Established 2010 in Aspen, JANUARY,2022 ASPEN HIGH SCHOOL
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SKIER SCRIBBLER “The first “peace” – which is the most important – comes from the souls of people when they realize their oneness with the universe and all its powers. It is when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that center is everywhere; it is within each of us. ” — Black Elk - Oglala Sioux
Photo Courtesy of Aspen Indigenous Society Native American Utes in their traditional dress courtesy of the Aspen Indiginous Foundation
The Indigenous of Aspen on “walking in harmony” Hannah Smith, Editor-In-Chief, Océane Jones, Opinion Editor
Although silver mining in Aspen, Colorado dates back to 1879, Indigenous people have occupied Aspen’s mountains long before any settlers or miners. Today, many local Native Americans are living on reservations, facing repression and systematic division. Although Natives still face injustices, they hope that balance and harmony can be found between the valley’s differing cultures. Buffalo Child and Deanne Vitrac-Kessler, key members of the Aspen Indigenous Foundation, are actively working to attain this balance and harmony through cultural education and exposure. Buffalo Child, an actor for the foundation, and Vitrac-Kessler, executive director, are also aiding repressed Natives throughout the valley. The foundation provides Natives access to social and economic opportunities valley-wide through the support of tribal members and grassroots programs. Additionally, the Indigenous foundation seeks to elevate awareness of Indigenous presence and history, imparting the
News Girls Basketball Culture Shift The Aspen High School girls basketball team is entering their 2021-2022 season this year under new management. A new initiative implemented by former Athletic Director, Martha Richards, two years ago saw a change in the level of play and coaches for the team. (Page 2)
wisdom of their culture. For Buffalo Child, improved relations between Indigenous people and people from other cultures is essential to promoting equality, not just in the valley, but globally. He explains that by working together, people of different cultures can create a more beautiful and unified world for everyone. Aspen’s settlers are no longer seen as enemies by the Native Americans. “When you take your relationship with the Indigenous people and your people you create harmony and you make a better world. It’s no longer the permit of way where you were an enemy, and all our ideals are this way and yours are that. This is what we should all strive for, making a little effort to compromise,” Buffalo Child said. Virac-Jesslerare emphasizes the importance of cultural education in eliminating the repression Natives face living in reservations. “Given the opportunity, people are happy to learn about other people’s ways. You realize that they are no differ-
ent than yourself because humans want happiness and no one wants suffering, and when we are the same there is no more racism, tolerance, and judgment,” Vitrac-Kesslearare said. Buffalo Child and Vitrac-Kessler maintain a positive outlook, despite the misfortune of indigenous ancestors, emphasizing that Natives have lived in this valley for thousands of years, leaving a pristine environment and a model for us all to admire and respect. Their hope is for all living on traditional ancestral lands to respect Mother Earth and the values of the ancestors who walked harmoniously, before us. “We know that there’s always a transition of life- not all transitions are good, and not all transitions are bad, but the transitions do exist. The best scenario is where you take the transition and you make it positive,” Buffalo Child said. Buffalo Child and Vitrac-Kesslerare, along with the foundation, are tackling milestones to host film festivals and cultural education programs. Their main goal is to build bridges of peace
and equality between cultures, bringing positivity within communities. “We should look at doing things in a manner where we enhance each other. So when we walk in harmony, we enhance the place we live in, you create harmony, and you make a better world,” Buffalo Child said. Make sure to take a look at the Aspen Indigenous Foundation’s website for more information on hosted events, Indigenous history in the valley, and the upcoming Pow Wow on April 19th. Through the Shining Mountains Film Festival, the Shining Mountains Pow Wow, and the sweat lodge, the foundation is helping communities both indigenous and non-indigenous. “For us, that’s why it was so important, the film festival, because you can bring to light all of that beautiful culture and the beautiful traditional ways of the American Indians, and then others can appreciate. We realize we are all brothers and sisters on this earth, and so, like Buffalo said, then comes harmony,” Vitrac-Kessler said.
Opinion The Women’s Right’s Battle Continues Amid the Women’s Rights battle, the pro-choice versus pro-life argument has been going on for ages. The debate has never been more active. It seems as if we have made progress with abortion rights, but the recent Senate Bill 8...(Page 7)
A&E Gang Starr’s influence on Hip Hop The Origin of hip hop can be dated back to 1973 in New York City. DJ Kool Herc threw a house party in the South Bronx. Using turntables, he created a way to isolate and repeat musical breaks. These tools are stepping stones for the creation..(Page 11)
Table of Contents News
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Opinion
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A&E
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January 2022
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NEWS
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AHS girls basketball culture shift
was like we instantly clicked and we’re a change. She believes regardless of level The Aspen High School girls basketfamily,” Amaya explained. the team will find success. ball team is entering their 2021-2022 Brooke O’Sullivan, a Sophomore in “The team culture has definitely been season this year under new management. her second season on the team, had not focused around development. I believe A new initiative implemented by former experienced seasons prior to the level that no matter how many games we win Athletic Director, Martha Richards, two years ago saw a change in the level of play and coaches for the team. This change removed the Varsity team from the girl’s basketball program, leaving one Junior Varsity team and one ‘C-Team’. The reason for this change was to encourage the future players on the team to participate. Along with this, to raise team spirit overall. Previously, the girl’s basketball team had poor records in games and a lack of team enthusiasm. The Varsity level of play proved to be a challenge for the AHS team in past years. In the 20182019 season the Varsity Skiers team went 4-15 and in the following year, 2019-2020, they went 3-17. With an enduring, losing record, Richards decided it was time to allow the team to take a step down in level to make their games more enjoyable. In this year’s season, only one Senior remains from the previous seasons before the change in level. Amy Amaya, who has played on the team for three years, noted that not only did score lines affect the change two years ago, but also the low morale of the team. “The vibe in previous years was very toxic, no one wanted to be there most of the time, which made it hard to play. [This year] when I rejoined the team it AHS Senior, Riley Rushing, takes a jump shot during a home game against Vail on December 7, 2021. Jenny Ellis, Editor-in-Chief
or lose as a team, we will find success in learning lessons about teamwork and adaptability. Hopefully, the class of ‘24 and below will be exemplary in redeveloping the program,” O’Sullivan said.
