W.I.S.T Gazette Vol. 1

WIST gAZETTE

Leo Huang

Article by Gabriel Yu

Health of Taiwanese Students

Pixels & Pigments: Oil and Digital Paintings Fashion Illustrations, Photography

Artworks by Emily Zhang, Kelly Chen, Maersk Chuang, Leo Huang and Matthias Chan

It is with great excitement and pride that I welcome you to the first edition of W.I.S.T Gazette! As the Editor-in-Chief, I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to spearhead this project, delving into graphic design, conducting interviews, and editing each page.

Our vision has been to create a publication that celebrates the talent and creativity of W.I.S.T’s students. Our dedicated team aimed to craft a publication that commemorates the school community’s diverse voices and experiences. We’ve included student publications, ranging from artworks to creative writing, as well as offering a unique layout style for each page. I hope that this magazine will inspire students to fervently engage in writing and artistic creation. Let this edition mark the beginning of a legacy that future students will take over!

Editor-in-Chief, Sydney Hsieh

Letter from the Advisor

As the semester comes to an end, it is with great pleasure that I extend my deepest appreciation to the incredible students of the Washington High School Newspaper Elective.

Your dedication and hard work in crafting our school's very first W.I.S.T Gazette has not gone unnoticed. The talent and passion you've poured into each article has not only kept our school well-informed but have also showcased your remarkable capabilities.

The articles, features, and visuals you've produced have not only demonstrated your skills but have also provided valuable insights and perspectives to our readers.

We recognize the challenges that come with creating a journal – the tight deadlines, long hours, and occasional hurdles. Yet, your resilience, teamwork, and ability to overcome these challenges have contributed significantly to our success.

As you reflect on your accomplishments, take pride in the positive influence you've had on our school community. Your work has not only informed but has also inspired others to engage with the events and issues around them.

Thank you once again for your hard work and dedication. The skills and experiences gained during your time in the newspaper club will undoubtedly serve you well in the future. It has been a pleasure working with you all, and I wish you all the best with the continued success and growth of the W.I.S.T Gazette in the years to come.

Elective Advisor, Ms. Aleksandra

People of WIST Gazette

Alumni Spotlight:

Wishing you all a well-deserved break, and congratulations on a job exceptionally well done. Currently engaged in multiple internships, she has found herself working with various companies where she brings her expertise with regards to media/website management and data analytical skills. Additionally, she works as a publisher for The Amsterdammer, an independent student newspaper based in the Netherlands. Her role as Editor-in-Chief at W.I.S.T. allowed her to explore new avenues, contributing to the world of media.

Ellie Hsu was the first Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper elective. She explained how she faced challenges in her position as students struggled to meet article deadlines. Since her time at W.I.S.T, Ellie has pursued a Masters in Communication Studies at the University of Amsterdam.

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Visionary Leader A

By Sydney Hsieh, Editor-in-Chief William Tu, Staff Reporter

Washington’s International Department embarks on a fresh academic year, welcoming a new semester with a novel addition to its leadership, Ms. Emily, the newly appointed vice principal.

Ms. Emily is equipped with a solid foundation in education studies cultivated at Fordham University. She has more than a decade of experience teaching middle school students in New York, coupled with her title as the dean of Washington Elementary School’s international program.

“Washington is the forerunner of international education and is known for its bilingual program,” Ms. Emily explains. “That’s why I chose Washington. ”

Ms. Emily serves as not only Washington’s Vice Principal, but has also deliberately taken on the role of homeroom teacher for 7-2. By taking on these two roles, she immerses herself in both the administrative and learning environment.

“Washington is the forerunner of international education”

“Every student is unique, and it is my responsibility to ensure that they have the tools and support they need to succeed," Ms. Emily affirmed.

Setting the Course:

In the immediate future, Ms. Emily’s objective centers around securing WASC accreditation for this school, which is expected to take two to five years. This can acquire official recognition for Washington as an international school.

Strategies for Success:

Ms. Emily employs an array of teaching strategies geared towards prioritizing student needs.

“I am trying to encourage inquiry-based learning in this school,” she said.

Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions and take on an active role in class. She further added that this form of learning fosters their critical thinking skills. In addition, Ms. Emily strives for a collaborative approach, maintaining regular meetings with subject and homeroom teachers.

“Mr. Brennan and I aim to create workshops with teachers to discuss their teaching methods and student matters,” Ms. Emily added.

