Prior the 2023 rendition of the seniors vs. teacher football match, who would have thought that the older teachers were going to humiliate the “super team” of grade 12 with the likes of Zahran, Guglielmo, Davide, Vittoria and Federico? After last year’s surprising defeat to the “golden oldies”, this year the seniors were determined and focused. Everyone knew that it was impossible for the teachers to duplicate their feat against the grade 12, not only because of the age difference but because this year’s team was so capable on the pitch. However, grade 12 was soon to discover that everything was about to go terribly wrong for them, very soon.
After a long anticipated whistle by this year’s unbiased referee Tzouroudis (who by the way managed to settle down the high tones and make accurate calls under extreme pressure), the game was under way. But there was a last minute academic issue! Field generals Straniero and Scaglione, as well as keeper Rovere, were all unable to play! Stuck in the science lab due IB deadlines, one had to wonder: a teachers’ gambit? Still, the seniors had plenty of firepower left on the pitch and there was no excuse for their shambling performance.
The game was equal at the beginning with the teachers only having a one goal advantage and although the
students were attacking well, the greying-yet-spirited keeper Mr. Krasner was saying “no” to all shots on goal. Things for the students couldn’t get any worse, could they? Well, at approximately the 20th minute, the seniors substitute keeper Sborzi collided with a teammate and suffered a jammed finger. After this mishap, the seniors weren’t the same. It was teacher terror from then on.
The teachers went on to score 3 goals before halftime, putting the score at 4-0 at the break. Mr. Krasner was serving another shutout and the seniors’ mood was dismal. After careful consideration, the teachers side agreed to let the seniors play with an extra female player. It wasn’t enough. The teachers’ offense was an oiled machine, scoring another 3 goals and upping the difference to 7-0. Only a late goal from Zahran managed to grab a consolidation for the seniors, avoiding the shutout and making their defeat a bit less painful. Teachers 7, seniors 1.
After the final whistle, the “man of the match” award was presented to the teachers’ captain, Mr. Krasner, his second impressive goal keeping exhibition in a row, proving to everyone that age is just a number on a document. Or in this case, on the back of a jersey. Can anyone stop this juggernaut? Up to you, next year’s seniors…
I’m an optimist through and through, and while I know life is hard and sometimes unforgiving, it’s not impossible. I used to hate the fact that things had to be perfect. They don’t. They can be good enough. There’s no explicit rule saying that we, as 18 year olds, have to be perfect.
The definition of perfect is “having all the required or desirable elements or qualities; as good as it is possible to be”. But how are we meant to know our qualities if we don’t know who we are? Lacking perfection does not diminish us. Perfect is just a word, a concept, an antagonist. It’s not a person, and it’s certainly not love.
“Perfect” would never survive as a human being because what makes us perfect is the fact that we aren’t. It’s corny, I know, but every blemish on our skin, every burned bridge in our relationships, every scar that has tainted the stained glass of our reflection, every word we’ve said (the good and the bad), every story posted (the good and the bad), every picture ever taken (the good and the bad!) is what defines us.
We are who we are not because we are perfect, but because we are flawed. I once thought that school
wouldn’t teach me life lessons. But in English, we learned about non-linear storylines and how life is not like a storybook. Sometimes the resolution doesn’t magically appear after the climax. In Math, we learned that rational functions are not abstract, but rather all over the place! In Biology, we learned how some of the most important discoveries were made by accident.
What I’m saying is life is spontaneous. It doesn’t make sense to rush into things when you don’t know who you are, nor should you force yourself to figure it out immediately. What I can say with certainty is that you are the weirdest and most unique bunch of people I’ve ever met, and I hope we all become who we most want to be. But here is my advice: let go of things that don’t benefit you. It doesn’t make sense to drag a boulder your whole life just because you’re used to it. Don’t be afraid of change. Like butterflies and snakes, we shed our skins and bloom into ourselves. Follow your instincts. Your body knows what’s best for you. If you’re confronted with something you don’t believe in, speak up. Make mistakes. Do it! There’s no need to dwell on the past. Trust me, you’ll just waste the present.
