Be the best of yourself

Summer arrived in full force at Guanghua Academy.

With June came energy, curiosity, and a season of discovery—both inside and beyond the classroom. From a vibrant multicultural campus carnival to immersive experiences across Shanghai, GHA students stepped into a world filled with possibilities.

This was another way to experience June: learning brought to life, curiosity turned into action, and growth happening beyond the classroom.

Here are some of the moments that made this month memorable.

Because at GHA, learning does not stop at the classroom door. And growth happens everywhere.

A Taste of the World, A Wave of Summer Energy

June began with a burst of color, flavor, music, and energy at GHA’s Multicultural Campus Carnival.

This year, more than ten countries and regions were represented through student-led food stalls, featuring flavors from Italy, Spain, Thailand, Korea, Mexico, and beyond. From refreshing traditional Chinese desserts to extra-spicy Korean noodles, Spanish paella, and Mexican street food, every dish offered a small taste of the wider world.

The celebration extended far beyond food.

The sports field was transformed into a giant water-play arena, while student dance groups and bands took turns performing. Music, movement, laughter, and summer heat came together to create an unforgettable afternoon on campus.

The carnival will return each year with a new country or theme, bringing fresh ideas and new opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and celebrate diversity.

And there was a deeper purpose behind the celebration.

Every bite also became an act of kindness.

Part of the proceeds from the student-run stalls supported the school’s community service initiatives, including assistance for stray cats on campus and access to free menstrual products. Another portion supported schools in Dazhai Town, Yun County, Lincang, Yunnan Province, through donations of books and sports equipment.

A summer enjoyed on our campus could, in turn, become a brighter summer for students many miles away.

Walking with Purpose, Connecting with the World

Learning beyond campus took many forms this June.

Students visited the “Chunhui Mama” community service project, where they spent time with children and discovered how meaningful connection can be built through simple acts of companionship.

Nella had expected the children to be shy or difficult to approach. Instead, she was immediately struck by their openness and curiosity.

One student spent time with a child who uses a cochlear implant. What began as a quiet interaction soon became a moment of connection as the child took her hand and became increasingly engaged.

“He was incredibly good with his hands,” the student recalled. “While an average child might finish one craft project, he had already completed three.”

Another eight-year-old child offered a simple but unforgettable response when Seraphina made a mistake while completing an activity:

“It’s okay, sister. You’re doing great.”

“That moment really moved me,” Seraphina said. “Their happiness is so simple, and the way they express care for others is so genuine.”

Together, students and children cut cake, sang songs, made crafts, and celebrated Children’s Day.

In return, the students received something far more valuable than they expected: trust, companionship, and a reminder that meaningful connection does not always require many words.

The same sense of connection continued throughout the month—from playing basketball with children in the “Xingbao” community program to making traditional Dragon Boat Festival bracelets with senior citizens.

Again and again, students discovered the same lesson:

Sometimes, simply being present is the most meaningful way to make a difference.

Stepping Beyond Campus—and Into History

This month’s learning experiences also took students deeper into Shanghai’s history and culture.

At the former residence of Lu Xun on Duolun Road and the Qian Xuesen Library and Museum, students encountered history not simply as something written in textbooks, but as something connected to real people and real lives.

At Lu Xun’s former residence, many students experienced a new perspective on a writer they had previously known primarily through literature.

“We used to read his essays in textbooks and learn about his achievements,” Bonnie recalled. “But when I walked into his home, he suddenly felt less like a historical figure and more like a real person. He actually lived here, just as we live in this city today.”

At the Qian Xuesen Library and Museum, manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings offered another perspective on a remarkable figure in Chinese scientific history.

The exhibits revealed not only the achievements of a scientist, but also the persistence and humanity behind them.

Students were not simply learning about history. They were encountering the people who had lived it.

The month also brought students into direct contact with contemporary technology and creative industries.

At the Shanghai Museum of Glass, Leyard Lanxun Culture & Technology, and Fengyuzhu exhibition spaces, students explored the intersection of technology, design, culture, and storytelling.

“Some of the equipment was incredibly high-tech!” was a common reaction as students moved from one exhibition to another.

At the Shanghai Museum of Glass, light and material created immersive visual experiences. At Leyard Lanxun, advanced technology demonstrated how digital tools can transform imagination into tangible experiences.

Fengyuzhu offered yet another perspective.

“It is not just about displaying technology,” one student observed. “It is also about culture and preserving history. You realize that technology does not have to feel cold. It can tell stories and preserve memories.”

From the transparency of glass to the possibilities of emerging technology, students encountered a world in which technology, culture, creativity, and human experience intersect.

A Million-Dollar Simulation—and a Day on the Court

For Pre students, June offered a first taste of finance through a hands-on investment simulation.

Students transformed into venture capital teams, with each group given ¥1 million in virtual capital—representing the trust and expectations of their simulated investors.

Their challenge was straightforward but demanding: enter the financial market, make strategic decisions across multiple investment instruments, and grow their portfolio.

Each simulated “year” included 15–20 minutes of trading followed by a five-minute settlement period. Students took on different roles within their teams, with the CSO serving as trader while the CEO, COO, and CPO managed different aspects of the simulated company.

“We weren't just solving a problem,” one participant said. “It really felt like we were running a company.”

That is precisely the point.

Experiential learning turns abstract concepts into decisions, consequences, and reflection.

The simulation gave students an opportunity to apply financial concepts while developing teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.

Congratulations to all of the students recognized for their achievements.

Bringing the Same Energy to Athletics

The same spirit of engagement continued on the athletic field.

Basketball enthusiasts formed their own teams and competed in a 3-on-3 tournament, moving through group-stage games in a fast-paced format. Fifteen minutes of intense offense and defense gave students a chance to experience the speed, teamwork, and excitement of competitive basketball.

The Advanced Soccer Program continued to build chemistry through a series of matches. After more than a dozen games, the team maintained a strong winning streak and gained valuable competitive experience.

GHA’s lacrosse team also took to the field for a friendly match against Pinghe. The team came away with two victories, turning the commitment of their regular training into strong performances on game day.

Meanwhile, members of the rowing team completed a 2,000-meter stroke-rate control test, using the benchmark to assess their progress and measure the results of their training.

Across classrooms, community projects, cultural experiences, and athletic fields, June offered students countless opportunities to step forward.