It's Already that Time of Year

By Ryan Choi 

I say this almost every year, but this year went by so, so fast. It feels like yesterday when we seniors were still getting used to wearing the blue senior shirts and not seeing any pink ones around.  

Christmas came early with less than a full week left in the semester, and students were blessed with a long, relaxing, five-day weekend, and they took full advantage of it. Some slept in and relaxed, some indulged in outdoor activities, and others traveled. The dorms also made full use of the long weekend and traveled to Ipoh. Dorm students had the opportunity to go white water rafting, swimming in a cold waterfall, and sing worship songs with marshmallows and chocolate. I fell off four times during rafting, and it was genuinely the most fun I had in months.  

When students came back from their extended rest, a new month – the month of red, green, and white -- had settled in, and we saw decorations everywhere. Josh Morrison (12) says, “Christmas is the best part of the year; I can’t wait to go back to see my family.” 

It would be nice if all students could simply relax until winter break comes, but high school students still have one last fight remaining: final exams. Depending on your grade and the classes you take, the number of final exams you write can range anywhere from two all the way to six or even seven! I only have two exams this semester and boy, let me tell you, teasing the freshmen, telling them that I only have two final exams, is one of the most entertaining things out there.  

School is almost over and so is the year. Like every other year, this one was a wild one. Before everything ends, try to look back in gratitude at all the things that happened. Gratefulness is never mandatory but always strongly recommended.  

A Passing Moment

By Yun Kil

The school year started with a bang--we’re finally seniors! With Sneak, hoodies, and privileges all on the way, the year seemed like something we could truly look forward to. However, as the novelty wore off during the first couple weeks of school, being a senior didn’t seem to be as glamorous as I had initially thought. From college applications to AP courses, school has been nothing short of stressful, and as we trudged onto the last week of semester one, the vast majority found ourselves scrambling to get all our work done. 

“I haven’t slept in days and I have to do a TED talk, I have to do a whole bunch of other work, and I feel as if I’m a racoon stuck in a cage and its eyes are like glued open and I CAN'T SHUT THEM!”  Noella Seevaratnam (12) exclaims, exasperated.

Other students, like Brendan Loke (12), realized early on how busy this year would be and with careful planning, avoided being bombarded with work during the final week, “You know you gotta plan out your year properly, plan out your time, and then you’ll have a relaxing final week of school.”

So what about me? Well, I wasn’t as diligent as Brendan--that’s for sure. I’m two weeks behind on my AP Psychology course that’s due next Monday, an essay due for my final project for Bible, a book for AP Lit, DAB practice, and on top of all that, a choir concert on Wednesday. Although stressful, I know that this is going to be my last time doing all of this, and I should take some time to breathe and appreciate what’s around me. 

As the year progressed, I realized that everything that stresses me out and excites me about high school is all fleeting- and I should take more time to appreciate it. My heart is filled with bittersweet feelings as I face this week’s work, and the idea of living in the moment to the fullest gives me the little nudge of motivation I need to march through this final week. Whenever I’m feeling lazy or overwhelmed with work, I remember that this too is a passing moment.

A Month in the Food Science Club

By Marcus Ang

In November, the Food Science Club embarked on a series of engaging activities and projects. The diverse range of initiatives included constructing gingerbread houses, crafting homemade mac and cheese, and planting lettuce in anticipation of an upcoming project.

Most recently, the Food Science Club faced the creative challenge of constructing their own gingerbread houses. Divided into three groups, club members were tasked with unleashing their imaginations. Equipped with materials such as whipping cream, gummy bears, pocky sticks, chocolate, and square crackers provided by the club, members embarked on the construction process. 

"It's unfortunate we couldn't use real gingerbread to make the houses, but the crackers were a lot of fun to use," stated Tia Moore (12). Overall, the experience was enjoyable, fostering creativity even in the absence of ideal materials.

Earlier in the month, the club explored into the culinary realm by preparing homemade mac and cheese. With essential ingredients like cheese, macaroni, and heavy cream provided, participants navigated using the stove, stirring cheese and cooking macaroni. 

Cullno Mah’s (12) surprised remark, "I didn't know it took this many calories to make mac and cheese," captured the essence of the learning experience. Ending with happy club members and a lot of leftovers, the activity was deemed a success.

Also earlier in the month, the club strayed away from the usual one-day activities and took on a longer project by planting lettuce for an upcoming activity next semester. The process involved filling pots with soil, adding seeds, and covering them with soil. Over the next two months, club leader Heeeun Bang (12) will water the plants. She stated, “I am excited to see the little sprouts grow into strong stems and roots and eventually big chunky lettuces.”

In essence, the Food Science Club offers a dynamic and enjoyable environment for individuals passionate about cooking and savoring delicious food. Operating throughout the year, the club promises numerous opportunities for members to explore culinary skills.

Swish, Cramps, and Cheers

By Pranjal Malik

The court, once again, came alive with competitive spirit as Dalat International School hosted the annual Island Shootout basketball tournament. Teams from Kuala Lumpur descended upon Penang, setting the stage for thrilling matchups. Dalat faced challenges in the boys' division, showcasing resilience and learning valuable lessons.

