Fundraisers in Swimming by Vera Soukhanovskii

Fundraisers in Swimming by Vera Soukhanovskii Charitable organizations and fundraisers play an important role in helping people that face serious illnesses and hardships. Across the country, nonprofit organizations work to raise money, spread awareness, and provide support for patients and their families. Many of these organizations rely on volunteers, students, local communities and even athletes to make a difference through events and donations. Programs such as swim across America and the Marissa Tufaro Foundation are two examples of local organizations. Through swimming events, fundraisers and Community programs these foundations support medical research and struggling families. By participating in events hosted by these organizations, students and athletes are able to support valuable causes while also having fun. Swim Across America is a nonprofit organization that aids in funding cancer patients and research through fundraisers and swims hosted to raise awareness. They were founded in 1987, and encourage swimmers of all ages and skill levels to participate in swimming events to raise money for cancer treatments and research. Their main concern is the recent decrease in funds toward cancer research, and so they primarily focus on raising money to reverse these changes. The money raised supports hospitals and research centers all across the country, helps scientists develop new treatments, and improve survival rates for patients. They also demonstrate how teamwork creates positive impacts, and also shows how anyone can do their part in aiding patients and bringing hope to families affected by cancer. Last weekend, Swim Across America hosted a fundraiser event at North Brunswick High School. In order to attend, swimmers had to register on their website and then raise money to support the cause. On May 16th, swimmers of all ages got together at the pool for some fun activities. We played many different games, did relay races, had time for open swim, and were able to meet a lot of new people. We also spoke to a cancer survivor, and she told us her story and thanked us for supporting this program. It was a very fun experience for me in many ways. I was able to meet some new people and local swimmers, and enjoyed swimming with them. I also gained some valuable knowledge about SAA and was able to support an important cause. This was not the first swimming related fund raiser I have attended. Along with the High School swim team, I have swam for the Marisa Tufaro Foundation, another nonprofit organization based in New Jersey. It was created in memory of Marisa Tufaro, a young girl who struggled with a serious heart disease, cancer, and many difficult surgeries. She ultimately passed away at the age of 13. Marisa's parents created the foundation to honor her life and continue her dreams of helping other children and families in need throughout all of Middlesex county. They support pediatric patients through donations, toy drives, food collections, scholarships, financial assistance for families with medical hardships, hospital programs, and so much more. Their primary mission is to promote community service, kindness, and giving hope to those in need or families facing difficult circumstances. The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated thousands of dollars to support hundreds of families. They also often team up and partner with hospitals and schools for fund raising programs and events. Every year, SBHS swimmers meet up with other schools and athletes at an event similar to the SAA I described earlier. The event starts with all swimmers swimming a long distance in the pool. After, athletes and coaches participate in games and relay races. Marisa’s parents also attend the event and give an inspirational speech about Marisa, her life, and the foundation they created in her honor. All swimmers attending also donate money to support the foundation and its causes. The event is enjoyable for everyone, and allows schools to forget their rivalry and simply spend time together and promote the Marisa Tufaro Foundation. Organizations like the Marisa Tufaro Foundation and Swim Across America bring communities together by encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to work toward a shared goal, support those in need, and inspire others to do the same. School events and programs give students opportunities to learn about the values of giving. In addition, these organizations also increase awareness about serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, and they help others understand the challenges that patients and their families face. The money raised helps improve research, provide resources, and support financially struggling families during difficult times. These foundations also inspire compassion in people, and show that even the smallest actions can make a big difference in someone's life. If you want to support any of the organizations talked about, I have attached links to their websites so that anyone can learn more about their causes. https://marisatufarofoundation.org/ https://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=SAA_Homepage

