programsatYISS
WordoftheIssue: /in sipēənt/ justbeginningorjustcominginto existence. (adj.)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EmmaShin‘26
BrookeLai‘26
DESIGN EDITOR
NaelLee‘26
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
HannahKim‘27
NEWS EDITORS
MiaMarce‘26
JamiePark‘27
FEATURE EDITORS
SeunghunLee‘27
AlexisLim‘28
OPINION EDITORS
JayneKim‘27
CatherinePark‘27
LIFE EDITORS
HelenJin‘27 IsaacShim‘27
byRyanPaik‘28
OnSeptember12,2025,JiaWong‘28playsthefluteasapartofconcertband PhotobyMs KeeleyRoop
OnSept 12,theYISSConcert Bandperformedpubliclyforthe firsttimeasamarchingbandin the opening parade of the Yongsan National Heritage Night Festival. Following the withdrawal of the Army Band, originally scheduled to play at the event, the Yongsan District Office invited YISS to perform, providing a unique yet demanding opportunity for the school’smusicians.LedbyBand Director Christian Davis, the students marched from Sookmyung Women’s University,upthehillanddown to Hyochang Park, playing music for the community to enjoy
For students, the event was differentfromusualconcert
band performances in the auditorium. Instead of reading sheet music on stands, marching band required memorization of music and marching steps. “Concert band music is complex, while marchingbandneedstobeeasy enough for us to play,” said JacobChae‘27,aclarinetplayer.
Butcontrarytoexpectations, the students did not play while marching. Rather, they intermittently stopped and played, then marched again, following directions from city staff and police officers helping to coordinate the parade This procedure still presented challenges for the students
“During the turns, people in differentpartsofthebandhad
to step differently, where there could be miscommunications aboutsteppingandthedistance between people,” Timmy Chang ‘28 said While this is Timmy’s first year in Concert Band at YISS, he has been playing the baritone saxophone sinceseventhgrade
Practicing a new form of musical performance presented various difficulties for the YISS concert band. “The biggest challenge was time,” said Mr Davis, as they had to prepare three different songs and a completely new performance style in just four weeks “It was really fast, and it was all hands ondeck”
Theconcertbandrehearsed invariouslocationsthroughout
the school, including the courtyard and the field, to learn to maintain their formation, step in rhythm, and march while holding their instruments. Although marching was a foreign experience, the students persevered in practice, putting their faith in their director. “It was a lot of trust on the studentsthatweweredoingthe right thing,” said Mr. Davis. “But after we got over that hurdle, it all fell into place quicker”
Mr.Daviswasnotonlyproud of how his students showed persistence and excellent performance, but also of the students’ confidence and the abilitytoshowcasetheirtalents
to the community “Music is something that we are good at inYISS,”Mr Davissaid “Ithink it's important that we have the opportunity to showcase our talentsandshowourexcellence fortheschool”
Thecityhasalreadyexpressed interest in reinviting YISS to different occasions that may come up. While no official events have been scheduled for the future, students are open to whatever opportunities are available.“Iwouldbegladtodo itagainnextyear,”Jacobsaid
Mr. Davis, while similarly open, is also looking out for the long-term trajectory of the YISS music program “I would be excited to do this activity again, but we need to see where we wanttogofromhere,”hesaid.
byJacobChae‘27
Thisyear’sACSCBoysSoccer tournament felt different from the start. YISS hosted the tournament on its own field, and,forthefirsttimein11years, the varsity boys brought the trophybackhome.
FromOct 22-25,thevarsity boys soccer team played three round-robin games and three knockout matches undefeated Theyfinishedtheweekwith
five wins, one draw, and ended their journey with a victory before an animated home crowd
From the beginning, it was clear that playing at home was anadvantage.“Wewereableto focus solely on the game itself We never really had to care about other things, such as the field condition, weather, hotel, foodorthematchball,”Captain
Sky Joo ‘26 said “That familiarity gave us a confidence boost that it was the conditions where we could bring out our bestperformance”
The games saw huge audience turnouts, with many studentsandevenentireclasses pausing regular schedules to cheer on the team “Especially with such an amazing crowd supporting the team the whole week, we undoubtedly felt the energy and it encouraged us to give effort in every play,” Sky said The first half of the tournamentwasstructuredina round-robin format. YISS faced threeopponentsandfinishedat the top with two wins and one draw, but it was the first match that set the foundation for victory
Their opening game was against ICS Bangkok, the defending champions who had won two consecutive ACSC tournaments without conceding a single goal. “When wefoundouttheywereourfirst opponent, there was definitely some worry among us,” Sky said. “However, after we came out with a clean 2-0 victory, I think many of us, including myself, started to truly believe that our team had what it took to go far in the tournament this year.”
Off the field, players relied increasingly on mental toughness as the tournament progressed “Alotofthe
preparation [involved] mentality,” striker Jamie Park ‘27 said “We had a lot of talent across the team, but we had to make sure we stayed locked in, united as a team, and most importantly,hungry.”
With this mindset, YISS also defeated Dalat 3-1 in the quarterfinals, proving they could handle the pressure of knockout play and stay united as a team in front of their supportivefans If the round-robin and quarterfinal displayed YISS’s exceptional talent and quality, the semifinal and final revealed theirresilienceandconsistency.
InthesemifinalagainstSPH, disasterseemedtostrikeasYISS conceded a goal in just five seconds after kickoff. Instead of panicking, however, the team settled in and slowly took back control of the game. “Everyone on the pitch kept their composure and believed we could come back if we continued to play our brand of soccer,” Sky said YISS eventually turned the game around for a 2-1 win, earning theirtickettothefinal.
Atthemostclimacticpoint, they faced Grace, the team that had eliminated YISS from ACSC in back-to-back years. The championship match was intense and physical, with adaptive changes on both sides, until Jamie scored the winning goal, assisted by Boaz Lee ‘26, leadingtoa1-0victory
“When I scored that goal, the moment was electric. Everything froze for a while as the ball went in, and it was an unforgettable moment,” Jamie said. “I thought about how we were eliminated by Grace two years in a row in the past; this wasaredemptionforourwhole team,anditmeantalotbecause we worked so hard this year to takethetrophyhome”
“WhenIscored thatgoal,the momentwas electric.”
As the tournament came to a close, the champions understoodthatwhattheyhad
achieved was more than a title Itseemedtobethebeginningof somethinggreater
For Sky, who had been in the soccer program for four years, this triumph was truly special “This win holds huge significance for YISS soccer and the program as a whole,” he said. “One of the biggest accomplishments, in my opinion, was that our players developed a true ‘winning mentality’ and came to understand what it takes to becomechampions”
After their success, the champions walked off with hopes that this victory would echolongafterthetournament As the team’s regular season is in the spring, the months in between are their next test. “Job’s not finished,” Jamie said “I hope this momentum carries to KAIAC, as we are stronger thanever.”
On Oct 17-18, YISS hosted the first Forensics Tournament of the season, welcoming speech and debate competitors fromacrossKAIACfortwodays of thoughtful argumentation, expressive performances and energetic team spirit Competing on their home campus,theYISSForensics
Forum Many teammates earned standout placements, showcasing both skill and composureunderpressure.
