Shannon Doyne

Nepar La

Contributor at The New York Times

writer, youth advocate, on-air personality, raconteur and someone who will help you finish your college application

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nytimes.com

Articles

Are You Motivated by Being Competitive With Others?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Suppose you were asked for advice about how to achieve a goal, whether in academics, sports, the arts or anything else. What would you say? Would you talk about being organized or being good at managing your time? Would you share techniques for staying focused? Would you mention positive self-talk or having a mantra? Would you ever suggest seeking a competitive edge - perhaps choosing someone in the class, game or audition and trying to do better than that person? Has that ever worked for you?
Do You Have a 'Third Place'?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne |Natalie Proulx

Besides home and school, where do you go to gather with others on a regular basis? Maybe it's the football field where you practice daily, a recreation center where you hang out with your friends after school, the local library where you go to study, a restaurant or store where you and your family are regulars or your place of worship. How often do you go there? Who do you see or spend time with there? What does that place mean to you?
Do You Give Compliments?

Jan 3, 2025 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Picture this: You're out in public somewhere and see someone you don't know whose style really stands out to you. It may be that person's outfit, haircut, shoes or overall look. Do you give that individual a compliment? If so, what do you say? If not, what holds you back? In " Why Not Tell Someone They Look Great Today?
What Will Stick With You From 2024?

Dec 16, 2024 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

When you look back on 2024, what will you remember? Take a moment to reflect on this year as it comes to an end. Reread your journal entries or scroll through your photos, screenshots, social media posts and text messages. What was an especially memorable day for you? What goals or milestones did you achieve? Who did you spend your time with? What songs or podcasts were your soundtrack? What shows were on in the background? What special events did you attend? Where did you travel?
Should Dogs Be Allowed Inside Restaurants and Stores? - The New York Times

Jun 10, 2024 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Do you think there are types of businesses where dogs should be welcome? And places where dogs should not be permitted?
Should Schools Serve Healthier Meals if It Changes Students' Favorite Foods?

May 5, 2024 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Do you eat breakfast, lunch or snacks from your school's cafeteria? If so, what do you eat? What are your favorite foods? How nutritious do you think your choices are? New federal regulations on salt (or sodium) and sugar are coming to school cafeterias. Do you think they will change your favorite foods? Will they affect what and how much students eat at school? Around 11:40 on a cool spring day in early April, students began to stream into the lunchroom at Haleyville High School in Alabama.
A Newspaper Chain Hired a Dedicated Taylor Swift Reporter. Is It OK if He’s a Swiftie?

Nov 16, 2023 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Think about the task of reporting on all things Taylor Swift: her music; her business enterprises such as tours, movies and merchandise; her life and the media coverage it receives; and the effect she has on her fans’ lives and on pop culture itself. What professional experience would make a person well-suited for the job? Should that person know a lot about Taylor Swift, for instance? Should the reporter have a history of being a fan? A critic? A neutral observer?
Do You Use Swear Words?

Nov 8, 2023 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Do you use curse words? If you use them, do you ever think about why? Does it feel good to unleash some foul language? Does it get attention? Does it help you bond with others or fit into a group? And if you don’t, why do you avoid it? In the Opinion essay “The Secret Power of Swearing,” Rebecca Roache writes about how certain words have become off-limits in polite company:Swearing can be so satisfying that it can help us withstand pain. It can shock, offend and entertain.
Would You Take Mental Health Advice From TikTok?

Nov 5, 2023 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Think about the advice you have seen on TikTok or other social media platforms. How often do you find these tips — whether they are about health, relationships, skin care, fashion, fitness or anything else — helpful? How often do you question if they are based on fact? How much do you care about whether the people creating the content identify as experts, or at least have a background in what they’re talking about? Are there instances in which an influencer’s credentials matter more than others?
Should School Be a Place to Celebrate Halloween?

Oct 29, 2023 | nytimes.com | Shannon Doyne

Halloween is almost here. Will Oct. 31 be a regular day at your school or are there plans for celebrations? Will students and teachers dress up in costume? Will any of your classes have Halloween-themed lesson plans or “Monster Mash” playing while you work? What about the cafeteria menu — will there be items like spooky spaghetti or black and orange cookies? What do you think of these kinds of festivities at school? Are they fun and maybe a little distracting, or a nice break from the usual school day?