CEDAR SENTINEL

the kingsway college newspaper

happy new year

january // volume 57 // issue 5 Editor Messages // pg. 4 EDITOR IN CHIEF alannah tjhatra

Prayer for the New Year // pg. 5 NYAROCK GATLUAK TABLE New Year, New Me // pg. 6 ASSISTANT EDITOR kacey morgan HOPE MALABRIGO Mission Trip to Mexico // pg. 8 CARALYNN CHAN, KIMBERLY JUNSAY She Never Cared // pg. 14 OF LAYOUT alannah & kacey ANONYMOUS Sticks & Stones // pg. 15 nyarock gatluak ANONYMOUS WRITERS hope malabrigo The Solution for Your Resolution contents caralynn chan // pg. 16 CLESHA FELICIEN kimberly junsay clesha felicien Stressed Out Yet? // pg. 17 cassia mohns CASSIA MOHNS shine soki Exam Week // pg. 19 chloe xu SHINE SOKI Jan. faith o’brady kevin zeng Lucky Dogs // pg. 20 jovi-ann alexander CHLOE XU seth dorion Nature & Wings // pg. 21 2018 FAITH O’BRADY SPONSER mr. macdonald Oscar Wilde // pg. 22 KEVIN ZENG Friendship: Is it Real, or Nah? // pg. 24 JOVI-ANN ALEXANDER Contest! // pg. 26

The Dorm Life // pg. 27 SETH DORION

2 3 NYAROCK GATLUAK Editor Message Prayer For the ALANNAH Hi everyone! TJHATRA Welcome to 2018. It’s always quite a stressful beginning to the new year, for sure. With final exams, attempts to fulfill New Year’s resolutions, renewed promises...it’s a lot to take EDITOR IN on all at one time. It’s a lot of pressure and a lot of stress and sometimes all I want to do is CHIEF get a really thick blanket, wrap myself in it, and curl up in a ball on the floor. (Actually, I’ve New Year done that before -- it’s quite relaxing, you should try it some time.) ear Heavenly Fa- ly mean it when we say, “New You. Give us the strength we Nevertheless, through all the stress, I still find myself thankful. For one, I’m thankful for a ther, Year, New Me.” Lord, give us need to let go of the habits new start. Yes, I believe that you can have a new start at any time of the year, at any point in I want to signs when You open doors that pull us away from You. thankD You for bringing us all for us to walk through. Allows Help us to realize that of- your life. But having a new year makes it more “official” for me, in a way. (I’ve always been through another year. Thank us to use this year to seize op- ten times, we are using the that type of person haha) You for continu- things we refuse to I’m also thankful for the weather. It’s cold and slippery, true, but it’s also invigorating and ing to work in our let go of as shields refreshing for me -- especially when I’ve been stuck for eight hours indoors. When I step lives despite that to block our bless- outside and the sun shines and I can feel that stinging in the air, it makes me feel very alive. fact that we are not ings. Keep us from (I’ll always love summer a little bit more, of course.) worthy of it. Lord, being tempted by thank You for the sin. I ask that You One more thing I’m really thankful for, and probably one of the most important one, blessings You have keep us from en- is the support system I have. I’m really grateful for all the people in my life, honestly. I’m given us: both seen tertaining stupid- definitely not the best person, I always make mistakes -- whether it be saying something I and unseen. ity. I ask that You shouldn’t have, or getting upset for no good reason -- I mean, we all do these things. I try As we approach act as our con- hard, but I will never be a perfect friend, a perfect daughter, a perfect sister, a perfect stu- this New Year, I ask science, constantly that You be with telling us to turn dent haha -- even though I mess up a lot, I’m so glad that I have family and friends that have us every step of away from evil. stuck with me through it all. And I thank God so often for those people in my life. the way. Allow us Lord, I pray that to make decisions You give us the wis- Anyway, as this year goes by, I hope that you can find many things to be thankful for. that are pleasing to dom and under- Amidst all the messiness that your life consists of -- the sad things that might happen, You. May they be standing we need part of the bigger to get through the the exams that you’re nervous about, the pressure you may be under (whether it be from plan You have set rest of the school yourself or from others) -- amidst all of that, it IS possible to find things to be thankful for for us. Give us con- year. Allow us to -- even the little things. With God, you will be able to stay strong -- you’ll get through all of tinued guidance in get through the it. It sounds a little cliche, but it’s true. And I, for one, believe that. all our future en- rest of this se- deavours. Allow mester with ease. us all to rely on the For many, school Enjoy this issue! plans You have set doesn’t come easy, - Alannah Tjhatra for us, Lord, but I but I ask that You also ask that You enable us the abil- give us the drive we ity to get through it need to achieve the goals we portunities that will help us anyways. have set for ourselves in the go farther in life: opportuni- Father God, I pray a prayer New Year. Help us to actual- ties that will help us grow in of protection for our families 4 5 and friends. Keep all we love from year that is enriched by our fami- ship with You. Remind us every their mouth. With too strong but the hands of the Devil. Give them lies and friends, and most impor- day of the potential that You have me being so par- too weak….We insight on the plans You have for tantly, You. instilled in us, and allow us to un- ticular, I’ve always are far too easi- them as well, that they may know Forgive us of the past times lock that potential and do great wanted to be more ly pleased.” This Your ways. I ask that You put peo- when we have transgressed things. spontaneous, but means that, as hu- ple in our lives who will bring us against You. Forgive us of the mo- I ask that You provide us with of course, every man beings, we closer to You, and then give us ments when we thought we didn’t all our needs. I ask that You make year, I find a rea- make goals that people who we can bring closer to need You, and tried to go our own 2018 a year that is rich in family, son to stay where are easy to accom- You. way. I ask that You help us to de- friends, experiences, good deci- I feel “safe”. Just plish. They are Father, I ask that You keep us sire the plans that You have for sion-making, and blessings. Be like going to the goals that are un- from swaying in our faith in You; us, and to long for Your constant with us in our upcoming trials gym and eating worthy. This year, keep us on the path to righteous- presence. Help us to block out the and tribulations. May we remem- healthier, improv- my only goal is to ness, that we may be able to see voice of the Devil and to remem- ber the plans You have for us. ing my relation- set bigger dreams You soon. Stop us when You see ber the promises You have made Give us spiritual healing, making ship with God for 2018. I want to us acting as stumbling blocks to to us, reminding us that You will us new creations in Christ’s name. always makes its take my relation- those around us. Give us endur- make all things new, that the old This I pray, way on the list. In ship with God to ance for the course that You have has passed. Lord, I ask that You Amen. the beginning of another level. I us taking this year. Keep us from keep us from allowing our past to the year, I am on a want to take what distractions; allow us all to have a hold us back from a real