October Issue: 31 Days of Horror

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS:

If there was a beauty pageant for the ‘Most Terrifying Month of the Year’, you’ll be sure to see October take the title.

In fact, you’d probably watch her parading around in a skimpy glittery tube dress, seconds after stealing the crown from May as she had done time and time again. And rightly so: May might have been a solid contender with the stress of our first major exam of the year, but October has an added advantage - Halloween. A month filled with gory horror movie marathons, creepy pranks and reenactments of sinister rituals (that you'll probably regret later on at midnight as you keep close eye on the door). Not forgetting, ghost stories - because what Halloween would be complete without some gruesome tales to freak you out?

Being the sadistic little month October is however, a mere ghost story is probably the least of our worries.

Exams unfortunately are right around the corner, and the next two weeks are going to be filled with endless panic and sleepless nights - unless of course, you are one of those few wonderful students who actually study CONSISTENTLY WITHOUT FAIL, an otherwise dying art in this day and age. Weeks before, we revelled in the fact that we had a week off in conjunction with Deepavali....until the exam timetables revealed that in some wicked twist of fate, all the science papers were conveniently placed before the much anticipated holiday.

October vs General Human Populace: 1-0

October is also the month where we look majestically to the future. Tomorrow, the seniors - people who have come to become an almost unquestioned constant in our school lives - will be graduating. They may not have studied in the same classrooms as us, but many of them have been in this school since we first wore the checkered white-and-yellow dresses of a Reception student, and it's almost terrifying to think that we won't be seeing those familiar faces pass us by in the hallways anymore. 

Leaving the security of the seemingly endless five year routine, they'll be heading off on their own paths through the unpredictable world.

Meanwhile, the Form 4s and Junior 1s will officially become seniors, stepping into the now empty shoes once deservedly filled by the graduating batch of 2014. Feverishly (and almost desperately), we hope that it fits - which is pretty daunting, considering that the seniors have left us with some of the biggest pairs of shoes in Cempakan history. And yes, who else could we be talking about besides Manda and Mun?

This is a month of terror and fear, inevitable truths and accepting the grim reality of knowing that there is nothing much you can do to prepare yourself for the unknowingness of the future. But that is exactly what this issue is about - capturing the hopeful moments and essence behind the attempt of evening the score in this furious battle against October.

Once we make it through these 31 days of horror, all of us will truly be embarking on yet another crazy roller coaster ride (be it preparing for life after high school, or facing the reality of having to write monthly Editor's Notes). It will be tough, and many will consider yielding to the pressure halfway, but not to fear - we from YJC will be there with you every step of the way.

Wishing you the best in whatever you do,

Alisraa and Akhilan

P.S. Bonus points to those who spot the reference to Mr Sheat (which was completely necessary, namely because we are oh-so-prepared for his potentially fatal Chemistry paper)

Last Note from the Editor-In-Chief of 2014

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Have you ever heard the phrase “throw a stone in the middle of a crowd, and chances are you’ll hit a datuk?”

Well if you throw a stone into our schooling community, 99% chances are you’ll hit someone who doesn’t know what the Lumen Student is, sadly. Or so it seems like it. Especially looking at the attendance during meetings. We once got questioned on twitter, what is the Lumen? I can think of numerous ways to answer that question. 

We are this online newsletter. With minimum contributions from the student community, all articles you see are almost 99% by force, the other 1% a happy accident. 

We try our utmost best to cover the 101 school activities in Cempaka. Or at least we try our best to cover them interestingly - there are only so many times you want to hear about the whole five days of Games Carnival, or the exact details of each and every poem recited during English Games. We run on nonexistent deadlines, iPhone-quality pictures and our Whatsapp group chat which sometimes make me feel like I’m talking to a wall.

Our editors write more than they edit. Or at least, they write, then edit each other’s articles. Our VLE page proudly says 210 members, but I can count the number of active members on one hand, all of which whom are editors. We are pros at persuasion, coercion and ruthlessly cutting down the number of words in an article, knowing that people rather see pictures than read text. (In fact, I don’t even know how many of you will make it through to the end of this article, but please bear with us)

We follow more people than we have followers on Twitter. We shamelessly advertise, we crave retweets (even though we sometimes question them - an article on Prom got more retweets than an article on MH17..) and idolize the comments we get. A simple “nice article” always makes our day.

Knowing all this, would I call being an editor a thankless job? Well, whenever I’m near thinking along that train of thought, I stop and look through the replies we get on twitter, all the popular articles we have - Goodbye Damansara still remains as the most viewed article at 2000+ (yes that was a shameless bit of advertising right there) and how far we’ve come since Dr. Rizal’s brainchild of changing the Lumen. 

“If you throw a stone into our schooling community, 99% chances are you’ll hit someone who doesn’t know what the Lumen Student is, sadly.”

You know that? That was perhaps at the beginning of the year. But when you throw the stone now, maybe, just maybe. Someone will throw it back and say “you mean Lumen StuDET right?” 

