Tiger Times Volume 47 Issue 2

s e o u l i n t e r nat i o na l s c h o o l

Tiger Times September 2015

VO L U ME X LV I I I

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VIEWPOINT

By Claire Kim

Making decisions about early applications

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NEWS

By Soomin Lee

School reinforces no-nut policy

ISSUE 2

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TT O N L . O RG

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LIFESTYLE

By Diana Lee

Julie Song, violinist, holds concert

SPORTS

By Nicholas Kim

Tom Brady caught in Deflategate scandal

Acting as the tiger mascot, David Yoo (10) hugs Viktor Atanaskovic (JK) while cheering on the SIS team during the High School Opening Night on Sept. 15.

Photo by April Kim

Opening Night introduces new activities despite setbacks

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n an attempt to provide a time for freshmen to meet and bond with upperclassmen, HSSC hosted the annual High School Opening Night (HSON) on Sept. 16. With the introduction of two new activities, the HSSC revamped the event to be held in a more organized fashion, with a set timetable of events.

“The purpose of this year’s HSON is the same as last year: to welcome freshmen and new students to the high school,” said Sean Syverson, HSSC adviser. “This year, though, the activities we hosted were more structured than last year, and we decided to invite the entire high school. We gave [freshmen] more freedom this year by providing them with many more options for events. At the same time, expected the students who were entrusted with that free-

dom to handle it with responsibility.”

The event began in the auditorium, where freshmen were divided into small groups for the Amazing Race, one of the new activities that HSSC prepared for the night. Inspired by the popular Korean television show “Running Man,” the event required each team to take a series of selfies with items on a given checklist. After dinner, freshmen were given the option of socializing, watching the games, or partaking in the Capture the Flag event, the second new activity HSSC planned.

“The Middle School Student Council (MSSC) often ran into difficulty convincing our classmates to come to MSSC-hosted events,” said Amy Kim (9), freshman public relations officer. “So our ultimate goal for the Opening Night was to build a good

image of the student council. This meant that we did everything we could to encourage even reluctant students to participate in our event.”

Despite elaborate planning, the HSSC nevertheless ran into hardships and problems before and during HSON. Due to the outbreak of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) last June, school was abruptly shut down for the last two days of the previous school year. Thus, class council elections were postponed to August, which eventually delayed preparations for HSON. Furthermore, HSON started 20 minutes later than planned, due to an email sent to the attendees by the freshman council with an incorrect schedule of events. Due to this, the HSSC curtailed time allotted for the Amazing Race. Nevertheless, through

HSON, HSSC continued the tradition of providing new high school students the opportunity to bond with each other and attempted to raise school spirit among the student body.

“Last year was my first year at SIS, and I went to HSON last year as a new student,” said Garam Lee (12), HSON attendee. “Coming back as a senior after just one year here, I saw the importance of [HSON] to creating school spirit, especially to new students.

Last year, I did not feel included at the beginning of the year in the SIS community, but I think that the fact that I came back to HSON signifies how school-spirited I feel after just one year.”

By Nagyon Kim Senior, Magazine Co-Editor-In-Chief

Editorial

Detachment from library decreases value as student

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hen’s the last time you actually visited the library to check out a book? It seems reasonable to say that the typical SIS high school student would have to think all the way back to middle school, or longer, to remember going to the library for its actual purpose: reading books.

Understandably, book-borrowing seems to dissipate as students age and become burdened by both extracurricular activities and a heftier workload.

Realistically speaking, it is true that we, as high school students, don’t have much time for pleasure reading. Yet, we do find the time to watch videos on Youtube, listen to songs on Soundcloud, and catch up on missed episodes of our favorite dramas. The problem isn’t that we don’t have the time to read, but that we don’t prioritize reading enough to actually dedicate a portion of our day solely to it. From a certain point in our lives, it seems as though reading becomes a secondary concern and is instead placed on our list of tedious things to do.

But consider the irony of the situation. The alleged purpose of higher education is for students to gain a deeper understanding about various subjects and in turn, about the world they live in. In reality, however, it seems as though we are focused more on grades—the numerical values we are presented with during our four years in high school—instead of qualitative measures, such as the level of student enrichment and interest. This lack of emphasis is directly reflected by the lack of desire to read, as well as actively explore and investigate various topics through text.

This detachment from individual reading has led to the distinct lack of a collective reading culture at SIS. Some of us would argue that a detachment from the library is inevitable. After all, pressing ‘Command F’ or Googling information is so much more practical than flipping open a book. But this convenience (read as ‘laziness’) is a symptom of a larger problem—we don’t go through the process of true inquiry. This would entail finding the answers without simply letting them find us. There is value in utilizing the library for what it is—a treasure chest of knowledge that leads you understanding about yourself and your world. Physically looking for the right book, finding the answer to a question without going through a shortcut, delving into the research and truly exploring various ideas on a subjects—these are valuable experiences that we are in danger of losing.

This loss of true interest in acquiring knowledge has caused many of us to view the school library as something it is not—a student lounge.

That is, many of us don’t value it as a place to find resources or spread knowledge. Rather, high schoolers often view it as a place to finish homework or a meeting point to find friends. But this is not to question whether the library is necessary or not, even considering that many of us don’t use it as a library. After all, the idea of a school without a library seems so bizarre. But we do need to realize that it is a problem when the majority completely ignores the value of the library—a place to find books for pleasure, ones that we aren’t required to read for a class, a place to truly explore information, and a place to share that knowledge.

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

2 VIEWPOINT Be just, not fair, to clubs participating in Family Fun Day What is fair, and what is just? Can a system be one but not the other?

And, if that is the case, which of the two concepts should be pursued?

At SIS, as in the rest of society, economic inequality exists—especially when it comes to clubs. Although financial inequality is a problem that must be resolved within school perimeters, it has largely been ignored. A simple look at the way Family Fun Day was run provides a clear image of club financials.

While it may be nothing more than fun and games for participants, Family Fun Day is more than that for SIS clubs: this event is often a major factor in determining the club’s yearly budget. However, the current system of randomly assigning booths to clubs without taking their financial situation into account is unnecessarily wasting another chance of evening out the playing field.

Although a few major clubs, such as UNICEF, have the membership and organizational muscle necessary to hold fundraisers consistently throughout the year, thus diversifying their sources of income, many smaller clubs cannot, for precisely the opposite reasons. Eventually the larger budgets lead to larger events and generate even more wealth. This cycle continuously increases the success of larger clubs while small clubs are, by that same cycle, consigned to the “basement.” Economic disparity is further aggravated when a big club randomly draws a well-paying booth and a small club draws a less popular one.

The parent council should not be content with merely being fair; it must also be just. Although the two terms are interchangeable in colloquial language, they hold significantly different meanings. When George, who is tall, and Raphael, who is short, attempt to watch a baseball game over a fence, George may be able to watch while Raphael may see nothing but wood. Fairness in this case is giving each boy a box to stand on even if one box is not enough for Raphael. Justice, on the other hand, is giving both boxes to Raphael and elevating him so that he can watch the game as well.

Small clubs are the Raphaels of SIS, and they merit the attention and protection of governing bodies.

Their economic fates should not be so needlessly placed on a random draw. As Family Fun Day holds great importance in kick-starting yearly plans, a thoughtful system must be

implemented whenever such a key opportunity is at stake. It is only fitting that smaller clubs be given larger, higher-paying booths in order to even out the playing field in a school that places emphasis on granting equal opportunities to all students.

