Chronicle 19.1

An aerial view of Shadow Lake Mobile Home Village, the neighborhood Emerik Moser lives in.

2 Feature September 10, 2021

Fulcher dedicates life after football career to helping others

Risha Chada | The Chronicle back to their lives.
“First and foremost, [I] look at them
David Fulcher may be new to Mason Photo by Risha Chada
High School, but he is not new to the David Fulcher can be seen in the MHS halls interacting with students. as equal; I’m human, they’re human,
meritorious task of changing the mind- and we all make choices,” Fulcher
sets of adults and teenagers. ciety with a different mindset. Fulcher to bolster his views of change. As part said. “It’s tough to come back into [an]
said he believes that the problem in of MANA, Fulcher developed an 11- environment that still has drugs, still
Fulcher, a former Cincinnati Bengals today’s world is a lack of discipline and step program to discuss eleven topics has crime, still has violence, but that’s
player and current media aide, mentors respect for others, as well as oneself. crucial to helping the prisoners make where [they] live. That still doesn’t
high school students and devotes much amends and better themselves. mean [they] have to [engage] in it.”
of his free time to volunteering at pris- “When I was growing up, ‘no’ meant
ons throughout the state of Ohio. no, it wasn’t how many times I could “These topics could be new begin- While Fulcher works to amend the
ask to get a ‘yes,’” Fulcher said. “That’s nings, like when they get out of jail, or lifestyles of adults in prison, he also
Fulcher has seen prisoners plagued where we struggle today, so I’ve relationships, because a lot of relation- strives to develop some initial good
by their decisions, rocky childhoods learned that you [need to] communi- ships end when they go to jail,” Fulcher habits in the teenagers he mentors at
and addictions, people who are often cate and talk to people, and treat people said. The overarching goal for Fulcher, Mason High School. Fulcher said that
unable to reconcile with their past. the way you want to be treated.” however, is to teach the prisoners about holding a kid accountable for their
Through discussion, time and commit- respecting others as well as the rules, actions can sometimes be the most ef-
ment, Fulcher provides aid and support It all started, according to Fulcher, because the program needs to evoke fective tool. Yet, just as with the adults
so that they can hit play on their lives during his time at a charter high a permanent mindset change, rather Fulcher helps, the students need to
once again. school. One of the students Fulcher than a noncommittal effort. learn discipline and respect and apply
worked with was arrested, but instead it to all aspects of their lives.
“The prisoners volunteered to come, of viewing him as a criminal or lost Unlike many, Fulcher does not see
and as they were volunteering, it went cause, Fulcher brought the student’s a prisoner as the crime they commit- “I love working with these kids, but
from five to 30 in two months,” Fulcher schoolwork to the juvenile detention ted, but simply as a person who made sometimes I can’t tell the kid to go to
said. “Since I’ve been doing this, I have center and sat with him until it was a decision. When Fulcher steps into the class without some kind of backlash,”
probably talked to over ten to fifteen done. prison, it is not a matter of what they Fulcher said. “It’s hard work for them
thousand men who are incarcerated, did, or what kind of person they are, to stick to it, but if work was easy then
trying to make a change.” “I didn’t want him to get left behind but who they want to be. everyone would do it.”
because he went to jail,” Fulcher said.
After speaking at a meeting for a “That day was the first day I started However, Fulcher said he does under- Fulcher’s time playing football con-
diversity panel in Ohio and connecting working at the jail.” stand that the prisoners need to break tributes to his skill set when it comes
with some Mason teachers, Fulcher the bad habits that led them to prison to mentoring teens. The way Fulcher
started building a program to help pris- Mentoring Against Negative Actions in the first place before they can go best learned, as a player, was when
oners learn to fight negative thoughts (MANA) is the program Fulcher started he was taught, not coached, on how to
and actions. do something that he could then apply
to all aspects of his life.
Previously, due to his professional
football career, Fulcher interacted with “If you can teach somebody some-
the community by speaking at high thing—like I try to do in the jail—I
schools or playing basketball against think they’d be a better person for it
the high school teams. because they’ve been taught what to do,
not [told] what to do,” Fulcher said.
His work with teenagers during his
football career opened doors for him to As he works with the at-risk youth at
make a difference in their lives—espe- Mason, Fulcher also takes into account
cially those who have had to deal with that the kids he mentors today will
family dysfunction, alcoholism, drug soon be adults and making their own
addiction, and more. decisions.

“I grew up in Los Angeles around With this in mind, Fulcher values
drugs, violence, and gangs, but I was teaching them the importance of im-
never a part of it,” Fulcher said. proving their communities; often, the
students he mentors know what they
The memories Fulcher has of his are supposed to do, but it is a matter
tough childhood helps him to better of implementing those ideas to make
relate to many of the people he talks their lives better.
to in prison; he said that many of the
inmates did not have anyone to guide “As a mentor, I want to guide them to
them when they were young, so they make the best choices and decisions for
were led astray by negative actions and them so that they don’t get in trouble,”
values. Fulcher said. “Every kid in this school
has a community, so let’s make Mason
A large part of Fulcher’s role in their High School a better community.”
lives is to help them come back into so-

I look at them as equal; I’m a human, they’re a human, and we all make choices.

David Fulcher

September 10, 2021 News 3

Students, teachers adjust to return to full capacity

Aditya Thiyag | The Chronicle each other’s presence. Online, didn’t have for the first few days and I think we were that the online staff and students felt im-
a visual of who I was talking to a lot of all [confused]. That was a concern for me, pacted any preconceived notions they had
Five hundred and seventeen days after times, which was difficult. That personal that I’m not going to know what I’m [sup- about returning to the building. Ephron-
the entire world first shut down in March connection, even with the mask, is way posed to be] doing.” Harp believed the restrictions would be
2020, Mason City Schools has resumed better than anything. It’s just nice to be strictly enforced, with less socialization
operating at full capacity. able to look someone in the eyes again The procedures for the school year in the hallways and individual dividers
and not be separated by a screen.” were laid out in a large Google document in lunchrooms. While she was happy
The return to full capacity also means with a multitude of links and guidelines about being able to speak to her friends in
the return of thousands of students Although Sethi found it difficult to con- rather than clearly explained to the staff. between classes, the lax restrictions have
and teachers who are back in buildings nect with students virtually, Sophomore Instead of asking staff who were in the prompted safety concerns of her own.
throughout the district. English Teacher Olivia Kinross felt the building last year or sifting through this
online chat feature on Zoom proved to document, Kinross had an alternative “I definitely do get angry because
The return to school has been an be extremely useful in connecting with that she believed would greatly help the people get so close to me when walking in
adjustment period for students who are her more introverted students, prompt- online staff gain familiarity with proce- the hallway,” Ephron-Harp said, “Some-
dealing with some anxiety as they are ing her to even input this feature into her dures instead. times I see people who don’t wear masks
back in school after more than a year of classroom this school year. and then, to put it bluntly, cough without
online education. “It would be helpful to have a big covering their mouth. It’s concerning
“We sometimes just open up a chat meeting where we get to ask questions,” because some people just cough right
It has been an adjustment for senior or a dialogue and we’ll talk on a docu- Kinross said. “There’s a document that I onto the desk. I’ve seen it before. So I got
Alicia Ephron Harp, the largest one was ment, and I find that it’s working well,” can ask questions on, but I don’t feel like really scared because I thought that the
changing from her completely different Kinross said. “Sometimes students will say I even know how to ask my questions transition within the building would be
schedule and routine that she had online. something like ‘Haha Mrs. Kinross, good there.” easy. But, you know, some people are just
The rough transition from back to in- pun.’ Just silly stuff like that makes me free range.”
person was exacerbated by the laid-back chuckle.” Online students had similarly been
nature of online schooling. feeling lost in terms of high school While safety remains an especially con-
Even though she was able to connect culture - something Sethi began to ob- cerning issue for those who were online
She often had Zoom meetings “just with some students, Kinross did feel a bit serve firsthand in his Comet Connection last year, Sethi was genuinely glad to be
playing in the background” and as a result of a disconnect between her and her peers. classes, and something he had to adjust back in the school, and no event made
was “sleeping all the time.” She attributed this to the online staff’s to as well. him feel more welcome than the first
unfamiliarity with procedures that took football game of the year.
“I become a little bit more antisocial,” place in the building last year. “There’s a lot of students who have
Ephron-Harp said. “I’ve become less de- missed out on a lot and don’t know some “The band was there and it just felt
pendent on other people and I don’t need “Sometimes people forget that we of the traditions that we take for granted,” like it was supposed to,” Sethi said,
to hang out with people as often. [Online weren’t here last year,” Kinross said. Sethi said. “There’s been a lot of just be- “There was an energy to the crowd that
school] taught me just how I don’t have to “They’ll just say things like, ‘like we ing patient and giving grace to people to we hadn’t felt in a long time. That’s what’s
be as social. ” did last year,’ and [former online teach- come along at their own pace, and recog- really going through my head - just enjoy-
ers] don’t know what that looks like. For nizing that a third of the school is brand ing these moments and not taking them
This antisocial energy is something example, letting kids out at 2:27 or 2:28, new this year.” for granted, because they can all be taken
that Comet Connections teacher Brandon that happened last year. Well, this year, we away and just appreciating every day that
Sethi felt as well. Sethi believed that being only did it This general sense of unfamiliarity
back in person has helped him connect we get to be in Mason High School
with students in a way that virtual learn- with each other.”
ing didn’t allow him to.

“Here, I can sit three feet
apart from you,” Sethi
said.

