The Absolute Panic of the Last-Minute Halloween Costume by Nandita Kamalakannan

 The Absolute Panic of the Last-Minute Halloween Costume by Nandita Kamalakannan

Every September, the exact same delusion takes over. You see the Halloween decorations hit the

store shelves, and you immediately convince yourself that this is the year you are going to go all

out. You and your friends start a dedicated group chat. You make a highly ambitious Pinterest

board for a cinematic, perfectly coordinated group costume. You have a vision, and you have

exactly two months to execute it.

Fast forward to the night of October 30th. You have twelve dollars, a half-empty stick of hot

glue, and absolutely zero artistic ability. The group chat is in complete shambles because three

people backed out, and now your elaborate six-person Avengers concept has been reduced to just

you and one other friend trying to figure out how to make cardboard look like armor.

This is the official start of the Last-Minute Costume Scramble, a tradition honored by high

schoolers everywhere.

When you reach this level of desperation, your standards completely evaporate. You end up

standing in front of your open closet for an hour, aggressively trying to justify normal, everyday

clothing as a valid costume. You hold up a red flannel shirt and think, "If I carry around a

cardboard tube, I’m a lumberjack." You put on a pair of sunglasses and a black hoodie and

declare yourself a secret agent. Or, if you hit rock bottom, you just wear your regular clothes,

carry a coffee cup, and tell everyone your costume is "an exhausted student running on three

hours of sleep." (It’s not creative, but it is deeply historically accurate).

Part of the problem is that we are in the awkward purgatory of Halloween ages. We are

technically too old to unironically knock on a neighbor’s door and demand a fun-size Snickers

without getting a judgmental stare, but we still desperately want an excuse to dress up, hang out,

and eat an unhealthy amount of sugar for one night.

So, as we head into the final countdown before Halloween, I wish you all the best of luck. May

your hot glue dry quickly, may your cardboard props hold together for at least two hours, and if

all else fails, just throw a white bedsheet over your head with two eye-holes cut out. It’s a classic

for a reason.

Why I Have Personal Beef with Euclid and the Z-Axis by Nandan Kamalakannan

 Why I Have Personal Beef with Euclid and the Z-Axis by Nandan Kamalakannan

For a long time, math and I had a mutual understanding. We had the X-axis going left to right,

and we had the Y-axis going up and down. It was a perfectly flat, perfectly reasonable two-

dimensional world. Triangles stayed in their lane, squares minded their own business, and

everything fit nicely onto a standard sheet of graph paper.

Then, someone decided to introduce the Z-axis, and my brain has been in a state of buffer-delay

ever since.If we are pointing fingers, we have to talk about Euclid. He is the ancient Greek mathematician

known as the "father of geometry." Listen, I deeply respect the man’s intelligence, but I also have

a personal grudge against him. Euclid was out there in 300 BC, wearing a toga, drawing in the

sand with a stick, and somehow conceptualizing three-dimensional planes intersecting in infinite

space. Meanwhile, I am sitting in a classroom with a graphing calculator, a ruler, and three

different colored highlighters, and I am still completely lost.

The main problem with 3D geometry is that it demands impossible mental gymnastics. Your

teacher will draw a slanted parallelogram on the whiteboard and casually say, "Now, imagine this

is a flat plane extending infinitely in all directions."

With all due respect, that is a crooked rectangle. My brain flat-out refuses to see the illusion.

Trying to visualize 3D planes intersecting on a flat, 2D piece of paper feels like staring at an

optical illusion until you go cross-eyed. Is this line going through the plane? Is it going behind

the plane? Wait, is this entire shape actually floating toward me? The longer I stare at the

diagram on my homework, the more the lines shift and warp until I’m questioning my own grip

on reality. It feels less like doing math and more like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

And don’t even get me started on calculating the distance between two points in 3D space. It’s

like the Pythagorean theorem hit the gym, drank three energy drinks, and decided to make my

life unnecessarily complicated.

I know that understanding 3D geometry is essential for architecture, engineering, and creating

the video games I like to play, so I suppose we owe Euclid a massive "thank you." But if anyone

ever invents a time machine, I might just take a quick trip back to ancient Alexandria to gently

hide his drawing stick. Just for a week or two. Just so my brain can finally catch a break.

Injuries by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Injuries by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Imagine training for weeks for an important game, only to get injured right before the big day.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of life, especially for athletes and people who enjoy physical

activities. Although accidents cannot always be prevented, many injuries happen because

people ignore warning signs, take unnecessary risks, or push themselves beyond their limits.

Understanding how injuries happen and how to prevent them can help people stay healthy and

continue doing the activities they enjoy.

One of the biggest causes of injuries is the pressure to keep going. Athletes sometimes believe

that stopping makes them look weak, so they continue playing even when something feels

wrong. Others may feel pressure from teammates, coaches, or their own desire to win.

However, ignoring pain can turn a minor problem into a more serious injury. Recognizing when

to rest is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it demonstrates maturity and an understanding of

personal limits.

