The Hermonite _ Summer 2020

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Summer 2020

Hello everyone!

I hope you all had a restful, if not also eventful, summer.

Thinking about going back to school and be surrounded by friends makes me really excited for another year, though it would not be the same as before.

For the safety and health of our beloved NMH community, student publications will limit the distribution of physical print-outs around campus. Currently, we are in the process of creating a shared website for all student publications. As this online platform gradually comes to life, the Hermonite and Bridge are also merging during this academic year to progress toward a more collaborative future.

Over summer, the two teams met frequently over Zoom, sharing our reservations and discussing ways to maintain the longestablished styles and voices of both. We are glad to have John Corrigan joining us as the director of student publications, in addition to Jennifer Sutton and Peter Weis, to help us preserve the uniqueness of the Hermonite and Bridge.

Above all, we hope to bring together our specialties to provide you guys with another level of artistry and quality.

This summer was definitely more chaotic and less entertaining than others. Mine consisted of quarantine, work, online courses, and a lot of college essays. To generate some tints of happiness, I resorted to music, books, traveling, and Facetiming friends. Psychologists say that people tend to remember the peak emotion and the ending point of the event. While we can’t falter the intensity of the peak, we can always end a miserable day on something positive. For me, that’s R&B music and a little Netflix before bed. With the unpredictability of the new semester, many strict regulations are put in place. Going back to school this year will feel more bittersweet than others. Thus, I urge you to find your ray of sunshine at the end of your day to brighten your mood up a little bit.

Hope you guys enjoy this issue!

Stay positive and awesome, Bill Wu, Editor-in-Chief

Letter To My Dorm Room...

My dear beloved 316,

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? How are you holding up? I hope you didn’t think I just… abandoned you. Truth is, I would do anything just to come back and see you one last time. But there’s not much I can do. I hope you forgive me for not giving you a proper goodbye, I really thought we still had a few months left.

I still recall the day before Spring break when I sat lazily on the floor, contemplating about what to pack with me in my crimson carry on. I’m glad that I packed extra socks! At the same time, I wish I took my peanut butter crackers and the fruit snacks that are still in my ‘secret’ compartment under the bed, but I know you’re keeping them safe.

Remember when we first met? After hours of unpacking, rearranging, and organizing on that awfully hot day in September, you started to look cozier.

Although you don’t look anything like the dozens of ‘My Dorm Room Tour!’ videos on Youtube nor do you resemble the ‘aesthetic dorm room inspo’ photos on my Pinterest feed, you were my home away from home.

As much as I hate your discolored walls, your worn-out carpet floor, and the door that will continue to squeak so deafeningly loud, thank you for the memories.I really wish that you could talk; that way, you can tell the next people who are lucky enough to live here about all the fun times. If you could kindly not mention the ridiculous amount of Kraft Mac and Cheese and spicy ramen I consumed while binging ‘Criminal Minds’ I would appreciate it. Oh, and don’t tell anyone about the late nights I spent crying through the whole ‘Should I drop out?’ phase of finals week (pssst, thank you for putting up with the ridiculous amount of Fruit Roll Up wrappers!).

It’s bittersweet having to say goodbye to you like this, it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel...real. I know that I would burst into tears if I had to take down the pictures I taped up so many months ago. But hey, don’t forget me just yet! I swear on my stash of Kraft mac and cheese that when I return in the Fall, I’ll swing by to say hi.

Take care,

Linh

by Tory Tran 2023

Aries (March 21-April 19): Fire Sign Being the first sign of the zodiac, Aries natives strive to take leadership and be out front calling the shots. They are determined, strong headed, trustworthy. Plus, by being governed by the energetic Mars, Aries natives are extroverts who are constantly filled with a fiery nature. When Aries natives put their mind on a task, it will get done despite any distractions. Being energetic and courageous, they tend to be straightforward with their opinions since honesty, spontaneousness, and confidence are their prominent traits when it comes to approaching life ..

