Summer Break By: Sujal Mirchandani

 Summer Break

By: Sujal Mirchandani

# Summer Doesn't Feel Like It Used To

Summer was my favourite time of year. Back when I was younger, it seemed as though summer went on forever. I used to wake up late, spend my time playing outside, playing games and watching television, and yet the day still seemed very long.

Summer now seems a lot shorter.

I can't say whether it's due to my age or simply because I'm busier, but it seems as if summer is vanishing. You're still celebrating the end of term one moment and the next you're coming across back-to-school advertisements everywhere.

Back in my youth, summer seemed to be a big adventure; I still enjoy it nowadays, but I have more things on my mind such as college, work, studying, sports, and just trying to work out what I'm doing with my life.

It's kind of annoying.

One reason why summer seems different is that I know it won't last forever. When you're a child you don't really consider time at all; you just enjoy the day you're having.

I am always thinking about the speed at which time is moving.

At times I wish that I could return to the stage when I was a small child for a whole summer; not since things were perfect, but because I didn't worry about many things and my greatest difficulty was simply being bored.

It's almost pleasant to be getting bored.

I think that's just a consequence of growing older; things which once seemed normal now become things you miss.

I'm making an effort not to worry about the summer passing so quickly, and I really want to enjoy it while it's happening.

Before I know it I'll most likely be back in a classroom again, thinking about where the summer has got to go.

To be honest, I'm already going to say that it went far too quickly.

Procrastination By: Sujal Mirchandani

 Procrastination

By: Sujal Mirchandani

If there is one thing almost every high school student has in common, it is procrastination. We have all said, “I’ll do it later,” only to realize that the assignment is due tomorrow and we have barely started. Teachers often describe procrastination as laziness, but I do not completely agree.

Sometimes I procrastinate because I simply do not want to do the assignment. But other times, it is because I feel overwhelmed. When you have homework from several classes, a test to study for, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to know where to start. Putting everything off can almost feel easier than dealing with all of it at once.

I think another reason students procrastinate is because we expect ourselves to do everything perfectly. If I am worried that I will not do an assignment well, starting it can feel intimidating. Instead of risking doing something badly, I might convince myself that I will do it later when I have more time and motivation.

I have learned that procrastination does not necessarily mean someone does not care. Sometimes it means they are struggling to get started. Even knowing that, I still procrastinate sometimes. The difference is that I am trying to recognize when I am doing it and break the assignment into smaller pieces.

I do not think students need another lecture about how procrastination is bad. We already know. What we need is to understand why we are doing it. At the end of the day, procrastination is something I probably will never completely eliminate because I don’t think it's as big of an issue that teachers and adults make it to be. If I know that I am keeping things for the last minute but I am still able to complete them before the due date I don’t have a problem. For me, procrastination is only a problem when I am not able to fulfill a task in time because I was too lazy to start. 

Importance of screen limits by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Importance of screen limits by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Technology has become an important part of everyday life. People use phones, computers,

tablets, televisions, and video game systems for school, entertainment, communication, and

many other activities. Technology can be extremely useful, but spending too much time looking

at screens can make it harder to focus on other important parts of life. This is why having

reasonable screen time limits is important, especially for children and teenagers. Screen time

limits can help people develop healthier habits, get enough sleep, stay active, and spend more

time with family and friends.

One important reason to have screen time limits is that they can help people get enough sleep.

Many people use their phones, watch television, or play games late into the evening. When

someone stays on a screen instead of getting ready for bed, they may end up going to sleep

later than they planned. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to concentrate, learn, and

have energy during the day. Setting a time to put away electronic devices at night can help

create a better bedtime routine.

Another reason screen time limits are important is that they encourage people to be physically

active. Spending hours sitting and using a device can take time away from activities such as

playing sports, riding a bike, walking, or simply going outside. Physical activity is important for

keeping the body healthy and can also be a fun way to spend time with friends. Having limits on

recreational screen time can encourage people to find other activities that get them moving.

