V3-I1 Columns and Reviews
On being a "professional whistle-twirler"
By Mat Scott
Being a lifeguard seems like a fairly simple job to most people. You sit in the chair, get a suntan, look pretty dang cool, and are the only people on the planet who can pull off wearing a fanny pack. That’s what most people see. But the chances of actually witnessing a lifeguard in action—i.e. saving a life—is fairly small. In all the years I’ve been going to pools, I’ve only seen three rescues outside of the pool at which I work. Two were at Cedar Point; I was up there for two days and both days there was a rescue. The other was at a Holiday Inn in Tennessee, when I had to rescue a little boy who jumped in water over his head. Fifteen years of going to pools and I see three rescues, two within two days of each other. I would bet that most people reading this haven’t seen any, but I may be wrong.
The reality is, being a lifeguard is actually a rather stressful job. I’ve been involved in four rescues since I’ve worked at Denison University (since June 2013) and been on site for two others. I’ve had to clean up blood, urine, and trash bags full of vomit. I’ve dealt with kids who got a boo-boo and college swimmers who’ve sliced their feet on the starting blocks. I’ve been on duty as the head lifeguard when one of my guards had to make a rescue. I’ve had to rescue a football player and another student, and been involved in the rescue of a swimmer which involved administering emergency oxygen and calling EMS (emergency medical services). I’ve also had to evacuate a building full of fraternities and sororities because the fire alarm was triggered during an event. Fellow lifeguard Bryce Curtis (’15) had to rescue a passive victim and start CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) just this past summer. In all seriousness, we do a whole lot more than sit around and look good.
If you ever do end up in the pool when the lifeguards have to make a rescue, there are a few tips and things that you should know. First of all, be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you. If you see a situation that could go bad, stay out of that area. Know the whistle signal for the pool as well; if you hear one long blast, two long blasts, or three short blasts, get out and let the guards do their jobs.
-Mat Scott (’15) is the Web Editor-in-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault and a head lifeguard at Denison University.
By Mat Scott
Being a lifeguard seems like a fairly simple job to most people. You sit in the chair, get a suntan, look pretty dang cool, and are the only people on the planet who can pull off wearing a fanny pack. That’s what most people see. But the chances of actually witnessing a lifeguard in action—i.e. saving a life—is fairly small. In all the years I’ve been going to pools, I’ve only seen three rescues outside of the pool at which I work. Two were at Cedar Point; I was up there for two days and both days there was a rescue. The other was at a Holiday Inn in Tennessee, when I had to rescue a little boy who jumped in water over his head. Fifteen years of going to pools and I see three rescues, two within two days of each other. I would bet that most people reading this haven’t seen any, but I may be wrong.
The reality is, being a lifeguard is actually a rather stressful job. I’ve been involved in four rescues since I’ve worked at Denison University (since June 2013) and been on site for two others. I’ve had to clean up blood, urine, and trash bags full of vomit. I’ve dealt with kids who got a boo-boo and college swimmers who’ve sliced their feet on the starting blocks. I’ve been on duty as the head lifeguard when one of my guards had to make a rescue. I’ve had to rescue a football player and another student, and been involved in the rescue of a swimmer which involved administering emergency oxygen and calling EMS (emergency medical services). I’ve also had to evacuate a building full of fraternities and sororities because the fire alarm was triggered during an event. Fellow lifeguard Bryce Curtis (’15) had to rescue a passive victim and start CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) just this past summer. In all seriousness, we do a whole lot more than sit around and look good.
If you ever do end up in the pool when the lifeguards have to make a rescue, there are a few tips and things that you should know. First of all, be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you. If you see a situation that could go bad, stay out of that area. Know the whistle signal for the pool as well; if you hear one long blast, two long blasts, or three short blasts, get out and let the guards do their jobs.
-Mat Scott (’15) is the Web Editor-in-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault and a head lifeguard at Denison University.
Elms Pizza
By: Kyle Stermer
(Photo: The storefront of Elms Pizza in Granville. Photo from elmspizza.com)
Elms Pizza is a local pizza restaurant located in the quite town of Granville, Ohio. It was opened in 1984 by Hilah and Bernie Williams, who have lived in or around Granville since they were both young. Today, 27 years later, the Williams family still owns and operates it, and every Williams family member has worked there.
When you go into the restautant, you get an old-fashioned feel. There are lots of older pictures and such hanging up, like old Granville maps. They do have a sit-down area, which accommodates about 20 people.
The menu is pretty diverse for a small, family-run pizzeria. They have the typical pizzas and subs, but they also offer things like burgers, Stromboli, and desert. The prices are also very decent; a large 15 inch pizza is only $11.00! They also offer a specialty pizza, called the BBQ chicken pizza. I get it every time I go there, and I willne ver get anything else becasue it is so good.
If you sit down, you will get waited on just like any other restaurant. Although I've only sat down once, the service was pretty good! They were friendly, quick with the pizza, and refilled your drinks.
Overall, this is a very solid pizza join. Good service, great pizza, and a nice atmosphere. 10/10 would go again.
-Kyle Stermer ('16) is an Interactive Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Kyle Stermer
(Photo: The storefront of Elms Pizza in Granville. Photo from elmspizza.com)
Elms Pizza is a local pizza restaurant located in the quite town of Granville, Ohio. It was opened in 1984 by Hilah and Bernie Williams, who have lived in or around Granville since they were both young. Today, 27 years later, the Williams family still owns and operates it, and every Williams family member has worked there.
When you go into the restautant, you get an old-fashioned feel. There are lots of older pictures and such hanging up, like old Granville maps. They do have a sit-down area, which accommodates about 20 people.
The menu is pretty diverse for a small, family-run pizzeria. They have the typical pizzas and subs, but they also offer things like burgers, Stromboli, and desert. The prices are also very decent; a large 15 inch pizza is only $11.00! They also offer a specialty pizza, called the BBQ chicken pizza. I get it every time I go there, and I willne ver get anything else becasue it is so good.
If you sit down, you will get waited on just like any other restaurant. Although I've only sat down once, the service was pretty good! They were friendly, quick with the pizza, and refilled your drinks.
Overall, this is a very solid pizza join. Good service, great pizza, and a nice atmosphere. 10/10 would go again.
-Kyle Stermer ('16) is an Interactive Editor for The Viking Vault.
