JUNE 2020

June 2020

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8

PIN TREE POS BIASES,STEREOTYPES, AND RACISM: ADDRESSING THE ISSUES FOR A BETTER TOMORROE

GRADUATION AND JUNE TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, KINDA JUNE NEWS REPORT: WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY?

JUNE

2 FIRST GLANCE P.4: WORLD

P.9: SCHOOL

The Pinetree Post

STAFF

FOUNDERS Russell Kim, Felix Guo EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Briana Ho, Raymond Gao ARTICLE EDITOR Briana Ho CONTRIBUTORS Jon Gough, Peter Peng, Aaron Kan, Julia Ye, Zoe Li, Esther Kim, Alexandra Mandewo GRAPHIC DESIGN Raymond Gao ONLINE CONTENT Raymond Gao SPECIAL THANKS TO The Pinetree Administration, Mr. Lau, Ms. Hopkin, Ms. Browne

June News Report and

Biases, Stereotypes, and Racism

P.21: FEATURED

Ask Tommy and

Taking Care of Yourself, Kinda

Graduation and June

P. 24: OTHER

Comics

GET INVOLVED IN THE PT POST! Although we at the Pinetree Post try our best to represent the voice of the everyone at Pinetree, we are only a small group of students. To find the most pressing topics and interesting avenues to explore, we rely on input from readers to curate relevant content only. Anyone is welcome to suggest a topic or provide an opinion for Pinetree Post writers and

contributors to look into further. Do you have something to say that needs your voice? The Pinetree Post also welcomes guest content, any time, of any kind. Feel free to submit an article on a topic you are passionate for, a comic you think everyone deserves to see, maybe even a letter to the editor!

You can submit your original content to us at thepinetreepost@gmail.com.

Have a question or a request? Contact us at: facebook.com/thepinetreepost

First Glance

EDITOR’S NOTE

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people even though most of us don’t have adult power like credit cards and mortgages (Biases, Stereotypes and Racism, page 14).

It’s enough to make a grown man cry (and that’s okay)

I know a lot of you have been anticipating the Briana Ho, Raymond Gao return of our beloved advice column, and your prayers have Editors-in-Chief been answered (Advice Column: Ask Tommy, page 22)! He Hi Pinetree! missed you all last issue. While we’ll be letting Tommy run

Now I know most of you won’t get the end-of-year (or free for the summer, you can still send burning (or lukewarm) end-of-high-school-career) celebrations you hoped for, whether comments to his email pinetreepost.asktommy@gmail.com that be graduation ceremonies or just class potlucks, but all of us and he’ll answer them once we recapture him for the next at the Pinetree Post send you our virtual cheers and budget party school year. You can also find a comic by the wonderful Zoe noise maker sounds. We’ve had a great year with all our readers Li (Comic, page 24) if you want to tickle your artsy taste and hardworking PTP staff! buds.

This month’s theme is “anticipation.” It could be In all seriousness, we hope you have a wonderful excitement for the summer, for the next school year, or for summer! We’re sad to see our current Design Editor, wherever life may take you now that you’ve finished your time at Raymond Gao, graduate and leave our humble newspaper Pinetree (Graduation and June, page 9). behind, but his time has come. I couldn’t have asked for a With the end of the year, there’s often the sadness of loss that better partner-in-crime - he always put up with my craziness comes with the excitement, perhaps because friends and/or and we managed to work together around our busy schedules teachers will be leaving, you’ll be leaving, or this milestone of to make each monthly issue. Of course, the Pinetree Post another grade over merely serves as a reminder of the inevitable wouldn’t exist without our talented members - which I call passage of time and the fragility of the moments of our youth - or our PTP staff to make them feel official - who work their butts because you’re one of those lunatics that decided summer school off to give you the quality content you deserve. To my staff, would be a good idea and now you have to suffer through more I can’t express how much y’all have impressed me with the education. Whatever the reason for any sorrow you might feel, it’s time and passion you put into this, even when I chase after important that you take care of yourself (Taking care of yourself, you for missing articles or other assorted content. Thank you kinda, page 21), and no you can’t just hide in the darkness of your all from the bottom of my cold black heart. I can’t wait to room playing Minecraft for several days straight while siphoning move forward into the next school year with our new Design off a bottle of Baby Ddrops thinking it substitutes getting Vitamin Editor, Julia Ye, at the helm with me, along with (hopefully D from the actual sun. most) veteran PTPeople from this year and any new recruits!