Romanticize life. Make the small moments big moments because the memories are so worth it. What others do, what others achieve, what others possess does not affect you. Don’t look at others because you should measure your worth by what you achieved last. And really, your worth is best measured by how well you love and accept who you are.
Your biggest enemy is yourself and your biggest friend is yourself. At the end of the day, you have just you. As Beyoncè said, “I got me, myself and I”. There can be 100 people in a room, and 99 don’t believe in you. You need just one, and no, it’s not Bradley Cooper. It’s you! Self belief, self love, self realisation is not a linear journey. Enjoy the plot twists and turns. Be selfish (in a good way). If you don’t want to give something up, then don’t. Selfish doesn’t imply self centered. It can also mean self respect, that you’re allowed to prioritize your needs over what you think others need from you.
I’ll end this speech with another quote, my own: “indulge in hope, dreams and happiness and ignore fear. You deserve to be painted by the colours you choose.”
In an emotional ceremony that included plenty of humor, inspiration, advice, and a walk down memory lane, WINS said goodbye to its latest graduating class. What a group and what an achievement! We will remember these faces for always.
When most people hear “bucket list”, they think of white haired men and women composing a final wish list of things to do from their hospital bed. But why should a bucket list be reserved for the elderly? Shouldn’t we, the young, also dream of the things we most want to do before we die? After all, the sooner we recognize our dream experiences, the sooner we can start realizing them, right?
This year is my last at WINS, after 5 wonderful years. I’d like to say “adieu” with my own bucket list, 13 things this 13 year old most wants to do, before she dies. And will. So here goes:
1. Go bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge in Western Cape, South Africa
2. Go ziplining in Hawaii over 14 waterfalls (and not forget to wear sunglasses because of all the bugs that will be in the way)
3. Play hide n’ seek in camo clothes in the great outdoors
4. Go scuba diving with whales, turtles, and other creatures (NOT SHARKS) in Great Barrier Reef, Australia (and hopefully not get sunburnt or bitten by a shark)
5. Visit the Mauritius underwater falls which are SPECTACULAR
6. Ride a cruise ship in Antarctica (hopefully it won’t get too cold)
7. Try sandboarding in the desert (and try not to stumble upon a scorpion)
8. Spend the night in an underwater hotel
9. Witness a meteor shower and a total solar eclipse
10. Float in the Dead Sea, Jordan
11. Go on the world’s largest human catapult in New Zealand (I hope I won’t fly away!)
12. Camp under the northern lights
13. And most of all, I want to make unforgettable memories with my family and friends
The end of the school year feels like graduation, a time to take stock of things. And look ahead. So remember, life is too short to spend it sulking. Throughout your life, make the most of it, and don’t be afraid to take risks. You don’t live once; rather, you live every day. Value each moment. Even if it doesn’t seem so precious, it is, and it will grow into something you most long for:
Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, The smiles fade, But the memories last forever
Icome from infamous South Africa, a country known for its stunning wildlife and safari experiences, and alarming crime rates. I have lived in South Africa for practically my whole life, 14 years to be exact. In December I moved to Turin and it has been a huge transition for me: the new culture, way of life and even the school.
My first cultural shock was regarding the free Italian lifestyle. It’s vastly different from that of South Africa. There are always tons of people walking the streets with ease. In South Africa, it’s unadvised to walk the streets alone because the crime rate is astonishingly high. Being able to freely walk on the street felt like a luxury for me and has certainly been one if the aspects I’ve enjoyed most in Turin.
When we arrived in December, it was “bitterly” cold, like 3 degrees. In South Africa we consider 12 degrees cold. So our first impression of the Piedmont winter was that we were living popsicles. We didn’t know how to dress for the weather as our winter clothes from South Africa did not keep us warm. What did we do? We wore layers over layers over layers of clothes! Fortunately, we were able to buy suitable winter clothes soon after our arrival. Still, I
would have preferred to lay in bed all day.
Another first for me was living in an apartment, because back in South Africa I lived in a house with a large garden. I love our apartment here in Turin. The space isn’t large but it’s comfortable and has certainly been a positive change for me. Soon after we got settled, we went off to shop to get the WINS school uniform and school supplies. Then came the dreaded day: my first day at a new school.
