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Hot Take Tuesday, Vol 3

Hot Take Tuesday is back for the 2024-2025 school year! Every Tuesday of October, a brand new hot take will be spotlighted.
Hot Take Tuesday, Vol 3
October 1st, 2024
Hot Take: I love community dinner 

As you don your formal uniform and scramble to the Price Dining Hall, you might think that community dinner, a longstanding tradition at Webb, is an obstacle in the busy life of a Webb student. However, day-student and dedicated-community-dinner-attendee Hanbo Xu (‘25) sees it as an opportunity to meet new people.   

“I met a lot of new people that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to talk to through community dinner,” Hanbo said. “I understand that it is an extra commitment, but it is only 45 minutes, and you have to get food anyways.”

Hanbo states that he has regularly overheard students, especially boarders, expressing frustration for the extra commitment. However, he believes community dinner is an opportunity to step outside of one’s usual friendship bubble, as he has been able to meet new teachers and students in other grade levels. 

“At Webb, it’s easy to get stuck in the same group of friends,” Hanbo said. “We forget about how many people are out there in the Webb community that have diverse experiences and backgrounds. Community dinner is a low stakes way to step out of that.”  

Ultimately, Hanbo believes community dinner is an integral part of creating community outside usual circles and that students should embrace the opportunity to socialize rather than complain about it. 

 

October 1st, 2024 (Stephanie Ma)
October 8th, 2024
Hot Take: Sushi day is overrated

Many may agree that sushi day at Webb is an exciting break from the usual dining hall food. However, for Jason Chang (‘27), this event tends to be more of a hassle than a treat.   

“I think sushi day is overrated,” said Jason. “The lines are absurdly long, the sushi is not much better than the usual dining hall food, in my opinion, and by the time you finally get your plate, there are hardly any seats left.”   

While many students rush to the dining hall for a taste of this highly anticipated day, Jason thinks that the appeal of sushi day is more about novelty and rarity than the actual experience.

“I think people are more drawn to the idea of sushi day than to the reality of it,” Jason said. “Since we only have sushi day a couple of times a year, it creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. But considering the long wait, sushi day is not worth the hype.”  

For Jason, a simpler, less crowded meal is far preferable to the chaos of sushi day.

“I would much rather just grab something quick and enjoy my lunch with my friends without all the hassle,” Jason said.

October 8th, 2024 (Freya Fu)
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About the Contributors
Stephanie Ma
Stephanie Ma, Editor-in-Chief
Stephanie Ma (‘25) is no stranger to the spotlight and the gaze of an attentive audience. Taking on roles such as Editor-in-Chief of the WCC, president of Webb Thespians, and co-head of the honor council, Steph is passionate about serving the community. As a head HC, she hopes to direct other students through the disciplinary process and foster community values. A dedicated member of Webb’s theatre department, she designs lights in the fall, works as a stage manager in the winter, and performs onstage in the spring. Although Stephs limelight is usually directed at helping her fellow students, she illuminates her own talents through music. Since learning guitar the summer before her freshman year, she instantly fell for the instrument's rich melodies and its ability to channel her vibrant energy. Playing the guitar allows Steph to express her emotions freely without pressure, inspiring her to write original songs. She has debuted her golden melodies at the Claremont Village, serenaded the crowd at open mic events, and performed at Jubilee. Steph is ready to shine vividly during her senior year as she encourages her fellow writers to step into the spotlight.   Favorite Song: You're On Your Own Kid by Taylor Swift
Freya Fu
Freya Fu, Editor of Opinion
For some, walking thousands of steps and navigating through swarming crowds without a clear path may seem like the worst nightmare; however, Freya Fu (‘26) lives for this laborious pastime known as shopping. Despite being stuck on campus, this Jameson resident constantly pursues alternative ways to enjoy her favorite hobby. This summer, while in Shanghai and Vegas, Freya spent her time well shopping and managing a Depop side hustle, where she sold vintage clothing. As any avid shopper knows, it requires a consistent, long-term effort to create the perfect wardrobe. Freya not only employs this towards her closet, the majority being from Brandy Melville and Edikted, but towards her resume as well. In her free time, she loves improving upon violin, debate, and tennis, all of which she has practiced for more than five years. In the future, she hopes to channel her favorite TV show, Gossip Girl, by opening a boutique while studying business and marketing in New York. As for the WCC, she plans to use her expertly curated sense of style to continue Hot Take Tuesdays and emphasize a variety of opinions, assuring readers she will incorporate wide-ranging styles as the new Editor of Opinion.  Favorite Song: Chamber of Reflection by Mac DeMarco