Volume II, Issue V

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

VOLUME II, ISSUE V

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SCHOOL NEWS

Sarah steps down as HSSC President after two consecutive terms Yuta assumes leadership BY SAKURA MYA | GRADE 10 Every year in early February, returns the important event (no, not Valentine’s) that is vitalised by the high school students who bring their enthusiastic spirits regarding leadership and responsibility. It’s the Annual HSSC election but this one was going to be more than just stimulating; it provoked sentiment and some might even call it bittersweet. We will no longer have the pleasure of seeing Sarah and Trois (G12) in their roles as president and vice president, respectively, as they anticipate their graduation and prepare to transition from school into the real world.

But that leaves us with the questions: who is to carry on these crucial responsibilities and continue improving every aspect of the school?

Yuta (G11), the former secretary, had decided to step up from his position to further his involvement in embodying and representing the Saint Maur high-school community as a whole. He states that his favourite achievement by far (when he was secretary) was his successful efforts to allow participation, not just from the HSSC itself, but from every single grade.

SEE MYA PAGE 3

Previous HSSC executive president and vice-president speaking at assembly

FEATURES

HSSC boycotts Nestle in making annual Valentine's Grams

How do you love? A Guide to the 5 Love Languages

BY EMMA NARVAEZ | GRADE 12 You may be familiar with the High School Student Council’s annual Valentine’s Grams project, where KitKats and heartfelt notes are tucked into desks courtesy of friends, secret admirers, and even teachers. Nestle’s trademark red wrappers

https://www.today.com/food/kit-kat-bars-are-made-ground-kit-kats-t106777

and the satisfying crunch of chocolate wafer bars have become a staple part of the annual celebration of love and friendship here at Saint Maur. However, this year, in response to concerns over Nestle’s unethical production practices, the HSSC made the bold decision to replace Nestle’s beloved KitKats for Montoile’s Bon o Bons.

SEE NARVAEZ PAGE 2

BY MARIA CAROLINA MARTINS | GRADE 12 As February rolls around, love can be seen everywhere, big or small. It can be seen in the couples that stroll along streets while holding hands as they brace for the cold weather, in the heart-shaped sweets in the cafeteria that make the air smell all sweet and sticky, in the people running to the stores to buy last minute surprises for their loved ones, it’s in the big smiles and longing looks some reserve for people they wish they could spend Valentine’s Day with or even the long-lasting late night calls long-distance couples have right before the holiday to make the distance and the lengthy hour differences fade away for that moment. Although Valentine's Day is known as the day for couples to show their romantic love, other types of love are also celebrated during February, such as friendship and platonic love. But the question is: How do we love?

In what ways are we able to demonstrate our feelings towards those who are important to us?

WHAT’S INSIDE

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Montoile-Chocolate-Cream-Creamy-Pieces/dp/B08M2YYHBZ

OPINION Romance Media Tropes: Can abuse ever be romantic?

BY JULIA TANAKA PAGE 5

FINE ARTS The Curious of the Dog in the Night-time: On stage and under the stars

Newly elected HSSC executvie president reciting oath

SEE MARTINS PAGE 5

STEM

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Why do we behave the way we do when we are in love?

Saint Maur’s one and only martial arts expert: Dr. Erard

BY SOPHIE WYNKOOP PAGE 10

BY PAULINE LI GAUDEFROY PAGE 8

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BY PAULINE LI GAUDEFROY, DANNA YOON PAGE 10

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SCHOOL NEWS NARVAEZ FROM PAGE 1 The decision was made under the tenure of Sarah (G12), the HSSC’s previous executive president, who immediately took action in response to such concerns. She explained that one student suggested that the HSSC “change who [they] source from and try to support local businesses, or at least ones that aren’t harmful to society.” Sarah mentioned that child labor and poor sourcing of materials were just two among many reasons contributing to Nestle's perceived ethical shortcomings.

https://logowik.com/nestle-logo-vector-57257.html (modified)

The decision to boycott Nestle posed challenges for the HSSC, particularly in terms of profitability and logistics. Sarah expressed the difficulty faced due to Nestle’s affordability, acknowledging the significant profits that could be made from using their products, especially for fundraising purposes. In addition, Yuta (G11), the recently appointed HSSC executive president, explained that finding KitKat’s replacement also created complications, stating, “KitKats were something we've been doing for a long time and we knew everyone liked it, so we were pretty nervous about if everyone would welcome this change.”

The HSSC decided to use Bon o Bons in place of Nestle’s KitKats, which are manufactured by Montoile, a Japanese confectionery wholesaler.

Being that the Valentine’s Grams project was Yuta’s first initiative as the HSSC executive president, he initially had some concerns about whether it would be successful with competition from the MSSC’s Valentine’s Grams and other popular CAS projects running simultaneously. However, with a 8,000 yen profit, Yuta confirmed that the HSSC “were pretty happy in how things turned out at the very end.”

https://montoile.co.jp/

Moving forward with his presidency term, Yuta drew from this experience that “it's really important to take into account all ideas, not just from the student council representatives or the executives, but everyone in the student body,” he stated. Both Yuta and Sarah concurred that this shift was the necessary move to take, showcasing their commitment to responsible consumerism and accountability within the school community.

Grade 11 representatives host Spring Spocha Social!

PHOTO GALLERY February 16, 2024

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MYA FROM PAGE 1 “Generally we were able to organise the Then comes the emotionally significant student council in a way that would be more segment, when she is asked how it feels to be inclusive”, he says. finally stepping down. “I was definitely Now, as the president, he aims to build more sentimental. But I don’t think I have any connections with other schools to provide the regrets, which I think is the major thing for students the additional opportunities to me.” She states that for this, she’s happy with socialise. “Maybe even more sports social”, he where she left it off. She also says how she has tempts us. He is also looking forward to high hopes for the future as she trusts the working with Keita (G10) the vice president, as student council has a strong team. She claims well as Hyunseo (G11), the treasurer and that it happens to be a very “diverse” team in Masaya (G10), the secretary, to optimise our terms of grades hence why she believes they high-school experience. The role is pretty big will take that to their advantage to do widespread tasks and projects. Overall, she and though it’s nerve wracking the first time, entrusts the team to continue making he intends to try his hardest. “Thank you for remarkable progress in her absence. placing your trust in us. We will continue to

2023-2024 HSSC Executive President and Vice-President

Sarah’s proudest achievements

2023 HSSC Inauguration

work in your interest and continue improving All this has been a rollercoaster your high-school experience”, he concludes. of both emotions and thoughts As for Sarah, she takes this time to reflect on of how to act her profound commitment to this role for three progressively school years. When asked about the potential as the achievements, she starts, “well, it’s definitely representatives rewarding.” Tell me all about it! She talks about are newly how it was quite difficult at times with the elected. projects the HSSC pushed forward. Despite the We would challenges, all projects saw happy endings. Out like to of the many accomplishments, the ones that thank stood out most to her were the successful both projects of the varsity jackets and the adorable Sarah school’s mascot. She then exclaimed, “I think and we’ve pushed past what they have done Trois previously”. I think we’re definitely with you for all on that, Sarah! And lucky for Sarah, she no the longer has to deal with journalists like me time and effort pestering her for interviews!

they have put on the plate and hope that the team new (though not new faces) will

carry on the legacy.

