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Thursday, February 29, 2024

Tips on studying by Kavya Chunduru

 When a big test comes up, it's hard to stay on task for hours on end without getting distracted. Here are some productivity tips to help you on your next test. 

First, plan your study schedule ahead of time. You don’t want to cram study it all in one day cause that could lead to you being so overwhelmed. Plan your days before you start studying and divide the topics up so you can focus on a topic or two a day. This could help a lot because it's hard for your brain to process so many things in a short amount of time.

Next, adding on to the tip before, set study goals for each day. It helps you have something set in place. After achieving each goal you could think that you were finished for that unit or sub unit and there wasn’t much more to do for it.

Set yourself specific break times. Not taking breaks while you're studying can do more harm than good. That's why you set yourself specific times that you can get up and take a stretch break. You have to be careful about breaks because it's easy to forget about time and end up spending too much time on your phone or doing something else and losing time and focus. 

When taking notes, use brighter colors to understand concepts better, like red and blue. Research shows that the color red helps you focus and the color blue helps spark creativity. Using those colors, you can understand your notes faster and easier.

Lastly, listen to music. I find that listening to music motivates me for when I want to get things done fast. Don’t listen to fast paced loud music, but find some quiet music on your streaming app that you can play into the background or turn down the volume a lot if you're using earbuds.

Now, hopefully you can use these and apply them when you're studying for your next test in school.


How young is too young for social media? Article by: Svetina S

 How young is too young for social media?

Article by: Svetina S


How old were you when you got your first phone? Chances are, the younger you are, the earlier you got it. People born in the early 2000s might have gotten their phones in high school. Those born in the late 2000s might have gotten theirs in middle school. Now, there are elementary schoolers walking around with phones, and children even younger- in strollers even- have their faces plastered to an iPad before they have even learned to walk. With this comes the various dangers associated with technology- such as addiction, insecurity, and sexualization- at an extremely young age.

Short-form content has been on the rise recently, mostly because it is extremely addicting. Apps can personalize the for you page or explore page with almost creepy accuracy, keeping people hooked for as long as possible. With this, I believe that people become accustomed to instant gratification. If they don’t like a video, they can replace it within seconds with a swipe of their finger. Learning this behavior as a child may carry effects into adulthood, as I have seen that children are extremely susceptible to stimuli from their environments as they grow. 

What’s more, social media could create unhealthy standards and promote sexualized behavior for children. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok feature women who seem too beautiful to be real, with hourglass figures and perfect features. In my opinion, ingraining this image of beauty in the mind of a child could shape how they perceive themselves. Furthermore, a lot of content is oversexualized to attract viewers, and there are vulgar lyrics in many trending songs. It seems like children are growing up too fast, and social media might be why.

So, how young is too young exactly? While there may not be a definite answer, it’s clear that social media can have negative effects on youth. In my opinion, children should not have unrestricted access to the internet until they are in middle school, and even then, their use should be monitored. Let’s do better for the next generation. After all, they are our future.


Friday, February 23, 2024

Book Review: The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom Article by: Svetina S

 Book Review: The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

Article by: Svetina S




What happens once you die? This idea has been questioned for generations upon generations. It is a fundamental part of human thinking- hardly anyone has gone their entire lives without thinking about it at least once. A commonly-discussed idea is that of heaven: an idyllic place where you can spend the rest of your dying days in peace. However, Mitch Albom has a different idea of what heaven is like.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven follows the story of Eddie, an 80 year old war veteran with a leg injury. He spends his days working maintenance at Ruby Pier, a seaside amusement park. However, one day, tragedy strikes, and Eddie dies in an accident. He wakes up in heaven, and meets five people from his past, all with the same goal: to show Eddie the meaning of his life.

