Study-Life Balance by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Studying is an important part of achieving academic success and improving overall performance

in school. When students take the time to review their notes, complete practice problems, and

prepare for tests, they build a stronger understanding of the material. This deeper

understanding helps them feel more confident when answering questions in class and taking

exams. Over time, consistent studying can lead to higher grades, better habits, and a stronger

sense of responsibility. Because of these benefits, studying is often seen as one of the most

important skills a student can develop.

However, even though studying is helpful, it can also create a lot of stress. Many students feel

pressure to do well on tests, finish homework on time, and meet expectations from teachers and

parents. When there are multiple assignments or upcoming exams, it can feel overwhelming

and exhausting. This stress can make it harder to focus, lower motivation, and even affect a

student’s mood and health. Some students may begin to feel frustrated or burned out, which

can actually make studying less effective over time.

Because of this, it is important for students to find healthy ways to manage stress. One effective

way to cope is by spending time with friends. Playing with friends gives students a chance to

step away from their work and relax their minds. Whether it is playing a sport outside, talking, or

simply laughing together, these activities can help release tension and bring a sense of

happiness. Taking a break allows the brain to rest, which can improve focus and energy when

students return to studying.

In addition, spending time with friends can improve mental and emotional well-being. Being

around supportive people helps students feel less alone when dealing with school challenges.

Friends can encourage each other, share advice, and even help one another understand

difficult topics. This support system can make a big difference, especially during stressful times.

It reminds students that they are not facing their challenges by themselves.

Another important benefit of balancing studying with time to relax is that it teaches students how

to manage their time wisely. Learning when to focus on schoolwork and when to take a break is

an important life skill. Students who create a healthy balance are more likely to stay organized,

avoid burnout, and maintain a positive attitude toward learning. This balance can also help them

enjoy school more instead of feeling constantly stressed.

Overall, studying is necessary for academic excellence, but it should not come at the cost of a

student’s well-being. By balancing studying with enjoyable activities like spending time with

friends, students can reduce stress, stay motivated, and perform better in school. Finding this

balance helps students succeed not only academically, but also emotionally and socially,

allowing them to become more well-rounded and happy individuals.

The importance of school/life balance for future career success. (2023). In Pearson plc.

https://plc.pearson.com/en-GB/news-and-insights/blogs/importance-schoollife-balance-

future-career-success

The Different Ways to Experience Music by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 The Different Ways to Experience Music

Music is a powerful and universal form of expression that has been a part of human culture for

thousands of years. It is not only entertaining, but it also plays an important role in bringing

people together and helping individuals express themselves. People from different

backgrounds, cultures, and age groups can connect through music, even if they do not speak

the same language. At the same time, music allows individuals to develop their own unique

tastes and preferences, making it both a shared and personal experience. In addition, music

can improve focus and mental clarity by blocking out distractions, reducing stress, and creating

an environment that helps people concentrate better. Because of these benefits, music is used

in schools, workplaces, and even therapy settings.

There are three main ways to experience and enjoy music: listening to songs, creating music

through singing, and making music by playing instruments. Each method offers its own unique

benefits and allows people to connect with music in different ways.

The most common way people experience music is by listening to it. With modern technology,

listening to music has become easier and more accessible than ever before. People can use

headphones, speakers, smartphones, or streaming platforms to listen to music anytime and

anywhere. Listening allows individuals to explore a wide variety of genres, such as pop, rock,

classical, jazz, and hip-hop. Each genre has its own style, rhythm, and cultural background,

giving listeners a chance to learn about different traditions and ideas. Music can also affect a

person’s mood. For example, upbeat songs can make someone feel energized and happy,

while slower, softer music can help them relax or focus. Listening to music during activities like

studying, exercising, or traveling can make those experiences more enjoyable and productive.

Additionally, live concerts and performances offer a unique listening experience, where people

can feel the energy of the crowd and connect more deeply with the music.

Another important way to experience music is through singing. Singing allows people to actively

participate in music rather than simply listening to it. It can be done alone, such as practicing or

performing, or with others in groups like choirs, bands, or casual gatherings. Singing helps

individuals express emotions in a powerful and personal way, as the voice can convey feelings

that words alone sometimes cannot. It also helps build confidence, especially when performing

in front of others. From a physical perspective, singing improves breathing, posture, and vocal

control. Many people find singing to be a fun and relaxing activity, whether they are singing their

favorite songs or creating their own. In schools and communities, singing often brings people

together, creating a sense of teamwork and unity.

The third main way to experience music is by playing instruments. This involves creating music

using tools such as the piano, guitar, violin, drums, or even digital instruments. Learning to play

an instrument requires practice, patience, and dedication, but it can be extremely rewarding.

Playing an instrument helps improve coordination, memory, and problem-solving skills, as

musicians must read notes, keep rhythm, and use both their hands and minds at the same time.

