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DEA R RE AD E R As Valentine’s Day dawns upon us, an atmosphere of either love or loneliness lurks in the air. Whether you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day alone or with a significant other, we hope that this issue of The Quill will bolster the romantic mood. With interviews with sweet couples to advice from longtime partners, this edition of The Quill brings Valentine’s Day straight to your home. We have also included love poems for those romantics out there. However, for those who are planning to spend Valentine’s Day third-wheeling another couple or home alone with Netflix shows on replay, do not feel left out. We have included special interviews with bachelors and bachelorettes to shed light on the positive sides of staying single on this holiday. With that, we hope that you enjoy this love-filled edition of The Quill! Quillfully yours, PUNPUN & AMY
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THE
TEAM Mark Cooprider Advisor
Amy Limtrajiti
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Pawan Wirawarn Art Director
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PunPun Leelamanthep Co-Editor-in-Chief
Allan Rubio Amy Jain Arjav Sanghavi Daniel Shin David Bang Ferdinand Edward Gene Boonpienpol
WRITERS Hayoung You Hyunwoo Koh Isaiah Xumsai na Ayudhaya Joseph Ha Jessica Shah Jedi Kanchanabogin Jooyoung Kim
EDITORS Alex Tam Arjav Sanghavi Erica Kim Karuna Khatri Pumpanchat Suthisampha LAYOUT DESIGNERS Kantapat Jungpaibul Napatsorn Chadanuntakul Pawan Wirawarn Ruchipat Kumpusiri Yunkyoung Kim Nutthun Tulayathun Ryu Ngammuang
McKenna Sanchez Naran Suvarnpradip Pam Rangchaikul Serumi Yoon Tachpol Posaphiwat Thanapeam Sirisereewattana Vichida Phisitkul
PHOTOGRAPHERS Apichaya Sethaudom Artch Dechpokked Chayut Srirungrojana Joanna Pinsuvana Napassorn Wongakkarakhun Nutthun Tulayathun Ouki Nishioka Pawat Wirawan Thaam Limwattananon Thapakorn Yongphiphatwong Werawut Withayarukson Gene Boonpienpol
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COUPLEs
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INTERVIEWS
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GENIE & MUSIC Interview by Gene Boonpienpol Photos by Gene Boonpienpol
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SO, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DATING EACH OTHER? M: We have been dating for one year and one month now. G: Yes, it has been a year and one month. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DATE EACH OTHER? M: Because when talking to each other, we kind of get that jinx that we like each other and plus she’s so cute and adorable.
G: Something about him just felt right. 10
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HOW DID YOU MEET EACH OTHER? M: I was a photographer in a certain community service group. When I was taking pictures, I noticed that I took a photo of an angel, Oops! I mean Genie. For the rest of that community service, I then tried to talk to her, but in a way that it won’t look creepy or weird. G: The first time I met him was when he bumped into me during lunch. At that time, I didn’t even know his name. We actually started talking when we were doing community service together back in December 2016.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF EACH OTHER? M: Oh my gosh, who is this cute girl? I wanna talk to her! G: He looks like a playboy. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT EACH OTHER?
M: Her sincere caring and honesty, but probably everything about her. G: He looks over my imperfections and loves me for who I truly am. Oh, and he surprises me with macarons! WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST ANNOYING ABOUT EACH OTHER? M: Her short term memory. She’s like a goldfish. G: His obsession with ridiculously expensive shoes that is worth like two months of my allowance.
AS MUSIC IS ABOUT TO GRADUATE, HOW WILL YOU PLAN TO MAINTAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP? M: Nothing much, we’ll keep dating. It seems hard maintaining a long distance relationship but as long as she keeps her commitment, I’ll keep mine. G: Who says Music is going to graduate? He’s going to repeat Grade 12 two more times to wait for me. Right? :) THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE EACH OTHER? M: Caring, Sincere, and Naruk G: Sweet, Loyal, Protective VALENTINE’s ISSUE 2018
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ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP? M: Doesn’t matter if your a couple or not but the moment you called her “girlfriend”, commitment has been given. The moment you gave her your commitment, is equivalent of “this is the truly truly one” and there is no space for “I don’t think she’s the one”. Work it out, be responsible for we have firmly chose that woman already. Find a way, compromise, fix it, and don’t ever run away. And lastly, meet in the middle. Don’t let either one of you take control over the relationship even if you’re fine with it. Adjust yourself in a position that you and your “girlfriend” are both comfortable. If you find yourself in a tough position, come talk to me, I’ll be happy to help. :)
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G: Make sure to show your appreciation for each other everyday, even after a bad fight. Don’t hold grudges and try to focus on each other’s positives. No matter how hard things gets, don’t give up!
