Donning the shoes of Miss Have- it-all

I decided I’d had enough, when I saw yet another pimple on my face yesterday. The acne, my imperfections, was really driving me crazy. How would it be to have the perfect looks, a flawless body, all the money, health and fame? Ah, that sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

Perfect according to me would be, to have a, say, green eyes, and flowing light brown hair, with a slender, tall structure, and the prettiest smile ever- yes, that should just have everyone under my belt. Say, I had all this, and am sixteen – the sweetest and wildest age, and I was a mega superstar too- a singer, a model, an actress, a humanitarian, everything anyone could dream of. Of course, I’d have money pouring in, so there’d be no need to nag my parents for pocket money, and I wouldn’t need to attend school either- so no exams. All I have to do all day long is to flaunt my looks and pose for paparazzi, sign autographs and perform in front of swooning fans. Every teen and tween, every guy, would have my poster on their walls. A wardrobe full of new clothes, thousands of friends, parties, shoes, the best cuisine to tuck into, seamless body, all money and fame.  Sounds perfect?

Well, when I thought about it again, I found out it’s not, really.

Maybe having this idea does seem appealing, with the number of admirers I’d have and the media- but the fun would be lost if they’re going to click my picture even when I pull real ugly faces at my brother, right? And the thousand ‘friends,’ how many of them would be really what they act like? Not many, I bet. And is fame really all that glossy? Yeah, everyone will be able to identify me, so even if I do the slightest of embarrassing things, - which everyone is prone to do- it would make headlines (the way JB puked on stage, for instance) - not rad. Also, there will be rumors spoiling my reputation; there will be stalkers, which is scary. Not going to school wouldn’t be great, either. I actually enjoy school, being with my friends, doing the normal things a teen would do. If you omit the exam part, almost everything else in school is way awesome.  And maybe, once I have the ideal looks, there would be nothing left to long for, to sulk about, which would make life boring. Then there is the modeling, acting and singing, Is it as easy as it seems? No, even all those cool things require strenuous practice and hard work.

Even glossy professions like acting and modeling have their own flaws just like their perks, and they may actually be different from what we dream of.  ‘Having it all’ would leave us nothing to achieve, or yearn for. Perhaps, we weren’t born with the perfect looks because our own looks suit us best. And of course, whoever we consider perfect, it only looks that way. Everyone’s life has their own ups and downs, and we have to be thankful for what we have.

Moral: When I’d get my next pimple, I’m going to be all cheery about it. (publiched in The Gulf news-education)

Say yes to individualism and eccentricity!

Say yes to individualism and eccentricity!

This year, more than half of my class changed or got new specs, and each one of the new consisted of a pair of nerdy frames. But nerdy glasses was the magnet for bullies only last year, because really, and everyone knew, that nerdy glasses didn’t make a person look incredibly good.

Why the change, then? Because, it seemed it was the ‘trend’of the season, sported by all the stars and celebs, who my Hollywood-smitten friends so regularly worshipped. Seemingly, with the advent of this new so called ‘trend’ everyone seemed to forget about the cons of those frames, because they frankly did not suit everyone, like they suited the celebs that advertised or spotted them. But oblivious to all that, and blindly following others, my friends ended up looking comical, pathetic, ridiculous or piteous.

Coming to this word ‘trend’ we realize the trend setters are most usually the stars and celeb endorsers or some Canadian teen pop star with blond hair falling down on his face and we the belie(v)ers and followers. I believe we are the root cause of this scenario, and that we shouldn’t be proud of it either. Why should we follow someone just because they are famous and everyone else is following them? Isn’t it that every one of us is unique, and we’ve all got our own style that suits what we are, may be it punk, gothic, or girly? According to me, the celebs are doing something different and unique and boldly, hats off to that. But I think that probably instead of being followers and copy cats of existing styles, we can set a new trend ourselves and with self confidence. If we pull off the s style we believe in with poise, we can set new trends too and be proud of it. everyone’s specialty comes out in a different outfit, every face looks the best with a set of frames (not all nerdy) and people should dress to suit their likings and convenience, not die of dread that their friends will mock at them just because they aren’t wearing the tote Halle berry had in her latest spotting. I ask of you is to Say yes to individual styles! Support individualism and eccentricity! Because like you, your attire and style should be special and, maybe, the only one it’s kind.

