A story of how Northridge came to be
By: Mackenzie Holder
Have you ever wondered, “why is there so much green and white in our school?” Everywhere you look at NHS, all you see is green and white. Next time you walk to class count how many things are green in the high school. My guess is that it will be a lot. The hallways, lunchroom, bathrooms, carpet, and many more places show our school colors. All this green and white has me curious about how we landed on our official school colors.
This curiosity has me imagining plenty of alternatives, of course: how would my high school experience have been different if we were purple and white? What if we were not even the Vikings? What if we were the Northridge Knights? What about the Northridge Bears? Imagine being at a basketball game and getting introduced as the Northridge Knights … it seems strange, but all of these were possible school colors and mascots considered for the Ridge at one time.
Long-time Viking Mr. Denny Morris states, “When I came to Northridge High School in ‘73 I didn't even know where Northridge was or that it was a school, but I am so glad that I found it because I love it here. The kids here are so good and that is why I am still working here today.”
Some of the history Morris shares is that “It was not just one big high school - it was actually separated into two schools. It was Northridge North and Northridge South. One was located at Alexandria and one was located where the high school is now.” Just imagine if that was still the case today. You may have never even met some of the friends that you know and love.
A Northridge High School Alumnus and retired NHS teacher/coach Mike Dudgeon turned out to be the one to go to for more information. “Dudge,” as he is known, recalls, “As far as I have heard, the name Vikings came from the lands forested by evergreen trees that are covered by snow most of the time, hence the school colors green and white.”
Dudge said the district/school got its name because it was “located on the ‘North Ridge’ of the county. This was designated on topographic maps.” This is interesting because who knew that there was actually a very logical reason for our school name? Or colors?
Now when you are walking down the halls you can know the backstory behind how the school colors and name came to be. Say a big thank you to the classes many years before us that voted on these things. Be thankful that they did not choose colors like brown and purple or even red and white because we all know who that represents. Overall, green and white seem pretty great compared with the other options that could have been chosen.
-Mackenzie Holder is the print editor for the Viking Vault. 1[email protected]
By: Mackenzie Holder
Have you ever wondered, “why is there so much green and white in our school?” Everywhere you look at NHS, all you see is green and white. Next time you walk to class count how many things are green in the high school. My guess is that it will be a lot. The hallways, lunchroom, bathrooms, carpet, and many more places show our school colors. All this green and white has me curious about how we landed on our official school colors.
This curiosity has me imagining plenty of alternatives, of course: how would my high school experience have been different if we were purple and white? What if we were not even the Vikings? What if we were the Northridge Knights? What about the Northridge Bears? Imagine being at a basketball game and getting introduced as the Northridge Knights … it seems strange, but all of these were possible school colors and mascots considered for the Ridge at one time.
Long-time Viking Mr. Denny Morris states, “When I came to Northridge High School in ‘73 I didn't even know where Northridge was or that it was a school, but I am so glad that I found it because I love it here. The kids here are so good and that is why I am still working here today.”
Some of the history Morris shares is that “It was not just one big high school - it was actually separated into two schools. It was Northridge North and Northridge South. One was located at Alexandria and one was located where the high school is now.” Just imagine if that was still the case today. You may have never even met some of the friends that you know and love.
A Northridge High School Alumnus and retired NHS teacher/coach Mike Dudgeon turned out to be the one to go to for more information. “Dudge,” as he is known, recalls, “As far as I have heard, the name Vikings came from the lands forested by evergreen trees that are covered by snow most of the time, hence the school colors green and white.”
Dudge said the district/school got its name because it was “located on the ‘North Ridge’ of the county. This was designated on topographic maps.” This is interesting because who knew that there was actually a very logical reason for our school name? Or colors?
Now when you are walking down the halls you can know the backstory behind how the school colors and name came to be. Say a big thank you to the classes many years before us that voted on these things. Be thankful that they did not choose colors like brown and purple or even red and white because we all know who that represents. Overall, green and white seem pretty great compared with the other options that could have been chosen.
