Maria Toorpakai’s Visit to Charleston by Lizzie Russler Ashley Hall Class of 2016

               All week the talk has been about Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a Pakistani squash player. She

was coming to Charleston, sponsored by Chucktown Squash, to share her incredible story of

growing up in Pakistan, learning to play squash, and escaping the Taliban to live in Canada and

pursue the sport, her passion. She described herself as a tomboy, and in order to play squash, she

had to disguise herself as a boy, shaved head, boy’s clothes, and one earring. Her childhood was

spent in South Waziristan, home of the Taliban, which has often been dubbed, “the most

dangerous place in the world.” Women were not allowed to attend schools, health care facilities

and were married off at an early age. She owes a lot to her parents, she said, who were very

supportive, being advocates of women’s rights, education, and equality (very rare for the society

she was raised in). When her true gender was revealed, she and her family began to receive

threats from the Taliban. Safety precautions included changing the license plate on their car

continuously, carrying a concealed weapon for her protection, being escorted by government

security, and moving to various towns. At the worst point, she was forced to go into hiding and

became depressed. Then, despite her fear, she picked up a racket and began training in her

bedroom; her brother and she sneaked out at night to play at an abandoned court in the area as

well. One day, Jonathan Power, a Canadian squash legend, invited Maria to come to Toronto

where he could coach her. Their goal is to make Maria a world champion, against all odds, and

prove that women and girls can succeed at anything they put their mind to. On November 12th,

she ate lunch with a group of Upper School students, including myself, at Ashley Hall. I was so

honored to have gotten to sit next to and talk to such an inspiring figure. She was very humble

and shared her story as if we were family. Brave, tough, and stubborn are the three adjectives I

would use to characterize Maria. She hopes that through her success she can encourage girls to

chase their dreams in spite of suppression, and believes that through the empowerment of

women, society will be bettered. After her moving speech, I realized how fortunate I am to go to

Ashley Hall, an environment that pushes and wants girls to excel. I have no doubt that Maria

Toorpakai Wazir’s tenacity will promote change in women’s rights globally so that everyone

will have equal opportunity to succeed.

Rotary Scholar Julia Öhrn Interviewed About Her Year at Ashley Hall by Alyssa Yang

Rotary Scholar Julia Öhrn at Ashley Hall Prom

Interview with Julia Öhrn

by Alyssa Yang

In the Fall of 2013, Julia Öhrn, a Swedish exchange student, came to Ashley Hall for a year of study through the Rotary Scholar Program. Despite being five thousand miles away from home, she firmly believes America is her second home and enjoys the opportunity for study abroad at Ashley Hall. Recently, Alyssa Yang, student reporter, sat down with Julia to learn about her experience abroad.

Hi, Julia! How do you describe yourself?

I was born about 20 miles away from Stockholm (capital) in a suburb city called Täby. There are four people in my family, including me. My parents always support me and encourage me in my life. I have an older brother, who is now on his trip to Thailand. I have a Bichon Havanese puppy.

Julia Öhrn and friends dressed for prom

My friends would describe me as a positive, happy and brave girl. I am almost always happy and a truthful friend as well.  I might seem reserved and quiet, but if you get to know me, I am an out-going and optimistic person. I love to laugh as well. In my spare time, I like to workout to keep healthy. I also have some hobbies, such as dancing, Zumba. This year, I joined the Ashley Hall cross country team and track team, and through working with different team members, I have learned a lot from teamwork spirit. I love adventure travel because I can get inspired by different cultures and discover new worlds. As Mark Twain once wrote, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Actually, this is not the first time that I have been to America. I traveled to America when I was in elementary school.  Since then, I have hoped to come back and visit America again. Now I am living my dream! I am very glad that I have the chance to study here.

What are some current events facing your country today?

Julia Öhrn with family and friends celebrating Midsommar in Sweden

One of the most important holidays that we celebrate every year is Midsommar (Midsummer’s Day), which takes place on Friday between June 19 and June 26. During Midsummer, whole families gather to celebrate this tradition in a summer house in countryside. 

Another big event is the Swedish Parliament election. The next European parliamentary election in Sweden will be held on May 25th in 2014. The election is within a multi-party system. 

If you had one word to describe Ashley Hall, what would it be? Why?

Powerful. I think Ashley Hall strongly promotes growth in courage, independence, and leadership of young women and also makes a good balance between students’ lives in and out of school.

Swedish Crayfish

If you could tell one thing about your culture, what would it be?