--
(education: gulfnews)

You don't know me

you don't know me, that's why you jeer

at me, saying I'm too low and you superior,

but you know not my will,

 my strength or how i dare,

you don't know how tall i can be, 

when i rise from this sunken chair.

this strange fascination with possessions

Last month I shifted my house

My home since childhood

When I left, I left with it

Treasured memories,

A part of my heart. When

 I returned to the place,

I saw my house had been repainted

I could no longer see my home in

That house. That’s how this world

 Is and in it

Nothing is ours, not our house

Or our cherished ones.  We came with

Nothing and we’ll leave back nothing

in this earth. Even our body, our faces,

The pretty and ugly, the black

And white ones will all be left to

Rot. Yet strangely, we seem

Crazed by owning, tempted

For worthless possessions

And looking good.

how teachers can handle today's students better

teachers can only open the door. you have to enter yourself. well, this is about how teachers can open the door wider

Schooling is an enduring thread of episodes that has to be gone through by every kid for some fourteen years. But for teachers, this episode continues for much longer, which is why, improving the quality of the time spent in teaching and learning hours have to be experienced in the best way possible, to make it a smooth ride.  Of course, students ,like me, play the most vital role in making each class a success, and we are often times bombarded with advise and suggestions as to how we should talk less, listen well, pay attention, do our work dutifully…true, and agreed, but this is only one flank of it.

 While it is true that it is our responsibility as students to take each of these helpful opines, teachers also play an extremely significant part in making a cheerier class, creating a status-quo where it is easier for the students to focus their attention on the lesson. Here are some things, I, as a student would like to suggest:

1.       Respect us as individual students. I think it is important for teachers to understand the differences between the abilities of different children and treat each one especially according to their inclinations. While I find that many teachers, and I admire them, have already mastered this art, some expect equal performance from every student alike. “She’s your age too, if she can, how can you not?” shouldn’t be the question. On the contrary, the same age can often form a very poor base for grouping and labeling people. Teachers, especially have to understand this.

2.       Remember the times when you were a student, too. This is what many students often whisper to themselves “had she never been a student herself? She’s so mean!” in a class of thirty, it does happen most of the time that a couple of students may forget something important for a class or carelessly ignore an instruction, not realizing its importance. Of course, it must be very frustrating to come across many children like that every day, but it would delight us if you were more understanding and forgiving. While it’s not wrong to chastise a deliberate and repetitive rule-breaker, it is also important to try to understand the circumstances of a child for her/his excuse and forgive more easily.

3.       Be our friend. My most loved teacher by far is one who had always addressed us as equals to her, she seemed to learn everyday with us, instead of just lecturing and teaching (or droning), line after line, encouraging tempting slumber. Try to connect with us while teaching. Interact more with everyone, especially those who are uninterested and do not restrict inter- student interaction too much either, at least until the collaboration doesn’t turn into yelling (which, I know, habitually happens).

4.       Make the class more interactive. No teacher likes passive listeners, everyone expects students to answer and listen actively. But sometimes, to be active enthusiasts is only possible if the teachers create an interesting environment for us. For example, instead of making every theory based, live experiments and streaming into videos through you tube would be better-as most schools have access to good technology now, and this is easily possible. Conducting classes in the field or lawn instead of inside a room on bright days can also lighten the learning atmosphere.

5.       Try to respect our views. Of course, teachers know way more than students do, which is why they are assigned that noble role. But it isn’t humanly possible to know everything, even what pertains to one’s own specialized subject. Sometimes, teachers try to make up on the terms they don’t clearly have an image of themselves. When you are not sure of something, instead of feeding children wrong information, accept that you do not know. This not only helps us find out the doubt through research but increases our respect for you. Sometimes, especially when it pertains to technology and computers we may know more. There’s no wrong in this, neither is it shameful. Naturally, being a generation born into an era of computers, this is also intrinsic knowledge, one we’d love to share with you. We may also have our own views pertaining to various foci, try to take in those too, and consider what we say, even if it’s a contradiction to your outlook. Or at least just act like you are listening. Mere listening helps greatly.

6.       Teach not to get done with it, but to transfer the power of knowledge. Teaching is like a charge transfer. Teachers are like remote controls, whatever button they press, that’s what works on us to create a certain effect. Try to be lively and teach to share valuable information instead of considering it a trauma, which would only make the class extremely dreary and difficult to handle, for every one alike. Of course, this rule applies to students too, for if we listen, looking vacant and zombie like, that will only demotivate the teachers.

