The Quill Valentine's Special 2020

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dear reader

We are halfway through February - the month of vibrant pinks and reds, hearts, chocolates, love, and of course, Valentine’s. Couples, we hope you spent some quality time with your significant others. Singles, we hope you were able to take a break from the exhausting load of school work.

In this Valentine’s Special Issue, the Quill presents you with exclusive interviews of teachers, student couples, best friends, and unique bachelors and bachelorettes from each grade, as well as short stories and poems, exploring the beautiful but also bittersweet aspects of love. Prepare a box of tissues and enjoy the ride. Happy Valentine’s!

Quillfully Yours, Aoey & Erica

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THE TEAM 4

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Mr. MARK COOPRIDER Advisor

aoey wirawaRn & Erica kim editor-in-chiefs

aim kumpusiri art director

hayoung you managing editor

Editors

David Bang Matthew Muehleck Nate Ronnakiat Tayida Chaiyakiturajai Pann Sripitak Joey Chao Joseph Ha Amy Jain Claire Mast Dada Phisitkul

writers

Tayida Chaiyakiturajai Mina Wangpattanamongkol Dayoung Nam Tawan Petpaiboon Shreya Rupani Charlotte Muehleck Austin Cipriano Pat Watcharapong Emily Rubio Time Kosawad

Proud Ua-arak David Bang Hannah Won Krishma Gandhi Krisha Gandhi Daniel Yim Joey Chao Hunter Lertkiatdamrong Pann Sripitak

photographers

Mina Wangpattanamongkol Lala Lertkiatdamrong Dino Nishioka Thejal Narayanasamy Ai Tulayathun Mine Umnakkittikul Tida Pinthanon Wen Aramratsameekul Ally Woo Russia Chawala Hannah Kim

Blink Chaisuparakul Hajoo Na Proud Sethaudom Joanna Pinsuvana Thaam Limwattananon Clara Park Jan Thaveeprungsiporn Tenny Srirungrojana Sunny Tangniannatchai Beam Yongphiphatwong

layout designers

Haeun You Rita Sirichanyakul Christina Chen Tan Tumpunyawat Aum Kuansongtham Bam Chadanuntakul Gloria Park Lala Viboonkiat Angie Tanabodee-umpon

Gunn Jungpaibul Ryu Ngammuang Year Ruengarak Anna Liang Sungwoo Jeon Nisha Denzau Lucy Noh Ai Tulayathun

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contents 6

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MR. ZACH & MRS KELLEY JISEOK & JANESSA ROONG & TIMOTHY CAROLINE & BOON FRIENDSHIP: PRIN & PEAM FRIENDSHIP MEMO & SUN

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BACHELORS & BACHELORETTES ROMANTIC MOVIE review: THE PERFECT DATE MR STEPHEN’S GUIDE ON DATING AT ICS LOVE POEM VALENTINE SATIRE VALENTINE SHORT STORY

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Mr. Zach Interview by Amy Jain

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Mrs. kelley Photos by Blink Chaisuparakul

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How did you first meet? What was your first impression?

What’s your story?

Z: I’ll never forget how she strutted into the room like a runway model. Her midnight hair shimmered and her smile made my jaw drop. I turned to my friend and whispered, “Who is that?” He replied, “That’s Kelley, but I’m pretty sure she has a boyfriend.” I cooly responded, “That hasn’t stopped me before.” She had a way about her that lit up any room she entered. Her energy, her joy, her laughter, her wit… she had me swooning from the beginning.

K: I met Zach at a friend’s birthday party.

I was immediately comfortable with him.

We played a game of “Catch Phrase” with everyone at the party, and Zach and I kept guessing each other’s phrases immediately.

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Who made the first move? Did you know then, that you would spend the rest of your life together?

Z: I had to play the slow game. She did have a boyfriend when we met, so I took my time. I casually invited her friends to my apartment more often, hoping that one day they would bring her along. I was not aggressive, I knew I was in this for the long haul. I knew this wasn’t going to be some fling. Eventually, she showed up with her friend one day and we started hanging out. She told me she broke up with her boyfriend and I smiled ear to ear. She knew I was interested. I didn’t officially ask her out for a while, but she made me clear some things up before she would date me. I had to right some wrongs and start with a clean slate.

