For winter break, I visited Singapore. It was such a lovely trip- I had lived there when I was 3, so it was great to see all the places I used to know and make new memories.
On our first day in Singapore, we spent time exploring the mall close to our hotel! While exploring the mall, I learned just how cute everything in Singapore was. It seemed like Hello Kitty, and similar characters, were everywhere, on all the packaging and sponsorships. I also had a curry puff and tried a traditional shaved ice.
The next day, we went to the zoo, to have “Breakfast with Orangutans”. It was such a fun and cute experience, and I also got to get up close with owls and penguins! The orangutans were given tasks to solve in order to get their own food, and they were preoccupied with that.
We also took this opportunity to tour both NUS and NTU, two famous colleges in Singapore. Both campuses were more “American”, while still being in a very green and humid campus. They were both so lovely, and I know I’ll be applying to both of them.
Another day, we went to Marina Bay Sands, specifically the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest had a “Jurassic Park” theme, so there were dinosaurs everywhere. The animatronics were all life-size, expressive, and very impressive!
All together, I really enjoyed my Singapore visit, especially as it’s also the site of the very first night race in Formula 1, and I was able to visit where the cars would race, as well as a museum dedicated to F1. It was such a fun trip!
I’m now a junior in high school! It feels a little strange, to be one of the “upperclassmen” or the top two grades in high school. I have a heavy workload this year, as I’m taking a lot of APs, or Advanced classes, which means a lot of homework as well! The first 6 weeks- our first grading cycle- are just about to end, so I thought it was the perfect time to write about my classes for this year.
AP RESEARCH:
I start the day off in AP Research, a class where we learn how to effectively research and synthesize information in order to write a 4000 word research paper at the end of the year. Currently, we’re learning how researchers in the field conduct research in their respective topics. There’s rarely any homework for this class, and the work is easy, meaning it’s a great class to have in the mornings!
AP CALC BC:
Next is AP Calculus BC. There are two AP Calc’s- AB and BC. I skipped AB, meaning that I had to learn it over the summer. It’s definitely a faster paced course, with challenging tests, but I’m also learning a lot. We do occasionally get homework, but it’s short, not challenging, and a completion grade.
AP US HISTORY
AP US History, or APUSH, teaches us about how the US has come this far, starting from the very beginning- Europe’s colonization. Currently, we’re learning about the set up of the Constitution and the people who played a key role in that. Unfortunately, we tend to have a lot of homework in that class, as we have to take notes that we have a reading quiz on at the end of every week.
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE:
The AP English Language class focuses on nonfiction and the best way to write effectively. At the end of the year, we’re expected to write 3 essays and so far, we’ve been studying the rhetorical essay. The rhetorical essay focuses on how authors use sentence structure, appeals, and word choice to convey their message. We’ve had a few tests in that class, but they’re generally easy.
WORLD RELIGIONS/MYTHOLOGY:
This has been a class I’ve been waiting to take since I first heard about it. I’ve always loved mythology and world religions are interesting to me as well! I really do enjoy this class, which is split into two semesters- one focusing on World Religions, the other on Mythology. We’ve just finished our unit on animism and indigenous religions and I believe next is Hinduism. We don’t have a lot of homework or tests!
AP CHEMISTRY:
As I’m planning to major in something in the chemistry field, it’s important that I take AP Chem. So far, the majority of this class has been working on packets that build off of my understanding of chemistry from last year’s on-level chemistry class. Our tests are pretty easy and we don’t have a lot of homework, and I enjoy chemistry so this is a great class!
AP PHYSICS 1:
AP Physics probably has the hardest tests out of any of my classes. The questions are mostly conceptual, even as we practice math questions in class. Still, I’m learning a lot from the class and I really enjoy my teacher’s teaching style, which makes the class go by easier. Overall, we do have homework, but it never takes too long.
And those are all my classes this year! As I said before, the workload is pretty large, but I’m learning a lot through it all. I can’t wait for more experiences throughout this school year!
11th grade. Junior year. When I was in 9th grade, it felt so far away, the idea that I too would be an upperclassmen one day. But now that the school year’s started and I’m here, I find that it’s all gone by so fast.
