![ECLIPSE. A solar eclipse is a rare event in which the moon is between Earth and the Sun, blocking the view of the sun. In other parts of the United States, the view of the Sun will be totally blocked, constituting whats called a total eclipse. A total eclipse is a completely different event that is another level of coolness. So if they [the students] have that chance, they should absolutely take the chance to see a total eclipse if they ever can. The next one in Minnesota will be the year 2099, Astronomy and Planetary Science teacher Joseph Martin said.](https://www.rubiconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Drawing-8.sketchpad.png)
![DIAGNOSIS. Emily Weinstock-Collins smiles right before undergoing surgery to diagnose endometriosis. “It was very surprising because I always thought, if I got sick, I would always get better…By the time I got my diagnosis, it was not very surprising because I knew something was wrong. Ive just been waiting a really long time for [answers],” Weinstock-Collins said. Submitted by Emily Weinstock-Collins](https://www.rubiconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WC-CROPPED-1200x1200.jpg)
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Q&A: Sophomore Navodhya Samarakoon discusses her reasons for celebrating Christmas
Sophomore Navodhya Samarakoon draws her version of Christmas. Samarakoon practices Buddhism but celebrates Christmas with her family. “Everyone else does it, it’s a way for us to assimilate into American culture,“ Samarakoon said.
Q: What religion does your family practice?
Buddhism.
Q: What exactly does that entail, how do you practice it?
Our philosophy is not become attached to objects and live a healthy, consumerism free, life.
Q: So why then do you choose to celebrate christmas, isn’t that considered a consumerist holiday?
Because Christmas is fun. It’s really hard to avoid consumerism, even though that’s Buddhisms intention. [Christmas] is something everyone else does; it helps us understand what all the excitement is about to celebrate it too.
Q: Why do you think Christmas has become such a popular holiday even among people that aren’t religious? There are lots of holidays where people receive presents, why Chirstmas?
Other people getting you presents is definitely a big part of it. Also, when its snowing and there is no sunlight it’s great to have a holiday to get your mind off of how depressing it is outside.
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On her second year on staff, junior Nina Zietlow will serve as the Feature Editor of The Rubicon. Her favorite thing about working for The Rubicon is...
![DIAGNOSIS. Emily Weinstock-Collins smiles right before undergoing surgery to diagnose endometriosis. “It was very surprising because I always thought, if I got sick, I would always get better…By the time I got my diagnosis, it was not very surprising because I knew something was wrong. Ive just been waiting a really long time for [answers],” Weinstock-Collins said. Submitted by Emily Weinstock-Collins](https://www.rubiconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WC-CROPPED-600x600.jpg)
![UM-TEE-UMP. Students engage in a game of Blooket at the University of Minnesota UMTYMP program. Weekly classes consist of an hour of lectures and an hour of small-group work. My favorite part is the workshop because it’s [with] the same group every time, so you really get to know the kids in your group, freshman Zack Berchenko said.](https://www.rubiconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_9555-e1710250818524-600x400.jpg)