Pfizer's New COVID-19 Vaccine, Will Life Go Back To Normal?

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Why Independent Journalism is Fundamental to A Democratic Society

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COVID-19: Impact on Society, Environment, and Economy

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What About AP Exams?

By: Asha S.

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What to Do During Social Distancing

By: Angelina N.

What is social distancing, and why is it important right now? 

Social distancing refers to going out minimally, avoiding physical contact with others, and refraining from large gatherings of people. It is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The contagiousness of a disease is measured based on the R0

"R Naught Ebola and Flu Diagram" by Kiera Campbell is licensed
under CC BY-SA 4.0

(pronounced “R naught”) value, or the average number of individuals that an infected person transmits the disease to. For diseases exceeding an R0 value of 1, such as COVID-19 (which has an R0 value of about 2.2), the number of infections can multiply rapidly because each infected person will infect more than one other person. In addition, COVID-19 has an incubation period of between two and 14 days, with the average being five days. This means that after contracting the disease, an individual will not exhibit symptoms for an average of five days but will still be contagious during this time frame. Since many infected people do not realize they are infected, they can unintentionally transmit the disease to people that they come into contact with. Actively social distancing is therefore necessary to prevent people from unknowingly infecting those with compromised immune systems or older individuals, who are much more likely to experience severe and possibly fatal symptoms. By taking precautionary measures, the number of infections can be reduced significantly. This also alleviates the burden on hospitals, which may experience a shortage of supplies, equipment, or staff otherwise. 

Although practicing social distancing is beneficial to the community at large, spending most of your time at home may seem like an incredibly difficult and dull adjustment. However, instead of viewing it as a major impediment to social contact and various forms of entertainment, you should view it as an opportunity to accomplish tasks you normally wouldn’t have the time for. Below is a list of ideas of how to spend your period of social distancing in both fun and/or productive ways. 

Find a fun mental stimulus 

Doing a mentally stimulating activity is a great way to combat boredom. 

• Play a board game: Options include Monopoly, chess, Scrabble, etc. — the choices are endless! 
• Go old-fashioned: Try your hand at Sudoku, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, brainteasers, or crafts (online DIY videos are a great source of inspiration). 
• Write a short story or poem: Brainstorm ideas that you could turn into a piece of writing. 
  

Take time for self-care 

Since most events have been cancelled, your schedule is most likely cleared right now. Instead of sinking into boredom, you should see it as a calm refuge from the chaos and incessant hassle of normal life. Now is a great time for you to reflect on your mental and physical health. 

• Practice meditation: Meditation is focusing on being more present and aware in all aspects of daily life through techniques such as mindfulness. It has been scientifically proven to be conducive to both mental and physical health, with some of its benefits being lower blood pressure and stress levels, improved sleep and memory, and a stronger immune system. There are numerous meditation apps that can be downloaded with the press of a button (Waking Up, Headspace, Calm, and many more), so meditation is a practice that can be conveniently incorporated into your daily routine. 
• Self-reflect: Oftentimes, we get so caught up in seemingly endless tasks, whether that be

  

  Pixabay license- no attribution required

  schoolwork deadlines or upcoming exams, that life seems like a ceaseless “this, that, this, that” and so on so forth. During social distancing, it may seem like everything has suddenly come to a standstill, which is a chance for you to look back on the past few months and plan for the future. Take some time to reflect on your personal growth and accomplishments, as well as what you are still working towards. Set goals for yourself and determine how you will reach them. Jot these ideas down in a notebook, or type them on your computer for future reference. 
• Do what you enjoy: This last one is simple — spend time doing activities that you love! This may be different for every person; it could be spending more time with family, having a movie night with popcorn, or reading a book that’s been on your to-read list for some time. 
  

Start good habits 

It can be hard to incorporate new habits during most of the year because we are often too occupied to feel motivated to do so. Now is the time to pick up good habits that can have a positive impact throughout the rest of your life. 

• Stay active: Staying at home all day makes it easy to fall into a sedentary routine. However,

  

  Pixabay license- no attribution required

  social distancing does not necessarily mean refraining from leaving the house entirely; in fact, it’s a great idea to go outside for a walk or a run in a park or other uncrowded areas during the day. There are also many great at-home workout videos online that provide fun and engaging ways to be active. Learning creative ways to exercise and experiencing the rewards of being physically active may motivate you to include it as a regular part of your routine in the future. 
  
• Eat healthy: A great way to use your spare time is to learn about nutrition and creative healthy recipes. Experiment with various dishes, and determine what works best for you. This may help elevate your consciousness about healthy eating habits in the long-term, which will beneficially impact your life in countless ways. 
  

Do some extra studying 

Since after-school events, most extracurriculars, and transportation time have probably been taken out of your schedule, there is now plenty of extra time to study, even if your face-to-face school is requiring you to attend virtual sessions. 