relation- spiritual high, do- I know and devel- ing my devotion- op it even deeper. als every morning I want to worship and evening, and God so that I can HOPE actually spending have a delightful MALABRIGO quality time with encounter with God. For some the Divine. We reason, by the easily lose per- middle of the year, spective and hu- New Year, the “high” begins man tendency to decrease. Daily myself up for more. is to shrink the devotionals end up being done I’ve always wondered why res- horizon that our dreams inspire. every other day, and instead of olutions were never met. Was it My goal this year is to experience spending one hour a day, I find because my goals were just un- God’s global and cosmic vision. shorter devotionals to accommo- realistic? After pondering on this I hope that we can all achieve New Me date for my “busy” schedule. our minor goals, but, I suspect question, I realized that maybe 017, came and left, didn’t want to make any res- end of the year, I gain more The thing about resolutions it’s because I keep fixing my eyes that a lot of things won’t go as and now we face olutions. weight than I should have is that we hope to see these im- on aspirations that are not aspi- planned. Fortunately, God ig- another year. Every My typical list would con- lost. Another thing that provements by the end of the rational -- and quite frankly, they nores the limitations to our tiny year,2 I find myself making sist of getting back to the would be my resolution is year, but many times, we get dis- dreams and instead is interested are unworthy of my best efforts New Year’s resolutions, but gym and eating healthy. I trying new things -- being couraged by the results that we and ability to hope and dream. in the improvements that are be- I don’t actually complete would always plan to go to more adventurous. I am the get. This year, I told myself that A lot of the things that I want to yond our comprehension. God is them other than during the the gym consistently and type of person who likes to I wouldn’t bother taking the time accomplish are simply not “grand “making all things new” and His first month of the year. I’m stick to a workout plan. I stay within what I know. to make resolutions because I enough”. Sure, losing weight and vision is recorded in Revelation always motivated to get to make meal plans and try to I hate stepping out of my know that I would not be able skydiving are not necessarily un- 21. God is revealing to us that the gym or to eat healthy incorporate salads into my comfort zone. I’m the per- to actually accomplish them. I realistic, but rather, maybe I’ve He is already at work in heaven, for the first three weeks, diet. For some reason, after son who finds it mind-bog- wanted to avoid adding expec- set my sights far too low. and He is inviting us to join in. As but then, one day I slip, and two weeks of consistency, gling to mix the sauces in the tations to a list that was already C.S. Lewis makes the point we worship, may we be inspired from one that day, it turns I slip and my daily routine cafeteria. I don’t understand going to leave me disappointed. clearly: “It would seem that to dream bigger dreams- dream into the next eleven months. turns out to be a once-a- how anyone would want to Life’s inevitable failures are plen- our Lord finds our desires not with the hope that “a new heaven But, this year, I decided I week routine -- and by the have different tastes burst in tiful enough without me setting and a new earth” is promised. 6 7 CARALYNN bricks with mortar, dried mor- mountain would leave the cam- Abiud would tell the children Bi- tar, or rocks. As the buildings in- pus. Meanwhile, all the other stu- ble stories in Spanish. Then Abi- CHAN & creased in height, we would form dents would stay at the academy ud would end with a prayer. Next, KIMBERLY stacks of the structural bricks to campus and resume their work. we would split the kids into two JUNSAY MISSION TRIP stand on and placed pieces of lum- To get to the VBS programs, groups. One group would play ber on top of them to walk across. Chante would drive us to the games such as ‘What time is it Mr. Electrical outlets, wiring, lights, mountain in a large white van Wolf,’ ‘Simon Says,’ or ‘Stella-El- and pipes were installed. Students that belonged to the academy. We la-Ola.’ The other group would would dig trenches in the ground would walk to a certain yellow complete the craft for the day, 2 0 1 8 to fit the pipes and some of the painted house with a pergola par- usually given in a paper bag they t is said that learning would all rotate between con- guys helped build the roof. We allel to it. It was surrounded by the could take home with crayons and is done best through structing the buildings, helping did complete the structure of the gorgeous scenery of the gentle sky, sometimes beads. It was invigorat- experience. On a prepare the hearty food, cleaning building, but we were unable to lush green trees, rich brown earth, ing to see the smiles on so many frigid IJanuary 3, 2018, at 5:30 up after delicious meals, prepar- paint the buildings because time and vibrant flowers. The children children’s faces when given simple am, 28 students from Kingsway ing crafts for the attentive chil- and our schedule did not permit would arrive and we would set out crafts and cut-out animals. They College embarked on a journey dren who would attend the VBS, it. plastic and wooden seats for them truly understood the meaning of that took place on bus, plane, and supervising/helping with the After working for a few hours, to sit on. The Kingsway students being content with what you have. then bus again. We were escap- VBS activities every day. I was we would take a break from our and some of the students from the At the end of the work week, ing the harsh winters of Canada placed in a group with Kimberly various jobs around the acade- academy would sing songs in En- around thirty children came to the and going to Tesopaco, Mexico, and Davia, two amazing students my campus and eat lunch. Then glish such as ‘Father Abraham,’ as final VBS program on Tuesday. with its beautiful above-20 de- here at Kingsway College. the groups that prepared the VBS well as Spanish songs. Two of the We were sad to leave them, but gree weather. There as represen- The main construction work materials and were chosen to help girls from the academy, Lisbeth we left them memories and brown tatives of the Kingsway College was done in the gruelling heat of out with the VBS program on the (who has come to Kingsway) and bags with crafts, toothbrushes and collective, we would construct the day. First, a concrete founda- two more quaint buildings for a tion was put in place. There were Working at the construction site Finished product blossoming high school academy piles of materials in different lo- in Tesopaco. One building would cations on the academy land, so serve as a lovely extension of the many of us would have to help high school academy for students transfer structural bricks from to learn, while the other build- one place to the next. Structural ing would be a new home for the bricks are hollow clay bricks that benevolent owners of the land, were developed to allow the use Frances and Isaac. of reinforcing the brick by filling Every morning, everyone it with stone or mortar to en- would gather in the designated hance the structural characteris- chapel for a thought-provok- tics of the brick. ing devotional talk from Mr. We had to make sure that we Wilkins, as well as to find out in- carefully aligned all of the struc- formation about the various ac- tural bricks by using a piece of tivities of the day. Then we would white string as a guide. Other enjoy breakfasts that consisted of students would sift rocks from cereals, toasts, fruits, pancakes, the soil using a sifter that could and oatmeal prepared by some be used by four people. The sift- students, volunteers, and some of ed soil would be used to create the Kingsway staff such as Mrs. a mortar mixture in a machine, Pilapil, Mr. T, Mrs. Campos, and and then we would use the mor- Mrs. Babida. Next, us students tar to make sure that the bricks

