February by PantherNation Magazine

INSIDE

Front Cover by Yuan Yo Wang (12) Inside and Back Cover by PantherNation

Letter from the Editors Welcome back from GCW! We hope that your week was full of unforgettable experiences, lots of exotic food and new friendships. Sadly, for us Seniors, this marks the end of our final Global Citizenship Week. You may have already noticed, but the front cover of the magazine no longer shows “The INTL.” Instead, we now have “PN,” which is short for “PantherNation.” As difficult as it was to move on from this entity – which we have all grown quite attached to – we thought it necessary to fully embrace our new identity. It will definitely take a while for us to get used to this change, but we are certain that it is for the better. Don’t forget that there is also a website that we update regularly. I know that we too often lament about how graduation is so close and we are running out of time. But really, it just hit me how little time we have left. The next four weeks preceding Songkran are all shortened, with parent-teacher conferences, holidays and four-day-weekends. With the Songkran break in April, we will be leaving school to study for our IB exams before we even realize. I know that this is a cliché, but really, let’s make the remaining days count. In our February issue, our very own love experts, Nathan and Dan, are back with their Valentine’s Day feature. We are aware that Valentine’s Day was a while ago, but remember that love is eternal. Just kidding. But in all seriousness, their articles are always entertaining to read. Seo Young Lee, Thanya Chat and Katy Lewis

t h e I N T E R N AT ION A L Head Editor Head Layout Editor Head Writing Editor Advisor

Seoyoung Lee Thanya Chat Katy Lewis Conor Duffy

OPINIONS 02 How Free Do We Need to Be?/ Elastic Heart 03 The Value of Our Individuality

ARTS &FEATURES 04 Advice From the Seniors

05 Valentine’s with Dan and Nathan 06 Small VS. Large Universities/ Which ISB Teacher Are You?

NEWS 07-08 The Choice is Yours

SPORTS 10-11 Raising the Wah

12 Job and Maria Charity Run/ Fifa Women’s World Cup 2015

S e ct ion Ed itors Opinions Features Arts/ News Sports

Sarah Lim Sammi Thomas Dan Borenstein Nathan Scott

Rep or t ers Tosia Lekawska Arya Bhai David Hallengren Sofi Sintes Stella Kim

Madeline Grove Carolina Zeitune Nishtha Jaiswal

panthergrowls What were you most excited for GCW? “Interacting with kindergarteners and going home early with no Homework.”

“Making new friends within my travel group and helping the community.”

Mackenzie Smith ‘9

Oscar Zaffar ‘9

“Spending time with my best friend Tosia and the volcano.”

“My trip is Street Boys, and I’m excited to get to know the kids.” Albert Migphakahnee ‘10

Miseo (Mio) Baek ‘10

“Being with friends and experiencing the wild!

“Spending a week on a boat in a bueatiful place!

Olivia McCue ‘11

Ralph Huang ‘11

“Getting a break from school life and sleeping.”

“Making new friends, new experiences, and new memories.”

Max Pitaksit ‘12

Jemima Lindsay ‘12 FEBRUA RY

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O P I N I O N S

How Free Do We Need to Be?

The pros and cons of free periods at ISB

t’s no secret that many students at ISB are incredibly busy. While walking down the halls, it is a common sight to see students rushing from classes to after school activities and sports. ISB isn’t even empty of students on the weekends - you can always find a determined few pacing around, either attending a conference or catching up on lab work. It seems that ISB students have extremely full weeks and even weekends. The question is, when can these students get a break? Free periods are a time for students to catch up on homework, study or just relax in between their classes. With the many credits that they are required to complete, it can be hard for students in their upper-

classmen years to find space for a free period. Students who are doing the full International Baccalaureate diploma, who already have six demanding classes, also must take the “It’s true that a lot of people don’t use their frees wisely, but it does provide a good opportunity for everyone to just catch a break from their busy lives.”