-Mackenzie Holder is the print editor for the Viking Vault. 1[email protected]
Embarrassing High School Stories
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - Everyone has that one moment where your face turns bright red and you’re just praying no one saw what just happened. Sadly, some people had these experiences in high school for everyone to see…
Freshman year is full of surprises for everyone, especially around Homecoming. Weeks before the yearly school dance, Rachael Webb (‘21) found herself in an awkward position with her good friend Kyle Shoen when he out of the blue asked her to bump set and spike her way to Homecoming with him. Terrified, with all eyes on her, Webb forced out a “Sure Kyleeeee.” Webb realizes no one will forget that awkward hug and picture.
Another freshman year quandary was when now junior Zion Carpenter was dumped at lunch by his girlfriend. Carpenter notes it was a very calm breakup, but many people surrounded the scene and overheard. Not only the heartbreak but everyone knowing made the wound a little deeper for poor Zion.
School assemblies always have a gym full of students, with all eyes on the kids selected by Student Leadership to participate. Alex Bash (‘21) was selected to make a peanut butter sandwich blindfolded and found himself with his hand stuck in the peanut butter jar and couldn’t remove the blindfold, which cost his class to lose the challenge.
Best friends can be a blessing and a curse. Senior Gabby Webb’s kindergarten secret was kept quiet until high school by friend Alison Bash (‘18). In kindergarten, Gabby always had a fear of using the school restroom and so waited to use the restroom after school every day. “One day the bus ride seemed a little longer than normal so when Gabby found herself peeing the seat, bus buddy “Daniel Hatfield discovered himself getting a little wet”. So for weeks, Gabby was reminded of her little bus accident. Bash told Hatfield because the two were dating and she thought he’d find it quite comical. Hatfield did find it funny so sure enough, he was telling all his friends.
Students aren’t the only people to have embarrassing stories; teachers have their fair share, as well. Jing Cai, the school’s new Chinese teacher, even had her moments over in China. In China, after their second period, they have half an hour to go get food. It was Jing Cai’s junior year and she found herself very “hangry” around this time of the day, so she decided to run. Running led to jumping down stairs, which lead to falling, which lead to her in the hospital because she broke her foot in front of everyone. During her immobile three months, she had her best friend fetch her food because she was still hungry, of course.
From slipping in front of all your peers to having an odd sneeze, embarrassing things happen to all of us and make fun memories to look back and laugh at.
- Sydney Koker (‘21) The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - Everyone has that one moment where your face turns bright red and you’re just praying no one saw what just happened. Sadly, some people had these experiences in high school for everyone to see…
Freshman year is full of surprises for everyone, especially around Homecoming. Weeks before the yearly school dance, Rachael Webb (‘21) found herself in an awkward position with her good friend Kyle Shoen when he out of the blue asked her to bump set and spike her way to Homecoming with him. Terrified, with all eyes on her, Webb forced out a “Sure Kyleeeee.” Webb realizes no one will forget that awkward hug and picture.
Another freshman year quandary was when now junior Zion Carpenter was dumped at lunch by his girlfriend. Carpenter notes it was a very calm breakup, but many people surrounded the scene and overheard. Not only the heartbreak but everyone knowing made the wound a little deeper for poor Zion.
School assemblies always have a gym full of students, with all eyes on the kids selected by Student Leadership to participate. Alex Bash (‘21) was selected to make a peanut butter sandwich blindfolded and found himself with his hand stuck in the peanut butter jar and couldn’t remove the blindfold, which cost his class to lose the challenge.
Best friends can be a blessing and a curse. Senior Gabby Webb’s kindergarten secret was kept quiet until high school by friend Alison Bash (‘18). In kindergarten, Gabby always had a fear of using the school restroom and so waited to use the restroom after school every day. “One day the bus ride seemed a little longer than normal so when Gabby found herself peeing the seat, bus buddy “Daniel Hatfield discovered himself getting a little wet”. So for weeks, Gabby was reminded of her little bus accident. Bash told Hatfield because the two were dating and she thought he’d find it quite comical. Hatfield did find it funny so sure enough, he was telling all his friends.
