The Summer Times - July 28, 2011

THE SUMMER TIMES

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‘The Summer Newspaper of Phillips Exeter Academy’

Thursday, July 27, 2011

Vol. XXXV, Number 4

Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire

AN OUTBREAK OF HARMONY WORLD CONFLICTS: “LEAVING BAGGAGE” AT CAMPUS GATES

Hostilities Abroad, Tranquility at School

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

By YARITZA SANDOVAL Summer Times Staff Writer

Is it.inevitable for a conflict to arise when people from different economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds unite?

Many neighboring countries around the world quarrel and even engage in war because neither country can accept those differences.

But not here at Exeter.

Native Americans and later Americans, Russians and Georgians, Mainland Chinese and Taiwanese – all say that they have left ethnic and national rivalries behind as they build new friendships with a wide range of fellow students from around the world.

Diversity is widely celebrated at Phillips Exeter Academy where students from 48 counties were accepted to participate in the 2011 See PEACE, page 4

Principals Descend on Campus

Justin Robertson/The Summer Times

Jordan Cobb, 16, from Maplewood, NJ, performs her plot twisting monologue Wednesday evening during dress rehearsal for the program of one act plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Fisher Theater.

Heartbreak in the Ceramics Studio

By ALEJANDRO PENATE

By MITZI PEREZ

Summer Times Staff Writer

Summer Times Staff Writer

Chinese principals visited Exeter Monday in hope of “gathering all resources and creating an ideal [educational] system,” as one put it.

At a school with students and teachers from all over the world, that shouldn’t be too hard, right? On July 25, 81 school heads from all over China toured the campus and were introduced to the Exonian methods of teaching with hopes of learning from a prestigious American school and reflecting on the Chinese education system.

An apparent incident of vandalism Tuesday night destroyed a number of pieces of pottery made by ceramics students in the Mayer Art Center, school authorities said.

“It looks like it was intentional,” said Rosanna Salcedo, the dean of Summer School admissions.

She said the ceramics were found smashed on the top shelf of a kiln where the clayworks are hardened under intense heat. Other pieces were not damaged.

The vandalism came to light Wednesday when a printmaking student said in an interview that an art teacher, Tara Misenheimer, had told her group of students about the intrusion and asked them not to discuss it

See PRINCIPALS, page 4

The Heat is On, the Heat is Off

By ELENA PETRICEVIC Summer Times Staff Writer

Lyrics by Katy Perry once asked the most relevant question of all: “are you hot or are you cold?” This question is so important because right now we don’t know.

A heat wave that started last Wednesday created a stir among students. There were multiple complaints due Courtesy of Google

See HEAT, page 4

Hey Ms. DJ, Turn the Music Off

By MITZI PEREZ Summer Times Staff Writer

The Upper School dance was held in the Phelps Science Building this past Saturday. As usual, students had many complaints, saying that it did not seem like the songs at this dance were all that entertaining.

Some did not really like the music, saying that the DJ played the same music that she did from the Carnival the first Saturday and the Karaoke from that following Thursday. Students enjoyed the music from the first time because it was a mixture of all music types. However, knowing that they already danced to these songs, they didn’t seem to have the same excitement this time.

Still, people found a way to entertain themselves; some kids started kissing one another. Even at the beginning of the dance, many students stayed outside of the building because they seemed not to like the starting music.

A student from Chicago, Xochitl Dominguez, 17, said: “It was cool, but I didn’t like being inside the building.

The first cowboy song was catchy; then it went downhill from there. All anyone cared about was the heat.”

For many days, the dance was the only thing that students would speak of, although it took some a while to ask one another to it. Others were eyeing this activity since the first week and took the path to go on their own.

See DANCE, page 4

publicly. Efforts to reach Ms. Misenheimer were unsuccessful because, students said, she had left the campus on a trip.

Ms. Salcedo said that the incident occurred sometime after 9 p.m.

Tuesday when a proctor left the door unlocked until someone could be found with a key to lock it. She said the vandalism had been reported to campus security and that there was no information on possible suspects.

Whether the culprits were students or outsiders was not known, she said. She asked any student with information on the episode to come forward.

A telephone message was left Wednesday afternoon for John Magyar, Safety Operations Manager at Phillips Exeter, but he did not return the call.

Dropping off to Sleep

By GINNY HARMON Summer Times Staff Writer

While there are many dangerous things on campus at Philips Exeter this summer ranging from getting hit by cars to dehydration, the danger that does not seem to ever get enough attention is sleeping. It can be a very enjoyably relaxing pastime and required for a healthy life. However, there are some risks involved. Particularly when you are sleeping on the top bunk.

Because most small children are often capable of sleeping safely on the top bunks of beds, people seem to assume that there is no danger inSee BED, page 4

Getting a lot out of Summer School? Want to give back?

Last year, for the first time, Phillips Exeter offered Summer School students the opportunity to contribute to a student scholarship fund to defray tuition for future students needing financial aid. In all, 126 students contributed a total of $2,200.

This year’s campaign is now underway, raising the question: Will this summer’s student body match the generosity of their 2010 peers?

Students can use their Lion Cards to donate $10, $20, $30, $40 or a maximum of $50 to the scholarship fund, payable in the Student Activities office (where you sign up for trips).

“The goal is not to raise tons of money,” said Summer School director Ethan Shapiro. “It’s to get kids thinking about giving back to the school and creating a spirit of alumni awareness.”

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THE SUMMER TIMES

THE SUMMER TIMES Jiyoon Park Alejandro Penate Mitzi Perez Elena Petricevic Christina Psychari Layla Rao

To the Editor:

Justin Robertson Luisa Sanabria Yaritza Sandoval Djinnie Timoleon Arthur Weiser

SUMMER TIMES LAYOUT EDITORS Jocelyn Bohn Meg Hassan

FACULTY ADVISOR

Ralph Blumenthal The Summer Times is written and edited by Mr. Blumenthal's A and B format Journalism classes and contributing writers throughout the Summer School. It is produced

by Summer Times Proctors Jocelyn Bohn PEA'11 and Meg Hassan PEA'11.

The Summer Times welcomes Letters to the Editor, which can be sent via email to peasummer@gmail.com. The editors reserve the right to print Letters to the Editor in a timely fashion and to edit them for content and clarity.

Exeter’s Rainbow Coalition

Going Green (to Dartmouth)

Summer Times Staff Writer Exeter Summer School is filled with students of distinct races, language, ethnicity, values, religions, and cultures. The idea of meeting people from all over the globe and making connections with others who you would never imagine meeting is astounding. People may be different because they speak individual languages but language is not a barrier because everyone here speaks English.

Diversity here in Phillips Exeter may cause some conflicts. Students here have to abide by certain traditions and cultures, and Exeter doesn’t perfectly meet their needs. For example, some cultures require that people not eat certain foods, but the dining hall does not always meet their needs. However it still tries to serve various foods.

Even though students here have adapted to life in various parts of the world, they came to Exeter with positive attitudes and have already gotten used to living here. What makes the school a successful diverse community is the respect and acceptance the students show to each other and the safe, positive and supportive environment students share.

Despite wars and conflicts that the students’s countries face, they leave that all behind to make a fresh start. They befriend those who may be known as their enemies, thus showing us that there are no enemies here in Exeter, only allies.

By doing this, students create a colorful community for Exeter.

With about half the students here from varying places, Phillips Exeter Summer School strives to keep its spirit of individuality alive. By the end of this summer session, the students will have an understanding and knowledge of each other’s individual backgrounds.

Sunday, Dreary Sunday Alix Dufosse Summer Times Staff Writer After three weekends of Boston and beach trips, mall excursions, and other fun activities, this last weekend is looking a little dreary for some students here at Exeter. The students enrolled in the SAT prep class, or the Dance course --or both, like me -- will have a busy Sunday.

From 9:30 to 1:30 pm, the SAT prep test will take place in the Phelps Science Center, a numbing 4 hours of math, reading and writing while most of the other students will be out enjoying trips to the beach or to nearby towns. A lot of the students enrolled in these classes don’t understand why the test, or the rehearsals, have to be during the LAST weekend, which is supposed to be a time to enjoy hanging out with peers.