It also encourages creativity, as musicians can compose their own music or add their personal

style to existing pieces. Playing in a group, such as in a band or orchestra, teaches teamwork

and communication, as each musician must work together to create a balanced and harmonious

sound. Instruments also allow people to explore different musical traditions and techniques,

expanding their understanding of music as a whole.

In addition to these three main methods, modern technology has created even more ways to

experience music. Digital tools allow people to produce and edit music on computers, share

their work online, and collaborate with others from around the world. This has made music more

interactive and accessible, allowing more people to become creators, not just listeners.

In conclusion, music can be experienced in many ways, but listening, singing, and playing

instruments remain the most important. Each method provides a different way to connect with

music, whether it is through enjoying the sound, expressing emotions with the voice, or creating

melodies with instruments. Together, these experiences make music a powerful part of life that

can bring people together, improve well-being, and inspire creativity. As technology continues to

grow, the ways we experience music will continue to expand, but its importance in human life

will always remain strong.

Owen Mark | Staff. (2024, March 4). Different ways of listening to music. Daily Cal |

Berkeley News. https://www.dailycal.org/blogs/different-ways-of-listening-to-

music/article_53d490b6-da43-11ee-be38-5fccd1c87231.html

Too Much TV by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Too Much TV

Television has been a popular form of entertainment for many years. People watch TV to relax,

learn about the world, follow sports, watch movies, and spend time with family. Watching

television in moderation is not necessarily harmful. However, spending too much time watching

TV can negatively affect a person’s physical health, mental health, sleep, school performance,

and social life. For these reasons, it is important to balance television with other healthy

activities.

One of the biggest problems with watching too much television is that it can lead to a less active

lifestyle. When people spend several hours sitting and watching TV, they are not moving around

or exercising. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that children and

teenagers benefit from regular physical activity because it can improve their physical and mental

health. If someone spends most of their free time watching TV instead of playing sports,

walking, riding a bike, or being active outside, they may not get enough exercise.

Too much television can also interfere with sleep. Many people watch TV close to bedtime,

which can make it easier to stay up later than planned. Spending too much time on screens can

also make it harder to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Sleep is especially important for

children and teenagers because their bodies and brains are still developing. Not getting enough

sleep can lead to tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and problems with learning during the

school day.

Another concern is the effect that excessive television watching can have on schoolwork.

Television can become distracting, especially when someone watches it instead of completing

homework or studying. For example, a student might plan to watch one episode before doing

homework but continue watching for several hours. As a result, the student may finish their work

late or not have enough time to complete it carefully. Limiting TV time can help students create

more time for studying, reading, and other responsibilities.

Watching too much television can also affect social relationships. If someone spends most of

their free time watching TV, they may have fewer opportunities to communicate with friends and

family in person. Activities such as playing a sport, eating dinner together, working on a hobby,

or simply talking with family members can help people develop communication and social skills.

Television can be enjoyable, but it should not replace real-life relationships and activities.

There can also be mental effects from spending excessive amounts of time watching television.

Some television programs contain violence, unrealistic lifestyles, or other content that may

influence how viewers think about the world. This does not mean that watching TV automatically

causes these problems, but the amount and type of content a person watches can matter.

Choosing educational and age-appropriate programs can make television a more positive

experience.

However, television is not completely bad. Educational programs and documentaries can teach

people about science, history, geography, and different cultures. TV can also provide

entertainment and give people a way to relax after a busy day. The main issue is not watching

television itself, but watching too much of it and allowing it to replace important activities.

In conclusion, watching too much television can have several negative effects. It can reduce

physical activity, interfere with sleep, distract students from schoolwork, and take time away

from friends and family. At the same time, television can be useful and entertaining when it is

watched responsibly. The best approach is to create a healthy balance between screen time

and activities such as exercise, homework, reading, hobbies, sleep, and spending time with

other people. By controlling how much TV they watch, people can enjoy television without

allowing it to negatively affect their daily lives.

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Physical Activity Guidelines for School-Aged

Children and Adolescents.” CDC, www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-children/about/index.html.

American Academy of Pediatrics. “Children and Media Tips.” American Academy of Pediatrics,

www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/default.aspx.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Why Is Sleep Important?” National Institutes of

Health, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important.

American Psychological Association. “Screen Time and Children.” American Psychological

Association, www.apa.org/topics/children/screen-time.

Tech a poem by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Technology is everywhere we go,

It helps us learn and helps us grow.

From phones we hold to computers we use,

It gives us options, ideas, and news.

We wake up and check our screens,

Searching for messages and new routines.

We use technology every day,

In more ways than we can explain.

Computers help us finish our work,

Even when the answers seem to lurk.

With just a search, we can learn something new,

And find information that might help us too.

The internet connects the world,

With messages sent and pictures unfurled.

Someone far away can hear what we say,

Almost as if they were here that day.

Technology helps doctors save lives,

And helps scientists make discoveries arise.

It helps explore the ocean deep,

And study the stars while others sleep.

Robots can build and robots can clean,

Some can even work like a human machine.

