Road Trip to Thekaddy, Kerala by Hanaa Haleem

Road Trip to Thekaddy, Kerala by Hanaa Haleem

This year, I finally got to travel outside of Tamil Nadu during my three week stay in India. With my younger cousins, parents, and grandmother (mother’s side), we drove 8 hours to Kerala from our hometown in Tamil Nadu. We first began with a boat ride with nothing special but a view of buffalos and a sunny lake similar to the one near my house. 

The food was way different than I expected as I am used to high spice content, meaning that biryani tasted really plain to me during this trip as I am used to it being cooked very spicy. 

Day 2 was the big highlight. My parents and I went hiking up stairs that led us to a big statue which represented ancient tribes in India. I also exchanged a small conversation with a street food vendor selling mango, who shared about her hometown. Later, my dad and I rode an elephant that I struggled to climb onto as I was scared of falling, but the ride turned out to be fun after all. 

What stood out to me the most was the cleanliness of public places and English fluency within many people in Kerala. I felt like for once, I can survive in India without fluency in my native language despite finally learning it better within the many places I went to this year. I am definitely homesick for the street kuttu porottas (chopped spicy flatbread) and endless greenery within every spot I travel to. 

Annotating was NOT what I thought it was by Hanaa Haleem

  Annotating was NOT what I thought it was by Hanaa Haleem

8th grade me in social studies about to take my annotation quiz: Excited knowing that I finally get to use my aesthetic highlighters and romanticize schoolwork. Same thing in writing class where we were required to annotate the story we wrote an essay about. Flash forward to a year later — JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte makes its first appearance in my hands after purchasing it from my Honors English class. 

Knowing that I thrived doing annotations in writing and social studies last year, I had high hopes for how to annotate it over fall break. “Tis is so easy, it's just playing around with cute highlighters while reading arnold story from the 1600s”----WRONG! Honors English annotations? Yup, that's a whole other thing. It is not aesthetic at all. It takes a large time commitment and thought as you annotate each line of text and interpret it.

I remember how I thought I would be able to get ahead in my annotations since we were given about 10 days to annotate 5 chapters, but annotating 10 pages itself felt too long already since I had to really think and understand the text instead of just highlighting it. This continued to feel more dreading like a chore as we got farther into the book, and I remember my only goal being to finish annotating the required pages than to actually sit and understand it as it was hard to make time for it already. 

A month later, I was finally relieved once we were done with the book. From then on, annotating any other book felt like light work as I reminded myself of how I was able to annotate that difficult of a book (500+ pages btw). 

For any freshmen in honors english reading this, here are some tips I have:

• Just annotate with one pen instead of using multiple. 

• Do not write big paragraphs in the margin. Instead, write small phrases summarizing the section you just annotated

• Bookmark the pages you believe are VALUABLE for discussion and writing about in your LAPs

• When in class discussion, use a separate pen (preferably red or blue ink) to write down new ideas you came across in, which you can also use to expand your LAP analysis too

Setting Boundaries by Hanaa Haleem

 Article #1- Setting Boundaries by Hanaa Haleem

Finally made it clear that someone’s action does not comply with your personal boundaries and believed it came across as mean? Well it really didn’t, as setting boundaries are extremely important in maintaining quality friends and peace. Some things to consider when setting them are the extent to which/what you are willing to help with, when you are available, what topics you are comfortable/uncomfortable with discussing, etc. 

Throughout middle school and freshman year, I always did as people asked, regardless of how it made me feel. There were moments where I could no longer take the demand of someone consistently asking for study help, but still helped them as I believed I was a bad friend for not assisting them with what they needed. Over time, I realized that this was extremely draining and did not do me any favor but feeling pressured into spending more time helping people that frequently pass my boundaries instead of putting time into doing valuable things for myself.

