Valentine's Special Edition by The Quill

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Edition Featuring Couple Interviews!

ISSUE 6

In early February, I woke up anticipating the captivating cultural shows that the ICS family has worked incredibly hard to put together as part of our annual International Night. The dazzling glitters on the Thai faces of ICS students, the intricate patterns woven into an authentic Indian dress, the rocking beat of American dances...all were enthralling to our community. My anticipation surfaced in the midst of amazement. Following International Night was Valentine’s Day, the day for lovers to spend time with each other and exchange love through chocolates and presents. The Quill has put together a series of Valentine’s Day interviews featuring our high school couples– YaeChan and Cherry, Danny and Pack, Fayfay and Bright– including our awesome teachers Mr. Jason and Ms. Joanne! In honor of this month’s Special Valentine’s Day edition, our team would like to congratulate Mr. Jason Son and Ms. Joanne Benjathikul on their engagement! As for single birds out there, worry not. Flip a few pages more and hear out the advantages of being single! Love is also the essence of true friendship. Over the past week, high school students were able to breathe a little in the midst of responsibilities and enjoy four days of serving and learning with their friends on SALT Trip. The Class of 2016 Seniors, on the other hand, spent their last trip together on the beach in Trat. This special edition contains beautiful recaps from all the trips, enjoy!

Quillfully Yours, Titapa C. and Keshav G.

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OPINIONAIRES

Being Single

COUPLE INTERVIEWS Introduction

J&J Ms. Joanne and Mr. Jason Dacky Pack Booncharoensombat & Danny Talbot

TRAVEL

Wanderlust Marrakech

School News

SALT TRIPS

BayBay Bright Pantusen & Haripoom Prasutchai

ChaeChan Cherry Chainanpipob & YaeChan Won

International Day

Senior Trip 2016

Juniors’ SALT

Sophomores’ SALT

Freshies’ SALT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg ADVISOR Ms. Lissa Scott PHOTOGRAPHERS Surawut Withayarukson Teerawat Chaiteerath Pawat Wirawan Tanapoom Sermchaiwong LAYOUT DESIGNER Surawut Withayarukson Phatsawut Achariyasoonthorn Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg

EDITORS Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg Koch Kasemsantitham Haripoom Prasutchai Tom Choi John Kim WRITERS Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg Koch Kasemsantitham Haripoom Prasutchai Anvi Mehta Yihyun Kwon Jin Ha Satida Limtrajiti Andrew J. Person

Being Single

t’s once again that time of the year when everything begins to look prettier and love seems to encompass the atmosphere. Well, at least for those in a relationship. There are, however, some of us who see Valentine’s Day as another moment to capture the bland yet cherished moments of life by ourselves. Yet there is a false assumption that proposes that the latter category is “lonely” and I dare say “lifeless.” I can personally testify against such a horrendous claim, as for the past 17 years of my 17 year life I have remained completely single. Being single has been condescended upon and mocked by those who seemingly have perfect relationships, and it’s about time some truth be shined unto the world!

By Keshav Garg Photos by Keshav Garg

For starters, your opinion doesn’t have to be based upon that of your partner. No longer do you have to stand awkwardly in Forever 21 waiting for your girlfriend while pretending that you care for her at that moment. No longer do you have to squint your eyes to see those tiny little stars from a balcony in the middle of the congested and polluted Sukhumvit. When you’re single, you enjoy what you want to enjoy. When you’re in a relationship, a lot of your opinions and thoughts are eclipsed by those of your lovey dovey partner. Money runs the world. Being single, as all of us know, saves money. Couples have this habit of spending money on extravagant

presents ranging from Ferrero Rocher chocolates to Ferraris. As a single lad/laddess, you are capable of spending that present money far more practically. You don’t have to spend money on a present, a romantic movie, a fancy dinner or even on transportation if you’re single. What a win for an Indian coming from a thrifty background! Being in a relationship is said to be stressful and complicated. Being in a relationship means making tough decisions. Is he going to get mad if I chill with my girlfriends instead of him? Can I eat my pizza like a savage in front of him? Is my hair perfectly combed? Oh my gosh, is that girl really flirting with him? Yeah, a single-person wouldn’t give a second thought to any one of these ridiculous questions (at least from the aspect

of a single-person). I dress shabby, eat ALL chocolates like a pig, and really can’t care less about my hair. I would contend that most single people feel the same way (unless of course they are wanting to be in a relationship). I yearn for some warmth and yet only feel the breeze of my half-broken air conditioner. I desire a companion to accept me for my idiosyncrasies, but only have greed for MY opinions, MY money, and MY bad habits. I sit taking my regular asthma pump, wishing somebody was there to comfort me. I find nobody and feel like a lone star in the midst of the empty space. HAHAHAHA! That was funny. Now back to enjoying my privacy!

