The Picador: Volume 8, Issue 6
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Transcript of The Picador: Volume 8, Issue 6
The Picador
Volume 8, Issue 6 January 18, 2013
A PUBLICATION BY HOLDERNESS STUDENTS
FOR
THE HOLDERNESS SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Goals for Green Cup Challenge By Jeff Hauser ’13
What are we worried about?
Snow has fallen this winter,
and we can go skiing, so…no
global warming, right? Not
quite. We may not feel the
effects of our waste and pollu-
tion today, but it will not be
long. Our careless actions will
be felt down the road for years
and generations to come. We
are not responsibly taking care
of our home.
It is for this reason that so
many schools have begun to
participate in the annual Green
Cup Challenge. We have en-
tered the Challenge in years
past but unfortunately, have
put in very little effort in rela-
tion to many other schools. If
there was ever a time to get in
the habit of making a con-
scious effort to recycle plastic
bottles and paper, it is now.
This fall there were 67 schools
competing, 45 of which
showed improvement over the
four-week span. Last year over
116 schools participated in 22
states and saved over one mil-
lion kWh and avoided 1.5 mil-
lion pounds of carbon dioxide
from releasing into the atmos-
phere.
Even though we did not par-
ticipate this fall, we did do the
challenge in 2011. Again, we
did not do so great. Out of the
four weeks of the challenge,
we only beat our baseline
once. In fact, our overall usage
went up slightly from our
starting values. This year we
are setting a goal to noticeably
decrease our energy consump-
tion over the four weeks. Our
baseline during the last chal-
lenge was at 34,844 kWh, and
one week we managed to re-
duce it to 30,790 kWh. This
year we want to lower these
values.
Over the next four weeks
many different calculations
(Continued on page 3)
By CJ Sansing ’14
As many students take the
next step into college, they
must decide on what major
will help them gain a long and
successful career.
Yet not all majors and degrees
will land you a dream job, and
in today’s economic situation,
landing a job is more impor-
tant than ever. This article
names the worst three degrees
to obtain, because they are
associated with high unem-
ployment rates along with low
median salaries for recent
graduates.
According to Kiplinger.com
and Payscale.com, anthropol-
ogy (the study of humankind)
is ranked number one as the
worst college degree to help
you get a job. It is associated
with a higher unemployment
rate than the national average
and has only around a 10%
employment rate for gradu-
ates. Financially, the median
income for anthropology ma-
jors is about $28,000 which is
less than the national average
for students who have only a
high school diploma. Despite
the current low demand for
anthropology majors, the field
is projected to grow by 21%
by the year 2020.
Fine arts is ranked second on
the list for worst degrees. It
has a high unemployment rate
amongst recent graduates with
an average of 12% which is
slightly higher than anthropol-
ogy and the national average.
It does, however, have a
higher median pay of
$30,000; that is still lower
than the national average for
(Continued on page 2)
College Degrees that Don’t Pay
Inside This Issue:
Welcome New Students ………..……...Page 9
Celebrities in our Midst………………...Page 6-7
The Dorm Reports are Back!...................Page 8
A Big Cup Challenge…………………...Page 5
Page 2
The Picador
graduates with degrees.
Film and photography comes
in third on the list mainly due
to fierce job competition. In
addition, it is a long and chal-
lenging climb to becoming
respected and recognized and
can take years if not decades to
achieve. The average pay is
also only $30,000 which is a
deterrent for graduates who are
looking to make money with
their degrees.
There are, however, some de-
grees that are booming and are
in demand, especially in the
health care industry. Accord-
ing to Dan Diamond, the man-
aging editor of the Advisory
Board’s Daily Briefing,
“Health care is adding several
hundred thousand jobs a year
regardless of what's going on
in the broader economy, but
when the broader economy
hits a tailspin, then health care
jobs growth stands out that
much more.”
Even though these degrees
have low demand and seem
economically unpleasing, it
still shouldn’t stop someone
from pursuing his/her passion.
