Tiger Times Volume 48 Issue 10 by SIS Tiger Times

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ISSUE 10

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VIEWPOINT | Why write? NEWS | Goodbye to the seniors FOCUS | Bizarre health trends

The Class of 2017 graduated on May 19, 2017, marking the 40th graduation at SIS.

Editorial

The anti-graft law, one year on By Andrew Ham and Diana Lee Co-Editors-in-Chief

Enacted in 2016, the anti-graft law has thus far proven to be a potent deterrent of potentially inappropriate gift giving. Unfortunately, this efficacy does not necessarily entail comprehensive success. In the past year or so, we have learned as a community that student-teacher relationships can be quantified in more ways than one. For example, say a kindergarten student brings in birthday cupcakes for the entire class and the teacher takes a bite: has the teacher committed a moral transgression? What if an advisor decided to take a handful of snacks at a party hosted by his or her club? What about a bouquet, or a card, or an event invitation? These social norms do not disappear because of a blanket law. We raised these questions as a newspaper when the policy was first proposed; to this day, the answers have been confusing and varied. However, this is because the school has tried its best to accommodate the vast breadth of exceptions that have arisen this year; for example, even though the blanket ban seemingly forbids it, students should have been allowed to provide flowers for their departing coaches. The spirit of gratitude is lost when the gift-giver is subsidized. Thus, at first, the principal’s office budget was used, for example, to purchase bouquets gifted to conductors at the end of music department concerts. But later in the year, sports teams ran into conflicts trying to buy bouquets for their coaches, which they had hoped to present at their endof-season assemblies. In some cases, Dr. Gerhard, high school principal, could come to the aid of such students by reimbursing purchases. Unfortunately, there is a limit to which individuals can cover for systematic defects—and holes that go unaddressed often decay into morally grey areas. Take, for example, Prom: a farewell party celebrating the senior class that has traditionally been attended by departing teachers and those who were especially close with the graduates. This year, however, due to miscommunication between the HSSC advisers and the administration, teachers, other than chaperones whose tickets were bought by the school, were told to purchase their own tickets, just like students do, according to the law. According to David Yoo (11), junior council vice president, though multiple compromises were proposed (including providing teachers tickets at a discount), none were deemed satisfactory due to the law. Of course, we do not contend the fact that we as citizens must obey the law. In fact, it serves an honorable purpose—still, we could be fairer, sharper, smarter, and clearer in how we implement it. To be clear, this is not an issue of dereliction or malice, but rather one of infrastructure. A building erected on a weak skeleton will inevitably lean to one side, putting excessive pressure on sensitive points. Likewise, constructing a building without a thorough blueprint may be dangerous. Trying to execute policies without a clear and straightforward system can shift an unfair, arbitrary share of responsibility on certain individuals. Because the official anti-graft law explains little about student-teacher interaction in a private school setting, much of the groundwork must be set on our own, and collective problem solving is a must. If exceptions exist, they must be established in a proactive manner. For example, the school’s leadership could hold public assemblies to educate students and teachers about what they can do to preserve their beloved traditions without violating the law. In order to do so, the school would do well to delineate a clear progression of steps or guidelines explaining precisely what students and faculty can do to hold legally permissible celebrations. In other words, to protect itself, the school cannot be reactive; it cannot draft policies situation-by-situation, based on the different exceptions that come along in a given year. At the end of the day, we all desire the same thing: to create responsible, productive relationships and bonds in the school community. However, like all good teachers know, rules need to be clear in order to be followed: the school would do best to better explain its existing concrete guidelines to successfully enforce the anti-graft law.

2 VIEWPOINT President Moon aims to clear the skies

t may be hard to believe today that clear skies in Korea were once common; in fact, the nation was introduced to the microparticle problem only in 2012. Since then, the microparticle pollution rate has risen exponentially, posing significant physical and environmental threats to the everyday lives of Korean citizens. According to the Chosun Daily, exposure to microparticles over prolonged periods increases risks of lung cancer and breathing complications, and South Korea towers over all other OECD nations in the number of deaths per year attributed to microparticle exposure. This pollution originates from many sources, including coal power plants, diesel cars, and most significantly, China’s industry and Gobi Desert which yields unsightly amounts of yellow dust. Although the Korean government has made an effort to clear the nationwide microparticle infiltration, there has still been a lack of improvement in air quality. In an effort to cooperate with China, previous presidents and the newly elected President Moon have claimed that they would diplomatically negotiate anti-pollution policies with China. However, the effectiveness of these policies have been questionable. Alternatively, the Korean government

could possibly reach China diplomatically through an international organization or treaty to stop air pollution. Just like how cleaning up pollution in the ocean requires strong cooperation between different states and organizations, the process of cleaning up the atmosphere, a globally shared resource, also requires significant collaboration between nations. The surge in microparticle levels nationwide has also in part been fueled by the rising popularity of diesel cars. While diesel cars are more cost efficient, recently the government realized that diesel released a disproportionate amount of atmospheric waste. Consequently, the government increased the price of diesel fuel, hoping it would incentivize customers to convert back to gasoline-based cars. To further this effort, newly elected President Moon hopes to dramatically reduce the production of diesel-based cars by 2030. Lastly, President Moon recently pledged to implement drastic measures to cut down coal power plants. After visiting a public elementary school on May 15, President Moon proposed a new set of policies to immediately tackle the microparticle problem. While preliminary in nature, he included a proposal to shut down

all coal power plants within a decade. Furthermore, as part of the emergency effort, the government will temporarily pause eight coal power plants in June that have been operating for over 10 years out of a total 59 operating plants. The administration hopes to test the effect of such shutdown, and if deemed successful, the government has pledged to undergo the same temporary shutdowns next year. In addition, the president has promised to install air quality monitors and purifiers in every public school. Unfortunately, the newly elected president’s policies may cause some economic ripples. In order to compensate for the loss in energy generation, South Korea will have to rely increasingly on natural gas. However, natural gas has a higher cost that could cause greater burdens on families that have to pay for their own electricity. On the other hand, if the higher electricity costs lead to wasting less electricity, it may be a truly beneficial solution that prevents excessive wasting and protects the air quality. If the government tackles the microparticle problem with clear and effective policies, the skies may be finally cleared.

By Chris Lee Freshman, Staff Writer

Updated guidelines effective in deterring student transgressions

hen students first opened the Daily Bulletin and saw the updated rule on elevator usage and food delivery, which announced stricter consequences including immediate detentions, reactions were mixed. Some students were scared, while others decided that it was safest not to ride elevators— but most were downright confused. Where did this rule come from? The new rule places stricter punishments and less leeway on both elevator usage and food delivery; students who are found riding the elevator will immediately receive a detention while students who are caught with delivered food are advised to “cancel their afternoon plans for the following three days.” This contrasts with the previous edition of both the elevator rule and the food delivery rule where detentions were rarely given immediately. Such is an addition to an already existing rule on ordering food and riding the elevator, providing the updated rules a harsher stance on the issue. Though many students found the policy troubling due to its severity, the

extent to which the school may go to punish transgressing students should not be considered an issue. Even before the update, a rule that stated that students are not allowed to ride the elevator without a pass and that students are not allowed to order food without explicit permission from the office had existed. But the punishment and the enforcement of these rules were often lacking. Once caught, if a student apologizes and immediately exits the elevator, the teacher would rarely award them a detention. In this scenario, the rule had only one consequence: a student would not be able to ride the elevator in only that particular time. In addition, as less and less regard was given to punishing transgressors, more and more students became willing to take the risk and ride the elevator or order food from outside. Due to the continuously rising number of students breaking the rules and no efficient means to actually enforce the previous set of rules, it became necessary for the school to take action, according to James Gerhard, the high school principal. The update to the rule follows the common strategy that to discourage

