Category Archives: PSJP2025

Vaped Out: How Nicotine and THC Are Hijacking Young Minds

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By Jayden W.

On a bus ride to an educational event, I watched in disbelief as an elementary school student pulled out a nicotine pen. He couldn’t have been more than ten. Who gave it to him? Who failed to stop him? It was a sobering reminder that addiction often starts early, long before kids fully understand the risks.

More teens and young adults than ever are turning to nicotine and THC to cope with overwhelming emotions, not realizing how quickly a habit can spiral into addiction. According to a Truth Initiative survey from August 2021, 81% of young people aged 15 to 24 who vape say they started to reduce stress, anxiety, or depression. But studies show that nicotine abstinence worsens mental health issues, creating a cruel cycle of dependency.

What begins as a temporary escape frequently turns into a long-term battle with anxiety, depression, and dependency, hijacking not just young people’s minds but their futures. But the issue goes beyond use; it starts with access. So what do we do now?

For every 200 students in primary school, there should be at least 1 counselor. The need for counselors isn’t just for adolescents; college students need counselors as well. On a college campus, for every 400 students, there should be at least 1 counselor. According to a ASCA grant-funded research study, school-counselor-to-student ratios may be optimal at 1:250, but grade level and socioeconomic factors of a district require close consideration.

Government officials and school boards must allocate more funds toward hiring trained counselors to meet the needs of students. If school districts don’t have enough funds to hire these essential workers, they should partner with other organizations to help cultivate a student body that feels comfortable talking about their challenges. 

Though I’ve never used nicotine or THC, I understand the dangerous pull. When life gets hard, we reach for what soothes us at the moment, even if it damages us later. For me, it was food. During a season of deep depression, I turned to overeating for comfort. A moment of joy would quickly turn into guilt, and the weight of my emotional pain would return even heavier. That experience taught me how easily a coping strategy can become a harmful cycle.

If addiction roots itself in childhood, it’s far more likely to persist into adulthood. And if we’re going to stop nicotine and THC from hijacking young minds, we must start by having the hard conversations. It’s now or never.

Resources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5755398/

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/colliding-crises-youth-mental-health-and-nicotine-use

The American Dream Is Simply a Dream

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By Sosena T.

All that you have isn’t solely the product of your hard work. Instead, it’s the result of a combination of factors that have played a significant role in bringing you to where you are. Because of this, the idea of a society built entirely on merit can never truly exist.

But if no one’s success is entirely their own—then whose is it?

The accident of birth has contributed to the establishment of societal classes since the days of Ancient Greece. When we look at the “meritocracy” system in America, it’s clear that what Americans pride themselves on is not so different from that of Greece. It, too, is tainted by chance.

Two high school students in Princeton, NJ—Aryan Ahja and Hoin Lee—who are currently going through the grueling college application process, said that success today is closely related to “individual connections” and comes with “a certain degree of bias.”

Bias may help someone advance in life, but that’s not true meritocracy. A fair playing field would need to exist—but that can only happen in utopian societies. Not in America. Not in 2025.

According to Nicholas Fata, a graduate student at Princeton University, the poster boy of meritocracy—the American Dream—is actually exclusive. The world we live in has restricted the possibility of prosperity due to various barriers, from economic limitations to social inequalities. And while the American Dream may mean something different to everyone, the role of merit in achieving one’s goals is often far smaller than we like to believe.

So can a true meritocracy ever exist?

Maybe questions like these—mine and yours—can’t be answered with a single explanation that quenches all thirst for reason. But acknowledging the random advantages and inequalities of life can strengthen our understanding of today’s society.

Sometimes dreams are just dreams. But looking toward the future without limits in mind?


That’s better than any American Dream.

This Is Not a Genocide Olympics: A Ukrainian’s Call for Global Solidarity

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By Kate S.

As a Ukrainian, scrolling on social media and seeing users debate the war in my home country has been a pain and a struggle. The eyes of the world are on two most important conflicts, leading to a mass of disagreements between the countries: Should Ukraine or Palestine get more attention?

