# data[].attributes.body
The stillness of my room was shattered by shrill cry of my alarm clock which, like an ambulance speeding through a dark night, cried “Emergency! Out of the way! The patient’s life is on the line!”

Well… my life may not have been on the line, but my job certainly was, if I stayed in bed another minute.

With the reluctance of an immigrant bidding farewell to her motherland, I left the warm embrace of my duvet. I had been dreaming, I think, though all that remained now were vague images, blurred by the heavy fog of my waking consciousness.

(To be continued…)

# data[].attributes.body
Title: Drowning in math
By: Akshaya, JH206
I woke up to realise that there is a sea of math revision to be done since there was math quiz 3 on Monday. I also realised that there was way to much homework for other subjects to be done also. That was when I realised that life is circle, all the homework that I pushed away to do later snowballed and I just had too much studying to do. This is too much for one little girl! Considering that fact that my math score was always constant like a dead person’s heart rate at a just pass mark I had to give more importance to it. So I decided to swim the endless sea of math revision and drowned in the waves of coordinate geometry and trigonometry ratios and lets not forget sets. Somehow I reached the coast and was ready to sleep as it was already 9.45pm and I was exhausted swimming in math revision and surviving angry waves of mathematics. Hope you thought that my day was fun! Tomorrow will be another day of math revision but  maybe the sea of homework will not have huge waves with the help of other subjects! Good night.

# data[].attributes.body
i pried open my eyes, which had been sealed shut just moments before, and took in my surroundings. the long awaited day was finally here

the window was open, and a blanket of air blew across my face. a loud, piercing siren echoed through my room as if i was in an airless tunnel. it was music to my ears

my week has been a slippery slope, with no mat to cushion the fall. but finally, there was a rainbow of hope

i couldn't help but smile as i turned off my alarm

it was friday

# data[].attributes.body
I woke up with an overwhelming wave of tiredness. Although I had tried my best to finish all my homework and sleep early last night, I still felt too tired to even move a muscle. However I knew I had to fight against that battle of fatigue and get ready for another day of school.

The moment I put a foot outside my home, a blanket of cool fresh air enveloped me, and I instantly felt energised. Feeling better than before, I made my way to school, looking forward for a hopefully good day ahead.

When the school day started, my teacher started nagging at my class, repeating for us to take out our homework because the class was too noisy. I almost thought she was a broken radio on repeat. To make matters worse, I was sitting right at the front and her lion booming voice was making my head hurt in the morning already.

I embraced myself for a long day of school, before I could see the light at the end of the tunnel when I could finally hear the holy bells and return home.

# data[].attributes.headline
A typical day but it's internal by kyra 

# data[].attributes.subject
A typical day but it's internal by kyra 

# data[].attributes.body
Every day is a ctrl c ctrl v of the previous day, the scenery stays the same as the sun rises and sets. There are seasons, some are warm and welcoming, some are cold and bitter. Each brings a different group of people that come and visit. Some people come daily and sit next to me for a while, the breeze carrying all their worries away for a moment. However, nothing lasts forever; they leave, and as the seasons go by, they never come back again. Sometimes the storm is extra strong that day and holding my shape becomes harder than ever. Sometimes the snow is extra heavy and bearing its weight drains the energy out of me. Despite these inevitable hardcomings, the family of birds nestling within the branches still chirp every morning without fail. I look at the birds and remind myself that since the birds are working so hard to survive, I should work hard too. Eventually as the seasons repeat themselves, more branches grow, the more I see and hear. In the end, these branches will make me a beautiful tree who wouldn’t be swayed so easily by the storms anymore. Amongst all these changes there’s one thing that stays constant: the moon casting its reflection against the black sea, constantly watching over all of us. It shines the brightest at midnight, when the day resets and the noisy city is quiet. It’s glow promises us that under its watch, you’ll be safe, and even though every day seems to be a never ending cycle of the same events, hold on to the hope that a better day will come, even if nothing dramatic happens.

haha instead of a normal description of the concrete events that happen throughout the day, the things we do remain pretty constant but what happens internally is a troubled storm, and in turn affects our perception of those same events. yes this entire para is a metaphor itself and the interpretation is up to you :))