K: When we first met, I was dating someone, so there was no asking out at first. Zach was patient though. He waited until about a month after I was single again, and then he asked me out one evening before our weekly watching party of Modern Family. I didn’t know then that we would be together forever, but it didn’t take me long to realize it once we started dating.

Can you remember a specific moment in time when you knew you would end up marrying each other?

Z: I kind of knew from the beginning.

Everything was different with Kelley. She was never an object to be conquered.

She was never a game to be played. She was always this special, precious, unique woman of God that I knew I didn’t deserve. She had it all. My dad taught me to swing for the fences and I knew she was out of my league. I pursued her slowly and carefully... with a lifetime in mind. I pursued her as if I was pursuing my future wife. Not a girlfriend, not a fun fling, but the woman I would dedicate myself to loving and serving.

How would you summarize your relationship in a few words?

Z: We are faithful to each other. We are committed to giving each other patience, understanding, forgiveness, and love.

Life’s challenges and burdens are easier faced together as a team. We laugh and have fun throughout the valleys and hills of life.

K: One crazy roller coaster with my best friend.

What do you think is the most challenging part of being married?

Z: The responsibility and commitment to someone other than yourself. The challenge of marriage is very real, but it makes you a better person. Marriage teaches you about your own weaknesses and shortcomings and holds you accountable.

K: Choosing to put his needs, desires, and goals before my own. It can be tough but it’s worth it to be your person’s biggest fan. november-december2019

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What has been the greatest obstacle you overcame together?

Z: Moving so many times and raising our kids. God has helped align us in our parenting, but we miss spending time together just the two of us. We love our kids, but we need more dates with each other.

K: Losing our son, Samuel. He died when I was thirteen weeks pregnant.

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What’s the sweetest thing your spouse has done for you?

Z: Her daily sacrifices to take care of our family.

K: That’s tough. Zach has a sweet heart and has done many incredible things for me. I remember one of the first sweet gestures after we started dating was that he came to the airport to pick me up dressed as a chauffeur. He was holding a sign but instead of my name, it said “the most beautiful woman in the world.”

What is one thing you love most about the other person?

What’s one thing you find annoying?

Z: I love her wisdom. She is incredibly easy to respect and admire because of her dedication to God’s Word and to pursuing wisdom. One annoying thing about her is her complicated relationship with water bottles. She leaves multiple water bottles all over the house and yet, somehow, can never find her water bottle when she wants it.

K: I love his smile, humor, sensitivity, openness and honesty. Annoying? His farts. Definitely his farts. They are really bad.

How would you think life would be different if the other person were not a part of your life?

Z: I would be super messed up. God provided me with such an amazing woman because He knew I needed help.

God helped me through Kelley. Like Jack Nicholson says in that one movie, Kelley “makes me want to be a better man.”

K: Zach constantly pushes me to be a better person. He encourages me, and also leans on me when he needs encouragement. Without Zach, my life just wouldn’t be as incredible as it is. God put the right person in my life at the right time.

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What would you say is the secret to a happy life with someone you love?

Z: Keep your focus on God’s perfection instead of your partner’s imperfection. In other words, humility and forgiveness.

K: When I started dating, my dad told me that a common mistake in marriage is when you focus on your spouse and make them the center of your world.

Instead, he said I should focus on Christ, and find someone who would join me in looking to Him. I believe this is so true, because when I look to Christ, I see the love, forgiveness, and sacrifice that I have received. When I remember that, I can easily love, forgive, and make sacrifices for Zach.

Is there anything you would like to say to the readers of the Quill, ICS students, and high school couples as Valentine’s Day draws closer?

Z: Be patient through this seemingly difficult chapter of your life. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

K: I would say that Valentine’s Day is like any other day: an opportunity to show someone you love them. But Valentine’s Day is fun because of all the hearts and candy. So this Valentine’s Day, show someone you love them, whether it’s a kind word, a letter, a gift or a kind act.