With 70000 views under our belt in the past year, I am so thankful to each and every single member of the YJC board of how far we’ve come. And how far they will continue to go. To my mentor, Jamie, thank you for putting Lumen on the map, and for making us who we are today. 

To say there is no where else to go but forwards from here on, is a bit optimistic. There will still be dry spells. There will still be days where the views curve downwards, mirroring your sad face. But I can assure you, there will be greater days ahead as well.

The Editorial Board of 2015!

Thank you to the dedicated team of designers, for their lovely designs which never fail to brighten up the lumen. 

The photographers for their not-always-punctually sent but still rad photographs. You’re one of the reasons people even click the link in the first place.

The writers, for your timely contributions be it by force or not.

The editors, Wye Mun & Valerie for your dedication and usually last-minute work that somehow or other always miraculously pulls off in the end, saving the day.

And at last, to my dear, dear readers. You may be far and few in between, but I know you’re out there, the views chart tells me so and if anything, I believe in that. 

It has been a privilege to write for you.

Much love, from your Editorial Board of 2014 (Missing Chua Zi)

What's Next: Deputy-Editor-In-Chief Chin Wye Mun

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

Deputy Editor In Chief Wye Mun

Name: Chin Wye Mun. Also known as Mun to most. 

Side positions: 

Besides being my kick-ass sidekick in the Young Journalist club and second in command of the prefectorial board, she’s also head of the umbrella society, Save the World. Whoever said small is powerful obviously knew Wye Mun. 

The powerhouse behind the Lumen Studet, especially when I’m otherwise occupied, Wye Mun helps to keep the chicks in line among managing the Lumen’s twitter, pestering photographers, editing articles and the like. Efficient, fast, productive -You know? She’s like one of those poisons - the ones with labels that read “deadly in small amounts”.  Emphasis on the “small”. However with Wye Mun’s infectious laughter, there’s the added benefit that you might die with a smile on your face. 

Hobbies: Sleeping, eating, sitting down and being unproductive

As relaxed as it sounds, don’t let this lethargic list fool you. Wye Mun is no doubt part of the brain behind the brawn (am I the brawn? I really don’t know) of Lumen Studet. Regardless of her hobbies, things always get done with Wye Mun at the helm. 

Other things to note:

1) Never give your pens to Wye Mun. It’ll come back chewed.

Never touch the tip of her pens either, which has man-made (more like man chewed) craters not unlike the moon’s surface. Our part tagline was “YJC, where the pen is always mightier than the sword”. However in Wye Mun’s case, we might have to add on a tiny side-note - unless that pen belongs to Wye Mun”.

2) She still can’t reach the top compartment of the bus (or the top of the whiteboard for that matter), without having to stretch her arms all the way up whilst stand on tippy toes.

In Getting to Know Us part 1, her height of 149.5cm was exposed to the world. And we do not regret to inform you that she has not grown an inch since. 

Confession: 

Once during the lengthy proceedings of the First House Cup prize giving, Encik Hisham commented to her as they shook hands, “I like it that you’re shorter than me”. 
We like it too Encik Hisham, we like it too.

Article Contributions:

If we name them all, the list would be too long because as you all may or may not know, both Wye Mun and I are responsible behind the monthly editorial notes. So for your convenience, here’s the link to all the editorial notes if you’d like to peruse: http://lumenstudet.cempaka.edu.my/search/?q=editors+note&x=0&y=0

Article of pick: 

White Christmas

Chances are, one out of every five students in out school is a big k-pop fan, and Wye Mun is one such individual. Aside having a tons of poster boys (who look like girls) mixed in with the actual girl bands, covering a wall in her room, she also has various other K-Pop merchandise which she has attempted to lessen by selling her things on line. So if anyone’s interested in boys with severely coloured hair and mascara, you know who to PM. 

If you’re not that into owning pocket files with identical guy’s faces on it, you can check out her article on the recently big-time, popular, “not-your-average-K-Drama” K-drama, White Christmas. And don’t be afraid to comment your views as I’m sure all you k-drama fans are apt to do once a good drama gets you going. 

What’s next?:

So what’s next for Wye Mun? When I questioned her, she replied “studying”. I’m not surprised at that as it’s probably on all the senior’s lists right now if it isn’t “crying” or “giving up on trials”. And who knows, one day this A* student might become a teacher herself - one of her very briefly considered future professions. But if that, or her probable career in actuarial science doesn’t work out, she’s welcome to join me and my band of misfits selling Char Kuey Teow for a living. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

To my second in command, my liege, my right hand man. To the person who makes me seem taller than I actually am. Thank you for your dedication to the post, and for making YJC what it is today. Without you, we’d all be a little less happy, a little less tall, and probably a lot less efficient than we are today. Chin Wye Mun, it has been an honour to pen articles, and run this newsletter with you. 