“We can
feel

Illustration by Alisha Verma

4 News September 10, 2021

MHS staff candidates go before student panels during interview process

Izzy Gaspar’raj | The Chronicle professional, bringing their resumés Photo by Savannah Libby
and references with them for the
Some new staff members at Mason students to review. Mason High School’s newest Assistant Principal Tina Drake talks to sophomore
High School have students to thank Alex Riley. Drake had to go before a student panel during the interview process.
for their position on the high school “They were talking to me as if
staff. they were talking to Dr. Jordan and students, which was played a big role ticipation from everyone, including
Mr. Dodd,” Mehta said. “That level of in the hiring process. students.
Over the last five years at MHS, respect was really nice.”
student panels have started to “[Students] invite the candidates to “It’s so powerful to me if the stu-
become a part of the hiring process The interviewers on the panel said feel more comfortable, which is re- dents are actually an important part
for staff positions. The consistency that they appreciated the profes- ally helpful in the interview process,” of that process,” Snell said. “That’s
of the panels started to increase in sionalism of the meetings and that Distel said. “You get to see a more what it should be.”
the spring of the 2020-2021 school the administrators took the students’ true sense of who the teacher or the
year when the Inclusive Excellence opinions into account when making administrator is because the kids are Distel also emphasized the impor-
(IE) Leadership Team participated in their decisions. Panel member Raquel good at putting them at ease.” tance of having students conduct the
these panels. Ramirez, a junior said that the candi- interviews, saying that it revealed
dates treated them the same as they Assistant Principal Tina Drake was the habits that the candidates would
The student panels were heavily in- would an adult interviewer. hired for the current 2021-2022 school be using on an everyday basis in
volved in the hiring of new Assistant year and was interviewed by a student the school if they were chosen to be
Principal Tina Drake and Chemistry “They were very respectful and panel from the IE Leadership Team. hired.
teacher Phillip Snell. they took our questions seriously and
answered [in] detail, just like they Drake felt that the students made “Engaging with students is the
For the Assistant Principal inter- would have if adults were interview- her interview more enjoyable. Her most critical characteristic we look
views, candidates rotated through ing them,” Ramirez said. “It was an prior administrative experience led for,” Distel said. “We won’t get that
a student panel, teacher panel and actual interview and our thoughts her to value relationships between insight unless we involve kids in the
administrative scenarios. were counting towards the final herself and the students in her interview process.”
decision, so everybody took it really school.
Student panel interviews took seriously.” In addition to enhancing the
place in the Harvard Room and “I was more comfortable talking interview process itself, Mehta saw in-
included a couple of administrators Being able to interview adults with the students than I was with terview panels as her way to leave her
in the room to help facilitate conver- for the Assistant Principal position the teachers for some reason,” Drake mark on MHS. Mehta was grateful
sation. was an eye-opening experience said. “I enjoy interacting with the kids for the opportunity, and would jump
for Ramirez as it allowed her to be better.” at the chance to do it again.
Senior Myles Tavernier participated involved in what is typically an adult
in several of the administrator and process. Chemistry teacher Philip Snell, “Even the idea of [giving] students
teacher interviews. He was excited who is in his first year at MHS, was the opportunity to make an impact
to hear that students were being She said she valued the input she interviewed by a student panel and so direct on their school, not only
included in an important process that and her peers were able to add to the said he was relieved when he heard are you deciding the future of the
is usually a job for adults. interview process, especially because students would be present. students who are going to come after
she believes that student voices and you,” Mehta said. “You’re leaving
Tavernier believes that by allow- input should be implemented into One of the aspects that Snell said your legacy on the school [through]
ing students to participate, admin- the school whenever possible. drew him to MHS is the inclusive this person you chose.”
istration showed that they do care culture, and that MHS values par-
about what students have to say. “I think it added a whole other
dimension to the interview, just
“Student-principal relationships because it’s not an adult-on-adult con-
are very important,” Tavernier said. versation,” Ramirez said. “It’s students
“I know a lot of students feel like the voicing what they want the school to
administration is not as active in this be like and what they’re hoping to
school, so having an option and a get.”
voice was kind of exciting.”
Assistant Principal Dan Distel is
Junior Urja Mehta was also on the one of the administrative team mem-
panel for the Assistant Principal inter- bers who who participated in the in-
views and was shocked that students terviews. He felt that these somewhat
would be given the opportunity to unconventional interviews bring out
ask their own questions. Mehta had a different side of the candidate.
never experienced being an inter-
viewer instead of an interviewee, and Many candidates seeking jobs at
felt empowered in that role. MHS talk about building relation-
ships with students but being able
Mehta said she felt very profes- to witness the candidates interacting
sional with the setup in the Harvard with students brings a whole new per-
Room, but also a little nervous. She spective to the hiring process because
was worried that due to her age she it allows the committee to see the
might not receive the same respect as potential employee in action.
an adult.
According to Distel, with students
Despite her worries, the candidates leading the interview, they were able
for assistant principal were still very to observe Drake’s comfort with the

September 10, 2021 News 5

Upgrades to peer tutoring program will benefit students

New advisor, new
classroom, new corp of
tutors ready to help
students who need
academic assistance

Isabelle Paley | The Chronicle

The peer tutoring program at Mason High School Photo by Abigail Waechter
is getting a makeover. Not only has the classroom
space been transformed but so has the philosophy Peer tutors Shruti Garg (left) and Tanisha Senthil (right) work together to develop an upcoming tutoring plan for
of this program aimed at helping students who need the 2021 - 2022 school year.
academic assistance.
addition of a cool light system. Wilburn said that blue can help as many kids as we can,” White said. With
Bonnie White, the new peer tutoring advisor, has lights will help kids focus and create a more comfort-
taken on the challenge of rebuilding the program able learning environment. over one hundred tutors signed up so far, the size of
impacted greatly by the Covid pandemic.
White takes over as the peer tutor program direc- the program is certainly increasing in size.”
The challenge of alternating between face-to-face, tor after previously serving as a high school math
remote, and in-person learning hampered many of teacher. Now serving in a ful- time capacity, White Even though this program is advertised as
the academic programs in the high school and the hopes to build on the solid foundation of the pro-
peer tutoring program was no exception. gram to create an even more comprehensive support academic assistance, tutors and the kids they tutor
network for students.
Communication difficulties were a major hurdle form a bond. This relationship-building can play an
for senior tutor Lauren Varga. Varga felt tutoring Her personal goal for this year is to build some-
from a remote situation simply wasn’t ideal when thing that is going to last while also creating a sup- instrumental role in eliminating some of the stigma
it came to helping the students who needed her as- port system for Mason students for years to come.
sistance. associated with receiving extra help thus making the
“We’re really trying to work with the teachers to program more impactful.
“If students can’t see what they are doing wrong catch everyone up on what they missed last year,”
on the piece of paper that they are using, it’s so hard White said, “That’s our main goal -- to make sure that Varga recalls working with a student who was re-
to say ‘Right here, this is what you missed’ over a everybody’s where they need to be after last year.” luctant to receive help. After a few sessions of getting
computer screen,” Varga said. to know Varga, the student started to open up and be
With the disruption of a regular learning environ- more willing to come to peer tutoring sessions and
In a normal school year, face-to-face communica- ment in March of 2020, many kids’ routines were the two began to form a lasting friendship.
tion plays a critical role in the learning process. That altered. As the new school year is starting, and with
process was interrupted over the past year and a half many students coming back in person, some are find- “I really got to know him as a person rather than
due to the pandemic. ing themselves struggling in certain classes. me just tutoring him,” Varga said. “He ended up get-
ting an A on the test and passing the class all while
Tutor Clair Wilburn started in the program as an As students are realizing the amount of informa- we were having fun.”
tion they have missed from either online learning
Independent Study participant and how she is the or quarantines, they are finding that they may need The peer tutors officially opened for business on
help in filling some of those gaps. That is where September 7. If a student needs help from anything
group’s president and intern. Wilburn said that she White hopes the peer tutoring program can make an from Algebra to Mandarin, the tutors are a valuable
immediate impact by recruiting plenty of peer tutors. resource. Students who need help can speak to their
felt that the peer tutoring lacked the typical luster teacher to request to see a tutor in the program.
“[Our goal] is to grow the [program] as much as
last year, and needed to be revamped this year so that possible and get as many tutors as possible so that we Wilburn wants kids who need help to know that
they do not need to fall behind in their classes, get
every student needing help could receive it. stressed out, or overhwhelmed if they need help.
Simply seek help because there’s an entire regiment
“We’re kind of rebuilding the program from of tutors ready to help.

scratch,” Wilburn said. “We’ve got these two class- “There is always someone who needs help in
something,” Wilburn said, “and somebody’s [always]
rooms…where we can have group tutoring going on
willing to help.”
in one [classroom] and one on one tutoring [in the

other].”
A new classroom setting has been created in the

Z2 pod. Besides the new room, numerous educa-
tional aids have been added. There’s more space and
whiteboards to help tutors work out problems and
visually demonstrate the topics that students require
assistance.

Another feature that has been implemented is the

6 Feature September 10, 2021

Training for future Air Force recruits gets early start

Bradyn Johnson | The Chronicle

The education of military hope- Photo by Bradyn Johnson
fuls has been taking an earlier Civil Air Patrol cadets practice military-style formation in order to prepare for potential military futures realistically.
flight.
leadership, [And] self-discipline, to that’s not necessarily the truth. For though she doesn’t plan on becom-
Civil Air Patrol is an arm of the help get your life in order,’’ Poland Long, who has been a part of CAP ing a soldier, she still appreciates
U.S. Air Force, an auxiliary pro- said. The Civil Air Patrol program for 5 years, there’s no fear associ- the experience that she’s had.
gram, comprised of civilian volun- helps individuals focus on these ated with the US troops.
teers. It is a non-profit organization characteristics not only for the pres- “I am not planning on going into
that was established on December 1, ent, but the future as well. “We do have strict uniform regu- the military,” Long said. “I’m going
1941, and consists of roughly 60,000 lations, but as far as the military, to college just like everyone else,
members nationwide between the This program isn’t just about the meeting aspect of it, I wouldn’t in hopes of becoming a nurse. I
ages of 12 and 20. The program instilling key values into its par- say it’s scary,” Long said. [just] wanted to be in that uniform,
teaches young teens situational ticipants, but also about creating a wanted to look that crisp. I wanted
awareness, critical thinking, and warm and supportive environment, Cadets spend a lot of their train- to join something bigger than me.”
basic safety skills through interac- so that everyone can succeed and ing and learning about the science
tive exercises and teamwork. This continue to the next level if they so behind flying. This includes what C/Sgt. Auriana’s path through
program achieves three specific choose. And, according to Poland, C/Sgt. Auriana describes as, “learn- CAP is taking a different course.
missions: Cadet Programs, Aero- that welcoming environment proves ing Bernoulli’s Principle, [And] She dreams of becoming an Air-
space Education and Emergency to be beneficial, as she noted that doing [activities] with balloons, and Force pilot. Taking to the skies has
Services. “10 percent of every freshman class observing the way the air moves,” become a newfound passion for her,
at the Air Force Academy are for- connecting it to Newton’s laws. but it wasn’t her first time getting
Lt.Col Linda Poland, who is from mer Civil Air Patrol cadets.” an idea of what a pilot is like.
a local squadron, has been a part of While the auditory education
the Civil Air Patrol for 12 years. She To foster this supportive environ- aspect of CAP is crucial, a lot of the “[I want to] fly in the Air Force
mentioned that the program not ment, the CAP has a “wing-man sys- participant learning occurs during or the Navy as a F-18 pilot or a C-17
only teaches cadets about the Air tem”, as described by senior Cadet/ hands-on experience through vari- pilot and then retire and become
Force side of things, but how to be a Lt. Col. Heather Long. She believes ous activities. One example, titled Airline,” Auriana said. “My dad is
better person as well. that, while the program provides Orientation Flights, provides the ca- a pilot and my mom used to be a
safety, it’s also a “good mentorship dets with an opportunity to observe pilot. I first got the interest from
“We teach life skills, teamwork, program.” And she found her men- the pilot and, sometimes, assist them.”
tors through her grandparents. while operating the plane. Among
I wanted to other ventures, CAP members also Auriana aspires to serve time in
join something “I joined because my grandpar- participate in parades and commu- the Air Force and return to the CAP
ents are directors of Honor Flight nity service. program someday, wishing to “be
“bigger than Tri-State,” Long said, “And I always a senior member and help cadets”
saw the Civil Air Patrol.” Civil Air Patrol’s mission is to be after she serves. This aspiration,
me. impactful to many teens and their in part, can be equated to how the
When most think about learn- decisions for their futures, and program has transformed her into
“Heather Long, Senior ing or training for the U.S. Armed Long and senior C/Sgt. Madeline who she is today.
Forces, many may contemplate Auriana are living proof. Long has
obedience, strictness, and excessive been participating in CAP since “If I was the person I was when I
conditioning. However, with CAP she was only 12 years old and even first joined,” Auriana said, “I don’t
think I would be able to do this.”

