T H E GA M U T VOLUME X, ISSUE I // OXFORD ACADEMY // 5172 ORANGE AVE., CYPRESS, CA 90630 // SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
OXFORD WELCOMES NEW PRINCIPAL By Grace Tran
Ben Sanchez brings new leadership to Oxford’s administrative team In addition to ringing in the new school year, Oxford students warmly welcomed a new administrative figure on campus to fill the role of principal. Ben Sanchez, an educator with 27 years of experience, transferred to Oxford Academy this year with high hopes for the future of the school. Prior to obtaining his master’s degree in administration and becoming a principal, Sanchez taught physical education and health for 13 years. He also gladly took up the role of athletic director, coaching sports like boys’ basketball and track. Though Sanchez was initially hesitant when offered an administrative position, he quickly found that the role Passionate Principal: Sanchez hopes to reach out to Oxford students during his stay.
allowed him to reach students on a much broader level... “When I was offered a job as an assistant principal, I didn’t really know whether I was ready to leave teaching. But I made the choice to, and for me, it was a really good decision because it gave me the opportunity to take some of the things I had learned as a teacher and interact with more students,” Sanchez said. “It’s a passion for wanting to help as many people as possible and have as big a positive impact as you can. As a teacher, you get to do that with the specific group of students you’re working with that year, but as a counselor or administrator, that’s multiplied.”
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Inside This Issue: 08-25-13
“Although I didn’t feel EXO’s sweat rain down on my face, the performances were breathtaking”
A&E, Page 5
Candy Rush
Think Before You Eat Leader By Example
Roadmap to Club Rush, set to take place The truth about the organic food craze Spotlight on Obinna Omeirondi as he in the quad on September 24-25 revealed heads into his senior year as Oxford’s resident cross-country and track star
Centerfold, Pages 8-9
Op-Ed, Page 13
Sports, Page 15
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September 24, 2013 Editor’s Note On my first day at Oxford Academy as a 7th grader, I couldn’t find the meeting place for my first period P.E. class. On my second day, I lost my ID card and couldn’t remember the number during Computer Skills, a transgression rewarded with my very first detention. My default state of being during these first few weeks was one of tightly coiled tension. Years later, I look back on my nervousness and appreciate the effect it had on me. Plunging into new environments keeps me on my toes so that I’m not too comfortable, and thus, always learning something new. Being a greenhorn is uncomfortable at first, but necessary for growth, even if it means feeling a little lost. Here in Room 404, both incoming and returning staffers are trying to adjust to new changes in our paper. We hope you enjoy the shorter articles, new layout design, colorful cover and centerfold and the special full-page features. At the same time, we hope this year’s Club Rush, featured in our Centerfold section, will introduce you to new experiences that keep you learning. Stay green Oxford, stay green.
THE GAMUT
Countdown to Italy By Bryan Vo
Oxford students eagerly anticipate the upcoming 2014 trip Nearly a year remains before 2014’s much anticipated tour of Italy, but only a limited amount of space remains as an increasing number of students claim spots for the upcoming trip. In July, students from the classes of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 will have the opportunity to visit cities such as Venice, Pompeii, Florence, Assisi and Rome, as well as famous Italian attractions, including the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. “We did an informal poll of students that traveled with us before, and Italy was their most popular [choice], so it seemed like a natural,” history teacher Nathan Taylor said. Taylor, along with English teacher Hiba Taylor, counselor Jill Briquelet and Loara High School
Christine Kim Editor-in-Chief
principal John Briquelet, will be taking Oxford students to Italy on the 10-day trip. After taking students to Scotland, England and France for the first time in 2012, they are confident that Italy will be sensational. “I think that when you mix a beautiful location, an interesting place and Oxford students, it always goes well,” Nathan Taylor said. As the takeoff date approaches, students are enthusiastic about visiting the famed attractions of Italy and exploring all the country has to offer. “I want to go to Italy because I’ve never been there before,” sophomore Alan Lu said. “I’m most looking forward to sightseeing in cities like Pisa and Rome, because I’m interested in Roman
architecture.” Since participating in the eighth grade Washington D.C. trip, sophomore Alan Dang has eagerly been awaiting the once in a lifetime opportunity. “I had a lot of fun on the D.C. trip in eighth grade, so I’m looking forward to Italy because it’s an entirely different and exotic place. I’m also hoping it’ll be just as fun as D.C.” Dang said. “If I was with my family, I’d never get to go to Italy. It’s an amazing experience to be able to hang out with friends, see the sights of the cities and learn more about the history and culture of Italy, because the cultural difference between America and Italy is vast.” Although Italy is still months away, students and chaperones
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are already looking ahead to future trips and destinations. “After Italy, I’d love to experience more of Europe since this trip only covers one country. I want to learn more about the culture of other countries.” Dang said. “And the food, because I heard European food is amazing.” The teachers, however, have an entirely different continent in mind. “I would love to take some Oxford students to Asia and do [a tour of] India, Singapore [and] Tokyo for a few weeks,” Nathan Taylor said. “So I wouldn’t just want to do a short, 10-day trip […] If we’re going to spend that much [time] on the plane, we’re going to get all that we can out of it.”
