Month: August 2023

As the end of summer draws closer, many parents are preparing uniforms for the next year ahead. Fortunately, I’ve now come to the end of my school uniform days and can now enjoy sixth form in the comfort of my own clothes. However, this has stirred up the ever-controversial argument of whether uniform is a good idea or a bad one.

On one hand, uniform helps students appear smart – dressed in professional work attire. This helps prepare the potential futures of students in high-toned industries, as well as keeping them focused on their work rather than getting distracted by fashion choices. Keeping students equal in their school outfits prevents pupils bullying each other based on what they’re wearing or the cost of their clothing (such as not having the latest, most popular branded clothing). Additionally, pupils are essentially ‘branded’ to a specific school by using the emblem sewed onto uniforms. This helps keep students in check outside of school grounds such as on buses and in town, reducing the risk of any significant misbehaviour  by making the individuals traceable. Therefore, it can be said that uniforms can increase student safety in school and outside of school, as well as increasing their ability to blend in and focus on learning without having to worry that their clothing choices might make them a target. Uniforms may also build community in a school as students of all ages, including alumni, bond over their shared outfits.

On the other hand, uniforms can be incredibly uncomfortable – as spoken with recent experience – which can be immensely distracting during class and can result in a student missing an important piece of information or not understanding something. Uniforms – while attempting to promote equality – do not give the student any opportunity for individual growth as they cannot personalise their outfits which can lead to students becoming detached and antsy during the school day as they are forced to conform to the expectations of society. Although not always intentional, uniforms can often be sexist: expecting females to wear skirts and males to wear trousers and not always allowing cross dressing, leading to conflicts. These ideas surrounding gendered clothing are particularly outdated in our modern world. What’s more is that often school uniforms can turn out to be a lot more expensive than  ordinary clothing (it can amount to hundreds of pounds), which is very awkward for parents with multiple children in school. Students who are at a uniform age are often in the stage of life where they do the most growing and constantly replacing outgrown pieces of the uniform can be very costly!

Overall, while there are many major cons for school uniforms, schools prioritise them due to the pro of uniforms benefitting student safety, which must always come first.

If someone had told me last year that I would be diagnosed with autism in a year’s time, I probably would’ve laughed at them and walked away – and I’m sure many of my friends and teachers would’ve done the same. So, a big question many people ask about getting a diagnosis as a 15-year-old female is, how did it affect my relationships?

This is an answer that has to be broken down into segments. First is family. Unfortunately for them, my family got the short end of the straw when in came to my autism. One of the tell-tale signs about my diagnosis was that I wore a ‘mask’ at social functions, such as school. Not the mask that most people wear, but the mask where I became a chameleon towards the people I was around. I could be boisterous and loud or quite and polite when that’s what was required of me. I matched other people’s energy to try to ‘blend in’ and be liked. At home, this act came apart as I was exhausted from keeping it up all day. This led to me being short-tempered and irritable. I would often get into arguments daily, even if the words I said I didn’t mean, all because I just couldn’t control myself.

Once I got my diagnosis, my family became understanding and realised that I wasn’t being rude and difficult for the sake of it but because they were the people I could trust to love me despite what I looked like. This led to a more positive and calmer family life. Discovering my autism didn’t just help me explain my actions and attitude to them, but also to myself.

How my friendships changed was a different story. Most of my friends also have some sort of diagnosis themselves so autism wasn’t a foreign concept within our group; perhaps there was some sort of unconscious pull that led me to find people similar to me. However, this probably made it harder to tell them, as a lot of them made subjects like this into competitions about who had it worse and I didn’t feel like making my situation any worse. When I did finally tell them, nothing changed, we continued as we usually did, and no one treated me any differently. This kind of attitude was really helpful as I didn’t feel alienated from my group. I felt accepted.

When my parents told the school about my diagnosis, who went on to inform my teachers, a lot of them were surprised as I didn’t show the warning signs that some people stereotype with autism. It made my teachers realise that some of my behaviours (such as fear and reluctance to speak in class) wasn’t because I was trying to be difficult but because I just wasn’t comfortable doing so. My teachers gave me more space and leeway when it came to class activities. Also, the school finally acted on looking into my request for extra time in exams, since I panic which leads to a processing issue when answering exam questions. While this won’t be implemented until sixth form. I wouldn’t have gotten it without my diagnosis.

I don’t regret getting tested. Although I was reluctant and opposed to the idea for a number of years, having the diagnosis has changed my life. I’ve discovered and explained parts of myself that I’d always struggled with while gaining support from my family and school. While the diagnosis came a little late into my life, it’s allowed me to see just how much it’s impacted my life as a whole and allowed me to accept myself that bit more.

So, I wasn’t actually going to talk about this as I didn’t want to sound like a whiny teen, but as my results day gets ever closer and many A-Level students are changing their life plans due to their results, I realised I’m not the only person in this boat.