What's Next: On-The-Front Editor Chua Zi

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

On-the-front Editor Chua Zi
Name: Chua Zi. Also known as Zi.

I can’t count the number of times teachers have asked Zi with a confused look on their face, “Do you have a surname/middle?” No, no she doesn’t, deal with it. 

Hobbies: Reading, tweeting..?! 

Other interesting things to note: 

1) Bob 

Zi is famous for cutting her hair by herself yet still being able to come out looking like a million dollars. You know how some people can pull off short hair and others can't? Well she can. We don’t know if that’s just her professional hair-dressing skills, or just her fabulous hair but thumbs up Zi! 

2) One-girl-wonder 

Blessed by the god of Barbies with limbs that seemingly have no bones, it was only natural her gymnastic skills in Primary should progress to her becoming part of Beruang’s all star dance group. An elite group of hardcore dancers who are known for their strict practice regimes but more famously for their show-stopping moves on stage. 

Zi also pleasantly surprised everyone when she performed on stage with best friend Auriel during commencements, but not to dance, to sing! I also happen to know she plays piano, the drums, guitar and the violin on a small scale. She’s your Performing Arts all-rounder all right. 

3) Best Twitter Award 

Zi’s tweets can make you laugh out loud, embarrassing yourself over the dinner table. Like how in her articles she’s not afraid to speak the uncomfortable truth with bits of sarcasm and humour at the expense of the human race, her Twitter page is both hilarious and enlightening. I sometimes restrain myself from tweeting what I feel like, lest you find yourselves one head prefect short the next morning, and it’s fine, as I can live vicariously through Zi’s tweets. So keep churning out your 160 characters worth of humbling-sarcastic-honest-to-good tweets Zi.

Famous line: And yooooou, called me sugaaaaaaaar-rrrrr 

Article Contributions:

We couldn’t find a position more suited to Zi when we bestowed upon her the position of On the front editor. Widely read and never afraid to speak her mind her articles are always a refreshing read and a change from the usual rambling school article. 

She’s covered a couple of important happenings the past year, namely the Typhoon Haiyan disaster, the haze epidemic, the Sewol Ferry incident and MH370.

Article of pick: 

Reflections with Auriel Yeap 

Though this article doesnt even fall into her jurisdiction, what started out as a compulsory yearbook-must-write-or-suffer-the-wrath-of-IB-article, ended up becoming a truly heartfelt yet not overly cheesy article of dance and friendship. She asks all the right questions, hitting the core of the article spot on. 

My second favourite which should definitely merit a mention would be her 101 on How to Eat a Human. Need I say more? 

What’s next? 

She’s says if all else fails, she’ll be looking at editorial positions in magazines. Yep, that’s wonderful Zi, we’re glad journalism is your fallback plan and we’re just going to take it as a compliment here. 

If not you can always still consider the plethora of career choices your multiple skills entail. And my CKT-stall-to-be could always use an entertainer cum hair stylist. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

Thanks for giving me a good laugh every time I look at your face when the teachers start to ramble on a bit too much. Thank you for giving the Lumen rare articles of substance, articles I’m sure any magazine or newspaper would be proud to have written. I not only admire your writing skills, but also your general knowledge about the most random things ever. Chua (no middle name) Zi, it has been an honour to work with you.

What's Next: School Events Editor Ryan Yoong

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

School Events Editor, Ryan Yoong Ka Jun

Name: Ryan Yoong Ka Jun. Also know as Ry. 

Side Positions: One-half of the starlet emcee duo. Slave-buddy to Queen Vayonce (aka Seladang deputy captain). Also head of we-hug-trees and animals umbrella society in Cempaka although he has eaten many animals we don’t usually consider as a meal - as stated in Getting To Know Us Part 1. 

Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, talking, writing emails (yes, you saw that right), reciting emotional poetry... just kidding. 

As you might deduce from the Getting to know us article, Ryan’s chocolate cookies are to die for. And while we can’t imagine him in a frilly apron, we can envision him being big on stage in the future, preaching in a suit whilst making energetic hand gestures as he does so often now. 

Most Famous Line: *to be said in a reverent voice with visions of dramatic clouds of dried ice in mind* Gas! Gas!

An excerpt from his emotional poetry recitation during YJC’s Afternoon with the War Poets event. This line is also famously the only line students will most likely remember from the somber yet sleepy An Afternoon with the War Poets assembly.

Other interesting things to note:

1) Sushi Chef

Ryan once went around school dressed as a ninja. Yes, you read that right. For Interact Club’s National Day with Finery, some went round in baju kurungs. Others in cheongsams, saris' and even the occasional han bok. However attired in what he deemed as Japan’s “national attire”, the famous sushi chef- sorry, I mean ninja made his appearance (or disappearance?) that day.

