About the editor:
The Bell jar: One of the Pivotal Girlhood Books
The Bell Jar, credit Audible
BY LILY HERSCH
EDITOR IN CHIEF
HEADLINE NEWS EDITOR
My screen time may be bombastic (that’s my business), but I like to make myself feel better about it by being a regular reader. I am really open to any kind of book, except I’m not keen on fantasy; that said, I like a bit more perplexing books that incorporate a lot of dark humor and make you go “...what?” I know, I’m just dark and twisted. My favorite book is The Devil All the Time, but I also enjoy any book by Ottessa Moshfegh, Haruki Murakami, and anything that makes me feel deep and romantic.
So, anyways, I recently read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I finished it on the day my situationship broke up with me, too, so that’s kind of fitting I think (that’s supposed to be funny.) This isn’t a review, I’m not that self-righteous, believe it or not. Just some thoughts because I have too many.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I feel I related to it a lot. Not in a “going to the psych ward, needing a lobotomy makeover” kind of way, but more in how timeless many of the thoughts and perspectives Esther, the main character, has. She’s a cynical, but also funny, but also a very complex character (send that to Mrs. Clarke on my behalf please.)
I think a word to describe her would be pragmatic. In my opinion, when writing about characters suffering from mental health issues, authors portray them in a way that can only be described as…pathetic. In the sense that they seem like poor, helpless people who just look out a rain-speckled window all day and say “No, I’m not hungry.” Overall, not portraying the majority of people with mental health issues very accurately or with much respect.
Esther, on the other hand, has no illusions about herself: she doesn’t need people to baby her or a man to take care of her. Yet, she makes a concerted effort to receive help that isn’t just being electrocuted, but at the end of the day, it’s still the 50’s and mentally ill people are considered with the same regard as modern day Florida. Aka, very little.
You can’t help but relate to Esther: she’s completely open about her thoughts on other people and their ridiculousness, her own ridiculousness, the ridiculousness of courtship, and society at large. Very Darla-esque.
Unfortunately, I really wanted to understand the writing with little effort to seem intellectually superior, but because it’s an older book, I definitely had to reread some things to clarify details. But, I think it’s a book worth spending extra time on to truly experience. It’s very much ahead of its time and I think anybody can connect a lot of the characters to people in their own lives. For me, I certainly know a few Buddy Willards and Doreens.
In conclusion, I would definitely say The Bell Jar is worth a read, no matter who you are. You’ll be surprised with the amount of relatability and honesty within it. Sadly, Sylvia Plath is too remembered for her death rather than her undeniable talent. RIP Plath, you would’ve loved modern-day educational rights for women.
POSTED 4/29/25
EDITOR IN CHIEF
HEADLINE NEWS EDITOR
My screen time may be bombastic (that’s my business), but I like to make myself feel better about it by being a regular reader. I am really open to any kind of book, except I’m not keen on fantasy; that said, I like a bit more perplexing books that incorporate a lot of dark humor and make you go “...what?” I know, I’m just dark and twisted. My favorite book is The Devil All the Time, but I also enjoy any book by Ottessa Moshfegh, Haruki Murakami, and anything that makes me feel deep and romantic.
So, anyways, I recently read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I finished it on the day my situationship broke up with me, too, so that’s kind of fitting I think (that’s supposed to be funny.) This isn’t a review, I’m not that self-righteous, believe it or not. Just some thoughts because I have too many.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I feel I related to it a lot. Not in a “going to the psych ward, needing a lobotomy makeover” kind of way, but more in how timeless many of the thoughts and perspectives Esther, the main character, has. She’s a cynical, but also funny, but also a very complex character (send that to Mrs. Clarke on my behalf please.)
I think a word to describe her would be pragmatic. In my opinion, when writing about characters suffering from mental health issues, authors portray them in a way that can only be described as…pathetic. In the sense that they seem like poor, helpless people who just look out a rain-speckled window all day and say “No, I’m not hungry.” Overall, not portraying the majority of people with mental health issues very accurately or with much respect.
Esther, on the other hand, has no illusions about herself: she doesn’t need people to baby her or a man to take care of her. Yet, she makes a concerted effort to receive help that isn’t just being electrocuted, but at the end of the day, it’s still the 50’s and mentally ill people are considered with the same regard as modern day Florida. Aka, very little.
You can’t help but relate to Esther: she’s completely open about her thoughts on other people and their ridiculousness, her own ridiculousness, the ridiculousness of courtship, and society at large. Very Darla-esque.
Unfortunately, I really wanted to understand the writing with little effort to seem intellectually superior, but because it’s an older book, I definitely had to reread some things to clarify details. But, I think it’s a book worth spending extra time on to truly experience. It’s very much ahead of its time and I think anybody can connect a lot of the characters to people in their own lives. For me, I certainly know a few Buddy Willards and Doreens.
