The world is ending and it’s not aliens with orange skin and exotic hair that are destroying it -- although slightly responsible. It is us. Soon enough, planet Earth will be decimated by the huge, orange, glowing sphere of hot gas it circles if we don't take action against climate change.  

It is understandable that with Instagram, the Kardashians, and Pepsi commercials, we have other things to worry about than the inevitable doom we’re heading towards. However, climate change is already impacting our world in countless ways. Polar bears are losing their habitats and dying. Imagine, the beautiful ruler of the ice caps, being the next thing Kendall Jenner hands a Pepsi to. 

Young people play a critical role in preventing this tragedy according to Dr. David Nurenberg, assistant professor in the Graduate School of Education at Lesley University and a teacher with G.L.O.B.E Consortium, which educates teens about global warming, green technology, and how young people can get involved.  

Dr. Nurenberg stated that climate change is already impacting lives around the world in the form of shifting weather patterns, changes in the populations and behavior of local species, and rising sea levels. “Even if we were to somehow halt human-caused global warming tomorrow, these effects would still persist and increase in magnitude for decades into the future. This is the future in which teens will become adults, try and raise families, and it looks to be a future in which all of those things will be harder for them than it was for my generation.” 

The neglect of the environment today will impact tomorrow’s world. 2016 was the hottest year on record. The warming of the planet caused destruction through habitat loss, extreme hurricanes and severe heat waves all around the world. We have to start making the changes needed to curb these tragedies now, before the things we take for granted become inaccessible, out of reach, and there will be no going back.  

Some adults, and even more teens, believe that young people can’t do much to help. It can often seem that this generation’s voices are not important and opinions are useless. Most of us have already given up on taking part in change because we feel powerless. But that is completely false. 

 Dr. Nurenberg explained that the idea of teenagers not having a voice is a “carefully constructed myth designed to keep teens quiet, inactive and cynical consumers.” 

Teenagers have been changing the world for a long time. Take William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who built a windmill to power his home at age 14. Taylor Wilson, also at age 14, built a nuclear fusion reactor, which he believes can be a solution to our future energy needs. Kamkwamba and Wilson are prime examples of teenagers who didn’t wait to become “someone important” before they took action, and we need to join them.  

Anthony Zeng is a sophomore at the John D. O’Bryant High School and a member of the Alliance For Climate Education (ACE). He and dozens of other teenagers fight climate change by advocating to their local legislative members and empowering other teens to join the battle. They recently petitioned for 100% renewable energy in schools and spoke with Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley. They plan and organize events like teach-ins and rallies. Zeng and other ACE members contribute time, action and youth voices in the climate change movement. They are models for students who falsely believe their voices don't matter.  

 Dr. Nurenberg suggested other ways teens can take action today. “Teens can organize carbon reduction programs, recycling and reuse efforts. They can campaign for political candidates (even if they can't vote) and they can organize boycotts or other shifts in their and others' buying patterns. Teens today have more access and facility with social media than any other generation, so they can use it to spread and magnify the effects of the work they do.” 

Teenagers are capable of creating positive change. They bring in new perspectives, ideas, and a much needed spirit. As a result, their contributions are vital in helping polar bears survive -- without Kendall Jenner's help.  

Terrorism: an act of violence toward a generally large population that causes terror.  

Terrorism as seen by your average American: an act of violence towards a generally large population that causes terror, committed by Muslims. 

I am a 17-year-old female American who has been the subject of hate, discrimination, and hostility since the seventh grade because of my religion. Four years ago I decided to wear a scarf on my head as a symbol of modesty and self-expression. What it rendered was being called “Taliban” on the streets of Boston, and “ISIS” in school; being spit on by passing cars on the 9/11 anniversary and not being allowed to walk home from school due to my parents being concerned about my safety.  

The words “terrorism” and “terrorist” should not be associated with a certain group or religion. How many times have you heard the term “Islamic terrorism” on major news stations? If it is not outright “Islamic terrorism,” it is “terrorism committed by a Muslim.”  

Not only is the term misused, but it also puts mosques and the Muslim-Americans in immense danger. No longer can I feel safe going to my local mosque for fear of someone storming in to commit a hate crime.  

How could one term be given so much power that it is turning religious sanctuaries into places of danger, and bringing hate and hostility toward a generally normal, peaceful group of people? 