The students in the dance course will have rehearsal from 1:30 to 4 pm, so if you are in both classes like a lot of the girls, you will have class back-to-back on Sunday. So the actual weekend will be Saturday afternoon.

Even though the girls in the Dance course are happy to rehearse, the fact that some of them have class all day is a little much. But since most girls are committed to both classes, it won’t be too painful. So when the rest of you taking in the sun and sand, think of me.

Hypotheses I predict that 70% of the native speakers I will ask will select “I feel bad” as what they usually say. I predict the rest of the native speakers, 30%, will choose “I feel badly.” My class’s hypothesis is that 88% will choose “I feel bad” and 12% will pick “I feel badly.”

Method As soon as I was dismissed from my Grammar class, I

I believe that Gordon McCord did a superb job speaking at Assembly on Monday, July18. He was both motivational and informative. Mr. McCord presented problems and was able to present several possible solutions to each one. He was a talented speaker and captured our attention through his powerful examples of problems. These problems, along with their possible solutions, were described in great detail that played to our emotions.

However, Mr. McCord failed to take a stand on what solution, or combination of solutions, is the best in his opinion. This was a perfect example of how people can talk about problems and their possible fixes all day, but fail to make a decision on what solution is best. Many people also fail to create a plan and follow through with these solutions. I, however, am not saying that Mr. McCord is not a man of action; though, we are not certain if he is since he never mentioned actions. I, personally, feel that he never told us the way to implement his fixes. Mr. McCord also never took a side on the energy crisis. For example, he shied away from declaring whether or not nuclear, solar, or wind should be part of solving our future energy needs.

Mr. McCord did a great job at presenting the “what”, but could not deliver the “how.” This is one of the greatest problems with society today. We, in America, have become a nation of people who talk about problems, but do nothing about them. Sometimes we even talk about talking about problems, but still we fail to do anything about these problems. Many people blame the lack of real political, economic, or social change on lobbying groups and big corporations. However, it is possible to overcome these road blocks ourselves.

The only way to solve the problems Mr. McCord presented is to do more than talk about them; we must implement solutions.

So how do we do this? First, each of us must engage in our own community. If your city, town, or neighborhood lacks a sense of community, join or create an organization that works on improving the area where you live. Next, become politically active in your municipality. This involves going to your town meetings.

However, that is only the first part. You need to speak out against what you believe will hurt your community, the environment, and other things that are of importance to you. You need to advocate for your own education, especially if you go to a public school. Soon, you will find that the future holds even greater opportunity to make positive change. After you go to college and find a job that you feel will allow for you to make a real difference in the world, go ahead and make that change. Too many people with new jobs are afraid to make important, positive changes because they fear that senior co-workers will not approve of the changes.

Do not become part of the system that fears change, be a leader who creates and implements solutions that will better all of the world. Change, after all, starts with one person. Be that person.

Sincerly, Christine Knapp, International Student Coordinator

DJINNIE TIMOLEON

Bad, Badly? The Argument Between What’s Proper English and What’s Actually Used!

For my Grasping Grammar class, my assignment is an investigation that has, us, students, interacting with native speakers. We have to ask at least five native speakers, young or elderly, if they say “I feel bad” or “I feel badly.” We have to try to ask a variety of people, for example, children, adults, teenagers, etc. Our class will compile the responses we get to get “a reasonable sample from which to decide what normal American usage is.”

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Letter to the Editor

SUMMER TIMES STAFF REPORTERS Urwah Ahmad Alix Dufossé Virginia Harmon Colin Keane Adam Marquardt

OPINIONS

Valida Pansulaia Summer Times Contributing Writer Anyone excited about college admissions process?

Being in Exeter gives you a great opportunity to start your hunt right now.

First of all Exeter hosts College Fair with many wellknown and serious universities and colleges like: Yale, Bard, Bowdoin, Dartmouth and many others. This is a great chance for you to meet representatives and have a nice chat with them. Besides you can always sign up for the trips to Dartmouth, Boston College, Boston University, Bowdoin College and Tufts Univeristy. Visiting those places will give you better idea of what to expect if you decide to apply to one of these schools.

On the 13 of July, I personally went to Dartmouth College which had attracted my attention during College Fair by being need-blind, meaning that your financial situation is of secondary importance for admission and as soon as you satisfy the college’s requirements, you’re in and you don’t have to worry about financial problems.

Dartmouth is quite near Exeter. We needed an hour and 40 minutes drive to get there. It’s a nice small city with lots of brick buildings and comfortable small cafes around it.

Even though Dartmouth is called a college it does offer graduate programs like universities; however in order to better convey the spirit of the place, Dartmouth prefers to be referred to as a college. (That’s how the guide explained the controversy caused by the name.)

The study plan of Dartmouth is really original, giving lots of opportunities for travelling, for being an exchange student and looking around the world for free!

Dartmouth offers more than 300 clubs; however if you have any new suggestions (that might be weird, because 300 clubs is quite a lot) you can always contact the office in the center of the city and available for students any time. In order to get permission to start your own club you need to find ten people and Dartmouth will fund all of your expences needed for the project.

Don’t worry about being unnoticed in the university.

Student faculty ratio is 12-15:1, so you might even get too much attention from your teachers, which might be kind of scary.

The most important question is: how to get into Dart-

mouth? So here is the information about the admission requirements; it consists of four parts: school transcript SAT/ACT personal statement letter of recomendation from the school teacher.

Your school transcript plays an important role, because it shows consistency of the student throughout your studies.

Be especially attentive during your junior year, because this year matters the most. Try to be nice to teachers, smile often, prepare your homework and at least pretend to be motivated.

Don’t freak out worrying about SAT scores. They do matter; however keep in mind that it’s not only SAT that matters. As an admission guy said: “you do not need to be perfect!” Try your best but don’t get discouraged if your score does not fit into the average range of other accepted kids.

The personal essay is the key point. It’s the only opportunity for you to express and show them who you are.

Try to present yourself as honestly and vividly as possible.

However don’t include information about your drinking experience or unfortunate car accident while you were driving your dad’s car without permission. That’s something that college would not like.

And finally: letter of recommendation! Try to find the teacher who will be enthusiastic to characterize you and will know a lot about you. You must be sure that the recommendation you get is trustworthy and written by a person who knows who you are. It should provide arguments proving that you’ll be successful in Dartmouth.

For those of you who are worried about supplements: you don’t have to write any! You transfer this job to your friend, or maybe sibling, who will try to describe you. That method is called pair evaluation and I like it a lot. So be nice to your friends, get them some gifts from Exeter and ask them to be as positive during description as possible.

Deadline for early decision is November first.

So, good luck! And don’t forget to sign up for as many college trips as possible.

Between U and I, Some Tips on Grammar Melissa Vargas Summer Times Contributing Writer

approached my roommate and her friend, followed by an older teacher, all of whom said they preferred “I feel bad.” I presented the native speakers with the two options and explained how it was part of a Grammar class investigation and they all gave me a response. I then asked some construction workers and headed to the dining hall and asked several children, teens, parents, dining hall staff and teachers. Most gave me the same answer, but I continued to hunt for more native speakers willing to give me responses. In total, I asked 20 native speakers on the Phillips Exeter Academy campus. Overall, it was a fun process to approach native speakers because I had never done an assignment like this.

Results 95% of the native speakers I asked, or 19 people, said they are used to saying “I feel bad.” Only one older man chose “I feel badly,” leaving that option with 5%. My hypothesis was un-confirmed; I predicted that 30% of native speakers would choose “I feel badly” because I was expecting the adults and teachers to choose it. Clearly, option “A,” “I feel bad,” is com-

monly used, at least for various members of Exeter’s Summer School. My class’ s results averaged to 85% for the “I feel bad” sentence and 15% for the “I feel badly” sentence. My class’ hypothesis was confirmed!

Commentary I really enjoyed this investigation because it cleared up the assumptions I had made thinking teachers and older Americans would choose “badly,” but I was clearly incorrect. I would actually like to continue this investigation and continue asking older native speakers and teachers from back home. This investigation made me realize that the original adverbs are not being used as much, but that adjectives are becoming adverbs In a few years, at this rate, using adjectives as adverbs will become grammatically correct. The older man that chose the “badly” sentence made a good point; he said that the signs that state “Go slow” are incorrect and should say “Go slowly.”

