The Dream Where I’m in Focus By: Sachi Dixit

 The Dream Where I’m in Focus By: Sachi Dixit 

Last night, 

I was the main character. 

Not blurry. 

Not standing in the background 

while everyone else spoke louder. 

The sky looked painted, 

as if someone cared enough 

to mix the colors slowly. 

Lavender clouds. 

Gold at the edges. 

The streets were empty 

but not lonely 

like they belonged to me. 

The air felt light, 

easy to breathe. 

My steps were quiet 

but sure, 

like I knew where I was going 

even if I didn’t. 

Nothing rushed me. 

Nothing needed explaining. 

It was just simple 

walking under a sky 

that looked made on purpose, 

in a world that felt calm 

and wide 

and somehow 

exactly the right size for me.

Before the World Wakes By: Sachi Dixit

Before the World Wakes By: Sachi Dixit 

I wake before the house remembers how to move,

before doors open 

before dishes clink 

before anyone calls my name. 

The air is already warm, 

slipping through the window impatiently

Summer doesn’t rush 

It just settles. 

The floorboards are cool under my feet and everything is in slow motion 

like the world hit the do-not-disturb button just for me 

Outside, the light is golden but gentle, stretching across the grass 

touching rooftops softly 

like it doesn’t want to wake them yet. 

Birds softly practicing their harmonies A car passes somewhere far away. 

But inside this moment, nothing is loud 

It’s not a big happiness, 

not fireworks, 

not laughter filling rooms 

It’s the kind that lives in small spaces, 

in quiet mornings, 

in the space between yesterday and today.

The Mystery of D.B. Cooper by Umar Malek

 The Mystery of D.B. Cooper 

The man who claimed the name D. B. Cooper showed a calm and polite demeanor while wearing a business suit. He gave a flight attendant a note that stated that he possessed a bomb that he kept inside his briefcase. He demanded $200,000 and four parachutes. The authorities took his threat seriously. The plane had landed in Seattle, and all the passengers were released, and Cooper got his money and parachutes. 

The case developed into a major unsolved mystery case, which became one of the most famous mystery cases throughout American history. The pilots received new instructions from Cooper to fly the plane at low altitudes while heading toward Mexico with open rear stairs. He jumped out of the plane and parachuted into the dark, rainy night, which covered the Pacific Northwest forests. He disappeared without leaving any trace of his existence. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initially investigated the case, which later became known as NORJAK (Northwest Hijacking). Agents searched the suspected landing area, interviewed witnesses, and examined physical evidence that had been left behind on the plane, including Cooper’s black tie and tie clip. His true identity was not confirmed despite decades of work and thousands of leads. A young boy discovered almost $6000 of the stolen money, which had been hidden near the Columbia River in Washington State in 1980. The serial numbers matched the ransom bill, which showed that some of the money had been found there. No other definite proof of the case ever appeared. 

Over time, various theories have emerged. Cooper died during his jump because of bad weather and difficult ground conditions, and his total ignorance of skydiving made everything impossible for him to handle. Others believe he possessed advanced skills, which he utilized to devise a well-planned escape route. Many suspects have been named, but none have been confirmed to be Cooper. In 2016, after 45 years of investigations, the FBI formally suspended active investigations into the case, although the mystery was left open should new evidence be revealed. 

The D.B. Cooper hijacking was unique because of its boldness, careful planning, and inhumanity. Nobody was harmed in the process, and the hijacker mysteriously vanished. Over half a century later, the question continues to be asked: Who was D.B. Cooper, and did he live to tell the tale? The case holds a special place as the only skyjacking adventure that was never solved in United States history. 

“D.B. Cooper Hijacking | Federal Bureau of Investigation.” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2022, www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/db-cooper-hijacking.

Why I Think Severance Is Overrated By: Sachi Dixit

 Why I Think Severance Is Overrated

By: Sachi Dixit

Severance is a very popular show that many people describe as

amazing and genius. The idea behind it is honestly very creative. The

concept of separating your work memories from your real-life memories is

unique and different from most shows. That idea alone is what first hooked

me. However, even though I understand why people love it, I think it is

slightly overrated.