The history and reason behind the current events in Palestine and Ukraine are different, but one thing is certain: Both sides deserve support in equal measure, and bringing attention to a specific issue does not require eliminating the other.

Ukrainians and Palestinians suffer from constant attacks, the inability to get food, water, and medicine, people sleeping under bombs, not knowing when the opponent is going to strike. Lost hopes, lost lives that will be forever remembered, and children whose future has been violently taken. The pictures of destroyed cities make it hard to distinguish whether it’s the remains of Ukrainian land or completely ruined Palestinian homes where life was once thriving.

Seeing the pictures of destroyed Gaza and Mariupol, starving kids in Palestine, and bombed hospitals in Ukraine seems like a nightmare that you can’t wake up from. But what do people say lying in the warm beds with food on the table? “Ukraine gets too much attention,” or “the Palestinian issue is not that important.” Arguing who deserves more support and bringing race into comparisons divides the world instead of focusing on how to help civilians suffering in both countries. A TikTok influencer and reporter from Ukraine said, “This is not a genocide Olympics.” This is an issue that we let thrive in the middle of Europe and the Middle East after experiencing the most horrific wars and conflicts in the past. 


While governments stay neutral and justify the war crimes in Gaza, people from the active war zones understand the struggle and support each other. More than 300 Ukrainian activists, artists, and scholars submitted an open letter to support their solidarity with Palestinians, stating that civilians understand the pain while witnessing Israel targeting infrastructure and people in Gaza. If people who are suffering can stand for and support each other in the most difficult and horrific times, why can’t we?

Silence about 3.5 million deaths

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By Arsen S.

“This was the first genocide that was methodically planned out and perpetrated by depriving the very people who were producers of food of their nourishment,” said Andrea Graziosi, a professor at the University of Naplesi. He was talking about the Holodomor, which is one of the largest genocides in the world, yet most people have never heard of it.

From 1932 to 1933, the Soviet Union engineered a famine in Ukraine, killing about 3.9 million people. It was not a natural disaster. It was an act of brutality by a government trying to crush resistance to collectivization, the consolidation of land and labor into state-owned farms. Joseph Stalin’s regime imposed incredibly high grain quotas, confiscated food from homes, and prevented people from fleeing famine-stricken areas. He starved Ukrainians until they submitted.

As a Ukrainian immigrant, I feel deeply about the silence surrounding the Holodomor. It is not just a part of history—it is a part of my family. Seven of my great-grandmother’s children died in the genocide. I have heard stories from my grandmother many times about how they demolished the floor of the house, dug up the gardens, and even patted them down in search of a few grains. My family doesn’t throw away food, because we remember how our relatives once lacked it. 

In New York State, students are not required to study the Holodomor, unlike the Holocaust; in my school, we also study the Rwandan genocide. The Holocaust took the lives of six million Jews over four years. It’s the largest genocide in history, and it’s important that we learn about it to understand what genocide means. But it’s also essential that we study other genocides, like the Holodomor.

The genocide in Ukraine has been officially recognized by 34 countries, including the United States. So why isn’t it required in our curriculum? One reason is that the Soviet Union covered up the truth for decades. The world looked away—perhaps because the victims were just “peasants,” or perhaps because other countries continued to buy cheap Soviet grain selected from Ukraine. Today, as Russia commits yet another genocide against Ukrainians, we no longer have an excuse to ignore it. This shows a lasting problem: Nearly 100 years ago, Russia tried to destroy ethnic Ukrainians, and now, ninety years later, they’re doing it again. They did not change their stance; maybe they will not stop after this. 

Some may argue that comparing tragedies is unfair. But recognizing one genocide does not mean forgetting another. In fact, studying the Holodomor helps us understand how governments can destroy populations not only with weapons, but by controlling food, borders, and the truth itself — and how easy it is to do under a communist regime. 

If we only teach about well-known tragedies, we leave room for others to be forgotten or repeated. Silence around the Holodomor is not just an oversight. It is a danger.

