Springing Back in History: Emancipation Day

by Erin, 9th grade

Spring has always been about new beginnings and it was the same back in 1862. April 16 marks the day America became more faithful to its motto  – freedom for all.

Before, when the inhumane acts of slavery were legal, African Americans were stripped of their individual rights. They were treated without dignity and were exploited to work on farms and as servants.

On this day, Emancipation Day, Abraham Lincoln signed a bill abolishing slavery in Washington, DC, in and 3,000 slaves were broken free from their chains. The abolition of slavery in the capital was the first ripple that eventually led to our unified nation.

This day is one of many emancipation dates, but it reflects all the patience and hard work abolitionists and black slaves put in to create a better future for generations. Their voices were heard as many signed anti-slavery petitions, publicized their opinions and urged the president to act.

Annually, African Americans parade down the street to celebrate and honor the day they finally became free. It is important to commemorate these days, as it helps us to reflect on how much progress has been made. However, there is still much work to be done and we should continue to grow with unity, as our diversity makes America truly unique.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

by Alicia, 9th grade

Everybody encounters failure, and the fear of it can be overwhelming. The fear of failure may hold you back from trying new things, taking chances, or following your dreams. From the fear of getting a bad grade on a test to making a mistake at work or not fulfilling expectations, fear can hold you back in more ways than one. However, it is not something you need to be scared of. It has the potential to be a powerful instrument to encourage one to learn and grow. Like any other fear, there’s a way to overcome the fear of failure, so let’s break it down.

Redefine Failure

Many people consider failure a sign of weakness or incompetence, but in another perspective, failure is a stepping stone to success. The most successful people in history, like Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan, failed numerous times before achieving greatness. Rather than seeing failure as a permanent mark, it is better to view it as a learning experience. Every temporary setback teaches you something valuable and prepares you for the next time.

Change Your Mindset

Instead of thinking, What if I fail?, ask yourself, What if I succeed? Fear often focuses on worst-case scenarios, but what about the best-case scenario? Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.

When you adopt a growth mindset, you know that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and learning. A growth mindset makes setbacks feel like a small part of a journey instead of a dead end.

One Step at a Time

Fear of failure often comes from feeling overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on the big picture, break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. If you take smaller risks and build confidence gradually, the fear becomes less intimidating. For example, if you are afraid of public speaking, start practicing in front of a mirror, then speak in front of a small group before addressing a larger audience.

Accept Imperfection

Perfectionism can make failure feel even scarier because it creates unrealistic expectations. No one gets everything right all the time, and that’s okay. Mistakes are a natural part of learning, so it is important to allow yourself to be imperfect and emphasize progress rather than perfection.

Learn from Your Mistakes

After a failed attempt, it is essential to think about what went wrong and what you can do differently next time. Ask yourself, What did I learn from this experience? Every misstep holds a lesson that can help you improve. The more you regard failure as a teacher, the less intimidating it becomes.

Find Your Support System

Having a strong support system can make a huge difference in confidence. Surround yourself with people who encourage you and remind you of your strengths. It could be friends, family, or mentors. Supportive people can help you see failures as temporary and motivate you to try again.

Take Action Despite Fear

Courage isn’t the absence of fear–it’s being able to move forward despite it. The more you face your fears, the weaker they become. Instead of waiting for the fear to disappear, take the initiative. With each step, you will gain confidence and realize that failure isn’t as scary as it seems.

Overcoming the fear of failure takes time and practice, but it is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. By changing your perspective, embracing mistakes and continuing to move forward, you can open yourself up to growth, success and new opportunities.

Legal Insights: Buck v. Bell

by Kathryn, 8th grade

“Three generations of imbeciles are enough.” This statement by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. served as the justification for the sterilization of allegedly disabled Carrie Buck.  The 1927 Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell permitted forced sterilization of those deemed “unfit” to reproduce and changed American history.

In Buck v. Bell, Carrie Buck was a 17-year-old committed to a Virginia asylum after being labeled “feebleminded.” At the time, Virginia law allowed for the sterilization of those thought mentally unfit to have children, in line with eugenics policies spreading around the country. She appealed in her name but her case was part of a larger entity investigation of the Virginia sterilization program.

The relevant facts of the law were inextricably linked to her trajectory through the Virginia Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded, where she was found to have a mental disability. Subsequently, a note from her foster family indicated that Carrie was “unfit” to have children, which meant that the wheels were in motion to take away her rights and ability to reproduce.

The Supreme Court found in an 8-1 decision, with Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. writing for the majority, that, “Three generations of imbeciles are enough.” Holmes’s opinion established sterilization as a public health matter where a government could infringe upon a citizen’s reproductive rights to ensure that “undesirable” traits would not be passed on to future generations.

The ruling legitimized the American eugenics movement, which sought to prevent reproduction for a better national gene pool. In the years that followed, forced sterilization occurred across America as bureaucrats believed they had the legal right to determine the fertility of at least 60,000 individuals, many of whom never had a say in that. Such legislation was applied to disabled individuals, impoverished persons, or anyone who was not Caucasian.

Although the World War II Nazi agenda caused eugenical practices to fall out of popularity, Buck v. Bell is still a case example of the governmental overextension into personal rights. The precedent remains a reminder that pseudoscientific endeavors fail and personal bodily integrity rights must reign supreme. Buck v. Bell has never been reversed since its initial ruling.

The precedent remains pertinent in present-day discussions of what government-mandated freedoms exist and what personally held rights should prevail for marginalized, non-white, and infertile populations. Ultimately, it’s a lesson for future generations about what can happen when discrimination is diluted through scientifically sound achievements.

Pecan Day

by Mateo, 11th grade

The pecan is known to be one of the most versatile tree nuts. The only major nut to originate here in North America, it can be used both as a topper on savory foods like salads and as a staple of sweet treats like pies, and it can even be enjoyed on its own.

Although its unique taste and all-around usefulness in various meals often serve as the pecan’s main focal point, it also comes with great health benefits that tend to go under the radar. Pecan Day, honored annually on April 14, shines a light on the nut’s interesting qualities by promoting its long history and its worldwide influence.

The first records of pecans date back to the 16th century when they were discovered in the southern regions of North America. Their trees were initially commended for their strong growth and tasty bearings, so they spread rapidly around the continent.

Many of the United States Founding Fathers popularized the pecan in the nation’s early years; George Washington planted a tree in his world-renowned Mount Vernon home, and Thomas Jefferson grew some of his own on his Monticello estate. Eventually, in search of new opportunities, American settlers began to plant large amounts of pecan trees along the Gulf Coast, sparking the growth of a prominent industry that still persists in the country today.

The U.S. still produces roughly 80% of the world’s pecans, serving as a testament to the pecan’s influence on America’s economic growth.

Although pecans are typically noted for their taste and versatility, they offer many health benefits that most people overlook. Of course, pecans are as good a source of protein as other nuts, making them useful for fostering muscle growth and improving bone health. They are also packed with manganese, a trace element necessary for bone and tissue health. If you are prone to catching illnesses, pecans can help; their immense antioxidant capacity is crucial for bolstering the immune system and combating disease.

The fiber also contained in pecans promotes strong digestive health and efficient weight management, increasing your chances of living a long, healthy life. So, throw pecans and their vast benefits into the mix next time you want a light meal.

Pecan Day offers us a chance to learn about and appreciate the nut’s intricate history, invaluable benefits and unmatched versatility. Although it is native to the United States, its influence has arms that extend to the majority of the world, making appearances in all kinds of cuisines worldwide.

All in all, whether you do so as a savory snack or a sweet treat, enjoy some pecans and cherish their status as a symbol of American history on Pecan Day.