I’m curious to see how the rules of grammar will change in the future and if they will be significantly different when I’m older.

THE SUMMER TIMES

OPINIONS

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Ramadan: Waiting for the Sun to Rise

Halal: a Plea for More Dining Choices

Valida Pansulaia

Alix Dufosse

Summer Times Contributing Writer

Summer Times Staff Writer

Ramadan, starting this Sunday, is a month of prayer that brings Muslims closer to God and to their families. Fasting (i.e. no foods or drinks) is every day in that month from dawn to dusk to show devotion to God and to the religion. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan brings all families together and allows one to venture deep within the realm of Islam in a variety of ways.

Every year Ramadan moves thirteen days ahead from the year before allowing it to fall this year in the last week of Exeter Summer School.

So Muslim students will be fasting the last days of school. We students are committed to fast knowing what is in store for us and are willing to take it. For fasting isn’t just holding back food and water but all things that are prohibited or “haram.”

It is to show gratitude for what we have and to sympathize with those who aren’t as lucky.

During the last week of Exeter and the weeks after, all Muslims put their daily pleasures on hold to be with God, their family and their brothers and sisters in Islam. There are more than thirty students who will be fasting while going to classes and may even do sports if they think they are capable of doing so.

Ramadan is very important in the Muslim world and we Muslim students are ready to face the challenge together as a group. So if you are a Muslim and are hesitant to fast, scared that you’ll be doing it alone, don’t be because we are right there with you.

As Allah said in the Quran:

When it comes to food, halal is a term used to describe what is and is not permissible according to Islamic law. Certain foods are considered halal, like, honey, fish, various vegetables, and fruit. Others are haram, which means “prohibited.” That would be pork and its by-products, alcohol, and halal animals that are not slaughtered according to Islamic law.

As you can probably tell, there are many students attending the summer session who are from countries where the main religion is Islam. However the school-dining hall does not offer any kind of halal meat.

Even though the dining hall staff writes out the content of every meal, that still doesn’t change the fact that some students can’t eat meat. The school usually makes the effort to make a vegetable meal, but some of the students aren’t used to a vegetarian diet.

A school like Phillips Exeter that claims to help students pursue their religion during summer camp should definitely try and serve at least one serving of halal food per day.

There is a definite sense of frustration within the Middle Eastern students. Rama Barghouty said: “I think it would be really considerate of the school to provide meat that is halal since more than 30 students attending are Muslims. They might feel obligated to avoid meat, which may lead to a negative effect on their health. “ Another student from Jordan, Lubna Fahoum, stated: “When we attended the cookout, the only meat served was pork, which meant we couldn’t eat a proper meal -- it was frustrating.”

The school should definitely pay more attention to this issue, to avoid making some students feel left out.

It’s Not the Heat-It’s the Humanity “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” [alBaqara 2:183] [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” [al-Baqara 2:184] DATE 7/31 8/1 8/2 8/3 8/4 8/5 8/6

Fajir(dawn) 4:00 4:02 4:03 4:05 4:07 4:08 4:10

Magrib(sunset) 8:07 8:06 8:05 8:04 8:02 8:01 8:00

Tolerance Finds a Home

Colin Keane Summer Times Staff Writer The last several years have seen an ongoing controversy about the reality of global warming. There are both the believers – mainly distinguished scientists (and Al Gore) as their voice-- and the naysayers..

Well this is my first summer in New England and I can assure you I have now made up my mind where my opinion on the matter lies. I’m with Al and the Nobel laureates on this one!

Research shows that most of the hottest years in recorded human history have occurred in the last decade. The ice caps are melting and so am I. Everyone in California warned me ahead of time to be prepared. I had no idea that the chocolate bars on my bureau would turn into tarry goo if I left them out or that Oreos could actually melt in their package.

I realize the science of global warming is still up for debate. Is it the fault of our overuse of fossil fuels - planes, cars and air conditioning? Or is this a natural cycle: our earth striking back preparing to send us the way of the dinosaurs?

I have no idea. But I do know, however, that among the many things that I have learned this summer, I don’t care. What I have decided is that while we are sorting out who or what is responsible it makes sense to act as if it is real. Cutting back on consumption, turning off the lights, using public transportation- why not? We are going to run out of fossil fuels eventually anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone and cut back now.

Naturally everyone wants the other guy to cut back first - but I suspect this may be the attitude that will do many of us in eventually. Special interest groups that are not all that special seem to run the show here. I hope they are investing in land in Alaska or they may fry with us.

I was going to write about our hot summer weather but it seemed that the real issue is not the temperature but what it suggests for the future. That aside, I would suggest that although Wal-Mart beckons, you find better power-saving options to your air conditioner. A small fan. A cool drink at the Grill. Taking a second to go jump in the swimming pool.

Whether you to decide to take my suggestions or not, remember to stay cool, Exeter.

Justin Robertson Summer Times Staff Writer From what I’ve experienced, the Gay Straight Alliance is the most helpful and resourceful place for an LGBT youth. As an active gay youth in my own school, where I was President of our school’s GSA, I found there aren’t many places you can openly go to in order to ask the questions you need to, to get the un-biased support we need.

That’s why I was delighted when I heard there was a GSA at the Summer School at PEA. Some people face discrimination for their sexual orientation, their race and still even gender. It’s particularly notable that many people here at Summer School are from different parts of the world, some parts that consider being gay a crime, sometimes even punishable by death. But when I entered the basement room, I saw a group of friendly, welcoming students who saw no hate, no prejudice, only an open mind to others.

As the meeting progressed, we talked about where we all came from, even some of the experiences we’ve had at home. We spent a large portion of time discussing the It Gets Better project, a vlog where diverse groups of people share their stories – on video -- of however bad it may seem, it really does get better.

The environment everyone created was one full of laughter and peace. A place where I don’t need to worry about what people think about me, or what they’ll say. The first step to an equal society is acceptance.

Disagree or agree with anything on this page? The Summer Times gladly welcomes your thoughtful commentary. Submit Letters to the Editor to peasummer@gmail. com by Tuesday evening for the coming Thursday’s newspaper.

Courtesy of Google

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THE SUMMER TIMES

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Principals and Principles: China Checks Us Out PRINCIPALS, continued from page 1 While some principals had been in the United States before, most were excited to be in America for the first time.

Mi Qi, one of the group, stated after being asked the purpose of the trip: “We want to learn a different experience. We want to learn the concept of American education especially in a top school.”

The Chinese principals were given the opportunity to visit classrooms and interact with students throughout the day. Coming from top schools back home in China, ideally, the principals were able to compare and contrast two educational systems and determine what is working and what isn’t.

As the official differentiating characteristic of Exeter, the Harkness method was a focus of attention. Principal Qi later went on to say: “I think the Harkness class is very special. We can incorporate it in an elective course back home . The next step would be the

whole school using it.”

After exploring the campus for a while, all the principals were able to enjoy conversations concerning Exeter and were able to ask questions that were answered by Exeter’s Dean of Faculty, Ron Kim. All the principals were eager to directly ask Mr. Kim about the education system in the United States.

Among the questions asked was the preparation of teachers at Exeter and the qualities a teacher needs to have to conduct classes.

Mr. Kim promptly stated that “teachers need to know the material they teach very well.”

The Chinese principals also were concerned about the textbooks used at Exeter and if they met national standards.

Mr. Kim pointed out that: “books are regulated by the state and not by the country. As a private school, we have the opportunity to create our own curriculum and the country can’t decide what we choose to teach. That allows our teachers to determine what works

the best and what will work in the future.”

After some difficult questions, Mr. Kim was able to reflect on the confluence. “ It was great. The questions are very insightful.”

And about the Harkness method: “I think it is a very unique style.

It is a very different teaching method. It’s interesting for them to see a student centered classroom.”

All in all, the Chinese principals were able to experience a new angle in education. Liu Pengzhi from the high school affiliated with Renim University of China stated: “hopefully I’ll realize my dreams.” He said of Exater: “Good environment. Very good cultural heritage.”

