‘The Summer Newspaper of Phillips Exeter Academy’

Vol. XXXV, Number 2 Thursday, July 18, 2013 Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire

THE SUMMER TIMES First Class MailU.S. Postage PaidMailed from 03833Permit Number 78

A brand new kind of technology has arrived at Exeter. This technology will blow your mind once you experience what it does. In order to gain access to this new technology, the only thing to do is to download a free app called Aurasma to your smartphone. Once the app is downloaded, open the app, and point the camera of the smartphone to the picture to the side, and experience Aurasma.

What is being demonstrated on the screen of the smartphone is an aura. An aura is a video/im-age that appears when the correct building sign or image is scanned. The amazing part about this app is that you don’t always have to point your camera at a picture. This app will work if you point the camera of your smartphone at a building, or sign. Of course, not every place will work because someone has to do the work in order for this app to work.

That is when the video production class comes into play. The video production class is working very hard to create many more places for the students and faculty of Exeter to point their smartphone cameras and enjoy Aurasma even more.

Now, sometimes the videos will be informative, but sometimes

Smartphones Just Got Smarter

By ADRIAN PONCESummer Times Staff Writer

See VIDEO page 3

On this globe the size of the country name represents the number of students at Summer School from the that country. For a detailed breakdown see page 6.

Courtesy of Alex Braile PEA'10

The World According to Us

Being related to Abraham Lincoln is something that I am extremely proud of. The man who led the United States through the Civil War is someone who I am honored to think of as my 34th cousin removed. Re-cently I was informed by multiple faculty members that Lincoln’s son Robert attended Phillips Exeter Academy, class of 1860. I did a little bit more research and found out that Abraham Lincoln visited his son at Phillips Exeter one hundred and fi fty years ago. Also, the great grandson of Abraham Lincoln, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, class of 1922, attended the school. It is mind

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

Smiles of Summer: Can You Guess Who's Who? (see p.8)

Honest! Abe Lincoln's Kin Walks Among Us

Field of Dreams: Athletes Seek Glory

By ADRIENNE E. LINCOLNSummer Times Contributing Writer

Cheers and shouts boomed across the campus as all Summer School students trudged to the playing fi eld, to compete in the 2013 Field Day on Saturday, July 13. This event is one of the highlights of the sum-mer every year, where each dorm takes part in some friendly dorm competitions. Starting at 4:00 P.M., students enlisted in three different events: the potato sack race, the three-legged race, and the izzy-dizzy relay.

First up was the potato sack race. The objective of this event was for people to make their way across the fi eld in a big potato sack. There were numerous rounds, starting with the boys’ dorms and later the girls’ dorms. Some students hopped the whole way across, whilst others stepped out of their sacks halfway in agony. There were also participants who tripped in their haste to reach the fi nish line, though fortunately there were no serious injuries. Some people did not take part in this event in fear of falling. When asked about how she felt about winning one of the rounds for Hoyt Hall, Amanda Dupuis said, “I felt pretty good ‘cause I get

pretty nervous about doing that kind of thing.”The second event was the three-legged race. The

boys’ dorms were noticeably faster than the girls’ dorms. Students paired up with peers the same height as them and tied one of their legs together, and raced to the goal line. Some pairs were more coordinated than others, counting each step and making sure they knew which leg would come fi rst. The people who made 1st place mostly ran through the whole race. Others, determined not to fall, went at a slower pace, taking each step very carefully. Katie Sennott, a Day Student said, “I did participate in the three-legged race with Meredith Fossitt and didn’t come close to fi rst place.” There were certainly a number of partners who fell over part way through, which sometimes caused the people behind them to trip as well.

The last event was the izzy-dizzy relay. This was the longest event, as the dorms formed teams of roughly 12 people each. A huge number of students participated, and some dorms such as Dunbar were able to put together three teams. After spinning around the bat ten times, participants had to make their way back

By ERINA SAKURAI AND BROOKE SHEASummer Times Staff Writers

Ralph Blumenthal/ The Summer Times

Erina Sakurai/ The Summer Times See Field Day, page 3

Brooke Shea/ The Summer Times

See Lincoln, page 3

'Breaking' News! Window Cracks

A mystery at Phillips Exeter: At about 6.p.m. Wednesday, as students were eating dinner in Elm Street Dining hall, an over-head mezzanine window on the building’s campus side suddenly splintered with an audible “Poof!” according to witnesses. The panel, above a silverware and coffee station, was spiderwebbed with cracks but did not shatter. No glass fell and no one was injured. Offi cers from Campus Safety and the deans were interviewing students to see if someone might have thrown anything against the window. Whether the impact came from outside or inside is unknown. The investigation is continuing.

Adrienne E. Lincoln, 14 of Rye, NH, kin of our 16th president and an Access Exeter stu-dent, on Front Street where the Republican Party was founded in 1853.

Ralph Blumenthal/ The Summer Times

Courtesy of Brad Seymour

Aurasma Wows PEA

OPINIONSTHE SUMMER TIMES2 THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

The Summer Times is written and edited by Mr. Blumenthal's A and B format Journalism classes and contributing writers throughout the Summer School. It is produced by Summer Times Proctors Alec Greaney PEA '14 and Meg Hassan PEA'11.

The Summer Times welcomes Letters to the Editor, which can be sent via email to peasummer13@gmail.com. The editors reserve the right to print Letters to the Editor in a timely fashion and to edit them for content and clarity.

Ralph Blumenthal

THE SUMMER TIMESSUMMER TIMES STAFF REPORTERS

Tyler ChaissonGuillermo GomezLara Guvelioglu

Jahlyn HayesToni Henderson

FACULTY ADVISOR

Arianna RamirezErina SakuraiBrooke Shea

Alejandro Turriago

Gustav JaynesJada Jenkins Christina Lee

Nastassia MerlinoAdrian Ponce

SUMMER TIMES LAYOUT EDITORS

Alec GreaneyMeg Hassan

TO THE EDITOR:

One thing that surprised me on my first day in Exeter was the surprisingly high amount of food waste in the dining hall. Everytime I go there, there is always a bunch of plates full of food going to the kitchen to be washed. Why would anybody grab a large amount of food just to throw it away? That doesn’t even make any sense. Is this normal in the United States? I don’t know if those people are Americans or from any other countries around the world, but I’m pretty sure that this is almost everywhere considered a terrible habit.

- JoJi Meira

Ode to Plaice CoveJackson Parell

Summer Times Contributing Writer

In the early morning,I take my first steps out on the cold beach.The morning mist borders the water like

a serpent,crawling across the edge of a wall.

The salty air fills my nostrils, and the familiar aroma of sea-

weed sunbathing on the rocks starts to rise.

The first people come onto the rocky shores at

both ends of thebeach, filing in like tourists to the empire

state building.

The sun keepsrising, the day is going by so quickly.

Before I know itI am exhausted, so I lie down on the

towel andlisten to the waves softly hit the sand

and subside, the visitors laughing and playing like

there is not tomorrow,and the sea gulls begging for more food. The warm towel embraces me, and I quietly fall asleep.

When I wake up I realize the day is com-ing to an end.

I brush off the sand stuck on my face,and take one last dive into the blue, glassy

water.I feel the the liquid rush over my face,and a renewed strength runs through my

body.As I exit my salt water home I see that thelight is being choked by the horizon, fad-

ing ever dimmer.

Now up to the wood tiled, loving home I know so well.

CONSTELLATIONS

Jimin KangSummer Times Contributing Writer

Draw me your constellations.

Show me the way your stars,bright like explosives in an infi nite stretch

of a chasm beyond my skies,dissipate across your distance.

Whisper to me your prayers.

Tickle my ears with the wordsthat escape your lips; tendernessI have never seen, nor touched

but you enshrine with your love.

Cradle your eye in my own.

Show me the depths of your realmat your touch; familiarize your oceans,

your sunshines with mine, our eyestwo globes nuzzling on a sister axis.

Draw me, whisper me, cradle me.

Show me what it is to love;Tickle my eyes with wanderlust;

Show me what it is to know,for our worlds are now combining.

Disagree or agree with anything on this page? The Summer Times gladly welcomes your thoughtful commentary. Submit Let-ters to the Editor to thesummertimes13@

gmail.com by Tuesday evening for the com-ing Thursday’s newspaper.

HOMESICK? HERE'S A CURE

As we end the fi rst days of summer session, we leave one of the hardest times behind. Homesickness may have taken over some of the students. A summer school may be a fi rst for some of us. Staying away from home for fi ve weeks may seem too long for some. You may have missed your home, your own bed, your family or just being back in your home town, and you may feel like you want to call your parents and just want to go back. However I can assure you that everything will be great and by the end of the fi fth week when the time comes to leave, you won’t want to because you had made great friends and met great teachers here.

