The Seventh Hour

It was an average Monday morning in the Library of Eastcliff High School when it started. My name is Lucas Patterson, and I am a freshman here at Eastcliff High School with average grades and baseball skills. I have three best friends: Jimmy, Tom, and Jordan that are all freshmen just like me. We were all sitting in the library and we looked around.  Jordan suddenly got up out of his chair across from me and walked toward the bulletin board on the wall. We all then followed him to find an advertisement for this scary theatre performance on the 30^th, the night before Halloween. 

"This sounds pretty good," Jordan said. 

"Yeah, I guess," Tom chimed in. 

"We should totally go see it," I said. We all agreed that it was a good idea and we had nothing better to do, since we had the Monday and Tuesday off that week anyway. We went about our average day thinking about what it would be like. All it said on the advertisement was that it would be the fright of your life. 

The next morning, I woke to a bright pink sun shining clearly through the glass window in my room, which comforted me because of my loud alarm blaring in my right ear. I hit the snooze button on my alarm and fell back asleep for ten minutes. Once again, my alarm was blaring in my right ear telling me to get up. I finally listened and got up out of my comfortable bed, changed into my clothes for the day and went downstairs for breakfast. 

My mother saw me coming down the stairs and said to me, "You're up later than usual" from her usual seat at the kitchen table. 

"Yeah, I know," I said. "I snoozed my alarm," I admitted. 

"That's fine," she said in response. 

"Where's dad?" I asked. 

"Taking a shower," she responded 

I put a bagel in the toaster and sat down next to mom. She was finishing up a sudoku puzzle she started yesterday. Puzzle 116 was the name of the puzzle she was doing. The sudoku book had about 250 puzzles in it so she was a little more than half done. I got my bagel from the toaster, ate it, packed my things for school, said bye to mom, and headed out the door to wait for the bus. 

The bus soon arrived and I took a seat next to Jimmy. 

"How's your morning so far?" I asked Jimmy. 

"Pretty good, I guess," He replied. 

We rode the rest of the bus ride chatting about what we thought the show would be about, the one we were waiting so patiently for. We arrived at school to find Tom and Jordan talking quietly about the performance, just like me and Jimmy had on the bus. Jimmy lives 4 houses down from me in our neighborhood, while Tom and Jordan live about half way across town in the same neighborhood. Again, we went about our day, growing impatient, and awaiting the performance. 

For the rest of the week we came up with about every possibility of what the show could be about. 

It was now Monday morning and we planned to all come to my house to meet up before the show. Jimmy arrived first because he lives so close. After Jimmy came in, Tom arrived in the neighborhood. We could see his family’s car out the window. About five minutes after Tom got to my house, Jordan, who always seemed to be late, got to my house. We had made a list last week about all the possibilities of what the performance could be and the names of who came up with them, so we could bet on who had the best ideas.

It was finally time to leave for the performance we had all been waiting for. My mom was super nice when we told her about the show, so she agreed that it would be a good time and that we should go.

We arrived at the address on the flyer. It was on the edge of the creepy part of town but we thought that it would add to the scariness.

We went inside of the building to find flickering lights and some weird type of slime on the ground. We were so excited and creeped out that we just kept walking.

“Is anyone here?” Jordan yelled.

“Maybe we should go,” Jimmy said

“Nah man this is great,” I said

I then received a weird text message that said “Why are you here?????” I didn’t know what to do, so I showed my friends the message; they were very creeped out. All of a sudden, my phone just shut off. I don’t even know how it happened but it did. We walked in silence around the flickering theatre. After walking one full time around the center seating section we decided to try the back room.

“I really think we should go,” Jimmy said once again.

“Come on,” I pleaded. “Let’s just look around a little.”

            We went into the back room to find this gigantic realistic spider tearing apart a man’s body and eating it all in one big gulp. I thought it was a costume so I stood still and let it move a little. Then I realized that it wasn’t a costume; it was actually real. I started running out of the theatre. I swiftly whipped my phone out of my pocket to find that it was still off, so I told my friends to call my mom. I gave them her number and they put it in their phones and called her to pick us up soon. We hid in the alley next to the theatre from the raging spider. It burst out of the side door of the theatre, right next to us, and we ran as fast as we could to get away from the creature. We quickly moved around the corner farther away from the theatre just as my mom picked up on Tom’s phone. He handed the phone to me.

“We finished early, so can you pick us up a soon as possible?” I whispered into the phone.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” she replied

“Thank you so much,” I whispered once again.

It took mom 13 painstaking minutes to get to us, and we had that monster to deal with. It was almost as if the monster could sense us because we knew it was getting closer and closer.

“Any ideas?” Jordan whispered to the group.

“Maybe we should hide until your mom gets here,” Tom suggested.

