Raha Times Issue #24

TNew Year, New Raha

Welcome to our Winter Edition of Raha Times dear friends! The new year has begun and we’ve been busy with exams and assignments after a long winter’s break To celebrate the end of a wonderful season and say goodbye to the cold winds of February and get ready for a new and exciting spring season. For us students however, with the new season comes exams and deadlines and especially for the seniors, applications. However busy we get, it is important to remember to take a break for yourself, have a nice cup of toasty marshmallows and hot chocolate, or better yet here’s your reminder to step outside and enjoy the last moments of cold weather before the hot summer approaches.

Speaking of goodbyes, The Raha Time’s leadership will have to say theirs in this issue as we will be having a change in editors for the next issue. Despite the sad news we hope you can relax and enjoy as we delve into an issue filled wonderful wintery wonders from the students right here at Raha.

IN THIS ISSUE:

PAGE 2

E = MC SEOJIN PARK

PAGE 6

Debate

CAELEY JAMES

PAGE 7

SCHOOL EVENTS

GEORGE ANTONY

E=mc : Albert Einstein and his revolutionary contribution to Physics

VICTORY AND UNITY

Small, mentor of the girls' football and swim squad, to delve into the recent triumphs and aspirations for the future..

U15 Boys Basketball ADEK Cup: Coach Walter’s take on the game

An exclusive interview with Coach Walter, presented recent insight into the ADEK Cup game against Hamdan Zayed School Cycle 2, held on Sunday, January 14th at 10:30 AM. Mr. Walter emphasized the execution of wellpracticed plays resulting in a resounding victory with 20-0 win, highlighting the cohesion and the team’s hard work during the past two months. More importantly, Mr. Walter values discipline, hard work, unity and camaraderie, stating; “They’re like a family, looking out for each other on and off the court”, he expressed with pride.

m Squad Triumphs in oach of the Girls m Squad, highlighted n the Abu Dhabi Schools Cup. The girls secured a victory for both teams; defeating Al Nahda School 7-0 and a division school 2-0. Meanwhile in Swimming, a 30–40-point lead secured Raha first place against Gems World Academy. Despite challenges, both team’s patience and discipline prevailed. Ms Small also expressed her excitement for the girls’ progress and appreciation for their diverse strengths, the squad’s depth and Coach Debbie’s dedication.

In conclusion, Raha International School’s dedication to sports is evident in the achievements shared by its dedicated coaches. As the sports community continues to flourish, it fosters an environment where individuals not only excel within their chosen sports but also as resilient members to the community within the diverse teams.

ZUHAA NOORDIEN

Raha powering through the ADEK games as they destroy their opponents

A PERFECT FRIENDSHIP BREW

ADVIKA GUPTA

they planned this coffee catch-up. Mia was running a bit late due to a school project, but Ava didn’t mind; she was used to Mia’s little delays.

Finally, she spotted Mia hurrying in, her smile lighting up the cafe. Ava waved, "Over here, Mia!"

"Hey, sorry I'm late! Traffic was crazy," Mia panted, sliding into the seat opposite Ava. They both ordered their favorite coffees – Ava picked a caramel latte while Mia opted for a mocha.

The initial conversation was filled with updates about school and their latest adventures. But as they sipped their drinks, memories started flooding back. "Do you remember our science project disaster in 7th grade?" Mia chuckled.

Ava giggled, "Oh gosh, how could I forget? The volcano model that ended up exploding all over the classroom!"

Their laughter echoed, and soon they were lost in stories of their escapades and shared inside jokes. The aroma of coffee mixed with their banter, creating an atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia. "Remember the sleepover when we watched cheesy rom-coms till dawn?" Ava reminisced.

Mia nodded, a grin spreading across her face, "And we made those terrible microwave cookies!"

music in a dance filled with spontaneity and joy. Passersby glanced and smiled at their exuberance.

The evening extended to a nearby ice cream parlor where they indulged in scoops of their favorite flavors. With each spoonful, they shared plans for the future and ambitions they had, their eyes shining with excitement. Under the soft glow of streetlights, Mia and Ava lingered near Ava's house, the night breeze carrying their laughter. They both felt a tug at their hearts, a deep appreciation for the friendship they shared.