This is my second year here at Exeter. Last year was the summer of my life, and it was the fi rst time I was away from my parents for such a long time.The fi rst day, I was anxious and scared that I wouldn’t be happy here or would miss my home, but once time passed and I met people, I forgot my homesickness and worries. The last day, I was crying and devastated that we were leaving because I would miss my friends very much.

Missing home is very natural. It is hard for people to leave their habitual life and routine. Coming here, starting a new routine and meeting new people needs an adaptation process and there are many ways to help you.

If you are missing your parents and want to see them or hear their voices, you can talk to them on the phone or have video chats daily. Twenty-fi rst century technology has made communication so easy that people around the world are only a click away from you.

Sharing what you feel is a great way to bond and feel better about being away from home. You can always talk to your friends or advisors about how you’re feel-ing. I’m sure they will be happy to hear you out and help you with your worries.

Another good way to help with homesickness is having something from back home with you .Maybe you had brought a picture of your family, a teddy bear, a cultural piece of clothing/accessory or something as simple as a pencil. Having something from home would help you feel close to home.

Summer school is a great adventure to experience and try new things. Take part in activities, try new skills and join new groups. You won’t understand how the time fl ies as you run from class to class, trip to trip and activity to activity. Make the most of your time and enjoy a great summer!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: FOOD IS TOO PRECIOUS

TO WASTE

COMING HOMESierra Reed

Summer Times Contributing Writer

Many people love to party, or at least I know I do; however, there have been no parties on the Exeter campus because of one simple rule that has been set in place: check in time.

Here on the campus, the check in time for students to be in their dorms is 9 p.m. Before that, more than half of my day is filled with classes, running around campus to do home-work, or something else educational, which is why I feel that the check in time is not very fair to the students. I believe that check in time should be 10 for many reasons that I find ben-eficial. For one, no one likes the check in time being at 9. “It should be later because I have classes and meetings all day, and the check in time does not give me enough free time to hang with my friends and stuff,” said Travius Walton, a 17-year-old Memphian who thinks that the check in time is absolutely absurd.

I fully agree with Travius because this is not enough social time for a teenager who typically uses most of his day to socialize. Of course this is evident throughout the campus; students are outraged over the time that they have to leave their friends, both old and new, and go into their room for homework that is

probably already done. Another reason that the check in time is

irrational is that students would still able to get enough sleep if the deadline was moved to 10 p.m. We would receive about 9 hours of sleep, which is close enough to the standard 9 ¼ hours. This means that students would still be able to have an efficient day because they would get a good amount of sleep the night before.

Lastly, the check in time should be changed because our goal is to meet new people, yet we can’t do that when we have to leave before we can really get to know the person. That is not fair to that person that we are trying to meet or us, the people who are taking the initiative to meet other people on the campus who have a different background. In fact, check-in time may destroy some people’s initiative to walk up to someone and get to know him or her. It does this by giving them an excuse to not meet the person, which they will keep using every single time. I say that the 9 o’clock check in time that is enforced on the Exeter campus is not beneficial to anyone and I’m pretty sure that the campus will get behind me on that if necessary.

Too Early to Bed: Why not 10pm Check-in?

Jahilyn Hayes, Summer Times Staff Writer

Lara GuveliogluSummer Times Staff Writer

She was hot and dry, sitting there licking the sticky sweet off her lips, the streetlight across from her hum-ming with dim power. She ignored the the humidity, and mosquitos, and the hazy dusk. Closing her eyes, her senses fi lled with intent conversation, the rush of cars, great grey prisms, and most of all, the scent of a fi nely brewed latte. Her fi ngernail scratched off the paint on the bench she was squatting on. Green and grey fl akes lodged themselves under her fi ngernails, and she stared at them in surprised disgust. Brushing off her hands against her custom Levi’s, she walked slowly down the dead street, searching for nothing.

Where there had been a wet spot not an hour ago, the road lay dryly bare, no memory of a hysterical tod-dler fl inging down her cold treat in angry confusion. No memory of the young mother who turned fi fty-fi ve years after turning sixteen. No memory of the tattooed hard-ass on his Harley, fondling a blonde Barbie from the trailer park. No memory of furious strikes thrown back and forth because Daddy didn’t love Mommy the way he was supposed to. Her fi sts clenched, and she held her breath until she let it out and realized she’d been holding it in.

Andie had grown up here; in a rundown house worth less than a mold-ridden trailer. The walls were not so much wall as wood rot and cobwebs, and her

rotting dresser always had a few crawling critters. She never had friends over, nor went over to another person’s house. The suffocating low-class trashiness and shallowness of it all overwhelmed her, and she moved in with a distant relative in a city out east after high school. She got a mediocre job and lived in a mediocre apartment, simply doing the same routine daily. The monotony over took her, and a longing for home bought her a plane ticket and a hotel reservation in a nearby town.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, memories hit her like bricks gaining speed and weight the longer she stood there. Momma’s deathly mascara stained cheeks and used condoms fl ung beside the retired fl oral couch. Beer bottles and a small smell of processed tobacco persisting. The tub of fake wrinkle cream Momma got when Andie was six. This was her home. She heaved, breakfast and lunch gushing out of her in a depressing array of white, brown and red. Pulling open her car door, Andie reached in and grabbed a disinfectant wipe, her mahogany hair shining in the late hazy sun. She wiped her mouth, and tossed the used wipe beside the pile of re-digested edibles.

Andie got back inside her car and slid into the front seat. Her lips were no longer sticky. She never looked back.

OPINIONS / NEWSTHE SUMMER TIMES 3THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

If you really think about it, there are so many faculty members who come to the acad-emy’s summer school, but why are they all here? What draws all these teachers? Why are they willing to leave their families for five whole weeks and spend their summer here? For example:

Eric Bowman is a history teacher at Con-Val High School in Peterborough, NH, during the regular school year. He also lives in Peterbor-ough with his wife and two kids. Mr. Bowman has taught a Con-Val for 15 years. He has won teacher of the year twice at Con-Val and was nominated for National History Teacher of the Year. We know that there are nearly 800 students here who come for many various dif-ferent reasons, but why is Mr. Bowman willing to leave his wife and one of his kids behind to come teach at Exeter?

“The idea of moving to Exeter for 6 weeks in the summer is a fun adventure for me,” says Mr. Bowman. “I get to meet new people, catch up with others I have not gotten to see in a while, and live in a new place. I also just love to teach. I was looking for a way to teach that was differ-ent than public school,” he adds. “The caliber of the students and the Harkness method challenge me and push me to become a better teacher. I also believe in student-centered learning and think that it would work in lots of other settings, like at Con-Val, not just an elite private prep school. Most importantly, everybody at the Summer School makes my time here very enjoyable.”

Kwasi Boadi is an African History teacher at the academy, both during the regular ses-

sion, and Summer School. He lives in Kirtland House with his wife, and has been teaching at Phillips Exeter since ’06. He has kept in touch with his roots in Ghana, and is part of an exchange student program between PEA and SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College (SOS-HGIC), a co-ed boarding school 20 miles east from Ghana’s capital, Accra. The program takes a 10-day mid-term break where students take a cultural tour of Ghana. The tour allows students to acquaint themselves with the people and culture of the country. Mr. Boadi is very excited to see students immerse themselves in Ghanaian culture next fall.

Clearly, these two believe that the summer school is an amazing experience, and is worth lots of sacrifice. Faculty and students alike, are willing to leave their families and hometowns behind to come to Phillips Exeter Academy. You could say the faculty and students serve in an interdependent relationship. The faculty need someone to teach, and very much enjoy being challenged by their students. Another advantage is that some faculty members may not use the Harkness method at their schools during the regular session, so it makes for hard, fun, rewarding work. Some faculty members may even come because they are interested in bring-ing the Harkness method back to their schools. There are also many amazing opportunities, like the trip to Ghana next year that the faculty are very excited to be a part of. The students also need the faculty. They need someone to teach them. The students also look up to the faculty as part-time parents and mentors.

We Come to Learn; They Come to Teach. Why?

Gus JaynesSummer Times Staff Writer

People come up and ask us: Is it hard? Did you ever pass out? So, you can’t drink water either? How old were you when you started? Would you like me to eat somewhere else?

All we do is laugh. We appreciate your questions and concerns. They’re good ques-

tions, I’m not doubting it. But everyone has failed to ask the most important question: Why? No one has yet asked this one-worded question. Why do we fast Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holiday celebrated by Muslims. From the moment the sun rises ‘till it sets we don’t eat or drink anything. Nada! The reason we do this is written in the Qur’an, our holy book. Four main reasons would be:

1-It cleanses your body. It’s extremely healthy. It has been scientifi cally proven that fasting is the healthiest diet. Even some ce-lebrities fast to stay in the shape they’re in. They do it also because it’s the healthiest. I’m sure you’re wondering exactly how this is healthy? Well, by the time the sun sets and we’re allowed to eat, we are very hungry that we get full easily. So, your stomach starts to shrink and starts to want less food. And no! You won’t pass out. I’ve been doing this since I was 11. Now I’m 16 and that has never happened to me. You won’t even feel lightheaded.

