Tenbyzine Summer Edition 2023

summer I S S U E # 2 0 J U L Y , 2 0 2 3 TENBYZINE Learn about the new upcoming youth artists worldwide! RISING POP CULTURES SCHOOL AFFAIRS WORLD AFFAIRS SUMMER IS H ERE Read about the new prefects ready to make our school life better! JU LY Your local go-to magazine

INTRODUCTION CONTENT PAGE Content page Our team Meet the Heads SCHOOL AFFAIRS An Interview with our new Head of Prefects Interviews with the 2022-2023 Prefects Interview on AS exams Student spotlight: Kysha Isabelle Y9 The secrets of tackling IGCSE sciences Fobisa U13- the expereince of a lifetime Unleashing Brilliance: Our journey in the ISP chess tournament How to stay motivated Keeping a positive image Note from Heads CREATIVE WRITING In the hallowed halls of Tenby Unrecognisable Self, Someone Is Taking Over The Unnamed Poems Poems

The Journey of Cheeming Boey: Coffee Cups to Graphic Novels The Ticketmaster Great War (and the aftermath) May's majestic; Met gala WORLD AFFAIRS Youth Power; Book Recommendations How the youth has revived music Upcoming Youth Artists Women's Education in Afghanistan The Taliban in Afghanistan Social Media and their influence on "GEN Z" Chat GPT SUMMER 2023 Summer recommendations Book Recommendations

is s u e # 2 0 OUR TEAM Jaishivan Isabelle Lim Adam Adrian Ethan Greiss Hester Taehyeon Nicole Jeffery Vayshnavi Jean Yue Low Purna Sockanathan Annamitra Gopinathan Tan Le Yi Ellery Zulaykha Low Yu Le Khoo Zi Qi Julia Li Yen Yuan Li Tanishka Amarleen Han Sheng JOURNALISTS MARKETING Law Jie Yee Khoo Zi Qi

Lee Xin Hasker Ms. Joanna Ms.Clio Is s u e # 2 0 Jie Yee Ilyssa Jing Yi Kristina Zohra Willard Nicole Jones Ashaleen Kaur Renee Ashley Ashreaya Lee Enn Lauren Polly MANAGEMENT DESIGNERS EDITORS Nicholas SeonYu Sophia Sydney Vernece Wan Jie Zhan Xuan Ruo Xuan Grace Jing Xuan Justin Kyra Licia Nethra

TENBYZINE July 2023 Lee Xin Head of Tenbyzine Hasker Secretary of Tenbyzine Ms. Joanna Supervising teacher of Tenbyzine ISSUE #20 SeonYu Head of editors Khoo Zi Qi Co-head of marketing Law Jie Yee Co-head of marketing MEET THE HEADS

TENBYZINE July 2023 Ruo Xuan Former head of editors Vayshnavi Former head of journalists ISSUE #20 Polly Former head of design Nicole Former deputy head of design Purna Sockonathan Head of journalists Ashaleen Kaur Head of design Renee Deputy head of design

NOTES FROM LEE XIN - HEAD OF TENBYZINE HASKER- SECRETARY OF TENBYZINE Another term has come and gone, and another year is about to end as well. This year of Tenbyzine has once again, amassed and showcased a great amount of talent and hard work from our fellow Tenby Students; it is truly a privilege to have been given the chance to lead such an amazing group of students, and to be able to experience and read through the bountiful fruits of our labour. While there were some major setbacks in the last two terms that tested our students' limits, I am ever grateful and proud of all our students for pushing through adversity, and being able to once again, pull off the amazing feat of publishing a magazine! As our audience and team grows rapidly, Tenbyzine changes drastically; I urge future leaders and future team members to continue to persevere and hone your craft despite such large changes, and to stay true to the main inspiration behind Tenbyzine - to honour the art of writing, and to share such gifts with the rest of our community. Thank you all for the priceless experience you have gifted me. I hope that all of you can continue to cherish your experience at Tenbyzine and reading the Tenbyzine throughout your school lives. Happy summer break! Since I’ve become Tenbyzine’s secretary, I’ve been consistently impressed by both the mentality of those who’ve been a part of the Tenbyzine team as well as the quality of the work they produce - always being high end in both substance and creative flair. Everyone always works hard and yields impressive articles and designs regardless of the challenges or setbacks faced during magazine production, and that’s something that everyone should be proud of. Thank you to all that made the magazine as great as it's been, good luck to all that are departing and moving on with the next stages of their lives, and thank you all for this year and being on this team with me. Happy reading! HEADS MS. JOANNA- ADVISOR OF TENBYZINE Henry Ford once said, "When everyone moves forward together, success naturally follows." This quote resonates with the diligent efforts of Tenbyzine throughout this term, despite the challenges of internal exams, final exams, and school events. Their unwavering commitment to collaborate and provide a remarkable source of information for the entire school community is truly commendable. We take immense pride in their work and the dedication they have shown in delivering captivating and thought-provoking articles. We extend a heartfelt "Thank You" for their tireless contributions, which have played a significant role in ensuring the success of this issue. Congratulations, team!

As the newly appointed co-head of marketing, this first term has definitely come with some new experiences and eye-openers. Working with new people to write for and create social media posts about events, article submissions, etc. Tenbyzine has allowed me to gain a perspective of the behind-the-scenes of the article that I had never been exposed to before. I am extremely thankful to the team who worked alongside me to produce posts for this season’s issue. As we move on to a new academic year, I hope to see the magazine reach out and include more of our peers in all our conversations and events. See you next year! SEONYOU- HEAD OF EDITING ASHALEEN KAUR- HEAD OF DESIGNS I was excited to be the Head of Editing after being on the editing team for a couple of years, and working on the magazine this term never disappointed me as everyone in the team worked really hard to produce a wonderful outcome. Thank you all for your effort, which I am so proud of, and I look forward to working with next term’s magazine. Enjoy reading! I am truly honored to assume the role of the new Head of Designs for Tenbyzine. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every member of this talented team for their unwavering dedication and hard work. The creativity and passion that permeate through every page of Tenbyzine is truly remarkable, and it's a privilege to lead such a talented group of individuals starting off as a member of the designs team. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our readers for their continued support and enthusiasm. I am confident that we will continue to create captivating and enjoyable experiences for everyone. Here's to an exciting future filled with remarkable designs and a vibrant readership RENEE TING- DEPUTY HEAD OF DEISGNS I am excited and overjoyed to be taking on the new role of Deputy Head Of Design. I'm truly excited to be working along with the amazing and creative designers on our team! I'm proud and grateful for this wonderful team that never fails to amaze me with all the alluring designs that enhance the magazine. I appreciate all your hard work/effort and time spent on this magazine! Truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am delighted with the designs of this release and I hope we can continue to thrive as a team. To our dearest readers, thank you for your everlasting support. I hope you enjoy reading this edition! PURNA SOCKANATHAN- HEAD OF JOURNALIST When offered the role to be the head, I accepted, excited to learn the ropes of the entire process and through this, the members in the team never failed to submit their articles on time making me in awe of everyone. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for all the hard work you guys put into writing the articles with an extremely short deadline. I can’t wait to continue working with you guys and I wish you an (early) happy summer break! It is an honor to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team, thanks for all your contributions that have made this year’s magazine such a success. LAW JIE YEE- CO-HEAD OF MARKETING KHOO ZI QI- CO-HEAD OF MARKETING

School ISSUE 20 JULY 2023

Affairs ISSUE 20 JULY 2023

Adrian: What are the positives that came out of the exams for you? Adam: I’m not sure what is positive to say about exams but sure. Adrian: So true… Adam: Like you said earlier, other than a few difficulties, the content itself in all of my papers was something I was familiar with from my teachers and past year resources. With enough revision time, I was able to gain a sufficiently developed understanding of the topics in each of my subjects. Shout-outs to my awesome teachers who’ve helped me this far. Adrian: Shout-outs to my teachers as well! Man, I can’t believe how far we’ve come since the beginning of this academic year. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was struggling to use the SUVAT equations in Mechanics and Physics. Adam: And with that, I think it’s time we wrap up this little interview of ours. To my fellow students who just completed their IGCSEs, AS Level or A2 Level exams, congratulations for making it this far and I hope you’re satisfied with your work! Hope you all get the results you’ve hoped for! Adrian: To those who are moving onto the next level of their academic journey, all the best! Work hard, take care of yourself and enjoy the journey! Interview on AS Exams Adam 12T & Adrian 12T Adrian: Adam and I decided to reflect on our respective experiences during this exam season with each other. Adam: Indeed. Adrian: My experience with the AS exams this year was very similar to how I felt during the IGCSE exams last year. Overall, I was able to perform to the best of my ability despite the difficult challenges I encountered. For me, the practical paper for Chemistry was definitely the most challenging exam. There were some aspects of the paper that were confusing and threw me off. Adam: I felt that exact same way for my first paper of Psychology. The first few questions on that paper were pretty tough, to be completely honest. Adrian: Apart from the content difficulty, another thing that I experienced was the fear that I may have been overconfident in my answers. For example, I thought the papers for Physics went well. However, I’m scared that because I felt that way, I may have actually been less careful than I thought I was, which could cost me marks. Adam: I truly get annoyed by that feeling. It just causes me to go into this spiral of overthinking. Honestly, I tend to have that fear in any test or exam that I take in general. Adrian: Another thing I wanted to mention is time management. Although my time management while sitting for a few of my papers wasn’t perfect, I was able to handle my exam time slightly better than I thought I would. Improving my time management will continue to be a significant target of mine moving forward into A2. Adam: I really had to focus on properly managing my time management after going through my first History paper. The time limit really placed a lot of pressure on me, which impacted my ability to answer that paper. However, it forced me to pay attention to timing in the other papers.