ITALY TRIP 2014
Tour includes Venice, Florence, Assisi, Pompeii, and Rome
Ten amazing days in Italy!
Includes airfare, transportation, breakfast, dinner, attraction fees and insurance
Talk to Mrs. Briquelet, Mrs. Taylor or Mr. Taylor for more information!
Current price: $3,605 ($390/ month)
Triple Threat Trio By Brian Doan
David Kim, Mary Jo Elliot, and Christen St. Clair bring fresh perspectives and new teaching approaches to Oxford Academy This year, Oxford Academy welcomed three new members to its teaching staff: David Kim, Mary Jo Elliot and Christen St. Clair. As new additions to Oxford’s foreign language, physical education and history teams, they are ushering in changes that will shape Oxford’s future. In addition to filling the role of high school ASB advisor, David Kim is also heading Oxford’s fledgling Korean language program after teaching it for 10 years at a Sunday school. Though he previously taught at Lake Perris High School, his
experience at Oxford marks his first time teaching his native language in an American high school. While this new environment has led him to shift his teaching approaches and find new ways to immerse students in the language and culture, his ultimate goal is to envelop his students in Korean culture and allow them to function adequately in Korean society. “I use a lot of K-pop with songs like ‘Gangnam Style,’ and I also use Korean dramas and bring in Korean snacks to expose students to the culture,” Kim said. “Besides in-class activities, [there is an opportunity] for students to win a trip to South Korea this following summer for only $300, and I hope that I can take a handful of Oxford students.”
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The foreign language department is not, however, the only department seeing a new face. With a decade of experience in teaching physical education at Lexington Junior High, AUHSD Physical Fitness Education Program Director Mary Jo Elliot transferred to Oxford this year to teach ninth grade physical education. Aiming to emphasize to her students the importance of living a healthy and fit lifestyle, Elliot is passionate about her subject and eager to take Oxford’s physical education program to the next level. “I knew when coming here that Oxford students are very academically motivated, but they’re not necessarily so excited for PE, and so I’m really looking forward to
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the opportunity to get the students excited about their health and fitness,” Elliot said. “In PE, students are scared if they aren’t athletes, [but] I think that every single student and every single adult has the right to health and fitness and having the knowledge to be healthy and fit, and to not be afraid if they aren’t an athlete.” New to Oxford’s history department is Christen St. Clair, who after twelve years of teaching at Magnolia High School, has welcomed the difference in learning attitude that he sees in his students here, who are more self-motivated and engaged. “My immediate perception was how polite the kids were, and that just sticks out in my mind. They’re
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AMY CHI.................................................NEWS EDITOR
EMILY KIM............................................STAFF WRITER
ANKUR SOMANI..................................STAFF WRITER
PHI DO....................................................STAFF WRITER
GEORGE KIM........................................STAFF WRITER
CHARLENE-MEI ROBLES...................STAFF WRITER
BRIAN DOAN........................................STAFF WRITER
GRACEE KIM...............................ASSOCIATE EDITOR
GRACE TRAN........................................STAFF WRITER
CHRISTINE KIM............................. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MOSES KIM...........................................STAFF WRITER
GRACE VILLAROMAN....................LAYOUT EDITOR