2-It teaches you patience. When people are hungry they start to get crabby and cranky. Fasting gets you used to the fact of being in pain or in need of something and being patient. Patience is a virtue in Islam. We have a saying in our religion that says “God Is With The Patient Ones.”

3-It shows you what it’s like to be poor, and not have a 24 hour access to food and water. It makes you see the world in their perspective. And that alone teaches you to be happy and satisfi ed with the smallest things in life, water, as an example.

There are exceptions of course. If a woman is pregnant, she can’t fast. If a girl has her period she can’t fast. If someone needs to take medication then they can’t fast. If you’re ineligible to fast and still do, then you’ll be committing a sin because you’ll be harming yourself.

I hope this has answered all the questions you had about Ramadan. Some people have come up to me and said they wanted to try it. Go for it! But, you need to be careful. You’re not used to this like we are. If you need to drink water or eat, then don’t try to be some gladiator and not drink. You’re body will get tired and you’ll be draining out your own energy. But, try it. There’s always a fi rst time for everything. Good luck!

A Muslim's Faith Why I Fast for

RamadanBy HUDA T. AL-SHAIR

Summer Times Contributing Writer

Izzy Dizzy & Other Games

FIELD DAY, continued from page 1to their team. The majority of students were seen making arching paths on their way back. In some cases, people crashed into the spectators as they lost their balance. Fortunately, no severe harm was done. Several of the faculty members later competed in this event. Advisors and teachers played on two teams while students looked on from each side, cheering words of encouragement.

Tension was present in the air as each dorm waited to hear their names called in the announcement of the winners. Third place was called fi rst and the non-winning dorms were named after. The fi rst place dorms had their names saved for last, followed by much cheering and celebrating by the students. In the boys’ divi-sion, Main Street Hall, and in the girls’ division, Bancroft took the glory of fi rst place.

Ioseb Alavidze from Main Street Hall, which has a mascot of a moose, said, “It was fun. At fi rst we thought Wentworth was going to win, but then our dorm head started yelling, ‘Go moose!’ and we got motivation to win.” He also mentioned that the Main Street hadn’t won Field Day in many years.

Eda Atasu from Bancroft said, “We were expecting Dunbar to win, but when the announcer said that we won, it was so exciting!”

Courtesy of Tayyab Elahi

there will be easter eggs, in which there will be creative videos. Now, how are you going to be informed about the places where this app will work? Well there is a solution to that. There will be a dedicated logo just for this app, so keep your eyes open. This logo will be created by the video production class, and made specifi cally for Aurasma.

This app just won’t be used to make videos for build-ings or signs, but it will also be present in the newspaper every week. Each week, there will be at least two pictures that when the app is used correctly, will start videos which shows what the picture is about. This app also allows other people, other than the video production class, to create their own auras. The video production class hopes that every student enjoys this app, and that they inform their friends about it.

Also, don’t worry if there aren’t initially many spots in which you could use this app. More are coming. Also, for forthcoming events at Exeter, there will be an aura that

will be available in the newspaper.Now that you know about this app, you can go look

for the logo that will be near the place, or sign in which an aura will be available. Also, in the app you will be able to know when new auras are available if you follow PEA Summer School in Aurasma. As of right now, this is just the beginning of this new technology. Once this technology gets adopted by the students of Exeter, there will be many creative ideas that will begin to arrive. The ideas are endless!

The video production class is working very hard to makes these ideas come true, and will arrive in the near fu-ture. The video production class can’t wait until this brand new technology is in full force here at Exeter. Also, take note that this is the fi rst time that the video production has used this app as well, so the quality as of right now might fall short. Please stay tuned with the newspaper to fi nd out fi rst hand about the new auras that will be available, and most of all, make sure to enjoy Aurasma to the full extent.

The Future Is Here: Videos Come to Life

VIDEO, continued from page 1

A Lincoln Tells of Family Ties

LINCOLN, continued from page 1boggling for me to be on the same campus of some of my very distant relatives.

I learned that there is only one living heir to the Lincoln fortune who is of a direct bloodline to Abraham Lincoln. It is actually debated whether or not he is really related to Abraham Lincoln. His name is Timothy Lincoln Beckwith, and he is cur-rently forty four years old, and living in Florida. When he was born, his mother, Anne Marie Hoffman, wrote on Timothy’s birth certifi cate that his father was Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. But later on, Robert denied that Timothy was his son. Robert and Anne Marie went to court and it was ruled that Timothy was not Robert’s son. But from what I’ve seen in my research, he is still considered the only known living descendant of Abraham Lincoln. I found out about my relation to Abraham Lincoln from a story that my father told me. When I was younger, my paternal grandfather showed my father an extensive family tree that displayed the con-nection between my father and Abraham Lincoln. Being related to him shows me just how small the world really is. A couple days ago I was talking to two sisters here at Exeter, and was surprised to hear that they were also related to Abraham Lincoln, but by marriage. I could not believe that I was connected to these people who had been strangers to me for my entire life. It was amazing to know that these two girls I had never met had probably been hearing stories similar to the ones I had been hearing for my whole life. It’s amazing to know that these people are from a totally different area then me, but we have something in common and if it wasn’t for the summer program here at Phillips Exeter Academy, I would’ve never known.

On Wednesday July 10th, a special event took place involving all of Exeter’s students; Sum-mer School Life Day. The purpose of this day was to prepare students for Field Day to take place the following Saturday afternoon. On School Life Day, students took part in different activities such as, the pan photo, some games to get to know their dorm mates better and a debate regard-ing the slogan they wanted to design to represent their dorms. In order to prepare for Field Day, students had to customize special clothes given them for the occasion to symbolize their team. All the students had come up with various ideas; however the dorms had to choose their fi nal logo and slogan, which didn’t make everyone happy. The advisors asked their students to work as an ensemble in order to come up with enthusiastic ideas for Field Day, which forced them to get out of their comfort zone and search their minds for different suggestions. Having to work as a group helped the students to get more comfortable and relaxed around each other, and allowed them to be themselves and make new friends.

Rising sophomore Sophie Ungless from Ohio, who was representing one of the upper girls’ dorms, Merrill Hall, said she really enjoyed printing on her shirt: “It gave me time to get creative and connect with my dorm mates.”

Fifteen-year-old Austrian Julia Koeberle was very excited to be introduced to a tie – dye session with her dorm mates: “I think it was nice to do a group activity with other people than my class mates. Through this activity, I was able to visit the Mayer Art Center which was very nice and interesting too.”

Even though Julia really enjoyed fi nding ideas to represent Bancroft, she said that some of her dorm mates were really sad that their ideas weren’t chosen.

Representing Dunbar, 17-year-old Joel Hemsi from Turkey said: “It was a great experi-ence to get together with our advisor groups and actually get to know each other in person. My

favorite part of it was deciding upon our dorms’ slogan and the theme. It was wonderful to see how everyone worked together and respected each other’s opinions in a diverse environment.”

Sixteen-year-old New Yorker Caroline Teicher said: “Life day was a great op-portunity to meet kids from all over the world. I have never been with so many peo-ple in one place who have such culturally diverse lifestyles. The meetings brought us all closer together and gave us more insight on our passions and interests.”Student Life Day fi nished with a cook out organized by Exeter’s staff which was meant to be on the library lawn, but because of the rain, had to be brought indoors. The menu offered sausages, corn, vegetables and other various foods including snow cones as dessert.

Overall the day was a small preview of what the ambiance would be like during Field Day. It was an opportunity for students to get to know each other and get into the team spirit. They have learned how to work with each other in many ways, in order to bring out the best in them.

NEWSTHE SUMMER TIMES4 THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Gearing up for Field Day: Dorms Suit up on Life Day

By Nastassia MerlinoSummer Times Staff Writer

As a new summer school session begins, Phillips Exeter Academy welcomes a diverse group of students from both United States and around the world. With the joy of the begin-ning of a five-week-long summer session, old memories blossom as students from previous years return for a reunion.

On the first day of summer school a group of veteran old Sum-mer Exonians gathered together to reminisce their old days. They were all there for different reasons. Some returned because they missed the campus, some returned because they were in the Access program the pre-vious time and are now in the Upper school or some returned because their friends were coming back. No matter for what reason or where they were from, they were together and happy to see each other again.