Students aren’t the only people to have embarrassing stories; teachers have their fair share, as well. Jing Cai, the school’s new Chinese teacher, even had her moments over in China. In China, after their second period, they have half an hour to go get food. It was Jing Cai’s junior year and she found herself very “hangry” around this time of the day, so she decided to run. Running led to jumping down stairs, which lead to falling, which lead to her in the hospital because she broke her foot in front of everyone. During her immobile three months, she had her best friend fetch her food because she was still hungry, of course.
From slipping in front of all your peers to having an odd sneeze, embarrassing things happen to all of us and make fun memories to look back and laugh at.
- Sydney Koker (‘21) The Viking Vault. [email protected]
Senior year: staying or going?
By: Megan Payne
NORTHRIDGE - The beginning of spring semester of senior year has officially hit the class of 2019 here at Northridge High School and with it comes the decision to stay at the high school or to go take college classes somewhere off campus.
Abigail Travis is one of the 11 Northridge seniors who decided to spend their senior year on a college campus. Travis (‘19) is spending her senior year at Otterbein University which is where she plans to attend in the fall.
Travis says that she decided to take classes at Otterbein because she “had already taken almost all the courses required for graduation and basically exhausted all the classes at Northridge that would help set me up for the future.” Since she was able to complete the prereqs for the nursing program, Travis is mostly taking classes that pertain to her nursing major which will allow her to receive early entrance into the nursing program this fall.
Samuel Tucker (‘19) is another a NHS senior who decided to take college classes at OSU-N this year. When asked why he decided to take college classes on campus this year, Tucker said, “The variety on campus in terms of classes available is endless, and I have the opportunity to get my gen ed classes done with.”
As a result of taking college classes this year, Travis will graduate high school with 45 college credits which allows both Abigail and Samuel to enter college as sophomores next year.
Both students said that taking college classes as a high school senior is an adjustment which can cause stress but both said that staying organized and using time wisely is the key to success.
Being away from the school all day can make it tough to participate in school activities such as pep rallies and sporting events. When asked about missing out on those things Travis says, “I never really enjoyed those things, so, honestly, it was something I was excited about. I've always considered myself an old soul, so I never found myself invested in those kinds of activities in high school, and I typically found things to do during these times that I felt were more worth my time.”
Tucker, who plays varsity basketball for Northridge, says, “I still can come to events but I don’t really know when they are so I kind of feel like I am missing out.
Although both Abigail Travis and Samuel Tucker have had great experiences spending their senior year on another campus, it isn’t for everyone.
Jessica Koehler (‘19) chose to stay at Northridge to finish her last year of high school. Koehler believes that “you only have one high school experience and I didn’t want to waste that on classes that I can take during the next 4 years of my life.”
Koehler is not taking any College Credit Plus courses at Northridge this year and she says that she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I feel like Northridge has prepared me for college with the high level courses that I have taken here. I also get to spend all day with my friends and I wouldn’t want to give that up.”
All three students’ advice to underclassmen was similar. Travis said, “Find what you're passionate about or good at and go for it! It doesn't have to be college. But for people who wish to pursue college during high school: stay organized, stay focused, work hard, and don't forget to take care of yourself.” Both Tucker and Koehler advise underclassmen to not waste their time taking classes that won’t better their future, wherever that future may take them.
- Megan Payne (‘20) is Web-Editor in Chief of the Viking Vault.
By: Megan Payne
NORTHRIDGE - The beginning of spring semester of senior year has officially hit the class of 2019 here at Northridge High School and with it comes the decision to stay at the high school or to go take college classes somewhere off campus.
Abigail Travis is one of the 11 Northridge seniors who decided to spend their senior year on a college campus. Travis (‘19) is spending her senior year at Otterbein University which is where she plans to attend in the fall.
Travis says that she decided to take classes at Otterbein because she “had already taken almost all the courses required for graduation and basically exhausted all the classes at Northridge that would help set me up for the future.” Since she was able to complete the prereqs for the nursing program, Travis is mostly taking classes that pertain to her nursing major which will allow her to receive early entrance into the nursing program this fall.
