All posts by HPSH Plaid Line

Editorials/Student Voice

Why being bilingual is important 

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By: Alexsia Williams

Multilingual information board in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. July 2023 by: Mudroslov via Wikimedia Commons

As someone who has been learning Spanish for over 10 plus years, I’m extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to learn a language that is very versatile in many aspects, and fun to learn. Although neither of my parents speak the language, my grandfather is from Panama and Spanish is his first language. Given that, my parents placed me into a Spanish immersion program in kindergarten, which is something I’ve been continuing doing all the way up until now in high school.

Being bilingual and having the opportunity to learn Spanish for so long has been very beneficial for me because not only am I getting the opportunity to be able to learn the language but I also get the opportunity to be immersed in the various different cultures that speak Spanish. Whenever I go out with my parents, and are at a restaurant where we encounter workers who may not speak English, my parents immediately grab me to start speaking/translating for them. Sometimes it’s out of nowhere, but either way I genuinely do enjoy being able to lend a helping hand and communicate.  

My mom has always told me that being bilingual will always come in clutch, especially when I apply for jobs and start working. What she said was completely true because ever since I started working at my current job, I’ve had to use my Spanish on more than several occasions. 

Studies have shown that bilingual employees have 5-20% higher salaries compared to employees who only speak one language, and they have a 45% higher chance of promotions within their first five years in the workforce.

Not only does being bilingual provide career advantages and better job opportunities, but it also enhances cognitive abilities  meaning that bilingual individuals showcase better focus, and mental flexibility because of the fact that they have to navigate two language systems which strengthens the brain’s executive function.

There are many reasons why being bilingual is important and I think it’s critical that everyone gets the chance to learn another language. 

Editorials/Student Voice, School Life

The pros and cons of the ACT and the SAT

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By: Karl Salkowski

(Image Credit Unsplash)

Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests used to gauge college readiness and academic ability. Almost every college in America accepts scores from both the SAT and ACT in order to determine admissions, scholarships, and possible financial aid. Both tests are timed, and have been shortened recently in order to make them less fatiguing for students. For example, the ACT has been shortened by 44 questions and the SAT by 56. Which test you choose to take doesn’t really matter, as universities do not accept one test over the other.

Overall, the SAT tends to be the more popular exam, with over 55% of students taking it in 2019. Both the SAT and ACT are learnable, and with studying many people are able to significantly improve their results. The math portion of the SAT calculates towards 50% of your total score, while the ACT is weighted equally. For the most part, ACT questions tend to be more concise and clear than SAT questions, but you have less time to answer them. However, both tests have no penalty for guessing, and you should leave no questions unanswered. Only your correct answers are factored into your score for both tests. 

The digital SAT has a total time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, graded on a scale of 400 – 1600. It includes only two primary sections, math and reading/writing, both making up 50% of your total score. Science has no dedicated section but sometimes appears in part in the reading section. Overall, the SAT gives you more time per question on average. Both tests allow the use of a calculator for the entire math section as well. The SAT’s main difference to the ACT is that it uses an adaptive structure. Module two changes based on your performance in both sections. 

The ACT is usually 2 hours and 55 minutes long and graded on a scale of 1-36 for your composite score. It is composed of reading, English, and math with optional science and writing sections. All scores are weighted equally. On average, you have less time to answer questions, but they tend to be more concise and clear. The ACT has a linear structure; all modules are independent and your scores from each don’t affect which modules you receive later in the test. 

Overall, the tests are very similar, so I would personally recommend taking whichever test is offered by your school. I also recommend studying for the tests, as the question formatting can be a little confusing. 

For more information, please visit: 

Movies/TV/Theaters

Review on ‘American Psycho’

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By: Abreham Debele

‘American Psycho’ is a psychological thriller movie directed by Mary Hardin and released in 2000. This movie is based on a novel written by Bret Easton Ellis in 1991. The film revolves around a wealthy man living in New York City who secretly lives a double life. Throughout the movie we see the main character struggle with his identity, obsession with status, and inability to form genuine emotional connections.

Patrick Bateman is a successful investment banker working on Wall Street in New York City. On the outside he seems to live a perfect life filled with wealth, expensive restaurants, and high social status. However, behind his polished image he hides his psychopathic and violent urges.

He becomes obsessed with superficial things such as business cards, physical appearance, and designer brands. As the movie progresses, we see him commit brutal acts of violence while trying to maintain a normal public image. His violent actions show his deep emptiness and detachment from reality.

