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One day into the World Cup, many different political issues surfaced, causing major upsets among fans and teams. The World Cup started on Nov. 21, 2022, and had 32 participating countries. Current political issues around the world have surfaced because of the host Qatar. Some speculate Qatar's policies on cultural values have affected these political issues. Because of their different cultural values, Qatar did not express all of the limitations ahead of time. The first controversy arose when FIFA banned the LGBTQ+ OneLove armband. The organization warned the teams from England, Wales, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark that their captains would receive yellow cards if the arm bands were worn. Qatar bans same-sex marriages, making the topic sensitive for the World Cup. According to the World Cup's equipment regulations team, each team captain must wear a FIFA-provided armband. FIFA also banned alcohol at the stadium due to Qatar's religious cultural standards. Despite the controversies, fans continue to eagerly watch each game. On Nov. 20, 2022, Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0. This left many fans disappointed, leading to empty seats in the stadium. Qatar lost both of their games and will not be continuing further into the cup as the host country. One major upset of the World Cup includes the U.S.' loss to the Netherlands in the 16th round, ending the U.S. advancement. Saudi Arabia also had a surprise win over Argentina. Similarly, Japan had a surprising win over Germany. Famous soccer players Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were in the news recently for their Louis Vuitton campaign playing chess on a Vuitton suitcase. The campaign has already broken records and brought more attention to the World Cup. The two famous soccer players will be facing each other as Ronaldo plays for Portugal and Messi for Argentina if both advance to the semi finals. Neymar, Brazil’s most popular player, surfaced with an injury that may take him out for the rest of the World Cup. Brazil’s very own Richarlison, however, scored an impressive goal during their game against Serbia with a scissor kick. It was the highlight goal of the World Cup thus far into the tournament. The World Cup finished on Dec. 18, 2022, with Argentina as the winner of the final match. Video by: Matias Valenzuela Story by: Kileigh Gagnon

Cheap travel, and even travel hacking, has become more popular in recent years. While so many people tend to think of travel as a more expensive hobby and something that requires spending savings, it is possible to do so without breaking the bank. Guinness World Record holder Alvaro Rojas is an example. Rojas spent the last 10-15 years traveling around the world, and has become the first Spaniard to visit every single country. Rojas has done a multitude of trips in a profit format, making money while seeing every country. He has also used his social media platform as a means to create a living for himself and his family of four. “One of the biggest pieces of advice I have to travel for cheap, is to constantly scour the [inter]net for deals. Oftentimes, hotels are offering promotions and various sales in order to bring in the tourism,” Alvaro said. There are multitudes of ways to “travel cheaply.” Besides looking at sites such as Expedia and other price comparing platforms, one of the biggest tips is to check online lists. Companies such as The New York Times and National Geographic consistently post “Travel Where-To’s” every year. The employees of these sites will personally visit locations in an effort to craft an article that showcases the best places to travel. There are certain countries that are very interested in the business of travelers, such as Lebanon. While visiting the country for the first time, Rojas collaborated with five separate hotels throughout his stay. He pitched his idea of showcasing their hotel, got a free stay and made it work for both parties. “When I traveled to Southeast Asia with my wife Laura, I found that there were so many things I wanted to do, yet I was afraid to continue with them because I was afraid of blowing all my money,” Rojas said. “From the two constraints (time and money), time is the most precious. The little money I saved as a student is worthless now compared to the wasteful idle summer days I was home.” When it comes to traveling around the world and visiting unknown foreign destinations, a great tip is to form connections. In the age of social media, relationships can be made with others in a matter of minutes. Connections can also help travelers find cheaper places to stay, explore more inexpensive local restaurants and more importantly, establish life-long relationships with individuals from across the world. “You can’t buy life. I truly believed in being frugal to have more time to live life according to our passions. You may love your work, and that’s great, but if you’re frugal, you’ll always have the freedom to choose your life’s purpose,” Rojas said. By Jordan Wolfe