Seize the day.

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Jiseok & Janessa Interview by David Bang

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How long have you been together?

JN: Almost a year now. Nice.

JS: Double nice!

What is something that you find quirky about the other?

JS: Unlike her appearance, Janessa is very hilarious and she has a sense of humor. Also, she has longer legs than me, which I find attractive.

JN: Jiseok acts like a baby often and it’s fun teasing him. I’m glad he can be himself around me.

What helps you get through the long-distance relationship?

JN: There’s the Internet and messaging, so it’s not that bad. Sometimes it gets hard, but I’m glad we can still connect through cyberspace.

JS: Thinking about the day that we will meet each other helps me to get through, and it’s wonderful knowing that there is someone who loves you no matter where you are and no matter what you look like.

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Has having a long-distance relationship affected you in any way?

JS: We became really touchy because as you know, I am not usually with Nessa physically. Anyways, I learned that every single second with Nessa is so precious.

JN: Well, I’ve learned to become patient. If you can wait, it’s worth it.

What advice would you give to those who are in a relationship now?

JN: The chances that your crush likes you back are low, but never zero. Don’t be a coward.

JS: During your relationship, stay truthful with each other and try to learn and grow from it. Trust and communication is the key.

JN: And yeah, be honest with each other.

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roong & timothy Interview by Pat Watcharapong Photos by Joanna Pinsuvana

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What’s your favorite thing about each other?

T: She’s very caring.

R: Aww. Well, he’s sweet.

What’s your least favorite thing about each other?

R: He’s so annoying!

T: She does her makeup for too long.

R: No, no. He acts like a kid. He’s basically a little baby, ok?

What’s your favorite memory together?

R: Fireworks...

T: Along the Chao Praya last New Year’s Eve. What’s your favorite activity to do outside of school?

R: Just chilling and watching TV series.

T: Yeah, on Netflix and stuff.

Are there any other things you want to say about each other?

R: He’s just generally very understanding.

T: I hope she has a good time in college.

R: What do you mean?!

T: I mean academically, of course.

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caroline & boon Interview by Hayoung You Photos by Jan Thaveeprungsiporn

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What’s your favorite memory together?

B: Every moment with Caroline is my favorite memory. She’s so sweet and so fun to be around. But if I had to choose one particular moment it would probably be during Lock In. We spent a lot of time together and she was - is - so cute.

C: My favorite memory is when he’s far away from me!

What do you like about each other?

C: His muscles.

B: She’s objectifying me! As for me, I like her cheeks. Also, she has a good sense of humor. I mean it’s kind of weird but in a cool way.

What about the other person annoys you the most?

C: Everything! Literally everything.

B: Caroline can’t decide anything on her own, so I have to make decisions for her all the time.

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When did you guys start talking?

B: It’s complicated. I think it was the beginning of this school year, when Caroline DMed me.

C: Boon was super annoying in person, so I annoyed him back.

B: Well, but Caroline DMed me, so she’s the one who made the first move.

What’s something you would like to do together in the future?

C: Nothing!

B: Get married.

Final words to each other?

C: Ladies first.

B: Want to go out with me on Saturday?

C: I think you’re really annoying.

B: I think you’re pretty stupid too.

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friendship 30

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pri pea

Interview Photos by Thaa

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in & am

by Joey Chao am Limwattananon

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How did you first meet?

Peam: I met Prin in 9th grade during PE. I remember he walked in and looked kind of like a lost child, so I asked him, “You want to sit here?” and he said, “Yes”.

Prin: Sure, we did meet in PE class, but the most memorable meeting was in the media center. It was the old media center, the cooler one, of course. People are always talking about how we’re kind of like nerds, but I honestly don’t think so. We just randomly started about Algebra 2 because we were both taking the class during that time. It was the common ground we could agree on.

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What’s so unique about your friendship?

Prin: It’s ‘cause guys like us, who work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world (quoted from Of Mice and Men).

Peam: We ain’t got nothing, what do we have?

The human body and that’s it.

Prin: We got math.