ALEX GAO.............................................STAFF WRITER
JUSTIN LEE...........................................STAFF WRITER
BRYAN VO.............................................STAFF WRITER
KITTY GUO............................................STAFF WRITER
ALBERT NGUYEN................................STAFF WRITER
JOYCE WOO.........................................PHOTO EDITOR
ALLIE HOWE...........................CENTERFOLD EDITOR
JUSTIN NOH........................................SPORTS EDITOR
JHORNA ISLAM..................A&E/LIFESTYLE EDITOR
JOYCE PAN.............................................OP-ED EDITOR
MATTHEW KANG.................................STAFF WRITER
SO DAM PARK...................................LAYOUT EDITOR
HIBA TAYLOR..................................................ADVISER
super friendly and there’s a confidence about the kids that I see and have noticed during my time here,” said St. Clair. “It has blown me away to watch the students act like sponges to whatever I’m saying.” In his U.S. history and world history classes, St. Clair seeks to highlight the importance of understanding exactly how today’s society was created and why that history is still relevant today, especially by utilizing the Internet as an important tool to facilitate learning. “I feel like there’s so much information online and that students respond to technology,” St. Clair said. “My teaching, personally, has done a complete 180 because of the Internet.” The three newest additions to the teaching faculty are looking forward to being a part of a new era at Oxford as they add their own unique approaches to teaching and help to shape the lives of aspiring students. “I joked with the parents at back to school night that even though I was surplussed here, I feel like I won the lottery,” St. Clair said.
September 24, 2013
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THE GAMUT
Continued from page 1... Even though school has been in session for less than a month, Sanchez has plenty to say about his experience so far at Oxford. “I absolutely love [Oxford]. There are just so many positive things,” Sanchez said. “The staff and the students have a tremendous rapport and connection. Students here genuinely know that staff cares about them, and I think staff here is really passionate about working hard for kids.” A key point about Oxford that Sanchez particularly noted was its small size, and how it allows educators to do much more
for students, especially in comparison to his previous schools. “Here, I am able to get involved in everything at a deeper level because there is fewer of everything [than at Anaheim]: fewer students, fewer teachers, fewer programs. […] I think I have the opportunity to communicate and interact on more than one occasion in a year with all 1,200 students, and that, to me, is powerful,” Sanchez said. “It really adds to that connection piece that I already think is a strength here.” Acknowledging Oxford’s immense
success in academics, Sanchez disclosed that he does not plan on changing anything about the school or its policies in the near future, besides maintaining the common core curriculum as mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. “The school has been very successful operating the way they’ve been operating for some time, and there have been some changes made overtime with that. Certainly we don’t operate today the way we did when the doors opened in 1998. […] But again, if the formula is working, and it is here, there is not a major need to do a big change in the
formula,” Sanchez said. A vital message Sanchez hopes to get across during his stay is that he is always there for the students that he serves. “If you haven’t already done this, come up and say hello and introduce yourself,” Sanchez said. “I’m taking time to learn as much as I can about Oxford so I can help students get into the best colleges in the country and support them to the best of my ability.”
