Myers Park Hoofprint

The Myers Park High School Newspaper

Abby Garafola

Sounds of Shakespeare

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William Shakespeare is one of the greatest English-speaking playwrights in history. Over the span of 20 years, Shakespeare strategically wrote more than 30 plays and over 100 sonnets, most popularly “Romeo and Juliet”, “Hamlet”, and “Macbeth”. Not only is Shakespeare known for the quantity of shows he put on, but also the similar qualities between them all. Shakespeare’s use of complex innuendos and distinctive monologue is what still allows his work to not only be studied today but be compared with the hip-hop genre. 

Despite the significant amount of time between Shakespeare’s death in 1616, and the true beginning of hip-hop in the early 1970s, there is a surprising  correlation between the two. Kingslee Daley, better known as Akala, premiered in a 2011 TED Talk about these connections.

Akala previously worked with the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company to showcase a multitude of dramatic components and literary elements woven throughout these readings. Shakespeare introduces his use of iambic pentameter in most, if not all of his sonnets. Similarly, although less recognized, iambic pentameter is what keeps hip-hop listeners intrigued.

Iambic pentameter is a form of writing consisting of five sets and two beats. The reason this is such a common way of writing is because of its flexibility. A customary hip-hop beat is about 70-80 beats per minute. If you double that beat to 140 beats per minute and it still works. Akala displays the difference in beats with Shakespeare’s most popular poem, “Sonnet 18”. 

Hip hop, the genre that classifies songwriters ranging from the Wu-Tang clan, who were most popular in the early 90s all the way to Kendrick Lamar, in 2012. While beginning in New York and spreading from there, nearly 55 years later, it’s become one of the most listened to genres across the globe. Hip hop was the primary genre that led to so many new kinds of music. From it, genres such as rap, rock, grime, etc. were born. But, Wu-Tang Clan is the common denominator that brought it all together.

Wu-Tang’s second album, Wu-Tang Forever was named No. 1 on Billboard 200 and certified 4x platinum. It was one of the first albums to incorporate all factions of music into one. “All of a sudden, kids who listened to Heavy Metal, kids who were into Blur and Oasis, everybody was united around this one sort of album,” said Akala.

As listeners can tell from this one album, hip-hop as a genre is often characterized with a bold and vibrant beat accompanied by a fast paced vocal track. It originated from a rather cultural background of those from a Black, Caribbean, and Latino descent and was built on five main pillars that are still reviewed today.

The five pillars of hip hop music consist of DJing (oral), MCing (vocal), breakdancing (physical), graffiti art (visual) and knowledge (mental). The fifth pillar, Knowledge, is Akala’s main conversation point. Knowledge is one of the most important elements of hip hop because it gives the ability to understand, analyze and imagine a deeper meaning. Akala leaves his audience to ponder the question, who is allowed to be a custodian of knowledge?

In the beginning of his demonstration, Akala reads his favorite quotes aloud and asks by a show of hands, whether it was written by Shakespeare or by a hip hop artist. First, “To destroy the beauty from which one came” by Jay-Z. Next, “Maybe it’s hatred I spew, maybe it’s food for the spirit” by Eminem. Finally, “Men would rather use their broken weapons than their bare hands” by Shakespere. While it may seem as such, the three artists listed above are not the only ones to appeal to the fifth element.So, to answer that question, according to globalnoise.wordpress.com, “Rather than the gatekeepers of knowledge being the elite, in the twenty-first century anyone can be a custodian of knowledge, including hip hop rappers.”

Things to Know Before College

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Whether you are a senior and getting ready to leave for college or a freshman and have not even given college a thought, it is never too early to start preparing. Keep reading to see my list of the most important things to know before college.

First off, it is important to remember that everyone around you is going through the same thing as you. It’s normal to be lost, confused, and even to be a little scared. You’re suddenly struck with a whole new list of responsibilities. A whole new list of things that your parents won’t do for you anymore. Even in my first year here at Myers Park, I was so overwhelmed with what these next four years would bring. It was crazy to think that I was just one small person in a pool of almost 4,000 students. However, coming into my freshman year on such a large campus, it made me feel better that I wasn’t the only one that had nerves.