Island Shootout, a basketball tournament hosted by Dalat International School, took place from the 1st to the 2nd of December. Bringing together four boys' teams—Dalat International School, Oasis International School, Garden International School, and TLC—the event unfolded on campus. With the strong support of the home crowd, the Dalat boys’ team was ready to face the competition.

The journey of the Dalat Varsity Boys kicked off with a closely contested match against TLC. Despite a valiant effort, Dalat found themselves on the losing end. The absence of some key players due to the SAT added an extra layer of challenge, setting the stage for a comeback in the subsequent games.

In the second and third games against Garden International School, Dalat displayed resilience, securing victories by significant margins. Despite challenges like cramping players and unfavorable referee calls, the team stayed motivated and determined to secure the wins.

The showdown with TLC brought a rollercoaster of emotions, setting the stage for a potential comeback story after TLC's victory over Dalat the previous day. The first half hinted at a slipping grip on the game for Dalat's boys, trailing by 17 points at one point. Nevertheless, an inspiring speech from the coach ignited a turnaround. Dalat mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to just three points. The game concluded with Dalat falling just short, but the grit, leadership, and determination displayed left an indelible mark.

One of the team captains, Ezra Latham (12), reflected, "Although we didn't get the result we wanted, I am proud of our team giving 100% until the end. Being the season's first tournament, it was a great experience for our team's first tournament. We learned a lot about how to improve and perform even better at ACSC."

The Island Shootout provided a valuable learning experience for the Dalat Varsity Boys, where victories and defeats became stepping stones for growth. Although marked by challenges, the tournament was a practical preseason experience, setting the tone for future competitions. The Dalat team's resilience and commitment to improvement ensure their journey in the basketball season has just begun, promising an exciting trajectory ahead as ACSC approaches.

Dribble, Pass, Score!

By Arielle McIver

School ended, and it was time for the players to get their game on. It was the first tournament of the basketball season for both the girls' and guys' varsity teams- Island Shootout. Teams from around KL and Penang came to the school to compete in a two-day tournament full of games. 

Having lost the first game Friday against ISKL by one point, the girls' team came back the next day, more determined to win. That determination and wit put them in the finals, where they fell short but still got 2nd place. 

When asked what their favorite part about the tournament was, one of the varsity girls' team captains, Alexia Nyul (12), said, “What I really enjoyed about Island Shootout was not just the opportunity to get to play basketball, but to grow as a team and learn more about how we move as a team. I really enjoy playing with this group of girls. We lost, we grew, and we won!” 

Besides practice, basketball games and tournaments give further opportunities to grow and learn as a team. The boys' team also faced challenges, but they rose to the championships as well and also got 2nd place. 

Drew Worten (12), a senior on the guys' team, said, “Island Shootout was a very fruitful time for our team. We got to grow in many ways against decent competition. We got to figure out the things we were doing wrong as a team, and the things we were doing good as a team. And this was our first tournament of the season, so it showed us how well we can do in tournaments.”  

Both teams faced lots of challenges, but they also found ways to grow together as a team. 

To the Mountains

By Caleb Jun 

The bumpy roads took me out of my sleep, and as my eyes slowly adjusted to the light, I realized we had arrived at our Annual Dorm Retreat to Ipoh. 

Everyone's stomachs growled as we smelled the delicious fried rice, spring rolls, and many more cuisines before us. 

"This is bussin," said Mary Grace Guffy (11).

"I wish I had a stomach big enough to eat all the food," said JD Guffy (10) as he gobbled down his food. 

Strength renewed; some dorm kids were impatient to get on the white water raft, while others, feeling drowsy from so much food, proceeded to the housings for a relaxing long nap. Suffering from a back injury, I could not participate in the white water rafting, yet the housing area had a beautiful hill overlooking the mountains of Ipoh. As I looked over the mountains, it was a lovely time to slow down and reflect on the semester.

As the truck returned from white water rafting, drenched in water, everybody waddled their way back to the houses. It had rained the day before, so the currents were extra rough that afternoon. 

"I fell out of the boat four times. It was genuinely the most fun I had in months," Ryan Choi (12).

Dinner came soon after everyone showered, and during the evenings, we had a speaker who spoke about living with family members as a young adult, which touched many hearts. Additionally, we had a beautiful time of worship, singing hymns and songs praising God. 

Laughter and games filled the rest of the night, and a hint of melancholy brought tears to some seniors as this would be their last Dorm Retreat. I savored every moment during these brief two days. 

"Good times," Josh Morrson (12). It was a beautiful time to slow down and meditate on the semester which had gone by so fast.  

