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NYAC | 3min Read

The Living Illusion

Published on May 6, 2026

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The Living Illusion

The Living Illusion

Ebony celestial skies embellished by Luna herself; gazing upon folks with quietness. The sky crammed with silhouette of bright colours, inking the clouds with strokes of revolution. Even the clouds couldn’t recognize them. All they seemed like were, figure of something close to our own reality. They seem ours. Yet alien. Bizarre yet enticingly beautiful. They truly seemed like what dreams were crafted of. Or maybe they are the part of dreams, themselves? The ones which appear when our vision is hindered. Those which flow in the ebony, with shades of the seven rays themselves. The seven rays which brought the sense of familiarity and hope, even in those silhouettes of a reality we didn’t know. Maybe they truly belonged from a reality which ignites itself, when we are in quiescence or when the soul is on the journey of discovering various worlds. And the eyes? They could only see and feel. Never disclose to human. The hindered gaze only able to feel the trail of the seven- ray inked silhouette’s drive of endlessness.

Unifying themselves to form tints no man seen. Playing to form serenity. They intrigue the human-mind, even drive them senseless with frantic and propitious. And those silhouettes? They continue to plague and even play in their pursuit of living. Besides appearing in the ebony, they often appear when the skies are painted by melding the amber strokes with the burnt shade of rust; where they are guarded by the supreme, Sun himself. They flow and meld together to summon the trinity of colours in a majestic play. Soft clouds tint graciously upon the play of unity and magic. They are accompanied by the tranquil gush of the rivers. The birds fly by, adding to the picturesque vision. Yet it seems familiar to ones we meet in our crafted dreams or the ebony skies. These calming yet unfamiliar scenes which are epitome of unravelling living illusion. They beautifully intrigue yet haunt the humanity. Haunting the humanity to believe into a reality which exist? Or not? The mystery of multiple illusions always seemed to soothe the hearts of inquisitive but further rendezvous the petrified ones. Yet the inquisitive find themselves to unravel the truth about The Living Illusion, we are currently present in. This is crafted by Universe, itself. These all are the dreams of The Universe which exist as Living Illusions which we commoner folks only can ponder upon or be haunt by it. Literature scripts it as beauty, Science scripts it as physical reality. Names numerous. But the truth of it remains to be wrapped in bulky scriptures or volumes. The human heart knows no truth about it. But it will always remain be rooted with the humanity and reality. No one can escape it. We are all embedded within it. Even if there is no self-acknowledgment about it; the heart of the soul knows and is familiar with it from decades. The identity might change but the soul remains the follower of living realities. It is our truth. Our past, present and future. Humanity, flora or fauna all kneel at the step of our reality which we can not escape forever, we all have a role in this beautiful, divine yet haunting play of The Living Illusion.

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blog Entrepreneurship | 3min Read

Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Students (Grades 8–12): Building Future-Ready Skills

Published on May 4, 2026

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Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Students (Grades 8–12): Building Future-Ready Skills

Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Students (Grades 8–12): Building Future-Ready Skills

In an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape, academic achievement alone is no longer sufficient to ensure long-term success. Universities and employers are placing growing emphasis on skills such as critical thinking, initiative, adaptability, and collaboration. For students in grades 8–12, developing an entrepreneurial mindset alongside strong leadership capabilities is one of the most effective ways to build these competencies early.

This article explores the importance of entrepreneurship and leadership education at the school level, and how students can begin cultivating these essential skills.

Understanding Entrepreneurship in a Student Context

Entrepreneurship is often misunderstood as the process of starting a business. While venture creation is one possible outcome, entrepreneurship fundamentally refers to the ability to identify opportunities, solve problems creatively, and take initiative.

For school students, entrepreneurship can take many forms:

  • Launching a small-scale business or digital project
  • Initiating a school club or community campaign
  • Developing creative content such as blogs, podcasts, or applications
  • Identifying inefficiencies in their environment and proposing solutions

At its core, entrepreneurship fosters innovation, resilience, and ownership, enabling students to move from passive learning to active problem-solving.

Defining Leadership for Young Learners

Leadership is not confined to formal roles or titles. Rather, it is the capacity to influence, guide, and inspire others toward a shared goal. In a school setting, leadership is demonstrated through consistent actions and behaviors.

