Why We Say We’re Going to Sleep Early (But Never Actually Do) by Aaliyah Sharma

Why We Say We’re Going to Sleep Early (But Never Actually Do) by Aaliyah Sharma Almost everyone has said it at some point: “I’m going to sleep early tonight.” In the moment, it feels like a completely rational, responsible choice after a long day. I always imagine this ideal scenario where I get to bed at a reasonable hour, wake up feeling fully refreshed, and finally get a head start on my day. But despite my best intentions, it rarely actually happens. Instead, the evening hours just slip away, and before I know it, it is much later than I ever planned. In my opinion, a big part of why this happens is because the night feels like the only time that truly belongs to us. Throughout the day, our schedules are driven by external demands: classes, homework, and everyone else's expectations. But at night, everything finally slows down. The immediate pressure to be productive vanishes, and nobody is expecting anything from you. That sense of total freedom makes it incredibly hard to just give up the night, even when you know you're going to pay for it the next morning. Another major issue is how effortless it is to completely lose track of time. I often tell myself I’m just going to check my phone for a quick second or watch one video before turning off the lights. But those minor decisions compound fast. One video leads to another, a few messages turn into a long conversation, and suddenly hours have passed. In the moment, staying up for "just a few more minutes" doesn't feel like a big deal, but by the time you realize what happened, it feels too late to fix your sleep schedule anyway. I also think there is a distinct sense of optimism behind planning to sleep early. It feels like a mental reset, offering a comforting idea that tomorrow will be the day you finally get your routine together. Even when I fail to follow through, just making the plan gives me a temporary feeling of control over a chaotic day. In a way, declaring that I’m going to bed early is less about the actual sleep and more about wanting to feel organized and disciplined. Ultimately, I don't think the gap between our plans and our actions is just about laziness or a lack of willpower. Instead, it shows how much we value quiet, uninterrupted personal time. When the daytime is completely packed and exhausting, the solitude of the late night becomes incredibly important. Even though it leads to being tired the next day, it’s a cycle I find myself repeating, always believing that tomorrow night will finally be the night I get it right. Aaliyah Sharma

Rewatching The Same Shows: My Ultimate Comfort Zone by Aaliyah Sharma

Rewatching The Same Shows: My Ultimate Comfort Zone by Aaliyah Sharma There is something oddly comforting about rewatching the same shows over and over again. Honestly, even with an endless sea of new releases constantly blowing up my TikTok feed, I always find myself running back to my old favorites. I know people might think it’s repetitive or even kind of boring to watch the same exact seasons on repeat, but it never feels that way to me. Between dealing with classes, homework, and just everyday drama, everything else feels so chaotic. Going back to a show I love isn’t boring. It feels easy, familiar, and honestly, pretty necessary sometimes. For me, the biggest draw is the sheer lack of stress. When I already know exactly what’s going to happen, my brain can finally just turn off. I don't have to sit there stressing over frustrating plot twists, getting anxious during intense cliffhangers, or ending up completely disappointed by a terrible finale. It's the perfect choice whether I want to actually sit down and lock in, or if I just need some comforting background noise while I’m trying to finish an essay. It’s like returning to a place where I know the layout perfectly and absolutely nothing can catch me off guard. Also, rewatching completely saves me from major decision fatigue. Sitting in front of a streaming platform trying to pick something new can feel like a whole chore. I’ve wasted way too many nights scrolling through endless menus for an hour, watching trailers, and reading reviews, only to end up giving up entirely and closing the app. Clicking on a familiar show solves that problem instantly. It’s reliable, I already know I love it, and there's zero risk of wasting my limited free time on a total flop. There’s also a huge emotional connection there that you just don't get with a brand-new show. Over time, these characters start to feel like actual friends you’re just hanging out with. I genuinely look forward to hearing their jokes, their banter, and those specific comfort scenes I basically know by heart. Watching them again isn't just about following the plot; it's about chasing that cozy, nostalgic feeling I got the very first time I tuned in. It almost transports you back to a simpler time, which is the best feeling. At the end of the day, I don't think rewatching means I'm afraid of trying new things or that I'm stuck in a rut. It’s just about choosing what makes me feel good right now. In a world that constantly demands our attention and forces us to keep up with every single new trend, retreating into a familiar story feels grounding. Sometimes, knowing exactly how the story ends isn't a bad thing at all. Sometimes, it’s exactly what you need to recharge. Aaliyah Sharma