Photo Courtesy of Maya Shindel
January 2021
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NEWS
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AHS students featured in “5 x 17” Aspen Chapel Gallery exhibit
Harper Axelman, News Editor
The Aspen Chapel Gallery’s first show of 2022 will run through February 12, and includes 17 works from Aspen, Basalt, Roaring Fork, and Glenwood Springs High Schools and CRMS. Although the pieces are not for sale, they can be adopted for $25 each to support each school’s art programs. Julie Trahon and Stephanie Nixon, AHS art teachers, considered the creativity, skill, voice, and variety of the works, with senior IB art classes making the final selection. Trahon highlighted the importance of giving artists the oppurtunity to express their voice. “People should see this show because
it shows our student artists that we are interested and value their work,” Trahon said. Molly McManus, an AHS junior, described her piece, titled “Unlucky Wishes”, as “a mix between good and evil.” “In Japanese culture, paper cranes are a sign of good luck. However, the number 4 is considered an omen of death,” McManus said. Phoebe Bianci, a sophomore at AHS, also featured her piece, titled “There’s Someone”, in the show. “I’m really honored that enough people liked my piece to choose it to be put into the gallery,” Bianci said.
Arists from left to right: Annika Ashcraft, Kirilee Eklund, Lilly Huggard, Mila Vonderhaar, Edie Creamer, Brooke O’Sullivan, Avery Leonard, Molly McManus, Phoebe Bianci, Tim Schlumberger, Porter Holmbeck, Gemma Goss, Hannah Popish, Savannah Scott, Maddie Hicks, Maya Schindel, Jordan Jones
SKIER
January 2022
NEWS
Snowmass Ice Rink Lauren Kinney, Staff Writer
Although Snowmass Village is known for their world class skiing, they are less known for their ice skating rinks. Throughout the pandemic people have been on the hunt for outdoor activities. The rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Aspen With Climate Change
hockey team love the rec center rink, and use it frequently. Clea Welden, a sophomore at AHS who plays for the school’s girls hockey team, speaks on the rink. “Having access to a free ice rink makes it really fun to mess around with team mates, and improve my hockey
Aspen Snowmass.com Photo of the Aspen Highlands snow stake, used to measure this year’s intensive, but delayed, snowfall Stella Iverson, Staff Writer
Courtesy of The Aspen Times Two hockey players on Snowmass Village’s ice skating rink
and is a great place for pick up games. All age groups use the rink, and it creates a fun environment for all. For a population of 3,000, there are two rinks within the village: one in Base Village, and one behind the Snowmass Recreation Center. Base village rents out skates, but no pucks and sticks. The Rec Center rink provides pucks and stick, but not skates. On Wednesday and Thursdays, after 6:00 p.m. the Recreation Center rink is closed, and used for adult hockey league. From 12:00-9:00 p.m, the rink’s main usage is for pick up games, and for anyone who wants to strictly play hockey. If you wish to figure skate, visit the rink from 9a.m. to 12 p.m. Students from the Aspen High School
skills. Being able to go whenever I want is a really nice aspect of the rink as well,” Welden said. Clint Kinney is the town manager of Snowmass Village. He, along with Clea Welden, are a huge fans of the ice rink. “The town of Snowmass Village is proud to be able to offer such a great amenity,” Kinney said. The town of Snowmass Village keeps the rink in pristine condition. It is in great shape due to the frequent maintenance, and the ice being zambonied often. “It takes a lot of effort for a lot of dedicated staff to be able to put this rink together,” Kinney said.