References:

https://cla.umn.edu/chgs/holocaust-genocide-education/resource-guides/holodomor 

https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/sscore2.pdf

Autism is Here to Stay

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By David R.

Never has there been such a great volume of speculation concerning a largely settled matter of science. The causes of autism — as numerous or few as they may be — present an issue subject to a myriad of bizarre conjectures, ranging from claims of vaccines afflicting children with the disorder to assertions that the condition is caused by the consumption of processed foods. Regardless of these spurious notions, it is the current scientific consensus that autism is a primarily hereditary condition. As contemporary efforts to cure or prevent autism serve only to further stigmatize the disorder, it has become clear: This quixotic inquiry must end.

For those unaware, autism spectrum disorder is a congenital neurological condition that adversely impacts socialization and communication in those who suffer from it. As autism often results in social dysfunction and developmental delays, a great deal of stigma surrounds the condition. Consequently, many individuals and organizations aim to prevent the development of the disease. One such group is antivaxxers, or those who are opposed to the vaccination of children.

Many anti-vaccination organizations — including The Autism Community in Action and the Children’s Health Defense — posit that vaccinations cause autism in children. These organizations claim that the chemicals present within vaccines detrimentally affect children’s cognitive development, leading them to develop autism and other neurological disorders. In spite of the severity of these accusations, there is very little evidence supporting the idea that the administration of artificial immunization measures is in any way correlated with the development of autism spectrum disorder. Currently, the global scientific consensus regarding the causal link between vaccines and autism is that, in the words of Dr. Kristin Sohl, “Multiple studies from around the world have found no credible link between autism and vaccines.”

In addition to anti-vaxxers, the “crunchy” community maintains that post-natal environmental factors significantly contribute to the prevalence of autism. These “crunchy” influencers and their followers advocate for natural approaches to parenting, including limiting exposure to processed foods and other artificialities. While the majority of this advocacy is relatively benign — if not a bit pseudoscientific — some of it serves to promulgate the pernicious belief that autism can be caused by the inclusion of processed foods in children’s diets. Just as with anti-vaxxer conspiracy theories, there is little basis for these beliefs, as CEO of Crossriver Therapy Steven Zauderer acknowledges: “Autism is not caused by a single factor or event, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that a specific food… causes autism.”

While many seek to prevent autism, equally as many wish to cure the condition. While there is no known cure to autism spectrum disorder at this time, some believe it is possible to entirely rid those afflicted of the disorder. This, of course, raises the question: Why do we need to cure autism? As autism is a neurological condition, its presence results in fundamental deviations in brain anatomy. Due to this, autism often influences all facets of an autistic individual’s life. Consequently, for many such people, autism is an inextricable component of their being. In placing inordinate focus upon a cure for autism, society demonizes what is an intrinsic aspect of many people’s identity. When people speak of the “burden” placed upon society by autism, or of “exterminating” the condition, they are often perceived not as inimical to autism, but to autistic people themselves.

Discussion of a possible “cure” for autism creates false hope, merely delaying society’s inevitable acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. Similar to the discourse surrounding those suffering from physical disabilities, we must reframe the conversation around autism. As autism cannot be ameliorated, society must focus on accommodation efforts rather than efforts intended to cure autism. When examining the condition’s symptoms, it is clear that autism is not problematic in a vacuum. It is only when neurodivergent individuals interact with neurotypical individuals that conflicts may occur. Indeed, it is rather how society engages with autistic individuals that instigates conflict. Due to this, it is evident that a cure for autism is not so categorically necessary or desirable to prompt further efforts to cure or prevent the disorder.

And to those who propose further efforts to cure autism, I pose the following question: To whom are such measures truly beneficial?

Safe Spaces Make Healthy Disagreement Much Harder

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By Anna G.

When I came to the Princeton Summer Journalism Program, the first thing I heard from counselors was that disagreements and arguments are encouraged, and that this is a “safe space” for arguing. I remember the sweet and reassuring tone with which my counselor said it. But I believe that “safe spaces” for disagreement are not possible in society.

