The Humanities Symposium pay homage to creative thinkers

Thundering applause filled the first floor auditorium as, onstage, SMIC-I graduate of 2014 Bobby Ge finished delivering his speech. It was Saturday, May 25, and students and faculty were gathered for the annual Humanities Symposium. Created partly to fill up the “vacuum” left by International Day for high school students, the main purpose of the Humanities Symposium was to pay homage to the humanities and the important role they play in our everyday lives. Often overlooked or belittled in a society that puts an emphasis on STEM subjects, it is hoped the Humanities Symposium would help to defy the norm of STEM subjects first, humanities second. 

The half-day was carved up into three sessions, which are then divided into History, English & Drama, Music & Art, Foreign Language, and AP Seminar. As the day progressed, students moved from room to room to attend different presentations and performances that were carefully chosen by various department teachers. Between sessions, students enjoyed hors d’oeuvres in a locker area that had been transformed with red lights, flowers and black curtains as chamber students played classical and contemporary pieces. While the mediums of the selected works differed from Indian music to foreign language films to NHD performances heading for DC in the summer, there was one thing they all had in common: “They are of exceptional quality,” Mr. Boldt, the main director of the Humanities Symposium, stated. He went on to add, “[They] demand a wider audience.”

In a first for the symposium, this year a student team was involved in the process. “[We’re trying to make it] more student-centered and sustainable,” Mr. Boldt explained. Angela Dai (11C), a member of the team, was in charge of the event space planning. She stated, “There’s so much notable work that I wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for the Humanities Symposium.” Leon Cheng (11A), in addition to being master schedule manager, also presented two of his works. “[The] Humanities Symposium is a great opportunity for students to present their work,” Leon commented. Another presenter, Cassandra Lo (10B), dazzled students with an Indian classical song called “Gamaka.”  She summed up her creative process in a few words: “observe+discover+create=humanity symposium.”

As the third session drew to an end, students assembled in the auditorium for the closing ceremony, where there were two drama performances, Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal” and a NHD drama that had placed at the competition earlier in March. Afterwards, Jessie Wu, the student director, came onstage and gave a short speech, talking about the importance of the humanities. Year after year, the Humanities Symposium continuously sends the message that the creative thinkers of the world play a part just as important as the doctors, engineers, and scientists, and deserve to be acknowledged too. “I love this event,” Mr. Boldt said. 

Featured Image – Students walk through a decorated hallway Photo Courtesy of Benson Lin

by Esther Wu