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COFFEE PHOO &
Interview by Hayoung You Photos by Thaam Limwattananon
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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DATING? 1 year and 3 months – almost 4. WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EACH OTHER? P: What stood out to me was her friendly attitude – she was really nice to me. C: I just thought of Phoo as the really quiet and kinda weird new student.
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WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT EACH OTHER? P: I like how happy she is and how she smiles often. C: I’d say I also like his smiles the most. He doesn’t smile very often, so it’s kinda special.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY TOGETHER? P: Our first date. It went nothing like either of us expected, but in the end we had fun together. C: My favorite memory is when we went to the night market together. It rained out of nowhere, so we had to camp at a mall.
Even though we were stuck there, we had fun talking and getting to know each other more.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PET PEEVES ABOUT EACH OTHER? P: She keeps slapping my face– I hate it! C: Phoo always tells me to ‘stop procrastinating.’ In reality, he procrastinates as much as I do! And when I tell him to stop wasting time, he doesn’t listen.
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WHAT ARE SOME ADJECTIVES YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE EACH OTHER? P: Emotional and short-tempered C: Quiet, not nice, weird, cute, tall
IS THERE A FUNNY STORY YOU COULD SHARE? P: This would be when we went to the night market together. It rained, and our entire trip was pretty much ruined. It was funny how we still managed to talk and have fun despite our plans not going as we wanted. C: I was watching Phoo play basketball, and I was cheering for him and waving at him. At the time, not many people knew we were dating. Right when Phoo was about to make a free throw, someone yelled ‘Coffee’ really loud. He missed the throw and couldn’t stop laughing.
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MR. BRYAN & MRS. DIANE Interview by McKenna Sanchez Photos by Nutthun Tulayathun
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HOW DID YOU TWO MEET AND WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EACH OTHER? MR. BRYAN: We were at an international church service in Beijing, and she was taking a selfie with her friend. I saw the two of them, and it was a ‘love at first sight’. I offered myself to take their picture, and then after that, her friend invited me to their small group, which I was very delighted. MRS. DIANE: My first impression? He wore red pumas, and I thought ‘wow’! This boy, he is very ‘exuberant.’ So when he helped us take our picture, I thought he liked my korean friend.
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B: Ironically, her friend also thought I liked Ms. Diane. D: So, I told my friend she should try and talk to him, but she said no. After that, he called me and invited me for dinner. WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A COUPLE THAT SPEAKS MULTIPLE LANGUAGES? B: It gives us many opportunities to correct each other. D: I think it’s better because I have experience dating a Thai boyfriend, and we argued a lot. I was extremely sensitive about the words. But the first time I was with Bryan, we could not understand each other’s words, so we did not argue that much.
B: What was weird, was that we actually didn’t speak each other’s languages at the beginning. Ms. Diane spoke some English, but I didn’t speak any Thai at all. So I am very pleased that she has come a long way. I’m not even really sure how we communicated, but over time we learned more. WHAT LANGUAGE DO YOU NORMALLY CONVERSE IN? B: We speak in English, and the reason is, what a lot of people do not understand is that when there’s a relationship, it is very difficult to change the language you speak, into the language you started in. Since we started our relationship, we spoke english, so years down the road
when I learned Thai and Chinese, it was very difficult for me to transition over. It felt unnatural, but we were already used to that. HOW LONG DID YOU DATE BEFORE YOU KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED? B: We dated more than 5 years, and each knew at different times. WHAT DO EACH OF YOU FIND ATTRACTIVE IN ONE ANOTHER? B: I love that she views me in the way God views me. She knows me and accepts me for who I am. She knows that I'm not perfect, but she still loves me and helps me learn and grow.
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D: He's almost perfect actually. He's very smart and thoughtful, and although he's a very strict teacher, he is actually a very sensitive person. He is constantly trying to find new ways to help his students. DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP IN 3 WORDS. B: Faithfulness, forgiveness, love. D: yeah, I agree. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DATE? B: She asked me out for okonomiyaki, and it was my birthday. I kept her waiting because I had a stomach ache. However, okonomiyaki sometimes has greasy toppings and mayo on it, so I had to keep excusing myself to go to the bathroom. I think it’s memorable because it was the first time she asked me out. It was a confirmation for me that she really liked me. D: Definitely, it was really special for me because it was his birthday. WILL THE BONNER FAMILY BE GROWING ANYTIME SOON? D: Right now we are very happy with just the two of us, but if it’s God’s will to have kids, then we would be open to it.