Another important factor is preparation. Warming up before exercise, using proper equipment,

learning correct techniques, and following safety rules can reduce the risk of many injuries. For

example, a runner who increases training gradually may be less likely to experience an overuse

injury than someone who suddenly increases the intensity of every workout. Similarly, wearing

appropriate protective equipment during sports can help prevent certain injuries.

Injuries can also affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. Being unable to participate

in a favorite sport or activity can be frustrating, especially after months of preparation. Watching

teammates compete while recovering can make someone feel left behind. During these

moments, patience is essential. Following medical advice, allowing enough time for recovery,

and returning to activity gradually are important steps toward getting better.

Ultimately, injuries teach us that success is not simply about working harder. It is also about

knowing when to slow down and take care of ourselves. Whether someone is a competitive

athlete or simply enjoys being active, health should always come before temporary

achievements. Winning a game or finishing one workout is never worth risking a longer

recovery. Sometimes, the strongest decision a person can make is to stop, recover, and return

when they are ready.

Citations: 

>Norton, R., & Kobusingye, O. (2013). Injuries. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(18), 1723–1730. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra1109343.

The Power of Every Vote by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

The Power of Every Vote by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Elections are an important part of any democratic system because they allow people to choose

who represents them and makes decisions on their behalf. From national elections to school

student council campaigns, elections give individuals an opportunity to express their opinions

and influence their communities. Although elections may sometimes seem like competitions

between candidates, their true purpose is to select leaders who will listen, take responsibility,

and work toward meaningful improvements.

One of the most important parts of an election is understanding the candidates. A candidate

may give an exciting speech, create attractive posters, or make promises that sound appealing.

However, voters should look beyond appearances and consider each candidate's ideas,

experience, and plans. What changes are they proposing? Are their goals realistic? Have they

demonstrated responsibility and a willingness to listen to others? Asking these questions helps

voters make thoughtful decisions instead of choosing someone simply because they are

popular.

School elections provide an excellent example of how these principles work. Student council

members may help organize events, communicate student concerns, and suggest

improvements to school life. A successful student leader should understand that their position is

not simply a title. It comes with responsibilities. Leaders must listen to different opinions,

cooperate with teachers and students, and follow through on their commitments. They should

also remember that representing students means considering the needs of the entire school, not

just their closest friends.

Candidates also have an important responsibility during campaigns. They should explain their

ideas honestly, treat opponents respectfully, and avoid spreading rumors or making promises

they cannot keep. Elections should focus on comparing ideas rather than attacking individuals.

Healthy competition encourages candidates to improve their plans and gives voters a clearer

understanding of their choices.

Another essential part of elections is participation. When people ignore elections, they give up

an opportunity to influence decisions that may affect them. Even when a single vote seems

insignificant, every vote contributes to the collective decision. Learning about elections at school

can help students understand the importance of participation long before they become eligible

to vote in government elections.

Of course, elections do not end when the winner is announced. The real test of leadership

begins afterward. Elected representatives must work hard, communicate with the people they

represent, and accept responsibility for their decisions. Voters should also remain engaged by

asking questions and providing constructive feedback.

Ultimately, elections are about more than winning or losing. They are about giving people a

voice and choosing individuals who can serve their communities responsibly. Whether an

election takes place in a classroom, a school auditorium, or an entire country, informed voters

and responsible candidates help make the process meaningful. A strong election is not simply

one that produces a winner; it is one that encourages participation, fairness, and better

leadership.

Citations: 

 Vrotsos, L., & Zhang, C. (2026, October 9). Why overanalyzing the early vote can be misleading. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/09/us/elections/early-voting-data-issues.html. 

Short Term verus Long Term Good by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Short Term verus Long Term Good by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Every day, people make decisions that involve choosing between what feels good now and

what will benefit them later. Whether it is studying for a test instead of playing video games,

saving money instead of buying something unnecessary, or practicing a skill instead of relaxing,

these choices can be difficult. Short-term rewards are often more appealing because they

provide immediate satisfaction. However, long-term benefits can have a much greater impact on

a person's future.

One common example is schoolwork. Imagine a student who has an important test coming up

but would rather spend the evening watching television. Watching a show may provide

immediate enjoyment, while studying requires effort and concentration. Although relaxing is

important, repeatedly choosing entertainment over preparation can lead to poor results and

unnecessary stress. On the other hand, setting aside time to study can improve understanding,

build confidence, and make future assignments easier. The temporary sacrifice can lead to

lasting benefits.

Sports provide another example of this idea. An athlete who wants to improve cannot rely only

on natural ability. Improvement requires consistent practice, patience, and a willingness to learn

from mistakes. Skipping practice might feel enjoyable in the moment, but regularly avoiding

difficult work can slow progress. Athletes who focus on gradual improvement often develop

stronger skills and greater confidence over time. The same principle applies to learning a

musical instrument, developing a new hobby, or building any other skill.

