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ePathfinder Staff

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[wow_title text=”Recent Stories”]

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• Forever YoungMarch 20, 2025
  The evolution of Barbie in the world Living in a perfect world, Barbie has grown up and yet ironically stayed forever young throughout the decades. Formally known as Barbara Millicent Roberts, Barbie debuted on March 9, 1959. Created by Mattel Inc. The original Barbie doll was based on the German-built Lilli doll. Far from what is known now, the original Barbie doll wore a black and white strapless swimsuit, sunglasses, earrings, stiletto-heeled shoes, and bold makeup, and she had quite arched eyebrows. Although Mattel was the manufacturer, Barbie’s life came from the heart and mind of Ruth Handler. An inspiring woman who was born on November 4, 1916. Her purpose for Barbie was to inspire young girls to imagine their future beyond motherhood and get rid of the idea that women have certain expectations in society. The name of Barbie was inspired by Ruth’s daughter, Barbara and as Barbie grew, she influenced ideas of women empowerment, beauty standards, and gender roles turning into a cultural icon after starting as just a playing doll for young girls.  Over the decades, Barbie has changed appearances and transformed. As different styles became popular in fashion, Barbie adapted. From the original look of pale white skin and bold makeup to softer looks and outfits that reflected current trends, to now being diverse with multi-cultural Barbie dolls and inspirations. The first multi-cultural Barbie doll was introduced in 1980, but some question why it took so long to promote it. It wasn’t until 2022, that Mattel released its first LGBTQ+ Barbie doll. “Barbie has always portrayed the message of ‘you can be anything you want’ especially towards a girl population,” said DBHS junior Jordan Juste. Starting in the 1960’s, Mattel introduced the friends of Barbie. Starting in 1961 with Ken, her boyfriend, and her first best friend, Midge in 1963. After that, more friends of Barbie were introduced creating a large population to be interested in her as there weren’t only new girl Barbies but also new boy Barbies. But then again, it raised suspicions as to why other cultures weren’t introduced until 1980. As much as Barbie has grown and changed appearances, she has stayed young, being a 19-year-old girl since the start.  “She’s very versatile, and there are different variations of her so she’s not just one thing, she’s implying to others that you can do anything, you’ll just be as good as the next person,” said DBHS junior Jordan Juste. Today, young and older audiences are more inclined to Barbie because of the films. In 2001, the first animated Barbie movie was released introducing a whole new look towards Barbie and her world. Creating not only a toy doll for assumingly young girls, but an entertainment enjoyment for all ages. With the most recent Barbie live-action movie from 2023, the Barbie franchise doesn’t face as many problems as it did decades ago when the world wasn’t the same. Barbie TV shows and series have also made their way into the world, like the iconic ‘Barbie Life In The Dreamhouse’ from 2012. As of 2025, Mattel has yet to release Barbie dolls surrounding the Polynesian and Pacific Islander culture. So even though Barbie has changed a lot, there’s still a lot of room for improvement and even more growth.   Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published March 20, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives 
• The Ban Of TiktokMarch 20, 2025
  A small change that affected many    On the morning of January 19, 2025, TikTok was banned in the U.S., but the ban did not last that long which was about 3 hours long of the ban. The government had concerns about TikTok being owned by a Chinese company (ByteDance). The U.S. Government were worried that they could access the American user’s data and confidential information and spread the information. Because of these concerns, they thought it would be a great idea to ban TikTok so that nobody would have access to American users’ information.  Most people who use TikTok were disappointed in the ban. This made many people protest the decision, arguing that TikTok is just a normal social media app like many other social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Some people even took legal action to fight against the ban. Meanwhile, Influencers and business owners who make money from TikTok lost that place of income, and since TikTok was banned, they were worried that the ban could hurt them financially.  “The TikTok ban was so unnecessary, and the government is dumb for thinking that TikTok is spying on us,” said DBHS Junior Katherine Landero.  It has been rumored for years that Tiktok would get banned, so many thought this was just another false alarm. But the surprise shocked them all when it happened this time.  