Many People Prefer Short Videos Over Full Shows by Aaliyah Sharma

Many People Prefer Short Videos Over Full Shows by Aaliyah Sharma It is becoming more common to choose short videos over full shows, even when we have the time to watch something longer. Platforms filled with quick clips make it easy to stay entertained without committing to a full episode or movie. Instead of sitting through a storyline that takes time to build, we scroll through endless content that delivers something new every few seconds. It feels faster, easier, and somehow more satisfying in the moment. One reason short videos are so appealing is because they require almost no effort. Watching a full show means paying attention, following a plot, and staying engaged for a longer period of time. Short videos, on the other hand, do not ask for much. You can watch them while doing something else, stop at any time, or switch instantly if you lose interest. This low level of commitment makes them feel more convenient, especially when your attention span already feels limited. Another reason is the constant variety. With full shows, you are watching the same characters and story for an extended period. Short videos change every few seconds, offering something completely different each time. This variety keeps things interesting and unpredictable, which makes it easier to keep watching. There is always the feeling that the next video might be better, funnier, or more interesting than the last, which makes it hard to stop scrolling. However, while short videos are entertaining, they can also make it harder to enjoy longer content. After getting used to fast paced clips, full shows can start to feel slow or difficult to focus on. Even when you want to watch something longer, it can feel like too much effort compared to the ease of scrolling. Over time, this can change the way we consume content without us even realizing it. In the end, choosing short videos over full shows is not just about preference, but about convenience and habit. Short videos fit easily into any moment, while full shows require more time and attention. While both have their place, it is clear that short form content is shaping how we watch, think, and even focus. It may be easier, but it also raises the question of what we are giving up in the process. Aaliyah Sharma “Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022.” Pew Research Center, 10 Aug. 2022, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/. Accessed 18 May 2026. Chiossi, Francesco, et al. “Short-Form Videos Degrade Our Capacity to Retain Intentions: Effect of Context Switching on Prospective Memory.” arXiv, 7 Feb. 2023, arxiv.org/abs/2302.03714. Accessed 18 May 2026. Rajendran, Prajit T., et al. “Shorts on the Rise: Assessing the Effects of YouTube Shorts on Long-Form Video Content.” arXiv, 28 Feb. 2024, arxiv.org/abs/2402.18208. Accessed 18 May 2026

The Weird Guilt of Doing Nothing All Day by Aaliyah Sharma

 The Weird Guilt of Doing Nothing All Day

    There is a strange kind of guilt that comes from doing nothing, even when there is nothing you actually need to be doing. It usually shows up on days that are supposed to feel relaxing, like weekends or breaks, when you finally have time to slow down. Instead of enjoying it, though, there is this quiet feeling in the back of your mind telling you that you are wasting time. You might be sitting on your phone, watching a show, or just lying in bed, but instead of feeling at peace, you feel like you should be doing something more productive. It is confusing because the whole point of free time is to rest, yet it rarely feels that simple.

    Part of this guilt comes from how used to being busy we have become. During the school year, everything is structured. There are assignments, tests, activities, and constant reminders that there is always something to be done. Over time, that mindset sticks. Even when the work disappears, the feeling does not. It is almost like your brain does not know how to turn off, so doing nothing starts to feel wrong instead of normal. We begin to measure our days based on how much we accomplished, even when there is no real reason to.

    Social media makes this feeling even stronger. Every time you open an app, it seems like someone else is doing something impressive, going out, being productive, or having the perfect day. Even if you know it is not completely real, it is hard not to compare. Suddenly, your relaxing day feels like it is not enough. It creates this invisible pressure to always be doing something worth showing, as if simply resting has no value unless it looks good to other people.

    What makes this guilt so strange is that rest is actually necessary. People are not meant to be constantly productive, even if it feels like that is expected. Taking time to do nothing can help you reset, think more clearly, and avoid burnout. The problem is not the rest itself, but the way we have been taught to see it. When we treat every moment as something that needs to be used efficiently, we forget that sometimes the best thing you can do is just pause.

    In the end, the weird guilt of doing nothing says more about our mindset than our actions. It shows how deeply we have connected our worth to productivity. Learning to let go of that feeling is not easy, but it is important. Free time should not feel like a problem that needs to be solved. Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what we need, and it should be enough.

Aaliyah Sharma

Cherry, Kendra. “What Is Toxic Productivity?” Verywell Mind, 27 Sept. 2024, www.verywellmind.com/toxic-productivity-5093958. Accessed 18 May 2026.  

School Does Not Prepare Us For The Real World by Aaliyah Sharma

School Does Not Prepare Us For The Real World

    School is often presented as the foundation for our future, a place designed to prepare students for the “real world.” However, for many teenagers, that promise feels increasingly disconnected from reality. While school teaches important academic concepts, it frequently falls short in equipping students with the practical skills, emotional awareness, and adaptability needed to navigate life beyond the classroom. As a result, students may graduate with strong grades but still feel unprepared for the challenges they are about to face.

    One of the biggest gaps in the education system is the lack of real-life skill development. Students spend years learning complex equations, analyzing literature, and memorizing historical events, yet many are never taught how to manage money, understand taxes, or make informed financial decisions. Skills such as budgeting, credit management, and even basic job preparation are often overlooked. These are not optional abilities; they are essential for independence. Without exposure to these topics, students are left to figure them out on their own, often through trial and error.

