#Syllabus D book teacher

[blubberquark]

Why Not Write Cryptography

I learned Python in high school in 2003. This was unusual at the time. We were part of a pilot project, testing new teaching materials. The official syllabus still expected us to use PASCAL. In order to satisfy the requirements, we had to learn PASCAL too, after Python. I don't know if PASCAL is still standard.

Some of the early Python programming lessons focused on cryptography. We didn't really learn anything about cryptography itself then, it was all just toy problems to demonstrate basic programming concepts like loops and recursion. Beginners can easily implement some old, outdated ciphers like Caesar, Vigenère, arbitrary 26-letter substitutions, transpositions, and so on.

The Vigenère cipher will be important. It goes like this: First, in order to work with letters, we assign numbers from 0 to 25 to the 26 letters of the alphabet, so A is 0, B is 1, C is 2 and so on. In the programs we wrote, we had to strip out all punctuation and spaces, write everything in uppercase and use the standard transliteration rules for Ä, Ö, Ü, and ß. That's just the encoding part. Now comes the encryption part. For every letter in the plain text, we add the next letter from the key, modulo 26, round robin style. The key is repeated after we get tot he end. Encrypting "HELLOWORLD" with the key "ABC" yields ["H"+"A", "E"+"B", "L"+"C", "L"+"A", "O"+"B", "W"+"C", "O"+"A", "R"+"B", "L"+"C", "D"+"A"], or "HFNLPYOLND". If this short example didn't click for you, you can look it up on Wikipedia and blame me for explaining it badly.

Then our teacher left in the middle of the school year, and a different one took over. He was unfamiliar with encryption algorithms. He took us through some of the exercises about breaking the Caesar cipher with statistics. Then he proclaimed, based on some back-of-the-envelope calculations, that a Vigenère cipher with a long enough key, with the length unknown to the attacker, is "basically uncrackable". You can't brute-force a 20-letter key, and there are no significant statistical patterns.

I told him this wasn't true. If you re-use a Vigenère key, it's like re-using a one time pad key. At the time I just had read the first chapters of Bruce Schneier's "Applied Cryptography", and some pop history books about cold war spy stuff. I knew about the problem with re-using a one-time pad. A one time pad is the same as if your Vigenère key is as long as the message, so there is no way to make any inferences from one letter of the encrypted message to another letter of the plain text. This is mathematically proven to be completely uncrackable, as long as you use the key only one time, hence the name. Re-use of one-time pads actually happened during the cold war. Spy agencies communicated through number stations and one-time pads, but at some point, the Soviets either killed some of their cryptographers in a purge, or they messed up their book-keeping, and they re-used some of their keys. The Americans could decrypt the messages.

Here is how: If you have message $A$ and message $B$, and you re-use the key $K$, then an attacker can take the encrypted messages $A+K$ and $B+K$, and subtract them. That creates $(A+K) - (B+K) = A - B + K - K = A - B$. If you re-use a one-time pad, the attacker can just filter the key out and calculate the difference between two plaintexts.

My teacher didn't know that. He had done a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation about the time it would take to brute-force a 20 letter key, and the likelihood of accidentally arriving at something that would resemble the distribution of letters in the German language. In his mind, a 20 letter key or longer was impossible to crack. At the time, I wouldn't have known how to calculate that probability.

When I challenged his assertion that it would be "uncrackable", he created two messages that were written in German, and pasted them into the program we had been using in class, with a randomly generated key of undisclosed length. He gave me the encrypted output.

Instead of brute-forcing keys, I decided to apply what I knew about re-using one time pads. I wrote a program that takes some of the most common German words, and added them to sections of $(A-B)$. If a word was equal to a section of $B$, then this would generate a section of $A$. Then I used a large spellchecking dictionary to see if the section of $A$ generated by guessing a section of $B$ contained any valid German words. If yes, it would print the guessed word in $B$, the section of $A$, and the corresponding section of the key. There was only a little bit of key material that was common to multiple results, but that was enough to establish how long they key was. From there, I modified my program so that I could interactively try to guess words and it would decrypt the rest of the text based on my guess. The messages were two articles from the local newspaper.

When I showed the decrypted messages to my teacher the next week, got annoyed, and accused me of cheating. Had I installed a keylogger on his machine? Had I rigged his encryption program to leak key material? Had I exploited the old Python random number generator that isn't really random enough for cryptography (but good enough for games and simulations)?

Then I explained my approach. My teacher insisted that this solution didn't count, because it relied on guessing words. It would never have worked on random numeric data. I was just lucky that the messages were written in a language I speak. I could have cheated by using a search engine to find the newspaper articles on the web.

Now the lesson you should take away from this is not that I am smart and teachers are sore losers.

Lesson one: Everybody can build an encryption scheme or security system that he himself can't defeat. That doesn't mean others can't defeat it. You can also create an secret alphabet to protect your teenage diary from your kid sister. It's not practical to use that as an encryption scheme for banking. Something that works for your diary will in all likelihood be inappropriate for online banking, never mind state secrets. You never know if a teenage diary won't be stolen by a determined thief who thinks it holds the secret to a Bitcoin wallet passphrase, or if someone is re-using his banking password in your online game.

Lesson two: When you build a security system, you often accidentally design around an "intended attack". If you build a lock to be especially pick-proof, a burglar can still kick in the door, or break a window. Or maybe a new variation of the old "slide a piece of paper under the door and push the key through" trick works. Non-security experts are especially susceptible to this. Experts in one domain are often blind to attacks/exploits that make use of a different domain. It's like the physicist who saw a magic show and thought it must be powerful magnets at work, when it was actually invisible ropes.

Lesson three: Sometimes a real world problem is a great toy problem, but the easy and didactic toy solution is a really bad real world solution. Encryption was a fun way to teach programming, not a good way to teach encryption. There are many problems like that, like 3D rendering, Chess AI, and neural networks, where the real-world solution is not just more sophisticated than the toy solution, but a completely different architecture with completely different data structures. My own interactive codebreaking program did not work like modern approaches works either.

Lesson four: Don't roll your own cryptography. Don't even implement a known encryption algorithm. Use a cryptography library. Chances are you are not Bruce Schneier or Dan J Bernstein. It's harder than you thought. Unless you are doing a toy programming project to teach programming, it's not a good idea. If you don't take this advice to heart, a teenager with something to prove, somebody much less knowledgeable but with more time on his hands, might cause you trouble.

[sorryimananti-romantic]

Sometimes you feel like an elder sister I never had cause why do I always come crying to you at minor inconveniences?

Anyways

YUMIIII(;´Д⊂)

I GOT EXAMS AGAIN

AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN FINISH THE SYLLABUS THIS TIME!! WE'RE GOING IN KNOWING NOTHING

And I'm like 99.99% sure they'll ask questions in the paper as if they've taught literally every single page of the 12 books in details. (3 papers from the same course, 12 reading materials.)

WHY IS MY COLLEGE SO CRUEL?!

First, it's competetive as hell.

Second, if I don't score a particular amount I won't get to do honors.

Third, I'M JUST SO TIRED I WANT A BREAK!!

This semester started in September, ended in November first half and we have LONG AND MANY holidays in between. WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME!! SHOULDN'T THE COLLEGE HAVE PLANNED BETTER KNOWING THIS WAS GOING TO BE A SHORT SEMESTER? My college finds a sadist pleasure in watching us suffer I swear.

