What's in a Grade?

Ho Fai Tang, Age 14, St. Mark's School, MA U.S.A. 

What's in a Grade?

The chances of a student to be admitted to university should be determined not by race or ethnicity, but by their talent, potential and dedication. These are aspects of a human being that do not vary based on location or wealth. These are traits that cannot be bought or borrowed. No one can cheat their way through dedication; no one can fake talent, no one can buy potential. However, the measure of these traits is not purely consistent with scores or test results, nor is it made up only of activities. It is a mindset, a personality that prospective students around the world can have, no matter their religion, race, or gender. If a student in Mexico has the same dedication and potential as a student in Korea, they should be valued equally as potential candidates. Whilst students in poorer regions of the world may not be granted the same opportunities as those who are not, they are perfectly capable of achieving the mental capacity needed to accomplish greatness.

        Standardized test scores, grade point averages, community service, co-curricular activities. These are all things that should be taking into consideration when deciding a student’s admission decision. They are all important, more so than race, gender or ethnicity. Yes, those are also factors, but they should not overshadow the true intelligence of the student and their capabilities. The true measure of a student’s greatness should not be their country of citizenship, but their personality. A hardworking student with average grades who is a Hispanic without many opportunities should be given the same chance as a rich hardworking student Asian student with slightly better grades due to a larger series of educational opportunities.

        Potential and dedication are things that are hard to quantify or measure. That is why many educational institutions do not understand these traits about their students until years after they are accepted. They are not wrong for doing so. Measuring someone’s potential and dedication requires extensive background research, including interviews, IQ analysis, and educational history. This level of research allows schools to find students who not only have the potential to accomplish great things, but have done their best to do so with the resources that are available to them.

        There are those who would argue that schools need balance in their admission system through affirmative action. This is on the borderline of racism as it is racial discrimination against those who are from more educated areas. If students were to be judged based on dedication and potential, then students from rich and poor regions would have equal chances of getting in, despite one side possibly attaining higher grades than the other. As for the “race box”, that should remain in place and should still be a factor so that the admissions department can take into account the opportunities that each student has been given and what they have made of them.

        Of all the factors that are taken into account by the admissions department of a school, race and wealth should exist only to allow for context for the other, more prominent factors. A school’s decision should not be influenced directly by race; rather it should be background from the other factors to assist in finding the dedication and potential of the student. With this method, a school can be both equal and fair, without sacrificing its academic integrity.

An Open letter to Susan Patton

Charmaine L. Age 15, Chinese International School

An Open letter to Susan Patton

Dear Ms. Patton,

I don’t agree with the advice you’ve given to the young women of Princeton. Although they are college students and are practically grown up, they shouldn’t go to college just to ‘land’ the perfect spouse.

No doubt finding a husband on campus before you graduate can increase your chances, but it can also decrease your chances of getting a better job because your relationship affected your education. Princeton is such a good university and you should be maximizing your time on education than on a relationship. (Read Kelly Yang's opinion here!)

Aside from having a better future, education is the one thing that cannot be stolen from you. As Julia Shaw said, “men die, but your college degree is forever.” Education allows the possibility of more job opportunities and if you get a high paying job, you will be more financially secure. You also mentioned that the young women should ‘land’ a man who is intellectually equal or above you, but truth be told, not everyone in Princeton or any good university are obligated to be smart. There can be a lot of men, who are intellectually equal to you all around the world, so why waste your time on choosing the perfect one in college? Can’t men from your company in the future be as smart as you? Plus, the bonus side of this is that they are financially stable and they’ll know how to deal with the trials of the real world.

Some say that if you don’t get married at a young age, your chances will decrease and you may be labeled as a ‘left-over’ or considered ‘forever alone’. No one will take care of you when you get older and become your safety net. You will not have a spouse to share your joy with a new generation. I guess you can probably juggle both, education and relationship, but it would add onto the pre-existing stress you already have. To be honest, it’s hard to find a balance between your education and your relationship. If you are married when you’re in college, I don’t think you are intellectually experienced enough to handle your relationship and your education. A research in University of Pennsylvania stated that many students aren’t ready to settle down and be in a serious relationship. I guess they may classify settling down or being in a relationship a distraction and a burden.

