Article by: Ysabel Ayala
Photographs by: Sung Yun Bae
Too often we underestimate the power of kind words. But pages like ‘ISM Compliments,’ which is shared on the public domain on facebook, goes the extra mile to encourage ISM’s students by acting as an anonymous collection of compliments.
The trend in giving anonymous compliments online emerged in the ISM community back in 2011, and was inspired by other IASAS schools’ (SAS,ISB, TAS, and JIS) compliment pages. Since then, it has grown to encompass certain grade levels, with pages such as ‘Sophomore Compliments’ as well as the entire IASAS body, with the introduction of the ‘IASAS Compliments’ and ‘IASAS Confessions.’
The idea of praising students for their role model attributes definitely encourages cheerfulness and a sense of giving within the community. With the harmful potential of the Internet for acts such as cyber bullying, it is comforting to have a site that heartens teenagers, instead of bringing them down. Senior Andrea Narciso applauds the ISM Compliments page as, “A great idea that makes everyone’s days just a little better.It can even relieve stress sometimes!”
Despite the best intentions of having a page for student compliments, only selected people receive the compliments, ultimately leaving other students deprived. Grade 12 student Stephanie Kim points out that, “It’s unfair to those who never get compliments. It might just make them feel undeserving.” Though a relevant argument, the compliments posted on the page are often reciprocated by the rest of the student body, and are treated with a collective sentiment, rather than a general disgruntlement.
In the end, the controversy over ISM Compliments always boils down to a single question: Who is ISM Compliments, and subsequently, the manager of all the other Compliment pages? For lack of Sherlock Holmes’ detective skills, perhaps we may never really know; but if we think about it, does that really matter? Anonymous or not, ISM Compliments reaffirms the altruistic support of the ISM community.
So to the nameless angel who runs the show behind ISM Compliments, we would like to acknowledge your hard work with our own compliment: on behalf of the ISM high school student body, thank you for never ceasing to make our days brighter.