1: Caralynn were split into groups, where we stayed in place. We would fill in 8 9 toothpaste, crayons, and cut-out las or tacos, and desserts such as versations with each other, take English after their school time. Toes’ song. Chante would write ter that, Kim, Davia, and I would animals. nieves (NYAY-vess) which can showers, or play games. The children soaked up informa- the English words using coloured say ‘amarillo’ (ah-mah-REE-yo), When nightfall started ap- be translated to ice-cream in Es- At the academy, we had rooms tion like sponges, and they were pencils on white pieces of paper which translates to ‘yellow’ in In- proaching, we would wrap up panol. We could relax in groups to sleep in with smooth concrete so respectful when we taught for the children to have visuals. glés (‘English’ in Spanish). One our activities for the day and then of at least four. Then we would floors, which we had to sleep on them. One day we went through She would set up the program so time, Chante allowed us to teach go have dinner. After dinner, the all come together to hear a devo- using sleeping bags and mats. the basic steps on how to start that the children would say the by playing hand games such as Kingsway staff allowed the stu- tional talk from Mr. Wilkins that There were showers that refreshed a conversation with someone word in English while Kim, Da- ‘Concentration,’ where we would dents to roam the nearby town to would end the day. Our lights-out us with generally cold water, and in English. We taught them the via, and I could repeat it in Span- list body parts such as ‘cabeza’ buy items such as small firecrack- time was at 10:00 pm every night, toilets that we had to manually Alphabet Song to help them re- ish. For example, Chante would (k-aab-Eh-s-aa) which means ers, food like delectable quesadil- so that gave us time to have con- flush by pouring a bucket of wa- member the ABC’s in English, hold up a paper that had the ‘head,’ colours such as ‘morado’ the ‘Days of the Week’ song, and word yellow written on it and the (more-ahh-doe) which means the ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees, and children would say ‘yellow.’ Af- ‘purple,’ and days of the week

‘The irony of serving others is that you are the one that ends up being more blessed from the experience.”

ervice, not fame.” Our not have to be in a foreign coun- school’s motto is on our try. It can be lived here in Can- logo, and subsequently, ada, in our home, and at school. it Sis placed on the back of every For the sake of curiosity, what school Chromebook #edugear. does it look like to live out this So, it’s not hard to attend King- motto in a country far from friendly students and the without complaining. We would sway College and not see or hear home, where the people there people of Mexico who play games such as Mafia with this motto -- but is it harder to do not speak the same language welcomed us with open them during our flex time. Their attend Kingsway College and live as you, where the laws, food, and arms. Many of them kind attitudes and sincere smiles out service, not fame? When the culture are completely different did speak some English made us feel at home, even when opportunity to go on the mission than what you are used to? and were patiently try- we were completely out of our el- trip to Tesopaco, Mexico, was The focus of this motto is ing to understand what ement. We also bonded by shar- presented to me, I was hesitant to the mission, but what is the pur- we were trying to con- ing our different interests such as sign up -- the expense, the time pose? Is it for yourself, for God, vey despite the language music or art. In the end, we were away from school that I would or for others? barriers. They taught us sad to leave them, but many of miss, and the mountain of home- Before anything, get your pri- many words in Spanish us exchanged our Snapchat and work that was sure to be waiting orities straight. When you go on such as ‘frío’ which means Instagram usernames or emails for me when I came back -- it a mission trip, you are going to ‘cold’, ‘siesta’ which means with the students at the acade- made me not want to go. I didn’t serve others and do God’s work. ‘an afternoon rest,’ and my to keep in touch. Some of us sign up at first, but when I heard The irony of serving others is that ‘escuela’ which means had tearful goodbyes and we gave the announcement that there you are the one that ends up be- ‘school.’ They were willing them gifts, donated clothes to the were still a few spots available, I ing more blessed from the expe- to show us a good time academy for the children, and felt this was a second chance and rience. The intentions of us being around Mexico -- espe- donated pesos, which is the cur- ter in the toilet bowl. It made us I took it. Maybe you also consid- there to serve those in Teso Paco cially around the bustling town at rency in Mexico. grateful and more appreciative of ered going on this trip, but then resulted in children, students, night -- and learn about Canada In addition, my group -- Kim, the everyday appliances we have decided against it; we all have staff, and people of the town while they taught us about Mexi- Davia and I -- occasionally as- in Canada that we often take for personal reasons for our deci- blessing us with their great kind- can culture. The girls in the acad- sisted Chante, the enrolment granted. sions. However, we can make ness, love and happiness. This emy graciously shared their one advisor at Kingsway, in teach- The main highlight for me on the decision every day to live out was especially true in the rural this trip was interacting with the shower with the Kingsway girls ing some of the young children 2: Kimberly “Service, not fame,” and it does areas where we had a VBS pro- 10 11 gram; it was amazing to see those instead of Spanish (like I did.) handful of elementary students for us to appreciate the things we happy, smiling faces. We spent time There were times when it was English while we were there. In take for granted here in Cana- with the children at VBS, teaching difficult to communicate with these classes, we went over the da. Again, how can you live out them songs, telling them stories, the students, children, and citi- days of the week, the colours, the motto “Service, not fame?” and helping them make crafts. zens of Tesopaco -- it took a lot the alphabet, and the numbers From this mission trip, I learned Even when we couldn’t complete- of charades and any Spanish that in English -- and in the process, that in order to serve others, you ly speak to them in their language, we could remember from watch- we were also