Key characteristics of effective student leaders include:

  • Proactive decision-making
  • Clear and confident communication
  • Accountability and integrity
  • The ability to collaborate and motivate peers

Leadership opportunities arise in diverse contexts, including academic group work, extracurricular activities, sports teams, and student-led initiatives.

Why Early Development Matters

1. Confidence and Self-Efficacy

Engaging in entrepreneurial and leadership activities helps students build confidence through real-world experiences. By taking initiative and managing responsibilities, students develop a strong sense of self-belief.

2. Acquisition of Transferable Skills

Students gain practical, transferable skills such as:

  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Financial and organizational literacy
  • Team collaboration and conflict resolution

These competencies are critical for both higher education and professional environments.

3. Enhanced University Applications

Leading global universities seek students who demonstrate initiative, impact, and intellectual curiosity. Participation in entrepreneurial ventures or leadership roles signals a student’s ability to contribute meaningfully beyond academics.

4. Preparation for Future Careers

As industries evolve, adaptability and innovation are becoming increasingly valuable. Early exposure to entrepreneurship and leadership prepares students to navigate uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities.

Practical Ways to Get Started

Students do not need significant resources or prior experience to begin developing these skills. The following approaches provide accessible entry points:

• Initiate a Project

Students can start by creating a small-scale initiative, such as a digital platform, a school-based club, or a community service project.

• Engage in School Activities

Taking on responsibilities in events, competitions, or student organizations provides hands-on leadership experience.

• Apply Learning in Real Contexts

While theoretical knowledge is important, applying concepts through practical experiences accelerates learning and builds competence.

• Collaborate with Peers

Team-based initiatives help students develop interpersonal skills and understand the dynamics of working toward shared objectives.

• Embrace Challenges and Setbacks

Failure is an inherent part of growth. Learning to adapt, reflect, and improve is central to both entrepreneurship and leadership.

The Long-Term Impact

Entrepreneurship and leadership are not isolated skills; they represent a broader mindset that shapes how individuals approach challenges and opportunities. Students who cultivate this mindset early are more likely to become proactive, solution-oriented individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Rather than following predetermined paths, these students are equipped to create their own, whether in business, academia, or public service.

Conclusion

For students in grades 8–12, the development of entrepreneurial thinking and leadership ability is not an optional enhancement. It is a strategic investment in their future. By starting early, students gain a competitive advantage, develop essential life skills, and position themselves for success in an ever-evolving world.

The most effective time to begin is now.

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Crack the Ivy code: Expert tips to prepare for Ivy League admissions

Published on January 21, 2025

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Crack the Ivy code: Expert tips to prepare for Ivy League admissions

Ivy League admissions

India Today Spotlights Rishi Jalan on Ivy League Success Strategies

Preparing for Ivy League admissions is no small feat, but expert guidance can make all the difference. Rishi Jalan, Founder of Big Red Education and a proud Cornell University graduate, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a double major in Economics and Government. With acceptance rates often in the single digits, standing out in a pool of exceptional candidates requires more than just stellar grades and test scores. It demands a well-rounded application that highlights academic achievements, extracurricular passions, leadership skills, and a unique personal story. Whether you’re a high school student or a parent guiding your child, these expert tips will help you pave the way to Ivy League success.

Academic excellence and standardized tests.

A strong academic profile is built by excelling in challenging courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), while maintaining a high GPA. For example, a student who takes AP Calculus and scores a 5 on the exam, while also excelling in other advanced subjects, demonstrates both academic rigor and subject mastery. While Ivy League schools like Harvard and Princeton have gone test-optional, a student with a 1550+ SAT score, in addition to academic achievements, can stand out and provide more data points for admissions. However, the focus should be on a holistic profile-test scores are just one piece.

Extracurricular activities.

Consider a student who, beyond joining the debate team, becomes its captain, mentors younger students, and organizes regional debate tournaments. This kind of leadership, coupled with personal growth, resonates with Ivy League admissions. For example, a student who founded a non-profit to provide tutoring for underprivileged students shows initiative, social responsibility, and leadership. The admissions committee values students who make a meaningful impact-starting a tutoring program that helps increase graduation rates at a local high school, for instance, would demonstrate a commitment to service, leadership, and problem-solving.

