Lessons of Love
By: Olivia Astorino
Entertainment Page Editor
When children are little, there's always an overwhelming feeling of excitement when we step into our grandparents’ house. You never knew what you were going to do with them or what you were going to learn from them. When we get older we really realize how they teach us and how much they really mean to us. I was very close with my grandfather and I loved being around his energetic and comedic personality. After his recent passing, it's obvious how much valuable information I really gathered from him, and how the person I am today is somewhat shaped by him. This is the case for many young people and their grandparents. While we're completely two different generations, there is a connection with our grandparents that cannot be separated by decades.
Young people have learned many valuable lessons from their grandparents. Some students at Warwick Valley High School shared some of these lessons with me. Junior, Jennie Prial, stated “My grandpa on my mother's side has always taught me to be positive and to forgive. When my family ran a half marathon together the slogan on the back of our shirts said ‘Accentuate the Positive.’ He was a track and field coach for over 40 years and after every race when I tell him my times, even if they are the slowest I've ever ran, he always responds, ‘I'm so proud of you.” Grandparents can also teach us seemingly insignificant things. For example, folding clothes and tying a tie. Mikayla Dieterle, WVHS junior, stated “My grandma taught me how to properly set the dinner table and where all the silverware properly goes.” These little meaningful lessons stick with people their whole life. Our grandparents advice is constantly with us and while the lessons seem so little, they are the ones that mean the most to people. Some students never had the opportunity to meet their grandparents, or lost them at a very young age to no longer remember them. Junior, Jack Pennington, said “Since I've never met my grandparents, I feel like I've missed out on family history and many interesting stories.” It's evident to see that grandparents, whether they have been in our lives for a long time or not, have influenced our lives tremendously.
As for me, I remember being a little girl and going up to my grandfather's farmhouse in the winter. I was eager to sleigh ride down the big hill. In the spring and summer, I remember being thrilled to see my Dad and Grandpa care for all the farm animals and see both of them work in the fields. I thought it was the most amazing thing. As a young girl, it seemed like an awesome job, hanging out with animals and getting to play in a field all day. Little did I know how much work it really was, that was a lesson in itself. As I got older I began to realize all that my grandfather really did. Even though my Grandpa worked all day, he never failed to make sure I was well fed. He was extremely tired but always made sure his grandchildren and friends didn't go home hungry. Even though my grandpa didn't tell me directly to work hard every single day, watching him work was all that I needed to see for the inspiration. Up until his last days on this earth, he worked on his farm. He had calluses on his hands and blisters on his feet, but he never stopped. His hard work and dedication to do what he loved pushes me and influenced me to work hard for what I want to do and achieve in life.
The most important thing my grandpa taught me was how important “home” was. He treasured everything about his farm and his last wish while in the hospital was just to go home. It was heartbreaking for him not to be able to go home and spend his last days there, but before we laid him to rest, my dad planned to stop in front of the farm so my grandpa could say his one last goodbye to the place he called home for over 50 years. I think that was the most emotional moments in my life. I realized a good life wasn't just about fortune and materialistic things, it was coming home after that long day of work or hard day at school, and wanting to be nowhere else but with the people and atmosphere you love the most. That's exactly what my grandpa did and valued in life and that's what I've come to value most in life as well, my home.
Entertainment Page Editor
When children are little, there's always an overwhelming feeling of excitement when we step into our grandparents’ house. You never knew what you were going to do with them or what you were going to learn from them. When we get older we really realize how they teach us and how much they really mean to us. I was very close with my grandfather and I loved being around his energetic and comedic personality. After his recent passing, it's obvious how much valuable information I really gathered from him, and how the person I am today is somewhat shaped by him. This is the case for many young people and their grandparents. While we're completely two different generations, there is a connection with our grandparents that cannot be separated by decades.
