By Kunwar Yuvaan Singh
Student Writer - Galileo School for Gifted Learning
The beginning of a new school year is always filled with a special
kind of excitement. After weeks of summer holidays, I returned with
new energy, new school supplies and plenty of stories to share. “Back
to school” is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a fresh
start, a chance to set new goals and an opportunity to grow in both
knowledge and character.
My Back to School started with walking past my old classrooms, waving
to my favorite teachers from last year and the eagerness of meeting
all my new teachers. Meeting them just emphasized the new chapter
waiting to be written in my learning journey. Whether it’s mastering
algebra, experimenting in science labs, learning to code or reading
new novels, school provides a place where curiosity is celebrated and
encouraged.
Back-to-school also means re-establishing routines. Early mornings
replace late nights and schedules fill with classes, assignments,
sports and activities. A consistent routine not only makes learning
easier but also gives us more time for fun and creativity.
An important fact about school isn’t only about books and exams, it’s
about building friendships, teamwork, discovering passions and
learning how to face challenges with resilience. From group projects
to school plays, from sports matches to science fairs, every activity
offers lessons that go beyond the classroom.
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Mythologies from Around the World: Norse, Greek, Egyptian, and Native American
By Anekan Thyagarajan
Student Writer - Sanford Middle School
Mythology is a collection of stories that people have told for thousands of years. These stories explain how the world was created, why things happen and how people should behave. Every culture has its own myths, but many of them share similar ideas. Let’s explore four famous mythologies: Norse, Greek, Egyptian and Native American.
To begin with, Norse mythology comes from the ancient people of Scandinavia, in places like Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Their stories are full of brave gods, magical creatures, and epic battles. The most important gods are Odin, the wise leader; Thor, the god of thunder; and Freyja, the goddess of love and war. Norse myths talk about a giant tree called Yggdrasil that connects all the worlds. One of the biggest stories is about Ragnarok, the end of the world, where many gods will fight and some will die. These stories teach about bravery, fate, and never giving up, even when things seem hopeless.
Secondly,Greek mythology is probably the most famous in the world. The Greeks believed in powerful gods and goddesses like Zeus, the king of the gods; Hera, his wife; Athena, the goddess of wisdom; and Apollo, the god of the sun and music. These gods lived on Mount Olympus and often acted like humans, they could be kind, but also jealous or angry. Greek myths include exciting adventures, such as Hercules and his twelve labors, or the story of Prometheus, who gave fire to humans. Greek myths often teach lessons about pride, kindness, and the importance of respecting the gods.
Thirdly, Egyptian mythology comes from the land of the pyramids and the Nile River. The Egyptians believed in gods like Ra, the sun god; Osiris, the god of the afterlife; and Isis, the goddess of magic. They believed that life was a balance between order and chaos. The pharaohs, or kings, were seen as living gods. One famous story is about Osiris being killed by his brother Set, then brought back to life by his wife Isis. Egyptian myths often focus on life after death and the hope of living forever.
Lastly, Native American mythology is made up of many different stories from tribes all across North and South America. Each tribe has its own tales, but many focus on nature and animals. For example, some tribes tell stories about Coyote or Raven, who are trickster animals that sometimes help people and sometimes cause trouble. Many Native American myths explain how the world was created, why animals look the way they do, or how people should live in harmony with nature. These stories are passed down from parents to children and teach important lessons about respect, bravery, and caring for the Earth.
In conclusion, Norse, Greek, Egyptian, and Native American mythologies are full of amazing stories that have been told for thousands of years. They help us understand what ancient people believed and what was important to them. Even today, these myths are told throughout books, movies, and games, showing that their magic is still alive! To put it in a nutshell, even though these mythologies come from different places, they have a lot in common. They explain how the world began and how it might end.They teach lessons about right and wrong. They show the relationship between people, gods, and nature.
