Voice of WINS Issue 1, June 2022

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COMMENTARY

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SCIENCE AND BEYOND

TIME FLIES SCHOOL NEWS

IT’S NOT A FAIR; IT’S A SYMPOSIUM

DIVING INTO BLACK HOLES FASHION

SLAY OR NAY FICTION SERIES

22:55

THE WORLD AWAITS!

A TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST EVER WINS GRADUATING CLASS JUNE 2022

ISSUE 1

STUDENT COMMENTARY

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SCHOOL NEWS

IT’S NOT A FAIR, IT’S A

SYMPOSIUM! T

his past April, students from grades 6-11 took part in the first annual Science Fair, as coordinated by our Biology teacher Mr. Oscar Goncalves. It was a spirited event held in the gymnasium with a lively mix of students, teachers, administrators and parents. We decided to interview Mr. Goncalves about the event, and quickly learned that it was not a fair at all!

Mr. Goncalves, thanks for taking the time to meet with us. Since this is your first go at leading the science fair, we wanted to know what you thought of it overall? A success?

OG: Firstly, it’s not a science fair. It’s a science symposium. In a symposium you share skills and knowledge.

Meanwhile, in a science fair you’re sharing new information and ideas. I believe that the event was a success.

It was our first edition and therefore took longer than expected, especially out of the student’s time. I would prefer next year that it runs more efficiently. In the laboratory more equipment is going to be ordered, not only hardware but also chemicals for chemistry projects, so future symposiums can be more efficient in terms of experimentation.

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Did you like the students’ approach and attitude towards the symposium?

OG: That obviously varies from student to student. In general, everyone had a good approach. When students see the end product, they get addicted to the hard work.

It is difficult at the beginning to set up. There is still some procrastination, which we will deal with better in future symposiums. Overall, the approach was positive, but like I said next time it is best for students to overcome procrastination.

If you would have taken part in the science symposium, as a student, which experiment would you have liked to conduct?

OG: Again, it’s not related with the experiment per se. It’s more what type of skills I would have liked to learn that might help me later on. In university, I didn’t know how to start an investigation from scratch, how to change and analyse data. This lack of experience made it hard for me to carry out investigations because I had to learn the skill from scratch. The level of the scientific poster is the level I was using at the end of my degree.

So, I wish I would’ve practiced and had the skills you are gaining to format a scientific investigation.

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Is there a specific theme you would like to approach for future symposiums?

OG: Yes, the impact that Covid-19 has had on our lives and in the environment, including the use of masks, evolution in medicine, and socioeconomic aspects.

Anything to add?

OG: I would like to mention the symposium would not have been possible without the help of the office who ordered tools for the students, Georgey and Ms.Walter who helped set up, and all of the teachers who were there and supported the event. Finally, of course, the success was possible thanks to the students themselves, who put in the hard work. Great job to you!

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Mr. Oscar Goncalves

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ACADEMIC SCHOOL NEWS

CAMBRIDGE EXAMS:

THE GOOD & THE BAD

by Carola Romeo

I am sure you have already heard the terms A2, B1, B2, C1. These are designations of English proficiency, based on the Cambridge exam system. But what does it all mean, really? Do the designations point to something meaningful or are they just another systematic judgment?

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his April, WINS students took part in the annual Cambridge exam session. Unlike other exams that give a grade, a number, or an abstract result, the Cambridge exam provides a proficiency level and certificate that open up many possibilities. To guarantee accuracy, the exams are the same in all countries of the world. As soon as they are concluded, they are sealed and sent to England where they are subsequently corrected. There is no place for a teacher’s personal bias in this assessment system.

The Cambridge certifications are important for students to acknowledge our English level against our peers. Preparation for the exams also improves our English skills, as we must work on practice exams and exercises for the whole year leading up to the test. At WINS, the exam preparation was led by Ms. Deborah Gilmore. We were provided with useful materials in the four key disciplines of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Deadlines were posted on Managebac to keep registered exam takers on track.

Students were encouraged to do their best.

One critique of the Cambridge exam content is that the extracts and tasks are always based on conventional situations: shopping, reserving a ticket, dis-

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cussing the school lunch. The basic topics can limit a student’s response. In my opinion, a student’s English level is way more than the ability to recognize the right answer in an audio track. or being able to fill in the gaps of a text. In IB school like ours, discussions are led on lively and atypical topics. For instance, in English class we engaged in arguments about the differences between “school” and “education”, based on a spoken word poem. A recently studied graphic novel, “Persepolis”, dealt with the ethical question of leaving or staying in one’s country in a time of war.

It is a pity that exam takers don’t get to demonstrate this level of thinking in the exam process.