After the happy event Bayley Shane,15, from Denver, Colorado, spared the time to share her enthu-siasm upon seeing her friends and being back at Exeter.

Q: How did you like your first time here??

A: I really liked my first time here! I loved to meet all of the people from all over the world, and became very close friends with many people. I also loved the classes and the Harkness method. It was a great way to learn and get close with your class mates.

Q: How does it feel to be back?A: At first it felt weird to be

back, like I was repeating last year but with different people. However I now think it is very fun to be back for the second year, as I already know the campus really well. Also some of my old friends are here…as you already know. That makes things easier too.

Q: What did you feel when you saw your old friends?

A: I was very excited and happy! I’ve missed everyone so much.

Q: This is your second year here. Have you noticed any changes? Is the campus like you left it?

A: Almost everything is the same as last year. There were a couple of

small changes in the dining hall, but other than that everything is almost the same.

Q: What is the best part of re-turning and having your friends back again?

A: Last year I became incredibly close with everything about Exeter, friends, teachers, the campus, and I felt like it was my home. It is so nice just to be back in the campus, which I love. I don’t even have to mention that my old teachers and friends are here, too.

Q: What do you think this sum-mer will be like?

A: This summer will be very fun, I am already meeting many new people, as well as staying good friends with people from last year. I think we’re gonna be a whole diverse big group.

Q: Do you like your new dorm or your old dorm better?

A: Last year I was in Lamont, and this year I am in Dunbar. I like the location of Dunbar much better, and it has a better common room. Lamont is nice because it was smaller [Dunbar is the biggest dorm in Ex-eter] so I got to know the people better in Lamont, and my room was bigger. I actually can’t decide. They both have their advantages.

Q: You experienced this last year. Do you have any advice for the other students?

A: Be really open to every oppor-tunity, and people from all around the world. Take advantage of everything, and the time will go much faster than you think! Last year I didn’t realize how five weeks passed and we were saying goodbye to each other.

Q: Do you plan on coming back again?

A:I think this experience will be enough for me, because I hope to do other activities. I was an Access last year so I came back for Upper. I think experiencing both levels will be enough for me and I’ll have to focus on another activity for the next summer.

Déjà Vu: PEA Veterans Reunite for Another Summer

Here, at Phillips Exeter Academy’s Summer School of 2013, there are hundreds of students who have traveled from all over the world. Exeter has accepted students from 41 different states and territories and 46 foreign countries. For the majority of them, attending this school for the summer is a great experience. It gives them a chance to explore brand new places they haven’t seen before, while still receiving great knowledge.

Some examples of the faraway places people have traveled from are Vietnam, Thailand, England, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, California and many other interesting locations. There are even a few natives of New Hampshire here at Exeter for the summer.

Being so far away from home by can spark feelings of homesickness. First timers at Exeter, especially, may have those feelings of really missing their families and being at home. It’s a dif-fi cult struggle to face, but eventually students will get accustomed to life here at Exeter and grow to cherish the time spent here. Exeter has long welcomed outsiders. There are many cultures and customs that were incorporated here. Not everyone practices the same religion or has the same ways of living. Therefore, it’s great to actually mix and mingle to make friends from foreign places. That way one can actually learn about how they live their life, what religion they practice, and many other fascinating facts about them.

Thirteen-year-old Jocelyn Avila from Chicago is not necessarily a foreign person to the country, but in fact is foreign to the state of New Hampshire. She’s traveled three to four hours on a plane to get here to Exeter. When asked about her likes and dislikes of this school so far, she stated that she enjoys the classes she’s taking -- Pottery, Creative Writing, and Theater -- and her teachers, but one aspect of Exeter that Jocelyn doesn’t enjoy so much is the hot and humid weather on some days.

Elizabeth Ogundele, 16 from London, has come to attend the summer school for 2013 as well. Elizabeth, unlike Jocelyn, does not live in the United States so her journey was a little longer. Her trip to New Hampshire from England was 7 hours on a plane and a half an hour on a bus for the rest of the way. Her rigorous courses that she takes are: Creative Writing, Introduction to Biology, and Chemistry. One of her favorite places on campus is The Grill. Also, Elizabeth has really taken in the whole Harkness method. She said, “Harkness is really effective, and it’s interesting to hear people’s interpretations.”

Another foreign student who attends Exeter is Rehan Haider all the way from Hong Kong. Rehan is 15 and his trip here to New Hampshire took 21 hours on a plane. He says he loves the general atmosphere of Exeter and has come to learn about many of the different cultures of other scholars who also attend the summer school. His classes are: Introduction to Physics, Introduction to Chemistry, and United Nations.

Two girls from Germany, Friederike V. Wallmoden, 15, and Lena Wenke, 16, traveled a total of eleven hours just to get here. Because the two girls are used to Germanic culture and language, they sometimes fi nd it diffi cult to comprehend some of what is happening in classes and get ac-customed to life in America, but they’re eventually learn to overcome those struggles.

Friederike also stated that her fellow dorm partners can sometimes stick to themselves and not branch out to meet new people, but overall, she fi nds, the people here are friendly. Switching from the minor dislikes, Lena articulated that she really likes the crosswalks to make sure people get across the street safely. Also, Friederike specifi ed that she enjoys the variety of disparate cultures here on campus. She stated, “I really like that there’s so many people from different countries here.”

Melting Pot Bubbles from Hong Kong to New Hampshire

By LARA GUVELIOGLUSummer Times Staff Writer

By JADA JENKINSSummer Times Staff Writer

Two students compete in a spirited game of Rock-Paper-Scissors un-der the watchful eye of faculty member Burke Scarbrough.

Courtesy of Gene Howard

Who Throws What?

Nastassia Merlino / The Summer Times

SUMMER LIFE 5THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013THE SUMMER TIMES

Keeping Us Healthy and Safe This Summer

Nancy Thompson, Director of Nursing at Phillips Exeter Academy, grew up in Hartsdale, NY. Her mom is a retired nurse; her father is an electrical contrac-tor and charters boats for fun, on the side. Ms. Thompson, 41, did her undergraduate work at Boston College, and her gradu-ate studies at Simmons College, also in Boston. She has been working at Exeter for seven years. Ms. Thompson has also worked as a clinical coordinator of Core Pediatrics for Exeter and Kingston, and as a staff nurse in the transplant unit at Children’s Hospital. Last week, we sat down with Ms. Thompson to get to know her a bit better.

Q: What kind of health issues present themselves most frequently at Exeter?A: The biggest issue across the board during the academic year, and summer school is general fatigue. Students are completely exhausted because they are overworked. It is their fi rst experience being away from home, so they are try-ing to have every experience they can, so they don’t get enough sleep. This is a big issue that can lead into other issues, such as cold symptoms because their immune system is run down. The appropriate amount of sleep for adolescents is nine and one-half hours. The average student only gets fi ve-to-six. If a student comes to us completely exhausted we will let them rest in the health center. We have a general open-door policy.

Q: How big is the staff at the health center?A: From 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, there are two nurses, plus me. During the evening, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, we have two nurses. From 8:00 pm to 7:00 am, we have one nurse. On the weekend, during classes, there are generally two nurses. After classes, there is plus a nursing as-sistant. During summer school, we have a doctor on-call who also comes in Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during the academic year.

Q: What is the most memorable story from your time working here?A: One of my favorite things about work-ing here is that you never know what is going to walk through the door. One time, during academic year, a 9th grader came in with a 10-foot pole stuck on his fi nger. He had a friend carrying the other end of the pole because it was so heavy. I just started laughing, because I had never seen anything like it. We tried soap and a whole bunch of things, but to no avail. I had no idea what to do with it, I couldn’t get it off, and his fi nger was beginning to swell. Finally, I tried Surgilube, which is water-based, and it worked. He then had to take the pole back to the science building, where it belonged.

Q: While the Lamont Health Center is under construction, what diffi culties have you faced?A: The health center staff packed up everything before spring term. When they came back, the staff was told that they were going to be working on the fi rst fl oor of the health center for another few weeks, during construction. Thus, everything had to be unpacked again, and repacked in a few weeks when they moved to the temporary space. Other than that everything has been fi ne, and we have gotten to know each other really well in the smaller space.

Q: What would tell nervous parents to let them feel comfortable, and know that their children will be safe?A: Our staff, which again is available 24 hours per day, is very well trained and prepared. Most of the people working at the Lamont Health Center have lots of experience and like what they do. Also, in case of emergency, the hospital is close and the fi re department responds quickly.

Q: What advice would you give to students now in the summer school?A: Get your sleep and drink enough water.

By GUS JAYNES and ALEJANDRO TURRIAGOSummer Times Staff Writers

Jeffery Nelson. The man who keeps everyone safe at Phillips Exeter Academy as the Direc-tor of Campus Safety Services. Mr. Nelson, 54, has been at his job for almost two years. Before starting here, he spent 18 years at the Goffstown police department, and later as chief of police at Dumbarton. The journalism class had the pleasure to interview him about his current job in Campus Safety.