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BACHELORS & BACHELORETTES INTERVIEWs
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WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM BOYFRIEND BE LIKE?
“He would be kind and well-mannered. If my boyfriend were to possess these qualities, I would be more than happy. But I wouldn’t mind having someone who is also tall and well-built. Oh, I also like it when guys wear suits, so my dream boyfriend would have to look amazing in a suit.”
- JAja ‘19
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WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT FROM THE OTHERS?
“I would probably say being able to run for longer distances. Also being
strangely funny, and my Australian mannerisms.”
- JORDAN ‘21
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WHAT DOES VALENTINE’S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
“Valentine’s Day doesn’t really mean anything to me, but I traded chocolates with my friends and that was pretty fun.” - Atsu ‘21
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WHAT DOES VALENTINE’S DAY MEAN TO YOU?
Sadness, since I don’t have a girlfriend. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS GREAT ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY?
It’s good because boys can be happy by understanding that girls love them. And, girls can be happy by expressing their thoughts and compassions to their special guy.
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IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SOMEONE, WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON VALENTINE’S DAY?
I want to go to nice restaurant with her and my lovely mother. DO YOU THINK A GUY SHOULD ALWAYS ASK THE GIRL OUT?
Yes, since boys have all the responsibility.
ARE YOU ROMANTIC? IF YES, HOW SO?
I’m not romantic because it is hard to understand how girls think; I think I cannot make them happy. ROSES OR CHOCOLATES?
Chocolate, because eating makes me happy.
CHANYOUNG ‘20 VALENTINE’s ISSUE 2018
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WHAT MAKES A GIRL GOOD GIRLFRIEND MATERIAL?
My perfect girlfriend would be someone who is mature, but I feel it is most important that she has a good grip of herself, at least emotionally. In addition to that, my girlfriend should be someone mature, smart, and funny. Apart from that, I would prefer if the girl is at least 160 centimeters tall, and has long wavy or straight black hair. Not to mention, I like girls who are SMART enough to understand my dark humour. I hope to
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meet this girl one day. I’m just joking, I just want a girl who understands me. ARE YOU HAPPY WITH BEING SINGLE, OR ARE THERE TIMES WHEN YOU WISH YOU WERE IN A RELATIONSHIP?
Yes! An academic life is a stressful one, and parents would say that relationships hamper your academic performance. However, I feel that a girlfriend that understands the path I walk and stays with me in hards times would help.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU WOULD DO TO IMPRESS A GIRL?
Whatever the lady demands, as long as it remains in the realms of rationality and possibility. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS VALENTINE’S DAY?
Third-wheel my friends.
PEAK ‘19 VALENTINE’s ISSUE 2018
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“I’M PRETTY SURE YOU LIKE FRUITS, BECAUSE I CAN DEFINITELY SEE US PEAR-ING UP.”
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WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL TYPE OF GUY?
“ I’d like someone who’s more of a gentleman; someone nice and smart, basically. Given that I love playing with kids, I’d like a guy who cares for them as well. Additionally, he should also be taller than me. Of course, he shouldn’t be a player, but a faithful and responsible person - someone who can deal with my emotional ups and downs.” AS OF TODAY, WOULD YOU RATHER BE SINGLE OR IN A RELATIONSHIP?
“I’d say I want my focus to be more on my education than a relationship; however, if there’s a guy who’s willing to understand the fact that studying is my priority, then I guess it’d be fine for me to be in a relationship. Even so, I think being single is so much more fun.”
THAAM ‘20
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MILLiE ‘18
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TELL ME A HIDDEN TALENT OF YOURS.
I don’t have any. Wait, actually, I can split my tongue into three directions. It is a pretty cool thing that I keep to myself. WHAT IS YOUR BEST TRAIT?
My bangs. I got them last week. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY?
I don’t need guys, but I would look for someone tall with a good sense of humor. WHY ARE THOSE FEATURES IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I told you. I am tall, so I need a taller dude to make us look nice together. Plus, I am a funny person, so I need someone with a good sense of humor to compliment me and my bangs. WHERE WOULD YOUR IDEAL DATE BE?