2024-2025 HSSC Executive Team

IB & IGCSE Mocks Season: A horror movie BY MARIA CAROLINA MARTINS | GRADE 12 SOPHIE WYNKOOP | GRADE 10 starring Sophomores and Seniors The month of February can have a multitude of meanings to different people. Some see this time as the perfect opportunity to pursue their romantic interests, while others just want to stay warm and bear the unpredictable weather we usually face in Japan around this time. For Saint Maur’s Sophomores and Seniors, it’s also the last chance to cram their studies and prepare for their upcoming mock IGCSE and IB exams. From balancing extracurriculars to devising effective study techniques, the mock IGSCE and IB exams have surely kept our sophomores and seniors busy this February.

and stressful.” Many share Giorgia’s view and a certain comfort can be found in the fact that many students are currently undergoing similar experiences. Lima (G10), who is also taking mocks soon, concurred: “It’s definitely tiring, I feel as though I am actively cutting out distractions, so I can study more but I'm not sure I can describe it properly.”

before and after the mocks, Yura (G12) mentioned feeling “really stressed” also highlighting the fact that the official IB orals happened the week before and students “weren't given much time to study so [she] didn't know where or what to start with.” Rio (G12) had similar worries, feeling very nervous because she “wasn't prepared Seniors face similar struggles. The IB is enough” which she later also justified by the considered by many to be a heavily content- lack of time to prepare. based course, which combines two years' After each mock, a common feeling among worth of learning into two or three papers per seniors was a relief, as they finished one more subject. The mocks are very important in their 2 hour paper and could narrow down the academic lives and may have a direct impact amount of content being actively kept in their One sophomore, Giorgia (G10), has been on their future, as colleges may often consider short-term memory. Yura said she felt preparing for her upcoming mock IGCSE internal grades when accepting a student into “accomplished as [she] finished each test and a exams, declaring that “it’s been really busy their programs. When asked about feelings

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little more relieved.” While finishing the process may bring a happy feeling of welldone duty, some other sentiments may come to the surface.

the perfect environment for the development as sports, extracurricular activities, and of burnout. college applications. With a supportive Balancing life and academics is essential to environment, it becomes easier to balance avoid this situation, but may often be a things out. Having friends to study with, As this big stage of their senior year is left difficult job for students. When asked about going to different studying environments, behind, some may also feel the weight of the harmony between revising and and still having some form of entertainment their inevitably changing futures as Seniors participating in leisure activities, both Giorgia and fun in between study sessions is crucial and Lima have struggled to maintain a stable in performing better and staying grounded balance. during this time. Yura mentioned that some “Right now, I’m not balancing, days in between mocks, she decided to only studying, because I make some time so she could “go out to procrastinated a bit before,” practice soccer or just chill”. Resting is just Giorgia admitted. “I study around as much of an important part of the 4 to 5 hours a night,” she added. preparation as studying, and learning not to push yourself so hard can help a lot. As Similarly, Seniors have many priorities unrelated to Yura puts it, “It's important to take breaks.” the mocks, such There are a variety of ways that students like to study and prepare for their mocks.

Giorgia recommended that students use all of their materials, whether that be textbooks, handwritten notes, or the Internet. “For me, I read over my notes, mark or highlight them, and memorize them” This strategy is tried and true, and seems to work for most. Lima suggests that students “start early, and focus on the topics [they] need to improve on first.” For studying math specifically, both Giorgia and Lima like to repeat practice problems countless times. Lastly, Lima says to “remember it'll be over eventually, and then you can do whatever you want to for the break afterward.”

approach their graduation date. Yura reported feeling “so much better and happy that the busiest part of senior year is over.”

While at the same time experiencing some nostalgia as she realized “the thought of graduating becoming more real” and that she is now “trying to enjoy every last moment as a senior.”

Because mocks are meant to be taken all within the shortest amount of time, students often have to brace more than one exam per day with little space between each subject. This highly demanding period with peak amounts of stress creates

Focustraveller app, as suggested by Yura

Seniors also gave some insight into their study study to make me feel more prepared,” she methods. Rio’s strategy included rewriting and shares. “If I know everything, it calms my even rewriting her notes in separate notebooks nerves.” Lima tries to manage her anxiety by and highlighting the concepts she needed to organizing her thoughts, “I try to know what prioritize or memorize. Yura on the other hand I'm revising for the day. I can only study when gave us a tip – she downloaded a study log app I'm calm so I guess I manage my stress and called Focustraveller. Describing the app she anxiety by wanting to know that no matter the mentioned that it tracks your study time while result of my exams, I tried my best given showing characters climbing a mountain, whatever circumstances I was in.” which in turn helped her to not get distracted When questioned about the value of the mocks by the phone, and seeing the time spent per as a preparation for the actual exams and subject gave her motivation to continue. what they plan to do differently for the IB Anxiety is increasingly common among all examinations, Seniors mentioned the mocks students. Ignoring stress is also something that had some value, acting as practice or a form of many students are guilty of, including Giorgia. revision, since the content is going to be mostly “I don't manage it [stress] at all” Of course, the same while also mimicking the conditions there are also some benefits of stress. Giorgia, of the actual examinations and showing what for example, uses her anxiety as a motivator students should expect. Mocks can also give a for working harder. “When I'm nervous, I sense of where students stand in each subject,

revealing tentative grades that may indicate which areas should be prioritized.

IB and IGCSE mocks mark a big step in students’ academic careers. During this challenging process, Saint Maur's Sophomores and Seniors had to work hard to achieve good results. From balancing extracurriculars to combating stress, the students share common experiences of tight schedules and focused dedication. After the completion of these mocks, we hope students achieved their desired scores and also learned important things about themselves, their capabilities, and strengths and weaknesses when it comes to such examinations and that this process may help them exceed expectations when facing the actual exams at the end of this school year. Best of luck to our Seniors and Sophomores!

FEATURES MARTINS FROM PAGE 1 As humans, love and affection are often present in our lives as we create relationships with those we care for. One of the most beautiful things about our existence is the possibility of caring and being cared for, showing love in a multitude of ways and forms – things that can make being alive such a wonderful experience. Gary

Chapman is a pastor who wrote the book “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” in 1992 based on his observations of the couples he spent years counseling and giving advice to, ultimately coming up with 5 different ways we use to demonstrate our love and affection to those around us. With more than 20 million copies sold

worldwide and translations to more than 49 languages, his ideas became quite popular and are still relevant to this day. Even if these languages refer primarily to romantic relationships, they may still apply to other types of love such as platonic love, friendships or familial links such as mother and daughter.