Next, when it comes to packing for college, less is more. There is nowhere near the same amount of closet space as your bedroom at home. You are going to be living in a tiny dorm room with at least one other person. I remember before one of my best friends headed to college, we designated a day just to purge her closet. She got rid of a ton of clothes, but of course, it was a plus for me…I got a whole new wardrobe! 

In my opinion, studying abroad is an absolute must. Depending on the school you choose to go to, the amount of time away can vary. You can spend anywhere from one month to a whole semester in another country of your choice. Some of the most popular destinations are places such as Spain, Paris, or Italy. I know this is definitely something I want to participate in. In fact, if you attend a school out-of-state and you choose to study abroad, you can qualify for in-state tuition. After my parents heard about this option, they said they would gladly send me away for a few months.

Finally, it is crucial to open up your circle of friends. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this advice. My parents always tell me that the people they went to college with are still the people they are best friends with today. It’s good to meet new people because it’s guaranteed to help you in the long run.

With just a few months left in high school, I’m going to do my best to follow this list. In the next few years, I want to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and try new things, and I’ll challenge others to do the same.

Gap Year

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For seniors who do not quite feel prepared for college, not ready to leave home so soon, or feel burnt out from the past 13 years of school, may choose to take a gap year after graduating high school. Until recently, I was convinced that a gap year was the way to go. However, after a lot of thought, an (exhaustingly) long conversation with my parents, and ultimately choosing my career path, I decided that it was in my best interest to not take a gap year and continue to school post-grad.

Gap years have become more common over the past few years. Just a little over three years ago, the world and everything in it came to a sudden halt. The pandemic put a huge damper on not only those already living the college life, but also those who are preparing for it. A handful of colleges and universities either shut- down or went virtual, which resulted in many students opting to take a gap year. According to usnews.com, roughly 130,000 students decided on a gap year during the 2020-21 school year.

While the many high school seniors pack up and leave for college after graduation, one alternative to this is a gap year. There are plenty of factors that play into this choice. For most, this is the first big decision that young adults have to decide for themselves. 

Of course, a decision of this size comes with a massive list of pros and cons. According to pacificdiscovery.org, a gap year is a great way to prepare before stepping to a new level of independence. Others have said something just slightly different. It can be difficult to stay connected to your friends given that they will be a year ahead and to transition back to school; others may observe that this option is expensive and requires planning. While it tends to be a different experience for everyone,, I have put together a list of pros and cons to help students who may still be weighing their post-graduation options.

From a personal aspect, the most obvious benefit of taking a gap year is the free time. From the time you graduate to when applications are due, traveling becomes easier, working more hours to be financially stable is more convenient, and simply being at home with family or friends becomes more worthwhile. The first half of my senior year was by far the hardest semester of my time at Myers Park. This is when I strongly considered taking a gap year. In my head, it made so much sense to take a year off. But I also had to think about what I may be missing. 

Getting an education is one of those things that’s expected of you. Graduating high school, going directly to college, and getting a job all within a five-year time span has always been a part of the standards held to me. It’s a lot harder than it may sound. I also saw that a major downfall to a late college start was the social aspect of it. I would watch my friends leave for school in early August and only see them over breaks. I would regret taking that step back as I watched them truly experience college for themselves. I was also scared about how hard the harsh transition back into school would be. For me, going straight back into “school mode” after being cooped up at home for the last year would definitely give me a hard time.

To the readers: If you were hesitant on whether to take part in a gap year or not, I hope this gave you some clarity. I encourage you to make your own list of pros and cons after hearing my own. Whatever route you choose, I believe you will seek your greatest potential. Best of luck!

Leaders Club

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Are you looking for a new volunteer opportunity? Here is the perfect option for you! YMCA Harris Leaders Club is a volunteer-based organization geared towards leadership and self-development in teens. Leaders Club is a great way to connect, meet new people, and get involved in your community.

Reese Stevenson, a senior at South Mecklenburg High School, is this year’s Leaders Club president. She’s been attending Leaders Club since she was a freshman at South Meck and loves to participate in many other activities around Charlotte. “Leaders is more about self-development than community development but you are developing yourself through lots of volunteering and helping in your community,” said Stevenson. 