Although a few exceptions can be made, such as booths that require many people to operate, clubs whose sole source of income is Family Fun Day should generally be prioritized.

This could be done through an NFLlike draft system where the lowest earning clubs are paired with the highest paying booths, and vice versa, based on statistics from the previous year. Whatever the method, the parent council should seek to protect the weak and employ equal treatment to advance justice for all.

By Andrew Ham Sophomore, Reporter

Letter to the Editor This letter is in response to the editorial published in Issue 1 of 2015 edition of Tiger Times.

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n 1903, W.E.B. DuBois published The Talented Tenth, one of the most controversial pieces ever written by an African-American on the subject of improving the condition of his fellow African-Americans. Despite my fundamental disagreements with the premise, it remains one of the few great arguments for an elite.

Before proceeding, I want to recognize the effort of the editors to be balanced in the discussion of elitism, but as you pointed out, your argument was somewhat paradoxical. I would argue that there was no paradox. You just assigned different values to aspects of the same side and the result was what appeared to be a paradox.

You see, the good of elitism is not that people want to distinguish themselves as “superior” to others. That is a positive spin on the bad of elitism. The

good of elitism, as DuBois saw it, is that an elite is a human resource that can lead the effort to uplift everyone. DuBois’s concept was the more American, egalitarian concept of noblesse oblige, or the responsibility of the nobility to those who are “inferior”. In short, it is a conception of leadership as service. Part of the reason elitism has been discredited is that the allure of becoming elite attracts those who want to be recognized rather than those who wish to serve others in need of uplifting.

I am the adviser of a club that laid claim to being elite and from the moment I became the adviser I have worked to dismantle the system that claimed to identify the elite. It is not some warm-fuzzy effort to make sure that everyone gets a trophy; it is to smash the trophy and reveal that it is nothing but a piece of plastic. The criteria set up to separate the wheat from the chaff were arbitrary and silly. More often than not they reward conformity and a desire to excel at following

the rules. That is why at SIS we have a lot of chaff walking around thinking it is the wheat, which is to say we have people whose primary interest is securing prestige. From reading an application to a club, all I can really be certain about is who is elite at filling out an application with elite-looking things. To find the real elite, we need to get everyone into the ki (traditional Korean basket used by farmers) and let the activity of the club winnow out who the chaff is. That is the function of inclusiveness, to get everybody in to see who can really do something. The only defensible argument for an elite lies in what it can do in service to mankind. The presence or absence of prestige has no meaningful bearing on the matter. Strive to be what DuBois describes in his essay, a talented tenth set out to employ those talents to uplift everyone. Only then can we start talking about the positives of having an elite.

From Gray Macklin Testing and Student Service

Tiger Times

September 2015 Tiger Times Newspaper

Tiger Times 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.

Editors-In-Chief Jean Cho Christine Seo

Copy Editors Ariel Lee Angela Yoon

Managing Editor Jungho Daniel Choi

Reporters Claire Kim Nicholas Kim Sarah Kim Diana Nakyoung Lee Marie Park Grace Yang

Production Editor Sang Ho Lee Graphics Editor Eunie Jang Photo Editor Kelly Kim

Advertisement Claire Yun (Rep.)

Tiger Times Online Photographers Ryan Jang April Kim Daniel Shin Layout Artists Justin Chang Rachel Kang Grace Lee Joyce Lee Soomin Lee

Editor-In-Chief Heejin E. Hong

Graphics Editor Yeaji Park

Project Editor-In-Chief Michael Kim

Copy Editors Jaeha Kim Eric Song

Managing Editors Hareem Kim Dahyeon Kim

Reporters Soomin Chun Andrew Ham Alice Lee

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Tiger Times Magazine Editors-In-Chief Sarah Y. Kim Nagyon Kim Managing Editor Angela Yoon Production Editor Patricia Song

Graphics Editor Yeena Yoon Copy Editor Cody Kim Photo Editor David Choe

Adviser Mr. David Coleman

Viewpoint Feature: Individual decision-making regarding colleges A total of 91 seniors are applying early this year.

Are they doing so with the proper knowledge and understanding about early plans?

Don’t #justdoit: importance of research in college admissions Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you a place in the freshman class at [insert Ivy League school here].

This is what I have been working toward as a student at SIS. I want someone to tell me that my blood, sweat and tears were worth something. I want someone to tell me that my credentials indicate that I worked extremely hard in high school. After all, no one wants to receive a college letter that starts “We regret to inform you...”

Having said this, I am regretful to admit that, for the 13 years I have attended SIS, I have spent valuable minutes convincing teachers to give me eighths of a point on a summative assignment. I have spent hours locked in a room practicing violin in order to become a concert master, a position “required” to make me an attractive candidate for Harvard University. I did not do all of these things because I was forced, but because that is what I genuinely thought would make me “better.”

And I know that I am not the only one.

So many students at SIS are pushed to perform beyond the boundaries of their desire.

Most students spend so much time tied to desks at academies and other institutions designed to spoon-feed us information.

Because I am aware of the investment required for SIS students to perform at the level they do, I understand why many of us feel so entitled to be admitted to the greatest universities in the world.

People have asked me countless times what I think it takes for someone to attend “HYPS” – Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Stanford University. I have thought about this question for quite some time, but honestly, I have no idea. I don’t know what makes one candidate more attractive than another, and I don’t know what qualities made those who were admitted particularly “special”. This lack of knowledge and

understanding in what universities look for terrifies me, and this uncertainty is often what drives students to seek private consultants outside of school.

Another reason students often seek private consulting outside of school is that they desire a more “individually tailored” program. The “individually tailored programs” provided by private consulting outside of school creates the illusion of “distinction from others,” a quality believed to be required in a successful early admissions candidate. But in reality, SIS already has an “in-house” consultant. Fredric Schneider, Dean of Students, has worked in his field for 36 years, which is far longer than the time outside consultants have spent observing the “trends” of college admissions.

As Mr. Schneider constantly meets with seniors to review their performance, he can provide a more realistic outlook on where students should apply.

Interestingly enough, the number of students applying early has consistently increased over the past few years. In 2012, 48 seniors applied for early decision schools, and seven applied for restricted early action schools. The following year, six more students applied to early decision schools, and the number of students applying to restricted early action schools doubled.

Last year, 61 seniors applied to early decision schools, and 11 applied to restricted early action schools, indicating a general increase in the number of seniors applying during the early season. The Class of 2016 consisting of our current seniors has the highest percentage of students applying early yet, as 91 students are applying either to early action, early decision, or restricted early action schools.

Every year since 2012, more than half of the grade has applied to early decision schools, perhaps due to the assumption

that applying early results in a greater chance of being admitted. However, this is true only for certain schools. For many others, early decision and restricted early action are a game of politics, favoring student athletes and legacies. Therefore, when students apply without proper consideration, they are giving up the opportunity to attend schools they could have been admitted to during the regular season.

According to Mr. Schneider, despite what many private consultants are telling students, it is impossible to predict how many will be admitted to a particular university. Even private consultants who have been observing college entrances for many years cannot predict the acceptances of different universities. Therefore, we cannot merely entrust our parents and private consultants with our futures.. Instead, we need to conduct our own research and make our own decisions.

Some private consultants often coax us into signing up for their services by telling us that we have a great chance of getting into the university of our dreams, while others are brutally honest and tell their students to be realistic in their applications.

