My trip to Sandy Hook by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 I noticed that smoking was not allowed inside of the beach itself but was allowed

in the parking lot. That made me understand why there where so many cigarette

buds on the parking lot ground. There were also many food trucks that served

things such as ice cream, fish, and pretzels. This created a lively presence where

many people showed up to buy food. However, although there were many people

breaking the rules, there were some very nice people who picked up trash from the

beach. They picked up things like soda cans, chip bags, and water bottles. There

was a Teen Service Group that came there to service the beach. Overall, there were

a lot of people who were volunteering to help the beach. Away from the shore, the

water had an infinite amount of eggs. This made it very uncomfortable for a lot of

people including me. And although there were many volunteers to help keep the

beach clean, there was a good amount of litter in the water. There were also many

people who were fishing using their own boats. There was even a cruise boat

passing by. After a while, we got hungry. So I decided to buy pretzels from one of

the food trucks. It was now about 3:00 pm. So, we decided to head to the

backwaters of Sandy. The plan was to visit the National Park’s Service tent, where

we could learn about the creatures that lived on the beach. As expected, there

indeed was a tent. One of the first activities that we did was inspecting the group

of creatures situated inside of a small baby pool. However, I saw a blue tube

connected to a box that created bubbles inside of the small pool. I had a question ,

“What is that,” I asked. I was told that it supplied the water with oxygen. One of

the creatures we learned about was the Horseshoe Crab. It reminded me of the

shells that always ended up on the shore when I was little. Me and my family

always wondered what it was. The park ranger, whose name was Emily, explained

that horseshoe crabs only come out of their shell at times throughout the course

of their estimated thirty year life. But my favorite part was seeing the baby crab, I

had never seen one before. The park ranger told us that it was very vulnerable to

being hurt due to its undeveloped muscles. We were also taught how to hold the

crab safely, while still keeping the crab safe. I tried it first. I placed my index finger

on the top of the crab’s belly and my thumb on the bottom of the crab’s belly.

This way, I avoided the strong pinchers of the crab. Finally, we were taught how

to fish using a fishing net. First, we lined up in two lines to hold the opposing

ends of the net. Next, one person from each side held the top and bottom of the

pole of their corresponding sides firmly. After, we waded deep into the water to

maximize our chance of catching some fish. Lastly, we executed the most

important part. We slightly tiled the poles at an angle so that the bottom touched

the sea bed. We walked swiftly towards the shore. Now, the exciting part. Both

sides lifted the net out of the water, just so that the fish won’t swim away. And

within three hours, we had learned some essential life skills and facts. I had learned

a lot, now it was food time. After a long day of fun and learning, me and my

family were ready for a delicious dinner. I opened up my notebook, and looked

through my plans for the day. According to my plan, we were supposed to head to

our favorite Chinese restaurant, Shu House. The temptation was irresistible, but

we had to get through the two hour drive back. As we reached the restaurant, I

opened my notebook once more to check the budget for the meal. The budget

was $110. Me and my sister ordered two Udon Shrimp Noodles , vegetable

dumplings, and a tofu stir-fry. My parents bought a Dry Pepper Dish with shrimp

and fish, a vegetable fried rice, and a Shu-House Dumpling(a fun way to say a

crisped up donut). Right before we paid the bill, we received a complementary

plate of fresh oranges, a perfect way to top off a great meal. The food was really

good. Overall, it was a very flavorful and delicious meal that came out to $100.

Importance of Friendship by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Friendship is an important part of life. Friends can influence how we think, how we act, and how

we feel about ourselves. A good friend can make difficult days easier, encourage us to do our

best, and be there when we need someone to talk to. However, not every person we meet will

make a good friend. Choosing the right friends is important because the people around us can

have a strong influence on our lives.

One of the most important qualities to look for in a friend is trust. A trustworthy friend keeps

promises, respects private conversations, and does not purposely try to embarrass or hurt you.

Trust takes time to build, and it is important to pay attention to how someone treats you and

other people. If a person regularly lies, breaks promises, or shares things that were told to them

privately, it may be difficult to depend on them as a friend.