As I could no longer take it anymore, I began to keep my friend circle tight and make my boundaries clear to those who do not follow them, regardless of their opinion, because I knew that protecting my peace mattered more than keeping a friend who appears nice but will be draining long-term. Yes, I do feel more lonely sometimes as I have lost more friends over the years, but it has come to my realization that a small circle of quality, compatible friends is better than having many friends who just take advantage of you for their own good. 

Why Being Busy Is Not the Same as Being Productive by Aaliyah Sharma

 Why Being Busy Is Not the Same as Being Productive

  These days, it feels like everyone is busy all the time. Students talk about packed schedules, late nights, and the constant feeling of having no time for anything, almost as if being overwhelmed is something to be proud of. There is this strange pressure to look constantly occupied, as if rest or free time means you are not trying hard enough. However, being busy does not always mean you are being productive. Sometimes being busy simply means you are spreading yourself thin without actually moving forward in a meaningful way.

  There is a big difference between doing a lot and doing what matters. Filling every hour of the day might seem impressive from the outside, but that does not guarantee progress or learning. Productivity has more to do with purpose than with the amount of activity. When you are too busy, it becomes easy to confuse motion with momentum. You may check items off a list, but that does not mean any of them brought you closer to your goals. A full schedule might look successful, but it can leave you feeling empty if none of the tasks were meaningful.

  I have noticed how easy it is to fall into that trap as a student. Between homework, clubs, sports, volunteering, and social expectations, it is possible to stay constantly active without ever feeling truly accomplished. Many students push themselves to do everything, believing it will make them more successful, yet they end up exhausted and stressed. Real productivity comes from balance. It means working smarter, not harder, and knowing when to pause. Taking breaks, setting priorities, and giving full effort to a few important tasks can lead to much stronger results than trying to do everything at once.

  Another issue is that the culture around busyness makes people feel guilty for resting. Students often brag about getting very little sleep or juggling multiple commitments, which creates a competition over who can handle the most pressure. This attitude makes it harder to acknowledge when you need a break. Rest is viewed as wasted time instead of something that actually improves focus and motivation. In reality, rest is a crucial part of productivity. Without it, your work becomes less efficient, and your creativity and patience suffer.

  Instead of trying to fill every second, it may be more helpful to focus on what truly deserves our energy. Being busy might impress people for a moment, but being balanced is what makes success sustainable. Productivity is not about doing the maximum amount of work. It is about choosing the work that matters most and giving yourself permission to slow down when you need to. In the end, it is not about how much you do. It is about why you do it and whether it brings you closer to becoming the person you want to be.

The Best Conversations Happen in Cars at Night by Aaliyah Sharma

 The Best Conversations Happen in Cars at Night

  There is something about late-night car rides that makes people open up in ways they rarely do anywhere else. The dark sky, the quiet roads, and the soft glow from the dashboard create an atmosphere that feels separate from everyday life. Conversations that might feel awkward or forced during the day suddenly flow naturally. The car becomes its own little world where time seems to slow down and honesty feels easier.

  One of the reasons these moments feel so special is the lack of pressure. When you are sitting in a car, you are both facing forward, which removes the weight of constant eye contact. Without the usual social expectations, it becomes simpler to talk about things that really matter. You can share fears, hopes, frustrations, or memories without feeling like you are making a big announcement. The conversation unfolds naturally, almost without you noticing how deep it has become.

  There is also something comforting about the mix of silence and music during night drives. Some of the best moments are when no one speaks but the playlist fills the space with songs that match the mood. Other times, a serious topic turns into a joke or laughter without losing its meaning. These moments remind you that connection does not need to be planned. It can happen in the most ordinary places as long as the atmosphere feels right.

  Night car rides are also unique because they feel private and temporary at the same time. It is a shared space that only exists for the length of the drive. Once the car stops and the doors open, the spell breaks and the conversation returns to the real world. Maybe that is what makes those moments feel honest. You know they cannot be repeated exactly the same way, so you let your guard down while you can.

