Jimmy

Good afternoon, everyone! I am Jimmy Fang, the captain of our orientation camp. It is a great honor to speak on behalf of all new students here.

In fact, my contact with SHBS can be traced back to three years ago. I participated in SHBS Summer Camps for three consecutive years, from Grade 7 to Grade 9, including serving as a student mentor during this summer camp. This is why during the orientation camp, some of the new members still recognized me as a student mentor, but in fact, I am also a freshman, officially this time.

The enthusiastic, confident student mentors helped me get to know SHBS. The welcoming, tolerant, and rigorous teachers introduced SHBS to me. It was these lovely people and fun activities that left a deep impression on me, making me want to join this community. So, I joined the orientation camp and had the opportunity to meet the new students, pursue our dreams, and explore our hobbies together in the 7-day orientation camp.

Outdoor survival training, the NewBiz contest, fun English and Science classes, and other activities helped us get to know each other quickly and develop our friendship. There are obvious differences between us, especially in terms of personalities. In the process of communicating and discussing with students with various personalities, I have gained a deeper understanding of the very concept of "discussion". Discussions should be based on self-evidence and self-validation, with participants engaging in reasoned arguments to reach the best outcome. Throughout this process, I also met and learned about many different people who have thoughts, understandings, and methods that differ from mine. This experience highlighted the distinct differences between individuals, which are natural and contribute to the richness and diversity of the world. What we need to do is to embrace and harmoniously manage these differences, seeking common ground while respecting diversity. By being inclusive and appreciating beauty in diversity, we create a community that is truly meaningful and vibrant.

I was fascinated by the community, so I decided to join. I also hope that every new student can immerse themselves into this atmosphere as soon as possible. I hope that we freshmen can work hard together and become contributors to this unique atmosphere of our own SHBS , just like the unique seniors did. We also look forward to the cooperation of new and returning students to create an even more harmonious and beautiful community, making our community culture richer and more meaningful. I wish you all a successful new semester.

Ivan

Dear Teachers and Fellow Schoolmates,

Hello everyone!

After a fulfilling summer break, it’s truly a pleasure to see you all again. I sincerely believe that our new students will feel the warmth and kindness of the teachers and returning students whenever needed. I also hope that everyone will continue to work hard in this new semester, pouring your youthful energy into your endeavors.

Of course, on the path to becoming a better and healthier version of ourselves, everyone deserves to be praised and to feel proud. So, as you pursue your dreams and your future, don’t let minor imperfections bother you.

I still remember the end of last year, when I had two or three overdue math assignments, planning to catch up at night. A few days ago, I was also planning to rank up in a game by the end of the month. During a break, a friend asked me if we had an economics test the next day. I paused, first confused and then filled with despair—no matter how efficient I was, I couldn’t finish everything in one night.

As for the results, I’ll set those aside for now. Later, I realized that when you’re not in the best state or when there’s too much to do, it’s okay not to strive for perfection in everything. Completing 60-70% is enough; there’s no need to push yourself to the limit in every situation. When you’re tired, it’s important to give yourself a break. When faced with multiple challenging tasks that overwhelm you, letting go might be a wise choice. You can finish your math homework quickly, make a few mistakes, and correct them tomorrow. If you didn’t make it to Diamond rank this season, just aim for it next season. If you take the economics test with a relaxed mindset and don’t do well, you can always catch up later. Letting go of what needs to be let go of might better protect your mental state and energy in the long run.

As the ancient saying goes, "The road is long and difficult, but as long as you walk it, you will eventually reach your destination". As long as we put in the effort and do our best, the outcome might not matter as much. The bitter and sweet moments, the experiences that bring us joy, may be our most valuable treasures.

In conclusion, I wish everyone a path worth striving for. Keep a positive mindset, travel light, and move forward with big strides!

I’ll stop here for now; it’s time for me to "give myself a break" too.

Ella

Good afternoon. It’s good to be back. Back in Shanghai, taking the metro all the way down to the second last stop of line 17, the only metro line that runs through Qingpu district.

So many things happened in the past year that I don’t know where my story should begin — when Irene asked me if I wanted to start a club in my first interview, when Chris asked me what is gender on our first WeChat call, or the first time when Jerry lent me a book that I still have yet to read, or when I heard Martina sing at the orientation talent show. I thought, wow.

You can find special people everywhere if you look for them. And they are the reason I come to school — when I don’t feel like getting up in the morning, I still do, because I know I have Marc’s class today, I’m going to talk to Davy, Frank, and David today. I’m going to learn about what Freud got wrong about psychology, about all the drugs I can’t spell, about why Emily Dickinson wrote about flies, and how the living learn from death, how the future learns from its past, and how the freed learn from its bondage. About stories and how they were told, about how we learn and most importantly, why we learn.

I don’t know if this is the last time I will speak as a returning student here at SHBS. But there are some things that I do know. I know that for my G12s we have three long months until we make it to the first of January, 2025. I know it’s going to be difficult. I know we will have tears on the way, and it’s ok to not feel ok. Because we’re gonna make it, just like the people who stood here last year and graduated from here last year.

For my G11s, my G10s and G9s: Try something new while you can. Try building an excavator out of popsicle sticks for the science fair. Try baking ceramics in art class. Try taking care of the kittens on our campus — but don’t get hurt! Try grabbing something from our coffee shop. Try writing for a magazine. Try making your own Ted talk. Somewhere here, on this campus, with this group of people, down line 17, you would find your reasons and discover your why — why you learn.

I can’t wait to make more stories with you all.