Whatever it is, I think most teachers of today are doing an excellent job, of herding us, which can sometimes be a tough thing, and I doubt I’d be able to handle such a challenging role myself. However, we as human students, also feel like teachers could be bettered by our opinion, at times, and this are what I have put forward. Moreover, this not only applies, I think, to teaching but any courier any one pursues. Enthusiasm, dedication to work and respect for the individualism of others play an important role in everyone’s life.

life is only but a dream

life's only but a dream and

we are all walking, talking

characters in it, merely

products of vivid imagination.

now we're there, and now we're not,

now present and -whoosh­-

gone.

without a reason we live in a dream

and still in this surreal sphere

 dream.

here some become, some get undone,

but all gone the next morning

with the awakening of our dreamy

ignorant slumber.

so is this morning, this awakening

our death?

the beauty of writing

There are many reasons why I write, and sometimes there is simply no reason at all. As for what I write, the genre of my pieces, I am not very sure about that myself, yet. Sometimes as I sleep, the slumber wakes in me some ideas, so wonderful and yet crazy, drawing and colorful and yet boring, and often times these ideas dissolve with the night and are gone as I wake up. But what remains of my dreams, both the dreams of my sleep and those that my mind creatively imagines when I am awake, I put to my electronic paper, the word document, or at times, scribble the random thoughts on any scrap I get.

Sometimes, I am aware that what I write is of no consequence to world, that it is simply going to make no difference, and yet I cannot control this addictive passion of writing. I love the way ideas rush into my head, a new contemplation,  as I put my thoughts in magical words; words, that can express so much, and every single idea in so many ways.  Perhaps that is why it has such power, and yes, writing can do anything in the world, make it or destroy it. It can shape a person, transform him entirely, make a man or simply break him- it can even move mountains, and yes, a pen is more powerful than a sword.

I do not write with any intention, not to become known, not for monetary gains not for appreciation, but merely for the joy that comes with it- the exhilaration that it sends trembling through my every vein seeping into my heart, the epicenter, and it’s very magnitude capable of triggering a tsunami. Paper has patience, it is endowed with acceptance, and I feel compelled to take for granted its kindness at least a little and update it with everything my mind yearns to say.

 I was just as ignorant, till very recently, about the power of writing, of wording my thoughts, as an unborn would be, till I tried it myself. I only ask of you too, to give it a shot, you never know, you may find yourself drawn to writing.  But I know just as I sure as my own self, that many will find pleasure in this beautiful art, for ink can make shapes of our thoughts in every language, even in the unsure ones of animals and the breezy sway of the plants.

Even if ages come and go, even if rocks start moving, or aliens invade earth, writing will remain, and it will enlighten every era that has yet to follow. Writing would and must not ever die, for with it will be wrenched away all the freedom of humanity, of every living thing.

But as for me, I will write, express with my words. And I will keep going till my brain is succumbed and my writhing hands can no longer speak.

let's make a difference

hey guys, did you all know just 6 pounds can supply a needy kid for his school? even donating a bare minimum can make a huge difference! click on this link to help!
http://www.globalgiving.co.uk/dy/v2/content/themes.html?documentType=project&vo=true&hl=true&themeName=Education&country=&region=&fq=%7Cuk_themeName_ms%253AEducation&la=narrow&q=children+teens+orphans+students&x=18&y=18&gclid=CPXFueKm57ICFRPLtAodyn8A6A

being your own victim

this poem's on bullying and bullies are generally serious cowards.
tell me what you think!
being your own victim

Your smile

Like the dogs’ tail that never

Ceases wagging

Like the dark, sticky, sweet dripping, honey

Dripping, dripping,

dripping, from the bee hive,

Remains, like change, eternal.

Beneath that,

 Honey,

 I can make out a Margosa tree standing stout, bitter and green.

Profoundly green. Perhaps your smile was misjudged.

Still deeper lies a prejudiced demon, probably envious,

Pouncing and hurting the weakest with as much reason as the earth has,

To keep spinning round and round all year long.

And you experience joy seemingly, when you make others lose,

More joy for you then,

 Than when you emerge the winner, yourself.

You satisfy yourself with all the wrong you justify,

But, my dear, your thirst seems insatiable.

Everyone evolves, but you are, a snake.

That sheds its skin to grow a new one.

But a snake will remain a snake.

In the core of your existence, still I sense,

Stunning difference, like the soft mushy kiwi,

Inside the itching, disturbing cover.

 Deep sympathy, regret and guilt,

Some humanity.

Like a child that has broken its first doll,

You know.

Deep under, you are imprisoned yourself, like a fish that bites its bait

Unknowingly?

Unlike the fish, you are not helpless; you won’t surely die only gasping for air.

Because you still have a chance, an opening

 To break free,

Of the tormenting that you subject yourself to,

Even as you deny it,

It’s killing you, hurting you more than the weakling you pick on.

That burning, dwindling core,

Full of shame and helplessness, dying,

Inside- tells me you know what you are

yourself. 

Smile

Wonder

Touch

Feel

Sense

Joy and

Every last

Drizzle.Jump

Sing

Kiss the

Breeze

The fragrance

Of Flowers,

Flowing sky

Every leaf.

