Volume 2 Issue 1: 2023 Back to School Issue

THE WORLD OVER THE SUMMER

THERE WERE SEVERAL MAJOR WORLD EVENTS OVER BREAK

SUMMER STORIES AND

ADMIRABLE ADVICE

ANECDOTES AND TIPS FROM OUR TRUSTED STUDENT COUNCIL

CONTENTS

09 INTRODUCING THE EDITORS

25 INTRODUCING THE DESIGN TEAM

02 LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

03 LETTERS FROM OUR FACULTY

05 FEATURE: SFHS BY THE NUMBERS

07 FEATURE: SFHS CLUB

15 THE WORLD OVER SUMMER

17 JUMPSTART YOUR SCHOOL YEAR!

19 SUMMER STORIES AND ADMIRABLE ADVICE

21 ROMANTICIZING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL LIFE

23 BEYOND BOUNDARIES: HOW TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER 101

INTRODUCING OUR PAGES

LIFESTYLE WORLD

Celebrating our place in the global community

Editorial Policy

A one stop shop for everything about teen life

28 FEATURING ARTS

29 APPLY TO THE SPIRIT!

COMMUNITY CULTURE SPOTLIGHT

About SFS, for SFS, by SFS—everything about our school

Sharing stories and updates from the sports and entertainment sphere

Setting the stage for those stories no longer left untold

The Spirit is the official student-led news publication of Seoul Foreign High School. All issues of The Spirit are published digitally through ISSUU. Selected articles are also published digitally on the website. This is the August issue and first publication of the 2023-2024 school year. The Spirit is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Seoul Foreign School’s faculty, staff, or administration. Students and editors are soley responsible for the content of this student publication.

Contact Information:

If you wish to contact any member of the staff with opinions, you may email thespirit@seoulforeign.org. All letters must be signed; anonymous content will not be accepted.

The Spirit strives to correct its errors. If you wish to make any corrections or clarifications in this or past issues, please contact thespirit@seoulforeign.org.

@thesfhsspirit

Hi, SFHS! We are Jenna Kim and Ethan Cho, both seniors that will be serving as The Spirit’s Editors-in-Chiefs for the 2023-2024 school year. The Spirit holds a special place in both of our hearts—we still remember the immense excitement of being accepted into the publication in our freshman year. In the four years since then, we’ve watched The Spirit evolve in so many ways. There’s the obvious, with The Spirit originally being a newspaper, not a magazine! But with different editors-in-chiefs, editors, writers, illustrators, and photographers, The Spirit changes every year as a culmination of our unique efforts and visions. But the one thing that’s constant about The Spirit is the people. We’re not just a magazine, but a community. Through The Spirit, we’ve interacted with many peers, upperclassmen, and faculty, and it’s safe to say it was some of the best experiences of our lives. We promise it will be for you, too. Don’t be afraid to apply! Whether you’re an aspiring journalist or somebody that just wants to write, we’re waiting with open arms.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

LETTERS FROM OUR FACULTY

DR. LE NEZET HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year, and a particularly warm welcome to all our new High School students, whether you have just joined SFS or are part of the class of 2027. A new year is full of promises, and this one more than any other, as we start afresh with no restrictions to hold us back. It is certainly strange to think that the class of 2027 is the only one in the current High School student body who has had a chance to start their Freshman year without the shadow of Covid tempering their enthusiasm. I hope you all make the most of it, and throw yourselves wholeheartedly into the High School experience, embracing the amazing array of opportunities SFS offers. Our theme for the year is “building empathy”, and this is my challenge to you this year: while you make the most of your High School career, develop yourself and seek success, remember to make some space for others. Thinking of others and trying to understand them will not slow your own progress down, quite the contrary: developing your awareness of others will often help you become more successful, as so many opportunities rely on teamwork and cannot be fully embraced alone. More importantly, though, working on your empathy will simply make you a better person, and will make SFS a better place for all. So, in everything you do, pause for a moment and ask yourself how your actions and words may affect others, how they may feel in particular situations, and how you may help. Have a successful and empathetic year!

