1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:19,260 Welcome to Students Incorporated, a podcast where we dive into relevant topics and issues 2 00:00:19,260 --> 00:00:23,580 related to the world of business, technology, education, and design. 3 00:00:23,580 --> 00:00:25,600 I'm your host, Mr. Jason. 4 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:29,980 Episodes include student conversations, interviews with thought leaders, and inspirational stories 5 00:00:29,980 --> 00:00:31,900 with an international flavor. 6 00:00:31,900 --> 00:00:35,840 This podcast is created and produced with the help of students from the International 7 00:00:35,840 --> 00:00:46,960 Community School of Bangkok. 8 00:00:46,960 --> 00:00:51,340 In today's episode, we'll be looking back with several guests who have been around the 9 00:00:51,340 --> 00:00:53,320 ICS community for many years. 10 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:59,000 In fact, this year, 2023, marks the 30th year anniversary of the school, which began in 11 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:00,120 1993. 12 00:01:00,120 --> 00:01:04,100 Our first segment will feature an interview with Mrs. Elsie, one of the founding members 13 00:01:04,100 --> 00:01:09,160 of the school, followed by a light-hearted top 10 list, also read by Ms. Elsie with some 14 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:10,520 student commentary. 15 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:15,400 The second segment will include a discussion with two current seniors who have been attending 16 00:01:15,400 --> 00:01:17,360 ICS since kindergarten. 17 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:21,520 But before we begin, let's hear the quote of the day and get some headline news. 18 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:24,560 Our quote of the day is, you can go to other places, all right. 19 00:01:24,560 --> 00:01:28,360 You can live on the other side of the world, but you can't ever leave home. 20 00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:31,960 This was said by Sue Monk Kidd, who is an American author known for her novels, The 21 00:01:31,960 --> 00:01:35,020 Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings. 22 00:01:35,020 --> 00:01:37,360 This quote is perfect for today's episode. 23 00:01:37,360 --> 00:01:41,240 As we transition to our new lives in different countries, we may be leaving our homes, but 24 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:45,600 we will always be connected to the places we leave, especially ICS, which has been our 25 00:01:45,600 --> 00:01:47,960 second home in so many ways. 26 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:52,920 Although it is somewhat cliche, home is truly made up of people and their impact on us. 27 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:54,800 Now let's hear the news headlines. 28 00:01:54,800 --> 00:01:59,440 Our first news headline features AI technology and how it can be used for harm as well as 29 00:01:59,440 --> 00:02:00,440 good. 30 00:02:00,440 --> 00:02:04,200 In Arizona, a woman received a call from her daughter, who was panicking and screaming for 31 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:05,720 help, claiming to have been kidnapped. 32 00:02:05,720 --> 00:02:09,680 However, her daughter was safe on a ski trip and her voice had simply been replicated through 33 00:02:09,680 --> 00:02:10,680 AI. 34 00:02:10,680 --> 00:02:13,200 The kidnapper demanded $50,000 as ransom. 35 00:02:13,200 --> 00:02:16,560 But thankfully, they called the authorities and were able to verify that their daughter 36 00:02:16,560 --> 00:02:17,840 was actually safe. 37 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:20,680 Several tornadoes hit the US East Coast recently. 38 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:24,960 Virginia Beach has begun cleanup efforts and a state of emergency has been declared. 39 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:28,320 50 to 100 homes have been damaged with collapsing roofs. 40 00:02:28,320 --> 00:02:32,160 The temporary shelters have been opened for those who cannot live in their houses. 41 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:33,960 Now onto the other side of the world. 42 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:38,720 A city in Japan decided to remove a street piano after people began to break the rules. 43 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:42,640 The rules were that users should disinfect their hands before playing, could not exceed 44 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:45,640 the time limit of 10 minutes, and were not allowed to sing. 45 00:02:45,640 --> 00:02:50,000 However, these rules were broken as people began to play the piano for too long and sang 46 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:51,000 loudly. 