The official description for the Cambridge exams is as follows: “Cambridge English Qualifications are in-depth exams that make learning English enjoyable, effective and rewarding.” From my point of view, the only thing I can agree on is that they are rewarding and grant satisfaction ONCE THEY ARE PASSED! Like all exams, the preparation is not all pleasant but rather frustrating and exhausting. Since this is an official certification, one little mistake can make a huge difference in your life. As you go up the chain in Cambridge testing, the exams get more difficult. The stress and pressure involved are two of the main reasons why many students, already overwhelmed with their regular courseload, decide not take the exam.

I can say from my experience that the trial is worth it. Of course, I am still waiting for my results from this year’s examination. Perhaps I’ll write a different article if I’m not happy with my results! But I think anything of value in life takes great effort to achieve.

The Cambridge exams are no exception.

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STUDENT COMMENTARY

WHAT BEGAN AN ODD TWO YEARS AGO IS OVER. THE LONG ANTICIPATED IB EXAMS ARE BEHIND US. NOW WHAT?

TIME FLIES Starting the DP, we could sense the sheer uncertainty within the teacher’s room concerning our preparedness for this program. I vividly remember our flushed faces at our failing condition entering the DP, which placed us in a brutal reality we were less than prepared for.

On the bright side, our bottled-up anxiety built up amongst us until these final exams finally met with a sigh of relief. Every beginning has an end. We are intrinsically wired to expect something grandiose at the destination, yet in retrospect, the rewarding part was the anticipation of the journey itself. And although this journey has regrettably come to an end, it has also started a new chapter in our lives as IB graduates.

An important note for future candidates: going into the IB, I had insufficient reason to believe language could disseminate much practicality within the already hectic lineup of IB coursework; the reality is that language underpins academic success (and no, not just for some

glamorous TOK essay which we patient zeroes had formerly assumed). I observed that we spend hours focusing on the content for our coursework, yet little time on how to perfect our articulation and delivery. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” In other words, the devil is in the detail.

Did we know this? Probably. Were we willing to act upon it? Probably not. Why does the solution frustrate us rather than the problem itself?

This paradox has piqued my interest throughout this journey. The classic IB student rationale: I don’t know this- the problem. I should find out what this is- the solution. But I haven’t found it so this is again unfamiliar- the problem. So then the rationale must be absurd- the solution.

Do NOT let this be you.

As rigorous as the program has been, we have definitely grown to appreciate the journey rather than

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by Aditya Dedhia

the destination, which may or may not have upset teachers at times (with understandable frustration). We appreciate that our teachers understood this and, even when we were erratic or unequipped, supported us in getting through the curriculum and receiving our diplomas.

Not to mention that having exams despite the challenges of online learning is a testament to our persistent effort, making this journey all the more rewarding. I can’t stress the paradigm shift the IB brought in each of us. Most notably, the ability to endure challenges, especially when we don’t feel like facing them (which the CAS program does an excellent job of).

In all, congratulations to the very first WINS graduating class of 2022!

The outlook is bright, and what we thought had felt like an eternity has finally ended. Although it is here that we part ways, we will find our ways in our future academic and career-related endeavors.

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PHOTO GALLERY

THE WORLD AWAITS! A TRIBUTE TO OUR FIRST EVER GRADUATING CLASS

This year’s sports day could have been called seniors day. They lit up the campus with their smiles and shared one last day in the sun prior the dreaded IB exams. Now they go their separate ways but at WINS they will forever be remembered as one: our first graduating class. Fare thee well!

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STUDENT NEWS

NEW KID

by Enzo Trivilin

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efore my first day of school in WINS, I was sure my biggest challenge was going to be friendship. I used to take a lot of time to connect with people and I didn’t understand the Italian language at all. As you can tell, I’m not an extrovert. But when I arrived at WINS, my expectations were dashed. All the students treated me well, especially my classmate Markos. Something that really caught my attention at WINS is that the students are very outgoing and caring. So I became more outgoing as well.

I come from an American public school system. Something that was difficult for me was adapting to the IB program. It was a difficult transition, from the new grading scale, to the Managebac system, and the amount of essays and projects I had to complete. IB is less about memorization and more about communication. That was hard for me at first, and I still have to adapt myself better. But I’m feeling more confident with

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each passing day, week, month.

The friendships I have made allow me to feel secure about my school work and everything else.

Students care about our well-being and the teachers don’t just dole out a bunch of homework and ignore our needs as teenagers to enjoy our lives. I have even started to enjoy math…a little bit, thanks to the efforts of Ms. Shukster. School should be fun as well as challenging. It helps students stay motivated.

A less obvious challenge I had to face at WINS was the school canteen. Since I’m Brazilian, eating spaghetti everyday was very difficult to adapt to. Okay, not just spa-

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ghetti. Sometimes there is penne.

