Courtesy of Anastasia Dvoryanchikova
By: Maya Stoilova
Two weeks ago, Mr. O’ Donnell and the Scholars Program, visited MASS MoCA and Williams College. “That was an amazing experience,” said a student when we left the prestigious museum. The museum was full of contemporary art, which helped elicit feelings of emotions and creativity. Many of the talented art students from our scholar group felt inspired. The trip also included a powerful experience to Williams College. Mr. O’Donnell didn’t forget to remind us to work hard and apply there (for all seniors – Williams College turns out to be just as good a BU and NYU). Overall, we spent a lovely day in the company of our dear friends surrounded by the beauty of nature and art.
By: Livia Qeli
With Halloween season ending, November and Thanksgiving have arrived! Thanksgiving is an American holiday that was originally celebrated to give thanks for a successful harvest. Nowadays it has become a tradition which all American families celebrate each year by having a plentiful Thanksgiving dinner.
Many CATS students are choosing to leave school or explore America for the four golden days of break, but many students chose to stay on campus. If you are choosing to stay on campus, do not fear, as you will be able to experience a classic Thanksgiving dinner on November 24 right here. There will be turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce galore provided by the school. As we will have a long break, here are a few ideas of things you can do here on campus:
- Catch up on sleep: you’ve had 3 long months of school with few breaks and plenty of homework. This is your time to wind down and chill out. Forget about exams and rejoice in the warmth of your blanket.
- Have a movies night in your dorm or a sing along: what is better than watching movies with your friends and some warm buttered popcorn while it’s cold outside? Pretty much nothing compares.
- Sign out to see Boston. The city will be busy with people, many sights to see and Thanksgiving themed activities.
Have fun, be responsible but most important don’t forget to be thankful!
By: Nuray Salina
Fashion is a very spectacular avenue for self-expression. We often watch changes in female trends and fashion, but we might rarely notice the evolution of male fashion. Some people argue that men should not follow fashion, because they say, men have fewer choices on how to dress. But, I disagree. There are some at CATS Academy Boston who agree with me.
I talked to four well known and fashionable male CATS students who make radically different style choices. I sought their fashion advice. Here is what they recommended:
- Do not be afraid to experiment. If you got bored with your everyday appearance, maybe it is time to change something like your hairstyle?
Look at famous actors and models, for instance, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman or David Beckham, whose haircuts are very stylish and elegant. Would they look as good without their distinctive hairstyles?
- Find your style. Try to figure out what kind of clothes fit you well and make you look your best.
Some guys like wearing oversized hoodies and baggy jeans that really don’t fit them. A reexamination of style might be needed. It is easy to look better in an usual shirt with classic pants. The best way to find your style is to go to the shops and try on different clothes. Take a friend and let them help determine your style.
If you are looking for stylish and fashionable clothes, you might find them in shops such as Anti Social Social Club, Supreme, Hugo Boss, Boy London, Thrasher, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Zara and Kenneth Cole. These shops offer a big choice of fashionable clothes for young men.
- Add accessories to your outfits, but they should be tasteful, not extra-large.
Fashionable accessories should not be big like the giant jewelry some entertainers wear. Good watches, stylish sunglasses, luxurious cufflinks or a classic black hat are excellent examples of what to consider. It could be whatever you want.
Men’s fashion is every bit as important as women’s. So, men should try to make an effort to look good and up-to-date. But, also keep in mind that, “Style is what you carry within yourself, not what you buy,” according to Stefano Gabbana.
By: Amber Nguyen
“On October 31st, CATS Academy opened its door into a sinister hotel with a disturbing story. The grand construction housed only the elite, and its guests never left. They were forever bound inside the decaying walls of the hotel as the horrifying truth surfaced.”
The storyline was introduced as one of CATS’ Student Government event projects, specifically for Halloween. The basement of the school became the haunted destination while students and teachers became the spirits that walked its hallways. Walls were put up to form a path, and decorations turned every corner to fuel nightmares.
The tour began every fifteen minutes as the tour guide headed the unaware visitors through each room with distinctive themes. The most common fears came to life as guests ran from clowns, psychopaths, demons and the unknown lurking in the dark. Screams were heard throughout the tour as hurried footsteps and dimly lit rooms created a suffocating atmosphere that threatened even the sternest spirit. After the tour, terrified visitors parted as they left the terror of the basement with quickened heartbeats. Some stated that the experience would likely stay with them for the night.
The success of the haunted house was the outcome from weeks of preparation, building the cast, acting and decorating. It was a tremendous amount of work for the talented Student Government and the dedicated faculty, led by Professor Mike, to complete in a limited amount of time. Some were playing a role in the haunted house and others took part in the construction itself. In the midst of the school’s Halloween Spirit, the haunted house was an event that many could hardly forget.
By: Aleksandra Chernysheva
Unfortunately time at CATS passes by very quickly and almost imperceptibly. Although it is just the beginning of November, when many may assume (fairly enough) that there is a lot of time ahead to worry about the end of the school year, they not exactly correct. I think that most of the seniors would agree with me, that time seems short. We are the ones who must choose colleges, decide which exams to take, and complete all our applications. This is the time of the year, when seniors are crafting their future and what they aspire to accomplish in their future lives. What are their college aspirations? Why? Are they anxious and nervous about leaving high school behind or are they well-prepared to confidently step into the new life that the college is offering? These are the kinds of questions that I wanted to explore, which is why I talked to a CATS senior.
Many of us would agree that senior, Alice Nguyen, from Vietnam is one of the most remarkable students at CATS Academy Boston. Since her arrival, she has been an integral part of our community. She constantly challenges herself academically and is welcoming and friendly to all. She is also one of the best student-writers who deserves to be considered for the English Award 2017.
What are her senior aspirations?
“For college I’d like to be in an academically rigorous environment, where the students are all eager to learn and to help others learn. In college, I want to be busy 24/7 with internships, academics, and extracurricular activities. College is the time for me to challenge myself and get the most out of my experience.
I’m passionate about creative writing, so I’d like to join literary magazines and journals, book clubs, and any writing workshops. I also hope to explore other disciplines that would let me explore more about myself. ”
Is she nervous or confident about her forthcoming college experience?
“I’m really, really excited to go to college. I mean, I love CATS, but college is a whole new horizon to immerse myself in, and it’s always exciting to think about new places and new journeys. However I am certainly not ready, even worried and stressed out at times, because my early decision deadline is approaching. It’s comforting to know that I’m doing my best to prepare and challenge myself.”
I am sure that a lot of seniors are in the same position as Alice, and we wish them all the best of luck. We hope that you all achieve your goals! To the class of 2019, prepare yourselves! It’s coming for you too, maybe even sooner than you expect.
CATS Academy Courier 