Bad Degrees (Continued from page 1)
Page 3
Volume 7, Issue 12
and observations will be
made around the school. Each
dorm has a meter to track its
energy consumption on a
weekly basis, so make sure
your dorm is not going to get
called out. The dorm with the
least energy consumed each
week will receive some type
of award. Our buildings are
not heated with electricity, so
the focus will be on lights,
computers, and other plug-in
related things.
Trash and recycling bins will
also be monitored throughout
the buildings on campus. If
any trash bins have recyclable
materials, they will be
checked as incorrect, but if
they have just trash, they will
be marked correct. The same
goes with recycling bins; if
there is any trash in the bins,
they will be marked as incor-
rect.
This is not a plea to save the
world, just to be conscious of
daily decisions. Be mindful
of tossing the old homework
assignments into the recy-
cling instead of the trash and
flipping the light switch off
when leaving your room.
Green Cup Challenge (Continued from page 1)
Overheards
By Drew Houx ’14 and Bobby Wassman ’14 You know those moments when you are walking down the
path past Niles and Webster or walking through the Dining
Hall, and you overhear a snippet of conversation? Some-
times, without knowing the context of the conversation,
what you overhear is just plain funny. Below are a collec-
tion of quotes overheard throughout campus and compiled
by the Picador editors. Enjoy!
I don't like “Liking” hot girls, because I know they won't
like me back.
All you eat is grease burritos with extra grease.
Put that thing away; we’re in the dining hall.
Why isn't Chief Keef president?
What else do you guys got in ya?
Yo, did someone tuck Harmon into bed yet?
Do you want to brush my teeth for me?
Question of the Week:
If your portable music device were put on shuffle, what would be the first song to play?
Megan Shenton: “Tim McGraw” by Taylor Swift
Nikki Blair: “I Can Lift a Car” by Walk the Moon
Bobby Wassman: “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Charles Harker: “Starships” by Nikki Minaj
Emily Soderberg: “Fearless” by Taylor Swift
Parker Densmore: “The BK Lounge” by Dane Cook
Clark Macomber: “Runaway” by Matt Kearney
Garrett Phillips: “Astral Weeks” by Van Morrison
Zach Harmon: “Day and Night” by Kid Kudi
Riggs Alosa: “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars
Axi Berman: “All Gold Everything” by Trinidad James
Jake Barton: “Freedom Never Cries” by Five For Fighting
Page 4
The Picador
To the people of the Internet
who knew his work, he was an
“enormous intellect,” a
“brilliant and determined
spirit,” and a “hero of the open
net.”
To federal prosecutors, he was
a criminal.
The suicide of Internet activist
Aaron Swartz continued to
send shock waves Monday
through the hacker commu-
nity, the Massachusetts Insti-
tute of Technology, and the
larger online world.
Swartz, a digital prodigy who
helped develop social-news
site Reddit and RSS, the tech-
nology that allows websites to
send updates to subscribers,
was found hanged Friday in
his Brooklyn, New York,
apartment. His death has in-
spired a flurry of online trib-
utes and mobilized Anony-
mous, the loosely defined col-
lective of so-called
“hacktivists” who oppose at-
tempts to limit Internet free-
doms.
Swartz, 26, faced allegations
that he stole millions of online
documents -- mostly scholarly
papers -- from MIT through
the university's computer net-
work. Some saw it as a harm-
less stunt, but U.S. prosecutors
disagreed and slapped Swartz
with federal charges for which
he could have faced decades in
prison.
Source : CNN
World News
Compiled by Fabian Stocek ’13 and Zihan Guo ’14
Hacktivist Aaron Swartz Commits Suicide Before Facing Prosecutors
It took no advice from the Im-
perial Senate to reach this con-
clusion: the U.S. government
won’t be building a Death
Star.
A White House official re-
sponded Friday to an online
petition on its website propos-
ing the government turn what
is “Star Wars” fiction into re-
ality - you know, to boost the
economy.