Theory of Knowledge class for two semesters. Consequently, if they are committed to another elective class or must finish their PE credits, they will not have a free period for

the most demanding years of high school. Arya Bhai (12), a full IB student who has not had a free period for her years of IB, says, “With 8 full blocks, it can be quite overwhelming, especially with 6 IB classes.” She addds that “free periods are really important to dedicate school time. It’s true that a lot of people don’t use their frees wisely, but it does provide a good opportunity for everyone to just catch a break from their busy lives.” Whether the students use their frees to study for a test or spend time catching up with their friends, it surely does provide those busy few with a brief moment to simply relax. Katy Lewis

Elastic Heart The controversy surrounding Sia’s new music video

Cre dit

: Ba

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f you have recently browsed through YouTube’s trending music videos, you would have probably seen Sia’s new music video for ‘Elastic Heart’. The video debuted to much backlash from fans and others that were concerned with its supposed pedophilic themes. Because of its ‘shocking’ concept and imagery, the video was much talked about, receiving over 40 million views on YouTube within a week of its release. Sia is known for her boundary pushing and emotionally charged music videos. She has personally battled with alcoholism and substance addiction in the past, which drove the content for her previous hit single ‘Chandelier’. For those not familiar with the video for Elastic Heart, it features Hollywood actor Shia Labeouf, 28, and Dance Moms participant Maddie Ziegler, 12, who rose to inter-

national fame in her appearance in Sia’s music video for ‘Chandelier’. The two are depicted as having an intense cage fight in the form of an interpretive dance. Due to the obvious age difference and the fact that they are dressed in nude leotards, sackling and clashing with each other, many feel that it is suggestive of pedophilia. However, others have come to Sia’s defense, saying that Shia and Maddie represent a father-daughter duo working out their differences. Some have claimed that the video could have shown this message without the actors in skin colored clothing, but many believe that their clothing only shows the vulnerability of both their ‘feral’nature. Amidst all the criticism, Sia took to Twitter to release an apology statement, clarifying that her intention was not to trigger victims of abuse, but to represent the ‘past’ Sia and the ‘present’ Sia.

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Rea Saxena (12) gives her take on the video sharing that she doesn’t see it as phedophic. Her outlook towards it is “on a more metaphorical level like the right side and left side of your brain. It seemed to be logic vs. creativity, trying to break free.” An opposing opinion was shared by an anonymous sophomore. They stated their confusion on “why Shia and Maddie had to be so close physically, in such skimpy clothes. The dance was confusing, and it’s borderline pedophilia” Clearly, there are many differing takes on the video. Something as subjective as choreography can definitely take on contrasting meanings, often those that the artist would have never imagined. All in all, the main should be on the artist’s intent rather than the content produced from it. Nishtha Jaiswal

O P I N I O N S

The value of our individuality

A society where individuality is both praised and condemned

chools encourage students to think for themselves and embrace their unique ways of interpreting the world. Ironically, the very institution that represents themselves as ‘promoting individuality and independence,’ is what ultimately forces us to conform to societal norms. Everyone is born different with their own method of understanding their surroundings, but as soon as we enter kindergarten, we are all wired to think and behave in a certain way – the correct way. Little kids are taught the chosen curriculum of that grade like learning the alphabets or how to color inside the lines. Then, they are tested on the facts that they have learned and given a score based on what the teacher, or rather what the world believes is correct. From the grades, we learn that there are right and wrong answers. That cows make the sound moo and not maaa. It doesn’t matter whether you interpreted the sounds that the cows made to be different because the textbook, the rules, state otherwise. Schools tell us that our opinion and thoughts are ‘important’, but they are still treated as irrelevant by the regulations that schools place. Instead of taking into account the individual qualities of each student, the ‘experts’ come up with a general curriculum and grading system. They decide for us what is worth learning, how we are taught the information, and whether our answers or our interpretations are correct. Ellen Sypolt (11) claims that “it