Local small business, PINK Jasmine, sells quality CBD products that are curated to relieve pain, calm anxiety and alleviate mood swings. Although geared mainly for women, anyone can experience the benefits of their goods. Jasmine Vaughan is one of the co-owners of the company shared with her father. She began working on the concept when she was 16-years-old during her summer break in Colorado. “I just wanted to help women find natural solutions to everyday problems,” Vaughan said. When designing the products, Vaughan had the intention of helping women who face monthly period pain find a natural relief from cramps and mood swings. Certain ingredients in the gummies and creams communicate with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which send anti-inflammatory signals to the brain. In the future, Vaughan is planning on curating gummies to boost energy and aid in over-all sleep by incorporating various effective herbs. According to the Congressional Research Service, the Farm Bill is an “omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs.” This includes minimal regulation of CBD and Hemp. This bill allows for hemp to be cultivated broadly without restriction when crossing state lines, sales of product, and possession. Vaughan explained how hemp was a big inspiration for the concept of all-natural and organic. Especially in 2018, when research on hemp came to a ‘boom’. “Many people are concerned with the use of CBD because it is still relatively new and not well researched,” Vaughan expressed. Vaughan is aware of the controversial opinions of hemp and CBD products. Her products are guaranteed THC free, non-psychoactive and safe for all ages. PINK Jasmine’s goods go through True Spectrum technology to ensure the product is THC free with high concentrations of CBD. Then, the products are further tested through a third-party lab, which detects any bacteria and metals. After years of testing and receiving positive reviews, it has been concluded that PINK Jasmine’s products have made positive impacts on their recurring customers. PINK Jasmine's goods can be bought off the website, and can be shipped to anywhere in the U.S. PINK Jasmine’s goods range from $30 to $70, depending on the form and amount the consumer wants to purchase. “New Year, new levels of joy and freedom,” Vaughan said. By Veronica Vaughan

Farm life in the Sweet family is just that – sweet. In Lakeview, Michigan, a small town outside of Grand Rapids, 640 acres of farmland has been a part of the Sweet family's lives for more than 100 years. When Elverne Johnson purchased the acreage in 1906, he had no idea this would shape their family for generations to come. The farm land has been passed down through four generations, and soon a fifth will come into play when Johnson’s six great-great-grandchildren grow up. Deanna and Don Sweet are the second generation owners of the farm, and their livelihoods are spent ensuring that the land they have rented out to farmers is being put to good use. The Sweets are hardworking, passionate and the typical “All-American” family, making sure that their children learn the benefits of farm life. By growing their own food and raising cattle, they know where their food is coming from. Deanna Sweet takes great pride in their family’s way of life. “We love living on the farm. We don’t have to worry about what people have to say or following rules. We would never choose a different way of life. This is where we were meant to be and we love the family farm,” Deanna Sweet said. Dennis Sweet, son of Don and Deanna, also owns his own section of the land. Him and his wife Dawn, alongside their son Donavon, all work to produce various crops that have a large impact on feeding the nation. “We’re formally a dairy operation, but we also do potatoes, soybeans, corn, horse hay for the cows,” Dennis Sweet said. “Farming life is the best life. You've got wide open spaces, you learn to work hard, you appreciate how we get our food. In my opinion, it’s the best place you can raise a child.” Farm life does come with hardships as less people are staying in the community. The government’s overarching hand has caused worry amongst farmers. Threats to the farming community such as government regulation and taxes have become more prevalent now than ever before. “A lot of money is required and the payback just isn’t there. What probably deters a lot of people from wanting to be a farmer is just the cost of doing business. It can be done, but government regulations are probably their biggest threat,” Dennis Sweet said. Six-year-old London Replogle is one of Deanna and Don’s great-grandchildren. She loves growing up with the freedom to play and learn all about the farming operations. Her favorite part is getting to go out and see the various cattle the family owns. Zachary Bartell, uncle to London, is also very involved in the farm. At 26-years-old, he has decided to stay involved with farming as a hobby. “I really enjoy what we do because you know where your food is coming from. For us, we hand raise and freeze everything. That’s kind of a big benefit for us economics wise,” Bartell said. Farm life in Michigan’s Sweet family centennial farm will continue to play a major role as the children grow up and one day add on more generations. “It will be up to the kids if they want to keep farming or rent it out, but the farm will always stay in the family,” Deanna Sweet said. By Jordan Wolfe