AHAHA omg bc irl i'm very elder sister coded in real life too i get that a lot, didn't realise i feel like that for some ppl here too :'))

FUCKING EXAMS THO how do you never get a break-

i'm getting flashbacks of my uni time reading your ask bc how come they always include stuff in the syllabus that they haven't even touched and they're like 'figure out on your own :D' like sir no what if i figure out how you die on my own-

bruh your college is so messed up tho (what college isn't) but like pro tip esp if your teachers are the ones who create your exam papers: know thy teacher

(that means that you gotta like analyse what kind of a sadist your teacher is and what kind of questions they'll come up with on your exam paper and do some smart work and study accordingly. past papers might help in that case like analyse your exam maker)

also colleges never plan properly you gotta stay one step ahead if you wanna beat them at their own game 😭 it won't get better. it only gets worse so straighten your shoulders, my child. lift your head. watch them and beat them at their own game (and win) you got thisss <333

(physically refraining myself from some dark humour here i really don't want to get cancelled)

[etcetraetcetra]

•15.11.24• D-18/30•

Very Late update so I will spoil the exam day too: So I prepared very well for maths but I didn’t study the night before because I was too busy watching India-New Zealand cricket match lol. Besides I was done with my syllabus and was in a chill state where I just had my formula book in my hand, casually flipping through the pages and skimming the formulae. In short I am very satisfied with the exam. I wrote till the last minute, created an ingenious way (according to my teacher) of solving a 5 mark problem that would’ve taken at least 15-20 minutes to solve and solved it in like 3 minutes. I did make a silly mistake though. There was a problem that was very common (I saw that in every book I ever encountered) but I still made a mistake in that. It was only 2 marks though. I felt very relieved and happy after the Math exam was over.

Things I did-

Complete practising Complex Numbers

Read theory of Set, Relation, and Function

Practice permutations and combinations

Revised Binomial Theorem (idk why it’s something I ALWAYS forget)

Casually solve some popular problems on Linear Inequality

Practice Relation and Functions

[spardhaschool]

Carnatic Music In A Glance | Spardha School Of Music

Grade exams are essential for music students as they provide structured learning, measurable progress, and globally recognized certifications. These exams build discipline, enhance technical skills, and boost confidence, motivating students to achieve excellence in their musical journey https://www.spardhaschoolofmusic.com/blog/why-grade-exams-are-important-for-music-students

To answer this question, we must first understand musical graded examinations. There are certain musical boards like Trinity College of Music, Rock School London(RSL),  Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), etc. which provide grade certificates in various disciplines like Guitar, Piano, Drums, Music theory, etc. based on some assessments.

The assessment is usually a performance-based presentation that can be attended in offline centers as well as via online recorded video exams. A student is usually given a set of things that he/she has to perform and demonstrate, the difficulty of the evaluation is based on the level of grades, most of the boards provide grade certification from the initial level to Grade 8 which is considered the highest grade. 

These boards have their own curriculum and books which are designed as per the suggestion of the best musicians and music educators throughout the globe and the assessment is also assessed by experienced music educators. 

All candidates are assessed based on several strategies including technical proficiency, musical interpretation through musical exercises, and sight-reading.

Let us try to understand some more features of the grade certification to understand its importance.

Features of Grade Certification

a. Curriculum

The curriculum of the grade examinations is designed in a way that is both challenging and entertaining. For the examination, a student has to understand and prepare some contemporary and popular songs that keep the students interested and engaged. This often helps to assess the students' own skills and they derive ways of improving.

b. Syllabus

The syllabus of the grade examination is very structured on completion of the grade examination, students get expertise in technical exercises, music theory, sight reading, and also learn some popular songs to play, so that can be termed as an overall musical development of the students.

c. Performance

Music is a performing arts; the basic and key idea behind music lessons is that students should learn to perform. While preparing for the grade examinations under some expert's advice, the student learns to perform in front of the examination board, this reduces performance anxiety and builds confidence in the student, which is a key milestone to achieve in the journey of musicianship.

d. Internationally-recognised Certificates

The certificates from these boards are recognized globally, and the student's efforts, commitments, and musical abilities are recognized well, which is crucial for boosting the student's self-esteem.

e. Portfolio building for college admissions and musical career

Moreover, the certificates from these boards hold high value. Hence, upon gaining access to the certificates, the student can use the certificates to add value to their portfolio which is helpful in admission to universities and music schools. For students who want to pursue music seriously and want a music career, these certificates also define the eligibility to apply for the role of music teacher in many music teaching institutions.

f. Motivation and Encouragement

For kids and teenagers sticking to music can get difficult at times. It has been seen that after some time, students tend to get bored of the monotonous music classes. When the students enroll for a Graded Examination, it provides a value-added reward system for them where the students are continuously learning, assessing themselves, performing, and getting rewards through certificates. This engages the students more in music learning and they learn music more seriously and proficiently. 

How Spardha can help you get your Grade Certifications?

Spardha School of Music can be a one-step solution in your journey for grade certifications. At Spardha, the music teachers are grade-certified, and hence they have both experience and knowledge of how to guide students to get the grade certification. When a student enrolls for grade courses, the student does not have to go anywhere as Spardha helps with every process of the examination. 

Spardha registers students for the board of their choice, and the trainers of Spardha guide the students through the exam process and the curriculum, from preparing the pieces for the exam to understanding the theory behind the pieces, Spardha gets it all for you. 

Upon completion of the course, the student can upload the video in the portal of Spardha, Spardha gets it evaluated by the boards and helps the student to get the certification without any hassle. Spardha can be a one-stop destination for grade exams to help people who want to pursue music more than a hobby and who want to add professional attire to their music career. 

Click here to learn more about getting Grade Certifications with Spardha School of Music and Dance.

Written By, Turja Das Gupta SME, Department of Guitar and Ukulele.  Spardha School of Music. 

[topscoree]

What Are the Most Effective Study Schedules for JEE?

Preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) demands commitment, careful planning, and a well-organized study routine. With a vast syllabus to cover and limited time, it’s essential to maximize productivity while maintaining a healthy balance between study and rest. Here’s a guide to crafting the most effective study schedules tailored for JEE aspirants.

JEE Training in Coimbatore

1. Understand Your Goals and Timeline

Before creating a schedule, assess:

Time Left for the Exam: Divide the months into phases like syllabus coverage, revision, and mock tests.

Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Focus more on weaker areas while maintaining proficiency in stronger topics.

2. A Sample Study Schedule

Here’s a sample daily schedule you can customize:

Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Prime Learning Time

Wake up early and start with a subject that requires high concentration, like Mathematics or Physics.

Study for 2 hours with a 10-minute break in between.

Use this time for problem-solving or conceptual understanding.

Mid-Morning (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Core Revision

Switch to a different subject, like Chemistry. Focus on learning reactions, equations, or solving numerical problems.

Incorporate small chunks of theory reading if needed.

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Lighter Study

Post-lunch, focus on a subject that you find relatively easier or more enjoyable.

Use this time to revise notes, practice mock questions, or revisit previously solved problems.

Evening (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Practice Sessions

Dedicate this time to solving mock papers, previous years’ questions, or specific topic-based exercises.

Work on time management by setting a timer.

Night (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM): Recap and Planning

Review what you’ve studied during the day.

Prepare a brief plan for the next day to ensure a smooth transition.

JEE Coaching in Coimbatore

3. Key Components of an Effective Study Schedule

a) Prioritize Topics Based on Weightage

JEE exams emphasize certain topics more than others. For instance:

Physics: Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics

Chemistry: Organic Reactions, Thermodynamics, Inorganic Coordination Compounds

Mathematics: Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry

Focus on high-weightage topics but don’t neglect the others.

b) Allocate Time for Revision

Revise every topic within a week of learning it.

Schedule frequent mini-revisions (daily recaps) and major revisions (weekly/monthly).

JEE Training in Coimbatore

c) Practice Mock Tests

Dedicate 1-2 days each week for full-length mock tests.

Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas immediately after the test.

d) Stay Consistent

Stick to your schedule daily, even if it means studying for fewer hours some days. Consistency trumps occasional bursts of effort.

4. Strategies for Long-Term Preparation

Phase 1: Foundation Building (6-12 Months Before Exam)

Focus on understanding concepts deeply.