# data[].attributes.headline
Title: A hectic but typical Saturday for me 😌

# data[].attributes.subject
Title: A hectic but typical Saturday for me 😌

# data[].attributes.body
By: Ho Yu Tong

Saturday comes once a week of course, they say it’s a time to relax on weekends, well not for me. Typical Saturday start off with me having to wake up at the crack of dawn to go swimming, why, you may ask? Well, it is the only time that I have to do things that I actually enjoy. After breakfast comes my music lesson, which I definitely enjoy of course, but it can be quite tiring, considering that I have homework to do every week and that I have to keep up my commitment level towards it, but I still enjoy it very much. At times, I wonder how much more free time I would have if I didn’t take up so many lessons, freedom is like the wind indeed. After my music lessons, I have approximately about 4 hours of time to spare. Time is money, so I have to use that wisely to do my work. Afterwards comes my ballet lesson, this serves as a workout for me, so I make sure to always sweat like a pig afterwards, then I have a late night snack because I am as tired as a worn-out shoe, then I take a break for the day and another hectic Sunday starts again. Despite having so much commitments especially on weekends, I would never have a second thought of quitting anything, after all, persevering for 12 years was not easy, why stop now?

Okay P.S. this is real and I definitely still struggle with completing my homework on Saturdays and Sundays due to how many things I take up 😂🤩🤡 but I mean everyone has their struggles so let’s go through them all together and persevere doing what you love till the very end 🥰😋💜💜💜😘😍🤩

# data[].attributes.body
I usually wake up in the morning, feeling like a sloth with how slow I move and how lazy I am. My hair is like a bird's nest and I am the egg, ready to have my head cracked open with the amount of knowledge that is going to be shoved in later that day in my frying pan of a school. I plug my ears with my earphones to prevent myself from drowning in the sea of voices in school. My eyes flutter like a butterfly in class, struggling to keep myself awake, panda eyes evidence of that. Sprinting through my homework, I feel like I'm a criminal with how my teachers are chasing me for missing items. When night falls, I lay in bed, all thoughts of homework that were scattered along the shore of my brain have been washed away by waves of forgetfulness. I scroll through my tiktok for you page, occasionally double tapping the page to like a video, movements like a well-oiled machine. Eventually, the sun, in a constant wild goose chase with the moon, completes its daily round and it shines into my room, an unwelcome intruder. I sigh, emotions of contentment immediately fleeing from my body in one tiny gust of wind. Yet another day ahead, the same old routine.

# data[].attributes.body
I rose 🌞 from my hibernation 🦔 and stumbled to the toilet like a drunken man 🍻. After I flushed down my yellow waterfall ⛲️ , i walked out and devoured my breakfast 🥪. Then, I shed into a new layer of clothes 👙, tie up the bush on my head, and head for jail 🏫.

🕑

After a day of slaving away ✍️, I return to my cave and occasionally accidentally knock out 😵. I make sure I finish all my paperwork 📝, and other jobs 😔, before intentionally going back into hibernation 😪.

~ zun yee 💋

# data[].attributes.body
Harsha
It’s Friday. Eyes glued to the clock, Body shutdown, brain with no more battery, it was time for the weekend. Once the bell rang, I sprang out of my chair, floated down the stairs, and dashed for the bus as usual. I was plugged in with my music, my hand as my pillow, it was the perfect situation to pass out. On that amazing Friday, I managed to wake from my slumber right before my destination unlike always, when I wake up 15 stops later. Then I waddled my way to the lift, with my eyelids growing heavy, opened the gate with blurry vision and went back to sleep again. That’s it.

# data[].attributes.body
Zoom zoom(Kathleen)

I got up at the crack of dawn and my eyelids still felt as heavy as lead. I struggled waking up since I slept like a log. I couldn’t overcome the gravity pulling me back to my bed. After eating breakfast, I went to take the bus to school.

Today, we’ll be having PE lesson, the lesson that requires you to constantly  battle against fatigue. Every bone and muscle in me would collapse after the lesson. Mr teo is a broken recorder that constantly give us advice to improve our badminton gameplay. Cordelia is the cheetah of the class who always flies past the finish line without breaking a sweat while I melt under the heat and struggle to finish running the six rounds.

After a day of unbearable PE, I have to finish mountains and mountains of endless work before hitting the sack.

