Hills Review

Teenagers and their parents have been at odds since there were teenagers and parents. But is that gap in understanding widening? In this segment of Students in the Hall, we asked High School East students to comment on whether or not they think there a disconnect between their generation and their parent’s generation.

In this narrative podcast, Evie Yeh shares her thoughts on drawing. She discusses the relaxing and therapeutic role it plays in her life as well as how her love of the practice interacts with her personal philosophy.

The cultural podcast exchange between members of High School East and our friends at the Thomas Tallis School in London, England continued this spring. Members of the Film Club and our British friends shared ideas on film and how what is seen on screen can influence how people are perceived. To help with the discussion, both groups viewed the same film -- a British film entitled Attack the Block -- and compared thoughts. Here are a few excerpts from our discussion.

In this edition of the Film Club Podcast, the guys talk about Rotten Tomatoes and how the reviews affect a movie; and the movies they feel deserve a higher rating (11:15). Then they briefly talk about why branded movies are expected to do well (7:40), new Batman casting (15:00) and movie trailer deceptions (3:27). They also give a wild review on John Wick 3 (22:04) and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (45:52). And as always, they end with movie recommendations (56:23). Movie Recommendations: Aubrey: Mission Impossible: Fallout Brandon: The Waterboy Matt: Point Break Rj: Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah

PART 5: El Salvador In this segment, Sugeily Alvarez speaks with her mother about what it was like living in a war torn country, coping with horrible loss, and rising above all of her struggles to come to America and create a better life for her children. In the candid discussion that follows, students describe both their reaction to these stories, the tragedy of normalized violence, as well as detail their own experiences living in an environment where violence could erupt at any moment. Our series concludes with heartfelt words that stress the importance of being proud of who you are--and how, if we all share our stories, tomorrow will be better than today.

PART 4: Korea Elizabeth Park speaks with her mother about the trials of moving to America as a teenager. After hearing about how she worked hard to achieve both her academic and professional goals, the group expresses their admiration for her and shares their own stories of struggle. They also provide their thoughts on how children of immigrants are obliged to work hard in order to make their parents proud and to honor the sacrifices that were made.

PART 3: Egypt Political and social situations can sometimes force a family to make the difficult decision to leave their home country for a new life. Here, Clarien Nashed speaks to her father, who trusted his instincts and came to the US to find better opportunities for his family. In the discussion that follows, Clarien and her classmates consider the bravery it takes to uproot and move to a new country and how these moves are a true leap of faith.

PART 2: Thailand In this segment, Gianna Vessey talks to her cousin who, at age eleven, came to the US to a new family, language, and world. She explains the difficulties of fitting into a new culture and how, with the help of friends, she was able to both assimilate and have pride in her heritage. Following the interview, the students discuss family who experienced similar situations, personal experiences with discrimination, and the difficulties of being a part of two cultures and countries.

For a recent narrative project, five High School East seniors were instructed to interview a person with a story worth telling. The five unknowingly chose the same topic: immigration. Students interviewed family members about their experiences moving to the United States and what it was like adjusting to life here. They talked with relatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Egypt, Korea, and El Salvador. After listening to each other’s projects they got together to discuss them. Although they are all very different people who never got together before, they all have this one thing in common. PART 1: Trinidad and Tobago There are many different circumstances in which immigrants come to the US. In this segment, Devin Kassebaum speaks with his grandmother who came to this country in 1974 as a mother of two from Trinidad and Tobago. In the discussion that follows, students share experiences of their own parents coming to this country and struggling with the immigration process. They also consider the laws that impact becoming a citizen and the dreams of immigrants.

In this MCU centered podcast, the crew begin with an “Avengers: Endgame” movie review. In the review they give a non spoiler review (:27) and discuss certain plot points (Spoiler Alert -- 4:37). They also talk about the Marvel Disney+ shows (31:53) and their favorite MCU moment (42:21). Then, they end off with recommending their favorite MCU movies (51:18). Movie Recommendations: Anthony: “Doctor Strange” RJ: “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2” Matt: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” Brandon: “Iron Man” Aubrey: “Thor”