A Wildfire of a Country

The Dominican Republic feels like a wildfire... A vast wildfire of culture, tradition, and love, as well as corruption and mistrust. There are positives and negatives to this beautiful country, some more apparent than others, though the hardship we face is to better our future and our talent and promise as a country, which makes me proud to be Dominican.

Our Tradition is built off of natives, pride, and fun, it revolves around being loving and caring, helpful and overall being an open person. We emit a smell that attracts people to our diversity and vast land of culture, great traditional food we pride ourselves in making like Mangu, 'Sancocho', Platano, Arroz and many more, which are very popular outside of the D.R and show the extent to which our country has grown. I believe this defines us exponentially.

Our way of life shows how carefree- but also careful- we are. As much as there are people who don't accept outsiders, the majority of Dominicans do and embrace them as if they were our own, and that love spreads like a wildfire. We are blessed with talent and prosperity that shows what we output to the world. This can be seen in our vast amount of Hotels, in Terrenas, and our exponential amount of beautiful beaches that are to be seen by outsiders. I believe that we are a very open country.

There's a lot of mistrust though. We struggle with the fact that we don't come to terms with our own leadership, for the right reasons. Most of the government steals from the poor to benefit their own lavish lifestyle. This is evidenced in the fact that our public schools are drained, the lack of fresh water in most houses, kids that unfortunately have to live there because they don't have a stable home life and the government doesn't provide for sad children, which is upsetting to see, though this can be worked on. Despite this, with the population now calling out the government for said issues, I think there's a bright future ahead.

This mistrust leads to corruption. Families are torn apart by different political beliefs, theft from the poor from the wealthy, and a pretty clear hierarchy whether we like it or not. This clearly shows the miscommunication between the two sides and how they act. Though, not all blame should be placed on the government as those that give up and treat others badly because of their situation doesn't help, this is shown when people fight over political and ideological beliefs, instead of actually having a formal discussion over the mentioned situation. In conclusion, I think we can do better in terms of trusting each other.

To finalize, the Dominican Republic is an example of a bunch of feelings being expressed: love and hate, all at once. A fiery nation that has a bright future ahead. We have the talent, the tradition, and the culture. All we need is to express those in the right way, and help ourselves to that future so that we can maintain it alive for generations to come.

Written by Tomas Gil

Guest Writer

Benefits and drawbacks of eco- friendly cars

What is an eco-friendly car?

Before we start getting deeper, we need to talk about what is an eco-friendly car because that’s very important. An eco-friendly car is mostly any car that doesn’t use gasoline or diesel. There are two types of these cars: Hybrid and Full Electric. In this article, we will talk about both types, including price, benefits, drawbacks, and affordability. Let’s get into it.

Hybrid cars

A hybrid car is a car that uses half gasoline and half electricity to function. Most electric cars are affordable. To mention some of them as examples, we have the Honda Insight, Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid, Toyota Prius V, Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Optima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and there are many more, but I’m going to talk about them later.

Some of the benefits of hybrid cars are that A) you save money on gas, B) they are more affordable, C) they emit less CO2 than comparable conventional petrol or diesel-engined vehicle and D) Hybrid car owners also get extra benefits in the shape of lower first-year road tax.

Some drawbacks are that they are not as environmentally friendly as plug-in hybrids or electric cars, you may not get as many discounts or incentives, servicing and maintenance charges can be higher, and they aren't as powerful.

Prices of these types of cars are at an average of $29,310 remember this is an average, not the real price.

Fully electric cars

These cars don’t need an explanation, the name says it all! Well, almost because these cars are not actually as different from phones as you would think. Electric cars are plugged in with a literal charger and some have a big iPad for a touch screen like Tesla.

Some benefits of these type of cars are that they have more power and are more advanced and efficient. Some drawbacks are that electric cars have a shorter range than gas-powered cars, recharging the battery takes time, they are usually more expensive than gas-powered cars, it can sometimes be difficult to find a charging station, and there aren't as many model options.

Examples of these cars, other than the very well known Tesla are the 2019 Audi E-Tron, 2017 Honda Clarity Electric, 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric, 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2020 Jaguar I-Pace, 2019 Kia Niro EV: Kia's first long-range EV.