Hannah Popish, Design Editor
In Aspen, most of our revenue comes from the tourists that come here to ski. As we saw earlier in this ski season snow was very scarce. While we have gotten one of the snowiest years with a 140% snow pack, we are still seeing delays in our seasons. How does climate change in Aspen affect the local students? Gracen Rogers, a Sophmore at AHS, shares her fear for the upcoming ski seasons with the snow delays we experienced in 2021. “I’m concerned for the future of our ski mountain, as it is a major part of most people’s lives around here. I want to be able to share the joy of skiing with the future generations and that won’t be possible without snow,” Rogers said. The future of skiing here in Aspen could be declining more and more. Each year we see less snow on the mountains. Katie Raarup, sophmore at AHS also shares how much skiing means to her. “I think that since this is a ski community, many people’s jobs are also taken away if we don’t have enough snow for winter sports and that would be a huge problem. If we aren’t able
to ski anymore, I think a lot of people would move elsewhere and there also would be a lot less tourists,” Raarup said. Skiing is the main source of revenue for Aspen’s economy. How would Aspen look if there was no snow for tourists to ski on? Peyton Thomas, sophmore, talks about her concern. By 2050 Aspen’s hope is to reduce carbon emissions by 80%. “I’m concerned for the future of the city of Aspen if we continue to have less snow each season, because our ski mountains are one of our main sources of income, and without snow, we cannot have a successful ski season,” Thomas said. Climate change is affecting the world increasingly each day, and the younger generations are watching the snow come later and later each year. Students believe climate change is a big issue especially here at AHS. Brooke O’Sullivan, a sophmore, shares how she views climate change as a high schooler. “I think it’s important as a community we start being more conscious of our carbon emissions and how our environmental actions are affecting the
NEWS No Concert for 2021-2022 Aspen X-Games SKIER
January 2022
Maddie McAllister, Staff Writer
The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners canceled the three-day music concerts that typically go along with the annual winter sporting event, X-Games, with no explanation. “There are just multiple issues that surround concerts,” Patti Clapper, Pitkin County Commissioner, said in an interview with the Aspen Daily News. “I don’t think the board is going to push them to have concerts.” Although The Aspen Daily News doesn’t give a specific reason for the cancellation, some FAQs from X-Games Aspen 2022 help people understand the cancellation. “Due in part to the ongoing ESPN’s X Games 2022 Press Release COVID-19 pandemic, X local-winning skiers and snowboarders. Games Aspen 2022 will not With this unfortunate news, all of the same events feature ticketed concerts this year. However, various DJ will occur, and the events are completely free. Evand other musical performances will be integrated into eryone who wishes to attend must show proof of full the general X Fest area at the base of the competition vaccination and must wear a mask at all times. Aspen venue,” The X-Games Aspen 2022 website stated. Snowmass explains more about what to do to keep this Even though the 2022 winter X-Games can’t expect annual event going. big-name music artists for entertainment this winter, According to Aspen Snowmass, X-Games Aspen we can still expect some thrills and big air from our
A new addition to the English department Sophia Greiper, News Editor
Photo by Phoenix Leeking Kerry Galusha, the new English Teacher.
Every year, Aspen High School welcomes new teachers and staff to its faculty. This year, Kerry Galusha was a new addition to the AHS English department staff. Galusha graduated as an English major from the University of Pennsylvania. Shortly after completing college, she began her teaching career in China, where she taught English. Before coming to Aspen,
Galusha worked at a law firm in San Francisco, where she also attended law school. She then worked as an attorney at Garfield & Hecht, PC in Aspen prior to coming to AHS. This is Galusha’s first year teaching again since working as an attorney. Her decision to work at AHS was partly due to the fact that she had
heard great things about the staff and students and she wanted to be involved with literature again. “My experience at AHS has been very rewarding so far. The English Department is very supportive and fun to collaborate with, and my students always surprise me with the depth of their thought during our discussions.” Galusha said.
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states “The event is FREE to attend with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Fans 11 years old and under without vaccination may attend if accompanied by a vaccinated adult and wearing a form-fitting face mask at all times. Masks must be worn in all indoor X Games event areas.”
It seems as if the 2022 Winter X-Games are going to be just like 2021, with spectators, but no big-name music artists. “X Games Aspen still occurred in 2021, but without any on-site Skier Scribbler Archive spectators or concerts as a result of COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, artists such as Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, LCD Soundsystem, Twenty One Pilots, Nas, deadmau5, and others have performed at Buttermilk Mountain as part of the X Games festivities.” Aspen Daily News stated.
January 2022
SKIER
OPINION
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HFCs, devils in disguise Beau Toepfer, Staff Writer
The world has been struggling with climate change for the last several decades, and easy, short-term solutions are hard to come by. However, Biden’s new policy on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, is just that. The earth has warmed by a full degree Celsius, and HFCs, a greenhouse gas often used in refrigeration and insulation, are being limited, which has the potential to lower global temperatures by a full degree Fahrenheit. HFCs are the coolant that comes with the AC unit that stays in the AC the entire time you have it. Many substitutes are already in the works, such as propane and ammonia. According to Drawdown, a book written by scientists all over the world, limiting HFCs is one of the top viable options and is an efficient adjustment. It has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 57.75 gigatons by 2050. The shift will cost the world US$ 629.25 billion according to Drawdown. A large part of the cost comes from disposing of refrigerants currently in circulation. 90% of emissions caused by HFCs occur after they have left circulation. Storage systems that limit emissions are robust and expensive, but it is required to safely dispose of HFCs. Climate change deniers might denounce the earth’s dramatic warming and cooling to natural causes. However, this is frankly ludicrous. It’s like comparing apples to oranges and saying they are the same because they are both fruits. Saying that because the earth has warmed without humans in the past means that it is
now warming on its own is the same as saying; apples and oranges are both fruits, so therefore they are the same. According to the European Commission, propane and ammonia-based alternatives are very effective in commercial and industrial environments, and isobutane is an effective alternative for domestic situations. The US is already leading in the alternatives market, which opens up big opportunities for American industries. Leading the world in HFC replacement manufacturing is a huge opportunity and could be a big boost to the U.S economy. A full degree Fahrenheit has the potential to outweigh the cost of moving towards friendly alternatives. However, the U.S economy can definitely afford it. In 2008 during the economic crisis, the US government spent 700 billion dollars to bail out big banks. That was in the face of a crisis. We are currently in the face of a crisis, and if we were willing to spend that amount of money then, we should be able to spend it now. Hydrofluorocarbons were originally a replacement for CFCs and HCFCs, two refrigerant chemicals that were destroying the ozone layer. According to Drawdown, HFCs were developed because of their ability to spare the ozone layer, however, that came at a cost. HFCs have 1000 to 9000 times the effect on warming the globe than CO2. CO2 is one of the biggest culprits in the environment now, so that staggering statistic is terrifying. The power HFCs have is truly scary. According to Climate.gov, the Earth has already
warmed a full degree Celsius since 1901. This is enough to bleach coral reefs around the world. As time goes on, the globe will warm at an exponential rate. According to the BBC, temperatures by 2050 could have risen by an average of 2.9 to 3.4 Celsius if we do nothing to fix the problem. Things like storm cells and coral bleaching will become much more severe. Here in Aspen, we can already see how it has affected us with warmer summers and winters, less snow, and worse droughts. Fires are raging across Turkey, the Amazon, and the USA. Entire towns have been burnt to the ground. Right now, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. We have the power to make a difference, and phasing out of using HFCs could lower global temperatures by a full one-degree Fahrenheit. This would be a massive step towards fixing climate change. Limiting HFCs is an easy solution. It is a relatively simple and quick adjustment, and it doesn’t require us to entirely change the way we live. In fact, it doesn’t require us to really change at all. Not only can we in Aspen easily make this change as we don’t use a lot of AC in the first place, but if we can start to reverse climate change, it will show our world leaders that we can fix this and that we want to. This easy solution is inspiring to others and pushes us to continue to make small changes in our lives that make us more eco-friendly. We only have one planet to live on, only one chance to stop our own ruination. It is not too late to save ourselves and our amazing planet. We can do this, one step at a time.