In conclusion, I would definitely say The Bell Jar is worth a read, no matter who you are. You’ll be surprised with the amount of relatability and honesty within it. Sadly, Sylvia Plath is too remembered for her death rather than her undeniable talent. RIP Plath, you would’ve loved modern-day educational rights for women.
POSTED 4/29/25
Facts About Author Sylvia Plath
Author Sylvia Plath, credit NY Review of Books
- Entitled "Poem," Plath's first foray into poetry was featured in the Boston Herald's children's section in 1941 at 8 years old.
- Her father Otto Plath’s untimely death in 1940 caused by diabetes was a tragic event she struggled with her entire life. Many of her poems were inspired by him, even a few based on bumble bees as her father was an entomologist and bee expert.
- She was an accomplished student her entire life, winning a scholarship to Smith College and studying in Cambridge, England.
- Sylvia Plath’s husband, Ted Hughes, was also a poet. Though very much in love with him, he was known to be abusive and cheat on her. Being separated for five months prior to her death, she wrote some of her most heartfelt works, some of which were removed by Hughes after he inherited her writing.
- Sylvia Plath, not unlike many artists, became famous after her death
Credit: Mental Floss
Are Peeps actually good?
BY ANNA BROCK
EDITORIALS EDITOR
Now that spring has sprung, it’s time for Easter to come in. Easter as in the holiday where we look around for plastic eggs in hope for treats and rewards. But as any holiday tradition, there is a themed treat that holds everyone by their wallets. The Peeps marshmallows is what I’m talking about. Peeps have different flavors every year, some being great, while others are not so great. And these flavors, and the marshmallow treat have a complicated relationship with the public. Some people hate them, some people love them, like me. My friend and sophomore, Micah Hill, said, “They are so underrated.”
The sugar covered marshmallows have my heart and have for a long long time. Do they taste amazing? No absolutely not, I’ve had way better. I do, however, think that they are good and nostalgic enough to be the best Easter candy. Sorry to the Cadbury egg lovers. But who doesn’t like marshmallows? Covered in sugar? With a chocolate face? A lot of people apparently.
People argue that they don’t taste too good. Which I’ll admit, they aren’t the best thing in the world. Others argue that they are too sugary. That is literally the whole idea of a peep. The first ingredient is sugar, so duh. If you don’t want a sugary treat, then don’t have a Peep. Friend and sophomore, Emma Checketts, is in the middle. “They’re lowkey overrated but not really but also are but also not.”
Now the flavors are a whole other beast. There are the normal colors and flavors that just taste like marshmallow and sugar. But then there are other flavors that are either really good, meh, or really bad. Personally, I love the chocolate dipped ones. Sierra Esplin, friend and sophomore, told me her favorite flavor. “The Cotton Candy flavored ones are the best. I know it’s just sugar on sugar but it’s so good."
Overall, these treats are pretty polarizing and have some mixed reviews. I love them and will continue to love them. I implore you all to try some and if you don’t like them, try again.
POSTED 4/21
EDITORIALS EDITOR
Now that spring has sprung, it’s time for Easter to come in. Easter as in the holiday where we look around for plastic eggs in hope for treats and rewards. But as any holiday tradition, there is a themed treat that holds everyone by their wallets. The Peeps marshmallows is what I’m talking about. Peeps have different flavors every year, some being great, while others are not so great. And these flavors, and the marshmallow treat have a complicated relationship with the public. Some people hate them, some people love them, like me. My friend and sophomore, Micah Hill, said, “They are so underrated.”
The sugar covered marshmallows have my heart and have for a long long time. Do they taste amazing? No absolutely not, I’ve had way better. I do, however, think that they are good and nostalgic enough to be the best Easter candy. Sorry to the Cadbury egg lovers. But who doesn’t like marshmallows? Covered in sugar? With a chocolate face? A lot of people apparently.
People argue that they don’t taste too good. Which I’ll admit, they aren’t the best thing in the world. Others argue that they are too sugary. That is literally the whole idea of a peep. The first ingredient is sugar, so duh. If you don’t want a sugary treat, then don’t have a Peep. Friend and sophomore, Emma Checketts, is in the middle. “They’re lowkey overrated but not really but also are but also not.”
Now the flavors are a whole other beast. There are the normal colors and flavors that just taste like marshmallow and sugar. But then there are other flavors that are either really good, meh, or really bad. Personally, I love the chocolate dipped ones. Sierra Esplin, friend and sophomore, told me her favorite flavor. “The Cotton Candy flavored ones are the best. I know it’s just sugar on sugar but it’s so good."
