The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

Opinions

In life, we often make choices to satisfy our aspirations of success. But what is true success? We never know when life is inevitably going to be taken away from us, so we must take advantage of the present and not lose sight of what makes us happy.

Living in the present ensures true happiness

Gabrielle Meidar, Lead News Editor February 15, 2022

At the age of 10, I knew what I wanted to study, where I wanted to live as an adult, and how many kids I wanted to have; I had a meticulously laid out checklist of what my future was going to look like...

There is an ongoing debate whether community service should be a High School graduation requirement. A discussion from early in December 2021 altered the way Staff Writer Ella Friel thought about community service as a requirement in the curriculum.

Intent determines effective community action

Ella Friel, Staff Writer February 8, 2022

Enforcing community service can certainly be beneficial when helping students learn how they can help others and give back to their communities. However, some students may not be as driven to take part...

Fast fashion produces vast amounts of waste and pollution, while sustainable fashion companies make a conscious effort to provide for their workers and the environment.

Environment, Explained: how to navigate sustainable clothes shopping

Eden Leavey, Culture Editor: Print February 1, 2022

Hello readers, and welcome back to my column. This month, I will be debunking the various misconceptions surrounding sustainable clothes shopping. To begin, what is sustainable fashion? Often used as...

Opinions Editor: Print Daniel de Beer and Lead Opinions Editor Mia George break down the most important political stories of the past week.

Politics Update – Jan. 25

Daniel de Beer and Mia George January 25, 2022

Music by Cameron Spurr

Through an increased homework load and more challenging classes, students are not being adequately prepared for high school. This has a number of detrimental effects that must be addressed.

Lack of preparation for students hinders High School experience

Sophia Bateman, Staff Writer January 18, 2022

It is midnight, and with tired hands and heavy eyes, Grade 9 students are hunched over their laptops and textbooks. The pressure to have a high GPA outweighs the need for sleep and begs the question: has...

Opinions Editor: Print Daniel de Beer and Lead Opinions Editor Mia George break down the most important political stories of the past week.

Politics Update – Dec. 7

Daniel de Beer and Mia George December 7, 2021

Music by Cameron Spurr

Opinions Editor: Print Daniel de Beer and Lead Opinions Editor Mia George break down the most important political stories of the past week.

Politics Update – Nov. 30

Daniel de Beer and Mia George November 30, 2021

Music by Cameron Spurr

The UN Climate Change Conference, often referred to as COP26, is an annual environmental conference that discusses how to best combat the climate crisis. This year, it was held from Oct. 31 until Nov. 12.

Environment, Explained: UN Climate Change Conference evaluates climate crisis

Eden Leavey, Culture Editor: Print November 23, 2021

COP26, the annual UN Climate Change Conference, was a summit at which global leaders represented their countries and discussed how to most effectively combat climate change. The event took place in Glasgow,...

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine Feb. 24. As Ukraine fights back and NATO countries impose sanctions, uncertainty surrounding the impact the conflict will pose on the global order and non-NATO countries has arisen.

Foreign Affairs: Opening my eyes to the workings of the international system

Mia George, Lead Opinions Editor November 9, 2021

Hello! Welcome back to my Foreign Affairs column. To resume my writing, I felt inclined to debrief what I learned over my week-long course on international relations with Georgetown University. I hope...

While veganism has become increasingly popular over the last decade, not much change has followed regarding society’s fixed mindset on the subject. After reducing my consumption of animal products these past few months, I have noticed various negative reactions to my new diet, despite its positive ecological impact.

Environment, Explained: Insecurities perpetuate the vegan stigma

Eden Leavey, Culture Editor: Print October 19, 2021

Welcome back, readers! As you may know from prior articles in this column, one of the most effective ways people can reduce their carbon footprint is by curating an eco-conscious diet. Thus, over the past...

Attendees of the Global Works “Costa Rica: Children and Community” service trip congregate at Playa Chaman on the penultimate day of their excursion. The trip explored the multifaceted culture of Costa Rica, partaking in work at a rainforest biology station,  volunteering at a local school and surfing with locals.

Costa Rican culture spurs personal reflection, gratitude

Grace Hamilton, Lead Culture Editor October 6, 2021

Anyone who knows me will tell you I love to travel. Stepping foot in a novel area and immersing myself in the language, history and culture is an experience unmatched. So, when planning my summer this...

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