September 10, 2021 Feature 7

Impassioned youth lead call for change

Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle motivation to speak out publicly and to work with
advocacy groups like PPA Ohio was their parents’
Photo contributed by Maya Rao With Government classes preaching political sacrifice.
engagement, students who cannot vote are finding
Maya Rao shouts chants through a megaphone at ways to make an impact on the political climate of “My parents uprooted themselves from their
the demonstration outside of the August 9 Mason city their community. home country to immigrate to the U.S. because they
council meeting. believed in these freedoms,” Rao said. “It was my
Senior Logan Strunk is not 18 yet, so he chooses to duty as a citizen and as a person that can get preg-
take political action using avenues that, unlike vot- nant to stand up for my and other people’s rights.”
ing, don’t have an age limit. For him and his peers,
attending protests, signing petitions, and speaking Rao stayed with the Planned Parenthood group
out on social media are some of the ways to voice throughout the protest. At one point, they got
their opinions. He doesn’t believe age should stop handed a megaphone and got an opportunity to lead
anyone who wants to make an impact. the people around them through chants like, “My
body, my choice”.
One of the ways he makes a difference is through
his youth group. He started with NTFY: The Reform “I really was not expecting that,” Rao said.“It
Jewish Youth Movement as a freshman and then wasn’t planned, but I had this opportunity and I was
later joined The Chabad Teen Network,s. One of the going to use it.” Even though they were nervous,
group’s projects was a food and goods drive where Rao felt that taking an Advanced Placement U.S.
Strunk volunteered to pack the items. The experi- Government and Politics class last year “inspired
ence made him much more passionate about the [them] to feel confident enough to know that [they]
issue of poverty. could do it.”

“It’s one thing to know that there is child poverty To voice their views, many students use the inter-
in America,” Strunk said, “but you might not think net to protest and express their opinion. Unfortu-
about what it really means until you’re packaging nately, social media can be intensely polarizing, as it
diapers and formula for people that can’t afford is often easier to feed the flame of aggression from
them.” behind a screen. Senior Will Van Verth noticed that
with the influx of political action on social media
Alongside COVID-19 relief food drives, Strunk’s came the influx of misinformation and miscom-
youth group attended several marches, such as the munication. He kept seeing arguments that would
Martin Luther King Jr Day March in downtown Cin- not go beyond the simple ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’
cinnati. Strunk believes that the education his youth back-and-forth.
group provided him helps him grasp the issues
better. It also helps him speak out more because In those arguments, Van Verth disliked that “no
“when [he] feels like he is educated, [he] feels more one was really expressing themselves or listening to
comfortable spreading information.” others.” He wanted to see a change in communica-
tion between political activists from any side.
Strunk decided to use his voice again on August 9,
at the Mason City Council Meeting. During the pre- So, during the summer of 2020, he started a
vious city council meeting, a council member had podcast titled “United We Stand”. Van Verth would
mentioned being interested in passing an ordinance pick out an issue to talk about. He tried to stay away
to make Mason a “sanctuary city for the unborn.” from social media as much as possible because he
When Strunk heard about the possibility of Mason found it to be unreliable. After Van Verth chose a
banning abortion, he felt that “it was realy wrong topic, he would seek out a peer to discuss the issue
and [he] wouldn’t stand for it.” with. He tried to invite guests that were “on the
opposing sides so [they] were able to balance each
So, he found out when the next council meeting other out.”
was scheduled and decided, along with many of his
peers, that he was going to attend it and voice his To ensure that the podcast was as objective as
beliefs. possible, Van Verth kept his editing to a minimum,
stating that,“it was just a raw conversation,” and the
“My voice isn’t as heard as somebody who can only edits were cuts of awkward pauses. He did not
vote,” Strunk said. “[But still,] the youth have a re- want the podcast to feel rushed so that his guest
ally big impact on the political climate.” could provide “intelligent responses” without having
to “come up with something on the fly.”
Also politically involved, senior Maya Rao was
another teen in attendance of the protest. Their In the past, Van Verth had tried to debate people
immersion in the experience was aided in part by over text and had “gotten hate for it”. This nega-
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, a group tive response inspired him to create a space where
focused on campaigning for safe and legal abor- people could safely debate and “have actual conver-
tions statewide. Rao met with the group a few days sations”, rather than just fighting. With his podcast,
before to brainstorm speaking points and a general Van Verth hopes to encourage more informed and
plan of action for the entire event. Involvement with passionate political conversations.
active organizations is another route that many high
school students take to get their voice heard. “Politics can be dividing,” Van Verth said. “So, if
you are passionate about something, go out and
Rao is a first-generation American whose parents actually research it, make informed posts about it,
fled the Soviet Union in search of freedom. Rao’s don’t just repost, repost, repost.”

8 Feature September 10, 2021

Ethical and sustainable living becoming a globally-beneficial student trend

Tanya Keskar | The Chronicle type of fuel usually made with corn. and ethical shopping, stores have not school and increasing environmental
“It costs a little bit more, but it’s bet- necessarily been doing the same. In awareness is an important step. Mason
A few eco-minded Mason High the past few years, with it becoming High School has over 3000 students,
School students are battling today’s is- ter -- it’s a renewable resource,” Kehl increasingly trendy to go green, some and everyone working together can
sues by focusing on the impact of their said. popular brands, such as Zara and make a big impact.
footprints. H&M, have tried to convince people
Much like his other classmates, into buying their product by loosely “Conscious consumption [is key],”
Last year, senior Preston Meyer de- senior Andrew Levin is also focusing labeling it as ‘sustainable’, ‘recycled’, Levin said. “Because if we all do it,
cided to become vegan after learning on living an ethical lifestyle, but he or even ‘organic’, as many of these that will make a change.”
how meat consumption and animal ex- has a humanitarian basis for his inter- marketing terms have no regula-
ploitation are some of the worst factors est. He learned about the internment tion. At the same time, they keep
in the climate crisis. According to UC and forced labor camps focused on prices extremely low by hiding
Davis, a single cow belches 220 pounds assimilating ethnic Muslim Uighurs their supply chain and continuing
of methane every year, stays in the in the Xinjiang province. According to to exploit people, animals, and the
atmosphere for 12 years, and is 28 times the Center for Global Policy, over 20% environment.
more potent than carbon dioxide. of the world’s cotton was produced in
that region, and with blurring supply Meyer said that more transpar-
“I went vegan for the planet,” Meyer chains making products difficult to ency is needed to understand
said. “In the beginning, it was a little trace back to their original materials, which brands are actually sustain-
hard to do, but now, after a year and this unethical cotton is in many gar- able, and which brands are just
a half, it’s like the back of my hand. ments sold by fast fashion brands. trying to check labels to attract
I know what I can eat and I’m happy more customers.
with what I am eating as well.” “The ethical part is so important to
me because there's an emotional con- “It’s sometimes a challenge
Animal products are often hidden in nection to that -- the hands that touch to notice those and try to avoid
unsuspecting items. Common culprits the clothes,” Levin said. “I knew I mor- those [brands],” Meyer said. This
include gum with gelatin, clothes ally needed to do the best I possibly practice is known as greenwash-
with fur, leather or silk and even cane could to not support that.” ing -- labeling your product as
sugar refined with bone char. Meyer sustainable when, in reality, it is
is actively trying to live a fully vegan Levin took this opportunity to reas- an exaggeration.
lifestyle by seeking out vegan hair and sess his lifestyle.“I used to be really
skincare products, thrifting to cut the big on Abercrombie and Fitch, but the Kehl feels that one big chal-
tether to carbon emissions and saving more research I did, I realized that I lenge in trying to be an ethical
electricity. just can't continue to do this,” Levin and sustainable consumer is the
said. “I can't keep buying stuff from a isolating feeling of not doing
Going vegan as Meyer did is not the store that I know isn't right. We should enough.
only way high schoolers are stepping be paying more for our clothes and we
up to help the environment. Junior should be buying fewer clothes.” “I am one person,” Kehl said.
Jackson Kehl has found a unique yet “Companies blame people for
effective approach when it comes to Levin feels that reducing your rate not fully being sustainable. Duke
being more sustainable. of consumption is one of the best ways Energy comes around and says,
to make more ethical purchases and ‘put these ultra-efficient light
“I haven’t sworn off meat,” Kehl stay sustainable. He continues to adapt bulbs in your house, put these
said. “I try to reduce the amount of red his life to follow this ideal and utilizes shower heads in to reduce water,’
meat that I eat, because that is worse thoughtful shopping practices to stay which is great, but ignore the fact
for the environment.” with these morals. that Duke Energy has massive
coal plants. They dump oil in the
Instead, Kehl focuses on thrifting for “A lot of times, I’ll literally wait two Gulf of Mexico, and it burns. The
most of his clothes and using reusable months if I see a shirt I like, and then ocean is burning, and I’m just one
water bottles and straws, and he has if I want it two months later, I know I person,”
made the deliberate decision to use E85 should actually get it,” Levin said. “I’m
in his car instead of regular gasoline. not just wanting to make an impulse Levin believes that bring-
Differing from petroleum, E85 is made purchase.” ing sustainable solutions to our
with 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol, a
While Levin prioritizes sustainable

