, has managed to raise money for charitable causes, and in 2014, successfully crowdfunded a sponsorship to acquire Nascar driver Josh Wise to advertise Dogecoin on his racecar. How did it start?

May 2021

THE FUTURE OF OAKTON ATHLETICS

thomas hunter | staff writer

How will Oakton adapt to the senior athletes leaving?

very year a new class of freshmen comes in to replace the leaving senior class. How will the absence of these seniors affect Oakton sports? I asked athletes from different sports how they thought Oakton would cope next year, and here’s what they said:

Swim Oakton had excellent varsity swim teams this year. In fact, according to Cougar Athletics, the boys’ varsity team lost no meets, and the girls’ varsity team only lost one. I asked Mamie Criswell(10) if she thought the swim team could perform at the same level next year, and she said “yes I do because the rising seniors on Oakton swim have a lot of team spirit.” Crew Crew is a team that relies heavily on seniors to perform at the high level that it does. Because of this, next year is a cause for concern for many of the team members. However, some like Ishaan Lal(10), believe that crew can continue to perform at hgh levels if they work for it. Hopefully, the rising seniors will step up and take the leadership positions left by the seniors.

photo curtesy of Deb White

Baseball Because Oakton Baseball was canceled last year, many players have looked to this year as a “redemption” year. This year, the junior varsity (JV) team is currently undefeated. I asked a member of the JV team, Alex Crudder(10), how he thought the varsity team would adopt next year, and he said this, “Very good… good pitching, strong hitters, and great chemistry. I think it will bring down some fun, and we will miss some great players, but I think we will replace them well and everyone will improve.” Both varsity and junior varsity have good records this year, and hopefully, this will continue into next year. Football Football has long been the bane of Oakton sports. In fact, in the last photo curtesy of Butch Villafor four years, the Oakton varsity team has only won 5 football games. Added to that, the last time the Oakton varsity team has had a winning record was in 2012. I talked to a source, who asked to remain anonymous, about how Oakton would cope next year. He said this, “[Oakton] is terrible…” when asked if Oakton would be good next year, he replied, “No… they’re so bad that I’m transferring….” Overall, the absence of seniors is going to force the remaining team members to work harder, but it’s nothing they can’t do.

SPORTS

3 NFL DARK HORSES OF THE UPCOMING UPCOMING 2021 SEASON Which NFL teams can be playoff contenders?

nathan henriques|staff writer

ver the past decade and beyond, there have been NFL dark horses. A dark horse is a team who is not obviously going to be good, who may surprise us all and make it far. For example, the 2020 NFL dark horse was the Cleveland Browns. In the 2019 NFL season the Browns went 6-10. In 2020, they went 11-5 and made the divisional round of the playoffs. Which team that wasn’t good last year can shake up the NFL?

1. Washington Football Team Last year, Washington made the playoffs by winning possibly the worst division of all time. They put up a good fight against the superbowl champs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by QB Taylor Heinicke. Taylor Heinicke will compete for a starting job with Ryan Fitzpatrick - aka Fitzmagic. Washington was led behind their stout defense most of last season and got better after the draft after adding LB Jamin Davis. Washington also added some offensive weapons to help get the opponent’s top DB off star WR Terry McLaurin. With Washington’s top defense in the league and offensive weapons, as long as Fitzpatrick doesn’t become Fitztragic in close games, Washington has the chance to be a top team in the NFC.

photo courtesy of ander krogh jorgensen

2. New York Giants

photo courtesy of adam adamson

In the 2020 NFL season, the Giants were one win away from making the playoffs and having a chance at a superbowl title. This offseason, they made their team better on both sides of the ball. The Giants added WR Kenny Golladay to help QB Daniel Jones and give him more weapons. The Giants also drafted another receiver in the first round of the NFL draft. In week 2 of the 2020 NFL season the Giants lost star RB Saquan Barkley to a torn ACL for the remainder of the season. Saquan is healthy and is on track to play week 1 in this upcoming season. In the past, Daniel Jones has had a serious turnover problem. He averages nearly 2 turnovers a game, 51 through 27 career games. If Jones wants to lead his team to the playoffs, he will need better ball security.

3. Los Angeles Chargers This year the Chargers will be led behind OROY Justin Herbert. In the offseason the Chargers beefed up their O-line to protect their franchise quarterback. Too many sacks and hits will lead to injuries and a shorter career. In the past season the Chargers went 7-9, but had the ability to do much better. Pretty much every single game the Chargers were in and had the chance to win. However, they couldn’t close the game out. Countless games ended in the final two minutes. With the new appointed head coach maybe the Chargers will come out on top in those close games. If they do, opposing teams should be on the lookout come playoff time. photo courtesy of ander krogh jorgensen

May 2021

NFL DARK HORSES PREDICTIONS

kaleb steele |staff writer

With a very interesting NFL season behind us, let’s see what teams are the top dark horses.

his 2021 NFL season will have seventeen games in eighteen weeks, which is the most in NFL’s recent history. Now it’s time to see who will be the biggest dark horses this NFL season. A dark horse means a team under performed or underachieved last season for some reason but should be better this season.