2) The Proposal

The stars were twinkling (the sun was shining). The air was tense with romance (with anticipation). All eyes were fixated on the man in the suit. (Ryan with a ridiculous newspaper-cutout-tie). In a smooth flourish, he knelt down and produced a beautiful diamond ring (a piece of aluminum tin-can), professing his adoration to Puan Farah who unsurprisingly turned down his proposal. The things we do for House Deco competition. Ah well Ryan, she was already taken anyway. 

Article Contributions:

Getting To Know Us came about thanks to the brainchild of Ryan and Amirul Zain. In an effort to get to know the Cheras board better, all the dirty little secrets (not really) of the current senior and soon-to-be outgoing board was aired out - a definite must read by anyone.

However his travel article to New Zealand tops the list. An epic, hilarious one-boy journey to the land filled with fluffy sheep and stunning views, all through the wide (or small) eyes of a Malaysian boy whose wonderment at the organized airport overseas (people queueing up - can you imagine?) did not go unwritten.

What’s next?: 

Traveling of course, for all New Zealand did was give him a bigger hunger to explore the world beyond here. However of course, there is the small factor of cash. And parents. And education. But nonetheless, I’m sure adventures will still find their way to him. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

Very rarely do articles surface from the depths of your “I can write that lah” and “I’ll handle it”s. However when they do, it’s seriously and hilariously great. You also get the “Always Replies Whatsapp Award!”, for making me feel like I’m not talking to a wall in the group chat. Thank you for your clear-headedness, invaluable advice and the GAS! GAS! joke that will stay with me for life. Thank you for giving your time and contributions to the club. Ryan Yoong Ka Jun, it has been an honour working with you.

It's Your Captains Speaking!

A Compilation of the Thoughts of House Captains of 2014

(Put together by Chin Wye Mun & Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014)

Juniors, brats, annoying minions who sometimes (always) skip marching practices - it’s your captains speaking, hear hear! Just kidding. However much we may shout at you during marching, or make you do a hundred squats when you come a teeny bit late (psst Beruangs), we still love you deep down inside... deep, deep, deep down inside. 

With the First House Cup (FHC) meeting its end and the Big Splash having had its glorious moment in the spotlight, you might be wondering, what’s next for your captains, or rather ex-captains? The first thing out of our mouths would be studying. Caps locks, underlined and bolded. 

As much as we hate it, there are simply some sad truths we must come to terms with and the need to study is one of them. The FHC season is the perfect recipe for academic disaster with three cups of skipping classes, a teaspoon or two of angry teachers and piles of homework. Not to mention a gazillion google forms to fill in by -/-/-, ample amounts of chasing after that Freshman student whose name you just can’t recall, and a lot of “DID THEY EXTEND THE DEADLINES???" (No, no they didn't sadly.) 

The Beruang captains will forever be known as the tragically injured, starlit duo, who had the strength and courage to keep marching on through their strikingly similar injuries. The pair who stuck through thick and thin, during strenuous marching practices, vicious SFA matches, even tug-of-war ; who kept going through the pain, carrying their team forward, who put their house over themselves, who fell but picked themselves right back up again. 

Melodramatic reprise aside, seriously, hats off to the duo. It’s hard to be on the team knowing that your fellow housemates depend on you, but it’s even harder knowing you can only watch from the sidelines and cheer your heart out. 

Through the rough journey, the Beruangs had a solid senior team behind the blue curtains. Lady captain, Chin Wye Mun passes on her sincerest thanks to the seniors bears of 2014. "Everything we've accomplished this year could never have been possible without the help of the seniors. We've had our little bouts of drama, we've had our tiny (or not so) arguments and telling-offs but ultimately, I must say we did quite well pulling through together. I've never been so proud to be a Beruang and I would never want to be called one, if it meant I wouldn't be with these idiots. The bears are a family I'd never exchange. We have the slackers, the drama queens, the jokers and obviously it's not the most perfect bunch but that's what makes us who we are - family."

Seladang captain Vanisha Ann also refers to there other Seladang seniors as family. "It isn't flesh and blood, but the heart that makes us brothers and sisters. You guys are truly such a fun and talented bunch to work and play with. We have dancers, athletes, sportsmen/women, math geniuses, prized debaters and the list of skills just goes on and on. I will always remember the night we watched the Thomas Cup together whilst giving senseless commentary over WhatsApp. Creeping around the library with a camera trying to hide from the librarians (the real ones). We may not have won, but the memories we've shared won our hearts. I will never forget "HEHH, Maths, Shadow Master, Buff Eug, Banana, Lembu, Milk & Coco Puff, W I N, Natzi, Vengsta, Eeyneyt, Ah Meng, Awesome Ashley XD, Phoebe, Lum Lum, Adem Ser, Jes & Ramen. 

Beruang house captain Ezzamel Zarif says if he could relive any of the FHC moments, he wouldn’t mind reliving them all - that is except for Mathematics Olympiad he says. Probably one of the most mentally and even physically taxing events this year thanks to the Mathematics teachers who live to make our lives crazed with numbers and things that aren't even remotely related to them.