“I knew we never should have come here,” Jordan said. He was rocking back and forth. We told him that we didn’t have a choice now and our only chance was to hide.

We hid for those long 13 minutes in the building next door. It was a small diner but we just needed to wait. We saw mom out the window so we ran to the car as fast as we could.

We brought my friends back to their houses and then I went home myself. We all thought we were safe so we decided not to tell our parents about the incident.

A few years ago, I set up a camera in my room and I thought now would be a good time to turn it on. So, I turned it on and went to sleep.

When I woke up I stopped the camera and took it down. I watched the tape again and again, until I finally saw something peering in my window. It was the giant spider!

To Be Continued!

By: Peter McAuliffe

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The Cost of Magic

May 12, 2016

Dear Violet,
      I'm sorry. So so sorry. I have to go. I know you don't understand but I hope that this letter will explain things a bit more.
      Simply put, I am a witch. I don't have a broom or an odd hat. I do have a wand but I rarely use it. Most witches are like me. Our "trademarks" have been forbidden for years. We used to live out in the open until your kind decided that we were "too dangerous". I really can't disagree. Since Salem all magic users have lived in the underground. There we can use and hone our magic. We also learn to cover up the signs of our powers. I am an Illusionist that dabbles in Alchemy.
      My kind is everywhere in your life, Violet. Your trusted police officers are Polygraphs or Hunters. Coroners might be your local Necromancer. Florists and gardeners are Earth mages. Artists are often Illusionists but other types have grown to create as well. You probably don't believe me and I don't blame you. It is hard to have your world view be changed. But we are here. And maybe not for much longer.
      Something is sapping our power. Recently I decided to ask around and rest at a Coven. They were suffering the same effects I am. I went to see a Numerator to try and see if they would divine my future. (I've always found that Numerators were better at that than Diviners.) Their powers were weak but warned of danger. Both that I knew and didn't know.
      I remembered this but wasn't too concerned. I should have been. I feel as though I have had a tail or that a Hunter put a tracking spell on me. Perhaps I am too paranoid.
      I enclosed a necklace for you. It has a disillusionment spell on it. With the necklace you will be able to see magic. Don't touch it unless you are sure you want to see. Go to the bridge on 7th street and underneath it there are beautiful murals. Act normal. I don't know what is after me or if it will come after you.

Best wishes,
Phee


May 23, 2016

Dear Violet,
      Have you ever had a feeling that something wasn't right? Places like broken lighthouses, rest stops, and deep in the mountains? That is us. All people connect with magic. Some call it religion or fate.  Some of us can use it. I never cared to learn why. I feel like I should have. Perhaps what is happening would make more sense.
      Deep inside me, I don't believe so though. Feelings. You learn to trust your feelings as a witch. Instinct saves lives. Great motto. It's used with you humans. Think everything's ok, but feel like you are going to be hurt? Get out. Know you did the spell right, but it feels wrong? It's wrong.
      What's my point? I feel that something is terribly wrong. An ancient witch might know what to do. I'm not sure there is even a spell for what is happening. I suppose magic could reject us. I'm taking responsibility for what is happening. I don't want to lose magic and I don't think my people could take the consequence of it. After all, we aren't too much different from you.
      I went to an apothecary to get some potion ingredients. Magic extension potions and things like that. I feel the slow trickle of magic draining from me. Chaos has started to erupt in outside magic towns. Magic gives people control over something, I guess. They can't stand not having it. I'm not sure going to a magic stronghold is a good idea. I would like see how they are dealing though. Most wise magic users avoid strongholds for as long as they can. Trust is an issue in those places.
      Don't go to the sketchy parts of town. (The sketchy feeling is a spell. For both of our races' protection.)
      I am sending these letters by owl. I know it's unconventional especially for an Unconnected like you. Thing is I don't trust your technology. Your people control too much of it. They can see what is said. My feeling says something awful has or will happen. These must be kept a secret between the two of us. Brandy is the owl's name. She will do fine on her own so long as you don't keep her in a cage. I've enchanted Brandy with a spell that prevents anyone from reading what she carries except for the recipient. (Remind me to tell you the story of the first time I preformed that spell.) Our line of communication should be safe.
      I understand you have questions. They need to be answered because I must trust you. Send a letter with Brandy and I will reply as soon as I can.