The best way to support a loved one in the new year: a hug Andie Sherman, Staff Writer
The best gift to give in 2022 is not a new toy or electronic device. This gift is not tangible and cannot be wrapped, but it is the most meaningful and beneficial. The best gift to give during the new year is a hug; a simple pleasure that has been taken away during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once hugging was a typical ritual in expressing affection through physical contact, however, the new norm is not to hug. Over the past year and a half, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through limited physical contact is how love has been shown. Now, with vaccines and boosters available, the reintroduction of physical contact has begun. Not only are hugs a way to express love and affection, but there are also many health and social benefits to hugging. Hugging is the best way to support a loved one into the new year. Psychologist Joe Rock, PsyD says,
“The health benefits of giving and receiving hugs are quite impressive. Hugs have a therapeutic effect on people.” Hugging can improve sleep, increase pleasure and well-being, reduce stress, and may also prevent infections. These benefits are due to the stimulation of
the c-tactile nerve. According to the Journal of Neuroscience,“CT afferents are tuned to respond to tactile stimuli with the specific characteristics of a gentle caress delivered at typical skin temperature. This provides a peripheral mechanism for signaling pleasant skinto-skin contact in humans, which promotes interpersonal touch and affiliative behavior.” This nerve stimulation releases a variety of neurochemicals, such as endorphins, that are the body’s “natural pain killers,” giving the body a rewarding sensation during and after a hug. The benefits of hugging are first seen while in the womb and as an infant. Skin temperature contact between a mother and child produces higher oxytocin levels, a “feel good” chemical, thus limiting cortisol levels. The reduction of cortisol levels, a stress hormone, reduces stress and anxiety from infancy. Reduction of stress and anxiety boosts the body’s immune system to prevent and fight infections, as well as regulate sleep. However, regularly receiving skin temperature touch is necessary for maintaining these mental and physical health benefits. Safe ways to promote hugging as the pandemic ends are petting and spending time with a pet, hugging a loved one in your household, and masking up before close physical contact. Although COVID-19 has affected the way we express affection, it is still vital to human well-being to remain connected through touch.
Courtesy of New York Times The importance of giving a hug
SKIER
January 2022
Opinion The women’s right
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“Period Poverty” must come to an end in schools Hannah Smith, Editor-In-Cheif
Recently, Ann Arbour Michigan stated that it would require all public restrooms in the city to carry free menstrual products under a new ordinance that took effect on Jan. 1. Ann Arbour is one of the few U.S cities to finally take action on a global issue: “Period Poverty,” which almost a quarter of students globally battle with. The Global Citizen defines Period Poverty as “a lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand-washing facilities and/or waste management.” Among other public spaces, Period Poverty must end in schools, and initiatives like Ann Arbour’s are just the beginning. For many students worldwide, schools are a source of food, education, and other resources they may lack within the walls of their home. Unlike food, heat, or education, most schools do not provide menstrual hygiene products for students. Period Poverty is a pressing issue, as nearly 22 million women in the U.S. alone cannot afford these products monthly. On a global scale, 131 million girls cannot attend school due to a lack of menstrual products, meaning that millions of women are receiving unequal education to men due to Period Poverty. Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor told NPR, “It’s [Period Poverty] a matter of equity and personal dignity.” Not only are actions like
battle continued Quintessa Frisch, Staff Writer
Amid the women’s rights battle, the pro-choice versus prolife argument has been going on for ages. The debate has never been more active. It seems as if we have made progress with abortion rights, but the recent Senate Bill 8 in Texas evokes questions regarding how much? Abortion rights coming and going obligates me to wonder: are we genuinely doing enough for womens’ rights?