Lagom. It is a Swedish word meaning “not too much and not too little” and “just the perfect amount of everything in life.” It is also a word to describe Swedish people’s lifestyles. Overall, people are very friendly in Sweden and it is a peaceful country.

Swedish Strawberry Cake

What are the most difficult challenges or obstacles that you have ever faced in America? How did you overcome these challenges or obstacles?

Well, I would say probably that being alone and away from family and friends is the most difficult thing. At first, it was hard for me to speak English all day. As the time went by, I have improved on my spoken English a lot. I also had problems learning U.S. history and English, but I tried to catch up on my grades in those classes. My host families have always encouraged me and helped me with my English.

How would you describe your homestay experience?

Julia Öhrn skiing in Utah

I have stayed with three different families, and this has made me learn the different family customs These experiences have fostered my adaptability and helped me become more mature. My host families always

 take me to visit other places in America, such as, New York and Utah. They also have always been careful to give me my privacy, and I can always find quiet when I am needed. At last, I wish them all of the best, and cannot thank them enough for making me feel so at home.

What have you learned about yourself in the past year at Ashley Hall?

I have learned how to be an independent and strong young woman. I have learned to give everyone second chance, because first impression can be misleading sometimes. More important, everyone has her/his own advantages. I used to take the thing for granted, but now I realize that I should appreciate every little things in life and people who around me.

What are some most memorable events since you have been here?

It has been a year full of memories! The Thanksgiving holiday was special for me because it was a celebration that we don’t have in Sweden. It was a celebration full of love and appreciation.

Do you have any advice for the other new exchange students who might come next year?

Try to enrich your life as much as you can in this year! I would encourage the other exchange students to really be a part of Ashley Hall, and that’s the thing I would have changed if I could. Don’t be embarrassed to make mistakes and to make more friends here. You should always ASK if you have questions about anything and always be grateful to your host families. If you fall behind in a class, you can always ask teachers for extra help, and they would love to help you with that!

Would you come back to America?

Absolutely!!! I love Charleston, and I think it is a beautiful city. I also would like to travel the whole country.

Julia Öhrn in front of the Ashley Hall Shell House

PQV India Madisetti AH Class of 2014

India Madisetti of the Ashley Hall Class of 2014 has recently been published in the Undergraduate Times. Her article on the plight of young boys in Senegal, who are forced into begging while under the banner of attending school, reveals the kind of worldly awareness that Ashley Hall strives to instill in its students. India is obviously on her way to a bright future next year at Columbia University! The Global Studies Club would like to extend their congratulations on her accomplishment of publication and for representing the quality of "worldly" so well. PQV, India!

You can read India's article here:

Exploitation in the Name of Education Article on Undergraduate Times

Swiss Horizons: An Interview with Ashley Hall Rotary Scholar Lizzie Russler by: Suzie Prentice

Ashley Hall student and Rotary Youth Scholar, Lizzie Russler, poses with the Matterhorn. Photo by: Lizzie Russler

           Ashley Hall, throughout its history, has continuously expanded its international awareness, from hosting students from around the world, to recently sending its own students abroad. Last year Lizzie Russler, an Ashley Hall student, applied to the Rotary Youth Program and has since been living in Switzerland through this program. Recently, I was able to interview Lizzie about her journey. She explained to me the cultural differences she has discovered.

            Although Lizzie now loves Switzerland and the people there, she had difficulties in the beginning. The language barrier was certainly one. She stated that in the beginning the language was so exhausting that after school, “I would go home and go to bed.” She would sometimes even go to her room to blog, but now she says she has no time to blog, only to quickly write in her journal. She has “too much life to write.” 
          Lizzie is living in a part of Switzerland that speaks Swiss German, a dialect of High German, or regular German. But now, after only five months of living abroad, she is fluent in High German and continues to progress every day. According to her advice, the best way to learn a new language is to watch television and listen to music from the country. School has helped her learn the language, too; however, there are some differences between Swiss and American education. After middle school kids can work if desired. She was shocked upon seeing a 15 year old helping her at the bank. In school there are more tests than in America but less homework and strangely no essays so far. Lizzie explained to me that she still must do her Ashley Hall work. Even though she has a lot of work, she says she is thankful to her teachers who have let her go at her own pace since this year “is about me learning German and fitting a lifetime into a year.”