Peam: No. Prin: Okay, in all seriousness, what’s unique is that we have a very intellectual relationship, I guess. I remember how we’d discuss philosophical issues, like what would happen if Peam killed me and cloned me exactly. Would the new cloned me have a soul? The answer, of course, is no.

Peam: No, we talked about whether or not the human brain would still function as if it were the same person as before, and I said, “Yes it would”. But you don’t think that the human brain would function any more, even if all the molecules -- every neuron and electrical current -- is replaced.

Prin: Yeah, but that’s because you think we don’t need souls to function, but I think we do.

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Could you tell us about some unforgettable events that happened between you two?

Prin: It was in the corner of the media center, where we were talking about sound waves and light waves. Let’s assume that you have a pipe with a 90-degree bend in it.

If you shine a light through one end most likely you won’t see the light through the other end. But if you speak through one end with your voice, you would most likely hear it. What’s the defining difference?

Peam: Uh, the nature of the waves.

Prin: Yeah, light is transverse and sound is longitudinal. And the reason for that is that sound requires a medium and light doesn’t.

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What do you appreciate most about one another?

Peam: His knowledge in math, physics, writing, and programming.

Prin: His knowledge in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Why do you think you guys connected so well?

Peam: Because we have our appreciation for the human mind and its intelligence.

Prin: Yes, we are humanists by nature.

Peam: We are the most human - we are normal. We are the most normal in the school.

Prin: Actually, we are the quintessential - the exemplary humans here.

Peam: Because we use superfluous jargon for no reason.

Prin: Exactly, and that shows our appreciation for the deep knowledge and history of mankind.

Peam: Correct.

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MEMO & SUN Interview by Tawan Petpaiboon Photos by MIna Wangpattanamongkol

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How long have you guys been best friends?

10 years.

Who acts more mature?

Memo: Sun. She’s actually older and acts like it, too.

Sun: Yeah, I’m her mom.

What’s your favorite memory together?

Memo: Probably when we were roommates during SALT trips. Those are fun memories.

Sun: As long as we’re together, anywhere is fun.

What’s your favorite thing about each other?

Sun: Memo? She’s nice, she’s friendly, and she’s always there for me.

Memo: Sun is like a mom and she stops me from getting in trouble for doing anything I’m not supposed to do. She’s just like, there.

Sun: I pay for her food too.

What is your advice on friendship?

Sun: Don’t intrude on each other’s boundaries.

Memo: Stay with the people who you feel comfortable with.

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bachelors & Bachelorettes

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interviews

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PROUD ‘20 What does Valentine’s day mean to you?

It’s a day that I just wanna buy chocolates and cookies for my friends and give them other small gifts. The rest of the day is just normal.

What is the best thing about being single?

There are so many perks, but the best thing is that you don’t have to tirelessly keep thinking about someone.

There’s freedom!

What do you look for in a potential partner?

He has to have a similar sense of humor to me and he shouldn’t be mean. He has to be responsible – in school, relationships, and other things.

What is your ideal date?

Walking anywhere with a pretty scenery of landscape and nature, or anywhere pretty in general. I also want to talk about deep questions together.

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How do you plan on spending Valentine’s Day this year?

I plan on making myself happy by spending time doing things that I enjoy. I haven’t finished one of my favorite Netflix shows, so I’m looking forward to binging. I also want to hang out with the boys all night, since they are all either single or on the verge of breaking up.

What would you say are the biggest pros and cons to being single?

The biggest pro to being single is the privilege of not having to be dependent on anyone. I can do almost anything that I desire. I am also able to flirt more while not having to worry about someone making a big deal out of it. However, these pros come with me having to be more lonely.

Do you think that you’re better at third-wheeling or being a boyfriend?

I think that I would be a better boyfriend. I am a man with experience, so I know how to treat a girl right, and I always have. Even though I don’t have the best sense of humor, I can do more than enough to make a girl laugh. I am also able to be there for people when they need me. Lastly, I am obviously super physically attractive so why would I waste that by being someone’s third wheel?

What is one piece of advice you have for couples?

I would say to focus more on your partner, and not on yourself. Look past their eyes, and try to understand what they really want. We all know that girls never mean it when they say they’re “fine.” Listen to them more than you talk, so that you can really be there for them.