47 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:55,720 However, officials say that they might relocate the piano. 48 00:02:55,720 --> 00:02:57,760 Thank you for the quote in the headline news. 49 00:02:57,760 --> 00:03:00,440 Let's jump into our first segment with Mrs. Elsie. 50 00:03:00,440 --> 00:03:01,440 Kush will start us off. 51 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:03,520 Welcome to the podcast, Ms. Elsie. 52 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:05,200 We're honored to have you as a guest. 53 00:03:05,200 --> 00:03:08,560 Can you please introduce yourself and tell us how long you've been part of the ICS community 54 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:10,360 and what roles you've had? 55 00:03:10,360 --> 00:03:11,360 Sure. 56 00:03:11,360 --> 00:03:15,680 I'm Elsie Fusazi and I've been here at ICS for 30 years. 57 00:03:15,680 --> 00:03:19,520 The different roles, you know, when a school is small, one person has to do many roles. 58 00:03:19,520 --> 00:03:24,560 So over the years, I've been elementary teacher, elementary coordinator, accreditation coordinator, 59 00:03:24,560 --> 00:03:30,720 curriculum coordinator, director, deputy director, school nurse, and I guess that's enough. 60 00:03:30,720 --> 00:03:33,680 I mean, maybe there's a few more, but I don't remember anymore. 61 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:38,480 But so glad when the school increased in size, we could specialize, hire more staff. 62 00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:42,760 So I could focus on my main job, which was elementary principal. 63 00:03:42,760 --> 00:03:47,960 We understand that ICS is celebrating its 30th year anniversary this year because the 64 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:50,240 school began in 1993. 65 00:03:50,240 --> 00:03:53,360 And since you said you've been here from the beginning, could you describe what the 66 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:58,000 school was like those first few years and maybe some of the challenges it faced? 67 00:03:58,000 --> 00:04:00,120 Oh, I think of those first few years. 68 00:04:00,120 --> 00:04:06,080 Oh boy, no air con, no computers, open air, lots of mosquitoes. 69 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:09,380 And I had a class in third grade of 22 students. 70 00:04:09,380 --> 00:04:10,880 Some spoke no English. 71 00:04:10,880 --> 00:04:13,160 Others were native speakers, very intelligent. 72 00:04:13,160 --> 00:04:18,640 So it's a real challenge to keep everyone occupied, especially when they're slapping mosquitoes 73 00:04:18,640 --> 00:04:20,200 throughout the school day. 74 00:04:20,200 --> 00:04:24,000 And the fans in the ceiling would blow their papers off their desk. 75 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:26,520 But we survived and we kept on. 76 00:04:26,520 --> 00:04:27,780 We did not give up. 77 00:04:27,780 --> 00:04:33,320 We spent thousands and thousands of dollars renovating the campus, which was at Sauton 78 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:34,760 near downtown. 79 00:04:34,760 --> 00:04:38,880 And our playground was filled with cement debris and nails. 80 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:42,780 We had to take care of all that, had to renovate the bathrooms because we just had squatty 81 00:04:42,780 --> 00:04:44,240 potties at the time. 82 00:04:44,240 --> 00:04:47,520 So we had to put other things in. 83 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:52,400 The plot that we leased used to be a snake farm and then it became a Chinese Christian 84 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:57,960 school and had been vacant for quite a few years before we were able to lease it. 85 00:04:57,960 --> 00:05:04,480 But we're so happy at the end, before we moved to this campus, the new campus, we have 500 86 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:08,520 students and a two-ride campus, had to schedule every minute. 87 00:05:08,520 --> 00:05:15,040 But we survived, we kept on because we had that vision to have a K-12 accredited school 88 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:20,680 in which God would be honored and our students, no matter what their faith or values were, 89 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:23,300 could hear the values that the Bible teaches. 90 00:05:23,300 --> 00:05:27,800 You know, we can't cover 30 years of history in this short interview, but as you just mentioned, 91 00:05:27,800 --> 00:05:32,520 how was the transition of moving the campus from the one in Sauton to the one over here, 92 00:05:32,520 --> 00:05:35,040 where it's located today and how it changed the school's dynamic? 