As the United States’ economy continues to change under the current administration, tariffs have become a point of contention. In MFS’ Investment Club, led by Mason Levens ’25, Gabe Harvey ’25, and Vikram Verma ’25, students have found an outlet to discuss these changes.
For information surrounding the system and processes of tariffs, see MFS WordsWorth’s Tariff Explainer Slider on Instagram.
Regarding conversations about tariffs during the club, Verma said, “It’s kind of the highlight right now, because there [are] different changes almost every week from the initial tariffs that were enacted. It’s also a point of tension throughout the club since people have very different opinions, [but] it’s something that we’ve had great conversations about.”
Upper School AP Calculus and AP Computer Science teacher Michael Omilian has also served as a resource for the Investment Club. As a staple of the Math Department and the club’s advisor, Omilian has offered his expertise and perspective to conversations in Investment Club. According to Verma, Omilian has also served as a resource to the officers, aiding them in leading charged conversations.
In particular, Investment Club allows students to learn more about the economy and current events while also sharing their own opinions. Levens said, “Curiosity about the long-term implications of the tariffs was palpable in our discussions.”
Harvey shared his personal opinions on the market, which he has been able to explain and defend in the club while teaching others.
“I know a lot of people have been selling because there’s been a bit of red, which is not what you want to do. I personally view this whole situation as a buying opportunity instead of an opportunity to be scared,” Harvey said.
Levens, who will be studying Mathematical Economics as he enters college, said, “A common theme in student voices was the idea that issuing tariffs is inherently tied to the reputation and influence of a nation.”
Levens also uniquely hosts his own minor course, Analytical Approaches to Math, in which he discusses math analytics with a group of over 15 people.
Levens shared, “In Analytical [Approaches to] Math, we had the opportunity to engage with the quantitative structure of the tariffs, which I think definitely provided insight into how they work pragmatically rather than theoretically. In a way similar to our discussion in Investment Club, a curiosity developed in Analytical [Approaches to] Math about the long-term implications of the reciprocal tariffs as well.”