# data[].attributes.body
I peel open my eyes, squinting into the void that is the early dawn. Tumbling out of bed, I leave my warm cocoon behind and start the day. Washing up, eating breakfast, pulling on my socks, the movements are all like a well-oiled machine, albeit sluggish as I wander around like a zombie. The comfort of returning to my bed is hard to resist, but I still march on, the threat of a tongue-lashing from my truancy more than enough motivation for me. Thankfully, I am fortunate to have my father drive me to school, or rather, the place where I am socially obligated to go during the weekdays. So I am allowed a few more precious moments spent in the land of dreams, the purr of the car engine that surrounds me familiar and soothing.

At school, I while away the rest of my time before it officially starts playing Genshin Impact on my phone. Fulfilling my daily “duties” and admiring the breathtaking pocket universe we venture and stand amidst, I cannot help my disappointment when I am dragged away from it by the taunting cries of the bell. Stowing away my phone, classes officially begin. My attempt at paying attention is more measly than an ant, and all I can do is bide my time before the melodious ring of the dismissal bell.

- Lucinda Phua

# data[].attributes.body
I woke up today, and my mouth felt like desert. I gulped down some water, and wolfed down some fruits, before i had a sudden craving for ice cream. So, just like any other ordinary person would, i went to an ice cream parlour. There, i saw a man stuffing ice cream in his mouth like a pig. If i ever did that, i would get a tongue lashing from my mother, and my teeth will be like ice. Anyway,  being the bookworm i was, I went to the library to borrow some books. My grandmother went to the magazine area but magazines weren’t really my cup of tea, so i went to the young adult section. When i got back home, i did some self revision. I had a sea of things to memorise that day.
By Anusha.

# data[].attributes.body
During these tough times, my weekly routine works like a clock, ticking continuously for hours before it returns to its original position. School life is just a cycle, Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday… and it repeats again. Some subjects are easy as the alphabet while some will haunt you till you can’t sleep. My classmates and teachers are also the ones who can turn a stormy weather into a sunny day.
Jayden

# data[].attributes.body
The curtains prevented the sunlight from penetrating the window and the breeze let me be in serenity. It was just so difficult to open my eyes that shut closed about ⅓ of a day before. They were ready to receive the light from their surroundings. The anticipated day had finally arrived. The sound of my mom waking me up felt as if I was in a lovely concert. The day just started so well that I had a rainbow of hope that I could ace this Maths test as I was getting ready for school.

It was just an awesome start to the day! 😋😎
- By Santhosh Suresh JH206

# data[].attributes.body
On a typical day, I wake up at the crack of dawn and get ready for school. I carry my bag  whose weight is crushing and the books are rocks. After reaching school, I bolt to class and class begins on the dot. The class begins and my peers who are walking enclopedias are fervently answering questions. The sound of the teacher dismissing us for recess is music to my ears and I order a mountain of food. I use my phone while eating, but the wifi is slower than a tortoise. A few more lessons later, and the bell rings. Time flies! by yixuan

# data[].attributes.headline
Money is power. (In the morning)(very relevant 😀)

# data[].attributes.subject
Money is power. (In the morning)(very relevant 😀)

# data[].attributes.body
The loud ringing of the alarm clock promptly awakens me. I dash to the toilet at a cheetah’s speed and brush my teeth hastily. My family members are all moving helter-skelter around the house. My mom calls out to me and says I’m late. I reply with “tell that to the marines”. I had just left the house when my neighbour said that he liked the cut of my jib.

I board the bus and I am greeted by the bus driver with a smile like a sudden beam of light. I realise that my EZ-LINK has 0 dollars 🥲. I ask him if I can board the bus fo free but I am immediately shot down. He suddenly starts barking at me to get off the bus 🦮. He’s a real rotten egg am I right. I give him a death stare and get off the bus and start bolting towards school. 🏃🏃🏃‍♂️. I realise that it’s past 7:45 am which means the side gate is locked shut like a bank vault. I start the long journey to the main gate which feels like climbing the Himalayas. By the time I reach the gate, I am drenched in a waterfall of sweat. My sweat alone could have caused a flood.
By

# data[].attributes.body
In the morning it felt like walking mazes to get to the living room. The mrt looked like snakes going into stations. If I am late to school I will be in hot water. Lessons are lemons, should make juice out of it. Lunch fuels me for the day. The homework gobbles down my energy. The ice cream at home feels like rain after a period of dryness. Sleep recharges me for tomorrow