Her vision for Washington High School holds the promise to create an environment where each and every student not only excels but thrives.

Meet the

Welcome Aboard! New Teachers in Campus

By Brian Tsai & Shannon Chen Staff Reporters

6 MIN READ

Ms. Aleksandra

2 MIN READ

Ms. Aleksandra is of South African and Polish descent, who also lived in Germany, where she attended the Frankfurt International School. Later, she acquired degrees in both Sound Engineering and English. She loves the outdoors and enjoys playing a variety of sports, and is currently training to start her calisthenics journey. Being the owner of four cats, she is passionate about the well-being of all street animals.

Besides being a subject teacher of writing, novel study, and the school newspaper elective, she also teaches Grade 9 and 10 literature. She previously coached sports, and taught German at the Cambridge International School in Tainan and taught at Wego Private Bilingual High School in Taipei, which she mentioned is similar to W.I.S.T regarding both teaching methods and students' English level. Her future goals are to acquire the credits needed to teach sports science.

Ms. Aleks explained, “I started teaching because I wanted to help the young adults of today find their way and make a difference in the world."

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Audio Games Cooking

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Wirecutter The Athletic

Ms. Dela Cruz

1 MIN READ

Ms. Dela Cruz is originally from Cavite, Philippines, and recently immigrated to Taiwan in 2023. Back home she worked as an academic high school teacher for four years. She first heard about W.I.S.T via Teast, where she currently teaches biology, chemistry, and earth science to G7-12 students.

We asked her how teaching was different from back home compared to Taiwan, “It was easier to a certain degree teaching back home because my students and I shared the same culture, and I was able to teach in my own language” she said. Ms. Dela Cruz’s personality is more on the introverted side, but nonetheless, she finds the company of her colleagues as a great comfort to her. She enjoys reading fiction or browsing social media. How does she like Taiwan so far?

“Life over here is a lot more comfortable and more organized. It makes life easier.” she explained.

Ms. Davis

1 MIN READ

Ms. Davis, a Toronto native, specializes in teaching arts with a focus on 3D modeling in Blender, junior game design, digital art and puzzles. Intrigued by the intersection of programming, technology, and entertainment, she finds game design appealing for its blend of creativity and technical elements.

Ms. Davis brings prior experience as a data analyst in IT and a STEM enthusiast, where she aspires to impart computer literacy skills to empower students in navigating diverse computer programs. What she values most about teaching is the opportunity to engage with dynamic and enjoyable students, whom she considers the true "highlight" of her teaching experience.

A Letter from:

Student President Judy Wu & Vice President Ethan Chen

As a team, we are thrilled to serve as the school’s Student Council for the 2023-2024 school year. Our goal is to promote a learning environment of growth, unity, and creativity.

Over the past three months, the Student Council has facilitated internships for 10th to 11th graders,offering advice and acting as secondary helpers within the school. We encourage unity among students for competitions such as Halloween’s puzzle solving, Thanksgiving’s donation contest, and homeroom decorations for the upcoming Christmas.

Campus

By Ashley Liu & Tina Tang Staff Reporters

In our pursuit of fostering creativity, we host activities such as voting for the best costume in Halloween and the Prom King & Queen/Prince & Princess. It’s a pleasure to witness students enjoying the activities. I look forward to seeing the growth of the Student Council throughout the school year.

New candidates for the student body were elected last ,year in May. The student council is a small organization made up of 7 dedicated students that are responsible for organizing special school events. This includes weekly assemblies and holiday celebrations such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas talent shows.

Their mission is to make school life more enjoyable while fostering team building and promoting student participation. The student body is elected every May

Campus in Command: Our Student Body

through voting by all students and teachers. However, student candidates must meet specific requirements to be eligible.

Candidates must maintain a GPA over 3.5 or higher from 9th to 11th grades, and have no more than two warnings.

The 2023 school year welcomes 12-1 Judy Wu as Student President and 12-2 Ethan Chen as Vice President. These two critical positions serve as the

council’s main advisors. In addition, the Secretary 12-1 Abigail Lee is responsible for taking notes for every student council meeting or outreach programs. The Art Director 12-1 Tina Tang is in charge of decorating the bulletin board, creating letters, and designing posters to advertise school events. The Sports Director 12-2 Ryan Chu plans weekly fun activities for assemblies. The Communication Officer 12-1 Claire Huo handles orders of items and food from manufacturers. The Treasurer 12-2 Ashley Liu manages the finances for events.