This year, a record amount of college students reported they experienced extreme academic stress. According to research from The American Addiction Center, a healthcare company, the total number of college students struggling with high-stress levels this year has risen to nearly 88%. Last school year, 60% of students reported high-stress levels. “I’m not surprised the number has gone up. People seem to forget what we’ve gone through, getting used to school again after COVID-19,” said Yanel Quinteros, a Palm Beach Atlantic University freshman. In 2017, this number was 45%, and steadily rose each following year. According to the National Library of Medicine, the pandemic increased the stress levels of 71% of students. The 2021 National College Health Assessment estimated almost three-quarters of all students have above-average stress levels. The American Addiction Center published the results of a survey of 980 people who had graduated in the past five years. According to the survey, 83.3% of students consider financial problems to be a significant contributor to stress. Economic stress leads 38% of students to drop out of school. The average debt was $37,000 per surveyed student. “The price [of tuition] distracts me from my studies,” Quinteros said. Quinteros worries about how institutions raising tuition prices may prevent her from continuing her education. The American Addiction Center results stated that students studying in both education and medical fields reported the most stress. The results of the study suggest that the primary concerns of these students are finding work outside of school, and competition among their peers. Despite increasing applicants for graduate school, several medical schools are decreasing their acceptance rates. Trinity Brewer, a nursing major at PBA, said she was surprised education was tied with medical majors as the most stressful. “It’s [a nursing major] is very demanding…I feel like I would be less stressed if I were majoring in education,” Brewer said. The study suggested another reason for the spike in stress levels is upcoming exams. Exams were reported by 89.2% to be a stressful factor in their lives. “Exams have been my main concern this semester because I have to keep up my GPA,” Brewer said. However, not all students are stressed about final exams. Bethany Wolek, a PBA freshman, said she has been trying to be in the moment and take the semester one week at a time. “I haven’t mentally focused on that [exams] yet, because I’m just taking things day by day,” Wolek said. The American Stress Institution states that stress can significantly affect mental and physical health. According to their research, students may experience frequent headaches, lack of sleep, social withdrawal and neglect of their physical well-being. Angela Garcia, a former dual enrollment student at Mid-America Christian University, said she felt overwhelmed by the end of her first semester. Garcia had a difficult time balancing her 15 college credits and five high school courses. “I was always in school and never had time for a break,” Garcia said. By November, Garcia’s stress had caused several health problems, including a stomach ulcer. Garcia dropped out of her college classes and took a three-month break from high school to recuperate fully. “Spending all your time and energy in class makes your body crash and burn,” Garcia said. Garcia was unsurprised by the increase in college students’ stress levels. “They stress because it’s the most work they’ve ever done and the tuition bills are the highest they have ever been,” Garcia said. By Sarah Gale

Many college students struggle to pay for school while balancing their expenses. Most rely on some form of financial aid to successfully attend and pursue college. Even with financial aid, students still face significant stress when figuring out how to pay for school, housing, food, bills and other personal necessities. Inflation has only increased these financial pressures. While the high price of living conflicts with the cost of college education, students can not be expected to succeed academically if they are not fully prepared to pay for college. Erin Schaffer, director of the financial aid office at Palm Beach Atlantic University, understands the financial concerns of students all too well. “When a student is not as prepared, the finances will always, because finances are so rudimentary in their ability to stay in classes and on campus, cause an extreme amount of stress or lack of focus in their education,” Schaffer said. Financial stress is a leading cause of academic failure. If a student cannot confidently afford an education, they may lack the confidence to excel in or complete their degree. “PBA has provided a lot of good financial aid and I work in federal work-study, however, I’ve had to consider shortening my degree plan in the past due to financial reasons. The spring semester is always harder to pay for because I work over the summer to pay off the fall semester,” one PBA student said. Students across the country are dealing with financial stress. Many are having to make difficult decisions around the ability to stay in school, which may include whether or not they can stay in school. Several college students are not prepared to pay for college by the time they graduate high school. “We have a lot of students and parents that don’t know that they’ve taken out loans, they don’t how to find their lender, they don’t know how to get in contact with their lender, so that’s a huge obstacle,” Schaffer said. Many students feel overwhelmed due to a lack of financial literacy. “Some students are also afraid or embarrassed to come to the financial aid office to ask for help or advice when it comes to figuring out how to pay for college or managing their finances regarding their education,” Schaffer said. According to a PBA student, since there are many fine details included in understanding educational