Was I crippling nervous? Yes. Was I ready to run away the minute someone talked to me? Yes. Was I worried about the fact I had already missed 3 months of school. Absolutely. However, most importantly, was I worried I was going to make a bad impression on my
classmates? Yes. Were my worst fears realized though? No. I actually found myself getting along very well with my classmates and they were all very welcoming. For that, I’m forever thankful (love you Grade 9!!). I also found myself a group of friends and bonded with them during class activities. I was even invited to a gathering after school hours within my first few weeks at WINS. All the professors were understanding of my situation and helped me comfortably settle into the school routine. I’m even a part of the school magazine, as you can see!
In all, my experiences here have soothed what could have been a tumultuous move. I miss South Africa with all of my heart, but I also think I have found myself a home in Turin, and at WINS.
This years’ prom was notable for its gowns and glitter, and as well for its poolside location! Students, teachers and staff gathered for one final celebration together to mark another passing year. As the sun went down, the lights went up and there was plenty of inter-generational dancing. Enjoy the photo-shoot!
Summer is fast approaching, meaning we finally get the time to relax for a while, free from the impending doom of IB deadlines creeping up on us like weary creatures…
And what better way to distress than listening to some music? No matter what genre you’re into, music is the perfect way to improve your wellbeing and get into the summer spirit. Keeping in mind that everyone has very different tastes, here is a staple summer playlist with songs from ranging genres for all to enjoy. Hopefully, one or two of these songs or artists can improve the quality of your summer!
Staple piece of a great summer playlist? At least one R&B track. R&B is arguably the most versatile genres. Daniel Caesar is able to create R&B songs with subtlety that guarantees to give you some peace of mind, while equally being able to get your head bopping. CYANIDE is a perfect ensemble of modern R&B with some hints of Reggae and Soul. Perfect song for a sunny beach day, trust me.
Every playlist on earth needs at least one Frank Ocean track, and no, I’m not being biased. Ivy is a transcendent song, evoking that ‘floaty’ feeling you get from certain things. If you’re looking for a song that can get you into a state of deep, melancholic thought, yet also mitigate your mind from the heaviness of life, then look no further. Ivy’s what you’ve been looking for.
Wild
The rhythm of this song is nothing but eliciting. It’s a laid-back Hip Hop song that truly carries you elsewhere. Wild Irish Roses’ slow tempo perfect gets you in an undistributed trance. Speaking of tempo, ‘Tempo’ is another amazing song by Smini. I would recommend checking it out too!
Social
Cosmo Pyke’s mix-genre music is so diverse yet so fluent. Social Sites is a song that represents the static moments of life. Sometimes, doing nothing is doing something. So, although summer’s a good opportu-
nity to do loads of new things and prepare yourself for the coming school year, it’s also a good time to sit back and just let life come as it is.
Charm - Rema
Nothing is more perfect for a season of relaxation, sun and parties than afrobeats. Rema is a newer afrobeats artist that gives a modern spin to this genre. His songs are rhythmic and uplifting. As someone who grew up around afrobeats, they are a necessity to a summer playlist.
Why just 5? Well, that’s all we’ve got room for. I’m sure you can fill out the rest of the playlist with you own selections. Until we meet again, enjoy the summer!
Songs like charm get you hype and in the mood to dance, Practically a match in heaven for those that want a more upbeat summer.
And that’s about it! I hope one of these songs finds a place in your summer playlists!
As final exams are officially behind us, we finally feel like we can breathe again. After spending most of our time engulfed by education and studies, it may be a bit perplexing to fall back into what was once our everyday routine. Reading, being one of my passions in life, goes well with my love of watching, so I have taken the opportunity to merge my two passions into an intriguing article: comparing and contrasting books to their film adaptations. I imagine reading and watching will be part of everyone’s summer routine. So consider this piece your read/watch recommendation, by yours truly.
To start we have “Heartstopper” written by Alice Oseman, a graphic novel series that was adapted into a series on Netflix. It is a coming-of-age story full of new love, friendship, comedy and as expected some drama stirred into the characters’ lives to spice things up for the audience. The Netflix series takes place at a much faster rate than the plot of the novels, which takes its longevity to portray essential depth that we as the mainstream audience tend not to find. I would rate the film version as a pretty accurate, intriguing and a captivating adaptation of the novel that can be appreciated by a larger audience than the novels.