A Week of Colorful Posters

By Anna Ruble

Hiding behind a pole, your eyes darting around. You are trying to find the person who is supposed to be walking down the library stairs at this exact moment. “What if he left study hall early?” “What if he’s not at school today?” Finally, you see him walking down the stairs, and a rush of excitement washes over you. You watch as he walks through an organized line of 6 people, all throwing flower petals at him. His friend standing at the end of the line with a large and decorated poster clutched in her hands. Everyone stands around and watches with you. You can sense the smiles on every single person’s face as they wait to see if he says yes. A mix of fear, anxiety, excitement, and happiness all occurs just between your C and D block classes. A time when you would typically walk down the hall while thinking about what homework you have to finish before your F block. 

I just walked you through a typical high schooler's experience during CB asking week. CB askings: this sounds familiar because it is a tradition that Dalat has held for many years. A tradition where friends or couples take the time to plan an “asking.” A tradition that sparks new conversations, brings a motivation to come to school during the last stressful weeks, and overall creates a different culture and community. Daniel Pham (12) says, “It is really exciting to walk around school and see askings, honestly it's nice to have just a break from the stress of school and to just watch CB askings.” There are about two weeks set aside by the sophomores where people are allowed to “ask” someone to the Christmas Banquet. During these two weeks, typical things you may hear while walking around campus are, 

“Who are you asking?”

“How are you asking?”

“When are you asking? I want to watch.”

Although CB is only one night and ends rather quickly, CB “askings” are a huge factor in the fun and excitement leading up to the banquet. Whether being the person behind the pole watching or being the person behind the poster waiting, each and every student plays a special role in making those two weeks so entertaining. Maddy Abrams (11) was one of the people behind a poster as she burst into Mr. Riffey’s classroom to ask her boyfriend, Romeo Kontsas (11). She says, “It was scary but really fun coming up with the idea and a plan, and I loved watching all of the people’s reactions.” 

CB askings not only can be fun for individuals who are planning an asking or are being asked by someone, it also provides a break from the stress and workload leading up to Christmas break. This is a tradition that offers the students an opportunity to interact, get out of their comfort zones, experience healthy stress, and overall have fun with their friends.

Senior Service

By Danny Pham 

November 20th, 2023, marked the day when the Dalat senior class began to host an elementary service week during high school A and B blocks in which seniors went to hang out with the elementary students through duck-duck-goose, freeze tag, talking with them while they ate freezies, and playing around with bubbles with the preschoolers.

Anna Ruble (12), a senior who participated in the service week, described hanging out with the elementary students as “a great opportunity to bond with the little ones and to get to know them as well as it was a great way to give back to my community before the end of high school.”

The children were absolutely ecstatic about being able to have extra time to stretch their legs with exciting games and time to hang out and talk with the big high school students in the morning. Noah Brooks (12), a senior who spent time with the fourth graders while they ate their freezies, said, “I loved being able to spend time with elementary kids, and it was amazing to see how much energy the kids had, so it was good for them to be able to go outside to spend it all. I remember being that little and looking up to the older students, so it is good that we were able to show them that seniors really aren’t that scary to be around and that we enjoy being around them.”

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, so on November 23rd, 2023, the elementary service week came to an end with the seniors having to give goodbye hugs and goodbye waves as the last group of elementary students left to go back to their classes as their extra recess had come to an end.

Looking toward the future, however, Aidan Leong (12), our service coordinator, stated, “We hopefully will continue to do more service for our community and plan on continuing to do service for the elementary school in the future.”

Navigating the Labyrinth of College Admissions

By Tia Moore

As the semester draws to a close, the curtain falls on the various stages of college applications. Many have hit the submit button on their applications, while others are still in the process. The college application process, once a rite of passage, has transformed into a high-stakes journey filled with anxiety and sleepless nights.

The countless requirements for transcripts, LORs, and other essential documents leave seniors running to the guidance office. You'll find a parade of seniors making a beeline for Mr. Looi's desk in the guidance office every day, all sporting that "I need help with my life" look. "These kids, man," sighed Mr. Looi, having to answer the same exact questions daily. 

"Applying to college is like having a second job for real," Aurelia Bernier (12) remarks, capturing the essence of the seniors' collective experience. The process has transcended the status of a mere obligation, becoming an all-encompassing commitment that demands time, dedication, and resilience.

Most seniors share the same sentiment regarding applications, and it is not one of optimism. Joseph Lee (12), huddled over his laptop, grumbles, "I hate CommonApp." His frustration echoes the sentiments of countless peers grappling with the confusing essay prompts and the seemingly endless forms standing between them and their dreams.

While the application process is undeniably grueling, a shared relief exists among seniors when they finally hit the "submit" button. "I honestly couldn't believe I just applied to college as I was on my ATSA shift in the gym when I submitted it. It felt like a fever dream," confesses Caleb Jun (12), encapsulating the surreal and almost dreamlike moment of completing this monumental task amidst the chaos of daily life.

Savanna Choi (12) summarized the whole experience, saying, "It was so stressful, but at the end of the day, seeing the 'application submitted' screen felt worth it." Late nights turned into early mornings, but each 'submit' click felt like a victory in the war against stress and uncertainty.

Now, armed with essays, transcripts, and an abundance of determination, the seniors stand on the brink of closing this chapter. Uncertain about the next one, they face the unknown with anticipation, ready to turn the page on this transformative journey.