"Hey, Mia," Ava spoke softly, "I've missed this, missed us."

Mia grinned, "Me too, Ava. You're my person, always."

In that moment, they understood that despite the time apart, their bond was unbreakable. They stood there, holding onto the promise of more coffee dates, more laughter, and a friendship that was as strong as ever. As they said their goodbyes, they hugged tighter, knowing that their friendship was the perfect blend of shared memories and the promise of many more adventures together.

Can Video Games be considered a sport?

: eSports is globally recognized, aligning with traditional sports in competitive tournaments and should be recognized in that way.

The emergence and rapid growth of eSports has transformed the sports landscape, challenging traditional notions of athletic pursuits Unlike the traditional image of athletes engaged in physical exertion on a field, eSports involves competitive video gaming, introducing a dynamic and evolving facet to the realm of sports This essay delves into the multifaceted argument for recognizing eSports as a legitimate sport. By exploring the physical exertion, skill development, and competitive nature inherent in eSports, we aim to shed light on the compelling case for its recognition, with a particular focus on its potential inclusion in the National Collegiate Athletic Association

The physical exertion required of participants is fundamental to any sport A common misconception about eSports is a lack of physical activity, with the dominant stereotype depicting gamers as sedentary individuals. However, recent research has called into question this notion Aadahl, Kjaer, and Jørgensen (2007) found that analyzing metabolic rates and oxygen levels can accurately assess the intensity of physical exertion. Interestingly, eSports athletes have been observed to have higher heart rates and perceived exertion levels during competitive gaming sessions (Bronner et al., 2013; Stroud et al., 2010). This emphasizes the physical demands and exertion associated with eSports, connecting it to the essence of traditional sports.Furthermore, skill development is an important aspect of sports, and eSports demonstrate this. Contrary to popular belief, Green and Bavelier (2015) found that playing action video games improves cognitive skills. In the world of competitive gaming, professional players devote countless hours to honing their skills, resulting in a significant proficiency gap between professionals and amateurs This skill development aspect reinforces eSports' sport-like attributes.

The recognition of eSports on mainstream platforms, as evidenced by coverage on prestigious channels such as ESPN, is a significant step toward establishing its legitimacy

Adding an extra layer of legitimacy, certain countries have formally recognized professional gamers as athletes, reinforcing eSports' authenticity within the larger sports framework In the United States, professional gamers can obtain P-1 visas specifically designated for athletes, demonstrating the government's recognition of eSports' athletic nature. Similarly, South Korea's Korea e-Sports Association regulates eSports athletes, clearly distinguishing between amateur and professional statuses, emphasizing the sport's competitive authenticity on a global scale. As eSports continues to carve its own niche in the sports world, the convergence of digital athleticism and traditional sportsmanship not only broadens the appeal of athletic pursuits, but also ushers in an era of unprecedented innovation and acceptance The story of eSports is more than just technological advancement; it is also a testament to the enduring spirit of competition that transcends traditional boundaries, allowing a diverse audience to experience the thrill of athletic prowess in the digital age

Overall, the case for recognizing eSports as a legitimate sport is multifaceted, with physical exertion, skill development, and a competitive nature serving as pillars As the global sports landscape evolves, embracing the inclusive and dynamic nature of eSports becomes increasingly important and the potential inclusion in more serious settings signals a new era in which digital athleticism and cognitive prowess coexist with traditional sports. The journey to recognize eSports as a sport represents a step toward inclusivity, diversity, and innovation within the vast world of athletics

TLDR:

LUKASHENKO: POWER OVER LIFE

SELIM SERIF

Alexander Lukashenko, the long-standing president of Belarus, has enacted a law granting himself lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution This law furthermore restricts opposition leaders, particularly those in exile, from participating in future presidential elections. The law is framed to apply to any former president and their family members, but in practice, it stands to benefit Lukashenko alone, who has been the leader of Belarus for the past 30 years It is a strategic move to consolidate Lukashenko's grip on power and eliminate potential challengers for the 2025 presidential election. It introduces stringent requirements for presidential candidates, including a stipulation that they must have resided in Belarus for at least 20 years and never held a residence permit in another country, effectively barring many opposition leaders who have fled abroad.

