What happened to the Nets??? by Ibrahim Rogers

 What happened to the nets???

Honestly, I still find it crazy how quickly the Brooklyn Nets went from being one of the favorites to win the championship to having to rebuild their team. After the 2021 season ended in such a disappointing way, James Harden was the first superstar to leave, followed by Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. All three players who were supposed to lead the Nets to a championship were eventually traded away. I was honestly disappointed with how the whole situation went. I would have loved to see that 2021 team run it back, especially after they recovered from injuries and after how close they were to making the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, the Nets failed to make it out of the first round in the next two seasons and eventually went 20-62 during the 2025-26 regular season.

Now, the Nets are in a completely different 7, but I do think there is some potential for the future. They have acquired players like Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. and drafted Mikel Brown Jr., so it's a start. Still, it is crazy to look back at how much changed in only a few years. 

What struck me about this is how this isn't the first time a great team can be doomed by injuries. Just like the Golden State Warriors did during their dynasty. A team could have everything they need to win, but injuries can change their future completely. The Nets are an example of just how quick that can happen.

The Unsung Hero by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 When it was raining cats and dogs outside, I remembered the wiggly creatures that would come

out after. Worms may be small, quiet creatures that often go unnoticed, but they are among the

most important organisms on Earth. Living mostly underground, worms perform a variety of

essential tasks that help maintain healthy ecosystems. From improving soil quality to supporting

plant growth and recycling waste, worms play a powerful role in keeping the natural world

balanced.

One of the most important contributions worms make is improving the structure and fertility of

soil. As worms move through the ground, they create tunnels that allow air and water to flow

more easily. This process, known as aeration, helps plant roots grow deeper and stronger.

Without proper aeration, soil can become compacted, making it difficult for plants to absorb the

nutrients and moisture they need. Worms naturally solve this problem simply by moving and

burrowing through the earth.

In addition to aeration, worms are also natural recyclers. They feed on dead plants, leaves, and

other organic matter found in the soil. As they digest this material, it is broken down into simpler

substances and released as worm castings. These castings are extremely rich in nutrients such

as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Because of this,

worm castings act as a powerful natural fertilizer, often improving soil more effectively than

artificial fertilizers.

Worms also play a key role in speeding up decomposition. Without worms and other

decomposers, dead organic material would take much longer to break down, causing waste to

pile up. By processing this material quickly, worms help return nutrients back into the soil,

keeping ecosystems healthy and productive. This nutrient cycle is essential for forests, gardens,

and farms alike.

Another important role of worms is their place in the food chain. Many animals rely on worms as

a major source of food. Birds, frogs, turtles, and even some mammals depend on worms for

survival. If worm populations were to decline significantly, these animals would struggle to find

enough food, which could lead to larger ecological imbalances. This shows that worms are not

just important for soil—they are also vital for supporting animal life.

Worms also contribute to sustainable living through a process called vermicomposting. In this

method, worms are used to break down food scraps and organic waste into nutrient-rich

compost. This helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while creating a valuable

resource for gardening and farming. Vermicomposting is an environmentally friendly solution

that more people are beginning to use at home and in communities.

Furthermore, worms can even help scientists understand soil health. The presence of many

worms in an area is often a sign that the soil is rich and healthy. On the other hand, a lack of

worms may indicate pollution or poor soil conditions. Because of this, worms are sometimes

considered natural indicators of environmental quality.

In conclusion, worms are far more important than their small size suggests. They improve soil

structure, recycle nutrients, support plant growth, and provide food for many animals. They also

help reduce waste and contribute to environmentally friendly practices like vermicomposting.

Although they may not always be visible, worms are constantly working beneath the surface to

support life on Earth. Protecting these simple yet powerful creatures is essential for maintaining

healthy ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future.

Work Cited

Sanya, R. E., Gyaviira Nkurunungi, Biraro, I. A., Mpairwe, H., & Elliott, A. M. (2017).

A life without worms. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and

Hygiene, 111(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/trx010

The Quiet Language of the Earth, a poem by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 At dawn, the sky exhales a gentle gold,

Spilling light across the waking land,

Where hills stretch slowly from their dreams

And rivers hum a tune both old and grand.

