Halls Without You, a poem By: Sachi Dixit

 Halls Without You

By: Sachi Dixit

We laughed through middle school hallways

Shared secrets between classes

And giggled during lunch

You were always there

Now you’re at a new school

The halls feel different

Classrooms feel empty

Jokes aren’t as funny

Everything feels quieter

I try to call, text, reach you

But it’s not the same

You’re somewhere else

Learning new things, making new friends

And I’m still here

Missing the way it used to be

I guess people grow

Things change

But middle school felt endless

Because of you

Why You Should Read “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, by Kavin Sivakumar

 Why You Should Read “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe

Kavin Sivakumar

“The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story that is filled with suspense, psychological tension, and important lessons that remain relevant as people grow older. One important aspect of the story is how the narrator talks directly towards the reader which creates an unsettling tone when reading. I believe that this way of narrating the story makes it more interesting and this way of telling the story can also help us better understand the narrator. 

One of the reasons that I would recommend this short story to others is because the plot of the book is simple and easy to understand while reading. However, the way that the story is told is what makes it interesting since everything isn’t given to you and you have to think a little while reading the book to get a better understanding of it. The story contains a couple of words that aren't commonly used but it isn’t hard to understand what the story is trying to say so it makes the reader focus while reading the story to be able to understand what the story is saying. 

Another reason I would recommend “The Tell Tale Heart” is that the story is short enough to read in under half an hour, but there is a lot to think about after reading the story. Even though the story is a couple of pages long it still manages to get the reader to feel emotions such as suspense, tension, and stress which makes the story more interesting. The story also manages to show the type of person the narrator is without directly saying it because of the way that the story is told. 

The lessons that are learned while reading “The Tell Tale Heart” are also important for people to know about. One of the important lessons in the story is how you shouldn't allow your emotions to control you and make decisions for you. The main character in this story does something that he would later regret doing because he allowed his emotions to get the better of him, and all of this guilt that he felt after doing what he had done took over him and he confessed to his actions. Which shows that you shouldn't allow your emotions to control you or else you might do something that you are going to regret. 

Overall, “The Tell Tale Heart” is a great short story to read if you have some time to spare. The story manages to keep you attention while reading and it also makes you think while reading the book. It brings out emotions such as suspense, tension, and brings an unsettling vibe while being only a couple of pages long. All of these factors are what makes “The Tell Tale Heart” such an amazing story to read. 

Why Stranger Things Finale Was Underwhelming By: Sachi Dixit

 Why Stranger Things Finale Was Underwhelming

By: Sachi Dixit

After years of hype, theories, and dedication, the Stranger Things finale left many fans

disappointed, including me. I’m not saying it was extremely bad, but it just wasn’t the

strongest ending, as everything just felt too perfect and easy.

For example, the final battle between the main characters and Vecna was barely 10

minutes long, which felt rushed after seasons of buildup. The fight ended too quickly,

making the villain seem less powerful than he did before. After everything the characters

went through, this final battle should have been more meaningful, instead of being

incredibly easy to win.

Another issue was that there were very few real consequences. Most of the main

characters survived, and everything wrapped up too perfectly. This made the danger feel

less and didn’t make the ending as emotional. Everything was played too safely; instead

of shocking the audience, the plot was easy to follow, which was strange since in

previous seasons this was never the case.

Overall, I still love this show, and I appreciate everything it gave us over the years,

from awesome characters to iconic moments. Even though the finale wasn’t as powerful

as I hoped, this show will always have a special place in my heart.

Why Shes the Man is a top 10 comfort movie By: Sachi Dixit

 Why Shes the Man is a top 10 comfrot movie

By: Sachi Dixit

Shes the Man is a romantic comedy about Viola, a girl who pretends to be her

brother so she can play on a boys' soccer team. While disguised, she ends up at a new

school, makes new friends, and falls for her roommate, Duke. At the same time, Duke

likes another girl, who is actually Viola in disguise. This chaotic mix-up leads to several

awkward and funny moments until the truth finally comes out.

The main reason why, Shes the Man is a comfort movie is that it’s so funny. The

jokes are constant, and the awkward situations Viola gets into cracks me up every single

time! This movie just sucks you into the humorous plot, which makes it easy to watch

without thinking too hard.

Another reason the movie is comforting is that it has a predictable but satisfying

storyline. You know everything will work out in the end, which makes it relaxing to

watch. The romance is sweet, not stressful, and the characters are easy to like. It’s the

kind of movie you can keep rewatching and still enjoy every single time.