rule breaking at the roots, the authority must increase the punishment when caught. This would raise the risks for a student transgressing, forcing them to consider beforehand the consequences before promptly deciding that the short-term convenience is not worth the risk. This models the real world where many decide not to commit petty crimes like jaywalking and speeding not because of heightened sense of moral obligation but because nobody wants to pay fines. Finally, according to Dr. Gerhard, the stricter rules imposed on the student body seems to be effective for the time being. Since the unveiling of the rule on the Daily Bulletin, there has not been a single student who has visited the office for either riding the elevator or ordering food without permission. Though that may be because students have become smarter and are more cunning in their evasion of teachers, it could also be because the rules are not being broken as often as before. If that is the case, the updated rules seem to be working. By Justin Chang Junior, Staff Writer

Tiger Times May 2017

Extended Viewpoint:

Why write?

By Andrew Ham

Extended Viewpoint What is the role of the pen in a sword-dominated world?

Journalism is a profession under siege. It has been labeled as one of the least attractive careers by Forbes magazine. In the United States, many who seek to print the truth are being accused of perpetuating “fake” news by powerful politicians who merely dislike investigative reporting. Meanwhile, actual fake news flies quietly under the radar. As a result, traditional journalism may be standing on its last legs as the rise of online and broadcast media have made lengthy, serious articles unprofitable due to the public’s ever-shortening attention span. In these critical times, it is a special challenge for us as student journalists to stick to the profession’s mission and the objectives it has laid out for us. It is no secret that Tiger Times has struggled with administrative delay this year, resulting in a scramble to finish the standard ten issues by June after publishing the ninth at the end of May. However, every issue this year has been filled with significant topics, including the downfall of former President Park Geun-hye, the election of US President Donald J. Trump, and--closer to home--recent violations of academic integrity that made us wonder how we can overcome academic dishonesty in a dishonest world.

In dealing with the accumulation of delays and the spectre of censorship, a student would not be blamed for wondering, simply, if pursuing journalism is worth it especially as a student at SIS. There are plenty of easier, similarly prestigious paths to college and beyond, without the extra stress that the obligation to produce works read and judged by one’s community produces. So why do we write? What is our purpose? I like to believe that our participation in scholastic journalism has meaning far beyond what we learn in high school. Journalists have strived, time and time again, to be at the forefront of crisis: they were at Ground Zero during the 9/11 attacks, at the warfront in Iraq, and undercover during Watergate. Many of the most courageous have served as soldiers, firemen, and policemen, but arguably overlooked in this regard is the journalist who risks her life, her career, her livelihood, for the simple, noble, overriding purpose of finding the unvarnished truth and documenting that truth for the public. Often, that search for truth blinds a journalist, who, in a quest to be objective, begins objectifying the people around him and loses sight of the true purpose of his occupation: to find the truth while doing no harm, and benefiting the general public. When we work together on a feature or a story in Tiger Times, we do our best to

Tiger Times The Tiger Times exercises the right to report on and editorialize all topics, events or issues, including those unpopular or controversial, insofar as they affect or interest the school, community, nation and world. We refrain from publishing material that advertises illegal products or services, is obscene, libelous or invades privacy. We refrain from publishing material that creates a clear and present danger or the immediate material and substantial physical disruption of the school.

Let yourself be heard. If you have any responses to articles published in the Tiger Times or original contributions, please send them to tigertimes@gmail.com

consider the real-world impacts of what we write—“do no harm”—and we try our best to follow responsible practices (“tell the truth”). What we publish could potentially end up harming someone in this school, someone who we see every morning and meet every afternoon, someone who is a part of a tight-knit community we do not wish to disrupt. I’d like to think that this sense of maturity and responsibility is something student journalists learn on a daily basis while dealing with sensitive issues. Selective coverage, which is inevitable in a budget-strapped, student-run newspaper, helps emerging adults realize that they live in a world bigger than themselves, and that they have an obligation to, at the very least, preserve and protect that world. It also helps us evolve past that youthful stage when many have the urge to tear down and rebuild the social order. Working with those in power when writing and interviewing for articles helps understand at least the motivations leaders have for their actions. Journalists are not activists; they are vessels of objectivity, but although as humans we cannot avoid impressing our own interpretations upon stories, the best reporters and columnists learn to appreciate constructive, responsible change. Make no mistake, history tells us that journalism inevitably leads to clash. In

many cases, it is an example of “punching up”—the journalist often tackles someone in power. This is primarily because the journalist works to ensure accountability as the Fourth Estate of effective government. We write because the pen, while not technically mightier than the sword, will undoubtedly outlive it. That is why, although our work sometimes puts us in the difficult position of turning private complaints public, journalism is worth it: here, we develop the ability to critically analyze the rules of our society and determine how to fix or improve them, all in a public forum, naked for all to see. This hypothetical authority will exist at every stage of our lives, but I sincerely hope that every student journalist will always carry with them an ability to see through the smoke and mirrors and find the truth. After a year of struggle, self-doubt, and self-reflection, I emerge from sleepless nights and mindless days stronger than ever—and I have faith that the rest of the staff will have matured as students capable of replicating their early academic success in the real world, a world that extends far beyond the safe academic space of college, a world that will continue frying their nerves and pushing them to their limits. After all, we all know that school is supposed to “prepare us for the real world”—if that is so, I see no other activity so worthwhile.

Tiger Times Staff Paper Editors-In-Chief Diana Lee Andrew Ham Website Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Kim Paper Managing Editor Justin Chang

Website Managing Editor Alice Lee

Production Editor Joyce Lee Soomin Lee

Project Editor-in-Chief Soomin Chun

Copy Editors Grace Yang Jeremy Nam Junie (Ye Joon) Kah Dawn Kim

Reporters Michelle Lee Andrea Kwon Chris Lee Sia Cho Andy Yoon

Graphics Editor April Kim

Photographers Angela Choe

Paper and Website Communications Editor Marie Park

Photo Editor Ryan Jang

Graphics Artists Jina Kim Michelle Cho Youngseo Jhe Layout Artists Amy Jungmin Kim Yejune Park Adviser Mr. David Coleman