• Study for AP classes: AP exam season is coming up, which means that it’s a good time to start

  

  Pixabay license- no attribution required

  reviewing information from last semester. It is also a good idea to keep up with College Board’s updates on modifications to the AP exams this year. College Board has already posted the changes to every AP course curriculum, along with the general structure of the altered exams. Make sure to check their website to avoid studying material you are no longer responsible for and to be prepared for this year’s test format. 
• Do some SAT and/or ACT practice: Use this time to read some SAT/ACT prep books, as they contain helpful techniques for succeeding on these standardized tests. Once you’ve reviewed these techniques, take a few practice exams; these are lengthy and typically difficult to fit in with other obligations, so now is the perfect time to try them. 

Learn something new 

If you’re still having a hard time deciding what to do, it may be a good idea to try something completely new and possibly discover new interests in the process. Ideas include learning some magic tricks, trying out calligraphy, or learning a new language through Duolingo. If you’re still having a hard time choosing, there are great sources of inspiration all over the Internet. 

Donate for a good cause 

Taking social distancing seriously is already a great way to protect the well-being of those around you, but you can take it a step further by donating during this time of need. 

Pixabay license- no
attribution required

• Donate blood: Due to the ongoing pandemic, blood drives have been cancelled, meaning that there is currently a severe blood shortage. If you are interested in donating blood, check out the requirements for a student blood donor using this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/info-for-student-donors.html 
• Donate to a food bank: Families who face food insecurity are especially vulnerable during this time, with grocery store supplies being depleted rapidly. If possible, consider donating even small instant food packages, candy bars, or personal hygiene products; although it may be difficult to donate in bulk quantity right now, even the smallest contributions can make a difference. 

Social distancing may seem extremely monotonous, but it is actually a great chance to try fun at-home activities, take time for self-reflection, and get ahead in schoolwork and studying. So take advantage of this time to plan out a list of to-dos and start checking it off! 

Works Cited 

Caddy, Becca. “Best Meditation Apps: Practice Mindfulness with Headspace, Calm and More.” 

TechRadar, TechRadar, 21 Mar. 2020, www.techradar.com/news/best-meditation-apps.

Cascella M, Rajnik M, Cuomo A, et al. Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus 

(COVID-19) [Updated 2020 Mar 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): 

StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/ 

Hersh, Erica. “Coronavirus Incubation Period: How Long Before Symptoms Appear?” Healthline, 

Healthline Media, 19 Mar. 2020, 

www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-incubation-period. 

“185_factsheet_social_distancing.Pdf.” Santa Clara County Public Health Department. 

“What Is R0?: Gauging Contagious Infections.” Healthline, 

www.healthline.com/health/r-nought-reproduction-number.

Vongkiatkajorn, Kanyakrit, and Laura Daily. “How You Can Help during the Coronavirus 

Outbreak.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 21 Mar. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/03/21/how-you-can-help-during-coronavirus/?arc404=true.  

The Coronavirus: Do's and Don'ts

By: Shreya S.

Jacinda Ardern: Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017 - Present)

By: Gracie B.

This post is the first in a series of four articles highlighting the unique contributions of influential female world leaders. This month's article features Jacinda Arden, the current Prime Minister of New Zealand.

“Jacinda Ardern” Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia,

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Jacinda_Ardern_26_October_2017.png.

"You can be strong, and you can be kind.”  – Jacinda Ardern

It was September of 2018, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand boarded a plane to New York for a United Nations General Assembly. While other politicians invited translators and advisors to the summit, Ardern brought an unexpected guest: her infant daughter, Neve.¹ After becoming the second woman in modern history to give birth while leading a nation, Ardern sought to express her support for working mothers.^{2, 3} In this bold show of solidarity, she demonstrated the progressive, empathetic nature of her prime ministership. “You can be strong, and you can be kind,” she said when asked to explain her ideal of compassionate government. In an interview on The Today Show, the Prime Minister outlined her goal of promoting the overall wellbeing of New Zealanders.⁴ Although accomplishing this agenda is no easy task, Ardern has refused to shy away from the complex challenges facing New Zealand. Her willingness to tackle contentious issues head-on has garnered global interest in her innovative leadership style.