Graphic by Allison Droege

September 10, 2021 News 9

Students using medication fight to conquer associated stigma

Illustration by Allison Droege and Eliza Orlando Eliza Orlando | The Chronicle stress and anxiety.” his attitude, mindset, and mood almost im-
Shravani Page | Managing Editor Senior Kaya Rossey has experienced a mediately.
Abby Waechter | Managing Editor
long and difficult journey finding the routine “A lot of times I can tell when my meds
For years, medication has been a pitfall for that worked for her. Through this journey, have run off,” Farbstein said. “I have more
divide. Rossey discovered a variety of coping mecha- trouble focusing or staying calm, and I don’t
nisms in addition to therapy and medication really have too many side effects from my
Pain and cold medications such as Ibupro- which helped her become her best self. meds anymore but later in the day I can
fen and Allegra are widely accepted by the always tell when they’re running low.”
public, but anything outside of that realm “I’ve put a lot of time and effort into [cop-
is buried in debate and polarization. From ing mechanisms],” Rossey said. “Medication Although Farbstein and Rossey are on
ADHD pills to antidepressants, dependence is just the assistance that comes along with medication for separate reasons, both still
on medication can potentially be associated it. Mental health is a huge part of my life, face stigma from society. They have learned,
with the negative stereotypes that come with and I’m continuing to learn about my own however, to come to terms with it as they
mental illness. mental health and how I can support myself believe that they are on their medications for
and self-soothe.” the betterment of themselves. Rossey said
Guidance counselor Megan Pay classi- that medication is something that makes her
fies dependency as an “inability to function Finding the right medication is difficult, whole and allows her to be who she truly is.
without something.” In her eyes, however, and the first prescription is often not the best
medication does not fall under that um- fit. Junior Benny Farbstein initially felt a “It’s something I can use to better myself
brella. Rather, Pay considers medication to strong resistance to medication. He felt like and be 100% who I am,” Rossey said. “It’s dif-
be a “useful tool” that can be used alongside it would turn him into someone different. ficult when people think that you aren’t who
other resources to put oneself in a “good and Farbstein said that, when he started medica- you actually are.”
healthy mind space.” tion in fifth grade, the side effects of his first
prescription made him feel uncomfortable, Going forward, Rossey strives to make her
Other methods of recovery, including and it ended up not being the best option for message of being kind and giving people
therapy and coping mechanisms, come into him. grace known, regardless of their medical
play for Pay as she believes a combination status. She said that coming to terms with the
of these resources is what truly maximizes “When I first started my medication, I pur- medication makes a person strong.
someone’s recovery. posely skipped them a lot,” Farbstein said. “I
felt like they were changing my personality.” “If you’re on medication, it’s nothing to be
“I think that medication is great to help ashamed of,” Rossey said “What you need is
manage the physical aspects,” Pay said. “It’s But once Farbstein found the medication valid. We need to work on ending the stigma
important to work through, and come to that worked for him, he found his trust in around medication. You’re not lesser of a
terms with whatever it is that’s causing us the medication process was increasing to person. If anything, I think it adds to your
a point where he could feel a difference in strength.”

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10 News September 10, 2021

Illustration by Allison Droege THE BELLY BUTTON IS BACK
Fashion conscious teens showing off more than just their style

Divy Bose | The Chronicle Clothing that exposes the belly day but then the next I am com-
button can also be seen as a way pletely covered, you should not look
Despite the many attempts to show off piercings. Senior Alex at me any differently than the other
to ban its appearance, the Joseph cannot wear earrings due to day,” Jurewicz said. “If a boy gets
belly button has resurfaced an allergy to the different metals distracted by what I wear, that’s on
in most earrings. So she turned to him, not me.”
and it’s here to stay. At belly button piercing because they’re
least for now. made with titanium. Joseph wanted Body style and development can
to prove that getting a belly button also play a major role in how young
Style, primarily that piercing is a way of showing inner women are perceived and even
of the young women at strength and individuality. judged. Jurewicz said she and her
Mason High School, friend once wore the exact same
“I decided to have a piercing that shirt but received different reactions
has evolved over I could finally keep in and show off,” from adults because of their differ-
time. The world of Joseph said. “I see it as an attention ent body types.
fashion is constant- catcher that can inspire others to
do whatever they want to their own “No one should be told not to
ly changing and body.” wear a certain shirt just because
rarely does it pay they are more developed,” Jurewicz
any attention to Even with a piercing or wearing a said. “Someone shouldn’t have been
crop top, some eyes just aren’t drawn upset over wearing something I
archaic rules to the belly button. Mason Span- wore and got no comment on.”
that have ishteacher Debra Perry says that
been etched her focal point is on the students’ As students migrate from middle
integrity, even if she is more on the to high school they start to break
in school modest side of things. out of the normal “shirt and shorts”
handbooks outfit now that they’re in high
for de- “I look at my kids from the neck school. In some cases they show
up,” Perry said. “If I know that stu- their maturity and growth by what
cades. dent well enough, my perception of they choose to wear.
In the that student will not change.”
“There’s more behind that crop
2015-16 Perry has noticed quite a differ- top the student is wearing,” Joseph
MHS hand- ence in what is being worn around said. “When that top is criticized,
book the MHS in the past few years as trends so is the deeper layer of the stu-
rules govern- change rapidly in a teenager’s dent who made the decision to wear
ing attire stated “Clothing must world. She says that school is not what they wanted.”
be worn in a manner that does necessarily the place for choosing
not expose the shoulder, torso, a more revealing outfit, but to take As the crop top trend becomes
midriff, chest, cleavage, back, into account that school may be more of an everyday occurrence
buttocks, or undergarments.” their outlet for displaying their own there are those who think Mason’s
Despite the rule being in black confidence. reputation needs to be upheld. Perry
and white the kids at MHS did wishes kids would consider what
what teenagers do, they tested “The students have their thumbs they’re wearing and even though
the rule, they wore clothes on the beat of the style,” Perry says. their outfit may push the limit,
that pushed the boundaries “I dress for simplicity and comfort, she does not want to offend any
and eventually the boundaries but I know students use school as student’s style.
changed. their platform to wear what’s popu-
Now, in the 2020-21 hand- lar and what they think looks best “We’re a big school, so we have to
book the dress code basically on them.” remain tasteful,” Perry says. “But I
bans visible undergarments don’t want to step on any kids’ per-
and potentially insensitive Some students have gone from sonal taste, even if there is a certain
images that could be viewed as strutting down the halls to com- time and place for some choices of
harmful. But there’s nothing pletely having to change their clothing.”
about the bell button. wardrobe because of comments they
As students have become have received. Alex Joseph says that In order for the school to get
more comfortable with during her freshman year she got tougher with the dress code a
wearing what they choose, in trouble for wearing something lengthy process would have to be
the crop top trend has she liked. explored in order to get a new code
come back after several school board approved. Jurewicz said
years of hiding away. “The teacher just straight up told that the older generations need to
Junior Paisley Jurewicz me no to my face with no context,” understand that choosing to wear a
is glad that things have Joseph said. “I went as far as to crop top each day is for one’s self-
loosened up a bit and throw out that shirt and will never confidence, not for anyone else’s
feels empowered to wear that same outfit again.” judgment.
wear clothes that make
her feel more confident. Some students have been ac- “Just because some adults may
“I started wearing more of cused of wearing revealing cloth- not get my choice of clothing, does
what I felt good in freshman ing styles as a way to get attention. not mean that I need to make them
year,” Jurewicz said. “I wanted Jurewicz believes young women get it,” Jurewicz said. “I tell people
to look my best in an environ- shouldn’t have the responsibility that they can judge me all they
ment where I am at times not at placed on their shoulders. want, but that does not mean I am
my best internally.” ever going to change for them.”
“If I am showing more skin one

September 10, 2021 11

12 Fea

Acknowledging correct pronoun usage fo

Aimee Liu | The Chronicle tempting to nav
of their identiti
The topic of gender identity is no Terribilini (he/h
longer a national conversation; it is and spent much
right here in Mason High School. feeling like an o
der identity.
As the United States experiences
new ripples of social awareness, “Sometimes, b
people would sh
MHS students have noticed a make comment
slight, yet significant change ing, or call me ‘
in their classrooms this back- non-binary,” Te
to-school season: several to a point where
MHS teachers have incorpo- of that definitel
rated asking students about
their pronouns into their Terribilini isn
student introduction pro- experiences. Th
cesses. the community
face personal an
Mental Health tion.
Concerns
A recent stud
Many students, particu- nonpartisan and
larly those in the LGBTQ+ organization (N
community, do not feel sity of Chicago
they align with the gender 3 LGBTQ+ Ame
they were assigned at kind of discrimi
past year, leadin
birth. In a society physical, menta
full of rigid effects. By recog
labels, these ing their identit
students such as Band Di
are at- sive Excellence
Jackson (he/him
Illustration by Nishka Mishra pain that LGBT
experiencing.

“We know for
rates [among LG
higher than the

said. “We can’
‘this is all on
figure out w
[help stude
mental he
This is e
teachers
tive to as
nouns th
year star
and lead
team Ed
has been
hoping to