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Earth Sign Similar to their bull symbol, Taurus natives are headstrong, passionate, powerful, and very sensual beings. They crave beauty, peace, and harmony, therefore work hard to achieve these qualities in life. When it comes to attractions, Taurus natives are patient and take time to understand the deeper meanings in their interactions with nature. They enjoy palatable food, good wine, fine art, classy music, and the more sensual features of life.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): Air Sign Quick-witted, curious, erratic, and expressive, Gemini natives carry different opposing personality traits, making it confusing to identify their sign when you meet one. The symbol of the twins depicts the flipflopping and childish behavior. Gemini natives are playful, trendy, and incredibly artistic. Their ability to be flexible helps them stand out and not be considered boring. Plus, Gemini natives are inquisitive, and born with a wish to explore as much as they can out in the world. They are inspiring, motivational, making others look up to them.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Water Sign Emotional, tenacious, imaginative, when Cancers do find a close friend, they can get highly sensitive and attached. Cancers care deeply for their home and loved ones even though they don’t physically show it. They are extremely loving and empathetic with others’ hardships and pain. Cancers are not very extroverted as they prefer home-based hobbies and having a good meal with a loved one.

Leo (July 23-August 22): Fire Sign Similar to the lion, Leo natives are known to be courageous, proud, dignified, and expressive. They are regal, creative, and passionate individuals when it comes to approaching work and have a weakness for attention. Leo natives are ambitious, matching their fiery personality. They are humorous, charismatic which attracts their surroundings. Unlike some signs, Leo natives love meeting new people. They enjoy theatre, being admired, and expensive things to make them stand out even more.

However, Leos can sometimes be vain, stubborn, and narcissistic. It is possible that they can be overbearing sometimes as they are quick tempered and will act out if they do not get what they desire.

Virgo (August 23- September 22): Earth Sign One of the most critical, relentless, hardworking, and articulate signs, Virgos watches over others’ shoulders and will not hold back on criticism until they are satisfied with the result. Virgos seek to purify.

They love a settled, detailed routine and are known to be honest with their opinions. Virgos are naturally skilled and precise people while striving for improvement. They love cleanliness, foods that make them feel good, animals, and spending time with a good book.

As Virgos are extremely determined and devoted to their work, they do not have time to play or take a break.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Air Sign Libras are gentle and sympathetic with others while being cooperative, gracious, and fair-minded. They enjoy finding new adventures outdoors and sharing their discoveries with others. Libras strive for equilibrium, avoiding any violence and are also known as the “hippies� of the zodiac community. They live for peace, harmony, and value love. A Libra will try to satisfy others’ needs before their own by being communicative and comforting.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21): Water Sign The most mysterious one amongst the rest, Scorpios are soulful, driven, secretive, and similar to their description, are drawn to hidden things.

Scorpios believe that there is more to what is shown and love to search for the truth. Being courageous, Scorpios are dedicated companions who are also quite intuitive. They love a good chase for mystery, either found in a thrilling book or from their instincts. Scorpios do not like people who are untrustworthy, indecisive, or passively aggressive because being misled will cause them to act out.Ironically, Scorpios can also be quite dishonest themselves.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Fire Sign Sagittarius natives are curious and energetic explorers who have open minds and their own philosophical view of the world. Their beliefs motivate them to search for new discoveries around the world for interpretation of the world . Sagittarius natives are very determined when it comes to transform their ideas into concrete actions. Like other fire signs, Sagittarius natives need to have contact with the world and experience as much as possible. They treasure freedom and are enthusiastic, making them the humorous one in a friend group. Plus, Sagittarius natives are also practical and honest.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Earth Sign Well grounded, resourceful, hardworking, Capricorns are known as the masters of the material realm. They are organized, independent, ambitious leaders, and make great managers in any projects. Capricorns know how to start a stable life and have a dark sense of humor that attracts people. They are incredibly clever and can strategize their way through obstacles. Capricorns are also understanding and open-minded when it comes to different cultures and will spend time honoring any traditions to their greatest potential. Other signs use Capricorns as a stepping stone to new opportunities since they are incredibly trustworthy and successful.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Air Sign Devoted, fun, helpful, and kind, Aquarius natives are the most trustworthy individuals in the zodiac. They like to be original. They will fight for what they believe is right since humanitarianism is one of their prominent traits. When doing work, Aquarius natives go all-in. They do not like limitations and will be able to come up with an argument to prove their reasons. Aquarius natives enjoy intellectual conversations with others. They may seem shy and quiet but they can also be energetic and eccentric. Aquarius natives are individuals who like to be there for their loved ones and try to sympathize as much as they can.