Darshana I can’t express how much my role as a prefect changed my views and ways of thinking, especially when tackling tasks like contacting outsourced vendors! I am grateful to have found my voice and ability to express ideas and opinions. My responsibilities as Deputy Head have granted me the utmost joy when I see the smiling faces of my juniors as they congratulate us on the work we put on. Although we have communication barriers at times, it’s an obstacle, we were able to communicate through beautifully that brought us closer together! My time as a prefect is a stage of my life which I will cherish forever. Nethra Having the opportunity to be a prefect is something that I’ll be the utmost grateful about. It provided me with skills I never could’ve found myself learning otherwise. Throughout my time as a prefect, I learnt so many valuable lessons and experiences that will stick with me for the rest of my life, such as communication and the realisation that you don’t need to handle everything by yourself! As a team, we’ve managed to work together and plan so many different events throughout the year. More than anything, I’m grateful for the memories I shared with my fellow prefects and the opportunities provided, such as planning a prom and a plethora of other events! Kerynna The wonderful experiences and knowledge that I have gained from being a prefect cannot be understated. I've learned so much from this role, like how to work as a unit and how to run and organise events. I've even been able to grow closer to my peers in Y11 as well as the people from the years above and below. Most of all, this leadership opportunity has granted me the chance to truly utilise my creativity and see many ideas for events and programmes come to fruition. It means so much to me that I have been able to give back to the very community I care so deeply for. Despite the many obstacles we've had to go through as prefects, I will most definitely look back on this time very fondly. Interviews with the 2022-2023 Prefects! Lee Xin 12T Ruo Xuan The invaluable opportunity of being a prefect here at Tenby has truly shaped me into the person I am today. After all the events that we’ve organised, including the Christmas Cookie Decorating Competition, Halloween competition and year group events, this role has developed my communication and organisational skills as a leader in so many ways that will surely help me in the future. But above all, I’m grateful to have had the chance to work with and learn from all the other amazing prefects! Vayshnavi Being a prefect has allowed me to have more exposure towards students in the younger years and I have developed my organising skills too. In the past year, what I enjoyed the most was handling the Tenby Instagram page, ie: uploading the meme Mondays and Tip Thursdays. It felt like a fresh way to motivate students to start their week. Overall, being a prefect has helped me develop my interdependency skills and has made me more confident around students and teachers! Amarleen I’ve had an unforgettable experience as a prefect working with my peers behind the scenes of such fantastic events, like prom and year group events. Together, we’ve learned and grown into young adults; prepared to lead, teach and inspire. Being a prefect has helped me develop my time management, creativity, team-working and leadership skills. Most of all, this role has allowed my ideas to be put into action, making me feel like we can all make a difference! Nicole One year. It has been one year since I had the honour of becoming a senior prefect. Where did all the time go? This has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding roles that I have had to take on and I have no regrets. I am absolutely grateful to have been able to work with such a great team. Being a prefect this year has also undoubtedly enhanced certain skills, such as innovation, creativity and time management (cliché yet essential) which will most definitely carve my future pathway. It’s been a blast and I look forward to seeing what next year’s prefects bring to the table.

As the new academic year rolls around, the new batch of prefects follows those before them. This newly picked team of 15 - which are still new and learning the ropes that come with the role - has already participated in some school events such as Open Day. Today, I will be interviewing the new head of prefects for the 2023/2024 academic year, Sarheshyia. “From the beginning of sending out the application letter and doing the group task, I was afraid that I wouldn't be accepted as the role of a prefect, due to the hefty amount of students that applied. As well as seeing their skills shown during the group activity. Although after doing the interview, I was confident that I would get the role, as I showed them the best and most unique version of myself possible. However, I was stunned when I heard that I would be the head because honestly, there were so many great candidates, it made me doubt myself. However, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity that has been gifted to me and I want to thank the teachers and the previous prefects for choosing me.” -Good Morning and thank you. Firstly, could you please introduce yourself? -What was the application process like, and how did you feel about it? “Yes, most definitely. From the moment they told me that I was head prefect, I felt this big responsibility that has been put on my shoulders because there I realised the number of people that are counting on me and who are hoping that I will make a good impact on the school and will lead by example. It was both a feeling of bliss and an understanding of the role I would be handling. I still haven't settled into the role, but when I do more meaningful work, I will be comfortable in the position and work in harmony with my team.” -Do you feel any different now that you are a prefect, and head prefect at that? We haven’t done much yet as we have only just become prefects. I along with a few other prefects, have participated in the ‘School of Choice’ campaign, Open Day, and smaller activities like helping the teachers with some work.” -Please share some events that you have recently participated in as a prefect.

“There is a lot that I wish to do, for example; outlining everything that should be done over the course from now till the end of year 11, setting up the timing and dates for meetings, building good relationships with the prefects as I will be working with them and I believe that it will be easier for them to come to me with ideas and problems. There are also other events coming soon that need to be planned, such as a prom, which will be exciting.” “I would just like to say thank you to everyone that has supported me and helped me with my journey from applying and getting this role, without them I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply. This will surely be an experience that I will remember and I hope to make all the students and teachers proud of the prefect team as well as see us as role models. To all the KS3 students or anyone that needs to hear this, some good advice if you’re unsure whether you’d want to apply to a prefect. You should start building a good reputation for yourself now, don't wait till they accept applications. Join leadership roles in school, there are so many great opportunities here that will help you to not only be a better prefect but also a better person by practicing soft skills. Don't waste these years as they are just as important as your last year; unless you’re staying in Tenby for Pre-U. Be proactive but most importantly, be passionate when it comes to your dreams, and don't be discouraged if you don't always get what you want because there are always more opportunities in the future. I wish everyone good luck with any upcoming or ongoing exams, competitions, studies, or anything else. Could you share briefly about Open Day and what your job requires? What do you hope to accomplish during this academic year? -Finally, do you have anything you wish to say or share with your peers? “This was the first impactful job that needed to be done as Open Day was for potential investors, so it was quite nerve-wracking, but I knew that I could do it, especially with the help of Jay Mie and Jared, my fellow prefects. As well as some students from primary and SST, who was helping with the Open Day too. We were all nervous as this was the first time we had to do this but after an outline of what the tour was like and some ideas on what to say. It was like any other conversation with a teacher. It was really enjoyable, in my opinion, showing people around and talking to them about my experiences.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT : KYSHA ISABELLE Y8 When Kysha Isabelle discovered this quote in 2020, she decided to make it her personal motto. The young scholar and leader in her strived to leave an indelible mark in the history books of her school. A combination of her perseverance, intellect, and passion for leadership would make her the poster model of the perfect Tenbian and pupil. Her involvement in extracurriculars ranging from her presence in the Service and Charity Pillar to smaller-scale projects such as planning an event night for her year group in December 2022, have put her on the map. Not only that, she balances her academics and pulls off near-perfect test scores flawlessly. Outside school, Kysha is also an award-winning ballerina, attending up to nine-hour classes every weekend! K H y e s r h i a nf w luenza episode in 2019 wasn’t the only time discov as hospitalised. In 2021, medical officials her hea e d re h d a a cancerous tumor in her head. She had hit back part o rd, developing a small tumor on the lower tumor in f her head. Thankfully, they caught the with Kysh t a ime and had to perform immediate surgery, be discharge at the hospital for a week before she could way to a sm d. Despite the fact that Kysha was on her continu ooth recovery, she was still unable to school w e it w h ith ballet and had trouble balancing online school. Ye frequent checkups and classes outside of front of he t, she still overcame all the hurdles put in we see be r to transform into the outstanding student fore us. Ellery 8T “Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, “It can’t be done.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, a diplomat and activist. However, her journey here was not easy. Right before the pandemic’s beginning, Kysha was infected with influenza, leaving her full body paralysed in the hospital for two weeks, facing a grueling fever. She was only nine at the time and it was her first time being hospitalised. Although she was in extreme pain, her best friend Chloe Liao had been infected with the same illness. They had been given the same hospital room, getting to stay with each other. To this day, she and Liao are the closest friends, and Liao describes her as ‘hardworking and very organized for someone of her caliber’. The rest of Kysha’s friends group (who refer to themselves as ‘The Lunchtable Baes’) say the same, also characterizing Kysha as ‘fun to be around’ and ‘a great help in terms of schoolwork’. A majority of people think it isn’t strange to rave over Kysha’s excellence. Kysha believes in achieving your most and more, to reach for the galaxies instead of the skies. In the exclusive interview Tenbyzine had with her, the one message she wanted to share with our readers was to never give up and keep pushing, no matter how hard the going gets. Her being the focus of this semester’s student spotlight is truly deserving.