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1. Words of Affirmation This love language applies to people who value verbal demonstrations of love, such as acknowledgments, saying “I love you", compliments, and communicating feelings, thoughts, and affection through words. This is what makes them feel appreciated and understood and can be done in countless ways: a good morning text, little notes, love reminders, and any verbally expressed affection.

2. Quality Time People who have quality time as their love language feel the most loved when their loved ones want to spend time with them. They value being listened to and prioritized, with active eye contact and thoughtful conversations.

However, sometimes just being around the ones you love is enough. With the quick pace of life, quality time encounters can be simple interactions such as grocery shopping together, watching movies together, or even doing personal tasks while enjoying the company of one another.

3. Acts of Service

4. Gift-Giving and Receiving This is the love language of those who feel loved the most when given meaningful gifts – "visual symbols of love," as Chapman calls it. A small (or big) token of appreciation, a meaningful thing that really shows care and attention to the things the person receiving the gift enjoys. It can be expensive things such as jewelry and big flower bouquets, or small gifts like the person’s favorite chocolate, or even handmade things like love cards, just as long as it has symbolic and sentimental value.

5. Physical Touch

https://www.myboysen.com/the-love-languages-as-color-palettes/

This love language is characteristic of those who feel loved or love through small acts that make the lives of those important to them somehow easier. This could be things like bringing food when a loved one is sick sick, making someone's bed when they have to rush out of the house, cooking breakfast or lunch the way they like, or tidying up the house for when they come home. It is in the things that are carefully done, paying attention to details that really make a difference and show that they care.

People who love through physical touch usually enjoy small physical gestures, such as holding hands, hugs, kisses, and cuddles. This love form can be expressed through small gestures like stroking someone's hair, tickle fights, back massages, head scratches, or just touching feet under the table as a form of contact, ensuring some type of warm exchange even if small or barely noticeable.

Citations These love languages apply to both giving and receiving love. People Karantzas, G. (2023, March 3). Is there science behind might express or enjoy being loved through multiple or different love the five love languages? Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved from: languages and can also enjoy receiving love in a different way than they https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/is_there_science_behind_t enjoy giving it. For example, a person may really like to give gifts to he_five_love_languages#:~:text=Love%20languages%E2%80%94the%20 their loved ones and not like receiving them in return. concept%20coined,insights%20into%20how%20relationships%20functi What about you? How do you feel loved the most or enjoy showing on affection to those you care for? If you want to find out which of the love Nguyen, J. (2020, October 21). What are the 5 love languages? languages is most compatible with you, try answering Chapman’s Everything you need to know. Mindbodygreen. Retrieved from: curated quiz at the end of this issue, or click this link if you are viewing https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-5-love-languagesthis online: https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language explained

FEATURES ● OPINION

Romance Media Tropes: Can abuse ever man. I find this trope highly concerning, as it be romantic? perpetuates harmful misconceptions

should not be popularised, especially by a big company like Disney.

Some movie critics say that this was not the Beast’s fault, as Belle suffered from Stockholm Syndrome, which is a psychological phenomenon where a kidnapping victim comes to sympathise with their kidnapper.

Yet, I believe this argument focuses on blaming the victim rather than the abductor, who has committed the crime. In the movie, we see how the

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https://www.deviantart.com/christytortland/art/Beauty-and-the-Beast-670312513

A trope is a familiar thematic idea about romance and glamorises a that can be seen in many stories very serious crime. You can see this across the genre, but each with trope through different types of media; their own characters, settings, plot, books, movies, TV shows, etc. A good and spirit. In romance, tropes are example of this is the very famous and things like friends-to-lovers, beloved movie “Beauty and the Beast.”

Grumpy vs Sunshine and Love In the movie, we see Belle, forced to Triangles.

They can be sacrifice herself, as the Beast has entertaining and fun; captured her father and won’t let however,they can also be quite him go until he has imprisoned dangerous, especially with tropes Belle in his castle. This, already, is that are not morally acceptable in not very romantic. However, later normal society. In this essay, I will on we see that the two start to fall in be discussing one romantic trope love, the Beast giving Belle his own that is quite controversial and in personal library and the two eventually my opinion, should be less used in getting married, revealing a handsome gentleman that used to be the Beast. Most society: abduction as romance.

The trope of abduction as romance children watch this movie when they are is stereotypically written as a man younger and don’t seem to have a problem who kidnaps a woman who with it. But as those children grow older, they may notice how this type of romance eventually falls in love with the

BY JULIA TANAKA | GRADE 10

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Beast is the one who verbally berates her, forbids her from eating, In conclusion, while it's valid to appreciate the themes of redemption and and keeps her in a small cell. For example, when Belle declines the seeing the good in others within narratives like "Beauty and the Beast," it's crucial to acknowledge the broader implications Beast’s dinner invitation, The Beast says, “You’ll come out or I’ll of romanticising abduction. I suggest considering break down the door!” (Beauty & Beast 35:03-07). He then the potential implications of media that glamorises shouts, “If she doesn’t eat with me, she doesn’t eat at all!” abuse and criminal activity associated with (Beauty & Beast 35:46-52). Additionally, when the Beast romance. If you are looking for alternative discovers Belle in the West Wing, to which she was romance media, maybe try enemies-to-lovers, forbidden, he yells, “Do you realise what you could have done!?” (Beauty & Beast 46:31-36) and destroys the which offers a healthier portrayal of surrounding furniture. Despite all of this abusive relationships that experience behaviour, the Beast is still framed as a mysterious growth and overcome adversity.

There are so many good movies to and misunderstood man and in the end, he still “gets the girl”, which gives a harmful message to young boys, watch that portray this trope in very who might watch this movie and think that aggression is exciting ways such as “10 Things I Hate about You” and even “Mulan”. Through the way to win over girls. Especially at a young age, this such choices, we contribute to a more can brainwash young children into resorting to positive cultural environment surrounding violence to get what they want.

Most writers or screenwriters use abduction as romance in the media. romance because kidnapping scenarios provide an easy way to bring two very unlikely characters The phrase 'picking up together. Yet, these narratives are based on https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AbductionIsLove, women' has an interesting etymology. situations where the man violates the women’s rights and autonomy and are then rewarded with a romantic Beauty and the Beast. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, Walt Disney Pictures, 1991. relationship.

FEATURES ● REVIEWS

Trust, Deceit and Unexpected twists: Delving into “After She’s Gone”

by Camilla Grebe BY EMILY BEYER | GRADE 11 The novel “After She’s Gone” was written by Camilla Grebe, a Swedish crime novel author.

The book tells the story of an investigation into a cold case, the remains of a 5-year-old girl found in a cairn near the small town of Ormberg ten years prior. Psychological profiler Hanne Lagerlind-Schön and her partner Peter are brought into the investigation straight from the capital. When the body of a woman is found at the cairn, Peter goes missing and Hanne is found at the edge of the woods covered with blood and with no recollection of the past few weeks, it is up to the rest of their team to discover if the new murder connects to their old one. Told from two different perspectives of seemingly unconnected Ormberg locals, the book thematises topics such as equality, acceptance, trust and deceit through many threads of the mystery, which all tie together in an unexpected ending. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a thrilling and suspenseful reading experience filled with many twists and turns.