On another note, the world is changing. As you’ve On that subject, if any readers would like to join the Pinetree probably been told by adults or mature peers, we are the future, Post or have any questions, email thepinetreepost@gmail. which means we’re eventually gonna have to step up and deal com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. with the flaws in our society whether we like it or not. Don’t Hope you enjoy this issue of the Pinetree Post! Remember jump for joy just yet. There’s a lot that’s happened these past few to like us on Facebook and check out our website (https:// months amidst the COVID-19 debacle, and it’s important to keep pinetreepost.wordpress.com/). Missed the last issues? Read updated in order to guess what the future could hold (June 2020 them (in colour) at https://issuu.com/thepinetreepost .

News Report, page 4). Maybe the anticipation you feel comes from wanting to do something about a cause you feel passionate Keep up the quality vibes, about, yet don’t know how you can contribute. There’s plenty Briana Ho of stuff we can do now, in our youth, that could help struggling (Co-)Editor-in-Chief

WE MADE IT Y’ALL

4 WORLD NATIONAL INTEREST

June 2020 News Report

What’s happening today?

A Black Lives Matter protest and banner after fatal shootings in the USA in 2016

Aaron Kan Writer It’s certainly been an eventful and hectic month so far; make that year, actually. So many things have happened that it’s hard to figure out where to start. The month has been riddled with shootings, protests both peaceful and violent, and calls for reform to our social structures and political structures. Underneath all this, the COVID-19 pandemic still has a grip on our lives, but the world is starting to slowly recover. Countries are beginning to reopen, while keeping a close eye on the population and being cautious of a resurgence of the pandemic.

The Black Lives Matter movement:

Sparked by the death of George Floyd on May 25, many people in the USA quickly organized protests in the following days and weeks against the deeply-rooted racism within their country. This message comes alongside calls for police reforms regarding the systemic racism within the police taskforce. The protests are largely peaceful, although in some, people have taken advantage of the chaos and broke into stores to steal and loot businesses. The Black Lives Matter movement has spread around the world, especially in places such as here in Canada where there is also a long history of racism. Now,

WORLD

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they’re pushing for changes in all aspects of life regarding racism and discrimination.

Reopening the economy:

It has been a few months of quarantine and many countries are starting to reopen their businesses such as restaurants and shops, many of which are taking it slowly and in phases. Depending on location and the severity of the pandemic, some cities such as Windsor-Essex and Toronto have had to delay their reopening amidst fears that a stronger wave could quickly sweep the city. We in B.C. were fortunate to have quick action and thus flattened our curve relatively quickly, while some of most hard-hit provinces such as Ontario and Quebec are still coping and adapting to the virus.

Recent crimes:

There has also been a recent string of crimes, from shootings in North America to the stabbing spree in Reading, England (Saturday, June 20) which left 3 people dead, to name a few.

There have been 2 recent shootings on the continent. One happened in Charlotte, North Carolina (Monday, June 22), where a party was going on early Monday morning. The mood of the crowd was

Family of Ejaz Choudry talking to news reporters about his death

said to be “calm” yet some people were “tense” before the shooting started. It led to 2 dead in the streets and another 7 wounded. The second recent shooting happened in Mississauga, Ontario, where an elderly 62 year-old schizophrenic man named Ejaz Choudry was fatally shot by police.

The reasons behind why he was shot are currently unclear, the police saying they believed the man had firearms within the apartment, while his family says that he was in no possessions of guns. His family believes the situation could have been handled peacefully, and that the police “took the easy way out. For them, it was the easiest thing to do, instead of wasting an extra two hours, an extra three hours that could have saved a man’s life.” (CTV News)

We as the human race have been through a lot, and this might only be the tip of the iceberg. In the future, who knows what we might go through?

There might be more horrific incidents, escalating and increasing in severity and occurrence, but that would be the absolute worst-case scenario. However, the world can come back from this, and come back with the lessons that we has learned from these events. Hopefully, we will learn, otherwise we’ll fall back and repeat it all again.

A sign signifying the people’s wishes to stay healthy and to get back to normal soon

6 WORLD

NATIONAL INTEREST

Biases, Stereotypes and Racism

Addressing the Issues for a Better Tomorrow

Alexandra Mandewo Writer

On May 25, 2020, a video took the world by storm. I won’t go into details of the video because death is never pretty. This video has made the world realize something; we have work to do. Just in case you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’m talking about racism and racial biases.