Pisces: (February 19-March 20): Water Sign Having alone time to heal and escape reality helps Pisces natives continue to move on with their life. This sign is compassionate, gentle, intuitive, and musical.

They enjoy anything that deals with spiritual themes because it allows them to reconnect with their inner self, which they will express through art. Pisces natives are careful when it comes to interacting with new people and will come off shy and reserved at first. However, being friendly, Pisces natives will always be willing to empathize with others and help guide them through hardships. They are generous, kind, faithful and are known as the most tolerable sign.

It Got to Me

by Linh Dinh '21

Relationships are hard, especially when it comes to food. But at this point, quarantine has gotten the best of me, destroying my microwave. People post about their homemade healthy banana bread, cleaning their house, practicing new habits when I sit here with the squealing fire alarm, intoxicating smoke, and a melted Nutella jar. Oh, and also a flaming microwave. Is it still on fire? I can feel the chocolate spread smeared under my right sole. I am wearing the only pair of socks that are not a week old, but this pair has holes chewed in them. The rat probably came back. I miss the days where I could waste my time outside staring at absolutely nothing but green, luscious trees that sway their lives away freely, enjoying themselves.

Or when I would get anxiety attacks from walking past strangers and would avoid eye-contact by looking down at my clean white vans.

Again, they were clean. I was clean. What's the point of that now? I don't have to look good for anyone. I have no one except maybe George and his army, which I will probably meet again once he senses the sugar under my foot. How did I get here? Why am I sitting on the floor with crumbs swinging in my hair knots? My socks are ratchets, I am practically feeding rats with my clothes, and the jar is still on its way to being a toxic puddle. I was (and am still) lazy and could not be bothered to scoop out the chocolate chunks only so I could dirty another bowl. I admit it was a stupid move to stick the entire jar in the microwave without removing the aluminum seel first.

I cannot sit here forever. The fire alarm stops squealing thanks to the window I forgot to close. That explains why my body is throbbing from mosquito bites. I manage to pick myself up and blow the very last spark holding on to what barely is the jar’s rim.

The Nutella smears all over the sides of the microwave. This moment gives me an awakening: continuing to be a slug is not reasonable. I should change, and I will, possibly now. I will disinfect the entire house, I will do laundry consistently, and I will kill George.

I will be productive and hygienic. I wi-no I’m too exhausted, I have been through quite an event today.

The floor still looks comfortable and shiny despite the Nutella stains. I slide my back against the cupboard beneath the microwave until I can feel my bottom smudging a Nutella puddle I did not notice before. I am drained and don't have the motivation to sit up straight. Sitting on the floor is being productive. I can observe all the nitty-gritty to fix later on. Like hey, I have to update my grocery list and organize the pantries. Also, I have to scrape off the crusty marinara sauce on the oven timer, plus clean out my fridge, and adjust the tilted magnets. This change is off to a great start. I notice many things from here, especially the rat that’s making a dent in the rotten spinach leaf.

College Applications during the Coronavirus Pandemic

By: Dohoon Kim ‘21 and Bill Wu ‘21

Taking precautions against the pandemic, the world was advised to stay at home. After March 2020, more and more schools are closing down and going online. For the class of 2021, this meant no on-campus tours, no standardized tests, and no regular spring sports season. These are only some of the challenges the class of 2021 is facing when it comes to their college application.

The decision to go pass-and-fail was bittersweet for me; while I could slack off and easily pass my class, I couldn’t bump up my GPA. My junior-year-spring classes, Statistics, Biology, and Literature, are all my academic interests, so I felt like I was bound to get perfect grades. My midterm comments were so encouraging that I felt more motivated than ever. Funnily, on my transcripts, it now only says “pass” beside these three classes. In my college counseling class, the instructor told us that an upward GPA trend over our high school career looks promising. Well, guess what, mine ended on three “passes.”

This pass-fail system also created a grade inflation: the class of 2021 has around 30 students with a GPA above 3.81, compared to less than 20 in the previous years, according to a letter from the college counseling office. Taking the hardest classes in their junior year, students tend to get lower grades. However, because the spring semester grades of the junior year are exempted, students result generally with a higher cumulative GPA. After all, not only are there more “smart” people in my class, increasing competition amongst us, but consequently admission officers will also have a harder time distinguishing the elites.