Photo by Sophia Greiper Women’s abortion rights march on October 2, 2021 group of protesters at Paepcke Park gathered to listen to speakers
Photo by Period.org Coverage of Period.org, a non-profit that works towards ethical human rights and access to feminine hygiene products
Ann Arbour’s destigmatizing menstrual hygiene, but they help to restore the inequity women face in education because of Period Poverty. Period Poverty is not solely an economic issue but also a human rights issue. According to a “The State of the Period” report, 62% of students nationwide felt that they were ill equipped to manage their periods. 58% said they are negatively affected by negative associations with periods. Periods in schools should not be considered“gross” or “dirty” but as an indicator of good health. Hygienic supplies like toilet paper are in full stock at most public
schools without question or ridicule, so why not feminine products? According to Maria Molland, CEO of Thinx, “Most students still feel they should be ashamed of their bodies and their periods, and they want to see additional advocacy around menstrual equity. It’s on educators and policymakers alike to step up and push for both better access and better education on periods and period products.” Globally and nationally, there has been a lack of serious action towards the betterment of Period Poverty. Access to menstrual products is a fundamental human necessity, just like other services provided at
schools, such as education and food. It is time for more mayors, leaders, and governmental figures to follow in Christopher Taylor’s footsteps and take action to end Period Poverty in public spaces and schools. Period Poverty is an economic and humanitarian issue, causing inequity and public shame for millions of women globally. “Access to period products and accurate information is vital for education, public health, racial and socioeconomic equity, and the empowerment of our future leaders,” said Maria Molland, CEO of Thinx.
It is absurd that we have to fight for basic human rights, especially concerning women, who make up approximately half of the world population. Here we are in 2021, battling with a movement that started over 170 years ago. The women’s suffrage movement in the United States commenced in 1848. The Seneca Falls Convention marked a new beginning, formally starting this ongoing battle. According to History.com, this convention was to “protest against a form of government, existing without the consent of the governed - declare our rights to be free as man is free,” Elizabeth Cady Stanton stated during the convention. After 1848, the fight continued. According to History. com, in 1916 Margaret Sanger opened the very first United States birth control clinic in Brooklyn. The clinic was shortly raided. Sanger eventually closed the clinic after two prior closing due to legal threats. Birth control is a fundamental human right that allows women to control when and if they have children. It falls underneath human health care protection. Not allowing birth control contradicts human rights. According to Planned Parenthood, birth control was approved by the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, in 1960, much longer after the first birth control rights attempts were made.
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Abortion rights coming and going obligates me to wonder: are we genuinely doing enough for womens’ rights?
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In 1973, abortion rights were granted to women, marking a famous milestone in the womens’ rights movement. Roe v. Wade argued that the 14th Amendment in the Constitution protects a woman’s right to get an abortion. This was a major breakthrough in the progression of access to safe abortions across the United States. However, the government once again has pushed onto women through the Senate 8 Bill, an effort trying to force us to take a step back. The Senate Bill 8 of 2021 limits legal abortions in Texas after six weeks, before most women will know they are pregnant. Copycat states, such as Florida and Colorado, risk following in Texas’ footsteps and joining the bill as well. As shown through these 173 documented years of oppression, we must continue to fight for our rights throughout these constant pushbacks.
PAGE 8 SKIER OPINION Beginner guide to self improvement during the New Year January 2022
Brooke O’Sullivan, Staff Writer
Every year, millions of people construct New Year’s Resolutions hoping to spark positive change in their lives. Each year, the recurring themes include a more active approach to health, fitness, and improved finances. In addition to that, many take on learning new things for personal and professional development. Mentally Prepare for the Challenge: In the weeks approaching the New Year, it is essential to acknowledge that changing ingrained habits is not an easy task. As you look for changes you wish to execute, make sure to stay positive, allow room for error, and savor the progress you make. Set a Goal that Motivates You: Although having people in your life to support you will help you follow through with your goal, intrinsic motivation incentivizes enjoyment, purpose, and passion when applying yourself to a new task, especially self-improvement. Making a plan: Starting your self-improvement journey can often be overwhelming, so it is essential to plan out your actions. How do you go about making a thorough plan? Fortunately, it is as simple as an acronym: SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-sensitive. Understanding each part of
SMART: S- Specific: When it comes to creating new goals and improving your way of life, being vague can often lead to poor follow-through. For example, quitting vaping is a much better goal than being healthy. Of course, “being healthy” is excellent, but the goal is broad and can be widely interpreted.
M- Measurable: How can you measure progress and know when you have successfully met your goal? Make your goal quantifiable. For example, I will drink 60oz of water a day. Or I will meet with my tutor every week to help me focus on my academic weak spots. A- Attainable: Be realistic about the complications of your goal. Although striving for high achievements can be beneficial, it is good to start with a more feasible goal. For example, I will make 5 new friends. That is much more attainable than I will be the most popular person in my school. R- Relevant: Keep your goal closely related to your aspirations and passions to stay motivated to follow through with your goal over an extended period of
New year’s resolutions: the time many say they will fix the problems going on in their life. After the two crazy years the whole world just experienced, a fresh start is something one may be looking for. It’s hard to see the world in a different state right now after the insanity many endured, but 2022 is a different and new year for all of us. Students at AHS were asked to give a phrase or lesson they learned in 2021 that was meaningful to them. “See the good, find the lesson. For me, this is a reminder that it is natural to go through hardships, but the way we handle them is what’s important. This phrase has reminded me that there is always a positive to a situation and everything we do we should learn from. Throughout 2021, I learned countless lessons through self-reflection. Most of which, likely wouldn’t have happened without having that phrase in my life,” Brooke O’Sullivan, 10th grader, said. “A positive mindset brings positive things. This reminds me every day to have a positive attitude about things and good will come to you. I find that when I go into any situation with a bad attitude nothing good will come out of it whether it comes from school or my social life. Remember to always try your best to look at the bright side, and you will get way farther,” Olivia Cook, 10th grader, said “Kindness is key. In 2021 I think the
If You Get off Track, Get Back on Quick: Lastly, when entering a new stage of change in your life, it is important to remember to leave some room for mistakes and setbacks. Setbacks can happen, but so long as they are handled correctly, they will not impact your overall goal. The key to progressing after hindrance is to avoid a defeatist attitude. For example, thinking, It is normal to make mistakes. Trial and error will help me complete this goal, rather than, Well I screwed up once, why should I even try to do this anymore.