Solve problems from NCERT and standard reference books.

Avoid rushing—ensure clarity in fundamentals.

Phase 2: Intensive Practice (3-6 Months Before Exam)

Start solving advanced-level problems.

Increase mock test frequency and focus on speed and accuracy.

Phase 3: Final Preparation (Last 3 Months)

Limit learning new topics—prioritize revision.

Practice full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions.

Develop a strategy for attempting the paper effectively.

5. Additional Tips for Success

Stay Healthy: Incorporate short breaks, proper meals, and 6-7 hours of sleep daily.

Avoid Burnout: Balance study time with physical activity or relaxation to stay mentally sharp.

Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to approach teachers or peers if you’re stuck on a concept.

Track Progress: Use a journal to monitor what’s been covered and identify gaps.

JEE Coaching in Coimbatore

Final Thoughts

The key to cracking the JEE lies in a disciplined approach, consistent effort, and an effective study schedule. Tailor your plan to suit your learning style, and remember, persistence and smart preparation will help you achieve your dream.

[futurevision1990]

Best NEET Coaching Centre in Salem: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the most crucial exams for aspiring medical students in India. Securing a top rank in NEET opens the doors to some of the finest medical colleges across the country, making it a highly competitive and challenging exam. For students in Salem, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and growing educational infrastructure, the journey to cracking NEET can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, the path becomes clear.

If you are someone preparing for NEET in Salem, you might be wondering which coaching Centre can offer the best training to help you succeed. In this blog, we will explore the best NEET coaching Centre in Salem that can provide quality education, expert faculty, comprehensive study material, and the right strategies to boost your preparation and ultimately secure a top rank.

1. Why NEET Coaching Is Important?

While self-study plays a significant role in any competitive exam, NEET preparation often requires structured guidance. Here’s why coaching Centre are vital:

Expert Faculty: Experienced teachers provide insights into difficult topics and concepts, helping students grasp complex ideas.

Structured Learning: NEET coaching institutes offer a well-planned curriculum that ensures every topic is covered systematically.

Regular Tests and Assessments: Mock tests, practice papers, and regular assessments help students track their progress and identify areas of improvement.

Motivation and Discipline: A disciplined study routine, coupled with consistent motivation, is essential for staying on track.

Comprehensive Study Material: Coaching Centre provide carefully curated study material and reference books, which are essential for NEET preparation.

2. Key Features of the Best NEET Coaching Centre in Salem

When looking for a coaching Centre, it’s essential to keep a few factors in mind. The best NEET coaching institutes in Salem share some common characteristics, which include:

a) Experienced Faculty

Look for coaching Centre with highly qualified and experienced teachers who specialize in NEET coaching. Faculty members with teaching experience in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, especially with NEET-focused expertise, can help students understand tricky concepts more easily.

b) Comprehensive Study Material

The best coaching Centre provide study material designed to cover the entire NEET syllabus. They also offer regular updates on the exam pattern, ensuring students are well-prepared for both the theory and practical parts of the exam.

c) Regular Mock Tests and Practice Papers

Frequent mock tests and practice exams are a key part of NEET preparation. They simulate the exam environment, giving students a chance to practice time management and test their knowledge.

d) Small Batch Size

Smaller batch sizes ensure individual attention to students. It allows teachers to better assess each student’s progress and provide tailored support when needed.

e) Competitive Environment

A coaching Centre with a competitive environment helps students stay motivated. The presence of like-minded peers, with a similar goal of cracking NEET, provides an atmosphere of healthy competition.

f) Track Record of Success

Coaching institutes with a proven track record of producing successful NEET candidates should be preferred. Their past results often reflect the quality of education and training provided.

3. Top NEET Coaching Centre in Salem

Salem, a growing hub for education in Tamil Nadu, boasts a variety of coaching institutes that specialize in preparing students for competitive exams like NEET. These Centre offer a mix of traditional classroom training, online learning options, expert faculty, and personalized study plans. Here are some of the top NEET coaching Centre in Salem that can help aspiring medical students achieve their dream of entering the medical field:

a) Future Vision NEET Academy

Future Vision NEET Academy has emerged as one of the leading coaching institutes for NEET preparation in Salem. Known for its student-centric approach and personalized guidance, Future Vision provides a solid foundation for students aiming to crack the NEET exam.

Some of the key features of Future Vision NEET Academy include:

Specialized NEET Programs: The academy offers tailored NEET coaching programs ranging from long-term coaching to crash courses, ensuring that students can choose the program that fits their needs and timeline. These programs cover the entire NEET syllabus, with a focus on the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Experienced Faculty: Future Vision NEET Academy is known for its highly experienced and dedicated faculty members who have extensive knowledge in teaching NEET aspirants. The teachers are experts in their respective subjects and are well-versed in the nuances of the NEET exam.

Interactive and Conceptual Teaching: At Future Vision, the emphasis is on building strong concepts and understanding the fundamentals of each topic. The institute uses a combination of classroom teaching and interactive learning methods to engage students and help them grasp complex topics easily.

Regular Assessments and Mock Tests: The academy conducts frequent mock tests and practice exams that simulate the real NEET exam environment. This helps students improve their time management skills and gain confidence. Regular assessments also help track individual progress, allowing for targeted improvements.

Personalized Attention: One of the standout features of Future Vision NEET Academy is the individual attention given to students. With smaller batch sizes, teachers are able to focus on each student’s strengths and weaknesses, providing customized solutions and doubt-clearing sessions to ensure better understanding.

Comprehensive Study Material: The academy provides its students with high-quality study material and practice papers. These resources are designed to cover the entire NEET syllabus and are updated regularly to reflect any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus.

Online and Offline Classes: For students who may prefer online learning or have difficulty attending regular classes, Future Vision NEET Academy offers a combination of offline and online classes, providing flexibility while maintaining the same high standards of education.

Track Record of Success: Future Vision NEET Academy has a proven track record of producing top NEET rankers in Salem. Many of their students have successfully secured admissions to prestigious medical colleges across the country, a testament to the institute’s effective teaching methodology and support system.

To More Details Click Here

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[trishuldefenceacademyallahabad]

How to Choose Best Online NDA Coaching Classes in India

Choosing the best online NDA coaching classes in India requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select the right one:

1. Reputation and Track Record

Research the Coaching Institute: Check the coaching institute's reputation in the field of NDA exam preparation. Look for online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from past students.

Success Rate: Look into the institute's track record of producing successful candidates. This can be a good indicator of their quality.

Experience in NDA Coaching: Check how long the coaching institute has been offering NDA coaching and their expertise in defense exams.

2. Experienced Faculty

Qualified Instructors: Ensure the faculty members are experienced in NDA-specific subjects like General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English.

Ex-Defense Personnel: Some of the best institutes have retired defense personnel as instructors who can provide practical insights and motivation.

3. Course Content and Study Material

Updated Curriculum: The study material and course structure should be regularly updated according to the latest NDA exam syllabus and trends.

Comprehensive Study Material: Good online coaching provides complete study materials, including e-books, PDFs, video lectures, and practice questions.

Mock Tests and Practice Papers: Check if the institute offers NDA mock tests, previous year question papers, and timed practice papers, which are crucial for preparation.

4. Interactive and Flexible Learning Platform

Live Classes: Ensure the online coaching offers live interactive sessions for real-time doubt-solving and teacher-student engagement.

Recorded Lectures: Check if the platform provides recorded sessions for later revision and if the content can be accessed on various devices.

Doubt-Clearing Sessions: Some top institutes have dedicated doubt-clearing sessions or one-on-one mentorship.

Mobile App Availability: A coaching app with a user-friendly interface can make learning more flexible and accessible.

5. Personalized Attention and Mentorship

Batch Size: Smaller batch sizes ensure personalized attention. Online coaching institutes with large batches may not be able to focus on individual students.