Young people have learned many valuable lessons from their grandparents. Some students at Warwick Valley High School shared some of these lessons with me. Junior, Jennie Prial, stated “My grandpa on my mother's side has always taught me to be positive and to forgive. When my family ran a half marathon together the slogan on the back of our shirts said ‘Accentuate the Positive.’ He was a track and field coach for over 40 years and after every race when I tell him my times, even if they are the slowest I've ever ran, he always responds, ‘I'm so proud of you.” Grandparents can also teach us seemingly insignificant things. For example, folding clothes and tying a tie. Mikayla Dieterle, WVHS junior, stated “My grandma taught me how to properly set the dinner table and where all the silverware properly goes.” These little meaningful lessons stick with people their whole life. Our grandparents advice is constantly with us and while the lessons seem so little, they are the ones that mean the most to people. Some students never had the opportunity to meet their grandparents, or lost them at a very young age to no longer remember them. Junior, Jack Pennington, said “Since I've never met my grandparents, I feel like I've missed out on family history and many interesting stories.” It's evident to see that grandparents, whether they have been in our lives for a long time or not, have influenced our lives tremendously.
As for me, I remember being a little girl and going up to my grandfather's farmhouse in the winter. I was eager to sleigh ride down the big hill. In the spring and summer, I remember being thrilled to see my Dad and Grandpa care for all the farm animals and see both of them work in the fields. I thought it was the most amazing thing. As a young girl, it seemed like an awesome job, hanging out with animals and getting to play in a field all day. Little did I know how much work it really was, that was a lesson in itself. As I got older I began to realize all that my grandfather really did. Even though my Grandpa worked all day, he never failed to make sure I was well fed. He was extremely tired but always made sure his grandchildren and friends didn't go home hungry. Even though my grandpa didn't tell me directly to work hard every single day, watching him work was all that I needed to see for the inspiration. Up until his last days on this earth, he worked on his farm. He had calluses on his hands and blisters on his feet, but he never stopped. His hard work and dedication to do what he loved pushes me and influenced me to work hard for what I want to do and achieve in life.
The most important thing my grandpa taught me was how important “home” was. He treasured everything about his farm and his last wish while in the hospital was just to go home. It was heartbreaking for him not to be able to go home and spend his last days there, but before we laid him to rest, my dad planned to stop in front of the farm so my grandpa could say his one last goodbye to the place he called home for over 50 years. I think that was the most emotional moments in my life. I realized a good life wasn't just about fortune and materialistic things, it was coming home after that long day of work or hard day at school, and wanting to be nowhere else but with the people and atmosphere you love the most. That's exactly what my grandpa did and valued in life and that's what I've come to value most in life as well, my home.
Whispered Words: Let it Be
Editorial by: Julia Seastrand
& Kylie VanLuvender
Staff Writer/EIC
Immediately when teens become parents, they are subjected to judgment, stereotyping, and discrimination. It’s expected of them to drop out of school, not go to college, execute a life with little accomplishments, and apply for government benefits. Since the 90’s the rate of teen pregnancy has decreased dramatically, but the reactions haven’t changed.
Finding out you're pregnant as a teenager is scary - fear, anxiety, and stress kick in. Now if you want to succeed you’re going to have to work ten times harder, and stay ten times more focused. There is a lot more you have to figure out in a short amount of time. It’s not planned to get pregnant as a teen, but it happens, and taking responsibility shows good character.
A lot of bullying comes along with teen pregnancy, shockingly from once close friends and peers. All the comments and stares are painful, unnecessary, and hurt. If a teen is strong enough to go through with the pregnancy, rather than end it, why should she be tortured?
School can become tough, and the young mom feels completely isolated and unwanted. Outside of school isn’t much better, since she is constantly getting looked up and down at grocery stores and given nasty looks in public - it’s humiliating. There have been recent ads from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, which can be degrading to teen moms. One ad read “I’m twice as likely not to graduate because you had me as a teen.” Another stated “I’m not a doll, I’m forever… Be a kid, don’t have one.” These contribute to the hatred that comes along with teen pregnancy.
Agreed, everyone can have their own opinions, but judging and hating on someone for something they obviously had no control over, seems a little harsh, especially if you don’t know the person. People can’t change what happened, it’s done, so can they even judge? There’s nothing they can do about it. By criticizing teen moms, all they’re doing is damaging and scaring teen mothers into the stereotype.