Among the top results were Ryan Cha ‘28, who took 2ndPlaceinExtemporaneous Speaking,IsaacShim‘27,who won 1st Place in Impromptu Speaking, and Aiden Yoon ‘28, who took 3rd place in Extemporaneous Speaking JayneKim‘27earned1stPlace in Poetry, while Catherine Park ‘27 advanced as a Poetry finalist In debate, Ryan Cha ‘28 and Dillon Kim ‘28 secured 1st and 3rd Place, respectively, in LincolnDouglas, and Jonathan Moon ‘26 and Claire Soyoon Lee ‘26 formed the Public Forum team that brought home 3rd Place
Whiletheawardswerea highlight, many students pointed to the supportive atmosphere as one of the most memorable parts of the experience. “I’ve seen many people give each other short piecesofadvice,peptalksand clarifications between rounds,which,inmyopinion, fostered a rather supportive environment,” said Vivien Gong ’29, a debater in the Public Forum category. Moments like these reflected the camaraderie that helped carry the team throughout the weekend, especially for newer competitors, like the freshmen, experiencing their firsthigh-pressurerounds.
The supportive culture extended beyond just YISS. Between rounds, students from various schools exchanged encouragement, compared notes and socialized Several YISS competitorsremarkedthat
the critiques they received were extremely helpful and constructive; for example, suggestions by teammates to strengthen eye contact or regulate pacing gave them a clear sense of how to improve forfuturetournaments.
However, the competition wasn’t without its challenges. As Isaac Shim ‘27, the Forensics Speechcaptain,said,“Itworked to a decent extent, but there were definitely some hurdles because some speech practices were cancelled and that was unexpected.” Even so, the team adapted quickly, many refining their pieces or adjusting strategy in the days leading up totheevent.
For others, the tournament wasanopportunityforpersonal growth Some students admitted to feeling nervous early on, especially those entering their first rounds of both speech and debate, but manyfoundthemselvesgaining confidence as the tournament progressed Several competitors shared goals for November’s GSIS tournament and future KAIACtournamentsasawhole, from refining pacing and facial expression to strengthening argument structure and delivery. The combination of strong placements, team unity and individual breakthroughs made the October tournament a meaningful experience for YISSForensics
Astheseasoncontinues,the YISS Forensics Team aims to carry its momentum forward. With renewed motivation and the experience of a successful home tournament behind them, the students are already looking ahead to the next KAIAC competition, ready to buildontheirachievements.
Team earned second place overall in KAIAC standings for October,settingthetoneforthe restoftheyear. Throughoutthetournament, students navigated multiple events, ranging from Extemporaneous Speaking to Poetry, Impromptu, LincolnDouglasDebateandPublic RyanCha‘28,AidenYoon‘28,andJayneKim‘27competeinForensicsSpeech. PhotobyBrookeLai‘26
On Sept 26, 2025, YISS held its annual FunFest event. FunFest is an event for all grades, K-12, featuring delicious food and fun games, accompanied by a wide variety ofprizes.Forthisyear’sFunFest, the theme was Time Travelers: students wore cool costumes and glittery suits with bow ties throughout the event. FunFest is a prominent part of the YISS community because it unites both different grade levels and teachersalike.
One of the activities at FunFest was a cup pong game, hosted by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), with exclusive prizes such as a ₩50,000 Roblox gift card. This game required participants to pay different amounts of tickets based on what prize they wantedtotryfor Towinthe
byRainaChae‘29andKaylaChoi‘29
best prize, participants would standatthebacklineandshoot atthefarthestcup “Funfestwas a success. The energy was electric and I am proud of our members for working really hard,” said SADD officer Isaac Shim ‘27, who volunteered at thestation.
Compassionate Crafters, a club centered around arts and crafts,heldasimilargame,with the small prizes being mini plush keychains and the bigger prizes being plushies. Other clubssoldfoodinthecourtyard, with Model United Nations selling small snacks like pringles, Helping Kids Everyday selling pizza, and Eco-Today an environmental club selling cookies
Throughout FunFest, a variety of performances were performedbygroupslikethe
high school orchestra and jazz band Strummer, a band featuring Grace Cha ‘29, Ian Hyun‘29, EthanLee ‘29, Declan Leonard ‘29 and Elementary Technology Teacher Shane Krahn, also performed, receivingabundantapplause
This year’s FunFest was a success,withmanyparticipants saying that they enjoyed the activities and delicious food Many stated that FunFest for thisyearsurpassedtheir
expectations by a mile, and are hoping that next year’s FunFest would be similar to the one for thisyear “ThisFunFestwasfull offunactivitiesandgreatfood.I am looking forward to next year’sFunFestaswell,”saidJoel Choi‘27
Others, like Caylee Park ‘27, hopes for improvement next year. “I hope next year Funfest canhavecheaperpricesforfood andamorewidespreadamount ofgames,”shesaid
byAlexisLim‘28
The brash, orange-washed Tiger gym The relentless uphill of the TCIS cross-country course The familiar “Guardian Rumble”replacedbytheshouts of your opponents’ crowd When you step into a distant school after a long, claustrophobic bus ride, the thought of home, of YISS territory, often drifts into your mind
But for the YISS varsity boys soccer (VBS) team, these worries ceased to exist during the 2025 ACSC tournament, as they defended the turf they had been training on at YISS for weeks Their remarkable success in the tournament, compared to their past disappointments, prompts the question: just how important is playing at home for high school athletes? And is home-court advantage correlated to the qualityofperformance?
Neither the boys soccer team’s victory nor the YISS-hosted tournament was a first: in 2014, the team secured first place against Grace International School, winning with a score of 1-0 during the championship matchatYISS.
The next 11 years, however, brought forth a severe drought. VBS failed to enter the finals, and memories of their hardwon championship at home trickledaway.Inthethreeyears following their 2014 victory, they placed sixth, seventh and seventh, respectively, out of seven teams. In recent years they performed slightly better, placing fourth in 2022, fifth in 2023,andfourthin2024
Then, on October 25, 2025, camethevictoryroaroftheVBS team as the referee blew the game-ending whistle, followed by the eruption of cheers from the crowd as they flocked toward the soccer players standing, triumphant, on the familiarYISSturf
From October 22 to 25, VBS competed against schools from Taiwan, Philippines, Hong Kong,Indonesia,Thailandand
PhotobyJoseGamalielTayag‘28
Malaysia, playing on home turf for the first time since their victory in 2014 Varsity Captain Andy Lim ‘26 said, “It honestly helped that we were hosting ACSC this year because I could playonafamiliarfield”Whena coach from another team stepped onto the YISS field, Andy said, “He looked so surprised and went like, ‘How does YISS practice on this tiny field?’”
Conversely, other players from YISS expressed their approval of the field “YISS renovated the field like two, three years ago, so the grass is prettynice,especiallycompared
to other schools,” said Dillon Kim‘28,theteam’sgoalkeeper. Various factors contributed to the performance of both the individual players and the soccer team as a whole. “The weather here is much more colder compared to like the countries that most other schools are from, like Thailand and Indonesia,” said Dillon On the day of the championship match, temperatures dropped to as low as 6°C, which players from Grace International School, located in the predominantly hot climate of Thailand,hadtoadapttoforthe finals.
But the boys soccer team, who had practiced every day in harsh temperatures before the ACSC tournament, felt little difference. Andy said, “I was already used to the cold by the timeACSCstarted.”
Because YISS was hosting the ACSC tournament, VBS players also had the chance to eat dinner with their families andrestathomebeforethenext day’sgames.Ontheotherhand, traveling teams spent the hours aftertheirmatchsearchingfora place to eat and stayed in an unfamiliar hotel for the duration of the tournament. “Because of the travel and jet lag, the other ACSC teams were probably much more tired compared to us,” said Dillon. “Theyhadtosleepinhotelsand beds that they’ve never slept in before”
Dillon added, “Because YISS Soccer has not been performing wellinthepastlikefewyears,it was a good opportunity to bounce back in front of the home crowd” But the large audience that motivated VBS during ACSC is not only applicable to the boys soccer team.