Photo Courtesy of eduCBA
The importance of self improvement leading into the new year.
New Year New Me Stella Iverson, Staff Writer
time. T- Time-sensitive: Give yourself a time frame to complete your goal. By giving yourself a deadline, there will be a sense of urgency and a point in time to truly celebrate your success. Review your Resolution Regularly: A crucial part of following through with your goals includes giving regular reviews of your progress and the effort that is being put forth. Reviewing your goal in smaller incremental steps often leads to massive changes over the course of your goal time frame.
world has to learn how to be kind to each other again. Everyone struggled to be considerate of the hardships we went through the year before that carried into 2021. Being kind is easier than it looks and sounds and everyone is capable of it,” Sadie Bayko, 12th grader, said. “During 2021 I have learned not to take things for granted because you never know when it is going to end. I have cherished every moment I can and will remember the large moments and I know to never take anything for granted,” Ana Dangler, 9th grader, said. “Something I learned in 2021. In life, you face so many challenges that so many lessons come out from them. In 2021 I learned that you have to take care of yourself to become better. While doing that you also have to figure out who you want to share your special moments with. Without taking care of yourself you can’t grow, you can’t become the person you want/need to be, and having people to help you grow makes it easier and more enjoyable.” Amy Amaya 12th grade As the crazy year, 2021, ended, we made our mistakes, we had our joys and our sadness. We lost and we gained. It can be very hard to do the things we say we’re going to do for the new year, and our resolutions don’t always come true for us. Hopefully, this new year will teach us more to learn from and grow from. Let 2022 be your year.
Why New Years resolutions should not be a thing; no passion behind it going to run a marathon. You could most
Lauren Kinney, Staff Writer
People always procrastinate creating new and healthy habits in the year prior all year long, yet when January first comes around everyone has a sudden urge to start fresh. People enjoy the idea of wanting to better themselves.People want to start eating healthy, working out, and getting into better habits. However, regardless of the resolution, I am a strong disbeliever in new year’s resolutions. Instead of waiting for the first of the year to start a new habit, why not start the day after you get the idea. It seems like a waste of time to sit around with the same bad habits until the first day of January. I believe that you should start a new habit soon. One day if you wake up and want to go to the gym, do not wait for the new year. According to a study done by UAB medicine, less than 8% of people follow through with their New Year’s resolutions. However, millions of people continue to set them year after year. These statistics show that starting on the first has no relevance, and is only based on the benefit that a new calendar year will create a new person, which is not the case unless one works to make this happen.Surely people can successfully start then,but it is unlikely it will work out for 365 days. Most people do this because it is a popular thing to do. It would be like waking up one day and deciding you are
likely complete the run, or at least start it. But you probably would not complete a marathon every day. However, I do not sense the passion behind new year’s resolutions. Whereas people who discover something they want to make an everyday habit. If a person has the drive to do something, they can fulfill their goal. Overall, new year’s resolutions are impractical. Instead of waiting for a full 365 days to do something to better yourself, why not start tomorrow.
Skier Scribbler Archive New Years Eve fireworks on Aspen
SKIER
January 2022
OPINION
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Gym Floors Pose Danger to Students at AHS
Empty Aspen High School Gymnasium on Jan. 6, 2022 Feona Benvenuto, Staff Writer
The AHS gym floors are becoming a concern, and a hazard for student safety. AHS’s gym floors need to be renovated or waxed regularly because they are a hazard and negatively impact the performance of student-athletes. For example, the hazard of basketball, volleyball, and dance team athletes taking a fatal fall on the gym floors. According to the HomeAdvisor Company, to wax a gym floor costs around 13,000 dollars. Wouldn’t a better, more cost-effective solution be to use other non-slip alternatives such as moping? Though this is a good argument, temporary non-slip solutions only work for a short period of time. After mopping down the court before basketball practices, the team can start to feel the
Photo by Fiona Benvenuto
effect of the mop wearing off after an hour. During an interview with James Nottingham, a Freshman on the boy’s C-team basketball team, he brought up this concern. “Mopping the floors or sweeping them really does not do the best job. The floors just really need to be waxed” said James Nottingham. Many athletes are affected by the hazardous gym floors such as students and the dance team. Matty Mae Mulberry, a Freshman on the dance team, has expressed concern over how the floors have been affecting her sport. “It can be really slippery sometimes and it makes us not want to go full out due to the fear of possibly slipping,” said Matty Mae Mulberry. Not only is the safety of the dance team put in danger by the slippery floors,
Luke Balko, a Freshman on the boy’s C-team basketball team, has noticed that the gym floors create bad conditions for basketball. “The floors are honestly dangerous because sometimes people will jump and they’ll just slide out … You could definitely slip and mess up something,” said Luke Balko, Freshman. Max Sherman, a Freshman on the boy’s C-team basketball team, feels as if the quality of his practices has been heavily affected by the floors. “If I am trying to guard someone while playing basketball, I start sliding. Firstly I could hurt myself, making myself unable to play. Second of all, I’m sliding so I can’t guard them to the best of my abilities. Same with offence, if I slide while I’m stopping a travel is called,'' Sherman said.