The Las Vegas Raiders have had many disappointing seasons, from not having star players, key players getting injured, and making very questionable choices in the draft. They play in a pretty tough upcoming division of the AFC West. This year they drafted Alex Leatherwood from Alabama who was the best run blocker in the draft. He’s a good pickup because they struggled with their offensive line, especially run blocking. Even though they will have a better season, the Las Vegas Raiders probably won’t make the playoffs due to how many good teams are in the AFC. The Minnesota Vikings had a disappointing season last season, because they struggled with run and pass blocking and injuries. They drafted Christan Darrisaw from Virginia Tech, to help fill that hole. The Vikings might be able to win the NFC North depending on the future with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings should be able to make it to round two of the playoffs. The Arizona Cardinals had a very disappointing season last season, because they’ve had some very questionable coaching decisions.They added an elite defensive end in J.J. Watt, to help with their struggling pass defense. The Cardinals play in a very tough NFC West, where all four of the teams could be playoff teams. However they should be able to make it to the first round of the playoffs. The New England Patriots had a disappointing season after Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay and a few key players opted out of the season. They took a risk of drafting quarterback Mac Jones in the first round of this year’s draft. He is a good pickup because the Patriots need to fix their quarterback situation after a poor season behind an underperforming Cam Newton. They should be back in the playoffs this year but probably won’t make it past the first round. The Cleveland Browns did make the playoffs last season and they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, even though many analysts were picking the Steelers to win. In free agency the Browns were able to add Jadeveon Clowney, which is a good pickup because the Browns had a disappointing linebacker core and Clowney would be a cheat code with star Myles Garret on the other edge trying to get to the quarterback. The Browns should make it to the AFC Championship this season. It’s uncommon for most dark horse teams to have a bad season but it’s still possible. Even though none of these teams should be in the Super Bowl, they should have a successful season. The main reason some of these teams may struggle is due to injuries and Covid protocols. all photos courtesy of nfl.com

SPORTS

WASHINGTON WIZARDS WINNING STREAK

The Washington Wizards have been in a winning streak. How are they winning? AnAnd will they continue to win?

ith only seven games remaining, the Washington Wizards are making a run for their money. With an abysmal start to the season, many questioned whether the Beal-Westbrook duo would function properly. It seems these questions have been answered. The Wizards have won eight of their last ten and are close to securing the ten spot, guaranteeing them a spot in the play-in and the looming possibility of a playoff return. Throughout the season, Bradley Beal has had a dominant run, averaging just above 30 a game. The real question was Russ. Westbrook has clearly turned around the year, and undoubtedly led the Wizards on their recent run. He’s always been a walking stat sheet, but the question is whether his triple doubles turn into victories.This year, Wesbrook leads the NBA in Assists, and is having a career high year in rebounds. His triple double average is leading the wizards to victory, and his leadership presence in the locker room is keeping the Wizards focused. With Thomas Bryant’s injury early in the season, it’s clear the team took a huge hit to their defense. They rank 20th in the league in defense rating and 19th in scoring defense. It’s evident his presence has been missed. For what the Wizards lack in defense, they most certainly gain in offense. With Beal, Westbrook, and Hachimura leading the attack. As a team, they rank fourth in the league. In order for Washington to continue their current winning streak, they need to continue the production of Russell Westbrook as well as Davis Bertans stepping up. After signing a five year / $80,000,000 deal, it was clear the Wizards had high expectations. Bertans’ role within the team is to be a stretch four and shoot three pointers. This year he has certainly underperformed. He’s average four pts less a game, and shooting a mediocpre 40% from the field. On some nights, he’ll score 20, and on other nights he’ll score none. Recently against the Lakers, he went 0-6 with 0 points. Luckily the Wizards were still able to get the win, but if we want to make a playoff run, Bertans needs to be more consistent.

aidan whipp| staff writer zoe sauger |editor-in-chief

photo courtesy of NBA

May 2021

HOW FORMULA ONE BECAME A WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON

In just a few short years, F1’s new digital identity has generated a meteoric rise in popularity max dolinh | staff writer

ormula 1 has always been popular, but also has consistently struggled with its appeal. Despite its international presence and natural allure as the racing series of the world’s fastest cars, it didn’t exactly have the brand recognition or growing young fan base that was synonymous with the top levels of other sports. But if you look at the growth of the sport now compared to let’s say, 2015, it’s night and day. So what exactly changed? It’s quite simple, really. In 2017, Liberty Media effectively seized operations of the Formula One Group after a buyout, instilling new management and ousting the old. Since then, F1 has been on an upward trajectory, and it doesn’t look like it will stop anytime soon.