Those who deleted TikTok off their phones and tried to get it back realized that it was no longer available once deleted. Other people who had TikTok on their phones would go as far as selling their phones for 10k+ dollars and people who were too obsessed with the app would buy it. Some people would change their regions to Canada to get the TikTok app back on their phones. The ban on TikTok, though it was only for a short time greatly impacted the United States.  On February 13, 2025, at 1 PM EST, TikTok was finally back up on the App Store and working again. When Tiktokers heard about this, they were relieved, especially influencers and business owners who relied their money on TikTok. This brought everyone’s hopes up that TikTok is not getting banned for now.   Written by Perla Aguirre | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published March 19, 2025 | ePathfinder | Entertainment 

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[wow_title text=”Content by Janna Margar Pit”]

• The Summer I Turned Pretty 
  Love-triangle of the decade The teen love show, The Summer I Turned Pretty sparked every fan’s heart with a second season. The first season was released only a year ago which makes it even better. Originally being a trilogy book series by author Jenny Han, it is now a TV series giving its fans a fresh look at each character. Actress Lola Tung starred as the main character Isabelle “Belly” Conklin, a sweet teenage girl caught in between a dilemma with Jeremiah Fisher, played by Gavin Casalegno and Conrad Fisher, played by Christopher Briney. These characters make up the love triangle that builds throughout the show, and a group that constantly makes fans shuffle between all three sides. Considered a coming-of-age story, The Summer I Turned Pretty focuses on Belly, who holds a romantic connection between two teenage boys who happen to be brothers. It begins with a longing crush on her childhood best friend Conrad. All she’s known is her fixation on him but during her summer break in Cousins Beach, a series of events makes her question whether she likes Conrad, or his brother, Jeremiah. Without a doubt, this is more complicated than any other love triangle. It plays with the dynamics of love, friendship, family, and morals. The first season was released on June 17, 2022, and the second season was released on July 14, 2023. The book author, Jenny Han also contributed to producing and making an appearance in the show. This helped the director and other producers get a better understanding of what was supposed to happen because they had her insight. Since the newest season came out, many new fans have shown support with its concept. The series does an excellent job portraying the emotions of a teen girl stepping out of her comfort zone and into the experiences of being 16. It gives many other teenage viewers someone to relate with. “It made me so sad, but it was entertaining and that’s why I liked it. When it comes to Belly, I kind of relate to her because it was a little hard for me growing up, from being a kid to as I am now,” said Deerfield Beach High School sophomore Anisah Mohammad. The Summer I Turned Pretty does not just give an entertaining plot and an exciting love triangle but also shows a realistic situation of a summer vacation with family friends. Lately, it was announced on August 3, 2023, that a third season will officially be coming out eventually. Although the exact date is not clear, many fans and DBHS students alike are excited to see where the story is going to take this love triangle. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published September 22, 2023 | ePathfinder | Entertainment 
• Standing in the Spotlight
  The MTV Video Music Awards People were celebrating this year’s VMAs on September 12th, 2023. Many celebrities and artists surprised the masses with their talent and got the recognition they deserved. In 1984, MTV began the VMAs (Video Music Awards) to award and recognize talented individuals and move their rank up in the singing industry. Since then, the VMAs have entertained their audience and have given the winners something to motivate them to keep doing what they are doing. Looking back at older VMA celebrations, things have changed since the first VMAs were held. Iconic artists of each generation perform at the VMAs to give their guests something to look forward to besides the award-giving ceremony. In one of the earlier celebrations, bands like the Smashing Pumpkins, The Rolling Stones, and artists like Snoop Dogg performed and were unforgettable. In this year’s VMAs on September 12th, 2023, artists Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Karol G, and Demi Lovato performed on the stage with many songs and incredible talent. Even the K-pop or Korean Pop groups Stray Kids and TOMORROW X TOGETHER performed. These talented individuals should be proud of the recognition