learning Spanish. must be willing to have an open they still felt that we truly cared for ing Dora the Explorer. Despite When learning a new language mind, perhaps you might even them. We felt a sense of satisfac- this, we were able to connect, or experiencing something new, have to learn a new language or tion at seeing them smile and laugh make friends, and create mem- sometimes you have to go out- culture. When you take the time while we played games, especially ories with the people there. My side of your comfort zone. On to show others you care, then the those that required no equipment friends and I were able to learn this trip, we went outside of our focus is no longer on “fame” but like “Duck, Duck, Goose,” and some Spanish from students at comfort zone because we were on “serving” someone other than “Stella, Ella, Olla” -- contrast this to the school, and we also helped away from some of the luxu- yourself. This will open your eyes all the games, toys, entertainment, them with their English. ries that we are used to back at to different people, cultures, and and electronic equipment we have Another ironic situation was home, such warm showers, our ways of life, and it will help you in Canada. during the English classes -- beds, and privacy, just to name to greatly understand, help, and The VBS program was a good my group and I helped teach a a few. This experience was good serve others. Gracias! break from the construction work, which at times was hard and back-breaking work in the heat of the day. On the first day, the num- ber of times the kitchen staff was asked when lunch was ready would amount to the number hours some spent sifting dirt. Despite it being hard work, it was good work, and most importantly it was God’s work. Mexico is very different from Canada -- with the culture shock some of us had, there is no doubt about it. The differences go

beyond the landscape -- though Mex- ico has the most beautiful mountains and sunrises I have ever seen, it also extends to the people there and how they live -- from the way they greet loved ones by kissing each other on the cheeks to their friendly way of “Serve the with ; come before greeting people on the road. Lord gladness However, the language barrier in Mexico (as they speak Spanish) soon became a problem for many of us. If His prescence with singing.” you are like me and only took French as a second language in school, then you might find yourself accidentally Psalm 100:2 responding to someone in French 12 13 ANONYMOUS ANONYMOUS 1. 3. I see The pain S The cuts on my skin Prods like a stabbing stick The hurt that they bring And bruises like a hurled stone T The life that I’ve lived The pain I count Weeps I The pounds on the scale Slashes The things that I’ve failed Cuts She never cared… The days till my end Stabs Just to make me think she cared for me. C I hear Laughs All she did was lie. I never knew she lied. K The people that laugh To keep from crying The gossip that spreads And she was good at it. She lied a lot now that I think about it. My mind screaming, “help” 4. “I do care for you.” S I feel I know I must say, … The pain in my soul That nobody likes Pfffft. & The endless black hole The way that I am She’s a master at her art. The flood of dead tears Including myself If you did care, S

Like Van Gogh and his paint. 2. Sticks I wouldn’t be thinking that you didn’t. T They say it’s all in my head And stones. She got me caring for her like no one else. It’s nothing to fear So stop lying to yourself. O It’s nothing to dread Sticks And she knew about it too. They say, “Get over it now,” And It’s scarring that person around you. N “Stop begging for love,” Stones. But she didn’t care. “Life’s too short to pout.” And it hurts him more than you think. E They say Sticks All she did was It’s all sticks and stones & You just don’t care enough to see it. S Stones. Say something to make me feel good about And I guess it’s true. myself,

14 15 make a determination instead. things are possible. Joshua 1:9-10 at a time. Determination is an action word, alludes to this concept: “Have I In conclusion, strive to make and in order to achieve your not commanded you? Be strong 2018 a year of success! It’s not go- goals drastic action has to be tak- and courageous. Do not be ing to be easy, but make realistic The Solution for en. Many people are familiar with afraid; do not be discouraged, for determinations and work togeth- the saying all talk and little action. the Lord your God will be with er with God to achieve them. I This is the year of commitments, you wherever you go.” Include want to share my favourite verse achievements, and accomplish- God in your New Years and work with you from Proverbs 21:31. ments. One needs to stop talking cohesively with Him to grow and “The horse is prepared for the day Your Resolution about their goals and start work- prosper in all your future endeav- of battle but deliverance is of the ing towards them. ors. Take action, do your part, Lord.” You can write down all the People need to understand that and let God do the rest. goals you want and you can work a determination works hand in One’s positive attitude is also your hardest to achieve them, hand with a realistic goal. Set a vital for the accomplishment of but God has the final decision in goal that is achievable with a de- any set goal. One should cease the end. He knows what is best t is December 31 at 11:59, CLESHA vised plan. An unrealistic goal any pessimistic mindset because for you, and if your goal was not everyone is huddled can lead to anger and frustration it will discourage any potential achieved, do not consider it a fail- FELICIEN around their phones, al- because the chances of an accom- progress. People need to believe ure -- count it as God’s will. God lowingI excitement to run freely plishment are very slim. Your a target can be reached and work wants what is best for you and if through their veins and muscles. goals do not have to be easy, they towards it. If you discourage you allow Him to work through Agitated hands tap against the just have to be attainable. yourself by reminiscing on how your life, success is guaranteed. table, creating a rhymndom as One has full control over their hard your goal is, your chances of So put away the resolutions and the seconds are counted down. decisions and actions. Strive to achieving success are very slim. make a committed determina- Enthusiastic hands grip a fresh make the right choice and do Think of each day as a step closer tion to accomplish your aspira- glass of Welch’s sparkling juice not give up, because with God all to your goal and take it one step tions in 2018. ready to toast to the New Year the Adventist way. Hooray! is the cry heard around the globe CASSIA of the stress from everything is as the New Year emerges before MOHNS just coming to me and building everyone’s eyes. a huge sand castle -- the stress Then stage two comes into is the sand, and the castle is the play: the resolutions. Plans to Stressed pile-up of all the stress com- better one’s self in the coming bined. Sometimes it gets so high year -- people’s desire to work and heavy that I drop, and all I out, eat healthier, get better want is to forget about school. grades, etc. They have the mind- I don’t know about you, but I set that 2018 would magical- Out know that I have to work -- I’m ly change their determination, not complaining