Must-dos for concerts
By: Jamie Swickard
(Photo: Twety-One Pilots concert. Photo by J. Swickard.)
NORTHRIDGE- Many people are caught doing, saying, or even wearing wrong things while at concerts. There a few rules people must follow in order to get the full experience out of a concert.
1) Always have water. If you’re singing and dancing for around three hours you’re going to get very thirsty so always have some water to keep yourself hydrated. “I feel like the concerts I was thirstiest during were the ones I didn’t enjoy as much,” states Jake Adkins (’15).
2) Wear the right clothing. If it’s outside and it’s warm, you don’t want to wear jeans and a sweatshirt; dress cool. If it’s inside, you probably can get away with jeans and a t-shirt. You never want to be too hot while at a concert.
3) Have fun. Don’t just stand there the whole concert not singing or dancing. If you don’t know the words, still dance along! No one wants to stand by a Debbie Downer.
4) Take pictures and videos. You want to remember that night for as long as you can! Once the night is over, different parts of the concert start to mesh together; by taking pictures and videos you’ll be able to remember and appreciate the concert more.
5) Leave valuables in your car. You don’t want to be so worried about where your wallet is that you can’t enjoy the main act or worry about being pick-pocketed. Megan Dalton (’16) says, “I always try to condense what I bring to the concert. Fewer items, more fun!”
6) Eat before you go to the concert. The night is already expensive as it is, getting tickets and buying souvenirs. You don’t want to get caught having to spend even more money for a simple cheeseburger!
7) Have a plan of where to meet after the concert. If you go to a concert without seating, it’s easy to lose who you came with. As you are walking in to the concert, talk with your friends about where to meet at the end of the concert.
8) Make friends with the people around you. You’re going to be by those people all night so get along with them! No one wants to stand by an awkward person during a concert.
Whether you’re at a concert with specific seating or a concert that is only a mosh-pit, these must-do tips will always be helpful. Have fun at your concert and be safe!
-Jamie Swickard ('16) is the Jr. Web Editor-in-Chief and Column Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Jamie Swickard
(Photo: Twety-One Pilots concert. Photo by J. Swickard.)
NORTHRIDGE- Many people are caught doing, saying, or even wearing wrong things while at concerts. There a few rules people must follow in order to get the full experience out of a concert.
1) Always have water. If you’re singing and dancing for around three hours you’re going to get very thirsty so always have some water to keep yourself hydrated. “I feel like the concerts I was thirstiest during were the ones I didn’t enjoy as much,” states Jake Adkins (’15).
2) Wear the right clothing. If it’s outside and it’s warm, you don’t want to wear jeans and a sweatshirt; dress cool. If it’s inside, you probably can get away with jeans and a t-shirt. You never want to be too hot while at a concert.
3) Have fun. Don’t just stand there the whole concert not singing or dancing. If you don’t know the words, still dance along! No one wants to stand by a Debbie Downer.
4) Take pictures and videos. You want to remember that night for as long as you can! Once the night is over, different parts of the concert start to mesh together; by taking pictures and videos you’ll be able to remember and appreciate the concert more.
5) Leave valuables in your car. You don’t want to be so worried about where your wallet is that you can’t enjoy the main act or worry about being pick-pocketed. Megan Dalton (’16) says, “I always try to condense what I bring to the concert. Fewer items, more fun!”
6) Eat before you go to the concert. The night is already expensive as it is, getting tickets and buying souvenirs. You don’t want to get caught having to spend even more money for a simple cheeseburger!
7) Have a plan of where to meet after the concert. If you go to a concert without seating, it’s easy to lose who you came with. As you are walking in to the concert, talk with your friends about where to meet at the end of the concert.
8) Make friends with the people around you. You’re going to be by those people all night so get along with them! No one wants to stand by an awkward person during a concert.
Whether you’re at a concert with specific seating or a concert that is only a mosh-pit, these must-do tips will always be helpful. Have fun at your concert and be safe!
-Jamie Swickard ('16) is the Jr. Web Editor-in-Chief and Column Editor for The Viking Vault.
Under the desk: Plants!
By: McKenzie Messer
(Photo: Luna, Messer's moon cactus. Photo by M. Messer.)
Over the summer I changed a lot, so with my personal changes, my column will be changing a bit as well. It won’t be too different, just less television and more art. So today, let’s talk about plants! One of the happiest things you can place in your room is a plant. They’re cute, affordable, and fit easily in your room. And since I currently have six plants, I’m going to make you a nice little guide for if you’re also interested in them for your own living spaces!
One of my favorite types of cactus is the grafted colorful moon cactus. I love the varying colors and the rigid edges. It’s definitely fun and perfect for a small space! This plant needs a lot of indirect sunlight and direct can cause harm, so keep away from window sills. Like many other cacti, the plant needs watered only every so often so let it fully dry in between waterings. They also don’t do well in the cold, so make sure to keep them indoors!
One of the more traditional looking cacti is the baby rita prickly cactus. The spines, or prickly things, are long and sharp, so be careful handling it! The plant brings a fun mood with the bright, frail flower topping it. This plant needs full sun and only occasional watering.
I also have an aloe plant, which is a type of succulent as well, but I’m not sure specifically which one it is because it’s in an assortment, but I can give you the basics to care for your personal aloe vera plant. Like the other plants, they don’t need much watering. Aloe plants can adapt to shade, but do best in full sun. Aloe plants actually have a lot of benefits including boosting your immune system, a healthier scalp, and can help burns and wounds.
Many people don’t know that cacti are actually a type of succulent, so these rules apply to those too. When you want to see if your succulents need watering, put your finger one to three inches down in the soil and if it’s completely dry, then it’s time to re-hydrate! And keep in mind that succulents are desert plants so be careful not to over-water and freeze them out!
Though it’s not a succulent, I love my bamboo plant! Bamboo is actually believed to be lucky and is a feng shui cure! Each number of bamboo stalks represent a different type of feng shui cure. (I have three which stands for happiness!) Bamboo is actually quite easy to take care of, but the peaceful plant still needs love and affection. If you have clear container for your bamboo, re-water it when the water level is about half full. About once a week, take the bamboo and stones out of the container and thoroughly wash all the rocks before replacing them, then re-water with filtered water. Bamboo also doesn’t do well in direct sunlight because it will get scorched, so keep in mind where you’re putting it!