Sometime tortiglioni. Sometimes fusilli. But always pasta! And always parmigiana. I have adjusted but sometimes I miss Brazilian barbecue, moqueca, feijoada and quindim. The school does have other international options for foreign students. At the same time, I live in Italy so that means enjoying the language and customs.

In all, the school has gone beyond my expectations. It’s been a rewarding experience I don’t expect to forget. International students come and go, but while I’m here I will savor all the good moments, the good food, and mostly the good people!

MUSIC “Where words fail, music speaks” - Hans Christian Andersen

THE UNIVERSAL

by Olivia B

LANGUAGE For centuries, music has been described as the “universal language” or the “gateway to the soul”. It is a way to run away from our problems yet feel understood by others on a deeper level.

However, the power of music is more profound and consequential than scientific and social experiments brought to us by the media.There is another side to music that creates an entirely new universe in our ears and soul.

When we’re listening to music, whether it’s sad, up-beat, or trance-like, the sounds encourage the feeling of connecting to others while evoking emotions deep inside us, creating refreshed bonds. Listening to songs, we can relate to the lyrics and the artist him or herself. Or we might simply get carried away by the melody. Perhaps it’s the driving beat. It’s our choice, our taste. There is a song for every emotion, every situation. There are songs that remain with us for the rest of our lives.

But why is music such a powerful social glue? From the day we are born, via lullabies, we start a connection with music. It grows stronger with most the occasions of our lives, from graduation parties to weddings to birthdays and even funerals.

Have you ever laid on your bed with your headphones on in complete darkness traveling in time to a playlist? Have you ever been to a festival and danced wildly all night with your friends? Or what about playing an instrument and letting the music flow through your arms, fingers, and lips? That might be the best feeling of all, not just to listen and react, but to make music ourselves. We have that creative potential and that creative need. It is music that brings people together in the present moment, and music that brings back memories from the past.

Since music brings people together, I have selected 10 songs that will hopefully do just that. These songs revolve around a theme: to approach everything we do with excitement, drive, and a sense of purpose! Some songs you will recognize, others not. Nonetheless, it is important to keep our musical taste open, listen along, and create new memories. world international school of torino

The title for this playlist: “Make this year one to remember”.

Without further ado, here it is.

Listen and enjoy!

1 ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?

by Tyler, the Creator

2 New Person, Same Old Mistakes

by Tame Impala

3 Me and Your Mama

by Childish Gambino

4 Sisyphus

by Quadeca

5 Flashing Lights

by Kanye West, Dwele

6 Creep

by Radiohead

7 Ew

by Joji

8 Time Moves Slow

by BADBADNOTGOOD

9 Friday I’m In Love

by The Cure

10 Chateau (Feel Alright)

by Djo

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STUDENT PROFILE

FLYING IN THE SKY AN INTERVIEW WITH 11TH GRADER ZAHRAN VERGERO

WINS is known for its links to athletics, from our connection with Juventus to our own budding champions in various sports. We decided to interview one such student-athlete, Zahran Vergero, about his love for a sport that exists on the extremes: kitesurfing!

WHAT IS KITESURFING AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? ZV: Kitesurfing is an extreme sport where the riders use the power of the wind to propel themselves over the water. The sport means the world to me. When I do kitesurfing, I’m at my happiest, especially when I do it with friends. It’s just pure bliss!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE SPORT? ZV: It all happened in 2017 when I was at a friend’s house. He was supposed to take a kitesurfing lesson but bailed out. So we were bored and decided to go dirt biking. My friend got ahead of himself and tried a crazy trick and landed practically upside down. He swept the ground with his face and succumbed to some bruises. His mother approached me and said it would be a pity to waste the kitesurfing lessons and that I should take them. That’s how it all started.

by Michele Dolgetta and Gaia Briatore

if time stops and it allows you to take it all in which feels insanely joyful. All your problems disappear.

I can recall one time where I started kitesurfing at 3pm and finished around midnight! It’s just too addictive, in a good way.

ANY ADVICE FOR WANNABE KITESURFERS? ZV: Just go for it! Yes, it’s an extreme sport, however life is about taking risks and making new memories.

Don’t bother about the people on the beach laughing at your initial faceplants. They’ll be the same people jealous of you when you are finally flying in the sky.

Thank you Zahran!

HOW MANY COMPETITIONS HAVE YOU DONE? ZV: I have done six competitions. Three were for Big Air, in which you compete for the highest jump. The others were freestyle, so the coolest tricks and stuff.

I’m part of the Nyali Kitesurfers team in Kenya and we compete nationally and also in East Africa.

CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH THE THRILL OF IT ALL? A TYPICAL DAY ON THE WAVES AND WIND? ZV: As you set off from the beach a huge smile pops onto your face and you don’t know why. The feeling of the wind pulling you across the surface of the water and the connection to nature is like no other. It’s pure happiness especially when I do a big jump and I see my friends on the shore or on the kites. It’s as

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SPORTS

TEACHERS’ SURPRISE This year’s sports day carried more anticipation than usual due to the first ever seniors vs. teachers football match. The senior team was heavily favored due their youth and daily practice. Meanwhile, the teachers never actually played together and some (Mr. Krasner!) were so rusty they needed an hour just to warm up.

The seniors were led by Enrico Balbo and Alessandro Straniero in the front line, and Nyima Lama, Carla Santamaria and Alessandro Mancino in the back line with Alessandro Facta as the keeper. The teachers leaned on Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Goncalves for offense, with Mr. Loughney, Mr. Kronfeld and Ms. Rollandin in the back line, and the grey-bearded Mr. Krasner as keeper. After a few goals from Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Goncalves, the teachers played with more confidence while the seniors felt pressure to meet the crowd’s expectations. In the second half, Mr. Krasner made some age-defying saves and the rout was on. Teachers 7, Seniors 2. Let this be a lesson to future students: age really does come before beauty!

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PHOTO GALLERY

SPORTS DAY

ART AND CULTURE

NTRODUCING ELISA There are artists mingling amongst us, making mental notes for their next story, song or picture.

They don’t always make themselves known. Oh, maybe they highlight their hair in blue or stroll the halls in knee length boots, but mostly their array of colors is reserved for their hidden creations.

In this issue, we share some of those creations of our featured artist: Elisa Barbera.

ARTIST STATEMENT “I began doing art since before I understood what colors went with each other. I never stopped and was set on creating more pieces and furthering my skills. In 2018 I began to take art as a serious hobby and a future profession. As long as I had a drawing utensil in hand, I was drawing. This resulted in me drawing with pencil on desk or ink on skin, eventually settling on my preferred medium: digital art.

To me, a life without art is a life without flavor.”

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH?

by Gaia Briatore

D

o you ever have the problem at night when you are ready to relax after a long day and want to watch a movie, documentary or TV series, but never know what to watch? These days we have more choices than ever for home entertainment, from Netflix to Amazon Prime to HBO to Hulu, etc. But the more options we have for viewing, the more difficult it can be to find the right “channel”.

In some ways, our parents and grandparents had it better when there were just a few channels to surf on TV, and movies were something you had to buy tickets for.

Here’s my simple guide for navigating that home jungle we call the screen.

Let’s talk about excitement, suspense, eagerness – all of it can be felt and experienced through a simple TV show. First up, if you are a Formula 1 fan or are into car racing in general, I highly recommend the new season of Formula 1. If you haven’t watched it yet, check out the whole series. It is not like watching a live race; it’s better.

The audience gets an inside look at the life of a Formula 1 driver, the dangers and the exuberance of the sport, while also showing the races.

If you like thrilling TV shows but are more interested in science and medicine, then you could watch Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. Both highly recommended

shows grab you and make you want to continue watching after the first 10 minutes of the first episode. The plots are full of engagement and movement, while also addressing real life situations and problems.

Manifest is another big hit. If you are into investigation and the unknown then it can be a great series to watch, where each episode has a new plot twist keeping you up all night to try and figure out what will happen next.

Manifest is not so surreal but more on the fictional side.

It’s still very interesting and makes you wonder if any of it could actually happen on Earth.

Lastly, if you prefer realistic TV shows, there are a few eye opening documentaries on Netflix which deal with contemporary world problems. The Social Dilemma is one of them. It discusses problems of today’s technologies and specifically their effect on social relationships – it makes viewers rethink how we use technology in our daily life. Furthermore, if you are interested in climate change and want to gain a deeper knowledge on what is really happening, then there is a whole list of them on Netflix. The top three I recommend are, Our Planet, Cowspiracy, and Surviving Paradise.

Now, I think I’ve given you enough excuses to stop studying and start binge watching! Until next time…

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FASHION

SLAY OR NAY a review of the 2022 Met Gala

by Michele Dolgetta

The Met Gala is one of the most important events in the fashion calendar, when fashion houses invite celebrities to showcase their pieces as walking art. This year’s theme was a play on last year’s and titled “Gilded Glamour”. As your Voice of WINS fashion critic, my job is to assess the outfits with a “slay” or “nay”. SLAY means the outfit fits the theme and looks great, while NAY means it either misses theme or does not look good. Let’s begin!