“By focusing our defense re-
sources into a space-
superiority platform and
weapon system such as a
Death Star, the government
can spur job creation in the
fields of construction, engi-
neering, space exploration, and
more, and strengthen our na-
tional defense,” the petition
read.
The White House response to
the out-of-this-world proposal
was grounded.
“The administration shares
your desire for job creation
and a strong national defense,
but a Death Star isn't on the
horizon,” wrote Paul Shaw-
cross, chief of the Office of
Management and Budget's
Science and Space Branch.
And plus, he wrote, there is
“something already floating in
the sky.”
“Yes, we already have a giant,
football field-sized Interna-
tional Space Station in orbit
around the Earth that's helping
us learn how humans can live
and thrive in space for long
durations,” he wrote. “Even
though the United States does-
n't have anything that can do
the Kessel Run in less than 12
parsecs, we've got two space-
craft leaving the Solar System
and we're building a probe that
will fly to the exterior layers
of the Sun.”
The petition picked up over
34,400 signatures since it was
posted on November 14. The
White House says it responds
to all petitions on its “We the
People” website which reach
at least 25,000 virtual signa-
tures.
The Office of Management
and Budget prepares the presi-
dent's annual budget proposal
and scores the costs and deficit
impact of executive branch
proposals. True to form, the
Death Star reply included a
score, or cost projection, of the
project.
“The construction of the Death
Star has been estimated to cost
more than
$850,000,000,000,000,000.
We're working hard to reduce
the deficit, not expand it,”
Shawcross wrote, citing a cal-
culation performed by students
at Lehigh University's College
of Business and Economics.
Also, Shawcross noted, “The
administration does not sup-
port blowing up planets.”
Source: CNN
US Government Decides Against Construction of Death Star
Volume 7, Issue 12
Page 5
By Noah Thompson ’14
An all too familiar issue, en-
dured by students and teachers
of the Holderness community,
is the disappearance of our
beloved “Big Cup.” Recently,
the big cup issue has returned
to our innocent and unassum-
ing community.
Lately at lunches, there has
been a shortage of big cups.
There are many theories as to
why the big cup is constantly
missing. Chief among which is
the theory that people are leav-
ing Weld, clutching the sweet
plastic that is the big cup, and
failing to return.
Students are in a one-use rela-
tionship with the big cup; as
long as they get their lunch-
time drink out of one, they
don't care if they ever see it
again.
Unfortunately, our habits have
at times brought our big cup
population down to only one
or two racks. It is sad to see
such a beloved friend of the
Holderness community treated
so poorly.
Unfortunately, the careless
misuse of the big cup is not
exactly something that can be
monitored. Mr. Cirone, who
himself has seen the big cup
population wane and wax,
said, “It is a hard thing to po-
lice. It seems silly to have a
punishment for taking a big
cup.”
Mr. Cirone brings up a good
point. No one wants to get in
trouble for something as trivial
as taking a big cup, but even if
there were punishments, how
would we enforce the rules?
Mr. Cirone was not sure how
to solve the big cup issue but
he did finish by saying, “We
all have the capability of
bringing the big cup back.”
We will have to find a solution
sooner or later. The truth is the
kitchen will not replace the big
cups when they are gone. Al-
though they are not in danger
of extinction yet, it could oc-
cur before the school year
closes. Unfortunately, it is
difficult to come up with a
solution to a problem that not
everyone believes exists.
Some people refuse to believe
there is a shortage of big cups.
Scott Merrill said, “There are
plenty of big cups. We've got
big cups 24/7.” It is the denial
of the big cup issue such as
Scott Merrill demonstrates that
stops the community from
acting together to stop the
abuse.
If we can first prove that we
are all united in bringing the
big cup home, we then can
begin to act. But the question
remains, how will we bring the
big cup back?
Kangdi Wang responded, “We
should go out and collect all
the big cups around campus.
Other than that, we should just
return them when we are fin-
ished with them.” Simple but
true.