Moving from this seemingly extra and nitpicky GPA situation, standardized testing is another challenge as a result of this pandemic. Not only are schools not allowed to host tests, but SAT/ACT also can’t go online like other language proficiency tests (such as TOEFL and Duolingo).

Although more and more colleges are shifting to test-optional, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every applicant is on an even playing field. According to College Xpress, “Test-optional” means that the college can’t use standardized testing against an applicant. That is to say, submitting might still

improve your chances. Plus, it might also “[lessen] the weight on other parts of the application.” The point system, where points are awarded for GPA, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, and others, is one universal way colleges use to numerically evaluate applicants, explained

by Collegeboard. With this in mind, I know that not having an SAT score will make me less competitive against someone who does. A May 2020 article in The Dartmouth, Dartmouth College’s student newspaper questioned the unspoken fairness around students being unable to improve their standardized test scores. Not everyone was lucky enough to have taken the last ones in December and March, so now the class of 2021, especially, is worriedly preparing for a test that might not even be held.

Along with GPA and standardized tests, AP exams are also upsetting. Until April, one month before the planned test dates, I did not know how the exams would be administered. Plus my school, where I was supposed to take the exams, closed down. There were floating rumors that the AP exams were shortened and going online, but I wondered how an online 4-hour exam can be taken without cheating. Panicking and frustrated, all I was able to do was just wait for the updates, like a lost boat navigating toward an unfamiliar destination.

With all of these academic aspects of application being disappointing and distressing, the actual college application process is also not comforting. How perfect! First of all, I will be competing with more students for fewer spots. Many friends from my previous high school in the class of 2020 had decided to take a gap year or defer their colleges’ acceptance to stay home. They think that online education rips away the relationships and opportunities they are paying for, and there is less faceto-face recruitment. The college class of 2024 is thus smaller. This might not affect the subsequent year, but don’t be young and naive now. The Ivy Coach website pointed out that granting gap years and deferrals are forcing colleges to elongate their waitlists and accepting more from the waitlists. The students who didn’t matriculate this year will matriculate next year, leaving fewer slots for the class of 2021 applicants. In plain English, this year is more competitive and selective than usual.

I was genuinely looking forward to campus tours, “there are… intangible things so I could feel the “home feeling “all these college about being in a physical environYoutubers are talking about. I guess that didn’t hapment that you can’t replicate virtupen for the class of 2021. All schools had to close ally.”

- Sal Kahn down for health concerns, now most providing virtual tours. When I think of virtual tours, I think of schools trying to make themselves look better than they really are: cropping out awkward moments, perfecting the explanation of school information, and smiling incessantly and staying ethereally positive throughout the tour. Now, I just sit in my bed, going through schools’ virtual tours, and I lose interest after 2 minutes. Just like how Sal Khan, the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, shared with the US News: “there are… intangible things about being in a physical environment that you can’t replicate virtually.” And now, not physically experiencing the school vibe, I have to decide where I want to apply to. People would say that “oh, then just apply to all of them.” I am sorry, but I am not writing 102 supplemental essays.

Speaking of the essays, now, there isn’t that much to be said about: they simply are tedious and somewhat too introspective. For the 2020- 2021 admission cycle, the Common App added an extra essay prompt to learn about the changes students are facing due to COVID-19. In 250 words or less, we are asked to write about how the community disruptions caused by the pandemic affected us. As I get on my laptop and start to type out some ideas, I realize that whatever I write, it would sound cliché: the school closed down, classes moved online, SAT canceled, had to self-quarantine, and the grades system changed into pass-fail. I hate it, suffered from it, and still have to deal with it.

No, I don’t have a unique, exquisite, and heart-wrenching story either about my family struggling financially or anyone close to me getting infected. If I simply write about my activities done over the summer, it will turn into a list of chores. Sorry, but I don’t have a single clue about what to write.

Despite the overwhelming pressure caused by all these concerns, we should still have a somewhat positive outlook. These sudden changes will not only impact us but colleges as well. All we can do is continue with our daily lives and try to be our best selves. No one knows how the admission officers will accept the students this year without regular GPA, SAT, APs, etc. When everyone is at a disadvantage, maybe we are then standing on relatively even playing ground. Just maybe.