What sets this novel apart for me is how Grebe characterises and utilizes the voices of Jake, Malin and indirectly Hanne to narrate the story. At first glance, the teenager Jake has no connection to the murder case. He lives in Ormberg with his not-so-innocent, alcoholic father and older sister, who is still grieving the death of their late mother, watches horror movies with his best and only friend Saga and tries to avoid his bully Vincent and his gang. A big secret he is trying to keep leads to him running away when Hanne calls for help from the edge of the woods, taking her diary with him. From here on, Jake reads Hanne's diary which gets him increasingly involved in the mystery. Jake is a character that longs to be understood but is hesitant to confide in others. In Hanne, he sees a friend, as she, like him, is unsure of herself and not able to see

the body of the girl out in the woods with her friends when she was a teenager. Her mother, aunt and cousin still live in town but she has now gotten a job as a police officer and a boyfriend in another city, trying her best to cut ties with her childhood home which has caused her all kinds of mental scarring and where she never completely felt she fit in. She reluctantly returns after being invited to work on the case as part of the team. As a local, Malin expresses the town's perspective on multiple occasions. A big trigger for debate in the story is the home for immigrants that was fashioned out of an old factory that used to give work to many of the town's inhabitants.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/after-shes-gone/camilla-grebe/9781785764714

her worth. Hanne has dementia, but with the fear that her younger partner Peter will leave her if he finds out, she sets everything on trying to conceal her condition. Similarly, Jake feels he needs to meet the expectations of his father and the judging town he lives in, hindering him from being his true self.

Through Jake and Hanne, Grebe works with the themes of trust and acceptance in a very relatable way.

Opposite Jake, the other voice of the book, Malin, is involved in the case from the beginning, more than anyone, including herself, would have initially thought. Malin is also from Ormberg and was the one to find

While she denies it, Malin shares the dislike against the government for letting Ormberg’s inhabitants lose their jobs and either move away or live in poor conditions while immigrants are moved there, being supported and supplied by the country. Different views of characters on this range, and the original Swedish title “husdjuret”, which translates to “pet” explains the extreme view of some of the town's inhabitants that do not see immigrants as equals and feel to be above them. Grebe shows how the people of Ormberg, a fictional town, are too preoccupied with their problems to have compassion and empathy for others, which reflects reality to a certain extent. Marlin's character ironically, as it later turns out, is in the worst position to make these claims.

Grebe's writing style immerses the reader in a suspenseful atmosphere, which makes the book a thought-provoking and thrilling read.

The book has a captivating narrative which intertwines societal reflections with complex characters, which is why I would highly recommend it.

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A Feast for the Heart and Mind BY EMMA NARVAEZ | GRADE 12 Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory: Stories Review In all this book’s damaged glory, I undeniably, wholeheartedly loved it. From the title page, all the way to the end of its Acknowledgements, this book constantly kept me on my toes. Written by the creator of the beloved animated sitcom Bojack Horseman, I knew I was in for a treat. Those who are familiar with Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s brand must be aware of his wry humor cleverly intertwined into tragic storylines, but could that same wit translate the same way in the literary domain? The answer is yes.

Each of the 18 short stories transport readers into the hearts of real people (and one dog), who experience love in every form, and in endless ways. Bob-Waksberg explores the endurance of love and why it may falter; why it was so great and where it came from in the first place. But most importantly, Bob-Waksberg illustrates what that love (or “love”) itself does to those who experience it– what’s left after the storm.

Each story diverges into various genres and formats such as literary fiction, surrealism, science-fiction, including even a poem and a list. Waksberg also makes use of every kind of relationship – boyfriend-girlfriend, husband-wife, dog-owner, brother-sister, and co-workers. These dynamics, although distinct, all highlight the flaws humans possess and their influence on the connection that brings them together. The stories ring with the same bittersweet truth, but are all executed in a myriad of ways, some taking readers across dimensions.

My favorite part of Bob-Waksberg’s experimental literature is that it doesn’t rely on cynicism nor pretension to create meaningful narratives. Instead, he balances ironic humor and sincere sensibility, leaving readers constantly surprised and charmed by his unexpected storytelling.

https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Will-Love-Damaged-Glory/dp/152473201X (modified)

Some personal favorites:

Inevitably, some stories hit the mark better than others, as others may have lingered for too long without giving readers a reason to care. Nevertheless, the collection as a whole offers a comprehensive landscape of love in all its forms.

someone for so long, but not really know them.

Salted Circus Cashews, Swear to God - A first How some couples spend a life together date that begins well until the man offers the without really knowing each other. Or how woman a can of salted circus cashews that some couples will never have the chance to definitely doesn’t have a fake snake inside know each other because they never try. prepared to jump out at the lid’s opening. The Lunch with the Person Who Dumped You - A date quickly becomes an introspective gameshow take on five hypothetical scenarios reflection of the difficulties in trusting of how a reunion lunch with an ex may turn someone at the start of a new relationship. out, namely “The No-Hard-Feelings Lunch”, Open this can and everything will be okay.

The salted circus cashews are waiting. They are so savory and delicious. You will be so glad you put your faith in me. This time is different; I promise you it’s different. Why would I lie to you? Why would I want to hurt you? This time there is no snake waiting.

This time things are going to be wonderful.

A Most Blessed and Auspicious Occasion - A satirical, hyperbolic analogy of wedding culture and how it reduces love to how much one is willing to spend on a Promise Egg, or whether traditional Shrieking Choruses will perform.

Lies We Told Each Other (a partial list) - The start and end of a relationship told through a list of lies told to each other. Hilarious and heartaching at the same time.

I’ve never felt like this before.

This moment, right here, is the happiest moment of my life.

Yes. Yeah.

No. Definitely.

Missed Connection—m4w - Two people sit on a train for 60 years, waiting for the other to spark their connection. Until one day the girl finally gets off the train, and it becomes apparent to the boy how you can know

constantly malfunctioning, monster-like creature who pukes non-stop. But it’s not its fault, it didn’t choose to exist did it? When a wardrobe worker ends up falling in love with the creature, seeing through its disturbing facade and seeing the “heart of ten men”, she steals it before it gets killed by the scientists. In this sub-plot, Waksberg illustrates that anyone has the potential to be loved, even artificially created beings that won’t stop puking. But “The Loaded-Weapon Lunch”, “The that’s just the half of it. The protagonist, the Reconciliation Lunch”, “The For-Old-Times’21st president impersonator, flees this chaotic Sake Lunch”, and my personal favorite, “The job—where he faces the threat of being Here’s-Your-Stuff-Back Lunch”. replaced by another lab-created combined president and corporate misdeeds—to be with The memory of whatever spark you had is his sister, who is recovering from cancer rusted, corroded, hardly maintained, and surgery. Although Waksberg takes time to scarcely revisited. This was no great affair, distract readers from the sole purpose of the this thing. This was no tragic heartbreak. story, at its core, there lies the message of This was just another thing that happened showing up in the midst of any in a long series of things that happened.