MS. BRUSKI

THE SPIRIT 2023-2024 CO-ADVISOR

Welcome to a new school year, a time to take explore opportunities around the school. I’m excited to join Mrs. Bazin as co-advisor for The Spirit, and I encourage you take advantage of trying a few new things this year as well. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented staff to bring engaging content to SFHS. We hope you enjoy each issue, and if you have suggestions, we’d love to have you join our team!

MR. GILMORE

Dear SFHS Community,

HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

With the warm embrace of a new academic year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all Crusaders – both familiar faces and those joining our family for the first time. Our shared journey at SFHS continues to be a canvas of growth, learning, and connection.

To our freshmen, the adventure begins now. Embrace the friendships, challenges, and discoveries that await. Sophomores and juniors, your path is one of transformation – take each step with pur pose. Seniors, as you lead by example, your legacy shapes our community. This year, we blend tradition and innovation, merging the wisdom of the past with the endless possibilities of the future. Let curiosity be your guide as we navigate the rich landscape of knowledge together. Compassion and unity remain our compass. In classrooms and corridors, let’s uplift, respect, and learn from one another. As we learn, let’s also laugh, celebrate, and support – for a vibrant community is built on both academic excellence and shared moments. In this tapestry of experiences, remember that each thread contributes to the vibrant whole.To gether, we create the masterpiece that is SFHS. Let this year be a chapter of growth, dreams, and achievements. As we embark on this journey, let’s forge ahead with resilience and determination, knowing that every endeavor is a chance to excel.

With eagerness and optimism,

Mr. Gilmore

MRS. BAZIN THE SPIRIT

CO-ADVISOR2023-2024

Greetings SFS High School! As summer transitions to a new academic chapter, welcome to The Spirit’s back-to-school edition. I am thrilled to serve as The Spirit advisor for the second year in a row, anticipating the stories, insights, and creativity these pages will hold. I have seen first hand the dedication of the staff members of the Spirit, who work tirelessly to offer amazing content to the entire High School community through these pages. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading the publication as much as I do. Returning students, welcome back! It’s great to see you all back on campus, the campus certainly felt empty without your energy. Embrace each day as a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to our legacy. To our new students, a warm welcome! You’re now part of a community valuing your uniqueness. As you explore, remember The Spirit is a canvas for your voice, perspectives, and talents. I invite you all to contribute your experiences to The Spirit. Writers, artists, poets – seize this platform. Let’s create a year filled with memorable moments, empowering voices, and the unwavering spirit that defines us.

Sincerely,

Cyrielle Bazin

Seoul Foreign CLUB

PURSUITS

AWANA & TREK LIT

Crusader Live

Forensics

Magpie

MUN (Model United Nations)

Point of View

Praise Team

Spirit

Yearbook

Honors

International Thespian Society

NAHS (National Arts Honors Society)

NHS (National Honors Society)

PiSaders (Math Honors Society)

Tri-M (Music Honors Society)

Ambassadors

Arts Counc il

Prom Committee

Public ity Counc il

Sports Counc il

Student Counc il

Clubs & Organizations Advisory Board

High school GUIDE crusader

ACTS

AERO

Angels Haven

App.ly

Beyond

CARE

Carpe Diem Latin Club

Compassion Club

Cooking Club

Crusader Debate

Crusader Golf

Dancers Against Cancer ( DAC)

Diversity in Action

Dreamcatchers x SFS

Eco

Engineering & Design Club

Eastern Social Welfare Society

Fashion Club

Frame by Frame

Freedom Speakers International

Girl Up

Hana Club

HEAL

HOPE

Leaders United for a Change

Nanumi

Oak Tree Project

PAWS

SFS Future Business Leaders

(FBL)

SFS H istorian Association

(H istory Club)

SOLIS

SOMI Sowon

Stairway SFS

Stress Zero Global

Transparency International x SFS

Unfiltered

Up’d

World Wildlife Foundation

Youth for UNICEF

#ZINE

WORLD

WORLD

Want to know what your classmates think about the world’s most controversial debates? Too busy juggling classes and extracurriculars to stay updated on the news? No worries: the World page is here for you. Check out the News Brief to find quick rundowns on current events you’ve missed, or read World articles for thoughtful student commentary on problems of global concern. We’re your guide to navigating the world wide community.