(Sorry for the pile of rubbish I just threw together idk what to say)
Yihui jh206

# data[].attributes.body
All days start the same way; I wake up hoping the day goes as expected. However, life has other plans. Never has a single day gone by where everything works out well for me, just the way I want. There always has to be something to put an end to happiness. But I realize time is a flowing river. Happiness finds those who allow themselves to be carried, unresisting, with its current. I learn to live in the moment, unquestioning. Expectations might fail me, but I learn to stop expecting and start embracing.
Hirann

# data[].attributes.body
by: cordelia
every day is monotone, like any other, following the same routine to try and maybe keep my head slightly above the water in this train wreck of a place we all reside in.  how would you feel if you looked around you, everyone you know slaving their youth away like zombies brainwashed to follow a system that worships green coloured processed tree bark or the fact that one needs to understand squiggles made up a whole other person in order to put food on the table? the idea is all greek to me, but that’s my everyday, watching all of you bury your noses in processed tree bark, trying to make sense of the squiggles someone else made up. maybe if everyone unanimously decided to stop blindly following the blind then we’d finally realise our true potential; to pick berries and nuts from bushes, bask in green fields like we were neurobiologically wired to do.

believe it or not, i do do more than just wallow in existential dread. i wake at the crack of dawn, carry a sack of processed tree bark that makes my spine ache, pay made up currency that controls the quality of our lives to board a box with wheels, then pay more made up currency to a bunch of other people so that i can listen to them talk about their lives and their problems in a melody before arriving at the source of all my stress and worry, also known as the point of my existence at my age.

then i stare at a ticking wall piece for however long it takes for the sun to rise from east to maybe somewhere in the middle of the sky, hoping time would fly by faster before i return home to hit the haystack and run away from all my responsibilities.

but on a good day i manage too loosen the tight chokehold my idea of reality has on me, maybe wake up looking at the burning ball of fire in the the sky and think about how grateful i am for the fact that i am me, and not that ancient ball that looks down on so many inferior creatures, doing nothing but moving side to side for who knows how long. sometimes i go to school and i’m reminded that i light up when i’m around a certain handful of people, and sometimes this handful of people reduce my existential dread to a speck of dust, and i’m happy.

# data[].attributes.body
“ It’s happening! “

By: Pooja, JH-206

Suddenly everything seemed to move in slow-motion. Yes everything was right under-control, right before my eyes but yet it was getting out of control. My body couldn’t react fast enough to match up the speed of my rapidly functioning brain, with millions of thoughts instructing my body to act immediately. My helpless body was standing there like a statue being of no help in that situation. And finally what I dreaded happened!

Screaming, I woke up from my dream alarmed about an unidentified fear that shook me from deep inside. My mother came over running, “ What happened? Are you ok? Did you fall off the bed?” “I….I….that…it…..” I stammered. I badly wanted to explain what happened but couldn’t find the right words to explain. Actually it was not my words that were failing, it was my memory of what happened, what I dreamt of. The more I concentrated hard and tried to recollect my memories, the more that I started to forget. However the scars that it left on me was still deep and my emotions were speaking louder. Understanding my pathetic and confused situation, my mother consoled and calmed me down.

The day went on but the dreams impact was still lingering somewhere in my mind which came out now and then to make me feel anxious for a short term. After a long time of analysing my feelings I concluded that it was the feel of guilt and being unable to help in an emergency situation that made me feel this way.

When I went home that day my house was in a mess. I heard from my mother that a guest had came over and her baby had played around in the house. My mother was clearing up the mess when I. saw a big puddle of water right on the way in which my mother was walking. I thought that she would have noticed it and mind her way but a sickening feeling inside told me otherwise. This time I decided to start reacting earlier to prevent any sort of guilty feeling. And right before my eyes, it was happening! The same situation in my dream and it almost felt like a Deja Vu. However this time, I wasn’t a statue anymore! I was able to move! I quickly grabbed my Mother to the side before she stepped and slipped on the puddle. For a second she was speechless and cold sweat trickled down her forehead. She held my hand with her chilled hands and feebly whispered “Thank you”. I could totally understand her situation and didn’t probe her with further questions or warnings about the puddle. Seems like she hadn’t recovered from the sudden shock yet!