is not fair for others to decide what homework. As Carol Black asked, is is and what is not worth learning.” society’s need to control the quality While the school does supply us of our education controlling in the with a surplus of knowledge on wrong way? Is what we’re doing – making ex“technical skills like the math and sciences,” they often seem to leave act copies of the same students out “practical skills that we will use year after year just to ensure that they are ‘smart enough’ for colin our future.” lege and life afterwards, wrong in terms of taking away their in“Kids are compelled to dividual mindset? IB English Teacher Mr. Duffy solve quadratic equations agrees that “sometimes ISB’s and write essays on Shake- curriculum may seem limitspeare, and they graduate ing and assessments may be aimed at evaluating unifying without understanding skill sets.” However, he adds how to calculate the inter- that “ISB has worked hard to respect the diverse range of est on credit card debt or interests that students have, decode a mortgage agree- to allow students to have a chance to develop their indiment.” viduality.” In our world, we are used Carol Black, a writer from the to the perception that good Blog, “School The World” carries students are those who excel this concept further and makes an in school subjects. However, stimulating point about what the there are children in various children are not required to learn parts of this world that can at school. She claims that “kids are identify numerous birds just compelled to solve quadratic equa- by their songs, and others tions and write essays on Shake- that can survive in the wild speare, and they graduate without for days with nothing other understanding how to calculate the than their basic familiarity interest on credit card debt or de- with nature. By the standard of curricucode a mortgage agreement.” Children enroll into school to be- lum alone, these children come more knowledgeable, but would be deemed as uneduare being ‘book smart’ coming at cated for their knowledge and the cost of common sense and the way of thinking is not the same awareness of our world? We often as ours. To them, we would learn information without a clear be uneducated because we understanding of why we learn it, wouldn’t survive a day in their or how it is applicable to the “real” environment. So who is truly intelligent? world. It is ridiculous that there are teenagers that would like to learn Sarah Lim more about the issue gender equality but can’t because they are swamped with English or Math

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A R T S

F E A T U R E S

ADVICE

from the seniors

“Everything we wish we had known”

juniors

1. Finish your Common Application essay during summer College essays are very, extremely, so important. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing and writing them last minute, with final exams happening simultaneously. I couldn’t be happier that I finished my essay over summer.

2. Extended Essay:

1. Some people say that grades in 9th and 10th grade are not very important – WRONG

Although it is true that underclassmen years are not as important as junior year, this does not mean that they should be neglected. Yes, in comparison to 11th and 12th grade, they may seem small, but they still count.

2. Read more books

3. If applying to US universities, finish SAT Is/ ACTs in junior year if possible

Books, books, books. Your English teachers have probably been stressing their importance since elementary school, and there is a reason for this. Reading builds a foundation of skills and knowledge that are essential in performing well in International Baccalaureate courses and just in any career you may have in the future. Unfortunately, since your leisure time is bound to decrease as you grow older, it may be a good idea to do more reading while you can.

4. SAT lls are also important – do not neglect them

Seriously though, do sleep 7-8 hours each day. Remember that your health and well-being are your top priorities.

5. Try your absolute best. It’ll pay off.

9th and 10th grade are the years to find out what you’re interested in and where your passion lies. Step out of your comfort zone and dive into new opportunities. Try out for sports. Audition for CC. Join clubs. Have fun!

Complete at least 80% of your research for Extended Essay over summer. Do not leave in-text citations until the very end keep track of where all pieces of your evidence come from. Senior year - yes, it’s as bad as we make it sound. You will not have enough time to study for them anyway, so if possible, finish them this year.

I waited until November this year to take SAT subject tests-it wasn’t a good idea. If there is one thing I wish I had done earlier, it is to have studied for SAT subject tests in my junior year or at least over the summer. We won’t lie; 11th grade is the most important year of High School. As much as you may want to give up and put everything aside, always keep in mind that your grades, in fact, do correlate with your effort, and your hard work will definitely pay off in the end. Stress is temporary, but rewards are permanent. You will thank yourself in senior year for working hard in junior year. Lastly, for everyone, be kind to yourself.

underclassmen

3. Sleep more

4. Explore your interests

5. Choose IB classes wisely

By the end of your sophomore year, you will be choosing which IB classes you will be taking for the next two years. Make sure you take into consideration what you may want to be pursuing in college, since for certain majors, there are specific High School class requirements. For example, for medicine, you often need background in biology and chemistry prior to college education.

