Opinion

We've all been there, trying to stay alive on a cup of coffee in the middle of the night, cramming for the final the night before the big test. In fact, you might be one of the 69.7% of students who reported that they cram before exams. In fact, 38.1% say they "frequently" wait until just before an exam to study, and another 5.8% say they "always" do so (International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal, 2024). While these activities require intense focus, new science suggests that reducing overall focus capacity actually improves overall productivity.

There are two kinds of people when it comes to baking: the kind that measures vanilla extract according to the recipe and the kind that measures by the heart (and puts too much). Vanilla extract is one of the most commonly used ingredients in desserts, from cookies to cakes and custards. Its primary role is to provide a sweet aroma, alongside enhancing, balancing, and adding depth to the flavors of desserts. So, does using a lot of vanilla extract truly elevate your desserts?

Labubu, surprise boxes, and Stanlee cups are among the many recent hot must-haves that drive Gen Z crazy as they try to get their hands on them. Are these needed for the survival of the human body? No. But they sure do look hella good on that IG post once and even better at the central landfill. These consumer products are best at one thing: Being used once and thrown away.

A year after the launch of her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Taylor Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl” on October 3rd, 2025. Once again, it sparked tsunamis of debates online—one side arguing that the album reflects Taylor’s healed version, while the others argue that it lacked “true lyricism” compared to her past works.

Have you ever created an exam revision plan—only to forget about it and cram everything at the last minute instead? During exam weeks, everyone is stressing more and sleeping less. You would see people panicking to review and students who radiate confidence. In the end, both ace their exams flawlessly. This paradox leaves us to ponder: is cramming or actually sticking to a study plan the more effective way to review?

A new school year brings students three main surprises: new students, new teachers…and new policies. In the 2025-2026 school year, Wellspring Saigon has announced and applied various rules for students and teachers—ranging from dress codes and field times to electronic device usages. Some argue that they take away students' comfort at school, while others say that they're an amazing help towards their academic journey. Today, we'll dive into a WISer's world—to see what they feel about the new policies! Here at Wellspring Saigon, the term "WISers" doesn't only apply to teachers, students, and staff—it also applies to parents and guardians! Hence, the editor and reporter team have come together to ask around the school—seeking both students' and parents' honest opinions.

Written by Nguyễn Xuân An Khôi