Samuel Tucker (‘19) is another a NHS senior who decided to take college classes at OSU-N this year. When asked why he decided to take college classes on campus this year, Tucker said, “The variety on campus in terms of classes available is endless, and I have the opportunity to get my gen ed classes done with.”
As a result of taking college classes this year, Travis will graduate high school with 45 college credits which allows both Abigail and Samuel to enter college as sophomores next year.
Both students said that taking college classes as a high school senior is an adjustment which can cause stress but both said that staying organized and using time wisely is the key to success.
Being away from the school all day can make it tough to participate in school activities such as pep rallies and sporting events. When asked about missing out on those things Travis says, “I never really enjoyed those things, so, honestly, it was something I was excited about. I've always considered myself an old soul, so I never found myself invested in those kinds of activities in high school, and I typically found things to do during these times that I felt were more worth my time.”
Tucker, who plays varsity basketball for Northridge, says, “I still can come to events but I don’t really know when they are so I kind of feel like I am missing out.
Although both Abigail Travis and Samuel Tucker have had great experiences spending their senior year on another campus, it isn’t for everyone.
Jessica Koehler (‘19) chose to stay at Northridge to finish her last year of high school. Koehler believes that “you only have one high school experience and I didn’t want to waste that on classes that I can take during the next 4 years of my life.”
Koehler is not taking any College Credit Plus courses at Northridge this year and she says that she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I feel like Northridge has prepared me for college with the high level courses that I have taken here. I also get to spend all day with my friends and I wouldn’t want to give that up.”
All three students’ advice to underclassmen was similar. Travis said, “Find what you're passionate about or good at and go for it! It doesn't have to be college. But for people who wish to pursue college during high school: stay organized, stay focused, work hard, and don't forget to take care of yourself.” Both Tucker and Koehler advise underclassmen to not waste their time taking classes that won’t better their future, wherever that future may take them.
- Megan Payne (‘20) is Web-Editor in Chief of the Viking Vault.
The road to States
By: Madison Legg
NORTHRIDGE - Even considering he had already made an appearance three years at State Finals before this season began, that is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Klay Reeves (‘19) has achieved in his wrestling career.
Klay started wrestling at a young age when he received a sign up form for the “Northridge Youth Wrestling Team.” His grandma was actually the one who convinced him to wrestle when he got sent home a from from school with the information on it. He said “I was a pretty active kid so the thought of fighting another person was right up my alley.” Ever since then, he has worked hard and pushes himself to achieve.
Reeves’ showings at State Finals over his career have been impressive: His freshman year he placed 8th, sophomore year he placed 8th again, Junior year he jumped up and got 2nd place, and this year he plans on working hard in order to return to States. He has already won most of his matches, and his record this year is 24-3. He said “The season is going well so far. I’m healthy and my body is feeling strong.” At press time, they only have two more tournaments before the season is over, but the “postseason” is what Reeves said really counts.
Before and after tournaments, Reeves normally does the same routine. Before the tournament the thing he focuses on is getting to the right weight for that tournament. He claimed that “the sport is just as much mental as it is physical” and that is why before matches he tells himself “No one has put in as much time as I have. No one has sacrificed as much as I have. No one has pushed themselves as hard as I have.” This gets him tournament ready and focused. After the match he replenishes his fluids and tries to get his body back to “feeling good.” After the tournament is completely over, he goes home, showers, and then eats. After that he will relax for about an hour then do jump ropes or run for about 30 minutes to help his food digest and so he can also work out the soreness.
Not only is Reeves having a good season but he said the team is doing pretty well, too. He said, “Everyone shows up to practice and leaves nothing left in the tank everyday. That's the best thing a coach or captain could ever ask for.” He said that no matter what the record is, that doesn't matter in postseason. He said the only thing that matters is peaking at the right time.
Reeves said his teammates are very supportive of him, including a very close friend and fellow teammate Zach George (‘19). George said, “Klay has worked hard this season, and I could see him going all the way this year. No one works as hard as him, and when he sets his mind to something he doesn't quit until he achieves his goal. I have to say, good luck in postseason but you really aren’t gonna need it.”