While you have the opportunity and the time, take adventures and explore Bangkok. Have fun and make lots of memories with your friends and family.

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Seo Young Lee

2 0 1 5

A R T S

F E A T U R E S

with love experts Nathan and Dan

s ISB students, we encounter a recurring problem every February on the 14th. Many of us spend our Valentines day in the middle of a jungle, climbing a mountain, or sleeping on the ground. As a result, for the majority of people, Valentines day passes without notice, and that’s fine for most of us singles who’d rather not celebrate our own loneliness. However, we’ve had some interesting fictional letters flown to us by carrier pigeon about how to approach Valentines day as an ISB student.

Gerald Hooters: Hello Nathan

and Dan. I am in currently in immense distress because Valentine’s day has always been a prime weakness of mine and every year my girlfriend and I are on the brink of a breakup because of it. I want to make her forget about last year’s February 14th, where I foolishly ran over her mum and set her brother on fire. Yes, Gerald, we understand that Valentine’s day is a stressful time of year and it isn’t always a magical experience for everyone like it is for Nathan and me. But it wouldn’t be fair to compare the ordinary dude with the masters of romance, so don’t sweat it. To make up for your

FE BRUARY

‘accidents’ last year, I suggest that you surprise her by taking her on a romantic candle light picnic in the woods. And what better way to get than to get behind the wheel and go for a relaxed laid back drive. *Insert Name*: *Insert greeting aimed at Nathan and Dan* *Mention GCW which I will be attending* *Insert explanation of tense relationship that might be improved by Nathan and Dan’s advice* *Sign off with generic farewell*. Apologies readers, those in charge of filtering through the millions of questions we are receiving have been sacked.

Sir Leicester Worcestershire IV :

Greetings good sirs. I have recently signed up for the upcoming activity named Global Citizenship Week. My darling girlfriend, Arabella Venetia Kensington II (pronounced “the second” for you lower class dogs), and I are looking to partake in a six day trek up Poon Hill in Nepal. This endeavour is my first experience outside of my humble home in the Swiss Alps, apart from my daily flights via private-jet to Bangkok to attend educational lectures at ISB. I have no trouble enduring the cold climates of mountainous ter-

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rain, my issue concerns the tension in my current casual relationship. I am aware that you could provide certain pieces of guidance in how to release this tension during our upcoming adventure. Sup bro. My first worry about your situation would be your name. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable in a relationship in which it is impossible for your other half to pronounce your name. Aside from that, I can’t see any way for you to release any tension that is inevitably being caused by your arrogant personality. Enjoy your trip, I will pray to the god altitude sickness. After your flight back, you might want to set your time forward 500 years and join the rest of us. Peace out.

Nathan Scott and Dan Borenstein

A R T S

Small

F E A T U R E S

Large V S. Universities

hen searching for prospective universities, it is important that you don’t limit your list to only large research institutions, but to also take smaller schools into consideration. While some students thrive in bigger environments, others may find it difficult to blend into such immense surroundings. PantherNation has looked at the pros and cons of both small and big universities to help you decide which is a better fit for you.

PROS

- Most of your classmates will know who you are. You won’t have to worry about feeling invisible. - With most class sizes being under 20 students, professors will know your name, interests, work ethics and just who you are in general. You will be able to build a more closely-knitted relationship with your educators and learn a great deal more from them. - If you try, you will be able to stand out from your classmates. Smaller student body means less competition! - Believe it or not, your path to elite graduate schools will be easier.

PROS

- Often times, larger research universities are located in and around big cities. Living in such an environment will offer you greater diversity in terms of the people you’re surrounded by, the events you will have an opportunity to attend and more. - You will have wider course options. - Your university will have an abundance of resources available for you. All you’d have to do would be to ask. - If you prefer not to be engaged in class discussions, you may simply not choose to do so. No one will notice.

CONS

- As many small schools often lack in funds in comparison to larger research universities, you may not have all the resources that you need and want. - Smaller student body may mean less diversity. This may not expose you to as many perspectives and viewpoints.

