Riley Qiu '28

Opinion Editor

College Greek Life Demands Submission, Not Solidarity

I still recall the first time I came across a sorority TikTok dance video in August a few years back. Dozens of girls were dressed up to match the “puppy eyes” theme, dancing to "The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani in front of an exquisitely decorated house. Everybody wore a radiant smile as all the girls cheered each other on. At that moment, I was drawn to the sense of belonging they seemed to share, and I thought, I wanna be a part of whatever that is.

By Riley Qiu '28October 9, 20264 min read

Opinion

The Value of a Life

What is a life worth? Total contribution to the economy? The health and commercial values of individual organs and tissues recoupable after death? Or subjective means like societal contribution, inherent dignity, and religious worth?

By Tatsuya Seto '28 & Riley Qiu '28September 25, 20265 min read

Opinion

More Than a Popularity Contest: Why Milton’s Leadership Elections Need Campaigning

On April 3, two weeks before the Head Monitor elections, I noticed a campaign account on Instagram—an unprecedented sight at Milton. Eventually, posters also started appearing around the school. It wasn’t until then that I realized Head Monitor elections, in which we vote on the most important role in the SGA, were approaching.

By Riley Qiu '28May 1, 20264 min read

Opinion

DEIJ Talks: Accountability Begins with Acknowledgment

The Robbins faculty and students gathered in the dorm TV room on a cold November night. Snacks lay scattered across the tabletop, and as we awaited the DEIJ speakers to arrive, soft chat could be heard around the room. Beneath the atmosphere of anticipation, currents of unease ran quietly.

By Riley Qiu '28January 20, 20265 min read

Opinion

We Must “Cancel” Cancel Culture

In today’s digital age of constant connectivity, silence is safer than honesty. What began on social media as a movement of accountability slowly evolved into a pandemic of fear that spread into our school, social community, and daily interactions. This sickness manifests in fear to voice our opinions because of reputations, careers, and even whole lives that dangle perilously at the edge of a cliff, with only one word capable of tipping the balance into oblivion. Countless eradicated identities have fallen victim to an aggravating crisis that we’ve often overlooked: cancel culture, a prevalent trend in teen culture that silences voices. In a community supposedly centered around conversations, Milton neglects to confront cancel culture’s pervasiveness, normalization, and anti-empathetic public ostracization.

By Riley Qiu '28November 7, 20254 min read