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Being behind the wheel can often grow monotonous, seeing the same cars of the same shapes whizz past. The shocking nature of the Cybertruck can be attributed to this clause, causing many drivers to whip their necks back and regard the metal behemoth taking on the road. Since its public release in late 2023, the Cybertruck has remained a hot topic of debate among car enthusiasts, critics, and the general public. Marketed as a revolutionary step in the automotive industry, Tesla’s latest creation aims to redefine what a pickup truck can be. However, like many of Tesla’s ambitious projects under the leadership of its controversial CEO, Elon Musk, the Cybertruck has garnered as much criticism as it has praise. Overall, the Cybertruck is adored by many, and hated by more. 

The Cybertruck was designed with the goal of radically transforming the traditional pickup truck, a vehicle style long regarded as a staple of American roads. Unlike conventional models from manufacturers such as Ford or GMC, Tesla’s take on the truck is characterized by a stainless steel exoskeleton that forgoes traditional paint, giving it an unpolished, almost dystopian appearance. While this choice aligns with Musk’s vision of durability and longevity, it has led some to label the Cybertruck’s look as “unfinished” or excessively industrial. In terms of dimensions, the truck is slightly shorter than many full-size pickups, but it compensates with a longer truck bed, enhancing its utility for cargo transport. However, many potential buyers are deterred by its angular design, which significantly reduces visibility and aerodynamics compared to other vehicles in its class.

Contrary to what its unique shape seems to suggest, the Cybertruck was designed with safety in mind, the stainless steel exterior is described as bulletproof by Tesla. “Yes, we are highly confident that Cybertruck will be much safer per mile than other trucks, both for occupants and pedestrians”, Musk shared in a post on his social media site in December of 2023. As the market and customer base of the Cybertruck grows, more and more accidents have been reported. The Cybertruck is frequently criticized for its lack of “crumple zones,” a safety feature in most vehicles designed to absorb impact during collisions and protect passengers from direct force. Instead, the Cybertruck’s rigid and durable exterior often transfers the impact to the other vehicle, which can sometimes result in fatal consequences for its occupants. Despite the safety intended, this faulty design is a source of contention for several consumers. Additionally, while Tesla advertised the Cybertruck as a top-tier off-roading vehicle, reports from owners suggest that its standard tires struggle in snow, sand, and mud, undermining its performance in rugged conditions. Further fueling consumer skepticism, Tesla was forced to recall over 4,000 Cybertrucks due to a critical issue with the accelerator pedal, which could become stuck and cause unintended acceleration—an alarming defect for a vehicle marketed as cutting-edge.

In an incident outside of President Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas, on January 2nd of this year, the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior proved itself helpful; protecting onlookers and pedestrians from an explosion taking place inside the vehicle caused by an inexpert bomb. Musk initially addressed the situation on X, from a humorous perspective, praising the truck for its “indestructible” exterior, and then put out a more professional statement addressing those involved and how Tesla was not affiliated with the attack. This event further cemented the Cybertruck’s reputation as an anomaly within the auto industry—both an engineering marvel and a potential liability. Moreover, Musk’s own controversial public persona has played a role in shaping opinions on the Cybertruck, as his ideological stances and unpredictable business decisions often overshadow Tesla’s technological advancements.

As the Cybertruck continues to roll onto roads worldwide its legacy remains uncertain. Is it the future of automotive design, or merely an extravagant experiment that will fade with time? While its bold aesthetics and futuristic engineering have captivated a niche audience, its practical shortcomings and safety concerns raise important questions about its long-term viability. Tesla’s commitment to innovation is undeniable, but whether these inventions are always necessary is up for question, and whether the Cybertruck will ultimately be remembered as a groundbreaking success or an unpopular failure in automobile history remains to be seen.

Coming back from winter break is rough. The bleak days of January trudge on and on and the hope of Spring Break feels too far in the future to serve as encouragement. Although it feels like you’re the only one wondering when the day will come when you no longer freeze on your dark walk to first block every weekday morning, many people experience it. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or more popularly referred to as “Seasonal Depression,” is a common phenomenon of weather conditions causing prolonged feelings of fatigue and lethargy, in either winter or summer. But what is it?

Scientists believe the main cause of winter seasonal depression stems from the shift in our biological clock and circadian rhythm. Due to the shortening of daylight every winter, darkness is more common throughout everyday activities (previously mentioned, the freezing walk in the quad at 7:00 AM). The human body is conditioned to produce melatonin when it is dark, in order to promote sleep, then, when the sunrises, melatonin should wear off, allowing the body to wake up. 