We must band together and act
responsibly by returning the
big cup home. If you see a big
cup in a dorm room, in a class-
room, or on a path, pick it up
and return it to Weld. Most
people are in and out of Weld
three or more times a day, so it
should not be an inconven-
ience to bring a big cup back.
Do not sit back and watch an
essential part of our Holder-
ness community disappear.
Get involved by policing oth-
ers and returning found big
cups to Weld.
When you’re sitting down
with your grandchildren some-
day, don't you want to be able
to say you helped save the big
cup at Holderness through
endless bravery and distin-
guished service? Then stop
whining about the big cup
shortages and act. The time is
now. Save The Big Cup!
Student Opinion:
The Big Cup Battle
Austin Powers Aaron Harmatz
Saro Nhatobari Gabby Douglas
Page 6
The Picador
Hedi Droste Allyson Stoner
David Poirier Taylor Lautner
Elena Bird Blake Lively
KJ Sanger Laura Prepon (That 70’s Show)
Doppelgangers Doppelgangers. We all have them, but it is a bit more
surreal when we meet them face to face or see them on
TV. Emily Soderberg and Lea Rice spent this week col-
lecting photographs of students on campus and matching
them with their celebrity look alikes. Who knew we had
so many famous people on campus?
Page 7
Volume 7, Issue 12
New England Sports By Axi Berman ’13
The Special NFL Playoff Edition: From the frauds (Peyton Manning) to the studs (Tom Brady), the divisional round of
the playoffs was filled with offense and excellence. Ray Lewis continued the last chapter in his hall of fame career, lead-
ing the Baltimore Ravens to an upset victory over the Broncos. This early playoff exit shows that the Broncos, even with
Peyton Manning and his huge contract, are just as good as their Tim Tebow experiment. The Atlanta Falcons won a
thriller over the Seattle Seahawks, with a last second field goal. Matt Ryan won his first playoff game as a pro, and Rus-
sell Wilson showed his budding stardom in the NFL. Tom Brady once again dazzled the Texans in an easy Patriots win,
setting up an AFC Championship rematch from last season which was won by the Patriots. It feels great to know that in
three weeks the Lombardi trophy will return home to Boston, the city of champions, where it belongs. For more sports
news follow @n_w_axi on Twitter.
In:
Windows
Tutus
Mono
Fun Run
Ian Bell
Unleashing the Lion
Out:
Snowballs
Intimidation
Private Relationships
Productive Study Halls
Sarah Bell
Second Run
In and Out
By Kelly DiNapoli ’13 and Maddy Cicoria ’13
Shout Outs By Elizabeth Powell ’13 and Morgan
Bayreuther ’14
FP & HF = Even the oldest seniors can find young love
JB & ES = Nordic Lovin'
WC & CS = You light up my world like nobody else! -
#twotone
TA + CH = Even a goalie can score
AH & LF & JB = Welcome to Holderness! We hope
you've enjoyed your first week!
All Basketball Teams = Congrats on your first wins;
hopefully, they are firsts of many!
Michael Beutner
Prince William Garrett Phillips
Prince Harry
Page 8
The Picador
Dorm Reports
Hoit
After recent attacks on Hoit, we have been trying to establish
peace with fellow members of the community. Several weeks
back, Hoit claimed victory against Rathbun in a competitive
round robin basketball tournament with the help of Ben Bevis
who took a win in the Chess tournament. Recently, Hoit has
been doing pushups throughout the night in preparation for
Winter Carnival, where we will take victory in both dodge ball
and the Iditarod. Other than that, all has been well in Hoit
Dorm.
- Jeff Hauser
Rathbun
Last week, we welcomed the newest member of The ‘Bun,
Julian (Jules) Bartkiw. And we can now say that we are fully
renovated, since the scent of leather has settled in the hallways.