Q. What are your biggest concerns or is-sues in policing here?A: Well of course, it’s always overall safety of students and faculty on campus – that’s our primary concern. It has nothing to do about any specifi c threats on campus.

Q. What kind of issues would be a par-ticular concern?A: Well, certainly you always have in any area like this physical assets, which are build-ings, which are artifacts in buildings, which are everything from audiovisual equipment to all the way up to buildings to whatever valuable assets, physical assets, tangible assets and then of course you have human assets. People are certainly the priority. So we’re concerned about being able to handle any situation. Q. Do you identify yourself as a cop or is your job completely different from that?A: Completely different. We are not sworn, we have no arrest powers, we don’t carry any fi rearms or weapons. So we are here to respond, I guess you could say, before the law enforcement responds. So we have a memorandum of understanding with the police department that we take initial infor-mation. So for criminal nature, we would pass it along to the police department. We are absolutely not cops in that regard.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?A: Always the people. It’s always people oriented. It’s the interaction with people. One of the frustrating things is making sure poli-cies are up to date, we review them annually. That’s always the stuff you have to attend to. But it’s people oriented, conducting training, doing interviews like this, whatever it is that is people oriented is my favorite thing to do.

Q. Have you added any improvements since you’ve been here?A: We incorporated ALICE (Alert Lock-down Inform Counter Evacuate) training this year. With summer school students, we didn’t do the training because it’s just kind of a fi ve-week nature of summer school, but we completed it with all faculty, students and staff last spring. [ALICE] is a new way to look at locking down to help make situa-tions as safe as possible. We’ve done a lot of really good training with our Campus Safety offi cers. We’ve had a nice renovation of our space, we’re upgrading our emergency no-tifi cation systems, so I think we’re heading in a really positive direction.

Q. What are some of the worst cases you’ve encountered?A: We work very closely with the Dean of Students offi ce. We work very closely with Human Resources. As far as criminals, this campus is an open campus meaning that we are very much part of the Exeter community physically as well as any other way. Physi-cally, we don’t really have a lot of fences or barriers that distinguish the campus from Exeter. You can walk down Front Street, notice the nice, attractive buildings, but if you weren’t from Exeter or didn’t know the school, you wouldn’t necessarily recognize them as part of Exeter Academy. That’s always a challenge, when we have people on campus that shouldn’t be on campus. We’ve had thefts and it’s endemic it seems. This is my second summer school, but last year we had a dramatic increase in book bag thefts, and of course they were going after the electronics in there. So it’s some of those things that are challenging, we’ve had other

issues that have come up, fortunately nothing that I would consider really serious, no big criminal cases.

Q. How often do issues occur on campus?A: Last year, between September 1st 2012 and May 1st 2013, Campus Safety handled 6,375 calls for service, so that’s everything from “I’m locked out of my room, I need help,” to “Hey, can you come pick up this student at the athletics complex and bring them to the Health Center.” It could be handling motor vehicles crashes on campus, an employee slipping and falling and get-ting injured, it could be a medical transfer, it could be any number of things. But that

just shows the kind of activity that we have, we’re a real busy agency. Fortunately, most of what we do goes unnoticed, and really if I – my ultimate goal is if the students and faculty as a friendly group of people and didn’t really see a lot of work that we do.

Q. What advice would you give students to prevent thefts?A: Certainly be aware of where your book bag is, there are bins at the dining hall for book bags. Some of the problem is when they’re left along the side, and it’s been re-confi gured and renovated in that dining hall, so things have changed a little bit, but make sure you put your book bags and things in the bins. Don’t keep any valuables in there if possible, when you go to the gym make sure you don’t leave large sums of money, don’t leave passports, don’t leave any valu-able documents in your book bags and just leave them unattended. Keep them in your room, locked. Other than that, just good, basic awareness, make sure that if you’re walking at night, you’re not alone, you’re walking with a group, or you’re in an area that is well-lit. All those little things that you would do in any environment.

Q. Have you ever felt unsafe about a situ-ation here on campus?A: No. I have yet to feel that way. To say is there a point where I’ve been fearful or con-cerned that pursuing excellence could not go on, no I have not felt that way. Certainly there are challenges with weather incidents, weather events, power outages, I mean there’s a whole gamut of things that affect the classroom, things that we and facility management are concerned about. It’s not just about “unsafe,” it’s about making sure the missions can continue for the school, for classrooms to stay open, dining halls are able to serve food, dorms are heated. So it’s the whole big picture.

Q. What got you into security in general?A: Well it wasn’t so much a great desire of mine, it was more about needing to fi nd a job. I was married fairly young, had children fairly young, and it took me a long time to mature as a person. So when I got into the police I was very, very fortunate to have a really great fi rst chief, and he was very high on education and provided opportunities for us to go to college, taking courses free of charge, I took advantage of that, and was able to continue and get a couple of masters degrees. But earlier on, I took policing and actually started in jail ward, because it was the only thing I was able to get a job at, be-cause I did not take advantage of educational opportunities when I was in high school.

Q. What about hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?A: Basically read and exercise. My wife and I are a little out of sorts because our sons have moved to Arizona, both of them, so we’re a little empty nest stressed, so we’re still trying to get out to Arizona as often as we can. So it’s really travel out to Arizona and read and exercise.

Q. What kind of books do you like to read?A: Theology, and I also enjoy very much, I guess you would say, historical mysteries.

By ERINA SAKURAI and BROOKE SHEASummer Times Staff Writers

Ralph Blumenthal /The Summer Times

Ralph Blumenthal /The Summer Times

Ladies and gentleman, the Exeter Sum-mer School program has offi cially begun and with the fi rst week gone by students are not shy about sharing their likes and dislikes. This year there are a nearly 800 summer school students attending Exeter from 48 different countries in the world. Here’s what some of them had to say about their highs and lows so far.

Jenny Lau, 15, an upper school student from Hong Kong stated, “I really like how convenient it is here. I mostly like how diverse everything is and how I’ve met so many dif-ferent people in only fi ve days.”

Although certain things are diffi cult in certain ways for her “Exeter so far is perfectly fi ne although I do have diffi culties trying to get used to the Harkness table during classes because I’m not used to that kind of stuff from where I come from,” Jenny said.

Other students like Tashara Brown, 16, from Memphis, Tennessee, stated: “Exeter is a really nice community; it's really diverse so you learn a lot of things and I believe that we go back to our home countries and cities knowing more than we did when we came.”

“A challenge for me would be actually stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know someone from another country and getting to know about their culture, whose views may be different from mine.”

Anika Shields, 15, from Connecticut, said: “I think it's a great place to go to so far, the people are very friendly, it's very diverse

and the food is great,” but “a challenge for me is just self-discipline, knowing when I need to give up being social and turn into my room and do my homework.”

Liberating for her in a way, Wind Arikan, 15, from Turkey found that “my favorite thing about Exeter is being all alone without my parents and actually being a responsible per-son and doing things by myself and my least favorite thing would have to be the amount of homework we get and always having to get up really early.”

Kyle Miller, 17, from New York, said: “Out of everything I enjoy the people the most, and there is no specifi c group I would limit myself too because I pretty much talk to everyone.” But for him, “The food in the din-ing hall and the homework is the only thing that really bothers me.”

Mimy Belay, 15, from Seattle said: “I like the fact that I can have my own opinions and have a voice for myself but then at the same time I meet people who may share the same thoughts and then it’s like we end up having a whole 360 thing going on because we all may think the same way.”

“I just don’t like how everyone is all cliqued up and only hang out with people who are like them, for example the Americans hang out with the Americans, the French with the French and so on,” said Mimi.

With the many highs and lows that may exist in this whirlwind experience, we can still adapt to many of the things discomforting for us here at Exeter. Anything can happen. We will just have to wait and see.