about working erase their procrastination and -- in fact, I like my job. I work exterminate limitations. After for SA (Student Association) and a week into the New Year they get to help plan events and ban- realize they have already broken quets. But sometimes, the tasks their resolution. So, is there a Yet? from school and my job get too solution for their resolution? tressed out yet? Most of us students are stressful. Altogether I have five The elucidation is very sim- going to be stressed out of our minds very jobs: I tutor a boy on a street, as ple and highly comprehendable. soon, if not now. I know that for myself as well as another girl. I babysit for a This year, one needs to abandon wellS as lots of my friends, the stresses from school, family twice every month, I work the concept of resolutions and jobs, friends and relationships seem to be catching for Kingsway, and I also work at up with us all at once. Sometimes, it feels like all a pool every Tuesday for almost 16 17 back to work and do some more. SHINE Another easy and fun way to SOKI reduce the amount of stress you have is to go out with friends and laugh. You know how people say that it’s easier to smile than to Exam Week s a kid, I used to out for no actual good reason. As I’m pulling myself frown because it takes more mus- look at high school Last week I was scrolling through this exam week, it cles to frown? Well, that isn’t ac- and fancy it as through my calendar, count- is getting harder and hard- tually true. There is no scientist beingA this big place where ing down the days until sum- er not to let school get to me that can state whether or not it grown-ups can go and do mer vacation, when it dawned and stress me out. I’m looking takes fewer muscles to smile than whatever they want. Little did on me. It’s only the first se- at my workload and all the to frown. However, it is proven I know that this “high school” mester and exams are right material from all my classes that in order to smile, it takes 3 hours. It may not seem like a have hallucinations and impaired that I was romanticizing so around the corner! I was so fo- that I need to review, and it’s at least twelve muscles while a lot, but it is -- especially trying to judgement. Stress can also cause much would one day grow to cused on how badly I wanted hard not to panic. However, frown takes eleven muscles. Al- fit in homework, sleep, going out our emotions to go absolutely be the bane of my existence. school to end -- I didn’t even amongst this storm that all though smiling uses one more with friends, and having time to crazy. One minute we might be Yes, I said it: high school is notice that in order for me to high school students are go- muscle, it is obvious that humans myself to just relax. happy, and the next, we are cry- currently the absolute bane get to grad weekend, I have to ing through at this time, one smile more than they do frown. A few weeks ago for chapel, we ing because we are so scared of of my existence. I do not deny get past all of my exams! piece of advice that I would Therefore, our body is used to had a lady come from York Uni- the next day. In our behaviour, the fact that I absolutely need One thing that keeps me give to all my peers is to just smiling, and that is why it is easi- versity to talk to us about anxiety stress causes loss of appetite and my high school education so going during the gruelling keep pushing and working er to smile than to frown. It takes and depression. She informed us no longer wanting to talk to peo- that I can further my steps to exam week is the idea that hard. Hard work always pays more energy to frown than smile that anxiety can come from many ple -- it can even cause people to becoming something great in one day, all my hard work and off in the end, no matter how because our body has gotten used things, but the main one is usual- act out violently. the future. However, there are good grades will finally pay long it takes. Another piece of to smiling at least ten times more ly stress. I don’t know how every- I know that all of us have stress times when I just want to kick off. One thing that fuels me is advice that I would give to all than frowning. one here deals with their stress, -- whether it is from not having school and hurt it as much as knowing that I can work hard students is not to get discour- I know that stress seems to but I do know that you have to enough time at the gym, or pro- it sometimes hurts me. Now in school, get far in my edu- aged when we don’t see im- mostly be a negative thing. But, have a way to deal with it. For me, crastinating on school work un- don’t get me wrong, I truly do cation, and one day be able to mediate results. As the saying having mild stress about some I’ve always liked to write. I don’t til just before exams. Stress can love learning. I love the idea save lives. On the days when I goes: “Good things come to things such as a project or pre- know if it’s because my grade one be mild, or it can be dangerous. of my brain being drenched feel small and insignificant, I those who wait.” Sometimes sentation is actually normal. And teacher used to ask us to write Sometimes, too much stress can with knowledge and informa- like to look at the bigger pic- the best things in life take in my opinion, without a little a story a month, or because my lead to very scary things. Some tion and brilliant ideas. How- ture, knowing that one day a bit longer to develop and stress, we aren’t going to be able grade six teacher asked us to ways to relieve yourself of stress ever, I do not enjoy certain as- things will all make sense and grow. Those who are hasty to to know what our best actually is. journal in class and write stories can be simply doing one thing at pects of school that stress me fall into place. get the things they want often You see, if you don’t stress over and share them. However, writ- a time. If you left all of your final doing well on your tests and you ing is my way of relieving myself projects till the last minute and just wing them all, you’ll never from all of my stress. Writing it you’re trying to do them all at know how smart you really are. I out allows me to see what is both- once, the most probable reality is hope you get my meaning. Stress ering me, and, in a way, control that not even one of them is going can be good in small doses. But it and organize it. to be done well. You’re not going can be dangerous and lead to seri- Our stress is categorized into to do your best if you multi-task ous anxiety and depression prob- four different groups: body,(especially when you’re doing lems if it gets to be a lot. So, if you mind, emotions, and behaviour. your projects while listening to are dealing with too much stress, Stress is categorized into these music or watching movies.) I write about it, talk to someone, groups because these are the four suggest to do your projects one at eat properly and exercise -- but different “stations” that our stress a time, take it slow, and do your most importantly pray and talk has an effect on. In our body, best on each one. Once you’re to God, because He is our only stress can cause headaches, eat- done one, take a break. Go to hope. ing disorders, breathlessness, and the gym, do some exercise, and more. It can cause our mind to eat some healthy food. Then, get 18 19 end up receiving lousy results. As good things take time, and