And it’s no surprise when he says that given the chance, he would want to relieve Games Carnival the most. A sentiment shared by the Seladangs. Seladang captain Ryan Yoong says " They said we'd never be able to do it; This year we proved them wrong!"

As for Helangs, Games Carnival was a rather touchy subject, however when asked, they also wouldn’t mind reliving all the FHC competitions. But for them, the march past competition wins, bar none. 

Preparations were and I quote “a good experience and everyone had fun ... - not really, they got scolded and had to do punishments if they didn’t listen”. However their determination even through the haze and the long break in between was what made their win so sweet in the end, as clarified by lady captain, Amirah Farhanah. It was with eagle-soaring pride that the Helangs marched out onto the tracks with great style and flamboyance that led them to their well-deserved victory for March Past in Damansara, and 2nd place overall. Something fellow captain Colin Yoong defines as one of his best moments in high school life. 

Amirah and Colin could not possibly have claimed the trophy if not for the help of their amazing group of seniors. Amirah says, "We unite for the sake of the house! Especially during March Past preparation, it really showed how strong our ties were because no matter how much "debate" we had, we still pulled through and worked as a team to achieve our goal. Every single one of us were really quirky and unique in our own way and that was really special because we never had anything in common but senior year changed everything for us. After all the obstacles we faced this year as a family, I'm really going to miss them and all their shenanigans."

For Rumah Harimau, this FHC was quite an unexpected journey. Let's not deny that the tigers haven't exactly had the best history in the FHC. The reds have not held the First House Cup for a few years now and captains Jazmyn Chang, Imran Teh and Nicholas Kong were not delusional to this fact but yet they still kept the goal in view and went at it charging. 

Not quite kicking off to a spectacular start at the beginning of the season, the tigers faced reality but their spirits remained strong throughout, resulting in a couple of great achievements for them. For one, they climbed their way to becoming top-tier contenders in the third quarter of the race as we were nearing the academic events of the FHC. Unfortunately though, the Harimaus met their fate of being crowned winners of the Big Splash in the very end - and still one they met with smiles.

Through the eyes of captains Jazmyn and Imran, the one FHC event they'd love to relive is the Interhouse Dance competition. "I had a lot of fun and I never knew dance was that nice and I wish I tried dance earlier because it's so fun and nice," says Imran who, obviously thinks two things about dance - fun, and nice. 

When on the subject of the other Harimau seniors, Jazmyn expresses her deepest delight in working with them, describing the gang as a "pleasure" to work with. Brutally honest, Captain Kong describes them as "the most unorganized but friendliest of all." 

Our article is pretty much coming to its end and it's been a long ride. To the other houses, Seladang captain Amanda reveals that it was indeed "an honour to compete with you all". Further from that, she mentions, "We've had our differences. Our competitive moments. Those awkward moments where you're caught between talking to your friend, and being loyal to your house. There were tense situations, fierce matches. But the defining moment was when in the end, although Harimau won the Big Splash, it was the Class of 2014 seniors who jumped into the pool that day."

To the new group of captains and seniors coming to take over our reins and drive the house to a hopeful victory, Wye Mun says, "I once received advice from a senior when things were tough during the FHC. At the time, I was rather skeptical of it. Ex-house captain of Rumah Helang 2012, Deborah Chew told me, "Just give it your best. In the end, no one really remembers who wins the house cup. Hahaha." I give all due respect to the eagles for claiming the cup this year and surely it was a memorable win but truly on that day as we linked arms and fell together into the pool, I felt Deborah's advice come to life. It is something I wish to share with all incoming captains and the captains after that and the captains after that and just the seniors in general. FHC is a stressful journey, there is no doubt about that but your senior year is one for memories so don't get too caught up in the competition and remember to relish and cherish the moments that count."

May the force be with you all to survive this hellish rollercoaster ride. There'll be screams. Green faces. Ups and downs and turn-a-rounds. No FHC is complete without a sudden change in timetables or a new twist to add to the already hard event. But regardless, you'll come out still standing in the end. Best of luck, never forget us and thank you. Have a wonderful FHC season! 

Much love from all of your captains. 

Big Splash 2014 Glimpses

It's only once a year when senior students are allowed 

to jump into the school's pool with their clothes on, and even watch their house captains being thrown in by their peers. No Cempakan will ever forget their experience doing this. With that being said, here are the pictures of the Annual Big Splash 2014.

Harimau

Beruang

Seladang

Helang

After-splash Fun

Photographed by Lai Li Chan and Gavin See of Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015.

September Issue: What's Next?

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

It’s our last note, and the fact that we’re always stymied when it comes to writing our notes doesn’t change. Change. Transition. Moving on. We went over word after word and finally, we've settled on something that’s hopefully not too cheesy.

"What’s next?"

It’s a daunting question that rears its ugly head, evil grin and all, staring at us in our final year here. And Im sure it’s not just us seniors who are feeling the pressure of a change about to come. Juniors will be taking up the mantle next year, holding their own fort and claiming the year of 2015 as their own.