(below) 2017 F1 Car of Red Bull Driver Max Verstappen

At the time of the buyout, many loyal fans were skeptical about what the new group would bring to the sport they loved, and rightfully so. New brass usually signaled change, and those who were already satisfied with the product they were consuming did not want it to be messed with. Liberty Media did in fact transform the sport, but in a way that likely even the once skeptical fans feel was for the better. It’s easy for any onlooker to comprehend F1’s marketing potential by just looking at the massive fan bases of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, or seeing the glitz and glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix. Well, Liberty saw this untapped marketing potential of the sport, and completely capitalized on it in a way that hadn’t been done before: social media. Before 2017, F1 had official social media pages like any other major sport, but the way they were managed was akin to the opinion of former Chief Executive Bernie Eccelstone on such platforms, which was essentially that they had no use for marketing. Now, the sport’s extensive use of social media is a key part of its brand. Multiple YouTube videos are uploaded daily, consisting of qualifying/race highlights, podcasts, technical analysis, and more. This is the norm for their other platforms, with constant posts to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as well. This utilization of social media has been instrumental in tapping into the younger generation which they historically have failed to reach. Just last year, and despite the pandemic, overall viewership of F1 grew by 20 percent, with 77 percent of that growth coming from the age group 16 to 35. Another part of F1’s rise in popularity that cannot be understated is the Netflix show Drive to Survive. The docu series gives an inside look of the world of Formula One, as camera crews follow the teams and drivers throughout the season and around the world. First premiered in March 2019 and now amidst filming its fourth season, the show has been a resounding success for Netflix and the sport. By focusing on the drama and rivalry between the competitors, it’s a perfect gateway for unfamiliar watchers to get hooked on F1, especially Americans.

The rise of Formula One has undoubtedly been the product of its change in identity, orchestrated by the philosophy of new management Liberty Media. By transforming from a brand with relatively no online presence to one that takes pride in it, the sport has taken great strides toward reaching the incredible potential it always had. The amazing thing is that there is still so much more room to grow. While there has been a large increase in popularity, the American motorsports market continues to be dominated by the likes of NASCAR and IndyCar. With the arrival of the Miami Grand Prix next season and possibility of an American driver entering F1 in the coming years, engagement in the United States can be a huge part of the sport’s future. Additionally, most viewers have to watch the races through a subscription service. So if the owners can find a way to make live broadcasts more accessible, it could trigger a substantial jump in viewership. In recent years, Formula One has turned from one of the most stagnant to one of the most innovative sports in the world. And thanks to its infectious personalities, Netflix, and social media, there’s every reason to believe that the sky’s the limit.

(left) fan favorite McLaren driver Lando Norris images courtesy of wikipedia

OPINION

Will LeBron James be 100% again? The Lakers and their Chances of making the Finals

anshul sreenivas | staff writer As most NBA fans know LeBron James finally returned from injury on April 30th, against the Sacramento Kings. James had no minute restrictions and he scored 16 points in his return. The Lakers fell short and couldn’t beat the shorthanded Kings who didn’t even have their two star players. But that wasn’t the only bad news for Laker fans. In the postgame interview LeBron James stated, “I don’t know if I will be 100% ever again.” He is talking about his high ankle sprain which was diagnosed to him shortly after the Allstar break back in March. This should be nothing less than a bad sign for Laker fans.

photo courtesy of rob masefield Knowing LeBron James we know he is one of the most indestructible players in NBA history. As he has only had one major injury in his past before this, he has been pretty healthy otherwise. We all know how much work and time he put into his body trying to perfect it. But he did look remarkably slow and less athletic in his return from injury. LeBron is known to be a very fast, strong, athletic player. But against the Kings he was looking like he was on the brink of retirement. The good news though, is that he just returned from injury. A high ankle sprain is not easy to deal with, so nonetheless it will take him some time to get back

to his usual self. LeBron saying he won’t ever be 100 percent ever again, may slightly be true as he is 36 years old, but LeBron at 99 percent is still 100 times better than an average NBA player. So in my opinion there isn’t much to worry about for the Lakers, all they need is for Anthony Davis to step up for a few games, and once LeBron is officially back they will be good again

May 2021

WHY 16 YEAR OLDS SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE

photo courtsey of Element5 Digital on unsplash

The younger generation impacted by today’s voters decisions

big majority of adults, when asked if 16 year olds should be allowed to vote, will say no. They’re way too attached to their phones; they never look up from their screens to see what’s going on in the world. However, we need to consider that the new generation grew up with social media, and that social media is now flooded with news and politics. We have information about the world at the tips of our fingers. Apps like Tiktok, Twitter, and Instagram allow people to direct access to policy makers’ pages, politicians, and world leaders. The 26th amendment, which allowed anyone 18 and older to vote, was ratified in 1971. The big argument supporting the ratification of the 26th amendment was that if they can be drafted to join the armed forces then they should be able to vote. Opponents of allowing 16 year olds to vote propose that they do not face the same dangers or problems like 18 year olds back in the 1960s, when lowering the voting age was heavily debated. The sad truth is that we do. The shooting at Parkland Florida happened February 14, 2018 at Majority Stoneman Douglas High School by a former student, Nikolas Cruz. He murdered 14 students and 3 faculty members. Facing the aftermath of this traumatic event, Parkland survivors organized March for Our Lives, an anti-gun violence event held in Washington D.C. No one at Parkland expected there to be a shooting that day, and no one is going to be expecting the next. Generation Z has become very politically active when dealing with social issues such as the murder of Geroge Floyd and Breonna Taylor. They were a part of organizing protests and showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The

majority of gen z is still in high school and they are already getting involved in activism. They see the change they want to make and they do something about it. They know what they want to see in their future and being able to vote is a step in the right direction. Not only will they make a political change, they will increase voter turnout. Voter turnout has been declining and is currently under 50%. By enabling teenagers to vote early on this will establish voting as a lifelong habit. This will increase the number of politically active and knowledgeable adults in the long run. Teenagers nowadays have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Having a say from early on will give them hands on experience with shaping the world’s future. Currently teenagers are going to have to live with the decisions that adults are making today. Leaving the consequences of today’s voters to the next generation. If we want to invoke change we need to empower younger generations. Making it clear that they are the future and their voice matters.