You can find many of these plants at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or even online! There are many different types of succulents, but there’s not enough space on the newspaper for all that! Whatever plants you get, make sure to follow directions to give them a long, happy life. (PS, if you talk to/breathe on your plants, it helps them grow!) Happy plant shopping!
-McKenzie Messer (‘15) is the Print Editor and Chief for the Viking Vault.
By: McKenzie Messer
(Photo: Luna, Messer's moon cactus. Photo by M. Messer.)
Over the summer I changed a lot, so with my personal changes, my column will be changing a bit as well. It won’t be too different, just less television and more art. So today, let’s talk about plants! One of the happiest things you can place in your room is a plant. They’re cute, affordable, and fit easily in your room. And since I currently have six plants, I’m going to make you a nice little guide for if you’re also interested in them for your own living spaces!
One of my favorite types of cactus is the grafted colorful moon cactus. I love the varying colors and the rigid edges. It’s definitely fun and perfect for a small space! This plant needs a lot of indirect sunlight and direct can cause harm, so keep away from window sills. Like many other cacti, the plant needs watered only every so often so let it fully dry in between waterings. They also don’t do well in the cold, so make sure to keep them indoors!
One of the more traditional looking cacti is the baby rita prickly cactus. The spines, or prickly things, are long and sharp, so be careful handling it! The plant brings a fun mood with the bright, frail flower topping it. This plant needs full sun and only occasional watering.
I also have an aloe plant, which is a type of succulent as well, but I’m not sure specifically which one it is because it’s in an assortment, but I can give you the basics to care for your personal aloe vera plant. Like the other plants, they don’t need much watering. Aloe plants can adapt to shade, but do best in full sun. Aloe plants actually have a lot of benefits including boosting your immune system, a healthier scalp, and can help burns and wounds.
Many people don’t know that cacti are actually a type of succulent, so these rules apply to those too. When you want to see if your succulents need watering, put your finger one to three inches down in the soil and if it’s completely dry, then it’s time to re-hydrate! And keep in mind that succulents are desert plants so be careful not to over-water and freeze them out!
Though it’s not a succulent, I love my bamboo plant! Bamboo is actually believed to be lucky and is a feng shui cure! Each number of bamboo stalks represent a different type of feng shui cure. (I have three which stands for happiness!) Bamboo is actually quite easy to take care of, but the peaceful plant still needs love and affection. If you have clear container for your bamboo, re-water it when the water level is about half full. About once a week, take the bamboo and stones out of the container and thoroughly wash all the rocks before replacing them, then re-water with filtered water. Bamboo also doesn’t do well in direct sunlight because it will get scorched, so keep in mind where you’re putting it!
You can find many of these plants at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or even online! There are many different types of succulents, but there’s not enough space on the newspaper for all that! Whatever plants you get, make sure to follow directions to give them a long, happy life. (PS, if you talk to/breathe on your plants, it helps them grow!) Happy plant shopping!
-McKenzie Messer (‘15) is the Print Editor and Chief for the Viking Vault.
The college search
By: Megan Hatfield
(Photo: Kayla Jasper ('15) at Heidelberg College. Photo by M. Hatfield.)
NORTHRIDGE - As a senior, I can say the topic of conversation in many of my classes relates to college. Narrowing down choices, sending in applications, applying for scholarships, and just finding the perfect fit for the future is on all seniors’ minds. With some college deadlines in November, the choices must be made very soon.
The thoughts of college are thrilling and overwhelming for students. The questions everyone has to ask themselves before heading to college range from close to home to far away, from small college to big universities, what to major in, and so much more. Narrowing down the options to only a couple is hard enough, let alone one choice. After factoring in distance, cost, and the majors the schools offer finding the right college becomes easier, but the perfect fit is often difficult to find.
Ana Carpenter (‘15) is “nervous, yet excited” for her college visits. She is visiting Cornell, Yale, and Harvard. Carpenter said she initially wasn’t looking at Ivy League schools, but decided to look into them. Although Carpenter knows Ivy League schools are hard to get into, she feels she has credentials that will help her possibly get in.
Jake Adkins (‘15) wants to wrestle in college. Adkins has scheduled visits with Princeton and Brown. Adkins went over the summer to see Princeton, Brown, Penn, and Harvard. Adkins said, “If I don’t wrestle then I will end up going to whatever school I can get into, because the acceptance rates for Ivy League schools are so low.”
Brad Wilson (‘15) wants to play baseball in college. Wilson wants to go to either Ohio Dominican or Ohio Wesleyan to play baseball and continue his education. Wilson has been looking at many different colleges for baseball over the past few years. He has gone to many camps and played in front of many coaches.
Donna Snyder (‘15) had been on college visits to Otterbein, Kenyon, and Capital. Synder said “I loved Kenyon’s campus, but the people at Otterbein seem to be the best fit so far.” Synder is looking for a school with a good communications program.
Kayla Jasper (‘15) went on a spontaneous visit over the summer to Heidelberg University and loved it. Jasper wants to go into child and developmental psychology. She liked Heidelberg because they have her specific major, unlike many schools. Jasper is also looking at Ohio University, Miami of Ohio, Walsh, and Cornerstone. Jasper says “Heidelberg is my favorite so far.”
Katelynd Havice (‘15) is going to visit Armstrong and SCAD in Savanna, Georgia. She is also visiting Beaufort, South Carolina. She wants to “study graphic design and move to where there is warmer weather.” Havice will be able to live with her aunt and go to school in Georgia.
Although those are only a few people's plans, everyone is getting ready for the deadlines that are coming closer and closer each day for applications and scholarships. Others are planning to start careers, go into the military, or other future plans.
-Megan Hatfield (’15) is a photo editor for the Viking Vault.
By: Megan Hatfield
(Photo: Kayla Jasper ('15) at Heidelberg College. Photo by M. Hatfield.)
NORTHRIDGE - As a senior, I can say the topic of conversation in many of my classes relates to college. Narrowing down choices, sending in applications, applying for scholarships, and just finding the perfect fit for the future is on all seniors’ minds. With some college deadlines in November, the choices must be made very soon.
