My foolish mistake - Aati Pema Tseagon

Looking back, I have made many mistakes in my life, but some stand out more than others, and even now, when I recall them, I see that although they were unintentional but still almost deliberate and foolish.

I was raised in Ladakh, where even today, children like me go to the rivers to swim even when we know it's not allowed. One day when my friends and I went to another one of these spots, I fell after slipping on a rock while crossing a stream and almost got swept away. I shook it off and continued on after reaching, I was the first to jump into the river and as soon as I did, I felt a sharp pain in my knee and saw that blood was rushing out; my friends at once helped me out of the river and took me back on the way back we met an adult who was lucky a nurse and helped me. Not being in a position to do much, I had 4 to 5 stitches on my knee by a stranger; talk about foolish!

After that, my mother found out, and I rightly got scolded for this. I have shared my foolish mistake with you and hope you enjoyed it and are inspired by me not to repeat what I have done. Thank you, and have a great day.

:)

- Aati Pema Tseagon
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

Hot Springs - Rishona Chopra

A hot spring is a spring of naturally hot water, typically heated by subterranean volcanic activity. The Blue Lagoon (Iceland) is the most famous hot spring in the world. Yes, there are hot springs in India - such as Manikaran.

Having trips to hot springs is a fascinating thing. You can do several things like -
- Relaxation
- Swim
Most of all, you have a natural spa with just you around!

I have never been to a hot spring before, but I wish I could have a trip to a hot spring. Maybe our school could take us to a hot spring!

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Courage - Aashay Gaitonde

 

It was the year 2019. I had gone on a holiday with my family to Pali, where we stayed at a weekend home. On a lazy Sunday morning, Dad & I were playing in the kids' pool. I don't know how to swim, but I always liked playing in the water. It's always great fun to splash onto the water and create waves with our hands. However, who knew, that such a fun morning could end with a horror story. While playing in the pool, I slipped and fell face-first into the water. My head was UNDERWATER! I couldn't breathe and panicked. I couldn't move. It's only because my dad pulled me up that I could breathe again, albeit with great difficulty (because of the water in my nose!)

Fast forward to 2021, my parents planned the same trip this weekend & to the same place. And guess what? My mom & dad said to me this morning, "We are going to play in the pool." And this time, it was going to be the regular swimming pool and not the kids' pool. I was petrified! I tried to convince mom not to take me to the pool, but she said, "You need to learn swimming. Getting into the water is the first step.".

I was nervous, but the minute I went back into the water, I slowly started enjoying the pool like old times. And my mom taught me to hold my breath and put my head underwater for a few seconds. My immediate reaction was, "No!". But I knew mom was right. I had to stop being afraid at some point. I tried going underneath the water, and I could finally do it! I was able to put my head underwater and come out safely!

It may be a tiny thing, but for me, it was a big step to overcome my fear of water. I am not afraid of the pool anymore. I am not afraid of getting drowned too. I played in the pool for another hour, and I was able to enjoy every minute of it. This is my little story of courage. 

Name : Aashay Gaitonde
Grade: 5A
Billabong High International school, Thane