Opinionaire

“Couple Interviews” Joanne Benjathikul Pack Booncharoensombat Bright Pantusen Cherry Chainanpipob

Jason Son Daniel Talbot Fayfay Prasutchai YaeChan Won

or this special Valentine-themed issue, The Quill presents to you lovely viewers an insider glimpse into some of the most affectionate couples in our high school. These couples are asked a series of love-life related questions and are expected to reply with as much honesty and integrity as possible (without trying to butter up the other honey). Whether they’re truthfully answering our cute questions or not, enjoy this special glance into the love lives of our very own ICS lovebirds!

Interview

Joanne Benjathikul Jason Son Interview by Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath & Surawut Withayarukson

fter four years of dating, Mr. Jason Son and Miss Joanne Benjathikul finally got engaged. The couple started off long-distance and gradually developed their relationship into what it is today. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dive into the details of their lovey-dovey journey, through the ups and the downs.

Interview

Jason Son: “From the very beginning, she had all the qualities I was looking for and I would not have dated her if I didn’t think so.”

How old are you? Jason: I’m 30. Joanne: I’m 23. We’re seven years apart! How did you guys meet? Jason: When I first moved to Thailand, I went to Newsong Church and met a pastor there. He told me I have to meet this girl named Joanne, but she wasn’t there that week. Joanne: The next week, I went to Newsong Church but Jason didn’t go, so the pastor told me to look out for this guy named Jason coming to ICS. On the third week when we met at church, the pastor already left to the States and I was the church greeter. How did your first conversation go? Joanne: I asked him what grade he’s in, and he told me he was actually a teacher.

What was your first impression of him/ her? Jason: I thought she was very bubbly. I thought she was cute. I thought she was very...Godly. Joanne: I don’t know if I could say the same, *giggles*. I thought he was very patriotic about Canada because one of our first conversations was about how much I hated Canada and how much he hated Thailand. Jason: It’s because I had just moved to Thailand and I was having a very difficult time. This was in 2011. When did you start liking each other? How did you know? Joanne: Jason and I hung out for a few days when I dropped by ICS to visit my teachers (Mr. Bob, Mrs. Sheila, etc.). I was helping him out with basketball practice and just settling into Bangkok in general. After that, we just talked non-stop. We Interview

had a lot of things to talk about and I found it very fun to talk to him. He was probably very annoyed with me but I just wanted to get to know him better. Jason: It was more of a gradual thing. When I first came to Thailand I didn't know how to do anything so I asked her for a lot of help with random little things. Once she returned to Canada we continued to talk and got to know each other better. How did you ask her out? Was there a lot of planning involved? Jason: It wasn’t an official “Will you be my girlfriend?” It was more like we just started hanging out. Joanne: There was no official ask-out. It was gradual. What is one quality you most appreciate about him/her? Jason: She is very compassionate about everything and everyone. Joanne: The thing that attracted me to him the most was his humility. I think that it is such a rare, genuine characteristic for people to have nowadays. Sometimes, people try to be humble, but Jason genuinely hates any type of attention. You have to dig out any award or achievement he has. If people find it out, he tries to diminish all his work because he finds his reward in God. When you first started out as a couple, did you have any idea that you were going to end up spending the rest of your life with him/her? Jason: I was quite sure from the very beginning. She had all of the qualities I was looking for and I would not have dated 14

