ONEVOICE

Volume 4, Edition 3: September

FALL ISSUE:

Upcoming exams - tips on pg.15&18.

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September









CONTENTPAGE 4 6 7 8 9



Giving Back to Bintan Senior Council ‘12/’13: A Reflection Haze Mania Syria, Another Iraq? Crackdown in Egypt Against Islamic Supporters

Reviews



11 Lord of the Flies 12 Child 44



Interviews



13 Interview with Mr. Henderson



Lifestyle/ Opinion 15 16 17 18

Exercise and Brainpower Green Corner: Organic Produce Gearing Minds It’s All in the Mind

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Alex Lim Alex Lim

Ruru Hoong Ruru Hoong

Matt Matt Tan Tan

Matt Hui Hui Matt

REPORTERS

Aidan S. Alexia P. Alexandra L. Claire C. David S. Eva

Claire Chee Claire ClaireChee Chee

Gunin S. Canh L.V Matthew H. Matthew T. Nam V. Red J.

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FOR THIS ISSUE

Ruru H. Simren S. Tuan N. Tue P.M

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

ONEVOICESTAFF EDITORIAL TEAM

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Giving Back to Bintan David Cornelius Singh & Simren Sekhon-Atac

From August 19th to 23rd, Bintan week was evidently a huge success, reaping a whopping $2626 dollars from the heartfelt participation of an enthusiastic and active student body. The fundraising idea was first proposed by Mr. Crossland, with Mr. Fantom and other grade 7 tutors quickly agreeing that this pioneer fundraising activity in SJII was one that should definitely be carried out. With members of both our student and teacher body going over to Bintan for expeditions, the Grade 7s felt it only right to give back, especially after having seen the orphans who live there without much financial support and with them being somewhat our second family, they more than deserved the effort put into this by not only the staff but also students in Grade 7 and PSX. As such, the money raised is soon going to be sent to the orphanages responsible for visiting our myriad of expeditions to Bintan.

7SWh. A surefire boost for money earned originated from the Sponge the Teacher attraction, which garnered a massive crowd of students, all of whom were willing to donate at least a little for the exciting opportunity to douse the banes of their school year in water. “People are very good at throwing sponges...the idea was thrust upon me really”, said Mr. Fantom, who, regardless of the pain, tolerated the students of various grades throwing wet sponges in his face. Mr. Whittle, like Mr. Fantom, didn’t have much choice in participating in Sponge the Teacher; in fact, he claimed “peer pressure from his form” got him to do it. On behalf of all the teachers, he summed it up in a few words, “it was cold and wet and people threw it really hard”. A little pain in the name of charity couldn’t hurt, could it?

Like all large-scale events, planning and A unique and new addition to our school preparation was integral. Difficulties calendar, Bintan week was garrisoned by were abundant and meticulous outlining required the cooperation of different our very own campus with the help of grade members. “We had to plan food the PSX whom facilitated the handiwork. The result- a kaleidoscopic, and games for movie night” said Elizabeth Leong, a grade 10 PSX exhilarating and uplifting surprise to what would have been an average school member, “and make sure that they were willing to participate as well.” week. From activities involving Nerf guns, to delectable bake sales organized “The grade 7s had many ideas and the by 7Sla, to soaking teachers, it can be teachers helped sort through them and safely said that those who had chosen picked the best ones”, she added. Mr. not to participate definitely lost out. There was the enticing smell of popcorn Fantom, an integral part in making Bintan Week the success that it was, said and the boom of basketballs from the several logistical hurdles were prevalent interclass competitions. Students could also enjoy a small concert from talented along the way, some of which included students of Grade 7, organized by 4