            The Rotary Youth Program is another thing she is grateful for in her life. Lizzie describes it as, “an amazing program, that works for the betterment of others, and society.” Rotary helps people around the world connect, allowing students to explore the world through this once and a lifetime opportunity and be involved in traditions tourists are never able to experience. The opportunity for Lizzie has entailed attending a Swiss school, living with a Swiss family, and learning the language. When asked what her favorite part was so far she laughed and said, “I hate that question! It’s the hardest! I could give you so many examples.” One of the examples she told me about was how she had a weekend in the mountains where she was went into a glacier ice palace. Upon examining the walls, she discovered plastic covering the ice and soon realized that this was because the glacier is melting. She realized how lucky she was to have seen this vanishing sight. Lizzie kept wondering why more people don’t do take these kind of opportunities to travel. This is another life lesson she has learned--to always say “yes” to new opportunities. She doesn’t want to miss anything in her time abroad. Many of her other Rotary friends have gotten homesick and hesitate, but, she says, “You make your own fun. You can make it better.” She encourages people to adapt to life.

In addition to all these life skills, Lizzie has explored much of Europe. Rotary has given her a train pass that allows her to get 40 dollar train rides for free, and therefore she has been able to visit other European countries such as Italy, Venice, Sweden and soon France. Switzerland is in the middle of so many different cultures and languages, “It is such a great location,” she says. “It’s so cool.” Truly the lesson she has learned is “the best education comes from outside.” This is one eye opening journey.

Lizzie Russler in Switzerland. Photo by: Lizzie Russler

            Switzerland, as a country, she loves immensely. It is such a beautiful country, it’s like, “walking through a postcard.” The people she explains as stylish, even the boys go shopping and walk out carrying shopping bags. Another difference is that in Switzerland, she describes, sports only meet once or twice a week. She also describes the people there seeming more closed, “but once they are your friend,” she states, “you know they are your friend for life. They don’t judge you.” Swiss people in general are “loyal, very smart, creative, and a lot less wasteful.” Also a commonality in Swiss people is that they all seem to be very time conscious and stressed about being late. Lizzie also warned against stereo-typing, since some of her friends there imagined all Americans to be fat. They were surprised when she didn’t like McDonalds. People must realize that not everyone from a country is the same. 

            Lizzie Russler also loves the food that the Swiss eat. “There are so many types of bread here,” she told me. When she first arrived she was shocked by how much bread and butter they ate. While she ate an apple at break, they ate bread. Dairy products are huge in Switzerland as well. She has seen many well taken care of dairy cows there, as opposed to the meat ones that seem to be more commonly found in America. In addition, she has learned that these cows produce milk for chocolate, and, in fact, milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland. Switzerland is still home to many chocolate companies. Lizzie describes the chocolate as being delicious and plentiful in Switzerland. She still wonders how she, “will ever be able to finish off the large box of it in [her] room.”

            After these five months Lizzie says she “could literally talk forever about [Swizerland].” She is inspired to help with Rotary in any way possible, even hoping to host a student someday. Lizzie told me she has become more passionate about the world and traveling. Because of this experience, she knows more about what she wants to do when she is older. Lizzie wants to travel more and be involved with the world and the people in it. Even though she has already learned so much more about the world, Lizzie plans to learn more languages, and wants to further broaden her horizons. Lizzie says, “I am more mature, open-minded, and tolerant. I’ve learned how to be more independent, more alone. I don’t care what other people think. Once I stopped caring what others think, it’s a whole different freedom.”

            Having spoken to Lizzie about her experiences, it was obvious that she was very happy and comfortable with herself. Lizzie has stepped outside her comfort zone and challenged herself. In doing so, she has not only broadened her own knowledge and understanding, but also she is helping to break down international barriers. There is something for everyone to learn through Lizzie’s experiences and their own international experiences someday!

Special thanks to Lizzie Russler to have taken time out of her Swiss life.

The Lantern Festival in China by: Alexa Luo

           The Lantern Festival is one of the traditional Chinese festivals. It takes place on the fifteenth day after the lunar Chinese New Year. This holiday marks the end of celebration of the Lunar New Year. On the day of the Lantern Festival, people go out to the temples carrying lanterns that are made of red waxed paper. At night, people light candles inside the lanterns, and those lanterns will fly into the night sky when the air inside the lanterns heats up enough, just like hot air balloons. Ancient Chinese believed that the flying red lanterns brought their best wishes to God in the heavens. Though thousands of years have passed, the tradition of flying red lanterns has not died out. Every year, the flying red lanterns against a starry sky make a terrific scene unique to the Lantern Festival.