The thoughts of college are thrilling and overwhelming for students. The questions everyone has to ask themselves before heading to college range from close to home to far away, from small college to big universities, what to major in, and so much more. Narrowing down the options to only a couple is hard enough, let alone one choice. After factoring in distance, cost, and the majors the schools offer finding the right college becomes easier, but the perfect fit is often difficult to find.
Ana Carpenter (‘15) is “nervous, yet excited” for her college visits. She is visiting Cornell, Yale, and Harvard. Carpenter said she initially wasn’t looking at Ivy League schools, but decided to look into them. Although Carpenter knows Ivy League schools are hard to get into, she feels she has credentials that will help her possibly get in.
Jake Adkins (‘15) wants to wrestle in college. Adkins has scheduled visits with Princeton and Brown. Adkins went over the summer to see Princeton, Brown, Penn, and Harvard. Adkins said, “If I don’t wrestle then I will end up going to whatever school I can get into, because the acceptance rates for Ivy League schools are so low.”
Brad Wilson (‘15) wants to play baseball in college. Wilson wants to go to either Ohio Dominican or Ohio Wesleyan to play baseball and continue his education. Wilson has been looking at many different colleges for baseball over the past few years. He has gone to many camps and played in front of many coaches.
Donna Snyder (‘15) had been on college visits to Otterbein, Kenyon, and Capital. Synder said “I loved Kenyon’s campus, but the people at Otterbein seem to be the best fit so far.” Synder is looking for a school with a good communications program.
Kayla Jasper (‘15) went on a spontaneous visit over the summer to Heidelberg University and loved it. Jasper wants to go into child and developmental psychology. She liked Heidelberg because they have her specific major, unlike many schools. Jasper is also looking at Ohio University, Miami of Ohio, Walsh, and Cornerstone. Jasper says “Heidelberg is my favorite so far.”
Katelynd Havice (‘15) is going to visit Armstrong and SCAD in Savanna, Georgia. She is also visiting Beaufort, South Carolina. She wants to “study graphic design and move to where there is warmer weather.” Havice will be able to live with her aunt and go to school in Georgia.
Although those are only a few people's plans, everyone is getting ready for the deadlines that are coming closer and closer each day for applications and scholarships. Others are planning to start careers, go into the military, or other future plans.
-Megan Hatfield (’15) is a photo editor for the Viking Vault.
Time Management for Harried Individuals
By: Mat Scott
(Photo: A snapshot of Scott's schedule. These are only a couple of the things going on during his week. Photo by M. Scott.)
NORTHRIDGE - This year has been long, and we’re only six weeks in. Everyone’s still trying to get into the flow of the new school year and the new teachers and new classmates. Some people are liking it more than others, and some people aren’t liking it at all (sorry, just a fact of life). But some people are trying to balance their regular school work and sports and two jobs and extra-curricular clubs and activities and several other things. That’s when it get to be a real pain. So, as one of those people, I have some tips that might help other people who are in a similar situation.
First of all, make a plan at the start of your day. Do not leave the house in the morning without knowing exactly what commitments you have for the day. For instance, if you have school, cross-country practice, lifeguarding, and soccer that day, write yourself a list at the start and make sure you know what time you have to be where. If your commitments are very close together time-wise, make sure that the parties involved are aware that you are running a tight schedule and that it will not be a serious problem. Always plan things out to include travel time as well, and account for a little bit of extra in case of traffic or road construction issues.
Budgeting things in increments of 15 minutes is also helpful, since quarter-hours are nice, simple numbers that are easy to work with. If your shift at work starts at 3:50, bump that to 3:45 to give yourself an easier number to work with. Plus, that way you already have a five-minute buffer built in. If it’s going to take you 10 minutes to get to work, plan it out so that you leave 15 minutes before your start time. Again, quarter-hours are easier to work with, and you build in some buffer time in case things go awry. Also, always make sure that you bump things earlier rather than later; don’t make 3:50 into 4:00, otherwise you’re already late, and if something goes wrong, you’re in real trouble.
One of the best things I have found is to use a calendar app on your phone or tablet. That way you can just click a button and see everything you have to do for that day, week, month, or other time frame that your calendar may support. I personally like the Google Calendar app for Windows 8, as it automatically synchronizes with your online calendar, and you can add things directly from e-mail. Also, color-coding commitments works quite well too, since then you can tell exactly what’s going on with a glance.
The most important thing I have to say, though, is to know your limits. Don’t burn your candle at both ends, otherwise you’ll have nothing left. If you know you’re doing too much, look at your schedule and see if there’s anything you can cut. And always leave yourself a day off. At least one day that you don’t have anything scheduled--okay, that’s not realistic; a day when you don’t have much scheduled—that you can take and do fun things for yourself.
-Mat Scott (’15) is the Web Editor-in-Chief and Lead Tech Manager for The Viking Vault and a very harried individual.
By: Mat Scott
(Photo: A snapshot of Scott's schedule. These are only a couple of the things going on during his week. Photo by M. Scott.)
NORTHRIDGE - This year has been long, and we’re only six weeks in. Everyone’s still trying to get into the flow of the new school year and the new teachers and new classmates. Some people are liking it more than others, and some people aren’t liking it at all (sorry, just a fact of life). But some people are trying to balance their regular school work and sports and two jobs and extra-curricular clubs and activities and several other things. That’s when it get to be a real pain. So, as one of those people, I have some tips that might help other people who are in a similar situation.
First of all, make a plan at the start of your day. Do not leave the house in the morning without knowing exactly what commitments you have for the day. For instance, if you have school, cross-country practice, lifeguarding, and soccer that day, write yourself a list at the start and make sure you know what time you have to be where. If your commitments are very close together time-wise, make sure that the parties involved are aware that you are running a tight schedule and that it will not be a serious problem. Always plan things out to include travel time as well, and account for a little bit of extra in case of traffic or road construction issues.
Budgeting things in increments of 15 minutes is also helpful, since quarter-hours are nice, simple numbers that are easy to work with. If your shift at work starts at 3:50, bump that to 3:45 to give yourself an easier number to work with. Plus, that way you already have a five-minute buffer built in. If it’s going to take you 10 minutes to get to work, plan it out so that you leave 15 minutes before your start time. Again, quarter-hours are easier to work with, and you build in some buffer time in case things go awry. Also, always make sure that you bump things earlier rather than later; don’t make 3:50 into 4:00, otherwise you’re already late, and if something goes wrong, you’re in real trouble.