once midst of all the hustle and bustle the reason why he never listened Another reason accepted for fact that every single person is human beings we like to live in we all learn that lesson, life will of everyday school life, it is often to the courses was so he could my argument is that many uncon- ruled by this implication explains the now -- we want what we want be more joyful and promising. very difficult to see the light at the memorize all the terms and plots sciously neglect other factors that why we often persuade ourselves when we want it. However, after Ten, twenty or even thirty years end of the tunnel. However, as I of the stories so well that he didn’t contribute to success. Psycholo- or others. Owing to this valid ev- my four years in high school, I from now, I want to be able to look to the future and all the po- even need to go over them again gists have discovered an interest- idence, your brain is just deceiv- am learning every day that some- look back at my high school ex- tential opportunities and doors during the class. Thus, some peo- ing phenomenon that transpires ing you and trying to make you times what we want right away perience and be able to smile and that will one day be open to me, ple just make their claims too when people are self-indicating feel better while deciding to deny isn’t always what is best for us. proudly say “ I wouldn’t change a it makes the stress and chaos of early before they really know the other’s success as a coincidence other people’s effort and flare as Also, just because you haven’t re- thing.” I want to leave high school school worth every effort. true situation and the story be- in order to fulfill their own con- factors of their success and mag- ceived your reward for your hard saying that “I conquered high hind those successful people. sent and balance in mind. The nify the function of luck. work does not mean that your re- school” rather than “high school ward won’t eventually come. All conquered me.” Being in the

FAITH CHLOE O’BRADY XU Nature & Wings Lucky Dogs he sun was bright in bottles. The fairies knew that in shock but then realized the crystal blue sky. they were never allowed to that, if they extended the fac- hen talking Foremost, a certain happiness. Therefore, for the Not a cloud was go anywhere near the fac- tory, they might all get more presentT and it seemed to be tory, but that didn’t stop the money. As they made a plan about the suc- amount of the population latter occasion, you cannot cess of other has an idea that success can say that the person as suc- the perfect day. She looked workers from going into the of what they would do, ev- people,W many people simply sometimes result from luck cessful since there is a lack of up and took a deep breath. meadow. erything seemed to be falling summarize other people’s’ -- it was a mingling the con- meaning in his achievement She looked at the flowers One day, three workers into place. accomplishments with the cept of success and coinci- that cannot bring him to the that decorated the earth, the stumbled upon the meadow Little did they know that a comment of, “ He was just dence. Normally, “success” stage of success. animals that inhabited it, and due to a mistake. Instead of little fairy named Flutter was the lucky dog.” There is the is a word that describes a Another reason consid- the humans that destroyed it. taking a left to go into the listening to every word they question of whether luck stage where a person has ered is that a great propor- Her wings flitted quickly and city, they had taken a right said from a rose bush not so should be considered as a arrived through their en- tion of people that assert her eyes grew sad. and found their way into the far away. factor that attributes to suc- deavours and inherent in- luck as a factor of success Flutter was a young fairy beautiful meadow. Their eyes She rushed to the fairy vil- cess -- it is a controversial telligence. Under such cir- mistakenly consider “en- that lived in one of the most grew wide when they saw it. lage and flew faster than she topic for ordinary people, cumstances, luck cannot be deavours” as “luck” for they beautiful meadows in the The flowers were all over the ever had before. She looked and it is, indeed, a popular counted as a factor because fail to see those endeavours. world. She grew up learning green grass and the air was for someone on the fairy issue that has been discussed it failed to fulfill the standard It is reasonable for you to say that the only things humans fresh. council but found no one by extraordinary philoso- which indicates that success the word “lucky” about that did were destroy the earth “I never knew the factory that could make a great dif- phers as well. However, I up- was a result of a series of fac- outstanding student in your and pollute the beautiful gift was so close to this. I wonder ference about this. She was hold the idea that there is no tors that are adherent to the class because that person God had given them. She how no one ever noticed?” A about to give up when she significant relation between person. As a demonstration, seemingly attends every sin- wished that someday hu- man called Dan asked in sur- saw Silver, the leader of the luck and success for three the difference between a mil- gle party and is never awake mans would realize that what prise. council. reasons: lionaire who accumulates during English class. I have they were doing was wrong. “I wonder why no one “Silver! Thank goodness 1. People misinterpret the his properties with his aim once encountered a typical She tried to always treat the comes here?” Another man, I found you,” she said. “I definition of success. in managing a big company classmate who was in just the earth with respect and love, Stefan, asked as he looked at need your help.” As she con- 2. Luck is just a necessary and a millionaire who won exact situation as mentioned but sadly her beautiful home the beautiful surroundings. tinued talking, the leader’s outcome for the effort. a lottery was not only the above. However, it turns out was doomed. “Yes, we should tell them, face slowly dropped down 3. People are neglecting way that they obtained their to be that he spent nearly A few miles away there they could extend the facto- from the smile she once had, the other factors that lead to money, but also the subtle four hours to do a review at was a factory that dealt with ry!” the last man, Blake, said. changing into a sad and very success. distinction of their feeling of his house every night. And making things like plastic The other two looked at him concerned expression. 