A Warwick Valley High School student is experiencing this first hand. She is going through all the fears and emotions, and all the struggles and complications that many teen moms face.
She was strong enough, and willing to share her experience and challenges to illustrate my stance against bullying in this editorial. When asked, “what was your first thought when you found out you were pregnant?” she stated, “Well, I always thought if I were to get pregnant I would maybe have an abortion, but I was pro-life toward other people except in special circumstances. When I heard the heartbeat, though, I knew I could not do it.” She continued to talk about how and her boyfriend are doing well handling this situation. She commented, “Our relationship is good. Honestly, I believe that have we gotten even closer from this experience. He has a job to support the baby and we have both matured tremendously the past year. I also have an extremely supportive family. Mostly everyone on my mom’s side has had a baby young, so they were definitely accepting of this. My aunt, my grandparents, and even my great grandparents are supportive, which I was very surprised with. Even my boyfriend’s family is extremely supportive. Although, I want to do a lot on my own. I don’t want to rely on someone. I am living with my dad for now, but eventually I would like to get an apartment after school with my boyfriend and do mostly everything on our own.” When asked about school, she said, “I want to graduate, that is my main concern. I will probably have a tutor when I am out of school and should be able to graduate on time. After I graduate, I am hoping to eventually go to a local college to be an ultrasound technician. During school, my mom will watch the baby.” Then changing to the subject of bullying, she stated, “There was a lot of bullying. One person said I was too young and should have an abortion. I don’t care if people are talking about me but when they are talking about my unborn child, that just isn’t right. Most of it was also behind my back. No one really came up to me and said something, but when people look at me then look at my stomach it’s pretty obvious. If people actually came up to me and asked me, I would tell them the truth. I’m a very open person. If people came up to me I would have no problem talking to them about it. Just treat me like a normal person, that’s all I want.”
Most importantly, she concluded with, “The baby is good. It is a boy and I am due on December 13th. I go to the doctors two times a week to make sure the baby is growing well.”
Mrs. Scotto, the school psychologist, as well as other counselors, administration and staff, addressed this issue: “If students feel that they are being bullied or harassed in any way they should reach out to a trusted adult, parent, teacher, school counselor, school psychologist or the Dignity Act Coordinator.” In addition there are other resources Mrs. Scotto provided noted as follows:
24 Hour Mobile Mental Health Team:
1-888-750-2266 FREE
24hrs/7days week
HELP LINE (800) 832-1200 FREE
24hrs/7days week
TEXT 4 Teens
(Mon.-.Thurs. 4 PM - 10 PM)
(Fri. 4PM – 12 AM)
(Sat. & Sun. 5 PM - 12 AM)
845-391-1000
Planned Parenthood
7 Coates Drive, Suite 4
Goshen, NY 10924
p: 845.294.8831 | f: 845.294.1180
Operated by: Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc.
Although the statistics are negative for teen pregnancy, they can be beat. Teens will be able to change the pattern, with the right encouragements. Reassuring that they can get an education and can succeed, makes it much easier to achieve. The bullying doesn’t help prevent or change the situation, it only makes it worst. Don’t define others without being in their place - offer up help and guidance to ultmately comfort and ease this challenging transition.
& Kylie VanLuvender
Staff Writer/EIC
Immediately when teens become parents, they are subjected to judgment, stereotyping, and discrimination. It’s expected of them to drop out of school, not go to college, execute a life with little accomplishments, and apply for government benefits. Since the 90’s the rate of teen pregnancy has decreased dramatically, but the reactions haven’t changed.
Finding out you're pregnant as a teenager is scary - fear, anxiety, and stress kick in. Now if you want to succeed you’re going to have to work ten times harder, and stay ten times more focused. There is a lot more you have to figure out in a short amount of time. It’s not planned to get pregnant as a teen, but it happens, and taking responsibility shows good character.
A lot of bullying comes along with teen pregnancy, shockingly from once close friends and peers. All the comments and stares are painful, unnecessary, and hurt. If a teen is strong enough to go through with the pregnancy, rather than end it, why should she be tortured?