Respect is another important part of a healthy friendship. Good friends understand that people

can have different opinions, interests, and personalities. They do not pressure each other to

think or act exactly the same way. A respectful friend listens when you speak and takes your

feelings seriously. Even when friends disagree, they should be able to handle those

disagreements without constantly insulting or putting each other down.

A good friend should also support you. Support does not mean that a friend has to agree with

everything you do. Sometimes, a good friend may tell you when they think you are making a

poor decision. The important difference is that they are trying to help rather than control or

embarrass you. A true friend wants you to succeed and encourages you to make responsible

choices.

Another quality to look for is honesty. Friends should be able to tell each other the truth in a kind

and respectful way. Someone who always tells you exactly what you want to hear may not

always be helping you. At the same time, honesty should not be used as an excuse to be mean.

A good friend can be truthful while still caring about your feelings.

It is also important to notice how a person treats others. Someone might be friendly toward you

but rude or disrespectful toward everyone else. Watching how someone treats classmates,

teachers, family members, workers, and people they do not know well can tell you a lot about

their character. People do not always behave the same way around everyone, so their actions

can sometimes reveal more than their words.

Choosing the right friend does not mean looking for someone who is perfect. Everyone makes

mistakes, has bad days, and sometimes says or does the wrong thing. What matters is how a

person responds to their mistakes. A good friend should be willing to apologize, learn from what

happened, and make an effort to do better.

Friends should also allow each other to have other relationships. A healthy friendship does not

require two people to spend every moment together. It is normal for friends to have different

interests, activities, and other groups of friends. Someone who becomes angry whenever you

spend time with someone else or tries to control who you talk to may not be respecting your

independence.

Peer pressure is another reason why choosing friends carefully matters. People sometimes

make choices because they want to fit in with a group. If a group encourages someone to break

rules, hurt others, or do something unsafe, it is important to be able to step away. A good friend

will not make you feel like you have to do something wrong just to belong.

Finding the right friends can take time. Friendships often begin through shared interests,

classes, sports, clubs, hobbies, or simply spending time together. It is not necessary to become

close friends with someone immediately. Getting to know a person gradually can help you

understand their personality and see whether they are someone you can trust.

Being a good friend is just as important as choosing good friends. Friendship works both ways.

If you want friends who are honest, respectful, supportive, and trustworthy, you should try to

show those same qualities to others. Listening, keeping promises, including others, and being

there when someone needs support can help create strong friendships.

In the end, choosing the right friend is about more than choosing someone who is fun to be

around. A good friend should make you feel respected, supported, and comfortable being

yourself. The people we spend time with can influence our decisions and our experiences, so it

is worth taking the time to choose friends who bring positive qualities into our lives. A strong

friendship is built on trust, respect, honesty, and support, and those qualities can make a

friendship last for many years.

Bibliography

American Academy of Pediatrics. “Friendship and Social Development.” HealthyChildren.org,

www.healthychildren.org.

Child Mind Institute. “Helping Kids Build Strong Friendships.” Child Mind Institute, childmind.org.

KidsHealth. “Making and Keeping Friends.” Nemours KidsHealth, kidshealth.org.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. “Social and Emotional

Development.” National Institutes of Health, www.nichd.nih.gov.

Hard work by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Hard Work

Hard work is one of the most important qualities a person can have. It means putting in

effort, staying focused, and not giving up when things become difficult. Talent and

intelligence can help someone succeed, but hard work is often what turns goals into

reality. Many successful people achieve their goals because they are willing to work

hard and keep trying, even when they face challenges.

Hard work is especially important for students. Getting good grades requires studying,

completing assignments, paying attention in class, and preparing for tests. Sometimes a

student may struggle with a subject or receive a low grade. Instead of giving up, they

can study more, ask questions, and learn from their mistakes. With enough practice and

effort, they can improve. This teaches students that success does not always happen

immediately.

Hard work also builds important character traits. When people work toward difficult

goals, they develop discipline, patience, responsibility, and determination. They learn

that mistakes and failures are a normal part of life. A person who keeps working after

failing can become stronger and more confident. Each challenge can teach them

something new and prepare them for future problems.