ature 13

osters more positive learning environment

vigate the evolution ronment at MHS. Across the board, staff, admin, the beginning, but it likely boosts
es. Sophomore Evan “We wanted to offer our students and students have emphasized the the person’s confidence a ton and is
him), is transgender importance of simply trying to use seriously a lifesaver.”
h of his adolescence [the option to share their pronouns] everyone’s correct pronouns. Junior
outcast for his gen- before they asked for it,” Protzman Alex Kirk, who uses they/she pro- Many people agree that progress
said. “[Inclusion] has been an evo- nouns, has found comfort in this towards radical acceptance can be
back in the day, lution over the district’s Big Rock effort, saying that it makes them observed, both throughout the na-
hout my legal name, trainings and seeing the world feel “very seen and very accepted,” tion and at MHS. English teacher Ra-
ts on what I was wear- change for the better as far as ac- knowing that “if a teacher asks chel Cronin (she/her) hopes she has
‘alien’ because I was ceptance.” [their] pronouns,” they know they contributed to some of this change
erribilini said. “It got can trust them. in her classroom.
e it was not okay. All Mason Steps Up
ly was so hard.” Beyond Pronouns “I think all of the English teach-
n’t alone in these In 2018, Mason City Schools Super- ers have been looking for ways to
hroughout the nation, intendent Jonathan Cooper imple- The venture to make sure ev- let students see someone like them,”
mented three Big Rocks, areas he ery Mason student feel secure Cronin said. “When we had some LG-
has continued to was hoping to improve on in the has gone outside of just using the BTQ+ literature on the sophomore
nd public discrimina- next three to five years: Culture, correct pronouns. In band classes, reading list last year, I had several
Inclusive Excellence, and Personal- a new concert dress attire policy students surprised that I normal-
dy performed by the ized Learning. Through increased was implemented to, according to ized this. Even things like adding
d objective research cultural awareness, a celebration of Protzman, let “students know that my pronouns to Instagram [makes a
NORC) at the Univer- diversity and push for equity, as well [teachers] are okay with who they difference].”
found that 1 in every as an emphasis on learner-driven de- are, with whatever approach they
ericans faced some signs, the ultimate goal was to make are taking in life.” The new policy Students, like Terribilini, seem
ination over the Mason a more welcoming environ- includes gender-neutral options for to appreciate the efforts staff have
ng to many negative ment. all students -- they now have the op- taken to ensure the environment at
al, and psychological tion between a tuxedo shirt, dress, or MHS lends itself to be very inclu-
gnizing and respect- Staff members, including biology blouse. sive.
ties, staff at MHS, teacher Jennifer Kassner (she/her),
irector and Inclu- caught on quickly. She had heard Efforts like these are not foreign “Overall, you can trust the people
team lead Avious about asking students for pronouns to Terribilini, who told his teachers at this school,” Terribilini said.
m), wish to ease some in a Professional Development ses- on the first day of his second semes- “Mason is so good at accepting their
Q+ students may be sion and said that she felt “empow- ter in eighth grade that he went by students and helping us feel com-
ered” to start doing so, aiming to he/him pronouns. He said that “all fortable. You can trust that there is
a fact that suicide ensure that every kid in her class- of [his] teachers were very accept- always going to be someone there
GBTQ+] students are room was supported. ing.” Though sometimes people ac- for you.”
eir peers,” Jackson cidentally use the wrong pronouns,
’t just say to people, “I just want everybody to feel in- he notes that, while there is “a sense Cronin has done her best to show
n you.’ We have to cluded, accepted, and safe,” Kassner of discomfort,” accidents are best to up for her students and get to know
what we can do to said. “I think we’ve all been in situ- forgive, and “changes are hard to get them as the people they really are.
ents prioritize their ations where we don’t feel comfort- right.”
ealth].” able. It’s not a good environment or “People are afraid of change,” Cro-
exactly why MHS one you want to be in to learn.” Terribilini believes that part of nin said. “More normalization of the
have taken the initia- the effort to make sure everyone’s fact that your identity is who you
sk students what pro- Even when Kassner acciden- pronouns are used correctly lies in are will hopefully lead to improved
hey use as the school tally uses the wrong pronouns in the hands of students. “If you notice societal change that sticks. The way
rts. Director of Bands her class, she makes sure that she people using the wrong pronouns to combat fear is to get to know
d on the MHS Culture apologizes for it. She appreciates her for someone you know, just pipe people individually.”
Protzman (he/him) students being understanding, and up and correct them,” he said. “It
n reflecting on and is believes that everyone’s efforts lead might be an awkward situation in Kassner hopes that the impact of
o change the envi- to “better relationships and more increased inclusivity and mutual
trust in the classroom.” respect in classrooms transcends just
those interactions.

“It’s a personal decision that you
make to be kind,” Kassner said. “If
everybody has that mindset, we can
make some big changes.”

14 Entertainment September 10, 2021

Michelle Chen “It’s very timely, because it’s a
Summer Project book of [Keller] bringing his faith
Painting to bear upon the hard times that
“The point of my project was he’s going through, trying to be
to challenge myself to to make a pastor in a pandemic, with
interesting arrangements from cancer,” Rapp said. “It’s very
everyday things.” poignant. Yes, it comes from
a Christian perspective,
but I think anyone with
any kind of background
should explore it.”

Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle
Sophomore Hailey Hartman has been
into fashion since freshman year. Her
motivation for dressing up for school is
the drive looking good gives her.
Her process starts with her picking
one article of clothing and seeing what
she could pair with it. For this outfit the
black and white, checkered pants were
the starting piece. Hartman chose a
plain beige button down and her favorite
dark green vest for a pop of color. She
finished her outfit off with gold leafs as
earrings, a pearl necklace and a silver
locket. “I didn’t realise until later, but
I’m wearing a green mask which almost
perfectly matches my sweater,” Hart-
man said. The floral pattern of the mask
compliments the gentle engravings on
the locket and its green background with
beige flowers fits into the color scheme
of her outfit.

Weight On Me by Sheff G and Sleepy Hollow Yeah by Usher Best Song Ever by One Direction Jump (For My Love) by Pointer Sisters
Through Da Storm by Polo G Rick N’ Morty by Soulja Boy The Final Countdown by Europe Why We Build the Wall by Patrick Page and
Relentless by Polo G Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. the Hadestown Original Broadway Company
Stinger by Ausar, Ro Marsalis
Bruno Mars Space Worms by Future Folk

September 10, 2021 Entertainment 15

by Aditya Thiyag In a world where the charts are dominated by pop-
rap crossovers and tik tok anthems, one indie artist

has been silently taking over the underground scene.

27 year old Los Angeles native Phoebe Bridgers has

had an eventful year, garnering four grammy nomina-
tions for her second studio album Punisher, a feature
on Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon III, and two Saturday

Night Live Performances, one of which ended with her smash-

ing her guitar to bits on stage. Her bold nature contrasting

Punisher Stranger in the with her ethereal musical style has amassed her over 5 million
(2020) Alps (2017) monthly listeners on Spotify, and with a confirmed feature on
the track “Nothing New” off of Taylor Swift’s re-recorded sec-
ond album Red releasing this October, Bridgers is being set up

for immense success in the near future.

boygenius BeCttoemr mOubnliivtiyon
(2018) Center (2019)

Shang Chi and the Legend Kanye West
of the Ten Rings
4/5
DIRECTOR: Destin Cretton Review by Sean Speidel

3.5/5 Easily the most anticipated album of the like he does. West somehow combines
Review by Aditya Thiyag year, Kanye West’s Donda did not disap- Hip-hop, Rap, R&B, and Worship music into
point. Donda. Featuring The Weeknd and Lil Baby,
With the Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer smashing the record the song“Hurricane”truly encapsulates
for the most views on a movie trailer in 24 hours and Avengers: West was first rumored to release Donda, the combination of these four genres. The
Endgame being the highest grossing film of all time, it’s easy to named after West’s late mother, following Weeknd’s lines flawlessly combine the R&B
feel like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is nothing a live listening party in Atlanta on June 22; and Worship genres and the song seam-
more than filler in the greater context of the Marvel Cinematic however, West left his fans disappointed lessly transitions to Hip-hop verses with
Universe(MCU). However, strong fight choreography, brilliant cin- and delayed the album release. West then West and Lil Baby which makes“Hurricane”
ematography, and a relatively complex antagonist in the Mandarin hosted another release party in Atlanta on a truly unique song that only Kanyea West
makes Shang-Chi a solid addition to the MCU. August fifth, advertising that the album could pull off.
would drop on the sixth. His fans were
Director Destin Daniel Cretton perfectly establishes the visual again left wondering if the album would This album wasn’t the typical rap album
style and the tone of the film within the very first fight sequence; ever drop. West then moved to Soldier Field that many people expected, but I think that
combining traditional martial arts, elemental battles reminiscent of in Chicago for another listening party on makes it so much better. West really tells a
Avatar: The Last Airbender, and a lush forest as the battleground all Thursday the 26th. By this time, fans had story with his songs“Jesus Lord”and“Jesus
comes together to envelop the viewer in this mystical world rooted essentially given up and did not expect the Lord pt 2.”Combined, they are 20 minutes
in East Asian culture. This opening scene not only is visually stun- album to drop. They were correct: on Friday and 30 seconds of masterful storytelling
ning, but the repartee between Shang Chi’s parents, Tony Leung’s morning, the album still was not available and insight into West’s inner struggle that
Mandarin and Fala Chen’s Ying Li, is charming and injects personal- on streaming services. West then surprised we have only seen snippets of before. The
ity and humor into the fight. Canadian Actor Simu Liu additionally all by releasing the album Sunday the 29th lyric“cause if that come to life, then I might
brings a great presence to the titular character. Originally starting and it was definitely worth the wait. not be right here, Been in the dark so long,
off as a caricature of a protagonist, Shang-Chi eventually grows don’t know if the light here”shows West’s
into a complex character defined by the relationship between his West somewhat abandoned his usual use of metaphors to really make his lyrics
heritage and his father - all of which is conveyed expertly through producing method of chipmunk soul, a come to life and show his brokenness in a
body language and line delivery courtesy of Liu. producing style where the author takes an way that we truly have not yet seen in this
old soul sample, loops it and pitches it up, much detail. West wrote this album in a
However, while Leung’s Mandarin and Liu’s Shang-Chi are clear hence the name chipmunk. He instead went way that the lyrics truly resonate with the
highlights, the film’s biggest downfall is in its side characters. The with more 808s (drum like beats), much like listener unlike anything else I’ve heard.
humor brought by Awkwafina’s Katy feels forced at best and, while his 2008 album 808s and Heartbreak. West
her presence is meant to be a relatable character for the audience, did, however, include some samples, most Ultimately, Donda has been a massive
her lack of charisma makes this character trope unengaging in famous: a sample from Ms. Lauryn Hill’s success, but Kanye would never leave his
every sense of the word. 1998 hit“Doo Wop”on the song“Believe fans fully satisfied. The version of Donda
what I say”. that released Sunday morning is only the
The story, while starting out strong, feels like it starts to lose clean version, so listeners will have to wait
its identity towards the midpoint of the film, introducing new With this album, West continues to almost even longer for the full experience, which,
characters, exposition, and conflicts well into its third act. The film have his own unique genre of music. No knowing Kanye, could take a while.
introduces these conflicts to compensate for character arcs and other modern artist creates music quite
as a result, the conclusion to most of these plot points doesn’t feel
earned and detracts from an otherwise engaging narrative.

While Shang-Chi has its fair share of narrative and character
problems, its charming leads, entertaining action sequences, and
expert choreography make it a delightful thrill ride from start to
finish. Here’s hoping Marvel carries the positives from this film into
the rest of Phase four.