School can become tough, and the young mom feels completely isolated and unwanted. Outside of school isn’t much better, since she is constantly getting looked up and down at grocery stores and given nasty looks in public - it’s humiliating. There have been recent ads from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, which can be degrading to teen moms. One ad read “I’m twice as likely not to graduate because you had me as a teen.” Another stated “I’m not a doll, I’m forever… Be a kid, don’t have one.” These contribute to the hatred that comes along with teen pregnancy.
Agreed, everyone can have their own opinions, but judging and hating on someone for something they obviously had no control over, seems a little harsh, especially if you don’t know the person. People can’t change what happened, it’s done, so can they even judge? There’s nothing they can do about it. By criticizing teen moms, all they’re doing is damaging and scaring teen mothers into the stereotype.
A Warwick Valley High School student is experiencing this first hand. She is going through all the fears and emotions, and all the struggles and complications that many teen moms face.
She was strong enough, and willing to share her experience and challenges to illustrate my stance against bullying in this editorial. When asked, “what was your first thought when you found out you were pregnant?” she stated, “Well, I always thought if I were to get pregnant I would maybe have an abortion, but I was pro-life toward other people except in special circumstances. When I heard the heartbeat, though, I knew I could not do it.” She continued to talk about how and her boyfriend are doing well handling this situation. She commented, “Our relationship is good. Honestly, I believe that have we gotten even closer from this experience. He has a job to support the baby and we have both matured tremendously the past year. I also have an extremely supportive family. Mostly everyone on my mom’s side has had a baby young, so they were definitely accepting of this. My aunt, my grandparents, and even my great grandparents are supportive, which I was very surprised with. Even my boyfriend’s family is extremely supportive. Although, I want to do a lot on my own. I don’t want to rely on someone. I am living with my dad for now, but eventually I would like to get an apartment after school with my boyfriend and do mostly everything on our own.” When asked about school, she said, “I want to graduate, that is my main concern. I will probably have a tutor when I am out of school and should be able to graduate on time. After I graduate, I am hoping to eventually go to a local college to be an ultrasound technician. During school, my mom will watch the baby.” Then changing to the subject of bullying, she stated, “There was a lot of bullying. One person said I was too young and should have an abortion. I don’t care if people are talking about me but when they are talking about my unborn child, that just isn’t right. Most of it was also behind my back. No one really came up to me and said something, but when people look at me then look at my stomach it’s pretty obvious. If people actually came up to me and asked me, I would tell them the truth. I’m a very open person. If people came up to me I would have no problem talking to them about it. Just treat me like a normal person, that’s all I want.”
Most importantly, she concluded with, “The baby is good. It is a boy and I am due on December 13th. I go to the doctors two times a week to make sure the baby is growing well.”
Mrs. Scotto, the school psychologist, as well as other counselors, administration and staff, addressed this issue: “If students feel that they are being bullied or harassed in any way they should reach out to a trusted adult, parent, teacher, school counselor, school psychologist or the Dignity Act Coordinator.” In addition there are other resources Mrs. Scotto provided noted as follows:
24 Hour Mobile Mental Health Team:
1-888-750-2266 FREE
24hrs/7days week
HELP LINE (800) 832-1200 FREE
24hrs/7days week
TEXT 4 Teens
(Mon.-.Thurs. 4 PM - 10 PM)
(Fri. 4PM – 12 AM)
(Sat. & Sun. 5 PM - 12 AM)
845-391-1000
Planned Parenthood
7 Coates Drive, Suite 4
Goshen, NY 10924
p: 845.294.8831 | f: 845.294.1180
Operated by: Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc.
Although the statistics are negative for teen pregnancy, they can be beat. Teens will be able to change the pattern, with the right encouragements. Reassuring that they can get an education and can succeed, makes it much easier to achieve. The bullying doesn’t help prevent or change the situation, it only makes it worst. Don’t define others without being in their place - offer up help and guidance to ultmately comfort and ease this challenging transition.