In conclusion, I don’t think finding a husband on campus before you graduate is a good advice. If you want a successful future, you should spend your time in school and concentrate on your education. Knowledge is the most important thing and it will stay with you forever. Finding the perfect spouse can be postponed and I’m sure you can find the perfect partner with 7 billion people in the world.

Sincerely,

Charmaine

Let the Women Work

Megan W. Age 14, Canadian International School

Let the Women Work

        Since ancient times, women have been the ones to take charge of childcare duties, while the men have gone out to earn a living and support their families. However, since then, times have changed. Mothers are starting to become the breadwinners of the nuclear family while the fathers are fulfilling the domestic obligations around the house; hence why more women should work and let the men stay home.

       

        Women carrying out the “Honey, I’m home,” role has now become extremely common, especially in the United States, as women now possess the ability to earn enough for both parents, in the case of having a family. A research study conducted in early June of 2013 shows that 40% of American households have the woman, wife, and/or mother being the sole or primary breadwinner. Additionally, the number of stay-at-home fathers in the United States has doubled in the past decade, to approximately 626,000. History has also proven time and again that, contrary to popular belief, women are just as, if not more, capable of working a man’s job and excelling at it; even the two highest IQ scores ever recorded belonged to women.

        Having a stay at home parent is very beneficial to the child’s upbringing and behavior, although this

does not, by any means, insinuate that it should be the woman staying home. Choosing the parent that stays home should not be chosen by gender, rather that “whoever has more time can take on more of the domestic role,” states Karl Taro Greeenfeld, author of “Triburbia” and a stay at home dad.

        Another example of the idea that more women should work and let the men stay home is that of Filipino and Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong. These women have travelled hundreds of miles, and are under contract for 2 years at a time. Currently, the Philippines’ largest and main export trade is its female labor. Many of the helpers’ husbands, though many have jobs in their hometowns, have to take on the role of the caretaker while their wives are away, working hard to earn their families’ main source of income.

        On the other hand, women are, by nature and instinctively, more nurturing than men and traditionally, it is their place in the family to stay at home and take care of the children. Women are believed to have more skill or expertise in the field of children, whether this is simply an idea put into people’/s minds by society or otherwise.

        A University of Michigan research study suggests that the idea of women being naturally more capable than men to take care of a child is merely a social construct, perhaps even a man’s way of instating his dominance in the family. Other studies have also proven that genetically and psychologically, men and women are not all that different and neither one is ‘more capable’ of being a nurturing, loving, and caring parent.

        In the 21^st century, both mothers and fathers have an active role in raising a child, whether this role is financially supporting their family, or taking care of the household chores. Both roles are equally as important, and a woman is equally capable of fulfilling the breadwinner role of the family. Therefore, more women should be able to work and let the men stay at home.

In Today's World, it is Unnecessary to Look Good

In Today’s World, it is Unnecessary to Look Good

V. Lau, Age 15, Roedean School, UK

“Beauty is the path to happiness—by way of money,” said the economists at the University of Texas-Austin, led by Daniel Hammermesh. They have found out, through research and studies, that attractive people earn more money and that the economic benefits of being good looking make them happier than their homely

counterparts. (TIME Business) However, that is only one of many ways to measure happiness. Therefore if your unit of happiness is not a dollar sign, it is unnecessary to look good. Even if it is, you should not worry about being plain looking—

There are countless examples that point out that neither the essential nor desirable criteria of a job/post include good-looking. In reality, there are lots of successful people who had achieved loads in their career life but do not have the look. For example, Bill Gates who created Microsoft worked hard to get what he wanted even though he isn’t as charming as Brad Pitt and didn’t have everything handed to him—he earned it himself. Therefore, not being good-looking does not equal to not being successful. What makes you successful in your career is inside your skull, not outside.