Exonians extended their hands to all their international peers and welcomed the visitors to the bright and intellectual adventures here at Exeter.

Lastly, much appreciation to Le Kang, 17, from China who served as a translator and the reason this article was possible.

The Heat Goes on-- Falling Asleep: All Beds Are Off! and Off... and On HEAT, continued from page 1 to the extreme and uncomfortable heat. But now, the tables have turned and we now face the other extreme -- it’s too cold.

From the beginning here, people have been complaining about the heat in the dorms, especially on the high floors.. “It was too hot,” said Shaquille Shelby, from Chicago. “Especially on fourth floor Webster. Everyone up here had gotten to the point where all windows were open and there were three fans in the hall.”

In Dunbar Hall, the dorm advisors had suggested to those who had rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors that sleeping in the common room would be cooler. Also for the duration of the heat wave, students were allowed to sleep in other people’s rooms. For example, those people who sleep on the 3rd and 4th floors were allowed to sleep in rooms of those on the 2nd or, even in some dorms, 1st floor.

On Friday, July 22, sports and assembly were cancelled due to extreme heat. Suggestions for keeping cool included staying indoors and going swimming.

On Saturday there was the school dance.

People were complaining throughout the dance that it was too hot. People made their way through the crowds and into the bathrooms to towel off.. People left the dance drenched in sweat.

Andi Santos from Makati City, Philippines,

living in Cilley Hall said: “It was too hot. I could not move without sweating.” People could be seen jumping from the bridge between the soccer stadium and the rest of the Exeter campus. Although it is refreshing, the water is polluted, according to security. Campus officers are not pleased with this activity, even though it was extremely hot.

And now?

“It was so, so cold last night! I can’t believe it, I had to sleep with a sweatshirt on,” exclaimed Julie Martin, from Singapore, living in Dunbar.

People have been turning their fans off and sleeping in sweatpants rather than keeping their fans on overdrive and sleeping in less and less clothing as the heat progressed last week. Students are now scrambling to keep warm and wearing long pants and sweaters.

During the heat wave, doing sports where there was air-conditioning was a great idea, but now that it has gotten cooler those people who chose airconditioned sports such as yoga, squash, and weight training are starting to feel uncomfortable in the cold atmosphere.

Marlee Esses, from Houston, TX, living in Cilley, said, “Coming from Texas, I don’t have a lot of clothes to wear when it’s cold.” Many people come from areas that are not used to the cold such as Texas, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

BEDS, continued from page 1 volved in sleeping up there. However, I would have to disagree. In the last three weeks alone, I have managed to fall out of my bed not once, but twice.

The first time, I woke from the sound of a crash on the floor at 2 a.m. in my dorm, and quickly realized that I was on the floor -- and quite sore. I was confused about what had just happened, because I am generally good at sleeping, but I decided to just spend the rest of the night on the floor to avoid any other incidents.

The next week or so went by nicely and I managed to stay on my bed throughout the night and I thought my troubles were over; however, they were not.

The second time, it was not the noise from the fall, but the pain that awoke me. My second spill occurred in the very early hours of Saturday morning. When I woke up this time, I didn’t remember the noise; all I could remember were my arms and legs hurting. I couldn’t fall back asleep for awhile, but I finally did. Eventually, I woke up again later that morning, and I looked at my arms and legs to see if I had any proof of my fall.

I did.

I had a big red scrape on my arm that was

sore, and hurt worse when I poked it. I also had a few bruises forming on my legs. I’m not exactly sure what I was doing as I fell, but I know I must have landed on my arm and kicked a few things on the way down.

I have no idea why I’m incapable of staying in bed. However, I have learned that sleeping can be dangerous. My roommates and I have since broken up our bunk beds. It may not stop my nighttime disasters. But at least I’m closer to the ground.

Courtesy of Google

Crying Over Spoiled Milk I Could(n’t) Have Danced

By JIYOON PARK Summer Times Staff Writer

On Monday morning, two students, Maria Fernanda Lugo and Rama Barghouty, drank the milk in the dining hall and noticed a sour taste. Bargouty immediately stopped eating her cereal, but Lugo didn’t.

Bargouty said that on other days “The milk was never sour. I used to eat cereal every day.”

Lugo later on did not show up for two dance classes, and later people heard that she was feeling nauseous and went to the health office.

Bargouty added,“She not only felt nauseous, but also from the fact that she drank rotten milk, she said that she felt bad.”

Many students at Phillips Exeter Academy drink milk every day, and the story thatthere was milk that made a student sick, would definitely raise concerns.

“I don’t think I’ll drink milk any more in the Dining Hall,” said Joyce Chen, 16, from Taiwan.

All Night: Students Gripe DANCED, continued from page 1 Although not everyone had a date to the dance, it seems that most people went anyway.

But the interesting aspect of the dance was that many girls put in much effort to look presentable while most guys did not seem to step out of their casual clothing. However, those with a date to the dance did put in that effort to clean up.

Most people did seem to fully enjoy themselves by just stepping back from homework, classes, and even one another. Students

did need an activity where they can fully commit to letting go.

And a dance was the perfect way to get these students to finally let loose. Although it is apparent that not everyone got to fully let go and have a great Saturday night, students did seem to like the idea that they were able to move and plainly have fun.

There was a moment of concern when a girl collapsed.

An ambulance responded to take her to the hospital but she quickly recovered and was released, returning to classes the next day.

Finding Peace Amidst World Conflicts PEACE, continued from page 1 summer session. But what permits Exeter to be a central location where there can be peace amongst cultures but wars and heated conflicts back at home?

Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have been in the middle of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Most Arab countries ally themselves with Palestine because of the religious connection. They take their alliance so far that like Saudi Arabia they do not even support companies that use their profits to buy weapons for Israel to use against Palestine.

But all the Saudi Arabian students interviewed shared the similar point of view that the conflict was like extra baggage abandoned on the front steps of the Phelps Science Center.

Jamar Arjah,16, from Saudi Arabia said: “We are not coming here to create more conflicts. We are here to study and meet diverse people.”

Arjah also said that it doesn’t affect her at all in making new friends because it’s not her problem to resolve with students here. She hangs out with people from different ethnic backgrounds but also sticks to people from her own country since there is no language barrier.

Dima Al-Fawaz,16, from Saudi Arabia said “The conflicts in the Middle East generally do not affect students here because we have come here to make good friends with students from every country.”

Rawan Al-Dossary, 16, from Saudi Arabia: “Race should not be the barrier between friends.”

Saudi Arabian students are open minded about different traditions and customs: Jana Al-Faraj, 16, Saudi Arabia said: “It is interesting to learn about different cultures and be able to share your own with them.”

In 1991 a civil war broke out in Georgian territory near the border of Russia. The territory officially belonged to Georgia, but the citizens desired to secede to become independent. At that time Russian involvement was very limited. It was not until 2008, that Russia took matters in its hands by aiding the territory with artillery.

The 17-year-old Georgian student Valida Pantsulaia explained that she and her family were born in that same Georgian territory and lived there until 1991. All her family also lived in the territory, so they had nowhere to move in this turmoil but Russia- a refugee for many Georgians.

The Pantsulaia family traveled back to Georgia in 1998 and settled down in the capital Tbilisi permanently.

But she left the tensions behind her when she came to Exeter.

“This is not a personal conflict with people here,” she said. “I feel that this generation has become more liberal because Russian and Georgian teenagers do not hold a grudge against one another.”

United States and China have been competing to see who can engineer the latest technology and whose economy can be number one in the world.

However, these are the responses of Exeter students: Joan Yao, 16, from Hong Kong: “There’s a lot of people here from all over. We all just want to have fun. It’s nothing political or economical.

It seems so far away to be dealing with these now.”

Yueying Lucy Pan, 16, from China agrees: “The things we did, it’s in the past. It is not the people now that have to be in conflict.”

The United States and Mexico have been in conflict about immigration. How the United States deals with the issue is controversial.

Carolina Macias, 16, a Mexican who lives in California, said: “Immigration laws are not fair because they target specific ethnic groups.

One example is the immigration law in Arizona.”