Similar to “Heartstopper”, there is “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, another young adult romance written by Jenny Han which was adapted from a book trilogy into a TV series. The novels tend to follow the slow-paced love story where we as the readers are new to the story
and discover things along with the protagonist, while in the adaptation we are thrown into a world without context and are expected to form a coherent plot. Both storylines, however, are still about the love triangle between our three protagonists as they navigate through life together. As a critic I would rate this adaptation as an underdeveloped plot lacking structure in comparison to the novels which were consistent even if the plot felt unrealistic.
Next we have “To All the Boys I Have Loved Before”, also written by Jenny Han. It follows another teen through her complex love life as the audience is introduced to the protagonist’s concept of true love, unreciprocated love, crushes, friendship and family. The film adaptation follows the same plot with a slight difference to the ending, as the book closed on a more realistic tone. Lastly, we have “The Kissing Booth”, written by Beth Reekles. This is a teen romantic comedy with the love having more of a forbidden ingredient that draws the audience in. The screen adaptation strongly focuses on the comedy aspect making the whole plot seem a bit ridiculous and unrealistic where the book carries more drama across for the reader.
As my honorable mention, “Dune”, a novel written by Frank Herbert is a science fiction heritage story that was adapted into 2-part movie with an untapped love story. For this one I’ll let you decide. Which do you prefer, the pages or the screen? As you can see from my review, it might take longer to get into, but the pages always offer more.
Scientists predict that by the mid 21st century, sea levels will rise several metres and we will lose forever Venice, Seychelles and Maldives. Waves of extreme heat, drought and forest fires will become regular events and ancient viruses, that will make Coronavirus seem like a cold, will thaw.
When scientists talk about global change in temperature, they do not mean change in weather, but rather climate, which is a relatively stable system. Climate change not only encompasses rising temperatures but also extreme weather events, shifting wildlife populations and habitats, rising seas, and a range of other impacts. As we know from school, The Greenhouse Effect traps heat through increased atmospheric gases, including CO2, causing an effect similar to the insulating glass walls of a greenhouse. As a result of human activity, the insulating walls have grown significantly denser. Continuing the garden analogy, the earth is simply overheating.
At the emergence of the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of CO2 rose to 280 ppm. In the last 35 years, it has reached an alarming 450 ppm. Consequently, global temperatures have risen to points not recorded in hundreds of thousands of years! More than 90 % of the received heat is being dissolved in the oceans. For decades scientists thought that the heat was equally dissipated in all four oceans. However, recent studies show that the upper layers of the oceans heat up simultaneously - increasing the amount of energy on Earth and causing global warming.
Animals are the first to suffer. For example, the Saiga Antelope have lived for millions of years with a harmless bacteria in the intestine. During the hot summer of 2015, that beneficial bacteria became poisonous. As a result, 70 % of the species’ population died. All of this due one unusually hot summer!
There are trillions of bacteria in the human body. The possibility that climate change will poison our normal behaviour sounds like a plot for a dystopian movie in which we, deliberately, create. The World Bank issued a prediction that without intervention, there will be 140 million climate refugees from Africa, South Asia and Latin America in just 30 years. We are also likely to witness the dramatic fall in agricultural yields which will lead to famine. In just 50 years, the planet will change drastically due to human activities: burning fossil fuels, deforesting, extensive farming, and the use of aerosol cans and refrigeration. In the meantime, an estimated 115 million people will likely perish from air pollution by 2040-50.
There are hundreds of different methods on how each of us can bend the arc of history and save lives. You do not have to be a politician or influential figure. You just have to apply the simple rule: repair, recycle, reuse. By buying fewer consumer goods can reduce your carbon footprint and also cut down on waste. And if one day, the truths scientists are warning us about suddenly turn out to be a lie? A global conspiracy? Well, that means that we might have accidentally turned our planet into a better and cleaner place to live in. Is that so bad?