President Donald Trump made radical statements against Latinos, women, and the disabled during his presidential campaign. The most radical, however, were his public statements against Muslims. Trump stated “it would just be good management” when a reporter asked if his administration would create a database of Muslims. He was outrageously supported in these remarks, and early in his presidency he instilled a ban on immigration from many Muslim-majority countries. His statements and actions have fueled the increasing hostility against Muslims in America. 

 You cannot use the term “terrorist” interchangeably with “Muslim” -- a religion of 1.6 billion people worldwide. Because of the faults of a tiny percentage of the Muslim population, the rest of the 1.6 billion are being blamed and terrorized. 

One may argue that the majority of terrorist attacks in the United States are committed by Muslims. However, many victims of terrorism are Muslims, with a majority of terrorist attacks occurring in Muslim-majority countries. This only emphasizes how the term Islamic terrorism is wrong. 

Again, the problem lies with the word “terrorism.” If we go by the true definition, then the Sandy Hook shooting is a terrorist attack. However, news stations stated the shooter was mentally ill, and did not use the term terrorism to describe it. Similarly, a mass shooter at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, who claimed anti-abortion views and called himself a “warrior for the babies,” is a terrorist and committed a terrorist attack. However, these atrocities are not labeled as such.  

Media largely covers attacks committed by Muslims very differently, presenting them as representative of an entire religion. This leads many people to believe that all terrorist attacks are committed by Muslims when this is simply not true. This, as a result, is the reason such horrendous acts of hate are being committed against Muslims such as myself.   

It has come to a point where I must wear a hat to conceal my hijab on public transportation.  

It has come to a point where Muslim-American citizens are being attacked and seen as ‘aliens’ by their fellow American neighbors. 

The word terrorism is enabling these crimes to be committed.  

The word terrorism is the bullet in the gun that is being used against fellow Muslim-Americans in present day America.   

We, as Americans, must stop labeling attacks with a set formula created by media: Muslim equals ‘terrorist’ and other equals ‘not a terrorist’. 

We, as Americans, must learn from our mistakes and not stoop to a whole new level of bigotry. 

One word should not be given the complete and unhinged power to destroy members of a religion followed by 1.6 million people.  

One word should not enable others to hate and aim to drive all American-Muslims out of this country. 

Throughout the years, fashion has continuously evolved  and revamped styles from previous eras. The fashion industry changes every season and certain items are either “in style” or “out of style.”  If you wait long enough, what’s out of style one year, is almost sure to come back down the road.  In recent years, this generation has begun to bring back trends that were popular in the 1990s such as crop tops, chokers, and bomber jackets.   

Crop tops:

Crops tops are essentially a half shirt that cuts off just above your naval. This trend first became popular in the ‘90s and was mainly worn in casual settings. Whether you were running an errand or going to the beach, wearing a crop top was the go-to fashion ensemble that many young women wore on the daily. Nowadays, crop tops have returned not only in casual fashion, but also in sophisticated settings. These tiny shirts are now worn by celebrities, such as the iconic critically acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong’o, at award shows and red carpet events. 

Chokers:

I know what you may be thinking, and no, chokers do not actually choke you -- it’s just a name people! Chokers are accent jewelry pieces that first made their mark in ‘90s fashion. Many celebrities such as Drew Barrymore made the trend popular. The original version of the choker had a tattoo appearance that has also reappeared in style. Many celebrities today, such as Rihanna, have given chokers a major comeback. Whether you go into Forever 21 or H&M, you will find many different styles and types of chokers in the jewelry section including velvet, chains and leather. 

Bomber Jackets:

When I tell you that bomber jackets are the bomb.com I’m not just saying it to be funny. Seriously, people who are into fashion should be thankful for what the ‘90s has blessed us with. Bomber jackets, a jacket that falls right on your waist and has zippers on the arms, come in all different colors and designs. Originally created for military pilots, they emerged as a popular trend in the ‘90s and are thankfully now making a much appreciated comeback. As a lover of jackets, bomber jackets in particular, I can say that you can wear these for any occasion. You can dress them up if you’re going to a fancy event, or dress them down if you’re just going to hang out with friends.  

The cool air from the air conditioner greeted me as I walked through the door. The inviting smell of roast beef, savory garlic, and fermented cabbage made my stomach rumble as my friends and I took our seats. 

 One side of the restaurant consisted of traditional Korean style seating; short tables where you have to sit on the floor, with your legs folded and shoes off. The opposite side was western with modern tables and chairs.  