One of the best things I have found is to use a calendar app on your phone or tablet. That way you can just click a button and see everything you have to do for that day, week, month, or other time frame that your calendar may support. I personally like the Google Calendar app for Windows 8, as it automatically synchronizes with your online calendar, and you can add things directly from e-mail. Also, color-coding commitments works quite well too, since then you can tell exactly what’s going on with a glance.
The most important thing I have to say, though, is to know your limits. Don’t burn your candle at both ends, otherwise you’ll have nothing left. If you know you’re doing too much, look at your schedule and see if there’s anything you can cut. And always leave yourself a day off. At least one day that you don’t have anything scheduled--okay, that’s not realistic; a day when you don’t have much scheduled—that you can take and do fun things for yourself.
-Mat Scott (’15) is the Web Editor-in-Chief and Lead Tech Manager for The Viking Vault and a very harried individual.
De-stressing your stressful life
By: Savannah Legg
Northridge students are overloading their schedules, putting them in a perpetual state of stress. Here are some ways to deal with, eliminate, or decrease the stress.
1. Consider what you can control. You can’t worry about things out of your control. If things don’t go the way you planned them to, such as studying really hard for a test that you don’t do very well on, just do your best and the rest will fall into place.
2. Incorporate activities that you like to do into your schedule, such as after school clubs, athletics, or even volunteering somewhere you’d enjoy. It will give you something to look forward to each day, and act as a stress reliever to your busy agenda. Morgan Hatten (16’) said that participating in volleyball after school “helps me relieve stress and take a break from school."
3. Another way to relieve stress in your busy schedule is to plan your time accordingly. Whether it’s writing in an agenda, or marking your calendar on your phone, figure out when and what your assignments are and make a cyber or physical calendar.
4. Picking off the negotiable from your plate is another thing to consider when reducing stress in your busy schedule. The things that you don’t NEED to do shouldn’t overload your schedule. Find out what’s important, and only keep those things in your schedule. Sarah George ('15) said that “At the beginning of the year I had to drop a few classes because it was all too much, and it’s really paid off.”
5. Nobody’s perfect, so save yourself some room for error. Not everything you do will turn out 100% perfect every time. Expecting the best out of yourself, and demanding the best of yourself are two completely separate things. “Although I expect good grades, I know that all I can do is my best, and as long as I study hard and do my best, that’s all that matters” said Josie Bunstine ('16).
6. Preserve good boundaries for yourself. Don’t always be a people pleaser. Learn how to say no to people, because putting too much on your plate for the benefit for others isn’t worth it.
-Savannah Legg (‘16) is a Staff Writer and the Junior Photo Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Savannah Legg
Northridge students are overloading their schedules, putting them in a perpetual state of stress. Here are some ways to deal with, eliminate, or decrease the stress.
1. Consider what you can control. You can’t worry about things out of your control. If things don’t go the way you planned them to, such as studying really hard for a test that you don’t do very well on, just do your best and the rest will fall into place.
2. Incorporate activities that you like to do into your schedule, such as after school clubs, athletics, or even volunteering somewhere you’d enjoy. It will give you something to look forward to each day, and act as a stress reliever to your busy agenda. Morgan Hatten (16’) said that participating in volleyball after school “helps me relieve stress and take a break from school."
3. Another way to relieve stress in your busy schedule is to plan your time accordingly. Whether it’s writing in an agenda, or marking your calendar on your phone, figure out when and what your assignments are and make a cyber or physical calendar.
4. Picking off the negotiable from your plate is another thing to consider when reducing stress in your busy schedule. The things that you don’t NEED to do shouldn’t overload your schedule. Find out what’s important, and only keep those things in your schedule. Sarah George ('15) said that “At the beginning of the year I had to drop a few classes because it was all too much, and it’s really paid off.”
5. Nobody’s perfect, so save yourself some room for error. Not everything you do will turn out 100% perfect every time. Expecting the best out of yourself, and demanding the best of yourself are two completely separate things. “Although I expect good grades, I know that all I can do is my best, and as long as I study hard and do my best, that’s all that matters” said Josie Bunstine ('16).
6. Preserve good boundaries for yourself. Don’t always be a people pleaser. Learn how to say no to people, because putting too much on your plate for the benefit for others isn’t worth it.
-Savannah Legg (‘16) is a Staff Writer and the Junior Photo Editor for The Viking Vault.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
By: Chad Campbell
Most people nowadays always skip the most important meal of the day...breakfast.
Many people skip breakfast because they don't have time in the mornings or because they just don't feel like eating it.
But what they don't know is that if they ate breakfast it would actually help them out a lot throughout the day.
What many people do not know is that eating breakfast can actually help you lose weight, where some might think the opposite because you are eating an extra meal every day. But, it actually helps you lose weight because you feel fuller throughout the day, and you don't over eat when you eat lunch or a snack.
Eating breakfast everyday also helps you have energy and stay focused throughout the day. This would help a lot of kids at school for sure because there are tons who sleep in every class. When you go to sleep at night, your blood sugar levels drop tremendously and eating breakfast after you wake will help you keep those blood sugar levels level all day long and have more energy.
“I know that whenever I eat breakfast in the mornings I always have a way better day because I am focused and alert in class, plus I'm not grumpy and I'm ready to have a good time” says Evan Wilkoski ('15).
These are prime examples of why you should try to get up early enough in the mornings to make yourself something to eat for breakfast. Although if you don’t have enough time in the mornings to eat breakfast, the school sells breakfast for $1.
This can alter kids’ grades a lot because they are not only tired from having to get up so early, but they also don't get a good meal in the morning to give them energy and help keep them focused throughout the day.
-Chad Campbell ('15) is the Sports Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Chad Campbell
Most people nowadays always skip the most important meal of the day...breakfast.
Many people skip breakfast because they don't have time in the mornings or because they just don't feel like eating it.
But what they don't know is that if they ate breakfast it would actually help them out a lot throughout the day.
What many people do not know is that eating breakfast can actually help you lose weight, where some might think the opposite because you are eating an extra meal every day. But, it actually helps you lose weight because you feel fuller throughout the day, and you don't over eat when you eat lunch or a snack.