This is a video about why some electric cars are worse than gas cars by Donut Media.

Conclusion

This was a great journey talking about these cars but now we have to summarize. First, we talked about how hybrids are more affordable and have a longer range than fully electric cars, but fully electric are faster and more advanced.

Although this was fun everything comes to an end. It was nice to write this and I hope you enjoyed it!

Written by Diego Puertas Rodríguez

7th Grade

Environmental effects of Covid-19

Covid-19, the topic everyone is talking about. The Global pandemic has everyone stuck at home desperately wanting to leave. The virus originally from the country of China has us all waiting for our freedom. Freedom from whom you may ask? Well, from the feeling of worry. We are all worried about our health as well as others, including our family and friends. Even though our world may not seem in the best form from its first sight, if you look closer you might notice how it’s changing. How this pandemic is affecting and reducing the negative effects that mankind has brought to the world that lives around us. Pollution and contamination are included in these things that we as humans have struggled in an attempt at fixing for the past decade or so. So let us discuss these events that we have successfully put aside.

Let’s start simple, the infamous canals located in Venice which is most commonly known for its muddy waters that glide throughout this island. Gondolas travel these waters and are used as a tourist attraction as well as a means of transportation. Since the quarantine started, this has stopped due to the fact that people were trying to come out of their homes as least as possible. Within a matter of weeks, the usually murky waters of the Venice canals were almost crystal clear. This is caused because of the lack of movement in the waters. The gondolas used to stir up sediment leaving the waters no choice but to look polluted and unkempt. Now, since the sediment has settled down and the amount of pollution was reduced, these waters are healthy. Even dolphins were sighted returning after leaving Venice for a long time due to the heavy amount of pollution.

Matter of factly, wild animals have been spotted returning to their original habitats just like the dolphins in Venice. A species of turtle that used to be considered extinct was only in hiding. The Leatherback sea turtle was spotted laying eggs on a beach owned by a luxury resort located in Cancun. Not only was this species considered to be extinct but it was also seen laying eggs earlier than most turtles, which live near that area, do. Also, Humpback whales return to Hawaii after leaving for what was believed to be migration. After leaving Hawaii for their annual migration, this pod decided to make the return absent for the next two years. Eventually, they returned due to the calmness of this newly changed environment.

One of the more important impacts that COVID has brought to us is the reduction of air pollution. Places like the UK, Paris, China, Madrid, and Milan have seen the wonders that staying at home has done to the air surrounding us. In fact, In China, the pollution percentage has gone down 25% because of the lack of vehicles being used and factories releasing carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, in Europe, there has been a drop in the average level of nitrogen dioxide compared to last year’s average. 

Therefore, cleaner air and water have caused plants to grow faster and stronger. This is also able to happen because of the lack of human interference in this natural process. This means that plants are now allowed to thrive and help nature grow healthier. In addition, less litter means that there is less amount of trash for animals to suffocate on or digest.

In conclusion, the virus known as Covid-19 has caused all these events to happen. This means growth in our community and a great learning experience that we are all able to enjoy.

We have to appreciate everything we have, especially in these moments where everything is threatened to be taken away from us. Our world is changing in a way that may not seem to be the best at the moment. But, after all, as George Bernard Shaw once said “Progress is impossible without change”.

Article Sources:

• https://www.historicbanningmills.com/positive-environmental-impacts-surrounding-covid-19/

• https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/positive-impact-environment-coronavirus-lockdown-a4404751.html

• https://www.hawaiidiscount.com/trip-planner/whales-return-to-hawaii.htm

• https://www.india.com/festivals-events/world-environment-day-2020-positive-impact-of-covid-19-lockdown-on-environment-4047703/

Written by Erika Despradel Urdaneta

7th Grader

2021 and how our lives have changed

We know how COVID -19 changed our lives entirely.  We all had high hopes for 2021 to be different, but it has not, and we are all feeling a little down about it.

Despite everything, we must feel grateful because we can spend more time with our family members than ever before. I know virtual school sometimes might make you feel desperate, and that you can't wait to go out of your house, but you have to be a little more patient. 

