Senior Send Off - Class of ‘22

Suhani Muhajan, Dhruv Singh, Caleb Smith, Grace Yang

Members of Northview's 2022 graduating class reflect on their experience in high school and their plans going forward. Point of View's seniors, Caleb, Dhruv, and Suhani, discuss their time in the class. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

Sahit: My name is Sahit and I'm a senior at Northview High School.

Sasha: Hi, my name is Sasha.

Soham: Yeah, hello, my name is Soham. I'm a senior here at Northview I'm the captain of the varsity soccer team.

Elizabeth: Hello, my name is Elizabeth Ziabchenko. And I'm a student at Northview High School.

Alana: Yes, hello, I'm Alana McLaughlin, and I'm a senior.

Sivan: Hi, I'm Sivan. I'm a senior at Northview High School, and I'll be graduating this year.

Caleb: And this was high school for Northview's class of 2022. We've learned we've grown, we've made countless memories that we'll keep forever.

Sahit: Most of my favorite memories are actually oriented with my friends and things we do together, we went to the Chattahoochee River, the plan was to just you know, look at a river and just play around in the park and so forth. But we he and I actually ended up going into the river. And we were not, we were not smart about it because the current was extremely strong, and we had no idea what to do. And we realized this halfway in, and like we barely made it out alive and kind of thing and like we were both shivering and hypothermic, it was just really crazy and scary. But now that I look back on it, it feels more like like a storybook adventure. And those memories that I'm really happy about.

Sasha: I got to step in for the role of Carrie for one day, and learn it in like two seconds. So that's definitely going to be a core memory for me. It was a lot of fun.

Sivan: Um, my favorite memory was actually pretty recent, it was during the Stone Mountain trip. So after the mountain, we everyone went to the barbecue and everyone ate and things like that. And everyone decided to go play volleyball. And for some reason, everyone decided to go play volleyball at this one singular net. And what I thought was so memorable about that experience was that like, kids from so many different like cliques or groups, kids from like different backgrounds, because who had different interests all came together and support each other while we played volleyball. And you could see like the excitement and joy in everyone's eyes when they went to when they hit the ball over the net. And people are high-fiving and people who never even spoke to each other before we're on the same team. And they were like just enjoying each other's company.

Elizabeth: Some of my favorite memories is like performing at an international night, particularly my senior year when I was in 2x. And the cullmination of my high school tennis, which was winning regions this year.

Alana: One of my favorite memories was probably I think it was the homecoming football game where it was blackout of this year. It was just great because all the different friend groups and our grade were there. And it was really like a sense of community and everybody was together. And I don't think you get that every football game. And it was just nice. And we missed so many things because of COVID. It was really nice to just be together and like kind of experience that.

Soham: I would say my favorite memory from the last four years is probably this past this past season with my team with the Northview our soccer team, we exceeded expectations tremendously. We were runner ups in our region, and we made it to the Round 16 second round of playoffs. And just that the whole season these past few months have been some of like the best ones in my life. This is a tremendous success we had in like the amount of fun I had to with with all my with all my teammates. And so it was just it was it was amazing was a great experience. Suhani: Whether we were online or in person, we've pushed ourselves to our limits, bonding over shared procrastination and late night studying.

Sivan: What I think I'll miss the most about my high school experience is the suffering everyone went through together. So in my eyes, while the classes were very hard and they took a lot of work, the nights that you spend with your friends on like FaceTime or discord like grinding out assignments or study guides and things like that. While they were hard. I think it was kind of enjoyable at the same time because um, it was like a group collectively suffering together.

Alana: I have loved yearbook. It's a lot of work but nothing beats like that community in that class and the ability we have to have so much fun together, but it's also something that's my passion.

Elizabeth: My favorite classes, were definitely my lit classes my ninth grade with Coronavirus, Yashi 11th grade with Miss Pope and 12th grade with AP Lit and Rawlins class. Honorable mention to honors Chem surprisingly because I definitely think that the shared torture of honors Chem brings people together. And I made some of my best friends are in my honors chem class where we did a bunch of labs and just talk through our assignments together. And cram studied for classes during lunch.

Sahit: AP Lang for sure by Mrs. Pope, even though it was online, which wasn't the best aspect of it. It was extremely entertaining and educational. It kind of helped me realize the importance of language which is something I didn't realize the first two years and it helped me really hone in on my voice. Identify with what I truly believe in and find a way to express that and justify it and like, you know, persuade people and like, take my stance. So it gave me a lot of confidence.

Sasha: Okay this is a class that I took freshman year. But it's definitely one of my favorites. It was 10th honors lit. And I had Ms Pope. We had this one unit where we were reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. And my friend Aayush and I, we liked the book so much that we started making a Broadway musical out of it. And we like wrote songs and cast people and everything. So I loved that class so much, I had so much fun.

Dhruv: Outside the classroom, we grew as people tried new things, we planted the seeds of future hobbies we take with us now.

Sivan: Growing up, I was like very, very unathletic. And something about wrestling and like something about like watching yourself grow, was like very fun for me. Because it was like, knowing that you didn't come from like a background where you were just knew you were gonna do sports, and doing wrestling and like winning matches and succeeding. Something about that was just very fun for me.

Sasha: I think I'm proud of how involved I got in everything that I did, I got some leadership positions. And I feel like that really helped me this year, like really get more involved with what I was doing and get that experience. Be president of a club. Just be in the club in the first place. I've been part of improv clubs since freshman year. So all four years, being involved in chorus being really involved in theater. I just this year gotten involved with the Northview bolt, which was like so much fun. Just getting involved with as much as I could, I feel like I'm proud of that.

Sahit: Especially with Psi Alpha, which is the psychology Art Society. And whether it's through guest speaker events, or like the various fundraisers, awareness campaigns, anything we've done, the ability to impact the greater Northview community and make a significant impact on it. And also leave a legacy of the club behind as a graduate, something I'm really excited and proud about.

Suhani: And despite everything that made high school seem impossible, at moments, we persevered, though, maybe that's easier to say, in hindsight.

Sivan: I was on the wrestling team. And I would say the wrestling teams practices were the hardest of any sport I've ever done. And being in that room, and like sweating, and like suffering and constantly like pushing each other, in that hot, sweaty room for like, hours and hours every week, kind of brought me closer together with the people I was in there with. And because of that it just made it so enjoyable and memorable.

Sasha: Taking charge and making decisions for myself and talking to people in that way. I was always more of a follower than a leader. But this year, I think I've definitely learned to become more of a leader and make decisions and be in charge of some things. And I feel like that's been really useful. And it's really going to help me going forward. So I'd say that's the main thing. Yeah.

Sivan: Looking back, because I was so sporadic, and so like spontaneous about a lot of my decisions. It kind of hindered a lot of my growth and development in certain areas. And I feel like looking back, if I just stuck to certain things and tried new things, I would have probably been a very different person than I am now.

Sahit: Because freshman, sophomore year, I think like most students, I spent a great deal of time to studying and working. And I wish I did have more balanced, which means enjoying myself more, going out with my friends more doing hobbies, and just an overall sense of like fulfillment, which I feel like I lack that I found now.

Alana: Like embrace who you are and don't apologize for being who you are. I think that obviously when you're a freshman, you're so worried that the upperclassmen are going to judge you and other people are going to judge you and I just wish that I had embraced myself sooner I think I would have been a lot happier.

Soham: Enjoy enjoy these years. I kind of sounds cliche, but like, and like you know, when I heard obviously when we all heard it back, back when we were freshmen too, like, oh, yeah, don't worry, we have so much time. It's true. It's for real man, it goes by so fast. Take it take it one year at a time. We can time you know, just enjoy, enjoy high school man, prepare yourself, gain those qualities that you need to be successful in life moving forward. This is the time where you where you learn everything, learn your skills, learn what you want to do and stuff. So going forward, I think I'll remember all the experiences that I've had these past few years whether it be in soccer, you know, how to take a tough loss or how to how to you know, when to whens the right time to like celebrate wins around women to push hard to work hard and stuff.

Elizabeth: The threat of college isn't so much of a threat as just a next step that is going to happen regardless of whatever grades or things that happen along my high school journey. So I would say work hard. But take take time when you need it. And sometimes an assignment isn't as important as something else that's going on in your life.

Sasha: I don't know advice I would give freshmen me is just don't worry as much cuz you are, because like, things will work out. It won't just all like, be that, like, you'll have bad moments, but like, it'll all work itself out, I won't stay like that.

Sivan: So I'll probably take like the regrets, I guess that I have from high school and move into college with them such as like, trying new things and staying consistent with certain things. But at the same time, I think high school has taught me that I can like kind of push myself farther than I really thought I could initially. And so I'll probably carry that throughout the rest of my life.

Soham: I knew like even before like I decided where to go to college, I was like, I want to come back as much as possible back to Johns Creek. To just you know, hang out with my friends.

Sasha: Well, first of all, I want to get this out of the way. Sujana asked me to say see Sujana. So the number one thing that I will miss about high school is to Sujana Vangala. Which is true, like, I think the answer is that I'm just going to miss all my friends, like so much I'm going to try like really, really hard to keep in touch with everyone.

Dhruv: I think for me over the past four years, something I'm really going to like keep is like the ability to learn like not necessarily even the things I have learned, but like, you know, floundering, like figure things out, like sharing it with other people. Like I think I really value that.

Suhani: I think personally, I really value the relationships I've formed. You know, these past four years, and especially in this class, because we all came into this kind of not knowing each other. But we've gotten so close together and getting to see how we've improved from our first episode to now. And realizing that we did that together as a group. It's really fulfilling, and I'm so happy that we got to do it together.

Caleb: I think for me, regardless of how much work we put into each podcast, putting our heart and our soul into it, I think we also remain to have fun, like when we made them, and growing these relationships within the class and kind of creating a family. I think there's something special in that. And I think these are some of the relationships that I'll carry with me and not always remember, in my future and in college.

Dhruv: I think that like for me no matter what, even if I'm leaving physically, I'm like, I'm not going to be here anymore. Like all this stuff from high school like the cringe the mistakes like the good times, like the friendships, I'm going to keep those with me like in my heart always know what I mean, as corny as that sounds.

Suhani: No same. I'm really grateful for all the experiences, whether they be good or bad. And I mean, I'm so grateful to all the people who supported me these past four years, like my bus driver, all my teachers, all my friends, those people that you know, you pass on the hallways and just wave at you know, and thank you to everyone who's listening because, you know, podcasts was so important to me this year.

Caleb: For me, one thing I will say is that throughout high school, there's so many lessons that I've learned, but especially this year, it's just stretched me a bunch with whether it's like in education or whether it's socially. There's so much that I've learned in my growth has been, you know, exponential, and I'm grateful that high school has provided me with the lessons that I needed to take with me into the future. And I'm forever grateful for it.

Sahit: Outings, we've had my friends like we went through waterfalls, you know, hiking, rock climbing, these are all things I never imagined I'd ever do. Just because it seems so out of left field like if like, I didn't see myself as the kind of person to go out with my friends, like stay overnight or go to parties or anything. But it was only in senior semester that we went far beyond our comfort zone and the normal. Just go home and study and sleep kind of thing to do lots of crazy things and lots of really fun things risky but fun.

Suhani: This concludes our senior year send off episode. Now signing off. This was Suhani.

Dhruv: This was Dhruv.

Caleb: And this was Caleb. Thank you for tuning in this year to listen to Point of View.

Grace: For a transcript of this episode, head to the point of view tab on our website nhsmessenger.org And follow us on Instagram Twitter or Facebook @nhspointofview for updates or new episodes. I'm Grace, one of the editors-in-chief for Point of View next year and this has been Point of View.

Across the Table - Our First Year

Jordan Anderson, Rachel Everett, Delisa Troupe, Suhani Mahajan, Sofia Mang, Dhruv Singh, Caleb Smith, Orelia Thottam, Grace Yang

In this episode, hosts Delisa, Grace, Sofia, Rachel, Orelia, Jordan, Caleb, Suhani, and Dhruv discuss their favorite memories, biggest accomplishments, and hopes for next year as the first official year of Point of View comes to a bittersweet end. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music. 

Delisa Troupe: Hello and welcome to Point of View where we give students a place to listen, learn, and lean in. I’m your host Delisa Troupe, and today I’m sitting with Grace, Sofia, Rachel, Orelia, Jordan, Caleb, Suhani, and Dhruv, some of the hosts of podcasts as this class comes to a bittersweet end. So the first question that we’re touching on today is how, what was your first impression of each other and the class like, think back to like your first day of school. What did you think of it?

Sofia Mang: It was a little bit awkward, because it was such a small class and some like not many of us knew each other. But I do think that it was kind of nice getting to know each other on the beginning because it was like, those icebreakers were kind of funny, and especially like the thing with Dhruv. Or used to call him like Drew with a v. I don’t know.

Delisa: So I kind of like started the class because Sofia told me about it. I had no idea even existed. And she was like, can you please come? I don’t know, and she was like, begging me. And at the time, I was an intro to art. But I decided to drop that because the class was like mostly freshmen. And I decided to join this instead, and I’m really glad that I did.

Rachel Everett: I remember for like, oh, was it like first week or two maybe three, Caleb our like head editor just was not in this class. He was not here for like, the longest time. And it was, so we got past that. Um, but I certainly remember like how seeing it was, it was an interest group. And we were all like, you know. Like sometimes in a class, you can all see people that like, oh that makes sense they’re in this class. Or like they fit like a stereotype. We all come from like, different backgrounds. And I kind of like that.

Suhani Mahajan: I just want to say y’all terrified me, because I didn’t know anyone but Dhruv, and Rachel.

Caleb: And me.

Suhani: No because I just did not know you until this year.

Caleb: You knew of my name right?

Suhani: You know, that’s a question mark. But Rachel was like a comfort like, life saver thing. And Dhruv was like, oh that’s that kid from freshman year. And then the rest of y’all were like, og my god, they’re so close. And I had no idea if I’d be able to like mesh with everyone in the class, especially since most of y’all are juniors, and I’m a senior.

Grace: I don’t know, I did not think we were that close. Like on the first day, because I didn’t know anybody because Marcus came later. He was the only person I knew, and even like Marcus came later and he only talked to me a few times he’s like clingy. And so I don’t know, my first day I saw like, I think it was Rachel, Suhani, who were in here. And I was like, looking around the classroom. And I was like, is this journalism? And they’re like yeah, and I was like oh I thought it was a different room or like a different title. Because I thought, I signed up for messenger, like the writing portion. But then I like got assigned to this class. And I was like, did I sign up for this? I’m like, I don’t think I did. But Mrs. Evans was talking about how like, we could like edit audio and maybe do videos. And I was like, okay, I guess I’ll stay. And like, because there’s too much of a hassle to go to my counselor, but like I’m glad I did. Because I agree with Rachel that like, it brings in a lot of people who are like in different social circles, and like in different grades as well. So it’s like really interesting to see how everyone’s doing and like, because everyone brings a different opinion. I feel like which is really interesting to see.

Delisa: Poor Jonah, the only freshman.

Sofia: I kind of like to call it, I told Delisa this the other day and I was we’re kinda like Breakfast Club. Yeah, have you guys never seen that movie?

Rachel: No.

Sofia: I’ve seen it. Jordan, how do you feel being like the only sophomore in this class?

Jordan: At first I was terrified. Because I didn’t know anyone. And I do really, I’m like really bad in situations where I don’t know anybody. So like, I’m quiet, I still am. But like outside this class, I’m like a hot mess but, we’re not gonna talk about that. Like I was like, really scared at first because I was like, “Oh i’m probably gonna do terrible. Everyone’s probably gonna yell at e if I mess something up.” But like eventually, I was like okay nice. This is like my favorite class. Whenever I’m stressed about chemistry I’m so happy, this is my next class because I can just like relax and think about happy things.

Delisa: No, this is kind of off topic, but you know Mekayle Upton. So I’m wither her in messenger,and she’s always talking about how you’re always talking about podcast.