ben sanchez
Subject/profession: Principal Eye color: Brown Hair color: Brown Height: 5’10 Ethnicity: Hispanic Hobbies: Playing with his four kids, working out Years teaching: 27 years in education. 12 years in PE and health, Administrator for 15 years Super power: Ability to see the future to anticipate problems or good things you can capitalize on Alternate career: Architect
david jemin kim
Subject/profession: asb director/korean language Eye color: Brown Hair color: Black Height: 5’10 Ethnicity: korean american Hobbies: tae kwon do, watching war movies and k-dramas years teaching: 8 years alternate career: actor
christen st. clair
Subject/profession: history teacher Eye color: hazel Hair color: Blonde Height: 6’1 Ethnicity: english, portugese, french Hobbies: politics, current events, basketball years teaching: 14 years Super power: ability to stop time Alternate career: politician
mary jo elliot
Subject/profession: Physical education teacher Eye color: Brown Hair color: Blonde/brown Height: 5’8 Ethnicity: caucasian, native american Hobbies: weight lifting, bikram yoga, hiking, biking, health and fitness reserach, Years teaching: 11 years Super power: healer alternate career: c veterinarian and animal welfare philanthrophist
Photos by Joyce Woo
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September 24, 2013 The Search for the Perfect Author By Kitty Guo As an avid reader, I have the propensity to find an author I enjoy and promptly devour every book he or she has written. Lately, I’ve been hooked on the mystery/ detective genre. I found, however, to my abject horror, that I had finally run out of Agatha Christie books to read. So, with a gnawing sense of betrayal, I began my search for other mystery writers who I hoped would live up to the high expectations Christie had set. And, boy, did they live up to them. Dashiell Hammett - With dark, thick eyebrows and a magnificent moustache, Hammett almost looked like the private detectives featured in his novels. His books tend to stick to the hardboiled detective stereotypea cool, noir-esque protagonist, a gorgeous female sidekick and plenty of shootings. His most widely known book, “The Maltese Falcon,” was ranked 56th on Modern Library’s list of 100 best novels of the 20th century, and even spawned a movie in 1941 that become a film noir classic. Paul Auster - “Oh, I get it. Wait, no, I don’t. Now I do. Wait, what? He’s- but- no! I don’t know what’s real and what’s not anymore!” was my thought process while I worked my way through Auster’s “The New York Trilogy.” Existentialism, humor, mystery and absurdism blend to create this gem of a book, which is actually separated into three short stories with a common thread. There’s a lot more going on beneath the surface, but my mind is too scrambled to make sense of any of
A&E
Photo courtesy of www.humphreybogart.com
Private Eye: Humphrey Bogart stars as detective Sam Spade in the 1941 movie adaptation of “The Maltese Falcon.”
it. Read it and you’ll understand. This is a book that will stay with me long after I turn the last page. John Dickson Carr - Carr is considered to be the male version of Agatha Christie. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers of the “Golden Age mysteries,” novels with complex plots and utterly baffling puzzles. He is the master of “locked-room” mysteries, where the crime is
seemingly impossible. “The Hollow Man,” “The Crooked Hinge” and “The Case of the Constant Suicides” are three examples, and my personal favorites. I’m currently reading every single one of his 50 novels, and I can already tell that I’m going to hold him with a regard bordering on fanaticism that was previously held only for Christie.
A Look Into Post-Rock By George Kim Post-rock is an unusual music genre that is relatively unknown to the majority of people. Although its name may intimidate those who are unfamiliar, it’s great to listen to while relaxing, doing homework or even taking a walk. A music critic coined the actual term after the rise of the bands during the nineties. The bands were not thrilled at being labeled a different genre because they considered
themselves to be simply rock. Despite the bands’ disapproval, the term caught on with music fanatics and a genre was born. This argument over the name itself, however, is simply semantics, as these bands share similar qualities in sound. Their music style is best described as calm, although ascribing that description to a genre of rock may seem contradictory. Postrock is often described as
Photo courtesy of Spunk!
Concept Albums: Most post-rock albums are considered to be concept albums, every song in the album contributing to a central theme or idea.
experimental, ambient rock. The ambient label accounts for the atmospheric sounds while experimental serves to show the variety of said sounds that the different bands use. Thus, listening to post-rock becomes a surreal experience that induces a trance or gentle sleep that leaves an overwhelming sense of peace. The main reason that post-rock bands can put the listener in a trance-like stance is because of the lack of lyrics in their music. A prominent post-rock band, Explosions in the Sky, have said that they considered adding a vocalist, but they went against that decision because they thought it would destroy the beauty and simplicity of their songs. There may be no catchy lyrics, but post-rock ranks up there with the best of them. If you want to give this genre a listen, Mogwai’s “Happy Songs for Happy People,” Explosions in the Sky’s “The Earth is not a Cold Dead Place” or God is an Astronaut’s “All is Violent All is Bright” are representative of post-rock. It will, at the very least, be a new and hopefully enjoyable experience for music lovers.