Screen time limits can also help people focus on schoolwork. Phones, games, social media, and

videos can be distracting when someone is trying to study or complete an assignment. A person

might plan to spend only a few minutes checking their phone but end up spending much longer

than expected. Putting devices away while doing homework can make it easier to concentrate

and finish work efficiently. This can leave more free time afterward for entertainment.

In addition, limiting screen time can help people spend more quality time with family and friends.

It is easy for everyone in a household to become focused on their own device. Family members

might be sitting in the same room but not actually talking to one another. By having times when

devices are put away, families can eat meals together, play games, talk, or participate in

activities. Spending time with other people in person helps build stronger relationships.

Screen time limits can also encourage people to explore hobbies and interests outside of

technology. There are many activities that do not require a screen, such as reading books,

drawing, playing an instrument, cooking, building things, or participating in sports. Trying

different activities can help people discover new interests and develop useful skills. If someone

spends nearly all of their free time on a screen, they may miss opportunities to discover

activities they enjoy.

However, screen time is not always bad. Technology can be useful for education,

communication, creativity, and entertainment. Students may need computers or tablets to

complete assignments, research topics, or communicate with classmates. People can also use

technology to learn new skills and stay connected with family and friends. Therefore, the goal

should not necessarily be to avoid screens completely. Instead, people should learn how to

balance screen time with other important activities.

Creating reasonable limits can make this balance easier. For example, someone might decide

to finish homework and chores before playing video games or watching a show. Families might

also choose certain times when everyone puts their devices away, such as during meals or

before bedtime. The exact rules can be different for each person because everyone's

responsibilities and schedules are different. What matters most is making sure screen use does

not take over time that should be spent sleeping, learning, exercising, or connecting with others.

In conclusion, screen time limits are important because they can help people create a healthier

balance between technology and everyday life. Reasonable limits can encourage better sleep,

more physical activity, improved concentration, stronger relationships, and more time for

hobbies. Technology is a valuable tool, but it should be used responsibly. By setting limits and

making time for activities away from screens, people can enjoy the benefits of technology

without allowing it to control their daily lives.

Muppalla, S. K., Vuppalapati, S., Pulliahgaru, A. R., & Sreenivasulu, H. (2023, June 18).

Effects of excessive screen time on child development: An updated review and strategies

for management. Cureus. National Library of Medicine.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10353947/

Money management by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Money management by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Saving money is one of the most useful habits a person can develop. Whether you are saving

for something small, like a new game or a snack, or something much bigger, like a car, college,

or a house, learning how to manage money can make reaching your goals much easier. Saving

is not simply about refusing to spend money. It is about making thoughtful choices with the

money you have and preparing for the future.

One of the first steps to saving money is understanding where your money goes. It can be

surprisingly easy to spend small amounts without noticing. Buying a snack after school, ordering

something online, or spending money on entertainment may not seem like a big deal

individually. However, when these purchases happen repeatedly, they can add up quickly.

Keeping track of your spending can help you recognize patterns and decide which purchases

are actually important.

Another important part of saving is setting a goal. Having a specific reason to save can make it

much easier to stay motivated. Instead of simply saying, “I want to save money,” you could set a

goal such as, “I want to save $100 for something I really want.” A specific goal gives you

something to work toward and allows you to measure your progress. You can even divide a

large goal into smaller milestones so that saving does not feel overwhelming.

A useful strategy is to save money before spending it. Whenever you receive money, whether

through an allowance, a gift, or a job when you are old enough, consider putting some of it aside

immediately. This is sometimes called “paying yourself first.” For example, if you receive $20,

you could decide to save $5 and use the remaining $15. Over time, these small amounts can

become a surprisingly large savings.

It is also important to learn the difference between needs and wants. Needs are things that are

necessary, such as food, clothing, and a safe place to live. Wants are things that are enjoyable

but not essential, such as expensive games, new gadgets, or certain treats. This does not mean

you should never buy things you want. Instead, thinking about whether something is a need or a

want can help you make better decisions. Before buying something, you can ask yourself, “Do I

really need this, or do I just want it right now?”