Eating breakfast everyday also helps you have energy and stay focused throughout the day. This would help a lot of kids at school for sure because there are tons who sleep in every class. When you go to sleep at night, your blood sugar levels drop tremendously and eating breakfast after you wake will help you keep those blood sugar levels level all day long and have more energy.
“I know that whenever I eat breakfast in the mornings I always have a way better day because I am focused and alert in class, plus I'm not grumpy and I'm ready to have a good time” says Evan Wilkoski ('15).
These are prime examples of why you should try to get up early enough in the mornings to make yourself something to eat for breakfast. Although if you don’t have enough time in the mornings to eat breakfast, the school sells breakfast for $1.
This can alter kids’ grades a lot because they are not only tired from having to get up so early, but they also don't get a good meal in the morning to give them energy and help keep them focused throughout the day.
-Chad Campbell ('15) is the Sports Editor for The Viking Vault.
Local job hunting
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE: How do you find a decent job? I’ve been asking myself this question ever since the beginning of September. Currently I work at Velvet Ice Cream (a great place to be employed, by the way), but there is one downside to this opportunity: it’s a seasonal job, and the season ends October 31st. So, I need a new job, but where does someone start looking? At Christmas tree farms? Personally, I had no clue.
And so began my hunt for employment.
The first place I figured would be a quick way to see who was hiring was to get an application that searches my area for places that need workers. The first app I saw was called Snagajob, and it actually helped a lot. It took my ZIP code and searched the surrounding area for businesses. I was surprised when pins popped up all over the map. I applied here and there, but there was a pretty common theme: You had to be age 18 or older. I’m 16.
So, I stopped using the application, and wherever I was I looked in stores and restaurants to see if I could find anything. Wendy’s and Tractor Supply Company in Johnstown were hiring, so I gave those a shot. You have to be 18 for Tractor Supply Company and, to be honest, I forgot to apply at Wendy’s until I sat down to write this story.
So, I started asking pretty much anybody if they knew of places. No dice. I moved on to dismissing the whole job hunt thing until near the end of September. All in all, if you’re looking for jobs you definitely have a much better chance if you’re 18 and don’t have a face tattoo.
Hugh Prentice (’16) is the Co-Interactive Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE: How do you find a decent job? I’ve been asking myself this question ever since the beginning of September. Currently I work at Velvet Ice Cream (a great place to be employed, by the way), but there is one downside to this opportunity: it’s a seasonal job, and the season ends October 31st. So, I need a new job, but where does someone start looking? At Christmas tree farms? Personally, I had no clue.
And so began my hunt for employment.
The first place I figured would be a quick way to see who was hiring was to get an application that searches my area for places that need workers. The first app I saw was called Snagajob, and it actually helped a lot. It took my ZIP code and searched the surrounding area for businesses. I was surprised when pins popped up all over the map. I applied here and there, but there was a pretty common theme: You had to be age 18 or older. I’m 16.
So, I stopped using the application, and wherever I was I looked in stores and restaurants to see if I could find anything. Wendy’s and Tractor Supply Company in Johnstown were hiring, so I gave those a shot. You have to be 18 for Tractor Supply Company and, to be honest, I forgot to apply at Wendy’s until I sat down to write this story.
So, I started asking pretty much anybody if they knew of places. No dice. I moved on to dismissing the whole job hunt thing until near the end of September. All in all, if you’re looking for jobs you definitely have a much better chance if you’re 18 and don’t have a face tattoo.
Hugh Prentice (’16) is the Co-Interactive Editor for The Viking Vault.
Ask Aili
By: Aili Barbee
Q: Aili, what is the best way to stay organized between all of my classes?
A: I recommend going to Staples or even Wal-Mart to look for school supplies. Binders are typically much more organized than folders because the three prongs keep papers from falling out if it is accidentally turned upside down. Try getting one of each color with a corresponding notebook for each class. I also recommend buying notecards, highlighters and different colored pens for color coding. These three supplies are critical for effective and organized study. Using the planner the school gives you is also very beneficial when trying to stay organized with homework, due dates and tests. Finally, try setting aside a certain time of day to work on your homework and study. This way, you aren’t frantically trying to cram everything in 20 minutes before you have to leave for school.
Q: Aili, what are some good websites for scholarships?
A:
A: Speaking from my own personal experience, you can be both introverted and a leader simultaneously. An introvert is simply just someone who enjoys and can “feed off of” alone-time, while an extrovert enjoys being around others all of the time. Most introverts do like being around other people, but also need to fit time to themselves in their schedule. My advice to you is to try to find a good balance between your solitary-time and your commitment to being around and encouraging those you lead.
-Aili Barbee ('16) is the Junior Print Editor-in-Chief of The Viking Vault. To submit questions, please send them to <[email protected]>.
By: Aili Barbee
Q: Aili, what is the best way to stay organized between all of my classes?
A: I recommend going to Staples or even Wal-Mart to look for school supplies. Binders are typically much more organized than folders because the three prongs keep papers from falling out if it is accidentally turned upside down. Try getting one of each color with a corresponding notebook for each class. I also recommend buying notecards, highlighters and different colored pens for color coding. These three supplies are critical for effective and organized study. Using the planner the school gives you is also very beneficial when trying to stay organized with homework, due dates and tests. Finally, try setting aside a certain time of day to work on your homework and study. This way, you aren’t frantically trying to cram everything in 20 minutes before you have to leave for school.
Q: Aili, what are some good websites for scholarships?
A:
- Fastweb.com
- ScholarhipPoints.com
- Zinch.com
- Scholarships.com
- DoSomething.org
A: Speaking from my own personal experience, you can be both introverted and a leader simultaneously. An introvert is simply just someone who enjoys and can “feed off of” alone-time, while an extrovert enjoys being around others all of the time. Most introverts do like being around other people, but also need to fit time to themselves in their schedule. My advice to you is to try to find a good balance between your solitary-time and your commitment to being around and encouraging those you lead.
-Aili Barbee ('16) is the Junior Print Editor-in-Chief of The Viking Vault. To submit questions, please send them to <[email protected]>.
How to write a college essay
By: Lilly Chesser
If you're a senior planning on going to college next fall, one of the most important skills to learn is how to market yourself. Colleges don't want you to just be a collection of numbers and stats; they want to see who you are as a person presented on your own terms. One of the best ways to show them who you are (besides interviews and correspondence with the admissions staff) is through your essay: a character-limit-confined response to a given prompt. Besides those parameters, there are really not many guidelines or strictures for what must be on this essay, which can be a bit overwhelming.