Here’s your stuff back. Have a nice life. multidimensional crisis.

But my favorite quote lies humbly in the rufus. – A precious narrative told completely Acknowledgements section of the book, and from the perspective of a dog, Rufus, who perfectly ties everything together. observes its ManMonster fall in and out of love. When the ManMonster is left with Rufus “Finally, I would like to thank my wife. and his dogged loyalty, the ManMonster utters About half of these stories are from before I the sound “Goodog” and nothing else matters.

ManMonster makes noise like, “Rufus rufus rufus,” and he scratches my back and I love him. I love him with everything I am. I love him like he’s a part of myself.

More of the You That You Already Are — This one is probably my favorite out of the bunch. Here, Waksberg cleverly creates an action-packed, sci-fi narrative, with a scientifically constructed presidential mishmash of the most iconic U.S. presidents to replace ten impersonators at the Presidentland theme park. However, this science experiment does not work as planned – what’s created is a

met her and half since, and I’m convinced if you lined them all up in the order they were written, you could pinpoint the moment where my heart became whole.”

Whether you had a valentine this February, you lost yours, or you’ve never had one, I recommend you read this book to experience love in all its damaged glory. At the end of the day, Waksberg makes us understand that love is out there for everyone, regardless of how damaged or unlovable we may seem to ourselves.

Bob-Waksberg, Raphael. Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory : Stories.

New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 2019.

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THE MAURDIAN | FINE ARTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

FINE ARTS ● DRAMA

“The Curious of the Dog in the Night-time”: On stage and under the stars BY PAULINE LI GAUDEFROY | GRADE 9 You could be anywhere in the production is worth seeing. “How you should come watch the play.” says. “The truth is that no one here world today, but you have decided we're doing the play this time does Drama Club just because it's Rei’s favorite thing about being to be at Saint Maur. And what around is very, very different from for credit. The truth is we do this part of the cast so far is “being able better thing to do than experience the past iterations. We're not using because it's fun to us.You get to talk to see how the ensemble people Saint Maur’s greatest show? many props and we're not using a to these people two, maybe even are so talented and able to work Everyone’s been waiting for this proper set. We just have the boxes, three times a week, and I think that together. So it's really interesting moment! The moment where and so that adds a really itself is kind of its own reward.” and a good experience for me to be history takes a turn; the moment interesting dynamic to watching it Well spoken Christopher- I mean, able to see the talent of the new Luke. where the high school and seeing how the actors actors and actresses.” dramatists showcase their Yuta (G11), who plays Christopher manipulate the set to give Luke (G10), the actor who plays in the second Act of the show, abilities with The Christopher in the beginning of the believes people should “come Curious Incident of show, believes that a “big part of watch because it is a really unique the Dog in the show. We haven't done anything Night-time! (Only like this before–featuring an on March 14-16). If you haven’t autistic character–and we bought your tickets yet, buy them are trying to portray this in now! For this play has an a really interesting way and interesting stage–compact and off a certain I think everyone tight. Have fun feel.”

She should come and breathing your describes watch this new neighbor’s sweat her time on type of show that as they watch the we're doing.” If set as plot unravel. that isn’t enough a nice But wait. Why proof for you to expeshould you come watch this year’s play? Well don’t rience come watch, I don’t know what is! fret, because Mr. G is here to of watching people “figure out the what makes this show special is His favorite part of being part of the representation of an autistic answer your questions! The different the cast was “being able to work scenes” such as Curious Incident of the Dog in the “watching actors like Luke figure character in this play.” He goes on with amazing cast members,” like to state that, despite this show Night-time is a “show unlike out their character and figure out Luke, his co-star, who helped him being abstract and very physical, a anything you will have seen at how they're supposed to a lot in this journey. He’d also like problem with our generation is Saint Maur before,” says Mr. G, move and their to thank all the other members of that we “often make “The story is told from the mannerisms. the drama club who helped me fun of people with perspective of 15 year-old And then greatly through the process of neurodivergence or Christopher, who has autism. It seeing rehearsal. with disorders that starts off as a murder mystery but them Lastly, this year’s drama ends up being something much grow production features two actors deeper as Christopher has to into playing the same character at the confront his own fears and find a that same time; Luke and Yuta. So how way to navigate the world.” chardoes it feel knowing that you are And if that doesn’t motivate you, acter the same? For one, Luke was just wait until you hear the during dress skeptical at first about Mr. G’s awesome music solely composed rehearsals and decision (never doubt Mr. G),

by Saint Maur students. It’s things like however he soon realized how electric, it’s magnetic, it’s that [is] grateful he was for this turn of everything you need for a retro really events because, if you go watch the night-out at the disco! But this isn’t interesting show, Christopher talks a lot. “I a night at a party, is it? Mr. G to me.” don't have the capacity in my explains that the lighting, sound, brain to do mock exams and also Rei music, projection, and physical study a hundred pages of (G12), theater is all part of the plan to yapping,” he explains. For Yuta on who fully immerse the audience into the other hand, he initially thought plays the Christopher’s world. Plus, you get that it was going to be plain and kindhearted to breathe down the actors’ neck simple. “We just [had to] play these have to do with social ability, (if you pick the right seats) Siobhan, also agrees with because sometimes those jokes can characters differently,” Yuta says, because they’ll be onstage the Michelle’s claims and says that this be funny, and sometimes people “But I realized that we have to try entire time! play is “quite unique from all the will make fun of them without to find a way to integrate, the way other classic plays in the last three really intending to hurt people. But we play, portray these two to four years. [...] Mr. G is excellent I think by turning so many of these characters together, and tell this This year’s drama play does not at adapting novels into [plays]. So, people into a punchline, we one story. I found it a bit difficult only feature two different sets of the way that he takes bits and inadvertently make them feel less at first, but I think it was a really casts, but also two Christophers! pieces from the novel and mixes it human, And that's what I really interesting challenge for me. And, although there are many lines, I That is, the protagonist of the with the script that already exists, want to tackle with this show.” think it was a very, very fun story. So let’s hear what they have you [can] get the impact of the Something that Luke enjoyed a lot experience to work with Luke.” to say about their experience novel [visually]. So it's easier to during his time on stage was the behind the scenes, and why understand the storyline and how Of course, we can’t forget about chemistry the cast shared between everyone should come watch! an autistic person sees the world, them, sharing jokes and making the other wonderful actors who Michelle (G9) plays Mrs. even though there's different types each other laugh. “There's not a contributed so much to bring this Alexander and easily explains the of autism out there. It's a great single day on set that I have not play to life. play to raise awareness, so I think core reasons as to why this laughed when we rehearsed,” he CONTINUATION ON NEXT PAGE

Cast

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CONTINUATION

The others go as follows: Parth (G9), Pauline (G9), Nuo (G9), Hinata (G10), Masaya (G10), Rosa (G10), Sakura (G10), Taikan (G10), Kai (G11), Yakumo (G12).

because I already know a lot about technical theater.” His enjoyment of playing and experimenting can reflect the sentiments of many crew members too.

