The Final Chapter of the Global Intensive Trio

By Arianna Vasson ’26 Editor-in-Chief

Concluding the trio of the AIS Global Intensive trips of the 2024-25 academic year, the junior class’s visit to Berlin, Germany, emerged as a highlight. The dynamic atmosphere of Berlin – a city of grunge, defiance and wild artistic expression – allowed students to immerse themselves in what it means to be a true Berliner.

The electric energy of the students upon their return was unmatched on the Porter’s campus. Every year, the students rush to spill every detail about the insights from their travels, immediately upload their digital camera photographs to Instagram, and rave about why their trip was such a metamorphic experience.

Over the past three years, each Berlin class returned with a unique energy. The graduating class of 2024 was eager to share their drama-filled adventures. The class of 2025 brought an upbeat enthusiasm about how utterly life-changing the experience was, but what did the class of 2026 bring back?

They embraced the fresh, bohemian energy of Berlin and participated in nearly the same activities as the previous classes. So what differentiates the two trips? Anya Kumar ’26 described the class’s energy as contemplative after returning. She noticed a new sense of awareness about art and heavy discussions about what they had seen from the minute they entered the airport. Kumar traveled to Berlin this spring but believes that the timing of the trip shifted the energy from reminiscing on the excitement of the trip to stressing about wrapping up the year successfully. Kumar was not alone in this opinion.

Several other students from the class, including Gabby Duncan ’26, Sarah Henderson ’26, and Lauren Moore ’26, agreed that the delayed timing of the trip has heightened stress about completing assignments and wrapping up the school year, leaving them more focused on academics than nostalgic for Berlin.

However, for Hannah Satran ’25, Berlin was revolutionary. Their class experienced an intense level of bonding and dreaded their return. “I just remember waking up in my bed the next morning, and people were saying, ‘I want to go back.’ The life we lived for the past two weeks felt so much more authentic and natural,” Satran said.

On this trip, the students experienced life in every corner of Berlin with twelve days of pure sunshine. From scrambling to get on the Strassenbahn, to wandering around the graffitied neighborhoods that are brimming with fresh opportunities and character, the students left with a newfound curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the city’s creative pulse. The energy of this year’s students upon return was entirely different compared to other years, yet still evocative, setting a sentimental tone for the final Berlin trip for Miss Porter’s School.

Keeping Mahjong Alive

By Annie Tang ‘26 Guest Writer

The air fills with tension as ashley amoabeng and Wei Li face off in the Mahjong Fantastic under the dim lights in the Wean. One wrong move risks giving the other person a win—neither is willing to concede defeat. The sound of mahjong tiles rubbing against each other fills the room; shouting erupts when a move takes too long. Today, victory is personal.

“I love when the room is filled with yelling and shouting. That means the competition is getting intense,” said Miao Hwang, the organizer of the Mahjong Fantastic tournament.

At Miss Porter’s School, Hwang is determined to keep the weekly mahjong tournaments alive. The rivalry between amoabeng, a faculty member, and Li, a senior, generates excitement. But many games still have low attendance. Hwang, however, remains committed, sending eye-catching emails each week to encourage participation and preserve the spirit of the game.

For Hwang, mahjong isn’t just a pastime; it’s a lifelong passion. Known among players as the “majhong god,” her love for the game began in her childhood in Taiwan.

Mahjong, which originated in 19th-century southern China, is a game where four players race to assemble a complete hand of 14 tiles. A call of “hú!”—or “mahjong” in English—marks the end, declaring victory with a complete hand. The room reacts as tiles hit the table, revealing the winning set.

Hwang recalls the thrill of running to her aunt’s house, eager to earn a seat at the adults’ table. Those early experiences sparked a devotion that has only deepened over the years. Whether facing off against family members, honing her skills digitally, or now fostering a mahjong community at Porter’s, Hwang has dedicated herself to mastering and sharing the game.

Hwang shows off her mahjong set. Photo by Annie Tang

For the past 11 years, Hwang has taught Chinese at Porter’s. Her students often describe the spark in her eyes when she introduces games like mahjong. Her classroom, adorned with red cutouts and cultural animal illustrations, adds to the welcoming atmosphere she creates.

Every Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m., Hwang prepares the mahjong set in anticipation of the tournament. As students leave their classes, Hwang is already setting up the tiles, eager for the game to begin. But some days, the excitement is dampened by low turnout.

“It’s a little sad and confusing when no one shows up,” she said. “I mean, how can they resist? It’s such a fun game.”

On those quieter days, Hwang sits alone at the table. Her smile is less radiant, and the petite, silver-haired woman with glasses seems smaller in the silence. Still, she remains hopeful.

“I tell myself, maybe students have work to catch up on,” she said. “But when the game is full, it’s so much fun to watch and play.”

For those who show up, the game is more than just a game. It’s a test of mental and strategic skills.

“What’s nice about playing in person is you get to read people, guess what tiles they have, get in their head,” said Li, a senior.

“The banter is a lot of fun too.”

For amoabeng, assistant dean of equity and inclusion, the thrill of beating her rival, Li, adds to the excitement. Their matchups are intense, filled with quick calculations and playful taunts.

Hwang’s love for mahjong extends beyond the classroom. At home, she jumps at any opportunity to play with family. And when they’re unavailable, she turns to online mahjong, never letting a day go by without at least one game.

Mathematics Department Chair Hur-shiu Webb, who has Taiwanese heritage, is among those who have carried the tradition into their own homes. Having learned the game as a child, Webb now plays regularly with friends and family, proudly calling herself the “winner of mahjong”.

For many Asian students at Porter’s, mahjong represents a connection to childhood and family. The game evokes memories of reunions and holiday celebrations.

“I really wish I could go more often,” junior Luna Lee said. “I love playing the game with Miao and learning more about her.”

As the tournament wraps up, Hwang waves to the departing players, with a smile on her face. “See you next time!” she calls out, already looking forward to the next match.