Author: Mimi Yao

News, Opinion

 Searching for Identity in Yunnan’s Nascent AI Industry 

Mimi Yao

By Mimi Yao A symphony of celebratory clinks fill the restaurant. Meanwhile, alone in the office, Ma Meng Chen sits hunched over a plastic container of takeout noodles.  This was not the first time she had turned down her colleagues’ dinner invitations, nor would it be the last. As a member of the Hui（回族）, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority in China, Ma follows the religious practice of abstaining from pork. Her life is a careful balancing act between adhering to the religious customs of Hui culture and conforming to mainstream social norms, which makes the question of whether to attend … Continue reading  Searching for Identity in Yunnan’s Nascent AI Industry 

Opinion, Teacher Profiles

Teacher Profiles: Michael Crachiolo

Mimi Yao

By Mimi Yao Since becoming an eagle in 2018, Mr. Crachiolo has worn many hats: English 9, AP Lang, and IB Global Politics teacher; Link Crew advisor this school year; and, affectionately, “Mr. C.” Less well known are his former role as the Grade 9 Head of Year and his previous teaching career at the international department of Huashi Fuzhong (华师附中) in Guangzhou. In this interview, Mr. C reflects on the decisions that have shaped his career in education, both at SAS and beyond.  For the previous three years, Mr. C has welcomed freshmen as Grade 9 Head of Year, … Continue reading Teacher Profiles: Michael Crachiolo

Opinion

Debate: Toxic Competition or Valuable Discourse?

Mimi Yao

By Mimi Yao Why debate? Some, such as SAS student Tracy Hung see debate as “A way to express and address disagreements.” Yet, in the past few years, especially in East Asian countries, debate has become increasingly associated with tournaments, awards, and most significantly, an entrance ticket to top tier universities. Competitive debate has existed since the late 1800s, yet it only gained widespread recognition in China in the mid 2010s, which saw the rise of debate institutions such as Inspira and Learning Leaders. At this time, many students joined debate to improve their public speaking skills, meet new teammates, … Continue reading Debate: Toxic Competition or Valuable Discourse?

Teacher Profiles

Darning Cultures: Esther Baumann

Mimi Yao

By Mimi Yao This year, the newly established history club (RKNHS) hopes to spotlight members of the SAS community with unique cultural stories. In this interview, Esther Baumann shares the challenges and rewards of being part of three different cultures.  SAS is a proud host of bilingual speakers, multi-cultural families, and students and faculty from around the world. Esther Baumann, a new member of the SAS community who runs the academic support program at Flex, is a representative for all three of these identities.   Ms. Baumann was born and raised in Hungary, which she jokingly refers to as “the depressed … Continue reading Darning Cultures: Esther Baumann

Opinion, Teacher Profiles

Mr. Gertzfield on “The Great Gatsby,” Stephen King, and more 

Mimi Yao

By Mimi Yao and Ivy Li From its meticulous symbolism to its shrewd criticism of the American Dream, The Great Gatsby is regarded by many to be one of the finest works of modern literature. Its critical denunciation of empty promises and corrupted dreams has cemented it as a favorite among readers worldwide, including SASPD high school’s co-head of English—Jeremy Gertzfield.   Mr. Gertzfield embarked on his teaching career 20 years ago and has been teaching at SAS for more than 10 years. He currently teaches English 10, AP Literature and Composition, and IB Literature. Join us on an interview with … Continue reading Mr. Gertzfield on “The Great Gatsby,” Stephen King, and more