Essays and personal statements.

A standout personal essay might center on a life-changing experience, such as overcoming a serious health challenge or immigrating to the U.S. A student could reflect on how this experience shaped their worldview, highlighting their resilience and growth. For example, a student who struggled with dyslexia but ultimately developed a passion for literature by learning to read fluently might write about how that journey sparked their desire to help others with learning disabilities. The key is to use specific anecdotes that illustrate personal development, rather than simply stating achievements or ambitions.

Letters of recommendation.

A letter from a teacher who witnessed a student’s transformation could make a significant difference. For example, a high school math teacher who saw a quiet student grow into a confident leader after spearheading a successful STEM outreach project would provide detailed insight into that student’s intellectual curiosity and leadership. Similarly, a mentor who guided a student through an internship at a local hospital might discuss how the student not only demonstrated medical knowledge but also compassion for patients. These letters should go beyond generic praise and include examples that highlight the student’s specific contributions and personal strengths.

Researching the right fit.

A student applying to Yale might emphasize their passion for environmental policy, mentioning how they were inspired by Yale’s robust focus on sustainability and the Yale School of the Environment’s innovative research. They might reference specific professors whose work aligns with their interests or discuss the Yale Sustainability Program, noting how it will help them achieve their career goals. For example, a student applying to Columbia might express admiration for its core curriculum and how it complements their interest in global history. Demonstrating a clear connection between a school’s offerings and the student’s goals is critical in standing out.

Handling challenges and setbacks.

If a student experienced a drop in grades due to a family crisis, they could address this in their application, explaining the situation briefly but focusing on how they bounced back. For instance, if a student’s GPA dipped during a challenging time but they later improved it through consistent effort in subsequent semesters, they can discuss the personal growth they experienced. A student who faced the setback of a failed science project but used the feedback to develop a better project the following year, ultimately winning an award, could highlight this as an example of resilience and self-improvement. It’s important to show how setbacks were turning points for growth rather than just obstacles.

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Introduction to Passion Projects: A Four-Step Guide

Published on April 11, 2024

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Introduction to Passion Projects: A Four-Step Guide

Introduction to Passion Projects A Four-Step Guide

College Admissions are competitive. The Ivy League is even moreeee competitive!

Question is,

How do you stand out?

Grades?
Captaining the debate team?
Playing football?

Trust me there will be thousands of people who will be doing these things and more. Just think how many schools exist in the world and probably each school will have a debate team and each debate team will have its captain and that gives you a couple of million debate team captains. Whew!

That is a lot.

I have another idea.

Something that is interesting and will definitely help you stand out.

Passion Projects!

NOTE!

Passion projects are not just hobbies. Rather, it needs to be strategically chosen and should be focused.

Your passion project should reflect:

1. Your Skills
2. Your Ambitions
3. Your Unique Interests

Today, in 4 steps, I will be telling you the best way to develop a meaningful and impactful passion project.

Key word: IMPACT!

Step 1: Strategise

Strategise

This is the first and probably the most crucial.

It might feel tedious but trust me you will save yourself years if you do this step properly.

Take a breath, eat a sandwich, eat two and think about what you want to show. About yourself that is (duh).

A lot of people jump straight in.

They get up in the morning and even before they brush, they think: oh yeah let me create a passion project on, I don’t know, stamps.

Funny thing is: They might not have ever seen a stamp!

Point is, you need to carefully think about the project and ask why?

Ask yourself. Why? Why? Why and one more time, Why?

Pro Tip: Think about your academic interest. Think what you are interested in personally. And use what I (and a lot of other people) call: SPV (Strength, Personality, Values).

This will help you:

A. Alight project to your overall profile, so that it makes sense.
B. Make sure it complements your goals (academic and personal).

Tldr; it needs to have a well throughout theme which makes sense in relation to YOU!

Step 2: Brainstorm

Okay, now your strategy is done.

Move on to brainstorming.

Creativity, creativity, creativity.

What are you passionate about?

How can you turn that into a project that will showcase your skills, interests and ambitions?