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student body had only been notified a handful of days before the start of Bintan Week. “It would be nicer to have promoted it earlier on as some students only found out about the activity during break time within Bintan week itself ”, said Mr. Whittle as we discussed what improvements could be made should Apart from selling food and drink, Bintan Week be held again next year. multiple classes took to painting murals Majority of the publicity stemmed from and boards for their attractions. The vivacity of the grade 7s truly shone here. the posters that different classes plastered “As part of a PSX initiative, we also have across the school infrastructure, or by word of mouth. Perhaps when we requested the students design name organise Bintan Week next year, this is collages on the back of their own class shirts for their whole form” said Simren, definitely something to keep in mind. another PSX member, peer mentor for When asked about the likelihood of 7SWh. Bintan week, as it would seem, not only raised money and awareness of another Bintan Week next year, Mr. Fantom replied “ It will definitely be a the orphanages in Bintan, but allowed students from different backgrounds and good way forward should we have it next grades to come together and form more year”. Organising Bintan Week, despite cohesive units. As such, it is undoubtedly causing several minor logistical hurdles along the way, has left a lasting the case that when helping others, the impression on majority of the student experience truly allows us to help body. Providing us with a carnival-like ourselves. bonanza of good-fun and cheerful attitudes, it is not hard to see an encore in What is now becoming more and more the future. Perhaps this time, with more obvious was the fact that Bintan Week, water-filled sponges, and even more while being a huge success, had been participation. premature in its advertising, and the “what food items students were allowed to give or sell with regard to healthy food options, setting up a contingency for possible rainy weather, teaching students to organize within themselves and communicate with other teachers”.

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Senior Council 2012/2013: A Personal Reflection By Aidan Sim

as do all the other Councilors, have the full support of each and every Councilor member.

Treading down a familiar path brought back a nostalgic sentiment, one that began in less familiar circumstances. Just as the voting process had been concluded in April last year, the 5th Senior Council came into existence. At that precise instance, 10 very different personalities crossed paths – 10 individuals whom before that point had only been friends or even mere acquaintances, but as they subsequently made their way across their glass hall to collect their badges became part of s om eth in g big ger. T h e 5 th SJI (International) Senior Council had been officially invested.

Alas, the time has come for the 5th Senior Council to hang up our blazers, paving the way for a new group of leaders to assume responsibility. The late, great Pope John Paul II once said, “ T h e f u t u r e s t a r t s t o d a y, n o t tomorrow”. The challenge for the new Councilors now is to turn their vision into action, and make success their reality. For this is what Councils of the past have achieved – it is time for the 6th Senior Council to rise up to meet this challenge. Yet, while it may prove daunting, I have full confidence that this is exactly what they will achieve.

Despite being unfamiliar with each other, our shared motivation to serve united us to strive for the same goals. Through working together to organise various events such as Welcome Week, Hair For Hope and Movie Night, we learnt to use our strengths to achieve our targets, and to better appreciate our weaknesses. We learnt that even though our passions often lay in different fields, they bonded us. In essence, that there can be unity within diversity.

This brings me back to my tread down a familiar path. It is a path I have traveled before. In fact, it is one that all 10 of us have, one that we will remember for a very long time to come. The path that put this whole journey into motion for the 5th Senior Council. For as we made our way across the glass hall to receive our certificates from a very proud Mr. Rainone, only this time for a second and very last time, memories of serving the school as Councilors will always remain firmly rooted in our minds. It has been an absolute honor to be a part of the Senior Council. It is and will always remain as one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life in SJII.

Personally, I have gained so much from my time serving on the Council. I have met people who are passionate about their involvements and driven in their ambitions while always keeping themselves grounded. I have had the opportunity to deal with difficult situations, safe in the knowledge that I, 6

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Founder’s Day Dinner 2013 A passing over of responsibilities, but also a celebration of diversity in personalities and talents