Mentorship Programs: Institutes offering mentorship or guidance sessions can help boost your morale and keep you on track.

6. Fee Structure

Affordable Fees: Compare the fee structure of various institutes. While expensive courses don’t always guarantee quality, avoid very low-cost programs as they may compromise on content.

Payment Flexibility: Check for EMI options, trial periods, or scholarships if you're looking for financial flexibility.

7. Online Reviews and Testimonials

Student Feedback: Look for video testimonials or genuine student reviews on platforms like Google, YouTube, or social media.

Word of Mouth: If you have friends or peers preparing for the NDA, ask for their recommendations and experiences.

8. Additional Resources and Support

Physical Fitness Guidance: Some NDA coaching platforms offer fitness training and preparation tips for the SSB interview, which is a crucial part of the selection process.

SSB Interview Coaching: Institutes that also provide SSB coaching are often more comprehensive.

Personality Development and Communication Skills: NDA selection involves more than just academic performance, so see if the institute also focuses on personality and soft skill development.

9. Free Trial or Demo Classes

Trial Access: Many top coaching institutes offer free trial classes. Take advantage of these to see if the teaching style suits your needs.

10. Top Online NDA Coaching Classes in India

Based on the above factors, some well-known online NDA coaching institutes are: Trishul Defence Academy - Its one of the oldest and best defence academy in india.

By considering these points, you can choose an NDA coaching platform that matches your learning style, needs, and budget. Join Trishul Defence Academy for Best Online NDA Coaching Classes in India to crack NDA Written Exam 2025. Download App to Get Best NDA Online Coaching Classes in India .

[abroadstudy635]

Cracking NTA NEET 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway to MBBS dreams in India. For aspiring medical professionals, NTA NEET 2024 is the crucial exam that unlocks doors to top medical colleges. This blog serves as your one-stop guide for everything NEET 2024 - from registration details to the exam syllabus and eligibility criteria.

Who Conducts NEET 2024?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting NEET 2024. Established by the Ministry of Education (MoE), NTA ensures efficient and standardized testing procedures for various entrance exams, including NEET.

NEET Registration 2024 (Not Available Yet)

The official NEET 2024 ragistration date haven't been announced yet. However, based on previous years' trends, you can expect the registration window to open sometime in November or December 2023. Keep a close eye on the official NTA website for updates.

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024

Before diving into the syllabus, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for NEET 2024:

Minimum Age: You must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2023.

Maximum Age Limit: There's no upper age limit for NEET 2024, opening doors for aspirants regardless of age.

Educational Qualification: You must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as subjects.

Minimum Marks: There's a minimum marks requirement in the qualifying exam:

General Category, General-EWS, and OBC-NCL: 50% aggregate marks with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology individually.

SC, ST, and PWD: 40% aggregate marks with a minimum of 40% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology individually.

NEET 2024 Exam Syllabus

The National Medical Commission (NMC) prescribes the syllabus for NEET. It covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Zoology and Botany) from Classes 11 and 12. Here's a subject-wise breakdown:

Physics: Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Power, Energy, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Properties of Solids and Liquids, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices.

Chemistry: Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, States of Matter, Chemical Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Surface Chemistry, Classification and Nomenclature of Organic Compounds, Isolation of Elements, Principles of Inorganic Chemistry and Metallurgy, p-Block Elements, d and f Block Elements, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life.

Biology (Zoology): Animal Diversity, Structural Organization in Animals, Animal Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Ecology and Environment.

Biology (Botany): Plant Diversity, Structure and Function in Plants, Cell Biology and Plant Physiology, Reproduction in Plants, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, Ecology and Environment.

Tips to Conquer the NEET 2024 Syllabus

The NEET 2024 exam syllabus is vast, so a strategic approach is essential. Here are some tips:

Start Early: Don't wait till the last minute. Begin familiarizing yourself with the syllabus as early as possible.

Focus on NCERT Textbooks: NCERT textbooks form the foundation for NEET preparation. Thoroughly understand these books.

Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' NEET papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Clear Your Doubts: Don't hesitate to seek help from teachers, mentors, or online resources for topics you find challenging.

Maintain a Balanced Schedule: Include regular breaks and maintain a healthy study-life balance for optimal focus.

Stay Motivated: Set realistic goals, track your progress, and reward yourself for milestones achieved.

Alternative Options: MBBS Abroad

If you're unable to secure a seat through NEET 2024, don't lose hope. Several reputed universities abroad offer MBBS programs for international students. Here are some factors to consider for MBBS abroad:

Eligibility: Requirements vary by university, but generally include good grades in your 10+2 exams, NEET score (in some cases), and an English language proficiency test score (TOEFL or IELTS).

University Recognition: Ensure the university is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) for practicing medicine in India after completing your degree.

Course Duration and Fees: MBBS programs abroad typically last 4-6 years, with varying tuition fees depending on the university and country.

Cost of Living: Research the living expenses in the country you're considering to plan your finances effectively.

Important Considerations Before Choosing MBBS Abroad:

Language Barrier: Studying MBBS in a country with a different primary language can pose challenges. Assess your language skills and the university's support system for international students.

Cultural Differences: Adapting to a new culture can take time. Research the country's culture and customs to prepare for a smooth transition.

Limited Clinical Rotations in India: Completing your clinical rotations in India after obtaining a degree abroad might be subject to additional requirements and approvals.

Final Thoughts

NTA NEET 2024 is a competitive exam, but with dedication and the right approach, you can achieve your MBBS dream. Remember, even if you don't secure a seat through NEET, MBBS programs abroad offer a viable alternative. Carefully research universities and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

[mi4019shizashaiyan]

INTERVIEW - SCHOOL VS UNI

I interviewed my peer, hemansha, and had her give her point of view on the transition from school to uni.

How would you compare the projects/assignments that you had to do in school vs uni?

So it’s like completely different right?

Assignments in school, were homework, that we had to do everyday, and they didn’t really count at the end for our overall exam grades.

But in uni there’s obviously assignments which they grade, that do count towards the final grades which is also a contribution towards passing the modules.

Did school do a good job at preparing you for the adult life? (higher education/work life)

Oh no, definitely not! I had no idea what olevels were until i actually did olevels, until the final few grades, I had no idea what I was doing. School also put of much of pressure on you since middle school to do better, but none of that matters now. Like even currently, our grades dont really matter right? so yeah.

In terms of adult life in different aspects that’s a no either, the teachers kind of like teach you life skills while teaching but other than that no.

How would you compare the school syllabus to the Northumbria (AOD) syllabus?

School syllabus is a lil more studying and memorizing all that, it’s different for the London syllabus right?

Yes actually, I did the London syllabus for both olevels and alevels and I think I would’ve kind of preferred the more textbook based examinations actually but yes. For the london syllabus, we basically had questions that would test analytical and critical thinking skills, without just textbook knowledge but in a way it helped and kind of does come in handy right now too and i think that’s exactly what design uni is about.

Did you enjoy or feel to do your school assignments? how do you feel about doing your uni assignment?

There’s a huge difference there because you would think that if there’s a subject you like you would’ve enjoyed doing your homework right? so i generally did all my homework whether i liked it or not.

But in uni, I really like the assignments and i want to get them done because its basically my hobbies but in a more educational setting, so that was basically the difference for me.

How would you explain the freedom you had to learn in school vs uni?

Yeah I think uni has a lot more self studying and exploration while in school you get everything handed to you and you could just read the book and get the ideas.

Plus, the teachers would teach you exactly what to know and that packed with the fact that we don’t need anymore knowledge, you wouldn’t go exploring on your own, but for this if you cant do this then you’re expected to find a way and figure it out in your own, so yes.