Interview

her if I didn’t think so. Joanne: Same goes for me. I think he had all the qualities I was looking for to have in a husband. We didn’t know for sure, but it was a good sign. Looking into the future, I know that this is the guy that has his foundations right and is the person I want to pursue my life with. What’s the cutest or sweetest thing he/ she has done for you? Joanne: It's got to be the engagement. He’s awesome, he’s great, and he’s the man of my dreams. But...romanticism isn’t one of the characteristics that he naturally embodies. It’s an area that he has to work on in order to just be a romantic guy; which is why having him plan this entire engagement with all of the ICS staff that we love there, and having it be a total surprise was very, very sweet and touching. I feel like I know exactly what he’s thinking all the time, but this was just a total surprise. This by far was the most romantic and cutest thing he has done for me. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't stop crying. Jason: She made me a mini basketball figurine with a teddy bear, and she also planned me a surprise birthday party. As an engaged couple, what is the biggest obstacle that you’ve overcome together? Jason: I drew a clear line of no making out before marriage. Joanne: We come from very different backgrounds. The way I perceive love is through physical affection while Jason’s way of showing or receiving love isn’t so much of physical affection. That’s why sometimes it’s hard for me to feel his love.

What is one thing that he/she does that annoys you? Jason: She’s late a lot and I hate being late. Joanne: He counts cards in his head when we play cards.

What advice would you like to give to high school couples? Joanne: It’s very important to be able to be yourself and be true to who you are. Don’t try to hide away your flaws because they’ll eventually surface. Also, be patient What do you guys love doing together? with each other’s flaws. Jason: We really enjoy eating and working Jason: Guard your heart. Don’t just let out. anyone in...even if you’re in a relationship. Joanne: We really love food, especially Don’t give your whole heart to someone Korean food. We also love traveling and until you’re married. Also, set a clear line wow-ing at new things. (physically) and don’t cross it.

Dacky Interview by Keshav Garg Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

lthough many people tend to date people from the same nationality/ethnicity, high schoolers Pack and Danny are mavericks who proved to be an epitome for true love. For this interview, we bring you the resultant of mixing Pad Thai and Fish and Chips, or as I like to say the Dacky Dish (a ruthless amalgam of the names: Danny and Pack). Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hear more about how this dish has come to be!

Interview

“He’s really stubborn. If I say no to going out, he’ll keep asking until I say yes. Oh, also how he can never hear me on Skype.” -Pack

How did you two first meet/talk? Was it awkward? Was it through the internet or real-life? Danny: We talked through Facebook, and I didn’t find it awkward. Pack: We first started talking because my friend liked him and was too shy to confront him. It was through Facebook and was pretty awkward. What did your relationship develop from (friendship, crush, buddies, etc.)? Danny: I started liking her a few years ago, but we didn't talk much in person because we were shy, and then last year, that changed, and we told each other how we felt. Pack: Anna and Ruf helped a lot because we wouldn’t go out one on one, so we dragged them along.

What do you like most about him/her? Danny: There are a lot of things I could say, but I think the most is how caring she is. Pack: He’s really, really, really romantic. (chuckles) Is there anything he/she does that ticks you off? Danny: She doesn’t let me eat food late at night. Pack: He's really stubborn. Like, if I say no to going out, he'll keep asking until I say yes. Oh, also how he can never hear me on Skype. What’s the cutest thing you’ve done for each other? Danny: She gave these really creative, cute gifts with all of our photos on them for our anniversary and my birthday. Pack: On my birthday, he took me to Dreamworld. And how he asked me to banquet last year was really cute. Interview

What do you guys enjoy doing the most together? Danny: Anything that involves spending quality time together. Pack: I like watching movies with him, and Korean drama, too. How do you resolve fights? Danny: After a bit of time reflecting on them, we apologize, talk about them, and then, move on. Pack: I like to pretend they never happened, but Danny always wants to talk about them. (chuckles) Did your parents know about your relationship from the very beginning? Danny: Nope, I told them about my feelings for her last year, but they had kind of already known. Pack: No, but they know now, except that my dad still calls him “Pack’s friend.” (chuckles) If you two could go to one place together, where would it be? Danny: A week trip to Seoul. Pack: Korea! What did you do for him/her on this Valentine's day? Danny: I kept it simple and gave the usual Valentine’s gifts, and then we spent the day hanging out. Pack: It was his birthday, too, so I bought him presents and Krispy Kreme doughnuts, because he’s obsessed. Do you have any advice for the single people that might be reading this interview? Danny: Pursue your dream (girl) because it might just happen. Pack: Many ICS girls are still single (e.g. those in my lunch table). (chuckles)

Interview

Bay Bay Interview by Yihyun Kwon Photos by Surawut Withayarukson & Titapa Chaiyakiturajai

or some, the word “Valentine's” equates to a night of Netflix and going through a large container of ice cream. To others, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate a relationship that is bonded with love and sacrifice, shared by two people who care exceptionally for each other. Juniors Fayfay and Bright fit into the latter group. Let’s see how the couple has spent the recent months in coupledom.