Jordan: I love this class. This is the only reason why I come to school. Because if I didn’t have this class, I wouldn’t be in school 90% of the time.

Sofia: I’m kind of curious, because Orelia you’re also new to the school this year. How did you hear about this class and like find out.

Orelia Thottam: So, I was supposed to go to messenger too, and I was here Sophomore year. So that’s the class that I signed up for. And I was supposed to be a photographer for messenger. But then my fourth period was clashing with German, so they put me in this class. So my counselor was like, oh so you have to choose between journalism and German. And I was like, no I want both classes, I’m not choosing between either though. And she’s saying we’ll see about it later. And the next day she emailed me saying it’s only messenger so journalism four is fine. Okay, so I thought it was another messenger class. But I didn’t remember that over the summer, I did sign up for this class. So it was going to be the same class with Messenger, like it’s going to be the same thing. And then when I come on here, there’s like 11 people in this class. I know there’s quite a lot of people in messenger. Okay. And then they told us this is broadcast, I was thinking there’s no point in changing so they just said it’s okay. It’s not like a knew people in messenger anyways so it was okay.

Suhani: It’s all a learning process.

Orelia: Sure and it wasn’t like I knew anyone in messenger that was like, if i change, I’d be like, with my friends. I didn’t know anyone in this class nor that one. So I was like, I’ll have to meet new people. So I'll just in this class.

Delisa: And we kind of already touched upon this. But the second question is, why id you decide to join? And I wanted to ask Caleb, this because you technically did not have a choice. So how did you feel getting assigned senior editor podcast?

Caleb: I had worked on it the previous year, my junior year with Noelle. She had given me, her and Mrs. Evans and like Jennifer, the messenger editor, at the time gave me a chance to kind of work on some podcasts, kind of see what that was kind of like and then ended up loving it. And I also applied at the end of the year to be either like opinions editor for messenger, or like the multimedia, that sort of thing like the podcast editor. And I was kind of scared because it'd be our first year as a class. And I didn't know what to expect. But that kind of like the media and the audio aspect, I was really intrigued about it. Because I mean, I kind of started doing that sort of thing. During like 2020, and like COVID time, so I kind of was interested in that. And then I ended up loving it and kind of saw potential as a class.

Rachel: I’m very similar to Caleb in the sense that I was chosen as one of the junior podcasts editors alongside Sofia. So I wasn't, I was technically given a choice. But it was less of a choice and more of like, come on to the class. And I'm very glad I did. Because I ended up I thought I had wanted to go into like writing journalism. And I realized that my writing is probably not as strong as I thought it was. And now I like want, I'm looking at colleges, specifically for broadcast journalism, because of how much fun I've had in this class. And like, how much I just really found a passion for it.

Sofia: Yeah, just like Rachel. Obviously, I was also assigned as Junior podcast editor. And it was unfamiliar to me, but not as unfamiliar as it could be for Caleb and Rachel, because in my freshman year, I wasn't in Messenger or anything like that I was in it was like this, like one year class. It was really random. It was like a sports class. And we basically made videos and like interviewed athletes, and it was kind of like, a thing. So I was like, familiar with like, editing and like video and stuff like that. But I didn't enjoy like writing in the messenger. But then after I joined this class, I really liked the dynamic that came with this class. And yeah, I'm really glad that I stayed.

Dhruv Singh: I don't even know like the reason I ended up in podcasts, or broadcast journalism in the first place like I was never even tangentially related to like journalism kids. Like I was never in Messenger or talked to Miss Evans before this year. But I think that at the end of my junior year, because I was doing so much like video stuff with bolt and like the end of the AV program and stuff that is Pope recommended me to Mrs Evans. So then I was, I think it was like sneak peek or somewhere like the last day of school junior year, I came into like, say hi to teachers. And Mrs Evans emailed me even though I never talked to her before. She was like, “Hi, I have a class next year called like, broadcast journalism. I think that you'd like it. Do you happen to be at school today?” I wasn't even supposed to be at school, but I was like “Sure. Okay, I'll come by.” and then three months later, I ended up in here and I'm really glad I did because I got to learn like so much because like I I think that like I helped a lot with like the technical aspect for like the audio and recording editing and all that. But like, you know, I I really didn't have that much experience with the audio editing performance. Like I like you guys seem to think that I'm like, experiencing this I was kind of making it up as I went. No, and I'm so glad I did.

Rachel: Towards the beginning of the year we were all just calling out Dhruv's name like “Dhruv!” so he could come help us.

Dhruv: Dude that happened like ten minutes ago.

Suhani: Now it’s become Dhruv Singh and now it’s a command.

Grace: I remember one time I was editing something, I asked you for help to do something wasn't working right. He just pulled up Google and I could have just done this myself.

Dhruv: Listen, half the skill is figuring out how to figure out stuff when you don't know it. Okay, so that's what I say.

Delisa: And touching on that, other than Dhruv, who clearly taught us all the technical aspects of everything. What skills have you guys learned from this class?

Grace: Not to tute my own horn anything. Like I also did audio video to like, but like, I really only edited like sort of video. And I guess using platforms like Adobe Audition, sort of like to edit audio was something we learned like like cutting audio and like using fades and stuff like that. Like, I think one of my favorite days was when Rachel had the, like the Photoshop and Illustrator lesson because I, I think making graphic design is so cool. And like, and like it was, it was really fun, even though it was like frustrating at times. Because we were cutting out like Melissa and Megan or something like sometimes you'd cut out like their arm or something. Like it was I think it was really fun, like playing around with Photoshop and Illustrator and like, being able to make graphics and stuff like that is something I really like, like learning. And besides that, because I was completely new to like this whole journalism thing. So I didn't know how to like write interviews, like features or anything. So I think that gaining that like writing skill was also something really important. I feel like I learned.

Suhani: Like as a messenger kid, I love how different storytelling can be in broadcast journalism and how you have more choice with like, stylistic, like, stylistically how you get to tell that story, because it's not just like, interview, transition, interview transition, kind of how we do in Messenger. And I think that's been my favorite part. Because I feel like I've grown as a storyteller, how do you feel Delisa?

Delisa: I kind of like how we all grew together, like, especially in the beginning, some of us knew how to do things, but for the most part, we were all like pretty new to everything. I feel like the skills we learned in here, like using audition using Photoshop, and like everything else is like so helpful, like in the real world. And I feel like this class gave me like so much like technical skills that I like, never would have, like, known about before. And like, even though like if you can like search things up on Google, and you can like go on YouTube, it's not really helpful unless you actually have like a project you're working on. So the fact that I was like, able to not only learn those skills, but experiment with them was really helpful.

Dhruv: I think I learned like how to learn and teach from other people a little bit better, you know, like, because, like, I feel like I couldn't learn those skills. On my own. Like, I was curious, I could Google it. But I think that like applying it in the group setting is what made it really made me like feel like I was actually able to do this things like use them like. Well, like I don't think I would ever say like, oh yeah, I can use audition if I just was using it on my own at home. But you know, after like running an interview with you guys and being like, oh yeah, this is how you do this are like, figuring out new stuff with grace. Like when we're at like trying editing the homecoming episode stuff. Like, I feel like I'm competent. Now. Like, I feel like I know it.

Delisa: I really liked how we got to like, we had like ideas that we learned from other podcasts that we listened to on Spotify, and were able to like, oh, this will be so cool. Like, how can we add this into like our next episodes like using video or like the Hoco Titans things like you said, or like book bands was like completely new with like, using music throughout the entire episode. And I really liked like, how the more podcasts we put out, like the better they got pretty much.

Orelia: For me when I came in, I didn't know anything. So as I knew, every time I came into class, I was always worried that we're gonna do something today, and I don't know how to do it, and it's just gonna be so bad for them. I think by now by the end of it. Almost anything like the graphic, the editing interview, like how to set up a script, how to reach out to people in a way that it's not like you're not pushing them to do the interview with you like you're actually asking them,they all those things, I just, I've just learned a ton. And it's crazy to think about it because it's just been one whole year. And by the end for I feel like I'm more ready and prepared for the next year. So I'm happy about that.

Jordan: I have to say, my, this is weird, but my favorite thing that I've learned was on Adobe Audition, how to make like the waveform thing until multitrack would have learned how to do that. I was like, wow, this is for real. But like, I had no clue with any like how to edit anything. But I want to do because my little sister was like, Oh, I want to become an editor when I'm older. And I was like what type of editor, she was like editing like audio stuff because she watches this YouTuber that does it. And I was like, this sounds pretty fun. So when I like came to this class, when I was really excited to like learn how to do all this stuff, especially the multitrack my favorite thing.

Rachel: I would definitely say that um, I've definitely learned skills that have helped me outside of this class. I had never touched like audition or anything other than like InDesign and possibly illustrator from Messenger. So you being able to use audition, I figured out how to record something and like I worked with drew on how to remove like, some noise stuff for our Carrie curtain speech.

Dhruv: I pulled up google for that one.

Rachel: Okay. Um, so these skills that we've like, learned will definitely, like, they're not just things that we can use in this class, there's like applications outside.

Delisa: So now that we're ending the year, how do you guys think you've improved from the very beginning to now?

Sofia: Um, personally, for me, I think the main way that I improved, like the way that I'm most proud of is definitely on graphics. I remember at the beginning of the year, Grace, like helped us with our first graphic. And then from there on, I would really like I always went to her and I was like, Grace, please help me with this. And I'm like, I would like to, like follow her format. And then the most recent graphic that I made with the like international night, that was like, mainly from my own like, ideas in my brain. And I was so proud of how it came out, because it was like exactly how it looks in my head. And it wasn't really following a certain format, it just follow like, what the episode kind of like aura was, and I was so proud of that, I was able to learn how to like, I was showing everyone to class, I learned how to make shades on the curtain, nobody cared. But um, yeah, definitely just learning how to use Illustrator more and kind of use my own creative. Like way with that, and then also definitely audition. Same with international episode after I learned how to like, incorporate stuff because I feel like podcast is a lot more immersive and storytelling with the sounds able to do and stuff like that. And when I found out how to incorporate that without making it sound like awkward or weird, I was so proud of it.

Grace: To clear things up of it. The grace that Sophia is talking about is Grace Peng our EIC for messenger. So I was not a graphic Master, but yeah, I can really see how Sofia improved, like, her international night graphic was actually so amazing. And like, I feel like the whole thing was like having more creative freedom and like, not just following like a sort of like framework. I think we I think as like a whole group, we grew out of like just following a framework and like, started like doing our own sort of like how we want to do our graphics, like how we want to do your episodes, and not just doing like a like the exact same thing we always did like for me one way I feel like I improved is I think sort of like Delisa touched on it with like our book bans episode how like, we started sort of working into incorporating like different sounds and like cutting in more clips instead of just having like, blocks of just audio.

Delisa: Yeah, because the book bans no one, previously before that, we would just like have a complete like interview. But for the book bans ones is the first time that we had like different interviews that we had to incorporate into one episode. And so that was like a lot of editing a lot of like sounds that we had to include. And so that was like probably my biggest accomplishment or like the thing I'm the most proud of. And also, I was in both messenger and podcast this year for the first time. And I really learned how to like talk to people and like, introduce myself and like, especially when it comes to interviewing people. And I really like how I like learn to work together with other people, and just like, know how to do small talk.

Caleb: I think the thing I'm most improved on was my boldness. It's weird, me being the editor of this class, and I still get like stage fright and you know, being scared to talk in front of people because I'm scared of like the comments I might get back, and that sort of thing. But I think as we went on through this year, interviewing people doing more episodes, I gained more experience, and kind of got more comfortable with the mic, and that sort of thing. But also kind of being trying to grow as a leader, as my first time ever being like in a leadership position. Really, so growing like with the class, but then also kind of keeping us on track kind of, you know, just being a better leader, I think that's the main thing I've moved on.

Orelia: I feel as a class as well, like just the kind of content or the kind of episodes we used to make initially was what we make now I feel like they're just more serious and they have more of a reason behind it in some way or the other. Like the first few episodes like they just had so much room for editing and the way we frame the whole thing. And then the reason why it's like the homecoming one or the book bands, all those just was they just seem so much more detail oriented and professional in some way or the other.

Dhruv: I think that it just in general like the way we record episodes to like even the like less flashy ones. Like the first ever episode we did was the Downey interview, like Caleb, Suhani and I went that we were sent out and like originally wanted Mrs. Evans to come with us to we were it wasn't possible we were like really nervous. I remember that. We like walked to his office we go in and like it took us like 10 minutes to setup. I was like and then like Suhani would have like a whiteboard and she like flashed at Caleb when he needed him to say something and it didn't help like either because like in the episode you could tell Caleb would look like anyway. And like all sorts of things and like it took us like 40 minutes and I was okay like you know, Caleb's great at talking and so it's Downey and stuff, but then we did it again. Just Caleb and I We did the same thing we walked down the same hallway like when no one else it's like we were in like we were set up like instantly we got like more info in like half the time it was just so much better it was like all the bad habits that we had are like going away and like just our process is so much more robust and so like really interesting thing but I'm really glad we did like the same episode twice.

Caleb: Yeah, I agree. Dt: What are some of your favorite memories and then biggest accomplishments in this class? Som: I think I could say this for mostly everyone this class but my favorite memory was definitely Mrs. Evans birthday because I remember we made this like Slack channel and then it was like we all like it was so nice being able to talk everyone in like a non academic setting because these are the only use Slack that like you know, like podcasts kind of related stuff. But for this we were all talking about like what's her favorite color guys what gets you to get her something like links everyone told me the stuffed animal I thought was really ugly but everyone was being so mean but then like I went out to go get the cake and then everyone's favorite color purple, I’m pretty sure it’s purple. And then um after that when we actually came in and we had that huge card we were like running around to get signatures from teachers and then we're like trying to fill it up and then like to Delisa showed me the messenger was like that was so full compared to ours signatures from teachers and stuff like that. And then when the actual day came we were like talking about like ways that we could surprise her I was like I shouldn't pretend like someone slapped me and then scream Dhruv’s name.

Caleb: No we were gonna put it on Jonah that he like passed out.

Dhruv: Sofia said that and I wasn’t gonna get top so I said like, what if we pretend Jonah died.

Sofia: A freshman. Yeah, and then like, during the actual in the actual celebration, I just felt like so much like we were a family which I do feel like we are a family um, after all this time. And then messenger had like a whole like party with like.

Rachel: People in a budget, we gotta love it.

Sofia: It was really nice. And I loved how Mrs. Evans treasured it and it was a heartwarming moment for all of us.

Suhani: Told to go to the back room.

Caleb: You guys kept whispering and I was like what are y’all doing.

Sofia: No one told me that we were going to forget that, we weren’t going to forget that it was her birthday. So I didn’t wish her happy birthday because I was like, so we’re all forgetting that it’s her birthday right.

Delisa: Yeah, I literally remember planning like us all standing up at the exact same time going to the back of the back, like robots and her being like completely weird out like what.

Suhani: We said, let’s start our work and she’s never seen us so motivated.

Rachel: Um, I would say my favorite memory goes along with the birthday party. But I, Mrs. Evans texted me one day and was like, can you make a graphic with like, episode seven point twenty-two. And I was like okay, with no possible idea in my head, what seven point twenty-two could mean. I was like okay. Later come to find out, It's a picture of her ultrasound. She that I made. And I was like, oh, and then, um, the next thing goes along with it. But it was. It was witnessed. It was I think was at a birthday party. And I think Mrs Evans had just found out the gender of her baby. And she's like, do you guys want to know and we all placed bets. And then we found out and then we just got so hyped.

Delisa: I like how like every girl voted girl and then it was a girl and we all liked cheered and it was very wholesome.

Caleb: Yeah, I’m still mad.