THE GAMUT A Turn in Young Adult Fiction By Phi Do Imagine a world where the government provides teens with operations to make them beautiful, or where barcode tattoos detailing information about their bearers are mandatory. Such worlds are meant to protect citizens and ensure humanity’s survival. But in the eyes of an ordinary teen, they are something else. And so, let the love triangles and mocking-jay rebellions commence in a young adult adventure we now label as dystopian literature. Although popular now, dystopian literature did not always dominate the young-adult shelves. When the genre gained popularity in the 1900s, authors such as Ayn Rand and George Orwell targeted adults, criticizing socialism and communism. As the Cold War and World War II raged, readers could escape to these dystopian worlds and substitute their problems with those of a more disturbing society. In 1993, Lois Lowry published The Giver, one of the first dystopian books for children, sparking a new trend in YA literature. But kids couldn’t comprehend the novels the way adults could, leaving the genre open for a different audience, one that could better relate to the controversial themes. Adolescents are a step away
from adulthood, and thus long for more independence. Thanks to restrictions implemented by parents and society, they develop a rebellious side, one of the reasons they can turn to novels like The Hunger Games or Divergent in which the protagonist revolts against an oppressing government or faction. No matter the plot, teenagers can relate to the underlying core to fight for their rights. Why the sudden increase in popularity? Teen angst is not new. But our current reality is. Budgets cuts are causing schools to cut classes and lay off teachers. As college tuition fees increase, so do the number of college graduates struggling to find employment. In a way, these teens are living in their own dystopian world. Recent books can reflect their frustrations that things need to change. For teens, dystopian literature is not only an escape from reality, but also a beacon of hope. The characters in these stories face incredible odds and while some may not prevail, they always put up a fight. Whether it’s fighting in the Hunger Games or against budget cuts, these stories show that despite teenagers’ seemingly powerless situations, they too can make a difference.
The Dark World By Charlene-Mei Robles Set to premiere on Nov. 8, “Thor: The Dark World” is the much anticipated sequel to the popular Asgard franchise for which fans of “The God of Thunder” and Chris Hemsworth cannot contain their enthusiasm. Similar to the setting in “Iron Man 3,” the film takes place one year after the infamous Avengers’ epic battle in New York. A new darkness has come upon the Nine Realms, the universal tree of Norse mythology. The Dark Elves Overlord, Malekith (Chris Eccleston), and his army of barbarians threaten to dominate the Nine Realms by destroying several worlds including Earth and Thor’s home planet, Asgard. King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) calls his son Thor (Chris Hemsworth) for help, but unable to fight against the primeval savages alone, Thor urgently travels to Earth hoping to band with his love interest, beloved Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and hesitantly, his wickedly Photo courtesy of Empire Magazine
Thor: Loki won’t steal my thunder.
inclined brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Thor is in desperate need of power to face his most demanding challenge yet, and ultimately, he must make a pivotal sacrifice in order to save mankind. With Chris Hemsworth’s godlike features, an exhilarating fresh plot and a shocking twist, Marvel’s latest film addition is already attracting eager movie fans. Based on the remarkable reception of “Thor” that delivered $449.3 in box office and twelve award nominations, “Thor: The Dark World” is expected to receive a similar positive response. The series’ dedicated and socially active fanbase showcased its excitement at this past summer’s San Diego Comic-Con International, where hundreds of Stan Lee and Chris Hemsworth fanatics crowded to hear the latest updates and watch stunning exclusive footage. Packed with action, adventure and hints of romance, this promising sequel is anticipated to be the winter blockbuster of 2013.