Aubrey Luck ‘27, a player on the varsity girls basketball (VGB) team, also shared her preference for playing at home court over traveling for away games. At home games, with the addition of the home crowd and cheerleaders, she said, “We’re super hype, and everyone’ssuperexcited.”
Compared to games at YISS, the girls basketball team performed worse at the Korea Classic hosted by SFS and the away game hosted by KIS When VGB traveled to KIS for a match on November 20, 2024, theylosttotheiropponentsbya two-point margin; on the other hand, when the team stayed at YISS,VGBwonagainstthesame KISteamwithascoreof39-20 Home-court advantage, however, may not appear among all athletes. Lauren Park ‘28,amemberofthevarsity
IanKong‘27,aplayeronthevarsityboyssoccerteam,celebratingafterhisfirstgoalatACSC PhotobyJoseGamalielTayag‘28
Recently, I came across a video on TikTok of an Israeli woman who had just lost her housetoabombintheongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The woman had neither caused the war nor revealed her political affiliations in her video; yet, the comments section was filled with people saying that her loss came nowhere near the starvation and pain felt by people in Palestine Some even went so far as to say that she was "getting a taste of her own medicine.”
Many people on the mental health side of TikTok will tell others that their suffering is justifiedbecausenomatterhow "small" the battle may be, everyone ' s feelings are felt in a very real way But in the case of theIsraeliwoman,anonymous
online users attempted to use her ethnicity, a part of her identity that cannot be changed, to justify and invalidate her personal suffering How can we understandthisdisconnect?
To begin, we must examine the reason why people choose to leave comments online that they typically would not say directly to another person. This phenomenon has been dubbed the Online Disinhibition Effect: people will say things online under pseudonyms, because theconsequencesoftheirwords feelmuchfurtherremovedthan if they were to say those things in person. “On TikTok, people just get away with saying anything. They don’t have anything holding them accountable,”saidKaelyn
Kwon ‘28. “But people who are journalists are educated and know not to be so radical, because they have more context.”
The“echochambereffect”is another factor that contributes to this trend of making controversial or insensitive comments online. Members of niche online communities or groupswithuniformpoliticalor social ideas tend to back each other up in their worldviews whileoftenneglectingopposing perspectives or evidence. “On the news, there’s a bit more like nuance,” said Kaelyn. “And if people don’t wanna get canceled and they’re posting on journalistic websites, they have to censor their words.” But on digital platforms including socialmedia,peoplehave
team, said, “For d facility-wise, YISS t pool I think But perform better at s” hletes favor playing tothefamiliarityof or field. But for benefit serves only ntage. “If you have vironmental shift, e more prepared said Lauren. u’re so comfortable n the pool at YISS, wer on race days n’tasintenseaslike
YISS VBS played y well in 2025 due strong defensive asSkyJoo‘26,who estDefenderaward CSC tournament e skill and years of ther than mere y a greater role for Home-court mayfactorintoone’s , but well-honed ually, if not more, As Lauren said, Youre still swimming in the water no matter where you are”
enough support and not enough opposition to say or do things that would not normally beacceptableinpublicsettings. On TikTok, this effect is amplified due to the “For You Page,” a feature that presents personalized media to individuals online. This social media algorithm often causes people to solely consume news, entertainment and opinions that support their own perspective
So why do people get so heated when the topic of politics is brought up in the commentssection?Thismaybe due to the feeling of moral outrage felt by the average TikTokuser.
Angerisamuchmorepresent emotiononlinethanitisoffline. When people build up a strong worldview, backed by digital echo chambers, they might experience amplified anger in a number of ways: anger caused by feelings of personal injustice, indignanceagainstinjusticetoa loved one, or simply the perception that an action is in anywayimmoral
The last can be labeled as moral outrage because it stems neither from personal suffering norempathyforsomeoneclose, but rather a recognition of systematic injustice against a certain group of people And when these situations arise digitally rather than offline, it it much easier for social media users to take the moral high ground and shame someone with “immoral” ideas with few socialconsequences
Undoubtedly, an awareness ofsufferingisanimportantfirst
step in advancing movements towardssocialjustice.However, an extreme sense of outrage online can cause users to start comparing different experiences of victimhood even pitting them against one another. On social media platforms, where one form of suffering is used to invalidate others, empathy, and the acknowledgement that pain and suffering occurs in many different contexts, is needed morethanever.
byBriaLee‘29
Inthespringof2025,Student Council candidates Kaiden Holst ‘26, Joshua Ko ‘26, Jamie Park ‘27 and Seunghun Lee ‘27 were elected as President, VicePresident, Secretary and TreasurerofStudentCouncilfor the 2025-26 school year. Then, on August 18, 2025, Sky Joo ‘26, Yukun Chou ‘26, Emily Jin ‘27, Jayden Kim ‘27, Claire Lim ‘28, Ryan Cha ‘28, Lily Choi ‘29 and Ryan Lee ‘29 were chosen as graderepresentatives
StudentCouncil(STUCO)is a student organization that seeks to create a positive high school experience for students and facilitate effective communication between the high school administration and the student body “STUCO’s purpose is a vision for what the school year should be like and tryingtoimplementthat
vision,” Grade Representative RyanChasaid.
In order to accomplish these tasks, STUCO incorporates a diversity of roles: a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and two representativespergrade.These students meet every Tuesday during Opportunity Block in order to plan out community events to make high school more enjoyable for all grade levels
Some events that STUCO plans throughout the year include Field Day, Pep Rally, Funfest and Winter Banquet In addition to these schoolwide vents, STUCO also organizes minor events like Pepero Day and Spirit dress down days throughout the first semester. In semester two, students can lookforwardtograderetreats,
candy grams and spirit weeks Grade representatives, who are in charge of planning the grade retreats, take in the opinions of students and then choose the location for the trip. The grade representatives organize the pricing, work out all of the logistics and work with the administrationtoplanoutafun andinclusivegraderetreat
This year, one of STUCO’s majorgoalsistoimproveschool spirit “Although our school has a lot of great other aspects, school spirit is an area that we are lacking in,” Kaiden said. “So we are planning lots of really funeventsthatwillincreaseour spirit both within our grades and for the overall school, and have a more well balanced studentlife.”
One of STUCO’s current key projectsisahouseteamsystem, similar to the one used in elementaryschool.“It’sgoingto be a year-long competition between each grade,” said Kaiden. “Each grade has their own house, and there are going to be various events frequently where you can get points for yourgrade.Therewillbeaprize at the end of the semester or end of the year.” Through various events, such as an esports tournament, STUCO hopes to build school spirit within grades through friendly competitionandteamworkand by encouraging them to collaborate with peers in order to be the house with the most points
Another project that STUCO is currently working on is setting up a talent show: Ryan Cha clarified that since middle schoolhasatalentshow,
STUCO decided to give high school one as well. While STUCO did not disclose further details, they promise fun, collaboration and unique activities to students from all gradesinhighschool
During STUCO speeches, a majority of candidates all present information about how they will listen to your opinion, or how your ideas could impact the school if you vote for that candidate Vice-President Joshua said, “STUCO’s biggest purpose is to bridge the gap between admins, teachers and students” To successfully take the thoughts and ideas of the student body and share them with the high school administration, Grade Representative Ryan Lee promises to “send out a survey once in a while to ask people what they want to fix about the school.”