You've heard this over and over again, but you really do need to "be yourself"--whatever that means. Make sure the writing sounds like you, and don't say anything that you think sounds weird or wrong. This is very different from the essays you write in English class because you're the one making the executive decisions, and they can't be right or wrong. All that being said, remember that this isn't just a personal journal. This is a paper with an academic purpose. Now is not really the time to showcase your experimental, abstract writing. Don't chance any inappropriate jokes or troubling weirdness. Focus on the parts of you that you'd show to your parents.
If you aren't sure how to give colleges the information they need on exactly who you are, remember that there are certain things which need to be emphasized. If you're talking about a challenge you've overcome, make sure to include how you overcame it, what you learned, and how it's affected how you have dealt or will deal with similar problems. Brag, but don't make yourself seem infallible. Talk about ways you've failed but finish it off with how the failure has helped you grow. Make sure to name-drop your relevant jobs, classes, or extra-curriculars so you can show how this event translates to an academic setting.
If the essay you're writing is for a specific college, then absolutely make sure you talk about that specific college somehow. No matter what the prompt, they are pretty much all looking for reasons why you want to go there and what you'll contribute to their community. Do your research on the college and include it in your essay. For example, talk about what clubs you would join on campus, what classes you would take, what you like about the college environment, or how your philosophies align with those of the school.
-Lilly Chesser ('15) is the Print Copy Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Lilly Chesser
If you're a senior planning on going to college next fall, one of the most important skills to learn is how to market yourself. Colleges don't want you to just be a collection of numbers and stats; they want to see who you are as a person presented on your own terms. One of the best ways to show them who you are (besides interviews and correspondence with the admissions staff) is through your essay: a character-limit-confined response to a given prompt. Besides those parameters, there are really not many guidelines or strictures for what must be on this essay, which can be a bit overwhelming.
You've heard this over and over again, but you really do need to "be yourself"--whatever that means. Make sure the writing sounds like you, and don't say anything that you think sounds weird or wrong. This is very different from the essays you write in English class because you're the one making the executive decisions, and they can't be right or wrong. All that being said, remember that this isn't just a personal journal. This is a paper with an academic purpose. Now is not really the time to showcase your experimental, abstract writing. Don't chance any inappropriate jokes or troubling weirdness. Focus on the parts of you that you'd show to your parents.
If you aren't sure how to give colleges the information they need on exactly who you are, remember that there are certain things which need to be emphasized. If you're talking about a challenge you've overcome, make sure to include how you overcame it, what you learned, and how it's affected how you have dealt or will deal with similar problems. Brag, but don't make yourself seem infallible. Talk about ways you've failed but finish it off with how the failure has helped you grow. Make sure to name-drop your relevant jobs, classes, or extra-curriculars so you can show how this event translates to an academic setting.
If the essay you're writing is for a specific college, then absolutely make sure you talk about that specific college somehow. No matter what the prompt, they are pretty much all looking for reasons why you want to go there and what you'll contribute to their community. Do your research on the college and include it in your essay. For example, talk about what clubs you would join on campus, what classes you would take, what you like about the college environment, or how your philosophies align with those of the school.
-Lilly Chesser ('15) is the Print Copy Editor for The Viking Vault.
The power of sleep
By: Megan Dalton
NORTHRIDGE- With the transition between staying up late and sleeping in until noon all summer and waking up at 6am for the school year, your sleep schedule maybe slightly off track.
Statistics show that you should get at least eight hours of sleep a night to fully rest your mind and body. During sleep, important body functions and brain activity occur. Without enough sleep there could be harmful repercussions, you could look bad, feel moody, and not preform to your full potential mentally and physical. Only 15% of teens reportedly get enough sleep at night during the school year. Having irregular sleep patterns could mess up your biological clock.
Lack of sleep can cause many negative physical effects. Lack of sleep could contribute to stress and acne, which no one has time for. Not only does it cause acne, it causes bags under your eyes. It lowers your reaction time and ability to focus as another factor.
“There have been times I thought it would be a good idea to pull an all-nighter or stay up late the night before a soccer game, and I can tell you I regretted it a lot when I had to wake up and play a game. I just wanted to go home and sleep, and I definitely didn’t want to be out running around with my team. Let’s just say it wasn’t one of my best games,” Kylor Kauahi ('16) tells us.
Getting under the recommended hours of sleep a night could also affect your mental state. It can make you drowsy and irritable. It makes people tense and depressed when they don’t have a good night sleep. Data shows that students test and study better when they rest their brains well. Morgan Hatten ('16) explains how she always sets an early bedtime for the nights before she has an important test or exam so she “knows she will do well and ace the test!”
Getting at least eight hours of sleep is beneficial in many ways. Make sure you always get a great night sleep!
-Megan Dalton (’16) is the junior sports editor for the Viking Vault.
By: Megan Dalton
NORTHRIDGE- With the transition between staying up late and sleeping in until noon all summer and waking up at 6am for the school year, your sleep schedule maybe slightly off track.
Statistics show that you should get at least eight hours of sleep a night to fully rest your mind and body. During sleep, important body functions and brain activity occur. Without enough sleep there could be harmful repercussions, you could look bad, feel moody, and not preform to your full potential mentally and physical. Only 15% of teens reportedly get enough sleep at night during the school year. Having irregular sleep patterns could mess up your biological clock.
Lack of sleep can cause many negative physical effects. Lack of sleep could contribute to stress and acne, which no one has time for. Not only does it cause acne, it causes bags under your eyes. It lowers your reaction time and ability to focus as another factor.
“There have been times I thought it would be a good idea to pull an all-nighter or stay up late the night before a soccer game, and I can tell you I regretted it a lot when I had to wake up and play a game. I just wanted to go home and sleep, and I definitely didn’t want to be out running around with my team. Let’s just say it wasn’t one of my best games,” Kylor Kauahi ('16) tells us.
Getting under the recommended hours of sleep a night could also affect your mental state. It can make you drowsy and irritable. It makes people tense and depressed when they don’t have a good night sleep. Data shows that students test and study better when they rest their brains well. Morgan Hatten ('16) explains how she always sets an early bedtime for the nights before she has an important test or exam so she “knows she will do well and ace the test!”