ashley stewart | staff writer

34 GENDER INEQUALITIES AND THE LACK OF SUPPORT

hroughout my whole life, I have not only witnessed but also faced social inequalities. Growing up, I was told that if I focused on sports or outdoor activities I was a tomboy and just looking for attention, but if I cared about clothes and makeup, pretty much anything viewed as feminine, I was too “girly” and, again, just looking for attention. At work, myself and all the female workers deal with creepy old men making gross comments about our bodies or looks, such as “well someone’s been keeping fit” or “wow I wish you were eighteen”both were said to me, a seventeen year old, by men well over forty years old. None of the boys I work with have been in similar situations, but every single girl has more than once. While the boys will walk me out to my car if I ask or keep an eye on me, they’ll also make jokes if I say I’m uncomfortable from an interaction with a customer.

Sexual Harassment Cases Keeping in mind that most sexual assault cases go unreported, according to the UN, a third of all women are violently are sexually assaulted, 1 in 6 American women, and about 3% of men experience sexual assault. According to rainn.org, for every ten victims, one is a male and nine are female. The Department of Defense estimates 6.2% of active duty women and 0.7% of active duty men are victims of sexual assault, but due to cases often going unreported, especially in the military, the accurate numbers could range anywhere. Despite the percent difference,

during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, girls posted infographics on their stories, directed at drawing attention to male sexual assault and help for survivors. Many boys, contrastly, countered this concern with “April 24nd.” For those who don’t know, April 24 is the day many males on TikTok decided would be “National Rape Day.” While many said that April 24 was likely a twisted joke, many users, including @notkeiannawalker, @ lakes.orange, and @dy2roezbml0u, stated that “April 24 wasn’t a joke,” stating that they had been assaulted as an aftermath of what was thought to be a joke. Jokes About Interests As previously mentioned, when girls are interested in things viewed as feminine, shopping, makeup, hair, clothes, etc., they’ll be called “girly” or be told they’re just doing it all for male attention. Conversely, if they’re not interested in what’s

popularly viewed as “girly” and instead prefer video games or watching sports, they’re called “pick me girls” and told they’re only interested in those activities in an attempt to gain male validation. The term “pick me” arose to describe girls who put down other girls for enjoying “girly” activities and to describe boys who would fish for compliments and say they would never do things that are common among males in order to get a girlfriend. Alongside being called a “pick me” for watching sports, female athletes or even scholars are often called tryhards or told to just go back to the kitchen. However, guys are often celebrated for not liking masculine activities, playing sports, and getting good grades and academic achievements.

veronica preaskorn | editorial board UN Sexual Assault Statistics

May 2021

A look into several issues and how little is being done “During practices, the girls on my swim team are told to cover up while wearing one pieces, but the boys walk around in speedos.“ -Grace Wright, 11

Body Image Issues Most magazines only showed skinny, size 00 models until more recently. While some clothing brands, such as Aerie, have opted for models of all sizes and stopped airbrushing beauty marks, tattoos, or any other so-called “blemishes.” Movies and shows also tend to feature skinny actresses, or use plus-size actresses for “fat jokes,” as a cheap attempt at comedy, often using their weight as a poorly written plot point. These models, actresses, and other celebrities also face these negative perceptions based on their size and appearance. If they’re not unhealthily skinny, they receive all kinds of insults from tabloids and media sites. However, if they’re “too skinny,” they are insulted for putting too much emphasis on their own looks. Taylor Swift has spoken out about her struggle with an eating disorder after news sites posted pictures of her, discussing her weight. Of course, celebrities aren’t the only ones

facing these insecurities. Many boys will speak about how they want a girl who is curvy yet still skinny, which is practically impossible. When girls don’t meet those high standards, they face constant criticism from not only boys but also friends and even parents. Many young women have spoken out, claiming that their poor body images and eating disorders resulted from their mothers, who felt entitled to comment on or insult their appearances. Inequalities in Sports Most magazines only showed skinny, size 00 models until more recently. While some clothing brands, such as Aerie, have opted for models of all sizes and stopped airbrushing beauty marks, tattoos, or any other so-called “blemishes.” Movies and shows also tend to feature skinny actresses, or use plus-size actresses for “fat jokes,” as a cheap attempt at comedy, often using their weight as a poorly written plot point. These models, actresses, and other celebrities also face these negative perceptions based on their size and appearance. If they’re not unhealthily skinny, they receive all kinds of insults from tabloids and media sites. However, if they’re “too skinny,” they are insulted for putting too much emphasis on their own looks. Taylor Swift has spoken out about her struggle with an eating disorder after news sites post-

ed pictures of her, discussing her weight. Of course, celebrities aren’t the only ones facing these insecurities. Many boys will speak about how they want a girl who is curvy yet still skinny, which is practically impossible. When girls don’t meet those high standards, they face constant criticism from not only boys but also friends and even parents. Many young women have spoken out, claiming that their poor body images and eating disorders resulted from their mothers, who felt entitled to comment on or insult their appearances. Sedona Prince, a basketball player from University of Organ, documented this through her TikTok account, @sedonerrr, displaying almost inedible meals given to the women in the playoffs.

