Monday, September 3, 2018

What writing means to me


For me, writing has a completely new definition. I use it as a power, weaving together exotic sentences that soon join together to form legendary artwork. When I see my writing, I now see bright, beautiful words. But it was not always that way.

I used to hate writing. It was a force commanded against me. No matter how hard anyone tried to move me from this place, I stubbornly would not budge. But two years ago, I took a writing course that changed my life forever. From that moment on I could never stop writing in various formats. I noticed that I have an affinity for writing short stories and poems. More recently, I took an essay writing course for the SAT. This course will take me one step further.

When I use writing as my own force, wild words flow right out of my hand. The more power I use, the more glamourous the passage turns out to be. When I am done, all of the paragraphs appear to shine brightly into my eyes.

And even later in my life, my writing will get me into top-level colleges and may even earn me widespread fame. In conclusion, writing is a flame that I burn brightly with.

Friday, August 17, 2018

My NY Times Review

Diya Krishnan
Westbury, NY
This article entitled “Make Your Daughter Practice Math. She’ll Thank You Later” says that the ways students, especially girls, are taught math is suboptimal. I agree that the de-emphasis of rote learning and repeated learning is very harmful for girls. My own experience in math, thanks to my mother, has led to positive results. I have also seen the way parents push girls away from math, and the difference in the way structure is enforced in sports and in education.

First, I want to relate my personal experience. Recently, I scored a 5 in AP Calculus BC, as a twelve-year old. This score was the reward for hard work and rote practice. If I had understood only the concepts but did not drill and practice, I would not have gotten the highest possible score. My mother pushed me to practice, and it paid off.

Next, too many sources push girls away from math. It doesn’t matter if it’s from the media or relatives, girls are being steered away from STEM subjects. I have seen my friends choose not to do math, and instead select high school courses only in the English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Finally, observe the contrast in the way sports and math are drilled in. Take tennis as an example: A student may take the entire session--or even a few days--in practicing serves. On the contrary, math is not exercised in the same way. There should be clear realization that the practice in math should be similar to the practice in sports. Success only comes from hard work.


https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/17/learning/summer-reading-contest-week-10-what-interested-you-most-in-the-times-this-week.html?comments=&nlid=86547793#permid=28271010


Friday, August 10, 2018

My updated summer reading list (completed). 6000+ pages

My updated summer reading list (completed). 6000+ pages


1.   7th Heaven (James Patterson)
2.   The Book Jumper (Methchild Glaser)
3.   Listen to your heart (Kasie West)
4.   Nice and Mean (Jessica Leader)
5.   Save the Date (Morgan Matson)
6.   Warriors: SkyClan’s Destiny (Erin Hunter)
7.   Pivot Point (Kasie West)
8.   Warriors: A Vision of Shadows- Shattered Sky (Erin Hunter)
9.   Pretty Little Liars: Flawless (Sara Shepard)
10.      Warriors: Crookedstar’s Promise (Erin Hunter)
11.      Little Monsters (Kara Thomas)
12.      Postcards from Venice (Dee Romito)
13.      The Last to Let Go (Amber Smith)
14.      Warriors: A Vision of Shadows- Darkest Night (Erin Hunter)
15.      To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Jenny Han)
16.      Pretty Little Liars: Perfect (Sara Shepard)
17.      The List (Siobhan Vivian)
18.      Three Dark Crowns (Kendare Blake)
19.      Royals (Rachel Hawkins)
20.      Catwoman: Soulstealer (Sarah J. Maas)
21.      Losing Brave (Bailee Madison & Stefne Miller)
22.      Love, Life, and the List (Kasie West)
23.      The Clique (Lisi Harrison)
24.       Pretty Little Liars: Unbelievable (Sara Shepard)
25.      Warriors: A Vision of Shadows- River of Fire (Erin Hunter)
26.      That's Not What Happened (Kody Keplinger)
27.      Warriors: Tigerheart's Shadow (Erin Hunter)

28.      This Savage Song (Victoria Schwab)