Note: This picture is missing many seniors! We'll try to take & upload a better one soon.

In this special issue, your seniors will take the spotlight for the final time, before we move onto other adventures. You’ll find out “what’s next?” for us. Whether we take the path that’s less travelled. Or the path that’s well trodden. Or if we can even see a path at all. Whichever road we choose to stumble on till we get to even ground, I’m sure we’ll survive and find our way. I mean, we’ve survived the Cempakan calendar, furious teachers, and the hectic transition to Cheras? Come at us world. We’re all raring and ready to go. 

- after we finish this episode of Suits that is.  

There’s no doubt that the future’s uncertain and holds many possibilities, but what's equally as important is the past and the present. Like many others, both of us have been in Cempaka since we were adorable kids in white-and-yellow checkered dresses. It’s where our roots were planted, nurtured into shoots, then sprouted and cultivated. (Though Mun’s probably still stuck at the shoot level.) We’ve watched Cempaka grow as we grew alongside it, and we’ve hopefully been a positive part of that growth too. An invaluable experience, both good and the not so good - it’s all just part and parcel of schooling life. However when you really break it down, we’ll miss the Cempakan pond. 

The Lumen has also gotten its growth spurt, becoming a whole new club from when it started up in 2007. We've changed our medium of expression, from paper to blogspot. Even gotten our own twitter account - really the changes are vast and varied. But don’t fret, at the core of it all, the substance still remains the same. Our expressions and our passion through word, art and pictures. 

Hopefully at least one of our articles or posts was able to evoke some sort of feeling in you be it laughter, empathy, discovery or something indescribable altogether. What's more is that we hope you are excited for what's next for the Lumen! Though the future's unpredictable, we can assure you this. There are more bright days ahead :)

- Manda & Mun - 

August Issue: Remembrance

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Typically our editors' notes are due in the early days of the month and obviously August's one is much overdue and for that, we apologize. We've been caught up in the tidal wave that is August - Founder's Day, FHC Prize Giving, not to mention YJC's own event- An Afternoon with the War Poets. 

We commemorated a centenary since the Great War or World War I the way we know best through literacy and design. And the words "Gas! Gas!" will forever be etched in our minds. To the students who painstakingly worked to pull off an event that some might have thought of as impossible, thank you. Thank you for the weekends spent painting posters and cutting out models and nights spent reciting poems.

In July, we persevered through the hard times. This month, we commemorate. We honour, we pay tribute to and we remember. Though tragic and truly so, both the anniversary of the first world war and the MH17 incident brings about more than just empathy, pity and solemnity. It urges us not to just remember them but to learn from them.

History is meant to teach us not to repeat mistakes of the past but if we look at the world today, war still prevails. Yet in these times, we must not lose hope. For the world has changed tenfold from centuries ago - new and improved technology, medicine, communication. War, conflict and peace is simply another big, tangled web of an issue but it can be unknotted. The shining heroes of the wars and tragedies of the past will not die in vain for they have shone the light to guide us to a peaceful tomorrow. 

The devastation of the MH 17 tragedy was one particular tragedy of a bigger war elsewhere that we will never forget. It is the epitome of the saying "When the rich wage war, it is the poor who die." This accident, has turned out to be a tragic, senseless, loss, another number in the casualties of war statistics. Another reason why it is so important that we learn and pray for the victims, who have at last returned home.

In commemoration and respect to the lost lives, we will remember and will forever carry them with us in our hearts.

White Christmas; Thoughts/Review Part II featuring Spoilers Galore

Written by Chin Wye Mun, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

[Spoilers all the way from here as I elaborate on my personal feelings about the show] 

Biggest Question in the Drama : How do you define a monster?

Photo Credit : dexjul

Upon watching this drama, there is one big question that will be floating around in the space of your mind for a while. That question, is posed at the very beginning of the series by one of my absolute favorite characters, the "ace of the team", the emotionless genius, Choi Chi-Hoon (played by Sung Joon) : Are monsters born or raised? This is equivalent to the nature versus nurture debate, which questions whether the behavior of us humans are inherited by genes or learned through observation and imitation of our environment. Although this question is more frequently asked than the award-winner, when you think about it, you'll find yourself wondering more on what is a monster rather than how one is created. The original question stems one of what exactly is the definition of a monster? How would you define "monsters"? 

After having these questions prop themselves in my mind for hours and taking away my precious sleep time, here's what I think I think (this is intentional; it's such a complicated topic of discussion I'm not completely sure this is what I think but for now, it is). I've always leaned a little more to the nurture side of the debate. I believe that if you grow up in a certain environment, you will most likely be influenced by said environment. For example, if you are surrounded by a Chinese-speaking community, regardless of your born race, you will end up picking up some of the Chinese language, likely even more than the race you're born into. 

