The Sci-Fi Dream We Aren't Ready For by Nandan Kamalakannan

 The Sci-Fi Dream We Aren't Ready For by Nandan Kamalakannan

Since the dawn of science fiction, we've been promised flying cars. Every retro-futuristic cartoon

and movie assured us that by the 2000s, we'd be zipping through the clouds instead of sitting in

rush hour traffic. Well, it took a bit longer than expected, but on October 15, 2026, Elon Musk

officially proved that the sci-fi dream is possible.

During a livestreamed event in Waco, Texas, Tesla unveiled its highly anticipated second-

generation Roadster, and it actually took flight. Instead of just rolling onto a stage, the car sped

up a massive curved ramp, drove upside down, and launched itself into the air using high-

pressure gas boosters before landing safely. Musk kept it simple, telling the audience, "Flying

cars are real".

From an engineering and physics perspective, it is undeniably mind-blowing. The car is

essentially a hybrid of automotive and aerospace engineering, utilizing cold-gas thrusters

developed by SpaceX to achieve lift. The idea that a commercially produced sports car could

generate enough thrust to temporarily defy gravity feels like something ripped straight out of a

comic book.

However, just because we can build a flying car doesn't necessarily mean we should give the

general public access to one.

When you really think about the logistics, the concept of thousands of people operating thrust-

powered vehicles on their morning commutes is absolutely terrifying. We already struggle to

navigate standard, two-dimensional roads. We deal with aggressive drivers, people who forget to

use turn signals, and the chaotic unpredictability of four-way stops. Imagine taking all of that

human error and adding a Z-axis. Even Musk himself admitted during the presentation that the

new Roadster is "not necessarily a safety-optimized car," joking that it "takes the fun meter to 11

out of 10".

Furthermore, the flying model isn't even approved for public road use yet, though Tesla plans to

start production in 2028. It raises endless logistical questions. How do you regulate airborne

traffic? What happens when a cold-gas thruster misfires over a crowded intersection? If people

can barely parallel park, how are they going to handle a controlled landing from thirty feet in the

air?

There is no denying that the flying Roadster is a spectacular technological flex. It proves that the

boundaries of what is possible in automotive design are meant to be pushed. But as much as the

sci-fi fan in me wants to see flying cars filling the skies, the rational person who has ever

witnessed a chaotic grocery store parking lot on a Saturday afternoon knows the truth: we

definitely need to master driving on the ground before we start launching ourselves over traffic

jams.

Work cited:

"Explained: Here's How the Tesla Roadster Flies, Flips, and Sucks." Car and Driver, 16 Oct.

2026, www.caranddriver.com/news/a74165059/tesla-roadster-thrusters-fan-system-explained/.

The Messy Reality of Human Genetics by Nandita Kamalakannan

 The Messy Reality of Human Genetics by Nandita Kamalakannan

When we first learn about genetics, it is usually introduced through the story of a monk named

Gregor Mendel and his pea plants. We are taught to draw little four-box grids called Punnett

squares, and we learn that genetics is a simple game of dominant and recessive. Brown eyes beat

blue eyes. Red flowers beat white flowers.

It makes the science feel neat, organized, and perfectly predictable. But when you look at actual

human traits, you quickly realize that our DNA is infinitely more chaotic than a simple four-box

grid.

Take human height, for example. If height were a simple dominant or recessive trait, we would

all just be two distinct sizes. You would either be "tall" or "short," with no in-between. Instead,

human height is on a massive spectrum. This is because height is what scientists call a

"polygenic" trait. There isn't just one "height gene" that you inherit from your parents. In fact,

researchers have discovered that there are over 700 different gene variants that influence how tall

you will grow to be.

When your DNA is deciding your height, it isn't flipping a single coin; it is essentially hosting a

massive committee meeting with hundreds of different genes, all arguing over exactly where you

should fall on the ruler. This is why genetics can feel so random, and why you can end up

towering over both of your parents, or looking up at a sibling who got a completely different

shuffle of the genetic deck.

To make things even more complicated, your genes only set a "ceiling" for your potential.

Whether or not you actually reach that genetic maximum depends heavily on your environment.

Things like childhood nutrition, illnesses, and even how much sleep you get while you are

growing play a massive role in bone development. You could inherit the genetic code to be over

six feet tall, but without the proper biological building blocks, you will never actually reach that

height.

It is easy to think of DNA as a strict, unchangeable blueprint. But in reality, genetics is a messy,

highly unpredictable lottery. We aren't just simple combinations of dominant and recessive traits;

we are incredibly complex biological puzzles shaped by hundreds of variables and the world

around us. So the next time you look in the mirror, you can appreciate the absolutely chaotic

math that went into building you.

Sources Cited:

"Is Height Determined by Genetics?" MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, 8 July 2022,

medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/height/ .

"How Much of Human Height Is Genetic and How Much Is Due to Nutrition?" Scientific

American, 11 Dec. 2006, www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-much-of-human-

height/ .

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.