Interview

How long have you been together? B: We stopped dating for a few months, but counting the months before and after that period it all adds up to about two years. Before dating, why did you like each other? F: It wasn’t any specific quality. It was her identity, as a whole. I guess it’s a little hard to describe. B: Same goes for me. He’s not my type at all. But it turned out alright, didn’t it? When was the moment that you knew for sure that you liked him or her? F: I guess it was in 8th grade? Yeah, it was in the beginning of the 2nd quarter of 8th grade. B: It was the same for me. Who took the initiative when it came to asking each other out? Was it hard process? F: I took the initiative, but it was already quite some time after we both knew we liked each other. The asking out part was overdue, if that’s the right word. So it wasn’t a hard process, just a matter of official title. What’s one habit that the other person has that drives you crazy? B: He’s always ignoring me. When I ask him something, he’s always on his phone. It’s really annoying. F: She’s really impatient sometimes. What’s one quality does the other person have that you find endearing or cute? F: I like her voice. 24

Interview

B: I like his laugh, it’s derpy. What kind of girlfriend is Bright? F: Using FB slang, you could say she’s the clingy one in the relationship. But I don’t find it to be a bad thing or a drawback.

“You shouldn’t feel sad about being single. If you find someone, that’s great. But don’t feel like being single is a sad thing. I think you can appreciate yourself a lot through being single.” - FayFay

I handed it to her, but I told her not to open it until she got back to her room. Later I was taking a shower when all of a sudden Eric told me I had to come out. What was the cutest thing you’ve done for He said that Bright had a problem. I ran each other? out, but Bright was just really happy. She F: I think it was during Salt Trip last year, was moved to tears. on Valentine's Day. I got her a present. B: The present itself was a mug. Normally What kind of boyfriend is FayFay? B: He’s the one that’s always coming to say sorry, even though sometimes it’s my fault.

Interview

he’s not very romantic, so the fact that he did that was a pretty big deal. F: I really like the Game of Thrones, so for my birthday she got me a vinyl figure of a character from the series. She personally hates the Game of Thrones, so I found it to be a very impressive sacrifice. Did your parents knew about your relationship from the very beginning? B: Well, not from the very beginning. I told them after some time. F: It was the same for me, but my mom didn’t really mind. B: My mom thinks Fayfay is a good guy. She approves of him. How do you resolve fights? B: We ask each other why we’re mad, and then talk it out. We don’t really try keep

Interview

the issue from each other. We might for a while, but we always end up talking it out. F: I always nag her until she tells me why she’s upset. Do you have any advice for the single people that might be reading this interview? B: Just try talking to different kinds of people. Don’t stick to one person, because if he/she isn’t right for you, it could affect the rest of your life. F: You shouldn’t feel sad about being single. If you find someone, that’s great. But don’t feel like being single is a sad thing. I think you can appreciate yourself a lot through being single.

“He’s always ignoring me. When I ask him something, he’s always on his phone. It’s really annoying.” - Bright

Chae Chan Interview By Jin Ha Photos By Pawat Wirawan

Interview

hat do couples actually do? What better than to learn the trade from an experienced couple? Look into the daily love life of YaeChan Won and Cherry Chainanpipob.

Interview

“Oh no...she cute...” - YaeChan

What’s something that you like watching him/her do? YC: I like it when she’s focused on something because that’s when her lips slowly come out. Cherry: I love watching him play soccer! Especially when he scores.

Cherry: I could say a lot because he always surprises me, like when he made a poster asking me out to banquet or when he suddenly showed up at my BISAC tournament. One time, he just appeared behind my back at my bts station (which is approximately 30 stations away from his). He just loves to surprise me.