20 21 “We must get all the fairies out do this I will give you the “Are you a fairy?” The girl he asks her to travel with him -- from travelling south. The swal- beside the trash bin. As the most of here,” Silver said. strength you need to help your asked. Flutter nodded. that’s selfish. low realizes his death is coming precious thing, both of them have “What? We must do something fellow fairies, only if you realize “My name is Em, want to be my Meanwhile, the Happy Prince soon -- it’s the end of his life, so been taken by the angels. The to stop them!” But sadly the an- not all humans are bad.” friend?” she said. Flutter nodded lives in the palace -- he has nev- he asks to kiss the hand of Hap- swallow starts singing in Eden, swer she got was not very Flutter agreed to give the hu- and realized this human did not er heard about pain or the poor. py Prince. But the Happy Prince and the Happy Prince lives in the pleasing to her. mans a second chance and the want to attack her or hurt her. She When he dies, he is built up as says, “You should kiss my mouth, gold city, worshipping God. I’m “There is nothing we can do.” voice agreed to give her strength. smiled as the little girl agreed to a statue covered with fine gold. because I love you.” The swal- not sure if this ending is a sad one Their heads hung down. She went by the bulldozers and keep her new friend a secret, and Standing up on the high hill, the low kisses his lips quickly and or a good one. And I’m not sure The fairies could hear the bull- held up a rose in her hand. All the the fairy saw that not all humans statue becomes the sign of the dies beside his feet. The heart of if the swallow likes the Nile bet- dozers coming from miles away. bulldozers stopped. The floor was were bad -- some humans treated city. He finally gets the chance to the Happy Prince is also broken ter or Eden. I seriously doubt the Flutter was crying, as she was suddenly covered in mud. the earth with more respect than know pain and the poor. into pieces -- just like the famous Happy Prince is happy to be back about to leave with the rest of her “You told me that this land was even the fairies. She also realized The swallow comes, and they quote by Oscar Wilde: “The heart to a “golden city” surrounded by family and friends -- but some- perfect, not covered in mud!” the the voice that was talking to her start talking with each other. The was made to be broken”. endless wealth. thing stopped her. It was a voice. man screamed. Then in the was God. She continued talking swallow tells the Happy Prince The story is beautiful, the dic- Wilde used to say: “There are “Flutter, I made this land for corner of Flutter’s eye, she saw to the voice and even started about the beauty of the Nile, the tion is fancy. The story is ironic only two tragedies in life: one is everyone to live in peace and a little girl. She approached the praying to him and worshipping large lotus flowers, the happy life. because it is about a rich man (the not getting what one wants, and harmony, but if you leave you will child slowly and the child looked him, she even began introducing And the Happy Prince tells him Happy Prince) showing empathy the other is getting it.” So I guess not back. some of her friends to him. They the story about rich and the poor. to the poor man (the swallow). the only happiness is the pathway be doing your part.” The voice “Are you a human?” Flutter lived happily in the meadow for a He asks the swallow to give the But, I cannot see any “comments” between “getting it” and “not get- said. “You are a fairy, and if you said. The little girl nodded. long long time. ruby, the sapphire from his eye, about the love between the swal- ting it,” and the gold from his body to low and the Happy Prince though Wilde was talented, and he the poor. After all that, the Hap- his words. had no shame in calling himself a KEVIN py Prince becomes a blind, ugly, The end of this story is: the genius. “The public is wonderful- ZENG metal statue. ugly statue has been destroyed ly tolerant. It forgives everything The swallow and the Happy and rebuilt. The heart which but genius.” He said. Prince get to know one another, could not be melted has been Oscar Wilde and this slows down the swallow thrown away with the dead bird scar Wilde has popular playwrights. But he ternoon, the best mood for Oscar Wilde written many was taken to court because of this story. I think this is one works in his short his special “friendship” with of his most famous works. legendaryO life. But I’ve barely some guy. They put him into A swallow who has no ex- read them because most of prison. After that, he lost ev- perience about relationships the things I’ve heard about erything -- his wealth, his falls in love with a reed. He him was just gossip. He was family…. Oscar Wilde used asks her for love but finds impetuous and talented. The to say: “I’ll be famous, and out that the two are not com- first time he travelled to the if not famous, I’ll be notori- patible. He thinks the reed U.S, a customs officer asked ous.” I guess he did become is cheating on him with the him if he had anything to notorious. wind. declare. His brief response, Most of the reputation of We can forgive him for his stated with pride, was: “I Wilde (good or bad) came misunderstanding of love. have nothing to declare ex- from his life, his works are But his love is blind, his love cept my genius.” not what continues to make is selfish, -- he knows the dif- He was successful in ev- him a well-known person to ference between himself and ery place, novella, short sto- this day. the reed, but still asks her for ry, and poem. “Famous and I still remember that af- love. He knows that the reed successful” is the best de- ternoon when I opened cannot leave that place, and scription of him, he even be- his short story “The Happy he knows that the reed can- came one of London’s most Prince” -- it was a rainy af- not leave her home. But still, 22 23 JOVI-ANN t’s the New Year, guys! voted Homecoming King or hot or cold. It’s the same with they show no sympathy. They while on the other hand, your ALEXANDER We made it through Queen. People you haven’t friendships. You cannot be a just explain to you, “Bro, ball is friend has forgotten you were 2017! Many things talked to in a billion years friend indoors and a strang- life.” That’s a double whammy even born. happenedI for different peo- start talking to you about er outdoors, the same way right there. You just failed a test Second of all, if that friend ple. Whether it be a new re- past memories that never you can’t act like a Christian and found out that your friend is betrays you, you are gonna be lationship, a breakup, or you happened! indoors, but be a different trash. Oh, and don’t forget, if you depressed. That’s bad. For you got your teeth pulled out -- Or maybe you’re friends person outside the church don’t help them, they throw the to have a good friendship, your it happened. And through with a person’s crush, so they doors. If a “friend” won’t be guilt card at you. values have to be intact. You all of those good times and use you to get closer to them. seen with you in public, they Like, “So our friendship means can’t have a good relationship if bad times, who was there These are terrible bonds. shouldn’t be with you in pri- nothing then,” or “I would help you don’t know WHAT is good. for you? Congratulations! You know why? Because the vate. you if this happened,” even What is good is a relationship You guessed right. Your next day, another person will A real friend implies to though we all know they won’t do with God. Proverbs 18:24 says, friends were. People tend to walk into school with pizza you that everything revolves a thing. “One who has unreliable friends under-appreciate their true and apparently they share around them. Not really -- soon comes to ruin, but there is friends, but love off their fake There’s a saying that goes, a friend who sticks closer than a ones. And when the the New “There is nothing tougher than brother.” That friend is Jesus. He Year comes and they switch a diamond.” I personally treat will never let you down. He is up on you, you cry