Stay safe,
Phee


May 25, 2016

Phoenix,
      Phoenix. I... I didn't believe you. I thought you were insane. No. You are insane. But I guess I'm insane with you to now.
      I didn't touch that necklace for a week. It gave me creepy vibes. Honestly I don't know how you deal with that magic stuff. Sets off the kidnapper alarm. Anyway, I touched it. At my house the first time. Everything looked normal except Brandy glowed. She looked at me like I was normal. (I've been getting weird side eyes from that owl. Teach it manners.) Let me tell you. That necklace went down as fast as I could manage.
      Next day comes. Curiosity killed the cat. I wore some gloves and put the necklace in my bag. 7th street is the definition of sketchy. Until I put that necklace on. Murals jumped out at me.  The air buzzed. I could almost hear the stories those murals told me. I kept walking. That place isn't sketchy. It's beautiful. Why would you hide that? I take the necklace off at night but I keep it on or in my bag during the day. (Don't want to take a chance with the new boss.)
      Now for the floodgate of questions. I know the first few are kind of stupid but still. Are the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, and Santa real? Are they magic? Can kids connect with magic better? How did that stuff just appear? Are you some kind of super evolved human? How long have witches existed? What types of magic are there? Do bad witches exist? Can they be stopped? What with the "I must trust you" stuff? We are friends. Trust is in that deal. Things aren't that bad, are they?
      Most importantly, are you ok? This loss of magic stuff seems fishy to me. I mean if I was a psycho witch with a vendetta, I might just consider getting rid of magic to spite someone. Maybe. Hypothetically. I'm thinking about what humans (gosh that's weird to say) would do for power. Let me tell you, we do and would do a lot for a taste of power. I trust you and your "instinct" or whatever but be careful. I want to see my friend again. You are headed head first into something big. I don't think either of us know quite what it is yet though.
      Oh! I almost forgot. I haven't felt anything come after me. The necklace puts me on edge and I'm getting used to it. I suppose that could be someone or something but I'm happy to report no attacks on my life. I'd like to keep it that way. And I wish the same for you too.

Best of luck on your insane quest,
V


By: Rachael Battey

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(Not Really) Required Reading, Stargirl

This is a book review like none other. This is a book review with a story. This is a book review that tells a tale of how I met a book like one meets a friend for the first time. This is why this book is required reading (not really). Because I’d like you, dear reader, to meet all my closest and dearest friends. So let us commence.

*          *          *

            I met Stargirl after school in the Aquinas library. I was sitting at a table, dwelling on the fact that I was procrastinating on working on an essay. My eyes wandered as I glanced at the shelves of the Realistic Fiction section nearby. My attention was caught by a book with no title on its bright blue cover. Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli. I’d seen Stargirl before during various trips to Barnes & Noble in the past, and I’d even read the back cover once, but it either didn’t resonate with me, or I had more important, pressing matters at the time, so I had dropped it back in its place. But now, I needed something to hold my attention (and give me an excuse not to work on that essay), so I decided to give Stargirl a shot.

            I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but I was still wary. I thought that it could still be a typical, dull contemporary fiction novel. I didn’t want to commit to the relationship. After I’d read a few chapters, it was almost closing time at the library. I decided it was probably too late to ask to check out the book, so I reluctantly returned it once more to its shelf and left.

            That night and the next day, I continued to think about Stargirl. It had so much potential. The characters were cute and well-developed, from what I’d read so far. I wanted to know more about their adventures. Finally, I returned to the library 9^th period to check out the book. I read Stargirl for the rest of the period, on the bus ride home, and for quite a while when I arrived home. I finished it that afternoon. Once I’d committed to reading it, I found it was difficult to put it down until it was over.

I was mesmerized by the main character, Stargirl herself. Stargirl is, in fact, her real name. She has been homeschooled her whole life until she enrolls in a small town high school in Arizona and nothing is ever the same. She dresses oddly and doesn’t seem to notice the stares. She participates in class when no one else will. She brings her pet rat to all her classes in a big bag with a sunflower on it. She does what she wants, which is usually completely contrary to the norm, the mold that all the other students squeeze themselves into. She leaves a trail of wonderment and bafflement wherever she goes.

Stargirl cares about people. It seems that everything she does is for someone else’s delight and benefit. Every time someone in the school has a birthday, Stargirl strums her iconic ukulele and sings to them right in the middle of the school cafeteria. She leaves a treat on every student’s desk each holiday. She makes cards for the lonely. She leaves change on the ground for children to find. She is a fresh breath of purity and wholesomeness in her stale, ordinary community. No matter what challenges Stargirl faces, she always keeps that spirit of kindness alive in her heart.

I became attached to Stargirl right away. In a way, I look up to her as a role model. She is the image of everything I’d like to be in my own life: compassionate, intelligent, talented, and real. Even though our acquaintance was brief for the short time I read her story, I know she will remain a life-long friend. Stargirl has changed the way I look at those who are different from me. Now, I’m becoming a little less afraid of what others might think of me, and a little more accepting of others who probably share my desire to be included and accepted.

