Isita Ghanta Tag(s): Perfectionism, Identity Hello, you “So, this is research for our new technology. You are giving us permission to see inside your head. Yes?” The man’s voice, low and steady, echoed in the sterile room. Emilia Chen sat in her chair, tapping her foot nervously. One- Fifty dollars for an hour of her time—it seemed simple. But the phrase “see inside your head” made her uneasy. She hesitated, her pen hovering over the...

Andrew Miao Tag(s): Perspectives, Self Growth “Things are different now. You’re older. You won’t be treated the same, talked to the same, or listened to in the same way. You can’t remain the same anymore…” At that moment, a realisation struck me. You’ve probably read or heard something similar before. So, what insights do I have to offer? Transition– Change. Can you remember how much you grew from grade five to six? Or what your...

Leon Zhang Tag(s): Personal opinion, Personal Experience It had just begun raining outside on the lowly distant streets; and Skylar Grace, making a quick note to ready an umbrella, sunk deeper into her toasted warm parka jacket. Upon looking outside the window, the late evening world presented itself as a black sea of speeding Christmas lights and neon snakes. Being on a sky train seemed, right now, to be the equivalent of being on a...

Alice Wang Tag(s): Personal Development, Philosophy It was when I sat down that I started to feel that it was overwhelming and after many seconds I began feeling like it was over. It was over, and I could eventually sit myself down on a dust-covered couch in my new condo and breathe. Breathing in the fresh air of the unfamiliar, strange city, and out every bit and piece that I somehow decided to leave behind....

“Watch out! You’re going to spill it!” Ma called out to Aria from the corner as I dodged a puff of the bright pink rangoli powder Aria blew in my direction. “The rangoli has to be perfect,” Aria said with a mischievous grin. “Perfect? You just spilled half the pink!” I teased her, wiping a stray streak from my cheek. I watched her for a moment, remembering the way Dadi used to make us sit...

Jisara Wuttikreekiat Tag(s): Expository Fear is a universal response that plays a critical role in human survival for millennia. Whether it’s a primal reaction to predators or the anxiety caused by modern-day stressors, fear triggers a cascade of physical and psychological reactions that prepare the body to confront or escape danger. But what exactly happens when we experience fear, and how do our bodies and minds react? Psychologically, the four fear responses are fight, flight,...

Sophia Xia Tag(s): Grief You move slowly, feet brushing the earth beneath you, where marigolds have scattered like golden echoes. The night is full of flickering altars, flames dancing on the edge of darkness, each one a beacon for those beyond the veil. You stop, staring at the photographs—frozen moments, a smile that no longer warms. It’s there, their faces, but you can’t touch them.Can’t reach them. Grief is a hand outstretchedto an empty room....

The idea for ‘the nook’ was sparked when a worker at our school store rudely dismissed me, saying, “You came early, I will NOT sell you any noodles. Get out.” At first, I assumed he owned the store and immediately wanted to compete, driven by the idea of stealing his customers. My frustration only grew when a friend complained, “All they do is buy stuff from Costco and resell at higher prices!” It was one...

It had just begun raining outside on the lowly distant streets; Skylar Grace, making a quick note to prepare an umbrella, sunk deeper into her toasted warm parka jacket. Upon looking outside the window, the late evening world presented itself as a black sea of speeding Christmas lights and neon snakes. Being on a sky train seemed, right now, to be the equivalent to being on a flying car that’s racing through a dark, high...