Stevenson is President and one of the five members of the executive board of Leaders Club. As President, she communicates with her team members to plan Wednesday evening meetings, talk about upcoming events, and offer volunteer outlets for those who would like to participate. “As president, I kind of do a little bit of everything. On the official paper, it says I’m supposed to oversee all of the various jobs and make sure everything is in order. I like to say that I plan a majority of the meetings. We all plan them together but I got through during the week to make sure they are perfected,” stated Stevenson.

During a meeting, members will start altogether or break up into smaller, more manageable groups called “families.” In that group, members do a “rose, bud, thorn” exercise; rose is something we are happy about, bud is something we are looking forward to, and thorn is something that didn’t go so well in the past week. Families are a place to develop a better relationship with peers but also allow a safe place to talk. 

“In the beginning, we would do icebreaker meetings and get- to know you’s. Usually, we’ll have one or two bulk activities that will take longer. We try to stay away from doing it every week but typically we do a vespers which is like quiet time, introspection, or time of reflection. Then we’ll close out by doing announcements and a prayer circle.” Stevenson explained.

Leaders Club is held every Wednesday night from 7:00 to 8:30 PM and is open for anyone between the ages of 13 and 18. Registering for the club at the beginning of the year costs $75. Once you are a member, you are expected to show up to 75% of the meetings and complete a total of 100 service hours. You receive 1.5 hours of service just by showing up on Wednesday nights.

My favorite place to volunteer is participating in Homework Helpers. Every day after school, elementary school students take part in this program to get work done, do active outdoor games, and have just a little more time with their school buddies. Homework Helpers is available from three o’clock to six o’clock and open to all who would like to join. These hours will then get added to the volunteer log and will count toward the 100 hours of service.

100 hours of service may seem like a lot, but not when it is contributing to a good cause and adds even more fun to your summer! The reason why 100 hours is required is that it allows you to take part in Blue Ridge Leaders School. BRLS was created in 1922 and has successfully kept its structure by guiding teens to be leaders within the YMCA and for the rest of their lives. It’s a great way to continue acts of service throughout the summer months.

As a member of Leaders, Wednesday evenings are the highlight of my day. I get to see friends that I don’t see at school, participate in games that help me out of my comfort zone, and take part in activities that are not only fun but also help my city. Join today!

Women in Literature

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Are you looking for a fun new book to read? Look no further. Best friends Liza Mackey and Mae Sellner have built not only a unique and inclusive book club but also a mini-community within. 

“I feel like it’s such a community. It’s intimate in a sense that we all get to talk about something we enjoy talking about,” said Liza. 

Since their Sophomore year at Myers Park, Liza and Mae have been discussing, planning, and organizing ways to make the Park their own with Women In Literature.

Since the pandemic, when everyone was cooped up at home, Liza and Mae resorted to reading books in their spare time. 

When pitching the idea to Mae, Liza noted, “Mae has always been like my little reading buddy so whenever I read a book that I think she would like, I always give it to her. I didn’t want to do this with someone I didn’t know, I want my best friend to do it with me.”  

As they flew through one book after another, they used inspiration from Reese Witherspoon’s book club to get their club started. Each month, Reese selects a new book that focuses on the empowerment of a female main character. They decided to incorporate the same method into their club. At the end of every month, a meeting is held to discuss the previous book and introduce the next one. In a typical meeting, members will go around and answer discussion questions and participate in fun icebreaker activities. Behind the scenes, both Liza and Mae have dedicated roles for their contribution to the club. 

“Mae does an awesome job at all of the social media stuff. She makes it so aesthetically pleasing and it’s cool to see it all come together.” Liza said. 

Mae enjoys creating all of the graphics for Instagram and sending messages in the Remind. Liza comes up with and researches the discussion questions to include in the slideshow to present on the day of the meeting. 

For the month of October, the book assigned was Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It highlights young, beautiful, talented singer Daisy Jones and her ascent into the music industry when her producer pairs her up with The Six. This novel is filled with unruly details on love, friendship, hardship, and even substance abuse. 