Throughout the film Bateman carefully maintains his professional life while hiding his disturbing behavior. He spends his time with wealthy coworkers discussing status symbols and material possessions. While at the same time, he secretly stalks and murders victims whom he believes deserves punishment. As his violence impulsively grows stronger, it becomes more difficult for him to maintain control. The movie often blurs the line between reality and imagination, leaving the viewers questioning whether all the events happened or it was all in Bateman’s head.

In my opinion, ‘American Psycho’ is a show that illustrates that someone can appear completely normal on the outside while hiding serious psychological problems. I believe the movie does a great job showing us why an obsession with wealth, status, and appearance is unhealthy. What really interests me is how the film shows us Patrick’s emptiness and shallowness while also showing his coping mechanisms such as surrounding himself with coworkers, being obsessed with status, and his violent fantasies. My favorite part of the film is that it leaves it to the viewer’s interpretation whether the events are real or that it’s all in Bateman’s head.

You can watch ‘American Psycho’ on Netflix.

Local, Science/Nature

Spontaneous spring

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By: Simon Pluger

Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Park. Before 29, December 2016, by James Kerr via Wikimedia Commons

The random nice day felt so good, and I know a lot of people were excited because it means it’s finally nice out. However, the next day, it went back to 30 degrees after having the 70 degree, almost summer day. People think this is odd, but it’s actually called a “fool’s spring” or “false spring.”

They call it this because it tempts us with a nice day and then reverts to winter, making us even more ready for spring to start. It feels like the Earth is teasing us, but there is a scientific reason for it: it happens when the atmosphere changes and arctic air moves south. Aside from that, it’s a sign that spring is coming, but that it will take time and temperatures will rise slowly, not rapidly.

Going back to last Saturday, March 21st, it was beautiful out with a nice  77 degrees, almost pushing 80. People were out and about enjoying the weather, walking their dogs, biking, and even picnicking at the park. I went to Minnehaha Falls to walk some trails. The snow was gone and the ice on the falls was melting; you could actually hear the cracking of the ice moving, even though there were so many people there.

For more information on when it’s going be nice out, visit:

PRIZM, Student Creative Photography

(2025 recap) 

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By: Arturo Benitez-Osorio

This photo was taken in Sam’s Christmas Village, Somerset, Wisconsin.
This photo was taken in Downtown Saint Paul, MN admiring the buildings next to the Mississippi River. 
This photo was taken at the Stone Arch Bridge Downtown Minneapolis, MN showcasing the city’s architecture.
This photo shows the reflection of the city and the shadow depths of downtown Saint Paul. This photo was taken by Harriet island Region Park, Saint Paul, MN. 
This photo was taken near Casa Gilbert Memorial Park showing the Minnesota State Capitol. Saint Paul, MN.  
Travel/Food

Ranking niche fast food restaurants

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By: Brayden Marsh and Dahlia Man

Nashville Coop – 5.5/10

Ever wondered what the origins of the Nashville Coop seasoning was? It’s a blend of Southern, Jamaican, and Ethiopian flavors- how unique! Nashville Coop specializes in their chicken which is fresh, tender, and juicy. Aside from the chicken, the fries are always crisp and warm. As every other restaurant that is strongly rooted in chicken, the prices are similar ranging from $10-$16 for a single meal.

We personally found their meals to be appetizing, but nothing typically special. As you go higher on the spice scale, the chicken begins to lose flavor and commences a taste of a powder seasoning that doesn’t blend well with each other. The spice is present, but the flavor doesn’t hit the satisfaction. This is why we rated this restaurant a 5.5/10.

My Burger – 6/10

My Burger is a great local alternative to regular fast food burgers. They are less processed and we personally would rather go here than a McDonald’s or Wendy’s. Their prices aren’t anything special that sets them apart from a regular fast food restaurant, but we’ve also never been disappointed by a meal here, which can’t be said about most fast food chains. They also serve their fries and burger with their garlic or spicy mayo, which is a great addition to the food.

We give My Burger a 6/10 because it’s better than most fast food chains, but it isn’t anything super special that sets it apart from a regular burger.

Hook Fish & Chicken – 7/10

If you love lemon pepper seasoning, Hook Fish & Chicken is the place to go. Hook Fish & Chicken specializes in their signature seasoning coated in their freshly cooked meals. They have a wide variety of seafoods starting from cod dinners to oysters. As for their chicken, they have the classics of tenders, wings, and nuggets.