One of our members has settled so much for it that we started
calling him the King of the Common Room. He observes his
kingdom from his throne and has been known to discipline any
members of Hoit that decide it is okay to walk through his
kingdom. Stock investors Rion O´Grady and John Swidrak
have been making money on stocks, while the night train has
been bumping continuously. Get all aboard.
- Fabian Stocek
New Dorm
The New Dorm has started off swingin’ this new year. It has
been full of music with several spring musical participants, as
well as a Ukulele, a harmonica, and a guitar making appear-
ances. The dinosaur down the hall has been loving the snow but
is showing signs of the flu. So, we're all washing our hands!
Last night we were blessed with the wonderful culinary skills
of Gracie Galvin who provided us with a delicious brownie,
coconut, and almond concoction. Everyone is well, and
the dorm has been swell! Keep it real, Holderness!
- Gossip Squirrel
Houseman
Houseman Dorm is in full winter mode. We have at least one
girl participating in every winter varsity sport, and a few are
even playing with the JV Superstars; we are aglow with action
(not to mention the walk-backs we have been receiving from
boys V puck). Inside the dorm we have been getting ready for
Winter Carnival with ab and dance work outs every night. But
don’t worry, we also take Nutella breaks! Watch out for us as
we take the stage with Lewis Dorm and show the school who's
boss. We wish everyone a happy winter!
- Love K$$$$$
Connell:
In Connell these days, all is well
with 26 residents, there’s no need to dwell
and while we all love to hear Adele
it’s not quite as great as Sam Benoit’s yell.
Our new Colorado girl Annie is quite the pal
and Lydia is the sweetest of gals
We’ve even welcomed in Caroline to our own locale
so this January should be quite royale!
Peace, love, and awkward turtles,
- emily + eliana
Volume 7, Issue 12
Page 9
Welcome New Students!
If you had to eat one food for the rest
of your life, what would it be?
Chinese Food
If you could be one animal, what
would you be?
A Cheetah
What sport do you play right now,
and what do you plan on playing in
the spring? I snowboard in the winter and play ten-
nis in the spring.
Where is your hometown?
Delray Beach, Florida
What’s your favorite hobby?
Fishing
What is the most played song on your
iTunes? Artist: The Black Keys
Song: Lonely Boy
What’s your favorite movie? Actor? My favorite movie is Inception, and my
favorite actor is Edward Norton.
If you could visit one place in the
world where would you go? Why? Australia. To see the Great Barrier
Reef.
If you had to eat one food for the rest
of your life, what would it be?
Nutella
If you could be one animal, what
would you be?
An angel fish
What sport do you play right now,
and what do you plan on playing in
the spring?
I am skiing right now with the school
team, and I hope to either play lacrosse
or do rock climbing in the spring.
Where is your hometown?
Unionville, PA
What’s your favorite hobby?
Reading
What is the most played song on your
iTunes?
Tracy Chapman
What’s your favorite movie? Actor?
I don't have a favorite actor. My favor-
ite movie is The King's Speech
If you could visit one place in the
world, where would you go? Why?
South America or Europe
If you had to eat one food for the rest
of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate
If you could be one animal, what
would you be?
An Elephant
What sport do you play right now,
and what do you plan on playing in
the spring?
Right now I am snowboarding. For the
spring I have no idea!
Where is your hometown?
Boulder, CO
What’s your favorite hobby?
Snowboarding
What is the most played song on your
iTunes?
“Rise and Shine” by Big Gigantic
What is your favorite movie? Actor?
My favorite actress is probably Lucy
Hale. My favorite movie is Day and
Knight.
If you could visit one place in the
world, where would you go? Why? I would go to Hokkaido, Japan because
of the backcountry snowboarding. It's
some of the best backcountry snow-
boarding in the world.
