Dominated by the prefrontal cortex

Since the prefrontal cortex of the brain is not yet fully developed middle schoolers and high schoolers do not make the best decisions. Our lives and actions are driven by pure and raw emotion. The brain makes neural connections because the brain is still in the process of adding myelin, and we also cannot make connections between an action and its subsequent consequences. Judgement is impaired, but we can't really help it, can we? I can recall doing certain things and after being asked "why?" I really did not have an answer. Actions become impulses that lack a prior though process. This can perhaps explain why so many teens rebel with alcohol or drugs, or get tattoos. "It seemed like a good idea at the time" or "this is what I want right now, so I'm going to do it" are common justifications for reckless, thoughtless actions during adolescence. 

More specific to girls is drama, drama, and more drama. Like the article says, "the brain is buzzing with dopamine" so everything is intensified. Girls get upset over a "mean look" from another girl and let that one small thing ruin their day. Then, since they're emotional, they commonly act rashly and bratty towards other girls, and then the feeling's of the other girls are hurt. It's a vicious cycle courtesy of the prefrontal cortex.

In terms of adolescent boys, the "more primitive" part of the brain will dominate action. In sports boys become aggressive, trying to show off how "macho" and strong they are. Emotionally, many will also do this for approval from their peer group and from girls. The emotional high they experience is probably also the reason behind many fights. This is sparked by trying to prove their "manhood" they have newly grown into, and their newfound pride. 

With so many hormonal changes, on top of the not yet developed brain, adolescents are in a difficult and confusing time and may do outright stupid things. Hopefully we grow out of it someday. 

Watch out, Freshman Fifteen's coming for you!

College is right around the corner for all of us. The late night studying, the stress, the parties, the people, all of it is new and exciting. Will I like my roommate? Will my professors be cool and interesting? Will it really be that hard? Will I pass my classes? All of these questions come to mind when I think of college. But unfortunately another revolves around college cafeterias. Will I be a victim of the Freshman Fifteen? Dun dun dun dun… 

According to WebMD, nearly one of every four freshman students gain approximately ten pounds during the first semester of college. Frightening? Yes. When one questions the reasons behind this it seems pretty obvious. First of all, if you’re really pushing to get A’s, most likely you will be spending most of your time in the library studying when you’re not in class. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for exercise. A lot of high school students play sports, but not many continue on to collegiate athletics. This could happen to many of us, high school athletes, whose bodies are used to having exercise to count on to metabolize food such as carbs that fuel and replenish our muscles.

Another obvious source of weight gain is bad eating habits. As stated in the article College Cafeteria Food: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, College cafeteria food commonly includes all-you-can-eat soda, hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, french fries, and large selections of desserts. Although healthier foods are offered, when you’re stressed out and tired, would you want to eat a healthy salad? More often than not, the answer is no. Comfort food such as pizza or cookies are the first pick. Having the freedom to choose what you want and when you want it, is also risky. Irregular schedules contribute to the mix: a slice of pizza is quicker than eating a salad. Also due to irregular sleep patterns, many college students skip breakfast. Research has shown that this encourages the brain to crave higher-calorie foods. 

Another source that many do not consider, is the ingestion of alcohol. Partying in college is common, and it is said that almost everyone does it. Therefore almost everyone is subject to the hidden source of weight gain. Not only does alcohol add on calories to your daily intake, it has been found that alcohol halts “lipid oxidation,” so basically it makes it difficult for the body to burn fat. 

Although the “freshman fifteen” is a commonly feared part of college, other studies show that it is not necessarily something to be feared. Jay Zagorsky, a research scientist, found that on average, women gained only 3.1 pounds, and men gained 3.5 pounds within the first year. Only 10% of freshman gain 15 pounds or more, and 25% lose weight! 

As we embark on our college journey, let’s hope that we keep our exercise and eating habits in check, and stay out of that 10%!

A Necessary Sacrifice?

On September 11, I was in 1st grade. So of course, I don't have a great recollection of what life was like before 9/11. At that age, one does not take note of racial profiling or recognize it when it occurs. A first grader wouldn't know much about the government either. The only real memories I have of pre 9/11 involve airport security. I remember how easy security was. But now, post 9/11 flying is a hassle. Packing is a challenge within itself, having to place all liquids in plastic bags and no large liquids passing through security. All coats, sweatshirts, shoes, belts and watches must be removed.

Before 9/11 I had never feared plane rides in any way. The only real plane disaster I had ever heard of was regarding Amelia Earhart. However, after, I found myself judging everyone on the plane ride with me. I had indeed feared the Arab and Muslim men that sat a few rows away from me.

Despite the current hassle, I have come to question how effective airport security was prior to the stricter standards. If the current standards were in palce before, would the 9/11 terrorists have been caught? Of course these answers cannot truly be answered, but with the extra long lines at security, and the more in-depth searches, comes a sense of comfort. Even though it's a headache, it is always comforting to know that the government is being extra cautious.

The Patriot Act is another example of a government precaution that is very controversial. Yes it may hinder thought, learning, writing, or expression. And yes an innocent person's privacy may be breached. If my online research was watched and I was ultimately contacted by the government, of course it would be nerve-racking and annoying. However, I would leave the situation sufficiently pleased that the government is doing it's job.

Although I believe that the tightening of national security is a good thing, racial profiling is indeed unfair. Unfortunately, it is difficult to avoid, especially after an event as severe as 9/11. I do believe that it is better to place harsher restrictions on everyone, instead of discriminating against one group. But then again, perhaps getting stopped and questioned, and missing a connection is a sacrifice for the greater good of national security and the well-being of the citizenry.