Page Design by Della Johnson

16 September 10, 2021

Photo by Abby Waechter; page design by Nishka Mishra Focused on the future
Mason swimmers’ dream of competing
in the Olympics coming into focus

Andrew Little | The Chronicle

Three seconds. and qualified for the Olympic Trials in
That is how close Carl Bloebaum is to the 100 and 200 meter events. Butterfly,
achieving an Olympic dream. particularly the 200, is widely considered
Bloebaum, a senior and one of the one of the most physically demanding
most decorated swimmers in the history events in swimming. Mason Head Coach,
of Mason High School swimming, ad- Mark Sullivan said that Bloebaum’s skill
vanced to the second wave of qualify- along with his mindset allows him to go
ing for the United States swim team this beyond the typical potential of a high
summer. school athlete.
Nearly 900 swimmers competed in
Wave one of the U.S. trials, 50 advanced “He has an, ‘I will not lose’ attitude,”
to the second wave. Bloebaum was one Sullivan said. “I’ve seen him in races
of them. where all of a sudden he goes into a
The 2020 U.S. Olympic Swimming sixth gear and just accelerates, [there
Trials were divided into two waves, is] so much God-given talent that he
Wave one for swimmers who qualified possesses.”
with the traditional qualifying times and
Wave two for competitors who swam By swimming a time of 1:58.9, just
the fastest seed times. The top two over three seconds slower than the
finishers in each event from the Wave eventual winning time at the trial finals,
one finals would advance to the second Bloebaum managed to not only earn a
wave. Bloebaum said that the possibility personal best, but also win the race to
of advancing to wave two and compet- advance to the second wave. Bloebaum
ing for an Olympic spot motivated him said he ran on adrenaline for the entirety
to win his events. of the race, but when he finally finished,
“I didn’t have many expectations he was overcome with emotion.
until I saw the psych sheet when I was
seeded second going into [the race],” “After just under two minutes of a lot
Bloebaum said. “I saw that I was [ranked] of very hard swimming to see my name
second, and [thought], ‘oh I can realisti- touched first, all the emotions just came
cally make it back to Wave two,’ so I told at me so quickly, especially never having
myself I want to win and I want to come experienced anything like it,” Bloebaum
back to Wave two.” said. “I just let it all out, slapped the
Bloebaum has always been an ad- water and then I yelled a little bit. I was
vanced swimmer, as the Mason Manta really excited for myself. It was just a re-
Rays record wall proves, and is not ally cool experience.”
intimidated to compete against older,
more experienced swimmers. He said Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the
it was not until later in his career when Olympic Trials were postponed forcing
he started to grasp the understanding athletes to adapt to a five-year training
of the fact that he could have a serious schedule as opposed to the typical four-
future in the sport. year cycle. As many older athletes would
normally view the postponement as a
“When I was thirteen [I realized that] I hurdle, Bloebaum viewed it as extra time
to refine his skills in preparation for his
had a bright future ahead of me because career that is still ascending.

that was a year where I really started to “It definitely affected my mindset but
almost in a positive way because I told
separate myself from others. I just kind myself I’ll have another year to get bet-
ter,” Bloebaum said. “Some people are
of knew, ‘Okay, I have big things that I getting too old for trials, while I’m still
trying to reach my peak so it was almost
want to do, and I have got to work to positive for me.”

get them,’” Bloebaum said. “For the past Sullivan has coached several Olym-
pians in his career and said that while
four years, I’ve been working towards Bloebaum is younger than all of them,
he shares many of the same qualities as
the goal [of the Olympic Trials], and I got those athletes.

there.” Continued on page 19

Bloebaum specializes in butterfly,

September 10, 2021 Sports 17

Chronicle Sports Superheroes

Rashi loni Jake Bates kdyallegirgehn

acaSnsofghhmoiaeemRrienuparttsssrMastheheliradiltnsiseLshesohieoeduvnenephB’rhioeswelcrsuuwraiirnneepisngnotSf.ltduptoeorurprsereoemtadannhkanesestucn.certheas i2nbtg4hodhepoatihmrsafyeicprstskjirsocaltteeakoasstlene.ihrtnybUruyca,censetieahnehrkewgsirnsbemiohweeriwarskaidnnyshwe.guwishnlioktth-he iSnUhretthsthhueharleCdao.eouskpSmgiyxhihetleMetotai’mhhgcAsaeherRgsoaoDVambimfEaraalLeatdmgOiearcsaUugekhsSpaniaeniesvnriirasgesvhmtsne.eassurramokin.edtriovuinsg

Divy Bose Savannah Libby

Andrew Little Illustration by Alisha Verma. Page design by Abby Waechter

Chronicle Sports Staff recognizes the heroic efforts of some of Mason’s marevelous athletes

18 Sports September 10, 2021

Athletes find hope in vaccine OPINION

Sean Speidel | The Chronicle Return of students
to Friday night
Mason athletes are taking Photo by Lily Haller football captures
their shot. Senior soccer player Ella Madden decided to get a vaccine this year so she would the magic of
be protected against Covid-19 and the potential of contact tracing which could force the high school Andrew Little | The Chronicle
In order to avoid quarantine her to miss part of her senior season. experience
that could prevent them from
playing in games several Mason stability that being vaccinated the decision that he didn’t want After five long days of school, I always look for-
Comet athletes decided to get ward to kicking off the weekend with Mason football
Covid-19 vaccine this year. offers. his season interrupted. games. I’ve spent the vast majority of the fall Friday
nights in my lifetime watching high-schoolers pour
Last year athletes contact “I think that the vaccine allows “I was a little bit hesitant at their hearts out on the field for the game that they
traced were ordered to sit out love, and I’ve cherished every minute of it. Grow-
nearly two weeks which for some our athletes to be able to focus first,” Brown said, “but I didn’t ing up with a football coach for a dad, the sport has
players meant missing several been a part of the very fabric of my life, interwoven
games. With the new rules in and not have this cloud hanging want to miss any football so I throughout my childhood. Even though I don’t play
place regarding quarantine now over their head,” Rapp said. “A made sure to get vaccinated.” the game anymore, I still have a deep appreciation
athletes who have had a vac- calm and relaxed athlete makes a for it and as I have matured in those bleachers I
cination are not required to stay better athlete.” Last year junior swimmer have realized what makes that experience special is
home. Lauren Nguyen was forced to the communal experience.
Vaccinations and safety mea- miss the GMC Swim and Dive
The girls soccer team experi- sures will also allow the format championships due to quarantine. Last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spec-
enced a rash of quarantines in the of most cross country meets to Nguyen, who also plays water tators were limited to just family. I was fortunate
first half of the 2020 season, some get back to normal. The Mason polo, wasn’t about to miss out on enough to be one of the few to enjoy the season from
players even decided to self-quar- Invitational will be back to ap- competing this fall. She decided inside the stadium due to my responsibilities with
antine in order to be guaranteed a proximately 3,500 competitors that getting vaccinated was in her sports media as well as my dad coaching. I’d be lying
chance to play in the postseason. compared to the 900 allowed last best interest to ensure that she to you if I said it felt the same. Without the echoes of
Senior midfielder Ella Madden year, giving the runners a sense was not quarantined. our unparalleled student section, the Black Hole, and
wasn’t about to take any chances. of normalcy. the frantic energy of a packed stadium, things just
She took advantage of the option Nguyen said that having the felt incomplete. I’d been waiting a lifetime to experi-
to self-quarantine a year ago but A year ago, Mason football COVID-19 vaccine allows her to ence my first Friday Night’s as a high-schooler in the
this year she decided to get vac- player Larson Brown was forced forget about the barrier of being Black Hole, but instead I spent them six-feet apart
cinated so she would not have to to sit out several practices and quarantined, and allows her to from the other football families. In the home opener
miss out on playing. even miss games when he was concentrate on developing her on Friday, August 20th against the Gahanna Lincoln
quarantined due to contract- water-polo skills. Golden Lions, fans were finally welcomed back into
“Of course from a health ing Covid-19. Now the starting the sanctuary that we call Dwire Field to cheer on
perspective, getting the vaccine quarterback as a junior, Brown “Being vaccinated makes me our Comets.
was the best decision for me and did not want to find himself in a worry less about getting sick and
the team, so we can finish out the position to be quarantined or pos- having to miss any games,” Nguy- There’s something remarkable about an entire
season strong and together,” Mad- sibly getting infected again. So he en said. “Now I can focus on my community rallying around a team for a couple
den said. “But, I wanted to get the decided to get vaccinated. He was training and competing without hours, and no community embodies that better than
vaccine so there was absolutely skeptical at first but finally made the stress of being quarantined or the students of William Mason High School. The
no chance of missing out on my even getting sick.” Black Hole has a reputation as one of the most pas-
senior season.” sionate student sections in all of Southwest Ohio, and
they did not disappoint in their glorious return.
Looming quarantines left cross
country runners in fear of miss- From chants of Go Mason Comets to the first
ing important meets, especially roller coaster of the season, it felt as if the absence of
the Greater Miami Conference students had never happened. The scene of hundreds
championships and the post- of devoted Comets standing and cheering for their
season. With the new COVID-19 peers personified a return to normalcy that we’ve all
protocols stating that “anyone been yearning for. With the rise in cases of the Delta
who is fully vaccinated will not be Variant, a call could come any day barring students,
quarantined,” Mason cross coun- or any spectators at all, from attending any further
try coach Thomas Rapp said that games. We’ve grown up with the idea that participat-
there has been a positive mental ing in the magic of Friday Night Lights is as crucial
impact on his athletes due to the to the high school experience as Prom or getting a
driver’s license. But what happens once that has been
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NUMBERS taken away?

15 seconds remained as Centerville kicker Jackson Cour- The fragility of the past 18 months have given me
ville hit a 46-yard field goal to take a 15-14 lead over Mason. a new perspective on the benchmarks of my teen-
This wasn’t enough time for the Comets to recover and age years. As a sophomore, I’ll have more chances
recapture the win. After leading for almost the entirety of the to spend Friday nights with my friends at a football
game, the last minute kick stunned the entire stadium and the game but can the senior’s say the same?
what-if of those final 15 seconds could haunt the Comets for
the rest of the season. Let’s cherish these moments, because while we
might not know what the future holds, these are the
-Andrew Little nights we can’t get back but most certainly won’t
forget.

September 10, 2021 Sports 19

THE SPIRTHROUGH ITTHE ISLENSBACK
A PHOTO ESSAY BY LILY HALLER

The start of the 2021 athletic season also marked the return of the Black Hole. Living
up to the mantra of “We’re Back!” the Black Hole is back like they never left with
more energy than ever. With rejuvenated passion, the beloved student section is
doing everything they can to support the Comets.

Photos by Lily Haller
Black Hole leader Jack Waldon leads the chants of the packed
student section at the Mason Comets opening night football game.