into your friendship like a precious dia- your forever friend. Have Jesus as true friends’ shoulders say- mond. If the relationship is real, it your friend and all relationships ing, “I just thought they were won’t break under pressure. But if will fall into place. You can’t have real, you know?” Well, in it’s a fake one, it will shatter quite a friendship if the boat has a hole. this article, I’m gonna show Friendship: easily. If you feel unsure about The ship will sink very quickly. So you how to look out for fake friends. There are some signs to the same memory as you and that a trait of a fake friend. look out for if you are mak- your “friend”. This is called a Let’s say that a teacher is al- ing sure a friendship is real. “give or go” friendship. If the lowing you to finish your For starters, notice how the person doesn’t get anything, test, but you can only do it friend makes time for you or the friendship doesn’t mean at a certain time or you lose doesn’t make time for you. anything. your chance. You have five Is it Real, or Nah? Really watch for it when you minutes to get to the class and a friend are talking. Are One of the worst expe- and you are almost there, but they listening, or are they just riences to have in a friend- your “friend” runs up to you hearing? You could be telling ship is when a “friend” will frantically and tells you that a friendship right now, there is patch it up or get a new ship and your friend that you failed only acknowledge your very something is wrong. You be- a high possibility that it’s a fake have smooth sailing with Jesus as your chemistry test and they existence when there is no lieve them and you drop your one. Therefore, don’t put all your the Captain. might just look at you, nod one else to witness them in- things and go with them. trust into that friend because and say “That’s great!” teracting with you. That of- They take you to the wash- they are bound to backstab you. Unfortunately, that’s a sign ten means that they are em- room and your heart stops A big mistake that many people “True friends are there that points out that your barrassed to be your friend. from what they are about to make is that they revolve their friendship is not so great. They don’t want to hang out tell you. lives around their friends. That Another thing to look out with you because they feel as “O my gosh, I broke my is very unstable. First of all, high when you need them and for is if a friend only talks or if you will put a dent in their nail opening a door!” or if it’s school is only for four years (un- hangs out with you if it bene- reputation. Let me preach your bro, “Fam, do you have less you fail a grade). Your friends when you say you don’t need fits them. For example, if you to you guys for a second: an air pump? My ball is flat.” will move on in life with or with- have a nice box of Popeye’s the Bible says that God spits You try and explain to them out you. You could be making an them, but you kinda do.” and you walk into school out the lukewarm. He wants that you have a test to go effort to keep the friendship be- with it, you might as well be people to choose in or out, to or you’re gonna fail, and cause it’s the centre of your life, 24 25 SETH DORION The Dorm Life January Contest he dorm is a special to most of our eyes when we are because at some time or place, and nothing think about graduation and another they become part of a How many times does the below picture appear in the else quite creates the leaving all of the good times close dorm family, whether it January issue of the Cedar Sentinel? (The below picture sameT atmosphere. For many, as a dorm family behind. That be grade 12 or grade 9, black the dorm is a place to just will be a difficult day for most or white -- we all see each counts also.) eat, sleep, and do homework of us -- and not just because other as the closest family be- Add them up, then drop the given sticky notes (on the Ce- -- but for those who build we are leaving to start a new sides our direct family, but for relationships with the peo- life somewhere else (whether some without a direct family, dar Sentinel table) into the box with 1) your full name ple that they see on a day-to- it is at university, college, or this takes the place of that. and 2) your answer. day basis, the dorm is much anywhere else), but because Even though we see each oth- more to them. It is more of a we will miss each and every er every day and don’t think If you are among the first three people who are drawn out brotherhood than anything one of our friends from the anything much of it, we sure of the box by Alannah and Kacey, you will recieve a prize. else. For me, I will when see the dorm we leave this as a place place. NOTE: We will be taking out names that appear more where I can This place be around all marks a mile- than once in the box. of my best stone in each friends, but and every one can also find of our lives, privacy in my this is where own room, we learn to away from become men everything (in the boy’s else when dorm -- life gets too women in the busy. All of girl’s dorm) my friends and become that live in the dorm make dorm immensely. For some less reliant on our parents’ this place a home away from of us, thinking of life without presence in life, learning to home, and I would hope that this dorm is hard to imagine handle things on our own. I give others the same effect. because we have spent every The dorm teaches us what we The bond between school waking hour in this place and choose to get from it, and you friends and the bond be- have grown accustomed to it. can choose to either learn a lot tween dorm friends could All of the memories we have while here or choose to learn not be more different. We get made here will never be for- nothing. Some of the things a break from friends of the gotten and I guarantee that that it has taught me would community, but our dorm twenty years from now, at our include how to live in close friends become more like reunion, we will be able to proximity to lots of different family. Sure we argue, but pick up a conversation with people. It has taught me how at the end of the day, we are each other right where we left to live on my own and away happy to have them as a dorm it off years ago. The diversity from my parents. It has taught family. The bond that we have of this place truly trains us to me how to budget money and is something that brings tears accept everyone for who they it has shown me exactly what 26 27 necessities are and what things in our loneliness, draws us closer being in the dorm -- like public I truly do not need. The dorm to God. Being away from parents showers and washrooms, as well also seems to bring people clos- there is a void that becomes filled as having one water fountain and er to God in the good times as by other sources such as close having to share everything -- but well as the hard times, because friends. There is a sense of safe- maybe it is a good thing that we at the end of the day everyone ty that you feel in this building learn how to share with one an- needs a relationship with God to when it is filled with friends that other. Overall the dorm is a fami- get them through life. There is a make you truly want to be here, ly that will never be forgotten. certain part of this building that, regardless of all the downsides to

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