Jacinda Ardern was born in Murupara, a part of New Zealand riddled with poverty and Maori gang violence. She witnessed destitution first-hand, and her early experiences sparked her passion for inciting political change.⁵ After relocating to Auckland, Ardern joined the Labour Party at just seventeen years old.⁶ The Labour Party shapes New Zealand politics through a tripartisan coalition government, which brings together a multitude of different perspectives to create policy.⁷ Although the Labour Party is often described as center-left, Ardern has skirted its most liberal fringes. For instance, her service as president of the International Union of Socialist Youth earned her the nickname “Socialist Cindy.”^{8, 9} Yet, despite conservatives’ concerns over her overt leftism, Ardern gained a wide following after becoming leader of the Labour Party in 2017.¹⁰ The country was soon caught up in a craze known as Jacindamania, which fueled her campaign for the prime ministership in the same year. Thirty-seven-year-old Ardern was appointed to the position by the Governor-General, becoming the youngest Prime Minister in New Zealand’s history.^{11, 12}

As the newly appointed head-of-state, Ardern proposed a sweeping policy agenda. She marketed a ‘fairer deal’ for New Zealand citizens, which included free college, decriminalization of abortion, and initiatives to mitigate childhood poverty. In contrast to pro-immigrant American liberals, she has pushed to reduce the number of migrants entering New Zealand.¹³ Although Ardern is a self-described champion of humanitarianism, she posits that curbing immigration would mitigate the country's housing shortage.¹⁴ Additionally, Ardern has been hailed for her contributions to the feminist movement. She was a proud participant in the 2016 Women’s March and argued against the expectation that women reveal family plans to potential employers in a fiery interview exchange.^{15, 16} Many analysts have been charmed by her unconventional conduct, which is summarized by journalist Maureen Dowd in her New York Times’ Op-Ed entitled “Lady of the Rings: Jacinda Rules.” Dowd, who sat down for an interview with Ardern, was immediately stricken by the Prime Minister’s casual demeanor. From preventing a proposed raise to her own salary to shopping at K-Mart, Ardern’s frugal sensibility has allowed her to prioritize the interests of ordinary citizens.¹⁷ Yet, her “relentless positivity” was threatened by the 2018 Christchurch mosque shooting, in which an Islamophobic gunman killed dozens of worshippers. Jacinda Ardern was quick to comfort the families of victims, condemn bigotry, and push for gun control. Ardern’s clarion call for tolerance received worldwide praise, demonstrating her ability to lead in both triumph and tragedy.¹⁸

Although not without controversy, Jacinda Ardern’s prime ministership is transforming New Zealand. Ardern champions an approach to policy that is designed to be both practical and compassionate. In prioritizing education, healthcare, and housing, Ardern hopes to create a more equitable society in which all people can share in the country’s prosperity. As she continues to challenge conventions and push for change, Jacinda Ardern’s progressive policies will undoubtedly continue to play an influential role in global politics. 

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¹ France-Presse, Agence. “New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern Says Baby Neve Will Attend United Nations with Her, as She Returns to Work.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 2 Aug. 2018, www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/02/new-zealands-jacinda-ardern-says-baby-neve-will-attend-united/.
² Dowd, Maureen. “Lady of the Rings: Jacinda Rules.” The New York Times, 8 Sept. 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/08/opinion/sunday/jacinda-ardern-new-zealand-prime-minister.html.
³ McLaughlin, Kelly. “New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Has Been Applauded for Her Actions Following the Christchurch Mosque Shootings. Here's Everything You Need to Know about Her.” Business Insider, 20 Mar. 2019, https://www.businessinsider.com/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-biography-2019-3#ardern-joined-new-zealand-parliament-in-2008-2.
⁴ “New Zealand’s Prime Minister Talks About Being a New Mom and a World Leader.” Today, NBC Universal, New York, New York, 24 Sept. 2018.
⁵ Wallenfeldt, Jeff. “Jacinda Ardern.” Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jacinda-Ardern.
⁶ Wallenfeldt, “Jacinda Ardern.”
⁷ “New Zealand : Constitution and Politics.” The Commonwealth, Commonwealth Secretariat , https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/new-zealand/constitution-politics.
⁸ Wallenfeldt, “Jacinda Ardern.”
⁹ Dowd, “Lady of the Rings: Jacinda Rules.”
¹⁰ Wallenfeldt, “Jacinda Ardern.”
¹¹ “New Zealand : Constitution and Politics.” The Commonwealth.
¹² Dowd, “Lady of the Rings: Jacinda Rules.”
¹³ Wallenfeldt, “Jacinda Ardern.”
¹⁴ da Costa, Ana Nicolaci. “New Zealand PM Says No Immediate Cut to Immigration.” Reuters, 6 Nov. 2017, www.reuters.com/article/uk-newzealand-politics-ardern/new-zealand-pm-says-no-immediate-cut-to-immigration-idUKKBN1D708L.
¹⁵ Dowd, “Lady of the Rings: Jacinda Rules.”
¹⁶ Wallenfeldt, “Jacinda Ardern.”
¹⁷ Dowd, “Lady of the Rings: Jacinda Rules.”
¹⁸ McLaughlin, Kelly. “New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Has Been Applauded for Her Actions Following the Christchurch Mosque Shootings. Here's Everything You Need to Know about Her.”