You’re single, but do you have any plans to change that soon?

I’m not necessarily looking for anyone right now. I’m a bit bored of relationships. I want to focus on my own life and become a better person. Maybe if I do meet the right person at the right time, I’ll give it a shot.

TA ‘21

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DARREN ‘23 What are your views on Valentine’s day?

Well, the thing for me is, I’ve never really celebrated Valentine’s Day. Oh, really? Why? It happens to line up with my mom’s birthday, so we usually celebrate that instead...but if I could celebrate Valentine’s, I think it’d be a pretty EPIC holiday!

Do you have an ideal type?

A girl? I don’t really have a type, just as long as they’re nice and laugh at my dumb jokes -- it’s pretty gucci.

Any embarrassing love stories to tell?

A couple of years ago at my old school, we had a teacher who gave us these journals to write anything personal in, so she could read it and help us with anything. I had told this girl I liked her over a message, and she screenshotted it, printed it out, and put it in her journal. *laughs* Everyone found out and it was really embarrassing. But it’s kind of a meme now. The new Darren would man up and tell her in person. *warning: shameless self-promo* Also, there’s only one thing more happy than Valentine’s Day. And that’s Happy Farang! Subscribe if you haven’t! Bye! 44

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What do you look for in a guy?

I hope I can find someone who matches me, understands me, and accepts me for who I am. I don’t care too much about how he looks, but he should still look pretty decent.

Would you rather be single or in a relationship?

I’ve been single for my whole life, so I want to try to be in a relationship, but I’m not that desperate for it so as not to choose the other person I want to be in a relationship with. If there’s someone who comes to talk to me, but I see that he might not be the right one, then I won’t force myself into a relationship.

What do you think is important to maintain a long relationship?

I think you should be straightforward to each other, and talk about what you like or don’t like. You should trust and be honest to each other as well. You should also be able to accept each others’ flaws.

Do you have any advice for people looking for a partner?

I guess you should try to talk to many people in order to see who is or isn’t right for you.

YEAR ‘20

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What do you look for in a partner?

What matters to me the most is finding someone who I can have fun with. I also look for someone who I know I can last a long time with. So if I know that it's not going to last, then I’m just not going to go for it.

Your dream first date?

So, I think going to the movies is cool, but I’d rather go to an amusement park because it’s much more fun when you get to talk and get to know your date more.

Do you think guys should always ask a girl out first?

Yes, I think it’s kind of weird if a girl asks a guy out because I’m used to the tradition of a guy asking a girl out and I think it should stay that way.

Which do you think is better, being single or being in a relationship?

It depends; what matters most is your happiness.

Do you consider yourself a romantic?

I can be.

DANIEL ‘21

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What is your honest view on Valentine’s?

Oh! It’s a little hard to describe. I kind of like that day, it reminds me of ‘family.’ I think Valentine’s is mostly about love, but it’s more than just love between lovers. Valentine’s can be love between close friends and family.

Do you normally give gifts on Valentine’s Day? I didn’t think about that, so I guess no? But maybe if it was to a close friend, I would give them a gift.

What is your ideal type?

Someone who is friendly. Someone who is compassionate and kind, perhaps thoughtful of others.

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What are the pros and cons of being single?

The pros are that you're more independent, and you don't have to worry about the way you interact with others as much. There's overall a lot more freedom on a daily basis. On the other hand, it can get pretty lonely and there isn't anyone to help with pursuing your goals.

What do you look for in a girl?

Appearance-wise I would like it if she was shorter than me and wore glasses. She doesn't need to be super pretty or anything, but just someone I can always count on and someone who understands people.

Ideal date?

Good food, then the movies, and walking together.

What does Valentine's Day mean to you?

It's an opportunity for you to tell someone you care about them.

JACKIE ‘20

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What would your ideal boyfriend be like?

Good personality, of course, which would include being honest, understanding, caring, prioritizing me, paying attention to my small details, and befriending my friends. He also has to be funny, tall, smart, and attractive.

Where would your “dream” first date be?

