The "Madness" around March Madness by Kaveeshan Gnanarajah

 The "Madness" around March Madness

For years, I genuinely never understood it. Every March, millions of people would go crazy and lose their minds over college basketball. Filling out brackets, staying up late, getting up early for games, yelling at their TVs. I always enjoyed watching the NBA, and basketball as a whole is, in fact, my favorite sport to watch and play, but I just never got into college basketball. That was until last year, when I actually sat down and, I must say, I was completely wrong about everything. I love March Madness

The thing I didn’t understand is how fast everything and anything can change. For example, the game yesterday when Kentucky and Santa Clara kept making shots, and in the final seconds, start playa Otega Oweh hits a buzzer-beater and sent it to overtime. In the first 2 days, there has already been so many buzzer beaters, game winners, and overall crazy performances. It is so interesting watching teams that have played bad all season randomly have a few good players randomly do extremely good and have an upset in the first round. Like, one second a team is celebrating and the next second a guy is throwing a shot from way past half court to tie the game and the whole gym full of tens of thousands of college students just yell. You can never look away. 

But honestly, what got me even more into it more than the shots was the atmosphere around it. The crowds, student sections, commentators. Its just this energy that many other sports just do not have. March Madness isn’t just about who has had the better season. It’s about the high stakes, one loss and you are out. The fact that any team can beat any other team if they are having a good day, and nobody knows for sure who will win a game. 

The Pressure of Taking AP Exams by Kaveeshan Gnanarajah

 The Pressure of Taking AP Exams

This year, I’m taking more AP exams than I ever thought I would. And honestly, it’s not even close to the level of many other students I know. With that being said, the studying piles up, the test dates are crawling towards you, and at some point, you’re sitting at your desk flipping through flashcards for a test that you wish you had started studying for a couple of months ago. It’s exhausting in a way hard to explain to someone who hasn’t been in it; it's like my brain is drained and doesn’t want to cooperate anymore.

What makes it stranger is that, as I mentioned earlier, I’m not alone. Millions of students across America are taking exams, with thousands of them taking 5+ tests. But here is the thing that always comes to my mind: why are so many of us even doing this? Especially for those who are going out of their way to learn a whole college-level course on their own. At some point, it stopped being about learning the material because you enjoy that topic; it's about the number itself. How many AP’s are you taking? It becomes this status, this quiet competition to stack up as many as possible to impress colleges, and indirectly impress your peers. 

To be honest, I don’t really have the exact answer to why people some people are spending $1,000 and some change for these tests (I am pretty sure it is $130 per exam, but that likely changes on location and financial hardships you face). I think it is crazy, the amount of pressure, the amount of exhaustion, and the effort many people are putting into a test score. And I am not saying this to attack anyone who is taking AP exams, as obviously it looks good for colleges, and I'm also a part of the people who are taking many exams and even studying some on my own. I always just found it genuinely interesting how natural everything has become. Nobody really ever questions it.

How Chess improved my thinking By: Mirudhula Velayutha Perumal

 How Chess improved my thinking

By: Mirudhula Velayutha Perumal

March 20 2026

Grade 9 - South Brunswick High School

Chess is not just a game for fun–it's a masterpiece of patience and strategic thinking.

When I first started playing chess, I thought it was just playing cool moves and trying to beat the opponent. But I soon realized, chess is much more than playing moves. It's about thinking ahead, and making the right decisions.

One of the first things chess taught me is patience. Especially since we live in a world where many people make sudden decisions, without thinking twice. But chess taught me to take my time, think carefully, and make sure I know what you're doing. One wrong move and it could change the whole game. This helps me understand every decision matters, not just in chess, but in life too.

Chess has also helped me get better with my problem-solving skills. During a game, you have to study the board, guess what your opponent might do next in a short amount of time, and come up with good moves. This kind of thinking helps in subjects like math and science where problem solving is a key skill. 

Another thing chess taught me is how to handle losing a game. Losing an important game can be sad and frustrating. It can make you feel like giving up. But chess has taught me to learn from my mistakes and always keep trying. It motivates  me to always do my best.

What I like most is there is always something new to learn. Even if you’ve been playing for a while, new strategies, ideas and opponents keep the game exciting and entertaining.

Overall, chess has made me more focused and thoughtful. It has taught me skills I can use everyday, not just in the game. I think everyone should try chess, not just to play, but see how it feels to be placed in front of a board with a clock ticking next to you, making every move matter. 

How Music Can Improve Mood and Mental Health By: Madhurika Velayutha Perumal

 How Music Can Improve Mood and Mental Health

By: Madhurika Velayutha Perumal

Grade 9 - South Brunswick High School

Today, many teenagers experience stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions in their daily lives (Source: NIH–Influence of Music on Mental Health). While there are many ways to cope with it, music is one of the most powerful and accessible tools for improving mental health. Whether it’s listening to a favorite song or playing an instrument, music can have a significant impact on mood, focus, and overall mental health.