By TONI HENDERSONSummer Times Staff Writer

Highs & Lows: Students Rate Academy So Far

Nancy Thompson Jeffery Nelson

AUSTRIA 1BAHRAIN 3BELGIUM 1BRAZIL 10BURKINA FASO 1CANADA 4COLOMBIA 3DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 3ENGLAND 1FRANCE 8GEORGIA 4GERMANY 12GHANA 2GREECE 15GUATEMALA 1HONG KONG 24INDIA 2INDONESIA 14IRELAND 1ITALY 8JAMAICA 2JAPAN 11JORDAN 3KENYA 1

LEBANON 4MALAYSIA 3MEXICO 5NIGERIA 8P. R. CHINA 66PAKISTAN 3POLAND 1REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN 1REPUBLIC OF KOREA 8RUSSIA 5SAUDI ARABIA 22SINGAPORE 4SPAIN 10SWEDEN 1SWITZERLAND 3TAIWAN 16THAILAND 17TURKEY 40UN. ARAB EMIRATES 4UNITED KINGDOM 10VENEZUELA 18VIETNAM 6

INTL 390USA 391

As Phillips Exeter Academy welcomes another group of diverse students and faculty for summer session, it not only brings different cultures together but it also brings different talents together. As you meet a new person you never know who he or she might be. Maybe a TV star or a successful nationwide athlete...there are hidden talents and stars among us on campus, so look out for them.One of the stars among us is a faculty member: Olutoyin ‘Toyin’ Augustus-Ikwuakor from the PE Department. After having a successful athletic back-ground, she was selected to represent her home coun-try, Nigeria, in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She was able to answer a couple of questions for our paper;

Q: Before we start the interview questions, can you please give us your background information?A: 33-years-old. I have two sisters and a brother. I am an educator, currently working at PEA in the PE department and this is my first time teaching during summer school.

Q: How did you decide to do the sports you’re doing? A: When I was in elementary school my dad took my sister and me to the track to help my sister work on her running skills. She had decided to do the hurdles in middle school and she wanted to get practice. While she was practicing, my dad told me to go and race her in the hurdles, which I had also never done before. I was able to beat her that day and I knew this was something I must be good at, because usually my older sister was better than me at everything. The love began there and it just flourished as I got better and better.

Q: What was/is your training schedule? A: I am currently working on getting rid of the excess fat that I gained while pregnant and after giving birth to my wonderful baby girl, Haiven. I plan to begin my official training in October which was previously my start when I was at the peak of my competitive cycle. In my training you will find a lot of resistance, strength, and conditioning work in the beginning few months. You can find me in the weight room doing squats, power cleans, hip flexor rotations, and a lot of hamstring exercises. On an-other day you might drive by Shaw’s hill and see me pushing through 20-50 second runs up this more than 300m hill. On a different day you may see me running the streets of Exeter, challenging myself to see if I can run a particular path faster than the last time I ran it. I have also been spotted sprinting around the track, of course. Although there are several different

workouts in unique locations, I would have to say that the hardest training of all is the mental training that happens constantly. The mind is so powerful and is often the difference between the Olympic gold medalist and the girl who almost qualified for the team. Every day, athletes have to battle their minds.... “Am I strong enough?” “Am I fast enough?” “Are they better than me?” “Have I got enough?” “Should I eat this?” “What will my friends think if I don’t hang out with them?” “Do I have time?” “Should I do one extra repetition?” “Should I made another sacrifice?” “Will it pay off in the end?” If you can get through those questions with confidence, positivity, and perseverance while doing the little extras along the way, you will be well on your way to greatness.

Q: How did it feel to represent your country? A: It was amazing! First of all I represented my God, myself, my family, and then my country. From when I was little, my mother taught me to put God first and also stressed the importance of family and patriotism. I knew I wanted to represent Nigeria, but I had no idea what I was getting into. Nigeria is a very difficult country to work with at times so it was not easy, but I know that I inspired those who I met and I was also inspired by their stories as well. When I compete in Nigeria it is so awesome because of all the people who get so excited to see me. I don’t feel like I’m that special, but I know I carry a torch for each of them. It’s pretty great and I’m so blessed to have had the experience of winning

Nigerian National competitions, African Champi-onships, All Africa games; and competing in the Olympics and World Cup wearing green-white-green.

Q: What kinds of competitions/races did you do? A: Most of the international Track and Field compe-titions take place in Europe. I have done everything from college meets in the US to internationally tele-vised competitions in Europe. I have run some small competitions as well as large ones throughout Europe. Track has taken me to Canada, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Slo-venia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria, Greece, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Taiwan, Japan, China, Nigeria, Senegal, Ethio-pia, Algeria, Mauritius, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. I don’t think I left any out.

Q: Who was your biggest supporter? A: My mommy! When I was just starting out, she was always supportive of me. When I wanted to give up she encouraged me. She gave me the fundamental skills to being successful and watch me figure things out and always loved me through all things. She continuously made sacrifices for me and when I was between a rock and a hard place, getting ready to give up, she prayed with me. Step by step she was there for me, and when I finally made it to the Olympics, she bought her ticket, packed her bags and cheered me on from the stands! I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about it now. I love you, my mommy! I hope and pray that I can be all that and more to my baby girl, Haiven, and all the kids that God blesses me with.

Q: How did it feel to know that millions were watching you?A: I didn’t spend too much time thinking about that part. It was almost unreal that there were that many people watching so while we were in the Olympic village I was pretty relaxed and just enjoying the company of all the amazing athletes of many differ-ent disciplines around me. Then on my competition day, I was very, very nervous going to the track and warming up for my event and knowing that it was almost my turn to perform. Walking into the stadium was quite overwhelming and I only took a very short glance through the stadium. I knew that if I looked too long I would get distracted and un-focused. So I repeated my preparation as I had done hundreds of times before and took deep breaths to relax. It was not until after my race that I allowed myself to look around to see all the people who had just watched my race... my moment in time. I’m so blessed!

SUMMER LIFE6 THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013THE SUMMER TIMES

Students’ Lives Rich in Hometown Drama

With students here from more than 40 countries, diversity is richly evident on the campus of Phillips Exeter. Take Rahul Brahmal. Rahul, a 16-year-old 11th grader, was born in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. Rahul, of Kirtland dorm, is a 4th generation Malaysian with descen-dants from Sri Lanka, which is an island near India. Rahul himself has relocated a lot, moving from Singapore to California for five years. Then, he relocated to In-dia for five years until he moved back to Malaysia, where he was originally born and currently resides.

In Rahul’s history, his grandfather, Kandiah Murugasu, is a huge figure. He was a child in World War II and saw his brother get thrown into a well by a Japanese soldier during the Japanese invasion of Malaysia. Also, closer to Rahul’s lifetime, there were wars be-tween Rahul’s ethic group of Tamils, and Buddhists. The guerrilla battles for Sri Lanka raged for years before there was peace.

“Because of the wars, there has been

no development in Sri Lanka,” accord-ing to Rahul. Luckily, Rahul was born in Malaysia, which is “stable” for him. Since Rahul has been in Malaysia, he has seen many disturbing sights. In one instance, he observed beggars reporting their money to “their master.”

“They were basically his slaves,” Rahul said.

As a result of this experience, Ra-hul began to do community service in Malaysia, such as providing teaching services and supplies because of his dismay at how the children and beggars were being treated. In fact, he was even asked to participate in the movie, Life of Pi, but was not able to.

Then there is Razi Alalgam. Born in Qutif, Saudi Arabia, Razi is a 16-year-old heading to the 11th grade. Razi has a great background from being in the embassy in Rwanda, in Africa, to attend-ing competitions in Egypt for robotics. Razi has one brother named Fadi. His mother Suha Alzayer, is a doctor and his father, Ali Alalgam, is a teacher. Razi’s family has a history of heart disease that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Razi’s family experienced the Arab Spring revolution that traveled from Egypt to Saudi Arabia. In this upris-ing, Qutif rioted for demands such as the freedom of political prisoners. The revolution ended before Razi was born. Razi’s grandfather was also an important figure in Qutif. He was the first man in Qutif to calculate an equation without using a calculator, which had never been done by anyone else. As a result of this, Razi and his family are “very good at math,” according to Razi. In this case, this would include almost all of Qutif, seeing that “everyone in Qutif is related,” Razi said. As a matter of fact, “there are five other Qutif boys in Exeter” that share the same fascinating family history as Razi along with other people who have captivating family histories.

While there are any number of brilliant histories waiting to be told, Ngor Luong’s story stands out. Being a 16-year-old Cambodian, the 11th grade Ngor has a striking family history be-hind her. Before Ngor was born, her parents, who were born in China, moved to Cambodia, a country in Southeast

Asia. While they lived there, the Khmer Rouge waged a genocidal war against the Cambodian people, forcing Ngor’s family to move to Vietnam into a refugee camp that would allow them to travel to America.

However, only Ngor’s uncle could go, so he went to America in hopes of one day bringing them to America as well. During the war, Ngor’s dad moved to Thailand but was chased by soldiers. He escaped by boat, but went without any food or water for a week. Once the civil war was over, Ngor’s parents re-located back to Cambodia, where Ngor was born. Ngor’s parents owned a local business there until they decided to move to the US three years ago for bet-ter educational opportunities for Ngor, in which they were aided by their uncle who helped them get a visa for America.

“My first time in the US was dif-ficult,” Ngor said. Relocating to Mas-sachusetts, Ngor had problems commu-nicating because she did not know the language, yet she did not let that stop her. Now, Ngor knows English very well and can have a conversation in English very easily.