Dance
Sing and

Dare to

Live

There’s
Only one life.

i want y'all to write with me!

here's a line, all of you can write at least three lines and the next person continues and we can together make up a story!
"it was a stormy night, dark and gloomy. Deborah hugged her overcoat as the rain poured down. the sound of thunder was deafening as she walked through the empty graveyard, her mind going over her plan once more. she had to do it today, there was no other way out. but she suddenly halted, she had heard someone from the back. she turned reluctantly, her heart racing. then a loud scream escaped her dry mouth."

seriously gross jokes!

how to make a tissue dance?
just add some boogie to it!

which big animal has two grey legs in the front and two brown legs at the back?
an elephant with diarrhea! 
yuck.

age doesn't matter when you want to change the world

Often times we come across articles in newspapers and magazines briefing us about a wonderful deed of yet another child (or teen) prodigy. Some of us raise our eyebrows at it, some admire it, and soOften times we come across articles in newspapers and magazines briefing us about a wonderful deed of yet another child (or teen) prodigy. Some of us raise our eyebrows at it, some admire it, and some others just huff at it and put it aside thinking, “big deal. She’s got the brains to become a prodigy and I haven’t- parents’ genes and all- so not my problem. And anyway, I have so many more years and so much time to do good things for the world and solve all the problems I see around me. Aren’t teenagers only supposed to “chill out”, rock and be a challenge to their parents, after all?”

Though there might be an agreement to this from every one of our friends, this might not completely be true.

The first thing is, people who achieve and make a difference to the world need not always be a born ‘genius’. They should just be someone who wants to make the world better and are willful enough to get up from the couch and do it. Anyone can make a difference, young or old, smart or not, provided they have the will, which includes you and me. The world can never have enough of social workers because the bondage of social evils like poverty, discrimination, greed and exploitation is also a never ending one. You don’t need to go looking for a problem to solve either, because there will be one, if not more within your very backyard. May it be a young boy getting bullied in your school, an orphanage in your neighborhood or a hungry stray dog around, you can always help and it will always count.

Though we live in a n extreme comfort, though we may not realize it ourselves, there are people who go through much more anguish and agony, who are not as fortunate as us. Around a third of children in Afghanistan suffer from acute malnutrition. Even in America, 20.5 million live in extreme poverty. This means their family’s cash income is less than half of the poverty line, or about $10,000 a year for a family of four, while in India, the facts are even graver, with only $2000 or less a year for a completely working family of four.

How can we help? Taking part in awareness movements, going for charity drives are some great and common ways many of us try to help but there’s no harm in trying something different, either, like giving speeches or personally helping out at labor’s camps or old age homes. Though this idea might seem harsh, how bad would it be if we donate our birthday money to make little, unfortunate faces smile, instead of thrashing the old i-phone 4s to buy the new i-phone 5? I think that wouldn’t be too bad, not if we can feed a child for an entire school year with only 16$ while an i-phone costs 300$ on an average.

The second problem is, people don’t believe that something small they do will make a difference. Every little help, important or not, counts. Even if you are not appreciated or recognized by others for the little things you do, remember that you are anyway becoming a better human being. And in some way or another, even though you might not realize it yourself, you’ll ultimately be rewarded. And what’s better than that feeling of pride and warmth you get when you see the results of your work?

It’s also of dual use if we use our talents to help the world. Say, I am good at singing. I can do a fundraising concert for charity, right? Many of us here are good writers, so what about using our pen as a weapon not for harming, but for making peace in the world?

Finally, it is only if you start now, that you will evolve into a better person as you grow up. It’s never too late or early to make the world happier. Helping others is also a way of showing gratitude and thanking god for whatever you have got. Helping and making a difference, whether it’s by you or some genius (probably you, too) is the most beautiful thing in the world. It’s your world, shrugging off responsibility or justifying the sufferings of the world is of no use. We all, as children and teens, have to take leadership and initiative, show that we can do even what adults can’t, because we, the youth of today, are the leaders and hope, of tomorrow. So let us, together, make a difference today.

 me others just huff at it and put it aside thinking, “big deal. She’s got the brains to become a prodigy and I haven’t- parents’ genes and all- so not my problem. And anyway, I have so many more years and so much time to do good things for the world and solve all the problems I see around me. Aren't teenagers only supposed to “chill out”, rock and be a challenge to their parents, after all?”

Though there might be an agreement to this from every one of our friends, this might not completely be true.