The three IGCSE sciences, ultimately the biggest, “Biology, Chemistry & Physics”, are one of the most arduous challenges in secondary schooling as it's packed with rigorous scientific content. It’s not impossible to score all 3 or 2 or 1 of them with A*s, as in the actual exam, you have three papers to alter the grade you wish! Suppose you are the upcoming Year 11s worried about your sciences due to other languages, mathematics and humanities subjects. In that case, this is my entire experience and honest opinion as a triple science + food tech student. Firstly, I will begin with the lengthiest content in these sciences, “Biology”. It's not everybody’s favourite, and yes, I do understand why this is the case. There is just so much memorisation and terminologies to go through. However, a minority of students who enjoy this subject will immediately grasp it even on their first attempt, as it is so relatable to our surroundings. Before I get to the central part, please print out the syllabus guide for any of these sciences by googling “IGCSE Biology syllabus guide”, for example. And yes, leading to the boring phrase, “Do more past year papers”. It will be the case as this is where students get better in any IGCSE subject. Of course, alternatives like making and designing notes/flashcards and teaching others a struggling topic will definitely benefit you and your peers. When you feel like giving up this or any subject during the process, do not drop the subject, many others will also face your problem in your year or maybe other IGCSE students worldwide. By achieving your goals, reaching out to teachers frequently, staying back in class (sacrificing a portion of your break/lunch time), and getting tutors will most importantly make you feel more supported, and at the same time, you will like the subject too. Secondly, Chemistry. I call it the headquarters of the three sciences. Anything in the world needs chemistry to allow it to function. Chemistry is undoubtedly challenging due to the similarities of majority memorisation and many complicated concepts. If I were to tell you Biology is my favourite subject, but Chemistry is the easiest, would you believe me? Of course, I know every individual’s capability is different; however, after Mr Praba told me that “All chemistry past year questions are almost the same, year-by-year”. At first, I didn’t believe him and tested his hypothesis. After finishing my exams, I thought his theories were absolute facts! During my practice for mocks and the official ones, I started practising from 2017 to 2023 papers, and the questions were not only just similar, but some were actual “copypasted” questions. You will feel much more hopeful and motivated for that A* gleaming before you. (Really, just memorise and practice!) Thirdly, Physics. Some of you might be forced to take Physics. Still, others picked and liked this subject due to its close relationship with Mathematics and Additional Mathematics or your dream Engineering career. Yes, I agree with their common similarities. But I initially hated it because of the calculations/formulae and felt like dropping it; a year later, I am enjoying it! What makes Physics difficult for a non-mathematical person is the complicated and manipulative nature of the theories and exam questions it can come out of. To me, it’s a whole other language. Coming to this point from disliking it to liking it, it almost felt like night and day, plus the only way to get to this point is by “Liking the Subject”, along with being dedicated (applies to every other subject). Moreover, with the memorisation of formulae to top it off with IGCSE Mathematics & Additional Mathematics formulae, it can be challenging for weaker and sometimes average A-B students in occasional times to struggle to get the grades they want. To tackle this subject is also by practising a set of questions from the earliest time, and you wouldn’t have to hold on to the formula sheet anymore! Most importantly, paying attention/contributing frequently in class. Ask teachers about confusing topics/questions and review/reflect on them; you will feel you have improved! To summarise, this article, a triple science student seeing the fundamental aspect of sciences, is pretty cool. It is thus never a silly/absurd choice if your parents wanted you to take all three of them (why? Our parents were all forced to take three sciences back in the day). Lastly, you can watch YouTube videos about relevant topics you struggle with or need help understanding. Prepare early to the best of your ability before mocks, as your revision in mocks will help 50% of your revision goals. If you persevere through these sciences, you can achieve anything in life! (please do remember to balance your workload and take some rest) Zhan Xuan 11B

The Experience of a lifetime There were four sports; basketball, football, swimming and athletics. We returned victorious, and I am proud of the many wins we made as a team. Not only did we strengthen our bonds, but we also learnt so many new things! As an athlete, it was exciting and a huge deal that I was presented with this opportunity to represent our school and compete against other teams from other countries. In the end, we all went on this trip to play sports to the best of our abilities, have lots of fun and make incredible memories! On February 27th to March 3rd, Tenby sent a team of 26 to the Fobisia Games U13 in Pattaya, Thailand. I was part of this team and we came back with two trophies and a whole lot of medals! This trip was a whole new experience for me, I will never forget the meaningful moments! I had the time of my life and made lots of unforgettable memories. Firstly before I say anything else, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our beloved teachers who took time off their schedule to accompany us to Thailand. Thank you so much to Miss Julie, Mr. Josh and Mr. Streat! Thank you for taking care of us and assuring our safety as well as coaching us for all the games and preparing us to do our absolute best in every event! Without you, we definitely wouldn’t have been so successful! During this incredible trip, I learned so many new things and improved in all areas of sports. I learnt good sportsmanship, how to handle losses no matter how painful they are, and even some new dance moves in the gala that was held at the very end! I also learnt and understood more about the rules of football and basketball. Throughout the Fobisia Games I encountered various different emotions, some positive, but some negative as well. I remember when I won a gold for shot put, a bronze for 50m backstroke or when our 4x100 relay team won bronze. I was overjoyed by our accomplishments and was proud of myself, as well as my team. I also remember when we lost closely and got 2nd place for football or when I couldn't place for 100m sprint, I was disappointed and demotivated by the losses but in the end, I realised what was important; we all put in our best effort and tried our very best. I experienced many different feelings, ranging from being extremely nervous to being full of excitement! I also got the chance to get better at sports that I don't normally partake in, like football and basketball, also having stepped out of my comfort zone to try something new like shot put. Overall, all I have to say is this trip was amazing and I had so much fun with all my awesome friends and got to experience something I wouldn't be able to do regularly. I was able to work with an extraordinary team who supported me to the fullest, pushed me to try my hardest and motivated me to keep on going. I will never forget this trip, it will always remain in my heart, all the fun times I had and the new memories I made. I am grateful to have been given this opportunity, it really was something entirely new. Once again, a huge thank you to everyone, parents, teachers and our wonderful Tenby team! Let’s go Tenby Eagles! by: Annamitra Gopinathan 8E