Rainn.org Sexual Assaullt Statistics

36 HOW BAD HAS THE CLASS OF 2021 HAD IT?

The pandemic has affected every student and teacher in America, but seniors have been hit the hardest out of anyone. kartik mukalla | staff writer

hile it can be hard to believe at times, it has been more than a year since the United States began enacting social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the more unique challenges involved in dealing with such a deadly and contagious virus is continuing to operate essential institutions such as schools and places of employment while following social distancing protocols. It has been a tough task for both teachers and students nationwide to try to achieve some semblance of normalcy during such a difficult school year. Students have had to deal with having to “go to class” on a computer for 8 hours a day, not being able to see their friends every day, and in the case of younger children, not being able to properly develop socially due to a lack of interaction with other people. Meanwhile, teachers have had it even harder. It has been monumentally difficult for them to maintain a regular classroom environment while talking into a computer microphone for 30 kids that they can’t see. Combine that with decreased interaction, in-class participation, and

photo courtesy of patina photo

motivation from students, and it has resulted in an even more difficult job than they already had. The high school class of 2021 has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. Most schools nationwide have had partially or fully implemented online school days, and while the implementation is necessary, it has resulted in a complete upending of what a typical senior year looks like for most. Most seniors can agree that it has been a pretty demotivating and disappointing senior year, though it has been nobody’s fault. For most students going to school, senior year is viewed as the best year of school we would ever have. We would lead the student section, have the most decision-making power and priority in school-related decisions, and have a fun and laid-back time in the second semester after college acceptances with many social events and activities. None of this has been possible with us having school on a computer screen, but credit can be given to the Oakton administration for trying to set up some sort of activities for us. I fully believe that the class of 2021 has had it the toughest out of any high school class

that has been affected by it. While the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine has brightened our outlook on our first year of college, our high school experience has been crippled by the pandemic. It has been difficult to come to terms with the end of our childhood and to transition into a new part of our lives when this past year has been a blur, and with the end of school looming, it looks like the class of 2021’s senior year will be marked by disappointment. However, with the aforementioned deployment of the vaccine nationwide and its efficient and rapid distribution, there is hope in the end for us. In the best-case scenario, seniors can have a summer that could begin to make up for the myriad issues that have been caused by COVID-19.

May 2021

WHY SCHOOLS SHOULD MANDATE MENTAL HEALTH DAYS alicia ernst|staff writer

igh school students are constantly faced with stress-inducing challenges throughout their day-to-day life, and are consistently told to brush them off. Whether it be by parents who don’t understand, merciless employers, or teachers who fail to acknowledge that students have six other classes worth of work to do, teenagers can barely seem to catch a break. The struggles that young people deal with are often undermined and ignored - especially considering the fact that mental illnesses among teens have skyrocketed in the past decade.

Mental Health Matters

Taking Action

Finalizing a Plan

With the combination of school-mandated and student-decided mental health days, it is reasonable for there to be six per semester in total. This way, students can en

image courtesy of natalie wilson

Juggling social groups, a rigorous school environment, sports, family drama, and extracurriculars-- all while attempting to balance them with downtime and hobbies-- seems practically impossible. Every teenager can agree that they are lacking in a few of these departments, and their mental health is often neglected to compensate. Between deadlines and happiness, it seems like the latter is always the butt of the joke.

work piles upon the existing workload. For this reason, pre-set schoolwide days off for students and staff to relax and catch up should be mandated throughout the semester. This way, students don’t have to worry about missing anything, and also have the freedom of taking a few mental health days when needed, without being penalized with an unexcused absence.

When looking for a solution, the root of the problem must be identified. In a poll taken by 34 Oakton students, a whopping 100% said that school was their main source of stress. This data supports the claim that in order to create a more stress-free school environment, mental health days should be built into the year. image courtesy of tim mossholder Several schools across the US already have a policy established that permits students joy three schoolwide stress free days, and to take their own mental health days off have the option of taking three breaks on without being marked with an unexcused their own watch. When 34 Oakton students absence. While this is a step in the right were presented with the proposal in a poll direction, it could be improved further. format, 97% agreed that six mental health By taking a mental health day randomly, days per semester would decrease their students risk missing important lessons, school-induced stress and overall improve assignments, tests, etc. which could cause their mental health. more stress for the future as missing school- A Common Rebuttal

Oftentimes, parents are concerned that allowing their child to miss class will cause them to fall behind on assignments, reinforcing their lack of motivation. Teaching children to work hard and remain dedicated is important-- however, it is equally important to learn how to take care of yourself mentally, listen to yourself, and recognize that needing a break is normal and warranted. Allowing this self reflection and prioritization of oneself can prevent teenagers from spiraling and ending up in a worse state than they began.