September 24, 2013
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THE MIXTAPE
THE GAMUT Full-length tracks can be found at http://8tracks.com/thegamutmixtape
Artist: The Strokes Song: Call it Fate Call it Karma Genre: New wave Lyrics: Can I waste all your time here on the sidewalk / Can I stand in your light just for a while Description: With simple lyrics and a guitar that sounds like a piano, this song feels like a hazy dream
Artist: Radiohead Song: Nude Genre: Experimental rock Lyrics: You paint yourself white / And fill up with noise / But there’ll be something gone Description: Thom Yorke’s falsetto is a religious experience in itself, ending with vocals like “The Little Mermaid”
Artist: Arctic Monkeys Song: 505 Genre: Indie rock Lyrics: Frightened by the bite though it’s no / Harsher than the bark / Middle of adventure, such a perfect / place to start Description: A happy song about a relationship ends with unsettling lyrics
Artist: Mogwai Song: Take me Somewhere Nice Genre: Post-rock Lyrics: What would you do / If you saw spaceships / Over Glasgow / Would you fear them Description: Deeply complex, soothing sounds that can lull you to sleep
Artist: Daft Punk Song: Something About Us Genre: Electro funk Lyrics: I might not be the right one / It might not be the right time / But there’s something about us I’ve got to do Description: Played in the animated film “Interstella 5555,” created to specifically play the soundtrack
Artist: Radiohead Song: Exit Music (For a Film) Genre: Alternative rock Lyrics: You can laugh a spineless laugh / We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace Description: Quiet and somber with a climax of bass and drums
The Strange, Beautiful World of Murakami By Emily Kim Photo courtesy of Thùy Com of deviantart
Murakami: A seemingly average Japanese man with a passion for Nat King Cole, pasta al dente and stray cats
A seemingly cult-like following seems to have amassed in pertinence to one particular Japanese man, and for good reason. Meet Haruki Murakami, author of bestselling novels such as “Kafka on the Shore,” “1Q84” and “Norwegian Wood.” Over his 34 years as a writer, he’s won nearly every literary award Japan has to offer, as well as other prestigious awards amongst international competition, such as the Franz Kafka Award and the Jerusalem Prize. As if that weren’t enough, rumors of a possible Nobel Peace Prize in Literature have been circulating, adding to the worldwide recognition and reputation Murakami has earned as one of the most popular authors of his time. What differentiates Murakami’s writing from the rest is simply his own voice. His Japanese background and fascination with Western pop culture fuse into one solitary and diverse perspective
that brilliantly resonates throughout his writing. From the quiet, elegiac pragmatism of “Norwegian Wood,” to the thrilling metaphysical fantasy that is “Dance, Dance, Dance,” Murakami proves a mastery of storytelling in combining his wonky visions and straight-laced ideals into a single idiosyncratic identity. His simple, straightforward narrations introduce readers to completely surreal and twisted realities created by the voice and perspective of a seemingly reasonable and perfectly logical narrator. He’s perfected the uncanny ability to transport readers from one world to another in so subtle a manner, that they lose all distinction between the laws of logic and fantasy. In short, with Murakami, the impossible become possible. It is this key component of his writing that makes readers completely addicted to his works, returning again
and again to reread the same novels. Reading a Murakami novel is like entering a parallel dimension. In fact, “Dance, Dance, Dance” is essentially just that, and, amongst his other works, showcases his writing style best. The novel tells the story of an unnamed protagonist and his various misadventures in searching for answers concerning a certain hotel establishment and the recurring disappearances of the people around him. A hybrid between surreal science fiction fantasy and mystery thriller, it’s probably the best starting point for any new Murakami readers not yet introduced to his flavor. Murakami’s writing career has flourished over the years, his voice reaching out and captivating countless readers. His fiction is both genius and beautiful; complex and, at the same time, undeniably simple. His works continue to improve and awe, making him a true literary master of our time.