Haze Mania By Eva

The haze in Singapore affected us all, regardless of our age. During the summer break, Singapore’s PSI reading hit an all time high of 371. Why did it happen in the first place? The haze is due to strong winds carrying smoke from the forest of Sumatra; this has been affecting the health of many Singaporeans. N95 masks were rapidly sold out throughout Singapore as citizens took greater precautions for their own health, since it causes breathing difficulties for asthmatics, the elderly and babies. Pollutants present in the haze can irritate our eyes as well as our skin. The PSI reading of 371 on the 13th of June at 10pm was considered to be extremely hazardous and possibly even life threatening.

laughing matter. In fact, tensions have risen within ASEAN with regards to how to handle the matter, as it seems that it is getting worse as years go by. In fact, as reported by Channel News Asia, ASEAN has now welcomed Indonesia's commitment to combat the prolonged haze situation, by agreeing to ratify the ASEAN agreement on Trans Boundary Haze Pollution. With N95 masks in hand, there is no doubt that Singaporeans are prepared for the worst. But hopefully in due time, it will improve.

Although the haze stirred up many jokes on social media sites, we have to keep in mind that it is not in the least bit a 7

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Syria, Another Iraq? By Gunin Singh

On 21st August 2013, the Syrian army released a nerve agent, Sarin, into several suburban towns and villages in Syria. The current leader of Syria, President Bashar al-Assad is suspected for authorizing this chemical strike on these towns, as they are suspected strongholds of Syrian rebel groups. Some countries suspect the rebel group for carrying out these strikes but no one knows who is actually responsible. The strike took place at 0300 Syrian time, while many of the villagers were asleep. This inhumane act left around 1400 people dead, of which 400 were children, sparking anger in the international community.

that if military action were to be taken, Syria would turn out to be another Iraq in the making. Iraq was suspected to have “weapons of mass destruction”, and on this basis the US entered the country in 2003 and left only after 8 years in 2011. No such weapons were found in the country. Due to the invasion, 134,000 innocent civilians had lost their lives and still many are dying because insurgency has taken the country by storm. The destruction has left the country in ruins and thousands displaced. The reason given by the US was, “ We must invade Iraq to protect our own country.”

Civil war has been ravaging the country since 2011, when Mr Assad was sworn in as its leader. It has taken the lives of around 100,000 civilians and the death toll is still rising. Furthermore, millions of Syrians have been displaced and many have fled to neighbouring countries. Close to 2 million Syrians have taken refuge in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. This civil war is also threatening to destabilize the economy in the region. This chemical weapons strike has sparked an international debate as to what action needs to be taken against Syria so that the culprits of this inhumane attack are brought to justice and is not repeated.

Russia is Syria’s ally - this agreement has allowed the Russian government to lead diplomatic efforts into Syria. A clause in the agreement states that if Syria does not adhere to any of the clauses of this agreement, the US will be allowed to take military action. This agreement will also have a profound impact on both America and Russia. The success of this document will define US President Barack Obama’s foreign policy till the day he leaves office. It will be a part of his legacy. The success of this document may also help save the reputation of Russian President Vladimir Putin - if it fails, there will be a military showdown between Syria and the USA. If the US military should obliterate the Syrian air defense systems (supplied by Russia), it would only highlight Russia’s technological incompetence. It is a matter of reputation of both countries.

Finally, on 14th September 2013, an agreement between the Russian, Syrian and American government was reached in Geneva. The primary goal of this agreement is that Syria eliminates its whole arsenal of chemical weapons in less than a year’s time. Initially, military action was considered. However, military action was not well received by many, as they felt

Many analysts though, question the feasibility of this agreement. The agreement calls for the Syrian government to destroy its entire chemical agent mixing 8

This agreement has brought relief for the citizens of Syria. It has been well received by the locals and some are even hailing Russia as their saviours. Many locals hope

that this agreement will bring back their normal livelihood and they can begin their lives back from where it had stopped. If put into perspective, this deal will not only benefit the locals, but also bring about a little economic stability in the Middle Eastern region. Investors will be more confident of its economic and political stability, as the likelihood of an all-out war is minimal. This will eventually stimulate growth in the region around Syria, which will subsequently help Syria stand up on its feet again. Although an agreement has been reached, all is not well in Syria yet. The success of this policy is vital, as it will prove to the world that a diplomatic solution can be found. It might just be an example of how countries are willing to cooperate and bring about necessary change. It might just be a new direction.