UNLEASHING BRILLIANCE: OUR JOURNEY IN THE ISP CHESS TOURNAMENT Chess, a game of strategy, concentration, and mental agility - skills that have always been an integral part of our lives. The ISP (International Schools Partnership) Chess Tournament was a platform that allowed students to showcase their skills and compete at a global level. The road to success for our Tenby team was paved with rigorous selection processes, dedicated afterschool training sessions, and an unwavering commitment to the sport. At the very end, our collective efforts finally paid off when the junior team achieved a remarkable second place in the world, whilst the senior team secured third place. This article was written to show our extraordinary experiences, the invaluable lessons learned, and our unwavering gratitude for the opportunity. Let us dive into this remarkable saga of our ISP Chess Journey. The Selection Process: The journey began with an intense selection process that tested not only our chess skills but also our resilience. We engaged in several matches, competing against fellow students from different year groups. Until we were finally left with the chosen 14 for the senior and junior team (7 from TIS and 7 from SST per team). After-School Training: To refine our skills and strengthen our team dynamics, we had dedicated ourselves to rigorous after-school training sessions every Thursday from 5:00 to 5:30. In each session players learnt about new tactics, strategies and grew their theoretical understanding, delving deep into the intricacies of the game. We spent sessions analyzing chess games, studying renowned players' strategies, and honing our tactical skills. These sessions not only improved our chess proficiency but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among team members. The dedication and perseverance displayed during these training sessions laid the foundation for our success in the tournament. Memorable Experiences: Throughout the journey, we forged unforgettable memories. We had test tournaments, puzzle solving sessions and more that fueled our competitive spirit. We witnessed the birth of new friendships and experienced the joy of collective achievement. These shared experiences created an unbreakable bond among us, uniting us beyond the boundaries of the 64 squares. Amazing Learning: Participating in the ISP Chess Tournament exposed us to a diverse range of playing styles and strategies. Each match presented a unique challenge, testing our adaptability and decision-making abilities. The tournament served as a collective hotspot of global chess talent within all ISP Schools, allowing us to learn from and be inspired by some of the brightest minds in the chess community. We absorbed invaluable lessons regarding resilience, sportsmanship, and the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. Looking Forward: While we celebrate our achievements in the ISP Chess Tournament, our gaze is firmly fixed on the horizon. We eagerly anticipate new challenges and opportunities to showcase our skills and to continue to participate and defend our title next year as well. The experience gained from this tournament has allowed us to reach even greater heights in the world of chess. We strive to refine our strategies, expand our knowledge, and foster continuous improvement within our team. With each passing moment, we grow more determined to leave an indelible mark on the chess world. A new beginning at the very end: The ISP Chess Tournament was a transformative journey that tested our mettle and rewarded our unwavering dedication. Our remarkable achievements, with the junior team securing second place and the senior team placing third in the world, stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of our teams. As we reflect on the memories and lessons garnered from this experience, we march forward, fueled by a burning desire to take the championship crown and leave an even larger lasting legacy in the world of chess in the Tenby and ISP Community. In the concluding words of Ms Miriam Lopez, a teacher who has supported and motivated both these teams every step of the way “Congratulations to all of you, Junior and Senior teams you made it… It is an honour to see Tenby Setia Eco Park on the podium.” And that is the end of our story. Jaishivan 8E

Le Yi 10Y 02. Focus on your habits Similar to the key point mentioned above, our habits ultimately build and shape us into the ideal person that we wish to become. They determine the long-term sustainability of certain achievements, as well as the actions that we do on a daily basis. It’s true that our habits will eventually become an aspect of the type of individual we are, hence molding our identity and behavior. It’s also important to keep in mind that new habits do not develop overnight, as it is proven that on average, it takes approximately 2 months (66 days) before a habit turns into a monotonous and automatic routine. . How to stay 1. motivated Set small daily goals and be consistent Consistency is a key element to have in the actions that we take daily in order to achieve a long-term goal. Daily efforts and hard work are often undermined as we are not able to see immediate and visible results or progress overnight. We should focus on the actions that we could do each day to help us achieve an ambitious goal, instead of wasting energy and time worrying and overthinking about the possible setbacks and challenges that we might encounter along the way which decreases our overall motivation level. 2.

Maintain a positive mindset and attitude A positive mindset reflects the mentality that we have about our capabilities, as well as the quality of our thoughts. We are our worst enemies - the human mind is wired to have negative thoughts from time to time, causing us to lose confidence as we constantly question and doubt our abilities and worth. However, do not let these temporary thoughts and negativity consume us and stop us from believing that we are capable of achieving something beyond the horizon. In this case, gradually developing a mentally resilient mindset is very crucial as a growth-oriented mindset enables us to embrace and learn from our past mistakes and failures. Furthermore, cultivating a positive mindset also allows us to give each opportunity our best shot despite having fears and doubts. 3. Our environment matters too It’s fairly important to surround ourselves with people that radiate positive energy who would constantly encourage us, making us feel motivated to stay driven towards our goals and boosts our confidence. Our physical environment such as the external surroundings and conditions that we enclose in ourselves matters as well. For instance, having a clean and tidy desk would allow a student to have more motivation to study, as the conducive environment instantly brings comfort and pleasure. 4.

P O S I T I V E I M A G E As an average teenager growing up with the internet, different cultures and styles; I’ve definitely struggled with maintaining a positive self image. You may ask, “Well, why are you giving advice on maintaining a positive self image then ?” It’s because to me, when someone has struggled and grown repeatedly, they become someone with so much experience and they learn so much that they can handle absolutely anything. Like me. (You see the positive self image, right?) Until of course a new tornado of an experience causes you to break down and dwell on all of your failures. I’m here to tell you that this already shows how developed, complex and interesting you are. It’s something that makes you oh-so-positively-unique, and I love that about you already. 1. First step to maintaining a positive image is to understand what gets you down. Is it people on the internet with unattainable bodies? Is it your grades? Is it your family life? Is it the impending doom of adult life and overwhelming feeling that everything everywhere is taking you for a joy ride and the destination is (insert your worst nightmare)? If so, then same. Jokes aside, recognising your problems will allow you to understand so much more about yourself. If no one else understands you, why not take some time to learn more about yourself? KEEPING A 2. Second step is to prioritise yourself. (Health, mood, time for sleep,etc) You have to learn to put yourself first. You are truly the only thing in life that will always stay by you. You are precious; it is absolutely crucial that you learn to treat yourself with kindness. I mean, what would you even benefit from self hatred and doubt and worry anyways? The only thing you can control is your personality and what you do with your life- so let’s make it worthwhile, okay? 3. Think through everything. And no, I’m not telling you to overthink your wild, wild thoughts like: “Omg this person responded to my message using a smiley face. Is that a good smiley face or is it a satire smiley faceccjdoucudichcihchd.” Sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing at all. If you see yourself spiralling out of control in a certain circumstance. Understand and feel what you’re feeling, rationalise it, and bring yourself to the question: “Is this really that important? And is my response something that is healthy for me?” Learning and reflecting is the best tool for young people, and when you grow up even more; you will be so thankful that you learned this skill.

5. Lastly, if the overwhelming thoughts take over far too often and you feel as if it’s uncontrollable? Please seek advice. It may be from a kind friend, an understanding teacher or parent, the school counsellor, anything. The people around you truly care and we want to help you be better. It’s hard to come to terms with your own feelings, but asking for help will be worth it! I promise. It will all work out in the end. Hope you learned something about yourself while reading this! We are all living life for the first time, so please cut yourself some slack. 4. Stop regretting. Seriously. It is soooooo not worth your precious time. Embarrassing moments happen, and it happens to everyone. You have to be the first to move on, and not loathe your past self. It’s a one-sided conversation, and the younger you is taking a beating in your own mind. Have some sympathy and respect for the person who made the decision (you), and realise that what’s done is done. Nothing you could do would be able to change it. (Unless you build a time machine, please invite me after thorough testing). Li Yen 11N

Crying in H mart is a memoir written by: Michelle Zauner. It won the American Book Award in 2022. This book mainly revolves around Zauner’s mother: Chongmi, and her death from cancer. Starting with Chongmi’s impact on Zauner: it goes through Zauner buying groceries in a Korean H Mart. Suddenly, she’s struck with memories of her mother, evoking overwhelming emotions in her. Overall, the book gives an important message that overcoming the grief of a loved one is about: preserving memories with them, and not completely letting them go. I truly enjoyed it as it portrays the reality of our relationships with our parents, and how complicated they are. It’s not as simple as black and white perspectives. My favourite parts are the mouthwatering descriptions of many classic Korean dishes. This book made me tear up and made my stomach growl at the same time. In my opinion, I don’t think it’s an easy read as it hits close to home. However, it was one of the most realistic memoirs I have ever read. Crying in H Mart By: Michelle Zauner The Folk Air Series contains 3 books: Cruel Prince, Wicked King, and The Queen of Nothing. It is a YA Fantasy series written by: Holly Black. Yes, I know, another fantasy series! Pretty sure it's becoming quite clear what my favourite genre is... This story follows the journey of a mortal girl, Jude Durate and faerie prince, Cardan Greenbriar. They navigate through the world of hate and betrayal; along with a hint of slight feelings for each other. Jude is desperate to prove herself, to find her place in a society that despises mortals. Going through many adventures in each book, she faces a variety of enemies. I fell in love with this book since, with no surprise: there is a strong female protagonist. The relationship of Cardan and Jude has so much tension- it is to DIE for! Holly Black vividly describes this mythical world. The author uses realistic, detailed descriptions of animals and beings that I have never heard of. All 3 books are great reads! I often read all three multiple times on any occasion (mainly because of Cardan!). I highly recommend this series to anyone who feeds off of the enemies to lovers trope and fantasy genres. The Fold Air Series by: Holly Black Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a novel by: Toshikaza Kawaguchi that was originally written in Japanese. Telling a tale of a cafe located in Tokyo, this special place allows customers to travel back in time (of course, with a few rules) and allows them to return before the coffee gets cold. The novel is split into 4 sections, each with a different story from various customers. Toshikazu clearly describes and portrays each character's: griefs, struggles, and regrets that made them want to reverse their actions. Toshikazu writes powerful stories that leave you sorrowful and makes you question the decisions that you have made. However, they still manage to make you feel content with each ending. This was a quick but powerful read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy but memorable book to pass time. Before The Coffee Gets Cold by: Toshikaza Kawaguchi