For most of you it was probably quite a while since you did your GCSEs or A-Levels, but there’s a high possibility you may know someone who did them this year, such as myself. Personally, not to say that other past years didn’t find their exams difficult, but I think that this year was probably the worst performing year in quite some time. By this, I mean within the first month of this last school year, many students in my cohort had already given up. This attitude wasn’t entirely down to laziness either.

From day one, we were told the pressure was high for us to get good grades. From what I gather, most schools got the same assemblies our first days back: our teachers announcing that the previous years results were at an all time high and for us to get anything below would make us all a disappointment. It was actually shocking how much pressure they were putting on a group of 15-year-olds, so the majority of my year left that hall feeling uncomfortable and put off. That was probably the start of our laid back demeaners.

By our Christmas mocks, more of us had given up, as the expectations being made of us as the expectations became increasingly unachievable. I, myself, had already burnt myself out with all my study which left me in exhausted and a living zombie for the next 4 months. I even found myself (like many others) incredibly low and helpless, not seeing myself getting past the next 5 months. It was a difficult period for not just me but my whole family who watched me go through this slump.

Finally, when our exams finally rolled around. There was a high percentage of students bunking out of lessons, that we were still being forced to sit through, in hope of last-minute revision to catch up on work we missed during lockdown. It wasn’t just my school either, as there became an almost secret study group in Dane John Gardens with students from schools all over Canterbury. Exams started to fly by, with each one everyone lost more and more momentum, to the point where at just my school alone there were at least 15 kids sleeping through each of their exams without so much as opening the paper. I, myself, drifted off during Physics (although I had finished the paper) from being so tremendously tired. Yet, still there were authority figures standing outside our exam hall, reminding us of the stakes if we didn’t get good marks.

It’s as if many people don’t realise that we also suffered during lockdown. Now it’s coming to results days and our schools are getting nasty surprises when our grades are at an all time low. We’ve been through years of lost childhoods and mental health issues, just to come back to a world of too-high expectations and lost dreams.

I would not have gotten this far if it hadn’t been for my parents’ support. So, it’s really important that students, while only seen as numbers and statistics by education authorities, feel the support and realistic expectations of those around them.

Apparently unknowingly finding myself in a debate about pizza is becoming a common occurrence for me, although I find this certain controversy to be quite tiring. The question proposed to me today is: should pizza be triangular or square?

For this blog, I think it’s important to look at the pros of both options:

Cutting your pizza into triangles is the widely appreciated traditional way of eating a pizza. The method is simple and guarantees pieces of uniform shapes and sizes – something that’s not as easy with square slices. Also – considering most pizzas come in circular shapes – its geometrically easier to cute a pizza into triangles (using a pizza cutter) than specifically carving our squares. Greater efficacy means a greater pizza eating experience.

Alternatively, the square method. This method is widely frowned upon by many members of society due to it’s ignorance of all tradition and culture that comes with eating pizza, however that’s not to say that it is necessarily wrong. A large proportion of society, such as myself, very much enjoy eating their pizza crusts. Cutting pizza pieces into squares gives your pizza a better pizza-crust ratio. Additionally, square pieces tend to be cut into smaller pieces, which makes for a perfect snack or an excuse to eat a little more without feeling guilty. Additionally, it’s also worth mentioning that some pizza’s are made into squares to begin with. In these cases it would be pointless cutting the slices into triangles, so squares just make sense.

I personally preference triangle slices, however, overall, how you eat your pizza is very much based off personal preference as long as you have arguments to back up your choice.

During my debate about pineapple on pizza, I unwittingly found myself entering another debate – one I had never actually realised was even a controversy. What’s the proper way to eat pizza? It’s such a simple question, one that I’d always thought only had one answer to. Turns out, we all believe our way is the right way. It actually, (believe it or not), supposedly reflects our personality.

I’ll start with the most obvious – in my opinion: the only right way. This is eating from the tip to the crust. Not only is this just the obvious way to eat a pizza but it’s also the traditional way and therefore the right way. I don’t understand why it’s even up for debate as it follows the clearly logical progression of the narrow end to the wide end of the slice. The crust is practical and serves as a handle for the best dining experience as well as convenient as reduces the need for other utensils and cutlery. Apparently, those who do this are known as ‘careful conductors’, they know what methods and experiences works for them so stick to it. This is actually pretty accurate for me.

Then we have one of the worst in my opinion. The crust-first method. Utter disgust. This technique makes absolutely no sense to me as is impractical and messy. They believe that by eating a pizza slice in reverse is saving the best until last. These types of people are known as ‘influencers’ who like to be different from their peers. They like to be in the spotlight and have a flair for the drama.

The next method I’ve unfortunately witnessed many times, some even in my own home. This is the flip-it-over-and-eat method. This method, despite being disgusting to witness, I must admit is quite convenient while also providing an opportunity for a less messy eating session as toppings are trapped. This allows your pizza to be eaten onehanded, so people are able to multitask while also halving the time taken to consume one slice, (although why you’d want to rush your pizza experience is beyond me). These types of people are known as ‘drivers’ and spend most of their time multitasking. They don’t like to waste time so eat their pizza quickly while doing something else. This tends to mean they often get bored easy.