Now before I go any further, let’s define racism. Racism is the belief that all members of each race have specific characteristics that only apply to them. This is especially used to label another race as inferior or ‘less than’. Racial bias is then taking these stereotypes about other races and letting them affect our understanding, actions and decisions unconsciously. For example someone says: “You’re so [insert trait like athletic or smart] because you are [insert race].” Statements like that; whether used as a joke or seriously, do affect the way a person can see another race or their own, positively or negatively.

Recent events have hit close to home for me and many members of the black community. As one of a handful of black students at Pinetree, I am no stranger to racism and racial discrimination, as are members of the Pinetree Anti-Racism club run by Ms. Applewhite where we talk about issues that have to do with race. One student shared their experience with racism at Pinetree. An older non-black student, called the black student ‘the n-word’ and told

People of different races with their fists up in solidarity.

the student to kill themselves because they were a slave. The aggressor received a suspension for their vile and racist words.

The issues that have to do with race are in schools, workplaces and even homes. Although racism is not exclusive to black people, in Canada Black people and Indigenous people disproportionately face racism and racial discrimination. I do not doubt other races experience some form of racism, big or small. We can all agree, no race deserves to be the victim of racism.

One thing I love about Pinetree is our diversity and multiculturalism in the students and faculty. What we accomplish so well is embracing our diversity and making everyone feel a sense of belonging at Pinetree.

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WORLD

So, where do we go from here?

First, take a moment to address your own biases towards other races or even your own race. Many biases are unconscious so it will take a conscious effort to change the negative biases. After that, educate yourself on things you don’t know and some of your ‘blind spots’ that have to do with race. Will Durant once said, “Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” As blatant as that is, it rings true. At the end of the day, we all wanted to be valued, respected and supported regardless of our ethnicity, gender, background, religion, shape or perspectives. We can give others the same by taking the extra step to ask for more information and to look for it ourselves.

Secondly, consider attending the next Anti-Racism Youth Symposium (COVID allowing) at Pinetree. Many who face racism or witness it happen don’t know what to do and

the conference gives the tools for that. You’ll learn about other people’s experiences, how to combat racism and how to be an ally to other races. It happens in February each year and Ms. Applewhite has permission forms for the conference.

Lastly, we can also continue to foster inclusion. Immerse yourself in the many cultures we have in our community by celebrating and exploring the heritage and history that is our past, our present and our future. I would like to remind everyone that we have a responsibility to remain dedicated in the fight against racism and common stereotypes. We must unify our community by building cultural competence. Who we are as a society is profoundly shaped by the diversity within it.

Black people make up 1% of B.C.’s population. Due to this low percent, there are not many organizations that are geared

A poster from one of the many protests held worldwide after George Floyd’s death

8 WORLD

Provincial Judge David St. Pierre speaks to students at Pinetree’s Anti-Racism Conference

towards dealing with anti-black issues. The British Columbia Community Alliance is a black-led organization I personally recommend looking into. Their focus is not only on petitions but educating and fighting for fundamental change. An always lasting way to make an impact to help fight anti-black racism is to have the uncomfortable conversations with yourself and others about race and racial biases.

Let’s do even better. Let’s be even better.

Let Pinetree be the leader that other schools model themselves after. A school known for its diversity and inclusion. A school where we will all one day graduate and be fair and just leaders in whatever fields we pursue. It all begins with us, the younger generation. We all have a voice and a platform. I encourage others to find a cause they are passionate about. Whether it be racial equality, climate change, poverty or human rights.

Outside of school (but still in the community) there are organizations like Sustainabiliteen, an teen-led organization that organizes events, projects, and initiatives with the goal to change behaviors and practices that negatively affect the environment. The City of Coquitlam Multicultural Committee which a student can suggest opportunities for public education and discussion regarding multiculturalism in the city. Reconciliation Canada which engages Canadians in conversations and experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians with educational and volunteer opportunities. These are just a few organizations that are easy for us as students to get involved in.

There are so many groups and individuals that need help getting their voices and issues heard and they need a champion. You can be that person.

We are the LEADERS of tomorrow!

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SCHOOL STUDENTS

Graduation and June

Bryan Chen Writer, Interviewer

Given the current pandemic raging across the world, it is no surprise that many public services were shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and it should not be expected that school or any other locations of a large gathering of people should open for a while. However, with the obligation of maintaining the ability for students to continue studying without contracting or transmitting disease, and for that matter education has been moved online entirely. As the end of the school year approaches, several questions emerge regarding what will be different from previous years.