However, regardless of the experience and expertise of private consultants, they too cannot predict the future. Yet we choose to pay hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Here’s another reason why college acceptances aren’t predictable. Sometimes admissions are simply based on something as arbitrary as the number of spots left in a dorm. So essentially, you could be an extremely qualified applicant but still be rejected because the Adams House at Harvard University is too crowded. It is not possible for us to be aware of every single aspect that will get us admitted to or rejected from a university, so instead of investing time, energy, and money into predicting college

acceptances, it may be more effective to research irrefutable information about university admissions.

Every year, there is a plethora of resources published about university acceptance statistics. Most universities publish articles about how many students they admit each year, and what percentage of their students are accepted during early admissions.

According to the Business Insider, in 2014, Princeton University, a popular restricted early action school for high-achieving SIS students, the admission rate during the early season was 19.9 percent. In the regular season, the acceptance rate was 7.27 percent, one of the lowest among Ivy League schools. Students often interpret these statistics to mean that they have a larger chance of being admitted during the early season. Numerically, that is true, as by pure mathematical logic, students would have a 2.73 times better chance of being admitted in the early season. However, in reality, that is not necessarily the case, as the applicants who apply during the restricted early season are generally those who are more qualified.

Of course, statistics alone cannot tell us decisively whether we will be admitted to a university or not, as information put out of context can be misleading. But they do allow us to put into perspective where we stand in our chances of being admitted.

If we base our applications, especially our earlies, on our own research, we can be more personally confident with our chances of being admitted. So research before you make decisions and don’t make blind choices. And of course, trust yourself and your own aspirations, as well as the work you have done over the past four years.

By Claire Kim Junior, Reporter

4 NEWS ZEITGEIST Japan initiates various military expansion policies

By Jaeha Kim For the first time since World War II, the Japanese government has legalized deployment of Japanese forces for “collective security.” Although the previous constitutional clause stipulated that Japan only exercise military force in self-defense, new laws under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe allow the use of military might to defend allies under attack. In alignment with its plans to expand the deployment of the military on foreign soil, Japan’s defense ministry has asked for a 2.2 percent increase in budget — the biggest increase in the past four years. According to the Guardian, increased military has concerned many in Japan who fear that aggressive policies will result in Japanese involvement in foreign wars.

Such recent radical actions from the Japanese government have warranted public attention, especially regarding the prime minister’s approach to international affairs. There have been several Japanese protests that opposed Abe’s political actions, as many believe that such military procedures could be a potential gateway for Japan’s entry in foreign wars. As a country that has thoroughly experienced the horrors of wars firsthand, many of the senior citizens expressed opposition to such militarily expansionist movements, even threatening to depose Abe if he continues such a political agenda.

“I believe that Japan should discontinue such political ac-

tions immediately,” said Jeffrey Park (11), Forensics member.

“Looking back into history, especially the two World Wars, Japan’s act of increasing their military could possibly lead to an arms race within the eastern area of Asia. The potential for damage could exponentially increase within each of the nations, and such actions should be prevented at all costs in a increasingly modern society, where a few political mistakes could lead to the death of many civilians.”

Despite protest against military expansion, some say that such actions are not a result of Japanese aggression but rather a by-product of increased tension between China and Japan over the Senkaku islands.

According to the BBC, Japan’s offensive military tactic may be a response to China’s increasing military budget, which increased by ten percent this year.

“Japan’s military actions are indicative of its tension with China,” said Lauren Ahn (12), MUN member. “Over the past few years, the two nations have continually argued over the claim to the Senkaku or Diaoyu islands, and this conflict is still largely unresolved. In the status quo, both nations show no signs of backing down, and have gradually but steadily increased their military might. Such actions will greatly intensify the conflict, as the diplomatic strains may transfer into military combat.”

Syrian refugee crisis sparks After images of a dead toddler washed ashore on the Greek island of Kos went viral on Sept. 2, international pressure has stimulated many European governments to pledge increased attention to the issue of refugees within Syria. Facing increased pressure from its own citizens, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have offered to accept tens of thousands of additional refugees who are currently seeking asylum from the civil war in Syria.

Instability in Syria has existed since 2011, when President Bashar Al-Assad began violently suppressing dissent within the populace, according to ABC News. Ever since President Al-Assad decided to respond to political protests with military action, many Syrians have been forced to flee the country and seek political refuge in European countries.

However, in response to sudden influxes of refugees, European Union (EU) nations instead sought to tighten immigration policies. In response, many Syrians have attempted to enter European countries via illegal means, according to the New York Times.

At the time of the photo’s release, 220,000 refugees had been killed in the conflict, and 11 million were displaced both within and outside the country.

“When nations or people look at a problem that lacks physical proximity, they ignore the problem or only act when the situation has gotten extremely bad,” said Juhyung Park (11), MUN member. “After Syrians flooded out of Syria due to conflict and war, they had no place to go to because no one was offering them a place to go. If nations acted faster, we would not have children washing up onto Turkish shores and not have one of the worst humanitarian disasters in world history.”

According to the Guardian, EU nations have had trouble accepting the refugees due to unemployment rates that remain above seven percent in many countries. Such burdens on nations have raised renewed calls for more balanced responsibilities

within the EU. In September, Germany committed $6.6 billion to support Syrian refugees, while other nations, including France and the United Kingdom, have pledged to accept 20,000 and 24,000 refugees over the next five years, respectively.

“Refugees are viewed by European governments as a burden on their existing social welfare structure. It is important to note that countries in the Middle East region hosting refugees view them as a burden on their national economies as well, taking away the lower paying jobs in particular,” said Rizwan Bajwa, a humanitarian aid worker currently based in Syria. While Bajwa’s views are not related to his professional duties in any way, he went on to say, “The overall number of refugees does not even add half a percentage point to the overall population of the EU zone, but it is also important to note that currently most of the migrant populations who have been residing in Europe for more than a generation are also not well integrated, tending to form the lowest rung of the social ladder.”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees recently declared that the number of refugees fleeing Syria has reached the four million mark and has asked the United Nations for $4.5 billion to help with necessities. By 2016, the number of refugees is projected to reach approximately 4.27 million.

By Nicholas Kim Sophomore, Reporter

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THOUSAND

March: Protestors shot dead in Dera

2011

July: Federal troops end a mass demonstration at Hama

March: UN Security Council endorses peace plan

2012

December: International society recognises opposition National Coalition as “legitimate representative” of Syria

Introductory Forensics clinic held at KIS benefits rookie debaters

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n an effort to allow Forensics members to meet other students with similar interests, Gray Macklin, the new Forensics team adviser, made it mandatory for all debaters to attend the annual KAIAC forensics clinic held at Korea International School (KIS). Although the clinic, held on Sept. 5, had the primary goal of familiarizing the club’s new members with the events they will be participating in throughout the year, it also gave returning members an opportunity to further hone their debate skills.

Mr. Macklin was not directly involved in the process of organizing and hosting the event, but he attended one of the judge training sessions available for future KAIAC Forensics judges.

“The issue of arbitrary judging during the KAIAC competition has been a consistent complaint from students and advisers alike,” said Mr. Macklin. “The clinic, from my perspective, successfully prepared spe-

cific measures to be taken by both debaters and judges in order to prepare them for upcoming competitions. I hope this clinic served as a big step in the right direction.”