Cars are becoming smarter each year,

And self-driving technology is getting near.

Artificial intelligence can learn and create,

Helping people accomplish tasks at a faster rate.

It can answer questions and help us think,

Sometimes giving answers in just a blink.

But technology isn't perfect, you see,

Sometimes it causes problems for you and me.

A computer can crash, a phone can break,

And sometimes the internet refuses to wake.

Too much screen time can take away

From talking to people face-to-face each day.

We need to remember to put screens aside,

And enjoy the real world that's right outside.

Technology is a powerful tool,

But using it wisely should be the rule.

It can help us build, discover, and learn,

If we understand the lessons we earn.

Think about how far technology's come,

From giant computers to phones that are small.

Things that once seemed impossible to do

Are now things that people can simply pursue.

And who knows what the future will bring?

New inventions and incredible things.

Maybe we'll travel to planets unknown,

Or build new machines we've never shown.

Maybe someone reading this poem today

Will invent something that changes the way

That people live, work, learn, and play,

And make the world better in their own way.

Technology starts with an idea,

A question, a dream, or something unclear.

It takes imagination, patience, and time

To turn a simple thought into something that shines.

So don't just use technology—create.

Learn from mistakes and don't be afraid.

Write the code, build the machine,

And chase the ideas that live in your dreams.

Technology isn't just screens and wires,

It's curiosity, knowledge, and desires.

It's people trying to make things better,

One new idea, one step, one letter.

The future is waiting, and who knows what we'll see?

The next great invention could start with you or me.

Because technology's story is still being written,

And the best part is—

The future hasn't been invented yet.

AI: To Be Feared? by Nandan Kamalakannan

 AI: To Be Feared?

Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere nowadays. It

can answer questions, explain difficult topics, create

images, translate languages, help write code, and even

"talk" with us. Sometimes, it seems like AI just appeared

overnight. Now it is a part of our lives.

At first, I wondered if we should be afraid of it. After all, AI

does things that used to take a lot of human effort. If a

computer can write an essay, solve a math problem, or

make a presentation in a matter of seconds, then what will

humans have to do?

But when I thought more about it, I started to look at AI a

bit differently. It doesn't have to be a competitor for

humans; it can be a tool.

Think about calculators. When they became common,

people didn't stop learning math; instead, calculators

helped people do long calculations quickly so that they

could spend more time thinking about the math problems

themselves. I think AI could work the same way. When I

don't understand an idea in class, I can use AI to help

explain it in a different way. If I am writing code in a new

language and it's not working, I can use AI to help explain

why my code isn't working. When I have an idea for a

project, but don't know how to start, I can use AI to help

me brainstorm.

I don't know what AI will look like ten years from now, but

I'm sure it will be a lot more powerful. The jobs we have

now might disappear, and new jobs that we can't even

imagine will be created. This does not need to be

frightening. Our grandparents saw television become a

common tool. Our parents saw the internet arrive. We

grew up with cell phones and social media. Now, we are

growing up with AI.

Instead of asking "Will AI replace me?" we should be

asking, "How can I use AI to be a better doer?" AI can give

us the answers, but creativity, curiosity, kindness,

responsibility, and the ability to make individual decisions

are human traits that can never be replaced.

So, I choose not to be afraid of AI; instead, I want to learn

how to use it wisely, because in the future it will not be

people who compete with technology that will succeed, it

will be those who can work with it.

All Grown Up By; Sujal Mirchandani

 All Grown Up

By; Sujal Mirchandani

I always hoped, when I was young, that growing up would be something wonderful. As a child I believed that adults could do anything they liked, stay up as late as they liked, buy anything they wanted, and no one would tell them what to do. Having grown older now, I am beginning to see that I was entirely wrong.

It's a strange sort of middle stage to be a teenager. You're not quite a child anymore, but at the same time you don't really consider yourself to be an adult. Your parents may say that you're old enough to make your own decisions, only for five minutes later to tell you to clean your room. That's confusing.

What frightens me most about growing up is having to make my own decisions. At the moment, whenever I don't know what to do I can generally ask my parents for advice, but one day I'm eventually going to have to work it out on my own and I'll have to decide where I want to live, what kind of job I want to have, and what sort of person I want to be.

To be honest, I don't know.

I believe that adults often give the impression that they have everything worked out and that they know exactly what they're doing. However, I'm now coming to the realisation that they probably don't; they simply know how to act as if they do.

I always believed that growing up happened suddenly—such as one morning waking up and finding out all at once how to do your taxes, pay your bills, cook all sorts of things, and make sound decisions. Nowadays, however, I think it must be a slow process.

You have to pick up things one step at a time.

I'm looking forward to having more freedom, but I'm also going to miss being able to rely on my parents. I don't want to mature too quickly and I'd like to enjoy my youth while I still can.

I think that growing up is simply a combination of excitement and fear. I'm not ready for all of it yet, but I suppose no one really is.

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.