Grace: I think that shows like one of my favorite aspects of this class that like, we're all really close to each other and also really close to Mrs. Evans. I remember that one time when Dhruv got a speeding ticket and he he was so stressed and he kept talking to Mrs. Evans about it and she like calmed him down and she was like-

Dhruv: She actually calmed me down so much. I was like, well, Mrs. Evans I'm really stressed about this, but like, you know, it's fine. Like I felt better after talking to her. She didn't say much.

Delisa: I remember your court date too.

Grace: As for like a competition, and I remember we submitted a few episodes for like what was it? GSPA, Georgia Scholar Press Association. Yes. And we did win an award for that. And I'm also, personally, I'm proud of like, being able to have a vision and like, carry it out. Because I remember the first time I was assigned to, like, I had the idea, or somebody had the idea for like, Homecoming Titans that we cover that. And like, I was like, I really want to be in that group. Because I really want to record that moment where he announces the titans, and there's like, a bunch of cheering. And like, I was able to, like execute my vision in that episode. And it made me like, really, really proud and really, really happy, or ever.

Dhruv: I remember it was so cool. Like, Grace asked me to, like, come to the back for a second. And I like went back there. And she started doing it. And then she like, I just kind of sat back and she did the whole thing on her own. And it sounds like so good. And I was like, I'm telling you, like, you guys do not need my help.

Delisa: Yeah, to wrap it all up isn't specifically a favorite memory for me. But I feel like because book bans are split into like two groups, and like most of us are like on either one group or the other. I feel like after that, we all somehow managed to like, even if we were in different groups, we would all like help each other out. And I feel like it made us like so much closer. So that was like one of my favorite aspects of this class. But what are your guys's like favorite things that you hope for next year, or like what you're looking forward to?

Orelia: I personally am kind of excited to meet all the new people who are going to be joining the class, and seeing how, like from whatever we learn this year, how it's just going to help what we do next year and change everything that we do next year. So that's one thing and just kind of being able to spend another year with all of you.

Sofia: Yeah, I agree. Because like, it's gonna be definitely more structured and different from this year, because we know so much more now. And it's going to be not as like, not easy to teach the other staffers but it'll be like better for us because I feel like we'll have more of a foundation and it'll just be more exciting to like, actually execute the stuff that you want to do. Because you had that idea. You didn't know if you could execute it, but you did. And now we know that we can execute like anything you want to. But yeah.

Delisa: i’m excited for Caleb’s grad party.

Caleb: Invitation to see if it comes to your inbox. But even though me, Dhruv and Suhani will be gone next year. My biggest hope is that you guys continue to make really good content for Northview to hear. I'll still be tuning in, but I'm just like, take whatever we've learned this year into them and keep growing. And I think I'm really proud of you guys. Oh Mrs.Evans don’t do it.

Dhruv: I think even if like I won't even lie, I don't think I listened to a single episode after they came out. Listen, like I would like help editing each one. I'd heard each one like I always heard it was like, yeah, the release, like I just like worry about the next thing. But even if like I'm not gonna be here, and I didn't listen to one, I just want you guys to like keep growing on you guys. Like keep trying new things and stuff I want to like, tune in and be like, Dude, I don't know how we never even thought of that. Like, I want to be impressed. I want to like and I'm gonna I'm gonna keep tuning in. I want to see where you guys do next.

Grace: A lot of pressure making me in this we have a Google document to sort of write down all our ideas. And my main idea was to fill the gaping hole left in Dhruv Singh’s place. Dhruv honestly did like a lot of stuff. So I'm hoping that we can like yeah, because you're leaving the morning will be mean after we finish recording. Yeah, I think that next year, I really am excited to like teach new people other things and hear their ideas as well. And I also want to like fix some stuff with like our mics and like sort of standardize everything because I know this year, you're a bit disorganized, because like renew class.

Sofia: And I hope I just hope that I can carry on Caleb's confidence and Suhani’s kindness just got like a whole spotlight.

Grace: Caleb is trying so hard right now.

Orelia: Actually.

Delisa: Is he actually.

Caleb: No.

Delisa: So to all the people who are planning on joining podcasts next year, or who hoped to join podcasts in the future, what would you guys say to them?

Sofia: I would say

Rachel: Do it.

Caleb: Just do it.

Sofia: Don't be afraid of anything that you think might if it's different from what you usually do, if you don't know if you'd like, if you don't know you'll be good at it, because you never know, obviously, I didn't know what was coming from me when I came into this class. But I love this community so much. I love the atmosphere. I love creating episodes. And it's turned into what my biggest passion, so that could be you too.

Delisa: Yeah, I remember my freshman year, I only wanted to be in classes if my friends were in it. Or if I knew the people there, just so I was because I was too afraid, obviously, to join things that were out of my comfort zone. Not only classes, but also clubs. And for all like the incoming freshmen and sophomores, whatever grade you're in, don't be afraid to join. Even if it seems like we're all close. Like, it didn't really start that way. And I feel like if you go out of your comfort zone, you take that leap to join something that you find interesting could be a much better experience than you would have ever imagined.

Rachel: You, you may not think that you're interested in something, but just joining a class and realizing that, oh, wow, I really enjoyed this, and I want to do it in the future is a really big step. And don't be afraid to come join us we have a lot of fun. It may seem like it's a lot of work putting out a podcast, but you have fun doing so.

Caleb: Although like I want us to I want you guys to create really good content. But I would say don't get too caught up in the work that you forget to have the fun that we have in this class, like the just the bonds that we make. And like the just all the laughs that we had, I think those are a lot more meaningful. And although we can just even implement those into our podcasts and like the bond between us in the connection that we have is from those experiences in the fun that we've had.

Suhani: Speaking of bonds, I would just like to give a shout out to someone who isn't here. New members when you come into the class and for the first time that lump in the back of the classroom is Marcus.

Dhruv: Keep an eye out for Jonah.

Grace: Yeah, just try it because I think that one thing that brings a lot of people together is like, like listening to stuff, whether it's like music, or like the radio or something. And also, I would say don't be afraid if that people will like already be in their friend groups or anything like at the beginning of the year. We like barely even knew each other. But like, this class really brings you closer to other people.

Orelia: Also, one thing that I noticed and I would advise is that if someone tells you that something about your work can be changed in a certain way. Like don't be afraid of criticism. And like don't be afraid if someone tells you to change something, don't feel offended by like just actually try to implement it and see why they told you to do that rather than being scared about it.

Mrs. Evans: So this concludes our episode. Thank you so much for listening. For a transcript of this episode, head to the point of view tab on our website, nhsmessenger.org And follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook @nhspointofview for updates. I'm your host Mrs. Evans and this has been Point of View.

Point of You - End of Year Interview with Principal Downey

Caleb Smith, Dhruv Singh, Suhani Mahajan

In this episode, we interviewed Principal Downey, reflecting on the past school year and touching on hopes he has for the future. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

Caleb Smith: Hello, and welcome to point of view, where we give, students are placed to listen, learn and lean in. I'm your host, Caleb Smith. And today we are with our principal Mr. Downey, as we wrap up the year.

Mr. Downey: Hey, Caleb, happy to be back with you guys.

Caleb Smith: We're so lucky to have you. We just got a couple questions for you. We can start off here, how as your year been since last year? And how do you feel about these differences that we've had?

Mr. Downey: Wow, this certainly has been a unique year for all the obvious reasons, you know, the, the first semester, I will say was probably one of the most difficult semesters that I've had as a principal, this is my eighth year in this role. Coming into this year, I think we all had some expectations about what the year was going to be like. And it was a lot harder than I think we all thought it was going to be. I think the students, the staff, the parents, certainly myself, we were all fired up for, to kind of quote unquote, get back to normal, but I think we all forgot how hard the normal can be.

Caleb Smith: Absolutely.

Mr. Downey: And there were some situations in the fall semester that as a principal, you know, I pride myself on problem solving and making things better for the kids in our community. And there were just a couple of situations that I wasn't able to resolve and make the situation better. So that was hard and frustrating. But on a positive sense. You know, as difficult as this, this, the fall semester was, I think the spring semester has been so much better. Yeah, I think we all kind of got back into the routine of doing school again. And in the spring, that's kind of when we start celebrating our seniors, and start doing a lot more quote unquote, fun things. So, it was great to have those things back on the calendar and great to see our kids enjoying school again.

Caleb Smith: Absolutely, I definitely agree with that. It feels good to be back after, you know, 2020 and then a little bit into 2021. I was kind of scared that we weren't going to come back. But I'm glad we got to go this full year absolutely got to live. Absolutely. I know, I feel so bad for the past couple of seniors that didn't get to experience you know, the graduation and prom and that sort of thing. But I'm very grateful that we've gotten this far. So I'm just, that's just where I'm at right now. But for our next question, what are some accomplishments, accomplishments from this year that you're proud of?

Mr. Downey: You know, the, it's almost too early to look at reflect back on that, because we're several weeks away of kind of getting to that milestone of graduation. But I'm going to predict that we're looking back on this year that especially in the second semester, that we were able to provide some experiences to our kids outside the classroom. Yeah, as well as inside the classroom. You know, and that's what was missing over the last two, two plus years. For all of our students. You know, high school is not just the academic experience. It's just it's not just what happens in between the bells. That's certainly a big part of it. But really, it's the whole experience that our kids have been missing out on that the spring semester, we were able to bring back bring back. Our seniors got to do some fun experiences and get out of the building. I'm fired up for prom, at Mercedes Benz. Yeah, you know that. That should be a great night. And we were able to do Titan fest again, right before spring break. Just to kind of, you know, get our kids to, you know, not just experienced the stressors of school, but to experience the fun parts. So that's probably what I look back on and feel the best about is that we're able to bring some joy back into the building.

Caleb Smith: Yeah, it feels good to have all these events back. It's been a minute, we only got to as seniors, we only got to experience Titan Fest one time. So, it's been it's good to have it back. It was awesome. What was your favorite event of this year?

Mr. Downey: That's a great question. You know, the favorite event, you know, it's international night, every year is always going to be a highlight. So that was a fun night getting to see the kids showcase their talents on the stage.

Caleb Smith: Were you at A show or B show?

Mr. Downey: You always go to the B show. That's a no brainer. But the joy for me is that as principal I don't need a ticket. I can just kind of walk in and walk right in. I always try to make the B show because that's the one that has the high energy definitely and the crowds into it. So that's always a highlight because again, that that kind of what I said to earlier, there's so much more about the high school experience than just the classroom stuff. So, getting to showcase our kids and celebrating our kids. That's always a highlight. You know, and we haven't hit prom yet. But I suspect prom is going to be another highlight. You know, we really haven't had a full prom experience in several years, as you spoke to earlier, especially our senior class. You know, the junior class, they always have next year, senior class, this is it, and they haven't had one. And we're having it at Mercedes Benz. So, I think that's just going to be a neat and different experience. So, I think that's going to be a highlight. And then of course, every year, a highlight is the graduation ceremony. Because that's just the culmination of 12 years, and of education of our kids and certainly our four years together. That's always a cool, cool event.

Caleb Smith: Absolutely. Well, we were talking about Titan Fest, what was Titan Fest for you this year? What was it like for you?

Mr. Downey: It was you know, what I did a lot of just sitting back and watching kids. I mean, you really that that, to me was kind of that earmark moment of just fun. Right? School is hard. You know, most of our kids take a challenging course load. So, it's hard. It's hard being a student. For our seniors getting at that time a year spring break, kind of the college application process is pretty much done. And most of the kids have a good idea of what they're doing next year. Our underclassmen haven't experienced much of anything. You know, you said the senior class was the only class that ever had a Titan Fest. So, the 9th 10th and 11th graders never even knew what it was. So just seeing the kids play. And having fun goofing off being silly. So, I just sat back kind of watched it, you know. So that was reward in and of itself. Just seeing the kids have fun.

Caleb Smith: Awesome. Did you end up watching Carrie this year?

Mr. Downey: I did!

Caleb Smith: What was your favorite part?

Mr. Downey: So, I went to the Sunday matinee show. So, a couple of things that struck me, first of all, the talent level of our kids performing was really just, I shouldn't be surprised. But I'm always surprised about how talented our kids are. So that was great to see. I was not fully prepared for the script. So, kind of some of the language was like, Oh, wow. But it was, you're applauding it and you're cheering it makes sense that the kids are doing such a great job. But you know, the most surprising thing to me was that I got so caught up in the story, that seeing the character of Carrie go through what she went through in terms of the harassment, bullying, kind of picking on her, like my heart was in the character. Yeah, so in that climactic prom scene where like, all hell breaks loose, you know, and then at the very end, when her mom ends up stabbing her like, I was tear, I was teared up. I got it. I was emotionally invested in Carrie. I knew the story. I knew how it was gonna go. But the kids did such a great job in the performance that I got emotionally invested in her. So, it was a little gut wrenching to go through that ending. So that's what caught me off guard. I didn't expect to have that emotional response. But that's the beauty of the art. Is that it? It brings out that emotion in you. And that's why we experience it.

Caleb Smith: Yeah, I didn't get the pleasure of getting to see Carrie, but I actually really regret it. Because by what you just said and what other people have said it's been an amazing performance. So, I wish I could have made it. For our next question. How was your time at international night this year, specifically back to when we were talking about our events?

Mr. Downey: You know, again, as I said with the Titan Fest, just seeing people smile. You know, we- having lived through the last two, half, three, two plus years now whatever it's been- it's just, it has been hard on everybody. So, there hasn't been a lot of joy. Yeah. And then on top of it, everyone has been wearing masks. Yeah. So, you miss you don't you didn't we didn't realize going through it. But certainly, I appreciate now just seeing people's facial expressions. And in this case of joy and fun and laughter. You know, you know the two years leading up to this, have just been hard. So, there hasn't been a lot of smiling. So international night again, just kind of like Titan fest. It was a chance to see our kids in this case also our community our parents just being joyful. Yeah. and celebrating each other.

Caleb Smith: Celebrate all the cultures and the diversity.

Mr. Downey: Yes, absolutely. And there's no doubt eating that food is a highlight. That's a big treat. And then again, kind of like Carrie, you see seeing our kids perform on stage and showcasing their talents. You're always like, wow, I didn't know that kid could do that.

Caleb Smith: That's surprised me. You know, that’s a great event. What homecoming or prom theme would you like to see this year that we haven't done before?

Mr. Downey: A prom or homecoming theme? Yeah. Geez? That's a tough question.

Caleb Smith: Yeah, cuz we've had I know, we've had like, I think it was Marvel couple years ago, and then Star Wars for prom. So that sort of thing. Like any like, special. You know.

Mr. Downey: I don't think I have one. Because it's not about what I want. All right. Part of my job is to try and provide experiences that the kids want. Yeah. So, you know, that's my safe defer to that question is, you know what, because what's fun to me might not be fun to a teenager now. You know, I graduated high school 30 some odd years ago. So, it's, you know, I'm turning 50 this year, so I can't deny that. I don't know if applause is necessary or just getting old. But I say that in a fun way. And, you know, I'm starting to feel a little bit of that disconnect with what kids like today versus, you know, 10 years ago, 20 years ago, when I was a little more closer to it. So, you know, I'm gonna run and celebrate whatever the kids want to do.

Caleb Smith: Absolutely. I love that response. Well, what kind of music have you been listening to? Or any new artists? Have you been listening to?

Mr. Downey: You know, the, I just had this conversation with my wife. Because I have, I'm always a Dave Matthews fan. I always have been, but I've sort of rediscovered some other jam bands. And I had been hooked on OAR right now. And I'm gonna be buying tickets too. They have a show at the Roxy in July in downtown Atlanta that I'm gonna go to. So, it's, you know, fish. Dave Matthews. I've kind of just gotten back into these jam bands that I've rediscovered, and it's not new music necessarily. But I've kind of fallen in love with it again.

Caleb Smith: So, you see, listen to it in the past, and then now.

Mr. Downey: Yeah, exactly!

Caleb Smith: Gotcha. Gotcha. What is your favorite Taylor Swift song?