Lydia Fisher Annie Hayes Julian Bartkiw
Page 10
The Picador
Movie Reviews
Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Sarah Michel
Perks of Being a Wallflower is
based on a novel of the same
name by Stephen Chbosky who
is also the filmmaker. It was
undoubtedly one of the most
moving motion pictures I have
seen. The movie is about a
freshman boy named Charlie
who is considered an outcast
until he meets two seniors, Sam
and Patrick, and feels com-
pletely at home with them. He
is able to open up and express
to these seniors the troubles
and worries of his life, and they
accept him for exactly who he
is. The movie is full of carefree
characters and really empha-
sizes that one should not care
about what other people think.
There are many twists and
turns in the plot, and the ending
is completely unexpected. The
movie also has a stellar cast
that includes Emma Watson,
Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller
who really makes the movie
absolutely exceptional. It is a
movie that anyone can find
comfort in and relate to. For
me, it was the best movie of
two thousand twelve, and I will
continue watching it for years
to come.
Senior Editors
Jake Barton
Jeff Hauser
Emily Soderberg
Dylan Arthaud
Junior Editors
Lea Rice
Sarah Michel
Faculty Advisors
Ms. Magnus
Mr. Solberg
Mr. Carey
Contributing Writers
Fabian Stocek
Zihan Guo
CJ Sansing
Axi Berman
Molly Madden
Nicole DellaPasqua
Drew Houx
Bobby Wassman
Maddy Cicoria
Elizabeth Powell
Noah Thompson
Morgan Bayreuther
Kelly DiNapoli
Peter Saunders
Contact Information
Holderness School
Chapel Lane
P.O. Box 1789
Plymouth, NH 03245
Phone Number:
603.536.1257
Fax: 603.536.1267
Email: [email protected]
Django Unchained
By Peter Saunders
Django Unchained is quite
simply the greatest piece of
cinematography that has been
produced in recent history. It
would be an injustice to the
movie to reveal any informa-
tion about the plot, so I’m not
going to. Just know how unbe-
lievable this movie is. I can say
with confidence that it will
change your life forever. Jamie
Foxx and his lesser known sup-
porting actors put on the most
incredible acting display that
has ever been witnessed. Quen-
tin Tarentino solidified himself
in his place amongst the gods
with this work of art.
Volume 7, Issue 12
Horoscopes
By Molly Madden ’13 and Nicole DellaPasqua ’13
Page 11
Aries (March 21-April 19):
You may be feeling isolated
and alone this month, but
know that you’re not as alone
as you feel. Know that you are
surrounded by more friends
than you think and that you
just have the winter blues. It’s
nothing that a snowball fight
or a walk with a friend won’t
cure.
Taurus (April 20-May 20):
An opportunity will present
itself on the 18th. You may
doubt that it’s real, but do not
miss this chance! Some oppor-
tunities will come and go, but
this opportunity is once in a
life time. Jump in with both
feet!
Gemini (May 21-June 20): It
seems as though you are over-
loaded with work right now.
It’s winter and this was bound
to happen, so get a grip on
your essays and homework
and finish the assignments that
are due. If you don’t, the im-
pending assignments will lead
to even more headaches and
negative results. Persevere!
Cancer (June 21-July 22): Doubt is the number one thing
on your mind right now, but
you need to clear it away.
Have faith in your work and in
your athletic abilities. Good
things will come eventually.
Leo (July 23-August 22):
Feeling like you’re wasting
your time? You may be in
some aspects of your life, but
you need to focus on the
things that will bring you hap-
piness and joy. If you don’t,
you will never feel like your
time is well spent.
Virgo (August 23-September
22): The winter is cold but
your smile is warmer than
ever! Make sure to share it
with as many as people as pos-
sible; some of us need it this
time of year.
Libra (September 23-
October 22): One of your
friends has been feeling down
lately and needs your help. Set
aside an hour or two for your
friend and you will be re-
warded around the 20th.
Scorpio (October 23-
November 21): You are feel-
ing impulsive lately. Acting on
a whim and being spontaneous
can sometimes result in poor
outcomes, but around the
27th your quick decisions will
result in a life-altering event
and bring you closer to some-
one.