The first thing is, people who achieve and make a difference to the world need not always be a born ‘genius’. They should just be someone who wants to make the world better and are willful enough to get up from the couch and do it. Anyone can make a difference, young or old, smart or not, provided they have the will, which includes you and me. The world can never have enough of social workers because the bondage of social evils like poverty, discrimination, greed and exploitation is also a never ending one. You don’t need to go looking for a problem to solve either, because there will be one, if not more within your very backyard. May it be a young boy getting bullied in your school, an orphanage in your neighborhood or a hungry stray dog around, you can always help and it will always count.

Though we live in a n extreme comfort, though we may not realize it ourselves, there are people who go through much more anguish and agony, who are not as fortunate as us. Around a third of children in Afghanistan suffer from acute malnutrition. Even in America, 20.5 million live in extreme poverty. This means their family’s cash income is less than half of the poverty line, or about $10,000 a year for a family of four, while in India, the facts are even graver, with only $2000 or less a year for a completely working family of four.

How can we help? Taking part in awareness movements, going for charity drives are some great and common ways many of us try to help but there’s no harm in trying something different, either, like giving speeches or personally helping out at labor’s camps or old age homes. Though this idea might seem harsh, how bad would it be if we donate our birthday money to make little, unfortunate faces smile, instead of thrashing the old i-phone 4s to buy the new i-phone 5? I think that wouldn't be too bad, not if we can feed a child for an entire school year with only 16$ while an i-phone costs 300$ on an average.

The second problem is, people don’t believe that something small they do will make a difference. Every little help, important or not, counts. Even if you are not appreciated or recognized by others for the little things you do, remember that you are anyway becoming a better human being. And in some way or another, even though you might not realize it yourself, you’ll ultimately be rewarded. And what’s better than that feeling of pride and warmth you get when you see the results of your work?

It’s also of dual use if we use our talents to help the world. Say, I am good at singing. I can do a fundraising concert for charity, right? Many of us here are good writers, so what about using our pen as a weapon not for harming, but for making peace in the world?

Finally, it is only if you start now, that you will evolve into a better person as you grow up. It’s never too late or early to make the world happier. Helping others is also a way of showing gratitude and thanking god for whatever you have got. Helping and making a difference, whether it’s by you or some genius (probably you, too) is the most beautiful thing in the world. It’s your world, shrugging off responsibility or justifying the sufferings of the world is of no use. We all, as children and teens, have to take leadership and initiative, show that we can do even what adults can’t, because we, the youth of today, are the leaders and hope, of tomorrow. So let us, together, make a difference today.

only a fake?

Your smile.
Like a six inch subway burger
Stretches
From this corner of your ear
All the way to that.
I wonder if your facial muscles don’t ache.
Or is it practice makes a man perfect?
But For all your practice, I am no longer falling for it.
 Your deeds,
Like A parasite you stick to me
suck all that you need,
Does that mean you have other hosts too?
I thought we were symbiotic, like lichen.
But you seem to use me,
Or is it makes hay while the sun shines?
for all your exploits, I am no use and throw can.
 Your time,
 Is always sloppy,
But that’s what I fell for, at the beginning,
Though you used to have time for me.
Now, like the rainfall these days,
You seem to pop in and out, mostly only drizzles,
Is it global warming why you seem
So rare these days, not able to wait for me,
Or is it time and tide waits for none, so don’t waste it?
for all your global warming, I am petrol burning.
 Your words,
Are just what an ideal Romeo,
In twenty first century would recite,
thou do seem as bright light does,
And me like an attracted insect,
That dies after touching your dangerous spark.
But how many insects are you attracting,
Or is it, that you are young and wild and free?
For all your freedom, I am no fundamental right.
Your reasons,
Like an animated movie,
All preposterous,
Innovative, None
Genuine.
Isn't it that honesty is the best policy?
Even to me,
Your honesty isn't looking so honest these days.
You
Are like a beautiful summer morning,
Pleasing to the eye
But it will turn dark.
Like a chameleon,
Changing color every instant,
Do not know what you are.
Like a Facebook friend,
Virtual and wordy but nothing else,
Like a swaying tree,
Uncertainty.
 Like a cheap silver colored necklace,
That shows its black only after wash,
Is it that all that glitters is not gold,
Or is it, never give up hope?
  

hey guys, just so that this blog doesn't begin with grimmer notes, i'd like to give a little intro to it. i am k, and i write. a lot. i am an ardent feminist as well as someone who stands for better human rights, younger leaders and a better future. watch out for my poems, stories, novels for teens as well as more serious articles on a better world. because the world we live in is like clay in our hands, we are the ones who have the ability to shape how it's going to look in the future. follow the blog for interesting updates, poems, and articles on random thoughts running through a teenage mind!