- Large universities have large lecture classes. Surprise! If you are the type of learner who loves to be engaged in class discussions, you will wither in this kind of learning environment. - With a huge student body, you will face more intense competition. - Often times, your professors won’t be there to teach you. Seo Young Lee

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A R T S

F E A T U R E S

which isb teacher are you?

Choose the answer that most applies to you!

On a Friday night people can find you... a. Reading at home b. I hide from the world with my books and my films. c. At the best restaurants d. Far away from school e. Watching Family Guy at home with my family f. Having dinner with my friends g. Out with friends having dinner Who is your favorite superhero? a/f .Superman b. Trinity c/g. Incredible Hulk d. Batman e. Charles Darwin

If your friends can describe you in one word.. it would be.. a. Brainy b. Caring c. Goofy d. Accident-Prone e/f. Funny g. Too complex to describe in one word

Among your group of friends you are the... a. Quiet, Sarcastic One b. Unpredictable One c. The Storyteller d. Sport Fanatic e. The Goofball f. The Intellectual One g. Argumentative One

If you can live in one city for the rest of your life which city would it be? a. Pittsburgh b. There is more then one place c. Haven’t been there yet d. Hong Kong e/g. Bangkok f. London

Pick an animal: a. Wolf b. Dogs c. Sea turtle d. Kangaroo e. Giant Panda f. Dodo birds g. Anything but small dogs Alyssa Alexander

If you answered mostly Cs... You are Mr. Bell! If you answered mostly As... You are Mr. Macky! You are always on top of the game. Being organized is second nature. You are probably the smartest guy in the room. You are quiet and your friends get on you for your sarcastic remarks. Not only do you follow the rules, they are a lifestyle. You probably also have some mad skills in your favorite sport (most likely volleyball).

If you answered mostly Bs... You are Ms. Motre! You are a cinephile, bookworm, artist, and a down right fashionista. You follow your passions and do what you feel is right. Caring, loving, and personal are just a few of the words people call you. Being a third world student makes you want to be a third world travelling adult.

You tend to be really goofy and a great story teller. Everyone is captivated by your gripping stories. You’re incredibly athletic, running isn’t a chore it’s a hobby. Juggling your work and personal life is something that tends to happen a lot and you’re probably known as a “busybody”. You’re a natural workaholic and it’s a good thing because your ideas are always the best.

If you answered mostly Ds... You are Ms. Stewart! You’re passionate about what you do and biology speaks to you on a spiritual level. You’re super relaxed and always down for a good time.You know how to have fun in any boring lecture or bad situation. You’re a fantastic leader with your excitable attitude and motivational nature. A dinner and drinks with a few of your best mates is your idea of a perfect night.

F E B R UIfmostly AyouRanswered YEs... 2 0 1 5 You are Mr. Smith!

You enjoy what life has to offer and have an appreciation for all living things. No one can compete with your epic stories, combined with your great sense of humor. You’re optimistic and always driving people to strive for their best.

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If you answered mostly Fs... You are Dr. Le Nezet! You’re most comfortable in a friendly environment and love to make self deprecating jokes that make all your friends laugh at you, to stop them from judging your chocolate-eating candy crush-playing habits. You’re happy to let others share their ideas, but not while you’re talking in your french-london hybrid accent, since your phonological loop is already engaged.

If you answered mostly Gs... You are Dr. Eales! People never question your intelligence, for their chances of actually “out-smarting” you are dangerously low. You are the type of person that after watching an award-winning movie, you deliberately point out all the preposterous false accusations about science that the film industry tries to con their viewers into believing is possible. Basically, you’re one of the smartest guys in the room.