I’d like very much for you to meet Stargirl. And who knows, she might even change your life, too.

By: Maggie McAuliffe

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Did Somebody Say Improv?

Improv club usually takes place every last day of the school week in the chorus room. Because of all the days off, it’s hard to make it a certain day. For those of you that do not know, improv, short for improvisation, is when you are given a scenario and you have to come up with something to act out and say. Sometimes it comes out so random that it is just so funny. When you witness the hilariousness that comes from improv it makes you (or at least me) just want to come back every week to hear and participate in this funny and amazing club. Improv club has already had one performance this school year and will have another one before the year comes to a close. I really do encourage you to come out to improv in the chorus room for at least one day (don’t worry; you don’t have to preform).

By: Peter McAuliffe

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What's Your Favorite Thing About Yourself?

“What’s your favorite thing about yourself?”

I’m sure many people have never considered the question, “what’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Maybe there’s no need to ask; it’s just a subconscious knowledge you don’t need to ponder. Maybe you have been suffering with self-esteem problems and can’t wrap your mind around the idea of having a favorite thing about yourself. Maybe you don’t want to think about yourself in that way because your humility is too prominent. Maybe you can’t pick just one thing. Whatever the reason, I firmly believe it’s very imperative to know the goodness in yourself.

“My confidence”

The first person I asked this question to, thought about it for a moment, then decided fairly quickly. This friend of mine has been on stage and performing for a very long time so I can understand this viewpoint of hers. However, when she’s not onstage, I’ve noticed that she still holds herself with confidence and I acknowledge that quality about her. I’m glad she knows it too.

“I don’t know”

The next person I asked could not come up with an answer for this question. If given the right amount of time, I’m sure she could find out what she likes most about herself but at that given moment, she hadn’t had much thought about it. However, I know that she is very hardworking and I appreciate that about her whether she knows it or not.

 “…I’m imaginative… I can absolutely lose myself in daydreams and build them into stories…”

This person that I asked was more specific in the certain area that he liked most. He is a writer so it’s understandable that this skill can help to give him more experience in what he likes to do best. Often, a favorite element such as this can really indicate what a person is passionate about and what they should pursue in study or career. I know he is a stunningly talented writer and genuinely good person with a bright future of his own.

 “My free will”

The next person I asked responded quickly. He seemed to be prepared for this question as if he had thought seriously about it before. This simple yet deep answer is very fitting for this person as I also view him as a free spirit. He is respectful and well-mannered because he chooses to be and he’s curious about the things that truly interest him. His answer is very true for his knowledge of himself and his understanding of the world around him.

 “…My mind is very independent… I don’t need much validation…”

Yes, this is my favorite thing about myself. In a way, it’s all I need. With this knowledge of myself, I often accept things for my very experience of them. When I’m feeling sad, I accept that that’s the way it is currently and I trust it’ll get better soon. If I’m happy, I don’t need anyone to remind me to “live in the moment” because I already am. If I’m feeling badly about myself (grades, appearance, friends) I remind myself of times when I was happy and realize that this low streak is only temporary. If I’m feeling good about myself, I take note of it for myself, even if nobody else validates me. This is very important to the standard I hold myself to.

These example are only the first response to this question. Yet, in a way, they are the most pure response because they haven’t over-thought the question, to a point where all their responses could make the true answer foggy. If you haven’t given this a thought before, find your pure answer, however possible.

“What is your favorite thing about yourself?”

By: Katie McAuliffe

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How To Go To A Concert

Have you ever wanted to see your favorite band live but don’t know where to begin? Has it been awhile since you’ve gone to a concert? Here are some tips and tricks for the next time you plan on attending one by an experienced concert attendee.

Step 1: Getting Tickets

Getting tickets to a concert can be a challenge. They can sell out quickly because of pre-sales and be hard to find. First and foremost, you should figure out when they go on sale and on what websites (if you have options, I recommend ticketmaster).  Now pre-sales can make or break how good your seats are, so if you plan on investing into some good ones, look up presale codes for the concert you want to attend, and remember to type it in to get your tickets. Look up a seating chart of the venue you are going to see the concert in as well. Websites are always vague about where the seats are. But wait! My website says general admission! What the heck is that? General admission means there are no seats. It is first come first serve so if you want to be close to the artist, plan on showing up at least an hour early. Depending on the venue you can be smushed and sweating (yes sweating) with a couple thousand people on a floor or spread out on a lawn behind the actual seats (which can still be an awesome experience). Buying tickets online requires a credit card, debit card, or sometimes a PayPal account so be prepared with your account information. When you purchase them, print them out. Keeping them just on your phone can be risky if for some reason your phone breaks. If you want to get them in the mail, there is a chance they can get lost in it. Keep your tickets in a safe place and write down that place a couple of times if you are forgetful.