Audrey Solberg, a freshman on the girls volleyball team, has realized the threat that the floors have posed to her volleyball team. “One problem the volleyball team had is that the floors were really slippery and it was hard to maintain traction while moving around the court… Also, to the athletes it can be really scary because if something goes wrong and it's due to a slippery floor it can mean the end of your season”, Audrey Solberg, Freshman at AHS, said. The AHS gyms are something that students use every day. The Gym floors at the AHS have not been waxed since Homecoming! Something of such significance to the student body should be of extreme importance to AHS.
ing real issues. Senior Elijah Goldman, a believed the AHS administration needed a push when it came to an incident regarding supporting LGBTQ students in a time of need. “The school seemed unwilling to do anything [about the “Firestarters for Jesus” Podcast]. The administration was talking about how they can’t do anything under the law, but I continued to say they had the ability to say an announcement in support of the LGBTQ community and finally they listened,” said Goldman. Continuing his point, Goldman spoke on how other schools deal with issues compared to AHS; “My uncle is a principal in New York in the Bronx where he actually has to deal with real problems, like assaults almost every week and kids
bringing guns to school. So I’m flabbergasted by our administration’s lack of ability to do much of anything concerning any problems ever.” Senior Nadia Debska remembers when the administration cracked down on one student but neglected to address a larger issue that also came with the incident she witnessed. “I was in line for the cafe and someone cut the line, which I don’t think they should’ve done, so an administrator told them to get out of line, which I think was a perfectly reasonable response. This was until other students started jeering the student who cut, and the administrator didn’t do anything about it. This was frustrating to watch because the quick-fix issue of kicking someone out of line was addressed, but the larger
issue of harassing another student was completely ignored,” Debska said. Sophomore Clare Irvin has seen effective enforcement of school-wide initiatives to protect students but finds that they too are relatively easy problems to solve and enforce, while more complicated problems remain unaddressed. “I know that the school has been pretty strict about wearing masks and trying to keep students and teachers healthy for the most part. I think enforcing this rule during COVID has been super important, but I do think it’s an easy issue to focus on. I think it would be harder for them to organize more complex regulations to combat the spread. It’s much less difficult and quicker to just make people wear masks,” Irvin said.
Aspen High School Focuses on the Wrong Issues
Jenny Ellis, Editor-in-Chief
Aspen High School’s administration has to deal with disciplinary actions each day, ranging from minor infractions to major suspensions or expulsions. The line between real problem solving and unnecessary action to combat student issues is frequently crossed by the administration. Regarding this issue, student voices are important to highlight and they should be given a space to share their ideas. This article is a place for that. Easy problems, such as suspensions for drug use in school, will tend to move faster and be thoroughly attended to by administration. Yet, it seems that bigger issues, such as a cliquey and excluding culture at AHS, is either pushed to the side or requires action from students and parents when it comes to AHS address-
SKIER
OPINION
‘Get Back’ Review January 2022
Quintessa Frisch, Staff Writer
In a recent three-part docuseries titled: The Beatles: Get Back, streaming on Disney+, viewers have the opportunity to indulge in the process behind making the album Let It Be. The Beatles: Get Back documents Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon working together on a single album in 1969, throughout January. The result is a spontaneous rooftop concert following the uncertainty of a live performance. Each part is between two and three hours, arising in a near-total of almost eight hours. The footage consisted of 60 hours originally shot and an additional 150 hours of audio which Peter Jackson cut down in order to broadcast the key elements. This allows a viewer to get a detailed perspective from one of the world’s most well-known bands.
Most documentaries are typically just over an hour. However, The Beatles: Get Back has a controversial length with some viewers seeing it as too lengthy, while others think it is the perfect amount of unseen footage. The majority of people agree that the 2nd and 3rd episodes were more preferable to the 1st. According to Google’s “rate and review” section under the The Beatles: Get Back, “The first episode was a little boring, but set the stage for the human interactions between the band members,” but in the second paragraph said, “Episodes 2 and 3 were fascinating.” In the first episode, the Beatles begin rehearsing and creating, in hopes of a live show. Their lack of motivation is revealed and the tension is high. Following McCartney’s criticism towards Harrison, Harrison leaves the group for five days. Beatles fans are aware of Har-
rison’s break, although the exact dates of January 5th through January 10th were not steadily known. Next up, episode two. After Harrison’s abrupt break, the Beatles discuss and decide on officially recording their Let It Be album, abandoning the idea of a live show. The Fab Four head to Apple Corps, more famously known as Abbey Road, to pursue their decision. In Episode 3, the Beatles’ deadline approaches. On the second to last day, they impulsively perform a concert on the rooftop of the Apple Corps building. Not only do they attract pedestrians passing by, but the Metropolitan Police were also part of the audience, asking them to reduce the volume. This rooftop concert was the finale of their live performances, a relatively significant last moment of their career. There are distinct details leading to
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the famous breakup throughout the three parts. Although, even with the stress of the process, there are plenty of joyful moments of singing and laughing. Watching the four members’ buoyancy shines over the quarrels, making for the docuseries’ most entertaining and enjoyable parts. In an interview with the Sunday Times, McCartney shared that watching them laugh together was reaffirming to him. “It just proves to me that my main memory of the Beatles was the joy and the skill,” McCartney said. The Beatles: Get Back is a memorable way to get an insight into one of the most famous band’s lives. The laughs, music, playing, and disputes behind the album help to absorb a viewer. In the end, the rooftop concert sweeps the docuseries, overall making the wait completely worth it.