Participating students were separated into speech, parliamentary, public forum, or Lincoln-Douglas divisions based on their positions. The first session involved an introductory debate class where experienced debaters from KIS taught newer members about the basics of building a coherent argument. The second and third sessions focused more on allowing students to interact with one another and observe debate showcases.

“I personally thought the clinic was very systematic, allowing the process to proceed smoothly without any huge issues,” said Jeffrey Park (11), Forensics member. “[The clinic] gave both new and returning members a chance to meet debaters from all over the nation who they will soon be competing against. I think this not

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only helped the rookie members but also allowed me to ease into the season comfortably.”

While some students commended the clinic as a valuable experience for both fledgling and veteran debaters, others expressed that the clinic was rather ineffective at helping already-proficient debaters further develop their techniques, because a majority of the workshops were held by KIS debaters rather than experts.

“I think the clinic would have been helpful for the new members who took the introduction class, because it gave them an opportunity to learn the rudimentary concepts of debate,” said Brandon Ra (12), Lincoln-Douglas debater. “However, because returning members spent most of their time in workshops that were not well-supervised or regulated by advisers, I didn’t find the clinic to be as helpful as I had anticipated.”

According to Sky Park (10), speech mem-

ber, lack of sectional balance was another issue. As a majority of the debaters who attended the clinic were part of either the parliamentary or public forum sector, the workshops were difficult to control.

“Although there were only around 10 debaters who participated in the Lincoln Douglas workshop, there were more than 30 students working on the speech division at the same time,” Sky said. “It was difficult for me to speak up and brainstorm actively since there were so many people. The discussions sometimes digressed to unrelated topics, and we spent a significant amount of time talking about irrelevant topics.”

Despite the multiple drawbacks that complicated this year’s clinic, the forensics team will continue to polish individual technical skills and teamwork before their next tournament on Oct. 16 at KIS.

By Sarah Kim Junior, Reporter

Tiger Times September 2015

News Briefs

mixed international reaction .

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# OF SYRIAN REFUGEES

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Source: Mercy Corps, CNN September: UN weapons inspectors confirm use of chemical weapons in Damascus

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October: International inspectors begin destroying Syria’s chemical weapons

2014

September: United States and five Arab countries launch air strikes against IS

2015

Race to 2016: From Trump to Shining Trump

Ted Cruz

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t two in the afternoon, a solemn gathering of old, suited, mostly white men shuffle onto the Senate floor. After they settle down, one particular Senator, Ted Cruz, an established firebrand from Texas, takes the floor in a valiant effort to speak against Obamacare. Six hours later, the same Senator, still speaking, produces a book from his back pocket: “Green Eggs and Ham,” written by the esteemed Dr. Seuss. He begins to read:

“That Sam-I-am! That Sam-I-am!

I do not like that Sam-I-am!

Do you like green eggs and ham?

I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

I do not like green eggs and ham.”

DMZ Eco Youth Club holds photo exhibition

In an attempt to raise awareness about nature, the DMZ Eco Youth Club held their photo exhibition from Sept. 9 to Sept. 11.

The DMZ Eco Youth Club is an extracurricular program for students interested in exploring nature, particularly in the DMZ Civilian Control Line area.

“Through this exhibition, we not only showcased what we saw and learned after visiting one of the most ‘biodiverse’ places on Earth, but also showed how beautiful and fragile nature actually is,” said Sohee Ahn (10), member of DMZ Eco Youth Club.

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By Soomin Lee

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Cruz then proceeds to finish the children’s book before resuming his somewhat more serious criticism of Obamacare.

This quarter-day long rant truly represents the political technique of filibustering — a highly technical term that essentially means “talk as long as you can to stop an unfavorable vote” — and was a rather successful attempt at that, managing to suspend the vote.

The episode also illustrates essentially all there is to know about the Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.

Known for openly expressing how he is not looking for friends in the government, Cruz prides himself on creating his own path. Undoubtedly, these are

all qualities that strong conservatives love. His other political stances are also in line with that of a model far-right candidate. Cruz, the torchbearer for the religious crusade that has washed over the United States, was one of the first candidates to publicly support Kim Davis, a Kentucky clerk who was recently jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples. Other than marriage equality, abortion rights, gun control, illegal immigration, and climate change, which he in fact outright denies the existence of, are some issues that he actively opposes.

By Andrew Ham Sophomore, Reporter

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School introduces no-nut policy Because 13 SIS students have nut allergies, the leadership team, including Michael Colaianni and Dr. James Gerhard, instated a policy forbidding the sale of any food with nuts.

Because those with nut allergies can respond even with mere exposure to nuts, the school wide protocol extends to all clubs, the school store, and J&J Catering. J&J has stopped providing school lunches with any nut ingredients and has gotten rid of peanut butter at the sandwich bar.

“We want students to be able to eat without worrying about their allergies,” said Sooyeon Kwon, J&J nutritionist. “We hope to create a safe environment in which students should not have to be concerned about the food they are exposed to.”

More information can be found on the Daily Bulletin, the SIS homepage, and Tiger Times Online at ttonl.org.

SIS publications receive NSPA top honors For the 2014-2015 publications, both the SIS yearbook and the newspaper received high marks of distinction from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). Tiger’s Eye was recognized with a First Class honor rating, while Tiger Times and Tiger Times Online — considered a hybrid publication — received the All-American Award with five marks of distinction.

“NSPA gives feedback on the yearbook spreads that schools submit,” said Sue Lee (11), managing and copy editor for the yearbook. “It is really competitive because schools hand in their best spreads, so we were incredibly proud when we received the award.”

Yearbook staff members and the adviser, Jane Mitchell, expressed hopes to receive one more mark of distinction and win the All-American award this upcoming year.

6 FOCUS

Unlocking the Gates to Freedom 30% of college students reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function”

College students:

80% drink 10.6 hours

spent drunk every week

50% binge drink 1,825 alcohol-related deaths 690,000 assaults 599,000 injuries 25% suffer academically Layout by Sang Ho Lee

Sources: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bureau of Labor Statistics

10%

of college students have “seriously considered attempting suicide”

42%

of college students never read another book after they graduate

10.3%

of college graduates cannot find a job as of 2014

Tiger Times

September 2015

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Students abuse newfound freedom at universities Congratulations, incoming freshmen— welcome to the real world!

College is the time to cash in four high school years of sleepless nights, coffee highs, and existential crises for the freedom to pursue happiness. Stroll around campus—a pumpkin spice latte in one hand and a portfolio in the other. Go out to Chinatown, ignore any curfews, try out the bars the upperclassmen rave about, a drink or two is customary at university parties—take some liberties!

Blissful, isn’t it? After all, according to National Public Radio, modern high school students live more scheduled and controlled lives than ever. It is no wonder the doors to college dormitories feel like the golden gates to independence.

And universities promise they will be so— just as long as students keep an eye out for the dark side. Within the shadows, a new university subculture is forming, characterized by fraternity violence and sexual assault. In addition, overshadowed by the fires of flagrant campus crime are students falling through the fingers of a system of lax supervision. How students cope with, avoid, or involve themselves in these issues is mostly up to them.

So, freshmen, welcome to the real world.

“Parents nowadays who are affluent, highly educated, and on the top of the game want their kids to be the same,” said Mercy Jesudass, guidance counselor. “So, they orchestrate everything.

In very controlled environments, there’s little

freedom for kids to learn from mistakes. In college, the backstage crew orchestrating everything is just not there.”

Students tied to such expectations enter college without having ever tested the boundaries of independence; the reins were too short to even approach the edges. According to The New York Times, trends show this generation abusing the leniency granted once in college.