One notable change is the transition of classes to online education, and the case for many is that they will be continuing their education on some online network or computer program, such as Microsoft Teams. However, the reactions from this change have not necessarily been positive, as many students have voiced their opinions on the inconveniences inherent in the current state of affairs, as well as troubles with their online education systems. Some students have in fact neglected to submitting their homework punctually, with the greatest offenders having not even been in contact with their teachers since April.

As June rolls by, the pronunciation of the end of another school year is nigh. For the

Grade 12 students, this means graduation from secondary education and the beginning of either post-secondary education, or the beginning of the pursuance of a new career.

However, another great change that indubitably affects Grade 12s in particular is the cancellation of the graduation ceremony.

Although there were attempts to organise an online graduation by the students, this event was not made official nor did it receive authorisation by the school. This has led to disappointment among many Grade 12s who previously felt enthusiastic and exuberant in regard to their upcoming graduation.

Despite the unfortunate effects of COVID-19 on the conclusion of school for some, many Grade 12s remain gratified to have completed their final year of public education. To learn what some students had to express, the Pinetree Post surveyed a selection of Grade 12s to hear their thoughts on their own graduation.

Graduation Ceremony

10 SCHOOL Kevin Liu PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

K: Although I have had four wonderful years at Pinetree, I am definitely looking forward to graduating from high school. It is time for me to move on to pursue my next goal and I am ready for it. However, I will certainly remember and miss all the memories I had at Pinetree.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

K: I was somewhat disappointed with the arrangements this year, but I suppose it is the best the school can do for us. This special time is definitely hard for all of us, and I am happy to have what we have.

Having the ceremony cancelled completely would not be desirable in my opinion, but realistically it is the right decision.

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

K: Prom.

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

K: I would say it is the Winter Formal, since it is mostly a grad event and all of my friends were there.

It was the last grad event we got to attend and it was a memorable one as well.

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

K: My favourite memory would be playing and performing music with my friends in small ensemble concerts hosted by the music department.

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

K: I would make friends more carefully and selectively. Throughout the past four years, I learnt the lesson that not everyone deserves trust and people can change easily. I don’t wish to make the same mistakes again in university.

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

K: As the co-leader, I hope that the Pinetree Orchestra Club can go on for many years to come. My partner, Larry, and I devoted a lot of our time into managing the club. We provided a place for people not in band to play music, and I hope after we leave, this will be preserved through the continuation of our club.

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

K: I am proud of myself for how I turned out. I have grown to be more mature and more capable in terms of academics. My Grade 9 self would not think I am the same person as him.

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

K: I am moving on to study engineering at the University of Toronto next year. Most of my friends are moving to Toronto as well, and I do plan to keep in touch with the ones I can.

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SCHOOL Lucy Zuo PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

L: Yes, I look forward to university but I will miss my time here!

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

L: Of course, it’s very disappointing.

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

L: Prom.

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

L: Nothing!

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

L: As a flutist in the music department! There are and will always be many great flutists at Pinetree.

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

L: Yes, I would be proud!

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

L: I will move to Toronto to study music. I will keep in touch with my friends!

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

L: Playing for the musical “Spamalot”.

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

L: My trip to Toronto to audition for music school.

University of Toronto

12 SCHOOL Bernice Liu PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

B: At the beginning of the year I was actually quite scared to begin my final year of high school but now that I’m here, I’m pretty excited. Even though leaving behind the familiar halls of Pinetree will be hard, the friends and memories I made will stay with me and remind me of the times I had here.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

B: Naturally, I was looking forward to celebrating my twelve years of education this year. Hearing about its cancellation was devastating at first, since I have been excited about these events since the end of Grade 11. I was not able to celebrate in the traditional way, but this year still ended up being pretty special.

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

B: My commencement ceremony. The commencement ceremony has always felt like the last step for grads, and even though I performed at previous commencement ceremonies with the choir, not getting one for myself does feel disappointing. Prom comes in at a close second because I already bought my dress and I won’t be able to wear it this year.

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

B: COVID-19 for sure. What other grad year has had to deal with a global pandemic as well as the stress pf graduating at the same time? It has been a difficult and historic year but we still made it through!

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

B: My favourite memory in high school is just being in the music department in general. I found a place where I belonged and being a part of that community has given me opportunities like traveling to Cuba to perform.

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

B: I would have worked harder in my earlier years, I think. After taking more AP courses I realized that if I had developed better studying habits early on, it would have given me a better starting place in the AP courses.