NEWS The More You Know

Let us stay human

Farewell to the class of 2017: students say goodbye

By Andrew Ham

Is man good, or evil? Neither. Clearly, we don’t know what makes one good or bad. If one day I ace a test, in my good mood I may donate to a school charity. To a stranger watching me then, I am a “good person.” But on another day, if I had just fought a friend and someone came up to me with a donation basket, I could turn him away. To another stranger watching me at this time, I am a “bad person.” In fact, many of our actions depend on how we feel at the moment—this is a phenomenon known as “situational ethics.” Although we can collectively decide (in some cases) what constitutes a “good” or “bad” act, when it come to human character, the fuzzy line blurs even further. Our judgments of people are, in most cases, inaccurate, because we have not experienced enough of them to truly understand why they do what they do in specific situations. We can excuse our best friends when they “do something stupid” because we know them better than that, but if a stranger did the same thing we would believe he or she just was “that kind of person.” In other words, this entire article thus far has been written to affirm the totally original phrase: “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Hear me out. Despite the ubiquity of that phrase and the fact that the best books do, in fact, have the best covers (oh, capitalism), we seem to be oblivious to how we do it constantly. Even though it makes sense that we only understand people we know, we take great pains to characterize people we only know circumstantially. Judging others, however, really doesn’t define what they are—it defines what we are. This idea of judgment is such an essential part of our lives that we don’t limit our capabilities to humans. For example, someone coming out of a theater may comment, “that movie was terrible.” Although what the person meant was “I didn’t like the movie,” saying it in that way—“that movie was terrible”—makes the statement like a fact. It becomes rooted in the person’s mind as an immovable statement of truth, and when someone dares to question it, an argument springs. Now, the scenario I have just described may not seem so serious, but when it is applied to more real-world topics—“abortion is murder”— what we believe somehow becomes what is true. When we fail to separate our opinions from “the truth” and the two blend together, this is when we mistake our political beliefs with our moral beliefs. The truth is, a good person who could be liberal or conservative, but somehow, the extra knowledge that someone is of one political belief compels us to label them as a “monster.” To ease the polarization that is tearing former friends and curent colleagues apart, we will do well to remember that in the end, stripped to our core, we are all human.

News Briefs

Seniors attend various events with intentions of saying goodbye to all the students, teachers, and staff that have helped them through their four year journey of high school.

s the last few days of the school year came to an end and teachers began to wrap up their summatives, the seniors said their final goodbyes. Bittersweet for both the underclassmen and the upperclassmen, this last month of May was as emotional as ever. From prom to graduation, that lingering sense of farewell never left the student body. Prom night may be one of the most joyous days for the student body, but even through the euphoria and celebration, the thought that this was the end for the senior class never left. In the middle of the dance, a video clip showing a slideshow of all the senior class’s treasured memories played, invoking emotion for all. “I was sad and happy at the same time to see that it would be one of the last few days at school for the seniors,” said Sunny Oh (11), a junior who attended prom. “Though the atmosphere was cheery throughout, the few minutes when the video was played were almost bittersweet. Everyone was sad that to see that the seniors would leaving soon, but also happy because of all the had achieved at SIS” During the Sports Banquet, the

school not only conmmemorated the achievements of athletes but also said farewell to those seniors that had spent their last seasons as an athlete representing the SIS Tigers. As many of the seniors were pivotal to each sports team, and because many had acted as second coaches for the underclassmen, many believed that the coming season would be bleak without the mentorship of the seniors. For teams like the basketball team, the underclassmen laughed with the seniors and showed their appreciation for all they have done to contribute to the team. “I was really thankful to all the underclassmen for being there to say goodbye to all of us seniors,” said Paul Namkoong (12), a graduating senior and a member of the varsity boy’s basketball team. “Though I will probably see all of my underclassmen friends in the near future, I know I will never play for the SIS basketball team again so it was nice to get support from all my basketball teammates. I will miss playing ball with all the other guys but I am still thankful for the good times we had for the past few years.” Final farewells were given during the graduation ceremony when many

Photos by Ryan Jang

of the underclassmen came to support their seniors during their last day at SIS. As each senior received their diplomas, crowds of parents and students cheered in unison, while some of the seniors responded with thank yous and other forms of affection. With piles of bouquets in their arms, the underclassmen then distributed flowers, congratulations, and goodbyes during the ceremony that was their last moment as students at SIS and their first moment as a college freshmen. “The high school graduation was one of the most special days of my life,” said Jiwhan Moon (12), a graduating senior. “It marked the end of my high school journey and officially opened up the next chapter of my future. I had mixed feelings that day. There was a sense of sorrow upon realizing that all the times I spent at SIS were now part of the past. However, I was also extremely thankful to share my last moments at SIS with my closest friends and family, who have done so much for me and made my time at this school truly memorable.” By Justin Chang Junior, Managing Editor

Science go onparticipate field trip to Yonsei University MUNstudents members in SEOMUN

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Tiger Times May 2017

New HSSC executive council promises major reforms

uring activity period on April 26, the new HSSC executive council of the 2017-2018 school year made their first appearance as a group to answer several questions about the future of the HSSC and SIS community. In collaboration with Quill and Scroll, the HSSC sought to inform the high school student body about their aspirations as executive council members, the aspects of SIS they wish to change next year, and more. Each executive council member was asked various personaized questions. Each representative had many point they wanted to get across to the audience, and had different goals as a representative of the student body at SIS. “The purpose of the assembly for the new HSSC executive council was to introduce the student body to their executive members for next year and also to give the student body some insight on the changes we want to make, as well as who’s going to be taking charge of those changes next year,” said Eugene Chung (11), the executive public relations officer of next year’s HSSC. “The questions the Quill and Scroll executive members asked me were mainly regarding how I am going to be able to effectively execute the things I want to.” However, contrary to the expectations of

the executive council and numerous teachers at SIS, very few students were seated in the auditorium at 1:10 p.m, which was when the Q&A session was scheduled to occur. Approximately 30 students, excluding members of this year’s HSSC, were present. In fact, executive council members on stage state from their memory that there were more teachers than students present. According to numerous students, most of the student body was not willing to attend due to a lack of incentive and the assumption that the event may be boring. “The HSSC executive assembly is an event that many students are likely not very interested in,” said Kristina Kim (9), a freshman who attended the assembly. “Not only do some of us believe that the speeches are lengthy and slightly boring to listen to at times, but we also feel the campaign promises made by the executive council members don’t necessarily affect us.” Fortunately, the new executive council has a vast and growing agenda that it plans to implement as soon as the 2017-2018 school year begins. Aside from getting the student body interested in the actions taken by the HSSC, it plans to make the HSSC more transparent to ensure the student body is aware of where the HSSC’s money goes, more approachable to make students

Graphic by Amy Kim

feel more comfortable reporting certain student participation,” said Eugene Jang problems they have been facing, and more (9), next year’s executive secretary of the geared towards the students themselves, HSSC. “People are much more interested not necessarily for the executive council’s in the HSSC than three years ago. If we did image among the student body. In addithe same event 3 years ago, then I would tion, it plans to take new measures to better assume only 10 people would come. Every reach out to the students and get them year, students are becoming more and more more involved than ever before. interested in the things we do and to me, “We are now separating councils based that’s all that matters.” on the positions, not the grade level, meaning we will now have a public relaBy Andy Yoon tions council focused solely on increasing Freshman, Staff Writer

A step toward change: What is the future of the new presidency?

naugurated on May 11, President Moon Jae-in opened a new era of liberal leadership with a landslide victory, gaining 41 percent of the popular vote. Promising to be a “president for all,” President Moon promised to limit the power of chaebols and to reconstruct South Korean foreign policy, especially regarding the nation’s relationship with North Korea, US, and China. “I think that President Moon earned a lot of recognition and respect from a large percentage of the population,” said Julie Hwang (10), member of Media Club. “To the large population of Koreans, he seems like the most likely candidate to understand the average person in Korea, especially with his modest background and the hardships that he went through throughout his youth, which were very similar to the current sentiment of the general youth currently in Korea.” President Moon comes from a Busan family of Korean War refugees and has been expressing his political views since his youth. As a student activist during his college years, he was arrested for his views

against former President Park Jung-hee. Afterwards, President Moon, along with former President Roh Mu-hyun, led the pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. While former President Roh went on into the political arena, President Moon stayed behind in Busan as a lawyer until 2003, when he became one of Roh’s key advisors. In 2012, he narrowly lost against former President Park in the presidential election. “I believe that he also gained further admiration for his modest actions as well as his background as a civil rights lawyer,” Julie said. “To the large population, he is seen as less susceptible to corruption, a subject that a lot of people are fed up with after former President Park’s scandal with Choi Soon-sil.” President Moon won the election with a significant margin of 17 percent, and his victory symbolized a liberal breakthrough after ten years of conservative presidencies. According to Global Economic, his victory was significantly helped by his background as a civil rights lawyer – a career, which portrayed him as a clean candidate in the eyes of many voters – despite his position