93 00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:37,120 Well, it took a lot of effort. 94 00:05:37,120 --> 00:05:43,200 The school board administration looked at at least 40 sites that we could possibly buy. 95 00:05:43,200 --> 00:05:46,320 Most of them were too small or too expensive. 96 00:05:46,320 --> 00:05:51,760 So where we're sitting now on Bangla campus is the one that was the largest and the most 97 00:05:51,760 --> 00:05:56,160 reasonable and we bought it taking out a loan from the bank. 98 00:05:56,160 --> 00:06:00,400 And just a few months later, the value of the land increased, almost doubled and then 99 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:03,240 tripled and I'm sure it's worth much more now. 100 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:05,680 So God was great in providing a campus. 101 00:06:05,680 --> 00:06:11,240 A lot of parents and students wanted to stay downtown because it's convenient transportation-wise. 102 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:15,080 But when they saw the new campus, by the way, it's building this, all these buildings were 103 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:18,260 built in nine months, except for the arc, which was built later. 104 00:06:18,260 --> 00:06:20,260 They all decided to come to a new campus. 105 00:06:20,260 --> 00:06:24,900 So for three years, we had two campuses, the downtown and Bangla, but the old campus only 106 00:06:24,900 --> 00:06:28,500 had like 65 students average for the three years. 107 00:06:28,500 --> 00:06:29,600 So we closed it. 108 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:34,640 People and students often say, oh, I miss the so cozy home feeling of the small campus. 109 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:40,440 But eventually they were happy to be here, new facilities, more room, more play area, 110 00:06:40,440 --> 00:06:41,800 more activities. 111 00:06:41,800 --> 00:06:46,000 And we could just not be bumping heads all the time. 112 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:49,960 For you personally, what was it like becoming the principal of the elementary division for 113 00:06:49,960 --> 00:06:50,960 the first time? 114 00:06:50,960 --> 00:06:54,600 Well, I was elementary coordinator before I became principal. 115 00:06:54,600 --> 00:07:00,960 And it was just an increase in responsibility, increase in decision-making, increase in worrying 116 00:07:00,960 --> 00:07:07,000 at night and not sleeping, but just a grand opportunity to help move the school forward, 117 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:11,240 to look for ways to help the school grow, to evaluate where our current program was 118 00:07:11,240 --> 00:07:17,120 and look into different aspects, research what would help our students achieve more 119 00:07:17,120 --> 00:07:21,560 and more, and continue to value the individual student. 120 00:07:21,560 --> 00:07:26,640 Because you've been with the school for this super long path, could you describe how the 121 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:29,800 school has been able to maintain its core values? 122 00:07:29,800 --> 00:07:32,320 And if it's had to ever shift those values? 123 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:36,920 We maintained our core values from the very first all through the years, except for a 124 00:07:36,920 --> 00:07:42,240 short instant where we had to pull back and reevaluate, are we really sticking to our 125 00:07:42,240 --> 00:07:43,240 values? 126 00:07:43,240 --> 00:07:45,800 To me, the most important thing was who we hired, who worked here. 127 00:07:45,800 --> 00:07:48,200 Did they have the same passion, the same values? 128 00:07:48,200 --> 00:07:50,120 Were they followers of Christ? 129 00:07:50,120 --> 00:07:54,680 Were they into demonstrating as as we expect our students to do? 130 00:07:54,680 --> 00:07:58,720 And to me, if an organization, the most important things are people. 131 00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:00,440 If you don't have people, you have nothing. 132 00:08:00,440 --> 00:08:04,600 If you have people, then you need facilities and you need finances. 133 00:08:04,600 --> 00:08:06,320 Without people, it's just a shell. 134 00:08:06,320 --> 00:08:09,840 So hiring the right people is the way to stick to your values. 135 00:08:09,840 --> 00:08:13,680 So before we get into our final part of the segment, which we will need your help with, 136 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:15,640 we'd like to ask you one more question. 