Category: Opinion

Opinion

Introducing Grameen

Kaylee Huang

By Kaylee Huang When we think of banks, we often picture big buildings, loans, and customers with steady jobs and savings. But what about people with no collateral, no credit history, and no regular income? This is where Grameen Bank enters.  Founded in 1983 by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Grameen offers an inclusive financing model through providing collateral-free microloans for people, especially women, in poverty. At the heart of its approach is the “five-member group” model, which relies heavily on developing trust within the community. Specifically for Grameen China, the organization now has over 1,500 members in rural areas … Continue reading Introducing Grameen

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, Politics, Writing Competition

Between Frequencies

Gina Lin

By Gina Lin The sound comes first—the young American college student yells at the person sitting across her, in attempt to refute his argument in their “debate.” Their words tumble over each other, sharp, fast, incomprehensible. The sound is loud enough to drown out the meaning. I reach to turn down my volume of the TikTok. In my apartment, it’s quiet. The sort of quiet that almost has texture, like the air holding its breath. Outside my window, the lights of Shanghai blink in coded Morse—millions of lives moving at once, each operating at their own private volumes. The autumn … Continue reading Between Frequencies

News, Opinion

Student Collectives: An Exploration of CAC

Nicole Lu

By Nicole Lu It’s no secret that the presence of some groups is stronger than others, especially given the vast number of student groups and associations we have here at SAS. Rumors and complaints about the perceived lack of impact of clubs and committees run amok among staff and students. Yet, underneath these murmurs seems to lie a genuine curiosity about what people actually do. At the root of the curiosity lies student councils which have always seemed a figment of a sort. They seem to exist in some invisible dimension, using big names and having big expectations and fulfilling … Continue reading Student Collectives: An Exploration of CAC

Opinion, Sports

Run, Folks, Run: The Benefits of Running for Students

Jeffrey Du

By Jeffery Du Running is more than just a form of exercise—it’s a tool for improving both mind and body. Beyond boosting physical health, running reduces stress, enhances sleep, and sharpens cognitive function. At our school, where grades, tests, and sleep schedules often dominate students’ lives, running can be a surprisingly simple way to tackle these challenges. Stress Relief Through Movement Academic pressures can leave student feeling overwhelmed. However, running triggers the release of endorphins, hormones that elevate mood and reduce stress and anxiety. A short run between classes or after school can help clear your mind and provide a much-needed … Continue reading Run, Folks, Run: The Benefits of Running for Students

Opinion, Sports

The New Training Plan—Voices of the Athletes

chun yuan ong

By Chun Yuan Ong Amid the buzz over the schedule change, few noticed the update to our Varsity sports training. When the coaches announced that practices would no longer take place on Mondays but on Saturdays, reactions ranged from excitement to hesitation. Intended to reduce conflicts with performing arts and other ASA activities, this change has now been in effect for an entire sports season. So, how do athletes feel about losing a weekend morning but gaining a free Monday?  For some, the adjustment has been beneficial. A volleyball player who is also active in Model United Nations shared that … Continue reading The New Training Plan—Voices of the Athletes

Opinion, Politics

Vote Blue No Matter Who—Unless It’s Zohran Mamdani

Leo Mahe

By Leo Mahe We tend to remember 2016 as the year Trump upended American politics, ushering in an era defined by fascist campaigns, scandals, and a constant churn of increasingly unhinged tweets. But before the Democrats eventually lost the general election, ushering in Donald Trump’s presidency, another battle had raged inside the Democratic party: the fight for what being a Democrat meant altogether. During the 2016 Democratic Primary, with Obama no longer eligible to run for another term, the party was forced to select a new standard-bearer. On one side stood Hillary Clinton, the embodiment of the political establishment. A … Continue reading Vote Blue No Matter Who—Unless It’s Zohran Mamdani

Opinion, Politics

International Outcry After Israel Defense Forces Shoot Aid Workers

Leo Mahe

By Leo Mahe On March 23, nearly two years into the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, ambulances were sent out to evacuate Palestinian civilians after an Israeli shelling. An ambulance and its crew were “hit” on their way to the civilians’ location, leading several more ambulances, a fire truck, and a clearly labeled United Nations vehicle to head over and try to rescue them. Seventeen people were dispatched in total, but never returned from their dispatch, sparking international concern for their well-being. It took five days for the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, a branch of the International … Continue reading International Outcry After Israel Defense Forces Shoot Aid Workers

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?