Prom 2017: Bloom ends successfully The annual prom was held on May 12, garnering the attention of the student population. This year, the theme was “Bloom,” with fresh colors of spring such as soft pinks, yellows, and purples adorning the official posters. The Junior Class Council, by long-held tradition, was the primary organizer of the event, undertaking the majority of the work such as creating eye-catching advertisements, selling prom tickets,

and organizing the seating and walk-in arrangements. “I think the event was really well organized this year, without any mishaps,” said Julie Yim (12), prom attendee, “And that was crucial to part of our senior experience, because the majority of us only go to prom once. It was also a way to mark the end of your high school career, and to celebrate your accomplishments with your classmates.”

as advisor to former President Roh, who allegedly was part of a corruption scandal. “President Moon seemed more like a common man compared to Park who was more considered as a princess, which made him a more ideal candidate for the people,” said Catherine Cho (10), member of Seoulite. “Especially after Park’s corruption scandal was revealed, his participation in the anti-Park rallies brought further appeal towards his candidacy compared to the other candidates.” According to Kangwon News, the controversies surrounding former President Park’s activities in office has redirected the concerns of the electorate to issues such as addressing corruption and reforming the economy. As a liberal candidate, President Moon has promised to reform the chaebols, who are positioned at the top of the economy, while also addressing problems of low employment rates and minimum wages. “If Korea wants to innovate, they probably need to have a more diverse amount and type of companies,” said Morgan Miller, AP Economics teacher. “Anything that would promote entrepreneurship is good for the

Korean economy even if the major companies were to become slightly less important.” President Moon has also pledged to change the dynamics of South Korean foreign relations, and has specifically advocated for direct communication with North Korea, taking a similar stance to former President Roh’s sunshine policy. According to the Pressian, with tensions heightening between the North and the South, Moon’s approach garnered significant support. Furthermore, President Moon also promised to reevaluate the merits of implementing THAAD. “The current US administration believes that THAAD is important and Korea will be hard pressed to take it out now,” Mr. Miller said. “Especially with the nuclear test that just happened this weekend, US is very concerned about North Korea’s ambitions and even with Moon’s policies, it would be hard for the Korean government to get rid of it.” By Andrea Kwon Sophomore, Staff Writer

Lotte Staircase Competition On April 23, Lotte World Tower held a competition called “Sky Run” in which participants ran from the first floor to the 123rd floor, climbing a total of 2917 stairs. The event was part a fundraiser for Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with mental or physical disabilities. Dr. Amy Valerio, high school Vice Principal, was among the 950 partici-

pants pushing themselves past the limit and running to the top of Seoul’s tallest skyscraper. “The whole experience was fascinating, and by the time I got to the top floor, I did not want to stop,” Dr. Valerio said. “People were cheering you on, and the view was amazing. Although I did finish faster than expected, I just wanted to make sure I felt good, without thinking about my time.”

Bizarre Health Trends Social trends that pertain to health and wellness have always been an integral part of our community. However, as 2017 continues to unfold, the world is seeing an even more rapid expansion of health trends in both size and scope. Whether it is to prepare for the summer or simply just to maintain a healthy look, more and more people have been following the myriad of health trends that range from sensible and practical to bizarre and eccentric. Here is a look into some of the more new-fangled chic trends that are taking the health world by storm. By Junie Kah and Jeremy Nam

Don’t block the sugar detox

Excessive intakes of sugar are often blamed as a cause of health deterioration as it is correlated with negative images such as diabetes or junk food. Sugar detoxing, represented by diets such as the “no-carbohydrate diet,” or “vegan diet,” requires the avoidance of certain foods, in this instance, ones with high levels of sugar. Although all foods have a certain amount of sugar in it, replacing frosted brownies with fresh fruits are the way to go in the sugar detox diet. The goal of this diet is not to cut all sugar intake, but rather to decrease the amount of processed sugar one consumes. Unfortunately, for those who feel that sugar is an essential part of their diet, which is the case for most people, sugar detoxing may bring some severe consequences to their body. Sudden cutdown on sugar may cause symptoms of sugar withdrawal, which cause fatigue and headaches. Another thing to consider is the fact that sugar can’t simply be replaced with Splenda and be labeled as a “sugar detox diet.” Sugar addicts may feel challenged to keep up with such a strict dieting plan, but the effects may well be worth the cost. Avoiding sugar for simply a day or two may not directly show its effects, but after a month or two, one can be expecting some significant changes to their body system.

Be the next Jaime Oliver

Wedged in between a series of extreme health trends that require significant commitment, following healthy recipes and cooking at home are also rising health trends. Although this differs from person to person, for those who are not very talented in the sphere of cooking, scraping up a few avocados and a slice of fresh baguette is also an easy option. This is one of the easier health trends that one can follow, and there are even tangible benefits to eating a healthier meal. The main boost in popularity of following healthy recipes must be accredited to social media users. Many power bloggers or youtube celebrities often upload aesthetically pleasing and healthy meals in order to portray a brighter image on the web. Especially with the prevalence of online recipes and television shows that highlight healthy lifestyles, it is not very difficult to follow this health trend.

The Imitation Carb

Are carb-centric diets good or bad for you? This is a question looming in high tide in today’s health obsessed world, but the verdict is still inconclusive. At this point, there has been so much evidence thrown about from both sides that it is hard to believe that there even is a right answer. Either way, there has been one health trend born from the commotion: the substitution of carbs with various vegetables. While the complete erasure of carbohydrates from your diet is still a questionable health choice, this innovative movement is no doubt a great way for those looking to satiate those sporadic carb-cravings without having to inhale bowls of spaghetti. One famous example; by running a stick of zucchini over a mandolin to produce strips of thinly cut strands, salting generously, and then cooking in either oil or water––voila! You hvae yourself a platter of chewy zucchini pasta This trend represents the perfect blend of innovative cooking and fitness mentalities. Who would have thought that the crunchy, cold produce that are used only as condiments to a heartier base could become the centerpiece of a traditional spaghetti meal? So take on this trend this summer—after all, you aren’t doing your waistline any favors with a subscription to Krispy Kreme and Pizza Hut.

Don't stay dry, try cryotherapy

The world has always had some sort of obsession with cryotherapy, and has been used long before the United States even became a sovereign nation. Cryotherapy utilizes cold temperatures through the use of specialized chambers, and although it seems like a strange option to take to improve one’s health, cryotherapy definitely has its proven benefits: it can decrease muscle pain, slow cell aging, and improve general health. Cryotherapy isn’t common in all areas around the world, but is definitely a trending spa treatment that provides an opulent experience for those who participate in it. However, not everyone can afford the expensive cryotherapy treatment. More conventional methods that are similar to cryotherapy can include cold showers, or ice baths, which may not have the same effect as true cryotherapy, but is worth a try—especially in the middle of a scorching hot summer.