The C is

You

IB Language and Liter

ncoming IB Juniors are faced with a plethora of choices as they begin their IB careers. One of those choices fall under Group 1 – their “first language” course where they have to choose between two courses in questions (both offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Those courses are called IB Language and Literature and IB Literature. The IB Language and Literature course offers students an opportunity to study a combination of Literature and in addition to Language implications in a range of “non-literary” text types. In HL, students study 6 literature texts over 2 years; in SL it is 4. In both levels, students will also study a wide range of text types like advertisements, speeches and articles. The IB Lit course focuses on the close appreciation of literature. In HL, students study 13 texts over the two-year course while in SL they take on 10. Recent graduate classes at ISB have leaned heavily towards the Lang/Lit course. At ISB about 89% of Junior and Seniors take IB Lang/ Lit; 6% take IB Lit and the remain-

ing 5% take other Group 1 Languages or “non-IB” English 11. For many, the Lang/Lit classes offers a wider range of reading and media studies. Year 2 IB Lang/Lit student Katy Lewis (12) took the class to “improve [her] speaking skills” and figured that “since the class did include some Literature, [she] would be getting the best of both worlds. She ”believes that only “5% of students take the Lit class is because there is not enough information about it,”. Year 2 IB Lang/Lit student Ju Hwan Kim (12) chose Lang/Lit because she “absolutely dreads writing commentaries and analyzing literature” and finds the “language component of the Lang/Lit course very appealing.” Year 1 IB Lang/Lit student Sammi Thomas (11) took the Language and Literature course and enjoys that they “talk about universal topics, like the effect of media on communication, the idea of universal languages and much more.” Year 1 IB Lang/Lit student Faith Pearson (11) mentioned “a lot of people like learning about language and the culture around them.” She

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also feels that the Language and Literature class “might attract more people because it tends to sound more exciting.” Her 10th grade teacher also “sold IB Literature as boring and filled with analyzing and Language and Literature as more exciting with aspects of media studies, not just literature.” All of the students that have chosen to take Language and Literature mention how the class has offered them a wider range of readings than the Literature course does, and how that may provide them with more opportunity as they explore future University options. IB Literature students also recommend the Literature course for similar reasons. Year 2 IB Literature student David Hallengren (12) mentioned that there is “a perception (a very inaccurate one, in [his] opinion) that the Literature class is abnormally demanding, in terms of time and effort, so it’s little wonder that the Lit class is so unpopular amongst rising Sophomores”. He decided to take IB Lit “because a powerful book or poem has the potential to send shivers down [his] spine, while a thoughtfully crafted advertisement

Choice is

ours

Literature or IB Literature or argumentative essay does not.” IB Literature was most attuned to his interests and ultimately what he wanted to study for two years. IB Literature is one of his favorite classes and he firmly believes that it is the “aspect of the study of literature that makes it so enriching.” Year 2 IB Literature student Aaron Tan (12) also greatly enjoys the Lit class and mentioned that it “has led to great philosophical discussions regarding the human experience.” He believes that the reason why there are so many more students taking IB Language and Literature is because many English 10 teachers “describe Literature class as one of the most difficult IB classes and that only those planning to major in English for college should consider taking it.” Year 1 IB Literature students Seamus Murphy (11) and Samantha Brickerd (12) chose to take IB Literature because they love reading and exploring the messages in literature. The class for them has been an amazing experience. IB Literature teacher Mr. Conor Duffy is very passionate about what he teaches. “I believe both classes

are fabulous options for ISB students,” he begins “ but I have to admit I am slightly amazed at the percentage breakdown [with 90% opting for Lang/Lit]”. Mr. Duffy believes that while the Language and Literature class offers some literature and a wide range of topics on media and advertising, which are important, appealing, and worth considering, nothing is more important than being well read. He explained that “the more complex and varied literature you have read, the more prepared you are for a Globalized World.” He also firmly believes that “if you can unpack a soliloquy by Hamlet, you will have few problems understanding the subtleties of an info graphic or a speech from Nelson Mandela” but is “not sure if the reverse is true.” IB Language and Literature teacher Mr. Andrew Cohen was not as surprised about ISB’s statistics. He figured that “perhaps the majority of students are intimidated by the number of texts IB Literature students are expected to read.” Because of this he believes that “students perceive it as the ‘harder’ or ‘more time consuming’ course.”