When you think of art, you might imagine paintings on walls or sculptures in museums. However, the medium of choice for artist and bestselling author Boey Cheeming is a little more unusual: coffee cups. Boey was a guest speaker at Tenby International School Setia Eco Park's Book Week. A week filled with all kinds of English-themed activities like book cover designing contests and so much more. However, Boey’s visit was the star of the event, and Tenby students were thrilled to hear from the artist, who has made a name for himself with his unique and socially impactful artwork and books. Boey did not always intend to be an artist. In fact, he went to great lengths to avoid becoming one, so that he could make his parents proud. However, he ended up as a computer animator in the States. Drawing on coffee cups was unplanned. He did it in a café one day, just to pass the time, but cups are all he’s wanted to draw on since then. Boey is best known through his books, which address serious subjects, like bullying and reveal his personal traumas in a humorous and relatable way. "Things that are traumatic are the ones you remember the most. And trauma is scary when you're living it, but funny when you read about it," says Boey. Boey got the idea for his graphic novels after being asked, "Where in China is Malaysia?" He was already working on his daily blog at the time and wanted to use specific styles to showcase Malaysian stories. However, he did not want to portray himself as an "old tour guide" but preferred to begin from the beginning. BY:Jaishivan Sivanesan Paranam 8E Boey's art is mostly on coffee cups and features various themes and styles. "Be shapeless like water," he often says, quoting the late martial artist and movie star Bruce Lee, implying that artists can reach a wider audience by adapting and changing. With his childhood experiences growing up in Malaysia as the focus of his "When I Was a Kid” series, he hopes to reassure readers that it's okay to struggle, likening life’s challenges to "a tiny pebble in the pond of life”. Cheeming Boey’s Book Week Visit: Coffee Cups to Graphic Novels Boey’s books and art have gained him recognition. He believes that people are drawn to his art because of his unique, pared down style. It has certainly given him a diverse fan base. Moving forward, Boey hopes to focus on helping aspiring graphic novelists achieve their goals. He is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and helping others to improve, but he admits that it can be difficult to communicate his vision. Nevertheless, he has certainly succeeded as far as his own work is concerned! Whether drawing on a coffee cup or writing graphic novels, Boey's unique vision and passion have captivated the students in Tenby and his audiences worldwide.

Creative Writing ISSUE 20 JULY 2023

In Tenby's halls, where knowledge finds its home, Amidst the vibrant echoes of student life, Young minds embrace the wisdom that's grown, In this haven where dreams take flight. With books as guides and pens as swords, They delve into the realms of endless thought, Each day a canvas, where new paths are explored, As the flame of curiosity is passionately sought. In classrooms, they gather, minds ablaze, Enlightened by teachers' guiding light, Seeking truth in their academic maze, Guided by Tenby's nurturing might. Oh, Tenby's students, bound by a shared quest, To seize the future, for knowledge they invest. Through sleepless nights and pages filled with ink, They conquer challenges, both great and small, Unyielding dedication is their link, In pursuit of dreams that stand tall. Yet, Tenby's campus breathes life beyond books, Laughter and friendship in every corner found, In classes and canteens, where joyfully it looks, Connections forged, like melodies that resound. Together they strive, united and strong, A tapestry of talents, diverse and bright, They paint the world with colors that belong, In Tenby's community, a shining light. Oh, Tenby's students, poised for success, Inspiring futures, they truly possess. So let us raise a toast to Tenby's grace, To the moments shared and memories made, To the challenges conquered, the victories embraced, To the knowledge gained, a foundation laid. For in the heart of Tenby's student hive, Lies a spirit that forever shall endure, A testament to lives that truly thrive, In Tenby's realm, vibrant and pure. Oh, Tenby's students, forever we'll see, The brilliance you bring to this world, eternally. Jaishivan Sivanesan Paranam 8E

Hi there! My name is Drew Feig and I am a person who loves learning new things, discovering new places, and trying new things. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing sports, reading, and exploring the outdoors. I am passionate about living a life that is meaningful. 31.10.2004 age, 20th The Ticketmaster Great War (And the Aftermath) Ellery 8T If you, dear reader, haven’t been living under a rock for the past eight months, you would have heard about the ‘Ticketmaster Great War’ that left Swifties, fans of Taylor Swift, everywhere haunted, leading to outbursts on social media and Swifties wishing for closure from Ticketmaster. When global phenomenon Taylor Swift announced her Eras Tour which was described to be ‘a journey throughout all the eras’ of her music career, including songs from her debut album, Taylor Swift to her most recent release in October 2022, Midnights. With openers such as Beabadoobee, GAYLE, Phoebe Bridgers and Gracie Abrams, this was one for the books. Once the ‘Verified Fan’ presale for tickets was announced by Ticketmaster, fans scrambled to get tickets as if it was a gold rush. Call it what you want, but Swifties are truly dedicated.

With an overwhelm of desperate fans wanting tickets, the Ticketmaster site crashed and glitched for thousands of fans, giving out error codes and having frozen queues. Swifties were outraged and treated Ticketmaster as a picture to burn. Ticketmaster sold two million tickets, which was a record high, so what made Swifties sue? Yes, you read that correctly. It was truly nothing new, as Swifties across 13 different states sued Ticketmaster for fraud, misrepresentation and antitrust violations. People who had achieved Verified Fan status had purchased larger amounts of tickets, knowing all too well that they would make a good profit if they sold the tickets at higher, marked-up prices to fans who couldn’t buy tickets firsthand. But were these prices and these fights worth it? Yes. Once the Eras Tour officially began at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on March 17, 2023, fans were pleasantly surprised by a three hour, 45 minute set with two surprise songs per night. Most recently at the time this article was written; ‘I Wish You Would’ and ‘The Lakes’. Swift took little-to-no breaks, and her performance featured mesmerizing transitions between eras, such as Swift diving into the stage, as well as Swift handing out her hat from her performance of ‘22’ from the ‘Red’ studio album to one lucky fan in the audience each night! Fan projects before the concert also took place, such as the ‘Make the Friendship Bracelets’ project where Swifties would make beaded bracelets as odes to Swift, and trade them with other Swifties. Some fans would go into the venues with empty wrists, but by the end of the night, their arms would be bejeweled.

Unrecognisable Self, Someone Is Taking Over… In the distance, the flashing light that blinded her eyes shot out of each camera, capturing the glamour and the intricacy of her features. The cacophony of cheering and whooping from the horde of fans and reporters overwhelmed her, as another group of crowds came rushing into the venue to take a glimpse at the elegant figure that glimmered so brightly on stage. Dressed in a divine gown embedded with sparkling sapphires and jewels that glistened in shades of emerald and jade, she was undoubtedly the centre of attention. All eyes were drawn towards her; her mere existence was enough to leave the audience in utmost awe. Barely dragging herself through the seconds, minutes and hours, the ceremony finally came to an end as the saturated crowd began to subside. Everyone was struck with enthusiasm and euphoria that evening, marvelling at Evelyn’s exquisite and glamorous appearance. Everyone… except for one person. In contrast to the flashy colours of neon lights that flashed in all directions, she heard a series of cries in distress that pulled her back to reality. Unlike the flawless and godly figure that was portrayed and perceived by everyone, she resented human beings, she resented the world for putting her in such a vulnerable state. But most importantly, she resented herself for the lifetime worth of agony that she had to endure. Darkness filled her sight once more. It seemed like the isolated room that disallowed even a single streak of sunlight to penetrate was the only source of comfort for her to vent out her uncontrollable emotions. She was always alone. A sorrow-filled syringe would be injected into her skin every morning, making her feel more and more distant from the outside world filled with myriads of flamboyant shades. One could name an endless list of all the types of emotions felt by her, but there was one in particular, in which she was incapable of describing. As the last slivers of sunlight sunk beneath the horizon, as the moon crept across the ashen sky, as the clouds began their motion to exterminate every beaming star, she would stare into the mirror, no longer aware of who she was. A reflection would stare back at her with a menacing smile plastering from ear to ear. A burst of confidence aroused in her as she walked elegantly down the red carpet with her sophisticated dress trailing behind her. As usual, the click-clack of her high heels was shrouded in a dissonance of screams and shouts from the crowd. She knew the luxury could not last forever. Amidst the deafening cheers, all she could hear was herself screaming in her own haven, battling with another voice in her head, ultimately trying to flee from the unbreakable confines. She was imprisoned, trapped, lost - almost as if it was impossible to find a way out of the labyrinth filled with unimaginable monstrosities and obstacles. In her subconscious mind, she knew something was not right. As she began to question her own sanity, she knew that someone was taking over her persona, controlling her mind, modifying her into an individual she could no longer recognise. The reflection in the mirror continued to stare back at her as her true intentions became rather prominent. Someone was taking over… but who in particular? As the years drifted by, she decided to pay a visit to the isolated room that had been abandoned by the previous owner. Barely discernible, the candlelight flickered, casting shadows on the walls, on the ceiling, on the bare floorboards. The curtains rustled despite the stillness of the air, revealing tantalising glimpses of the moonlit sky beyond. Just as she was about to step onto the floor tiles with clusters of debris and shrapnel that lay strewn across the ground, a familiar laughter reverberated around the room. She paused in her pursuance. Fear became a tangible living force that suffused her as the memories of the macabre horrors that lurked in every corner of the room came flooding into her mind. Why would she think of investigating the sound? But she knew she had to…it was calling out to her. In the corner of the eye, she spotted the shattered mirror hanging and dangling on the wall. She stared directly into it and there came another intense laughter as she smirked and sneered at who she had become… Le Yi 10Y