This year, out of 7 total classes, I’m taking 6 advanced ones, which means a lot more work and studying. My only non-advanced course is World Religions/Mythology which I’m very excited about, as it’s a class I’ve been wanting to take ever since I heard about it 2 years ago.
Junior year is well known for being the hardest year. It’s often when students take on the heaviest course load and the hardest classes. I’m nervous, of course, but also excited and ready to tackle the challenge.
An arangetram is a Tamil word that means to ‘ascend the stage’. And, on May 25, 2025, that’s exactly what I did. After 6 months of grueling practice, I ascended the stage of the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) to give my arangetram to an audience of around 300 people.
Prior to my arangetram, I’d always been a lover of Bharatanatyam. I started learning the traditional Indian classical dance form when I was 5, under the tutelage of Dr. Sunanda Nair, a respected and famous Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam artist. Since then, I’ve performed on stages around the United States and have cultivated a deep and sincere love for this ancient art form. As I’ve grown and seen more performances, I found part of myself on that stage. And so, doing my arangetram became my next wish.
Practices started in August of last year and in those 10 months, I’ve gained a lot. My stamina has increased, I’ve become a stronger dancer, and I’ve learned so much about my culture. My dancing has given me a way to display who I truly am, who I have always been, and who I want to be through the rhythmic motions of my hands and the intricate footwork of my feet. By dancing, I feel as if I’m one with my ancestors from ages past, like I’m carrying on the torch first lit so many years ago. And so, getting to do my arangetram meant the world to me.
Through mistakes and confusing choreographies, through 2 hour practices and even longer photoshoots, I never once regretted it. Yes, the process was tiring, and yes, I’d often wake up sore all over, but getting to dance so much was my dream and I was simply fulfilling it. And on May 25, my hard work paid off.
Before the arangetram, I was incredibly nervous. A 2 hour solo performance, more complex than anything I’d done before, was no small feat. But with the expert guidance of my teacher and the music of the live orchestra, everything flowed. I’m so thankful that I was able to complete this milestone and I can’t wait to dance more!
I recently wrote this for the prompt of “Explore your impulse to write”. I hope you enjoy!
I write to be seen. My art craves an audience, craves understanding, and visceral, true reactions. I want others, friends, you, to see my work and think- I know. I get it. Me too.
I write to express my emotions. When it’s too hard to talk to people, when it’s too hard to spill my true feelings, then I write. I turn to the page, to the screen, to the savior and safe space that I can find only in a blank page. The blank page of terror, yes, but the blank page of opportunity, the page of truth. The page of uncertainty, but also the page of making mistakes. Of being allowed to try and learn. The page of looking back and cringing, but also the page of growth.
I write for myself. I write knowing that everything I do will be for my eyes and my eyes only. I write stanzas of poems, words and words of prose to let my emotions flow, to let myself express, to let myself feel finally and truly me.
My words are my outlet, my way of creating worlds and lands where you believe in magic, even if just for a second. A place where you can really see what I’m talking about- whether it be the resplendent jewel-tones of the Garden of Envy circus, or if it’s the flower field where two lovers took their last breath together.
I hope to create words, sentences, stories that evoke emotion. Emotion of any kind- a deep, wrenching pain, maybe, or instead, a hopeful joy that lifts you up.
I’ve always searched for a place to call my own. Something that’s really mine, even as a kid, even as everything I own is not really mine. I’ve always, since when I could first remember, craved that feeling of independentness, of true belonging. And writing lets me do that. Writing won’t judge. Writing gives me a space of love and kindness and acceptance. Is that silly, finding all that in a blank page? Maybe. But I like to think that as I fill up that blank page with my dreams, my hopes, my fears, I lose that “silliness”. I can be me or at least a version of me that can be me without rebuke, without fear of failure- because there’s no failure in writing, just growth.
So, overall, I write for emotion. I write for me. I write for life. I write to feel alive, to feel free, to feel in general. I write to live, to grow, to be a better human. I write to chronicle, to tell the truth, and most of all, I write so I can find my place in a world that seems destined to shut me out. I write so I exist. I write so that I am me.
Happy 2025! I thought I’d do a small lookback as a way to sum up my 2024 and start the new year. I hope you enjoy!