Regardingtheapprovalprocess of students’ ideas, Lily said, “STUCO can make a request and really fight for it, but if the administrator says “‘no’, we can’t really do anything What I do know is that STUCO tries to appeal to the administrators [with a] request as best as they can If a request does come in, we do our best to review and propose it” STUCO is there to listen to your voices and opinions, and every member of STUCO is willing to fight for youropiniontomakeyourhigh school years more enjoyable andmemorable
“Weareyourfriendandyou can always DM us, talk to us anywhere,whetherduringclass or outside of the classroom,” Joshuasaid “Anytime”
byElaineJeong‘29
With tests, deadlines, sports and the constant pressure to achieve, finding the time to slow down can feel impossible Days start to blur, and early mornings and late nights are lost in the relentless rhythm of highschoollife
Yet, in the midst of all the noise, YISS students find moments of peace and connection Through programs like Bible classes, chapel, EncounterandSEW,YISSoffers students spaces to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ That choice, rather than obligation, may be what makes theseprogramssopowerful
For NICS students, Bible class takesplaceeveryotherday,
offering the opportunity for students to regularly engage with scripture Allison Hargrave, a new Bible and science teacher at YISS, finds thatherfavoritepartofteaching is witnessing her students’ spiritual growth. “I like to see how perspectives shift,” she explained. “Sometimes when you read things over and over, you can see that there can be a totally different perspective based on your experience It’s beautiful to watch students realize that” Her words reveal that Bible classes aren’t just about memorizing verses or completing assignments, but about genuine spiritual selfdiscovery.
Even beyond the Bible classroom, high school NICS students are encouraged to grow in faith as a community through chapel, held every Wednesday in the auditorium. The HS praise band fills the room with worship, and Levi Miller,thehighschoolchaplain, sharesamessagethatresonates with the student body. Along with worship and praise, there are often lighthearted games andsmallgroupdiscussions
that allow for deeper comprehensionandapplication of the message “We all need reminders of what is true becauseitiseasytoforgetthose things,” Pastor Levi said. These remindersamidthepressuresof school can make all the difference in a student’s week, andchapelcanbeapauseinthe rhythmofschoollifethatserves to bring the high school communitytogether. The spirit of voluntary faith continues to thrive through Encounter When school ends on Thursday afternoons, a group of students heads to the MPR2 at 5:30 for Encounter, an after-school gathering open to all students who seek to worship, connect and have some fun. The recent “Encounter Olympics” held in September, where students competed in friendly games consistingofrelayracesandtug of war, fostered genuine connection among students.
Lily Choi ‘29 said, “I think small groups help with connection, especially with upperclassmen, as you connect on a different level because it is tied to your identityandreligion”Moments
like these reflect what makes Encounter special for many students: it’s a community built by choice and dedication, nurturedthroughfaith
That message of personal decision and transformation culminates each year during SEW For one week, guest pastors and the FRVR FREE band lead students in daily worship and reflection For students like James Chung ‘29, SEW was truly life-changing “Christ Jesus first motivated me inthestart,”hesaid “Ijustread the Bible every day to grow close to God It’s like a tool that Godgaveustobecomecloserto Him”James also mentions and credits SEW for helping him transform into a devoted Christian. “It built the foundation of my knowledge of God,andSEWwaswhenItruly becameaChristian” YISS’s NICS programs are opportunities for students to encounter God in different ways, at different moments in their journey By giving students freedom to approach faith on their own terms, YISS creates a space where they can cultivateabeliefthatisgenuine
byCatherinePark‘27
Within the pantry or perhaps the fridge emerges a generational conflict. Rivaling the feud between the MontaguesandCapulets,orthe Greeks and Trojans, a starchy tension grows, culminating in an inexorable conflict waged by their respective followers, each group fervent and staunch in their beliefs: the potato versus thesweetpotato.
Today, the potato is used in hundredsofdishesandisoneof themostconsumedcropsinthe world. It traveled from deep within the Andes, through treacherous, roiling storms, and arrived in Europe during the 16th century. As the years passed and waves of industrialization rocked the knownworld,thepotatoslowly crept into foods all over the globe, eventually becoming an indispensablepantrystaple.
The sweet potato had a similar journey, stuffed into crates as it traveled from South America to Europe before being introduced to the curious eyes of those who had never seen such a vegetable. Its popularity rocketed in recent decades, as fans lauded its flavor and nutritionalvalue
Naturally, potatoes were, are andwillalwaysbesuperior
It’s a bold declaration, undoubtedly, but one I stand firmlybehind.Ofcourse,Icould hardly expect anyone to simply believe my claim without concrete evidence to back it up, so I sought out scientific proof through the tried and true methodofdatacollection.
Out of the 25 students interrogated pardon, interviewed about their preferences, the majority chose the potato, though by an admittedly slim margin at 52% 48%,ontheotherhand,favored thesweetpotato
That’sonepointforpotatoes. Potatoes: one; sweet potatoes: zero.
However, upon closer examination, I discovered that, outofthetwelvepeoplewho
professed to prefer the sweet potato, four of them an entire third listed a potato dish as theirtopfavorite Itis,ofcourse, entirely possible to covertly support the enemy while still pledging allegiance to one’s original flag. But to me, this proves that even those who (incorrectly) prefer the sweet potato acknowledge that the potatois,insomeways,better.
Not a single person who voted potato had chosen a sweet potato dish as their top food, showing just how ultimately negligible sweet potato dishes are to the everyman’s palate that’s pointtwoforthepotatoes.
Interestingly, when asked about the cultural significance of the two foods, most agreed that the sweet potato held greater cultural might in East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. One student fondly noted, “I grew up on it, and there are always trucks driving around selling sweet potatoes duringthewintertohelppeople warm up” Others associated thesweetpotatowithnostalgia
and family, having grown up eating sweet potato treats like goguma-mattang.
Alyssa Lee ‘27, passionate in herdefenseofthesweetpotato, explained how it was also a symbol of survival and perseverance, especially during times of struggle “Sweet potatoes also serve as a marker of celebration,” she added, “often appearing in holiday feasts and rituals that reinforce identity and belonging. In this way, sweet potatoes embody not only nourishment but also history, memory and cultural pride.”
Certainly a zealous yet factual argument, it is undoubtable that the sweet potatoeswinthisround.Apoint to the scoreboard this time to thesweetpotato andanother, perhaps, for this individual student’s overwhelming dedicationtothesweetpotato.
Ontheotherhand,thepotato is the clear winner of the next round determining historical importance.Responsesfeatured references to the Irish Potato Famine,adevastatingblight
that drove Irish immigration in the19thcentury;theColumbian Exchange, a transatlantic transfer of ideas and crops, including the potato; its global spreadandeconomicimpact
Point to the potatoes: now it’sthreetotwo
Perhapsthemostimportant aspect of the survey was the reason that participants gave to defendtheirpreference.
Proponents of the potato applauded their chosen championforitsversatility,able to be adapted into various forms whether fried, mashed, roasted, steamed or baked. “Potatoes can become anything,” a respondent enthused “They have so much potential.” To me, this is a key rationale After all, you only needafewsecondstothinkofa dozen potato dishes Sweet potato dishes, in contrast, are muchmorelimitedinvariety
Potatoes are also savory, its lovers noted Though sweet potato lovers defended its natural sweetness as one of its best qualities – claiming it to be “better than candy,” as well as “creamy and sweet rather than tough and dry” – potato supporters scorned this characteristic, claiming that savory stands above sweet “Mashed potato, my beloved,” was one response, respectably succinct.