finances, it is hard to comprehend them all at once. Luckily, there are financial aid experts whose job is to help better prepare college students and their guardians to pay for college. Many of them work on college campuses to help assist students with their questions. Offering education to help students better understand financial literacy is a top priority amongst many colleges and institutions. “We are working on offering better educational tools for understanding financial literacy. That’s something I hope to see accomplished in my time here as the director,” Schaffer said. Financial aid can easily become confusing, especially for recent high school graduates. However, there are many professionals and resources that can help students refine their financial aid plans. College financials are unique to each and every student and it is the office’s job to help each individual determine the best plan of action. “Financial aid is so particular to each student,” Schaffer said. Dealing with financial pressure can be highly distracting, isolating and confusing for a student to try to handle on their own. Fortunately, college students are not alone in this struggle and have many resources to help them. Some of these resources include: reaching out to a financial counselor, creating an account on studentaid.gov, contacting their major’s department about individual scholarship opportunities, applying for outside scholarships, and filling out the FAFSA application every year. By Grace Sigler

The effects of Hurricane Ian left a young, soon-to-be married couple without a home and a wedding venue nearly a week before their wedding date. Katie Forlow and Andrew Hagarty have been planning their wedding since March. On Sept. 28, the unexpected damage of Hurricane Ian hit their hometown of Arcadia, Florida, and completely submerged their self-built home, destroyed Forlow’s animal sheds, displaced their livestock and flooded their wedding venue. Originally, the wedding invite extended to more than 200 people and was set to take place at a ranch right across Forlows’s family owned 25-acre farm. The venue featured various farm animals and green pastures. The farm, as well as the ranch, is now lying beneath 15 feet of water. The impacts of the hurricane are still in effect over a week later. As the death toll continues to rise, helicopters monitor the sky and the couple is still unsure about the livelihood of their neighbors. Hagarty spent many months leading up to their wedding building a tiny-house for the two to move into after the wedding. He nearly finished the project before Hurricane Ian did its worst. However, regardless of the original plans being changed, the young couple was determined to pursue their long-awaited wedding. Both families and friends of Forlow and Hagarty have been working together over the past week to re-create their farm-style wedding. “Everyone is making it into such a beautiful wedding,” Forlow expressed. Mercy Chefs is a faith-based, non-profit organization that provides meals for those affected by Hurricane Ian, as well as other disasters. The bakery worked hard in helping the couple's dream wedding cake become a reality. The family spent time finding an alternative ranch-style wedding venue, which has all of the similar attributes the couple hoped for. Emily Mathewson is one of Forlow’s friends who specializes in wedding photography and is planning on photographing their wedding this coming weekend. “We just wanted to get married and we're grateful,” Hagarty explained. Friends and family members have been continuously reaching out to Forlow and Hagarty, offering their homes for shelter and recommending various locations for their honeymoon. “We serve a God that provides for us,” Hagarty said. The couple expressed how grateful they are for the little things such as the support of their family and friends. “Material things are less important,” Forlow expressed. Uncertain of the damage left from the hurricane when evacuating their homes in Arcadia, they packed very few belongings and lost most of their things. They organized a GoFundMe page to try and raise funds to find somewhere to live after their wedding. The link to their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-andrew-and-katie-rebuild?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet By Veronica Vaughan

Communities are a part of life. People gather all over the world to share interests and hobbies, and in Palm Beach, Florida, one specific group shares their passion for cars. Cars and Coffee Palm Beach welcomes around 1,000 vehicles and thousands of spectators each month. The event encourages all makes and models to attend, from exotic cars to American classics, and includes something for everyone. “Everyone has their cliques -- like the type of automotive manufacturer -- they'll be together,” John Zeilinga, the founder of Cars and Coffee, said. Zeilinga pointed out that new clubs can be intimidating. But, he explained the dynamics of his event are what make Cars and Coffee Palm Beach unique. “Here, everyone kind of co-mingles. It brings all the cliques together into one,” Zeilinga said. This South Florida car event attracts friends and families from all over and offers a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. The year-round event continues to attract the niche car community time and time again. “I’d say probably 90% of the people that come here are repeats. You get the ten-percenters who come in here and they just bring