Another way to save is to avoid impulse purchases. An impulse purchase happens when

someone buys something without planning to because it looks exciting or appealing in the

moment. Waiting before making a purchase can help you decide whether you truly want it.

Sometimes, after waiting a day or two, you may realize that you would rather keep your money.

This simple habit can prevent many unnecessary purchases.

Comparing prices can also make a difference. The first price you see is not always the best

deal. Different stores may sell similar products at different prices, and sales or discounts can

sometimes reduce the cost. However, a discount does not automatically mean you are saving

money. If you spend $30 on something you did not need simply because it was “50% off,” you

are still spending $30. The best savings come from buying things you actually need or want at a

reasonable price.

Saving money is not only useful for reaching goals; it can also provide security. Unexpected

expenses can happen at any time. Having some money saved can make it easier to deal with

an emergency or an unexpected cost. Adults often try to build an emergency fund for this

reason. Even when someone is young, developing the habit of keeping some money aside can

build good financial skills for the future.

Technology can make saving easier as well. Many banking apps and budgeting tools allow

people to track their spending, set goals, and monitor their savings. However, technology is only

a tool. The most important part of saving is developing good habits and making thoughtful

decisions. A person can have the best budgeting app in the world and still struggle to save if

they constantly spend more than they planned.

One of the biggest lessons about saving money is that small actions matter. Someone does not

need to save hundreds of dollars at once to make progress. Saving a few dollars regularly can

eventually become a significant amount. The earlier a person develops this habit, the more

natural it can become.

Saving money is ultimately about making choices today that can help you tomorrow. It teaches

patience, responsibility, planning, and self-control. While spending money can provide

immediate satisfaction, saving can help people accomplish larger goals and become more

prepared for the future. By tracking spending, setting goals, avoiding unnecessary purchases,

and consistently putting money aside, anyone can begin building better money habits. Saving

may seem difficult at first, but even small steps can lead to big results over time.

Justice Beyond War? by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Justice Beyond War? by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Between 2005 and 2022, more than 105,000 children were verified by the United Nations

as recruited and used by armed groups in terrorist conflicts. The recruitment of child soldiers has

been a recurring conflict in the argument of their amnesty. Many child soldiers are coerced and

forced into terroristic actions. In spite of the fact that there is compelling proof for the guiltiness

of child soldiers, authors like Jeremy Gettleman prove that there is equally convincing evidence

to prove their innocence and need for amnesty because of their impoverished environment,

immature and indoctrinated nature, and physical vulnerability during their time as a terrorist.

Impoverished young people are often taken advantage of by armed groups because of

their indoctrinated nature and natural instinct to trust an older figure. Many law enforcements

believe that a person’s age has an important impact on how liable they are to their consequences

for an illegal action. According to the Relief Web, if a child under the tender age of 15 is deemed

too young to fight, they cannot be held criminally responsible for serious violation of the IHL

during their association with armed forces and armed terrorist groups (“Relief Web”). In light of

this analysis, though kids are recruited by terrorist groups they are merely treated as weapons

instead of humans. Personal accounts from a former child soldier explains that Democratic

Republic groups manipulate underaged and relatively low-armed kids on duty even with the

knowledge that capture, torture and potential death await them (Gettleman). When global data

and second-hand accounts are filtered into their thesis, they reveal that poverty and social

insecurity can make young-people extremely vulnerable to the merciless exploitation of armed

groups. This synthesis embarks on the fact that kids cannot receive full consequences for being a

child soldier due to their impoverished and coercive environment that makes them vulnerable to

the recruitment of armed terrorist groups. As a whole, justice systems and law enforcements are

forced to make a tough call on child soldier amnesty because their age and impoverished

environment play key roles in deciding their innocence and responsibility for their violation of

the law.