So, when your body’s melatonin peaks later and doesn’t wear off until well into the day, the increased levels of melatonin foster prolonged feelings of grogginess and fatigue that last through the day. In response, the body doesn’t fully awake until later in the day, making it more difficult to fall asleep at night. This creates a perpetual cycle of insomnia, weariness, and stress – all symptoms of depression. 

Despite however looming it may feel, seasonal depression is not inevitable. There are plenty of ways to ward off the depressive cycle by allowing yourself the time and energy to feel better. Doctors have recommended bright light therapy as a form of treatment for SAD. I have friends who have invested in a sunlight lamp for just this! The light adjusts your circadian rhythm, and has been proven to help those who suffer from SAD upon consistent use. The lamp mimics the warmth of the sun in summer and tricks your mind into thinking you’re in the middle of summer break. 

The easiest way, although it may not always be appealing, is simply stepping outside for a walk or a run. The dopamine released from being on the move outside will counteract the melatonin in your system, leaving you feeling refreshed with the energy needed to move about your day. Also, just sitting outside to enjoy the apricity is enough to boost your mood, as the exposure to light is more than what you’ll receive in your home. 

Overall, if you too feel as though these next few months seem like the longest stretch of the school year, remember you are not alone in these emotions. Millions of Americans are affected by seasonal depression, and there are countless treatments and resources. Lastly, just remember, the sun will be here before you know it! 

For the month of February, the Myers Park Hoofprint has chosen math teacher Ms. Blackert to highlight as the Teacher of the Paper. Ms. Blackert grew up here in Charlotte, North Carolina, graduating from Olympic High School and obtaining her college degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She has been teaching for twenty-seven years for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system, nineteen of those spent at Myers Park thus far. She teaches Math 3 and IB Analysis & Approaches SL 2, and gave the Myers Park Hoofprint a little bit of information about the classes and herself. 

1. What material does your class(es) consist of? 

Ms. Blackert’s classes are essential for most students at Myers Park, as Math 3 is a requirement to graduate, and IB Analysis & Approaches SL 2 is one of the math courses senior IB students can take to fulfill their math credit. However, they are both still stimulating classes for students to improve their mathematical abilities. Ms. Blackert explained that in IB Analysis & Approaches SL 2, the students learn about “logarithms and exponentials, some calculus things related to those functions, a lot of trigonometry, and a little bit of statistics.” In Math 3, students learn about “Piecewise and linear functions, quadratics, a little bit of logarithms and exponentials, a little bit of statistics, and a little bit of rational functions, but nothing to the degree that we do in Sl 2.” 

2. Why should students sign up for your class? 

While Math 3 is non-negotiable, Ms. Blackert explained the appeal of IB Analysis & Approaches SL 2 for students deciding which IB math to take, calling it a “good middle of the road math.” “It’s not the hardest, but it’s also not the easiest, and it has more applications to what people may want to do in college.” 

3. What is your favorite part about teaching at Myers Park? 

“The math department, they are just all-around very supportive in every way that a teacher needs to be supported,” Ms. Blackert said, extendeding that support to the administration as well. She also loves bonding with the students at Myers Park, stating that she “really enjoys the diversity of the students” across all levels of math. 

4. If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would you have dinner with? 

Ms. Blackert provided two answers for this question. Her immediate answer was David Hudspeth, a former Myers Park teacher who died about two years ago. Ms. Blackert expressed her fondness for the teacher, stating that she “really misses him.” Her second answer was Martin Luther King Jr, who she says would be “really cool” to sit down with. 

You can visit Ms. Blackert in room SC20 to learn more! 

Can people actually fall in love on live television? Is it all just for entertainment or are the contestants really looking for a life-long partner? Both of these questions have been floating around love reality television shows since 2002, when the very first Bachelor season premiered. Since this premier, The Bachelor franchise has sparked numerous reality-love shows, so many that Netflix made a row on the homepage dedicated to them. Many of the new and upcoming shows include, Love is Blind, Love on the Spectrum, and Perfect Match. Love is Blind has gained an enormous amount of attention over the past two years as well as Love on the Spectrum. Both are more light hearted and people choose their match based on personality and their values. 