By JAHLYN HAYESSummer Times Staff Writer

By LARA GUVELIOGLUSummer Times Staff Writer

Lara Guvelioglu /The Summer Times

The Stars Among Us: Nigerian Olympic Sprinter

Diversity RUs: Where in the World Are We From?

Image ourtesy of Alex Braile '10

SUMMER LIFE 7THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013THE SUMMER TIMES

Where to Study? The 10 Top Spots

Philips Exeter Academy Summer School, as we all know, has a diverse environment with students from all over the world. They are used to their own cuisine, in their own countries. There-fore, a transition from the food they eat at home to the food at Exeter is required. Students might absolutely hate the food here or absolutely love it. But remem-ber, food is one of the great parts about coming from another country or state.

Caroline Kwik, 15, from Hong Kong, had much to say about the food at Exeter and in Hong Kong. “At home, there is a lot of rice, fish, vegetables, and dumplings,” she said. “Here, the food is more heavy and there are a lot of potatoes which we don’t really eat. I feel like I have to eat less here because I get full quicker. Overall, the food here is pretty yummy, but there aren’t a lot of varieties.”

Fifteen-year-old Julia Sinclair is from Brazil. Talking about the food at Exeter, Julia said. “It is more diverse than my home and it is also very dif-

ferent. At home, I eat rice, beans, meat, and vegetables. Here, they have more options.

Huda Al-Shair is a 16-year-old student who came to Exeter all the way from Saudi Arabia. Her opinion of the food at Exeter and the food in her country was that “I prefer the food back home. There’s a lot more taste to it and culture to it. The food here is not bad.”

Some are wowed by the deserts. Hannah Kruse, 16, comes from Germany and her response regarding the food at Exeter and the food at home, was that “I love the candy here, especially the fro-zen yogurt. At home, I don’t eat candy.” She also mentioned, “Spaghetti is the same and I don’t eat scrambled eggs for breakfast because it is not very common in Germany. The food here is okay.”

Sixteen-year-old Kierra Bateman comes from Texas. Comparing the food, Kierra stated that “The food at home is actually the same [as] here. There are all types of food in Texas such as His-panic food, Asian food, and American food. Overall, the food at Exeter is very good because it reminds me of home.”

Jasmine Bailey is a 16-year-old stu-

dent from Memphis. Jasmine said that “The food here is all right. It’s school food, but it’s good though. The food at home is home-cooked and lunches are worse, but I’ve had better food. At home, I eat a lot of soul, baked, and barbequed food.”

When students first arrive at Phil-lips Exeter Summer Academy, they have their opinions and perspectives of what they think about the food, from their own countries and the food at this acade-my. Clearly, their responses demonstrate the culturally diverse community, as a whole, here at Exeter.

Images courtesy of Google Images

What's Cooking? Students Mull CuisineBy ARIANNA RAMIREZSummer Times Staff Writer

10.) The GrillThe Grill is simple, central, and most importantly air-conditioned. It’s your one-stop-shop for socializing with friends, fi nishing up some collaborative homework, and grabbing a quick snack. If you haven’t been to The Grill at least once, then you’re missing out on the hot spot to be around campus. Be-ware hitting peak free time hours -- crowds can turn the central hub into a less productive work place.9.) The Dorm Room DeskWe’re going back to the basics. It’s just you, your desk, and your work. Some-times going back to the old fashioned ways of studying is the most productive. It may not be the most luxurious spot on campus to work in, but it is the most private. You have to share every secret study spot with every person on campus, but this one. (Unless you have a roommate!) The secret spot proves perfect on a not-so-hot day. 8.) The Steps behind The Academy BuildingOne of the most commonly forgotten ideas is that working on steps is essentially the same as working on four or fi ve different desks at once. It’s the perfect way to organize a lot of material and a great way to spend some time in the sun on a nice day.7.) The Steps to the Left of the Academy BuildingWhile we’re on the topic of steps, if the set behind The Academy Building are a little too mainstream for you, try the ones to the left. While the set to the left of the building are seemingly the same stairs (when facing the front of the building) they are less commonly used. There is also a wider range of step and bench levels to work with to create a productive afternoon, or crank some work out between classes without trekking back to your dorm. 6.) Phelps Science Center 2nd Floor BenchesArguably one of the most underappreciated private spots on campus, the second fl oor benches of the Phelps Science Center are one of the most grade A places to work. This place is commonly overlooked because when in an academic build-ing hallway the main focus is just getting through, and heading to the location you want to go. Next time you’re walking through try stopping at one of the horseshoe-shaped benches. On those hot, humid, and horrible days, don’t forget that the Phelps Science Center is air-conditioned!5.) The Bridge connecting the Athletic FieldsConnecting the campus baseball and soccer fi elds behind Love Gym is a small bridge. After crossing the bridge veer slightly to the left to run right into a private, but open green. Hardly ever used during the early afternoon, it is the perfect nature getaway destination to work out some problems or even take a nap. 4.) The Lawn in front of the Tennis CourtsOn those hot days that turn your dorm desk into a sauna, try sitting in the shaded lawn in front of the tennis courts. You’ll be completely safe from the sun, but in a key position to catch the occasional breeze. It’s the perfect way to charge through a few chapters of a book or brainstorm ideas while avoiding the construction noise.3.) The Cafeteria at Off Peak HoursThe majority of people will agree that studying in a school cafeteria is the least productive way to spend your time. Only the troopers who stick it out and eat towards the very end of meal hours know that it’s one of the most prime places to work. If you can overcome a little background noise, then you’re looking at an empty desk, unlimited snacks, and a productive day ahead of you. (Try breakfast before 7!)2.) Third Floor Library Window Lounge1.) Soundproof, Secluded, Study-Worthy Library Basement CubbiesIt’s a TIE! Take your pick. Do you prefer quiet or comfort? Whichever one you choose you’re going to have to head over to the library. For a relaxing read or study session with your friends, trek on up to the library’s third fl oor lounge. High enough to help you slip away from the general public, but low enough to not kill you on the walk up. Try to grab a window seat and enjoy! For the unfi nished essay due tomorrow, make your way to the quietest place on campus: The Library Basement. You’ll fi nd rows of small one-man glass rooms equipped with a lamp, a desk, a clock, and sometimes a stationary computer. The perfect materials necessary to get your homework done before check in.

By CHRISTINA LEESummer Times Staff Writer

Andell Jones Andell is a native of America, born in New York and raised in a normal school, which uses almost the same schedule and hour distribution as Exeter. This surprises many people because they do not know that some schools in the U.S. use the same system as Exeter; however, Andell says that there’s more homework sheets back at home and that class hours are “just [the] same.” He also states that the food here on campus is way better because there’s “more of it” compared to his school at home, at which they serve really small amounts. As usual, like other people, he says that the bathrooms are not good here.

Marco Hazan He was born and still lives in Paris, France and lives just a block or two away from his school; therefore, he simply wakes up at the same time he does here at Exeter. His school starts at the same time Exeter does, so he is pretty familiar with this type of schedule. He declared that the school in Paris he attends is harder, not because of the home-work essays and/or tests but harder because he is trying to move to another bigger and better school making a greater effort. He spends an average of two hours on homework a day at his homeschool and about an hour at Exeter. “I am trying to move from school,” Marco said. About the classes he says that they’re almost the same length, but more during the day (in amount). Since he lives next to his house, he eats the food they make in his house; normally he doesn’t choose his meal, but loudly says its “ten times better” than the food they make at Exeter. As usual like all the boys in the campus he states his negative opinion towards bathrooms.

Alejandro Turriago Alejandro lives in Bogota, Colombia, a city in which the average people wake up earlier to walk to school. Poor Alejandro has to wake up at 5:45 or even earlier to wait for the bus that will transport him to school. His average trip for school takes him about an hour or even more. Back in Colombia he says, “There are more exams back at my home school, but the teachers seem to give more home-work here.” He also states that he does not enjoy doing homework and that it’s quite different here from Nogales, his old school. His classes seem to be longer than Exeter’s by a couple of minutes or so, but on Mondays he has to take 2 hours of class for each subject. Alejandro also states that the food here is amazing; there are a lot of different types of meals and drinks, but it’s simply good compared to what he gets in Colombia, a non-sorted food which he doesn’t choose. As usual, he along with many other people say that the bathrooms here aren’t as worthy as the bathrooms back where they live.