they are granted for being invited to the award show. Few people know the importance of giving awards to those who work hard. VMAs are influential to lots of celebrities and always aim to appreciate artists who deserve it. It is wonderful how the VMA Awards bring celebrities and artists together to celebrate each other’s talent. “It’s good to recognize artists because it appreciates their work and brings them out there more. The fact that it’s so many artists in one place and getting awards for everything makes it special,” said Deerfield Beach High School freshman Brianna Rivera. Although not all that participate in the VMA awards receive an award, the awards are given to the ones that deserve it the most and worked the hardest for it. It is a fan-voted award, so it all depends on an artist’s fan base to push them to the top. In this year’s VMAs, some of the most viral winners were Taylor Swift for all three video, artist, and song of the year. Ice Spice won Best New Artist, Maneskin won Best Rock, and many more artists won awards for their talented work. Not only do the VMAs recognize singers and artists, but also influence their music to give people what they want. The award show has done an incredible job of helping artists continue their careers. Annually, numerous people look forward to watching the VMAs celebrate big and small artists. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit  Published October 6, 2023 | ePathfinder | Entertainment 
• Slam Dunk
  Dribbling into this basketball season Returning to the court for the upcoming basketball season are the Deerfield Beach High Bucks. Starting the season, the girls’ basketball team has their first game on November 13th against the Cypress Bay Lightnings. The boys’ basketball team also has a game on November 13th against Somerset Keys Lions marking the first of a long list of competitions. The players are pumped as they enter this next period, and a lot has changed since the last. Different expectations are rising for this year; the boys’ and girls’ basketball players are preparing to reach them with a slam dunk. “My expectations are for it to be challenging and I hope to come out a district champion,” said DBHS senior Shanice Rebecca. “I’m excited for the journey and to see how I develop on and off the court.” The Deerfield Beach High basketball initiative provides many opportunities for talented players to achieve their goals. Basketball is also a great sport to help strengthen the minds of students when it comes to partnership and competition. Players build up this innate skill with techniques like defense and rebounding drills with their teammates by their side. As soon as the games start, players have to be ready mentally and physically. The school is confident that the teams will have more wins than losses and is looking forward to the games that have yet to come. The tickets to attend an upcoming or future games are available for purchase on GoFan. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Daniel Sasson  Published November 3, 2023 | ePathfinder | Sports 

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[wow_title text=”ePathfinder Stories”]

• Forever YoungMarch 20, 2025
  The evolution of Barbie in the world Living in a perfect world, Barbie has grown up and yet ironically stayed forever young throughout the decades. Formally known as Barbara Millicent Roberts, Barbie debuted on March 9, 1959. Created by Mattel Inc. The original Barbie doll was based on the German-built Lilli doll. Far from what is known now, the original Barbie doll wore a black and white strapless swimsuit, sunglasses, earrings, stiletto-heeled shoes, and bold makeup, and she had quite arched eyebrows. Although Mattel was the manufacturer, Barbie’s life came from the heart and mind of Ruth Handler. An inspiring woman who was born on November 4, 1916. Her purpose for Barbie was to inspire young girls to imagine their future beyond motherhood and get rid of the idea that women have certain expectations in society. The name of Barbie was inspired by Ruth’s daughter, Barbara and as Barbie grew, she influenced ideas of women empowerment, beauty standards, and gender roles turning into a cultural icon after starting as just a playing doll for young girls.  Over the decades, Barbie has changed appearances and transformed. As different styles became popular in fashion, Barbie adapted. From the original look of pale white skin and bold makeup to softer looks and outfits that reflected current trends, to now being diverse with multi-cultural Barbie dolls and inspirations. The first multi-cultural Barbie doll was introduced in 1980, but some question why it took so long to promote it. It wasn’t until 2022, that Mattel released its first LGBTQ+ Barbie doll. “Barbie has always portrayed the message of ‘you can be anything you want’ especially towards a girl population,” said DBHS junior Jordan Juste. Starting in the 1960’s, Mattel introduced the friends of Barbie. Starting in 1961 with Ken, her boyfriend, and her first best friend, Midge in 1963. After that, more friends of Barbie were introduced creating a large population to be interested in her as there weren’t only new girl Barbies but also new boy Barbies. But then again, it raised suspicions as to why other cultures weren’t introduced until 1980. As much as Barbie has grown and changed appearances, she has stayed young, being a 19-year-old girl since the start.  “She’s very versatile, and there are different variations of her so she’s not just one thing, she’s implying to others that you can do anything, you’ll just be as good as the next person,” said DBHS junior Jordan Juste. Today, young and older audiences are more inclined to Barbie because of the films. In 2001, the first animated Barbie movie was released introducing a whole new look towards Barbie and her world. Creating not only a toy doll for assumingly young girls, but an entertainment enjoyment for all ages. With the most recent Barbie live-action movie from 2023, the Barbie franchise doesn’t face as many problems as it did decades ago when the world wasn’t the same. Barbie TV shows and series have also made their way into the world, like the iconic ‘Barbie Life In The Dreamhouse’ from 2012. As of 2025, Mattel has yet to release Barbie dolls surrounding the Polynesian and Pacific Islander culture. So even though Barbie has changed a lot, there’s still a lot of room for improvement and even more growth.   Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published March 20, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives 
• The Ban Of TiktokMarch 20, 2025
  A small change that affected many    On the morning of January 19, 2025, TikTok was banned in the U.S., but the ban did not last that long which was about 3 hours long of the ban. The government had concerns about TikTok being owned by a Chinese company (ByteDance). The U.S. Government were worried that they could access the American user’s data and confidential information and spread the information. Because of these concerns, they thought it would be a great idea to ban TikTok so that nobody would have access to American users’ information.  Most people who use TikTok were disappointed in the ban. This made many people protest the decision, arguing that TikTok is just a normal social media app like many other social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Some people even took legal action to fight against the ban. Meanwhile, Influencers and business owners who make money from TikTok lost that place of income, and since TikTok was banned, they were worried that the ban could hurt them financially.  “The TikTok ban was so unnecessary, and the government is dumb for thinking that TikTok is spying on us,” said DBHS Junior Katherine Landero.  It has been rumored for years that Tiktok would get banned, so many thought this was just another false alarm. But the surprise shocked them all when it happened this time.  Those who deleted TikTok off their phones and tried to get it back realized that it was no longer available once deleted. Other people who had TikTok on their phones would go as far as selling their phones for 10k+ dollars and people who were too obsessed with the app would buy it. Some people would change their regions to Canada to get the TikTok app back on their phones. The ban on TikTok, though it was only for a short time greatly impacted the United States.  On February 13, 2025, at 1 PM EST, TikTok was finally back up on the App Store and working again. When Tiktokers heard about this, they were relieved, especially influencers and business owners who relied their money on TikTok. This brought everyone’s hopes up that TikTok is not getting banned for now.   Written by Perla Aguirre | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published March 19, 2025 | ePathfinder | Entertainment 
• Spring BreakMarch 18, 2025
  Information on the next school break    As the academic year progresses, students and educators in Broward County Public Schools eagerly anticipate the arrival of Spring Break. This year, the 10-day long hiatus from March 21 to March 31 offers a much-needed break from the stress of school life. With the weather warming up and the days growing longer, families are making plans to enjoy the break to its fullest. Local attractions are gearing up for an influx of visitors. Popular spots like Deerfield Beach, Butterfly World, and the Museum of Discovery and Science are preparing special events and activities to cater to the influx of students and families. The beaches are expected to be buzzing with activity as residents and tourists alike go to the sandy shores to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. For many students, Spring Break is also an opportunity to give back to the community. Various volunteer programs and community service projects are organized during this time, allowing students to engage in important activities that benefit the local area. From beach cleanups to food drives, these initiatives provide students with a chance to make a positive impact while enjoying their time off. As the break comes to an end, students and teachers will return to school refreshed and ready to tackle the final stretch of the academic year. The memories made during Spring Break, whether through relaxation, adventure, or service, will certainly provide a boost of energy and motivation to finish the school year strong.   Written by Leila Rogers | Graphic Designed by Leila Rogers Published March 18, 2025 | ePathfinder | News