Hey everyone

Hello everyone! I’m Lily Wasmund and I’m super happy to be this year’s World page editor. For those of you too busy with school or extracurriculars, World page is here for you! We’ll cover everything from toppled governments to aid workers in natural disasters. You’ll also find student opinion articles on some of the world’s most contentious debates. World plans to deliver objective journalism and accurate reporting to the SFS community. Be sure to apply for the World page if you’re interested in current news, opinions, and our worldwide community. We need your skills and views—and I’m so excited to work with the new and returning writers!

LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

At times, there’s so much (too much) to life as a teen and a high school student. Balancing school and social life, figuring out what you want to pursue, it’s an endless line of questions that feels like they only grow throughout your four years of high school. The Lifestyle page is the one stop shop for all of this and more: at the end of the day, who better to write about teens than teens themselves?

Hey!

My name is Joseph Song, and I’ll be the Lifestyle page editor this year! The content produced on the Lifestyle page is self-explanatory as the articles focus on having a healthy student life. You’ll find articles that cover topics such as wellness, organization, and student life. If you’re interested in writing about these subjects, make sure to apply to the Lifestyle page! I’m looking forward to working with new and returning writers, and I can’t wait to see the incredible work we publish this year!

Joseph Song

COMMUNITY COmmunity

Celebrate what makes Crusaders Crusaders with our Community page! Here, you will find everything you need to know about campus going on, from school plays and interesting features highlighting your favorite school events! Community is an integral part of SFS and we hope that the articles from this page help you better connect to your classmates, teachers, sports coaches, and even alumni.

Hey everyone

I’m Jia Dunsby and I’ll be the Community editor this year. This is my fourth year as a member of The Spirit. I simply cannot believe how fast time has flown ever since I first joined the staff as a Sports writer. The Community page is relatively new, but trust me, it’s a whole lot of fun. We’ll interview clubs, teachers, students, administrators– you name it– in an effort to showcase our diverse community. You’ll hear stories, insights, and experiences that will help you learn more about those around you. Please consider applying, and if not, make sure to catch up on all our upcoming issues. Here’s to an amazing and successful year for all of you!

Jia Dunsby

Culture Culture

Combining arts, sports, media and entertainment, the Culture page has it all! This page will excite you with articles covering world events, trends, and everything else that may pique your interest. We will keep you updated on anything and everything you want. Flip the the Culture page and skim through its articles -- you’re bound to find something that you’ll enjoy reading.

Hey guys!

I’m Ina, this year’s Spirit Culture page editor! The Culture page covers everything from entertainment, sports, to food! We’ll be covering the latest trends from these topics that make up the unique culture of the SFS community. If you’re interested in what the Culture page does, make sure to apply and glance through our articles once in a while! I’ll be looking forward to seeing the unique perspectives and spirit that you guys will offer to this page!!

Ina Choe

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

Check out all the articles on our new page: Spotlight! This page is dedicated for students to get to know each other better with focused articles such as those on student achievements, and teacher recognitions. Does your club want to raise awareness about its efforts? Or a student eager to share your insights with others? Submit a request to our email to be featured in an upcoming issue (or nominate a friend!).

HEY

I’m Alice, a returning junior and a member of The Spirit’s editorial team. I’ll be taking the lead on the inaugural Spotlight Page—a dynamic addition to The Spirit! The objective of the Spotlight Page is to uncover the unique narratives within the SFS community. We’re dedicated to spotlighting the remarkable characters and experiences that both students and faculty bring to the table. If you share a passion for writing and the art of investigative journalism, join me for an exciting year at the Spotlight Page. I’ll be looking forward to meeting you all!

Get To Know The Editors!