Both sides conceded that familiarity with their chosen rootvegetablewasalsoareason for their preference, showing how childhood experiences influenced their perceptions. “Potatoes have been around since I was an infant,” a propotato responder said. They are “the better original,” an indisputableclassic.
Sweet potato supporters held similar sentiments. “It reminds me that food can be both comforting and meaningful,”oneadvocatesaid Many connected sweet potatoes to childhood memories and tradition; anotherparticipantreminisced
about how her grandmother had paired sweet potatoes with kimchi.
Another perhaps more objective reason was its more nutritious content, citing fiber, and vitamin A. But allow me to dispute the notion that the sweetpotatoishealthier.
“...whetherfried, mashed,roasted, steamedorbaked.”
Indeed,thesweetpotatohas a greater amount of vitamin A, CandcertaintypesofvitaminB, as well as antioxidants and fiber, which makes it wellsuited for preventing diabetes This is not to say, however, that potatoes lack nutrients Potatoes have more folate and potassium, as well as iron, and they have a good amount of vitamin A as well, which helps preserveeyehealth.Bothhavea near identical amount of calories,proteinsandfats.
Rather than claiming that the sweet potato is healthier, it would be more accurate to assert that it has a greater quantity of specific vitamins Ultimately, the two root vegetables have different nutritional strengths, and whether the sweet potato is healthier for an individual depends on their specific dietary needs With this in mind,neithersidewinsapoint.
Take one more look at the cold, hard facts: a majority voted for the potato, with potato French fries chosen as the top dish by 44% of all respondents, including those who had voted for the sweet potato. Those who advocate for the sweet potato thanks to its health benefits dismiss that the potato also contains a plethora of minerals and vitamins, making the title of “healthier” a moot point A much more adaptable ingredient and with roots dug deep into the world’s history, the potato clearly has several advantages over the sweetpotato.
Oh, those sweet potato aficionados certainly tried. But at the end of the day, the scoreboardisclear:threetotwo, tothepotatoes Potatoeswin.
byJayneKim‘27
InShakespeare’splayJulius Caesar, a character declares that one’s fault is not in the stars but in oneself My parents like to repeat the same sentiment when pointing out the most egregious sin I have committed against my personhood in my 16 years of life:notbeingKoreanenough Of looking more Korean than I actually am Of being a double agent, siding with multiple cultures and being an imposter in my own country
This predicament was not preordained Not “written in my stars.” Despite having grown up in a different country, I still confronted the accusation that it was because of my shortcomings that I could not, and did not, assimilate when I arrived in Koreaasamiddleschooler.In the end, it was my fault, and no one else’s, that I didn’t bother to learn my own nativelanguage. It is easy to be facetious about this topic. But truthfully, cultural ambiguity is a source of loss of selfidentityformany Whatone’s cultural identity was supposed to be ends up so different from reality. I was supposed toattendaKoreanlocal
school, go by my Korean name KimJaeinanddreaminKorean Instead, I fell to the cruel fate of the expat and ended up disconnected from my native culture, presumably for the rest ofmylife.
IlivedinHongKongfromthe ages of roughly three to thirteen,andsinceIwasneither ethnically Chinese nor could I speakCantoneseorMandarin,I receivedaninternationalschool education.Duringthistime,my strongest language, inevitably, becameEnglish.WhenImoved back to Korea at twelve, my Korean skills barely reached a conversational level, and my parents determined I would disintegrate under the pressure of a Korean schooling. So they continued to send me to an internationalschool.
At no point in my life had I ever been formally educated in Korean. Currently, I can speak and write it at approximately a sixth grade level. Even after I moved back, I clung to my identity I had developed in Hong Kong, including the belief that, since I’d never completely belonganyway,itwaspointless of me to try. In Hong Kong, I told myself I would not belong because I was not ethnically Cantonese In Korea, I would notbelongbecauseofmylackof fluencyintheKoreanlanguage
Itwasn’tonlythelanguage.I felt disconnected from Korean society as a whole: I had no Korean friends that weren’t international kids; I’d never been interested in Korean pop culture; and frankly, I felt Korean values had regressed backwards, as if to compensate for its incredible technological progression Don’t be a feminist, my mother told me once. Why would you want to be a feminist? Often feminists espouse the things they do because they’re ugly, and they’llneverbeabletogetmarried. Even now, as I read this essay, I chuckle.Hereismoreproofthat I am not a true Korean How Western, don’t you think? Thinking myself superior to the East?
Regardlessofallthis,Iwould say that my chief transgression concerningmyculturalidentity, the one to triumph over all else, was my choice to renounce my mother culture I recall a quote from Yiyun Li writing for The New Yorker: “If I allow myself to be honest, my private salvation, whichcannotandshouldnotbe anybody’s concern, is that I disowned my native language” In all honesty, I rejected Korea as a true home before it truly rejected me. If I was not fluent in Korean, I could have learnt it If I had no Korean friends, I couldhavemadesome IfI
disagreed with some Korean values, I could have ushered change. But I chose not to, and in that, I chose my fate as a culturaloutcast.
Please do not mistake my cynicism for hatred. No matter how much I try to run from the fact, I know Korea is where my ancestors are from, where my parents are from, and ultimately, where I am from Once in a while, my father’s gentle reminder floats through mybrainlikeagustofwind:you willneverbeabletoescapethat you are Korean. My parents laud Korea’s many benefits whenItellthemIdonotbelong in Korea, that I do not want to belong. Korea has one of the richest food scenes and the best hygiene in the world, they say, nevermind the absence of the racism you will certainly face when you go to America for college But what good is any of this if I do not love Korea, if I cannotcallitmyhome?
Do you understand the disconnect?Doyouunderstand
the guilt I feel? My existence is an act of betrayal to my Korean heritage. My ancestors fought to preserve our Korean identity during the Japanese colonization, and here I am, throwing it all away. I look Korean, my parents are Korean, and thus I should be Korean. I am sitting in the defendant’s chair and sweating under the courtroom lights, and the prosecutor’s charge is brought againstme:Sowhyaren’tyou?
“...itisimpossible formenottofeela little‘culturally colonized’...”
Thisdisconnectismoresevere inmypeerswhocannotspeaka lickofKorean Ihavetoconsider myselflucky,Isuppose,thatIat least have some ties to my Korean heritage. At least I can speakKoreanwithoutan
byAlyssaLee‘27
You look around the cafeteria Amidstthehustle,you hear the words “I’m cooked” or “I’mcrashingout”Studentsare huddled together after a test, frantically discussing the answer to multiple choice question five The only important marks on calendars are the number of summative assessments left in the semester. None of this is surprising, and that might be the most unexpected part of it all
Our current grading system makes these kinds of reactions inevitable.Thestrictcutoffofan A at 96 changes the idea of “learning” and “mastery of content” into a constant balancing act where one quiz can wreck months of effort Insteadofaskingwhetherthey
accent,unlikesomeofmypeers At least I can speak it at all. I’m moreKoreanthanthem. Aren’tI?