Also learning to ask more questions sooner.

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

B: If anything, I want to be remembered for the contributions I made towards the Music Department during my time here. Since all of the Charity Jazz leaders will be leaving this year as well, I hope that our younger band mates will continue the tradition.

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

B: I’m proud that I was able to finally learn the best way that I study/learn and do well in school. I think my Grade 9 self would be quite proud of where I am today and the accomplishments I have achieved.

SCHOOL PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

B: My plans are to sleep lots and play lots. I will have more time to devote to my hobbies, and I want to continue learning about some things that are of interest to me. I made a lot of good friends in secondary school, so I will also be arranging some safe get-togethers with them over the summer just to hang out and catch up.

Plus, I will be going to the same post-secondary with some of them so it’s best to keep connection with them.

PTP: Do you have anything else you would like to say, such as a message addressed to other students?

B: Yeah, things may feel like they suck right now and you can’t see your friends or good teachers, but eventually things will settle down. Sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself to do the things you know you have to and the strain of being at home all the time is draining.

But look at where we are now! We survived another year of school and a pandemic as a bonus. We did what we could to the best of our ability and now we are at the end.

Pinetree Secondary School, our home.

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To the classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023; keep going strong. Your teachers are here for you and you have your classmates as well. If you want advice, some of us seniors are happy to help. We don’t know what the future may look like for now, but you are almost there.

Finally, to the class of 2020. It has been a wild year and we experienced a wide variety of things along the way. A lot of things have been taken from us this year, but maybe one day we can make it up.

Through it all, we still graduated.

Thank you for all the memories, Pinetree.

14 SCHOOL Irene Yang PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

I: I’m very much looking forward to graduating! My high school career has held many of my most valuable memories, so I will definitely miss my time here, especially in the Music Department.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

I: The commencement was something I wanted to experience, so having it cancelled due to COVID-19 is a bit saddening. I was excited to sing on stage with the choir and cross the stage, it’s a shame that the opportunity isn’t available. But it was still very thoughtful for Pinetree to host a photo-op in Pinetree’s courtyard!

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

I: One event that I really wanted to do was the Year End Concert held by the Music Department. The senior band was going to play a song that I requested in Grade 11 (Your Name OST Medley), and I was looking forward to celebrating the awards given out to various students. It’s unfortunate that we can’t hold the concert this year, but I’ll be sure to come back and watch future ones!

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

I: Although the majority of our senior year events have been cancelled, we still got to experience a few. I think the Senior Sail or Winter Formal might be the most defining event of my Grade 12 year, as they are mainly held for the graduating class.

University of British Columbia

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SCHOOL PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

I: As a member of the Music Department, I am proud to say that my fondest memories lie within the band and choir rooms, as well as the cafeteria stage. Many lunch breaks were spent with my closest friends in the choir room, whether it be a simple lunch time or Music Council meeting. My friend group often goofed around in the band room, and I’ll always remember the concerts and musicals that were held on the stage.

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

I: If I could relive my time in secondary school, I think I would definitely put more care into my studies, as well as my self-care. I would love to be able to improve my grades as well as my health.

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

I: I hope to be remembered as a dedicated member of the Music Department. Graduating as a Co-President of the Music Council and Co-Leader of the Charity Jazz Band, I hope my team members found me as reliable and approachable! I wish the future Music Council Presidents and Charity Jazz Leaders all the best~

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

I: Yes I am! I think over the past four years, I have changed a lot as a person (I would say for the better haha). My Grade 9 self would probably say/notice that I am a lot more confident and outgoing, and I hope she’d be proud of that :)

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

I: After graduation, I will be studying UBC for my Bachelor’s of Science. I will keep in touch with my friends, and I’m sure we’ll hang out once in a while!

PTP: Do you have anything else you would like to say, such as a message addressed to other students?

I: Good luck everyone! Thank you all for the past four years and memories I’ve shared with you. Keep up the great work and stay safe!

Kevin Zhou PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

K: I am! I will definitely miss my time in Pinetree.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

K: I was excited about the grad events, but I am not entirely sad that they were cancelled. During quarantine, I have made memories with friends and learned new skills with the extra time. No matter the situation, most of the time there is always a way to make the best out of it.

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

K: I was looking forward to the year-end music concerts the most. For some music students, these concerts would be their last performance.