My first date would be at an amusement park because I love rollercoasters. If I chose to date someone, they would have to be willing to go on extreme rides and just have fun with me.

Any advice for people who want to be in a relationship?

Take it slow and easy. You have to love yourself first, and stop waiting for someone to love you, because sometimes you’ll find love where you least expect it.

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MINA ‘22 Do you like being single?

Yes! I feel this especially when my friends are having arguments with their boyfriends. I try to support them to the best of my abilities, but I’m just glad I don’t have those issues myself.

Do you think your standards are too high?

No, I think I just haven’t connected with anyone well enough to judge whether or not they fit my standards.

What’s your ideal type?

I guess just someone who would be willing to prioritize me over their ego. Tall. And of course a good sense of humor. They have to be able to enjoy my pathetic puns, unlike most people who just sit through them.

How do you feel when people around you start dating?

I feel like I’m not in a position to express my personal emotions because I have a limited view on what goes on between couples. However, I’m delighted that people are able to connect with others on a more personal level than they usually do.

How long have you been single?

Who said I was single? Oh wait, I did.

I’ve been single for 17 years. I’m 15.

Are you open to dating other people?

I’d honestly feel sympathy towards anyone who would have to date me. That’s why I appreciate my friends, family, and teachers so much for tolerating me everyday.

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How do you plan on spending Valentine’s Day this year?

I'm planning on watching some Netflix. Just some Netflix, not much besides a good blanket and snacks.

What would you say are the biggest pros and cons to being single?

A pro is that you have less responsibility. And a con… being single is pretty good; there are no major cons.

What is one piece of advice you have for couples?

Don’t get too attached to each other. Live your own life and be your own person.

You’re single, but do you have any plans to change that soon?

I'm going with the flow. I'm not going to try but if anything happens, I’m open. Hey ladies...

GUN ‘21 november-december2019

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romantic

Movie Review: Written by Claire Mast

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If you’ve enjoyed “To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before” as much as I did (aka a lot), then “The Perfect Date”, a Netflix original, should definitely be your next watch this Valentine’s. Starring the lovable Noah Centineo and Laura Morano, the somewhat predictable storyline is nonetheless cute entertaining, and overall a fun watch. It has a cutesy and humorous style similar to “To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”

Brooke Rattigan is a middle-class overachiever with all his hopes pinned on getting into Yale.

Needing a way to make money fast, and an extracurricular to write about in his college apps, he and his best friend create an app that advertises Rattigan as anyone’s “Perfect Date.” Girls can hire him as an escort for the evening and choose his personality, persona, and apparel. Soon, he’s immersed in acting as anyone but himself, still unsure of who he actually wants to be. Up until he meets Celia, a hilariously sarcastic rebel whose parents hire Brooke to take to the school formal. As Brooke navigates Celia’s hi-so world and wrestles with his dreams of an uncertain future, fights, breakups, motivational montages, and blundered college interviews ensue.

The plot is fairly simple and doesn’t throw many surprises the audience’s way. But sometimes, that’s just what you feel like watching, especially after a long day of school and a long evening of homework. Although I sometimes think that dialogue in romantic comedies like this one sounds stilted and unrealistic, I feel like “The Perfect Date” did a great job of keeping the conversation r elatable and not too flowery. It’s easy to relate to Brooke’s feelings of incompetence, his striving to get into his dream school, the agony that is writing his admissions essay, and the mix of tension and affection that he feels with his dad. The movie steers away from being to black and white about relationships, school, or internal struggles. This keeps it from being as cheesy as a movie about “finding your identity” sounds like it could be.

The dynamic between the two leads was personally my favorite part of the whole movie.

Brooke and Celia are cute together and you’re rooting for them the entire way, as well as laughing at their terrible luck and disastrous dates. So although watching “The Perfect Date,” isn’t a particularly deep or life-changing experience, it is a perfect choice if you want an easy-to-digest Valentine’s movie with lovable characters, and a fun, relatable storyline about love, making mistakes, searching for identity, and figuring out the future. november-december2019

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mr. stephen’s

guide on dating Interview by David Bang

at ICS

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Recently, I’ve had the chance to sit with Mr. Stephen Ladas to ask him some questions regarding the school’s policies on dating, as well as his own opinions. During our talk, Mr. Stephen gave some great advice that I think both single people and couples should know.