137 00:08:15,640 --> 00:08:20,800 As ICS continues each year, what is one thing you'd love to see continue even another 30 138 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:21,800 years? 139 00:08:21,800 --> 00:08:23,160 Well, you all know loving and learning, right? 140 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:24,400 That's sort of our theme. 141 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:30,560 I'd be pleased if we continue with that theme, continue basing our education on the Bible, 142 00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:34,920 helping our students to do good things for our world and bring glory to God because when 143 00:08:34,920 --> 00:08:37,520 we do good things for others, God is also pleased. 144 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:39,360 I hope we never lose track of that. 145 00:08:39,360 --> 00:08:40,800 I'd also like to see us grow. 146 00:08:40,800 --> 00:08:44,680 I'd love to have a bigger campus so we can have more students because we have so many 147 00:08:44,680 --> 00:08:49,020 students wanting to come here and we have to say no to the majority of them. 148 00:08:49,020 --> 00:08:50,020 And they're so sad. 149 00:08:50,020 --> 00:08:52,040 Sometimes the parents cry because there's no room. 150 00:08:52,040 --> 00:08:56,400 It'd be great if we could somehow acquire more land so we can have more facilities and 151 00:08:56,400 --> 00:08:57,400 then we can have more people. 152 00:08:57,400 --> 00:09:02,040 And of course, more people means more finances so we can do more activities and on and on 153 00:09:02,040 --> 00:09:03,040 and on and on. 154 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:04,040 All right. 155 00:09:04,040 --> 00:09:05,040 Thank you so much. 156 00:09:05,040 --> 00:09:08,800 We're going to shift gears a little and we want to end this segment with you on a little 157 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:13,420 bit of a lighthearted note, maybe even on a little bit of an edgy note. 158 00:09:13,420 --> 00:09:17,320 With that said, Ms. Elsie, we'd love for you to read from our top 10 list. 159 00:09:17,320 --> 00:09:20,920 Because of your years of work and service as a previous administrator, we assume that 160 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:23,680 you've conducted a lot of meetings and interviews with teachers. 161 00:09:23,680 --> 00:09:27,540 So we decided to come up with a list called the top 10 things a teacher should never say 162 00:09:27,540 --> 00:09:29,840 during the end of the year meeting with their administrator. 163 00:09:29,840 --> 00:09:32,720 Ms. Elsie, could you please start off with number 10 and count down the list? 164 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:33,720 Sure. 165 00:09:33,720 --> 00:09:35,960 I hope this all gives everyone a chuckle. 166 00:09:35,960 --> 00:09:38,880 Okay, number 10. 167 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:41,420 Why do I have to follow that policy? 168 00:09:41,420 --> 00:09:45,800 This question can make the administrator feel defensive and may not be the best way to suggest 169 00:09:45,800 --> 00:09:47,520 changes in school policies. 170 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:51,000 Instead, trying to come across was constructive criticism. 171 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:53,120 This is the best way for policy change. 172 00:09:53,120 --> 00:09:54,720 Number nine. 173 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:58,440 Can I have my personal phone calls during class time? 174 00:09:58,440 --> 00:10:02,760 This question can indicate a lack of professionalism and a lack of respect for the students learning 175 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:03,760 environment. 176 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:04,760 Number eight. 177 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:07,320 Do I have to attend that staff meeting? 178 00:10:07,320 --> 00:10:11,320 This question can make it seem like you're not interested in being a part of a team and 179 00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:14,180 may not be willing to collaborate with your colleagues. 180 00:10:14,180 --> 00:10:16,000 Number seven. 181 00:10:16,000 --> 00:10:19,120 Can I work from home sometimes, please? 182 00:10:19,120 --> 00:10:22,760 This question can give the impression that you are not willing to present in the classroom 183 00:10:22,760 --> 00:10:24,880 and may not be fully committed to the job. 184 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:26,860 Number six. 185 00:10:26,860 --> 00:10:30,600 Why did you make that decision without consulting me first? 