The Overall Objective

The goal of this installment would not only be to cater towards the student body’s quality of life, but also to bridge the gap between action taken in regards to physical health versus mental health. Currently, the imbalance is evident. While doctor’s appointments are considered excused absences, mental health is not treated the same within the school system. High schoolers are encouraged to take time off to catch up from home when physically ill, but taking a mental health day to take care of themselves and mentally prepare to focus more in school is perceived as school refusal. In addition, allowing students unpenalized mental health days will be especially beneficial for teens who struggle with panic attacks, mental illnesses, have therapy appointments to attend, or are grieving a loss or trauma. They provide a chance for students to reset their nervous system and catch a break from stressors such as deadlines, tests, and social pressures, along with issuing time to reflect and recharge. Teen mental health days bring awareness to the challenges that adolescents face and foster open dialogue about the issue. As a result, the concept of taking a mental health day has the potential to reduce stigma around mental illnesses and their effects.

38 AAPI CLASSIC NOVELS BY WOMEN Top picks to expand your world view Nour Alkaaby|Staff Writer

lassical literature is very prominent in American culture: books written before our parent’s and sometimes before our grandparents’ time. It’s a common theme that the classical books that are most popular are almost entirely written by European men. We wanted to introduce you to a list that will expand your world view and give you a taste of AAPI classic’s. These are some AAPI classic’s written by Women. The Tale of Genji is a japanese tale written in 1008 by Japanese noblewoman. She wrote it in a way that would make it difficult for the average Japanese reader to understand without dedication. It was translated to modern japanese in the 20th century. The story is about a man, Hikaru Genji, the son of an ancient Japanese emperor known as Emperor Kiritsubo and a low ranking concubine called Kiritsubo Consort. Due to political reasons, Genji was removed by the emperor from the line of succession. This stripped him of his royal title, making him a commoner and was given the name minamoto. He then pursues a career as an imperial officer. The story follows Genji’s romantic life while describing the customs of the aristocratic society at that time. It is considered to be the world’s first modern, psychological novel. It’s even considered to be the world’s first classical novel. The novel has incredibly modern elements such as a central chapter, a large number of characters (major and minor), well developed character progression and a set sequence of events Another Japanese piece is The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagan written in 1002. This classic is a biography. It’s the account of a Japanese empress Sei Shonagon. The book was written from 990 until 1002. The book is a collection of poems, essays,and stories that have no correlation between each other besides the fact that Shonagon produced them. She had included all sorts of personal thoughts, lists, moments from her daily life, opinions, etc. Shonagan’s amazing literature is what made the book so interesting. The book was meant only for her own eyes but was exposed to the court after she had placed it on a cushion, which was then taken by a guest who had taken it despite her begging. The book contains information that she couldn’t speak publicly due to her low rank in the court. There have been many deep dives into the meaning behind her poetry and her consistent lists, experts have even divided her book into three sections. While this isn’t a classical book, it deserved a spot on the list for it’s complexity.

May 2021

Moving west, Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Chang, is the first of Chang’s English classics collection. It’s a book about a love story in the midst of war. This book dominated the wartime literary scene. In 1940’s Shanghai, Hong Kong, a charmining divorcee by the name of Bai Liusu lives in the city. After the downfall of her marriage she is shamed by her extended family, causing her living situation to become unbearable. The book starts with an invitation to her ex-husband’s funeral which she decided to not attend. A bachelor named Fan Liuyan had just returned from a work trip in England which had entailed him working closely with the Mr. Xu and more notably Mrs. Xu, the matchmaker.. Mrs. Xu had initially matched Fan and Bai’s sister, Baolu, together but Fan had fallen for Bai instead. When Fan moved to a different area in Hong Kong, Bai followed to hopefully marry Fan. But just as everything is going a little too good in Hong Kong, Bai began to not trust Fan, she thought he was leading her on. Bai decides to return and her family shames her for her failure. Throughout the story Fan and Bai endure many tribulations together, but during the fall of Hong Kong they stick together through the invasion of the Japanese and realize the value of their love. This classic has been modified to motion pictures and became international. It has an amazing love story while visiting the struggles of Chinese history. These were just some of the many amazing female written AAPI novels. It’s important to take our worldview away from our circle. Many people suggest travel to expand your worldview, but literature is just as, if not more, effective. Let’s expand our classical literature beyond the European man, let’s look farther than what’s placed in front of us.

“ When if comes to literature Asian American and Pacific Islander voices have been Historically opressed... AAPI women especially have been stigmatized... Liturature provides the change to break that stigma” - Casper A. (10)

40 REVIEW OF FRESHMAN YEAR How Freshmen students feel about their abnormal first year in High School

claudia messina | editorial board

hile all students were apprehensive of the 2020-2021 school year, it may have been the most challenging for those beginning a new chapter in their academic career. Freshman year is the time for figuring out new social cues, making potential life long friendships, and establishing work habits to carry oneself throughout the rest of high school. While it might not be the most challenging year, it certainly is a big change for those just graduating middle school and is trademarked as one of the most stressful, pivotal, and awkward periods. However, it is made even more difficult if one can’t actually be in school. This was all made very clear to the class of 2024 as soon as the school systems announced there would be virtual learning. Eli Vereb (9) explains how “[she] thought it would suck because it was online,” and Chloe Brake (9) was “not expecting much especially because of covid.” Others like Valentina Martinez (9) also didn’t expect much and “figured it wouldn’t be that great of a school year.” Additionally, the transition to full independence with work in high school left many students nervous for their year to start. Many students, including Freddie Carruthers, expected their freshmen year to be “very different from middle school,” and others like Jackson Arnold (9) expected “it to be very challenging.” However, students like Annalia Rodriguez (9) not only expected that “coursework would be difficult” but also that “it would be a fun experience.” Other

students’ expectations ventured outside of the stresses of school and covid. Skylar Shamblin (9) expected to “meet new people” her freshman year while David Jansons expected to “enjoy playing football.” In spite of their expectations, no one could say for sure how the school year would go given the dramatic deviation from the norm due to the pandemic. Looking back on the year, Eli Vereb (9) was happily surprised, saying that her year was