random, weird wild stuff, so you never know what you're going to see,” Zeilinga said. There is also a large social element within the event, which Zeilinga pointed out. “I know people that have made friends here. I've known people that have met here and have actually had relationships and gotten married because of coming here, it's kind of cool,” Zeilinga said. James Petruzella said that he has been coming to the event for years, and following the show as they have moved from their previous location. Petruzella is the driver of a Japanese-imported 1994 Subaru Legacy RS. Petruzella also said that the variety of cars in the show is a part of what makes this event appealing to him. Jim, the owner of a 2022 Dodge Challenger 392, attended the event for his first time. “I really like it,” Jim said. “The turnout is unbelievable. It's one of the biggest shows.” The event seemed to have a positive effect on attendees. In many special interest clubs, it can be difficult to join as a newcomer, but not in this case. Access to the community was readily available to anyone who hoped to get involved. The open attitude of eventgoers made it easy to feel comfortable as a first-time attendee. Young enthusiasts conversed with veteran car enthusiasts, and the discussions were always accepted and welcomed by both parties. It was not uncommon to see an owner of a car that you would be afraid to touch let a young enthusiast sit in the driver’s seat. At Cars and Coffee Palm Beach, the people and their cars are a representation of how individuality and self-expression are at the core of the event. All sorts of unique automobiles are represented, and their drivers take pride in their vehicles and their stories. This makes each car more than just a way to get around, and the stories that each vehicle has inspired demonstrate a true sense. By Cooper Ray

Hurricane Ian left many Floridians in shock and disbelief. Many had to seek temporary housing relocation, food bank services and disaster relief group assistance. Counties were mandated to evacuate as the storm quickly increased in severity. Several Floridians are now describing Hurricane Ian as a historical natural disaster due to the number of lives it claimed and its overall damage. Orlando is just one of the cities that Hurricane Ian impacted the most. Trees were knocked down, power outages occurred and many homes were ruined. Rebekah Cunningham, a student at the University of Central Florida, witnessed several instances of damage within her community. “Many of our neighbors' homes were flooded because they live near a lake that overflowed because of the storm,” Cunningham said. Life for residents in Orlando was put on hold while efforts were made by the city to help clear roadways and restore power. School and work came to a halt and multiple events and trips were either postponed or canceled. While many residents remained unharmed and faced little impact from Hurricane Ian, others lost everything and were put in unimaginable circumstances. Isabella Eloian, another student at UCF, knows families who live only 10 minutes away from her who have faced an entirely different reality. “I know many people who lost power and are still gaining it back from the storm last week,” Eloian said. Natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian reinforce the importance of hurricane safety for families across Florida and other states that are at high risk. While natural disasters can be unpredictable, it is important to prepare as much as possible before they take place. “We cleaned the yard and brought everything that wasn’t already tied down in our garage and everyone else in our community was boarding their windows,” Cunningham said. Being aware of government mandates and safety advice is imperative for storm preparedness. Hurricane Ian has changed many people’s view of hurricanes and the devastation that they can cause. “I think seeing what had happened to Sanibel Island emphasized the importance of evacuating when your area must do so. My family was extremely lucky to have very little damage and impact from the storm,” Eloian said. Community support is needed more than ever for many families living in Florida. Donating to local charities, volunteering at disaster relief non-for-profits, giving to local food banks and helping clean up areas that Hurricane Ian destroyed are all ways to help families get back on their feet and encourage those whose lives have permanently changed due to the storm. By Grace Sigler

Holiday activities are bringing family and friend groups together in downtown West Palm Beach. For the eleventh year in a row, the world's largest sand tree, Sandi Tree, lights up Clematis Street. The Christmas sand tree gathers the most people of all the activities. The Sandi Tree is located in Centennial Park across from the waterfront for everyone who wants to come and take a look at it. “Sandi is the world's only 35-ft, 700-ton holiday sand tree, so she is definitely a ‘must-see’ for people who are visiting South Florida during the holidays,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager of the city of West Palm Beach. Sandi has been featured in numerous publications for its uniqueness. Last year, USA Today awarded Sandi with a spot on their 10Best list. “Sandi was named the best holiday public light display by USA Today in 2021,” said Kristl Story, owner of West Palm Beach Food Tours. The lighting of the tree on Dec. 1 is the start of the month-long celebration called “Holiday in Paradise.” Pinak said that it is a unique holiday event because it includes the world's largest sand tree and other activities for all ages. “Our events are an opportunity for people of all ages to relax on our beautiful waterfront. It is a great venue to bring the community together,“ Pinak said. Holiday in Paradise includes performances, movies, concerts and a Ferris wheel, which makes its first appearance this year. The Ferris wheel is located by the Sandi Tree, and music and light shows are going to be held every night, along with dancing fountains. The Ferris wheel will give the visitors a new view of the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach, said Pinak. Along with the light and music shows, she said that it is going to be a memorable ride and a spectacular view from the sky. This year, Pinak said that they are also bringing back a holiday-themed Screen on the Green, Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast and Sunday on the Waterfront, featuring the Aloha Islanders. Pinak also said that almost all of the activities are free and that many of the events can be enjoyed by college students. She said that the Ferris wheel offers good visuals and a unique location to take holiday pictures and selfies, along with getting a new view of Sandi. “College students should go to the Sandi Tree for sure. Get a scoop of ice cream at Sloan's, watch the light show and you will be feeling festive,” Story said. To learn more about events in West Palm Beach during December, go to (https://www.thepalmbeaches.com/top-event/holiday-paradise). By Hedda Jarhall

Just as people began to breathe a sigh of relief, hoping that this year’s hurricane season would be a quiet one, Hurricane Ian caused people to hold their breath once again. Bottled water flew off the shelves of grocery stores, while people quickly put up shutters and boards around their homes and considered purchasing generators. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that this year would be above-normal, producing 14-20 named storms with 3-5 becoming Category 3, 4 or 5, which are considered as “major” hurricanes. The peak of hurricane season is generally between September and October. On Sept. 11th, the NOAA had only named five storms. Matthew Rosencrans, NOAA’s lead for the Seasonal Hurricane Outlook, said that there are a multitude of reasons for the inactivity that was seen for the first half of the season. “It’s really looking like the dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere is the culprit. Take Fiona, for example. It was over warm enough sea surface temperatures, but it was really not able to grow because it continued to take in dry air,” Rosencrans said. Conditions for a hurricane have been a mixed bag this season, with conditions that strengthen storms including weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, active West-African monsoons and higher than average Atlantic sea surface temperatures. However, dust in the atmosphere and upper level atmospheric winds help prevent storms from organizing into hurricanes. Because of the favorable conditions, Ian was able to form. Forecasts show Hurricane Ian upgrading from its current status as a Category 2 storm to a Category 4 before making landfall. Hurricane Ian is set to make landfall in Florida midweek. Many cities on the gulf side of the state have begun evacuations in low-lying areas. Additionally, universities along the gulf coast and in central Florida closed for the week. Despite West Palm Beach not being in the direct path of the storm, other areas of Palm Beach County have closed schools, allowing residents to prepare for possible flooding and tornadoes that may result from the outer bands of the storm. “People in South Florida right now should be putting together a hurricane supply kit together and keeping an eye on the Florida State emergency management website,” Rosencrans said. Rosencrans said that some of the most disastrous Category 4 and 5 hurricanes were classified as tropical storms 48 hours prior to making landfall. Along with having a hurricane supply kit, Rosencrans and Jasmine Blackwell encourage people to make plans with their family members in the event that a storm does go from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in the span of hours. Ian began as a tropical depression and quickly gained power as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean, going from a tropical depression to a Category 3 hurricane in a day. “Forty-eight hours is not enough time to get a plan together,” Rosencrans said as “What would you do, where would you meet, how would you communicate and how would you get out of town? Even those five minutes of thinking can help you a lot later.” NOAA has not dismissed the rest of this year’s season as inactive, with Blackwell, NOAA’s public affairs specialist, reiterating Rosencrans’ stress on preparation. “We don’t know exactly how the rest of the season will pan out, so we encourage everyone to remain vigilant,” Blackwell said. Once the season ends, the NOAA team will run simulations with factors that were observed during the season and compare those observations with models in order to strengthen predictions for the coming years. By Madison Bakatsias