Opening up the conversation, I asked if he dated in high school, to which he replied, “Yes… I only really had one major girlfriend, and another one early freshman year that wasn’t too serious. My parents never spoke against it. I grew up in a non-Christian home, and I had three older sisters who dated seniors when they were freshmen, which was quite strange for me at that time… So, in highschool, in a public school and all, it was somewhat expected.” He tells me he isn’t completely against the idea of dating in high school. “The way I dated in the past, I wouldn’t recommend… But I think it’s good to know how to relate to a person of the opposite sex, how to talk with them, [how to] know what makes you frustrated, happy, etc., so that you eventually get to know what you want in a future spouse.”

After a while, I turned the topic to the school’s policies and rules. “What are some limitations the school has?” I asked him. “Oh, we don’t allow PDA, so no holding hands or kissing on campus.” The ICS policy, in the student-parent handbook, labels “public displays of affection” as a B, where A is the least offensive and D is the most. The first violation (that is reported) lists consequences such as admin consultations, detentions, and a one day in-school suspension. By the third reported offense, students could be facing out-of-school suspension for a few days, parent conferences, or even a recommendation for expulsion. However, when asked upon the fine line of being reported and suspended, Mr. Stephen explains, “Yeah, so there’s no clear line when it comes to levels of discipline measures. We have a discipline referral chart that we use from the handbook. If they’re holding hands, we usually just say ‘no’ to that. Of course, if we see it again, then a conversation with the principal, and maybe a detention, or something like that.”

Lightening up the mood, I continued, “How long would you say couples at ICS last?” “Well, I see couples last a while!” “A lot of couples at school seem more secretive; what would be some tips you’d give them to hide their relationship?” “Tell them they can never hide; we know everything. We know it all!” he exclaims, laughing, “In all honesty, I think all positive relationships start with being encouraging friends to each other so I recommend just talking to the person and getting to know them…” “And just acting like friends?” “Yeah.”

“With high school dating, what are some limitations you would set?”

“I think the main part is that one, it shouldn’t take you away from friends too much… Guys sometimes get their first girlfriend, and end up ditching their friends. Don’t go there. That’s a big warning sign. Take advice from your friends. If they say [someone’s] not good for you, then listen to them…

If it takes you away from your studies, and skews the balance of your life in general, then something’s off… Last thing, physically, set clear lines up front. If you don’t get that up front, it could be very dangerous.”

By then, it’d been almost 20 minutes of talking, so I decided to close on some miscellaneous questions. I took a chance and questioned his position on kissing during dating, and he replied with, “I don’t know where I stand on that at this point, especially with having kids of my own. I would prefer to say ‘no,’ but I know for many that could be unrealistic.” Though, he expressed that a kiss should be special and with someone who you’ve been with long enough to believe you may have a future with.

When the idea of dating for the sake of dating also came up, he shared that you “shouldn’t go off searching for anyone that will just give you time-of-day.” He thinks someone should date for the right reasons, making sure they like who they’re dating. Wrapping up, I thanked Mr. Stephen for his time and received his signature fist bump. His thoughts on dating aren’t the same as strict conservative parents, but still includes guidelines that reflect his wisdom. It seems that we don’t have an “anti-dating” policy at ICS. When around Mr. Stephen, we can be open about relationships; just make sure to keep PDA at a minimum. november-december2019

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love poem Written by Krishma Gandhi Love– the feeling of deep affection, It is the one way I feel I have protection These are good days; our love is so strong, I’ll play the tune, you’ll sing the song I remember the day you first said “I love you,” And the day you first called me your boo Talking for hours, all day and night.

We have a bond, soulful and tight, This feeling is truly like no other, It was a feeling without any moments of a blur Forever on, I’ll call you my soulmate, And I finally realized this was all fate.

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valentine satire

Written by Paan Sripitak

“It’s Valentine’s Day! It’s all love and pink.