Hard work is also important in careers and everyday life. Successful athletes spend

years practicing their skills. Musicians practice their instruments for many hours before

performing well. Scientists, artists, and business owners also spend a great deal of time

learning and improving. Their success may look easy from the outside, but it usually

comes from years of effort that other people do not see.

However, hard work does not mean working all the time without taking breaks. People

need enough sleep, relaxation, and time with family and friends. Working too much can

lead to stress and exhaustion. It is important to work hard while also taking care of

yourself. Good planning and using time wisely can help a person accomplish more

without becoming overwhelmed.

Another important part of hard work is having a goal. When people know what they want

to accomplish, it becomes easier to stay motivated. Large goals can be divided into

smaller steps. Completing each step gives a person a sense of progress and

encourages them to continue. Even small amounts of effort can make a big difference

when they are repeated over time.

In conclusion, hard work plays a major role in helping people reach their goals. It

teaches patience, discipline, confidence, and determination. Although hard work does

not guarantee success, it gives people a better chance to improve and take advantage

of opportunities. When people are willing to work hard, learn from their mistakes, and

keep moving forward, they can accomplish things they once thought were impossible.

Coffee analogy by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Imagine a cup sitting on a table with a small hole in the bottom. You begin pouring coffee into

the cup. At first, the coffee level stays fairly low because some of the coffee is able to escape

through the hole. The hole acts like a brake, slowing down how quickly the coffee builds up.

Now imagine that you keep pouring. As long as the hole can let coffee out as quickly as you are

putting it in, the cup will not overflow. The system is able to keep up with the amount of coffee

entering it.

But what happens if you pour faster?

The hole is still working. Nothing is necessarily broken. However, it has a limit to how much

coffee it can allow through at one time. If you are pouring in more coffee than the hole can

remove, the extra coffee begins to collect inside the cup. The level slowly rises.

Now imagine adding several more holes. Each hole acts as another brake. Together, they can

allow more coffee to escape, so the cup can handle a larger amount of coffee entering it. For a

while, everything works normally.

However, there is still a limit.

If you continue increasing the amount of coffee being poured into the cup, eventually you reach

a point where even all of the holes together cannot remove the coffee fast enough. The coffee

keeps entering, while the drains can only remove a certain amount. The excess has nowhere to

go except into the cup.

Eventually, the cup becomes completely full and the coffee starts overflowing.

This is the main idea behind the analogy. A brake does not necessarily stop something

completely. Instead, it can slow down or limit how quickly something moves through a system.

You can add more brakes and increase the system's capacity, but every brake has a maximum

amount it can handle.

For example, imagine one drain can remove 1 cup of coffee per minute. If you pour in only 0.5

cups per minute, the drain easily keeps up. If you pour in exactly 1 cup per minute, the system

is at its limit. But if you pour in 2 cups per minute, the drain cannot keep up, so the extra 1 cup

per minute starts accumulating.

Adding another drain would increase the total capacity to 2 cups per minute. But if you

eventually start pouring 3 cups per minute, the same problem happens again.

The important part of the analogy is that the brakes can continue doing their job while the

system is still becoming overloaded. Seeing something build up does not always mean that the

brakes have stopped working. Sometimes, the input has simply become greater than the

system's total ability to handle it.

The coffee therefore represents whatever is entering a system, while the holes represent the

different things that slow it down, remove it, or keep it under control. As long as the brakes can

handle the incoming amount, the system remains stable. Once the incoming amount becomes

greater than the combined capacity of the brakes, the excess begins to build up.

In the simplest terms, the analogy can be summarized like this: the coffee keeps coming in, the

brakes keep working, but if more coffee enters than the brakes can remove, eventually there is

simply too much—and the system overflows.

Salmon: An Adventurous Tale by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Salmon are some of the most fascinating fish in the world. They are famous for their incredible

ability to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles during their lives. What makes salmon

especially interesting is that many species are born in freshwater rivers, travel to the ocean to

grow, and eventually return to freshwater to reproduce. This journey is difficult and dangerous,

but it is an important part of the salmon's life cycle and the ecosystems they live in.