186 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:34,780 This confrontational question can undermine the administrator's authority and may damage 187 00:10:34,780 --> 00:10:36,240 your working relationship. 188 00:10:36,240 --> 00:10:38,120 Number five. 189 00:10:38,120 --> 00:10:40,100 Can I leave early on Fridays? 190 00:10:40,100 --> 00:10:44,100 This question can indicate that you are more interested in leaving work early than fulfilling 191 00:10:44,100 --> 00:10:46,260 your responsibilities as a teacher. 192 00:10:46,260 --> 00:10:47,800 Number four. 193 00:10:47,800 --> 00:10:51,240 Can you give me a higher rating on my evaluation? 194 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:55,580 This puts pressure on the administrator to be lenient in their evaluation and may damage 195 00:10:55,580 --> 00:10:58,220 your credibility in future evaluations. 196 00:10:58,220 --> 00:10:59,880 Number three. 197 00:10:59,880 --> 00:11:03,080 Can you tell me who complained about me this year? 198 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:07,320 This puts the administrator in an awkward position and may make them reluctant to provide 199 00:11:07,320 --> 00:11:09,280 constructive feedback in the future. 200 00:11:09,280 --> 00:11:10,960 And number two. 201 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:13,560 How many personal days do I have remaining? 202 00:11:13,560 --> 00:11:17,320 This question can give the impression that you are not dedicated to your job and are 203 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:21,040 more focused on your personal time off. 204 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:22,040 And number one. 205 00:11:22,040 --> 00:11:26,200 The thing a teacher should not say to the administrator during the end of the year meeting 206 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:31,280 is am I getting a raise next year? 207 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:34,320 Discussing salary seems self-centered and it's not something that should be brought 208 00:11:34,320 --> 00:11:35,800 up with the administrator. 209 00:11:35,800 --> 00:11:39,720 If brought up at all, it should be brought up with the HR department so no one feels 210 00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:40,720 uncomfortable. 211 00:11:40,720 --> 00:11:41,720 And there you have it. 212 00:11:41,720 --> 00:11:46,320 The top 10 things a teacher should not say during their end of year meeting with their 213 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:47,320 administrator. 214 00:11:47,320 --> 00:11:56,280 We'll be right back after this short PSA. 215 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:59,520 As the school year comes to an end and our seniors get ready to take off, there are a 216 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:02,560 few upcoming dates regarding the class of 2023. 217 00:12:02,560 --> 00:12:06,600 On May 26th, the senior chapel will take place and to mark the end of their 12 year long 218 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:10,600 journey the high school graduation ceremony will be happening on the 27th of May. 219 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:14,200 We're really proud of our seniors. 220 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:15,860 We are back with part two. 221 00:12:15,860 --> 00:12:19,040 In this segment, we'll be looking at the present and past. 222 00:12:19,040 --> 00:12:22,980 We are going to be talking to two students who have been here since kindergarten and 223 00:12:22,980 --> 00:12:23,980 are now seniors. 224 00:12:23,980 --> 00:12:25,880 Let's welcome Patty and Austin. 225 00:12:25,880 --> 00:12:28,400 Kush will start us out with our first question. 226 00:12:28,400 --> 00:12:31,900 Can you two introduce yourselves, say where you're from and how long you've been here 227 00:12:31,900 --> 00:12:32,900 at ICS? 228 00:12:32,900 --> 00:12:34,260 Yeah, so my name is Austin. 229 00:12:34,260 --> 00:12:38,760 I'm from the USA, but I've lived in Thailand for my whole life and I've been here at ICS 230 00:12:38,760 --> 00:12:39,760 since K-5. 231 00:12:39,760 --> 00:12:41,960 And hi, my name is Patty. 232 00:12:41,960 --> 00:12:45,640 I'm from Thailand and I've been here since K-4. 233 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:49,200 What has been your favorite and least favorite change since coming to the school? 234 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:54,640 I'd have to say my favorite change is the arc because I remember the old gym was here 235 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:58,360 for like my first two or three years and it was just really bad. 236 00:12:58,360 --> 00:13:00,400 We only had the one indoor court. 237 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:03,120 There was nowhere to sit for people to watch sports games. 