Mr. Downey: I guess the standard answer. Can you go wrong for any of them? But then I'm supposed to be able to name some Taylor Swift songs that I might get stuck with. My daughter's 12. You know, she'll be able to rattle off the Taylor Swift songs. Much better than me. You know, as much as I joked about some of the bands. I like to listen to kids at home. Yeah. And they insist on Dad changing the music. Whenever I'm playing my songs, it usually ends up with like, Imagine Dragons or Taylor Swift or something.

Caleb Smith: Because I remember in like our first interview, we were talking, I think about music. And you said you were a Swiftie. And then that kind of threw everybody off. So, you had to bring it back. See? Yeah, so no favorites right now. No favorites right now with the songs?

Mr. Downey: No, I can’t name any right now. I've been stuck on my jam band music.

Caleb Smith: I got you. I got you. No, no worries about that one. If you're a student and Northview, which classes would you wish to take?

Mr. Downey: Wow. That's another great question. You know usually what I have found through my experience, it's less about the content and more about the person leading the class. Yeah, I guess so. There's, you know, my backgrounds in biology. So, I'm sure that if I was a student in at Northview, I'd probably gravitate to Mr. Morgan's health science classes. That pathway. Yeah. I'm also a huge soccer fan. So no, I would love to be a student in his class and talk soccer and talk.

Caleb Smith: You played when you were younger?

Mr. Downey: I did.

Caleb Smith: I remember that.

Mr. Downey: Yeah. I grew up playing soccer. And then I coached the high school team for 16 years. Wow. So, I miss being involved with that. And I'm now coaching my son's U-10 team. So, it's got me connected. Yeah. So certainly, Mr. Morgan's class would probably intrigue me. You know, Mr. Rollins? 12th grade lit class, you know, the that's a hard class, but coming out of that class The kids really grow. So that would probably, you know, writing and communicating is always an essential skill to be successful no matter what you do. So that class would intrigue me. You know, I’d probably suffer through that class like every other senior who takes that I would probably not take Bombards calculus class. And that's not a comment on Coach Bombard. Calculus, I struggled with calculus, I probably would avoid that class. What else is out there? Let's think, you know, rattle off some and I'll tell you if I would have dove into them.

Caleb Smith: Like science wise, or forensics, maybe biology or you said biology right.

Mr. Downey: Yeah. So yeah, I would definitely be taking those you know, I'd be intrigued by Mr. Kemp's physics class. Yeah, Physics I kind of struggled with physics, a little bit in college. But I think he's just a great teacher. So, I think his class I probably could have benefited from.

Caleb Smith: Yeah, definitely.

Mr. Downey: You know, so certainly, in the sciences, I'd probably eat up just about every science class we have out there.

Caleb Smith: Gotcha. I think we got a general sense of what kind of classes are little bit hard and a little bit too easy in there. What aspect of Northview as a whole, would you say is your favorite?

Mr. Downey: No doubt the kids know, the, you know, the working with kids is a joy. Working with adults, is a little bit harder. Yeah. But our student body, I put our I put our student body up against any other high school in the country, you know, we Northview gets some really high national accolades and state level accolades for our, for our achievement. And it's certainly in no small part to our teaching staff. But really, at the end of the day, it's our students that come into this building every day that embrace being students, and everything that comes with it, you know, the vast majority of our kids, you know, they want to be successful. So, they're here every day to be successful. And then they're here to be involved. The fact that you guys are even sitting here doing this podcast reflects our students in general. Like, they kind of take that extra step, to do one more thing to make their own experience in school, a good one. So, when I get to share in that time, and have moments like this, where we can have a conversation, and interact with our kids on any level, I mean, that's, that just brings joy to my day. It's certainly my job, you know, and I've said this 1000 times, I got one of the best educational jobs in the country, I get paid to come to Northview every day and hang out with these kids every day. Yeah, it's pretty good gig.

Caleb Smith: Well, we love you as our principal. Thank you. What are your hopes for next year? Are there any changes in the upcoming year?

Mr. Downey: You know, next year, you know, I'm certainly hoping that unlike this fall, when we had to make that transition back into school full time that, you know, our kids already have this full year under the belt, you know, that we're back into that routine with deadlines. Yeah, and that's been our struggle this year with our students, I think, has been kind of that idea of staying on top of our deadline, because we've through COVID, we've given everyone that grace. And, you know, we've not been tight on handing things in on time. So, like, right now, we sweat out the end of the year, because some kids are, are on paper failing classes, when really, it's just because they have a zero and they haven't turned something in that they just need to get done and turn in. So, like, we're anxious as administrators, and we're chasing kids, when they just, if we had turned this in on time, we wouldn't be sweating this time a year. So, I'm hoping that that gets behind us. And then, you know, we have every year at this time, we, you know, we we're hiring some new teachers. So, we always want to make sure we get that right. And we're not going to be right 100% of the time, but we certainly want to be right as close to 100% of the time so that our kids have great teachers in front of them. Yeah. And then we, you know, we plan next year to have all those great events for our kids to enjoy. What I didn't get to this year, which I want to get back to. It’s up on my whiteboard right now. Even though you might not be able to read my shorthand, but I had SAC, which is a student advisory council, you know, to create a committee of kids that represent the school that we meet with on a regular basis, that kind of keep me in touch with what's working and what what's not working? Yeah, you know, I want our kids to have a voice and you know, if something's not going right, that they have an avenue and a voice to make things better.

Caleb Smith: Yeah, I'd like to kind of the connection between like, like, how there's a gap between you and the students and to kind of bridge the gap.

Mr. Downey: Yeah, yeah. So, you know, it's not, you know, you know, through the journalism class, I'm in that class a lot. And that's an opportunity to have a little bit of a dialogue. But, you know, trying to find ways to have or processes to have more of those dialogues with kids.

Caleb Smith: Gotcha. For a final question, what are your plans for this summer?

Mr. Downey: Well, it's interesting this summer, professionally, we're getting kicked out of our building here, we have all this construction going on. Right. So, one of the summer projects that's going to happen is that they are upgrading our fire safety system, which means that once they turn that off, we're not allowed to occupy the building. So professionally for the summer, I'm going to be hanging out at Chattahoochee High School.

Caleb Smith: Really?

Mr. Downey: Yep, I got to set up offices over there for the summer. And really, the summer is really about just planning for next year. So, in the month of June, the administrative team will still be working full-time. So, it's all about planning for next year. And then July is the first two weeks of July usually pretty quiet. And that's usually when I'll take a little vacation time via that July 4 Week is a real quiet week, because obviously everyone's on vacation. So usually, I tried to get away then as well. What's interesting this summer on a personal note is that both of my kids will be at overnight camp for four weeks. Oh, wow. So it'd be the first time that my wife and I will be kind of staring at each other that we don't got kids to chase around and shuffle around and drive around. Yeah. So, you know, we're gonna plan some, some fun things for us. So really, it's just taking a couple weeks off to kind of recharge and get ready to tackle the tackle the new year.

Caleb Smith: That’s awesome. Yeah, well, we're excited. I mean, we won't be here that kind of experience it but that's alright.

Mr. Downey: We'll be off to bigger and better things. Yeah, all of our seniors, you know, you guys where you know, your lives are just beginning at this point. You know, you'll just be stepping out of that literally and figuratively, figuratively stepping out of the house, stepping out from mom and dad, and kind of on your own. And, like, the fun parts of life are just beginning to start for you guys.

Caleb Smith: Yeah, we're thankful for the uh you know, the lessons that we've learned here. You know, we'll take it with us into wherever we go after this. But you know, that's all the time we have for today. We thank you so much for your time and support this year. This concludes our episode. Thank you so much for listening. For a transcript of this episode, head to the point of view tab on our website, NHS messenger.org. And follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook @nhspointofview for more updates and new episodes. I'm your host Caleb Smith and this has been:

Mr. Downey: Brian Downey, it's a joy to join you guys.

Caleb Smith: And this has been Point of View.

Across The Table - Music Taste, do our personalities affect what we listen to?

Rachel Everett, Marcus Kim, Dhruv Singh, Suhani Mahajan

Staffers Dhruv, Marcus, Rachel, and Suhani examine a study linking personality to music taste, discussing the validity of the study and their own experiences with music. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

Marcus Kim: HeIlo, and welcome to Point of View where we give students a place to listen, learn, and lean in. I'm Marcus,

Dhruv Singh: I’m Dhruv,

Suhani Mahajan: I'm Suhani,

Rachel Everett: and I’m Rachel.

Marcus Kim: And today we'll be discussing the psychological similarities between our emotions, personality and the music that we like. So there is a study by Heriot-Watt University that tries and draws a connection or correlation between our personalities and the type of music we like to listen to. So for example, if you really like pop, rap, country, or dance music, you could be described as like conventional, extroverted or even hard working. On the other side of the spectrum, if you prefer to listen to indie, rock, jazz, or classical, you could be described as creative or introverted. I personally really like pop music. I like the more chill side of pop music. And sometimes when I'm at the gym, or playing like Valent, I like hard rock music. I'm kind of extroverted, so I could definitely see how pop being extroverted makes sense.

Rachel Everett: Do you think that you fit in with that box of pop music, with the whole hard working and high self-esteem?

Marcus Kim: I'm definitely not hard working, but I would consider myself pretty extroverted. I do like some indie songs, and sometimes when I am feeling a little bit introverted. There are flaws in the study, obviously, but I can kind of see how there is some sort of connection.

Dhruv Singh: I feel like, for me, personally, I listen to all kinds of music. I listen to at least a little bit of each one of these genres. But when I'm looking at it, I kind of feel like, it's like a false correlation, or it could be construed as that. Because when you look at the distinctive characteristics when they're mentioning the genres, they kind of just reflect the culture and the perception of that genre at the time. I'm sure if this study was done in the 80s, or 70s, when rock was the predominant form of music and like the pop genre and stuff, that would be listed as like the outgoing, hardworking one, right? But now, culturally, we've shifted over to like, electronic and like hip hop and stuff be more on the pop music. Now that's gonna be more like the extroverted, outgoing, self esteem heavy genre, or at least the personalities that people say that genre has.

Marcus Kim: Going off of that, when you think of heavy rock, and metal and stuff, when you think about it, you would think about someone at a concert like banging their head in a mosh pit or something. It says that people who like heavy rock and metal tend to be introverted and might have low self-esteem. So, I can see how there is an idea, like a heuristic idea of what someone might be if they listened to heavy rock or metal, but actually it might be the opposite.

Dhruv Singh: I feel like the music comes first not the opposite. Like I tie these caricatures and ideas of these people to the music because I know people who listen to music who are like that, you know what I mean? This study kinda like insinuates the idea that if you fill these like personality boxes, then you will end up like this afterwards maybe if you listen to more of this music, which I feel is kind of flawed, because I feel like that's not the right way to read it or at least that isn't like an accurate way to read it.

Suhani Mahajan: I feel like that's a way to generalize, you're right. But also, just based on your mood and whatnot, if you reach for different music, I think your feelings in that moment when you reach for a different genre of music might actually be similar to these descriptions. So also, the whole people who listen to rock being creative, but also like often introverted, I think that's plausible enough. I don't know how the study was conducted, but I don't know if it's right for us to suggest that the study is incorrect either. It's very possible if we look at a bunch of people and their music tastes there might be a correlation.

Dhruv Singh: So, I guess you're right. There definitely will always be a correlation between someone who listens to music and the music you listen to since music has moods and emotion in it. So obviously, like you're gonna share that mood or like that kind of personality. I don't know if any of you guys like listen to a genre that you particularly connect with.

Rachel Everett: I feel like I do at least a little bit country music. I always get hated on for liking country music. I don't know why it's good music. I listen to more country pop. The study says country music fans are typically hardworking, conventional and outgoing. I like to think that I'm hardworking. I also like to think I'm outgoing. I definitely get stuff done, and I'm always out and about with people. I kind of disagree with the conventional like, I think maybe you have that like stigma of like, oh, country music is for, like, conservatives, or like Republicans or something. And it says, conventional, I don't like to think that I'm, like, maybe traditional. I like to think I'm open minded, in a sense.

Dhruv Singh: Well, that brings up another criticism I have of the study, just to dunk on it a little bit more. Because some of that definitely, because you gotta consider that genre comes from a very specific culture at the time, that's where you get the new name. Funk was a thing and then it diversifies a bit more, then you end up with stuff like hip hop and based off of that, it ceding off. So country stems from the rock and pop of the 60s and 70s, right. But then as it becomes more rural, and it becomes like foci, and then it splits off more. And then you end up with the genre of country coming from other roots. So they took what they liked about folk, which is the storytelling nature of it, and the values and stuff, and then they like, split it off even more. And they made it like, okay, now we're going to talk about this specific value that like country music has, which is the stereotype. In my head, it's like the stereotype of like, a cold beer. It's something like that. That's not the case, obviously. But like, that's what I've been like. So obviously, when you look at how music genres split off, there's always gonna be that connection that you could find. This study is just bringing it to focus.

Rachel Everett: So, you're saying that even though the study categorizes these things differently, there's always going to be a connection within them.

Dhruv Singh: I'm saying that naturally with media and music at all, you can always tie it back to where the genre comes from, and you can just say that like 'Okay, if you listen to this, you probably follow those roots a little bit.'

Suhani Mahajan: I think it's also based on like, what you're talking about roots and everything, how you are introduced, or how you experience the music, like, how did you get introduced the country? If you don't mind me asking?

Rachel Everett: I don't remember, I think it was always on the radio. We only listen to one radio station. It was always on in the car; we would always change the radio stations if it wasn't. So, it's always been like that kind of comfort place for me. So that's how I got introduced.

Suhani Mahajan: Actually, yeah, I have to say, if I think about the radio, like early childhood, like 2000s pop is what we listen to. And pop music, according to this study, talks about how I'm supposed to be hardworking, and have high self-esteem. And I think, I mean, I’d like to think that's true. But I also associate pop music with family and that warmth because those are the memories I have associated with that genre of music. So, I think the whole roots thing that Dhruv was talking about, I mean, it's not exactly what he was talking about, but-

Dhruv Singh: I think that the fun thing about music and art is that everyone has their own way of finding it. So, like Rachel grows up with the station, right? And then you end up liking that music more as you get older, and like you were kind of getting something like that too Suhani. You said you like K-pop right? You kind of found that. So, at one point it's not like you were with that as you grew up in some of that. For me, I had this thing where I really hated music up until late middle school. I was kind of that loser who only listened to video game soundtracks. If anything with lyrics played, I'd get really annoying about it. I'd be like, no, I don't want to hear it.

Suhani Mahajan: I'm also the type of kid who just didn't want to wear words, like shirts with words on them.

Dhruv Singh: I did not have an opinion about that.

Marcus Kim: I definitely see myself in that. In late middle school, I would always be that one kid where they would be like, 'What music do you listen to?' and I would be like, 'I actually don't listen to a lot.' I really didn't enjoy music because I didn't really have a reason to listen to music. I didn't feel like buying Spotify and I didn't really like ads and I hadn't really found an artist that I liked. So, I definitely really didn't listen to much music. I kind of generalized all music as the same, which actually going back to what you were saying Dhruv, let's say for example, even within rock, right? If you look at Elvis Presley, both of them are technically wrong, but the emotions that they show and the emotions that are in it, and the reasons you would listen to it, or the type of people that would listen to it, there might be some overlap, but generally they're on opposite sides of the spectrum of raw, right? You were saying how music genres branch off, even within these genres, people will still go to different artists for different things. So that could also be a flaw within the study because it doesn't really account like what is a genre.

Dhruv Singh: I think that genre as a concept is kind of flawed too. So when you take these big, sweeping things and say anyone who listens to this genre is like this, you're inherently gonna miss a like a lot by simplifying it like that, because it's nuanced.

Suhani Mahajan: Are you talking about the way that you're describing how genres are created, and there's so many branches of them, so you can't really generalize?

