With the Boston Red Sox claiming their third World Series Championship in a decade, the federal government shutdown ending, and winter break right around the corner, teenagers who live in the microcosm that is our school are surrounded by many intriguing things. However, all of these topics require quite a lot of time and attention to comprehend fully.

As time and attention are two things that we students have very little of, the purpose of this particular column is to shine some light on and offer commentary on each of these topics. I’ll attempt to provide valuable insight while still allowing you to reap all of the joy being knowledgeable offers.

State of the Sox

What the Boston Red Sox have accomplished is truly monumental. Their victory is a testament to not only the players, but also to the management, staff and fans. For many of the players, it is not just the culmination of this season, but of their entire careers. For seasoned veterans like David Ortiz and Shane Victorino, it only adds to their legacy as hall of famers, while for rookie Xander Bogaerts, it serves as a springboard to help launch his career. For the Red Sox management and staff, it signifies the eagerly anticipated return of Red Sox dominance, and happily marks the end of one of the greatest 10 years the franchise has ever seen.

After overcoming last season’s dismal display, where they did not even make the postseason and finished last in the American League, General Manager Ben Cherington and company assembled essentially an entirely new squad, completed by new manager John Farrell. And what a welcome addition Farrell was to this team of bearded men! Leading the Sox to a MLB best 97-65 record, the Red Sox became only the second team ever to win the World Series one season after finishing in last place.

For the fans, it came as a greatly needed victory. With the Boston Marathon bombing taking place only six months ago, this city needed something to celebrate about. Many survivors found great solace in the team that has been the epitome of  “Boston Strong.” With the World Series trophy back in Boston once again, the victims of the bombing—as well as other fans—can take even more inspiration from these players who overcame the odds.

State of the Government

Since 1976, when Congress revised its budgeting process, the government has shut down 18 times. It might be time for another revision to that ‘process.’ Unlike some previous government shutdowns, this most recent closing of non-essential services such as the National Park Service and sections of the Internal Revenue Service has caused a lot more trouble than simply prohibiting some hikers from visiting their favorite campsites.

This was the the third longest shutdown in our country’s history, and it has effects that run deep. Politically speaking, the shutdown has only highlighted the divide between the partisan representatives in Washington.  It has shown Americans that the representatives’ only goal is to get what they want done, not what is best for the people of this great country. Not only has it been an utter embarrassment for our citizens, it also sets a horrible example for future leaders. Economically, the unprecedented effects of the shutdown are obviously still taking course. However, one trend is easy to see.

Consumer confidence has been greatly reduced, which is related to an increase in uncertainty over the debt limit. Spending, investment and hiring decisions all decreased because of this. More than 120,000 fewer jobs were created in October than in previous months. How far is this Congress prepared to take its people? With the debt limit suspended until February 7, 2014, really only one thing is certain: The future of the U.S. is looking more variable than ever.

State of Vacation

With winter break just about a month away, it is this stretch of the year when school can seem tough. With an overload of papers, projects, tests and quizzes it can all seem like it’s simply too much. But then again, so can that mass of food that appears on your plate during a holiday dinner. And, similar to finishing that mountain of food, how sweet it is when you are finished with all that work. Keep that in mind when you are feeling overloaded, because if you are looking forward to holiday meals nearly as much as I am, keeping the end in mind should be just enough to sustain you until then. After all, what better present is there than giving yourself great grades?

Eoin Walsh can be contacted at [email protected].