Crackdown in Egypt against Islamic Supporters By Tuan Doan Nguyen

do nothing but lead Egypt towards more political and military unrest for almost two and a half years, the epitome of which was the crackdown against Islamic supporters, which culminated in a death toll of over 600 people.

Egyptians still struggle to get over a political conflict as the latest bloodshed sparks anger throughout its land. When Egyptians congregated in jubilation on the streets as Hosni Mubarak was ousted from his presidency in Feb 11, 2011, after 30 years in office, many of them dreamt of freedom, stability of the economy and amelioration of living standards. Under no circumstances had they foreseen a ‘milestone towards democracy’ would

August 14, 2013 remains one of the most dreadful and bloody days in the history of contemporary Egypt, as the Egyptian authorities launched a ferocious attack against 2 sit-ins of the Islamic supporters. More than 600 were killed and 4000 injured when riot 9

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

equipment by November and completely get rid of its chemical weapons and production facilities in less than a year. Many experts believe that even with Syria’s full cooperation this target is unlikely to be met. Furthermore, the safe removal and destruction of chemical weapons is a very intricate and complex process that usually takes years to complete. A small mistake in the transportation or removal of the chemical weapons could trigger another chemical weapons disaster. An example would be between the USA and Russia; both countries are still in the process of destroying their chemical weapons and have not met any of their disarmament deadlines that were set over the past few decades.

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

police were sent to break up protest camps belonging to supporters of the ousted Islamic president Mohammed Morsi. Egyptian security forces backed by armed vehicles and bulldozers used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse the protestors. It is unlikely that the turbulence will lapse into a quiescent phase as the Muslim Brotherhood (the largest party in Egypt from which the ousted Morsi came) refused to back down and called upon protests throughout Egypt amid mass arrests from the military authority.

government. This has been an incendiary factor, which made Egyptians, the vast majority of whom are Islamic, take to the streets and protest against the interim government. However, this time, they faced brutal suppression from the military.

Concerns over Egypt’s current circumstance have been raised in the international community as both US and European countries feared that Egypt would follow Syria towards a civil war. In the mean time, Egyptian civilians are to bear the cost of conflict as Egypt has long been in an economic stalemate. Political and military unrest has never Its economy suffered a large drop in abated in the land of Egypt, ever since exports, tourism and domestic Hosni Mubarak was ousted in 2011. It consumption, with a huge increase in has always been a struggle for power between the country’s top generals and deficit, lack of necessities and joblessness. According to Bloomberg leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. It Business, ‘foreign investors are retook them a year to carry out the first rushing for the exits, though many can’t successful democratic presidential election, whose victor was Mohammed get out because Egypt’s currency can’t Morsi, handling both symbolic triumph readily be converted into dollars. Growth was forecast to reach 1.2 percent this and practical power. However, exactly year, is in freefall, and unemployment one year after, in June 2013, people could rise to 15 percent from its current protested in fits of anger against their first democratic president, the same way 13 percent by yearend’. With the they did to Mubarak. The top generals upheaval likely to intensify, the recovery of Egypt’s economy and the stability of conducted a coup d’état, ousted Mr. the region is still an elusive dream. Morsi, and obliterated all remnants of the Muslim Brotherhood in the new Crackdown on Egypt’s Islamic supporters