# data[].attributes.body
my weekend slumber was rudely interrupted by the ear piercing alarm i had set the night before. i reluctantly pulled myself out of bed and make myself a cup of coffee my much needed energy booster. looking up at the high piled mountain of homework on my desk, ready to take on the day. by the end of the 2 hour study session, words on the paper merely looked like endless squiggles that i could not seem to process- it was an evident sign for me to take a breather. i plugged in my earpiece, in attempt to block out the intruding and stream of thoughts. after some time i managed to bring myself to sit at the table of agony and the cycle repeats itself...

# data[].attributes.body
i try to pay attention in class, but my stomach would always defy me, growling like it was going to tear me inside out. i would feel knives stabbing my stomach walls due to gastric. how i wish it was recess sooner!! :(((
then recess finally arrives, i ran to the canteen like my life was on the line, getting in queue to buy my food. i choked down my food to satisfy my hunger, so that my stomach would not bother me for at least half an hour. (i somehow digest food rlly fast :DD)

# data[].attributes.body
There are those days when you just are so unlucky. After staying up to study for my exam the day before, I woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning. And guess what? The hands of my alarm clock was so still even the wind couldn’t move it. I was running late! I jumped out of bed and into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth, then when the foam started to form i made its existence disappear. Even my usually straight hair joined in the fun of teasing me. I wrestled with the knots in my hair until I won all of my matches like a gold Olympic medalist. Then after pulling on my school uniform, I hurriedly threw my school items in my bag. The bread lying on the table was like a sacrifice to fuel my day. I could waste it. I bit the bread as it’s chocolate flavoured insides poured into my mouth. Simultaneously, I put on my shoes. By now, the sacrifice was complete and I had the energy to run all the way to the train station to catch the coming train. All the way to school I was counting the seconds the train had stopped to allow passengers to board and alight. After an agonising wait, Singapore’s public transport had brought me to school. Luckily, I made it to school on time.
P.S. Thank you chocolate bread for your contribution :)

~yingshan

# data[].attributes.headline
“storms-a-coming, and so are my tears I guess lmao” By Reanne :)

# data[].attributes.subject
“storms-a-coming, and so are my tears I guess lmao” By Reanne :)

# data[].attributes.body
A random day in my life
<also im not sure why I tried to rhyme this whole thing but I enjoyed writing this so oh well :D >

I sat in silence staring at the scribbles.

Science really makes me sniffle.

I got an epiphany when I realised,

the relation of atoms and our lives.

“just like we’re all born the same,

this can be compared to carbon.

doesn’t matter if we’re deaf or lame,

how we’re structured bears the burden.”

just like graphite and diamond,

structured differently with unlike bonds,

In the end, they’re still made of carbon.

It’s up to us to grow wings or horns.

I decided it’s also up to me,

To change my fate and destiny.

Do you want to be a billion cut jewel and more?

Or a worth less piece of lead from the dollar store?

suddenly it started pouring,

what a perfect day for mourning!

but as I recalled the metaphor,

I’m interested in science even more.

I can look at the good in the bad.

when the rain is pouring, don’t be sad.

instead think of the trees,

swaying gracefully in the breeze.

they’re thankful for the rain,

for the strength from the water they will gain.

I too, can gain strength from bad days,
‘cause like the rain, eventually, it’ll go away.

breathing in, i pick up my pen,

the fate of mine lies in my hand.

as long as I keep trying,

I’ll pass with colours that’ll be flying!

the rain bringing me calmness,

washing away my sadness.

I’ll put away my sorrow,

everything’ll get better tomorrow.

I know.

<3, reanne
ps. oops this isn’t really 1 paragraph jsjskdks feel free to disqualify me 🤩

# data[].attributes.headline
Burning midnight oil *GONE WRONG* *HOUSE BURNT DOWN*

# data[].attributes.subject
Burning midnight oil *GONE WRONG* *HOUSE BURNT DOWN*

# data[].attributes.body
Title was a clickbait^

“OH MY GOODNESS! NO WAY!” I exclaimed. Finally, I got full marks for math, science and LA! My parents are going to be so proud!