Dhruv Singh: I think that genre is a really helpful way to group things, right? But when you're grouping anything like that, anything that's kind of nuanced, you're missing a lot, right? So genre. I don't know how it actually forms. But when it happens, it misses a lot, like so. For instance, it's also tied to the cultural norms of the time. So genre mainly has been in the past been dictated by white people if that makes sense. You can trace back anything. Black music wasn't given like a serious genre, it was more just considered in that group. So jazz and stuff like that would have been electric guitar elements and stuff. But then when it becomes more popular in the mainstream, like white group started using electric guitar, it becomes like, rock and roll, if that makes sense. You could trace that line through history. So in general you're going to be missing a lot whenever you refer to genre as like a de facto identifier if that makes sense.

Marcus Kim: So I think going past the idea of genre a little bit like what you get out of the music, right? So for example, um, I think it wouldn't be very controversial to say that indie or like chill music is more of an invoker of emotion, where listening to something like classic or jazz is more complex music, right?

Suhani Mahajan: You can still experience emotions with any kind of music.

Marcus Kim: Of course, but no, again, Heriot Watt also did a study that know those more structurally complex musical genres like classical jazz and world music, people who like that typically go into like, you know, stem or like mathematical, very like binary, like binary career paths. On the opposite side of the spectrum, people who tend to like more music that invokes more emotion typically go into like more like creative or humanitarian paths. So I can actually definitely see that. I upvote that. I upvote that. I resonate with that a lot.

Dhruv Singh: So you're saying that, if you tend to gravitate towards a certain type of music, you can kind of see that you might be interested in other things as well. If you like, complex musical, you'll like complex fields, and like medical fields.

Suhani Mahajan: How your brain interprets music is just like a clue to how your brain interprets other things, or what it prefers.

Dhruv Singh: I can kind of see that, I think, but then I think it also just comes down to the fact that people will always consume music and media differently. I know that I personally don't gravitate to one kind of thing. I don't really like just classical music. We could tie that back to the fact that everyone kind of enjoys music for different reasons.

Suhani Mahajan: So then let's talk about that. Marcus, let's start with you. What draws you to the music you listen to? Why do you listen to it?

Marcus Kim: So typically, okay, so let's just go down the list. So when I'm listening to like pop music or just for fun, like you know, when I'm just like, chilling, that's probably for I don't know, like just to entertain myself right? Over when I'm like, working out or like playing Fowler and I'm listening to like heavy metal or like that, that'd be more for like, I don't know, more of like a, like a strong sensation of sorts. And this actually ties to a theory of like, why we listen to music. So there is a theory, seven main reasons why we listen to music for entertainment, a sense of revival, to feel a strong sensation for mental work to find a sense of solace, diversion or a release of emotion. And thinking about my playlist, right? And depending on my mood, or why I'm listening to music, the songs I'll choose change, so I could definitely see that.

Dhruv Singh I can definitely see that. I'm kind of curious. What does mental work mean?

Marcus Kim: So how, when I looked into mental work is you're listening to music, just for the sake of listening to music you're not having in the background, you are 100% focused on the music, like you sit downs, like you go to an orchestra, or you go to an opera and you're focusing strictly on the music itself. I think that could be considering working.

Suhani Mahajan: As a K-pop fan, I'm gonna say, I mean, what you described was going to a concert or something to experience the music and as someone who's gone to K-pop concerts, yes, I'm going to experience the music, but I think that's also a different environment. Just because the experience is different. So.

Dhruv Singh: I think that hits like a dip that hits like a different thing with like strong sensation and entertainment. Right? I think he's referring more to like a concert hall for like orchestral pieces. Like when you go to see like an orchestra performance. You're not clapping and like singing. You're like, yes, that is a very interesting key. Like, different. But yeah, I kind of like I this part of the study, I kind of agree with more, I feel like there's still probably like, I couldn't think of anything off the top my head, but they're probably still missing some reasons why people like MIT might listen to music. But I feel like this is a lot less general in that, like, I think that everyone can at least relate to some of these reasons.

Marcus Kim: I know we're talking about like, why he was in music. I just kind of think about this, but it has like no one thought of like location. And like how that might affect how you listen to music. Because I know I drive. So my car playlists are like 10 times different from like, my, like, quote, unquote, school playlists, like the place I played school. Like my car music. My car music is basically like, pretty busy. Because I just it's like the base just feels my car. So all of a sudden the like, like old school rock, like so many armies are really good, like black. But like when I'm at school I kind of listened to were like, not necessarily mellow, but more just low, calmer, more upbeat.

Dhruv Singh: Sometimes I used to wish that like, I had a superpower where I could just hear it was in people's headphones. It was like, everyone listens to such different stuff.

Rachel Everett: You got to be the guy on Tik Tok.

Dhruv Singh: That kind of thing is really interesting to watch, because everyone just uses music because as a different way when they're just walking around school or driving. I like something with a little rhythm when I'm like walking around during school just because I'm walking, I'm going places.

Rachel Everett: Do you ever try and walk to the beat?

Dhruv Singh: Oh, well, I don't try.

Suhani Mahajan: He's gonna start skipping.

Dhruv Singh: But I think it probably happens anyway. But like, when I'm driving, listen, like more stuff that just helps me focus, because driving is a passive activity and that like I'm thinking, but I'm thinking like as actively. So like, I wasn't like we were lyrical stuff and stuff like that. Like, it just depends on the person.

Suhani Mahajan: It’s really interesting. If you drive with Dhruv he will sing the lyrics as what he's saying.

Dhruv Singh: Maybe.

Marcus Kim: I mean, but then there is a reason why we listen to music. And then, but there was also like, I don't know, some agreement disagreement with, you know, if it's predetermined. So then I guess the general overarching question is, is music taste and your enjoyment in music, something as esoteric is that, are you able to put a study behind it?

Dhruv Singh: I don't think so. I don't think it's ever going to be that accurate. But that's how I feel about this.

Suhani Mahajan: Yeah, I don't think if we don't even understand our emotions and feelings, like, the way the brain kind of comes up with these, I don't think we can understand the correlation between feelings and preferences and music.

Marcus Kim: I mean, I guess to take a counterargument. You know, neurons either fire or not, right. And that's how our brain is made up. So if our brains and emotions are technically all stemming from like, yes or no, one or zero responses, could eventually if we map out our brains and the technology is good enough, could we then create like a perfect playlist for someone?

Dhruv Singh: That's a really interesting concept. I wonder if that's actually that's the future.

Marcus Kim: I mean like in this future.

Dhruv Singh: If this study is correct then yeah, I guess so.

Suhani Mahajan: Says Dhruv after bashing this study.

Dhruv Singh: I don't think. I don't know if he can, but like, yeah, that's what this study kind of asserts.

Marcus Kim: Does anyone? Okay, so does anyone know their 16 personalities type their like, four letter personality type? Yes? So I found on Spotify playlists, for I know, it's so cheesy, there's gonna be like, these, you know, I, it's really interesting, because seeing the diff like, I thought I was one four letter combination. But instead, I'm actually another. And so I overloaded like, my first one. And then I was like, Oh, I'm at this other one. So listening to the different music that the Creator put into the playlist was actually really interesting. Because it turns out I like both. So like, it's not necessarily that your personality type is going to determine what you like, but it's, it seems more fine-tuned to you in a way.

Suhani Mahajan: Did you like when you found out that you were actually a different, like, personality type? Did you find like that the other playlists suited you more?

Marcus Kim: Let me check. So I just found, so I'm an ISFP. And looking at the songs, I definitely feel like I vibe with it a lot more than the original one I had. They're all kind of very light airy music in. I don't think that's a good way to describe it. But they're all good ones with a good beat. Not necessarily too heavy. When, with the other one, the INFP that I thought I was, is kind of more like deep, more like, not necessarily darker, but like deeper songs. Maybe if you can consider them heavy. So seeing how the music swats changed depending on the personality type. I definitely think I resonate with my current one more, which is kind of interesting, because it didn't think I would be any different.

Marcus Kim: Regardless, music kind of resonates with us. I mean, whether it's based off of your emotion, or just how you're raised or the culture growing up in. Music is just kind of always prevalent. I think, with how popular music streaming apps like Spotify are, I think music will just continue to be a part of our lives and the upcoming generations because music is just more accessible, right? And no, we're still trying to figure a lot about our brains and trying to decide what we like. And I just think on the closing note, music will just always be here. And I think maybe we should just chill and enjoy it rather than try and find out why we like it.

Rachel Everett: And check out the Spotify playlist that's linked in the description. We've added some music from all of our different tastes, so yeah.

Marcus Kim: Thank you so much for listening. For a transcript of this episode, head to the Point of View tab on our website nhsmessenger.org and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook at @nhspointofview for updates and new episodes. I'm your host Marcus,

Dhruv Singh: I'm Dhruv,

Suhani Mahajan: Suhani,

Rachel Everett: and Rachel, and this has been Point of View.

Across the Table - Changing Childhoods, an evaluation of the accelerated maturation of children

Jordan Anderson, Marcus Kim, Suhani Mahajan, Orelia Thottam, Delisa Troupe

Hosts Jordan Anderson, Orelia Thottam, Marcus Kim, and Suhani Mahajan discuss the shift from their childhood experiences to the ones they observe around themselves today. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.

Suhani: Hello, and welcome to Point of View where we give students a place to listen, learn and lean in. We're your hosts Suhani,

Marcus: Marcus,

Jordan: Jordan,

Orelia: Orelia.

Suhani: And lately, we've been thinking about how we see kids and mind you, these are like middle school aged kids, that we realize they seem a lot more mature or appear a lot more mature, then we remember being at that age, and we wanted to talk about them more and actually share our observations.

Marcus: So if we're going to go off observations, in my neighborhood, there are a couple of middle school kids, right. And mind you, I was kind of a nerdier kid back in middle school. So of course, I wasn't as social in middle school as maybe some of the middle schoolers I'm looking at now. However, you know, sometimes on Friday nights, when I'm hanging out with my friends, and we get home at around, I don't know, 10:30, I see these middle schoolers out with their skateboards and their phones. And I could definitely see them passing as kids my age, I'm not sure. It's just how they carry themselves, what they do, the way they interact with their peers, and just some of the things that they say and do just make me question, “Oh, my gosh, these guys are like four years younger than me.”

Suhani: You kind of forget that too, because this weekend, I hung out with my sister's friends and when I was talking to them, it didn't feel like I was talking to you know, significantly younger children until I reminded myself, “Wait, some of these topics aren't really things that they should be or that I remember talking about when I was their age”. Like they're talking about really intimate relationships and they're, you know, bad mouthing some kids or you know, just like gossip, but this kind of gossip, at least I wasn't exposed to until like high school, and not until the later years.

Jordan: Whenever I see middle schoolers, I always compare how they're acting from when I was in middle school. When I was in middle school, I was weird. I was really weird and closed off. I was like a gremlin. But then when I see other kids that age, and they're acting like how I act now, I always find it interesting how we were the same age. Like they're 12, their 12-year-old lives compared to mine. I was like, more kid-ish. But now they act like I act as a 16-year-old. And I'm just like, “Okay, what are you doing differently that I didn't do? Or what did I do that you didn't do?” You know?

Orelia: It's also like, when I was in middle school I was in India. But when I was in middle school, the way we used to have fun, the way we used to hang out with our friends, and the way our school life was. When I see kids over here, when I see middle school kids, I’m friends with a few middle schoolers and I speak to them, and the way they tend to hang out or the way they spend their time, as in leisure time, it's just different. Like, it's similar to what I do with my friends now. Like, if it's going out at night, hanging out in the mall at night, and then coming back home or something like that. They're doing that stuff now, when I didn't have permission to do any of that stuff back then.

Marcus: I mean, of course, and this is all from the perspective of a semi-affluent suburban life, right? Like, of course, it would be different if we were to look at maybe like, you know, a richer area city or even like a more poor area of accounting or such, but seeing these kids grow up in similar environments as us, it just makes you start to question like, why is this generation suddenly more socially mature than I was? Right? And I think, to kind of, you know, point a finger, I would kind of say, I think it's because of the amount of exposure that they have to social media, right and just technology. Because, you know, with technology, information can be diffused, right. Like, with social media and technology, you know, like gossip and information, or maybe more adulterated content that, you know, some kids shouldn't be exposed to at such young ages happen to kind of come across their radar. And I don't think it's exactly a bad thing that younger generations are, you know, getting iPhones and iPads at earlier ages, but it's just something that us as a generation, like our older generation have to kind of look back and say, “Okay, well, how is this different from us? What can we learn? How can we guide them in a way?” I'm not really sure, but it's definitely the technology and social media that, I would say, is propelling younger kids forward a bit more.

Jordan: Like I can see kids having a phone for maybe security purposes and like when they go out so that they have contact with their family. But then I see 10-year-olds and 11-year-olds having Instagram, Snapchat, and I didn't get social media until seventh grade and even when I did, I was only following my family and only my family could see. And I didn't really show any other people because my family was like, “Oh no, that's your personal thing.” But now my sister's friends try to follow me on Instagram and it's weird because they're little babies in my mind. Even though we're not that big of an age difference, only four years, but they would do things and post certain things and I'm really questioning their thought process and why they're saying those types of things or like, why they're looking at that type of stuff, or acting like it.

Marcus: Like bro, you're like 12, chill. What do you have to do on Instagram? Like go and play hopscotch man. What are you doing on Instagram and Snapchat? Like, actually, what are you doing on Instagram and Snapchat? It's very easy to look at it very pessimistically like “Oh, this younger generation is being ruined by technology”, which is kind of hypocritical because we, you know, the older kids by half a decade or so, we also grew up with technology. But it's very easy to slip into that mindset of “Oh, wow, these younger kids are being ruined by technology.” So it's definitely a slippery slope.

Suhani: Well, I'm not trying to blame but I think what you were talking about, the exposure through social media being the propellant of this, you know, expediting maturity, is that the same things that we are seeing at our age, the clothing trends, the ideas, like, you know, how we hang out, if that's being posted on social media, and younger kids are also exposed to that, they get those same ideas without realizing, you know, there's a good five, four year gap between who they're seeing doing these things and who they themselves are. But now that they're copying, which, obviously, if you're exposed to something, and you like the idea, you're gonna adopt it as your own, there's less of that gap.

Jordan: And trying to fit in because they see it and they're like, “Oh, since they're doing it, that means I have to do it.” So even if what they're doing is not the right thing to do, they feel like they need to do it in order to fit in with everyone else around them and stuff like that.

Orelia: It's also like, when we had that kind of exposure to that kind of social media, we had parents filtering what we were seeing and how much time we were spending on it. But now with kids doing it, many times the parents are not even aware of the fact that they have those social media accounts, or they're lying to their parents about it and not telling them about it. So there's no filter to what they're watching or what they're getting exposed to.

Suhani: And the tricky part about social media is how much you can filter it. When we got social media at the beginning, I mean, five years does make a difference about how recent or how much information is already out there. So regardless of how many filters we were exposed to, there's only a certain amount of media that we can see. Whereas now there's like 20 times that, if not more. So there's such a huge variety of things that children can see and some of it's good, like Marcus said, and some of it's bad.

Orelia: And that’s the extent to which things are changing. Like they're getting exposed to more violent or explicit things than we were exposed to. If we were exposed to, on a scale from one to ten, if we were exposed to the 0.3 stuff, they get exposed to stuff that's equal to nine or ten.