Itwouldbeeasiertodispelmy internalbattleswithmyethnic culture if I had some other culture to which I truly felt I belonged.Ifonewenttowardsa more definitive thing than that from which they turned away, one would have more confidence in the act of leaving. Inthisrespect,Idifferfromalot of my peers. Most would identify as American I most definitely do not. I do not have an American passport, and I have never lived in the United States
Nevertheless, I would mentionthatitisimpossiblefor me not to feel a little “culturally colonized,” as my Vietnamese friend once put it, while attending this school. Since the dominant culture is American, I canalmosthallucinatethatIam too I feel more culturally connected to America than I everdidtoKorea:Icantellyou
who assassinated which American president but cannot namethe13Koreanprovinces Buthallucinationsarejustthat: unreality Calling myself an American provides even less stability for me, not more, and thus I cannot find solace in it like many of my peers do And sothecourtcasecarrieson.
American or not, speaking with my ethnically Korean international school peers, I suspect this disconnect between what our cultural identity is supposed to be and what it actually is is pronounced in many, if not all, of us. The million-dollar question: You’re Korean? Yeah, butareyouKoreanKorean? Perhaps in the act of attending an international school, one’s cultural identity is sealed in the stars, after all. One will forever be between countries. The curse of the international student: one belongs to multiple different cultures, and by doing so, belongstonone
understood the material, I see friends and classmates calculating how many points they can lose before their GPA drops.
This is not a personal flaw; rather, it is the logical response to the incentives we have been given.
A 2023 report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education says traditional grading pushes students toward performance over exploration Iseethisinmyown communityeverytimestudents choose assignments that guarantee a higher score or when we memorize formulas for the sake of the test. And when the system constantly causes us to be anxious or competitive,itmakessensewhy allofusareburnedout.
The impact goes far beyond just academics. When points start to become a form of currency, I see my peers choose totakethesafestroutepossible Instead of asking, “What is the most interesting way to approach this?” students ask, “Which approach will get me the most points with the least amount of risk?” Challenging topics, creative approaches and bold ideas suddenly feel expensive A single misstep can cost a letter grade, so curiosity becomes a gamble few are willingtotake.
Meanwhile, the emotional toll is evident. A single number determines whether a student ends the day feeling confident or defeated I saw this firsthand in my freshman year: a friend came to school sick because she didn’t want to miss the honors biology test. She pushed through it and genuinely tried her best, but her score didn’t reflect her effort she put in The letter grade didn’t acknowledge her persistence; it simply told her she wasn’t good enough. And that one score set the tone forherentireday.
No rubric can ever measure effort,growthorgenuine
interest, yet those are often the first things to disappear when grades overshadow learning And while teachers work hard to support students on their individual learning journeys, the system itself leaves little room for trial, error and improvement, three essential conditions to mastering anything in life, whether it’s math,musicorasport So, the question, then, is not whether grades should exist, but whether they should dominate If school is truly meant to prepare students to think critically and thrive in college and beyond, then our grading practices should support these goals, not undermine them A grading system that values growth over perfection would allow students to take intellectual risks, pursue their genuine interest and remember what they learned long after a unit ends
Untilthen,studentswillkeep saying “I’m cooked,” not because the content they learn is impossible, but because the system makes learning feel like a performance instead of a process.
byHannaAn‘28
One importa of college adm courses you take Likemoststuden to figure out whi wantedtotaketo of the year, cons courseswouldbe funforme.
Buttherewas
The YISS han statesthatastud to two APs in th yearanduptoth junior and s effectively limitin of APs that can year. Due to couldn’tfitsevera myscheduleand some APs that wantedtotake.
I began to w could be the reas policy?”
As a first exploration,Isou 26 HS hand explained why t APs was limited students who Advanced Plac courses should e one to two hours between class every Advanced Placement course taken.”” While the course workload was listed as the justification for limiting number of APs for the stude to take, this struck me as incompleteexplanation
also added on by saying that since taking eight AP courses throughout the high school eer already makes students onger candidates, there is no edforworry.
With this in mind, I ask Greisy Tellez, one of three h school counselors, so questions.
When I asked what possible reason behind t policywas,Mrs Tellez’sansw was this: “We want to prom students to have a balan between academics a personal, social, and men well-being [...] It’s more protect and ensure long-te success, even though it may seen as limited” She a acknowledgedthatmost
Based on my interview with s. Tellez, it became clear to that YISS does not limit APs a way that stops students mbeingstrongcandidatesin lege admissions And despite y initial disappointment, I me to the conclusion that S is limiting students’ AP urses so that we could have a stainable, healthy balance ween our personal lives and ademics.
As high school students, we n’t taking AP courses just for lege admissions, but rather tolearnandgrow.
byIsaacShim‘27
Justoneyearago,thenumber 67, or the two numbers “six” and “seven” said in succession, would not have meant anything Now, the slightest mention of these numbers in a classroom would be enough to sendthewholeclassintochaos, with people laughing and saying “six-seven!” while makinghandgestures
The “six-seven” (6-7) meme has become one of the most prevalent memes at YISS, recognized by teachers and students alike What distinguishes6-7fromtheother memes is the fact that it seems so simple and meaningless, yet it has stayed so popular for so long.
“It’sjustfunny.I don’tknowwhy.”
popularity on social media, used in edits and quoted by athletes during interviews It was at this time that a clip of a boy screaming 6-7 and making the hand gestures during a basketballgamewentviral The boy, Maverick Traevillan, becameknownasthe“6-7kid”, and from that point on, that video was how many first encountered the meme. From then on, the meme evolved into something bigger than just a couple of viral videos on social media it transformed into a massive social media trend that everyone, from elementary schoolers to college students, knewandenjoyed
Woosung thinks that the simplicity of the meme, being just one number, and its meaninglessness make it so funny, especially in classroom environments. “I don't know what it is, but it just has that charm,”hesaid.
Mr Milliken believes that there is some kind of psychologicalreasonbehindthe meme 6-7’s popularity. He said thatkidsgetsomesortof“buzz” whentheyhearthenumber6-7. “They're getting some kind of a dopamine fix every time they hear it [6-7], and they get excited,” he said “So that reinforces the continuity of it [thememe]”
It is first important to understand that the meme 6-7 has had a profound impact on classrooms. Although it has died down a bit, at the beginning of this school year, a single mention of the number would be enough to get the wholeclasslaughingoutloud.
Jacob Chae ‘27 gives an example of an incident related to the meme 6-7 during precalculus. Jennifer Miller, the precalculus teacher, was going over a recent quiz when one of the answers included the numbers six and seven. “I think the answer was six over seven or something like that,” Jacob said “Everyone started quietly laughing and looking at each other when that answer came on the screen.” Ms. Miller eventuallynoticedandmadean effort to give everyone some time to get their laughs out. Afteraboutaminute,
p y social media star Taylen Kinney (widelyknownasTK)startedto popularize the saying of the phrase itself. In an interview with a sports social media company, Overtime, TK answered a question by saying “six-seven”, while making a gesture of weighing between two options with his hands Saying “six seven” and copying TK’s hand gestures during the interview became popular on social media, and the song “Doot Doot” became used in edits of various athletes, especially for basketball player LameloBall,who,fittingly,issix feetandseveninchestall.
By March 2025, the 6-7 memewasstartingtogain
Few people know about how 6-7 originated, though Many peoplesimplylaughandsaythe meme without knowing where it came from. Some students, such as Woosung Lee ‘27, have some background knowledge about where the meme originated. When asked about how the 6-7 meme originated, Woosung said that “it just originated because some basketball guy put his hands in a funny way and did like a 6-7 motion,” which became popularonsocialmedia.