238 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:05,940 So just in general, it was a whole lot worse. 239 00:13:05,940 --> 00:13:07,680 So that was definitely my favorite change. 240 00:13:07,680 --> 00:13:11,240 My least favorite change, I can't really think of anything in specific. 241 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:15,320 I mean, I remember hearing from my siblings that high school lock-ins were really fun, 242 00:13:15,320 --> 00:13:18,960 but I understand why they stopped doing those because, you know, no teacher wants to sign 243 00:13:18,960 --> 00:13:21,040 up to be with us kids all night. 244 00:13:21,040 --> 00:13:26,920 And for me, my favorite thing or change is the arc also and the cafeteria, which was 245 00:13:26,920 --> 00:13:28,840 like recently changed. 246 00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:32,920 And my least favorite was changing from skirts to pants. 247 00:13:32,920 --> 00:13:35,600 What have been some of the biggest changes in the campus since coming here? 248 00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:38,440 I mean, they painted everything blue instead of brown. 249 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:39,600 That was weird. 250 00:13:39,600 --> 00:13:42,280 And I mean, also the arc, but I don't want to answer that again. 251 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:47,160 Back when I was first here, the elementary playground was much different and like a lot 252 00:13:47,160 --> 00:13:48,160 more dangerous. 253 00:13:48,160 --> 00:13:51,440 It's like they had this big cage thing that you would climb up on and if you fell, you 254 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:52,720 just, you know, you just fell. 255 00:13:52,720 --> 00:13:53,720 That was your problem. 256 00:13:53,720 --> 00:13:57,440 It's hard to notice academic change since you're not, you know, repeating grades all 257 00:13:57,440 --> 00:13:58,440 the time. 258 00:13:58,440 --> 00:14:01,280 I mean, I've heard that in elementary, they don't have the same grading system now. 259 00:14:01,280 --> 00:14:02,860 So that's interesting to me. 260 00:14:02,860 --> 00:14:09,080 For me is the community because growing up, I get to see the quality of the ICS community 261 00:14:09,080 --> 00:14:14,680 shape so much with like more interaction with each other after school and like sessions 262 00:14:14,680 --> 00:14:17,360 that teachers like give to the students. 263 00:14:17,360 --> 00:14:22,040 So our next question is how has ICS molded you or impacted you as people? 264 00:14:22,040 --> 00:14:23,040 Yeah. 265 00:14:23,040 --> 00:14:27,640 So I remember when I was in sixth grade, I had like a, had a medical crisis and it was 266 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:31,400 really a pain and I had to be in the hospital for like two weeks at the very beginning of 267 00:14:31,400 --> 00:14:32,400 sixth grade. 268 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:36,760 I wasn't able to meet lots of new people, but despite that, despite having never met 269 00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:42,080 the middle school teachers and never having met the new kids, a teacher organized like 270 00:14:42,080 --> 00:14:44,360 the entire class to all write notes for me. 271 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:47,960 And that really meant a lot for me because I hadn't, you know, I hadn't met anybody 272 00:14:47,960 --> 00:14:52,280 new or any of the teachers, but it really just showed how the teachers and other students 273 00:14:52,280 --> 00:14:53,280 cared for me. 274 00:14:53,280 --> 00:14:58,120 I wasn't very open with teachers and students in my community. 275 00:14:58,120 --> 00:15:02,840 And also I was afraid of being goofy around people, but then there were like teachers 276 00:15:02,840 --> 00:15:08,560 who are always supporting and always reminding me that like ICS is actually a safe zone for 277 00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:09,560 me. 278 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:12,200 What is one thing that you have taken away from ICS that you will bring into the real 279 00:15:12,200 --> 00:15:13,200 world? 280 00:15:13,200 --> 00:15:17,520 One thing that I've taken away from ICS is that at the end of the day, even though there's 281 00:15:17,520 --> 00:15:21,400 teachers, there's students, there's principals, at the end of the day, we're all people. 282 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:26,360 It doesn't seem like anybody is out of reach or like, you know, they're above us that we 283 00:15:26,360 --> 00:15:27,560 can't talk to them. 284 00:15:27,560 --> 00:15:32,480 Like every teacher knows our names, every administrator knows our names, asks how we're 285 00:15:32,480 --> 00:15:33,480 doing. 