Step 2: What to Wear

The most important thing about your clothing is that it is something you feel happy and comfortable in. You shouldn’t have to dial down your wardrobe for a concert and should express yourself the way you feel is right. A concert should be a time to embrace who you are, not hide it for the sake of fitting in. Wear a shirt you don’t normally wear, try a new makeup look, fix your hair differently, do what you feel is right. But if you want some more in depth guidance, you should know your venue first. If it is outdoors, consider bringing a jacket because it can get cold. If it is indoors, dress in as light clothes as possible. Make sure whatever you are wearing is something you are comfortable in. If you know your new shirt constantly rides up the wrong way so you have to fix it, don’t wear it, it will definitely take away from the experience. If your concert is general admission, do not wear sandals unless you’re okay with getting your toes stepped on for the entirety of the concert. Otherwise, I would wear sandals, not flip flops; those can be a hazard. I suggest genuine sandals to an outdoor concert for the sake of comfort in the heat. Do a little research and read up on the experiences people have of concerts with the artist you are seeing. Search “-Artist name- concert experience” into YouTube or Google and see what pops up.  Some artists promote dressing up more extravagantly and others may be more chill.

Step 3: What to Bring

Recently, there has been efforts to heighten security at concerts for safety purposes, so venues can be strict on what you bring in. I would look on the venue’s website first to see what they allow and don’t allow. If the rules are not clear, here are some general tips. Try to pack lightly and not bring any large bags or purses if it is possible. They will most likely need to be searched and it can be time consuming and it can anger the security personnel. Leave your pocket knife or any other thing that could be dangerous at home; they will confiscate it. Do not bring bottled water unless it is sealed. Some security personnel won’t even let sealed bottled water in so be aware. Do bring a phone charger and a portable charger. Your phone can die quickly which is never good. Do bring a small camera if you have one. I have a small camera (that I got for Christmas a few years ago) that can fit easily into my purse that I use to get a couple good quality pictures of the artist I am seeing. However, I turn off the flash and only use it a few times because enjoying the show is most important. Do bring some gum and painkillers. Sometimes you need to freshen your breath a little and you don’t want a headache (since medical areas can be cumbersome to locate).

Step 4: What to do at the Concert

First of all I highly recommend arriving to the venue an hour early. This may seem excessive to some, but with the heightened security at concerts these days, it can take a long time to get into the venue. The show won’t wait for you so the closer you are to the entrance, the better your chances of getting in on time are. Next I recommend buying some piece of merch. Yes, it is overpriced but having a piece of concert memorabilia is something special that you will appreciate dishing your money out for in the future. Now, find your seats and make sure you keep your ticket somewhere safe. It is the easiest way for an usher to help you find your seat and lets them know that you are in there legally. As soon as you know where your seats are it is a lot easier to find bathrooms, etc. Finally enjoy the concert. Have fun and live in the moment, not through your cellphone; you’ll have more fun. Post a few snapchats here and there but don’t let it consume you; after all you paid for those tickets, not the people who have you on snapchat. 

By: Evelyn Sims

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Moana, Movie Review

Last November, Disney came out with their newest “princess” movie, called Moana. However, she is not a princess and the plot deviates from a classic princess story. Yet it is a fun and adventurous tale.

The story follows Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho), the chief’s daughter from an island called Motunui in the South Pacific. She is drawn to the ocean and wants to sail, but it is forbidden to go beyond the reef. Without spoiling too much, she ends up meeting Maui, a demigod (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and they have to travel across the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti and bring life back to the islands before it is too late. They encounter many interesting characters along the way as well as challenges they must overcome. There is quite an interesting plot twist at the end, which I won’t spoil, but I will say that I did not see it coming.

The animation in this film was beautiful. From the ocean water to the lovely creatures to the sometimes quirky character design, it was a perfect blend. The music was also amazing, with Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton writing lyrics and music for some of the songs, including the Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go”. This was an epic song with beautiful vocals, in my opinion, outshining “Let It Go” from Frozen. Some have complained about Dwayne Johnson’s vocal performance in the song “You’re Welcome” and feel that he should have been dubbed with someone who could sing better. However, I thought that his performance fit the character and it didn’t need a better voice in order to be good. His voice drew us in with his comical performance along with the animation, which was energetic and amusing. The Polynesian-inspired music was also a nice touch to the aesthetic and tone of the film.

Overall, I thought Moana was a good movie with outstanding music and an interesting story perfect for a family movie night.

By: Francesca Delaney

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Christmas Sugar Cookie Truffles Recipe

Ingredients

   12 sugar cookies (about 2 1/2 inches in diameter)

   3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature

   2 cups white chocolate for melting (or candy melts)

   Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

   1.    Place sugar cookies in a food processor and process until cookies turn into fine crumbs. Add cream cheese and process again until well-combined and mixture can be pressed into a ball.

