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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.

Love bloomed on the horizon, where the Sky meets the Sea. He’d gaze down at her and admire her strength, watching as his smile filled her with warmth and his tears filled her with sorrow. She’d laugh for hours about their matching outfits – how he’d go out his way to always wear the same colours as her – while he’d spend the evenings making her blush a crimson red: a couple with eternity stretched before them. However, it was night that was the Sea’s favourite, when she’d be blanketed in a canvas of stars, and could finally admire the Sky’s beauty.

Yet, one thing about time is that it’s unpredictable. As the years passed, the Sky watched his beloved fall sick. Her smile became feeble and forced and her movements became slower. The Sea was filled with poison that seeped through her waters; junk and disease slowly killing the life inside of her. The Sky continued to smile down at her, reaching out to shelter her with warmth. However, his touch burnt through her, melting the ice that was supposed to keep her cool and bleaching her corals white. He was helpless, left with nothing but rage- rage that thundered in clouds and blazed through fields. Death gloomed on the horizon.

I’ve already talked a little about global warming where I told you that in order to save our world, we had to reduce the release of greenhouse gases – something I’m sure you’ve already been briefed about in great detail. However, no one ever talks about how difficult it is to actually follow through.

A key way we’ve been told to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to either reduce our car use by using public transport or active travel such as bikes/walking, or to swap to electric cars. Cars are practical modes of transportation, it’s not just as simple as walking or getting the bus everywhere – especially when you have a job that requires a long drive or a work vehicle.

I, for one, use public transportation for one off trips into town. The bus comes to my neighbourhood once every hour, which is very impractical should I miss the one I was planning to catch. The reliability of public transport makes people cautious and uncomfortable using it. In my own experience, my bus has left early or not showed up at all so many times that I physically couldn’t handle the stress of catching it anymore – not to mention that quite often I’m forced into a small space with rambunctious year 8’s who believe they own the world. Instead, I will go out of my way, maybe even wait for hours, just to get a ride home with my parents or siblings.

With public transport out the question for many, the other option was electric cars, which, in their own right, are hugely overpriced and near impossible to maintain without proper funding to do so. If it was really so important to protect the environment, then people should stop worrying about finding ways to line their pockets and instead focus on making eco living affordable.

This is also applicable for organic and environmentally friendly produce. Much of our food has been genetically modified in order to maximise yield and product satisfaction. I’ll talk a bit about GM crops in a later blog, however the reason I’m mentioning it now is that technologically modified and overseas foods tend to be cheaper and therefore more popular in supermarkets. This makes locally sourced produce less popular and more expensive. By buying food that’s supplied from abroad, we unknowingly increase our carbon footprint by buying foods with higher food miles. This means, just a simple decision between organic carrots and Spanish carrots can make a massive impact on the amount of carbon dioxide that you’re responsible for releasing into the environment. If the government is really so stressed about this issue, then why make it so difficult to commit to an eco-lifestyle.

I’ve spent pretty much my entire schooling being told that our world is dying. Many of my peers feel helpless as we’re told it’s up to us, a bunch of teenagers, to reverse the mistakes of all our elders. These are some big shoes to fill. There are people like Greta Thunberg who are taking on this responsibility, yet I’m left questioning the futility of it all when I hear my classmates laugh at her efforts and have no energy to save our dying world. With the current state of the economy, no-one really has the money to work towards an environmentally healthy lifestyle, and I don’t think adults realise just how much this kind of attitude has affected the children of today. Many of us believe it’s too late to do anything– adopting our parents’ attitudes to the situation- and even if it wasn’t, we physically don’t have the power or money to fix things. We’re all told it’s not about stopping global warming, only delaying it. However, what’s the point of delaying the inevitable, especially when there’s only a select few with the means to do so?