A Ukrainian-American family sat in their home and listened as Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, declared a “special military operation,” which left them physically ill for almost two months and in fear for their relatives back home in Kyiv. “We are not against Russia; at this moment we are understanding the conflict is not between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict is between somebody who hates people and who puts them against each other,” Vladimir, the father, said. Originally from Kyiv, their family moved to the U.S. in 2020. Now, they speak to the crisis of the Russia-Ukraine War as it affects their family from afar. Despite being on the other side of the world, they faced the reality that their extended family and friends are still in Ukraine. In February, Putin announced he would be conducting a “special military operation.” Vladimir explained how he and his youngest daughter were so devastated by this announcement that they felt physically ill for over a month. Many Ukrainians shared a similar reaction; despite knowing that it was inevitable that Putin would attack Ukraine, there was no amount of preparation for Ukrainians fearing the long-anticipated war the family explained. The family sat in shock while watching the news on the war that was affecting their friends and family. Vladimir, originally from Crimea, lived in the states before his family immigrated to America in 2020. The family of five traveled around the U.S. over the next two years and landed in Brooklyn, New York. Dasha, Vladimir's daughter, 20, enrolled in school to pursue the newfound opportunities America had to offer. Dasha noted how Ukrainians have a gleaming sense of openness and hospitality, something she missed in her new home. Despite the cultural differences, the family found their place and began their new lives as Americans. The five revisited Ukraine a mere two months before the war began. Around New Year's Day, the family noticed a sense of wandering depression in the streets of Kyiv as the people anxiously awaited the war. The country’s fresh anxiety and fear had created a shift since the last time the family was there. It was no surprise to this family and many Ukrainians alike that Russia was eventually going to attack. During their two months back to their homeland, Tamara, the mother, noted how people were already setting up camp and preparing by the border to escape Ukraine as soon as possible. The same night Putin announced his “special operation,” a text was sent from family back in Ukraine that the bombs had hit near their home and they had to go into hiding in the safest, deepest part of the house. Dasha explained how her friends fled to their old high school and lived for the next two months in the basement with hundreds of others. Devastation arose, but unity transpired. Countries all over the world sent aid and volunteers to Ukraine. Protests and marches filled the yellow and blue decorated streets. This new reality changed the way this family viewed the world. Not only were they in New York City experiencing major political uproar, but they also realized how unusual the world’s reaction to the crisis really was. “It’s important for American people to never fall for a certain side. If you pick a side you’re already on the wrong side,” Vladimir added. They resented the overreaction of the media and how the press’s role in making their people look helpless and weak. Their family members, men and women who remain in Ukraine have joined the Ukrainian army to fight back, including one of Dasha’s friends. Vladimir noted how the media has “softened American minds towards Ukraine.” He thought it was peculiar how there were no on-going major protests and marches when the Syrian or Georgian war broke out. Media attention during those wars were nothing near the attention on this war. The father expressed how the media underestimated just how strong the Ukrainian people are. “Ukrainians are the craziest people ever,” Vladimir explained. Tamara told a story about the time she was in Crimea in 2014 when the first seize happened. She was leaving the city when the car in front of her was stopped by mercenaries and asked everyone to exit the car. The people refused, which ultimately led them to all getting shot. This was the harsh reality people in eastern Europe commonly faced. If not the physical damage, the fear of that happening was tormenting. Many Ukrainians are striving to find a home in all corners of the world. According to The Operational Data Portal, by Sept. 7, more than 7 million Ukrainians had left the country and fled to other European cities. This rapid surge of immigrants has greatly impacted the world. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, it is estimated that around 8 million refugees will have evacuated Ukraine by the end of the year. In October, there will be a new law implemented in which women will be restricted from leaving the country and be required to complete military registration. During the first few months of the war, there was haunting resentment towards Russians coming from all sides. The family explained how they and many others alike stood completely and only for Ukraine. Over time, they came to realize the unjust game that was being played with both Russia and Ukraine. Vladimir explained how they are trying to be optimistic, but not disillusioned by the optimism. He believes Russia put its best foot forward too quickly and is now facing the consequences of it. He also understands the power and control Russia has, not only over neighboring countries, but also within the workings of our world. “A lot of Ukrainians believe in the victory,” Tamara expressed. By Veronica Vaughan