NAYS First of all, Fredrick Robertsson: this is NOT Jared Leto! The awful outfit doesn’t match the theme and looks similar to Grimes’ apparel from last year. Robertsson looks like a porcupine. And yikes…David Lauren! Wearing ripped jeans with a fancy jacket is not the fashion statement you think you’re making. Definitely not going to be invited again after this disaster.

I’m not sure who invited Amy Schumer as she apparently doesn’t know comedy nor fashion. The panelling of the longer and shorter dress sides are annoying.

She resembles a giant ‘Y’. Lastly a big NAY to anyone who wore suit and tie: Bradley Cooper, Jack Harlow, René-Jean Page, Kieran Culkin. The Met Gala is not an award show or even senior prom. The featured outfits are breath-taking and then there’s these flavourless suits on the carpet. Nay! Nay! Nay! SLAYS

Gloves, corsets and IT girls While the green on Billie Eilish’s outfit washes her out, I love the corset and the black hair and choker with the lightness of the dress. Olivia Rodrigo, while not matching the theme, still slays as I

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have a weakness for butterflies, glitter and purple.

Laura Harrier’s corset and the colour and the hair…I could go on and on about how good this looks! Even the gloves and the white and grey pearls are divine.

Lastly, Paloma did not hesitate to serve tonight. The little bag and the corset and the flower decals on the skirts…wow! I also love the multiple pearls on the neck.

Category is…Trains Trains were a huge theme in tonight’s Met Gala…and of course I mean the trailing ends of these glamourous gowns. Rosalia absolutely devours the red carpet with her fluffy tail. Tessa Thompson was nothing short of surreal. From the makeup to the pink tulle train, this outfit was beautiful and classy. Anok Yai stuns in hot pink against her divine skin tone. Quannah Chasinghorse never fails to integrate her culture in her outfits. The colour contrast with her hair is beautifully flowy. Nicola Coughlan is the only Bridgeton cast member to have understood the theme. I love the pink and black combination with the feathers and the giant puffy shoulders. Teyana Taylor looks ethereal in this Iris Van Herpen outfit. She’s an alien queen who time traveled to the Gilded Age and serves everyone an amazing dish. Alicia Keys honoured New York with a shade of grey reminiscent of New York’s skyscrapers.

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Lastly, American designer Virgil Abloh’s Off-White collection was honoured by Kylie Jenner. The puffy dress matches the theme and the veiled cap-hat is a modern take that encapsulates American culture.

Gold outfits…literally Lizzo’s outfit with the dramatic cage and giant black

and gold coat with the gold flute…she came to conduct the orchestra! Kim Kardashian honours Marilyn Monroe by actually wearing her original outfit. Megan Thee Stallion interprets a golden statue. I love the shoulder feather decals and the cape. Cardi, Cardi, Cardi! The dripping gold and giant choker compliment everything. Even the gloves add class. She screams opulence. Chlöe Bailey’s outfit is a piece of abstract art with dramatic hips and the gold choker.

Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian did not disappoint in her first Met appearance. The gold corset with the subtle flapper moment on the dress! I also love the gold jacket that blends into the gloves and this slick hair.

Hats Up! SZA, Normani and LaLa all look amazing in these ex-

travagant hats. I love Normani’s asymmetrical skirt and the big shoulders moment. SZA looks like she’s going for a day at the races with this dramatic brim and the “dvd” screen quality on the dress. The burgundy color on LaLa with the silver details are amazing. These are all modern takes and without the hats, the outfits would not have snapped as hard as they did.

Winner Winner: New York Stunner I gasped when I saw these two last outfits: first, Blake Lively, wow. The reveal is mind-blowing and the story behind her honouring New York is beautiful. Lively says, “This dress is an homage to New York City and the iconic buildings. The detailing is from the Empire State Building, some of the draping from the Statue of Liberty...(and) the constellation from

Grand Central Station.” The crown with seven spikes pays homage to the Statue of Liberty, and represents “inclusivity, welcomeness, and freedom”. But we conclude with Genesis Suero, winner of Miss New York Pageant 2018. Twitter was freaking out about her legendary Cinderella moment, in which she outshined the celebrities despite reporting the event. Genesis looks divine in this princess dress, the golden hue with big hips, puffy sleeves and snug corset…she was the real winner of the night. world international school of torino

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SCIENCE

DIVING INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF BLACK HOLES

by Muen Yin

Maybe you have asked yourself: is there anything on the other side? Another universe? Can a black hole take us there? Well, that’s my question: not just what black holes are, but if it were possible to travel through one, where would I be? In this column I will be exploring all things science, and for our first installment I will literally explore the world of black holes.

HOW WERE BLACK HOLES DISCOVERED? The idea of black holes came from general relativity.

Albert Einstein didn’t think black holes existed, even though his theory of general relativity predicted them.