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Head of the English Department, Mr. Brad Augustine acknowledges the fact that IB Language and Literature course “allows students to think about ideas such as how English is becoming a global language at the expense of other minor languages, including Thai”. However he holds the language and mass communication unit taught in IB Language and Literature in high regards since and believes that “besides our family, perhaps no single influence shapes how we view and understand the world around us more than the media. From the internet to billboards, newspapers to blogs, advertisements to television, we are inundated with the media everywhere we look and this unit explores all of the positive and negative aspects of that inundation”. ISB (and IB) offer two great IB Group 1 Language courses. You will learn a great deal in both IB Literature and IB Language and Literature. Both are equally intriguing classes and you really can’t lose with either one but in the end you have to choose what is best for you. Antonina (Tosia) Lekawska

S P O R T S

bittersweet turn of events befell the ISB community during the winter holidays, as we witnessed the departure of an ISB member of staff, Mr. Justin Wah. Justin Wah works as Activities Coordinator and coaches the Varsity soccer team. Soccer, or as he and I call it, football, has long been a passion of his, and he was invited to conduct training sessions with Indonesian Super League team, Mitra Kukar FC.

After taking on morning technical practice sessions during their tour of Thailand, the team exceeded their expectations, beating Thai Premier League teams. Through this success, Coach Wah was offered a permanent contract with the team, and departed three days

Raising t afterwards. Mitra Kukar FC. compete in the Indonesian Super League, and play in a stadium that seats 35,000, more than the Tottenham Hotspurs stadium. The team As a member of the Varsity soccer team, it’s exciting yet frustrating that Justin Wah’s expertise will finally be allowed to flourish in a professional environment. All of us wish him great success on his new path. We do however; hope he did not expect to disappear without some kind of obituary or letter of praise. When Varsity tryouts commenced upon my arrival to 9th grade. I had no motivation to play football anymore. I felt I had reached my peak interest in the sport, and didn’t feel I was progressing much anymore. A few conversations

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with Justin Wah changed my views, and subsequently my entire life. I learnt so much more thanks to Coach Wah’s sheer attention to detail and depth of knowledge. After my love for the game was reignited, I found myself enjoying my football more than ever. Shortly after Justin Wah’s departure, I had various members of staff engage me in conversation, claiming that they were upset by Mr. Wah’s absence, and that he was their “best friend.” One of those, was the Deputy Head of School, who also happens to be my father, Mr. Graeme Scott. “Justin really is one of a kind,” states Mr. Scott. “He comes into my office every Monday morning to discuss the happenings of the English Premier League. I’ve known coaches who know the game in-

S P O R T S

g the Wah side out, and coaches who know how to get inside the heads of young players to get them thinking. Justin Wah is both of those. He’s a top coach, and a top guy.” During his time at ISB, Coach Wah has won two gold medals and one silver medal at IASAS. He also coach one and a half seasons of the U15 football season. The first year under Coach Wah, the team won gold for the first time in years, and after his departure half way through his second year of U15 football, the team grabbed a silver medal under Mr. Kevin Davy, a close friend of Coach Wah. One of the prolific players who played for both Varsity and U15 under Coach Wah, Michael Kaiya (9) shares his experience. Michael explains how a season with Coach Wah is “a season packed with, weird analogies, dancing singing,

an exposure to many different fashion statements and many smiles,” a season where “individual improvement is guaranteed. We were lucky to have Justin as our coach, and I’m sure everyone that has worked with him will agree too. We wish him all the best on his new path and are grateful for the time he has given towards ISB football.” Of his four years of high school, Varsity veteran Jeff Krapayoon (12) has been playing under Coach Wah for three of them. Like the rest of us, he had mixed feelings about Justin Wah’s move. “Coach Wah is the type of coach that will push you to your limits. He’s hard on you because he wants to bring the best out of you, physically and mentally. But at the same time, he loves his team and he’ll protect you no matter what.”