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A street in Cuba with beautiful buildings

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

K: I joined a non-profit organization called Social Diversity for Children Foundation in Grade 12. In this charity, I worked alongside many talented individuals and helped organize a gala that raised $200,000 for children with disabilities. The gala was one of the most inspirational nights of my life.

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

K: My favourite memory in secondary school was the Cuba Trip. I think the most beautiful thing about Cuba is the people: they are optimistic and content with what they have. I also really admired the Cuban music students’ passion for music, they truly played their hearts out.

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

K: I don’t always have enough time and energy to hang out with friends because I have a busy schedule packed with music courses and extracurricular activities. So, if I could re-live my time at Pinetree, I would want to drop some responsibilities and spend more time with friends.

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

K: There isn’t anything specific that I would want to be remembered for. People will eventually forget the things that happened in high school, but they will not forget how others made them feel. Everyone will remember me differently depending on the memories I made with them.

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

K: I have accepted my Rotman Commerce offer at the University of Toronto and I am planning to stay in Vancouver for the winter sessions. Most of my friends are also staying in Vancouver, so I will most likely hang out with them during breaks.

PTP: Do you have anything else you would like to say, such as a message addressed to other students?

K: “Confidence. It’s the food of the wise man but the liquor of the fool.” -Vickram

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SCHOOL Santiago Arbalaez PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

S: I am looking forward to graduating, mainly because I get to move on to greater things in life. I will not miss most of my time in PT mainly because I don’t agree with almost everything the administration does.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

S: I wasn’t excited for the graduation ceremony because if JASON RA isn’t the valedictorian then in my eyes no one is worthy. I honestly don’t care though, it’s a ceremony. Lives are more valuable than a ceremony.

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

S: I looked forward to going to prom and after grad and having a good time with the lads, maybe even bring a date who knows! It sounded fun, but again I honestly do not really look back at that as if it were something robbed from me, because we do the best we can do is deal the best we can with the situation at hand.

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

S: Wanting to kill myself certainly was a the most defining moment in Grade 12, mainly because I almost died. But honestly I am glad I got over my depression and moved forward, because turns out life has a lot to offer!

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

S: I’d say my favourite memory was getting that 95% on the chem final, because I cried of joy realizing I could be something one day.

Join Debate Club!!

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

S: I would’ve destroyed leadership to the ground.

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

S: I want to be remembered for Debate Club, because it was my baby and grew it into this beautiful thing it is now. My child is Sara Peach, and that is final!

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

S: I am proud that I got through high school, and Grade 9 me would probably say how big my chest is.

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

S: I am going to UBC to be psychologist. I’m saying goodbye to everyone, cause I’m tired.

PTP: Do you have anything else you would like to say, such as a message addressed to other students?

S: Question everything around you. This is a great school if you fight for it. Its soul is equal to the effort put in, and if you want others to know and love it as much as you, then fight for it!

18 SCHOOL Nathan Lee PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

N: Strangely enough I am really looking forward to graduating this year. Though I do shed manly tears when I look back at all the stuff that has happened since I first came into Pinetree Secondary. Other than begging for an easy way out of doing homework, I will definitely miss all the freedom and lack of responsibilities, but most importantly, all the friends I had made in the past 4 years.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

N: The commencement ceremony was probably the thing I had high hopes for, ecstatic to walk across the stage with my friends of the graduating class. When I found out that this year graduating ceremony would be cancelled, I was heartbroken. 2020 maybe just some ordinary year, but for this year’s graduating class, having missed out on such an important occasion is truly devastating.

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

N: One event that would define my Grade 12 year would probably be Senior Sail. I got to spend most of the night with friends whom I had been friends with since elementary school and it was a blast. There was great music, we took a lot of pictures, and overall, it was honestly such a great night. I had spent most of my time hanging out with my close friends and this event took that to the next level and we had lots of fun.

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

N: During my time at Pinetree Secondary, I had a lot

of strange but memorable moments. Most of theme memories come from the band room with the off Block 5 crew. We did so many questionable things that probably would’ve had us banned from the music department, but at least it was fun right?

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

N: Something I would’ve done different is to open myself up to other people. I was always the type of person to keep thoughts to myself and have them clogged up over time. Opening up to other people will help you a lot in the future. Having someone to vent your feelings to goes a long way as a way to take some stress off your shoulders.

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

N: In Grade 9, I was such a shy and awkward person. Now, I look back and I realize all the dumb stuff I had done since then had boosted my self-esteem and has made me a really --- interesting person. I’m proud of how I grew. My Grade 9 self would probably be speechless at the sight of Grade 12 me.