Charlotte Robinson, 16, from Washington State agreed. Referring to the immigration law in Arizona, she said: “Stopping people on the street on the assumption that they look Hispanic goes against the principle of America.”

Maria Fernanda Martinez, 16, a Mexican who lives in Texas, was very opinionated on the topic of immigration. She said: “We should have open borders. Families are separated and have to go without seeing each other. I have family that has to move from state to state and it’s sad because they can’t settle down.”

Martinez likes to learn about other cultures. In fact, she is learning Mandarin Chinese at Exeter. Her roommate and friends have been helping her study. “I feel you come here to meet new people,” she said. She also said she was determined to meet at least one person from all the 48 countries present at Exeter.

The issue of homosexuality is close to her heart as well: “I firmly believe in equality. I don’t care where you are from, who you like, or what you look like. We are all equal. They have never given me a reason to dislike them.”

As a participant in the Gay Straight Alliance, she supports her peers who have come out of the closet.

The United States policies for dealing with Native Americans in the past have damaged and negatively impacted the relationship between the original Americans and those who came later.

Amber Martin, 16, a Navajo from Flagstaff, Arizona, said, “The issue has been settled already, so there is no reason to be bitter and not make new friends.”

Markeisia Tala Nez, 14, a Navajo from Phoenix, Arizona, said: “I like hanging out with other Native Americans because we can connect better over language and culture. When I can, I still try to make new friends.”

Emerald Lynn Byakeddy, 17, a Navajo from Tuba City, Arizona, said: “There are still students that have stereotypes about Native Americans. I have been asked if we still live in tepees or are we still around.

I don’t let it get to me. I just laugh that people are so ignorant and uneducated.”

Every culture experiences stereotypes but out of all the students interviewed, it was only Byakeddy who mentioned it. It suggests that students are really willing to move beyond stereotypes and make friends with people from all ethnic backgrounds and cultures and not just students with similar culture or language.

Although neighboring countries have fought wars against each other, poisoning their relationship, today’s younger generation of Exeter students allows for peace, acceptance, harmony, and intellectual exchange to coexist in academic and social activities.

Justin Robertson/The Exonian

Students of different races, religions and nationalities share a laugh in the dining hall.

THE SUMMER TIMES

SNAP SHOTS OF EXETER

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

5

Snap Shots from a Peaceful Place: Students Reflect on an Idyllic Summer Thoughts from Peter Clarke’s Class

A Symphony of Sparrows Splendor

By MIEN WANG Age 16, from Taiwan

The chilly wind blew through the window to my bed.

The sudden cold woke me, drawing me back to reality. It was 4 o’clock in the morning. I trembled under my sheets and wanted to return to the dream I was having, but there was no going back to sleep. After struggling in bed, I finally got up. I was angry and bored. I was not interested in doing my homework; I felt lonely and a bit of homesick. A sense of helpless frustration grew in my heart. Suddenly, I heard something outside my window, the cry of crows. I noticed these sounds instantly, and I started to listen more carefully. This morn-

ing chamber music is played every day, but I rarely notice it.

The crows sound like poorly tuned cellos. Each individual cry builds on another, becoming louder and louder and more and more complex. The little sparrows also play a part in the orchestra. Their high sounds are like violins. Their melodies are rather fluent and impressive. I felt like I was sitting in large grassland in Taiwan, my home. It seemed that I could smell the grass and feel the comfortable breeze in the melody.

Individually the sparrows and crows are quite beautiful. Their sounds are like two different colors. However, together they create thousands of different shades of light. I felt suddenly peaceful and not lonely anymore. It was hard to believe that there were “sounds from heaven” here at Exeter.

The Joy of Insects

By MIEN WANG

The atmosphere on Exeter’s main lawn filled me with happiness. A couple played under a tree. People gathered to chat with each other under the afternoon sky. Twins played soccer among the people sunning themselves. But a small child sat at the edge of the sidewalk alone. My first thought was “How sad he looks.” After thinking about it awhile, I walked over to him and asked, “What’s up?” He gave me a big smile. “Look!” There was a bug on the grass. The little fellow kept trying to walk on the individual blades, but

kept tumbling off. However, it never gave up. The insect’s struggles reminded me of my friend Lin. During elementary school, Lin didn’t perform well in math. I was pretty good at math so he always visited my house to ask for help. Although he was diligent, he never really got any better at doing it.

Later, his hard work finally paid off. This bug and my friend reminded me of seeds in early spring trying to penetrate the tough soil. They strive and struggle for their life, a fire burning inside them. I wondered if that bug realized how much joy he was giving that small boy. Sometimes a small child sitting alone on a sidewalk can remind us of what’s really remarkable about life.

in the Grass

By SILVIA SCANAVIN Age 18, Italy

The sun was shining in a sky that was so blue, it could have been a painting. The American flag waved in the wind and dominated the large field. The air smelled of food, typical American food. The cooks at the school were roasting hamburgers and hot dogs outside. I could hear lots of voices and laughter. I was sitting on the grass surrounded by my fellow students. Everyone was doing something different.

In a corner, near the library, there were some pretty girls who were sitting quietly together deep in conversation. They looked almost alike because they were wearing the same Exeter gray t-shirts. They were talking comfortably, and it seemed as if they had known each other for a lifetime. Some of them were laughing, while pointing at the boys who were playing rugby. In the center of the field, there was another group of students playing soccer. There were two teams of boys and girls mixed together, trying to communicate and conduct the game as best they could.

This atmosphere was light and cheerful. It was the kind of afternoon that moved you inside, that made you feel like you belonged. Every single person I saw was different from the other: different nationality, different ethnicity, different native language, different origin… but they were all there together, like a big family.

Dinner Time: A Smorgasbord of Schmoozing

By GIZEM ERGUDER Age 15, from Turkey

Yesterday I was starving. As I went through the line, I chose every piece of food I could get on my plate. When I went in search of a table I was carrying a glass of water, a salad, and a plate piled high with hot steaming meat and vegetables. To top it off I stopped at the desert bar to get some cookies. I joined two new friends, Izy and Danielle, at a big table. Danielle was sitting in front of me. She wasn’t that hungry so she just ate a green apple. Izy was sitting next to me. She has green big eyes and blonde hair. She is from Chicago, maybe you know her. Anyway, we started to talk about our day, and before you knew it, Marline and Daniel sat down at our table too. Immediately after that, Jack and

Josh who from England, Melis and Sarp from Turkey, Matteo from Italy, Reika from Hong Kong, Iro and Alex from Greece, all came to our table. We make up a huge group of friends. We all live in different countries, but this has never been a problem for us. We stumbled along in English, making grammar mistakes and mixing up words, but nothing made this conversation hard. We taught each other some words in our languages. We laughed. We tried each other’s food. Everything was so good - the food, the drinks, the conversation. (Well, everything except the nearby smell of dirty dishes that hadn’t been washed yet.) Then, the gossip started. Girls started to talk about cute boys, and boys talked about pretty girls. We sometimes spoke at the same time, but we usually understood one other. We tried to give each other advice about how to approach the people we were interested

in. Most of it was pretty silly, but it was the most enjoyable dinner I have ever had.

There are more than 6 billion people in this world, all with different backgrounds and cultures. Some of us are mean; some of us are helpful. Some of us are cheerful, and some of us are dishonest. We can be black or white, boy or girl, tall or short, thin or fat, lazy or hard-working, insane or serene. We are from different places all over the world. We are all different in some kind of way, but these differences don’t keep us apart. This is what is totally remarkable about Exeter’s summer school. The cultures that define us one from another are what help us get along and improve our relationships. You can say that it was just a dinner, but that is not true. It was so much more than a simple meal. It was a celebration of differences.

Clothes Make the Man -and Woman: A Dissertation on Exeter Style clothes have separated people as well as brought others together. In the middle ages there were specific dress codes and one had to dress depending on his or her social class. They could do nothing sartorially that was not clearly stated.

Today many people also abide by an unwritten “dress code” in hopes that their clothes will imply a certain image and create a deliberate allure. People place great emphasis on clothing and presentation that can sometimes hinder or help. However this summer it seems those sartorial lines have blurred, and acceptance has triumphed.

Students wear what they please.