Indelibly etched in my mind, his idiosyncratic shade of brunette hair, with contrast against those glazing, emerald eyes. Very eyes that had seen the world, in spite of the opaque lenses shoved at the fore. Time strolls by, yet the memory forever lingers. Dwindling through my consciousness, The winter of eighty seven. One that never sifts out the rushing storm in my mind, with its forsaken echo laid, even in the wake of all these vile years, faded past the ticking clock: he still remains. Purna 10E The Unnamed Poem Nothing could cease that audacious head of his. Lazer glare foremost, his impenetrable footsteps. In vain, attempting to terminate his cause, as he ventured through the foul number of days, That humanity has become.

El ery Zulaykha 8T It’s a classic story. The boy who cried wolf. That about the wolf who cried? The wolf who hid away. The one who was a black sheep. The one who never cried for the boy. The one who cried to the boy. Sometimes it feels as if you’re drowning, in a sea of saltwater, or life. As if you’ve lost all your power. Maybe because you’ve lost everything. A home. A family. Friends. Yet in a sea of ignorance, the world keeps turning. People move on. In fire or in rain. This sea of ignorance defies me. Because as hard I try, I can never wash ashore. I am an island. An island in this sea of ignorance, where the currents flow in the opposite direction, where I stand alone. Through storms, fire, rain. Say no more. Because islands are tough, and how the sea defies me, I defy it. FIRE & RAIN POEMS WHY I LIKE THUNDERSTORMS Nature is designed to be perfect. perfect roses. Perfect flowers. But even through all the light and bliss, thunderstorms peek through, with their grey and their torture. Even nature isn’t that perfect. Even nature needs to scream and cry sometimes. Just like us. THE WOLF WHO CRIED

world ISSUE 20 JULY 2023

Affairs ISSUE 20 JULY 2023

WOMEN'S EDUCATION in Afghanistan This is the reality these women are facing today. Not only are they not allowed to go to school, but are also not allowed to work in most sectors, as the Taliban said they were not safe with the group’s soldiers all around. Millions of women don’t have access to basic services either. They are constantly having to fight. Fighting to be able to learn, to work, to be able to go about their daily lives without a “male chaperone” or they wouldn’t be allowed in. They cant have any independence and are basically forced to have to rely on men, since they can't do a number of things. Recently, girls in Afghanistan have been banned from secondary and higher education after the Taliban took power in August of 2021, only allowing them to complete their primary schooling. However, these girls have gone to some extensive measures to continue their education, such as having secret schools for girls, where teachers would teach these girls, lying low without the knowledge of the Taliban. Teachers who dared to teach girls inside or outside of school were being threatened by Taliban securities if they did so. The same thing happened during the Taliban’s previous reign over Afghanistan back in 1996-2001. After 2001, women had fought hard and tirelessly for their rights, but all efforts went down the drain in August when the Taliban took control again. This has had a huge impact on the girls and women of Afghanistan, taking away all their hopes and dreams without being able to get much education and experience, especially for careers like doctors, engineers and more that require a high amount of education. One of the women affected, a 21-year-old woman, was just about to finish her first year finals at one of the universities when the Taliban suspended them from studying there. Devastated that she had come so far only for this to happen, she continued studying for her last 2 exams, hoping there would be some change before it had arrived, but did not. On the day of the exam itself, she still went, only to be barred from entering the university by Taliban officers. WOMEN'S EDUCATION Afghanistan is currently the only country in the world to ban women from their right to education (above primary). This will set them back as a country on development with millions of young women uneducated enough. Since the 1960s, girls' education has been promoted highly, as they were linked to reducing poverty, economic growth and children’s health being better. So why are they pushing the country backwards? According to a lecturer at the American university of Afghanistan, the supreme leader of the Taliban has a “very specific view of where women or young girls should be within this society which is their households.” Although, officials haven't said anything as to why exactly they had made this decision. J ulia 10B J ulia 10B

THE TALIBAN i n A f g h a n i s t a n To begin with, the Taliban, or also known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a Deobandi Islamic fundamentalist and Pashtun nationalist militant political movement formed by Mullah Omar, Abdul Ghani Baradar in September 1994 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This rise to power came from students in the Pashto language who had emerged in the 1990s in Northern Pakistan after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Promises such as the restoration of peace, security and enforcing their own austere version of Sharia, or Islamic law, once in power were used to build support. Their early popularity was largely due to their success in stamping out corruption, curbing lawlessness and making the roads and the areas under their control safe for commerce to flourish. Furthermore, the Taliban, predominantly an Islamic fundamentalist group, returned to power in Afghanistan during 2021 after 2 decades of being removed from power by a US-military led coalition. So far, their main objective has been to maintain internal unity and territorial control under Taliban rule while enforcing law and order alongside a strict interpretation of Sharia law. This was because the hardline Islamist group struck a deal with the Americans in 2020 for US troops to withdraw after a bloody but victorious guerrilla campaign which lasted for many years. Stated in the deal, it was agreed that there were to be national peace talks, but these never took place. Therefore, this caused further corruption and oppression to spread across Afghanistan because the Taliban were freely able to advance rapidly across the country, seizing province after province before taking the capital Kabul on 15 August 2021, as the Afghan military collapsed without military force or resistance. Foreign forces who had agreed to leave were shocked by the speed of the advance while numerous Western-backed Afghan government leaders fled with thousands of their compatriots and foreigners. This was mainly because of fear of Taliban rule which caused many political figures scrambling to find room on flights out of the country. Unfortunately, the Taliban had eventually seized control of the entire country within the span of a few weeks. This was greatly significant because this was something they had not managed to achieve in their first stint in power between 1996 and 2001 after waging an insurgency against the U.S.-backed government in Kabul.

Meanwhile, their close ties with al-Qaeda is seen as a massive threat to the world because this allows it to launch international terrorist attacks from Afghan soil. Under their return to power and harsh rule, they have already managed to neglect women’s civil rights, remove basic services while causing the population and economy to regress and deteriorate. Most notably, women have seen their rights obliterated. The Taliban have prohibited most girls from attending secondary school, banned all women from attending and teaching at universities, and prevented women from working. Besides this, most women have also been forced to stay at home while dealing with extreme sexist and prejudiced regulations. Unfortunately, Afghan women have suffered the most pain because women are no longer allowed to go on long-distance journeys without a male chaperone and have been ordered to cover their faces in public. Shockingly, women’s right activists protesting against the university ban have also led to the arrests by the Taliban. The lack of equal opportunities has further worsened the poverty-stricken state of many families because the sexist laws have led to many more deaths. Consequently, the economy has imploded due to the uprising of malnutrition and soaring unemployment cases across the country which has left a huge portion of the population struggling to find enough money to eat and access other essentials. This huge stir has led to billions of dollars in Afghan assets held abroad as the international community waits for the Taliban to honour promises still to be met on security, governance and human rights, including allowing all girls to be educated. In addition, their harsh rules are now being put into use again as the Taliban also introduced or supported punishments in line with their strict interpretation of Sharia law - such as public executions of convicted murderers and adulterers, as well as amputations for those found guilty of theft. Men were required to grow beards and women had to wear the all-covering burqa. They have also banned television, music and cinema, and disapproved of girls aged 10 and over going to school which has caused many Afghans to barely scrape a living or survive in their new corrupted nation. Additionally, the policing of faces and bodies of both women and men has sparked international outrage, which was made worse by their controversial religious acts by the destruction of the famous Bamiyan Buddha statues in central Afghanistan. Another example of Taliban’s extreme leadership is portrayed when schoolgirl and rights activist Malala Yousafzai was shot by Taliban gunmen in October 2012. Overall, after seizing power in 2021, it is believed by many journalists, judges, peace activists and women in positions of power, to have suggested that the Taliban had not changed their extremist ideology, but instead their strategy. In conclusion, it is important for the younger generations to show their support and use their voices to speak for those who are silenced by the brutal Afghan government as we have to ensure that Afghanistan will not become a safe haven for terrorists. E than Greiss 1 1E