- Madie Legg ('19) is an entertainment editor for the Viking Vault.
By: Madison Legg
NORTHRIDGE - Even considering he had already made an appearance three years at State Finals before this season began, that is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Klay Reeves (‘19) has achieved in his wrestling career.
Klay started wrestling at a young age when he received a sign up form for the “Northridge Youth Wrestling Team.” His grandma was actually the one who convinced him to wrestle when he got sent home a from from school with the information on it. He said “I was a pretty active kid so the thought of fighting another person was right up my alley.” Ever since then, he has worked hard and pushes himself to achieve.
Reeves’ showings at State Finals over his career have been impressive: His freshman year he placed 8th, sophomore year he placed 8th again, Junior year he jumped up and got 2nd place, and this year he plans on working hard in order to return to States. He has already won most of his matches, and his record this year is 24-3. He said “The season is going well so far. I’m healthy and my body is feeling strong.” At press time, they only have two more tournaments before the season is over, but the “postseason” is what Reeves said really counts.
Before and after tournaments, Reeves normally does the same routine. Before the tournament the thing he focuses on is getting to the right weight for that tournament. He claimed that “the sport is just as much mental as it is physical” and that is why before matches he tells himself “No one has put in as much time as I have. No one has sacrificed as much as I have. No one has pushed themselves as hard as I have.” This gets him tournament ready and focused. After the match he replenishes his fluids and tries to get his body back to “feeling good.” After the tournament is completely over, he goes home, showers, and then eats. After that he will relax for about an hour then do jump ropes or run for about 30 minutes to help his food digest and so he can also work out the soreness.
Not only is Reeves having a good season but he said the team is doing pretty well, too. He said, “Everyone shows up to practice and leaves nothing left in the tank everyday. That's the best thing a coach or captain could ever ask for.” He said that no matter what the record is, that doesn't matter in postseason. He said the only thing that matters is peaking at the right time.
Reeves said his teammates are very supportive of him, including a very close friend and fellow teammate Zach George (‘19). George said, “Klay has worked hard this season, and I could see him going all the way this year. No one works as hard as him, and when he sets his mind to something he doesn't quit until he achieves his goal. I have to say, good luck in postseason but you really aren’t gonna need it.”
- Madie Legg ('19) is an entertainment editor for the Viking Vault.
Meeting famous people
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - Meeting someone famous who you idolize is exciting no matter if you were planning to meet them or just happened to run into them. Here are the stories of a couple Vikings who met some idols ...
Lileigh Berling (‘20) was excited to have met the 21 Pilots star, Josh Dun, at a Mikky Ekko concert she attended just a few months ago. “My friend Sarah and I went to the Mikky Ekko concert at a small bar called The Basement in Columbus,” she said, continuing, “The concert wasn't too big, and we ended up running into some other girls our age that were there, and made some friends. After a couple songs one of the girls we were talking to squealed and said she thought she saw Josh Dun over by the bar.”
Berling ended up meeting the star but was unable to get a picture. “When we asked, he said ‘some other time, ladies,’ and gave us a pat on the back.” Berling says that, “Even though we didn't get a picture, Josh was really nice and I can't wait to go to a 21 Pilots concert in June!”
Julia West (‘20) met the rapper Yung Punch after waiting in line for about an hour at one of his concerts. She said, “It was a really cool experience and he was really nice.” Julia explained, “If they come back, I would love to go again.”
I too have recently come across some famous stars, by accident. On June 3rd of this year, my family and I took a trip to Tennessee for a couple days with both sets of my grandparents, my aunt, cousin, mom, dad, and siblings. On Thursday of the trip, we didn't have anything planned and so we decided to do a day at the Dollywood amusement park that was just down the road from the cabin where we were staying. After a couple hours at the park, I was looking in one of the gift shops when a man came up to me and asked if I knew who Blake Shelton or Gwen Stefani were. “Yeah,” I said, kind of confused. Then the man told me that they were walking around the park that day and that I should keep my eye out.