The student body is also open to recruiting interns and volunteers to allow them to gain experience and familiarize with council duties. People who are interested in being part of the student council in the future can test the waters, and learn to get involved and contribute to school events. They would participate in the student body’s meeting once or twice a year, and assist in different roles, rotating responsibilities each month. People who choose volunteer positions help with Halloween, Talent Show decorations, and events that require a large number of helpers.

The student body includes (left to right) President Judy Wu, Vice President Ethan Chen, Secretary Abigail Lee, Treasurer Ashley Liu, Communication Officer Claire Huo, Art Director Tina Tang and Sports Director Ryan Chu.

When you think about New York, the world's epicenter of commerce, finance, and culture, iconic images like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway, and the bustling Times Square immediately come to mind. Known for its wealth, diversity, and countless opportunities, New York City is the perfect place for students to embark on a journey of self-discovery, particularly with prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, Cornell University, and Fordham University.

By Milly King & Amelia Lee Staff Reporters

New

In July 2023, thirteen students from the W.I.S.T international department visited New York for a 14-day pre-college program at Fordham University. Immersed in classes like business, computer science, and psychology, the students also engaged in elective activities including sports, community projects, and photography.

Weekends provided the opportunity to explore Columbia University and New York University, alongside landmarks such as Times Square and the architectural marvel, the Vessel.

Josephine Chang from 12-2 fondly recalled, "The most memorable experience for me on this trip was the time that my friends and I could just hang out by ourselves in Times Square. We also got to taste the famous New York special hot dogs!"

Throughout the journey, students marveled at renowned landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the One World Trade Center. They were astounded by the differences between Taiwanese and American architecture. New York boasts a famous skyline, graced by the regal Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center. The city’s architecture spans multiple historical and cultural eras, ranging from modern designs to Greek Revival styles.

New Horizons

Students visited an “Orangetheory” Fitness Center to gain insights of its bussiness model

WhileNew York's architecture is as diverse as the city itself, Taiwan's architecture showcases a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous Taiwanese influences.

More students shared with us some of the cultural differences they experienced. Victor Hong from 12-2 remarked, “Americans are a lot more outgoing than Taiwanese. Taiwanese, in general, are very cautious of what image they project. Americans are a lot more friendlier. When I was eating in the university’s cafeteria, I was approached and greeted multiple times by students sitting near me.”

Hung added, "It is easier to make friends with Americans; they take more initiative to start a conversation."

statue of liberty!

TParty Time!!!!!

his immersive experience not only provided students insights into New York’s vibrant city life, but also the opportunity to visit universities and partake in pre-college courses. This offers a glimpse into real college life. Many students found that the interactions enhanced their communication skills. They also expressed a newfound enthusiasm for studying at either N.Y.U or Fordham, captivated by the excellent programs and active student life. Above all, this trip created precious memories, forging

STREETSOFNYC

Boston University (BU) is a prominent independent, nonprofit university situated in Boston, SA, offering a close-knit community for its students. The campus proximity ensures easy access to classes and residence halls, along with nearby rrecreational facilities like museums, shopping malls, theaters, and sporting events.

The university requires one year of on-campus living and guarantees housing for four years, leading to approximately 80% of students remaining on campus. The application process employs the common application. High school transcripts, with an average GPA of 3.71, are crucial for evaluation.

BU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English exams, with minimum score requirements of 90-100 overall and 20 in each TOEFL section, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, and a Duolingo range of 120-130. The competitive nature of BU's admissions process underscores the importance of a comprehensive application.

a ensures halls, rrecreational museums, sporting university for remaining GPA of English 20 a and a 120-130. BU's underscores imporapplication.

By Doris Lin, Ethan Shih & Emily Zhang Staff Reporters

University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada boasts a diverse student body of 19,000 individuals from 140 nations. To secure admission, students must maintain a 3.7 GPA and fulfill standard ized test requirements like IELTS (overall 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component) and TOEFL (90, with 22 in reading and listening). Optional SAT and ACT scores are advantageous.

SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, United States is renowned for its creativity and selectivity in admissions. They carefully assess portfolios, grades, and candidates' passion for their chosen field. Emphasize your creativity and unique abilities when applying. College life at SCAD is a vibrant party, fostering collaboration among individuals passionate about art and design. Annual fees are approximately $38,840.