So, sir, what do you say? What do you think?”

“Why, it’s insane! I really don’t get it. Love and lust? I abstain!”

“You know what? It’s not just Valentine’s Day that is sinful. Love should be banned; no, love isn’t beautiful! I’ll talk to my lawyer and all of that sort.

Surely this must go to the Supreme Court! Make another amendment, I don’t care! I don’t want to see another couple anywhere.”

“But surely love is natural and pure! And that’s a fact that I can assure.”

“Love is a societal construct; it’s not real. It’s made up by the government, the fact needs to be revealed!”

“But why would they do that?

Why is it their own citizens who are getting picked at?”

“What a stupid question! Love blinds us, remember? We’re all like lambs walking to the slaughter. It distracts us from what’s really going on– nuclear weaponization and climate change! Soon we’ll all be gone!”

“There’s no point in arguing with you.

But are relationships okay for ICS students? What is your view?”

“What happened to the rule against PDA? Why is there an exception on Valentine’s day?

Humanity has never stooped so low, now if you will excuse me, I’ve got to go.”

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Valentine Short Story Written by Dada Phisitkul

Looking back at all that’s happened, Sam wondered if he did the right thing. He wondered if he should have told Mel the truth, or if he should have kept still. As Sam stood at the end of the empty hallway, he couldn’t help but think back to yesterday’s events. Outside, a bunch of trees swayed as a gust of wind flew by, flowers bloomed, and leaves that had fallen to the ground crunched as children trampled on them. The air harbored a unique scent of warmth and joy, signaling that the season of love had arrived.

Sam awoke to the sound of his alarm clock and squinted at the calendar that hung in his room. It was February 13th, and Sam realized that he was in desperate need of a solution--he needed to find a way to confess to Mel, the girl he’s liked for ages. Sam arrived at school with plenty of time to spare. As he stepped into the classroom, his eyes darted to where his seat was, and luckily, Mel had not yet arrived at school, for he was a nervous wreck. Sam and Mel were childhood friends, and this was why he was scared out of his wits to reveal his feelings to Mel; he didn’t want to ruin their friendship.

“Hey, Sam!” A girl’s voice sounded.

Sam looked up from the pile of books that sat on his desk and saw Mel entering the classroom. He waved in return as Mel came and sat next to him. On that day, aside from the classes they had together, Sam spent much of his time avoiding Mel. He simply needed time to think things through. As Sam made his way to the cafeteria, he felt a hand placed on his shoulder. He jerked back to see who it was.

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“Oh, Max! What’s up? You had me shocked there for a second” Sam said as he tried to keep his cool.

“Do you have a moment? I need you to help me with something.” Max replied hesitantly.

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Sam wondered what Max would request of him. However, this was definitely not going to be about academics, because Max excelled at school. Not only did he receive perfect grades, but he was also the class’ representative, and was amazing at sports. This made Sam think, but he simply couldn’t come to a solution.

“ Uh, Sam, since I figured that you and Mel are really close friends, I was wondering if you could, you know, help me confess to Mel sometime tomorrow?” Max finally asked.

At that statement, Sam’s heart skipped a beat. He tried to hide the fact that he was shocked and continued on unwillingly, for he wanted to end this conversation quickly.

“Yeah, sure! Message me the details tonight!”

Sam replied as he strolled off into the cafeteria.

Sam did not know what to do. He was up against Max, a task that was deemed impossible. That night, after having read Max’s plans, he climbed onto his bed and stared at the ceiling.

Perhaps not telling Mel would be the best thing in this situation. On the bright side, he would still be really great friends with her. And with this thought, Sam fell asleep.

Today was February the 14th. Sam went into the classroom and told Mel he had something to tell her during lunch, and that she was to meet him in the hallway. The bell rang and Mel made her way to the destination Sam had told her of. Her heart was racing and it seemed as though she was expecting something good to happen. When Mel felt a light tap on her shoulder, she turned and saw Max. She was confused. Max was holding a bouquet in one hand and chocolates in another, and as he smiled, Mel’s smile somehow faded away.

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