Fitness festivals for fitness fanatics

In the past, festivals have been chalked up as a way to indulge in one’s particular vices, whether it’s loud music or junk food. While that hedonistic lifestyle is not necessarily deplorable, this common conception is being turned on its head with the introduction of fitness festivals. These events provide a way to engage in exercise in fun and creative ways, hoping to change fitness from something one engages in alone at the gym. The expansion of this fitness trend has crossed the Pacific to right here in South Korea. One example of such a festival is the Boryeong Mud Festival, set up by a Korean cosmetics company who developed a line of beauty products using mud from the Boryeong mud flats. The festival was developed in order to allow potential customers to experience the benefits of the mud firsthand through mud slides, prisons, ski slopes, and pools. Mud aside, there is also live music, acupuncture, and a closing fireworks display. The Color Run Dream Festival is another example that has gained popularity in recent years. Participants begin this five-kilometer race wearing white shirts that the organizers provide before running through various ‘color stations’ where buckets of powdered paint are hurled at runners as the crowd transforms into a moving rainbow. At the finish line, organizers pump up the music and start chucking around more colors so that the race becomes one mad, colorful street party. Beautiful, healthy, and—one imagines—completely mood elevating.

Real produce have curves

Taking cues from the body positivity movement of the fashion industry, the health and wellness community has similarly applied such mantras to fruits and vegetables. Misshapen pieces of produce that would normally be thrown out are now storming the spotlight of health and wellness, as what was once considered “ugly” has now become “hip.” Forget the genetically engineered, plastic-perfect produce—think gnarled carrots emulating Siamese twins or abnormally large lemons with discolored peels instead. This movement does not have pseudo-beauty appreciation as its main purpose, however; the real importance of the ugly produce movement is far more practical. Imperfect Produce, a company capitalizing on this trend, estimates that over 20 percent of produce do not make it to the market and are instead scrapped to landfills simply due to cosmetics. They aim to make sure that food is not unnecessarily wasted, especially by attaching a fun aspect to eating. So the next time you’re getting groceries for the week, don’t shy away from the deformed carrot with two heads and a grisly skin. After all, when it’s cut up and cooked in a pot of steaming bouillabaisse, no one can tell the difference.

8 LIFESTYLE

Fidget spinners gain worldwide popularity

n a world of rapidly shifting fads, fidget spinners have now become the latest trend. Designed to help ADHD and anxiety, fidget spinners have gone viral in classrooms around the world and SIS is no exception. The toy has risen in popularity so quickly that retailers are struggling to keep their shelves stocked. Despite their alleged calming effect on one’s psyche, numerous schools in the US have started to ban the use of fidget spinners for distracting students. As such, opinions on the effectiveness of the fidget spinner have varied. According to Time magazine, some scientific studies reveal that fidgeting does have positive effects on adolescents with ADHD. Aside from their supposed impact on those with attention disorders, fidget spinners can also serve as an inexpensive—although

prices can reach nearly a 1000 dollars—and fun alternative to nervous habits like nail biting. “I do not use the spinner extensively, but I did find myself subconsciously using it whenever my hands were empty, when I was watching a movie, or when I was reading,” said Ian Choi (10), fidget spinner user. “As for its psychological impact, I am not sure if it helps me deal with anxiety per se, but I personally think that it definitely does not have any negative side effects.” However, others argue that the fidget spinners may not elicit the exact same effects as actual fidgeting, as the toy rotates by itself once it is given a little spin. The Business Insider reported accounts of students throwing fidget spinners across hallways, and since then, spinners have been banned from Kentucky and California

classrooms. “I think the reason why most people, whether it be students or adults, engage in any type of mindless fidgeting is because it gives you some sort of comfort,” said Anthony Loveday, AP Psychology teacher. “[Fidgeting] is something with which we have familiarity. Thus, fiddling with these fidget toys is a mindless repetitive behavior that a person does because of some sort of need for escape from the stress or anxiety you might be feeling in general.” Regardless of the controversies surrounding the fidget spinner, its extreme popularity remains unchanged. According to the Guardian, US toy company Almar Sales sold 20 million fidget spinners to retailers such as Walmart and Toys R Us in April. These toys are also gaining popularity in places outside the US. The Entertainer,

Britain’s largest independent toy retailer, estimates that they will sell more than 50,000 spinners a week and that nearly one million will be sold in the UK overall. “Part of [the reason for the spinners’ popularity] is visual,” Mr. Loveday said. “Its novelty also attracts customers, as it is a different type of recreational device than most people are used to. Again, the factor that accounts for much of the popularity is the fact that they are such a mindless, simple, pastime that people find an amount of stress reduction in. It acts as a pleasurable distraction for the purpose of removing us from focusing as much on [matters] that we might be more stressed or concerned about in our lives.” By Youngseo Jhe Sophomore, Staff Writer

Crash Course Beauty: Summer edition

ey. Summer called. Summer is ready to greet you with air conditioner, flip-flops, and the freedom to sleep in until 11 a.m. Summer is ready to soothe you by eliminating stressful exams and projects resulting in an unintended bedtimes of 3 a.m. Summer is also ready to usher in some enemies; UV rays, sweat, and general greasiness. Everything goes a little too uncontrolled in summer––especially one’s appearance. But with some tips and tricks, summer’s pesky humidity will not get to you. Let’s start with a no-brainer: good sunscreen. Though a staple of everyday life skincare, sunscreen is a product that only becomes more and more important as temperatures rise. At the same time, it is another necessary vice that incessantly melts and sweats off from your face, especially in summer. The key is to get a product that will not bother you––or your pores––as you re-apply it throughout the day. A choice favorite is the “crema

solare” sunscreen with SPF 20 protection from Italian company Santa Maria Novella (75000 won). It is one of the more expensive choices, but worth it for many reasons. The 100mL bottle is pretty small, enough to carry around on busy days, but enough to sustain me for an entire year. The formula feels light when applied and never causes breakouts, even on the sweatiest days. Best of all, the product does not build up like other sun protectants do. Instead, the liquid only brightens the skin, and blends in seamlessly. Repeated application is unnoticeable against the persistent sabotage of sweat. But sweat is not the only enemy of summer makeup. This magical body fluid is a natural eraser for any and every item applied to your skin. In summer, mascara formula melts faster than a cherry popsicle left on a sidewalk. To avoid the panda eyes, waterproof mascara is your best bet. Since mascara has one of the shortest life spans of makeup at three measly months, I buy a “cheap” product and throw it

Santa Maria Novella “Creme Solare” 75000 won

Etude House “Lash Perm Curl Fix!” 12000 won

Sunscreen Mascara

away at the end of a season. Right now, my choice weapon is the “Lash Perm Curl Fix!” mascara from Etude House (12000 won). Though I normally opt for mascaras with skinny wands, picking up this one changed my life. Though Lash Perm Curl Fix! has a pretty thick wand, it is surprisingly nimble to maneuver. The formula does not clump, and stays true to its word by keeping my lashes curled all day. Best of all, it never runs. Sometimes it does too much of a good job, that getting off my lashes requires two makeup wipes. But I asked for waterproof-ness, and Curl Fix! delivered. The final boss of the “summer looks” adventure is greasiness, the most formidable foe of them all. To avoid looking like an 2000s emo band on their second month of Warped Tour, I invest in dry shampoo for quick fixes. My favorite is “No Drought” by LUSH (18900 won), which comes in powdered form rather than a spray. While cheaper alternatives from Tony Moly and other foreign companies

exist, they come in much smaller sizes. No Drought comes in a 115g bottle, while Tony Moly’s “Make HD” dry shampoo comes in a 60mL spray bottle for 8000 won. No Drought lasts for long time, and provides for better control of how much and where the product is applied. The key is to carry around small amounts of the powder in a smaller bottle. Rub the powder into your hair and say goodbye to oily hair. Summer is coming. These tips are here to help you fight it. Summer is no time to let go of your looks, but it is important to remember that summer comes once a year. All that sunlight, vivacity, and liberty should not be necessarily wasted indoors in an attempt to avoid the slightest tan. Sometimes, embracing the sunlight instead of fighting it is just as good as avoiding it. Embrace the heat, or embrace the iced tea––whichever rocks your boat. By Dawn Kim Sophomore, Copy Editor

