Humans of SAAS: Recent Episodes
Ella Hendelman
In Humans of SAAS, an interview style podcast, we dive into the lives and stories that make up the Seattle Academy community. An homage to "Humans of New York," a photojournalism blog done by Brandon Stanton, documenting the stories of New Yorker passersby, Humans of SAAS takes inspiration and highlights the extraordinary-ordinary lives within our community. In this interview and journalism focused podcast, listen in for fascinating stories, some difficult conversations, and an inside look at the unique perspectives that make up this eclectic community.
In this episode, the leaders of the Black Student Union, Erin, Ri'Chara, Ellis, Hazel, Barok, and Olivia, join us to share their work during Black History Month. Some projects they are currently working on include an HBCU trip for Black students, the Legacy Quilt Project, African Diaspora Night, Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and more. The BSU team offers multiple insights, including about the importance of discomfort when learning Black history. In the words of these students, "Black history is American history." Additionally, we discuss their experience as Black students at SAAS and beyond. BSU hopes its legacy will continue after these leaders leave SAAS. Listen carefully (through some audio issues) as these wonderful humans share their stories!
In this episode, Rick DuPree joins us to discuss his lasting legacy after working at SAAS for over a decade. Director of Community Partnership, Senior Project liaison, radio talk show host, and filmmaker, Rick does it all! Listen in to hear Rick's impressive career path that centers around his passion for connection. Rick is a SAAS veteran with a keen intellect and contagious energy. In this episode, he discusses what it means to “Pass The Torch” in both education and family settings, and talks about the meaningful work he’s doing to help ensure SAAS’s mission and impact endure.
In this episode, two SAAS sports mentors join us to discuss their SAAS lives on and off the court (and field). Hilary and Zac from the Athletics Department share their personal journeys from playing to coaching. We discuss the evolution, inequities, and “adultification” of sports. Hilary and Zac also share their coaching philosophies about educating young adults. Listen in to hear about how these two BAD SAAS people do it all!
In this episode, we explore the world of Affinity Groups. Alianza-Latina leader, Eli, and Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leader, Brett, join us in this episode for a conversation. We discuss their SAAS lives, personal journeys with identity, and the importance of Affinity Groups. Brett and Eli are multifaceted and honest, who have engaged in personal projects that will leave you feeling inspired. Tune in to hear about what they have been up to over the last four years.
A warm welcome back to Humans of SAAS Season 2! In this season we will hear more of the SAAS stories that form our vibrant community. From familiar faces to community members you may not yet know, this season will feature a variety of unique voices. Stay tuned for more exciting, introspective, and authentic guests to come!
In the final episode of the season, college advisors Mike Walden and Melanie Reed share their insight on the college climate. In a thought-provoking conversation, they demystify the college process and challenge many misconceptions. We discuss the future of universities and the current inequities within the admissions process. I ask them to design their own "Mike and Melanie University," and they deliver! Both of these individuals have backgrounds that uniquely shape the way they work. For a better understanding of the college admissions world, tune in to what these humans have to say.
In this episode, Director of Admissions Jonathan Lee shares the work he is doing inside and outside SAAS. He discusses his non-profit, Building Black Excellence for African American Youth, and his podcast, "Our Faces, Our Voices," which both aim to unite and empower students of color around the country. Jonathan talks about his four fundamental questions, including, “When did you discover you were diverse?” Throughout this episode Jonathan offers plenty of wisdom, touching on the importance of a having a “tentative plan” for life.
In this episode, we discover the life of an educator not bound by international borders. Josh Del Pino compares his experience living and teaching in Japan with the United States. We discuss the cultural differences and the impacts on both Japanese and American educational systems. Additionally, Josh shares how he has integrated Japanese practices into his teaching. We discuss his time in the Peace Corps, and Josh offers advice about the importance of risk-taking. Josh is full of fascinating anecdotes and unique wisdom, particularly as the episode progresses.
In this episode, we meet with an integral member of our community, Head of Security, Darryl Johnson. Darryl gives us an inside look into the day-to-day of keeping SAAS students safe. We discuss the BLM movement, his role in the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP), and the increasing homeless population around us. Darryl confronts some challenging questions about profiling, policing, and security. This episode provides a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of SAAS.
In this episode of Humans Of SAAS, we get a look into the lives of two highly regarded female athletes and leaders at our school. Katie Drais and Zoe Bishop share their experiences navigating competitive athletics and give their take on leadership on and off the court. In an exciting and informative conversation, these two magnetic personalities discuss the messaging around high-achieving female athletes, the future after SAAS, and demonstrate the strong legacies they have built as outspoken leaders within the community.
In this interview with SAAS Junior Lilah Amon-Lucas, we learn about the life of a politically active teen in the greater Seattle community. With this strong-minded, articulate, and socially aware community member, we dive into difficult conversations around cancel culture, privilege, and the private-school bubble. Lilah challenges misconceptions about teen activism and encourages others to take action. Tune in to hear some of her many anecdotes, including her experience with an anarchist group and leading BLM and environmental protests.
In the first interview of Humans of SAAS, we talk with Sarah Smith about her life as a psychology teacher, former Olympic team rower, and SAAS mentor. A student favorite, Sarah is a veteran teacher with diverse knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of our evolving community. We cover the obstacles for student athletes, discuss pre-and post-pandemic life in academia, and learn about her life as a teacher in an era of increasing concern for mental health of Gen Z. Listen for her take on Rubik's cubes, too.