Although their prices may seem unreasonable, each meal comes in a large portion that could even be split for two. We rate this a 7/10 because they serve fresh foods with flavors that exceed our own tastebuds, but it is easy to become accustomed to. There are great options to get seafood and chicken, and Hook is a great place to start.

Dino’s Gyros – 7/10

Dino’s Gyros is a distinct fast food restaurant in comparison to our well known restaurants- they serve  unique ethnic foods originating from Greece; specializing in gyros. At Dino’s, you build your own gyro; a choice of protein, sauce, and toppings. On their menu, there is a wide selection of different meals you can choose from, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, plates, bowls, and desserts. They serve fresh, high-quality, and flavorful Greek foods that peaks the interests of people who explore different ethnic foods.

We rate this restaurant a 7/10 because the food itself is very delicious and a step away from the usual fast food stereotype, however the portions could be improved for the price you pay, which is why we give it a 7/10.

Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies – 8/10

Davanni’s is a very versatile restaurant because they have so many different foods. They may be a little more expensive than most fast food, however the food makes up for it. They serve an assortment of delicious foods that most fast food chains wouldn’t be able to pull off.

We think Davanni’s is a great option because it’s almost like a dine-in, formal restaurant with the quality of the food they present. They also have very large portions just for a couple more dollars than other fast food, so you’re still getting your money’s worth. Davanni’s food is great, but it’s just slightly pricey which is why we think they deserve an 8/10.

Naf Naf Grill – 8/10 

We think the reason Naf Naf Grill isn’t more popular is likely because most of the time it’s overshadowed by the other fast food restaurants nearby since most of their locations are in malls or shopping centers. However, for the same price as all of these other restaurants, you can get a delicious chicken shawarma wrap that’s put together to your liking. They have an assembly line style menu, so you get to choose exactly what you get and try a variety of options.

This restaurant is great if you want to try something new, however there isn’t anything particularly special about them that would put them above other chicken shawarma restaurants, which is why we give it an 8/10.

Punch Pizza – 10/10

Punch Pizza could be argued as one of the best fast food restaurants in the Twin Cities. Their menu ranges from a price of $10-$16, and for that price you get a freshly oven baked pizza made out of high quality ingredients. We’ve also never had a bad experience at Punch Pizza, and the pizzas always taste better than what you paid for them.

For the price they offer, you could go to any big fast food restaurant and only get a mystery meat burger that sat out for a week prior and fries drenched in oil that’s been sitting in the deep fryer for a month. The food quality and taste for the price at Punch Pizza is ridiculous, which is overall why we gave it a 10/10.

Advice/How To, Editorials/Student Voice

The importance of social interaction

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By: Alexsia Williams

happy summer, 2 July 2011, 20:04:14, by:
Viktoriia 1987, via Wikimedia Commons

As someone who values social interaction it was beyond devastating when in 2020 we were forced to go on lock down due to the COVID-19 virus. Having to go on lock down also meant we weren’t able to go to school, which also stopped us from having  our daily social interactions with one another, at school.

Given that 6 years have passed since the pandemic, and we don’t have to do distance learning anymore, my favorite part about coming to school is being able to see my friends and being able to interact with all my other peers and teachers in person.

Studies have shown that people who have  face-to-face social interactions with each other have a better likelihood of survival by 50%. Having social interaction can also  prevent anxiety and depression, which people living alone and in isolation can experience if they spend their time in isolation instead of going out and having social interactions.

Actively going out and meeting new people, which for some that can mean meeting new people at school, joining a club or extracurricular, or even simply going to a coffee shop are ways people can form connections. Being able to form new connections with people and form meaningful relationships with others can raise your own senses of connection, belonging and purpose.

Although social interaction is important there are some people who struggle to talk to new people due to stress and social anxiety. As someone who struggles with anxiety, especially when going up and talking to new people, nine times out of ten, that other person also may feel the same way and feel a little nervous, as well.

Some techniques that can help calm your nerves before talking to new people can include deep slow breathing, utilizing  positive self talk prior to talking to that person, and visualizing a successful interaction with that person, instead of thinking and visualizing about  the worst of what could happen. Having been able to do this myself beforehand, has been beneficial because these techniques have led me to some of my best friendships I have now.