“much better than [she] expected.” However, other students like Melissa Mackay (9), who expected her school year to be pretty easy given the circumstances, were surprised in a different way because “it’s been challenging. Everyone told me that it would be super lightweight compared to

the other years so [she] had different expectations.” Maxine Singdahlsen (9) adds that “It has been a little more overwhelming but still fun and new.” While most were surprised by the actual system of high school, Allie Cage (9) was more surprised with the social aspect, explaining how “it is nothing like middle school. Everyone is very secluded in their own groups and in middle school it was the opposite.” Dilara Vural (9) had a similar social experience, stating how this year was “not really fun,” because “lately [she has] been having a lot of homework and [she] cannot really socialize online because it’s awkward.” Although this year was surely not the introduction to high school most rising freshmen had hoped for, they still have ample opportunity to make up for the lost time in years to come. Looking into the future Valentina Marinez (9) expects that “next year will be a good year and [she’s] hoping that things will get better.” However, not everyone shares this expectation. Many freshmen worry that with the lost time they won’t be as prepared for next year, seeing as many expect the years to get progressively more difficult. Nonetheless, most students, including Yassin Nam (9), are excited for next year because “we get to go back into the school with everybody.”

May 2021

Marvel’s Phase 4 has almost begun What to expect from the newly released film dates

he first two installments in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 4 sequence, WanadaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, have come to an end. With fans everywhere waiting for something new, Marvel posted a video to their official Instagram and Youtube account, releasing dates for new movies, scenes from previous movies, reactions from fans, and a warm tribute from beloved late comic book artist Stan Lee. Upcoming movies include Black Widow, Shang-chi and the legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Spiderman: No way home, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and an expected remake of the Marvel hit, The Fantastic Four. With the first release approaching, I can’t help but wonder what approach Marvel will be taking, now that the original Avengers won’t be able to assemble, and how they will focus on characters who are underrepresented in the franchise. The first Phase 4 film is the wildly overdue Black Widow. A movie that arguably should have been made the second Natasha Romanoff was introduced into the MCU. Black Widow is set to take place between the time of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. It will be focused on Natasha’s backstory, and will star Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz. The trailer has

been out for some time now and is even set to star Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. Next, they will release Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings. As reported by Screenrant, “Shang-Chi confronts his past following an encounter with the Ten Rings — the same terror group who’s behind Tony Stark’s kidnapping in Iron Man. Starring Simu Liu, Akwafina, and will debut the real Mandarin played by legendary Asian actor Tony Leung following the villain’s fake reveal in Iron Man 3.” The hero is an incredible martial artist. He was trained by his father, Fu Manchu, as part of training him to be one of his top assassins. After Shang-Chi rejected his father’s orders he decided to leave and lead his own life only to be roped back in after an encounter with the Ten Rings. Because Fu Manchu is a crucial part of Shang-Chi’s arc, directors will have to find a way to address their relationship without delving into his complex character. Another 2021 release we have to look forward to is Eternals. The Eternals are a group of immortal superhumans who reunite to battle the evil Deviants. Eternals features Marvel Studios’ first on-screen LGBTQ superhero, Phastos, an Eternal and intelligent cosmic-powered originator who privately helps humanity progress technologically. Played by Brian Tyree Henry, he is the first superhero to be shown as gay in an MCU film. This is great not just for LGBTQ Marvel Fans, but also for Marvel itself. There are a lot of different MCU heroes who are canonically part of the community includ-

ing Valkyrie, Deadpool, and Wiccan, but this will be the first time an MCU film has introduced an openly gay character. As of right now, there isn’t much we know about upcoming 2022-2023 movies. What we do know is movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home will feature past villains like Electro (Jaime Foxx) and Doc Ock (Alfred Molina). Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness has a built-in setup from the ending of WandaVision and even introduces the kid hero Miss America (Xochitl Gomez). Thor: Love and Thunder will portray Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) getting her powers and becoming the new Thor. There is still a lot we don’t know about the plans for the MCU, but Marvel’s upcoming Phase 4 is sure to be a big step from the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. Although some movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever or Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 speculate the changing or loss of the original heroes, we hope that the future doesn’t bring too many tears for us as fans. as we most likely won’t hear any more information about later movies for quite a while. Even after all of that, we’re still very excited to see what happens next and hopefully get to see some different takes on Phase 4 of the MCU.

aubrey leverett | staff writer

42 DEMON SLAYER: MUGEN TRAIN REVIEW

Was the long awaited film worth the hype?