To apply, meet specific requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.5 in reading and writing), TOEFL score of 85 (minimum 20 in each section), and SAT/ACT scores (SAT reading score of 550 or ACT reading and writing scores of at least 22). Supplementary materials include a recommendation letter, statement of purpose, portfolio, possible inter view or written submission and a resume. SCAD University values diversity, creating a welcoming environment for students with varied skills and backgrounds.

On December 1st, 2023 Washington High School held a study tour and took students on a trip to Fukuoka, Japan. Roughly 70 students, from both the Overseas and Chinese department took part in this activity. For six days, the students transitioned between homestaying to living in hotels, where they were given the chance to experience Japanese family life and home-cook delicacies. This trip consisted of a blend of educational activities, city tours and deep dives into Japanese traditions. They explored the hundreds of saunas, temples and museums that Fukuoka has to offer.

Amelia from 10-3, a student that went on the trip stated, “I loved the Japanese home-cooked dishes that my homestay mom prepared. They were one of the best dishes I ate throughout the entire trip.”

A highlight of the trip was the visit to Oita Uenogaoka High School. Washington students engaged in friendly conversations with Japanese senior students. This social interaction fostered global connections while exchanging insights on school life, food, hobbies, culture and religion.

In addition to cultural exchanges, students went on to visit the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). There they were warmly greeted by scenic landscapes as they explored the APU campus. They toured the dormitories, the massive classrooms, the library and the recreational facilities, which included rooms equipped with table tennis and billiard tables, giving them a glimpse of what APU’s academic life entails.

Throughout the remaining days, students embarked

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on citywide explorations. They took a dip in Kyushu’s hot springs, and marveled at historical museums, Fukuoka Tower Corp and Yufuin Onsen.

Students like Yvonne Lee from 10-2 and Katherine Lai from 11-1 enjoyed the amazing views of Japan. They said that, "the trip was enlivening, we were quickly immersed

Into the Wild

By Doris Lin & Tina Tang

On October 18th, students went to feiyingbǎo on their annual field trip. Feiyingbao is a training center located in Miaoli that promotes wilderness survival education through immersive activities. All of the international department students were expected to actively participate in team-building activities, including rock climbing, zip line, rappelling, and other collaborative activities. These ventures allow students to push their boundaries and foster teamwork and friendship in their respective classes.

Among more than 5 activities, the zip line emerged as the crowd favorite. Students found them more acceptable compared to other activities.

“It is the most exciting activity out of them all, I played zipline more than two times!” said Chijie Liang from 10-3.

Students swing from one point to another through these zip lines, and experience the feeling of “flying” across the training center.

However, not all activities were met with the same enthusiasm. Rappelling, in particular, was believed to be the most challenging and risky. This activity requires students to descend vertically to the ground with the aid of a safety rope and an attentive staff.

“I will never want to do it again, I thought I was going to die,” Bryan Chen from 11-1 exclaimed after attempting rappelling.

Overall, the general sentiment towards the field trip was positive. The students also expressed that the field trip turned out to be better than they expected.

“I enjoyed the field trip a lot, but I hope to go to the amusement park instead,” said Clifford Liu from 12-2.

By Victor Hong Copy Editor

Washington

Overseas Department’s ultimate frisbee team is among the most renowned sports teams in the school. Juniors and seniors work and train together daily with the P.E. instructors at school. The team frequently takes part in competitions held in Taichung City. Its highest achievement includes receiving third place in the 2020 National Senior High Cup, second place in the 2020 National Junior High Cup, and multiple silver medals in the Taichung Senior Mixed Group Cup.

This year, on December 16th and 17th, our frisbee team attended the Ultimate Frisbee Mayor’s Cup. It won its first match against DongShan High School. Senior player Ryan Chu (W.I.S.T) from 12-3 said they capitalized on the mistakes of the rivaling team and won by a significant margin. Unfortunately, they lost three consecutive matches to Wagor, Chang Yi, and the rematch with Dong Shan High School.

Despite their losses, the team members were not deterred, but instead worked courageously to figure out the missing pieces in their strategy, along with external factors that might affect their performance. Ryan further exclaimed that Chang Yi had a great team with multiple aboriginal players, giving them a competitive advantage due to their superior athleticism. External factors aside, the team acknowledged having some internal problems which they plan on resolving before their next match. Ryan expressed that the synergy between the senior and junior players still has room for improvement. The frisbee team aims to refresh itself and to come out on top in future competitions.