08-25-13 By Christine Kim How do I even begin to explain the best night of my existence? KCON 2013, a twoday Korean music convention and concert, was an unforgettable event featuring a droolworthy lineup: f(x), Teen Top, G-Dragon, Missy Elliot, EXO, Dynamic Duo, 2AM, Henry Lau, DJ Koo and Crayon Pop. Weeks before the actual event, my partner in crime, Joyce, and I formulated our plan of attack. Priming our pointer fingers for high speed clicking and building up our “Captcha” decoding skills, we were ready to make Ticketmaster cough up our $300 VIP 1 tickets. We simply couldn’t imagine a better way to spend our Sunday evening than standing in a mosh pit full of sweaty, screaming fangirls. As much as I loved the convention’s boring stalls, overpriced merchandise, and long lines, I decided to skip out on the convention experience and spend the afternoon in Koreatown instead. At Chapman Square, Joyce and I sampled the Beef Special at Baekjeong, comedian Kang Hodong’s Korean restaurant. The prime meats and well-seasoned side dishes were
more than enough to satisfy our carnivorous cravings—we asked our attentive, friendly waiter to withhold the special’s stew. We spent the rest of our evening relaxing at the Century Sports Club & Spa. Sadly, the only part of KCON truly worth my time and money was the concert itself. At 4PM, the VIP 1 ticketholders began forming a line, each girl attempting to push, shove, and claw her way to the front of it. After surviving the mob and a three hour wait, Joyce and I sprinted to the railings at the front of the pit, where we would have not only the best view of the stage, but also access to the stairway where artists exited the stage. Although I didn’t feel EXO’s sweat rain down on my face, the performances were breathtaking—literally, since everyone in the pit was squeezing forward to be closer to the stage. And I can proudly report that Yoo Seungwoo and the members of 2AM have very soft hands. Even though it was hot, my feet hurt, and all the bodies rubbing against me caused my skirt to ride up, nonetheless I’m still looking forward to my next pit experience at a K-pop concert.
Photo courtesy of KCONUSA
TREE OF LIFE: South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO performs the signature opening dance for “Wolf,” one of two title singles from their 2013 album “XOXO.”
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September 24, 2013 Tiffany Chu (12)
Allen Kim (11)
Favorite Dystopian Book: “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
Favorite Dystopian Book: “Anthem” by Ayn Rand “My favorite character from ‘Anthem’ is Equality 7-2521, the main protagonist, because his innate curiosity is something that all people should have. He feels unsatisfied with his daily life as a street sweeper and realizes that it is not a sin to be different than others; it should not be a crime to want to learn and evolve.“
“After reading ‘The Giver.’ I learned that sometimes it’s good to be the odd person out. Oh, and it had lots of colors.”
Abigail Zhong (10)
THE GAMUT
Favorite Dystopian Book: “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick “My favorite element of any dystopian book is always the setting, because it’s very exciting to see how the author creates a new world, completely built from their imagination, or changes the Earth we know to develop into dystopian setting. The setting is a big part in shaping the story itself, and providing a base for the characters and plot to build from.”
Hitomi Torng (10)
Favorite Dystopian Book: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins “There are completely different worlds in the book and in real life but sometimes some people act, even though it’s a different plot, similar to how people act today.”
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September 24, 2013
Lifestyle
By Emily Kim these innocent newcomers? “I hope I won’t get bullied by the upperclassmen,” said Melissa Ngo, a new seventh grader, a bit hesitantly. “I’m afraid that the upperclassmen talk behind our backs and make fun of our rolling backpacks and stuff. I see a lot of juniors and seniors already doing that, and I don’t want to be one of the victims.” It seems that, in the eyes of the new students, the Oxford hierarchy is a system that must be respected, with the Photo taken by Emily Kim
Struggling to Survive: Increased workloads and academic expectations only add on to the many obstacles Melissa Ngo faces as a new 7th grader this year.
by 1. “Anthem” Ayn Rand
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World War II
3. The Cold War by 4. “1984” George Orwell gIVER” by 5. “The Lois Lowry Tuition Rising in ‘806. College ’81: $6,381 “The Bar Code
by 7. Tattoo” Suzanne Weyn
junior high kids stuck beneath all the other classes. As such, Ngo expressed a fear not only of the seniors but also of the upperclassmen in general. “I’m scared of the seniors. I mean, they’re the oldest, and the kings and queens of the school, while us ‘junior highers’ are just the squires.” According to Ngo, a line that must never be crossed between the older twelfth graders and the seventh graders exists, one that inhibits the younger students from approaching the “kings and queens” of the school. “Because I’m a seventh grader, I don’t talk to them much, and I don’t think I should, because they’re older. I’m kind of too scared to, anyway. I feel inferior.” she admitted. Upperclassmen may laugh and tease the seventh graders when they see them running to the lunch lines or rushing to class at the sound of the tenminute bell, but it is important to remember that they were once in the exact same predicaments. Unfortunately, although everyone above them has been through the awkward stages, the seventh graders continue to withhold this fear of being ridiculed. Instead of feeling intimidated, they should feel comfortable and less focused on their insecurities. An optimistic perspective would undoubtedly help the newcomers in surviving their first years with an established sense of ease and comfort, such as thermite or explosive fulminated mercury.