Crew Mr. G also has a great group of kids to thank for working so hard in the dark; the crew! Without their hard work, the drama club wouldn’t have amazing lighting, cool props, and a very interactive set to play around with (though limited). Clement (G12), who is Head of Tech, described his experience as “nice” because he’s been able to “experience many different aspects. At the same time, I've learned what being a manager is, [which is a] lot less fun when you have to take care of some slightly immature people.

But it's nice what I've learned, [even though its] not really much

Production poster Cast during rehearsal

We also have to give a major round of applause to the crew for working hard after school in preparing the set, the sound effects, the props, and so much more!

Finally, Mr. G would like to “thank the whole cast and crew for their tremendous work on this project.

They have sacrificed a lot of time and energy to this and we have tried our best to stay true to the

story and to Christopher himself.

I also want to thank Mr Levy and Ms Littani for all their help (as always!) in helping make this world come to life in a visually engaging way. Special shout-out to our Seniors, both in the cast and crew, who will be leaving us after this production. I hope they feel that this is a high note to end their high school careers on.”

Cast during rehearsal

hadn’t realized my shortcomings, and not that I am aware of, and I will diligently work to improve.”

After that, I asked her about her on their performances, and feelings about the performance

BY JUNLIN CHU | GRADE 9 appreciating others’ from the judges. She replied, “I performances, I also began think they performed to immerse myself in it and exceptionally well, and their did not feel nervous.” When profound expertise was evident asked about her feedback on from their performances. What this festival, she answered, particularly excited me was that “I think this festival was well they interacted with the audience. arranged.

The timing, I found them very approachable. pacing, and coordination Through allowing students to were all very well, and the perform on stage and receive students didn’t feel rushed. feedback, this festival has Additionally, the deepened everyone’s performances from each understanding of music and school were outstanding, inspired them to pursue playing Saint Maur Big Band making it difficult for us to more passionately.

This compare. I enjoyed this performance has left an indelible A few weeks ago, on February 2nd, critiques and insightful feedback Saint Maur hosted the annual from the sidelines. In addition, the festival.” Then, I asked Julia some impression on everyone’s hearts.

Hopefully, in the future, more KPASS Jazz Festival. These music- four professional judges also took questions about the judges. She people can participate in such stated, “I believe feedback related events have greatly the stage themselves to perform. musical events and improved our students’ musical from judges To fully immerse myself in this create unabilities and provided them with was very festival, I interviewed a student, forgettable the opportunity to showcase their accurate. memories.

Julia (G9), who participated and musical talents. At the same time, There had strong feelings about it. When it facilitates exchange between were I asked her about her thoughts on schools, offering students with many this festival Julia said, “This similar musical interests a chance aspefestival was very fun and exciting. to interact. The main focus of this cts Initially, I was very nervous, but event was to allow students to where when I realized that everyone was perform, while four highly I enjoying the atmosphere, focusing professional judges provided Saint Maur Big Band

FINE ARTS

MUSIC

Exciting and Unforgettable KPASS Jazz Festival

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THE MAURDIAN | STEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

STEM

Why do we behave the way we do when we BY SOPHIE WYNKOOP | GRADE 10 are in love?

Love is a force that drives people to work hard, make sacrifices, and take large risks. If you’ve ever done anything unusual while in love, you may wonder what exactly made you behave that way and why. When we see someone that we perceive as attractive, our heart rates accelerate, palms become sweaty, and we often stammer over sentences that would otherwise be spoken fluently. For the longest time, people associated love with the heart. It seems logical enough that the large thudding in your chest you feel would be related to the feelings you’re experiencing, but that is in fact not the case. Some may be surprised to hear that the science behind love actually happens in the brain.

A team of scientists at Rutgers University, led

by Dr. Helen Fisher believed that love could be split into three main categories: lust, attraction, and attachment. These categories are each identified by the unique set of hormones released. There are some overlaps between hormones in each category, but generally testosterone and estrogen are what drive feelings of lust; dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin create attraction; and oxytocin and vasopressin lead to attachment.

Lust is defined by the human desire for sexual gratification. This is heavily affected by evolution and the human desire to reproduce.

The desire to grow the population of one’s species is a desire shared by all living organisms, and one that is essential for the survival of a species. The brain stimulates the production of the testosterone and estrogen hormones from the testes and ovaries, which drives the desire to reproduce. The additional hormones dopamine, oxytocin, and

vasopressin are also produced in the brain during this time. They are particularly produced in the hypothalamus, which is a region of the brain that controls much of our rational behavior. This could offer an explanation as to why we behave irrationally when in love. relatThe next category, attraction, is ionshcategorized by the brain pathways that ips are are in control of our “reward” behavior. quite Attraction is very similar to lust in that they distinct share many common hormones being from romantic produced. Dopamine is released when we Ultimately, the experience things that feel good to us. This hormone concept of love is a can drive humans to engage in sexual relations bit more complex than purely for the gratification that comes with it, some may believe. The not for reproductive reasons. https://mesquite-news.com/science-of-amour-love-lust-attraction-and-attachment/ Norepinephrine, which is related to three main categories within love- lust, dopamine, is also released. This hormone attraction, and attachment each serve their makes us feel euphoric and overly energetic, unique purposes and release their own which leads to a decrease in appetite and hormones. Lust, the sometimes obsessive insomnia. desire that drives us to act. Attraction, driven Attachment can be characterized as a bit by the human need for gratification. And lastly different from lust and attraction. This is attachment, which is involved with because attachment is related to friendships meaningful relationships of all kinds. and familial relationships, as opposed to Whichever stages you’re familiar with or not, being solely related to romantic now you have an explanation into some of the entanglements. The two primary hormones hormones that are related to specific that are classified as attachment are symptoms or emotions.

Perhaps this oxytocin and vasopressin. Similarly to information can be used in future dopamine, oxytocin is released in large relationships, helping us all be more mindful quantities during copulation, breastfeeding, of what exactly is happening in our brains and childbirth. Although not all of these when we fall in love. activities are enjoyable, they all lead to bonding in some way. It’s very important to categorize attachment as separate from lust and attraction, given that familial/friend

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Saint Maur’s one and only martial arts expert: Dr. Erard

BY PAULINE LI GAUDEFROY, DANNA YOON | GRADE 9 This month’s teacher is Saint Maur's wellrenowned biology teacher; Dr. Erard! Having worked here for 14 years, how much do you truly know about him? How come our biology teacher also happens to be a master in Aikido?

And what motivated him to come to the tranquil country of Japan? Read more of this article to discover!

1. Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in France, in a city of about 150,000 inhabitants, which is a medium city size in France.” While most people think of Paris as the epicenter of France, miracles can also happen outside of the city of love. For instance, Dr. Erard! And how fun it should be to live in a small city with a small number of people. But it’s “boring,” he says, “it’s a rather old city in Burgundy. So it’s full of old families that come from French nobility and bourgeoisie.”