OnOctober 30th, the school held a drama competition that featured 11th grade students’ theatrical performances. The long-awaited event took place in the school gym nasium with a small group of audiences of mostly 11th-grade students. It was a tradition for students to create, design, and handmade their costumes and stage props. A total of nine classes participated, with each class delivering unique performances that surrounded the theme of “change.” Some themes that students performed include activism, human rights, respect for the elders, acceptance of all religions, anti-racism and online scams. In addition, the international department’s two classes decided to collaborate and present a single performance, bringing the number of acts to eight. In comparison to the past drama competition, some teachers and students voiced concerns about the limited preparation time. Homeroom teachers, including Ms. Karen from 11-1 and Ms. Jenny from 11-2, expressed that “it would be more challenging this time, given the one-month reduction in our preparation time. ”

By Sydney Hsieh, Editor-in-Chief Milly King & Amelia Lee, Staff Reporters

Students vigorously prepared for the annual performance. Among the standout participants was William Tu from 11-2. Tu shared his experience playing the role of a bully: “It was easy for me to embody the role, but it took countless rehearsals to perfect it.” On stage, Tu expressed that “at first, I felt extremely nervous on stage, but with the support of my classmates and teachers, I quickly gained footing and confidence.”

The joint performance of 11-1 and 11-2 received 3rd place. The two classes created a 6-minute performance on the theme of respecting elders and expressing gratitude. Their collective effort and artistic prowess was evident not just in their acting, but also their thoughtfully-designed props and costumes.

Girl

By Emery Lee

that fell in the Well the

The melancholy hymn echoed throughout the village,

The girl singing her heart out had a gleaned visage.

A heart that had fallen in the well

No longer beats.

Ever since then she had dwelled

In her defeats.

The girl had the most love within her heart,

In which she gave everyone a share, a small part.

“Be careful.” they say.

She ignored them for the frisson.

Now she lays

In the depths of the well.

Oh but the adventures and her glories, It echoes in the memorable reveries.

She knew she should’ve stayed

Away from the edges.

But she was so tempted,

That she crossed the hedges.

Behind the hedges, there was a garden.

It had everything desired by a maiden.

On the northern end of the garden,

There stood a well.

She ran to it without hesitation,

As if she was under a spell.

The well made her repel all the poor souls

That had admired, and had been loyal to her.

Controlled by her ambition and desire,

She tripped and fell.

Her past, her fame vanished forever,

Deep down in the well.

There was no return and no one to blame,

But her and herself. Her innocent, reckless self.

Oh but how the well had candied itself.

She could not resist.

Now she lays in the depths of the well,

Dreaming about getting out.

Dangerously

By Sydney Hsieh

The Victorian Household

During the age of industrialization, Victorian homes were bursting with new inventions, gadgets, clothing and beauty products. The booming middle class adorned their homes with riveting inventions featured in magazine catalogs. In the bedroom were the latest corsets, and for the first time, central heating and light bulbs provided warmth for the living room. The home was deemed a sacred refuge from factory life.

Taste is thus an impeccable ideal for creating a “domestic haven.” Wallpapers, boasting rich colors and floral patterns, indicated good taste, wealth and status. However, these wallpapers harbored a hidden danger—they were laced with arsenic pigments.

Green Poison

In 1775, the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhem Scheele discovered a vibrant green pigment by mixing copper arsenite. The green was cheap and alluring. The garden color reminded city dwellers of nature. It infiltrated every part of the Victorian household, from dresses and candles, to sweets and fake flowers, to children’s toys, and most of all, it was used in large quantities for wallpaper. Its luminous qualities led to a boom in demand. The production of wallpaper rolls increased by 2,615 percent in the 1830s and 1840s. Green arsenic wallpapers, prevalent in most Victorian households, posed more than safety hazards—they were hidden killers.

with arsenic wallpapers.

Blackthorn wallpaper by Morris & Co.

Dangerously Beautiful Toxic Victorian Wallpapers Mysterious Deaths

Victorian houses were prone to dampness, now entrapped with arsenic on their walls. Moisture and heat released toxic vapors as fungus grow on wallpapers. Reports of entire families facing mysterious deaths drew the attention of both wallpaper manufacturers and the public. In 1893, American chemist Charles R. Sanger linked arsenic levels in human tissues to exposure from arsenic-containing materials. Headaches, nausea, and “arsenic pocks” were just a few manifestations of the symptoms caused by arsenic wallpapers.