A salmon's life begins in freshwater. Female salmon lay their eggs in areas of rivers and

streams called spawning grounds. These areas usually have clean, cool water and gravel on

the bottom. After the eggs are fertilized, they remain buried in the gravel while the young salmon

develop.

When the eggs hatch, the baby salmon are called alevins. At first, they stay hidden in the gravel

and survive using nutrients from a small yolk sac attached to their bodies. Once the yolk sac is

used up, the young salmon emerge from the gravel and begin searching for food.

As they grow, salmon become better swimmers and develop the skills they need to survive.

They eat small aquatic animals and insects. Eventually, many salmon begin preparing for one of

the biggest changes in their lives: moving from freshwater into the ocean.

Young salmon eventually swim downstream toward the ocean. This can be a challenging trip

because rivers contain fast currents, rocks, waterfalls, predators, and other obstacles. The

salmon must avoid predators while using their energy to travel.

When they reach the ocean, their bodies begin adapting to saltwater. This is an important

change because freshwater and saltwater have different conditions. Salmon have special

systems in their bodies that help them control the amount of salt and water inside them.

Once they enter the ocean, salmon have access to a much larger environment with plenty of

food. They may travel far from the river where they were born. Depending on the species,

salmon can spend months or several years growing in the ocean.

The ocean is where salmon gain much of the size and strength they need as adults. They eat a

variety of organisms, including smaller fish, shrimp, and other marine animals. While living in the

ocean, salmon also become part of a large food web.

Salmon are both predators and prey. They eat smaller animals, but they can also be hunted by

larger fish, seabirds, seals, and other marine animals. Their survival depends on finding food

while avoiding predators.

Eventually, adult salmon reach the age when they are ready to reproduce. At this point,

something remarkable happens: they begin preparing to return to freshwater.

The return journey is one of the most famous parts of a salmon's life. Adult salmon swim from

the ocean back toward the rivers where they were born. This is called spawning migration.

Scientists believe salmon use several clues to find their way home. One of the most important is

their incredible sense of smell. Salmon can recognize chemical characteristics associated with

their home river. They may also use other environmental clues to help navigate.

The journey can be extremely difficult. Salmon may have to swim against strong currents, leap

over obstacles, and travel through shallow water. Some species can even jump over waterfalls

and rapids.

During the journey, salmon often stop eating or eat very little. Instead, they rely heavily on

energy stored in their bodies. This makes the return trip even more challenging.

When salmon reach suitable spawning grounds, they begin the process of reproduction. Female

salmon create nests in the gravel called redds. They release their eggs into these areas, while

males release sperm to fertilize them.

After spawning, the life cycle begins again. The eggs remain in the gravel until they hatch into a

new generation of salmon.

For many Pacific salmon species, the adults die after spawning. Their bodies do not simply

disappear without a purpose, though. They become an important source of nutrients for rivers

and forests.

Salmon play a major role in their ecosystems. Many animals depend on them for food. Bears,

eagles, otters, seals, and larger fish may all eat salmon at different points in their lives.

Salmon also transport nutrients from the ocean into freshwater ecosystems. When salmon

return from the ocean, their bodies contain nutrients that originally came from the marine

environment. After they die, those nutrients can enter rivers and nearby forests.

This means salmon connect different ecosystems together. They help move nutrients from the

ocean to freshwater environments, benefiting many plants and animals.

Salmon are also important to people. For thousands of years, people have relied on salmon as

a source of food. Today, salmon are still widely eaten and are an important part of many fishing

industries.

Salmon fishing can also provide jobs and support communities. However, people must manage

salmon populations carefully so that enough fish remain in the wild for future generations.

Some salmon are raised on farms, while others are caught in the wild. Both methods can

provide salmon for people, but they also have different environmental effects.

Although salmon are incredibly strong animals, they face many threats. One major problem is

the loss of healthy river habitats. Construction, pollution, and changes to rivers can make it

harder for salmon to reproduce.