After that, I was looking everywhere for them. I remember turning the corner and seeing Gwen, Blake, and the kids playing a skiball game at one of the little game places just like they were anyone else. Nobody else was around, so I walked up and tapped on the back of Blake’s shoulder. When he turned around, he looked surprised and jumped back, but then he laughed and said “yes” when I asked to get a picture with Gwen and him. I will never forget meeting them - it was easily one of the best surprises ever!
-Claire Wasem (‘20) is an assistant entertainment editor for the Viking Vault.
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - Meeting someone famous who you idolize is exciting no matter if you were planning to meet them or just happened to run into them. Here are the stories of a couple Vikings who met some idols ...
Lileigh Berling (‘20) was excited to have met the 21 Pilots star, Josh Dun, at a Mikky Ekko concert she attended just a few months ago. “My friend Sarah and I went to the Mikky Ekko concert at a small bar called The Basement in Columbus,” she said, continuing, “The concert wasn't too big, and we ended up running into some other girls our age that were there, and made some friends. After a couple songs one of the girls we were talking to squealed and said she thought she saw Josh Dun over by the bar.”
Berling ended up meeting the star but was unable to get a picture. “When we asked, he said ‘some other time, ladies,’ and gave us a pat on the back.” Berling says that, “Even though we didn't get a picture, Josh was really nice and I can't wait to go to a 21 Pilots concert in June!”
Julia West (‘20) met the rapper Yung Punch after waiting in line for about an hour at one of his concerts. She said, “It was a really cool experience and he was really nice.” Julia explained, “If they come back, I would love to go again.”
I too have recently come across some famous stars, by accident. On June 3rd of this year, my family and I took a trip to Tennessee for a couple days with both sets of my grandparents, my aunt, cousin, mom, dad, and siblings. On Thursday of the trip, we didn't have anything planned and so we decided to do a day at the Dollywood amusement park that was just down the road from the cabin where we were staying. After a couple hours at the park, I was looking in one of the gift shops when a man came up to me and asked if I knew who Blake Shelton or Gwen Stefani were. “Yeah,” I said, kind of confused. Then the man told me that they were walking around the park that day and that I should keep my eye out.
After that, I was looking everywhere for them. I remember turning the corner and seeing Gwen, Blake, and the kids playing a skiball game at one of the little game places just like they were anyone else. Nobody else was around, so I walked up and tapped on the back of Blake’s shoulder. When he turned around, he looked surprised and jumped back, but then he laughed and said “yes” when I asked to get a picture with Gwen and him. I will never forget meeting them - it was easily one of the best surprises ever!
-Claire Wasem (‘20) is an assistant entertainment editor for the Viking Vault.
Meet our latest exchange student
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - Foreign exchange student, Hanna Pool (‘20), 16, is here all the way from Estonia this semester. Hanna arrived in Ohio at the beginning of the year, although she has only been here at Northridge since the beginning of this 2019 semester.
For the first two weeks of Pool’s arrival during first semester, she went to Whitehall High School in Whitehall, Ohio. For the rest of first semester, Pool went to Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pool stayed with different families each time. Right now she explains how she is, “Staying with a very nice family from Johnstown” and is enjoying all of the new experiences.
Pool explains how she became a foreign exchange student in the first place, and she made it sound simpler than expected. Pool had to apply for the spot in something called “The Flex Program.” After she got in, she flew to the U.S. and explained that a lot of it was completely paid for.
Pool’s home country, Estonia, is smaller than Ohio, with 17,462 square miles and a population of 1.3 million people. Estonia is very different from Ohio in many other ways, Pool says. For one, the school system is a lot different. In Estonia, there is no preschool, and the “kindergarten” serves as day care in Estonia which is optional, although, “most people do it”. First through ninth grade, Estonian students will have the same class and travel with that same class for nine years, unlike here, where we switch classes beginning in intermediate school. Ninth grade will also account for a year of middle school. After middle school, students will have to audition or apply to get into high school. When and if they do another high school, they will again stay with another group of students for the last three years of school. After high school comes college, which is like ours, but instead is free.