A Shift in Taste

As wallpaper sales surged in Britain, doctors and newspapers made strides to ban this popular house decor. Although it was difficult to determine if arsenic wallpapers were the culprit, medical reports in the 1850s recorded symptoms of nausea and abdominal pains alleviating when victims left their wallpaper rooms. The symptoms returned once when they were back home.

Although legislation was slow to follow, oil-based washable wallpapers entered the market. Since the 1870s, public demand shifted towards arsenic-free wallpapers, forcing British manufacturers such as Morris & Co and Sanderson Design Company to adapt.

While wallpaper symbolized sophistication and class, it was at the same time toxic, or dangerously beautiful.

As long as the peasant is poor, as long as he does not possess personal landed property, as long as he is forcibly in the clutches of the community, he will remain a slave, and no written law will give him the blessings of civil freedom.

Roberts, Morton. Assassination of Stolypin. 1958, The Exeter Art Gallery, Massachusetts.

The Life of

yotr tolypin P S

Pyotr Stolypin was the prime minister of Tsar Russia from 1906 to 1911. He remains a figure of importance in Russian history. Some viewed him as a beacon of hope for Imperial Russia, while others accused him of being a ruthless reformer. Regardless, one thing is for certain, he made a significant impact on Russia’s history.

Born on April 4, 1862, into a noble family in Dresden, the Kingdom of Saxony, Stolypin was marked by constant relocation due to his father’s military service. He grew up in an estate near Moscow, however, unlike other sons of noble families, he went to St. Petersburg University to study physics and math instead of pursuing a military career. His academic prowess earned him the titles of “Candidate of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics” and “Collegiate Secretary” upon graduation.

Stolypin started his career in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He displayed interest in agricultural and land management. He later served as the marshal of Kovno Governorate and governor of the Saratov province. He solidified his reputation after he suppressed uprisings and bought new farming tools and fertilizers. Emperor Nicholas II recognized his talent and appointed him Minister of Interior in May 1906. Two months later, he became the prime minister.

Sowing Progress

Stolypin believed by reforming the farming industry, Russia would be more capable to compete with other European nations. His strategy was to grant hard-working farmers land. He once said, “As long as the peasant is poor, as long as he does not possess personal landed property, as long as he is forcibly in the clutches of the community, he will remain a slave, and no written law will give him the blessings of civil freedom.” He expected the new lands offered could increase productivity and create a larger middle-class population. Stolypin also hoped this would garner farmers’ support for the Tsar.

by Michael Tsai

Stolypin announced these new laws in the national Duma. Due to his land reforms, agricultural production increased by 33 percent, and peasant land ownership increased by 30 percent. Meanwhile, the Russian population continued to increase by 3 million per year. Stolypin’s reformation made Russia’s economy seem hopeful once again.

A Tragic Downfall

Despite these positive outcomes, Stolypin faced objections and controversies for the reformation. He dismissed the first Duma in 1906 for demanding decision-making power in his land reforms. He also established a martial court to put revolutionaries on trial.

Stolypin explained, “Only a deliberate and firm implementation of the new principles of the state system by the highest legislative institutions will lead to the calm and revival of our great motherland.”

His ruthless executions of oppositions and had so many rebels hanged that the noose earned the nickname of “Stolypin’s necktie.” His actions ultimately cost his own life: he was assassinated in 1911 while watching an opera performance with the Tsar.

Stolyoin’s death is also controversial, with some attributing it to Dmitry Bogrov, the assassin, protesting his brutal treatment of revolutionaries. However, others suspect Emperor Nicholas II as he wanted to remove Stolypin before he became too powerful.

Stolypin has left long lasting effects on Russia. His land reforms allowed Russia to regain its economic growth, and his harsh measures against opposition brought stability to Russia. Although the Tsarist government did not last long after his death, many credit Stolypin with delaying the start of revolution and civil war in Russia.

the

Mental Health

An important issue that Taiwan is facing is the mental state of students. While Taiwan prides on providing good education to students, it may be pressuring students too much. This problem is rooted in the country’s system of education and cultural values.