Social media and their influence on “Gen Z ” In a 2019 study, conducted in England of more than 12,000 13 to 16-year-olds found that teens who use social media for more than 4 hours a day are more likely to be at risk of anxiety and poor mental health. Honestly, it’s not a surprise to anyone. When you open up Instagram or TikTok, you will probably find posts of influencers who are extremely attractive in the first 10 or 15 scrolls. This phenomenon is further exacerbated by the algorithm of these platforms, which are designed for the sole purpose of keeping someone hooked on it for the longest time possible. Over time, anyone in that position would have their perception of beauty standards skewed and convoluted, where the average person in their mind, has the physique of a Greek god, with chiseled abs, wide shoulders, and broad abs. It would, without a doubt, sow seeds filled with the feeling of inadequacy in an individual. The more this goes on, the worse the outcome will be for that individual, as they rather develop psychological issues like anxiety, body dysmorphia, and depression. Social media is a crucial part of our lives, with research finding that a majority of Gen Z-ers, use social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to communicate with friends, family and foster to maintain new relationships. As humans, we are social animals, we crave interactions, we look for people to talk to, and desire new friendships. I would say, this yearning for social interactions peaks in our teenage years. Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic occurring right at the height of our teenage developmental years, it is without a doubt that all the lockdowns and restrictions have really suppressed the social beings we are. Unsurprisingly, a large percentage of teenagers, about 70%, have turned to social media, to fill the void that the pandemic has left, by using its wide array of services, from fostering new relationships to maintaining pre-existing ones. Social media may have its upsides, but it is quickly coming to light to everyone that the impacts that this over-reliance on social media has brought, and will take an exponential toll on the wellbeing of its largest base of consumers - teenagers, both mentally and physically, taking into consideration things ranging from beauty standards to influencers. Furthermore, the gamification of content posted on social media platforms like Instagram (likes and comments) and Reddit (upvotes and downvotes) poses an increasingly problematic issue to its users. This system exploits the innate human nature for quick and near-instant gratification. When you get likes for your new Instagram post, you’ll most likely get a rush filled with excitement, adrenaline, and satisfaction. So, you will keep posting in an attempt to capture that rush you first felt. Eventually, getting hooked on social media will be a common sight.

Now, onto the nitty-gritty of things, online radicalisation. Taking into account that, more people than ever hopped on the internet during these past few years - it is no wonder that the issue of youth radicalisation has become a growing challenge for many across the globe. Adolescence is a turbulent period for many, which generates weakness in teens that makes them particularly susceptible to being attracted to certain extreme views. Everyone, regardless of views, age, or status, should, at the very least do some reading into what heavyweights in the cultural arenas are talking about, maintaining an open mind along the way. Then, we have the influencers. In recent years, we have seen it all, from cryptocurrency scams to get-rich-quick schemes many influencers have raised their ugly scams, with infamous cryptoscams by members of all corners of the internet, such as esports organisations and famous internet celebrities. It really just boils down to the naivety of people, especially teens to believe everything that their favourite influencers say, and promote. It is a chronic issue in today’s internet age, and the word of caution everyone should heed is - do not believe everything said on the internet. Whenever there’s a post that doesn’t get as much attention and likes as you wanted, you would, naturally feel disappointed, a repeated occurrence of this would quickly lead to feelings of anxiety, disappointment, and inadequacy. I’m sure that family members of yours have tried to talk you out of this pseudo-addiction, but you simply can’t help it, and that is one of the reasons why this overobsession with social media is so dangerous. In conclusion, making sense in this internet climate is incredibly hard, yet is becoming increasingly important. We all should do our due diligence when it comes to browsing, using, and engaging with the internet and its extensions, like social media and video streaming platforms. -Han Sheng 11t

Features: If you don't like the answer, you can request another answer with the Try Again button, and you can rate the current answer as being positive or negative. If its response was interrupted due to network instability, web browser problems or other reasons, the answer will be resumed from the part where the answer was cut off. It makes an effort to answer questions but disapproves of solutions that are controversial or objectionable in terms of social norms, such as politics, hate speech, and sensationalism, or respond in accordance with ethical standards. In the early days of the service, there were occasional answers that deviated from this, but in general, it tends to answer without difficulty. However, it tends not to give direct answers, and even if it does not intend to be political, there are often cases where it is inferred. ChatGPT: It is an interactive artificial intelligence service based on GPT 3.5, and can be used for free or for a fee after simple membership registration. ChatGPT is a language model designed to answer questions in conversations with users, and OpenAI writes that “We’ve trained a model called ChatGPT which interacts in a conversational way. The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer followup questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests”. ChatGPT taeHyeon 12t Limitations: As a limitation of natural language artificial intelligence, language models do not know what they are saying and cannot infer what they are conveying. In other words, it only mimics natural language. The language model learns from existing data, probabilistically calculates the token that will come after a given token (word), and inserts the most plausible token. Since it is a method of answering after understanding the context of a conversation based on learning data, it is relatively weak in mathematical calculations that require accuracy. In particular, it is often seen that there are errors in numerical calculations. Also, when it comes to scientific theories, chatGPT exhibits clear limitations. When you talk about a theory named with the initial letter of the alphabet, such as GWS Theory or BCS Theory, there are cases where it answers with an absurd theory with the same initial letter of the alphabet. Ethical issues: The frequency of students cheating has significantly grown as a result of ChatGPT, to the point that some claim that the Western educational system has been destroyed and that a variety of debate topics regarding new educational approaches are arising. Due to this, some schools completely stopped off-campus tests and homework, replaced them with school tests, or blocked ChatGPT sites. Top results:

Summer 2023 ISSUE 20 JULY 2023

Besides all of the recommendations above, it is important that we as students do not neglect our studies for the pursuit of our wants. Time management is equally as important during this period (especially for those with exams the upcoming year). Trust me, you don’t want your teachers chasing you down once school starts! recommendations recommendations SUMMER IS COMING!!! A time for all students and teachers to catch a well-deserved break from school. Don't waste it by lying in bed all day for the whole break so instead, here are some of a few recommendations that I highly suggest you to try out during this time: Travel and explore This is a very common activity that students do every summer. Whether it be travelling to other countries or travelling outstation, try to get some form of leisure time for yourself and those around you. Some places I would go to within Malaysia include Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Kuala Lumpur (KL). There are limitless activities to do in KL with your friends and family such as cafe hopping, visiting Pasar Seni, strolling around Petaling Street (also known as China Town) and many more. Read (and live different lives from the characters’ POV) Reading doesn’t necessarily have to be boring, especially those with genres like fantasy and sci-fi. They take you to a whole new world once you are absorbed into the story and will most likely leave you thinking about it even after you are done. One of my favourite books that I recommend is ‘The Inheritance Games’ trilogy. For those who are curious, it’s about a girl who suddenly inherits a large sum of money from a recently deceased multi-billionaire even though they have never met, without leaving anything for his grandsons. The grandsons of the multi-billionaire and the girl then try to solve these endless riddles that have been planned for decades by the multi-billionaire to solve why she inherited his fortune from him. Secrets unfold and truths are revealed, what was Tobias Hawthorne really hiding? Learn a new skill If you've ever wanted to try out something new such as baking, a new sport, dancing etc., THIS IS THE TIME TO DO IT. With so much time on your hands, what better way to use it than try something that you have eyeing for some time. Sure, you may not be the best at it but at least you’ve learnt something new and it’s way better than scrolling through social media the whole day.