The trees stand tall in whispered thought,

Their leaves like pages turned by breeze,

Each branch a story, deeply wrought,

Each root a keeper of memories.

A sparrow stitches sound through air,

Threading song from branch to sky,

While clouds drift on without a care,

Soft as secrets passing by.

The grass bends low to greet the wind,

A silent bow, a green salute,

And somewhere hidden deep within,

A seed begins its steady pursuit.

Mountains rise with ancient grace,

Stone and silence side by side,

Time has etched upon their face

The patient marks of Earth’s long stride.

Rivers carve through stubborn ground,

Unyielding yet forever kind,

For though they break without a sound,

They shape the world with quiet mind.

The ocean speaks in restless waves,

A roaring hymn of ebb and flow,

It guards the secrets that it saves

In depths where only shadows go.

At twilight’s edge, the colors bloom,

A fleeting fire across the sky,

As day surrenders into gloom

And stars awaken, one by one, on high.

The moon hangs softly, pale and wise,

A lantern lit for wandering hearts,

Reflecting truths in silver skies,

A calm that night itself imparts.

The forest breathes in dusky light,

Alive with sounds both near and far,

A symphony composed by night—

Each chirp and rustle plays its part.

The wind becomes a wandering soul,

It dances over land and sea,

Unseen, yet somehow making whole

The fragile threads of harmony.

And in this vast and woven sphere,

Where life unfolds in endless art,

Nature speaks to those who hear—

Not through words, but through the heart.

For every leaf and drop of rain,

Every shadow, every ray,

Holds a truth both wild and plain:

We are not apart—we are the clay.

So walk the earth with open eyes,

Let wonder be your truest guide,

For in its quiet, vast replies,

The world will meet you from inside.

Hidden Power, a poem by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 When the morning feels heavy

And the sky is still gray,

When the world seems uncertain

And hope slips away,

There’s a quiet, soft whisper

That calls from inside—

A voice made of courage

You carry, not hide.

It says, “Keep on going,

Though the path isn’t clear,

Even small steps forward

Are victories here.”

And though doubt may linger

Like clouds in your mind,

The sun waits behind them—

Steady, warm, and kind.

Positivity isn’t

Just smiles every day,

It’s finding the strength

When things don’t go your way.

It’s rising each morning

With purpose anew,

Believing, despite it all,

In the good within you.

It’s laughter that echoes

After tears have been cried,

It’s hope that stands firm

When you’ve almost denied

That things could get better,

That light still exists—

But it shines in persistence,

In small, quiet risks.

It’s choosing to notice

The beauty nearby:

The rustle of leaves,

Or a bright, open sky.

The kindness of strangers,

A friend’s simple call,

A moment of peace

That means more than it all.

Positivity grows

Like a seed in the ground,

Needing care, time,

And patience around.

You water it daily

With thoughts that uplift,

And slowly, it blossoms—

A powerful gift.

It’s not about perfection

Or never feeling pain,

It’s dancing in sunshine

And walking through rain.

It’s knowing that storms

Will pass by someday,

And trusting the skies

Will turn bright again.

Even in darkness,

A spark can remain—

A flicker of strength

That outlasts the pain.

And when you feel lost,

Or unsure what to do,

Remember that light

Has always been you.

So speak to yourself

With kindness and care,

Replace every doubt

With a reason to dare.

Lift others beside you,

Let your spirit expand,

For joy becomes stronger

When shared hand in hand.

And step by step forward,

Through highs and through lows,

You’ll see how your confidence

quietly grows.

Because positivity

Is more than a state—

It’s a choice that you make,

And a life you create.

Why I recommend Reading Short Stories, by Kavin Sivakumar

 Why I recommend Reading Short Stories

Kavin Sivakumar

Short stories are pieces of writing that are only a couple of pages long, and are made to be able to read in one sitting. Short stories have a main plot, a couple of characters, one area where the story takes place, and one important theme that is seen throughout the entire story. In addition, short stories usually have a twist or surprise at the end which makes reading the book really interesting since you never know what is going to happen next. I believe that short stories allow people to see things in a different way, and this will allow them to be a more understanding and sympathetic person.