Lanterns Light the Sky. Art by: Aubrey Groves

            The history of Lantern Festival can be traced back to circa 220 B.C. People carried firebrands around the farms and fields in order to drive the injurious insects away. The people hoped that this practice would reduce the insect pests and bring a better harvest. During the following centuries, the Lantern Festival has grown into one of the major festivals in China. The royals made huge lanterns in different shapes: dragons, lions, figures of Buddha and so on. Everyday folk made small lanterns in the shapes of flowers, trees and animals. With a gentle breeze, those big and small lanterns, along with colorful fireworks, would light up the entire city of Beijing at night.

            Because China is vast in territory, different regions have their unique traditions to celebrate holidays like the Lantern Festival, but there are three major activities that everyone will do on the day of the Lantern Festival: eat sweet pudding balls, admire fancy lanterns and guess lantern riddles in the parades. Families usually sit together at a big round table and eat a delicious meal in the evening while the moon gradually comes out. The atmosphere is filled with love. In China the round shape of tables, lanterns, and the moon all implies family reunion and concord.

The parades have many performances, such as: dragon dances, lion dances, and stilt dances. Ancient people regarded dragons and lions as symbols of power that were given by nature, and these dances aimed to worship the animals. These activities attract countless visitors. People gather on the streets, where various shapes and sizes of lanterns are hung, and children often sit on their fathers’ shoulders to watch these exciting performances. 

Lanterns hang from the ceiling at Red Orchid Restaurant in Charleston, SC Photo by: Alexa Luo

“Guessing lantern riddles” is also an essential and fun thing to do during the Lantern Festival. Lantern makers write riddles on pieces of paper and stick the paper on the lanterns. If the tourists guess, they can open the lantern and find a piece of paper with the answer inside. If they are right, they will get a gift from the makers. This “riddle guessing” activity first occurred in the Song Dynasty about 1000 years ago. This practice of guessing riddles was not only fascinating but was also full of wisdom and knowledge. Soon, “riddle guessing” became popular all over the country.

Later at night, a grand and gorgeous firework show will often end the parade. The fifteenth day is the first full moon night of the New Year; therefore, the Chinese regard the Lantern Festival as a symbol of perfection and unity. According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar in 2014, the Lantern Festival is on February 14^th, the same day as Valentine’s Day.

Every year, my mom, grandma and aunts cook a big meal on the Lantern Festival. All of my relatives will sit together around a round table and enjoy the delicious dinner. We also watch an annual Lantern Festival Show on television. It is the last day of Chinese New Year, therefore we will all give blessings and then start the next year. I encourage you to try some sweet pudding balls while you enjoy watching the lanterns. It will be a wonderful experience of another culture.

179 Rutledge House Update - Global Studies House Update

179 Rutledge: House for Global Studies Update

by: Suzie Prentice

Suzie and Jennifer are ready to see the house! Photo by: Jennifer Baron

Main floor staircase. Photo by: Jennifer Baron

In the spring of 2013, Ashley Hall purchased 179 Rutledge to expand the school’s international program and to provide a closer home for the international students as well. The property includes a Charleston single house, a carriage house, a pool and pool house, a fully gated and enclosed perimeter, and two large verandas. Influenced by Italian architecture, the property was built around the turn of the century. The house, like the school, is steeped in history.

Room under construction. Photo by Jennifer Baron

James Blackman  with one of the original brass fireplaces. Photo by: Jennifer Baron

Ashley Hall is the fifth owner of the home, and the school is currently renovating the property, to be finished by the fall of 2014. Ashley Hall is taking the time, however, to first restore the many beautiful brass fireplaces, the chandeliers, and the frescoes. While the home is very beautiful, there is still much work to be done. When the house is completed, it will be home to 24 international students and two classrooms for students.

There are four levels in this beautiful building. The ground floor is currently undergoing renovation to become a shower and a powder room for the international students. The main floor will be used for classrooms for senior seminar, and offices for staff. The second floor will be used to house the students and the third floor will become a staff residence. The fourth floor is an attic. Also a staircase will most likely be built from the ground floor to the fourth floor for the use of the international students.

Light with original molding. Photo by: Jennifer Baron

Presently, although it doesn’t look like much work has been done in the house, in reality a lot has. All the rooms have been gutted and stripped to expose their internal wall frames ready for refitting.  The old wood flooring has also been removed throughout the house. The large, elegant, crystal chandelier and others that once graced the hallways and prominent areas have been carefully removed and shipped to New England to be polished. All the brass fittings have already been cleaned. The finished home will still be true to Charleston’s historic architecture.  When complete, it will further opportunities for student cultural exchange and promote diversity in our school.

 Special thanks to James Blackman, Fred Reinhard, and Claire Monahan for helping the Global Studies Club with this project.

Suzie and Jennifer strike a pose in the house. Photo by: Jennifer Baron