This past April, to mark our annual Earth Day, the PYP put thought to action and created a memorable “reuseable fashion show”. Students worked together to design costumes that also pitched the idea that water is a precious commodity we must not take for granted. As Anastasia says in the preceding article, making change in not reserved for the old and established. It’s for the young to take action too. It’s their world, tomorrow, after all.
A symposium is a conference, a discussion of ideas, and the spring science symposium at WINS conducts such a discussion when all the flowers are in bloom. Classes from the MYP and DP worked together to bring a coherent scientific idea into fruition. How’d they do? Let’s remember…
In the middle of April, I attended a comic convention with friends called “Torino comics”. It was an important day for me as my friends live in different parts of Italy and this was the first time in a while we could properly meet up. Being a comic convention, everyone dressed up in some way. I personally never really liked the idea of cosplays, but I always loved the effort put into them. So, I decided to bring my photography skills with me on the adventure.
Luckily, Torino Comics was held in the Lingotto exhibition center, where I have been before with a fellow cosplay enthusiast. So I had some ideas of how to traverse the mazes of stands and people. Even though I knew the area quite well, the amount of people made it hard
by Paul Mattioli
to walk from one side to the other in less than 10 minutes. But even with the claustrophobic open streets dense with people, the people were exceptionally friendly and were always a blast to talk to.
My friends decided to cosplay mostly as the armed members of the Francise Secure. Contain. Protect (SCP), with one of them cosplaying as a soldier from john wick chapter 4. Being able to see all of us collaborate on a group cosplay was something I was happy to see, as our ideas that we planned to do on text and calls became a reality. This was a joy for all of us.
The photos I took in my opinion were hit or miss. Sadly, I couldn’t get large group photos of everyone together as we all wanted to see dif-
ferent things. But I did come out with quite a few decent photos of a portion of our group or solo portraits of them or other cosplayers. I enjoyed getting extra experience with portraiture and the leniency of my friends allowing me to take photos of them out of nowhere.
All in all, it was a great 3 days. I was able to spend quality time with some of the best people I know and work on a passion of mine that I truly enjoy. Being able to take photos of people I enjoy being around and then seeing their faces brighten up with how they turned out and how happy they are with it, gave me a smile on my face as well. I couldn’t ask for more on that day as it was a perfect mix of laughter, socialization and practice to hone my photography skills.
The PYP closed the year on a “green” note, learning about biodiversity on their residential trip in Monferrato and conducting presentations on sustainability as part of the Grade 5 Exhibition. This is more than learning… it’s living!
On a bright Saturday, May 6, WINS held its annual Sports Day for all interested students. A mini-Olympics of events were setup for the kids, taking advantage of the pool, basketball courts, and indoor and outdoor fields. Students got a good work-out and learned practiced many skills related to their own well-being. Let’s have a look back…
PYP teacher Elisa Rossetto led this year’s Photography Club, with students: Francesco, Luca and Allegra Dolgetta, Greta Girondi, Masase Tempia, Marta Settanni, Andie McGregor, Aron Diboglu, Enzo Trivilin, Angeli Georgiev, Tabarak Moussa, Moatasem Dikna, Markos Tzouroudis, Lucrezia Di Modica, Isabella Abello, Hamed Alsabt, and Francesca Bianchi. The aim of their final exhibition was to merge color, composition and everyday objects into a unique form. The result is a refreshing look upon the everyday.
Allegra Dolgetta
Francesca Bianchi
Isabella Abello
Andie McGregor
Francesco Dolgetta
Luca Dolgetta
Masase Tempia
Aron Diboglu
Greta Girondi
Lucrezia Di Modica
Moatasem Gaetano Markos
Enzo Angeli
Hamed Alsabt
Marta Settanni
In Voice of WINS, we often cover topics related to students, school events, music, science, and social commentary…but what about the teachers? Yes, there are some articles for them, but they’re often related to school or their job. What we forget is, teachers are people too. Just like us, they have a private lives outside school with its struggles, problems, aspirations and personal milestones. A special couple even became parents (and another teacher soon will be!) So to close the school year, I posed this question to our faculty: What was your best personal memory, milestone or achievement this year?
at teaching at WINS. As far as I see now, education and natural farming are the continuation of each other. It would be long to describe how I think the two are interlinked, but I will mention a few points: see order where all appears to be chaotic; understand the potential of the full plant from the mere seed; do what is necessary and do not force things. It goes without saying that teaching is possibly the hardest form of learning.
