The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle
The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle
The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle
Nicole Surcel

Nicole Surcel, co-opinions editor

Hello! My name is Nicole Surcel, and I am currently a co-Opinions Editor for The Oracle. Outside of the school newspaper, I am a part of various clubs here at GBS, including Helios, Calliope, SOAR, Stitched, TLC Tutoring, Peer Group, and Student Council. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and taking photos, and I hope to pursue a career in forensics or criminal justice fields. One of my greatest interests is astrology, so feel free to ask me about your zodiac sign!

All content by Nicole Surcel

Stressful times emphasize need for self care

Nicole Surcel, Co-opinions editor
April 23, 2021

Nowadays, we’re so quick to get lost in what seems like an endless pile of tasks. Between schoolwork, extracurriculars and making the effort to spend time with friends and family, we end up with little...

Implicit bias proves destructive to modern society

Nicole Surcel, co-opinions editor
March 19, 2021

As people, we like to think a lot. And we do so in nearly every aspect of our lives. Your brain, in fact, accounts for approximately 20 percent of total energy requirements, according to Scientific American....

The evolution of Valentine’s Day practices

Nicole Surcel, Co-opinions editor
February 12, 2021

Each holiday celebrated across America unifies a group of individuals in honoring a common culture. While many holidays are based in religion and celebrated by those who adhere to a particular faith, there...

During Surcel’s sophomore year photography field trip, she snapped stunning photos across Chicago.

Worth a thousand words: photography, the art form taken for granted

Nicole Surcel, co-opinions editor
December 18, 2020

We’ve all heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The statement is almost instantly recognizable as a phrase we’ve heard a million times before. If some of us haven’t heard of...

Illustration by Patsy Carolan

Young adults are hooked on hook-up culture

Nicole Surcel, co-opinions editor
November 20, 2020

Whether or not we would like to admit it, hook-up culture is a thing. A relatively prevalent thing, for that matter. In a 2015 study presented by the American Psychological Association (APA), “the most...

Pandemic leads to self-improvement

Nicole Surcel, co-opinions editor
October 2, 2020

On the first day of my junior year last year, I remember thinking: this year is going to be, for the lack of a better word, hell. With the SAT, Physics, AP exams and college on the horizon, I gradually...

Illustration by Hannah Franklin

From birth charts to constellation patterns, your destiny is written in the stars

Nicole Surcel, asst. opinions editor
March 16, 2020

The power of the universe is limitless. Don’t believe me? Well, take a look at a book or two lying on a nearby shelf in your home. The story you’re reading, the pages you flip through, the words that...

Commemorating Kobe: Shooting hoops, Kobe Bryant will be remembered for his record-breaking basketball career. Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, along with nine other passengers, including his thirteen-year-old daughter Gianna. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison of flickr

Celebrity deaths shock nation, reveal impact of social media

Nicole Surcel, asst. opinions editor
February 14, 2020

The Sikorsky S-76 chopper crashed into a ravine and immediately killed its nine passengers upon impact on Jan. 26, two of which were former NBA Star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant....

Triumphant gymnasts: Leaping through the air to the left and flipping to the right, junior Elena Pauker, competes on beam at the CSL girls’ gymnastics varsity meet. After the conference meet ended, the varsity gymnasts celebrated their victory on the podium, as featured in the center. Photos by Nicole Surcel (left and right) and courtesy of Bob Szafranski (middle)

[Photo] Girls’ gymnastics defies gravity at conference

Danielle Aravanitis, staff writer
February 14, 2020

Triumphant gymnasts: Leaping through the air to the left and flipping to the right, junior Elena Pauker, competes on beam at the CSL girls’ gymnastics varsity meet. After the conference meet ended, the...

Media perception of body dysmorphia proves distorted

Nicole Surcel, asst. opinions editor
December 20, 2019

When she was 7, her mom’s friends said she was a bit more “on the heavier side,” but the extra layer of fat looked good, maybe even natural, on her big-boned body. When she reached 10, the fat that...

On air action: Bruce Klosa, Jonas Evans and Bryce Gaubert, junior radio commentators, announced the boys’ basketball game on Dec. 13. As the game continued, they described the game play-by-play and gave analysis. Photo by Nicole Surcel

[Photo] Reporting live from South, radio students cover sports games in action

Dani Carr and Liz Clary
December 20, 2019

On air action: Bruce Klosa, Jonas Evans and Bryce Gaubert, junior radio commentators, announced the boys’ basketball game on Dec. 13. As the game continued, they described the game play-by-play and gave...

Handing Laya Anvari, senior class representative, a bag of donations for the Food Drive, senior Ben Kalish helps provide supplies for 568 families around the community. The food drive underwent a number of changes this year to emphasize the humanitarian aspect behind the donations.

[Photo] The extra step: food drive cans numerical goals

Sarah Ordway, staff writer
December 20, 2019

Handing Laya Anvari, senior class representative, a bag of donations for the Food Drive, senior Ben Kalish helps provide supplies for 568 families around the community. The food drive underwent a number...

First generation students work to make parents proud

First generation students work to make parents proud

Dea Sulejmani and Nicole Surcel
November 15, 2019

For most South alumni, the word “high school” means nothing more than four years of homework and tests with the occasional friend get-together on the weekends. Their high school memories capture the...

Cody Ko, from Youtube fame to changing the music game

Nicole Surcel, asst. opinions editor
October 4, 2019

If you’re anything like me, stand-up comedy just isn’t your thing. I rarely find myself laughing to a comedic performance on television, and I can’t help but experience second-hand embarrassment...

Deadly Defense: Jumping on the opportunity to get control over the ball, senior Jhovany Guadarrama faces off against a New Trier player. On September 17, South tied with New Trier 1-1, and maintained their record of 8-4.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer focuses on individual strengths to improve team dynamic

Eva Zitlow, staff writer
October 4, 2019

Deadly Defense: Jumping on the opportunity to get control over the ball, senior Jhovany Guadarrama faces off against a New Trier player. On September 17, South tied with New Trier 1-1, and maintained their...

Service provides outlet for students to leave an imprint on the world

Hailey Cho and Nicole Surcel
May 24, 2019

For some, memories of important points in their life are held within a photo album; for senior Lee Kleck, she looks back on such memories just by glancing at the tattoo on her wrist. The smooth bumps and...

Raging Rivals: Starting off the game, sophomore Meghan Bireley faces off against Souths’ rival Loyola. The team wasn’t able to secure a win and lost 16-6, however, they have since had a winning record of 15-4 this season, according to Head Coach Annie Lesch.

[Photo] Girls’ lacrosse uses team bond to their advantage

Lexi Babich, staff reporter
May 24, 2019

Raging Rivals: Starting off the game, sophomore Meghan Bireley faces off against Souths’ rival Loyola. The team wasn’t able to secure a win and lost 16-6, however, they have since had a winning record...

Splashing Swimmers: Practicing their kicking skills, kids in “Learn to Swim” are taught by South students. Founded in 1962, the program helps teach young children how to swim while building leadership skills in South students.

[Photo] Students teach important skills in “Learn to Swim”

Emily Blumberg and Dani Carr
April 22, 2019

Splashing Swimmers: Practicing their kicking skills, kids in “Learn to Swim” are taught by South students. Founded in 1962, the program helps teach young children how to swim while building leadership...

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