Originally, the concept of “safe space” was created in queer communities to discuss the issues they shared, but in recent years it has spread across college campuses. Some people believe that safe spaces are necessary for people not to feel triggered by sensitive topics, but they also stop people from disagreeing. When someone voices a different opinion and is judged for it, then they feel outcast, like they can’t express their opinion.

“Safe spaces” are about maintaining an easygoing atmosphere among students, where they aren’t challenged. This comfortable bubble can prevent people from learning and adapting to life’s challenges, writes Liz Stillwaggon Swan, a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder: “The fittest in the competition for survival are those that can adapt to face challenges and overcome them.”

A comfortable bubble doesn’t include outsiders’ opinions. When people are presented with a different opinion, they aren’t so likely to consider it. The avoidance of triggering topics makes this even more severe because instead of accepting challenges or respectfully debating the opinion, people will try to avoid and judge those who hold different opinions. 

Some argue that “safe spaces” prevent harm. But think about the feeling of psychological pressure when everybody is looking at you with disagreement and judgment. This proves that even “safe spaces” may feel uncomfortable for sharing opinions. There is not really a “safe space” for arguments, as nobody can regulate people’s thoughts. 

In our society, people rarely accept the fact of their wrongness, and they will judge those who have different opinions. But we can change this. By being less prideful and more accepting of other opinions, we can make our society closer to an ideal world, where understanding people are open to discussion and not judging others for their opinions.

Sordid Secrets: How Museums, Art Institutes, and Private Galleries Condone Highway Robbery Toward Indigenous Communities

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By Maira P.

Theft is a crime, and for good reason. The act of willfully depriving someone of their property, for whatever cause, is immoral and selfish. It is no surprise that the American government has endorsed countless anti-fraud campaigns and doled out hefty punishments in even the most trivial situations related to the devious act, largely to protect potential and existing victims. But these initiatives disproportionately snub one key group: Native Americans.

Since the dawn of colonization in the 15th century, Indigenous populations across the United States have borne the brunt of the government’s foul conduct and brutality. Perhaps most devastating, however, is the irreparable cultural damage dealt to these communities as a result of the blatant burglary of priceless antiques, such as arrowheads, clothing, and, in especially horrifying instances, the bones of Native Americans themselves. 

According to the Associated Press, an estimated 870,000 Native artifacts, including 110,000 human remains, are still held in the custody of various public and private institutions of the United States, ranging from well-funded universities to furtive but no less illicit private collections of invaluable heirlooms taken directly from tribal lands. 

These actions are in direct violation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA), which bans establishments like museums or colleges from keeping tribal relics. In spite of the law, the federal government has done little to actually mitigate these transgressions. 

These injustices not only emphasize the inherent ineffectiveness of such lax and unenforced regulations but also expose the United States’ gross mishandling of indigenous affairs as a whole. As Indigenous leader Charlene Nijmeh, chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone tribe, said to ABC News, “Everyone in Indian Country knows that the federal [repatriation] process is broken, it’s corrupt and needs to be revised.” 

Without proper action taken to ensure the protection and redistribution of these heirlooms to their rightful place, Native Americans will continue to suffer as more and more of their culture is erased. Their history has been stolen. It’s time to give it back.

Trump: Serial Killer of the ‘American Dream’ 

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How Trump’s policies are destroying the American Dream of higher education

By Mai E.L

Americans love rags-to-riches stories. We root for underdog characters who climb the socioeconomic ladder and chase the American Dream in some of our most beloved books and movies. Now, that dream is being slashed by President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill in one fell swoop, as policies lower the lifetime cap for graduate student loans, making it much more difficult to earn an advanced degree. 

From 1995 to 2017, graduate school debt increased tenfold, climbing to $94,141 on average among federal borrowers, according to the Education Data Initiative. That number is much higher for PhDs and degrees from private universities. Under Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, the lifetime cap for non-professional graduate loans is $100,000. About one in five master’s students borrow above that proposed limit, according to Preston Cooper at the American Enterprise Institute.