1. Media / Creative: Start a blog, youtube channel or podcast.

2. Research: You can start off by interning with a professor. Learn everything about research and then you can start working on your project.

3. Service Based Project: Create a community project or a startup.

How does this help?

This shows leadership, initiative and a commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

Step 3: Execute

Execute

Now, it’s all about bringing your idea to life.

This is all practical:

Building a website
Starting a social media campaign.

Reaching out to potential mentors or collaborators

Put your plan into action!

Remember: Starting is just the first step

Maintaining momentum is key.

Regular updates, continuous engagement and steady growth.

These are key to transforming a simple project into a compelling story.

This is the story that will convince your college admission officer.

Step 4: Scale

Scale

Now that you are executing, next step is to scale.

Scaling is not only just making it bigger but it is also about impact.

Partner with other organisations.

Expand your project’s reach.

Find Innovative ways to increase its influence.

Scaling is also about going deeper. It’s also about refining your idea. Hone your skills and the most important aspect: solidifying your project’s place within your personal and academic narrative.

You can consider seeking external validation here. Testimonials, media mentions and awards!

This helps to make the project even more real. Think of it as an external audit. 

Again, why should you do passion projects?
Passion projects are powerful.

In filmmaking there is a saying, show don’t tell.

Passion projects help you show your interests, skills and commitment to personal growth.

By following this framework, you can create a project that not only boosts your college applications but also provides a fulfilling and rich personal experience.

Key thing to remember:

The best passion projects are those that groove well with your personal interests and goals.

They should be something you are genuinely interested about.
It should be something you are committed to.

Your passion project should not feel as if it has been developed to get to your dream college. Your objective should be to learn and everything else will fall into place.

Stay focused, stay patient and remain passionate.
Trust me, the process will truly change you.

Good Luck and see you next time!

Best,
Aanya Janan

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Navigating the World of Active Listening for High School Students

Published on February 19, 2024

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Navigating the World of Active Listening for High School Students

The Forgotten Skill in a Noisy World

In the bustling hallways of high school, where whispers of weekend plans and the latest gossip fill the air, there lies a skill often overlooked but immensely powerful – active listening. Unlike the passive act of hearing, active listening is a deliberate effort to understand, engage, and respond thoughtfully to the speaker. It’s not just about staying quiet; it’s about being fully present in the conversation.

Why Active Listening Matters?

For high school students, mastering active listening can lead to improved relationships with friends, teachers, and family members. It can enhance academic performance by enabling better comprehension during lectures and discussions. But how exactly does one transition from a passive listener to an active one? It begins with self-awareness and a genuine desire to understand others.

The Consequences of Not Listening:

When we fail to actively listen, we miss out on more than just the details of a conversation. We risk alienating our friends who seek understanding, we overlook crucial information in class discussions that could enhance our learning, and we create an environment where genuine connection is scarce. The frustration of feeling unheard can strain even the strongest of friendships and dampen the learning experience.

The Path to Becoming an Active Listener

Active listening involves several key strategies, each designed to foster deeper connections and understanding:

Engage Fully: Put away distractions and focus on the speaker. Your undivided attention is the first step toward active listening.

Adapt Your Approach: Recognize that different situations call for different listening styles. Whether someone seeks advice or simply needs to vent, adjusting your listening mode can make all the difference.

Encourage Dialogue: Show interest and encourage the speaker to share more. Ask open-ended questions to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings.

Empathize: Try to understand the speaker's perspective, even if it differs from your own. Empathy builds trust and strengthens connections.

Empathize: Try to understand the speaker's perspective, even if it differs from your own. Empathy builds trust and strengthens connections.

Reflect on Your Own Behavior: Be mindful of your responses and ensure they contribute positively to the conversation. Avoid shifting the focus to yourself.

By implementing these strategies, students can unlock the benefits of active listening, leading to more meaningful interactions and a greater sense of empathy.

Action: Steps to Take Now

Start practicing active listening today. Choose one conversation to focus on fully, without distractions. Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, becoming an active listener is a journey that requires patience and practice.
Active listening is more than a skill; it’s a way of engaging with the world that can change your high school experience and beyond.


Till next Time!
Aanya

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