January
We started the year with a New Year’s dinner at Verandah, an incredible restaurant. While January was pretty calm, there were some memorable moments- such as meeting one of my middle school friends, going to see our school’s winter play, and getting a new vinyl!
february
The main event of February was my dance school’s Kinkinni (annual recital!) I participated in two dances and gained lots of experiences and memories from each. Additionally this month, I went to watch an Odissi performance and unexpectedly ran into a friend from middle school! Overall, it was an incredibly fun month.
march
March was an incredible month! To begin with, we went to the Rodeo, a Texan classic, where I won a big plush as well as a few smaller ones. Later that month, we went to a farmer’s market, as part of a school project, though I enjoyed the trip a lot. After that, I got to see Beetlejuice: The Musical, which was super fun and entertaining. Last, but certainly not least, we went to Muscat, Oman. It was such an breath-taking experience, as we explored the desert, the ocean, and everything in between.
april
To begin the month, we went to Dallas to see an arangetram, a performance that shows the dancer’s talent and knowledge. This month was also the month of the eclipse, which was very cool! Our school also gave us a day off, so I got to go to a park, which led to a lot of relaxation. Finally, the best part of April was getting to go to a concert- Miku Expo! I had an amazing time there and truly loved the atmosphere.
may
In May, I got to visit Illinois! In Chicago, I toured two colleges- Northwestern and University of Chicago. Additionally, me and my dance group performed once again for our school’s annual recital. We also performed at the temple with an item we learned in a workshop which was another great experience! Finally, I got to see another musical- Newsies.
June
June started with another musical- Hairspray! This was followed by a Mohiniattam recital- one of the few times I’ve performed the dance form. I also got to perform with a live orchestra! After this, I was able to meet a friend from middle school and then I traveled to India for the summer. In India, I watched my aunt’s arangetram which was amazing to watch!
july
In India, I was able to watch a lot of dance performances- these were helpful to see how I can improve my dance, as well as understand more about stage presence and lighting, all which’ll definitely help me in my future. Additionally, we took a small trip to Pondicherry which was a great way to relax.
august
August marked the beginning of my school! I started sophomore year, or 10th grade, this year and faced a new set of teachers and a lot more work! It’s definitely a new experience, but I’m learning a lot and having a good time.
september
September started off with a dance performance for an item we learned within a week! It was incredibly fun to learn and perform, and overall, I think it was a great experience. After that, to celebrate my 15th birthday, I got tickets to a concert from my favorite artist- Mitski. Going to her concert was such a fun experience and I’m so glad I was able to go and see her songs live. After this, we went to another musical- Dear Evan Hansen. Overall, September was a great month with a lot of fun performances and viewings.
october
October was another nice, calm month! Overall, I didn’t do much, but I did get more dance performance opportunities! We also got to see Peter Pan, which, while being a more kiddy musical, was still well-done and enjoyable!
november
In November, for Thanksgiving Break, we went to Madrid, Spain! I gained lots of new experiences and got to witness a totally new culture, which I really enjoyed. I learned a lot and got to see some beautiful places. Additionally, we say Shucked: The Musical, a musical about corn! It was really fun to watch and I thought the sets were really interesting!
December
December started off with getting to see the Texas Winter Lights! A hotel had set up multiple light sculptures, all photo-ready and very pretty! I also went to a claw machine arcade, where I won two plushies- a Pikachu and a Kuromi! Finally, to end the year, we went to New Zealand, which is definitely one of the prettiest places I’ve visited. I loved exploring the Hobbit homes, the geysers, and the glowworm caves. All in all, it was a great experience.
As you can see, my year was action packed and super fun! How was your 2024?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! To celebrate, here’s a few things I’m grateful for this year.
I’m grateful for travel! I’m currently in Madrid, Spain and I’m really enjoying the culture and getting to experience the new food and city. Overall, it’s been really fun and I’ve loved going to museums, markets, and learning about the traits of this city. I’ve also traveled a lot this year, going to Oman and Chicago, making this year incredibly cultured and exciting.