Lush “No Drought” 18900 won Dry Shampoo

Tony Moly “Make HD” 8000 won Dry Shampoo Graphic by Jina Kim

jukebox

jewels BY DAWN KIM

ay is a month of decisiveness and potential. It is the month of graduation, the month spelling the last few weeks of our year. College acceptances and future school schedules change a student’s life, for better or worse. Weather fluctuates between spring chills and summer sunshine. But if anything, May is a month of giddy hope that something good will occur. That same sense of somewhat uneasy, yet assured, confidence is masterfully embodied by the

American rock band Electric Century. It is no question that many musicians new to the scene struggle to garner fame. But Electric Century has had no trouble gaining popularity–at least in the realms of alternative rock. The duo was founded by Michael “Mikey” Way, former bassist of My Chemical Romance, and David Debiak, vocalist of Sleep Station. From its conception, prominent rock magazines such as Kerrang! and numerous podcasts publicized the project everywhere. But in the few months

Tiger Times April 2017

Colorful downtown food festivals eat away Seoul `

Graphic By Youngseo Jhe Sources: The Noun Project

Pizza, hamburgers, steak, etc. l& a v i t s e C-F oday T t a E o What t

oth Facebook timelines and Instagram walls have once again been swept with food truck reviews––except this time, it’s about a specific marketplace event. In hopes of providing a relaxing recreation activity, the Coex C-Festival and a popular food community “What to eat today?” cooperated together in launching a downtown food festival, Eat The Seoul, from Apr. 28 to May 7. “Food has always been the essential component of ours, or any culture,” said Judy Moon (11), a follower of the aforementioned food community. “I think opening festivals that basically revolve around the idea of cultural food exchange can potentially be another successful phenomenon especially here in Korea. With

Trucks 26 Food IN TOTAL

) _ l u o e S e

h t t a E (

170,000

Where: COEX East Gate

that very recent trend of having mukbang or food eating TV programs that hit our country, maybe this festival can be another trend-setter.” As the name indicates, the festival was settled in center of Seoul at Coex Mall. With 26 distinct renowned restaurants settling in rows of small trucks right outdoors at Coex, hundreds of customers came to visit the event, seeking relaxation in the middle of their busy spring. Exhibitors included a diverse range of food from those normal foods we encounter daily, from pizza and hamburgers to Kyukatsu and easy cheese. “I actually visited the festival,” said Jina Kim (10), another avid follower of the trending food community. “It wasn’t necessarily only the foods that people seemed to enjoy. They were rather engulfed

C-Festival Visitors

by the upbeat yet relaxing atmosphere that the festival provided with activities and entertainment. Because the festival was located relatively in middle of Seoul, busy workers were able to take their time off and breathe a little.” What really caught the eyes of customers was that the festival not only focused on the aspects of 2sharing different cultural foods on the urban ground but was also an accumulation of different festivals sharing in the same area. The concept of C-Festival is an “Urban Culture Playground,” which includes various performances, exhibitions, and activities. Within the three dream-themed zones, guests were able to find several distinctive opportunities to spend special moments and share them with family and friends.

“I think it was pretty clever that the festival covered a wide spectrum,” said Hojong Shim (11), follower of the online food community. “If the festival was limited to only a single source of food and entertainment, I definitely do not think people would have been attracted as much since those can be easily purchased outside as well.” Settled right in the middle of the urban Seoul, this downtown C-Festival created a space for cultural and culinary exchange. However, more importantly, it also served to help the citizens deviate from their daily overloads of work by providing restful recreations. By Grace Yang Junior, Copy Editor

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Heartwarming, bittersweet, and insane

n enchanting tale of escapism and adventure, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is both an unapologetic celebration of weirdness and a strong superhero comedy with a heart. Spouting adorable comedic gold at one moment and breaking hearts in the next, GOTG Vol. 2 comes straight from the childhood imagination and cinematic expertise of its iconic director, James Gunn. A bittersweet ode to family and friendship, the movie outshines its competitors with not only its brilliance, but also its sincerity. Sequel to the 2014 film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ GOTG Vol. 2 expanded upon characters, relationships, and emotional ties introduced in the first installment. The movies are adapted from the beloved Marvel Comics cosmic universe and recount the escapades of five boisterous bandits-turned-galactic saviors. Featuring

following their fiery debut, the band went missing, with only the promise of a studio album “on its way.” Amidst concern from its fans, Electric Century unveiled its first album, “For the Night to Control” – two years after its conception in March 2016. Of the former members of My Chemical Romance, Way has suffered the most from the disbandment. While ex-bandmates Gerard Way and Frank Iero went on to release solo albums within a year of the breakup, March of 2013 sparked Way’s

cybernetic raccoons, endearing humanoid trees, celestial beings that can think up planets and a race of golden, genetically perfect people, GOTG Vol. 2 dares to exceed the unconventionality and queerness that had rocketed its predecessor to fame. Though Guardians stories have always highlighted the bildungsroman of imperfect antiheroes, the second volume adds a hard-hitting personal punch by delving deep into unexplored emotions. In an unusually peaceful moment in the film, Drax and Mantis are sitting side-by-side in Ego’s magical garden when Drax begins to reminisce about his daughter with a soft smile. In the first movie, it was revealed that Drax’s family had been slaughtered by the Kree terrorist Ronan the Accuser. Mantis, hoping to comfort Drax, shyly places her hand on his shoulder. Immediately, she crumbles into heartbreaking sobs. Mantis

relapse into drug abuse. Way’s journey in reconnecting with the world and seeking treatment came long before any music could be finalized. The progress of the album was especially riddled with hardships, including an instance when Debiak tricked Way into seeking rehabilitation. If My Chemical Romance was gritty alternative rock, and Sleep Station was indie, Debiak’s lyricism and Way’s composition comes together into an alternative rock infused with breezy synthpop perfect

is an empath - she can read and share the emotions of those she touches - but she was also raised alone on the planet Ego for her entire life and “social interaction is foreign” to her. Drax is the muscle of the team quite literally, the “Destroyer” - who always laughs the loudest, who seems impenetrable to concern, who can leap into the belly of a raging yellow monster and feel nothing but mad exhilaration. Yet here we find out that Drax’s strength was far more complex than his ability to bash in skulls or crack nostrils - it was his ability to endure the shattering pain of losing a loved one. And ironically, Mantis is the first one to truly understand him. GOTG Vol. 2 is heartfelt even in its comedy. Thanks to impeccable delivery, a stellar sense of irony, and a wealth of pop-culture references, the film had the audience roaring from the opening credits to the end.