Music affects the brain in ways that can instantly change how we feel. For example, listening to calming music can help reduce stress, while upbeat songs can boost our energy and motivation. Personally, listening to music relaxes me during stressful times, especially when I feel overwhelmed with schoolwork. Even just a few minutes of playing or listening to music can shift my mindset and help me feel focused.

One reason music is so effective is that it controls the brain’s release of chemicals such as dopamine, which is associated with happiness. It also helps people express emotions they may not be able to put into words. This is why music therapy is often used in healthcare settings to support patients dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

For teenagers, music can be a healthy way to manage stress and emotions. Instead of going into unhealthy coping mechanisms, teens can create playlists that match their mood, learn an instrument, or use music as a break from academic pressure. Finding time for music can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and benefit mental health. 

Overall, music is more than just entertainment; it is a powerful tool for emotional and mental well-being. By incorporating music into daily life, teens can better manage stress, build healthier habits, and improve their overall mental health. 

Book Review: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood , by Mridula Murugan

 Book Review: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

By: Mridula Murugan

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a dystopian novel that follows the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic society formed after the fall of the United States. In this story, the main character is a “Handmaid” that the readers follow along with, who is unnamed but referred to as Offred. This novel is in first person and describes her experience working for the Commander and having to take part in a ceremony.

All in all, the book was very engaging due to the perspective, because it allowed for untrustworthy narration and some ambiguity surrounding the events in the story. One of the major themes of the novel was how the government has taken control of women’s reproductive rights and used societal structure to their advantage. This idea was clearly depicted through the social hierarchy, defining strict roles as Handmaids, Wives, Econowives, Aunts, and Marthas, each playing a separate role in the community while having different levels of freedom.

There was a lot of tension in the novel because of the constant fear of surveillance by the government, which ultimately motivated me to continue reading. I was very intrigued by Offred’s inner thoughts because they were often complex and morally ambiguous, allowing for my own interpretation. One thing that was definitely frustrating was the ending of the novel, because it leaves a lot up for interpretation. However, there was a second book released by the author many years later, which might clear up some confusion. 

Overall, this was a very thought-provoking novel that examined many important themes and ideas. For a deeper understanding, it can certainly be analyzed from many different literary lenses and compared to other significant dystopian novels!

Music to Listen to While Studying , By Mridula Murugan

 Music to Listen to While Studying

By: Mridula Murugan

When you’re getting ready to start a long study session, it’s important to pick the best music that will make you most productive! Instead of being a distraction, your playlist can help you get your work done even quicker than usual. Some genres and types of music can help you stay focused and potentially improve your memory, as well!

The most important thing to remember is that music without lyrics is always the best, because it doesn’t take your attention away from the work at hand! This means that pop and rap might not be your best options, especially for assignments and tests that you need to really think about. To make sure that you stay focused, pick music that has a slower tempo, no lyrics, and a repetitive beat that acts as background sound to fill the silence. For example, classical music, lo-fi beats, instrumental versions of pop songs, and even ambient nature sounds! With natural sounds, such as café background noise, ocean waves, or rain sounds, it simulates a real environment even without being outdoors. 

Overall, it’s always about personal preference—if you feel like instrumental tracks are taking away from your attention, switch the playlist until you find the perfect fit! The music is meant to help you put your effort and focus elsewhere, so don’t hesitate to find exactly what works for you.

The Book vs. Movie: “The Hunger Games” Comparison by Mridula Murugan

 The Book vs. Movie: “The Hunger Games” Comparison

By: Mridula Murugan

The first book in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, The Hunger Games, was published in 2008, while the film adaptation revolving around the same story was released in 2012. Between the book and the movie, there are several key aspects that can be compared: perspective, character development, and world-building. Let’s analyze each one individually!

One of the biggest differences between all books and their subsequent film adaptations is the changes in narrative perspective. Since the books follow Katniss’ point of view, we only see her personal experience and are privy to her thoughts and feelings. Any of her prejudices about the Capitol, her thoughts on Peeta’s intentions, and her plans for the future are given to us in the narration. On the other hand, the film does not show this inner monologue, but instead provides different scenes that Katniss does not witness herself. For example, we see President Snow and the Gamemakers controlling the arena and the events inside the Districts during the Games, allowing us to see a broader perspective of the entire system. 

In terms of character development, in the book, Katniss was very conflicted and hesitated to show how she felt towards the others. Her thoughts about each death and character were clearly outlined, which made it easier to understand her hesitations about killing others. In the movie, however, she seems significantly more self-assured, but we are not able to see the way she does any of her strategic thinking, which makes her seem less smart. 

The world-building in the movie used the descriptions given in the book, exaggerating the wealth that the Capitol shows everywhere. This visual really gives a true idea of what the Capitol culture looks like outside of simple descriptions of their fashion, excessive food, and different ideals. Overall, the book gives more insight into the character’s thoughts and some overly specific details, while the movie adds world-building and an expanded perspective of the political scene and the rebellions happening outside.