First, campus sexual assault is on the rise. According to The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Tool sponsored by the US Department of Education, sex offenses on American college campuses have doubled between 2003 to 2013.

Even before freshmen are handed their dorm keys, they enter with keys to a virtual and relatively infinite freedom—the Internet. As a result, regulation has become even harder. As seen in the recent and infamous St. Paul’s School case, wrongdoers use the vastness of the online space as their cover, congregating in Facebook groups if physically restricted by campus authority.

According to The Guardian, sweeping such culture under covers of silence and stigma does not work. Usually for adolescents, open discussions of these issues take place at schools. Sexual education was once covered in the SIS high school health program. It has since been revised to a cycle of four to six classes targeting alcohol and tobacco use.

“I know that once [students] go to college, they will be tempted simply because of more exposure,” said Tamara Atanaskovic, high school

physical education teacher. “Our program is smaller than customary Western ones, which cover sexual education and drugs in a much more in-depth manner. Former SIS principal, Jarret Lambie, said those were not ‘big’ issues in Korea.

We want to raise awareness about substances students are exposed to the most.”

International students, however, walk on a special path that will one day inevitably lead to a US college setting.

“One might assume that Western schools are oblivious to what their students are doing and are capable of,” said Hyeri Chang (10), former SIS student and current student at Choate Rosemary Hall. “Rather, in some schools like Choate, teachers and students talk about the drug and sex subcultures more openly. Since this is more prevalent here, we take much more preventative actions compared to SIS to make students cognizant.”

Trends show these new subcultures feeding on social stigma and secrecy, lurking in the shadows and reaching for lost freshmen. Schools may be tempted to resort to treating the problem with a cold stare and the silent treatment. Ignorance is easy. But without open discussion, comprehensive preparation for the full college experience may be impossible. Only with proactive preparation will schools be able to wholeheartedly welcome students into the real world.

By Diana Nakyoung Lee Sophomore, Reporter

Depression becomes part of college life Solving never-ending stacks of tedious homework, spending sleepless nights studying for final exams, and yet, still sinking in combative competition are challenges many freshman face in college. Although some students deal with such challenges well, this is not always the case.

Just one suicide case of many, 19-year old Madison Holleran jumped off the top of a parking lot in Philadelphia due to severe depression caused by overload of schoolwork and combative competition in college.

Holleran’s death shined a light on the issue of depression in college students, especially as Holleran was a popular and talented Ivy League track star, a role model for many. However, according to Emory University, about 1,100 college suicides occur annually in the US due to depression, demonstrating that many others gave in to pressure much like Holleran, regardless of how others viewed their accomplishments.

“I believe that I am fully prepared to face the adult world once I go to college, especially since I have already dealt with pressuring challenges of multiple assignments and aggressive competition in high school,” Jennifer Huh (12) said.

“Although I rely on my parents for many things, I still know what is expected of me and always strive to reach such standards. I think no matter what difficulties students may have, the most

important thing is that they take ownership of what they really want to do and work really hard to achieve their goals.”

According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), the number of college students suffering from depression has only worsened in past decades, as the suicide rate among young adults aged 15-24 has tripled since the 1950s. In fact, suicide is currently the second most common cause of death among college students. Although there is no one specific cause for these soaring suicide rates, ACHA says that unhealthy lifestyle habits such as sleep deprivation, disordered eating, alcohol abuse, and disturbing trends of sexual assault likely contribute to growing depression.

“Looking back, I was able to get through most of my difficulties by sharing my thoughts about dilemmas with my church friends and receiving neighborly advice in return,” said Sean Lee, Rice University student. “I think we are all just looking for someone to look us in the eye, listen to what we have to say, and reassure us that they understand and that everything is going to be okay.

More than anything, college life should be based on building a culture where students genuinely care about each others’ wellbeing rather than selfishly looking out only for themselves.”

As proclaimed by the Suicide Prevention Re-

source Center (SPRC), because increasing trends in suicidal tendencies is a prevalent issue that must be dealt with in the long run, it is critical that campuses demand a more collaborative response from colleges rather than placing full responsibility on counselors or mental health centers. Essentially, SPRC says that colleges must help pinpoint the root causes of such disturbing behaviors and promote early interventions to reduce the risk factors for depression that may lead directly to suicide.

“High school students often go to college believing that their abilities are better than they actually are due to factors such as grade inflation,” said Ronald Slachta, former junior college teacher. “However, college professors grade the papers as they see it, resulting in significantly lower grades than such high-achieving students expected. While this can play a small part, there are definitely multiple factors that can drive students to commit suicide —for example, being away from home on their own without parental guidance. Many colleges are currently taking care of the mental health of students by providing sufficient counseling and working together to acknowledge that such a problem exists.”

By Alice Lee Sophomore, Reporter

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LIFESTYLE

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Jelly Beans

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t a country fair in Plymouth in 1906, an unfortunate cow laid down his life for a place in mathematics history. The cow was a subject of a “guess-the-weight” competition, and the lucky person who came closest would win the slaughtered animal’s meat. The amazing thing was that nobody guessed it right, yet everybody got it right.

Statistician Francis Galton discovered this fact when the crowd’s individual guesses were totaled. The median guess

of 1,207 pounds was accurate within 1 percent of the true weight of 1,198 pounds.

Among 800 people who participated in the event from butlers to cattle experts, separate estimates made by these professionals were far off compared to the collective crowd’s wisdom.

The collective wisdom of the crowd simulates the estimation task of a sample from a probability distribution, inviting comparisons with individual cognition.

The effect of statistical noise will ensure that two or more estimates of the same quantity will average to a value closer to the ground truth—and biased extreme values will average themselves out. Put simply, some people will overestimate while others will underestimate, and collectively, each member cancels out the

Middle school student participates in WASH project

Last spring, middle school Global Issues Network (GIN) adviser Cheryl Renwick was requested by the Korean division of UNICEF to select four members from middle school GIN to participate in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project that is currently ongoing in over 40 countries including Cambodia, Haiti, and Pakistan.

UNICEF Korea was seeking two young and passionate students from South Korea, and of the four candidates from SIS, Andrew Yoon (8) was ultimately chosen as the final representative to attend the WASH project in Tajikistan from June 6-10.

“All four of the students who were nominated as potential attendees of the conference were not only natural leaders but also students who always made great contributions to the middle school GIN elective,” Ms. Renwick said. “Andrew was definitely one of the members who took the club very seriously and maintained a positive, encouraging attitude during discussions of all sorts of topics.”

The WASH project in Tajikistan involved delegates from over 15 countries, including those that are often underrepresented in international conferences, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Romania. Delegates worked together to devise solutions to global issues regarding schools, communities, homes, and disasters.

“Waking up early in the morning every day was a real struggle for me because of jetlag,” Andrew said. “However, the conference itself was very interesting and complex because we debated on issues such as what the minimum standards should

be for development and possible solutions to problems that are not being adequately addressed at the moment. All the delegates worked together to compile our ideas and information on a single, lengthy document.”

According to Andrew, participants concluded the WASH conference by putting together a Call to Action document, which summarized all the major ideas and issues brought up by delegates during the five days of the conference. The government of Tajikistan approved this Call to Action document when it was submitted as a list of critical concerns that the nation should prioritize.