Although the prerequisites to be eligible for graduate education have shifted, one requirement remains: money. The cost of education has inflated in recent years, but resources for low-income students have also increased. Graduate students can currently borrow up to the cost of their graduate program. By July 2026, that won’t be the case. President Trump’s recent legislative actions have compromised the accessibility of higher education for working-class learners, effectively keeping the poor poor.

The BBB was signed on the 249th birthday of the United States, a nation originally built on hard work and education. While the stated goal of this policy is to push colleges to match their tuition to the lowered loan cap, the true consequence will be that students who rely on loans to pay tuition will be left behind.

Trump, a man known for opening up his playground of politics to the rich, is now pursuing policies that will trap Americans in a generational cycle of poverty. Without intervention, we can rest assured that the American dream will soon be dead. 

Your Favorite Fruit Could Be The Cause of Unpaid Labour

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By Leslie S.

If you look at your strawberries, what do you see? At first glance, you see delicious fruit — but that fruit is a symbol of the suffering that undocumented workers have to endure. Many wake up every day and face the reality of going to work in the fields under inhumane conditions. Now that President Donald Trump is back in office, these circumstances are highly unlikely to change any time soon. 

As of March 2025, there are a reported 18.6 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, with at least 283,000 working in agriculture, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. Forced to labor in extreme heat, many of them have limited access to amenities like clean bathrooms and clean drinking water. Corporations profit from this exploitation, and consumers get the convenience of purchasing strawberries for the low price of $3.80 per pound. But the hidden cost of affordable fruit is the suffering of the undocumented workers who produce it. 

Only 32 percent of crop farmworkers are U.S.-born, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Americans don’t want to do this essential work, but someone has to. You may ask yourself: Why does anyone put up with these working conditions? For undocumented immigrants, speaking up could cost them a job that they can’t afford to lose. Out of fear, they stay silent.

Next time you go to the grocery store, consider how the food ended up on the shelves. Instead of choosing the cheapest option, try to purchase the ethical option. Was it made sustainably? Were the workers treated humanely and paid a fair wage? Consumers have a responsibility to know what their money is supporting. For us, the difference is just a few dollars or cents. For undocumented workers, the stakes are much higher.

The Blueprint

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By SeMya H.

Today’s trends are reused, repurposed—and most importantly, appropriated. Whether it’s “slay,” “tea,” or “period,” current slang is almost always credited to chronically online Gen Zers. The origin of these terms is lost in the assumption that they’re generational rather than cultural—but that simply isn’t true.

Black people have a dialect that directly reflects our background. These words and phrases are being stolen daily. So what happens when our language gets colonized?

The language formed in Black communities has had a significant impact on the way the world speaks. Phrases we grew up with and used within our circles are now seen as mainstream.

Black identity has been turned into a marketplace—something for everyone to shop from freely. But when the African-American community leans into our culture, it’s perceived differently than when others dip into it. The way we present ourselves has long been associated with derogatory terms like “thuggish”—until non-Black people conveniently discover the style.

Appropriation isn’t the only problem. The sting of blatant theft is only made worse by poor imitation. When African-American culture is repackaged, the result is a watered-down version: edges rebranded as “sticky bangs,” bonnets renamed “sleeping caps.”

One group particularly affected is Black women. Their contributions have always been overlooked and underappreciated. From long acrylic nails to statement hoop earrings, Black women have influenced fashion and style for generations. The constant disregard for these women—and the fact that they are responsible for the popularization of styles still worn today—has created a stigma around self-expression in our community.

Nareasha Willis, founder of the former brand Black Vogue, said it best:
“Ghetto until proven fashionable.”

This quote captures both the criticism inflicted on the Black community and the shift that happens once our style is misappropriated.

While we may not be able to reclaim every “jacked” style, we can give credit to the originators.

There are Black creators and businesses across the globe who represent and celebrate Black culture with integrity. There are also influencers whose unique creations deserve the same support their white counterparts receive.

The biggest trend today?
Still not recognizing Black contributions.