What’s a strange habit he/she has? YC: She runs weird. Cherry: He naps hard everyday like What’s the best thing about him/ a bear. her? YC: She always cheers me up, cares about me, and is always willing to What’s the best surprise he/she listen to me. She is onion. has done for you? YC: That she said yes to me. Cherry: He can understand me and Interview

can put up with my mood swings. But if I had to say one thing that I like about him, it’ll probably be that he buys me food. A lot of food. What’s the most annoying thing about him/her? YC: She keeps on lying when I can tell that she’s lying. Cherry: He wouldn’t stop biting his nails! What’s something you hate but he/she likes? YC: She likes cucumbers. Ew. Cherry: He likes to skip breakfast. I don’t get how.

Interview

“ I love watching him play soccer! Especially when he scores.” - Cherry

What’s a small lie you told to him/her? YC: That I’m not bored when she is studying, so I can stare at her. Cherry: I don’t want to eat dessert. What’s the best date? YC: Every date. Cherry: Every date. What’s the silliest thing he/she ever did? 34

Interview

YC: When she makes ugly faces in photos. I love them though. Cherry: He came to my condo at midnight on my birthday with a piece of cake and a candle. He also sang happy birthday to me. What was your first impression of him/her? YC: Oh uh no… she cute.. Cherry: This guy is funny.

WANDERLUST Marrakech

By Haripoom Prasutchai Photos by Associated Press

Travel

ongratulations for reaching the point of travelling the world together! Every couple, together, could be each other’s best travelling companion, and a voyage to an unfamiliar corner of the world would ensure that each one in the relationship is really made for each other. Therefore, in this Valentine’s Special Edition, Wanderlust would like to bring our couples to a romantic destination for an unforgettable voyage! Some may be frustrated by the Eurocentricity of the Google search results for “most romantic cities.” But fret not, because who said that romantic voyages had to be stereo-

Interview

typical?--introducing: Marrakech, the third largest city in Morocco. Backdropped by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a vibrant market metropolitan in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Founded by the Berber Almoravid Kingdom, the city briefly served as the kingdom’s capital. Although its population has been surpassed by other cities’ population, the city still holds insurmountable historical value (history is extremely romantic). Examples include the the Koutoubia Mosque, completed in 1157 after the Almohads’ conquest of the city. This mosque was built with plastered red-brick, a method common to the area at that time. The iconic mosque was built with

style akin to the Moorish architecture in Spain, which makes the area a romantic idyll. Because of the focus on romance, it is better to skip some destinations and go straight to the attractions that will stimulate the love buds. The Majorelle Garden is a garden surrounding a cobalt blue building designed and painted by French artist Jacques Majorelle. A garden in the desert may sound like an oxymoron, but the mix between desert and greenery creates a peace in the mind like nothing else. This romantic oasis culminates a unique feeling that will make this city unforgettable. However, the highlight of the city,

of course, is the Djemaa al-Fnaa Square located at the heart of Marrakech, which hosts souqs. Allow yourselves to be soaked and lost in the bustling city square. Sure, this may not sound like the perfect voyage, but the crowdedness of the location does bring lovebirds closer together. Moreover, for adults who wish to procure some privacy in this bustling city, look nowhere else but the riads, Moroccan-style houses and palaces with private courtyards. They vary from unpretentious locally run raids to celebrity-owned luxury ones, but most of them could offer a unique hospitality that is not offered anywhere else.

Interview

School News

International Day By Haripoom Prasutchai Photos by: Teerawat Chaiteerath & Surawut Withayarukson

n Friday February 12th, the last bell of the day, the announcement from Mr Luc, and the influx of enthusiastic students into the courtyard signified the beginning of an international celebration.

Travel School News

n Friday, 12 February, the last bell of the day, the announcement from Mr Luc, and the influx of enthusiastic students into the courtyard signified the beginning of an international celebration. In the second semester of every academic year, the ICS Parents and Teachers Organization (ICS PTO) organizes an extravagant fair that encompasses ICS’s nationalities. This event helps the ICS community live up its very own name: an International Community. The fair included booths and tables run by parents and teachers from different nationalities, such as Korean, Indian, Thai, American, Japanese, and Canadian.