This last Christmas was celebration felt very different. The same happened with New Year and other celebrations, such as Thanksgiving. These festivities were a real challenge, mostly because we were unable to gather with most friends and family. We all need to be patient, and we have to follow the safety measures proposed by the Health Department because if people start being careless, we will stay locked down forever!

2021 will be similar to last year, but if you only focus on the negative side, you will be desperate and start acting recklessly. COVID patient numbers have risen because of these people who are breaking the security rules. Remember to always choose what is right for you and those around you. Actions have consequences. Whether you do what is right or you act incorrectly, it is always YOUR CHOICE.

Written by Carlos Graveley Carlo

5th Grader

How to Manage Stress in Virtual School

What is stress?

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. But don't be scared! Stress is there to warn us and help us respond quickly to dangerous situations, but it's also what helps us face our daily challenges.

Everybody goes through it, your teachers, your parents, even you go through stress, and most times, you don’t even notice it. For example, stress urges us to study for a test, the energy to run through a whole marathon, or the courage to give a speech in front of a crowd. Well managed, stress can be a great ally.

However, there can be times when stress becomes excessive and uncontrollable or does not let you function properly in front of situations. Stress can be a problem if not managed correctly. It can make you feel too scared, or block you from doing things you actually want to do. If you feel that you have excessive levels of stress, it is maybe time to speak to your parents about visiting a specialist.

Virtual stress 

These days we are all going through a lot of stress. For example, you might feel overwhelmed since you have many things to do, like completing long assignments that you have until Friday to finish. This virtual reality doesn't help at all with stress. Sometimes, we don't want to show it, but we all feel like this once in a while.

It's okay to be stressed and feel overwhelmed. We just need to know how to manage and cope with it. You should always remember to calm down, take a moment and monitor your thoughts by asking yourself questions like "How am I feeling today?" "Am I happy?" and keep yourself motivated by using positive self-talk, for example, tell yourself "If I do everything I need to do today, will I'll be satisfied and happy."

If virtual classes are causing you a headache, make sure you always check your schedule, make a list of to-do's or whatever helps you revise your assignments, and make any change you believe will make you happy and successful. 

Tips to help you cope with stress

Some tips to help you release daily stress are:

1. Find something that makes you happy (for example play soccer, read, write, or paint)

2. Play with your pets, since it’s scientifically proven that pets relieve stress and anxiety.

3. Meditate; I know it might sound boring or obvious, but mediating does help you a lot. it makes you forget about everything wrong and makes you feel zen.

4. Organize your routines and schedules, your spaces, and your work. Like my favorite influencer says “Clean space, clean mind."

5. Exercise; it takes your mind off what you're stressing about. 

Written by Maria Alejandra Ramírez

6th Grader

"How to keep a happy diet" - Interview to Dr. Dennys Ramirez Galán

Dr. Dennys Ramirez Galán

Nutritionist

We know many of you want to start dieting after indulging during the Christmas Break. (If you read my last article, you know what I mean). Today we will interview Dr. Dennys Ramirez Galán, and she will talk about how to enjoy a diet. So, let's start this interesting interview.

What is the first thing you need to do to start a successful and enjoyable diet?

"I think the first step to having a successful diet is to make the decision in a conscious way and be aware of the reasons why you are doing it. What I mean is that before starting a diet, you need to be sure you are doing this for yourself, not because someone told you to do it. You also need to have all the food and tools to start this new way of feeding. Go to the supermarket, prepare all the meals ahead of time, and if you need to eat out of your house, keep the food you need to eat nearby."

What amount of each type of food should be on a healthy plate?

"50% of the food on the ideal plate should be vegetables because they are carbohydrates, but with a low sugar index and a low-calorie count and have fibers. 25% of the food should be proteins like meat, fish, or eggs. The last 25% should be carbohydrates like rice, beans, or pasta."

What do you think of the stereotype  "A Diet is eating food that is vegetable base"?

“I think people are wrong. A diet is not eating food with just a vegetable base. Like I said before, you can make a diet by eating the right amount of each food type, that is why we include proteins and carbohydrates. In my opinion, a diet is a process in which the person reduces the number of calories that consumes each day to lose weight.”