Getting at least eight hours of sleep is beneficial in many ways. Make sure you always get a great night sleep!
-Megan Dalton (’16) is the junior sports editor for the Viking Vault.
Tips and Tricks for the American College Test
By: McKenzie Messer
NORTHRIDGE - The three letters that make everyone's skin crawl and cause riots in the streets. ACT. Go ahead and shed a tear or two, I won’t judge you.
Many people are very intimidated by the ACT, and I used to be one of them. However, that was before I found out how to properly take the ACT.
Firsts things first, you have to trust yourself and believe that you CAN do this. With unwavering confidence, you’ll go in feeling better.
The week before: Review! It seems silly because what all can you review? www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/act/ is an absolutely magical website. Go through and take notes of things that still confuse you and take them into your teachers and ask for help! Talking to someone who is experienced in that field will make you more confident because you know what you’re doing now! Plus, they may also have some good tips for you, so never cut your teachers out of the question too fast.
The night before: Get prepped and go to bed early. I’m not kidding. Get in bed around 9:30-10:00 pm instead of the usual 11:30 pm. You’ll feel more energized and more focused. When you’re getting everything together for the next morning, make sure everything still works. I’m talking calculator batteries, erasers, pencil lead, the works. Also make sure you have extras because there’s nothing worse than being in a room without a sharpener and praying your pencil will last. Once you have all your stuff together, put it in a purse or bag of some sort to keep until you’re ready to go in.
The morning of: Eat a good breakfast! I can not emphasize this enough. A snack in the midst of four hours will not hold you over and you don’t want to be that kid that everyone can hear your belly rumbling. Trust me, it’s embarrassing. Plus, the food instantly gives you more energy which comes in handy when it comes time for the test!
English: Read the sentence before and after the specific one you’re trying to solve. Do not be afraid to choose the “Leave as is” option! I know it’ll feel weird, but sometimes that’s the actual answer. Those silly test-makers are just trying to trip you up. If you don’t know the question, put dashes by the one you know is definitely incorrect. When you finish the others, that’s when it’s time to start guessing because if you didn’t understand it the first time around, there’s a pretty good chance you won’t get it the second time and on a time crunch. That’s when the dashes come in handy so you can have a semi-educated guess.
Math: Make sure you know your geometry! Review trig, pythagorean theorem,and fractions. Emily Dalton (‘15) says, “Don’t forget your calculator, because I forgot mine the first time.” If you have any questions, talk to someone.
Science: DO NOT READ THE INFORMATION! Trust me! The first time I took it, I read all the information and did not do well. The second time, I looked strictly at the graphs and did much better! The words are just there to slow you down, the graph is what the whole section is about. You’re probably going to run out of time considering that they give you 35 minutes and 40 questions. Everyone runs out of time and guesses on five to 20 of the questions. Don’t feel bad.
Reading: Skim the passage, then questions, then QUICKLY read the passage! If you sit there and read the passage, then go back for every question, you won’t have enough time! This is another short time with lots of questions, so if you run out of time, don’t panic. Everyone is feeling the same way.
I hope my experience will help you when your test date comes. Good luck!
-McKenzie Messer (‘15) is the Print Editor-in-Chief of The Viking Vault.
By: McKenzie Messer
NORTHRIDGE - The three letters that make everyone's skin crawl and cause riots in the streets. ACT. Go ahead and shed a tear or two, I won’t judge you.
Many people are very intimidated by the ACT, and I used to be one of them. However, that was before I found out how to properly take the ACT.
Firsts things first, you have to trust yourself and believe that you CAN do this. With unwavering confidence, you’ll go in feeling better.
The week before: Review! It seems silly because what all can you review? www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/act/ is an absolutely magical website. Go through and take notes of things that still confuse you and take them into your teachers and ask for help! Talking to someone who is experienced in that field will make you more confident because you know what you’re doing now! Plus, they may also have some good tips for you, so never cut your teachers out of the question too fast.
The night before: Get prepped and go to bed early. I’m not kidding. Get in bed around 9:30-10:00 pm instead of the usual 11:30 pm. You’ll feel more energized and more focused. When you’re getting everything together for the next morning, make sure everything still works. I’m talking calculator batteries, erasers, pencil lead, the works. Also make sure you have extras because there’s nothing worse than being in a room without a sharpener and praying your pencil will last. Once you have all your stuff together, put it in a purse or bag of some sort to keep until you’re ready to go in.
The morning of: Eat a good breakfast! I can not emphasize this enough. A snack in the midst of four hours will not hold you over and you don’t want to be that kid that everyone can hear your belly rumbling. Trust me, it’s embarrassing. Plus, the food instantly gives you more energy which comes in handy when it comes time for the test!
English: Read the sentence before and after the specific one you’re trying to solve. Do not be afraid to choose the “Leave as is” option! I know it’ll feel weird, but sometimes that’s the actual answer. Those silly test-makers are just trying to trip you up. If you don’t know the question, put dashes by the one you know is definitely incorrect. When you finish the others, that’s when it’s time to start guessing because if you didn’t understand it the first time around, there’s a pretty good chance you won’t get it the second time and on a time crunch. That’s when the dashes come in handy so you can have a semi-educated guess.
Math: Make sure you know your geometry! Review trig, pythagorean theorem,and fractions. Emily Dalton (‘15) says, “Don’t forget your calculator, because I forgot mine the first time.” If you have any questions, talk to someone.
Science: DO NOT READ THE INFORMATION! Trust me! The first time I took it, I read all the information and did not do well. The second time, I looked strictly at the graphs and did much better! The words are just there to slow you down, the graph is what the whole section is about. You’re probably going to run out of time considering that they give you 35 minutes and 40 questions. Everyone runs out of time and guesses on five to 20 of the questions. Don’t feel bad.
Reading: Skim the passage, then questions, then QUICKLY read the passage! If you sit there and read the passage, then go back for every question, you won’t have enough time! This is another short time with lots of questions, so if you run out of time, don’t panic. Everyone is feeling the same way.
I hope my experience will help you when your test date comes. Good luck!
-McKenzie Messer (‘15) is the Print Editor-in-Chief of The Viking Vault.