I’m super grateful for books! I’ve definitely had less time to read, with more schoolwork and dance practices, but I still do enjoy reading and whenever I get time to, I love diving into a great book. It’s still so comforting to me to be wrapped in a story and let it carry me away.
I’m grateful for dance! It’s been a huge part of my life, especially this year, and it’s a great place to express myself. I love learning new items and getting to perform them and grow. It’s a way for me to get in touch with my culture and the stories/mythology from it as well, so I’m incredibly grateful for it.
And last, but certainly not least, I’m grateful for my friends and family! I’m super thankful for everything they do for me and the way I can be myself around them! They’re the people I really rely on throughout my life and so, of course, I’m forever grateful and thankful for them.
I recently saw a writing prompt which was, “Write a story that includes the phrase “Maybe in another life.””. Here’s what I wrote! I hope you enjoy!
A pink umbrella. It was unusual, to say the least. But Elion couldn’t help but follow it, silently tracing its pattern through the rain, watching as it bobbed and weaved its way over to the small alley where Elion was working. She held her breath, hand pausing over the canvas which was just beginning to be drawn on. “It’s raining.” The owner of the umbrella’s voice was playful, though its melodious lilt wasn’t lost on Elion. “Yeah. I’m not an idiot.” Elion was sharp in her retaliation, though she couldn’t help but feel strangely…captivated by this stranger- with her pink hair that matched her umbrella and by her hat with its small, but bright pawprint. The stranger laughed brightly, “Didn’t think you were. Do you not have an umbrella?” There wasn’t much Elion could say in response. She shook her head, turning back to the painting, studying in it the faint glow of the streetlamps. “No. I like the rain”. The stranger cocked her head, though her voice was as bright as ever, “You’ll ruin your outfit. And your painting,” She held out the umbrella, an almost dare in her eyes, the water droplets catching the light- and Elion’s eyes- as they fell off the umbrella, “Here. Take it” Elion furrowed her brow, “…What about you? You’ll be the one ruining your outfit, then.” The stranger just winked at Elion, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.” And with that she was gone. Had turned and walked away, ignoring Elion’s protests of “Wait! I don’t…” Elion trailed off in frustration, her hand wrapped tightly around the umbrella. She studied it, a small smile on her face. It was pretty. And…and quite thoughtful. Her thoughts turned back to the pink-haired stranger. How confident she was. How playful. Picking up her canvas, she tucked it back into her bag, thinking to herself as she got up. Maybe…maybe in another life, things would’ve been different. Maybe they could’ve gotten to know each other more. Maybe the only remnant Elion had of her wouldn’t have been the umbrella. Maybe.
Recently, as a gift for my birthday, I got to go to a concert for my favorite artist- Mitski. I’ve loved her music for a little over a year now and her music still means a lot to me. Being able to see her live was a wonder and I was so thankful for the opportunity to go.
I’d been preparing for her tour as soon as tickets dropped- finding the setlist, listening to it on repeat, educating my parents on her music, you name it. I was so incredibly excited to see her live.
The day of the concert was slightly worrisome, as there were threats of a storm and I was concerned that rain would become a problem. Luckily, the weather remained clear (the storm missed us entirely) and the threat of the concert rescheduling, or worse, cancelling entirely, was alleviated.
We arrived pretty early, taking our time to find our seats and look around. I had known multiple people from my school who would be going and I used this time to try and spot them (in the end, I unfortunately only ended up meeting one).
The opening act was Arlo Parks, a musician whose music I had only somewhat listened to. Listening to her in real life, though, was spell bounding. Her music was gorgeous and her voice was beautiful. I loved hearing her songs in person and many of them are already on my playlist.
After another 30 minutes of waiting, it was Mitski’s time to shine. Her songs were so beautiful and I loved her choreography and lighting, both of which were incredibly unique. For example, in one of her songs, she slow-dances with a beam of light and in another, she is trapped in a cage of light. Being able to see all of these songs which I loved live was amazing and I could tell the whole crowd was enjoying it too.
As the show came to a close, we were one of the first ones out, meaning that we were able to stand in the merch (short for merchandise) line before it grew too long and I walked away with a T-shirt which I really love.
This concert has been one of my favorite experiences and I’m so grateful and happy that I was able to go. Have you ever been to a concert?