Overall, Shes the Man is a great comfort rom-com because it's hilarious, familiar,

and makes you feel good. It combines comedy, romance, and a perfect happy ending. I

would recommend this movie to anyone who needs a good laugh.

My Mom, an article By: Sachi Dixit

 My Mom

By: Sachi Dixit

My mom shows up,

no excuse, no hesitation

When things are loud,

she makes them quiet.

When I’m tired,

she already knows.

She does a million things

and never asks for credit.

She holds everything together

without making it obvious.

I don’t always say thank you.

but I never forget

everything she does for me

She’s my comfort,

my backup plan,

my home.

My mom is the best

not because she’s perfect

but because she’s there when it actually matters

Eid-al-Fitr vs. Eid-al-Adha, an article by Hanaa Haleem

 Eid-al-Fitr vs. Eid-al-Adha by Hanaa Haleem

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month where we fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset in order to express gratitude for the nourishment and privileges given to us. One of the sunnahs (practice of the Prophet Muhammad) is to eat an odd number of dates before going to prayer, a tradition my family commits to each year. We begin with a morning prayer at a local park, where everyone greats with warm smiles and joyful “Eid Mubaraks.”

After prayers, my family gathers at home for brunch with relatives and family friends. We begin with appetizers like spring rolls and samosas, perfectly spiced and crispy. The main breakfast consists of flaky parotta, tender goat curry with naan bread, chilli chicken, and aromatic biryani. The meal is accompanied by conversations with our family friends, often telling horror stories from their jobs and nostalgic memories from our childhood. 

Finally stuffed, we move into our post-brunch nap and call relatives from back home. Another tradition is Eidi, the gift of cash for younger kids. Although I have had the privilege of receiving this most years, it is nearly my time to give it out instead.

The celebration continues with a dinner party at a family friend’s house, following a similar format but with new dishes and desserts. Chatter increases with laughter, and the air fills with the aroma of sweet treats, creating a cozy atmosphere to end the night. These moments, spent with family, friends, and food, make Eid a shared experience of gratitude, joy, and community. The best feeling arrives with thinking of this as a reward after fasting for 30 days, making the first bite of food feel extremely nourishing and fulfilling.

Eid-al-Adha, though celebrated with a different intention, shares a similar rhythm of bonding. Preparation begins three days in advance, as my parents clean and cook Qurbani meat, a goat sacrificed in respect to Prophet Ibrhaim, who sacrificed his son through the command of God. This holiday marks the conclusion of the ten days of pilgrimage in Makkah and Medinah, also known as Hajj. Those days give the opportunity to earn more blessings from Allah by participating in voluntary fasting, making this Eid feel like a reward too. The celebration also revolves around salams and mubaraks (greetings), traditional foods mentioned previously, and chatter. Overall, it serves as a time for reflection, generosity, and appreciation for each sacrifice and blessing.

It Just took a Look at my Future Self, an article by Hanaa Haleem

 It Just took a Look at my Future Self by Hanaa Haleem

Moving back to a wedding I attended in Texas, the second day (official day of marriage) was filled with socializing, particularly with the bride’s friends. Most of the girls weren’t close to my age, so I naturally went toward those in college or work. I expected casual conversations, but I was in for a surprise—one that would lead to a long-term mindset shift. I had no idea that a simple conversation with a graduate now working in IT accounting would change my perspective going forward in high school and my future.

“Am I looking into a mirror right now?” she asked with a hint of confusion.

“Oh, what do you mean?” I responded.

“I’m so confused, it feels like I just saw my younger self. I also used to wear glasses and a nose piercing like you.”

Still puzzled, I asked her to elaborate, and she described how she sees her younger self in me and finds that healing as if she reconnected with her inner child. We continued  chatting casually, and I learned that she had just graduated college this year at 20 years old and was already working at an accounting firm. 

Knowing that she complimented me by mentioning our resemblance and was able to get to her current state through discipline and dedication, I felt comfortable sharing my own doubts about the future. She advised that her drive for studying and working efficiently came from focusing on the long-term, rather than temporary moments of satisfaction. She related the pressure of being trying to be perfectly well-rounded during high school, but emphasized on perspective shifts on what truly matters. 

Our conversation lasted only about thirty minutes, but its impact remains today. Walking away, I felt a new sense of hope and appreciation after seeing my future self reflected in someone I had just met. This makes my own life path feel achievable and serves as a reminder that dedication and perspective can turn uncertainty into opportunity.