Another method is the knife-and-fork method. While most people judge those who eat pizza this way, I do find myself doing it sometimes. This method keeps your hands clean and neat as to avoid getting toppings everywhere as well as allows you to spend longer savouring each flavourful bit. This method calls for ‘supporters’ who are the warm and friendly listeners of life. These types of people tend to be careful and polite, approaching life with a systematic plan while also having the patience to carry it out.

Then, of course, we have the crust-ditcher method. I can’t understand why people leave their pizza crust when it’s essentially just a soft breadstick – but to each his own, I guess. My dad’s personal favourite method (perhaps just to spite me) entails people to eat the main part of the pizza, however, discard their crust on their plate before helping themselves to their next slice. These people are known as the ‘high maintenance’, they know what they want and aim to achieve it.

It’s weird how our society thinks so deeply about people’s personal opinions on how things should and shouldn’t be done.

Now that I’ve gotten into the flow of writing, I believe it’s finally time I tackle one of the bigger topics. A controversial topic following the theme of food that has been an ongoing argument since early 1960s: does pineapple belong on pizza?

My answer is yes. There are countless reasons why I agree with this delicious topping but my main one being because it just tastes good. Pineapple gives a Hawaiian pizza a sweet touch that contrasts with the savoury of the ham to create a perfect blend. Before anyone starts to argue that adding sweetness to a pizza is criminal, I’d just like to make the point of saying that it’s no different to adding sweetcorn – which is found on a multitude of pizzas. Sweet and savoury is a common combination: sweet and salty popcorn, peanut butter and jam, salads with grapes, cheese and fruit.

Another major argument about Hawaiian pizza is that fruit shouldn’t belong on a pizza. However, I’m just confused about this statement. If fruit doesn’t belong on pizza then neither should tomato, yet tomato is literally a fundamental ingredient in almost all pizzas. Therefore, fruit does belong on pizza, thus pineapple does belong on pizza. If salad, (a savoury food), contains tomato, cucumber and pepper then pizza, (also a savoury food), should be allowed to contain pineapple.

Additionally, pineapple on pizza doesn’t just taste amazing but also has amazing health benefits. Pineapple contains plenty of nutrients and beneficial compounds, such as vitamin C, manganese, and enzymes to help aid digestion. As a person who struggles with indigestion and acid reflux, this makes for a more enjoyable Italian night out. Especially accompanied with the fact pineapple is a fruit, the addition of this sweet delight makes my pizzas feel that bit healthier. It’s really just a win-win situation.

Food resources is a topic that is very much intertwined with global warming- as I’ve briefly mentioned in a previous post. Turns out, it’s actually quite controversial. People seem very torn on how we obtain our food and even what we eat in general, so that is what I will look at today.

For starters: The Vegan Debate

Due to increasing environmental awareness, there’s been a rise in vegetarian and vegan eaters. Personally, I love pork a little too much to be one myself, however I have no quarrel with those that choose this life path, so long as they do not judge my choice of not following their footsteps. I believe this is the case with my fellow meat eaters. Unfortunately, there are a selection of vegans and vegetarians who do have a feud with those who don’t copy their ways of life. One huge example of this is the Vegan Teacher. She’s become a huge joke around schools now, but if you haven’t heard of her, she’s essentially a vegan who criticises and ridicules others on what they eat and buy, using graphic images in order to guilt trip her audience on their choice of diets.

Additionally: Factory Farming

What I’m not saying is that veganism is wrong. I do agree that factory farming livestock is cruel and that the animals we eat do deserve humane conditions during their lifetimes; however, this doesn’t mean criticizing people on their diets is okay. People should still be allowed to eat meat without protests and guilt trips from the media. But I do believe that the sources we use should be more compassionate.

Furthermore: GM Food

Another huge argument that has recently become a large topic of debate is genetically modified crops, (I’ve mentioned a tiny bit previously on this too). GM crops have many benefits such as improving crop yields, reducing the use/need for fertilisers and pesticides and can help crops become resistant to diseases. These all mean maximum profit for economies and allowing humanity to keep up with the dramatically increasing demand for food. However, the argument comes in as people start doubting the safety of GM crops on the human health. As far as I’m aware, there haven’t been any known side effects to eating such crops yet, but people see them as alien and unnatural as have been genetically tampered with which hasn’t been researched on repercussions of such actions. This makes people see them as risky and dangerous – points which are difficult to argue with.

Moreover: The Organic Movement

Through all the arguments about food resources, it seems we are all being pushed to buy organic foods. I’m fully aware organic food is good for the environment, that it protects wildlife and especially bees which are vital for pollination as well as tends to be healthier for soil which improves future farming. Yet, as I’m sure most of the population can agree, once again the costs are way to high. No one will have any incentive to choose the environmental option when it’s practically twice the price as the imported.

Finally: Corruption

I believe this is evidence that humanity is corrupt and evil: that people will kill anything and anyone just to get a little extra cash in their pockets. If people don’t start caring about the world around us, it’s not just our planet that will suffer.