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He goes on to say “What I’ve finally realized after 3 years in his team is that Coach Wah believes in me more than I believe in myself. And just to prove it, in the dying minutes of the JIS game at IASAS, he came up and whispered in my ear. He said “Jeff, you’re going to go on and score for ISB. You’re going put the team in the final”….and you know the rest of the story. Lastly, I find it difficult to withstand Coach Wah’s pre-game motivational speeches without a box of tissues “ Although Justin Wah will be sorely missed by the ISB community, we wish him all the best on his new adventure. I also hope he forgives me for dedicating a two page article to him. Nathan Scott

S P O R T S

Job and Maria Charity Run T

he annual Job and Maria Charity Fun Run took place on Friday, the 16th of January. The charity run raises money for scholarships for underprivileged Thai students to enroll in school and was created in memory of Job and Maria Berkhout after a devastating tsunami accident that hit in 2004 in the Phuket area. Job and Maria were happy, bright, and loving students, and both in the first grade at ISB. This accident was an immense tragedy for the entire ISB community, and in order to commemorate their joyful presence at ISB, the annual charity run was created in 2006 to raise money and support disadvantaged Thai children to receive an education. The run took place at the ISB track with eight different races, for kindergarten, middle school, high school. There was also a one lap, hand-inhand race for parents, children, siblings, and friends of all ages.

ecently, there has been much controversy about FIFA announcing that upcoming men’s world cups will be held in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2020. Many people are weary that these seemingly strange places to hold a world cup have been selected. However, another issue has arisen for the world of football, this time, being a fight for equal grounds. FIFA has made a decision to hold the Women’s World Cup in Canada this summer in 2015, and although this is not harmful or does not spark controversy by any means, the turf on which the women are being asked to play in is the greater problem—they are being forced to play on an artificial turf. What makes playing on turf so vexing is that injuries become more prevalent, and the style of football that many admire watching is hindered when playing on what essentially is, synthetic grass.

Panthers wait at the start line Photo by Kana Ichimura

Michael Kaiya (9) states his opinion on this controversial subject and reports that “ [FIFA’s decision] is wrong, as they are letting this event take place on turf, when they can easily change the world cup venue…they have the funds.” Trey Rogers, a professor of Turfgrass management at the University of Michigan even reported to the New York Times that “FIFA spent about $2 million on the Silverdome project in 1994 and didn’t blink an eye.” Today, a grass field would cost from $150,000 to $400,000 to convert one field from turf to grass. With a total of six fields being used in the women’s world cup, the maximum FIFA would need to spend would be 2.4 million dollars. What is most shocking is that last year, Manchester United and Real Madrid had grass laid over turf stadium in just 72 hours just to play a friendly match.

F E B RUA RY

2015

The first race was the High School Mile Race, also known as the “Job and Maria Mile,” with an exceptional number of students willing to run for fun and also a very good cause. Everyone gave an excellent effort, and the winners of this category were Becky Bradley (11) in first place, Kana Ichimura (10) in second place and Paola Lindo (10) in third place. As for the boys, Zach Mcvey (12) came in first, Robbie Melhorn (12) in second, and Leo Karlsson (11) in third. Overall, the run was a huge success, with students enjoying a nice run, eating good food, cheering on each other, and having a good time because ultimately that is one of the most important parts of this event. However, the race was also successful in terms of our ISB community’s support towards disadvantaged Thai children, and everyone was able to contribute in helping them receive a proper education, in the memory of Job and Maria Berkhout. Stella Kim

The USA Women’s football team has taken action to a point of filing a lawsuit in order to gain the equal rights and equal grounds they feel they deserve to play in an event that they feel is not being taken seriously by FIFA. Margo Pottebaum (9) has very strong feeling for this topic and believes that “having the women’s world cup on turf is very unjust. People keep demanding for a change in grass but FIFA keeps replying with a ridiculous, no.” Margo added, “Do you want to see a goal like Van Persie’s header against Spain at the Women’s world cup? Well, good luck, because the women who will want to dive for a header are at risk of hurting themselves in their landing.” Dear FIFA, don’t only change the fields to grass for the sake of the players, change them for the sake of football.

Global Citizenship Week 2015