Joseph Song:

- Twelve years at SFS

- Loves Ronaldo (but met Neymar!)

Jia Dunsby

Favorite show: Suits

Favorite animal: Alpaca (because they spit on you when annoyed!)

Alice Chung:

- Loves making matcha

- Loves doing things outdoors

Ina Choe:

- Favorite song: “Nouvelle Vague” by wave to earth

- Favorite movie: La La Land

Lily Wasmund:

- Loves Star Wars

- Favorite vacation spot: Egypt

WORLD OVER SUMMER THE WORLD OVER THE SUMMER THE WORLD OVER THE SUMMER

BY LILY WASMUND | ART BY TARYN KIM | PHOTOS FROM NPR, POLITICO, THE NEW YORK TIMES

SHATTERed HEAT RECORDS

Over the past few months, sweltering heat has engulfed a large part of the Northern Hemisphere. Rome, California’s Death Valley, and regions in northwest China were among the hardest hit, with temperatures rising to 52 degrees Celsius or 125 degrees Fahrenheit (CNN). Community concerns increase for those most vulnerable to the excessive heat and efforts were made to maintain public health and safety. In Arizona, deaths resulted due to heat stroke (The Economist). The heat also caused wildfires in Spain’s Canary Islands (CNN). Short term solutions to combat the heat are to stay hydrated, remain indoors or under cover when the temperatures are the highest, and equip hospitals with appropriate emergency responses for those who suffer from the extreme heat. These extraordinary heat waves are a result of the human-made climate crisis and the WHO has urged world leaders to act and find solutions to the growing crisis.

“FRANCE ON FIRE”: NAHEL M. PROTESTS AND RIOTS

In June, a fatal shooting by police during a routine traffic stop of a 17-year-old French citizen of North African descent, Nahel Merzouk, sparked weeks of protests and unrest. Roads were blocked and highend shops boarded up. Rioters set fire to cars and trash bins. President Macron, local mayors, and other authority figures called for an end to the protests, while asking for further reinforcements (NYT). After extensive destruction and looting, thousands of rioters were arrested and tried in local courts (Le Monde). France, like many other countries, continues to battle against discrimination and racial injustice by police.

PUTIN THREATENED BY MILITARY COUP

In mid-June, General Yevgeny Prigozhin led his troops, known as the Wagner forces, from the battlegrounds of Ukraine north towards Moscow. The Wagner troops, paid mercenaries that help the Russians fight the war in Ukraine (and for pay in other places like Syria and Libya), is more efficient and better equipped than the Russian army. Prior to the coup, Prigozhin posted videos on social media of him ranting over the incompetence of Russian generals, such as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief General Staff General Valerie Gerasimov. During the shocking uprising, while the Wagner forces took over key military facilities and southern cities in Russia such as Rostov, the Russian military paused attacks on Ukraine in order to further fortify Moscow’s defenses (NYT). However, the insurrection ended as abruptly as it began. Even though Prigozhin’s uprising was ultimately unsuccessful, experts view Moscow’s slow and indecisive response as a sign of weakness in Putin’s regime (NYT).

SCOTUS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DECISION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court released its final decisions on several cases involving student loans, religion, and tribal rights. In one high-profile case, the Court ruled 6-3 that race-based admissions were unlawful for both private and public universities—Harvard and University of North Carolina, respectively, who were named in the suit (NYT). The colleges claim their admission policies were only an attempt to increase racial diversity on their campuses. Since the ruling, the focus has turned to fairness and privilege in college admissions and what it means for American higher education—namely at elite institutions—and the role of legacy admissions and children of wealthy donors. Currently, at Harvard, 43 percent of white students are children of alumni, donors and faculty, or are recruited athletes (NBC News). Ensuring diversity on competitive campuses will take deliberate innovation to truly overhaul this unequal education system.