Regarding the definition of monsters and the whole talk about whether we are born with them or we raise them, I feel that the presence of monsters are inevitable. Humans are monsters - we are complicated creatures, shaped by our environment and shaped by nature. There is no single human who will not feel the touch of a "monster". We are not born to kill yet we are not born 100% pure. We are born to be challenged by temptation, by envy, by anger and hatred. The beauty of being human is that we can choose who we want to become. It is true that circumstances can restrain, but with determination, we can be whoever we want to be. When a murderer kills, they have chosen to pull the trigger. When you help an elderly lady cross the street, you have chosen to extend your arm to her. We are not born to point guns or to be generous. We are taught and we should be educated. And then we choose for ourselves. Like a novelist, you write your own story. It is your choices that make you who you are - monster or not. 

Even then, the lines can get blurry. Are you a monster if you steal for your poor family? On one hand, by stealing, you have committed a sin and a crime - bad. On the other, you're aiding the survival of your family - good. Like I said, humans are complicated. Sometimes, out of the blue or when our boundaries have been pushed, we turn into monsters, but then we learn to calm our demons and maybe even eventually slay them.

This is why so many people are focused on getting criminals to be educated rather than just punished. Of course, prevention is best but that is not an option when the crime has already occurred. 

Who won the game?

The ending was a beautiful thing. The doctor claims he "won" because the students pushed him to the edge of the roof and watched him fall, eyes cold and blank, unfeeling. At that moment, he felt that he had managed to turn them into monsters, cold-blooded killing machines. I have to agree. I think it is true. That scene and the interrogation scene that follows show the dark side of the students. Look into Park Moo-Yul's dark eyes during the interrogation and you will find something terrifying - the loss of the innocence of a young boy who once believed that following the rules makes you honorable. They could have chosen to let the police enter and do their job (which they aren't very good at - how can you mistake a frozen body for a fresh one?) but instead they chained the doors together and cornered the doctor into gripping the edge. They let themselves be consumed by anger and hatred. In this sense, I do believe they let out their beasts.

However, within the unleashing of their inner monsters, they also made themselves vulnerable to each other and found among the group, the formation of a new (hopefully) unbreakable trust. They too had won the game by finding the power to trust each other. They all had matching stories during the interrogation and no one person told the truth. Throughout the game, there are rare times you find all 7 of them together and discussing plans or filling each other in. Someone is always missing. But in the end, they're all together and they walk the same path, the same direction. Lying is a sin but trust and teamwork are virtues. 

If you think about it, while playing the game, they were forced to already consider the possibility of being burdened by murder in order to stay alive. Young Jae cracking under the pressure convinces me that he is the weakest link of the group. The rest of them though, remain adamant that they will not become the monsters Doctor Kim wishes them to be. Though they remained adamant about it, they were definitely very close to crossing the border. Jae Kyu almost smashed the life out of Young Jae, but then he took a look at himself and he saw the image he swore not to be. Eun Sung raged at Doctor Kim and threw her cup near him in anger, the want to kill boiling and bubbling at her very surface. Moo Yul thought about letting go of the rope and letting Chi Hoon fall to his death and he faltered. He let go for the slightest moment but he regained himself and he pulled again till Chi Hoon was back to safety. But when it came to the doctor, they all cracked.

I was truly very disappointed that they pushed him over the edge. When the doctor admitted Yoon Su's case had failed but questioned the results of the rest standing in front of him, Park Moo Yul turned to walk away. I honestly thought he was walking away from this nutcase, walking away from becoming a monster. But he didn't. I suppose he actually gave it away in the beginning. He did say, "I had to become a monster to fight a monster". I loved the students so much that I really didn't want them to turn into monsters, even if it was just for a moment.

Adults vs. Adolescents 

Anyway, perhaps it is better that they pushed the doctor to the edge instead of letting the police take over. This brings us to another great thing about this drama which is the incompetence of the adults versus the genius of the adolescents. Perhaps they feared the police would slip up yet again and fail to wrap this whole mess up. Young Jae's mother was frustrating. She should have just waited her turn to speak and the minute she stole the microphone from Moo Yul's father, I was in disbelief. Eun Sung's mother was quite a sad case. There are several theories on why she kept quiet about her greatest sin but I still stick by the simplest, most obvious one, as explained in the movie. She was selfish. 

Genius Kids

Also, the fact that they were all incredibly smart (except I didn't really see Young Jae's intelligence, pardon me and if anyone can show me some proof of this, I'd be thankful) meant that there was no room for ranting at the ensemble for doing the silliest things. Many characters often make obvious mistakes like trusting the wrong person, taking the wrong road or doing the stupidest thing like going out alone in the dark. However, these geniuses don't and that's a relief for it saves me the energy of having to press the space bar and pause the show and just take a moment to detach myself from the utter stupidity of the character. 