Marcus: Yeah, I mean, I think to kind of take these ideas and form it into a thesis, I would definitely say that the growth of technology and how many, you know, connections there are exponentially increase as time goes on, right? So I think even though it has been, you know, five years, like, four, five, six years in between how we are behaving and how we're looking back. You know, you would say five years, and that's not a lot of time, but in terms of technology and the advancements and the amount of changes in internet culture that have happened. It's definitely not a reach to say that the landscape and technology and social media that we grew up with is completely different from how these younger kids are growing up. And you can be critical and say, “Oh, well, you're exaggerating it’s really only been four years.” But in four years, so much can change. Like, comparing internet culture now versus when I was in middle school, it's like night and day. Like, even just looking at stuff like the memes, right? Like memes back when I was in middle school were just slapstick jokes, and then now I'm looking at some of the memes and jokes that are being thrown around today and I don't even think I should be describing those jokes. But it's definitely, gosh, it's a completely different world from four years ago. It's four years. That's not a lot of time, but it's just so much has changed.

Suhani: So then other than social media, what other reasons could there be for, you know, some of these younger kids to be more mature than at least we remember being at that age, or, you know, knowing about these more mature topics.

Orelia: The environment that they're in, or like, what they're surrounded by, it's that as well. Stuff that goes on in their house or stuff that goes on in their friend's house and their friends tend to talk about it. Because at the end of the day, they are like 11, 12 year olds that are having to experience things that are not normal for them, or are hard to digest for them and they need to speak about it to other people. And when they do, your friends also get exposed to it and you don't know how many of them actually go home and tell their parents about it, to ask for help for them, even for their friends. So they're getting exposed to such kind of topics that they feel like, “Okay, all of this is going on with my friend, I need to help them out.” And they try to wrap their heads around it, and they read about it and understand from other people and then they just have a better idea about those kinds of topics.

Jordan: If we're talking about the environment, we also have to think about sometimes kids, they have to grow up faster. Like when it comes to taking care of your younger siblings or something, you need to be the more mature example for them. For instance, let's use an example. Let's say, parents, they work day and night, and they're not really home all the time. You're maybe like 13, and you have little siblings that are five or whatever. You have to be the so-called parent for them. Since their parents are working, you have to mature. Now they’re looking at you and they're gonna follow what you do, like follow in your footsteps. So you have to be the more mature example for them, which leads to the 13-year-old having to grow up a little faster than a normal 13-year-old should or would be.

Marcus: Speaking of 13-year-olds, someone brought this up a couple weeks ago, but looking back at the recent Olympics that happened. Some of those kids that were competing, like in the Olympics, like they're, like 12-13 years old, and they're on an Olympic stage. And that is commendable, right? Like you've achieved so much out there teen but is it really objectively better to have, you know, these kids being thrown into the world of adults at such a young age? Like is it objectively better to skip those couple of years where, you know, you would play outside and just have goofy, fun, ignorant, enjoyment with other peers your age. Some could maybe say that it's tragic, almost, that they've been kind of gypped of their childhood. But I guess it's all about how you see it. Because from one angle, well you're competing in the Olympics at the age of 13.

Suhani: I have to say, the thing about playing outside, I think that's how we remember our own childhoods. But if I think about my cousins who are like eight ish, right? And like elementary school, they're glued to their screens. So I think the whole childhood experience itself has been redefined. I don't know if my cousins go outside nearly as much as I did. I remember you know, going outside, actually, like picking up sticks and whatnot, you know, just like, like actually, you know, really doing random stuff because I had nothing else to do, you would see all the neighborhood kids out together because there was nothing to do at home. But now everyone has their own screen.

Jordan: Like the Ipad children.

Marcus: Like you see them out in public, and they have like, a leash backpack on them and they're like, on their crusty iPads with like, the big rubber case and they're watching Coco-Melon or something. But honestly, I think I can maybe pinpoint exactly when that transition happened, right? Because I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist but Fortnite. I sincerely think it's Fortnite that was the genesis of this, you know, difference in growing up right? Because I remember like, like you said, Suhani, I remember playing with sticks right? I remember some of my fondest memories in childhood were just walking out introducing myself to a random neighborhood kid and like throwing a stick at them. Or like climbing up a set of stairs, in my mind it was a really high set of stairs, but it was maybe like a foot up, and just jumping and then climbing back up and jumping off of it and pretending I could fly, right? And then Fortnite came around, right? And then we made that transition from, you know, playing outside with our neighborhood friends, to getting off the bus and saying, “Hey, do you wanna play Fortnite after school? Right? And then you could see the change in YouTube content, right? It went from more niche stuff to more, you know, daily “Let’s Play” content that you could definitely see a kid enjoying more, right? So I would say we, as you know, ‘04, ‘05, ‘03, you know, that kind of early 2000s timeframe, we were able to definitely get the benefit of, you know, the playing outside childhood and also growing up with technology, like almost a perfect balance. And now since technology is rapidly growing, these younger kids are growing up having less of that playing outside, and more of growing up in complete technology.

Jordan: Weird fun fact, when I was eight and my sister was four, we had a garage at this time, and my mom would take us outside to, you know, ride our bikes. We used to literally look for bugs on the ground, take our bubble gun and trap the bug in a bubble. Don't ask me why we did that. But we thought we were the most amazing, we thought we were part of John Wick or something, trapping bugs with bubbles. But now my sister stays in her room playing Roblox and I join her sometimes, but like, it's crazy to think that we used to go outside all the time. But I don't leave my house. Neither does she. She never leaves the house. And when she does leave the house, it’s to go to her friend's house. But then they end up playing like Minecraft, which they could have done if she wouldn’t have left. But they just changed.

Marcus: Let me just ask, is this a bad thing?

Suhani: Well, I don't know because my sister is, talking from experience obviously, is, you know, not this conventional younger kid that we're describing. She cannot sit still at home, like refuses to. In the summer, I remember when we first moved to Georgia, she actually rang a bunch of our neighbors doorbells and was like,”Hi, are there any kids here? Can I play with your kids?” because she just really wanted to make friends. And though we just moved, I think there's like 20 kids in my neighborhood, like, age ranging from my age to five year olds who know Ruhani. I am Ruhani’s sister, and they, you know, now come outside and play and they'll ring our doorbell and ask if she's available. So I think you know, it depends on who you are inherently.

Orelia: I was just thinking, how does this affect them? They weren't exposed to a portion of childhood that we were exposed to, like without technology. So how does that change, that when they grow up, when they are of our age or even older than us, when they go to that age, how is that going to affect the next generation? Just think that they've been exposed to more advancement in their childhood that they don't know this portion of childhood that we were a part of.

Marcus: Yeah, I mean, of course, when we say generations, we're talking about micro generations, right? Like, there is definitely a big generational gap between let's say, like millennials and Gen Z, and then even within Gen Z, they're micro generations like, early 2000s. and then late 2000s, or, like, early 2010s, right? There's a big difference in culture, right? So again, we are kind of young ourselves so we can't really say but I'm pretty sure if I were to, you know, throw a blind dart, I would definitely say that, with these next coming generations, rather than having a negative outlook like, you know, they haven't really experienced childhood, they've grown up fast. I think that with these younger kids that are coming along, right, you know, maybe we're when we're in college, when we're in college, looking back at upcoming middle schoolers, right? I don't know what will happen, right? But I definitely think that, at that point, technology will be advanced to such a point, you know, where maybe instead of playing outside with sticks, they'll be playing in virtual reality with sticks, right? So I think maybe that what we're looking at these middle schoolers now, it's kind of like the awkward phase where you know, it's right in between playing outside and right in between complete technological immersion, right?

Suhani: So it’s really transitionary.

Marcus: Oh, of course, that's what I think. Of course, I can't even tell you what will happen tomorrow, let alone in a couple years. I don't even know what will happen next period, right? So I don't know what's going to happen within these next couple of years.

Suhani: I mean, on top of that, you have to realize that we’re high schoolers. To some extent, we're also still kids talking about, you know, like a half generation difference of, you know, kids who are younger than us by five years. And we're evaluating their behavior and comparing it to us, though, you know, our parents consider us kids, probably people in their mid 20s honestly consider us kids. And sometimes I look around the school and also consider myself a kid.

Marcus: It’s really easy to take, like a critic's view and say, “Aren't we technically growing up too fast by taking these, you know, deep conversations about, you know, our own critiques on younger generations, like, is that not a form of growing up too fast?”

Orelia: Not really in my opinion, because we're just comparing something that we went through, and kids that see now, you know, they're not going through it, or they're going through it very differently. And because it's so induced by things that they're aware of, and most of us at our age we weren't, and in some ways, it's actually good, like, they're more aware of things, when they grow up, they most probably will have a better outlook and a more positive outlook towards things. But at the same time, they're getting more toned down and stressed out at this time, because of what they're exposed to.

Suhani: I think each generation will have its own, you know, different experiences and whatnot. I think it's just how you react to that, right? So these kids when they grow up, maybe they'll be talking about, “Yes, my childhood didn't really have a lot of going outside, but now I am, because I realized that that's something I want to do.” Maybe because they've only had one side of the spectrum, they’ll choose and they'll have that conscious decision making of, “No, I want something else.” We don't really know, right?

Marcus: But like, what is the spectrum, right? Of course, the definition of the two sides of the spectrum will constantly shift. Like what we think is, you know, again, like playing with sticks versus playing Roblox or Minecraft online. That's our spectrum, right? And in a couple years the spectrum might be, you know, oh, you're just playing Minecraft with your friends versus, you know, talking with them in VR chat or something. I'm not sure if you guys know what I’m talking about. It might be crazy to think that in five years, these middle schoolers that we're talking about might be sitting down and having the same conversation like, “Wow, these middle schoolers, they’re growing up way too fast”, right? Like, what if, five years ago, the high schoolers of then were looking at us as middle schoolers and saying, “Wow, these middle schoolers are growing up way too fast.” We're young, like you said, so I don't want to get ahead of myself. This conversation could be happening, you know, every couple years or so, right? Like maybe it's not just these younger kids. Maybe it was the same thing for us. Like maybe it was the same thing for the current college kids, right? Like I could definitely see us as maybe being a bit too reactionary in the way like, maybe this isn't the worst thing.

Suhani: Okay, but I mean, regardless, the people older than us, you know, kind of turned out okay. I'm sure we’ll turn out okay, in our own way. So regardless of what happens, I think everyone will find a way to cope or to fill in whatever gaps they recognize.

Jordan: I feel like it’s repetitive because even my older sister, she's in her 20s and She looks at me and tells me, “Oh, I didn't do that when I was 16. Oh, my friends didn't do that when we were 15.” Like each new generation is going to be, “Oh, we didn't do that. We didn't do that. We didn't do that”, like as time moves on- oh this sounds like a movie quote- as society grows and stuff like that.

Suhani: I think on that note, before we get too cynical, we should conclude the episode, so this concludes our Across the Table. Thank you so much for listening. For a transcript of this episode, head to the Point of View tab on our website, nhsmessenger.org and follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook at @nhspointofview for updates and new episodes. We're your hosts Suhani, Marcus, Jordan, Orelia and this has been Point of View.

Culture Shock - Hansel and Gretel

Jordan Anderson, Suhani Mahajan, Caleb Smith, Delisa Troupe

In this episode, staffers Caleb, Delisa, Jordan, and Suhani discuss their experience at a local new bakery, Hansel & Gretel. Listen on Spotify here!

Caleb: Hello, and welcome to Point of View, where we give students a place to listen, learn, and lean in. We’re your hosts,

Jordan: Jordan

Delisa: Delisa

Suhani: Suhani

Caleb: And I’m Caleb, and today we’re going to be discussing our experience at a local bakery, Hansel and Gretel.

Suhani: So, we went to Hansel and Gretel this weekend together. And I remember it was like our first fall day, it was chilly. And you walk inside, we went in the afternoon. And it was so warm and cozy inside the lighting was well warm, and it smells so sweet. And I loved the environment.

Delisa: I remember my first experience walking in- like I just love bakeries in general, it’s a very, like cozy feeling. And especially now that like, winter is starting to hit. It’s kind of a nice place to like to sit down and study and just relax like a break from school.

Jordan: One thing I definitely noticed about walking in, it was like the lighting gave me fall vibes. Like it was like a warm orangey like

Suhani: The vintage like.

Jordan: Yeah, vintage.

Caleb: The one thing that I liked is the different varieties of food and different little treats and pastries I liked that they added kind of to the whole aesthetic of the place. Everything was brought together by the lighting and everything, just like you guys said.

Delisa: Yeah, there are a lot of like different varieties and like desserts, which is like my favorite thing. And then not only that, but they had like hot chocolate and like coffee and like I’m pretty sure they had boba too. And they also had like shaved ice, which I thought was really, really cool.

Suhani: I also liked that since the store itself is really smart, it feels homey almost, because in the center, you have the dessert aisle and the counter, you have the patisserie section, and it really brings the whole store together. When you sit in that environment. You feel like you’re in the bakery itself.

Jordan: I like, it’s just it’s a really cozy vibe. Like, I feel like I can just go there whenever and do whatever and just relax. Like maybe family or like, with my friends or something. It’s just really, it’s like a relaxing place to go to, especially after school.

Suhani: Do you guys remember when we walked in, and we saw all the desserts how long it took us to like decide what to actually get?

Caleb: It was too much like I just couldn’t choose. There’s so many things that look super, super good. And I knew I wasn’t rich. So I wasn’t gonna buy everything. I know, we kind of shared what we had. And everything was pretty, pretty good so.

Suhani: Yeah, I remember because I, this wasn’t my first time but like every time is still a fun experience for me. So like my last time when I had the Grande Buttercream Loaf, and I thought it was really, really good. So I wanted to get it again. But obviously like there’s so many options that I like force myself to try something new. So I had the Honey Castella and maybe liked a little bit less than what I had before. But it was still nice, like, just tried things that I’ve never had before.

Caleb: I remember you giving me a piece and that was pretty, pretty dry thath that was drier than the Sahara Desert, I have to say so that was one of the least favorite things that we had that day. But I also got this, this donut covered in cake crumbles. And it was actually pretty, pretty good it nice and pillowy and soft. That was probably my second favorite thing after your little butter cream loaf that bread was really, really good.

Jordan: I got the, one of the things I got was the chocolate croissant, and I never had a chocolate croissant before. It was actually pretty good. But the funny thing about it, I don’t know why it was so funny to me. I didn’t know that the chocolate was like powder, it was like, I don’t know how to explain it but it was on the croissant. But it was also powdery and I put my whole hand on the chocolate thinking that it wasn’t gonna like leave, like a mark or anything. And I lifted my hand up and my whole hand was covered in chocolate. I don’t know why that happened. But like it was so good though. I’ll definitely get it again.

Delisa: I remember seeing you just wipe your hands on like ten napkins.

Caleb: The wipes were covered in just chocolate powder like they were completely, You got a little bit on your face too.

Suhani: I have to say I got the mango croissant and my experience was probably a little better than that. I didn’t anticipate fruit working that well in a croissant.

Caleb: Me either

Suhani: But I was pleasantly surprised.

Caleb: Me either.

Delisa: Yeah, I remember trying and it was so so good. Like usually I don’t like fruit in like desserts because like whenever I go to like an ice cream shop and I try like, like mango or like strawberry whatever inside or like on top of the ice cream. It’s usually like spoiled because it’s been out all day but like the mango croissant was really, really good. And it was like something I hadn’t expected to like.

Suhani: It was fresh and decadent.

Delisa: Decadent.

Caleb: Nice word choice. But I think my thing with bakeries is that I usually don’t go for the actual treats itself. I go for studying and just finding a nice peaceful place that feels great. And I feel kind of warm and just like a nice peaceful place for me to study and kind of do my work. Or just to find, just like an easy place for me to just kind of think and whatever. So I think that’s the best thing about Hansel and Gretel. I think one of the things is that I can go there to study in the future.

Delisa: For me, it was nice, like seeing everyone like, I remember sitting down, and like looking over the counter. And I saw like a couple of my friends who worked there. And then like, a couple of people that I knew had walked in and had eaten down on like a different table. And then best of all, was seeing like Mr. Pinto walk in with his friends and like, casual clothing. And it was like really funny to just see like him as a teacher, like, in a completely new environment.