Sources https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/test-prep/blog/ what-does-test-optional-really-mean/ https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/applications/decisions https://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2020/05/class-of-25-considers-colleges-remotely-and-dartmouth-maintains-testing-requirement https://www.ivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/ivy-league/it-will-beworse-for-the-class-of-2025/ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/ how-the-coronavirus-affects-college-admissions https://www.commonapp.org/blog/COVID-19-question-commonapp

An Interview with NMH Student Athletes on Recruitment By: Bill Wu ‘21 Touching on the complexity behind applying to colleges, in this article, we will take a look at the mentalities and journeys of four student athletes from the class of 2021: Keel Brissett, Izzy Campell, Hadyn Phillips, and Jordan Lafave. They explained their training, preparations, and source of motivation under COVID-19. The recruitment process focuses on the communication between college coaches and athletes themselves. However, due to the pandemic, most of this in-person communication got canceled. Overall, athletes who had started contacting colleges before the spring season are somewhat better off, but the spring athletes (and others who didn’t in previous seasons) are struggling a bit more.

Jordan Lafave, she could only compete online with a new program from USATF (USA Track and Field) since “the public restrictions became more intense, [and] all the tracks were closed” to limit in-person contact. The change in athletes’ initial plans brought some nervousness to these athletes for some started late with the recruiting process and many couldn’t stay motivated and in their best shapes.

It makes sense to lose motivation considering that that in addition to COVID-19 restrictions, the NCAA also extended the dead period during which coaches are not allowed to contact athletes. In response, these athletes focused on improving themselves, envisioning where they wanted to end up, regardFirst, because of susless of the unfortunate circumpended campus tours and stances. Plus, many feel the limited physical interactions, responsibility to take care of athletes couldn’t visit colleges, their team spirits. For volleycontact coaches, nor communiball player Hadyn Phillips, she cate with returning teammates. believes that as a captain, she Initially, all interviewed athneeds to bring the best for her letes planned to either attend Volleyball team. She shares that some athletic camps or complaying “isn’t solely about [her] “I went from thinking I am gonna pete for their club teams over because it does affect [her] be playing every week and everysummer, but many changed team.” day to not playing at all.” their plans. Lucky for rower - Keel Brissett Izzy Campell, she was still able Whether it is utilizing nature to work out and erg two hours away from her by running on steep hills, asking for assistance home in upstate New York. from their parents for drills, or training with their masks on despite having a hard time breathing, However, more athletes are not as fortuthese athletes have been incredibly flexible. At nate. For soccer player Keel Brissett, his traintimes, sadly, away from their teams, these athletes ing for his club team was canceled, let alone the have lost motivation to continue training. Lafave planned tournaments over summer. He “went from claimed that “online meets almost [make her feel thinking [he was] gonna be playing every week like] her competitiveness has decreased” because and every day to not playing at all.” Although, in she wasn’t competing with them in-person. HowevAugust, Brissett was able to return to ten-person er, with the easy access of technology, athletes, ingroup sessions, training socially distanced and cluding Lafave, have created group chats to spread with masks on were difficult. For tracker runner positivity and helpful and effective exercises.

Lastly, athletes all agreed that this year is harder to apply despite the adaptations with campus tours and coach-athlete contacts.

First, athletes need to be more active to be on schools’ radar; secondly, NCAA suspended the official recruitment process to ensure fairness amongst athletic applicants; many rising college freshmen decided to take a gap year to preserve their eligibility; athletes who started this year’s recruitment late might become walk-ons onto the college teams, rather than a regular recruit.

As universities and colleges closed their campus, athletes could only do virtual tours. Brissett shared that “virtual tours [and] zoom calls can only do so much” that it’s difficult to feel “the vibe of the campus.” Others also expressed that they had yet to pursue their college decisions and might have to “go in blind.”

On a more positive note, Lafave was able to contact college coaches “over the phone or Zoom which has been reassuring.” Colleges are also adjusting to come up with more interactive and personalized videos for athletes to see the schools’ facilities and community.

“It’s tough.” The four athletes all concluded.

Still, they are hopeful and working toward a better future for themselves. During this unprecedented time, high school student athletes are looking longterm and thinking about their athletic careers after college. Like how Brissett put it, “If you get caught up in the disappointment and the misfortune of what happened, then you just get demotivated.” Not getting caught up in the present pushes athletes and everyone else to keep ourselves functioning at our finest once COVID-19 comes to an end.