nimated film Demon Slayer: Mugen Train has garnered quite a bit of attention since its release, breaking records in Japan and becoming known as one of the most successful films ever made in Japan by becoming the highest-grossing film of all time in the country and topping charts in the United States. Expectations were high for the film, considering the worldwide popularity of the Demon Slayer franchise that’s renowned for its stellar animation and plot. The question is, did the long-awaited film match the hype surrounding its release? In short: Yes, yes it did. The film is a direct continuation of where season 1 of Demon Slayer ended, which means it’s definitely recommended for anyone who plans to watch it to watch the entirety of season 1 beforehand. Even without fully understanding the background of what has led up to the events in the movie, however, the action-packed scenes and charming and quirky characters are enough to make the movie worth

watching, even if you’re mostly oblivmovie doesn’t fail to showcase characious to the intricacies of the plot and ters personality and add in comedy to the characters’ backstories. The movie give watchers a brief reprieve from the begins with the series main protagonists, whirlwind of action on screen, as well as Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke touching emotional scenes that brought boarding a train that has had mysterious tears to many. There was seldom a dry and unexplained disappearances occureye in the theatre after leaving, which ring on it. In this world that takes place goes to show the emotional gut-punch in early 20th century Japan, demons, the movie can have on viewers and who were almost all once human at some shows that though a movie can be flashy point, wreak havoc during the night on it can also be reasonably paced and show humans and prove to be a lethal threat. development and depth in characters and The main character’s position as demon tell beautiful stories. slayers requires them to slay demons The movie certainly deserves the (surprise surprise). This is what brings praise its been receiving. Not only is the our main band of characters to the train plot solid, but the animation is breathin the first place, as it’s deemed a demon taking. Watching it in theatres in all its is the most likely cause for the bizarre glory is certainly an experience I recomdisappearances. After boarding the train, mend to anyone planning on potentially all seems well initially, and the group watching the movie. The movie serves then bumps into Flame Hashira Kyojuro as a bridge from season 1 to season 2 of Rengoku, an elite demon slayer who is the Demon Slayer animated series, and also investigating the strange activities I would definitely say it fulfilled its role on the train. Things get chaotic pretty and did it well. quick from thereon out in the movie, but despite all the action and chaos, the aubrey harrell | editorial board

May 2021

BOWING OUT...

The Oakton Outlook is proud to celebrate some of our graduating seniors in this issue. They have worked endlessly to make the paper what it is today and we cannot wait to see all the exciting things they do in the future!

“ “

Journalism has been a great place for me to meet new people and learn more skills. Before journalism, I’ve never used any sort of design program, so in thankful for journalism for giving me the chance to learn something new. For the last four years, Journalism has definitely been my favorite class, and I’ve loved being an editor the past two years and working with new people to write stories and publish our physical and digital magazines.

- aubrey harrell | editorial board

”

I have been on the Oakton Outlook for all four years of high school, and it has been a one-of-a-kind experience. My growth throughout high school can be seen in the words that I wrote and the designs that I created. I have met some of my closest friends and learned so many valuable skills. I was just a freshman when I joined as a writer, a sophomore when I came on as editor, and these past two years I have had the honor of being one of the editors-in-chief. I am going to miss everyone so much as I leave the Outlook this year, but there is comfort in knowing that there is an incredible team of talented writers and designers to continue on with the paper. Lastly, I would like to give one huge thank you to Ms. Snyder for the guidance and support you have given me these past four years, I genuinely could not have done what I did without you. I cannot wait to see what the Oakton Outlook creates in the future!

- sahithi jammulamadaka| editor-in-chief

“

”

I joined the journalism class my junior year, mainly to see if I could find enough interest in the subject to pursue it as a career. I ended up falling in love with the course, finding the process of writing for Outlook unceasingly interesting. From interviews to movie reviews to opinionated op-eds, I found myself truly enjoying what I did and learned in class. When the chance came to guide others journalists as an editor, I was more than happy to take on the responsibility. I’ve enjoyed every moment of taking journalism and will miss the editors, staff writers, and friends I’ve met along the way. I will be majoring in journalism, and I owe a special thanks to Mrs. Snyder for teaching me so much about the career path I want to take. I can’t wait to see what great work Oakton Outlook produces in the future!

- charlie williams | editorial board

”

“

I joined journalism when I was a freshman to continue my lifelong love of writing in high school, but this class has taught me so much more. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work on the editorial board since my sophomore year as both an editor and an editor-in-chief. I’m especially grateful for everyone’s perseverance through this crazy year to keep the Outlook running as close to normal as possible! Thank you to Mrs. Snyder, my journalism table group, and all of the Oakton Outlook staff for creating such a positive classroom environment. I wish the best of luck to next year’s staff, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Oakton Outlook.

- payton wozny | editor-in-chief

“

”

I’ve been on the Oakton Outlook for all four years of high school and have enjoyed the class so much! As an editor and an editor in chief, I’ve created relationships with others in the class and have really grown as a leader and writer. The Outlook has thought me so much and I will miss everyone so much!

- zoe sauger | editor-in-chief

“

”

I am so glad I joined journalism! It has been such a fun class to be creative with writing and design and also to make friends. Being an editor senior year has been such a great experience. I’m going to miss writing for Oakton Outlook and everyone in the class!

”

- shevany moharir | editorial board

OAKTON OUTLOOK | MAY 2021