On the other hand, Love Island, Too Hot to Handle, and Bachelor in Paradise are mostly based on what they film for their audience. For example, a UK GLAMOUR article in 2023 by Bianca London found that many of the Love Island contestants are discovered through social media, specifically Instagram. Then they would be asked to make a small video about themselves (including their love life), and if they pass the test, then they are asked to come on the show. From London’s interview with former Love Island contestant, Kem Cetinay, “They get one day off a week,” he said. “What happens is it gives them a day to clean the villa and you take your mics off and normally we go to the beach and we just chill out. Not a lot of people know this. What happens is when you take your mics off, you’re not allowed to talk about anything to do with the show.” Although Love Island is surprisingly not scripted, the 80 cameras spread throughout the villa never want to miss any moment of drama. 

The marketing and franchise behind these top shows is what puts them on a different level. “Bachelor Nation” goes crazy every Monday to watch the show. Viewers plan extravagant watch parties, sorority houses set up projectors, and families around the world tune in to watch the drama unfold. Superfans can even buy tickets to get front row seats to the live shows including Women Tell All, Men Tell All, and the two night finale. A new up and coming show, Love is Blind, focuses on contestants finding their partner without seeing them. They are set up in “pods” with a hall between them and are allotted a certain amount of time to get to know each other, ask questions, and figure out if they are a match. Love is Blind was the most watched reality TV show on Netflix in 2023. Reality TV, especially dating shows, have taken over streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu and will continue to do so. So the next time you are scrolling through trying to find something interesting to watch- tune into one of these shows and decide for yourself if Love is (really) Blind.

Hey girl, I know it’s scary right now because high school is a big step in your life but it’ll be alright. Don’t be so hard on yourself, it’s ok. You don’t have to be perfect in everything you do, I’m still struggling with that now but trust that everything will work out. You’ll meet new people and you’ll realize that some people are not in your best interest. You’ll realize that being popular is not important in high school, trust me. People are not going to like you, some will have reasons and some just won’t like you for no reason. It’s all a part of life. You don’t have to please everyone, just be true to yourself. Although your first year is virtual when you go back in person to school, it’s going to be a whole different ballpark. There’s gonna be different teachers, different schoolwork, and just all around a different environment than what you are used to, but that’s OK because you’re going to get through. Freshman year is one of the most intimidating years in high school. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, it will be full of obstacles and as long as you stay organized and try to do your best because that’s all you can do is try. You don’t have to fit in, it’s ok to be alone and with your close friends. The next 3 years of high school will be a challenge and it will test you. You will have to make sacrifices and decisions that you might not want to make, but it’s for the better. You’ll experience heartbreak and waves of different emotions but it shapes you into the person you want to become. I know I’m speaking as if I am the person you want to become but the truth is, we are still working to become that person and that’s ok. Girl, We became the homecoming queen, and it still surprises me. We actually did that! We even started our club. Yes, we started our own club called empowHER! We have members who actually want to join our club, and they love our club! There is so much I want to say but I have to keep it short and sweet. You’re beautiful inside and out, don’t let anyone dim your light. You’ve accomplished so much and come so far. It only gets better girl! Keep going and growing. Life is full of challenges, life is a life lesson. No one ever truly understands life and all the aspects of it, so we just live our life to the fullest and enjoy the little and big moments because that shapes us into the person we become later on. No one will ever know your journey like you, so you have to embrace it, not shy away from it! It is currently a month from graduation and firstly I would like to apologize. I’m sorry for putting you last and everyone first. I’m sorry for always driving for nonexistent perfection in everything we do. I’m sorry for not giving you the love you deserve. But overall I’m happy to see who we’ve become. I’m glad we overcame the struggles of high school. I’m glad we’ve made it this far and will go even further. I’m glad that we’ve started to step out of our comfort zone and find ourselves. I’m glad we saw it through to the end. I’m glad we didn’t give up. It took a lot for us to get to this point and I’m forever grateful for you shaping me into the person I am today. Keep going Ja’Niyah, it will pay off and it will get better.  I love you, and continue to do your best in everything you do, you got this!

Half days are always a much-needed break for teachers and students. For CMS schools we get them once a quarter, but I think that many people would agree that it needs to be much more often. They help the teachers catch up on work for the week and give them a little extra planning time where they don’t have to worry about kids being around, or teaching the new lesson for a little bit. It also gives students some time to work on homework and make time for social activities and extracurriculars, where there isn’t always enough time for that after every full school day. This is why having a half day on Wednesday once a week would be very beneficial to everyone involved. 