(SCIENCE TEACHER):
I don’t think it is a significant happening compared to others, but this has been the year where I have come back home to settle down after many years abroad. In the past years, apart from completing studies in natural sciences, I have come to practice what in the East is simply known as “natural farming”. For me, settling down means that I can finally carry that on in a place that not only belongs to me, but to which I belong, too. Personally, I find this “belonging” as something meaningful for people. I had this idea for a few years, and finally I managed to make it reality, so it’s a sort of achievement, I guess. Also, this year I have taken up a new job
(ITALIAN TEACHER):
My “teacher milestone” was obtaining my Spanish diploma. After spending some time at Universi-
tat de Barcelona, I’ve started my journey in the Spanish language. Speaking of, my goal for this summer is becoming an international au pair for two months, in order to practice the language “for real”.
(SCIENCE TEACHER):
I had played football (or soccer) for around 10 years and never received a yellow or red card. Therefore, receiving a yellow card during the student-teacher football match has been the achievement of this year. I must add that the referee was probably biased (and/or not competent enough), yet I had to accept his decision.
(PE TEACHER):
The most important event of the year for me was when I knew that I was going to be a father. It will be a boy and his name will be Pietro. The news was an extraordinary joy; this was the best personal moment of the year.
(ART TEACHER):
In November I moved in with my partner and I have never been happier! Our new home is our safe and happy place and reflects our passions and - a bit childishpersonalities with irony and pure joy, embodied in every single furnishing and accessory. We celebrated this private milestone with a honeymoon to the Maldives and it was by far the best trip I have ever experienced, so this year truly was a turning point in my private life and I am sure I will never forget it.
(HISTORY TEACHER):
For me, the greatest achievement of the year was to score two goals against Grade 12 securing our never to be forgotten victory.
Embarking on the journey of pregnancy in a foreign country can be an adventure in itself! From the moment we discovered the precious news, we found ourselves facing a whole new world of challenges. Navigating a different healthcare system with unfamiliar procedures and terminologies initially felt like deciphering an alien language. But here’s the delightful twist: People around us, despite the cultural differences, were incredibly supportive and kind, lending a helping hand and a dose of humor along the way!
As we stumbled through paperwork, appointments, and baby preparations, we encountered countless acts of kindness. Friends shared invaluable advice, pointing us in the right direction. The
warmth and compassion we experienced from the local community was beyond compare. Neighbors would flash friendly smiles, offering heartfelt congratulations as the baby bump grew. Their genuine care and interest made us feel like part of a larger family, easing the homesickness.
And finally, as our little bundle of joy arrived—a beautiful baby girl—our friends and colleagues embraced her with open arms, showering her with love and affection. Our journey has sprinkled with humor, love and an extended family that crossed borders and made sleep deprivation feel a little easier. Our little bambina is very lucky to be born in such a beautiful country with the privilege to “taste” gelato right in the womb!
Reds, enter the door on my left, Blacks, enter the door behind you, and Whites, enter the door at the end of the corridor,” Fujisawa Sensei said to around 30 adolescents who were standing in front of her.
Fujisawa Sensei was my class teacher and also the vice president of the school. Classes A – C were all here and were divided into three lines. I was freaking out. What were the Reds? Whites? Blacks? Was I the only one who didn’t understand what was going on?
“Relax,” I told myself, “This will be ok”. I was sooo wrong.
Ok, I just need to make it out of this book and back to reality.
I looked down and realized that the floor panels were shifting. Wait, what?
“Your test score from the entrance exams will determine which door you will enter,” Fujisawa Sensei added.
She then started listing the lowest to the highest achievers and each one of them got into different colours. I was trying to spot a pattern but I was
too anxious to find out which group I was going to be in.
“Ikari Kaito, 89%, Black.”
“Asano Hanako, 89%, Red.”
“Hamasaki Akira, 95%, Red.”