Financial decisions also demonstrate the importance of thinking ahead. Spending money

immediately may provide happiness, but saving some of it can create opportunities in the future.

Someone who saves regularly may eventually be able to purchase something important or

handle an unexpected expense. This does not mean that people should never spend money on

things they enjoy. Instead, it means balancing present enjoyment with future needs.

However, choosing long-term benefits does not mean sacrificing every enjoyable moment. Rest,

entertainment, and time with friends are also important. Constantly working without taking

breaks can lead to exhaustion. The goal is to find a healthy balance between enjoying today

and preparing for tomorrow.

Ultimately, the choices people make repeatedly shape their future. One small decision may not

seem important, but consistent habits can create significant results. Before making a decision, it

can be helpful to ask two questions: What will this choice give me today, and how might it affect

me later? Thinking beyond immediate satisfaction allows people to make decisions that support

their goals, relationships, and well-being. Sometimes, the best reward is not the one we receive

immediately, but the one we earn through patience and effort.

Safety over fun by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Safety over fun by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannany 

Everyone enjoys having fun. Whether it is playing sports, riding amusement park attractions,

exploring new places, or participating in activities with friends, excitement is an important part of

life. However, sometimes the desire to have fun causes people to ignore potential dangers. In

these situations, an important question arises: Is a few moments of excitement worth putting

yourself or others at risk? Choosing safety over fun may not always be the most exciting

decision, but it is often the wisest one.

One reason people take unnecessary risks is peer pressure. When friends encourage someone

to try something dangerous, refusing can feel embarrassing. A person might worry about being

called boring, scared, or overly cautious. As a result, they may agree to participate in an activity

they know is unsafe. However, real confidence means being able to make independent

decisions, even when others disagree. A good friend should respect someone's decision to stay

safe rather than pressure them into taking risks.

Another problem is that people sometimes underestimate the consequences of their actions.

They may believe that accidents only happen to other people or that a risky activity will be

harmless because it worked out previously. Unfortunately, past success does not guarantee

future safety. Ignoring protective equipment, disobeying instructions, or acting carelessly can

have consequences that last much longer than the excitement itself.

Safety does not mean avoiding every adventure. In fact, many exciting activities can be enjoyed

responsibly. Wearing a helmet while cycling, following instructions at an amusement park, using

proper equipment during sports, and staying with trusted companions while exploring are simple

ways to reduce unnecessary risks. By taking reasonable precautions, people can still enjoy

themselves without placing themselves or others in danger.

It is also important to remember that safety is a shared responsibility. One person's careless

decision can affect friends, family members, and even strangers. For example, a distracted

driver does not put only themselves at risk; they endanger everyone sharing the road. Thinking

about how our choices affect others encourages us to act more responsibly.

Ultimately, fun should make life better, not put it in danger. A few moments of excitement are

not worth consequences that could last for months or years. The next time you face a choice

between an exciting but dangerous activity and a safer alternative, remember that saying no

does not make you weak. It shows that you value yourself and the people around you. The

smartest decision is the one that allows everyone to enjoy the moment and return home safely.

Road Trips by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Road Trips by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan 

For many families, a road trip is more than simply traveling from one place to another. It is an

opportunity to explore new destinations, spend time together, and create memories that last for

years. From listening to music and playing car games to visiting unfamiliar towns and trying new

foods, road trips can turn an ordinary weekend into an exciting adventure. However, the best

road trips require preparation, patience, and a willingness to enjoy the journey rather than

focusing only on the destination.

One of the most important parts of planning a road trip is preparation. Before leaving, travelers

should plan their route, check the weather, pack necessary supplies, and make sure the vehicle

is ready for the journey. Bringing snacks, water, comfortable clothing, and entertainment can

make long drives more enjoyable. Planning stops along the way can also help travelers discover

interesting attractions that they might otherwise miss. Sometimes, an unexpected stop becomes

the highlight of the entire trip.

Of course, road trips do not always go according to plan. Traffic jams, bad weather,

construction, and unexpected delays can quickly change a schedule. When these problems

occur, it is easy to become frustrated. However, getting upset rarely solves the problem.

Remaining patient, adjusting the schedule, and finding alternatives can make the experience

much more pleasant. A flexible attitude allows travelers to appreciate the adventure, even when

things do not go perfectly.

Safety must also remain a priority. Everyone should wear a seat belt, and drivers should follow

traffic laws, avoid distractions, and take breaks when tired. Passengers can help by keeping the

driver focused and behaving responsibly. Arriving safely is far more important than reaching a

destination a few minutes earlier.

Most importantly, road trips provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships. Conversations

during long drives, laughter over silly games, and shared experiences at new places can bring

families and friends closer together. These moments often become treasured memories long

after the trip ends.

Ultimately, a successful road trip is not measured only by the distance traveled or the number of

attractions visited. It is measured by the experiences shared along the way. With proper

planning, a positive attitude, and responsible decisions, the journey itself can become just as

memorable as the destination.