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By Pham Min Tue

“Which is better – to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill? … Which is better – law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” It is often wondered just where exactly the human nature lies in. Does it lie in the proud morals and values that we all claim to have achieved throughout thousands of years of civilization? Or does it lie in the innate, primal instincts and tendency of the animals that we used to be millennia ago? William Golding all-time classic and masterpiece “Lord of the Flies” offers an answer, just as sinister and frightening as it is realistic and credible, to these questions. Set in an unspecific war period, the novel tells the story of a group of young boys after their plane crashed on a deserted island. Shocking, yes, but not unbearable. After all, the boys do have all the time in the world to spend on this inhabited island, freed from any supervision from the grownups. The fair haired protagonist Ralph and his overweight companion Piggy soon conglomerated all the boys on the island together and formed a big group, where they met a choir with their leader Jack, the synchronized twin brothers Sam and Eric, etc. The boys seemed to enjoy their newly found freedom at first as they spend their time playing around the island, but this peaceful period does not last long. A terrible mistake, a barbaric obsession, along with the strange rumor of an unidentifiable beast - all these terrors start occurring one after another; and slowly, darkness steadily crept onto the island and its residence …

“Lord of the flies” is certainly not just your average book. What appeared at first to be the perfect recipe for a mystery and adventure novel – a promising setting, a mysterious location and children as protagonists soon changed into a much more depressing and sinister story. It shows us just how easy it is for man to revert to that same state of darkness from which it took him thousands of years to emerge from. Believe it or not, this dark theme and plot is the reason why this book got me hooked from the beginning to the end. Now, “Lord of the Flies” is definitely not for everyone, as the novel’s intriguing plot, multilayered themes and complex symbolisms might put some of you off. However, this is a book that I will recommend to absolutely everyone because it was just so superbly written. Give it a try and I bet that you will not regret it!

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ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Book Review: Lord of the Flies

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Book Review: Child 44 By Alexia Panos

1953, Leo Demidov is a KGB agent working for the Soviet Government during the Cold War. On a winter’s day, the body of a young boy near the railway tracks was discovered. Shortly after, numerous other cases of children’s bodies were being found all around Russia. Set in the period of Russia being held under Communism, it is hard not to become suspicious of people you encounter and accuse them of serial killing. Agent Demidov is appointed to investigate the murders and apprehend the bloodthirsty serial killer. The only connection between the killings is the repetitive manner and similar equipment. Is this a clue Leo Demidov should consider? Does he know, deep down, what’s the meaning of these murders? Child 44 is part of a trilogy. The followups are Kolyma and Agent 6. Child 44 was made into a film adaptation with Tom Hardy starring as Leo Demidov. The film is to be released in late 2014.

There will be an Emergency Blood Exercise (EBE) on 27th of October 2013. The purpose of EBE is to test the emergency readiness of the people of Singapore to step forward to give blood in times of Civil Emergencies such as accidents with mass casualties. The blood collected goes out to all those who need blood in hospitals - cancer patients, blood disorder patients, or casualties of accidents. Your contributions will also help to secure a stable supply of blood in the bloodbank to meet its daily demand. 12

Child 44

Blood Donation Drive Please feel free to attend this event and donate your blood to a good cause! This event will be carried out from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at four locations around Singapore: - Bloodbank@HSA - Bloodbank @Woodlands - Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut - Bedok Community Centre  For more information please contact Alison Koh of Grade 11 at [email protected]

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Interview with Mr. Henderson By Matthew Tan

Fun facts about Mr Graham Henderson. 1. Played in the same football team as

How did you find yourself becoming a high school teacher as a profession?

It was pretty straight forward actually. You see, I did a Math degree in Uni because I wanted to keep my options open. During his time working at the However at the end of the degree, I found Caledonian, a 5-star hotel in that there were just too many doors to Edinburgh, he managed to meet Sean choose from. At that time though I had 2 Connery, Nelson Mandela and the friends who aspired to be teachers, and so King of Swaziland. in a way I was influenced by the both of them to become a teacher. He studied mathematics at the University of Nottingham, the same Besides football, what else to you University as Mr. Denousse. enjoy doing in your free time? Spent an entire year travelling around I do enjoy a bit running and squash. Yeah, the world with his wife. outside of anything to do with fitness, it has to be watching TV man! I’m now He is the star striker of the staff currently watching The Americans. soccer team. Scotland International striker Kenny Miller as a teenager.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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State one word that your students will use to describe you.