Estonians do speak Estonian but begin to learn English in second grade. By ninth grade, Estonians are pretty much fluent in English, Pool says, but it depends on the person. Pool explains how most of the TV shows and movies are the same and that their country is very “in tune with American Culture.” Still, there are subtitles on the things in English for those who are not fluent.
Pool said there were also a few things she found surprising about America. The first thing was: “Americans asks how are you a lot and they smile excessively.” Pool explains how Estonia does not do small talk and there are no “awkward silences” because the silence is normal. Pool says that, from her point of view, it seems as if America has a “need-to-always-be-happy mentality.”
Pool admits that some days she misses home and her country and friends, but other days she never wants to leave America. Right now is Pool’s “half-way point,” since she still has one whole semester to go, and so far she is really enjoying all of the new and exciting experiences.
-Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - Foreign exchange student, Hanna Pool (‘20), 16, is here all the way from Estonia this semester. Hanna arrived in Ohio at the beginning of the year, although she has only been here at Northridge since the beginning of this 2019 semester.
For the first two weeks of Pool’s arrival during first semester, she went to Whitehall High School in Whitehall, Ohio. For the rest of first semester, Pool went to Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pool stayed with different families each time. Right now she explains how she is, “Staying with a very nice family from Johnstown” and is enjoying all of the new experiences.
Pool explains how she became a foreign exchange student in the first place, and she made it sound simpler than expected. Pool had to apply for the spot in something called “The Flex Program.” After she got in, she flew to the U.S. and explained that a lot of it was completely paid for.
Pool’s home country, Estonia, is smaller than Ohio, with 17,462 square miles and a population of 1.3 million people. Estonia is very different from Ohio in many other ways, Pool says. For one, the school system is a lot different. In Estonia, there is no preschool, and the “kindergarten” serves as day care in Estonia which is optional, although, “most people do it”. First through ninth grade, Estonian students will have the same class and travel with that same class for nine years, unlike here, where we switch classes beginning in intermediate school. Ninth grade will also account for a year of middle school. After middle school, students will have to audition or apply to get into high school. When and if they do another high school, they will again stay with another group of students for the last three years of school. After high school comes college, which is like ours, but instead is free.
Estonians do speak Estonian but begin to learn English in second grade. By ninth grade, Estonians are pretty much fluent in English, Pool says, but it depends on the person. Pool explains how most of the TV shows and movies are the same and that their country is very “in tune with American Culture.” Still, there are subtitles on the things in English for those who are not fluent.
Pool said there were also a few things she found surprising about America. The first thing was: “Americans asks how are you a lot and they smile excessively.” Pool explains how Estonia does not do small talk and there are no “awkward silences” because the silence is normal. Pool says that, from her point of view, it seems as if America has a “need-to-always-be-happy mentality.”
Pool admits that some days she misses home and her country and friends, but other days she never wants to leave America. Right now is Pool’s “half-way point,” since she still has one whole semester to go, and so far she is really enjoying all of the new and exciting experiences.
-Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault
How the “Pros” Manage the ACT
By: Emma Garee
NORTHRIDGE - For the juniors, the ACT is just around the corner. Though it was originally scheduled for Feb. 26, the test is now scheduled during the school day on March 12, and it will be a paper/pencil test like the traditional ACT.
I know that we all strive to do our best on that test because it can help us on scholarships. I have personally walked down the hall and have seen that ACT Wall of Fame poster hanging by the office and wondered, “How did they do so well on it?” To get on the poster, you must get at least a 27 or higher, and I know the majority of us would love to get around that score. That's why I asked some of the people on that poster - the “Pros” - how they did so well on the ACT.
I went out and interviewed four successful individuals on how they went about taking the ACT. Rexford Bammerlin (‘20) got a 25 the first time he took the test and a 28 the second time. Carter Comisford (‘19) got a 28 and then a 30. Past 2018 graduate, Graham Garee, got a 27 and then a 29. Another 2018 graduate, Wyatt Bunstine, got a 33 and then a 35.