    In addition to practical skills, school also tends to neglect emotional and mental preparation. The environment is heavily focused on performance, grades, test scores, and achievements, rather than personal growth. While success is important, the constant pressure can lead students to associate their self-worth with academic results. At the same time, there is little structured guidance on handling stress, failure, or uncertainty. In reality, these experiences are unavoidable parts of life. Without learning how to cope with them, students may struggle when they encounter challenges outside of school, where there are no clear rubrics or answer keys.

    Another issue is that schools often promote a narrow definition of success. Students are encouraged to follow a traditional path, excel academically, attend college, and secure a stable career. While this path works for some, it does not reflect the wide range of opportunities and passions that exist today. Creativity, entrepreneurship, and unconventional career paths are rarely emphasized in a meaningful way. This can make students feel pressured to fit into a specific mold rather than explore what truly interests them. As a result, many leave school unsure of who they are or what they want, despite having spent years preparing for their future.

    Ultimately, the problem is not that school has no value, but that its approach is incomplete. Academic knowledge is important, but it should not come at the expense of real-world readiness. To truly prepare students, education needs to go beyond textbooks and standardized tests, incorporating life skills, emotional intelligence, and opportunities for self-discovery. Until then, many students will continue to feel that while school teaches them how to succeed in the classroom, it does not fully prepare them for life outside of it.

Aaliyah Sharma

“Are States Providing Adequate Financial Literacy Education?” Brookings Institution, 18 July 2022, www.brookings.edu/articles/are-states-providing-adequate-financial-literacy-education/. Accessed 18 May 2026.  

“The Missing Curriculum: The Case for Financial Literacy in High Schools.” The Science Survey, 12 May 2025, thesciencesurvey.com/editorial/2025/05/12/the-missing-curriculum-the-case-for-financial-literacy-in-high-schools/. Accessed 18 May 2026.  

Buy, Buy, Buy! by Shuxuan Chang

 Buy, Buy, Buy!

         “ Wuuuuu”, I slammed my bedroom door shut after my family yelled at me. I was thinking about what I did wrong, why my family had just yelled at me. After I calmed down, I picked up my phone, thinking that maybe buying something could make me feel a little better.

         I opened the shopping app and began browsing, looking at cosmetics I had wanted for a long time—or perhaps those products that various bloggers had highly recommended. The moment I hit the "Buy It" button, I felt a sense of lightness wash over me—perhaps because I knew I would soon get to use this new item, or perhaps simply because shopping made me feel like I deserved something nice. Somehow, shopping gives me a kind of comfort nothing else does. 

          It’s actually strange. Whenever my friends and I feel upset—angry, stressed, or sad—we always end up wanting to reward ourselves after talking everything out. Sometimes, shopping alone is enough to make me feel better; other times, going shopping with friends after we vent to each other feels just as comforting. Yet, even when nothing is bothering me, I still enjoy shopping—though I don’t go overboard. I’ll pick up the things I actually need, and every now and then, I’ll treat myself to two or three items I simply desire—just as a little reward to myself for getting through everything. 

           Sometimes I don’t understand what’s going on inside my head. I’ve got at least a thousand different thoughts racing through my mind, and I just act on whatever pops up at the moment. *Waaah!* If I keep this up, I’m going to blow through my entire allowance! Maybe shopping never truly solves my problems, but in those moments, it gives me something to look forward to.

The Challenge of Picking a Career as a Teen by Ibrahim Rogers

 The Challenge of Picking a Career as a Teen

Occasionally, people ask me about what I would like to pursue after graduating high school. To tell you the truth, I do not have a clear answer as to what my plans for the future might look like. Even though we are pressured to select a career path long before we turn eighteen, it is important to acknowledge that any unexpected event may change our opinion. For instance, I know someone thought they would become an engineer. Now, however, he decided to pursue a degree in law instead. As for myself, I wanted to become an engineer back when I was in my freshmen year of high school, and now the idea is funny to me. 

In addition to the need to choose a profession yourself, there is also another problem that comes into play which is parental expectations. Our dear moms and dads wish nothing but the best for us; however, their expectations may place unnecessary pressure upon us. It's difficult when your parents pressure you into going into a certain career because they have done it themselves or because they believe that it will be the most financially secure path for you. You want to make them happy, but at the same time, you do not want to spend the rest of your life chasing something that doesn’t make you happy just for the sake of maintaining peace at home.

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 30% of college students switch majors at least once during the first three years of college education. If adults, who pay for their education, can’t stick to their first decision, how can we expect a teenager in high school to know everything about their future? In the end, I do believe that high school should serve you an experience of exploring and failing. If you are overwhelmed by the idea of making a career decision already at this stage, you are definitely not alone.

National Center for Education Statistics. “Beginning College Students Who Change Their Majors within 3 Years of Enrollment.” Nces.ed.gov, Dec. 2017, nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018434/index.asp.