Suhani: And for listeners who don’t know, Hansel and Gretel is right next to H Mart. So it’s so close to the school and it, it’s like a local treat that you get to bump into people from school there. And I think that adds to like, the fun ness of that environment.

Caleb: Yeah.

Delisa: I think there’s something like really, really special about like, all those like shops that’s near Northview. Because like, after an entire day of school where I’m like, just tired and I just want to relax, Hansel and Gretel is just like the perfect place to go. Like H Mart and like, all the shops nearby are really great. But like Hansel and Gretel is like a new cafe that just opened up. And it’s like a really fun place to just go and hang out with friends after school.

Jordan: Yeah, it’s like, go get your mind off of things. Just go after school with your friends, talk and not think about school for once, like after being in school all day. And normally, I don’t really go to bakeries that often, but I think I went to like one or two before this. But I like, I like my experience there It’s like, a calming sensation when you walk into a bakery. I don’t know, but like once I walked in, it was really calming and relaxing.

Caleb: Yeah, I love that I could go there. And taking a chance on a new bakery, because I usually go to kind of the same ones. I don’t like changing things. I’m kind of almost like not traditional. But I like going to the same places. I am kind of opposed to trying something new sometimes. But going there for this podcast and kind of going there and giving it a try. I had a good experience. And I’ll definitely go again, considering all the things that we have. We had such a good time there. And I was really happy to go there.

Suhani: I like that, we could go like as a group of four and it still felt intimate even though our group was pretty large.

Caleb: Yeah

Suhani: Because the cafe kind of like, as Jordan said, like, it was calm and it made us calm too. Even though you’ll see us in class, and we’re pretty lively bunch. It was nice to get together at such a location.

Caleb: Yeah, we had such a great time. And we definitely recommend this place that you go ahead and give it a try. But that go aheads, that goes to conclude our segment of Culture Shock. Thank you so much for listening. For a transcript of this episode, head to the Point of View tab on our website, nhsmessenger.org and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook at nhspointofview, for more updates and new episodes. I’m your host, Caleb Smith.

Delisa: Delisa Troupe

Suhani: Suhani

Jordan: And Jordan Anderson

Caleb: And this has been Point Of View.

Point of View - Interview with Downey

Jonah Chadwin, Dhruv Singh, Caleb Smith, Suhani Mahajan

In this episode, Point of View interviewed principal Brian Downey, asking student submitted questions. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music!

Caleb: Hello, and welcome to Point of View, where we give students a place to listen, learn, and lean in. I'm your host, Caleb Smith, and today I'm very excited to be here with our principal, Mr. Downey, to ask student submitted questions.

Caleb: As our first question, what was the hardest thing about being a principal during COVID-19?

Mr. Downey: Wow. So, Caleb, first, thanks for having me on board here. I'm excited to have a conversation with you and everybody else. The hardest thing for COVID-19 is really two parts to that answer. One is that the students weren't physically in the building and when you're not physically here, it's so hard to develop relationships with kids, and really that's the best part of my job is working with the kids every day, kind of like we are now. The second part is that so much of what we have been dealing with is outside of my control. So, you know, we have to make decisions, and we have to carry out decisions that others make, based on information that we just don't have control over. So oftentimes, it's just very frustrating for everybody involved, and I end up having to make some decisions that I know impact people differently, and there's really just no good answer or right answer through all of this. So, it certainly has been hard.

Caleb: Yeah, absolutely. I agree with you, all right for the second question.

In terms of future years after the pandemic has ceased enough for a new normal of learning, what future changes will the school be adding, if any, to be prepared in case this ever happens again?

Mr. Downey: Well, it's certainly the biggest learning piece that we had, is that we can actually still in some manner, shape or form carry on with teaching and learning in a remote setting. Yeah, it certainly isn't perfect yet. I don't know if we'll ever get to perfect, but we can certainly do enough to maintain the learning. I think the changes that we're looking for in the future is really going to be centered around the learning platform that we use. Going forward. Right now, we've been leveraging Microsoft Teams, whether or not that continues beyond this year. I don't know yet. But that is something that we certainly have learned to master and to take advantage of. So even now, when we have kids that are out and that are sick, they should still be able to access their learning, without physically being in the building.

Caleb: All right, and as we're getting into the school and the students, what inspired the idea of Titan time?

Mr. Downey: Really there are a lot of factors that went into that decision. We wholly understand that our student experience is a difficult one. You know, we really challenge our students academically. But there's more to school than academics, you know, we really have to look out for the whole child, you know, we have talked about building relationships, we've talked about the social emotional well-being of our kids, and those things have to be taken care of, in order for our kids to be successful academically. So, coming out of this pandemic, we've known that we have to address a lot of issues, we have to address the mental health concerns of our kids. We have to find ways to build relationships with our kids beyond just that typical teacher-student interaction. We have to have time to deliver lessons around these things, and that's where the student's success skills come into play, and we also want to have time built into the day to support our kids. You know, if the kid is struggling, one of the factors that we all struggle with is just time. Yeah, it's just hard. You know, our teachers are busy, our kids are busy. So, we were very intentional and just trying to carve out a little bit of time during the school day, to allow for those relationships to allow time to deliver some focus lessons to allow time for interventions and supports to, to kick in and it's time to take a breath during the day.

Caleb: Yeah, I absolutely agree, I think the biggest thing, during COVID-19, in the pandemic, at its peak was students being in isolation and alone. And I think taking that time for Titan time, especially, and giving students a place where they can actually feel things and actually learn a lot more is very, very amazing, and I'm very grateful that you guys incorporated that this year. Thank you.

I'm speaking about students in our clubs this year, we have an environmental club, and they're very, very passionate about composting, and we're wondering, what would they do to go about getting a change in Northview, and any other students passionate about anything else? How would they come to you with any ideas that they have that they're passionate about?

Mr. Downey: Well, that's, you know, you use some of my favorite words there, being passionate is one of them, you know, one of the, one of our goals here at Northview, is that, you know, is to help our students find their passion, and then to act on it, and to use their voice to affect change, whether that's at a local level, or in a more global level. So, in a case, like the environmental club, you know, they want to tackle this idea of being more responsible in our community and our planet, and the one piece that we want to focus on, or they want to focus on, is the idea about composting and reusing and recycling. So I would encourage them or any other club, you know, to come on into my office at any time, you know, literally the door is open for a reason that's to signify that, hey, I'm available, come on in, to come talk about their ideas, and it's my job to help guide them through that process and to help remove some obstacles so they can tackle their goals and accomplish their goals. So, in this case, that composting idea, I mean, that's a significant change in practice in our building. So, there's a lot of things are going to have to go into that. So, let's go to really my job to help guide them through that to give them the lookout fours, provide some guardrails around their decision making put them in touch with the right people to see if we can get that to go forward.

Caleb: Absolutely. All right.

Speaking on a lighter note, what school event did you miss most during the fully virtual school year of 2020 to 2021?

Mr. Downey: Wow, you know, there's so much that goes into that question. Yeah, you know, to narrow it down to one is pretty hard, but probably, you know, well, let me just flip the question a little bit, every year the one event that is the highlight on my calendar is International Night. Yeah, absolutely. Because it's such a special night for our kids and our community, to really showcase their cultures and their experiences, and to showcase their talents. I think that one event just so represents everything that is so great about Northview High School, that to not have that certainly left a big empty place in my heart and an empty place in our building last year. So I'm looking forward to that night this year.

Caleb: I think it truly represents the diversity we have at Northview, and a lot of the students and where the backgrounds that they come from, and the culture. So, I really enjoy International Night and everybody coming together, it almost feels just like a very good group of people kind of going along with each other.

Mr. Downey: If you if you ever get a chance to see the second show that night, the B show, it is just wild, the energy that's in that room is just incredible, and it's so much fun. So much fun. All right.

Caleb: For a more serious question with our students, does the amount of people in the cafeteria without masks worry you about the future risks that we're taking with COVID still going on?

Mr. Downey: Absolutely. Yes. You know, COVID is still a thing, and it's still a huge concern, and everything about it is still a worry. You know, just having 30 kids in a classroom is a worry. You know, right now we have two lunches. So that's about, you know, 800, 900 kids at a time, that aren't necessarily in the cafeteria because we can spread out some other spaces. But nonetheless, you know, it's we have a lot of kids in the cafeteria. It's a full cafeteria. And obviously, during lunch, you know, masks are off. So, people can eat. So yeah, it's a worry. We have been very fortunate so far that in our building, the cases that are involving students and staff have been relatively minimal, especially in comparison to some other schools. So, it's always a worry, you know, and we have some decision-making matrixes to help us that if things get worse, we do have a plan to go to four lunches, and actually you know, cut that number in half that's in the cafeteria at any one time. We just haven't reached that point yet. So, it's a worry. Yeah, it's something we're keeping an eye on, but we seem to be handling it well, so far, yeah.

Caleb: I just think students. they should be there. I think they're relatively safe in terms of that, but I feel like and sometimes you can get kind of carried away, but I think the guidelines that you guys are going to be putting in. Mr. Downey: You know, it's just natural, you know, a couple things. One, our student body is very responsible, if you stand in our halls during passing time, 99.99% of our kids are doing the right thing all the time. Absolutely. And that includes COVID related stuff. At lunch, you know, when the mask comes off, it's just a natural thing for a kid to get up and move around and talk and forget to put it back on. So those are just things that we have to keep an eye on and just politely remind everybody.

Caleb: Yeah. Caleb: In terms of the lunch and everything like that, why were the social studies classes moved to B lunch, because in considering COVID, they were asking that wouldn't it be safer if the lunch was smaller?

Mr. Downey: Our lunches are actually pretty evenly divided. So let me just correct that man.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: Social Studies historically ate first lunch, because historically, most of their department was on the 100 side of the building.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: But because of some things that have happened over the years, most of their department is now on the 600 side of the building. So, we try to keep the lunch divided by halves of the school, so that we don't have kids in the halls. When classes are going on. So that's what led to that change, but we've actually been able to balance the lunches fairly, fairly evenly.

Caleb: Sounds good.

Mr. Downey: Yeah.

Caleb: All right, and also about lunch, is there anything that we can do to improve the quality of our food, which fuels our students?

Mr. Downey: Well, I gotta tread lightly on this answer.

Caleb: Yeah, absolutely.

Mr. Downey: You know, the phrase quality of the food is subjective in nature, because, you know, our cafeteria, the workers in there and the prep that goes in, they meet and surpass every single guideline that is out there in terms of nutrition and quality. So, like, it depends on the metric that we're going to use. If the metric is the student's enjoyment of it. That's just going to be a tough one, but I get it, you know, the cafeteria and the food that goes into it is something that's outside of the principal's sphere of influence. I don't have direct oversight over that. So that that's, that's a hard, hard one for you to answer.

Caleb: I get it.

Mr. Downey: But I will, I will say this, I often eat the cafeteria lunch. I enjoy it.

Caleb: Now. I have no problem. This is one of the questions we've received. All right.

As we Segway into this, what else will have to occur for Northview to go back into remote learning? I know there was some brief little infographic that went into it talking about the cases, but what was your insight on that?

Mr. Downey: Yeah, so Fulton County just updated, some metrics for us to keep an eye on and it's always based around the Fulton County Board of Health epidemiology report, and the number of the spread rate per 100,000 of our population within each city. So currently, the city of Johns Creek we're right around 300. In terms of a spread rate, if it goes below 100, then we can talk about masks being optional again. If it goes above 500, you know, we start talking about lunches changing and things like that, but it's not until it goes above 1,250 that we will then have to switch to full remote status. So, we're fortunate that we're a long way away from that. There are other schools in Fulton County that have met that and are indeed in a full remote status now.

Caleb: Wow. When I looked at the infographic, it said per 100,000 is that considering the entire Fulton County?

Mr. Downey: No, so it's broken down by city, so Northview physically resides in the city of Johns Creek. So, it's whatever the number is for the city of Johns Creek, and that will then determine what happens at Northview.

Caleb: Yeah, that makes a lot more sense. Okay.

If we go online, what will sports look like?

Mr Downey: They would continue, but the change would be in the audience. So, I mentioned that matrix and the numbers that are in there. We would as we kind of increase those cases, we would reduce the audience by 50%, reduce it down to 30%, and then ultimately, if we were in that full remote status, we would have our athletic events with no audience. We're committed to running face to face classes as long as we ca, but we're also committed to hopefully, that extra experience of athletics as well.

Caleb: Yeah, I know this is sports in general, just something students really enjoy whether it's football, softball, volleyball, basketball, any of those, we really enjoy being in the audience and considering going back to remote learning and going with no audience, that will be truly sad, because we didn't get to last year.

Mr. Downey: That will be a sad day indeed.

Caleb: Yeah. So, we're hoping that we can stay where we are and kind of just get better from here.

Mr Downey: Yep. So, to that end, mask up, get vaccinated, wash your hands, stay healthy and lets rock and roll.

Caleb: Absolutely.

Do you have anything you'd like the students to get back into the swing of or something you feel like will take time to get back into?

Mr. Downey: You know the worry that I had at the start of the year is that for most of our kids, 75% of our kids, they had not been in school, physically in school for a year and a half.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: So, it was really about managing our own expectations as adults and having to reteach and remind students about their expectations of them as students. It's so far been actually a much smoother, easier transition than I was worried about. So, I'm happy to say that, you know, kids being kids are pretty resilient and can adapt pretty quickly. So just being back in school, I think everyone was pretty happy about.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: And we've managed the transition fairly well.

Caleb: Yeah, it's been great being back since it's been so long.

Mr. Downey: Absolutely.

Caleb: Missed seeing you guys.

Mr. Downey: Yeah, we miss you guys' man. *both laugh*

Caleb: We've been talking a lot about things that have changed due to COVID, but what have you seen endure over the course of this pandemic?

Mr. Downey: You know what I've seen the most of that just reinforces some of our beliefs is that at our foundation, relationships matter the most, you know, the academics will come, but if we don't create an environment, whether it's via teams, or hear face to face in which our kids feel supported and loved, then that learning is going to be hard.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: And probably every kid who listens to this podcast, they're going to remember a teacher, not because of the content that was taught, but they're going to remember the teacher because of their personality, how they interacted with the kids, because they cared about the kids, they love the kids.

Caleb: Yes.

Mr. Downey: That's what you're going to remember, and that's what's really at our foundation, in order for us to achieve our success. So, I saw that carry through the pandemic, that a lot of our teachers were able to still connect with our kids, and show that, hey, we love you guys, we care about you, and we're gonna do everything we can to help you, and vice versa, and our kids did the same.

Caleb: Yeah. Teachers were amazing, especially being online.

Mr. Downey: And our kids are too, you know, it takes both.

Caleb: I know that we've created a new organization, if that's what you will call it called Northview United, and we just wanted to ask you, what is the role of Northview United this year?

Mr. Downey: Really, it’s to help guide and advise the school and as the principal: Me. In what we do and how we do it. You know, I just spoke to the fact that relationships are important. Well, every kid and every kid means all 1,755 individuals, they have to know that they matter, that they're important and that their voice matters.

Caleb: Yes.

Mr. Downey: And Northview United is helped to guide and shift us to make sure that we take care of all those kids, that we don't marginalize a group that we don't unintentionally or intentionally silence a group of students that we really have to be intentional, to make sure that they have a voice that we listened to that voice, and that we support that voice, and I think that's been the biggest advantage of creating that group, that sort of advisory board that's helped to guide us and give us feedback, and it's just one of those things that we, especially the adults, we have to be intentional in what we look at, and the look at is the impact of what we do and how we do it. So often, we do things, say things, teach things highlight things, but we don't look at it from the lens from the other side. From the student's lens, to make sure that what we meant is indeed what was received. And oftentimes, it's not. And oftentimes, we'll do something, say something, have a policy teacher book, to, you know, do something in which, you know, a kid sitting back saying, Well, what about me? What about, you know, my culture? What about my experience? That's not even addressed in anything we do here. So, you know, we want to make sure that we value all those different perspectives, and support all of our kids.