One of the many reasons this law may have been enacted, is the generally high political unrest in Belarus following the controversial re-election of the long-standing leader in August 2020 for a sixth term. This election was widely criticized by opposition leaders and western countries as fraudulent The ensuring protests led to the detention of over 35,000 people, with reports of torture and forced exile in many cases Further perturbing, Lukashenko faces accusations related to the illegal transfer of children from Russianoccupied areas in Ukraine to Belarus. Under the new law, Lukashenko, upon leaving office, would not be accountable for actions taken while exercising his former presidential powers. He and his family are also entitled to lifelong state protection under this law, with added benefits being healthcare, insurance, and Lukashenko retaining a permanent seat in the upper house of parliament after his resignation.

Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, currently in exile in Lithuania, interprets this law as a reflection of Lukashenko's fear of what might happen after his presidency, and rightly so She asserts that international law will inevitably hold Lukashenko accountable for his actions, despite the immunity granted by this law. The opposition continues to push for investigations into the disappearances of political figures and the removal of Ukrainian children, vowing to bring Lukashenko to justice

This law in many ways is a classic example of authoritarian entrenchment It reflects the broader, recently increasing trend of autocratic leaders using legal mechanisms to secure their power and shield themselves from accountability. This action by Lukashenko is a significant step in further consolidating his long-standing authoritarian rule, setting a distressing and concerning precedent for the future of democracy and human rights in Belarus.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUITION

TRISTAN LAUER

SPROUTING SOLUTIONS

Our School Leads the Way in Urban Farming!

The COP28 action team, spearheaded by Ms Desiree Small, have been hard at work developing the Urban Farming project at school. As one of the only schools in the UAE to be selected for the project, Raha is at the forefront of sustainability. The project aims to develop urban farms in the EY area, PYP area, and in front of the swimming pool to grow our own produce. This project is much more than just growing vegetables however It's about cultivating a greener future, one seed at a time.

Every Friday, dedicated students from Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 roll up their sleeves, transforming unused spaces into thriving urban farms. The Action Team has also been guiding PYP students from Grade 2 and Grade 5, as well as Grade 8 students in developing the urban garden to ensure that the whole school is actively participating in this initiative.

The fresh produce harvested from our very own urban farms will be incorporated directly into our school lunches, making a significant portion of Raha school lunches self sustaining. Imagine enjoying delicious, homegrown salads and crunchy cucumbers at our school canteen knowing they grew right in our school. How cool is that?

This project is still in its development phase. However, as our school Action Team progresses through completing the farms, our school is one step closer to being a leader in sustainable initiatives.

GEORGE ANTONY

1989 TV & THE ERAS

Taylor-nation recap by a dedicated Swiftie

RELIVING WITH TAYLOR SWIFT

Swifties, haven’t we been blessed with a trip down memory lane? Taylor Swift, with her re-release of 1989 (Taylor's Version) and the drop of the Era's Tour Movie, I don't know how it gets better than this!

Taylor decided to take us back this October and give us a revamped version of the iconic 1989 album. Fans are loving the nostalgia, but also the new additions to add to their playlists! Critics are also commending Taylor for reclaiming control of her recordings, acknowledging that Taylor’s Version not only represents her success over the industry, but also the reclaiming of her narrative. Rachel Aroesti from The Guardian writes that the album “provides a perfect excuse to revisit those monstrously accomplished tracks” and that it “symbolizes the growth all of us, including Taylor, have experienced between now and 2014 ”

But wait, there's more! For all the swifties that didn’t make it to the Eras Tour, Taylor has gifted us with the Era's Tour Movie! It’s not your average cinema experience, as the three-and-a-half-hour performance compilation comes with a whole lot of glitter, dancing, singing, friendship bracelets and a rollercoaster of emotions. Critics are calling the movie a visually stunning experience, and as someone who watched, I couldn’t agree more! According to The Washington Post, “The Eras Tour film quickly broke the company’s record for advance first-day ticket sales ($26 million), and, with more than $100 million in global presales, according to AMC, it’s already one of the highestgrossing concert films in box office history.” The immersive viewing allows watchers into Taylor's world, and the audience are not just spectators but active participants, allowing everyone to experience the Eras with Taylor!