Different groups of people tend to pay homage to different styles such as athletic, sultry, preppy, or edgy. Even those who would claim they do not care about their clothes are making a statement.

Some tend to show more skin while others don more conservative garb.

However, students are not tormented or ostracized based on how they dress which is an admirable feat indeed. An outsider may marvel at some of the groups of friends that have sprung up in these past weeks, but one must consider how students have looked past the outside to realize the importance of the person inside the clothes; which is exactly what humankind must do on a far larger scale.

By GABRIELLE BLACKMAN Summer Times Contributing Writer

This last year has taken a serious toll on the global community and left many wondering what the future holds for humankind. Between natural disasters ravaging entire nations and citizens staging revolutions against oppressive dictators, the world is in an unprecedented state of tumult. Forging a peaceful global community will be critical if there is to be stability in the years to come and Exeter is laying the groundwork for this concept to become a reality.

This summer, young people from almost fifty nations have gathered together to pursue academics, the arts, athletics, and possibly a bit of romance. This diverse group has not only brought advanced intellect and various skills to the Academy, but has illustrated how a diverse group of people of every race and background can work cohesively in one environment. Not only is this further reinforced in the interactions among students, but it can be seen through the eclectic styles on campus.

Since the beginning of time Gabrielle Blackman /The Summer Times

6

THE SUMMER TIMES

Spotlight On:

By MITZI PEREZ AND LAYLA RAO Summer Times Staff Writers

Spotlight on Shana Gilbert, 39, documentary filmmaker from Denver, Colo., who teaches Global Justice and the Media and Society.

EXETER LIFE

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

Shana Gilbert point I wanted to win an Oscar someday and make great movies.

Instantly I put the camera down and said, “ I don’t care.” it was a major life change. Going from the pursuit of my own goals to using my resources to help the kids who no one else was going to help or I believe couldn’t help themselves.

Q: Do you have any siblings?

A: Yeah, I have a sister. She lives in Boston; she’s an immigration lawyer. She is seven years younger than me.

Q: How did your sister become interested in being a lawyer?

A: She was the kid who my parents told exactly what to do and what to be in life; she did that. She was a debutante, valedictorian, homecoming queen, and then she went to law school. Just like they said; she turned out just fine.

Q: How did Jesca take it?

A: Not well. To this day we don’t really talk about it anymore.

We’ll refer to it now and then. The creepiest thing is that Rachel had left us a letter. When I got home it was sitting on my bed. She was apologizing for something that I got mad at her for. It was saying all these dramatic words like “I love you so much” and “you changed my life.” It was really hard on Jes and I. So we have the letter and we kind of hold it, but we don’t read it or talk about it. Maybe someday when she’s older we’ll read it. But it’s very normal to Jesca everyone in her whole world died on her. She always makes sure that everything is going to be the same with me. That some sort of product of abandonment.

Q: Is she married?

A: Yes, to a lawyer that she meet in law school. They’re going to have two and a half kids and live in a perfect suburb.

Q: Are you married?

A: No. I’ve never been married. I’ve been a little busy.

Q: You have Jesca, but do you have any other children?

A: Nope. She’s my only kid, but she does want a little sister.

So I don’t know if I want to adopt another one. I don’t know what we’re going to do.

Q: How did you find Jesca?

A: I went to Uganda, Africa, to film a documentary and while I was there I meet this group of kids raising each other in a house.

Jesca was one of them. She was about two-and-half or three, and she was pretty sick. She had malaria, parasites, and everything. She was malnourished. I fell in love with her. About six months later her mother died. At that point I had already finished filming, been back to America, and came back again. I found out that her mother had died on the street. So I asked if I could adopt her from the older kids that she was living with.

Q: Was the transition hard?

A: No she’s the most resilient human being I’ve ever met. But sometimes I forget I have a kid because I lived my whole life then all of a sudden I have another human being. It would’ve helped if I had birthed her. She’s adjusted well.

Q: You went to Africa to film a documentary, now you go after summer every year?

A: Yeah, now I run an NGO. It’s a non-government organization based in Colorado. I do half time there and half time in Africa.

And I run a whole team of American youth culture basically that run all the programs there. We work in the slums with other street kids; we have a farm, and we have a primary school. I run about a hundred college kids a year volunteering in Uganda. That’s what I do. I have someone else coordinate his or her trip. I’m the executive director and there are eight of us. Ugandans and Americans, we work together.

Q: What was your best experience while you were there?

A: Meeting Jesca without question. On a more personal note, my whole life changed, my perspective on everything. At one

one was a little girl who I meet while filming that documentary who had AIDS. She ended living with me and Jesca, being my other kid.

Her name was Rachel and she tragically died on the back of a motorcycle. There was nothing that I could do to help her even if there was things like “Fight for Life” or medical care that could save her.

That was the worst experience of my whole life. I had given her the money to take the motorcycle to get back to school; it was the only way to get there. It’s just a guilt that I always live with. But it happens all the time in Africa. In America that would be horrific, there it’s just another story. That’s not okay with me. It shouldn’t have been just another story but it was. She was twelve; she was really important to me and Jes. She was like Jesca’s big sister.

Q: Does Jesca travel back and forth with you?

A: Oh yeah. She loves it; she’s still fluent in her tribal language.

I want to keep it that way.

Mitzi Perez/The Summer Times

Shana Gilbert is a documentary filmaker from Colorado. Here she is pictured with her daughter, Jesca.

Q: Have you stopped filming completely?

A: I just finished a documentary; this year it premieres. It took me five years. It’s called “Mzungo” which means “white wonder” in Swahili. In that movie you see my transition as a character going from the filmmaker and naive, and going to Africa on this big mission to help people. There’s this character arc and this moment in time where we realized that you can’t save the whole world and you make a choice whether you’re going to make a difference in someone’s life. The whole third act is my dealing with what I learned on my first trip. I can’t stand to watch the first three-fourths of it because it was me six years ago when I was a totally different person when all I cared about was making a documentary to win Sundance. I took that footage, I put it in a drawer, and for two years I didn’t look at it. I changed so much in three months time. Five years later there was a new ending to the story. You see my whole journey as a human being. From naive to making some decisions that changed my life forever.

Q: What was your worst experience?

A: I had a lot of really important people die on me. The worst

War of the Words, Part 2: Webster v. Wentworth by a blowout to be one of the replacements for the old dominion.

When asked about what he will bring to the table, he Who would have thought, that after eight o’clock restric- responded, “the brains and the brawn and a 10.8 100 meter tions, stern meetings with advisors, and confrontations with dash.” One could observe his brains, during the past Northdeans, that a measly article would be the potentially fatal blow South rift where he framed North Webster by placing North to the Webster militia?

Webster propaganda all over South The article last week concerning Webster, which was one of the reasons they were put under eight o’clock the war resulted in fingers being pointed restrictions. in all directions. Most of these fingers For the brawn portion, he was ended up landing on Webster South the one who subdued the husky comlocal Bernard Bright. manding North Webster Big Willie, Bright, crushed under threats by who is college bound for football, and every official Exeter Summer School his entourage of adherents. After such a has to offer, has to decided to a pass display of heroic demeanor, many were on the torch to the dynamic duo of puzzled as to why “Sand Man” was not Generalissimos “Sand Man” and “La originally on the throne.

Tortuga.”

With someone who is so adept One may ask, how can two people Justin Robertson/The Summer Times in so many fields of warfare, why is take the role of one man? Well, the other commander-in-chief, Kaleb Randolph, also was replaced due to a co-captain even necessary? “Sand Man” thinks the cogeneralissimo is necessary because “he completes me, with being described as “too soft” by the above-named Tortuga.

Since the new line-up was installed, tensions have his metaphoric shell.”

“Why does a metaphoric shell help a warboiled under the lid, and the rior?” one may ask. Generalissimo “La Tortuga” first shot of the war was fired. concludes: “a shell is hard and can defend against Vaseline was lathered over the shots. This also gives me stealth because I alWentworth doorknobs leavways have a place to hide.” ing the oblivious residents “Sand Man” has multiple examples of with a conspicuous feel and texture. heroism, which seem hard for any other person to compete with. However “La Tortuga” has a Also, a shopping cart few notches in his belt, which could be seen back turned up in a Webster during the Webster Civil War, when he was the shower. Suspicion fell on one who sneaked around and silently slipped into Wentworth. Furthermore, people’s rooms conducting various pranks.