ISRAELI Legislature RESTRICTS SUPREME COURT

Seven months into his sixth term as Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu advanced the contentious plan to weaken Israel’s judiciary as a demand of the far-right in the face of the opposition, who claim this is a step toward authoritarianism. Thousands of protesters rallied outside the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. Opposition lawmakers have already vowed to petition the court to take on the case. If the justices agree, it could open the door to a serious crisis among the country’s branches of government. This is a Pyrrhic victory for Netanyahu: while he has obtained the support from right-wing, conservative factions, pro-democratic politicians and secular citizens in Israel and around the world now oppose him.

In mid-July, Elon Musk tossed out the instantly recognizable blue bird logo that has represented Twitter since 2006—when the company was founded—replacing it with a stylized black “X” (CNBC). Rebranding the social network as X marks the billionaire’s latest gamble to reinvent the company after buying it last year for $44 billion (CNN). Musk’s long term goal is to turn Twitter, now X, into an application similar to WeChat, where users can order groceries, pay bills, communicate, and consume entertainment. However, the change may come at a steep cost. Celebrities, athletes, politicians, and other users were equally thrilled and frustrated and some say the change erased 15 years of brand value from Twitter. Meanwhile, Musk’s ambitions can only be accomplished with time, people, and money, all of which the brand is struggling to obtain (CNN).

BYE-BYE BIRDIE: TWITTER TRANSFORMS INTO “X”

JUMPSTART YOUR SCHOOL YEAR

BY JOSEPH SONG | ART FROM ALAMY, PNGTREE, , NOTION, FLATICON

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP. The blaring noise from your alarm clock echoes beside your bed while you begrudgingly widen your eyes. The familiar feeling of waking up before noon finally settles in after a long summer of late nights and sleeping in. With the arrival of another school year, students must brace for another 180 days on the SFS campus. A solid start to your school year is crucial, as it can affect how the rest of your year pans out. Proper organization and preparation strategies are great ways to give yourself a headstart into the school year. Here are some tips to help you start with your best foot forward!

Be Mentally Prepared

A key factor when preparing for a new school year is ensuring you’re mentally ready to battle another 180 days of school. The amount of work given at the beginning of the year can be overwhelming after a long summer, so it’s crucial to have a balanced mind when returning to school. Slowly readjust to your regular sleep schedule. Research shows that a good sleep schedule can improve your academic performance and prepare you for the long year to come. Take time out of your day to make sure you’re stress-free—meditating, sleeping, reading, and listening to music are great ways to remove stress. Find a way to remain relaxed because a clear mind will give you a strong foundation for learning. Being mentally prepared for the school year can lead to better academic performance, so it is crucial to understand how you can balance your mind.

Familiarize Yourself with Online Tools

Organization is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects when preparing for a new school year. However, most students can’t find a way to effectively organize their work. Fortunately, there are an unlimited amount of tools online that can help students arrange their schedules and school work. Google Calendar is one of the many great tools that can organize your school day. Knowing what and when your next block is or what times you can schedule a meeting with a teacher can be very helpful in maintaining a balanced year. Other online tools like Notion are great at arranging documents and tasks, while also employing limitless customization options. I enjoy using the Google tab groups to organize my tasks from most to least important, helping me complete my work quickly while also cleaning up tabs on my browser. These tools provided are meant to be used, not ignored, so take advantage of them to give yourself a smoother school year.

Start Studying in Advance

One of the best ways to boost yourself into the new academic year is to study in advance. There’s no better feeling than walking into class one day and realizing you’ve already covered all the content. Knowing what you’re learning makes tasks so much easier to complete. You may ask, “How can I find material to study in advance?” The answers to that question are simple, with all of them requiring minimal effort.

• Ask a teacher what units are coming up and how you can prepare for them.

• Check Managebac. Managebac usually shows upcoming topics/units, so try to gain a basic understanding of those topics.

• Ask upperclassmen; asking upperclassmen who took the same classes can help you understand what to expect and how you can prepare.

• Find online resources; the internet is a goldmine!

With another school year underway, I hope these sim ple but crucial tips give you a strong start to the year!