School News

Every booth involves different hands-on experiences that showcase each culture’s uniqueness in many aspects, such as food, costume, activities, and arts. In Korea’s booth, for example, students could try on the hanbok, the Korean national costume. In the Canada section, any one could try to hit a puck to get a taste of Canada’s national sport: hockey. Or even in the United States’ section, where students could be reminded that virtually everything they consume, from movies to snacks, is from America. In Thailand’s section, which occupied the entire walkway next to the Middle School Commons, the area became an emporium of food and culture. However, the highlight of the day is, of course, the International Night

performances, where everybody could showcase his or her culture through performing arts. Of the 22 different nationalities in ICS, 5 were represented, in order of appearance: Korea, India, Thailand, Kenya, and the United States. From Korea, students got the chance to hear a strings rendition of the famous Korean folk song, Arirang. Not to be missed from Korea also are the Taekwondo dance and a K-Pop dance by the 9th grade Korean girls. From India were a flute rendition of the Indian National Anthem and dances that drove the audience awestruck. The audience also got to appreciate the traditional Thai dances with performers donned with vibrant traditional costumes and a violin duet of local Thai music. From Kenya was a dance to celebratory Gospel music that is entrenched in

Christian Kenyansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; everyday lives. And the United States presented a medley of cinematic soundtracks of Hollywood, the best known export from the United States with voice solos by Mr B and Mrs Katie Pritz. The colourful day was a celebration of ICSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse community that can never be overlooked albeit the melting pot that seems to connect every ICS student together.

Travel School News

SENIOR TRIP

Trat, Thailand

SALT

By Andrew Person Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

o cap off the fruitful 4 years of high school, the ICS Class of 2016 spent their Senior trip this year at the beautiful Mango Beach Resort, five hours from the school campus. For those who are unaware, the annual Senior Trip is held at the same time as ICS SALT Trips, but is funded by the graduating class through activities like bake sales and the yearly ICS Carnival.

Travel SALT

he Senior Trip is always a time of relaxation and renewal for the seniors, a time to spend with friends and teachers as the hectic senior year begins to wind down. However, it is also a time of reconciliation, reformed friendships, and apologies for past mistakes. This year, the Class of 2016 spent four days on the beach, kayaking, paddle boarding, banana boating, and relaxing to their heartsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; content. There was also a full day excursion by boat to a nearby coral reef, an engaging activity that left little to be wished for. Additionally, the teachers held a half-day Senior Competition, which involved kayaking, biking, paddle board racing, along with a competitive sand castle building challenge.

But Senior Trip was not all fun and games. Throughout the trip, friends were able to connect and bond, even in ways they had not been able to in a long time. The last night was especially meaningful, due to a group sharing time that helped connect the grade through rekindled relationships and forgiveness. Many, in fact, commented that that particular night was their favorite of the whole trip. The Class of 2016 had not always been the most united. However, it is the opinion of the writer that this trip brought the class together, as they all prepare to leave ICS and follow their dreams. Though it sounds clichĂŠ, it is doubtful anyone who has attended this trip will ever be able to forget it.

SALT

JUNIORS’ SALT TRIP

By Anvi Mehta Photos by Surawut Withayarukson

SALT

his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior SALT Trip can easily be summed up into two wordsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; hard work. The Class of 2017 worked diligently to build a foundation of a multipurpose room for the destitute and abandoned Karen people.

SALT

n the first day, after arriving at the Phu Pha Phung Hotel in Ratchaburi, the juniors chose to either relax at the poolside or rent bicycles to ride around the hotel. Other students opted to stay in their room and unpack. Students then returned to their rooms to freshen up for dinner and the post dinner games. Following dinner, students divided into small groups and interviewed several Karen villagers. After gathering all necessary information from the impoverished villagers, the students agreed upon 3 major issues for the ethnic group: water, birthcontrol, and education. After the villagers left, the students divulged themselves into large group games lead by Mr. Yohun.

On the succeeding day, the juniors had an early morning. After breakfast, the students proceeded to the busses and prepared themselves for a long day of work. Upon reaching the site, the leader of the village presented the area that the juniors worked at. The house that the preceding yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s juniors made was completed as a church; right beside the church, the current juniors were to build a multipurpose room. Students were assigned jobs such as mixing cement, digging holes in the ground, painting walls, and smoothing the surface of a previously made sidewalk. Once the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work ended, students were given free time until dinner. After dinner, Mr. Jim talked about his journey with God.