286 00:15:33,480 --> 00:15:34,480 They know what we're involved in. 287 00:15:34,480 --> 00:15:38,840 And I think it really shows servant leadership because they're not here to lead just to tell 288 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:40,140 people what to do. 289 00:15:40,140 --> 00:15:41,720 And that's been a good example for me. 290 00:15:41,720 --> 00:15:47,200 For me is serving others because we've been doing it for like almost every year since 291 00:15:47,200 --> 00:15:48,200 middle school. 292 00:15:48,200 --> 00:15:53,400 And I will use it a lot in my future lives because I figured out that the capstone project 293 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:58,760 was actually just an introduction for me to keep serving others in many ways. 294 00:15:58,760 --> 00:15:59,760 I agree. 295 00:15:59,760 --> 00:16:01,100 Those are really important takeaways. 296 00:16:01,100 --> 00:16:05,200 So our final question for you guys today is what is one shout out you would like to make 297 00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:07,760 either to a teacher, a lesson or a class? 298 00:16:07,760 --> 00:16:11,560 What is one person or thing from ICS you will remember forever? 299 00:16:11,560 --> 00:16:15,840 I'd have to shout out middle school teachers as a whole because middle school is when everybody 300 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:17,760 is so annoying. 301 00:16:17,760 --> 00:16:21,660 Everyone's trying to like figure out who they are, who their friends are, stuff like that. 302 00:16:21,660 --> 00:16:23,720 And they have to put up with so much. 303 00:16:23,720 --> 00:16:25,640 Like in high school, we calmed down a little bit. 304 00:16:25,640 --> 00:16:29,320 Yeah, just middle school teachers for putting up with all of our crazy stuff. 305 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:34,560 My nap time friends that we always sleep in every class since we have like one, two, three 306 00:16:34,560 --> 00:16:36,360 guided classes. 307 00:16:36,360 --> 00:16:41,100 And one of the teachers that I will never forget is Mrs. Christine because she has been 308 00:16:41,100 --> 00:16:43,100 like the best counselor for me. 309 00:16:43,100 --> 00:16:47,760 She helped me like pass like a lot of obstacles in my high school life. 310 00:16:47,760 --> 00:16:51,120 And with that last shout out, we have run out of time. 311 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:56,000 Thanks again to our guest for helping us reflect on the impact this school has made over the 312 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:59,160 years and continues to make in the lives of so many. 313 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:02,200 Looking back can help us see the path forward more clearly. 314 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:06,500 It helps to keep us grounded in the things and people that have enriched our lives over 315 00:17:06,500 --> 00:17:10,160 the years. 316 00:17:10,160 --> 00:17:15,360 As we end this episode, my team and I have already begun reminiscing about this past 317 00:17:15,360 --> 00:17:16,360 year. 318 00:17:16,360 --> 00:17:20,100 We're so thankful for the opportunities we've had to enjoy with our guests and the variety 319 00:17:20,100 --> 00:17:21,860 of topics that have been discussed. 320 00:17:21,860 --> 00:17:26,360 We hope this season has added value and a bit of entertainment to your lives and we 321 00:17:26,360 --> 00:17:29,200 are super grateful for your continued support. 322 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:31,560 Looking ahead, episode 32 is coming up next. 323 00:17:31,560 --> 00:17:33,800 It will be slightly different in format. 324 00:17:33,800 --> 00:17:35,760 In fact, it's already been titled. 325 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:37,080 It's a falafel wrap. 326 00:17:37,080 --> 00:17:38,080 Thanks to Machi. 327 00:17:38,080 --> 00:17:39,080 Make sure you tune in. 328 00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:44,300 As always, this podcast would not be possible without the hard work and support of our international 329 00:17:44,300 --> 00:17:45,680 student production team. 330 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:49,520 All music and sound effects are courtesy of fixabay.com, a vibrant community of creatives 331 00:17:49,520 --> 00:17:51,800 sharing copyright-free images, videos, and music. 332 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:53,680 And we are signing off until next time. 333 00:17:53,680 --> 00:18:20,680 We are Students Incorporated, because your voice matters.