Wentworth students attacked More recently he was the one who snooped former Webster North comJustin Robertson/The Summer Times around Wentworth lathering up all the doorknobs, mander by conniving bottle without even slightest suspicion until the dubious caps into his Afro.

So is this war a one-way attack where Wentworth is students attempted to enter their respective rooms.

There have been repercussions that extend beyond totally unorganized? Well, they are organized enough to have Webster and Wentworth kids, for example, the door knob named a captain, John Dukes, from Oklahoma.

His interview was far too vulgar too include when he was shenanigans proved to be quite a burden for the custodians queried concerning the doorknobs, but one thing is for sure: who make this campus correlate with the high school’s rehe was not pleased with the situation at hand. The only thing nowned reputation.

Why would South Webster load more on the custodian’s said that was not profane, was “I am the new commander and leader of Wentworth; I am tired of Webster’s shenanigans.” already stacked plate? “La Tortuga” enlightened: “We are There may be much speculation about who “La Tortuga” not out to push the custodian’s buttons. We just wanted to and the “Sand Man” are. They preferred to be anonymous convey that our militia will not easily be grasped.”

So, now with strikes fired and the stage set, in this stagdue to the punishments inflicted on Bright. The anonymous “Sand Man” is dense, compact, and aggressive. Although nated “peace,” one thing is for sure: the elephant in the room he was not involved in the Vaseline attacks, he was voted has yet to be tamed.

Q: What place does she prefer?

A: When she’s in Uganda, she’s fully Ugandan. She speaks her own language all day and loves it. Those are her best friends. When she comes to America she can’t wait to watch Disney channel, go to school, and learn everything she can from people. She’s really weirdly matured, I think growing up on the streets makes you more grown. I’m lucky; I really like my kid.

Q: Do you want to adopt another?

A: If I meet a child who really needed it. I had lots of kids I sponsored and worked with in Uganda who needed a family and there’s always been an American family right there to take them.

So there hasn’t been like that one kid that no one else wanted yet.

I’ve always thought maybe I’ll wait for that one kid and it hasn’t happened. Every time we get an abandoned baby, there’s instantly a family that will take them. It’s very hard by the way and very expensive. It took me three years. I wouldn’t have done anything else with my thirties. I feel pretty good about it.

Q: How did your parents feel about it?

A: They used to hate it. I was like the black sheep of the family, the weirdo who went off to Hollywood to make movies and went off to Africa. But just recently my mom went, and met all of Jesca’s friends. And she loved it. And now that she could put names to the faces, it means something. I think my family has come around.

Q: Are they close with Jesca?

A: Oh yeah! They’re really close; you can’t not be once you get to know her. When she prays before a meal, it breaks your heart because she prays for anyone who doesn’t have any food to eat today.

Prayer at Eventide, Faiths of our Fathers

By ADAM MARQUARDT Summer Times Staff Writer

By ARTHUR WEISER Summer Times Staff Writer

Thursday nights are set aside for “Evening Prayer” at Phillips Church, an activity that brings together students from many religions and cultures for reflection and sharing. It was a moment to recall that this religious diversity and freedom of faith is one of the principal attractions of the Summer School.

The church’s wooden doors opened in a creaking that pierced the religious silence.

Inside, your first thoughts could be that it is a traditional church. However, Phillips Church has a particularity observed very rarely in a religious building. Actually, a few meters from the prayer hall, a smiling Buddha statue covered with an emerald green color stands next to an imposing stained glass representing Christ and also the Torah – the principal Judaic prayer book – hidden in the room dedicated to this religion.

As you will have gathered, many faiths intertwine in this microcosm as if the differences between them were no longer of this world, just long enough for a religious prayer, a poem reading, song or a multitude of other melodies focus on peace, love and brotherhood.

Every night, the silence weighs more than words. Russell Weatherspoon moves slowly towards the stage, with heavy and powerful steps that echo in the dark night. Then, he shuts down the lights in the prayer room. The last source of light is the cracking fire of the two candlesticks placed around him. That’s it; the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere overtakes the audience. Behind him, the few sunlight beams still present in the sky pierce the transparent blue facade and lay on his shoulders.

When he starts his singing, time stops. The kids forget all their problems, the religion differences disappear gradually, at every word he whispers. Everyone is listening, silent and speechless. His angel voice penetrates each of the wood facade cracks, a song of peace reaches each of the students. Then, he stops and retires from the stage. A religious silence settles in the room. Actually, he leaves time for the students to meditate and think of the words he just spoke or more importantly, to go on stage to open their hearts to the other kids, without any prejudices and judgment.

This is how an evening goes at “Evening Prayer.” It is in those moments that you become aware of the religious diversity and the freedom of faith here in Exeter. We do not sing prayers or songs of a particular religion-- on the contrary! The setting is very friendly and allows the students to sing, pray or speak about their religion or their life in turn. Even a “happy birthday” would be sung this night ! What brings them together therefore, is this freedom of speech and faith unique to this Summer School.

The audience was diverse too. We could see Christian kids, Jews and Muslims. However, each time a prayer or a speech resonated in the church, they were all listening carefully to all of them. For instance, a Christian prayer was sung in French and all of the students listened, full of emotion, to the speaker despite the language and faith barrier.

The students seem to enjoy this kind of activity since while listening to their peers, they can learn from what they are listening to. Sayuri Ito, a Japanese girl shares her thoughts. “ I personally think that these kind of meetings are really good because we can practice our faith,” she said. “However, the most important thing for me is that you can learn from the other kids’s religions and faiths as everyone is speaking freely about their personal ideas.”

Moreover, religious diversity is not present just in this meetings but in every part of the student’s life as Thomas Bradley, an American student points out. “ There is not a single problem of religious belief here at Phillips Exeter Academy,” he said. “I have friends from all around the word that have religions totally opposed and we still laugh among each other every day!”

THE SUMMER TIMES

EXETER LIFE

7

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

This Just in! WPEA Radio on Air every aspect of the work from the interview process to the actual live show.”

From the student’s point of view, it was a long-term job. Actually, they are going to speak live next week, the essential feature of a radio show, but at the same time, they had previously recorded interviews to avoid a black hole of silence during the sessions.

Then, it was time for them to use their creative facets as they had to edit the reports before they face the audience.

Concerning the live part, it is going to be a perilous task for the kids as on one hand, their improvisation skills will be put at work and on the other hand, the stress that that every single one of them is feeling will be a hard task to manage.

“I am a bit nervous concerning the live show as I hate my voice,” said Kenard Dillon, 16. “ If we get confused, we will have to improvise and this is a hard thing to manage but the team wrote most of the things they are going to say, so we’re cool, I think!”

A moment of intense nervousness for them was also when they met Mr. Cain, a Republican businessman in the race to take President Obama’s seat in 2012. Students went to a campaign appearance in Dover, NH, a dinner where he was giving a speech. “ I went on my own to speak to Hermain Cain,” said Gaby Marcano. “I was a bit nervous as he is a pretty famous man but I took my courage in both hands and I did it.”

The show’s program is for the moment undisclosed information secretly kept by the team but sources disclose that the Cain interview is going to be one of the cornerstones of the transmission.

Other reports say the show will include interviews directly from the Phillips Exeter campus, “In fact, our radio is going to be really similar to a real show but with some personal features,” said Ms. Botero. “It is going to be less like NPR for example but more like a community radio, more intimate.”

Stay tuned !

By ARTHUR WEISER Summer Times Staff Writer

Summer School Radio hits the airwaves from 8 to 9 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on WPEA, 90.5 FM. Students have also kept up with the times, offering live broadcasts through their website on internet. And they have already met a potential Presidential candidate, Herman Cain.

The students and their teacher in the Broadcast Journalism class, Julia Botero, offered their thoughts on a project that seems a Herculean task as the work they have made the past weeks was huge.

You listen to your iPod’s personal music cache to escape the monotony of radio, but don’t you just wind up listening to your favorite songs over and over anyway ? Have you kept track of what is going on at the Summer School this past weeks ? Don’t fret, the future of radio beckons with the new show coming up next week here in Exeter.