Although the WASH conference focused mainly on uniting all the delegates and getting them to discuss different world issues in collaboration, there were also individual responsibilities for each participant. Each delegate had to present an original solution to poverty-related concerns that were especially difficult to tackle.

“I was definitely nervous about having to give my own presentation in front of numerous delegates and official UN spectators,” Andrew said. “However, I was extremely proud of my work because although I couldn’t provide conclusive solutions to the issues at hand, I was able to use my prior experience with community service to present long-term steps that could be taken in order to spread awareness and get other organizations involved.”

By Sarah Kim Junior, Reporter

error of the other. As a result, the group average estimation winds up being smarter than the sum of its parts.

We conducted a simulation here at SIS to see if this was true. During lunchtime, the crowd estimated the number of jellybeans in a jar in order to illustrate the power of collective wisdom. The guesses of 99 different students and faculty ranged from 200 to 16,000, but the average of all 99 guesses was 1,610 – only ten percent away from the actual value of 1,814.

Although the experimental data we collected were not as miraculous as those from previously known experiments, they still serve a point. Among 99 people who participated, there were only three people who were within range of 10 percent of actual number of jellybeans, and only one

who got to the actual hundredth digits.

More than 75 percent of the people underestimated the number of jellybeans—as they seemed fearful to call out the number into thousands—but the extreme values on the right side of the axis successfully cancelled out the underestimations that the majority of people made.

It’s amazing to think that in a large enough group, the errors of everyone else, no matter how insignificant an individual may seem, can actually balance and correct our own shortcomings. It feels good, though a little bit strange to think that in a group, it’s possible for nobody to be correct, but for everybody to be right.

By Michael Kim and Sang Ho Lee Seniors, Project EIC and Production Editor

Tiger Times September 2015

9

Apple heads in new direction with recently unveiled products On Sept. 9, Apple unveiled a series of new products, including the Apple Pencil, iPad Pro, Apple TV, and the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. The iPhone 6s is set to be released on Sept. 25, while the iPad Pro and Pencil will be released in November. According to CNBC, Apple shares rose to a high before the unveiling event, and then dropped nearly two percent afterward. However, according to the New Zealand Herald, Tim Cook was able to step out of Steve Jobs’ shadow through this newest line-up.

To briefly introduce some of Apple’s newest gadgets, the iPad Pro has been enlarged to have a 12.9-inch screen for the use of professional artists and designers. The new iPhones include the upgraded feature of 3D touch technology, which can distinguish between a light tap, standard press, and hard press. The Pencil, sold with the iPad Pro, was marketed as a stylus for technical drawing that can respond to different pressure levels and angles.

“Technology provides convenience as well as room for more creative experimentation,” said Yanis Park (12), Yearbook

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member. “I know that many graphic artists including myself like to experiment with minimalism and typographic techniques, all of which can be made easier through technology like the iPencil.”

The Apple Pencil is the first stylus ever produced by Apple, marking the start of the “Tim Cook Era,” as it contrasted with the ideals of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, who denounced styluses as an unnecessary replacement for fingers. However, Tim Cook responded to doubts by revealing that among Jobs’ last advice was to never ask what [Jobs] would have done, but “Just do what’s right,” according to the Telegraph.

“I feel like Apple does have the tendency to copy other company’s ideas, but they do a very good job of executing them, like in the recently revealed Apple Pencil,” said Paul Kang, IT Coordinator. “The changes Tim Cook has brought in can prove to be beneficial for the company as time progresses. Moreover, I’m intrigued by how the art department [of SIS] will be utilizing the Pencil and iPad Pro.” Also surprising to many was the fact

Julie Song, sophomore violinist, holds concert at Jangchun Hall

ulie Song (10) stood onstage, in front of her an audience of 200 people and behind her the Seoul Orchestra, an esteemed ensemble of 60 musicians. It was the night of Sept. 8, and the only sound that could be heard inside Jangchun Hall of Gwanglim Art Center was the shuffling of music sheets. She had been awarded this concert opportunity by placing first at the Seoul Orchestra Concour.

With a confident smile and sway, Julie signaled to the conductor that she was ready.

“Julie’s solo was the fourth, and by then I was honestly a little sleepy,” said Sky Park (10), concert attendee. “But then, she came onstage in this glowing red dress, and I knew then that she was going to be different. The first note was heavy and strong—like a slap back to reality. Then, her solo just had me in awe.”

Julie’s relationship with her violin had not always been so harmonious.

She describes her first couple tries as whimsical and awkward, and her violin as still a stranger. Their creations at times resembled cat-like screeches more than it did ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’

“I picked up the violin for the first time one day in first grade,” Julie said.

“My sister played it, and so did my mom. My dad used to play the violin, guitar, and piano. Playing music was, and still is, a family thing.”

In fact, since last year, Julie has been playing her mother’s violin. And as with any true companion, Julie remembers wrestling with the violin at times, especially as the pressure and competition heated up with middle school orchestra auditions.

“Sixth grade was the hardest, because I couldn’t really see a purpose in playing anymore,” Julie said. “I wasn’t particularly good, and there were tons of even better people. But, since my family is a musical family, I just kept

playing. Eventually, I reached the point where I could be free from results and just enjoy.”

That once-hesitant sixth grader will be one of four musicians representing SIS by performing for University of Notre Dame professors at a master class on Oct. 15. The professors will be scouting possible students with the potential and talent to pursue a double major in music.

“I remember Julie as a quiet, shy girl in sixth grade,” said Julia Kim, director of the strings program. “I started noticing her love for performing in seventh grade. She volunteered for chamber recitals and was always focused. And she continued to develop into a serious musician year after year. I trusted Julie to grow into the musician she is now and will continue to have high expectations.”

When the Seoul Orchestra conductor raised his baton in the air to signal the beginning of the piece, Julie was surprisingly not as nervous as she had expected. After all, under her fingers was not a stranger, but a familiar friend. Through countless ups and downs, flats and sharps, grueling practices, and missed school days for rehearsals, the squeaking first grader and hesitant sixth grader had finally emerged into a relaxed and confident sophomore.

As Julie played the first note of ‘Symphonie Espagnole Op.21,’ it became impossible to doubt the incredible trust and friendship she had developed with the violin over nine years.

“When I went up on stage, for some weird reason, I was less nervous then than I had ever been,” Julie said. “I stopped telling myself ‘I have to be good at this.’ Instead, I decided that I was just going to trust myself and try my best.”

By Diana Nakyoung Lee Sophomore, Reporter

that a Microsoft employee walked on stage during the Apple unveiling to announce an enterprise partnership Tim Cook had stepped forward to make—Microsoft Office will be used on the iPad Pro. A remarkable improvement from the famous Mac Vs. PC advertisements, Cook is now taking steps to secure a future for the iPad Pro. “I feel like the Apple experience is be-

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coming more complete,” said Andrew Lee (10), user of the iPhone 6 plus. “Although I may not buy the 6s plus, it is evident that Apple is taking their products in a new direction and I look forward to what they will create.”

By Soomin Chun Sophomore, Reporter

“Don’t Judge Challenge” backfires, sparks viral counter-movement

social media movement that originated on Instagram, the “Don’t Judge Challenge,” began when teenagers recorded themselves transitioning from people with “imperfections” such as acne, to “ideal” individuals by putting on makeup to conceal such flaws.

According to the Chicago Tribune, this challenge received criticism for undermining its own purpose by inadvertently mocking people with “unattractive” features. To counteract this challenge, some teenagers launched an alternate “Beauty in All Challenge.”