“I have always been very passionate about reading, but that was the first book that Liza suggested to me that really got me into reading. We both love that book, I’d say it’s one of our favorites,” said Mae. “We wanted to go out with a bang and Daisy Jones is easy to get into and even easier to get people excited about.”

Over the past year, the recognition of female authors has grown tremendously. Authors such as Colleen Hoover, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Jodi Picoult have written novels that are not only entertaining but also influential. In today’s society, it’s important that young women, such as the ones in Women in Literature, know their worth and significance in the world. Reading novels about young girls is educational and inspirational. It’s amazing and beneficial to have a safe place like this within the community of Myers Park.

Literature is something that has become very normalized within today’s standards. This club has allowed so many young women to open up and talk about something they love. Liza voices, “It’s very welcoming and peaceful, you know. We’re all just a couple of gals talking about books and I love that.”

 If you are interested in becoming part of their club, visit the Instagram page @womeninliterature_mphs, click on the link in the bio, and join the Remind to receive updates.

Feel Good TV

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As the Thanksgiving season comes to an end and Christmas is upon us, we always hear the same holiday songs and watch the same holiday movies, but what about television sitcoms? Listed below are episodes in order from my favorite sitcom, Friends.

The filming of Friends lasted from 1994 to 2004 and was widely considered one of the biggest television shows of the 90s. 18 years later, the legendary sitcom remains one of the most-watched television shows in history. In the 10 years that Friends was on the air, a total of 236 episodes were made with only seven of them being Christmas episodes. Keep reading to find out what those episodes are! 

To all of my other Friends lovers out there, I hope you can agree with me on this one. Ranking number one on this extremely well-thought-out list is “The One With the Routine” (Season 6, Episode 10). As Christmas slowly transitions into New Years’, Ross and Monica are asked to perform their hilarious, yet well-choreographed, dance number on live television. Joey’s roommate, Jenine, allows them to show off their moves at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Even if you aren’t a fan of Friends (which frankly I will never understand), you are guaranteed a good laugh when binging this episode.

Next up, in “The One With the Holiday Armadillo” (Season 7, Episode 10). In a last-minute decision, Ross unexpectedly finds out that he gets to spend Christmas with his son, Ben. Ross wants to teach Ben what it means to be Jewish and celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. He comes to find that all of the Santa costumes have been rented out, so he improvises! This episode puts a cute and fun twist on the holiday season.

In Season 9, Episode 10, “The One With Christmas in Tulsa,” Chandler is stuck in Tulsa to meet a deadline. While Monica is overcome with the thought of Chandler having an affair, Chandler is figuring out ways to be with his wife and closest friends on Christmas morning. In the end, he catches a flight and his arrival back in New York was a success. This will always be one of my favorite episodes because of Chandler’s sincerity toward Monica.

Next, In Season 3, Episode 10 “The One Where Rachel Quits,” Rachel tries to find a new job outside of the local coffee house, Central Perk. Phoebe is now suddenly against the selling of Christmas trees because she believes that “all trees want to fulfill their Christmas destiny.”

Now, these next two wouldn’t particularly be my first choice but are still worth watching. “The One With the Inappropriate Sister” (Season 5, Episode 10), and “The One With Ross’s Step Forward” (Season 8, Episode 11) just don’t highlight Christmas in all of its glory. Despite this, they are still some of my favorites simply because of their constant humor. I’ll let you watch these for yourself.

Finally, we have “The One with Phoebe’s Dad” (Season 2, Episode 9). Now, Don’t get me wrong, If you put any episode in front of me, I guarantee I’ll watch it. This one will have to go in last place for the holiday episode listing simply because this one is the least focused on Christmas. Monica and Rachel throw a party in their apartment, but it all goes downhill because the radiator breaks. Meanwhile, Phoebe tries to get in contact with her biological father.

Well, that concludes this year’s ranking of holiday sitcoms. Friends is such an easy show to put on for any occasion or audience. Throw it on while you’re cooking or hosting a dinner party. Especially if it’s a Christmas party. Happy watching!