Mitch Albom’s books are written beautifully, and his language immerses you in the atmosphere of his literature. His works have an air of nostalgia, creating a romantic and charming ambience. You fall in love with the characters as if they were real people(and they are- his characters are based off of his family!), and you will finish the book with a full feeling in your heart. Few books have a good plot, and even fewer have good writing. The Five People You Meet in


Heaven has both. Mitch Albom is able to put life itself on paper. His books are short but powerful, and you will not be the same after reading them. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a must-read!

Monday, January 22, 2024

Early Birds , by Anya Doshi

 Early Birds 

by: Anya Doshi

Waking up early is a habit I've come to cherish and appreciate in my daily routine. There's something truly magical about those quiet moments that set the tone for the entire day. I just love being an early bird. As I reflect on this daily practice, I find myself immersed in the quiet magic of the dawn. It's not just about the act of rising with the sun; it's a conscious decision to greet each day with open arms.   

For one, the tranquility of the early morning is unparalleled. As the world around me is still wrapped in slumber, I find solace in the hushed peacefulness. The subtle rustle of leaves, the soft hum of distant traffic, and the melody of birdsong create a serenity that grounds me. It's a time for quiet reflection, a mindful pause before the demands of the day unfold. There's just something truly magical about those quiet moments that set the tone for the entire day. The absence of hustle and bustle allows for a peaceful start, providing me with the mental space to ease into the day with a clear mind.

The impact of this ritual on my daily life is profound. Firstly, productivity becomes an effortless dance in the early morning hours. In the morning, I discovered a haven for focused work. The lack of distractions allows me to delve into projects - whether that be homework assignments, morning yoga, exercising, reading, etc - with a clarity of mind that seems elusive in the chaos of later hours. The early morning has become my secret garden of productivity, where ideas bloom and creativity flourishes. There's a unique empowerment found in waking up early, an intimate understanding of time mastery. Accomplishing meaningful tasks before the world fully awakens instills a sense of control over the day. It's not about racing against the clock; it's about setting the pace. 

It's astonishing how much can be achieved when the world is still in repose, and I relish the sense of accomplishment that accompanies completing tasks before the clock strikes noon. 

Personally, another of the most cherished rituals of my early rising journey is my morning run. It's not about chasing personal records or achieving marathon distances. Instead, it's a celebration of vitality. The cool, crisp air, the rhythmic beat of my footsteps, and the gradual illumination of the sky create the most relaxing environment. With each step, I feel a connection to the pulse of life, and this vitality becomes a guiding force that shapes the rest of my day. Early mornings provide an opportunity to embrace a healthy lifestyle, from a morning workout to a nutritious breakfast. It sets a positive tone for the rest of my day, cultivating habits that contribute to my overall well-being. 

All in all, as I navigate the early hours, I'm not merely going through the motions of a routine. I'm participating in a ritual that transcends habit. It's an intentional choice to embrace the beauty of the dawn – a canvas where mindfulness, productivity, and a touch of magic converge. It's not just about starting the day; it's about embracing the quiet, finding moments of stillness, and setting the stage for a day filled with purpose and positivity. If you're contemplating joining the early riser's club, give it a shot – you might just find the beauty in those pre-dawn hours.

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware: Book Review , by Anya Doshi

 The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware: Book Review 

by Anya Doshi

I recently read Ruth Ware's The Turn of the Key and I'm eager to share my thoughts on this psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. This mystery book unfolds through the compelling narrative of Rowan Caine. The story is presented as a series of letters written by Rowan from prison, recounting the events leading to her incarceration. The novel is set in a smart home, a cutting-edge technological marvel that is supposed to make life easier but quickly becomes a sinister entity. The house, Heatherbrae, is as much a character as Rowan herself, with its automated systems and eerie surveillance-adding an extra layer of tension to the story. Ware skillfully exploits the omnipresent smart technology to create a chilling atmosphere where every creak and whisper becomes a potential threat.

As the plot unravels, Ware introduces unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The psychological tension is palpable, with unreliable narrators adding complexity to the storytelling. Rowan's character is particularly well-crafted, eliciting a mix of sympathy and suspicion as her past unfolds. 