  Maybe that is why the best conversations happen in cars at night. In those small moments between streetlights and songs, you are not just traveling from one place to another. You are being understood by someone who is willing to share the quiet, the thoughts, and the passing miles with you. Night drives remind us that connection does not need a perfect setting. Sometimes all it takes is the road, the dark sky, and the right person beside you.

Iceland and its Wonders By: Mridula Murugan

 Iceland and its Wonders

By: Mridula Murugan

If you’re looking for a secluded yet beautiful place to visit, look no further. Iceland has all of this and more. One of the first choices you’ll make when planning your trip is figuring out exactly when to go. If you go to Iceland, you will get the opportunity to pick a season to visit, and depending on that, your entire trip will offer a completely different visual experience. If you go in the summer, you’ll get 24 hours of daylight! You can maximize your time spent out on the road, hiking, and generally exploring the amazing wildlife and landscapes in Iceland. There’s something exciting about knowing you won’t “run out” of daylight before you get to your next waterfall or overlook, instead getting unlimited time to see all the beautiful corners of Iceland otherwise hidden in the dark.

On the other hand, if you go in the winter, the landscapes will be covered in snow, and the terrain will transform as you look at the northern lights. This is a much more otherworldly experience and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland. Winter brings its own kind of adventures, including natural ice caves, steaming hot springs with so much snow, and quiet roads that stretch across the country. In addition, you can explore other unique experiences, taking advantage of the fact that Iceland has become Europe’s whale-watching capital in recent years, home to over 20 species of whales. Don’t forget about the numerous national parks, diving and snorkeling tours, and other impressive terrain that you can explore! Iceland’s national parks are different than any you could find elsewhere, with volcanoes and glaciers, too!

Iceland is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. I can’t wait for the next opportunity I’ll have to fly to Iceland, but until then, I’ll keep working towards it so I get the chance to see this beautiful island!

Works Cited

“Top 13 Reasons to Visit Iceland.” Guide to Iceland, guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/13-reasons-to-visit-iceland. 

Students Should Not Be Expected to Be “Morning People” by Aaliyah Sharma

 Every weekday morning, millions of students wake up before the sun even rises, not because they feel energized or ready to learn, but because school schedules force them to. The assumption that students should be alert, focused, and positive by 7:30 a.m. does not match the reality most teenagers experience. Early mornings do not simply make students tired. They make it harder to learn, pay attention, and start the day with any sense of motivation.

  Research has consistently shown that teenagers naturally have later sleep cycles. This is not laziness or lack of discipline. It is a biological shift that happens during adolescence, causing teens to fall asleep later and wake up later. Forcing teenagers into early morning classes means forcing them to work against their own bodies. Expecting high performance at dawn is like asking someone to run a race before they have even opened their eyes fully. It sets students up to struggle before the day even begins.

  The effects of early start times do not stop at tiredness. They create a domino effect that influences everything else. Students lose focus, grades can drop, and overall mood becomes worse, which affects how students behave and learn. Many students rely on caffeine just to stay awake in their first classes, even though they are still half asleep. By the time some students reach their second or third class, their brains are only beginning to function properly. It is unfair to judge a student’s effort, intelligence, or participation when the schedule itself is working against their ability to think clearly.

  Many students also experience increased stress because of early schedules. When teenagers go to sleep late due to homework, extracurriculars, or responsibilities at home, waking up early becomes even harder. The lack of rest makes school feel overwhelming and exhausting, and it reduces the time students have for activities that support mental health, such as spending time with family, exercising, or relaxing. A school day that begins too early affects students long after the first bell rings.

  If schools truly want students to perform well, they should pay attention to what the science shows. Adjusting start times even by one hour could lead to better attention, higher grades, more energy, and healthier students. Not everyone is a morning person, and school should not be designed only for those who are naturally early risers. A later start time would support the way teenagers actually function, instead of forcing them to act awake long before they really are.    

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Schools Start Too Early,” 2015.