Wang Yuanyuan

    You probably have different opinions about which is the most influential student magazine in Shenzhen, but the Nirvana Weekly published by Shenzhen Middle School (SMS) is surely one of the top 5 on the recommended list for most students and teachers.

    First published in 2009, the magazine, which is written, edited and prepared by SMS students, may only have a circulation of 500, but it not only became a must-read for many students at the school but also attracted the attention of national mainstream media.

    Just last week, the Chinese News Weekly wrote a five-page story about the magazine and the team behind it.

    “We had a school magazine called SMS Daily in the past, but all of the headlines were about speeches given by principals and other officials, as if it was an official magazine for them, not for us. This was not what we wanted. We wanted something for us, a magazine telling our stories and our thoughts, so I decided to publish one myself,” said Luo Yilong, the first editor-in-chief of the magazine. Luo is now studying at the Hampshire College of Film and East Asian History and Politics in the United States.

    After research and a series of discussions, the first issue was published in September 2009 with four aspects including Focus, People, Culture and Opinion.

    “Our stories focus on the issues that students like and care about. We will bring a topic and we will also provide a platform for every student to discuss the hot issues related to our lives,” said Luo Xiaoyun, the second editor-in-chief.

    The magazine has become well-known for having courage to challenge the education system and school leaders.

    They discussed changes at the school in education reform and student development when the new principal, Wang Zhanbao, replaced the former principal Wang Zheng.

    They even had a special edition about the Universiade, discussing the inconvenience caused by the Games. “We were so happy that the school gave us enough space to speak our true thoughts, so we are passionate in doing what we are doing now,” said Luo.

    “Under this educational and social environment, we think it is very important for students to develop their skills and social capabilities. We don’t want to interfere with what they are doing now. The most important thing is to let students think independently because that is what society will need in the future,” said Wang Zhanbao.