SUMMER STORIES AND

And so the school year begins! Welcome back from the summer holidays. Hopefully you’re relaxed, recharged, and rejuvenated for the upcoming semester (if you know, you know). Many of you returning students will remember having voted for a fresh batch of executive leaders last spring. I’ve caught up with a few of them to provide you with some expert insights and advice as you approach the new year. Off we go!

he participated in the American Legion Boys State program in Washington before flying to France. And to top it off, he also qualified for and attended the Boys Nation Program in Washington DC. As a class leader, Nadir will focus on “increasing senior privileges as well as the availability of on-campus gym facilities’’. He’ll also implement “monthly check-in surveys, allowing students to voice’’ their opinions to STUCO. Nadir has some valuable advice for you all: “Ask for help when you need it. Besides that, don’t get caught up on the small failures or disappointments that come with any difficult process. So long as you stay focused on what you want

can stand in your way.” Some wise words you’ve shared, Nadir!

Olivia Kim

Olivia (10) will be one of the class presidents for sophomore year. Olivia enjoyed a family vacation to Bali before attending a basketball camp in the US for four weeks. She then went to an immersion neuroscience program at Columbia University. Olivia is most excited about Field Day and Homecoming this year. According to Olivia, the STUCO team has many exciting activities and opportunities planned and can’t wait to share them with all of you.

Nadir Elyaddasse

Let’s start off with Nadir Elyaddasse (12), one of our senior class presidents. Over the summer, Nadir journeyed far and wide across the world. After attending the US Air Force Academy Summer Seminar in Colorado,

advice to share with you all: “Ask for help when you need it. Don’t get caught up on the small disappointments that come with any difficult process. So long as you stay focused on what you want and refuse to give it up, nothing

As a member of the executive board, Olivia is committed to representing “the interests and concerns of [her] classmates while fostering a positive and productive learning environment.” She’s looking forward to holding grade-wide events and improving overall student welfare in the process. And here’s her quality advice for you all: “This final year will provide us with many challenges, but don’t be discouraged. Every challenge you face is an

ADMIRABLE ADVICE!

BY JIA DUNSBY | ILLUSTRATIONS BY CANVA

As a student leader, Daniel is devoted to “making the remaining two years of the Class of ‘25” years they will forever remember. And of course, his invaluable words of advice: “Surround yourself with people you aspire to be and do what YOU are passionate about!”

program; “I feel that taking courses I’ve personally chosen will help drive my passions and hopefully give me a sense of what I want to do when I’m older!” She plans on adopting organization habits and healthy balances of academics and social life to conquer the academic rigor of the DP program.

Daniel Yoo Grace Cho

Next up, we have Daniel Yoo (11), our co-junior class representative. Daniel spent the summer “mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually” preparing for the upcoming year. Looking forward, he’s excited to challenge himself with a new set of classes as he enters the DP program. He describes the STUCO events prepared for students this year as none other than “sensational”. Daniel’s strategy for getting through this year is making sure he gets “enough practice and help from teachers and peers”.

Grace Cho (11), our Vice President of Student Affairs, would love to share some words with you all as well. Over the summer, Grace studied for the SAT and spent time with her sis- ter Irene who is leaving for college. Grace is excited to start the DP program; “I feel that taking courses I’ve person - ally cho-

As part of the executive board, Grace will work towards producing a “stronger bond between the student body and the student council and truly show the action that is driven by student input”. She wishes for the STUCO team to be as transparent and communicative as possible, allowing all students to have a voice throughout the year. As Grace says, “Let’s take on this upcoming 23-24 school year :) We all got this.”