LINKS TO THE AUDIO INTERVIEW:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GUqoNfOe38uQ6QDL8eYkdbE4DZGf_b-B

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SDPu5-8zpyyFkx3wILX_g-qAMSA_6Z2j/view?usp=drivesdk

[knowledgeempoweringyouth]

A new post has been published on Knowledge Empowering Youth

A new post has been published on https://keylibraries.org/section/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs

How many libraries have you set up so far?

To date we have strategically placed 46 dynamic primary and secondary school libraries; one in Ghana and Tanzania each and the rest in Kenya across 12 counties in 6 provinces.

KEY libraries are impacting more than 44 300 students with a 5:6 ratio girls to boys at an average cost of $135 per child.

How are you affected by the internet and the digital age?

The internet and digital age have had a significant impact on access to online databases, and e-book access. With internet and the advent of our digital age, access to information and information management and analysis has become much easier.

Likewise, technical tools such as computers (pre-loaded with information so they’re useful even without an internet connection, or a teacher for that matter) and digital chalkboards help expand the nature and quality of education. Access to technology also motivates teachers and brings students closer to the world's best learning practices.

How can one join you as a librarian?

We are a small team of 5. We do not recruit librarians. KEY works with professionals who include among them volunteer librarians affiliated with instiutions.

What are the requirements to become a librarian?

To be a librarian, one needs an undergraduate degree in Kenya. Although, there are other library assistant and technical positions that require one to have a certificate or a diploma in information studies. It is important to note that specific requirements for qualifications as a inbrarian depend on the country, the type of library and the position wanted in a library.

What are your targets for the next 5 years?

Our targets are both to drive the growth and impact of libraries in Kenya, and to scale our library interventions for modeling in developing countries. Our goals are to do this by:

a. Advocating and promoting awareness of the relevance and success of providing well-resourced library interventions in schools for improved learning outcomes for all students and the potential future benefits of education in terms of income, employment, social chance and economic production

b. Increasing engagement with expert librarian volunteers

c. Creating more corporate and donors partnerships

d. Building more strategic libraries, including one in Nyanza and in North Eastern povince, because we haven’t gotten there yet.

From where do you get your funds?

KEY is a charity. In our first years, we self-funded so we were not making decisions through trial-and-error with other people’s money. In the past few years, we’ve received donations-in kind and worked with a range of supporters and funding partners such as corporate donors like M-Pesa Foundation, donor governments like the Turkish Government, and donor agencies like Goethe Institute.

What kind of books and technology are in your libraries?

School libraries should help form a knowledge foundation, but students should also read for pleasure. KEY equips libraries with dedicated computers, e-readers, interactive white boards (smartboards), postersiv, book shelves, reading and study area furniture and a relevant contemporary collection of over 1,500 new books (covered and labeled) that are specially selected to realize the general objectives of Kenya’s Primary and Secondary Education Syllabus, the Constitution and Vision 2030 to educate for knowledge, diversity, citizenship and democracy. The books are sourced form local and international publishers and cover varying local, regional, national and international issues in current affairs, politics, history, science, environment, culture, religion, classics, best sellers, life-skills, inspirational, business, economics, geography, biographies, business, culture.

[santoshacademia]

In this channel, you will find video lectures that cover the syllabus of Mathematics for Class XII Book-2.

Our expert teachers will explain each topic in detail, providing step-by-step solutions to various problems which will be helpful for your board exam. We cover all the chapters of Mathematics Class XII Book-2.

*Relations and Functions

*Inverse Trigonometric Functions

*Matrices, Determinants

*Continuity and Differentiability

*Application of Derivatives

*Integrals

*Application of Integrals

*Differential Equations

*Vector Algebra

*Three-Dimensional Geometry

*Linear Programming

*Probability Lecture PDF File :- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dTwY...

Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, helping students build a strong foundation in Mathematics. Our video lectures are designed to be engaging, interactive and easy to follow, ensuring that you get the most out of each session. So, whether you are looking for help with homework, preparing for exams or simply want to learn more about Mathematics, our YouTube channel is the perfect place for you. Subscribe to our channel and start learning today!

[chaitemy]

Begin your JEE Preparation with Us!

For opting in the best students to give admission in top engineering colleges, NTA (National Testing Agency) conducts JEE exam on the national level in two stages – JEE Main & JEE Advanced. This exam is held twice a time in a year and around 15-16 lakhs of aspirants appear in the same. With such huge interest and only 3 hours in hand to solve 90 questions, it would be challenging to qualify this exam if one lacks planned study and guidance. If you are also aspired to become an IITians, gear up to give your preparation the right direction and join the best coaching institute.

How Chaitanya’s Academy can help you in cracking the exam?

Preparation for JEE exam requires understanding, complete conceptual clarity, full knowledge of formulas, equations, structure and theorems, problem solving skills, time management and speed accuracy. All these you can’t do alone. At Chaitanya’s Academy, we understand this and keep our students along to make them enabled.

a) Our unique teaching technique – We emphasis a lot on learning ability of student. While taking admission, we conduct a small test to determine the learning skills and capability of student and plan their teaching strategy on spot. We keep our batches small to provide 360 degree approach to everyone. With perfect fusion of traditional classroom teaching & digital learning tools, we teach students in positive environment.

b) Expert team of faculties – We are equipped with a team of best faculties who are from famous IITs & NITs all over India and have extensive experiences.

c) Specially curated and designed notes – We provide specially curated study materials prepared by our in-house experts, instead of recommending reference books. These notes are based on NCERT syllabus and contain precise details of every chapter and topic with easy to understand and follow solutions.

d) Personalized Guidance – Just teaching is not enough, when you are preparing for JEE. And we know this. Along with teaching, our teachers focus on providing the best guidance to help students deal with confusion, doubts, unwanted stress, study pattern and more.

e) Result Oriented Strategy – While setting the goal, no one focuses on strong and weak points which affect the journey later. We understand our students and avail them know their potential by organizing orientation programs regularly. This program is primarily aimed to plan the strategy that makes their study completely worthy.

f) Hostel & Mess – When you join Chaitanya’s Academy, there’s no need to worry about nearby accommodation. We provide fully equipped hostel plus mess, so that students, especially girls don’t have to compromise with their dream just because of staying facility.

g) Consistency in Results – We have been in education field for last 15 years. And we are proud as we have been consistent in giving the best results year by year.

By joining Chaitanya’s Academy, you would definitely experience the positive changes in self as well as in preparation. So, attend our demo classes today and move ahead.

[the-archivists-corner]

@melaniepilled since u asked v nicely, I'll tell you and the rest of y'all what's up

Now, I'm a bio major, and one of the subjects I take is microbiology, the study of bacteria and viruses and such. Our microbio class is taught by two teachers who divide the syllabus among themselves. One of the teachers is a guy whose classes are like, more lecture focused, in the sense that you have to listen along with the slides he's presenting to understand what he's saying.

And tomorrow (or ig today) is our microbiology final exam. And this man, when we'd asked him a few weeks prior, had refused to share his slides because when he'd shared it during the mid sem, most of us had still done badly. We had only the reference books (1k+ pgs long) and notes (very few ppl actually made them).

But! I'd noticed something. Two days before the exam, he'd updated a previous assignment and added all his slides. He'd shared all of them! Now, I noticed this today at midnight and I'm not sure how many of my classmates even know about this. (Considering ppl have asked me what the syllabus is. A day before the exam) And I'm not going to tell them until after the exam, and even then I'll only mention it to friends. Ik this is petty but listen. I have a grudge to settle because the one microbiology class i was absent for (i was sick), when I asked the next day, no one knew what had been taught. Not even the name of the topic. No one had bothered, they never do because they're confident someone else will do it for them.

