20th anniversary of SMIC-I: a recollection of an inclusive community

When asked to impose a label on a school community, the term “second home” is often associated with an environment that you spend a great deal of time in. For SMIC-I, the label is no different. In the span of 20 years, SMIC-I has undergone numerous changes to its physical demeanor and diversified circle of students. Exemplified through a tight-knit community and competitive but heuristic academic system, the duration in which this school has flourished serves as a reminder of its long-term impact towards teachers and students alike.

Established in 2001 under the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), teachers and students who have been in SMIC-I since the early years of its initiation have witnessed the transformation that has occurred in this school. From a group of 75 students in its early years to nearly 1420 students in the middle-high school and elementary divisions twenty years later, SMIC-I has successfully been shaping the futures of its students through the variety of professions and passions it nurtures. 

While SMIC-I itself has encountered several changes throughout the years, current students continue to gain new experiences in addition to their common familiarity with the school. Senior Taka Hashimoto (12A), who has been in the school since first grade, recalls his best memory in SMIC-I of “playing on the varsity soccer team” in his freshman year. Despite facing difficulties with the language barrier when adjusting to the school, Taka shares his current interpretation of the school’s nature as “friendly.” In the cases of junior Irene Chen (11B) and sophomore Rochelle Lu (10B), both of whom have been in the school since their kindergarten years, they continue to reminisce International Days in elementary school and consider them a favorite memory. Irene remembers her initial struggle of “transferring to [the] English track” since “the people, academics, and everything was entirely different.” Over time, however, Irene learned to adjust by having an open mind; while making new friends may seem daunting, “it’s surprising how different things can be in a new environment,” she noted.

Along with the introduction of new teachers this year, the 20th anniversary also marks another year for teachers who have been in SMIC-I longer than the majority of students here. Mr. Roy McMaster, who has been teaching history courses in the school since 2013, recalls his easy adjustment to the school on behalf of everyone being “very welcoming and the students appreciating learning.” In the span of the eight years he has been here, the most noticeable change to him would be “the upgrade of the interior of the building.” The refurbishment of the walls, new lobby, and cafeteria in the summer of 2019 was a significant shift from the previously monochromic grey interior. More notably, Mr. Cédric Chastagner, who is currently in his 11th year at SMIC-I, emphasizes the change of foreign languages being available to middle school – an initiation brought on by the current school year. Whereas Mr. McMaster describes the school community as “intense” due to the competitiveness in academics, Mr. Cedric identifies SMIC-I as a “multicultural” environment, acknowledging the intricacies that make up the school.

Student or alumni, staff or teacher, SMIC-I has and continues to impact those who come and go through this institution. In the 20 years that this school has flourished, some of the best memories and learning have defined the lives of its diverse community. While the 20th Anniversary may just be a number, SMIC-I is more than the brick walls of a school and its academic divisions; more remarkably, it’s a place of growth, friendships, and the development of personal values and passions.

Featured Image — The 20th Anniversary of SMIC-I Courtesy of Vecteezy