What is the most important thing you need to consider before starting a diet?

“Before starting a diet, you need to set a goal and know what you want to do with this diet.  If you want to get fit or just lose a little weight, take into account what is your ideal weight according to your height."
 

How do you take the pressure and anxiety off when saying “I'm starting on a diet”?

“It’s a very interesting question, and I think there are many tips that can help you to not feel that pressure. First, do not stop eating your 5 meals of the day. That way you will not feel hungry. Second, hydrate yourself. Third, make your dishes appetizing. Pick a variety of vegetables and make creative dishes, like zucchini turned into noodles (that looks like spaghetti) with feta cheese! That is a low carb cheese. Last, a very important thing to know is that you are not obligated to eat things you don't like or don't feel good about. To manage moments of anxiety, eating gum is a very good option.”

Do you think this interview will be useful to many people? 

“As a nutritionist, I think this interview will be useful to many people because the most important thing about starting a diet is to talk to a nutrition specialist that knows the characteristics of that person: if it's a woman or men, height and body mass.”
 
Do you want to say some words to motivate people who are starting on a diet?
 
“Like Hippocrates, the father of medicine said, 'Let food be your medicine, and let medicine be your food.' Just do it!"

Written by Paula Garcia

6th Grader

 

Hopes And Goals For The New Year

When the new year comes, we all set some goals but we know it’s hard to keep up with them and we don’t always complete them. Today I am going to give you tips to follow up on your dreams and goals for the new year.

There are four steps to follow our goals which are the TSLA; Think, Set, Learn, Accomplish.

1- T (Think)

When we want to achieve a goal, the first thing we need to do is to think. What old habits do I need to stop? What do I need to do? These are questions you should ask yourself. They will help you focus on what you REALLY want to change so you don’t make changes you don't really need. For example, think of the goal "I need to lose 7 pounds". Instead of going ahead and writing down "My goal is to lose seven pounds", you need to think, "Do I really need to lose weight, or am I just pressuring myself to look perfect when I already am?" See? it’s easier to accomplish goals when you know they are necessary and you can do them without struggling. 

2- S (Set)

Step number two is to set your goals, something we are all familiar with. To set your goals you need to write them down and plan ways to work them well. When someone talks about setting goals you probably think about the basic chart we all did in school as kids, but it's not always like that. You can simply write your goals on a tiny piece of paper. See? Not that big of a deal at all.

Goals should be exciting, but difficult because they help you grow as a person. The most common goals are academic and personal goals. Academic goals are goals that have to do with learning, not necessarily school-related, but they can affect your performance in school. You can set goals for being a better listener, or chatting less in class. The only thing that is important is that it benefits you.

Personal goals are more important and help you grow internally like doing more activities you love or having a better appearance (for girls with a poor self-esteem).

In the end, you just have to plan your goals and write them all down. Writing them really starts motivating you to get them.

3- L (Learn)

Then you need to learn how to keep up with your goal all year. We are all different so, there are lots of ways to do it. I’m going to tell you three of the most effective ones:

1- Scheduling: some people like to organize and schedule everything so if you are that type of person, it will be easy for you to organize the habit you are changing as your goal. Do you want to exercise? Set your alarm at the same time every day... And stick to it!

2- Restricting yourself: it is not the most positive strategy, but you can stop yourself from doing stuff by stopping behaviors and habits that are not good for you. For example, if you want to be nicer, you can stop buying toys and saying things that bother other people.

3- Go with the flow: when you go with the flow, you don’t pressure yourself to complete your goals. Think that you don’t have to pressure yourself to make your goal perfect right away, you have 364 more chances to get it just right. Be kind to yourself, and allow yourself to fail from time to time. Perfection is not the goal.

4- A (Accomplish)

I think it’s pretty clear that the last step is to go and accomplish your goals. Be persistent and never ever stop, no matter if a thousand things get in your way. Have faith in yourself and push them as far as you can. You will reach them.

“Winners are not people who never fail but people who never quit.”

Edwin Louis Cole

                                    

Written by Maria Alejandra Vásquez Ventura

5th A