Sagittarius (November 22- December 21): Roommate
troubles? Get outside of the
room and have a grand little
snowball fight with him/her to
resolve your issues.
Capricorn (December 22-
January 19): Don’t be too
embarrassed about getting
caught singing in the shower!
Everyone knows you’ve got a
secret talent; now is the time
to let it shine!
Aquarius (January 20-
February 18): It seems like
you have people lined up
around the block trying to
walk you back (it must be your
dress code). While this is flat-
tering, try and stick with one
escort. The world doesn’t need
another heartbreaker, you, ti-
ger, you.
Pisces (February 19-March
20): You will feel a little pent
up around the 28th. Gather up
some friends and go sledding!
Holderness winters can be a
lot of fun!
Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out
hate: only love can do that.” A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and
Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” I Have
a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World
“Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is
power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with
facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.”
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in
the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Letter from Birmingham City Jail
The Picador
1. What's the best piece of advice you have ever re-
ceived?
Dylan: Don't be an idiot.
Jeff: The best advice I have ever listened to is to “Live your
life like YOLO.” Nothing too complicated with that. Just have
to make sure you take advantage of life's opportunities.
Jake: When I graduated from 8th grade, my English teacher
gave me this quote: “Thou shalt not be a perpetrator, thou shalt
not be a victim, and above all, though shalt not be a by-
stander” (Yehuda Bauer). I have it hanging over the door in my
room, so I see it every day.
Emily: In an OB letter from my aunt she said, “I know it's hard
to feel accomplished when not moving, changing, or lifting
something, but you should attempt to feel accomplished when
doing nothing. That is the ultimate test.”
Lea: There was a sign in my 5th grade classroom that said
“Always be useful,” which I think is pretty cool.
Sarah: The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to not
dwell on the past but to look forward to the future.
2. What's the one piece of advice you wish you had
never taken?
Dylan: Dude, go down that hill.
Jeff: The worst piece of advice I have ever taken is to stay
within my comfort zone. Nothing is ever gained by restraining
yourself. Adding to my advice above: “Nothing lost; nothing
gained.”
Jake: That salty licorice is yummy.
Emily: The worst advice I have ever gotten was that it would
be a good idea to Nordic ski down the alpine hill after getting a
foot of snow (thanks, Celeste).
Lea: My sister told me when I was little that I shouldn't wear
socks with my Velcro sandals, and I had blisters for a week.
Sarah: The advice that I wish I hadn't taken was to try and
dance on a chair at the 2012 lip sync.
3. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Dylan: An astronaut.
Jeff: When I grow older I would love to not work in an office
with a coat and tie. Forget about money and fame. I would love
to bum around working odd jobs, skiing in the winter and bik-
ing in the summer. Live out that dream for as long as possible
and then find a steady job.
Jake: If I could, I would be a writer. Nothing too long, though -
short stories and poems.
Emily: I have literally no idea. Maybe a music teacher or a
person that makes new flavors for tea bags.
Lea: Luckily, I don't have to know that yet. Probably some-
thing with the sciences.
Sarah: When I grow up, I would like to be a Spanish teacher or
an English teacher in a Spanish-speaking country.
4. Who is one of your role models? Why?
Dylan: My grandfather, Fred. He is very funny and very old.
Jake: Mr. Peck is someone that I've looked up to since I was
little. He wears his stresses lightly and always makes time to be
friendly to those around him. And, he is an awesome Nordic
skier.
Emily: My mom because she is the happiest person I know.
Lea: My grandmother, who was a dean at a prominent univer-
sity when not many women were even professors, and she did a
lot of work in radiation biology.
Sarah: My role model is my mom because she is one of the
smartest people I know, and Mr. Nicolay because I hope to be
as talented and great as him one day.
It’s a new year and many people are searching for ways to make a new start. And that got us to thinking about the advice
we’ve taken over the years and where it has come from, both the good and bad. Although not everything we have learned has
been good, perhaps our nuggets of knowledge will help give you inspiration and keep you out of trouble. Happy New Year!