The education system of Taiwan has a big part to do with all of this. The first problem is the time students spend in school. According to information published by Taoyuan City Councilor Wang Haoyu on Facebook, students in Argentina only need to attend class for 4 hours a day, while in countries such as Japan, Germany, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, totals to about 6 to 6.5 hours. Countries with longer class hours include France, South Korea, North Korea, and China, averaging about 8 to 9 hours. Moreover, the class hours of Taiwanese students surpassed South Korea and China, reaching to 9.5 hours.

Taiwan believes that students should always study to get better grades. All these extra hours of studying causes excessive stress and competition. According to the Children's Alliance Initiative, nearly a quarter of students have thought of self-harm or committing suicide (24.8%) due to high levels of academic pressure. The mental

health status of junior high school students has significantly deteriorated, increasing from 21.3% to 28.1% since 2017.

Another important cause of student stress is the cultural values of the country. To be a good student means to have excellent grades. This fuels the demand for private classes after the countless hours they spend in school. In fact, according to parenting.com, there were over 17,000 cram schools while there were only 12,000 supermarkets in 2022. The city with the most cram schools is Taichung, this is due to its various private schools.

Parents believe that private schools like Wei-Dao, Ming-Dao, and Shiao-Ming, are much better than public schools like Huiwen, Juren and many others. Once kids get into these “great schools”, parents believe that their child must be at the top of the school’s leaderboard and recieve the best grades, so they send them to cram school to study even more. In addition, Taoyuan City Councilor Wang Haoyu criticized Taiwan’s education system, describing that students not only have long class hours, they also have to go to cram schools. Some cram schools even have classes as late as 10 p.m while some parents push for extra studying after returning from cram school!

By Gabriel Ye

There are a few solutions to this problem. Taiwanese people should start expanding their horizons and realize that not all jobs require the best students or the highest grades. Take a look at all the Nobel prize winners and see how few come from countries that demand sitting a total of 9 and a half butt-numbing hours in school. Hmm…, it seems like none. Yet would you look at that, Taiwan still expects this from its students! Yes, it appears that almost no other country is like Taiwan. According to the World Population Review, Taiwan has the longest school hours in the world. If Taiwan doesn’t start changing its ways, the future of its young generation will suffer greatly.

his look is from m firs cou ure collec ion " ris.” s he firs ske ch for his collec ion, he inspir ion behind his look p s hom ge o m f vori e designer hris i n ior. specific ll dr ws from his iconic debu collec ion: he “ ew ook,” unveiled in 1947.

his look comes from m second cou ure collec ion " eure ’or". r wing inspir ion from li n designer ls chi p relli nd he c p iv ing elemen s of he oce n, se shells, flowers nd he s rr sk , his look embodies he essence of surre lism. he dress’ silhoue e nd volume re in en ion ll designed o be "shocking nd musing".

Designs by Maersk Chuang

Leo Huang

Our featured artist:

r escrip ion

Matthias Chan captures the magnificent Kjosfossen Falls in Norway in this photograph taken in 2019. Chan’s artistry is evident in the striking composition, with the majestic waterfall positioned at the center. The image highlights the grandeur of nature and the beauty of Norway.

Matthias Chan r escrip ion

Along with the cover page artwork, these two works were created by Leo Huang using Blender 3D and Adobe. Drawing inspiration from artist Max Hay and other environmental creators, Huang employed a blend of techniques to bring these rendered images to life. He applied layers of textures to objects, enhancing their realism. This includes the fabric texture on the astronaut's suit.

To imbue depth and atmosphere, the artist manipulated dramatic lighting and incorporated volumetric fogs through Blender's compositor. Finishing touches of raindrops and ethereal light rays were executed through Adobe Photoshop. These effects were complemented by color grading and masking in Adobe Lightroom.

Emily Zhang

This self-portrait captures Emily Zhang's contemplation on studying abroad. She portrays herself as a butterfly enveloped by a cocoon, reflecting her independence and her enduring ties to her family. She finds herself surrounded by hot air balloons, representing her reliance on external support, while also signifying the potential exploration that lies ahead.

Kelly Chen

“I read in a news report a while back about 154 animals being smuggled in for financial gain. This is what inspired me to put "smuggling" as the central theme of this painting. The cats are crammed into a tiny and dark room, and the only way to end their lives was by euthanising them.Thus, I wish to raise awareness of the smuggling issue of animals that Taiwan is facing. In fact, this the painting was done from a bird's eye view perspective, which gives the viewers a sense of superiority to animals, which is a belief I strongly hope to eliminate"