Einstein’s idea was that gravity was not like other forces that push and pull on each other like magnetism or the weak force. He thought gravity was a bending of spacetime. The idea was that any mass would bend space.

Imagine a rubber sheet that represents space-time. If you place something heavy on the sheet, it bends things down. If you roll a marble across that sheet, instead of it going flat across the sheet, it’s going to slide down to where the heavy object is. The marble is at its most direct path which is now curved with respect to its previous path. It is like an intrinsic bending. Gravity bends the straight lines of the universe.

Back to heavy objects. The takeaway is that they bend space, and when you move through that space, you end up moving through a curved path. Einstein later realized that there are some applications of general relativity where space is bent so much that there is a

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bottomless hole in the rubber sheet, and nothing can escape once you go in. At first, the existence of these “bottomless holes” was doubted, but scientists eventually accepted their reality. The theoretical phenomenon was finally proven in 2019 when the Event Horizon Telescope produced the first-ever image of a black hole.

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE? A black hole’s defining feature is its extreme gravity whose effect is witnessed in nearby objects. One example is the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way which holds 4.3 million solar masses. Black holes are not usually visible as they consume all the light around them. However, we can confirm the existence of the supermassive black hole by observing the stars orbiting around it.

In most visual depictions of black holes, there is a ring of light swirling around it called the accretion disc—a swirling mass of material of gas, plasma, dust, or particles at extreme heat. It is just matter that is about to be consumed. Most people think a black hole is something you can fall into. But a black hole is not really a hole. It is just an extremely dense, heavy and thick mass, a gravitational well impossible to leave. This brings us to the “event horizon”: the threshold in the black hole from which you can no longer escape, even if traveling at the speed of light!

An argument often made is that you would be able to

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would be black. If you look to the side, you would see the back of your head. This is because the light reflecting from the back of your head would orbit around the black hole, and back to you.

escape the black hole if you were faster than the speed of light. However, this is false because the universe has a built-in speed limit. It is impossible to move faster than the speed of light. The event horizon is also the threshold where things are still visible in the black hole. Anything beyond is not visible, as nothing can escape. This is what makes the question so intriguing: what is inside a black hole? Once you are past the event horizon, everything becomes one dimensional. No matter which direction you go, space-time is so bent by the gravity of the black hole that every direction you go points towards the “singularity”: a point in space that has infinite density. This was speculated by Einstein.

WHAT IS INSIDE A BLACK HOLE? Light coming from behind black holes is extremely distorted, making it look like smudge. This is called “gravitational lensing”. As you approach a black hole, the distortion of light and space becomes greater. At a certain point, more than half your field of vision

Imagine an observer watching as you approach this black hole. He would see you approaching, but gradually going slower. This is because of the bending of space-time—time flows faster for you than the observer, since you are closer to the black hole. Eventually, the observer would see you come to a halt and slowly fade out. This is because you crossed the event horizon. If you recall, the event horizon is that threshold where once you cross over, it is impossible to return, even if traveling at the speed of light. Since no information (light) can get back to the observer, he would not be able to see you cross over. Depending on the size of the black hole, it may take minutes or hours to reach the singularity. As you get closer and closer, you would feel the gravitational effects of the singularity more and more, so much that your body would get shredded apart!

Let me explain that: due to the tidal forces, you are not just one point in space. You have limbs, and those limbs are in different points of space. Therefore, the parts of your body that are closer to the singularity would feel the effects of gravity more than those that are further off. Your body would be violently pulled, stretched, shredded, and torn apart. Believe it or not, there is a word for this too: spaghettification!

Once what’s left of you reaches the singularity? Well, it’s a mystery from there….

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STUDENT FICTION

I

t began the usual unusual way: me laying awake on the bathroom floor at 22:55.

There I was, in my favorite hideout scrolling through Instagram, when a message suddenly appeared on the corner of my laptop—an unknown message. I clicked it and a text popped up: “To all Oak Grove High School students”. I glanced at the time, sighed in confusion, and closed my laptop. My mother always told me not to respond to unknown users, because there were always internet parasites that might spread throughout my files, apps and basic info. I got up, laid my computer on my desk and jumped under the warm covers of my bed. I squirmed to find a more comfortable position and in a blink of an eye, fell fast asleep.

7:00 o’clock. My eyes widened as the alarm rang and rang. I groaned. How much I hated Monday mornings. I rubbed my eyes, sat up, and with no will to live dragged my body out the bed and fell with a SMACK to the wooden floor. “Ouch,” I murmured, massaging my noodle legs. At last, I pulled myself up with the help of my desk stool, detached the charger from my phone and put an end to the

annoying sound of my alarm.