So yeag :D

Okay this is rly funny

[library-goblin]

The very first time I sent an email to someone other than a friend or family member was when I was 12. I had just finished primary school and about a week into secondary school, I realised that my primary school had done a really bad job at teaching the grammar of my native language. Because of how the system works where I live, I realised that this would be a problem for all my courses and that if I did not do something about it, I would never be able to attend a university, despite the fact that I excelled at all my other courses. I put on my big girl shoes (I’ve always been a somewhat nervous person), and decided to write an email to my teacher, explaining the situation and asking if maybe she knew someone who could tutor me or if she maybe had some exercises that I could do on top of the homework. It was the very first email I sent to someone who had “authority” in my eyes. 

The answer I got was revolting. Instead of answering my email, she had copied mine, coloured all the grammar mistakes red (the entire email was red), and told me she was not going to answer an email that was written that poorly. Clearly, she agreed with me that I had a problem, I knew nothing about grammar, but instead of encouraging me to learn by helping me, she had embarrassed me. 

It got worse.. At the start of the next class, my email was up on the screen (she removed my name, but she might as well not have) and she told everyone that sending these kinds of emails was inappropriate. It became an exercise, everyone had to correct the grammar mistakes in the email, I still couldn’t. The problem is that I agreed with her: sending poor quality emails is inappropriate. That was the whole point, I wanted and needed to learn. 

I taught myself the grammar. I bought some books, my parents helped me, and I am now able to write “appropriate” emails. The problem is that, even now, I proofread all of them hundreds of times before I send them. I make my parents read them. Whether it is an email enquiring when something will be, or a really formal email asking someone to write me a letter of recommendation, or even something stupid like “here is the form you asked me to fill out”, every email I send has been proofread at least 50 times. And if I find a mistake after sending it? I want to die. I tell myself I’ll look stupid, that it is inappropriate, and that it will be the end of my career. All because of that teacher. 

There have been so many points during my secondary school period that still haunt me, that absolutely broke me. The teacher who told me I was “too dumb for maths” even though I used to score straight A’s until I got him. The history teacher who said I would never score a sufficient grade because “I didn’t try,” whilst I studied so hard; I loved history! The economics teacher who marked my answer wrong whilst my classmate wrote the same thing and it was marked right, because “mine sounded a little too blonde” (I am blonde, she was not. Why this matters? You tell me). The teacher who refused to give me the booklet at the universities’ fair because “I would fail if I went, so I shouldn’t try”. I have now got a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, both cum laude.

The only class where I was never hurt, was in English. It seemed to be the one place where I could turn all my anxiety into something that worked. During the oral exam for my native language class, I got a panic attack because, quite frankly, I was attacked. All of the questions she asked where irrelevant, from things that weren’t on the syllabus, or from novels we hadn’t even read. I spoke to my classmates, their orals were not like that. They all passed. I failed. One day after, I had my English oral, and I was shitting my pants. But I didn’t stifle in English. When things were said I disagreed with, I spoke up. I gave opinions. We had to prepare an article, I told them that the article that I was assigned was incorrect, and listed all the reasons why. He showed me pictures that I had to describe, and I believe I steered the conversation to politics and the climate crisis, telling them the world was dying. The teachers in all my other courses would’ve said I was out of line, but I got a 10/10, the highest grade possible. When something had to be read aloud in class, I was always picked by the teacher, hell, I volunteered. I LOVED it. It was the one place in school, where I felt like I could speak.

People always ask me why I am becoming an English teacher, even though I did fantastic in university and could become anything in the field I’d want to. This is the answer. Schools are not doing what they should be doing. The extroverts, the ones who already dare to speak up, are being encouraged, their bold ideas applauded, even when they are straight up wrong. The quiet kids suffer; after six years, whilst having learnt so much, they feel less confident speaking up than before. The quiet kids matter too. We are raising the next generation, don’t let the quiet kids slip through the system. They got big words, once they dare to say them; I want to teach them how to say them. I am becoming an English teacher because if the past years have taught us anything, it is that people without voices stay forever silent, even when they are the ones that should be shouting. I will be to them, what my English teachers were to me; a safe haven; a place to learn how to shout. 

[ussygussymy]

Found You || Euntae Lee (I)

"Poredge”

Every bend and curve of a letter elicited the screech of chalk to accompany it. The woman put the chalk before clapping her hands and that was it for Jihyun.

There was a stagnant irritation she felt watching the woman spell out every word, and it at last came to life.

"So children, as you can see the-"

"Ma'am that isn't correct"

It wasn't the outburst but the lack of hesitation in Jihyuns voice, complete confidence unsettling for a child. The teacher watched the student with disbelief, that a child could be so uncouth.

"The correct spelling is p-o-r-r-i-d-g-e."

Every letter pronounced correctly, the teacher had begun to become irritated by the child. The woman kneaded her eyebrows together. 

"And pray tell, how would you know that?"

"I read it in a book, I read lots of books."

Again it was that confidence, the teacher had had enough.

"Jihyun, go to the office."

— —

"I'm Hero Man, standing for justice!" So you dare to bully the weak!"

Jace got into Hero Mans iconic fighting stance, the beaming red cape flowing behind him.

"Bring it on! I will never back down."

Jihyun overheard the conversation from the swing she was sitting on, away from the rest of the children on the playground. She'd found that she never really was one for playing with other children, finding them too childish for her standards. At least that's what she told her mother in lieu of telling them the other children that she was an annoying know-it-all, to be fair she kinda was. Yet, these were two new faces on the playground, which is why her interest was piqued.

"...Jace. Is it wrong if Hero Man doesn't help others?" What if the villain is too strong? Why does he fight for others?"

Jihyun felt her eyes begin to sparkle, the kid surely had an unique personality. So, she really could not help herself to intervene.

"Morally speaking, it would not be wrong if Hero Man were to not help others out. However, it would be contradictory of his character, since he is meant to be good and therefore by our society's defining features of goodness, help others out. Hero Man wouldn't be much of a hero if he couldn't fight for other people, that'd make him a bad character."

Visible confusion was on the faces of the boys, a flood of questions swimming in their heads. Jihyun had begun to feel awkward as the silence permeated, it would happen alot where she would accidentally join a conversation without knowing if she belonged there or not. Right before she was gonna turn to run away and never look back, the boy with the red cape smiled at her.

"Exactly, what she said."

He turned back to the other boy before throwing punches at him.

"Dummy! What kind of superhero thinks that way! Take this super punch!"

"Don't it hurts"

Jihyun smiled at the duo, this was the first time she ever felt like she belonged.

Afterwards the newly formed trio got some candy to nom on.

"By the way, what's your name?

"Jihyun."

"I'm Euntae."

"Nice to meet you."

Jihyun grinned to herself, here were her first friends.

Jace looked back and forth between the two, he couldn't place it but there was a tingling feeling in the back of his conscience that the two would know each other for a very long time.

— —

"It's great we're all in the same class, even you Jihyun, you crazy genius. You guys are happy right." Jace inquired, the trio were sitting side by side. Ever since that fated day they had remained inseparable.

Jihyun merely gave a nod, she was too busy taking a look at the syllabus for the year.

"Yeah. Of Course." uttered Euntae, next to her.

"Guys.. Have you played phone games?" Jihyun glanced at the boy beside her, he really hadn't changed, even now. At times it was quality that irritated her and at times it was a quality she really liked."

Jace, always the Euntae whisperer, knew what to say, "Um.. so Euntae. How about we play too?" Euntae's face lit up, "Yeah. Sounds good." Jihyun couldn't help but smile, his change of expression was little but she knew it was a lot by Euntae standards.

Now the trio was distracted, the boys engrossed by the phone game in their hands and Jihyun caught up reading to the teaching plans in May. They didn't notice the clashing trio who'd come up to them.

"Hey big ears."

The presumable leader had spoken, before the entire flock spoke.

"What elementary school you from?"

"He wants to be friends with you."

"Your ears are huge. Wow."

"You guys wanna go to the snack shop?"