The “Don’t Judge Challenge” was initiated by the British beauty blogger Em Ford in her YouTube video, “YOU LOOK DISGUSTING,” in order to demonstrate how people should not simply be judged based on their physical appearances. Although her motives were a good-natured protest against body shaming, the trend ended up as a mockery of those with “unpleasant” features.

“Despite what participants in the ‘Don’t Judge Challenge’ may believe, I think that outward beauty is not as important in societal matters as it may be for others,” Alice Kim (12) said. “Unfortunately, our community only seems to favor those who possess defined features like large eyes, while criticizing others who do not bear such qualities.”

According to the Huffington Post, the “Don’t Judge Challenge” is similar to the

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge in that they both attempted to circulate supportive messages, but the “Don’t Judge Challenge” strayed from its aim.

“I think that the ‘Don’t Judge Challenge’ is another passing trend like the ‘ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,’” Heewon Kim (10) said. “Although the ‘Don’t Judge Challenge’ may be viral momentarily, it actually reduces the self-esteem of the viewers who have ‘unattractive’ qualities.”

Before long, another group of teenagers voiced its opinions against the stereotypical features presented in the viral videos instigated by the “Don’t Judge Challenge.” They began a new trend, the “Beauty in all Challenge,” and made reverse videos, supporting their case by removing their makeup to verify that everyone is appealing in their own individual ways.

“Many people participate in the ‘Don’t Judge Challenge for fun, but I think it is simply ignorant because they are taunting others without a purpose,” said Eugene Chung, sophomore class public relations officer. “Because the challenge, due to its viral nature, is not something that can be shut down within a short period of time, all we can do is steadily notify students that ridiculing others based on their appearance is morally wrong.”

By Alice Lee Sophomore, Reporter

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SPORTS

Play-by-play: Tigers win close match against KIS Preview

After winning the first match and losing the second, the varsity girls volleyball team played its third match against Korea International School (KIS) on Sept. 19.

Set 1

From the beginning of the set, the Tigers quickly pulled ahead, with Grace Lee (11) gaining 11 points with her serves and the Tigers continuously executing successful plays. However, their concentration was disrupted when co-captain Tiffany Jung (12) hurt her knee after a spike and had to be subbed out. Although the Phoenixes started to catch up, they could not overturn the wide margin established from the beginning of the set. The Tigers won the first set 25-19.

Set 2

In the first couple minutes, the Phoenixes gained the first few points and stayed in the lead. Both teams showed strong, coordinated plays, but the Tigers continued to concede points to the Phoenixes because they had trouble receiving tips. Finally, the Tigers broke even at 12-12 thanks to a couple well-directed spikes. However, the Phoenixes eventually pulled ahead once again, and the Tigers lost the set 19-25.

Set 3

Because of some confusion about the outlines of the court, the Phoenixes won the first few points. The Tigers consistently showed controlled plays with three touches, but could not receive some deep free balls. However the score turned in favor of the Tigers when Sarah Hahn (12) tipped the ball and Julie Hwang (11) and Jean Cho (12) subsequently delivered carefully directed spikes in the holes of the other side’s defense. Tigers gained a strong lead, winning the set 25-19.

Set 4

The set started with the Tigers and Phoenixes going neck-toneck, but due to miscommunication, missed spikes, and ceiling touches, the Phoenixes slowly took the lead. As Julie continued to execute successful spikes, the Tigers followed closely behind.

However, continuously missed receives allowed the Phoenixes to pull ahead, reaching a match point at 14-24. With SIS possession at match point, The Tigers continued to try their best and were able to make a small comeback, but conceded the set 17-25.

Set 5

nixes failed to perform controlled receives, allowing the Tigers to reach the halfway mark first, at 8-5. With long rallies between both teams, the Phoenixes followed right behind and finally caught up at 13-13 due to missed serves by the Tigers. However, after a well-placed tip by Ashley Sohn (11), the Tigers set the match point at 16-15. The Tigers then secured their victory 17-15 with a spike by Ashley.

Overview

Although the game was very close, the Tigers were able to perform many well-directed spikes and pulled through to ultimately defeat the Phoenixes. This game marked the first time in three years that the Tigers defeated the Phoenixes in a KAIAC conference match.

“I think, because we were able to maintain strong mentality throughout the entire game, we were able to beat such a strong opponent like KIS,” Julie said.

“When Tiffany got hurt, she fell to the floor and started crying. Her absence made a huge difference, but our team was eventually able to endure together.”

Photo by Ryan Jang

Both sides showed strong overhand serves, but the Phoe-

By Soomin Chun Sophomore, Reporter

Ashley Sohn (11) starts off the rally against KIS on Sept. 19. SIS beat KIS in five sets of volleyball, performing a comeback to win the last set.

Federal judge overturns Tom Brady’s four-game suspension jan. 23 2015 official investigation PSS begins SS SS SS S S S

S Patriots' balls found under-inflated

TOM BRADY SCANDAL After controversy over New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s alleged involvement in a tampering scheme, a federal judge dismissed the four-game suspension set by the National Football League (NFL) on Sept. 3. The NFL, under Commissioner Roger Goodell, had claimed that quarterback Tom Brady was personally involved in deflating footballs in the run-up to the 2015 Super Bowl. Deflating a football facilitates grip, allowing the player an unfair advantage during play. However, Judge Richard Berman declared the NFL’s decision as null and void, ruling that Brady was not warned that “general awareness of ball deflation by others” could lead to suspension.

Tom Brady’s sentence followed contro-

GRAPHIC BY EUNIE JANG

source: nfl.com

versies surrounding the NFL’s previous disciplinary actions. In the fall of 2014, Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson received two-game suspensions, half the number of game suspensions received by Brady, for domestic abuse and child abuse, respectively. After public outcry demanded harsher punishments, the two athletes were condemned to indefinite suspensions and no pay. According to the Telegraph, such inconsistency has led to criticism from the sporting community as an attempt by the NFL to restore its reputation.

“I don’t see how the punishment fit the crime,” said Paul Roberts, social studies teacher. “There is a feeling in the NFL that other players got away with different types

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may 14 2015 nflpa files appeal for tom brady's suspension may 11 2015 NFL announces Tom Brady's suspension

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of crimes, so I feel like the NFL is trying make things ‘right’ by taking it out on Tom Brady. The movement was not impartial, because the investigators had a conclusion in mind and shaped the data to fit that conclusion, not the other way around.”

Others, however, believe that such actions from the NFL were necessary to ensure future impartiality within the league.

Claiming that Tom Brady was receiving biased treatment due to his status as a popular athlete, supporters have praised the NFL’s decision as a step back to justice.

“Even if the NFL took a hit for the decision to suspend Tom Brady, I feel like it should stand up for its principles, and I think that is what the NFL did with its rul-

ing,” said John Yuu (10), NFL follower. “Just as any legal system needs to hold all people equal under the law, so the NFL needs to be impartial and with all players, regardless of how popular or well-known they are.”

According to ESPN, Roger Goodell plans to appeal the judge’s ruling, citing the need for fairness in athletic competition. Unless the appeal succeeds, Tom Brady will play in the 2015-2016 football season without further penalty. Tom Brady, whose contract expires in 2017, has issued a public statement of gratitude, and plans to stand by the ruling.

By Nicholas Kim Sophomore, Reporter

Tiger Times September 2015

11

Sports Photos of the Month

(Left to Right) Jiwon Chung (10), Eric Song (11) , and Kevin Shim (12) participate in a cross country meet in Chadwick International School on Sept. 16.