Legendborn is a YA (young-adult) fantasy novel written by: Tracy Deonn. With a history of spending nine weeks in the New York Times Bestseller list: this book has also won many awards. This is the first book in the trilogy (the second was released recently) that came out in 2020. This book talks about a 16 year old girl, Bree Matthews: who joins a residential program for bright highschoolers at UNC-Chapel Hill. It was her perfect escape from the tragedy of her mother’s recent death, and childhood home. That all ends when Bree witnessed a magical attack on her first night on the campus. Soon, she discovers that some members may have been involved in her mother’s case. Determined to solve what happened: Bree Matthews sets out on a magical adventure filled with secrets, and deception. Tracy Deonn majestically writes and depicts realistic problems that Bree faces, since she’s a black teenager, grieving her mother’s loss. This is one of my favourite reads of all time! This started my love for fantasy books as: Tracy Deonn adds twists of many Arthurian legends. I am currently reading the next book: Bloodmarked, which is not surprising as I was engulfed with curiosity from the very start! The second book still managed to impress me! I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who is interested in a good fantasy read with a strong female protagonist who has a thirst for revenge. Legendborn by: Tracy Deonn Book Recs tanishka 10B The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a YA Historical Romance novel written by: India Holton. It was a New York Times Notable Book of 2021, and had praises from many. I must admit that I was a little hesitant to read this book, as I thought it was just another tedious romance story. However, it is ANYTHING but that! This book follows Cecilia Bassingwaite: an ideal Victorian lady, who is also a thief and a pirate! Like every other member of the Wisteria Society of Crime, she flies around England to drink tea, blackmail friends, and most importantly: steal. Under all of Cecilia’s mischievousness, there lies a dark and traumatic past; with a side of an extremely overbearing aunt. Pushing that aside, her life was peaceful. Until the men showed up. Ned Lightborn: part-time assassin, pirate, and thief; was smitten with Cecilia from the moment they met. The twist? He was actually hired to kill her. Coincidentally, a psychotic pirate: Captain Morvath, imperilled the Wisteria Society. Due to this, Cecilia is forced to team up with Ned: making the lines between sworn enemies and lovers get muddled! I devoured this book within a day or two. It was charming, clever, and funny. I absolutely loved the strong female protagonist! If a book contains the fantastic content of: an enemies to lovers trope, an independent female protagonist, and… hear me out: is set in the Victorian timeline era?! SIGN. ME. UP!!! The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by: India Holton

Yule Low 9N Youth power Book Recommendations Little Women explores the concepts of growing up, perseverance, self-discovery and family, having the characters navigate the transition from being a child to an adult, finding their places in the world. Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott The Explorer, by Katherine Rundell : The Explorer features several children stranded on a remote rainforest, with little hope of surviving, and how they manage to strive on, facing an unknown world ahead of them. These children utilise the resources provided by nature to survive, and – with the help of someone who lives in the rainforest – eventually find their way back to their families. The Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling The Explorer features several children stranded on a remote rainforest, with little hope of surviving, and how they manage to strive on, facing an unknown world ahead of them. These children utilise the resources provided by nature to survive, and – with the help of someone who lives in the rainforest – eventually find their way back to their families. The Ruby in the Smoke, by Phillip Pullman : The Ruby in the Smoke showcases a young heroine that takes charge in the attempt to uncover the mystery behind her father’s death and a suspicious ruby. She is faced with countless difficulties at every turn, yet manages to remain determined and resourceful.

Adam 12T The present day culture of streaming and social media is changing the way that music is being perceived. The youth are the main demographic driving this change. The age group between 16 to 24 makes up 41% of Tik-Tok, 26% of Spotify, and 19% of Apple Music. These are the primary platforms that have directly impacted music in several ways. The nostalgia: Music has always had a cross-generational appeal. Parents who share their own musical interests may influence their children to enjoy similar music from older eras. Hence, it is easy to create internet content that includes older songs. Fleetwood Mac’s "Dreams" and Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" are a couple of examples of this. Another form of this is Gen-Z users having to be exposed to 2000s or 2010s bands during their childhood. The majority of Arctic Monkeys' 2013 album, AM, has featured numerous singles that have remained popular. Therefore, it is easy to revisit their nostalgic past that works with their current music tastes and trends. The playlists: Streaming has made it much easier for a listener to stumble upon an established artist or an up-and-coming band. Some songs have soundtracked iconic television and film scenes, which can be discovered by a new audience. The invention of the playlist is an easy tool to make this happen. Anyone can make a playlist containing a collection of songs of their choice. Most streaming services offer a variety of ready-to-play playlists that are constantly updated. The themes vary greatly, from moods to new releases, genres, or activities. HOW THE YOUTH HAS REVIVED MUSIC The aesthetic: Aside from its actual music, the presentation of the artist is very important in a social climate. Platforms like Tik-Tok allow artists to market themselves through original content. This is generally in the form of vertical videos that showcase a certain verse of lyrics or color scheme. Songs were more likely to be listened to with a visual element in mind. This makes it convenient for both an artist and a Tik-Tok user to be emotionally connected to one another. As a whole, social and streaming platforms have been utilised in a modern context for both the artist and the listener. Spotify has a major built-in playlist called "Big On The Internet" that contains the trending songs from either the radio or platforms like Tik-Tok. Here are a few current trending songs I personally recommend: Space Song by Beach House About You by The 1975 505 by Arctic Monkeys Flowers by Miley Cyrus Atlantis by Seafret The Perfect Pair by Beabadoobee Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine

UPCOMING YOUTH ARTISTS Ellery 8T In the world of the music industry, young artists emerge every day. Yet, only a small fraction of them actually go viral and are noticed by labels ranging from Capitol Music Group to Sony Music. However, some of these artists aren’t looking for fame - all they want is to pursue their art and perhaps make some cash out of it. One of the most notable of these upcoming artists is Nessa Barrett. She is best known for her virality on TikTok and is most recognised for her social media presence. However, she has also begun to gain a presence in the music industry, as she’s released several singles and albums. Barrett originally began writing music at the age of 16 and is best known for her unique sound, channelling her teenage angst into her music. Her most recent album is ‘Young Forever’, featuring some of her hits such as ‘Sincerely’. Barrett is one of many artists who rose to fame through TikTok, unlike 16-year-old artist, Mckenna Grace. Sound familiar? You may know her name from notable motion pictures such as ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Gifted’. Although her versatility and acting skills are what Grace is best known for, her soulful voice is another hidden talent of hers. She has released several singles, such as ‘Haunted House’ and ‘You Ruined Nirvana’. Like Barrett, she channels her teenage angst into her music and showcases a vulnerability to the public that is rare in actors and songwriters alike. All her songs have been written by her, and it’s a true testament to the emotions we’ve all experienced at least once before.

The last independent artist in this article that I, as a journalist, have chosen to highlight is Jenna Raine. Signed by Warner Records in 2022, the 18-year-old’s most noteworthy song is her 2021 single ‘see you later (ten years)’ which now has over 87 million streams on Spotify. It went viral on TikTok, alongside her more recent songs like ‘2%’, and ‘Fumbled the Bag’. Raine has captivated audiences far and wide for over 5 years now, and she continues to grow over time. To conclude, I have chosen to highlight these three female artists as they convey a new perspective on music and life in the 21st century without fear of being vulnerable and giving us new, relatable lyrics we can sing in the shower as well as beautiful melodies we all wish we could compose. J e n n a R a i n e J e n n a R a i n e

May’s Majestic The famous ‘Wednesday’ rising star Jenna Ortega wears a wonderful dress that not only reflects Wednesday’s style of fashion but also elements of Karl Lagerfeld’s work, such as the black and white colour palette and gold chain and pearls. Jenna Ortega looked amazing walking on the red carpet and she owned the dress! This year’s Met Gala was a memorable one, with dazzling dresses and stunning suits. Celebrities from all around the globe gathered this May 1st and showed off their spectacular outfits made by top designers following the theme ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’. Karl Lagerfeld was a German fashion designer who was a fashion industry icon and one of the most acclaimed designers of the 20th century. Here are some of the marvellous costumes that were presented at this year’s Met Gala! MET GALA Anne Hathaway, a famous actor starring in movies such as ‘Princess Diaries’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ shows up to the Met Gala in a remarkable gown that really shows off the designs of Karl Lagerfeld, right on the theme. Her white dress was a body-hugging white tweed Versace gown, tweed being one of Lagerfeld’s most used fabrics. The cutouts of the dress were held together by the Italian fashion house's iconic gold safety pins. Anne Hathway fitted the theme perfectly and she looked fabulous in this extraordinary dress! Annamitra 8E

Jennie Kim from the widely known KPOP girl group Blackpink (stan Blackpink!!) made her Met Gala debut this year and absolutely nailed her look. She wore a Chanel dress in honor of Karl Lagerfeld, a minidress with a flower pin matching her ribbon tie on her waist. It may be a simple outfit, but Jennie looked phenomenal and she followed the theme of the Gala. Jared Leto isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to the Met Gala! The actor showed up in a full cat costume with white fur and hyper-realistic blue eyes! His costume is actually Karl Lagerfeld’s late cat, Choupette! A creative and wild costume indeed to wear to the Met Gala! He was definitely the center of attention with his feline outfit to honour Karl Lagerfeld! Our very own Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh made her appearance at this year’s Met Gala. She wore what she called a ‘tuxedo gown’ in honour of the late Karl Lagerfeld. She followed Lagerfeld’s classic colour palette of black and white and wore a silver necklace. Michelle Yeoh looked stunning in her tuxedo gown and is the first Asian woman to win an Academy Award for her performance in the movie ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’.