On the table were two jars of water to be poured and shared among friends and family. This is common in Korean restaurants and a tradition in Korean culture. The atmosphere was inviting, too. They were playing Korean pop in the background and the tables were full of friends and families. 

 The menu had an array of grilled pork and beef, mixed rice with assorted vegetables, and piping hot oxtail soups. I chose the grilled pork belly ($16.95) which is served with a side of rice, lettuce, and bean paste. After we placed our orders, the waitress came over and gave us banchan - side dishes. Banchan included kimchi, which is fermented cabbage, tofu, radish, and other spicy dishes.  

The food came relatively fast, with the bibimbap coming out first. Bibimbap is a dish of rice, vegetables, beef or chicken, and a sunny side up egg. It is meant to be mixed around so that every bite contains all the ingredients.  

The fresh and aromatic smell of sliced cucumber and sesame oil wafted in the air. There were two options, dolsot bibimbap ($12.95) which comes out on a hot stone or plain bibimbap ($11.95) which is served cold. The normal bibimbap was refreshing. I recommend eating it on a hot day.  

The pork belly did not have a lot of flavor but when dipped into the bean paste, it was savory and salty. The beef ($15.95) however, stole the show. It was nice and charred on the outside and had a sweet and savory flavor. It reminded me of com suong, a Vietnamese pork chop and rice dish.  

Overall, I would rate the restaurant a 7.5/10. The menu was limited, but the food was good. The price was alright (Korean restaurants are pretty expensive), but the service was not the best as the waiters did not pay much attention to us.  

 

Seoul SoulongTang | 1245 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA 02134. 

Sunday - Wednesday 11AM - 10:30PM 

Thursday - Saturday 11AM - 11PM  

The summer is the perfect time to chill out, go to the beach, or just take long destinationless strolls or car rides. Sunsets and cool drinks pair amazingly with great music. Here is a list of song recommendations that will change your life: 

 

1. Calvin Harris - Slide ft. Frank Ocean and Migos 

Initially, I listened to this song because Frank Ocean was on it (and he is my God) but I should not have been that foolish because Calvin Harris makes amazing songs. The instrumentals, the vocals, everything screams summer!  From the piano intro to the rap, it is a musical journey. The song itself is catchy. It’ll be stuck in your head for days. Calvin Harris knows how to make hits. 

 

2. Drake - Passionfruit 

From Drake’s new album More Life, Passionfruit is a song that will bring you straight into your feelings. This song is a sweet jam to listen to. However, the intro of a man addressing a crowd is a bit weird and I would recommend skipping it. This is the type of song you can listen to during long drives or lounging on your bed with the sunset seeping through your curtains. 

 

3. Drake - Get It Together 

This is a slow song compared to Drake’s usual style. But, this song is amazing! Jorja Smith’s voice is soft and rhythmic. Like all Drake songs, this is also hard to get out of your head. This song is perfect for an R&B playlist, to dance around in your room, or for lip synching. 

 

4. Sza -  Love Galore ft.Travis Scott 

Sza is sensational! Simply a goddess. Love galore is such a bop. From the great instruments, beats, her vocals, and Travis Scott’s rap, this song is the definition of exhilaration and is perfect for the summer -- a time for no consequences.  

 

5. Kali Uchis - Know What I want 

This song is ideal for days at the beach or adventures to the lake. With tropical vibes, this is a great song to jam out to. 

 

6. Shakira - Chantaje 

Even if you don’t speak Spanish, this very danceable. From Shakira’s iconic voice to Maluma’s sultry verse -- this song will be stuck in your head for days.   

 

7. Daniel Caesar - Get You  (ft. Kali Uchis)  

This is an R&B song that can be paired flawlessly with late night car rides. Daniel Caesar’s passionate voice is perfect and the slow beat of this song is honestly addictive. From the catchy bass to  Kali Uchis’ verse, this song is great for just chilling.   

 

8. Crush - Castaway 

This song has a beachy vibe that can complement the feeling of the sun on your skin. The electronic instrumentals really mimic the feeling of swimming in cool rhythmic waves.  

 

9. Steve Lacy - Dark Red 

Unlike other songs, this song does not have strong beats, but rather a subtle drum beat and a great bass line. This is a chill and groovy song -- perfect for a euphoric road trip.  

 

10. Heize - And July Ft. Dean 

This song starts off with a ‘90s drum beat, but immediately jumps into modern pop. This is a Korean pop song that has eastern and western influences. Although the lyrics are in Korean, there is a bridge in English. This song is easy to get addicted to.