Ashley and Sarah Park: Balancing competition, sisterhood

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wo girls stand on opposite sides of the court, staring into each other’s eyes. One crouches, tense, waiting. The other lightly throws up the ball, and it all begins. During the game they are competitors, nothing more and nothing less. However, off the ourt, the two girls, Ashley Park, Class of ’15, and Sarah Park (9), are sisters who simply love the same game.

“Though all sisters may have a bond with each other, [Sarah and Ashley] have a special relationship because they share a unique passion for sports,” said Alex Kim (10), a varsity boys tennis player who practices with the girls at their academy. “Even as an outside observer, I can really see the bond between the two. They are always there for each other during practice, and they support each other really well. I sometimes wish I had a younger or older brother, so that I could be able to depend on him just like Sarah and Ashley depend on each other.”

Tennis, a common interest in both of the girls’ lives, creates a unique relationship between the two sisters. Instead of relaxing at home after school, the two girls used to go directly to their tennis academy. There, they practiced for up to three hours every day, only coming home at around seven at night. This grueling day-in, day-out schedule only brought the girls closer together, as they were able to better understand each other by experiencing the same obstacles.

Though Ashley was a part of the graduating class of 2015, her hard work is not over, as she hopes to continue playing tennis at college. According to Sarah, though there are downsides to this rigorous schedule, the advantages include better time management and focus.

“During practices or when we’re playing a game, I think of my sister as a rival,” Sarah said. “If I think of her as

my sister while we are rallying, it is hard to concentrate because of the emotions that run though my head. By seeing her as more of a teammate during practice, it allows me to improve my skills and focus on tennis rather than our relationship.”

Sarah’s coaches often arranged games between Sarah and her sister to allow Sarah to enhance not only her tennis skills, but also her mental strength by pitting her against a better opponent. According to Sarah, her coaches believed that Ashley was her ideal opponent: she was good at tennis and knew enough about Sarah to test her abilities.

“In order to help my sister, I just play the best I can,” Ashley said. “I have around three more years of tennis experience, and I use this to my advantage whenever I am matched up against my sister. I try to teach her as much as I can, and help her during drills and practices by giving her a model to follow. Even off the court we talk a lot about tennis, and I try my best to guide her in the right direction because I have experienced everything that she is going through right now.”

Whenever Sarah has a question about her forehand swing, Ashley is willing to help, even from her dorm in Amherst College, Massachusetts. In order to continue Ashley’s tennis legacy, Sarah is trying her best to follow her sister’s footsteps by modeling her career after her sister’s.

“My sister was successful in her tennis career at SIS, which is why she was recruited by Amherst,” Sarah said.

“I want to be able to do the same, and I hope that I will develop my skill and continue passion for tennis in years to come.”

By Ryan Jang Sophomore, Reporter

Photos by Daniel Shin

Girls basketball team opens preseason practices to better prepare

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n preparation for the upcoming winter season, the SIS girl’s basketball team has been holding pre-season practices not only during summer vacation but also during the fall season. Open to anyone wishing to participate in this year’s basketball season, the summer pre-season practices had nine to 10 girls show up every day.

For the first time in its history, the team was able to have both aspiring and current members practice together before the official season began. Practices involved drills for various skills, such as dribbling and passing, as well as team scrimmages. “[We decided to hold pre-season practices] to give our girls a chance to get better,” said Chris Koester, varsity girls basketball team coach. “The practices give every girl every chance possible to improve, because with an increase in competition, not every girl gets to play.”

Prior to the preseason practices, the girls basketball team only practiced as a team during the three-month long winter season, leaving a significant time gap between one basketball season and the next. This long hiatus often resulted in the deterioration of both team chemistry and individual skill between the seasons. However, this year’s pre-season practices are now helping athletes prepare before the official start of the winter season.

“I think that these practices helped me

get used to playing with the new members of the team,” said Eugenia Lee (10), member of the girl’s varsity basketball team. “Practices in the summer also helped me improve my skills, especially in fixing my form, because I hadn’t practiced as frequently during summer as I had during the season.”

The implementation of these practices is predicted to have positive effects on the team for the upcoming basketball season, as players have already begun to tackle new techniques and develop stronger bonds.

“Our teamwork has developed a lot since we’ve started pre-season practices,” said Michelle Kim (10), member of the JV girls basketball team. “We’ve definitely come together as a team, and overall, our individual skills have improved as well.”

Every practice that the athletes get before the start of the season is one practice that other teams do not get in their official schedule, giving the SIS basketball team a head start.

“Well, the sky’s the limit,” said Coach Koester when asked about the future of the girl’s team. “The more girls that are involved and have more enthusiasm, the more we improve as a team. We’re slowly reaching the level of the boy’s [basketball] program.”

By Joyce Lee Sophomore, Reporter

Think about the one person you trust the most. What kind of person is he?

He can admit his mistakes and keep his promises.

Isn’t this the kind of person he is?

One you know will always follow the rules.

This is the kind of person you can trust.

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SMALL TALK

Eat. Tag. Love.

s fol ow u am! r no Instag

FAUX NEWS

Holmes brothers employed to investigate seniors

Fair and Balanced

Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes were hired by two seniors to investigate the GPAs and early application colleges of other students in the senior class. The two students paid large sums of money to the world-renowned consulting detective and the high-ranking government official to use their collective brainpower and influence in the national government to reveal college application-related information of other seniors.

In order to carry out his job, Mycroft requested a government warrant to inspect seniors’ PowerSchool accounts. Sherlock, on the other hand, trailed various seniors to pick up on both physical and verbal clues regarding which colleges these students were applying to early.

“Our respective jobs were to figure out everyone’s GPAs and early application schools,” Mycroft said. “Though I’m not allowed to say which students hired us, I can say that I think I am closer to getting my end of the job done than Sherlock is. As usual, I am always one step ahead of him.”

After some investigative research, Faux News tracked down one of the two seniors that hired the Holmes brothers, but the student refused to speak except as an anonymous source, and will thus be referred to as “A.” “A” explained the rationale behind the duo’s decision.

“Knowledge is power,” “A” said. “I need to get into colleges, and obviously the best way to do that is to spend time and money on figuring out where everyone else is applying and their

GPAs, so that I can strategically choose the best possible route for myself. I’m also going to teachers individually to complain about my grades and trying to get them to raise my grade whenever I can. I think this really is the best use of my time so that I can get to get to college.”

Though Sherlock and Mycroft usually investigate homicides and foil terrorist plots, they decided to take the “case” because they were both in desperate need of funds. Mycroft required funds to carry out an undisclosed government plan, while Sherlock needed rent for 221B Baker Street.

“Wouldn’t this be so much more fun if it were a chain of murders that I was investigating?” Sherlock said.

“Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough homicides being committed these days. Watson tells me that we’re several months behind on our rent payment and that our landlady is getting impatient. That’s the only reason I’m actually doing this.”

Upon being asked by Faux News reporters if he was a psychopath due to his desire to see more murders being committed, Sherlock reprimanded them for not doing their research and claimed that he was a “high-functioning sociopath.”

“Once I figure out the early application college of every senior in this school, I will report back to the students who employed me and get my money,” Sherlock said. “But I might be out of a job next year because moms spread rumors faster than I can investigate them.”

BY JUNGHO DANIEL CHOI

Family Funday 2015