Since it’s only a half day off and not a full day it’s less jeopardizing in terms of losing academic time.  It gives students a fundamental break from their normal routine and allows them to catch up on tasks. It can help decrease stress and burnout, allowing students to engage in other hobbies or spend quality time with family and friends. This break can also help student and teachers well-being and mental health, allowing them to take a short break from academic pressures. From a teacher’s perspective, half days can offer valuable time for planning, grading, and professional development. It allows teachers to catch up on any tasks, work with colleagues, and go to workshops  to improve their teaching skills. This dedicated time can lead to an overall better educational experience. 

Overall, half days can foster a sense of community within the school. They provide opportunities for extracurricular activities, such as club meetings, sports practices, or performances. These activities promote teamwork, leadership, and social interaction. Overall, half days find a balance between working hard and personal well-being. They offer a chance for students to recharge, and teachers to prepare. It’s a win-win situation that benefits everyone involved. This is why there should be half days weekly, and Wednesday since its in the middle of the week is a perfect time to have designated catch-up and social time for all staff and teachers in the school and students. Half days will be extremely beneficial and helpful for everyone involved in them, and will overall enhance the academic experience.

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy for our minds to feel overwhelmed, and often, these feelings can be brought into our spaces in the form of clutter. According to licensed psychologist,  Peggy Loo, a messy environment can contribute to stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and concentration. Our brains like organization, so the visual distraction of clutter can make our minds feel overloaded and can reduce our working memory. It can also increase laziness by triggering avoidance strategies that make us more likely to sit around and be unproductive.

However, there is hope. Tidying up our living spaces can have significant benefits on our mental state:

1. One of the things cleaning up our space can do is increase our sense of order and control. This is beneficial because it can reduce overwhelming feelings of procrastination and stress. Creating a structured environment can help manage our emotional state by offering an outlet for us to have complete control over our lives when maybe that is not true for other aspects we are involved in. 
2. Another way maintaining a tidy space can be beneficial is by providing feelings of familiarity and consistency. Doing this can be crucial for creating a feeling of comfort and stability in one’s space so it does not add more stress to what we may already be facing. 
3. The physical act of cleaning our space can release endorphins. The endorphins act as natural pain and stress relievers, enhancing overall well-being. This also goes hand in hand with that feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction we get after cleaning our space. This can be created when we can see how all of our hard work paid off in getting to take in this new tidy space.
4. Additionally, decluttering our space also allows for improved focus. As supported by research from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, this is because cleaning one’s room can allow the brain to focus on tasks one at a time. It takes away from that constant reminder of cleaning being on the to-do list. This can reduce distractions and enhance productivity on other tasks present in our lives.
5.  Lastly, having a clean room can allow for more regulated emotions. This can be attributed to the fact that cleaning requires us to slow down and focus, offering a calming effect. It allows us to better manage our emotions effectively by creating a more positive space to live in.

In conclusion, this highlights that partaking in one simple task can create a better quality of life. This allows us to not only enhance the aesthetic of our area but also improve our mental well-being.

Photo contributed by Emma Monroe

For the month of April, the Myers Park Hoofprint has chosen German teacher Herr (Mr.) Elkins to highlight as the Teacher of the Month. Herr Elkins grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, going on to attend the University of Georgia in Athens. He has been teaching for approximately seven years, four of which were at Myers Park. He is currently the only German teacher at Myers Park, the backbone of the German language program. The program offers a variety of levels, ranging from German 1 to IB Language B: German HL 2. Herr Elkins wishes more students would partake in the German program and has answered a few questions regarding the class and himself. 

1. What material does your class(es) consist of? 

In German class, they focus on “reading, writing, speaking, and listening, trying to do something for at least one of those skills every day.” Herr Elkins says. Students accomplish this by learning German vocabulary, grammar tenses, listening to native speakers, and watching Fotoroman, a German soap opera. 

2. Who is eligible to sign up for your class? 

“Everyone!” Herr Elkins confirmed, adding that German is a fantastic way to fulfill the two language credits every student needs in order to graduate. Even if you are already taking another language, German is still an option. “You don’t wanna be basic and do Spanish,” he jokes. 

3. Why should students sign up for your class? 

“My class tends to be a very fun, kind of relaxed place where you can be yourself.” Herr Elkins explains. He goes on to say that he never gives any homework, so the workload won’t be too difficult, and that learning a language has a lot of mental health benefits. “It can expand your way of thinking and help you become a critical thinker.” 

4. What is your favorite part about teaching at Myers Park? 

The students, Herr Elkins says, are what make the teaching experience worthwhile. “In basically all the classes that I have my students work really hard, they try really hard to learn German, they make the day fun even though they’re really goofy and dumb sometimes,” he says, noting that a long day goes by a lot faster because of them.