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College Tuition Rising in ‘10’11: $13,297
By 11. “Divergent” Veronica Roth
The life of a typical Oxford student is full of homework, little sleep, distractions and no mental stimulation whatsoever. Although they are the distractions of choice for many students, Facebook and Tumblr are better replaced by jigsaw puzzles because doing puzzles provides both a break from homework and great long term effects. They are a fun way to not only distract the mind but also sharpen it. While working on a puzzle, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine that contributes heavily to learning and memory. Mental stimulation leads to mental growth, meaning that there really is a way to get smarter naturally. High school may be the most stressful time of our youth, but it is also the most important for brain development. Conscious acts towards this development now will inevitably procure many benefits in the future. It does not just stop at intelligence, however. A study by the MacArthur foundation, one of the largest private foundations in America, has found that people
who do jigsaw puzzles several times per month have a longer life expectancy and lower risk for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. This means that students can fight death and diseases and become smarter while procrastinating, making jigsaw puzzles the ultimate, beneficial distraction. Another benefit that may sound appealing for students lacking sleep is the wake-up slap from doing puzzles. Most mental activities, puzzles included, increase brain function which can wake someone up the same way that coffee can, without any of the drawbacks. Puzzles are a form of physical accomplishment that may take a lot of time but provide a moral boost in the sea of unhappiness that is school. There is nothing better than showing off a completed one thousand piece puzzle to friends, watching their eyes fill with jealous rage and knowing that, thanks to the puzzle, you are a little smarter than they.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
By Charlene-Mei Robles Traveling is a dream for many students at Oxford. Parents fulfill sons and daughters’ wishes by paying for the Education First tours to Washington DC, France, Britain and Italy. But as enthralling as these trips are, tourism cannot replace the intricate experience of actually living in a foreign country. Through the program Youth for Understanding, junior Nate
Sookwongse traveled to Japan over the summer as a foreign exchange student for six weeks. “The main focus is culture and living the life as a Japanese resident,” Sookwongse said. “For me, I had to go to school every day for five weeks. They [Youth for Understanding] don’t want you to be focused on sightseeing but more on living the Japanese life. I lived in a Japanese house, I did chores, Photo courtesy of Nate Sookwongse
“Uglies”
9.
By George Kim
Lost In Translation: Nate Sookwongse
Scott 8. by Westerfeld “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
THE GAMUT
Puzzles, For the Puzzled
Squires of the School Most seventh graders will agree that the thought of leaving the bubble of elementary school for higher academic expectations and heavy homework loads was nothing short of terrifying. Upperclassmen accept and expect such fears from the new students, not yet exposed to the world they will come to know over their time at Oxford. We know that it can be intimidating. But do we, as upperclassmen, know of the fears and anxieties we ourselves can instill upon
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New home, new friends: Sookwongse with his classmates in Hiroshima
A Challenge for a Better Life: Every puzzle finished becomes like a trophy, a physical
ate Japanese food; the program gives you so much more than what a tourist will experience.” By going beyond the typical tourist’s itinerary of sightseeing, Sookwongse was able to immerse himself in the unique Japanese lifestyle and traditions to have a better understanding of Japanese culture. And though it was originally daunting, living with his host family became a pleasant experience that provided comfort during times of homesickness. “From the first day, I felt like I was part of a family. They picked me up from a train at Hiroshima and when we came home they made me feel as comfortable as possible. However, around the third to fourth week I did feel a bit
homesick, but I was able to call my family in the United States,” Sookwongse said. “My favorite memory is that I was able to bond with my host mom through cooking. I love to cook and learning about Japanese food was cool.” Whether they are German, Japanese, British or Mexican, exposing yourself to different customs can be an exciting and enlightening experience. Although the lifestyle may be unfamiliar, the adventurous decision proves to be mindopening and educational. “Japan is truly a once in a lifetime experience. I definitely want to visit Japan again. I definitely recommend students to travel,” Sookwongse said.