According to the four people I asked, there were two common routes for performing so well. Both Bammerlin and Bunstine spent money to increase their ACT scores. Bunstine took classes at Kaplan and said it helped him a lot. He said, “It helped me in that gave me a structured way to study that prepared me for the test.” He claimed it also showed him how to improve his weaker areas. Even though Kaplan helped Bunstine, he admitted that it may not work for everyone, and it was pretty expensive. Bammerlin used an online website called Career Cruising. Bammerlin said he had trouble with timing on the test, and he said the website helped him a lot and helped him answer questions a lot faster.
However, for some of us, paying a lot of money is not the best option out there. Garee said that he studied using free practice websites and ACT books. He said he mainly focused on taking practice test in the areas he wanted to improve. After finishing his practice test, Garee would go over and over all of the questions he missed until he knew all the information needed to solve similar problems in the future. Comisford said that he used the ACT website to become familiar with the timing and format of the test. He said after finishing a practice test, he would show the questions he got wrong to the teachers and ask how to do the problems.
Bammerlin gives the following advice for the test: “It is okay to take the ACT a few times. I actually recommend it. It helps to get a feel for the test and a solid baseline for your score, something you can improve on. Also, the first time, you’re very nervous, and that may affect your score. The second time, you will know what to expect, and that can help out your score a lot.”
Garee also gave advice, saying that to get a good score, you have to be determined and work for it. He suggest studying in advanced and not waiting until the last minute, also noting: “Don’t just wing it the first time. When you go back to raise your score, let’s face it: you go up by a few points, not 10. It’s worth it to prepare, even on your first shot.”
- Emma Garee (’20) is Photo Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Emma Garee
NORTHRIDGE - For the juniors, the ACT is just around the corner. Though it was originally scheduled for Feb. 26, the test is now scheduled during the school day on March 12, and it will be a paper/pencil test like the traditional ACT.
I know that we all strive to do our best on that test because it can help us on scholarships. I have personally walked down the hall and have seen that ACT Wall of Fame poster hanging by the office and wondered, “How did they do so well on it?” To get on the poster, you must get at least a 27 or higher, and I know the majority of us would love to get around that score. That's why I asked some of the people on that poster - the “Pros” - how they did so well on the ACT.
I went out and interviewed four successful individuals on how they went about taking the ACT. Rexford Bammerlin (‘20) got a 25 the first time he took the test and a 28 the second time. Carter Comisford (‘19) got a 28 and then a 30. Past 2018 graduate, Graham Garee, got a 27 and then a 29. Another 2018 graduate, Wyatt Bunstine, got a 33 and then a 35.
According to the four people I asked, there were two common routes for performing so well. Both Bammerlin and Bunstine spent money to increase their ACT scores. Bunstine took classes at Kaplan and said it helped him a lot. He said, “It helped me in that gave me a structured way to study that prepared me for the test.” He claimed it also showed him how to improve his weaker areas. Even though Kaplan helped Bunstine, he admitted that it may not work for everyone, and it was pretty expensive. Bammerlin used an online website called Career Cruising. Bammerlin said he had trouble with timing on the test, and he said the website helped him a lot and helped him answer questions a lot faster.
However, for some of us, paying a lot of money is not the best option out there. Garee said that he studied using free practice websites and ACT books. He said he mainly focused on taking practice test in the areas he wanted to improve. After finishing his practice test, Garee would go over and over all of the questions he missed until he knew all the information needed to solve similar problems in the future. Comisford said that he used the ACT website to become familiar with the timing and format of the test. He said after finishing a practice test, he would show the questions he got wrong to the teachers and ask how to do the problems.
Bammerlin gives the following advice for the test: “It is okay to take the ACT a few times. I actually recommend it. It helps to get a feel for the test and a solid baseline for your score, something you can improve on. Also, the first time, you’re very nervous, and that may affect your score. The second time, you will know what to expect, and that can help out your score a lot.”
Garee also gave advice, saying that to get a good score, you have to be determined and work for it. He suggest studying in advanced and not waiting until the last minute, also noting: “Don’t just wing it the first time. When you go back to raise your score, let’s face it: you go up by a few points, not 10. It’s worth it to prepare, even on your first shot.”
- Emma Garee (’20) is Photo Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]