“Ring,” My sweet bubble was once again popped by my annoying alarm. Of course that was a dream, it would never be real. I dragged myself out of bed, only to see the mess I made at 1am this morning while frantically trying to squeeze in as many math formulas as possible into my tiny brain. Sometimes I ask myself: Why am I even learning sets? After packing the pile of course books on my table, I dashed out of the door feeling extra tired because I slept at 1am today.

After a long ride, I finally arrived at class. However, I was shocked. The classroom was empty. I happily sat down for a whole 5 minutes, thinking that I was finally early for once before realising how stupid I was. I sprinted towards the art room.

I was so late that the class already left for art class.

Turning the corner and walking through the door, Mr yo gave me the classic judging look.

Fast forward a couple hours, this day has been terrible. I can’t believe how much damage was caused by the 2 hours of sleep which i lost the previous night. I couldn’t focus AT ALL in class. I was so high I even told Ms Ting that the Maria Hertogh riots happened in 1965. Furthermore, there was a Math quiz in the afternoon.

That did not make things any better. As expected, I did terribly for the Math exam, leaving 70% of the paper blank as I could not recall a single thing. Maybe Mrs Lee was right, I should have slept early.

I’m definitely not looking forward to day my parents see my results. This day is a perfect example why you should not burn midnight oil.

P.S Dont play with fire or burn oil, you might burn the house down(sad).
Written by Junxiang

# data[].attributes.body
everyday i wake up 😢 to you know, that classic iphone ringtone that gives you anxiety everytime it rings, then i snooze it repeatedly for at least 3 times before i actually wake up. anyways, i drag myself out of bed with my hair looking like a bird’s nest to face the cold and cruel light of the day. 💔💔 groggily, i pluck my contacts off my eyes, trying to not actually pluck my eyes off🙄 and make my way to the toilet, which is also by the way, where i have my weeping sessions 🤪 and my live performances 🥳 to brush my teeth squeaky clean 🧼 and to wash the sleep off my face so that i don’t actually look as tired as i am 😘. then i realise that i am going to be late for school so i become a superhuman to defy gravity and rush to dress up, tie my rebellious hair that resists to be smoothed into a ponytail and bangs that refuse to curl in the correct direction 😍. I then sprint as fast as lightning ⚡️  to the mrt station and plug my airpods in to listen to songs while my eyes get droopy and i start nodding off on the way to school.
in school, my eyes flutter to keep myself awake but my brain is like a faulty machine that refuses to work and i cannot process anything. i ask my favourite table mate and she is literally the encyclopaedia, dictionary, and the photomath app all at once. sometimes i think she’s the only reason i’m not failing terribly 😅😅. anyways, after the school hours that crawl terribly slow passes by, i flee back home.
in the afternoon, after i spend most of my precious time on tiktok and instagram, tapping my life away and wasting time letting my brain rot from the unnecessary exposure to social media, i will finally come to my consensus and start work punctually at 9pm. Occasionally reaching for my phone every 10 minutes, I barely get any work done, leading me to burn midnight oil. I mean, it’s already a habit by now so burning midnight oil doesn’t really affect me anymore. After i finally finish all those homework, I go to sleep like a log, hoping to go into hibernation so I do not need repeat this tiring and boring routine again.✌🏻
-kai yi 😘

# data[].attributes.headline
Why did everyone write so well - By Aish

# data[].attributes.subject
Why did everyone write so well - By Aish

# data[].attributes.body
Describing every day of my life is no easy feat. Everyday is like a busy beehive. The day starts off with me refusing to wake up due to being dog-tired. Now, my journey to school. Normally, the MRT is packed like sardines. On good days, I get a seat on others I am simply made to stand for a whole hour. I finally reach school after an eternity. Finally, I reach prison, school. The day goes by with me being hypnotised by the long running lessons. RECESS! I go to the canteen and stand in line...for another century. The canteen is packed with seniors and juniors to the brim. After that, lesson continues and school comes to an end. I scurry down to the bus stop because my bus's frequency always sabotages me. I reach home after about 1 and a half hours. I reach home, looking like I just came back from the hunger games. I rush through homework and collapse onto bed, knocked out.

# data[].attributes.body
Everyday I would wake up and brush my teeth. My toothbrush was a soul cleanser. Then I would head to school after that . In the afternoon I would eat my lunch . My lunch was an adrenaline shot . After school , I would head home to bathe . The bath was like reviving. Finally , I would take a nap to recharge .