To my surprise I noticed 44 new messages and 16 missed calls.

They were all from Emma, my best friend. Well, we weren’t super close but since the accident we became closer over time. I swiped my phone carefully read through each message. She was active, so we started to talk.

LILY!!!

LILY WAKE UP NOW!!! what Emma DID YOU RECEIVE AN UNKNOWN MESSAGE YESTERDAY!!! yeah, why?

DID YOU OPEN THE LINK!? no OPEN IT NOW!!

Emma I’m not going to open it, it’s probably a virus or something LILY, PLEASE!!! OPEN IT ok fine I put my phone down and headed towards my laptop. With each click of my mouse, more notifications kept ringing. I went back to the unknown message and stared at it for about a minute. Should I open it, or just lie to Emma?

Screw it, I thought, and I clicked on the link. It brought me to a video.

There was a person from shoul-

ders down in front of the camera. I guessed it was a man by the body structure. He was wearing jeans and a blazer. He was outside in what appeared a garden.

At 2 minutes and 34 seconds of the video he stepped out of the frame and my jaw dropped. There on a patio table was a picture. He took the camera and zoomed in closer. I squinted my eyes, trying to figure out who was in the photograph. My brow widened and I felt my throat go dry.

Samantha. My brother’s best friend. Samantha!

I shut my laptop and looked to the floor. I stood there, shook my head quickly and chuckled. “Nice joke,” I sighed to myself. There were now 18 new messages from Emma and two from Oak Grove High School.

LILY DID YOU WATCH THE VIDEO???

ITS SAMANTHA!!! yes Emma WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??

It’s a joke Emma WHATTTT Samantha was always a prankster, trust me it’s one of her funny jokes LILY, WTH, GO SEE THE SCHOOL NEWS!!

by Esmeralda Prisco Emma I’m going to be late for school THERE IS NO SCHOOL What?

SCHOOL IS SHUT DOWN ahahaha yeah good one LILY!!

I played cool but in the back of my mind I knew Emma wasn’t kidding. She was getting crazy and it was making me crazy.

I opened the school messages.

There were two bolded alarms: School will be closed this week as we carry out an important investigation. A student, Samantha Greer, has gone missing. Rest assured, police and detectives are on the case. However, for the protection of all students, we have established a CODE RED. Please stay at home until further advised.

If you have any information that might prove helpful to the case, please do not hesitate to inform the school office.

Everything was falling into pieces, including me.

*** School had been closed for three days. The disappearance was all

over the news. Emma and I hadn’t talked since Monday. Her mother took away all her devices in case the unknown user tried to track her down, send another link. I spent most of the week looking through the pictures of Samantha and me. My brother and I used to hang out with her all the time. Weekends, school breaks.

We were like the three amigos.

For some reason, I couldn’t cry.

I was too numb. I had fallen into a dark abyss and I didn’t think I was going to crawl out of it any time soon. *** The second week went by slowly. We hadn’t received any news on the school re-opening, nor Samantha’s disappearance. No link, no messages, no happiness.

Everything was dark. An imaginary cloud roamed over me and everyone at Oak Grove.

That Sunday evening, in the usual unusual way, I was on the bathroom floor scrolling Insta. It was 21:33. I remember the time exactly, as that’s when the unknown message popped up on the corner of my screen. I felt déjà vu, a mixture of fear and anticipation. I clicked the link without thinking.

While it loaded, my heart beat

rapidly. I gazed at the bathroom mirror and instinctively glanced at the razor on the counter next to the sink.

The video opened.

I looked down and this time the message was directed personally, to me.

To my dear Lily My heart dropped. For me? But why?

Do you recognize her?

I continued to scroll and a picture slowly loaded itself on the screen. I rested my head on the door and looked to the ceiling. No relief to be found there.

I looked back down and with a and the picture was in full frame.

“Oh...my…g-god…oh my god…”

My eyes rolled back and I fell to the floor, seeing only black.

[For the next instalment of 22:55, check out our next issue of the Voice of Wins…]

CELEBRITY NEWS

THE TRIAL of the CENTURY

(OR AT LEAST 2022)

by Angeli Georgieva

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard first met on set of the film Rum Diary in 2009 where they were cast as each other’s love interest. They finally started dating in 2012, after Depp broke-up with Vanessa Paradis which he addressed in 2013. Depp-Heard made their first appearance as an “it” couple at the 2nd Annual Heaven Gala in January 2014. Soon after they were married. But the happiness didn’t last long.

Their unsettling marriage is now the subject of celebrity gossip, as each is suing the other with charges of libel and defamation. Both are airing their dirty laundry and it’s causing the public to take sides.

Who to believe? The daring Jack Sparrow or the alluring actress from Aquaman fame?