Caleb: Absolutely. Considering the diversity, we have in our staff. This is that's a really great program that you guys have started this year.

And we also wanted to know, what is the program you have planned for this year? And the years to come?

Mr. Downey: Well, so yeah, that's the million-dollar question is, you know, how do we carry this work forward? Right now, it's between the last year and this year, it's really been focused on the professional development side of the adults to bring these issues to the forefront so that we, as adults can have conversations around these topics in around our students, and all their different voices that they represent. So now we're trying to pivot to Alright, what actions are going to come out of this now? What are we doing differently now? So, some actions that have come out of it that I'm proud to say some are seemingly small, but they're important. Homecoming is coming up. Well Student Council, under the topic of Northview United said, you know what, we don't want to have a homecoming king and queen. You know, it should be any student.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: Why are we gonna identify them as a king or a queen? So now they're called homecoming Titans.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: So, to represent that, hey, anybody, can be a leader and be recognized here at Northview.

Caleb: That's great.

Mr. Downey: And then some of its deeper and more meaningful, all the way down to the text that our students are reading, to make sure that our kids, that if this is the state standard here that we're teaching, while the vehicle we use, doesn't have to be this one historical text. You know what, let's put, let's put a variety out there. That may speak to our individual kids that our kids can relate to, and say, hey, that's my story as well, that will then allow that kid to access that learning in a much more meaningful way. So, we're looking at changing up some of those things. So that we reach more kids.

Caleb: That's good, that's good.

Caleb: And we also wanted to know who is on the advisory board of Northeast united?

Mr. Downey: Its parents, teachers, students, and assistant principal and myself, this is a group of about 10 or 12 of us.

Caleb: Okay, cool. Yeah. Sounds great.

Caleb: Is there a place where students can submit questions and concerns? And how will those be addressed?

Mr. Downey: Well, you know, that's a great question. You know, it's certainly anyone and people do, their emails, public email, it's downeyb@fultonschools.org. I love it when students email me stuff. Because you know, going back to an earlier conversation about using their voice being passionate, speaking up, I think that's wonderful. So, I would encourage them to email me at any time, but also to stop me at any time. Yeah, you know, I'm in the cafeteria a lot. I'm in the halls a lot. The doors open here. I love it when the kids come in, especially if they're trying to make the place better. You know, especially if their goal is to bring something to light that we can be better at. I would encourage anyone to reach out to help me out.

Caleb: Absolutely.

Caleb: And as we get into the end of this. Do you have any closing comments for our audience? Mr. Downey: Closing comments? Well, first of all, Caleb and the team that's behind the mic that people can't hear. This is an awesome initiative you guys are taking on. So, I commend you guys for stepping up into these roles, and for trying to connect with our community a little more. That's fantastic. So, kudos to you guys.

Caleb: Thank you.

Mr. Downey: And then beyond that, you know, at the end of the day, my job as principal is to try to make the school in this community the best that I can for our students.

Caleb: Absolutely.

Mr. Downey: But I need help doing that, you know, that the principal is supposed to know everything, but quite frankly, the principal doesn't know everything.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: I can only fix or make better what I know about, oftentimes, I won't know about an issue or concern or something that's not right. And then I'll get the complaint. And I'll say, wow, I wish I'd known about that, I would have done something sooner. So, you know, at the end of the day, my job is to remove those obstacles and to support our kids, so that they can achieve everything that they want to achieve. So, keep talking, keep interacting, keep supporting each other, keep loving each other. And at the end of the day, we will all be successful if we can do that.

Caleb: Absolutely. So that was the end of our serious questions. We just got a couple more for you on the fun side.

Mr. Downey: All right!

Caleb: So, get ready for this. All right, thank you for that, and we appreciate it. All right to our fun questions.

Mr. Downey: All right. Whoo!

Caleb: What kind of student were you in high school?

Mr. Downey: Wow. So, we're going back a few years now guys, you know, I'm turning 50 this year. So, you know, we're going back 30 plus years here. You know, I was, you know, you're A-B student. I wasn't top of the class, but I was a pretty good student. I was into athletics; I was a soccer player. So, I guess this stereotype would fit that jock idea in some level, but you know, I kind of went to a school that was similar to Northview, in the sense that the student body was into school, like we all love school. And we were involved and did stuff and had fun with it. So, you know, while I was clearly not as smart as most of our students are here at Northview, I think I would fit that same profile of Northview. Where I love school, I was into school, I was involved in clubs, I was involved in athletics, and just had some fun.

Caleb: So the bored Northview student.

Mr. Downey: Just not as smart. *both laugh*

Caleb: I love that you’re being vulnerable there. What was your favorite class in high school?

Mr. Downey: You know my favorite class was actually my senior year in high school. We had a graduation requirement in the class was called family living, and it fell into that PE, health area, but it was a class that was designed to prepare you for life. And we tackled everything imaginable about life, sort of outside the regular academics. We talked about religion, and all the different religions, we talked about mental health, and everything that went into that. We talked about marriage, and what that meant, and what does that look like. We talked at length about sex education and everything, and anything under that topic that would come into play. And what made the class so fascinating and interesting, and why it's so memorable, is that in your senior year, you're actually mature enough to talk about these conversations. And that's what took place. I mean, we had very adult mature conversations with our teacher, that was about learning about all these topics. You know, this is back in the 80s. So, for example, AIDS was still the pandemic at the time, and there was no cure. And it was primarily, you know, associated with homosexual population with drug users. So, it was still kind of a taboo. Well, one of our guest speakers, was a gay man who was HIV positive who had AIDS. So that's how like on the cutting edge this class was. So, to have that speaker in to talk about that real life experience was incredible. We had a priest come in and talk about his experience. We had a rabbi come in and talk about their experience. We had you know, all sorts of, you know, we had a pro-life person, a pro-choice person come in to talk about abortion, like we just tackled everything, everything under the sun. And it just armed me and my classmates with such a great education about life beyond the traditional standards, that by the time we went off to college, we were the experts in our dorms. Like when you would hear all these myths and conversations that college kids have, and you'd be like, well, that's not right. So, it was a great class, it had a great teacher. So that was a really neat class.

Caleb: Sounds very, very informative. I wish we still had that this year. I mean, in the recent years to come.

Mr. Downey: And we don't offer it here in New Jersey, sorry I grew up in New Jersey, we don't offer it here in Georgia, the state of New Jersey does offer this class.

Caleb: Still to this day?

Mr. Downey: Yep, still to this day they have this class. So if I go back to my old high school, they still teach that same class.

Caleb: That’s great. Hopefully in the future years, we might incorporate some of that, because I feel like a lot of students would need that kind of guide to life. I feel like a lot of students feel like when they turn 18, and when they graduate high school, they just let off into the world without knowing too much about it, especially if their parents haven't told them much about it. So, I feel like that's a great input that New Jersey is doing. If you remember what was your senior quote?

Mr. Downey: It was sometimes you kick sometimes you get kicked, which was a quote from an NXS song which was one of my favorite bands back in the 80s. And it was just kind of a like, just roll with life a little bit. Sometimes you kick, sometimes you get kicked, right? Sometimes you're on top, sometimes you're not. You know, learning how to deal with those things, and still move forward in a positive manner. That just because you get kicked doesn't you know, doesn't mean doesn't mean to quit, right? It means you get to get back up and keep after it. So short and sweet. Sometimes you kick, sometimes you get kicked. *both laugh*

Caleb: What is your favorite sports team?

Mr. Downey: Hey, you know, I grew up my first 18 years in a suburb in Philadelphia, but then I spent 20 years in New England and fell in love with the Patriots, you know, yup if you look at my desk, I still have some paraphernalia there. So, my high school buddies, I'm still close with would just be crushed if I don't say the Eagles, but the Patriots, you know, I started to become a fan of the Patriots in the early 90s when they were terrible. And then got to watch this whole transition happen. Living up in New England it was it was still so much fun to see all that happen that I'm still a huge fan.

Caleb: You still support them through the deflation of the football.

Mr. Downey: Oh! There we go. We're going there. Yeah, I beg to differ on those facts, but yes, Bill Belichick has my undying support, the Patriots do they're a great organization.

Caleb: Respect. I respect that. *both laugh*

What is the craziest hairstyle you've ever had?

Mr. Downey: Dear god I rocked the mullet in high school, I big time rocked that mullet, I was a soccer player, so I kind of embraced that soccer persona at the time, which was you know, having really long hair. And I owned that mullet back in the day. In fact, the funny quirk was that after soccer season was over in the fall. So, after the season ended my senior year, I cut it off, and I got a haircut similar to what I have now: short, and my girlfriend at the time didn't even recognize me. Like would walk by me in the hall like wouldn't even say hi. I’m like honey is everything all right? Literally just didn't even know who I was.

Caleb: Kind of like a buzzcut almost.

Mr. Downey: Dude, I had some long hair. Yeah. And then cut it all off senior year. Yep.

Caleb: All right. What has been your favorite marching band theme?

Mr. Downey: You know, the marching band rocks every year. And they're a fun bunch to watch perform. We talked earlier in the earlier segment about international night being such a wonderful thing. Well, the theme this year is their own in that international theme as a part of their show this year so I got to go with this year because it ties into everything, right? And we talked about Northview United we talked about international night. We talked about you know, the great diversity of our school. So, to have our band kind of own that and run that run with that, I think is super cool. So, I know I hate to give the easy answer, but this year's theme is awesome.

Caleb: I love that theme as well.

What is your favorite book?

Mr. Downey: You know, the book that I always go back to is called Trinity Leon Uris. And it tells the history of Ireland through a fictional story that traces some families through generations. I’m of Irish descent. I've always been very proud of my family and my family culture and background and that and that book just resonated with me over and over and I've probably read it four or five times. And the story in it, it's just heartbreaking. It's, you know, the history of Ireland much like the history of a lot of our countries. There's just a lot of heartbreak and difficulties there, and Leon Uris the author just does a wonderful job of sort of telling that story in a very moving passionate way that I just found so intriguing that I leaned into and have read and reread a bunch of times.

Caleb: Sounds like a pretty good read.

Mr. Downey: It's a big one. It's a huge book, so it's a challenge to get through.

Caleb: More fun.

Mr. Downey: Yes.

Caleb: Who is your celebrity crush?

Mr. Downey: You know, I got a couple there. You know Natalie Portman always knocks me out. I think she's just a stunner and her acting is fantastic but let me throw a curveball at you. Tom Brady is just like, if I'm going to crush on somebody. It's Tom Brady. Like he is the man.

Caleb: You are a Patriots fan I can see it.

Mr. Downey: Yeah, well now I’m a Tampa fan because I'm a Tom Brady fan. He's doing everything right in life. Whatever he's doing in life is working. So, like, you know. You know, the curveball I’m throwing at you is between Natalie Portman then Tom Brady. There's two of them for you.

Caleb: I think she was also in Thor. She was in the Thor movie.

Mr. Downey: Yeah, I’d have to go through her history. I don't know. Was she in Thor.

Caleb: I think so. I think she was Thor's girlfriend. At one point. I'm not sure.

Mr. Downey: When she was in V for Vendetta and she shaved her head, I thought she was just such a stunner of a person, and her acting is incredible. She's just great.

Caleb: As going more into Northview, which Northview clubs? Would you join? If you were here?

Mr. Downey: Wow. Northview clubs? Well, of course, we have 97 of them at Northview. There's so many to jump into. I don't know I hadn't thought about that one. You know the...

Caleb: It's hard to think off the top of your head. Do you know most of them by heart?

Mr. Downey: Oh, dear goodness. No. *both laugh*

That list of 97?

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: I've worked the most with the robotics club, but I don't know if I would join that one, because it's such a commitment. Those kids pour their hearts and souls and time into that. I don't know if I ever would have been able to afford to dive into that that much, but at least I'll give a shout out to the robotics team.

Caleb: Okay, here's the very anticipated question.

Mr. Downey: All right.

Caleb: What is your favorite BTS song?

Mr. Downey: See, I feel like that's a loaded question.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: Because, you know, if you're a fan, you're being asked to narrow it down to one. Right. I doubt anyone if you're a true fan out there that you would narrow it down to one. So, I'm going to give you a very superficial answer that I think Dynamite kind of represents. They're kind of attraction to everybody. It's such a fun, like uplifting kind of poppy cool song that, you know, how could you not like it? And I think that's what makes them so popular. Is that really any audience should and could enjoy their music man.

Caleb: Me personally, I haven't listened to them, but I know I might get a lot of hate for that.

Mr. Downey: Well in this school like I think you almost have to.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: I mean, you know, one of the challenges I have as principal is to try to stay connected to teenagers, right? Like I mentioned how old I am. It's been 30 some odd years since I've been in high school. So, I try to keep up keep up with things like music and pop culture and things the kids are into. And in our Northview community if you're not a fan of them, then well yeah, like you and I would get made fun of if we don’t..

Caleb: Follow the trends, you know.

Mr. Downey: Right.

Caleb: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

Mr. Downey: I'll just give you one answer here, which is The Wire, which ran on HBO, which really told the story of the drug trade in the city of Baltimore. And it did it over five seasons and every season looked at that central issue from a different lens. Whether it was the police, the politicians, the drug dealers, the schools, the politicians, the newspapers, it looked at it from each different lens, so every season just had a really different take to it. And it was gritty, and real and heartbreaking.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: What I don't like in movies and TV shows are happy endings. Sort of like that Hollywood ending, because to me, that's just not the real world. Like, what connects with me? And maybe I shouldn't say it but you know, movies that are sad that are heartbreaking that at the end like you're an emotional wreck, that you walk away from that you've experienced that emotion. Besides is that happy, sappy Hollywood ending so the wire is always a series that I just loved.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: I think they did just such a great job with it.

Caleb: All right, very good question.

Mr. Downey: All Right!

Caleb: Is it soda or pop?

Mr. Downey: It’s soda. I don’t even know anyone who calls it pop. If you’re calling it pop, who are you? Who are these people?

Caleb: I don’t know where they’re from. *both laugh*

And if so what’s your favorite soda?

Mr. Downey: I always go back to root beer, you know. Root beer’s always a special treat. Growing up that was a special treat. It’s not as common as your regular Cokes and stuff like that. A good A&W root beer is always a treat.

Caleb: Really good, really good. What is your favorite thing about being a principal?

Mr. Downey: You know the funniest thing that I find that’s one of my favorites is the intercom. I get to get on the intercom, and I have a captive audience of 2,000 people. And it just cracks me up every day when I get on the intercom that I’m at a point in my life, I’ve got my master’s degree, leadership degree. I’ve done all these things, but my greatest thrill is that I get to pick up the intercom mic and talk to the entire school. Even if I'm just saying the pledge, it just always gives me a quick little thrill in like a very immature, funny way. That 2,000 people are forced to listen to me very day. *both laugh*

Caleb: No, we enjoy it. I think we enjoy it. Just getting a little bit of your voice every day makes me want to be here. Our very last question.

Mr. Downey: All right! Fire away.

Caleb: Is it ever not a good day to be a titan?

Mr. Downey: Yes, because it’s always a great day to be a titan! *both laugh*

Caleb: I embrace that mantra just to remind myself and to everybody else that we’re here at Northview, we’re here at school, it’s okay. We’re gonna have some fun along the way. We’re gonna do some serious work, but let’s not take ourselves too seriously while we’re doing it.

Caleb: Yeah.

Mr. Downey: And let’s embrace the day ahead of us and make the most of it. It’s always a great day to be a titan.

Caleb: It is. All right. So, that’s the end of it.

Mr. Downey: Well, thank you so much. It’s a ton of fun.

Caleb: We enjoyed you being here with us. Thank you so much. We appreciate it.

Mr. Downey: I appreciate you guys and thank you for everything you guys do.

Caleb: Absolutely.

Mr. Downey: I certainly love you all.

Caleb: All right. This has been point of view.