Why SBHS Should Get a Pool by Vera Soukhanovskii

Why SBHS Should Get a Pool by Vera Soukhanovskii Imagine this: your alarm goes off at 4:00 in the morning. You drag yourself out of bed, pack your bag, eat breakfast, and leave the house while it is still dark outside. Then, instead of heading to a pool at your own school, you drive all the way to North Brunswick to practice before the school day even begins. As crazy as that sounds, this is the reality for South Brunswick High School swimmers. Today, I want to convince you that building a pool at South Brunswick High School would benefit not only student athletes, but the entire school and community. A pool would improve physical health, mental well-being, academic opportunities, school spirit, and even bring financial benefits to the district. First, let's start with how a pool would greatly improve students’ physical health. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise because it works nearly every muscle group in the body while putting very little stress on your joints. Unlike high-impact sports, swimming reduces the chance of injuries while still improving cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscle strength, breathing capacity, and circulation. This is especially important for people with injuries, disabilities, or reduced mobility. A pool at our school would allow more students to participate in physical activity comfortably and safely. Many students also struggle to find enjoyable ways to stay active, so a pool would provide another opportunity for exercise. Most importantly, swimming teaches water safety, a skill that can save lives. According to Russell Slatford, headmaster of Bournemouth Collegiate School, nearly 40% of children leaving primary school cannot swim. Teaching students how to swim and how to react in emergencies could help prevent drowning accidents and improve overall safety around water. A pool at SBHS would also improve students’ mental health. Between grades, sports, jobs, extracurricular activities, and preparing for the future, many students constantly feel pressure. Swimming is proven to reduce stress and anxiety because the repetitive movements and controlled breathing help relax both the body and mind. A lot of times, if I am having a long day, I find myself counting down the hours until swim practice to relax and leave my worries behind. An easier access to a pool would allow me and everyone else to enjoy the calm waters every once in a while. A pool would also create a stronger sense of community. Students could meet new people through swim teams, lessons, competitions, and events hosted at the facility. Next, a pool would create new social and academic opportunities for students. For physical education classes, swimming would add variety to the curriculum while teaching important life skills. Instead of repeating the same activities every year, students would have the opportunity to learn something useful. Because, let's be honest, does the walk-jog save anyone's life? A pool would also allow South Brunswick to expand extracurricular activities. Our school could offer swimming, diving, water polo, even synchronized swimming, and additional fitness programs for both students and other members of this community. These activities would increase involvement and school spirit. Sporting events and competitions would also bring students together and create pride within the school community. Sports participation is also linked to improved academic engagement. Students involved in athletics often develop stronger time management skills, responsibility, leadership, and motivation. Additionally, a pool could help students discover lifelong hobbies and healthier ways to spend their free time instead of staying indoors or constantly using screens. Now let's talk about some benefits for people outside of this school. A pool at SBHS could become an important resource for the entire South Brunswick community. The facility could host swim lessons for children, lifeguard certification programs, open swim hours, and water safety courses. It could also provide exercise programs like water aerobics for senior citizens or rehabilitation programs for people recovering from injuries. According to the NDPA, The National Drowning Prevention Alliance, public swimming facilities encourage healthier lifestyles and can even reduce healthcare costs by promoting regular exercise and preventing health issues. A pool would also bring people together across all age groups. While many people worry about the cost of building a pool, it could actually provide financial benefits in the long run. Swimming competitions, tournaments, and community events would attract visitors to the area and increase local spending. The facility could also generate revenue through memberships, swim lessons, renting out the pool to other schools and teams, and community programs. In addition, a pool would create job opportunities for students and residents, such as lifeguarding, swim instructors, coaches, and maintenance staff. For many teenagers, lifeguarding becomes an important first job that teaches responsibility and leadership. While I myself am not certified, almost all of my swim friends are and always praise the job and recommend it to others. A pool at SBHS could even be rented to local schools, club teams, or special programs, helping offset costs over time. Now, let's take a look at some neighboring districts and compare. Both High School North and South have pools in West Windsor Plainsboro, and along with that incredibly talented swim teams and swimmers. Their swimmers have unlocked many new opportunities, with a few of my friends getting into D3 schools, and some even getting minor scholarships for D1 teams in college. Princeton Middle School has a pool that they share with their high school, and offer swim team positions starting from 6th grade. Along with consistency, this allows kids to enjoy the benefits of the sport starting from an early age. Princeton also gets benefits from the pool by renting it out to swim teams for practices and meets, including my team, PTAC. And finally, the most obvious example, North Brunswick. They offer pool hours to both South Brunswick and East Brunswick, and their pool hosts multiple fundraiser events such as the Marisa Tufaro foundation and the Swim Across America event. For some final thoughts, building a pool may sound like just another expensive school project, but it has many benefits. As I mentioned, a pool would improve physical and mental health, create new academic and athletic opportunities, strengthen school spirit, teach lifesaving skills, support the community, and even provide financial benefits. South Brunswick High School already has talented students and a strong community. Imagine what we could accomplish if we also had additional facilities to support them and create even more opportunities to get stronger and thrive. While I will most likely graduate before this dream becomes a reality, I hope future students will one day walk into this school with excitement for their swim lessons, team try outs, or life guarding shift at our very own South Brunswick High School. So the next time someone jokes about the pool on the roof, maybe instead of laughing, we could start to seriously consider why South Brunswick High School deserves their very own pool. Works Cited Kaskaras, Nikos. “How Swimming Pools Improve Communities.” Www.nereids.com.au, www.nereids.com.au/blog/how-swimming-pools-improve-communities. “Manlius Community Pool and Aquatics | Building a Pool Can Offer a Multitude of Benefits for a Community and School District | Facebook.” Facebook.com, Facebook Groups, 2026, www.facebook.com/groups/223073100388053/posts/242166471812049/. Accessed 14 May 2026. Martinez, Michelle. “The Impact of Public Swimming Pools in Our Communities.” NDPA, 19 July 2023, ndpa.org/public-swimming-pools/. “Pools for Schools: An Ideal Educational Space - Fluidra.” Fluidra, 8 June 2022, www.fluidra.com/commercial-solutions/inspiration/blog/pools-for-schools/. Slatford, Russell . “Why a School Swimming Pool Is Worth the Money | School Procurement.” The Headteacher, www.theheadteacher.com/school-procurement/building-maintenance/why-a-school-swimming-pool-is-worth-the-money. Why Do We Build Pools? The Value of Public Swimming Facilities ©Eugeni Pons.