Jace looked at the two of them with pleading eyes. Jihyun could already sense it, a shift in their dynamic, she sighed but agreed begrudgingly. Jace grinned before turning back.

"Hm? Oh yeah. Euntae, Jihyun, why don't you come to."

Vasco merely replied, "Sure. Buy me chocolate milk."

— —

Jihyun found herself going up and getting chocolate milk herself, the chatting from the new trio had begun to irritate her. There was a small panging feeling of worry within her, something had changed in Jace the second they got to middle school. She was fortunate that Euntae was still there at least.

As she made her way back to their table, a third trio had shown up to the snack shop. Jihyun felt a feeling of dread climbing along her back, 'What the hell is up with all these trios,' she thought. Watching them move through the crowd, she could only knead her eyebrows in annoyance. It was another group of gangster wannabes.

"Move the line!" one the lackeys called as the leader moved smugly behind them.

"Ah! If there are no dumplings, you're dead!" the other lackey called.

Jihyun moved her eyes to the other trio, she could see their eyes light up, here they saw opportunity. "Hey, say hello to the scariest senior." One of them whispered, referring to the middle schooler with badly side swept hair. It seems their stares caught their attention as the trio came up to the group of freshmans.

"You guys have smokes? Got 'em or not?" one of the lackeys hassled them. 'This guy definitely breathes through his mouth.' Jihyun thought to herself, cringing slightly when his breath wafted into her face.

"Oh sure! Here!" the leader of the freshmans said immediately. Jihyun rolled her eyes, the desperate attempts to appear tough were causing her enough cringe for the day. Jace looked visibly surprised by the omission.

"Do you have a lighter? Oh you've got sense. Follow us. Let's light up."

"Yes okay!"

That response did not surprise Jihyun too much, but Jace's actions did.

"Let's go! Jace, do you smoke?"

"If we get close with them, it's like hitting the jackpot."

The freshmen looked back at Jace with the hungry eyes of greed, looking to get some status.

"Umm.. yeah, sure I smoke."

The answer got Jihyun off guard, she knew it, they were doomed from the start of entering middle school. All good people are lost to power.

"Don't go, Jace." reasoned Euntae. Jihyun glanced back at Euntae sadly, he'd yet to see that Jace was changing.

"Mom said smoking was bad. She said don't even touch it. She also said that smokers were losers."

Euntae's words had stung the seniors. They were evidently pissed at him and his self righteous attitude.

"Hey, who's this dick? Is he stupid or something?"

One of the lackeys began to laugh before smacking Euntae in the face.

"Fucking arrogant."

That was enough to get Jihyun fuming, she stood between the two, "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

The senior turned his eyes from Vasco to Jihyun, before he started chuckling, "Who the fuck is this chick? Get out of the way bitch." One of the lackeys stepped in to push Jihyun away, blocking her from getting to Vasco. Jihyun felt her insides start to boil over, soon enough there'd be steam coming out her ears. Yet, in this moment she felt helpless to do anything.

The lackey who'd slapped Vasco stepped back up, "This punk! Not moving?" he accused.

"If you are rude to your seniors, you have to say you're sorry." the senior waited a moment, hearing only Vasco's deafening silence.

"Huh? You won't" Thud, the senior began to kick Vasco.

"Euntae! Stop! You're hurting him!" Jihyun yelled, trying to force her way through to stop the brutal assault. Instead she got knocked back, "Stay put bitch."

"You won't? You won't? You won't? You won't?" With every repetition of the word, the senior kicked Vasco, the force behind the kicks growing greater after every time.

"This ass doesn't even make a sound! Wanna challenge me?" the senior laughed, taking glee in assaulting a freshman.

Jihyun looked on in horror, partly because Euntae was getting viciously beaten before her but also because Jace had done nothing to stop it. With pleading eyes she looked towards her only other friend for some aid, and in them she saw cowardice. Jihyun scrunched her nose up in disbelief as he averted her gaze.

"He's a fucking joke, I will beat you till you talk." the lackey laughed, allowing their leader to step through.

"You embarrassed me in front of everyone, you fucking little punk..From today we're gonna spend some time together."

— —

Euntae walked into the classroom with bloodstains marking his pristine white shirt. Jihyun knew exactly who she'd gotten it from, and she'd had enough of it. Today she would confront them about it. He always disappeared around lunch time, that was when she'd follow him.

As the clock turned, the class turned in for lunch, subsequently Euntae got up to leave as well. Glancing at her surroundings, Jihyun got up as well, stalking behind Euntae. Suddenly, he made a turn around a corner, Jihyun sped up her pace in order to catch up with him. However it wasn't long before he turned again, Jihyun found herself running to catch up before she headbutted right into Euntae.

Jihyun backed up, red stained her cheeks feeling embarrassed that he'd caught her in the act of spying on him. "Hey Vasco, I didn't see you there. I was just heading to the bathrooms."

Vasco stared back at her blankly, "This hallway leads to the boiler room." Jihyun started to feel sweat dripping down her forehead, she was caught, "there uh, a special bathroom in the boiler room." Euntae's eyes lit up with intrigue, "Really, I didn't know there was one."

Jihyun sighed with relief, Euntae sucked at detecting lying. "Right yeah, I'll be going then."

Vasco continued to move and Jihyun continued to follow. She'd followed them all the way to an abandoned part of the playground, from ahead she could see the group of seniors as well as a boy wearing glasses attached to the pole.

The leader grinned when he saw Vasco approaching, "The other cicada has come to play." He approached him before jabbing him straight in the stomach. This made Vasco keel over, yet he remained as stoic as ever. "Fuck took you so long? Huh?" Just as he was about to land a kick on Vasco's head, Jihyun emerged from the bushes.

"Stop, I caught everything on video. Have fun smoking when your ass is expelled." Jihyun spoke, holding the evidence in her hand. The phone was quickly snatched away by one of the lackeys, "It's this bitch again."

The leader came up to her, evidently finding the situation amusing. "Are you his girlfriend or something?" He came close enough to feel his breath fanning against her face, Jihyun stood with a hard expression, refusing to back down. "Actually she's kinda cute, you don't mind if I steal her do you?" The senior inquired, looking back at Vasco.

Before Jihyun could make a snappy comeback or the senior could reach for her face, Vasco stood between. "Don't touch her." The senior snickered at his words, before smacking his face hard enough to send him falling.

"Vasco!" Once again the lackeys were holding Jihyun back, she felt tears welling up in her eyes this time from the frustration she'd begun to feel. Once again, Vasco refused to make any noise or provide any reaction. He stared defiantly up at the senior, this served to only piss him off more.

Sending a kick flying right into Vasco's stomach, the senior yelled, "Who the fuck do you think you are? Huh?" The senior continued kicking at Vasco's stomach as Jihyun struggled to fight out of the arms of the two lackeys.

After thoroughly beating Vasco, the senior turned, making hungry eyes towards Jihyun. She felt her eyes widen, a new sense of fear began to envelop her. Just before he could take his first step, Vasco managed to croak out, "..Do whatever you want to me, just don't touch her."

That sent the senior over the edge, "What the fuck did I tell you about talking back? Are you disobeying me?" From his pocket, the senior brought out a box cutter, approaching Vasco with it. "I'll teach you about disobeying."

Jihyun watched in horror as the senior brought the boxcutter down against Vasco's skin before red beads of blood stained the metal. In this moment, Jihyun felt both the most helpless and the most shameful, because she could not break out. So, she stood there and watched as her friend got mutilated by a boxcutter.

Even through that, Vasco did not allow them the pleasure of his screams. "Fuck, whats up with this ass! Think's he's so tough!" The senior huffed, writing out grotesque images on Vasco's skin. After finishing he sneered at them with his friend, "Let's get out of her, I'm hungry."