for a mellow summer night. From candid observations of love (“Hey Lacey”) to humble visions of vivacity (“Until the Light Goes Out on Me”), the entirety of Electric Century’s discography defines Way’s spiritual and musical revival. No longer is he the reclusive younger brother of ex-My Chemical Romance vocalist Gerard Way, but a laid-back rocker finally able to balance his anxiety with his passion. If anything, Electric Century’s official start, following the release of their album,

Marvel Comics fans are sure to be delighted by the series of references Gunn has hidden throughout the film, ranging from the mystical Uatu the Watcher to the great Adam Warlock. But even those new to the Marvel Universe are sure to be enticed by the the five post-credit scenes, the timeless 70s soundtrack, and dear Baby Groot. Exuberant and unapologetic, GOTG Vol. 2 is a heartwarming tribute to outcasts and weirdoes. As they learn to love, to trust, and to find their own sense of family, they forge a friendship so indestructible it saves the galaxy twice. In this legendary and lovable film, the universe’s most socially inept superheroes come together to rescue the world one last time before they head into the storms of the Infinity War. By Diana Na Kyoung Lee Junior, Co-Editor-in-Chief

has been nothing but success. Following Way’s performance in the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards, “For the Night to Control” was temporarily offered free-ofcharge on Amazon music. In the 72 hours during which the offer was valid, the album ranked first on the top free album chart. Having arrived at a new horizon of creative liberty, the heyday seems to have just dawned for Electric Century. So catch the band on YouTube, Spotify, or Amazon Music.

Students break ground with SIS track and field team Starting from the next school year, SIS will feature an entirely new sport: track and field, founded by Joe Kim (10) and Kevin Kim (10). Track and field will serve as a fresh alternative to cross country, the only other available running sport to high school students. The team will strive to bring to the sports community long-distance track events, short-distance events, and should they gain access to the necessary equipment, field events. “In my previous school in Japan, I was a part of the middle school track team for the two years I was there and it was a valuable experience,” Joe said. “The best part about track and field is that there are so many other athletes you meet at every race and you quickly become friends with them. Track and field has become an official sport even in Korea, and ever since my freshman year, I have wondered why SIS could not participate as well.” The passion of such students, along with the emergence of track and field activities in fellow international schools, fueled the establishment of the SIS team this year. For example, Korea International School has also initiated a track and field team in the 16-17 school year, and international schools in military bases such as Osan International School have held track and field events in the past. With the assistance of an enthusiastic school faculty, these SIS students were able to find a way to get the team started. “Our first step in making the team happen was finding

committed teachers who were willing to take time out of their lives to coach the team,” Joe said. “Mr. Stanton was the first teacher we talked to because we knew that he has more than a decade of experience as a track and field coach and even as a runner himself. We were awed at how fast he was when he ran track and field. Mr. Stanton led us to our second coach, Mr. Fischer, who also had experience running track and field in college. These two teachers were extremely supportive of the idea and have committed to helping us out.” Still in early development, the team has already met potential limitations. As SIS facilities are unable to meet the track team’s needs, a primary reason why the sport had not been pursued in the past years, the team is looking for alternative locations and ways to find equipment that they need. “Because track equipment is generally expensive, we don’t know exactly what we can buy and that would also determine what events we can do,” said Jangho Yun (10), another collaborator in establishing the track and field team. “Currently, even our track is too small and tight for track, but thankfully there is a proper 400m track at Gachon University just a kilometer down. We have yet to discuss with them regarding our access to the field, but considering we had cross country runs there, we are not too concerned as of now. Currently, the track events are looking available because it is likely that we would have access to the track, and as far as field events go, the equipment cost still has to be discussed.

Because the sport’s founders are anxious about keeping the team alive and running, the team will most likely start out as a club that will train throughout the entire year, from November to the spring season. In terms of competition, they are eager to find available track and field meets not only at schools that already hold such events, but also at other locations in Korea. The founders are hoping that the flexible nature of the sport will be able to garner the interests of enough students so that track and field will survive future years at SIS. “My goal is for track and field to be recognized as and become an official sport at SIS,” Joe said. “I cannot expect too much from a premature team in their first year together, but would be great to have some of us place in the top eight during meets in the future. Track and field will also be ideal for fall or winter sports athletes who want to improve physically whether that’s stamina, speed, agility, endurance, or strength, or at least maintain their level of fitness for their sports. Its customizability also cannot be ignored; I can’t wait to start a running plan that has a specific goal in mind just for me,” Joe said. “Finally, there will be some meaning in every run unlike the past two years in which I’ve just ran some distance and ran and ran and ran.” By Amy Jungmin Kim Sophomore, Staff Writer Photo by Angela Choe

Tiger Times

May 2017

SIS Athletics: A Year in Review

Every year without fail, athletes contribute a special kind of spirit the school atmosphere. Sports teams help create a community in which students can forge meaningful connections with upperclassmen, underclassmen, and teachers. But while student athletes are an integral part of school life, athletes also make significant personal sacrifices. Athletes can be seen carving time away from academics to focus on their respective sports while bringing pride through the wins and effort they demonstrate. The 2016-17 sports season was no exception. “The continuing effort between athletes and coaches rather than the victories one or two athletes contributed to this successful year,” said Ivan Atanaskovic, Athletics and Activities coordinator. “In order to have consecutively successful seasons, the presence of returning athletes is vital because all teams need a foundation on which to build strong teamwork. On the other hand, younger athletes provide teams with a chance to develop versatility and flexibility.” The fall sports season was the opening to the year but boasted a strong start with all teams in cross country, volleyball, and tennis giving back to the community. The successful performance that the volleyball teams demonstrated was the result of teambuilding efforts that occured over a span of three years. While the volleyball teams three years ago were teams not as strong or competitive as the present day, the athletes that were part of the teams continued to come back the successive year and the next. It was not the presence of certain individuals that made the teams strong but rather the existence of a team. Both the varsity boys and girls won their respective KAIAC tournaments. The varsity tennis team won AISA for both girls and boys along with ranking third and second in the KAIAC tournaments. The winter sports season boasted the

Sports photo of the month

traditionally strong basketball and swim teams. The triumph of the basketball teams was attributed to the robust basketball program in the school. Many athletes on the varsity basketball teams started from the JV teams. By building up relationships between fellow athletes and coaches early on, the varsity teams are already created and developed by the time athletes reach varsity teams. Furthermore, the sheer amount of competition between athletes during tryouts ensures that athletes maintain a high level in their skills overall. The boys’ basketball team won both conference and KAIAC tournaments for the fifth consecutive season. “The varsity boys soccer team did have an impressive run this season, both in skill level and achievements,” said Alyssa Shelby, varsity girls soccer coach. “But the varsity girls soccer team was a relatively younger team because many veteran players did not return.” The spring sports season was the closing season of the year and was comprised of the soccer and swim teams. Due to the traditionally strong swim program, the varsity boys swim team ranked both conference and AISA tournament first place. While the girls’ team did not perform as well as the boys, the coaches are adamant that the high level of skills and flexibility demonstrated by the new swimmers on the team will slowly build up to a consistently strong team in the future. The varsity boys soccer team ranked second in conference and KAIAC tournament, but placed first in the AISA tournament. The absence of exceptionally strong players three years ago had created a vacuum within the team. However, by meticulously building up the team over the past three years, the team showed consistent success during the past two years. By Michelle Cho Sophomore, Staff Writer

Receiving the leaking cup of water, Joseph Park (5) quickly passes it to the next person in line before getting soaked during the Elementary Field Day.