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

N: I really don’t know where I plan to go after high school. In the time before we all go off our separate ways to post-secondary, I will definitely make the most out of summer vacation. Whether it be travelling with friends, having parties, doing barbeques, visiting Waterfront in Vancouver, we’ll make the most out of this summer.

19

SCHOOL Larry Li PTP: Are you looking forward to graduating?

Will you miss your time in secondary school?

L: Although I do look forward to life after graduation, I definitely miss my time in secondary school.

PTP: Were you excited for the graduation ceremony this year? How do you feel that it has been cancelled entirely?

L: We stopped coming to school since Spring break, and it feels very sudden to me and many of my friends that our high school life has ended. Many of us expected a formal and memorable graduation ceremony.

PTP: What were you looking forward to the most that ended up being cancelled?

L: Hmm... I would say pretty much all the high school grad events as they only happen once in a lifetime.

PTP: What would you say would be the one event that could define or represent your Grade 12 year?

L: To me, Grade 12 was about being more mature and developing a better understanding of the life around me and the world. There was not any particular event that would fully represent my Grade 12 year. However, I do believe that all events that happened in Grade 12 are most likely effects, or results, of the past times. For example, being admitted to a university requires strong academic performances and extracurriculars, all of which need to be slowly prepared before Grade 12.

PTP: What has been your favourite/greatest memory in secondary school?

L: I really appreciate the cheerful times between my friends and me. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and playing some music with many of them. Also, I find that being addressed with the title “LeaderLarry� is very delightful.

One step at a time, have fun growing up!

20 SCHOOL

PTP: If you could re-live your time in secondary school, is there anything you would have done differently and why?

L: Honestly, I have made many bad decisions and done many things which I regret. Nonetheless, I will not change anything if I could go back in time because I am shaped by the different experiences I had. If I changed any memory that I consider to be “bad�, I would not have the related experience, thus, I may conduct similar acts again in the future. I will totally take the chance of re-live my time in high school to simply once more experience the laughs I made and the tears I shed. I ought to have an imperfect life, but it only makes my future better and helps my personal growth.

PTP: What do you hope to be remembered at the school for the most? Is there anyone you want to continue your legacy?

L: Although I anticipate the difficulty, I do expect the Orchestra Club to grow and be successful. I took over the club from the graduates with their passion and now I shall pass it to the next generation.

PTP: Are you proud of yourself and how far you have grown? What would your Grade 9 self say about you today?

L: Overall, I am proud of my growth and development. Since Grade 9, I already had the feeling that I will make mistakes and fix them in the four years of high school, thus, I think my Grade 9 self woulde expect himself to grow like myself today. But I deeply wish that I could be hit with the consequences and realize my faults sooner because the outcomes only become more severe as I grow up.

PTP: What are your plans after graduation?

Will you remain in contact with your friends from secondary school?

L: I would attend the University of Toronto with many of my friends in secondary school. For those who went off to different universities, I expect we would contact less since University is busy, but we will still remember each other.

PTP: Do you have anything else you would like to say, such as a message addressed to other students?

L: To my fellow graduates: If you are reading this, here is the sincere congratulation from LeaderLarry. I shall remember the time I had with many of you even if it is just about a single league game. I really hope in the future when we meet again, I would be the LeaderLarry from your memory.

To my teachers: It is my honour to be able to gain valuable knowledge and experience under your teachings. I shall take the knowledge I learned to my future classes and personal life and be successful.

A special thanks goes to Mr Lau, aka OystR, who had not only taught me the crucial knowledge of mathematics I will need in the future but also fostered my attitude as a student. With his patient guidance, I could recognize problems that I was not aware of.

More importantly, his teaching encouraged me to effectively identify critical problems and establish appropriate solutions independently. I shall remember his words and the experience with him.

21

FEATURED STUDENTS

Taking Care of Yourself, Kinda.

Peter Peng Writer

We live in a society. Being pretty much forced to stay at home, and at least six feet away from everyone and anyone, including your friends, has caused plenty of annoyed moaning from… just about everyone. Some people have just begun to disregard the rule completely. But let’s say that you, the reader, are a pure, law-abiding citizen who would NEVER violate any law at all! Even the ones about jaywalking. Well, the issue here is that plenty of people that ARE following the social-distancing rules are beginning to feel just a *bit* of a lack of mental stimulation, and as a direct result, are getting the Big Sad™. So while maintaining a safe distance, how does one keep

themselves from literally mentally withering and getting their ashes blown away by the wind?