2.    Shape cookies into balls about 1-inch to 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for 15 minutes or the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3.    In medium bowl, melt white chocolate according to instructions.

4.    Remove the cookie balls from refrigerator. Using a spoon or two forks, dip and roll chilled cookie balls, one at a time, in coating. Return to lined cookie sheet and immediately top with sprinkles. Repeat process for remaining cookie balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

If the sugar cookie truffle dough is not firm enough, add another tablespoon of cream cheese.

(recipe based on  http://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/2016/10/31/christmas-sugar-cookie-truffles/)

By: Abby Lowtan

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Almost Maine!

               Almost Maine, recently been performed by the Aquinas Theater Department, is a comedy about love. Almost Maine, written by John Cariani, is a show about losing love, finding love, and the many aspects that love entails. We watch as nine pairs of people feel, act upon, and find love through each other. The show, comprised of two acts, a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue, is not very long though it does capture the audience through its dramatic and comedic scenes.

               Jacqui Thompson (me) portrays the character Rhonda. Rhonda is a strong female character in her late 20s who has never had any major interactions with love. Rhonda talks about working in the lumber mill, winning arm wrestling competitions since the 5^th grade, and being snow-mobiler of the year. While she is a strong, outspoken women, a woman of love and affection, she is not. But what happens when her best friend for years tries to make a move? 

by: Jacqui Thompson

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20 Random Questions: Mr. Wise

        As a student, I can attest to the repetitive nature of going to school every day. We go to the same lockers, sit at the same lunch tables, and sit through the same classes time and time again. But if there is one thing that can spruce up a school day, it’s the teachers. They make us laugh, they make (some of) us cry, and a good teacher even has the ability to get us excited about learning. I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Wise, who teaches Macroeconomics and an assortment of other business courses at Aquinas, for a speed round of questions that give insight to the life of a teacher.
1. What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
       “I get great satisfaction from the fact that I influence people who are about ready to go out into the real world. I want you guys to be prepared…as prepared as possible and I think I play a positive role in that.”
2. What is your least favorite part about being a teacher?
       “When I was a student I used to think teachers focus just on teaching but there are other things that go into it, like meetings. We have a ton of meetings. I’m not saying meetings are bad but, it takes up time. In the city there’s a lot of bureaucracy, too…I would rather spend time teaching you guys because I know it’s beneficial.”
3. What is a funny experience that you have had while teaching?
       “I was teaching the Renaissance in the city and we had three students who had just come from Nepal and I showed them a picture of The David and it was the first time they’d ever seen a naked male before… It was a little embarrassing because they kept giggling and I had to explain to them, you know, biology class. So there you go, there’s some science and social studies, too. That was quite funny.”
4. Why economics?
       “If you would have told me 11 years ago, when I was in school to be a teacher, that I would be teaching economics, especially AP Macroeconomics, I would have said ‘You’re nuts! It’s boring, it’s graphs and numbers and it’s boring. Why would I do that?’ But I kind of fell in love with it. I read Naked Economics [by Charles Wheelan] and [I realized] that this stuff impacts us more than any other subject. Every day we deal with it and I should understand it and have my students understand it so they’re prepared for whatever life brings them – like supply and demand charts.”
5. Do you remember what you got on your AP Macroeconomics exam?
       “Actually, I don’t think I took AP’s. I was your prototypical ‘do awesome in regents, too scared to take an AP’ [student]. Going back, I wish I did. My wife took 1,000 AP’s and she got to graduate college a year early. Me on the other hand…was fine with getting 90’s in my Regents class and dominating there. Every year they recommended me to go up to AP history and I said ‘I’m good.’”
6. What was your most embarrassing moment?
       “Student teaching. Greece Arcadia. We were talking about immigration and I was showing the Titanic movie and I slid across the desk – cool - like I would normally do, and the whole thing just fell. Everyone starts laughing and I just get up and say ‘I just wanted to show you how fast the Titanic sunk, like the desk.’ But that was kind of embarrassing because I broke the desk by sliding across it…but I played it off.”
7. If you could give any advice to incoming AP students, what would it be?
       “Trust me. My class is hard but we’ll do it together. Pray. Prayer is important [and] you’ll do OK.”
8. What was the best part about college?
       “I was a dork. I studied constantly, I worked, I saved money. It was kind of boring. But the best part is just learning new things. Halfway through my time in college I switched majors. I wanted to be a lawyer but then a teacher. So, I got to see two different groups of people. But…college helped me get where I am today.”
9. What is the ugliest item in your closet?
        “2 years ago I went to Goodwill. There was an “Ugly Dress” day or something. There was a really ugly pair of pants – plaid – they look like a carpet from the seventies.”
10. If you could be anything besides an economics teacher, what would you be?
       “I would be a general manager of a major league baseball team. That’s my life goal. It’s all about economics, trading…”
11. What was your first job?
       “I worked at Greece Ridge Movie Theater picking up popcorn. I met my wife there. Her first day of work, I trained her behind the concession stand. Then I started to woo her. The rest is history.”
12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
       “I’m going to go with my 2 kids. Inside of school, it’s when you guys graduate. But as a dad, every day they smile and say ‘daddy’ that is probably my proudest moment. But I do like to see you guys cross the stage.”
13. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
       “If I could, I would go back and see my dad again. I lost my dad when I was 24, almost 10 years ago, and I wish I could just talk to him again, kind of say ‘Hey, look! I’m here now, I’m teaching, I have 2 awesome kids.’ It would be meaningful for me to have a conversation with him again.”
14. If you could choose a name for yourself, besides Scott, what would it be?
       “I get the name Steve a lot. I don’t know why, but people call me Steve, randomly. I don’t know if I like that but… it’s better than ‘not-so-wise.’ But I would like Luke, it’s actually my Confirmation name.”
15. What did you study besides economics?
       “Political science, a lot of history, and education classes – that’s what I got my Masters in – how to teach adolescents.”
16. What is your favorite vacation that you’ve taken?
       “Now, if my family doesn’t see this, New Orleans [with] Mr. Oberst and Mr. Ambrose was a great time. I learned so much [and] people were so nice down there.”
17. Do you have any family traditions?
       “Christmas Eve dinner. We do a lot of fish. My mom used to do it but now we do it at our house. It’s bigger than Christmas in my family.”
18. What is the best part about being a parent?
       “I love it when I get home and they come up and give me a hug and they say ‘Daddy’s home!’ The next thing they say is ‘What did you bring me?’ But I disregard that part because it’s so nice to see the smiles on their faces. They’re pretty awesome. I don’t know what life would be like without little ones.”
19. Do you know any life-hacks?
       “Position yourself next to the smart kid. Become their friend.”
20. Do you know any jokes or puns?
       “I use the expression a lot: you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. I always tell people ‘I’m pouring water on your head now, why aren’t you drinking?’”