KATSEYE: The Next Big Girlgroup? by Kyra Kong

KATSEYE: The Next Big Girlgroup? by Kyra Kong Music has always been many people’s source of comfort, resonating with lyrics and artists who truly capture emotions into beautiful harmonies. From the 1990s: Spice Girls, TLC, and Destiny’s Child to the 2010s: Fifth Harmony and Little Mix, to now: KATSEYE, BLACKPINK, and NewJeans. The media is pointing towards the direction of girl groups regaining popularity once again. Recently, girl group KATSEYE has been gaining popularity for their diversity, consisting of six members from the Philippines, the United States, South Korea, and Switzerland, all with different ethnic backgrounds. All members were put into a survival show using the K-POP methodology that became a Netflix documentary, “Pop Star Academy,” giving viewers a glimpse into their extreme training. Essentially, they audition against over 100,000 applicants and must dedicate their entire day to rehearsals, dancing, singing, facial expressions, and media training. With 20 other girls competing for six spots in the group, it was not easy. Adding the survival show aspect to it put intense pressure on the girls, having to receive fan votes and approval from judges in order to move to the next round. If these requirements are not met, the trainee gets eliminated, meaning their chances of getting into the group go back to square one. Luckily, for those six girls - Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Rajagopalan, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung - they were selected as the final members and debuted on June 28, 2024, with their song “Debut.” The goal of the group is to inspire younger generations with different cultural and national backgrounds that they can accomplish their dreams, providing representation that they lacked growing up, changing others' perspective on being a global girl group. KATSEYE soon followed up with their EP, SIS (Soft is Strong), two months after their debut. The following year, they came out with another EP, Beautiful Chaos, revealing the more raw side of their personalities. During that time, they collaborated with Gap for their “Better in Denim” campaign that exploded. With over 8 billion media expressions, it’s safe to say their careers changed overnight. Many young girls had positive reactions, feeling represented regardless of their background. Ultimately, this response helped KATSEYE achieve their dreams of becoming role models they wished they had growing up. Of course, achieving global stardom brings a unique set of challenges and responsibilities, particularly regarding how these artists influence youth identity. For many young fans, witnessing members like Lara, Manon, or Megan on a global stage provides a powerful sense of belonging that was historically missing in Western mainstream media. This representation allows young people to see their ethnic and cultural identities being celebrated. However, with this deep connection, it makes fans highly protective of their role models, viewing the entertainment industry as how society values diverse voices. When challenges arise, like members taking a hiatus for health reasons, it highlights the importance of balancing cultural representation with personal well-being and mental health. Whether KATSEYE can sustain their rapid rise to fame depends heavily on how their management navigates current fandom tensions and ensures the well-being of its members. However, their initial success proves that global music is desperately needed for cross-cultural representation. Blending the K-pop methodology with an international lineup, KATSEYE has rewritten the blueprint for modern girl groups. If they can overcome their current “beautiful chaos”, they won’t just be a temporary trend, they will be the definitive voice of new, interconnected generation of pop music. Citation Chitrakorn, Kati. “Katseye Is the Blueprint for a Modern Girl Group. Humberto Leon Is the Mastermind behind Their Image.” CNN, 14 Nov. 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/11/14/style/katseye-creative-director-humberto-leon. Sanghvi, Yati. “How KATSEYE Is Sharing Asian American Culture with the World.” JoySauce, 9 Apr. 2025, joysauce.com/how-katseye-is-sharing-asian-american-culture-with-the-world/.

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.