Dams can also create obstacles for migrating salmon. Some dams have systems called fish

ladders or fish passages that are designed to help fish move around them.

Climate change can create additional challenges. Salmon depend on specific water conditions,

and changes in temperature, rainfall, snowmelt, and ocean conditions can affect their survival.

Overfishing can also reduce salmon populations if too many fish are removed before they have

a chance to reproduce.

Protecting salmon requires keeping rivers clean, protecting spawning habitats, managing

fishing, and finding ways to help salmon migrate safely.

Salmon are much more than ordinary fish. Their lives connect rivers, oceans, forests, and

countless other animals. From the moment they hatch in a freshwater stream to their journey

into the ocean and their eventual return home, salmon face challenges that require remarkable

strength and endurance.

Their migration is one of nature's most impressive journeys. By protecting salmon and the

environments they depend on, people can help ensure that these incredible fish continue their

journey for generations to come.

Bibliography

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Salmon.” NOAA Fisheries,

www.fisheries.noaa.gov.

National Park Service. “Salmon.” National Park Service, www.nps.gov.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “Salmon.” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, www.fws.gov.

Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Salmon.” Britannica, www.britannica.com/animal/salmon.

Unnamed poem by Rishi Patil

 It’s something I don’t really know how to explain 

The feeling of the sun on this late August day

The beauty of the sky just as blue as can be

The grass being green

The most I’ve ever seen

And I have not the slightest clue why

But this all reminds me of another time

When we were all kids

Every day was today

Because every day was as bright as can be

No day was dull

All days felt free

As we felt the heat of the ground

And the feel of the grass

As we ran around

Not quiet nor discreet

And now

Every year

I get that fear

That that whimsy I had is no longer near

Study-Life Balance by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Studying is an important part of achieving academic success and improving overall performance

in school. When students take the time to review their notes, complete practice problems, and

prepare for tests, they build a stronger understanding of the material. This deeper

understanding helps them feel more confident when answering questions in class and taking

exams. Over time, consistent studying can lead to higher grades, better habits, and a stronger

sense of responsibility. Because of these benefits, studying is often seen as one of the most

important skills a student can develop.

However, even though studying is helpful, it can also create a lot of stress. Many students feel

pressure to do well on tests, finish homework on time, and meet expectations from teachers and

parents. When there are multiple assignments or upcoming exams, it can feel overwhelming

and exhausting. This stress can make it harder to focus, lower motivation, and even affect a

student’s mood and health. Some students may begin to feel frustrated or burned out, which

can actually make studying less effective over time.

Because of this, it is important for students to find healthy ways to manage stress. One effective

way to cope is by spending time with friends. Playing with friends gives students a chance to

step away from their work and relax their minds. Whether it is playing a sport outside, talking, or

simply laughing together, these activities can help release tension and bring a sense of

happiness. Taking a break allows the brain to rest, which can improve focus and energy when

students return to studying.

In addition, spending time with friends can improve mental and emotional well-being. Being

around supportive people helps students feel less alone when dealing with school challenges.

Friends can encourage each other, share advice, and even help one another understand

difficult topics. This support system can make a big difference, especially during stressful times.

It reminds students that they are not facing their challenges by themselves.

Another important benefit of balancing studying with time to relax is that it teaches students how

to manage their time wisely. Learning when to focus on schoolwork and when to take a break is

an important life skill. Students who create a healthy balance are more likely to stay organized,

avoid burnout, and maintain a positive attitude toward learning. This balance can also help them

enjoy school more instead of feeling constantly stressed.

Overall, studying is necessary for academic excellence, but it should not come at the cost of a

student’s well-being. By balancing studying with enjoyable activities like spending time with

friends, students can reduce stress, stay motivated, and perform better in school. Finding this

balance helps students succeed not only academically, but also emotionally and socially,

allowing them to become more well-rounded and happy individuals.

The importance of school/life balance for future career success. (2023). In Pearson plc.

https://plc.pearson.com/en-GB/news-and-insights/blogs/importance-schoollife-balance-

future-career-success