Others simply do not know Whenaskedthesamequestion, BoazLee‘26simplysaidthathe had “no idea at all.” It seems then that, unlike other memes, the appeal of “6-7” is not necessarily its meaning So then, why do people think the memeispopular?
There are various opinions rom people about why they thinkthememeissopopular.
Taemu Yu ‘28 said, “It’s just funny Idon’tknowwhy”
The meme 6-7 has undoubtedlymadeabigimpact onGenZculturetoday.Infact,it isthe2025WordoftheYearfor Dictionary.com, showing that its popularity is recognized worldwide. It is clearly no differentforYISS.
The popularity of 6-7 ultimately comes from its power to unite It is such a common number, or sequence of numbers, and and no background knowledge is required to laugh at this meme, because it simply does not mean anything Although it seems childish and stupid, the meme6-7issomethingthatcan tie YISS High School students together “It kind of provides a group identity,” says Mr. Milliken “It's a little bit like an inside joke, but an inside joke that doesn't really have any meaning.”
WhenHighSchoolPrincipal Jae Hwang announced the schedule for the 25-26 school year, one change stood out to both students and teachers: the shortenedOpportunityBlock.
Opportunity Block, colloquiallyknownasOpps,has longbeenatimewhenstudents can finish homework, attend club meetings, prepare for tests or meet with teachers. However, the period, which used to run from 9:15 a.m. to 10:20 am, now lasts from 9:20 a.m.to10:05a.m.Atfirstglance, this might seem like only a small change, but even a few minutes less can make a noticeable difference in how studentsandstaff managetheir time
According to Dr. Hwang, the adjustment was born out of a logistical desire to align middle school and high school schedules. Given that resources such as the gym, auditorium and even teachers are shared between the two divisions, syncing class times and Opps (which now overlaps perfectly withmiddleschoolhomeroom) allows for maximized usage of schoolfacilities.
However, with the reduced OpportunityBlock,somesayit’s become harder to balance everything that comes with studentlife.“Iusedtousethis
byMinKang‘28
byJiaWong‘28
period to catch up on assignments or meet with teachers, but now I feel really rushed,” Irene Lee ‘28 said. “I don’t even have time to grab somethingatthedeli.”
Theshortenedblockhasn’tjust affected students individually it’s also forced many clubs to rethink their schedules. With limited time, students often have to choose between overlapping commitments, making it difficult for clubs to get started or to grow With only enough time to commit to one club per day, some groups have had to cut meetings short or alternate weeks with other student organizations. Club leaders say participation has been hard to maintain under thesenewconstraints.
“It feels like we barely have time to get anything done before the block ends,” said Kaelyn Kwon ‘28, president of the Guardian Readers Club “Peoplehavetochoosebetween clubs, and it’s definitely affectingourturnout.”
According to Dr Hwang, the reducednumberofCommunity Times throughout the year, whichwentfromeveryMonday to just the first Monday of each month, was meant to compensate for the time lost. “I think in aggregate minutes I didn’tdothemath butIthink
Often, the amount of homework we face feels overwhelming,especiallyaftera long day packed with classes, activities, and everything else life throws at us Especially for students in Korea, where a culture of educational achievementandmentalhealth struggles due to “academic and college entrance stress” are pervasive,schoolworkcanseem all the more burdensome That being the case, although rebuilding a healthier lifestyle cansoundoverwhelming,itis
it’s comparable to what was shifted,” Dr Hwang said “It’s not perfect, obviously, the way thatitis.”
Teachers have also felt the effects of Opportunity Block being shortened, and most are not happy about it. Many say the change has cost students valuable time to retake assessments and build connections with teachers. Several teachers expressed frustration, noting that the reduced block makes it harder to give students the attention theyneedoutsideofclass
“It’snotperfect, obviously,the waythatitis.”
“I appreciate having the extra time for class, but it’s sometimes frustrating to schedule retakes or missed summatives, especially during busyseasonswhenstudentsare in and out, like athletes,” said Amber Domasicwicz, the AP Statistics and Geometry teacher. “Now, students often have to come in for two Opportunity Blocks, and that canbehardtoorganizeifthey
important that we look after ourselves amidst the mental and physical chaos of life. Here are some small but impactful habits that you can implement startingtoday:
DrinkEnoughH20
Wateristrulyamagicpotionfor health Our bodies need water to digest and absorb nutrients, to move, get rid of waste productsandkeepourbodiesat the right temperature. In short, water is what humans need to surviveandfunction!Drinking
need to do it for multiple classes.”
This is not a new problem, however.Evenwith20minutes moreofOppstime,itwouldnot make up for the 80 minutes of class time the student would have had to take the test. Dr. Hwang reasoned that these logistics,suchastakingonehalf of the test during Opps and the other during lunch, were already being worked out between students and teachers. “I don’t think makeups are not happening,” he said “There are ways to get it done. Just not as convenient”
Acrosscampus,manystudents and teachers say they’re disappointed with the shortened Opportunity Block Ironically, it seems that the “Opportunity Block” no longer provides the very opportunities it promises The shorter time has made it harder for students and teachers to have flexibility and freedom. Many hope that next year, the schedule will change so everyone in the school community can make themostofthattimeagain
Unfortunately, that hope is unlikelytoturnintoareality To the administration, at least for now, this change is permanent “I think there are obviously hiccups,” Dr Hwang said Hurdles in scheduling assessments or conflicts between clubs are among complaints Dr Coleman and Dr.Hwangaretalkingaboutfor next year Potential solutions include moving more clubs to Mondays, or requiring tests to beeasilysegmented.
“The intended outcome of it it is coming out the way that weplanned,”saidDr.Hwang.
enough water every day can significantly improve and protect your overall health, prepare your mind for the day, and even clear your skin by improvingtheflowofnecessary vitamins and nutrients and eliminating the elements that might promote acne. Generally, four to six cups of water are recommendeddaily.
UseaPlanner
As a student, a week's worth of assignments, assessments, extracurricularactivitiesand
p y p p and feel more confident by allowing you to prioritize tasks, improve time management skills and relieving your anxiety or uncertainty about your workload and upcoming events. People usually feel most anxiousandstressedwhenthey cannot predict future situations or feel a loss of control. Keeping a planner, whether it be online or physical, can help visualize tasks and events and eliminate thatstress.
Stretching lightly when you feel stiff or tired can help the body feel much more relaxed and refreshed.AccordingtoHarvard Health Publishing, “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and healthy, and we need that flexibilitytomaintainarangeof motion in the joints.” As students who spend a lot of time sitting, it is important to stretch your muscles from time totimebeforetheystiffen.
Sleep is an important source of energy to sustain you throughout the day Especially as teenagers with growing bodies, the amount of sleep we get can quite literally determine our physical growth and how prepared we are for the day. However, with our busy schedules,itisn’talwayseasyto get the recommended amount of sleep every day Therefore, takenapswhennecessary!
shake off your fatigue can be extremelybeneficial
FoodsforMoods
It is a well-known fact that eatinghealthierfoodswillmake your body healthier as well, by delivering essential nutrients and vitamins However, not everyone knows that some foods can actually affect how you feel. According to an article from Healthline, “certain foods contain compounds that may impact the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, possibly brightening your mood.” Some foods that canboostyourmoodeffectively by the release of certain neurotransmitters might include: fatty fish, dark chocolate, fruits, fermented foods, oats, nuts, seeds, coffee and more. Snacking on a moderate amount of these foods will help you feel energized throughout the day to optimize both performance and mood Next time you’re sad, maybe try a couple of dark chocolate-coveredfruits!
