Random House Webster’s (4th ed) defines art as “1. the production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful.” Traditionally, art is used to refer to paintings, sculptures, or other masterpieces of the visual arts. Art can also include performing arts, such as music and theatre. Yet it has also been used in reference to many
Disability, Determination and Strength: Starlight Goes to Citi Field
Anyone who has been to a major league baseball game knows the sounds of fans, the smell of hotdogs, and the heat of a summer night. This night was like that, but it had one more thing that made it very special. Hundreds of children of all ages were congregated there… Not just any children, but
Teen Depression
Julia felt so alone. She felt she had no one to talk to or confide in. She was stressed out from homework, tests, and her parents’ recent divorce. Julia believed that she had no one to turn to for help. She had no energy and was always tired. She was bored with life, or at
Becoming Vegetarian
Years before I became vegetarian, I was interested in animal rights. I read books about animal rights, convinced my mom to take me on a tour of my local ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and had a strong belief that people should not wear fur. Later on I insisted on
Humility in Hinduism
Growing up in a Hindu family in New York, I’ve always been taught that I should try my best, but understand that after I’ve done what I personally can, I should leave the rest to God. Well, not specifically God, but whatever factors there are beyond my control. There is, in my religion, the concept
Celebration of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr means the celebration of the end of Ramadan and giving donations to those in need in the community, which are called Fitrana. The significance of this holiday is to celebrate the completion of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, in which one eats before sun up and does not eat or
Summers at the Cabin
When it comes to my family’s cabin, tradition is the most important thing. We find ourselves there the same time every year, doing the same things, enjoying the same company. Every time we visit the cabin, we leave feeling completely refreshed. I don’t remember a year when we didn’t pack up and head out to
Celebrating Diwali
The autumn sun warmed up my bare arms and legs. Looking up, I saw the turquoise sky and the ragged clouds. I walked to the other side of the terrace. The lakeside was adorned with milk-white, feather-like kaash flowers. The lake water was almost as blue as the sky, with tints of golden sunlight, gleaming
My Dad, Greg Mortenson
Ever since I can remember, my dad, Greg Mortenson, has been going overseas to help people. He builds schools and promotes education in really remote parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. He wrote a book called Three Cups of Tea. Maybe you’ve heard of it. My dad travels for work a lot, but my brother, Khyber,