For most people the third day went by faster than the second day; people mixed cement and built part of the wall. After the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work had been completed, students were taken to play soccer with the children of the village. Upon returning to the hotel, students cleansed themselves and took advantage of the kayaks in the hotel. In the night, students engaged in team games; the four teams were the four homerooms. On the last night, Miss Lissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about a boy she met in college appealed to the juniors. Bidding farewell to the tranquil setting was difficult; however, it was surely easy to say goodbye to the long and hard hours of manual labor. At the end of the trip, it was clear to everybody how much the class had bonded and united as a whole.

SALT

By Koch Kasemsantitham Photos by Pawat Wirawan

SOPHOMORES’

SALT TRIP

SALT

horoughly excited yet calm at the prospect of another 4-day service vacation, the Class of 2018 left for their SALT Trip to Kanchanaburi. The students headed for a day of service at an elementary school alongside a relaxing day at the Erawan waterfalls.

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haperoned by Mr. Jason, Mr. Jay, Mr. Mark, Mr. Paul, Kru Krittiya, Mr/Mrs. Harkins, Mr. Jeremy, the 10th graders headed to the west of Bangkok. The students were split into three buses and started on the 5 hour long journey. The first day started off with lunch breaks at the local malls and onwards to the Hellfire Pass Museum. This museum featured various snippets of the Hellfire Pass creation from WWII, and the students learned about the circumstances at the time as well its effects on the population of the surrounding areas. The students were split into two groups from the three buses, each taking turns viewing the museum and the actual pass itself. After the compulsory SALT worksheets were completed for Day 1, the students headed to their hotel. The second day was dedicated to service. The three buses were split up based on the working groups, and each bus went to separate schools. The schools consisted of primarily of naive preschool and elementary students. Some of the ICS sophomores taught English whilst others had created group games for the

kids to play. In the night of the service day the various students from each bus had the chance to call out other students individually for a round of applause and praise from the crowd. It was also a time to reflect and share their most valuable experiences from the service they’d given. On the third day, the sophomores had the chance to take a break and hike up the path to the Erawan waterfalls, where they splashed in the water with their friends. The falls were separated into 7 stages, and ICS students roamed every single one of them. One of the biggest highlights of this year’s SALT trip for the sophomores was the talent show, which featured over 10 performances from the students. Each performance was met with astounding support from fellow classmates, which had created a sense of unity among the grade. “The talent show was the best thing that happened in SALT. It was a good experience for us and it made me love my friends even more!” described Cherry Chainanpipob, class representative.

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FRESHIES’ SALT TRIP

By Satida Limtrajiti Photos by: Tanapoom Sermchaiwong

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o be completely honest, the author of this article went into SALT with quite a negative attitude. At first, she believed it would be the worst trip of her life. But then again, the author claims to be a natural pessimist. When the freshmen class had a chance to glance at our itineraries, she was expecting the worst. Army camp? Not her thing. Hiking with leeches? Please, no. And so, when SALT finally rolled around, the author of this articleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations were low.

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or the first day, the freshmen went to the army camp. At first, the author of this article had originally expected it to be filled with mud and dirty activities. However, the 9th graders started off the day with a high jump. One of the soldiers would tie a harness around the students, and then they would jump off a building which was supposedly supposed to be the exact height where humans would start to develop fear. The author of this article, however, being the cynical buzzkill that she claims to be, did not jump. But a few of her friends did, and they said it was one of the most fun and exhilarating moments of their lives. As for the second day, the teachers took the freshies to the community service. The community service was an enjoyable day in general. Seeing the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; excitement while watching the 9th graders paint the schools made everything much more motivational. It symbolized how the class of 2019 was actually making a difference in these childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. On the third day, the freshmen went hiking. The teachers scared them all with a powerpoint presentation with the leeches, so when they set out

for the hiking trip, everyone was paranoid. The author of this article was especially paranoid, and all throughout the hiking trip, she wrapped a jacket over her entire body in a meager attempt to prevent the leeches. But, luckily, there were very few leeches and nobody got bit. After lots of sweat and tears, the students finally got through. In the end, the feeling of accomplishment made it all worth it. The rush of relief and adrenaline when they finally reached the end of the hike was surely the most memorable part of the trip. Although the author of this article went into SALT trip with a pessimistic view on everything, it turned out to be okay. SALT trip taught the 9th graders that their actions can truly help others in ways that they may not even know. In addition, SALT encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and take control of their fears. And, to be honest, this message was what made SALT one of the most memorable and heartfelt trips of this year.

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