Romanticizing Your High School Life

BY INA CHOE | ART BY TARYN KIM

It’s finally that time of the year again! Bustling hallways, heavy backpacks, heartfelt reunions, and overwhelming new schedules. Whether you’re entirely new to high school or a returning student, we’re all nervous but excited about the back-to-school season. Some of us may have been using summer to relax with family and friends while others have struggled with the endless study grind. However, most

of us are probably going into the new school year with unfinished summer to-do lists and feelings of unproductivity. So, what’s the most logical way to get yourself in the right mindset for school? Romantizing, of course! Watching films about the overexaggerated, cliquey high school life, creating the perfect “hype” playlist to listen to on the way to school, and reading books on academia are perfect ways to

FILMS

Movies and shows often provide a way to escape into a fictional world, but they can also be

such as Mean Girls, High School Musical, Clueless, and Gossip Girl overplay the drama and exclusivity of high school while underplaying the importance of academics and extracurriculars. These shows are light-hearted and almost satirical, entertaining to watch for a laugh and reminisce on what our younger selves thought high school would be like.

As overexaggerated as these films are, they do show us how high school is a place for growth and finding yourself, even if your unique identity doesn’t fit into one social group. Other movies

romanticize student life and get you prepared for another year of learning.

like Dead Poets Society or Lady Bird show us that sometimes, defying the path that was already set for us and setting on our own course can open new opportunities and diverse experiences. These heavier and light-hearted genres of films about academia can help us both romanticize high school life and realize our potential to grow during the school year.

Music is considered one of the most powerful tools to dictate our mood, and listening to playlists happens to be a common morning routine for students before starting the school day. Therefore, it is important to have an encouraging, uplifting playlist that sets us in the right mood to start learning. Artists such as Doja Cat, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, Lizzo, and Tyler the Creator are only a few of the artists that could be in your hype playlist for the bus rides to

SONGS BOOKS

school. Additional songs such as “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! are a few popular examples of songs that can fit perfectly into your play list. These songs should energize you for a new school day and en courage you to greet new teach ers and classmates with a smile!

What better way to warm up your brain than to read a book?

Reading books about academia is great for romanticizing school life and inspiring you to expand your literary knowledge. Characters studying in grand libraries, finding new friends during science experiments, and exploring classical texts are all recurring themes in academic books that will set you in the mood for the

back-to-school season. Although it may sound intimidating, pick ing up a book and sticking to it may spark your interest in read ing, while helping you get used to reading long pieces of litera ture for the school year. Popular books on academia include The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazel wood, and If We Were Villains by M. L, Rio.

The start of a new year can be overwhelming for many of us, and it’s healthy to sometimes step back from reality and appre ciate the things we enjoy about school. Whether that’s the new seasonal menus at Crave, creating new bonds with friends and teachers, or borrowing unlimited books at the library, find ing new gratitude in a seemingly stressful school life can be helpful in adopting an optimistic mindset. So, why not spend a peaceful weekend romanticizing your high school life to get you back on track for the new academic year?

Everyone’s favorite time of the year: Summer is a time filled with a boundless canvas of opportunities! Whether you continue to grow your passions, find a new hobby, or even spend your time studying for the SAT, any activity is just as meaningful.

Likewise, students from our SFS community have spent their time engaging in unique activities this summer. As we ease into another stressful school year, take a glimpse into the stories of how our high school students spent their summers!

Dear diary,

Hello, my name is Daniel Lee. Many people also know me by my Korean name, Huibeom. Since I’ll be a freshman, I’ll be starting high school from scratch next year. I’m scared but really looking forward to the adventure ahead. I’m now in London with other members of my academy representing Team Canada in the World Scholar’s Cup London Global Rounds. I stayed in the country for a total of six nights, but it only felt like one! I took part in debate competitions and travel excursions while I was in London.

I’ve been doing debates for about 5 years now and I love public speaking in general. I’ve been to a lot of tournaments before but I haven’t had so many chances to travel. I felt like this opportunity might be positive towards building up my career as a debater. Debaters always get to encounter something new and I enjoy the new perspectives I gain on the journey.

Thankfully, all of my teammates now have the chance to go to the World Finals at Yale University this November. Wish us luck!

Dear diary,

My name is Gwyneth Chun, I am a junior. The highlight of my summer was my volunteer trip to Mongolia. There, I taught basic Korean phrases and art to students - it was such a fulfilling experience to meet young students from a different culture and share my passions with them. It made me realize art is a form of communication we can connect through despite our language barriers.