For discovering new musical artists and genres and at the same time, reports of famous people and interviews, life is just a scholastic click away on the dial.

The flashing red “ON AIR” inscription on the greyish wall of the room is proof that the basement of the Academy Center was converted to an actual professional radio studio, just in time for the Broadcast Journalism class. It is in fact seven students from the Summer School without any prior experience in journalism or radio who will lead with a master’s hand the sessions to the delight of students.

As with professionals, an astronomical amount of work went into the preparation.

Ms. Botero, their teacher, described the preparation of her apprentices: “Actually, they created this Radio Project from A to Z and my students are preparing the show since the beginning of this Summer School,” she said. “We took our time as I had to teach them

What We’re Reading this Summer

By URWAH AHMAD Summer Times Staff Writer

me b u t s oi v e : y a d re to till al r y w h em e n t a r e sr for other e v e s n i ai no ology for fu entert ng Te c h nf a n c i e n t , whether r k . r e a d i ks, o o ng y i r w s d a e e a r c o e m r b r o li b ho s o u ample, ss or ading n the for ex n s l i k e c l a s i t t i n g i he lawn re m s . so r e a s o e o p l e a r e sitting on t t h e i r d o r s o t h e y a l o u n s y P are b o o k s i n t t h i n g c o u r s e i, , they f e booksa r e r e a d i n gi k e s d i ff e r s , u n l e s s o i s Z h i q i L m o l g e r they veryone rent thin lass. Her do ,14 ,f ng E i ff e k f o r c vera ading “So at bout d oo na Al read a ading a b g, and E are both re Books/Gre a r e r e o m B e i j i nu e l a , w h o s s , G r e a t the 1 5 , f r a s , Ve n e z r t h e i r c l a rom na f , 6 c 1 , nta Cara lomon”fo s t e r s d i n g “ M o ss ase o h S C a of Josh s rea ng. ey for cl R e a d i a m e w i t h o m w h o ’e t o r e a d b o o k s t h n a e o S v d z h a g i t h r d Kin enjoy nd eople rom A U n i t e. ” S o m e p t h e y s t i l l b i n s , 1 5 , f r e a d i n g a b r t 8 o e u 4 h R b 9 1 ents ” for bella nd s i g n m a d i n g . I s a l o f R o m es . h i n g a16, t e m e l o a r e r d i n g “ F a i t i o n c l a s ested in s hy Jones, ed i s r e a g c o m p o sl e a r e i n t e r t like Peac ding “Nak w r i t i nome peop ore about i who is rea s . s S g to earn md Kingdomn o m i c s c l a r e r e a d i n h i n g l o t t wan the Unite r h i s e c o r s w h o a u t s o m e t d i from o m i c s ” f o a r e o t h e r r e a d a b o f r o m S a ue . ” Econ hen there owledge o F a r a j , 1 6 , inci Cod ey T l aV kn ers their i k e J a n a a g “The D om New J r e h t n r fur l i k e . L readi ,16 , f they ia, who is rdon Cobb A r a b t h e r e ’s J o Then

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Before I Came to Exeter I thought...but Now...

By ALIX DUFOSSE AND GINNY HARMON Summer Times Staff Writers

“I thought all African Americans could rap… turns out, only two of them can!” Kavia Garg, from India.

“I thought that Hispanic people would all stick together… but they actually talk to different people!” Jiyoon Park, from South Korea.

Have you ever wondered what people from other countries might think of you? When they pass you on the sidewalk and look you over and hear you speaking a foreign language, what “I thought everyone in exactly runs through their minds? We asked students here at America ate McDonalds and Exeter Summer session 2011 what they had to say. there would be a lot of obeAll of the students knew that when they applied to the sity……but the people here are summer session they would get to know many people from not all obese.” Chen Chi, from many different countries and backgrounds. This is what makes China Exeter so unique and a memory that will last forever. Going into the summer session many people already had pre-formed stereotypes of how their foreign counterparts would act or look. After getting to know the other students their ideas may “I thought Americans have changed -- or they could have been right all along. See were loud and obnoxfor yourself. ious…now I know it’s Some students at the Summer School claim to not have the opposite.” Lubna Fabrought any prejudices or stereotypes with them this summer. houm, from Bahrain.

“I’ve been to the states a lot and traveled a lot. I’ve gone to other camps that are similarly international and diverse, so I didn’t really have stereotypes,” said Alana Zelaya, from Honduras. There are, however, other students who did come “I thought I was going to be out-smarted to the summer school this year with preconceived ideas about by every Asian here…but I was able to help how people from other cultural and ethnic groups would look, some of them with homework.” Sade Evans, think, and behave. from New York.

“I thought all French people would be snobby… but they’re really friendly.” Katherine Sadaniantz, from Rhode Island.

“I thought that Italian People would actually like the pasta here… turns out, they don’t.” Kara Perusse, from Virginia.

“I thought people would have stereotypes…but they don’t!” Hilary Chung, from Hong Kong.

“I thought that African Americans would be shy to discuss discrimination…but they are willing to talk about it and talk about their culture a lot.” Qianqian Xiong, from China.

THE SUMMER TIMES

PHOTOSPREAD

STARRY NIGHT

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011

8

I Shop, Therefore I am in other countries, is the prices. Everything here tends to be really cheaper than in Europe or South America for Summer Times Staff Writers example. When students find out how they can buy many things here without The Phillips Exeter Academy paying as much as they would where Summer Program doesn’t consist only they usually live and shop, they’re of studying and sports, it also includes overwhelmed and buy whatever they activities enjoyed outside the school, need for the rest of the year or casual especially a variety of out of town clothing for their everyday life here and activities and trips. back at home.

These activities include “I love shopping here as it is a shopping, parks and sightplace in which seeing, which many students you can find any enjoy. The summer shop you want, school’s Deans of Fun and the prices organize trips to Bosare better comton, parks, and difpared to Greece,” ferent outlets claimed Annita and malls Boulouta, 15 w h e r e from Greece. students These differcan shop ences are what and at make shopping the same here so special time enjoy and exciting, their free especially for time. students from Shopall around ping is difthe world. ferent in Students like all counto explore tries and this differcultures, ent culture es and that’s from all the g a m gle I why interangles, and by Goo f o rtesy national shopping here or simply strollCou students ing in the streets of Boston or having visiting the United States can’t get fun at the malls, they can easily disenough of this activity. Students from cover how life here differs from their all over the world take advantage of life back at home, how shopping here the opportunity to shop in a different is more exciting and because of the environment, where not only the prices benefits it brings to their pocketbook. but also the quality of the products sold But there’s always a bad side to the are better than in their own countries. excesses of things. Shopping in great As Ismini Papaioannou, 16, from amounts without any limitations has Greece, states: “Shopping in the USA caused students to waste their money is really cool because there are more and buy things they don’t need, only stores than in Europe, with better because of the low prices and the atprices.” tractiveness of the products. So students And also according to Erika Ar- have to be aware and budget their ribas, from Venezuela “ Shopping here money and learn how to spend it for in the United States is better. There are them to enjoy their summer and later on many stores all around the streets and learn how to administrate their money they provide just what I need in the when they grow up. price I’m looking for.”

Summer school provides not only There are stores here that might the opportunity to learn new subjects not exist in other countries. That’s a and encouraging exercise programs, but fact that makes students more eager also it includes the possibility to enjoy to shop and in that way explore differ- things that we cannot encounter in our ent stores and products that they can’t countries, like for example shopping fi nd anywhere else than here in this in a fun and measured way in a place country. where the prices are low and the quality Another striking difference be- of the products benefit us as students tween shopping here in the States and and as teens.

By CHRISTINA PSYCHARI AND LUISA SANABRIA

Justin Robertson /The Summer Times

Students in Gerry LaSala’s Astronomy class get permission to stay out late and use clear nights at Exeter to star gaze at the Grainger Observatory.

LEAPING LADIES

Justin Robertson /The Summer Times

All it takes is a little cooler weather to draw Exeter students back to the outdoors in droves. But, hey what happened to the guys?