Overall, these treats are pretty polarizing and have some mixed reviews. I love them and will continue to love them. I implore you all to try some and if you don’t like them, try again.
POSTED 4/21
crazy peep flavors
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I should be able to get a job with a nose ring
BY ANNA BROCK
EDITORIALS EDITOR
As someone that was recently looking for a new job, there was a lot of thought about how my looks will affect my employment rate. Is my hair color “too bright”? Is my nose piercing gonna have to come out? Am I gonna have to get rid of my nails? I would never take a job that would make me do that by the way.
I am a huge believer in expressing yourself and doing whatever to do that. Dye or cut your hair, it grows back. Piercing holes close up. I do think you shouldn’t get a tattoo right as you turn 18, but that is also not my decision. I personally love my hair, it makes me feel like me. Honestly, I don’t like my natural hair and would rather not have a job than not feel happy in my body. So that begs the question, why are those kinds of things such a big deal?
Many people, mainly older generations, would argue it’s not professional. Everyone expects that if you have dyed hair or facial piercings, you aren’t as professional or reliable as someone that doesn’t have those. Arguably, I am one of the more professional ones out of all of my “professional” looking peers. Emma Checketts, sophomore and friend said. “Yeah you’re way more responsible and professional than me for sure.” And she doesn’t have dyed hair or face piercings.
The National Library of Medicine stated in an article on this same topic, “Managers and employees who are well-dressed and groomed are perceived by others as more intelligent, hard-working and socially acceptable than those with a more casual appearance.” Arguably, yes that does make me feel slightly better when I’m at the doctor's office or something. However, they went on, “Furthermore, they perceive themselves differently based on their clothing.”
I think this conception of professionalism is deeper than we all realize. It’s in our core that better, more ‘normal’ looking people are more professional, even intelligent and other qualities. This, people that read this article, is an issue I think needs to be addressed. I’m lucky to have three years of food service experience under my belt to have gotten a new job. But not everyone else has that same luck and experience. Friend and sophomore, Eli Carlson said. “There’s no way I’m gonna be able to get a job with all my piercings and hair, and no experience.”
I want you all to rethink your approach to people with colored hair or a nose piercing. And if there are any employers in the hiring process, take a chance on the people who maybe look a little different than your opinion of professional qualifications.
POSTED 3/31
EDITORIALS EDITOR
As someone that was recently looking for a new job, there was a lot of thought about how my looks will affect my employment rate. Is my hair color “too bright”? Is my nose piercing gonna have to come out? Am I gonna have to get rid of my nails? I would never take a job that would make me do that by the way.
I am a huge believer in expressing yourself and doing whatever to do that. Dye or cut your hair, it grows back. Piercing holes close up. I do think you shouldn’t get a tattoo right as you turn 18, but that is also not my decision. I personally love my hair, it makes me feel like me. Honestly, I don’t like my natural hair and would rather not have a job than not feel happy in my body. So that begs the question, why are those kinds of things such a big deal?
Many people, mainly older generations, would argue it’s not professional. Everyone expects that if you have dyed hair or facial piercings, you aren’t as professional or reliable as someone that doesn’t have those. Arguably, I am one of the more professional ones out of all of my “professional” looking peers. Emma Checketts, sophomore and friend said. “Yeah you’re way more responsible and professional than me for sure.” And she doesn’t have dyed hair or face piercings.
The National Library of Medicine stated in an article on this same topic, “Managers and employees who are well-dressed and groomed are perceived by others as more intelligent, hard-working and socially acceptable than those with a more casual appearance.” Arguably, yes that does make me feel slightly better when I’m at the doctor's office or something. However, they went on, “Furthermore, they perceive themselves differently based on their clothing.”
I think this conception of professionalism is deeper than we all realize. It’s in our core that better, more ‘normal’ looking people are more professional, even intelligent and other qualities. This, people that read this article, is an issue I think needs to be addressed. I’m lucky to have three years of food service experience under my belt to have gotten a new job. But not everyone else has that same luck and experience. Friend and sophomore, Eli Carlson said. “There’s no way I’m gonna be able to get a job with all my piercings and hair, and no experience.”
I want you all to rethink your approach to people with colored hair or a nose piercing. And if there are any employers in the hiring process, take a chance on the people who maybe look a little different than your opinion of professional qualifications.