The last time students had a normal school year Kayla Tehrani, Editor-in-Chief
Recently at Aspen High School, it seems like students have almost forgotten the basic acts and actions that they must have in school. It has become difficult to follow basic rules and habits that were present prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it seems hard to find the root of the problem. The last time students had a normal school year was three years ago. For seniors, freshman year was their last normal year. For juniors, it was eighth grade. For sophomores, it was their seventh grade year, and for freshmen it was sixth grade. For this reason, it’s been difficult for students to remember what a normal school year looks like from before COVID hit, causing them to act differently towards each other, as well as teachers. It’s been hard for seniors especially, to get through their high school years. Everything since freshman year has been different between school and social lives, which has upset some of them. Laurel Yule, a senior at AHS, feels the effects of the abnormal years. “It makes me feel sad. I feel like we missed out on a lot of things because of this. It almost feels like we didn’t have high school,” Yule said. Younger students don’t necessarily have a lot of high school experience to look back on, but it’s still something that has become a challenge for them as well. They came into high school in the midst of this pandemic, so it’s been difficult for them to come into a completely new environment with minimal help. Tanner Benson, a sophomore, believes the way the past few years have panned out is unnecessary. “I feel that we should completely disregard COVID in the school. I don’t necessarily think it matters if people feel unsafe in school, they shouldn’t come in that case,” Benson said. “I’m upset about how people want to go back online because of people being scared, and I just want school to go back to normal again.” Freshmen have had it better coming into high school, as this year as become more normal than the past years, but still with masks and restrictions it’s not necessarily easy. The extent that COVID has impacted students has caused the past few years to be more difficult in different ways. Deena Tehrani, a freshman, explains how some hard years were still better than this. “Even though sixth grade was not the best year for me, I very much enjoyed not having masks and I miss seeing everyone’s faces,” Tehrani said.
The actions and attitudes of students towards school and such things involved have changed from three years ago, and that is clearly shown daily at AHS. As COVID begins to slow down, things have been getting better and continuing to get better as we reach the halfway point of the year.
SKIER A&E Gang Starr’s influence on Hip Hop
January 2022
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Brenon Reed, A&E Editor The Origin of hip hop can be dated back to 1973 in New York City. DJ Kool Herc threw a house party in the South Bronx. Using turntables, he created a way to isolate and repeat musical breaks. These tools are stepping stones for the creation and expansion of Hip-Hop. People began to rhyme over these snippets. Kids would bring a boom box in the school yard, and start rhyming to a beat. This new genre started to take off as an underground cultural movement. Gang Starr is a distinctive rap groups that took the industry in a new direction. The group’s original members included Big Shug and Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal or Guru. The group was formed in Atlanta, Georgia. Guru would write the lyrics, as MC Damo D-Ski would recite the rhymes with his unique voice. Two years after the release of the group’s 1987 single, “The Lesson”, DJ Premier was added to the group due to his knowledge of music and skills as a DJ. The most significant aspects of why Gang Starr was such an iconic group have to do with the production of the music and the ability to provide detailed stories within each bar. The use of sampling is one of the influential aspects of Gang Starr. Sampling uses or reuses certain musical elements such as rhythm, melody, or even full bars. These different aspects can be manipulated and can change the entire outcome of the crafted music. This plays a significant role in rap today, as melodies and vocals are often sampled and used throughout the genre. During the early 90s, rap beats consisted of many R&B samples. While some may consider use of sampling others music, as being unoriginal, it is quite the opposite. In an interview with genius, DJ Premiere, brings up the 1988 track by
Hannnah Popish, Design Editor
Gang Starr, Photo Courtesy of NPR
Stetsasonic, talking all that Jazz. “Rap brings back old R&B, and if we did not, people might have forgot,” Daddy-O says on the 1988 Track. Reusing older music creates a good mix between the past and present. During the interview, DJ Premiere acknowledges the fact that “these people created and put their blood, sweat, and tears into this music that we’re taking and creating our own version, and converting it into a Hip Hop type record.”, Premiere explains to Genius. Both DJ Premier and Guru have college educations that have influenced their writing style and meaning behind their music. This is displayed in their music
with dense, multi syllable lyrics to educate those listening. Guru uses literary devices to explain different aspects of life and lessons he has learned through his years. To say Gang Starr was ahead of its time is an understatement. During the 1998 hit, “Moment of Truth”, Guru shares his thoughts as he was in the midst of a trial fighting for his freedom. While the reason for Guru’s trial is unknown, he is able to put his emotions into words and create vivid imagery. “Now I’m contemplatin’ in my bedroom pacin’, Dark clouds over my head, my heart’s racin’, Suicide? Nah, I’m not a foolish guy,
Don’t even feel like drinkin’ or even gettin’ high, ‘Cause all that’s gonna do really is accelerate, The anxieties that I wish I could alleviate.” These lines are a considerable paradox when thinking about rap music. Most modern day rap songs are associated with glorifying drug use and addiction. Guru explains that using drugs as a coping mechanism only worsens his problems. “But wait, I’ve been through a whole lot of other shit before, So I oughta be able to withstand some more, But I’m sweatin’ though, my eyes are turnin’ red and yo, I’m ready to lose my mind, but instead I use my mind I put down the knife and take the bullets out my 9” Despite Guru’s hardship, he realizes that he has gone through much worse. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary issue. Guru understands, while he is going through pain and hardship, suicide is not the answer. Mental health has had a huge impact on rap music, and Guru was one of the first to talk about having doubts about his life but not letting his hardships get the best of him. This resonates with listeners as it shows that hardships happen to everyone. Gang Starr is an idiosyncratic and arguably the most influential rap group of all time. DJ Premiere’s unique take on creating beats and his use of sampling other pieces of music has created a tangent as to how the genre of Hip Hop will evolve. Guru’s impeccable rhyme scheme, flow, and incorporating meaningful messages within his rhymes raised the bar for how one creates, and expands Hip Hop as a genre and culture.
January 2022
SKIER
A&E
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