Just like that they left, as if Vasco's life was worth just as much as a stuffed animal or object. As soon as the lackeys released Jihyun, she ran to Vasco, "Vasco! Are you okay?" She questioned, looking at the bleeding wounds on his chest. Vasco grit his teeth, "Jihyun.. Please don't let my mom see these."

Jihyun looked towards Vasco hesitantly before nodding and helping him get home.

— —

It wasn't the first time Jihyun was in Vasco's room, but it was the first time without Jace by their side. Jihyun took the warm wet cloth before placing it against the wounds Vasco had acquired. Vasco made an attempt to sit up before Jihyun pushed him down. "You need rest, I'm not gonna bother you with questions right now but you better believe I'm gonna talk to Jace."

"No, Jace doesn't need to know." Jihyun scrunched her face in frustration. "Vasco, why do you insist on going through things like this alone? You don't have to, you have us!" Vasco stared at Jihyun with widened eyes, she'd had outbursts in the past before but none as passionate as that. "What are you even trying to prove by not telling anyone?" Jihyun spoke, lowering her voice as she felt bad for yelling at him.

Vasco looked up at her with pained eyes, like he knew exactly what to say but couldn't muster up the strength to say it. "Jihyun, promise you won't leave." Jihyun was taken aback, this was completely out of left field. "What?"

"Jihyun." He paused, allowing the silence to take hold of the moment, "Promise you won't leave." Jihyun stopped, staring down at Vasco, before opening her mouth to speak.

"I promise."

Vasco mustered up a grin, "good."

— —

The next day, Jihyun came to class fuming. The second she entered the classroom she sent a slap across Jace's face that was deafening before sitting back down. Jace held his face, yet his face conveyed that he knew the reason behind the slap. Looking ashamed he sat back in his seat, Jihyun spent the rest of the period glaring at him.

As the school day neared its ending, the classroom emptied quickly, just as Jihyun turned to leave as well the gang of three seniors stopped her in her tracks. They ignored her this time, it seems they were here for Jace. Yet some panging in Jihyuns heart stopped her from running out the classroom, she stayed back watching the trio.

"You're fucking joking, we told you to bring him, not to decide yourself."

"Say it again."

"What did you just say?"

Jihyun looked with intrigue now at Jace's quivering frame, "Euntae is really hurt...So you should stop and.." Before Jace finished his sentence, a punch came flying at his face. Jihyun was up on her feet as she witnessed it.

Jihyun came running towards the lackey, using both force and time to create momentum, she slammed her body against the lackey to get him away from Jace. The leader looked on, pissed off. "This fucker again? Hey you guys keep watch in the hall" The senior called towards the other freshman.

Turning back, the senior began to approach Jihyun, "Hey, your stupid boyfriend stopped my yesterday so today you're gonna play with me."

Even the lackeys looking on with terror as the senior brandished a tatoo gun, "This is for eyebrow tatoos. But it works well on belly buttons as well." Just as the needle was about to prick Jihyuns skin, a presence made them turn.

"..Stop." Vasco.

"I'm here" The lackeys began to laugh at his entrance.

"'I'm here?'"

"How arrogant."

"I see he hasn't changed."

"Your friend is a really bad dick."

"He promised to bring you here."

The senior grinned, "If you report to me or something annoys me...your friends are going to get drawn on too."

His actions surprised Jihyun, Vasco stood in front of Jace and Jihyun in that iconic pose, heroman. The pose made Jihyun remember that fateful day, Vasco was her Hero Man.

"It's natural to help the weak. Those..are my friends."

The senior sent a kick to Vasco's head, throwing him off balance. Despite this he got up and continued to make weak attempts to fight, always getting thrown down, one way or another. Yet, his will to protect never changed. As long as there was someone to protect, he did not stop, no matter how battered he was. Blood was dripping down his nose and mouth now and his eye was squinted.

Jace got down on his knees to plead for mercy from the senior while Jihyun made her own attempts to fight the lackeys. The big one pushed her into a wall instead, bashing her head against the hard concrete. Vasco stopped momentarily to look at her with concern.

At this point, all three of them were getting their asses beat, bad. Seemingly out of nowhere, one of the lackeys was thrown into the air and Jihyun got a glimpse of blonde hair before the dark circles in her vision began to get bigger and bigger. Jihyun found her body getting heavier before she submitted to the darkness and gave way to the floor. With a thump, she was on the ground, sustained head injury.

— —

Waking up, Jihyun found she was in a completely different place in a completely different school. After her parents found out about the situation, they moved her out of the district and sent her off to a gifted school for young geniuses. There she was the top of her class, but she never did forget about Vasco, and she would find her way back.

[candymeowz]

If I'm being honest, I can't see your email 🤣🤣 They put it as 'Anonymous Whale' or 'Anonymous Unicorn' and such so yeah... I dont know your real name 🤣🤣🤣

You can probably see mine because I'm the owner of that doc 😂

And okay, I'll call you Sya ♥️♥️

I totally understand how you feel about school. I'm also surrounded by clever and hard working people. I sometimes feel small and worthless when I compare my result to them. But then again, to give yourself a pat in the back, try and ponder this: You won't be in that class if you're not worthy enough. You won't be in the top class if you're not one of the top students yourself.

I have a friend in my high school that's very laid back. When I wake up early to study, she will sleep and wake up at exactly 6 a.m. before class. And she's also not the type to stay up either. She just goes with the flow.

And guess what? We both got excellent result for our SPM.

So what I'm trynna say here is: Go by your own pace. You know yourself better. You know how well you study. So don't compare yourself to others. 'Diamonds are formed under pressure and bread dough rises when you let it rest. We're all our own things.'

I'm the type of student who likes to write everything, so my method of studying is writing notes. But my friend's method of studying is doing revision once in a while and just read and revise things if she wants. Everyone's method is different.

Don't feel like you have to study harder just because others are doing more than what you do.

23 subjects are a lot. But I know you can do it! Try amalkan tips2 pelajar cemerlang sebelum ni. Bangun awal, solat tahajud, jaga hubungan dgn family and friends, and InshaAllah everything will be fine.

Maybe you can try revising your favourite subject? To ignite your love and interest to study? And don't feel bad if you need to take breaks, they're very important. Studying in 'burnout mode' is not effective. So take breaks if you need it ♥️

Being a student in this pandemic years is really hard but we've got no other choice :') Let's pray that everything will be okay soon.

Oh, then you can probably guess my name now, huh? Well, I don't mind, since I do know yours... Eheh. 😁 I love the thought of working with a unicorn or a whale though, just imagining these magical creatures trying to type using a laptop or phone is making me laugh 😂

And thank you for the reminder~ We humans are forgetful, but I do notice I'm more forgetful than others... I mean, I'm the type that's like your friend, someone who goes with the flow, so you bet I never learnt how to study properly. Except back then I focused in class and did my homework, but with online learning, some teachers just... They send a video message, and expect us to listen to it? That or a youtube video. Or just instructions on what we need to do (read your book from pg 12 to 14 and answer questions A to D )

I just find it hard to focus when I'm alone, Ig. The ones that holds google meets or telegram video calls, I can handle to a certain extent, but it still lacks the sense of unity of being in a classroom... Plus the fact the syllabus got harder than the past years... I mean, my batch is the second to try out this new, harder-to-earn-points exams, and to be honest I feel like the only reason I got this far is through luck and takdir Allah alone...

It has been a while since I last solat Tahajud, so Imma start with that!

And also revisit my favourite subjects. I need to relearn my love to study school subjects. I'm thinking of changing the place I study at, 'cause I feel like that's been a determining factor in my lack of motivation. I'm gonna find a better, less dark environment!

Thank you, Han! I'll avoid comparing myself to other people! (Duluh sekolah asrama eh? Dpt tahu bila kawan tidur tuh~? Dan Han tgh study jadi accountant kan? Selamat belajar~)