5. If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would you have dinner with? 

He starts by saying, “It would definitely not be Thomas,” but goes on to say Herr Kurtz, his German 2001 professor. “He was one of the biggest inspirations for me as far as learning German went, and then especially as being a teacher, he was very fun and lively in class but obviously very passionate about German” he answered. 

You can visit Herr Elkins in room SC6 to learn more!

Feeling the sun beating down on you, wishing you were relaxing on a beach somewhere but instead you’re studying for final exams? I might just have a few things, namely, sweet treats, in mind that might be the perfect pick-me-up to get you through the rest of the school year and excited for summer vacation ahead!

Let me introduce you to what I call the beverage of the summer: the Arnold Palmer. Also known in some places as a “Half and Half”, it’s sweet tea mixed with lemonade over ice, absolutely refreshing. In fact, it gets its name from the highly revered golfer Arnold Palmer as it was his signature drink. Just ask students at his alma mater, Wake Forest University; they have an annual “Arnold Palmer Day ” to celebrate him and enjoy the ice-cold beverage. Southern states come with perks of having the best-made Arnold Palmers and Charlotte is full of some great restaurants that will serve you up with that sweet tea, lemon goodness! My recommendations are CookOut, Hubee D’s, The Southern Pecan, Park Road Soda Shoppe, and of course, the Chick-fil-A “Sunjoy.” You can enjoy your Arnold Palmer on the go and I always look forward to getting it as my little treat for the day. Making your own at home is also a great option because you can customize it to your liking. I like using Arizona sweet tea or Bojangles sweet tea with a splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice or Simply Lemonade and adding a couple lemon slices in. Sipping on it certainly makes it feel like summer.

I would be a fool if I didn’t talk about the other summer treat: milkshakes! Who doesn’t love a good milkshake? It’s about that time of year too when you need to cool off but don’t want to make a mess with ice cream. Milkshakes are an up and coming market in the dessert industry as well; let me give you a few recommendations! Cook Out is famous for their creamy, thick milkshakes with 40+ flavors. My go-tos are Chocolate Cherry and Oreo Peanut Butter. Chick-fil-A is another popular choice with delicious shakes such as Strawberry, Cookies and Cream, and Peach, all topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Both of those options are cheap and convenient. I would also recommend Shake Shack, they have unique-tasting, classic and seasonal shakes from Tiramsu to Dreamsicle; the Chocolate is definitely my favorite., Cowfish, Golden Cow Creamery, Ninety’s Dessert Bar, Ben and Jerry’s, and Bad Daddy’s are also at the top of my milkshake list in Charlotte.

Whether it’s an Arnold Palmer or a milkshake, you’ll be set for summer and to finish the school year strong!

The summer days are long, and for most teens it is a universal experience for wake-up times to be significantly later compared to school days, leading to the consistency of having productive days becoming increasingly difficult. For most teenage kids, the long summertime days bring freedom to have days spent soaking up the sun or sitting around watching TV, and although this type of relaxation is important to have, there can be many missed opportunities for teens to get things done during the downtime. 

A to-do list can be the first step one takes in the right direction when it comes to productivity. Try writing down the tasks you would like to complete in the morning and aim to get them completed by that evening. It is important to create a routine for yourself, this is not only to keep your mind healthy and well-rested but to assure organization and structure during a time that can be spent effectively. Try having an alarm set for before 10:00 am on weekdays. Personally I struggle to roll out of bed at any remotely early time. Another step towards having a consistent morning is to start each day by making your bed, consuming a nutritious breakfast, and following that with some sort of morning activity. Soaking up the vitamin D that the sun produces is healthy for your mind, and exercising or even being outdoors for a couple of hours a day is just as important. The release of endorphins when you work out (that can even be going on a walk) produces dopamine which is a hormone that can help improve your mood. So whether it is a walk around your neighborhood, or a scenic hike through the mountains on your summer vacation, spending time outdoors is beautiful and key.

Aside from going outside to stay healthy physically, keep in mind your mental health is just as important, so try your best to leave your house to see friends and family if you can, or make plans with yourself to stay busy. Go to the park, walk your dog, get a smoothie, and do something for you! It is so important to be in touch with how you are feeling internally and externally, and not just ignore your feelings through coping with social media and technology for extensive amounts of time. Put your phone down, read a book, try a new sport, and enjoy the time you are spending outside of school.