One big reason is that the show is extremely slow. Some episodes

feel like almost nothing happens. There are long scenes that don’t add

much to the plot and small conversations that drag on. I understand that

the slow pace is meant to build tension, but it honestly made me lose

interest at times. I kept waiting for something major to happen during the

middle episodes, but most of the big events did not occur until the end.

Another reason is that the show can be confusing. The mystery is

interesting, but sometimes it feels like too much information is hidden for

too long. Instead of building excitement, it can become frustrating. I had to

pay very close attention just to understand what was happening, and even

then, I still had questions.

That being said, I still think Severance has a great concept along with

strong acting and atmosphere. The last couple of episodes really pulled me

in and made everything more intense, which is why I will still be watching

Season 3. Overall, it is a smart and creative show, but for me, the slow

pacing and confusion make it slightly overrated.

Why Beyblade Burst is an Underrated Show By: Sachi Dixit

 Why Beyblade Burst is an Underrated Show

By: Sachi Dixit

Beyblade Burst is an anime about kids who battle using spinning tops

Bayblades. At first, it might seem like just another toy-based cartoon, but

it is actually much deeper than that. The show focuses on friendship, hard

work, and chasing your goals. Many people overlook it because it is based

on a toy line, but the story and character development make it much better

than people expect.

One reason why this show is underrated is its main character, Valt

Aoi. He starts off as an average blader who loses a lot, but he never gives

up. Instead of instantly becoming the best, he trains, studies his mistakes,

and slowly improves. This makes his journey feel realistic and inspiring. It

shows that success does not happen overnight and that failure is part of

growth.

Another reason is the emotional moments in the series. The rivalries

are not just about winning; they are about proving yourself and

understanding others. Characters like Shu go through serious struggles,

including pressure, self-doubt and internal issues. These storylines make

the show more meaningful and relatable, especially for teens who deal

with similar feelings in school, sports, or friendships.

Overall, Beyblade Burst deserves more credit. It teaches important

lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and believing in yourself. Even

though it is centered around spinning tops, the themes are universal and

show characters growth throughout. If more people gave it a real chance,

they would see that it is more than just a kids’ show, it is a story about

staying true to yourself and pushing through all types of obstacles.

The Eraser Everyone Loved, a poem By: Sachi Dixit

 The Eraser Everyone Loved

By: Sachi Dixit

It started as just an eraser, small and plain,

Sitting in my pencil case, quiet and tame.

But somehow, it became ours, a tiny crown,

Passed from hand to hand whenever friends were around.

It knew our jokes, the scribbles we made,

Held secrets of homework we half-finished in the dark

Everyone wanted it, begged for a turn,

A little piece of joy that made hearts burn.

I remember the day it slipped from my grip,

Fell somewhere unseen, like a ghost on a trip.

And suddenly the desk felt emptier,

The corners of my notes a little drearier.

A tiny token of friendship, bright and small,

And somehow, losing it made it everything.

How to Surive Winter in NJ Without Loosing Your Mind By: Sachi Dix

 How to Surive Winter in NJ Without Loosing Your Mind

By:Sachi Dixit

Winter in New Jersey hits different, with cold, harsh winds, black ice

everywhere, and snow that somehow ruins your shoes every year. Step one:

layer up. I’m talking long sleeves, hoodies, jackets, scarves, and cute boots

that go with every outfit. If you leave the house without proper layers,

you're basically signing yourself up for frostbite and regrets.

Step two: embrace the snacks and warm drinks. Hot chocolate, coffe

and especially in my house, chai. My family can’t go a day without it, and it

heats everyone instantly. Trust me, a warm drink in your hand and a full

belly instantly make the cold less terrible.

Step three: find indoor escapes. Museums, libraries, or even your

favorite mall become your sanctuary when the snow is too intense. Bonus

points if you bring headphones and just vibe while pretending the cold

doesn’t exist.

Finally, keep your friends close. Snowball fights, making snow angels,

or just complaining about the wind together somehow make winter way

more fun. NJ winters might be brutal, but with the right attitude (and a lot

of layers), you can survive, and even enjoy the chaos.