Viewing another aspect of life—dating and marriage—although it sounds unbelievable, it is not all about the looks. Researchers from HeadHeartHand suggested that plain looking or even ugly people have better marriages, and if one wants a good, happy marriage, he or she should pick someone who is less attractive. Edinburgh University researched the impact of beauty on ethics and gave us some clues to why ugly people have better marriages. “Attractive people are not only selfish by nature, but also more self-sufficient.” In addition, Times explained that if one has a good-looking spouse, he or she is more likely to neglect his or her souse’s bad qualities and habits; when his or her spouse loses their beauty over time (aging and less attractive), he or she will “suddenly realize” how unsuitable his or her spouse is as a husband or wife. Since ugly people are appreciated for their personality or intelligence rather than their looks (obviously), they are “truly appreciated,” whereas good looking people are more likely appreciated for what they look like than who they really are. People can get so “caught up” in their outer beauty that they do not have time for their inner beauty. (The Benefits of Being Ugly, First Things)

In addition, there is great news for males who are considered “less attractive” than the others—“Women seeking a lifelong mate might do well to choose the guy a notch below them in the looks category. New research reveals couples in which the wife is better looking than her husband are more positive and supportive than other match-ups” said the researchers from LiveScience. The researchers suspect the reason behind this is that men place great value on beauty, whereas women are more interested in having a supportive husband. Some also explained that women are usually more insecure than man, and this is shown in the research about wives and husbands suspecting their spouses cheating on them: a lot more women than men had suspected or still suspect their spouse had cheated or are cheating on them. Therefore women may subconsciously eliminate men that are quite attractive and popular because that equals a higher possibility of cheating in women’s minds.

Last but not least, you’d think that efforts to improve one’s appearance would somehow lead to more happiness. But researchers say makeup, designer clothing, and plastic surgery aren’t the answers. (Time Business) This means it is unnecessary to be good looking, it is even more unnecessary to “try to look better” if one wasn’t born that way.

In conclusion, beauty is a great thing but it’s not the most important and definitely not the key to a successful, happy life. You can still have an amazing job and be married to a great person even if you are considered as not so attractive. Therefore, you should start caring a little less about how you look, and a little more about who you really are.

The Dangling Question

Rowel L, 14

The Dangling Question

“How has the transition been?”

She looks straight into his eyes and smiles mildly. “Easier than I expected, to be honest.”

The therapist nods encouragingly, dropping his pen onto his desk. “Did your colleagues throw a get-together of some sort?”

“Oh, I had quite the farewell!” Her quick eyes glaze over, as one does when recalling a memory of the past. It must have been quite a memory, because a bright gleam overwhelms her eyes and almost immediately, a delighted grin stretches across her face, riding high.

“You were quite popular,” he smiles politely. “I’m sure you’ll be missed.”

“Well, I was always the fun one.” The woman winks.

They share a quiet laugh, and settle into a comfortable silence. She leans back into the leather seat.

“I think I’ll miss them.”

“Your colleagues or your job?”

“Both,” she says without missing a beat.

“Well, you could always go visit,” the therapist suggests.

Her lip twitches, and she shakes her head almost sadly. “But then I wouldn’t be able to leave.”

Confused, he raises an eyebrow. “Would it be such a bad thing to stay?”

She coughs out a short laugh. “It’s better for everyone.”

The therapist watches her closely. “Are you happy with your new job?”

There is a contemplative look in her eyes, and she shrugs once. “It’s a bit…normal, so that’s a bit of a challenge.”

There is a pause.

“It’s fun, though.”

He waits for her to speak again, but when she does, he is disappointed.

“Time’s up, doc! I’ll see you next week!”

Just like that, she’s out his door, and like every other week, he’s left staring after her, the slight indentation on the couch and the subtle scent of her perfume lingering in the air the only signs she was ever here…

Frightful Dreams

Katch C, 14

Frightful Dreams

I wake, shivering. The dreams are getting worse, and though I am exhausted and want to rest, I resist going back to sleep, knowing that another dream awaits me. It’s been happening for weeks. Not once have I slept in peace yet a small part of me feels like my dreams are telling me something.