The Black Hole packed the stands at Loveland High School to cheer on the Mason
Comets girls soccer team in their game against the Tigers.

Craig Wexelblatt channeled his inner “My goal is to get Cheerleader Sophia McMahon leads a cheer in the Mason Comets
Kaden Evans who wears number 31 for home football opener against Gahanna Lincoln.
the Comets football team. the student section
loud so the players
can hear us and use
it as motivation to

play their best.”

- Craig Wexelblatt

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16: Bloebaum wants to be known as one of the best

“If he keeps improving the way he has Bloebaum said that the experience helped him pic trials reshaped his view on the school
shown, he’s got a legitimate shot at making realize the measures he needs to take in order team, and that he doesn’t want to take it for
it,” Sullivan said. “[He shares] similar traits: to achieve the goals that he has set for him- granted. He hopes to use his time at the trials
hard working, heavily determined, tremen- self. to fuel his legacy forward for the Mason swim
dous dedication. He has all the intangibles. program.
If he keeps staying healthy, who knows what “Once I swam, I saw that everyone there was
could happen.” there to make it to Wave two, there were thou- “I want to make a name for myself, but I
sands of other people that had the same goals want to solidify my name in Mason sports and
Not only did Bloebaum’s “why” for swim- as me,” Bloebaum said. “I realized I have to Mason swimming history,” Bloebaum said. “I
ming change after the Olympic trials, but he do other things to separate myself from the want to have an impact on the Mason sports
also had the opportunity to swim against elite best in the country.” themselves, because I love swimming for my
talent and gaze into his future as a swimmer. school.”
Bloebaum said that swimming at the Olym-

20 Feature September 10, 2021

Photo contributed by Akshay Joshi
Akshay Joshi poses with professional tennis player, Anna Danilina, after practicing on the Mason High School tennis courts. Joshi met Danilina while volunteering at the ATP.

Mason tennis players take advantage of opportunity for growth by volunteering at WS Open

Alisha Soni | The Chronicle to be so close to the players,” said Up- nis] into perspective because it’s so avoid attracting attention or to “stay
puganti. “Even [as] my third year [as a hard playing and it gets really tiring, hidden,” especially if one is volunteer-
Mason tennis player Harshita Up- ballperson], is cool, with the realiza- really fast,” said Joshi. “Being out ing during a TV broadcasted match.
puganti was not distracted when she tion that they’re world-renowned play- there you realize that [the players] go
took the court with one of the top ten- ers and they’re in your hometown.” out and do that, and they could do it Uppuganti said that when she had
nis players in the world, Uppuganti again every day and still be fine.” made a mistake, she felt an immense
had a job to do. Every person applying to become a amount of embarrassment come over
ball person must undergo tryouts in Senior Shruthi Datla was also her.
Uppuganti volunteered at the consideration of being selected. The thrust into the sport of tennis at a
Western and Southern Open as a test is divided into two parts; a written young age, and eventually made her “My shoes were wet so when I was
ballperson. Ball people play a crucial part summarizing tennis and ballp- way through the ranks and onto Ma- running, I slipped, and I fell down
role in the sport of professional ten- erson rules, and second part which son’s Varsity Tennis team. Observing while I was getting the ball,” said
nis, and are tasked to quickly retrieve requires physical skills and then the players she admires while being Uppuganti. “I had to run, and throw
and provide players with tennis balls eventually training on court. a ball person from a different posi- it to the player, and then someone in
during the matches. tion is one of the reasons why Datla the audience yelled, ‘you’re safe!’ like
Although being passionate about continues to return to volunteer as a in baseball, I was so embarrassed and
Uppuganti was one of several tennis is not essential, it is better to ballperson. the players laughed, but it happens to
Mason High School students who fully comprehend the regulations of a everybody.”
worked the tournament this year. tennis game so it is easier to perform “It’s really cool to see people who I
the job as ballperson. see on TV right in front of me,” said Along with abiding by a plethora of
Uppuganti currently plays on the Datla. “I would try to not think about strict rules, ball people have the task
Mason Varsity team, but was original- Like Uppuganti, junior Akshay it, and stay professional, but when of working late shifts and waiting pa-
ly encouraged to join the sport by her Joshi originally started tennis as a I was off the court, I’d definitely be tiently through rain delays. With the
dad when she was around the age of pastime with his father, which eventu- fangirling.” regular occurrence of volunteering
six. Uppuganti and her dad purchased ally spiraled into his cwompetitive on a school night, they must decide if
tickets in order to be in attendance at passion. While Joshi is not playing Staying professional is yet another the position is worth it.
the yearly tennis tournaments that on the Mason Varsity tennis team, he rule of the volunteering commit-
were hosted in Ohio. travels to other states outside of Ohio ment. As a ballperson, it is forbidden Despite this, many people’s passion
to compete in regional tournaments. to start conversations with any of the for tennis outweighs the possibility of
With the newfound tradition, Up- athletes, however, working in a close losing some sleep as they kindle the
puganti was quickly immersed into During the tournament, besides be- radius of the players allows some of opportunities that the professional
the thought of her one day being on ing a ball person, Joshi learned some the ball people to take pictures with players provide them with.
court, surrounded by the players she of what it takes to be a professional players after their matches.
had studied from the audience. tennis player as he practiced with “If you don’t love the sport, then
some of the players. Through his in- Working in close proximity to the you’re going to find [being a ball per-
To fulfill her aching desire, she ap- teractions, Joshi was able to study his match’s action provides numerous ad- son] a bit of a struggle because it can
plied to become a ballperson as soon opponent’s techniques and take away vantages, however, it can sometimes be quite exhausting,” Joshi said. “It’s a
as she was eligible, in hopes that she some small details for himself. result in a few errors. A strict rule really fun experience and I encourage
would one day be selected. that a ballperson must abide by is to anyone who is considering it to give
“I think that ball-boying puts [ten- it a try.”
“I thought it would be so exciting

September 10, 2021 Feature 21

Students enhance body and mind through discipline of martial arts

Savannah Libby | The Chronicle Respect, another important ideal of Tae- Joseph said her habits of respecting her level, which was able to provide virtually
kwondo, requires martial artists to traverse elders has not changed over the course anyone with a way to learn not only self-
Fighter. outside of their comfort zones and behave of her career, but she has changed her defense, but also self-discipline.
When someone looks up the word in a more formal manner when interacting outlook on the atypical rules in order to
“fighter” on Google, the first image that with each other. Bowing as well as extend- deepen her relationship with her instruc- “Martial arts is a powerful tool, not only
pops up is a heavyset male wearing boxing ing the gesture of a Taekwon, a handshake tors. physically but mentally as well,” Joseph
gloves with a gaze of anger glossed over that resembles respect, before match-ups said. “Everyone should be able to stand
his face. are used to reflect the moral understand- “I had already valued my up for and defend themselves, and martial
This image, however, changes from ing of equality between classmates, instruc- environment, teachers, arts is one of the best ways to get there.”
culture to culture depending on how the tors and a competitor themselves. and myself,” Joseph said.
word “fighter” is perceived within a society. “But, martial arts has in- Tessa Joesph practices
For example in Korea, fighters are often Senior, Manami Fukuda said that due to creased my level of respect her Taekwondo skills.
associated with the form of martial arts consistently practicing martial arts, she has and gratitude.”
called Taekwondo, in which the ultimate started to notice how other non-martial art Photo by Savannah Libby
goal is to develop a peaceful state of mind athletes greet and treat their coaches, and As the nature of the sport
rather than an aggressive one. how that differs from her typical practices. relies on the aspect of equality,
Although there is a physical component people from a variety of different
to the craft, there is a special emphasis “[Mason is] so big that sometimes ath- backgrounds and skill sets are more
dedicated to developing a mental state that letes don’t take the time to say ‘thank you’ willing to start the practice despite
will widen a participant’s understanding of to their coaches every day after practice,” their progression levels. Fukuda said
self-discipline. Fukuda said. “But in martial arts you do, that the environment that Taekwondo has
Sophomore Tessa Joseph, who trains it’s a rule of thumb, and you’re even tasked given her allowed her to be more comfort-
in the martial arts, said one of the first to clean your own space.” able in her abilities and strengths despite
principles that is taught is the importance her typical struggle to step outside of her
of fully understanding when skills are One of the most valued principles of comfort zone.
necessary to use outside of a controlled Taekwondo is the tradition of respecting el-
environment. ders or superiors. Although in every sport, “Generally speaking, I’m not a risk taker,
“A protector only performs if absolutely an athlete forms some sort of respectful so starting something new was a risk for
necessary, and only for self defense,” bond between their coaches, it is much me, but this one went well,” Fukuda said. “I
Joseph said. “An aggressor is someone who more intense in martial arts. found that I really enjoy it, and I’ve devel-
looks for a fight, whether for emotional oped confidence in myself to where I can
release or for some other reason.” Formal greetings and gestures are step out and try something new.”
used whenever a participant addresses an
instructor. Martial artists are expected to When she started the sport, Joseph
answer with “Yes Ma’am” or “No Sir” when said that the level of respect was always
they are addressed by a superior as well. constant regardless of age or progression

22 Opinion September 10, 2021

Hollywood’s Staff Editorial
glorification
of mental Why comparing yourself to others
illness has academically simply does not work
got to stop
We doubt there are many students at Mason reason you didn’t perform as well, whether it was
Savannah Libby | The Chronicle who haven’t complained about Mason’s competi- lacking studying, test anxiety, or just a bad day.
tive culture.
The kid sitting in the corner alone at lunch that talks But if you over-indulge in this single failure,
to nobody but themselves is a cliche for what you would A culture that strives to carve out the perfect compartmentalization becomes incredibly dif-
picture for someone with poor mental health. “cookie-cutter” student. A model student with ficult. It becomes difficult to attribute the source
straight-As, perfect scores, leadership, awards, etc. of this mishap. You put your failures on your
Now there are shows like “Thirteen Reasons Why” on Seems like some sort of package deal. wrong-doings as a person, not as a math student.
Netflix that romanticize mental health and disorders. All The nearly-obsessive competitive portion of you
over social media you see people putting out only what Now, this pressure is present for almost all as a student makes you think you’re incapable...
they want people to perceive them as. When someone does high-school students. But in a school of 3600+ when you are simply not.
put out the truth about their mental health they are heav- kids, this pressure can be amplified. For a lot of
ily criticized because it’s not what people want to see. us, it’s weird to see our peers grow up and be- Nothing is wrong with you or with us.
come, well, themselves.
Mental illness and disorders have been talked about Academic success comes down to preparation
more than ever in the past twenty years than in all of his- We see our peers become parts of groups/
tory. Along with that is the criticism that you receive from cliques and feed into a system that doesn’t seem and hard work. That’s how the system is built.
posting about it. Even if you discuss your mental health as inclusive anymore, rather quite “toxic.”
with your friends or with anybody outside of your family And yes, there are some who “luck out” and do
there’s an assumption that’s been made because of social Many seniors have started the college applica-
media. tion processes. The college admissions process is well on a test without preparing or those who roll
based on this idea of competition and of compar-
I can distinctly remember when my parents got di- ing students to each other. Thus, creating some out of bed one morning and get perfect scores.
vorced and my friends would publicly shame me about it. sort of “trap” we all fall into.
An old friend of mine told me that I should be ashamed of But in the long run, academic success isn’t just
myself in front of a fairly large group of people. We didn’t Suddenly these kids we grew up with become
talk for much longer after that. our greatest “competition.” defined by good grades. It’s also defined by the