2. How would you describe your childhood?

So if Dr. Erard lived in a boring city, what would a youngster think?

“I had a pretty normal childhood, I think. My dad was a truck driver, mom was an English

teacher. I didn’t really enjoy Middle School. I was not a very sporty person, so not playing soccer when you were in France, you know, it kind of isolated you. At that time, soccer was huge, and there were those who played and those who did not. So I was always part of more outside groups, I was not the popular type. Then I found that in High School, there were a lot more opportunities for one to develop their own interest and identity, and as a consequence, to find some levels of acknowledgment or even respect.”

3. What were some of your favorite childhood memories?

At 7 years old, Lego was a big thing, in which Dr. Erard also enjoyed playing with. He also played video games once in Middle School: “There were the Sega people,”

he explains, “and the Nintendo people. And there was war between the two, and I was on the Nintendo team,” he recounted with a reminiscent laugh.

But that stopped in high school, when people moved on to more modern devices.

Not being able to afford a computer, video games naturally stopped

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Dr. Erard doing Aikido

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CONTINUATION

being a big part of his life, and he turned towards tabletop role-playing. And yes, you guessed it, Dungeons and Dragons. “We set up a club at school, but at the time people were very concerned because the media had made up a few stories about people supposedly performing dark rituals in cellars. When we set up a club in the high school, that raised a few eyebrows. But we had tremendous fun with that and when they figured out that we were just harmless teenagers, who were playing with dice in a classroom on Wednesday afternoons, they stopped being worried.”

Furthermore, high school was also where Dr. Erard found his deep interest and affection towards Aikido.

“There was a yearly event on TV, a big demonstration in Paris, with all the top people in the world, and I saw a French gentleman demonstrating Aikido.

He was the most senior non-Japanese instructor in the world, and I thought that what he was doing was amazing. It’s funny, come to think of it, because this very month, he has a new book coming out, and he asked me to write a few chapters in it. I would never have thought at the time that I would end up even meeting him, let alone writing with him.”

Before Aikido, he did judo, like every other kid. But Dr. Erard felt weary of being the same as other kids. As a kid, he always sought out eccentric activities which nobody else did.

cereal trains. I remember one time, I was supposed to push one of those huge train wagons with a truck, I got a little bit carried away, and I went a bit too far; too fast. And the wagon bumped into the other one so hard that it fell in on its side off the tracks. So we had to rent a big crane. Can you imagine the size? To put that thing back on the track. And from that point on they called me the “Station Master” [laughs].”

“I still think to this day that competition meters in rocks. I then did a ten meters fall is mostly pointless, perhaps even straight down a cliff, and then another one of harmful. Nobody needs to “learn” fifteen meters. I think I probably passed out competition, it’s built-in deep in our at that stage. I remember I stood up genomes. What our species needs is eventually, but I could feel that there was to learn to compete less and cooperate something wrong in my back. So I could just more. Besides, on a personal level, not stand up, but I couldn't move anymore. I was much good can come out of comparing probably in shock as well. I don't know how yourself to somebody else who’s long I stood there. A storm was starting, so different, anyway.

What matters is how the rescue helicopter could not find me, even you are now compared to what you though I could hear it. The first person who were yesterday.

We’re life-long, unique got to me was a guy who worked as a learners.”

Et voilà. That is how we stuntman for Luc Besson’s movies. I eventually got an aikido master at remember just before he took me to the ambulance and closed the door, he said to me Saint Maur (this is only the that if I ever walked again, he told me to beginning of course!) contact him, and he would have a job for me.

4. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? [laughs]” So let’s just take a break, 5. What was your first job? and think about Times were really different back then, many everything we just teachers can agree. When mobile phones, learned. Dr. Erard WiFi, and Starbucks didn’t exist yet. So what was a shy student other part-time jobs would there be? Let at school, alone, in a small, bourgeois city? who was also part of the ‘unpopular’ group, and “We were not very well-off, so I worked in a played Dungeons and Dragons every silo,” says Dr. Erard, “They're those big, big Wednesday. Wouldn’t it seem unlikely that towers full of grain. And we did some he would end up in a wheelchair one day? interesting stuff. I took my license to drive a forklift truck there. Other times, we had to Well, that’s exactly what happened here: jump into the silo to clean it up. Once you “I had a group of friends, and we used to go had jumped in from the top, the only way out scuba diving, climbing, caving, all kinds of was to push all the grain in the big screw stuff. And we had a leader. He used to be an pump at the bottom, so that it would reveal instructor in the army, so he had all that the exit of the silo a few meters down. With gear. One day, we went mountain climbing all the dust, that would be completely in the winter. A plaque of snow broke, took forbidden now due to the risk of lung me with it, and I ended up sliding over 300 disease, but also explosion. We also operated me, suddenly, that one possibility of going to Japan didn't sound as unreasonable anymore.

So in a way, difficulties and things happening to you that don't go according to plan, sometimes highlight a path that may be important to you.”

he actually finds enjoyment in his. In summary, his life was a whirlwind that eventually brought him here, and he doesn’t regret it; not one bit!

8. What is your favorite memory while working here?

The story of a man who fulfilled his childhood He mentioned that one of his favorite dream. memories is a fantastic interaction with students who were doing their IAs. He liked to 7. Why did you become a teacher?

Dr. Erard didn’t really see himself becoming a see the students that were so motivated and he 6. What made you come to Japan? professor of plant molecular biology. and his students looked at ways to fix things Ever since he was a kid, Dr. Erard had the Therefore, as soon as he finished his lab work and to get things going. lifelong dream of visiting Japan. “There was no he came to Japan and worked in a French “One thing that I remember–I don't know if it's doubt in my mind,” he said. “And I must say restaurant in Ginza for a while, and during the best memory, but it's a significant that a lot of the things that I did in my life kind breaks, he wrote his thesis. After looking for a memory–is I never really used to see plays and of made sure that it led to that. For instance, slightly easier job, he was hired at Saint Maur. games. But I remember one year, I went to the one of the big reasons why I did my PhD was “There was a biology teacher here who went talent show for the first time. And I used to that I felt it would be a lot easier to find a job on maternity leave. I had taught at perceive the students through the lens of know, you in Japan. And turns out, it did. So I had to wait universities, so I had some experience biology only. So, you good are either a a bit. I wanted to go earlier, but I felt I needed teaching. I became a teacher because Ms. bioloor a bad to get my studies done. However, I had some Thomas (the former head of school) and Mrs. gist biologist. issues with some of the work that had been Endo gave me a chance very early in my done before I started, that was not what it was career. I was only planning to stay here for a supposed to be. It made my own research few months, finish my thesis, and then go back much more difficult, so I ended up having to to academia, but I just realized quite quickly work for 4.5 years instead of 3, with no that for the first time in my life, I was actually additional funding.” happy to go to work. So I thought, ‘Well, man, Unfortunately, the project itself closed a few if you can find an activity in your life doors for him. The work was going to get that you have to do 8 hours per day, patented, however, that meant he couldn’t and you're happy doing it, that publish anything. But if he couldn't publish, he must be something.” couldn’t find a job either. So because of that, After many years of toil, Dr. he explained, “I thought that my options were Erard is glad that he didn’t leave closing. There was no obvious path for me to his job because, unlike many Dr. Erard and his family go to. And you know, when the doors closed on people who don’t enjoy their jobs, CONTINUATION ON NEXT PAGE