Photos by Angela Choe

Beating the buzzer: a career committed to the court When Tim Munro, physical education teacher, was a senior in high school, he took a shoulder to the mouth and cut his bottom lip so that blood was oozing. He wiped it with a tissue, and in the video that his dad took of the game, he is playing with his tongue hanging out, in order to stop the blood from dripping. At the end, he finished and won the game, even with a bloody mouth. “My two brothers were instrumental when I was in elementary school,” Mr. Munro said. “We always played in the backyard, and sometimes they would bring me to the park to play with their friends. I was surrounded by athletic activities all the time as a young child.” Mr. Munro participated in several sports throughout his high school life, primarily basketball, track and field, and baseball. Mr. Munro loved the precision involved in track and field and how technique and endurance could trump flat-out speed, the main factor in determining winners in normal races. “Even though I found pleasure in track and field, basketball was my favorite sport” Mr. Munro said. “I loved the challenge of eliminating human error in skills, a passion of mine, but also knowing that ‘how to play’ can often be more important than just being skilled. This ultimately led to the de-

cision to play basketball as my main sport.” Because sports were prevalent throughout his high school life, Mr. Munro still manages to stay active by playing basketball every Thursday with other teachers after school, even with his busy daily schedule. Although he is not as involved as he used to be, Mr. Munro makes sure that the Thursday sessions are the highest priority as they are the only chances he has to play a sport that he still loves. “I used to play everyday with no ill effects, but these days, if I play with high intensity, I will need two or three days minimum to fully recover to a state in which I can play again,” Mr. Munro said. “I play for fun, but I am still competitive and hold myself to a high standard, so it is difficult to have to reduce that standard as time passes.” Though Mr. Munro’s athletic passion has remained unwavering, his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear has played a major role in his deterring his ability to fully participate. A torn ACL causes excess rotation and motion in the tibia, making the knee unstable. It takes several months for an athlete to be back on their feet and run normally, giving a detrimental effect on their activities. It was emotionally tough for him at times when the movements that he could

make so easily before led him to fumble the ball, dribble off his knee, or miss the layup. Hakeem Olajuwon, a young man from Nigeria, inspires Mr. Munro the most. While Mr. Olajuwon initially played soccer, he was soon playing basketball in college and went on to become a two-time NBA champion as well as one of the greatest

centers in history. Mr. Munro loves how a guy with no path to greatness took the opportunity granted to him and through hard work and discipline, was able to achieve tremendous success. By Angela Choe Sophomore, Staff Writer

SMALL TALK

Idealog : Hobbes and Contractarianism Are you still using the “glass half-full or half-empty” question to judge whether someone is an optimist or a pessimist? If you want a truly foolproof personality test, try asking them about the state of nature. If the philosophers who believed in natural laws - John Locke, Thomas Aquinas, and so on - were the leading optimists of the Enlightenment, Thomas Hobbes was as pessimistic as a pessimist could ever be. Hobbes argued that in a natural state void of all rules, humans would naturally devolve into a battle royal of constant conflict and combat - a life famously described as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” in “Leviathan.” By seeking to exercise our freedoms to the fullest (including, for example, the freedom to steal) we would also be demolishing all conceivable means of personal security. We would arrive, eventually, at the state of “war of all against all” - a state of mutual, communal, wreckage. In this chaos, Hobbes believed, a contract would be born. This contract would entail that we sacrifice some of our freedoms in order to protect others. By giving up

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our right to steal, we protect our right to property, and so on. Hobbes believed that among a group of free, rational, reasonable actors, a moral code would emerge naturally - logically - and that these moral codes would be enforced by a series of social contracts. A system of cooperation between logical, self-interested actors - sounds like a realist’s heaven, right? Unfortunately, cooperation is a fickle game. Perhaps you have heard of the “prisoner’s dilemma,” a classic thought experiment in the field of game theory. Two suspects are taken into custody, and, in separate rooms, they are presented with two options: stay silent, or rat out the other person. If both of them stay silent, they will each serve one year in prison. If one person blows the whistle but not the other, the whistleblower will walk free, while the other will be sentenced to three years. If both of them blow the whistle, they will both serve two years. A simple 2 x 2 matrix reveals that in this case, the most rational decision for either of them is to rat out the other. We see here that cooperation depends on trust - if the two suspects could have trusted each other, they would have both

People who really should have run for HSSC

Fair and Balanced In preparation for the upcoming elections, the HSSC executive council revealed the highly anticipated list of candidates on June 1. While many respectable students had thrown their hats into the ring, the student body expressed disappointment that their favorite representatives did not run. Faux News has gathered an exclusive list of these most beloved candidates: 1. Costco Bagel Costco Bagel was new this year, but she didn’t let that get in her way. Attracted to her strange perfume that somehow always smelled like the Costco bakery, she soon amassed a cultish following, generating large lines to meet her in front of the Cartnivore. Her friends include Ms. Cream Cheese and Mr. Plastic Knife, who are often thrown out. Seasonally, she changed up her perfume: on Thanksgiving, she smelled like Pumpkin Pie, and on Pi Day, she smelled like pizza. 2. Trash “Blue” Bin Trash Bin has been at SIS for as long as anyone can remember. He sits in every class, simultaneously. Many proposed the campaign slogan “here for you always” but Trash Bin is always modest and denies that he is loving. Instead, he merely said that he “couldn’t run because students would just vote for themselves.”

3. JJ Lunch Like Trash Bin, JJ Lunch has occupied the basement for a long time. Over the years, he went through several aesthetic overhauls, but nothing was able to change his overdone personality. This year, however, JJ became a new man. Not only did he invest in his appearance by buying a black grill, but he also became much more tasteful in his comments and vibrant in attitude. Students often ran downstairs between classes and took a moment to talk to him. When approached for comment, his eyes were bloodshot as he furiously cooked up fried rice and muttered, “Contract…I mean contact renewal.” 4. Air Conditioner Air conditioner is the only SIS student to not graduate since the main building was built in 1972. Occasionally, she yawns with a banging noise, surprising everyone in the room. Student opinions are split about Air Conditioner—her personality changes too often, and she can change the temperature of the room significantly when she’s irritated. However, a quick survey indicated that most students will be willing to vote for her. “After all, what would you guys do without me?” Air Conditioner laughed. “You don’t need those fancy energy efficient cousins of mine when I’m here!”

BY JOYCE LEE

By Diana Na Kyoung Lee

decided to stay silent and earn lighter sentences. Without trust, a society based on contractarianism will be subverted by defects. According to Hobbes, laws are held up by processes of mutual agreement: “I abide by this, and you abide it, too.” No self-interested actor will give up a freedom or right without expecting to gain or protect another. Even in Hobbes’ near-dystopian worldview in which humans are seen as violent and belligerent by nature, trust is the key to communal survival and propserty. Hobbes’ philosophy is by no means perfect. Yet his curiosity about the nature of human ethics, morals, and laws continues to today. When examining contempoary issues about justice, society, and government, one might discover surprising insights in how philosophers - both old and new - have attempted to answer the eternal questions about right and wrong. Next time, I will explore how the philosophers John Locke and Thomas Aquinas applied the concept of natural law to the realm of practical law and governance. But for now, I will settle for Hobbes’s verdict: in trust we trust.

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