One of the features that stood out to me the most in The Turn of the Key is Ware's ability to construct an intricate and atmospheric setting. The isolation of the Scottish Highlands, the imposing architecture of Heatherbrae, and the brooding landscapes all contribute to the novel's immersive quality. The author paints a vivid picture that enhances the suspense, making the reader feel like an uneasy spectator in this remote, tech-laden mansion.

Moreover, I really loved the use of letters written by Rowan from prison as an element in the novel. This added a unique and compelling layer of storytelling, leading me hooked from page 1. This also created a sense of urgency and drew me into Rowan’s perspective first-hand. Ware’s skills in weaving a complex plot with unexpected twists also kept me engaged throughout. This novel left me guessing and eager to uncover the truth until the very end. I also really liked how the narrative was coupled with unreliable narratives because it made the plot more intriguing; I was second-guessing myself and questioning the character’s every move. Beyond the suspenseful plot, the emotional depth of the novel resonated with me: navigating the eerie corridors of Heatherbrae alongside Rowan became not just an intellectual exercise but an emotional rollercoaster - and that just shows the influence Ware had on me! Overall, I think that The Turn of the Key was wonderfully written. Ware included vivid descriptions that heightened the suspense of the story, and she did an amazing job of setting the plot from the very beginning of the novel. It is a gripping thriller that masterfully combines suspense with thought-provoking themes. If you enjoy psychological mysteries that keep you on your toes until the very end, this one is definitely worth the read.

The Importance of Reading , by Anya Doshi

 The Importance of Reading 

Anya Doshi

Entering the world of reading has been more than a hobby for me; it’s been an opportunity for self-discovery and enrichment. Beyond the tangible, educational benefits, reading has been a sanctuary, offering solace and escape amid life’s chaos. As a child, I wasn’t one to stray away from books, but it wasn’t until June of 2020, the summer of COVID-19, that I developed my true passion for reading. I remember spending hours daily immersed in captivating stories, eagerly returning to the library for my next literary adventure. Reading was a way for me to escape the stresses and uncertainties of the pandemic. It was more than a pastime; it became a therapeutic retreat, a means to clear my mind in the midst of life’s upheavals. 

Especially in today’s digital age, where information inundated us, reading has become a haven of focus. It encourages concentration and provides moments of mindfulness amid distractions. It is a way for me to slow down, physically and mentally, and find joy through each sentence of my book. 

Each book I’ve embraced has been a ticket to different worlds, cultures, and perspectives, fostering a deep sense of empathy as I vicariously experience the joys and sorrows of different characters. It’s not just about expanding my knowledge but also about delving into the intricate nuances of the human experience. Reading has proven to be a gateway to a deeper understanding of the world around me. As I dive deeper into various literary works, I find that my knowledge about diverse topics expands, allowing me to navigate and comprehend the complexities of the world more effectively. This newfound awareness not only enriches my perspectives but also improves the quality of my conversations with peers. Essentially, reading has become a catalyst for more sophisticated discussions, enabling me to articulate my thoughts more eloquently and engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas. This heightened ability to express myself and contribute to discussions has, in turn, translated into an improvement in my school grades, reflecting a holistic growth fostered by the enriching habit of reading. Moreover, as I navigate into the words, I’ve noticed a subtle enhancement in my communication skills. The exposure to varied writing styles and vocabulary has not only broadened my linguistic skills but has also refined my ability to articulate thoughts more eloquently. I’ve seen significant improvement in my papers assigned for school, as well as in my interactions with peers or teachers.

In essence, reading is a journey of self-discovery, a bridge to other minds, and a source of perpetual growth. So, whether you're flipping through the pages of a novel or scrolling through a digital article, remember that each word read is a step towards a richer, more enlightened existence. I have seen both tangible and intangible improvements in my life, both within and outside the school environment, and I strongly recommend that you pick up a book and try getting into reading yourself! Each book is not just a collection of printed pages; it’s a companion, a mentor, and a colleague in the ongoing narrative of my life.