As a devoted fan, immersing myself in Taylor Swift's 1989 (Taylor's Version) and the Era's Tour Movie felt like a journey back in time, and allowed me to experience her talent in a special way. I found the reimagined album to be a fresh remake of familiar tunes, and the new songs to be great additions. Experiencing the Eras Tour was also unreal, I felt like I was at a real concert and the involvement from the audience was great! By being able to relive Taylor Swift's 1989 (Taylor's Version) and the Era's Tour Movie this year has been a gift of nostalgia and musical brilliance! The reimagined album not only transports us back, but gave us some new songs and more Taylor magic! The Era's Tour Movie, a cinematic masterpiece, gave us an amazing immersive experience and has Taylor breaking records! With these achievements and her growing fanbase, it goes to show that Taylor truly never goes out of style!

HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Speaking of Taylor’s relevance, her magic extends into the holidays with her track "Christmas Tree Farm" that she re-released in 2021. The festive track complements the nostalgia of 1989 (Taylor's Version) and the eras tour movie, as it is a rerecorded track from 2019, that’s newest version now includes a 70-piece orchestra including strings and sleigh bells! So, as we relive 1989 and the Era's Tour Movie, us swifties can also embrace the festive spirit with Taylor this Christmas!

Since You Asked...

I've been feeling quite drained lately, what can I do to feel less tired during school?

First things first, let's get the basics out of the way; although we all know water, exercise, sleep, and food (nourishing food especially) will get us so far, and keeping such things consistent can help keep those energy levels stable and if not, even higher than usual.

However, the feeling of mental exhaustion, being drained, especially in a school environment, is something we all struggle with, ubiquitous in such IB schools like Raha.

After getting the four critical elements sorted out as best as you can, which may itself take some time and habits to get used to, try to regain more control and read into your feeling of tiredness and exhaustion. Think about what aspects of your school work are causing you the most stress or frustration. Is it the workload, the lack of control, the grades, the fairness, the community, or something else more personal to you?

Once you pinpoint the problem areas, you can find ways to change or cope with them better. Some options to take as a next step could be to look to the future. Imagine what it would take for you to be engaged and interested in your schoolwork. What are your goals and passions? How can you align your work with your values and strengths? How can you have some autonomy and creativity in your work? Find meaning and purpose in your work, and seek opportunities to learn and grow.

Considering our tight academic schedules, the next may seem the most difficult of the bunch, but it is one of the most important!

Take breaks and have fun. Don't let your schoolwork consume your whole life. Make time for activities that you enjoy and that make you happy. Spend time with your friends and family, pursue your hobbies, or try something new. These activities can help you relax, recharge, and regain your perspective.

Finally, another option, or final path if all else needs fixing, would be to find someone you trust or even the school councilors to talk to and communicate your issue. So they can make the other adults around you more aware of this and able to better accommodate you. This mutual understanding can create a layer of comfort for you to have room to breathe without any concern over whomever you may cross when groggy or too exhausted to be yourself because, believe us, we all are at some point!

Raya

ESTEBAN GUZMAN

This publication wouldn't be possible without the following individuals.

A huge thank you to.....

Head Editors

Zarah Abraham

Anika Ahmed

Adithi Potty

Pragya Bharath

Samia Shariff

Yuthika EttireddI

Anika Ahmed

World Events

Yuthika Ettireddi

Lili Gyurkan

Cartoons/ Games

Duaa Siddiqui

Pragya Bharath

Darwin Keck

Entertainment

Pragya Bharath

Mythili Karthikeyan

Hannah Mai Kelly

Debate

Zarah Abraham

Adithi Potty

Selim Seriff

Caeley James

Creative Writing

Aafreen Aurifullah

Emilian Roser

Pragya Bharath

Yuthika Ettireddi

Graphic Editors

Zarah Abraham

Anika Ahmed

Pragya Bharath

Advice

Samia Shariff

Raya Al-Imam

Photography

George Anthony

Science

Adithi Potty

Seojin Park

Staff Advisors

Aoife Williams

Founded by: Eman Almuti '22

Haya Abusafieh '22

Jiho Youn '22

Alisha Idrus '22

Jannah El-Agroudy '22

Mr. Andrew Cole

The Raha Times

Thank you for checking out our twentyfirst issue of The Raha Times! See you soon for another freshly-baked newspaper!

- The Raha Times team