Eight years ago my sister and I set up scholarships for two students in Mongolia by donating our birthday money. I can honestly say that was the best decision I have made in my life. During my trip to Mongolia, I had the amazing opportunity of meeting one of the students, Sara, who I’ve exchanged letters, cards, and artwork with. I always hoped I would get the chance to meet her and words cannot express the emotions we felt when we first saw each other. The moment we locked eyes, I saw Sara’s tears streaming down her face and started to thank me. It was at this moment, I realized the impact I had made on her life.

My trip to Mongolia helped me through a time of emotional hardships and cleared my mind. This summer was definitely an unforgettable summer break and I am already so excited to go back to Mongolia to see countless stars every night and watch sunsets and sunrises by the mountains.

My name is Mirim Suh and I am a rising sophomore. During the first half of my summer, I went to the different islands of Hawai’i (Kauai, Oahu and the big island) where I was a part of a highschool group called Wilderness Adventures. The program was three weeks long and we were engaged in a variety of activities such as service at the national botanical garden, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. I was attracted to this camp because of the activities that were offered which is something I would not have been able to experience in Korea (also who doesn’t love Hawaii?).

I wanted to explore more about our environment and through this camp, I could understand a variety of ecological issues. These activities have inspired me to learn more about different ecological issues. While I’ve been able to check things off my bucket list this summer, I’ve also learnt that canned chicken and beans for 3 weeks is not really my thing :)

My name is Matthew Jeong, and I am a senior. This summer, I was a lifeguard at Camps SFS, and although it was a tough experience, it felt very rewarding. I would definitely recommend it to other students.

I would help any kids struggling to swim and would also treat any injuries that the kids suffered using the first-aid knowledge I had acquired during training. I wanted to utilize my swim training in an actual work environment, make some money, and hang out with the alumni for one last time before they left for good. I realized lifeguarding is a job that requires a lot of responsibility and discipline. With all the roles and responsibilities, I had to be professional in my work.

I enjoy playing with children, and because I used to swim, being at the poolside felt comfortable and nostalgic. On my off-time, I would also help Coach Conrad in training the younger swimmers.. One amusing moment was when a kid found it funny to try to push me in the water. Ironically, he slipped and fell in the deep end and I had to pull him out of the water.

YENA KONG

TARYN KIM ILLUSTRATION CHIEF

ERIN KIM FEATURING ARTS

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE SPIRIT GENERAL MEMBERS!

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT?

The Spirit is Seoul Foreign High School’s one and only fully student-run newspaper/magazine publication. Founded over 50 years ago, The Spirit aims to elevate student voices through the power of writing, art, and photography. The Spirit publishes monthly editions throughout the entire school year, with articles and layouts all organized by student editors and staff.

WHAT WOULD I DO IN THE SPIRIT?

Writers, photographers, and illustrators are the core of our publication. Without your work, we would have nothing to publish! Writers prepare and write articles every two weeks on articles of their choice (pertaining to their respective pages). They can conduct interviews, research, anything’s fair game! Illustrators and photographers provide all the wonderful visuals for The Spirit. From the front and back covers to the article illustrations to features, our design team is responsible for making the publication as beautiful as it is today.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE SPIRIT?

Not only can you cultivate your writing, photography, or illustration skills, but you’ll also be exposed to one of the largest extracurricular communities at Seoul Foreign High School. You can meet new peers and upper/underclassmen, and even other members of the school through interviews and workshops. The skills learnt are only one part of The Spirit—the people and experiences are some of the most meaningful aspects of our publication.

IS IT HARD TO GET IN?

The Spirit does require an online application at bit.ly/Spirit23WriterApp, bit.ly/Spirit23IllustratorApp, bit.ly/ Spirit23PhotographerApp. As one of the oldest and most popular clubs in the high school, we can’t accept everybody. But if you have any interest in journalism, art, and photography, please apply! Regardless of prior skill, we want you on our team.

FRONT COVER: YENA KONG

BACK COVER: YENA KONG