One of the main reasons I recommend reading short stories is because it can be used to reduce your screen time. I believe that many people my age and even some adults rely too much on their phone. In addition, most people my age use their phone for unnecessary purposes such as watching Tiktoks, instagram reels, etc and I believe that we can replace this screen time by reading short stories. Short stories offer an engaging way to spend your time, and they also tell important lessons that can change the way you see certain things. Social media might seem like the better option, but it is actually worse because it is addicting, it can affect the way you view yourself, and you can gain FOMO from always being on the app (Dalomba). On the other hand, short stories can help you better yourself and the way you look at yourself and other people. Also, short stories require you to take some time to process what you just read before jumping into the next story, which means you won’t waste your time by reading too many short stories.

Another reason I recommend reading short stories is because it gives you the opportunity to see the kind of genre that you are interested in. There are many short stories in many different genres, and if you are exploring different genres short stories are a great place to start since you can finish reading them in one sitting to see if that specific genre fits you. Reading novels will take multiple days, and if you don’t like the genre you have wasted your time since you read a book you weren’t interested in. However, if you read a short story to find the genre you like you can then find a novel in that same genre, and you can be certain that the novel you picked will keep you engaged.

Overall, I believe short stories are great to read if you have some free time or are interested in finding a genre you like. The pacing, length, and lessons that are found in all short stories make them interesting and engaging to read. Also, short stories are a great way to reduce or replace your screen time since they aren’t as addicting as social media. All of these factors are what make short stories amazing to read.

       Work Cited

Dalomba, Frances. “Pros and Cons of Social Media.” Brown University Health, Brown University Health, 1 Mar. 2022, https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/social-media-good-bad-and-ugly. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Importance of Music By: Sujal Mirchandani

 Importance of Music

By: Sujal Mirchandani

I don't think people realize how much music can change your mood. Sometimes even when you are having a good day, listening to the right song can make your day even better. 

I listen to music when I'm driving, working out, doing homework, or just sitting around. Sometimes I don't even care what I'm listening to. I just like having something playing in my ears because it lets me ignore whatever is going around in the background.

One of the things that I like about music is that it can be nostalgic. There are songs that remind you of certain times in your life, and when you listen to that song, you start to recall your old memories. For example, if you listen to a song that you used to listen to as a kid, you can still feel the emotions that are tied to that song. 

I think that's one of the coolest things about music. You don't have to explain why a song means something to you. You just know that it does. 

Sometimes I also listen to the same song like 20 times in a row. I know I'm probably going to get tired of it eventually, but for some reason I just don't care.

Music doesn't solve all your problems, obviously. But sometimes you don't need it to. Sometimes you just need something that makes a boring day feel a little less boring.

And honestly, that's enough for me.

High School Years By: Sujal Mirchandani

 High School Years

By: Sujal Mirchandani

Back in my youth, I thought that high school would take a long and stressful time to finish. At that time I believed that seniors were just adults who had already planned out what they wanted to do in life.However, since I'm now approaching senior year, I realize that I have no conception of what I'm doing. 

It's as if I've just begun high school. Initially I was concerned about making friends, getting good grades, and not getting lost, but now people are discussing college, graduation, and the kind of careers we want to have. As for me, I have none of that figured out. 

I believe that we spend too much time hoping for the next thing—freshmen hope to become sophomores, sophomores hope to become juniors, juniors hope to become seniors, and then seniors just want to graduate. We are always looking forward to something rather than simply enjoying what is going on at the moment.

I most certainly do have this flaw. Every single school year,  I've just wished that school could be over already. Yet when one considers the matter, I'm likely to miss certain aspects of it. Specifically, I'll miss sitting with my friends, laughing over silly things, complaining about our homework, and getting extremely excited whenever a teacher announces that class has been cancelled.

At the moment most of them seem rather dull, but I think they're the ones I'll end up remembering.

High school isn't always wonderful. There will be stressful days, annoying assignments, awkward situations, and exams that make you wonder why you went to school at all. Yet there are also occasional instances that make the entire experience worthwhile.

My idea is that we should give up on trying to do everything as quickly as possible; we'll eventually graduate, so there's no point in speedrunning it.

One day we could actually miss those silly little moments, and honestly that's rather crazy to consider.