POSTED 3/31
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The problems with the act
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BY AVA CAYWOOD
STUDENT LIFE INSIDE EDITOR On Wednesday, March 12, Corner Canyon juniors, myself included, had to take the ACT. On that fateful day, students filed into classrooms and sat down for three and a half hours, answering a sum of 215 questions. If you were psychologically distressed, you might be wondering: well, what’s wrong with that?! A lot of things in fact. I am here to discuss the issues and harmful factors associated with the American College Testing exam. To start things off, I strongly believe that taking the ACT is not a good way to measure a student’s capabilities. I don’t think there’s a person on this planet (or a high schooler for that matter) who can take a test that long and not feel at least slightly drained afterwards. By the end of the math section, it becomes extremely difficult to focus and put forth our brain’s best efforts. And a mere fifteen minute break isn’t going to perform a miracle. Add the nerves and stress into the equation, and the end result doesn’t look too much better. Fairtest.org even stated that, “ACT scores do not predict college performance effectively.” My next concern is the amount of time given for each section. Especially for the last two sections, Reading and Science, when we have more questions to answer than the amount of minutes. Students have to add another factor into taking the test, which is how much time they have left. Sometimes when I was midway through a problem, I would look at the time and I would have to guess in order to answer the rest of the problems. This has a very negative impact on my final score. Crimson Education stated, “The limited time per question can induce stress, hindering complex problem-solving abilities.” |
But if I was simply given more time, I could answer each problem to the best
of my abilities, and the score I receive would more accurately reflect my talents. My point isn’t that the ACT should be eradicated. I just simply think it needs to be modified so it gives students a fair chance at succeeding. The ACT impacts what college we get into, which impacts our entire life, so that’s why the test is in dire need of change. I would suggest taking it over a number of days, with more time for each section. POSTED 3/27 
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TIme to get rid of daylight savings time
BY ANNA BROCK
EDITORIALS EDITOR
A long debated topic around the world just made it’s appearance for the year, and already has messed up so many lives. If you can’t tell, I’m talking about Daylight Savings Time. Two days out of our rotation around the sun, we either lose an hour of daylight or gain an hour, “spring forward” and “fall back” if you will. What started as a way to work more hours and to have some more sleep, has become a controversial subject in recent years.
In my opinion, I think it’s ridiculous. It ruins a week at least of my timing, making me feel crazy. The sun staying up till 7 is nice, but at what cost? Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much? Not knowing what time it really is? My body has to rewire itself every year, not once, but twice. Not only that, but I then have to reset all my clocks too!
Many share my sentiments about this as well. Friend and sophomore, Sierra Esplin said, “I hate it. It’ stupid. It messes up your circadian rhythm. It was for farmers in the olden days, but we don't have that many farmers now, and the ones we do have, they don’t need it.” She kept going, but if I had included the whole rant, that’s all this article would be. Sophomore and friend, Emma Checketts, replied to my question of how she felt about it.
EDITORIALS EDITOR
A long debated topic around the world just made it’s appearance for the year, and already has messed up so many lives. If you can’t tell, I’m talking about Daylight Savings Time. Two days out of our rotation around the sun, we either lose an hour of daylight or gain an hour, “spring forward” and “fall back” if you will. What started as a way to work more hours and to have some more sleep, has become a controversial subject in recent years.
In my opinion, I think it’s ridiculous. It ruins a week at least of my timing, making me feel crazy. The sun staying up till 7 is nice, but at what cost? Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much? Not knowing what time it really is? My body has to rewire itself every year, not once, but twice. Not only that, but I then have to reset all my clocks too!
Many share my sentiments about this as well. Friend and sophomore, Sierra Esplin said, “I hate it. It’ stupid. It messes up your circadian rhythm. It was for farmers in the olden days, but we don't have that many farmers now, and the ones we do have, they don’t need it.” She kept going, but if I had included the whole rant, that’s all this article would be. Sophomore and friend, Emma Checketts, replied to my question of how she felt about it.
“Stupid, it shouldn't exist. There’s no reason for it.”
And it’s not just a teenager issue, it’s a whole world problem. According to Wikipedia, it’s argued that “clock shifts have been correlated with decreased economic efficiency.” It also states that it impacts health and traffic.
To give it a little credit, it supposedly increases energy savings and increases safety. It also gets people outside more, which is good for all of us honestly. But that’s about where the pros stop, and the cons start. Places don’t even do the time shift at the same time! So then some places have had it and some places haven’t yet, causing issues for business between the two differently timed places.
Overall, the response to this ridiculous ritual is to let it burn at the stake. Hopefully by the time I leave this earth, this problem is finally resolved and in the past for the betterment of humanity.
POSTED 3/18
To give it a little credit, it supposedly increases energy savings and increases safety. It also gets people outside more, which is good for all of us honestly. But that’s about where the pros stop, and the cons start. Places don’t even do the time shift at the same time! So then some places have had it and some places haven’t yet, causing issues for business between the two differently timed places.
Overall, the response to this ridiculous ritual is to let it burn at the stake. Hopefully by the time I leave this earth, this problem is finally resolved and in the past for the betterment of humanity.
POSTED 3/18
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