by: Jasmine Benjamin

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Chinese New Year: It's Dinner Time!

      Chinese New Year also called the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese people. It signifies the beginning of the new year and hope that it will be filled with love and good things. The arrival of this holiday also means that the spring is coming; the now will melt, plants will recover, hope is in the air, and everything is returning to summer colors. 
      The most important part of the New Year night is the New Year dinner. It is not only a dinner; it is also a good time that the entire family will enjoy together. 
      For me, this year is special since I cannot go home to my own family. This means I get to share this special night with my lovely host family and that I will cook the Chinese food at New Year dinner for them. Yay!
      I chose six different foods- bumper harvest vegetable, bouilli, dumping, rice balls, turnip shreds soup, and spicy cucumber. The things I will need are: cucumber, parsley, shallot, ginger, Chinese beans, potatoes, corn, radish, shrimp, pork, rice balls, and dumplings. 
    I chose bumper harvest vegetable because it is a special food from my hometown. I tried to find a picture online to show, however this one does not do it justice. 

To begin, clean all of the produce and cut the potato and corn into cubes. 
Next put oil and the Chinese beans together until the beans change color. Then add the potatoes, corn, and beans into one pot with water and add corn starch to finish.
        




        Bouilli is my favorite food however it is difficult to make. Here is a picture from the internet: 

      To make bouilli, cut meat into cubes and put oil with the meat in a pan for about 2 minutes or until the meat changes color. Then add water. Then add the following products:

       Next are the dumplings which are the most important dish in northern china where my hometown is. In China, dumplings are called "jiaozi," which means space and also to make friends. I am not the best person to make dumplings so I plan to just go to the Asian store and buy pork dumplings. To make the dumplings, simply boil them for about 3 minutes.

        Rice balls are another symbolic food for the New Year. In Chinese, rice balls are called "tangyuan," which means the coming together of a family. Therefor rice balls symbolize reunion. To cook the rice balls, place them in enough water for them to boil. This will take about 2 minutes.

        The turnip shreds soup is another New Years dish. Put oil and shrimp together in a pan, then put water and cut radish strips along with the shrimp in a pot of water. Add radish, scallion, ginger and salt. 

       Lastly is the spicy cucumber dish. Cut up the cucumber into strips. Then mix laoganma, oil and vinegar together. Mix in the cucumbers and you're all set!