Since the beginning of lockdown, sales of the Nintendo Switch have grown exponentially.

It’s gotten to a point where the Nintendo CEO, Shuntaro Furukawa, has been found dead from drowning in a swimming pool filled with nothing but cash. But that’s beyond the point. Why are Switches selling out globally? Video games are a great way to distract your brain from all the death, riots and other unfortunate events that are going on outside. Maybe you don’t like Nintendo. Well, with the imminent release of the new Xbox Fridge and PlayStation Router, the current generation console prices are dropping faster than my economics grade after finals. Or, if you have the money, go buy a PC. If anything, that works better. So sure, while your serotonin production might not be up to par, at least you have something to do. Plus, many video games reflect the real world really, really well, and could be useful for the future. For example, Naughty Dog’s original The Last of Us depicts a post-pandemic United States where supplies such as scissors and toilet paper are extremely scarce, and where people literally fight over them with everything from fists to flamethrowers. If 2020 were a novel, this would have been foreshadowing from 2013. Try it and learn something before the covid-zombie apocalypse breaks out!

“But I’m not a fan of video games,” you

22 FEATURED

Cute characters from Animal Crossing

might say. Well, okay, but that’s a YOU problem, and not a ME problem. Sheesh, just go outside and enjoy the sunshine ALONE or something, you nerd. On a completely serious note though, just consider getting a bike and just riding it around.

Just find SOMETHING, literally ANYTHING to keep you from focusing on the looming existential dread.

Finally, if you like chemistry, maybe you could devote your brainpower to figuring out how to synthesize serotonin on a massive scale. You’ll have a massive market, which includes me. I will buy it off you, and I’ll be happy because I now have the happy chemical, and you’ll be happy because you’ll be earning mad stacks. Win win.

ADVICE COLUMN:

Ask Tommy Tommy Sharpe

Hello all, and welcome to the June edition of Ask Tommy! I was sadly out of commission last month, party due to the almighty god-hammer of PHYSICS crashing down on my soul, and partly due to not receiving any questions! What I normally do for Ask Tommy is I go out and ask people if they want advice, and while normally they just shun me like the creep that am (cue Radiohead), but sometimes they take pity on me and give me blessed material. Well, not today! Someone (I know EXACTLY who you are, but you wanted to be anonymous) gave a WONDERFUL prompt! I will proceed to break it down paragraph by paragraph.

FEATURED Hellooooo Tommy, Firstly, I am very concerned that the PTP staff are not feeding you well (refer to the May intro of this year). Would you like me to call the police, or beat up the Article Editor?

I will gladly do the latter if you wish. Just lemme knowww I dunno if there’s a limit to how many questions I can ask in one Ask-Tommy submission, but who’s your favourite Animal Crossing villager? If you don’t play, just pick one that you think looks cool lol. Also there’s literally a character named Tommy haha ha I’m pretty sure you know who I am since my name is literally in the email but I would like to remain anonymous please and thank you.

Have a great day dude

Thank you so much, Anon-chan, for sustaining me. I hope you have a great day as well! Well, as I am being held at very-sharp-plastic-spoonpoint by a person whose name starts with a B, so I can’t say anything about the first paragraph. Wow, that’s my spleen, okay, moving on.

There is no limit to how many questions you can ask! It never came up before, but no matter the sender, I will always cherish the content I get. I need all that I can get, after all. As for Animal Crossing, this poor journalist cannot afford a Switch (in any form), but I think Ankha has a really cool character design. Gives me vibes of Prince of Egypt and Stardust Crusaders. Baabara is also pretty cool, although the pun is awful. Tommy (the character) is cute, but boring. I can see the resemblance, though. Another anonymous sender sent another question, this time relating to the theme:

23 Dear Tommy, What are you anticipating about over the summer??

Anonymous Well, Anon-kun, I really want to cook more! I got a cookbook at Christmas, so I better get some more use out of that. Other than that, I’m looking forward to shredding my calves on my sharp(e) bike pedals, and getting hypothermia in Lynn Canyon!

I’m glad you asked.

That’s all for this week’s edition of Ask Tommy. Please send me any questions or comments you may have about school, life, or something else at pinetreepost.asktommy@gmail. com, and I answer them in October. I hope you all have a splendid summer!

Stay sharp,

Tommy Sharpe

24 OTHER Comic by Zoe Li

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