If Zen is a state, then surely it can’t be a room, right? Loy Norrix says wrong. Amid the noise of crowded hallways, packed schedules, and constant notifications, there’s a quiet space tucked away...

Teenagers everywhere, including Loy Norrix, have been hit by the spreading epidemic of anxiety. Combined stresses of academics and the future can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices.  “I would say...

A student is walking down the hallway when, suddenly, anxiety washes over them. They quickly dart to their favorite teacher's classroom to settle down before class. Unfortunately, they see that the teacher...

Starting in middle school, while participating in class, Loy Norrix freshman Tobias Myers-Montero has felt uncomfortable, fearing that other students would mock and make fun of them for talking.  Today,...

As you shuffle into class for an important assignment, your non-dominant hand begins to rhythmically tap the golden-brown wood of your desk while your foot joins in unison. The teacher pauses the lesson...

Editor’s note: This story is part of  “State of Mind: The Modern Condition of Youth,”  produced in partnership with local, independent news outlet NowKalamazoo, which provided editorial support...

“The first time I experienced actual bad mental health was during COVID,” said sophomore Amelia Gougam. Ever since March of 2020, COVID-19 has impacted young adults’ and teens’ mental health...

Mental health issues in adolescents have been on the rise for years, as seen in multiple studies from sources like The Trevor Project and The World Health Organization. The question is, does quarantine...

Walking into Tea Club and being welcomed with a smile always makes the long day you had at school better. After you get a cup of relaxing tea and snacks, you’re ready to put the day behind you and sit...

I’ve spent most of my life cooped up inside. I lived satisfied with a life of watching television, playing games and reading books. When I went into middle school I didn’t have the confidence...

I’ve spent most of my life cooped up inside. I lived satisfied with a life of watching television, playing games and reading books. When I went into middle school I didn’t have the confidence to...

April is the month that every junior dreads; it’s the month of standardized testing. You can enjoy your spring break and then right when you get back testing begins. Teachers spend weeks upon weeks trying...