My ideal date would be to go to Disneyland. Don’t laugh! I might actually change my name to Minnie and go with Mickey. ARE YOU HAPPILY SINGLE OR SADLY SINGLE?
Happily single. I see people all around me with problems I don’t want to have in my life right now. I have 99 problems but being single ain’t one of them. Please don’t quote me on that.
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SINGLE PEOPLE TEND TO HAVE GOOD DATING ADVICE? WHAT DATING ADVICE DO YOU HAVE?
You can date anyone you love. If you like him/her, then just go for him/her. But you gotta be respectful and don’t be cocky. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE?
Well, you can do whatever you want. You don’t have to depend on someone else. You can go hang out with your friends without having to ask your boyfriend/girlfriend. You can do everything independently. DO YOU WISH THAT YOU WERE NOT SINGLE RIGHT NOW?
I think I’m fine with both, but I would prefer to have a girlfriend, since she can fulfill my heart and be with me all the time. She can be my friend, my lover. She will always be there for me whether I am sad or happy. It is a feeling you cannot get from your friends or anyone else.
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WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GIRL?
I look for personality, and I think it is only me, but I also look at her hair. It is the most attractive thing in a girl for me. If she is not my type but her hair is so gorgeous, then there is a possibility that I can fall for her too. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST REDEEMING QUALITY YOU HAVE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW?
II am a good cook. I know how to cook steak. I’m very friendly to everyone. I think I can call myself a funny guy. I can get along with anyone, with how easy going I am. And when I love someone, I give that person all my time, energy, and everything I can give.
ATOM ‘18 VALENTINE’s ISSUE 2018
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ADVICE COLUMN
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ON THE THIRD EDITION OF TEA TIME DISCUSSIONS, WE WILL TACKLE THE ISSUE OF LONELINESS AND THE STATUS OF BEING SINGLE.
Q: So Valentine’s Day is approaching, and as of now, I don’t really have a romantic partner in my life at all. What should I do? A: Imagine this - you’re walking down the street and you see an endless stream of romantic couples passing by. Everybody feels envious during Valentine’s Day; it almost seems as though other people are flaunting their relationships in front of you. I’m guessing you were probably anticipating me to provide some form of dating advice, or perhaps present you with the different nuances that both males and females are attracted to. Yet, I believe that this field is very saturated, you can find a countless amount of different videos or articles which all describe how to chase down that special someone. I will be advocating a much more different approach. How about treating yourself? Now, you’re probably thinking that sitting by yourself in a romantic restaurant surrounded by couples is just the epitome of loneliness. But I can assure you that this is not the case. If this type of situation makes you feel uncomfortable, then it is perfectly fine to remove this option from the equation. If you prefer something more intimate, then perhaps a movie would suffice. Other options include: shopping, a pedicure, a massage, the list is endless. However, my favourite activity is simply cooking a 3 course meal for yourself. There is just something so validating about cooking a delicious meal; the sense of accomplishment is something that you’ll rarely find in other activities. It’s important to take care of yourself, and be confident about going out alone. If you can’t even look after yourself when you go out, then how can you expect to look after a potential partner? Who knows, you may even meet that special someone during your “lonely” adventures! If you have any problems or queries, please feel free to email problemsics@gmail.com for counseling. Thank you!
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hIM
Words by Jessica
You are as handsome as the raging sea With your bold and wild spirit running free. Elusive and mysterious you are, I wonder about you like kids with stars. Eyes as blue as a gentle, cloudy sky I’m drowning in them, I’m sailing by. How much more can I passionately say… I am in love with you, you make my day. I imagine us on a grassy hill A breeze rushes by bringing in a chill. You pull me in, your arm never servers Can this moment halt and last forever? Just as the stars swim in the universe Can my love for you deepen and immerse?
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VALENTINE’s Words by Daniel
Leaves cascade around our intertwined souls the starry nights swallowing us whole, a vision of ecstacy to behold specks of paint splattered on a dark canvas, a picture painted on the sky But with all this beauty I see, I still cling on to emptiness inside Mere syllables fail to revive a crippled heart For in love, I seek despair A bitter taste is all I know and all I share If this life was picture perfect It would have to have you in it For no mere puzzle can be completed If a piece happened to get deleted So with these parting words, I’d like to say Thank you for loving me until this very day
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