“Tanaka Akane, 97% Black.”
“Takahashi Sota, 97.5%, White.”
What? Did someone say my name?
My brain stopped processing the information properly. When I heard my name and “Black”, I immediately started walking to the door behind me. I didn’t feel like myself; it felt like I wasn’t even in control of my body.
When I opened the door, I was sucked into a pitch-black pit. As I was falling, I noticed many of my favourite books were stocked on the walls. This was the same place I had seen the first time I entered a story.
“Akane, Akaneeee, you good?” a voice yelled into my ear as I slowly opened my eyes.
“Oh, thank god you’re ok! You lost consciousness there for a sec,” Kaito said as he helped me stand.
What had just happened? This felt like “classroom of the elites” stuff mixed with “the darkest minds”. Did I enter a world where both plots mixed?
I was so confused about everything. It felt like I was living in a lie. This wasn’t how the story was supposed to go. Or was it?
“T-th-thanks Kaito,” I mumbled, embarrassed about what had just happened. There was no pit, the floor was fine, I was hallucinating. The others must have thought I was crazy, coming into a room and just falling.
“You may now sit,” a deep female voice said, “you are all here for a reason.” She continued as I sat down on a black velvet chair: “You are the Blacks.”
What is a Black and why does everyone keep meeting them?
“Blacks, Reds, and Whites, that is the order from most to least dangerous power holders. My name is Kimura Sensei,” the woman said. She was going to be our mentor.
We were going to be assigned to different dorms according to our colours. I was a Black. That meant that my powers were the most dangerous. I still didn’t know what they were but according to Kimura Sensei, we would find that out the next day.
When I went to bed, I thought about today’s events. So much had happened: I fainted, was sorted into a group, and am now in a new dorm.
“I’ll deal with this tomorrow,” I thought as I dosed off.
“Watch out, watch out, watch out, watch out!!!”
“Wake up Akane!”
“AAHHHHHH!” I yelled as I sat up. “Did you have a nightmare?” the person standing next to my bed said. As I looked closer, I realised it was Yamada Kaneko, a girl my age in Class B. I recognised her from some posters. If I remember correctly, she was running for class president. That was why there were posters with her face on them plastered around the school.
“O-ok, I’m awake,” I muttered in a dreary voice while yawning. “Good, come meet us downstairs after you get ready. Kimura Sensei wanted to test our abilities today so wear something casual.”
I got up and walked towards the bathroom. I was certain that I had heard a voice in my sleep. I put on a pair of black sweatpants, a black tank top, and a red jacket. Today was go-
ing to get weirder, I could just feel it.
“Great,” I thought to myself, “let’s get this over with.”
I headed down to meet up with the rest of the class and Kimura Sensei. Yesterday, I was too disoriented to figure out who was who. Today, I was determined to get to know everyone and to learn about my powers, if I had any.
That’s what bothered me the most. I was a guest in this universe. I had kept my appearance and name. Maybe that meant I wasn’t going to have powers.
“Everyone, today you will pair up,” Kimura Sensei said.
I was on my way to pair up with Yamada Kaneko but then Sensei added, “You can only pair up with the people you got the same test score with.”
“Ughhh,” I thought as I walked around asking people for their test scores, “no one had the same score.”
“Hi Akane,” someone said behind me.
“O-oh, hi Kaito, what did you get?”
“I got 97.5%, you?”
“I got 97%. Maybe we can be partners since your score is the closest
to mine.”
“Sure,” he said and a split second later, we were all standing at different corners of the room. What just happened? I didn’t move. Who moved us?
I was freaking out when Kimura Sensei came up to us.
“Give me your hand,” she demanded.
I stretched out my arm and the second she grabbed it, my veins turned black.
WHAT
Was I dying? This school must be cursed.
“You, it’s HER!” Sensei yelled out as fire exploded from my hand throwing her on the ground. This school wasn’t cursed, I was.
[Deadly Desires is an original series written by Stella Zhou and Arina Basbayeva. This ending is what we call a cliff-hanger………will Akane learn how to use her dark powers?
Will she return to her boring middle school reality?
Stay tuned until next year!]
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