The immature and indoctrinated nature of young children are factors that attract them to

the manipulating magnet of armed terrorist groups. A webpage of debated current events, Relief

Web explains the eligibility a child soldier has in order for them to receive legal action for their

violations against the IHL. It states that if a cold soldier under the age of fifteen is deemed too

young to fight, they criminally cannot be held fully responsible for their barbaric actions. In its

pure form, this means that if a child is at an age where their brian is too immature and not fully

developed, they are consequently not fully liable for their violation against the federal law of the

convicting state. The vulnerability of kids because of their indoctrinated nature is similarity

exemplified by Jeremy Gettleman in his article about the first hand account of a former child

soldier when he revealed the harsh truth about the childrens’ so called caretakers. In the article it

explains that Democratic groups put underage and relatively low-armed children on duty even

with knowing hat capture, torture and potential death await them (Gettleman). In analysis of the

harsh reality faced by child soldiers, it is revealed that armed groups exploit them as instruments

of violence rather than recognizing them as children seeking care and protection for their war-

filled country. All things considered, child soldiers are deprived of the right to be a normal

person and are instead used as fifteen and under desensitized weapons for warfare. Because of

these factors that push them into a life of violence and blood-thirst, they rightfully deserve

amnesty for their collateral actions and cannot be wholly liable for their terroristic actions.

Vulnerable child soldiers are poorly treated by their illegal rebel groups leaders, often

forced into committing barbaric and horrendous deeds. A Sierra-Leonian child soldier, Ishmael

Beah explains his resistance to revealing his experience as a child soldier during his high school

years. Beah explains that he fears revealing his background will provoke people into judging

him, making them refuse to accept him into society thinking that he behaves the same way he

was mercilessly treated in the rebel groups camps (Beah 1:08). In analysis, though child soldiers

may look accepted in public, it is because they are hiding a lot of sentimental things that could

negatively impact their face in public. Similarly like Beah, it is in fact true that many people

refuse child-soldiers into society because they are scared of their scary past experiences. In

conclusion, just because the society is fearful of child soldiers, it doesn’t mean that rehabilitated

kids that Beah cannot fit into public. All they need is a change at amnesty and acceptance.

Although there is persuading evidence that child soldiers should receive amnesty, there is

an inferior argument to be considered. Despite the fact that the disturbed and desensitized

children are provided psychological support, Frantz explains that their “reintegration is often

fought with stigma (Frantz).” Many girls who return are shunned and segregated by their

communities, especially the ones who come back with a family of their own. This disrupts their

goal of trying to reintegrate into society, proving the point that even if the child soldiers and

reintegrated into public, their past isn’t diminished. Charlotte Frantz, author of a child soldier

article in the United Nations News explains that former child-soldiers go through serious

rehabilitation before being permitted into public life (Frantz). The children receive psychological

support and access to education, giving them a profound new way to reclaim their childhood.

When these children are rehabilitated and let back into society, people are finally able to see

good in them, giving them the justice they deserve. Ultimately, though it may seem that no

rehabilitation to any extent can bring back the good in a barbaric child-solder, the opportunity of

being reintegrated into the old communities will definitely shine the light on their dusty good

side that has been covered by a sheet of violence for so long, illuminating their bright light.

The recurring issue of child soldier amnesty rights still persists to be a highly debated

topic globally. However, in light of all this evidence, vulnerable child soldiers who have been

robbed of their childhood deserve a chance to prove themselves to society. Overall, indoctrinated

children are forced into a life full of violence with negative psychological outcomes because

armed terrorist groups exploit their natural instinct to trust an adult, impoverished environment,

and mercilessly brainwash and desensitize them of murderous actions. Without a decisive verdict

to this dilemma, countless children will continue to lose their childhood, unless the world gives

amnesty one last chance.

Works Cited

Frantz, Charlotte. “Protecting Children in War Is Key to Lasting Peace, Top UN Envoy

Warns.” UN News, 12 Feb. 2026, news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166948.

Prasow, Andrea. “The Child Soldier on Trial at Guantanamo.” Human Rights Watch, The

Daily Beast, 20 Mar. 2017, www.hrw.org/news/2010/10/27/child-soldier-trial-

guantanamo.