I turn on my bedside lamp and check the time. 6 o’clock. I could still sleep for an hour before I would have to get up for school. I lie down for a few more minutes then get up and walk to the bathroom. I’m brushing my teeth when it happens. I’m no longer in my bathroom, but at a cliff, looking straight at a glaring golden sun. In front of me is a girl, staring at me, standing right at the edge of the cliff. I’m unable to make out her face, because of the bright sun in my eyes. She takes a step back and falls. I try to do something but my feet won’t move. I start to scream and I know that there is nothing I can do. When I open them again, I am back in my bathroom, as if nothing had happened…

The Value of Shock

Megan W. Age 14, Canadian International School

July 15, 2013

        Shock is often used as a strategy for acquiring attention or raising awareness all over the world nowadays, and whether it be in the form of Lady Gaga’s kooky fashion sense or other artists’ controversial works, it always pays to shock.

        Being shocking allows attention to be drawn to a certain cause. In many cases, surprising someone is much more effective than other forms of raising awareness or advertisement. Due to the unique method that some artists use, such as posing in the nude to address political issues, people are more likely to stop and take notice. Shock may often alarm and scare, but this is a small price to pay if it means that people will become more aware of whatever issue is being promoted or advocated.

        Another example of the idea of shock being an advantage is that of a famous Chinese artist. This artists travels to places of importance all over China and Hong Kong and performs a naked ‘press-up’ or push up. “When everybody is wearing clothes, a naked body implies unconventional, critique, questions, fight and defense,” he states. This suggests that something as simple as taking a photograph of himself performing a naked press-up, while shocking and unconventional, is how people stop and take notice for a long enough time to learn about stories or backgrounds behind each of the locations [in which the photographs were taken].

        On the other hand, displaying nudity, abuse or other strong ideas on an advertisement or a piece of artwork has its flaws. For some this creates a sense of fear, as strong messages may be offensive or disturbing. People who are offended by shocking content may become very against the cause that the ad or art is advocating.

        However, because shock brings out such strong feelings among people, the shocking idea can help increase attention, be advantageous to people’s memories, and have a positive impact on memory. People are more likely to remember shocking messages than messages that are not.

Hong Kong's Jealousy

Rowel L., 14, Island School

Jealousy is a powerful emotion, one that fuels political, social and economic battles. It is, however, an unavoidable part of being a human being. Life shall forever be about the survival of the fittest, and it is blatantly obvious the ‘fittest’ are the richest and, by extension, the most powerful.

            It is natural to crave and long for what we don’t have, and for many of us, what we don’t have is an abundance of wealth. And so we covet. We covet the riches of others. Most recently, we have begun to covet the riches of the affluent mainland Chinese.

            However, it is impossible to say jealousy is the only cause of our hatred for the rich mainlanders. Another factor may be the increasing limitation of our resources and goods. These mainlanders sweep into Hong Kong with their bulging bank accounts and take away millions of dollars worth of jewelry and luxurious fashion garments in a single purchase, all without making a dent in their leather wallets. As many overseas luxury brands choose to open stores in Hong Kong, the high number of mainland Chinese buying the products seems to limit the exclusivity.

            Secondly, there is the assumption the rich mainland Chinese are ill-mannered and rude. It should be noted that different cultures have different customs and behaviors. The first generation of rich mainland Chinese have suffered from extreme poverty during childhood and may have lacked early education. The second generation is overindulged by their parents and grandparents, and many believe their family’s wealth is enough to gain respect.

            Another notion is that the rich mainland Chinese are over-flamboyant and ostentatious. High-end luxury items are seen as a status symbol by the Chinese but many Hong Kong natives agree that mainlanders are too extravagant with their show of wealth.

            Of course, nothing is black and white. Whilst jealousy plays a certain part of the Hong Kong people’s loathing of the rich mainland Chinese, I do not believe it is the sole reason of their hatred.