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

CONTINUATION

And therefore, a good student or a bad student, So listen up folks; you’re about to hear some in my narrow view, right? And then I turned words of wisdom. up to the Talent Show and I saw those students “You have to be able to define what it is you're who I didn't really have high regard for, about. And what the non-negotiable things are academically. It hit me in the face, I saw talent that make you happy. That’s what is going to and competence, and a completely different give you the energy to get things done. And aspect of them that made me realize, ‘Oh man, then, you do what you have to do to pursue I missed a lot of things about that person’.” those goals. It can be something big, like a Dr. Erard’s first Talent Show actually taught professional career, or it can be a place you him to deal with students in a more holistic want to visit or a person you want to meet. manner, not only zeroing in on biology. That is And reflect on what a happy life is for you. why he turns up to the Talent Show every Find what intrinsically motivates you and single year because that keeps him in that state don't mind the smaller things that tend to of mind that there is a lot more talent within make you unhappy. Focus on where you spend students apart from their talent in Biology your energy. And ideally, you want to use your energy to build things, not break them. That’s class. why I don’t like competition, because like the 9. What advice would you like to give to geneticist Albert Jacquard said: ‘The moment I students? become a “winner” in a competition, I have Finally…the most important part of this article! automatically created many “losers”. My life

cannot boil down to creating losers around me, I’d rather work with you than against you. And another thing, within that, is to find intrinsic motivation. Whatever you're learning, you have to become interested in that particular aspect of the curriculum. Is there something in there that's hitting a little closer to home, something that you can connect to? Having that will make it easier to spend the time and make it more enjoyable. It's going to be easier with IB and afterward because you're going to start to select your courses and therefore, you'll get a bit more agency over what you do, but at the moment, there are many things you have to do. So get the taste for knowledge for its own sake, it will serve you well.”

Thank you Dr. Erard for being an insightful, well-spoken Teacher of the Month!

FINE ARTS ● ART

PUZZLES

IB Visual Arts Exhibition Dates

Heart Hunt Can you spot these 14 hearts hidden throughout the issue?

Be sure to visit the art room and check out the IB Visual Arts exhibitions all throughout March!

*Not drawn to scale

Easy:

Medium:

Difficult:

Impossible:

Editor’s Note: Dear readers, Happy February! Whether you had a Valentine this year or not, we hope you were able to find moments to celebrate the love in your life. This February, we got an extra day to celebrate love, and I’m happy to be taking that opportunity to provide this issue to you all. My writers and editors have worked diligently to curate a wide range of articles, many relating to love and all its complexities, such as its media representation, scientific background, or the ways it’s expressed. We hope you find this issue enjoyable and meaningful as you continue on to yet another month of 2024!

- Emma Narvaez

SUPERVISORS: MR. FEEZELL & MR. ALEXANDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & LAYOUT DESIGNER: EMMA NARVAEZ (G12)

WRITERS/EDITORS: EMILY BEYER (G11) JUNLIN CHU (G9) PAULINE GAUDEFROY (G9)

HANA LANG (G12) MARIA CAROLINA MARTINS (G12) SAKURA MYA (G10) EMMA NARVAEZ (G12)

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TROIS ONO (G12) JULIA TANAKA (G11) ​SOPHIE WYNKOOP (G10) DANNA YOON (G9)

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THE MAURDIAN | PUZZLES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024

The Five Love Languages Test

By Dr. Gary Chapman Read each pair of statements and circle the one that best describes you with a pencil. Once you finish, add up the totals of each letter to discover your most compatible love languages, and erase your markings.

1. A. I like to receive notes of affirmation from you.

E. I like it when you hug me.

2. B. I like to spend one‐on‐one time with you.

D. I feel loved when you give me practical help.

3. C. I like it when you give me gifts.

B. I like taking long walks with you.

4. D. I feel loved when you do things to help me.

E. I feel loved when you hug or touch me.

5. E. I feel loved when you hold me in your arms.

C. I feel loved when I receive a gift from you.

6. B. I like to go places with you.

E. I like to hold hands with you.

7. A. I feel loved when you acknowledge me.

C. Visible symbols of love (gifts) are very important to me.

8. E. I like to sit close to you.

A. I like it when you tell me that I am attractive.

9. B. I like to spend time with you.

C. I like to receive little gifts from you.

10. D. I know you love me when you help me.

A. Your words of acceptance are important to me.

11. B. I like to be together when we do things.

A. I like the kind words you say to me.

12. E. I feel whole when we hug.

D. What you do affects me more than what you say.

13. A. I value your praise and try to avoid your criticism.

C. Several inexpensive gifts mean more to me than one large expensive gift.

14. E. I feel closer to you when you touch me.

B. I feel close when we are talking or doing something together.

15. A. I like you to compliment my achievements.

D. I know you love me when you do things for me that you don’t enjoy doing.

16. E. I like for you to touch me when you walk by.

B. I like when you listen to me sympathetically.

17. C. I really enjoy receiving gifts from you.

D. I feel loved when you help me with my home projects.

18. A. I like when you compliment my appearance.

B. I feel loved when you take the time to understand my feelings.

19. E. I feel secure when you are touching me.

D. Your acts of service make me feel loved.

20. D. I appreciate the many things you do for me.

C. I like receiving gifts that you make.

21. B. I really enjoy the feeling I get when you give me your undivided attention.

D. I really enjoy the feeling I get when you do some act of service for me.

22. C. I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with a gift.

A. I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with meaningful words (written or spoken.)

23. D. I feel loved when you help me out with my chores.

C. I know you are thinking of me when you give me a gift.

24. C. I appreciate it when you remember special days with a gift.

B. I appreciate it when you listen patiently and don’t interrupt me.

25. B. I enjoy extended trips with you.

D. I like to know that you are concerned enough to help me with my daily task.

26. E. Kissing me unexpectedly makes me feel loved.

C. Giving me a gift for no occasion makes me feel loved.

27. A. I like to be told that you appreciate me.

B. I like for you to look at me when we are talking.

28. C. Your gifts are always special to me.

E. I feel loved when you kiss me.

29. A. I feel loved when you tell me how much you appreciate me.

D. I feel loved when you enthusiastically do a task I have requested.

30. E. I need to be hugged by you every day.

A. I need your words of affirmation daily.

Add Total Number of Answers Here: A. ____ Words of Affirmation B. ____ Quality Time C. ____Receiving Gifts D. ____ Acts of Service E. ____Physical Touch

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