Strombo. “Ishmael Beah -- Child Soldier.” YouTube, 1 May 2007,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4yhPSQEzo .

Drive Safe by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Drive Safe by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Driving is an important responsibility that millions of people take on every day. Whether

someone is going to school, work, the store, or on a road trip, safety should always be the

number one priority. Careless driving can put the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other

drivers at risk. By following basic safety rules, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep

everyone on the road safer.

One of the most important parts of safe driving is staying focused. Drivers should keep their

attention on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, using social media, eating, or

changing music. Even looking away from the road for a few seconds can prevent a driver from

seeing a sudden stop or another hazard. Passengers should also avoid distracting the driver.

Following the speed limit is another important safety rule. Driving too fast gives drivers less time

to react to unexpected situations and can make crashes more serious. Drivers should also slow

down when roads are wet, icy, snowy, or difficult to see because of fog or heavy rain.

Everyone in a vehicle should wear a seat belt on every trip, even when traveling a short

distance. Seat belts help protect passengers during crashes. Younger children should also be

properly secured in the appropriate car seat or booster seat.

Drivers should never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances can

affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Drivers should also avoid driving when they

are extremely tired because being sleepy can make it difficult to stay focused and react quickly.

It is also important to be respectful of other drivers. Drivers should use turn signals, check their

blind spots, leave enough space between vehicles, and avoid aggressive behavior such as

speeding, tailgating, or cutting people off. Staying calm can prevent dangerous situations.

Finally, vehicles should be properly maintained. Drivers should regularly check important parts

such as the tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, and windshield wipers. A vehicle that is in good

condition is safer and less likely to experience a dangerous problem while driving.

In conclusion, safe driving is about making responsible choices every time someone gets

behind the wheel. Staying focused, following speed limits, wearing a seat belt, avoiding

impaired or distracted driving, and respecting others can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

Driving safely is not just about protecting yourself—it is about protecting everyone around you.

Wein, H. (2020, June 3). Safe driving. National Institutes of Health.

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/06/safe-driving

Embracing the "Ugly" Sketchbook by Nandita Kamalakannan

 Embracing the "Ugly" Sketchbook by Nandita Kamalakannan

Have you ever bought a brand-new sketchbook, opened to that crisp, white first page, and

suddenly felt completely paralyzed? Same. There’s this heavy pressure to make every single

page a masterpiece. But lately, I’ve been realizing something important: trying to be perfect is

actually ruining the fun of making art.

If you scroll through TikTok or Instagram, it’s easy to get discouraged. Every artist seems to

have a flawlessly curated sketchbook. Even their "quick doodles" look like they belong in a

museum. But what they don't show you are the hundreds of failed sketches, the weirdly

proportioned hands, or the markers that bled through the page. Social media has a habit of

making us compare our messy behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel.

That’s why I’ve started a new rule for myself: I keep an "ugly" sketchbook.

An ugly sketchbook is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a completely judgment-free zone where

the only goal is to just put pen to paper. There are no rules and absolutely zero expectations.

Want to draw a neon green dog with six legs? Do it. Want to scribble aggressively with charcoal

because you had a stressful day at school? Go for it. Tape in wrappers, test weird color

combinations, or write down your thoughts.

Art shouldn't just be about creating a pretty final product that gets a bunch of likes online. It’s

supposed to be an outlet. It’s a way to process how we feel, experiment with new ideas, and

sometimes just zone out while listening to music. When we let go of the need for everything to

look aesthetically pleasing, we actually give ourselves the freedom to improve and find our own

unique style.

So, if you’re hoarding a blank sketchbook because you’re afraid to ruin it, I challenge you to

grab a cheap pen and mess up that first page on purpose. Draw a crooked smiley face or spill

some water on it. Break the curse of the perfect blank page. I promise, the art you make after that

will be so much more authentic—and a whole lot more fun to create.