Aydin YulugAlthough Aydin wakes up at the same time here and at his hometown, his classes start a little bit later than Exeter’s. Even though there are many assignments, essays and stressful exams at Ex-eter, his homeschool still remains more diffi cult because the teacher’s way of schooling is more strict and harsh. A normal class on Aydin’s sched-ule lasts for only 45 minutes; fi ve minutes less than an average class at Exeter, so he says it feels “The exact same way.” Although many people say that the dining room’s food at Exeter is good and diverse, Aydin thinks the opposite because at his hometown it is healthier and even more assorted. Aydin thinks that the bathrooms are way better at his school because they seem to be more orga-nized, well maintained, clean and good-smelling.

Exeter vs. Home: Students Compare and Contrast

By GUILLERMO GOMEZSummer Times Staff Writer

Since the fi rst assembly, it has been pointed out that it is an objective of Exeter that all the students attending the Summer School comprise a diverse group of people.

This statement is supported by the fact that since its foundation, the school wants to bring to-gether “youth from every quarter,” as stated in its foundation charter. Thus, it is not surprising that this fi ve-week-long event gathers more than 780 students, from more than 40 different countries. Each one of those students is different from others in aspects like personality, interests, abilities, religious beliefs, and cultural background. What makes the diversity in the Summer School so valuable, is that by having to coexist closely with so many different people, a student is able to learn a variety of things he wouldn’t normally get to learn.

Students around the school have been able to get some knowledge out of the diversity they fi nd in the school. The ways in which students have learned something from diversity is as varied as the people in the Summer School.

Take Aaron Pan, an Upper School student from Indonesia. His learning from diversity has reached him in various forms. One friend from his dorm is Muslim, as compared to Aaron, who is Presbyterian. Aaron says he has learned a lot about Islam as a religion now from his dorm mate. He has been able to witness how his friend celebrates one of the most important occasions for Muslims -- Ramadan. This unique experience allows Aaron to understand how other people approach spirituality according to their diverse religious backgrounds.

On the other hand, Aaron says he has noted the

diversity of intellectual abilities and strategies here at Exeter, through experiences inside and outside of the classroom. “I learned people approach knowl-edge in different ways,” says Aaron.

People in fact, have very different interpreta-tions and opinions of different forms of knowledge, and besides helping Aaron get some useful tips to apply while studying, this diversity is what keeps discussions in the Harkness tables alive.

Another totally different case can be that of Daniel Rabinovitch, another Upper School student from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Daniel comes from a culture in which soccer is considered the most important sport and is a tradition that makes up its culture. In his own experience, learning from diversity comes from sports.

During free times, he and many other students hang out in the small basketball court next to Cilley Hall. Students there play small games or simply shoot the ball in different ways. To Daniel, one of the best things he is learning from diversity here is how to make “cool” basketball moves he can show to his friends back home in a sport in which he is relatively inexperienced.

Finally, in a totally different example, Grant Bumgarner, who comes from Oklahoma, is struck by the diverse approaches to food, as many people have different diets. But he’s learned about some-thing even more important than food. When asked about how he interacts with people from other cultures, he answered they had taught him “the meaning of true love.”

All in all, diversity is a big part of the Summer School experience, and it is important that students continue to learn from differences and allow others to learn from them. Diversifi cation is what makes of this a constructive and unique experience.

E Pluribus Unum: From Many Places, One Student Body

By ALEJANDRO TURRIAGOSummer Times Staff Writer

Courtesy of Google Images

SUMMER LIFE8 THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013THE SUMMER TIMES

You Gotta Have Art - Creative Juices Flow at PEA

Smiles and Their Owners

1. Soso Alavidze, The Republic of Georgia

2. Vazha Nutsubidze, The Repub-lic of Georgia

3. David Mckinzie, Memphis, TN

7. Alexandra Russell, London, England

5. Emma Montero, New York City, NY

4. Tywone Green, Memphis, TN

6. Kyle Miller, New York City, NY 8. Day'JaMae Vallieu, Seattle, WA

Did you match the page 1 smiles to these students below?

Walk around Phillips Exeter and you will notice the infl uence of art everywhere. In addition to taking offered classes, students may participate in drama workshops, chamber music ensembles, the Exeter Summer School Or-chestra and the Glee Club, or take private music lessons for an additional fee.

In the Phelps Academy Center, two large drawings fi ll two of the walls, the Forrestal – Bowld Music center always holds musicians playing and creating music, and the theaters hold the actors and actresses practicing to be great performers. Exeter provides arts from Dance and Drama to Music and Arts, and much more. No matter what your artistic preferences are, Phillips Exeter fulfi lls these desires to create.

The Forrestal – Bowld Music center offers endless

musical possibilities, from Jazz Band to the Ensemble; any-one with musical talent can fi nd a place. Amanda Kang and Diana Davidson, both 13 and going into eighth grade, play the piano and enjoy it very much.

Amanda, who resides in Delaware, says music makes her feel like she is “fl oating on a cloud.”

Diana, who is from Washington State, says that music is relaxing to her. “I feel like I’m in a different world when I play music,” she replied when asked how music makes her feel.

Both responded to the same question by saying it makes them feel free and allows them to express emotion in ways talking can’t. This summer, the girls said they are looking forward to playing in the ensemble and meeting new people in the group. “I’m really looking forward to playing a four-handed piano piece this summer,” said Diana. “I feel like it will be a new and exciting challenge.” Diana will also be playing the harp this summer in addition to the piano.

When asked what life would be like without music, the girls had many thoughts on the topic. Amanda said life would be boring. “It’s a part of me, and I can’t imagine life without it.”

“Neither can I,” said Diana. “It is impossible to imagine life without music. No matter who you are, you are involved in it. It is a way to reach into yourself, which is a part of everyone’s life.”

Amanda ended the interview by adding, “Life without music is like life without happiness, everyone would always be sad.”

Margaret Herlehy is the Evening Ensemble’s musi-cal director. She is excited to work with the students and feels that they will have a wonderful time in the ensemble. “These students play many instruments and this presents an opportunity for the students to challenge themselves with instruments they don’t normally have the chance to play,” said Herlehy. She is also very excited to see the group play music and interact with one-another.

On Wednesday, July 10th, the students in the ensemble were all sight-reading six pieces of work. One of the six pieces included Slavonic Dance by A. Dvorak, which she is excited to see the students play as a group. When asked why the arts are important, she replied very enthusiastically.

“People need to tap into their creativity, and I feel that music and other arts are a special outlet to the creative side of people. It allows people to work together when the nor-mally would not. People communicate through music and it allows them to express themselves when they may not be able to otherwise.”

Music isn’t the only art available around the campus. The art classes offer a wide variety of artistic subjects like ceramics, oil painting, and many more. You can also see pieces of artwork located in the Lamont Art Gallery. In this

gallery, you can view incredible pieces of artwork that can amaze and inspire you. Whenever you have some free time on your hands, the art gallery is a spectacular place to spend time in an artistic and interesting way.

In case you want to do a more physical aspect of the arts, you may be interested in the dance classes here at Exeter.

Peter Rassie from Lebanon is 17 and going into the twelfth grade. Peter started dancing in his fi rst year of per-forming arts in around eighth grade -- almost four years of

hip-hop dancing and around three months of Latino or Latin Ballroom dancing. He is taking Dance Workshop at Phillips Exeter. So far, they have done modern, jazz, and swing dances in the workshop.

“I really love dance because I have the freedom to ex-press myself and not be judged by people,” Peter says. “When I’m dancing, I feel like I’m free and in a different world. I’m having fun and doing something I’m passionate about.”

In the dance workshop, he is most excited about learn-ing new styles of dance and improving his skills. “Art is the main domain or medium in which you can fully express yourself without words but instead with actions,” said Pe-ter, in response to the question of why dance and art are so important. “In dance, you can choreograph your own story through the dance. Dancing is also a way of socializing. If you know how to dance, you can join a group or a couple friends and have some real fun.”

At the end of the Sumer Program, the dance workshop will have a performance.

Last, but certainly not least, are the performing art groups. The Drama club is currently practicing its skills and learning lines for the upcoming play. The Drama club meets on weekdays during sport time and works very hard to give the campus a wonderful performance. In past years, the Drama club has performed The Taming of the Shrew, Our Town, Grease, and The Night of January Sixteenth.

The Glee Club is doing something similar to the drama club. Meeting twice a week, they are rehearsing a musical performance for the end of the summer. Major performances are held on the main stage in Fisher Theater.

There are many more artistic opportunities at Phillips Exeter. If you wish to join any of the extracurricular activities such as Drama, Glee, and Ensemble, contact the advisors of these groups. Get out there and have fun exploring the all the artistic possibilities Phillips Exeter has to offer!

By TYLER CHAISSONSummer Times Staff Writer

Compiled by BROOKE SHEASummer Times Staff Writer

Tyler Chaisson /The Summer Times

Tyler Chaisson /The Summer Times

Tyler Chaisson /The Summer Times Tyler Chaisson /The Summer Times