       When dinner is finally ready, this is what it all looks like. Happy New Year!

        

By: Kunru Li

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International Update: Jung Kim

Jung Kim is an international student from Korea, and also a great friend of mine. She is an amazing friend for her kindness and helpfulness. If you are looking to learn about Korean culture, she is a great person to go talk to. Jung Kim graciously took a few minutes out of her busy day of studying (to maintain her St. Thomas club status) to talk to me about her experiences.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I'm from South Korea.

Q: Is this your first year here at Aquinas? If not, when did you first come to Aquinas?

A: Yes, this is my first year at Aquinas.

Q: What grade are you in?

A: I'm in 10th grade.

Q: How is school going for you? Have you gotten involved in clubs or sports? Which ones?

A: School has given me so many opportunities. I'm involved in women's leadership, theatre club, and mathletes. There are so many things that I can do in school, and I want to try other new things, too!

Q: Are any of those things new for you?

A: All of those things are new for me. When I was in Korea, I was really busy with lots of school work and studying so I didn’t really have any extra time. You won’t believe it, but we normally stay at high school until 9 pm. I'm so happy to be here because besides studying, I can now do a lot of different things during my school life! It’s awesome.

Q: What’s different between the USA and your country?

A: School finishes earlier in the USA so I can have more free time. Also here in Aquinas, there are many activities that I can join like the musical, sports, and so on. In Korea I usually got home late from private study hall or tutoring or something. Here I usually get home really early! It's a big change for me. I can't believe I come home before the family dinner!

Q: How have you made friends? Has it been different making friends here than it is at home?

A: The way to make friends is a little bit different but I still find good friends here! I make friends with my heart and that makes things easier. I joined the musical, and I met many good friends from there. We are just like a family. I feel so happy about that.

Q: Where in Rochester have you been? Do you have any favorite places?

A: I went to Eastman music library. I like that place because it is located in downtown and it is so quiet which helps me focus on studying. If I get the chance, I want to visit the downtown library. There are so many interesting places in Rochester where I have not visited yet.

Q: How does it feel to be so far away from home?

A: I miss my home sometimes. I think it is not easy for a teenager to stand by themselves, but when I do things by myself it makes me more confident! There are many people like my host family, local coordinator, friends, and teachers who help me out a ton.

Q: When you get homesick, how do you cope?

A: I talk with my family at home and talk with my friends! I also imagine summer time when I meet with my family and friends. Nowadays there are so many ways to get in contact with people in other countries so it is not as hard as it used to be! I was in New Zealand in 2008 and at that time I needed to buy a 'phone card' to call to Korea, and I had to text in email because we did not have smartphones or anything like that. It was so hard to contact home, but now we all have smartphones, and there are so many apps that we can use.

Q: How is your host family?

A: They are so nice to me. They try to make me feel comfortable at home, and it works! They help me a lot and care about me a lot. I'm so lucky to be here with them! Thank you, my USA family!

Q: Are there any differences between your American family and your family at home?

A: My host family goes to bed much earlier, but the biggest difference are the meals. We eat more rice in my hometown than here. But my host parent is a really good cook, and I love their cooking. You can’t imagine how nice they are. I feel family love here in the USA the same as I do at home. I love my host family. Thank you so much again!

Q: What is the most important thing you learned about life while you have been here?

A: I learned that new challenge always teaches me a lesson! Being here is my newest challenge, and I have learned a lot. I feel like I can take on more challenges. Even though my host family helps me a lot, I need to do a lot of things by myself. This experience has influenced my life a lot. I have become more independent, and I learned a great deal through this experience. I have also realized how important family is. Before I came here, I knew family was important, but now I really know how important family truly is. Now, I realized how much they support me and believe in me. I am so grateful for my parents giving me this precious experience.

Q: Do you have any plans for the future?

A: I don't really have any specific plans, but I want to do another challenge like this… maybe traveling all around the world. My new life in America changed me a lot. I feel more confident in myself, and I feel really independent.

Q: How do your past and future look from where you are today?

A: I feel as though I was so much younger before. Before, I thought I could be independent, but now I see this is the time of my life where I’m truly independent. So I think I can live my life with more confidence in the future, which I’ve gained through this experience.

Q: What do you think about your Aquinas family?

A: Every single person at Aquinas is so nice. They care about the international students,and that makes me feel comfortable. I feel like we are family! They care about me and help me so much. Thank you to my Aquinas family!

Q: What is something you would like to tell your family back at home right now?

A: It has already been 5 months since I have come to Aquinas, and everything is good so far. I want to tell them don’t worry about me too much, and I’m doing well here with a new family, new friends and a new school. Also, it’s Korean New Year! So I want to say Happy New Year to my family!

by: Kunru Li

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