What was the most wicked night of your life?

*stops the interview, approaches one of his students then returns* It’ll have to be funny.

Oh dear, I can’t put that in the school newspaper! But in my last school my mates and I went out every Wednesday. After our five-a-side soccer we’d take turns to choose where to eat for dinner. When it came to me, I suggested that we go to Melbourne for dinner. It was afterschool on a Wednesday night and we all flew down to Melbourne, had dinner, and caught the first flight back to Sydney. We arrived at 6 a.m. then went straight to work as if it were any other day.

Describe your ideal weekend in Singapore. It’s going to have to involve all my friends and my wife. It would start with a game of soccer on Friday night after which we’d have dinner at a hawker centre. Followed by a relaxing Saturday by the pool at the apartment, then at night maybe we’d head down to Sentosa for a beach party. And to cap it off, I’d have brunch with my wife and go for a movie on Sunday. What is your greatest fear?

If there is a piece of advice you could give Josephians, what would it be? It’s not all about maths. Of course it is a results driven environment out there, and everyone wants to do well academically. I believe it’s equally important to have a balanced lifestyle.

Dying? *thinks for a while* Actually no, my greatest fear would be having an injury and not being able to enjoy the things that I like to do best such as sports.

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by Le Van Canh

People exercise for a plethora of reasons, such as to change your body composition, burn calories, build more muscle and strengthen your cardiovascular system. However, we seem to forget one important organ when talking about the benefits of exercise. The brain. Over the last decade, studies on mice have demystified the positive effects of exercise on brain – both physically and intellectually. By exercising regularly and "training your brain," you can boost your brain power just like how physical activity can strengthen your muscles. The Link between Exercises and Brain Power According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, as people age, the hippocampus, the brain's memory center, loses 1% to 2% of its volume annually, affecting memory and possibly increasing the risk of dementia. The study also found that regular exercise can lessen the adverse effects of ageing on brain cells, and at the same time increase the hippocampus’ size resulting in better performance regarding spatial reasoning and other cognitive tasks. In addition, another neurological study shows that exercise may slow down brain shrinkage in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s who are less physically fit have four times more brain shrinkage than normal older adults. This research shows there is hope for the cure of Alzheimer’s in the future. In other words, there is tremendous potential for improvement of brainpower through exercise!

How Exercise Helps the Brain: It improves concentration and attention. When you're fit, you have faster reaction time and can focus better on relevant information. As a result, you can boost your concentration. If you are a student, this skill can bring back tremendous advantages not only in daily lessons but also during exams, in which concentration is the key to success. It promotes neurogenesis. Although it has not yet been proven in humans, animals (i.e. mice) that are given the opportunity to run on exercise wheels have shown an increase in the creation and survival of new brain cells in the hippocampus. It may improve memory. In animals, running also increases the strength of synaptic connections, thereby improving long-term memory. It reduces grey-matter loss. Fit people show less of a decrease in grey matter than is normally seen with ageing. It can prolong your life span as well. It changes gene patterns. Exercise changes the expression patterns of a wide array of genes, with some becoming more active and some showing less activity. Many of the genes that become more active are known to play roles in the structure and adaptability of synapses, suggesting a direct role for exercise in synapse density. It enhances blood flow. Exercise also increases the density and size of brain capillaries, which increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This may in turn help support the survival of new neurons and help your neurons fire more quickly. Clearly, exercise has a vast impact on our brainpower, so let’s feed our brains with a banquet of exercises!