Best Death : Choi Chi Hoon

Other contenders include Yoon Eun Sung, Yoon Su, Jung Hye and the teacher. I'm assuming Eun Sung was indeed hypnotized and the teacher didn't really stand out to me as anything anyway. It was a pity he had to die. It would have been handy to have a judo expert still on the student's side. Jung Hye was just crazy but Yoon Su's death was well-done. Even so, the thought of Chi Hoon dying was more saddening though manageable for me. It was honorable. He worked hard to get them out of their mess but Young Jae had to crack under the pressure, once again and put Chi Hoon up for punishment. This particular award could be slightly prone to bias, I'm sorry.

Best Character Development : Yoon Su/Kang Mo

Furthermore, the character development was pleasant. They're all very distinct characters. My favorite characters for development/background were Yoon Su and Kang Mo. Yoon Su taught me that we believe what we want to believe. We twist illusions and make it into our own truth. He was illusioned that his maid/aunt was his real mother and formed a disliking for her real son, who stole the attention away from him. He lied about being kidnapped and eventually even believed his own lie. The corner monster was only a monster because Yoon Su thought it was. It was all in the mind. 

For Kang Mo, he was brave and courageous and I pitied the way they "witch hunted" him. He was so cheery in the beginning of the show; it was heartbreaking to see him lose his smile for about the whole second half or so of it. He is so selfless - he discards his own personal attachment towards Eun Seung, for as long as she is happy, he feels happy. He was separated from the rest and had to hide from the people who were supposed to be his "teammates". And yet, at the end of it all, he saved the day, disabled. 

Young Jae actually had a good chance to win in this department (he's not even the best troublemaker). He battled with consistency and vulnerability and he cracked twice under the pressure of the gun pointed to his head but in the end, he managed to keep it cool and keep the trust. 

Best Bromance/One True Pair (OTP) : Kang Mireu & Choi Chi Hoon

You can't deny it. The moment Mireu found out that Chi Hoon was dead (or presumed so), his face just completely changed. They're from two completely different worlds - Mad Mi Reu & the emotionless genius. Yet, they're bound by the heated passion of competitive youth. Mireu was the one person to ever beat Chi Hoon. Mireu was the only person to ever cause Chi Hoon to feel loss. They don't show great affection towards one another or even friendship, but there's a special relationship found in competition. 

And they definitely beat Eun Sung paired with anybody. If I were to pair Eun Sung with anybody, it'd probably be Young Jae. That part where he cornered her and said that twisted line, there was something magical in the darkness of their relationship. 

Most Angelic : Yoon Su (of course, haha)

Finally, some people argue that Yoon Su killing himself was more monstrous than becoming a killer. I disagree. Indeed, he stayed true to his nickname of Angel. Even if he didn't like it, I felt that Yoon Su was more of an angel and less of a monster than any of the other 7 kids. Not even Park Moo Yul, the most obedient or Choi Chi Hoon, the smartest was more angelic than Yoon Su. Yoon Su killed himself but the 7 of them killed somebody else. Yoon Su had the right over his own life and sacrificed his own to protect those of others. Was the doctor's life for the other 7 to take? No. Stripping it down to the basics, they had killed someone, committed murder and turned into monsters. 

People also speculate that Yoon Su's death was made to symbolize that together they stand but alone they fall as Yoon Su was the only one separated from the group at the end during their recovery while the rest were together in the hospital. I could agree with this and I think it's further testament to the strength of the trust they've formed with each other. It's just a pity that Yoon Su can't be a part of it in the future (hoping for a sequel). 

Character Who Deserved More Screen Time : Lee Jae Kyu

Jae Kyu was one of my favourite characters from the start. I honestly thought he was going to die first because he seemed to be very close to the main protagonist (Moo Yul) and normally the main protagonist won't die but someone close to him will. For example, he was always around Moo Yul and helping him search the student records. 

Luckily, he didn't have to experience death. I also did not expect that Jae Kyu would be the sender of the letters. He seemed genuinely confused and out of place, having only transferred that spring. His fighting scene with Young Jae was thrilling and his blood-spattered face is just, cool. I really am a fan of that scene. Along with the snowball fight scenes (both the ones with and without Eun Sung), Jae Kyu and Young Jae's fighting scene is among my favourites. 

In this scene, we really see that moment of realization Jae Kyu faces when he looks into the mirror. He sees the monster in him and drops to his knees. You can feel the desperation and craze in his eyes. He longs to wash off his stains of cruelty but they don't come off easily. He lost himself. 

I sing praise for this drama for it is not your regular Korean drama. It is not predictable and though there are slight plot-holes on which the drama can be criticized on, the overall impact was enough to cover it up. It has much more of a real, human feel to it than many of the Korean dramas out there. I look forward to more good psychological, thriller finds in the Korean drama scene. Some people may find my praise for this drama to be exaggerated and overly-hyped but I stand by the fact that this is one of the best dramas I have ever watched and no one will be able to change my opinion. Also, I'd be happy to engage in any discussion in the comments below about the drama.