Even something minute that is out of your control We get indulged in who has the better scores, habits and dedication we put in, habits that will
like an allergy or going on medication to deal with your the better grades, who are applying to what
problems can leave you in a spiral. A click of a button can schools, and spend heaps of our time dedicated serve us for a lifetime, habits that will help us
have people circulating rumors about how you are crazy, to college reaction videos, stats videos, Naviance,
or need to be in a hospital. A good example is if you post College Confidential, etc. reach our goals.
something on your story on Instagram about eating disor- No one found their success in life by rolling out
ders. The fact of the matter is that people are struggling. This is only one example of how indulgence
in comparison is a source of toxicity. Suddenly of bed one morning.
Eating disorders aren’t just anorexia and eating noth- we degrade ourselves when others flaunt their Chances are, they probably worked extremely
ing all day until the point where you’re breaking down. grades, scores, whatever. We feel unworthy of
Although anorexia is a form of eating disorder it’s not aiming as high as others, and this isn’t true for hard to reach their goals. And they probably
everything that exists. Along with how there’s a differ- just college. failed many times. Some of them probably failed
ence between showing up everyday to school drained and so much that there was no room left for failure.
people noticing your symptoms. Versus the alternative of But when we are exposed to this competitive
being the happiest person in the world to other people but culture, we start to directly question ourselves. We Resilience can take us a lot further than natural
having a diagnosis for anxiety or depression. over-extrapolate certain points of other peoples’ ability can.
lives and begin to apply all of that to our own
Mental illnesses can come in all shapes and forms. lives. We raise ourselves to unrealistic expecta- It’s difficult for us as people to not bring our-
There is no winning if you’re diagnosed, it’s a battle that tions to reach a realistic goal. selves down when we fail or try to rationalize why
you have to fight. There is no right way to talk about what someone else did well and we didn’t.
is going on inside your head without people judging you. Like when the class does extremely well on an
The goal that should be accomplished on social media algebra test and you didn’t. This doesn’t make We can’t be afraid of surrendering to our
with mental awareness should be spreading awareness and you any less of a person. There was most likely a weaker abilities. We can’t have a mental break-
providing a platform for people to find out if they should down on one end or act like everything is fine on
seek help. It’s always a good idea to talk to a mental health the other. We must surrender and allow ourselves
professional if you are struggling with something that to be vulnerable, even if it hurts.
seems off about yourself.
Accepting one’s fault or identifying the
I try to limit my time on social media platforms like Ins- source(even if it is out of our control) is how we
tagram and Twitter. I know that the longer I remain on the grow. It’s common logic. Accepting faults opens
site the more stuff and information I am going to see that our minds to creating new ideas or working
belittles the severity of having a diagnosis. People are very harder so that fault doesn’t happen again.
unrealistic on social media with what they post versus what
they are struggling with. I try to make it a point to realize
that and to encourage people I know to talk to someone
even if they seem ‘fine’ because sometimes it is always who
you least expect.

The Chronicle’s Policy Nishka Mishra Isabelle Paley

The Chronicle is the official student Call 398-5025 ext. 33103 for infor- The National Scholastic Press Asso- The Chronicle Staff Alisha Verma Alisha Soni Connect with
newspaper of William Mason High mation regarding advertising in The ciation, Quill and Scroll International Editor-in-Chief Sean Speidel the Chronicle:
School. Chronicle. The Chronicle reserves the Honorary Society for High School Jour- Della Johnson Staff Writers Aditya Thiyag
right to refuse advertising it deems in- nalists and the Ohio Scholastic Media Managing Editors Divyana Bose Ava Yungbluth @mhschronicle
The Chronicle promises to report the appropriate for a high school publica- Association. Shravani Page Risha Chada facebook.com/
truth and adhere to the journalistic tion. Contact Information Abigail Waechter Evelina Gaivoronskaia Staff Photograher mhschronicle
code of ethics through online and print The Chronicle Business Manager Isabella Gaspar’raj Lily Haller @mhschronicle
mediums. As an open forum for students, let- William Mason High School Alexa Crociata Bradyn Johnson
ters to the editor are welcome, but are 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Staff Designers Tanya Keskar Website Team
The Chronicle is produced by students subject to be edited for length, libel, ob- Mason, Ohio 45040 Allison Droege Savannah Libby Eashan Vytla
enrolled in Journalism I, II and III. scenity, clarity and poor taste. Letters to (513) 398-5025 Rebecca Hunter Andrew Little Annie Ye
the editor may be dropped off in room Aimee Liu
Editorials reflect the staff ’s opinion C103 and must be signed. Josie Lorenz Advisor
but do not necessarily reflect the opin- Eliza Orlando Dale Conner
ions of the school administration or the The Chronicle is a member of The
Mason City School District. Columbia Scholastic Press Association,

The Chronicle is published monthly.

September 10, 2021 Opinion 23

“When You’re Editorial Cartoon
Older”

Isabelle Paley | The Chronicle Don’t call When the normal Ohio club season started, I quickly
me a quitter began giving it my all, forcing the coaches to know my
When I was ten, I remember wanting to go to the mall name. Although I wasn’t in the highest group, I began
with my friends and my mom said, “When you’re older.” Abigail Waechter | Managing Editor dropping time left and right, swimming times compa-
When I was fifteen and wanted my first boyfriend. My mom rable to people two groups above me.
said “When you’re older.” I am many things, but a quitter is not one.
For as long as I can remember, people have always Ohio’s high school season was a rush for me. I had
Now eventually I did get to do all of those things but characterized me and swimming as one, like my whole to fight for my Sectionals spot, and defend it all season
at the time I was offended that I wasn’t seen as mature essence was built upon what I did in the pool. In fifth long. I held the spots for the 100 fly and 500 free, two
enough to do these activities. I thought that there was some grade, I loved being asked what sport I played because back-to-back events all season, knocking profound up-
task that I had to complete to be “older” and get all the I would have an answer: “swimming.” People knew me perclassmen out of their spots.
perks that come with it. But who decided when I was older? because I swam, and that’s just how it was.
Was it my parents, society, or was it myself? Was there some Freshman year, I was determined to make a name for Then I discovered that I am not just a swimmer.
point that I had to cross the bridge from adolescents into myself as it was my first year in a public high school, There is so much more to me besides swimming.
adulthood or was it gradual? Was there some adult decision where swimming was actually recognized. I pushed the Sophomore year, I made friends that weren’t swimmers
that I made in my life that put me into that category of limits I didn’t even know could be pushed, like training for the first time. I discovered my passion for writing,
“older” because, at 17, all I want is to be younger? the muscles in my forearm to catch the prime amount of and actually having fun. I discovered that swimming
water for my stroke. I trained at a level that I had never wasn’t actually fun anymore, it was just my life, and I
My whole life I have been looking forward to the day that even heard of before: two practices a day on top of an accepted that.
I go off to college, when I start my first adult job, and when hour of lifting. Freshman year, swimming became no Junior year, however, when I was accepted into the
I am married and have kids. I have been preparing for that longer just a physical skill, but a mental one as well, and school newspaper, the Chronicle, I found what made me
day when I get to control my life and not my parents tell- it was great. happy again, and what I could push myself in just like I
ing me to wait. I was one of the seven allowed onto the varsity team, did for swimming. I was no longer just a swimmer, I was
and was one of the two freshmen that made the team. a person.
But as I enter my senior year of high school and am so I practiced in a lane with two NCAA Division I com- But it was when I decided to take a step back from
close to that finish line of independence, all I want is to be mits, and thought it was the most enjoyable experience swimming for my mental health when people started
dependant. I want to be dependent on my parents, my sis- a swimmer could have. I had a coach who knew how using the term quitter.
ters, and my friends. I question myself daily, “Isabelle, why to push me, and could throw me off by switching their Taking a step back does not equate to quitting. A few
are you not excited for your high school years to be over?” coaching style. years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar
When I moved sophomore year, I looked forward hosted by author and former ESPN Sports Writer,
And I think the answer is that I am not ready to be in to leaving a legacy on a new program. I obsessed over Kate Fagan. The quote that I chose to write down
charge of my life. I am not ready to be the one who has swimming after I moved, because it was the only thing was something that I carried with me throughout
to make my doctor’s appointments, wake myself up in I had in Ohio. I didn’t have friends that summer, I had my journey of struggles: “People hold this idea that
the morning, and make my own dinner. I am not ready to swimming. I would practice with my brother, and trained if you press pause on something, then you’re out of
have to pay for my groceries or to go to work every day. I for a Regional meet by myself, and managed to place the loop, but that’s not how it is, it’s not the right
have been waiting my whole life to make these decisions despite not having a coach or other athletes to push me. equation.”
that come with adulthood but as the days until graduation She’s entirely correct, and we need to understand
countdown, I am not ready. that. My version of taking a step back may look dif-
ferent, it may be atypical, but I never left. I am still
I want the ignorance that comes with adolescents. I want here, I am still the same swimmer who will be back
to believe the world is a perfect place full of gleaming next season, I just choose to look at myself this time
opportunities instead of one where I am limited. I want to as a person, simply, Abby Waechter.
pretend I’m a princess or an astronaut instead of the aver-
age 9-5 job I will probably end up with. I crave the happi-
ness and imagination that I had when I was younger. I wish
that younger me stopped thinking about “when I was older”
and just enjoyed being a child.

In five months I will officially turn 18. In five short
months, I will be an adult - but not the one younger me was
hoping for. I pray that come May, I will be ready to leave
the nest and that somehow the excitement of independence
will find me again like it did when I was little. But for now,
I am wallowing in the fact that my childhood is almost
over, and I will be thrown into this big and scary world feel-
ing unprepared. And I am not ready.