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ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Exercise and Brainpower

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Green Corner: Organic Produce By Simren Sekhon Atac

Once found only in health food stores, organic food is now a regular feature at most supermarkets. This has caused some dilemmas on the produce aisle. On one hand, you have a conventionally grown apple. On the other, you have one that's organic. Both apples are firm, shiny and red. Both provide vitamins and fibre, and both are free of fat, sodium and cholesterol. Which should you choose? Conventionally grown produce generally costs less, but is organic food safer or more nutritious? Is organic produce truly the way forward in our battle against climate change? Let’s take a look. First thing’s first, the word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. Rather than using chemical weed killers, organic farmers may conduct more sophisticated crop rotations and spread manure to keep weeds at bay. Organic farming requires a lot more manpower and time. All these reasons put together make up substantial reasoning as to why organic produce is so much more expensive.

As much as the extra cost may pull on our purse strings, many believe that it is worth the extra cash in helping humanity leading a greener lifestyle. With organic farmers cutting the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers from farming methods to maintain soil productivity, these organic farms produce food that is up to 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals; organic produce also contains more antioxidants and significantly higher amounts of essential nutrients that our bodies cannot produce on their own which therefore need to be obtained through the consumption of food. Organic farming can also considerably reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which are a huge contributor to global warming. Conventional farming’s petroleum based practices that use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, interfere with the soils ability to absorb CO2, so a lot more of it gets released into the atmosphere leading to the greenhouse effect which traps heat around Earth, rapidly increasing the disastrous effects of climate change. Organic farming on the other hand uses composted soil that stores high amounts of C02 and keeps it from being released into the atmosphere, therefore reducing the greenhouse effect. If organic practices were used on all U.S. cropland, 25% of CO2 emissions could be cut. Just think what a change that would make to the international community. Is organic farming the answer to ending global warming? I think it is definitely a huge contributor in the fight to stop climate change. What do you think?

Green Fact: An average person uses 466 liters of water each and every day. This results in an astounding average of 23 million liters of water wasted on Earth daily. Green Tip: Shorten your shower by a minute and you'll save over 560 liters of water monthly. Saving Mother Earth starts with YOU. Do your part today!

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This modern era brings a sad sight: a world where people as young as teenagers often do things for their selves but not for themselves. It is not uncommon to come across teenagers that create clubs or other societies to be in charge, not because they actually want to, but because it would further their applications for universities. Rarely nowadays do they spend time to do something for their own interest, or to take time off to do something that doesn’t involve bettering their future. This is what our society has brainwashed us to be.

we get, the deeper the message is carved into the back of our minds. We begin with children who study to get into a good school, teenagers who struggle to get into a good university, and adults who work for a good job because a good job means good money. In addition, money equates power, and often nowadays people think that power makes you a successful human. Doesn’t matter if you’re not successful in being a person, as long as you’re successful in being a human.

From lesser ages, we learn that we are meant to spend our time on processes that would enhance our future and not for actually wanting to do it. Don’t get me wrong; we often are okay with doing these chores but it is uncommon for us to actually be passionate about it. Unless there is a reward for it, we don’t see a point in wasting our precious time to do it. I suppose this unfortunate message is central to this new modern era. The older

When is the last time that you have been a person? Because unless you have ended up in a situation where you’re regularly doing something that you solely want to, and not for other purposes, then our society has ripped your values out of your veins and replaced them with wires. Speaking as a youth, for the youths of the latest generations: we are abundant in fact, but devoid in value.

When is the last time you’ve been a person?