VenttoYourDiary(OrNotesApp)
Keeping a diary or a journal to keep track of personal thoughts and feelings can impact our health positively, both mentally and physically. Expressing your emotions, thoughts and perspectives increases selfawarenessanddecreasesstress. According to the World EconomicForum,benefitsalso
include long-term improvements in mood and depressivesymptoms
Stay Away From Vaping and Smoking
Vaping is one of the worst enemies to your health. According to the World Health Organization,tobaccokillsupto half of the people who don't quit. Vaping personally can bring forth the risk of various lethal diseases, addiction, anxiety and depression, sleep issuesandmore Thesamegoes for smoking, and even being near the smoke could significantly affect your health. So if someone in the streets is vaping, a common occurrence in Korea, try your best not to inhale. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “There is no safe levelofexposuretosecondhand smoke. Even brief exposure can cause serious health problems and be deadly.” Tobacco claims the lives of more than 7 million people each year, including around1.6millionnon-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. Therefore, quite literally, stay away from smoking.
Caffeine is not a necessary component of everyday life
However, many students depend on caffeine to stay energized, usually through different foods or beverages such as coffee and energy drinks There are evident dangers of caffeine, as high doses can cause withdrawal symptoms or insomnia. However,therearealsopositive effects of caffeine, such as increasing awareness and alertness According to UNC Health Talk, caffeine can help with bowel movements and, in small doses, even reduce headaches Therefore, if a student wants caffeine, they shouldn’t feel completely restricted. However, it is still crucial to be aware of dosages taken to avoid withdrawals or significanthealthissues
Small habits matter. Even drops of water over time can decompose a huge rock. Carrying only a few of these habits, ones that you find compelling, will make a truly positive effect in your life Remember, you’re capable of anything, but your mental and physicalhealthcomesfirst.
Everyonehastheirfavorite go-to food spot a place to turn to when exhausted, starving or done with life. Teachers are no exception While they may spend their days guiding students through lectures or grading papers,oncethe3:10pm bell rings, they face the universal question: What should I eat?
Tim Baker and Jason McGrath, two teachers with different after-school habits, reveal their favorite spots to eat.
TimBaker,UShistoryteacher
As an introverted person who prefers spending time at home with his family, Mr. Baker does noteatoutoften Still,asvarsity coach, he will occasionally go out with the volleyball or basketball team to celebrate their wins and the hard work that led up to those victories. These dinners often serve as a chance for them to unwind after practices and intense games. One restaurant Mr Baker saysiswell-visitedbyhisteams
is 화포식당 (HwapoSikdang),a popular Korean barbeque restaurant just about eleven minutesawaybybusfromYISS. The cozy tables and scent of the smoky grill make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy food afteralongweek.
Mr Bakerrecommendsnot only the grilled meat, but also one of their signature sides: the 홍합라면탕 (mussel ramen soup), a flavorful dish that is served on the house with every meal. The rich broth provides the perfect balance of warmth and spice, leaving a deep, comforting heat that complements the fresh mussels and chewy noodles With the delicious food and spacious interior,it’seasytoseewhyit’sa teamfavorite.
Aside from team dinners, Mr Bakeralsoexplainedthateating together can be a way for teachers to connect beyond the classrooms and that “a lot of single teachers go out together” as well For Mr Baker, food is lessaboutindulgenceandmore about recharging with his community.
JasonMcGrath,Bibleteacher
Mr McGrath is known among teachers and students for his legendary history with Coupang Eats Last year alone, hespentnearlytenmillionwon on delivery orders, a number that speaks to his love for good food in and of itself Around YISS, some of his favorite spots include Masa Tacos, Vatos and Bonny’sPizza,allrestaurants
closetocampusservingcomfort foodthatneverdisappoints. When asked about his favorite dishes, Mr. McGrath explained that while he used to enjoy heavier meals, he’s recently been focusing on cleaner flavors with a satisfying taste, and recommended the guacamole steak burrito from Vatos Another favorite of his is The Pancake House’s chocolate pancakes Both Vatos and The Pancake House are located near Itaewon, making them convenient spots to visit after a longdayofclasses.
For his coffee breaks, Ediya Coffee is often his pick for delivery He typically orders their mint coffee along with othersnackssuchasthechurros orwaffles.Healsolikes
to order from 와플대학 (Waffle University) from time to time, which is known for its crisp waffles and whipped cream, to make busy mornings a bit easier. And he recommends 벅 벅 버거 (Burg Burg Burger), a chain burger place, as a true hidden gem He customizes his order by adding a hash brown and pineapple slices into his burger, a combination he says makesitperfect
Like his food choices, Mr. McGrath’sapproachtoeatingis simple and thoughtful Mr McGrath’s meals center around convenience and good flavor always. Whether it's a burrito betweenclassesoramintcoffee whilegrading,hisfavoritespots reflect the quiet ways teachers fuelthemselvesafteralongday.
WhatdoesthecolorRedmakeyouthinkof?
AlyssaLee‘27:“Redremindsmeofredvelvetcake” CamilaHur‘29:“SFS.”
JoshuaTae‘26:“Redmarker”
Sia Kim ‘26: “Bold, character, um, you’re like, sending a very clear message”
WhatdoesthecolorBluemakeyouthinkof?
NikitaWiramanaden‘26:“Thesea”
Sia Kim ‘26: “Gloom. Cause it’s blue. Maybe sadness... from Inside Out”
Ms. Kim: “Sky. Cause I think we’re drilled ever since a young age that,‘Oh,skyisblue!’”
Go-tocafeorder?
BRInk’s Official Advice Column
Submit anonymous tips and receive advice from an anonymous YISS staff member! or click this to submit! scan this
ChloeSmith‘27:“JejumatchalattefromStarbucks.”
Elaine An ‘27: “In Starbucks, I like the jamong (grapefruit) black honeytea.”
AaronKim‘26:“Applemaesiltea”
Describetheschoolyearsofarinthreewords.
Chloe Smith ‘27: “Eventful Challenging What’s one word that soundspositive?Tiring.”
KaylaYoon‘29:“Okay Easy Jaemi-opseo(nofun)”
Sofia Young ‘28: “Let me search up some descriptive words. Let’s see Fun Exciting Andonemore?Eye-opening
Whatareyouthankfulfor?
AlyssaLee‘27:“I’mthankfulformysummatives.”
KaidenHolst‘26:“YISS I’mthankfulfortheteachers” AlbertNam‘26:“I’mthankfulformyparents.”
Areyouhappy/content?
HenryChang‘26:“Yeah.”
TaemuYu‘28:“Happy?Sure”
byTheBRInkEditorialBoard
ACROSS
2. 67's rival.
4. “Marty Supreme . Marty Supreme ”
5 Kind of comma not part of the BRInk style guide
9. Round and round our Christmas tree.
10. Orphan, but musically.
12 “Gonna be gonna be ”
13 What varsity boys volleyball and soccer have in common
14 This got brought down DOWN
1. Banned in classrooms, even during winter
3 Rama Duwaji’s sidekick
6 Number of minutes in during Opps.
7. Sweet new J&J salad bar option, served occasionally
8 Years since the last varsity boys volleyball championship.
11. Career inspiration speaker who recently collaborated with RM 12 Runner-up at ACSC soccer
Email26.brooke.lai@yisseoul.orgor26.emmakayun.shin@yisseoul.orgtocheckyouranswers.