Well, according to TikTok, the answer is overwhelmingly Jack Sparrow I mean Johnny Depp. It’s hard to weed through all the evidence, but I’ll share some highlights before weighing in with my vote.

According to a report by Variety, Depp suffered a hand injury while filming Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead men Tell No Tales in Australia. During Depp’s testimony, he claimed that the injury happened during an argument with Heard. Depp stated under oath that in March 2015, he got into an argument with Heard and started smashing bottles, windows and other items around the house. Depp then sliced off a portion of his finger during the accident. Instead of medicating the finger, Depp dipped it into a can of paint and proceeded to write (in a mixture of blood and paint) “Billy Bob” and “easy Amber” on a mirror, referring to Amber’s alleged affair with her London co-star Billy Bob Thornton. Unsettling, yes, but not

22

necessarily abuse, which Heard accuses Depp of doing throughout their marriage.

Depp has stated in court that he never physically abused Heard, using phrases like “violence was unnecessary” and “why would you hit someone to make them agree with you? I don’t think it works”. In finality he said, “Never did I reach the point of striking Ms. Heard in any way nor have I ever struck any women in my life.”

As the trial has progressed, the internet seems to be in agreement that only one former spouse is lying: Amber Heard. Maybe it’s her strategic outfits designed to unnerve Depp. Or it’s her over-dramatic performances under oath. Her body language seems less than authentic for a person who has suffered abuse.

But the more interesting take is why so many people believe Depp’s story, without question. As film-goers, we know him as a sweet and soft character, incapable of what he’s charged with. We admire him, whether it’s as Edward Scissorhands or Jack Sparrow. In celebrity terms, we have developed a “parasocial” relationship with him…feels real, but it’s not. Meanwhile, we never really paid as much attention to Amber Heard. She has not endeared herself to fans in her movies, not like Depp. And she has not endeared herself to the public in her trial performance.

Is it really just a matter of public taste? Who we like and who we hate? I suppose the only truth to get out of this trial is that there are many kinds of fake relationships.

wins magazine

Issue 1 in review

Voice of WINS Crossword: Issue 1 in review 1 2 3

Voice of WINS Crossword: Issue 1 in review

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Across 12 4. One of our two Elisas (and a Piedmont wine!)

5. Mr. Goncalves' favorite word 7. A fancy word used by Angeli to describe fake relationships with celebrities 9. As Muen said, a point in space that has infinite Across density 4.

One of our two Elisas (and aEnzo Piedmont wine!)

10. One of the Brazilian dishes mentioned 5. Mr. Goncalves' favorite word 11.

A song on Olivia's playlist 7. A fancyquoted word used

by Angeli describe fake 12.

Aditya this famous UStopresident relationships with celebrities 9. As Muen said, a point in space that has infinite density 10. One of the Brazilian dishes Enzo mentioned 11. A song on Olivia's playlist 12. Aditya quoted this famous US president

Down 1. This Ms organized this year's Cambridge exams 2. Seniors completed these in May, and now they're on their way 3. Gaia thinks it's worth watching, especially if you're concerned about the planet Down 4. In Esmy's story, it is the place where Lily likes to 1. This Ms organized this scroll through her Insta year's Cambridge exams 2. completed these in May, and now 6. Seniors The event that prompted lots of 'nays' and they're 'slays' on their way from Michele 3. thinks it'stoworth watching, if you're 8. Gaia A word given the sports team especially that is NOT concerned about the planet expected to win (like the teachers) 4. In Esmy's story, it is the place where Lily likes to scroll through her Insta 6. The event that prompted lots of 'nays' and 'slays' from Michele 8. A word given to the sports team that is NOT expected to win (like the teachers)

world international school of torino

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CROSSWORD

Voice of WINS Crossword

JUNE 2022

ISSUE 1

OUR MISSION: World International School of Torino strives to be the new frontier in international education. Our mission is to create a safe and respectful learning environment to support each child in the development of their individual talents by fostering critical thinking from an early age. The truly mul-

ticultural context of our school with its cutting-edge technology and the high standards of its academic programs nurture the intellectual growth of our students helping them to become open-minded, principled, and inquiring citizens of the world.

A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their Mission can alter the course of history - Mahatma Gandhi THE VOICE OF WINS TEAM Editors in Chief:

Staff Writers:

Aditya Dedhia

Muen Yin

Elisa Barbera

Angeli Georgieva

Enzo Del Pupo Trivilin

Carola Romeo

Esmeralda Prisco

Olivia Basso

Michele Dolgetta & Gaia Briatore

FACEBOOK.COM/WORLDINTERNATIONALSCHOOL

WWW.WORLDINTERNATIONALSCHOOL.COM