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ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

Gearing Minds by Red Jalleh

ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

It’s All in the Mind. By Ruru Hoong

It's that time of the year when work starts piling up- multiple IAs and assignments lie in a stack of unkempt, disheveled papers at the corner of your desk- constantly reminding you, beseeching you to pay some thought to your neglected duties. But all you can think about is how to avoid studying for your exams, and the infectiously languorous attitude permeates every little nook and cranny of your brain. You simply can't get yourself to do what you need to do.  English essay? Your hand involuntarily jumps to the Facebook tab and you start scrolling through your news feed. Chemistry IA? Time to get on ask.fm. These little distractions and generally apathetic frame of mind may seem only minor problems, but accumulated over a long period of time, even the most minor of procrastinations can have drastic repercussions on your schoolwork and emotional wellbeing.  So how do you get yourself to sit down, concentrate- and do your work? 1. Identify what distracts you. Facebook, Twitter- we've all tried abstaining from it but our hands involuntarily stray to those tempting handheld devices. Determine why you go on Facebook- does it give you any gratification? Do you crave social

Nothing is ever good or bad, only thinking makes it so.

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interaction? More often than not, people while away time on social media simply because it has become a habit. Once we feel any slight sense of irritation or impatience with work, our minds flick to an equally mind numbing replacement: Facebook. Whenever you feel your concentration diverting and your hand itching towards the mouse- find something else to interrupt that habit. Instead of reaching for the mouse, reach for a bar of chocolate. Don't try to stop the temptation altogether- it takes a large amount of willpower and will strain you. Instead, divert your distraction to something else and slowly morph and shift the habitchange the end product but not the framework. Habits are hard to break, so make it gradual. (That is, if you don't mind consuming dozens of Cadburies and winding up with five extra kilos at the end of the week.) 2. Have a vision. Run through what you set out to do. Choose what will happen ahead of time and follow that routine. When the point of inflection arrives, you’ll do it without thinking. Studying for that test or completing that assignment becomes a natural thing to do- not a trying struggle against your inner lazy tendencies. Train willpower into a habit. That's how athletes train- when Michael Phelps broke a world record during his race at the Beijing Olympics, water had gotten into his goggles and throughout the race he couldn't see. However, he had already

envisaged that scenario- he knew exactly what he was going to do and how. He did not panic because he knew every single detail of what he needed to do. That's applicable to every other aspect of life, not simply sports; envision what you'll do, and you'll do it. 

the IGCSE or even the IB becomes a given. Without the passion, what would be the point of putting yourself through this? To get into college, a job? Life is a neverending challenge and a perpetual path- it will never stop for anyone. If you don't make every step of the process meaningfulthen life ceases to have meaning. 

3. Reward yourself. Don't spend the whole weekend revisingyou need to incentivize yourself. There must be an end in sight- whether going out with friends or watching that play or visiting that museum over the weekend... Don't fall into a monotonous, brainless rhythm of sleep, eat, study. Your studying won't be efficient, your eyes will tire, and your overall wellbeing will suffer.

Of course, passion isn't something that you can pick up off the sidewalk. There are some things in life that are just much too monotonous to change (like an assessment on measuring grass lengths, for example). But don't let eccentricities of the curriculum throw your passion off- find something you love about the subject and focus on it. Get to know more about itcultivate your interest in it. There is something for everyone in every subjectdon't let things become a chore.

Last but not least, love the work you do. It is the belief in something that fuels our determination. Love for your work is the firmest form of belief in your studiesnothing can take that away from you. When you love what you do, there is no limit. When you love your work, 7 is not a grade boundary, but a passing nugatoryyou are not limited by the curriculum content or the grades, not limited by your peers, and not limited by your teachers. Never compare yourself to someone elsethat only creates tension and negative feelings, and limits what you can do. You end up competing against a person or even simply a grade- is that what you have been reduced to? Don't love the secondary consequences- love what you do. If you're truly passionate, going beyond the scope of

Nothing is good or bad, only thinking makes it so. So by all means, believe in yourself. The word 'belief' portends clichéd messages and monotonous lectures- but belief can go a long way. Everything you do depends on your mind. Just that little mass at the top of your head containing a hundred billion neurons. What you do with it will define your life- it can make it or break it.  So change your beliefs, change your habits, and change your world.

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ONEVOICENEWSPAPER September

So change your beliefs, change your habits, and change your world.