Continuing Education + Job Training // Publishing since 1999
Narratives

The Magic Mirror

By SAMANVITHA ORUGANTI - January 9 2024

Magic mirror on the wall, 

Show me a tale that brightens the day in one way and all 

And is as liberating as a free fall. 

With the thinking hat right on; I look within myself for all those stories, I’ve witnessed from dusk to dawn but nothing comes closer to the journey of ‘the reflection I capture the day in, day out’, whom I fondly call A pocket full of sunshine due to the warm and fuzzy feeling this one leaves behind. 

The narrative doesn’t begin with once upon a time…in a faraway land but it indeed starts with the information on first-hand about a grown-up human and her shenanigans in full galore. 

Her aura sometimes soothing, sometimes exciting, and sometimes grim but all the while enchanting got me laughing like a baby; from her grumpy morning faces to I got bloated tummy nose scrunching dinner overlook cases. She also got me smirking from her impromptu out-of-tune singing concert to our very own private off-beat dancing TV reality show in her comfortable oversized polo t-shirt. 

As we have our mid-day prep talks and the decision-making sessions, she moves me and makes me swell with pride for the wise person she evolved into from a tiny caterpillar to a butterfly with courage personified. Her tears make me sad, and her self-doubt makes me mad, but watching her solve life puzzles makes me very glad. 

Mirroring her life routine is finding my very own shiny glory, so my brave girl, it’s you that is my favorite story!

Samanvitha Orugant is an avid storyteller who likes narrating stories about people, emotions, and places. She believes our world has innumerable tales, some hidden, some not, but all waiting to be told. She can be reached via email at samanvita.krishna@gmail.com


Viewpoint
Learning Curves

He said Rest in Peace and was thrown in jail..

By OSMAN OZSOY -
December 4 2024

"Rest in peace" led to imprisonment—can you imagine being jailed for offering condolences? In this deeply revealing piece, Professor Osman Ozsoy exposes the harsh realities of authoritarian oppression in Turkey, recounting stories of injustice, silenced freedoms, and the fight for democracy.

Read more...

Viewpoint
Learning Curves

Life is an obstacle race, the brave ones win.

By OSMAN OZSOY -
November 17 2024

Ali Kemal, a controversial figure in Turkish history and the great-grandfather of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, faced widespread criticism for his opposition to the Turkish War of Independence and was ultimately lynched in 1922. In this compelling narrative, Prof. Dr. Osman Ozsoy shares his arduous journey of uncovering Ali Kemal's life, shedding light on the challenges of pursuing historical truths under political pressure.

Read more...

Digital Citizen Corner
Learning Curves

Why You Should Safeguard Your Digital Rights

By BRYAN SENFUMA -
November 11 2024

In today’s digital age, every click, scroll, and online interaction we make can have a profound impact on our rights. As digital citizens, understanding our digital rights helps us to safeguard our privacy, protect ourselves from misuse, and fully engage in an increasingly online world.

Read more...

Here In the House of Mirrors
Learning Curves

Halloween: The Pop Culture Monster We Created

By ROB HERHOLZ -
October 16 2024

Halloween has staggered from ancient Celtic traditions to become pop culture’s favorite monster, where it’s totally normal to spend way too much on costumes and eat candy like it’s your job. From horror movie sequels no one asked for to viral “sexy avocado” costumes, this holiday refuses to stay dead—much like Michael Myers.

Read more...