• Towering Tariffs March 17, 2025
  The Impact of Tariffs   Tariffs are taxes imposed on the import or export of goods, functioning as a form of trade control. They aim to protect local industries, generate revenue for the government, and facilitate trade agreements. However, the implementation of tariffs can have significant negative effects on consumers and businesses.  Currently, the government has enacted several tariffs. For example, there is a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, a 10% tariff on imports from China, and an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, they are also putting reciprocal tariffs. Reciprocal tariffs are used to counteract unfair trading practices. These are tariffs that one country imposes in response to trade barriers or tariffs set by another, aiming to create fairness in trade by matching tariff rates on goods imported from the other nation.  “I think it good that tariffs exist but when they start to get higher more things get expensive,” said DBHS senior Le-Nia Ester. These tariffs can lead to substantial price increases, which is particularly concerning for low-income families that spend a significant portion of their income on goods, subject to these taxes. Tariffs can destabilize markets, reduce consumer confidence, and create uncertainty; as a result, consumers may delay purchases in anticipation of future price changes. While tariffs may protect local industries from foreign competition, reduced competition can diminish local businesses’ motivation to improve customer experience through better service, product quality, or pricing.  Furthermore, tariffs can adversely affect smaller businesses by creating cash flow challenges. Smaller firms often lack the working capital necessary to absorb unexpected costs, leading to severe cash flow problems as their expenses rise. To cope, they may increase the prices of their products, which can further decrease demand from price-sensitive customers and reduce sales revenue. Additionally, finding alternatives to avoid using tariffed goods can be difficult for small businesses, as they typically have limited resources to search for new suppliers or redesign their supply chains.  Written by Oflande Desprez | Graphic Designed by Widelandine Emilcar  Published March 17, 2025 | ePathfinder | Feature
• Eat, Sleep, RepeatMarch 13, 2025
  Can Laziness be a good thing? Laziness is not inherently a bad thing; everyone experiences it from time to time. Sometimes, people need a long-overdue break, even if it means taking some time to relax. It’s important to find a balance between being productive and allowing oneself the chance to unwind and recharge. “Being lazy can be good or beneficial because if you’re the type to work hard, you don’t have time for yourself. There can be days when you want to take a day off and be lazy. You can relax or maybe do hobbies you like,” said Deerfield Beach High School freshman Stechna Etienne. When in an unhealthy matter, laziness is a negative thing because it can cause a lack of social interaction with loved ones. Even the workspace can be affected; if one person begins to fall behind and not do work or even just constantly doing things last minute, everyone feels the effects. Not only will it cause environmental problems, but it will also create personal issues; lack of energy, motivation, and in some scenarios, isolation. Laziness can also be beneficial as a way to relieve stress. There are times in life when all a person thinks about is work and forgets to take even a minute to the side. This can result in many mental issues and even physical. It is good to have some days where all that is to be worried about is how soft the bed is. After a long period of overworking, some people may want to stop all activities and lie in bed. It is good to find a balance between productivity and plain laziness. Keeping active is good to keep the mind stimulated, but overdoing it with schoolwork, a job or even dealing with kids, it is good to remember everyone, regardless of the reason, deserves some time to just sit back, relax, and enjoy life. Written by Kemiyah Bennett   | Graphic Designed by Kemiyah Bennett  Published March 13, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives

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